Syrian Organizations Condemn Occupation of Aleppo

The Mesopotamia Democratic Culture and Art Movement (TEV-CAND) made statements in Qamishlo and Kobane against the Turkish state's attacks on North-East Syria and Aleppo and its surroundings.

Hilala Zerin Women's Cultural Movement, Union of Intellectuals, Union of Artists, North-East Syrian Literature Divan, Cultural Council, Syriac Cultural Association and Armenian Community Culture and Art Committee also participated in the press statement.

The statement was made at the 12 March Martyrs Stadium in Qamishlo to the accompaniment of Kurdish, Arab, Syriac and Armenian components. The statement was read in Kurdish by Keder Hisen, a member of the Cizir Canton TEV-CAND, and in Arabic by Yexnik Kerbo, Vice President of the Armenian Community Assembly.

"The fascist Turkish state is the enemy of the Kurdish people and tries to maintain its existence through the extermination of the Kurdish people. It uses all kinds of dirty and immoral methods to destroy the Kurdish people, subjecting our people to inhumane attacks in violation of international law. In the face of these attacks, all the world powers remain silent and even support Turkey," said the statement, which further included the following:

"Currently, the fascist Turkish state has launched invasion and genocide attacks against Shehba and Aleppo by applying the same policies. The aim of this aggression is to occupy not only Shehba and Aleppo, but all Syrian lands. It targets Northern and Eastern Syria in the first place. The gangs he has gathered around him are all murderers and looters; they are slaves of the Turkish state. They are enemies of nature, women and society. They are rapists and bloodsuckers, destroying and plundering everywhere they enter. These gangs and the Turkish state are enemies of humanity.

Our people resist these attacks, our defence forces fight with a strong will and defend our people. Our military forces and our people resist together in the spirit of a revolutionary people's war. We are defending our country, our land, our society; we will never give up our freedom and self-government.

We, as artists, intellectuals and members of cultural, artistic and literary work, will resist these attacks and occupations until the end. We will be the vanguard of the revolutionary people's war. As we have served our society with our pen and art, we will resist today with all our strength and methods. It is our responsibility to defend our land, country, culture and language.

We wholeheartedly stand with our fighters on the battle fronts and salute the resistance of our people in Shehba and Aleppo. We are ready to do whatever is necessary. We call on our people to join the defence of the country without hesitation. There are opportunities for us to be recognised in the world as a free country; there are opportunities to consolidate our freedom and self-government.

As a democratic nation, Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Assyrians, Armenians, Circassians and all communities in the region, together we will conclude this resistance with victory. Once again, we call on all the peoples of the world to stand shoulder to shoulder. We especially appeal to the artists and intellectuals of the world; do not remain silent. The victory of our people is the victory of a free and democratic humanity. The revolution in North and East Syria represents social and human values; to stand for this revolution is to stand for oneself and society.

The Autonomous Administration has declared mobilisation and we are joining it with all our strength. We say: We resist together with our own instruments, our own words, our own voice and colour, our pen and our ideas, our labour and our activity. Today is the day of honour and dignity, the day of resistance and struggle, the day to defend our own values and the day to protect our people, our country and our land."
Commentary: How China energizes global poverty fight

08:34, December 05, 2024 By Chen Wangqi ( Xinhua

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ending poverty has long been a major challenge for humanity since ancient times. Today, the world still has more than one billion people living in extreme poverty. In the global war on extreme impoverishment, China has blazed a trail that gives hope to all yearning for a better life.

Being the world's largest developing country with over 1.4 billion people, China has lifted 800 million out of poverty. It has also met the poverty reduction target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development well ahead of schedule. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded China's achievement as "the greatest anti-poverty achievement in history."

Centering on "targeted poverty alleviation," China's poverty reduction strategy blends rapid economic growth with tangible improvements in well-being. By tailoring solutions to local conditions, it ensures that anti-poverty measures address the specific needs of communities.

This approach has transformed some of the country's most impoverished regions and offered useful inspiration for other nations grappling with similar challenges.

One example is the introduction of Juncao technology, which has had a transformative impact in countries like Rwanda. Developed as a sustainable method for growing mushrooms using grass, Juncao technology exemplifies China's ability to provide practical, scalable solutions for global challenges.

In Rwanda, Juncao technology has empowered rural farmers by enabling them to cultivate mushrooms with minimal resources. This has not only diversified income sources for many households but also contributed to food security and environmental sustainability.

Across Africa, Juncao has been adopted in more than 40 countries, improving food security and advancing sustainable farming practices.

China's contributions to global poverty alleviation extend beyond agricultural innovations. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has worked with developing countries worldwide to develop projects in infrastructure, education and healthcare sectors. These projects create jobs, improve connectivity, and foster inclusive growth, helping lift millions out of poverty.

So far, China has provided development aid to over 160 countries, pursued high-quality BRI partnerships with over 150 countries, and backed more than 1,100 projects with about 20 billion U.S. dollars in development funding, injecting vital resources into the economic revitalization of the Global South.

China's contributions to global poverty alleviation also go beyond financial and technical aid. By strengthening the self-development capacities of developing nations, it has fostered a greater and more sustainable global poverty reduction effort.

To date, China has trained over 400,000 professionals from over 180 countries and regions, boosting their capacity in poverty alleviation and development.

At the recently concluded G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined China's eight actions for global development, which 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.

Also at the summit, Xi announced China's 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.

These actions represent China's latest commitment to common prosperity and shared development, proving that China will always be a reliable long-term partner of developing countries, and a doer and go-getter working for global development.

Meanwhile, starting Dec. 1, China offers zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all the least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China. This measure, combined with China's ongoing efforts to enhance South-South cooperation, underscores its resolve to address systemic inequities in global trade and economic development.

By providing tariff-free access to its vast market, China aims to empower the least developed countries to expand their export capabilities, generate income, and reduce reliance on external aid.

As the world faces mounting challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, China's poverty alleviation efforts offer valuable lessons. Its model underscores the potential of innovative, localized solutions and international cooperation in building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024 highlighted by a Caftan Fashion Show.

The outstanding fashion show, celebrating the excellence and creativity of traditional Moroccan haute couture, was held at Dar Al Maghreb in Doha Wednesday, under the effective chairmanship of Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani.

This fashion show celebrates the talent of ten Moroccan caftan designers, who have transformed their dreams into unique creations blending tradition with modernity.

Inspired by the ghazal poetry and Arabic calligraphy, the collections of Amina Benmoussa, Yasmina Benyahya, Frederique Birkemeyer, Myriam Bouafi, Maison Sara Chraibi, Najlae Diouri, Zineb Joundy, Fouzia Naciri, Albert Oiknine and Houda Serbouti, are an ode to Moroccan craftsmanship and a tribute to the timeless elegance of the caftan.

Musical interludes, reflecting the richness and diversity of Moroccan musical heritage, complemented the fashion show that was attended by several foreign ambassadors and eminent personalities from the realms of art, culture and economy.

Later in the evening, Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Sheikha Al Mayassa chaired at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, a dinner banquet held in honor of the guests attending the Caftan Fashion Show.

The Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, initiated by Years of Culture, testifies to the depth and solidity of the historic ties between the two brotherly peoples and the two Heads of State, King Mohammed VI Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Court of Appeals in Brussels has ruled that Belgium must pay reparations to five women who were forcibly taken from their mothers and put in orphanages in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when it was still a Belgian colony because they were victims of systematic kidnapping by state.

The appellate judges thus overturned an earlier decision by another court that too much time had elapsed for the state to be charged, ruling that although the abductions of the five mixed-race women happened 70 years ago, they constituted crimes against humanity and were, therefore, not subject to statutes of limitations. The court orders the Belgian state to compensate the appellants for the moral damage resulting from the loss of their connection to their mother and the damage to their identity and their connection to their original environment, the judgment read.

The five women fought a legal battle over 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 their families and placed in religious institutions and homes by Belgian authorities that ruled Congo from 1908 to 1960. While a lower court had first dismissed their challenge in 2021, they persisted and appealed the ruling. 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.
Moroccos Court of Accounts has been elected Chair of the General Secretariat of the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI) during the General Assembly of this regional organization convening in Tripoli (Libya) Dec.2-6.

Morocco is taking part in this African gathering with a large delegation led by Mrs. Zineb EL Adaoui, President of La Cour des Comptes. Her election is a recognition by AFROSAI of the credibility and the role of the Moroccan Court of Accounts in the promotion of public finance auditing and good governance of public funds which are part of the countrys accountability chain.

The supreme African audit institutions are public bodies responsible for the audit of government revenue and expenditure. AFROSAI brings together the supreme audit institutions of African countries, in addition to the ECOWAS Court of Auditors, and holds its General Assembly every three years to approve its reports and renew its governance structures for the next three years.

Moroccos election Head of AFROSAI General Secretariat will enable the Kingdom to share its expertise and strengthen cooperation between African public spending watchdogs in order to achieve a positive financial impact and make a difference to African peoples lives.

It also reflects the trust Morocco enjoys on the African and international scene and shows the Kingdoms firm commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation spearheaded by King Mohammed VI.
Moroccos House of Councillors and several Latin American and Caribbean regional parliaments announced on Wednesday the signing in Panama-city of a joint declaration on establishing the Morocco-Latin America-Caribbean Economic Forum.

This forum aims to strengthen strategic relations between the parties and to set up a formal and permanent institutional framework for inter-regional parliamentary dialogue, with a view to developing cooperation and strengthening joint action on issues of common interest, a press release from the House of Councillors says.

The document was signed at the King Mohammed VI Library in Panamas capital by Speaker of the House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) Rolando Miguel Gonzalez Patricio, President of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) Carlos Hernandez, President of the Mercosur Parliament (Parlasur) Fabiana Martin, and President of the Andean Parliament Gustavo Pacheco, the press release adds.

As part of the relations of understanding, friendship, and cooperation between Morocco and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, based on a spirit of consultation and mutual respect, this announcement confirms the importance of the Kingdoms geostrategic role in its regional environment, as an essential partner on the African continent and a reliable and solid gateway for countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa and the Arab world.

The move also highlights Latin American and Caribbean countries as an influential economic bloc in the South, and as a strategic gateway for Morocco, with its promising infrastructure and logistics, the press release notes.

The objective of this initiative is also to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the Kingdom and regional parliamentary groupings in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as various joint initiatives undertaken with the House of Councillors, as an advanced partner to these parliaments, and as the institution hosting the secretariat of the Parliamentary Forum of African, Latin American and Caribbean Countries (AFROLAC), with the aim of promoting regional integration, economic development and cultural understanding between countries of the South.

The announcement also highlights Moroccos Atlantic Initiative and the initiative to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries, which would make the Kingdoms Atlantic coastline a platform for strengthening logistical connectivity between Morocco, Latin American and Caribbean countries.

In another development, the Panamanian and Moroccan parliaments have recently set up a parliamentary friendship group, meant to strengthen cooperation between the legislative institutions of the two countries.

The establishment of this group reflects a strong desire to deepen ties between the two nations, marks a significant turning point in Morocco-Panama relations, and demonstrates the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation, particularly in political, economic, and cultural fields.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, marked by the Panamanian governments decision to suspend its recognition of the pseudo-Sahrawi republic, a decision strongly supporting the Kingdoms position on the Moroccan Sahara issue.

These positive developments open new opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation to serve the interests of both Moroccan and Panamanian peoples, as emphasized by HM King Mohammed VI in his message of thanks to Panamas President, Jose Raul Mulino Quintero. In the message, the Sovereign highlighted a sincere desire to deepen ties of friendship and cooperation with Panama in all areas for the benefit of both nations.
Nigers military administration has seized control of uranium mining operations previously managed by French nuclear firm Orano, marking a pivotal shift in resource management following the July military takeover. This development represents a significant escalation in deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power, as military authorities implement comprehensive changes to foreign resource extraction regulations.

The transition affects substantial uranium reserves, impacting global supply chains for nuclear fuel production. Nigers position as a top-ten global uranium producer, previously contributing up to twenty percent of French uranium imports, underscores the strategic importance of these developments. Production disruptions have already occurred, with approximately 1,150 tons of uranium concentrate remaining unexported due to border closures and operational challenges.

The military government has expressed fundamental dissatisfaction with existing licensing arrangements and revenue distribution models. This resource control shift potentially opens opportunities for new international partnerships, particularly with Russian and Turkish interests. Military leaders have explicitly connected resource management decisions to diplomatic recognition issues, suggesting broader geopolitical implications beyond immediate economic concerns.

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigers resource management strategy since gaining independence. Military leader Abdourahamane Tiani emphasizes the necessity of restructuring Western influence over natural resources, while maintaining openness to new international partnerships that align with current leadership priorities.
In the nearly 19-month conflict between Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular Army, the RSF has escalated its attacks using newly deployed drones. Sudanese officials claim these strategic drones signify direct and clear interference by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and neighboring Chad, marking an unprecedented escalation in the war that began on 15 April 2023.

At a December 2 press conference in Port Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Defense accused the UAE and Chad of aiding the RSF, alleging their involvement could prolong the conflict and deepen the suffering of the Sudanese people.

For the first time, on November 24, 2024, Czech-made dronesassembled in Abu Dhabiwere reportedly used to strike the Sudanese army. Officials claim these drones were launched from a Chadian airport near the border, targeting military sites in Omdurman. According to a defense official, six missiles were fired, guided by satellite technology, with additional strikes reported in Khartoum and El-Fasher.

Sudans Minister of Information and Culture, Khalid Ali Aleisir, labeled the attacks a direct assault by Abu Dhabi and NDjamena on Sudan. Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin called it an enemy act, asserting Sudans right to retaliate at the appropriate time. Officials based their claims on missile fragments analyzed after the strikes, suggesting the drones were capable of traveling over 1,000 kilometers.

Both Chad and the UAE have faced prior accusations of involvement in Sudans conflict, charges they have consistently denied despite United Nations reports indicating otherwise. The Chadian government has yet to respond to the latest allegations.

This escalation underscores growing regional entanglements in the Sudanese war, with potential repercussions for its duration and intensity.
The 15th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity held in Cairo highlighted by the formal launch of the Arab Common Electricity Market. The event was attended by electricity ministers and representatives from various Arab nations.

Assistant Secretary-General for the Economic Sector, Ali Al-Maliki, delivering remarks on behalf of the Arab League, hailed the launch as a historic event that underscores the depth of Arab cooperation in the electricity sector.

Al-Maliki described the initiative as a transformative step, enhancing the stability of electricity supplies, reducing costs, and fostering investments in renewable energy. He emphasized that the market positions Arab countries as a significant global source of clean energy and lays the groundwork for stronger economic cooperation, integration, and sustainable development in the region.

The agreement to establish the market was signed by 11 countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, and Yemen.

The launch represents a unified Arab vision to strengthen energy collaboration and optimize shared capabilities in electricity production and exchange, ultimately serving the interests of the Arab people.

During the session, Morocco was elected a member of the new Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Electricity for the 2024-2026 term.
President Joe Biden wrapped up an African visit during which he promised US investments to counter a growing Chinese influence, while focusing on the Lobito corridor that will ease the transport of critical minerals to the US market.

The corridor has been at the heart of the US African strategy due to its potential in facilitating the export of minerals that are key to the energy transition.

The corridor will help export these critical minerals from landlocked African countries to ports in Angola.

On his final day in Angola, the president toured the port of Lobito, and examined American-made General Electric trains used to carry cargo along the railway before meeting with regional leaders for an official Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit.

The corridor would cut the export duration of key minerals such as DRCs cobalt to 40 or 50 hours through Angola instead of 45 days by truck through South Africa.

The Biden administration has pledged $4 billion in US investments in the Lobito Corridor.

Biden announced that the US will invest an additional $560 million for projects along the Lobito corridor, from continued infrastructure upgrades to helping build mobile networks.

The US Development Finance Corporation also has approved a $553 million direct loan for the railway.
Cooperation prospects between Morocco and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) were discussed at a meeting in Rabat Thursday that gathered Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The meeting, attended by Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah, also discussed the major development projects initiated by Morocco.

The EBRD Chief commended Moroccos selection to host the fifth Africa Investment Forum (AIF). The forum, held in Rabat Dec 4-6, is attended by Key stakeholders likely to facilitate the financing and implementation of development projects across Africa, according to a statement from the office of the head of the government.

Akhannouch expressed appreciation for the dynamic role of the EBRD in supporting infrastructure projects and accelerating Moroccos energy transition.

Renaud-Basso recalled that EBRD has made significant investments in Morocco, exceeding 400 million this year, primarily in energy transition, carbon-neutral sectors, womens integration, and economy digitalization, and pointed out that the banks priorities align with Moroccos development objectives.

She described the relationship between Morocco and the EBRD as excellent, highlighting that the Bank has invested nearly 5 billion in Morocco since 2012, with 70% directed toward the private sector.

We recently redefined the 2024-2029 country strategy for Morocco, focusing on three main priorities: promoting private sector development, including SMEs; supporting the energy transition; and advancing womens inclusion, she explained.

In terms of private sector development, the EBRD directly finances businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various industries. It also works through Moroccos leading banks to facilitate SME financing, including specialized programs targeting young people and women entrepreneurs.

On the energy transition, Renaud-Basso emphasized EBRDs commitment to supporting Moroccos strategies, highlighting the Banks previously financed private investments in renewable energy within the Kingdom.

As for womens inclusion, the Bank aims to improve womens access to the work force and increase their representation in leadership and governance roles within companies, Renaud-Basso concluded.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

Are Democrats facing an existential crisis? About the future of the party, yeah. Around the prospect of an emboldened second Trump administration, sure. But how about on X, formerly known as Twitter? Politico makes the case:

The situation is  complicated for Democratic lawmakers, strategists and the like who might have come to dislike X but have also grown to depend on it to shape minds and win elections. It might seem a trivial matter, but the trend has prompted a larger debate that encapsulates the many other conversations the liberal ecosystem  elected officials, Hill staffers, administration aides, activists, lobbyists, opinion-shapers and beyond  is having in the wake of Trumps election win: Should left-leaning people and Democratic voters wall MAGA off as much as possible and hope that eventually it suffocates? Or try even harder to meet those voters where they are, or at least understand them?

The intraparty argument is pretty straightforward. On the pro-leaving side, you hear from a strategist who says that X is now undeniably a vehicle to support Musks political views and his candidates  a right-skewing platform owned by someone whose support for the incoming president has been rewarded with his very own government agency. Making the case that Democrats should stay, you have a young congressman, Maxwell Frost, suggesting that leaving X will help Elon with his goal of making the platform void of any progressive ideology or the way we think about the world. Similarly, an anonymous source suggests that leaving X because you dont like Elon is the kind of purity politics that landed Democrats in this mess to begin with. These all strike me as reasonable positions on their own terms: It does seem a little ridiculous to carry on with routine party messaging, promotion, networking, or community building on a platform run by someone who just spent hundreds of millions of dollars to defeat you. On the other hand, a party trying to rebuild itself should at least be able to meet people where they are, even if the venue is hostile. (Go on Rogan, etc.)

The problem with these arguments, though, is that theyre talking about a platform that doesnt really exist anymore. Twitter wasnt just renamed  the platform has been gut-renovated in ways that, while they might have clear political outcomes or reflect the owners ideologies, have changed the service in more profoundly. It doesnt really matter, in other words, whether Democrats leave X  X doesnt care. It left them first.

X really has turned to the right in ways that are both objectively quantifiable and widely experienced subjectively. If you were there when it was Twitter, and youre still there now, your feeds  both the algorithmic For You version and the chronological list  have changed. You see different things even if nothing about your habits has changed. At the very least, youre probably seeing a lot more unhinged posts from the man in charge. This is noticeable but might feel manageable; its is the sort of experience Democratic X leavers and remainers are referring to when they make their cases to go or stay.

The far bigger changes, though, are structural. In 2022, when X, then still called Twitter, started selling user-account verification, Musk described a related long-term plan. Over time, maybe not that long of time, when you look at mentions, replies, whatnot, the default will be to look at verified, he told a group of advertisers. You can still look at unverified, just as in your Gmail or whatever you can still look at the probable spam folder. Twitters old verification system, which was intended to prevent impersonation, didnt confer much in the way of special visibility or reach. The purchasable new verification system is more like a form of advertising  it gives users more visibility. If you want to be seen, you pay.

As Xs broader advertising prospects kept getting worse, Musk leaned more and more into subscriptions as the platforms path forward. His prediction about what users would be seeing gradually came true. At the same time, he made other changes: X introduced longer text posts, a view-based payment system for subscribers, and thoroughly deprioritized links to the outside web, reducing the platforms utility for building or connecting with an audience anywhere but on X itself. (There are some stark numbers to back this up: Both the Guardian and the Boston Globe recently reported getting significantly more referral traffic to stories from Bluesky, the fast-growing but comparatively minuscule X alternative, than from X itself.)

All but the most visible, verified-by-default Democrats (and fellow travelers) on X spent the last election alongside the rest of the unverified users in Xs proverbial spam folder, mostly invisible to the rest of the platform but especially to people who didnt already follow and want to hear from them. They might have been scrolling in a familiar-enough place. But they were posting into a void, living out a sort of mass shadowban of everyone who wasnt willing to pay for a subscription. It wasnt harrowing so much as strange and a little sad, with established users going through the motions, posting and sharing and waiting, propelled by years of habit, imagining audiences where they simply no longer existed.

Again, its impossible to disentangle these changes from Elon Musks political preferences and larger project. (Hes even said, in hindsight, that his purchase of the platform was intended to stop the woke mind virus.) He didnt just loosen speech restrictions and fiddle with a few algorithmic knobs to adjust the mix of content. He turned X from a wide-open, porous network of networks  a service that produced a lot of value for a lot of disparate groups of people but which captured very little value itself  into a closed platform that, while producing much less value for fewer people, was going to capture as much of it as possible. Compared to Twitter, which was a genuinely unusual social-media platform among its peers, it feels like a wild change.

If you can set aside the elite psychodrama surrounding Musks takeover, though, you can more clearly see something else: an utterly new platform built within the old one, modeled not on Twitter but on all of its much more successful competitors. In its deprioritization of links, and emphasis on on-platform content, X is following Facebooks lead circa 2015. In its desperate but persistent attempt to build a paid on-platform creator economy, its mimicking YouTube. In its pivot from feeds, friends, followers, and persistent audiences to disorienting algorithmic video recommendations, its chasing after TikTok (and Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts).

This new platform-within-a-platform does not appear to be growing as quickly as its host is shrinking, but its the future of X, as long as Musk is in charge. To the extent its a place where anyone can get a message out, its on narrow new terms for a narrow new audience. Maybe its still worth it. Or maybe the effort would be better spent on the platforms X is so desperate to catch up with  or, better yet, on something new.
An NYPD officer walks where Thompson was fatally shot outside a midtown-Manhattan hotel. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A manhunt continues for the still unidentified gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a midtown-Manhattan hotel early Wednesday morning in a premeditated attack. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the shooters capture. Heres how the manhunt played out over the first several days.

Please follow our new liveblog for more information about the manhunt.

This post has been updated.
Countries around the world, including the US, Europe, and Asia, are investing in SMR technology to diversify their energy mix and reduce carbon emissions.

As more countries worldwide begin to develop innovative nuclear technology and a new nuclear era takes hold, an increasing number of governments are supporting small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Companies in regions of the world from North America to Asia, Europe and Africa are deploying SMR technology to support governments in their efforts to decarbonise and undergo a green transition. In addition to investment in new conventional reactors, we can expect to see a plethora of SMR projects worldwide in the coming decades.

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, equivalent to around one-third the generating capacity of a conventional nuclear reactor and enough to power more than 200,000 households. SMRs are much smaller than traditional reactors and are modular, making it simpler for them to be assembled in factories and transported to site. Because of their smaller size, it is possible to install SMRs on sites that are not suitable for bigger reactors. They are also significantly cheaper and faster to build than conventional reactors and can be constructed incrementally to meet the growing energy demand of a site.

One company trying to boost its global SMR business is GE Vernova, the spinoff of General Electrics former energy business. One of the biggest constraints to developing new nuclear projects is financing. However, SMRs are much cheaper to develop than conventional reactors. GE Vernovas BWRX-300 is simpler and has fewer components and less concrete and steel than a traditional nuclear plant, meaning it costs between $2 billion to $4 billion to build compared to $10 billion to $15 billion for a large nuclear facility.

Nicole Holmes, the chief commercial officer at GE Vernovas nuclear unit GE Hitachi, said, Affordability has been the real challenge for nuclear through the many years. She added, Were beginning to crack that at this point. In addition, You could put four of these on a site and get the same output as you would from a single large reactor, Holmes stated.

GE Vernova is one of many U.S.-based firms to support the rapid development of North Americas SMR sector. Demand for SMRs in the U.S. has also increased in line with the rise in energy demand from tech companies looking to power the giant data centres required for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. Now, several other parts of the world are following suit with their own SMR plans.

The U.S. is in talks with several Southeast Asian countries about the deployment of SMR technology. American officials have discussed the technology with Philippine, Singaporean, and Thai government representatives in recent months. The region, which continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, for its power, is looking for innovative ways to transition to green on a large scale, and nuclear power could be the answer. The Philippines aims to develop its first nuclear power plant by 2032, while Vietnam and Indonesia are both considering adopting the technology.

Compared to conventional nuclear plants, which can take decades to develop, SMRs can be built in factories and delivered to site to be assembled, saving time and money. Several U.S. companies are developing the technology and hope to grow their markets beyond North America in the coming years.

In Europe, the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs announced it had identified nine SMR projects to support as its first batch of project working groups (PWGs) in October. The alliance hopes to deploy its first SMRs in the EU by the early 2030s. The alliance, a collaborative public-private platform launched by the European Commission in February, will use SMR technology to respond to the growing demand for clean electricity and high quantities of hydrogen in the region.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, in November, the Minister of Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stated that nuclear energy would be a pivotal part of the countrys energy mix and that activity was underway to re-invigorate South Africas nuclear capacities. In contrast to plans to develop more conventional reactors, Ramokgopa said, What we have accepted is that SMRs are the future.

Parts of Latin America are also discussing the potential for SMR technology. The region is not typically known for its nuclear power production, but the smaller and less expensive version of the nuclear reactor could present it with an opportunity to develop the clean energy source. Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil already have conventional plants and other countries across the region, such as El Salvador, Bolivia and Peru, are looking to develop their nuclear energy industries to support a green transition.

While SMR technology is still in the nascent stage of development, we can expect commercial deployment of the equipment to grow significantly in the coming decades as more countries around the globe look to invest in more affordable, small-scale nuclear projects to support a green transition.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The development of agroparks, supported by carbon revenues, is seen as a potential driver for economic growth and sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan.

Qazaq Carbon, a Kazakhstani platform, is pioneering the development of a voluntary carbon market in the country, with a focus on environmental restoration and community welfare.

Alim Sailybaev knows how to drive change: he is literally developing Kazakhstans voluntary carbon credit market from seed. And he is doing it on the parched bed of the Aral Sea.

When we meet at a planting site in Aralkum, one of the planets youngest deserts, 31 miles northwest of the fishing village of Karateren, Sailybaev is brimming with ideas: micro-nurseries for seedlings, an eco-corridor, a green e-currency and a crowdfunding platform. His salt-and-pepper hair sways as he excitedly discusses concepts ranging from green ecology, sustainable development, equity finance, anthropology, and Richard Floridas theory of transformation.

One thing is to create a new ecosystem. Another is to certify the carbon model [to make it financially sustainable], he says.

Sailybaev, 50, was born in Almaty and majored in international relations at Q University, which fashions itself as Kazakhstans first private university. In the late 1990s, he moved to the UK to study diplomacy at the University of Reading, then received another masters degree in 2003, this time in business and cultural studies at City, University of London.

He has spent most of past few decades working in the development sector, including with the United Nations Development Programme. But what his career has really been about is innovation and creating transformative value for communities and businesses. Lately, his focus has been on going green.

Carbon-wise, Aralkum is terra incognita

In 2023, Kazakhstan adopted a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, seeking to offset emissions with the development of carbon sinks. The state regulatory framework for carbon quotas is set out in the Environmental Code of January 2021. However, the agricultural sector is left out of the national plan for carbon units. And the voluntary carbon market, which is just beginning to take shape, looks more like a financial Wild West than a Holy Land of opportunity.

In February 2023, roughly coinciding with the launch of the governments carbon strategy, Sailybaev founded Qazaq Carbon. The platform aims not only to solve environmental challenges but also restore degraded land, conserve biodiversity and improve community welfare.

In May, Qazaq Carbon teamed up with the Aral Oasis public association to implement a series of projects in the Aral Sea region, which over the last 60 years has largely dried up and developed into an environmental disaster zone.

After 2005, the World Banks eight-mile-long Kok-Aral dam brought water back to some areas. Elsewhere, efforts have focused on creating new ecosystems by planting saxaul  green, hardy shrubs whose roots can hold up to 8,818 pounds of sand.

Were in the middle of the new desert, but carbon-wise it is terra incognita, said Sailybaev, meaning there are no ready-made solutions for measuring the carbon potential of saxaul plots on the exposed Aral Sea floor.

Qazaq Carbon works with a Scottish entity, Plan Vivo, and Swiss-based Open Forest Protocol. Both help smallholders generate carbon credits. But their expertise is mostly designed for tropical and subtropical climates and is not directly transferable to Kazakhstan, which is 99 percent dryland. So, thinking outside the box is key.

Carbon revenues, a financial lever for agroparks?!

In April, trading prices in the European Union exceeded $60 per metric ton (2,200 pounds) of CO? equivalent. But Kazakhstans oil sector, heavily weighted with state companies, is unwilling to pay more than $5, according to Sailybaev.

Creating a voluntary carbon market will inevitably drive up prices, he added, with a knock-on effect of higher electricity, petrol, and fuel bills. It is no surprise, then, that the move has so far received little political support, he said. Amendments to environmental and stock market legislation are needed to introduce auctioning of carbon allowances, but such measures have had trouble gaining supporters in parliament.

Even so, Sailybaev is ready to break new ground: There is a lack of affordable long-term investment in agriculture in Kazakhstan; it is a high-risk business. The idea is to use carbon units as a financial tool to create a value chain for the development of local agroparks.

Given Kazakhstans proximity to China, such agroparks have the potential to enable Kazakh organic foodstuffs grown to European standards to find new, large markets in China. Carbon revenues would replace agricultural subsidies, making it a viable financial lever.

Qazaq Carbon helps farmers design planting models with carbon targets in mind. Certification can be done through NGOs such as Plan Vivo. Sailybaev is also considering an e-currency backed by carbon units. This would be a way for companies to buy products directly from agroparks in exchange for carbon offsets, he said.

But for all the zeal, there are still formidable challenges. Large Kazakh clients, including banks and airlines, are reluctant to buy carbon units from small farmers, preferring bundled deals instead.

Kazakhstans nascent voluntary carbon market is unknown to US and EU traders working with Western industry. We are just starting out, we do not have much background, and competition is fierce, he said.

The price-setting machinery also is still in its infancy. Kazakhstans Emissions Trading System, launched in 2013, has faced criticism for creating a surplus of free quotas.

The green economy is neo-nomadic

Sailybaev is well aware of the hurdles he faces. But as a former cultural studies scholar, he argues for a broader perspective. The low-carbon economy is a cultural phenomenon. It is about new mindsets and new values, he said. In the Aral Sea region, a whole generation has grown up on handouts, he added, referring to social payments in the zone of environmental disaster. And that has corrupted people terribly.

Our goal is to help young people break out of this victim mentality, he said. In May, Aral Oasis and Qazaq Carbon launched 100 Micro Nurseries. The new project aims to empower communities to plant seedlings for green belts.

We want local people, especially women and girls, to grow saxaul saplings from seeds in three auls [villages], said Zauresh Alimbetova, head of the Aral Oasis public association. We will then buy these saplings for 100 tenge [about $0,20] each and plant them on the [exposed portions] of the Aral Sea.

The aim is to create an eco-corridor to the Barsakelmes biospherer eserve, a former Aral Sea island inhabited by free-roaming kulans [wild donkeys] and dzerens [goitered gazelles]. By October 2025, some 250,000 saplings will have been planted on 300 hectares. At a later stage, the communities will also set up green belts around their auls as a barrier against encroaching sands.

So far, the project has been funded by Freedom Holding Corp. and the GEF Small Grants Programme. In January, a crowd-funding platform will be launched to explore additional funding options. High-resolution satellite maps will help track green developments online, and three auls will compete in a quirky face-off.

Sailybaev is ready to play a long game. We are gearing up for the next 20 years, he said. We are the descendants of nomads. Autonomy, tolerance, openness, mobility, and adaptability have accompanied us across the steppes. These values, in a modern guise, will drive Kazakhstans green transition, he mused. They are, in fact, neo-nomadic.

Research for this article was made possible with support from the Pulitzer Center.

By Ekaterina Venkina via Eurasianet.org

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With nearly a month since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump won a second term in the Oval Office, oil markets have been struggling to find direction despite event risk remaining high, particularly in the Middle East. According to commodity analysts at Standard Chartered, the markets apparent hesitation to trade a view with any conviction has intensified the notion that oil markets seem content to wait for Trump to take office. Volatility has fallen sharply, with the 30-day front-month Brent realized annualized volatility sinking to a1 6-week low of 25.1% at settlement on 2 December. This volatility reading falls in the lower 30% tail of the distribution of volatility over the past 10 years.

The ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon appears fragile, while the rekindling of the Syrian civil war indicates that the balance of power in the region has been disturbed. On Monday, Hezbollah fired into a disputed border zone held by Israel, with Lebanons parliament speaker claiming that Israel has committed 54 breaches of the ceasefire.

StanChart has reiterated its earlier prediction that OPEC+ tapering mechanism is likely to play the biggest role in dictating the oil price trajectory. The analysts note that the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) and the broader OPEC+ Ministerial meeting originally scheduled for 1 December was moved to today, with the more administrative OPEC meeting set for 10 December.

According to StanChart, the key discussions were those between Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, the eight OPEC+ nations that announced additional voluntary output cuts in April and November 2023. StanChart correctly predicted that, given current negative market sentiment and an overly pessimistic market view of 2025 balances, tactically the best choice for ministers was to delay any unwinding of voluntary cuts to the end of Q1 and perhaps even further out. StanChart notes that much of the recent burst of oil diplomacy has centered on Iraq and its commitment to both reduce output to target and to pay back past overproduction.

Bloomberg estimates that Iraqi crude oil output fell to a three-year low of 4.06 million barrels per day (mb/d) in November; good for a 70 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) m/m decline;, 260 kb/d below August and 420 kb/d lower y/y, but still 60 kb/d above target (including voluntary cuts).

According to StanChart, much of the negative sentiment that has dominated oil markets over the past couple of months can be chalked up to misapprehensions about the tapering mechanism for the voluntary cuts made by eight OPEC+ countries. Many traders are worried that the balance of oil demand growth and non-OPEC+ supply growth might not offset the scale of restored OPEC+output, leaving oil markets oversupplied. However, the experts have pointed out that this assumption flies in the face of continued reassurances from OPEC+ members that the tapering would be fully dependent on market conditions rather than being automatic.

Trader focus has been on the question of how many barrels could be returned before a surplus emerged; however, positioning and price dynamics imply that the answer to that question is zero.

In a November 3 press release, OPEC announced that output increases would be postponed by a month until the start of 2025. StanChart says the delayed return of more barrels to the market does not necessarily mean that OPEC felt the physical market could not absorb the oil, but rather reflects its awareness that extremely pessimistic 2025 oil balance predictions have viewed the tapering through that lens. StanChart says the latest announcement by OPEC strengthens the case that the pace of tapering will be market-dependent and not automatic as traders fear. This realization is likely to have driven the latest oil price rally.

Gas Rally Hits Pause

U.S. natural gas futures dropped to $3.00/MMBtu on Tuesday, their lowest in over a week, after surging 20% in November. Gas prices have declined amid forecasts of milder weather in mid-December, following a brief cold spell that had driven earlier gains. Utilities have stopped drawing heavily from storage, despite colder-than-usual weather recently boosting consumption. Meanwhile, U.S. gas production clocked in at a robust 101.5 billion cubic feet per day in November, but below last years peak of 105.3 bcfd.

Meanwhile, European natural gas futures slipped to 47.6 per megawatt-hour, retreating from a 13-month high of 49 earlier this week, as forecasts pointed to warmer weather while withdrawals slowed down. EU gas inventory draws have moderated over the past week: According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, inventories stood at 100.06 billion cubic metres (bcm) on 1 December; the w/w draw clocking in at 2.96 bcm, a significant deceleration from the previous weeks draw of 3.58 bcm. Last weeks withdrawal clip was also less than both last years draw of 3.65 bcm and the five-year average of 3.09 bcm.

Gas inventories are at 85.2% of capacity, 10.54 bcm lower y/y but just 0.36 bcm below the five-year average.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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U.S. natural gas futures dropped to $3.08/MMBtu on Tuesday, their lowest in over a week, after surging 20% in November. Gas prices have declined amid forecasts of milder weather in mid-December, following a brief cold spell that had driven earlier gains. Utilities have stopped drawing heavily from storage, despite colder-than-usual weather recently boosting consumption. Meanwhile, U.S. gas production clocked in at a robust 101.5 billion cubic feet per day in November, but below last years peak of 105.3 bcfd. In contrast, European natural gas futures climbed to 48.7 per megawatt-hour, close to their one-year high, as colder weather is forecast to spread across the continent, increasing heating demand. Temperatures in western Europe are set to drop, adding pressure to fast-depleting gas reserves, with gas stores only 85% full compared to 95% a year ago. Further, there are growing concerns over supply risks, including the upcoming expiration of a key gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine.

The Middle East conflict has so far not significantly impacted global oil and gas flows, reflecting the marginality of Eastern Mediterranean gas on world markets, even as more cracks appear in the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On Monday, Hezbollah fired into a disputed border zone held by Israel, with Lebanons parliament speaker claiming that Israel has committed 54 breaches of the ceasefire. However, Israels energy sector is bound to benefit from the ceasefire by encouraging foreign contractors to return to the countrys offshore and resume key gas expansion projects. U.S. major Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX), operator of both Israels key gas fields, 23 tcf Leviathan and 14tcf Tamar, put expansion projects at both on hold due to the conflict. The expansion of both gas fields had originally been due for completion by mid-2025. The expansion will increase Israels gas exports to Egypt by a reported 6bn cubic feet per year. Back in February, Chevron approved a US$24 million investment to boost gas production at the Israeli?Tamar offshore gas field. Israel--one of the main gas exporters in the region--temporarily suspended some exports in the immediate aftermath of the war but managed to return to normal production quickly.

Related: US Treasury Tightens Focus on Iran's Oil Networks

The biggest disruption to Israel's energy sector has been the suspension of the British Petroleum (NYSE:BP)Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (BP-Adnoc) bid to acquire a 50% stake in Israeli gas producer?NewMed Energy (OTCPK:DKDRF) for US$2bn. NewMed Energy is the majority shareholder and main operator of the giant Leviathan Natural Gas Field with a 45.3% working interest, while Chevron Corp and Ratio Oil Corp. have a 39.7% and 15% stake, respectively.

The deal was first thrown into question after an independent panel appointed by NewMed recommended raising the asking price by 10%-12%, or as much as ~$250M, which might seem like a stretch considering back then the company had a market cap of $2.9B and $87 million in cash but $1.73B in debt. Meanwhile, reports emerged that executives at BP and Adnoc were anticipating further delays on the deal until the political situation improves. Experts are worried that a surge in civilian casualties could make it politically untenable for the companies to proceed, with the death toll in Gaza already approaching 50,000, mostly civilians. NewMed and its two partners discovered the Leviathan Natural Gas Field in the Levant Basin Province in 2010. The gas field straddles the sea borders of Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. With 22.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, Leviathan is the largest natural gas reservoir in the Mediterranean and one of the largest producing assets in the region.

Lebanons Gas Quest Could Go Bust

But the NewMed takeover is not the only energy project that has been disrupted by the Israel-Hamas war. Last year, French energy group TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) set the first drilling rig at its location in the Mediterranean Sea off Lebanons coast near Israels border with the country looking to commence operations in search for gas. The cash-strapped nation hoped that future gas sales could help the country pull out of its deep financial crisis that has seen the local currency lose more than 98% of its value.

"The arrival of the equipment marks an important step in the preparation of the drilling of the exploration well in Block 9, which will begin towards the end of August 2023," TotalEnergies said in a statement. TotalEnergies leads a consortium of energy companies working on the offshore project, which includes Italian oil and gas giant Eni S.p.A. (NYSE:E) as well as state-owned QatarEnergy.

The drilling operations came after a landmark U.S.-brokered agreement that saw Lebanon and Israel establish a maritime border for the first time ever. Previously, Lebanons Energy Minister Walid Fayad said they hoped to determine whether the exploratory block has recoverable gas reserves by the end of the current year.

Unfortunately, the ongoing war is very likely to make cooperation between the two countries almost impossible, with Lebanon being home to Israels arch-enemy, Hezbollah.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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The exploration and production (E&P) contract for Iraqs second biggest gas field  Mansuriya  has now been activated by Chinas Jereh Group, according to local news sources. In practical energy terms, the Mansuriya field holds an estimated 4.5 trillion standard cubic feet (Tscf) of gas and is expected to produce around 300 million scf per day (Mmscf/d) of gas at its peak, although it will start running at about 100 Mmscf/d within 18 months, a senior energy source who works closely with Iraqs Oil Ministry told OilPrice.com. That said, the site has a deeper and broader appeal to China, with the Mansuriya field having long been regarded by it, the U.S., Russia and Iran as holding a vital strategic position in the heart of the Middle East.

The longstanding intention of several of Iraqs recent governments has been to offer three of its key gas sites  Mansuriya, Siba, and Akkas  as one development package for a single country to split between its relevant oil and gas firms as it saw fit, in consultation with Iraq. An original front-runner was Turkey, which Baghdad saw as ideally placed as a bridge between West and East and also useful in its ability to help quell rising discontent at the time from Iraqs semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in the north. In turn, Turkey wanted Iraqs help in dealing with Kurdish separatist activities on its own soil. It was Turkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortakligi (TPAO) that signed the original development deal for Mansuriya back in 2011, promising Iraqs Oil Ministry that it could be trusted to reach plateau production  then seen as 325 Mmscf/d -- within 10 years at most. This was not an unreasonable schedule, for which TPAO would be remunerated US$7.00-7.50 per barrel of oil equivalent, a relatively generous amount at that time compared to many of the previous awards from the Ministry. Unsurprisingly, given the rise of Islamic State shortly thereafter, TPAO suspended all operations on Mansuriya in 2014, but more surprisingly was its refusal to resume development work in September 2017 when asked to do so by then-oil minister, Jabar al-Luaibi.

Related: Trump Threatens BRICS Countries With 100% Tariffs If They Ditch The Dollar

In fact, a quiet agreement had been struck between Turkey and Russia that firms from the latter would take over the developments in Iraq, according to the Iraqi source. At around that time, Russia had effectively taken over the oil sector of Iraqi Kurdistan, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order, and was keen to quickly leverage this into a similar presence in rest of Iraq. Securing major gas oil and contracts in the south of the country as well as the north would further allow Moscow to establish enormous political sway across the entire Shia crescent of power in the Middle East, stretching from Syria through Lebanon (by dint of Iran), Jordan, Iraq (also helped by Iran), Iran itself, and Yemen (via Iran). From this base, it could effectively challenge the U.S.s then-vital oil, gas, and political ally in the region  Saudi Arabia. Helpfully for Russia in this context, TPAO had previously also signed a preliminary agreement for the Siba gas field back in 2011 and had been assured by the Iraqi government that an opportunity would become available to develop the Akkas gas field too. Consequently, in late 2017 Russia communicated to Iraqs then-Oil Minister, Thamir Ghadhban, that Gazprom would be very interested in developing all three sites, the Iraq source told OilPrice.com.

However, before all this could be put into action, a new cooperation roadmap was agreed between Russias President Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This included effectively dividing up Iran and Iraq into areas of specific interest for each side, when also factoring in other countries in the region of long-term strategic interest to both sides. As Russia had already secured the northern Iraqi Kurdistan region, and was heavily present in Syria, among other regional operations, it was decided China would take the lead role in Iraq and a bigger role in Iran too. As a result, new all-encompassing co-operation agreements between China and Iraq (the 2019 Oil for Reconstruction and Investment Agreement, later expanded into the 2021 Iraq-China Framework Agreement) and then China and Iran (the 2020China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject) were struck. In April 2021, the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signed a 25-year deal with Iraqs Oil Ministry to develop Mansuriya along the same 49 percent/51 percent split with the Iraqi state, although the agreement was finally cancelled due to lack of progress. The latest deal involving Jereh Group is an attempt by China to rectify that failure, given the strategic importance of the Mansuriya site.

In this context, it -- and the other two big gas fields, Akkas and Siba -- form a skewed triangle across southern Iraq, stretching from the eastern Iraqi border with Iran (the Mansuriya site), down south close to the key Iraqi Basra export hub (the Siba site), and then all the way west across to the Iraqi border with Syria (the Akkas site). Along the spine of this entire area running from east to west are the historical ultra-nationalist and ultra-anti-West cities of Falluja, Ramadi, Hit and Haditha and at the point geographically, Iraq turns into Syria. From there it is just a short hop to the key strategic ports of Banias and Tartus, and to Latakia  all three of which are crucial globally strategic sites for Moscow, as also detailed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. The Syrian port of Tartus remains a huge naval base for Russia and the only Mediterranean port to which it has access. The port is just a short ride from Khmeimim airport, which  under a deal struck in 2015 - became a dual-use civilian-military airport-airbase for use by Russia. And just a short flight away from those two key assets is Russias Latakia intelligence-gathering listening station.

For both Russia and Iran, the securing of the spine of Iraq running from the western border of Iran, across Iraq, and through and across Syria is crucial to the development of the Banias port and its surrounding infrastructure in Syria. This has long been earmarked as the end point for the long-planned Iran-Iraq-Syria pipelines that would move Iranian oil and gas from Iran through Iraq to Syria, and then into the less rigorously policed ports of southern Europe. It has also long been the final part of Russian and Iranian plans to build a Land Bridge from Tehran to the Mediterranean Sea by which they could exponentially increase the scale and scope of weapons delivery into southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights area of Syria to be used in attacks on Israel, as also analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. This core aim of this policy is to provoke a slow-burn broader conflict in the Middle East that will inexorably draw in the U.S. and its allies into an unwinnable war of the sort seen recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. By placing itself in the geographical heart of this route at intervals along the spine of Iraq, China will be able to continue to play the directing role in how and when Russia and Iran develop their long-term geopolitical strategies across the region and beyond. And it is this that will also boost its negotiating position with the upcoming new Trump presidency in matters of key concern to it, such as trade, U.S. sanctions deployment, and the future of Taiwan.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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The OPEC+ producers who are reducing output by 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) have decided to delay the beginning of the gradual easing of the cuts to April 2025, OPEC+ delegates told Argus on Thursday as the ministers were holding their online video conference.

The alliance has also decided to extend the collective group cut by one year until the end of 2026, Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst at Energy Intelligence, reported while the meeting was ongoing, citing delegates.

There are also a lot of discussions about the importance of compliance, according to Bakr.

Under the previous OPEC+ plans, the group was set to begin unwinding the cuts in January 2025, with an initial 180,000-bpd increase in production, and gradually return all the supply by the end of next year.

Now the alliance is not only pushing back the beginning of the supply additions by three months, but it is also giving another year for the full unwinding of the restrictions.

The three-month delay to the supply additions was largely expected by the market and probably already priced in.

But the additional year in which the OPEC+ producers will be restricted by some form of production cuts could be interpreted as OPEC and OPEC+s acknowledgment that weaker-than-expected demand growth cant absorb all the supply returning in 2025.

Oil prices turned negative, following various reports of a three-month delay to the unwinding of the cuts and the additional year of restrictions until the end of 2026.

Just before the OPEC+ meeting began, oil was trading slightly higher.

After reports started emerging that the cuts would last a year more than originally planned, both benchmarks turned negative. The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, was down 0.34% at $68.28 as of 7:24 a.m. ET, while the OPEC+ meeting was still ongoing. The international benchmark, Brent Crude, traded down 0.22% at $72.11.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Private equity firm EQT is creating a new energy transition fund, EQT Transition Infrastructure, which will look to invest in clean energy companies in Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific.

The first acquisition of the Sweden-headquartered private equity firm with $259 billion (246 billion euros) in total assets under management is Germanys ju:niz Energy, a battery energy storage system developer and operator, EQT said on Thursday.

The German company will be the EQT Transition Infrastructure strategys first highly thematic investment, which will be acquired with capital from EQTs balance sheet, the firm said without disclosing the value of the deal.

EQT Transition Infrastructure plans to provide capital, as well as industrial, technological, and sustainability expertise to scale businesses and support the transition to a decarbonized and climate-resilient future, the private equity firm said.

The EQT Transition Infrastructure strategy will be led by Jan Vesely, Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure in New York, and Asis Echaniz, Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure Europe in Madrid. The strategy will be chaired by Francesco Starace, who joined EQT in 2023 from his position as CEO of Italian electric utility giant Enel.

EQT Transition Infrastructure will help emerging but proven solutions and businesses scale, to create the next generation of sustainable energy infrastructure, said Jan Vesely, Partner and Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure.

Earlier this week, the EQT Active Core Infrastructure fund and global investor GIC announced an agreement to buy a majority stake in Calisen Group, the UKs leading independent smart metering company, from funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, the Infrastructure business of Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Mubadala Investment Company.

Long-term investment by EQT and GIC to support Calisens growth ambitions in the UK smart meter market and abroad, as well as expansion into adjacent sectors, EQT said upon announcing the deal.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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In a move aimed at stabilizing European energy markets, Russian President Vladimir Putin has scrapped the requirement for natural gas payments to be processed exclusively through the sanctioned Gazprombank. European buyers can now settle payments via other banks, a significant shift that briefly calmed markets, with European gas benchmark prices dropping by 2.3%.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions after the U.S. sanctioned Gazprombank last month as part of broader measures against Moscow for its ongoing war in Ukraine. The market became jittery out of fear of a potential disruption in Russian gas supplies to Europe, particularly for Central European nations like Hungary, which rely heavily on these imports.

Europe is already navigating a tight energy landscape. The gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine, set to expire at the end of this year, threatens to cut off remaining gas flows from Russia. Unusually cold and calm weather this winter has already pressured gas inventories, with even minor supply hiccups possibly creating market turmoil.

This latest decree from Moscow also introduces flexible payment options, such as third-party payments and offsets between buyers and Gazprom. Nevertheless, halted gas flows will only resume if payments are made in rubles--a difficult ask for some.

Analysts remain divided on the impact of these changes. Jonathan Stern of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies notes that while Putin appears eager to retain European exports, the flexibility may do little to ease long-term uncertainty for buyers.

For European nations still reliant on Russian gaslike Hungary and Slovakiathe easing of restrictions offers a reprieve. Yet, with geopolitical tensions still high and Europes energy transition gaining urgency, the future of Russian gas flows to the continent remains in flux.

In March 2022, amid escalating tensions due to the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin mandated that "unfriendly" countries pay for natural gas in rubles. This meant that European buyers had to convert payments into rubles via Gazprombank. The policy led to significant disruptions in nations like Poland and Bulgaria, which refused to comply.

Hungary, which continues to receive Russian natural gas via pipeline, asked U.S. authorities earlier this week to exempt Russias Gazprombank from the sanctions when payments for natural gas are processed.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Crude oil supply from Russia to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline remained halted on Thursday, a spokesperson for Czech refiner Unipetrol told Reuters.

Unipetrol, which is a subsidiary of Polands Orlen, is not aware of the reason for the interruption of supply, the spokesperson added.

Czech state pipeline operator Mero said on Wednesday that it is aware of the complications regarding the supply of crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline to the Czech Republic and is monitoring the situation.

Mero said there is no threat to the Czech Republics crude oil supply as the country is prepared for such situations. Strategic stocks of crude oil and crude oil products are available to cover the functioning of the state for 90 days in the event of a short-term supply disruption. Supply via the western route, that is, from the TAL and IKL pipelines from Italy and Germany, is running smoothly, Mero said.

The state pipeline operator said last month that the Czech Republic would phase out Russian oil imports by July 2025. Currently, Trans Alpine (TAL) pipeline is undergoing an upgrade, which is expected to be completed next year. The upgrade will boost oil supply to the Czech Republic from Italy.

The Druzhba pipeline carries Russian crude to Central Europe. The 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.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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File Photo

The nations crude oil reserves dropped by 481 million barrels to 36.972 billion barrels in 2018, according to a new report by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

OPEC, in its 2019 Annual Statistical Bulletin, said Nigerias crude oil reserves stood at 37.453 billion barrels in 2017 and 2016; 37.062 billion barrels in 2015 and 37.448 billion barrels in 2014.

According to the report, the number of active oil rigs in the country rose to 32 last year from 13 in 2017 and nine in 2016.

Following the steep fall in global oil prices in 2014, the nations rig count dropped from 46 to 29, the OPEC data showed.

Rig count is largely a reflection of the level of exploration, development and production activities occurring in the oil and gas sector.

The slump in oil prices, which started in mid-June 2014, forced many companies operating in the Nigerian oil industry to slash their capital budgets and suspend some projects, resulting in a drop in the number of rigs.

The upturn in the rig count in 2018 was mostly triggered by the rally in global crude oil prices and the suspension of militant attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

The number of wells completed in the nations oil industry, which dropped from 141 in 2014 to 116 in 2015, increased to 81 last year from 76 in 2017 and 2016, according to OPEC.

Nigeria has the second largest proven reserves in Africa, with an estimated 37.5 billion barrels of crude oil deposits at the end of 2017, representing 2.2 per cent of the global total, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2018.

The Director, Emerald Energy Institute, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Wumi Iledare, told a Punch correspondent that most oil companies in the country are mostly developing what they have.

They are not looking for new reserves; you cant sustain the oil and gas industry unless you are investing in new reserves, he added.

Decrying what he called unnecessary uncertainty occasioned by the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, Iledare said, Investors will be wary and the competition is keen. Twenty years ago, only five countries were producing oil in Africa. Today, nearly every African country along the coast has oil; so there are other places investors can go to.
A Nigerian PhD holder has shared his inspirational story just after bagging the highest university degree from an American university.

Reflecting on how far he has come, Ezekiel Olusola Adekanmbi disclosed that he grew up without his father as he died shortly after he was born. He further disclosed that he became a prodigal son by occasionally moving out of their home when he was just 10, sleeping in the markets and sometimes in the mosque or the church beside their house.

Things however changed after he learnt how to play the piano at the age of 14. According to the Nigerian man who bagged a PhD in Chemical Engineering, he gave his life to Christ at that age and everything turned out right. Adekanmbi also dedicated his certificate to his mother who despite making a profit of N120 ($0.3) per day from her business, trained him and his 4 siblings beyond Secondary School.

He wrote: GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERY CREATURE, ESPECIALLY ME!

I received my PhD certificate in the mail today and could not hold back my tears. I kept reflecting on how my mother would make me hawk 2 dozens of bread every morning before heading to middle and high schools. She didnt have money but wanted the 5 of us to go to school. I grew up without a father. In fact, I saw my father only 3 times before he died. It is not good to be born in a poor home neither is it good to grow up without a father.

I chose the path of the prodigal son by occasionally moving out of our home at age 10, sleeping in the markets, and sometimes in the mosque or the church beside our house. However, whenever I decided to go back home, my mother would ring it in my ears; Education is the only way out of our pathetic situation. My son, read your books. Every now and then, people would come to her that her son had destroyed one thing or the other. She beat the hell out of me. But the more she beat me, the more my heart became hardened. I just wanted to be independent of her. Her rules were too stringent. At age 14, things turned around. I had learnt how to play the piano. The more I played songs of praises and hymns, the more my mind became renewed, the more I listened to my mother and the more I allowed God to work through me. I gave my life to Christ, and was confirmed into the body of Christ at Christ Anglican Church, Ogere Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Today, the rest is history. I am now a PhD holder!!!

This certificate is dedicated to my mother. Despite making a profit of N120 ($0.3) per day from her business, she sponsored the five of us beyond high school. God has a plan for every living creature. No matter how stubborn and anti-Jesus your child may be now, with prayer and trust in God, your child will come back home. It is written, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Lord that changed Saul to Paul can change your son in the same manner he changed me. It pays to give ones life to Jesus and allow Him to take over. Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me!!!
The Federal Government is considering N620 million special intervention funds by the ministry of health to monitor, detect if possible and contain the deadly coronavirus.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire revealed this on Thursday while interfacing with the Senate committee on health on the level of national preparedness to manage coronavirus break out in the country.

He said the ministry submitted a memo proposing for the release of the sum of N620m to take proactive measures to contain the dreaded virus.

The Minister who appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, in the company of Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh, director port health services and the Director-General National Centre for Disease Control, said the sum of N71 million was already released to the port health services for her operations.

Ehanire said the ministry had a multi-stakeholder meeting to deploy port health services there to screen all passengers.

He said the national intervention on containing the Lassa fever outbreak enjoyed timely release of N313m intervention fund from the Federal Government to manage the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Senate expressed concerns over the non-screening of the Chattered flight passengers wing of the local flight arrivals at the airports.

The senators expressed fears that it may be a loose end to import the Coronavirus.

Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said the absence of health services at the private terminal could make for easy movement of infected bodies into the country.

The Senate, therefore, ordered the Minister to deploy health officials to the private tarmac and conduct screening of VIPs on chartered flight stressing Coronavirus was both a national and global health emergency.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Government shut down Panda Supermarket belonging to some Chinese nationals located in Abuja over issues with the dreaded coronavirus.

The government said that the move was to serve as a deterrent to others and to safeguard the lives of citizens from the deadly Coronavirus.
The Nigeria Police on Wednesday arraigned 36 flouters of the stay-at-home order of the Lagos State Government before a Chief Magistrates Court in Yaba.

The government charged Emeka John, Kingsley Jacob, Chukwuma Okwubaba Luke Eboro and 32 others with being in a gathering of more than 20 people, in violation of the social distancing directive.

Thirty-three of the defendants admitted guilty while three  Adetutu Adurogbangba, Segun Joshua and Obi Okoye  pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution team led by Mr. Cyril Ejiofor from Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, had told the court that the defendants committed the offence on Wednesday (April 8) on Bush Street/Gbagada Express Road, Ogudu, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants gathered themselves in the above-mentioned address, contrary to the social distancing directives.

Chief Magistrate Peter Ojo, sentenced the defendants who pleaded guilty to one month of community service.

He directed that before the commencement of the community service, they should be isolated for 14 days at the Infectious Disease Control Centre, Yaba, or any facility available in the state.
<! Sanwo-Olu briefing newsmen >

Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday disclosed that another five Coronavirus patients have been discharged after testing negative twice for the virus.

Those discharged on Sunday included four female and a male.

This brings the total number of Coronavirus patients discharged in Lagos so far to 55.

Lagos currently has 177 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, with 55 discharged, five dead, two evacuated to their countries and three transferred to Ogun State.

Active Coronavirus cases in Lagos now stand at 112.

According to Sanwo-Olu, As we commemorate the sacrifice of Love this Easter, I bring to you more awesome news from our isolation facilities. Today, five more patients; four females, and one male have been discharged to reunite with their families and the society.

The patients were discharged having recovered fully and tested negative twice consecutively to #COVID19, he said.

Sanwo-Olu said with the newly discharged patients, Lagos now had a total of 55 people that had been successfully managed for COVID-19 at its isolation facilities and discharged to the community.

This news, especially on this auspicious day, gives me joy and happiness and I am sure it does to you too. While we look forward to more great news from our effort to contain the pandemic, lets all continue to show love and sacrifice for the the course of humanity.

Stay at home, practice Social Distancing Principle, observe highest possible personal and hand hygiene and report suspicion to appropriate persons. Lets continue to make the little sacrifices for the greater good, he said.
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Integration of BioImage.IO Chatbot for enhanced computational bioimaging support. Credit: Nature Methods (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02370-y

Scientists from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), together with a research team from Ericsson and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, have developed an artificial intelligencebased software program that can search for information and make recommendations for biomedical image analysis.

This innovation streamlines the work of individuals using large bioimage databases, including life sciences researchers, workflow developers, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

The new assistant, called the BioImage.IO Chatbot and introduced in the journal Nature Methods, was developed as a response to the issue of information overload faced by some researchers. "We realized that many scientists have to process large volumes of technical documentation, which can become a tedious and overwhelming task," explains Caterina Fuster Barcelo, a researcher in the Department of Bioengineering at UC3M and one of the study's authors.

"Our goal was to facilitate access to data information while providing a simple interface that allows scientists to focus their time on bioimage analysis rather than programming," she adds.

The chatbot can enable researchers to perform complex image analysis tasks in a simple and intuitive manner. For example, if a researcher needs to process microscopy images using segmentation models, the chatbot can help select and execute the appropriate model.

Credit: Carlos III University of Madrid

The assistant is based on extensive language models and employs a technique called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which enables real-time access to databases. "The main advantage is that we do not train the model with specific information; instead, we extract it from up-to-date sources, minimizing errors known as 'hallucinations,' which are common inaccuracies in other AI models like ChatGPT," adds Arrate Munoz Barrutia, professor in the Department of Bioengineering at UC3M and another author of the study.

"This ensures the user receives truthful and contextualized information, which is the most important thing for us."

The BioImage.IO Chatbot has additional advantages, as it is also optimized to work directly with microscopes and other laboratory equipment through an extension system that allows researchers to control these devices using simple commands sent directly from the chatbot interface. "Another benefit of our assistant is that it is open-source," notes Munoz Barrutia, "allowing other developers to continue creating new modules and improving the tool."

The model was refined by these UC3M researchers in collaboration with Ericsson Inc and with significant contributions from Wanlu Lei, Gabriel Reder and Wei Ouyang at KTH's Departments of Intelligent Systems and Applied Physics, respectively. Team members recently presented it at the From Images to Knowledge (I2K 2024) congress held in Milan, Italy.

Screenshot of the BioImage.IO chatbot interface. Credit: Carlos III University of Madrid

The team has successfully integrated the chatbot into cloud-based platforms running on web browsers, enabling real-time database queries for image analysis. According to Fuster-Barcelo, this extensibility is one of the chatbot's major advantages, as it facilitates integration into different workflows, including third-party websites and other research systems.

As for the next steps, the researchers plan to enhance the chatbot's capabilities with a more versatile AI model, capable of reading scientific articles and assisting in experiment planning. This could pave the way for advanced automation in research settings and, perhaps, greater democratization in access to complex scientific tools, they conclude.

More information: Wanlu Lei et al, BioImage.IO Chatbot: a community-driven AI assistant for integrative computational bioimaging, Nature Methods (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02370-y Journal information: Nature Methods
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Illustration of the asteroid Bennu. Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Radiation is a primary concern for long-duration human spaceflight, such as the planned trips to Mars, which are the stated goal of organizations such as NASA and SpaceX. Shielding is the standard way to protect astronauts from radiation during those flights. However, shielding is heavy and, therefore, expensive when it is launched off the Earth.

What if, instead, astronauts could hitch a ride on a giant mass of shielding already in space that will take them directly to their destination? That is the basic thought behind a paper from Victor Reshetnyk and his student at Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv posted to the arXiv preprint server.

They looked at data collected by NASA's Horizons service and analyzed the orbits of more than 35,000 Near Earth Objects (NEOs) for their trajectories to see if their paths would cross somewhere between the binary pairs of Earth-Venus, Earth-Mars, or Mars-Venus. If so, then in theory, they could be used as shielding from the deadly radiation astronauts would have to either suffer from or shield against on the trip.

Given the sheer amount of objects they looked at, they were bound to find some good candidatesand they did, with an estimated 525 making "fast" transfers of less than 180 days. They then further narrowed this list down to a reasonable speed during the approach to the planet they would start fromessentially to make sure that a crewed spacecraft could actually catch up to the asteroid without burning an absurd amount of fuel.

That lowered the total number of candidates down to 120, with the following breakdown:

Earth to Venus: 44

Earth to Mars: 17

Mars to Earth: 13

Mars to Venus: 2

Venus to Earth: 38

Venus to Mars: 6

In other words, there were plenty of options for hitching a ride. Granted, none of these would be exceptionally roomythe largest is estimated to have a diameter of only 0.37 km. However, there is still plenty of room to fit a spaceship, as long as it's not a Star Destroyer or Battleship from 40K.

Additionally, the authors found some asteroids that had more unique trajectories. Eleven had the possibility of doing "multiple" transfers, meaning they could go from Earth to Venus and then back or vice versa, but only one would do the same for the Venus to Mars trip. Two could even do a "double" transfer, meaning they could go from Earth to Venus to Mars or from Mars to Venus to Earth in less than one year. Anything beyond that wasn't possible, thoughthey didn't find any asteroids akin to an "Aldrin Cycler" that would go between the planets indefinitely on a known orbit.

That's not to say that asteroid doesn't already existwe might just not have found it yet. NEO Surveyor, a NASA mission designed to launch in 2028 to find 90% of all NEOs larger than 140m in diameter, could increase the number of known NEOs by an order of magnitude.

Using any of them for a massive radiation shield for a crewed mission would take much more dedicated work, though. Any such transformation is decades away at leastbut the place to start is to find the right ones, and this paper contributes to that effort.

More information: Arsenii Kasianchuk et al, The search for NEOs as potential candidates for use in space missions to Venus and Mars, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2410.17047 Journal information: arXiv
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Adult female cracking nuts using stone tools. She is being observed by an infant female (1 year old) and a young male (8 years). Credit: Tetsuro Matsuzawa

A new study suggests that the fundamental abilities underlying human language and technological culture may have evolved before humans and apes diverged millions of years ago. The findings were published 5 December 2024 in the journal PeerJ.

Many human behaviors are more complex than those of other animals, involving the production of elaborate sequences (such as spoken language, or tool manufacturing). These sequences include the ability to organize behaviors by hierarchical chunks, and to understand relationships between distantly separated elements.

For example, even relatively simple human behaviors like making a cup of tea or coffee require carrying out a series of individual actions in the right order (e.g. boiling the kettle before pouring the water out). We break such tasks down into solvable chunks (e.g. boil the kettle, get the milk and teabag, etc.), composed of individual actions (e.g. 'grasp,' 'pull,' 'twist,' 'pour').

Importantly, we can separate related actions by other chunks of behavior (e.g. you might have to stop and clean up some spilled milk before you continue). It was unknown whether the ability to flexibly organize behaviors in this way is unique to humans, or also present in other primates.

In this new study, the researchers investigated the actions of wild chimpanzeesour closest relativeswhile using tools, and whether these appeared to be organized into sequences with similar properties (rather than a series of simple, reflex-like responses). The research was led by the University of Oxford with an international collaboration across the UK, US, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan.

A male individual cracking nuts using stones. Credit: Dora Biro.

The study used data from a decades-long database of video footage depicting wild chimpanzees in the Bossou forest, Guinea, where chimps were recorded cracking hard-shelled nuts using a hammer and anvil stones. This is one of the most complex documented naturally-occurring tool use behaviors of any animal in the wild.

The researchers recorded the sequences of actions chimps performed (e.g. grasp nut, pass through hands, place on anvil, etc.)totaling around 8,260 actions for over 300 nuts.

Using state-of-the-art statistical models, they found that relationships emerged between chimpanzees' sequential actions which matched those found in human behaviors.

Half of adult chimpanzees appeared to associate actions that were much further along the sequence than expected if actions were simply being linked together one-by-one. This provides further evidence that chimpanzees plan action sequences, and then adjust their performance on the fly.

Understanding how these relationships emerge during action organization will be the next key goal of this research, but these could involve behaviors such as chimpanzees pausing sequences to readjust tools before continuing, or bringing several nuts over to stone tools that are then cracked in one long sequence. This would be further evidence of human-like technical flexibility.

Additionally, the results suggest that the majority of chimpanzees organize actions similarly to humans, through the production of repeatable 'chunks.' However, this result did not hold for every chimpanzee, and this variation between individuals may suggest that these strategies for organizing behaviors may not be universal in the way they are for humans.

A male individual cracking nuts using stones. Credit: Dora Biro.

Lead researcher Dr. Elliot Howard-Spink (formerly Department of Biology, University of Oxford, now Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior) said, "The ability to flexibly organize individual actions into tool-use sequences has likely been key to humans' global success.

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"Our results suggest that the fundamental aspects of human sequential behaviors may have evolved prior to the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees, and then may have been further elaborated on during subsequent hominin evolution."

Co-senior researcher Professor Thibaud Gruber (University of Geneva) said, "There has been a renewed interest in the co-evolution of language and stone tool use in human evolution, and our study contributes to this debate. While the connection between our results and early hominin stone tool use can be made more readily, how this connects with the evolution of other complex behaviors, like language, remains an exciting avenue of future research."

Co-senior researcher Professor Dora Biro (University of Rochester) said, "There is increasing recognition that preserving cultural behaviors in wild animalssuch as stone-tool use in West-African chimpanzeesshould be incorporated into conservation efforts. Wild chimpanzees and their cultures are critically endangered, yet our work highlights how much we can yet learn from our closest relative about our own evolutionary history."

As many great apes perform dextrous and technical foraging behaviors, it is likely that the capacity for these complex sequences is shared across ape species. More research is needed to validate this theory, and is a key goal for the team moving forward.

The researchers also plan to investigate how actions are grouped into higher-order chunks by chimpanzees during tool-use. This research will aim to clarify the rules that chimpanzees follow when generating their tool-use behaviors. They will also investigate how these structures emerge during development and are shaped across adult lives.

More information: Elliot Howard-Spink et al, Nonadjacent dependencies and sequential structure of chimpanzee action during a natural tool-use task, PeerJ (2024). DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18484 Journal information: PeerJ
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Behavioral repertoire of Dindefelo chimpanzees to explore army ant nests. Credit: Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07206-1

Chimpanzees are the animals with the most complex memory, apart from humans. They remember where and when ripe fruits are available, and use this information to decide which trees they will visit and even where they will sleep in order to eat these fruits first thing in the morning. However, the cognitive strategies they use to find foods of animal origin rather than plant origin are not yet well understood.

Now, experts from the University of Barcelona and the Jane Goodall Institute Spain have led a study that describes the previously unknown cognitive skills deployed by wild chimpanzees in Africa to eat army ants that hide in hard-to-locate underground nests. This is the first paper to describe how these primates make use of spatial and episodic-like memory to extract social insects from nests hidden underground.

The study reveals for the first time how chimpanzees can successfully meet a cognitive challenge to exploit an animal food source in the wild for years.

The findings, published in the journal Communications Biology, expand our understanding of the cognitive strategies of non-human primates, and provide new insights for reconstructing the evolution of cognitive abilities in our lineage.

Army ants (Dorylus spp.), also known as the fearsome marabunta, form the largest colonies of social insects on the planet. These hymenopterous insects are rich in protein and mineralskey nutrients for chimpanzeesbut are very difficult to find because they nest under rocks, roots and fallen vegetation and move unpredictably.

As part of the study, the team analyzed a total of 679 chimpanzee visits to four army ant nests that occurred from 2018 to 2022 in the Dindefelo community nature reserve, a savannah habitat in the south-east of Senegal.

Andreu Sanchez-Megias, Ph.D. student and first author of the article, says, "We studied if chimpanzees intentionally return to nests, the strategies they use to detect if ants are present, the availability of these insects and the extent to which chimpanzees consume them."

He notes that the ant nests "are scarce and nearly always impossible to see, and thus, for the chimpanzees, remembering the exact location of the nest is a good foraging strategy. The nests are abandoned and reoccupied at irregular intervals, and this key component of the ants' behavior allows chimpanzees to repeatedly visit the same nests to feed on these insects."

Sight, smell, taste and touch

It seems that these apes remembered previous visits to ant nests and modified their behavior depending on whether they had encountered the insects on previous visits. The findings indicate that chimpanzees use spatial memory to remember the exact location of hidden ant nests, and episodic-like memory to remember whether they found ants on previous visits to the same nests.

Episodic-like memory is the ability to remember where, when and what happened in past experiences, and is named after episodic memory in humans, which consists of the same abilities plus the ability to verbalize memories. Because non-human animals cannot explicitly communicate to us what they remember, this ability equivalent to human episodic memory is called episodic-like memory.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this is the first study to describe how chimpanzees use four senses (sight, smell, taste and touch) to inspect empty nests and detect if there are ants.

Importance for conservation and for understanding human evolution

Serra Hunter professor R. Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar says, "It is important to emphasize that the study of chimpanzee cognition in an ecologically relevant contextsuch as the savannah where our research was carried outcontributes to better understanding the evolution of human cognitive capacities, given that the first hominins inhabited similarly dry, open, and hot landscapes."

"Chimpanzees are an endangered species and learning more about the strategies they use to obtain important foods in the wild helps us to conserve them," the researchers conclude.

More information: Andreu Sanchez-Megias et al, Wild chimpanzees remember and revisit concealed, underground army ant nest locations throughout multiple years, Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07206-1 Journal information: Communications Biology
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The launch of the Tianwen-1 mission, Wenchang City, south China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2020. Credit: CFP

China's growing presence in space has been undeniable since the turn of the century. Between sending the first "taikonaut" to space in 2003 (Yang Liwei), launching the first Chinese robotic mission to the moon (Chang'e-1) in 2007, and the deployment of their Tiangong space station between 2021 and 2022, China has emerged as a major power in space. Accordingly, they have bold plans for the future, like the proposed expansion of their Tiangong space station and the creation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by 2035.

In their desire to become a space power that can rival NASA, China also has its sights on Mars. In addition to crewed missions that will culminate in a "permanent base," they intend to conduct a sample-return mission in the near future. This will be performed by the Tianwen-3 mission, which is currently scheduled to launch in 2028 and return samples to Earth by 2031.

In a recent article, the Tianwen-3 science team outlined their exploration strategy, including the methods used to retrieve the samples, the target locations, and how they'll be analyzed for biosignatures that could indicate the presence of past life.

Zengqian Hou was the article's lead author, a geologist with the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (CAGS), and the mission team supervisor. His fellow team members included the mission's chief designer, Liu Jizhong, and colleagues from the DSEL, the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).

The article was recently published in the November edition of National Science Review.

This image was taken by a small camera jettisoned from Chinas Tianwen-1 spacecraft to photograph the spacecraft in orbit above the Martian north pole. Credit: CNSA/PEC

This mission is the third in China's Tianwen (Chinese for "questions to heaven") exploration program. The previous mission (Tianwen-1) included an orbiter, a lander, and the Zhurong rover, which reached Mars in February 2021. The successful deployment of this mission made China the third nation (after the Soviet Union and the U.S.) to land on Mars. Highlights of the mission include the mapping of the entire Martian surface by the orbiter and the discovery of hydrated minerals by Zhurong, further confirming that Mars once had liquid water on its surface.

News of this latest mission was first shared by Jizhong at the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference, which took place from September 4th to 7th in Huangshan City, China. However, few details were shared at the time, though a concurrently published paper suggested that the mission could include a helicopter similar to NASA's Ingenuity.

According to the latest from Jizhong, the Tianwen-3 will consist of two launches sometime in 2028 using the Long March 5 (CZ-5) rocket. While one CZ-5 will send the orbiter/return vehicle, the second will send the lander/ascent vehicle. As Liu told the state-owned news agency Xinhua:

"China has retrieved the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon with the Chang'e-6 mission this year. Since Mars is much farther away than the moon, it will take two launches to carry out the Mars sample-return mission due to the limited carrying capacities of our current rockets. Two Long March-5 carrier rockets will be used for the mission."

A wireless camera took this 'group photo' of China's Tianwen-1 lander and rover on Mars' surface. Credit: CNSA

Other details include the 86 potential landing sites proposed by the team, which are primarily concentrated in the ancient Chryse Planitia and Utopia Planitia regions. These areas are considered good places to search for potential biosignatures that could be preserved remains of ancient life. This includes features that indicate the presence of past water, including delta fans, lake beds, and the coastline, suggesting the presence of a past ocean in the Northern Lowlands. The team also stated that Tianwen-3 will carry payloads developed with international partners.

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They also stressed the necessity for new instruments specifically designed to detect biosignatures. To this end, they have developed a 13-phase mission plan that leverages in-situ and remote-sensing detection technologies. Liu also disclosed that the mission will rely on multi-point surface sampling, fixed-point in-depth drilling, and in-flight vehicle sampling to obtain diverse samples. They also state that China will conduct joint research with scientists worldwide on Mars samples and detection data.

What is clear from this latest news is that China intends to preempt NASA and the ESA's proposed Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. Due to budget cuts announced earlier this year, this mission is currently stuck in the design phase. Similarly, China has indicated that the Tianwen-4 mission will explore the Jupiter system to learn more about its moons and their evolutionary history. This mission is scheduled to launch in September 2029 and will follow on the heels of NASA's Europa Clipper and the ESA's JUpiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE).

This is in keeping with China's pattern of following in NASA's footsteps, catching up with them and surpassing them as the leader in space exploration. If they manage to return Martian samples to Earth before either NASA or the ESA, they will have accomplished a task no other space agency has. However, given the scientific value of these samples and the international cooperation that will go into their analysis will be to the benefit of all.

More information: Zengqian Hou et al, The search for life signatures on Mars by the Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission, National Science Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae313
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Remains of House H1 undergoing conservation. Credit: P. Zambrzycki. Antiquity (2024). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.192

Ancient Greco-Roman ruins at Darazya near El Alamein are revealing new insights into the history of Egypt's northern coast, thanks to research by the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocaw University of Science and Technology and the Center for Comparative Studies of Civilizations at Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

Located around 100 km west of Alexandria on the coast of the Arab Gulf, Darazya's ancient ruins are interspersed with World War II structures, relics from the Battles of El-Alamein. Early travelers in the 19th and 20th centuries documented these sites, but recent studies initiated in 2021 seek a greater understanding of the region's historical significance.

In a study, "Darazya at El Alamein: a Greco-Roman settlement against the backdrop of an important Second World War battle," published in Antiquity, the team investigated the civilizational spanning importance of the region, focusing on the functioning, planning, and culture of small towns that drew on different traditions.

Architectural studies, stratigraphy, and reconstruction using original materials were used to understand the arrangement of ancient structures. Identifying artifacts helped determine the roles of specific rooms or buildings and how the households functioned. Examining surviving Second World War structures provided insights into the Battle of El Alamein and the Allied forces' construction techniques.

Findings include the remains of an ancient settlement, residential houses, above-ground structures, and two large underground cisterns. Outer walls of three habitation-sized buildings, reaching up to 1.6 meters in height, were studied in detail.

Several Greek oikos-type residential houses from the Hellenistic-Roman period were detailed, with main reception halls in a courtyard surrounded by smaller rooms. Walls around the homes were constructed using rubble masonry bonded with clay and plastered with lime mortar, with some limestone ashlar walls preserved.

Two large underground cisterns carved into the limestone bedrock, each about five meters high and supported by pillars, provided ample water storage for long-term resilience in the semi-arid climate.

Imported pareti sottili (thin-walled) bowls were identified among the pottery fragments, reflecting the settlement's engagement in broader trade networks, bringing quality goods from distant regions.

Numerous fragments of high-quality Cypriot sigillata pottery were found at the site. Cypriot sigillata is known for its fine craftsmanship and distinctive red gloss, typically created from the 1st century BCE until the 1st century CE. The presence of these imported sigillata fragments supports the initial dating of the Greek-style houses to the Hellenistic-Roman period.

The pottery assemblage includes fragments of small, decorated stone altars and cornices. Hellenistic practices of domestic worship often included a family or household deity with an altar within the home.

British military structures from 19411942, including a complex of 17 underground shelters linked by corridors, were also documented. The Battles of El Alamein were a series of pivotal defenses and counterattacks led by the British Army in holding off the German conquest of Egypt. After multiple defeats, it was the first real victory for the British Army, becoming a great strategic turning point of the war in Africa.

After conservation and some restoration efforts are complete, Darazya is expected to become a regional tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich historical tapestry.

More information: Rafa Czerner et al, Darazya at El Alamein: a Greco-Roman settlement against the backdrop of an important Second World War battle, Antiquity (2024). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.192 Journal information: Antiquity

 2024 Science X Network
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Motion sensing cameras were used to locate feral pigs. Credit: PIRSA

The Black Summer bushfires of 201920, that razed more than half of the landscape on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, left an indelible mark on the island's unique native biodiversity, which is still struggling to recover.

However, one big bonus for the environment's recovery is the likely eradication of feral pigs, say ecology and biosecurity experts from Flinders University and the State Government Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA).

Invasive feral pigs (Sus scrofa) cause a wide range of environmental, economic and social damages. In Australia, feral pigs occupy about 40% of the mainland and offshore islands, with a total, yet highly uncertain, population estimated at around 13.5 million.

Feral pigs are recognized as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, with impacts on at least 148 nationally threatened species and eight threatened ecological communities (Commonwealth of Australia 2017). They are a declared invasive species and are subject to control programs in all Australian jurisdictions.

In a new article published in journal Ecosphere, scientists from the Flinders University Global Ecology Lab and PIRSA give optimal strategies for culling feral pigs.

This could be helpful in Australia and wherever feral pigs are a major environmental problem, says lead author Peter Hamnett, a Ph.D. at Flinders University.

"Globally, feral pigs cause extensive damage to biodiversity and agricultural land and infrastructure, so successes like this one are extremely important," he says.

"As well as likely having eradicated pigs entirely, the success of the program was even more astounding when you consider its rough terrain and large sizeas Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island at 4,430 square kilometers."

Despite an estimated cost up to $40 billion a year for global management and economic losses of invasive species, reduction and eradication campaigns are often ad hoc, researchers say.

First introduced to the island in 1803, the feral pig population grew exponentially, mainly on the western end of the island where native flora and fauna attracts tourists from around the world. Despite sporadic eradication efforts, the annual cost to farming and the economy has run about $1 million.

Co-author Corey Bradshaw, Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University and the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, says, "This is an important result, particularly when many attempted eradications of invasive species are prone to fail. It also was well-timed after the fires on Kangaroo Island already reduced the pig population by about 90%."

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The program managed to kill 900 pigs in total, using the most advanced technology, including trapping and thermal imaging from helicopters. Follow-up monitoring is checking whether any pigs remain.

Major investment from the State, Commonwealth and other partners, totaling about $7 million, was another reason the Kangaroo Island program has been successful.

"The paper assesses the costs and techniques that led to success, which will help land managers to select the most cost-effective control methods in the future," says Hamnett.

"The method we applied will support decision-making in future feral animal eradication programs, allowing pest managers to identify the best control methods and estimate expenditure to achieve eradication in a realistic timeframe.

"More effective eradication strategies will give project investors, partners and local communities more confidence and, in turn, attract more support and help."

More information: Peter W. Hamnett et al, Stochastic population models to identify optimal and costeffective harvest strategies for feral pig eradication, Ecosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.70082 Journal information: Ecosphere
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The Vega-C rocket was grounded for two years while the nozzle of the Zefiro 40 rocket motor -- which caused the failure -- was redesigned.

The first launch of Europe's new Vega-C rocket since a failed flight two years ago has been rescheduled for Thursday after days of delays, according to the European Space Agency.

In December 2022, the first commercial flight of the lightweight Vega-C failed to reach orbit and lost two satellites, delivering a fresh blow to a continent already struggling to blast its missions into space.

The rocket was grounded for two years while the nozzle of the Zefiro 40 rocket motorwhich caused the failurewas redesigned.

Vega-C's return flight, carrying the Sentinel-1C satellite for the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation program, was initially scheduled for Tuesday from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

That launch was postponed by one day to allow for "additional checks on electrical connections in the upper stage" of the rocket, the ESA's space transportation director Toni Tolker-Nielsen said.

But hours before the launch, it was again delayed another 24 hours.

This time it was "due to a mechanical problem preventing the removal of the Vega-C mobile gantry," French space agency CNES said in a statement on Wednesday.

A gantry is a movable frame that supports the rocket on the launch pad.

Europe's Vega C light carrier rocket.

The next attempt to finally fire Vega-C off the ground is planned for 6:20 pm local time (2120 GMT) on Thursday, according to the ESA.

Earlier on Thursday, the ESA's Proba-3 mission to probe the Sun's outer atmosphere successfully launched on an Indian rocket.

Europe has struggled to find a way to independently launch missions since Russia withdrew its rockets in 2022 over the war in Ukraine.

Four years of delays to Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket compounded the issue, forcing the continent to turn to rivals such as Elon Musk's SpaceX.

However, the heavy-lift Ariane 6 had a successful first flight in July, offering some relief to European space efforts.

The lighter Vega-C was designed to send small satellites into low Earth orbit.

Its predecessor Vega had its last launch in September, placing more importance on Vega-C returning to active duty.

Four launches using Vega-C are planned for next year, followed by five more in 2026, Tolker-Nielsen said.

The Sentinel-1C satellite will use radar to monitor Earth's environment as part of the EU's Copernicus program to provide climate and other data to governments and businesses.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new study reveals how news and external uncertainties, like rising investor fear and geopolitical risks, affect the financial performance of airline companies. By analyzing airline equity returns, researchers found that some shocks have long-term effects while others are short-lived, highlighting the unique challenges facing the aviation industry.

The study published in Economics Letters uses advanced forecasting methods to analyze how external factors influence airline stock performance. It shows how rising investor fear is the most significant and long-lasting uncertainty affecting airline equity returns, while other factors like fuel costs and geopolitical risks have shorter-term impacts.

Dr. Scott Mahadeo, Senior Lecturer in Macroeconomics at the University of Portsmouth explained, "Airline firms are uniquely vulnerable to external shocks, from geopolitical tensions to climate policy changes. Our study shows that investors' fear has the most enduring negative effect on airline stocks. This insight is vital for financial planning in the industry, especially as it looks to navigate a future shaped by global uncertainties."

Key findings from the study include:

Rising investors' fear: The most pronounced impact on airline equity returns, with negative effects lasting up to a year.

Geopolitical risk: A short-lived but significant negative effect on stock performance, primarily within the first month.

Climate policy uncertainty: Surprisingly, a rise in uncertainty around climate policies positively impacts airline stocks in the short term, possibly reflecting investor confidence in airlines' ability to navigate policy changes.

Fuel price uncertainty: Initially reduces airline equity returns but can turn positive over time as airlines implement risk mitigation strategies.

Infectious disease outbreaks: Limited long-term impact on airline equities, with COVID-19 being a notable exception due to its unprecedented scale.

The research emphasizes the importance of diversifying strategies to manage these risks. Accelerating green transitions, for example, could help airlines reduce their exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and climate-related uncertainties.

For young investors and financial planners, the study provides valuable insights into how external shocks shape the aviation industry's financial landscape. It encourages future research to explore how news impacts airline stocks during stable versus volatile market conditions.

More information: Nicolas Blampied et al, Airline industry equities under external uncertainty shocks, Economics Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111994 Journal information: Economics Letters
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- In a signed article published by a Peruvian media outlet last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote about "small yet smart" livelihood programs, lauding their role in making the China-Peru "paisano friendship" more tangible and beneficial.

With Xi affirming that China is ready to launch more such projects, the positive effects are set to continue in Peru, where people endearingly refer to the Chinese people as "paisano," a local term meaning fellow countrymen.

From sharing agricultural technology to setting up vocational workshops, these seemingly small projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have already delivered huge benefits to many in partner countries with the care and support of Xi.

One small-yet-smart project features a Chinese "magic" grass that has taken root in countries like Papua New Guinea (PNG), where it improves barren soil and helps local farmers escape poverty.

Discovered by Chinese scientists, the wondrous grass -- or Juncao -- technology uses grass instead of timber as a substrate when growing mushrooms, making it more economical and environmentally friendly than conventional means.

When working in east China's Fujian Province more than two decades ago, Xi introduced the Juncao approach to a visiting provincial governor from PNG. Soon after, Xi dispatched the inventor of Juncao to the Pacific island country to provide on-site training for local farmers.

"After I became Chinese vice president, I continued to promote Juncao technology when visiting the South Pacific, Africa and South America," Xi said at a meeting on BRI construction in 2021.

He highlighted the role of BRI projects in improving people's well-being, saying small-yet-smart projects could deliver direct impacts on people.

"Projects on people's livelihood are an important way to rapidly boost the sense of fulfillment of people in Belt and Road partner countries. They could produce immediate and evident results," Xi said at the meeting.

Today, the Juncao technology is being applied in more than 100 countries, creating hundreds of thousands of green jobs for local people.

Luban Workshop, a Chinese vocational education program, is another small-yet-smart project that has enjoyed Xi's support.

While meeting Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh this September, Xi specifically mentioned the Luban Workshop in Djibouti -- the first one in Africa. He underlined joint efforts to ensure the sound operation of the workshop, expecting it to help cultivate more high-quality talent for the economic development of Djibouti.

Over the years, China has helped establish over 30 such workshops in countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, offering diploma-level training to nearly 10,000 students and vocational training to over 31,000 locals.

Other small-yet-smart projects have also prospered worldwide. In Mongolia, Chinese medical teams have helped more than 1,000 cataract patients regain their sight. In Ghana, Chinese bamboo weaving techniques are being used by local craftsmen to refine their handiwork and increase incomes.

These projects, designed to suit the local conditions, are evidence of how Belt and Road cooperation has helped address the pressing needs of local people. With the BRI ushering in a new golden decade, China is poised to bring about more palpable changes for people in partner countries.

China will carry out 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects, and enhance vocational education cooperation through Luban Workshops and other initiatives, Xi said at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last year.

"The Belt and Road development is not meant as empty rhetoric. It represents real work that could be seen and felt to bring real benefits to countries and regions involved," Xi once said. 
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new global study blames overfishing for a more than 50% decline in sharks and rays since 1970, but also shows a clear path to preventing their numbers dwindling further. James Cook University's Professor Colin Simpfendorfer was co-author of the analysis, published in the journal Science.

He said it reveals overfishing has caused populations of chondrichthyan fishessharks, rays, and chimeras (closely related to sharks)to decline by more than half in the past 50 years.

"In addition to intentional targeting and bycatch, the threat to sharks is compounded by habitat degradation, climate change and pollution. The result is over one-third of chondrichthyans now face the threat of extinction," said Professor Simpfendorfer.

Lead author Professor Nicholas K. Dulvy from Simon Fraser University in Canada said the study shows how declines first occurred in rivers, estuaries and nearshore coastal waters before spreading across the oceans and then down into the deep sea.

"The sequential depletion of the largest and most functionally important speciessuch as sawfishes and rhino rayswas followed by the decline of large stingrays, eagle rays, angel sharks, hammerheads and requiem sharks. Eventually, fisheries turned to deep water sharks and skates for the liver oil and meat trade," said Professor Dulvy.

Professor Simpfendorfer said despite the alarming trends, the analysis illuminates a clear path to a solution. "Nations can reduce the extinction risk by lowering fishing pressure to sustainable levels, strengthening fisheries governance, and eliminating harmful subsidies.

"Progress has already created bright spots of hope for chondrichthyans, including in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States, and parts of Europe and South Africa," he said.

Professor Simpfendorfer said chronic underassessment and undermanagement of fisheries is widespread, particularly in countries with weaker governance.

"Science-based fisheries catch limits and measures to minimize incidental catch, including spatial protections, are essential to ensure sustainability and to recover species to their ecological, social, and economic potential."

More information: Nicholas K. Dulvy et al, Ecological erosion and expanding extinction risk of sharks and rays, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn1477 Journal information: Science
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Details of the findings were published in leading science journal Nature.

A new artificial intelligence-based weather model can deliver 15-day forecasts with unrivaled accuracy and speed, a Google lab said, with potentially life-saving applications as climate change ramps up.

GenCast, invented by London-based AI research laboratory Google DeepMind, "showed better forecasting skill" than the current world-leading model, the company said Wednesday.

The European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) produces predictions for 35 countries and is considered the global benchmark for meteorological accuracy.

But DeepMind said GenCast surpassed the precision of the center's forecasts in more than 97 percent of the 1,320 real-world scenarios from 2019 which they were both tested on.

Details of its findings were published in Nature, a leading science journal.

ECMWF chief Florence Rabier told AFP the project was a "first step" towards integrating AI in weather forecasting but that "it is indeed a leap forward."

At this stage it can be used to supplement their current models, she said.

"We are progressing year by year," she added. "Any new method that can enhance and accelerate this progress is extremely welcome in the context of the extreme societal pressures of climate change."

Extreme weather

The model was trained on four decades of temperature, wind speed and air pressure data from 1979 to 2018 and can produce a 15-day forecast in just eight minutescompared to the hours it currently takes.

"GenCast provides better forecasts of both day-to-day weather and extreme events than the top operational system... up to 15 days in advance," a DeepMind statement said.

DeepMind said GenCast "consistently outperformed" the current leading forecast model when predicting extreme heat, extreme cold and high wind speeds.

"More accurate forecasts of risks of extreme weather can help officials safeguard more lives, avert damage, and save money," DeepMind said.

Extreme weather is becoming more common and more severe as a result of human caused climate change.

In August 2023, a series of wildfires in Hawaii killed around 100 people. Authorities were criticized by locals who said they were given no warning of the impending blaze.

This summer, a sudden heat wave in Morocco killed at least 21 people over a 24-hour period. And in September, Hurricane Helene killed 237 people in Florida and other southeastern US states.

"I am confident that AI-based weather forecasting systems will continue to incrementally improve in the future, including better prediction of extreme events and their intensity, for which there is a lot of need to improve upon," said David Schultz, a professor of synoptic meteorology at Manchester University, who was not involved in the research.

But he said these forecasting systems are reliant on the weather prediction models that are already running, such as that operated by ECMWF.

More information: Ilan Price et al, Probabilistic weather forecasting with machine learning, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08252-9 Journal information: Nature

 2024 AFP
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Baseline Differences Between Ethnic Studies-Enrolled and Nonenrolled Students. Credit: Developmental Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1037/dev0001850

High school students enrolled in ethnic studies develop the ability to think analytically about the causes of social inequalities, a University of Michigan study suggests.

The study found that students enrolled in ethnic studies experience significant growth in critical reflection, a core component of critical consciousness, which enables people to recognize and challenge systemic inequities. The findings are published in the journal Developmental Psychology.

Growth in critical reflection has been linked to academic success, civic engagement, improved well-being and support for equity-promoting policies.

"Taking ethnic studies courses was associated with positive changes in critical consciousness, more specifically critical reflection," said Matthew Diemer, a professor at U-M's Marsal Family School of Education. "Critical consciousness is linked to academic success, well-being and career attainment. Identifying school practices that foster critical consciousness supports positive outcomes in youth."

Despite legislative challenges to ethnic studies in more than 30 U.S. states, the research highlights its positive impacts, particularly for racially marginalized students who face systemic racism and oppression. Past research has shown that ethnic studies promote academic achievement among racially marginalized students.

The U-M study suggests that ethnic studies courses are not only valuable for individual growth but also serve as a tool for promoting equity and social justice in education.

The longitudinal, mixed-methods research involved 459 ninth-grade students from California, most of whom were students of color, predominantly Mexican or Mexican-American, and attending high-poverty schools. Researchers used a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess the impact of ethnic studies on youth development.

Lead researcher Andres Pinedo, a U-M alum now an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, highlighted the importance of this mixed-methods approach.

"This is one of the first studies on this topic to apply mixed methods," he said. "It sheds light on the potential mediating processes that explain why ethnic studies support students' academic success. Using a psychological lens to research ethnic studies, these results offer insights into how ethnic studies curricula facilitate student changes, which then benefit them in the longer term."

Beyond critical reflection, the study found students valued the content and teaching methods in ethnic studies classes, which emphasized cooperative learning and direct engagement with social justice issues. These approaches align with educational philosophies that argue students are most engaged when learning connects to real-world challenges and empowers them to drive change.

However, the study also uncovered a surprising decline in students' critical motivationthe drive to take action against inequalityas the school year progressed.

"I was personally most surprised to see that studentsboth those enrolled in ethnic studies and those who were notdeclined in their critical motivation," Pinedo said. "Students felt less motivated to do something to challenge inequality as the school year progressed. I expected to see growth in this motivation as we saw in critical reflection."

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Pinedo explained that this decline may be tied to the lack of opportunities for action within the students' communities.

"These students live in a rural community with little to no youth-serving activist organizations," he said. "So learning about deep-rooted inequalities without opportunities to do something about them may lower one's critical motivation."

This finding emphasizes the need to integrate opportunities for critical action into the curriculum, Pinedo said.

"We aim to clarify how students of different social identities with varying access to resources and opportunities respond to ethnic studies curricula," he said. "I am curious to learn more about how diverse youth respond to these consciousness-raising opportunities. Ultimately, we hope to continue shedding light on how to support students' development of critical consciousness."

More information: Andres Pinedo et al, Ethnic studies and student development: Cultivating racially marginalized adolescents' critical consciousness., Developmental Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1037/dev0001850 Journal information: Developmental Psychology
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Credit: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

The thought of illegal drug sales evokes images of deals done on shady street corners. But a new study from Case Western Reserve University exposes a critical but underreported element of the illegal drug market: so-called "peer-brokered" sales.

Peer-brokered sales, in which people buy drugs for others within their social circles and take a cuteither as a share of the drugs or money by inflating the priceplay a widespread and vital role in the distribution of illegal substances, according to the new study.

The research, recently published in the journal Contemporary Drug Problems, was based on a survey of 241 active drug users in Ohio. Instead of buying drugs directly from dealers, many users rely on friends or peersoften referred to as brokersto buy drugs for them.

The study found that 71% of respondents had brokered a drug transaction in the past month, and 90% had done so at some point. On average, brokers bought drugs from four different sellers and acted as intermediaries for seven buyers.

The findings challenge the conventional view of drug markets as isolated transactions, highlighting the importance of social networks in facilitating access to illegal substances, said Lee Hoffer, associate professor of anthropology at Case Western Reserve University's College of Arts and Sciences and the study's co-author.

"Brokering reshapes the way we think about drug markets," said Hoffer, who was joined in the research by Allison Schlosser, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. "Instead of isolated sellers and buyers, we see interconnected networks of people exchanging drugs in a way that can drive demand and expand access."

The study also examined the motivation of brokering, with 84% of brokers using drugs themselves. Nearly half admitted to inflating prices or skimming a portion of the drugs. For many brokers, these exchanges allow them to obtain drugs for free, further complicating traditional approaches to drug-market regulation.

The consequence of peer-brokered sales, Hoffer said, is that it challenges conventional approaches to attacking the illegal drug trade.

"Attempts at supply-and-demand reduction, such as law-enforcement crackdowns, have not proven effective," he said. "We need new strategies that focus on understanding and addressing the social networks that drive the market."

The study, which also includes input from syringe-service programs in Ohio, identifies the need for a more comprehensive approach to drug-market interventionone that incorporates the role of peer brokers.

Hoffer said that, as new drugs emerge and drug-use patterns shift, understanding these networks will be crucial for policymakers hoping to disrupt drug-trafficking.

"If we want more effective public-health strategies, we need to gain a more robust idea of how drug-brokering plays a role," Hoffer said.

More information: Lee Hoffer et al, The Frequency and Characteristics of Brokered Illegal Drug Sales: Reconceptualizing Illegal Drug Markets and Measuring Local Demand, Contemporary Drug Problems (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00914509241289085
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Self-Enhancement and ExplorationNotes. This figure reports the level of exploration (measured as change) over time for blocks of five decisions. Panel (a) reports exploration in the HPP condition separated out by high self-enhancers (61 participants) and low self-enhancers (57 participants). Panel (b) reports exploration in the LPP condition separated out by high self-enhancers (59 participants) and low self-enhancers (55 participants). The error bars reflect the 95% confidence intervals. (a) HPP. (b) LPP. Credit: Organization Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2021.15676

More and more companies are gathering performance data on their employees and sharing that data among their staff. Their hope: that those employees who receive feedback that their own performance is lower than their colleagues' will be more motivated to change the way they work and are more motivated to explore. But is this approach truly effective and sensible? In a new study, experts from KLU (Kuhne Logistics University), the HEC Paris, and the University of Southern Denmark take a closer look.

The study is published in the journal Organization Science.

In an experiment, participants were provided information on their colleagues' performance. Some received information from one other person that normally performed above or below average. The point of this additional information is not to rank employees, or to punish or reward them. Rather, the idea is to give people in the experiment the chance to assess their own performance in comparison to others and make better choices on that basis.

"The assumption is that especially those employees who aren't currently performing as well will reexamine how they go about their workand ideally, find new and creative solutions," says Prof. Franziska Lauenstein. "But that's not always what happens. Our study shows that, when this information is provided, the majority of participants keep doing things the way they always have. If you're looking to boost efficiency, that can be a good thing; if you're after future-proof solutions instead, it can be counterproductive."

Positive self-image influences responses to feedback

Why do the majority continue with business as usual? On the one hand, those participants whose performance is better than that of their peers have very little incentive to change strategies. On the other, those participants who receive negative feedback often ignore it or reinterpret it into something positive. This response depends on whether or not they tend to have a positive self-image and to engage in "self-enhancement."

"Individuals who tend to self-enhance look for positive affirmations of their self-image and ignore or reinterpret negative feedback," Lauenstein explains. "For instance, they focus on the fact that their own performance improved, even if it was poor compared to others. In many real-world situations, this can be helpful."

Creating the right framework conditions

Is information on coworkers' performance poorly suited as a motivating management tool? "Providing performance data offers staff an excellent opportunity to make better choices on their own. But it's important to create the right setting first," says Lauenstein.

For instance, when being informed that other employees are outperforming them can endanger their own self-image, employees shy away from this comparison. And those employees already delivering good performance feel confident in continuing with business as usual, since they're doing better than their peers.

"As a result, this can even lead to less exploration of new ideas throughout the company as a whole," says Lauenstein.

"As such, companies have to ensure that the information can be seen as an opportunity for staff to learn from others and improve their own performance. Then it can produce positive effects and foster innovation." For example, employees should receive this information directly, not in front of others. In addition, there should be little competition in the working environment.

"Then providing performance data can be a helpful tool, particularly for companies that want to give their employees information as the basis for making their own decisions, rather than micro-managing them or giving strict instructions," Lauenstein concludes.

More information: Franziska Lauenstein et al, How Mixed Performance Feedback Shapes Exploration: The Moderating Role of Self-Enhancement, Organization Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2021.15676 Journal information: Organization Science
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Ecological conditions that affect the pks island gene transcription in the colon and urinary tract. Credit: The Lancet Microbe (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101015; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666524724002830

Certain intestinal bacteria are found more frequently in countries such as Norway than in a number of other countries and there is also a higher incidence of bladder cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. These findings may lead to new opportunities for preventing these types of cancer, according to a new study.

Previous studies have shown that a toxin produced by certain bacteria in order to dominate inside the intestine, causes damage to healthy cells and increases the risk of developing bowel cancer.

In a new study, scientists examined the incidence of bladder, colon, rectal and prostate cancer and compared this to the prevalence of two toxin-producing E. coli bacteria in the countries concerned. E. coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections and bacterial infections in the bloodstream worldwide.

Norway has a higher incidence of bladder cancer and colorectal cancer compared with many other countries.

"In the course of the study, we also found that the prevalence of these two E. coli bacteria was higher in Norway. When we compared equivalent data from several different countries, we discovered a clear pattern: the fewer of these E. coli bacteria that circulate in the population, the lower the incidence of these types of cancer, and vice versa," explains Jukka Corander, professor at the Department of Biostatistics at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, UiO, and leader of the study recently published in The Lancet Microbe.

In recent years, intense research has been carried out internationally on the link between the toxin produced by these bacteria, called colibactin, and several types of cancer. The research was initiated after groundbreaking studies revealed that colibactin damages DNA in intestinal cells and scientists produced models of intestinal organs and saw that the toxin-producing E. coli resulted in cancer in the models.

In this new study, carried out in collaboration with scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Helsinki, the team used a new method of analysis, developed by the research scientist Tommi Maklin, in collaboration with Corander.

The scientists discovered that a certain subtype of E. coli had developed a stable relationship with these harmful colibactin-producing genes several centuries ago. The E. coli bacteria then began to use this toxin to eliminate its competitors and gain a dominant position in the human intestine. But this development did not occur evenly in all parts of the world.

"We have data representing genetic material from 50,000 E. coli samples gathered from four continents. When we studied these, we saw that the ability to produce the toxin is very limited and is primarily found in two particular genotypes of E. coli bacteria. Both of these circulate frequently in Norway and they are also the main genotypes causing infections in the bloodstream in our country.

"In contrast, these genotypes of bacteria are rarely found in countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh," says Corander.

The scientists involved in this study have therefore put forward a number of hypotheses on which ecological conditions drive these unwanted bacterial families away from certain population groups.

The possibilities for developing vaccines or favorable microorganisms

Corander believes that if scientists can succeed in developing vaccines against the harmful type of E. coli that produces colibactin, or a form of probiotics, this would result in notable public health benefits. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, taken in the right dosage, can be beneficial for the host's health via alteration of the gut microbiome. The idea is that these measures could eliminate the unwanted colibactin-producing bacteria from the intestines.

"If we can develop a vaccine that helps the body to combat these two types of E. coli, we hope that we can substantially reduce the incidence of infections and cut down on the use of antibiotics. And not least, we can potentially reduce the risk of getting bladder, colon and rectal cancer and perhaps also some prostate cancer," he says.

More information: Tommi Maklin et al, Geographical variation in the incidence of colorectal cancer and urinary tract cancer is associated with population exposure to colibactin-producing Escherichia coli, The Lancet Microbe (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101015. www.sciencedirect.com/science/  ii/S2666524724002830 Journal information: The Lancet Microbe
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Receptor binding site of the A/Texas/37/2024 hemagglutinin Leu226 mutant (yellow) in complex with the human receptor analog LSTc (cyan). Credit: Scripps Research

Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus?

A study led by scientists at Scripps Research reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 "bird flu" virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus' ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of passing from person to person.

The findingspublished in Science on December 5, 2024highlight the need to monitor H5N1's evolution.

Currently, there are no documented cases of H5N1 transmitting between people: bird flu cases in humans have been linked to close contact with contaminated environments as well as infected birds (including poultry), dairy cows and other animals. However, public health officials are concerned about the potential for the virus to evolve to transmit efficiently between humans, which could lead to a new, potentially deadly pandemic.

The flu virus attaches to its host via a protein called hemagglutinin that binds to glycan receptors on the surfaces of host cells. Glycans are chains of sugar molecules on cell surface proteins that can act as binding sites for some viruses. Avian (bird) influenza viruses like H5N1 primarily infect hosts with sialic acid-containing glycan receptors found in birds (avian-type receptors).

While the viruses rarely adapt to humans, if they evolve to recognize sialylated glycan receptors found in people (human-type receptors), they could gain the ability to infect and possibly transmit between humans.

"Monitoring changes in receptor specificity (the way a virus recognizes host cells) is crucial because receptor binding is a key step toward transmissibility," says Ian Wilson, DPhil, co-senior author and the Hansen Professor of Structural Biology at Scripps Research. "That being said, receptor mutations alone don't guarantee that the virus will transmit between humans."

Past cases in which avian viruses adapted to infect and transmit between people required multiple mutations, usually at least three. But for the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain (A/Texas/37/2024) isolated from the first human infection with a bovine H5N1 virus in the United States, researchers found that just a single amino acid mutation in the hemagglutinin could switch specificity to binding human-type receptors.

Here, bovine refers to the species of dairy cows that were the immediate source of the virus for the human infection. Importantly, the mutation wasn't introduced into the whole virusonly the hemagglutinin protein to study its receptor-binding properties.

For their study, the research team introduced several mutations into the H5N1 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin protein that had been involved in receptor specificity changes in previous avian viruses.

These mutations were selected to mimic genetic changes that could occur naturally. When the team assessed the impact of one of these mutations, Q226L, on the virus' ability to bind to human-type receptors, they found that that mutation significantly improved how the virus attached to glycan receptors, which represent those found in human cells.

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"The findings demonstrate how easily this virus could evolve to recognize human-type receptors," says first author Ting-Hui Lin, a postdoctoral associate at Scripps Research. "However, our study doesn't suggest that such evolution has occurred or that the current H5N1 virus with only this mutation would be transmissible between humans."

Instead, the research team focused on understanding how natural mutations, like Q226L, could arise and what their impact might be.

To investigate the potential mutations that could enable the H5N1 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin to attach to human receptors, the team used advanced binding assays in collaboration with the lab of co-senior author James Paulson, Ph.D., the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Chair of Chemistry at Scripps Research.

These assays, which are tests to mimic how well a virus attaches to a cell, allowed the researchers to precisely track how the altered H5N1 hemagglutinin interacted with human-type receptors.

"Our experiments revealed that the Q226L mutation could significantly increase the virus' ability to target and attach to human-type receptors," explains Paulson. "This mutation gives the virus a foothold on human cells that it didn't have before, which is why this finding is a red flag for possible adaptation to people."

The shift alone, however, may not be enough to enable human-to-human transmission. Other genetic changessuch as mutations in polymerase basic 2 (E627K) that enhance viral replication and stability in human cellswould likely be necessary for the virus to spread efficiently among people.

Nevertheless, given the rising number of H5N1 human cases stemming from direct contact with infected animals, the findings highlight the need for proactive surveillance of evolution in H5N1 and similar avian flu strains. While there's no immediate cause for alarm, the researchers stress that even a single mutation that changes how H5N1 binds to human cells shouldn't be overlooked.

"Continuing to track genetic changes as they happen will give us an edge in preparing for signs of increased transmissibility," adds Wilson. "This type of research helps us understand what mutations to watch for and how to respond appropriately."

More information: Ting-Hui Lin et al, A single mutation in bovine influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin switches specificity to human receptors, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adt0180. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt0180 Journal information: Science
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Credit: Jan van der Wolf from Pexels

Just days out from the United States presidential election last month, X (formerly Twitter) suddenly crippled the ability of many major media and political organizations to reach audiences on the social media platform.

Without warning, the platform, under tech billionaire Elon Musk's stewardship, announced major changes to the main pathway these organizations use to disseminate content. This pathway is known as the application programming interface, or API. The changes meant users of the free tier API would be limited to 500 posts per monthor roughly 15 per day.

This had a huge impact on news media outlets, including The Conversationespecially with one of the biggest political events in the world just around the corner. It meant software programs designed to quickly and easily share stories wouldn't work and newsrooms had to scramble to post stories manually.

In turn, it also had a huge impact on the public's ability to access high quality, independent news at a time when there was a flood of polarizing fake news and deepfakes on X and other social media platforms.

But this is just one example of how social media companies are throttling public access to quality news content, which research has shown is a proven antidote to the insidious effect of misinformation and disinformation. If this trend continues, the implications for democracy will be severe.

The backend of online communication

An API acts like a service corridor between websites and other internet services such as apps. Just like your computer has a keyboard and mouse at the front, then a series of sockets at the back, APIs are the backend that different websites and services use to communicate with each other.

An example of an API in action is the weather updates on your phone, where your device interacts with the API of some meteorology service to request temperatures or wind speeds.

Access to social media APIs has also been essential for news companies. They use APIs to publish stories across their various platforms at key intervals during the day.

For instance, The Conversation might publish a story on X, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky all at the same time through an automated process that uses APIs.

Journalists and researchers can also use APIs to download collections of posts to identify and analyze bot attacks and misinformation, study communities and understand political polarization.

My own research on political behaviors online is one such example of a study that relied on this data access.

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APIpocalypse

API restrictionssuch as those suddenly imposed by X before the US presidential electionlimit what goes in and what comes out of a platform, including news.

Making matters worse, Meta has removed the News Tab on Facebook, replaced the CrowdTangle analytics tool with another system that is less open to journalists and academics, and appears to have reduced the recommendation of news on the platforms.

X also seems to have reduced the reach of posts including links to news sites, starting in 2023.

After once being open and free, Reddit's APIs are also essentially inaccessible now without expensive commercial licenses.

The net result is that it is getting harder and harder for the public to access high quality, independent and nonpartisan news on social media. It is also getting harder and harder for journalists and researchers to monitor communities and information on social media platforms.

As others have said, we really are living through an "APIpocalypse".

The exact effect of this on any of the 74 national elections around the world this year is unclear.

And the harder it is to access APIs, the harder it will be to find out.

A public hunger for quality news

Research suggests there has been renewed diversification in the social media sector. This will likely continue with the recent explosion of X clones such as Bluesky in the aftermath of the US presidential election.

News organizations are capitalizing on this by expanding their profile on these emerging social media platforms. In addition, they are also focusing more on email newsletters to reach their audience directly.

There is an enormous public hunger for reliable and trustworthy information. We know that globally people value quality, nonpartisan news. In fact, they want more of it.

This should give news media outlets hope. It should also inspire them to rely less on a few monolithic tech companies that have no incentive to provide the public with trustworthy information, and continue investing in new ways to reach their audiences.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research finds that claims of cultural appropriation target the powerful without really challenging the status quo.

Elvis Presley may have been the king of rock 'n' roll, but he didn't invent it. His influences included country music and pop crooners as well as Black artists like Arthur Crudup, B.B. King, Fats Domino, and Little Richard, and the gospel music he loved as a kid in rural Mississippi.

Years later, critics would lambaste Presley for "stealing" Black music and profiting from it in ways not open to the pioneers of R&B. But when he waggled onto the scene in the late '50s, few people spoke of cultural theft. In the eyes of segregationists, Elvis' sin was corrupting white youths with vulgar "race music."

The history of humanity is one of adopting, borrowing, and straight-up lifting languages, cuisines, music, religions, and innovations from other cultures. Yet the notion of cultural appropriation is fairly recent: The term emerged in the 1990s to describe the idea that people from one culture should not take something from another without permission.

To Amir Goldberg, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a sociologist by training, the most interesting question about this concept isn't what constitutes cultural theft or whether the borrowing is objectively wrong. It's why some people are perceived as appropriating cultural practices they have no right to.

For not everyone is. Hilaria (nee Hillary) Baldwin, the wife of actor Alec Baldwin, was pilloried on social media for giving her children Spanish names and sometimes affecting a Spanish accent, though she has no Hispanic heritage. Comedian Whoopi Goldberg, on the other hand, never faced much backlash for adopting a Jewish surname, despite her lack of Jewish ancestry.

Amir Goldberg (no relation), along with Abraham Oshotse, Ph.D. '23, of Emory University and Yael Berda of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, thought the differences might be related to the status of the people involved. While social status usually confers greater privileges, it seemed to have the opposite effect here.

"Crossing cultural boundaries seemed to be viewed as more transgressive when the borrower belonged to a more powerful group than the one they drew from," Oshotse says.

Borrowing privileges

To test this idea, the researchers made up 16 hypothetical scenarios of cultural borrowing. Each had two versions, where the only difference was the identity of the borrower or what was being borrowed. For example, a vignette about a white musician alternately described him performing country or blues music. In another, an Asian American man adopts the persona of a gangsta rapper or a New England preppy.

These scenarios were presented to test subjects, who were asked whether they disapproved of the cultural borrowing and, if so, how much. The results, published in the American Sociological Review, were as predicted: People were more offended when the taker was wealthier or belonged to an advantaged social group. Since the action itself was the same, this ruled out the possibility that people were simply unsettled by the blurring of cultural categories. Clearly, the particulars mattered.

"Race was a big divider," Goldberg says, "which isn't surprising in America. A white guy who became a rapper got far more hate than a Black guy who became a country musician."

And for borrowers of any ethnicity, the outrage was greater when they were wealthy. In a scenario where a white man donned a kaffiyeh as a fashion accessory, participants were less upset if he was described as working-class rather than affluent.

It also mattered whether the borrowers had immersed themselves in the culture they were borrowing from. In the case of a non-Jewish couple who used Jewish rituals in their wedding, respondents were more indulgent when told that the couple had often attended weddings of Jewish friends as opposed to gaining their inspiration from videos.

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Taxing cultural consumers

In the past, Oshotse notes, people with higher status enforced cultural borders to keep lower-status people at a distance. Yet recently, that script has been flipped. "Cultural appropriation seems to be characterized by the erection and maintenance of a boundary to exclude higher-status actors from lower-status culture," he says.

Goldberg thinks the idea of cultural appropriation is a reaction to "cultural omnivorousness," a new form of high-status consumption where elites adopt tastes from beyond their milieu. The reason it gives offense, he suggests, is that people are extracting cachet from another culture even as they devalue it.

"A well-off couple can buy African masks to display in their minimalist New York flat without knowing about the people who made them," he says. "By signaling to dinner guests that they're sophisticated and cosmopolitan, they elevate their own social standing while reducing ritual objects to exotic tchotchkes. They mean no harm, but it is, at the very least, oblivious."

The idea of extracting value from culture portrays it as a kind of intangible propertycultural capital, if you willthat outsiders must pay to use. Not in cash, but perhaps through years of study and immersion or perhaps hardship. Extending the metaphor of social borders, the researchers call this "cultural tariffing."

The need to "earn" access can be seen in the real-life reactions to white rappers Eminem and Macklemore, Goldberg says. "It was easier for Eminem to gain credibility because he had a tough childhood."

Macklemore came from the suburbs, and though he loved hip-hop, honored the OGs, and felt he could say something real, that wasn't enough for some gatekeepers. (The artist has rapped about this tension in his song "White Privilege II": "You've exploited and stolen the music, the moment The culture was never yours to make better You're Elvis.")

A crash of symbols

Accusations of theft don't always come from members of the cultures drawn upon. In Goldberg's study, the strongest disapproval came from educated white, Jewish, and Asian Americans. In general, Black, Native American, and Arab participants were not more disapproving than whites, and Latinos were the least bothered by the scenarios of cultural borrowing.

So what's driving the criticism? "I think it's liberals saying, in effect, 'Our society is unfair and unequal, so we should at least let people keep their cultural capital,'" Goldberg says. Imposing cultural tariffs on borrowers who are perceived as more powerful or privileged provides a symbolic redistribution of powerwithout actually challenging the status quo.

"Symbolic redistribution is easy," Goldberg says. "Affluent whites aren't offering restitution for slavery. I don't see anyone returning their land to Native Americans. Instead, the implicit deal is that we keep the land but we don't let our children dress up as Indians for Halloween."

That charges of appropriation are a relatively recent phenomenon doesn't mean earlier generations were not bothered by seeing elements of their cultures adopted by more privileged groups. "I don't know what people felt," Goldberg says, "but they didn't have the nomenclature of cultural appropriation to legitimize their anger and translate it into political rhetoric."

More information: Abraham Oshotse et al, Cultural Tariffing: Appropriation and the Right to Cross Cultural Boundaries, American Sociological Review (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00031224231225665 Journal information: American Sociological Review
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

SpaceX set a new standard for its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday using a first-stage booster for a record 24th time.

The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40 at 5:13 a.m. Eastern time, carrying another 24 Starlink satellites headed for low-Earth orbit.

The booster became the first in the SpaceX fleet to hit 24 launches, and it made a successful recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.

It marked the 86th rocket launch from the Space Coast in 2024, with all but five coming from SpaceX.

The record-setting booster first flew June 3, 2021 on the CRS-22 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the International Space Station. It notably flew both the Crew-3 and Crew-4 human spaceflight missions to the ISS as well.

The boosters for the first four SpaceX human spaceflight missions have all been destroyed. The booster used for the historic first trip with crew on boardthe Demo-2 flight in 2020 that was also the lone booster with a NASA logo on itmade 19 flights, but toppled over on the droneship during rough seas with most of the hardware falling into the ocean.

The booster SpaceX used for both Crew-1 and Crew-2, which also debuted in 2020, made 23 flights before its final mission to send the European Space Agency's Hera probe to a distant asteroid. That October launch this year required a full burn from the booster, leaving no fuel for a recovery attempt, so it was lost in the Atlantic.

Also lost was the booster used for both the Inspiration4 mission with billionaire Jared Isaacman, which flew in 2021, followed by 2022's first Axiom Space commercial mission to the space station. That booster flew 23 times, but blew up on its final landing attempt this past August.

SpaceX has three other active boosters with at least 20 launches, which were originally designed for just 10 reflights each.

In April this year, the company announced it was working toward qualifying boosters for 40 missions.

"Increasing Falcon's flight count provides valuable information on repeated reuse, a critical element for making life multiplanetary with Starship," the company posted on X.

To date, the company has recovered its boosters 378 times since the first successful landing in 2015. It has now reflown boosters 349 times.

Wednesday's mission was the 120th Falcon 9 flight of 2024 from among SpaceX's three pads in Florida and California, on top of two Falcon Heavy launches from KSC this year. The company has also flown its in-development Starship and Super Heavy on four missions from its Texas launch site.

The company has another Falcon 9 flight for Starlink planned from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base late Wednesday night, then another Space Coast launch lined up for late Thursday morning from Kennedy Space Center.

The Sirius XM-9 mission is targeting liftoff from KSC's Launch Pad 39-A during a window from 11:10 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. with a backup on Friday from 11:10 a.m. to 1:08 p.m.

Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a better than 95% chance for good conditions on Thursday, which drops to 75% if delayed until Friday.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The VI Transatlantic Summit, organized by the Political Network for Values (PNfV), convened 300 political and civic leaders from 45 countries at the Senate of Spain to unveil the Madrid Commitment, a global initiative outlining an agenda for action on freedom, family, and the culture of life for the next decade.

Our Transatlantic Summit, more than a meeting, is a call to action, said Stephen Bartulica, Croatian MEP and the newly appointed president of PNfV. Speeches are not enough; we must act in a global and increasingly coordinated manner to ensure that the dignity of every human being is respected at all stages of development.

The Madrid Commitment outlines the following proposals:

Defend human dignity and life from conception to natural death, ensuring the freedom to peacefully express convictions.

Advocate for legislation and policies that strengthen family formation and stability.

Promote a culture that celebrates life and values the family.

Encourage governments to adopt the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which supports women's health and respects life.

Reaffirm the original interpretation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the foundation for a global alliance for life and freedom.

The document received endorsements from delegations representing countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, among others.

The Secretary of Religion of Argentina, Nahuel Sotelo, highlighted the importance of active participation in international organizations: At the UN, there are countless resolutions being voted on that talk about gender, abortion, and patriarchy, but they do not address the family. We have to pressure our governments to be aware of what is being voted on.

Bartulica added, We must fight in the arena of politics, but winning elections is not enough. It is culture that will ultimately determine the fate of our nations.

During the summit, Bartulica assumed the presidency of PNfV, succeeding Jose Antonio Kast, whose leadership was notable for strengthening the network and expanding its global impact. Bartulica, an academic and politician with experience in the European Parliament, will guide the organization's efforts in this new phase.

The summit was made possible through the support of international organizations such as The Heritage Foundation and Family Watch International, among others.

The Madrid Commitment aims to establish itself as a key tool for coordinating global efforts in defense of Christian principles and universal values, reaffirming that family and life are fundamental pillars for the well-being of nations.

Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
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Dave Brockhurst at the site where the tyrannosaur and raptor teeth were discovered. Credit: Dave Brockhurst

Research led by the University of Southampton has revealed that several groups of meat-eating dinosaurs stalked the Bexhill-on-Sea region of coastal East Sussex 135 million years ago.

The study, published 5 December 2024 in Papers in Palaeontology, discovered a whole community of predators belonging to different dinosaur groupsincluding tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs and members of the Velociraptor family.

It's the first time tyrannosaurs have been identified in sediments of this age and region.

"Meat-eating dinosaursproperly called theropodsare rare in the Cretaceous sediments of southern England," said Dr. Chris Barker, visiting researcher at the University of Southampton and lead author of the research.

"Usually, Isle of Wight dinosaurs attract most of our attention. Much less is known about the older Cretaceous specimens recovered from sites on the mainland."

Dinosaur teeth

The new Bexhill-on-Sea dinosaurs are represented by teeth alone.

Theropod teeth are complex, and vary in size, shape, and in the anatomy of their serrated edges. The University of Southampton team used several techniques to analyze the fossils, including phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning methods, teaming up with colleagues at London's Natural History Museum, the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, and the Museo Miguel Lillo De Ciencias Naturales in Argentina.

An Early Cretaceous floodplain in southeastern England, 135 million years ago: a spinosaur (center) takes over the carcass of an ornithopod, much to the annoyance of the smaller tyrannosaurs (left) and dromaeosaurids (bottom right). UK. Credit: Anthony Hutchings.

"Dinosaur teeth are tough fossils and are usually preserved more frequently than bone. For that reason, they're often crucial when we want to reconstruct the diversity of an ecosystem", says Dr. Barker.

"Rigorous methods exist that can help identify teeth with high accuracy. Our results suggest the presence of spinosaurs, mid-sized tyrannosaurs and tiny dromaeosaursVelociraptor-like theropodsin these deposits".

The discovery of tyrannosaurs is particularly notable, since the group hasn't previously been identified in sediments of this age and region. These tyrannosaurs would have been around a third of the size of their famous cousin Tyrannosaurus rex, and likely hunted small dinosaurs and other reptiles in their floodplain habitat.

"Assigning isolated teeth to theropod groups can be challenging, especially as many features evolve independently among different lineages. This is why we employed various methods to help refine our findings, leading to more confident classifications," says Lucy Handford, co-author of the paper and former University of Southampton Master's student, who is now undertaking a Ph.D. at the University of York.

"It's highly likely that reassessment of theropod teeth in museum stores elsewhere will bring up additional discoveries."

CT scan of an indeterminate tyrannoraptoran. Credit: University of Southampton

Discovery at Ashdown Brickworks

The tireless collecting of retired quarryman Dave Brockhurst, who has spent the last 30 years uncovering fossils from Ashdown Brickworks, was key to the discovery.

Dave has uncovered thousands of specimens, ranging from partial dinosaur skeletons to tiny shark teeth. Around 5,000 of his discoveries have already been donated to Bexhill Museum. Theropods are exceptionally rare at the site, and Dave has only found ten or so specimens there so far.

"As a child I was fascinated by dinosaurs and never thought how close they could be," says Mr. Brockhurst. "Many years later I started work at Ashdown and began looking for fossils. I'm happy with tiny fish scales or huge thigh bones, although the preservation of the dinosaur teeth really stands out for me."

Exciting find

Dr. Darren Naish, a co-author of the study, added, "Southern England has an exceptionally good record of Cretaceous dinosaurs, and various sediment layers here are globally unique in terms of geological age and the fossils they contain.

Discovered teeth of (a) spinosaur, (b) tyrannosaur, (c) dromaeosaur, (d) possible tyrannosaur, (e) indeterminate tyrannoraptoran - the group containing tyrannosaurs and dromaeosaurs (Velociraptor and kin). Credit: Barker et al (2024)

"These East Sussex dinosaurs are older than those from the better-known Cretaceous sediments of the Isle of Wight, and are mysterious and poorly known by comparison. We've hoped for decades to find out which theropod groups lived here, so the conclusions of our new study are really exciting."

Dr. Neil Gostling, also from the University of Southampton, supervised the project. He said, "This project shows that museum collections, curators, and collectors are vital for pushing forward our understanding of the diversity of dinosaurs, and other extinct groups. We're also very thankful to Ashdown Brickworks for their cooperation in preserving the quarry's important paleontological heritage.

"200 years after the naming of the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, there are still really big discoveries to be made. Dinosaur paleobiology is alive and well."

Several of the specimens are on display at Bexhill Museum in East Sussex.

More information: Chris T. Barker et al, Theropod dinosaur diversity of the lower English Wealden: analysis of a toothbased fauna from the Wadhurst Clay Formation (Lower Cretaceous: Valanginian) via phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning methods, Papers in Palaeontology (2024). DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1604 Journal information: Papers in Palaeontology
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The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged Kenyans to exercise their democratic right to recall underperforming Members of Parliament, expose and reject corrupt leaders and demand for people-focused reforms.

The 8-point letter addressed the people of Kenya calling on the citizens to arise and shape your future destiny. Read by Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno, the Chair of NCCK and its Secretary General Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui on December 3, 2024, the councils Executive Committee expressed concern on the increased abductions of civilians and human rights defenders.

Rev. Otieno said the constitutional and legal framework in Kenya is under attack and that lies and falsehoods have been elevated to the point where no one knows what to believe any more.

While NCCK said the statement was a Pastoral Letter to the people of Kenya, the blunt assessment of the state of the nation addressed the leadership of the country which the council accused of perpetuating a culture of lies and corruption to rise and hold on to power.

The situation in our country is the direct result of our tendency, as the people of Kenya, to listen to and believe the narratives peddled by persons seeking to rise to or hold onto political leadership. These narratives are often premised on lies and falsehoods. We appeal to you, Brothers and Sisters, to be seekers of truth, said Rev. Otieno.

NCCK encouraged the citizens to recall MPs, some who had become spanner boys of the executive branch of the government used to pass unpopular laws instead of representing the people. Citing the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the council encouraged voters to exercise their democratic rights by collecting signatures and commence the process of recalling the Members of Parliament who are not performing as per your requirements and demands.

To facilitate this process, the council demanded that the political class reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the body mandated to carry out the elections and the removal of leaders. Rev. Otieno said that the refusal to reconstitute the IEBC is a major insult to the people of Kenya and an attack on who we are as a nation.

The government has faced citizen pushback on some of the laws and policies that have been enacted with the help of MPs. The most pronounced of these pushbacks is the Finance Bill 2024, which aimed to increase taxes, and sparked widespread demonstrations in June and July in Kenya. The youth-led protests started as an online opposition to the bill through the #RejectFinanceBill2024 hashtag, but spread to the streets thanks to Kenyan GenZs who used social media to mobilize and lead the protests.

NCCK also demanded the withdrawal and immediate suspension of the Social Health Insurance Fund which came into effect on October 1, 2024 but has faced several implementation issues. Rev. Otieno said that Kenyans need to hold the legislatures accountable for hurriedly passing the bills in parliament while knowing full well that they were going to cause suffering in the nation.

The council also put the lawmakers to task for introducing and passing laws that would change the electoral framework and at least 9 agriculture-related bills that would radically change food production in the country by, for example, criminalizing reuse of seeds by farmers.

The statement from NCCK, an authoritative body representing over 50 Christian churches and organisations including the Anglican Church of Kenya, Methodist Church of Kenya, Coptic Orthodox Church, the Salvation Army among others, is the latest exchange between the State and the Church. The Church has become increasingly vocal and direct on issues of governance, accountability and human rights since the Gen Z protests.

This comes after Kenyas youthful population challenged the Church to disassociate itself with politicians and to be the voice of voiceless during the June protests. Different Christian bodies then admitted that the Church in Kenya had an unhealthy relationship with politicians and affirmed the right of young people to peacefully demonstrate against bad governance and injustice.

President William Ruto, an evangelical, came into power in August 2022 with the help of a strong support base from Christians across different religious groups. Two years down the road, however, he appears to have fallen out of favour with the Church.

The influential Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) released a hard-hitting letter mid-November where Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo reiterated that the Catholic Church would return the $45,000 donated and pledged by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and President Ruto during a Church service.

According to Archbishop Anyolo, these actions were in line with both Church policy and the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, which requires individuals seeking to raise funds publicly to obtain a permit.

He emphasized that political donations violated these directives and the law. Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17, are in violation of these directives and the law. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors, the statement read.

NCCKs statement aligned with the Catholic Bishops stand on financial contribution from politicians encouraging Kenyans to reject contributions by political leaders and their appointees knowing that most of the money given is stolen taxes. Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, reading the NCCK statement, said that while politicians and state officers are free to worship and give offering just like other congregants, the Church will not allow the pulpit to be used for self-promotion and self-marketing insisting that politicians will not be allowed to address the congregation inside the Church.

On its part, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya called on the government to organise a national convention to deliberate on the pressing issues of healthcare, education, corruption and electoral reforms. EAK Chairman Phillip Kitoto proposed that the president should gazette the National Restoration Convention to allow the country to converge, converse and reset the country and nation on a firm value-based foundation.
Sagarmatha Network Pvt. Ltd. is the organization dedicated in the field of printing, publishing service since 2001. As part of media, we've been publishing Review Nepal, an English medium weekly registered at District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu with registration number 130-162-163 and reviewnepal.com as an online digital newspaper, with registration number 849-075-076 at Department of Informational and Broadcasting (DIB) from Kathmandu, Nepal since 2003.
JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  After four months and the sacking of a government delegation, the stalled South Sudan peace talks resumed Wednesday in Kenya, the latest effort to end the conflict that has long crippled the African country's economy.

The talks are taking place between South Sudan's government and opposition groups that were not part of the 2018 agreement that ended a five-year civil war in which more than 400,000 people died. Dubbed Tumaini, which is Swahili for hope, the talks began in May and the sides signed a commitment declaration for peace.

They subsequently stalled, after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir sacked the previous government delegation to the talks. A new team was then appointed to represent the government side but it was unable to travel to Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, on two subsequent occasions.

No reasons were given for the sackings and travel delays. Last month, Kiir said the talks in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, were not meant to replace the 2018 peace deal but to address and integrate the concerns of holdout groups.

While the 2018 peace agreement is yet to be fully implemented, South Sudan has postponed elections, scheduled for December 2024 to 2026. The elections are to be the first in South Sudan since its independence in 2011.

The postponement was over pending registration of voters, a process that faced financial shortages amid an economic crisis that has seen civil servants go for more than a year without salaries.

Oil export constitute the main source of revenue and a damaged pipeline in neighboring Sudan, where a civil war is underway, has tampered with oil exports from South Sudan.

In the talks so far, the two sides have also protested against a new law that allow for detentions without arrest warrants, saying they went against human rights.

On Wednesday, chief mediator Lazarus Sumbeiyo urged all parties to conclude work on outstanding issues.

The head of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance, Pagan Amum, asked the new government delegation to commit to what has already been agreed on.

This is not a time to renegotiate what we have already agreed upon  it is important to remember that this is probably the last chance to rescue our country from the total disintegration and collapse into chaos and disorder as the fate of South Sudan now is in our hands, Pagan said.

Kuol Manyang Juuk, from the government side, urged the parties to set aside their differences. We are not here to start the talks from scratch; we are here to build on what has been accomplished, Kuol said.
Authorities hopeful new national water and sustainability agreement will aid in revoking Aguakan concession

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Authorities will review Aguakan in the New Year once local budgets have been set. Deputy Jorge Arturo Sanen Cervantes, President of the Governing Board and Political Coordination of the state Congress, says the new agreement involving the right to water will likely change circumstances for the private water company.

On November 25, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the signing of the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability for Mexico.

The National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability for Mexico was signed November 25, 2024.

The Acuerdo Nacional por el Derecho al Agua y Sustentabilidad agreement was signed between the Government of Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the National Water Commission (Conagua).

The Director General of the Comision Nacional del Agua (Conagua), Efrain Morales Lopez, says the Agreement is derived from the National Water Plan 2024-2030 and is to guarantee the human right to water in sufficient quantity and quality, ensure the sustainability of resources and promote proper management of water in all its uses.

In addition, it seeks to advance toward food security and national development, he added.

According to Deputy Jorge Arturo Sanen Cervantes, Aguakan continues its legal process after seeking an Amparo last year to avoid cancellation of its contract. However, derived from the new National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability, state officials will be resuming a review of the concession agreement Aguakan has to operate in four municipalities.

With the new agreement signed by the governors and Claudia Sheinbaum, which speaks a lot about dignifying the true spirit of national waters, which are not a commodity but really a right, it helps a lot.

We have to dignify the concessions and get in line with the new agreement or remove the concessions if necessary, but doing it in a legal way, not just take it away, he said.

Deputy Jorge Arturo Sanen Cervantes

Deputy Sanen Cervantes also said they will be looking at the rates charged by Aguakan since they are the highest in the state, although that will depend on the final resolution of the appeals filed by Aguakan.

He says state officials are hoping to regulate excesses and abuses that directly affect citizens so they do not continue.

Private water company Aguakan was granted a 30 year concession by former governor Roberto Borge. That concession allowed them to offer water services in Isla Mujeres, Benito Juarez, Solidaridad and Puerto Morelos, four of the states busiest municipalities.

Current Governor Mara Lezama will be the person who establishes the guidelines of the new water agreement for the state of Quintana Roo. In coming months, Lezama will order the water concessions as established by the National Water Plan, which could resolve the case of Aguakan.

Last year, the municipalities of Isla Mujeres, Benito Juarez, Solidaridad and Puerto Morelos voted in a citizen consultation for the cancellation of Aguakan. However, Aguakan resorted to legal resources to prevent losing their concession.
Industries voice concern: Newly approved $42 USD federal cruise passenger tax to hit Mexican ports

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Senate of the Republic has approved the Federal Rights Law, which includes a new fee to cruise ship passengers. The $42 USD fee or DNR (Derecho de No Residente) Non-Resident Fee, will be applied to all cruise passengers entering Mexican territory.

The measure, which is to improve immigration control and increase the collection of fees, was approved earlier this week with with 80 votes in favor of and 37 against. The new fee will affect the cruise ports of Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and Los Cabos on the Pacific coast, Progreso in Yucatan and Cozumel and Mahahual in Quintana Roo.

In addition to the cruise ship tax, the new approved law also provides for increases in fees related to mining, the extraction of precious metals and the use of protected natural areas.

Tourism entrepreneurs have expressed concern, pointing out that higher costs could discourage visitors from choosing Mexico as a destination, affecting local economies. Discussion on the implications of these measures continues to generate debate.

The new $42 USD DNR tax will be applied in the New Year.

Governor Mara Lezama says they are sensitizing the authorities involved regarding the effects that it could have on the issue of competitiveness. Lezama says she has maintained constant communication with the cruise ship companies who have also expressed their concern about this new federal tax.

Governor Mara Lezama

We are working in a coordinated manner with the federation, the treasury, immigration and the tourism secretariat, explaining the situation, she said.

Senator Eugenio Segura, who chairs the Tourism Commission, had a meeting with officials Tuesday. We are raising awareness about the issue of competitiveness, which is one of the fundamental concerns, she said.

The $42 USD DNR tax is in addition to the $5 USD Environmental Sanitation Fee (DSA) approved earlier this year. That tax will be implemented starting January 1, 2025.

Cozumel Mayor Jose Luis Chacon made it clear that the Derecho de Saneamiento Ambiental (DSA) is already a state issue and the state must begin to collect those five dollars starting January 1.

Cozumel Mayor Jose Luis Chacon

He clarified that the state DSA is separate (from the DNR) and that with the additional $5 USD collection, Cozumel will receive 98 million pesos instead of the 64 million collected last year.

He explained that 30 percent of the DSA money collected goes into a natural disaster fund and 70 percent to infrastructure.

If a cruise ship arrives at Mahahual and Cozumel, both ports divide the five dollars in half, but if the cruise ship docks only at one of these two ports, that destination keeps the $5 USD.

As for the new $42 USD federal fee, he said that it is an issue that is directly handled by the federation and that they are waiting for the operating rules.

Governor Mara Lezama says she is preparing information that will be submitted to President Claudia Sheinbaum.

I am preparing a technical sheet to submit to the Presidency to explain the situation of vulnerability surrounding competitiveness. We will always be respectful of our allies with the federal government, she said.

Lezama says the DNR is a fee that was already established in the law, but cruise passengers were exempt from paying it. Since its approval, meetings have already been held with the cruise ship companies, ruling out that the measure implies a loss of tourists through the cruise industry.

We have had great feedback in the meetings with the federal government, which have been very open. The goal is to reach agreements. We know the importance of tax collection and competitiveness.

It is essential that the cruise industry remains in our state and we have made significant progress, she said adding that updates regarding the implementation of the new tax will be provided.
Fulani herdsmen attacked villages in central Nigeria on Sunday (Dec. 1) and the days prior, killing two Christians, wounding another and kidnapping a pastor among others, sources said.

Barnabas Para was killed in Gwanje village, Akwanga County, Nasarawa state while he and neighbors sat in front of his house where a mini-store is located, on Sunday, said resident Moses Bello.

At about 8 p.m. I was resting in my house when I heard gunshots, Bello told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News by phone. A neighbor ran into my house and said some armed herdsmen shot at them as they were in front the house of our neighbor, Barnabas Para. When the attackers left, we went to the scene of the shooting and found Barnabas dead.

The gunmen seized resident Okigwe Gajere, but he escaped and returned home, Bello said.

Armed herdsmen also killed a Christian and wounded another the same evening in Ntsakpe village, about 3 kilometers from Akwanga town along the Akwanga-Abuja Highway, a resident identified only as Francis said.

The gunmen attacked a neighbors house and killed a Christian by the name of Mr. Sule, he said. While Mr. Zamani, another Christian was also shot and injured and is currently hospitalized at OLA [Our Lady of Apostles] Hospital, Akwanga.

Ntsakpe is located at the Alushi junction in Akwanga Local Government Area, he said.

Nathaniel Maaji Lauji, media adviser to the Akwanga Local Government Council, confirmed the attacks in Akwanga LGA.

We received reports about these attacks from Gwanje, Ntsakpe, Ningo, and Goho communities, Lauji told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News by phone. These incidents occurred on Sunday, 1 December, between the hours 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., sending shockwaves throughout these communities. Our thoughts are with the affected families.

In Goho village, a security aide to a former member of the National Assembly was shot and killed in the kidnapping of Joseph Haruna Kigbu and his wife on Sunday (Dec. 1) as they were on their way to Jos, said resident Akyala Ishaku in a Facebook post.

His police detail was killed alongside, posted Ishaku, a lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Pray for his safety.

Armed herdsmen on Nov. 28 also attacked predominantly Christian Ningo village, 2 kilometers from Gwanje, kidnapping Pastor Charles Joshua of Living Faith Church and three other Christians, Bello said.

Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300.

Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.

In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
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DARLINGTON, S.C.  The South Carolina Geodetic Survey (SCGS), a division of the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, has re-established the boundary line between Darlington and Florence counties.

Darlington-Florence County boundary re-established, residents concerned Bounded as follows: by a line beginning at Sanders Bridge on Lynchs River; thence by an air line running to the point where the Cheraw and 

This update is part of a broader statewide effort to ensure accurate county borders, which is crucial for services, property rights, and local governance.

For more than 30 years, SCGS has worked with counties across South Carolina to resolve uncertainties regarding county boundaries. Over time, county boundaries have become unclear due to natural wear and growth.

With advancements in technology, SCGS is now able to offer cost-effective and permanent solutions for marking these boundaries.

The newly clarified boundary between Darlington and Florence counties spans several key locations, including Sanders Bridge on the Lynchs River to High Hill Creek. This revised boundary aligns with the specific descriptions in the South Carolina Code of Laws:

Darlington-Florence County boundary re-established, residents concerned Bounded as follows: by a line beginning at Sanders Bridge on Lynchs River; thence by an air line running to the point where the Cheraw and 

Darlington County (Section 4-3-170) : The boundary runs to Lynchs River, follows the river to Sanders Bridge, continues in a straight line (an air line) to the point where the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad crosses High Hill Creek, and then follows the creek downstream.

: The boundary runs to Lynchs River, follows the river to Sanders Bridge, continues in a straight line (an air line) to the point where the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad crosses High Hill Creek, and then follows the creek downstream. Florence County (Section 4-3-260): The boundary starts at Sanders Bridge on Lynchs River, extends in a straight line to where the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad crosses High Hill Creek, and then follows the creek downstream.

In addition, the boundary clarification covers the Darlington-Florence County line from Muses Bridge on Black Creek to Back Swamp. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws:

Darlington County (Section 4-3-170) : The boundary follows Black Creek to Muses Bridge, then runs in a straight line from Muses Bridge to Cashuas Ferry, until reaching Back Swamp.

: The boundary follows Black Creek to Muses Bridge, then runs in a straight line from Muses Bridge to Cashuas Ferry, until reaching Back Swamp. Florence County (Section 4-3-260): The boundary runs up Black Creek to Muses Bridge, then follows a straight line from Muses Bridge to Cashuas Ferry, continuing to Back Swamp.

What Happens Next:

Public Meeting : The clarified boundary will be presented at a public meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Florence Darlington Technical College SIMT Building, with the meeting also available virtually. Residents with properties near the boundary may receive individual notifications.

: The clarified boundary will be presented at a public meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Florence Darlington Technical College SIMT Building, with the meeting also available virtually. Residents with properties near the boundary may receive individual notifications. Certification of Plat : After the public meeting, SCGS will officially certify the plat, which will document the clarified boundary line. This plat will provide the legal description and official location of the updated boundary.

: After the public meeting, SCGS will officially certify the plat, which will document the clarified boundary line. This plat will provide the legal description and official location of the updated boundary. Notify Affected Parties : Property owners affected by the boundary change will receive individual notifications to help them understand how the updated boundary might impact their property.

: Property owners affected by the boundary change will receive individual notifications to help them understand how the updated boundary might impact their property. 60-Day Appeal Window : Following the certification of the plat, there will be a 60-day period during which affected parties can file an appeal. If a party disagrees with the boundary determination, they can appeal the decision to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court.

: Following the certification of the plat, there will be a 60-day period during which affected parties can file an appeal. If a party disagrees with the boundary determination, they can appeal the decision to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. Record/File Plat Under Cover Letter : Once the appeal window closes, SCGS will record and file the certified plat with the appropriate documentation. This step officially formalizes the boundary change.

: Once the appeal window closes, SCGS will record and file the certified plat with the appropriate documentation. This step officially formalizes the boundary change. Effective Date: The date of the certification letter will mark the official, effective date of the new boundary line.

Darlington-Florence County boundary re-established, residents concerned Bounded as follows: by a line beginning at Sanders Bridge on Lynchs River; thence by an air line running to the point where the Cheraw and 

The primary goal of this initiative is to establish accurate boundary lines for the proper administration of local governance, including zoning, taxation, and school districting. SCGS said they will work to mark the boundary with additional monuments and provide geographic coordinates to ensure long-term preservation.

Historical Context

Darlington County, established in 1868, was once known as Darlington District in 1800. Darlington County boundary lines were altered to form Florence County in 1889, as illustrated in a map by Geo. W. Earle. The change in county lines was made through the Act to Establish a New Judicial & Election County in 1888, creating Florence County from parts of Darlington, Marion, Williamsburg, and Clarendon counties.

Residents share concerns on boundary change

For some residents, the re-establishing of the boundary is more than just a technical updateits a potential disruption to their lives.

Lisa Seeley, a Darlington County resident for over 25 years, is particularly concerned. She has two grandchildren and her nieces daughter in her custody.

Her two grandchildren currently attend Darlington County Schools, and the niece is not has not started school yet, but Seeley was hoping to enroll her in Darlington County Schools. The proposed boundary change threatens to place her property in Florence County, which would disrupt her grandchildrens education and daily routines.

Seeleys home, located on East Saint Paul Road, would be affected by the boundary line, and the family is worried about the impacts of this shift.

One of her grandchildren is currently a freshman at Darlington High School, and Seeley is concerned that the 9th grader will not be able to finish high school in Darlington if the boundary changes. The other grandchild, who has ADHD, would also face challenges, as he struggles with change and needs stability.

Weve been in Darlington County for over 25 years. My grandchildren attend Darlington County Schoolsone is at Darlington High School, and the other is at Lamar-Spaulding Elementary, Seeley explained. Now, with this boundary change, our lives are being disrupted. The 9th grader wants to finish high school here, and the younger one, who has ADHD, does not cope well with change. Weve worked hard to create a stable environment for them, and this could ruin that.

In addition to the schooling concerns, Seeley, who is 59 years old, explained how the extra travel could strain her family. The closest high school in Florence County is 14 miles away, while the Darlington County schools are only 7 miles away. She also expressed concerns about the difficulties of transporting her grandson, who struggles to adjust to new routines and cannot travel alone because of his condition.

We have a system here. My grandson does not do well on buses, and no one else can pick him up except my husband. Its a lot for me to manage. Taking them to Florence would be a major challenge, Seeley said.

Seeley also said she and her family have invested significantly in Darlington County. She owns several properties in the area, further illustrating her deep connection and love for the community. For Seeley, staying within Darlington County is important not just for convenience, but because her family has long been committed to the area.

Wed be willing to annex into Darlington County to keep our kids in these schools. Weve invested a lot in Darlington County, and we love the schools here, she said. Weve never paid taxes to Florence County. Ive always been committed to Darlington, and thats where we want to stay.

While the boundary re-establishment aims to ensure accurate borders for governance, it has raised significant concerns for families like Seeleys, who said their way of life could be disrupted.

As the process continues, affected residents can file appeals within 60 days if they disagree with the boundary determination.
Beijing, Tokyo called on to foster shared understanding

08:39, December 05, 2024 By Jiang Xueqing ( China Daily

Chinese and Japanese guests shake hands after the signing of the Beijing-Tokyo Forum's 2025-34 cooperation framework agreement on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. (JIANG XUEQING/CHINA DAILY)

Chinese and Japanese officials and experts convened on Wednesday to advocate for maintaining the proper course of bilateral relations, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and building a peaceful world through coordination and cooperation.

At the opening ceremony of the two-day 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum held in Tokyo, Japan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized in a video address that the over-2,000-year history of Sino-Japanese interactions and more than 50 years of normalized diplomatic ties illustrate the importance of steering relations in the right direction.

"China has always regarded Japan as a vital partner and hopes Japan can objectively and rationally view China's development," Wang said. "Together, we should uphold the correct positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship and practice the shared understanding that we are cooperative partners and do not pose threats to each other."

He stressed that the four political documents between China and Japan form the bedrock of bilateral ties, warning against actions that blur, reverse, or undermine these agreements.

To address global challenges such as unilateralism and protectionism, Wang said he encourages the two countries to resist external provocations, advance regional cooperation, restart negotiations on the China-Japan-Republic of Korea free trade agreement, and promote Asian economic integration.

Wang said he welcomes Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's early visit to China and expressed his willingness to visit Japan at an appropriate time.

Iwaya highlighted the significant regional and global responsibilities shared by Japan and China, noting widespread anticipation for the constructive and stable development of their relations. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent talks with Chinese leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing strategic, mutually beneficial ties, he said.

Iwaya pledged to strengthen communication across all levels and sectors and expressed his intent to visit China as soon as possible to address unresolved issues, deepen cooperation, and build on recent progress, including China's reinstatement of visa-free visits by Japanese citizens on short-term trips.

In a speech read out at the forum, former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda warned against growing global division and called for international efforts to ease tensions and foster a cooperative world.

Fukuda commended President Xi Jinping's commitment at the G20 Summit to upholding the UN Charter's core principles, promoting an open global economy, and opposing protectionism.

Fukuda also highlighted the importance of public exchanges as the foundation of Japan-China relations, welcoming China's visa-free policy as a positive step toward improving mutual understanding.

Mo Gaoyi, director of China's State Council Information Office, called for enhanced interaction at all levels to deepen trust and ensure the stable, long-term development of bilateral relations.

"China and Japan are both key nations in Asia and globally. They should uphold strategic independence, foster good neighborly relations, and turn their political consensus of partnership and non-threats into concrete policies and actions," Mo said.

Since its inception in 2005, the forum has become a leading platform for public diplomacy between China and Japan.

The 20th forum, themed "Restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through Japan-China cooperation", featured discussions on topics such as politics, trade, and security.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Hope is a story you tell yourself about something that hasnt happened yet.

(Mary Helen Immordino Yang)

Many of us have people in our lives who, for a variety of reasons, have given up on the idea that things will work out in the end. They might want to scream if we tell them that "all things work for the good" They might tell us they have stopped believing in our leaders and our institutions, or they might say that they have moved away from religion and traditional belief systems because they are dissonant with the realities they see around them. Maybe they have suffered abuse within the church.

What do we do when someone we love, who has moved away from Christian faith, tells us they are feeling hopeless? First, I want to emphasize, that if a person is really at risk, a conversation with a friend or loved one will not provide the type of support they need. Below, we make recommendations for sources of professional help.

People need sources of hope.

However, when confronted with someone you care about telling you they cant find reasons to hope, we might immediately feel upset and want to fix the problem. People need sources of hope, so Christians might naturally want to start sharing about a God who loves them, hoping that this is reassuring.

We might pray for them. But are there other things that we can do to help a friend or loved one regain a sense of hope? We cant just tell our depressed child that they need to feel hopeful because it is good for them. The lack of hopeful feelings reflects where they are in their life, their environments, and that they are having trouble accessing more traditional sources of hope. Open and curious conversations can, however, be a source of support.

Religion provides a belief systema context and lens through which we view and make sense of the world and existential questions, such as the meaning of life, the afterlife, and our purpose in all of it. When someone leaves religion, they may begin to feel unmoored as they try to establish a new security-providing worldview.

An open and caring approach to conversation, in and of itself, can provide a source of hope.

So if we were to help them think about their values and how they imagine a good life, might that provide a source of hope that good things will come? Or perhaps helping them to accept that bad things happen and that we dont get through life without suffering can be helpful. An open and caring approach to conversation, in and of itself, can provide a source of hope.

Hopelessness as an epidemic

A recent study reported in Harvard Institute of Politics that surveyed young adults, Roughly 55 percent of Americans under 30 years old reported feeling 'nervous, anxious, or on edge' and 47 percent reported feeling 'down, depressed, or hopeless' at least several days in the last two weeks. These feelings seem to immobilize young people, and both young people and adults cope with these feelings by numbing with drugs and alcohol, over-eating, or engaging in other dangerous and unhealthy behaviors.

In a world where many people have moved away from faith-based belief systems, where do we find sources of hope? For many who are losing their religion, they also lose beliefs that provides answers to the deep, pressing questions of life.

Who am I? What is the meaning of life? When I die, where will I go? Why is there suffering in the world? These existential questions continue to exist outside religion, and the human need for answers can contribute to a kind of existential anxiety, according to a new book, Done, by Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Ph.D. Many of the donesthose who are done with religionare seeking new sources of hope in this sometimes hopeless world.

We need some sort of spiritual connection to give us meaning beyond ourselves.

Searching for these answers, and realizing there might need to be a reworking of basic core values, can also contribute to this existential anxiety. Research shows that, ultimately, we need some sort of spiritual connection to give us meaning beyond ourselvesit is part of a healthy, strong belief framework.

What is hope and why is it good for us?

Hope is a virtue which includes an optimistic state of mind that involves a desire for something to happen, and a belief that good things will come. It can also be defined as an expectation of fulfillment or success.

Researchers have established that hope is good for us and can have many positive effects on our health and well-being, including:

Emotional health: Hope can help us manage stress and anxiety, and increase positive emotions like courage and confidence.

Physical health: Hope can help reduce physical pain, and people with higher hope may have lower perceptions of pain.

Resilience: Hope is a key component of resilience, and can help us keep moving forward in difficult times.

Psychological well-being: Hope can improve psychological well-being, and can enhance the meaningfulness of our lives.

Healthy behaviors: Hopeful people are more likely to make healthy choices, like eating better or exercising.

Decision-making: Hope can lead to better decisions and actions, and can help us overcome adverse circumstances.

Physical response: Hope can be energizing, and can cause our heart rate to increase, our breathing to speed up, and our thinking to become clearer.

What to do if you or someone you love feels hopeless

If you or someone you know is feeling extremely distressed or hopeless and needs to talk to a counselor, please call your nearest suicide prevention helpline. In the USA the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will provide you with a skilled counselor.

If you are seeking and having trouble finding a longer term counselor, click here to find help in the USA, or Google well recommended therapy options near you.

People can find hope, even in the most dire circumstances.

If you or someone you love is seeking to regain hope, our research shows that people can find hope, even in the most dire circumstances, through these sources...

God or Transcendence: Even if someone has moved away from religion, they need a source of beyond-the-self hope. Sanctified hopes, where they are focused on pursuing Gods purposes either directly or indirectly, may not be an option for them if they have walked away from religious beliefs, but a source of beyond-the-self hope could come from beauty, or beliefs that we are part of something much bigger and we have a role to play in making things better. Ourselves: We can remind ourselves of our strengths and skills or ask someone to remind us if we cant recollect them. We can reflect on past experiences of overcoming difficult situations or when we made even a small impact on another. Family Support: Families help us to understand that we are loved and capable. In the best cases, our families are our home base, a safe place to return when we need nourishment and encouragement. Teachers or Mentors: We need wise people who are ahead of us and whom we trust for advice and guidance. Social support: We need more than just our families and teachers. We need a network that supports a hopeful view of life and values that are aligned with our own. This group provides a broader network, vision, and accountability. Friends: Our friends go through life with us, supporting us, helping us to better understand what we believe, how we should act, and they encourage us to be brave when tough situations arise.

A PDF of the practice below is also available here.

Having the conversationthe power of being there.

Ask questions that can help our loved ones process their feelings.

While Christians believe in the hope that comes from Jesus Christ and the vision that God is working toward a fulfillment of all creationa consummationthose who no longer believe in God might need other ways to regain hope in their lives. Research shows that mentors, family, and the broader community are vital to well-being. We need others to know us and accept us for who we are. We can also ask questions that can help our loved ones process their feelings and we can model how to live.

Questions that promote hopeful conversations about existential thoughts:

Who am I?

Tell me who you are at this moment. What are some ways you would describe yourself?

What are you good at? Can you recall when you were doing something that you liked so much you lost track of time? What was it?

What do you care about?

How are you similar and/or different from your parents? Siblings? Best friend?

What influence do your peers have on how you see yourself?

What is the meaning of life?

At the end of your life, what would you like people to say about you? What kinds of contributions would you like to have made? How would you like people to talk about how you showed up for them?

How do you understand suffering in the world? How do you make sense of it? Do you think we have a responsibility to try to help others who are suffering?

Do you think humans were created for a purpose?

Are we really fundamentally alone?

Who are the people who are most important to you? How much time do you spend with them each week? Tell me a little about what you talk about. Do you feel like they know you? Are you able to be truthful with them?

What are the things that get in the way of your ability to be fully open and honest with trusted friends or family?

When you feel lonely, what are you most longing for?

Do you think its important for people to have values about how they treat other people? For example, do you think being honest is important? Do you consider other peoples values and ideas when you make decisions about your own life?

When I die, where will I go?

Do you think humans have souls, or something in us that longs for spiritual connection?

What do you think happens to that part of us when we die?

Figuring out how we want to live and create meaningful lives can direct people toward purpose.

Helping people to answer these existential questions can help them regain hope. Figuring out how we want to live and create meaningful lives can direct people toward purpose. A reassurance that feelings of happiness will return and that we can adopt practices to access positive emotions can help us become more resilient to suffering. Living in the present and experiencing a sense that we are all deeply interconnected can provide a profound source of hope.

Maybe its enough for humans to grow in ways that connect them and help them to feel like they can make a difference. Regaining a sense of agencythat we can do something to make things betterthat is a source of hope profound enough that it might work to ease the hopelessness and anxiety so present among us.

How do our environments help or hinder hope?

The environments we are consistently part of have a significant impact on our mental health, including our ability to develop healthy perspectives and feel hopeful about the future. If we feel stuck in an environment that is not a good fit for usa job, school, relationships, living situationwe are much more likely to struggle with positive future thinking, especially if we feel we have no ability to change environments. Asking someone who is struggling to find hope about their daily environment can promote helpful conversation leading to identifying these situations and creating solutions and modifications that can promote more hope in their lives.

What is your daily environment like? Is it a good fit for you? Does it make you happy? Peaceful? Fulfilled? Do you feel safe? Known? Accepted?

If your environment is negatively impacting your life and ability to have hope, is it possible for you to change environments?

If this is not currently possible, what agencythe ability to do something to make things betterdo you have in your situation to improve it?

Are there any modifications, even small, that can be made to increase your quality of life and feelings of hope in your current environment?

Can our inner narrator and ruminating thoughts impact hope?

We have heard it said that our thoughts create our reality. Practically speaking, if our thought life mainly revolves around gloom-ridden ruminations, we are going to have a very hard time accessing thoughts of hope. Our environment can often contribute to our ruminations. Being in environments that are a good fit and having people around us who love us as our authentic selves play significant roles in our lives.

Only we have the agency to control and direct our thoughts about our situations and to fulfill our individual purposes.

But neither our environments nor the people around us are perfectly suited to give us unrestricted access to feelings of hope. Only we have the agency to control and direct our thoughts about our situations and to fulfill our individual purposes. Asking questions to those who are searching for hope can help them discover thought patterns that may be blocking their path towards brighter thoughts.

What thoughts do you often find yourself ruminating on? What kind of voice is telling you these stories? Is it kind? Is it critical?

What values do you believe these stories represent?

Are they things that are out of your control? Are there certain ones you have agency over?

Can you identify sources of these ruminations? People? Media? Experiences?

How can you rewrite or modify one or more of these stories in a positive way? Associating them with the value they represent is one way to rewrite a story to have more meaning.

Approach conversations with curiosity and humility

Approach their questions and semi-worked out beliefs with curiosity, humility and non-defensiveness.

Christians obviously ascribe to a certain set of beliefs and values. For many Christians, we can sometimes come across as though we know it all or, if someone is feeling hopeless, that we dont have the right type of hope to offer them. When trying to help someone who no longer believes in the Christian faith (or God) to develop beliefs that provide a source of hope, its a good idea to approach their questions and semi-worked out beliefs with curiosity, humility and non-defensiveness. We can do this through active listening and by using some of the existential and practical questions just mentioned above to help them process their thoughts.

Hope is always available, but not always accessible. When people we know and love walk away from religion, we can still help them develop a belief system that offers sources of hope, strength, and meaning. As we do so, we are living out love.

Part one and part two combined in this opinion were originally published by the Thrive Center. Republished with permission.

Pamela Ebstyne King, Ph.D. has worked with the Thrive Center for Human Development since its inception in 2011. In 2021, she was named executive director of the Thrive Center and continues to serve as the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science in Fullers School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Kings work combines theology, empirical research, and community engagement to further understand what contexts and settings enable people to thrive.

Jilleen Westbrook, Ph.D. joined the staff of the Thrive Center for Human Development in 2022. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University and has taught at Temple University, University of Southern California (USC), and the Claremont Colleges. Her academic work involved empirical investigations of psychological effects on markets that result from policy decisions. Before joining, the Thrive Center, she worked as a consultant. Dr. Westbrook has long been interested in issues of faith and well-being, particularly in the practices that encourage mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Defense Department, has spent his week crisscrossing Senate office buildings as he tries to save his nomination. The scent is one of desperation.

The revelation of a Monterey, California, police report into a rape allegation against Hegseth in 2017he was not chargedwas only the beginning, as subsequent reports have offered additional looks into his alleged drinking and womanizing. His confirmation now has a serious math problem in the Senate, and members of Trumps teamwho feel as if their nominee has not been particularly up front with them about his pastare floating replacement names in the press. When a nominee puts his mother on Fox News to explain that contrary to what you read in the news, she thinks her son is great, the nomination could be deep into its twilight.

After Trumps initial Cabinet picks were stocked with more traditional selections, like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to lead the State Department, Hegseth was the first in a slew of controversial nominations. Within a matter of days, Trump had nominated Hegseth, a veteran and Fox News host, to run a life-and-death department with about 3 million employees and a nearly $1 trillion annual budget; Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a widely disliked legislative pyromaniac, to lead the Department of Justice; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the most famous purveyor of public health misinformation in the country, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services; and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an apologist for Russias invasion of Ukraine, to oversee the intelligence community.

These picks, along with Trumps insistence that Senate leadership candidates support his use of recess appointmentsin other words, the Senates abdicating its prerogative to advise and consent on nomineessuggested at first that Trump might have been trying to bend Senate Republicans to his will by making them swallow the unswallowable. It was as if he had compiled a list of human beings most likely to give Maine Sen. Susan Collins the vapors and sorted high-ranking executive positions from there.

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But breaking the Senate, as amusing as it might be, would be a time-consuming expenditure of political capital, and Trump has much he wants to get done in a short period of time. Spending his first months in office squeezing Gaetz and his ethics reports through a keyhole wasnt worth the effort when a friendly neighborhood Pam Bondi was available. Similarly, as he could be thinking now, why waste months reliving an evening on the Monterey peninsula when theres fun to be had serving as Ron DeSantis direct boss?

The standard for imperiling scrutiny, so far, has been set at scandal. (Fresh scandal at that. Kristi Noem, Trumps pick to run Homeland Security, was wise to reveal her dog execution months ago.) Senate Republicans dont want to vote for someone in the midst of nonstop negative stories, and Trump has little patience for the scandals that compete with his own.

Related From Slate The Grave Error Many Republicans Are Making About Trumps Election Read More

But scandal wasnt at the root of what made either Gaetz or Hegseth controversial.

I was in the Capitol when the Gaetz selection was announced, and the universal, bipartisan reaction of holy shit wasnt because everyones first thought was of Gaetzs pending ethics report. It was because he was Matt Gaetz, whose name was synonymous in the building with unseriousness. Hegseths nomination was a head-scratcher well before a police report came along. It was met with bafflement at why a provocative television host was being tapped to run the Pentagon.

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Whats sinking them, instead, was that the scandals compounded the preexisting misgivings about people whom Trump enjoys watching on TV running two of the most powerful arms of the federal government.

What we dont know yetand may not know until confirmation hearings are conducted early next yearis the extent to which enough Senate Republicans will protest the remaining nominees they see as unfit, but who arent freshly scandalized enough to offer an excuse for rejection. Gabbard doesnt have any police or ethics reports in the hopper, as best we know. She just has a lot of excuses for revanchist Russian aggression. It has been yearsyearssince Kennedy did anything untoward to an animal corpse. The issue is with his view on vaccines, or chemtrails, or wireless cellular networks, or what have you. And the issue with our latest entrantwould-be FBI Director Kash Patelisnt that he had a debauched weekend recently. Its that Trump has nominated to run the federal governments law-enforcement agency a guy who literally published a list of targets for retribution.

To once again bring the worlds lowest bar down another notch: Its nice that theres still a line, somewhere, for the chamber of Congress given constitutional oversight over high-level executive branch personnel. Its still too early to know where that line will finally settle. Right now, active scandal is the level at which its appropriate to ask questions and work behind the scenes for a new nominee. What if Senate Republicans dont like someones views or just think theyre unqualified? Is that still good enough for a no vote?
Wednesdays oral arguments in the landmark civil rights case Skrmetti v. U.S. offered the Supreme Court an opportunity to prove it would stand by long-settled law on sex equality in the face of political backlash from politicians seeking to impose gender conformity by legislative fiat. Based on the caliber of the arguments, the courts conservatives did not rise to the occasion. Skrmetti involves bans on gender-affirming care for trans children, but the case is more broadly about the constitutional limits on sex discrimination and whether they can survive this 63 conservative supermajority. After two and a half hours of arguments, it appears the answer will be no. The Republican-appointed justices offered a blizzard of questions that ranged from irrelevant to illogical to offensiveup to and including the specious implication that American courts should borrow ideas from European policymakers rather than applying their own precedents. It was not an encouraging day for anyone who hopes that SCOTUS will defend well-established law at the dawn of a new Trump administration.

Skrmetti is a challenge to a Tennessee law known as S.B. 1 that seeks to block health care for transgender youth. The statute bars doctors from providing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to trans children, although these and other gender-affirming medicines remain freely available to cisgender kids. A cisgender boy who wants testosterone to kick off the development of male sex characteristics can still get it. A transgender boy who wants testosterone for the exact same reason cannot. The only difference between the two is that the transgender boy was deemed female at birth. So, the plaintiffs argue, S.B. 1 plainly discriminates on the basis of sex, and is therefore subject to heightened scrutiny, requiring Tennessee to put forth an exceedingly persuasive justification for its restrictions, otherwise it is unconstitutional. Half a century of gender discrimination jurisprudence demands this result.

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Thats all the court needed to do in Skrmetti: acknowledge that S.B. 1 treats people differently because of sex, then send the case back down to the lower court to determine if that discrimination is nevertheless justified by a strong state rationale. On Wednesday, however, most of the conservative justices signaled that they have a different plan in mind. They seem eager to transform this case into a spiritual successor to Dobbs, directly analogizing transgender rights to abortion rights, and prohibiting courts from stepping in because the Constitution is neutral on the subject. After aggressively intervening in the democratic process on their own pet issuesincluding those, like gun safety and pandemic laws, with life-or-death stakesthese same justices want to retreat behind a deference to legislatures to do what they deem best.

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Justice Brett Kavanaugh best captured this posture when he reprised the ode to neutrality that he debuted in Dobbs. It seems to me that we look to the Constitution, and the Constitution doesnt take sides on how to resolve that medical and policy debate, he lectured Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who, alongside the American Civil Liberties Union, argued against the ban. The Constitutions neutral on the question. Prelogar immediately shot back: I do think that the Constitution takes a position that individuals are entitled to equal protection of the law.

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Kavanaugh then pivoted, harping on detransitionerspeople who transitioned, and then stopped identifying as transgender. In reality, very few people ever detransition. But Kavanaugh put them front and center, a possible effort to delegitimize transgender identity, or at least overstate the ostensible dangers of these treatments. This is a direct callback to Justice Anthony Kennedy, who rooted his hostility toward reproductive rights in women who come to regret their abortions. Again, cases of such regret are vanishingly few, but the implication is that so long as one person can be found to regret a decision, it should be barred for everyone. Kavanaugh brought up detransitioners again with Chase Strangio, the ACLU attorney arguing on behalf of the Tennessee families. Strangio, the first openly transgender person to argue at SCOTUS, had to explain to Kavanaugh that people sometimes regret getting treatments in all areas of medicine, not just with respect to gender-related care. The mere existence of detransitioners does not, as a matter of law, magically abolish the equal protection clauses limits on sex discrimination in state regulation of health care.

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Related From Slate The Hidden Danger of the Supreme Courts New Trans Rights Case Read More

One would imagine that, at least on occasion, someone regrets purchasing a gun as well. Yet the courts conservative bloc has not claimed that this should be a reason to soften the protections of the Second Amendment.

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Justice Samuel Alito, meanwhile, ignored the vast array of American medical associations that urged the court to strike down Tennessees ban in favor of  the national health care policies of European nations. The conservative legal methodologies practiced by Alito and the conservative legal movement typically counsel against reliance upon international laws in interpreting the U.S. Constitution. Yet Alito gave great weight to the Cass Review, a controversial U.K. report critical of gender-affirming care that excludes compelling evidence of its safety and efficacy. He scolded Prelogar for failing to engage with this document, at one point demanding: Is it not true that you just relegated the Cass report to a footnote? And then he harped on Swedens rollback of gender-affirming care for minors as though it somehow showed that the U.S. Constitutions equal protection clause should not safeguard trans youth.

Prelogar was left to inform Alito that these countries have not actually imposed the total ban that Tennessee attempted here, nor did the Cass report call for such a sweeping ban. Its the red states that are the outlier here, going much further than European countries to target the rights of trans youth and their families. So Alito tried again: For the general run of minors, do you dispute the proposition, in fact, that in almost all instances, the judgment at the present time of the health authorities in the United Kingdom and Sweden is that the risks and dangers greatly outweigh the benefits? Prelogar did dispute that, because these countries still say that this care can be medically indicated for some transgender adolescents using an individualized approach. A fuming Alito then insisted that the current Labour government in the United Kingdom was still implementing the Cass report, implying that this is the policy of a progressive government in greater Europe. We guess this is just what law looks like now: a justice shredding equal protection based on his half-baked conception of whats happening across the pond.

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If any of the conservatives might have posed genuinely helpful or illuminating questions, it would have been Justice Neil Gorsuchwho, after all, wrote the opinion in Bostock v. Clayton County, the landmark LGBTQ decision he penned that determined that it is impossible to discriminate against a person for being  transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex. Going into arguments, the determinative question was whether Gorsuch would apply his reasoning in Bostock to this case. Would Chief Justice John Roberts, who agreed with him in Bostock, once again support the position protecting the rights of trans people? Yet bafflingly, Gorsuch refused to ask a single question Wednesday. His silence may indicate that he will quietly join an anti-trans opinion that ignores or curtails Bostocks logic without explaining himself, retreating from his previous position now that the political environment has grown more hostile to trans equality. Roberts, for his part, evinced almost no sympathy toward the transgender patients who came to court asking only that their parents and physicians be allowed to guide their health care, promoting nearly boundless deference to the biases of state legislators instead.

At times, the liberal justices appeared to be palpably horrified at the implications of their colleagues questioning. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was compelled to explain the anguish and suffering of kids denied medical care, describing one child whose gender dysphoria made him throw up every day and go almost mute. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson explicitly linked the logic floated by the conservative justices on Wednesday to the segregationist argument, rejected in Loving v. Virginia, that states could discriminate on the basis of race as long as they did so equally between races. Expect an opinion in Skrmetti that makes fatuous claims about the unknowability of medical science and how ill-suited judges are to decide complex, evolving health care questions from the same folks who cited Sir Matthew Hale, who sentenced women to death as witches, in their majority opinion in Dobbs. This case stands poised to roll back 50 years of gender discrimination doctrine based on the warped logic of Dobbs about the infinite wisdom of the democratic process and the ineffable mystery of medical science. In so doing it will throw open the door to yet more discrimination against trans adults, women, and other vulnerable groups.

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This Supreme Court has in recent years weighed in decisively on many areas of unsettled science: COVID mitigation, the design of bump stocks, particulate matter in the air, the value of wetlands, even when life begins. It has put itself in the drivers seat on federal regulation of matters vast and minute. But when the American medical establishment joins forces with patients and doctors to say that young people deserve access to gender-affirming care, the Supreme Court will tell you that the Constitution is neutral on the subjectan unknowable question of science thats best left to the experts in the statehouses. For centuries we saw what happened when a court held itself out as neutral when it came to discrimination: More discrimination. Somehow, on Wednesday we find ourselves precisely where we started.
Kash Patel, more than any other Trump pick for his Cabinet, represents the very online version of MAGA politics that cares more about defeating and humiliating enemies than any kind of mission. Its hard to know how he will fare with the Senate approval process, but should he make it through the nominating process to lead the FBI, Trump will finally have an intelligence agency he can trust to fight his battles.

The nomination itself is a major violation of norms; the point of FBI directors lengthy terms is to span administrations and keep the position above partisan matters. Christopher WrayTrumps pick to lead the administration back in his first term, after he fired James Comeystill has a few more years. But anyone who was listening to Trump during his presidential campaign should not be surprised that he chose not only a partisan but the most enthusiastic loyalist he could find for the spot. Patel, who made his name by acting as an outspoken critic of the Russia investigation of Trumps first term, has made promises of the kind Wray could and would not.

But more than anything, Patel is eager to settle scores.

We know this because he has been extremely vocal about it on Truth Social, on conservative media, onstage at partisan events, on the Trump campaign trail, and even in the childrens books he has penned (about a plot against a King Donald staged by Hillary Queenton; Patel places himself in the books as a wizard who proves that the king has been falsely accused of cheating).

As a regular on Steve Bannons show, Patel has suggested defanging the intelligence agencies with sweeping personnel changes meant to eliminate anti-Trump government gangsters implementing these corrupt, weaponized system of justice. Bannon produced a film version of Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, in which Patel writes that the FBI is an arm of the deep state, rotten at its core and an existential threat to our republican form of government. A nonexhaustive index in that book lists 60 members of the deep state he would target for investigation. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are on the list, naturally, along with Trump administration officials John Bolton, Bill Barr, and Wray.

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Patel has been ubiquitous in right-wing media since he rose to prominence by accusing the Justice Department of politically persecuting Trump during the first Trump term. As a staffer for Rep. Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee, Patel was the main author of the 2018 report known as the Nunes memo, which scrutinized the warrant used to surveil Trump adviser Carter Page. Republicans in Congress used that memo to argue that the investigation into whether Trump or his campaign had colluded with Russia was politically motivated. Patel eventually ascended to chief of staff at the Justice Department under Trump and was momentarily poised to become the FBIs deputy director. (Barr, then the attorney general, later wrote in his memoir that he had told Trumps chief of staff that Patel would get the position only over my dead body.)

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Because those on the MAGA media circuit have long discussed Patel as a potential head of the CIA, he has had plenty of opportunities on various podcasts and shows to explain what he would do as a top government official. In an episode of Bannons show in 2023, he made clear that as a senior member of Trumps administration, he would attempt to prosecute journalists in particular:

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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. Were going to come after you. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice.

After that clip went viral, a Patel spokeswoman told CNN that he had specifically been talking about journalists who break the law. (Bannon, in his lead-up to Patels answer, also had a message for cable news programs: I want the Morning Joe producers that watch us, and all the producers to watch usthis is just not rhetoric. We are absolutely dead serious.)

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To understand why so many in the intelligence community are stressed about Patels nomination, its worth noting that his social media posts indicate more than just a thirst for vengeance and for using one of the most powerful intelligence agencies to punish anyone he views as sufficiently disloyal to Trump. Patel has also thrown in his lot with conspiracy theorists.

His regular presence on Bannons show, which promotes conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and about COVID-19, is indicative of his comfort with these baseless claims. As is his participation in Michael Flynns conspiracy-theory road show and appearance on a podcast hosted by white nationalist Stew Peters, who amplifies conspiracy theories about COVID, flat Earth, and the Uvalde and Sandy Hook mass shootings. Patel has also boosted conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 insurrection, claiming that Trump tried to deploy 20,000 National Guard troops ahead of the riots and was blocked by Nancy Pelosi.

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But its Patels pet belief about how the deep state is waging war on Trump and his allies that is most wildly disqualifying. It is the literal foundation of QAnon, a sinister and dangerous conspiracy theory that Patel has openly embraced.

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QAnon, which emerged from far-right message boards in 2017, pulled on the threads from an earlier conspiracy theory known as Pizzagate, which promoted a false, sinister fantasy about Hillary Clinton and her associates trafficking children for satanic purposes and sexual abuse. QAnon developed an even larger and more convoluted mythos around a core idea that elites were abusing and trafficking children. The figure known as Q promised that Trump would one day unmask, arrest, and execute these villainous deep state actors.

Tens of millions of people came to buy in to conspiracy theories associated with QAnon, according to some estimates; some adherents were arrested for terrorism, plotting to assassinate Biden, attempted kidnapping, and a number of murders.

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The current political moment has largely evolved beyond QAnonthere are now a lot more diffuse and widespread theories about the deep state and satanic sexual abuse of children, across the political spectrum. But when QAnon had more political power, Patel was happy to tap into it for relevance. He has said this explicitly. In a podcast appearance in 2022, when Patel was on the board of Truth Social, he said of QAnon: We try to incorporate it into our overall messaging scheme to capture audiences [because] you cant ignore that group of people that has such a strong, dominant following.

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To signal his support, he signed copies of his childrens book WWG1WGAa QAnon sloganand appeared on a major QAnon show while promoting Truth Social. He also said in one interview that he was blown away by the amount of acumen some QAnon supporters displayed.

That wasnt all: As Media Matters for Americas Alex Kaplan pointed out, Patel has posted about meeting with a QAnon account on Truth Social calling itself simply @Q. Its unclear who was behind that account, but enough QAnon followers were excited about the possibility of it being the real Q that when the @Q account posted a photo of Patels flannel-clad arm, it sparked a trend in the QAnon community: Flannel Fridays. Patel openly embraced the trend.

Whether Patel believes in QAnon is beside the point.

The through line of his behavior since the first Trump term is that he is always selling something. In order to fund his fight against the deep state, Patels shop hawks Christmas ornaments, hats, wine, water bottles, playing cards, and T-shirts that read Grand Force MAGA and Trumpamania. One shirt simply features an illustration of a reindeer head made out of firearms. He sells this merchandise through the Kash Foundation (previously Fight With Kash), a charity he set up to fund defamation suits and support whistleblowers who speak out against alleged corruption in governmental agencies.

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At least twice in the past couple of years, Patel has promoted pills that would reverse the vaxxreferring to the COVID vaccinewith a Mrna detox. And Patel is also a producer for the song And Justice for All, in which Jan. 6 defendants were recorded singing The Star-Spangled Banner from prison. The proceeds from that song, Patel claims, go to the defendants and to the Kash Foundation.

But the more ridiculous elements of Patels activism can obfuscate the fact that he has already been accused of genuinely dangerous activity. When he served on the National Security Council, Patel was accused of passing along negative information about Ukraine to President Trump while misrepresenting himself as the NSCs top Ukraine expert. (Patel has denied this.) This information went counter to what the NSC had actually hoped to convey to Trump and may have played a role in Trumps threats to withhold aid to Ukraine.

Then there was the time Patel was accused of causing a crisis during a mission to rescue an American kidnapped in Nigeria. Patel, officials later said, had told the State and Defense departments that the Nigerian government had approved the rescue operation. The defense officials soon learned that this information was wrong and were forced to scramble to get approval while their aircraft circled over the target spot. Former Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper later asserted that Patel made the approval story up. Also bafflingly, the New York Times reported that Patel has claimed he was the main Justice lead prosecutor for Benghazia pure fabrication.

If this person is confirmed to lead the FBI, he will undoubtedly pursue similar fraudulent schemes, perpetuate dangerous lies, and use the agency to harass and surveil those he has deemed enemies. But Trumps personal resentment toward the agencybecause of its criminal investigations into his conductmeans that the president-elect has little concern whether the agency is hampered in its work or discredited on the global stage. Trump, it seems, only wants someone to unquestioningly follow ordersor blow the whole thing up, if all else fails.
A gunman dressed in dark clothing and wearing a mask over his lower face ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan, where Thompsons company was hosting a conference. The New York Police Department said the shooting was a targeted attack and that the gunman remains at large, but few other details have been released. Surveillance video captured the moment the shooter calmly approached Thompson, pointed a pistol equipped with a silencer, fired multiple shots, and fled on an electric bike. Police are now combing through video footage to track him down, including at a nearby Starbucks the shooter visited.

Many who noted the details of the shooting had an immediate question: Is this what a professional hit looks like in real life? The NYPD has said nothing of the sort, but that didnt stop speculation from running rampant online. Dennis Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who has decades of expertise studying professional killers, has a unique perspective on that. Hes spent years dispelling myths about contract killings born of movies and Law & Order episodes. He told me he found aspects of the attack peculiar and agreed to talk to me while emphasizing that its too early to draw definitive conclusions about a crime for which very little information has been released. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Slate: What were your first impressions when you heard the details of the shooting Wednesday?

Dennis Kenney: The first thing thats unusual is that the shooter appeared to have a silencer. Theyre not impossible to get, but theyre not readily available. The second thing is that he appeared to have inside information on the victims location. He knew where to wait and when to wait. The fact that he used the silencer didnt make sense to me at first, until I saw that the shooting took place at about 6:30 in the morning. Generally, if it was a midmorning sort of thing, youd want a gun that made a lot of noise to scare observers off. But obviously at that time, no one was around. It also suggested that the urgency of the shooting was important. CEOs of health care companies are just not that hard to find in isolated settings. So the fact that he chose to do it in midtown Manhattan was a little bit unique.

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Police called it a brazen targeted attack. Youve studied contract killings and so-called hit men and sought to dispel myths about these kinds of crimes. What do you think of speculation that this was a hit?

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I think its pretty unlikely. My understanding is the CEO was being investigated for insider trading and some other financial violation. The fact that he ran a health care companythey tend to leave a lot of angry people in their wake. So, it seemed to be someone who knew what they were doing, but the idea of a professional hit man, those are pretty few and far between. So I would think more likely it was somebody with a particular grudge that had access to inside information to know where to be and when to be there.

Do contract killings usually play out in such dramatic fashion?

A professional hit man would probably prefer to do something less public with limited exposure. Doing it in the middle of midtowntheres just too many things that can go wrong, so you probably prefer generally not to do it there. However, if it was time sensitive, then that would make a difference. Theres a range of hit men, so it could be somebody that was hired, but its unlikely.

Is there any other reason you think its unlikely?

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This obviously was not the targets usual routine. A professional would generally try to catch him in his regular routine in a place where the exposure of the shooter is minimized so that the risk of being caught or observed is pretty low. Manhattan, particularly in midtown, youve got cameras everywhere. I understand that theyve got some fairly decent shots of the guys face while he was in Starbucks or something like that nearby. The exposure was fairly high, and most professionals dont like that amount of risk. Again, unless it was time sensitivethere could be any number of reasons why it was important that it happened that day.

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Has technology, such as surveillance cameras, changed the way professional killers operate?

Thats hard to know. Like most businesses, theres a wide range of professionals. Youve got some that are much lower-end and others that are much more skilled and with better equipment. So, I would guess this person, if theyre hired, they would be relatively on the low end. The fact that it appeared in the video that the guys gun might have jammed is also a little bit of a concern for a professional. You make sure your equipment works.

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What kind of crime would a very public shooting like this generally suggest? Does it fit a particular profile?

The thing that struck me was the fact that he knew where he was going to be and when he was going to be there. Generally, you get that information by observing the individual. You find their schedule and their routine, and then you intercept them somewhere along the line on their routine. This was obviously not a routine setting. So he had to have some reason to believe that Thompson was going to be coming out of that door at an approximate time to be able to lay in wait. Because its Manhattan, standing around waiting risks the likelihood of being challenged by a cop or security guard coming by, which suggests that he had reason to know when the guy was going to be coming out. It suggests some sort of inside information.

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What are some common misconceptions people have of contract killers? How do professionals differ from portrayals we often see in movies and TV?

I dont watch that many of those kinds of movies. Most of the highly skilled folks that Im aware of are assassins for government agencies or something such as that. But when you look at even those levels of individuals, there have been several attempted assassinations in D.C. of government officials by other government officials, and generally the only reason you know about them is that they were bungled. Its a fairly difficult thing to do.

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Do law-enforcement agencies differentiate between a professional hit and other types of murders?

For the most part, the investigation is done the same way. If this was a professional, then its obviously someone who had reason to want Thompson dead. Because he ran an insurance company, you would look at everything from individuals who have been turned down for insurance coverage and lost their spouse as a result of it. That would be one thing the police would look for. Theyll first look for the reason why he was killed. And once you come up with the reason, then its much easier to find the person responsible for it.
The resumption of large-scale fighting in Syrias civil war affirms, once more, the wisdom of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats, who wrote that when Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, / The blood-dimmed tide is loosed.

In Syrias case, the regions security arrangements fell apart, the delicate balance of power could not hold, and so the strongest of the countrys armed militias rushed into the resulting void, unleashing a blood-dimmed tide along the way.

Which is to say: Russia, Iran, and HezbollahSyrian President Bashar al-Assads main allies, which have kept him in power for the past decade by helping him bomb, strafe, and otherwise crush a variety of rebel groups (along with much of the general population)are now gravely weakened or preoccupied elsewhere. Last week, the strongest of these rebel groups, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (known as HTS), exploited Assads isolation by going on the offensive, taking control of Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, and is now on the verge of capturing Hama, a crucial point on the route by which Assad has received arms from Hezbollah and Iran.

For the moment, Assad is still safe. Damascus, the capital, is 115 miles from Hama. But the Syrian army collapsed with surprising ease, with many troops deserting the battlefield, in the face of the HTS rebels onslaught. Russia sent a few planes to bomb the rebel positions, but not many and, so far, to little effect; the Russian deployments in Syria were also overrun (the commanding officer has since reportedly been fired). Irans ministry of foreign affairs condemned the assault as terrorism, but it has done little to help.

Their predicaments are clear. Russias military is stretched thin by the war in Ukraine. (It is now reliant on former underlings, importing drones from Iran and rocketsas well as 10,000 troopsfrom North Korea.) Iran is weakened in two ways. First, Hezbollah, which has acted as its main agent in helping Syria, has been decimated in recent battles with Israel. Second, Iran itself is nearing economic collapse, which has compelled Tehrans leaders to seek renewed contact with the West.

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The collapse of Syrias network isnt the only cause of the rebels surge. In the 13 years of the countrys civil war, Assad, his army, and his allies have killed more than 500,000 of his own citizens, many of them peaceful pro-democracy activists. He has little support among the civilian population. Assads policies, combined with Western sanctions, have impoverished the country. Even his soldiers, 100,000 of whom have been killed or wounded in the fighting, are short on supplies, which could explain why they so quickly ran from fighting.

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So, who are the rebels of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? Should we be rooting for them? Reports are mixed and at times contradictory, perhaps in part because with all the wars going on in the Middle East, the Syrian civil warwhich has been relatively dormant in the past few yearshas escaped the attention of many journalists and analysts in the region.

The group was once affiliated with al-Qaida. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, cut ties with the terrorist group some years ago, saying he wanted to attain international legitimacy, in part so that he could step up as leader of Syrias myriad rebel groupssome of them Kurds, some Sunni Arabs, most of them having little in common ideologically.

Related From Slate A Global Problem Is Preventing the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza From Coming to an End Read More

Still, HTS remains a Salafi Jihadist group, and the United States and U.K. still consider it a terrorist organization, meaning it cannot be given assistance. President Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that he wont cry over the fact that the Assad governmentbacked by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollahare facing certain kinds of pressure, though he added that there are real concerns about the designs and objectives of HTS.

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Whatever HTS ultimate motives, the great number and variety of anti-Assad rebel groups complicate the stakes and contours of this chapter in the civil war. Turkey is aiding Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in part in order to weaken the Kurds, who are regarded as terrorists and territorial rivals by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel, which has been bombing Syrian military targets for the past year, has stepped up its attacks in hopes of further weakening Assadthough Israels interests would also be served if the past weeks assaults simply mired Syria in deeper chaos, thus paralyzing Assads ability to strike Israel. The U.S., which has backed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as well as a brief CIA-funded group called the Free Syrian Army, isas Sullivans remarks suggestambivalent. How President-elect Donald Trump will actwhether he engages in the conflict at allcannot be reliably predicted. He may be inclined to stay out entirely, if thats possible.

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Yeats wrote his poem, called The Second Coming, in 1919, a year after the end of World War I. After his bleak description of mere anarchy and the blood-dimmed tide, he foresaw some revelation  somewhere in the sands of the desert, asking, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

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Is HTS the rough beast, coming to inflict more terror but also to impose some new order? A few years ago, some who sought contemporary resonances in this poem saw al-Qaida, ISIS, or Hamas as a likely candidate.

But no force of order, benevolent or otherwise, seems slouching along the horizon toward Bethlehem or any other once holy site.

Fawaz A. Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and author of several books on the regions conflicts, said in a New Yorker interview published Tuesday that Assads government controls only about 60 percent of Syrias territory, meaning that, in a real sense, Syria is no longer a sovereign state and its army is only the biggest state militiaand, as the HTS assault revealed, much weaker than anyone had thought.

The assault, though a military earthquake, might also mark the reigniting of the Syrian civil war, and on a larger scale than beforea war not only between Assad and HTS, but also between HTS, the Kurds, and other rebels, some of them proxies of larger powers, including Turkey and the United States, though Russia and Iran, while sidelined for the moment, shouldnt be counted out from the conflict either.

The tragedy of the Middle East, Gerges said, is that you have a ceasefire in one place and another war zone in another placeand, since he made these remarks, the ceasefire zone, in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, seems wobbly as well.

The blood-dimmed tide is likely to persist a while longer.
A few months after Mandy Lehmans divorce was finalized, she started using dating apps. At 42, she was rusty when it came to datingand completely new to online dating. I came out of a 12-year relationship, she told me. I had no idea what I was doing.

Mandy connected with a man on Bumble when she was vacationing in Seattle, and they started talking. She was from Cincinnati, where she has a graphic and interior design firm; he was from Seattle, where, he told her, he was working as an innovation strategist, potentially opening a restaurant, and renting out his Airbnb.

Witty text banter between the two of them piqued her interest. Over the four weeks that they chatted virtually, though, he was hot and coldsometimes going silent for eight hours. Mandy spoke to friends and chalked it up to the fickle nature of online dating in 2024, and enjoyed the playful back-and-forth messaging.

In May, Mandy was working out of an Airbnb in Denver. He was at a concert in Europe, and suggested that he fly to Denver before heading to Seattle so they could finally meet face-to-face. They met at a bar, and Mandy recalls feeling uneasy about their first in-person interaction. He didnt smile at me or wave or do anything flirty, she said. He stared like there was a hole through me. I smiled at him and waved, but he did nothing back. He looked right through me.

After two gimlet cocktails and a tequila shot, Mandy recalls, she felt extremely open and uninhibited with her body, a euphoria that, she says, was different from the usual alcohol-induced buzz. She remembers dancing at the bar with the man, at one point straddling him. He called an Uber to her Airbnb address, and as she slid in the car, she realized that she should tell him good night. She went out to say goodbye, and he said that he would be joining her back at her Airbnb, a plan she did not object to at the time.

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Mandys memory is spotty after the two got to the apartment. She remembers bits and pieces of their physical and sexual interactions over the course of the nightspecifically, being woken up to him pulling her hair, choking her, and attempting to enter her while she lay sleeping flat on her stomach. She recalls engaging in physical interaction sporadically, sometimes with her on top, but many of the dark spots in her memory were interrupted by jolts of pain, waking her to some sort of sexual or physical interaction.

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The following morning, she still felt euphoricbut her Bumble match didnt seem to share her high, expressing no affection. I remember thinking, Why does he look guilty? Mandy recalled. For a brief moment, she considered that he had roofied her, but she quickly pushed that thought out of her mind. The next day, he texted her to end things, citing concerns with a long-distance relationship.

Back home in Cincinnati, Mandy started to replay that night in her head. The memories clarified a bitespecially the choking and the hair-pullingand she started to question him over text, then on FaceTime, about the nights events. She spoke to a few friends, and they agreed that it was odd that after two gimlets and a tequila shot she would be that sexually overt in public on the first date or have such a spotty recollection of the evening. After testing the same drink structure on other dates and feeling completely in control, she began to wonder whether something sinister had happened. Despite there being no toxicology report, Mandy speculates that she might have been drugged sometime at the bar the evening they met uppotentially when her date went up to the bar alone to get her drinks. So she began to piece things togetherand try to prevent it from happening to another woman again.

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Tech platforms and online dating apps have long grappled with the question of how to handle formal or informal reports of bad actorsthose accused of, charged with, or convicted of things like romance scams, sexual misconduct, stalking, harassment, and rape. But increasingly, women are turning to their own detective work or a patchwork of investigative methods outside dating platforms: engaging in Facebook groups, sleuthing on Instagram, sharing stories on TikTok, or paying for background checks of a person whom they had a potentially illegal or bad experience with. Although dating platforms are scaling systems to respond to reports, the solutions to banning bad actors appear to be more reactive than proactivein part because of limitations on the amount of information platforms can or want to collect.

Mandy, for example, posted on the popular Facebook page Are We Dating the Same Guy?a localized group in which women post dating profiles of men theyve matched with to receive feedback from other women who may have also matched with themand got a response from a woman who said that the same man had offered to fly her out to his Seattle Airbnb. Concerned that other women might have negative sexual experiences at his Airbnb, but unable to report him formally because they were not technically guests booked through the platform, Mandy contacted Airbnb.

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After reporting the man to the various platforms, Mandy eventually called the police, who she said initially discouraged her from reporting given how difficult these cases are to bring to court, and given that she would have to fly back and forth to Denver out of pocket. A subsequent conversation with an employee at the nonprofit organization RAINN confirmed that it was unlikely the case would go to court unless authorities were 99 percent sure they would win itand reminded her that it was not her responsibility to protect others. The employee recommended that she specifically ask the police for the sexual assault department, which could increase diligence. This motivated Mandy to file a police report, which has since been closed.

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I dont know why the police closed the case, they didnt tell me, Mandy told me over text. She elaborated that because she did not get drug tested the next daynor did the police go the extra mile to examine her unwashed clothes from that night or ask the bar for camera footageshe imagined that her case didnt have a chance of going to court. Its no wonder nothing gets taken to court, she elaborated. They are relying on [regular people] to provide all the evidence on their own.

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The situation that Mandy found herself in is all too common. A 2023 survey from Columbia Journalism Investigations found that 31 percent of women reported being sexually assaulted by someone they met through a dating website or app. Of these respondents, more than half reported they had been raped.

Although it doesnt always get to that point, these situations underscore the risks women regularly face on dating apps, which can range from unsettling to outright dangerous. Meanwhile, the apps offer little in the way of protection for their users. This pushes those users into a scenario where they have to take their safety into their own hands.

For example, Samantha, a 24-year-old woman in Washington, told me she met a man on Hinge this summer. On the first date, he shared that he had lied about his agehe was 39, not 36. He was hesitant to invite her to his house, and on their third date, he announced that he had a surprise for her: Instead of having her come back to his place, he was booking a hotel for them.

Suspicions rising, Samantha paid $28.30 for a background check on Truthfinder. The check yielded everywhere he had lived since his college dorm, as well as his legal history and parking tickets. Although he had told her hed been divorced for two months and separated for three years, she found no divorce record. A phone call to family court verified that there were no records under his name or his wifes maiden nameconfirming that he was still married. (She discovered the wifes maiden name by finding an obituary from one of his family members, which led her to his fathers Instagram, which followed a woman who appeared to be his sons wife.)

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Sometimes bad actors arent even looking for sex. A woman named Charlotte told me that in 2021 she connected with several other women who had dated her boyfriend. They collectively realized that he had been lying about his cancer treatment and, in some cases, taking money from women to pay for treatments he had never received. Charlotte met this man at work, but many other women had met him on dating apps. So Charlottes sister Sam, along with another woman who had dated this man, worked to report his profile to Hinge and Bumble. Both platforms took his profile downbut Sam, who works in tech, was skeptical.

I was optimistic at first because they were quite responsive and keen on getting the details, Sam told me. But when they asked about other emails and phone numbers he could be using, I lost faith in their approach. It didnt seem sophisticated. Even if they used IP addresses or something else, it struck me as low-tech. This is not a fail-safe approach. Hell make his way back onto the dating apps.

In a 2021 New York Times op-ed about Match Groups investment in a nonprofit background-check servicewhich parted ways from the company last year due to a stated dearth of fundingCornell University professor Karen Levy argues not only that digital records can be incomplete, missing criminal convictions that were expunged or charges that were dropped, but that there is substantial social value in letting people shed stigmatizing or embarrassing information in these records. She adds that records can also have a racial bias, due to the overpolicing of people of color, and that while it is important that platforms take steps to address the scourge of gender-based violence, there is the potential for us to go too far when it comes to peoples privacy.

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Samantha was most grateful for TikTok and Facebook as platforms for story-sharing. I genuinely credit the social media platforms and the ability for women to have discourse about their experiences, she told me. So many women responded to me. Men were doing this type of thing forever, but it was harder to catch them. Now there is a sisterhood created for protecting each other.

Mandy felt similarly about finding other women to share experiences with. When she googled the man she had met up with, she discovered he was opening a business with another man outed for allegedly sexually assaulting women in the Seattle community. After a conversation with Amelia Bonow, a local womens rights activist who had sounded the alarm about the other bar owner, Mandy became resolved in her conviction to warn others about the man, regardless of the police investigation outcome. Mandy told me in a text, She was my rock.

After Mandy realized she had likely been sexually assaulted, she reported the mans profile to Hinge, and a customer service team promptly notified her that his profile had been taken down. She then contacted Bumble, who told her that it was investigating. After about a week, a customer service representative notified her that the mans profile had been taken down and offered her six free therapy sessions, which Bumble provides to users who experience sexual assault through a connection on the app. (A company representative told me that the apps self-guided courses to set boundaries and heal from sexual trauma and toxic relationships were accessed by more than 6,000 members last year.)

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When asked, a Bumble representative declined to share how the app prevents banned bad actors from circumventing the system, saying that bad actors might use that information to their advantage. Bumble confirmed that it does not share data with other platforms at this time; Match Group, which owns Tinder, shared that its trust and safety team works across the portfolio of apps to share information.

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At Mandys request, Airbnb conducted an investigation and said it had taken down the mans listing; it provided her a private link to share with law enforcement that is accessible only by law enforcement. (An Airbnb spokesperson told me that we run standard criminal background checks on U.S.based hosts and guests, and certain convictions can result in removal from the platform, and that the company facilitates information and data sharing with law enforcement globally, with proactive outreach in certain criminal matters and reactive support for legal requests for information or emergency disclosures, as well as engages with agencies to foster cooperation.)

Samantha posted her story on TikTok and shared the scenario on a private Facebook group; many women respondedincluding her dates wife. Ultimately, as a result of this conversation, Samantha decided to report his profile to Hinge. The next day, the company contacted her to let her know it would be deleting his profile.

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Mandy and Samantha were pleased with Bumbles and Hinges swift action to take down the profiles of the men they had matched withbut the experience was indelible. Neither of them plans to use dating apps again.

Related From Slate What Corporate Baddies and Tradwives Actually Have in Common Read More

When it comes to how invasive background checks should bewhether they are provided through dating apps, or accessed by individual detective workthere are two schools of thought. One is that it is critical that people have access to reports of gender-based harm at their fingertips. The other is that access to more and more records can be a slippery slope, in which wrongfully accused individualspotentially those from marginalized groupsare denied access to a product.

Whats clear is that while platforms or their parent companies might not be sharing certain information across companies due to a spiderweb of capitalistic and legal considerations, women certainly are. An informal network of online to offline communities has cropped up as a means to help women fact-find and also seek out emotional support.

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Bonowthe womens rights activist whom Mandy connected with after discovering that two men with a reported history of sexual violence were coming together as business partnersshared with me over email that she was in awe of Mandy.

Im an activist with a lot of experience taking difficult stories to press, whereas Mandy hadnt ever navigated anything remotely like this, said Bonow, adding that Mandy was brave and determined and relentless in a way that most people do not have the capacity to be. Bonow told me she felt that Mandy was doing this to help other women.

Weve never even met, but I love herand the way we have tag-teamed this as strangers is really an encapsulation of what I love about women.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/israel-sends-hamas-updated-draft-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-1121093187.html

Israel Sends Hamas Updated Draft of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israel Sends Hamas Updated Draft of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

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Israel has handed over to Palestinian movement Hamas an updated draft agreement, which provides for the release of some Israeli hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, media reported on Thursday, citing two Israeli officials.

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The new Israeli proposal was agreed upon on Sunday at a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several ministers and heads of security services, the report said. The draft includes a ceasefire for a period of 42 to 60 days, as well as the release of all women, men over 50, and hostages with serious health conditions from Hamas captivity, the report added. The provisions of the draft deal were reportedly conveyed to senior Egyptian intelligence officials, who presented them to Hamas representatives during negotiations on Monday and Tuesday, but the position of the Palestinian movement on the updated framework remains unknown. The Jewish state hopes the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, coupled with a ceasefire in Lebanon and pressure from US President-elect Donald Trump, could have a positive impact on the resumption of negotiations, the report read.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/leader-of-south-korean-ruling-party-vows-to-block-impeachment-against-president-1121093799.html

Leader of South Korean Ruling Party Vows to Block Impeachment Against President

Leader of South Korean Ruling Party Vows to Block Impeachment Against President

Sputnik International

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, has vowed to make efforts to prevent President Yoon Suk Yeol from being impeached, the Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

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On Wednesday, the media reported that South Korea's parliament submitted a motion to impeach Yoon. Yonhap reported later that the main opposition Democratic Party is seeking a vote on the impeachment motion against Yoon on Saturday. At the same time, Han reiterated the call for Yoon to leave the party after his attempt to impose martial law in the country, the report added. Late on Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law "to purge pro-North Korean forces and maintain the liberal constitutional order." The president claimed that attempts by the South Korean opposition to impeach several high-ranking officials in his government posed a threat of a political paralysis. The South Korean parliament voted to overturn the declaration of martial law. Of the 300 lawmakers, 190 were present, and the decision was made unanimously. Under the constitution, the president is required to immediately revoke martial law once parliament votes against it by a majority. However, Yoon delayed issuing a formal statement for several hours. He explained that after the parliamentary decision, he had immediately ordered a government meeting to formalize the revocation, but a lack of quorum prevented the decision from being made. A subsequent meeting later officially repealed the martial law.Earlier, South Korea's leading opposition Democratic Party (DP) has said that it will attempt to hold a vote on the impeachment motion against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 7, the Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.Cho Seung-rae, the party's deputy spokesperson, said that it plans to hold a vote on Saturday at 19:00 local time (10:00 GMT) to allow the lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party to have enough time to discuss the motion.On Wednesday, Yonhap reported that six parties in South Korea, including the main opposition Democratic Party, had filed an impeachment bill against the president in the parliament, with a vote planned for December 6-7.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/pakistan-sould-open-the-gates-for-russias-oil-and-gas-exploration--minister---1121095050.html

Pakistan ould Open the Gates for Russias Oil and Gas Exploration  Minister

Pakistan ould Open the Gates for Russias Oil and Gas Exploration  Minister

Sputnik International

In an interview with Sputnik, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister of Energy of Pakistan, touched upon on across-the-board cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad, including in the energy sector.

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In an interview with Sputnik, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Pakistan's Federal Minister of Energy, touched upon across-the-board cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad, which includes the energy sector.On Oil and Gas Leghari made it clear that Islamabad is ready and willing to see Russian companies explore Pakistani gas and oil fields.He added that such cooperation would result in "a lot of value addition" for Pakistani natural resources and minerals sector."And we think Pakistan could also open the gates for further oil and gas exploration that we are planning to aggressively pursue and develop as a key backbone of the countrys economy in the future," Leghari said."We are looking at all that. And we also have to bear in mind the responsibilities we have to the global economy and the global community," he pointed out.On Hydropower Project Islamabad has encouraged Russian companies to partake in the reconstruction of a Pakistani hydroelectric power station, Leghari went on to say.The Pakistani side "strongly believes that Russia has the strength and has a fair part of the global share of hydropower projects and technology"  something Islamabad wants to benefit from," the minister underscored.On Russia-Pakistan SCO and BRICS Cooperation Pursuing Pakistan's interest on platforms like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) would really be helpful for Moscow and Islamabad, Leghari emphasized.Concerning Russia-Pakistan ties on the whole, the minister said he thinks that both sides have realized the fact that the future of these relations "should not just depend on certain ups and downs in the global scenario," and that "a long-term view" of the relationship is needed.The remarks come after Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar told reporters that bolstering mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia remains an important priority for the Pakistani government."Pakistani-Russian relations have come a long way. Islamabad is committed to establishing lasting cooperation with Russia. We believe that a step-by-step approach based on trust and mutual respect has put this relationship on a positive path," Dar stressed, pointing to bilateral cooperation in such sectors as trade, energy, telecommunications, as well as culture and education.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/protesters-in-georgian-capital-disperse-1121093981.html

Protesters in Georgian Capital Disperse

Protesters in Georgian Capital Disperse

Sputnik International

The protesters in Tbilisi have almost completely dispersed, this is the first rally in a week that has not been dispersed by the police, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

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Several thousand protesters took part in the rally, they blocked traffic along Rustaveli Avenue near the Georgian Parliament for the entire night. The police, in turn, blocked traffic along the avenue from Rustaveli and Freedom Squares, as well as the side streets leading to the avenue. However, the police, unlike all previous nights, did not intervene during the rally. Now the police have already withdrawn water cannons from Freedom Square, and individual cars have begun to drive along the avenue. However, traffic has not yet been fully restored, several dozen student-age youth remain in front of the parliament building. They are lighting fires to warm up and singing songs. The avenue in this place is strewn with garbage, some piles of garbage are smoking. Several shop windows have been broken. Another series of opposition protests began in Georgia on November 28, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced his decision to suspend consideration of the issue of starting talks on the country's membership in the European Union until 2028. Protesters are reportedly using firecrackers, stones, bottles, and even Molotov cocktails. Riot police in response use special equipment, including water cannons.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241029/georgia-unrest-part-of-wests-grand-strategy-to-use-russias-neighbors-as-pawns-in-hybrid-war-1120717188.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/russia-not-threatening-anyone-with-nuclear-arms---russian-foreign-ministry-1121099857.html

Russia Not Threatening Anyone With Nuclear Arms - Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia Not Threatening Anyone With Nuclear Arms - Russian Foreign Ministry

Sputnik International

Russia is not threatening anyone with nuclear weapons, but in connection with the Ukraine conflict it is warning of the risks of a clash between nuclear powers that could have grave consequences, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

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"Russia is not threatening anyone with nuclear weapons, and any claims to the contrary are nothing more than deliberate anti-Russian lies. We treat the policy in the area of nuclear deterrence with the utmost seriousness and responsibility," Zakharova said. Russia is forced to warn about the risks of a direct military clash between nuclear powers and, accordingly, about its potentially grave consequences, as well as to send "specific sobering signals" in support of such warnings, the spokeswoman added. Russia's doctrinal guidelines remain strictly defensive in nature and continue to outline quite strictly the extreme circumstances under which the country reserves the right to defend itself with nuclear weapons, Zakharova said. "Russia's official statements on the aforementioned issues do not go beyond the scope of these guidelines and are fully consistent with our country's international obligations. This is not the language of threats, but the classic logic of containment," the spokeswoman added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241119/nuclear-doctrine-changes-signal-russias-willingness-to-take-on-global-power-obligations---expert-1120928505.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/this-is-genocide-rights-group-accuses-israel-of-deliberately-destroying-palestinians-in-gaza-1121100290.html

This is Genocide: Rights Group Accuses Israel of Deliberately Destroying Palestinians in Gaza

This is Genocide: Rights Group Accuses Israel of Deliberately Destroying Palestinians in Gaza

Sputnik International

Amnesty chief Agnes Callamard said that month after month, Israel has treated Palestinians in Gaza as a subhuman group unworthy of human rights and dignity, demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them.

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Israels war on the Gaza Strip amounts to genocide against the Palestinian people, Amnesty International concludes in a just-released report. Tel Aviv has rejected the accusations.The London-based human rights group obtained "sufficient evidence" that:Commenting on the report, Amnesty chief Agnes Callamard said in a statement that the groups damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now."Since the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack inside southern Israel on October 7, 2023, at least 44,532 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza, per the Health Ministry.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240405/israeli-strikes-in-gaza-proving-part-of-concerted-effort-to-industrialize-genocide-1117770696.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/ukrainian-colonel-led-poisonous-munitions-attack-on-kursk-region---russian-investigators-1121096868.html

Ukrainian Colonel Led Poisonous Munitions Attack on Kursk Region - Russian Investigators

Ukrainian Colonel Led Poisonous Munitions Attack on Kursk Region - Russian Investigators

Sputnik International

Ukrainian Col. Pavlo Rozlach was in charge of an attack on Russias Kursk Region with cluster munitions filled with poisonous substances, the Russian Investigative Committee told Sputnik on Thursday.

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"The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case against the commander of the 80th separate airborne assault brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Col. Pavlo Rozlach. He is accused in absentia of committing a terrorist act in the Kursk Region and using weapons of mass destruction prohibited by an international treaty of the Russian Federation," the committee said.The investigators added that at least 20 people were injured after the August 11 attack on the Bolshoe Soldatskoe village when the Ukrainian brigade used "155 millimeter cluster munitions containing prohibited asphyxiating poisonous substances."Russia has put Rovlach on the international wanted list, the committee said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241130/ugly-truth-of-ukraines-criminal-use-of-chemical-weapons-1121050741.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/white-house-mulls-preemptive-pardons-for-biden-officials-before-january-20-1121093641.html

White House Mulls Preemptive Pardons for Biden Officials Before January 20

White House Mulls Preemptive Pardons for Biden Officials Before January 20

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden's administration is considering introducing preemptive pardons for current and former officials to protect them from possible prosecution after President-elect Donald Trump takes the Oval Office in January, media reported on Thursday, citing senior Democratic Party sources

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2024-12-05T05:20+0000

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The White House is concerned that the appointment of Trump aide Kashyap "Kash" Patel as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) could lead to large-scale investigations and indictments of the president-elect's critics, as Patel has already vowed to investigate those who have spoken out against Trump, the sources said. Among the people most likely to be pardoned are current and former Biden administration officials, members of the investigative committee that looked into the events of January 6, 2021, including Senator Adam Schiff and ex-Congresswoman Liz Cheney, the sources also told the newspaper, adding that a preemptive pardon for Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who was heavily criticized by Republicans during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also being considered. The US government is reportedly discussing the move with caution because it could lead to criticism and accusations of abuse of power, as well as concerns that some affected people might refuse the offer. White House Counsel Edward Siskel and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients are coordinating the discussions, the media said, adding that Joe Biden, who recently pardoned his son Hunter, is not yet involved. The United States went to the polls on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump, who served as US president from 2017-2021, was declared the winner by all the leading race callers and networks. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat in a speech to her supporters.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241112/fbi-and-justice-department-anticipate-shake-up-following-trumps-comeback-1120869010.html

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Nokia and Indonesias leading mobile operator, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), have announced a two-year extension to their partnership to expand IOHs 4G and 5G network across Indonesia. Through the deal, which will run from 2025 to 2027, Nokia will support IOHs ambitions to significantly improve its operational performance as well as help advance Indonesias rapidly evolving telecom sector.

Under the agreement, Nokia will provide solutions from its cutting-edge AirScale equipment portfolio including multiband radio technology and high-capacity baseband solutions. Nokias advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, will play a critical role in streamlining IOHs network investments, ensuring the most efficient deployment of resources in high-demand areas. The deal will help IOH expand its network and improve service in key areas of the country.

Nokia will also supply its FastMile Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions in strategic regions, ensuring wider broadband access for homes and offices and supporting the digital inclusion agenda in underserved areas. The expansion of 4G and 5G coverage, combined with FWA, will help fuel economic growth and improve connectivity for millions of Indonesians.

Vikram Sinha, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said: At Indosat, our purpose is to empower Indonesia, and this collaboration reinforces our commitment to connect more people and make digitalization accessible to everyone. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide reliable connectivity. Moreover, this partnership is a pivotal step toward integrating AI into our ecosystem, paving the way for smarter, more efficient networks that will shape Indonesias digital future and elevate the quality of life for every Indonesian.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented: Nokia is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with IOH and this new extended agreement marks a pivotal moment for both our companies in Indonesia. By leveraging our state-of-the-art AirScale portfolio solutions and AI-driven capabilities, we are empowering IOH to build a robust, future-ready network. This deal not only reinforces our leadership in advanced mobile networks space but also deepens our commitment to supporting Indonesias digital transformation and growing mobile ecosystem.
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: mali maeder from Pexels

How can vehicle emissions be reduced without necessarily having to change cars? A new monitoring system, developed by Politecnico di Milano and described in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, offers a concrete answer that makes sustainable mobility accessible to all.

The proposed methodology uses a virtual sensing system to accurately estimate emissions of carbon dioxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ), using very simple instruments, exceeding the limits of the Euro classification alone.

Thanks to the use of small telematic devices equipped with GPS for positioning and an inertial unit for measuring acceleration, the system measures emissions based on actual driving behavior.

Using a large database of data collected from over 8,000 private vehicles equipped with black boxes in Italy and analyzed for over 11 million journeys, the algorithms calculate the real environmental impact of each vehicle. UnipolTech, the telematics division of the Unipol Group, provided a unique data set in terms of accuracy and amplitude, with information on speed, distance traveled and driving style, which allowed the proposed algorithms to be validated.

"The methodology provides a concrete answer for those who want to do their bit for sustainability without having to change their vehicle immediately. This means sustainable mobility for all," explains Professor Silvia Strada, lead author of the study. "Empowering drivers to manage, understand and improve their environmental impact opens up an inclusive transition to sustainability."

a. Mapping Average Speed vs. Fuel Consumption(FC), pinpointing the optimal Green Speed range (50-75 km/h). b. Normalized Consumption Curves are shown for urban, mixed, and highway contexts by normalizing the original FC curve with respect to the Fuel Consumption Values at 18.9 km/h, 39.2 km/h, and 60.8 km/h, which correspond to the speeds defined by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle for urban roads, mixed roads, and highways, respectively. c. A Close-up presentation of the three curves. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76103-8

The system uses three key performance indicators (KPIs): fuel consumption, CO emissions and NO x emissions. These KPIs show that emissions and fuel consumption depend not only on vehicle technology but also on driving behavior, providing a personalized assessment of environmental impact. For example, there is a "green speed," i.e. an optimal speed range between 5075 km/h, which is more efficient in terms of both consumption and emissions.

This monitoring system has many potential applications for cities: councils can use it to manage emissions in restricted traffic areas and adjust access and parking fees based on the actual environmental impact of vehicles, without banning anyone from driving altogether. In addition, the indicators could support incentives for virtuous driving, while respecting the technological neutrality of the car.

As part of a sustainable transition, the European Union has set ambitious targets: a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050, as required by the Green Deal. This system is a direct response to this need, making monitoring accessible and fair to those who are currently unable to invest in zero-emission vehicles.

The new approach shows that an older vehicle can still be sustainable if driven carefully and for limited distances, challenging the current paradigm based solely on Euro classes.

This system is now a concrete tool for those who want to drive more responsibly and for cities that want to reduce emissions. The proposed emission estimation algorithms can form an essential basis for sustainable mobility, contributing to a more inclusive and less impactful management of urban mobility and beyond.

More information: Silvia Carla Strada et al, An innovative virtual sensing system for the vehicle-centric evaluation of emissions in the sustainable mobility transition, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76103-8 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Zongliang Xie places the fabricated film capacitors into the ion sputtering machine for evaluation. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and several collaborating institutions have successfully demonstrated a machine-learning technique to accelerate the discovery of materials for film capacitorscrucial components in electrification and renewable energy technologies. The technique was used to screen a library of nearly 50,000 chemical structures to identify a compound with record-breaking performance.

The other collaborators from University of WisconsinMadison, Scripps Research Institute, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Southern Mississippi contributed expertise in machine learning, chemical synthesis, and material characterization.

Their research was reported in the journal Nature Energy.

"For cost-effective, reliable renewable energy technologies, we need better performing capacitor materials than what are available today," said Yi Liu, a senior scientist at Berkeley Lab who led the study. "This breakthrough screening technique will help us find these 'needle-in-a-haystack' materials."

There is rapidly growing demand for film capacitors for use in high-temperature, high-power applications such as electric vehicles, electric aviation, power electronics, and aerospace. Film capacitors are also essential components in the inverters that convert solar and wind generation into the alternating-current power that can be used by the electric grid.

Yi Liu (left) and Zongliang Xie fabricate film capacitors from polymers and then evaluate both the polymers and capacitors at the Molecular Foundry. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

Film capacitors require heat-resistant materials

Batteries receive a lot of attention as a workhorse in renewable energy applications, but electrostatic film capacitors are also important. These devices consist of an insulating material sandwiched between two conductive metal sheets. While batteries use chemical reactions to store and release energy over long periods, capacitors use applied electric fields to charge and discharge energy much more quickly.

Film capacitors are used for regulating power quality in diverse types of power systems. For example, they can prevent ripple currents and smooth voltage fluctuations, ensuring stable, safe, reliable operations.

Polymerslarge molecules with repeating chemical unitsare well-suited for the insulating material in film capacitors because of their light weight, flexibility, and endurance under applied electric fields. However, polymers have a limited ability to tolerate the high temperatures in many power system applications. Intense heat can reduce the polymers' insulating properties and cause them to degrade.

A researcher holds a fabricated slim-film capacitor near a dielectric measuring system, which tests how well the capacitor stores or conducts an electrical charge. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

Narrowing down 49,700 polymers to three

Researchers have traditionally looked for high-performance polymers through trial and error, synthesizing a few candidates at a time and then characterizing their properties.

"Because of the pressing need for better capacitors, this approach is too slow to find promising molecules from the hundreds of thousands of possibilities," said He Li, a postdoctoral researcher at Berkeley Lab.

To accelerate discovery, the research team developed and trained a set of machine-learning models known as feedforward neural networks to screen a library of nearly 50,000 polymers for an optimal combination of properties, including the ability to withstand high temperatures and strong electric fields, high energy storage density, and ease of synthesis. The models identified three particularly promising polymers.

Researchers from Scripps Research Institute synthesized the three polymers using a powerful technique, known as click chemistry, that rapidly and efficiently links together molecular building blocks into high-quality products. Scripps Professor Barry Sharpless, one of the lead researchers on the project, won a 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on the click-chemistry concept.

At Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, the researchers fabricated film capacitors from these polymers and then evaluated both the polymers and capacitors. The team found that they had exceptional electrical and thermal performance.

Capacitors made from one of the polymers exhibited a record-high combination of heat resistance, insulating properties, energy density, and efficiency. (A high-efficiency capacitor wastes very little energy when it charges and discharges.) Additional tests on these capacitors revealed their superior material quality, operational stability, and durability.

The fabricated thin film samples are measured using a thickness gauge. Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab

Making even better models

The research team is considering several lines of follow-up research.

"One idea is to design machine learning models that provide more insights into how the structure of polymers influences their performance," said Zongliang Xie, a postdoctoral researcher at Berkeley Lab.

"Another potential research area is to develop generative AI models that can be trained to design high-performance polymers without having to screen a library," added Tianle Yue, a graduate student at the University of WisconsinMadison.

"Our AI analysis quickly identified some key variables in the polymer design details that were predicted to add big improvements in the shielding properties of these polysulfate membranes. As reported in our new Nature Energy study, these earliest machine learning predictors for improving the capacitors are dramatically born-out by experiment," said Sharpless, W.M. Keck Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research.

More information: Li, H., et al. Machine learning-accelerated discovery of heat-resistant polysulfates for electrostatic energy storage. Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01670-z Journal information: Nature Energy
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The Meta logo is seen at the Vivatech show in Paris, France, June 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File

The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook's parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it "game-changing" for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuelsand whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be "establishing operations in Memphis," without offering further details.

Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers.

The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren't enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports.

Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added.

"We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level," Janda said.

Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland Parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty, according to the U.S. census data. The parish's unemployment rate was 4.6% last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030.

Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year periodnearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future.

Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers.

"There's no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they're not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there's safeguards in place."

Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region.

"It's going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America," Foster said. "I'm for it 100%."

Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI's south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said.

Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with "a stunning lack of transparency" in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites.

"Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them," he said, "and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Daniel Cremers, professor of computer vision & artificial intelligence. Credit: Technical University Munich

Technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) are already affecting our everyday livesfrom the systems that facilitate movie and music selections to language assistants that formulate emails. But what developments will come along in the coming years?

Daniel Cremers, a professor of Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), offers insights into the future of AI. The objective of this research is to improve the ability of machines to analyze and interpret image data.

How much contact do we already have with AI in our daily lives?

Today we already deal with AI every day. Whenever we use such hardware devices as a laptop or mobile phone, we have points of contact with AIwhether we are unlocking our phone with facial recognition or using language assistant systems.

Those are current examples of AI applications. What developments can we expect in the coming five to 10 years?

In most cases, a new development undergoes years of research before the public hears about it. Our research therefore gives us indicators of what technologies are coming. We started working on advanced driver assistance and self-driving around 20 years ago. So I could foresee the coming of autonomous cars.

To some extent, they are already here. There will also be autonomous robots and drones. It also seems possible to me that significant advances will be made in translation technologies. For years I have been waiting for the earbud that will translate back and forth between different languages in real time. And it should be able to speak any language in the sound of my own voice.

Which other challenges lie aheadespecially with regard to the impact on societyas AI continues to develop and play an increasing role in everyday life?

AI will have an enormous impact on our society. However, as always such significant changes also stir various fears among people. One example is the specific fear that AI will take away our job. Another relates to the lack of privacy in an AI world. Not everyone wants to become a see-through person, where every action can be tracked and analyzed.

Specifically, what is your view of the influence of AI applications on our working world?

One goal of AI is to take on tasks in order to make our lives easier. It is my hope that AI will help us especially with routine tasks. AI works particularly well in such tasks that involve the monotonous repetition of the same steps. People can then focus on more interesting and varying tasks that are also more challenging.

However, there will be social changes where our input will be required to shape and guide them. For example, our society will have to ask what kind of training and qualifications will still be needed in the future? What occupational groups may require retraining? In history, humanity has regularly gone through such transitions and I am confident we will manage this.

You talked about the influence on the working world. How will it look in the personal sphere?

In the personal sphere, it is crucial for us as a society to agree on appropriate laws and regulations. However, we are living in a globalized world. That means that we do not know whether other countries go along with usespecially because the private sphere is not valued equally everywhere in the world. We face a similar challenge as with the topics of disarmament and climate change. We have to work together with other countries and ensure that a joint agreement is reached that everyone will comply with.

With regard to data protection, Germany takes a highly restrictive approach. Does that involve economic disadvantages?

In the first attempts to regulate AI, the importance of data protection was constantly emphasized. It was argued that personal data should not be shared. The problem is that, when data protection is the sole concern and data sharing is entirely disabled, then relevant AI technologies cannot be developed. We have now reached the point where AI can help to detect tumors and other diseases with remarkable accuracy.

The main hurdle was to obtain the necessary patient data while complying with all data protection regulations. If the bureaucratic hurdles for accessing data are higher in our country than elsewhere, this will mean that AI technologies can be developed faster in other countries. So we need to assure data privacy, yet we also need to streamline the processes for appropriate data usage and technology development.

Who is using our data to train AI?

There is currently a lot of research and technological development happening both in academia and in industry. For training big neural network models, we not only need massive quantities of training data, but also huge amounts of computing power.

That means that enormous investments in hardware and computing infrastructure will also be necessary. That is an area where currently academic research lags behind the big corporations. We are therefore very happy that national and Bavarian governments are promising significant investments.

What is your overall assessment: Is AI just a fad or will it have a lasting impact on our lives?

I don't think that AI is just a passing fad. I believe that it will have far-reaching effects on our lives in the coming years. Research in AI has been going on for a long time. There have been many phases where nobody believed in the success of this technology. That will not happen again, because we have since witnessed many breakthroughs in AI.

In the coming years, it will become increasingly powerful and be deployed across even more areas. My responsibility as an AI researcher is to develop AI technologies that truly serve society and improve our lives and our world.
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.
Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net.

A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships.

In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band.
Maurice E. Mercado has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty for his part in the robbery of an armored truck in 2022. Courtesy, Bexar County Sheriff's Office Brian Martinez-Rodriguez was sentenced to 30 months in prison in the robbery of the armored truck he was driving. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A San Antonio man has been sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for his role in a $1.1 million robbery of an armored truck in 2022.

Maurice E. Mercado was 23 when he was arrested on a charge of theft of $300,000 or more. He was charged along with his childhood friend, Brian Martinez-Rodriguez, who was working as a driver of an Garda armored truck.

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Federal court records indicate Mercado, now 25, pleaded guilty May 30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer.

On Wednesday, Mercado was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez to 30 months in prison and three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of $548,058.80.

Martinez-Rodriguez, now 25, was sentenced in May to 30 months in prison, three years supervised release and and was ordered to pay restitution of $548,058.80, according to federal court documents.

Martinez-Rodriguez was the driver of a Garda armored truck on Dec. 29, 2022, when he and his partner stopped to make a pick up at an AutoZone store in Converse, according to state and federal court records.

While the partner was inside the store, Martinez-Rodriguez said a man held him up at gunpoint and robbed his armored truck.

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Martinez-Rodriguez told investigators the robber shoved him into the truck and assaulted him with the firearm for about 20 seconds. He then said the assailant forced him to drive to an area around Walnut Basin and Twincreek Farm, less than a mile from the store. At that point, Martinez-Rodriguez said, three other armed men wearing masks began filling bins with cash before all four suspects fled in another vehicle.

However, video captured by the AutoZone store's cameras were inconsistent with Martinez-Rodriguez's account of what happened, according to an arrest affidavit.

Converse police said the video showed Mercado walking to the front of the armored truck as Martinez-Rodriguez opened the door. The affidavit stated that the door to the truck was open for a few seconds, then was closed as Mercado put gloves on and walked toward the AutoZone store.

Martinez-Rodriguez was then seen on video opening the door to the truck again and appeared to signal to Mercado.

The document states that Mercado got into the truck and drove away seven seconds later, which contradicted Martinez-Rodriguez's account of a 20-second assault inside the truck.

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Video from a second location showed the armored truck pull up next to a blue Hyundai Elantra. Cameras captured one person getting out of the car and making two trips from the truck to place items in the trunk of the Elantra.

A search of Martinez-Rodriguez's cellphone found photographs that had recently been taken inside of the armored truck, along with the truck's manifest and an email from Garda that alerted of recent armored truck robberies, the document stated.

Investigators said the day those photographs were taken, Martinez-Rodriguez had received a notice of termination from Garda for not getting a license to carry a firearm, and his last day was to be Dec. 30, 2022, the affidavit stated.

Investigators were told by a witness that Martinez-Rodriguez's personal vehicle was seen many times at a Northwest Side apartment complex parked next to a Hyundai Elantra that matched the description of one in the videos taken from the second scene.

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U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar speaks April 10 at a hearing of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

Despite claiming this week that installing a floating border barrier to deter illegal immigration was his idea originally, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar signed a letter over a year ago contending the barrier itself could be illegal.

The South Texas Democrat told Newsweek on Tuesday that he proposed the concept years before Republican Gov. Greg Abbott deployed a buoy system on the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. The buoys went up in 2023 as part of Abbott's Operation Lone Star, a billion-dollar immigration crackdown at the Mexican border.

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"I was the one years ago who suggested that to Border Patrol because I did not want the wall," Cuellar told Newsweek. "I prefer buoys over building a fence and taking private property away."

However, Cuellar's signature is on a July 2023 letter to President Biden in which U.S. representatives say that buoys and razor wire at the border were "putting asylum-seekers at serious risk of injury and death, interfering with federal immigration enforcement, infringing on private property rights, and violating U.S. treaty commitments with Mexico."

Cuellar responded Thursday morning to reporting on the 2023 letter.

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As the prior administration was actively pursuing a border wall in various parts of my district, I presented alternatives to the wall including border security technology, river roads, carrizo cane removal, enhanced border personnel on the ground, as well as buoy barriers in the water," Cuellar said via email. "However, we did not end up moving forward on the buoy barrier proposal because the relevant agencies that would have been involved in such a project, did not move forward on it at the time.

In the letter, 87 House Democrats including Cuellar ask Biden to pursue legal action against Abbott and Operation Lone Star. Not only were razor wire and buoys dangerous to asylum-seekers, the letter argues, but a floating barrier could violate bilateral treaties between the U.S. and Mexico.

The letter also cites a memo from U.S. Customs and Border Protection obtained by Hearst Newspapers that reveals federal officials were concerned about razor wire installed as part of Operation Lone Star. Razor wire was strung across gates that federal agents use to get to the river, and some migrants said they were stuck in the Rio Grande for hours or days.

An appeals court ruled last week that the federal government could not remove the razor wire, the Texas Tribune reported. Abbott said in a post on X after the ruling that "we continue adding more razor wire border barrier."

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Abbott announced last month that the buoy barrier would also be expanded. In that announcement, he credited the design of the floating border to Customs and Border Patrol.

In response to Cuellar's comments to Newsweek about the origination of the floating border, a senior Abbott aide also told the publication that Customs and Border Patrol designed the buoy barrier.

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San Antonio park police officer Jason Maldonado and his wife April were struck by a truck while on a walk on Nov. 26. April would later die from her injuries. Meal Train

The community is rallying behind the family of a San Antonio park police officer and his wife who were struck by a driver two days before Thanksgiving as they were out for a morning walk. The woman didn't survive.

April Maldonado, a 42-year-old who worked as a Bexar County probation officer, died from blunt force injuries as a result of the crash, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Jason Maldonado, a veteran who has worked as a San Antonio park police officer for more than 15 years, was severely injured. He's recovering from his surgery and will need extensive medical care in the coming months.

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Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to the crash on Nov. 26 on County Road 375 in Medina County.

Maldonado and her husband Jason Maldonado, 44, were walking along the road when a 2016 black Ford F-250 veered into the shoulder lane and struck them both, according to DPS officials.

The couple was taken to University Hospital shortly after, where April Maldonado succumbed to her injuries and died.

ALSO READ: San Antonio man accused of shooting and injuring three police officers gets trial date

Two fundraisers were created on GoFundMe and Meal Train  a meal and funds donation site  to help Jason Maldonado and his four children with funeral expenses, medical bills and a college fund.

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The GoFundMe and Meal Train fundraisers have raised more than $35,000.

A member of the San Antonio Bills Backers, a local fan group for the Buffalo Bills, organized the GoFundMe to support the Maldonado family following April's death.

"April was a beloved member of our group, and a loving mother to their 4 kids," the organizer wrote. "Dia Billo has served our country for so long, now his family needs our support more than ever. Dia Billo has a long road ahead to recover from his injuries."

The group also showed support for Jason Maldonado, also known as Dia Billo, on Instagram.

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Jesse Garcia, 29, is accused of shooting and injuring San Antonio police officers on Aug. 24, 2024. Courtesy of Bexar County Sheriff

A trial date has been scheduled for a San Antonio man accused of injuring three San Antonio police officers while evading arrest last year.

Jesse Garcia Jr, 29, faces five counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping.

In a hearing on Wednesday, court officials scheduled Garcia's trial date on May 20. The case is being heard in the 437th District Court with Judge Joel Perez presiding.

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If convicted, Garcia faces up to life in prison.

READ MORE: Judge denies bail to man accused of shooting two police officers

Police said Garcia shot at officers on Aug. 5, 2023 near the 100 block of Oriental Avenue while they were attempting to arrest him on outstanding warrants. He then continued to fire at officers at a West Side apartment complex where he barricaded himself until he surrendered four hours later.

At the time, Garcia was out on two bonds and wanted on outstanding warrants for felon in possession of a firearm, evading arrest in a vehicle and burglary of a vehicle.

Three officers were shot during the incident.

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San Antonio Police Officer Rhett Shoquist was shot once in the face and lost eye. Officer Raul Chavez was shot in the torso multiple times and a third unidentified officer was injured by gunfire debris.

Perez ordered that Garcia be remanded without bail pending trial as a repeat offender.

After the shooting, Police Chief William McManus, who described Garcia as "violent" and "dangerous," expressed frustration in a post on X. He questioned by Garcia wasn't in jail after previously being charged with multiple offenses.

Why wasnt he in jail? Why (werent) his bonds increased? People want to know, McManus wrote.

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One of the concerning aspects surrounding the shooting of our ofcs last nite the susp was out on 2 bonds for almost a yr despite committing more crimes & being re-arrested & wanted on 3 diff warrants. Why wasnt he in jail? Why weret his bonds increased? People want to know.  Chief Bill McManus (@Chief_McManus) August 25, 2023
Gia vang the gioi sang nay ap sat moc 3.000 USD/ounce  muc ky luc chua tung co trong lich su. Trong nuoc cung khong ngoai le, khi lan luot tang tu 700 en 1 trieu ong/luong. "Vang ang trong thi truong tang gia dai han. Chung toi du bao gia se giao dich trong khoang 3.000-3.200 USD trong nam nay", Alex Ebkarian, giam oc ieu hanh tai Allegiance Gold cho biet.
Meitaowan becomes home to ceramic art and fashion brands in Foshan

Xinhua) 08:45, December 05, 2024

Craft artist Feng Zhiwei makes a pottery sculpture at his art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

A worker hones a ceramic piece at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Craft artist Huang Wei introduces pottery pieces with creative elements at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Craft artist Huang Zhiwei introduces one of his pottery sculptures at his art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

A visitor views a pottery art piece at an art museum of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Workers assemble greenware at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Craft artist Feng Zhiwei makes a pottery sculpture at his art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Craft artist Wu Weiwei introduces pottery pieces with creative elements at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

An apprentice polishes a ceramic piece at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

A worker glazes a ceramic piece at an art studio of Meitaowan in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 3, 2024. Meitaowan, literally translated as "bay of beautiful ceramics," has been known for its development in ceramic arts. The municipal government established this area by transforming old factory buildings into cultural facilities and creative spaces. It is now home to studios of numerous ceramic art masters and fashion brands that aim to drive urban renewal and industrial transformation. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

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Dubai Chambers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support the growth and diversification of bilateral economic and investment ties.

The agreement aims to strengthen connections between the business communities in Dubai and London and foster enhanced collaboration on joint initiatives.

Under the terms of the MoU, Dubai Chambers will assist London-based companies from diverse sectors with expanding and growing their operations in Dubai.

The agreement will also contribute to the development of trade and investment relations at the local and regional levels, leveraging Dubai as a hub.

"Dubai Chambers is committed to strengthening international partnerships and building constructive relationships that cement Dubais position as a leading global hub for trade and investments. We aim to enhance ties and foster collaboration to drive business growth and open new horizons for expansion into regional and global markets," remarked Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, after signing the deal with Karim Fatehi, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Through these efforts, we contribute to building bridges of cooperation with business communities around the world, supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities that align with the aspirations of investors and businesses across diverse sectors," he added.

Fatehi said: "This is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leaders, members and communities come together to build a shared future. Let us continue to work hand in hand, innovate together, and shape a future where the strength of our collaboration is the foundation of our shared success."

According to him, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide support to investors and businesses from Dubai and facilitate investments and partnerships within Londons business community.

The agreement also outlines cooperation in organising and participating in trade fairs, investment missions, conferences, and exhibitions, as well as the sharing of trade and economic data, he added.
Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrains largest real estate developer, said it has entered into a joint agreement with Khaleeji Bank, one of the leading Islamic banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in Cityscape Bahrain 2024.

Under this agreement, individuals interested in owning a completed villa under Phase 2 of Al Naseem will enjoy a grace period of up to 18 months, said Diyar Al Muharraq in a statement.

Homebuyers will also have the opportunity to purchase the villas at a profit rate of 5.75% with no down payment, alongside deferring their payments for up to a year and a half.

Additionally, interested buyers will benefit from an array of financing options presented by Khaleeji Bank to purchase any housing units available at Diyar Al Muharraq, it stated.

They will also enjoy flexible repayment terms between 15 to 30 years, in addition to competitive annual profit rates starting at 3.99% and not exceeding 4.65%, with a down payment not exceeding 10% of the property value, it added.

On the deal, CEO Engineer Ahmed Ali Alammadi said: "We are pleased to be partnering with Khaleeji Bank, a leading financial institution, to provide exclusive real estate financing offers to customers who are looking to own one of our housing units. We hope this collaboration will enable citizens to obtain their dream homes."

Ameera Al Abbasi, Head of Retail at Khaleeji Bank, said it remained always dedicated to providing accessible and seamless real estate financing solutions that empower its customers to own distinguished residential units.

"We are proud to collaborate with the best real estate development companies in Bahrain. It is truly a pleasure for us to partner with Diyar Al Muharraq, a company that provides exceptional residential units and embodies the vision of integrated and sustainable communities in Bahrain," she added.

Diyar Al Muharraq is the largest integrated residential city in Bahrain that offers a luxurious lifestyle while preserving traditional Bahraini family values.

The projects diverse range of housing options, combined with its commercial, recreational, and healthcare facilities, make it a highly desirable destination for modern and integrated urban living.
Saudi Arabia has launched the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, which protects the Red Sea, empowers communities and paves the way for the transition to a blue economy.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, launched the Strategy and said: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to unleash its enormous economic, geographical and cultural potential, and its pioneering efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation.

Through this strategy, the kingdom positions the blue economy as a fundamental pillar of its diversified economy and aspires for the Red Sea region to become a global reference for leading blue economy activities, and for the kingdom to become a global leader in the field of research, development and innovation in blue economy. The kingdom also reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable future for the Red Sea, and we look forward to everyones cooperation in protecting our Red Sea Coast, and the nature and communities that depend on it.

Unique and biodiverse

The Red Sea is one of Saudi Arabias unique and biodiverse regions  an area of 186 thousand sq kms, with 1,800 km of coastline, the Red Sea itself is home to the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, 6.2% of the globes coral reefs and hundreds of islands, a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report said.

The strategy sets out a comprehensive national framework that explains how to preserve and regenerate the natural treasures in the Red Sea, ensuring that citizens, residents and visitors enjoy them and sustain them for generations to come. It demonstrates the contribution of protecting the natural environment in unlocking the economic potential of the region and initiating the transition to the blue economy, creating investment opportunities for innovative companies in various marine sectors, including ecotourism, fisheries, renewable energy, water desalination, shipping and industry.

To support the national economy, the strategy aims, by 2030, to: increase the coverage of marine and coastal protected areas from 3% to 30%, support the contribution of renewable energy to 50% of the targeted energy mix, create thousands of new job opportunities related to blue economy activities, and protect the kingdoms investments.

The strategy protects KSAs investments in coastal tourism projects which will potentially contribute to the GDP yearly.

5 strategic objectives

The strategy is structured around 5 strategic objectives: Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Social Development, Safety and Security, and Governance and Collaboration. It includes 48 initiatives that were developed to achieve the kingdoms ambitions for the blue economy.

The announcement of the strategy endorses the central role played by the kingdom in protecting natural resources in light of the environmental and climate challenges that the world is experiencing today and charts a new path that combines economic growth and environmental sustainability.--TradeArabia News Service
Masdar City, Abu Dhabis pioneering sustainable urban community and free zone, has introduced two new tailored business packagesStart Lite and Business One.

These initiatives aim to attract a diverse array of companies, streamline the business setup process, and support Abu Dhabis Vision 2030 in fostering a resilient, innovation-driven economy, a WAM report said.

The newly introduced packages cater to the specific needs of startups, SMEs and growing enterprises.

Masdar City is committed to supporting Abu Dhabis vision for economic diversification by creating tailored solutions that empower businesses to grow and thrive, said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City. The launch of these packages is another step toward addressing the evolving needs of the business community while contributing to the emirates innovation-driven goals.

Startups and entrepreneurs

Start Lite Package is designed for startups and entrepreneurs, this package offers business setup starting from AED3,500 ($953), enabling up to three business activities with a zero-visa quota.

Meanwhile, Business One Package is geared toward established and expanding companies, this package provides setup starting from AED17,500, allowing up to five business activities, one free visa for the companys lifetime, and support for up to three shareholders, with options to add more at an additional cost.

Both packages include streamlined registration processes, Smart Station leases for adaptable workspaces, and comprehensive support services to enable businesses to start and operate seamlessly.

Masdar City plays a vital role in supporting Abu Dhabis economic diversification and sustainability goals. As part of the UAEs Falcon Economy and Vision 2030, the city fosters collaboration across key industries such as energy, artificial intelligence, life sciences, mobility, and space technology.

Home to more than 1,100 companiesincluding global leaders like Siemens Energy, G42, Beamtrail, Insilco Medicine, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Masdar City offers an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation and collaboration.--TradeArabia News Service
Edge, a leading advanced technology and defence group, will supply acquiring an ultra-secure communications system to Management and Operational Centre of the Amazon Protection System (Censipam).

For this, Edge has signed a letter of intent with Censipam, an agency of the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, dedicated to the management and protection of the Legal Amazon and Blue Amazon.

The system will be deployed in partnership with SIATT, a Brazilian specialist in smart weapons and advanced defence systems, in which Edge holds a 50% stake.

Secure communications system

The secure communications system integrates Edges KATIM X3M ultra-secure smartphone and SIATT's SATCOM link and command and control software, with radios from the Brazilian Military Material Industry.

Utilising an open-architecture structure, the system permits the integration of associated technologies to enable interoperability and the exchange of information. As a tailored solution, the system has strong applications for Edges customers in Brazil and Latin America that require reliable and highly secure communication in challenging and remote operational environments.

Censipam and SIATT ratified the delivery through the letter of intent signed at Mostra BID Brasil. TradeArabia News Service
Hundreds of private sector representatives from finance, fashion, agri-food to pharmaceuticals, have convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss their role in ensuring sustainable land, soil and water management.

They responded to a call to action launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the 16th Conference of the Parties.

The Business 4 Land Forum brought together high-level decision makers and CEOs from companies that are particularly land-and-water-dependent, including firms in the agrifood, pharma, energy, textiles, ICT, and finance and insurance sectors. Land degradation and drought pose serious risks for businesses and investors, meaning it is in their best interest to mitigate them by contributing to global efforts for healthy lands and drought resilience.

Business 4 Land

The event was part of Business 4 Land (B4L), an initiative launched by UNCCD earlier this year in Davos with InTent - a platform that can quickly mobilise an influential and diverse group of decision-makers for change - to engage and support private actors in sustainable land management.

It is supported by the COP16 Presidency, the World Economic Forum, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, ChangeNOW, the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, the International Chamber of Commerce, the UN Global Compact, and the Saudi Environment Fund.

COP16 has attracted the largest-ever participation of the private sector to a UNCCD COP to date, providing a critical momentum to make sustainable land management a core part of corporate and financial strategies, said the Executive Secretary of UNCCD Ibrahim Thiaw. Shifting towards nature-positive operations, supply chains, and investments, is not only about environmental sustainability, but about the long-term profitability and resilience of businesses.

60 high-level speakers

The B4L Forum brought together 60 high-level speakers and 400 guests; among them, more than 40 corporations that recognise the urgent need to address land degradation and drought, and acknowledge their responsibility in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources as a business and social imperative.

B4Ls call to action urges companies to contribute to one or more of the Business 4 Land (B4L) initiative's pillars: promoting sustainable practices across business operations; supporting finance solutions; and advocating for better land and water management policies.

$44 trillion, over half of global GDP, is at risk from nature loss. It is imperative for business to explore innovations that can halt and reverse land degradation while unlocking opportunities for business growth, said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director at 1T.org, World Economic Forum. Through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders, business can accelerate progress on land restoration for a more resilient future for all.

Andre Hoffmann, member of the high-level advisory committee of COP16 and founder of InTent and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors said: "The private sector, which can play vital role in the sustainable transition we urgently need, must see nature not as a resource to exploit but as our life-support system. The B4L Forum was an opportunity to forge new coalitions to restore land and build resilience. By shifting from extraction to collaboration, we can drive investments in nature-based solutions that secure human prosperity and planetary health."

Aligning business, policies and finance

The forum highlighted the need to align business, policies, and finance to protect land as a critical asset. Participants discussed how to account for the corporate impacts on land, how to mitigate the risks of land degradation - for example, by setting measurable targets both in direct operations and across supply chains - and by reporting on progress.

New guidance for the private sector

The Business 4 Land initiative launched a guide to help corporate actors navigate land-related disclosures and target-setting and align their strategies with national policies and global goals for a fair land transition.

"Corporate disclosures are essential for land-positive businesses. Today, many companies still lack a clear understanding of their land-related impacts and dependencies, leaving them vulnerable to significant risks, said Razan Al Mubarak, Co-Chair of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and President of IUCN.

The report, Corporate Disclosures and Target-Setting on Land Guide, was developed together with the (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), in consultation with actors like the WEF and the COP16 Presidency.

The costs of land degradation and drought are steep. For example, US farmers may face short-term costs of up to $40 per acre for regenerative agriculture practices, but long-term profits can increase by up to 120%. B4L's guide supports companies in harnessing these opportunities.

In a context of rising nature risks, businesses have a key role to plan in taking action for land and reversing the trend of degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss impacting our societies and economies, across value chains and industries, said a member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum Nicole Schwab.

Transforming value chains

Philippe Zaouati, CEO of the MIROVA sustainable investment fund, said: Companies stand to gain significantly by transforming their value chains to incorporate sustainable practices, not only to reduce their impact on nature but also to seize the economic opportunities that arise. Mobilising funding for land restoration requires a concerted effort by the public and private sectors. By working together, we can create an enabling environment for restoration, which is essential to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a sustainable future.

Henri Bruxelles, CSO of Danone, said: The livelihoods of more than 2.5 billion people, many of them smallholder farmers, depend on agriculture, which is both a significant contributor to climate change and one of the most impacted by its impacts.

Collaborating across sectors of society is vital to address the intertwined climate and water challenges; guarantee food security and nutrition; and secure the livelihoods of the communities that feed the world; and build a sustainable food system.

Important lever

Erin Billman, Co-lead of SBTNs Land Hub & Executive Director of the Science Based Targets Network: Connecting corporate actions and their science-based targets to party commitments under the UN conventions is an important lever in delivering the promise of global targets.

As part of the Land of Opportunities Pitch Competition that took place yesterday at COP16, Kenyan eco-preneur Maryanne Gichanga, CEO of AgriTech Analytics Ltd, won a $50,000 grant provided by InTent. AgriTech Analytics Ltd is an innovative agricultural technology whose mission is to transform African agriculture by leveraging AI-powered satellite data analytics and solar-powered IoT sensors to empower smallholder farmers.--TradeArabia News Service
Dell Technologies and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) have signed an MoU to provide enhanced security, flexibility and scalability to the companies in the economic zones thriving business ecosystem.

The MoU, signed by Walid Yehia, Managing Director - Gulf, Dell Technologies and Alida Helena Scholtz, Chief Financial Officer, Rakez seeks to enhance Rakezs technological offerings and stimulate new growth opportunities as one of the leading business and industrial hubs in the UAE.

Through this collaboration, Rakez can leverage Dells Managed Services, AI, and multi-cloud offerings to increase operational efficiencies and drive innovation. The agreement also covers Dells Managed and Security Services, which will equip the economic zone to detect and respond to cyber threats, reduce risk, and protect its growing business community.

Tangible benefits

With Dells expertise and Rakezs dedication to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem, this collaboration will bring tangible benefits to companies navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

Yehia said: In the UAE, Rakezs commitment to innovation is evident in its adoption of emerging technologies to create a smarter, more efficient business environment. We look forward to working with Rakez to build an ecosystem that fosters growth, attracts talent, and contributes to economic development in the region. The collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to technological innovation across the UAE but also opens the door for expanded opportunities with the world-class business community.

Ramy Jallad Group CEO, Rakez said: Through our partnership with Dell Technologies, Rakez is actively transforming our business environment. By leveraging Dells advanced digital infrastructure and AI-driven solutions, we are enhancing our ecosystem and setting the stage for a new era of innovation and resilience in business. This collaboration highlights our commitment as a progressive economic zone to foster a dynamic, technology-driven future for enterprises of all sizes.

Scholtz said: Our collaboration with Dell represents a bold step forward in advancing Rakezs vision to become a global hub of innovation. Together, we are delivering next-generation technological solutions that enable organisations to operate smarter, safer, and faster in an ever-evolving digital environment. By aligning our strengths, were creating an unmatched foundation for businesses to scale, adapt, and succeed in the digital age.--TradeArabia News Service
SpiderSilk, the GCCs first cyber-AI startup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sirar, the cyber arm and managed security service provider (MSSP) of STC Group (Saudi Telecom Company).

The MoU was signed at Black Hat - the leading cybersecurity event - and is a foundation for a full technology partnership between the two entities.

The MoU will enable SpiderSilk to package its flagship product - Resonance - with some of Sirars managed services  thus increasing the continuous external exposure capabilities Sirar can offer to its ecosystem of customers, improving their overall cybersecurity.

Suite of new products

As part of the MoU, SpiderSilk is rolling out a suite of new products  including autonomous agents to support security operations functions at scale  which will also be used in the partnership.

The MoU will strengthen the market presence in Saudi Arabia of SpiderSilk  which is now also headquartered in the country  and enable the Company to build new capabilities and IP together with Sirar.

Rami El Malak, CEO and Co-Founder of SpiderSilk, commented: We are delighted to sign this MoU with such a progressive partner, Sirar. We are committed to working closely together and to co-develop bespoke cybersecurity technology in order to provide the strongest security to Sirars customer base. Sirar recognises the importance of aligning with innovative technology builders. Having regional, sovereign IP is more significant than ever. We are delighted to be contributing to this mission.

The MoU announcement follows a significant growth period for SpiderSilk since its last funding round from Global Ventures, Waed and STV. The Company has grown revenues by 5x and is the first cyber-AI product company from the Gulf to go global, with over 50% of its revenue originating from North America.--TradeArabia News Service
French President Emmanuel Macron paid an official state visit to AlUla which showcased the diverse and deep-rooted bonds that continue to grow and flourish between AlUla and its network of France-based partners.

The visit saw the official establishment of Villa Hegra, a non-profit foundation, in AlUla. The first Saudi-French cultural institution in the kingdom will promote cultural diplomacy on a global scale through co-creation and mutual enrichment that empowers communities and stimulates dialogue.

Established to further empower and enable the artistic and cultural bonds between AlUla and France, Villa Hegra Foundation seamlessly taps into north-west Arabias legacy as a hub for innovation and creativity.

Focused on local youth

A dedicated Villa Hegra pre-opening programme took place in 2023 and 2024. Focused on local youth and families in AlUla, the initial phase of the programme featured participation from French partners including Le forum des images (cine-concerts and digital workshops) and the Opera national de Paris, as well as bilateral student exchange and research programmes.

Prince Salman bin Sultan, Governor of the Medinah Region, welcomed Macron. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor of RCU, Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce; and Abeer AlAkel, Acting CEO of RCU greeted President Macron and the French delegation.

The French delegation included Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Sebastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, and Jean-Yves Le Drian, Executive Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla (AFALULA). As part of the official visit, which took place on December 4th, the French delegation was taken on a tour of AlUla, visiting Saudi Arabias first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, and other cultural landmarks.

Among high-level topics addressed during the state visit was RCUs long-term and evolving relationship with its French partners. A mutual commitment to the responsible and sustainable regeneration of AlUla continues to strengthen bonds between nations while enhancing a maturing ecosystem of shared AlUla-French ambitions that span environmental, heritage, cultural, community, economic and social development.

Curated exhibition

President Macron witnessed progress made and milestones since the intergovernmental agreement in 2018, through a curated exhibition in Maraya that drew inspiration from the natural landscape of AlUla.

Updates were shared about the partnership with Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University, the archaeological discoveries, and the ongoing construction, of the Sharaan Resort & International Summit Centre, designed by the acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel.

Officially announced as part of a high-level Saudi-French Ministerial Committee meeting in Paris last year, the Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University agreement established the Jaussen and Savignac Academic Chair focused on archaeological and scientific research, joint education, and capacity building. Linking AlUla with one of Frances  and Europes  premier educational institutions, this partnership also provides opportunities for youth from AlUla to study key subjects including tourism and cultural heritage management, archaeology and art history, collections, acquisitions, conservation and museums, and more.

The recent discovery of a Bronze Age town in the Khaybar oasis was also highlighted to the visiting delegation as a new and much-celebrated example of the thriving cultural, academic, and scientific bonds between AlUla and France in action on the ground. A major find, the town, known as al-Natah, challenges the long-held belief that life in north-west Arabia was largely nomadic in the Early and Middle Bronze Ages. Research findings imply that oases such as Khaybar were thriving, permanent settlements with resources to support large populations, confirming the development of rural urbanism.

Helicopter tour

President Macron and the delegation took a helicopter tour over the location for the Jean Nouvel-designed Sharaan Resort & International Summit Centre. Accompanied by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, they discussed the development of the work and the ground-breaking construction methods being used for the 38-suite resort, which uses state-of-the-art French and Saudi-led construction practices. Incorporating sublime elements of environmental and cultural sensitivity to create a landmark building unlike anything else and painstakingly carved inside a sandstone mountain, Sharaan Resort is a powerful testament to the innovative, diverse, and forward-looking nature of the AlUla-France relationship.

Prince Badr stressed the depth of cultural cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France, adding: The strategic partnership between the two friendly countries in AlUla embodies the ability of international cultural cooperation to open wider spaces for cultural creativity, considering culture as a contribution to promoting sustainable development.

What has been achieved in AlUla as a result of the Saudi-French partnership opens the door to greater achievements. Under the leadership and guidance of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and through pioneering projects such as the Villa Hegra Foundation, we will work to transform AlUla into a global platform for creativity and cultural dialogue, enhancing the preservation of human heritage and opening new outlets for cultural creativity to the world.

Abeer AlAkel, Acting CEO, RCU, said: The Royal Commission for AlUlas relationship with AFALULA and our French partners continues to be a cornerstone of the comprehensive regeneration of north-west Arabia into the worlds largest living museum. It was an honour and a privilege to welcome President Macron and the French delegation to AlUla, to see firsthand the myriad of projects and programmes that are delivering real, transformative, and sustainable change across AlUla County. President Macron and our French partners shared vision for the future of AlUla is built on a legacy of mutual cooperation, a commitment to our shared ambition, and the creation of a future defined by long-term success.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, Executive Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla, also said: "President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to AlUla marks an important milestone in the strengthening of relations of friendship and cooperation between France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alongside the signing, in Riyadh, of other Franco-Saudi agreements in the cultural field, it is an opportunity both to acknowledge the achievements and to launch the second phase of this privileged bilateral partnership on AlUla, and therefore the action of the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) created for this purpose in 2018.

Franco-Saudi cultural institution

The establishment of the Villa Hegra Foundation, the first Franco-Saudi cultural institution on Saudi soil, is a major illustration of this. This initiative is part of a series of ambitious projects supported by French expertise in the strategic fields of research, art, tourism, innovation, training, advanced engineering and sustainable development.

"The second phase of our action will be marked by a significant increase and diversification of our artistic and cultural offering in AlUla, a reinforced priority for sustainable and responsible tourism and development, and large-scale achievements in all fields in support of this Vision 2030 pilot project. Through this cooperation with RCU, France is proud to contribute to building AlUla's future, so that it becomes a reference destination in the world, and a model of sustainable territory at the service of its inhabitants and international visitors."--TradeArabia News Service
VIA Metropolitan Transit is adding rapid bus routes, expanding its ride-hailing service and redrawing some routes as part of its "Better Bus Plan." Billy Calzada, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Maps show the new rapid routes and VIA Link zones that VIA plans to add as part of its Better Bus Plan. Courtesy of VIA Metropolitan Transit Maps show the new rapid routes and VIA Link zones that VIA plans to add as part of its Better Bus Plan. Courtesy of VIA Metropolitan Transit

Looking to boost sagging ridership, VIA Metropolitan Transit plans to add two rapid bus lines, expand its Link ride-sharing zones, and redraw some of its routes.

The changes are as part of a five-year plan, "Better Bus Plan," that is designed to provide more frequent and reliable service.

The transit agency has set a goal of achieving a frequency of at least half an hour on all its routes during peak hours  in other words, San Antonians could count on not having to wait more than 30 minutes for a bus, anywhere in the city. That would mark a big change for some routes, and would require significant investments in new staff and vehicles.

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As of now, buses arrive less often than every half hour on 49% of VIA's routes. That compares to 16% in 2019, according to a draft of the plan VIA's staff presented during a meeting of its board of trustees on Nov. 12.

The decline in performance is in part due to a persistent driver shortage after VIA saw a surge in retirements during the Covid-19 pandemic, spokesperson Josh Baugh said. VIA has a "robust" recruitment effort underway, he said, offering phased-in signing bonuses of up to $4,000 for bus drivers and $6,000 for mechanics.

"Frequency drives the interest in transit  more direct service, more frequent service, more convenient service," said John Tiemann, VIA's manager of strategic initiatives. "We realized that given the landscape we have to cover, that 30-minute or better service is something that we can aspire to achieve."

The plan is contingent upon VIA being able to get enough drivers and funding in place, he said.

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At the Nov. 12 meeting, Rod Sanchez, VIA's senior vice president of planning and development, noted that the agency has five years to "ramp up" the hiring. VIA will begin briefing City Council members on the plan in January, he said, and expects to implement it by the end of this decade.

Tiemann said VIA is "open to looking at funding options" to pay for the plan, while mentioning the ballot initiative that voters approved in 2020 to provide the agency with another 1/8-cent in sales tax revenue starting in 2026. He was unable to specify an estimated cost for the plan. Sanchez said on Nov. 12 that the plan is "mostly funded."

"This is where the heavy lift starts. Now we have something for people to look at and help us fine-tune," Sanchez said at the board meeting. "It's a lot of heavy community work. Because this plan has a lot of good in it... but it's going to require some changes for it to be successful. Like all change, sometimes that's tough for folks to swallow."

The draft plan shows four new zones of the VIA Link service, which customers can use to hail a ride in shuttles using a smartphone app. One of the zones would be focused at Loop 1604 and U.S. 281, which includes much of the booming Stone Oak area, and another would encompass the Medical Center district on the Northwest Side.

Two of the new zones would help ferry riders to the $289.2 million Silver Line, a so-called "advanced rapid transit," or ART, line that VIA plans to begin building in 2027. Plans call for it to run east-west from Our Lady of the Lake University on the West Side to the Frost Bank Center on the East Side. One of those zones would hug Loop 410 on the Southeast Side, and would include a new transit center VIA is building on East Houston Street. The other would be around the crossing of U.S. 90 and Loop 1604 on the far West Side.

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VIA expects to break ground on another ART line, the $466 million Green Line, this year, running up San Pedro Avenue from south of downtown to the San Antonio International Airport. The two lines, funded by local and federal dollars, are key to the agency's strategy of providing more reliable service. On weekdays, their buses will arrive every 10 minutes  a frequency currently unheard-of in San Antonio.

According to the draft plan, VIA plans to add two of its rapid Primo lines, one of the them running southwest from the agency's Centro Plaza hub, just west of downtown, to the area around Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The other would run from the same hub, east through downtown and the Dignowity Hill neighborhood before veering south through the Brooks master-planned community.

VIA already expanded the VIA Link service this year by introducing it into downtown. Ridership on VIA Link has grown "substantially" in the last few years, according to the plan.

According to research that VIA conducted to form the plan, 56% of its passengers do not have a car and almost half of them need to make at least one transfer in a one-way trip. Reducing the need for transfers is one of the plan's goals, along with expanding late-night service and improving access to downtown, to job opportunities and amenities such as grocery stores.

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As part of the plan, VIA is also seeking to add more late-night routes and extend its VIA Link service to later hours.
Hyatt recently showcased during ILTM Cannes, the worlds leading luxury travel trade show, an impressive pipeline of over 50 luxury and lifestyle hotels set to open worldwide by 2026.

Luxury travel demand surged in 2023 and continues to rise. Savills forecasts that Europe's luxury hotel supply will increase by over 50% by 2028, highlighting strong investor confidence in the segment's long-term growth potential.

With 70% of Hyatts global rooms categorized as luxury and upper upscale and Hyatt having expanded this portfolio by an impressive 28 luxury hotels and resorts in the past three years and doubled its luxury room count since 2017, Hyatt is perfectly positioned to seize this opportunity both globally and in the priority growth region of Europe.

The lifestyle hotel segment is similarly thriving, driven by experience-focused offerings that appeal to new generations of travelers. Hyatt has established a significant presence in this segment, having quintupled its lifestyle rooms since 2017 and growing by 28 lifestyle hotels in 2024 alone.

This leadership has been further strengthened by the recent acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle hospitality company Standard International, along with the creation of a new dedicated Lifestyle group for Hyatt.

This group will be headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok, and led by President & Creative Director, Amar Lalvani, former Executive Chairman of Standard International.

Hyatts impressive pipeline of over 50 luxury and lifestyle hotels slated to open globally by 2026 includes highly anticipated openings like Miraval the Red Sea, set to debut in late 2025.

This project, marking the Miraval brands international debut, will be a haven for luxury wellbeing seekers and adventurers and will pave the way bringing transformative wellness experiences and one of the largest spas in the Red Sea destination.

Other highly anticipated luxury and lifestyle Hyatt openings over the next two years include the likes of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Park Hyatt Johannesburg, as well the highly anticipated Andaz Miami Beach and Andaz Gold Coast.

These projects will build on the high standard set by recent Hyatt openings in the luxury and lifestyle segments, such as Park Hyatt London River Thames, Alila Shanghai as Greater Chinas first urban resort-style Alila hotel, The Standard, Singapore and The StandardX, Bangkok.

This year, we have much to celebrate at ILTM, the premier event for the luxury hospitality industry. 2024 has been a strong year for the Europe Africa and Middle East region, with luxury and lifestyle segments driving this success, as shown by the exceptional performance of our hotels and the excitement around openings like Park Hyatt London River Thames and Park Hyatt Marrakech, said Javier Aguila, Group President, EAME, Hyatt. Our future in these highly sought-after segments looks brighter than ever, thanks to recent acquisitions like Mr & Mrs Smith and Standard International, as well as our commitment to building dedicated teams and leveraging specialized talent to enhance our luxury and lifestyle offerings.

EVOLVED BRAND PORTFOLIOS

For decades, Hyatts growth has followed a thoughtful approach, strategically expanding our brands in sought-after destinations and vibrant new markets with a curated lifestyle and luxury properties portfolio.

With an established collection of 256 luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts in 45 countries around the world  including 58 across EAME  Hyatt leads the industry in crafting elevated high-end experiences for its guests.

To unlock the next level of intentional growth, Hyatt is introducing specific portfolios that reflect greater focus and differentiation and can maximize the potential of each of its brands, including:

The Luxury portfolio features the finest places for the most refined tastes, enriched with unparalleled service, unmatched amenities and high design.

These ultraluxe escapes are designed to delight the luxury seekers who delight in the rare and thoughtfully curated, and includes brands such as Park Hyatt, Alila and Miraval.

The Lifestyle portfolio is for guests and visitors who are always at the center of culture, no matter where they are Encompassing brands such as Andaz, Thompson Hotels and the newly acquired Standard International brands including The Standard and Bunkhouse, these hotel hot spots offer originality in design, dining, and cultural programming, with immersive experiences that transport guests and visitors somewhere else.

Its great to be at ILTM in Cannes again this year, celebrating the best of the luxury travel sector. Im particularly excited to share Hyatts evolved brand portfolios, which thoughtfully align our brands to guest preference and travel behavior, said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, VP & Global Brand Leader, Lifestyle & Luxury Brands, Hyatt. We dont take for granted that we are the brand of choice for high-end travellers. This trust drives us to constantly explore new and innovative ways to deliver unparalleled and unique experiences that exceed guest expectations. Our commitment is to create transformative and memorable travel moments that not only bring our guests back but also reinforce their confidence that Hyatt will always provide the pinnacle of hospitality. -TradeArabia News Service
The MEBAA Show 2024, a premier business aviation show, will serve as the premier platform for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), decision-makers and business aviation professionals interested in business jets and luxury lifestyle showcases.

The show will take place from December 10-12 at the Dubai World Central  Al Maktoum International (DWC).

The last edition attracted an international clientele of HNWIs, who were able to secure a VIP visiting experience through the Platinum Guest programme. This years show also includes new and exclusive features tailored to this market, with the Platinum Guest Programme and the newly introduced Luxury Boulevard, both of which have been elevated through Falcon, who are sponsoring the features. Aimed at fostering meaningful connections and showcasing the unique intersection of luxury and business aviation, the show will offer a wider showcase of luxury products and services for attendees to experience than ever before at the MEBAA Show.

The UAE is rapidly becoming a prime destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and affluent clientele, drawn by a host of benefits including enticing investment opportunities, a luxurious lifestyle and flexible visa options. Its strategic location also offers convenient trading hours across major global markets, further boosting its appeal. These factors have helped solidify its position as the premier destination for HNWIs globally, with a projected net inflow of over 6,700 millionaires in 2024[1] - more than any other country in the world.

Oleg Kafarov, Group Director  Brand Marketing at Alex Investment Group, comments: The quest for excellence and the passion for innovation are at the heart of Falcon and the MEBAA Show. In business aviation as in luxury real estate, yachts and watchmaking, every detail counts on the path to success. Both in luxury workshops and in the Falcon skies, it is this incessant search to break boundaries that inspires our vision, and this is the meaning that we want to bring to this great and unique partnership between business aviation and leading luxury brands. All of us at Falcon look forward to welcoming the growing number of HNWIs attending the show, who will have the opportunity to discover the finest of the two worlds at one place.

For industry professionals, the MEBAA Show will also provide a prime opportunity to network with key stakeholders and align with the regions robust growth across the industry, exploring innovation and collaboration. The Platinum Guest Programme has been curated to provide attending VIPs and HNWIs a premium visiting experience. This includes access to the event through Falcons Private Jet Terminal, fast track entry, an opportunity to schedule business jet viewings, access to the platinum guest lounge and invitations to exclusive parties.

Complementing the jet-set lifestyle, the Luxury Boulevard is designed to provide HNWIs and the luxury business jet industry with a platform to engage with world-renowned brands. Participating brands includes Gulf Craft, DarGlobal, Luxvant, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, LovinFit and more.

AIX Investment Group will also join the line-up. Fadi Dabbagh, President of the Board at AIX Investment Group, comments: Were excited to participate in an event that perfectly aligns with our values of excellence and ambition. The MEBAA Show allows us to showcase not only our brand but also our dedication to creating exceptional, high-quality experiences for our clients and partners. For us, this is an opportunity to demonstrate what sets AIX apart in an industry that values progress and integrity.

As the UAE continues to dominate in both luxury and business aviation, the MEBAA Show 2024 continues to set the standard for innovation and connectivity, offering a platform for professionals and affluent clientele to gather in an unmatched environment for professional networking, knowledge sharing, and engaging with the latest advancements shaping the industry, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service
voco Hotels, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts premium portfolio, has announced the opening of voco Jeddah Gate, a premium property in the Saudi port city.

Situated in one of the most sought-after lifestyle destinations, voco Jeddah Gate is just 25 minutes drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport and close to the main railroad connecting Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah to Jeddah, making it an ideal base for business, leisure and religious tourists.

Featuring 706 contemporary guestrooms, blending modern comfort with premium amenities and the warmth of the voco brand, voco Jeddah Gate occupies a central location in the Fayhaa District just minutes from the iconic Jeddah Corniche, said a statement from voco Hotels.

Designed for discerning travellers, each room offers sleek interiors, ergonomic furnishings, and cosy bedding, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV technology. Every detail, from the soothing decor to the intuitive layout, has been considered to enhance guest stays, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience at voco Jeddah Gate, it stated.

Ahmed Mahfouz, the General Manager of voco Jeddah Gate, said: "We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first voco hotel in Jeddah and a significant milestone for the brand in this vibrant city. This property is more than just a hotel; its a welcoming space where guests can experience the distinctive blend of natural charm, premium comfort, and warm hospitality that voco is known for."

"With a prime location near the Jeddah Corniche, close to the citys business and cultural landmarks, we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world for a stay that is both convenient and enriching," stated Mahfouz.

"Our team works around the clock to create a dynamic, enjoyable and easy-going environment for guests to work, rest and stay and it is very exciting to see it come to life," he added.

At the heart of voco Jeddah Gate is an extraordinary collection of event spaces designed to inspire and impress.

"With one of the largest capacities in the city, the hotel offers 17 modular meeting rooms and a grand ballroom for up to 700 guests, perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations," explained Mahfouz.

"Each space blends sophisticated style with seamless functionality, ensuring that every event  whether a wedding, corporate affair, or banquet  feels effortless yet extraordinary," he noted.

The hotels elevated hospitality proposition also includes six diverse dining venues, from the rich flavors of Arabic, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisines at Mayara all-day-dining restaurant to the relaxed Ora Lobby Lounge and Azura Pool Cafe.

"For a well-deserved me-time voco Jeddah Gates health club offers a range of facilities designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate including a 20-meter outdoor swimming pool, an exclusive indoor pool for women, a massage and beauty salon, and a kids club," said the hotel official.

"These marvellous facilities offer ample reasons for guests to choose voco Jeddah Gate as the perfect destination for business, relaxation, and memorable family getaways," observed Mahfouz.

Business travellers will appreciate the proximity to key institutions like King Abdulaziz University and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, as well as various business hubs and amenities within easy reach. Leisure guests can explore nearby shopping malls, cultural sites, and the celebrated Corniche, ensuring a well-rounded visit to the heart of this dynamic city, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways has welcomed the bilateral codeshare with Air Astana which comes into operation from December 5.

The agreement enhances connectivity for customers of both airlines across a range of destinations and gives Etihad's customers convenient access to 10 destinations through Air Astanas gateways in Almaty and in Astana, all of which are new to Etihad's extended network.

Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, is a cultural hub with stunning mountain views, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, while the futuristic capital, Astana, is known for its striking modern architecture and dynamic urban landscape.

The codeshare arrangement simplifies the travel experience for guests, allowing them to make a single booking and undergo a seamless check-in process, along with the added convenience of having their baggage effortlessly transferred to their final destination.

Air Astanas network becomes easily accessible to Etihad's customers, who can connect to it via recently launched nonstop flights to Abu Dhabi by the Kazakhstan carrier.

As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways' flights unlocking new travel experiences to India, Bahrain, and Oman. Air Astana passengers will enjoy seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana's direct flights from Astana and Almaty.

Jurriaan Stelder, VP Alliances and Industry Affairs at Etihad, said: "This partnership expands our codeshare network, offering our guests convenient access to 10 of Air Astanas leisure and business destinations across Kazakhstan, as well as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's vibrant capital, and Tashkent, the historic capital of Uzbekistan. Etihad guests can now enjoy the ease of booking connecting flights and checking in once for their entire journey.

We also look forward to warmly welcoming Air Astanas customers travelling to Abu Dhabi to explore the inviting hospitality and rich culture of our home, including the stunning beaches, world-class cultural landmarks and theme parks, and the serene desert landscapes."

Zhanna Shayakhmetova, VP Marketing & Sales at Air Astana, said: We are excited to partner with Etihad Airways, offering our passengers enhanced travel options and convenient access to a broader network. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional and comfortable travel options, whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and safety. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board following this partnership. -TradeArabia News Service
WE all have the power to break down the barriers that have held us back for too long.

This was the statement from attorney-at-law and lay assessor of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal Veera Bhajan as she addressed the American Chamber of Commerce for T&T (Amcham T&T) Womens Leadership Conference yesterday.

The event was hosted at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad), Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
A worker moves packages Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the South Houston Local Processing Center in Missouri City. The U.S. Postal Service delivered nearly 100 million ballots to or from voters during the 2024 election season. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The U.S. Postal Service delivered nearly 100 million ballots to or from voters during the 2024 election season.

USPS processed at least 99.22 million ballots with 99.88% of ballots delivered within seven days, according to the agency's post-election report.

Ballots sent to voters from election officials arrived in less than two days on average, according to the report. It took ballots on average one day to get to election officials on the return trip.

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The report did not include state-specific breakdowns. When asked for data on Texas in particular, USPS said there was no further information to share.

In 2024, the Postal Service once again admirably performed our role of efficiently and effectively delivering the nations ballots, said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in a statement. As we continue to transform the nations 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 nations effective vote by mail process even stronger.

The election period lasted from Sept. 1 to Nov. 15.

In the report, the Postal Service highlights "operational precision and integrated communications" as keys to its success in delivering ballots. It also said the Delivering for America Plan, the agency's 10-year modernization project, didn't lead to any major problems.

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LOOKING AT NUMBERS: U.S. Postal Service performance dropped significantly in Fiscal Year 2024 across multiple metrics
PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis has claimed the wicked Tobago House of Assembly (THA) administration has continued to deny Tobagonian contractors while other businesses have also suffered.

The former THA chief secretary was responding to a hearing on Wednesday which saw the THA fail in its attempt to have the High Court overturn a default judgment in which it was directed to pay more than $18 million to construction company Nazvic Contractors Ltd for breach of contract.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says she is prepared to have her United States visa revoked, as she urged Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries to ensure they are able to explain...what the Cubans have been able to do for us as they seek to defend the Cuban health brigade programme.

This matter, with the Cubans and the nurses, should tell us everything that we need to know. Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the (Covid-19) pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors, Mottley said in a statement in Parliament.
Brooke Rollins, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be agriculture secretary, speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

Brooke Rollins, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for agriculture secretary, has little track record in the multi-billion-dollar industry she is set to oversee. But one of the few policy positions the Texan has been tied to through her conservative advocacy is cutting farm subsidies that many say are key to maintaining the nation's food supply.

In 2016, the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, which Rollins led at the time, published a report on "corporate welfare" that advocated the elimination of a state loan program for farmers, arguing it distorted the markets for crops and animal products.

"Eliminate the Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program and other agricultural subsidy programs," the report read.

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In doing so, the Austin-based group that Rollins helmed for 15 years took on a farm support system that is widely viewed by Republicans and Democrats alike as critical to keeping farmers in business.

The recommendation was never acted upon by the Republican-controlled state Legislature.

It's unclear whether Rollins, who served as domestic policy advisor in the first Trump term but has little history working on agriculture policy, would pursue the kind of cuts to agricultural support programs advocated for by the organization she led through 2017.

Rollins did not respond to requests for comment through the Washington think tank she currently leads, the America First Policy Institute. A spokesperson for Trump's transition team said Rollins, "had nothing to do with that policy, period," but declined to comment on what specific policies she would pursue.

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"Rollins will implement the Presidents agenda and defend American farmers," she said.

Farm subsidies are part of a major portfolio Rollins would oversee if the U.S. Senate confirms her as leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which also manages food assistance programs for low-income households and food safety standards.

And while Congress decides what funding farm support programs receive, the USDA does have discretion about how that support is distributed, said Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, an industry group representing small and mid-sized farms.

"It would be incredibly controversial and dramatic to cut farm supports. But I wouldn't rule it out completely," she said. "With the establishment of DOGE its at least up for discussion."

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Last month, Trump announced he was appointing Texas billionaire Elon Musk as the co-head of the new Department of Government Efficiency with a goal of cutting $2 trillion out of the government's $6.8 trillion annual budget.

Skepticism around financial support for farmers has gained ground among some conservatives in recent years.

In its Project 2025 report, the Heritage Foundation called for cuts to programs including crop insurance subsidies and price supports that protect farmers from declines in crop prices. They wrote, "the overall goal should be to eliminate subsidy dependence," singling out crops including soy beans, corn and cotton  all big business for Texas farmers.

Such efforts have so far struggled to gain much traction in Washington. Earlier this year, House Republicans introduced a farm bill that would expand financial supports for farmers, even as they sought to limit cost increases on food assistance programs that benefit low-income households. And in his first term, Trump increased federal payments to American farmers when a trade war with China closed off markets there for American soy beans, pork and other products.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican, said the Texas Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program targeted by the think tank paper was working well and while some waste could be trimmed from federal farming programs, he said the more extreme cuts called for by some conservatives would devastate farmers.

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"The problem is our competitors are subsidized. In a perfect world (cutting support programs) would work, but it would give our competitors a huge advantage," he said in an interview. "We dont need farmers going out of business. We'd be in a lot of trouble, not being able to feed ourselves."

Brian Phillips, a spokesman for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, downplayed the scope of the report's criticism of farm subsidies.

"The recommendation itself was in context of a specific state program and doesnt have a lot to do with (federal) ag policy per se," he said.

So far little is known about how Rollins will approach running the Department of Agriculture, experts say.

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She grew up on a family farm in Glenn Rose and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development. But after earning her law degree at the University of Texas, she has largely stuck to politics, serving as policy director to Gov. Rick Perry before joining the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Since Trump's announcement, farm groups have largely lined up behind Rollins. Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening cited her involvement in youth farming contests while in high school.

"Her leadership skills were evident then and during her service in the first Trump administration. She is a passionate advocate for agriculture and is an excellent nominee for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture," he said in a statement.

The Farm Bureau declined to answer question about the Texas Public Policy Foundation report.

However, there is plenty of cause for concern among farming groups about a second Trump administration, said Ben Lilliston, a director at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, a Minnesota-based think tank.

Beyond Rollins' position on farm subsidies, Trump's calls for tariffs on products from China, Canada and Mexico set up the possibility of a trade war with America's three largest markets for agricultural goods.

"(Rollins) really doesnt have a lot of background for you to look at to know what her approach is going to be," Lilliston said. "There's a lot of speculation right now. It will be interesting to see her confirmation hearing."
The German Business Association (GBA) has had a landmark year in 2024, solidifying its role as a pivotal force in driving economic collaboration between Germany and Vietnam.

With significant growth in membership, investments, and strategic partnerships, GBA has once again demonstrated its capacity to contribute meaningfully to the bilateral economic relationship.

As Vietnam continues to emerge as a leading hub for global investment, GBA plays a crucial role in facilitating German businesses successful entry into and expansion within the Vietnamese market, the association said in a press release on Wednesday.

Recently, GBA celebrated a major achievement by surpassing 400 corporate members, maintaining its status as the largest European business association in Vietnam.

This years achievements set the stage for an even more dynamic 2025, as GBA looks forward to celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam, as well as its 30th anniversary.

Key achievements in 2024: Record-breaking growth, investment

The year 2024 has witnessed a surge in German investment in Vietnam. With over 530 German companies operating in the country, German businesses continue to trust Vietnam as a vital growth market, contributing a remarkable US$3.6 billion in investments.

These new investments span a range of industries, from manufacturing to high-tech solutions, logistics, and increasingly, renewable energy.

* Ziehl-Abegg, a global leader in ventilation technology, has launched a $20 million production facility in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, which is set to play a crucial role in its global supply chain.

* Karcher, known for its innovative cleaning solutions, has also established a significant presence in Vietnam with a new manufacturing plant in Quang Nam Province, located in the central region and valued at over VND500 billion ($19.7 million). This plant will help meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products in the Asian market.

* Pearl Polyurethane Systems has inaugurated a new factory in Dong Nais Long Thanh District, contributing to the provinces impressive $1.2 billion in FDI recorded in just the first nine months of 2024.

* DIGI-TEXX Vietnams Hau Giang Operation Center, opened on August 1, 2024, would hire over 900 local workers, boosting the Mekong Deltas economic transformation.

The latest German factory Pearl Polyurethane Systems in Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam

The steady rise in German investment highlights Vietnam's growing appeal as a prime investment destination, thanks to its strategic location, dynamic workforce, and government efforts to enhance infrastructure.

German businesses are venturing beyond traditional sectors, with a strong focus on green energy and sustainable manufacturing, which aligns seamlessly with Germany's technological expertise and Vietnam's commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.

Record-breaking events, networking opportunities

GBA has significantly expanded its event offerings in 2024, organizing 90+ events that attracted over 25,000 participants. These events have not only enhanced business opportunities but also strengthened the German business communitys connection with local and international stakeholders.

* Oktoberfest 2024: Held in three cities Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, the GBA Oktoberfest attracted over 10,500 attendees and has become one of the most important social events for German expatriates and local businesses in Vietnam.

* The GBA Business Awards: For the first time, GBA hosted the German Business Awards, recognizing outstanding companies such as Bosch Vietnam for innovation in industrial technology and Nestle Vietnam for its contributions to sustainability. The awards highlighted the success and excellence of German businesses in Vietnam, reinforcing the importance of German industry in the region.

* Green FDI Forum: Reflecting the growing commitment to sustainable development, the Vietnam-Germany Business Forum in March 2024 discussed strategies for green growth and spotlighted the opportunities for renewable energy investments, specifically focusing on solar, wind, and biomass projects.

* High-level Meetings: Foreign investors are increasingly targeting southern Vietnam. GBA has facilitated dialogues between German businesses and local officials in Binh Duong and Dong Nai Provinces to tackle regulatory issues and boost transparency, making the region a top choice for high-quality investments and supporting Vietnams economic resilience.

* Business Roundtable with German Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth: In early December 2024, the association hosted this vibrant event in Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening ties with the German Embassy. It provided a valuable platform for German investors to address critical topics like investment diversification, workforce development, and administrative reforms. Ambassador Barth reaffirmed her strong support for German enterprises, while GBA chairman Alexander Ziehe expressed gratitude for her contributions, commending the events engaging and productive discussions.

A German delegation explores investment opportunities in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, November 2024.

These events demonstrate GBAs role in fostering a collaborative business environment, promoting German-Vietnamese relations, and supporting the growth of green technologies in line with both countries' future objectives.

Challenges, future goals: GBAs vision for 2025 and beyond

While 2024 has been a year of tremendous progress, GBA continues to recognize the challenges that must be overcome to ensure sustained growth. These challenges include navigating regulatory complexities, infrastructure bottlenecks, policy transparency, the non-issuing of licenses, and difficulties with TRCs for foreign experts.

In 2024, GBA has actively worked with local authorities to address these concerns and create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.

* Policy reforms: GBA has urged for streamlined administrative processes and better communication around policy changes to avoid disruptions in business operations. The aim is to simplify investment licensing, customs procedures, and visa regulations, all of which impact foreign companies seeking to expand operations in Vietnam.

* Infrastructure improvements: GBA continues to advocate for the expansion of smart cities and eco-friendly industrial parks. With the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, GBA is working closely with local authorities to modernize urban infrastructure and increase the capacity of transport and logistics networks.

GBAs long-term commitment to Vietnams economic growth

As Vietnam moves forward into 2025, GBA will continue to prioritize sustainable investments, focusing on industries such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and high-tech manufacturing.

The upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany and GBAs 30th anniversary in 2025 will mark a pivotal moment in strengthening the economic partnership.

* Qualitative growth: The next phase of GBAs strategy emphasizes fostering innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness. By encouraging FDI in areas like renewable energy or advanced manufacturing, GBA aims to be a key partner in Vietnams journey toward its next stage of development.

* Digital transformation: With Germanys expertise in Industry 4.0, GBA plans to support Vietnams digital economy by bringing in more high-tech investments in automation, AI, and big data.

* Workforce development: As part of its long-term strategy, GBA will also expand vocational training initiatives, particularly dual vocational education programs modeled after Germany's successful training system. This effort will equip the Vietnamese workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the future economy.

A strong vision for the future: Alexander Ziehes commitment to excellence

Alexander Ziehe, chairman of GBA, shared his outlook for the future: The year 2024 has shown the strength of our collective commitment to Germany-Vietnam relations. We are not just participants in Vietnams growth, but active partners in shaping its future. Our vision for 2025 is not just about celebrating milestones but accelerating our efforts in creating a sustainable, innovative, and resilient economy. The future is bright, and we are here to make a long-lasting impact.

Germany and Vietnam share a deep connection, built on trust, shared goals, and mutual respect. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The next few years will see GBA furthering its mission to create meaningful partnerships and help Vietnam and Germany achieve shared prosperity. Our commitment to green energy, digital transformation, and workforce development will drive Vietnams growth and support both countries in achieving their economic aspirations.

As GBA enters its 30th anniversary year, it remains committed to fostering stronger economic relations between Germany and Vietnam.

The next 30 years holds immense potential, with increased collaboration across sectors that will ensure a prosperous future for both nations.

Together, Vietnam and Germany will lead the charge toward a sustainable, innovative, and interconnected global economy.

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Vietnam is the largest consumer of seafood in Southeast Asia and the UK's third-largest seafood export market. This is an area where we are really keen to grow, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith spoke at an event to promote UK seafood in Ho Chi Minh City this week.

At the UK Seafood Showcase, a dinner event celebrating seafood from the UK, the consul general emphasized that the UK and Vietnam have a very strong and close trade relationship.

On December 15, the UK will become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP), which will bring some seafood tariffs down to zero, making it even cheaper for British seafood to make its way onto Vietnamese plates, she stated.

British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith speaks at the UK Seafood Showcase, an event celebrating seafood from the UK, at the Clay Saigon restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, December 3, 2024. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

The diplomat also explained what makes seafood from the UK stand out.

In the UK, fishing is at the heart of our heritage, she said.

The British Isles are blessed with cool, clean waters, which enables vast and different types of seafood to flourish and thrive, ready for catching and ready for eating.

The UK is home to a wide variety of seafood, ranging from smoked salmon from Scotland, whelks from Whitley Bay, to lobster and crab from across the British Isles.

The UK is also really proud to have sustainability at the heart of how we approach fishing, she continued, mentioning the countrys global reputation for high-quality, sustainably fished products enjoyed by consumers worldwide.

In a video statement shown at the event, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner called Vietnam an exciting, fast-growing economy with many British seafood exporters already engaged in the market.

Bilateral trade between the UK and Vietnam has always been strong, particularly on seafood, where Vietnam supplied over 255 million [US$324.3 million] worth of seafood, according to the latest yearly figure, he said.

The implementation of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has seen the two sides bilateral trading relationship go from strength to strength, with exports growing substantially since 2019, he stated.

The minister added that thanks to new arrangements, many types of British seafood can now be imported into Vietnam tariff-free, and also noted that in December, the UK will formally join the CPTPP trade bloc, which Vietnam is party to.

We look forward to strengthening our already thriving bilateral trading relationship through the implementation of further preferential tariff arrangements and more lenient provisions on customs arrangements and rules of origin, he said.

Minister Zeichner took the chance to express his pride in the UKs seafood, which is known globally for its taste, quality, and rich heritage.

Our coastline is vibrant and vast, providing us with a wealth of species on offer for export to Vietnam, who we know are lovers of seafood, he said.

We are proud that the quality of our seafood has also been internationally recognized, with 16 British seafood products being awarded protected geographical origin status, highlighting their flavor and history.

A dish featuring torched mackerel, wasabi mashed potato, whisky and whole grain mustard sauce at the UK Seafood Showcase, an event celebrating seafood from the UK, at the Clay Saigon restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, December 3, 2024. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

Sustainability a top priority

In his speech, Minister Zeichner also emphasized the sustainability of the industry, with sustainable fish stocks and fisheries in UK waters being a priority for the government.

We use fisheries management plans to set out how to maintain or restore fish stock to sustainable levels, aiming to keep in line with the best available scientific advice to make sure that stocks are managed over the long term within sustainable limits, he said.

In an interview with Tuoi Tre News at the event, Matthew Albun-Crouch, the UKs Agriculture and Aquaculture Attache to Vietnam, added that the UK has very strict regulations on the size of the fishing areas and the number of fishing boats that are allowed to be within certain limits.

The country is extremely strict on the age at which fish can be caught to protect the young fish and the young shellfish, ensuring that they can fully grow while minimizing the impact on the marine environment, he said.

The attache believed that British seafood in Vietnam stands out because of its quality as the UK has applied some of the world's leading sustainability and food safety standards.

We're very strict on regulating our fishermen as well, he explained.

We have frequent checks for all the fishermen and the stocks to ensure that every product that is exported from the UK overseas meets all those standards, so there's nothing that falls in between the cracks.

British seafood has a broad spectrum of different products for Vietnamese consumers to enjoy, he said.

For instance, premium lobsters can be supplied to high-value restaurants and hotels while affordable products like whelks and mussels can be marketed toward everyday consumers in Vietnam.

I've been in Vietnam for 18 months, and my experience is that the Vietnamese love their seafood. They also seem to love crustaceans and anything in a shell, so we already export a great deal of whelks, he said.

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Vietnamese budget air carrier Vietjet and consumer goods company Masan Consumer have entered into a strategic cooperation deal to introduce Masan Consumers CHIN-SUPhoStory, an instant noodle product, to the formers domestic and international flights as part of an initiative to promote local culture to the world.

CHIN-SU PhoStory's broth flavor is made using the traditional recipe of the 70-year-old Pho Thin Bo Ho restaurant.

Combining traditional style and modern technology, CHIN-SU PhoStory encapsulates the elegant flavor of Pho Thin Bo Ho so that it can be served to passengers on Vietjet flights across Vietnam and to Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, and Cambodia.

Vietjet has also begun using new-generation A321 aircraft on which the image of a Vietjet flight attendant serving CHIN-SU PhoStory is prominently displayed.

At the cooperation agreement signing ceremony, a representative of the CHIN-SU PhoStory brand, said becoming a partner of Vietjet proves PhoStorys quality and CHIN-SUs strategic vision on the 'Go Global  Make Vietnamese Foods Global Foods' journey.

We hope to join forces with Vietjet to bring pho closer to international friends and to create the best possible experience for global consumers, contributing to affirming the position of Vietnamese cuisine on the global culinary map, the representative shared.

A Vietjet representative said that the airline has always attached importance to each dish served to passengers on its flights.

It is serving a green culinary party in the air with nine fresh, delicious dishes that are the quintessence of cuisine in Vietnam and the world.

Cooperating with Masan Consumer, Vietjet will continue introducing the quintessence of Vietnams cuisine to international passengers on flights and at all destinations where its flights land.

An A321 aircraft on which the image of a Vietjet flight attendant serving CHIN-SU Pho Story is displayed. Photo: Supplied

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, head of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said the event would open up many new opportunities, helping Vietnamese cultural values continue to shine in the global culture flow.

When passengers enjoy bowls of pho in the air, they can feel the delicious flavor of the dish as well as the spirit, character, and pride of Vietnamese people, Hoa added.

The cooperation between leading enterprises in aviation and food marks an important stride in the promotion of Vietnamese cuisine, contributing to providing local and international passengers with special culinary experiences, introducing a beautiful, hospitable Vietnam, and boosting economic and tourism development.

Masan Consumer, which is one of the leading consumer goods companies in Vietnam, is producing and distributing many food and beverage products, such as spices, convenience food, and drinks.

The company began operations in 1996 and has successfully developed its product portfolio and distribution network.

Masan Consumer has built the CHIN-SU, Omachi, Kokomi, Nam Ngu, Tam Thai Tu, Vinacafe, Wake-Up Saigon, Wake-Up 247, and Vinh Hao brands through its customer-centered strategy.

Meanwhile, Vietjet, with its cost and operation management capability, has offered flying opportunities at low costs and diversified services to meet different demands of customers.

The air carrier is an official member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and owns the IATA Operational Safety Audit.

It was rated at the seven-star level, the highest ranking for aviation safety in the world, by AirlineRatings.

Vietjet was also listed in the top 50 airlines for healthy financing and operations for two consecutive years of 2018 and 2019 by Airfinance Journal, and repeatedly received prizes for the best low-cost air carrier from prestigious organizations, including Skytrax, CAPA, and AirlineRatings.

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HANOI -- Chinese online retailer Temu has been told to suspend its operations in Vietnam after it failed to meet an end-November deadline for business registration in the Southeast Asian country, the Vietnamese trade ministry said on Thursday.

Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings, began offering its services in Vietnam in October. It had been required to register with the government by the end of November, or access to its internet domains and apps would be blocked in the country.

"Temu operation will be temporarily suspended until it completes the registration procedure," the ministry said in a statement.

"The platform has submitted an application for e-commerce service activities in Vietnam which is under authorities' review," it added.

The statement did not say how long the suspension would last, or what Temu needed to do to have it lifted.

On Thursday, Vietnamese language options had been removed from Temu's website when it was accessed from Vietnam. "Temu is working with the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to register its provision of e-commerce services in Vietnam," a notification on the website said.

In response to a Reuters' email request for comment, Temu said it had submitted all required documents for the registration but did not provide any timeframe for the resumption of its operation.

The trade ministry and local businesses have expressed concern about the impact of Chinese online platforms on local markets due to deep discounting. The ministry has also said it is worried about the potential sale of counterfeit items.

Temu has also stumbled in Indonesia where regulators have asked Alphabet's Google and Apple to block it in their application stores in the country to protect small merchants.

Vietnam's parliament last week approved changes to a tax law to require local operators of foreign e-commerce platforms to pay value-added tax (VAT), and called on the government to scrap a tax exemption for low-cost imported goods.

The finance ministry said last week that it had begun the process to scrap the tax break.

The move by legislators will be a blow to the foreign-dominated e-commerce industry, which has benefited from VAT exemption and rules in place since 2010 that stipulate imported goods worth under VND1 million (US$40) are free from duties.
An explosion occurred during a defense combat exercise conducted by Military Region 7 in southern Vietnam on Monday, causing 12 soldiers to initially go missing, with most of their bodies having been found later, the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday.

The military drill took place from December 1 to 4 and involved armed forces from localities within the military region and from the ministry.

The four-day defense combat exercise was conducted amid harsh weather conditions in complex terrain, the ministry said on Wednesday.

At 8:27 pm on Monday, at the National Shooting Range Area 3 in Dong Nai Province, a team of soldiers was transporting a block of explosives to a designated assembly point when the area was hit by heavy rain with thunderstorms.

The team, from Battalion 17 of Division 5, was taking a break waiting for the rain to cease when the explosives they were carrying detonated.

The 12 soldiers were initially reported missing following the blast, and most of their bodies were found later.

A search for the remaining soldiers is ongoing.

Initial reports suggest that lightning could have struck the electrical detonator of the block of explosives, triggering the blast.

The ministry has directed the Command of Military Region 7 to examine the scene of explosion, step up searching for the remaining victims, investigate the incidents cause, and visit the victims families for condolence and support.

Military Region 7 includes nine provinces and cities in the southeast, south-central, and Central Highlands regions, including Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai, Lam Dong, Long An, Tay Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

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What you need to know today in Vietnam:

Politics

-- Vietnams National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man held talks with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Nukaga Fukushiro in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of his ongoing official visit to Japan. The top Vietnamese legislator and his spouse also met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace the same day.

-- Ho Chi Minh City authorities presented 100 tablet computers to the Cuban people through the Cuban Consulate General in the city at a ceremony to mark the 64th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic ties on Wednesday.

Society

-- A rare crocodile estimated to weigh three kilograms was discovered in a yard of a household in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday morning. The animal was handed over to the citys rangers for care and preservation.

-- A trailer truck hit a motorcycle on National Highway 1 in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam on Wednesday night, leaving one student dead and another injured, said a local official.

Business

-- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on Wednesday signed a decision to develop a seaside economic zone set to cover 20,000 hectares in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam.

-- Vietnam exported agro-forestry-fishery products worth over US$56.7 billion between January and November, surpassing the full-year target of $55 billion set by the prime minister.

Lifestyle

-- The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival on Mount Sam in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang was officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay on Wednesday night.

Sports

-- The Vietnamese team claimed fourth place at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong, which wrapped up on Wednesday.

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Ho Chi Minh Citys first metro line is set to begin commercial operations on December 22, and 17 feeder bus routes have been introduced to help residents conveniently access metro stations.

The feeder buses feature a distinctive green-and-yellow color scheme for easy identification, with LED-lit route numbers for enhanced visibility.

Importantly, all the buses are electric, in line with the citys push for sustainable transportation.

Hundreds of electric buses designed to facilitate passengers access to Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line are produced at the Kim Long Motor Hue complex. Photo: Giai Thuy

The Public Transportation Management Center has tasked Phuong Trang Futabuslines Passenger Car Corporation, the operator of these feeder buses, with ensuring an adequate number of vehicles and coordinating with suppliers to finalize their design on schedule.

Ngo Hai Duong, head of the Road Transport Management Division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the new system will make it easier for residents to access the first metro line.

The feeder routes are designed to operate along the metro line, picking up passengers from nearby roads and delivering them to the closest station.

Feeder buses are painted green and yellow, making them recognizable. Photo: Giai Thuy

The 17 feeder bus routes are as follows:

Route 153 connects Binh An Waterbus Station and Lien Phuong Street with An Phu Metro Station.

Route 154 links Thanh My Loi Residential Area and Rach Chiec Station.

Route 155 runs from Saigon Bus Station to the Municipal Theater, with access to Ben Thanh, Municipal Theater, and Ba Son Stations.

Route 156 runs from Saigon Bus Station to Hoa Hung Railway Station, connecting with Ben Thanh Metro Station.

Route 157 departs from Van Thanh Bus Station to Duc Khai Apartment Building near Thao Dien Station.

Route 158 runs from Van Thanh Bus Station through Thanh Da Residential Area to Tan Cang Station.

Route 159 carries passengers from Ngo Tat To Apartment Building to Hang Xanh Roundabout near Van Thanh Metro Station in Binh Thanh District.

Route 160 links Van Thanh Station and Vinhomes Central Park.

Route 161 travels from Van Thanh Bus Station to Nga Tu Ga Bus Station near Tan Cang Station.

Route 162 transports passengers to Binh Thanh and Thu Duc Stations from Man Thien Apartment Building in Thu Duc City.

Route 163 connects Ho Chi Minh City Industry and Trade College with Binh Thai Station.

Route 164 spans from Nong Lam University to Topaz for access to Saigon Hi-Tech Park Station and National University Station.

Route 165 links Nong Lam University and Saigon Hi-Tech Park.

Route 166 stretches from Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City to Suoi Tien Theme Park.

Route 167 connects Nong Lam University with Linh Trung 1 Export Processing Zone near Saigon Hi-Tech Park Station.

Route 168 runs from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education to Binh Thai Intersection for connection with Binh Thai and Thu Duc Stations.

Route 169 links Vincom Thu Duc to Tay Hoa Intersection.

Feeder buses will be ready for service when the metro line begins commercial operations on December 22, 2024. Photo: Giai Thuy

The inaugural metro line spans from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City.

The first metro line is 19.7 kilometers long, including 2.6 kilometers of underground urban rail link and 17.1 kilometers of elevated track, carrying a price tag of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion).

The line has 17 trains, each capable of accommodating 930 passengers, including 147 sitting and 783 standing.

The first metro line project was launched in 2006, and its construction began in 2012.

Metro line No. 1 underwent a test run at full design capacity from late October to early November.

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Months of fighting on the Ukrainian front have not taken away Kostya's sense of humor -- even when it comes to the topic of Donald Trump.

Fears are high across Ukraine that the US president-elect, who claimed he would secure a ceasefire within 24 hours of coming to office, will push Kyiv into accepting peace on Russia's terms.

Soldiers like Kostya, fighting a slow but relentless Russian advance in the eastern Donbas region, are skeptical of a quick deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

"January 20 is Trump's inauguration. January 21 is the end of the war. On January 22, I plan to celebrate my birthday at home," Kostya said, sarcastically.

The 23-year-old was enjoying some respite with a few comrades -- eating a kebab he called "disgusting" -- a few kilometers from the city of Kurakhove under attack from Russian forces.

"A quick peace is possible," Kostya continued, more seriously.

"But only at our expense," interjected Valerya, a 22-year-old who serves with him.

Trump has not provided any details on how he might bring the warring sides to the negotiating table, let alone strike a deal that both would accept.

And in contrast to President Joe Biden, he has not called for Ukrainian victory and has repeatedly criticized American military aid to Kyiv.

The promise of a quick end to the fighting has not brought reassurance to Ukrainian soldiers, exhausted by nearly three years of combat against Russian troops.

Kostya said even a hypothetical truce would not stop Russia.

"We would get only a short-term peace, the war will continue," he said.

He already felt that Western allies were leaving Ukraine to fend for itself against a much more powerful enemy.

"We are being abandoned now. It doesn't matter if Trump is president or not. They will make a deal with Russia again. We will be absorbed," he said.

Russia's offensive accelerated in November, when its troops advanced over 725 square kilometers (280 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, mainly in the eastern Donetsk region, according to an AFP analysis of data from the US Institute for the Study of War.

That was the largest monthly gain for Moscow since March 2022, with its forces pushing in multiple directions, including near the logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

"We are losing," said Volodymyr, posted near the coal-mining city.

He is 23 but looks much older after months of grueling fighting.

"Soldiers have had enough. Everyone has families, relatives... Everyone wants to go home," he said in a somber voice.

But he also agreed that the prospects for a quick peace were bleak.

"Russia will attack again, whatever happens."

Many shared that opinion, including a former history teacher turned soldier who goes by the call sign of French author Alexandre Dumas.

The 44-year-old said he did not care much about Trump's election and did not believe "in sweet dreams of peace in 24 hours".

"As soon as they declare a ceasefire, I'm leaving this country. Because they'll come to us, rearmed, in five to 10 years," he said.

"Of course everyone is exhausted, but we have to keep fighting," he said, adding that civilians were the ones pushing for an agreement.

But Yuri, a civilian who had just fled the city of Toretsk, was also firmly against a truce.

Sitting in an evacuation bus with his cat, the 56-year-old former miner was staring into space.

His house was recently bombed and he recalled having to "dig, dig and dig some more" to try, in vain, to retrieve the body of his son.

He took calls for a quick peace as an insult.

"I don't believe it. Putin will go right to the end of Ukraine," he said.
A sleeper bus driver faces a VND2.4 million (US$94.5) fine and a two-month license suspension after being caught on camera steering with his elbow while using his phone on Hanoi-Ninh Binh Expressway in northern Vietnam.

Traffic police announced on Thursday that they had fined N.X.K., a 42-year-old driver from Nghi Loc District in the north-central province of Nghe An, for violating traffic laws.

At 4:07 pm on Tuesday, K. was driving a sleeper bus on Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Thanh Hoa Expressway toward Thanh Hoa Province when he was caught steering with his elbow and using his phone with both hands.

A sleeper bus driver is caught on camera steering with his elbow while using his phone on Hanoi-Ninh Binh Expressway in northern Vietnam, December 3, 2024. Photo: H.Q.

Traffic police officers identified K.s two violations: using a mobile phone while driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.

Police also noted that at the time, dozens of passengers were aboard the bus, and the drivers actions were seen as a clear disregard for their safety.

Vietnamese traffic law stipulates a VND2.4 million fine and a two-month drivers license suspension for such violations.

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Australias Lingo Pictures is celebrating its latest accolade for acclaimed NZ drama After the Party, which picked up a Best Director win at the Asian TV Awards this week.

It follows a year of recent accolades and international success.

After the Party was also nominated for Best Drama and Best Actress (Robyn Malcolm) at the ceremony televised live from Jakarta to 500 million homes across Asia.

On Monday night it competed at the prestigious 63rd annual Rose dOr Awards, against such high-profile series as Baby Reindeer, Mr Bates versus the Post Office and Pachinko.

Lingo Pictures is immensely proud of After the Party and the success is has achieved in New Zealand, Australia and internationally. Dianne Taylor and Robyn Malcolm came to Lingo with a bold idea and its gratifying to see audiences responding so enthusiastically to the show. Our congratulations to Robyn for her richly deserved, multiple best actress awards, to Dianne and to our director and fellow producer Peter Salmon who brilliantly helmed the series, said producer, Lingo Pictures Helen Bowden.

It screened in Australia on ABC.

The series, co-created by Robyn Malcolm and Dianne Taylor, and starring Robyn Malcolm and Peter Mullan, premiered on Channel 4 on November 20 and is being lauded in the UK with multiple 4.5 and 5-star reviews including from The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and iNews, with both The Guardian and The Telegraph describing Robyn Malcolms star turn as the TV performance of the year.

At the New Zealand TV Awards on November 22, the series won a record nine categories. As well as being named best drama for 2024, After the Party won awards for best actress (Robyn Malcolm), best actor (Peter Mullan), best supporting actor (Elz Carrad), best supporting actress (Tara Canton), best editing, best cinematography, best director comedy/drama and best script: drama for Dianne Taylor.

Director Peter Salmon has also received a nomination in the Australian Directors Guild Awards. Robyn Malcolm has been named National Winner for Best Actress Category in the Asian Academy Creative Awards with the final winner to be announced in early December and has been nominated for Best Actress at the Seoul International Drama Awards where the series has been nominated for Best Miniseries.

After the Party received the Gold Award at New York Festivals TV and Film, and was the first ever New Zealand series selected for Series Mania in France where in screened in the International Panorama and where Robyn Malcolm won Best Actress. It was also selected to screen at Serielizados (Barcelona) where Robyn Malcolm was named Best Actress and at Cinema Jove Festival (Valencia, Spain).

After the Party is a Lingo Pictures & Luminous Beast production filmed on location in Wellington, New Zealand. Lingo Pictures Helen Bowden produced the series alongside Liz DiFiore and Peter Salmon with Salmon also directing all six episodes. Executive Producers are Lingo Pictures Jason Stephens, with Dianne Taylor and Robyn Malcolm.
The successful bidder of The Block Phillip Island, Adrian Portelli, is facing charges around a lottery linked to properties purchased on the Nine show.

Billionaire Adrian Portelli faces nine charges for personally conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery.

His company, Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which operates under the brand LMCT+, has been charged with ten similar counts.

His company offers members subscriptions to a rewards club. They also then get entries to win cars and properties. The model is known as a trade promotion lottery. Under South Australian law, any trade promotion lotteries with prizes exceeding $5,000 need a licence to operate and entries must be free of charge.

LMCT+ is currently conducting a subscription-based lottery to win all 5 homes on The Block Phillip Island or $8m cash. A winner will be drawn on December 26th.

Guardian Australia reports according to court documents, the incidents occurred between 29 January 2023 and 16 May 2024. The major prize for the lottery was a property situated in Gisborne in the state of Victoria as seen on the Australian television show The Block, or a cash prize of $3,000,000, court documents said.

Giving away the prize involved an element of chance but the defendant did not hold a licence to conduct the lottery in South Australia.

Two other Block properties, one valued at about $2.9m and the other not given a value were offered as prizes, with cash prizes of $2.5m and $2m respectively offered as alternatives. Another property on the Gold Coast valued at $1.3m was also a major prize.

Portelli insists the company is simply a membership reward service that helps local businesses while generating millions of dollars in savings for Australian families.

Each charge for conducting, or assisting in conducting an unlawful lottery carries a maximum penalty of $10,000.

There is no suggestion of fault on behalf of Nine or Block producers Cavalier Productions.

The hearing is listed for the Adelaide magistrates court on 15 January 2025.

Both Victorian and New South Wales regulators investigated LMCT+ and found no legal violations.

Source: Guardian Australia, news.com.au
The ARPANET changed computing forever by proving that computers of wildly different manufacture could be connected using standardized protocols. In my post on the historical significance of the ARPANET, I mentioned a few of those protocols, but didnt describe them in any detail. So I wanted to take a closer look at them. I also wanted to see how much of the design of those early protocols survives in the protocols we use today.

The ARPANET protocols were, like our modern internet protocols, organized into layers. The protocols in the higher layers ran on top of the protocols in the lower layers. Today the TCP/IP suite has five layers (the Physical, Link, Network, Transport, and Application layers), but the ARPANET had only three layersor possibly four, depending on how you count them.

Im going to explain how each of these layers worked, but first an aside about who built what in the ARPANET, which you need to know to understand why the layers were divided up as they were.

Some Quick Historical Context

The ARPANET was funded by the US federal government, specifically the Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Defense (hence the name ARPANET). The US government did not directly build the network; instead, it contracted the work out to a Boston-based consulting firm called Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, more commonly known as BBN.

BBN, in turn, handled many of the responsibilities for implementing the network but not all of them. What BBN did was design and maintain a machine known as the Interface Message Processor, or IMP. The IMP was a customized Honeywell minicomputer, one of which was delivered to each site across the country that was to be connected to the ARPANET. The IMP served as a gateway to the ARPANET for up to four hosts at each host site. It was basically a router. BBN controlled the software running on the IMPs that forwarded packets from IMP to IMP, but the firm had no direct control over the machines that would connect to the IMPs and become the actual hosts on the ARPANET.

The host machines were controlled by the computer scientists that were the end users of the network. These computer scientists, at host sites across the country, were responsible for writing the software that would allow the hosts to talk to each other. The IMPs gave hosts the ability to send messages to each other, but that was not much use unless the hosts agreed on a format to use for the messages. To solve that problem, a motley crew consisting in large part of graduate students from the various host sites formed themselves into the Network Working Group, which sought to specify protocols for the host computers to use.

So if you imagine a single successful network interaction over the ARPANET, (sending an email, say), some bits of engineering that made the interaction successful were the responsibility of one set of people (BBN), while other bits of engineering were the responsibility of another set of people (the Network Working Group and the engineers at each host site). That organizational and logistical happenstance probably played a big role in motivating the layered approach used for protocols on the ARPANET, which in turn influenced the layered approach used for TCP/IP.

Okay, Back to the Protocols

The ARPANET protocol hierarchy.

The protocol layers were organized into a hierarchy. At the very bottom was level 0. This is the layer that in some sense doesnt count, because on the ARPANET this layer was controlled entirely by BBN, so there was no need for a standard protocol. Level 0 governed how data passed between the IMPs. Inside of BBN, there were rules governing how IMPs did this; outside of BBN, the IMP sub-network was a black box that just passed on any data that you gave it. So level 0 was a layer without a real protocol, in the sense of a publicly known and agreed-upon set of rules, and its existence could be ignored by software running on the ARPANET hosts. Loosely speaking, it handled everything that falls under the Physical, Link, and Internet layers of the TCP/IP suite today, and even quite a lot of the Transport layer, which is something Ill come back to at the end of this post.

The level 1 layer established the interface between the ARPANET hosts and the IMPs they were connected to. It was an API, if you like, for the black box level 0 that BBN had built. It was also referred to at the time as the IMP-Host Protocol. This protocol had to be written and published because, when the ARPANET was first being set up, each host site had to write its own software to interface with the IMP. They wouldnt have known how to do that unless BBN gave them some guidance.

The IMP-Host Protocol was specified by BBN in a lengthy document called BBN Report 1822. The document was revised many times as the ARPANET evolved; what Im going to describe here is roughly the way the IMP-Host protocol worked as it was initially designed. According to BBNs rules, hosts could pass messages to their IMPs no longer than 8095 bits, and each message had a leader that included the destination host number and something called a link number. The IMP would examine the designation host number and then dutifully forward the message into the network. When messages were received from a remote host, the receiving IMP would replace the destination host number with the source host number before passing it on to the local host. Messages were not actually what passed between the IMPs themselvesthe IMPs broke the messages down into smaller packets for transfer over the networkbut that detail was hidden from the hosts.

The Host-IMP message leader format, as of 1969. Diagram from BBN Report 1763.

The link number, which could be any number from 0 to 255, served two purposes. It was used by higher level protocols to establish more than one channel of communication between any two hosts on the network, since it was conceivable that there might be more than one local user talking to the same destination host at any given time. (In other words, the link numbers allowed communication to be multiplexed between hosts.) But it was also used at the level 1 layer to control the amount of traffic that could be sent between hosts, which was necessary to prevent faster computers from overwhelming slower ones. As initially designed, the IMP-Host Protocol limited each host to sending just one message at a time over each link. Once a given host had sent a message along a link to a remote host, it would have to wait to receive a special kind of message called an RFNM (Request for Next Message) from the remote IMP before sending the next message along the same link. Later revisions to this system, made to improve performance, allowed a host to have up to eight messages in transit to another host at a given time.

The level 2 layer is where things really start to get interesting, because it was this layer and the one above it that BBN and the Department of Defense left entirely to the academics and the Network Working Group to invent for themselves. The level 2 layer comprised the Host-Host Protocol, which was first sketched in RFC 9 and first officially specified by RFC 54. A more readable explanation of the Host-Host Protocol is given in the ARPANET Protocol Handbook.

The Host-Host Protocol governed how hosts created and managed connections with each other. A connection was a one-way data pipeline between a write socket on one host and a read socket on another host. The socket concept was introduced on top of the limited level-1 link facility (remember that the link number can only be one of 256 values) to give programs a way of addressing a particular process running on a remote host. Read sockets were even-numbered while write sockets were odd-numbered; whether a socket was a read socket or a write socket was referred to as the sockets gender. There were no port numbers like in TCP. Connections could be opened, manipulated, and closed by specially formatted Host-Host control messages sent between hosts using link 0, which was reserved for that purpose. Once control messages were exchanged over link 0 to establish a connection, further data messages could then be sent using another link number picked by the receiver.

Host-Host control messages were identified by a three-letter mnemonic. A connection was established when two hosts exchanged a STR (sender-to-receiver) message and a matching RTS (receiver-to-sender) messagethese control messages were both known as Request for Connection messages. Connections could be closed by the CLS (close) control message. There were further control messages that changed the rate at which data messages were sent from sender to receiver, which were needed to ensure again that faster hosts did not overwhelm slower hosts. The flow control already provided by the level 1 protocol was apparently not sufficient at level 2; I suspect this was because receiving an RFNM from a remote IMP was only a guarantee that the remote IMP had passed the message on to the destination host, not that the host had fully processed the message. There was also an INR (interrupt-by-receiver) control message and an INS (interrupt-by-sender) control message that were primarily for use by higher-level protocols.

The higher-level protocols all lived in level 3, which was the Application layer of the ARPANET. The Telnet protocol, which provided a virtual teletype connection to another host, was perhaps the most important of these protocols, but there were many others in this level too, such as FTP for transferring files and various experiments with protocols for sending email.

One protocol in this level was not like the others: the Initial Connection Protocol (ICP). ICP was considered to be a level-3 protocol, but really it was a kind of level-2.5 protocol, since other level-3 protocols depended on it. ICP was needed because the connections provided by the Host-Host Protocol at level 2 were only one-way, but most applications required a two-way (i.e. full-duplex) connection to do anything interesting. ICP specified a two-step process whereby a client running on one host could connect to a long-running server process on another host. The first step involved establishing a one-way connection from the server to the client using the server process well-known socket number. The server would then send a new socket number to the client over the established connection. At that point, the existing connection would be discarded and two new connections would be opened, a read connection based on the transmitted socket number and a write connection based on the transmitted socket number plus one. This little dance was a necessary prelude to most thingsit was the first step in establishing a Telnet connection, for example.

That finishes our ascent of the ARPANET protocol hierarchy. You may have been expecting me to mention a Network Control Protocol at some point. Before I sat down to do research for this post and my last one, I definitely thought that the ARPANET ran on a protocol called NCP. The acronym is occasionally used to refer to the ARPANET protocols as a whole, which might be why I had that idea. RFC 801, for example, talks about transitioning the ARPANET from NCP to TCP in a way that makes it sound like NCP is an ARPANET protocol equivalent to TCP. But there has never been a Network Control Protocol for the ARPANET (even if Encyclopedia Britannica thinks so), and I suspect people have mistakenly unpacked NCP as Network Control Protocol when really it stands for Network Control Program. The Network Control Program was the kernel-level program running in each host responsible for handling network communication, equivalent to the TCP/IP stack in an operating system today. NCP, as its used in RFC 801, is a metonym, not a protocol.

A Comparison with TCP/IP

The ARPANET protocols were all later supplanted by the TCP/IP protocols (with the exception of Telnet and FTP, which were easily adapted to run on top of TCP). Whereas the ARPANET protocols were all based on the assumption that the network was built and administered by a single entity (BBN), the TCP/IP protocol suite was designed for an inter-net, a network of networks where everything would be more fluid and unreliable. That led to some of the more immediately obvious differences between our modern protocol suite and the ARPANET protocols, such as how we now distinguish between a Network layer and a Transport layer. The Transport layer-like functionality that in the ARPANET was partly implemented by the IMPs is now the sole responsibility of the hosts at the network edge.

What I find most interesting about the ARPANET protocols though is how so much of the transport-layer functionality now in TCP went through a janky adolescence on the ARPANET. Im not a networking expert, so I pulled out my college networks textbook (Kurose and Ross, lets go), and they give a pretty great outline of what a transport layer is responsible for in general. To summarize their explanation, a transport layer protocol must minimally do the following things. Here segment is basically equivalent to message as the term was used on the ARPANET:

Provide a delivery service between processes and not just host machines (transport layer multiplexing and demultiplexing)

Provide integrity checking on a per-segment basis (i.e. make sure there is no data corruption in transit)

A transport layer could also, like TCP does, provide reliable data transfer, which means:

Segments are delivered in order

No segments go missing

Segments arent delivered so fast that they get dropped by the receiver (flow control)

It seems like there was some confusion on the ARPANET about how to do multiplexing and demultiplexing so that processes could communicateBBN introduced the link number to do that at the IMP-Host level, but it turned out that socket numbers were necessary at the Host-Host level on top of that anyway. Then the link number was just used for flow control at the IMP-Host level, but BBN seems to have later abandoned that in favor of doing flow control between unique pairs of hosts, meaning that the link number started out as this overloaded thing only to basically became vestigial. TCP now uses port numbers instead, doing flow control over each TCP connection separately. The process-process multiplexing and demultiplexing lives entirely inside TCP and does not leak into a lower layer like on the ARPANET.

Its also interesting to see, in light of how Kurose and Ross develop the ideas behind TCP, that the ARPANET started out with what Kurose and Ross would call a strict stop-and-wait approach to reliable data transfer at the IMP-Host level. The stop-and-wait approach is to transmit a segment and then refuse to transmit any more segments until an acknowledgment for the most recently transmitted segment has been received. Its a simple approach, but it means that only one segment is ever in flight across the network, making for a very slow protocolwhich is why Kurose and Ross present stop-and-wait as merely a stepping stone on the way to a fully featured transport layer protocol. On the ARPANET, stop-and-wait was how things worked for a while, since, at the IMP-Host level, a Request for Next Message had to be received in response to every outgoing message before any further messages could be sent. To be fair to BBN, they at first thought this would be necessary to provide flow control between hosts, so the slowdown was intentional. As Ive already mentioned, the RFNM requirement was later relaxed for the sake of better performance, and the IMPs started attaching sequence numbers to messages and keeping track of a window of messages in flight in the more or less the same way that TCP implementations do today.

So the ARPANET showed that communication between heterogeneous computing systems is possible if you get everyone to agree on some baseline rules. That is, as Ive previously argued, the ARPANETs most important legacy. But what I hope this closer look at those baseline rules has revealed is just how much the ARPANET protocols also influenced the protocols we use today. There was certainly a lot of awkwardness in the way that transport-layer responsibilities were shared between the hosts and the IMPs, sometimes redundantly. And its really almost funny in retrospect that hosts could at first only send each other a single message at a time over any given link. But the ARPANET experiment was a unique opportunity to learn those lessons by actually building and operating a network, and it seems those lessons were put to good use when it came time to upgrade to the internet as we know it today.

If you enjoyed this post, more like it come out every four weeks! Follow @TwoBitHistory on Twitter or subscribe to the RSS feed to make sure you know when a new post is out.

Previously on TwoBitHistory
Vodafones (VOD.L) long-awaited merger with Three UK has finally received approval, but analysts warn that while the deal offers a potential fresh start, it comes with a host of challenges that will test the companys ability to deliver meaningful change.

Dan Coatsworth, analyst at AJ Bell, said the merger might offer a glimmer of hope for long-suffering shareholders of Vodafone. They will hope the deal "is the launchpad for the business to finally show some dynamism after years of stasis," he noted. However, Coatsworth pointed out that this optimism is tempered by several strings attached to the merger.

Key conditions imposed by regulators include a significant commitment to invest in the UKs 5G infrastructure, as well as a cap on tariffs for the next three years. With these terms in place, the regulator will be closely monitoring Vodafone, "like a teacher looming over an errant pupil," Coatsworth remarked, ensuring the company meets its obligations.

Despite these restrictions, the analyst believes the completion of the deal will offer investors some relief. If nothing else, there will be relief on the part of investors that the deal has been concluded and everyone can move on, he said.

But Coatsworth also noted that Vodafones challenges extend beyond the UK. The company continues to struggle in key international markets, particularly Germany, where regulatory changes have further hampered its performance.

"With the Three deal concluded, patience for any future messages of Vodafone being in transition is likely to run thin. The company must now deliver," he added, emphasising that Vodafones future success will depend on its ability to execute effectively and overcome the hurdles ahead.
As a federal enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of in-ternational cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ currently provides advisory services to the Government of Viet Nam in three priority ar-eas: Vocational training, Environmental policy and sustainable use of natural resources, and Energy. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.

The project Innovative climate risk finance for the agriculture sector in the ASEAN region (AgriCRF) under the GIZ is looking for a local company to conduct pilots and assessment of innovative climate risk finance for rice in 4 selected provinces in the Mekong River Delta (An Giang, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Soc Trang). While the assignment request the Contractor can work with different insurance companies to design the pilot, an insurance company is not eligible to apply for this assignment. The company should include an expert team for the positions: 01 Team Leader and 02 members to conduct the assignment with the tenta-tive timeframe of the assignment: Starting March 2025 to December 30th, 2025.

Request for Eol assessment grid with detailed assessment criteria and weighting might be sent in writing via email to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de by 18.12.2024.

Interested service providers should send an expression of interest (Eol) documents in English containing:

1. Letter of interest (with directors signature and company stamp) (A/I/2 EoI Assess-ment)

2. Copy of audited financial report and/or annual tax report accepted by tax authorities of last 02 years (2022-2023) and up to date financial report in 2024) (could be in Viet-namese, incl. balance sheet, income statement, cashflow statement, tax liquidation) in which the annual turnover for the financial year 2022 is more than 100,000 Euro and average annual turnover for the last two financial years (2023 & up-to-date 2024) is more than 150,000 Euro. (A/I/4.1 + 4.2 EoI Assessment)

3. Company profile (incl. copy of business license, tax code registration, organization chart, personnel structure in which average number of employees and managers for 2022-2023-2024 is more than 5 persons) and the proven record of company working experience for our assessment. (A/I/3 + 5 + B EoI Assessment)

The bidders send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de latest by 17:00 (Hanoi time) on 20.12.2024 with email subject: Tender 83479328-EOI-Climate risk finance for rice.

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all bidding documents submitted.

Important notes:

1. Request of tender documents to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de by 18.12.2024

2. Eligibility assessment related questions to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de by 20.12.2024

3. Eligibility dossier to be sent to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de by 17:00 on 20.12.2024. Send-ing documents to wrong email address will lead to disqualification of the bidder.

4. Only selected bidders will be invited to present technical and financial offers.

5. This is negotiated tender with competitive tendering

Note: all bidders must meet all requirements in Part A of Eol assessment grid to be eligible for Part B assessment. Minimum points for Part B is 500/1000 points.
CAN THO  The eighth annual Hoan My Scientific and Technical Conference, organised by the Hoan My Medical Groups Hoan My Academy, was held in Can Tho City on November 29-30.

Themed 'Clinical Excellence: The Heart of Healthcare Transformation', it gathered over 300 domestic and international medical experts to share nearly one hundred specialised reports, quality improvement initiatives and updates on medical advancements to enhance healthcare quality.

Over the past eight years, the Hoan My Scientific and Technical Conference has become a leading forum for medical professionals in Viet Nam to share expertise and explore the latest advancements in healthcare.

Clinical excellence, the key to improving healthcare quality

Conference presentations highlighted a commitment to advancing patient care through research, innovation and the application of advanced technologies. Covering a broad spectrum of medical specialties  including cardiology, surgery and infection control  the presentations showcased various new initiatives from screening to treatment, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Healthcare professionals also showcased the latest advancements in various medical fields, including simultaneous bilateral knee replacement, isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection and point-of-care ultrasound in critical care.

Medical research findings and practices presented at the 2024 Hoan My Scientific and Technical Conference contributed not only to the enhancement of the professional expertise of medical staff but also to shaping new standards in healthcare in Viet Nam, said Dr Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Service Administration, Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health highly values Hoan My's efforts in investing in scientific research and improving the quality of the healthcare workforce. This model of integrating practical medicine and research can enhance Viet Nam's global healthcare competitiveness.

"Our commitment is to deliver advanced healthcare services and excellent clinical care through the integration of advanced technologies, said Huynh Bich Lien, Group CEO of Hoan My Medical Group.

"To achieve this, Hoan My is committed to comprehensive development, encompassing investments in cutting-edge medical equipment, advanced facilities and international-standard patient care. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in research and collaboration with leading medical institutions globally."

"It is an honour to be part of a forum that brings together domestic and international experts to share the latest advancements in healthcare," said Associate Professor Dr Le Thi Anh Thu, Director of the Hoan My Academy.

"By organising scientific conferences, workshops, and international collaborations, we are committed to training a skilled medical workforce to enhance healthcare quality."

Hoan My Medical Group is Viet Nams largest private healthcare network with 14 hospitals and seven clinics providing comprehensive services across its Hanh Phuc, Hoan My and Thuan My brands. With a workforce of more than 5,000 dedicated professionals, it serves more than five million patient visits a year. Hoan My Medical Group is committed to delivering care with heart to patients across Viet Nam, shaping the culture of the medical industry by increasing access to healthcare, setting new standards of clinical excellence, and pioneering innovative treatments and services.  VNS
ZURICH  The Swiss-Viet Nam Economic Forum (SVEF) held a meeting in Zurich on Wednesday to review its activities in 2024 and outline a programme for 2025 to further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Attracting over 300 delegates from Switzerland, Viet Nam and countries in Europe and ASEAN, SVEF 2024 marked a significant milestone in the forum's journey, demonstrating its role in fostering collaboration.

SVEF has also played a pivotal role in fostering relations with local authorities, hosting delegations from Can Tho, Vinh Long and Cao Bang of Viet Nam to explore investment opportunities. A workshop for Nam inh province alone stood out as another highlight, particularly with a recent visit by investors to the Vietnamese northern locality.

These initiatives underscored SVEF's commitment to intensifying regional engagement, positioning it as a core focus and mission for the future.

Building on this success, upcoming events will be organised at Switzerland's University of Zurich in June, and in Viet Nams central a Nang city in November, bringing together leaders from governments, businesses and academia to promote innovation, sustainable development and shared growth.

The forum will focus on key areas such as technology, education, finance and manufacturing. Many memoranda of understanding to promote investment and collaboration will be inked at the event. It will prioritise sustainability, digital transformation and workforce development in 2025.

According to SVEF Chairman Philip Rosler, SVEF 2025 is not just an event but a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and shared prosperity.

The forums vision for 2025 is to expand its impacts, enabling participants to explore opportunities not only between Switzerland and Viet Nam but also in the ASEAN region and beyond, he said.

SVEF Vice Chairman Nguyen Ho Nam stated that Viet Nam offers many opportunities for international businesses due to its rapid economic growth and strategic position.

Sectors such as technology, green growth, and education align perfectly with Viet Nam's strategic priorities, Nam said, adding that by facilitating appropriate partnerships through SVEF, Swiss businesses and organisations can fully capitalise on these opportunities.

Meanwhile, SVEF Vice Chairman Ivo Sieber highlighted the synergy between the strengths of Switzerland and Viet Nam, saying that Switzerland's expertise in innovation and sustainable development complements Viet Nam's dynamic growth.

SVEF 2025 is expected to provide a unique platform for Swiss stakeholders to connect with Viet Nam's dynamic economy and access other rapidly growing markets in ASEAN, he noted.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nam needs policies to accelerate the greening of seaports for sustainable development in the future, according to experts at a seminar on green port development held on December 4 in HCM City.

Speaking at the event, deputy director of the Viet Nam Maritime Administration Hoang Hong Giang said around 30 out of 290 seaports have made green transformations. Some seaports have met the green port criteria, such as Tan Cang Cat Lai, Cai Mep Thi Vai, a Nang port and Hai Phong international container port.

That is a small number of seaports converting from a traditional model to a green framework, Giang said, adding that it needs more major programmes to change businesses' awareness about green transformation of seaports.

Vo Quoc Huy, chairman of Long An International Port, said Long An Port has carried out green steps, including investing in a shore power system for ships at the dock.

Long An Port has 500,000sq.m of warehouse space with solar panels, while it is also researching further digital and green transformations.

"The port has taken the first steps towards green transformation, but it still needs to learn from other major ports and partner with other domestic seaports to develop Viet Nam's green seaport system," said Huy.

Lieutenant Colonel Vu Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Technical Department, Saigon Newport Corporation, said that by 2050, the entire port must be green and switched to green power, but the power cost is too high.

"If the VN12 trillion Lach Huyen project is converted to a green and automated model, the investment will increase to nearly VN30 trillion and even to VN40 trillion," said Tuan.

This is the biggest barrier to seaport enterprises, he said.

Therefore, he recommended that the Government should have supportive policies to help enterprises easily access green credits.

Regarding the issue of transport emissions, Pham Hoai Trung, chairman of the Greego Co Ltd's advisory board, said that the businesses need to review fuel used at their supply chains and form a clearer greening roadmap. In addition, they can choose to cooperate with partners who are committed to green transformation.

At the seminar, Phan Hoang Vu, deputy general director of SSIT Port, said that on December 29, 2022, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issued a decision to announce Viet Nam's criteria for recognising green ports. This is a part of implementing the emission commitments that the Vietnamese Government signed at COP26.

Vu said over the past two years, SSIT Port and other ports in Cai Mep port cluster, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province have reviewed operations and made plans and implemented actions to basically meet the green port criteria.

However, after the Covid-19 pandemic and sluggish growth in the world economy, many port and maritime enterprises face challenges in investing in green transformations, Vu said.

Only some international ports have invested in the development of green ports from the beginning, basically meeting the green port criteria, he added.

"Currently, supportive and incentive policies are not clear, especially the mechanisms for promoting the seaports to meet the green port criteria. The policies will improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese seaports in the region and the world and also ensure the progress of greening seaports," he said.

He suggested that the State needs to issue specific targets for green energy conversion and develop carbon emission criteria.

At the same time, they need to increase service prices at deep-water ports, such as Cai Mep and Lach Huyen, to attract investment in machinery and equipment to meet green conversion requirements.

They should also issue a list of shore power service prices and how those prices will be increased. That will encourage businesses to invest in the shore power supply systems and ships using electric engines.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade should issue a clear policy to encourage businesses to use solar energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The State should provide tax incentives for imported equipment, machinery and technology for green transformation at seaports, he said.

Head of Public Relations and Shareholder Relations and in charge of coordinating the ESG board of Gemadept Group, Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, said that the Government needs to simplify administrative procedures and reduce fees and charges. She also recommended providing preferential loan packages for businesses to invest in green transformations.

The Government also needs to complete the legal framework to encourage green investment, creating a stable business environment.

Increasing the container lift on/off charge at ports is needed to encourage port businesses to invest in developing a national seaport infrastructure. That charge in Viet Nam is only 40 per cent of the regional average, she said.  VNS
Donald Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department is facing uncertainty, as key Republican senators raise concerns about his qualifications for the role.

The president-elect is reportedly considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for Hegseth. While no Republican senators have explicitly opposed Hegseth, even close Trump allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham have expressed doubts about his ability to secure confirmation.

"He obviously has a chance to defend himself here. But some of this stuff is  it's going to be difficult," Graham said on Tuesday. Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny over multiple misconduct allegations, including a 2017 sexual assault claim, which he has denied. No charges were filed in connection with the allegation.

"He has not been forthright with the Transition team staff and the president-elect and vice president-elect," a senior Trump transition source told CNN.

On Wednesday, Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Sen. Joni Ernst, whose opinion is expected to carry significant weight in his confirmation.

Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and military veteran, whose opinion is expected to carry significant weight.

Privately, some Republican lawmakers have begun exploring potential alternatives, with Ernst herself being mentioned as a possible candidate, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Other Trump allies are floating Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty for the role.

Key Senate Republicans have recently emphasized that Pete Hegseth must undergo an FBI background check and a confirmation hearing before they can commit to supporting his nomination. These comments coincided with the Trump transition team announcing on Tuesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Justice Department, paving the way for formal government vetting.

However, it remains uncertain how many of Trump's nominees for various positions will be submitted to the FBI for background checks.

"As I've repeatedly said to you, I believe that we need an FBI background check to evaluate the allegations," Collins told CNN on Tuesday.

While many GOP senators have stated they haven't directly addressed the allegations with Hegseth in private conversations, frustration is reportedly growing among other senators and senior aides over the steady stream of negative media attention surrounding his nomination.

Given the Senate's narrow margins in the upcoming session, attention will likely center on more moderate and establishment GOP lawmakers, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, along with incoming Sen. John Curtis of Utah.
TOKYO  Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man met with Hirofumi Nomoto, chairman of Japans Tokyu Group in Tokyo on Thursday as part of his ongoing official visit to the East Asian nation.

Hirofumi briefed the leader on the joint venture between Tokyu and Becamex  Viet Nam's leading industrial and urban real estate developer  in urban infrastructure development in the southern province of Binh Duong.

Commending Viet Nam's rapid economic growth in recent years, he stressed Tokyu's desire to continue its cooperation and share expertise in urban development to transform Binh Duong into a green, smart city, and to scale up its urban infrastructure investments across Viet Nam.

NA chair Man lauded Tokyu and its joint venture, Tokyu-Becamex, for their effective real estate projects in Binh Duong, significantly contributing to creating a new ecosystem for living and working, attracting investment, and accelerating the smart city project in the locality.

The top legislator expressed his impression of the groups subway projects in Tokyo and suggested it support Binh Duong in speeding up the implementation of transport infrastructure projects, including urban railway, while expanding its investments to other Vietnamese localities, helping to build more green, modern urban models nationwide.

Highlighting the robust and comprehensive development of the Viet NamJapan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, he said as of October 31, 2024, Japan had run 5,456 valid projects in Viet Nam, with total registered capital of US$77.4 billion.

The NA chairman also stressed that at its recent eighth session, the Vietnamese legislature approved 18 laws, including the amended Law on Public Investment, which would facilitate the operations of both domestic and foreign investors, remove obstacles, and create breakthroughs in infrastructure development, thus fostering sustainable socio-economic development.

Hirofumi appreciated the NA chairmans suggestions and shared Tokyus mission that goes beyond profit-making by building sustainable ecosystems in smart cities and building safe and civilised living environments.

Tokyu, one of Japan's oldest and largest conglomerates, operates in various sectors, including railway, transport, retail, culture, and education, with a particular focus on urban development.

In Viet Nam, Tokyu-Becamex Co Ltd, established in March 2012, has been operating in real estate investment, sale, and leasing.  VNS
HA NOI  The e-commerce platform Temu, originating from China, has suspended its operations in Viet Nam as per requests from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The ministrys Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy said on Thursday it had asked Temus owner  Elementary Innovation Pte Ltd  to perform a number of measures to comply with Viet Nams regulations for e-commerce.

The requests were made based on trade regulations that are specified in the Governmments Decree 52 from 2013 and Decree 85 from 2021.

As per the requests, the Chinese platform has stopped showing content in Vietnamese on the website temu.com and on the Temu mobile application.

It has also informed viewers that its business registration application is being reviewed and has not yet been approved by the trade authorities.

A line on the website reads: Temu is working with the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to register its provision of e-commerce services in Vietnam.

The platform has also stopped showing to Vietnamese viewers products and goods with promotions of over 50 per cent, in accordance with the provisions of the Decree 81, issued by the Government in 2018 on commercial law and trade promotion activities.

It has stopped programmes and models that encourage Vietnamese users to participate in business to receive bonuses and commissions.

Previously, the trade ministry had warned Vietnamese users to stop transacting with cross-border e-commerce platforms that had not registered with the authorities to protect their rights and benefits.

The ministry advised those who had paid for, but not received, orders on the Vietnamese version of Temu to cancel the transactions and ask for a refund.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam Medipharm Expo 2024 officially started at the International Exhibition Centre I.C.E Ha Noi.

Recent years have seen Viet Nams trade diplomacy exceed expectations, establishing the country as a strategic partner for many major global players. This creates opportunities for expanding cross-border connections in medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

The rise of social networks has enhanced the dissemination of information regarding health and environmental issues, boosting demand for medical equipment and health-related products.

The pharmaceutical sector in Viet Nam experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024. The EU-Viet Nam Business Network reports approximately 250 manufacturing plants, 200 import-export establishments, 4,300 wholesale agents and over 62,000 retail agents, with an increasing number of international pharmaceutical products entering the market.

The northern region has a robust pharmaceutical presence, with many large brands expanding their operations and adapting to market trends.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief of Office of the Ministry of Health, oan Huu Thien, expressed hopes that the exhibition will provide businesses with opportunities to expand trade, enhance joint ventures and foster investment. He emphasised the importance of active engagement among domestic and international manufacturers, traders and distributors in order to promote cooperation in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sectors, ultimately benefiting Vietnamese consumers and improving public health.

This year's Expo is a significant platform for facilitating trade exchanges and building strategic partnerships in the healthcare industry.

This event is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health and the Ha Noi People's Committee, organised by Vinexad Company in collaboration with the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Enterprises Association.

The Expo runs from December 5 to December 7.  VNS
HA NOI  A research centre and data centre dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) studies will be developed by the American technology company NVIDIA in Viet Nam, the National Innovation Centre announced late Thursday.

It is the result of an agreement between NVIDIA and the Vietnamese Government, which was signed during the second visit of Jensen Huang, NVIDIA founder and chief executive officer to Viet Nam on Thursday.

The agreement was signed by Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment, and Jay Puri, NVIDIA executive vice president of Worldwide Field Operations, in the presence of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang.

The research centre  officially called the Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC)  and the AI Data Centre will serve as platforms to help NVIDIA and its local partners promote research, development, and deployment of advanced AI technologies.

These centres will not only play a key role in supporting research initiatives, developing AI applications, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, but also create job opportunities for talented individuals in Viet Nam.

The new infrastructure provided through the centres will support Viet Nams national AI strategy, laying the foundation for nurturing and developing AI talent by utilising NVIDIA's advanced AI technologies.

This will help Viet Nam accelerate AI research, development, and applications in key industries such as healthcare, education, transportation, and finance.

Viet Nam is recognised as one of the countries with strong potential for AI development and application, thanks to its young, dynamic, and tech-savvy workforce. The Vietnamese Government has also identified AI as a priority area in its national development strategy.

The cooperation agreement between Viet Nam and NVIDIA is expected to boost the development of AI in the country and the Southeast Asia region.

Speaking about the agreement, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said: "Innovation is one of the areas that the Vietnamese Government particularly cares about and considers a key factor in the country's development strategy. We are committed to creating the most favourable environment for leading global technology companies like NVIDIA to implement research and development projects in Viet Nam.

"The cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and NVIDIA is a strategic step that not only helps Viet Nam enhance its research and AI application capabilities, promotes the development of the high-tech industry in Vietnam, but also opens up new growth opportunities for NVIDIA."

Through this strategic collaboration, Viet Nam will work with NVIDIA to promote the strong development of AI technology in the country according to international standards, while creating a bright future for the innovation ecosystem and high-tech industry in the region.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams Mekong River Commission (MRC) has recommended that local areas along the delta closely monitor the changes in water sources as the dry season begins.

They must proactively prepare to respond and regulate fresh water for agricultural production.

The MRC on Tuesday said that high tides are forecast until the end of 2024, which may result in flooding in low-lying areas in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta.

Data from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) the international MRC, and other global organisations, show that the total rainfall in the Mekong River basin this December is expected to be similar to the long-term yearly average.

Upstream areas are expected to see a decrease, while the delta region is likely to witness an increase.

Reservoirs on the Lancang River are reaching about 93 per cent of their total capacity, while reservoirs in the downstream basin are at about 85 per cent. Their capacity to generate electricity remains stable.

The flow to Kratie (Cambodia) will gradually decrease as the basin enters the dry season, and it is forecast to be between 11 billion and 13 billion cubic metres.

The Tonle Sap in Cambodia is holding about 26.3 billion cubic metres of water, which contributes to the main flow of the Mekong River.

Viet Nams MRC forecast that the maximum daily water level at the Tan Chau Station (in Viet Nams Tay Ninh Province) this month will fluctuate with the tides, running from 1.5 to 1.9 metres.

The total water flow through this station is forecast to be between 23.6 billion and 25.1 billion cubic metres, much lower than the long-term average and the same period last year.

At Chau oc Station (An Giang Province), the maximum daily water level is estimated to be between 1.6 and two metres. The total water flow through this station is expected to range between 4.5 billion and 4.7 billion cubic metres, higher than during the same period in 2023.

Based on these forecasts, Viet Nams MRC recommends that areas in the delta region closely monitor the water flows and proactively deploy irrigation plans in preparation for the winter to spring crop production.

The NCHMF also noted that from now until January 2025, the total flow on the Mekong River to Viet Nams Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta will slowly decrease.

The countrys southeastern coast can expect six tidal surges between December 2024 and March 2025.  VNS
HCM CITY  A special culinary culture event to highlight the best cooking styles and standout dishes of the Tien River region in the Mekong Delta will take place this Friday, December 6, at HCM Citys Thao ien Residence.

The food event titled Delights from the Tien River will feature the cooking performances by food artisans from the three provinces of Tien Giang, Ben Tre and Vinh Long, which are famous for their tradition in making fascinating traditional cuisines and cakes.

A selection of 13 local stunning dishes and cakes will be exquisitely prepared and served at site to satisfy the taste buds of connoisseurs.

Alongside food expert Chiem Thanh Long and culinary artisan Bui Thu Suong, who have devoted nearly all their lifetime to travelling around the country and exploring the fine foods at each place, Master Chef Vo Chieu Kha, deputy head of Ben Tre Culinary Culture Association, will join the event to present the most special food items of Ben Tre.

Among the favourites, most of them are cooked with coconut including the exceptionally beautiful and tasty banh tet Chu (cylindrical sticky rice cake), tep bac at rang nuoc dua (small river shrimp stir-fried with coconut water), com nau trai dua (rice cooked with coconut water) and banh la dua (coconut milk and sticky rice cake rolled in coconut leaves).

Lovers of Ben Tre specialty dishes should not miss hu tieu My Long (noodle soup with pork ribs, pork liver paste and shrimp) and bi cuon Ben Tre (shredded pork skin roll with herbs, Ben Tre style).

Meanwhile, those crazy for Vinh Longs fine food items will have a chance to sample the difference of chao ga bo ngot (chicken porridge with star gooseberry leaves), ca keo nuong ong say (goby fish grilled in straw) and banh pia Vinh Xuong (similar to the Cantonese mooncake).

Tien Giang, famous for delicious delicacies, some of them on the list of the Nguyen Dynastys royal culinary delights, will surprise connoisseurs with its irresistible dishes including nham Go Cong (green banana and sour star fruit salad with crab, Go Cong style), cuon thit luoc cham mam tom cha Go Cong (boiled pork roll served with Go Cong style shrimp paste), banh gia Cho Gong (deep-fried rice cake with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts) and many more.

Foodies will find the sweet items xoi vo - com ruou Go Cong (sticky rice cooked with green bean and coconut milk, served with fermented glutinous rice, Go Cong style) tasty and aromatic.

Held in the evening, the event is a part of the Vietnamese culinary programme Taste of Home, which Man Moi Restaurant in HCM City has designed to celebrate and promote the specialty dishes of each region across Viet Nam. VNS
Quynh Anh & Le Huong

Music touches our lives in countless ways.

It can be a shared harmony, soothing our hearts in times of joy or sorrow and can even be shared as a bond between strangers.

Like a true companion, music erases loneliness and distance, becoming an irreplaceable colour in the tapestry of life.

At Hanoi Voices (HNV) Choir, music brings together expats in Viet Nam, forming a family beyond race, gender and age.

David Elliot, an American living in Viet Nam for 40 years, joined Hanoi Voices six years ago and considers the choir his home.

He attended many large programs performed by the choir that brought him special feelings.

It brings such a variety of music to every person in the city, he told Viet Nam News.

Not just classical music, but popular music, caring music and music that tells stories of life.

This choir has been able to produce some of the most fantastic music and has entertained thousands of people over the years.

But I couldn't do it while I was working full time. So, I stepped back from full-time teaching and I'm now available to sing in the choir.

The choir was founded by the talented conductor and music arranger ong Quang Vinh who was selected as the only representative of ASEAN to attend the project 'Promoting social change through arts'.

He established the choir with the aim of singing, playing musical instruments and sharing the music with the community.

Here, there's no limitation, Vinh said.

We think that music has no border, because when we are together, we enjoy it, and we hope the people around us also will enjoy what we do.

From 14 initial members when it started in 2016, the choir now has 40 people, with 70 per cent expats.

However, the members often change because the expats in Viet Nam will come back to their hometowns after completing their work contracts.

The choir always welcomes newcomers who can bring their own, new styles.

Greta Herbert from Ireland says she is delighted she joined the choir.

I would say it's warm, it's exciting and everybody here is just so friendly, she said.

Just making friends is lovely, but it's just a really nice chance to get to perform and to meet people who love music, she shared.

To join the choir, all members need to have the ability and passion for music and they are tested during several rounds.

Conductor ong Quang Vinh will check vocal techniques before adding a new member.

Thanks to regular practices and professional performances, the choir has obtained high-level musical achievements at LEspace, the French cultural centre, the Hanoi Opera House, embassies and universities.

HNV members, Brad having been in Hanoi Voices for almost a year also share his common thinking that conductor Vinh connected them closely and opened opportunities for them to perform at large stages.

It's really amazing to be involved in a group that's really high quality, said American Brad Weeder who joined the choir a year ago.

It's not too much of a commitment. I'm able to work my full-time job and still do this choir as well.

I just get great personal enjoyment out of being in a music ensemble and all of the amazing opportunities around Ha Noi to perform both with this choir, with other choirs in the city and as well as other groups like the Viet Nam Opera and Ballet.

It's just amazing to have so many really cool opportunities that I wouldn't normally have in my home country.

HNV has practice sessions in the evening once a week for future shows.

The choir has performed in many important official events in the capital and smaller venues for expats.

They practise and perform in other languages more than English like French, Italian, Latin, German, Korean and Spanish.

Pop, folk and jazz are genres they sing.

Conductor Vinh sometimes guides them to sing Vietnamese songs.

The members are very excited doing Vietnamese melodies such as Beo dat may troi (Water-ferns drift, clouds float), Trong com (Rice drum), Mua Xuan oi (Oh spring), Bai ca Ho Chi Minh (The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh) or Hello Vietnam during practice sessions.

HNV members always perform whole-heartedly and bring to audiences their best.

Through their shows, they would like to spread their love for Vietnamese culture to international friends with the spirit of 'Live in Viet Nam and be like a Vietnamese'.

They learn from other members and reference documents to reflect the true 'Vietnamese spirit'.

When each melody is sung, Vietnamese cultures value also spreads.

No matter how hard the pieces are, they are always willing to do that, Conductor Vinh said.

They are from many countries, when people are together, they always want to show that: ok, Im from a good country. So, people always show their best.

For foreigners, singing a Vietnamese song has always posed a unique challenge.

They must first grasp the song's meaning and, step by step, refine their pronunciation.

Yet, these challenges have never been a barrier for the choir members.

Its really difficult to pronounce the word correctly especially when you read it and it seems that it sounds one way and you hear it completely differently, Greta told Viet Nam News.

But its nice to have the experience to sing with other Vietnamese people in a choir, extraordinary.

David Elliot added: Its hard for me to sing Vietnamese, to remember it. But Im able to read it and in certain parts I can.

I love Viet Nam, I love Ha Noi because for Ha Noi this is a new experience.

My goal is to let more and more people in Ha Noi come and enjoy music and even sing along.

The choir features Vietnamese members who serve as cultural bridges, helping expats feel at home in Vietnam. Its also the perfect place for Vietnamese passionate about music.

The choir also offers a space for music-loving Vietnamese, with members acting as cultural bridges to help expats feel at home.

At school, I learned how to sing solo. But here in a choir, I have to listen carefully and mingle my voice with others, Nguyen Minh Ngoc, a Vietnamese vocal student, shared.

I have practiced the capability to listen and sing with others rather than singing louder. Both foreigners and Vietnamese are happy to sing Vietnamese traditional songs.

Many HNV members said that they are energised by the performances and music helps them become more powerful and look forward to the future in a positive manner

If you love singing then come and join the choir to experience a harmonious spirit! VNS
LONG AN  The Souths history is the theme of a new show staged by traditional artists from the Long An Cai Luong Theatre.

The work, called Nguoi Con Cua Rung Tram (The People of the Melaleuca Forest), features cai luong (reformed opera), the 100-year-old gerne of the southern traditional music art.

It tells the stories of farmers living in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta province of Long An, who have made sacrifices and contributions to protect, build and develop their homeland.

The provinces deep culture and lifestyle are also highlighted.

The show stars Meritorious Artist Ngoc oi and Vuong Tuan as lead characters.

They perform vong co (nostalgic tunes), cai luong and tuong or hat boi (classical drama), traditional theatre genres from the southern and central regions.

My artists will try their best to bring the original tunes of the Souths traditional theatre to audiences, said the plays director Ho Ngoc Trinh. We want to encourage youngsters to learn more about their countrys history and culture through traditional theatre.

People's Artist Trinh has worked with the Long An Radio & Television to produce and release a series of shows featuring Long Ans history and culture.

These shows have attracted millions of young people in Long An and the provinces of the Cuu Long region back to Vietnamese theatre.

Nguoi Con Cua Rung Tram is Trinhs latest play which targets youth. It is scheduled to air on the Long An TV fanpage and FM-96.9MhZ.

The work was debuted at the 2024 Long An Province Cultural - Sport  Tourism Week that closed on December 4.

The week aimed to promote local culture and tourism to lure domestic and foreign visitors.

It featured many art and cultural activities, including a cultural exchange space, sport and music competitions, and a conference to solicit investment in Long An - South Korea tourism, and to promote Long Ans tourism potential and its image as a safe, friendly and attractive destination.

Highlighted events included traditional music and dance shows featuring hundreds of performers from leading art troupes of Long An and other provinces in the region.  VNS
HA NOI  The Viet Nam Defence International Expo 2024, scheduled to take place from December 19 to 22 at Gia Lam Airport in Ha Noi, will feature 68 types of military equipment currently in service with the Viet Nam Peoples Army.

Organised by the Ministry of National Defence, the exhibition will span an area of 10,530 square metres, showcasing an increase of 19 types of equipment compared to the 2022 event.

This years exhibition will also display 468 domestically produced defence, logistics, and technical products, marking an increase of 155 items compared to 2022.

Notably, the 2024 event will introduce innovative display technologies, including 3D mapping, virtual reality (VR) and interactive digital models. Highlights include VR simulations of key historical campaigns such as the ien Bien Phu Campaign and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, with detailed reenactments of pivotal moments like the battle on Muong Thanh Field, bombings at Tan Son Nhat Airport, and the tanks numbered 843 and 390 entering the Independence Palace in HCM City.

A virtual exhibition space will also allow visitors to interact with 3D-digitised versions of featured products.

As of November 23, international partners from the United States, Russia, and Italy have registered to showcase their military equipment in the outdoor display area. The US will exhibit a C-130 aircraft, two A-10 aircraft, a Stryker armored vehicle, and an M777 howitzer over an area of 3,000 square metres.

Russia will present anti-tank missile systems, BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles, and RB-504P-E counter-UAV systems on 200 square metres. Italy will showcase a training aircraft on 100 square metres.

The indoor exhibition area has confirmed participation from over 140 companies from 28 countries, significantly exceeding expectations with 208 additional booths compared to 2022.

According to Major General Le Quang Tuyen, the exhibition will showcase superior weaponry and technical equipment produced by Viet Nams defence industry compared to the previous event. With a diverse range of advanced equipment, the exhibition is expected to attract significant interest from partners and visitors alike.

As of November 28, 56 international delegations from 36 countries had registered to attend.

Preparations have been actively underway, with military and non-military units rehearsing for the opening ceremony.

Border Guard canine units, under the guidance of trainers, have practised tasks such as obstacle navigation, scent detection, and apprehension of criminal suspects. The Border Guard Training School 24 has also conducted rehearsals for military dog performances, including basic discipline, obstacle courses, reflexive protection manoeuvers, and physical conditioning under simulated environmental conditions.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be bilateral meetings, cultural performances, and a special ASEAN military band exchange programme.

The event will also host thematic seminars on topics such as "High-Tech Weapons and Equipment; Unmanned Systems in Current and Future Military Operations" and "Defence Industry Cooperation Between Viet Nam and Other Nations," with discussions featuring partnerships between Viet Nam and countries like the United Kingdom, the US, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and India.

At the seminar on high-tech weapons and unmanned systems, participants will explore reconnaissance and detection methods for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and trends in the development of soft-kill countermeasures. Discussions will also focus on current and future technologies for unmanned systems, with presentations from leading defence companies.  VNS
BERLIN  A National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee delegation visited Hesses Frankfurt am Main and Berlin in Germany, on December 2 and 3, engaging in discussions on educational development, law making, and friendship activities.

In Frankfurt, Vietnamese delegates worked with Hesse Minister of Culture, Education, and Opportunity Armin Schwarz, exchanging experiences in educational development.

Schwarz introduced the delegation to the local DigitalTruck project that disseminates digitisation knowledge and promotes related applications in primary schools as well as German language programmes for immigrants, including those from Viet Nam.

Delegation head Nguyen ac Vinh, Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education, said prioritising youth education to build a high-quality workforce serving its national industrialisation and modernisation, Viet Nam wants to step up cooperation with Germany in the field.

In Berlin, the delegation had a working session with Deputy Secretary General of the Bundesrat (federal parliament) Georg Kleemann to discuss law-making activities and the promulgation of legal documents for institutional improvements serving development.

They were also hosted by Chairwoman of the Germany-ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group Gabriele Katzmarek. Vinh, as the head of the parliamentary friendship group between Vietnam and the European Parliament, proposed the two countries increase delegation exchanges across the Party, State, parliament, and people-to-people channels, while maintaining their existing cooperation mechanisms.

He expressed his hope that the German side will further support and encourage local enterprises to expand their investments and businesses in Viet Nam. He also called on Katzmarek to advocate for the German parliament to expedite the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

His other proposals to the German side included promoting the European Commisions early lifting of a yellow card warning imposed on Vietnamese seafood and assisting Viet Nams access to financial sources and technologies for energy transition, green economy, and circular economy development, and climate change response.

Agreeing with the Vietnamese legislator, Katzmarek said Viet Nam and Germany should also beef up their joint work in labour and vocational training given the latters ongoing severe labour shortage. German partners highly value Vietnamese caregivers currently working in the country's healthcare sector, she noted.

The delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy to give updates on Viet Nams socio-politico-economic affairs and hear the ambassadors proposals for better legal work targeting the overseas community.  VNS
Six South Korean opposition parties, including the main opposition Democratic Party, have submitted a bill calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday that widespread backlash erupted after Yoon's controversial and short-lived martial law declaration.

According to the local report, the bill is expected to be formally presented during a plenary session on Thursday, with a vote likely to take place on Friday or Saturday.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo pledged to serve the people "until the very end." Critics of Yoon's move are calling for the president to resign.

"As the Prime Minister overseeing the Cabinet, I take full responsibility for all events leading up to this moment," Han said in a statement Wednesday titled "A message to the People."

"I will work with Cabinet members until the very end to serve the people," he said. "From this moment on, the Cabinet must fulfill its duties to ensure the nation's stability and the people's daily lives remain unaffected."

The president's own party has criticized his actions but remains undecided on its response. However, only a few of its members would need to support the impeachment motion for it to pass.

If the motion succeeds in parliament, President Yoon's powers and duties would be suspended immediately, with the prime minister stepping in as acting president.

The final decision then rests with South Korea's Constitutional Court. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would be removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days. However, if the court rejects the motion, Yoon would remain in power.

South Korea's opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called for people "to be alert and fight together" after martial law was imposed. He also said that it is "something I think [the ruling party] will try again when the situation is organised and improved."

In a speech in front of the National Assembly on Wednesday morning, Lee said that what happened last night was "a coup against the people," adding that the "great Korean people [had] overcome this coup."
TOKYO  National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man received President of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan Matsuzawa Ken in Tokyo on Thursday as part of his official visit to the country.

The Vietnamese top legislator highlighted the recent fruitful development of the Viet Nam  Japan relationship, especially the elevation of the ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world in 2023.

He highly valued the FEC for sending economic, education, and cultural survey delegations to Viet Nam; conducting investment and trade promotion activities between the two countries; and supporting activities of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

He expressed his hope that the council and Matsuzawa personally will continue to foster the relationship between the two countries in the coming time, especially by strengthening economic and investment links in traditional sectors and expanding to new areas such as semiconductors, digital transformation, and green transition in Viet Nam.

Emphasising cultural similarities between the two countries, Man suggested the FEC further strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, coordinate in organising exchange activities in both Viet Nam and Japan, thus contributing to deepening the Viet Nam  Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He also called for the FECs support for the Vietnamese community in Japan.

Fos his part, Matsuzawa spoke highly of Viet Nam's role and position in politics, economics, and diplomacy in the region and the international arena.

Briefing Man on the FECs operation, Matsuzawa revealed that the council will send an economic survey delegation comprising its member enterprises operating in information technology (IT), economy, and energy, to Viet Nam in March 2025. He expressed hope that this mission will help deepen cooperation between the two countries.

He valued Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu for his dedicate efforts to promote the relationship between the two countries, showing his belief that the Vietnamese top legislators visit will contribute to further tightening the Viet Nam  Japan relations.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The day of December 5 each year marks auspicious occasions for Thailand and the Thai people around the world to celebrate the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, and Thailands National Day since 1960 and Thailands Father day since 1980.

These occasions serve as a reminder of how tirelessly His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, who was highly revered as Father of the Nation by Thai people, wholeheartedly devoted himself to the well-being of the Thai people from all walks of life, throughout seven decades of his reign.

With more than 4,000 royal projects nationwide, His Majesty the Late King shed light on how to address various issues, in a sustainable manner, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, environmental degradation, and unsustainable agriculture.

His Majesty the Late Kings Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) is globally recognized as Thailand has advanced SEP framework to promote sustainable development partnership with our neighbours and the international community. In Viet Nam, the SEP Projects are carried out in Thai Nguyen Province to promote agroforestry, environmental protection and in Ben Tre Province to achieve sustainable community-based tourism.

It has been 48 years that the enduring friendship between Thailand and Viet Nam has grown from strength to strength, with profound political trust, promising economic cooperation and warm people-to-people ties. In 2013, both countries elevated their ties to strategic partnership and to Strengthened Strategic Partnership in 2019. And now, the two Governments are committed to achieving new heights of relations as Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the near future.

Thailand and Viet Nams political and security cooperation has been close with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and dialogues. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid several visits to Viet Nam and since 2006 started the project on Improving the Quality Life of Children and Youth in the Asia-Pacific, with a number of schools in Viet Nam participated. This year, at the invitation of H.E Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid a working visit to Viet Nam on 12-15 August 2024. This year, H.E. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam also paid an official visit to Thailand on 10-12 April 2024 to co-chair the 5th Meeting of the Thailand - Viet Nam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).

Economic cooperation is the backbone of Thailand - Viet Nam relations. Bilateral trade between Thailand and Viet Nam continue to prosper, with over US$18.9 billion of two-way trade volume in 2023. As the 9th largest foreign investor in Viet Nam, Thailand places an emphasis on her role as responsible partner with accumulated investment of more than $15 billion. Moreover, Thailand will join hands with Viet Nam to step up efforts in implementing Three Connects Strategy which connects supply chains, local economies, and sustainable growth strategies between two countries. The Royal Thai Embassy will work side by side with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Viet Nam (ThaiCham) to further promote trade and investment between the two countries.

In the long run, to deal with unprecedented and volatile global economy, Thailand will continue to work closely with Viet Nam to build shared prosperity and sustainable development by jointly implementing policy of Industry 4.0, digital economy and green growth transformation.

Our people-to-people ties have paved solid ground for close and cordial bilateral relations. Our special ties are reflected by more than 100,000 Thais with Vietnamese descents and 3 memorial sites dedicated to the much beloved former President Ho Chi Minh in Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, and Pichit Provinces in Thailand. In October 2024, the Thailand-Viet Nam Cultural Street Gate was inaugurated in Nakhon Phanom, another testament to our deep connection. The indispensable role of the two Thailand - Viet Nam/ Viet Nam- Thailand Friendship Associations should be emphasised. Strong and close ties between our two countries are manifested in the increasing number of flights operated between Thailand and Viet Nam and a large number of tourists, with over 1 million Vietnamese tourists visiting Thailand last year and nearly 500,000 Thais traveling to Viet Nam, with a rapidly increasing prospect.

Moreover, Thailand will join hands with Viet Nam to explore more flight connections between two countries and further explore seamless tourism in region with Six Countries, One Destination initiative. To bring our future generations closer, Thailand will continue to promote teaching of Thai language in Viet Nam and Vietnamese language in Thailand.

Royal Thai Embassy has also played continuous role in deepening cultural cooperation. On 26-29 September 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised a Thai cultural event called Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End at various places in Ha Noi and also in Hung Yen Province with an aim to promoting the understanding of Thai culture, strengthening people-to-people relations, while raising funds for the victims of Super Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam.

With strong and robust bilateral cooperation, Thailand and Viet Nam are set to rise to new heights.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Viet Nam's Chairman of the Steering Committee for Viet Nam-China Bilateral Cooperation, Bui Thanh Son, will visit China and co-chair the 16th Session of the steering committee in Beijing, China, from December 8 to 11.

The visit is made at the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Politburo, Director of the General Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, and China's Chairman of the Steering Committee for Viet Nam-China Bilateral Cooperation, according to the foreign ministry's spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang at the press briefing held on Thursday in Ha Noi.

Deputy PM, FM Son's visit takes place amid positive and comprehensive developments in Viet Nam-China relations, particularly after the two countries agreed to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to build a Viet Nam-China Community of Shared Future that Carries Strategic Significance in December 2023, during Chinese Party General Secretary & President Xi Jinping's visit to Viet Nam.

In terms of political and diplomatic relations, Viet Nam and China have maintained regular high-level exchanges and interactions at various levels. Economically, in the first 10 months of 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached US$168.5 billion, an increase of 21.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, Hang said.

China ranks as the second-largest foreign direct investor in Viet Nam, with registered capital nearing $1.85 billion. Tourism has also seen strong recovery, with over 3 million Chinese visitors, making China the second-largest source of international tourists to Viet Nam this year so far, according to the spokeswoman.

During his visit, Deputy PM, FM Son will co-chair the Plenary Session of the Viet Nam-China Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee alongside Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

They will discuss major measures to further strengthen Viet Nam-China relations, promote cooperation between ministries, sectors, and localities of the two countries in the near future, and prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Viet Nam-China Year of Humanistic Exchanges in 2025.

Additionally, the Vietnamese official will participate in several other significant activities during his visit.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening its great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with neighbouring Laos, said Politburo member Tran Cam Tu on Thursday.

Hosting a delegation of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) Central Committee led by its Secretary Monxay Laomuasong in Ha Noi, Tu, permanent member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and head of the committee's Inspection Commission, expressed gratitude for the valuable assistance the Party, State, and people of Laos have given to Viet Nam during its past struggle for independence, as well as current national construction efforts.

He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam always strongly and comprehensively support Laos' renewal efforts and its national defence, construction and development cause.

Tu highlighted cooperation achievements between the two countries in recent years, with the contributions of their youth. He spoke highly of the increasingly close and effective collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMYU) and the LPRYU, which has contributed to strengthening a solid foundation for the relations between the two parties and countries.

He affirmed that leaders of the two parties and countries always give special attention to and create the most favourable conditions and opportunities for the youth of Viet Nam and Laos to promote friendly exchanges and mutual understanding, learn from each other, and develop together.

He expressed his belief that the Vietnamese and Lao younger generations will continue to play an active role, and harness their vitality, dynamism, creativity, and enthusiasm.

He said he hopes that they will engage in many effective and practical exchange activities, especially regular interactions between the youth unions of provinces and cities, thereby promoting and preserving the common invaluable asset of the special friendship between Viet Nam and Laos.

For his part, Laomuasong, who is also an alternate member of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee, briefed his host on the results of the Lao delegations activities in Viet Nam, including their talks with representatives of the Central Committees of the HCMYU.

Affirming the solidarity and close ties between the Lao and Vietnamese people, especially the young generations, he expressed his belief that under the wise leadership of the CPV, the Vietnamese people will continue to achieve greater achievements. He also wished that the Vietnamese and Lao leaders would continue to facilitate youth cooperation between the two countries.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Thursday, reiterating that Japan is one of Viet Nams most important and long-term partners.

The Vietnamese top legislator told him that Viet Nam supports Japan in playing an active role in the progress for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Discussing his meetings with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in recent multilateral forums, PM Ishiba highlighted the excellent progress in accelerating the strong ties between the senior leaders of both countries.

He also expressed confidence that Viet Nam will continue to grow and soon become a leading country of Asia.

NA Chairman Man noted that during the Vietnamese NAs recent session, the legislative body reviewed and approved many important legislative projects related to investment and business.

He emphasised the ongoing efforts to perfect the legal framework and improve the investment environment in Viet Nam to enable foreign enterprises, including Japanese companies, to increase stable and long-term investments here.

Man also urged Japan to continue supporting Viet Nam in its industrialisation and modernisation roadmap by promoting and expanding investment cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy, renewable energy, high-quality agriculture, green transition, digital transformation, building data centres and semiconductor industry, which are the strengths of Japan.

He requested Japans support for Viet Nams integration into the global semiconductor supply chain, and proposed that Japan promptly implement new-generation ODA projects for Viet Nam.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in human resource development by promoting collaborations in labour, high-quality workforce training, and people-to-people exchanges. Viet Nam is committed to sending more workers to Japan to help address Japan's ageing population challenges.

They also agreed to continue facilitating favourable conditions for Vietnamese citizens living, studying and working in Japan, thereby contributing more significantly to the East Asian countrys development and fostering closer ties between the two nations.  VNS
HA NOI  Politburo member and Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang met with visiting Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor in Ha Noi on Thursday.

Pavan Kapoor is in Ha Noi for a working visit and the third Viet Nam-India security dialogue at deputy ministerial level.

During the meeting, Quang emphasised the growing Viet NamIndia comprehensive strategic partnership with solid foundations and strong political trust. He highlighted the critical role of security cooperation as a pillar of bilateral relations, contributing to the stability and development of both nations.

Viet Nam's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and India's National Security Council (NSC) have regularly maintained high-level delegation exchanges, shared strategic information on issues of mutual concern, strengthened cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crime, and coordinate in training to improve capacity, he said.

The minister praised the fruitful outcomes of the third Viet NamIndia security dialogue, noting it as a vital opportunity to concretise cooperation initiatives, contributing to deepening the strategic ties between the two countries and enhance collaboration between the MPS and the NSC.

Quang proposed the two sides continue supporting each other on regional and international issues; increasing high-level delegation exchanges to implement bilateral policies effectively; enhancing information sharing on global and regional matters of mutual concern through multilateral and bilateral mechanisms.

The two sides should expand collaboration in combating transnational crimes, including cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking, economic and drug-related crimes, he addedd.

He also emphasised the importance of ensuring security and safety for citizens of both nations living, working, and traveling in each others territories, as well as the safety of high-level visits, negotiating and finalising cooperation agreements on combating transnational crimes, such as cybercrime, drug and human trafficking.

He said that Viet Nam wishes India will play a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region through multilateral mechanisms and policies like the "Act East" policy and the "Indo-Pacific Initiative." He also called on the NSC to continue supporting the MPS in capacity-building efforts through scholarships, training programmes, and technological upgrades.

For his part, Kapoor commended the achievements of the Viet NamIndia security dialogue, saying that through sustained mechanisms like this dialogue, the two countries have effectively collaborated to safeguard national security and keep social order and safety in each country, as well as address regional and global challenges.

He affirmed the NSCs commitment to deepening security cooperation with the MPS, particularly under the framework of the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the 20242028 period.

Earlier in the day, the third Viet Nam-India security dialogue at deputy ministerial level took place, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung and Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor.

In his opening speech, Tung said since upgrading their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, the two countries have reaped positive outcomes across the aspects of politics-diplomacy, security-defence, culture, society, and people-to-people exchange.

During the dialogue, the two sides discussed 10 carefully selected topics. They reviewed the progress of cooperation since the second dialogue, particularly in specialised fields, and shared information and analysis on emerging security challenges. Notably, the dialogue focused on the application of science and technology in ensuring national security and anti-transnational crime efforts.

Both sides said they are committed to teaming up to effectively translate their cooperation orientations into practical actions, aiming to safeguard national security and maintain order in each country, thereby strengthening the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in the new period. VNA/VNS
HA NOI Mai Van Hai, a 25-year-old disabled man from Thanh Hoa Province who lives in Ha Noi has been turned down for a multitude of jobs because of his mobility issues.

In order to gain access to more online work options, he made the decision to study marketing and online sales.

Hai is now skilled in both editing and design after completing six months of design and video editing classes.

But he still faces a significant challenge - lacking a personal computer. Because of this, Hai is unable to work from home, so he is forced to take a taxi to get to work. Although he knows the cost of travel is high, he still wants to work in-person at a company to gain practical experience.

He said: "I hope to find a company that is willing to accept people with disabilities so that I can have the opportunity to practise my skills, develop myself, and build a sustainable career."

Vuong Van Thu, a 35-year-old disabled man living in ong Anh District, Ha Noi, recently visited a job fair for people like him and realised that finding a suitable job is not so simple.

"I have been disabled due to an accident since 2001, so after finishing high school, I registered to study office information technology. Because my right arm is paralysed, it is quite difficult for me to work, he told Tin Tuc (News) newspaper.

"After doing a lot of research, I applied to work as an online collaborator, earning between VN1.5 and VN2 million a month. I feel like a constant burden to my family and society because I don't have a stable job," he said.

Another disabled man, Nguyen Hoang Nam, from Ha Nois Thanh Tri District, who suffers from a lack of mobility, only wants to have a stable job.

However, for workers like us, the job search process is like a journey of luck, he said. Each position he accepted lasted barely six months to a year.

According to the Viet Nam Federation on Disability, disabled individuals face many obstacles while searching for jobs due to many reasons.

Employers' attitudes and the lack of education among individuals with impairments are the primary causes.

There need to be changes, especially policies to support people with disabilities, while changing the awareness and mindset of businesses towards the abilities of disabled individuals, said the Federation.

Numerous specialised employment fairs for individuals with disabilities were organised by the Ha Noi Employment Service Centre in partnership with the Ha Noi Association of People with Disabilities.

The S.COOL Company has joined the fairs and is looking to hire 2030 people for a workshop on terrariums, which are closed tanks that mimic the natural environment.

According to S.COOL director Nguyen Quoc Truong, he discovered that many disabled individuals had unique handicraft skills when working with them, which satisfies the company's demand for high-end products.

"We prioritise recruiting hearing-impaired people for the upcoming workshop. After that, if you feel suitable and want to stay long-term, we are willing to provide vocational training and sign a labour contract," he said.

His company says it will recruit disabled workers with a starting salary of VN4 million per month.

After training, when they are proficient in the job, workers will earn VN7-10 million per month.

In addition to a salary, workers are covered by social and health insurance, and enjoy other social benefits such as shift meals and extra bonuses.

HR officer at the Sharing Laundry, Nguyen Thi Linh Chi, said job fairs for disabled people serve as a bridge between individuals and companies that are looking to hire new employees.

"Since I am also disabled, I am aware of how difficult it may be to get employment. My company now has more than 20 employees, 12 of whom are disabled and they can work with high efficiency if given the opportunity, said Chi.

Vice chairman of the Ha Nois Association of People with Disabilities, Trinh Xuan Dung, said: Helping people with disabilities have stable jobs is the most practical way for them to integrate into society and contribute to the development of businesses as well as the economy. Our association currently has more than 7,500 members, more than 30 per cent of whom are of working age and want to have suitable jobs.

Director of the Ha Noi Employment Service Centre, Ta Van Thao, said that in the context of a volatile global economy, employment always poses many challenges, especially for people with disabilities.

Ha Noi has more than 100,000 people with disabilities, of whom more than 7,000 are capable of working. Creating jobs for people with disabilities not only helps improve their lives but also contributes to economic recovery and development, he said. VNS
SINGAPORE  Singapore's website BioSpectrum Asia has published an article highlighting Viet Nam's efforts in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming its healthcare sector.

The article said Viet Nam has identified AI as a key technology to boost its economy and announced a series of partnerships, investments, and initiatives in this space. The country's focus on AI is having a ripple effect on health care and driving significant growth in the sector.

According to a report by DealStreetAsia's Data Vantage, Singapore and Indonesia led the region in attracting investments, while Viet Nam ranked third, securing 3.9 per cent of the total funding.

Dr Andrew Taylor-Robinson, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, VinUniversity, aknowleddged that the Vietnamese healthcare system is increasingly integrating AI technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, to optimise clinical practices and decision-making processes. AI applications are being utilised to analyse medical data to aid diagnosis and inform choice of treatment, thereby facilitating better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare services.

This particularly relates to the well-resourced and equipped private sector, with the public healthcare system lagging some way behind. This is exemplified by the internationally accredited Vinmec healthcare system, which is owned by Vingroup, the largest conglomerate in Viet Nam. Prominent players leveraging AI in healthcare in Viet Nam include companies such as VinBrain, Gene Solutions, GeneStory, Genetica Company, Thabis, and N2TP.

Taylor-Robinson remarked that successfully implementing AI requires a synergy of technical expertise, financial sustainability, and socio-political commitment. These factors are critical in fostering an enabling environment for AI adoption. While private healthcare has largely met these criteria, public health care remains hindered by outdated infrastructure and overburdened systems. Additionally, expertise and research in AI applications are limited compared to high-income countries.

To position Viet Nam as a leading destination for AI, Dr. Taylor-Robinson emphasised the importance of establishing a legal framework to address ethical concerns,data privacy, and overarching governance of AI technologies in health care. Such measures, he noted, are essential for building public trust and ensuring the safe deployment of AI systems.

One of the pressing issues involves the quality and safety of patient data, which directly impacts AI algorithms' effectiveness.

The expert highlighted that the quality of data is critical, as inaccuracies or biases can undermine clinical applications. In the private sector, this is less of a concern as medical professionals in systems like Vinmec are well-trained, often with experience and certifications from Western countries. However, in the public sector, challenges are more pronounced. With no established referral system, tertiary hospitals in major cities are overburdened, and patient records are still largely maintained manually. Transitioning to electronic systems remains a long-term goal rather than an immediate priority and is currently in its infancy.

The article concludes that as Viet Nam continues to lead efforts in AI advancement, these innovations are poised to benefit its citizens while contributing to the progress of medical technology across Southeast Asia.  VNS
BINH INH  The Ministry of Health's Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management reported that an urgent virtual meeting was held late Wednesday following the confirmation of four influenza-related deaths in the south-central province of Binh inh.

Chaired by Dr Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the department, the meeting included representatives from the Binh inh Department of Health, Binh inh General Hospital where the severe and fatal cases of influenza A/H1N1pdm were treated, and leading health experts from various fields nationwide, in order to address the situation and determine necessary actions.

Binh inh Provinces Department of Health reported that as of November 26, 2024, the province had recorded 842 cases of influenza.

Among these, 26 cases involved severe pneumonia suspected to be of viral origin. Laboratory testing identified ten cases positive for influenza A/H1N1pdm, one case positive for influenza B, nine negative cases and six cases with results still pending.

Four deaths were recorded, including three in Phu My District and one in Vinh Thanh District. Investigations indicated that the influenza A/H1N1pdm cases appeared to be isolated, with no identified epidemiological links between them.

Detailed discussions during the meeting highlighted that the four deceased patients were all over 50 years old and had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and Cushings syndrome.

These patients presented to medical facilities late, did not receive timely intensive care, and were admitted with severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure. Experts concluded that these findings did not indicate any unusual patterns or anomalies.

To address the situation, experts recommended performing genetic sequencing on severe viral pneumonia cases to rule out the emergence of new influenza strains. They also emphasised the need to update and improve national guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of seasonal influenza and other strains.

Increasing influenza vaccination rates among high-risk populations was identified as a priority. Research on resistance to antiviral medications, particularly Oseltamivir, was also deemed essential.

Strengthening surveillance of influenza cases at all healthcare facilities was highlighted as a critical step, particularly for severe cases and potential new strains. Hospitals were urged to enhance infection control measures, including implementing strict patient triage, isolating severe influenza cases and ensuring adherence to guidelines for the use of antiviral medications.

The Department of Preventive Medicine clarified that influenza A/H1N1pdm, first identified during the 2009 pandemic, is now considered a common seasonal flu strain.

The Ministry of Health affirmed its commitment to working closely with Binh inh Provinces health authorities to monitor and manage the situation, ensuring early detection and prevention of any emerging health threats.  VNS
Donald Trump's presidential election victory is fuelling fears that Britain must choose between its "special relationship" with the United States and forging closer ties with the European Union regarding trade.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists this is not the case and that Britain can have strong ties with the United States and the EU, its main trading partner despite fallout from Brexit.

"The idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we're with either America or Europe is plain wrong. I reject it utterly," Starmer said in a speech Monday that spelled out also the importance of maintaining close relationships with the pair on security.

"The national interest demands that we work with both," he added.

Since Starmer's Labour party won a general election five months ago, the prime minister has set out to repair tensions with the EU after Britain's exit from the bloc and more recently has sought to get close to Trump's team.

The UK "has to choose between the Europe economic model of more socialism and the US model which is more based on a free enterprise system", Trump advisor Stephen Moore told the BBC last month after the US election.

Moore went on to say that "Britain would be better off moving towards more of the American model of economic freedom and if that were the case, I think it would spur the Trump administration's willingness to do the free trade agreement with the UK".

Britain has needed to negotiate new trade deals following its 2016 referendum vote in favour of departing the European Union.

While it has secured a number of agreements, including with Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, a much sought-after trade deal with the United States remains elusive, while hopes of one with Canada faltered earlier this year.

A major stumbling block for a US deal is reluctance by the UK to open its borders to certain American agricultural products.

Britain and the EU have yet to be included in Trump's pledge to impose hefty tariffs on major trading partners as soon as his first day in office next month.

That has so far been reserved for China, Mexico and Canada, igniting worries about a vast trade war.

"The UK is going to be put in a position where they're going to have to make some pretty difficult decisions," noted Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.

The UK must consider whether it chooses "deregulation, which undoubtedly will be the approach of the Trump administration" or "align with the EU which is taking a different route,... more around regulation and compliance, particularly around environmental issues", Forgione told AFP.

"Can the UK play both sides? Yes, but it's incredibly difficult and will take a huge amount of time," he concluded.

Britain's finance minister Rachel Reeves last month announced reforms to the country's financial sector in a bid to grow the nation's economy, including a plan to allow greater risk-taking.

Rather than a broad free-trade agreement with the US, companies see the prospect of sectorial deals between London and Washington.

According to a survey published Sunday, nearly half of Britons want Starmer to prioritise closer economic ties with the EU over a trade deal with Trump's administration.

BMG Research said 49 percent of people polled preferred the EU route compared with 28 percent in favour of a US agreement. The remainder either did not wish to express an opinion or had no preference.

"America will always be important to the UK," Fiorentino Izzo, business development manager at logistics company Cargo Partner, told AFP.

"But our biggest trading partner is the EU. If I have to choose I put Europe before the US."
HA NOI  VinFuture Foundation organised the 'Science for Life' symposia on December 4, opening the VinFuture Sci-Tech Week and Award Ceremony series in Ha Noi which runs until December 7.

The symposia include four sessions on materials for a sustainable future, real-world deployment of AI, air pollution and the transport sector, along with the transformation in cardiovascular care and stroke treatment.

The event brought together world-leading scientists and experts in pivotal technological domains, including material sciences, AI and environmental studies.

The highlight of the Sci-Tech week will be the 2024 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony on December 6, recognising scientists for their groundbreaking achievements that significantly impact the lives of billions worldwide.

Themed 'Resilient Rebound', this year's event signifies the transformative power of science and technology in enabling humanity to overcome adversity and build a prosperous future.

At the discussion session on Materials for a Sustainable Future, experts and scientists said that one of the important factors in achieving clean energy goals is the development of new materials capable of increasing the performance of solar cells.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University, praised the outstanding contribution of the VinFuture Foundation in promoting the process of green transformation in Viet Nam.

Quan said that the symposia are not only a forum for academic exchange, but also a place to originate and form ideas and solutions with the potential to shape a better future for future generations.

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower are increasingly becoming important pillars in solving the global energy crisis and reducing carbon emissions. In particular, materials for solar cells play a key role in increasing energy conversion efficiency and reducing production costs.

"These advances not only increase access to clean energy but also contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development. So, research and development of new materials for solar cells have become a core element in expanding renewable energy applications, thereby directly contributing to world sustainable development goals, said Quan.

Professor Richard Henry Friend from Cambridge University emphasised the importance of renewable energy, especially solar cells, in reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency.

The academic said that energy is currently being consumed in an unsustainable way, causing serious problems, including excessive CO2 emissions, with the average person emitting tonnes of CO2 each year, efforts to mitigate climate change are more urgent than ever.

Professor Friend said: "We still have a viable option to solve this problem, which is to focus on solar energy."

Professor Martin Andrew Green, New South Wales, Australia, said that the third energy revolution could be a solar revolution, with new materials capable of converting solar energy into electricity with high efficiency and unprecedented low cost.

Green said that the price of solar cells has dropped from US$1/W in 2009 to about 10 cents/W today, while the efficiency of solar panels has increased from 16 per cent to 21.6 per cent. In addition, the size and shape of solar panels have also changed, providing greater efficiency in reducing installation and transportation costs.

Solar cell manufacturing technology has also made significant progress, from simple to advanced technologies, such as Topcon, heterojunction solar cells, IBC and PERC. These new technologies not only help increase the efficiency of solar cells but also reduce production costs, facilitating the use of solar energy to become more popular globally.

Discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence in developing new materials, Professor Nguyen Thuc Quyen, Chairwoman of the VinFuture Award Preliminary Council, said how it can, right from the design stage, help optimise solar materials.

AI can help predict and analyse high-potential materials, reduce research time and improve production efficiency, she added.

However, according to Professor Green, AI is not a 'magic pill' for all ills and needs to be used with caution. AI requires a rich and reliable database and must take into account factors such as energy efficiency, production costs and material recyclability.

Although solar technology has made significant advances, to achieve the net zero goal by 2050, we still have many challenges to overcome.

The professor's forecast is that by 2030, solar energy output needs to reach 3TB GW per year, but this requires drastic changes in technology and production scale.

Experts also said that it is necessary to combine new technologies, develop advanced materials and apply smart manufacturing methods to achieve sustainable energy goals.

In particular, the use of AI, the development of new materials such as perovskite and recycled polymers and the optimisation of manufacturing processes will be important factors that help people move closer to a clean and sustainable energy future.  VNS
Minh Hang

HOA BINH  Hoa Binh Province, in the northern region, is charting a new course for sustainable economic development by blending aquaculture with tourism.

This innovative approach is being realised in the picturesque Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir, where cage fish farming meets community-based tourism to create a dynamic and sustainable economic model.

The Hoa Binh reservoir, located just 70km from Ha Noi, was formed by the Hoa Binh dam in a River, the largest hydropower dam in Viet Nam and one of Southeast Asias largest reservoirs.

With more than 543 irrigation reservoirs of various scales across the province, the area is uniquely positioned for aquaculture, making the most of the vast 8,800-hectare Hoa Binh reservoir that spans districts like Cao Phong, a Bac, Tan Lac, Mai Chau, and Hoa Binh City.

In recent years, aquaculture has become a crucial livelihood for thousands of local households, offering a significant boost to incomes and generating economic benefits that ripple across the region.

Thriving industry

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), floating cage fish farming on Hoa Binh reservoir has expanded rapidly.

The number of fish cages has nearly doubled from more than 2,300 in 2015 to almost 5,000 by 2023, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 14.4 per cent. As a result, fish production has surged from 1,400 tonnes in 2015 to over 5,380 tonnes by 2022.

Among the species farmed are Chien, catfish, Dieu hong (Oreochromis sp), black carp, Bong, sturgeon, grass carp and tilapia.

What began as a modest industry using traditional wooden, bamboo, and rattan cages has evolved into a robust sector employing larger, more modern metal-framed nets and environmentally friendly materials that are capable of producing substantial quantities of fish annually.

One of the early adopters of integrating aquaculture with tourism is Nguyen Thi Bay, director at Hai ang Aquaculture Co., Ltd., a key player in Hoa Binhs thriving aquaculture scene.

Bay attributes the regions success to its pristine water quality, which is ideal for sustainable floating cage fish farming.

"The water here is excellent for aquaculture  it's very clean, and there are no pollution sources," she said. "We farm according to VietGAP standards, ensuring that the fish are clean, safe and of the highest quality."

Since its inception in 2015, Hai ang in Hoa Binh City has grown from modest beginnings to a major player in the industry. The company now spans five hectares and operates 200 cages, producing between 450 and 500 tonnes of fish annually.

While Hai angs products are primarily sold locally, 80 per cent of the fish reach Ha Nois market and the companys catfish floss product has earned a coveted OCOP 4-star certification. This success is a testament to the clean water in the Hoa Binh reservoir and modern farming methods.

The provincial authority has been a key enabler of the sectors success, introducing initiatives to support the development of aquaculture, including financial aid for cage purchases, technical training and assistance with building collective brands.

These measures have also fostered job creation, with Hai ang Seafood Company alone employing over 40 local workers with a monthly salary of VN9 million (over US$350).

"Weve created jobs and supported small farms in adopting VietGAP standards to bring their products to markets," Bay said.

Challenges in scaling up

Despite these achievements, the sector is not without its challenges.

Poor management in certain parts of the reservoir has led to declining fish stocks and rare species such as Anh Vu and Dam Xanh are at risk of extinction.

In response, over 246,000 fish have been released back into the reservoir since 2015 to help replenish stocks and authorities have launched campaigns to educate farmers on sustainable fishing practices.

However, issues like illegal fishing practices, including the use of electricity and explosives, continue to threaten the ecosystem. Another pressing concern is the volatile market conditions, which have made it difficult for fish farmers to secure stable, long-term buyers, said Nguyen Huy Nhuan, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture.

Bui Thi Thoa, who is a Muong ethnic farmer from Ngoi village, Suoi Hoa Commune, Tan Lac District, explained: "Despite having over 30 cages, I struggle to sell my fish, and Im facing mounting debts for feed. Its a challenge to find reliable buyers.

"Were currently deep in debt, owing hundreds of millions of ong for fish feed. Each week, feeding our fish costs over VN20 million (over $780). Some cages have been stocked for an entire year, yet we havent been able to sell the fish.

"Finding buyers is incredibly tough, its mostly retail sales. Like many other fish farmers here, we dont have a stable market. I sell whatever I can, little by little, to chip away at the debt to our feed suppliers. Id love for the local authorities to help us secure stable markets for our products, but the prices must be fair for us to consider signing any contracts," Thoa said.

According to a report from DARD, although the aquaculture sector is experiencing impressive growth, it remains fragmented, with many small, poorly organised operations.

Only 10 per cent of fish cages are officially registered and fewer than 20 per cent have attained VietGAP certification.

Moreover, modern infrastructure and technology are lacking, making it difficult for local farms to add value to their products and compete effectively in the market.

Bridging tourism and aquaculture

The integration of tourism with aquaculture, however, is gaining traction.

Local authorities have identified tourism as a key opportunity for diversifying the regions economy while promoting sustainable practices.

New initiatives are aiming to combine fish farming with tourism experiences, such as boat trips on the Hoa Binh reservoir that allow visitors to explore fish farms and sample local delicacies. This novel concept provides tourists with a fresh perspective on aquaculture and opens up new economic avenues for local communities.

As of 2024, Hoa Binhs tourism sector has seen significant growth, with 107 accommodation establishments providing jobs for 1,200 people, 700 of whom are directly involved in tourism.

International visitor numbers have risen by 10.3 per cent annually from 2015 to 2023, with significant interest from Europe, the US and East Asia. Domestic tourism has also grown, increasing by 18.3 per cent annually over the same period.

Hai ang Aquaculture Company, a pioneer in this integration, is now offering tourist services such as day tours around the reservoir, visits to local cultural sites, and boat trips to fish farms.

While most of the tourists are still local, the company is optimistic about the future potential of combining tourism with aquaculture.

"We believe this model can unlock significant opportunities for us," Bay said.

In regions where selling aquaculture products remains a struggle, tourism has yet to gain traction, leaving untapped potential for economic growth.

Thoa's village of Ngoi, although home to a thriving aquaculture industry with nearly 90 per cent of households involved in fish farming, has not seen significant development in the tourism sector.

The party secretary of Ngoi village, inh Cong Hoan explained that In the past, ethnic communities had little understanding of tourism and its opportunities. While awareness has improved considerably in recent years, the development of tourism remains a low priority.

Only five or six households in the entire village are involved in the sector, which is far from enough to meet the rising demand for accommodation. This lack of infrastructure continues to hold back the area's ability to attract and retain visitors.

According to development plan, by 2030, Hoa Binh Province aims to establish eight concentrated aquaculture zones around the Hoa Binh reservoir, integrating cage fish farming with tourism while ensuring environmental protection and hydropower operations.

The province plans to expand to 10,000 fish cages, producing 16,000 tonnes annually with a value of VN500 billion ($19.69 million).

All fish farming facilities will be equipped with technical knowledge and tourism management skills, with 80 per cent adopting VietGAP or equivalent standards, combining aquaculture with tourism activities. These efforts are expected to attract 1.6 million visitors annually and create jobs for 4,000 workers, including 1,600 directly employed in the sector.

"Our vision is to establish a brand rooted in environmental protection and social progress," Nhuan said.

"We aim to develop a model that sets the standard for aquaculture, achieving a balance between economic advancement and ecological preservation."  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday issued an official dispatch ordering a quick response to the fatal military exercise accident in Military Region 7 the day before.

At 8.27pm on Wednesday, a block of explosives set off as lightning reportedly struck an electric detonator, resulting in 12 soldiers missing. Most of the bodies have since been recovered.

They were taking a break due to harsh weather conditions during the military drill scheduled for December 1-4.

PM Chinh expressed condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the affected soldiers.

He ordered the Ministry of National Defence to coordinate with relevant departments and local authorities to visit and support their bereaving families, arrange proper funerals, and promptly address the consequences of the incident.

The ministry is also instructed to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, review and inspect all procedures related to the command and operation of exercises to learn from experience, and ensure absolute safety in training and exercises.

Efforts must also be made to ensure the psychological well-being of officers and soldiers and strictly maintain training and combat readiness as ordered.  VNS
KIEN GIANG  US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper on Thursday announced a new US$12.5 million foreign assistance package to Viet Nam, during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien at the Department of Fisheries Surveillance (DFIRES) Training Facility, Region 5 in Phu Quoc City, in the southern province of Kien Giang.

Made possible by the US Department of States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the assistance package will support Viet Nam in strengthening maritime law enforcement and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

It includes support for Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies, including DFIRES, the Ministry of Public Security, and the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, via the donation of small boats, capacity building, and the development of realistic maritime law enforcement training facilities.

Tien said that he appreciated the US support and the attention that the US Ambassador pays to Viet Nam's fisheries industry through programmes, projects, and technical assistance in the field of aquatic resources conservation, especially support for capacity building for Viet Nam fisheries surveillance forces and anti-IUU fishing efforts.

He emphasised that this support package will help add important resources to Viet Nam's fisheries surveillance and maritime law enforcement forces to continue effectively implementing their tasks, especially combating IUU fishing, he said.

During his visit to Phu Quoc, Ambassador Knapper also observed maritime boarding scenarios performed by Vietnamese fisheries enforcement and customs officers, including many women officers, as part of an ongoing series of capacity building activities supported by the US Mission to Viet Nam, through INL, to promote the meaningful participation of women in maritime law enforcement.  VNA/VNS
JAKARTA  The foremost global conference on climate change resulted in a commitment from developed nations to fund climate change initiatives in developing nations to the tune of US$300 billion a year, but it is unclear how exactly Indonesia might avail itself of that funding.

The climate finance package is the result hammered out in last-minute wrangling at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku last month.

Analysts argue that the agreement lacks the ambition needed to support the equitable energy transition to which Indonesia aspires, with concerns over high costs and complex negotiations stalling progress.

Purnomo Yusgiantoro, energy advisor to President Prabowo Subianto, warned that securing international funding, from multilateral development banks (MDBs) for the COP29 commitments, was no easy feat.

There are always trade-offs, he said on Friday at the Bloomberg Technoz Ecofest event in Jakarta, cautioning that these might involve government assets or other national interests. The government must detail its work and negotiate thoroughly when it comes to this.

On the sidelines of COP29, special presidential envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo said the President was committed to generating an additional 100 gigawatts of electricity in the next 15 years, 75 percent of which would come from renewable sources like wind and solar energy as well as hydro- and geothermal power, but also nuclear energy.

Prabowo also committed to retiring all coal and other fossil fuel power plants during the same period, aiming to replace them entirely with renewables.

Indonesia will need $235 billion in investment to realize the vision, Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said in a statement in November.

Purnomo emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals, saying that shutting down coal plants and reducing emissions required international help. With support, emissions could drop by 41 percent, versus just 29 percent without it.

Is it all free or grants? Will they actually want to give it? Asked the former energy and mineral resources minister, raising questions about the feasibility and commitment of such aid.

Securing international financing has been fraught with delays. A push to shut down coal power plants under the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) backed by the Group of Seven (G7) countries hit a snag when a July deadline to finalize the early retirement of the Cirebon-1 power plant passed without a deal.

The government was still weighing the situation, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said in September, as replacing Cirebon-1 with renewable energy could cost $1.3 billion, mostly in subsidies to offset higher renewable energy costs.

The much-awaited COP29 deal also states the goal of working toward raising an annual $1.3 trillion in overall climate finance for developing countries, from both public and private sources, by 2035, among other outcomes.

While the pledge marks an improvement from the $100 billion agreed in earlier climate accords, analysts argue it falls significantly short of what is needed, and the big gap has serious implications for emerging economies like Indonesia.

Southeast Asias largest economy requires $30 billion to $40 billion annually through 2050 to shift to renewable energy, according to the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR).

Yet, between 2017 and 2023, public investments in renewable energy averaged less than $2 billion annually, creating a significant shortfall that public and private sector actors must address.

Indonesia needs significant support to bridge this gap, said Aulia Anis, who works on energy transition issues at the IESR.

The $300 billion commitment for all developing countries leaves a large shortfall, especially since this sum must be distributed among many nations, including those already severely impacted by the climate crisis.

Indonesia had secured some international funding from previous COP pledges, including portions of the JETP and around $626 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Aulia pointed out, but attracting more commitment from international institutions remained a challenge due to various complicating factors.

However, he noted that the pessimistic commitment of the COP pledge could foster a narrative promoting private sector contributions, such as financing from private banks, to boost renewable energy investments.

The private sector could play a key role in bridging the funding gap, but for now its contributions remain limited.

In 2022, Indonesias largest banks invested only 5 percent of their total energy sector financing, around Rp 1.7 trillion ($109 million), in renewables.

Syaharani, head of environmental governance and climate justice at the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL), said the government needed to show stronger political will, improved stakeholder coordination and more detailed project planning to attract essential investments amid the lack of binding commitments from developed countries to provide adequate financial support for energy transition targets in developing nations.

International investors need clearer project frameworks, better coordination among stakeholders and enhanced project-level planning.

At the project level, alignment with Indonesias climate energy policies, from the National Energy Policy [KEN] to utility road maps like the new long-term electricity procurement plan [RUPTL], still needs improvement, Syahrani added.

Aligning financial interests with Indonesias climate agenda was essential, she added, as overlapping priorities and unclear project details could hinder progress, or worse, risk falling short of energy transition targets once again, even as global funding ambitions grow.

Last year, Indonesia missed its renewables target for the energy mix, as the share failed to reach the 17.87 per cent deemed necessary to keep the country on track for the 2025 target.

The National Energy Council (DEN) proposed cutting the target for the countrys renewables share in the energy mix to just between 17 and 19 per cent by the end of 2025, down from the previously envisioned 23 percent, to be realistic, according to the energy ministry. THE JAKARTA POST/ANN
SINGAPORE  GenderGP, a British business registered in Singapore that provides teleconsultation and puberty blockers, was warned by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to stop the unlicensed provision of outpatient medical services to Singapore-based users.

Puberty blockers are used to stop the body from making sex hormones and delay the changes of puberty in transgender and gender-diverse people.

In an e-mail reply to questions by The Straits Times in April, MOH said on Dec 4 that as GenderGPs telehealth services are not licensed under the Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA), it is not allowed to provide healthcare services in Singapore.

MOH found that GenderGPs doctors  based outside Singapore and not registered for practice here  had provided teleconsultation and issued a prescription to one person in Singapore.

The ministry issued a letter of stern warning to GenderGP on Oct 22 to stop the unlicensed provision of outpatient medical services from overseas to Singapore-based users.

Failure to comply could mean a fine of up to $100,000, a jail term of up to 24 months, or both.

MOH said repeat offenders can be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $200,000 or a jail term of not exceeding 24 months, or both.

It also said that the director of GenderGP, Dr Helen Webberley, is not a registered medical practitioner with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and, therefore, cannot practise in Singapore.

In July, Dr Webberley, 55, lost her licence after a decision by British medical regulator General Medical Council (GMC).

MOH said: Foreign doctors applying for medical registration in Singapore must be in good standing with the jurisdiction where they were registered and practise. They must arrange for a Certificate of Good Standing to be sent to SMC directly by the professional authority in that jurisdiction before their application for a practice certificate will be processed.

Registered medical practitioners must inform the SMC if they are subject to disciplinary inquiry by professional authorities in other jurisdictions, it said.

It is an offence under the Medical Registration Act 1997 (MRA) for a person to practise medicine unless he or she is registered under the MRA and has a valid practising certificate.

ST found out from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority in April that GenderGP was registered under the name Helen Webberley as a company with an office located at 160 Robinson Road.

This was after being clued in by a report in British newspaper The Daily Mail on April 12 which said that Dr Webberleys business, which boasted of helping anyone however old they are, was registered in Singapore.

It had advertised its 270 (S$460) puberty blocking injections online, despite campaigners calling for an urgent crackdown on such cowboy clinics, said the report.

The report also stated that children could no longer get the drugs on the National Health Service after a landmark ruling in March, which meant they would have to go private to get them.

When approached by ST, a GMC spokesperson said on April 30 that sanctions on a doctors registration are applicable only in Britain and it is for individual regulators in other countries to determine whether the action taken in the UK has an impact on a practitioners registration overseas.

When a doctor receives a fitness to practise sanction which restricts their registration in the UK, we will notify any other regulator that we know they are registered with, or the regulator of a country that we know they have a connection with. This connection could be where the doctor qualified or where their address is located, based on our records, she said.

We will also provide information, on request, to overseas regulators through a Certificate of Current Professional Standing. This confirms whether the doctor is entitled to practise medicine and whether they have been suspended, disqualified or prohibited.

ST tried to reach Dr Webberley through the GenderGP website in June but she did not respond.

Dr Webberley lost her licence in July following a decision by GMC after it emerged that she did not comply with a legal obligation to renew her licence. However, the decision does not stop her from leading GenderGP.

GenderGP marketed itself as providing fast, easy, and compassionate gender-affirming care, charging hundreds of pounds for access to puberty blockers.

The firm came under fire in the British High Court earlier in 2024 after giving a dangerously high amount of hormones to a 16-year-old  an accusation Dr Webberley slammed as untrue.

As GenderGPs telehealth services are not licensed under the HCSA in Singapore, consumers are strongly advised against using its services, as there is no assurance that GenderGPs services are safe or effective.

GenderGPs prescriptions by doctors based outside Singapore are also not recognised here.

Patients in Singapore seeking medical consultation and treatments should consult medical practitioners registered with SMC, to ensure that they receive safe and quality care.

It is also clinically unsafe and inappropriate for people in Singapore to seek telehealth services from GenderGP, without any prior medical examination, clinical evaluation or blood tests, said MOH.

MOH has referred the case to the Infocomm Media Development Authority, which has since disabled access to the GenderGP websites for users in Singapore due to public health risk. THE STRAIT TIMES/ANN
These accomplishments reaffirm Vinschools standing as a leading educational institution in Vietnam.

Vinschool students once again demonstrated their academic prowess in this year's Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A-Level exams, with seven Vinschool students achieved the 'Top in Vietnam' award, earning the highest scores nationwide in Computer Science, Combined Science, Art & Design, Business, Psychology, and Chemistry.

Furthermore, eight students were honoured with the 'Top in the World' award for achieving the highest scores globally in Cambridge exams, excelling in Mathematics and English as a second language.

These outstanding accomplishments in the 2024 IGCSE and AS/A-Level exams earned 14 Vinschool studentsincluding one student who achieved dual awardsthe prestigious 'Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards' from Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

"Achieving Top in the World reflects our commitment to providing a globally competitive and academically rigorous curriculum," said Daniel Peter Scovell, vice principal of Vinschool Secondary and High School. "We foster a holistic, student-centred education that empowers learners to maximise their potential. By combining academic excellence with critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning, we prepare our students to excel in an interconnected world."

The 2024 Cambridge exam results marked a record-breaking year for Vinschool. Six out of seven IGCSE subjects saw an increase in A*/A rates compared to the previous year, with over 39 per cent of A-Level grades acheiving A*/A, reflecting a 5.5 per cent on-year increase. Vinschool also led the nation with 1,282 A*/A grades, and 142 students achieved perfect A*/A scores across all subjects, solidifying its reputation as Vietnams top-performing school in Cambridge exams.

"As a parent of two Vinschool students in the Cambridge programme, I am impressed by the teachers dedication and expertise," said Nguyen Hong Giang. "The personalised guidance and detailed feedback have helped my children grow more confident and develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally."

Boasting a robust academic foundation, Vinschool has seen 80 per cent of its students secure direct admission to the top universities in Vietnam and globally before graduation. More than one-third of 12th graders at Vinschool have been accepted to prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge, New York University, University of Brighton, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Monash University. Nearly 40 per cent of these students received scholarships ranging from 30 per cent to full tuition.

"The Cambridge programme at Vinschool helped me align my studies with my career aspirations," said Ngo Phuong Ngan, a Vinschool alumna. She was awarded the Australian National University Chancellors Scholarship, along with several other prestigious scholarships, after achieving 'Top in Vietnam' honours for Mathematics and Computer Science at the A-Level exams and attaining perfect A* scores across all A-Level subjects last year.

The Cambridge International programme at Vinschool is considered a 'passport' to top universities worldwide. A-Level qualifications are recognised by all universities in the United Kingdom, over 850 institutions in the United States, and leading universities in Vietnam.

With the most diverse selection of Cambridge subjects in Vietnam, a team of internationally experienced teachers, and personalised one-on-one academic advising, Vinschool ensures its students are well-prepared to reach their full potential. At Vinschool, every student takes official Cambridge examinations administered by CAIE.

Non-profit schools on the rise Despite early concerns about its feasibility, non-profit education is gaining ground in Vietnam with both foreign and domestic investors flocking to the burgeoning sector.

VinUnis mission to transform education Placing faith in the seemingly impossible mission, Vingroup took another bold step marking its name in the field of higher education with Vin University  the very first non-profit elite university model in Vietnam. Thanh Mai reports.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, To Quoc Hung, country manager at ACCA Vietnam, said, "This partnership will focus on enhancing talent quality and advancing green transformation in the private sector. To address the critical shortage of green-skilled professionals, ACCAs globally recognised Professional Diploma in Sustainability aims to equip businesses with essential knowledge for sustainable practices."

To Quoc Hung, country manager, ACCA Vietnam. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Aligned with the 'Commitment to Careers for Community' initiative, both organisations are committed to supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing vocational training in accounting, auditing, and finance, ensuring inclusivity and broader access.

"ACCA and Forvis Mazars Vietnam aim to drive meaningful progress in sustainable business practices while uplifting the country's professional and community development standards," added Hung.

Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Following the signing of the partnership with ACCA, Forvis Mazars Vietnam envisions a transformative collaboration to drive community value and professional development.

"Both parties aim to co-host workshops and events on critical financial topics such as ESG and International Financial Reporting Standards, fostering greater awareness and expertise across the accounting and finance sectors," said Nguyen Hai Minh, chairman at Forvis Mazars Vietnam.

"Forvis Mazars is committed to leveraging initiatives like the ACCA Job Fast Track to nurture top talent as it aligns with our goal of building a robust and competitive workforce capable of addressing emerging industry challenges. This collaboration, reviewed annually, underscores a shared commitment to impactful, sustainable development, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving market demands and global best practices," added Minh.

Representatives from the public and private sectors were present at the signing ceremony. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Transforming accountancy with sustainability and ESG leadership ACCA and PwC Vietnam signed an MoU on November 22 in Hanoi to collaborate on implementing global standards in Vietnam.

ACCA celebrates 120 years and counting ACCA, a global accountancy body, will mark a major milestone on November 28 as it celebrates 120 years since its creation.

Collaboration can build green-skilled accounting community The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has been expanding its collaboration with government agencies to equip accounting professionals in with green skills through its digital-first approach, driving sustainable economic growth in Vietnam for years to come.

Accounting oversight to strategic decision-making Initiatives by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and its partners have played a significant role in enhancing green capabilities and knowledge within the accounting and auditing sector. To Quoc Hung, country director at ACCA Vietnam, spoke with VIRs Hazy Tran about the increasingly pivotal role of accounting and auditing in strategic decision-making.
The annoucement ceremony of Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam is an annual event organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development to honour 100 outstanding businesses in implementing sustainable development principles.

AEON Vietnam receives the prestigious Top 3 Sustainable Business award in the Trade and Service sector. Photo: AEON Vietnam

This is not only a prestigious award to acknowledge the efforts of the Vietnamese business community in the economic, environmental, and social fields, but also an opportunity to promote sustainable development strategies across industries.

AEON Vietnam is proud to be ranked in the Top 3 sustainable development businesses in the trade and service sector for the second consecutive time and among the Top 100 sustainable development businesses nationwide at CSI 2024.

This achievement is a result of AEON Vietnams continuous efforts to improve corporate governance efficiency, implement environmental protection initiatives, and enhance commitment to community development. In particular, AEON Vietnam is appreciated in terms of social labour, with effective human resource policies, ideal working environment, and sustainable corporate culture.

AEON Vietnams sustainable development strategy is built on three main pillars: economy, environment and society, creating a solid foundation for the journey to accompany Vietnams development.

With the economic pillar, AEON Vietnam actively collaborates with local suppliers, expanding the market for Vietnamese products and developing its own brand products, thereby enhancing the capacity of the supply chain and contributing to long-term economic growth.

In its environmental pillar, AEON Vietnam aims to implement a circular economy model and minimise negative impacts from business operations. These efforts have been recognised through prestigious awards for energy-saving and efficient use at AEON shopping centres, especially at AEON Tan Phu and AEON Binh Tan.

AEON Vietnam sets a goal of 80 per cent of transactions without the use of plastic bags. Photo: AEON Vietnam

In its role as a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, AEON Vietnam promotes responsible consumption habits among customers and reaffirms its commitment to accompanying the community on the journey towards green growth and environmental protection.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue, general manager of Strategic Human Resource Management, Corporate Communications, Sustainability & External Affairs of AEON Vietnam, stated that the company consistently encourages customers and employees to change behaviours and proactively adapt operations to promote green consumption.

We focus on minimising environmental impact by optimising energy usage, reducing plastic waste and food waste, as well as developing environmentally friendly quality own-brand products, Hue said.

The Top 3 Sustainable Trade - Service Business award is not only a recognition of AEON Vietnams persistent efforts in the sustainable development journey, but also a solid foundation for the company to aim for higher goals.

Throughout this process, AEON is committed to spreading the spirit of sustainable development to partners and the community, creating motivation to build a business ecosystem that harmonises economic benefits, environmental protection, and social progress.
In October, Vietnam achieved a historic milestone with the successful execution of two mandatory banking transfers. Vietnam Construction Bank and Ocean Bank were officially handed over to Vietcombank and Military Bank respectively, under a newly implemented framework.

Banking stabilisation on cards with mandatory deals, photo freepik.com

This unprecedented mechanism was made possible by the amended Law on Credit Institutions, which took effect in July, providing the legal foundation to execute such complex transactions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Trong Thinh highlighted the significance of this legal framework, noting that its absence had previously hindered progress.

The new regulations not only safeguard depositors rights but also protect the interests of shareholders and customers at the acquiring banks, he explained. While the long-term effects of this merger and acquisition (M&A) model remain to be seen, addressing the underlying challenges of weak banks post-transfer may take 7-10 years.

Following the transfers, Vietcombank and Military Bank are exploring various strategies for the acquired banks. These include fully integrating Vietnam Construction Bank and Ocean Bank into their parent operations, maintaining them as independent subsidiaries, or transferring them to new investors.

Meanwhile, the government has urged the State Bank of Vietnam to expedite similar transfers for two additional underperforming banks, GPBank and DongA Bank, with deals expected to close by the end of the year. Other banks, including VPBank and HDBank, have also announced plans to acquire struggling institutions, underscoring the governments commitment to stabilising the sector.

At VPBanks AGM in April, deputy CEO Pham Thi Nhung asserted the banks readiness to take on a mandatory transfer. We are fully prepared to mobilise our resources and will begin restructuring the acquired bank immediately after the transfer is completed, she said.

In recent years, Vietnams banking M&A market has been dominated by domestic investors, with foreign participation lagging behind.

A notable example is Thanh Cong Groups acquisition of a 40 per cent stake in PGBank through three affiliated companies in April 2023. Similarly, Gelex Group made headlines earlier this year by acquiring a 10 per cent stake in Eximbank, reflecting strong domestic interest in the sector.

In contrast, efforts to engage foreign investors have faced significant obstacles. Both BIDV and Vietcombank had initially planned to raise over $1 billion each through private placements to international investors in 2024, but these deals have now been deferred to 2025. Vietcombank has reiterated its commitment to the private placement strategy, although progress has been slower than anticipated.

Techcombank is also exploring opportunities to sell a 15 per cent stake to a foreign strategic investor. Speaking to Bloomberg TV in mid-November, CEO Jens Lottner highlighted the banks shift in focus from capital raising to capability-building.

Techcombank, as Vietnams largest publicly listed private bank, has always prioritised strategic partnerships, Lottner stated. While we previously sought investors to strengthen our capital base, we are now focused on acquiring expertise, particularly in technology and access to trade corridors. A 15 per cent stake is a figure we are realistically considering offering to the right partner.

While some banks are pursuing foreign investment opportunities, others have quietly withdrawn plans, citing increased selectivity on both sides.

At an extraordinary general meeting in November, LPBank chairman Nguyen Duc Thuy reiterated the banks cautious approach. He explained that although there are no immediate plans to sell stakes to foreign investors, the bank views them as potential strategic partners who could add significant value.

Analysts attribute the challenges in attracting foreign investors to two key factors. Firstly, Vietnamese banks have raised their standards, requiring foreign partners to bring not just capital but also advanced technology, strong governance, and the ability to expand customer bases and ecosystems. Secondly, foreign investors have become more discerning, prioritising banks with robust risk management systems and strong profitability.

In some cases, foreign investors have opted to restructure their portfolios or exit the Vietnamese market. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, for instance, recently sold a 10 per cent stake in VIB after divesting a 5 per cent stake in September.

Digital banks step up adoption of credit cards in Vietnam Digital banks are teaming up to accelerate the use of credit cards with cutting-edge technology in Vietnam.

BAOVIET Bank ends Visa credit card services, shifts to domestic cards BAOVIET Bank has announced that it will cease offering its international Visa credit cards from September 15.
Iran has released Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi, jailed since November 2021, for three weeks on medical grounds, her lawyer posted on social media.

"Based on the advice of the examining doctor, the public prosecutor suspended the jail sentence against Narges Mohammadi for three weeks and she was released from prison," Mostafa Nili said on X.

Mohammadi's family and supporters swiftly put out a statement protesting that the three weeks' medical leave was not enough.

"A 21-day suspension of Narges Mohammadi's sentence is inadequate. We demand Narges Mohammadi's immediate and unconditional release or at least an extension of her leave to three months," they said in a statement.

Over the past quarter century, Mohammadi, 52, has been repeatedly tried and jailed for her vocal campaigning against Iran's widespread use of capital punishment and its mandatory dress code for women.

She has spent most of the past decade behind bars.

"The grounds for her release are her physical condition after the removal of a tumour and a bone graft three weeks ago," Nili said.

"The tumour was benign but she needs check-ups every three months."

In June, Mohammadi was sentenced to an additional year behind bars for "propaganda against the state".

She refused to appear in court for the trial after her request for it to be held in public was rejected.

In a letter from prison in September, she condemned the "devastating oppression" of women in Iran.

The letter was published by her foundation to mark the second anniversary of the nationwide protests that followed the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman detained for an alleged breach of the dress code.

Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, primarily for her campaigning against the death penalty in Iran.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International say Iran carries out more executions each year than any other country apart from China, for which no reliable figures are available.
This bold move showcases BGSW Vietnams commitment to growth and highlights its dedication to delivering life solutions globally.

Nestled within the thriving Gamuda Celadon City, OfficeHaus is not just an office; it's a dynamic hub for innovation and collaboration. With BGSW Vietnam taking the spotlight on the top four floors, this architectural gem offers the largest office floorplate in Ho Chi Minh City at 2,500sq.m per floor. The Bauhaus-inspired design is a masterpiece of modernity, promoting productivity and a culture of teamwork.

The energy buzzes throughout OfficeHaus, where BGSW Vietnam joins an elite and ESG-conscious line-up of tenants like Mercedes-Benz and Waynes Coffee. This vibrant ecosystem is designed to inspire creativity and drive business success, with a mere 4,000 sq.m still available for lease for visionary companies.

As a proud subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, BGSW Vietnam has been setting the standard in technology and services since its inception in 2010. With a stellar reputation, BGSW Vietnam is one of the leading companies in Vietnam's engineering and IT sectors, boasting a team of over 4,000 talented professionals dedicated to creating life-enhancing products. Recognised for a decade as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Vietnam, BGSW Vietnam is more than just a workplace; it fosters a dynamic environment where employees can thrive, collaborate, and achieve both professional and personal growth.

BGSW Vietnam's choice to anchor its office in OfficeHaus is the ultimate vote of confidence, positioning itself strategically in the west of Ho Chi Minh City.

As BGSW Vietnam prepares for a new chapter in this state-of-the-art facility, the potential for innovation and growth is limitless. With OfficeHaus as its launchpad, BGSW Vietnam is primed to advance its mission and make significant contributions to Vietnams economic landscape.

To keep the momentum going, OfficeHaus has enlisted CBRE (Vietnam) Co., Ltd as its exclusive leasing agent, ensuring that the remaining 4,000 sq.m is matched with the perfect complementary tenants. With over 20 years of expertise in Ho Chi Minh City, CBRE stands ready to help businesses thrive in this exceptional space.

Dont miss out on this opportunity to be part of the BGSW Vietnam story at OfficeHaus. For inquiries, reach out to CBREs exceptional team today and secure your place in this burgeoning business community.

Contact: Jonathan Flexer: jonathan.flexer@cbre.com; Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh: oanh.nguyenthikim1@cbre.com

Learn about the project: https://officehaus.com.vn

The future is bright at OfficeHaus, where innovation, excellence, and collaboration converge.

Bosch and RMIT forge partnership on future workforce development Bosch Vietnam on April 23 signed a MoU with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Vietnam (RMIT) to collaborate and nurtures the next generation of factory professionals.

Bosch Tech Day 2024 makes technology Invented for life available Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, on June 19 announced that by the end of the decade, the company wants to generate sales running into the billions from software.
The conference was held on November 30 and gathered over 300 domestic and international medical experts to share nearly 100 specialised reports, quality improvement initiatives, and updates on medical advancements to enhance healthcare quality.

The Hoan My Scientific and Technical Conference has become renowned by medical professionals in Vietnam over the past eight years as an opportunity to share expertise and explore the latest advancements in healthcare.

Huynh Bich Lien, CEO of Hoan My Medical Group

Clinical excellence is the key to improving healthcare quality

Conference presentations highlighted a commitment to advancing patient care through research, innovation, and the application of advanced technologies. Covering a broad spectrum of medical specialities  including cardiology, surgery, and infection control  the presentations showcased various new initiatives from screening to treatment, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Healthcare professionals also showcased the latest advancements in various medical fields, including simultaneous bilateral knee replacement, isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection, and point-of-care ultrasound in critical care.

Nguyen Trong Khoa, deputy director, Department of Medical Service Administration, Ministry of Health

Medical research findings and practices presented at the 2024 Hoan My Scientific and Technical Conference contributed not only to the enhancement of the professional expertise of medical staff but also to shaping new standards in healthcare in Vietnam, said Nguyen Trong Khoa, deputy director of the Department of Medical Service Administration under the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health highly values Hoan My's efforts in investing in scientific research and improving the quality of the healthcare workforce. This model of integrating practical medicine and research can enhance Vietnam's global healthcare competitiveness.

"Our commitment is to deliver advanced healthcare services and excellent clinical care through the integration of advanced technologies, said Huynh Bich Lien, CEO of Hoan My Medical Group. "To achieve this, Hoan My is committed to comprehensive development, encompassing investments in cutting-edge medical equipment, advanced facilities, and international-standard patient care. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in research and collaboration with leading medical institutions globally."

It is an honour to be part of a forum that brings together domestic and international experts to share the latest advancements in healthcare," said Le Thi Anh Thu, director of the Hoan My Academy. "By organising scientific conferences, workshops, and international collaborations, we are committed to training a skilled medical workforce to enhance healthcare quality."

Hoan My leads healthcare transformation Hoan My Medical Group organised a healthcare transformation roundtable to share best practices, foster innovation, and improve the quality of healthcare services in Vietnam.

Hoan My and Abbott Vietnam partner to combat disease and brain trauma Hoan My Medical Group and Abbott Vietnam have agreed to cooperate on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and brain trauma.
Circular No.02/2023/TT-NHNN, initially issued in April 2023 and extended in June this year, is set to expire at the end of 2024. It stipulates that credit institutions may restructure loan repayment terms and maintain loan classifications to support customers facing difficulties in business operations or repaying loans for personal and consumption needs.

The central bank has proposed solutions to address rising NPLs, photo Le Toan

Banks are naturally seeking a further extension of the circular, especially in the context of the country recovering from the impact of Typhoon Yagi, restoring business operations, and promoting economic growth.

Nevertheless, extending the policy poses risks to the economy, as the true scale and ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) could remain hidden due to deferred payments and unchanged loan classifications.

Q3 figures on NPLs present a complex financial landscape, raising the critical question of whether the circular should be extended beyond 2024.

Extending Circular 02 gives banks more time to manage and resolve bad debts, while also easing difficulties for businesses in accessing capital and formulating appropriate debt repayment plans. When the economic situation improves, businesses will have the ability to service their debts, said Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, senior lecturer at the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City.

However, Huan also warned of the downsides, noting that the policy acts as a veil for NPLs. The true scale and ratio of NPLs will remain hidden since payments are deferred and loan groups remain unchanged. If the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) does not extend the circular by the end of this year, the ratio could increase significantly, possibly doubling or tripling the current figure if businesses still struggle with cash flow and have not improved their operational efficiency. This could cause a psychological shock to investors and the public, posing potential risks to the banking system, he added.

However, this would also mean that the NPL figures banks report could worsen. Data published by the SBV on November 11 revealed that the on-balance sheet NPL ratio stood at 4.6 per cent by the end of September, the same as the end of 2023 but more than double the 2 per cent rate recorded in 2022.

Among the 28 listed banks, excluding NCB, the average NPL ratio has been steadily increasing  from 2.2 per cent at the end of 2023 to 2.4 per cent by the end of Q2, and 2.56 per cent by the end of Q3.

Some banks have seen sharper increases. For instance, BVBanks NPL ratio rose from 3.3 per cent at the end of last year to 4.7 per cent by Q3. Similarly, OCBs NPL ratio jumped to 4.1 per cent in Q3 from 2.65 per cent at the end of 2023, while VietBank reported an increase from 2.6 to 3.3 per cent during the same period.

Even large-scale banks have not been spared. MBBank and BIDV recorded significant increases in NPL ratios of 0.6 and 0.5 per cent, respectively, compared to the end of 2023.

SBV Governor Nguyen Thi Hong on November 11 attributed the deteriorating NPL situation to the prolonged impact of the 2020 pandemic.

This has affected all sectors of society, reducing incomes and making it difficult for businesses and individuals to repay debts, she said.

The SBV has proposed several solutions to address rising NPLs. For new loans, banks must conduct thorough assessments of borrowers repayment capacity to prevent the formation of new NPLs. Existing bad debts, meanwhile, require intensified recovery efforts through debt collection, collateral liquidation, and the development of debt trading markets.

When Circular 02 expires at the end of the year, NPLs could spike as deferred loans shift categories and are reflected in banks financial reports. Banks with significant Group 2 loans, such as VPBank, HDBank, and VIB, are particularly vulnerable and could face heightened challenges.

To mitigate these risks, banks have ramped up provisioning efforts, sacrificing profits to bolster their financial buffers. Among the 28 listed banks, 23 have increased provisioning in the first nine months of the year, with some raising provisions multiple times. However, provisioning alone may not be sufficient, as many banks loan loss reserve ratios (LLR) have continued to decline.

From a practical perspective, banks are advocating for targeted solutions. Do Thanh Son, deputy general director of VietinBank, supports extending Circular 02 to provide businesses with more time to recover and maintain loan classifications. He also recommended specific provisioning mechanisms for medium-term loans that have been restructured.

For loans where the borrower has fully repaid their debt under the agreed terms, no additional provisioning should be required for the remaining portion, as the medium-term loan duration is still ongoing, Son said.

Economic expert Dinh Trong Thinh added, Clearly, this policy has its positives, so both businesses and banks are looking forward to debt extensions and deferments. However, to maximise the benefits of this policy, businesses must restructure themselves, use capital effectively, and set goals for repaying both principal and interest.

Assessment of non-performing loans so far in 2024 The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio reached nearly 5 per cent at the end of May. Le Hoai An, a banking consultant and trainer at Integrated Financial Solutions, talked with VIRs Hong Dung the assessment of NPLs in the first half of 2024.
Olam Agri has a large portfolio of products serving food, feed, and fibre necessities. Vietnam is strategically important for most of the products in its portfolio, either as the origination of various products or as a destination market.

In Vietnam, Olam Agri has emerged as a prominent foreign-invested enterprise and currently conducts two core businesses.

With a rice processing facility in Long An province, Olam Agri is a major player in the rice sector. Its operations include buying, processing, and exporting rice, thus contributing significantly to Vietnams global rice profile.

In 2023, Olam Agri entered Vietnams aquafeed business with processing factories located in Dong Thap province. The company collaborates closely with fish farms throughout the production cycle, ensuring optimal nutrition for aquaculture.

The company also does business with natural rubber domestic and export participation. The company's persistent efforts have been acknowledged with the prestigious Fast Enterprise Material award at the Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards 2024.

At the award ceremony in early October, Olam Agri's Vietnam country head said, "We expressed heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding team, partners, and the communities we serve, reaffirming our dedication to sustainability, quality, and community engagement. We prioritise environmentally responsible practices, invest in cutting-edge research, and uphold stringent quality standards to build trust with our customers and stakeholders."

The company is also committed to instilling Olam Agri values, including Collaboration (building enduring relationships with stakeholders to proactively drive positive change within the food and agri sector); Agility (anticipating and responding to the evolving needs of stakeholders by simplifying complexities and creating solutions); Resourcefulness (leveraging its unique expertise, global footprint, and digital technologies); Entrepreneurship (empowering people to challenge the status quo by seizing market opportunities that drive innovation, value, and pride); and Sustainability (conducting business responsibly, with a passion to conserve the environment and improve livelihoods) into other businesses.

This prestigious award is more than a mirror of Olam Agri's achievements to date; it is also a driving force for the company's upcoming initiatives. The company is excited to continue its mission to drive positive change within the agricultural industry and beyond.

Please updated about the company by connecting to LinkedIn: Olam Global Agri Vietnam Co., Ltd.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/olam-global-agri-vietnam-co-ltd/

Rice cultivation makes use of advanced tech Many agricultural businesses are intensifying the large-scale application of advanced rice production technologies to boost economic value, while also reducing emissions.

A rice value chain that can address climate change Following the first summer-autumn rice crop in three key Mekong Delta provinces, Tran Thu Ha, director of a project to transform the rice value chain to be more climate resilient, told VIRs Oanh Do about the commitment from the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation to continue scaling up the model to help Vietnam craft a sustainable rice value chain.
This time, the Law on Pharmacy is partially revised, aiming to achieve five policy objectives: ensuring adequate supply of quality medicines at reasonable prices; institutionalising orientations to address shortcomings arising from the practical implementation of the current law; developing the pharmaceutical industry; ensuring the rational use of medicines; and reviewing the distribution and supply system of drugs.

Darrell Oh, chairman, Pharma Group

As the voice of the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Vietnam for over 25 years, Pharma Group has actively contributed to the law revision process since its inception. We are excited about the key improvements in the new law and greatly appreciate the drafting committees efforts to consult the industry and various stakeholders throughout the revision process.

From the industrys perspective, the new law introduces positive regulations expected to significantly benefit patients and the pharmaceutical industry. Highlights include streamlining the drug registration process to enhance patient access and prevent supply disruptions and introducing clearer incentives to foster the development of a high-value pharmaceutical industry.

Details of new positive policies are regulations to shorten the timeline for registration of medicines that are in line with global trends, best practices. Specifically, a regulatory reliance mechanism will speed up access to new medicines, vaccines, and biologics.

Based on the industrys latest estimates, it takes over 4.2 years on average for innovative medicines, vaccines, and biologics to be approved in Vietnam. Thus, with effective implementation of a new regulatory mechanism, it is highly expected that patients in Vietnam can access these in a matter of months, not years, after they are approved and made available in advanced countries.

This will also bring additional scientific expertise from world-leading health authorities to support Vietnam in the regulatory process, while maintaining Vietnams independence in decision-making.

This is in line with global trends to shorten the timeline for medicine registration in the context of increasing number of drug registration due to speed of innovation.

The revision also simplifies the marketing authorisation renewal process, allowing companies to maintain validity while awaiting renewal decisions. This change mitigates the risks of supply disruptions and reduces the admin burden for both the health regulator and companies.

The strong commitment and efforts to develop the pharmaceutical sector are evident in the new incentives introduced to encourage clinical trials and the local manufacturing of innovative medicines. We look forward to the effective implementation of these incentives for the pharma sector development, led by the National Steering Committee, for improving the sectors attractiveness and increasing Vietnams competitiveness, especially compared to other ASEAN countries in a long-term vision.

We appreciate the efforts of the drafting team, government, and National Assembly over recent months around the key objectives of this law revision with patient-centric discussions.

This revision brought concrete improvements and provided a solid legal framework for accelerating patient access to innovative medicines, and is also a step in the right direction in strengthening the pharmaceutical sector.

The forthcoming decree, circulars, and joint effort towards effective implementation of the changes will play a vital role in realising the laws advancements. To ensure the effective implementation of the new pharma law, it is important to expect that capacity-building initiatives for both regulator and the industry will be facilitated.

Further expectations about legal changes for FIEs With legal improvements in the draft amendments to the Law on Pharmacy 2016, foreign-invested enterprises are expected to get thumbs-up for future performance. Darrell Oh, chairman of the Pharma Group, discussed with VIRs Bich Thuy about what lies ahead.
The price rose to about VND228,000 ($8.66) apiece on Thursday, propelling the company into the Top 10 by market capitalisation in the Vietnamese stock market.

The development also makes Masan Consumer the only FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) company to rank among Vietnam's top 10 listed firms by market cap, alongside major players from banking and real estate sectors like VCB of Vietcombank, BID of BIDV bank, and VHM of property giant Vinhomes.

Amid a volatile market, MCH, the ticker of Masan Consumer on the Unlisted Public Companies Market (UPCoM), has still drawn significant foreign investor interest, with net purchases totaling nearly VND247 billion ($9.73 million) in a trading session in November.

Growth drivers from premiumisation and go global strategies

Masan Consumers robust growth is primarily driven by its premiumisation strategy and efforts to expand internationally.

With deep connections with over 340,000 traditional retail partners, 6,000 modern trade outlets, and five strong brands generating over VND2 trillion ($78.75 million) in annual revenue, it has successfully penetrated nearly every corner of the Vietnamese market, serving 98 per cent of the country's households.

In the first three quarters of 2024, Masan Consumer reported impressive double-digit growth in both revenue and profit. Notably, its after-tax profit for Q3 and the first nine months of the year increased by 14.5 per cent and 13.8 per cent to VND2.07 trillion ($81.5 million) and VND5.5 trillion ($216.56 million), respectively.

The company's premiumisation strategy has particularly boosted its large-scale categories like seasonings and convenience foods. For example, sales of the high-end Omachi brand rose by 24 per cent in Q3, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the total revenue from the convenience foods segment.

This reflects a growing trend among Vietnamese consumers towards premium products, according to the firms leadership.

Going beyond the domestic market, the company has significantly ramped up its "Go Global" strategy. On December 4, the company signed a strategic partnership with private carrier Vietjet Air to offer CHIN-SU Pho Story on domestic and international flights, contributing to promoting Vietnamese culture to the world.

Passengers can now enjoy CHIN-SU Pho Story, made with a traditional 70-year-old recipe from Pho Thin Bo Ho, on flights to destinations such as Australia, India, China, Japan, and South Korea.

In November 2024, CHIN-SU further expanded its global presence by showcasing the company's products on giant billboards in major international locations, including Myeongdong in Seoul, South Korea and Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan.

Furthermore, CHIN-SUs products, including fish sauce and chili sauces, have been successfully introduced to international markets like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, with the brands chili sauce even ranking in the Top 10 Best Sellers on Amazon.

Aiming for HSX listing in 2025

According to a recent report by HSBC, Masan Consumer has demonstrated strong profitability, stable revenue growth, and a performance that significantly outpaces its peers in the FMCG and packaged food sector across the region.

From 2017 to 2023, the company achieved a growth 2.2 times higher than the overall market.

As part of its future strategy, it plans to list on the HSX in 2025. HSBC noted that this move could improve liquidity for the companys stock, aligning with its strong business performance and growth potential. This potential is grounded in Masan Consumers stable business record, with robust growth as compared to other companies in the same industry.

Experts believed that foreign investors seeking to tap into the promising FMCG sector will find Masan Consumers stock a compelling long-term investment, especially given its stable earnings, high growth rate, and strong dividend payouts.

Several large investment funds already hold significant stakes in Masan Consumer, including Albizia ASEAN Tenggara Fund (3.8 million shares), Vietcap Securities (2.7 million shares), and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (over 1.04 million shares).

The successful HSX listing is expected to boost the valuation of stocks in the Masan ecosystem, including MCH and MSN of parent firm Masan Group, they said.

At Thursdays close, MCH stood at VND228,000 ($8.8) and MSN at VND73,700 ($2.84) per share.

Masan Consumer reveals IPO roadmap On October 2, Masan Consumer (Stock code: MCH) announced Resolution of the Board of Directors approving the transfer of MCH shares from UPCoM to listing on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE).

Are Masan Consumer shares a bargain? Masan Consumers MCH shares have more than doubled this year, reaching a historic high of over $8.28, raising whether they remain a good investment for new buyers.
Held at Mailand Hanoi City Urban Area, the Hanoi Agricultural and Craft Village Products Festival marked a significant milestone in the city's agricultural heritage and traditional crafts. Designed to support the development of new rural areas, preserve traditional village communities, and promote agricultural restructuring with a focus on sustainability, the festival also played a key role in enhancing comprehensive development.

Additionally, this years festival commemorated the 70th anniversary of Hanois Liberation, the establishment of Hanoi Party Committee, and the founding of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As part of these celebrations, the event provided a dynamic platform for promoting local agricultural and craft products, fostering trade, and stimulating economic growth in Hanois agricultural and rural sectors.

Various activities were featured, including an opening ceremony with a cultural performance themed '70 Years of Ambition', as well as trade exhibitions, specialised conferences, and workshops.

Speaking at the ceremony, Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, "Hanois role as a political and cultural centre also extends to agricultural development, particularly in high-tech agriculture and preserving traditional craft village values. It is my hope that the capital will continue to harness its potential and become a model for sustainable and modern development."

Nguyen Dinh Hoa, deputy director of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, also praised the festival, saying, "The exhibition's layout has been thoughtfully designed with beautifully arranged display areas ideal for visitors to enjoy and take photos. Additionally, the entire operation has been meticulously managed to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees."

Over the past three years, the festival has built a solid reputation within the industry, and this year attracted over 260 participants. This included 152 entities from 25 districts, towns, and cities within Hanoi, and 116 participants from 25 other provinces and cities. Additionally, 32 domestic and international businesses joined, creating a robust platform for networking and product promotion that will help strengthen both local and national agricultural and craft sectors.

Photo: Baodautu.vn

The event covered an area of 15,000 square metres and was divided into several themed zones, each showcasing Hanoi's agricultural progress and cultural heritage. Exhibitions featured ornamental plants, regional agricultural products, traditional crafts from the city and surrounding provinces, as well as 'One Commune One Product' items and award-winning handicrafts from 2024.

The festival also highlighted a high-tech agricultural zone, machinery displays for farming, and various handicraft booths offering unique souvenirs. Special attractions included live artisan demonstrations, where visitors could try their hand at traditional craft techniques such as ceramics, silk weaving, and gold leaf application.

A major highlight was the food area, featuring 17 booths offering iconic Hanoi dishes, such as Thanh Tri rice rolls, Phu Xuyen snail noodles, and Van Dinh duck rolls. This culinary showcase celebrated Hanois rich food culture, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the regions historical cuisine.

Cultural performances included traditional music and fashion shows, further enhancing the festivals celebration of local heritage. The festival also raised awareness of Hanois traditional craft villages, offering visitors a chance to learn about the intricate processes involved in creating products like Bat Trang ceramics and Van Phuc silk. These crafts play a key role in both Hanois cultural identity and its local tourism and economic development.



Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary, Hanoi Party Committee, presenting the First Class Labour Medal to Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Photo: baodautu.vn

The festival facilitated the signing of MoUs for product supply and distribution between 13 organisations, businesses, cooperatives, and production households, fostering greater collaboration in the agricultural and handicraft sectors.

At the closing ceremony, the organisers presented awards to 16 districts and communes for their outstanding exhibition booths, with Hoai Duc district receiving the prestigious Special Prize. In recognition of its exceptional contributions, Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was awarded the First Class Labour Medal by Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai.

Building on the success of this years festival, Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed that the event be held twice a year to further promote agricultural and craft products, stimulate investment, and celebrate Hanois agricultural and cultural achievements.

Proud of Vietnamese Agricultural Produce conference kicks-off in Hanoi The 2024 Proud of Vietnamese Agricultural Produce event is taking place at Long Bien Park in Hanoi from November 28 to December 1.

Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival highlights the capital's Pho The Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 featured various activities exploring the unique charm of Hanoi's pho, a dish recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, including robot-prepared pho.
Pharma companies said that the amendments, made official on November 21, include positive and timely changes that will facilitate businesses to operate more effectively, and focus on improving service quality.

New legislation is expected to foster a better environment for all healthcare stakeholders Photo: Le Toan

For the first time, the operation of the pharmacy chain model has been officially and specifically legalised. This is of great significance to us, affirming the recognition of the National Assembly (NA) and state management agencies for the role of pharmacy chains in supplying drugs to consumers, Nguyen Do Quyen, executive vice president of FPT Retail, operator of the FPT Long pharmacy chain, told VIR.

We expect that in the next phase when building decrees and circulars to guide the implementation of the new law, the government and the Ministry of Health (MoH) will receive diverse opinions and refer to the online drug sales management model of countries with similar characteristics to Vietnam to issue detailed instructions suitable for the digital economy, Quyen added.

Legalisation of the pharmacy chain model is one of the highlights in the amended law. The others include renewal of marketing authorisation (MA), incentives, and tech transfer.

It is a big milestone in the healthcare system, in the healthcare development journey in Vietnam. These changes were long awaited, and will foster a more transparent and a better environment for healthcare stakeholders, said Charaf Eddine Kadri, general director of Sandoz Vietnam.

We see that there are a lot of good incentives for local manufacturing in Vietnam, encouraging technology transfer of drugs. Our mission is to pioneer access for patients, and we know that there is still a big room to grow in terms of access in Vietnam when it comes to rural areas and when it comes to the affordability of drugs, Kadri added.

Sandoz is now to consolidate its presence in Vietnam after setting up as a legal, independent company in Vietnam in April. Kadri said that supporting pharmaceutical companies into shortening the registration timelines of their drugs would help the whole healthcare system to better address patient needs and create more sustainability in terms of access for patients.

When it comes to MA, we are really satisfied with the new changes, and we want to consolidate on the huge improvements that have been implemented in the recent pharma law. We would like to expand our footprint in more and more therapeutic areas, and drugs in the very near future in Vietnam, Kadri said.

Similarly, an expert at Y Dong Pharma Co., Ltd. said that the legislation of the sale of drugs online is reasonable at this time. Each factory and each type of drug has its own production technology, so we hope that state management authorities can be more flexible in managing drug prices. This has an impact on stimulating the development of the pharmaceutical industry.

According to HM&P law firm, the amended law simplifies the procedures for granting MA licences to increase early access to drugs while still ensuring quality control, safety, and effectiveness, as well as compliance with international practices.

The law reduces the number of documents required for renewing, changing, or supplementing the MA of drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients, allowing companies to maintain valid MA while awaiting renewal decisions, said the firm. The processing time for MA renewal applications will also be reduced from three months to less than one month for some cases.

Vu Tuan Cuong, director general of the MoHs Drug Administration of Vietnam, said, With the new points of the amended law, it will fundamentally resolve the inadequacies in state management of pharmaceuticals, helping the industry continue to develop as well as ensuring timely supply of drugs with quality, safety, effectiveness, and reasonable prices.

Pharma companies are now waiting for decrees and circulars guiding the implementation of the law to ensure its efficiency and success. Tran Khanh Thu, NA deputy representing the northern province of Thai Binh, noted, I hope that there will be regulations from the government, as well as specific instructions from the MoH and related ministries, so that the new law can come into effect and people can enjoy the benefits of these new policies.
Andri Meier, deputy head of Development Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Vietnam . Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade

The 2024 Vietnam Export Promotion Forum was held in Hanoi on December 4. Speaking at the event, Andri Meier, deputy head of Development Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Vietnam, said, "Governments, businesses, and the public are prioritising products and services that align with social and environmental sustainability. Vietnam needs to focus on strengthening the capacity of its business community to achieve sustainable growth in line with such demands."

Green and sustainable development allows industries to enhance export value, protect the environment, and contribute to raising the countrys position in the global value chain.

This is seen as a strategic move for Vietnam to strengthen its position in the global value chain while fostering sustainable economic growth, reducing negative environmental impacts, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of its economy.

Vietnam is being directly affected by key policies such as the European Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and the Circular Economy Action Plan as they are significantly reshaping global growth, economic cooperation, trade, and investment patterns.

Additionally, the demand for green and environmentally friendly products is steadily increasing, especially as Vietnam deepens its integration into new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. These agreements come with binding commitments on environmental protection, including biodiversity preservation and emission reduction.

According to Nguyen Ba Hung, chief economist at the Asian Development Bank, "Vietnams emissions have been on an upward trend over the past two decades, reflecting the countrys industrialisation process. While GDP has grown rapidly, emissions per unit of GDP have also risen, contrasting with the declining trend observed in other regional countries."

"If the issue is not promptly addressed, it will undermine the competitiveness of export goods," added Hung.

Vietnam's total trade volume is expected to reach nearly $800 billion by the end of this year, with exports estimated at $380390 billion. The target of $1 trillion in trade is within reach as the country continues to draw in foreign investment from various countries looking to establish production hubs here.

Alongside rapid growth in production and trade, businesses must accelerate preparations to ensure their export goods meet the stringent regulations of importing countries.

This entails investing in sustainable development, prioritising technological advancements, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reducing dependence on natural resources, minimising pollution and waste, and curbing emissions throughout production processes.

Adopting green and sustainable production strategies offers significant advantages for businesses. It helps enhance competitiveness and improve the marketability of their products. Yet, many firms are grappling with resource constraints as they strive to adapt to the rigorous standards set by global buyers.

Regarding this issue, Hung said, "To secure green financing for sustainable development, businesses can access green funding from domestic and international organisations or through bond issuance."

A commitment to supporting Vietnam in sustainable economic development was also proclaimed by representatives of the Swiss Embassy.

"We are preparing a framework for economic development cooperation with Vietnam for the 20252028 period. This initiative, set to launch at the end of 2025, aims to assist Vietnam on its path towards becoming a high-income economy with enhanced resilience," said Meier.
Pham Hoai Chung, chairman of state-owned Shipbuilding Industry Corporation believes that the global shipbuilding industry is experiencing a shift due to changes in shipping routes and the demand for larger vessels capable of navigating more challenging conditions.

Photo: baodautu.vn

"Vietnams shipbuilding sector is affected by several factors, including its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the International Maritime Organisations carbon emission reduction trajectory, and the impacts of international conflicts," said Chung.

"We still lag other nations with well-developed shipbuilding industries, particularly in technology, production capacity, and competitiveness," he added.

Vietnams shipbuilding sector boasts an extensive system of more than 88 shipbuilding enterprises, and 411 inland waterway vessel construction facilities, with local shipbuilders manufacturing large-capacity vessels, specialised ships, high-speed boats, and craft fitted with advanced technology for the international market as well as domestic.

With the growth of global trade, Vietnams maritime transport demand is projected to grow robustly at approximately 10 per cent annually from 2023 to 2030.

With the growth of global trade, Vietnams maritime transport demand is projected to grow robustly at approximately 10 per cent annually from 2023 to 2030.

The total demand for new construction and replacement of Vietnam's merchant fleet from now until the end of the decade is projected to be around 4 to 5 million deadweight tonnage.

The global shipbuilding market is trending towards modernisation, focusing on larger vessels, green technology, and the adoption of clean fuels.

Furthermore, with global fuel costs increasing by about 20 per cent over the past year, maritime freight demand is expected to grow by 3 per cent each year by 2030.

"To capitalise on these global industry shifts, Vietnam should leverage its existing advantages, focusing on its rapidly growing shipbuilding sector, especially in medium-sized commercial vessels," said Chung.

International shipowners are also prioritising operational efficiency and cost reduction by investing in advanced technologies to enhance performance and lower emissions.

Navigating turbulence in logistics and supply chains In 2024, Vietnams logistics and supply chain sector showcased remarkable resilience amidst an array of challenges, painting a complex picture of recovery, adaptation, and potential growth. Despite the hurdles, the sector has maintained a trajectory that promises gradual improvement, though not without facing significant setbacks that test its stability and future prospects.

Future opportunities in AI for Vietnam Technology is constantly evolving, with AI continuing to shape the way businesses operate, interact, and innovate. According to Tractica, AI is poised to generate nearly $11 billion annually for telecommunications companies in 2025 and is forecast to grow further as the AI application space continues to expand.
Iranian authorities on Wednesday freed Nobel peace prize winner Narges Mohammadi from prison for three weeks on medical grounds, a move supporters decried as "too little too late" and the UN said needed to be transformed into an unconditional freedom.

The release of the 2023 Nobel winner meant her Paris-based family could speak to her for the first time in two years. But supporters warned that in three weeks she is set to go back to Tehran's Evin prison.

Her lawyer Mostafa Nili earlier announced on X that her jail sentence had been "suspended" for three weeks and she had been released.

Her supporters said: "A 21-day suspension of Narges Mohammadi's sentence is inadequate."

"We demand Narges Mohammadi's immediate and unconditional release or at least an extension of her leave to three months," they said in a statement, describing the measure as "too little, too late".

In a sign of her defiance, her husband Taghi Rahmani told reporters in Paris that Mohammadi shouted "Woman Life Freedom" after her release, the slogan of the 2022-2023 protest movement that rocked the Islamic authorities.

Her social media accounts posted the first image of her after her release, her right leg heavily strapped.

She clutched a picture of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman whose custody death in September 2022 sparked the protests.

"She came out in a good state of mind, a combative state despite her very fragile state of health," said her husband.

Mohammadi's son Ali Rahmani, 18, told reporters that their phone exchange was brief but intense.

"She was able to tell me that she loves me," he said.

"The first thing she told me was that she'd left Evin prison without the compulsory veil," he added.

Mohammadi, 52, has been jailed since November 2021 over several past convictions relating to her advocacy against the obligatory hijab for women and capital punishment in Iran.

She has not seen her husband and twin children for several years and has spent much of the last decade in and out of prison.

Supporters said her release did not even amount to a medical furlough and was merely a suspension, meaning Mohammadi would have to serve "an additional 21 days" on her return to Tehran's Evin prison.

The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, told reporters: "We call upon the Iranian authorities to permanently end her imprisonment and ensure that she will get adequate medical treatment for her illnesses."

A UN rights office spokesman in Geneva described the temporary release as "important."

"We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ms Mohammadi, and for all Iranian women and men who are detained or imprisoned for the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression and other human rights," the spokesman added.

Mohammadi, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for her work campaigning for human rights in Iran, last month underwent bone surgery, including a bone graft, for a non-malignant growth.

"The denial of proper medical care and sufficient recovery time post-surgery has led to the rapid development of bedsores and intensified pain in her back and legs," her supporters and family said.

Lawyer Nili said the prosecutor allowed the release based on medical advice due to "her physical condition after the removal of a tumour and a bone graft three weeks ago."

"The tumour was benign but she needs check-ups every three months," he added.

Behind bars and deprived of the right to speak to her family, Mohammadi had refused to give up campaigning, staging protests in the yard of Evin prison and going on hunger strikes.

In a letter from prison in September, she condemned the "devastating oppression" of women in Iran.

Mohammadi was a strong supporter of the 2022-2023 protests, calling for the ousting of the Islamic authorities under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In June, she was sentenced to an additional year behind bars for "propaganda against the state".

She refused to appear in court for the trial after her request for it to be held in public was rejected.

"What touched me the most was that she will continue to fight relentlessly against the Islamic Republic of Iran to have gender apartheid recognised as a universal crime throughout the world, and that she will also continue to fight against the death penalty," her son said after their conversation.
Chinese FM calls for advancing comprehensive strategic partnership with Chile

Xinhua) 08:57, December 05, 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Foreign Affairs Minister of Chile Alberto van Klaveren Stork in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Affairs Minister of Chile Alberto van Klaveren Stork on Wednesday, calling on the two sides to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said although China and Chile were separated by the long geographical distance, the people of the two countries have shared amity and friendship, and bilateral relations have developed steadily.

Hailing the exemplary role Chile has played in developing ties with China, Wang said the meetings between the two countries' leaders over the past years have guided bilateral cooperation to achieve gratifying results. "China-Chile relations have entered the best period," said Wang.

Noting that next year will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the free trade agreement signed by the two sides, Wang said China is ready to work with Chile to act on the consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership by promoting high-level political mutual trust, pragmatic cooperation and connectivity.

He said China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Chile and close communication at all levels, constantly improve economic and trade cooperation, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as information and clean energy, and strengthen the synergy of development strategies.

Wang said China and Chile, both as important Asia-Pacific countries, should strengthen international coordination and jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade.

For his part, van Klaveren Stork said Chile firmly adheres to the one-China principle. This is an important cornerstone of Chile's foreign policy, which will not be changed in any way, he said.

Chile is ready to strengthen high-level and people-to-people exchanges with China, deepen cooperation on various fronts, improve connectivity and promote further progress in bilateral ties, he said, adding that Chile welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Foreign Affairs Minister of Chile Alberto van Klaveren Stork in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Russia and Ukraine will send their foreign ministers to Malta this week for a summit of the OSCE, officials said Wednesday, in one of the few events attended by both countries since Moscow's Ukraine offensive began.

The trip marks Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's first to an EU member since the start of the conflict in February 2022, and comes as US President-elect Donald Trump gears up to take office, promising to quickly end the fighting.

Ukraine had boycotted the same event -- the meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) -- in North Macedonia last year over Lavrov's attendance.

It was not clear whether the diplomats would be present in the same room or whether there would be face-to-face contact.

Lavrov is set to use the December 5-6 event to lambast the OSCE's "institutional crisis", Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told journalists in Moscow.

The veteran Russian diplomat's last trip to the EU was in December 2021 when he visited Stockholm, also for an OSCE meeting, Russian media reported.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga will visit from December 4-5 for a "series of bilateral talks with his counterparts from Ukraine's partner countries", his ministry said.

Ukraine's ex-foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, as well as top diplomats from Baltic states boycotted last year's meeting in protest.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, an ally of Ukraine, said there would be "no talks" with Lavrov in Malta and questioned why Russia was still allowed to be part of the OSCE.

Russia's foreign ministry said Lavrov would hold a series of bilateral meetings in Malta, without specifying with whom.

Kyiv has called for Russia to be expelled from the body, which was founded to ease East-West tensions during the Cold War.

Speaking at the summit last year, Lavrov said the OSCE was being "turned into an appendage of NATO and the EU".

Russia's foreign ministry returned to that theme on Wednesday.

"The current institutional crisis of the OSCE has resulted from the destructive actions of a number of Western countries that are using this platform for their own interests," it said.

Arguing that the body had been "Ukrainianised", it called for closer cooperation with Moscow-led groups such as the BRICS club of developing nations.

Zakharova also said that her own visa to attend the Malta summit had been "annulled" at the last minute. She said that the organisers had told Moscow that the decision had been "due to circumstances beyond their control".

The OSCE sends observers to conflicts and elections around the world, as well as running programmes to combat human trafficking and ensure media freedom.

But since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, it has struggled to operate, as Russia has vetoed several major decisions, which require consensus.

Russian lawmakers earlier this year voted to suspend participation in the body's parliamentary assembly, branding it anti-Russian and discriminatory.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is now facing impeachment after a shock bid to suspend civilian rule.

But he is far from the first South Korean president to see his rule descend into acrimony and scandal.

Here is a recap of the downfalls of previous South Korean leaders.

In December 2016, Park Geun-hye, president since 2013, was impeached by Parliament in a decision confirmed in March 2017 by the Constitutional Court, leading to her indictment and imprisonment.

The daughter of the former dictator Park Chung-hee, she was the first woman president of South Korea and had presented herself as incorruptible.

But she was accused of receiving or requesting tens of millions of dollars from conglomerates, including Samsung.

Additional accusations included sharing classified documents, putting artists critical of her policies on a "blacklist", and dismissing officials who opposed her.

Park was sentenced in 2021 to 20 years in prison and slapped with heavy fines.

But at the end of that year she was pardoned by her successor, Moon Jae-in.

Yoon, the current president, was a Seoul prosecutor at the time and played a key role in her dismissal and subsequent incarceration.

In power from 2008 to 2013, Park's conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was sentenced in October 2018 to 15 years in prison for corruption.

Most notably, he was found guilty of having received bribes from Samsung in exchange for favours to the conglomerate's then chairman, Lee Kun-hee, who had been convicted of tax evasion.

The former leader was pardoned by President Yoon in December 2022.

President from 2003 to 2008 and a strong supporter of rapprochement with North Korea, liberal Roh Moo-hyun killed himself by throwing himself off a cliff in May 2009.

He had found himself the target of an investigation into the payment by a wealthy shoe manufacturer of one million dollars to his wife and five million to the husband of one of his nieces.

Military strongman Chun Doo-hwan, known as the "Butcher of Gwangju" for ordering his troops to put down an uprising against his rule in the southwestern city, agreed to step down in 1987 in the face of mass demonstrations.

He handed over power to his protege Roh Tae-woo.

Roh and Chun had been close for decades, first meeting as classmates at military academy during the Korean War.

In 1996 both men were convicted of treason over the 1979 coup that brought Chun to power, the Gwangju uprising in 1980, corruption and other offences.

Roh was sentenced to 22.5 years in jail, reduced to 17, while Chun was condemned to death, commuted to life in prison.

They were later granted amnesty in 1998 having spent just two years behind bars.

Park Chung-hee was assassinated in October 1979 by his own spy chief during a private dinner.

The events of that night have been long a subject of heated debate in South Korea, particularly over whether the murder was premeditated.

Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were army generals at the time and took advantage of the political confusion to plot a coup in December 1979.

President Yun Po-sun was overthrown in 1961 by a coup led by army officer Park Chung-hee.

Park kept Yun in his post but effectively took control of the government, and then replaced him after winning an election in 1963.

South Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, elected in 1948, was forced to resign by a popular student-led uprising in 1960, after attempting to extend his term through rigged elections.

Rhee was forced into exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1965.
The Mauston School District is hoping to turn around declining state report card scores, with district officials and teachers emphasizing improvement in English/language arts curricula.

One of the main factors in the districts four-point Department of Public Instruction score decline from 2022-23 to 2023-24 was a nearly 10-point drop in English/language arts growth, which district Superintendent Joel Heesch and Lynda Oleinik, director of teaching and learning, said was more pronounced at the districts elementary and middle schools.

The district scored a 60.6 on its 2023-24 report card, down from 64.7 in 2022-23.

Since 2018-19, the district has adopted new curricula to help improve student achievement and growth in mathematics and English/language arts. The district adopted a revamped English/language arts program for kindergarten through eighth grade in 2023-24 at the same time a new state law was adopted that implemented a similar program throughout the state for kindergarten through third grade.

We definitely have some areas of concern, and we saw that back in 2021-22, Oleinik said. We started to put some measures in place, especially in the area of English/language arts.

We wanted to make sure the data that we saw, when we were not happy with it, that we were doing something about it, Heesch said.

After 2021-22, the district contracted with the Cooperative Educational Service Agencys CESA 6 to perform a literacy audit, or evaluation of district English/language arts programs and how they help students progress in the subject.

Following the audit, teachers and district administrators began using the Science of Reading, an approach that explores students development and what forms of reading help with it, why students have difficulty reading, and suggests curriculum strategies to improve reading proficiency.

We sought resources that incorporated strategies from the Science of Reading and also incorporated strategies for instruction that were research-based, Oleinik said.

Teachers and principals also attended early literacy trainings with CESA 6 to learn new English/language arts curriculum strategies during the 2022-23 school year, she added. The district used federal pandemic relief funds to purchase new reading programs for students from kindergarten through eighth grade prior to 2023-24, along with other English/language arts resources based on Science of Reading strategies.

It was an entirely new reading curriculum based on Science of Reading, Heesch said.

It is too early to know how the new reading curriculum will impact students, Grayside Elementary School Principal Bobette Steele said.

The state adopted Act 20 in July 2023, a law that requires Wisconsin schools to implement science-based early literacy  kindergarten through third grade  instruction in classrooms and intervention spaces, according to DPI. It first applied to school districts in the 2024-25 school year, according to Oleinik.

Whats important is that we werent sitting on our hands looking at these test scores and wondering why they were going where they were, Heesch said. We actually adopted the new curriculum a year before the state had gotten to the point of where they were mandating through Act 20.

Elements of the newly required instruction include emphasis on phonics, vocabulary, language development, and writing and comprehension instruction. More information on Act 20 and its requirements for elementary learning are on the DPI website.

Its more of a phonics focus, more of a phonemics awareness focus, Oleinik said of the Science of Reading, a major component of Act 20. It requires us to do additional training of all of our teachers, which we have started to do this year.

The new law also requires districts to conduct additional assessments of kindergarten through third-grade students to further evaluate their reading development, she added, saying that Mauston will do its first tests in December and January.

We are very pleased that we did adopt that curriculum, Heesch said. Even though Act 20 is 4-K through 3, we adopted 4-K through 8 because we wanted to make sure that were getting that through those grade levels.

The Mauston School District peaked at 74.4 on state report cards in 2020-21, which Heesch attributed to district schools returning to full-schedule, in-person learning while many others statewide had online courses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think we had an advantage there, which is actually what showed up in the details with that number, Heesch said regarding the districts high 2020-21 score.

Having our kids in school that year really did show up in their test scores, compared to other schools across the state, Oleinik said. Historically, Mauston has been reaching to meet state average, and we always see pockets where we are above state average, but that year, we were above state average in a lot of our scores.

He added that scores reflect districts growth and achievement in comparison to the rest of the state, indicating that Maustons downward score trend does not necessarily indicate that the schools are performing worse overall.

How the state does impacts how the district does, Oleinik said.

DPI report card scores throughout Juneau County have been declining in recent years, with two of the countys six districts now falling under the meets few expectations category. Mauston still meets expectations and scored the highest of all county districts.

Heesch said that the districts score trend is not something that any of us are proud of and officials in other county districts are working equally as hard as he and other Mauston officials are in improving DPI report card marks.

While the Mauston School District has revamped its curricula in math and English/language arts to improve its standing in those subjects, Heesch said report cards do not tell the full story in regard to districts preparing students for success in adulthood.

Poverty rates within the district, behavior issues among elementary students that have increased after the pandemic, and larger class sizes due to reduced resources and failed operating referendums have made it more difficult for teachers to focus strictly on lesson plans and forced them to focus more on care for students, according to Heesch.

The state needs to look at the socio-economic needs of our students and families, Steele said. The more resources we have to support the whole child the better it is for students and families.

Steele said teachers are currently teaching the largest class sizes we have ever had, with 30 students in each class.

The state has good intentions when laws are created and their hearts are in the right place, but we believe that taking some time to sit in classrooms, to witness the daily challenges that we meet head on each day, would be beneficial, Steele said.

More than 65 percent of students at West Side and Grayside elementary schools and more than 60 percent at Lyndon Station Elementary receive free or reduced lunches, Oleinik said. Students from 4-K through second grade attend West Side, while students in grades 3 through 5 attend Grayside. First- through fourth-grade students are enrolled at Lyndon Station.

He and Oleinik praised the districts dual enrollment programs that allow students to enter post-secondary education with college credits, along with workforce and trade education programs they said have enabled students to enter jobs and trade schools with a head start.

All teachers are striving for the success of all students and it is important to remember that sometimes success is not measured with the number on one report card, Steele said.
160 million investment zone plan set to create 6,000 jobs in Wrexham and Flintshire

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024

Plans for a 160m Investment Zones which will help to create jobs and attract private sector investment to grow the manufacturing cluster across Flintshire and Wrexham are taking shape.

Wrexham and Flintshire Councils, in collaboration with the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC), Welsh Government, and UK Government, are advancing plans for a significant economic boost through the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone.

The initiative aims to create over 6,000 advanced manufacturing jobs and attract 1 billion in private sector investment.

The project, allocated 160 million in UK government funding (Conservative, then reconfirmed by Labour recently), will focus on three tax sites: Deeside Gateway, Warren Hall, and Wrexham Industrial Estate.

These sites will benefit from tax reliefs, including a five-year exemption from business rates and incentives such as employer National Insurance relief and capital allowances, designed to drive development and attract businesses.

The plans also allow local authorities to retain a portion of business rates for 25 years to reinvest in the zones objectives  and even borrow against that future income.

Speaking at a media brief on the topic, Council Leader Mark Pritchard spoke of the positive collaboration to get the zones going, with the Executive Board set to sign off on the governance models, the specific tax sites and the themes of the zones  Innovation, Skills, Business Support, and Transport.

This is fantastic for us, said Pritchard.

The 160 million will bring an estimated 1 billion to the local economy. Were setting up boards, getting our constitution right, and preparing to deliver as quickly as possible.

Cllr Pritchard acknowledged his historic concerns over working with Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs), which he had previously strongly criticised, but stressed: I didnt agree with how CJCs were brought in, but theyre here now.

Well make them work and push for more powers to come to the region, he said, adding that the CJCs would play a pivotal role in economic development and governance of the investment zone.

With part of the business rates being retained locally, it is a rare specific business tax that the council collect and retain  a bit like domestic council tax.

The wider logic is around localism, with decision making and spending apparently better as it is all done more local. We asked if Wrexham Council was up to that task.

Were ready to take on the responsibility. Its about grassroots decision-making, which is how it should be, said Cllr Pritchard.

I have absolute confidence. It gives more autonomy and decision making at a local level. I think its important that we dont lose sight that were working in partnership with Flintshire. I want to celebrate that.

I think its excellent for for North Wales, and especially this part of the region. But no, I have no problem with it. We have pushed, myself and other elected members, some who are no longer with us, who have pushed for decision making at a local level  and you cant have pockets of it, you have to take it all, I have no worries, I have every confidence.

Three tax sites will see:

5 year relief from business rates

A full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief for land and buildings bought for commercial use or development for commercial purposes.

Zero-rate employer national insurance contributions on salaries of any new employee working in the tax site for at least 60% of their time, on earnings up to 25,000 per year (for 36 months per employee).

100% first year allowance for companies qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery assets for use in tax sites.

Accelerated relief to allow businesses to reduce their taxable profits by 10% of the cost of qualifying non-residential investment per year, relieving 100% of their cost of structures and buildings over 10 years.

Due to that we asked if that was making Wrexham into a Monaco style haven, and if it would truly mean new jobs and businesses, or if it would attract existing entities to reap rewards.

Cllr Pritchard responded: I think youll have to wait to see what comes through the door. Really, I havent got a crystal ball. Can I say, we certainly are not a Monaco!

I think it will evolve well, and there might be a percentage of companies which come in, it might be the zones are taken up by new employment, new employees, new growth. For me, it doesnt matter really what companies, or whoever they are, what comes into this area, as long as they bring in investments, they bring in employment, they bring jobs and it benefits Wrexham and Flintshire.
Humbled Darren Millar MS confirmed as new leader of Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd with unanimous support

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024

Darren Millar MS has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd, following the resignation of Andrew RT Davies.

Mr Millar, the Member of the Senedd for Clwyd West, secured the unanimous public endorsement of all 15 members of the Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament.

The nomination period for the position closed at 5.00 pm today, with no other candidates coming forward.

Commenting on the appointment, Welsh Conservative Party Chairman Bernard Gentry said: I am pleased to announce that Darren Millar MS has been elected unopposed as the new Leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Welsh Parliament. In recent months weve been winning numerous local government by-elections across Wales and our action days have recruited hundreds of new volunteers and activists.

Working together as one united party under Darren, Mims and myself, I am confident that we can achieve further success at the Senedd elections in 2026 and bring to an end the quarter of a century of Labour rule. I wish Darren every success as he takes the helm.

In his first statement as leader, Mr Millar thanked his colleagues and supporters for their backing: I am humbled by the incredible support of my colleagues in the Senedd and the kind messages I have received from Conservative Party members and members of the public across the country.

Andrew RT Davies will be a difficult act to follow, but I am determined to build on his legacy as we take the fight to our political opponents in the run-up to the Senedd elections in 2026.

After 25 years of Labour failure, Wales is crying out for hope and change; I look forward to setting out our plans to deliver just that in the weeks and months to come.

The change in leadership comes after Andrew RT Davies narrowly survived a vote of no confidence earlier this week, winning 9-7 within the Conservative group  with one of the votes backing himself.

However, Mr Davies chose to step down, citing divisions within his party as a key reason for his decision.

In his resignation letter, Mr Davies wrote: Last week, a group of Senedd members approached me, threatening to resign their positions in the shadow cabinet if I did not agree to step down as leader.

It was clear from the result [of the vote] that a substantial minority of the group do not support our approach, despite it being the only viable strategy available. While I would have been honoured to continue as leader, my position is consequently untenable.

Mr Davies also criticised members of his own party for undermining the groups positions publicly, contrasting their actions with the dedication of grassroots Conservative supporters:

This stands in direct contrast to some Conservative Senedd members, he said.

Mr Millar will lead the party with less than 18 months before the next Senedd election, scheduled for May 2026.

The upcoming election will see the Welsh Parliament expand from 60 to 96 members, adding a significant new dynamic to the contest.
University tuition fees to increase in Wales

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024

University tuition fees in Wales are set to rise by almost 300 for students, the Welsh Government has announced.

It means that the cap on the maximum amount undergraduate students choosing to study in Wales can be charged will increase to 9,535 from 9,250.

The decision brings tuition costs in line with those in England. However this is the second time in a year that tuition fees have risen.

According to the Welsh Government this move will not affect the amount of money available to students whilst they study.

The tuition fee loan will also increase up to 9,535. The partial write-off of student debt up to 1,500 when a student begins repaying their loans will continue.

This is unique to Welsh students no matter where they choose to study.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells said the increase in fees will not increase the upfront cost of university for students.

The Welsh Government has also announced a 1.6 per cent increase to student maintenance support for eligible part-time and full-time undergraduate students from Wales, both new and continuing students, for the 2025/26 academic year.

The maximum amount of support for postgraduate masters and postgraduate doctoral study will also increase by 1.6 per cent.

Additionally, grants for those with dependants and those with a disability will also increase by 1.6 per cent.

Vikki Howells MS said: The decision to raise tuition fees was difficult but necessary to ensure Welsh higher education institutions remain competitive with those in other parts of the UK.

I want to be clear that this small increase in fees should not dissuade anyone from Wales considering applying for university next year.

An increase in fees will not increase the upfront cost of university for students. Nor will it increase their monthly repayments as graduates.

Living costs should not be a barrier to studying at university and I am proud that Wales has always offered our students the most generous financial support in the UK.

Welsh Government remains committed to supporting people to invest in their future and ensure that everyone, no matter their background, can access and participate in higher education so we can raise skills for the future of the Welsh economy.

However the NUS Cymru (National Union of Students) has warned about the rising burden of student debt.

A survey carried out by the union in November 2024 revealed that 32 per cent of students have less than 100 per month after paying their monthly housing costs with 1 in 10 students using foodbanks.

32 per cent of students have gone without heating to cut back costs while 19 per cent have missed an in-person class due not being able to afford transport.

Responding to the Welsh Governments announcement, NUS Cymru President, Deio Owen, said: Im glad to see an increase in student maintenance, but it falls short of addressing the needs of many learners today.

One 1in 10 of our students are using foodbanks, and almost one in five have missed class as they cant afford transport.

By increasing fees, the government is effectively asking students to have a whip round to keep campuses going. Making students pay an extra 5 a week to keep the lights on is not sustainable and we urgently need a review of how Higher Education is funded in Wales.

We urgently need fairer, future-proof funding for students and universities that ensures education is accessible for all and not a burden of debt for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, argued that the decision will deter people from enrolling in universities in Wales.

Additionally, the lack of funding for apprenticeships is severely limiting the options and opportunities for young people across Wales, said Tom Giffard MS.

Labours National Insurance hike has only exacerbated the situation, adding to the financial pressures facing universities and reducing prospects.

If Wales cannot provide comparable opportunities to those across the border in England, we risk a substantial brain drain.

We need to support our young people with a choice of career options, so that they may reach their full potential.
Prince Harry reacted to rumors surrounding troubles in his marriage with Meghan Markle during a summit in New York on Tuesday.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, discussed various topics, including public interest in his personal life, during a 35-minute conversation with columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Recent appearances by Harry and Meghan at separate events have fueled rumors about their relationship, with some royal commentators speculating that the couple may be heading for a split.

"I Google News-ed you, and there were people fascinated by everything you're doing, all the time. They're fascinated by Meghan, who is in California right now, and you're here," Sorkin said.

"There's articles left and right about, you know, why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren't you doing them together?"

Prince Harry replied, "Because you invited me, you should have known."

"There's articles left and right about, you know, why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren't you doing them together?" Prince Harry replied, "Because you invited me, you should have known."

"Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times," he said. "We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?'"

The Duke of Sussex expressed sympathy for those who bought into the speculation that his marriage was facing difficulties.

"It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls," he said. "Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,' and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do."

Harry and Meghan, who have been married since 2018, stirred significant controversy in 2020 when they stepped back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family and relocated to California. The couple has two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
The NYPD has released new full-face images of the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a hotel Wednesday morning.

The masked gunman who killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies in front of midtown Manhattan surveillance cameras remained free from the dragnet thrown by the nations largest police department more than 24 hours after the killing.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, died in the dawn ambush Wednesday. Thompson was walking to the companys annual investor conference at a Hilton in Midtown, blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

On Thursday, a law enforcement official said the shooter had used ammunition with the words deny, defend and depose written on it. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

What happened?

Police said Thompson was heading to the company's annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown around 6:45 a.m. when a person walked up behind him and shot him.

Thompson was alone and did not have bodyguards, police said.

Officers found Thompson on the ground with gunshot wounds to his back and right calf, according to Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives. The CEO was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital at 7:12 a.m.

What do we know about the shooter?

Kenny said the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack.

He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind.

After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter's professionalism.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly," Kenny said.

The shooter ran into an alleyway near the hotel and later got on the e-bike that he took into Central Park.

Police initially said the shooter rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the citys bike-share program, CitiBike. But a spokesperson for the programs operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet.

Kenny said police found a cellphone in the alleyway, but it was unclear if it belonged to the shooter.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson was the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance wing of parent company UnitedHealth Group Inc.

He had worked at the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company for two decades and led its insurance division since 2021. He was one of the company's highest-paid executives, with a $10.2 million annual compensation package.

Thompson kept a low profile, with UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s CEO Andrew Witty taking on a more public-facing role that included testifying before Congress.

Thompson started his career as a certified public accountant and graduated from the University of Iowa. He lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove and was the married father of two sons in high school,

His wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband said some people had been threatening him. She did not have details, but suggested they may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
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
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are set to visit Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with Republican lawmakers from both the House and Senate, focusing on strategies to reduce waste in the federal government. This comes shortly after the formation of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

As co-heads of the newly created agency, Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, aim to collaborate with Congress to tackle government inefficiencies and curb misuse of taxpayer funds.

Through social media posts, podcasts, op-eds, books, and speeches, Musk and Ramaswamy have outlined their vision: a 75% reduction in the federal workforce, a $2 trillion cut in federal spending, and the elimination of entire agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Musk and Ramaswamy are also scheduled to attend the inaugural Senate DOGE Caucus meeting, chaired by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, lead a similar initiative in the House, with around three dozen members, including several House appropriators. On Tuesday, Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida became the first Democrat to join the group.

"If there are people with legitimate suggestions on how we can improve government efficiency, maybe bring technology to government, figure out where there's waste and fraud and save the American taxpayer dollars, we should do that," Moskowitz said on Morning Edition Thursday, according to Fox News. "And it shouldn't be a partisan issue."

In the last fiscal year, the government spent over $6.75 trillion, with more than $5.3 trillion allocated to politically sensitive and challenging-to-reduce areas such as Social Security, health care, defense, veterans' benefits, and interest on the national debt.

Last month, Trump described the DOGE as the "Manhattan Project of our time," drawing a parallel to J. Robert Oppenheimer's covert World War II initiative to develop the atomic bomb.

"Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of DOGE for a very long time," Trump said.
Leslie Fumega, 79, got a call last year from someone claiming to be with the local police and the FBI. Her identity had been stolen and her accounts were in jeopardy, he told her. To protect herself, a man claiming to be an FBI agent said, she needed to pull cash from her bank in increments of $10,000 to $20,000 and mail it to a secure location.

Over the next six weeks, Fumega withdrew a total of $165,000 from different branches of her bank and mailed it to addresses supplied by the agent. When she finally revealed what was happening to her daughters, they convinced her that she was the victim of an elaborate scam. They were right. Her savings were gone.

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In an ideal world, the bank would have had a way to flag the unusual transactions and intervene in some way  maybe even freeze them until they could confirm that Fumegas withdrawals were for legitimate purposes. Banks, however, are generally unable to stop authorized transactions like Fumegas without facing a potential lawsuit from the customer.

But new laws are attempting to change that. Known as report and hold laws, they give banks the option of holding a suspicious transaction.

Florida's new law

Such a statute will take effect in Florida on January 1. It allows a bank to temporarily delay a transaction linked to the suspected exploitation of an adult 65 or older, as well as certain other protected account holders  Floridians who are at a statistically higher risk of being exploited, the law says.

We had reports of banks that were unable to stop or delay a money transfer even if they were notified by law enforcement that the money was going to a scammer, unless they got a court order  which takes time, says Karen Murillo, advocacy manager for AARP Florida, which championed the legislation. It includes the provision that if banks use this law in good faith, and comply with statutory requirements, they should not be civilly liable.

To conduct a delay, a bank must notify the account holder and a listed contact of the reason for the delay, as well as conduct an internal investigation into the suspected exploitation. If the bank determines the account holder is no longer at risk of exploitation, it can lift the delay and allow the transaction to proceed. Murillo points out that the new law highlights how listing a trusted contact on your account can help protect your money.
A team of marine archeologists have documented an 18th-century slave shipwreck discovered off the coast of Mozambique. The vessel is suspected to be the French slave ship LAurore, and the wreck could be key in shaping our understanding of the living conditions aboard similar vessels. While over 1,000 ships from the transatlantic slave trade sank around the world, less than 12 have been located and documented, leaving much still unknown.

Discovering the wreck of LAurore

In 2015, the Slave Wrecks Project (SWP) coordinated the search for LAurore. The program, which involves several organizations, aims to draw attention to the study of slave shipwrecks and strengthen skills and capacity for research in maritime archaeology. To do this, the team searches for slave ships across the world and also trains Africans and people of African descent in underwater archaeology.

Notably, SWP began its search after archival researcher Richard Allen found a document in Mauritius that contained an account of the wreck by LAurores captain. He brought his findings to SWPs attention, which located the wreck believed to be slave ship in 2022.

While the discovery largely flew under the radar of the larger community of Mozambique, its an incredibly important discovery.

Story of LAurore

The captains account states LAurore left present-day Mauritius for Mozambique to pick up enslaved people in November 1789. The vessels final destination was the French Caribbean. In January of the next year, while they boarded, the 356 already aboard tried to stage a mutiny. Four drowned. To prevent another mutiny from occurring, the crew locked the men below deck.

A month later, a storm hit when LAurore was readying to depart, sinking the slave ship. The crew refused to let the enslaved men out until the vessel was already sinking, resulting in the deaths of 331 people.

Celso Simbine, one of the Mozambican maritime archeologists exploring the wreck explained that, today, LAurore is a symbol of resistance and revolt of black people refusing to be taken out of their land. Steve Lubkemann, an American maritime archaeologist and the co-founder of SWP, added that its a reminder that enslaved people didnt go quietly, an oft-forgotten fact.

Much of what life was like aboard slave ships is still a mystery. So few wrecks connected to the transatlantic slave trade have been documented as archeological sites for one reason: money. The ships typically didnt carry much gold, so people werent motivated to search for them. However, wrecks like that of LAurore are evidence of the crimes that were committed against enslaved people during the slave trade.

An important piece of history

Today, the location of whats believed to be LAurores wreck rests near Fort Sao Sebastiao, a 16th century fort used in the Portuguese slave trade.

It should be noted that the wreck being studied hasnt been officially identified as LAurore. However, theres a lot of evidence to support it being the same vessel. The captains account describes the same area, French techniques were used to build the slave ship and the ballast comes from Mauritius, the last port of call before Mozambique.

Moreover, beyond being an important symbol of the resistance of African people, the wreck is archeologically important. Its incredibly well-preserved and may be the best example of an 18th-century slave ship ever found. The research done will help archeologists understand the structure and living conditions aboard other similar vessels.

Slave Wrecks Project (SWP) wont raise LAurore

The diving team in Mozambique was made up of young, Black maritime archeologists from Mozambique, Senegal and Brazil. They worked from Mozambique for two weeks, trying to understand the structure of LAurore.

Aboard the ship, the team discovered ceramics, a lead shot and a barrel top. Although they may remove some artifacts for study or display, theres no plan for raising the entire vessel. Lubkemann explained, You dont need to raise the ship to tell the story. Even if the bodies are not there, it is a site of tragedy. And you treat it with respect.

The team, including community stewards, dove in the morning to map, excavate and photograph the vessel. They took classes in the afternoon on project management, dive safety and the principles of artifact recovery.

Previous slave ship discoveries

Over 12 million Africans were enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade. Notably, as a former Portuguese colony, Mozambique was a huge part of the trade in the 18th and 19th centuries; Portugal was one of the earliest and largest participants, with slavers selling hundreds of thousands of Mozambican people.

The SWP works to provide local communities with the knowledge and resources to identify and preserve stories of wrecked slave ships in local waters. They hope this will help Africans tell their own histories, instead of having the history of the slave trade told from a European perspective.

More from us: Ostwall Fortifications: The World War II-Era Defensive Line Thats Become a Bat Reserve

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SWP is researching other slave ships, as well. In 2015, the team identified the Portuguese slave ship Sao Jose, near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The ship sunk around 1798. It was the first recorded wreck discovered of a ship that sank in transit with enslaved humans.
Johnny Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard is expecting her second child, a spokesperson told People. The name of her baby's father has not been revealed.

"It is still quite early in the pregnancy, so you will appreciate that we do not want to go into much detail at this stage. Suffice to say that Amber is delighted both for herself and Oonagh Paige," the statement read.

In 2021, Heard welcomed her first child, daughter Oonagh Paige, who is now 3 years old. At the time of announcing her motherhood, Heard had said that she had "decided I wanted to have a child" four years prior and "wanted to do it on my own terms."

"I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "I hope we arrive at a point in which it's normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib."

Heard was previously married to Johnny Depp, with whom she was involved in a highly publicized defamation trial in Virginia during the summer of 2022. Following the legal proceedings, the actress relocated to Madrid, Spain, seeking a quieter life abroad.

After a six-week trial, the jury ruled in favor of the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, finding that Heard had defamed Depp on all three counts. He was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, though the latter was later reduced to comply with state law. Heard, in turn, was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages for her countersuit.

In June 2022, while speaking with Today's Savannah Guthrie, Heard revealed her thoughts on ever telling her daughter Oonagh about the trial. "I think no matter what, it will mean something," Heard said at the time.

"I did the right thing. I did everything I could to stand up for myself and the truth."
Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance, Hargreaves Lansdown: Yet again, higher earners are stepping in to fill the governments coffers in Scotland. Taxpayers enjoy key additional benefits north of the border  not least free prescriptions, a universal Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners from next year and no tuition fees for Scottish students studying in Scotland. However, theyre picking up the bill for this with higher taxes  particularly among those who earn more. Already, around 1.5 million people who earn more than 28,850 pay more income tax than they would elsewhere in the UK. The changes today will ease the tax burden for those further down the income spectrum, because by increasing the thresholds, it will protect them from the horrors of fiscal drag, which pushes more people over tax thresholds with each pay rise. Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced that the threshold of the basic band and the intermediate band would increase by 3.5% as part of the Scottish Budget. The freezes for higher earners pile more tax misery on an already hefty burden. The Scottish government is keen that those with the broadest shoulders carry the biggest burden, but those shoulders will be feeling increasingly painful. Whenever tax changes kick in, it raises the question of whether it will be enough to persuade higher earners to leave Scotland. However, you dont need to part with the attractions of life north of the border in order to pay less tax. Tax free allowances including ISAs and SIPPs can play an essential role in keeping your tax bill down, rather than having to consider anything more drastic.
The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining home decor and furnishing company Spread Home from using registered trademarks belonging to luxury apparel brand Louis Vuitton (LV). The order, passed by Justice Mini Pushkarna, comes in response to allegations of trademark infringement involving LV's iconic monogram flower marks.

The dispute centers on Spread Home's alleged unauthorized use of these trademarks on its products, including bed sheets, quilts, and pillow covers. LV argued that these marks are integral to its brand identity, with a legacy spanning over four decades. The luxury brand contended that Spread Home's actions could mislead consumers and dilute its trademark value.

Spread Home, which markets itself as Spread Spain, countered that while such products were available in the past, they have since ceased their sale. The company, established in 1999, emphasized its longstanding presence in the market. However, LV presented evidence of recent purchases of infringing products, undermining Spread Home's claims.

Acknowledging LVs arguments, the court observed that the luxury brand had established a prima facie case for relief, noting the potential for irreparable loss if an injunction was not granted. The court also directed Spread Home to file a statement of accounts detailing sales of the disputed products to assess potential damages owed to LV.

The matter is set for its next hearing in April 2025. This decision is part of a broader effort by the Delhi High Court to address counterfeit and trademark infringement cases, with similar orders issued against counterfeiters in recent years.

The legal team for LV included advocates from Anand & Anand, highlighting the firm's ongoing commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights.
Kantar, the worlds leading marketing data and analytics company, today released its India at Crossroads report, offering a comprehensive look at the forces set to shape the future of marketing in India in 2025. The report draws on insights from Kantar experts, supported by extensive attitudinal and behavioural data. It provides critical guidance for marketers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape marked by social and demographic shifts, unpredictable consumer sentiments, and the continued acceleration of technology.

Kantar foresees following trends influencing winning brand strategies in India in 2025:

Indias Socio-Economic shifts

Post-COVID, Indias socio-economic landscape has altered significantly. The urban middle class, once the cornerstone of the consumer goods market, has become the smallest cohort. Real incomes have been under pressure leading to stagnating consumer confidence. Consumption in the urban areas has slowed more sharply than in rural regions.

Positive Rural Sentiment

In contrast to Urban, Rural is buoyant and is increasing consumption, bolstered by good monsoons in 2024 and diverse income sources. There is a surge in spending on small indulgences such as soft drinks and convenience products. This is fuelled by growth in adoption of digital services  both payments and openness to online commerce. According to Kantars Rural Barometer 2024, Digital Payments have grown from 38% in December 2022 to 43% in July 2024, E-commerce Delivery from 14% to 23% and Gaming Platforms from 4% to 12%.

Aspiration driving premiumization

India is in a demographic and cultural sweet spot. Smaller families, women practicing self-love, and GenZ establishing their own identity are all driving aspiration. But the mix of aspiration is changing and so are the entry points in the aspirational ladder. What shapes aspirational brands is their perceived difference. Driving difference at a brand level will be critical.

The Attention Economy and Media Consumption

Indian consumers continue to split their time between traditional and digital media, but levels and quality of attention vary by channels. The different attention characteristics of media channels and their reach, influence the role of media channel in the purchase funnel. It is a trifecta of Incremental Reach, Attention and Expected Brand Outcome that has implication not just for the media mix, but also for communication and creative developments. Going forward, media planning must begin with consumers and their media consumption habits and preferences.

Rethinking GenZ: No Room for Broad Generalizations

While GenZ remains a key target consumer segment for many brands, Kantar warns against broad generalizations. This demographic is highly diverse, and their motivations cannot be fully understood through simplistic or algorithm-driven personalization. Successful strategies must focus on understanding the intersectionality of GenZs identities and motivations to craft relevant experiences that truly resonate.

Looking Ahead: Future Scenarios for 2025

Kantar envisions three possible scenarios for Indias future in 2025, ranging from a continuation of 2024s trends to significant economic disruption or more rapid growth. Whatever the macroeconomic challenges, to capitalize on emerging opportunities, brands must focus on sizing the intersections of consumer identities and building brand difference. In doing all this, storytelling will remain key in connecting to consumers; while the way stories are told may evolve, emotions will remain the glue that binds them.

Key strategic recommendations for marketers in 2025:

Re-center Brand Narratives on culture and people: Focus on creating meaningful differences that resonate with consumers evolving identities.

Focus on creating meaningful differences that resonate with consumers evolving identities. Adopt a dynamic media planning approach: Balance campaign reach with cost efficiency, adapting to the distinct attention characteristics of various media channels.

Balance campaign reach with cost efficiency, adapting to the distinct attention characteristics of various media channels. Stop treating GenZ as one monolithic cohort: Move beyond demographic generalizations and uncover the nuances to craft relevant and winning experiences for GenZ.

Move beyond demographic generalizations and uncover the nuances to craft relevant and winning experiences for GenZ. Explore consumer identity intersections: Avoid oversimplified assumptions; identify deep motivations and uncover new growth opportunities by understanding the complexity of consumer identities.

Avoid oversimplified assumptions; identify deep motivations and uncover new growth opportunities by understanding the complexity of consumer identities. Harness the power of democratized access: Utilize digital platforms and develop relatable stories that connect with diverse consumer segments.

Utilize digital platforms and develop relatable stories that connect with diverse consumer segments. Balance influencer and digital advertising:Integrate influencer content with traditional linear TV digital ads to maximize brand awareness and purchase intent.

Deepender Rana, Executive Managing Director, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar, commented, As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, India indeed finds itself at a crossroads. This year has proven to be a challenging one for many brands and categories, with volume growth slowing down and consumers unable to take further price hikes. Yet, some brands and categories have prospered, growing shareholder value 1.5 times faster than average, by driving meaningful difference and connecting deeply with consumers. Through this report, we want to inspire brands and arm them with the data and insights needed to break through a general slowdown and be winners.

Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar, added, The future of marketing in India will be the ability to embrace complexity and make trade-offs. The need to avoid generalizations and creating own data and insights will provide the competitive edge as we move forward into 2025.
Nazara and Lysto have signed a Letter of Intent to launch The Growth Protocol, an L1 infrastructure layer, purpose-built for digital marketing and growth applications on the blockchain.

The Growth Protocol is a purpose-built L1 blockchain and a collaboration between Nazara Technologies FZ LLE, a 100% owned subsidiary of Nazara Techologies Limited that is Indias only publicly listed gaming company, and Lysto, the gaming worlds one-stop shop funded by leading VCs like Hashed, SquarePeg, Tiger Global, Distributed Global, Beenext, and prominent angels like Balaji Srinivasan, Sandeep Nailwal, Jaynti Kanani, Bobby Ong, and T.M. Lee.

Designed to revolutionize the digital marketing landscape, The Growth Protocol aims to bring greater transparency, equity, and monetary benefits to all participants in the Web3 marketing ecosystem. By leveraging blockchain technology, the protocol empowers users through decentralization to take control of their digital identities and participate in decentralized, trustless interactions.

The Growth Protocol makes its public debut at India Blockchain Week, a significant event for the Web3 community globally. Alongside a private testnet launch, the team released a proof-of-concept loyalty dApp for game marketing, showcasing the practical application of Web3 technology in the gaming industry.

Speaking at IBW, Nitish Mittersain, CEO and Jt. MD of Nazara, shared his vision for innovations in the gaming sector and expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Nazara's game marketing to the Web3 space. Speaking at India Blockchain Week, Nitish said, We are very happy to innovate on new and upcoming technologies such as web3, VR & AI and look forward to integrating our games with releveant web3 technologies that can add value to our players.

Sadiq Ahamed Shaik, CEO of Lysto, and Founder, The Growth Protocol, said, The Growth Protocol is a platform for developers and all marketing roles. Our team is working with developers to launch a series of growth applications on the L1 blockchain, empowering users through decentralization for marketing and growth initiatives.

The Growth Protocol team, composed of experienced professionals previously at Microsoft and Google, is actively engaging with Web3 developers, key opinion leaders, and marketing professionals at India Blockchain Week, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The Web3 community at IBW is invited to meet the team in person, join the test net launch, and participate in rewarding quests. For those who wont be at IBW are welcome to connect with The Growth Protocol through their website and social channels on X or LinkedIn and more."
Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series  START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.

In conversation with Adgully, Pawanjot Kaur, Co-founder, Ayuvya, speaks about the brands mission to make authentic Ayurveda accessible, inspired by personal health journeys. She highlights overcoming consumer skepticism through education, strategic funding since 2020, and the governments support in driving growth. With innovations like iGain+ and plans for offline expansion, Ayuvya aims to reach Rs 500 crore in revenue within three years, focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities. Kaur advises entrepreneurs to stay authentic, educate consumers, and leverage the growing D2C Ayurvedic market driven by rising health consciousness and global trends.

Could you elaborate on Ayuvyas vision to bring authentic Ayurvedic remedies and how your health journeys shaped the companys mission?

That view of Ayuvya of extending true Ayurvedic wisdom to the rest of the world is inextricably linked to my own transition. A few years ago, I battled chronic skin conditions that seemed relentlessly intractable. Conventional treatments were effective for a short time but could not address the root cause. This struggle drove me to Varanasi, a city of ancient ways of practice and spiritual leading. There, between holy chants and the gentle flow of the Ganga, I met a Vaidya, a 300-generational keeper of Ayurvedic knowledge. He understood what was going on beneath my skin, and he gave me something that changed my life. His remedies healed my skin, but more importantly, I started to experience deep holistic benefits from Ayurveda.

My curiosity became a passion as I explored more of his creations  hair oils, memory boosters, and other products, all made with a 250-year-old family legacy. Each piece was a testimony to Ayurvedas ability to heal and nurture naturally. That experience became my calling, and I knew I had to share this ancient wisdom with the world. Ayuvya is a result of this journey  a promise to provide genuine Ayurvedic remedies that are safe, effective, and quintessentially traditional. Every product I come up with reflects my faith in the transforming abilities of Ayurveda; I want these medicines at everybodys disposal, restoring health, and keeping balance in their lives, the same way it restored balance to my life.

What were the biggest challenges that Ayuvya faced in shifting consumer perceptions about Ayurveda, and how did your educational initiatives help overcome them?

One of the major hurdles for Ayuvya was to overcome the myth that Ayurveda is slow and ineffective, especially in todays market that is flooded with harsh chemical and steroid-based supplements, all of which give faster results than Ayurveda. Most consumers would then fall for the quick fixes without any knowledge about the harmful long-term effects these products could cause.

We addressed this challenge by initiating education programs, holding doctor-led consultations, and running informative campaigns to close the knowledge gap. We were keen on demystifying Ayurvedic principles and demonstrating clinical validation while being able to communicate that 100% natural formulations were safe and effective. In sharing real-life success stories and providing expert guidance, we built trust and engagement, encouraging consumers to choose holistic and sustainable wellness solutions over dangerous alternatives.

How has Ayuvya navigated access to funding and investment opportunities in India, and what role has this played in the companys growth since 2020?

Ayuvya has proudly remained a completely bootstrapped company since its inception. Through the use of internal resources and reinvestment of profits, we have developed a model of continuous, sustainable growth.

Our primary focus has always been on delivering exceptional value to our customers. This responsibility has not only driven our organic expansion, but has also made us a successful profitable company doing the business for the customer's benefit. Being self-sufficient means we have been able to fully direct both our vision and actions, thereby remaining true to our goal of facilitating authentic Ayurvedic wellness.

Have any government initiatives or policies benefited Ayuvya or the Ayurvedic wellness sector overall, and how have they impacted your operations?

The governments effort to encourage the use of Ayurveda by the Ministry of AYUSH has led to a favorable environment for Ayurveda brands such as Ayuvya. Certification and authentication by the Ministry add credibility and trustworthiness, ensuring the authenticity and safety of our products.

Furthermore, FSSAI guidelines for Ayurvedic products have provided clarity and standardization, thus enabling only safe and efficacious products to be marketed for consumers consumption, thereby enhancing the scope of operations by conforming to the quality standards and enabling expansion nationally and internationally. Additionally, schemes such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat have motivated local production and decreased dependence on imports permitting us to procure in-house high-quality natural ingredients, thereby decreasing the cost and bringing Ayuvya in line with the national agenda of self-reliance in Ayurveda.

What advice would you give young entrepreneurs venturing into the Ayurvedic wellness sector, especially those targeting a Direct-to-Consumer model?

For successfully penetrating the Ayurvedic market, it will be critically important to understand the audience, particularly Tier 2 and 3 city markets, where the role of trust and education is critical. Through the blending of ancient Ayurvedic remedies, with new presentation and scientific proof, brands can innovate keeping their authenticity, by providing products to address both traditional and contemporary sensibilities. Customer education is of utmost importance in the formation of brand loyalty; advertising and promotions of the value proposition of Ayurveda will distinguish your brand and create bonding with consumers. To achieve scalability and customer interaction in todays digital world, developing a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model is crucial. The use of digital platforms enables the brands to reach their audience directly, that is, to achieve real-time feedback, also personalized experience, and consequently establish a better relationship with their audience. This trend not only leads to growth but also allows us to make a significant impact on the consumer, notably by building trust in the authenticity and benefits of Ayurvedic products.

How do you project the growth of the Ayurvedic wellness market in India compared to global trends, and what are the key drivers influencing this market shift?

Ayurveda wellness has a bright future as it is expected to grow significantly as health becomes important, people go towards natural remedies, and the government supports the sector strongly. Demand grows fastest in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities in India compared to anywhere else in the world. Internationally, trends like holistic health, personalized wellness, and sustainable living further globalize the appeal of Ayurveda. If brands like Ayuvya can leverage this growing consumer interest in natural and sustainable wellness solutions, this could create a tremendous opportunity for them. As more and more people globally seek alternatives to synthetic products, Ayurveda would seem to be a trusted and effective path to well-being, making Ayuvya fortunate to benefit from this growing demand and success in the domestic and international markets in the future.

Could you share details about Ayuvyas plans to expand its offline presence, and what strategic goals are in place to achieve your Rs 500 crore revenue target within the next three years?

Ayuvya is focused on achieving its Rs 500 crore revenue target within the next three years through a multifaceted growth strategy. This includes enhancing its offline presence by opening Ayurvedic wellness centers and collaborating with brick-and-mortar retailers. The brand also plans to stock products with local pharmacists to ensure broader accessibility and convenience for customers. Expanding into international markets is a key priority, with a focus on regions like the US, Europe, and the Middle East, where there is growing interest in Ayurveda and natural wellness solutions.

Strengthening its digital channels is another goal, leveraging quick commerce platforms and e-commerce giants to drive online sales. Additionally, Ayuvya aims to build its retail presence by partnering with health-focused retail chains and Ayurvedic wellness centers. The brand will also create user-generated content (UGC) campaigns to educate audiences about the benefits of Ayurveda, enhancing trust, awareness, and engagement with a wider customer base. Ayuvya has introduced products like iGain+. How do you plan to continue innovating in the Ayurvedic market, especially for Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities?

Ayuvya is committed to creating affordable, tailored solutions for Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, addressing unique challenges like trust-building and affordability. We plan to launch localized Ayurvedic products that cater to region-specific health concerns, such as seasonal ailments. To engage these communities, we will collaborate with local influencers and regional language content creators, using innovative campaigns to educate and build trust. To ensure affordability and easy access, we will partner with local retail outlets and pharmacies, offering competitive pricing.

Additionally, we aim to expand our product range by introducing new strength and power-based solutions, focusing on enhancing physical strength and endurance, in response to the growing demand for wellness products that support active, healthy lifestyles in these regions. This approach will help us connect with a wider customer base while meeting their specific needs.
Erica Grieder is a business reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

She joined the Houston Chronicle, as a metro columnist, in 2017. Prior to that she spent ten years based in Austin, reporting on politics and economics, as the southwest correspondent for The Economist, from 2007-2012, then as a senior editor at Texas Monthly, from 2012-2016. In 2013, she published her first book, "Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right: What America Can Learn from the Strange Genius of Texas." An Air Force brat, Erica thinks of San Antonio as home. She is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas's Emerging Leaders Council, and holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs and Columbia University, where she majored in philosophy.
Anurag Mehrotra, the Vice President of International Business and Strategy for Tata Motors' Commercial Vehicles division, has reportedly stepped down from his position. As per media reports he is set to join JSW MG Motor in February as the new CEO.

Mehrotra joined Tata Motors in October 2021 after a long tenure at Ford India, where he served as Managing Director for around 14 years. He left Ford following a major restructuring that included the closure of manufacturing facilities and discontinuation of the company's current vehicle lineup. Prior to this he has also worked as Vice President - Corporate Marketing for 3 years.
Authored by Karan Sehdev, Founder of Merch Matters

Businesses from various industries are continuously searching for methods to stand out and stay relevant in today's fiercely competitive and innovative business environment. Effective marketing is a crucial tactic that has worked wonders for organizations of all kinds, and corporate gifting companies are no exception. These businesses may now engage with their target audience, promote their products, and spur growth thanks to the emergence of business marketing.

In the corporate world, giving gifts to others has become an essential part of creating relationships. Businesses use gifts to show gratitude, promote goodwill, and create enduring bonds with partners, customers, and staff. The importance of business marketing has never been greater as the market for individualized, superior corporate presents continues to expand. This essay will examine how corporate giving organizations benefit from business marketing and why it is crucial to their operations.

The Importance of Business Marketing in Corporate Gifting

Enhancing Brand Awareness: One key objective of corporate marketing is to raise brand awareness and recognition. By employing marketing strategies, corporate giving organizations may guarantee that the proper people notice their brand and products. Corporate giving firms may attract new customers and improve brand recognition through a variety of channels, including social media, email campaigns, content marketing, and even search engine optimization (SEO).

Marketing allows firms to promote their unique offerings, such as personalized gift options, high-quality products, and creative customization. Corporate gifting firms that properly market their brand may establish themselves as reliable partners for businesses looking to reward or interact with customers and employees.

Targeting the Right Audience: For any business, reaching the correct audience is crucial to success. In the corporate giving sector, marketing tactics assist organizations in finding and targeting businesses that may profit from their offerings. Corporate gifting companies can tailor their campaigns to specific industries, company sizes, and job roles using tools such as data analytics, social media advertising, and customer segmentation, ensuring they connect with potential clients looking for corporate gifting solutions.

Effective marketing also helps businesses understand their customers' preferences and needs. For example, by watching client activity on their website or social media sites, organizations may customize their marketing messaging to suit customer desiressuch as eco-friendly presents, luxury products, or budget-friendly optionsthereby enhancing the odds of conversion.

Building Customer Relationships: In the corporate gifting sector, building and maintaining strong relationships is essential for long-term business success. Business marketing is instrumental in nurturing these relationships by keeping clients informed and engaged. Through regular email newsletters, special offers, and personalized recommendations, marketing efforts help corporate gifting companies stay top-of-mind for their clients.

Additionally, marketing provides an avenue for companies to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Whether its through blog posts, case studies, or client testimonials, businesses can showcase their ability to deliver exceptional gifting solutions that meet the needs of corporate clients. This helps to instill trust and establish a strong reputation within the industry.

Creating and Promoting Customization Options: In the world of business gifts, customization is essential. Businesses seek customized presents that reflect their messaging, company values, and the recipient's preferences. Marketing is essential in promoting these customization options and ensuring that customers are aware of the range of choices at their disposal.

From putting together personalized gift sets that represent a company's identity to engraving logos on upscale presents, effective marketing may show how these decisions have a long-lasting effect. Corporate gifting companies can emphasize how personalized presents can improve their company image and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders by using visually appealing content, such as social media posts and promotional videos.

Increasing Sales and Conversion Rates: Sales are the ultimate purpose of business marketing, and corporate giving is no exception. Corporate gifting organizations may increase their chances of converting leads into paying clients by implementing a range of marketing methods such as influencer marketing, paid advertising, and retargeting approaches. Companies may attract more relevant visitors to their websites by utilizing advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram, which provide personalized campaigns to reach potential consumers who have demonstrated an interest in similar things.

Content marketing is critical in educating clients about the value of corporate giving. Businesses may persuade potential customers to invest in corporate presents by proving the ROI of giving techniques, offering professional guidance, and sharing case studies of successful gifting campaigns. These marketing activities can assist corporate gifting organizations in positioning themselves as industry thought leaders and trusted experts.

Leveraging Social Media and Online Presence: In the digital age, firms of all sizes must have a strong online presence. Corporate giving organizations may now efficiently communicate with their customers, discuss their goods, and demonstrate their abilities by utilizing social networking platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Businesses may raise awareness of their products and services by providing shareable content such as branded videos, customer endorsements, and behind-the-scenes views into the product development process.

In todays competitive marketplace, business marketing is not just a tool for promoting products and services. It is a cornerstone of success, particularly for corporate gifting companies. Effective marketing helps these businesses increase brand awareness, target the right audience, build strong customer relationships, and drive sales. By leveraging various marketing strategies, corporate gifting companies can position themselves as leaders in the industry, reach new heights of growth, and create lasting impressions on their clients. In the end, business marketing is not just a necessity for promoting products; it is an essential strategy that drives the future success of corporate gifting companies.
In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO, PNB Housing Finance, shares comprehensive insights into the companys strategic approach to affordable housing through its flagship vertical, Roshni. Introduced as a dedicated business unit, Roshni underscores PNB Housings commitment to addressing Indias growing affordable housing demand.

With a robust plan in place, Roshnis growth trajectory emphasizes branch expansion, yield optimization, and a balanced focus across various risk segments. By leveraging its nationwide presence and over 35 years of expertise in the mortgage industry, PNB Housing is redefining its market approach, particularly in the affordable and emerging segments.

Key highlights of the strategy include a phased increase in affordable housing branches, targeted business segmentation across low-, medium-, and high-risk categories, and a structured focus on both salaried and self-employed customers. Girish also reveals plans to launch a new vertical in 2025, further diversifying the companys offerings and enhancing profitability.

As the affordable housing market gains momentum, fueled by government initiatives such as PMAY and the Interest Subsidy Scheme, Roshni is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving PNB Housings ambitious growth targets, contributing significantly to its overall retail portfolio.

What was the yield for Roshni in the first year, and how does it compare to the yield achieved in the second year?

In the first year of Roshni, the focus was on a safe and secure portfolio by targeting the low-risk segment, resulting in a yield of 11.5%. In the second year, the strategy expanded to include medium-risk segments, increasing the yield to 12.3%. By year-end, the yield is expected to reach 12.6%, and from next year, the yield is projected to exceed 13%.

How is PNB Housings strategy divided across different segments in the affordable housing market, and what is the targeted percentage of business from each segment?

PNB Housing focuses on the retail segment, with a faster growth rate for the affordable and emerging books compared to the prime book. Within affordable housing, the business is divided into high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk segments, with the primary focus on the medium-risk segment, while maintaining limited exposure to high-risk and low-risk categories.

What is the potential of the affordable housing market in India, and how does government support like the PMAY scheme impact this sector?

Government schemes, including PMAY and the new ISS subsidy scheme, have significantly boosted the affordable housing market. The ISS scheme aims to benefit 1 crore customers over five years, with subsidies of up to 1.8 lakh per customer. This translates to 20 lakh customers annually, benefiting end-users and housing finance companies alike. The governments focus on the EWS, LIG, and MIG segments aligns with PNB Housings strategy in affordable and emerging markets.

What is the planned growth for Roshni in terms of branch expansion, and what is the target for the retail book size by FY27?

The current retail book stands at 68,000 crore, with a target to grow it to 1 lakh crore by FY27. In the affordable segment, there are currently 160 branches, which are expected to increase to 200 by the end of this year and further expand to 300 branches by FY27. The total branch network will grow to 500, with the remaining branches focused on the emerging segment rather than the prime segment. Branch expansion efforts will primarily target Roshni and the emerging business.

How has 2024 been for the industry and the Indian economy as a whole?

The Indian economy performed well in 2024, with rural areas showing signs of recovery. While some segments, such as Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and small-ticket personal loans, faced challenges, the mortgage industry maintained a growth rate of 1314%. Secured products like mortgages and vehicle loans outperformed, though unsecured lending is expected to recover more slowly.

How has the BFSI sector performed in 2024, particularly for PNB Housing?

Within BFSI, the mortgage sector performed strongly. PNB Housing experienced no significant slowdown despite external factors like elections and heatwaves, achieving robust growth in retail and corporate segments.

How did PNB perform during 2024? What were the key developments and achievements of PNB during the year?

In 2024, PNB achieved significant milestones. The company successfully addressed four major challenges, including raising capital last year, which laid the foundation for improved performance. Growth in the retail segment saw considerable improvement, and the corporate lending segment was restarted. PNB also received a rating upgrade and managed to double its profitability over the last two years. This year, the company is poised to achieve over 17% growth with healthy margins, reflecting its strong performance and positive trajectory.

What are PNB Housings plans for 2025?

The company plans to launch a LAP vertical in 2025, marking the beginning of new initiatives aimed at innovation and strategic growth.
Cucumbers sold at several national retailers are being recalled due to a potential link to an ongoing salmonella outbreak.

Arizona-based SunFed Produce has recalled cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 at retailers in more than two dozen states and five Canadian provinces. SunFed is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the SunFed label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated growers name.

SunFed initiated the recall after the US Food and Drug Administration notified SunFed that the cucumbers described above were associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between Oct. 12  Nov. 15, 2024, the company said in a press release.

SunFed says it is contacting its direct buyers to advise them of the recall. No other products sold by or farms supplying to SunFed are included in the recall.

Both U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued notices about the cucumber recall. According to the notices, the cucumbers should no longer be available to purchase, but the agencies are urging consumers who may have them at home not to eat them.

Where were the cucumbers sold?

According to USA TODAY, the cucumbers were sold at Walmart, Costco, Albertsons, and Wegmans. The retailers have issued notices about the recall.

According to notices from the FDA and the CDC, the cucumbers were sold at retailers in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

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Wynonna Judds daughter Grace Kelley, PEOPLE confirmed, was arrested for a third time this year in late October.

According to the report, Kelley, 28, was arrested in Albemarle County, Va., on Oct. 27.

The Daily Progress reports Kelley was arrested after stealing a church van, which the Ground Zero Church of the Nazarene also confirmed on a GoFundMe page.

On Oct. 27th, our green church van and trailer were stolen from in front of our pastors home by Grace Pauline Kelley, the churchs lead pastor Kent Hart said on its fundraising page. Grace is currently in police custody. The van was damaged during the theft and after being inspected by a body shop, the insurance has determined it to be a total loss.

She faces seven charges, including three counts of felony grand larceny. She was also charged with driving without a license, destruction of property with intent, failure to use headlights and setting in motion a vehicle with intent to commit a crime.

Per The Daily Progress, Hart allegedly chased down Kelley when he saw the van pulling out of his driveway and followed her to Virginia Route 20 where he tried to box her in after she drove around his Chevrolet Yukon.

In April, AL.com reported Kelley exposed her breasts and lower body at the busy intersection of Interstate 65 and Highway 14 in Millbrook. She was charged with indecent exposure and obstructing government operations, both misdemeanor crimes.

In August, Kelley was arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving with a suspended/revoked license and not using motorcycle equipment properly.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Michael Biehn, born in Anniston, Ala., made a name for himself in Hollywood as Kyle Reese in James Camerons 1984 hit The Terminator and went on to roles in other classic sci-fi films such as Aliens and The Abyss. But the movie landscape would have looked a bit different had he landed a role in Tim Burtons Batman.

Recently, Biehn was discussed the role on his podcast Just Foolin About with Michael Biehn and said director Tim Burton named him a top contender to play Bruce Wayne/Batman in the 1989 summer blockbuster instead of the directors ultimate choice, Michael Keaton. Watch the podcast here.

I went in and met Tim Burton over at Warner Brothers, Biehn said on the podcast. Back in those days they were just meetings, they werent auditions. I guess he liked me quite a bit, and this was for Batman, for the original Batman.

The meeting went well, Biehn said, but the part eventually went to Keaton, who made the role his own in that film and the sequel, Batman Returns.

In the iconic comic book movie, Keaton played opposite Jack Nicholson as the Joker.

After the meeting with Burton, Biehns agent said Burton was considering two choices: It was either that choice [Keaton and Nicholson] or me and Robin Williams  Robin Williams playing the Joker  and that he was making up his mind about that, Biehn said.

When Burton chose Keaton/Nicholson, Biehn said he just went on to the next thing, unaware Batman would become an iconic film.

Watch the full clip below.

Born in 1956, Biehn moved to Nebraska at a young age before attending the University of Arizona. His movie career began with an uncredited bit part in 1978s Grease before landing a lead role in The Terminator alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. Hed again work with Cameron on Aliens and The Abyss. Other notable films include Navy SEALs, K2 and The Rock. Recent television credits include Criminal Minds, The Walking Dead and The Mandalorian.

MORE: Did Kurt Russell direct Tombstone? Alabama actor in iconic western says no
In 1956, three years before he began writing his bestselling true-crime book In Cold Blood, the already famous author Truman Capote wrote a heartwarming short story about his childhood Christmases in Alabama. The autobiographical A Christmas Memory, originally published in Mademoiselle magazine, was so popular that it was published as a standalone book and made into a teleplay in 1966. Since then, it has been published in dozens of anthologies and another television movie version was made by Hallmark in 1997.

Author Truman Capote, who spent his boyhood in Monroeville, Ala., was close with his elderly cousin Nannie "Sook" Faulk, shown here in the 1930s. The story "A Christmas Memory" is about their relationship.Monroeville Courthouse Museum

But in February of 1966, TV crews were in Snowdoun, an unincorporated community of 250 residents in Montgomery County, to film A Christmas Memory as an episode of the series ABC Stage 67.

The episode, which was directed by Frank Perry and aired Dec. 21 that year, was one of the first of the series to be filmed as if it were a movie rather than in the typical teleplay format. In 1969, it was released in theaters as one-third of Capotes Trilogy.

Truman Capote's short story "A Christmas Memory" has been published as a book and adapted for film and stage.Kelly Kazek

The story was about Capotes relationship with his aging cousin, Nannie (sometimes spelled Nanny but Nannie on her tombstone) Rumbley Faulk, nicknamed Sook. It described their efforts to make 30 fruitcakes for neighbors and friends before Christmas.

Legendary actor Geraldine Page, who was only 42 at the time, played Sook. Sook would have been in her 60s in the 1930s when the story was set. Page won an Emmy Award for the role; Capote also won an Emmy for writing the teleplay.

Page, who wore no makeup for the role, told a reporter for The Chicago Tribune she enjoyed playing an older character: A woman whos lived more has more in her. Theres more to act.

You can watch the full film here.

Reel vs. reality

As a boy, Capotes mother, Lillie Mae Faulk, left him in the care of the same aging cousins who had raised her following the deaths of her own parents. The siblings, all unmarried, lived in a large house on South Alabama Avenue in Monroeville, Ala., including head of household Virginia Jenny Faulk and three of her siblings, Sook, Callie and Bud Faulk.

When Capote, nicknamed Buddy, wasnt playing with his neighbor Nelle Harper Lee, who also grew up to be an author, he spent his time with Sook.

This photo shows the bed of the Old Federal Road in Monroeville, Ala., where Truman Capote spent his boyhood. The road continues along Alabama Highway 331 through Montgomery County where "A Christmas Memory" was filmed.Greg Waselkov, University of South Alabama

Capote, who often described his sense of otherness as a boy, made fast friends with his cousin, who was also considered different  Capote refers to her as a child herself in his books. In his sequel story The Thanksgiving Visitor, Capote says of Buddy and Sook: It was inevitable in our separate loneliness we would come to share a friendship apart.

MORE: Alabama town served as setting for The Thanksgiving Visitor

Filming for A Christmas Memory began Feb. 24, 1966, in the communities of Ramer, Snowdoun, Burnt Corn and Cecil. The main filming took place at a ramshackle farmhouse along Alabama Highway 331, part of the Old Federal Road, nine miles from Montgomery, according to a Feb. 24, 1966, article in The Montgomery Advertiser. The house is no longer standing.

The home where Truman Capote lived with his Faulk cousins in Monroeville, Ala., as it looked following a fire. Only portions of the stone wall and foundation remain.Old Monroe County Courthouse and Heritage Museum

Perry said he picked the Alabama locale for the filming because he had been invited by Gov. George Wallaces office and because production equipment is available in Birmingham, the article said. He said the location is ideal and that he has received excellent cooperation from the people in Montgomery in setting up scenes.

The house in which Capote grew up in Monroeville is also no longer standing, although the site has been preserved as an important part of literary history. The stone fence and parts of the foundation remain, marked with a historical marker about Capotes time in the town. Harper Lees home was located next door, where Mels Dairy Dream now stands.

Ruins of the home in Monroeville where author Truman Capote was raised. (Photo by Wil Elrick)

The film locale was chosen for its resemblance to Monroeville, which Perry said had become too modernized to fit the Depression-era timeline. The farmhouse was supposed to be a stand-in for the one owned by Capotes Faulk cousins but the rambling house with dilapidated back steps was not like the Faulk home. The Faulks were not poor and lived well even during the Depression. Jenny Faulk, the main breadwinner of the family, was a merchant and the family never lacked for money, although Sook and young Truman would not have had money of their own and it is possible they scrimped for pennies and for ingredients, as in the story, to make Sooks famous fruitcakes.

MORE: Truman Capotes A Christmas Memory and the Fruitcake Lady

The film shows the duo gathering pecans for cakes, a scene filmed in a pecan grove in the community of Ramer, according to the article in The Montgomery Advertiser.

The character of Buddy was played by child actor Donnie Melvin. The film was narrated by Capote.

According to The Alabama Journal, a Montgomery woman who acted locally was chosen to portray one of the Faulk cousins in the movie. Lavinia Cassels will make her nationwide debut on TV. The only Montgomerian in the cast, Lavinia plays on of the old maid aunts, the article said. Although she is identified in the cast only as aunt, she is clearly portraying Capotes elderly cousin, Jenny Faulk.

When Perry asked Cassels if she knew anyone who looked enough like her to portray her sister, Cassels proposed her real-life sister, Christine Marler, who was quickly cast as another aunt, most likely based on Sook and Jennys sister, Callie. Cassels was also cast in the 1968 TV movie version of The Thanksgiving Visitor.

A photo in the April 1966 edition of The Birmingham Post-Herald shows Truman Capote recording his narration of "A Christmas Memory."Birmingham Post-Herald

Capote was expected to visit the set, according to various newspaper accounts, but its unclear if he did. An April article in The Birmingham Post-Herald said Capote, who had been in London for the British publication of In Cold Blood, had returned to New York to record his narration for the film.
An Alabama man accused in the July 18 shooting deaths of his wife and four children  including two of his own  admitted the slayings to investigators shortly after the massacre.

He said the TV told him to kill his family, and he said something about radio towers, ALEA State Bureau of Investigation Agent Ivy Hornsby testified Thursday in a Bibb County courtroom.

The agents testimony came during a preliminary hearing for 32-year-old Brandon Allan Kendrick II, who is charged with five counts of capital murder.

The charges are four counts of capital murder of a child under the age of 14, and one count of capital murder in the slayings of two or more people in one act.

Killed were Brandon Kendricks wife of six years, 24-year-old Kelse Kendrick, and their two children Kaleb Kendrick, 6 and Kynli Kendrick, 2.

The other victims were the couples niece and nephew, Haley Daniels, 6, and Colton Daniels, who was killed days before his 9th birthday.

Kendrick, whose grandfather is the longtime pastor of Oasis of Praise church in Bessemer, has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Testimony revealed that all five victims had been shot in the head, and Hornsby would go on to explain where each victim was found. The chilling testimony brought tears from the family members.

Following the hearing, District Judge Marvin Wiggins forwarded the case to a Bibb County grand jury for indictment consideration.

Kendrick, shacked at the hands and feet, did not speak during the hearing. He appeared to be focused on the proceedings but occasionally glanced to his left where several rows of family members of the victims sat.

Kendricks mother and sister were in the courtroom but were sitting with the victims families. Several wept quietly throughout Hornsbys testimony.

Kelse Kendrick, 24, her two children, Kaleb Kendrick, 6 and Kynli Kendrick, 2. and her niece and nephew, Haley Daniels, 6, and Colton Daniels, 8, were shot to death July 18, 2024. Brandon Kendrick is charged with capital murder.(Tamika Moore)

The shooting happened at the home of Pastor Kendrick. His grandson and family lived in the garage apartment on the West Blocton property.

The large, close-knit family earlier that day had gathered at the home of Bill Morrow, Kelse Kendricks grandfather, for a pool party to celebrate Colton.

Brandon Kendrick did not attend Coltons party.

The plan, family has previously said, was for Kelse Kendrick and all four children to spend the night at Morrows home after the party.

Jessica Morrow, Haley and Coltons mother, had surgery planned for the following day. Kelse Kendrick was keeping the children since Morrow had to be at the hospital early Friday morning.

Brandon Kendrick repeatedly called his wife, telling her to come home.

Ultimately, Kelse Kendrick agreed to return home. Morrow took Kelse Kendrick and the four children back to the garage apartment.

Hornsby testified that the 911 call reporting the mass shooting came in at 8:18 p.m. that Thursday. He said he arrived on the scene about 10:30 p.m. and described what he saw when he arrived.

Dozens of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies had set up a large perimeter and cordoned off the house.

Kelse Kendrick and her young son and daughter were among five people killed in Bibb County on July 18, 2024. Kelse's husband, Brandon Kendrick, is charged with capital murder.(Special to AL.com)

The investigator said the first victim he encountered was Kelse Kendrick, who was dead inside an ambulance on the familys property. She had been shot in the back of the head.

Hornsby said he then walked to the garage apartment, where he found Kaleb dead on the sidewalk. Kaleb had been shot in the head, specifically his right eye.

Next, he went into the apartment where he saw 8-year-old Colton on the floor between the front door and the television. Colton, too, was dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

Two-year-old Kynli was found between a bed and a couch. She had been shot twice in the head.

Haley had already been rushed to Childrens of Alabama in Birmingham. Hornsby said she either died en route or shortly after arrival.

Investigators recovered seven spent shell casings from the scene.

Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones is prosecuting the case.

Kendrick is represented by Birmingham attorneys Maston Evans, Wakisha Hazzard and Tacara Sabir.

Evans asked Hornsby about his interview with Kendrick after the shootings.

He was reluctant to go into detail, but said he shot his wife, his children, and his niece and nephew, Horsby said.

Hornsby told Evans Kendrick did not appear to be under the influence of any substance.

Evans asked Hornsby if he had further investigated Kendricks 911 call early that day during which Evans said his client reported he was having a mental breakdown.

Hornsby said he knew about the call but had not investigated it further.

Prosecutors, defense attorneys and the victims family members all declined comment after the hearing.

Kendrick remains held without bond.

Pastor Kendrick told his congregation what happened three days after the shooting.

Ten minutes before I heard a gunshot, my grandson was sitting in my bedroom with me and Gay, laughing, talking, talked about the first time we ever took him to a restaurant for his 13th birthday, Pastor Kendrick said. Hed never been in a restaurant.

The elder Kendrick has claimed his grandson suffers from mental illness and has said the system failed him.

Pastor Kendrick said in the predawn hours of that Thursday, Brandon Kendrick had called 911 asking for help, only to be turned down, he said.

In the bedroom with me and Gay, we talked about the J. Alexanders lunch we took him to and a few other things. We were laughing and talking, the pastor said. His wife had gotten home. She came in, laughed with us a little while, left.

He (Brandon) got up, 10 minutes later, Pow' Pastor Kendrick said.

I told Gay, Thats a gunshot,' he said. She said it was.

Moments later, Brandon Kendrick walked into the bedroom with a gun in his hand. Gay Kendrick was closest to him.

She grabbed the gun. It went off, Pastor Kendrick said. I dont know how it kept from hitting her.
The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur is mourning the loss of Kale, a beloved Kemps ridley sea turtle who passed away late last month.

This remarkable creature captured our hearts, and he will be greatly missed, the museum wrote in a release earlier this week.

Over the last year and a half, the museums veterinary team has been fighting to help Kale recover from osteomyelitis, a bacterial bone infection.

Kale came to the museum in 2020 from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center as a a non-releasable sea turtle, according to the release.

In 2019, Kale was hooked as a juvenile by a recreational fisherman off a pier on Chesapeake Bay in Virginia which led to his rescue by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

Due to the size of the hook, an endoscopic procedure could not remove it, so several invasive surgeries were required.

Kales wound did not fully heal, creating scar tissue and a fistula, a hollow space where food and debris can get trapped and cause infections.

Though Kale adjusted well to his new home in 2020 and received constant supervision and care from the Museums Animal Care staff and consulting veterinarian, Dr. Chris Keller, he was removed from display in January 2022 and moved to the museums off-site facility, where vets determined he was fighting a significant bacterial infection.

This fall, Kales appetite continued to decline. He was found unresponsive just before Thanksgiving, according to the museum.

Keller performed a necropsy and sent tissue samples to a veterinary laboratory to confirm the cause of death.

Hopefully, when the results from the pathology reports come back from the labs, they will give closure to the nature of the battle Kale fought, the release reads.

The Cook Museum of Natural Science wants to extend our deepest gratitude to our Animal Care staff for all the love and hard work, to Dr. Keller and Shelby for the expert care and hands-on attention, and to the Tennessee Aquarium for allowing Kale to receive the best possible setting for the last few weeks of his struggle.

Special thanks go out to the administration and staff of Decatur Morgan Hospital for partnering with us to provide care for Kale.

Finally, we wish to thank all the Museums guests and supporters for welcoming Kale and showing him love and concern during his journey.

Dozens of commentors took to social media to share their love for the famous reptile.

My boys will be so heartbroken, wrote one. Thank you for doing all you could for him.

He will be greatly missed! another commented. He was our favorite reason to visit!
Portrait of Chef Frederic Perrier at Aura Brasserie Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Sugar Land. Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Frederic Perrier, a respected French chef who helped usher in a wave of talented compatriots from France who cooked and eventually opened their own restaurants in Houston, died on Monday. He was 61.

His wife, Michelle Perrier, said her husband had faced a series of health-related challenges the past few years but that the cause of death was a heart attack.

When Frederic Perrier arrived in Houston, there were a few French restaurants but none had the cachet of a chef who had worked extensively at Michelin-starred restaurants or alongside some of the most notable chefs from his native France.

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The art of cooking was so important to him, Michelle said. It meant everything to him.

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicle's Top 100 restaurants

Before Frederic Perrier became a towering figure among Houstons French chefs, he spent years cooking in a string of respected restaurants.

Born in Villefranche-sur-Saone, located on the outskirts of Lyon, France, Frederic Perrier was an only child.

He knew early on that cooking was his destiny.

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At age 13, Frederic Perrier took an apprenticeship at Les Trois Domes in the Hotel Sofitel in Lyon. He eventually worked at George Blancs three Michelin-starred La Mere Blanc as well as alongside Paul Bocuse, one of Frances most widely celebrated chefs.

In the early '80s, he made his way to New York City. Back then French restaurants were synonymous with fine dining.

He cooked at many of Manhattans most popular Le restaurants, including Le Chantilly, La Boheme and La Cite.

It was at La Cite, where he was the executive chef, that Frederic first met Michelle in 1993. She was a native Houstonian who moved to New York City to dabble in acting. Her roommate, also an aspiring actor, was a server at La Cite, and they swung by the Midtown Manhattan restaurant one day for a leisurely lunch.

His reputation preceded him at the time, said Michelle, who joked about his outsized personality. He had a lot of female friends.

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Frederic pursued Michelle, but it was 30 days before she agreed to go on a date with him.

Their courtship began with a glass of Champagne at Coco Pazzo before sitting down to a 15-course meal at Daniel, one of New Yorks leading French restaurants under acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. They made it official three weeks later following a weekend in the Bahamas, Michelle said.

I didnt speak any French, Michelle said. He would say he didnt speak any Texan either.

Frederic would later open F Stop, which was popular with photographers and models, in New York and was the private chef to the French ambassador to the United Nations for four years.

In 1997, the couple moved to Houston shortly after they were married and Michelle was pregnant. They had two sons, Frederic Freddy II and Alexander, who goes by Lex.

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It was shocking for him, said Michelle of the move to Texas. He had some second, third and fourth thoughts. It took him awhile to adjust before it became home.

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Galvestons world champion baker is finally ready to open her dream bakery full of cookies and cakes

Frederic quickly established a name for himself at Grille 5115, located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria. He then opened Cafe Perrier, 4304 Westheimer, and introduced Houstonians to his version traditional French cooking.

After about five years of operating Cafe Perrier, Frederic slowed down and cooked at a country club closer to the familys home in Missouri City.

In 2007, he opened Aura Restaurant in Missouri City. That restaurant became a bar called Coco Pazzo, where the couple had their first drink together, and they reopened Aura as a more casual brasserie in Sugar Land.

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In 2018, he helped open Bisou (kiss in French) in the River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer. Aura would eventually close, but the couple also operated Live Oak Grill and Hoggs n Chicks in Fort Bend County.

When we came here, there wasnt much to choose from for French restaurants at the time, Michelle said. Some people called him the godfather of French cooking in Houston.

Its a sentiment that Felipe Riccio, a chef-partner at the one-Michelin-starred March, shared. As a high school student, he said he knocked on Auras door at least 18 to 20 times before Frederic gave him a chance.

Riccio, who had plans to attend culinary school after graduation, said he learned the basics of making classic French sauces and butchering in Frederics kitchens. But it was the lessons on not wasting food and developing relationships with farmers and purveyors that stood out.

From left: Master Chef of France chefs in Houston Philippe Schmit, Frederic Perrier and Philippe Verpiand at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Tuesday June 02, 2015. Dave Rossman/Freelance

Philippe Verpiand, the chef-owner of Etoile, said Frederics food knowledge of French cooking was one of the best.

Frederic and Verpiand were both anointed members of the Maitres Cuisiniers de France Association, a title recognizing them as master chefs.

The friends were in touch daily, even as Frederic struggled with various health issues the past few years.

We all looked up to [Frederic], Verpiand said.

Frederics time in the kitchen ended in May 2021, when a blood clot lead to multiple strokes and heart attacks that left him paralyzed on the left side of his body, Michelle said. His left lung collapsed over a dozen times.

The doctors and nurses said, I dont know how hes alive, she said. They said he was the man that wouldnt die.

Frederic had to relearn how to walk, talk and eat. Michelle became his full-time caretaker and although her husband could not cook like before, he still loved food. They ate lots of comfort food from his childhood, such as like cassoulet and coq au vin that Michelle would help cook, and his love for creme brulee and pate also never went away.

Michelle said Frederic lived with constant pain in his final years and that his body had to work so hard every day. His heart just gave out.

We lost who I think is a legend in Houston, Riccio said.
After several years of delays, Alabamians will be required to have their STAR IDs by May of next year, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

STAR  which stands for Secure, Trusted, Reliable  is part of the Real ID Act of 2005 that modifies federal laws dealing with security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver licenses and identification cards.

Originally, all U.S. citizens were supposed to have the ID by Oct. 1, 2020, but that was pushed back to Oct. 1, 2021, then May 3, 2023, due to the pandemic. And now it has been moved to next year.

STAR IDs will look like traditional driver licenses except with a gold star in the upper left corners.

Starting in May, people will need a STAR ID, known federally as Real ID, or a passport for all domestic flights.

In Alabama, people can apply for STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License examining offices. You can see a list of those here.

Applicants must present four documents to verify identity/date of birth, Social Security number and address of principal residence.

Among the accepted documents are valid, unexpired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.

Other documents will be needed to verify Social Security number and address. You can see a complete list of accepted documents here.

More info on STAR ID can be found here.
The body found by hunters in a hammock in Alabamas Talladega National Forest has been confirmed to be an Ohio hiker who vanished while on a hiking trip months ago.

Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs said he was notified Wednesday by the Alabama Department of Forensic Science that the remains were those of Vendula Wendy Rose, a 41-year-old wife and mother who disappeared in September while on a hiking and camping trip to east Alabama.

Although this is not the outcome the family neither wanted nor expected, it is our hearts desire that this will allow the family to have closure, Downs said. Please join me in prayer for the family as they mourn the loss of their beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister.

Downs said the cause of death remains under investigation.

Authorities have previously said there was no sign of foul play.

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.

Her car  a 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.

Prior to Sept. 20, Rose spoke with family and friends about taking a hiking trip to Alabama.

Vendula "Wendy" Rose's hammockCleburne County Sheriff

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.

Multiple law enforcement agencies launched a massive and in-depth search for Rose.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, 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. Authorities described the terrain as rough, and said it was secluded from any nearby trails

Investigators found what is believed to be Roses campsite. Roses body was in a hammock that was covered, and 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.

Anyone with additional 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.
The family of a teen boy who was killed in a DUI crash five days ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the woman who police say was behind the wheel and driving on the wrong side of the road when she plowed into an oncoming vehicle.

The crash also seriously injured two women, both of whom are also suing the charged driver as well as a Tuscaloosa bar.

The horrific wreck happened at 3:43 a.m. Friday on Hugh Thomas Bridge in Northport.

KeJavien KJ Summerville, 16, was killed. His cousin, TaKiyah Hinton, 19, and another woman, 22-year-old Quintasia Shana Harris, were both rushed to hospitals with serious injuries.

Hinton has been released, and her attorneys say she has a long road to recovery. Harris remains hospitalized at UAB in Birmingham.

Rachael Robinson, 29, is charged with manslaughter, two counts of first-degree assault and DUI. She is out of jail on $60,000 bond.

Authorities said she was driving her Jeep Wrangler northbound in the southbound lane when she struck the Nissan Versa head on. Hinton was driving the Versa, and KJ was a front-seat passenger.

Harris was in the back seat.

The Patterson Law Firm on Thursday filed a wrongful death and catastrophic injury lawsuit on behalf of KJs mother, Shakeria Lanier, and Hinton.

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Robinson and Copper Top, a Tuscaloosa bar, on behalf of Harris.

Copper Top did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lawyers for the victims said Robinson had just left Copper Top in Temerson Square before the deadly crash, and contend employees there illegally served her alcohol while she was visibly intoxicated.

Its an absolute catastrophe what has happened to this family, said North Patterson, an attorney for Hinton and KJs family. They were looking forward to spending Thanksgiving and Christmas together.

Patterson said Hinton has undergone surgery to try to repair a severely broken femur.

She has a long road ahead of her, Patterson said.

Harris, according to her lawsuit, suffered multiple fractures and severe lacerations, some of those internal.

Their lives have been flipped upside down, Patterson said. Were asking thoughts and prayers at this time.

Patterson said they are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as civil justice.

We live in a day an age where ride-sharing is at our fingertips whether its Uber, or Lyft, or phone a friend, he said. Its inexcusable to drink and drive.
A new traffic safety report released Thursday shows Alabama is among the overwhelming majority of states that have optimal laws on the books but could do more to improve the safety of their roadways.

Alabama is one of 35 states that received a yellow caution rating in an annual report card issued by the Washington, D.C.-based Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. The report card is contained in the groups 2025 Roadmap to Safety, which rates all 50 states and D.C. on their progress toward enacting 18 traffic safety laws and provisions proven in helping reduce deaths and injuries.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement, and insurance companies.

The 18 laws are included in six different categories: Adult occupant protection, child passenger safety, young drivers and graduated driver licensing programs, impaired driving, distracted driving, and automated enforcement to curb speed and red light running.

Only six states, including Louisiana, received a green rating that shows significant advancement toward adopting all of the agencys recommended optimal laws. Another nine states received a red rating, which indicated the states fell dangerously behind in adoption of the groups recommended optimal laws.

The worst states include Missouri, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The state with the highest or best rating is Oregon.

The reports release occurs on the same day that a group of advocates will lay out suggestions, during a news conference, for state legislators and Congress toward addressing traffic safety. The report comes after the U.S. experienced 42,514 roadway deaths and 2.38 million injuries in 2022, the most recent year those statistics were available. The fatality rate is 18 percent higher than 2019, before the COVID pandemic.

The annual economic cost of crashes exceeds $400 billion.

Alabama scored well for having laws addressing automated enforcement to curb speeding and red-light runners and was listed as one of 17 states to meet the organizations optimal measures in the following categories: Law allows automated speed enforcement; automated speed enforcement in use; law permits automated enforcement for red light running; and automated red-light enforcement in use.

Alabama was also one of 22 states with optimal laws combatting impaired driving.

The state, along with 36 others, was labeled as a danger for having requirements on young drivers such as minimum ages for a learners permit and licensing, and requirements that there be 70 hours of supervised driving. No state was given a green marking for teen driving.

Alabama was one of 38 states labeled as a danger for child passenger safety by not having laws requiring rear facing for children ages 2 or older, booster seat laws, or rear seat belt law for children up to age 12. Alabama also doesnt meet the organizations requirements for enforcement of rear seat belt laws for adults.

Alabama had 974 vehicle fatalities in 2023, and a 10-year fatality total of 9,463. The annual cost due to motor vehicle crashes is $6.4 billion, which places Alabama at No. 18 among the costliest states for crashes.
Authorities on Wednesday found the boat 7-year-old Hunter Slezak was in when he, his father and another man disappeared during a shrimping trip off Dauphin Island, said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch.

As the search for Hunter entered its fifth day, there are still no signs of the missing boy, the sheriff said.

We can confirm that we located the boat. We have not found the child, Burch said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

The boat has been secured, Burch said, and divers are in the water with sonar equipment searching for Hunter.

The sheriff said the cabin of the boat appeared to be detached from the vessel and we have not located that.

Authorities are usure whether Hunter was in the cabin when it capsized Friday, triggering a massive search that turned up the bodies of Hunters father, Michael Slezak, and Sam Wooley.

The U.S. Coast Guard led the search before it indefinitely suspended its rescue and recovery effort on Sunday night.

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.

Hunters mother, Megan Slezak, feared the worst for her son in a Facebook post

I just need the closure of having his body to bury, she wrote. I didnt think my heart could shatter anymore then this but not at least being able to find my sons body is so incredibly painful. Momma hold your babies. They could be taken in a blink of an eye. This is THE WORST pain ever.

The sheriffs office is being assisted by several agencies including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Dauphin Island Police Department, Marine Resource Division and Baldwin County ALEA. Equipment used in the search were boating vessels, drones and a helicopter.

A GoFundMe was started to help the Slezak family with funeral expenses and it has already eclipsed the goal of $25,000.

Burch said the sheriffs office will be searching for Hunter until we are able to find him.
An embattled Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Defense Department, trudged through meetings and appearances on Capitol Hill on Wednesday as he fought to assuage senators concerns about his past behavior -- which sparked a public note from his mother -- and push back on the steady flow of negative press that has followed him in recent days.

In his third visit to the Hill in as many days, Hegseth met with top Republicans including Armed Services ranking member Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is also its incoming chairman; committee members Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.; and the conservative House Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus in the House.

Hegseths meetings were punctuated by flurries of activity in the hallways of the Capitol, as he traversed the building flanked by an entourage of staff, advisers and security personnel who held throngs of reporters at bay while they shouted questions at him.

The full-court press by Hegseth and his team comes as a steady drip of negative press  including allegations of excessive drinking, sexual misconduct and mismanagement of funds at two veterans organizations, of which he was the head  threatens to derail his confirmation.

In a high-profile interview with Megyn Kelly, who like Hegseth is a former Fox News host, Hegseth said he was being smeared by the media, and that he had spoken with Trump on Wednesday morning and had his full support.

Hegseths mother, Penelope Hegseth, sat for a televised interview on Fox News Fox and Friends, in part to refute a New York Times story that recounted an email she sent her son in 2018 in which she called him an abuser of women. She said she retracted the email with an apology two hours after sending it, and called her son a changed man.

Republican senators have not openly opposed Hegseth  and many support him  but some have voiced concerns over the allegations. And Hegseth can afford to lose precious few votes given Republicans 53 Senate seats next year, assuming all Democrats oppose him.

Following their meeting, Ernst said in a statement that she and Hegseth had a frank and thorough conversation.

Ernst has herself been floated as a possible contender for the Defense secretary job amid speculation that Trump is considering replacing Hegseth, and is widely seen as an easy pick who would coast through the confirmation process, given her reputation in the chamber and deep national security experience.

Other possible replacements include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Elbridge Colby, who served as deputy assistant secretary of Defense for strategy and force development during the first Trump administration.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a close ally of Hegseth, said in an interview that at some point Hegseth would have to consider his family and how much they are going through.

He can keep moving forward at one point, or he can pull out. But its, I think, that at some point, becomes a family question, Mullin said.

Hegseth himself continued his resolute stance, telling reporters on the Hill that he was focused on putting the warfighters first.

Thats what Donald Trump asked me to do, he continued, saying Trump told him: Your job is to bring a warfighting ethos to the Pentagon. Your job is to make sure that its lethality, lethality, lethality.

___

2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Geraldine High School student has been charged and transported to juvenile authorities after bringing a gun to school on Wednesday morning, according to school officials.

As you know a student was found to have a loaded gun on campus today, reads a Wednesday release from the schools principal Robert Richey.

The drills and protocols worked in terms of students reporting the situation to a teacher, who reported to me. Within less than five minutes of my being notified the student was in my office with the SRO and the gun was in our possession.

Wednesdays incident was the second of its kind this week, occurring just two days after a Bob Jones High School student was found with a handgun.

Geraldine Highs release went on to address why the school hadnt gone into lockdown after the gun was reported.

There is much gossip and rumor already out in the community. Please help us calm the situation. No one was threatened and more importantly no one was injured.

Concerning many asking why there was no lock down, we followed the guidelines given by law enforcement and the potential threat had been neutralized.

The release added that the school is currently in the process of obtaining a security dog that will be trained to locate firearms and vapes.

The dog is being trained now and our SRO will go through training later in the Spring and the dog will then be on campus full time, it says.
After archaeologist Deni Seymour found the rarest artifact of her career, her excitement turned to worry that she would be investigated by police.

She had unearthed a 3-foot bronze cannon in Nogales, Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Seymour and her colleagues placed it atop a beige bedsheet and carried into the back seat of her Jeep Wrangler. She had to pass a Border Patrol station on her drive home, she said, and she didnt know how she would start to explain why she had a 500-year-old firearm.

If that thing got taken, Seymour said, I might not ever see it again.

Seymour escaped with the roughly 40-pound cannon, which she said was probably built in the early 1500s and was carried by Spanish explorers to North America a few decades later. Seymour, who published her findings in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology last month, said the cannon is the oldest firearm thats been found in the continental United States.

The cannon, also referred to as a wall gun, often was placed on a large wooden tripod and was operated by two people. It could fire buckshot - which researchers said sprayed opponents like a swarm of hornets - and lead balls, which were used to destroy thin walls. Gunmen placed priming powder on a flat ledge near the touch hole, and the cannon ignited with a slow-burning match cord.

Firearms are now more deadly than ever and can be purchased without a license in many U.S. states. Ghost guns can even be built by anyone. But the cannon Seymour discovered is believed to be among the first portable firearms.

Researchers recently found this bronze cannon. MUST CREDIT: Deni SeymourDani Seymour

An artifact like this can connect people to the past, to history, and really stirs their imagination, Seymour, 66, told The Washington Post.

Seymour began searching for 500-year-old artifacts in Southern Arizona in July 2020. She hoped to find items from the expedition of Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer who traveled north in the mid-1500s from what is now Mexico in search of mythical cities and a route to Asia. He traveled with hundreds of soldiers and enslaved people and established one of the first European settlements, which explorers called San Geronimo III, located near the modern day Santa Cruz River.

Vazquez de Coronados team reached as far north as Kansas before returning to Mexico - probably after losing in battle to Native Americans who lived on the land. Seymours research could help fill in the missing pieces of that ill-fated expedition, including whether they made camp in Arizona - and what happened to the Spaniards there.

Items believed to stem from their expedition - caret-headed nails from horses, the head of crossbow bolts and musket balls - had been found in New Mexico and Texas, but Seymour wanted to learn if the explorers also traveled through Arizona.

Using metal detectors near the Santa Cruz River, Seymour and her team dug up equipment they believed belonged to the Spanish explorers - a rowel spur, European pottery, and fragments of olive jars, which Spanish colonies used as storage and shipping containers. She said she believed she was in San Geronimo III.

In September 2020, Seymour was digging in Nogales when she said she struck something that looked like bronze or copper. She thought it mightve been a bell.

What in the world is there? she asked a colleague, according to a video Seymour took of the discovery.

As she kept digging through dirt, Seymour said it became clear that the item was wider than a bell. Then she saw parts of a firearm - a touch hole and a barrel. After uncovering it, Seymour said she and a colleague marveled at their discovery for a few minutes.

I was in shock, she said. It was just an odd feeling that I rarely get.

While historians havent agreed on an exact date that firearms came to the United States, some researchers had believed that guns first came to the area in the early 1600s, when European colonizers traveled to the Americas in force. A metallurgical analysis found that the cannons materials were from the early 1500s, Seymour said.

There was no black residue in the cannons barrel, Seymour said, so it was probably never fired. By the mid-1500s, some soldiers no longer used portable cannons, instead carrying lighter weapons such as wheellocks, muskets and matchlocks, Seymour said. But the cannon was still light enough for people, horses and mules to carry, according to researchers.

Explorers might not have had time to collect the cannon before retreating from attacks from Native Americans, Seymour said. Her team also found lead shot, parts of chain mail and plate armor and pieces of broken swords and daggers near the cannon, supporting the theory that a battle occurred there.

Matthew Schmader, an adjunct archaeology professor at the University of New Mexico who wasnt involved in the study, said there are still unknown parts of the Spanish expedition that Seymours research could help answer.

It may help to fill out some of the missing details of, not only some of the material and the weaponry, but also that area, Schmader said. Because that particular area, that portion of the expeditionary route, is really pretty unknown.

Seymour said the cannon is in a secure area but will eventually be displayed at a museum. She has continued searching southern Arizona for materials, and in March, she said she found another cannon thats designed similarly to her first discovery. She still hopes to find skeletons, animal bones and more parts of adobe-and-stone buildings that Spanish explorers often built.

The cannon is pretty darn wonderful, but each artifact we find and the context of them has the potential to convey a really interesting part of the story, she said. And thats whats fun about it. Thats whats interesting, and thats what keeps me going.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  A tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musks SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to lead NASA.

Jared Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of a credit card-processing company, has been a close collaborator with Musk ever since buying his first chartered flight with SpaceX. He took along contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a flight where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceXs new spacewalking suits.

If confirmed, Isaacman will replace Bill Nelson, 82, a former Democratic senator from Florida who was nominated by President Joe Biden. Nelson flew aboard space shuttle Columbia in 1986  on the flight right before the Challenger disaster  while a congressman.

Isaacman has extensive ties to Alabama and its space program. He attended U.S. Space & Rocket Centers Aviation Challenge as a child and, in 2022, donated $10 million for the construction of the facilitys Inspiration4 Skills Training Center. Isaacman is also a member of the class of 2022 U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp Hall of Fame.

Alabama is also home to NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center.

Isaacman said he was honored to be nominated and would be grateful to serve. Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, he said via X.

During Nelsons tenure, NASA picked up steam in its effort to return astronauts to the moon. This next-generation Apollo program  named after Apollos mythological twin sister Artemis  plans to send four astronauts around the moon as soon as next year. The first moon landing in more than half a century would follow.

NASA is counting on SpaceX to get astronauts to the lunar surface via Starship, the mega rocket launching out of Texas on test flights.

The space agency already relies on SpaceX to fly astronauts to and from the International Space Station along with supply runs. Boeing launched its first crew for NASA in June, but the Starliner capsule encountered so many problems that the two test pilots ended up stuck at the space station. Theyll catch a ride home with SpaceX in February, after more than eight months in orbit. Their mission should have lasted eight days.

Also on NASAs plate right now: exploring the solar system. Robotic missions to the moon and beyond continues with a NASA spacecraft en route to Jupiters watery moon Europa and the Mars rover Perseverance collecting more rock and dirt samples.

Facing tight budgets, NASA is seeking a quicker, cheaper way of getting these Martian samples to Earth than the original plan, which had swollen to $11 billion with nothing arriving before 2040. As with human spaceflight, NASA has turned to industry and others for ideas and help.

Musk congratulated Isaacman via X, describing him as a man of high ability and integrity.

The fighter jet-piloting Isaacman, whose call name is Rook, short for rookie, has described himself as a space geek since kindergarten. He dropped out of high school when he was 16, got a GED certificate and started a business in his parents basement that became the genesis for Shift4. His business is based in eastern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and their two young daughters.

He set a speed record flying around the world in 2009 while raising money for the Make-A-Wish program, and later established Draken International, the worlds largest private fleet of fighter jets.

Isaacman has reserved two more flights with SpaceX, including a trip leading Starships first crew into orbit around Earth.

By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., spoke out against fellow Republicans on Thursday saying they are attacking President Trump by questioning his choice for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

Donald Trump did all the vetting they needed to do on Pete Hegseth, Tuberville told CNN Thursday morning, adding that Republicans think they are throwing rocks at Hegseth by weighing allegations against him of sexual misconduct, alcoholism and a poor leadership track record.

Theyre throwing (rocks) at Donald Trump because theyre saying, well, we dont believe you did the right vetting, and we dont believe he can do the job. Wait a minute, thats not our job to do that; thats the Democrats, Tuberville said.

Tuberville: Donald Trump did all the vetting they needed to do on Pete Hegseth. And I just can't believe we even have people on our side, they're saying, Well, I've got to look at this, got to look at that.



What they're doing is they're throwing rocks at Donald Trump.  Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 5, 2024

A handful of Senators are refusing to support Hegseth as Defense Secretary, according to national news reports due to reports about his drinking and his misconduct towards women.

Senators have also expressed concern about Hegseths views that women should not serve in the military.

Hegseths grasp on the nomination is imperiled as damaging reports about his past have surfaced in recent days.

On Sunday The New Yorker published a story about a 2015 report from a Veterans organization Hegseth was in charge of saying he was often intoxicated at work, he mismanaged finances and he was sexist at work.

Pete Hegseth told news reporters Wednesday he would continue to fight for the position.
Interior of Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

A little bit of Thailand sprinkles throughout Osha Thai Kitchen, from the signs hanging overhead to the Thai tuk tuks in one corner.

Chef-owner Saranya Danvetnukroh, who also runs Nua Thai in Midtown, grew up in Bangkok before moving to the U.S. With her latest restaurant, she wanted to highlight Thai street food, especially curries, in an environment that reflected her home country.

NEW OPENING: Former March pastry chef and fine dining veteran opening first Houston restaurant in early 2025

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Osha Thai opens Tuesday, Dec. 10 in the newly redeveloped West on West shopping center that houses Teso Life and other internationally-focused restaurants. "Osha" translates to "delicious."

Executive chef Saranya Danvetnukroh, foreground and Sous Chef Afridi Zaman, photographed with her imported Thai taxis at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

This project is a culmination of dedication to our craft and creativity to elevate Thai cuisine, Danvetnukroh said. Its an homage to our roots and a celebration of our heritage in the modern age.

The large kitchen space meant Danvetnukroh could invent a bigger menu than Nua Thai with more complex dishes. Afridi Zaman was brought in as sous chef to lead the kitchen; he previously worked at Pappas restaurants.

The menu is reflective of food across Thailand with sections for freshly made noodle dishes, including pad Thai; Thai noodle soups, such as pink noodle soup; and four house-made curries ranging in spice level. Other highlights include the tiger cry steak, crab fried rice and one of Danvetnukroh's favorites, spicy basil.

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Every ingredient is intentional to create authentic Thai flavors, Danvetnukroh said. Some components of dishes were harder to find, but she wanted to get it right.

A variety of dishes served at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Papaya Salad Lao Style, shredded green papaya, chili, salted crab, tomato, fermented fish sauce, Thai eggplant, and green beans at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Interior of Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Shrimp Skewers, head on grilled shrimp skewers served with spicy lime dressing Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Crispy Chicken Skin, original Thai street food seasoned crispy chicken skin served with sweet chili sauce at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Tom Yum, authentic Thai style creamy tom yum in a hot pot, onion, tomato, cilantro, shrimp, chicken and mushroom at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Mekong Fashioned, Mekong Spirit of Thailand, Kaffir lime leaf syrup, Angostura Bitters, and coconut ball made by Jeff Householder at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Red Divinity, Hardy VS cognac, pomagranate, Yuzu, citrus, and orange made by Jeff Householder at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Spicy Osharita cocktail, Pueblo Viejo Blanco tequila, passionfruit, Thai chili agave, lime, house made Thai spice rim made by Jeff Householder at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Tiger Cry Steak, marinated certified Akashi beef, grilled, with spicy Thai chili lime and tamarind sauce served with choice of jasmine rice or sticky rice at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Imported Thai taxis at Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Interior of Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Street food is more than just a meal; it embodies the culture, creativity, spirit of the community and heritage, said Danvetnukroh. She hopes Osha Thai becomes a destination for Thai food in Houston.

Having a bar and creating a cocktail program was a new challenge for Danvetnukroh. She worked with a consultant to incorporate Thai ingredients, like the Southeast Asian citrus called karrir used in the Mekhong old fashioned and Thai chili used in the Osha-rita.

Danvetnukroh started cooking with her aunt in Bangkok at the age of 12. After college, she went to culinary school in Thailand because she had a passion for cooking, although she didn't think she would open a restaurant, she said. Her interest grew after working in a restaurant in the U.S., so she went to business school.

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She opened a Thai restaurant in Cypress, but closed it after a year. She opened Nua Thai in March 2020, enduring the hard times of the pandemic. Nua Thai has become a hot spot for lunch and takeout for dinner.

Interior of Osha Thai Kitchen on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Creating a space that reflected Thailand was important to Danvetnukroh. She brought in actual Thai taxi cars known as tuk tuks, using only the front of the cars in the restaurant so they could fit, along with the signs used by street vendors in Thailand.

"I put the taxis because the restaurant is like the tuk tuk and we're taking customers to their destination," Danvetnukroh said.

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Osha Thai will open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at 12230 Westheimer Road B270.
A fast-casual burrito chain is planning to bring 10 restaurants to Alabama.

Two new locations of Barberitos are currently under construction in Wetumpka and Prattville and looking to open in March, according to Nations Restaurant News. The company also plans to add another four restaurants in 2025.

Barberitos already has locations in Auburn and Dothan, according to the website.

Parent company WOWorks signed the deal with franchisee Haresh Patel, who owns 10 franchise locations of American Deli, several ZTEC gas stations and other businesses.

After visiting Barberitos, we were immediately hookedboth by the exceptional food and the brands potential. Our research into the business model revealed a fantastic opportunity to introduce a fresh and healthy dining option to communities across Alabama, Patel said. The support from the WOWorks team has made this journey seamless, and we are excited about the future growth opportunities.

Patel intends to incorporate another WOWorks brand, Frutta Bowls, into the travel centers of his gas stations. Frutta Bowls offers superfood options such as bowls and smoothies featuring acai, pitaya and kale.

Barberitos is offering a streamlined menu of burritos, bowls and quesadillas, all made in-house with fresh ingredients.

Founded in Athens, Ga., Barberitos has more than 40 locations in seven states.

For more information about franchise opportunities, visit the website.
This is an opinion column.

In the mid-1940s, Black soldiers returning home to the South after bravely serving in World War II were abused by a culture fat on Jim Crow that still deemed them fit to die for their country but unworthy of living with dignity in their country.

Some of the slights showed that skills utilized on the battlefield meant nothing at home.

In Birmingham, when Willie May, whod maintained communications lines in the Army Signal Corps, applied for a job at the local United States Employment Service center, he was told there was nothing for him. Meanwhile, white veterans whod served alongside him were placed with Birmingham Power Company, according to Matthew F. Delmont, author of Half American: the Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad.

For other Black veterans the treatment was deadly.

All throughout the American South, parts of the Midwest, and the Northeast, dozens of Black [WWII] veterans died at the hands of mobs and persons acting under the color of official authority, says the Equal Justice Initiative: Many survived near-lynchings; and thousands suffered severe assaults and social humiliation.

One horrific newspaper account in South Carolina touted: Cop Gouged Out Eyes of Negro Vet Who Fought in South Pacific.

Harry S. Truman probably isnt on anyones list of civil rights heroes  though the former president does deserves to be a footnote. At least. Maybe even a catalyst for the movement that changed America.

To address the hell at home endured by Black WW II vets, President Truman  on this date, Dec. 5, 1946  signed Executive Order 9808, creating the Committee on Civil Rights, the first such group of its kind emanating from the White House. It read:

WHEREAS the preservation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution is essential to domestic tranquility, national security, the general welfare, and the continued existence of our free institutions; and



WHEREAS the action of individuals who take the law into their own hands and inflict summary punishment and wreak personal vengeance is subversive of our democratic system of law enforcement and public criminal justice, and gravely threatens our form of government; and 



WHEREAS it is essential that all possible steps be taken to safeguard our civil rights;



NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the statutes of the United States, it is hereby ordered .

You likely know nothing about the 13 people chosen to serve on the committee (I didnt). They were Chair Charles E. Wilson, Sadie T. Alexander, James B. Carey, John S. Dickey, Morris L. Ernst, Roland G. Gittelsohn, Frank P. Graham, Francis J. Haas, Charles Luckman, Francis P. Matthews, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., Henry Knox Sherrill, Boris Shishkin, Dorothy Rogers Tilley and Channing H. Tobias.

It was an august and eclectic group, including leaders from the private and public sectors.

Just two were Black: Alexander, the first Black female graduate of the University of Pennsylvanias law school; and Tobias, a noted philanthropist. Both are celebrated (though relatively little-known) as civil rights pioneers and activists.

Another member, Tilley, was a staunch civil rights ally who promoted programs to promote understanding between Black and white youth, led seminars to train Black women for leadership roles and joined the Association of Southern Women for the Prevention of Lynching. She was the only white woman on Trumans committee.

The group was charged with drafting a report of recommendations for addressing not just the violence experienced by Black vets, but also the systemic racism at the nations core. A year after convening, in December of 1947, the Committee released its 178-page conclusions: To Secure These Rights.

Among its myriad proposals: create a permanent Civil Rights Commission, a Joint Congressional Committee on Civil Rights, and a Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice. It also called for federal laws against lynching, and the establishment of a permanent fair employment practice commission.

On Feb. 2, 1948, Truman urged Congress to implement the committees civil rights recommendations. (The letter is worth reading.)

We cannot be satisfied, he wrote to the legislative branch, until all our people have equal opportunities for jobs, for homes, for education, for health, and for political expression, and until all our people have equal protection under the law.

His recommendations were sweeping, and many took a while to come to fruition. A long while. In 1957, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice were both established.

With his own hand, Truman also ignited seismic change, On July 26, 1948, he signed Executive Orders 9980 and 9981.

The former ordered the desegregation of the federal workforce. All personnel actions taken by Federal appointing officers shall be based solely on merit and fitness, it read, in part and such officers are authorized and directed to take appropriate steps to insure that in all such actions there shall be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Executive Order 9981 mandated the desegregation of the armed services. Finally.

There shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin, it read.

Trumans committee created a blueprint for exorcising the nations racist core and Truman was the architect who poured the foundation.

The foundation for a structure thats still  almost 80 years later  under construction.

I was raised by good people who encouraged me to be a good man and surround myself with good people. If I did, they said, good things would happen. I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.
Staff Reports

news@albanyherald.com

ALBANY  Albany Police Department officers responded to the Albany Mall (2601 Dawson Road) on Tuesday in reference to 20-year-old Cameron Hammond stating that a male snatched $1,000 from his hand and left the area with two females.

Shortly after investigators arrived on scene, a witness said Hammond was playing a gambling game inside the mall. After further investigation, it was determined that Hammond lost his money gambling.

Hammond was arrested and charged with false statements in writing/false report of a crime. He was transported to the Dougherty County Jail.
On November 27, 2024, at four in the morning in the Holy Land, the government of Israel agreed to cease attacking the Shiite Muslims in southern Lebanon. At the end of the speech explaining the plan to the people of Israel, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has a sacred mission of releasing our hostages, using religious language befitting a region famous for its religions.

Indeed, the oldest book still in use in the world, the Jewish Bible, contains arguably the oldest record of hostage-taking. Abraham, the progenitor of the Jewish people, had a nephew named Lot. Lot was living not in Sodom but nearby when an alliance of five communities warred against an alliance of four. During the fight, Lot was kidnapped (Genesis 14:14-15).

His kidnappers, who were spiritual forebearers of todays PLO and other Muslim terrorists, carried him beyond Damascus. His uncle, Abraham, though the kindest man in the world that year, 1,713 BCE, was no wimp. He was the pastor of a community of hundreds who believed in him and his conception of the One G-d. Abraham chose 318 able-bodied males to race north with him. Once there, he divided his forces and, in a clever, night-time hostage rescue raid, routed the kidnappers and rescued Lot.

Images: Christians kidnapped by Muslim Barbary pirates (1817). Public domain.

And let us not forget the thousand-year history in the Middle East of the misnamed Barbary Pirates, who were, in truth, not pirates at all. Instead, they were the official fleets of North African ports, all of whom flew not the black and white Skull & Bones but the green flag of Islam. That is, they were Muslims whose principal occupation was hijacking infidels, mostly Christians, and enslaving the passengers and crews until ransomed.

The 76-year history of the modern State of Israel is also stained with the blood that Arab terrorists drew from numerous atrocities, including capturing Israeli citizens to trade them for their brethren in Israeli prisons.

The Palestinians didnt limit themselves to taking only Israelis. In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Arab sky pirates were frequent fliers in order to skyjack commercial airliners containing all kinds of people. The IDFs famous hostage rescue mission to Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976 began with the skyjacking of an Air France plane. Half the people on board were neither Israelis nor Jews.

The Sages of the Jewish people, the rabbis of the Talmud, noticed that in the Ten Commandments, the command Thou shall not steal is grouped with murder and adultery, even though, commonly, most stealing does not compare in severity to those two major sins. Because the Five Books of Moses contain a second iteration of Thou shall not steal, the Sages ruled this iteration refers to common theft, but in the Decalogue, Thou shall not steal means peoplethat is, Thou shalt not kidnap people.

Every airliner Arab sky pirates ever skyjacked was a kidnapping. The American Hostage Crisis with Iran in 1979-1981 was a kidnapping. 9-11 was the simultaneous kidnapping of passengers in four airliners.

On October 18, 2024, in The Hague, even as the International Criminal Courts dullard jurists were accusing Israel of starving Palestinians (a double liethere is nothing Palestinian about the UNRWA freeloaders in Gaza), the ICCs beloved victims of the allegedly criminal Israelis were actually starving scores of Israelis and others to death in the tunnel dungeons that Hamas dug in Gaza just for this purpose. On September 1, 2024, when six Jewish hostages were found murdered after 11 months in those same tunnels, their bodies were so emaciated that they resembled those of the walking skeletons that Allied soldiers in 1945 encountered in the liberation of the Nazi death camps.

There is something about Islam that lacks human empathy. Muslims see nothing wrong with kidnapping total strangers who have done nothing wrong to them and then torturing, violently raping, mutilating, and starving to death those same people, all the while justifying this behavior in the name of their religiona religion that has as its name the Arabic word for submission.

A Muslims mission in life is the jihad, which is all about destroying all the religions in the world because they are all wrong. Islam is the correct religion, and Believers have an obligation to make infidels submit to conversion to the correct faith. And for the sake of their jihad, Muslims license themselves to commit the most heinous and diabolical cruelties imaginable.

Make no mistake: the Muslims in Gaza who did what they did on October 7, 2023, and continue to do to their captives, are not patriotic freedom fighters yearning for the fairy tale dream of a Two-State Solution. Their dream is to kill the Jews because they believe that Jews have no right to rule where Muslims ruled for twelve of the last fourteen centuries. In Muslim minds, Zionism is the intifada (uprising) of the Jews who have no right to govern as a majority over a minority of Believers in the One True Faith. Their inferior status is found in the Koran, which commands Muslims to oppress and humiliate them.

This is what the violence against Israel is all about. Hamas is actually an acronym for Islamic Resistance Organization, whose rival in Gaza is called Islamic Jihad, with nothing Palestinian about either name.

Winston Churchill, as a young combat officer, fought Muslims in Afghanistan. Based on that experience, he wrote the following:

Every influence, every motive that provokes the spirit of murder among men, impels these mountaineers to deeds of treachery and violence. The strong aboriginal propensity to kill, inherent in all human beings, has in these valleys been preserved in unexampled strength and vigour. That religion, which above all others was founded and propagated by the swordthe tenets and principles of which are instinct with incentives to slaughter and which in three continents has produced fighting breeds of menstimulates a wild and merciless fanaticism. How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property [rampant banditry, sbt] that exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property -- either as a child, a wife, or a concubinemust delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen; all know how to die; but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith...

This is what the misnamed Israel-Palestinian Conflict is really all about.

Shai ben-Tekoas PHANTOM NATION: Inventing the Palestinians as the Obstacle to Peace is available at Amazon.com in hard cover or a Kindle ebook. His podcasts can be heard on www.phantom-nation.com.
Many TV outlets are obsessed with President Bidens pardoning of his son. The pro-Democrat outlets defend Bidens assertion that political motivations within the Justice Dept. are driving prosecution of his innocent son (sic). Also, there are sentimental defenses regarding a fathers connection or compassion for his own son  his flesh and blood  as being completely understandable. The more conservative media see this pardon as completely hypocritical and an outright lie, noting the frequency of the presidents assertions that he would not under any circumstances pardon his son, which assertions were backed up by repeated assertions by his mature and brilliant press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, that he would not be pardoning his son if the son were convicted.

(In all honesty, the press secretary looks to this writer like a high school junior or senior at a school assembly announcing that the girls softball team will be meeting in the gym on Thursdays after ninth period. Does anyone consider her a thoughtful woman suitable to be speaking for the leader of the Executive Branch about legislation and executive orders?)

It is interesting that no mention has been made by conservatives about Tony Bobulinski, who repeatedly reported on Hunter Bidens and Joe Bidens complex pay-to-play business dealings (sic) with interests in the PRC and Ukraine. No mention has been made about all the Biden so-called family businesses that were incorporated over the years, which businesses have no listed products or services.

His decisions to send increasing billions upon billions of dollars worth of armaments to Ukraine is seen simplistically by Bidens supporters as a geopolitical policy decision whereby his administration is trying not to make the same mistake Neville Chamberlain made. Chamberlain had compromised with Hitler regarding Germanys invasion of Czechoslovakia instead of standing firm against German claims that western Czechoslovakia was mostly German-speaking, and thus the German incursion (invasion) of Czechoslovakia was justified.

Who is suggesting that the ever-escalating support of Ukraine may be an attempt to permanently distract the public from the Biden family corruption in Ukraine? Would it not be the height of cynicism to have such a thought? (Im being sarcastic.)

No mention has been made about Bidens repugnant claim when he first attempted to run for president in the 1980s that his I.Q. was undoubtedly higher than that of one of the reporters who were questioning him. This arrogant and stupid statement was followed by lies about his standing in his college and law school classes. Those lies forced him out of the competition for the presidential nomination, but he kept getting re-elected as a senator from Delaware.

The presidents sniffing of the hair of women and young girls is no longer mentioned, nor are there references to his gentle touching of girls and womens arms or shoulders. He no longer comments about the attention his leg hairs received when he was younger. His tendency to mutter, whisper, stutter, mumble, make sounds without words, look dazed, have fixed stares, stumble, shake hands with invisible persons, fall, stammer, say something and give up when it doesnt come out, wander away, look confused, and shift from normal speaking cadences to either shouting or whispering continues to be a distraction. However, these signs of aging breakdown are not mentioned since the Kamala Harris replacement.

The question of mental competency to handle his position is systematically avoided by both Democrats and Republicans. There are no calls to invoke the 25th Amendment. Instead, the news outlets report on his decision regarding arms to be sent to Israel even though we know that he is not remotely capable of thinking through the complexities of a decision of that magnitude.

Bidens main legislative achievement has been his Build Back Better (BBB) legislation, a Keynesian New Deal model for extreme expansion of federal government spending. This time, that economic model is not being used to renovate and upgrade a depressed economy  the goal of the New Deal under FDR. The Keynesian model even in the Great Depression failed, and by December1938, the economy still suffered from 19% unemployment despite vastly increased federal expenditures.

As this writer noted previously,

despite its resemblance to the New Deal, the BBBs so-called governance [properly called Betrayal Betrayal Betrayal] is at the front end linked to global health, green initiatives, and interdependence as an excuse for diminishing U.S. sovereignty. Initiation of these policies was not to combat financially depressive conditions but rather designed to undermine the freedoms and economic viability of the U.S.

American exceptionalism was rejected by Obama, and in the BBB legislation, it is clearly rejected also by President Decrepit. The far-left globalists will continue to fight for expanded federal government power and diminished individual initiative as well as the undermining of values of freedom and responsibility for individuals and families. Trumps victory was a step in the right direction, but we must be alert and continue to resist the left-wing betrayal of our basic values.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Since Sunday nights announcement of an expansive pardon for Hunter Biden, a generous gift from a wayward father to his wayward son, the press has been full of commentary ranging from serious to comical, from approval to horror.

How dare he abuse the pardon privilege, some say, a privilege intended for rare moments of generosity and compassion, and for times when deserving convicts were clearly the victims of a miscarriage of justice. Whether one agrees or not, this is a worthy discussion to have, as the development of a welfare state, a secular society, lawless cities, and open borders has added layers of complexity to our criminal justice system.

Its proof that the pardon privilege should be reformed through constitutional amendment, say others, who believe that in an era in which corrupt politicians can attain the levers of power, those levers require more constraints than our thoughtful but idealistic Framers thought necessary. That is another worthy discussion, as our political class has indeed sunk far below the standards held in the days of Washington, Morris, and Jay.

Then there are the chronic forgivers, who think it unreasonable to set any standards for behavior and are happy to give anyone a second chance. A generous father rightly used his office to give his son a break, they say. What caring father wouldnt? Such a generous, forgiving expression calls to mind Frank Sinatras famous zinger when asked why he had married a naive starlet 30 years his junior: I finally found a broad I could cheat on!

But of all the commentary, the line of thought that strikes this consumer of news as the most interesting is this comment, uttered in many ways by all sides of the political and nonpolitical spectrum for several years now: But for his father, after all, where would Hunter be? Without this pardon, and without the connections that kept the IRS and FBI from fully prosecuting this reprobate, hed be stuck in either a jail cell or a gutter.

Perhaps thats true.

But perhaps its not.

Among the many crimes exposed by house investigations, criminal cases, published books, and the famous laptop, Hunter Biden is guilty (one doesnt even need to say alleged in this case) of an array of crimes ranging from tax evasion to acting as an undeclared agent of foreign nations, from money-laundering to the selling of access to a federal politician.

For such crimes as these, any normal person would be in federal prison for a long time.

Other crimes have been exposed, however, that arent as exciting. In fact, these are at the bottom of the cultural barrel: Hunter Biden has been exposed as a frequent user of hard drugs and possibly an addict, a cretin who carried on an affair with his late brothers wife and fathered a child with a stripper. His drug and gun crimes alone would land an unconnected man in a miserable jail cell until he finally earned his reward in a potters field.

So, yes, without his fathers name, his fathers connections, his fathers protection, and now his fathers pardon, hed likely be an unknown convict for life with a wardrobe of orange jumpsuits.

But when one looks at a what-if scenario, one should be open-minded enough to look at both sides of the situation. If it werent for Joseph Robinette Biden, would young Hunter have needed all those breaks? Would he have needed the hands-off orders, the generous courts, and the eventual pardon?

In short, were it not for the fact that Hunter Biden is the son of the notoriously corrupt, dementia-ridden party hack unjustly ensconced in the White House these past four years, would Hunter Biden ever have become a criminal at all?

Throughout his political career  that is, for his childrens entire lifetimes  Joe Biden was always a two-faced user. He took the train back and forth from Delaware every day to build a network of donors and cronies. He brought family members on foreign trips to enable them to be cut in on foreign deals. He raised Hunter to be a lawyer so that he could become a consultant in foreign countries where businessmen could share American foreign aid in the form of consultancy fees and insider investments.

Nobody ever accused Joe Biden of genius, but he did always have a special talent for the shell game, whether it was the skill of relating contrary issue stances depending on the audience or the skill of moving money around among companies to hide the actual origins and final dispositions of all those investments and consultant fees. (Again, theres no need to say alleged, since Rep. James Comers committee exposed it all on the floor of the U.S. House, with the assistance of hundreds of suspicious activity referrals by private banks in recent years.)

What must it be like to be a son, raised by a father like that?

Every American  especially Americans of Hunter Bidens age group  grew up with a deep understanding of organized crime; mafia movies were a special genre in Hollywood, with The Godfather having been released the very same year Joe Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate, when Hunter was two years old.

A special characteristic of the Mafia  especially as presented in the Godfather series  is the idea of making criminality a family business, raising ones children in it, ensuring that brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles all got a piece of the action.

Whether conscious of the similarity or not, Joe Biden spread his financial shenanigans around his family for years and years, with brothers and sisters and kids and friends all playing a part in the shell companies, the foreign junkets, the corporate officer rosters, the multiple bank accounts. Once in, you cant get out; just like the Mafia, the strings tying you to the criminal enterprise are too complex for a person with a twang of remorse to extricate himself from it.

No wonder we see gangsters and their molls turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, and other escapist vices to blunt the pain of realization that they have fallen into a life of crime.

Might that be the real reason for Hunters acting out? Might that have been the unconscious motivation, deep down, to leave the bombshell of an evidence trove  The Laptop  where it could be irresistibly and irretrievably revealed?

One is left to wonder: if Hunter Biden had been born into another family  a family headed up by anybody else but a mean-spirited, greedy, crooked politician like Joe Biden  the kid might have turned out okay. Without the temptations of wealth as a privileged senators son, without the almost unlimited access to millions of dollars in ill-gotten cash, might Hunter Biden have actually become a decent middle-class family man?

Please indulge me once again if we close with one more movie reference. In the classic 1980s comedy Trading Places, two villainous brothers  Duke and Duke  let an experiment play out (for a one-dollar gentlemens bet) concerning whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in human behavior.

Imagine taking Hunter Biden out of the Biden family from the start and giving him a decent, honest father instead, removing him from not only Bidens family business, but all the corollary, illicit temptations that a weak soul might find irresistible.

Were Hunter Biden never a Biden in the first place, free of the corruption inherent in both his genes and his circumstances, he might in fact have turned out all right, never needing friendly prosecutors, gentle judges, or a presidential pardon at all.

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation manager, trade compliance trainer, and speaker. Read his book on the surprisingly numerous varieties of vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel), his political satires on the Biden-Harris years (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I, II, and III), and his nonfiction book on the 2024 election, Current Events and the Issues of Our Age, all available in eBook or paperback, only on Amazon.

Image: Louise Parker via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped).
The New York Times published a guest essay by Garrett M. Graff boldly stating that It goes almost without saying that Kash Patel...is supremely unqualified to direct the nations premier federal law enforcement agency. After that beginning, youd expect to read that Patel heads a crime syndicate, took money from foreign governments, or has a bizarre cereal fetish. However, in an essay that is hysterical in tone and amusing in content, Graffs complaint is that Patel is not a card-carrying member of the Deep Statethe same Deep State that the voters elected Trump to clean up.

Before getting to Graffs essay, its important to note that, at least when I speak of the Deep State, Im not speaking only about Democrats. Its true that theyre the majority in the Deep State, but Trumps first term showed that the Deep State also includes myriad establishment Republicans. Past presidential candidates and fanatic Trump haters John McCain and Mitt Romney were and are Deep Staters.

Image: Kash Patel, reformer. Public domain.

These Deep State Republicans like the status quo but simply wish it were a bit more affordable. Republican Deep Staters dont have an allegiance to America or Americans. Their allegiance is to the government itself, along with strong support for corporations.

Notably, these corporations arent the mom-and-pop stores of Main Street America, the ones who are still the backbone of the American economy. Instead, they support multinational conglomerates that want to send Americas manufacturing sector overseas to benefit from slave labor in China or, failing that, to oust American workers at home in favor of cheap illegal labor.

These Republican Deep Staters strongly sided with the Democrats when Trump entered office in 2016. Trump was an outsider who promised to change the status quo, removing the government from its D.C. anchor and operating it for the benefit of all Americans, not just the insiders and their paymasters.

It was these Deep State Republicans, not the Democrats, who blocked Trump at every turn. I say that because, without the Republican Deep Staters help, the Democrat anti-Trump initiatives, everything from the Russia Hoax to refusing to fund the border wall to the two impeachments, would have died abornin.

With that background, lets go back to Graffs screed. In Graffs second paragraph, he explains why Patel is so unqualified: Hes unqualified because D.C. insiders say so, especially Bill Barr (a Republican) and Gina Haspel, two of the people who worked hardest to undermine Trumps agenda.

But the worst thing, according to Graff, about Patels nomination is that it breaks with FBI tradition! Graff says that the current FBI Director, Christopher Wray (a Republican), is supposed to hold the job for two more years. This is because Congress passed a law in 1976 saying that FBI directors have ten-year terms.

However, as is usually the case when Democrats insist there are limits on Trumps power to run the administrative state, theres that little thing called the Constitution. The FBI is an administrative agency that is run as a subset of the Department of Justice. Both those organizations fall under the executives purview in accordance with Article II of the Constitution. Congress cannot interfere with the presidents ability to manage his administration. If Trump wants Wray gone, Wray goes.

The other tradition in modern times, says Graff, is that prior FBI directors, all of whom were Republicans, were vetted and confirmed (often repeatedly) by the Senate to another position first. So what? One vetting and confirmation should be all that we need to make sure that Patel isnt doing weird things with Quaker Oats in the privacy of his own office.

The fact that the Republican James Comey had been twice confirmed didnt stop him from engaging in questionable acts when he headed the FBI. These included unilaterally announcing that Hillary Clinton was off the hook for national security violations, sending to the FISA court unfounded requests to spy on the Trump team, working with the Obama administration to destroy Trumps presidency, and forcing the Steele dossier into the public eye to justify investigating Trump. Double vetting did nothing to make Comey a decent public servant.

Graff also rails against the fact that Patel is a Trump loyalist. The first problem with this is that Patel is loyal not to Trump but to Trumps plans to clean up the government. Every person in the FBI should be loyal to this agenda.

The second problem with Graffs how dare he appoint a loyalist argument is that Graff seems to have had a brain fart that led him to forget former AG Eric Holders proud boast that he was Obamas wing-man, who was there with my boy.

Democrats are okay when a Democrat president has DOJ and FBI heads who support him. They just dont like it when Republicans do.

Lastly, of course, Graff risibly contends that the FBI is a rigorously honest organization thats shaken off the partisanship that characterized its decades under J. Edgar Hoovers aegis. Again, his selective memory has led him to forget the fact that the FBI knew immediately or, at least, should have known that the Steele dossier was a fake, that the Hunter Biden hard drive was real, that Catholics are not a threat to the nation, and that parents speaking out at school board meetings about teachers foisting sexual deviance on their children are not terrorists.

Theres also strong evidence that many of the FBIs terrorism busts occurred because they entrapped foolish and desperate people, Muslims and conservatives alike. This is not a rigorously honest institution. Its one that needs to have a new broom sweep through.

I doubt that Graff will gain wisdom over the next four years. However, if he ever finds himself out of work, he can always take up comedy writing because Im still laughing at the nonsense he spouted.
Beginning in the 1960s, the left began a serious and successful initiative to take over American education. Its miraculous, really, that despite this takeover, so many Americans are still sane and decent people. What helped the leftist education initiative for so long was that leftists made a pretense of sanity and moved incrementally.

However, Trump broke that pretense, and the left began to unveil its hatred and mania, a trend that accelerated under Biden and exploded after the election. Id like to introduce you to one of the people responsible for Americas young minds.

Crystal Jackson (they/she) is an associate professor at Arizona State University. Her official biography, taken directly from the ASU site, deserves to be reprinted in its entirety so that you can get a really good idea of what Arizona (and, probably, federal) taxpayers are funding today in the name of higher education:

Crystal A. Jackson (they/she) is a Women, Gender, & Sexualities Studies (WGSS) professor in SST. They are a sociological feminist scholar whose research underscores feminist and queer understandings of sexual labors and gender politics in the United States. They have published scholarly studies on straight male porn fandom, queer porn performers articulation of their work as activism, and local strip club regulations. As a scholar-activist, Jacksons earlier work focused on 21st century U.S. sex worker rights organizing as an example of successful labor resistance and survival in a carceral state. Jackson is also co-author of "The State of Sex: Tourism, Sex, and Sin in the New American Heartland" (Routledge, 2010), an ethnographic exploration of the only legal sale of sex in the country, Nevadas rural brothels. Their current research explores how the racial justice concept of abolitionism is deployed in mainstream, institutionalized U.S. anti-sex trafficking policies and advocacies to demand actions that are in direct opposition to racial justice abolitionist aims. Jackson began their higher ed journey at the Community College of Southern Nevada. She eventually earned her doctorate in sociology with an emphasis in womens studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2013. Jackson joined the faculty of ASUs School of Social Transformation as an associate professor of women and gender studies in August 2023. They have been active with the National Womens Studies Association (NWSA) and Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS).

Jackson has introduced herself at events as a queer, bisexual, femme, white, formerly working-class, Jewish, anti-Zionist scholar and activist.

In other words, Jackson is a self-loathing Jew who is also a confused, very angry woman who hates her body and is obsessed with sex. She would not be a good guest at a dinner party unless the point were to display her as a cultural oddity.

One would think that out of sympathy with women and children (leftists are always all about its for the children or these policies hurt women most), Jackson would be on board with ICEs efforts to stop human trafficking across Americas border. After all, the Biden administration has already lost track of 300,000 children, many of whom (most of whom?) are probably being exploited as sex slaves. Additionally, sex trafficking among women has exploded since Biden opened the border.

Jackson, however, doesnt see things that way. Instead, in garbled, pressed, somewhat incoherent speech, she complains that protecting women and children from being trafficked discriminates against sex workers because doing so paints sex work as a deviant job. She also argues that efforts to stop trafficking are anti-immigrant...racist...[and] transphobic forms of policy [sic], particularly around women of color.

If you have a child at ASU, I suggest you make sure that your child never, ever, ever, ever takes a class that Jackson is teaching. Also, do not stop pressuring your states academic institutions, from K through grad school, to rid themselves of these people. They can be powerful influences on young mindsespecially the minds of older adolescents who have left home for the first time and are looking for easy As.

Jackson tells us that, while Trumps election was satisfying, it doesnt mean the fight is over. As Churchill would have said, Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. The fight must continue until the war is won.

Image by AI.
Berninis early 17th sculpture of Apollo and Daphne, which you can see in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, is perhaps the most beautiful sculpture ever created. Its also a useful metaphor for the sordid times in which we live.

Apollo is chasing Daphne at full speed. His cloak is spread out to reflect the action. As he almost catches her, he places his hand where her waist should be, but his hand only touches the bark of the laurel tree she is turning into.

Berninis skill is so great that you can see the bark climbing her legs and the leaves sprouting from her hands. Pictures dont do it justice. You need to be standing by the sculpture and walking around it to get the full, overwhelming effect. At any rate, it represents the most emphatic no spoken over the ages.

Image of Berninis Apollo and Daphne by Alvesgaspar. CC BY-SA 4.0.

This is probably a lost lesson for present-day progressives who think that anything goes and that Western Civilization has nothing to offer todays vulgar culture. Not only is Daphne saying no to being Apollos lover and captive (notwithstanding his beauty or literal status as a god), but also, by turning into a tree, she puts an abrupt stop to Apollos advance. Moving at full speed, he is about to plow into her stationary tree.

Think of P Diddy parties and Epsteins Island and the alleged prominent unrevealed guest lists not only from those places but from venues all over DC and beyond. Publish the lists and purge these terrible people. It isnt just those types of alleged sexual orgies but a general orgy culture at the highest levels of government and quasi-government activities, all involving large numbers of our elite leaders, public servants, and civilian collaborators.

Rotted-out cultures do rotten things. When De Gaulle returned to France after WWII, he congratulated the French people for resisting the Nazis. Unfortunately, few resisted the Nazismaybe 200,000 in a nation of 41 million, with some estimates as low as only 70,000 actively resisting. France was a nation of Nazi collaborators. (For a great novelists-eye-view of this era, see Alan Fursts A Hero of France, as well as his other books.)

The recent history of resistance to the pandemic excesses in the US mirrors the French resistance. Few were willing to risk their jobs to support the Constitution. Petty totalitarians bloomed at every level in both the government and the private sector, ready to enforce rules that were useless and illegal.

Orgies have gone on throughout history, but it seems that they have become more common and accepted as religion fades out. Its not just sexual orgies. We have had four years of Obama/Biden orgies of progressiveness: Wild Executive Orders, crazy legislation, and unconstitutional activities. To make things worse, those were layered onto eight years of Obamas efforts to undermine America.

Both men attempted to divide the country along racial lines and identity politics. Maybe that is about to be pushed back, but the fight over Trumps cabinet members and high-level political appointees shows that the Biden/Obama cohort still seeks to undermine the Trump mandate.

The Russia, Russia, Russia shrieks from Trumps first term have given way to democracy threat, democracy threat, democracy threat in the second coming of Trump. Pelosi carries this forward with the trope that the House is The Peoples House. The only reason suddenly to claim that is that she is promoting so-called American democracy.

However, America has never been a small d democracy, which the Founders abhorred. Instead, we have always been a constitutional Republic. For one hundred years, beginning with the 17th Amendments making the Senatemeant to be a bulwarkinto just a smaller House, Congress is designed in its present mode to represent DC progressivism, not the people. This is true not just for the Democrats but also for the many Republicans who meekly yield to every Democrat initiative, even while whining gently about the cost.

With Trumps election, though, progressives and their Republican allies (Vichy Republicans if you want to think in terms of WWII France) may be about to plow into something similar to Daphnes tree...or perhaps a Trump Sequoia Forest.
Its been a bad few weeks for the people out to get Trump. The stars are not aligning for Jack Smith, Alvin Bragg, and now Fani Willis. Check the latest from Georgia:

A judge ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to release all communications with Jack Smith and the House January 6 Committee. Earlier this year conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch asked the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, for a default judgement against Fani Willis refusing to answer its open records request. Defendant has not filed an answer and no answer has been served upon [Judicial Watch]. Defendants answer was due 30 days after service, or on April 10, 2024. Pursuant to [Georgia law] the case automatically became in default when an answer was not filed by the due date. Further pursuant to that Code section, Defendant was permitted as a matter of right to open the default within 15 days of the day of default, or by April 25, 2024. Judicial Watch wrote in its motion earlier this year.

There you go, Fani. Maybe you and Nathan should have spent more time in the cabin rather than pursuing Trump.

The Georgia decision should give us all hope about abuse of power and political persecution. It's completely un-American to use banana republic tactics to destroy your enemies. My guess is that many Americans voted for Trump to protest these tactics.

So what happens to Fani now? I don't know, but a message should be sent to district attorneys that this kind of politicization will explode in their faces, as we see here.

Gee, I feel better about our country. We've shown the Fanis of the world that their political tactics don't belong here and that's something to be very thankful about.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Defense Visual Infromation Distribution Service
Well, their ratings are crashing, but never mind, the MSM yackers are still at the wheeland screaming hard to drive Biden Inc. to pardon all the standout Biden Inc. criminal figures, ofwell, everythingduh.

Will the willy-nillies get away with it? Consider the same talking heads who have viciously attacked Trump for non-existent offenses are now up for saying that its okay to forgive figures like Dr. Evil Fauci, the Biden Inc. family clan/enterprise (see Ukraine and China) en masse, the Jan. 6 endless torture cabal (Pelosi, Cheney, Schiff, that guy with the Chinese Communist spy-lover), and so on. From a new article at Business Today: Joe Biden on forgiveness journey: After son Hunter, US President plans pre-emptive pardon for Donald Trump critics. And just like that, criminality and obstructing justice becomes altruistic.

Many RINOs will be surreptitiously on-board in this Bidenesque mega-pardon effort, as well as (we expect) a good many of the Democrats who are barely a minority in the House after the long-delayed (and therefore probably rigged) California counts. We can count on all the weasels on both sides of the Senate aisle to go tsk-tsk at this speculative pardon-en-masse outrage as they quietly smirk into their bespoke collars.

As they say, and have said also eight years ago, anything to make the incoming presidents job harder. Anything to hold on to their sway against liberty. Nevermind morality, duty, or honor! Who gives a Schiff? He just got elected!

What to do? Right now, probably nothing. President-elect Trump is batting back the media spin on his cabinet nominees and traveling to France this weekend, for the ceremony at the restored Notre Dame Cathedralhow long before Notre Dame (Catholic!) is hit by incendiary, probably Muslim, terrorists- again? Will Mr. Barnier, EU spy type who made itvery brieflyto the prime ministry of France, but has just been popularly toppledand more successfully so than Notre Dame was by arson (yes, probably not accidental) two years ago. Cest la vie.

Watch for a turn of pardon and/or prison events. MAGAs got this one, too. Vocally support Trumps cabinet nominees and pray for peace. God is still in his heaven and anyone who cant see his hand over the past many months is either drunk, thick, or possibly merely a suggestible Democrat.

Image generated by AI.
Wordsmithing is a powerful tool of the left. It is applied not only to matters of gender, race, and class, but to the nature of government itself. The lefts concept of democracy bears no relationship to that envisioned by the founders.

As our society, driven by technical advances, has become more complex, so has the size and regulatory role of government. Cabinet departments have grown from the original three  State, Treasury, and War  to the present fifteen. We also have independent executive agencies (IRS), independent regulatory agencies (SEC, Federal Reserve Board), government corporations (USPS, FDIC), and presidential commissions (9/11, Commission on Civil Rights). These all include sub-agencies numbered in the hundreds. The federal government employs 2.7 million full-time equivalents (FTEs). Federal, state, and local government employees constitute the largest workforce in the nation, comprising over 13% of all those employed. Add in the rotating pool of civilian contractors.

Government growth is in itself not inherently undemocratic, unless in its growth it loses sight of its original commitment to government of, by, and for the people provided by elected representatives. Unfortunately, that has indeed been the case. Policy generation by the executive and legislative branches of government has dwindled over the years.

In our nations infancy, early presidents issued less than five Executive Orders (EOs) per year. As the nation and government grew, the number of EOs issued increased to 200300/year in the first half of the 20th century. Since then, however, EO generation has fallen precipitously to an average of ~40/year by the last four presidents. Policy generation by the legislature has followed a similar trajectory. In the mid-seventies, Congress enacted 700800 bills/year. Its output has fallen progressively. The present 118th Congress (1/20231/2025) has enacted just 82 bills.

Policy generation now is largely a function of the federal agency bureaucracy, which has been delegated to do the spade work by the executive and legislative bodies. The federal agencies create, implement, and enforce policy through regulations, which are legally binding. In establishing policy, they function as an intermediary between elected officials and concerned private sector lobbyists. Although the number of regulations issued by these agencies has declined over the decades, their increased complexity and scope has delivered an increasing socioeconomic impact, creating a regulatory state aura.

So, what is the nature of this unelected deep state? Ensconcement is prominent. Median term of employment is 7.5 years as opposed to 3.7 years in the private sector. Private sector employees are six times more likely to be fired. (Joe Biden, upon taking office, immediately reversed Trumps Schedule F, which made it easier to fire federal employees.) Is it politically neutral? Wellthats a secret. But money talks. In the 2016 election, 95% of federal employee donations went to Hillary. In 2020, 60% went to Biden, with Trump managing to glean support from the DOD and DHS. Positions of control tend to attract leftists, as to academia and media, and so to government bureaucracies. So we have an entrenched, leftist bureaucracy setting our cultural, social, and economic coursebringing lawfare, open borders, identity politics, media control, youth radicalization, anti-nationalism, religion, and nuclear family destruction.

This is the new Democrat partys concept of our democracy. Our evolution to this state of affairs has to an extent been facilitated by complacent, opportunistic Republicans content with living off the spoils. But along comes the MAGA Party, committed to resurrecting the founders concepts, eliciting the Trump Derrangement Syndrome in its political adversaries.

When the left laments that Trump is a threat to our democracy, they mean their democracyand indeed he is.

Image generated by AI.
Incredible as it may seem to me, this brief post will likely appear mean or insensitive to someperhaps even an American Thinker reader or two. But it should notand is meant only for illustrative purposesand in support of reality. (That said, some years ago a friend opined to me, Reality is only for those who just cant deal with drugs. I hope he is still with us.)

Anyway, here goes: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) recently derided a new policy banning men from womens restrooms on U.S. Capitol grounds, claiming that those who support the policy are endangering girls of all kinds. This is not true. In fact, it is the opposite of true. First of all, there is no such thing as girls of all kinds in the sense that she meant itmeaning girls of the boy kind, or trans women. Secondly, the new policy does not endanger anyone, but protects the vast majority of actual females from being uncomfortable or feeling unsafe.

If I identify as a Dallas Cowboy, it doesnt endanger me if I cant use the teams bathroom or locker-room. Period. The same holds true were I to identify as a New York Yankee, Boston Celtic, or Chicago Blackhawk. The difference is, it wouldnt potentially endanger them if I did.

Similarly, if I identify as a flathead catfish it doesnt endanger me if I cant swim in the river with them. If I identify as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, it doesnt endanger me if Im not allowed to dance across the stage with them. Neither physically nor mentally. If I believe it will endanger me mentally to be unable to do so, it simply shows I am already in desperate need of help. Period.

Instead of calling a spade a spade, you can call it a heart. That much is true. But that doesnt make it one. You can also call a club a diamond, but it can never truly be one. As Ben Shapiro notes, facts dont care about your feelings. The truth is the truth. Better to get ones feelings aligned with the facts and the truth than to try to change them into what they can never be. Harsh? Maybe. Fact? Yes.

And the world would be a better place if we all dealt with that, rather than chasing unicorns over rainbows.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
The list of Trumps team members is long, so lets concentrate on a short list of troika candidates who deal with foreign affairs and national security, starting with secretary of state Marco Rubio.

As vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a Committee on Foreign Relations member, Rubio often warns that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly partnering against the United States. They all share one goal, and that is, they want to weaken America, weaken our alliances, weaken our standing and our capability and our will, he said in a recent speech. However, he sees Russia as an acute five-year or ten-year problem, while China is a 100-year problem.

When nominating Mike Waltz as his new national security adviser, Trump said that Waltz is a nationally recognized leader in national security, and an expert on the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism.....and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!

Waltz said this during his recent interview on National Public Radio about ending the war in Ukraine: First and foremost, you would enforce the actual energy sanctions on Russia. Russia is essentially a gas station with nukes, so that will get Putin to the table. We have leverage, like taking the handcuffs off of the long-range weapons we provided Ukraine as well.

Trump also picked retired Army lt. gen. Keith Kellogg, former vice president Mike Pences national security adviser, as his special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. Keith has led a distinguished military and business career, including serving in highly sensitive national security roles in my first administration. He was with me right from the beginning, Trump said on his Truth Social account. Together, we will secure peace through strength and make America and the world safe again.

Trump didnt say that Kellogg was a top security aide to Pence. Well, it was Pence who forced the firing of Trumps national security adviser, General Michael Flynn, on February 13, 2017  i.e., only 22 days after Flynn was sworn in for this position. Flynn shared and took Trumps strategic goal of getting along with Russia seriously, and had he kept this job, he could have helped Trump to withstand the pressure from the Deep State and perpetrators of the Russia Gate scandal that ruined his presidency.

As for Kellogg, he and Fred Fleitz, who served in the National Security Council during the first Trump administration, proposed resolving the crisis by putting pressure on both sides: Ukraine would only get more American weapons if it entered peace talks, while the Kremlin would be told that any refusal to negotiate would increase U.S. support for Ukraine. This sounds like an ultimatum, and Putin is not known for yielding to threats. So where do we stand?

During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged that if he won, he would end the war within 24 hours, even before moving into the White House. This didnt happen, and moreover, the fighting kept escalating. So one would assume the real action would start after January 20, 2025, but the team he has chosen to fulfill this pledge does raise mixed feelings.

In addition, the lame-duck Biden administration still has about seven weeks to ruin Trumps peace plans. Biden has sped up new financial and military aid to Ukraine and wants Congress to authorize an additional $24 billion to keep the war going. Whether Congress passes this bill would be a litmus test for the Republican majority.

There continue to be vast partisan differences, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted Nov. 1217. Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to say the United States is providing too much support to Ukraine (42% vs. 13%). Republicans are also far less likely than Democrats to say the U.S. has a responsibility to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia (36% vs. 65%). Also, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have long been less likely than Democrats and Democrat-leaners to see Russias invasion as a major threat to U.S. interests. And this partisan gap has grown. Just 19% of Republicans now say the invasion is a major threat, compared with 42% of Democrats.

According to Gallup, the majority of Ukrainians, after more than two years of grinding conflict, would like to see their country negotiate an end to the war as soon as possible. However, the Biden administration is pushing Ukraine to lower its minimum draft age from 25 to 18 to provide more cannon fodder for the war.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Just outside one of the five exits of Tokyo's Shibuya Station is a bronze statue of a dog named Hachiko. It is one of the most popular meeting points in the immense city of Tokyo. Everyday thousands of people walk past it, stand in front of it, snap a picture or chat around with friends. To understand why the statue of a dog is so famous in a city the size of Tokyo, where there is certainly no shortage of hangouts, you have to hear his story.

Hachiko was a golden-brown Akita dog born in 1923 on a farm near the city of Odate, in Akita Prefecture. He was picked up by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno who took him home to his house not far from Shibuya Station, and he showed himself to be a good and kind master. The dog adored him. Every morning as the professor headed off to work, Hachiko would accompany his master, walking along with him as far as Shibuya Station. He would watch him buy his ticket and disappear into the station. Hachiko would then sit down in the small square in front of the station and wait for his masters return from work in the late afternoon.

The statue of Hachiko outside Tokyo's Shibuya Station. Photo credit

This became a daily routine for a year until one day in May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. Unbeknown to Hachiko, his master had suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage and died, leaving Hachiko waiting, watching trains arrive and hoping for a reunion that would never happen. Each day for the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days, Hachiko appeared precisely when the train was due at the station and awaited Ueno's return. The story of the dog that never gave up gained a lot of attention from local and national news, inspiring many people to visit Hachiko at Shibuya Station to offer treats. During these years he was taken care of by the professor's relatives but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master.

Hachikos legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty that impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachiko's vigil as an example for children to follow.

Left: Hachiko in his later years. Right: Last known photo of Hachiko - pictured with his owner's wife Yaeko Ueno (front row, second from right) and station staff in mourning in Tokyo on March 8, 1935.

Eventually, Hachiko himself died on March 8, 1935. A year before his death, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station, and Hachiko himself was present at its unveiling. During the Second World War, the statue was torn down and melted to make ammunition, so a new one was erected in 1948 once the war ended. Each year on March 8, Hachiko's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station.

In addition to the Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station, there are statues in Hachiko's home town, outside the Odate Station, and another one in front of the Akita Dog Museum. The University of Tokyo also erected another statue of Hachiko playing with his master, the professor. The exact spot where Hachiko waited in the train station is permanently marked with bronze paw-prints and text in Japanese explaining his loyalty. There is also a monument to Hachiko next to his master's grave in Aoyama cemetery. The Shibuya Station exit outside which Hachiko stood guard was named after him. He himself remains preserved and on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.

Hachikos story was brought to the world at large by the 2009 Hollywood movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, where Richard Gere played the character of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno.

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The Hachiko Wall at the Shibuya Station. Photo credit

A Hachiko valve cover located only a few feet way from the actual statue. Photo credit

Hachiko exhibited at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno. It's hard to tell from the picture, but he was actually a pretty big dog. Photo credit

Hachiko's monument on the side of Professor Ueno's grave in the Aoyama Cemetery, Minato, Tokyo. Photo credit

A statue of Hachiko greeting his master at The University of Tokyos campus. Photo credit

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Sources: Wikipedia / Go Japan Go / RocketNews24
Its no secret that Samsung will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip in all Galaxy S25 models worldwide. The low yield rate issues of Samsung Foundrys 3nm wafers made the implementation of its own Exynos 2500 SoC unfeasible. That said, it seems that even the performance of the latest Exynos flagship chipset is below expectations. A benchmark of an Exynos 2500-powered Galaxy S25 Plus prototype points in that direction.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is without a doubt the most powerful chip in the Android industry today. Benchmarks even put it above the latest Apple A18 Pro chip in terms of multi-core performance. This implies that its normal for its competitors to show slightly lower raw power. However, it seems that the gap between the Exynos 2500 and Qualcomms latest flagship mobile SoC is larger than expected.

An Exynos 2500-powered Galaxy S25 Plus prototype tested on Geekbench

Tipster Jukanlosreve (via Wccftech) has spotted a listing for a Galaxy S25 Plus prototype on Geekbench 6. However, the Exynos 2500 chip powers the device. This is normal, as Samsung has not ruled out developing the hardware yet. Leaks even say that the South Korean giant will implement it in its foldable phones in 2025. Therefore, Samsung is still testing the SoC.

According to Geekbench, the performance of the Exynos 2500-powered Galaxy S25 Plus prototype is up to 37% below the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The tested device features 12GB of RAM and runs Android 15. This configuration scores 2,358 and 8,211 points in the single-core and multi-core performance tests, respectively. The hardwares performance also falls behind the Apple A18 Pro chip.

This considerable raw power difference renders launching regional versions powered by the Exynos 2500 unfeasible. Fans of the brand would be disappointed by getting models with much lower performance than other regions. While the company has launched Exynos and Snapdragon variants with differences in performance in the past, the gap has never been so wide.

10x CPU cores are not enough to compete with the best

Geekbench also confirms that the Exynos 2500 has a 10-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 3.30 GHz. For reference, the Snapdragon 8 Elite reaches a speed of 4.32 GHz on its most powerful core. On the other hand, the Apple A18 Pro has a maximum clock speed of up to 3.78 GHz. It is possible that the difference in clock speed influenced the results. However, perhaps Samsung planned to compensate for it with more cores, and it has not worked out well.

Anyway, Samsung has months ahead to improve the performance of the chip. The company is also actively working to enhance the yield rates of its 3nm wafers for the chips mass production.
According to a new report, Huawei spends $22 billion a year on R&D and innovation. An expert says the company does that not because it wants to, but in order to keep pace with innovation. Of course, nobody wants to spend that much money on R&D, but its a requirement for such companies, basically.

Huawei spends a ton of cash on R&D and innovation a year, $22 billion

It is said that Huawei is in a position where it cannot think of cost-effectiveness for its growth. Innovation is the only way forward. When we consider the US sanctions and everything, that puts even more emphasis on innovation.

The costs are unexpectedly rising, and the Chinese people can not longer rely on budget-friendly strategies, the report says. The same actually applies to Huawei and other major tech companies.

According to Liu Ke, the dean of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship School, says that Huawei does not have any other option but to spend and try to innovate. He said that if the company doesnt do it, it will fall behind in a matter of years.

He also added that a number of factors have affected China a lot. Those factors are the US sanctions, lack of techs, and a number of others. The country is trying to balance things out, as are major tech companies.

Based on previous information, Huawei spends around 10-20% of its sales on R&D for communication, AI, chips, and other major aspects. The company is also expected to increase its investment moving forward.

Things would likely be considerably different if not for the US sanctions

Things would look significantly different for Huawei if not for the US sanctions. The company was close to dethroning both Apple and Samsung way back in the day before the sanctions hit. Since then, Huawei has been on a self-sufficiency journey, to become independent, but it has not been easy.

Launching its Android-free OS is a giant step in the other direction. The name of it is HarmonyOS NEXT, and it launched in China not long ago. The companys new Mate X6 and Mate 70 devices are the first to ship with that OS.
According to recent reports, the US telecommunications infrastructure has been the target of a hacking campaign from China for months. The FBI issued a warning about the ongoing alleged attack some weeks ago. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States have now issued a joint advisory regarding the cyber espionage campaign.

Joint advisory addresses ongoing cyber espionage campaign from China to telecoms

Three additional countries have joined the US in their claims about Chinese attempts to breach the countrys most important mobile carriers. Identified exploitations or compromises associated with these threat actors activity align with existing weaknesses associated with victim infrastructure; no novel activity has been observed, the government agencies involved stated.

The joint advisory directly links the attack to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Authorities identify the attacking group as Salt Typhoon and speculate that the Chinese government may be funding it. This same group has been responsible for incidents tracked under multiple names in the past years. The list includes Earth Estries, FamousSparrow, GhostEmperor, and UNC2286. Salt Typhoon has reportedly been carrying out such campaigns since at least 2020.

The FBI says there could still be malicious actors infiltrating the US telecommunications infrastructure. Recently, Jeff Greene, a US security official, advised Americans to use encrypted telecommunications whenever possible as a security measure against the cyber espionage campaign. This represented a change of direction regarding the perception of encryption in the US government.

Patching vulnerable devices and services, as well as generally securing environments, will reduce opportunities for intrusion and mitigate the actors activity, the joint advisory added. Cybersecurity agencies also published a guide of measures to take to keep business environments safe in the face of the ongoing situation. The list includes the following tips:

Tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate

The alleged cyber espionage campaign against US telecommunications only intensifies the already tense situation between the governments of China and the United States. A few weeks after the first reports, the US issued new chip export restrictions for China. Earlier, Washington caught Huawei obtaining AI hardware made with US technology, bypassing the current trade restrictions. Beijing has tried to distance itself from the allegations, stating that they have nothing to do with the attacks.

China responded to the latest US export bans with its own sanctions. The Chinese restrictions affect the export of minerals such as gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. These are key materials in the production of semiconductors. Plus, the current message in the Chinese tech industry is that American chips are no longer safe. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are accelerating the process of relocating their supply chain.
Google has announced the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop for its lineup of Pixel phones which promises a handful of improvements to Gemini. Since the launch of the Pixel 8 series, Google has been expanding Geminis presence in phones and some of the newly announced features have already made their way to devices. These were official releases of these features but only by way of beta app access, and without any announcements from Google.

One such instance was the arrival of the Utilities Gemini extension, as well as Geminis ability to make phone calls and send text messages from the lock screen. These features are now official and will be available across several Pixel devices. But theres more to look forward to. The update should be rolling out to supported Pixel devices starting today, however, its unclear how long it will take for all users to get these updates.

In terms of which devices will get these features, Google says it will be the Pixel 6 and newer Pixel devices. So that means the Pixel 6 and any Pixel device after it.

The December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop adds a new Spotify Gemini extension

Spotify is perhaps the most-used streaming music service on the planet. So youd expect it to have some kind of integration with Gemini. To that end, a new Spotify Gemini extension has emerged for people to more easily interact with their favorite songs. Google says the extension will allow you to play your favorite songs and podcasts and discover playlists for any mood. To access the Gemini extensions and make use of them, youll need to have Gemini set as your default instead of Google Assistant.

You also need to make sure the Spotify extension toggle is enabled. It might be on by default though. So theres a chance you wont have to do much beyond waiting for the feature drop.

Gemini Advanced gets new Saved Info feature

If youre a Gemini Advanced subscriber, then youre getting some new stuff to play with too. Specifically, the Saved Info feature. Google started rolling this out in priority access back in November. With Saved Info, you can ask Gemini to remember certain interests and preferences. In doing this Gemini is supposed to be able to provide you with responses that are more relevant to you.

Say you really like Japanese food. You can tell Gemini to remember this. The next time you ask about a place to eat, you should end up with responses that are more personalized to you and tailored to this preference. Googles example states you can tell Gemini that youre a Vegetarian. Itll remember this so that it can provide you with more Vegetarian-friendly recipes. All without needing to remind Gemini about this detail.

All of this will be easy to view and edit too, Google says. And for the security-conscious, Google provides transparency on when any shared information is used. Its possible to delete it at any point. Saved Info will be available on all Android phones and desktops.
Samsungs long-awaited One UI 7 beta based on Android 15 is rumored to be released this week. Specifically, Samsung is said to be releasing the software for devices on December 5. That means that some Samsung phone owners will finally be getting their first taste of Android 15s new features. Samsung isnt always the first to release beta software for new Android versions but its also much faster than several other manufacturers.

Rumor of Samsungs plans to push the first Android 15 beta to users comes from Max Jambor. Jambor states that Samsung will begin to roll out the software update starting on December 5. However, he doesnt mention anything about actual timing. So those with supported devices will want to keep an eye out for possible notifications that the download is available.

Samsung was initially planning to push the One UI 7 beta out to users much earlier this year. Its been delayed a few times though. Thought at one point to be coming in July the update was pushed back. New rumors suggested it might come in August. Then August came and went but there was no update. Now it seems Samsung is finally ready to roll things out to the first set of users. Having potentially fixed whatever bugs may have been present that resulted in the delay.

Samsungs One UI 7 beta will be released for the Galaxy S24 series

Although past leaks have said that the One UI 7 beta may be coming to the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S24, it seems the former isnt getting the software just yet.

According to Jambor, tomorrows rollout will include the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Theres no mention of any other devices. That doesnt mean that Samsung wont push the software to its Galaxy S23 series at some point. For now, however, only Galaxy S24 users seem to be getting their hands on it.

Users in Germany will be among the first to participate

Jambor only mentions Germany specifically with regard to rollout regions. That being said, he also states that users in Germany will be among the first to participate. So this suggests that other regions will be included in tomorrows push. It wouldnt be surprising if users in the US were included here, given the US is a massive market for Samsung. Users in South Korea are also expected to see the update from tomorrow.
Claire Partain is a Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering student achievement. She can be reached at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com.

She got her start as sports editor at Texas State University (go Cats!) before covering professional soccer team Austin FC and other Austin news at digital startup Austonia.

Claire has also freelanced with her hometown paper, appearing in the Fairfield Recorder, Teague Chronicle and Corsicana Daily Sun.
Samsung is reportedly set to shake up its foldable smartphone lineup. Multiple reports indicate that the company is working on a tri-fold device, as well as a more affordable version of the Galaxy Z Flip. The brands main flexible-screen smartphones could even become larger next year. That said, it seems that Samsungs first tri-fold phone will take a little longer to arrive than expected, with 2026 as a tentative date.

Samsung Display is one of the companys divisions that posted disappointing financial results this year. The South Korean giant expected higher sale volumes for foldable displays. However, lower-than-expected demand for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, in addition to strong competition from Chinese suppliers prevented Samsung from reaching its goal. The tri-fold device is part of the brands strategy to try to turn the situation around.

Samsung could launch its first Galaxy trifold phone in early 2026

Reports regarding the upcoming device claimed that it will arrive sometime in 2025. However, Ross Young, a reputable analyst in the display industry, does not think so. In response to a user on X/Twitter, Young said that the Samsung tri-fold will arrive in early 2026, without offering any further details on the matter. So, the Huawei Mate XTs direct competition will have to wait, maintaining the exclusivity of its form factor for a longer time.

That said, Samsung will offer a large catalog of foldable phones next year. According to leaks, the company has plans to launch a more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and a Galaxy Z Fold 7 SE, in addition to the Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7. Plus, the company will use larger screens in the latter two. The same source claims that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have a 6.85-inch display. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 7s screen could grow to 8 inches, matching the current Korea-exclusive Galaxy Z Fold SE.

The foldable phone market will recover in 2026

The analyst estimates that 2025 will be another year of decline in shipments for foldable phones. However, 2026 could emerge as the year of recovery for this particular market niche. Young projects a growth of around 30% of the foldable devices market in 2026. The launch of Apples first foldable mobile device would also help this.
TSMC has been a hot topic in the tech industry lately. The US government recently finalized $6.6 billion in grants for the chip maker. Now, an exclusive report from Reuters suggests that TSMC is in talks with NVIDIA for AI chip production in Arizona.

TSMC will likely start the production of NVIDIAs Blackwell AI chips in Arizona

Multiple sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that TSMC will produce the Blackwell AI chips for NVIDIA in its Arizona fab. In fact, the company is already preparing for the production early next year.

Reports from late November hinted that TSMC is ready to mass-produce the 2nm chips in 2025. Those reports also mentioned that the chip maker could get orders from NVIDIA and others. Now, it seems to be finally happening.

NVIDIA launched the Blackwell AI chips in March this year. TSMC has been manufacturing these chips in its fab facilities based in Taiwan. However, the latest decision from NVIDIA comes due to the high demand for the chip from users involved in generative AI (GenAI) and accelerated computing.

TSMC will reportedly only produce the front-end process of the Blackwell AI chips in its Arizona fab. The chips will then be shipped back to Taiwan for packaging, though. Thats because TSMCs facility in Arizona doesnt have the chip-on wafer-on substrate (CoWoS) capacity which is reportedly vital for NVIDIAs AI chips.

The agreement isnt finalized yet

All that said, the agreement between the two companies isnt final just yet. When its finalized, TSMC will have yet another customer for its Arizona fab. TSMCs Arizona fab will play a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing for the US.

The decision to produce the 2nm chips locally aims to reduce the countrys reliance on overseas suppliers. Although the US government is working with the chip maker to achieve this goal, it has been keeping a closer eye on TSMCs business dealings.
Double individual Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin says she fully respects the decision to suspend her for one year following a horse whipping controversy, and revealed she was pregnant at the time the incident came to light.

Dujardin was provisionally suspended by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) on July 23  the week that the Paris Olympics started  as it launched an investigation into a video from four years ago showing her making what she described as an error of judgement during a coaching session.

The FEI said on Thursday that Dujardin had admitted three charges, and that it had issued a one-year suspension backdated to July 23 and a 10,000 Swiss franc fine (8,881).

Dujardin accepted the governing bodys ruling, which animal rights group PETA described as embarrassingly inadequate and another example of why all equestrian events should be permanently removed from the Olympic Games.

In a statement to the PA news agency following the announcement of the FEI sanction, Dujardin said: I fully respect the verdict issued by the FEI, released today.

As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.

This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. To those of you who have sent messages, emails and tried to reach me to check in on how I am  thank you. Every kind word truly has made a difference, more than youll ever know.

What I was unable to share at the time is that I am currently pregnant, with my baby due in February.

This was planned well before the Olympics and something my partner Dean and I have been excited about for a long time.

At the moment, the energy I have is focused on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we are all very much looking forward to the arrival of our new family member.

The video showed Dujardin repeatedly hitting a students horse with a whip from the ground, behaviour which sparked widespread condemnation.

PETAs US senior vice president Kathy Guillermo said in a statement: A one-year slap on the wrist for whipping a horse more than 20 times during a training session is embarrassingly inadequate, and since the FEI has repeatedly failed to clean up this so-called sport and protect the victims, the International Olympic Committee must remove all equestrian events from the Games permanently.

The complaint was made to the FEI by Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing on behalf of an unnamed client. Wensings firm has been contacted for comment regarding the sanction imposed on Dujardin.

Dujardin, who has won six Olympic medals including individual gold in 2012 and 2016, was ditched by sponsors and dropped as an ambassador by global horse welfare charity Brooke and the London International Horse Show when the video surfaced.

UK Sport, meanwhile, suspended Dujardins eligibility to receive public funding in the summer pending the outcome of the FEI investigation.

The elite sports funding body issued an update via a spokesperson on Thursday which read: We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity.

In line with the UK Sport eligibility policy, Charlotte Dujardin is ineligible to receive public funding and publicly-funded benefits for the same time period as the FEI sanction.

Her eligibility to receive public funding beyond the sanction imposed by the FEI will be reviewed under our eligibility policy.

Dujardin will be eligible to return to compete for Team GB once her ban is served and spent, the PA news agency understands.

The 39-year-old could have become Britains most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied.

Dujardin rose to prominence with individual and team golds at London 2012 while riding Valegro  to a soundtrack that included Land of Hope and Glory. The duo retained the former title and won silver in the latter at Rio 2016.

Dujardin pictured with her individual dressage gold from London 2012 (Steve Parsons/PA)

British Equestrian chief executive Jim Eyre said: We are confident that this has been a thorough disciplinary process and thank those involved for their professional approach. The sanctions were discussed at board level by BEF and British Dressage and both agreed that the suspension and fine are in line with the parameters outlined in the FEIs regulatory framework.

The welfare and ethical treatment of horses has always been a priority and no one involved in our sport should be in any doubt that we expect highest standards at all times.

British Dressage chief executive Jason Brautigam said: We stand united with the FEI in taking a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of our equine welfare policies  and this case has proved that these disciplinary processes work, regardless of the status of the individual concerned.

Roly Owers, the chief executive of the World Horse Welfare charity, said: What we all need to take away from this sad episode is that how we train our horses must be ethical  which in practice means respecting our horses and how they learn, using techniques that the horse understands, that reward and do not cause fear or distress.
Darren Millar has been elected as the new leader of the Tories in the Welsh parliament.

He faced no opposition in his bid to become leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd after Andrew RT Davies resigned on Tuesday.

Mr Millar, the MS for Clwyd West, was publicly endorsed by all 15 of his Senedd party colleagues and he was elected unopposed after nominations for the post closed at 5pm.

He said: I am humbled by the incredible support of my colleagues in the Senedd, and the kind messages I have received from Conservative Party members and members of the public across the country.

Andrew RT Davies will be a difficult act to follow but I am determined to build on his legacy as we take the fight to our political opponents in the run-up to the Senedd elections in 2026.

After 25 years of Labour failure, Wales is crying out for hope and change. I look forward to setting out our plans to deliver just that in the weeks and months to come.

Mr Millars appointment means the Tories, Labour and Plaid Cymru will all go into the 2026 Senedd elections with new leaders since the last Welsh parliament election took place.

Polling of Senedd voting intention earlier this week put the Tories fourth, behind Reform UK.

Plaid Cymru came out on top with 24%, Labour and Reform UK tied at 23% and the Conservatives trailed behind at 19%, the YouGov and Barn Cymru survey showed.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: A new face, but the same old Conservative Party in Wales.

Voters have already rejected Darren Millar and his colleagues at the General Election.

Instead of trying to understand why, they are papering over the cracks. The people of Wales wont buy it.
Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined after breaching bail.

Hogg had his sentence for abusing his estranged wife over the course of five years deferred until January 9.

He earlier admitted breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, in June.

Hogg previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of Mrs Hogg when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4.

Stuart Hogg arriving at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday (Owen Humphreys/PA)

He admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

The court previously heard he berated Mrs Hogg for not being fun after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent her more than 200 text messages in the space of a few hours.

For the bail breach, he was placed on a five-year non-harassment order and fined 600, with an additional 40 victim surcharge, when he appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday.

The 32-year-old had been due to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4 but pleaded guilty that day to a charge of domestic abuse, between 2019 and 2024 at locations including Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

Hogg now lives abroad and plays for French club Montpellier, and the court was told he is in the process of a divorce.

Stuart Hogg was sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Prosecutor Drew Long told the court on November 4 that the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children, all aged under three, but Hoggs behaviour deteriorated as he went out partying.

Hogg would shout and swear and accuse Mrs Hogg of not being fun for not joining in drinking, and her family noticed a change in her, the court heard.

In 2022, Mrs Hogg went on a night out and was bombarded with text messages from her husband which caught the attention of the people she was with, the prosecutor said.

The following year, the couple moved to Hawick but Hogg used an app to track his wife and questioned her whereabouts while she was dropping the children off, Mr Long told the court.

Stuart Hogg playing for Scotland during a Six Nations match in February 2023 (PA)

In 2023, Mrs Hogg decided to leave the rugby player and sought advice from a domestic abuse service.

In September of that year, the court heard last month, Hogg sent so many messages that it led Mrs Hogg to have a panic attack, and Hogg sent in excess of 200 texts in a few hours despite being asked to leave her alone.

On February 21 this year, police were called due to Hogg shouting and swearing and he was taken into custody and then placed on a bail order stipulating not to contact Mrs Hogg, or to enter the family home.

Hogg retired from professional rugby last year but in July this year it was announced that he would be returning after signing for Montpellier on a two-year contract.

The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs player was made an MBE for services to the sport in this years New Year Honours list.
Marks & Spencer has been given the green light to demolish its flagship Oxford Street store, ending a fierce three-year planning battle over the art deco building.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner ruled on Thursday that the plans can go ahead.

The retail giant wants to rebuild the store into a nine-storey building housing a retail space, a cafe, a gym and an office.

Stuart Machin, the groups chief executive, wrote on X on Thursday: I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst under the previous government, our plans for Marble Arch  the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street  have finally been approved.

Stuart Machin criticised the three-year delay in getting planning permission (M&S/PA)

He said the business could now get on with the job of helping to rejuvenate the UKs premier shopping street through the flagship store.

The building, named Orchard House, was constructed in the late 1920s on the corner of the UKs most famous shopping street, by Marble Arch in London.

M&S, which opened the flagship store in 1930, applied to Westminster City Council for permission to demolish Orchard House in 2021.

The plans have since been dogged by court cases and opposition from heritage and sustainability experts, culminating in then-Housing Secretary Michael Gove stepping in and eventually refusing the application in July 2023.

This was despite the council and local authority supporting the plans, and a government planning inspector granting approval.

But earlier this year, a High Court judge ruled that the government made a series of flawed decisions while trying to block the plans.

The judge said Mr Gove had misinterpreted national planning policy and gave inadequate reasoning over his decision after M&S said that blocking the refurbishment would be likely to lead to the store closing,

On Thursday, Ms Rayner decided to grant permission for the demolition and reconstruction, after the new Labour Government was formed in July.

Her decision took into account all the evidence submitted by M&S before the application was refused, including the planning inspectors previous recommendation and court judgment, according to the approval document.

Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company  which represents 600 shops, hospitality firms and property owners around the West End  welcomed the approval.

Todays decision by the Government sends a strong and positive signal for businesses across the UK, particularly in flagship high street locations which are key drivers of economic growth, she said.

The redevelopment of Marks & Spencers flagship store at Marble Arch will help cement the West Ends status as a global destination for shoppers and office workers alike, revitalising Oxford Street West and reinforcing the message to international investors that the UK is firmly open for business.
Feature: Silver-haired educators discover fresh purpose volunteering in Xinjiang

Xinhua) 09:28, December 05, 2024

Volunteer teacher Chen Xiaohe gives a lecture at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 11, 2024. (Xinhua)

URUMQI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- For decades, Xu Shuangmin had barely ventured beyond her community, confined to a comfortable 5-km radius in the central city of Wuhan. But at the age of 67, and fresh off her retirement, she stunned everyone with a decision to travel 4,000 km northwest, embarking on a new chapter as a volunteer teacher.

In September 2021, Xu joined a national silver-age teacher action plan, an initiative launched by China's Ministry of Education to tap into the wealth of experience and knowledge of retired educators to boost the educational quality of universities in the western regions. Retiring from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Xu started volunteering at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which has drawn 140 retired teachers like Xu from around the country.

The plan comes as China's population continues to age rapidly. According to the ministry, by 2025, the number of people over 60 in China will exceed 300 million, coinciding with a peak in teacher retirements.

Most of the retired teachers come from the economically developed large cities in the central and eastern regions. However, they were not afraid of Xinjiang's dry climate, sandy weather and relatively modest living facilities. Xu made just one request: to be allowed to cook in the dormitory, because she likes light meals and cannot eat strong-flavored local dishes.

Despite being a volunteer, the teachers work with great energy, rivaling those half their age. Take 63-year-old Zhong Dakang, for instance. He works overtime and is frequently seen engrossed at his office computer throughout the day. Due to his dedication, he often forgets to take his blood-pressure pills.

Chen Xiaohe, 70, is a retired teacher at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Having difficulty walking following a car accident, he still enjoys standing in front of a class. Chen even stayed at the Karamay campus during the winter and summer vacations, preparing lessons and teaching materials.

He has extended his initial one-year volunteering contract to three years. The praise he received from his students might be the reason behind his decision to extend his stay. The course he teaches -- "Socialist Market Economy" -- has often been lauded for its "clarity" and being "easy to comprehend."

The petroleum university has a history of over 70 years, but its Karamay campus in Xinjiang is relatively new, having only started admitting undergraduates in 2016. When Sun Xudong, a retired English teacher from the university's Beijing campus, arrived in 2020, the Karamay campus had just begun recruiting English majors.

"At that time, the courses, materials and teams were all started from scratch," said 64-year-old Sun, recalling the early busy days in Karamay. He took the lead in making the teaching syllabus, setting up the translation discipline, and managing the recruitment and training of master's students.

"I hope to contribute my efforts to the education here and help more students realize their dreams," Sun said.

"Go where your country needs you the most." This slogan, once a call for the educated youth after the founding of New China in 1949, resonates anew with today's silver-haired educators.

"I initially came to Karamay with the goal of educating students, but over the past three years, I've come to realize that I, too, am learning and growing," Xu said.

The city of Karamay was once a typical desert settlement, but in the past decades, it has been transformed into a thriving oil hub. This achievement can be attributed to the dedication of several generations of oil workers who persevered through supply shortages and harsh weather conditions, devoting their lives to the country's oil industry and local development.

Xu recalled a letter to her elder sister, in which she said that, amidst the strong force-10 winds, and inspired by the determination of the oil workers, she had gained a true understanding of the slogan about going where the country needs you the most.

The term "Silver-haired Power" has emerged as one of China's top 10 buzzwords this year. It means that the vitality of the elderly should not be hindered by aging, as they deserve care and happiness, as well as opportunities to continue making contributions to society.

Xu and other retired teachers are the shining examples of such silver-haired power. While many elderly Chinese people choose to spend their retirement looking after their grandchildren or traveling around the world, they have chosen a different path. By volunteering in Xinjiang, they are employing their wealth of experience and dedication to aid the development and talent cultivation of this remote region.

In the run-up to International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5, the silver-age volunteer teachers have come under the spotlight. In September, China's National Working Commission on Aging has proposed the establishment of a national team of silver-age volunteers, integrating it into the coordinated development of the country's eastern and western regions, while guiding elderly intellectuals to contribute to the economic and social development of less-developed areas.

"I believe that if our parents were alive today and knew that I am volunteering in Xinjiang, they would feel proud of me," Xu said in the letter to her sister.

Volunteer teacher Dai Xilong gives a lecture at the Karamay campus of China University of Petroleum-Beijing in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 14, 2024. (Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The McDonald's in the 2000 block of Main Street, next to downtown's Greyhound bus station, shut down over the winter break. Former restaurant photographed on Thu. Jan 19, 2023. While the Greyhound station, which many associated with homelessness, was moved from Midtown, business owners still cite homelessness as a major public safety concern in the neighborhood. Jill Karnicki/Staff photographer Construction continues across the street from a vacant lot where homeless people camp Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the Midtown neighborhood in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Alfred Lovings leaves his tent as construction continues across the street Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the Midtown neighborhood in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Midtown Redevelopment Authoritys empty parcel at the corner of Elgin and St Charles Streets, at the catty corner from One Emancipation Center office building, at 3131 Emancipation Avenue, is photographed Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in Houston. The Midtown Redevelopment Authority spent about $25 million in affordable housing funds building One Emancipation Center. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Carrie Campbell of Houston pauses on the sidewalk Midtown as outreach workers approach her during the annual national point-in-time count of homeless people on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 in Houston, TX. Sharon Steinmann Alfred Lovings leaves his tent as construction continues across the street Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the Midtown neighborhood in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Midtown property owners, exasperated by what they see as an increase in homelessness and an exodus of businesses, gathered at the Midtown Management District board meeting Wednesday morning to demand changes in how taxes levied by the district are spent.

"We don't see results. And the definition of insanity is we keep doing the same thing and expect different results," said Cynthia Aceves-Lewis, former president of the Midtown Super Neighborhood.

Residents expressed their frustrations with homelessness and their mistrust towards Midtown officials who had promised to address the problem. Multiple business owners said they've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on security and sanitization.

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The Midtown Management District has the same staff as the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, where an official had been found to have funneled millions of taxpayer dollars into his own pocket.

The property owners who spoke at the meeting asked the Midtown Management District to change course from voting later this month on a tax to be assessed for the next 10 years, coupled with a 10-year plan, to a shorter-term three-year plan and levy, coupled with metrics to measure progress.

Proposed changes in Midtown

A feature of the proposed three-year plan included dedicating 80% of funding to public safety, economic development and service and maintenance. The measure would force cuts to the district's spending on things such as arts, marketing and administration.

In 2024, the district spent $774,000 of its $3.9 million in revenue on administrative expenses, or 20% of its budget. In the 2025 budget, approved during Wednesday's meeting over calls to reallocate funds, 16% of funding was reserved for administrative expenses. An additional 13% was reserved for personnel costs associated with specific initiatives.

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While property owners said that problems with homelessness were growing worse and the district's budget and plan failed to make any changes in the way it approached the problem, Cynthia Alvarado, director of operations and strategic planning for both the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and the Midtown Management District, pointed to a new homelessness plan announced in November by Mayor John Whitmire.

As Houston has worked to push homeless individuals from sleeping or spending time downtown, the city has received complaints from nearby neighborhoods. Studies suggest that such complaint-based policing of homelessness can cause individuals to relocate, often to a location within a short walking distance, but is not effective in reducing a citys homeless population.

How Houston is fighting homelessness

Whitmire hopes to be able to remove homelessness from all public spaces by giving everyone a place to stay off the street  even if it means shifting away from the region's strategy of focusing funds on permanent housing.

Shelters are more expensive because they require staff and meals, among other services. Mike Nichols, the city's director of housing and community development, estimated that it cost $23,000 a year to provide housing, compared with $35,000 a year for each spot provided by the city's navigation center, a place where people stay between when their encampment is shut down and they secure housing.

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Alvarado said the Midtown Redevelopment Authority had already committed $750,000 for the mayor's plan and that she was planning to request $250,000 from the Midtown Management District's reserves as well.

"Public safety and homelessness: We heard today from our constituents again, it's on the top of everyone's mind," she said. If the two organizations together contributed $1 million to the homeless plan, it would match what the Downtown Management District has contributed.

In an emailed statement, the management district said it prioritized giving homeless individuals help, such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment or shelter, before enforcement. It said the approach had helped more than 599 individuals secure housing since 2020.

Different funding plans

A draft of the Midtown Management District's 10-year plan involves paying for patrols, maintaining streetlights and sidewalks, hiring local artists, promoting local businesses and expanding the district's social media footprint. Since the plan is considered an improvement project, rather than a maintenance tax, it only requires 25 property owners to sign a petition, rather than a vote, in order to levy annual payments from the district based on property values.

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On Nov. 20, Aceves-Lewis presented an alternative plan at the local Super Neighborhood meeting. In addition to being a longtime resident of Midtown, Aceves-Lewis currently serves on the Houston Housing Authority board.

The alternative plan was for a three-year time period and focused spending on public safety, economic development and service and maintenance.

"Economic development has declined," said Chris Urbanczyk, who supported the alternative plan. He listed businesses that have recently left Midtown, including Whole Foods, Caydon, Reef and High Fashion Fabric.

Janice Gorman of Williamsburg Enterprises said that her company had spent $120,000 on security and cleaning up human excrement over the past year  more than it had on taxes. "It's a very big problem."

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MPs have called on UK ministers to toughen their approach towards foreign governments which detain British nationals overseas amid efforts to free a British-Egyptian citizen held in Egypt.

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer claimed positive links between London and Cairo could help Egypt improve its human rights record.

But earlier on Thursday, chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Emily Thornberry warned of a lack of cohesion in Whitehall when officials deal with UK passport holders arbitrarily detained abroad.

John McDonnell, who had the Labour whip suspended in July for backing an SNP motion on welfare policy, urged Mr Falconer to consider how he could hit Egypt with trade penalties until authorities free 43-year-old pro-democracy writer Alaa Abd El-Fattah.

Mr El-Fattah was detained in September 29 2019, and in December 2021 was sentenced to five years in prison after being accused of spreading false news.

The Free Alaa campaign said he should have been released in September 2024 and his 68-year-old mother Laila Soueif is on hunger strike in protest over his continued imprisonment in Egypt, surviving on salts, black coffee and herbal tea.

Debating detained British nationals abroad, Labour MP Ms Thornberry told the Commons: Why did the Department for Business and Trade organise industry delegations to Cairo in June 2024 and UK export finance in September to help host an Egypt-UK investment opportunity forum here in London, all the while that the Egyptian government have one of our citizens  Alaa Abd El-Fattah  wrongfully held in prison without consular access?

Who thought that through? Did anybody think that through? Or was it one of those things that because there isnt the focus, it just happened  and I suspect its the latter, thats why we have to change.

Douglas McAllister, the Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire, raised the case of 37-year-old Sikh rights campaigner Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, who was arrested in November 2017 in Punjab, northern India, while in the country for his wedding.

Mr McAllister said: Consular assistance should have a legal framework and not just a discretionary offering.

Changing the culture of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and providing families with certainty with respect to what support their loved ones will receive as a matter of right is a necessity and we must introduce this.

Mr McDonnell, who tabled a later adjournment debate about Mr El-Fattahs case, watched on by his sister Sanaa Seif and cousin Omar Robert Hamilton from a side gallery, told MPs: I hope the Government can grasp the urgency and the seriousness of the situation, especially in the context of a 68-year-old woman on hunger strike, whose life I believe is at risk.

I urge the Government to take the action necessary to secure Alaas release in time hopefully to spend Christmas with his son in Brighton.

He also said the Foreign Office should change the travel advice for Egypt on its website to reflect the reality of the moment  the reality is if a person is arrested in Egypt, the Government cannot guarantee even consular access.

Mr McDonnell suggested the move would demonstrate to the Egyptians that our Government was talking Alaas detention seriously, particularly in a country where tourism is a significant part of the economy.

He added: We know that the Egyptian government is seeking an increase in British investment into Egypt. We should be clear and announce a moratorium on any new trade agreements with Egypt until Alaa is free.

MPs agreed through a backbench business motion tabled by former Conservative minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith that they were concerned by the number of arbitrarily detained British nationals at risk of human rights abuses abroad.

Responding, Mr Falconer said: We are currently assisting 1,400 British nationals overseas, some of these cases are more straightforward, some are considerably more complex. We provide assistance both directly and through a partnership with Prisoners Abroad, a highly valued charity.

I regret, in so many of these cases, that in our few months in Government we have not yet seen positive progress on all of them.

He said the Labour Government planned to introduce a special envoy for complex consular cases and added: We will do so in part because we have heard from those families, including those in the gallery today, about what their experience has been of seeking Foreign Office support.

Responding to the adjournment debate, the minister said: I am aware of course of the understandable frustration that members feel at Alaas situation and the desire that the UK Government roll back our relationship or drop all economic support.

But the truth is our partnership with Egypt is crucial to alleviating suffering in the region, and in our push for wider peace and security in the region.

Mr Falconer continued: At the heart of our general approach is the firm belief that through continued engagement, we can encourage the Egyptians to improve their human rights record, and that a stronger relationship than the one that we inherited will allow us to have the frank and open discussions with key decision-makers as I and colleagues have recently done, to see improvements both in Alaas case and in relation to the wider human rights and social situation in Egypt.
Seven of the eight living former prime ministers at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday 2023, while Rishi Sunak was still in No 10 - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

The security bill of almost 10 million a year for protecting the UKs eight living former prime ministers is unsustainable, the Home Office has been warned.

As many as 120 specialist police protection officers are required to provide round-the-clock security to the unprecedented number of living prime ministers, according to former officers.

After the Tories recent political turmoil, which saw the party go through four prime ministers in three years, the UK has its largest number of former heads of government in history.

Their security is funded by the Home Office but provided by officers from the Metropolitan Police and some local constabularies, armed with guns and tasers, despite all forces in England and Wales suffering shortages of firearms-trained officers.

Highest risk from terrorist groups

The allocation of security is decided by an independent, secretive body known as Ravec  the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. It assesses the risk of VIPs and royals on a three-point scale based on intelligence from the security services, police and government.

One source said the predominant risk was from terrorist groups such as Islamic State, al-Qaeda and the Real IRA, as well as hostile states.

This meant any former prime minister involved in decisions on conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland was likely to be rated as requiring the highest level of security.

Based on anonymous interviews with former protection officers and Government insiders, The Telegraph has calculated the annual cost of protecting all eight former prime ministers would be 9.36 million if they were to all be provided with 24/7 security. That would be equivalent to 46.8 million over the lifetime of this Parliament.

This would mean each of the eight  Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Lord Cameron, Baroness May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak  having up to 15 officers assigned.

This comprises a team of 12 to cover eight-hour shifts for the 24/7 protection in addition to a personal protection officer and two back-up officers.

A source with knowledge of security considerations said the costs were astronomical and The Telegraph figure was probably an underestimate.

I dont think the current situation with them all having the level of protection that they currently have is sustainable, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

Its well known that we have a shortage of officers. I struggle to see how they will maintain that level of protection for that many people in the long term.

Politics is inherently unstable at the moment. So, I wouldnt be surprised if the number of former prime ministers goes up in the next few years.

A former government minister, also with knowledge of security, said: I think there should be an element of being more practical about it, although it would be terrible if an ex-prime minister was bumped off as a result of scrimping on security.

You do clearly want to protect those who were involved in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq, and those periods that would put them at risk. But if you look at some others, it makes you wonder whether they need that level of security.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators wave flags as Sir Keir Starmer leaves a meeting in Edinburgh in July - Andrew Milligan/PA

Security is assessed on a case-by-case basis by Ravec, according to former protection officers. This would mean Sir Tony, who supported George W Bush, the US president at the time, in his war on terror, would require greater protection than, for example, Sir John.

If a VIP requires round-the-clock protection, that means two officers on duty at all times at their home. This would require a team of 12 to cover the daily shifts 24/7, taking account of rest days, periods of sleep, training days, annual leave and time off sick.

When a VIP goes to an event, their personal protection officer goes with them with up to two officers as back-up. Trips overseas or to high-profile events might require more officers. A three-day trip to a conference abroad could require four to six officers.

Protection officers used to work very long hours, clocking up large amounts of overtime, but those practices were overhauled after it emerged in 2010 that Sir Tonys bodyguards were running up expenses of 250,000. They now work shifts of 10 to 12 hours, which means more officers are needed.

Protection officers are police constables, usually with at least four years service. Based on Policy Exchange estimates of officer costs, that would be 78,000 per year per person, or a total of 9.36 million per year for the 120 officers.

There are likely to be other additional costs for management and administration and to pay for police forces when they have to deploy extra officers to protect venues and search crowds where a former prime minister might be speaking.
Donna Nelson. The Australian womans daughter said her mother thought she was coming to Japan for her love story. Photograph: National Justice Project

The jailing of an Australian woman in Japan is really distressing for her family, the federal government has acknowledged as it committed to doing all it could to help her.

The Australian federal health minister, Mark Butler, made the promise a day after Donna Nelson was sentenced to six years for smuggling methamphetamine into Tokyo in January 2023, despite her claims she had been the victim of an online romance scam.

Her legal team has indicated they plan to appeal, noting that the two years she has already served will count towards her overall sentence.

Nelson, from Perth, was found guilty of smuggling 2kg of the drug concealed beneath a false bottom in her suitcase when she arrived at Narita airport near Tokyo from Laos in January 2023.

Prosecutors had demanded a 10-year sentence and a $30,000 fine.

The premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook, expressing hope for a potential appeal.

That must come as a huge kick in the guts to that family and I know Donna and her family would be hurting today, he told reporters on Thursday.

Cook said the Japanese justice system had to be respected.

Shes been found guilty of a crime and shes been sentenced and now she has avenues of appeal, he said.

In due course, I hope we may see a situation where Donna Nelson is brought home sooner rather than later.

The 58-year-old claimed she did not know the drugs had been hidden inside the suitcase, which she said had been given to her by the acquaintance of a second man who she met online in 2020 and was planning to marry.

Nelson said she had been instructed to take the suitcase to Japan and give it to the man she believed to be her online lover. The man, whom Nelson named only as Kelly, had told her he was the Nigerian owner of a fashion business. He reportedly paid for her flight to Japan but was not at Narita airport when she arrived.

The pair had reportedly sent each other numerous text messages and spoken multiple times on video chats during their online romance.

Prosecutors acknowledged the case was linked to an online romance scam, but insisted Nelson knew what was inside the suitcase when she left Laos.

When she arrived in Japan, Nelson did not declare the bag as belonging to someone else, and wrote that she was in the country on business.

If she had nothing to hide, why didnt she just tell the truth, and why didnt she tell customs that she was going to see her fiance? prosecutor Ogata told the court, according to the ABC.

Butler said on Thursday the Australian government would continue to provide support to the Indigenous woman and her family as they decided on their next steps.

This will obviously be a really distressing result for Ms Nelson and for her family and friends, Butler told the ABC on Thursday.

Our government, through the usual consular pathways, has been providing support to Ms Nelson and the usual sort of consular assistance that youd expect in a case like this.

Nelsons family members, some of whom attended the trial, said they were disappointed and devastated by the verdict.

They maintain she was duped and have described her as the victim of a crime, not a criminal.

We will never stop fighting for our mum, her family said in a statement.

And we will keep fighting until we can bring her home.

Her daughters have repeatedly protested her innocence and have been present at Chiba district court, east of Tokyo, during her trial.

One of Nelsons daughters, Kristal Hilaire, told the court her mother was a good person during a hearing last month  the first time Hilaire and her sister had seen their mother since her arrest almost two years ago.

She thought she was coming to Japan for her love story, Hilaire said. She didnt have any other intentions other than that. And thats what we need everyone to know and hear at the court this week.

Nelsons lawyer, Rie Nishida, claimed that the poor English-language ability of customs officials at Narita might have led to mistranslations and the allegation that Nelson knew she was carrying an illegal substance.

Nelson attended court escorted by uniformed guards, who removed her handcuffs and a rope around her waist as she took her seat.

Her case has highlighted the slow pace of justice in Japan, where suspects can be detained for long periods without charge and face lengthy trials before being convicted or freed.
People protest outside the Independence Blue Cross building in Philadelphia in 2009. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

In the aftermath of the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, while Thompsons colleagues grieve and politicians decry his murder, some online discussion has shown little sympathy for Thompson or the industry he represented.

Instead, social media has been in engulfed in expressions of anger at many Americans dire experiences at the hands of health insurance companies and outrage at the large profits that they generate.

That belies the shock also generated by the brutality of Thompsons death. The killing appeared premeditated and calculated.

A gunman dressed in black waited for Thompson outside the midtown Manhattan Hilton where he was scheduled to speak at an investors meeting, approached him from behind with a handgun fitted with a silencer, and shot and killed the executive, according to police.

He fled on an ebike into Central Park. A manhunt is ongoing. The motive is unknown.

Andrew Witty, CEO of the parent company, UnitedHealth Group, called the attack a terrible tragedy in a message sent to company employees and shared with the Guardian.

Our hearts are with his family, especially his mom, his wife Paulie, his brother and his two boys, who lost a father today, Witty said.

Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic US Senator from Minnesota, described the killing as a horrifying and shocking act of violence.

But in contrast, one commenter on CNNs Instagram post about Thompsons death wrote: Cant find the room to care over my daughters $60,000 cancer treatment. Thoughts and prayers.

Another said: An innocent victim was gunned down in cold blood. Have a heart regardless of your health insurance.

Vacillating between the condemnation of violence and dark humor, celebratory memes and outright violent rhetoric, comments on social media highlight the deep and often unpleasant connection Americans have with their own health system.

An expert in political violence told the Guardian he sees this as part of the USs growing acceptance of violence as a way to settle civil disputes.

Now the norms of violence are spreading into the commercial sector, said Robert Pape, director of the University of Chicagos project on security and threats. Thats what I saw when I saw this.

Although the motive for the killing is unknown, it has not stopped rampant speculation that there was an obvious candidate  Thompsons work in corporate health insurance. That speculation was only furthered by the discovery of shell casings scrawled with the words deny, depose and defend in permanent marker.

What I think were really experiencing as a country is the erosion against norms, said Pape, with the little sympathy among the body politic expressed in social media as one more example. That means, basically, seeing violence as the more normal tool, or acceptable tool, to resolve what should be straightforward civil disputes resolved in nonviolent ways.

Thompsons killing also laid bare the threat that healthcare executives face in a season of American violence  from insurers to pharma to hospitals.

It doesnt seem paranoid to worry that someone whos had services denied that they may believe are important might be in an emotionally unstable state and could take some action, Michael Sherman, former chief medical officer at Point32Health, told Stat, a health industry publication. The most likely targets would be the chief medical officer  or the CEO.

Comments online did not single out Thompson, a 50-year-old licensed accountant who reportedly kept a low profile. Instead, they were targeted at an industry often seen as a despised fact of life in America. Comments laced jokes with the sting of denial, delay, debt and impenetrable bureaucracy, all ubiquitous and reviled experiences for the throngs of Americans who are now or have been insured through a private company.

Another comment: Does he have a history of shootings? Denied coverage.

Ranked by size, UnitedHealth Group is one of the biggest companies in the world. Measured by its market capitalization of $539bn it tops household names such as Mastercard and ExxonMobil. The company is one of the biggest private insurers in the nation, providing health coverage to more than 50 million Americans spanning employer insurance all the way to the elderly through Medicare Advantage.

Thompson ran the insurance division of the company as a reportedly longtime employee who kept a low profile. With an enormous footprint, it is also the subject of near constant scrutiny.

Thompson himself was part of an investigation into insider trading at the company. Early this year, after the Department of Justice began an inquiry into monopolistic practices, executives at United sold $101m in stocks, including Thompson, who sold $15m, before the public became aware of the investigation, according to Crains New York Business. Witty was hauled in for congressional testimony over a cyber-attack in February that caused severe disruptions across the healthcare industry. UnitedHealthcare has been criticized as denying care to vulnerable patients.

While security executives for leading Fortune 500 companies gathered on Wednesday, others marveled in public that Thompson was unaccompanied on his way to the annual investor conference.

Michael Julian, CEO of MPS Security & Protection, told Axios that he was shocked the guy didnt have a protective detail, implying that a head of an American healthcare giant would be an obvious target for the potentially aggrieved.

Whether this technically will fit the pigeonhole of political violence or not, it obviously will be an important issue, said Pape, whose recent study showed a dramatic increase in instances of violent threats against both Democrats and Republicans since about 2017, the beginning of the first Trump term.

But it also misses the bigger picture of whats been happening in our country.
Sheriff's deputies walk past a playground outside the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists. Photograph: Terry Chea/AP

Officials in northern California have identified the man who shot two kindergarteners at a religious elementary school on Wednesday afternoon before turning the gun on himself, the Butte county sheriffs office said.

The Butte county sheriffs office shared new details of the shooting at a media briefing late on Thursday afternoon. The shooter was identified as Glenn Litton, a 56-year-old with a lengthy criminal history for forgery and identify theft, and a history of mental health issues, Kory Honea, the Butte county sheriff, told reporters.

The victims were Roman Mendez, six, who sustained two gunshot wounds and Elias Wolford, five, shot once in the abdomen. The injured children have a long recovery ahead, Honea said, and will probably need multiple surgeries. Still, the fact they survived is a miracle, he added.

Related: Magnitude 7.0 earthquake rattles northern California

The people that truly matter during the course of this investigation are the victims. I certainly dont want them to be lost in the overall story, Honea said.

A GoFundMe was created to assist in the childrens medical care. As of Friday, it had raised $18,000 of the $50,000 goal.

Litton opened fire at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists just outside Oroville, a city of 20,000 people in the states far north, at about 1pm. A California highway patrol (CHP) officer who arrived on the scene minutes later found a man dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Honea said.

The sheriffs office dispatched every available deputy in the county to the scene of the shooting. The CHP officer who was first dispatched to the school arrived within 90 seconds of the first 911 call, Honea said.

Investigators have determined the Litton had an appointment with an administrator to discuss enrolling a family member at the private school, which serves about 35 students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade in the small Butte county community of Palermo.

He was dropped off on campus by an Uber driver, whom authorities are interviewing, and the Littons meeting with school staff was described as cordial, Honea said.

There wasnt anything about the meeting that gave rise to concerns by the administrator, he said.

The shooting occurred after the meeting as the students were returning to class after a lunch recess, Jocelyn Orlando, a sixth grader, told CBS News Sacramento.

We were going in for lunch recess and basically everybody in my classroom heard shooting and most people were screaming, she said. We all went into the office, we closed the curtains, locked the doors, basically did what we would do in a school shooting, and then one of the teachers came and we all ran into the gym.

Litton appears to have killed himself after the shooting, Honea said. A handgun was found near his body, which was near the slide and other playground equipment at the school.

Authorities believe the shooter did not have a connection to the victims or the school. They are trying to determine his motive but believe he may have targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Investigators were working to reconstruct Littons activities before the shooting, Honea said, and were trying to contact his family before sharing his identity with the public.

Litton was accused of failing to return a rental vehicle last month, and was shortly thereafter arrested by police in San Francisco. Police found him carrying a forged drivers license with the same name he used to schedule an appointment at the school.

He told the school he was interested in enrolling his grandson.

It appears to us the story was a ruse to set up an appointment so he could gain access to the campus, Honea said.

The sheriff showed footage of Litton walking on campus with his hand reaching into his jacket before he pulled a weapon out.

Litton attended an Adventist school in the nearby community of Paradise as a child. Officials have a statement believed to be from Litton in which he claims to be a member of an international alliance and he carried out the counter-measure in response to US involvement with genocide and oppression of Palestinians along with attacks toward Yemen.

But investigators, who are working with the Department of Homeland Security, believe the shooting was an isolated incident and highlighted Littons history of mental health issues. He appears to have also considered targeting a Seventh-Day Adventist school in a nearby town, Honea said.

Butte county has been the site of repeated tragedies in recent years  largely deadly wildfires, including the 2018 Camp fire, which killed 85 people, and the North Complex fire. In 2022, a man opened fire on a Greyhound bus, killing one person, a 43-year-old traveling with her two children, and injuring four others, including a pregnant woman.

Here we are again in Butte county dealing with another major incident, major tragedy, Honea said. This community has endured so much in the last three years, its hard to believe were back here again.
Police outside the school in Oroville, California. Photograph: Michael Weber/AP

Two students were injured in a school shooting in northern California, officials said on Wednesday afternoon, and the suspected shooter is dead.

The injured students, five- and six-year-old boys, are in extremely critical condition and being treated at a Sacramento-area trauma center, the Butte county sheriff, Kory Honea, told reporters on Wednesday evening.

The fact that they are being treated by medical staff currently is great, Honea said. Its good that theyre still in a position to be treated. But were not out of the woods yet.

He added that law enforcement was confident that they knew who the shooter was and that they found a handgun at the scene, but declined to identify him or discuss a possible motive.

Reports of a gunman at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Oroville, a city of 20,000 people in the states far north, came in around 1pm. Minutes later, a California highway patrol officer arrived at the school to find a man dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound and two severely injured kindergarteners.

While details on the shooter remain scant, Honea said that investigators believed the shooter targeted the school  which serves about 35 students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade  because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Honea said that the shooter had been dropped off at the campus by a rideshare service. Days before, he had made an appointment with an administrator to discuss enrolling a family member at the school.

The appointment appeared normal, Honea adds, but investigators are looking into whether the meeting was set up as a ruse to get into the school.

Butte countys district attorney and the head of the FBIs Sacramento field office joined Honea at the press conference to highlight the investigative help they plan to offer local law enforcement and the victim services they say they will deliver to the families of the injured students and the other children affected by the shooting.

Buses arrived at the school on Wednesday afternoon to transport students and reunite them with their parents. Chaplains and crisis counselors would be available to help those affected, Honea said.

Oroville was the site of a high-profile shooting in 2022 when a man opened fire on a Greyhound bus bound for Los Angeles, killing one person, a 43-year old traveling with her two children, and injuring four others, including a pregnant woman.

Here we are again in Butte county dealing with another major incident, major tragedy, Honea said. This community has endured so much in the last three years, its hard to believe were back here again.

The region has found itself in the national spotlight repeatedly in recent years, largely because of highly destructive and often deadly wildfires, including the 2018 Camp fire that killed 85 people, which Honea gestured to in his remarks to reporters outside the Feather River School.

This is another tragedy that has been visited upon our community, he said. I hope people can appreciate how tough this is for the students of this school, the faculty of the school, the members of this community, all the first responders.
Al Sharpton is a baptist minister and civil rights activist as well as a TV presenter - Nordin Catic/Getty Images

A black church group has called on MSNBC to suspend one of its lead anchors over reports he received $500,000 in undisclosed donations from Kamala Harris campaign.

Host Al Sharpton interviewed Ms Harris twice in October on his show PoliticsNation in the lead up to election day.

FEC filings later revealed her campaign had made two donations of $250,000 each to the presenters non-profit National Action Network, with the network admitting last week that it was unaware of the payments.

The National Black Church Initiative, which represents 150,000 black churches across the country, has said that the payment to Mr Sharptons group puts a moral stain on the integrity of the black Church.

As well as being a television host, Mr Sharpton is a baptist minister and civil rights activist.

The group, which claims to represent 27.7 million churchgoers across the country, said it was very concerned by the growing scandal and urged MSNBC to launch an investigation. It also called for Rev Sharptons suspension until the investigation is complete.

Significant ethics concerns

The Rev Anthony Evans, the church groups president, told The Washington Free Beacon that Mr Sharpton was loved and admired by many in our coalition, but added: That does [not] take away from the fact he is facing significant moral and journalism ethics [concerns] regarding this payment or donation to the National Action Network.

In addition, Rev Sharpton is a minister of the Gospel. This payment does not look good for a man supposed to represent integrity, he said.

Mr Sharpton is a vocal Democrat supporter who spoke at the partys national convention in August, but one of the presenters MSNBC colleagues told Fox News that the six-figure transaction his group received from the Harris campaign is a bridge too far.

Mr Sharpton with Kamala Harris at a church service in 2023. He is a long-time supporter of the Democrats - Andrew Nelles-Pool/Getty Images

The $250,000 donations to National Action Network, which Mr Sharpton founded in 1991, were made on Sept 5 and Oct 1, shortly before MSNBC aired the presenters interviews with Ms Harris on Oct 3 and Oct 20.

Mr Sharpton has a history of financial troubles, having pleaded guilty in 1993 to not filing his 1986 tax return in exchange for having two felony charges dropped.

In 2008, reports claimed the television host owed nearly $1.5 million in back taxes. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported in 2014 that records showed more than $4.5 million in current state and federal tax liens against him and his for-profit businesses.

Mr Sharpton told the outlet the outstanding balance was much lower than records showed.

It comes as MSNBC has been hit by a double header of scandals over payments and political bias, after it emerged that Rachel Maddow, one of its lead presenters, had renewed her contract for $25 million a year.

The networks future remains uncertain after its parent company, Comcast, recently revealed plans to spin off the channel.

Elon Musk, who labelled the network utter scum on earth after it spliced together footage of a Nazi rally and a Trump campaign event, floated the possibility of buying it.

How much does it cost? he asked, in response to a post about the networks potential sale.

MSNBC was approached for comment.
The. national assembly adopted the motion of censure with 331 votes in favour, deposing Michel Barnier. Photograph: Telmo Pinto/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock

As French president Emmanuel Macron attempts to find a new prime minister to replace Michel Barnier, who lost a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, his choices will be guided by whether he can secure approval for his choice from the national assembly, the lower house of the French parliament.

The incoming prime minister would need the support of 288 deputies to survive another no-confidence vote, but could govern on simple majorities for individual bills.

Below we look at the presidents options.

Try again with his current coalition?

A surprising suggestion is that Macron could nominate someone acceptable to his current minority coalition partners, including Les Republicains. This could be Michel Barnier himself, though that seems like an obvious provocation. There are some advantages to this approach  the nominee could be an existing cabinet member and therefore already have security clearance, for example. But it would rely again on the passive acquiescence of Rassemblement National, Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally. And that hasnt been working out so far.

As the chart shows, his current coalition leaves him well short of a majority.

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Find a candidate who the left will support?

The leftist parties stood under one banner in Julys election as the Nouveau Front Populaire, NFP, or New Popular Front. Their bloc won the largest number of seats, and they have made the argument that their support for any prime minister should be a primary consideration. But Macron may find it hard to identify a candidate that will meet his requirements as well as those of La France Insoumise (LFI), the radical left party led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, who form the largest element of the NFP.

LFIs parliamentary leader on Thursday morning said the party would of course vote against any prime minister who did not come from their own ranks.

The chart shows that such an arrangement would have a comfortable majority on paper, but in practice the coalition would be anything but.

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Split the left?

Although the leftwing parties stood under one banner, they are not obliged to remain under it. (It is probable that voters will be reminded at the next election if they dont, of course). A prominent Green senator, Yannick Jadot, told TF1 on Thursday that the other leftwing parties no longer had the same strategy as La France Insoumise, which wants Macron to resign. Jadot suggested a coalition might be possible uniting the centrist bloc with the NFP. But such a coalition would also be possible without LFI.

Sebastien Lecornu, the outgoing defence minister who has been identified as a possible new prime minister, put it plainly: We need to do all we can to detach the Socialists from La France Insoumise.

In this case we see a smaller majority, but possibly a more workable one. Note that for this to work mathematically it needs Les Republicains, which may be a sticking point for the leftist parties.

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It is thought that Gibraltar could be a target for Russia if Moscow wants to hurt UK interests - Royal Navy /Si Ethell

Senior defence figures have held emergency talks with officials in Cyprus and Gibraltar about the Russian threat to British bases in the territories, The Telegraph has learnt.

The discussions took place after Vladimir Putin said that his military could target the UK in direct response to Ukraines use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles.

Last month, the Russian president said that his country had tested a new intermediate-range missile in a strike on Ukraine, and that it could legitimately use the weapon against countries that had allowed their missiles to strike Russia  which include Britain and the US.

There have been some pretty significant meetings about reviewing the threat level at British sovereign bases in Cyprus and Gibraltar, a source familiar with the discussions said.

Our British interests overseas are easier to access than the UK itself. Cyprus is much more vulnerable to an attack  Russia could arm Hezbollah or another proxy to launch an attack via Iran. One of the things we are most worried about is the Houthis being equipped to launch an attack and they are close to Cyprus.

The UK has a permanent RAF base in Cyprus that could be a target for Moscow - PA/Jake Green

We have seen drone attacks on US bases in recent weeks. You test air base security and monitor it, you get specific GPS readings, then you hit with drones.

The talks are understood to have included discussing whether there was a need to bring in any new defensive measures that are not already in place, in light of the current threat from Russia.

Senior Government sources confirmed that the discussions have taken place in recent weeks, but they emphasised that it was standard practice to review security measures.

They added that no changes to the general security posture have been made either within the UK or at military bases overseas.

The current threat level to Englands military bases in Cyprus and Gibraltar is substantial meaning an attack is likely.

This is in the middle of five possible threat levels, which range from low to critical, meaning an attack is highly likely in the near future.

It comes after a Cabinet minister warned that Russia was prepared to launch a wave of cyber attacks on Britain that could turn out the lights for millions.

Pat McFadden, who oversees policy on national security and state threats, told a Nato conference last month that Putin was willing and capable of triggering a destabilising and debilitating electronic strike on the UK.

He said that Russia is exceptionally aggressive and reckless in the cyber realm and wants to gain a strategic advantage and degrade the states that support Ukraine.

Britains 84 Squadron has been based at RAF Akrotiri, in Cyprus, for 50 years - RAF/Cpl Phil Dye

While security chiefs believe Britain faces an increased risk of a cyber attack from Russia, it is the British military bases overseas that are felt to be at a higher risk of a physical threat.

Earlier this week, Col Alistair Carns  the veterans minister, former marine and current reservist  warned that the British Army would be destroyed in six months to a year if it had to fight Russia.

Speaking at an event on the reserves force on Wednesday, Col Carns said that based on Russia losing 1,500 troops a day in Ukraine, the British Army could not sustain such losses in the event of war.

He said: In a war of scale, not a limited intervention but one similar to Ukraine, our army, for example on the current casualty rates, would be expended, as part of a broader multi-national coalition, in six months to a year.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We constantly monitor the threats we face and our Armed Forces remain ready to protect the UKs interests at home and abroad.
Matt Jukes, the UKs head of counter-terrorism, said his officers had arrested more children than ever before last year - Danny Lawson/PA

Five Eyes security chiefs have issued an unprecedented warning about terrorist radicalisation of children online.

For the first time since its inception during the Second World War, the Five Eyes alliance of Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand has published a public-facing paper calling for a whole society response to the threat of the radicalisation of children towards violent extremism.

Security and intelligence chiefs have appealed for parents to be more alert to the risks, governments to strengthen legislation for law enforcement agencies to combat the threat, and social media firms to do more to remove extremist content from their platforms.

The appeal comes as figures published on Thursday showed a record 3,026 children aged under 15, including nearly 300 under 10, have been referred to the Governments Prevent programme in the past year. The programme aims to stop individuals becoming terrorists.

Children aged under 15 accounted for 43.7 per cent of all referrals to Prevent  the highest proportion on record.

Speaking on behalf of the UK, Matt Jukes, the Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner and the UKs head of counter-terrorism, said his officers had arrested more children than ever before last year, some as young as 12.

Children now account for nearly one in five of the total number of people held for terror-related offences.

This is not a phenomenon unique to the UK  our colleagues across the world are dealing with the exact same problem, and in many cases we are seeing the influence of the same extremist networks reach across all of the Five Eyes countries, he said.

For all the benefits it brings, the internet has also globalised extremism, accelerated the spread of hateful ideologies internationally, and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to reach into the lives of children halfway round the world.

This is not a problem that can be fixed by law enforcement or security agencies. We offer an important last line of defence, and will continue to do that internationally. But with my international colleagues, we are calling for a wider response that reaches the whole of society.

He added: My Five Eyes colleagues and I are calling the alarm globally about the risk to our children, and every single one of us has a role to play in the collective response we need to reduce that threat.

Digital natives

The Five Eyes alliance paper said children were digital natives who were more technically savvy than previous generations and used multiple platforms and applications in their daily lives.

Over the last three decades, extremists (including violent extremists) have adopted the internet as a vector for their activities, it said. Online environments provide an avenue for first approaches to minors, including through seemingly innocuous social media and gaming platforms, such as Discord, Instagram, Roblox and TikTok.

The platforms, especially encrypted ones such as WhatsApp and Telegram, also provided extremists, malign actors and sex offenders with unrestricted access to children.

However, the paper warned that attempts by adults to engage with teenagers in particular was more complex, as they were not only more vulnerable to influence but also more cynical about efforts to protect them.

The paper cited case studies across the five nations where children had mobilised or planned to mobilise to orchestrate violence in support of their radicalised ideologies.

Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, added: The fact that the Five-Eyes have chosen youth radicalisation for our first public research collaboration indicates how concerning, escalating and pressing this challenge is.

Home Office data show that 2023-24 had the highest number of referrals to Prevent from the education sector on record, at 2,788.

The share of referred under-15s deemed to have extreme Right-wing leanings fell slightly from 21.4 per cent last year to 18.8 per cent this year. Islamist concerns increased from 8.3 per cent in 2022-23 to 10 per cent in 2023-24.

For under-15s, the biggest category was vulnerability present but no ideology or CT risk, which accounted for 40.7 per cent.

The Five Eyes paper said it was not only a persons age that could make them vulnerable, but also other factors such as mental health or neurodiversity, adding: We are only just beginning to understand how these factors impact counter-terrorism work.
New York police investigators walk along 54th Street outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) Stefan Jeremiah/Associated Press

No arrests have been made more than 24 hours after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday in New York City.

But more information on the shooting outside a Hilton in Midtown Manhattan was available Thursday than in the moments after the attack.

ABC News reported Thursday morning that authorities were close to identifying the alleged shooter.

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Here's what we know about the investigation surrounding the death of Brian Thompson, as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

THE NEWS: UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in shooting in New York City

Who was Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the country's largest health insurers. It is a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, a health care company that was No. 8 on Fortune's Global 500 ranking of the world's largest companies.

Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare since 2021.

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He was 50 years old.

Where was Brian Thompson shot?

Brian Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan. Down the street from the hotel is the Museum of Modern Art. It is also a few blocks north of Rockefeller Center and a few blocks south of Central Park.

The hotel was hosting a UnitedHealthcare investor conference.

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A New York police officer walks outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Joe Frederick) Joe Frederick/Associated Press

When was Brian Thompson shot?

Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities said Wednesday that the shooter was waiting for Thompson around the hotel and shot him at least once in the back and right calf.

Police were called at 6:46 a.m. and arrived on the scene at 6:48 a.m.

Thompson was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 7:12 a.m.

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Why was Brian Thompson shot?

The motive behind the shooting of Brian Thompson Wednesday is unknown but the belief is that it wasn't a random killing. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a Wednesday press conference that the attack is believed to be planned.

"I want to be clear: at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack," Tisch said.

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New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, accompanied by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, speaks during a news conference at police headquarters, Wednesday Dec. 4, 2024, concerning the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York hotel. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) Ted Shaffrey/Associated Press

Authorities released images of the alleged shooter and announced a $10,000 reward for help but the person had not been arrested as of Thursday morning.
A woman eating chocolate

Eating five portions of dark chocolate a week could cut the risk of Type 2 diabetes by one fifth, a Harvard study has found.

The research, which tracked almost 200,000 people for an average of 25 years, is the first large-scale study of its kind.

The findings, published in the BMJ, follow studies that have already linked dark chocolate to a lower risk of heart disease.

Experts said the high-cocoa content in dark chocolate meant that bioactive compounds, such as flavanols, could cut diabetes risk by lowering insulin sensitivity. They have also previously been found to boost heart health.

The same benefits were not found from eating milk chocolate, which was linked to weight gain.

Researchers from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health combined data from three long-term US observational studies of female nurses and male healthcare professionals with no history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer when they were recruited.

Using food-frequency questionnaires completed every four years, they analysed associations between Type 2 diabetes and total chocolate consumption for 192,208 participants.

The study also tracked chocolate subtype  dark and milk  consumption for 111,654 participants over an average monitoring period of 25 years.

Of the group whose total chocolate intake was analysed, 18,862 people developed Type 2 diabetes.

It found that those consuming at least five servings a week of any type of chocolate (where one serving is equal to a standard chocolate bar/pack or 1oz) showed a 10 per cent lower rate of Type 2 diabetes, compared with those who rarely or never ate chocolate.

Experts said the high-cocoa content in dark chocolate could cut diabetes risk by lowering insulin sensitivity - YelenaYemchuk/iStockphoto

Of the group whose chocolate subtype was analysed, 4,771 people developed Type 2 diabetes.

The study found that those who ate at least five servings a week of dark chocolate showed a significant 21 per cent lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, no significant associations were found for only milk chocolate intake.

The researchers also found a 3 per cent reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes for each additional weekly serving of dark chocolate, known as a dose-response effect.

Increased consumption of milk, but not dark, chocolate was associated with long-term weight gain, however.

First very large-scale analysis

Dark chocolate has similar levels of energy and saturated fat to milk chocolate. However, the authors said the high levels of flavanols in dark chocolate may offset the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and the risk of other cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

Researchers said the link between chocolate consumption and the risk of Type 2 diabetes remains controversial because of inconsistent results from previous studies.

But they said most had failed to distinguish between eating dark and milk chocolate  which have different cocoa, milk and sugar content.

Researchers said further trials were needed to confirm the findings, which have been published in the BMJ.

Diabetes UK estimates that about 4.4 million people in the UK are living with a diabetes diagnosis. The charity also claims that an additional 1.2 million people could have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Prof Baukje de Roos at the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen said: This is a first very large-scale analysis of an association of chocolate intake and self-reported Type 2 diabetes across three prospective cohort studies in the US. The distinctiveness of this research is that they specifically assessed which type of chocolate was linked to diabetes risk.

As dark chocolate has a much higher cocoa content, this means that bioactive compounds in cocoa, and in dark chocolate, such as flavanols, may contribute to the lowering of diabetes risk, possibly by increasing insulin sensitivity.

She said it remained to be established if and how flavanols reduce diabetes risk on their own, noting that another large study recently found cocoa flavanol supplements did not affect the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Prof George Davey Smith, a Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Bristol, criticised the paper, saying those choosing dark chocolate rather than milk were likely to come from healthier and wealthier groups, suggesting the research had not properly adjusted for this.

He said: At the risk of being a Grinch at Christmas, it has to be said that this is, frankly, a meaningless paper.
The review into the Australian Submarine Agency to be led by Dennis Richardson comes as the annual APS staff survey showed the agency ranked second worst for staff wellbeing and support. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The defence minister has appointed former senior defence and security bureaucrat Dennis Richardson to conduct an urgent top-to-bottom review of the Australian Submarine Agency amid serious concerns about how it is managing Australias $368bn Aukus submarine contract.

Guardian Australia has confirmed that Richardson will undertake a rapid review of the agency to be completed over the next few months, focusing on the agencys governance.

It follows the sudden resignation of one of the agencys most senior leaders last month. As Guardian Australia reported on Wednesday, the agencys deputy director-general responsible for program and policy implementation, David Hallinan, quit after raising concerns about how the agency was run and being dissatisfied with the response.

Related: What do the latest GDP figures tell us? That the RBA is still getting it very wrong | Greg Jericho

It also comes as the annual Australian Public Service staff census results, published last week, reveal problems within the agency with staff morale and internal communications.

The survey recorded the ASA as the second worst agency for staff wellbeing and support out of all 104 departments and agencies in the federal bureaucracy.

The finance minister, Katy Gallagher, acknowledged the census findings and suggested steps were being taken to address the problems.

When you see areas where there are issues or problems raised  people need to respond to that, Gallagher said on Thursday. And I know certainly the deputy prime minister is doing that in relation to ASA.

Dennis Richardson is a former secretary of both the defence and foreign affairs departments as well as a former head of Asio and a former ambassador to the United States.

Richardson is a member of the three-person taskforce that the deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles, appointed to oversee the implementation of the governments Defence Strategic Review, alongside former defence minister and now high commissioner to London, Stephen Smith, and former defence chief Sir Angus Houston.

The opposition defence spokesperson, Andrew Hastie, was critical of the review.

Hastie said: Instead of providing leadership and direction to the Australian Submarine Agency, the Albanese government has commissioned yet another review following the release of damning survey results.

Labor must clarify when Mr Richardsons advice is due to government, and at what price, while ensuring the delivery of Aukus is not put at risk as a result of their mismanagement.

According to records published on Austender, Richardson has an existing $81,700 contract with Defence which is understood to cover that role and the new task is expected to fall within that, albeit undertaken solo and not as part of the trio.

Headed by V-Adm Jonathan Mead as its director general, the ASA was formed just 17 months ago to oversee Australias $368bn Aukus acquisition of nuclear submarines.

But there have been murmurings in recent weeks about staff unhappiness and disillusionment, culminating in Hallinans November resignation. Hallinan was among the ASA officials who attended the 6 November hearing of the Senate estimates committee on defence but were not called to appear because the committee ran over time.

The opposition and Greens are pressing the government to agree for the ASA officials to appear at a special spillover hearing before Christmas.

Related: Theyve amassed Australias largest collection of street art. Now its going on show

A spokesperson for Marles declined to confirm Richardsons appointment when asked about it on Wednesday. Responding to questions from Guardian Australia, the ASA acknowledged the census findings and said it had transitioned from a taskforce to a growing agency and was working to deliver the single biggest investment in defence capability in Australian history.

There are of course areas of improvement, including in change management and internal communications and we recognise this, it said.

The opposition has been contacted for comment on the review.

The Greens defence spokesperson, David Shoebridge, who is a critic of Aukus, said the review would not change the fact that the ASA would not be acquiring any submarines in the near future.

Its a pretty extraordinary admission of failure when an agency that is less than a year-and-a-half old already needs a top-down external review, Shoebridge told Guardian Australia.

Aukus and the ASA are great at producing reviews, white papers, critical pathways and inter-agency taskforces. They just dont seem to be able to produce any nuclear submarines.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier in the National Assembly, Paris, France, 04 December 2024. His government lost a no-confidence vote shortly afterwards - Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The toppling of the minority Barnier government yesterday in France after a mere 91 days in power  the shortest of the Fifth Republic  on a vote of no confidence sets worrying historical alarm bells ringing. Only once before in the history of the Fifth Republic has the government lost a censure motion. The last was 1962 when Georges Pompidous cabinet was voted out. President Charles de Gaulle then proceeded to reappoint him forthwith thumbing his nose at his political opponents. But back in 1962 France had a respected political leader and a majority in parliament. Today it has neither. Therein lies Frances tragedy.

There are moments in the history of all states when a political crisis becomes a crisis of regime. With the benefit of documentary hindsight historians can detect when the fatal moment occurred and, in the words of the celebrated English historian A J P Taylor, when also the turning point failed to turn. Contemporaries are denied that temporal advantage; we cannot predict the Fifth Republics fate. But we can assess its chances of survival.

Some say modern French history is the story of coming to terms with the consequences of the French Revolution, as the Irishman Edmund Burke predicted. Since then, France has been the most turbulent of nations: 16 constitutions, 2 emperors, 3 kings, 5 republics. The unrelenting quest for stability seemed to find a resting place in the seventy-year long, albeit imperfect, Third Republic. But war and Vichy put paid to that.

The closest France has come since is the Fifth Republic, now in its 66th year. Its architect General de Gaulle  a closet monarchist  only accepted a return to power in 1958 to save the country from the Algerian War if he could design his own constitution. To assuage what he deemed the yearnings of its citizens  strong leadership and political order  the constitution endowed the president with quasi-monarchical powers and so engineered the political system that it generates strong governing majorities. The resulting compromise between a presidential system  without the rigorous checks and balances of the USA  and a parliamentary one, with the latter subservient to the former, produced todays republican monarchy and political stability.

But the keystone to the Fifth Republics success was that the president or the prime minister normally commanded a majority. Today neither can. In Westminster-style democracies stalemate can be broken by dissolving the chamber and proceeding to new elections. Such was General de Gaulles fear that France would resort to the ministerial instability of the Third and Fourth republics  which had seen governments of 9 and 6 months respectively  that his constitution limited dissolution of the National Assembly to once a year.

France now has the worst of all worlds. A de-legitimised president who, in dissolving the chamber in June, produced an even more ungovernable three-bloc assembly ensconced until at least 9 June 2025, when new elections may be called. Instability is now the order of the day. The President can appoint as many prime ministers as he wishes, but all risk defeat for want of a stable majority. Meanwhile vital financial and economic decisions require solutions, not to mention growing social unrest.

Unsurprisingly, there have been calls from even moderate politicians for the president to resign to break the logjam. But were Macron to do the honourable thing like General de Gaulle in 1969 after his failed referendum, there is no guarantee stability would return. A new president would still not be able to dissolve the chamber until after 9 June and consequently be obliged to work with the same ungovernable blocs. Does this mean that Frances political crisis is at a turning point when it becomes a full-blown regime crisis?

According to the historical account, regime change in France over the last hundred-and-fifty years has been the result of foreign misadventures: the 1870 Franco-Prussian War for the Second Empire, the 1940 defeat for the Third Republic, the Algerian War for the Fourth. One seriously doubts that domestic politics have the potency of 1789, 1830 or 1848. But were the political crisis to be prolonged for a year or more the chorus of those calling for a Sixth Republic would grow. Serious constitutional revision is necessary in France if, as is the case with many western democracies, governing majorities become ever more fleeting. But for the foreseeable future the prospect of revising the French constitution is as illusory as any return to political tranquillity.

Frances lack of the continuity she abandoned in 1789 will continue to haunt her.
Literature ... inherently a good thing Photograph: funky-data/Getty Images

The announcement that Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent is to stop offering English literature degrees has set several hares running, most of them in the wrong direction. The university said in effect that hardly anyone wanted to study English literature at degree level any more and the course was therefore no longer viable. If you cant do EngLit in the city of Chaucer and Marlowe, where can you do it?

Canterburys tale is a familiar one. EngLit is in wholesale retreat at A level, with numbers down from 83,000 in 2013 to 54,000 in 2023, and there has been a decline at university, too, over the past decade, though statistics are disputed because the subject gets studied at degree level in many guises, including creative writing and linguistics. Overall, humanities subjects seem to be losing their appeal, with only 38% of students taking a course in 2021/22, down from nearly 60% between 2003/4 and 2015/16.

Tuition fees and the need to study a subject chosen to recoup a students substantial investment are likely to be behind the fall. The perilous state of university finances is also leading to deep cuts  resulting in the loss of the well-regarded chemistry course at Hull last week. But most concerning is the widespread closure of arts and humanities departments  art, music, drama, dance  with institutions such as Goldsmiths, Oxford Brookes and Surrey shedding hundreds of academics.

EngLit might seem an easy target. Studying Beowulf is no longer quite as attractive as it was when the state paid. Meanwhile, those on the liberal side of the argument blame Michael Goves 2013 curriculum reforms, which ushered in an era of content-heavy courses assessed by final exams. Successive Tory education ministers also extolled science and technology while deriding the career prospects of arts graduates.

Studying literature is inherently a good thing. Virginia Woolf, who was mortified by her fathers unwillingness to let her go to university, saw books as a way of transcending the self. University should be concerned with encouraging rational inquiry and the free play of the intellect; it is not about the creation of useful drones and its unfortunate that tuition fees have made the experience to some degree transactional. Courses should challenge students, emphasising the decoding of texts over superficial skimming.

The closure of Canterbury Christ Church Universitys course coincided with a National Literacy Trust report revealing that only 35% of 8 to 18-year-olds enjoy reading for pleasure  a drop of nearly 9 percentage points in a year. Reading rates are falling, the gender gap is widening and causes range from social medias dominance to library closures and shrinking attention spans. (Should we read anything into the brevity of this years Booker Prize winner? How would Our Mutual Friend have fared?) Some school teachers suggest replacing Dickens with social media studies, but, as Evelyn Waughs Scoop might counter: Up to a point, Lord Copper.

We should be concerned about the closure of the EngLit course at Canterbury. Universities are in a shocking state, and the new government has barely begun the herculean task of stabilising the sector. This is more than an institutional failure. It signals a cultural shift that risks leaving future generations without the critical, empathetic and intellectual tools provided by literature. There is no friend as loyal as a book, Hemingway said. Reliance on Instagram influencers can only get you so far. We still need Our Mutual Friend.

 This leading article was not filed on the days on which NUJ members in the UK were on strike.
Michel Barnier, centre, was voted out because of a controversial social security Budget - ALAIN JOCARD/AFP

French MPs have voted to bring down the government in a major challenge to Emmanuel Macron, the French president.

The vote took place after Left and Right-wing opposition parties refused to back the Budget put forward by Michel Barnier, the prime minister.

What happened in the vote?

Frances government has fallen after MPs voted to bring down Mr Barnier, plunging the country into political uncertainty.

Mr Barnier will go down as the shortest serving prime minister in French history. He was appointed by Mr Macron in September following Julys snap election.

Why did MPs vote him out?

Mr Barnier was voted out because of a controversial social security Budget aimed at saving the equivalent of 50 billion a year.

After parliamentarians opposed it, Mr Barnier said it would be passed by presidential decree, causing outrage.

More generally, Mr Barnier, who is not an elected MP, was seen as a puppet for the deeply unpopular Mr Macron.

What does this mean for the president?

Mr Macron has pledged to remain as president until the end of his second term in 2027, when he is obliged to step down, having served the maximum amount of time allowed.

In the meantime, he will remain a lame-duck leader as far as parliament is concerned, although he will be able to govern using considerable presidential powers.

Emmanuel Macron must now appoint a new prime minister - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

What happens next?

France will be in a period of political limbo as far as parliamentary government is concerned, but so-called special measures will be employed by Mr Macron to ensure that civil servants are paid, and that taxes remain the same as they are now.

Mr Barnier is set to tender his resignation to Mr Macron. He is expected at the Elysee Palace at 9am GMT for the formality, which is a constitutional obligation following a vote of no confidence.

Mr Macrons immediate task will be to appoint a new prime minister  his sixth in seven years. Then the work of constructing another new government can begin.

There is a question, again, of whether or not Mr Macron can persuade enough MPs to back a new prime minister. France cannot hold new parliamentary elections until June at the earliest, one year on from the last one.

How does the French government work?

France has a semi-presidential system, meaning it has both a president and a prime minister.

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.
Irish police stop a bus that crossed the border from Northern Ireland - BBC

Hundreds of migrants have been detained trying to reach the UK via Ireland in an apparent reversal of the previous trend seen when asylum seekers feared deportation to Rwanda.

Criminal gangs have been charging up to 7,000 to transport migrants over the border from Ireland to the north by touting it as a safer route than crossing the Channel on small boats, according to immigration officials.

The interceptions in Northern Ireland are part of a UK Home Office campaign called Operation Comby to crack down on abuses of the Common Travel Area, which allows people to travel between the south and north without restrictions.

It is a reversal of the migrant flow earlier this year when hundreds of asylum seekers fled mainland Britain for Ireland because they feared being deported to Rwanda.

In one three-day operation, revealed on Thursday by the Home Office, 35 people involved in the people smuggling were arrested in multiple locations across the UK and Ireland.

In one three-day operation, 35 people involved in people smuggling were arrested, the Home Office revealed - BBC

Immigration Enforcement teams, alongside police forces and other international partners, descended on locations including Belfast, Scotland, Liverpool and Manchester as part of the three-day operation.

Checks were conducted at major ports, airports, road networks and private addresses across the country, targeting illegal migration and disrupting smuggling routes.

Some 5,000 of criminal cash, a car and two fraudulent identity documents were seized.

The documents are used by people-smuggling gangs, enabling them to evade immigration controls.

Dame Angela Eagle, the border security minister, said the UK government was taking the fight against people smugglers to every border.

She said: This government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people, giving them false hope of a better life in the UK. Driven by greed, these gangs have no regard for human life or safety, charging outrageous fees, preying on those desperate to escape hardship, and forcing them into illegal and dangerous situations.

We are taking the fight to them on every front with our new Border Security Command. Dismantling the business models of these gangs does not just apply to the small boats trade  we are also stamping out other routes into the UK to bring them to justice and slash their profits.

Dame Angela Eagle said the Government was taking the fight against people smugglers to every border - DAN KITWOOD/GETTY

On Tuesday, Home Office officials detained four individuals trying to board ferries or planes in Belfast.

One was an Iranian who appeared to have travelled from Barcelona to Dublin posing as a Ukrainian.

He was stopped by two immigration enforcement officials as he approached the boarding card turnstiles at Belfast airport.

Within minutes, the officers suspected that his Ukrainian passport was counterfeit and he admitted to being Iranian.

Officers said the detention could be low hanging fruit that led to a potential smuggling gang in Dublin or elsewhere in Europe using the Common Travel Area as a back door to Great Britain.

Jonathan Evans, the inspector at the criminal and financial investigations unit in immigration enforcement in Belfast, said the numerous stamps in the mans passport were designed to make it look like he was well-travelled.

This suggested that the document had been prepared by a criminal gang to make it look like he has gone through multiple border controls previously with immigration stamps from other countries.

He added: We will now run his fingerprints through our databases and talk to Europol.

We will also probably put out a national alert to see if there have been any other Ukrainian counterfeit passports used and this could lead us to a new method used by organised criminals.

Tents pitched by asylum seekers along a stretch of the Grand Canal in Dublin - NIALL CARSON/PA

The surge in the number of asylum seekers going the other direction from Britain to Belfast and then Dublin was the centre of a political row in Ireland earlier this year.

Helen McEntee, the justice minister, said there was anecdotal evidence of a sharp rise in the number of those seeking international protection entering the country via Northern Ireland.

Maintaining the invisible border between Northern Ireland and the Republic was a political red line during the Brexit negotiations. Ireland and the EU faced down Brexiteers who wanted a hard border.

Asylum applications in Ireland have jumped from just under 5,000 in 2019 to more than 17,536 so far this year, according to Irish government data.
France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier

Michel Barnier always did have a way with words. I have the honour of submitting to you the resignation of the government, said his letter, as if he had just been appointed rather than defenestrated. He is the shortest-serving prime minister in French history, the first for six decades to be forced out by a no-confidence motion. And felled, in effect, by Marine Le Pen. Many had assumed that she was on the way out, accused of embezzling European Parliament funds. But as she has just shown the world, her party is perhaps more potent now than ever.

Rassemblement National cannot form a government. It lacks the allies. Barnier was right to say he had been taken out by a coalition of opposites who agree on nothing more than the need to remove him. But what unites Le Pen and her new partner in insurgency, Jean-Luc Melenchon, is contempt for Emmanuel Macron. His calamitous decision to call a snap parliamentary election resulted in a hung parliament where his only hope was that the Right and Left could never unite. Once again, his enemies have just proved him wrong.

About 20 candidates are mooted as potentials for the next presidential race, but none come close to Le Pens popularity. Her support is running at about 40 per cent in some polls.

Edouard Philippe, mayor of Le Havre, is next at about 25 per cent. A conviction for embezzlement would debar her from the race, but other than that its hard to see what could stop her running. Just as the lawfare and obloquy used against Donald Trump ended up making him stronger, the same tactics seem to be powering Mme Le Pen.

It wasnt so long ago that Macron was proposing a centrist revolution, publishing a book by the same name. It failed because he failed. For seven years, under the presidency of this former investment banker, French public spending surged  as did national debt  leading to the current budget crisis. The kind of Budget and pension cuts that Barnier was trying to pass are the only solution. But Macron never properly built the case for this, or any proper reform agenda.

It was always possible to out-argue Le Pen and hold her fiscal denialism up to ridicule. But portraying her as a far-Right monster was more name-calling than argument. Similar tactics have been deployed against Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Sweden Democrats, Polands Law and Justice Party, Geert Wilders PVV in the Netherlands and Austrias Freedom Party.

Look around Europe and it doesnt seem that this tactic is working very well  but it never stops being used. The strange phenomenon we saw in America, how Trumps enemies attacked him when it was clear that attacks backfired, can be seen all over Europe.

Germany is learning this the hard way. Olaf Scholzs coalition collapsed last month. As the recent state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia demonstrated, the momentum is with AfD. Violent crime in Germany is becoming inseparable from the issue of migration, with police statistics saying that 40 per cent of suspects are foreign-born. Combine this with its woeful economic trajectory and demographics (its expected to have one of the sharpest working-age population declines of any major economy) and it adds to a perfect electoral storm for populists.

J D Vance, Americas vice-president elect, has a theory that its not enough to embody voters ambitions: when youre up against a falling government, you also need to embody their anger. So people vote for Trump (or Le Pen) not because they necessarily think such characters deserve to be president, but because they see him as a necessary corrective to a failed consensus. Under this strategy, attacks are helpful. The louder the shrieks of horror from the establishment, the stronger the Trumpian (or Le Pennian) claim to embody electoral vengeance.

Giorgia Meloni has always understood this. Her politics are standard centre-Right (as her presidency has shown) but having the Brothers of Italy denounced as post-fascist burnishes her rebel credentials. Now and again, shell play it up. Shell be coy about Mussolinis record or defend the tricolour flame in her partys logo (a visual nod to the bad old days) hoping her opponents will take the bait. This is from the Trump playbook of political jiu-jitsu: use your opponents vitriol as a campaign fuel. Let them portray themselves as deranged. Theyre not after me, theyre after you, Trump likes to say. I just happen to be standing in the way.

The countries where support for the new-Right parties has been waning  Sweden, Poland, Hungary  are those where populists have held or shared power. This is what really hurts: when they get the chance to change, but flop. Perhaps the best way of weakening Le Pen would be having Jordan Bardella, her protege and parliamentary leader, as prime minister. Let him see how the bruises of government dampen his rebel yell.

And if young Bardella would succeed and end up as impressive as Meloni has been? Then the world may have to rethink the far-Right label, one already regarded as nonsense by a good chunk of French voters. But as things stand, Le Pen has Macron exactly where she wants him: in the Elysee, taking the blame, trying to form another government but one which  as she has just demonstrated  can be thrown out by her new rebel alliance at any time. This leaves her in the ideal populist fist-shaking position.

As Brexit negotiator, Barnier liked to say that time was running out. Macron has the opposite problem: his time as a lame-duck president has another two and half agonising years to run.

Some 59 per cent of French voters want him to stand down earlier but tonight he said he will serve his term fully, until its end. To walk away early and trigger another snap election would certainly be a gamble. And after this years debacle  and the crisis into which he has now led his country  Macron may well have had enough of those.
Three-month-old Ezra Barrett spent six days on an isolation ward in hospital after contracting measles - Davina Barrett

In October last year, a family of four travelled from London to Birmingham to visit relatives for the school half term.

London has the lowest uptake of the MMR vaccine in the country and neither of the two children who travelled north had received the jab that guards against measles, mumps, and rubella.

As fate would have it, one or both of the children were infected and their visit triggered one of the most severe measles outbreaks experienced in Britain in nearly a decade.

Measles spreads faster than almost any other virus, with a single infected child likely to infect 12 to 18 others. Just one cough or sneeze at the supermarket, playground, or school yard is all it takes for the bug to leap from one person to the next.

Within weeks of the familys arrival, case numbers in Birmingham exploded, particularly in the most deprived pockets of the city where vaccine coverage was especially patchy.

Birmingham Childrens Hospital quickly became inundated. By January more than 50 young children had been admitted for urgent treatment as doctors rushed to find space to isolate them. Hospital staff say the situation brought back memories of Covid.

By January, over 300 cases in the West Midlands had been reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), over 80 per cent of which were located within Birmingham alone.

It was the worst outbreak the region had seen since 1996.

Though the total numbers might seem small (almost five million people in the UK had Covid at the peak of the pandemic) its the risk measles poses to young children that doctors feared most. The virus is also a danger to pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

Around one in 20 people who catch it, including otherwise healthy adults, will develop complications that can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and blindness.

In rare cases  about one or two in every 1,000  the disease can kill, as was seen in Samoa in 2019 when an outbreak killed more than 80 children.

In Birmingham, only 76 per cent of children were fully immunised at the time of the outbreak  far below the 95 per cent threshold needed to keep the virus at bay. This was due to a mixture of issues including disinformation, cultural practices and access to primary care.

This is the story of the outbreak, and how public health teams from across the region fought to get it under control.

A child under one doesnt have a choice

Ezra Barrett, a three-month-old infant from Walsall, a town just nine miles from Birmingham, was lucky to survive.

His mum, Davina Barrett, who works for the NHS, says she feared the worst as the virus got a grip on the child in early January.

Over the Christmas period, the family were all sick, with a runny nose and a cough. We got better but Ezra just didnt seem to, Ms Barrett recalled.

Ezra was lethargic and started to make groaning noises. On January 7, he got a rash on his chest so we took him to A&E, she said.

The doctors saw him straight away, as it was clear something was wrong. As Davina and her husband Karl sat in A&E, Ezras rash began to spread in front of their eyes  onto his face, down his legs, and back.

At just three months old, he was not yet old enough to be vaccinated  so like all the babies in Birmingham at the time, he was completely vulnerable to the virus.

Ezra ended up having to spend six days in hospital in an isolation ward, struggling to breathe and being pumped with fluids and oxygen. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia, a relatively common complication in infants who catch measles.

Its crucial that people vaccinate their kids because a child under one doesnt have a choice, Ms Barrett told The Telegraph.

Ezra with his father Karl - Davina Barrett

Measles typically kills infants by causing their temperatures to rise too high or through encephalitis, where the brain swells.

Official figures record only one death during last years measles outbreak  of a child who died in the first quarter of this year.

It is not known how many of the 2,700 who were infected nationally in the last 12 months have had lasting damage as the data is not collected centrally, but hundreds  like Ezra  were hospitalised.

Ezra has since fully recovered, and the family consider themselves lucky.

It isnt often we get these really big outbreaks [of measles], Dr Katie Spence, Regional Deputy Director for UKSHA West Midlands told The Telegraph.

So in November, when case numbers started growing  we started raising awareness for local GPs and emergency departments on how to spot the signs. Its a highly infectious disease and very quick.

Measles is a notifiable disease in the UK, meaning that once a case is confirmed, local health authorities must be informed so they can trace and contain the outbreak. Its the same protocol followed for other dangerous and infectious diseases, like polio, anthrax, and Ebola.

By December, over 150 cases were reported across six different schools in various parts of the city.

Ms Spence and her health protection team at UKSHA, along with partners at the NHS and local city council, swung into action.

First, they tried to slow the spread of the virus by tracking and then isolating infectious cases.

We pulled in our field service, a team specialising in epidemiology and surveillance, to identify any similarities in where the cases had been or who they had seen, Ms Spence explained.

At this point, it was clear community transmission had been established, she added.

On January 19, with suspected case numbers in Birmingham nearing 320, UKHSA declared a national incident.

The move is relatively rare and is reserved for situations where a disease outbreak poses a growing public health risk.

It unlocks resources and gives the agency special permission to roll out vaccination schemes, increase public health messaging, and implement targeted interventions to curb the outbreak swiftly.

Ezra has since made a full recovery - Davina Barrett

The declaration of a measles incident allowed us to mobilise our resources too, said Jo Tonkin, acting director of public health at Birmingham City Council.

An urgent need was to get the citys vaccination rates higher.

In January, the council set up a community engagement cell, involving public health, education, patient participation groups, and voluntary organisations to encourage vaccination uptake.

Fears that the jab caused autism sparked by the disgraced former British doctor Andrew Wakefield in the early 2000s still linger despite having long since been disproved.

Many with religious objections to products containing pork also do not realise that gelatin-free versions of the jab are available.

Public health teams launched an aggressive campaign to answer any questions about the jab and its safety  and to improve access to it.

They met twice a week to create informational materials about the vaccines, and more than 25 mobile vaccine clinics were set up at various primary and secondary schools with low vaccination rates, targeting not just students but also teachers and parents.

We call these outbreak vaccination offers, and we brought them straight into those schools where we knew there were really low vaccine levels, said Ms Spence.

Hundreds of thousands of parents of unvaccinated children aged between six and 11 years were contacted by their GP surgeries via letter, text, and email to encourage them to make an appointment to get the MMR jabs. More slots were made available, too, so people wouldnt be put off by long waiting lists.

Vaccine vans were also stationed outside shops like Tesco and Poundland, so no one had to travel out of their way to get protected.

Religious leaders played a particularly important role, too.

We worked closely with faith leaders to get the word out. We wanted to make sure families knew that the pork-free version of the vaccine was available and accessible to them, Ms Spence told The Telegraph.

Green Lanes  an influential mosque in Birminghams city centre with a congregation of around 3,500  encouraged their flock to get the pork-free version of the vaccine.

Measles can make the body prone to serious complications that affect the lungs and brain. Adults with vulnerable immune systems can also become very ill. The Priorix vaccine is halal. When requesting the MMR vaccine, inform your GP of your choice for Priorix, their website reads.

The push paid off.

Four times as many MMR jabs were delivered across the Midlands when compared to the same period in 2023.

By the spring, the outbreak finally began to calm. March and April of 2024 saw 48 and 72 cases respectively.

But Birmingham  and the wider UK  isnt out of the woods.

Vaccination coverage is still below whats required to rid the UK of measles. In Birmingham, it now sits around 83 per cent  and 84 per cent on average in the rest of England.

We are still not where we need to be in terms of the first or second MMR uptake in children, said Ms Spence.

Just this week, UKHSA announced an uptick of cases in Leicester, indicating that while cases are on a downward trajectory, small and localised outbreaks continue to crop up around the country.

We are very much alert to the fact that we could still get another uptake in cases at any time, said Ms Spence.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Eru Kapa-Kingi co-founded Toitu te Tiriti, a group which this year has led a hikoi and protest movement against the controversial treaty principles bill. Photograph: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Maori activist Eru Kapa-Kingi may have just led a historic march on Indigenous rights in New Zealand but he is reluctant to take credit for it.

We just opened the door, and [thousands] stepped through, Kapa-Kingi tells the Guardian from his Auckland home, two weeks after a rally he helped mobilise became the largest protest in support of Maori rights and one of the biggest demonstrations in New Zealands history.

Over nine days, people from across the country joined the hikoi (protest march) as it wound its way down the North Island towards the capital. By the time it reached parliament, an official police count estimated 42,000 people had flooded the streets.

We had different generations  we had people from all different walks of life coming into the fold and standing in purpose, unity and vision  that was the most beautiful thing I witnessed, the 28-year-old says.

Related: Dangerous and retrograde: Maori leaders sound alarm over policy shifts in New Zealand

Kapa-Kingi has become the most recognised face of the Toitu te Tiriti movement, which over the past year has spearheaded the hikoi and other protests against the coalition governments policy direction for Maori, and in particular, the controversial treaty principles bill.

The bill proposes to radically alter the way the Treaty of Waitangi  New Zealands founding document, signed in 1840 between the British crown and Maori chiefs to form a nation state  is interpreted. Many fear this would threaten Maori rights and erode the Maori relationship with ruling authorities. The bill does not have widespread support and is unlikely to become law. However, its introduction has prompted anger from many who believe it is creating division and undermining the treaty.

At the hikoi in Wellington last month, Kapa-Kingi addressed the sea of people spilling out of parliaments grounds and into the city streets, their flags of Maori independence waving in the wind.

Today, the Maori nation has been born, his voice echoed over the crowd.

The huge turnout signified not only a unified response to the governments policies but a collective aspiration to stand in our identity and nationality as Maori, Kapa-Kingi says.



New Zealands coalition government has said policies should be provided on the basis of need, not race, and argues its policy shifts are designed to remedy inequities for Maori. When it took office last year, the change in approach sparked a fire in Kapa-Kingi, prompting the inception of the Toitu te Tiriti movement.

For some, it may have felt like the young activist, a teaching fellow in law at the University of Auckland, arrived out of nowhere  as footage of his speeches at protests were being widely shared on social media.

For others, his ascension to leader of the largest protest movement on Maori rights in decades, would have been less surprising.

Te Kawehau Hoskins, the pro vice-chancellor Maori for the University of Auckland, said it was not a shot out of the blue that Kapa-Kingi took on the role.

He is highly politicised, has legal training, a political family and has involved himself in other social networks and movements, she told the Guardian.

Kapa-Kingis political connections are well-established  his mother is a Te Pati Maori (Maori party) MP, while Kapa-Kingi himself ran for the party in 2023 and is on the partys executive. Those political affiliations have drawn criticism from government ministers who have accused the hikoi and the Toitu te Tiriti movement as a Maori party-run political stunt.

But Hoskins said that was rubbish and an attempt to minimise and negate what the hikoi represented: unity.

This movement  is a continuation of a movement that predated the Maori party  there would have been a lot of people on that hikoi who vote for [them] but there would have been many who dont.

Kapa-Kingi, who grew up a few hours north of Auckland in Northland, says his political activism was fuelled by witnessing poverty in his communities as a child, his more recent journey to learn the Maori language and his law studies.

One of three triplet brothers, Kapa-Kingi, who also has a younger sister, was not from a wealthy family but did enjoy a childhood of love and support, he says. Seeing children at school without food or shoes was his first exposure to injustice.

While studying law at Victoria University of Wellington, Kapa-Kingi felt frustrated he had to pay a university to learn what his basic Maori rights were, and even then, his education had gaps, he says.

Related: What is the treaty principles bill and why is it causing controversy in New Zealand?

Educating people about Maori rights, New Zealands history and challenging settler narratives has played a big part in the Toitu te Tiriti movement, Kapa-Kingi says.

Like other influential figures, including Maori party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke and the newly crowned Maori Queen, Nga wai hono i te po, Kapa-Kingi is part of a cohort of young Maori leaders helping shape the discourse on Indigenous rights.

Harnessing social media as a tool to connect with wider  and younger  audiences is a duty, Kapa-Kingi says.

For generations our story has been told by other people and mistold  when were controlling the narrative  and owning it through social media, its more likely our people will be part of the story as opposed to an observer of it, he says.

The hikoi may be over, but Kapa-Kingi says the movement is here to stay.

Its beyond any person, its beyond any group  were not going away, and we are going to keep growing the movement in all ways possible.
Cows

So much nonsense is written about burping cows and climate change, I suppose it is inevitable  somewhat ironically  that when dairy farmers try to reduce methane from cow burps, even that should become the subject of febrile conspiracy theories. The UKs biggest milk processor Arla has been widely criticised for trialling an anti-flatulent supplement on 30 British dairy farms: Bovaer, a synthetic organic enzyme inhibitor, 3-nitrooxypropanol.

I should declare an interest. Our free range cows milk is made into Arla cheese. We are not part of the trial because the cattle cake containing the supplement has to be fed continuously, so it is currently only for indoor, zero-grazing systems, which make up a large part of the industry.

Some criticism of Bovaer, from the Kings organic farming guru, Patrick Holden and others, is levelled at the whole concept of keeping cows indoors on artificial feeds. I sympathise with that viewpoint but the reality today is that you would not have much milk for your coffee without the large indoor systems.

There is a slow release bolus under development for cows like ours that graze the green fields of Galloway as the Almighty intended. Will we use it when it becomes available? Maybe, well see how the trial goes. That, after all, is the point of a trial.

So, a few facts. First, our cows do burp methane, which stays in the atmosphere for up to 12 years and during that time is a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent (GWP*) than CO2. How much methane actually reaches the atmosphere is unknown: probably much of it is gobbled up by methanotrophs  bacteria in our pasture that turn it back into oxygen.

What we can measure is the 1-3 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year we are locking up in the soil by grazing the pasture. I really dont think we are causing net climate change. However, scientific opinion thinks we are and if the cows burp less, because they are fed the bovine equivalent of Rennies, it will undoubtedly reduce greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Zero grazing dairies that dont facilitate the carbon cycle as efficaciously as free-range systems would certainly make a big dent in emissions by doing so.

Secondly, Arla is not some global Big Food behemoth owned by shady private equity Bond villains, it is a farmer owned cooperative that takes decisions based on what its customers want. The dairy industry has been blamed for climate change for two decades by everyone from governments to schoolchildren via Extinction Rebellion. Rightly or wrongly Britain has pledged to reduce methane by 30 per cent by 2030. This is an honest attempt to do what everyone wants us to do  reduce cow flatulence.

Thirdly, British consumers are not the Bovaer canaries in the coalmine. It has been trialled for 14 years already and approved in 68 countries (including the UK actually) and is being used in 29 of them. It has so far proved to be safe and effective, reducing methane by 30 per cent. Consumers can be reassured that milk and meat are tested more rigorously in Britain than anywhere else in the world and any hint of risk would stop the trial. So, by all means lets take a healthy interest in how our food is produced  but lets not have an Edwina Currie style egg-hysteria about milk.
A Houston attorney was arrested Monday and charged with murder and tampering with evidence in Sabine County after he allegedly shot and killed his 20-year-old son before burning the body, according to the Sabine County Sheriff's Office. Houston Chronicle

A Houston attorney was arrested Monday and charged with murder and tampering with evidence after he allegedly shot and killed his 20-year-old son before burning the body, according to the Sabine County Sheriff's Office.

Michael C. Howard was at a lake house Sunday near Toledo Bend Reservoir with his son, who has Down syndrome, when the 68-year-old allegedly mistook him for an intruder and opened fire with a shotgun, killing him, a spokesperson for the Sabine County Sheriff's Office told the Chronicle. Howard then allegedly placed his son's body in a backhoe before taking him to a remote area of the property where he told deputies he "cremated" his deceased son.

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"Deputies processed the scene along with Texas Rangers after a search warrant was obtained and did recover what they believe [were] body parts/bones," the Sabine County Sheriff's Office said in a news release reposted to Facebook by the Sabine County Reporter. "All bones appeared to have been burned based on charring and the area they were found in, [which] was heavy with soot and ash. The recovered body parts have

sent to the medical examiner's office."

According to the release, Howard reported the incident to authorities on Monday. Sheriff's deputies claimed Howard said it was a "horrible accident" and fully cooperated with authorities, providing them with the alleged murder weapon and location where his son's body was reportedly cremated.

Sabine County Deputy Sheriff J.P. MacDonogh talks to the media about the charges against a Houston lawyer accused of the death of his son at the Sabine County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in Hemphill. Michael Howard told police he shot his 20-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, thinking he was a burglar, and then burned his body. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Sabine County D.A. Paul Robbins looks at Sabine County Deputy Sheriff J.P. MacDonogh as they talk to the media with District Attorney Paul Robbins about the charges against a Houston lawyer accused of the death of his son at the Sabine County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in Hemphill. Michael Howard told police he shot his 20-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, thinking he was a burglar, and then burned his body. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Sabine County Deputy Sheriff J.P. MacDonogh talks to the media about the charges against a Houston lawyer accused of the death of his son at the Sabine County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in Hemphill. Michael Howard told police he shot his 20-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, thinking he was a burglar, and then burned his body. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer District Attorney Paul Robbins talks to the media about the charges against a Houston lawyer accused of the death of his son at the Sabine County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in Hemphill. Michael Howard told police he shot his 20-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, thinking he was a burglar, and then burned his body. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Sabine County Deputy Sheriff J.P. MacDonogh talks to the media about the charges against a Houston lawyer accused of the death of his son at the Sabine County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in Hemphill. Michael Howard told police he shot his 20-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome, thinking he was a burglar, and then burned his body. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The Sabine County Sheriff's Office told the Chronicle that a judge set Howard's bail at $10 million for each charge. He is currently awaiting his next court appearance at the Sabine County Jail.
Michael Gove is the latest senior public figure to speak out against police recording of online non-crime hate incidents - Jacob King/PA

Police should stop wasting their time on non-crime hate spats on social media, Michael Gove has said.

The former Cabinet minister, who helped draw up the last governments counter-extremism strategy, said that they should instead be focusing on pursuing burglars, shoplifters, domestic abusers and fraudsters, not someone expressing an opinion.

He is the latest senior public figure to speak out against police recording of non-crime hate incidents in the wake of the row over the Essex Police investigation into Allison Pearson, the Telegraph journalist, for allegedly stirring up racial hatred in a tweet a year ago.

More than 13,200 non-crime hate incidents were recorded in the 12 months to June this year, according to statistics from 45 of Britains 48 police forces.

They have included a hate complaint from a Lithuanian who said his barber was aggressive and rough as he spoke Russian.

Police forces also recorded incidents against a nine-year-old who called a primary school classmate a retard and against two secondary school girls who said that another pupil smelt like fish.

Allison Pearson was at the centre of a row over police investigating alleged non-hate crime - Elliott Franks

Speaking on a podcast by The University of Law, Mr Gove, the editor of The Spectator, said: I think the recent proliferation in the recording of non-crime hate incidents is deeply worrying.

It literally is a waste of the polices time to be arbitrating disputes on Twitter or X. And to be investigating what people post online.

The police should be pursuing burglars, shoplifters, domestic abusers and fraud, not someone expressing an opinion.

Mr Gove also indicated that he would not oppose the UK quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), saying that many of those who make the case that we must stay in overstate their case.

I believe it is perfectly possible for us to have a robust liberal democracy and not be in it. No one would suggest that Australia, New Zealand, or Canada were illiberal jurisdictions and manifestly theyre not within the ECHR, he added.

Mr Gove, a former justice secretary, also echoed current Labour ministers in saying that there were far too many women in prison.

The imprisoned population [of women] I think is still around 5,000. I would have thought that something like 70 to 80 per cent of those women in prison would be better off not being incarcerated, he said on The Lord Chancellors: Where Politics Meets Justice podcast.

Badly run and badly led

He said that most police forces were poorly led and poorly run and that the preparation of material for prosecution by the police and its handover to the Crown Prosecution Service is too poor in too many areas.

The CPS was also badly run and badly led, adding: And the operation of our courts, [which are] poorly managed.

He suggested judges should give up the sacred cow of listing cases for trial.

Judges are jealous of the administrative control that they have over the Courts Service. Its not theirs alone but they have a significant role to play, said Mr Gove.

I think that judges should be judges. They shouldnt be involving themselves in the management of the estate in that way.

The courts system could be more effective than now, he added  if civil servants were in charge of running them rather than judges.

On Kemi Badenoch, the new Tory leader whom he has consistently supported, he said she ran rings round me intellectually and was fearless.
Banaras Hussain was sentenced in 2016 after admitting 10 charges including rape and indecent assault - South Yorkshire Police/PA

A member of a Rotherham grooming gang who raped and tortured his victims is set to be released from prison after serving only nine years of a 19-year sentence.

Banaras Hussain, 44, who is also a convicted drug dealer, will be allowed out on licence on Friday after being jailed for violent sexual offences in 2016.

He was sentenced after admitting 10 charges including rape, indecent assault and actual bodily harm.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has written to the Parole Board, asking it to reverse its decision and keep this monster behind bars.

Hussain abused his victims, some of whom were as young as 11, over more than a decade and was one of six members of a grooming gang jailed for a total of 103 years.

During his sentencing, the court was told of one incident when police discovered Hussain receiving oral sex from a teenage girl in a town centre car park but ignored it.

When, shortly afterwards, a police car pulled up alongside them and asked what was going on, Hussain shouted that she was just performing a sex act. The police car then drove off, the court was told.

Arshid Hussain, the ringleader of the grooming gang and Hussains brother, was imprisoned for 35 years. Basharat Hussain, 39, also Hussains brother, was handed 25 years and their uncle, Qurban Ali, 53, was jailed for 10 years.

Arshid Hussain, left, and Basharat Hussain were sentenced to 35 and 25 years respectively - South Yorkshire Police/PA

Sammy Woodhouse, a campaigner who was a victim of the grooming gang, said that Hussain had committed heinous crimes.

A Prison Service spokesman said: Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and we do not hesitate to recall them to prison if they break the rules.

Mr Jenrick said that Hussain was a grooming gang rapist who should remain in prison.

He added: Ive written to the Parole Board, urging them to reverse their decision. This monster must be kept behind bars.

Richard Tice, Reform UKs deputy leader, said that if a sex offender is sentenced to 19 years in prison, they should be detained for 19 years.

He added: A sentence is a sentence. I dont believe in any early release for those sorts of crime. These crimes are heinous and you have to set an example. What is the point of giving someone 19 years and [letting them] out after nine and a half?

And to put it bluntly, if you dont like it, dont rape people and groom people.

Sammy Woodhouse was a victim of the grooming gang - Jeff Gilbert for the Telegraph

It is understood that Hussain had already served a number of months on remand and had, therefore, served more than half of his full sentence. Last year, he was moved to an open prison.

Sentencing council guidelines state that offenders sentenced to four years or more for violent or sexual offences can potentially be released at the halfway point under strict licence conditions.

If Hussain breaks these conditions, he can be recalled to prison. It is understood that one of Hussains licence conditions prevents him entering the Rotherham area.

Like other offenders, he can also be recalled for exhibiting any behaviour that suggests that he poses an increased risk to the public.

He was not released under the early release scheme introduced by Sir Keir Starmers government as sexual offenders are not eligible.

A report released in 2014 found that at least 1,400 children were victims of child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
Old Bailey is hearing a trial of three Bulgarians accused of high-level espionage for Vladimir Putins secret services - Getty Images

Russia is recruiting foreign spies after a crackdown on its own agents following the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a court has heard.

The Kremlin is increasingly using people of other nationalities because Russian agents find it too difficult to work in the UK.

The details have emerged as part of the trial of three Bulgarians accused of carrying out high-level espionage on behalf of Vladimir Putins secret services.

Jurors were told that two of the alleged spies  Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43  were found naked in bed together when police went to arrest them at her home.

Dzhambazovs long-term girlfriend Katrin Ivanova, 33, was also arrested on Feb 8 2023 at her work as a laboratory assistant.

Ms Ivanova, Ms Gaberova and her ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, all deny conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia and are on trial at the Old Bailey.

Dzhambazov and Orlin Roussev, 46, have already pleaded guilty to the same charge, jurors heard.

Court sketches of, left to right, Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov - Elizabeth Cook/PA

Opening the case, Alison Morgan KC said that Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, had given a high-level government assessment of the activities of the spy ring and the impact it had on national security.

He explains how the UKs most pressing national security and foreign policy in the short to medium term is the threat posed by Russia to European security, Ms Morgan said.

It is the most pressing issue in terms of national security and that includes issues relating to supporting Ukraine to reassert their sovereignty.

Mr Collinss witness statement contains details of how the 2018 attack on Mr Skripal at his home in Salisbury, in which two Russian agents tried to poison him with Novichok, was evidence of the Russian intelligence services being prepared to come to UK soil to kill.

As a result of the failed assassination, the UK Government has made efforts to crack down on Russian covert actions, the court was told.

Consequently, Russia has increasingly used non-Russian nationals in order to carry out their work for them.

Vanya Gaberova is one of three Bulgarians accused of carrying out high-level espionage for Russia

Bizer Dzhambazov with his long-term girlfriend Katrin Ivanova - Central News/Web Collect

It is too difficult for Russians to do what these defendants were being asked to do in the UK as Bulgarians, Ms Morgan said.

Because of the restrictions that the UK has now put in place, Russia is increasingly using non-Russian nationals to deploy these sort of surveillance tactics on their behalf.

The Bulgarians all had the right to remain in the UK under EU settled status rules, the court heard.

Mr Collins statement details how it is extremely prejudicial to national security that people are acting under the instruction of Russian intelligence services on UK soil.

To have Russia attempting to use the UK as a place where they can plan this activity safely... undermines the UKs position with other countries, Ms Morgan explained.

She said the fact that Russia was an enemy of the state or that the Bulgarians carried out the actions which were prejudicial to the UK was unlikely to be in dispute.

What was in dispute was what the three defendants knew about where the information was going, she said.

Orlin Roussev has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia - Central News/Web Collect

The court was told that Roussev was the ringleader being tasked by Jan Marsalek, the fugitive chief operating officer of the German payments processor Wirecard, who was working on behalf of the Russian secret services.

The messages between the two are peppered with references to the secret agencies and contain discussion of the facilitation of obtaining military equipment on behalf of Russia as well as the provision of espionage tools.

The court heard that the spy ring used sophisticated technology and fake IDs to get close to their defendants, showing that they worked for the Discovery Channel or National Geographic.

The jury will hear about a series of six operations arranged with the Russian agent using the alias Rupert Ticz, who the prosecution alleges is Mr Marsalek, who is Austrian, between 2020 and 2023.

This includes surveillance on a US air base in Germany which they believed was being used to train Ukrainian soldiers and discussion of kidnapping or murdering investigative journalist Christo Grozev, the court heard.

The trial continues.
Jan Marsalek, seen in Red Square, was said to be a Moscow agent giving orders to a UK spy ring - Der Speigel

Russian spies discussed faking an Islamic State suicide attack in order to kill an investigative journalist, a court has heard.

Orlin Roussev and Jan Marsalek, the fugitive boss of a German tech company, discussed how they could kidnap or kill Christo Grozev, who worked for investigative site Bellingcat.

The pair discussed blowing up his boat and blaming it on Iran or getting an Isis suicide bomber to cut off his head.

The details have emerged during the Old Bailey trial of Bulgarians Vanya Gaberova, 30, Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, all from London, who all deny conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia.

Orlin Roussev has admitted conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia - Metropolitan Police/PA

Roussev, 46, from Great Yarmouth, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, from London, have already pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that Roussev was the ringleader of the UK-based spy ring, taking his orders from a Russian agent using the alias Rupert Ticz, whom prosecutors allege is Marsalek.

Marsalek, an Austrian national, was the chief operating officer of German payments processor Wirecard until the company collapsed in 2020 amid allegations of fraud and he went on the run and he is now reportedly living in Russia.

Matthew Collins, the UKs deputy national security adviser, has provided a statement to the court detailing how the threat posed by Russia is the most pressing national security and foreign policy.

The Kremlin is increasingly using foreigners to carry out their espionage because of a crackdown in the wake of the attempted Novichok poisoning in Salisbury of Sergei Skripal, the former Russian spy, he said.

That 2018 attack was evidence of the Russian intelligence services being prepared to come to UK soil to kill, jurors were told, and as a result the UK Government has made efforts to crack down on Russian covert actions.

Outlining Mr Collins evidence, Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, said: It is too difficult for Russians to do what these defendants were being asked to do in the UK as Bulgarians.

Because of the restrictions that the UK has now put in place, Russia is increasingly using non-Russian nationals to deploy these sort of surveillance tactics on their behalf.

The Bulgarians all had the right to remain in the UK under EU settled status rules, the court heard.

The trial will hear about six operations carried out by the group, including surveillance of Mr Grozev in Austria and Spain.

He is considered an opponent by the Kremlin as his work includes uncovering Russian links to the Skripal attack, the poisoning of the late 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.

Bizer Dzhambazo, who admits spying, while Vanya Gaberova, left, and Katrin Ivanova deny the same charges

In messages read to the court from July 2021, Marsalek says that there had been a suggestion he should be kidnapped and sent to Moscow.

Roussev replies that if Mr Grozev was in Bulgaria, I have the resources to kidnap, drug him and lock him up in one secure cave.

While Marsalek warns against it as a bad idea, Roussev continues to suggest that they could hide him in the mountains before they extract him and send him to Siberia, North Pole or a remote island.

He adds: Stalin was right there is a person... there is a problem no person... no problem. Sending him to the jungle in Papua New Guinea with those cannibal tribes is also an adventure.

Marsalek jokes that they should have five nuns beat him up before Roussev suggests that they use five Taliban dresses guys who are shouting Allahu Akbar.

Marsalek responds: Five Arabs. We blame it on Isis. Its Isis revenge against Bellingcat. Now if wed find someone we could contract for a suicide attack on him, itd be best. Attacks him, cuts off his head on the street and then blows up himself.

They then discuss blowing up his boat, which Marsalek notes could be blamed on Iran but I like the idea to blame it on Isis as its like 9/11.

He later adds: Either kill him or kidnap him and have a stunt double fly with his face on a commercial flight to Moscow. Or have his boat sink and him go missing while we relocate him to Syria forever.

In reality, the team put him under surveillance and plotted to honeytrap him using Ms Gaberova, the court has heard.

Jurors were told that Ms Gaberova and Dzhambazov were found naked in bed together when police went to arrest them at her home in north-west London.

Ms Ivanova, Dzhambazovs long-time girlfriend, was also arrested on Feb 8 2023 at her work as a laboratory assistant.

Mr Ivanchev, who is Ms Gaberovas former boyfriend, was arrested a year later. The trial continues.
Sadiq Khan, seen here with the King, first Muslim mayor of the capital and was elected for a third term this year - Shutterstock /Tolga Akman

Sadiq Khan is to receive a knighthood for political and public service, it has been reported.

The Financial Times said the London Mayor was on a draft list for inclusion in the New Years honours.

Emily Thornberry, the former shadow foreign secretary, is in line for a damehood in her own right, to add to her current title of Lady Nugee, which she can use because of her husbands knighthood.

Ms Thornberry currently chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee after Sir Keir Starmer dropped her from his front bench team after entering government. She had been the shadow attorney general.

Patricia Hewitt, health secretary under Tony Blair, is also set to become a Dame, while Andy Street, the former Tory mayor of the West Midlands who was defeated in May, was reported to be getting a knighthood.

Other recipients of knighthoods are Nick Gibb, the Tory former schools minister, Marcus Jones, the former housing minister, and Ranil Jayawardena, Liz Trusss environment secretary,

Mr Khan is the first Muslim mayor of the capital and was elected for a third term in May. He was previously an MP, and was a minister under Gordon Brown.

The Financial Times said the draft document had yet to receive final sign off from Sir Keir or the King. All honours are issued in the name of the monarch.

The paper reported earlier this week that the government is set to issue a fresh political list of peerages in coming weeks, with the list set to include Sue Gray, the Prime Ministers former chief of staff. A number of ex-Labour MPs who stepped down ahead of the election, making way for new talent, are also set to be elevated to the Lords.

Rishi Sunak is yet to submit his resignation peerages list, but Tory insiders believe Michael Gove, Simon Hart and Alister Jack, all former ministers, will be on it.

A Government spokesman said: We do not comment on speculation on honours.
The head of Ofsted said a growing number of schools are giving parents the green light to home-educate their children for part of the week - galitskaya/iStockphoto

Schools are allowing tens of thousands of children to attend part time in flexi learn-from-home arrangements, the head of Ofsted has warned.

Sir Martyn Oliver has raised concerns that old family routines have been loosened in the wake of the pandemic and full-time schooling is now considered optional in his first annual report as Ofsteds chief inspector.

He said that a growing number of schools now allow flexi-schooling, meaning parents are given the green light to home-educate their children for part of the week.

The schools watchdog said it was unsure exactly how many children this applies to since schools record the phenomenon as authorised absence, but that at least 34,000 children are thought to be on part-time timetables.

These children attend school for some days each week but are allowed to remain at home for the rest of the time, when they are supposed to receive schooling from their parents.

Although part-time timetables have previously been used as a tactic to help children back into school after illness or a period of school refusal, Sir Martyn warned they are becoming more readily used, which cannot be good.

He told The Telegraph that Ofsted had no way of ensuring children were actually receiving an education on the days where they were supposedly being flexi-schooled, because inspection powers were limited to the school site.

[Part-time timetables] are not a long-term solution. Having children missing education and [that being] sanctioned by the headteacher, and with no end in sight is something we want to call out and say is unacceptable practice. Im really concerned.

The chief inspector said he would also press ministers to introduce a new absence code to keep track of children being flexi-schooled.

A further 47,000 children are regularly educated off-site and 92,000 are registered as being home-schooled, according to Ofsted.

Meanwhile, a mixture of online and in-person schooling is increasingly being used for children with special educational needs or behaviour issues, the watchdog said.

Children on part-time timetables attend school for some days each week but are allowed to remain at home for the rest of the time - Caiaimage/Chris Ryan/iStockphoto

Sir Martyn warned in his inaugural report: Along with a growth in home-schooling and an unknown number of children attending unregistered schools, this means a very significant number are experiencing unorthodox patterns of education.

He said it followed a shift in attitudes since the pandemic lockdowns that means the expectations of school attendance are now viewed more casually.

With working from home now firmly established for many parents, the old family routines have been loosened. Its perhaps unsurprising that the absentee rates for Fridays outstrip the other days of the week, the chief inspector added.

Sir Martyn called on the Government to deliver on its promise to introduce a register of children missing from classrooms, as he issued a stark warning that there is no comprehensive national data about the number of children not in school full-time and how they are being educated.

He also raised concerns over soaring absence rates among pupils across every part of England, which have almost doubled since the pandemic.

Sir Martyn Oliver is calling on the Government to deliver on its promise to introduce a register of children missing from classrooms - Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street

More than 19 per cent of pupils were classed as persistently absent in the autumn and spring term last year, meaning they missed at least one day of school each fortnight. The figure was 11 per cent in the year before the pandemic.

A further 158,000 were classed as severely absent, meaning they missed at least half the school year.

The Ofsted chief, who took over from Amanda Spielman in January, said it signalled a broader disruption and fragmentation of education for too many children that was a huge concern for the country.

No matter how good teachers are, if children are not in class with them, they will not benefit, Sir Martyn warned.

He confirmed Ofsted will measure absence levels as part of its new inspection framework from next year, when a Government overhaul of the schools watchdog kicks in.

Chilling effect

Labour ordered one-word Ofsted ratings to be scrapped with immediate effect in September, in one of Bridget Phillipsons first significant moves as Education Secretary.

It means parents are no longer told whether a school is outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate overall by inspectors.

The system will be replaced by school report cards from September 2026, although the change was introduced so swiftly that their exact form has yet to be determined.

The move followed the death of Ruth Perry, the head teacher who took her own life in January last year after an Ofsted inspection downgraded her school in Reading from outstanding to inadequate.

Sir Martyn said the watchdog had decided to release a slimmed down annual report this year ahead of its consultation about the report cards in January.

The switch has sparked backlash from parents and inspectors, with a whistleblower telling The Telegraph last week that it has created a chilling effect on the organisation that is putting childrens safety at risk.

Proposals being considered by Ofsted are understood to include judging schools on a five-step scale of colours across 10 separate areas such as inclusion and belonging.

Parents criticised the draft colour-coded guide, first reported by the Financial Times, as akin to the Nandos fast-food chains peri-ometer for chicken spiciness.

On Thursday, Sir Martyn said he would not comment on leaked reports, but that having those clear standards is still incredibly important.
Woolways The Shed is located within the refurbished warehouses of the Swansea docks - Emilia Hartery

Jonathan Woolway has returned to his hometown of Swansea. A prodigal son, without reproach. With a little less hair, a slightly bigger tummy and a head full of recipes and dreams.

Hes back in a shed  which as many of us know is where magic happens  and hes unleashing the knowledge he gained up in the Big Smoke (16 years at St John, Fergus Hendersons game-changing London restaurant, leaving as chef director) and mixing it with some local traditions and produce.

Woolways The Shed is housed within the refurbished warehouses of the Swansea docks and, on the night I visited, it loomed out of the mist as I crossed the footbridge over the River Tawe. Its proudly industrial chic  a large modern space with a long bar, painted white steel columns holding the exposed ceiling within red brick walls.

It was a Thursday night with just two or three other tables taken and it didnt get any busier. Indeed with two on the floor and five in the kitchen we were soon outnumbered. But Im told Tuesdays now heave at The Shed, Thursdays are quiet and the weekends are like Tuesdays. Hospitality is a vexing beast of moving parts. Still, whatever the unique rhythms of Swansea, I urge you to visit The Shed because it bursts with warmth, pride and a very decent wine list.

The menu offers some snacks, six starters, six main courses, some sides and then a list of 10 puddings and cheeses. The latter is a new one on me, such a large number and I love it. It sends a signal that these people value what we too often nod to as an after-thought. Puddings and cheese are not essential facets of life, not viewed as necessary protein and nutrients, but then they are like restaurants. We dont need them, but without them life is hollow, lived but not experienced.

And here they are, presented upfront. As if to say: dont feck about too much with the early courses, you have these hurdles to cross later.

The plate of game liver parfait arrived soft and fluffy and with the tang of a gherkin - Emilia Hartery

I started with cider-pickled sardines which are very much redolent of St John; simple, almost bleak, they were three fillets in oil. They were fabulous with good bite, sardines seemingly centuries removed from the flaky, oily mush one once got on toast. And with not a bone in sight and skin that melted in the mouth.

There was a plate of game liver parfait, soft and fluffy and with the tang of a gherkin and not too buttery brioche, just how I like it. Too often such dishes feel like one is drowning in a bucket of butter. Not here.

Nell, the waitress, suggested  although it was more of a demand  that I have the potted Car-y-Mor crab. It was warm and gooey, and deeply rich. You could almost drink it. It came with a roasting-hot flatbread and was simply epic.

Next was roast pork collar with sour cabbage. Some Fergus-learned nose-to-tail genius which makes me want to ask the next butcher I come across for some of it. It was pink, with charred edges, so steak-like, but bursting with rich earthy flavour and tempered by the cabbage. It was wholesome and magnificent. And I had also gone mad ordering a side of Welsh rarebit (when in Rome) and cauliflower cheese. It could have fed a rugby team but it just fed lucky me.

Nell insisted I have the olive oil parfait (I was done with cheese and she dismissed my plea for bitter chocolate cream). It was very good, but there was too much, a misshapen hod and with no biscuit to add crunch.

This very minor winge wasnt enough to lessen my Nell-like edict that you, at once, make haste to Swansea.
John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, visited a nursery in Livingston on Thursday, the day after Shona Robison, his Finance Secretary, pledged the Scottish Government to scrapping the two-child cap - Robert Perry/Pool/Getty Images

Sir Keir Starmer has attempted to downplay pressure on him to copy the SNPs pledge to end the two-child benefit cap in Scotland, saying it was not a silver bullet in tackling child poverty.

The Prime Minister argued the move was not the key to tackling poverty, arguing other factors such as health and education were more important.

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, also argued that this weeks Scottish Budget doesnt allocate a penny to the cost of meeting the SNP pledge to end the cap in early 2026, shortly before the Holyrood election.

He insisted his party was not duty bound to back the spending plans for 2025/26, which only includes 3 million to set up infrastructure for the policy rather than meeting the actual cost.

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader pictured with Sir Keir Starmer at an event in Edinburgh, backed the Prime Ministers stance on the policy - Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

But the SNP is attempting to ramp up pressure on Labour to follow suit, with the abolition of the cap seen as a potential vote-winner in working class areas where the two parties are competing.

The measure was the centrepiece of a highly political Scottish Budget, unveiled by SNP ministers on Wednesday, that appeared to lay out the battle lines for the May 2026 election.

The cap, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, means families cannot claim child tax credit or universal credit for more than two children.

While those benefits are administered across the UK, SNP ministers have pledged to use devolved powers to mitigate the impact of the cap north of the border, meaning it will be effectively scrapped for Scottish families.

Speaking as he prepared for a visit to Edinburgh on Friday to attend the British-Irish Council, Sir Keir said: I dont accept that this is just one thing that needs to happen.

If youre really going to tackle child poverty, youve got to look at housing, youve got to look at health, youve got to look at education, youve got to look at so many aspects of a childs life, in order to take it seriously and in order to bring it down.

So I know its easy to think theres one silver bullet and if you just do that one thing, that will change everything. I dont accept that.

Shona Robison, the Finance Secretary, delivered the Scottish Budget on Thursday - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Speaking to journalists at Holyrood, Mr Sarwar said: I think its important to separate this policy announcement from the Budget, which doesnt allocate a penny to lifting the two-child benefit cap.

Asked if he felt obliged to back the Scottish Budget because of the vow to scrap the cap, Mr Sarwar said: That just proves that its a nonsense argument from the SNP in the first place.

The SNP voted against the UK budget that delivers 5.2 billion additional money, the 5.2 billion that Shona Robison [the Scottish Finance Secretary] now has available to spend, for example, giving a record level settlement to our NHS. So it just doesnt pass in terms of that argument.

Concerns were also raised by the Scottish Governments official forecasters that ministers may have to raise taxes or cut other spending to fund the abolition of the cap.

Graeme Roy, the chairman of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), said: We think it will cost 150 million in 26/27, so the Government have got to set out where that is going to come from  whether that is going to be paid for through higher taxes or its going to have to require additional savings elsewhere in the budget in that year.

Its just another commitment that has to be paid for. The Government hasnt set out where that is coming from.

The SNP has insisted the policy would cost only 100 million but has not set out where the money would be found.

John Swinney, the First Minister, said the two-child cap was a heinous policy that was causing misery for children and families in Scotland.

At First Ministers Questions, he added: We will take that action because, to date, the UK Labour Government has failed to do so.

I will certainly use every opportunity I have to persuade the Prime Minister to take the similar action that we are taking to relieve the burden of this particular pernicious part of the welfare system from inflicting poverty on children and families in the United Kingdom.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Scottish Social Security Secretary, has written to Liz Kendall, the UK Work and Pensions Secretary, to request administrative help to implement the policy.
Keir Starmer delivers his 'plan for change' speech at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Keir Starmer accused Whitehall of becoming comfortable with failure as he challenged civil servants to hit a series of policy targets and deliver on 150 major infrastructure projects.

Ushering in the next phase for the five-month-old Labour government, the prime minister urged a profound cultural shift away from a declinist mentality and a relentless focus on getting things done.

Successful delivery was the way to counter the rise of populist politics in the UK, which feeds off real concerns, he said in what was billed as a landmark speech.

Too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline. Have forgotten, to paraphrase JFK, that you choose change, not because its easy but because its hard, he said.

I totally get that when trust in politics is so low, we must be careful about the promises we make. But across Whitehall and Westminster thats been internalised as dont say anything, dont try anything too ambitious, set targets that will happen anyway.

Starmer set out six milestones designed to give the British people the power to hold our feet to the fire. They were:

Higher real household disposable income and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by the end of this parliament, as part of a long-term aim to make the UK the fastest-growing G7 economy.

Building 1.5m homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects.

Putting the UK on track to achieve at least 95% clean power by 2030.

Meeting the NHS standard of 92% of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective care.

Getting a record 75% of five-year-olds ready to learn when they start school.

A named police officer for every beat, and 13,000 extra neighbourhood police officers for England and Wales.

But he came under pressure for his failure to include immigration as one of the milestones, and faced claims that some targets have been watered down.

The governments plan to decarbonise the power grid by 2030 is now a target of at least 95% clean power generation by 2030, it emerged on Thursday, prompting concerns about shifting goalposts.

Labour insisted the two statements were consistent, with Ed Miliband, the net zero secretary, saying the remaining 5% was due to the need to maintain a strategic gas reserve.

The promise to deliver higher living standards by the next election was not accompanied by a specific numerical target. Starmer said growth must be felt by everyone, everywhere, with real household disposable income and GDP per capita rising in every region of the country.

And challenged on immigration by reporters at the event, Starmer said he regarded controlling borders as a foundational part of governing, separate from other changes he needed to make.

This week, it was confirmed that 20,000 people have crossed the Channel on small boats since the new government came to power. Labour said a higher number of calm autumn days than last year was to blame.

Delivering the speech at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire behind a lectern bearing the slogan plan for change, the prime minister sought to strike an optimistic note, saying Britain was broken, but not beyond repair and could still do great things.

Aiming high entailed considerable risk, he said, but added: We embrace the risk  Because if there was no jeopardy, if there was no resistance, no blockages or impediments for us to remove, then as sure as night follows day that would be a sign that we were not serious about delivering real change.

Starmer denied that the speech  which has been branded an emergency reset by the Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch  represented a change of plan, saying it doubles down on our national missions that had remained robust since first being announced two years ago.



Responding to the speech, Badenoch said the reset showed Labour had not been ready for government and claimed the governments costly plans for energy decarbonisation had been watered down, adding: This relaunch cant hide the reality of a government that doesnt know what it is doing.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, said Starmer was simply moving the goalposts and described the lack of a target for GP appointments as worrying, while the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, criticised the lack of a target on immigration.
An anti-government fighter remotely fires rockets against regime forces on the outskirts of Hama - Bakr Al Kassem/AFP via Getty Images

Syrian rebels captured the key city of Hama on Thursday in a second major territorial loss for the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the president.

The rebel coalition, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Hamas eastern suburbs in the morning and were pushing west by the afternoon when government forces announced their withdrawal.

In a statement, the Syrian army said it had redeployed and repositioned its troops to preserve the lives of civilians in Hama and not to involve them in battles inside the city.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani then released a video declaring Hama had been liberated, saying his fighters had entered the city to cleanse the wound that has endured in Syria for 40 years.

He referred to the victory as a conquest with no revenge and called on his troops to spare civilians.

The Military Media for the Syrian Revolution

Rebels, carrying guns and wearing flak jackets, were filmed celebrating in what appeared to be the Hama governors palace and shouting Allahu Akbar in front of a portrait of Assad.

They also said they had released hundreds of prisoners from the citys jail.

The capture of Hama paves the way for an assault on Homs, roughly 28 miles south.

Seizing Homs would open the road to Damascus and likely cut off the capital from Syrias coastal region, a stronghold of Assads Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval port and airbase.

Assad now cannot afford to lose anything else. The big battle is the one coming against Homs. If Homs falls, we are talking of a potential change of regime, said Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter.

Hassan Abdul Ghani, commander of the HTS-led rebel coalition forces, said on Thursday evening that Homs is waiting for our forces to arrive.

The rebels will likely be hoping to capitalise on their momentum and seek to deny the regime any opportunity to defend their positions through redeployment, rearming or recruitment.

Residents of Homs, which has a large population of Alawites, are understood to be attempting to flee and large traffic jams have been reported.

Videos posted on social media show lines of cars moving slowly along the highway, with thousands of people believed to be heading for the Syrian coast.

Credit: X / @syrianewsag

There were reports of casualties after a regime air strike on the city of Talbiseh, a small settlement between Hama and Homs that has seen recent unrest.

Official government channels said air defences had also shot down two enemy drones over Damascus.

Fighting broke out last week between Assads forces and HTS, alongside a number of rebel groups operating under the umbrella of the Syrian National Army, with most of Aleppo quickly falling under their control.

Aleppo is Syrias second largest city and was the countrys economic heart before the civil war.

The capture of Hama holds strategic and symbolic importance as the site of a 1980s massacre at the hands of Assads father, Hafez al-Assad.

The city is a major intersection point, linking central Syria with the north, as well the east and the west. Hama province also borders the coastal region of Latakia, a key supporter base for Assad.

The rebels could now squeeze the regime-held salient towards the Mediterranean Sea coast, threatening the port city of Tartus, home to the Russian navys only Mediterranean base.

Losing Tartus would be a major blow for Russian power projection in Southern Europe and North Africa, with its fleet relying on nearby shore bases for resupply and refuelling.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fresh fighting, with Kurdish channels claiming that 100,000 people have been displaced from refugee camps.

The protracted civil war in Syria has been considered effectively over for the past four years. The flare-up comes as Assads main regional and international backers, Russia and Iran, are preoccupied with wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon.

Key regime ally Hezbollah, which was crucial to pushing back rebels during the early years of the war, has lost many of its top military leaders during its 14-month fight with Israel, as well as suffering heavy damage to its military infrastructure.

The rebel coalition contains different and ideologically disparate forces, but is led by HTS in an offensive they have dubbed the Deterrence of Aggression operation.

HTS was originally called Jabhat al-Nusra, with former Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi involved in its formation, and was a direct affiliate of Al Qaeda. It renounced the group and rebranded in 2016.

The USs FBI offered a $10 million (7.8 million) reward for locating HTS leader al-Jolani in 2017, who has been fighting Assads regime for over a decade.
If youve never been in a newsroom before, I can assure you its a noisy place.

Phone calls (or Zoom calls, in this new, post-COVID hybrid world), Slack messages, email notifications, televisions, printers, copiers and the click-clack of computer keyboards blend into a steady, cacophonous rhythm. Then, we add the daily deluge of meetings, which often spill out from their secluded spaces into the broader newsroom. And thats before we even include people simply talking to one another  which, as you could probably guess, journalists are quite fond of.

Its no surprise, then, that its common to see AirPods, headphones, earbuds and other listening devices throughout the newsroom. When were facing a fast-approaching deadline, or when theres major news breaking by-the-minute, or when we just need a few minutes of relative peace and quiet in our hectic lives, theres nothing that can refocus ones attention as well as an obsessively curated playlist. Or, the newest episode of a beloved podcast.

Im as guilty as anyone. Im listening to something almost nonstop. If Im in the newsroom, its usually news. I have my favorite YouTube channels that I religiously watch for current events and analysis. When the aforementioned breaking news is happening, Im streaming one of Houstons local TV stations to stay abreast of the latest developments.

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When this years version of Spotify Wrapped launched on Wednesday, I couldnt help but wonder what our newsroom listens to. I know, I know, its a bit self-indulgent. But were almost always distracting ourselves with someone doing something else somewhere far away.

Isnt it time to share with each other what we experience privately? Just like those boring meetings were always having? My hunch is thats the entire point of Spotify Wrapped. To take out those AirPods for just a minute and say, This is what I listen to, and it means this to me. Id like to think we could understand each other better if we did so.

So I asked my colleagues in the Houston Chronicle newsroom to share their most intimate listening habits with the world. And they delivered! Well, some of them did. Did I mention that journalists are usually extremely busy?

We even created a Spotify playlist of our top-played songs from the past year. Im going to guess there arent many playlists in the world that feature The Rolling Stones, Megan Thee Stallion, Julie Andrews and Creed, so Id recommend giving it a listen.

Happy listening!

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Nathan Boley, Director of Audience

The Rolling Stones are my band when Im cooking, cleaning my apartment, stuck in traffic on the 610, or just need something to dance to. Midnight Rambler is their ultimate blues epic, and its impossible to not rock out, whether its the studio version or one of their many live performances. From there, Im often led to similar musicians, such as The Beatles or Bob Dylan.

When Im really focused on the music, I listen more to indie rock than classic rock. Thats where DOPE LEMON and Houston natives Khruangbin come in. Other favorites not pictured here include Waxahatchee, Mk.gee, Big Thief, Youth Lagoon, Fontaines D.C. and Jungle.

Spotify

Dana Burke, Breaking News Editor

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I dont really think anyone is going to understand my list but here are some notes. Hits Different is Taylors best song of all time. I dont want to hear any arguments about that. Drug Church is about neither drugs nor church. Go see them live (theyre in Houston all the time) but beware of stage divers. Knocked Loose should win the Grammy!

Spotify

Asha Gilbert, Audience Editor

Obviously Drakes rap battle loss to Kendrick Lamar didnt stop me from listening to The Boy. Also moving to Houston from Atlanta has had an impact on me with Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion being my other top two artists.

Music is the soundtrack to my life no matter if I am at the gym, driving to work or walking my puppy. As Ive gotten older, my music choices have gotten softer and more nostalgic with tunes from Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. Lets see what 2025 brings.

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Lisa Gray, Op-Ed Editor

Im nerdier and older than this indie-pop lineup suggests: These days, most of my audio time goes to podcasts and audiobooks. But my son made me a fabulous playlist this fall, and my top groups are mainly from that.

Keep that in mind, broke young people: A thoughtful playlist makes a great gift.

Spotify

Sam Kelly, Demographics Reporter

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My favorite artist this year by far was MJ Lenderman, a brilliant songwriter who plays a brand of Southern indie rock that I find really refreshing. Not reflected in my Top 3 artists, I guess, but I listen mostly to hardcore music when Im writing or working out. Otherwise, I tend to veer back toward indie rock and pop when Im cooking, driving, hanging out, etc.

Apple Music

Yasmeen Khalifa, Audience Producer

My year was dominated by Brat. And turns out, the proof is in the green pudding. I was in the .5% of Charli XCXs top listeners, and four of my five top songs are hers or feature her.

Whether I was having the happiest or saddest of days, Charli was there in my headphones, setting the soundtrack for my life.

Most of my other top artists  Troye Sivan, 100 Gecs and Mac Miller  werent surprising as they pop up every year. But Ms. Chappell Roan, the pop icon of the moment, was a lovely new addition. Its clear Ill always be a hyperpop/bedroom dance kinda gal.

Spotify

Edward McKinley, Austin Bureau Reporter

As usual, my top artists were heavily influenced by the bands I saw live this year or am planning to see in the near future. I was a little surprised to see Glass Animals at #1, but they had a new album earlier this summer and I listened to them a lot before seeing them in September, then their music just ended up on both my more chill playlists and more active ones for going out or going to the gym. I guess this was enough to push them to the top.

My 2 through 5 were much more representative of what my top artists have been in past years: a mix of country, alt rock and upbeat party pop.

This is the first year since 2020 that Lord Huron hasnt been my #1, during which Ive seen them 6 times. My listening to them definitely dropped off a bit, as Im still waiting for them to drop a new album, but in May I went to New Mexico with my family to see them and listened a lot before and immediately after.

Zach Bryan has been in the top 5 the last few years, and I saw him play the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio in July. Hes one of the best windows-down-driving-in-the-summer artists out there. I spent a lot of time driving around the state on the campaign trail this year, and a lot of times it was listening to him.

Brat Summer hit me like a truck this year, so Charli XCX was steadily featured in my on repeat all year. Then I saw Dua Lipa at Austin City Limits in October, which was life-changing, so immediately her Spotify artist playlist became a go-to. I typically listen to more upbeat music with a steady beat when Im working out, which everyone does, or while Im writing, which some people find weird. I like to drink as much coffee as possible and then listen to something that gets me pumped up so the words flow as fast as possible.

Some honorable mentions that didnt quite make the cut: Chris Stapleton, Chappell Roan, Mt. Joy, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Red Clay Strays, the Foo Fighters and Trent Reznors music from Challengers.

Spotify

Jordan Ray-Hart, Newsroom Operations Manager

What more can I say about Taylor Swift? Theres a reason shes so widely beloved, and Down Bad is one of her catchiest songs ever. Its melodramatic, cosmic and raw. Its also made the arduous wait for Reputation (Taylors Version) slightly more bearable, which my psyche greatly appreciates in these trying times.

Sabrina Carpenter turned in too many certified bops for me to list, and Sleep Theory was one of my favorite discoveries of 2024. For my fellow fans of queer pop, MUNAs Live at The Greek album is an absolute must-listen and Fletchers In Search of the Antidote was an underrated gem. Some of my other favorite artists from this year were Chappell Roan, Lauv, Tate McRae and Renee Rapp.

Spotify

Neena Satija, Investigative Reporter

This is probably my most eclectic Spotify Wrapped yet. My toddler is obsessed with the song Do Re Mi and California Dreaming (hence the two versions of Do Re Mi and the prevalence of The Mamas and the Papas. He also loves the rock band Arbol, which hails from my husbands native country of Argentina. I went on an Aaron Copeland kick after watching the movie Maestro earlier this year. Ive been obsessed with Norah Jones since high school. And who doesnt love Billie Eilish?

Spotify

Brady Stone, Senior Audience Producer

For the first time since Spotify Wrapped began in 2015, Lana Del Rey has been dethroned as my top Spotify artist. In fact, she was THIRD. This year I had a Cowboy Carter spring and a brat Summer, with Charli XCX taking the top spot and Beyonce in second. I wonder what kind of fall/winter Ill be having?

Spotify

Roberto Villalpando, Texas Weather Science Editor

Silence makes me uncomfortable during the workday, so Spotify is my go-to background noise while I am writing, editing or just being creative. This year, I was captains hat deep into Yacht Rock with a playlist that varied between 200 and 300 songs. But Im a lifelong Beatlemaniac, so the Fab Four and Paul McCartney remained perennial members of my Spotify Wrapped lists.

I did undertake a strange detour into genre-busting covers of modern pop songs this year with Scott Bradlees Postmodern Jukebox, and crazier cover versions from Richard Cheese, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Hayseed Dixie and the Mariachis. Highly recommended!
Protesters march behind a banner that reads "We condemn Yoon Suk Yeol's illegal martial law" in Seoul on Wednesday. Photograph: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images

Good morning. South Koreas president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is facing impeachment after he sent heavily armed forces into Seouls streets with his baffling and sudden declaration of martial law on Tuesday. The move stirred memories of past dictatorships in the country, moving thousands to come out on to the streets and protest, with the military powerless, or unwilling, to do anything about it.

Opposition parties submitted an impeachment motion hours after parliament unanimously voted to cancel Yoons declaration, forcing him to lift martial law just six hours after it began. Impeaching Yoon requires the support of two-thirds of the national assembly and at least six of the nine constitutional court justices. The liberal opposition Democratic party holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament and has called for Yoons resignation. A vote on his impeachment could come as early as tomorrow. Today well look at what happened and why.

In depth: An irrational and anti-democratic measure

During the tense hours under martial law, heavily armed forces surrounded the parliament, backed by army helicopters and armoured vehicles. Lawmakers climbed walls to get into the building and held off troops by activating fire extinguishers. Politician and former news anchor Ahn Gwi-ryeong tried to pull an assault rifle away from a soldier who had pointed it at her chest as she shouted: Arent you ashamed of yourselves?



The lawmakers who managed to re-enter the building rejected Yoons martial law declaration 190-0, including 18 lawmakers from Yoons party, forcing Yoon to rescind it at a hastily assembled cabinet meeting.





***

An anti-state plot

Yoon ordered martial law without warning in a speech late on Tuesday, where he vowed to eliminate anti-state forces he said were plotting rebellion and accused the main opposition parties of supporting the countrys rival, North Korea.



Yoon gave no direct evidence when he raised the spectre of North Korea as a destabilising force and has long maintained that a hard line against the North is the only way to stop Pyongyang from following through on its nuclear threats against Seoul. In the late 1980s, South Korea had a series of strongmen leaders who repeatedly invoked North Korea when struggling to control domestic dissidents and political opponents. The echoes to today are evident. Yoon has struggled to get his agenda through an opposition-dominated parliament while facing corruption scandals involving him and his wife.

***

What is martial law?

South Koreas constitution gives the president power to use the military to keep order in wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states. That can include suspending civil rights, like the freedom of the press and assembly, and temporarily limiting the powers of the courts and government agencies. But it also gives the national assembly power to lift the declaration with a majority vote.



Some experts say the way Yoon imposed martial law went far beyond his legitimate powers. The constitution, while giving wide scope to presidents, doesnt allow them to use the military to suspend parliament. Many also question whether the prosperous, largely peaceful country really faces a situation in any way comparable to war.

***

United in opposition

The Democratic party lambasted Yoons actions as undemocratic, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, calling Yoons announcement illegal and unconstitutional. The sudden declaration was also opposed by the leader of Yoons own conservative People Power party, Han Dong-hoon, who called the decision wrong and vowed to stop it with the people.



The people will block the presidents anti-constitutional step. The military must be on the side of the public in any case. Lets resolutely oppose it, Kim Dong-yeon, the opposition party governor of Gyeonggi province, which surrounds Seoul, wrote on X. Meanwhile most South Koreans were left in shock, with social media flooded with messages expressing surprise and worry over events, and thousands gathering on the streets to protest.

***

Why now?

There are claims that the emergency declaration was linked to Yoons political struggles. He has had little success in getting his policies adopted by a parliament that has been controlled by the opposition since he took over in 2022, with conservatives arguing that the opposition is taking political revenge for investigations into their own leader, Lee, who is seen as the favourite for the next presidential election in 2027.



Earlier this month, Yoon denied wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scandal involving him and his wife. The claims have hit his approval ratings and fuelled attacks by his rivals. The scandal centres on claims that Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee exerted inappropriate influence on the ruling People Power party to pick a certain candidate to run for a parliamentary byelection in 2022 at the request of Myung Tae-kyun, an election broker and founder of a polling agency who conducted free opinion surveys for Yoon before he became president.



Yoon has maintained that he did nothing inappropriate.

***

Echoes of history

South Korea only became a democracy in the late 1980s, and military intervention in civilian affairs is still all too real a memory. During the dictatorships that emerged as the country rebuilt from the 1950-53 Korean war, leaders occasionally proclaimed martial law that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armoured vehicles on streets or in public places to prevent anti-government demonstrations. While still recent, such scenes are unimaginable for many of todays young South Koreans.



Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea for nearly 20 years before he was assassinated by his spy chief in 1979, led several thousand troops into Seoul in the early hours of 16 May 1961, in the countrys first coup. He proclaimed martial law several times to stop protests and jail critics. Less than two months after Parks death, Maj Gen Chun Doo-hwan led tanks and troops into Seoul in December 1979 in the countrys second coup. The next year, he orchestrated a brutal military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in the southern city of Gwangju, killing at least 200 people.



In the summer of 1987, huge street protests forced Chuns government to accept direct presidential elections. His army buddy Roh Tae-woo, who had joined Chuns 1979 coup, won the election held later in 1987 thanks largely to divided votes among liberal opposition candidates.

***

What next?

Politically, pressure has only grown further on Yoon after his late-night bombshell. The Democratic party has demanded that Yoon step down, accusing him of insurrection; the countrys main labour union group has also called an indefinite general strike until he resigns over the irrational and anti-democratic measure. And theres no support coming from his own People Power party, which described his attempt at imposing martial law as tragic and demanded that those involved be held accountable. Associated Press

The front pages

Starmer pledges crackdown on crime in bid to reboot premiership says the Guardian while the Mirror leads on Long Starm of the law which is also about what it calls the PMs neighbourhood cops pledge. The Telegraph says China is a major nuclear threat to the West quoting the head of the armed forces. More on the military in the Mail, this time from the veterans minister: British Army would get destroyed in six months to a year of war. France in turmoil as Barnier is forced out  thats the Times on which subject the Financial Times says French parliament topples Barnier over 60bn austerity budget. I want farmers to feel appreciated  its inheritance tax again on the front of the Express. Millions will get weight loss jab on the NHS  but face 12 year wait reports the i. Crypto cartel smashed is the top story in the Metro.

Today in Focus

Revisited: The chilling policy to cut Greenlands high birthrate

In the 1960s the birthrate in Greenland was one of the highest in the world. Then it plunged. Decades later, women have finally begun speaking out about what happened.

The Upside

A bit of good news to remind you that the worlds not all bad

After decades bringing the catwalk to the magazine stand, Anna Wintour is now displaying high fashion in the exhibition hall at London Kings Crosss Lightroom. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, Vogue: Inventing the Runway uses the magazines archive dating back to its first publication in 1892 and brings together leading voices in the industry to explore the history of the catwalk. It includes big luxury names such as Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior and Prada, as well as younger, buzzy names such as the cult British designer Martine Rose and the French designer to thank for minuscule bags and gargantuan hats, Simon Porte Jacquemus.

Its quite nostalgic, said Wintour. But it also makes one so proud of the creativity in the fashion world, and I hope that audiences will enjoy seeing the history of the fashion show and how it reflects our culture and changes in the world in a way that is quite extraordinary.

Sign up here for a weekly roundup of The Upside, sent to you every Sunday

Bored at work?

And finally, the Guardians puzzles are here to keep you entertained throughout the day  with plenty more on the Guardians Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
General Mark Milley, pictured during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - the head of the US armed forces. Gen Milley was accused by President-elect Donald Trump of having committed a treasonous act that was so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! - Mindaugas Kulbis/AP

In a bloody bid to consolidate his power and eliminate anyone he considered insufficiently loyal to himself, Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union for 29 brutal years starting in 1923, led what is now known as the Great Purge. Between 1936 and 1938, Stalins goons killed a million people. Some got show trials. Many didnt.

The victims included tens of thousands of military officers. And in that sense, the entire Soviet Union fell victim to the Great Purge.

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the German army faced a gutted Red Army  one that couldnt think and wouldnt fight, and very nearly lost the whole country to the Nazis before emergency reforms began to undo the Purge. Without bringing any justice to its victims, of course.

This is why US President-elect Donald Trump is so dangerous. In vowing to lead his own purge, Trump threatens to do to the US military what Stalin did to the Soviet military. Trump doesnt plan to kill American military officers, but he may sack them in considerable numbers. (That said, Trump did post on social media that General Mark Milley, at the time head of the US armed forces, had committed a treasonous act that was so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Milleys supposed crime was speaking to a Chinese general on a phone call.)

A sweeping purge of military officers could damage military effectiveness. US intelligence points to a Chinese attack on Taiwan by 2027. If the United States follows its own laws, honours its own defence pacts and, in the third year of Trumps second term, is still willing to fight for a free and prosperous Asia, it may go to war with China. But it could also be unprepared, its best leaders, thinkers and technologists having been purged for refusing to betray their oaths to the US Constitution.

Its not hyperbole to predict a Trump-led purge. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to fire what he described as woke generals. Those included in this description could include the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Air Force general C Q Brown  who is black  and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations.

To carry out a mass firing  the first in modern US history  the Trump transition team is considering a draft executive order that would set up a warrior board of Trumpist former officers with the power to designate actively serving offices for purging.

Stalins thugs shot many of the Soviet officers who were purged. So far, Trump has threatened to merely remove American ones from military service. But the effect would be the same. If Stalin had destroyed a potential threat to his power, he had also inflicted enormous damage on Soviet defence, the late historian Robert Conquest wrote in The Great Terror, his definitive history of the Soviet purge.

The thousands of army officers Stalin targeted were the same who had developed the ideas and to some degree the organisation of an efficient modern army. The navy admirals on the purge list were the fleets best thinkers. Stalin eliminated air force technocrats who were planning new generations of warplanes.

The arrests and killings poisoned the whole military. In the coming age of mechanised warfare, the adaptive force  the one capable of independent action in response to enemy moves  would, all other things being equal, usually prevail.

In the Soviet armed forces, however, independence of spirit had been destroyed, Conquest wrote. If Stalin hadnt ordered it, it couldnt be done. But Stalin was in no position to micromanage a war.

So Soviet troops performed abysmally in the brief, violent Winter War between the USSR and Finland between November 1939 and March 1940. Panicked, Stalin tried to walk back the Purge and restore initiative to the officer corps. It was too late to save western Russia when the Germans invaded in June 1941. But the coming winter slowed the overstretched Germans and, in the coming months, well-trained officers trickled into the Soviet army for the first time in years.

The Soviet air force and navy needed decades to recover.

History repeats itself. If Trump purges the US military  perhaps taking cues from his profit-motivated billionaire donor (and top defence contractor) Elon Musk or his grievance-ridden warrior board  America risks losing its next big war.

Its not that the US armed forces cant claw their way back to warfighting effectiveness. In a post-purge crisis, however, it might take massive American casualties  and potentially the destruction of a one-time ally such as Taiwan  to remind Trump the would-be dictator that purges always backfire.
Police officers outside the Feather River Adventist School, north of Sacramento - The Chico Enterprise-Record

Two boys have been hospitalised following a shooting at a tiny religious K-8 school in Northern California on Wednesday.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1pm at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private school in the town of Palermo, north of Sacramento.

Police arrived to find the gunman dead near the playground, after he apparently shot himself, sheriffs officials said.

The boys, aged five and six, were injured in the shooting and taken to nearby hospitals, where they remain in extremely critical conditions.

My heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy, Assemblyman James Gallagher, whose area includes Palermo, said in a statement.

As a community, well all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless.

About 5,500 residents live in Palermo and the town is about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento. The school has fewer than three dozen students.

Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said they had received information that the shooter was in a meeting with the principal about enrolling a child at the school, though the meeting was not yet verified by investigators.

Emergency personnel at the scene - The Chico Enterprise-Record

Shortly after, shots rang out, Mr Honea said. Earlier, officials had said they did not believe the shooter had any connection to the school.

The motive was not immediately known. Mr Honea said they were trying to contact the shooters family before releasing his name.

Near the schools slide and other playground equipment was the shooters body, covered in a blue tarp, as officers stood nearby to secure the scene. The school abuts ranch land where cattle graze.

Authorities rushed students initially to a gymnasium where they stayed until a bus arrived to take them off the grounds and to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, Mr Honea said.

Student Jocelyn Orlando, who is in sixth grade, described what happened to CBS News Sacramento.

We were going in for lunch recess and basically everybody in my classroom heard shooting and most people were screaming, she said.

We all went into the office, we closed the curtains, locked the doors, basically did what we would do in a school shooting, and then one of the teachers came and we all ran into the gym.

Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School - The Chico Enterprise-Record

Rev. Travis Marshall, the senior pastor for the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, said it was very moving to see parents and children reunite.

Some of the children were incredibly emotional, he said. One woman was raising her hands up, praising the Lord when she found her child, he added.

Representatives for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists could not immediately be reached for comment.

The school has been open since 1965, according to its website.

It was the latest school shooting among dozens across the US in recent years, including deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas.

The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms.

But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws. Firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021, according to KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues.
The University of Michigans regents are also considering other cuts to DEI efforts. Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP

The University of Michigan will no longer ask for diversity statements from faculty when considering hiring, promotion or tenure, the latest cut to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The statements, which require a declaration from potential hires on how they will maintain DEI, are solicited from university employers on a case-by-case basis. (Michigan does not have a university-wide policy.)

The New York Times reported that the decision, announced by University provost Laurie McCauley, comes as Michigans board of regents is expected to weigh other rollbacks to the universitys DEI initiatives, which are meant to increase diverse enrollment on campus, remove barriers to educational opportunity, among other goals.

Michigans DEI programs have come under scrutiny after a Times investigation found that the university had spent a quarter of a billion dollars since 2016 on DEI efforts, 56% of which went to salaries and benefits for DEI staff. But Black student enrollment, for instance, has hovered near 5% for nearly a decade (its currently at 6.1%).

Michigans regents have since publicly stated that they plan to reassess DEI efforts, including budgetary commitment. The elected, eight-person regents board, made up of mostly Democrats, broadly makes decisions on the universitys finances and policies.

In a press release on the diversity statement decision, McCauley commended the universitys previous work on DEI and pledged to continue examining how such practices are put into place.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university. Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people, she said. As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.

McCauley added: Im grateful for this faculty committee, which spent months soliciting feedback from across campus, evaluating our methods and determining the best course forward.

The University of Michigan did not respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.

In October, an eight-person faculty working group previously recommended that the diversity statement requirement be eliminated. The group, tasked with understanding how faculty diversity statements were used in promotion, criticized the statements as potentially [limiting] freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus, according to a university press release.

Other highly selective universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard Universitys Faculty of Arts and Sciences, have eliminated their faculty diversity requirements in the past few months.

Michigans regents are also considering other cuts to DEI efforts, namely reallocating the universitys DEI budget to shift money towards tuition guarantees for lower-income students and recruitment programs, the Times reported.

Some Michigan community members have warned that changes to Michigans DEI program could be more drastic, including a total defunding of DEI efforts. A 20 November letter sent out to Michigans faculty senate by chair Rebekah Modrak alleged that the universitys regents held a private meeting in November, without university officials, to discuss rollbacks to DEI.

Many of us are concerned that the Regents are about to make decisions that stretch beyond their charge (financial oversight of the University) and encroach upon our educational and research missions, negatively impacting students, staff, and faculty and the core values of the Universitywith those decisions based on politics and personal animus, driven by a conflation of DEI with pro-Palestinian protest, wrote Modrak.

Such assertions sparked backlash on campus, as Michigans faculty and students have largely criticized proposed changes to DEI efforts. Over 500 faculty members and students gathered at a rally on Monday to condemn the rollback of DEI, the Michigan Daily reported, the universitys paper.

Unlike those who claim DEI here at the University of Michigan has done nothing, my critique is we havent done enough, said Michigan professor Suad Abdul Khabeer at the rally. Abdul Khabeer warned that attempts to defund DEI efforts could impact other university programs, such as the LSA Collegiate Fellows.

Modraks letter also argued that the Times reporting on the universitys DEI programs is being used by anti-DEI regent members to assert that DEI is failing and should be rolled back.

Michigans regents have said they are looking to revise DEI efforts to improve diversity of thought. But some Michigan faculty have argued that university regents are reacting out of fear following the election of Donald Trump in November and incoming attacks on university DEI initiatives.

The Regents have their eyes on whats happening in Washington, said Derek Peterson, a professor of history and African studies at the University of Michigan, to the Michigan Daily. We, in faculty government, would prefer that the Regents saw themselves as representing us and the people of the state rather than bowing prematurely to a government that is likely to be hostile to DEI.  Acquiescing too early, too easily, without protest, is the way that totalitarian governments come to power.

Trump and other conservatives have long criticized DEI efforts. But since his election in November, Trump has promised a crackdown on DEI programs, including threats to end the funding and accreditation of colleges denoted as the enemy as well as to end DEI within federal agencies.



Michigans regents will meet Thursday afternoon, where they will likely discuss DEI initiatives on campus, according to the Detroit News, but not take further action on the matter at this time.
New York police have released a new image in connection with the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Photograph: NYPD

The New York police department on Thursday issued a fresh image clearly showing the face of a man they suspect of shooting and killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, early on Wednesday in Manhattan.

The manhunt continued and police appeared to be closing in on the fugitive as key new clues surfaced.

The newly-released images were taken by security cameras at a hostel on the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan where police think the suspect stayed.

In previous images issued the suspect was wearing a mask. But late morning on Thursday, police posted photographs showing a young man smiling and one of the same person looking more serious, with the hood of his coat up.

The suspect remained at large while investigators scrambled to find out his identity and as police continued to comb through a vast network of private and public surveillance cameras.

Law enforcement deployed drones and dogs in addition to sifting through data related to electric bikes.

Despite officials previously referring to the Citi Bike brand of public-use e-bike to talk about the vehicle that was used in the crime, and thousands of which are dotted around the city at charging ports, later on Thursday morning this proved to be unconfirmed. There was a report by the New York Times, citing sources familiar with the investigation, that police were now looking into it being an unmarked electric bike. Police chiefs have said it was a targeted killing.

Related: Who was Brian Thompson, slain CEO of UnitedHealthcare?

Among other clues discovered were a cell phone, video footage of the suspect and shell casings from bullets found at the scene with the words deny, defend and depose, according to unnamed sources who also spoke with ABC News.

Those words potentially invoke a book published 14 years ago that criticized the US health insurance industry, with its title using vocabulary common in corporate language around insurance claims, called Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, Reuters reported.

The books author, Jay Feinman, a professor emeritus at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey, told the news agency sorry, no comment in an email responding to an enquiry.

The coincidence hints at possible motive, but by early Thursday afternoon authorities had not addressed that angle nor posited a motive for the killing.

Police had earlier searched the hostel where the suspect is believed to have stayed, CNN reported, also reporting that police found a fingerprint while investigating objects connected to the man, including a cellphone and a water bottle, and that evidence was being examined in hopes it could pin down an identity.

This does not appear to be a random act of violence, Jessica Tisch, New York City police commissioner, told reporters. Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.

Thompson was killed by a man in black carrying a gray backpack and with his face covered up to the nose around 6.40am ET Wednesday.

The man in question had leveled a handgun fitted with a silencer at Thompsons back and shot the executive at least once in the back and the calf, just as he was about to enter a midtown Manhattan Hilton hotel for an annual investor conference.

As Thompson collapsed on the sidewalk, the gun jammed, the man  proficient in firearms according to police  quickly cleared it and resumed shooting.

The suspect then fled on an e-bike into nearby Central Park. As of Thursday, there have been no arrests in the case, and police offered a $10,000 reward for information.

Since Wednesday, police have also uncovered footage of the man near the Frederick Douglass public housing project on Manhattans Upper West Side around 5am ET, ABC News reported.

The suspects motives remain unknown. Thompsons widow said her husband had received threats. However, such incidents are not uncommon in controversial sectors.

There had been some threats, Paulette Thompson told NBC News. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

UnitedHealthcare is a branch of UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest companies in the United States. The branch insures tens of millions of people with private health coverage.

The need for private-sector health insurance is a fact of life in the US, but frequently a thorn in Americas side, and insurers are often accused of unfairly denying coverage. The company was also the subject of an insider trader investigation and inquiry into unfair trade practices, Fox Business News reported.

Thompsons killing quickly sent shockwaves through the corporate world, with corporate security heads gathering in a conference call to Wednesday.

Many of my colleagues today are sitting down with their executive protection team leaders, their security leadership teams, and re-evaluating what they are doing and not doing, Dave Komendat, president of Seattle-based Komendat Risk Management Services told the New York Times.

Another security executive, CEO Michael Julian of MPS Security & Protection, told Axios: Im just shocked the guy didnt have a protective detail.

Thompson is survived by his wife Paulette and two sons.

The Associated Press, Reuters and Joanna Walters contributed to reporting
A hearing examining the Secret Services response to the assassination attempts against Donald Trump went off the rails on Thursday, when a screaming match broke out between the agencys acting director, Ronald Rowe, and a Republican representative.

The hearing, hosted by the House taskforce established shortly after the first assassination attempt against Trump in July, was meant to explore the steps that the Secret Service has taken to improve security measures of protectees, but Pat Fallon, a Republican of Texas, took the questioning of Rowe in a different direction.

Fallon displayed an enlarged photo from a commemoration of the September 11 attacks in New York, which both Joe Biden and Trump attended earlier this year. Fallon accused Rowe, who was standing directly behind Biden and Kamala Harris in the photo, of taking the place of the special agent in charge that day and endangering the presidents security for the sake of a photo op.

Rowe replied that the special agent in charge had been just out of the pictures view, and he attacked Fallon for politicizing the September 11 attacks.

I actually responded to Ground Zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center, Rowe said.

Im not asking you that, Fallon interrupted, raising his voice. Were you the special agent in charge?

Rowe yelled back: I was there to show respect for a Secret Service member that died on 9/11.

Fallon suggested that Rowe, who is not expected to stay on as director once Trump takes office in January, had placed himself in better view to audition for the role in case Harris won the presidency.

Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes, Rowe told Fallon.

Im not, Fallon replied. He accused Rowe: You endangered President Bidens life, Vice-President Harriss life, because you put those agents out of position.

Rowe denied that charge, telling Fallon: You are out of line.

The chair of the committee, Republican Mike Kelly, repeatedly banged his gavel until the shouting subsided. The heated exchange came as the Secret Service faces intense scrutiny over its security practices, which attracted widespread condemnation following the assassination attempt against Trump.

The agency was pilloried for failing to ensure proper safety precautions at Trumps campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman wounded the then presidential candidate and fatally shot an attendee named Corey Comperatore. Rowes predecessor, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned amid bipartisan criticism of her agencys handling of security at the rally.

At the hearing on Thursday, Rowe described the events surrounding the assassination attempt as an abject failure.

Related: Secret Service chief berated in House hearing after Trump rally shooting

July 13 was a failure of the Secret Service to adequately secure the Butler Farm Shows site and protect president-elect Trump, Rowe said. That abject failure underscored critical gaps in Secret Service operations, and I recognize that we did not meet the expectations of the American public.

Rowe offered his condolences to Comperatores family and outlined a series of changes his agency had pursued since the July attack, including creating an aviation unit for drone surveillance of protection sites and streamlining communication with local authorities.

Let me be clear: there will be accountability, and that accountability is occurring, Rowe told the taskforce. It is essential that we recognize the gravity of our failure. I personally carry the weight of knowing that we almost lost a protectee and our failure cost a father and husband his life.

Since its formation in July, the taskforce has conducted 46 interviews and reviewed roughly 20,000 pages of documents, Kelly reported on Thursday. The taskforce is expected to release a final report on its findings in the coming days.
Polyphony & Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Smith Square Hall - Sophie Oliver

Polyphony/ OAE/ Smith Square Hall 

It is depressing to find the Christian origins of St Johns Smith Square, Londons most beautiful concert hall, have been expunged from its new name Smith Square Hall. But at least the venue is continuing to host its wonderful Christmas Festival, which offers two weeks of seasonal sacred music from top-rank choirs and orchestras.

Last night it was the turn of the choir Polyphony and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, who soothed and uplifted us gently in Bachs Christmas Oratorio. Its a work that proves that Bach wasnt always penitentially anguished in his church music, and could rejoice in trumpets-and-drums splendour just as well as his great contemporary Handel. Its a long piece, and on this occasion the performers gave us the first three parts only. But it made for a satisfying whole, telling the story of Christs birth, the acclamation of the happy event to the shepherds, and their arrival at the manger.

On stage the 14 singers of Polyphony were ranged behind the 23 players of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and in front the four soloists, who sometimes narrated the drama, sometimes stood back to ponder its meaning. Joy and excitement were often the keynotes, especially in Part 3 where the choruss vocal agility evoked the shepherds eagerness to witness the miracle. You could see the amazement in tenor James Gilchrists face as he announced the birth, as well as hear it in his voice. If youre telling the story of shepherds there must be shepherds pipes, and in Bachs oratorio theyre evoked in the delicious sound of four oboes, mingled with flutes.

Its often these pictorial details that linger in the mind after a performance of Bachs oratorio, but this one was different. Conductor Stephen Layton drew us into those solemn moments when we see the story from the point of view of eternity, by shaping every orchestral detail with exquisite care.

One was countertenor Iestyn Davies, who sang the oratorios most famous number Sleep My Beloved with tender gravity. Another was the extraordinarily original movement in Part 1 where bass Ashley Riches contemplated Christs sacrifice in coming down to suffering humanity, in dialogue with the chorus. Yet another was complicated meditation on Gods love in Part 3, where the voices of Riches and soprano Anna Dennis were mingled in angular yet eloquent counterpoint. The best moment was the closing chorale of Part 1, where the three trumpeters provided a quiet golden halo of unspotted beauty around the ancient melody.

As if all this werent enough the players of the OAE gave us familiar seasonal musical interlude between Parts 1 and 2: Corellis Christmas Concerto. Here there was no overt contemplation of divine mysteries, yet the quiet glow of the music-making was the sameespecially at the end of the famous Pastorale, where the players made it seem as if the music was tiptoeing reverently towards silence. IH

Antonio Pappano conducting the London Symphony Orchestra - Mark Allan

London Symphony Orchestra, Barbican 

Its a festive tradition thats almost as venerable as Father Christmas himself: orchestras foregoing Beethoven and Brahms and letting their hair down with evenings of film and video game scores and Strauss waltzes.

True to form the LSO found a different and more exciting way to celebrate the season. They dipped a toe into that rich territory of jazz meets classical, which began with Gershwins concert music of the 1920s, continued with Duke Ellingtons Symphonic suites of the 1940s and 1950s, and still flourishes today with composers like Mark-Anthony Turnage (whose new concerto for jazz guitarist and orchestra will be premiered by the LSO next month). On the podium was Antonio Pappano, whose long years in the orchestral pit at the Royal Opera House might not seem the best preparation for an evening of frenetic jazzy syncopation. But he took to it like a duck to water.

When jazz meets classical (or vice versa) the results can feel po-faced, but there was nothing constrained about this evenings music-making. It was positively bursting with rhythmic energy, swooning Broadway-style melodic charm and amazing instrumental virtuosity, exemplified in the opening overture to Gershwins hit show Girl Crazy. The only time classical complication clogged the wheels of jazzy spontaneity was in Leonard Bernsteins Prelude, Fugue and Riffs for big band, where the orchestras regular wind players were joined by a posse of jazz saxophonists and trombonists.

With its pile-up of learned fugues, including one which was as angular and modernist as a Picasso still-life, the piece is really too clever for its own good. But the ecstatic clarinet solo from Sergio Pires, riding over the fizzing hi-hat cymbal of percussionist Obi Jenne and breakneck left-hand vamping from pianist Frank Dupree drowned Bernsteins intellectual showing off in sheer physical excitement.

The same pianist and drummer plus the full orchestra gave us a more charming sort of classical-meets-jazz in the 4th Piano Concerto by the Soviet composer Nikolai Kapustin. It was an affectionate, brilliant, but somewhat weird perspective on jazz seen from a distance of 5,000 miles and a vastly different culture. Blues, stride piano and swing were mingled disconcertingly with wide-open-spaces harmony that seemed more Western film-score than jazz. The richly virtuoso piano part veered between Rachmaninov-style opulence and fierce, Gershwin-esque brilliance, all handled with insouciant ease and winning charm by Dupree.

After the interval, edge-of-the-seat excitement gave way to relaxed charm in Duke Ellingtons Nutcracker Suite, a reinvention for big band of movements from Tchaikovskys ballet played here in Jeff Tyziks version for full orchestra. Pappano and the players brought out the sly wit of Ellingtons reimagining of Tchaikovskys magic toy-box dances, with gloriously sassy solos from among others trumpeter James Fountain and trombonist Byron Fulcher. The few selections from Tchaikovskys Nutcracker ballet score that followed seemed a bit stingyit would have been fun to compare more of Ellingtons versions with their originals. But nevertheless it was a joyous evening, topped off perfectly with a rendition of Leroy Andersons Sleigh Ride that had us all swaying in our seats. IH

This concert was recorded for future broadcast by Marquee TV and Mezzo.

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester - Chris Payne

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester 

If there were a map of orchestral music, it would need to include a wild area far away from the familiar heartlands, marked here be strange beasts and monsters. This is where those huge orchestral works live that are rarely glimpsed because they are too difficult, too expensive to put on, and frankly just too weird.

But this is why we have the BBC orchestras. They venture where other orchestras fear to tread, so they can lasso these big beasts and offer them up for our amazement. On Thursday night, the BBC orchestra based in Manchester, the Philharmonic, performed one such beast: the biggest orchestral work by French 20th century composer Olivier Messiaen entitled Des canyons aux etoiles (From the Canyons to the Stars).

Messiaen was a Catholic of an especially mystical, almost child-like kind. He saw Gods handiwork everywhere in the natural world, but he was especially awe-struck by Bryce Canyon in Utah. When he beheld the huge red caverns and heard the extraordinary birdsong and saw the stars at night, he knew hed found the inspiration for his next piece: an orchestral work to celebrate the bicentennial of the founding of the US.

The result was a 90-minute piece in 12 movements for huge orchestra. Just to look at the players ranged on the platform of the Bridgewater Hall on Thursday was a treat. At the back was the clanging, glittering percussion, including a geophone (a drum packed with pebbles). On a platform to the left was a battery of four twittering flutes, and in the middle a small body of stringed instruments that lent a rapturous sweetness to everything. Behind them was an array of stentorian brass, blaring out the awe-inspiring chorales to remind us this canyon is the work of the Almighty.

Much of the credit for this wonderful performance must go to the four soloists at the front. The two percussionists Paul Patrick and Tim Williams brought lyrical grace to their curlicues of notes, but it was horn player Martin Owen who gave us the evenings most wondrous moments, in his heroic, granitic solo movement. The most jaw-droppingly virtuoso moments came from pianist Steven Osborne. His blizzards of notes summoned up an entire aviary of bird-song, as well as evoking the vastness of the American desert. But amid all the aural splendour were phrases of melting intimacy. Smallness and immensity came mysteriously together.

These were the named soloists, but in fact the orchestral players faced similar challenges of fractured rhythms and finger-twisting difficulty and blistering speed. They rose to the challenges magnificently under the guiding hand of conductor Ludovic Morlot, who found a razor-sharp precision when needed but also gave the soloists music room to breathe. The most heavenly moments came in the eighth movement, with its soft string haloes around the enraptured twitterings of Tim Williamss silvery glockenspiel and Jennifer Hutchinsons piccolo.

In all, it was a marvel. Bravo to the BBC Philharmonic for revealing the colours of this little-known masterpiece with such bewitching artistry. IH

Hear this concert via BBC Sounds for 30 days

La rondine, LSO/Pappano, Barbican 

Antonio Pappano with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, performing Puccinis La rondine - Mark Allan

Puccinis 1917 opera The Swallow is not so much a soaring bird, more of an ugly duckling among his works  unloved, and infrequently performed compared with his much-admired melodramas. However, when the young Antonio Pappano recorded it in 1997 with Angela Gheorghiu and Robert Alagna, that brought a change, and showed the true character of the opera  not as it had previously been castigated, Lehar-light, but a quicksilver, skilfully drawn romantic picture of a love that can never be.

The orchestra on that prize-winning recording was the LSO, where Pappano has now arrived as chief conductor, so it was logical to mount concert performances as part of his opening season  and, if truth be told, it better suited this uneven piece to do a couple of concert performances rather than a staging a theatrical run.

And boy, did Pappano make the most of his new orchestra, unleashing its colours and deep sonorities with an unbuttoned freedom that threatened at times to overwhelm the row of singers at the front of the Barbican stage. This Parisian story is very much of its time, with echoes going to back to Verdis La traviata and Strausss Die Fledermaus (and even a quote from the latters Salome). Magda is a courtesan, mistress of the banker Rambaldo, but she suddenly falls in love with the young Ruggero. He is besotted by her, and obtains his mothers agreement to their marriage, but Magda realises that because of her past she can never be part of his family (and maybe would not want to be so respectable), and the opera peters out as they part.

It has usually been felt that this denouement is rather feebly arrived at, and certainly the main energy of the opera is concentrated in the first two acts. Magda has to command the hall with her aria Chi il bel sogno di Doretta within moments of arriving, and here the soprano Carolina Lopez Moreno delivered a stunningly precise and shining line, a touch brittle and lacking in warmth, but with no lack of poise and technique. It is a while before Ruggero turns up, and when he did, 40-year-old Michael Fabiano could scarcely be convincing as an ingenu, though his resonant tenor was later well-projected in the artless ballad-like Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi.

Concert performances that indulge in a bit of semi-staging always take a risk, and here the dramatic plausibility of their passionate embraces was somewhat compromised by the music stand on which he (but not she) relied. In the supporting cast, it was Ashley Riches as the long-suffering Rambaldo who stood out for his clarity, and Serena Gamberoni as the perky, crisp Lisette. Her lover Prunier, Paul Appleby, seemed swamped by the orchestral sound, but three party guests led by Sarah Dufresne fluttered better.

The huge London Symphony Chorus, well trained by Mariana Rosas, swung with noisy abandon in their Act II revelries  and their absence from their empty benches in Act III pointed up the intimacy of the touching final scenes. NK

One further performance December 12: lso.co.uk

Nikolai Lugansky/Wigmore Hall 

Pianist Nikolai Lugansky - The Wigmore Hall Trust

Romantic pianists are generally a breed apart but theres something especially lofty and otherworldly about the 50-something Russian virtuoso Nikolai Lugansky. When he came onto the stage of the Wigmore last night in evening dress complete with wing collar and shimmering yellow cummerbund he bowed with a faint, lopsided smile. It seemed as if the lights were too bright for him, the audience just too insistently present. One imagines Chopin must have looked much the same when facing his public.

As for the music-making, it wrapped us in a mood of romantic contemplation. Lugansky shrewdly programmed the evening as a rising wave of passion, beginning with the decorous mood-painting of six of Mendelssohns Songs without Words, passing through two of Chopins Ballades, and ending with the ecstasies of the Love-Death from Wagners Tristan and Isolde.

Lugansky can certainly produce a thunderous (but still beautifully balanced) sound, as he proved in that final Wagner piece. But its when romanticism speaks in a whisper that he really comes into his own. The very first of those Mendelssohn Songs without Words has a simple phrase which is immediately echoed. In Luganskys hands this graceful idea became full of romantic pathos, as if the echo was coming from across a valley in the twilight. In Chopins 3rd ballade theres a moment where the first melody dies away and gentle swaying in the right hand takes over. Lugansky made us wait for that moment, which emerged from the pianistic haze like a dream.

The concert was full of perfect moments like these. But its a hard fact of life for really fine artists that they set the bar by which theyre judged. When performances are at such a high level you become sensitised to things that are less high, and overall there was a certain coolness in Luganskys playing, especially in the Mendelssohn pieces, which needed more vigour.

In fact that letting go did eventually come, in Luganskys own arrangement of four scenes from Gotterdammerung, the Twilight of the Gods. It takes a special confidence or maybe arrogance to think you can capture Siegfrieds Funeral March and Death, the sad singing of the Rhinemaidens, the flooding of the Rhine and the end of the Gods with just 10 fingers and a piano. But Lugansky managed it magnificently. His arrangement was not just pianistically shrewd, translating orchestral colour into piano colour, but faithful to the complex web of Wagners melodies. One heard the Valhalla melody intertwining with the Redemption melody, with the Rhinemaidens innocent warbling peeping out in between.

Finally came that Love-Death which grew in a perfectly formed arch from intimate hush to an ecstatic climaxthough it was the way Lugansky led the music gently away into oblivion at the end that really told. Having despatched the main business of the evening Lugansky actually lightened up, smiled, and despatched us into the December night with encores by Rachmaninov and Chopin that were delicious tender and brilliantly light-hearted by turns. IH

Kazuki Yamada conducts Eugene Tzikindelean and the CBSO in Elgars Violin Concerto - Andrew Fox

CBSO/ Kazuki Yamada, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestras Japanese music director Kazuki Yamada is turning out to be quite a champion of English music. On Wednesday night, he offered one of the great pre-first World War works by Edward Elgar, his Violin Concerto, alongside the Second Symphony by a composer almost half a century younger, William Walton.

As the concert reminded us, although these two belonged to different historical era, Empire united them. Sandwiched between the two main works was Waltons very imperial-sounding Orb & Sceptre March, composed for the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. After an exciting beginning, it eased into one of those big tunes that sound very like one of Elgars Pomp and Circumstance Marches  though frankly not as good. And the tone was different, in a way which reminded us that Walton was composing in a different era. At some points, a Broadway glamour invades the march; at others, theres a touch of saucy syncopation, which must have raised some eyebrows in Westminster Abbey on that far-off day. Yamada has a humorous streak in him, and he seized these moments with delighted glee.

However the evenings real emotional heart was in the concerto, which Yamada moulded and caressed with typical heart-on-sleeve impetuousness. Next to him on the platform was Eugene Tzikindelean, a straight-backed Romanian virtuoso and winner of numerous big violin concertos, who also happens to the CBSOs leader. (Never underestimate the level of talent in our orchestras.) He produced a tone of magnificent, commanding assurance, even in the finger-twisting passage-work of the finale, and he brought out the startling emotional intensity in the restless, troubled searchings of the first movement. Yamada caught the way the music moves rapidly between diffidence and impetuous self-assertion, and the orchestra produced a sound of rich, ripe expressivity.

And yet ultimately this was not a completely satisfying rendition of Elgars great concerto, I think because it missed the element of shy diffidence at its heart. The slow movement, where this feeling comes to the fore, seemed too solid and prosaic. It should feel like a dream of something long ago.

As for Waltons Second Symphony, no one could accuse it being shy or diffident. Its a piece of relentless shiny orchestral brilliance with a strange mix of romantic heat, nocturnal glamour and the thrill-of-the-chase tension. Its the kind of heady emotional brew Yamada thrives on, and the performance was enjoyably brilliant, with razor-sharp chordal stabs from the brass and licks of catwalk elegance from the woodwind.

The piece managed to sustain itself until the half-way point, when the echoes of Stravinskys The Rite of Spring became just too insistent, and the dogged insistence on repeated patterns soon ran the music into the ground  despite the delirious energy lavished on the piece by everyone involved. In other circumstances, hearing Waltons flawed piece might have been more of a pleasure; but coming after the heights of Elgars complex, often sublime masterpiece, it was bound to leave us with a feeling of disappointment. IH

No further performances
More than 100,000 prisoners could be held in jails in England and Wales within five years, according to government estimates.

The prison population is projected to increase to between 95,700 and 105,200 by March 2029, with a central estimate of 100,800, figures published on Thursday show.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the potential rise is driven by factors including continued growth in suspects being charged and prosecuted, more cases coming to court, the rising levels of people on remand and changes in sentencing policy and behaviour to keep the most serious offenders in prison for longer.

It comes after Whitehalls spending watchdog warned earlier this week that Government plans to boost prison capacity could fall short by thousands of cell spaces within two years and cost the taxpayer billions of pounds more than anticipated.

Since September the Government has been freeing thousands of inmates early in a bid to cut jail overcrowding by temporarily reducing the proportion of sentences which some prisoners must serve behind bars in England and Wales from 50% to 40%.

But prisons are still expected to reach critical capacity again by July.

MoJ figures show there were 86,059 adult prisoners behind bars in England and Wales on Monday, slightly higher than the 86,038 recorded at the beginning of last week.

The so-called operational capacity for English and Welsh men and womens prisons is 88,852, indicating there is now cell space for 2,793 criminals.

(PA Graphics)

An additional 1,350 cell spaces tend to always be kept free above the overall operational capacity of the prison estate in England and Wales as a contingency measure so jails can cope with a sudden influx of inmates or change in the make-up of the prison population, according to the MoJ.

The latest data means the prison population is only 2.8% lower than when the number of inmates being held hit a record high of 88,521 on September 6, PA news agency analysis shows.

The new peak is the highest end-of-week figure since weekly population data was first published in 2011.

It is also higher than the average annual prison population in every year since modern records began in 1900.

The MoJ report indicated the prison population is now estimated to be 5,500 lower by September 2028 than previously projected in light of measures like the early release scheme being taken.

In a report published on Wednesday, the National Audit Office (NAO) said current expansion plans are insufficient to meet future demand amid a projected shortage of prison places by the end of 2027, with costs expected to be at least 4 billion higher than initially estimated.

The prisons overcrowding crisis is down to the failure by the previous Conservative government to make sure policy changes bringing in longer jail sentences and boosting police numbers matched the space available in prisons to hold criminals, according to the findings.

Prisons minister Lord Timpson said: These new projections reveal that, unless we act now, our prisons will return to crisis.

Weve already taken immediate action to stop the imminent collapse of our prisons. We are now setting out our plans so no government inherits the situation we did.

We will build the 14,000 prison places the last government promised but did not deliver, and have commissioned an independent review of sentencing to ensure we can always lock up dangerous offenders and never run out of prison places again.
Sir Keir Starmer has set out six milestones to measure the Governments progress in delivering his plan to change the UK.

The Prime Minister said the public targets would give the British people the power to hold our feet to the fire.

The six milestones in the plan for change are:

 Delivering higher, real, household disposable income and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by the end of the Parliament, as part of the goal of having the highest sustained economic growth in the G7 group of wealthy democracies.

 Building 1.5 million homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects.

This government has a Plan for Change. Our long-term missions will improve the lives of working people and strengthen our country. Progress will be measured by ambitious milestones. pic.twitter.com/XvZjPRO85x  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 5, 2024

 Meeting the NHS standard of 92% of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment.

 Putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every community and 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles in England and Wales.

 Getting a record 75% of five-year-olds in England ready to learn when they start school.

 Putting the UK on track to at least 95% clean power by 2030.
Sir Keir Starmer was forced to deny watering down a green energy pledge after setting a target for the UK to be on track to deliver 95% clean power by 2030.

The Labour election manifesto this year and Sir Keirs missions set out almost two years ago both promised zero-carbon electricity by 2030.

But the milestone in Sir Keirs new plan for change promises a measure in line with advice from the National Energy System Operator (Neso) aiming for 95% reliance on low carbon generation.

Sir Keir Starmer insisted he had not downgraded Labours green energy ambition (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The Prime Minister, announcing his plan at Pinewood Studios, denied there was a shift in position.

Sir Keir said: The clean energy pledge is today exactly what it was in the election; that has always been central to our mission.

He added: The mission hasnt changed from the day I launched it nearly two years ago.

In terms of where we need to get to on clean energy by 2030, its exactly the same as it always was.

Theres always going to be a mix but that is the pledge that we made two years ago. That is the mission and weve not changed it today.

Ministers insisted the promise to achieve at least 95% clean power by 2030 was consistent with Labours pre-election mission as the UK would still maintain a strategic gas reserve.

We will protect billpayers by securing our energy supply with secure, home-grown power.  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 5, 2024

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband also insisted there had been no change, saying that is what the Climate Change Committee said in their original definition of what a clean power system was.

He added: We made the choice originally when we launched the clean power mission that there would always be a strategic backup reserve of gas, and that always meant that there would be a very low percentage, but a percentage nonetheless, of gas and thats been defined for us by the Neso.

In his speech, Sir Keir also promised to stop red tape  including measures aimed at protecting nature  getting in the way of major infrastructure projects.

HS2 Ltd is spending more than 100 million building a structure to protect bats despite the rail project firms chairman saying there is no evidence that high-speed trains interfere with the creatures.

The Prime Minister said planning rules had resulted in the absurd spectacle of a 100 million bat tunnel holding up the countrys single biggest infrastructure project.

He added: This Government will not accept this nonsense any more.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set out the target as part of his plan for change (Darren Staples/PA)

Environmental campaign group Greenpeace welcomed Sir Keirs commitment to clean energy.

Ami McCarthy, Greenpeace UKs head of politics, said: The devastation caused by recent deadly floods is a stark reminder of the necessity of switching to clean power as fast as humanly possible.

Luckily, Keir Starmer is like a dog with a bone when it comes to his commitment to wind and solar  exactly the kind of action this country needs.

Dhara Vyas, chief executive of industry body Energy UK, said: It was good to hear the Prime Minister reiterate the Governments clean energy ambitions.

The energy industry welcomes a commitment to building for the future because of the economic benefits this could bring to all parts of the country through investment, growth and job creation along with increasing our energy security.
Jim McIngvale is seen during a rally he hosted at Gallery Furniture in support of former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, Oct. 25, in Houston. McIngvale will undergo open-heart surgery next week, according to a video he posted on social media Wednesday afternoon. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale will undergo open-heart surgery next week, according to a video he posted on social media Wednesday afternoon.

The 73-year-old owner of Gallery Furniture said in the video that he had a "leaky mitral valve," and is scheduled for a four-hour operation at the Houston Methodist Hospital Dec. 10. McIngvale said that he will be at the hospital for roughly a week after the surgery and on bed rest following the operation for at least another 10 days.

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"A lot of people have been calling and asking what they can do for me," McIngvale said in the video. "The best thing you can do for me is pray, obviously, and if you need any furniture. Come out and buy furniture that'll ease a lot of my anxiety."

Im having open heart surgery on Tuesday, Dec 10. Thank you all for your prayers and support as I go through this.  Ill update when I can. pic.twitter.com/sherllJVxR  @MattressMack (@MattressMack) December 4, 2024

A leaky mitral valve, or mitral valve regurgitation, is the most common type of heart valve disease and occurs when a valve separating the chambers of the heart does not fully close, causing blood to leak between the chambers, according to the Mayo Clinic. Without medical intervention, the condition can result heart rhythm problems or, in severe cases, heart failure.

Open-heart surgery is "usually the best solution for most valve conditions that cannot be managed with medication," according to Houston Methodist's treatment page for heart valve diseases.

The news came just months after McIngvale was hospitalized following a cellulitis diagnosis in late August. The infection caused a "temporary disconnect of cognitive abilities," McIngvale said in an interview with Fox26 shortly after he was released from the hospital.

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"I'm down here at St. Luke's hospital in the emergency room, having a little trouble with some cognitive things, but I'm sure I'll be alright because they have great doctors at the Texas Medical Center," McIngvale said in a video uploaded to X Aug. 31.

Mattress Mack is currently recovering at St. Lukes ER, but the Labor Day Super Sale at Gallery Furniture is still going strong! Check out Gallery Furniture's amazing deals at https://t.co/EtQbaOxW5q and enjoy free delivery tonightdont miss your chance to upgrade your space and pic.twitter.com/JmABkX13YK  @MattressMack (@MattressMack) August 31, 2024

Quoting Marvin Zindler, famed Houston journalist and the man behind "Slime in the Ice Machine," McIngvale said "it's hell getting old, and I'm getting a little older."
Two activists have been spared jail after damaging a glass cabinet containing the Crown of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny during a protest against food poverty at Edinburgh Castle.

Jamie Priest, 26, and Catriona Roberts, 22, both students, targeted the cabinet in a protest linked to campaign group This is Rigged, which claimed responsibility on the day of the incident on November 15 last year.

The pair pleaded guilty to maliciously causing damage at an earlier hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and were acquitted of breaching the peace.

Priest and Roberts, both from Glasgow, were sentenced to unpaid work at the same court on Thursday.

A tour guide was escorting a group through the castle and had reached the Crown Room when he heard someone shout: This is a peaceful protest, the court previously heard.

After the protest, This is Rigged released a statement saying: Food is a human right. Hunger is a political choice.

The Crown Room was closed to the public after the incident, and Historic Environment Scotland said at the time some damage was caused to the protective glass housing the relics, which the court heard totalled nearly 3,000.

The Stone of Destiny is used during royal coronation ceremonies (Russell Cheyne/PA)

The court previously heard a male activist was seen spray-painting the cabinet, which housed the Crown and Stone of Destiny, while Priest began to film  prompting the tour guide to press the panic button and alert staff and police.

A phrase had been written on the cabinet in Gaelic which was later translated and understood to mean The people are mightier than a Lord, the court heard.

Roberts and the male activist were seen striking the cabinet using a pinch hammer and a chisel, it was said, while Roberts also shouted phrases such as Baby products to be reduced to pre-Covid prices and There is no heritage without the people, the court heard.

Roberts, a student at Strathclyde University, was on bail at the time for an offence she was later acquitted of.

Prosecutor Cameron Gaw said: The cost of repairs was 2,798.

Representing herself, Roberts told the court she had no malice towards towards the historical artefacts.

Roberts said: I would like the court to consider this was not done out of malice  I have no agenda against Edinburgh Castle or the Stone of Destiny. When I took this action 24% of Scotland experienced food insecurity in the last year. Parents were criminalised for trying to feed their children and baby formula was in security cases.

The incident took place in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle (PA)

Defending co-accused Priest, who uses the pronoun they, solicitor Steven Donald said: The motivation is very clear, I would hesitate to describe any act of criminality as well intentioned. They are attempting to highlight the cost-of-living crisis and raising the issue of the cost of baby products.

While the actions clearly strayed into criminality, they were seeking to highlight a fairly worthy cause, albeit the criminal court does not allow them to raise awareness by ways such as this.

In terms of actions in smashing up a glass case which contained artefacts of national importance, Ive spoken to Jamie Priest, they had no expectation of being able to actually get at items of national importance and no intention of interfering with these items.

They anticipated alarms would be activated and they would be evacuated. They did it as a stunt to bring a spotlight to this matter. Jamie Priest has expressed they would engage in similar conduct again. Ive spoken to Jamie Priest this morning  they advised they are well aware they cannot go about committing criminal actions.

Jamie Priest expresses the view that more peaceful and non-criminal means of protest will be the way forward.

Sentencing, Sheriff Alistair Noble said: You each pled guilty to a charge of malicious damage of the display case containing the Stone of Destiny. The cost of damage was 2,798.

The Stone of Destiny being removed from Arbroath Abbey in 1951 after it was taken there by students trying to advance the cause of Scottish independence (PA)

I obviously understand the motivation for each of you. I think it began with someone saying this is a peaceful protest and I dont imagine anyone would have been frightened by what you did.That doesnt mean its accepted.

Both defendants were sentenced to unpaid work  Priest was given 120 hours and Roberts 180.

The Stone of Destiny was long used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs but in 1296 it was seized by King Edward I of England as war loot and taken to London.

It was built into a Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, used in the coronation ceremonies of Kings and Queens of England and, later, Great Britain after the Scottish and English crowns were united.

In 1950, a group of students took the stone from Westminster Abbey and returned it to Scotland to try and advance the cause of Scottish independence, with it later found at Arbroath Abbey.

The stone  also known as the Stone of Scone  was used in Queen Elizabeth IIs coronation in 1953 and also in the coronation of King Charles last year.

The stone was formally returned to Scotland in 1996 to go on display at Edinburgh Castle.

In March this year, it returned to Perthshire for the first time in more than 700 years, having originally been kept at nearby Scone.
A significant number of children are experiencing unorthodox education since the pandemic, with part-time timetables and flexi-schooling on the rise, the chief inspector of Ofsted has warned.

Sir Martyn Oliver said education has become fractured and fragmented for too many children, while attendance remains a stubborn and damaging issue after Covid-19 lockdowns.

In his first annual report as chief inspector of Englands education watchdog, Sir Martyn said Ofsted is concerned about the growing number of children whose pattern of education is disjointed.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) and behaviour needs are increasingly receiving a mixture of online and in-person lessons.

Sir Martyn said he was worried about the rise of flexi-schooling  where parents home-educate their children for part of the week  across England.

Schools can currently record flexi-schooling as an authorised absence which makes it difficult for the watchdog to track how many children are being partially educated at home, Ofsteds report said.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Sir Martyn said he has raised his concerns with the Department for Education (DfE) as he believes greater safeguarding is needed around the practice to ensure children receive a good education.

Ofsteds annual report  which reflects on the state of education and childrens social care in England in the 2023/24 academic year  also estimated that 34,000 children are on part-time timetables, where pupils attend school for part of the week and the rest of the time they are at home.

Sir Martyn said the use of part-time timetables for pupils as a long-term solution was unacceptable.

The Ofsted boss told the media that schools are using part-time timetables as an intervention for behaviour or because a childs needs cannot be met.

Sir Martyn said: They are not a long-term solution. Having children who are missing education  and its sanctioned by the headteacher and with no end in sight  is not good and thats something that we would want to call out and say is unacceptable practice. I am really concerned.

Along with children who are home educated  and an unknown number attending unregistered schools  there is a very significant number experiencing unorthodox patterns of education, the report concluded.

Sir Martyn said he was very concerned that many young people are not getting the regular oversight by care or education professionals.

The watchdogs annual report said attendance issues have deepened since the pandemic.

Nearly a fifth (19.2%) of pupils in England were persistently absent  missing at least 10% of school sessions  in autumn and spring 2023/24, latest Government figures show.

This is higher than the pre-pandemic rate in the autumn and spring terms of 2018/19 (10.5%).

Sir Martyn said there had been a shift in attitudes since the pandemic lockdowns and expectations of school attendance are viewed more casually.

He said: With working from home now firmly established for many parents, the old family routines have been loosened. Its perhaps unsurprising that the absentee rates for Fridays outstrip the other days of the week.

In a media briefing, Sir Martyn said some parents are now happy to keep their children off school while they work from home.

He said: As an experienced headteacher, I used to see when parents used to work at home they were desperate for their child to be in school.

Something seems to have changed since the pandemic where it now doesnt seem to be such a desire to send a child to school if youre working from home, and quite often we do see parents are at home working and children are at home as well around them.

Ofsteds report also warned that outcomes for young people with Send are poor, and added there is a fundamental mismatch between demand and resources.

Sir Martyn told the media: We know that theres been a 140% rise in the request for education, health and care (EHC) plans. There is no silver bullet because theres simply not enough silver to go around.

The Ofsted boss also warned that education and early years providers are struggling to recruit and retain skilled staff which he suggested is affecting childrens learning and wellbeing.

Sir Martyn took over as Ofsteds chief inspector in January when the watchdog faced criticism after the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

Mrs Perry took her own life after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading from the highest to the lowest rating over safeguarding concerns.

A coroner concluded the Ofsted inspection in November 2022 had contributed to her death.

In September, the Labour Government announced that single-phrase headline Ofsted grades for state schools in England would be scrapped.

Ofsted announced reforms after its major Big Listen public consultation earlier this year  including plans to introduce report cards to provide more detail and nuance about institutions.

Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: Schools are striving to maximise the education their pupils receive, even in very difficult circumstances.

Where hybrid models are being adopted, this is often in cases where children have not been attending school at all and forms part of a pathway back to full-time education.

As we move forwards towards a different system of inspection, its vital the new model does a better job of accounting for contextual factors and provides a more rounded picture of a schools performance.

A DfE spokesperson said: Giving every child the best start in life is crucial to our mission to break the unfair link between background and success.

As the report highlights, education is fundamental to the future success of this country  thats why we are putting it back at the forefront of national life once again.

We are continuing to work with Ofsted to introduce school report cards, which will give parents a more complete picture of school performance and will support us in our drive for high and rising school standards.
The trial is set to start of a 20-year-old man accused of the murder of a 34-year-old physical trainer and the attempted murder of a second woman on Bournemouth seafront.

Nasen Saadi, from Croydon, south London, is charged with the murder of Amie Gray at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff Promenade, on May 24, and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles at the same location.

Nasen Saadi appearing via videolink at Winchester Crown Court, Hampshire, charged with the murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Dorset Police received a report at 11.42pm on May 24 that two people had been stabbed on Durley Chine Beach.

Ms Gray, from Poole, died at the scene. Ms Miles, also from Poole, was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries.

Ms Grays wife Sian Gray said in a statement after her death: Words cannot describe the pain that we feel. Amie was the most loving wife and mother.

Her giggly laugh and big smile will be hard to be without. A larger than life character. I will miss you immensely my love. To the moon and back, forever and always.

Ms Grays mother, Sharon Macklin, called her daughter beautiful inside and out.

She said: As a family we are devastated to have lost one of the most amazing, funny, kind and energetic souls.

When Amie entered a room it filled with laughter and her presence could not be ignored.

The trial is expected to start at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday.
America's snowiest cities are a mix of mountain towns and those near the world's largest group of freshwater lakes. What's considered average in these areas would be incomprehensible even for those in notoriously snowy major cities.

Did any major cities make the list? The graph below shows the average yearly snowfall for some notoriously snowy large cities.

They're all fairly impressive. But none of them came close to cracking our top 10 list.

(Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days  only available on our Premium Pro experience.)

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Here's how we compiled the list: We pored through 30-year average snowfall statistics of hundreds of locations in the U.S. from 1991 through 2020.

We considered only those towns and cities with a population of at least 1,000, as of the latest census. Unincorporated towns, mountains, ski resorts, national parks and ranger stations were not included.

To keep this list from being dominated by one or two states, we also allowed only one city in each state to represent. Strictly speaking, it's not the snowiest 10 cities in the U.S. But we think it's a more interesting list getting more states involved.

10. Red Lodge, Montana

Average yearly snowfall: 141.9 inches

Average snowiest month: April (25.5 inches)

Record snowiest day: Oct. 26, 1996 (36 inches)

Record snow depth: April 19, 1991 (71 inches)

Red Lodge lies at the northern edge of the Beartooth Mountains in southwest Montana. This northern, high-elevation (5,646 feet) location means snowfall 10 months of the year - from September to June - is considered average. They can easily get walloped by a September or late May - June northern Rockies storm.

9. Snyderville, Utah

Average yearly snowfall: 152.9 inches

Average snowiest month: January (34 inches)

Record snowiest day: Feb. 28, 2021 (30 inches)

Record snow depth: Feb. 8, 2008 (48 inches)

This town nestled in the Wasatch Mountains is only about 20 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City and just north of Park City along Interstate 80. But it's over 2200 feet higher in elevation than Salt Lake City. That's why Snyderville's snowfall is roughly triple that of the capital city.

8. Hurley, Wisconsin

Average yearly snowfall: 155 inches

Average snowiest month: January (38.8 inches)

Record snowiest day: Jan. 6, 1997 (20 inches)

Record snow depth: Jan. 30, 1996 (60 inches)

We've arrived at the first of the Great Lakes snowbelt cities. This far northern Wisconsin town, and its twin city of Ironwood, Michigan, can pick up impressive lake-effect snow when cold winds pour over western Lake Superior. These lake snowbands can last for hours, sometimes days, after snow elsewhere in the region has ended. Hurley's 295.4 inches of snow from fall 1996 through spring 1997 was a state record most for any season, according to weather historian Christopher Burt.

weather.com

7. Terra Alta, West Virginia

Average yearly snowfall: 171.1 inches

Average snowiest month: January (41.1 inches)

Record snowiest day: Jan. 23, 2016 (28 inches)

Record snow depth: Feb. 28, 2010 (54 inches)

This town of just over 1,400 residents is in eastern West Virginia near the border with Garrett County, Maryland. Its elevation of just over 2,600 feet means it can pick up accumulating snow while valley locations are too warm for snow. The Appalachians also can see snow persist for hours or even a day or two after the rest of the East Coast snow has ended as moisture and cold air are lifted by the mountains. Three feet of snow fell in Terra Alta during Superstorm Sandy from Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 2012.

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6. Lead, South Dakota

Average yearly snowfall: 183.9 inches

Average snowiest month: April (29 inches)

Record snowiest day: March 14, 1973 (52 inches)

Record snow depth: March 1, 1998 (73 inches)

The town of Lead - pronounced "Leed" - is at the northern end of the Black Hills in western South Dakota and is almost one mile above sea level. The Black Hills can amplify snowfall totals from slow-moving Plains winter storms as moist, cold northerly winds are lifted by the mountains. Lead averages at least 20 inches of snow each month from November through April and lies in the heart of the Great Plains "blizzard alley." A five-day snowstorm in late February and early March 1998 dumped over 112 inches in Lead.

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5. Marquette, Michigan

Average yearly snowfall: 196.8 inches

Average snowiest month: January (42.1 inches)

Record snowiest day: March 14, 1997 (26.2 inches)

Record snow depth: March 15, 1997 (63 inches)

Another Great Lakes snowbelt city made our list. Cold winds have a much longer route, or fetch, to blow over Lake Superior into Marquette than other parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. And with the longest fetch being from a north or northwest direction, Marquette can see lake-effect snow bands last for days after a cold front passes through. Over three feet of snowfall is considered typical in each winter month from December through February.

marquette-michigan-deep-snow-feb132019-nws.jpg

4. Crested Butte, Colorado

Average yearly snowfall: 203 inches

Average snowiest month: January (42.2 inches)

Record snowiest day: Jan. 1, 1982 (31 inches)

Record snow depth: Dec. 31, 1923 (120 inches)

This western Colorado mountain town at an elevation of just under 8,900 feet can get buried with snow in several ways. A slow-moving Southwest U.S. low could dump feet of snow for several days. Otherwise, a general west-to-east jet stream track can send a parade of Pacific storms into Colorado's high country. Frankly, what caught our eye most was Crested Butte's records listed above. Both happened over the New Year's holiday in 1982 and 1923. What a way to ring in the new year!

crested-butte-co-deep-snow-stop.jpg

3. Truckee, California

Average yearly snowfall: 206.6 inches

Average snowiest month: February (47.9 inches)

Record snowiest day: Jan. 3, 1916 (45 inches)

Record snow depth: Jan. 15, 1911 (118 inches)

You couldn't have a top 10 snowiest list without California's Sierra Nevada. From December through March, either a single powerhouse storm or a parade of Pacific storms can bury the Sierra in feet of snow. This epic snow has a notoriously deadly past, from the Donner Party just before the Gold Rush to a daring rescue of passengers from a train trapped for three days in 8 to 12-foot drifts in January 1952. Unofficially, a four-day snowfall of 194 inches at nearby Norden, California, in late April 1880 is thought to be a world snowstorm record, according to weather historian Christopher Burt.

truckee-ca-deep-snow-house-2mar23-Getty.jpg

2. Sherman, New York

Average yearly snowfall: 224.5 inches

Average snowiest month: January (61.7 inches)

Record snowiest day: March 4, 1971 (32 inches)

Record snow depth: Dec. 12, 1977 (35 inches)

Despite the photo below, Buffalo did not make our top 10 list. Their airport, where the city's official snowfall data is taken, is farther north than the typical lake-effect snow-clobbered "Southtowns" like Orchard Park, home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. But the town of Sherman, in southwest New York's southern tier near the Pennsylvania state line, represented the Empire State well. Heavy lake snow can come from flow off Lake Erie in several different directions, unlike Buffalo. Those lake snowbands are also enhanced by being lifted by the Chautauqua Hills, as Sherman is at an elevation of 1,560 feet. They can also get snow from conventional snowstorms like other areas of the country.

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1. Valdez, Alaska

Average yearly snowfall: 325.3 inches

Average snowiest month: December (70.5 inches)

Record snowiest day: Jan. 16, 1990 (47.5 inches)

Record snow depth: April 15, 1929 (135 inches)

Snowfall in Valdez is on a different level from everywhere else in the U.S., even from the rest of the cities on this list. This southern Alaska city picks up over 100 more inches of snow than Sherman, New York, our second snowiest city. If you could pile up its average snowfall, it would be three times the height of the tallest human being on record (8 feet, 11 inches).

There are two reasons for this. First, one of the most common low-pressure systems on the planet, the "Aleutian low," sets up camp to the southwest of Valdez in the colder months. When this happens, copious Pacific moisture pumps into southern Alaska.

Secondly, while Valdez is surrounded by mountains, they don't completely block cold air in the Alaskan interior. Instead, cold air drains from nearby glaciers and mountain snowfields, as well as through mountain valleys, especially at night.

A parade of snowstorms from late November 2011 through mid-January 2012 left seven feet of snow on the ground. The weight of all this snow stressed buildings to the point snow even burst through some homes in the city.

valdez-AK-snow-1910-getty.jpg

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

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Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said Thursday she isn't ready to support Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary.

"Well, I did have a very long, lengthy discussion with Pete yesterday, and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am a combat veteran. So, we talked about a number of those issues, and we will continue with the vetting process. I think that is incredibly important," Ernst told Fox News. "So, again, all I'm saying is we had a very frank and productive discussion, and I know that we will continue to have conversations for months."

Pressed by host Bill Hemmer that it "doesn't sound in your answer that you got to a yes," Ernst replied, "I think you are right."

Hegseth continues to make the rounds on Capitol Hill to try to convince senators that he's up to the job amid allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of finances. He denies the allegations.

PHOTO: Sen. Joni Ernst speaks to reporters as she walks to a Senate luncheons at the U.S. Capitol, on Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

He met Wednesday with Ernst, a key Republican member of the Armed Services committee and herself a survivor of sexual assault.

Upon leaving the meeting, Hegseth told reporters that he and Ernst had an "engaging and instructive conversation."

Ernst later posted, "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's service to our country, something we both share. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation."

ABC News has previously reported Ernst to be on a growing list of candidates emerging to possibly replace Hegseth as Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense.

When asked Wednesday if there was any chance she was being considered to replace Hegseth, she merely responded, "Mr. Hegseth is the nominee." She was tight-lipped over whether their meeting alleviated any concerns she might have.

MORE: Ron DeSantis, Joni Ernst potential Trump defense secretary nominees if Hegseth drops out: Sources

Ernst is the first female combat veteran in the Senate. She also has a long record of supporting legislation aimed at addressing sexual assault and harassment in the military, and has been outspoken about her own experiences with sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence.

Notably, Hegseth has said that women should not serve in combat roles in the military, and he continues to face his own allegations of sexual misconduct and impropriety.

PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, speaks to members of the press at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2024. (ABC News)

Hegseth has denied the sexual assault allegations. On Wednesday, he told the Megyn Kelly show "absolutely not" in regards to rape accusations, and he denied many of the claims that he mistreated women.

All eyes will be on Ernst as Hegseth's confirmation process plays out. Last month, Ernst told ABC News that an FBI background check into Hegseth would be "helpful."

MORE: Pete Hegseth says he won't 'back down' as scrutiny grows over misconduct allegations

In an interview with Bloomberg News in 2019, Ernst first disclosed the details of her rape as a college student at Iowa State University, in which she tearfully retold being in a "physically and sexually abusive" relationship with someone who raped her.

During her college years, she volunteered at a safe house for battered and abused women and children.

While speaking to Bloomberg, Ernst also alleged that her ex-husband, Gail Ernst, had physically abused her in an incident in which he "grabbed [her] by the throat" before he "threw [her]" on the ground and "pounded [her] head." Gail Ernst declined to comment on the allegations at the time.

PHOTO: In this Feb. 9, 2022, file photo, Joni Ernst speaks during a news conference on the bipartisan modernized Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

Ernst also claimed to have endured sexual harassment in the military, which she described to Time Magazine in 2014.

"I had comments, passes, things like that," Ernst said. "These were some things where I was able to say stop and it simply stopped but there are other circumstances both for women and for men where they don't stop and they may be afraid to report it."

"Sexual assault has no place in our military -- or anywhere else -- and it's far past time we take more steps toward preventing and reducing these heart-wrenching crimes," Ernst said in a statement after introducing a bipartisan bill in 2021 to prevent military sexual assault.

MORE: Joni Ernst: Everything You Need to Know

Ernst was a member of Iowa State University's ROTC program at 20 years old before joining the U.S. Army Reserve. She later served as a company commander of an Iowa National Guard transportation unit in Kuwait.

She spent 23 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

PHOTO: In this Oct. 19, 2014, file photo, Iowa State Senator and Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, Joni Ernst is shown in Johnston, Iowa. (The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE)

Ernst has been vocal about her support for Trump, despite him also having been accused of sexual assault by multiple women -- which he has repeatedly denied. Ernst was even a contender to be his running mate in the 2016 election.

"I would encourage women to stand up and say, 'You know what, I'm not going to put up with his nonsense, but I do agree with him on this policy,'" Ernst said in a 2016 interview with WHO. "Sometimes we have to look beyond certain aspects of a person and figure out do we agree."

She also told Bloomberg that it was "outrageous to suggest that anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault should therefore be a Hillary Clinton supporter."

Ernst became the first woman to represent Iowa in either house of Congress when she was elected to the Senate in 2014.

Key GOP senator says she's not ready to support Hegseth for defense secretary originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  Public health officials in Africa urged caution Thursday as Congos health minister said the government was on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.

Jean Kaseya, the head of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters that more details about the disease should be known in the next 48 hours as experts receive results from laboratory samples of infected people.

First diagnostics are leading us to think it is a respiratory disease, Kaseya said. But we need to wait for the laboratory results. He added that there are many things that are still unknown about the disease  including whether it is infectious and how it is transmitted.

Authorities in Congo have so far confirmed 71 deaths, including 27 people who died in hospitals and 44 in the community in the southern Kwango province, health minister Roger Kamba said.

The Congolese government is on general alert regarding this disease," Kamba said, without providing more details.

Of the victims at the hospitals, 10 died due to lack of blood transfusion and 17 as a result of respiratory problems, he said.

The deaths were recorded between Nov. 10 and Nov. 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. There were around 380 cases, almost half of which were children under the age of five, according to the minister.

The Africa CDC recorded slightly different numbers, with 376 cases and 79 deaths. The discrepancy was caused by problems with surveillance and case definition, Kaseya said.

Authorities have said that symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia. Epidemiological experts are in the region to take samples and investigate the disease, the minister said.

The Panzi health zone, located around 435 miles (700 kilometers) from the capital Kinshasa, is a remote area of the Kwango province, making it hard to access.

The epidemiological experts took two days to arrive there, the minister said. Because of the lack of testing capacity, samples had to be taken to Kikwit, more than 500 km away, said Dieudonne Mwamba, the head of the National Institute for Public Health.

The health system is quite weak in our rural areas, but for certain types of care, the ministry has all the provisions, and we are waiting for the first results of the sample analysis to properly calibrate things, Kaseya said.

Mwamba said that Panzi was already a fragile zone, with 40% of its residents experiencing malnutrition. It was also hit by an epidemic of typhoid fever two years ago, and there is currently a resurgence of seasonal flu across the country.

We need to take into account all this as context," Mwamba said.

A Panzi resident, Claude Niongo, said his wife and seven-year-old daughter died from the disease.

We do not know the cause but I only noticed high fevers, vomiting... and then death, Niongo told The Associated Press over the phone. "Now, the authorities are talking to us about an epidemic but in the meantime, there is a problem of care (and) people are dying, he added.

Lucien Lufutu, president of the civil society consultation framework of Kwango province, who is in Panzi, said the local hospital where patients are treated is underequipped.

There is a lack of medicines and medical supplies, since the disease is not yet known, most of the population is treated by traditional practitioners, Lufutu told the AP.

He also said the disease affected Katenda, another nearby health zone.

When asked about a potential outbreak in other health zones, the minister said he could not tell if that was the case but that nothing was reported.

Congo is already plagued by the mpox epidemic, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease in the Central African country, according to the World Health Organization.

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The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Courtesy of Roben Bellomo / Bellomo Studios / Carmel Christkindlmarkt

When I decided to spend my Thanksgiving break three hours away in Carmel, Indiana, I expected twinkling lights, charming shops and plenty of festive cheer. What I didnt expect was how much this Midwest towns culinary scene  anchored by the Carmel Christkindlmarkt  would delight me, one bite at a time.

About 20 miles north of Indianapolis, Carmel welcomes visitors with its abundance of roundabouts (more than 140 in total) and an effortless blend of modern amenities and small-town charm. Navigating my first roundabout, I hesitate, earning a honk from a seasoned local. By my third, I have adapted, marveling at the efficient, continuous flow.

The city sparkles in winter, especially along the Monon Greenway, a pedestrian path adorned with arching light tunnels that connect Carmels Arts & Design District, Midtown, and City Center. My destination is the crown jewel of City Center: the Christkindlmarkt, an open-air, German-inspired plaza thats become one of the countrys most-celebrated holiday events.

I arrive at the market on Saturday, just in time to hear the noon bell rung by Maria Adele Rosenfeld, the markets founder and CEO. A snowstorm of fat flakes begins falling as if on cue, and for a brief moment, it feels as though Ive stepped onto a Hallmark Channel movie set. Couples in fur-lined jackets skate gracefully on the central ice rink. The air buzzes with cheerful German music, mingling with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, chocolate, cheese, and grilled meats.

Rosenfeld, whose passion for the attraction stems from her life-changing experience as a foreign exchange student in Germany, created the Christkindlmarkt in 2017 with integrity at its core.

For me, Christmas is German, she explains as we walk along rows of more than 60 booths. From nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks to handcrafted ornaments and alpaca wool socks, the items we encounter could have been pulled straight from a Bavarian square. We wanted to be authentic, importing products and recipes directly from Germany, she says.

The food is German, too, with sights and smells around every corner. I start with a raclette sandwich at the Raclette Chalet, where wheels of the pungent cheese bubble under heaters until theyre scraped onto fresh bread. Theres always a line wrapped around for it, Rosenfeld says.

She isnt exaggerating  as Giovanni Ortiz and Destiny Vuell, a couple also visiting from Ohio, enthusiastically confirm: That line is so long, but its worth it, Giovanni says, as they dig into their sandwiches topped with ham, pickles, and a dab of mustard.

Related: How to Host a Traditional German Christmas Dinner

Next, Rosenfeld leads me to a booth offering Kartoffelspie, fried potatoes spiraled on a stick, lightly salted and golden crisp. Another favorite is the dumplings and mushrooms from Knodel & Champignons, served with hearty red cabbage. Weve had a lot of requests for vegetarian and vegan options over the years, and this dish really speaks to that need, she says.

The market offers no shortage of mouthwatering desserts.

I stop at the Baumstriezel booth for chimney cakes, a Hungarian pastry rolled in caramelized sugar. Timea Csibi, who prepares the cakes, shares her secret: It should never be on a shelf. Chimney cakes are something you want to eat fresh. The crunchy, warm pastry pairs perfectly with hot chocolate made with Belgian chocolate and heavy whipping cream.

Related: New Orleans Keeps a French Holiday Tradition Alive With Seasonal Feasts

The Christkindlmarkt is the highlight of my trip, but Carmels food scene extends well beyond the market. In the Arts & Design District, Peace Water Winery pairs California wines with philanthropy  50% of the winerys profits go to charity.

We specialize in bigger reds and dry wines  something different than what you often find in the Midwest, says employee Ashley Apollonio as I sip a Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

A quick walk down the Monon Trail brings me to Wine & Rind in Midtown, where charcuterie boards reign supreme.

We want people to come in and experience something theyve never had before  wines that they might not be able to find anywhere else, says general manager Madeline Gordon. As I sit indoors and marvel at the outdoor igloos with a glass of Cabernet and an array of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, I cant help but feel the coziness of Carmel in winter.

Related: Indiana Now Has an Official Cheese Trail

Back in City Center, an eatery called Divvy offers a contemporary take on small plates in a warm, modern space. Owned by Richelle and Kevin Woody Rider, the restaurant shines with dishes like blistered brussels sprouts, Buffalo cauliflower, and vegan pigs in a blanket. I like to keep it simple so the brussels sprouts taste like Brussels sprouts, Richelle says.

On my final morning in Carmel, I stop at Caffe Buondi, a strip mall gem serving Italian-inspired breakfast and brunch. My smoked salmon toast  ciabatta topped with goat cheese, avocado, capers, and a drizzle of olive oil  is the perfect send-off. Owner Andrea Melani sums up the experience: Its an Italian twist on the American breakfast.

As I pack up and prepare for my drive back to Ohio, I realize Carmel has offered more than a festive weekend  it has delivered a feast for the senses. Whether through the smoky warmth of raclette cheese, the crunch of a chimney cake, or a Champagne toast to Baby Its Cold Outside at Hotel Carmichael, this little Indiana town leaves a big impression.

The Christkindlmarkt may have been my destination, but it was Carmels food and hospitality that turned my visit into a holiday memory I wont forget.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mohammad Salem

CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli military killed at least 39 Palestinians in strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight, medics said on Thursday, including at least 20 in an attack that set ablaze tents sheltering displaced families in a crowded camp.

Residents carried a body wrapped in carpets out of the charred wreckage of the makeshift shelters in Mawasi, near the beach west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have sheltered for months. Israel calls the area a humanitarian zone and has long told people to go there for their safety.

Mourners said the latest attacks demonstrated that a new declaration from international human rights group Amnesty International that Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza - strongly rejected by Israel - had come too late.

Gaza medics said the 20 confirmed dead in the Israeli strike there included women and children. Israel said the strike targeted senior Hamas operatives, whom it did not identify.

Later on Thursday, Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in the north of the enclave, said a 16-year-old boy who used a wheelchair was killed and several people, including medics, were wounded by Israeli drone fire against the medical facility.

There was no Israeli comment on Abu Safiya's account. The health ministry said the three hospitals that are barely operational on the northern edge of the Gaza Strip have come under repeated attack since Israeli forces sent tanks to Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun towns and the nearby Jabalia camp in October.

Israel said it has since killed hundreds of militants in fighting with Hamas. The armed wings of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad claimed they had killed many Israeli soldiers in those areas in the same period.

The strike at Mawasi set several large tents ablaze and exploding cooking gas canisters and burning furniture fuelled the fire. The area was strewn with charred clothing, mattresses and other belongings among the twisted frames of burnt-out shelters.

"We don't see anyone from the whole world standing by us or helping us in this situation. Let them stop this crazy war that's against us. Let them stop the war," said Abu Kamal Al-Assar, a witness at the site.

The attack came on the day Amnesty International released its report saying Israel's actions in Gaza met the definition of the crime of genocide. Israel strongly rejected that accusation, denouncing Amnesty as a "deplorable and fanatical organisation".

At a funeral in Khan Younis, where relatives wept over white-shrouded bodies, resident Abu Anas Mustafa called the Amnesty report "a victory for Palestinian diplomacy", although he said it came late.

"It is the 430th day of the war today, and Israel has been carrying out massacres and a genocide from the first 10 days of the war," he said.

Other Israeli strikes reported on Thursday hit Gaza City, where medics said an attack destroyed a house where an extended family had taken shelter and damaged two nearby homes, killed at least three people.

The Israeli army says militants frequently use residential buildings, schools, and hospitals for operational cover. Hamas denies this, accusing Israeli forces of indiscriminate attacks and ignoring the plight of civilians in harm's way.

In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, an Israeli strike killed three Palestinians on Thursday, medics said. Three others were killed in a separate air strike in Shejaia, in eastern Gaza City, they added.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza 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.

Since then, it has laid much of the Gaza Strip to waste, forcing nearly the entire 2.3 million population from their homes. Authorities in the Hamas-run territory say more than 44,500 Gazans have been killed, with thousands of others feared dead under the rubble.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; and Mohammad Salem and Hussam al-Masri in Gaza; Writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Peter Graff and Frances Kerry)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen waits for the results of a vote by the European Parliament to approve the new EU College of Commissioners at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

BRUSSELS (AP)  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Uruguay Thursday for the final stages in years-long negotiations to clinch a trade deal between the 27-nation EU and the South American Mercosur trade bloc that would create a trans-Atlantic market of some 700 million people.

The finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight. Lets work, lets cross it, von der Leyen said Thursday, sidestepping objections from some EU member states like France and protests by farmers across the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron, mindful of his country's vocal and politically powerful farming community, has described what was on the table as "unacceptable. If the deal with the South American bloc  comprising of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia  goes ahead, EU producers would have to compete with South American agricultural exports such as beef, poultry and sugar.

We will continue to steadfastly defend our agricultural independence, Macron said Thursday.

Because the EU Commission negotiates trade agreements for all 27 member states, von der Leyen could go ahead with a provisional deal this weekend at the Mercosur summit in Uruguay, only to see it flounder because one or more members states refuse to sign up to it.

A draft deal was announced in 2019, but disagreements over environmental, economic and political issues have delaying its final approval until now.

If the final differences are bridged, the EU-Mercosur deal would encompass an economic area covering almost a quarter of global GDP. It would center on reducing tariffs and trade barriers and make it easier for businesses on both sides to export goods.

Germany, with its huge car industry, is a big proponent of the deal since it would make it much easier and cheaper for Volkswagens, Audis and BMWs to be sold in Latin America.

Von der Leyen's trip suggested that technical issues between the EU and the South American bloc were settled and the road was open for the top political level to make the final compromises to try to get a deal over the line, said Commission spokesman Olof Gill.

A massive European farmers protest movement last year sent warning shots to negotiators and on Thursday, protests from Belgian farmers added their voice by blocking border crossings. They say Mercosur producers would be allowed to flood the market with produce than do not have to meet the strict EU environmental and animal protection standards they have to abide by, thus unfairly undercutting the market. On top of that, they say South American producers benefit from lower labor costs and larger farms.

If von der Leyen clinches a deal, the Commission would still have to pour it into legal text and only at that stage would it become clear if certain or all parts need to be approved by unanimity or whether a special majority among EU nations would suffice to make the deal final.

___

Tom Nouvian contributed from Paris
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin no longer plans to travel to South Korea, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt this week to impose martial law.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning had been underway for a trip in the near term but it was determined now was not the appropriate time.

The official said South Korea had been consulted regarding the change in travel plans.

Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

Yoon's declaration of martial law late on Tuesday sought to consolidate power, ban political activity and censor the media.

It sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea's international allies.

South Korea's defense minister, who recommended the move, has resigned.

Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement.

Kim had recommended Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday, according to the interior minister, a senior military official and the opposition's filing to impeach Yoon.

The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

The commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, General Paul LaCamera, warned American troops in a statement on Wednesday to stay vigilant, avoid areas with protests, and tell superiors of travel plans in case "something unexpected" happens.

Austin's trip to South Korea would have come at an important geopolitical moment in the region.

U.S. and South Korean officials say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to take part in pushing back Ukrainian forces.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russia's defense minister last month and pledged to expand ties with Moscow in all areas, including military affairs, under the comprehensive strategic partnership he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes a mutual defense agreement, North Korean state media said.

Moscow and Pyongyang have dramatically advanced ties since their leaders held a summit in September last year in Russia, and the North has since shipped more than 10,000 containers of ammunition, as well as self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers, according to South Korea's spy agency.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Daniel Wallis)
Temperatures in Southeast Texas will easily put you in a winter mood because they will only reach the 50s on Friday. Pivotal

After a dreary but mild Wednesday, we are turning our attention to a big drop in temperatures as we wrap up the work week. Some of these chilly temperatures will be the coldest weve experienced since February.

Wednesdays messy weather, which had been caused by a coastal system of low atmospheric pressure, will be pushed south by a cold front emerging from the central Plains. We can still expect some light rain during the morning commute in Houston, but the chances for rain will diminish after 10 a.m.

The National Weather Service's hourly extended forecast for Houston includes another spike in rain chances this weekend. National Weather Service

As north winds pick up, temperatures will drop from the low 60s around sunrise to the upper 50s by sunset. Sadly, those hoping for sunshine will be disappointed, as clouds are expected to linger over the Lone Star State.

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Friday is shaping up to become Houstons coldest day since the end of February, with Friday morning temperatures dropping into the mid-40s and afternoon highs reaching only the lower to mid-50s.

Although we wont break records for cold weather, this is still quite unusual for Houston, where the Dec. 6 daily averages are 67 degrees for a high temperature and 47 degrees for a low temp, according to National Weather Service records. Even the coldest average high temperatures in Houston, typically experienced in early January, are only in the low 60s. For the record, Houstons coldest afternoon high on Dec. 6 was 35 degrees in 1950.

A new area of low atmospheric pressure is expected to develop over South Texas, with its warm front moving north across the region on Saturday. This will lead to a warming trend in temperatures, but it will also bring more unsettled weather.

An upper-level low will amplify the surface disturbance, increasing rain and thunderstorms, particularly from Saturday night through Monday. Following this period, a stronger cold front will arrive on Monday night, ending the rain chances and ushering in a much cooler and drier air mass.

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Houston temperatures will fall through the day on Thursday and remain unseasonably chilly on Friday. Next week, temperatures in Southeast Texas may even dip close to freezing for some farther away from the Gulf Coast. WeatherBell

While the forecast for next week remains quite dynamic and subject to change, the National Weather Service has suggested the potential for near-freezing temperatures north of Houston by the middle of next week.

NBM (National Blend of Models) probabilities for freezing temps Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning are the highest of the whole stretch following the cold front, weather service meteorologist Sean Luchs said. A 30 to 50% chance for reaching the freezing mark pushes all the way down to the northern Houston suburbs that night.

To provide some perspective, the Global Forecasting Model predicts temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s for that night. In contrast, the Canadian Forecast Model suggests colder temperatures, ranging from the low 30s north of Houston to the low 40s along the coast.

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What we do know is that the cold front expected next week will be strong. Typically, Houston experiences its first freeze around Dec. 9, so this timing fits the climate records.
Daniel Penny arrives to the courthouse in New York, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK (AP)  The father of the victim at the center of the fatal New York City subway chokehold trial has sued the defendant as a Manhattan jury continued to deliberate the case Thursday.

Jordan Neely s father, Andre Zachary, filed the suit Wednesday against Marine veteran Daniel Penny in New York Supreme Court.

He accuses the Long Island native of negligence, assault and battery, which led to the death of his unarmed, 30-year-old son on May 1, 2023, on an underground train.

The then-24-year-old Penny placed Neely in a chokehold for about six minutes after Neely, who was homeless, began shouting and acting erratically on the crowded train.

Zachary is seeking a judgment awarding damages in a sum which exceeds the jurisdictional limits of all lower Courts which would otherwise have jurisdiction, according to the lawsuit.

Pennys lawyer Steven Raiser dismissed the suit as a distraction.

The timing is unfortunate as Danny is awaiting a verdict from the jury where the potential consequences are far greater than any civil suit could threaten, he said in a statement Thursday, adding that Penny had not yet been served the complaint. We will not be distracted by this attempt to attack Danny while he is under such tremendous stress.

Lawyers for Zachary didnt respond to an email seeking comment. But Christopher Neely, Jordans uncle, repeated the familys position that Neely didnt deserve to die over his tirade.

What gave Daniel Penny the right to choke Jordan nearly for six minutes? he said outside the courthouse. He had an option to go to another car. He had the option to say something and not do nothing.

The third day of deliberations ended Thursday without a verdict.

The jury, which resumes its closed-door discussions Friday, heard a readout of a city medical examiners testimony during the monthlong trial.

They also asked the judge to re-read the criminal definitions of recklessness and negligence in open court and be provided with written copies of the statutes.

Jurors relistened to Dr. Cynthia Harris testimony about issuing a death certificate for Neely after conducting an autopsy and reviewing the bystanders video and investigative findings.

Pennys defense focused, in large part, on challenging the city medical examiners offices determination that the chokehold killed Neely.

A defense pathologist testified Neely died from using synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, along with schizophrenia, a genetic condition and his struggle with Penny.

On Wednesday, jurors asked to review the police and bystander video, including the responding officers body camera videos and police video of Pennys subsequent station house interview with detectives.

Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Prosecutors say he recklessly squeezed Neelys neck too hard and for too long, but Pennys lawyers maintain his actions were justified in protecting fellow subway riders.

Penny and some passengers recalled Neely had ranted about being willing to die, willing to go jail  even willing to kill.

The case has been a flashpoint in long-simmering debates over race relations, public safety, homelessness and mental illness.

Some have cast Penny as a valiant protector while others view the now 26-year-old architecture student as a white vigilante who summarily killed a troubled Black man in need of help.

___

Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo.
Sick leaves are increasingly becoming an economic strain that employers and countries aren't sure how to deal with. (MaskotGetty Images)

Calling in sick from work is not just a one-off episode in Europe. Its now become a widespread trend among employees, making the sick man monicker thats chased European economies into a reality.

Take France, for instance. The number of people taking sick leave has risen so sharply in recent years that it has figured into the French budget as an economic issue with a billion-euro price tag. German employees take over 19 days off due to illness, marking a record high when the economy is riddled with challenges. Its costing the economy 200 billion annually, or the equivalent of 4.5% of the German GDP.

The picture isn't too different in the Nordics, where work-life balance is embedded into the culture. In fact, Norway is leading the charge in terms of absenteeism, with the number of sick days taken by workers reaching a 15-year high, according to Bloomberg.

Unlike vacation days, which employees are entitled to a specific number of, sick days are taken on a need basis. There are limitations on how and when people utilize them across different parts of Europe. But as the rate of sickness-related absences spikes, theyre starting to hurt economies grappling with worker shortages and low productivity.

In the U.K., employee sickness has cost the economy 30 billion over five years, according to an IPPR report from July. Leaders are paying more attention now than ever: former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the sick note culture a threat to the social safety net.

Increasing sickness absence levels in the U.K. cause not only an enormous cost to the economy but significant implications for businesses, which are left short-staffed and with major skills gaps in their workforces, Lydia Christie, legal director at law firm Howard Kennedy, told Fortune. This also adds burden to those staff at work who are required to try to fill the gaps.

What is the matter with Europe, and why is sickness-linked absenteeism such a problem in the region?

Why is so much of Europe on sick leave?

The factors differ depending on where you look, but they are related to one or more of the following: mental health, an overly generous welfare system, and cultural factors.

People are not just taking more sick leaves, they are also absent for longer. The COVID-19 pandemic drew peoples attention to physical and mental health concerns, such as long-term sickness, depression, and anxiety, which have now become a big driver of workplace absenteeism. Thats also set off a larger problem of worker inactivity in the U.K.

Europe has always offered generous workplace welfare benefits, making it an example for other regions to aspire to. But those perks might be hurting it. In France, for example, the national health insurance kicks in on the fourth day someone is out sick and pays them about 50% of their salary within a certain threshold. Germany allows workers to take up to six weeks of paid sick leave, which critics have slammed as too much.

There are also broader cultural factors at play, too. Gallup found in 2022 that Europeans work to live rather than love to work, resulting in lower employee engagement than other parts of the world.

Top executives have noticed employees lax attitudes trickle down to the workplace.

Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norways $1.6 trillion sovereign wealth fund, said earlier this year that Europeans dont work as hard as their American peers and lack career ambition in their quest for work-life balance.

Absenteeism isnt helping anyoneneither companies nor the economy. But if theyre taken when employees genuinely need them, they improve productivity, said OECDs employment expert Christopher Prinz.

We want people who are sick to be on sick leave. Theres a strong argument for sickness schemes actually helping productivity, health and labour market participation, he told the Financial Times last month.

Countries must strike a delicate balance between encouraging employees to take sick leave and dissuading them from exploiting it, which can result in economic strain. But this might be the key to Europe's brewing productivity battle, making it all the more crucial for policymakers and companies to play the cards right.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Hannah Kobayashis family said they are investigating whether she was involved in a possible green card marriage scam but stressed that nothing has been confirmed yet.

Police said Monday that Kobayashi, 30, of Hawaii, who was the center of a missing person search in Los Angeles, had willfully crossed into Mexico and was reclassified as a voluntary missing person.

A Los Angeles Magazine report published Wednesday, citing sources, said she may have been involved in a green card marriage as part of an immigration scam for money before she disappeared.

Hannah Kobayashi.

The report said Kobayashi may have been scammed out of proceeds in the purported scheme, involving her marrying an Argentine man.

The source said the possible scam was discovered by Kobayashis mother, who found immigration documents in her daughter's Hawaii home that listed an immigration attorney.

The Los Angeles Magazine report said the FBI was investigating the possible marriage scam. NBC News has not verified the report. The FBI's Los Angeles field office said it assisted in Kobayashi's case, but it deferred comment to Los Angeles police.

Sara Azari, an attorney for the Kobayashi family, shared a statement on behalf of the family Wednesday 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."

"The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage. This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team," the statement said, noting that the family turned over any information they had to law enforcement.

The family asked the public to "avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified claims."

It is especially important not to perpetuate speculation that anyone is involved in a scam, as this only hinders our efforts to find Hannah and bring clarity and closure to the nightmare we are living because of her disappearance, the statement said.

"We remain focused on verifying the details and leads we have received and ask for your understanding and patience as we continue our investigation," the family said, thanking the public for its support and people involved in the search.

Concern for Kobayashi started Nov. 8, the day she landed at Los Angeles International Airport from Honolulu with plans to catch a connecting flight to New York City. She missed the connecting flight, and relatives said she used her time sightseeing in Los Angeles.

She went to The Grove shopping center, about 12 miles north of the Los Angeles airport, the following day and the day after that and returned to the airport each time, according to a timeline posted to the private Help Us Find Hannah Facebook page by Sydni Kobayashi, her sister.

On Nov. 11, she was seen speaking with a ticketing agent at the airport. Later that day, she got on a Metro train to South Los Angeles, then to downtown Los Angeles, accompanied by an unidentified man, police said. That day, family members said, she sent messages that concerned them because their content and voice didnt seem to match hers.

Hannahs last message to us was alarming  she mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity, Kobayashis aunt Larie Pidgeon said on Facebook.

On Nov. 12, she was seen at a Greyhound bus station in downtown Los Angeles alone.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Monday that she was reported missing on Nov. 13 and the police department took over the case on Nov. 15.

Police said Monday they reviewed U.S. Customs and Border Protection video showing Kobayashi crossed into Mexico on foot at a land port in San Diego on Nov. 12, leading them to conclude she was missing voluntarily.

McDonnell said theres no evidence Kobayashi is the victim of human trafficking or foul play. Police said at a news conference that detectives reviewed her social media accounts, which led them to believe she wanted to disconnect.

Kobayashi's relatives had gathered in Los Angeles to search for her, and her father, Ryan Kobayashi, 58, died by suicide on Nov. 24 near the airport. The Los Angeles County medical examiner said he died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

Im very sorry to the family for all that theyve been through, McDonnell said Monday.

Asked to comment on the possible marriage and the familys concerns, Los Angeles police referred to Mondays news conference as the last update they will provide.

Sydni Kobayashi said the family was not satisfied with the police conclusion.

Were just as confused and just as frustrated more than anything now, Sydni Kobayashi said Tuesday on NBC News NOWs Top Story With Tom Llamas.

She urged her sister to reach out to the family.

I cant stress enough how loved you are, how supported you are, she said. Were really worried about you. No matter what situation youre in, you always have a home to come to.

Azari said the family would deploy volunteers to look for Hannah in Mexico.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trumps Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault.

But senators in both parties have also expressed concern about another issue  Hegseths frequent comments that women should not serve in frontline military combat jobs.

As the former Army National Guard major and combat veteran fights to salvage his Cabinet nomination, meeting with senators for a fourth day Thursday with promises not to drink on the job and assurances he never engaged in sexual misconduct, his professional views on women troops have also come under scrutiny. He said as recently as last month that women straight up should not serve in combat roles.

North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said Wednesday that he confronted Hegseth about the issue when they spoke one-on-one.

I said to him, just so you know, Joni Ernst and Tammy Duckworth deserve a great deal of respect, Cramer said, referring to two female senators who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Both Ernst, R-Iowa, and Duckworth, D-Ill., are combat veterans who served in the Iraq war, and Duckworth lost both legs when a Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Ernst, a former Army National Guard member and a retired lieutenant colonel who spent more than two decades in the service, was circumspect after her own meeting with Hegseth, saying only that they had a frank and thorough conversation. She has spoken openly about surviving sexual assault while in college and worked to ensure a safe environment for women in uniform.

The Iowa senator demurred again Thursday on whether she will support Hegseth's nomination, praising his service but telling Fox News that a very thorough vetting is needed.

Along with the reports of his previous behavior, the bipartisan concerns about Hegseth's comments on women have put his nomination in some peril, contributing to general uncertainty about whether his nomination will make it to a hearing next month. While Hegseth said that Trump is behind us all the way, and he's put in a full week's work explaining himself to senators, some Republicans are not yet committing their support.

South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said after meeting with Hegseth on Thursday that he went a long way today in getting his full support, but I want him to be able to answer in front of everybody else the questions that are there and to do a good job on it."

Rounds said the issue of women in combat didnt come up in his meeting but that Hegseth can explain himself in a hearing.

Women are integrated into our armed forces today, and they do a great job, Rounds said.

The role of women in the military is another entry in the far-right's efforts to return the armed forces back to an earlier era, something Hegseth has embraced with Trump's approach to end woke programs that foster diversity, equity and inclusion in the ranks and fire generals who reflect those values.

Military and defense leaders, however, have argued that it would be fundamentally wrong to eliminate half the population from critical combat posts, and they have flatly denied that standards were lowered to allow women to qualify.

In remarks Wednesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin touted the service of women, including in his own combat units when he was a commander in Iraq.

If I get a little fired up about this, its just because this isnt 1950. It isnt 1948. It is 2024, Austin said.

Hegseth has so far pushed back questions about his views.

We have amazing women who serve our military, Hegseth said Tuesday, amazing women who serve in our military.

Pressed if they should serve in combat, Hegseth said they already do.

But he said as recently as last month that women straight up should not serve in combat. It hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated, he said in a podcast before he was nominated by Trump. In his own writings, he has expanded on views of a more masculine-focused military.

As he tries to shore up votes in his own party, Hegseth has yet to meet with Duckworth or any of the other Democrats on the committee. Duckworth, a Democrat and Purple Heart recipient, also rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring after 23 years in the Reserve forces. She later served as an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

North Dakota Sen. Cramer said he told Hegseth that his confirmation hearing wont be pleasant" as Democrats, in particular, grill him on his views. As members of the Armed Services panel, both Ernst and Duckworth will have a chance to ask him questions.

Trump, for now, appears to be standing aside as Hegseth fights to preserve his nomination, even as suggestions float about a possible replacement pick, including former Trump rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, to lead the Pentagon.

Trumps closest allies in the Senate expressed cautious optimism that Hegseth will not be replaced  immediately at least. Its not in trouble until its over, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. Right now weve got to move forward.

Were going to push as long as hes wanting to be there, and as long as the president still wants him in place, were going to push and do all we can to get him confirmed, Mullin said.

At the same time, The Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025, said it would be spending $1 million to put pressure on senators unwilling to support Hegseth, the groups president told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The establishment is trying to take his scalp, said Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation after an event in Mar-a-Lago. He would be a wonderful secretary of defense.

About 17.5% of the more than 1.3 million active-duty service members are women, a total that has grown steadily over the past two decades. They have served in combat in a wide array of military jobs, including as pilots and intelligence officers for years.

The Pentagon formally opened all combat jobs to women in 2015, including frontline infantry and armor posts, and since then thousands of women have been in jobs that until that time were male-only.

As of this year, nearly 4,800 women are serving in Army infantry, armor and artillery job, more than 150 have completed the Army Ranger course and a small number have qualified for more elite special operations units, including as Army Green Berets.
The incoming Trump administration is preparing a list of countries to which it may deport migrants when their home countries refuse to accept them, according to three sources familiar with the plans.

The countries include but may not be limited to Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Panama and Grenada, the sources said.

The plans could mean that thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of migrants would be permanently displaced in countries where they do not know any of the people or the language and have no connection to the culture.

It is not clear if the migrants would be allowed to legally remain to work and live in the countries to which they are deported. It is also not known what kind of pressure  either economic or diplomatic  the Trump transition is applying to countries to get them to agree, or might apply once President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated in January.

In 2019, during Trumps first term, he sent migrants to Guatemala as part of an agreement with that country to accept people from other countries seeking asylum in the United States. Under that policy, asylum-seekers who had recently crossed into the U.S. were put on a plane to Guatemala without knowing where they were going, according to reporting by NBC News and others at the time. The practice continued through early 2020, though on a relatively small scale, and was halted during the pandemic.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other pro-immigrant rights groups sued the Trump administration over the policy. That lawsuit is still pending in federal court.

We sued over this type of policy during the first Trump administration because it was illegal and put asylum-seekers at grave risk," Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the ACLU's national office, told NBC News.

Migrants who come from Venezuela, Cuba, China and other countries that are reluctant to accept back people who have emigrated to the United States have long posed an issue for U.S. authorities, who are barred by federal court orders from indefinitely detaining them. As a result, many migrants from those countries end up released into the United States, even if a judge has ordered them deported.

The plan to deport some migrants whose home countries are reluctant to accept them to third-party countries where they may have no connection would be a way for the new Trump administration to work around that issue as it creates what Trump has promised will be the largest deportation operation in American history.

Trump also wants Mexico to accept non-Mexicans who are deported from the United States, the three sources told NBC News. In addition to accepting migrants who may be turned back at the border, which Mexico has already been doing, the incoming administration is pressuring Mexico to accept deportation flights of non-Mexicans living inside the United States. The sources said that getting Mexico to agree may not be easy, and that Trump will use the threat of tariffs in an effort to compel Mexico to comply.

The sources also told NBC News the incoming administration has a goal of deporting migrants within a week of their arrest and believes this policy will help expedite deportations.

President Trump was given a mandate by the American people to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border, and deport dangerous criminals and terrorists that make our communities less safe. He will deliver, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman, told NBC News when asked for a comment about the plans.

One source familiar with the plans told NBC News the Trump transition team has already reached out to Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Panama and Grenada to work out a deal under which they would agree to receive deportation flights from the U.S.

A spokeswoman for the government of Panama, Carmen Mora, said: The Panamanian government does not respond to assumptions and rumors. We cannot not speculate in this regard. We prefer to engage with the new US administration once it takes office.

Spokespeople for the governments of Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Granada and Mexico did not respond to requests for comment.
Senators on both sides of the aisle are holding back from cheering rebel gains against Syrian President Bashar Assad, following a lightning offensive over the weekend led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist group.

HTSs surprise capture of Syrias second-largest city, Aleppo, and large swaths of territory in the northwest over a few days has punctured the idea that Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, had a firm grasp over territory.

Nobody here spends a second rooting for Bashar al-Assad, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on the Middle East.

Were all assessing what the agenda of this rebel group will be. It has some real dangerous elements that are part of this group.

The U.S. is largely absent from Syria, except for 900 troops stationed in the Kurdish-held northeast territory  fighting against the resurgence of ISIS in the region. And while the U.S. presence has often served as a check against Iranian and Russian ambitions in the country, both the Biden and first Trump administrations have sought to draw down troops.

Sen. James E. Risch (R-Idaho), the incoming chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said its too soon to tell if the fighting in Syria complicates efforts to draw down U.S. troops.

I think the jury is still out on that question, he said. They operate in a different part; they dont operate near Aleppo or Damascus. I dont think its a concern at the moment. It could become a concern, he said.

Risch described the rebel offensive as being hijacked by terrorist organizations, which makes it difficult to support.

You got bad folks on both sides of this right now. I dont know what the path forward is there, but I dont see a path that looks good.

Syrias civil war, which erupted in 2011, had largely stalemated by 2020. At that time, Turkey and Russia helped negotiate a ceasefire to preserve Assads grip on power. In recent years, he was slowly being integrated back into the Arab world  despite his multiple uses of chemical weapons against civilians, documented torture of thousands of people in secret prisons and hundreds of thousands killed over the course of the war.

Lets look at the glass thats half full  a weakened Assad will weaken Iran further, and weaken Russia in the Middle East, which is good news for the United States, said Randa Slim, fellow with the Foreign Policy Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

But then, what will be our position? Because part of the equation are these Islamist forces which are designated by us as terrorist organizations.  Is this the kind of opposition that the United States wants to push forward? The conundrum, bad people versus bad people, how do we position ourselves here in this fight?

The Pentagon has carried out airstrikes in southeast Syria over recent days against Iranian-backed groups but stressed these are not related to the fighting in the northwest.

To be clear, these self-defense actions successfully eliminated imminent threats to U.S. personnel and were not linked to any broader activities in northwest Syria by other groups, Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Tuesday.

Let me underscore that the U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS. However, we remain fully prepared to defend and protect our personnel and assets deployed in the region, to include our forces deployed to Syria.

The U.S. listed HTS as a terrorist group in 2014, and its roots link back to the Islamic State and al Qaeda. The opposition Syrian National Army, an umbrella group of fighters backed by Turkey, is also part of the offensive and includes groups also sanctioned by the U.S. as terrorist organizations.

Certainly, it took everyone by surprise, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the incoming ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said of HTSs shock offensive.

Its particularly distressing because its not clear whose interests the opposition groups are representing  and for civilians who have been through so much, its created an even worse situation for them.

On Sunday, the Biden administration, alongside France, Germany and the United Kingdom, put out a joint statement calling for de-escalation by all parties, protection of civilians and delivery of humanitarian assistance, and urged a political solution in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.

What we are afraid of with HTS, they are designated as a terrorist organization  so far they didnt do anything in Aleppo, but we dont know what will happen, said Sinam Sherkany, chief of mission in the U.S. for the Syrian Democratic Council, a Syrian Kurdish political group that represents the Kurdish-held, northeastern part of Syria, where U.S. troops are based, and also has Kurdish groups in Aleppo.

Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who researches Sunni jihadi groups, has documented HTSs evolution and that of its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani.

In an analysis for War on the Rocks, a national security online media outlet, Zelin said HTS disavowed the global pursuit of Islamic rule to focus on controlling local territory and, since its shock offensive, has issued edicts for its soldiers not to harm civilians  in particular minorities.

Put together, these are efforts to assuage the fears from minority communities now under the Liberated Areas rule. However, we will have to see how things play out in the longer term, he wrote.

Anas Barbour, Syria representative for Med Global, a nonprofit group providing emergency humanitarian relief, said Russian and Syrian aerial strikes had targeted civilian centers and hospitals in Aleppo and the northwestern city of Idlib, also under the control of rebel forces.

Now the situation is very challenging to the humanitarian sector, to humanitarian workers, because the airstrikes are coming and attacking directly the health facilities on both sides, as usual, he said. Several reports have documented Russian and Syrian army airstrikes hitting hospitals and health facilities in Idlib and Aleppo.

Aid groups have long accused the Syrian government and Russian forces of targeting hospital and civilian facilities whose locations were shared with the United Nations as a way to avoid targeting.

The primary target in any escalation is the hospitals and sometimes schools and education facilities, so this is the situation now, Barbour continued.

The U.N. has warned that tens of thousands of people are on the move, many being displaced for the second time. Renewed fighting and airstrikes are killing civilians and traumatizing a population that had endured 13 years of one of the worlds bloodiest civil wars, with estimations of more than half a million deaths.

But its not yet clear what HTS control over Syrian cities and towns actually means  and whether it is holding true to claims of respect for minority and religious groups, to include Shiites, Christians, Kurds, Yazidis and others.

The last few days have been very shocking and surprising. In a matter of two days, revolutionaries have been able to take all of Aleppo city and completely rid it of any Assad regime, Russian or Iranian presence, Bishop Hanna Jallouf, vicar apostolic of Aleppo, said in a video call from the city with reporters in Washington, D.C.

Some of us in our community were a little bit fearful; we didnt know what was going to happen. None of us left our homes, we all stayed home, but very quickly we realized there was nothing to fear and things were getting better than a few days ago.

Mouaz Moustafa, who organized the call with Jallouf and is executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, an American humanitarian organization, said that despite concerns with HTSs Islamist ideology, the groups successful pushback against Assad, Iran and Russia could help renew efforts toward a political resolution in Syria.

Im not here to defend HTS; Im not a fan. But I dont want us to miss the forest for the trees, he said.

Syria was nothing but forgotten under the Biden administration on multiple levels. Now, we have them asking for de-escalation of what should be something that is celebrated  the liberation of Syria from Iran, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A majority of older children and teenagers with long Covid recover within two years, according to new research from University College London (UCL).

Researchers there looked at the symptoms of hundreds of children aged 11 to 17 years old after they tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The children were interviewed three months, six months, 12 months and 24 months after taking a PCR test between Sept. 2020 and March 2021.

RELATED STORY | An Idaho health department isn't allowed to give COVID-19 vaccines anymore. Experts say it's a first

Of the patients who met the definition of long Covid, about 70% were considered recovered two years after they first tested positive.

The study also found that boys were twice as likely to recover from long Covid. Researchers also said that older teenagers and "the most deprived" were less likely to have recovered.

Lead researcher in the study, Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, said, Our findings show that for teenagers who fulfilled our research definition of long Covid three months after a positive test for the Covid virus, the majority have recovered after two years. This is good news but we intend to do further research to try to better understand why 68 teenagers had not recovered.

The experts said it's the world's largest study to date on the effects of long COVID in children.

RELATED STORY | Tuberculosis surpasses COVID-19 as deadliest infectious disease, World Health Organization says
NEW YORK -- UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in what appears to be a targeted attack Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, according to the New York City Police Department.

Police said the 50-year-old CEO was shot once in the back and once in the leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital, but did not survive his injuries.

Now, it's all hands on deck as the NYPD hunts for his killer. Investigators are scouring surveillance cameras to trace the suspect, and combing through Thompson's phone and social media to see if he received any personal threats.

CEO shooting was a "targeted attack," police say

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a shooting Wednesday morning outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the NYPD says. / Credit: NYPD

"I want to be clear, at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday.

"The motive for this murder currently is unknown, but, based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted. But at this point, we do not know why," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added.

A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare told CBS News the shooting took place during the company's investors conference. It was scheduled to be livestreamed from a hotel ballroom starting at 8 a.m., but it was canceled after the shooting.

"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," said Mayor Eric Adams.

Gov. Kathy Hochul called the shooting "horrific" and directed New York State Police to assist the NYPD with the investigation.

"Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice," Hochul said in a statement.

Surveillance videos captured shooting and gunman's escape

Surveillance video obtained by CBS News New York shows Thompson walking down the street when the suspect appears behind him, takes aim, and shoots him once in the back. Thompson falls to the ground, as the gunman appears to clear a jam from his gun and fires again. The gunman then fires a third time before running across the street.

"It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and, as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind," Tisch said. "Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target."

The gunman was last seen wearing a black face mask, brown or cream jacket, black and white sneakers and gray backpack. Police said the suspect fled into the alley between West 54th and West 55th streets, then rode a bike up to Central Park, where he was seen at 6:48 a.m. on Center Drive.

The NYPD released this image of the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. / Credit: NYPD

CBS News obtained additional surveillance footage that sources say appears to show the suspect cycling out of the park on West 85th Street just before 7 a.m., about 15 minutes after the shooting.

"What we're looking at is a gunman who was thoughtful and prepared, staked out the scene, began by shooting the person in the back," said CBS News law enforcement contributor Rich Esposito, a former NYPD deputy commissioner.

Esposito said the gunman may have planned carefully, but not perfectly.

"It's not perfect preparation in that there is evidence left in the form of shell casings. There's evidence left from prior to the shooting," Esposito said.

Police said the suspect went to a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting. Sources told CBS News surveillance images there may have captured enough of the suspect's face to run it through facial recognition programs.

Police sources also said investigators are running forensic tests on a water bottle and candy bar wrapper they believe he left there, as well as on a discarded cellphone found near the scene.

Esposito said detectives will also likely search for discarded clothing along the path.

"One of the first things someone who is remotely sophisticated does is change their clothing, change their hat, probably not their sneakers. That helps them flee," he said.

Timeline of shooting, map of escape

A map shows where UnitedHealtcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and the escape route used by a gunman, according to police. / Credit: CBS News New York

The wait, murder and getaway happened in a span of just nine minutes.

At 6:39 a.m., police say the gunman arrived at the Hilton on footAt 6:44 a.m., Thompson walks from his hotel across the street to the Hilton to address investorsBy 6:46 a.m., police say the gunman had shot Thompson twice from behind and run toward a bike docked on 55th Street, which he rode off toward Central Park. He was seen on camera at 6:48 a.m. riding a bike on Center Drive in the park.The gunman is seen on video cycling out of the park on West 85th Street just before 7 a.m. Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital at 7:12 a.m.

One witness said he was sitting inside his car when he heard a gunshot and saw a man running away with a gun in his hand.

"I was looking at my phone and I hear the shot," he said. "I was shocked. It was the first time I've ever seen a crime right in front of me. Now I fear he could shoot me, too."

How the shooting unfolded outside the Hilton Midtown

The deadly shooting happened shortly after 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen officers responded and blocked off West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute.

"We are deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy," a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.

Investigators began gathering surveillance video from surrounding buildings and interviewing anyone who may have seen what happened.

"What we know is that the shooter arrived at the location on foot about five minutes prior to the victim's arrival. He stands alongside the building line, as numerous other people and pedestrians pass him by," Kenny said.

Sources told CBS News the weapon used had a silencer on it. Three bullet casings were recovered at the scene, along with three live rounds ejected from the gun when the shooter cleared the jam.

Who shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?

UnitedHealthcare security and investigators are combing through files for any possible previous threats, disgruntled or recently fired employees, a law enforcement source told CBS News.

Police sources told CBS News detectives uncovered "rantings" against big pharma directed at UnitedHealthcare, but no specific threats to Thompson's personal safety.

"We're looking at everything, we're looking at his social media, we are interviewing employees, we are interviewing family members, we will be speaking to local law enforcement in Minnesota," said Kenny.

"They're gonna look at the business end. You have a company that has laid people off. They're gonna look at the personal stories and they're gonna focus on letters, desperate people who were denied care or tests or something that could have saved a life who will blame the company," Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said.

Security experts say not all high-level executives want to bother with a circle of protection.

"They think it's a violation of their privacy. They think it's a little pretentious. It draws attention to them. They think: who would want to hurt them?" said Ed Davis, of LLC Security and Management Consulting.

UnitedHealthcare is based in Minnesota, where the Gov. Tim Walz and other leaders reacted to news of the shooting.

"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," Walz posted on social media. "Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team."

Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and was named CEO in 2021, according to its website. He was a father of two and an active member of his community.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

Thompson family speaks out

Thompson's family released this statement on the killing:

"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."

Thompson's death sent shockwaves through the health industry. Stephen Parente was a senior White House economist during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked with Thompson to keep hospitals open.

"I remember seeing the news at first and I was just shocked and when I scrolled to see it was him, I just couldn't believe it. I'm still processing," Parente said. "He helped so many people. There are families that know him, who spoke of about him wonderfully, but the impact he had was in the millions."

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. The NYPD asks the public to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside of New York City hotel

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in "targeted attack" outside New York City hotel
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police Department routinely engages in policing that violates residents' civil rights and discriminates against Black people, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a newly released report.

The report comes after a 16-month-long pattern-or-practice investigation into the Memphis Police Department. According to the DOJ, the department was found to use excessive force and conduct unlawful stops, searches, and arrests. The city and MPD also "discriminate in their response to people with behavioral health disabilities," the report added.

The probe also uncovered "serious concerns" about the police department's treatment of children, as well as deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability that contribute to unlawful conduct, according to the DOJ.

"The people of Memphis deserve a police department and city that protects their civil and constitutional rights, garners trust and keeps them safe," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in a statement Wednesday evening.

The DOJ findings did not come as a surprise. On Wednesday, the City of Memphis told the Justice Department that it would not enter into an "agreement in principle," which would start negotiations for a consent decree. The Justice Department's news release about its findings does not reference the city's refusal of federal oversight, saying the department and the city "cooperated fully" with their investigation.

Consent decrees are judge-mandated improvement plans implemented after the DOJ finds wrongdoing within a department. The city of Memphis, in its declination letter, acknowledged that the Justice Department found violations within the police department, but the specific violations were not made public until after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The DOJ first announced the investigation, which is the most in-depth look at a police department it can take, in July 2023. It said at the time that it was looking at whether the Memphis Police Department routinely engaged in policing that discriminated against Black people, conducted improper stops, seizures, and arrests, and used excessive force.

In the months since the investigation was launched, investigators have been in Memphis at various points to conduct interviews with the community and police. They have also looked at the department's policies and been on ride-a-longs with officers.

Despite being announced months after Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten by officers with the Memphis Police Department's SCORPION Unit, the DOJ said it did not start the investigation due to that incident alone.

Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland voiced opposition to the city entering a consent decree. Current Mayor Paul Young has been mum on the topic during his first year in office.

Wednesday's decision not to enter a consent decree was the first take from Young's office on the pattern-or-practice investigation.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Police Department routine violate rights of Black people: DOJ
Missing photographer Hannah Kobayashi may have been intertwined in an alleged marriage scam with an Argentinian national before her disappearance, according to a shocking report.

Kobayashi, 30, landed at Los Angeles International Aiport on Nov. 8 with her alleged new husband, Alan Cacace, an Argentinian man, and his girlfriend, Marianna, just days before she was seen crossing the border into Mexico, sources told Los Angeles Magazine Wednesday.

The outlet reported that its sources believe the aspiring photographer may have been scammed out of money after allegedly marrying the man in a green card visa scheme gone wrong.

Sources say Hannah Kobayashi landed at Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 8 with her alleged new husband, an Argentinian man, and his girlfriend, just days before she was seen crossing the border into Mexico. Facebook

Kobayashis mother, Brandi Yee, allegedly discovered immigration documents at her daughters home in Hawaii that showed she was working with or in contact with an immigration attorney.

Yee allegedly tried to contact the lawyer, but that attorney was not cooperative, one source told the outlet.

The source shared that Yee allegedly gave the documents to the FBI and LAPD for investigation.

The familys attorney, Sara Azari, said in a statement Wednesday that the concerned mother turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.

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, Azari wrote on X.

The outlet reported that its sources believe the aspiring photographer may have been scammed out of money after allegedly marrying the man in a green card visa scheme gone wrong. Facebook

The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage.

Azari asked that the public avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified claims.

It is especially important not to perpetuate speculation that anyone is involved in a scam, as this only hinders our efforts to find Hannah and bring clarity and closure to the nightmare we are living because of her disappearance, Azari added.

Surveillance footage shows Kobayashi buying a bus ticket at LA Union Station on Nov. 11. FOX 11 Los Angeles/YouTube

Before she cut contact with loved ones, Kobayashi sent cryptic text messages to friends, including one saying shed had a very intense spiritual awakening and another claiming she got tricked into pretty much giving away all my funds.

In a second message, Kobayashi told the friend that she was supposedly hoodwinked for someone I thought I loved.

News of the alleged marriage scam came days after surveillance footage showed Kobayashi buying a ticket to the border and crossing into Mexico on foot.

The 30-year-old brunette beauty from Maui was reported missing by her family on Nov. 11 after she missed a connecting flight at LAX a few days earlier and then went dark.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed multiple witnesses, who confirmed Kobayashis movements from when she landed in the Golden State on Nov. 8 to when she was last seen crossing into Mexico through the border crossing tunnel in Baja California on Nov. 12.

The Los Angeles police declared the 30-year-old a voluntary missing person and said she willfully crossed into Mexico to step away from modern connectivity.

Kobayashi is seen on a security camera in Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 8, 2024. Courtesy Larie Pidgeon

Sydni Kobayashi (left) and Brandi Yee talk to Hawaii News Now about Hannahs disappearance. Hawaiii News Now

Weve basically done everything we can do at this point, McDonnell said. Shes left the country and in another nation now.

McDonnell revealed that his departments investigation found no evidence that Kobayashi was being trafficked or involved in any criminal activity.

The Los Angeles police chief said the LAPDs investigation would not continue into Mexico but urged the public to come forward with any credible information on her whereabouts.

Baja is a tourist destination for surfers, solo travelers and psychedelic retreats.

However, the city is also swarming with organized crime, violence, drugs, kidnappings and murders, particularly in Tijuana, the biggest border city in Mexico.

While the LAPD shared that it believes she voluntarily left the US, her family insisted the search is far from over despite the declaration Tuesday that she was considered voluntarily missing.

Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe, and urges everyone to continue the search, the family said in a statement.
Dr. Joseph Varon, center, reviews patient's CT scans with physicians and nurses after concluding rounds in UMMC's COVID-19 intensive care unit Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Photo illustration by Susan Barber; Photo by Godofredo A. Vasquez

Four years after he was hailed internationally as a hero doctor for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Joseph Varon, a Houston-based critical care physician, has emerged as a key player in a reinvigorated anti-vaccine movement.

Varons newfound advocacy comes at an opportune moment. With Donald Trump returning to the White House and one of the countrys most prominent vaccine skeptics, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., poised to take over as the nations top health official, Varon and other doctors who push questionable treatments stand to gain more influence over peoples health decisions, experts said.

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I would not want to see Varon and RFK Jr. in charge during the next pandemic, whenever it comes, said Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Varons physician group has partnered with Childrens Health Defense  a known anti-vaccine group led by Kennedy  and recently congratulated Kennedy on his nomination to the post.

In interviews over the last year, Varon has talked openly about his changing views of COVID vaccines, which he previously supported but now calls unsafe, contrary to established public health guidance and studies that estimate the vaccines prevented millions of hospitalizations and deaths.

Varons attorney, Stephen Barnes, said that conclusions and implicationsthat Dr. Varon did not follow the science during his career, including during the COVID pandemic, are unsupported. Barnes argued that top public health authorities  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization  are no longer credible.

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Varons about-face on vaccines, however, falls in line with his three-decade career at multiple Houston hospitals, where he pushed medical boundaries and more than once found himself under the microscope of federal authorities and health care regulators.

The doctor  who until May taught first-year medical students at the University of Houston and primarily works out of a two-story, red-brick office building just outside the Texas Medical Center  has been penalized by the Texas Medical Board twice, faced allegations of Medicare fraud and been accused of allowing unqualified medical students to work without adequate supervision at two different hospitals, records show.

The Chronicles findings include:

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Varon was cited by the medical board twice : in 2003, after he engaged in an intimate relationship with a person he was treating, and in 2013, when he resigned from a medical facility during an investigation into his privileges there, board records say.

in 2003, after he engaged in an intimate relationship with a person he was treating, and in 2013, when he resigned from a medical facility during an investigation into his privileges there, board records say. The Medicare fraud whistleblower lawsuit, which named Varon and two other physicians as defendants, last year netted one of the largest civil healthcare fraud settlements the FBI Houston office had seen at $21.6 million. The government agreed to drop Varon and the other physicians from the case.

In that fraud case, a whistleblower at Cornerstone Hospital Medical Center reported that Varon performed medically unnecessary treatment, which he later billed to Medicare. Varon was also accused of allowing unqualified medical students, some of whom had not graduated high school, to perform procedures unsupervised, including bronchoscopies that involve sending a thin tube down a patients throat into the lungs.

Nurses at another Houston hospital, United Memorial Medical Center, alleged that Varon ordered them to go through his medical students to communicate critical patient updates during the pandemic. That practice caused a serious delay in treating an elderly woman,who later died, records show.

In each case, Varon and his attorney have denied wrongdoing.

In response to a detailed summary of the Chronicles findings, Barnes said Varon had nothing to do with the fraudulent Medicare billing practices alleged at Cornerstone and blamed the hospital. Assertions that Varon allowed students to work unsupervised at Cornerstone are allegations, not evidence, Barnes said, adding that the medical board found such allegations lacking. Texas Medical Board disciplinary hearings, investigations and complaints are not public, and a spokesperson declined to provide more information.

Barnes and Varon declined to respond to follow-up questions. The FLCCC said it denies the many false allegations against Varon and the groups treatment protocols, which it credits with saving thousands of lives during the pandemic.

Dr. Varon has won many prestigious awards and is considered among the top physicians in the United States, the FLCCC said in a statement, adding that Varon has authored hundreds of journal articles and more than a dozen textbooks.

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Left: Nurses help Dr. Joseph Varon, center, get into the PPE required to enter the COVID-19 intensive care unit at UMMC on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Top Right: Dr. Joseph Varon, center, and his staff treat a patient in the COVID Intensive Care Unit of United Memorial Medical Center, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Houston Bottom right: Dr. Joseph Varon, center, and his staff work to perform an intubation on a patient who went into cardiac arrest at the COVID Intensive Care Unit of United Memorial Medical Center, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Houston. Photos by Godofredo A. Vasquez

The number of penalties and complaints around Varon are highly unusual for a physician and raise concerns about his adherence to ethical and safety standards, according to four medical experts who reviewed the Chronicles findings. They also raise questions about how Varon has been able to avoid accountability from regulatory bodies and the institutions in which he worked, experts say.

The allegations should be further investigated by the state medical board and other regulators, said Dr. Robert Steinbrook, director of the nonprofit think tank Public Citizen, which advocates for physician accountability.

This guy calls our attention to a larger problem, said Samuel Gorovitz, a pioneer in medical ethics at Syracuse University. And the larger problem is, why aren't these institutions able to clean up their own act?

A medical about-face

Today, Varon can be seen doing interviews with local Spanish-language news stations, which rely on his expertise for a range of health topics, or conservative media outlets such as the Epoch Times. And he no longer speaks as the tireless figurehead of a small but mighty local hospital.

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Since his promotion to president and chief medical officer of the FLCCC in May, Varon has talked in podcast interviews about his desire to spark a global movement in health care  one that empowers patients to seek out doctors who are willing to break from traditional medical guidance and big pharma.

On social media, he preaches the values of honesty and transparency in medicine while touting the success of a COVID treatment protocol for which, experts say, there is no meaningful supporting evidence. He also launched a new independent medical journal with an emphasis on alternative therapies and repurposed drugs.

The position Varon now occupies was previously held by Dr. Pierre Kory, the FLCCCs founding chief medical officer who initially pushed ivermectin into the pandemics spotlight. Kory, who made $300,000 as the groups president in 2023, touted the antiparasitic drug during a U.S. Senate hearing as a miracle drug for COVID. The claim was later proven false, but not before it found an audience among GOP politicians and podcast hosts like Joe Rogan.

The American Board of Internal Medicine revoked Korys board certification earlier this year for undisclosed reasons, and Kory now holds a position with the FLCCC as president emeritus.

The group, meanwhile, has grown. Donations and grants surged from $352,000 in 2020 to $8.1 million in 2022. In 2023, the latest year for which tax filings are available, the groups revenue dropped significantly to $3.8 million, records show.

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In addition to publishing treatment protocols that include ivermectin to treat COVID and other respiratory viruses, the FLCCC formally rejects the benefits of COVID vaccines for children, despite broad support from public health authorities and extensive research finding they are safe.

I was the first one on national TV telling people to go out and get vaccinated, Varon said in a podcast interview earlier this year. Now I would not vaccinate anyone against COVID.

Dr. Joseph Varon, left, receives a COVID-19 Moderna vaccine at United Memorial Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

Even with his new position, Varon still holds a voluntary teaching role at the University of Houston College of Medicine. The school offered him a teaching contract in 2021 and renewed it for another three years in 2024, records show.

The college was not aware of Varons role with the FLCCC, spokesperson Bryan Luhn said in an email, though the school does have a vetting process. He said school officials visited Varon during the pandemic at his former hospital, United Memorial Medical Center, but determined that wasnt a good environment for students given the presence of other learners and the ongoing safety challenges posed by COVID-19.

More than a year later, we re-evaluated Dr. Varons ambulatory practice and determined this setting to be appropriate, Luhn said in May, adding that direct supervision and mentorship is important for the students training.

After the medical school spoke with the Chronicle, the college of medicine transferred its students out of Varons practice based on feedback from students, Luhn said. Prior to May 2024, we had not received any negative feedback from our students.

Big hospitals, big politics

Varon didnt start as an outsider in his profession. He built his resume in one of its nerve centers  the Texas Medical Center.

He grew up and attended medical school in Mexico City before making his way to Houston as a resident at Baylor College of Medicine. One of his first jobs was at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he started in 1994 as an assistant anesthesiology professor and assistant director of the surgical intensive care unit. He voluntarily resigned in 1997, however, after being informed he cannot bill for procedures at which he was not personally at the patients bedside, records show. At the time, Varon said he was unaware this billing practice was improper until a supervisor informed him shortly before his resignation.

Varon maintained teaching positions in Mexico while moving to other large Houston hospitals, including what was then St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital. There, he said he was reprimanded and shamed for using a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia. The treatment lowers a patients body temperature to prevent severe brain injuries. A news article from 2005 described Varons treatment as unorthodox, and a hospital review determined he did not follow the standard of care for using it on several patients, according to the Washington Post.

There are no publicly available details about the review at St. Lukes, but Varons personality  and the pride he displayed for his progressive treatments  stuck in the mind of the hospitals top executive.

Dr. Joseph Varon, center, and his medical staff go through their daily rounds to update the status of the patients inside the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at United Memorial Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

He was always very nice and respectful, said Dr. David Pate, the former CEO at St. Lukes from 2006 to 2009. He was very proud of his work and his care, and certainly touted to me how progressive he was.

Pate was used to speaking with doctors who were leaders in their field, he said, but Varon was different. Unlike other physician-researchers who were breaking new ground, he was not a full-time faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine and therefore struggled to gain the respect of the medical staff, he said.

I was always trying to figure him out, Pate told the Chronicle in a phone interview. ...I never was quite convinced that he was the authority and the leader that he portrayed himself as being, but I certainly wanted to learn if I could from (his treatments).

Pate said he could not recall specifics about Varons departure from the hospital.

Over time, Varon gravitated toward smaller hospitals, where he would have more freedom. I have worked in the big hospitals for many years, but you know, big hospitals, big politics, Varon said in a 2021 interview posted on YouTube.

At the small hospitals, you can do your work.

At two of those small hospitals in Houston  Cornerstone Hospital Medical Center and United Memorial Medical Center  Varon appeared on federal authorities radar.

Student workers allegations

It started with a whistleblower complaint at Cornerstone, a now-defunct 35-bed facility near the Texas Medical Center where Varon held admission privileges.

A technician reported that Varon and other physicians improperly delegated physician work to medical students from Mexico and other countries, according to an unsealed lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The students helped Varon while he was away from the hospital for long stretches, according to the lawsuit. They allegedly filled out patient orders that Varon had pre-signed. They assisted with surgeries, performed procedures and examined patients  all without a medical license and without supervision, the lawsuit said.

In general, medical schools may allow more experienced students to work with patients, but often with clear policies and under close supervision of an attending physician, said Dr. Jennifer Christner, senior dean of the School of Medicine and the School of Health Professions at Baylor College of Medicine.

Christner emphasized the importance of hands-on training for young medical students, but there's no scenario that I can think of where a medical student could operate on their own.

Varon denied any wrongdoing at Cornerstone. Barnes suggested that Varon was questioned by the medical board and that the board did not find sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the medical board declined to comment on the case.

Concerns about Varons medical students followed him to United Memorial Medical Center, a little-known 117-bed hospital on Houstons Northside. There, Varon catapulted onto the national stage by giving news organizations a rare glimpse of the pandemics impact.

But in late 2020 and early 2021, during COVIDs deadliest wave, multiple nurses said his medical students were assessing patients by themselves and intubating patients without him around, according to an inspection report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services obtained through an open records request. The report notes that Varon denied those allegations.

Like the Cornerstone allegations, the students had come from around the world, including Mexico, Africa and New York, the report says.

Nurses issued dire warnings about Varons medical students, similar to the allegations made at Cornerstone.

"Never in my career have I had so much fear for my patient's safety, one nurse said in the report.

The CMS report does not name any patients, physicians or administrators. The Chronicle has independently confirmed Varons identity in the report through multiple sources.

In a July 2023 email, Varon acknowledged that he maintained a longstanding student observer program where medical students rotate as observers at various places including, at the time, UMMC. However, he claimed it was not his responsibility to oversee the students and that hospital staff lied to regulators to avoid scrutiny for their own failure to shut down the students behavior.

Texas Health and Human Services regulators who inspected the hospital determined the hospital and chief of medical staff  Varons position  failed to provide documentation to show this observer program had been reviewed and approved by the governing body prior to implementation, according to the report.

The agency does not have authority over individual physicians and did not penalize Varon for any of the repeated safety failures they uncovered at UMMC.

Hospital safety issues rarely fall on one person, said Dr. Eric Thomas, director of the UTHealth Houston-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety. But when the same physician faces similar allegations at two different institutions, you're getting into a situation where it gets harder to explain some kind of extenuating circumstance.

If its the same allegation happening repeatedly, with the same physician, and at different institutions, then this person either does not know whats appropriate regarding medical student supervision, or they are choosing not to exercise appropriate supervision, he said.

A very dangerous time

UMMC eventually lost its Medicare funding and shut down. Two of its leaders were ordered to pay the federal government for allegedly profiting off complex insurance billing schemes at the hospital.

Varon, who was not named in the billing case, told the Chronicle that he left the hospital over things I was not happy with but declined to elaborate. I am simply exhausted regarding these issues at UMMC, he said in a July 2023 email. It sickens me and traumatizes me every time the subject comes up.

Since his time at UMMC, conservative media outlets have embraced Varon and amplified his insistence that the treatment protocol he helped develop  MATH+  saved lives, despite the retraction of the study supporting the treatment over flaws in the data.

The treatment calls for a cocktail of steroids, vitamins, blood thinners, antivirals and other supplements. It also incorporates ivermectin, which studies show is not beneficial for COVID.

Varon has shared his positive experience with the treatment around the world, including in Chile, Indonesia, Panama, Belize and the Dominican Republic, according to the FLCCC. There are patients who attribute their recovery to Varon and his treatment protocol, including his longtime friend Dr. Neil Strickman, a cardiologist and professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Strickman said Varon saved his life after he contracted a severe COVID infection, adding that he is probably  the most honest physician Ive ever met.

Varon also enjoys support from Dr. Mary Bowden, the Houston ear, nose and throat specialist who was accused by the Texas Medical Board of acting unprofessionally and delivering substandard care during the pandemic (Bowden denied the allegations and criticized the boards action as a politicized witch hunt. The case is ongoing.) She told the Chronicle that Varon is the hardest working and most caring physician I know, adding that hes one of the few physicians I trust to see my patients.

Still, at least one family has tried to hold Varon accountable for his treatment.

The family of Beaumont minister Jordan Burton Jr. told the Texas Medical Board that Varon failed to properly evaluate and treat him at UMMC in November 2020, according to medical board documents the family shared with the Chronicle.

The 65-year-old-man died within one day of his transfer to the hospital, after Varon had ordered the MATH+ protocol, his medical records show.

Varon ordered medications that were not considered within the standard of treatment for COVID-19, resulting in his rapid decline, the family alleged in their complaint. The board ultimately determined that there wasnt enough evidence to show Varon violated the standards of care.

The family still struggles to find closure.

Nobody expected him to pass, Jordan Burtons wife, Marva Burton, said.

After multiple encounters with licensing board officials and hospital regulators, Varons willingness to buck medical norms appears undiminished.

In fact, some of his controversial statements may now receive the stamp of approval from the federal government and generate more credibility, said Dr. Jonathan Howard, a neurology professor at NYUs Grossman School of Medicine.

After nominating RFK Jr. for the top health post, Trump also selected Dave Weldon to lead the CDC. The 71-year-old physician and former lawmaker has promoted debunked claims that a preservative in vaccines is linked to autism, and has been described in news reports as an important anti-vaccine ally for Kennedy.

Trump recently chose another physician who expressed controversial views on COVID-19 to lead the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was a prominent critic of COVID lockdowns and vaccine mandates, and advocated for people to develop immunity through community exposure. His opinions were condemned by top public health officials, including the former NIH director.

It's a very dangerous time, said Howard, who recently published a book on COVID misinformation. Things are going to get worse before they get better.
By Carlos Vargas and Nelson Bocanegra

BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Wednesday that finance vice minister Diego Guevara will step into that ministry's top job, after previous minister Ricardo Bonilla resigned amid an ongoing corruption scandal.

Petro had said earlier on Wednesday he was expecting Bonilla's resignation, but that he does not think the former minister has committed any wrongdoing.

The growing scandal, which is being investigated by the attorney general's office and other entities, revolves around the alleged misdirection of resources from the national disaster management agency (UNGRD) and has been tied to various officials, including a former interior minister.

"It will be Dr. Guevara, the current vice minister, a university professor, who knows the whole effort we have been fighting," Petro told journalists after a meeting in Montevideo with outgoing Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, when asked about Bonilla's replacement.

Bonilla said in his resignation letter that he needed to "assume my defense as a citizen with my legal team, devoid of my public position, to concentrate on the process and avoid whatever damage from affecting the government's public agenda."

Bonilla added he was highly confident he would convince investigators of his innocence.

The scandal ignited earlier this year when two former UNGRD officials were accused of ties to suspicious purchases of water tankers for 46.8 billion pesos ($10.5 million), which were supposedly bought to supply remote areas of Colombia's La Guajira province with water.

The Supreme Court called on former Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco to testify in the probe, saying its investigation "begins with the hypothesis of the crimes of bribery and possible illicit enrichment."

UNGRD former deputy director Sneyder Pinilla, one of the two officials investigated, said former presidents of the senate and chamber of representatives, Ivan Name and Andres Calle, received huge sums of money to help push the president's social and economic reforms through Congress.

Both Name and Calle denied the accusations.

"I expect his resignation, not because I believe him guilty, but because they want to tear him apart for being loyal to the government's program and they want to unconstitutionally take down the government," Petro said earlier in a long posting on X.

Petro has repeatedly accused his political enemies of seeking to illegally remove him from office.

Bonilla is the second finance minister to leave Petro's government, which took power in August 2022.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra, Oliver Griffin and Carlos Vargas; Writing by Oliver Griffin and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Diane Craft and Stephen Coates)
In the U.S., having health insurance is necessary, but not sufficient to ensure access to affordable medical care.

While the U.S. lacks a universal health care system like those that exist in most other wealthy nations, most Americans over 65 are insured through Medicare. Yet many still struggle to afford care, with high out-of-pocket costs putting necessary medications and doctor visits out of reach, according to research from The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit that works to promote an equitable health care system.

These extra costs, for which Medicare beneficiaries are on the hook, make it harder for older Americans to access affordable care relative to their peers in nine other countries, the group found. Researchers compared coverage for older adults in the U.S. to health care systems in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Nearly one in four older adults in the U.S. spent at least $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses last year, compared to less than 5% of older adults in France and the Netherlands who spent that much, The Commonwealth Fund found. Only in Switzerland did older adults report spending more on health care than those in the U.S.

"The reason to focus on this population is because in the U.S. nearly every adult over 65 has Medicare," Munira Z. Gunja, senior researcher for international health policy and practice innovations at The Commonwealth Fund told CBS MoneyWatch. While the U.S. stands out as "the only high-income country without a universal health system," when it comes to the over-65 population, "at least, we are on par with other countries," she said.

Does Medicare fall short?

But the study suggests that the kind of coverage Medicare plans provide isn't meeting many Americans' needs. Eight percent of older adults in the U.S., more than any other wealthy country except Austria, reported delaying or forgoing medical care because of costs. And there are repercussions to not getting the care one needs: One-third of older U.S. adults who said they faced cost-related barriers to accessing care reported being either in fair or poor health.

"We find that while nearly every older adult has Medicare coverage, it is still more expensive than what older adults in other nations face, and because of that, older adults in the U.S. are more likely to skip care," Gunja said. "When they need prescription drugs, they are more likely to skip getting those too."

Oftentimes, for example, Medicare Advantage members find themselves seeing out-of-network doctors, which exposes them to "a ton of health care costs," according to Gunja.

One exception

There's one area in which Medicare beneficiaries faced few out-of-pocket costs and, as a result, were less likely to skip care  mental health treatment. Less than 5% of residents in all nations skipped mental health care over affordability concerns. The stat illustrates that when treatment is affordable, patients are more inclined to seek out the care they need, according to Gunja.

"It's a benefit that's offered on all health plans, and we see what happens when people don't need to spend as much on a service," she said.

Solutions?

When older people skip or delay care, their health can worsen, leading to sicker patients, who tend to require more costly care. That in turn drives up federal Medicare spending, according to The Commonwealth Fund.

Gunja suggests that the U.S. can look to other countries for solutions that make health care more affordable for older adults. Some examples include capping out-of-pocket expenses and fully covering hospital and physician services.

"Across the board, the U.S. generally comes out last for most measures when it comes to affordability measures," Gunja said. "Getting health insurance is absolutely necessary. But it's only the first step. We need to make sure coverage is not just comprehensive, but also affordable."

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FILE - Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, right, and Bushra Bibi, his wife, speak to the media before signing documents to submit surety bond over his bails in different cases, at an office of Lahore High Court in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 17, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)

ISLAMABAD (AP)  A Pakistani court on Thursday indicted imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and dozens of his associates on charges of inciting people to attack military and government installations last year, officials and his party said.

Khan pleaded not guilty when charges were read out to him in court in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, according to officials and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI. Khan and the others will go on trial under anti-terrorism laws that carry punishments up to life in prison.

PTI said that top party official Omar Ayub Khan, the current opposition leader in Parliament, also was arrested by police on Thursday. He was wanted on separate charges that included incitement of violence in the capital last week.

The indictments against Khan and the dozens of his party members stem from widespread violence on May 9, 2023 that was sparked by Khan's arrest at the time on corruption charges.

Thousands of demonstrators attacked the militarys headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, stormed an air base in Mianwali in the eastern Punjab province and torched a building housing state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.

Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but has remained the leading opposition figure, and has since then been embroiled in more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated.

Authorities say that during the May 9, 2023 riots, demonstrators targeted military installations because Khan had repeatedly blamed his removal on the United States and Pakistans military, which has ruled the country for half of its history since its independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

The U.S. government, the Pakistani military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Khan after his ouster in 2022, have denied the allegations.

A post on Khan's X account on Thursday night announced a rally Dec. 13 in the northwestern city of Peshawar to pay tribute to a dozen PTI supporters that the party says were killed by security forces during last week's march on Islamabad.

The government says six people were killed in the violence, but that none of them were PTI supporters.

Khan said on X that a five-member committee of senior PTI party leaders would be formed to demand talks with military leaders over the release of what he called political prisoners. Khan also called for a judicial commission on the violence of May 9, 2023 and of Nov. 26 of this year in Islamabad.

Khan said on X that if those two demands are not met, his party would launch civil disobedience on Dec. 14 that would start with asking Pakistanis abroad to reduce the amount of money sent back to Pakistan in remittances. That would be followed by unspecified further measures, he said.

Last week, thousands of Khan's supporters defied a police lockdown to enter the capital, Islamabad, where they clashed with police officers who used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, who was leading the protest to demand her husbands release fled the scene on Nov. 26 after officers launched their operation and has not been publicly seen since then. Police say she is hiding in the northwestern city of Peshawar, the capital of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where Khans party is in power.

Police say they are seeking the arrest of Bibi, who was recently freed on bail in a graft case.

Meanwhile, security forces in a pair of raids killed eight militants in the country's restive northwest on Thursday, the military said in a statement. It said the operations were conducted in South Waziristan and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordering Afghanistan.
Pete Hegseth, Concerned Veterans for America

President-elect Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth defended his leadership of two veteran advocacy groups Wednesday amid allegations of misconduct during his tenure.

The 44-year-old Army veteran and former head of Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America has faced allegations of drunken sexual impropriety and financial mismanagement stemming from his time running the groups, which he forcefully denied in a Wall Street Journal op-ed Wednesday.

Like veterans returning from any war, we drank beers to manage the reality of what we had faced, Hegseth wrote, referring to his time as executive director of Vets for Freedom.

But we never did anything improper, and we treated everyone with respect, he added. We had a new mission and fought for it.

Hegseth slammed media reports suggesting he ran a nonprofit advocacy group like a college frat house. Instagram/Pete Hegseth

Hegseth blamed the tactical mistake of overspending in support of John McCain during the 2008 presidential race for the reason he has been accused of mismanaging the organizations finances.

We were a bit naive, so we doubled down on our political spending at the very end, when other groups pulled back, he wrote. It was a tactical mistake, which left us in debt (like most political campaigns). But I stayed with the organization until all the debt was paid off and outstanding contracts negotiated.

After his tenure at Vets for Freedom, Hegseth served as the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America.

The secretary of defense-designate fumed that media reports have made it seem as if he ran CVA like a college frat house.

We had hundreds of employees and thousands of volunteersyet based on the anonymous accusations of a few disgruntled employees, the legacy media has made it sound as if we ran a college frat house, Hegseth wrote. Thats just untrue.

Trump tapped Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense last month. Facebook / Pete Hegseth

The Minnesota native was adamant that he was not forced out of his leadership position at CVA  as reported by The New Yorker earlier this week.

What is true is that as our organization grew, there was an internal difference of opinion about its future, Hegseth wrote. I wanted to engage in foreign policy; our donors didnt.

Eventually, the organization and I parted ways, he added. The feeling was mutual, and the organizations leadership wrote me a glowing letter when I left.

Few groups in Washington ever accomplish as much as we did, he said of his time at CVA.

Hegseth has served combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Facebook / Pete Hegseth

Hegseth is the former CEO of Concerned Veterans for America. https://www.facebook.com/ConcernedVetsForAmerica/

In his op-ed, Hegseth went on to slam the media for peddling anonymous story after anonymous story, all meant to smear me and tear me down.

Its a textbook manufactured media takedown, he wrote, defiantly noting that he looks forward to an honest confirmation hearing with our distinguished senatorsnot a show trial in the press.

Hegseths op-ed follows a report in the Wall Street Journal Tuesday indicating that Trump, 78, is considering tapping Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace his embattled pick to lead the Pentagon.

If all Senate Democrats and four Senate Republicans vote against Hegseths nomination, he would fail the confirmation vote.

A GOP source familiar told The Post Wednesday that there are currently zero Republicans who would vote against Hegseth at his confirmation hearing.
Police are closing in on a suspect in the brazen, targeted shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Wednesday morning.

New York police have searched the HI New York City Hostel in the Upper West SIde where they believe the suspected shooter was staying, according to CNN. Investigators believe the suspect checked into the hostel using a fake New Jersey ID, the New York Post reports, citing law enforcement sources.

We are fully cooperating with the N.Y.P.D. and, as this is an active investigation, cannot comment at this time, Danielle Norris, a spokeswoman for the hostels parent company Hostelling International USA, said in a statement.

Authorities have also published images of the suspected shooter in which he isnt wearing a mask.

Investigators, meanwhile, found bullet casings at the scene with the words deny, defend and depose written on them, ABC News reports. They also recovered a candy wrapper and water bottle believed to belong to the suspect. Investigators have been able to lift one smudged fingerprint from the bottle, CNN reports.

The New York Police Department released a new photo Thursday of the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson (NYPD)

The words are similar to a popular phrase in the insurance industry: Deny, delay, defend.

A 2020 book by Jay Feinman about the insurance industry bears a similar title: Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. The book describes itself as an expose of insurance injustice and a plan for consumers and lawmakers to fight back.

Feinman did not comment when contacted by The Independent.

Fingerprint and DNA tests are continuing.

Police are closing in on the suspect believed to have killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday (AP)

The New York Police Department is also urging residents to continue sending in tips. Officers searched a Long Island Railroad train on Thursday  and while it didnt turn up any evidence, they emphasized the importance of information from the public.

The train stopped. They searched the train and nothing was found, a spokesperson for the police department said. We are getting Crime Stoppers tips...Its helping. We are following up on every single tip thats come in.

The shooter had been hiding behind a car outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan for about five minutes when Thompson exited Wednesday, police said. The suspect was spotted at a nearby Starbucks on West 56th Street and 6th Avenue shortly before the shooting.

Police said Thompsons schedule for Wednesday was widely known, ABC News reports.

The shooter, who was wearing a mask, approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the right calf and back at 6:46am.

Video of the incident shows the shooter walking up behind Thompson before shooting him multiple times, then calmly crossing the street. The footage also shows there was a bystander who witnessed the shooting and ran away as the suspect fired at Thompson.

Police do not believe the shooter was a professional.

He fled on an e-bike, according to authorities.

Police described the shooter as a white man wearing a black hoodie and black pants and carrying a gray backpack. Its believed the suspect used a gun with a silencer. A food cart vendor near the scene of the shooting told NBC News that he did not hear any gunshots.

There is a $10,000 reward for information on the suspect.

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the shooter (EPA)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said police are still finding more pieces to the puzzle as of Thursday.

We feel that were moving at a steady pace, and were going to have someone apprehended, Adams said.

UnitedHealth Group, which owns the insurance company, was holding its annual investor conference Wednesday. The company canceled the event following the shooting. Thompson was scheduled to speak there at 8am.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News her husband had received threats.

There had been some threats, she told the outlet. Basically, I dont know, a lack of [health insurance] coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

She added: I cant really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and Im trying to console my children.

UnitedHealth Group was aware of concerning threats against its executives ahead of Wednesdays shooting, CNN reports, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation.

Fake bomb threats were made against two homes, one owned by Thompson and the other owned by his wife, shortly after he was murdered on Wednesday.

The two homes, which are less than a mile apart in Maple Grove, Minnesota, were targeted on Wednesday evening, The Minnesota Star-Tribune reports. The threat was sent via e-mail to multiple people who then notified police. Thompson and his wife had been living in separate homes in Maple Grove for years, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The threats were not credible and considered an instance of swatting, police said.

No devices or suspicious items were located during the investigation, a Maple Grove police spokesperson said in a statement. The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax.
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Credit: Alamy

We might not be able to measure the intelligence of dogs in the same way as humans, but they have some abilities that we certainly dont.

Take their supreme sense of smell, for example, which can not only help them sniff out the best dog food but also allow them to detect medical conditions, sometimes even saving lives, like these dogs training to detect bowel cancer . But could dogs be able to detect natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? Thats what scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour in Konstanz, Germany are trying to find out.

The researchers, led by project director Martin Wikelski, have enrolled thousands of animals into a program that involves small transmitters being fitted to mammals, birds, and insects to track their movements from a satellite in space.

The study will look at both their reactions to imminent natural disasters, the spread of diseases among breeds, and the impact of climate change and migration patterns. A previous study focusing on the slopes of Sicilys Mount Etna, an active volcano, found that goats  who are taking part in this study, too  became nervous before an eruption and would refuse to move to higher pastures.

They know beforehand what is coming. We dont know how they do it, but they do, Wikelski told The Guardian . Ultimately, we hope to launch a fleet of around six satellites and establish a global observation network that will not only provide details of wildlife movements and animal health across the planet but reveal how creatures respond to natural phenomena like earthquakes.

We dont yet know why animals behave the way they do when it comes to these sorts of natural disasters, but Wikelski suggested it could be because of the movement of tectonic plates throwing ions from the rocks into the air.

The tagging technology used in the study could help us understand why some animals travel thousands of miles each year, like those who migrate between Europe and Africa, as well as work out how animals respond to habitat changes caused by global warming.

The International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (the ICARUS Initiative), which Wikelski heads, was set to launch several years ago but stopped working with its Russian equivalent on the International Space Station due to the invasion of Ukraine. So, the team has built a new small satellite which is set to launch next year.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz discussed with ABC News President-elect Donald Trump's selections for his administration's Cabinet, the ongoing border crisis and President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter.

Cruz, a Republican, stated on Tuesday that following a conference with his fellow Senate Republicans, all of Trump's nominees for federal government positions will be confirmed.

ABC News spoke with Cruz about Trump's controversial Cabinet picks.

PHOTO: ABC News Linsey Davis spoke with Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz about President-elect Donald Trumps picks for his administrative cabinet, the border crisis and the pardoning of Hunter Biden. (ABC News)

MORE: Trump's controversial Cabinet picks raise questions about lower ethical standards

ABC NEWS: We're joined now by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz. He's also the incoming chair of the Commerce Committee. Senator, thank you so much for your time tonight.

CRUZ: Linsey, great to be with you. Thank you for having me.

ABC NEWS: You've said that you expect all of President-elect Trump's picks to get confirmed. With regard to Pete Hegseth, in particular, the nominee for secretary of defense. Just today, as you know, multiple sources told ABC News that Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about the secretary of defense job amid the allegations swirling around him. Does that give you pause that Hegseth may not ultimately be confirmed?

CRUZ: Well, listen, that'll be a decision ultimately that President Trump has to make. I will say Pete Hegseth, he's a decorated combat veteran. He served our nation. He's been deployed multiple times. He spent a lifetime fighting for our servicemen and women, fighting to defend our veterans.

And I do think he has a clear vision for bringing the Defense Department back to its core mission, for bringing it back to supporting the war fighters, for focusing on preparing and being ready to defeat the enemy if necessary, and for moving in a way from a political agenda that detracts from its core mission.

I think all of that is critical. I think that's, all of that is a priority for President Trump, and I think it's a priority for this country. Ultimately, President Trump's going to make the decision as to which nominees he puts forward.

ABC NEWS: Let's talk about Kash Patel, of course, Trump's pick for FBI director. You've called him a very strong nominee. When Trump talked about making him deputy director in 2020, then-Attorney General Bill Barr opposed the move so much he said it would only happen, quote, "over my dead body."

Patel has talked positively about the QAnon conspiracy theory. In the past, you said that he would shut down FBI headquarters. In his book, you made a list of members of the Deep State he wants to go after. Do any of these things concern you at all?

CRUZ: Well, listen, I'll say a couple of things. No. 1, if you look at Kash Patel's background, he's been a senior intelligence staffer on Capitol Hill. He's been a senior intelligence staffer in the White House. He has been the chief of staff at the Department of Defense. He's been the deputy director of national intelligence. He's someone with deep background, in addition to being a federal public defender and also a prosecutor.

So he brings a deep background to the job. But secondly, I will say the world and, in particular, the FBI and the Department of Justice are very, very different today than they were back in 2020 when Bill Barr was attorney general. And what we've seen for four years, tragically, has been the politicization and the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the FBI.

And much of the criticism that is being directed at Kash Patel, it is not that he's not qualified for the job, but rather exactly the opposite, is that his detractors are afraid he will actually do what he is committed to doing, which is to clean out the political corruption that sadly has done real damage to the FBI.

ABC NEWS: On your podcast, "The Verdict with Ted Cruz," you called the Hunter Biden pardon an absolute abuse of power. [President Joe] Biden, of course, had repeatedly said that he would not pardon Hunter Biden. Then he did exactly that. On the other hand, Trump pardoned his son-in-law's father, Charles Kushner, his former chief of staff, Steve Bannon, among others.

He's also implied he may pardon Jan. 6 defendants. Of course, presidents have long had this right. But in your estimation, at what point does a pardon become an absolute abuse of power, as you call it?

CRUZ: Well, listen, one of the clear ways it becomes an abuse of power where as here Joe Biden and the White House lied about it for a year. Joe Biden repeatedly looked in TV cameras and said, I will not pardon Hunter Biden. No, no, no. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, repeatedly said, no, no, no, zero chance of this happening. And as you noted on my podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," I predicted a year ago, in January of this year, I said in December of 2024, Joe Biden is going to pardon Hunter Biden.

I put the odds of that happening at 100%. And I said then and I still believe now Joe Biden was lying when he said that, Karine Jean-Pierre was lying when they said that. They knew they were lying and everyone listening to them knew they were lying. And I think that is a real problem when you are lying to the American people.

In my view, this pardon for Hunter Biden, of course, it is a father caring for his son. But I think at its heart it is about Joe Biden protecting Joe Biden and not wanting investigation into influence peddling and selling favors that that Joe Biden and his family have made tens of millions of dollars over the years doing exactly that.

ABC NEWS: Let's turn to an issue that many have called a crisis at the southern border. You yourself are from an immigrant family. You spent a lot of time looking at this issue, which, as you know, has plagued our country for decades. Americans have spoken loud and clear. They want the current system to be fixed. Why do we have so many people trying to enter the southern border? And what's your solution on Day One to help solve this crisis?

CRUZ: Well, I think you're exactly right that this election, I don't think there was a single issue that was more important in this election than securing our border. Should we have a mandate from the voters to secure the border? Now, you asked, how do we do that? Here's the good news: We know how to do it because we did it before. When President Trump was president before I worked hand in hand with him to secure the border.

And we achieved incredible successes in the final year of Trump's presidency. We achieved the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years. We have done it before. We'll do it again. How did this crisis happen? This crisis was deliberate. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris caused the border crisis by three decisions they made the very first week in office.

No. 1, they immediately halted construction of the border wall. No. 2, they reinstated the disastrous policy of catch and release. And No. 3, they pulled out of the incredibly successful Remain in Mexico agreement. And the result was we instantly went from the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years to the highest rate in the history of our country.

Twelve million people have come in illegally under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Here's the good news, Linsey. Everything done through unilateral executive action can be undone through unilateral executive action. So I believe on Day One, on Jan. 20 of next year, President Trump will reverse those three decisions. He will resume construction of the border wall. He will end catch and release. And he will move to reinstate the Remain in Mexico agreement.

And here's my prediction: We will see the numbers plummet and it won't take a year. It won't take six months. The numbers will plummet by January and February of next year. And then Congress will follow it up by legislating and providing serious funding to secure the border and to keep our community safe.

ABC NEWS: Sen. Ted Cruz, have a lot more questions for you, but we're out of time. I hope you come back on the show with us.

CRUZ: I look forward to it.

ABC NEWS: Thank you.

Sen. Ted Cruz on Trumps Cabinet picks, the border wall and Hunter Biden's pardon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Shawarma Ad (@alzeinshawarma via Instagram)

A restaurant in Georgia is proving that delivery  of the comedic variety  is really good for business.

On Nov. 17, Al Zein Shawarma & Grill, a Syrian restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia that serves shawarma, falafel and other Middle Eastern dishes, went viral after posting an adorably quirky ad on Instagram.

Everyone always asks me, Ashley, how do you change your tire? and I always say I dont know, and my name isnt even Ashley  its Shania, says a woman kneeling at the drivers side of a car. She gets up, shrugs and walks down the street to reveal the exterior of Al Zein.

As if performing in a well-rehearsed play, the woman then effortlessly grabs two halves of a shawarma from off-screen and holds them up.

But what I do know is, here at Al Zein, you can get shawarma, fries and sauce all for $9.99. Located in Alpharetta, she says. A mans head enters stage right and takes a chomp of the shawarma. What? Was that supposed to happen?

The clip is only 20-seconds long, but its had a huge impact, garnering 3.2 million views and thousands of supportive comments.

I love your voice tone , marketing strategy and the whole idea for the campaign, commented one Instagram user. This is brilliant.

Google says Im a 1 day and 3 hour drive from here. Seems reasonable! Ill be there! added another.

sold. AND i live in the area. amazing, wrote someone else.

Bridgestone, the tire company, even commented, No worries, Shania. You can leave the tire changing to us.

Multiple users also commented that they plan to make a special trip to try the shawarma, with some planning to drive more than an hour.

Shania Ali, the woman who stars in the ad, says that her first foray into viral fame has been thrilling, especially since she doesnt actually work at Al Zein. In fact, her very first visit to the shop was the day she filmed the video.

Seeing the positive reactions? It just made me really happy, Ali tells TODAY.com. When I ate the food, it was like, Wow, I really want other people to know about this. So Im glad that that video brought a lot of awareness to it.

We get a lot of Shania comments like, Oh my god, her confident, anxious energy is to die for. I see that a lot, Nageeb Alghoul, the director of the viral ad, tells TODAY.com.

As for how this clip was conceived, Alghoul asked Ali and Hatem Murrie  the shawarma biter  to help out by filming content for his client one afternoon. Alghoul and Ali say the viral ad was the first one they filmed  in a single take.

A lot of people are saying, I live two hours away. Im driving this weekend, Alghoul tells TODAY.com. And those same people will end up DMing us photos of them going there, leaving us a review. I had someone actually post about flying out from California to Al Zein just to try it out.

In addition to the long trips some newfound fans are taking, Ali and Alghoul both say that the local love theyve received is particularly neat.

I was looking over the numbers last week, and Al Zein has doubled their numbers in one week across seven days, which is phenomenal, Alghoul says. Were helping out a small business, and honestly, thats that.

Raghad Tarabichi, co-owner of Al Zein, says theyre thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to the ad.

Seeing people from all over metro Atlanta and the United States excited about our food and culture makes the hard work we put in every day beyond worth it, Tarabichi tells TODAY.com.

The trio  Ali, Alghoul and Murrie  plan on making more ads together in the future. Ali says, even though she hasnt yet booked her second official acting job, shes excited about the possibility of becoming the Flo from Progressive of Al Zein.

This isnt something that I did ever in my life, so seeing that I could potentially continue doing this with Nageeb is really, really nice, Ali says. I developed my friendship with Hatem and Nageeb along the way, too, so I cant complain about that, either.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Dr. Joseph Varon, then-chief medical officer at United Memorial Medical Center, gets help readjusting his face shield while working in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at on Dec. 24, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

Dr. Joseph Varon absorbed the media spotlight during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Houston doctor was one of the few who allowed reporters to shadow him as he treated patients at his small hospital, United Memorial Medical Center. The photos and videos that emerged from those visits made him known internationally as a hero who worked hundreds of days nonstop.

However, the public never received a complete picture of Varons more than 30-year career in Houston, or of his controversial views around COVID treatments.

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Where is Varon from, and where did he train?

Varon, a critical care physician, was born and raised in Mexico City, where he also attended medical school. He came to the United States in 1987 as a visiting physician at the Texas Health Institute/St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital. He continued his education in Washington D.C. and at Stanford University in California before returning to Houston to complete a residency at Baylor College of Medicine.

Why are his COVID views controversial?

Over the course of the pandemic, Varon became a more vocal proponent of ivermectin as a COVID treatment, aligning himself with well-known medical figures who had been accused of spreading COVID misinformation. Ivermectin is an effective antiparasitic drug, but multiple studies have shown it is not beneficial for COVID. Its use for that purpose has been discredited by public health authorities.

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Earlier this year, Varon became the president and chief medical officer of a medical group known as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, which continues to recommend COVID treatments for which experts say there is no meaningful supporting evidence. An analysis of one of those treatments, known as MATH+, was retracted in 2021 from a medical journal over flaws in the data.

In interviews, Varon has talked openly about his changing views of COVID vaccines, which he previously supported but now calls unsafe, contrary to established public health guidance and studies that estimate the vaccines prevented millions of hospitalizations and deaths.

Where has Varon worked in Houston?

Varon started his career in some of the most well-known hospitals in Houston throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. In 1994, he was hired as an assistant anesthesiology professor and assistant director of the surgical intensive care unit at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He later practiced at what is now Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor St. Lukes Medical Center, and he held paid and unpaid teaching positions at both Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Varon eventually moved to lesser-known hospitals in Houston that have since closed, such as Cornerstone Hospital Medical Center and United Memorial Medical Center, formerly located on Houstons Northside. Now, he primarily works out of a small office near the medical center and holds a position as a voluntary professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine.

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What has Varon accomplished?

Varons professional bio credits him with publishing hundreds of research articles and more than a dozen textbooks. He has won many prestigious awards and is considered among the top physicians in the United States, according to the bio.

However, Varons career has also been marked by repeated scrapes with hospitals, state regulators and federal authorities. He has been penalized by the Texas Medical Board twice and faced allegations of Medicare fraud in a case the federal government settled with Cornerstone hospital for $21.6 million (with the case against Varon dismissed as part of the settlement). At two different hospitals, Varon was accused of allowing unqualified medical students to work without adequate supervision, records show. Varon has denied wrongdoing in each case.

Clarification (Dec. 5, 2024, 4:45 p.m.): This story has been updated to reflect that the University of Houston removed its students from Varon's supervision in May 2024 based on student feedback, according to a university spokesperson.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday morning outside of a hotel in New York City, police said. A manhunt is underway to find the gunman, who fled the scene on a bike into Central Park.

Here is what we know so far.

Shooting appeared to be targeted attack

Thompson, 50, suffered gunshot wounds to the back and to the leg at around 6:45 a.m. ET, while outside of the Hilton Midtown hotel in a busy section of Manhattan. Police said they believe this was not a random attack, and that Thompson was targeted. Authorities are searching for a motive.

"We are deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy," a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.

Investigators have video of the shooting in which the gunman appeared to wait for Thompson for several minutes prior to firing, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a briefing. The gunman arrived at the shooting location on foot about five minutes before Thompson arrived.

The suspect approached Thompson from behind and fired the gun at least twice, striking him in the back and the right calf, according to the police commissioner. The shooter used a silencer, which is a device that acts like a muzzle to reduce the sound of a gunshot. Video shows the suspect fire the gun initially and step toward Thompson, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. The gun appeared to malfunction, but the shooter cleared the jam fairly quickly before firing again. The CEO was not robbed.

"I want to be clear. At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," Tisch said.

The commissioner said the gunman ignored multiple passersby while seemingly lying in wait for Thompson. Another person is also seen in security footage standing against the side of the building between the gunman and Thompson, but just outside of the line of fire. The gunman does not appear to move from his position facing Thompson as the person, apparently realizing there has been a shooting, looks up from their phone and hurries away.

Police did not respond directly when asked whether Thompson had known enemies prior to his death or been blamed for a health insurance recipient's lack of coverage under UnitedHealthcare  since the latter issue led to protests in Minnesota, where the company is headquartered and where Thompson lived, over the summer. They said investigators were "looking at everything," including the executive's social media, and interviewing his colleagues and family members to work out what circumstances may have led to the incident. NYPD is also connecting with law enforcement in Minnesota.

The shooting happened ahead of an investors conference that UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, was scheduled to host Wednesday morning at the Hilton, according to a spokesperson for the subsidiary. Thompson had worked for UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as its CEO since 2021.

Thompson was not a guest at the Hilton hotel, Tisch said. He had been staying at the Marriott across the street and was headed to the Hilton on Wednesday morning for the conference, which was set to begin at 8 a.m. Kenny said police had reached out to Thompson's colleagues for guidance as to why he was going early to the meeting, but suggested the CEO may have intended to help set up for the event, which UnitedHealthcare canceled after the shooting.

A senior NYPD official told CBS News the fact that the gunman got to the shooting location only minutes before Thompson indicates he knew where the CEO was staying, and when he would arrive at the conference.

Surveillance images released by the NYPD showed the suspect minutes before the shooting at a Starbucks two blocks from where it happened. Police told CBS News they found unspecified "forensic evidence" at the Starbucks and that items recovered there are being tested for possible DNA and fingerprints by the NYPD's Crime Scene Unit. According to officials with knowledge of the investigation, police recovered a coffee cup from a trash bin outside the Starbucks that they believe the suspect discarded based on surveillance video. The cup was dusted for latent fingerprints and has been sent to the NYPD crime lab for DNA testing, which was fast-tracked.

Sources said investigators were running tests on a water bottle and candy bar wrapper they believe the suspect left behind, CBS News New York reported.

Video footage obtained by CBS News appears to show the suspect walking out of a Midtown subway station at around 6:15 a.m., half an hour before the shooting. The surveillance footage was taken from a store on 6th Avenue, on the same block as the Starbucks, where the suspect was seen at 6:17 a.m.

This map shows a timeline of the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City. / Credit: CBS News

New York City Police Department officers who responded to the 911 call reporting the shooting found Thompson unconscious and unresponsive when they arrived, the NYPD said. Emergency medical services personnel transported him to Mount Sinai West, which is close by, but Thompson succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to NYPD.

At the scene, police recovered three live rounds and three discharged shell casings. The words "delay," "deny" and possibly "depose" were written on the shell casings and bullets, NYPD officials told CBS News. Law enforcement officials said they were examining whether the words relate to a possible motive, one that could potentially involve how insurance companies respond to policyholders' claims. Investigators believe they are a reference to "the three D's of insurance," which are "delay," "deny" and "defend," as coined by critics of the industry. A source briefed on the investigation said each word that appeared on the casings was meticulously written in Sharpie.

Suspect fled into Central Park

After the shooting, the suspect rode away on a bike into Central Park, authorities said at the briefing Wednesday. Police told CBS News a video canvass showed the suspect exiting the west side of the park somewhere between 70th and 80th streets. Police are examining surveillance video of what appears to be the suspect at 6:59 a.m. riding a bike on West 85th Street.

Police are examining surveillance video of what appears to be the suspect at 6:59 a.m. riding a bike on West 85th Street.

According to officials with knowledge of the investigation, police believe the suspect discarded a backpack in the park, possibly with the murder weapon inside of it, and they were searching for the backpack.

A law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told CBS News that police believe the suspect used a B&T Station SIX gun to carry out the shooting. Investigators have been visiting gun dealers in Connecticut looking for where the gun was purchased.

The New York City Police Department released surveillance images Thursday that showed the suspect in front of the Frederick Douglass Housing Project on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5 a.m. ET on the day of the shooting. The housing development is about a block from the west side of Central Park, between 100 and 101st streets.

Officials with the police department said they executed a search warrant Wednesday night at a building the suspect was seen entering earlier in the day near the Frederick Douglass houses. The department had previously said authorities were seeking a search warrant for a building in that area because officers believed the suspect had stayed there overnight before the shooting, but it was unclear whether that was the same building they eventually searched.

The suspect planned the shooting carefully, authorities said. Along with forensic testing on the items left behind at Starbucks, sources told CBS News New York the surveillance footage of him inside the coffee shop may be clear enough to run it through facial recognition software.

The NYPD released the first unmasked images Thursday of an individual wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting, asking the public for help identifying that individual. They came from a hostel in the Manhattan Valley area of the Upper West Side close to the Frederick Douglass development. A law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told CBS News the man used a fake ID with a fake name to check into the hostel.

A person briefed on the investigation confirmed to CBS News that the person of interest took a bus that originated in Atlanta to New York City days before the shooting. It is unclear when the person of interest got on the bus, whether it was Atlanta or another stop.

A surveillance photo shows a person who police say they want to question after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. / Credit: NYPD

A cellphone police said had "investigative value" was recovered in the alleyway at the scene of the shooting, and authorities are processing it forensically to see if it is connected to the shooter.

Authorities initially said the suspect used an electric Citi Bike to get away, but Lyft, which owns and operates Citi Bike, later said the NYPD informed the company a Citi Bike hadn't been used. A spokesperson for Lyft previously said the company was "ready to assist" with the investigation.

Police have not identified suspect

The suspect remained at large Thursday, despite an ongoing manhunt. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in an interview Thursday that the effort was "moving at a steady pace" and "we're going to have someone apprehended."

Authorities described the gunman as a White male, wearing a tan-colored jacket, a black face mask and black-and-white sneakers.

Sources said several hours after the shooting took place that officers were continuing to parse surveillance images and canvass the area for additional video in efforts to track down the gunman. Investigators and security at UnitedHealthcare were also reviewing files for any previous threats, or records of disgruntled or recently fired workers, as they tried to piece together a possible motive, a law enforcement source said.

"We will not rest until we arrest and apprehend the shooter in this case," Tisch said.

A witness said he was inside of his car when he heard the gunshot, CBS News New York reported. The witness recalled seeing a man running away with a gun in his hand, according to the station.

"I was looking at my phone and I hear the shot," the witness told CBS News New York. "I was shocked, it's the first time I've ever seen a crime right in front of me. Now I fear he could shoot me too."

Anyone with information about the shooting has been asked to contact the NYPD through its Crime Stoppers hotline. They can also report tips anonymously online. The police department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction.

Thompson's long history at UnitedHealth Group

Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance branch of UnitedHealth Group, in April 2021. But he was a veteran employee of the company who held a number of leadership positions over his multi-decade tenure. Before taking on this latest executive role, he served as CEO of the company's government programs, like Medicare and retirement initiatives, in addition to community and state programs that provide Medicaid and other health coverage to millions.

When he was appointed to lead UnitedHealthcare in 2021, the company said in its announcement that Thompson would be responsible for driving "continued growth across the global, employer, individual, specialty and government benefits businesses while continuing the company's focus on ensuring access to high-quality, affordable health care."

UnitedHealth Group said the company was "deeply saddened and shocked" by Thompson's death in a statement Wednesday.

"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the statement said. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

Thompson's total compensation was $10.2 million in 2023, according to UnitedHealth Group's 2024 proxy statement. His earnings topped $9.8 million in 2022 and $9.6 million in 2021, according to the company.

The executive was married and a father to two sons. His wife, Paulette Thompson, spoke out in a statement after his death.

"Brian was a wonderful person with a big heart and who lived life to the fullest," she said. "He will be greatly missed by everybody. Our hearts are broken and we are completely devastated by this news."

Recent layoffs at UnitedHealth Group

Optum, another subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group focused on patient services, is currently undergoing a series of layoffs, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. The company in September announced hundreds of job cuts in New Jersey, California and Ohio, the bulk of which were set to take effect in December. State laws in those three places required the employer to disclose the cuts, so layoffs could have theoretically been more widespread but unreported. CBS News contacted UnitedHealth Group for more information.

Industry and family reaction

Thompson's family released a statement, saying: "We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."

On Facebook, UnitedHealthcare wrote: "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association President and CEO Kim Keck wrote on Linkedin, "The news of Brian Thompson's death has shocked and deeply saddened all of us. I knew him to be a visionary leader who developed innovative ideas to take on some of the nation's greatest challenges. His death is a great loss for our country and for the health care industry. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues."

In a post on social media, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota President and CEO Dana Erickson wrote, "I cannot express enough how shocked and deeply saddened I am by the tragic death of Brian Thompson. Throughout the industry, Brian was known as a genuine and giving person who brought out the best in his teams with true authenticity and sincerity. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. His loss will be felt profoundly by many."

Pat Milton, Rich Esposito and John Doyle contributed to this article.

Tsunami warning issued after earthquake off coast of California

Damage reported after California earthquake, evacuations prompted by tsunami warnings

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Candle-lit vigils and rallies were held across South Korea on Wednesday, a nation outraged and frustrated by the presidents surprise declaration of martial law the night before called for his resignation.

Outside the National Assembly Hall in the capital Seoul, hundreds of people gathered on the steps as inside, opposition parties attempted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose six hours of martial law sent shockwaves through the country and plunged Asias fourth-largest economy into political uncertainty.

People at the rally who spoke to CNN described Yoons move  the first declaration of martial law since South Korea transitioned to democracy in the late 1980s  as insanity and an embarrassment.

For Mi-rye, 64, the short-lived decree brought back dark memories of a more painful, authoritarian past defined by mass arrests and human rights abuses.

People hold signs during a candlelight vigil to condemn South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of the martial law, which was reversed hours later, and to call for his resignation, at the national assembly in Seoul on December 4, 2024. - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

She couldnt sleep and so travelled from her home city of Paju in Gyeonggi Province, near the border with North Korea, to Seoul to stay vigilant.

After army major general Chun Doo-hwan seized power in a coup and declared martial law in the 1980s, people lived under strict curfews and anyone caught outside was taken to the Samcheong re-education camp, Mi-rye said.

Even stepping outside to smoke could get you arrested, she said. People walking on the street without their ID cards were detained. Plainclothes officers were stationed everywhere, waiting to catch people.

Under his rule, opponents were arrested, universities closed, political activities were banned and the press stifled. Nearly 200 people were killed in 1980 when Chun sent in the military to crush student pro-democracy demonstrations.

Teacher Kyung-soo, 55, told CNN that he lived near the university in Gwangju where many students lost their lives.

I grew up in an environment filled with fear, he told CNN from another candle-lit rally near the Seoul City Hall Wednesday evening. Martial law was something I felt deeply and personally. Even yesterday, I was afraid that gunshots might be fired in the National Assembly.

Kyung-soo, who also wanted to go by just his first name, says his fear stems from the actions of a government that seems disconnected from the voices of its people.

Martial law is not just a distant memory, he said.

Its a message that appears to have resonated even with those who have only known democracy in South Korea.

Protesters taking part in a march against South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol head toward the Presidential Office in Seoul on December 4, 2024. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Moon Seo-yeon is just 15 years old, but she was determined to join the rallies in Seoul on Wednesday, saying Yoons declaration of martial law was a mistake and showed a complete lack of consideration.

For Moon, the martial law decree was the latest in a litany of grievances, and she feels no progress has been made during his time in office.

During Yoons term, there have been many significant events that were either poorly handled or not addressed at all. It feels like theres been no progress, or worse, steps backward, she said.

The response to the Halloween tragedy was slow, highlighting poor political leadership, she said, referencing a crowd crush that killed more than 150 people.

I may not be old or very knowledgeable, but since the country is in a state of emergency, I want to contribute, even if its just a small effort, she said.

People protesting against South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol chant slogans as they attend a candlelight rally outside the National Assembly Building, in Seoul, South Korea, on 04 December, 2024. - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu/Getty Images

Questions have now turned to what comes next as Yoon faces growing backlash from across the political spectrum, including within his own party.

There is mounting pressure for him to resign. Protesters began marching down the center of the city Wednesday evening, calling for him to be arrested.

Six opposition parties have submitted a bill calling for his impeachment. A vote in the National Assembly is expected as early as Friday. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party said it had begun formalizing treason charge plans against the president, as well as the defense and interior ministers.

On Thursday, Yoon accepted the resignation of South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun following calls for him to be removed from office. The Defense Ministry said South Koreas ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk has been nominated as his replacement.

Mi-rye, who traveled to Seoul to take part in the rallies, said she will keep protesting until Yoon steps down.

Although there is some relief after the martial law was lifted, there is still concern that it could be re-declared,

Thats why I am here, she said.

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The unusual looks of the Cornish Rex make many people fear that Lulu has been shaved or abused

A cat owner has pleaded with people to stop rescuing her ugly as sin pet because they think it needs help.

Michelle Laver, who lives on a boat on the Grand Union Canal in Hertfordshire with Lulu, a Cornish Rex, said passers-by frequently pick up her cat out of concern for its well-being.

But Ms Laver has insisted that Lulu is just very unusual looking and does not need saving

She told BBC News: A lot of people think she has been shaved or shes abused or is a stray, despite the fact she has an [Apple] airtag, a QR code  and shes got my name on her.

A Cornish Rex breed has no fur other than 1cm-long downhair, as well as big ears and long legs.

Lulus big ears and long legs are typical of the Cornish Rex breed

Lulu climbing on a coat rack

Im not going to lie, theyre ugly as sin, Ms Laver admitted.

However, Lulus looks have given the pet new-found celebrity status amongst locals, who now take photos with her which they post on social media.

Ms Laver said friendly Lulu enjoyed this attention, which is what has often confused strangers as it made the cat look like a stray that needed rehoming.

She once had someone calling her while she was away in Australia saying they had found Lulu.

Lulus vet has also been made aware of the issue, as some people have found Lulu near the boat and tried to take the cat to a vet to find its home.

Ms Laver added: I understand it comes from caring but it gets quite stressful when Im working.

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NEW YORK -- The woman accused of sneaking onto a Delta Air Lines flight from New York City to Paris last week returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Svetlana Dali, a 57-year-old Russian National, boarded a Delta flight to return to New York from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, after a previous attempt was derailed by an outburst. She was escorted by French law enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents. The plane was greeted by police when it landed.

Dali was later arrested by the FBI and was expected to spend the night in jail before making an appearance at U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on Thursday, the bureau said.

The alleged incident at JFK

Dali, who lives in Philadelphia, is accused of sneaking past airport security and boarding a Delta flight to Paris on Nov. 26 without a boarding pass. The Transportation Security Administration confirmed it reviewed security footage showing Dali using a TSA lane for known crew members. That lane eventually merges with the general public, at which point Dali is seen mingling with a group of people getting their IDs checked before slipping by.

She did go through a body scanner, and her bag was flagged during screening for having two bottles of water, which she discarded.

Dali was discovered as a stowaway while the plane was still in midair and was taken into custody when she landed in Paris and refused entry to France.

In a statement, the TSA downplayed the security breach, saying, "This is the only reported case of unauthorized access when over 18 million passengers were screened at TSA security checkpoints during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever."

The TSA said it has opened a civil case against her.

Delta blames "deviation from standard procedures"

"Delta would like to thank French and U.S. authorities for their assistance in this matter," Delta Air Lines said in a statement. "Our review affirms that Delta's security infrastructure, as part of our Safety Management System framework, is sound and that deviation from standard procedures is the root cause of this event. We are thoroughly addressing this matter and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders. Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security."

CBS News confirmed Dali created a disruption on her return flight Saturday when authorities initially attempted to take her to the States. She was removed from that flight by French law enforcement, causing a delay of more than two hours.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside of New York City hotel

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in "targeted attack" outside New York City hotel
By Anna Voitenko and Dan Peleschuk

BUCHA, Ukraine (Reuters) - As Russian troops approached Dniprorudne in their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the city's long-term mayor Yevhen Matvieiev could have fled to safety.

Instead, he stayed behind to coordinate humanitarian aid and security for its residents as Moscow's forces occupied the southeastern Ukrainian city. Weeks later he was captured and not seen again. Last week his body was returned to Ukraine.

"Thanks to him, a large number of people were able to be rescued, freed, or moved to Ukraine-controlled territory," said Oleksandr Slobozhan, who worked with 63-year-old Matvieiev.

On Thursday, Matvieiev's body was laid to rest in Bucha, outside the capital Kyiv, after it was returned from Russian captivity with signs of having been tortured to death, Ukrainian officials said.

"Today [Wednesday] it became known that the mayor of Dniprorudne, Yevhen Matvieiev, died from torture in Russian captivity. He was kidnapped by the enemy almost 3 years ago in the Zaporizhzhia region because he provided for the community that elected him and trusted him," Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Russia's defence ministry was not immediately available for comment. Russia denies mistreating prisoners of war and those in detention.

Weeping mourners including Matvieiev's wife quietly caressed his coffin as a light snow sprinkled down from an overcast sky. His official portrait stood propped up nearby.

Matvieiev was captured in March 2022 while freeing local workers who were being held by Russian troops, said Slobozhan, head of the Association of Cities of Ukraine.

"[He] stayed with his community for the sake of his people... we hoped for his exchange, for his release," he added.

Matvieiev was among the thousands of non-combatants whom the Ukrainian government says are being held captive in Russia as its invasion grinds into its third year.

In October, Ukraine blamed Russia for the death in captivity of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who disappeared on occupied territory in August 2023.

Ukraine is also seeking the return of nearly 20,000 children it says were illegally deported to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the invasion.

Moscow has denied committing war crimes.

Marc Cools of European human rights body the Council of Europe paid tribute to the mayor's courage and determination and condemned the abduction of mayors and local officials.

"Reports of Ukrainians being detained arbitrarily by Russia's forces are shocking and numerous. They confirm a widespread use of inhuman or degrading treatment and torture," he said.

"All abductions and arbitrary detentions amount to grave human rights violations."

At least six more mayors or heads of settlements are being held in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.

"They are among thousands of Ukrainians who are not guilty of anything but have been imprisoned for years, not only since 2022, but since 2014," he said in a video address.

More than 3,700 have been returned, he added.

(Reporting by Anna Voitenko; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
By John Kruzel and Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch will not participate in an environmental case to be argued next week involving a proposed railway in Utah, the court said on Wednesday, a move that followed a call by some Democratic lawmakers for him to recuse over a possible conflict of interest.

The one-paragraph announcement made public by a court official came in a letter addressed to lawyers in the case due to be argued next Tuesday. The other eight justices will hear and decide the case.

Gorsuch decided to withdraw from participating in the case consistent with the code of conduct adopted by the court last year, the statement said, but provided no further explanation.

U.S. congressman Hank Johnson and 12 other Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Gorsuch on Nov. 21 urging his withdrawal because businessman Philip Anschutz, a former legal client of the justice, has "a direct financial interest in the outcome" of the case. The lawmakers said that the Anschutz Exploration Corporation and other companies tied to the businessman could be affected by the case.

Johnson, who has called for stiffer ethics requirements at the Supreme Court, applauded Gorsuch on Wednesday for his recusal decision, calling it "the right and honorable thing."

"It is important that the court show the public that it is not in the pocket of billionaire benefactors," Johnson added. "That said, I believe we need a system that does not just rely on individual justices to do the right thing in every case."

The court last year announced its first code of conduct for the justices amid revelations related to undisclosed luxury trips and other financial ties to wealthy benefactors, though it lacked any enforcement mechanism.

The case from which Gorsuch withdrew involves a bid by a group of counties in Utah to build a railway line to connect the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah to an existing freight rail network that would be primarily used to transport waxy crude oil.

The case tests the scope of environmental impact studies that federal agencies must conduct under a 1970 federal law called the National Environmental Policy Act, which is aimed at preventing environmental harms that might result from major projects.

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham)
Dog, Santa Hat, Animal, Animal Body Part, Animal Hair  iStock.com/HannamariaH

Chronic Wasting Disease Identified in British Columbia Deer Carcasses

Gazdag Balazs/Shutterstock.com

Four deer carcasses with chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as zombie deer disease, have been identified in British Columbia this year. This may indicate a spread of the fatal illness, which affects members of the deer family. Although CWD cannot spread to humans, it remains a significant threat to deer, elk, moose, and caribou.

To combat the spread of CWD, some government agencies and corporations have requested that hunters donate deer heads for research after harvesting. Many people have responded, with more than 3,000 samples tested in Kootenay in southeastern British Columbia. While cases of CWD are rare, its crucial to get ahead of the disease before it spreads. Find testing locations here.

Endangered Species Returns to Saudi Arabia After More Than a Century

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The Persian onager, which is listed as critically endangered, has returned to Saudi Arabia after more than 100 years. Also known as the Persian zebra or Persian ass due to its horse- and donkey-like features, the critically endangered status reflects the Persian onagers low population numbers, with fewer than 600 individuals worldwide.

The animal had completely disappeared from the wild landscape of Saudi Arabia until this year. In April 2024, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan sent seven Persian onagers to Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. The first Persian onager foal was born in the Royal Reserve recently, marking a critical milestone in Saudi Arabias mission to improve animal welfare and support conservation.

The Humane Society of the U.S. Asks Shoppers to Stop Purchasing Pets from Puppy Mills

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Pet purchases and adoptions typically increase around the holidays, with thoughts of adorable puppies or kittens delighting loved ones on Christmas morning. Because of this, though, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is warning shoppers not to purchase puppies from pet stores after three pet stores in New Jersey were linked to puppy mills in the Midwest. Puppy mills are breeding operations that often house animals in squalid conditions, surrounded in filth and refused veterinary care.

Shoppers may unknowingly support a puppy mill operation by purchasing from pet stores like Puppy Palace or Furrylicious, two New Jersey retailers known to buy from puppy mills. Additionally, many breeding operations refuse rabies vaccination and other medical care to puppies, which could harm or burden the owner. Find out more about puppy mills and how to avoid supporting them here.

The post Why You Shouldnt Purchase Puppies From Pet Stores This Holiday Season appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Elliot Eastman Facebook Elliot Eastman

Police in the Philippines are investigating reports that kidnapped American YouTuber Elliot Eastman has been shot dead.

Eastman, 26, was reportedly shot twice while resisting an abduction by gunmen on Oct. 17 in the coastal town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte province, the Associated Press and local media outlets ABS-CBN and GMA Regional TV stated, citing police sources.

AP added that police also believe he was kidnapped by four men posing as police officers and that Eastman  who is from Vermont  was dragged onto a speedboat, known locally as a banca, before it sped off.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) said a witness told them Eastman died the night of his abduction in the banca, according to GMA Regional TV.

The witness also reportedly said the abductors threw Eastman's body into the ocean, however, police are yet to find a body during their search efforts.

Philippine National Police Regional Office 9 via AP A police officer investigates an area where Elliot Eastman was reportedly abducted on Oct. 17

According to ABS-CBN, regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan said investigators received information from a relative of one of the suspects that Eastman died from gunshot wounds to his thigh and abdomen while being taken away by his abductors.

The relative also reportedly said Eastman's abductors threw his body into the ocean.

The outlet reported Sawan said the information about the YouTuber's death was corroborated by a key suspect in the abduction who was recently arrested. His sworn statement has been submitted to government prosecutors, added AP.

We are constrained to believe that he has died. All of the information that we have points to that, Sawan said per AP, but he added that without the victims body, were still leaving a little bit of hope that it may not be the case.

A search for Eastman and his abductors led to the arrest of a number of suspects, while three suspects were killed in a gunbattle with police last month, according to the outlet.

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We would like to assure the public that PRO 9 CIMTG Eastman is exhausting all available resources to arrest them, police said of the suspects, according to GMA Regional TV. PRO 9 would like to assure the public that the ongoing investigation will eventually result in the complete resolution of the case, and all perpetrators will be made accountable for this crime.

AP reported that Sawan said police had told Eastmans Filipino wife and the U.S. Embassy in Manila about his reported death.

According to Eastmans YouTube Channel, he is 26 years old and he traveled to the Philippines 18 months ago.

I came to the Philippines about a year and half ago where I met the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines, the bio on Eastmans Channel reads. Zamboanga del Norte is a recently developed area of the Philippines that was once only accessible by boat. I will be showing you my day to day life as the first and only foreigner to have ever lived here in sibuco for a long period of time. I am from the USA!

Eastman posted his last YouTube video on Oct. 15, two days before his alleged kidnapping. In the video, the social media user could been seen eating noodles and sitting in a deck chair, while other clips showed Eastman doing yoga and documenting the heavy rain in the country.

PEOPLE has contacted Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) for comment.



Read the original article on People
Work management software vendor Atlassian has signed a multi-year strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to expedite cloud transformation and deliver advanced AI and security capabilities to enterprise customers.

The SCA will help accelerate the migration of millions of Atlassian enterprise users from Atlassians data centre business  which currently generates over US$1 billion in annual revenue  to Atlassian Cloud over a multi-year timeline.

To support the scale of migrations, Atlassian and AWS will establish a Cloud Centre of Excellence to streamline complex migrations for large enterprises, which the company says will reduce migration time by up to 50 percent. This initiative will also equip specialised solution providers with cloud and AI skills to resell Atlassian Cloud offerings powered by AWS.

Speaking exclusively to ARN at the AWS re:Invent, Atlassian head of DevOps evangelism Andrew Boyagi said the collaboration would help accelerate customers migration to its cloud products.

Most of our customers are on our cloud products, but there are some complex migrations that need to happen, and so this centre of excellence is really a way of enabling some of those customers to move on to our cloud products, which are, of course, powered by AWS infrastructure.

Globally, the Australian founded software company has over 300,000 customers with millions of users from a diverse range of enterprises including Australian Super, Air France-KLM and Sun Life.
Pictured is the crew of the Polaris Dawn mission. Jared Isaacman (third from the left) was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be NASA administrator. Polaris Program / John Kraus

It wasn't quite Neil Armstrong descending the ladder of the lunar module, but Jared Isaacman, Donald Trump's pick to lead NASA, has already made history in outer space.

In September, Isaacman, a tech billionaire, became the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk. It was a breathtaking achievement for a man who has dreamed of floating through microgravity ever since he was a 12-year-old attending space camp in Huntsville, Ala. Anyone who's ever harbored such galactic ambitions would be jealous of this experience.

Yet Isaacman's milestone also had other implications. Ever since Alan Shepard became the first American in space in 1961, manned spaceflight has largely run through Houston's Johnson Space Center. Isaacman's spacewalk was, in the words of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, "a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry," but not so much for NASA, which only collected data for minor research projects from the endeavor but otherwise had no involvement.

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Whether that's an indication of what's to come if the Senate confirms Isaacman remains to be seen. Few would question Isaacman's enthusiasm for spaceflight. Unlike his two predecessors, Nelson and Jim Bridenstine, both of whom were politicians, he does have some technical expertise. In addition to his spacewalk mission, he's flown military jets and once set a world record by circumnavigating the globe in less than 62 hours.

Yet Isaacman's plans for human spaceflight and robotic missions, and his philosophy on the geopolitics of space policy, will all be under the microscope in the coming weeks. His personal and professional ties to Elon Musk  whose SpaceX Dragon capsule rocketed Isaacman and his civilian crew into the cosmos  should also garner intense scrutiny. Isaacman, for instance, owns equity in SpaceX. While federal law requires Cabinet officials to divest individual stock holdings, government watchdogs will be keeping close tabs on how SpaceX stands to benefit as a space contractor under Isaacman's leadership. Earlier this year he blasted NASA's decision to award a lunar lander contract to Blue Origin, one of SpaceX's top commercial competitors. Jeff Bezos owns Blue Origin, as well as Amazon and the Washington Post, which angered Trump by putting him in their investigative cross hairs during his first term.

For the dreamers yearning for astronauts to return to the moon and someday set foot on Mars, Isaacman has already offered hints of a vision  and it may well end up marginalizing NASA. He told the Wall Street Journal last month that he sees NASA evolving into more of a certification role than the beating heart of manned spaceflight, comparing it to the Federal Aviation Administration's purview over commercial airlines.

"The FAA doesnt build the airplanes. They dont staff the pilots that fly you from point A to B," he said. "That is the world that NASA is in, essentially."

His statement backs up reporting from the Chronicle's Andrea Leinfelder that many space policy experts expect Trump to make NASA even more dependent on the commercial sector. This could lead to a reimagining of the Artemis lunar program, which is currently scheduled for a moon mission in September 2025.

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Will Isaacman spike that mission until a commercial spacecraft is capable of completing it? He has, in the past, voiced some skepticism of NASA's Space Launch System, a rocket that's currently the only proven spacecraft that can send astronauts to the moon. Critics of the program often point to its price tag  it costs $2 billion per launch  and the fact that it's incurred significant cost overruns and delays.

Spaceflight is notoriously expensive. Trump and his pal Musk have talked a big game about making the federal government less bloated and more efficient. If the commercial aerospace industry can help do that, while still maintaining the grand vision for discovery and exploration that has always defined the American space program, we're all for it. That path was opened up by the George W. Bush administration and continued to develop under Obama, Trump and Biden. Isaacman's statement on X about his nomination included references to creating a "thriving space economy." Promising as that sounds, it would be a national security risk for the country to be overly dependent on SpaceX and Musk to reach space.

Trump's Cabinet appointments so far have been a mixed bag. His first pick for attorney general withdrew his name because of allegations that he paid to sleep with a teenager. His Secretary of Defense nominee is allegedly a serial philanderer, heavy drinker and was accused by one woman of sexual assault. But he's also tapped qualified people such as Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. His previous NASA chief, Bridenstine, was criticized initially as a political lackey but ended up widely acclaimed for energizing the agency, boosting its budget and kickstarting its ambitions to journey beyond the moon.

Isaacman's appointment has already been met with support from much of the space policy community. We're eager to hear more from him as the confirmation process unfolds. The 11,800 NASA employees based in Houston and the tens of thousands of Texans who work in the aerospace industry will be watching closely.
The UN body gave its approval yesterday recognising the traditional alcoholic beverage, the product of an ancient technique of fermenting rice and other ingredients using "koji" moulds. For makers, it is an opportunity to promote it at home and abroad. For 2026, the government wants to have "shodo" calligraphy listed.

Tokyo (AsiaNews)  Traditional Japanese knowledge and skills used in the making of sake and shochu spirits have become a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation gave their approval yesterday, recognising the ancient technique of brewing rice and other ingredients with the use of koji moulds, a unique production method that includes multiple fermentations occurring simultaneously in a single vessel.

The decision, which marks Japan's 23rd entry on the list, comes after a UNESCO advisory panel recommended its inclusion in November, Kyodo News reported. For supporters, this highlights its importance and status in Japanese culture, tradition and society.

The panel noted that sake production is essential for traditional Japanese events, like rituals and weddings, and brings together local communities.

Being listed helps sake brewers to boost exports, revitalise local economies, and pass down traditional skills to the next generations amid shrinking domestic consumption.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed the UN body's decision, saying in a statement that sake brewing is a technique that we can boast to the world.

What is more, We will hand it down to the next generation and use this chance to promote regional revitalization and expand the business overseas, he added.

The listing was eagerly anticipated by the industry, with some 20 representatives of the Sake and Shochus Makers Association gathered to watch the announcement in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan.

While the crowd clapped and cheered at the news, Masaharu Honda, the associations 70-year-old director gave a toast to celebrate with locally brewed sake. This is a cup of sheer joy," he said.

Marika Tazawa runs a travel agency that organises brewery tours with overnight stays in Nagano Prefecture (central Japan) for people who want to experience sake-making. In her view, This will be a strong encouragement for the industry. I hope it leads to more recognition and improvement in status.

The list of Japans traditionally made spirits include sake, shochu, awamori, and mirin sweet rice cooking wine.

Awamori, which is produced in Okinawa Prefecture, is regarded as Japans oldest distilled spirit. Its traditional production method dates back some 600 years, inherited from the Ryukyu Kingdom, annexed by Japan in 1879.

The formal approval at UNESCO's intergovernmental committee session in Asuncion (Paraguay) came after the Japanese government put forward sake brewing in 2022 for listing.

Japans intangible heritage also includes the performing arts Noh and Kabuki and the countrys traditional cuisine (washoku).

At present, the Japanese government is trying to have shodo calligraphy listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026, when the UN body is scheduled to hold its next biennial screening of nominations.
Although excluded from universities, Afghan women and girls could enrol in vocational schools. Now, without midwives and nurses, access to care for women becomes very complicated. When the ban was announced, the Taliban Minister of Health was in Beijing for a WHO-sponsored conference on traditional medicine.

Kabul (AsiaNews)  The Taliban have imposed a new ban on Afghan women. Already barred from university, they are now excluded from health studies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health plans to set up a department to integrate traditional medical practices after an international conference held in Beijing.

The ban was announced on Monday and applies to all public and private institutions in Afghanistan. From now on, women are not allowed to take 18 subjects, including nursing, midwifery, dentistry, anaesthesia, etc.

The decision was not made by the Ministry of Health. Taliban officials summoned dozens of managers at the start of the week, and simply told them to carry out the order of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

In the past two years, female students with a high school diploma flocked to professional schools after they were barred from university, some 35,000 students in total, local sources report.

But one manager quoted by AFP wonders, What are we supposed to do with just 10 per cent of our students?

The decision creates a huge gap in the health sector, especially in nursing and midwifery, already struggling because of major staffing problems.

Since the Taliban took over, men are not allowed to treat women, who can only be visited by a woman. Afghan girls who go to school can only study until the age of 12.

Women are banned from all jobs that require contact with the public, and cannot travel alone or be in open spaces with men. They cannot even speak too loudly.

For international observers, the situation is one of gender apartheid. Even a Pakistan-based Pashtun organisation criticised it. Most Taliban are ethnic Pashtun.

The Taliban's decision will aggravate an already precarious situation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 620 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Polio cases are also on the rise; 17 new cases were reported from July to early November, an increase of 238 per cent over 2023, WHO reported.

Health experts warn that, as a result of policy changes, the current vaccination campaign is unable to reach children, especially those of younger age and girls.

While health workers, especially women, went house to house until mid-2024, now families are being asked to bring their children to a clinic, a major complication since mothers, although the main caregivers for infants, cannot move or come into contact with men outside their family.

When the ban was announced, the Taliban Minister of Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, was in Beijing until yesterday for the WHO-sponsored World Conference on Traditional Medicine; in the Chinese capital, he also visited the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Influenza Centre.

At the conference, he called for closer bilateral cooperation between China and Afghanistan, as well as integration of traditional medicine into health practices already in place. To this end, his ministry just set up a department for traditional medicine, tasked with formulating guidelines to regulate the sector.
A Cambodian court sentenced the women to four years in prison, with two years suspended. For the Cambodian government, they were involved in human trafficking, while for the Philippine embassy they are victims. It is unclear what fate awaits the children once they are born. In the past Cambodia forced dozens of surrogate mothers to raise the children, initially intended for other couples.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Thirteen Philippine women have been convicted of human trafficking in Cambodia. Local authorities say they have overwhelming evidence showing that the women planned to sell the babies to third parties.

The Embassy of the Philippine in Cambodia announced that it would continue to provide legal assistance to women, who were sentenced by the Kandal Provincial Court to four years in prison, with two years suspended.

The women are currently at a medical facility under police control, and will not start to serve their sentences until the end of their pregnancy. The fate of the unborn remains uncertain. The case is special because surrogate mothers usually remain in their own country.

After the arrest, Nicholas Felix Ty, undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Justice, said that the women themselves are "victims of human trafficking". Cambodian Interior Minister Chou Bun Eng disagrees, holding the women responsible.

Four Vietnamese women and seven other Philippine women were also taken into custody, but, since they are not pregnant, they were deported. All had all been found during a police raid on 23 September in a villa near the capital Phnom Penh.

Later, a police spokesperson explained that the women were inseminated in Thailand.

Even though surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia and in other Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand, the practice continues to be widespread in the region due to lower costs over other regions of the world.

According to AFP, some Chinese couples pay between US$ 40,000 and US$ 100,000 to arrange for a Cambodian woman to carry their child.

In 2017, an Australian nurse who ran a surrogacy clinic in Cambodia was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The following year, 32 mothers accused of human trafficking were released on the condition they raise the children themselves.
Galian, who took up her current post one month ago, played down the fact that the Constitutional Reform Council has still not started working on the document.

For some reason, the process has slowed down, she told journalists. I hope that in the near future we will manage to give new impetus to those reforms.

The objective is to have a new draft constitution within the defined time frame, and we will do that, she said.

The council was formed by Pashinian in 2022 with the initial aim of proposing amendments to the current Armenian constitution. The premier changed the ad hoc bodys mandate in May this year, saying that it must draft a new constitution from scratch before January 2027. The move came as the Azerbaijani leaders continued to make the signing of a peace treaty with Armenia conditional on a change of its constitution which they say contains territorial claims to Azerbaijan.

Baku specifically wants Yerevan to remove a constitutional preamble that mentions Armenias 1990 declaration of independence, which in turn cites a 1989 unification act adopted by the legislative bodies of Soviet Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. The only legal way to do that is to enact an entirely new constitution through a referendum.

While denying opposition claims that he is bowing to the Azerbaijani pressure, Pashinian has sent mixed signals about his readiness to accept Bakus demands. He rejected those demands on November 13 only to step up his criticism of the 1990 declaration the next day.

Galian would not say whether she thinks the new constitution should also mention the declaration. Nor did she give possible dates for the next session of the council.

The government panel was headed by former Justice Minister Grigor Minasian until his resignation more than two months ago. Galian automatically became its new chairwoman following her ministerial appointment.

Minasian said in August that the referendum on the new constitution will likely take place in 2027, after the next parliamentary elections due in June 2026. Daniel Ioannisian, a civic activist sitting on the council, suggested late last month that it may well be held later.
The deep-rooted hatred of the Azerbaijani people in Armenian society, dreams of a greater Armenia, territorial claims to Azerbaijan still enshrined in the Armenian constitution, and the rapid arming of this country hinder the establishment of a lasting peace, Aliyev said, addressing a conference in Baku sponsored by his administration.

The official purpose of the forum was to discuss mechanisms for the return of Azerbaijanis to their historical homeland which Baku says covers much of modern-day Armenia. Aliyev regularly describes it as Western Azerbaijan.

In his address, Aliyev said that Yerevan must begin negotiations with the community of Western Azerbaijan on its members dignified return to their ancestral lands. He said nothing about the right of return of Nagorno-Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population that fled region following Azerbaijans September 2023 military offensive. Nor did he mention a draft peace treaty discussed by Baku and Yerevan.

Speaking in the Armenian parliament on Wednesday, Pashinian expressed hope that the treaty will be signed soon despite Bakus preconditions.

In essence, 90 percent of the work has been done, and all that remains is to make the final effort and sign the peace treaty, he said.

In order to facilitate its signing, Pashinian went on, the Armenian side has proposed a very realistic solution to the thorny issue of transport links between the two countries and, in particular, an Armenian transit route for Azerbaijans Nakhichevan exclave.

Aliyev has repeatedly made the signing of the peace treaty conditional of a change of Armenias constitution. He has also voiced other demands, including the one related to Western Azerbaijan.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in October that Aliyevs talk of Western Azerbaijan amounts to territorial claims and may be a prelude to another assault on Armenia. Other officials in Yerevan have also claimed that Baku may be planning to launch the military aggression after hosting the COP29 climate summit in November.

Late last month, Pashinian was accused by his domestic critics of legitimizing Aliyevs Western Azerbaijan narrative after drawing parallels between it and Armenians common reference to parts of moder-day eastern Turkey populated by their ancestors until the 1915 genocide as Western Armenia.

Those areas had for centuries accounted for most of the territory of ancient Armenian kingdoms before being incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. Their indigenous population was forcibly deported and/or massacred by the Ottoman Turks during the First World War.

Pashinians critics maintain that his broader appeasement policy is only encouraging Aliyev to demand more Armenian concessions and will not bring real peace.
5 December 2024 15:05 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Today, December 5, marks the remembrance of a brutal chapter in history: the forced deportation of Western Azerbaijanis during the years 1987-1991. This tragedy was not an isolated event but part of a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing spanning over a century. For Western Azerbaijanis, the violation of their rights and displacement from their ancestral lands in present-day Armenia is a deep wound that reflects the broader challenges of cultural erasure, historical revisionism, and injustice.

The roots of this tragedy trace back to the early 19th century when Tsarist Russias annexation of the South Caucasus disrupted the demographic balance. Armenian migration to these lands was actively encouraged, which led to increased pressure on the indigenous Azerbaijani population. The first mass deportation occurred between 1905 and 1920, coinciding with the Armenian-Azerbaijani clashes. Efforts by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic to resist this displacement were thwarted by Bolshevik Russias overt support for Armenian claims.

The second wave of forced deportation took place between 1948 and 1953, driven by Stalins policies. Officially framed as resettlement, this wave was rooted in paranoia over Azerbaijani-Turkish connections. Stalin sought to sever cultural and familial ties by relocating Azerbaijanis from Armenia to Azerbaijan under harsh conditions, leading to countless deaths.

The third and most devastating deportation unfolded between 1988 and 1991 during Armenia's aggressive push for ethnic homogenization. In just a few years, more than 250,000 Western Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homeland. The armenization of Azerbaijani cultural landmarks, systematic name changes, and the destruction of historical sites intensified during this period. Tragically, many victims did not survive the journey to safety, perishing due to harsh conditions and inadequate support.

Despite the trauma of displacement, Western Azerbaijanis have sought peaceful dialogue and advocated for their right of return under international law. This stands in stark contrast to Armenia's persistent policies of exclusion and cultural erasure. For example, Azerbaijan extended multiple assurances during and after the 2020 Patriotic War, affirming that Armenians could continue to live in Garabagh peacefully. Even the same occurred during Azerbaijan's anti-terror measures back in September 2023. It is crucial to emphasize that, unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has unequivocally stated at the highest government levelsboth during and after these operationsthat Armenians are fully welcome to live in Garabagh. In stark contrast, the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly failed to demonstrate a humanitarian approach for reconciliation or dialogue regarding the return of Western Azerbaijanis since its declaration of independence. Neither the previous government nor the current one has taken responsibility.

As President Ilham Aliyev stated during his address at the Second International Conference on The Right to Return, this is purely a human rights issue:

"The goal of the [Western Azerbaijan] Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe, and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives. It is extremely important that the international community should support the peaceful initiatives of members of the Western Azerbaijan Community in accordance with international law to ensure their right of return to their native lands.

In addition, the scale of cultural destruction inflicted by Armenia is staggering. Over 2,000 place names in Western Azerbaijan were altered by Soviet and Armenian authorities. Azerbaijani cemeteries, mosques, and historical landmarks were systematically destroyed. The Blue Mosque, a prime example of Azerbaijani Islamic architecture, has been deliberately misrepresented as Persian heritage. These actions represent an attempt to rewrite history and erase the cultural identity of Western Azerbaijanis.

In his address at the Second International Conference on The Right to Return, President Ilham Aliyev provided powerful insights into the ongoing plight of Western Azerbaijanis:

"In the aftermath of particularly horrific deportations in 19181921, 19481953, and 19871991, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were driven from their ancestral homeland and sought refuge in Azerbaijan. As a result of those atrocious deportations, not a single Azerbaijani remained in Armenia, which became a mono-ethnic state. Armenia has destroyed the cultural heritage created by our people in Western Azerbaijan over thousands of years  historical sites, graveyards, mosques, and settlements  and has caused immense damage to the Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq, recognized by UNESCO as part of the universal cultural heritage. Among these historical and cultural sites, only the Blue Mosque has survived. However, Armenia is trying to deliberately alter the original historical and architectural style of the Blue Mosque and present it under a different name. Such destructive steps are nothing short of intolerance and racism."

The head of state also touched upon the issue of the return of the West Azerbaijan Community to its ancestral lands, stressing that Armenia should take decisive steps in this direction. President Ilham Aliyev also noted the sinister goals of Armenia's rapid armament in recent days. The head of state also noted that this is a direct threat to peace in the South Caucasus region.

Unfortunately, the deep-rooted hatred towards our people in Armenian society, the myths of a greater Armenia, the territorial claims against Azerbaijan still embedded in the Armenian constitution, and the rapid armament of this country hinder the lasting peace between the two countries, the President said.

According to the Azerbaijani President, Armenia is trying to deliberately portray the activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community as a threat to its territorial integrity. "However, the goal of the Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The fact that Armenia labels the Communitys activities as a threat represents an attempt to distort the true essence of the issue and deny the right of return enshrined in international law, the Azerbaijani President noted.

Finally, as a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Armenia bears legal responsibility for the deportations and cultural destruction it facilitated. Yet, the international community, which often voices concerns over human rights, remains largely silent on the plight of Western Azerbaijanis. The worlds selective outrageloud for some crises but muted for othersunderscores the urgent need for justice and accountability.
President-elect Donald Trump said he supported abortion exceptions in cases of rape, incest and protecting the life of the mother. But will Democrats push for a federal override of Texas abortion law? Eric Gay/Associated Press

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, Democratic lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates have maintained a clear strategy: Win a more progressive Democratic trifecta in 2024, eliminate the Senate filibuster, and pass comprehensive federal protections. When reporters asked about contingency plans  particularly given polls suggesting full Democratic control was unlikely  such questions were dismissed, cast as premature or defeatist.

But reproductive rights organizations are doubtful. "We are not willing to compromise when it comes to our ability to make decisions about our bodies, lives and future," Gretchen Borchelt, of the National Women's Law Center (NWLC), said on a press call the day after the election. What is the compromise that would provide relief for Amber Nicole Thurman's family who's grieving her every single day?" added NWLCs president Fatima Goss Graves, referring to a patient who died from sepsis after being denied care.

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Vox asked six major advocacy groups if they would consider pushing for new federal protections under a Republican-led Congress, be it for IVF, birth control or abortion. Most avoided giving a direct answer, instead directing the conversation to Republican accountability and the harm caused by abortion bans.

The stance reflects a deeper calculation: that accepting anything less than people deserve  meaning access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care for any reason  would legitimize restrictions and undermine the broader fight for bodily autonomy. When asked about pursuing partial protections versus holding out for more Democrats, groups choose waiting.

Despite the Biden era's surprising bipartisan deals on thorny issues from gun control to climate change, there were never similar attempts to forge bipartisan compromise on reproductive rights. When a small group of Republican and Democratic senators introduced legislation in 2022 to codify elements of Roe, abortion rights groups quickly rejected the idea, arguing in part that it did not go far enough. Even on issues like IVF and birth control, where Republican support seemed possible, there were no serious efforts to find common ground.

Still, polling suggests potential political opportunities. About 80 percent of voters say protecting contraception access is "deeply important" to them, and 72 percent of Republican voters had a favorable view of birth control. IVF is even more popular: 86 percent of Americans think it should be legal, including 78 percent of self-identified "pro-life advocates" and 83 percent of evangelical Christians. Americans' support for abortion rights has intensified since the fall of Roe, and this reality shaped some Republicans rhetoric on the campaign trail. Newly elected Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick ran on a platform of fighting restrictions on fertility treatments and proposing a $15,000 tax credit for IVF.

Some policy strategists have suggested that, regardless of Republican sincerity, Democrats and abortion rights groups might benefit from pushing votes on new IVF and birth control bills, even if they offer limited protections or codify certain provisions that advocates oppose.

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Such moves could either win new concrete protections or expose Republican resistance. But Democratic leadership and abortion rights groups for now seem uninterested in this approach, preferring to maintain pressure for comprehensively restoring rights.

Despite abortion rights proving less galvanizing in the most recent election than Democrats had hoped, reproductive rights groups are betting that voter attitudes will shift as restrictions continue. Currently, 28 million women, plus more trans and nonbinary people of reproductive age, live in states with abortion bans.

"We have no interest in shrinking our vision," Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, said, "but the politicians who will soon govern a majority pro-abortion country would do well to expand theirs."

In an interview with Vox, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said she will work with anyone in Congress who wants to collaborate in good-faith to protect abortion rights, but stressed that as Democrats move into the minority, the onus will be on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate with them in a serious way.

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Smith's view captured the movement's current predicament: We have been saying for several years after Dobbs that the way to protect people's access to abortion is to win elections for people who are willing to protect those rights. And that didn't happen, so there is no magic solution here.
5 December 2024 20:07 (UTC+04:00)

by Ulvi Nariman

The recent dismissal of Michel Barnier as French Prime Minister, following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, has marked a significant turning point in France's political landscape. While this development underscores Emmanuel Macron's dwindling influence, it also sheds light on the trajectory of French foreign policy under his administrationparticularly in relation to Azerbaijan.

Barnier, a close ally of Macron, has been a prominent figure in shaping Frances pro-Armenian stance. His ties to the Armenian lobby, as well as his controversial visits to Garabagh during Azerbaijans territorial occupation, highlight his unwavering alignment with separatist factions. In 2021, for instance, Barnier, accompanied by former presidential candidate Valerie Pecresse, illegally traveled to Garabagh and held meetings with separatist leaders, overtly supporting their cause.

Macron-Driven Policy: He might be next!

At the heart of the Paris-Baku tension lies Macron himself. As Frances president, he holds the ultimate authority in defining foreign policy and forming governments. His administrations consistent pro-Armenian stanceexemplified by Barniers actionshas alienated Azerbaijan and created a strained bilateral relationship. Even with Barniers dismissal, expectations for a shift in foreign policy remain unrealistic, given Macrons overarching influence.

The current situation reflects deeper systemic issues in Macrons leadership. The no-confidence vote against Barniers government follows the dissolution of parliament earlier this year, marking another political debacle for the president. Critics, including Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Front party, have not held back in pointing fingers at Macron, calling for his resignation. Le Pen emphasized that the crisis is emblematic of Macrons seven years of failed leadership, which has left France grappling with instability both domestically and internationally.

In the big picture, Barnier's replacement is unlikely to lead to a significant change in policy. Macrons administration has consistently used its platform in international organizations, including the EU, to criticize Azerbaijan. Barniers close relationship with the Armenian lobby only amplified this trend, solidifying Frances role as a key advocate for Armenian interests.

Barniers actionsincluding his illegal visits to Garabagh and overt support for separatist leadershave left an indelible mark on Azerbaijan-France relations.

The political turmoil surrounding Barniers dismissal not only signals Macrons weakening grip on governance but also raises questions about Frances strategic direction. Macrons inability to stabilize his government or foster effective diplomacy has placed France in a precarious position on the global stage. As the French leader faces mounting domestic criticism, the implications of his policiesboth at home and abroadcontinue to reverberate.

With Barniers departure, France must navigate its way through a period of uncertainty, one that could redefine its relations with Azerbaijan and reshape its foreign policy priorities. However, as long as Macron remains at the helm, a substantial shift appears unlikely!
5 December 2024 13:42 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Cooperation in the financial sector between Azerbaijan and Turkiye was highlighted during a meeting between Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov and Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagchi.

Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Finance, that the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration within financial, economic, regional, and international institutions. Special emphasis was placed on advancing mutual interests through platforms such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank.

Both parties underscored the significance of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, reflecting the strong ties between the two brotherly nations.
5 December 2024 11:23 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimov has received the newly appointed Ambassador of Yemen to Azerbaijan Mohammad Saleh Tareeq, Azernews reports citing the ministry.

Adil Karimov congratulated the diplomat on the occasion of his commencement of duty in Azerbaijan and wished him success in his endeavors. He pointed out that Azerbaijan, being a part of the Islamic world, values cooperation with Muslim countries.

The minister stressed that the culture is an important means to build bridges between peoples. A legal framework should be established for cooperation in the field of culture between Azerbaijan and Yemen. The Azerbaijani side is ready to take steps in this direction.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, the Ambassador Mohammad Saleh Ahmed Tariq expressed his satisfaction with his role as a diplomat in Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that he would spare no effort in fostering relations between the two countries in various fields, including culture.

During the conversation, ideas were exchanged about the education of Yemeni youth in the field of arts in Azerbaijan, and gaining experience in areas such as libraries, museums, and the preservation of cultural heritage, among others.
5 December 2024 14:05 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted an enchanting chamber music concert, Azernews reports.

This concert was part of the "Music in the Museum" project, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry in partnership with the Azerbaijan National Art Museum.

During the concert, soprano Farida Mammadova and pianist Yulia Karimova introduced their new initiative called "Meridians," curated by renowned photographer Agdes Baghirzade.

The "Meridians" program presents a variety of musical works from different countries, showcasing the rich contrasts in character and emotion within the music.

The audience enjoyed a selection of works from Scandinavian composers like Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius, whose melodies and harmonies created a calm and reflective atmosphere.

In contrast, the fiery Spanish rhythms and folk influences from composers such as Manuel de Falla and Javier Montsalvatge brought a vibrant energy to the performance.

This blend of musical styles left memorable impression on all who were present.

Founded in 1937, the National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe.

Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush.

The museum has successfully organised and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries.
5 December 2024 12:41 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A press conference has been organized on the occasion of the opening of the Italian Cuisine Week, which kicks off in Baku from December 4 to 10, Azernews reports.

The Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Luca di Gianfrancesco, stated at the press conference that the opening of the event coincided with a remarkable occurrence.

"It is gratifying that all this is happening against the backdrop of an active process to support the candidacy of Italian cuisine for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This heralds the global recognition of Italian cuisine. The Italian Cuisine Week contributes to the further deepening of relations between the two countries," the ambassador said.

The Director of the Italian Trade Agency, Andrea Maccanico, outlined that Azerbaijan is Italy's number one partner.

"If we look at the statistics for the 10 months of imports from Italy to Azerbaijan, there is a 10 percent increase. And over the last three years, the overall growth has been more than 15 percent," he added.

The director announced that as part of the Italian Cuisine Week, a master class will be held featuring Chef Berton.

Andrea Maccanico also mentioned that next week meetings will be organized between Azerbaijani businessmen and Italian entrepreneurs.

Chef Berton said that it is a great honor for him to represent Italian cuisine in Azerbaijan.

"I had the idea to use Azerbaijani products in the culinary presentations that I will conduct during these days. As we know, Azerbaijan is a producer of high-quality saffron. In my opinion, it would be a good idea to add Azerbaijani saffron to risotto. We are also thinking of a new soup recipe. The main ingredient of the dish will be Azerbaijani caviar," the chef concluded.
5 December 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Baku hosts the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijani Community on the topic "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia," Azernews reports.

Over 101 representatives from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced removal of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right to return, the restoration of their cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this area.

It should be noted that December 5 is the commemoration day of the deportation of West Azerbaijanis in 1987-1991. A similar international conference was held last year on this day. More than 100 representatives from 44 countries participated in the international conference dedicated to the topic "Ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: global context and fair solution".
5 December 2024 10:10 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev has sent an address to the participants of the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

Azernews presents the address of the President.

"Dear conference participants!

I welcome you to the Second International Conference on The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia, organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community in Baku.

More than 120 million people around the world have currently faced the problem of forced displacement, and an effective solution to this problem is impossible without the united efforts of the international community.

The Azerbaijani people, too, have endured the problem of displacement since the beginning of the last century. The Azerbaijanis living in Western Azerbaijan, within the territory of the present-day Armenia, were subjected to ethnic cleansing and forcibly expelled from their historical homeland in stages. In the aftermath of particularly horrific deportations in 19181921, 19481953 and 19871991, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were driven from their ancestral homeland and sought refuge in Azerbaijan. As a result of those atrocious deportations, not a single Azerbaijani remained in Armenia, which became a mono-ethnic state.

Armenia is doing everything in its power to deny that the Azerbaijani people have lived and created a rich cultural heritage in their ancestral lands for centuries. Armenia has destroyed the cultural heritage created by our people in Western Azerbaijan over thousands of years  historical sites, graveyards, mosques, and settlements, - and has caused immense damage to the Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq, recognized by UNESCO as part of the universal cultural heritage.

Among these historical and cultural sites, only the Blue Mosque, one of the most striking examples of Azerbaijani architecture and Islamic culture, has survived. However, Armenia is trying to deliberately alter the original historical and architectural style of the Blue Mosque and present it under a different name. Such destructive steps aimed at distorting and rewriting the history and cultural landscape of the region are nothing short of intolerance and racism.

Armenia did not stop there and escalated its actions to military aggression against Azerbaijan, occupying its territories, committing ethnic cleansing, destroying and plundering cities and villages, and contaminating our lands with countless mines.

The people of Azerbaijan never came to terms with this injustice and tried to convey their voice of truth to the world. The Patriotic War, which culminated in Azerbaijans glorious victory in 2020, created the opportunity for our compatriots expelled from Karabakh and East Zangezur to return to their homeland. Azerbaijans war of justice stands as a triumph of the rule of international law and an enormous contribution to the solution of the problem of forced displacement on a global scale. The implementation of the State Program on the Great Return is progressing successfully in the liberated territories.

Unfortunately, the deep-rooted hatred towards our people in Armenian society, the myths of a greater Armenia, the territorial claims against Azerbaijan still embedded in the Armenian constitution, and the rapid armament of this country hinder the lasting peace between the two countries.

Armenia is trying to deliberately portray the activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community as a threat to its territorial integrity. However, the goal of the Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The fact that Armenia labels the Communitys activities as a threat represents an attempt to distort the true essence of the issue and deny the right of return enshrined in international law.

The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives. Armenia has to embark on negotiations with the Community and take tangible steps to restore the fundamental rights of Western Azerbaijanis. In addition, Armenia has to allow a UNESCO fact-finding mission to monitor the situation regarding the destruction and distortion of the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people and be open to cooperation in this area.

It is extremely important that the international community should support the peaceful initiatives of members of the Western Azerbaijan Community in accordance with international law to ensure their right of return to their native lands. Initiatives based on the successful implementation of the Concept of Return will make a great contribution to the peaceful, safe and dignified return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands.

I wish success to the conference dedicated to safeguarding the rights of thousands of people of Western Azerbaijani origin who were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands at various times and are currently settled in Azerbaijan and a number of countries around the world. I am convinced that this international conference, which will communicate to the international community the truth about the deportations the Azerbaijani people have been subjected to from time to time, will become an important platform of international dialogue and exchange of views on the right of return and the global problem of displacement in the near future."
5 December 2024 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives."

Azernews reports that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said this in his letter to the participants of the Second International Conference on The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia.

In his letter of address, the President added: "Armenia has to embark on negotiations with the Community and take tangible steps to restore the fundamental rights of Western Azerbaijanis. In addition, Armenia has to allow a UNESCO fact-finding mission to monitor the situation regarding the destruction and distortion of the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people and be open to cooperation in this area.

President Ilham Aliyev also mentioned the role of the international community and institutions and their support for the Western Azerbaijan Community to return to their home country.

It is extremely important that the international community should support the peaceful initiatives of members of the Western Azerbaijan Community in accordance with international law to ensure their right to return to their native lands. Initiatives based on the successful implementation of the Concept of Return will make a great contribution to the peaceful, safe and dignified return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands, the President said.

I wish success to the conference dedicated to safeguarding the rights of thousands of people of Western Azerbaijani origin who were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands at various times and are currently settled in Azerbaijan and a number of countries around the world. I am convinced that this international conference, which will communicate to the international community the truth about the deportations the Azerbaijani people have been subjected to from time to time, will become an important platform of international dialogue and exchange of views on the right of return and the global problem of displacement in the near future, the President emphasized.
5 December 2024 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Thailand, Azernews reports.

"Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, I am pleased to convey my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Your Majesty and, through you, to the entire Thai people, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan.

The opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Bangkok in 2024 is a clear testament to the advancement of our bilateral relations into a new phase. I firmly believe that, in the best interests of our friendly nations, we will continue to successfully pursue joint efforts aimed at strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest and expanding our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On this joyful occasion, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and to the friendly people of the Kingdom of Thailand, continued well-being and prosperity," the letter reads.
5 December 2024 16:07 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, on December 5, during the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Azernews reports.

According to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions covered bilateral cooperation prospects, Finland's upcoming OSCE chairmanship, and regional dynamics in the post-conflict period.

Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted Azerbaijan's achievements in combating climate change during its COP29 chairmanship and emphasized the country's efforts to advance its climate action agenda. He also detailed the regional situation, focusing on demining efforts and the normalization process with Armenia.

"Despite significant progress, including agreements on many provisions of the peace treaty and advancements in border delimitation, Armenias territorial claims in its Constitution and legislative acts hinder the normalization process," Bayramov noted.

The Azerbaijani minister expressed support for Finland's OSCE chairmanship in 2024, stressing the importance of abolishing outdated OSCE institutions tied to the past Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict to enhance the Organization's effectiveness.

Both sides also exchanged views on other regional issues of mutual interest.
U.S. export controls may accelerate China's push to localize chip industry: analysts

Xinhua) 09:46, December 05, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The latest round of U.S. export controls aimed at curtailing the semiconductor industry in China will likely produce only a limited immediate effect and in the long run fuel the country's efforts to enhance self-sufficiency instead, analysts said.

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security announced earlier this week stricter controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment and memory chips to China, with 136 Chinese entities added to its Entity List -- marking an escalation in the U.S. strategy to restrict China's access to critical technology.

While the U.S. government has tightened export controls on China's semiconductor industry over the past years, the new measures appear to be more aggressive, analysts said.

A Ping An Securities research note said the restrictions were more far-reaching than previous rounds as they extend beyond leading chip design and equipment companies to a broader swath of the supply chain, including high-bandwidth memory components and electronic design automation (EDA) software.

However, experts and industry insiders rejected any significant immediate impacts.

Market expectations for these restrictions have already been priced in, CITIC Securities researchers Xu Tao and Wang Ziyuan said, adding that companies have been stockpiling critical components and diversifying supply chains away from the United States.

The U.S. move could ultimately speed up China's push toward domestic alternatives, a process that may take root over the long term, they said.

Several targeted companies have voiced confidence despite the U.S. restrictions, citing their preparedness and focus on R&D.

Hwatsing Technology, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, said in a statement that it has always prioritized the R&D of core components and established a stable supply chain. Empyrean Technology, an EDA software provider, said that its technology, based on proprietary patents, can ensure independent and reliable operation, and it pledged to "seize the opportunity to expedite the localization of full-process EDA tools."

The United States has been seeking to impede China's semiconductor development. However, rather than weakening China's capacity, the related export controls and technology restrictions have only disrupted the global supply chain and jeopardized the world's benefits at large.

All economies are interdependent in the global semiconductor industry, according to the Global Value Chain Development Report 2023, compiled with the participation of the World Trade Organization.

Semiconductors are produced along a complex and highly globalized value chain, the report said. "As companies in different regions specialize in distinct value-adding segments, a typical semiconductor production process involves most, if not all, of the major economies and the products may cross borders 70 times."

Given the highly globalized semiconductor industry, the U.S. abuse of regulatory measures severely hinders normal economic and trade exchanges among countries, undermines market rules and the international economic and trade order, and poses a serious threat to the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, China's Ministry of Commerce said.

The ministry highlighted that the global semiconductor industry, including U.S. companies, has been severely affected.

Analysts believe the U.S. attempt to fragment the global semiconductor industry and impair China's semiconductor strength will on the contrary lead to a stronger domestic industry in China.

China's vast and rapidly-growing market demand will offer enough momentum for the localization of chip design and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, the "In China, for China" strategy of some foreign semiconductor businesses will also reinforce the trend, said a CITIC Securities report.

Major industry associations in China's semiconductor, automotive, internet and telecom sectors have issued statements to encourage the use of chips produced in China by both domestic and foreign firms.

The calls are expected to exert a guiding and leading influence in promoting localization, CITIC Securities analysts said.

China has remained the largest semiconductor market globally in recent years, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the world's total. Government supportive policies from tax incentives to talent cultivation programs have helped the industry survive and thrive despite U.S. restrictions.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
FILE - Products advertised as containing synthetically derived delta-8 THC are offered for sale at a smoke shop in north Seattle on Feb. 25, 2022. Gene Johnson/AP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks to representatives of the Public Utility Commission of Texas on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer An example of medical THC gummies. MysteryShot/Getty Images Leutenant Governer Dan Patrick makes a statement during opening remarks of the Texas Power Grid Investment Summit, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addresses the jurors on the rules before hearing closing statements on the ninth day of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment trial in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Sam Owens/Sam Owens/Pool via San Antonio E

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said late Wednesday that banning THC products would be a top priority in the state legislature next year, a move that could shutter dozens of marijuana-adjacent businesses across the state.

Patrick, who presides over the state Senate, said he would clear the path for lawmakers to prohibit all forms of consumable tetrahydrocannabinol when lawmakers return in January. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Texas, but the state opened the door to THC varieties that can still produce a high when it legalized hemp in 2019.

Patrick argued in a statement that the 2019 law had been taken too far, leading to the proliferation of products with higher levels of THC, the main compound in cannabis that produces a high.

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READ MORE: Senate Commitee weighs hemp regulation challenges weeks after Houston THC business owners charged

Retailers exploited the agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public and made them easily accessible, Patrick said.

The 2019 law, part of a broad bipartisan agriculture package, allowed Texas farmers to grow hemp, a form of the cannabis plant with low levels of THC, and required that consumable products contain no more than 0.3% THC.

Marijuana products, which are also derived from cannabis plants, contain higher levels of THC than hemp and are still banned in Texas outside of a limited medical marijuana program.

But the change complicated enforcement of marijuana-related crimes because now law enforcement has to test THC levels to determine whether products are illegal marijuana or legal hemp.

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Patricks announcement comes after the hemp laws lead sponsor, state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, expressed misgivings about the state of regulation on hemp products for intoxicating levels of THC and said that products should be taken off the shelves.

Critics of the hemp market say the proliferation of products and growth in dispensaries around the state are not sufficiently regulated and pose a public health risk. Hemp industry groups note that their products are regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, but argue the state has too few regulators for the growing sector.

While we share their concern about youth access and potentially dangerous products sailing under the radar of regulators, we oppose banning cannabis for responsible adult use, said Heather Fazio, co-founder of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy. Such a ban would hand this multi-billion dollar industry over to the illicit market, abandoning all opportunity to properly regulate the industry.
5 December 2024 18:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Two high-profile events highlighting the achievements of COP29 were held in London on December 4, underscoring the significance of the outcomes and their impact on the Caspian region's green energy ambitions, Azernews reports.

The Caspian Policy Center organized a session focused on Caspian energy security and COP29 outcomes, which addressed the green initiatives undertaken by Caspian basin countries and Turkiye during the conference. The discussions also covered the regions environmental aspirations and potential cooperation opportunities.

The event was attended by the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to the UK, alongside representatives from the UK Foreign Office, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the European Union Delegation to the UK, and energy experts. Speakers praised Azerbaijan's successful hosting of COP29 within a short preparation period and commended its diplomatic leadership in delivering effective outcomes.

A British official emphasized the immense green energy potential of the Caspian basin, highlighting its growing importance in the global transition to sustainable energy sources.

A second forum, held at Kings College London, explored the results of COP29, Azerbaijan's legacy as the host, and its ambitions for future COP processes. The event featured prominent figures, including Professor Shitij Kapur, President of Kings College, Chris Skidmore, former British Energy Minister, and other key climate experts and officials.

Speakers highlighted critical achievements of COP29 under Azerbaijans chairmanship, including progress on financial goals and carbon market mechanisms, achieved despite challenging geopolitical and economic conditions.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations also acknowledged the success of COP29, expressing gratitude to Azerbaijans Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, for his leadership as President of COP29.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, Elin Suleymanov, addressed both events, emphasizing Azerbaijans pivotal role in the conference's success. He also thanked the UK for its active and constructive participation, noting that British Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Azerbaijan for COP29 symbolized the UKs strong commitment to the global climate agenda.
5 December 2024 17:22 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Raymond Bondin, Former President of the National Commission of Malta for UNESCO, emphasized the importance of countering prejudices and misconceptions about Azerbaijan by presenting the countrys realities, Azernews reports.

He made these remarks during a panel session on "Restoration and Protection of Cultural Heritage," held within the framework of the II International Conference "Right of Return: Ensuring Justice for Azerbaijanis Forced to Deport from Armenia," organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community.

Highlighting the significance of heritage, Bondin stated, Heritage is a set of features that characterize a people, and therefore it can be used as a means of sabotage in the hands of some malicious forces. Western Azerbaijanis should be very careful against such cases. He cited the example of the destruction of the church in Shusha during the Armenian occupation, which was falsely attributed to Azerbaijan.

Bondin condemned the extensive destruction in Shusha, noting that mosques were used as stables during the occupation. This is an unacceptable step. Azerbaijan is trying to carry out as much restoration work as possible to restore historical monuments to their original state. I have visited Garabagh, and the scale of destruction and the number of mines plantedover a million during the occupationare staggering, he remarked.

He also called for greater international involvement in preserving cultural heritage, drawing attention to the ancient caves in Garabagh that hold global historical significance. This is not only about the history of Azerbaijan but the history of all mankind. Raising awareness in the international community about these efforts is essential, Bondin added, emphasizing Azerbaijan's proactive initiatives in restoration and advocacy despite prevailing misconceptions.

Bondin concluded by urging the international community to recognize Azerbaijan's significant contributions to preserving heritage and confronting false narratives.
5 December 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

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The Bolivian state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) has signed three agreements with companies from Australia, Argentina, and France to launch trial projects for the development of lithium deposits, Azernews reports.

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5 December 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

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US President Joe Biden announced the allocation of $600 million for projects related to the creation of the Lobito Corridor deep into the African continent, Azernews reports.

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5 December 2024 21:15 (UTC+04:00)

Mining is a crucial sector for the development of countries and could be a driving force for the Turkish economy. Sector representatives highlight Turkiyes total mineral assets, worth $3.5 trillion, and state that mining activities could help close the current deficit. Experts note that 70 out of the 90 minerals traded globally are found in Turkiye and assert, "Societies that are unaware of their riches become poor guardians of valuable resources. Without discovering minerals, mining cannot proceed and making exploration and extraction activities impossible will leave us dependent on foreign sources for raw materials and energy, continuing to pay tens of billions of dollars annually."

According to Dr Muhterem Kose, an expert in mining engineering, developed countries that efficiently use their natural resources largely owe their economic power to this. Kose cites the USA as the best example, where the economy generates an annual added value of $3.8 trillion from $105 billion worth of ore and $45 billion worth of scrap. In 2023, Turkey paid a total of $145.2 billion for energy, mining, metal, and intermediate product imports, with $106 billion of the external deficit attributed to these products.

Sector representatives emphasize that developed countries benefit from the driving force of mining. They argue, "Turkiyes industrialization and development will be possible with increased consumption of metals and energy, which are essential for production. We must either import the energy, raw materials, and metals we need, or we must utilize our own potential. There is no other choice. We cannot become a developed and strong country without reducing our dependency on external sources for energy, raw materials, intermediate goods, and technology."

However, the sector faces challenges with the permit and approval processes. Sector representatives state, "There are 9 ministries, 21 institutions, 7 laws, 87 regulations, 8 statutes, and 16 international agreements regulating mining in Turkiye, creating significant difficulties. A regulation is needed where permits can be processed from a single point."

Turkiye's foreign trade deficit from energy and minerals stands at $100 billion, with $60 billion stemming from imports of minerals, metals, and gold alone. Sector representatives highlight Turkiye's substantial underground wealth, stating that achieving $100 billion in exports with value-added production is a long-term goal.

Turkiye is the world's largest exporter of marble, feldspar, and travertine, the second-largest exporter of chrome ore, the largest producer and exporter of boron, the third-largest producer and exporter of natural stone, the eighth-largest producer of zinc, the 10th-largest producer of lead, and ranks 11th in global gold reserves. This potential should be harnessed through new explorations and investments. Erol Yuce, Vice Chairman of the Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association (IMIB), emphasizes the need to support exporters in this process. Turkiye achieved $4.258 billion in exports in the first nine months of 2023 and recorded a 3.91% increase, reaching $4.424 billion in mineral exports from January to September 2024. China made the largest mineral purchase from Turkiye during this period, with $1.259 billion.

Exports to China increased by 10.36%, while exports to the USA, which ranked second, decreased by 0.26% to $377 million. Exports to Bulgaria, which ranked third, increased by 43.45% to $320 million. In the first nine months of 2024, there was an 18.45% increase in metallic ore exports compared to the previous year, reaching $1.706 billion.

No country can develop without utilizing its underground resources, and there is no country in the world where mining is banned. Therefore, Turkey must extract its minerals, enrich them, convert them into value-added products, and provide them to the country's industry. The supply of minerals and metals needed by industry is crucial for national security and the defense industry, particularly rare earth elements, which are vital in new technologies today.

Investment will not come to a country without raw materials. China, which has become the largest buyer and seller of all kinds of minerals produced worldwide, has attracted $3 trillion in foreign investment over 25 years. Mining also plays a vital role in local development; the discovery of new mining areas improves local employment, infrastructure, and social life, with revenues benefiting the public.

In summary, mining has a significant place in our future. Without mines, many tools and equipment we use today would not exist. To produce a car, for example, at least 10 tons of ore must be extracted from the earth's crust.

Turkiye is rich in mineral resources such as boron salts, barite, gypsum, meerschaum, marble, diatomite, perlite, magnesite, strontium salts, sepiolite, fluorite, limestone, pumice, sodium sulfate, zeolite, profilite, quartz-quartzite, lignite, feldspar, rock salt, olivine, doomite, siliscum, gold, bentonite, trona, asbestos, calcite, and emery stone. Other important resources include kaolin, carbon dioxide, chrome, molybdenum, bauxite, nepheline syenite, mercury, REE, diatomite, trass, antimony, thorium, alunite, sand-gravel, silver, peat, brick soil, and wolfram. Insufficient mineral resources in Turkey include copper, manganese, graphite, dye soils, lead, aluminum, coal, zircon, zinc, arsenic, talc, titanium, iron, sulfur, mica, nickel, phosphate, and clay minerals.
5 December 2024 22:20 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

The 20th MUSIAD EXPO, aiming to enhance global trade, opened its doors this year with remarkable participant traffic. The event featured 2,150 participants from 115 countries. MUSIAD's overseas representatives and company officials, who responded to Yeni Safak's questions, expressed that the expo has already met their expectations.

Yuksel Cifci, a Board Member of MUSIAD Sydney, mentioned that they attended the fair with 24 companies from Australia this year. He noted that the MUSIAD representative office in Sydney was established in 2018.

"We came from the other side of the world with 24 people. There is a good perception of Turkiye in Australia. They are always admirers of our country due to TV series. There is also competition at the fair, of course. These events provide significant contributions to us," said Cifci.

He emphasized that businesspeople would visit Turkiye more frequently thanks to THY's Sydney flights and reach many countries via Turkiye.

"Turkiye is an important market for us. We view it positively. We see the potential, which is why we came. The fair is going well. Turks are hardworking people," added Pakistani representatives in the Australian delegation.

Another distant geography that drew attention was Venezuela's stand at MUSIAD EXPO. Speaking about the fair and the trade volume between the two countries, MUSIAD Venezuela President Hayri Kucukyavuz said they attended MUSIAD EXPO with 25 companies this year, compared to 3 companies in 2022. He emphasized that this was their fourth participation in the fair. Kucukyavuz mentioned that after inspecting the Venezuela stand at MUSIAD EXPO, the President of Taiwan proposed a commercial partnership, leading to an agreement to sell fish from Venezuela to Taiwan.

Kucukyavuz stated that trade between Venezuela and Turkiye increased more than tenfold following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Venezuela.

"The trade between the two countries was not even worth $100 million before our President's visit. In fact, it was $30-40 million until 2018. It increased tenfold. Our exports rose to $350 million. The target is $1 billion. Bilateral trade exceeded approximately $1 billion. We import agricultural products like urea, gorda, and petcoke from Venezuela. We sell pasta, flour, chocolate, biscuits, cosmetics, motor oil, and makeup products. Istikbal opened 5 stores in Venezuela, and LC Waikiki opened 15 stores. The number of Turkish companies in the country is rapidly increasing," he said.

MUSIAD Cologne President Yunus Arslan noted that they participated in the fair with 16 members. Arslan highlighted that MUSIADs Cologne representative office was established in 1993 as the first overseas representation of MUSIAD.

"We strive for international trade. Previous fairs were more dynamic. I don't see that here, but this is a general problem, not specific to this fair. This situation is happening at all fairs worldwide after the pandemic. There is a financial stagnation," he said.

MUSIAD Netherlands Vice President Emin Iskender commented, "The fair is busy. It could be better. We operate in 13-14 sectors. We are a large branch. We came with 8 companies. Transportation and customs issues exhaust us. The ministry needs to address this. We are making contacts for new collaborations. Sectors like dry food, construction, and furniture are prominent in partnerships." Mahmut Can Miseli, an official at the MUSIAD Azerbaijan stand, emphasized that the fair was active and there was high demand for their products.
5 December 2024 21:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

An international team of archaeologists from Great Britain and Spain has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges the notion of human primacy in artistic expression. The first artists on Earth were likely Neanderthals, rather than the direct ancestors of modern humans. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (JASR), raises new questions about the origins of art, Azernews reports.

The teams conclusions are based on findings in the Spanish Maltravieso cave, where stencil drawings of hands, dating back more than 66,000 years, were discovered. These stencils, along with human handprints, are considered among the earliest forms of intentionally created visual art preserved in the archaeological record. Although there are more than 60 red hand stencils in the Maltravieso cave, their exact age remained a mystery until now.

In this new study, the researchers used uranium and thorium isotopes to date the calcium carbonate that covered the cave paintings. They analyzed 22 samples in total. The results revealed that the paintings ranged in age from the Holocene to the Middle Paleolithic. The oldest images were found to be 66,700, 55,200, and 46,600 years old, indicating that the creators were likely Neanderthals.

While it is possible that some of the artworks in Maltravieso were created by modern humans, these would have been made much lateraround 6,000 years ago.

The findings suggest that the tradition of creating stencil art in Europe began long before it appeared anywhere else in the world. Previously, the oldest known example of stencil art was found in the Leang Timpuseng cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, with an estimated age of 39,900 years.

Handprints and footprints discovered in the Tibetan Plateau are also known to be about 200,000 years old, but there is no evidence to suggest they were intentionally created. These footprints may have been left accidentally in the mud near a hot mineral spring.

This discovery reshapes our understanding of early human creativity and challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of art. It highlights the sophisticated cognitive abilities of Neanderthals, suggesting that they, too, were capable of symbolic thinking and artistic expression. This finding could also open new discussions about the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans, as well as the evolution of culture and art.
5 December 2024 20:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The trade union of South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motor will join the strike organized by the National Federation of Democratic Trade Unions of South Korea, demanding the resignation of President Yun Seok-yeol, Azernews reports.

"The Hyundai trade union, which represents 43,000 workers, will hold a four-hour strike on Thursday and Friday," a union representative said.

On Wednesday, YTN reported that the National Federation of Democratic Trade Unions had announced an indefinite general strike, which will continue until President Yun Seok-yeol steps down.

This strike, which is gaining momentum across various sectors, reflects growing discontent with the president's policies, particularly his handling of economic issues and labor rights. As tensions rise, the labor movement in South Korea is increasingly aligning with opposition groups calling for political change. This marks a significant shift in the labor landscape, as unions mobilize to influence the country's leadership.
Houston Fire Department puts out a warehouse fire on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Melinda Abbt worked at Houstons Station 18 in the East End with Chris Barrientes. In 2008 while Abbt was on a call, Barrientes took an intimate video from Abbts computer and not only watched it repeatedly, but shared it with others. Abbt didnt find out until 2017.

City council was set to approve a $850,000 payout over a lawsuit filed against the city, but the vote was delayed Wednesday.

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The state law that prevented the department from firing Barrientes years later over the video is referred to as the 180-day rule, which only allows the fire department to investigate or terminate firefighters accused of misconduct within 180 days of the act happening, regardless of when management finds out.

However, former fire chief Samuel Pena could have fired Barrientes for destroying evidence and lying during the investigation against him, Whitmire said during the city council meeting. City Attorney Arturo Michel confirmed Friday that Pena could've fired Barrientes for his actions during the investigation.

Barrientes, who was demoted two ranks and served a 90-day suspension as a result of the case, has since resigned. His last day as an engineer operator with the department was Nov. 26.

Whitmire told the council Wednesday that he and new Fire Chief Tom Munoz had told Barrientes he had no future in the Houston Fire Department ahead of his resignation. He also issued an apology to Abbt on behalf of the city.

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But while he expressed sympathy for Abbt, Whitmire said the union contract was not the place where the 180-day rule needed to change.

That should be debated in the halls of the legislature, another day, another time, Whitmire said as the council had tense discussion on the matter.

A spokesperson for the mayor did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the city would take the change up with the legislature. State lawmakers go back into session in January.

Police union made the changes

The discussion comes after Council Member Edward Pollard sent a letter to Whitmire and union president Marty Lancton last week asking for the union and city to return to negotiations to add language surrounding the 180-day rule similar to what is in Houston Police Officers Union contract.

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The HPOU contract allows for investigations into potential felony acts committed by officers upon the discovery of the act, though the chief has to pen a letter to the Texas Attorney General. City Attorney Arturo Michel said the fire department is held to a similar standard under state law, but the law also requires attorney general notification within 180 days of the act. Michel added Wednesday that the rule is different if the city wanted to temporarily suspend an employee, which the city could do on the instance of discovering misconduct.

To complicate matters further, government code states union contract language can override the 180-day rule. Michel told the council the city had attempted to change the 180-day rule during fire union contract negotiations this year. Lancton did not answer questions from the Chronicle about why the change did not ultimately end up in the contract.

Lancton wrote in a text to a reporter that while the case brought an important issue to light  including actions not taken by the former fire chief  he did not think the case had anything to do with the 180-day timeline, as Pena had a shot to terminate Barrientes.

"It is concerning that the settlement is being delayed as part of an effort to politicize labor law and contract discussions, which are also governed by state law," Lancton wrote. "We urge City Council to prioritize moving forward with us and bringing closure to this matter for the Abbt family."

Pollard challenged Whitmire on Wednesday and called into question why the language, which would allow firing for sharing video even years later, wasnt added into the contract.

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If you're serious about it, and you're serious about these allegations, and you're serious about the injustices that have taken place  specifically in this one instance where we are now having to pay $850,000 of taxpayer money  then let's go ahead and correct the wrong, Pollard said.

Council Member Abbie Kamin, too, pointed out the financial cost of the rule and requested a list of instances from the administration and the citys legal department where the 180-day rule prohibited action on cases at the fire and police departments.

The survivor absolutely has a right to this money, Kamin added. I think she deserves more.

Act costs firefighter, city combined $1.1M

A jury in November 2023 ruled Abbt should receive $250,000 for mental anguish, exemplary damages and litigation fees after finding Barrientes liable. Abbts attorney Jordan Warshauer said Tuesday that Abbt had reached a post-judgment settlement with Barrientes that she was pleased with.

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Abbts settlement with Barrientes is separate from the amount she will receive from the city.

Warshauer said Wednesday that Abbt was grateful the council was carefully considering her case.

She deeply appreciates the Citys commitment to justice and the comments at todays City Council meeting in her support, including the apology from Mayor Whitmire on behalf of the City, Warshauer wrote in an email. She looks forward to closing this chapter of her life while also supporting changes to the current rules that will help protect other employees from harassment in the future.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a black Democrat, has announced he will work with Trump on mass deportation of illegal aliens. He says he doesn't care if he gets "cancelled" by the left for it.

New York City has been a sanctuary city for illegal aliens and is suffering huge budget and crime problems as a result. Adams has previously spoken out against Biden-Harris border policies, leading President Trump to warn Adams was likely to be hit with a trumped up criminal charge by the Biden apparatchiks for his stance. He was. Adams is one of two high ranking elected Democrats to face lawfare from the Biden regime for speaking up on illegal immigration.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/cancel-me-nyc-mayor-vows-work-trump-mass-deportations

New York state's former Lieutenant Governor, Betsey McCaughey echoes what Mayor Adams says about the damage to New York from illegal alien migrants and the need for deportations:

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2024/12/04/end_the_sanctuary-for-migrants_madness_152039.html

Meanwhile in Chicago, black citizens spoke out at a city council meeting calling on Trump to arrest their woke mayor, Brandon Johnson if he tried to interfere with the mass deportation of illegal aliens. Johnson is calling for a $300 million property tax hike on Chicago citizens to pay for more services for illegal aliens.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/12/03/watch-chicago-residents-tell-trump-to-arrest-mayor-brandon-johnson-ff-he-tries-to-block-deportations/
French Prime Minister Barnier's government has fallen in a vote of no confidence. as the populist right National Rally joined the far left block around France Unbowed to bring down the government. The French Constitution does not allow another snap election for another year since globalist President Macron just called one a few months ago.

The immediate cause of the vote against the government was Barnier's budget which contained cuts for French pensioners, something National Rally leader Marine LePen said was a red line for her party. Despite a Budget Minister who went out of his way to be hostile to the National Rally, LePen kept trying to work out a compromise that they could accept and had already secured elimination of a planned electric rate increase.

Barnier's Interior Minister, a member of the traditional conservative Les Republicains had suggested eliminating free medical care for illegal aliens to balance the budget, but the cabinet as a whole refused to go along with that suggestion. Such a proposal would have kept the National Rally in support of the budget as an alternative to cutting old age pensions.

Finding a workable government will now be a challenge in a parliament that is split three ways. While the National Rally has at least made an effort to work with Macron's allies, the far left block has not and instead insisted it should name the prime minister and government. Macron backed the far left in runoffs in the last parliamentary election and is now paying the price.

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/french-government-toppled-by-a-huge-majority-in-no-confidence-vote/

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/04/bye-bye-barnier-french-government-collapses-as-le-pen-joins-leftist-bloc-to-oust-globalist-pm-over-technocratic-budget/

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/le-pen-declares-end-ephemeral-government-french-pm-barnier-loses-confidence-vote

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1984546/france-politics-live-michel-barnier-no-confidence-vote-macron

In neighboring Germany, the governing coalition collapsed a few weeks ago when the classical liberal Free Democrats abandoned it, but they will have a snap election for a new parliament.
1. Edina, Minn.-based Silverman Ankle & Foot will close on March 2, 2025, after 20 years in operation as the practices surgeon, Lance Silverman, MD, is relocating to Atlanta.

2. Family medicine physician Kristen Clark, MD, is closing her practice, Ellicott City, Md.-based Well Being Medical Care, part of Privia Health, Dec. 4.

3. Saint Marys Physician Services will close its clinic in Atkins, Ark., on Dec. 19. One of the physicians at the Millard-Henry Clinic of Atkins, family medicine physician Timothy Johnson, MD, will be leaving the clinic for an administrative position with the state of Arkansas.

4. The Portland (Ore.) Clinic will be closing all patient care and clinical services at its downtown location in mid-December, ongoing safety concerns for staff and clients. The medical chain will shutter patient care at its downtown office, citing crime concerns in the area.

5. The Childrens Medical Center Martinsville (Va.) will close Jan. 1 after 55 years of practice, citing unavoidable financial hardship, the independent center said in a Nov. 11 post on social media.

6. Springfield (Mass.) Anesthesia Service will shutter Dec. 31, laying off 91 employees.
According to a Dec. 5 news release from the Justice Department, Paul Polen, who oversaw the nursing homes workers compensation program, hired the physician under the condition that the physician would return half of his monthly salary to Mr. Polen.

The physician agreed to the arrangement, which required minimal work  only a few hours each month  including evaluating Mr. Polens personal workers compensation claims.

Over the course of approximately 20 years, the physician paid Mr. Polen between $1,700 and $2,500 per month. To avoid detection, payments were made at the physicians home.

The pair allegedly conspired to embezzle, steal and defraud the nursing home of approximately $528,450.
Brian Carpenter, DO, a podiatrist based in Paradise, Texas, received a 45-month prison sentence, while Jerry Lee Hawrylak, of Lake Worth, Texas, was sentenced to 60 months. Both were involved in the scheme from November 2014 to January 2017, according to a Dec. 4 news release from the Justice Department.

Dr. Carpenter signed prescriptions for compounded pain and scar creams for TriCare beneficiaries without ever speaking to, examining or treating them, in exchange for kickbacks. Mr. Hawrylak recruited both Dr. Carpenter and TriCare beneficiaries to participate, facilitating the prescriptions for the medically unnecessary creams.

Together with co-conspirators, the pair fraudulently billed TriCare approximately $8.5 million for these creams, according to the Justice Department.
Here are six things to know:

1. The data breach may have involved the sensitive personal information of more than 1,500 individuals.

2. Cardiology Associates detected that it was targeted in a data breach Oct. 22 and launched an investigation.

3. The investigation found that the companys systems may have been compromised by an unauthorized third party between Oct. 18 and Oct. 22.

4. Personal data that may have been affected includes names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, drivers license numbers and passport numbers.

5. Cardiology Associates has eight locations across Alabama and Mississippi.

6. The company filed a notice with the attorney general of Maine.
Indonesia's ban on the iPhone 16 remains in effect, driven by the country's policies requiring foreign tech companies, including Apple, to locally produce parts for smartphones. The government mandates that companies meet local content requirements for the return of iPhone 16 sales, prompting ongoing negotiations and investment proposals.

Indonesia Expects $1 Billion Investment From Apple Next Week

Indonesia initially rejected Apple's proposal of a $100 million investment, considering it insufficient. The government requires significant investments to support the local economy, particularly in technology manufacturing. Consequently, the government raised its expectations, now seeking a $1 billion investment from Apple. According to Reuters, Indonesian investment minister Rosan Roeslani stated that the revised proposal must be finalized within the next week.

Apple's Response and Local Manufacturing Challenges

Apple does not currently have manufacturing facilities in Indonesia or local partners to produce iPhone components. The company previously sought to meet Indonesia's local content requirements by setting up developer academies, which allowed the sale of older iPhone models in the country. However, this approach has been ineffective for the iPhone 16, intensifying the issue.

Apple's failure to meet the content requirements resulted in the ongoing ban on iPhone 16 sales in Indonesia, which remains in place until progress is made in the negotiations.

Potential for a $1 Billion Investment

If Apple agrees to the $1 billion investment proposal, it is anticipated that the company would meet Indonesia's requirements by establishing a local manufacturing facility. Such an investment could not only help Apple comply with local content regulations but also create job opportunities within Indonesia. Minister Roeslani highlighted that this commitment could lead to greater inclusion of Indonesia in Apple's supply chain.

Apple's Global Manufacturing Network

Apple relies on a global network of manufacturing partners to produce iPhone components and assemble devices. Its largest partner, Foxconn, operates primarily in China but has expanded its operations to India, Brazil, and other Southeast Asian countries. Despite diversifying its supply chain, Apple has yet to establish manufacturing operations in Indonesia, which has become a point of contention in the ongoing dispute.

Current Status of the iPhone 16 Ban

Indonesia continues to uphold the ban on iPhone 16 sales due to Apple's failure to meet local content production requirements. The Indonesian government has expressed its willingness to lift the ban if Apple fulfills its investment commitments. However, as of now, Apple has not announced any plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the country, which remains a critical issue in the negotiations.
The two-story facility is 100% leased to Michigan Gastroenterology Institute, which was recently acquired by Pinnacle Gastroenterology Partners.

The GI practice has occupied the facility since its opening in 1998. This is Walz Krafts first acquisition in Michigan, and its 18th in the U.S.
I think we have to have a real serious conversation about the physician workforce, Rep. Murphy said. Whats happened? No. 1 reason we have a physician shortage is, the people whove gone to medical school are not practicing medicine.

He also acknowledged consistent decreases in physician reimbursements and an aging population, among other factors, as the main drivers of the physician shortage. But he recalled the 1990s, a time when healthcare analysts claimed that America didnt need more doctors, according to the report.

Medical Economics references a March 1997 article, Doctors Assert There Are Too Many of Them, published by The New York Times, which cited the American Medical Association and medical school representatives who claimed that the U.S. was training too many physicians.

They didnt realize that as populations go to medical schools, we have a lot of folks that go to medical school that are never going to practice medicine, Rep. Murphy said. He said that some go to work for pharmaceutical companies while others opt to work part time in order to spend more time with their families.

1997 was also the year that the Balanced Budget Act placed a cap on the number of physician residencies funded by Medicare, which remained until 2021.

Rep. Murphy maintained that those who take up residency slots and earn their Doctor of Medicine degree should continue on a path to serving patients full time.

If you dont want to practice full time, then go be somebody who gets a nurse practitioner degree or a PA, or get your PhD if you want to do research, he said. We need doctors in the seats, or at the patients bedside, in the clinic. We dont need people who are doing other things to go to medical school.
The future of healthcare is not brick and mortar; rather, it lies in virtual care that optimizes medical regimens remotely with nurses and pharmacists, John Mignone, MD, PhD, medical director at Seattle-based Providence Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute, told Becker's.

More systems are leaning into virtual models that free up hospital beds, reduce costs, increase access and allow patients to receive home-based care. Here are three of the most popular ways systems are moving toward the future of healthcare.

Door-to-door care

Going back to the roots of healthcare, many systems are sending providers door-to-door to care for patients. These programs tend to be low cost since only the salary of the clinicians and supplies are required expenses, but have big impacts on reducing ED utilization.

Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is taking primary care door to door through its Neighborhood Nursing pilot program. The program consists of a team of nurses and community health workers that make weekly visits to three apartment buildings in Johnston Square, a predominantly Black disadvantaged neighborhood. All visits are free to patients and are done in people's homes, senior centers, lobbies, wherever the people can be found. The program has not only provided care, but expedited physicians appointments when needed. By 2025, the program hopes to expand their services to four neighborhoods  two within Baltimore, one in the suburbs and one in a rural area  and visit more than 4,000 people. The program staff are also receiving training on mental-health first aid and simple techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Seattle-based UW Medicine has a similar program for heart failure patients. The Harborview Medical Center's Community Heart Failure Program started in 2020 with 16 patients, half a day of care, and two clinicians: a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse. The clinicians drive to patients and meet them in shelters, cars, bus stops, or homes. These patients often face challenges with drug addiction, mental illness and homelessness. The pilot program was able to reduce all-cause hospital readmissions by 36.8%, decrease length of stay by 43% and decrease emergency department admissions by 26%. The program also increased outpatient care among this patient group by 73%.

Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham has expanded its hospital-at-home program to offer acute hospital care at a homeless shelter for veterans in Boston. Care includes 24/7 remote monitoring and communication capabilities as well as at least two daily visits from a paramedic or nurse and a minimum of one virtual or in-person appointment a day with a physician or advanced practice provider.

"The Home Hospital care model offers an opportunity to promote health equity. By bringing high-quality care directly to veterans experiencing homelessnesswe can ensure they receive the necessary care and support, ultimately transforming their health outcomes and bridging the gap in care access," David Levine, MD, clinical director for research and development for Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home, said in a press release shared Nov. 6 with Becker's.

Telehealth

Telehealth took off during the pandemic and has remained a vital way for rural patients to receive access to care.

In 2017, about 46% of hospitals offered at least one form of telehealth service. By 2021, that number rose to 72%, a July study found.

Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare at home and have access to specialists such as physical therapists and mental health providers  all with lower costs for care. It also reduces hospital costs and increases revenue by upping patient volumes and expanding access in areas where physician coverage is limited.

Hospital-at-home

Hospital-at-home programs have gained popularity in recent years, with more than 10 systems expanding or opening programs this year.

"Since, H@H has evolved into an effective approach to patient care that also enables providers to address the significant health equity and rural health challenges facing many patients by delivering essential, personalized health care directly to them," Scott Rissmiller, MD, Chief Physician Executive, Advocate Health, said in an op-ed piece posted on Becker's. "What's more, H@H has proved to be a revolutionary tool in an increasingly unpredictable health landscape, allowing health systems to flex hospital capacity as seasonal needs dictate and bring hospital-level care to our patients in times of crisis, such as when Hurricane Helene devastated our North Carolina communities in September."

Hospital-at-home programs are also popular among patients. Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health found that nearly 95% of its hospital-at-home patients said they recommend the care model  20 points higher than patients in brick-and-mortar facilities.

Here are just a few of the systems leaning into hospital-at-home care:

1. Mass General Brigham already has one of the largest hospital-at-home program in the country, with the capacity to treat 70 patients  and it has plans to grow to 10% of Mass General Brigham's overall capacity, or about 200 to 300 patients. The program, which Mass General Brigham calls Home Hospital, typically treats patients with conditions like COPD flare-ups, heart failure exacerbations, acute infections and complex cellulitis.

2. Advocate Health has roughly doubled its hospital-at-home capacity in the past year, with the expectation to increase capacity to 100 patients by the end of 2024. The ultimate goal is to grow the program to 20% of inpatient bed capacity in the market, or 400 hospital-at-home "beds." The initiative has expanded from treating common conditions such as heart failure, COPD and cellulitis to oncology and post-operative patients, including after bariatric surgery. Paramedics provide twice-daily in-person visits to patients' homes

3. UMass Memorial has expanded its hospital at home to post-op patients following cesarean sections, urological and colorectal procedures, and rehabilitation care. Nurses and physical occupational and speech therapists work together on patient visits to offer subacute rehabilitation in their homes. The hospital-at-home program has an average daily census of 15 to 20 patients, while one to two patients are in subacute rehab at home. Since the program launched in 2021, the system has prevented about 16,000 inpatient bed days.

A threat to the future of telehealth, hospital-at-home

Hospital-at-home and telehealth are at risk of falling off at the end of 2024 if CMS and Congress do not take action.

CMS gave flexibility to hospitals to provide inpatient care at home during the pandemic. The rules were extended under the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act but expire Dec. 31.

"Hospitals have increasingly incorporated these services into their operations, which has helped to alleviate revenue and expense pressures," according to Fitch. "Hospital financials have shown signs of improvement, although challenges lurk with increased Medicare payers as the U.S. population ages, shifts from inpatient to outpatient services and achieving sustainable levels of cash flow given high costs and fixed revenues."

Recently, nearly 80 healthcare organizations called on Congress to extend telehealth flexibilities for at least two more years, warning that failure to do so would disrupt care and create uncertainty for patients and clinicians.
A federal judge has dismissed a class-action data breach lawsuit against Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health over a 2022 cyberattack.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2023 by plaintiff Bonnie Maser in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, alleged that CommonSpirit Health failed to adequately protect the medical and personal information of more than 623,000 individuals affected by the breach. The cyberattack targeted the health system, which operates over 140 hospitals, in October 2022.

Ms. Maser claimed that the breach led to over $3,000 in fraudulent charges to her credit union account, causing her to lose her housing and experience a significant drop in her credit score. However, on Dec. 3, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Prose dismissed the case, citing lack of standing, according to court documents obtained by Becker's.
As health systems seek to maximize their EHR investments, many are adopting an "EHR-first" approach, prioritizing the tools and innovations available within their existing systems.

University Hospitals in Cleveland is embracing an "Epic-first" philosophy, ensuring that its Epic EHR platform is the primary resource for tools and solutions whenever possible, Robert Eardley, CIO of University Hospitals, told 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."

Similarly, Tidelands Health in Georgetown, S.C., which completed its $40 million Epic installation in March, is following a similar path.

"We're marching toward an Epic-first philosophy," Will Johnson, CIO of Tidelands Health, told Becker's. "Our approach is to identify all that Epic can offer, and see how it aligns with our organization."

Epic provides a broad array of tools and functionalities to enhance patient care, streamline workflows and boost operational efficiency. Some key offerings include the MyChart patient portal, EpicCare Ambulatory for outpatient settings, and Fast Pass, which automatically offers available appointments to patients.
Erika Bennett has been named vice president of marketing and brand experience at Valdosta, Ga.-based SGMC Health.

Ms. Bennett will oversee marketing, branding and patient and stakeholder experience for the four-hospital system. She started at SGMC Health in 2013, most recently serving as director of marketing and brand experience.

"It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to the health system's growth and evolution over the past decade," she said in a Dec. 2 statement. "I look forward to building on our successes and working with our incredible teams to ensure a high-quality experience for all who trust us with their care."
Erin Brown has been named vice president of advancement and chief development officer of Portland-based MaineHealth.

Ms. Brown joined the system in April, previously serving as associate vice president of philanthropy at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to a Dec. 3 news release shared with Becker's. She succeeds Susan Doliner, who was named chief development officer earlier this year, overseeing MaineHealth's newly unified development team.

With experience across industries including education and social services, Ms. Brown led a $346 million capital campaign at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she served as associate vice president for college advancement, the release said.

"The creation of MaineHealths system-wide philanthropy team is an effort to grow and enhance our fundraising while ensuring that local gifts continue to support their intended hospital organizations and projects," MaineHealth CEO Andrew Mueller, MD, said in the release. "Under Erins leadership, MaineHealth aims to elevate its philanthropy programs, expand donor relationships and support our MaineHealth vision of working together so our communities are the healthiest in America."

MaineHealth includes a level 1 trauma center and eight community hospitals.
As many of us scroll through our favorite news app, we are greeted by reports of workplace violence, from verbal and physical confrontations to fatal shootings. What is often missing from the headlines are stories of the increasingly high frequency of workplace assaults suffered by health care professionals across the country.

The data is alarming and demands greater public attention. The American Hospital Association reports that health care facilities face more incidents of violence and injury than any other work environment. Since the pandemic, its gotten worse: 44% of nurses report an increase in physical violence and 68% report an increase in verbal abuse.

Figures from the American College of Emergency Physicians are particularly shocking. Hospital emergency departments, by nature, are high-pressure settings, can be crowded, and are often chaotic. A distressing 80% of emergency room doctors say violence has impacted patient care and safety where they work. Half of emergency physicians note they have witnessed harm to patients in the emergency department, and 47% report they themselves have been assaulted at work.

At Hospital Sisters Health System, we are experiencing this new epidemic firsthand, as violent and abusive behavior increases across our network of 13 Catholic, non-profit hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. Contrary to popular opinion, this isnt just an urban problem  it happens in our rural community hospitals, too.

We refer to HSHS committed and caring staff as colleagues, from the executive leadership team to the welcoming professional sitting at the front desk. The term colleague indicates the respect and camaraderie we offer each other and our patients as part of our mission to provide faith-based, loving, safe and high-quality care to those we serve.

As CEO, I do not want colleague to be replaced by survivor because of acts  swearing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting and so on  encountered by the caring professionals within our facilities. Our values call us to make safety a priority for our 11,000 colleagues and the patients and visitors they serve.

The reason for these outbursts has no simple origin, but the fear, confusion and isolation remaining from the pandemic have not helped. We see the impact everywhere: in our youth, who are struggling to overcome learning and social gaps; in our elderly, who lost so many of their peers to COVID-19; and in society overall, where loneliness is accelerating into its own epidemic.

We are living in an era in which mental health resources are more critical than ever, yet they are plagued by the perennial problem of inadequate funding due primarily to the stigma attached to mental health needs.

Every one of our colleagues  and all clinical care team members across the United States  deserves to work in a secure and safe environment. HSHS and other leading health care systems are doing our part to counter this public health emergency by implementing new safety programs and procedures. We ask our elected officials to join us in these efforts to safeguard their constituents.

Illinois lawmakers took a good first step in proposing bipartisan legislation that gives health care workers the same protections as employees who suffer violence in other care-oriented workplaces  such as nursing homes, daycares and schools. Similarly, the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (SAVE Act) introduced in Congress would make assaulting a hospital employee a federal crime punishable by a fine, jail time or both. This protection is already provided to airline and airport workers.

Both measures provide the key provision of shielding offenders struggling with mental illness. We look forward to these or similar initiatives moving forward.

In health care, we take a pledge to first do no harm. Why shouldnt we expect the same from our patients, communities and elected officials?

A clarion call for protection of our health care heroes is long overdue. Our state and federal lawmakers must now heed our plea.

Damond W. Boatwright, MHA, MHS, FACHE, is President and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield, Ill.
From a judge dismissing a class-action lawsuit against CommonSpirit to a former employee suing Lurie Children's for alleged retaliation, here are 10 healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements and legal developments that Becker's has reported since Nov. 25:

1. State College, Pa.-based Mount Nittany Health agreed to pay $1.8 million in a proposed settlement following a lawsuit alleging the health system used tracking software to share private patient information with tech companies for marketing purposes.

2. An Ohio economic development organization dropped a lawsuit against defunct health IT company Olive AI.

3. The Regents of the University of California, the governing board that oversees the University of California system, reached a $15 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging medical battery and negligence that was brought forth by a patient's family after the patient was injected mistakenly with a chemical substance instead of local anesthesia.

4. A federal judge dismissed a class-action data breach lawsuit against Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health over a 2022 cyberattack.

5. Healthcare staffing companies in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will pay 341 employees more than $2.4 million in back wages and liquidated damages. In a lawsuit, the Labor Department accused Malden, Mass.-based Gate Solution Systems, under the supervision of Healthcare Services Group in Bensalem, Pa., of misclassifying employees at various healthcare facilities as independent contractors.

6. For the first time, the Supreme Court heard arguments about whether states can ban gender-affirming care for youths.

7. As several pharmaceutical companies challenge their role in the 340B drug pricing program, Bristol Myers Squibb filed a lawsuit Nov. 26 against the HHS agency that oversees the federal program.

8. A former pharmacy technician at Chicago-based Lurie Children's Hospital filed a lawsuit accusing the hospital of firing her in retaliation for reporting unsafe medication compounding practices.

9. A civil trial commenced to determine whether Seattle Children's racially discriminated against the former medical director of one of its clinic

10. The former chief of cardiology at Trinity Health Muskegon (Mich.) Hospital accused the hospital of firing him for reporting alleged unnecessary surgeries.
The District of Columbia's health department is considering allowing certified registered nurse anesthetists to use the title "nurse anesthesiologist." Organizations representing healthcare professionals have argued for and against the title change.

In a letter to the department, the American Medical Association said the title is "misleading and confusing to patients," adding that "anesthesiologist" has been, and should be, reserved for physicians. The organization also outlined the differences in education, with physician anesthesiologists logging 15,000 clinical training hours and CRNAs recording only 2,600 hours.

Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, contested this statistic. She told Becker's post-graduate anesthesia programs provide nearly 10,000 additional hours of clinical experience.

The AANA changed its name in 2021 to clarify the roles of "advanced practice registered nurses who are experts in the science and art of anesthesiology," according to its website. The organization said it will defend the use of the title, both within the district and other legislative areas nationwide.

"Anesthesiologists are healthcare specialists who administer anesthesia  nurses have administered anesthesia for more than 150 years, therefore making 'nurse anesthesiologist' an appropriate title," Ms. Setnor said.

The AMA disagrees, claiming that the proposed title change does not support the health, safety and public welfare of patients.

"Nurse anesthesiologists play a critical role in addressing challenges within the healthcare system by increasing access to, maintaining quality of, and decreasing costs of healthcare," Ms. Setnor said. "Instead of supporting solutions for patients, physician groups continue to use fearmongering to protect physicians' padded paychecks at the expense of patient care."
Following the ongoing rumor-mongering of actor Jung Woo-sung's alleged affair with model Moon Gabi, the recommendation of legal actions against malicious comments is amplifying.

A divorce lawyer is urging Moon to speak out against the negative talk about their son.

Answering a question in a recent YouTube video on the subject, attorney Yang So-young reportedly said there was "no need at all to feel bad about bringing a baby to the world."

She said:

"This is something to be celebrated-- the birth of a precious life. Moon Gabi made a courageous decision to have her child, and Jung Woo-sung should be praised for fulfilling his responsibilities."

Yang said he feared that rampant speculation suggesting that Moon had the child mainly for financial support could have lasting negative effects on her life.

"Unfortunately, there is a great deal of speculation and unfounded accusations," she noted, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and action.

"The very act of viewing (childbirth) as having impure intentions is a prejudice against single mothers that our society has," she added.

Read more: Lim Ji Yeon Receives Massive Hate After Unexpected Gesture of Support for Jung Woo Sung Amid Baby Scandal

The lawyer encouraged Moon to take legal action against any posts and comments that cross a line, as these harmful narratives could resurface in the future, potentially impacting her son.

Yang cautioned that these posts will remain online for years, and her child may come across them someday.

As per a report by Dispatch, Moon told Jung about the pregnancy in June 2023 and welcomed their son in March 2024.

Jung's agency, Artist Company, confirmed the news and said, "We are in the process of determining the right parenting [method] and he will take full responsibility as a father."

The netizens had mixed reactions. Some criticized Jung for not marrying Moon, while others defended his commitment to co-parenting their child. Congratulatory messages flooded in from supporters who pointed out that he intended to fulfill his role as a father.
Healthcare groups are reacting to Novo Nordisk's recent petition to the FDA to prevent compounding pharmacies from producing unapproved  and often cheaper  versions of weight loss injection Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic.

The drugmaker argues that the medications are too complex to be safely compounded, citing risks such as impurities, incorrect dosages and instances in which compounded versions contained no active ingredient.

The American Diabetes Association urged clinicians and patients to avoid compounded GLP-1 versions of Ozempic, according to a Dec. 2 guidance statement published in Diabetes Care. The association stressed that compounded drugs are not FDA approved and may carry safety risks.

The ADA also recommended that if Ozempic and Wegovy are unavailable, healthcare providers should switch to other FDA-approved alternatives for managing diabetes and weight loss.

Novo Nordisk's move is a part of a broader effort to clamp down on the production of compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, which has been in an intermittent shortage for the past two years.

The FDA is still reviewing Novo Nordisk's petition and has yet to make a final decision, CNBC reported Oct. 23. Meanwhile, compounding pharmacies, which have stepped in to provide alternatives during the ongoing shortage, argue that compounded versions of the drugs have helped address patient needs especially given the high cost of the branded medications.

In response, the Alliance for Compounded Pharmacy voiced strong opposition to Novo Nordisk's petition, defending the safety and quality of compounded semaglutide and questioning the company's motivations, according to a Dec. 3 news release shared with Becker's.

The APC, which represents more than 5,000 compounding pharmacists and healthcare professionals, argued that the availability of compounded medications is critical to meeting patient demand, especially as shortages of branded GLP-1 drugs continue.
Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic was the top health system featured on Forbes' inaugural list of America's dream employers, released Nov. 26.

Forbes partnered with Statista to survey more than 10,000 U.S. college students and more than 140,000 employees across various industries. Students identified their "dream employers" and how excited they would be to receive an offer from them.

Employee respondents evaluated their employers based on criteria including salary and workplace flexibility. Employees were also asked about their dream employers and whether they would recommend current and previous employers.

Data from the past three years of surveys was included, with responses from current employees weighted more heavily than those from past employees or older data, according to Forbes.

The America's Dream Employers 2025 list featured 500 organizations. Below are the 46 hospitals and health systems that made the list.

6. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)

9. University Hospitals (Cleveland)

17. UCLA Health (Los Angeles)

19. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (New York City)

21. Advocate Aurora Health (dual headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill., and Milwaukee)

Note: Advocate Aurora Health merged with Atrium Health to form Advocate Health.

26. CommonSpirit Health (Chicago)

27. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.)

28. Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.)

29. University of Maryland Medical System (Baltimore)

31. Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.)

35. Mass General Brigham (Somerville, Mass.)

37. Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.)

39. Banner Health (Phoenix)

42. Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore)

51. Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center

53. WellSpan Health (York, Pa.)

56. AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.)

57. Bon Secours Mercy Health (Cincinnati)

63. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)

64. Children's Hospital Los Angeles

65. Akron Children's Hospital (Ohio)

66. University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center

68. Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health

69. Children's Hospital Colorado (Aurora)

72. Boston Children's Hospital

73. Cook Children's Health Care System (Fort Worth, Texas)

74. UNC Health (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

75. UC Davis Health (Sacramento, Calif.)

83. Luminis Health (Annapolis, Md.)

89. Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.)

90. Houston Methodist

91. Penn Medicine (Philadelphia)

93. Shriners Hospitals for Children (Tampa, Fla.)

94. Silver Cross Hospital (New Lenox, Ill.)

95. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

97. Community Health Network (Indianapolis)

102. Cincinnati Children's

103. Duke University Health System (Durham, N.C.)

105. Boston Medical Center

106. Cleveland Clinic

109. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

113. Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore)

114. Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (Norfolk, Va.)

122. St. Luke's University Health Network (Bethlehem, Pa.)

123. MUSC Health (Charleston, S.C.)

126. Pikeville (Ky.) Medical Center
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has proposed more than $83,000 in fines against Minneapolis-based Allina Health related to more than a dozen "serious" incidents of workplace violence at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the The Minnesota Star Tribune reported Dec. 5.

A spokesperson with the state labor department confirmed an open Minnesota OSHA Compliance inspection. However, no other information is publicly available as the health system contests the citations.

"MNOSHA cannot share details of an open inspection," the spokesperson told Becker's. "However, if there are citations issued, upon request, MNOSHA can make inspection citations public from an open inspection 20 days after the employer receives the citations via U.S. mail."

The proposed fines were highlighted in a recent news release from the Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents registered nurses at Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern.

Workplace violence incidents related to the proposed fines span a period from December 2023 to May 2024, according to the MNA.

The federal OSHA website states that "a serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a place of employment if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes which have been adopted or are in use, in such place of employment unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation."

Nurses have called for additional safety measures  including increased security presence, the creation of a behavioral emergency response team, and mandatory workplace violence prevention training  but Allina has not taken adequate action, the union said.

Andrew Dunn, a union representative for Abbott Northwestern nurses, told the Star Tribune an additional contributing factor is that nurses are being asked to care for more patients at once, particularly at night.

Documents released by the MNA show the state labor investigation levied fines ranging from $4,000 to $7,200 for each incident at Abbott Northwestern, according to the Star Tribune. The publication noted that the citations do not include specifics about each incident, but they indicate an "absence of an effective workplace violence prevention program" when they took place.

Allina has contested OSHA's citations, seven of which it said relate to the care of one patient.

"Communities and businesses, including hospitals throughout the country, are experiencing the troubling trend of increased violent events. Allina Health takes significant precautions to mitigate violence to ensure the safety and well-being of our care team members while providing care to those who need it," a health system statement shared with Becker's said.

"In addition to our strong security presence, Abbott Northwestern Hospital provides violence prevention training to registered nurses."

Read the full Star Tribune report here.
At PeaceHealth, female representation is deeply embedded in its history and workforce.

The Vancouver, Wash.-based health system, operating nine hospitals across Washington, Oregon and Alaska, was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, a Catholic congregation. Today, women make up nearly 80% of its 16,000-person workforce, and the organization is led by President and CEO Liz Dunne.

From this foundation, PeaceHealth launched the Women of Peace initiative nine months ago to support and develop its female workforce. The program focuses on advancing leadership opportunities, fostering mentorship and equipping women with the resources they need in their careers.

"With an overall population of nearly 80% women, we see that percentage shrink as you move up the leadership ranks," Sarah Ness, PeaceHealth's chief administrative officer, told Becker's. "We wanted to understand the dynamics behind this decrease in female representation as leadership levels increase."

As part of the initiative, the health system formed a Women of Peace steering committee to evaluate the factors contributing to why women may be hesitant to take the next step in their careers. Ms. Ness explained that the evaluation went beyond simply boosting engagement among women.

"We know that females, whatever they do, come to it all-in," Ms. Ness said. "But we knew we needed to do more to ensure we were operating to the top of our license and using this as a driver for our people-first, community-centered strategy and mission. We had to have our entire workforce utilizing all of their skills and abilities. If a significant percentage of our workforce isn't providing all that's offered and all they have to bring to the table, over time, it erodes both the effectiveness of individuals in our workforce and our ability to fulfill our mission in a way that our communities deserve."

To address this, PeaceHealth is developing a micro-mentorship program. "Often the person that is promoted internally was the best in their functional role. They step up into a leadership role, and there's not always the support and resources that tangibly help them become a better leader," Ms. Ness said. "So we're working on a very specific micro-mentorship program to help them tactically and also provide that pairing of female leadership to move them forward in their career."

PeaceHealth is also focusing on physician and clinician leadership development, ensuring that physicians have the tools to step into leadership roles. The health system is also evaluating its physical spaces to ensure they are convenient for all women, particularly those who are caregivers, such as those caring for aging parents or managing household responsibilities.

Ms. Ness said the evaluation of physical spaces goes beyond convenience.

"Whether it's lactation, whether it's just needing a minute to step away and do some self care, are those spaces available in convenient locations?" she said. "Whether you're in a clinic, you're in our acute-care hospitals or in administrative space, we're being very thoughtful about ensuring that.

"When we think about a woman's worth and well-being, are our physical spaces, our programming and our other development opportunities there to ensure that she can be all that she is destined to be? We want to make sure that PeaceHealth helps support that."

While tangible measures of success in terms of retention and internal promotions are not yet available, Ms. Ness pointed to the positive feedback from women in the workforce as a sign of progress.

"It's palpable, the feeling of really wanting to connect authentically, to share their whole selves in a way that builds trust, connection and community," she said. "And it's been so inspiring to hear the conversation, to be inspired by the connections that our female workforce is making, and knowing that if we can do all we can to empower our female caregivers, all those who will rise, and this will benefit everyone."

This sense of connection and community within the workforce reflects PeaceHealth's mission and values. Ms. Ness linked it to a guiding principle embodied by a quote from one of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace: "Let us be who we say we are."

For Ms. Ness, this quote serves as a "North Star" for PeaceHealth and a "call to action for all of us to be intentional about the work that we do and ensure that we are living to our highest self."






The implant will be designed to continuously and remotely monitor and transmit data about the patient post-procedure, according to a Dec. 5 news release sent to Beckers.

The $317,000 NIH grant will support initial research on the implant, which will be conducted over the next two years at the Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic in San Diego.

Researchers will design, produce and verify the smart implant prototype and demonstrate proof of concept by testing the device on human cadavers. They will modify an existing shoulder implant by equipping it with advanced sensors and capabilities for data storage, external communication and rechargeable power.

The first surgical implantation of the smart shoulder device in a living patient is likely still a few years away, according to the release.

After the initial two-year funding period, Scripps will seek additional grant funding and develop industry partnerships for clinical studies.

The initiatives co-lead investigators are Darryl DLima, MD, PhD, director of orthopedic research at Scripps Health, and Heinz Hoenecke, MD, orthopedic surgeon and researcher at Scripps Clinic.

Additional researchers on the shoulder project include Scott Delp, PhD, James H. Clark professor at the schools of engineering and medicine at Stanford University. Scott Banks, PhD, professor and director of the orthopedic biomechanics laboratory at the University of Florida in Gainesville and B.J. Fregly, PhD., professor at the department of mechanical engineering at Rice University in Houston and a scholar in cancer research with the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in Austin.
Preston Parsons, founder of Assure Holdings and its subsidiary Assure Neuromonitoring; California businessman James Mathew McAlpin and Dr. Kimball were all named in a civil lawsuit, according to a news release.

The groups settlement resolves allegations that Assure paid kickbacks to surgeons through joint ventures inducing orders for intraoperative neuromonitoring services. Payments allegedly went to Dr. Kimball through a complex web of transfers. He and Mr. McAlpin allegedly formed a company that went into a joint venture with Assures founder.

Mr. Parsons will pay $225,000; Dr. Kimball will pay $650,000, and Assure Holdings will pay $1 million. Mr. McAlpin already paid $125,000.
PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 23: Confectionery workers at the store Krispy Kreme on December 23, 2023 in Paris, France. The American food chain specialising in donuts has just opened its very first store in the heart of Paris, launching the advertising campaign "Macaron Resignation". A first step for the chain, set to expand throughout France with the opening of further points of sale in 2024. (Photo by Ameer Alhalbi/Getty Images)

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 13: Doughnuts are displayed for sale at a Krispy Kreme store on February 13, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Krispy Kreme Inc. today announced expected double-digit price increases in response to commodities and labor cost pressures. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company's stock price fell by as much as 10% earlier after earnings guidance for the full year missed analysts' estimates. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Donut brand Krispy Kreme is due to open its first Northern Ireland unit at Victoria Square Shopping Centre

This photograph taken on December 4, 2023, shows doughnuts at Krispy Kreme during a press preview at a restaurant in central Paris. The first Krispy Kreme restaurant of the US multinational Company, will open in Paris, on December 6, 2023. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Krispy Kreme is opening its first NI store (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Popular donut chain Krispy Kreme is planning on opening its first Northern Ireland location at Victoria Square shopping centre in Belfast, according to reports.

In a development first reported by the Irish News, a planning application for a shop sign from the companys head of acquisitions, Vincent Healy, has been lodged with Belfast City Council.

The application notes that the company intends to open in unit 37 on the upper ground floor of the shopping complex. It states the shop sign will relate to the premises where its to be displayed.

The business has 15 stores in the Republic of Ireland, with units in Galway, Cork and Limerick the most recent openings.

A US brand, Krispy Kreme has gained a huge fan base over the border, which it will hoping to replicate in Northern Ireland.

It has developed specific Irish-themed donuts, like a St Patricks Day product, even launching a limited edition First Communion-themed sweet treat featuring a white chocolate cross earlier this year.

Jamie Dunning, former UK and Ireland president, told the Irish Independent in March: The Irish consumers relationship with the donut is stronger than in the UK so its a stronger marketplace, relatively speaking.

The familiarity to the brand is inherently stronger here, he said.

It opened its first Irish store in Blanchardstown Centre in Dublin six years ago, and it immediately broke global records.

First-day and first-week sales in Blanchardstown remain the highest of any store worldwide. Blanchardstown continues to contribute about a third of all Irish sales.

Earlier this year, Guy Meakin was appointed president of Krispy Kreme UK and Ireland.

Krispy Kreme and Victoria Square have been asked for comment.

Krispy Kreme is opening its first NI store (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

News Catch Up - Thursday 5 December
Belfast film big on belly-laughs mixed with real sentiment

Jimmy Nesbitt will play an amplified version of himself in The UnHolylands, which is out on November 6

It is one of Belfasts most distinctive areas, home to generations of students down the years. And now the Holylands has been immortalised in a fictional film.
John Farrelly: Stories about the fairies are so firmly entrenched in our culture

A Newry author and illustrator brings his great-granduncles drawings to life in a new guide to Irish folklore

A fairy door with windows and an acorn 'lamp' on an ash tree in Belfast

Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 08:30







After John Farrelly helped his uncle clear out an old house that belonged to his great-granduncle Fantasius, he was given a box of his relatives writings and drawings.
How Christian Aid is giving hope to Sudanese refugees fleeing war

Christian Aids Rosamond Bennett is a regular visitor to South Sudan and on her most recent trip she heard harrowing tales from refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan. She also saw directly the transformational impact of aid projects at a refugee camp.

Rosamond Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland with Amani in her restaurant which she set up with the cash support from Christian Aids local partner. Credit:Katie Cox

Rosamond Bennett Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 08:30







I first visited South Sudan in 2017 while the civil war was still raging. By then, hundreds of thousands of people had been killed and millions had fled north to Sudan or to other neighbouring countries.
En espanol

The arrival of December not only marks the start of the Christmas season but also brings a flood of year-end lists recapping the events of 2024.

Among those lists, you'll find American artist Zendaya, who has already begun collecting awards for her work this year. However, one list where her name stands out is both intriguing and unexpected. Alongside articles covering celebrity deaths and the most searched topics on Wikipedia this year, ENSTARZ Latino! is now highlighting Babbel and The Captioning Group's list of the most mispronounced words by Americans.

Read more: Here is the Lineup of Artists Who Will Be Taking the Stage at Calibash 2025

This list features public figures, animals, and product names that locals found most challenging to pronounce.

Notably, the article even includes audio clips demonstrating the correct pronunciation of the terms.

Figures like model and actress Zendaya, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and Phryge, the mascot for the Paris 2024 Olympics, are some of the notable names Americans struggled to pronounce correctly.

Pronouncing names in English

Kamala Harris, the former Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. Vice President, faced significant issues with the pronunciation of her name during her campaign. Many pronounced it with three heavily accented A's, but her grandnieces clarified during the Democratic National Convention that the correct pronunciation is "COMMA-LA."

Its pronounced COMMA-LA.



Brought to you by @KamalaHarris and her grandnieces  pic.twitter.com/UpmPpitveS  The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 21, 2024

Similarly, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg remains on the list four years after his 2020 presidential campaign due to the ongoing difficulty people have with his surname, which should be pronounced "Boot-Edge-Edge."

Zendaya, the star of Euphoria, has also dealt with this issue. Many mistakenly say "Zen-DIE-uh," when the correct pronunciation is "Zen-DAY-a."

Years ago, as her fame in television and film grew, Zendaya herself took to Allure magazine's Snapchat to set the record straight on the pronunciation of her name.

In case you were wondering how to pronounce @Zendaya, she's here to tell you! See more on our Snapchat at AllureMag. pic.twitter.com/2cLbjSBG23  Allure (@Allure_magazine) February 23, 2016

Phryge, the Paris 2024 Olympics mascot inspired by the Phrygian cap, is another tricky name. Its proper pronunciation is "FREE-je," but its French roots often caused confusion.

The breed of Shohei Ohtani's dog, a Kooikerhondje, also baffled fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers star. While many simply called the dog "Decoy" (an Americanized version of the Japanese "Dekopin"), the correct Dutch pronunciation of the breed name is "COY-ker-HUND-che."

Decoy and Shohei with the cutest first pitch you've ever seen.  pic.twitter.com/fEoFRxMOH4  Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2024

Popular brand names weren't spared either. The fashion retailer SHEIN is often pronounced "CHEEN" instead of its correct pronunciation, "SHE-in." Similarly, actor Barry Keoghan, star of Saltburn, has had his name mispronounced as "key-OH-gin" when it should be "key-OH-gun."

One of 2024's breakout musical artists, Chappell Roan, who recently released a Christmas song with Sabrina Carpenter, faced a similar issue. Fans frequently mispronounced her name as "SHA-pel ROW-an," but it's correctly said as "CHAP-uhl ROHN."

The Babbel and The Captioning Group article also features common mispronunciations in the UK for 2024 and includes terms like Nvidia, the world's most valuable brand, and Adidas' popular Samba shoes, shedding light on how these names should be properly articulated.
Thug who bragged about whipping the arse of train conductor at Co Antrim station is jailed
Remorseless NI ex-headmaster who abused kids for four decades deserves to die in prison, says victim

I thought my abuser Dunleavy would admit his guilt, but hes taking it to the grave with him

Michael OHare recalls his harrowing physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Christian Brother Paul Dunleavy (inset).

Alan Sherry Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 14:02

A victim of one of Irelands most prolific sexual abusers has said the remorseless predator only has himself to blame that he will likely die in prison.
The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

A young woman who died in a Belfast nightclub led a life "filled to the brim with love", her funeral service has heard.

Chloe Ferris died in the early hours of Sunday at Lux nightclub in the city centre as she celebrated her upcoming birthday  she would have turned 25 on Wednesday.

In an emotional address to mourners  read by Fr Darren Brennan  parents Declan and Sharon wished their first born child a happy birthday.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe Ferris takes place in Belfast

Fr Brennan told those who made their way through the pouring rain for funeral mass at St Pauls Church on the Falls Road how none of those present would wish to be there, and shouldnt be there.

Its like even the heavens are in tears as we remember Chloe, a beautiful, special, blossoming young woman, he said.

We will not pretend we are not heartbroken, because we are.

But were not going to pretend that Chloes life wasnt an amazing one. She achieved so very, very much in a life filled to the brim in love, a love which flowed both ways. Memories you all will cherish forever and that she has left behind.

Anyone who has been to the house on the Whitewell Road will know just how welcoming a place it is, how warm and how beautiful a place it is. Not just a house, truly a home. Thats thanks to Sharon and Declan and to their family and the love that is palpable in that place, he said.

The priest continued by reading a tribute from Chloes parents.

Where do we start with our Miss Chloe girl? they said. She was our first born, and was spoilt by her soft touched dad who she continued to prey on all of her life!

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

They spoke of the love Chloe was shown by all her aunts, uncles and cousins and how that love was returned and of the group of friends she had made at school who continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

The sister squad  a group of fine, well mannered young women we were all proud of, they said. They had a great influence on Chloes attitude to life.

She loved holidaying, she never blooming stopped holidaying  in Bundoran, in America, partying in Ibiza with her sister squad.

They spoke too of how she had been to Africa, and her involvement with cross-community youth group R City.

But, all those holidays had to be paid for. And dads pockets were only so deep, they recalled.

"Chloes little business had to flourish. And it did. It flourished and flourished. She was so proud of it, and we were of her.

"We actually think she named it wrong. It should have been Agony Aunt Chloes Therapy for she listened to all her clients stories and problems all day long.

Not only did she never say a bad word about them, she just loved them all. Her clients will remember her eating her favourite salted chilli chicken and chips. The love they had for each other was immeasurable.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Chloes other love was her nephews, the ginger mingers she called them. She loved to play with them, until it came to dirty nappy time when the call went out for granny Sharon.

We could talk about all the love she gave out to everyone, but it worked both ways, and when we see the amount of people paying respect to her short life we can only say thank you so much.

Chloes parents ended their tribute: How could we forget, happy 25th birthday Chloe girl. We love you.

Fr Brennan added: Words dont come close to summing up Chloes life, short as it might have been. It was absolutely filled to the brim with activity, with using her gifts and talents, sharing them generously with everyone she met. But above all it has been filled with love.

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Chloe, much as she would have emptied her pockets and her daddys pockets, was a very, very wealthy young woman because when all is said and all is done, all that remains is the love that has been shared.

"She is gone and what we will all be judged on is how well we have loved. Love filled her life, and will remain in our hearts for many many years to come and were grateful for that.

To the sister squad, and all who knew Chloe, today is a sad day, a day of tears, a day of mourning, but lets make sure her life means something.

"In honour of Chloe each one of us today should make a firm commitment to live the life we have to the full, fill it with love, use our gifts as talents, take risks and go the extra mile in reaching out to those in need, and do it in her name.

"That way her legacy will shine like a bright torch in a dark world for many, many years to come.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Police are still investigating the circumstances of Chloes death after the incident at Lux nightclub last weekend which left another of her friends in hospital.

It is understood that woman has now been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

Two men in their 20s arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences following the incident have since been released on bail.

Requiem Mass for Chloe Ferris was followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

News Catch Up - Thursday 5 December
Rosemary Nelson: There were some rogue police officers who would have been quite happy for her not to be around
Legionella bacteria was found in the shower blocks at HMP Lincoln (Joe Giddens/PA)

A company which provided services in a prison has been fined 600,000 after an inmate died following a failure to manage bacteria in the water.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said Amey Community Limited did not to manage the risk of legionella bacteria in the water systems at HMP Lincoln before the death of Graham Butterworth.

The HSE began an investigation following the death of Mr Butterworth, 71, who was serving a sentence at the prison, on December 5 2017 after he contracted Legionnaires disease, which is a type of pneumonia.

Water samples from his cell and the prison shower blocks tested positive for legionella, which causes the disease, days after Mr Butterworths death.

Amey Community Limited, of Furnival Street, London, pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence, and was fined at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The investigation by the HSE found that the company, which provides facilities management services at the prison, failed to act on a risk assessment carried out in 2016.

It found that it did not have a scheme for preventing and controlling legionella risks, failed to ensure that appropriate water temperatures were maintained, and did not monitor water temperatures in the system in October and November 2017.

This allowed the bacteria to multiply rapidly, the HSE said.

The company was fined at Lincoln Magistrates Court (Rui Vieira/PA)

Legionnaires disease is contracted by breathing in droplets of water containing the bacteria.

HSE inspector Stacey Gamwell said: There is a legal duty to keep workers and inmates safe in prisons. The occupants of HMP Lincoln had been put at risk of legionella bacteria and developing Legionnaires disease because of Amey Community Limiteds failures.

Companies such as Amey Community Limited need to ensure they have identified any risk of legionella and have suitable and sufficient arrangements in place for managing the risk and control measures they have implemented.
Delays in the criminal justice system are probably worse than Ive ever known them to be, the countrys top prosecutor said as he vowed better support for victims.

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said his highest priority since taking on the role is to reduce delay in the criminal justice system, with improving the experience of victims next on his list.

Setting out a plan on Thursday to curb the high level of victim attrition, where they withdraw support for prosecutions, he said there was absolutely no doubt that the delays faced by victims are totally unacceptable.

Victims are facing waits of between two and five years to see a case go to trial, and Mr Parkinson told MPs earlier in the week that staff had heard of court listings now running into 2027.

The former defence lawyer, who has been at the helm of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for a year, told reporters the work was particularly important amid the delays, adding: They are as bad as, probably worse than Ive ever known them to be.

One of the consequences of that is that victims are withdrawing support, theyre not staying with us, he said, calling it a key reason behind launching the programme.

Some 20% of adult rape cases, where there had been a charge, stopped between March and May this year because the victim no longer supported a prosecution  around two out of 10 cases.

Mr Parkinson said the CPS had more than doubled the number of prosecutions being brought in rape and serious sexual offence cases since 2020, with a significant improvement in the charge rate rising from 59% to 75% in the first quarter of this financial year.

But by contrast, during the same latest period, 62 prosecutions were stopped because the victim no longer supported prosecution  thats actually five times more than the quarterly average in 2020 so the problem of victim attrition is growing alongside the fact that were actually doing better in terms of the number of prosecutions were bringing and our charge rate, he added.

Mr Parkinson told reporters it could take roughly 700 days on average  almost two years  from the point of an allegation being reported to police for rape victims to see their case concluded.

Spending thousands of hours sitting with people caught up in the criminal justice system over his 20-year legal career helped him understand this can be extremely stressful, Mr Parkinson said.

The reality for many people is they just simply cannot get on with their lives while the situation is unresolved, said Mr Parkinson.

He added: So I feel this quite strongly that we need to do better in the criminal justice system as a whole, and obviously within the Crown Prosecution Service, to provide better support for victims.

Mr Parkinsons comments follow his warnings to the Commons Justice Committee on Tuesday that suspected criminals could be taking advantage of the courts backlog in the hope trials could run into problems amid delays, adding that prosecutors were seeing a very significant rise in caseload which is 85% higher than it was prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Workload is expected to grow by around 10% next year, he said.

Research carried out three years ago on the experience of victim encounters with the CPS suggested there was a lack of understanding of the role of prosecutors, a wish for better communication and more cohesion in the support offered within the justice system, according to Mr Parkinson.

He said the CPS valued its independence but this had sometimes been at the cost of doing what we should be doing, which is to engage with victims.

A culture within the body of being shy to speak to victims was also described and, at times, has even been considered a faceless organisation.

The changes announced focus on improving how prosecutors communicate, so they can provide clear information and be more empathetic.

At the same time prosecutors are being urged to speak directly to police in a bid to speed up case progression.

Improving the wording and format of letters is one example of reforms so they no longer mention the defendants name within the first few lines. Officials told how some victims found this distressing and at points had been the first time they were learning the identity of their attacker.

There is also a trial taking place on increasing the level of communication with victims. Previously contact was only made when charges were being altered or dropped, and when victims were met at court.

The pilot is testing contacting victims when a decision to charge has been made, in writing or by phone, to discuss the move and answer any questions.

Meanwhile 40 victim liaison officers (VLOs) have been hired around the country to act as a single point of contact with the CPS for victims of rape and serious sexual offences, who they can approach from the moment a charging decision is made.

While not legally trained, but requiring an understanding and awareness of the law and good communication skills, the VLOs can advise where victims can get support and offer to arrange pre-trial meetings with prosecutors.

The project is in its early days but so far 550 people have been offered meetings and 28 have taken place so far, mostly online.

Victims can choose where the meetings are held and whether these are in person or online.

Some 550 staff who specialise in such cases have been trained in how to have sensitive conversations and to combat myths and misconceptions such as about consent.

Mr Parkinson said the CPS had been thinking about this for some time but officials accepted they could have acted sooner.

The move comes after families of Nottingham attacker Valdo Calocanes victims were critical of their interactions with the CPS.

Asked by the PA news agency if the plan will avoid a repeat of this, Mr Parkinson said: Im as confident as I can be.

While he said prosecutors met with the relatives on a number of occasions, he admitted: We used the wrong language. Weve changed our guidance to prosecutors and so I hope we have learned from that.

He added: This is just the beginning. Were going to evaluate if this works.

Im fairly confident that it will work in terms of improving the confidence of our victims, were going to get feedback from them.

So hopefully it will improve confidence, but also hopefully it will also reduce victim attrition.
A Pakistan court on Thursday indicted imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and dozens of his associates on charges of inciting people to attack military and government installations last year, officials and his party said.

Khan pleaded not guilty when charges were read out to him in court in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, according to officials and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI.

Khan and the others will go on trial under anti-terrorism laws that carry punishments up to life in prison.

PTI said that top party official Omar Ayub Khan, the current opposition leader in Parliament, also was arrested by police on Thursday.

Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, with leaders of Khans party, during a rally demanding Khans release (W.K. Yousufzai/AP)

He was wanted on separate charges that included incitement of violence in the capital, Islamabad, last week.

The indictments against Khan and dozens of his party members stem from widespread violence on May 9, 2023 that was sparked by Khans arrest at the time on corruption charges.

Thousands of demonstrators attacked the militarys headquarters in Rawalpindi, stormed an air base in Mianwali in the eastern Punjab province and torched a building housing state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.

Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but has remained the leading opposition figure, and has since then been embroiled in more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated.

Authorities say that during the May 9, 2023 riots, demonstrators targeted military installations because Khan had repeatedly blamed his removal on the United States and Pakistans military, which has ruled the country for half of its history since its independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

The US government, the Pakistani military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Khan in 2022, have denied the allegations.

Last week, thousands of Khans supporters defied a police lockdown to enter Islamabad, where they clashed with police who used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, who was leading the protest to demand her husbands release, fled the scene on November 26 after officers launched their operation and has not been publicly seen since then.

Police say she is hiding in the north-western city of Peshawar, the capital of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where Khans party is in power.

Police say they are seeking the arrest of Bibi, who was recently freed on bail in a bribery case.
Members of the New York police crime scene unit investigate bullets lying on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest US health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush on Wednesday as he walked to the companys annual investor conference at a Hilton in Midtown, blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

The killing, and the gunmans movements in the minutes before and afterwards, were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city.

One video showed him approach Mr Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam while the dying health executive tumbled to the pavement.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson was shot several times (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Other security cameras captured the initial stages of the gunmans escape. He was seen fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza, then escaping on a bicycle into Central Park, where he vanished.

Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killers whereabouts remained unknown late into the night.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target, Ms Tisch said at a news conference on Wednesday.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Police issued several surveillance images of the man, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and would not have attracted attention on a frigid winter day. Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting.

The police department offered a reward of up to 10,000 dollars for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, the insurers Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, said in a statement.

We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Mr Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her there were some people that had been threatening him.

She did not have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Mr Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

Investigators recovered several 9mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a mobile phone from the alleyway through which the gunman fled.

A New York police officer stands on 54th Street outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

They were also searching Mr Thompsons hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Mr Kenny said.

Police initially said the gunman rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the citys bike-share programme, CitiBike.

But a spokesperson for the programmes operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company on Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet.

Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the companys direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Mr Thompsons death.

Mr Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the US and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programmes.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is sending our prayers to Brians family and the UnitedHealthcare team.

This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota, the Democrat wrote.
Syrian opposition fighters on a seized military armoured vehicle on the outskirts of Hama (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

The Syrian army says it has withdrawn from the central city of Hama after insurgents broke through its defences, in another setback for President Bashar Assad.

The announcement on Thursday came hours after opposition fighters said they had entered the city and were marching toward the centre.

The army said it redeployed from Hama and took positions outside the city to protect the lives of civilians.

The capture of Syrias fourth largest city is another blow for Mr Assad days after insurgents captured much of Aleppo, the countrys largest city.

Syrian opposition fighters say they have taken the city of Hama (Omar Albam/AP)

On Thursday morning, Syrian insurgents said they entered Hama after three days of intense clashes with government forces on its outskirts, part of an ongoing offensive.

The Syrian army said in a statement later that a number of troops were killed after resisting the insurgents for days. It accused the attackers of relying on suicide attacks to break through the defences of the city.

Hama is one of the few cities that remained under full government control during Syrias conflict, which broke out in March 2011 following a popular uprising. Its capture would be a major setback for Mr Assad.

The offensive is being led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as well as an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army.

Their sudden capture of the northern city of Aleppo, an ancient business hub, was a stunning prize for Mr Assads opponents and reignited the conflict which had been largely stalemated for the past few years.

The next target of the insurgents is likely to be the central city of Homs, the countrys third largest.

Homs is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Hama.

The Syrian army says it will withdraw from the city (Omar Albam/AP)

Aleppos takeover marked the first opposition attack on the city since 2016 when a brutal Russian air campaign retook it for Mr Assad after rebel forces had initially seized it.

Intervention by Russia, Iran, Iranian-allied Hezbollah and other militant groups has allowed Assad to remain in power.

The latest flare-up in Syrias long civil war comes as Mr Assads main regional and international backers are preoccupied with their own wars.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the renewed fighting, which began with the surprise opposition offensive on November 27.

The insurgents claimed on their Telegram channel on Thursday that they had entered Hama and were marching toward its centre.

Our forces are taking positions inside the city of Hama, the channel quoted a local commander identified as Major Hassan Abdul-Ghani.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said fierce battles were fought inside Hama.

If Hama falls, it means that the beginning of the regimes fall has started, the Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, told The Associated Press before the citys capture.

Civilians carrying their belongings leave the area as Syrian opposition fighters confront government troops (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

Hama is a major intersection point in Syria that links that countrys centre with the north as well as the east and the west.

It is about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the capital, Damascus, which is Mr Assads seat of power.

Hama province also borders the coastal province of Latakia, a main base of popular support for Mr Assad.

The citys name is known for the 1982 massacre of Hama, one of the most notorious in the modern Middle East, when security forces under Mr Assads late father, Hafez Assad, killed thousands to crush a Muslim Brotherhood uprising.
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PITTSFIELD  The owner of an Adams pot shop has found a new lawyer to combat wage theft claims levied by a former employee.

Kerry Raheb, who owns Indica Cannabis, is fighting the lawsuit in Berkshire Superior Court. The claim filed by former employee Laura Pratt alleges that Raheb and his company failed to pay wages owed per the terms of her contract.

One attorney has parted ways with him during the ongoing litigation  Pittsfield lawyer Andrew Hochberg exited the case in October.

At the time, Hochberg wrote in court filings that Raheb and co-defendant Renee Houston, Indica's chief operations officer, failed to cooperate with the lawyer's attempts to gather evidence for the lawsuit. The court subsequently allowed Hochberg's request to withdraw, and Raheb and Houston have since lined up new representation.

Their new lawyer, Kenneth P. Ferris, appeared in Berkshire Superior Court for a brief hearing on Wednesday, which was scheduled to ensure the case is back on track after the legal switch-up.

Judge John Agostini expressed relief that the litigation can continue in due course, saying claims against businesses are left to "flounder" without active representation.

Pratt, a former store and inventory manager, sued Raheb, Houston and the business in October 2023. The lawsuit alleges the company and its two leaders violated state law that mandates employers pay out wages.

She claimed that the company failed to pay her in full after the parties agreed upon a $65,000 annual salary.

Raheb denied the allegation, and has filed a counterclaim in Berkshire Superior Court asserting that Pratt failed to return a computer and phone after they parted ways. The counterclaim also remains pending.

Raheb ran for U.S. Senate in Vermont unsuccessfully in 2022, earning 0.5 percent of the vote in the general election. That same year, he was arrested on suspicion of aggravated stalking in connection with a dispute among neighbors surrounding his home in Bennington, Vt., a case that later ended in a plea.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission previously confirmed to The Eagle that the commission is familiar with the legal issues Raheb and his business face, and that the dispensary remains open. It was the first cannabis retail location to open in Adams.
In F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby, the narrator, Nick Carraway, lives beside the wealthy Gatsby who throws large, extravagant parties. Hundreds of people attend these gatherings  even if they are not invited. Yet, despite the riches that enable him to live in luxury and reconnect with the woman he loves, Gatsby dies a tragic death and only a few people attend his funeral. Nick turns away from the indulgent and corrupt lifestyles of West Egg after his friends death, looking back with longing to the simplicity of residing in a small, midwestern town. The life of the rich was not so grand after all.

Despite this classic storys unmasking of the facade of wealth  that the American dream does not satisfy  so many people continue to be attracted to teachings and methods that promise riches. One such teaching is the prosperity gospel. Advocates tells us that Jesus died to give us blessings in this life: Wealth, health, and comfort. God will shower the faithful with material wealth and a happy life free of disease, according to these prosperity teachers. If individuals give from their wealth, then the Lord will bless them with even more money. To those who adhere to these beliefs, prosperity is inherent in the Christian life.

Believers need to be aware of this false teaching, as it is widespread and promoted by many prominent authors and teachers. The prosperity gospel has also spread beyond America to impoverished countries, where struggling people are even more vulnerable to the trappings of this false gospel. We need to be aware of how to combat these teachings so that we can uphold biblical truths about salvation and what it means to be a follower of Christ.

The following passages from Scripture are important to know, in order to dismantle the lies of the prosperity gospel. Let us arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit to cut down the falsehoods that are threatening to choke churches and entangle nonbelievers, preventing them from coming to saving faith in Christ.

Photo credit: Getty Images/todaydesign
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DAYVILLE  A Grant County man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

A Ford Crown Victoria was traveling west on Highway 26 at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday when the driver lost control while trying to pass another vehicle near milepost 128, about 3 miles west of Dayville. The Ford went off the road, went down an embankment, sheared a power pole off at the base and landed on its top, the Oregon State Police said in a news release.

The driver of the Ford, Anthony Montague, 62, of John Day, was declared dead at the scene, the state police said. No other injuries were reported.

Traffic was not impacted during the investigation. State police were assisted at the scene by the Oregon Department of Transportation.


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Lindsay Lohan has said she and Jamie Lee Curtis felt like teenagers when filming the upcoming Freaky Friday sequel after staying very close since the first film.

The American actress, 38, is returning to her role as Anna, while Curtis is reprising her part as her mother Tess for the follow-up, titled Freakier Friday, which is set to debut in 2025.

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The 2003 original, based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, follows a mother and daughter who switch bodies thanks to a magical Chinese fortune cookie.

Discussing her relationship with Curtis, Lohan told The New York Posts Alexa magazine: Were very close; we were just talking yesterday.

We have this connection since the original, weve always stayed friends.

Every day on set was just really exciting for us, and we both felt like teenagers every day. Its like, Is this real? Are we really having this much fun working?

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The Hollywood star said it was really fun to be returning to the roles at a different stage of their own lives, as well as the characters.

We get to play these characters whove evolved, to see where they are now, she added.

The Hollywood star has returned to the limelight in recent years after taking a partial step back following years of tabloid attention.

Her return to screen has included a rom-com deal with Netflix which featured 2022s Falling For Christmas, this years Irish Wish and her latest festive film  Our Little Secret.

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The latter was her first project as a working mother after the actress welcomed a baby boy named Luai in 2023 with her financier husband Bader Shammas.

Lindsay Lohan and her husband Bader Shammas (Doug Peters/PA)

My son was six months old, and so I was learning for the first time really how to go and work and be on set and come home, she said.

Where I was staying was really close to where we were filming. So it was pretty much just a normal day job, and I felt so blessed for that.

Lohan, who now lives with her family in Dubai, said she is excited to go all out for Christmas for her son.

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If he sees dinosaur wrapping paper, he gets excited. So thats whats fun for me  wrapping presents and putting up the tree, she said.

And filming every moment of it.

Starting a family has also realigned her priorities, she said: Im a mom and a wife first, and then, you know, I have my other stuff.

The actress added: Its no longer about you, really. For me, everything is about my child and my family and my household, and making sure that my work is in line with whats going to work for everyone else.

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Lohans breakout role came in the 1998 film The Parent Trap in which she played estranged twin sisters Hallie Parker and Annie James, which was a critical success.

She went on to star in multiple popular noughties films including Mean Girls, Herbie Fully Loaded and Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen.
New York City police were still searching for the man who killed UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel early Wednesday. Here is what is known about the incident, Mr Thompson, and the suspect.

What happened? How did the suspect escape?

At about 6.45am ET on Wednesday, Mr Thompson was walking from his hotel alone towards a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan when a gunman approached from behind and shot him in the back.

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Mr Thompson staggered and fell to the ground. A witness is seen fleeing in surveillance video as the gunman, wearing a dark-colored hoodie and a backpack, approaches Mr Thompson and fires a second time. His gun appears to jam, and after fiddling with the weapon, he resumed firing from a short distance.

The gunman then fled across the street. Following that, according to the New York Police Department, he got on a bike that he rode into nearby Central Park, where he was last seen.

Police said the gunman arrived outside the hotel several minutes before Mr Thompson and waited for him to walk past before firing, ignoring other passers-by.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Mr Thompson, 50, lived in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He had been the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group's insurance unit, since April 2021. He was in New York for the company's annual investor conference when he was killed.

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He had worked at different divisions of UnitedHealth for about 20 years. His wife Paulette said in a statement that "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives".

Mr Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with degrees in business administration and accounting, according to his LinkedIn page. Prior to becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he was the head of its government programmes business and before that its Medicare and retirement business.

UnitedHealth is the largest US health insurer. The company, along with Mr Thompson and two other executives, were sued in May by a Hollywood, Florida, pension fund, which accused the company of insider trading after being made aware of a US Department of Justice investigation into UnitedHealth.

What evidence have the police found?

Surveillance video suggests that he used a silencer, but chief of detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters that could not be verified by that video alone. The gun has not been located.

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CNN reported that the killer dropped a phone and a bottle of water in an alleyway nearby.

What do we know about the suspect?

Investigators have not yet named a suspect, though CNN reported that police were searching a hostel in New York's Upper West Side where he may have stayed prior to the attack.

Police published a number of photographs of the suspect taken from video cameras in the area, including one with the gun raised and pointed toward Mr Thompson and another of the suspect fleeing on a bike. He appears to be light-skinned and of average build.

Other photos captured a glimpse of his eyes, brow and the bridge of his nose as he stood in a cafe.

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What was the motive?

Police do not yet know the motive.

The words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were carved into the shell casings found at the scene, police sources told ABC and the New York Post. Reuters has not independently verified that information. The words evoke the title of a book critical of the insurance industry published in 2010 titled "Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It."

Paulette Thompson told NBC News on Wednesday that he had been receiving threats related to his job, but was not specific.

Police in Minnesota do not have any record of specific threats against Mr Thompson, though Paulette Thompson in 2018 called police once when she saw the deadbolt turning on the front door of their home. Police found no sign of an attempted break-in.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - A potentially groundbreaking new test for tuberculosis (TB) has been endorsed by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as part of continuing efforts to eradicate one of the planet's leading infectious killers
A Coroner has paid tribute to medicinal cannabis campaigner Vera Twomey and her husband Paul for their Herculean efforts to access CBD and THC for their daughter, Ava, who died last year following a long battle with Dravet Syndrome.

The jury at the inquest of Ava Barry of Aghabullogue, Co Cork, heard that the 13 year old passed away at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on May 27th, 2023.

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Barrister for the family Doireann OMahony, BL, told Cork Coroners Court that Ava had at one point become a medical exile as she and her family had to move to the Netherlands to gain access to medicinal cannabis to prevent seizures.

It (medicinal cannabis) was like a miracle in the lives of the family. There was a 50 to 70 percent reduction in Avas seizures.

She said that Vera spent several weeks in the Puffin Ward at CUH during her daughters last hospitalisation because she was the only person who was licensed to give Ava her medicinal cannabis.

However, Caoimhe Daly BL for CUH stressed that the hospital had done everything in its power to engage with Ms Twomey in relation to finding a practical solution to the matter. However, she said that Ms Twomey wasnt comfortable with leaving the medicinal cannabis at the hospital.

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Coroner Philip Comyn had said that perhaps the situation could be looked at to allow hospital staff, or a nominated person in hospital, to administer medication which is subject to a special licence in certain situations.

The jury recorded a verdict of death by natural causes. They recommended that a national policy be developed to create greater supervision in relation to the administration of medicines which are not licenced for use in this country. The recommendation will be known as Avas Protocol.

The inquest heard that Ava was initially hospitalised on March 30th 2023. She was a patient of the Bons Secours in Cork before she was transferred to CUH.

Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a postmortem on Ava. She said that the youngster died of broncho pneumonia on a background of Dravet Syndrome.

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In her submissions to the Coroner, Ms OMahony said that Ava had experienced up to twenty seizures a day before she was prescribed medicinal cannabis.

She stated that such was the distress of Vera about the condition her daughter was in she walked from Cork to Leinster House in order to highlight her bid to obtain a licence for medicinal cannabis for her daughter.

In May of 2017 Vera went to Spain to get a prescription from a consultant for medicinal cannabis for Ava.

Customs officials confiscated the THC cannabis oil from Ms Twomey after questioning her for an hour after she got off a flight from Barcelona.

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She went to live in the Hague in the Netherlands in the latter half of 2017 where she again received a prescription of the drug for her daughter. At the time Ms Twomey said that it was a relief to finally gain consistent access to the medication even if she had to go overseas.

In late 2017 Minister for Health Simon Harris granted a licence for the use of medicinal cannabis by Ava.

The inquest had heard that Ms Twomey was concerned about changes to her daughters THC regime whilst she was in her final weeks at CUH. However, medics indicated that all clinical decisions which were made were in the best interest of Ava given her drop in weight and vulnerable condition.

In a statement to the court Vera said that Ava was one of the most spectacular people she had ever met.

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The first day I met her in the CUMH on the 26th of November 2009 I remember saying to a nurse are you sure she is mine she is so beautiful? It was on that day my privilege to be her mother commenced.

Her beautiful jet-black straight hair on arrival turned to the most glorious shade of blonde with ringlets and with her crystal blue eyes with lashes that continued to be the envy of all for the whole of her life she looked out at the world and beamed.

Her smile took up her whole face and she infected everyone she encountered with joy. She was then and now the most precious of gifts and an angel on earth as much as she is an angel now away from our sight.

Ms Twomey said that Ava lit up every room she went in to in her short life.

Her enthusiasm for life bubbled over and when she was well, she made the very most of every opportunity to be involved in everything. Yes, the seizures butted in but she never gave up and that became the family mantra; never give up, Ava never gives up, so we wont either.

Vera said that Ava had an incredible ability to fight back and recover that was so utterly inspirational.

Her bravery in the face of daily struggle was clear from the early days and she never quit she would open her eyes after an episode and it was there in her eyes every single time hi mummy Im back.

Avas school friends and teachers meant the world to her. Going to school was a joy for Ava when she was well enough to attend.

She said that Ava had a wonderful relationship with her father Paul, her siblings Sophia, Michael, and Elvera Mae and her Nana Kitty.

They all say that Ava gave the best hugs. One could write literally pages of the funny and fabulous nature of our little girl was.

She was brave, she was kind, she was determined and we were blessed to have her love for the time she was on this earth. She changed our lives, made us better,she never gave up and to have the privilege to be part of her family was probably the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.

She said she was proud that the troubles experienced by her daughter had led to progress in the lives of other patients in this country who can now avail of medicinal cannabis.

Coroner Philip Comyn said that whilst Vera and Paul stated that they were privileged to have Ava in their life the youngster was equally privileged to have has such a good family.

Addressing Ms Twomey he said that whilst he had never met Ava he felt like he had lived next door to her because of her beautiful statement about her daughter.

He extended his condolences to the family following their loss. Condolences were also offered by Sgt Fergus Twomey, Ms Daly on behalf of CUH and the jury. Mr Comyn also praised medical staff who had helped Vera throughout her life.

Ms Twomey, who is a mother of four, previously said that the public was instrumental in getting her through her lengthy, but ultimately successful campaign, to obtain medicinal cannabis for Ava who was experiencing catastrophic and potentially life ending seizures.

Ms Twomey said that medicinal cannabis helped Ava to have the quality of life that she deserved.

And to extend her life for several years beyond the expectations of any of the medical professionals. We had seven years of Ava being seizure free. Seven years is a long time.

Vera previously stated that her life prior to obtaining medicinal cannabis for Ava was one of constant stress, pain and anxiety.

"Every waking moment was consumed by it. I operated under constant fear and tension waiting for the next seizure. It was coming though you never knew when -- but as sure as day it was coming.

"Ava was having several seizures almost every day, with over twenty on a bad day. They may have varied in extent and severity, but each one was an agonising experience, full of pain and terror.

"THC changed her life and is the most humane form of medication."
A multibillion-dollar money laundering network run by two Russian millionaires and used by the Kinahan crime cartel to hide criminal cash has been brought down in an international sting.

The system was used by Russian-speaking hackers with millions in cryptocurrency that they needed to turn into cash and assets, as well as street gangs in Britain who had physical money they needed to launder.

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The system, run by two networks called Smart and TGR, to get cryptocurrency in return for cash.

Even the Russian state used the secretive network to get money to spies based in other countries, and it is also claimed it was used to move funds from the state-controlled TV network RT, formerly Russia Today, to journalists based in the UK.

Russian citizens placed under sanctions amid the war in Ukraine took advantage of the network to disguise the origin of their cash and buy property in Britain, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

Smart was run by Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national said to have been born in Siberia before making it in the financial industry and building up connections in Moscow.

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She has been arrested in France, and had already been sanctioned by the US last year.

Georgy Rossi, whose current whereabouts are unknown, was the boss of TGR  and also came from a background in Russian banking before relocating to Europe.

They are both believed to have made millions of pounds from money laundering, charging around three per cent for transactions involving billions.

The funds were often routed through the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, and the network had reach across more than 30 countries.

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Rob Jones, NCA director general of operations, said Operation Destabilise is the agencys largest money-laundering investigation in the last 10 years.

So far 84 arrests have been made, and 20 million (24 million) seized within the UK.

The network would need to launder around 700 million (845 million) to make that money back, the NCA said.

Mr Jones said: Operation Destabilise has exposed billion-dollar money laundering networks operating in a way previously unknown to international law enforcement or regulators.

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For the first time, we have been able to map out a link between Russian elites, crypto-rich cyber criminals, and drugs gangs on the streets of the UK.

The thread that tied them together  the combined force of Smart and TGR  was invisible until now.

The NCA and partners have disrupted this criminal service at every level. We have identified and acted against the Russians pulling the strings at the very top, removing the air of legitimacy that enabled them to weave illicit funds into our economy.

We also took out the key co-ordinators that enabled the cash-based element of their operation in the UK, making it extremely difficult for them to operate here and sending a clear message that this is not a safe haven for money laundering.

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Zhdanova and Rossi were at the top of an international system where criminals with dirty money or cryptocurrency could exchange it for funds of the equivalent value, meaning they could hide the fact the money had come from crime.

Smarts customers are alleged to have included a Russian ransomware group that was responsible for attempting to extort at least 27 million from 149 UK victims including hospitals, schools, businesses and local authorities.

The system meant drug dealers in the UK swapped dirty money for cryptocurrency that they could use to buy drugs from South American cartels, while Russian cybercriminals were able to buy assets such as properties abroad.

Nik Adams, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for economic crime, said the network was hidden in plain sight, operating from within our communities, moving vast sums of money linked to the drugs trade and serious violence on our streets.

The scheme was first discovered with the arrest of Fawad Saiedi in London in November 2021, who was found with more than 250,000 in cash.

He was later jailed for possessing and transferring criminal property, and was thought to have been involved in laundering more than 15 million, under the instructions of Zhdanova and her associate Nikita Krasnov.

Other parts of the network that were exposed included cash couriers in the UK run by two men called Semen Kuksov and Andrii Dzektsa, who between July 2022 and September 2023 oversaw the laundering of 12.3 million in 74 days.

One courier linked to Kuksovs network, Igor Logvinov, was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Ireland and later jailed for three years.

In Jersey in October 2021, an investigation found that Muhiddin Umurzokov, Anvarjon Eshonkulov and Batsukh Bataa had tried to launder 60,000 on the island.

They were found to be housing illegal migrants in sub-let homes that were paid for with the proceeds of drug dealing and prostitution, and were all jailed.

Two other cases saw money smugglers stopped at the border in Kent  Ukrainian nationals Taras Hirnyak and Andrii Trachuk who were found with 1 million in cash in washing powder boxes in May last year at the Channel Tunnel, and Ruslan Kaziuk who was stopped at Dover in March 2023 with taped up packages of cash.

Another courier, Andrejs Jasins, was stopped at Frankley Services on the southbound M5 near Birmingham in March 2023 and was found with 400,000 hidden under the passenger seat of his van.

The Latvian national had only flown into the UK the day before he was arrested, and was later jailed for two years.

The NCA worked with law enforcement in the US, Ireland, Jersey and France to bring down the network, that had reach across 30 countries.

A series of sanctions, announced by US authorities on Wednesday, have been put in against individuals accused of running the network.

Zhdanovas associates Khadzi-Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov and Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov were sanctioned by the United States on Wednesday.

Rossi, a Ukrainian national who was born in Russia, was also sanctioned, along with Chirkinyan, and another leading figure in TGR, Andrejs Bradens also known as Andrejs Carenoks, as well as associated businesses including TGR Partners, TGR DWC LLC and TGR Corporate Concierge Ltd.
The head of PSNI has said he has a clear plan to begin releasing images of people convicted of crimes in Northern Ireland from next year.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also issued a stark warning that dangerously low PSNI resources would have a serious impact on the forces operational ability to tackle crime.

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The PSNI does not issue mugshots of serious offenders after sentencing, unlike many police forces in other parts of the UK.

Following rioting that occurred in Belfast in August, some mugshots were released and the NI police chief has previously signalled he wants to make it a more routine policy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/PA)

Mr Boutcher told the Policing Board: I have a very clear plan next year  we have to cross all the ts and dot the is but  to publish convicted photographs of people who committed these heinous crimes and their sentences as a deterrence.

To actually show that if you commit these crimes, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you, we will convict you, and we will make it clear that you committed these crimes.

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And we took something of that approach with regards to the rioting that occurred in the summer, and by putting images out of those who are suspected of those offences.

It was my intention, we changed our internal processes around publication of photographs of people convicted to show those people responsible for that disorder publicly through convicted photographs.

We have not reached that point yet. You know, our justice process is slower than in England and Wales, weve not had that opportunity but its something I think we all share in.

Mr Boutcher has been vocal about budget pressures facing the service, previously stating the organisation was facing a 37 million-a-year funding gap.

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The chief constable also issued a stark warning that dangerously low PSNI resources would have a serious impact on the forces operational ability to tackle crime.

Mr Boutcher said crime levels in Northern Ireland remain significantly lower than in England and Wales but this has not manifested itself in reduced demand as crime types have changed.

He said: We now have levels of demand regarding calls for concern and mental health related issues that quite simply overwhelm us.

Im incredibly concerned about those serious, high harm offenses, some of which have been reported in the media and weve spoken about at this board.

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I wish to be crystal clear that with our dangerously low resources, this means that people will come to harm who otherwise would not, and we will not be able to do what we need to do to prevent people from getting involved in crime, because simply, we have a lack of numbers of police officers in our communities.

This is a stark warning for this board and everybody in Northern Ireland.

Im of the view that our effectiveness to tackle violence against women and girls has  and continues to  suffer significantly through a lack of police numbers. I am especially concerned about the impact on monitoring dangerous offenders.

We need more resources, or there will be high harm crimes committed that could otherwise be prevented.

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Mr Boutcher welcomed the 36.7 million of funding for the PSNI announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.

This provides us with the ability to balance the books for at least this year. Im particularly pleased that this announcement will enable progress to be made on this years outstanding officer pay awards.

I thank the minister for her decision to prioritise support for policing during this monitoring round. I am really grateful for this.

But, as welcome as the additional funding is, a recent budget planning exercise has highlighted that we face a pressure of over 100 million next year.

A future budget that accounts for these pressures will provide us with financial stability and end the cycle of uncertainty that comes with having to rely on in-year funding. This is just not sustainable.

Unless we are funded properly, staff morale, which has returned, will decline. Communities will be less safe, and we will not be able to target fully those high harm crimes that change peoples lives forever, such as violence against women and girls and hate crime.

The chief constable also welcomed three new Assistant Chief Constables (ACCs), Davy Beck, Ryan Henderson and Melanie Jones to the PSNIs leadership team.

He said: Each one brings significant experience to the role. These substantive appointments provide leadership, certainty and clarity to everyone in the organisation, and for all of those people that we are actually here to serve.
A young man whose "father figure" was shot dead "in cold blood" during a Christmas Eve party could have been provoked into a total loss of control when he is alleged to have kicked, stamped, stabbed and used various weapons to inflict blows on the gunman, a lawyer has told the Special Criminal Court.

Dominic McGinn SC, for Michael Andrecut (23), applied this morning to the three-judge, non-jury court for permission to argue provocation as a partial defence to the murder charge against his client.

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If the court consents, Mr McGinn will be able to argue that even if the grounds for murder are made out, Mr Andrecut should be found guilty of manslaughter.

The defence case would be that Mr Andrecut was so provoked by the gunman Tristan Sherry's "cold-blooded and deliberate" assassination of Jason Hennessy Snr that he was unable to control his actions.

The court has previously heard that in garda interviews, Mr Andrecut referred to Hennessy Snr as "Daddy J", and described him as a father figure who he loved and who loved him like a son.

The court has heard that Hennessy Snr and a group of about 30 people had gathered in Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown last December 24th for a party when Sherry and a second gunman arrived with their faces covered and hoods up.

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Sherry scuffled with Hennessy Snr and fatally wounded him before the gunman was himself disarmed and beaten to death.

Three men are currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder while three others, including Jason Hennessy Snr's son Brandon Hennessy, are on trial accused of violent disorder. They all deny the charges.

Mr McGinn on Thursday told the court that for it to consider provocation as a partial defence to a murder charge, they must be satisfied there is evidence of a "genuinely serious act of provocation" that caused the accused to suffer a total loss of self-control.

Counsel said it would be difficult to imagine a more provocative act than Sherry shooting "in cold blood someone who was a father figure to Mr Andrecut" while they celebrated a Christmas party.

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Mr McGinn said the prosecution's case is that Mr Andrecut carried out "extreme and continuous" acts of violence that included kicks, stamps, stabs and other blows along with the use of an "array of randomly acquired weapons".

Mr McGinn said all those alleged actions are "indicative of a loss of control."

Counsel suggested it would be difficult to know how anyone would react to "something as dramatic as the assassination of someone who is close to us," and he added: "It would be difficult to argue that an ordinary person would have been able to exercise self-restraint in the face of that provocation."

Ireland Nikita Hands lawyers ask judge to order Conor McG... Read More

He reminded the court that in his interviews, Mr Andrecut said he reacted "instinctively" to the shooting, which Mr McGinn said suggests he had no control over his actions.

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Lawyers for the other two men accused of Sherry's murder indicated that they will make similar applications when the trial continues on Friday before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge James Faughnan.

The three men currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (23), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown.

Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown and 18-year-old Diarmuid O'Brien of Corduff Place, Blanchardstown, and Brandon Hennessy (21) of Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15 - the son of Jason Hennessy Snr - are charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date.
Thursday's front pages focus on a range of stories from Fianna Fail prioritising policing reform as they look to form a new government to the Kinahan crime gang having links to a Russian money-laundering network.

The Irish Times reports policing reform is set to be a central plank for Fianna Fail in the programme for government negotiations, with a tussle over the justice portfolio expected in coalition talks with Fine Gael.

The Irish Examiner report the Kinahan cartel and other Irish organised crime groups used the money-laundering services of sprawling multi-billion-dollar Russian criminal networks that have now been hit by British and US agencies.

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The Echo report that Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is expected to form a coalition with Fine Gael to last a full-term.

Good morning, here's the front page of today's Irish Independent pic.twitter.com/7QTd83ozLf  Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) December 5, 2024

Just days after an impressive #GE2024 showing, the Social Democrats have some serious questions to answer... pic.twitter.com/6W7brwft7A  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) December 5, 2024

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/ygiA2t3Smf  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) December 5, 2024

Morning, readers. Here's the front page of today's Belfast Telegraph.  Stick with us for all your breaking news today. https://t.co/DE1pCfCHHr pic.twitter.com/VuuSLqyP5d  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) December 5, 2024

In the UK, Domestic and foreign politics dominate Thursdays front pages.

The Daily Mirror, Independent and The Guardian splash on Keir Starmers promise to introduce an extra 130,000 police officers in a speech that set out the next phase of his Government.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph leads on a UK defence chiefs warnings that China is a major nuclear threat to the West.

And the Daily Mail says veterans minister Alistair Cairns has claimed the British army could be wiped out in six months to a year if faced with a major war.

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The Times and Financial Times report French President Emmanuel Macron is being called on to resign after prime minister Michel Barnier was forced out in a no-confidence vote.

Millions of patients eligible for a weight-loss drug could face a 12-year wait to access it, according to the i.

The Sun leads on a new claim against Masterchef host Gregg Wallace.

Metro splashes on a money laundering network converting cash into cryptocurrency taken down in an international sting.

Lastly, the Daily Star splashes on a psychic night in Scotland cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
These are our top picks from this years new Christmas-themed books

Fiction

1. All I Want For Christmas by Karen Swan is published in paperback by Pan. Available now

Its that time of year again when the bookshops start to fill with festive romance reads, and Karen Swan is adding the cosy All I Want For Christmas into the mix. Set in Copenhagens art world, Darcy Cotterell isnt feeling particularly festive as she digs through the vaults of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts to discover who the mystery woman on a newly recovered work of art. However, its not all academia for Darcy as her friend, Freja, lines her up with three blind dates. As Freja attempts to ignite the festive flame, Darcy matches with a lawyer who is both infuriating and heavily involved in her research. Karen Swan balances art mystery and dark subjects with the light hand needed for romance that can swell even Scrooges cold heart.

8/10

(Review by Rachel Howdle)

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2. Murder Under The Mistletoe by Reverend Richard Coles is published in hardback by W&N. Available now

A family gathering and a feast of food to enjoy topped off with a secret recipe for bread sauce is surely a recipe for a perfect Christmas Day. But instead of eating, drinking and being merry, one of the guests drops down dead during a game of charades, shortly after a kiss under the mistletoe. The Reverend Richard Coles makes the reader wait until nearly the end of his latest book to reveal another murder in the parish of Canon Daniel Clement. Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo is among the guests and joins the Canon in trying to solve the crime and catch the Christmas killer. Fans of the previous Canon Clement mysteries will love the trademark humour of Coles, the former Communards pop star turned vicar and radio host who now writes easy-to- read, funny, clever crime novels.

8/10

(Review by Alan Jones)

3. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose is published in hardback by HarperCollins. Available now

Canadian author Nita Prose has made a name for herself with a series of murder mysteries set in a high-class hotel, with head maid Molly at the centre. Now, Prose has set her sights on Christmas in a standalone novella  which feels so cloying and cliched that it almost makes you wish for a spot of murder. Molly and her boyfriend Juan are counting down the days until Christmas, until Juan starts acting somewhat suspicious, and Molly spirals into thinking something is awry. To everyone other than Molly  including the reader  the mystery in question is evident from the beginning, making for a somewhat dreary read full of OTT Christmas cheer. If you want an easy festive read full of life lessons and characters who enjoy singing Christmas songs way more than the average person, this is the one for you  otherwise perhaps wait for Proses next full-length offering, which will hopefully feature a much juicier mystery.

5/10

(Review by Lily Rose)

Non-fiction

4. A Poem For Every Day of Christmas, edited by Allie Esiri, is published in hardback by Macmillan Childrens Books. Available now

With the boom in novelty advent calendars and new fads seemingly introduced every Christmas, this is a gorgeous tradition you will want to revisit year after year. A Poem For Every Day Of Christmas  a compilation of 31 poems arranged by date order from December 1-31  contains a hit of culture for each day of the festive month, from the traditional Christmas poems we know and love, such as We Wish You A Merry Christmas, to work from contemporary legends like Brian Bilston and Wendy Cope. Its the perfect countdown for the big day, and suitable for all, from parents reading to their children to anyone wanting to swap their social media scrolling for a bit of everyday wisdom. Its a great way to get into the festive spirit while also making a commitment to some deeper contemplation at a time where consumerism is rife.

10/10

(Review by Sophie Goodall)

Childrens book of the week

5. The Christmasaurus And The Night Before Christmas by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries, is published in hardback by Puffin. Available now

The Christmasaurus And The Night Before Christmas is a charming tale of immense imagination with Fletcher creating a world that immediately brings the reader into the story and captures the sheer excitement of Christmas Eve. His loveable character, the Christmasaurus, is keen to help at the North Pole in the build-up to Christmas but failing to impress his elf peers with his baking, decorating and present wrapping. Unfortunately, he doesnt quite feel the Christmas spirit, wondering whether anyone will care or notice if hes not around this Christmas. But it is Santa that lifts the story and drives home the heartfelt message of Fletchers book, going against majority opinion and loving Christmasaurus baking, decorations and wrapping, bringing the dinosaur back from hiding. A great Christmas Eve read for your kids, with vivid animation and a captivating and heartwarming storyline.

8/10

(Review by Christopher Henry-Reeve)

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BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30th

HARDBACK (FICTION)

1. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

2. In Too Deep by Lee Child & Andrew Child

3. The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer

4. Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu

5. Orbital by Samantha Harvey

6. Killing Time by Alan Bennett

7. Precipice by Robert Harris

8. Odyssey by Stephen Fry

9. The Party by Tessa Hadley

10. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

(Compiled by Waterstones)

HARDBACK (NON-FICTION)

1. Private Eye Annual 2024 by Ian Hislop

2. I Havent Been Entirely Honest With You by Miranda Hart

3. Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher

4. Guinness World Records 2025

5. Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson

6. A Pawtobiography by Ted the Dog

7. Marys Foolproof Dinners by Mary Berry

8. Unleashed by Boris Johnson

9. Food For Life Cookbook by Tim Spector

10. Freedom: Memoirs 1954  2021 by Angela Merkel

(Compiled by Waterstones)

AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION)

1. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

2. I Havent Been Entirely Honest With You by Miranda Hart

3. The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer

4. Death On The Lusitania by R. L. Graham

5. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear

7. Odyssey by Stephen Fry

8. Lights Out by Navessa Allen

9. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

10. We Who Wrestle With God by Jordan B. Peterson

(Compiled by Audible)
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov clashed on Thursday indirectly with US secretary of state Antony Blinken at an annual security meeting, accusing the West of risking escalation over Ukraine, but walked out before Mr Blinken and other speakers could respond.

Speaking at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe ministerial meeting in Malta, Mr Lavrov accused the West of reviving the Cold War and provoking a direct conflict with Russia.

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He said the US action was driven by a desire to return Nato to the political spotlight.

After the Afghan disgrace, there was a need for a new common enemy, Mr Lavrov said, during his first stop in an EU country since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.



US secretary of state Antony Blinken put the blame for escalation in the region back on Russia (Alberto Pizzoli/Pool/AP)

The result is the reincarnation of the Cold War, but now with the far greater risk of its escalation into the hot phase.

Mr Blinken, who spoke after Mr Lavrov left the room, put the blame for escalation in the region back on Russia, noting that the Russian foreign minister, the fourth speaker, did not stop to listen to other speakers.

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Lets talk about escalation, Mr Blinken said, citing the deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile to attack Ukraine, Russias move to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, and attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure.

Mr Lavrov spoke about the sovereign right of every member state to make their own choices, Mr Blinken said.

Thats exactly what this is about, the sovereign right of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to make their own choices about the future, not to have those choices made in and by Moscow.

Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, who was the first to address the panel, walked out as Mr Lavrov took the podium, along with the foreign ministers of Poland and Estonia.

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The 31st OSCE ministerial summit is being held in Malta (Alberto Pizzoli/Pool/AP)

Before leaving the podium, Mr Sybiha, called Mr Lavrov a war criminal.

Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table (Lavrov) should know this, Ukraine will succeed and justice will prevail.

It has been relatively rare for Mr Lavrov to attend forums involving senior western officials, although he recently took part in the UN General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil.

Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on her message app that Malta had annulled her visa to accompany Mr Lavrov.

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The Maltese foreign affairs office said that three OSCE member countries had objected to extending the visa to Ms Zakharova, who is the subject of a travel ban. Mr Lavrov is subject to EU sanctions, but faces no travel ban.

Mr Lavrov attended the event last year in Skopje, North Macedonia, but Poland denied him a visa the previous year in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Blinken travelled to Malta from Brussels, where he attended what was likely to be his last Nato meeting of the outgoing Joe Biden administration.

Ukraines foreign minister was also attending, after Ukraine boycotted last year over Mr Lavrovs attendance.

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Reporters Without Borders called on the OSCE to release 38 journalists detained by Russia, including 19 Ukrainians arrested in illegally occupied territories.

It said in a statement that Russia is the worlds fifth-largest jailer of journalists.
Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined after breaching bail.

Hogg had his sentence for abusing his estranged wife over the course of five years deferred until January 9th.

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He earlier admitted breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, in June.

Hogg previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of Mrs Hogg when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4th.

Stuart Hogg arriving at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday (Owen Humphreys/PA)

He admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

The court previously heard he berated Mrs Hogg for not being fun after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent her more than 200 text messages in the space of a few hours.

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For the bail breach, he was placed on a five-year non-harassment order and fined 600, with an additional 40 victim surcharge, when he appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday.

The 32-year-old had been due to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4th but pleaded guilty that day to a charge of domestic abuse, between 2019 and 2024 at locations including Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

Hogg now lives abroad and plays for French club Montpellier, and the court was told he is in the process of a divorce.

Stuart Hogg was sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Prosecutor Drew Long told the court on November 4th that the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children, all aged under three, but Hoggs behaviour deteriorated as he went out partying.

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Hogg would shout and swear and accuse Mrs Hogg of not being fun for not joining in drinking, and her family noticed a change in her, the court heard.

In 2022, Mrs Hogg went on a night out and was bombarded with text messages from her husband which caught the attention of the people she was with, the prosecutor said.

The following year, the couple moved to Hawick but Hogg used an app to track his wife and questioned her whereabouts while she was dropping the children off, Mr Long told the court.

Stuart Hogg playing for Scotland during a Six Nations match in February 2023 (PA)

In 2023, Mrs Hogg decided to leave the rugby player and sought advice from a domestic abuse service.

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In September of that year, the court heard last month, Hogg sent so many messages that it led Mrs Hogg to have a panic attack, and Hogg sent in excess of 200 texts in a few hours despite being asked to leave her alone.

On February 21st this year, police were called due to Hogg shouting and swearing and he was taken into custody and then placed on a bail order stipulating not to contact Mrs Hogg, or to enter the family home.

Hogg retired from professional rugby last year but in July this year it was announced that he would be returning after signing for Montpellier on a two-year contract.

The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs player was made an MBE for services to the sport in this years New Year Honours list.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he will name a new prime minister within days, after the resignation of Michel Barnier.

Mr Macron came out fighting a day after a historic no-confidence vote at the National Assembly left France without a functioning government.

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He laid the blame at the door of his opponents for bringing down Mr Barniers government.

He said they chose not to do but to undo. They chose disorder, he said.

The president said the far right and the far left had united in what he called an anti-Republican front and added: I wont shoulder other peoples irresponsibility.

He said he would name a new prime minister within days, but gave no hints as to who that might be.

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Earlier in the day, Mr Macron took note of Mr Barniers resignation, the Elysee presidential palace said in a statement.

Mr Barnier and other ministers will be in charge of current affairs until the appointment of a new government, the statement said.

The no-confidence motion passed by 331 votes in the National Assembly, and forced Mr Barnier to step down after just three months in office, making it the shortest tenure of any prime minister in modern French history.

While critical of his political opponents, in his address Mr Macron also acknowledged his own role in the chaos now shaking French politics and alarming financial markets.

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He revisited his decision in June to dissolve parliament, a move which precipitated the crisis, leading to new legislative elections that produced the now hung parliament, divided between three minority blocs that do not have enough seats to govern alone and are proving largely incapable of working together  except to bring down Barnier.

I do recognise that this decision wasnt understood. Many people criticised me for it. I know many continue to criticise me for it. Its a fact. And its my responsibility.

He tore into MPs who backed the no-confidence vote that forced Mr Barniers resignation, accusing them of pursuing their own political interests. He noted that the vote came with the end-of-year holidays just around the corner.

Why did lawmakers act this way? Theyre not thinking of you, of your lives, your difficulties, he said.

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Theyre thinking of just one thing, the presidential election, to prepare it, to provoke it, to precipitate it.

Mr Macron faces pressure to quickly name a new leader capable of navigating a fractured parliament, where no party holds a majority.

He was was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 for a five-year term.

Mr Macron previously ruled out choosing the nominee of the left-wing coalition the New Popular Front, because it includes the hard-left France Unbowed party.

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French media have reported a shortlist of centrist candidates who might appeal to both sides of the political spectrum.

With no majority in parliament, the president is weakened at home, but still holds some extensive powers over foreign policy, European affairs and defence and is in charge of negotiating and ratifying international treaties.

The president is also the commander-in-chief of the countrys armed forces and holds the nuclear codes.
A Norwegian court has rejected a second bid for parole by mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage in 2011.

The Ringerike, Asker and Brum district court last month held a parole hearing for Breivik, 45, who is serving a 21-year sentence.

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In a written verdict dated Wednesday, it said that Breiviks request was denied and that it considered it clear that continued detention was necessary in the interest of public safety.

It said it was positive that Breivik had embarked on programmes that could have a rehabilitating effect, but that has not yet progressed far enough to have a significant impact on assessments of the risk of him reoffending.



Anders Breivik is being held in solitary confinement (Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix/AP)

Breivik was convicted in 2012 of mass murder and terrorism for a bombing that killed eight people at a government building in Oslo, and a shooting massacre on Utoya island where he gunned down 69 people at a holiday camp for youth activists from the Labour Party.

Breiviks parole application was heard in a makeshift courtroom in the gymnasium at the Ringerike prison, outside Oslo, where a similar hearing was held in January 2022.

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Authorities in Norway have said Breivik has the same rights as any other prisoner and that treating him differently would undermine the principles that underpin Norwegian society, including the rule of law and freedom of speech.

He has been held in isolation since he began serving his prison sentence in 2012 and has argued several times that his treatment amounts to inhumane punishment under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Each time courts have rejected his claims.

At the Ringerike prison he is held in a two-storey complex with a kitchen, dining room and TV room with an Xbox, several armchairs and black and white pictures of the Eiffel Tower on the wall. He also has a fitness room with weights, a treadmill and a rowing machine.
A couple in Missouri has been slapped with felony charges of child abuse after they performed and botched an in-home circumcision on a child.

Tyler Wade Gibson, who has no prior medical training, "knowingly performed a circumcision" on a child under the age of 18 in his home in Morgan County, Missouri. However, the procedure did not go as planned, and suffered "physical injury."

The surgery, performed on November 27, failed. This led Gibson to bring the child to the Lake Regional Hospital which was moved to Columbia University Hospital for treatment, according to a probable cause affidavit.

How Was the Crime Discovered?

Police were alerted to the crime after receiving a report from staff members at the University Hospital shortly after midnight on November 28 about a child who had undergone a circumcision at home. A subsequent investigation also found that Gibson left the hospital against medical advice on early November 28 because they "grew tired of waiting."

Speaking with police, Gibson revealed he used a "utility tool" to circumcise the child despite having no prior medical training. He argued that he "conducted research and prayed a blessing" before performing the procedure.

When asked why he took the child to the hospital, Gibson said he was not prepared for the amount of bleeding that happened during the circumcision. It is unclear whether the child would suffer permanent damage.

Gibson has since been taken to the Morgan County Jail and is facing charges of child abuse and performing an unauthorized surgery. His wife, Bailey Alexus Gibson, has also been charged with child abuse for assisting in the procedure.

Gibson was scheduled to appear in court on December 3, while Bailey is set to make a court appearance on January 28, per KRCG-TV.

Why Is At-Home Circumcision Dangerous?

Without professional medical oversight, at-home circumcision can lead to severe complications, including significant blood loss, hemorrhagic shock, infection, excessive scarring, and wound healing problems.

At-home circumcisions typically lack the use of anesthesia and other pain management systems, leading to extreme discomfort and potentially psychological trauma.

Furthermore, incorrect techniques can lead to more skin being removed, which could cause functional issues. Injuring surrounding structures, such as the glans and urethra, can also have long-term consequences on sexual function and urinary health.
A Pakistan court on Thursday indicted imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and dozens of his associates on charges of inciting people to attack military and government installations last year, officials and his party said.

Khan pleaded not guilty when charges were read out to him in court in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, according to officials and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI.

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Khan and the others will go on trial under anti-terrorism laws that carry punishments up to life in prison.

PTI said that top party official Omar Ayub Khan, the current opposition leader in Parliament, also was arrested by police on Thursday.



Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, with leaders of Khans party, during a rally demanding Khans release (W.K. Yousufzai/AP)

He was wanted on separate charges that included incitement of violence in the capital, Islamabad, last week.

The indictments against Khan and dozens of his party members stem from widespread violence on May 9, 2023 that was sparked by Khans arrest at the time on corruption charges.

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Thousands of demonstrators attacked the militarys headquarters in Rawalpindi, stormed an air base in Mianwali in the eastern Punjab province and torched a building housing state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.

Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but has remained the leading opposition figure, and has since then been embroiled in more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated.

Authorities say that during the May 9, 2023 riots, demonstrators targeted military installations because Khan had repeatedly blamed his removal on the United States and Pakistans military, which has ruled the country for half of its history since its independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

The US government, the Pakistani military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Khan in 2022, have denied the allegations.

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Last week, thousands of Khans supporters defied a police lockdown to enter Islamabad, where they clashed with police who used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, who was leading the protest to demand her husbands release, fled the scene on November 26 after officers launched their operation and has not been publicly seen since then.

Police say she is hiding in the north-western city of Peshawar, the capital of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where Khans party is in power.

Police say they are seeking the arrest of Bibi, who was recently freed on bail in a bribery case.
Billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy met on Thursday with Republican lawmakers whose support they will need to win the sweeping spending cuts that US president-elect Donald Trump has asked them to find.

The two entrepreneurs have been named by Mr Trump to a task force that aims for a sweeping overhaul of the US government, which spent $6.8 trillion in the most recent fiscal year.

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Mr Musk has set a target of $2 trillion in savings, though he has not said whether that would come in a single year or over a longer period. The two chairs of the "Department of Government Efficiency" have called for firing thousands of federal workers, slashing regulations and eliminating programmes whose authorisation has expired, such as veterans' healthcare.

That could be easier said than done. Any changes to veterans' benefits or other popular programs that serve millions of Americans would likely encounter fierce blowback, and efforts to thin the workforce could disrupt everything from law enforcement to air traffic control.

Mr Musk, clutching the hand of a small child, rushed down the corridors of the Capitol near the Senate chamber while surrounded by police, reporters and photographers.

Fears for Medicare and Medicaid

After being peppered with questions about whether he would support cuts to entitlement programmes like Medicare and Medicaid and cuts to defence, Mr Musk finally replied: "I think we just need to make sure we spend the public's money well."

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Asked about getting rid of electric vehicle tax credits, Mr Musk said: "I think we should get rid of all credits."

Mr Ramaswamay met separately with a group of Senate Republicans including Thom Tillis, who said he believed there were "tens of billions of dollars" in spending that could be quickly clawed back.

As co-chairs of the efficiency task force, Mr Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Mr Ramaswamy, a former biotech executive, would likely have to work with Congress to secure significant reductions.

Republicans will control both chambers of Congress and the White House next year, but they may struggle to win significant reductions. While lawmakers sign off on roughly $1.7 trillion in defence and domestic programmes each year, most federal spending consists of health, pension and other benefit programmes that lie outside of the annual budget process. Lawmakers have no control over interest payments, which are projected to top $1 trillion in this fiscal year.

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Republican lawmakers have said they are eager to cooperate. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a hard-right firebrand, will chair a House of Representatives panel to work with Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy, and Senate lawmakers have also expressed openness to the idea.

Republicans secured limited spending cuts in a 2023 showdown with Democratic president Joe Biden but have been unable to agree on further reductions since then.

Trump shows little interest in spending cuts

Mr Trump has broken with conservative orthodoxy by saying he will not cut benefits for the Social Security pension plan or the Medicare health plan for seniors, which together account for more than one-third of federal spending.

World As Le Pen gambles on felling French government, he... Read More

Mr Trump also showed little interest in spending cuts during his first 2017-2021 term in office, when federal expenditures grew from $4 trillion to $6.2 trillion.

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Congress did not act on his proposal to eliminate more than a dozen small government agencies and failed to repeal Democratic president Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act, a central goal of the party.

Mr Ramaswamy said on Wednesday that the Trump administration should first try to find savings by reducing waste, fraud and abuse in benefit programmes like Social Security before asking lawmakers to consider more difficult reforms.

"We're taking on a very big problem here and we're going into it with an appropriate level of humility," he said at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington. (
Syrian insurgents said on Thursday that they have entered parts of the central city of Hama after three days of intense clashes with government forces on its outskirts, part of an ongoing offensive in which they seized Syrias largest city of Aleppo.

Syrian state media confirmed violent clashes between government forces and opposition gunmen on the eastern outskirts of Hama city but denied that the insurgents had breached it.

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Hama is one of the few cities that remained under full government control during Syrias conflict, which broke out in March 2011. Its capture would be a major setback for President Bashar Assad.



Syrian opposition fighters stand atop a seized military armoured vehicle on the outskirts of Hama, Syria (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

The offensive is being led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army.

Their sudden capture of the northern city of Aleppo, an ancient business hub, was a stunning prize for Mr Assads opponents.

It was the first opposition attack on the city since 2016 when a brutal Russian air campaign retook it for Mr Assad after rebel forces had initially seized it.

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Intervention by Russia, Iran, Iranian-allied Hezbollah and other militant groups has allowed Mr Assad to remain in power.

The latest flare-up in Syrias long civil war comes as Mr Assads main regional and international backers are preoccupied with their own wars.



Syrian opposition fighters claim to have entered the city of Hama (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

The insurgents have claimed that they have entered Hama and are marching toward its centre.

Our forces are taking positions inside the city of Hama, the insurgents said on Telegram, quoting a local commander identified as Major Hassan Abdul-Ghani.

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The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said gunmen had entered parts of the city, mainly the neighbourhoods of Sawaaeq and Zahiriyeh to the north west.

It added that gunmen are also on the edge of the northwestern neighbourhood of Kazo.

The Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, told The Associated Press: If Hama falls, it means that the beginning of the regimes fall has started.

Hama is a major intersection point in Syria that links that countrys centre with the north as well as the east and the west. It is about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the capital, Damascus, Mr Assads seat of power.

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Hama province also borders the coastal province of Latakia, a main base of popular support for Mr Assad.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the offensive, which began on November 27.
Keir Starmer has set out six milestones to measure the Governments progress in delivering his plan to change the UK.

The British Prime Minister said the public targets would give the British people the power to hold our feet to the fire.

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The six milestones in the plan for change are:

 Delivering higher, real, household disposable income and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by the end of the Parliament, as part of the goal of having the highest sustained economic growth in the G7 group of wealthy democracies.

 Building 1.5 million homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects.

 Meeting the NHS standard of 92 per cent of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment.

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 Putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every community and 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles in England and Wales.

 Getting a record 75 per cent of five-year-olds in England ready to learn when they start school.

 Putting the UK on track to at least 95 per cent clean power by 2030.
As nationalist leader Marine Le Pen orchestrated the overthrow of France's government on Wednesday, several thousand people lined up outside a Paris cafe for a chance to share a brief word or even a selfie with the rising star of France's far-right.

Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old wingman, is a lawmaker in the European Parliament, so he was not at the National Assembly voting alongside his fellow National Rally (RN) party members on Wednesday to oust prime minister Michel Barnier.

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Instead, he was less than five kilometres away, swarmed by adoring fans, signing copies of his hit debut book, "What I'm Looking For".

"It's the book they don't want you to read," said Mr Bardella during a glitzy promotional tour that has coincided with France's second major political crisis in six months - one that has lifted his political fortunes just as those of his long-time mentor Ms Le Pen come under threat.

Ms Le Pen was the driving force in toppling Mr Barnier's government over a 2025 budget bill she deemed too tough on the working classes. It is a risky strategy that may alienate the mainstream conservative voters she has long courted.

Opponents allege Ms Le Pen really has president Emmanuel Macron in her cross-hairs, seeking to trigger an early election ahead of a March 31st graft trial that could see her barred from office for five years. A conviction would stop her running in the 2027 presidential election, a contest many believe she would win.

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"The target is Emmanuel Macron," Xavier Bertrand, a potential Barnier replacement, said on BFM TV. "She would like everything to speed up before her March verdict."

Ms Le Pen denies embezzling EU funds.

Rivalry?

Mr Bardella - the RN's likely presidential candidate in 2027 if Ms Le Pen is barred - also says she is innocent. But he raised eyebrows in a November 18th TV interview when he said nobody with a criminal conviction should run as an RN candidate.

A simple gaffe or a flash of the knife at his mentor?

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RN spokesman Philippe Ballard did not immediately respond to questions as to why Mr Bardella made the comment or whether there were tensions between Ms Le Pen and her young protege.

Either way, Mr Bardella's comments underlined the diverging fortunes of the RN's tag-team after years in lockstep.

Arnaud Benedetti, a political analyst who wrote a recent book on the RN's rise, said Ms Le Pen and Mr Bardella had more to gain by sticking together for now, banking on their complementary strengths such as youth and experience.

"I don't see the beginning of a disagreement," he told Reuters. "I'm not saying that can't happen tomorrow ... but they have no reason to split right now."

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Marie Debuire, an 18-year-old beautician who had travelled from Rennes in Brittany for the book signing, said the Le Pen name carried unnecessary baggage thanks to Marine's father, Jean-Marie, the founder of a party that was once a byword for racism and antisemitism.

Despite believing Ms Le Pen was guilty of the graft charges, Ms Debuire said she should run in 2027.

"But I think Bardella has a better chance of winning," she said. "The RN has a shot at being in power thanks to Bardella not being called Le Pen."

A November 26th poll by Odoxa showed that 59 per cent of RN voters prefer Bardella, with 37 per cent favouring Le Pen.

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Bad reviews

Reviews of Mr Bardella's tome have not been kind - "a marketing object ... devoid of any introspection or revelation," Le Monde declared - but sales have been robust, with nearly 60,000 copies sold since its launch on November 9th, according to Europe 1.

None of the young crowd queuing round the block in the freezing cold to meet their hero on Wednesday night were concerned about sniffy reviews in Parisien broadsheets.

They were more worried about rising gang violence and immigration, issues Mr Bardella has made a key part of his political pitch.

France needs hope.

"We need things to change and I think Bardella is the man to do it," said 18-year-old Eric Berthelot, who hails from a rough, immigrant-heavy suburb outside Paris.

World French president Macron has last say on his resign... Read More

"France welcomes all the misery of the world," he said. "But those who arrive don't respect our culture and want to destroy our country. That's not acceptable and must be punished."

Mr Bardella has long cited his upbringing in the poor and multi-ethnic Seine-Saint-Denis department north of Paris as the crucible in which his political views were forged.

Ismael Habri, a 27-year-old janitor with a Trumo badge on his lapel, said he grew up in a similar environment.

"I know the ghetto well so I understand Bardella," he said. "France needs hope."
The Grinch who stole Christmas has been found alive and well, and living in the Yarra City Council IT department.

Jim Carrey in a scene from the 2000 movie The Grinch.

Council workers at the famously progressive council centred around Collingwood and Richmond thought they were getting an early Christmas present after receiving an email promising a bonus gift card this week. But the link instead sent them to a training course about online scams.

The emails were sent to staff on Monday afternoon with the subject line: Bonus eGift Card from Yarra City Council!
Karakikes was arrested by Strike Force Orsino detectives on Thursday. Karakikes was arrested at his Dulwich Hill home before being taken to Surry Hills police station and charged with taking part in the supply of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group. He was also charged with organising, conducting or assisting a drug premises. He is not accused of any involvement in relation to the shootings linked to the investigation. Karakikes had rented a house on New Canterbury Road to Comanchero members, including George Lergou, who was also arrested alongside alleged former Comanchero member Alan Ian Marshall in the Thursday raids, the court heard. Strike Force Orsino investigators installed hidden cameras in the home, where Lergou and another bikie were allegedly filmed taking a light-coloured powder out of a plastic bag, weighing and re-bagging it, documents tendered in court allege.

Karakikes barrister, George Thomas, told the court the men were obviously using the premises to facilitate supply; my client is not there. The court heard the hidden cameras captured Lergou placing a package believed to contain drugs on a kitchen bench in front of Karakikes, who had been summoned to the property. Dont say a word to no one, Lergou allegedly told Karakikes. Thomas successfully asked for Karakikes, who lost a bid to have his identity suppressed, to be bailed so he could continue to run his business and be with his wife ahead of the birth of their second child next month. Karakikes is also a motorsport enthusiast and claims to own Australias fastest Nissan Skyline R35 GT-R, which he has driven at up to 300km/h and has entered in drag races in NSW and interstate.

During Thursdays 12 raids, including one on the Gold Coast, police found and seized $550,000 worth of luxury jewellery, eight cars and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle worth a combined value of $500,000, more than $25,000 in cash, $12,000 worth of prohibited drugs, electronic devices and Comanchero paraphernalia. Lergou was arrested at Burwood police station about 2pm and charged with an array of offences, including two counts of shooting with intent to murder, conspiracy to take or detain a person with intent to obtain advantage, and two counts of supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. Loading He was also charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, knowingly directing activities of a criminal group, stalking or intimidating with the intent to cause fear or physical harm, and common assault (DV). He was not charged in relation to Oraihas alleged murder. Police allege Lergou was part of the joint criminal enterprise involved in the planning and carrying out of the Marrickville shooting but was not the gunman. Lergou did not apply for bail on Friday. He was remanded in custody to face Downing Centre Local Court on February 4.

Marshall, 39, was charged with possessing a prohibited drug, possessing or attempting to possess a prescribed restricted substance and two counts of participating in a criminal group. He was not charged in connection to the shootings. He did not apply for bail in Sutherland Local Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to face Downing Centre Local Court on February 4. Alleged Comanchero Tiago Manuel Guerreiro Costa, 45, was charged with conspiracy to take or detain a person with intent to obtain advantage and two counts of supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. He was also not charged in connection to the shootings. He was refused bail and appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday, when he was formally refused bail to face Downing Centre Local Court on February 4. Strike Force Orsino detectives on Thursday arrested six alleged Comanchero bikie gang members and associates. Credit: NSW Police In Lakemba, a 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of dishonestly interfering with or copying a unique identifier and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on December 17. A 42-year-old man, arrested in Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast, was expected to be extradited to Tweed Heads on Friday and charged with participating in a criminal group.
Dozens of Victorian government schools matched or exceeded the performance of their high-fee private rivals in this years NAPLAN results.

The states selective-entry secondary schools  Mac.Robertson Girls High School, Nossal High, Melbourne High and Suzanne Cory High  are well-known for high academic results when compared with the top private schools, which can charge up to $50,000 a year.

Viewbank College principal Sharon Grimes and students are pleased with the schools high scores in this years NAPLAN. Credit: Joe Armao

But this years NAPLAN results have highlighted the ability of lesser-known government schools to compete with their better-resourced private rivals, even as the state education sector battles a teacher shortage and a funding crisis.

The Ages interactive guide shows the public schools that have performed strongly this year compared to private institutions. Schools are listed in alphabetical order and not ranked in order of achievement. The scores reflect raw test results and are not weighted for schools socioeconomic status.
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 We bring you the stories of womens lives lost in Australia in recent years. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts. See all 53 stories . A jury has found Andre Rebelo guilty of murdering his mother at her Bicton home for cash after taking out three insurance policies in her name just days earlier. Jurors cried as the verdict was announced on Thursday afternoon following nearly two days of deliberation and an eight-week trial where evidence revealed the 28-year-olds financial woes. Prosecutors said while social media showed he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, it was debt-driven and pushed him to form a murderous plan. A court sketch of Andre Rebelo during his murder trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Credit: Anne Barnetson Andre Rebelo killed his healthy and happy 58-year-old mother, Colleen, on May 25, 2020. She had dropped her youngest son Fabian off at work at 10am and planned to pick him up at 2pm. But he never saw her alive again. Colleen returned to her Bicton home when Andre, her second-born son, came to visit. He told the jury he stayed for a chat and a coffee, dropped off some clothes, and caught his mother up on the latest news about his Instagram influencer girlfriend Grace Piscopo and their young son. Then, Andre claimed, he left.

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However, prosecutors said Andre murdered his mother during that visit, possibly by smothering her face with a pillow. He stripped her naked and placed her body into the shower to make it look like she had collapsed from natural causes. There was no animosity between the pair. There had been no disagreements, no tension, no arguments. So why did he do it? Money, greed and an image to uphold Rebelo was a desperate man, the court was told. He had been studying at university when his girlfriends modelling career began taking off. Piscopo was a beautiful young woman who was in a relationship with Rebelo for about eight years. What started with photos of herself posted on social media turned into a business where clothing and accessories brands would pay her to wear their items.

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More than a million people followed Piscopo on Instagram. Rebelo often featured in her photos too, and soon the couple realised a lot of money could be made if they turned social media into a full-time gig. Rebelo deferred the last year of a management degree and agreed to become her assistant. He also agreed to be the primary carer of their son, who was born in 2019. Andre Rebelo with his then girlfriend Grace Piscopo. Credit: Instagram From the outside it appeared to be the perfect arrangement, but with the job came the pressure of an image to uphold. Rebelo and Piscopo would often appear in photographs looking glamorous, posing in front of expensive homes or on luxurious holidays. It became a carefully curated marketing plan  they needed an expensive house, holidays, car, clothing and accessories to show a lifestyle that others would want to buy into, increasing Piscopos popularity and, subsequently, her income.

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But the plan only worked if they could afford to maintain the lie  and the truth was that Rebelo and Piscopo were not well-off. Before their ascent to fame and fortune, Piscopo had been a receptionist at a gym, and Rebelo had been driving delivery trucks for Coles. They took out a big car loan to buy a Range Rover, and it was a stretch to take on an $880 a week rented home in the Perth suburb of Beaconsfield. Whether Piscopo knew it was a stretch was unclear, but according to financial evidence presented to the jury, the couple could not afford any of it. While Piscopo was bringing in big contracts and, by 2020, making six figures, the couples outgoings were swallowing everything up. The Rebelo family (from left): Monique, Andre with then-girlfriend Gracie Piscopo, Fabian and Colleen Rebelo. They were living on credit cards and personal loans and begging for rent reprieves, reduced loan repayments and government handouts meant for those in hardship during the COVID pandemic.

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Debt collectors were closing in. But both Piscopo and Rebelo told the jury they were not concerned about their financial predicament. Piscopo said Rebelo told her he was about to make a large amount of money  $500,000  from cryptocurrency trading. But that was also a lie. He told her he had become very successful in the three years he had been trading in cryptocurrency, and convinced her this was a lucrative side-business and a secondary provider of income. None of it was true. The self-styled crypto-trader and the promises that were never fulfilled

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Albanese said he had spoken to the president of the synagogue, which is in the heartland of Melbournes Jewish community, after the attack. Loading Theres no place in Australia for an outrage such as this. To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values, Albanese told reporters in Perth. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism. Antisemitism has been on the rise. We call it out wherever we see it. The attack comes as the relationship between Australia and Israel is severely strained by the war in Gaza, and Australias peak Jewish groups say they feel betrayed by the Albanese government, which has not backed Israel as fiercely as the Coalition.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said antisemitism must be relentlessly confronted. I urge Australian authorities to act swiftly and ensure the despicable perpetrators are brought to justice, he said. Saar this week called in Australias ambassador to Israel Ralph King to reprimand him for the governments decision to deny a visa to former justice minister Ayelet Shaked. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office provided a statement to The Australian explicitly condemning the Albanese government for its shifting stance at the UN. Awarding antisemitism and terrorism with a state in the heart of the Jewish ancient homeland and cradle of civilisation will invite more terrorism and more antisemitic riots at campuses and city centres, including in Australia, it said.

Dutton, speaking at a press conference in NSW on Friday morning, said the firebombing could have been predicted given the rise of antisemitism in Australia since terrorist group Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. I want to pretend this wasnt expected, and it couldnt be predicted, but I cant do that to the Australian people, he said, calling on Albanese to explain Labors diplomatic shift away from Israel in UN votes. I will always stand up for people of Jewish faith because they should be treated equally with every other Australian, and the way in which theyve been ostracised in our country and the way in which thats been condoned, frankly, by the prime minister and others, just has no place in our society. Israels ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said he was disappointed with Labors shifting positions, but diplomatic relations were bigger than a few votes at the UN.

Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon said he was disappointed with Labors shifting positions but that diplomatic relations were bigger than a few votes at the UN. Credit: AAP I dont hold the government, the Albanese government, as responsible for the rise [in antisemitism], he said at a press conference outside the Canberra embassy on Friday afternoon, cutting across the oppositions claims. But I do urge the Albanese government to take all necessary actions and steps in order to uproot this ugly phenomenon and to make sure the Jewish people, whether they live in Canberra or in Melbourne and Sydney or elsewhere, will feel safe and secure. Maimon played down the statement from Netanyahus office, noting it was not attributed to the Israeli prime minister himself. Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said he was not surprised by the Melbourne attack, declaring: Enough is enough. This is a stain on our nation. Its time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew-hatred.

Joel Burnie, executive manager of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, said: When racism like this goes practically unchecked, it is almost inevitable that escalations like this potentially murderous arson attack on a synagogue will occur. Loading We urge all the relevant authorities to learn this lesson, and to take all possible steps to crack down on this malignant activity. The recent UN vote on Israel and Palestine marked a two-decade change in Australias position on the matter and coincided with the nations top diplomat in Israel being summoned by its foreign minister, who is furious about an earlier decision to deny a prominent former minister entry to Australia. The last time Australia voted for a UN resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories was in 2001. In May, Australia voted to recognise Palestine as qualified to become a full UN member, and last month, Australia backed a resolution recognising the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said the arson attack was the worst example of growing antisemitism. Dont leave the Jewish people behind. Dont isolate us, Aghion urged the Australian public. Stand with us. Stand against this hate. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said: Leaders on all sides of politics continue to need to be united and committed to demonstrate that Australia is better than this. The hostility to Israel has morphed into antisemitism, and we need to call it out, the departing cabinet minister said. Speaking at the Central Synagogue in Bondi on Friday night, NSW Premier Chris Minns reassured the Jewish community and lashed disgusting antisemitism, including a recent spate of graffiti in the city.

The vast majority of Australians of different faiths supported the Jewish community and condemned such hate crimes, Minns said. These are not empty words, he said. I hope that you know that Australians are with you tonight. Foreign Minister Penny Wong rebuffed Israels criticisms at a Friday morning press conference in New Zealand. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Weve been clear that Palestinian civilians cannot continue to pay the price of defeating Hamas, Wong said in Auckland, insisting Australia supports and historically has been a friend of Israel.
16 crested ibises returned from Japan settle at Beijing Zoo

Xinhua) 09:54, December 05, 2024

A crested ibis flies near Chenjia Village of Yangxian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 1, 2020. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen Japan-born crested ibises, offspring of birds originally sent from China, officially settled at Beijing Zoo on Wednesday after completing a month-long quarantine.

These birds, a first-class national protected species, will now live and breed alongside the zoo's existing population of 23 crested ibises, according to the zoo.

Mao Yu, head of the zoo's crested ibis team, said that they had made thorough preparations for the arrival of the flock. "We disinfected and cleaned their enclosures thoroughly, and provided them with suitable food such as loach, beef strips, and mealworms," Mao said.

Mao, who has been working with crested ibises for 23 years, has accompanied these birds since their quarantine period began. "Crested ibises are naturally timid and sensitive to noise; even the smallest disturbance can startle them. I hope that during this time, they will become familiar with me," he added.

Zheng Changming, head of the zoo's species management department, said that Beijing Zoo hatched its first artificial-breeding crested ibis in 1989. With the addition of the returned birds, the zoo's population has reached 39.

The crested ibis was once on the brink of extinction. In 1981, only seven wild crested ibises were found in Yangxian, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Over the past four decades of conservation efforts, the global population of such birds has now surpassed 10,000.

The 16 crested ibises were airlifted to Beijing on Oct. 31.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Incoming president Donald Trump has recently picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Experts, however, say his nomination could be detrimental to the health of the youth, largely due to his stance on vaccines and other health matters.

Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, warned against Kennedy's nomination during the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg American Health Summit. In his speech, he asked Senate Republicans to convince Trump to rethink choosing Kennedy to lead the HHS.

"If the president-elect doesn't reconsider the nomination, the Senate has a duty to our whole country, but especially to our children, to vote no," he said, as quoted by The Hill.

Kennedy has a history of spreading misinformation on serious health concerns, including vaccine shots and gender health care.

On Gender Care

On a podcast in June, Kennedy claimed "endocrine disruptors" found in herbicide chemicals could turn children transgender. Particularly, he said exposure to herbicide could contribute to a child having "sexual confusion" and "gender dysphoria." He cited studies on frogs exposed to the chemical, which showed feminization effects. He then extrapolated the findings to humans despite lacking scientific basis.

Kennedy has also expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for minors and said transition-related treatments should be delayed until adulthood. He believes children are too young to consent to certain medical interventions such as puberty blockers (which he refers to as castration drugs) and sex-change procedures (which he refers to as surgical mutilation).

It is important to note that only 3% of minors experiencing gender dysphoria are prescribed puberty blockers, per CBS News. The decision-making process for such treatment also typically involves multiple consultations with doctors and mental health professionals and consent from parents or guardians.

On Vaccines

Apart from unfounded claims related to gender identity, Kennedy has also falsely promoted misinformation about vaccine shots. For example, he falsely blamed autism in children on thimerosal, a compound safely used as a preservative in vaccines.

In 2021, Kennedy also claimed the COVID-19 vaccine is the "deadliest vaccine ever made" ever made.

Experts worry that his views could further erode public trust in vaccines, potentially leading to a decline in vaccination rates. This could lead to an increased risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and a resurgence of measles. Lower vaccination rates also leave communities more susceptible to future outbreaks, potentially overwhelming the US healthcare system.
The prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is dead, according to the leading Palestinian advocate in Australia, meaning Jewish and Arab residents will eventually need to live together on the land currently controlled by Israel.

The Albanese government angered Israel and pleased Palestinian supporters on Wednesday by voting in favour of a United Nations resolution demanding Israel end its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as soon as possible and calling for the evacuation of all settlers from the West Bank and Gaza.

Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, said there was no realistic hope for a two-state solution. Credit: Justin McManus

Australia had abstained or voted against similar motions since 2001, making the shift a significant departure from its previous position.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia had changed its stance to help create momentum for a two-state solution, an outcome she has repeatedly promoted as the only way to achieve security and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
London: John Torode, the Australian celebrity chef who has fronted MasterChef UK on British television for almost 20 years, said he has found the scandal engulfing his long-time co-host Gregg Wallace truly upsetting.

Wallace, 60, announced last week that he was stepping back from the BBC show amid an investigation into his conduct after allegations he made sexualised jokes and other inappropriate remarks towards more than a dozen women across a range of television shows over a 17-year period.

MasterChef UK long-time co-hosts: Australian John Torode, left, and Gregg Wallace.

A number of further allegations have since emerged, including inappropriate touching, with several women saying they reported concerns to television bosses years ago, but Wallace was allowed to remain on screen. His lawyers have strongly denied the allegations he had engaged in any behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

Torode, who moved as a young chef to London, had been pressured to address the complaints about his BBC colleague after several women said he had been present when his co-host made them feel uncomfortable.
New York: Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected.

Then, the targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare chief executive on a Midtown Manhattan pavement thrust the executive and his business into the spotlight.

Brian Thompsons business generated $US281 billion ($437 billion) in revenue last year. Credit: AP

Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and ran the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business.

As chief executive, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans.
A cleaning company based in Oklahoma has been fined more than $100,000 after it was found that it hired children to work overnight shifts at an Iowa pork processing plant.

Federal investigators found that Qvest Sanitation employed 11 children to clean equipment at a slaughterhouse operated by Seaboard Triumph Foods in Sioux City. The department did not specify how old the children were when they were working at the pork processing plant.

The US Labor Department said the children were made to "use corrosive cleaners to clean head splitters, jaw pullers, bandsaws, neck clippers, and other equipment." The children worked at the facility from at least September 2019 through the same month in 2023.

Under federal law, individuals under the age of 15 are not allowed to work in meat processing plants due to an increased risk of injury.

What Happens to Qvest Sanitation?

Qvest Sanitation is now required to pay $171,919 in penalties for child labor. It is also required to hire a third-party company to prevent the illegal hiring of minors in the future and establish a process for whistleblowers to report the illegal employment of children.

Seaboard Triumph Foods, on the other hand, said the labor department has not accused the company of any wrongdoing. It also added that the company does not tolerate child labor. Furthermore, Seaboard noted that it has ended its use of Qvest Sanitation services for over a year.

Child Labor Issue in the US

It is not the first time child labor has been reported in the same processing plant. In September 2023, Seaboard hired Fayette Janitorial Services for sanitation work at the Sioux City slaughterhouse. It was later found that Fayette rehired some of the minors previously employed by Qvest Sanitation.

It was unclear how many children Fayette hired from Qvest Sanitation, but the company employed at least two dozen children---some were migrants and some as young as 13---to work overnight shifts at the slaughterhouse in Sioux City as well as a Perdue Farms plant in Virginia. This included a 14-year-old whose arm was mangled in a machine, the Labor Department said.

Fayette has been asked to pay fines of $649,000. Seaboard announced that it has since decided to establish an in-house sanitation team.
Global Produce Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Masaki Kouhata; hereinafter referred to as Global Produce), a company specializing in event production, is pleased to announce the full-scale launch of its production services for overseas companies looking to host events in Japan.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121186571/en/

Global Produce Launches Full-Scale Production of Event Hosting in Japan for Overseas Companies (Graphic: Business Wire)

With Global Produce, your dream event in Japan can become a reality!

Our Japan Event Hosting Plan was created to bring the visions of overseas companies to life using events hosted in Japan. Not only will native speakers be present at the forefront, but our producers, with over 30 years of experience, will accompany you every step of the way. They utilize their extensive expertise and innovative creativity, using the latest technologies to create extraordinary, emotionally impactful events. In addition to large venues such as Makuhari Messe and other arenas, we also collaborate with unique venues all across Japan. You can even host events at historic buildings and iconic locations. Start by sharing your ideas with uswell offer diverse proposals to shape your vision into the most captivating experience possible.

Reasons behind the services creation

Reason 1 | Japans affordability on a global scale

With lower prices compared to other countries and weaker yen allowing for more purchasing power with foreign currencies, its clear that now is an advantageous time for spending money in Japan.

Reason 2 | Japans allure meets a language barrier

Determining event specifics requires not only technical terminology, but also an understanding of cultural nuances unique to individual countries, which can pose a challenge.

Reason 3 | Limited access to venues that truly highlight Japans appeal

Many overseas companies have expressed frustration at only being offered formal seminar-style venues when reaching out to Japan, finding it difficult to connect with more traditional and iconic locations.

Overview

Company: Global Produce Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Website: https://globalproduce-event.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-produce-2011/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121186571/en/
Telebras has selected SES, along with other partners, to support the implementation of Brazils Electronic Government Program  Citizen Assistance Service (GESAC). The partnership between the companies enabled the implementation of the Managed Enterprise solution across more than 1,500 sites in public institutions, schools, libraries, telecenters, health units, indigenous villages and rural settlements across the countrys Northern Region.

As part of SESs Managed Enterprise solution delivered over its high-throughput SES-17 Ka-band satellite, SES will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the network, including satellite, gateways and remote sites. The sites have been connected since April 2024 and are supported by SESs new gateway in Hortolandia, Brazil. SES-17 is a geostationary satellite that offers an optimised solution for accelerating digital inclusion programs across the region, which offers full coverage over Brazil and the rest of Latin America.

The GESAC Program is primarily aimed at communities in a state of social vulnerability located in rural and remote areas throughout Brazil, promotes digital and social inclusion, and encourages e-government initiatives by government agencies. The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Communications (MCom) and has over 15,000 free Internet points in operation since its creation in 2002.

Telebras has extensive experience in digital inclusion, and we have long been an ally of remote and underserved communities by bringing information and communication technologies that promote digital access and progress. As part of this project, we will do much more because digital inclusion enhances access to citizenship, said Frederico Siqueira, President of Telebras. SES is a great partner that shares our commitment to bridging the digital divide across Brazil, and with its Managed Enterprise solution via SES-17 satellite and the ability to reach remote areas across the entire country, we will continue to provide life-changing internet access to many.

Brazil has made significant progress in recent years in improving the populations access to the Internet, but there still room for improvement on the reach and quality of the services covering some low-density population areas in the country. We are delighted to support Telebras as part of the GESAC Program and at the same time contribute to the social advancement of communities that historically had little or no connectivity, explained Omar Trujillo, Vice President of Enterprise Americas at SES. Through a combination of our cutting-edge ground system technology, advanced satellite capabilities, and service lifecycle expertise, our Managed Enterprise via SES-17 service provides the throughput, high performance and flexibility required to connect underserved and isolated places across Brazil and throughout the Americas region with minimal initial capital expenditures. Satellite-enabled solutions play a fundamental role in reducing the digital divide especially for those areas and communities.

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About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204149030/en/
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7:52PM

Photo: Amazon

Amazon wants to boost the generative artificial intelligence capabilities of its Alexa voice assistant. And they want the help of news publishers. Amazon is reportedly seeking licensing agreements with news publishers to allow it to respond to real-time queries about the news.

Alexa currently offers answers from sources like Reuters, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, and more. However, it isn't set up to provide real-time answers for breaking news. So, Amazon wants to change this with the updated version of Alexa, which is expected to come out next year.

The tech giant is looking to conduct preliminary tests with publishers it hopes can become launch partners for the feature. It's testing ways to incorporate the news answers into Alexa via text and photo query results. The company isn't supposedly testing generative AI video outputs for now.

The news queries answered by Alexa will be attributed to the partners and they will be compensated through the licensing deal.

SOURCE
THE 2025 edition of Carloviana, the annual journal of the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS), will be launched this Thursday night, 5 December, by Dr Ida Milne in the towns Seven Oaks Hotel at 8pm. Ida Milne is European history lecturer at Carlow College and visiting research fellow in the School of Histories and Humanities at Trinity College, Dublin.

Dr Milne has contributed an article to the publication.

She is a social historian of diseases and her Carloviana contribution is titled Carlow snapshots of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic.

There is a host of interesting articles in Carloviana 2025, which was first published in 1947.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said it remains her preference to create a centre-left bloc of parties during government formation talks.

However, she refused to rule out the prospect of entering into a coalition alone with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

Those two parties, with a combined 86 seats, are just short of the 88 required for a majority. If they wish to return to government together, they would need one smaller party as a junior partner or a handful of independents.

The election of a Ceann Comhairle may also increase the numbers of independents potentially needed for a stable government.

Speaking on Thursday, Ms Bacik said she had set up meetings with Green leader Roderic OGorman, who is now the partys only TD, and the Social Democrats.

Those meetings are explicitly for the purpose of forging a common platform  an agreed agenda for change  with which we can then go as a bloc to the three bigger parties to engage in any sort of talks on government formation.

She said she wanted to explore these options to deliver progressive change on housing, healthcare and disability services.

The Labour leader said formation talks are at a very early stage and it is not yet known what parties will be in government.

Ms Bacik said she had already spoken to Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaks to the media (Niall Carson/PA)

She also said she had met Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, characterising it as a formality.

Asked where Labour would be left if the Social Democrats ruled out entering into government with Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, Ms Bacik said: Anyone on the centre-left whos serious about delivering change must look at how best to do that, and the best way to do that is from a position of collective strength, and thats why we set out the common platform approach.

So were really committed to it, and I do hope youll see positive engagement from others on it.

Pressed on whether she would enter into government without the Social Democrats, Ms Bacik replied: At this point, my priority is building the common platform on the left.

After that, as I said, I will revert to the leaders of the three bigger parties.

Deputy leader of the Social Democrats Cian OCallaghan (centre) with colleagues during the partys manifesto launch last month (David Young/PA)

Ms Bacik was speaking to reporters ahead a meeting of her really strong and vibrant parliamentary party made up of 14 members: 11 TDs, two outgoing senators and one MEP.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael announced the make-up of its full negotiating team led by deputy leader Helen McEntee.

The six-strong panel also includes Paschal Donohoe, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Martin Heydon, John Cummins and John Paul OShea.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has also held serious preliminary conversations with Fianna Fail, Labour, the Social Democrats and a number of independent TDs.
By Claudia Savage, PA

The heavens are in tears for a 24-year-old woman who died in a Belfast nightclub after a life filled to the brim with love, her funeral service has heard.

Fr Darren Brennan read a statement from Chloe Ferriss parents at her funeral service in Belfast on Thursday, where they wished their daughter a happy birthday as she would have turned 25 on Wednesday.

Ms Ferris, from west Belfast, died in the Lux nightclub in the early hours of Sunday.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out but it is understood police inquiries are continuing to determine the cause of death.

Two men in their 20s have been arrested and questioned on suspicion of drug-related offences before being released on police bail for further inquiries.

On Thursday a large crowd gathered for her funeral during heavy rain before heading inside St Pauls Church on the Falls Road.

Welcoming Ms Ferriss loved ones to the service, Fr Brennan said: None of us would wish to be here, in fact, we shouldnt be here, but we are here.

And its like even the heavens are in tears as we bring the remains of Chloe Ferris, a beautiful, special, vibrant, blossoming young woman, to offer this mass for the repose of her soul.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Chloe Ferris arrives at St Pauls Church in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Reading words written by Ms Ferriss mother Sharon and father Declan, Fr Brennan said the love she was shown was so great, she had loads to spare.

He continued: So in her short life, she did indeed share that love. She was so generous with it to all her friends and the people she met throughout her life.

The priest said Ms Ferris loved her holidays and was so proud of her beauty business.

She loved holidaying and she never blooming stopped holidaying, he told mourners.

Holidaying from America, touring with Kathleen, Laura and Nicole, to partying in Ibiza with the sisters, yes Chloe loved a party or two.

A photo of Chloe Ferris among flowers and other tributes. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Chloe joined a cross-community group, RCity, which had a great programme running missions to Africa, helping the children of Blanco. RCity not only had a great influence in Chloes attitude to life, but also a desire to see more of what our world has to offer.

But all this travelling, partying, had to be paid for, and dads pockets were only so deep, therefore Chloes little business had to flourish. And indeed it did. It flourished, and it flourished, and that was something she was so proud of, and not only her.

We actually think she named it wrong as Chloes Beauty. It should have been Agony Aunt Chloes Therapy, for she has listened to all her clients stories and problems all day long. And not only did she never say a bad word about them, she just loved them all.

Fr Brennan said Ms Ferriss best client of all for therapy and stories was her brother Christopher, and the pair shared an immeasurable love for each other.

The coffin of Chloe Ferris is carried out of the hearse at St Pauls Church in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Her parents statement concluded: PS, how could we forget, happy 25th birthday. Chloe girl, we love you.

Fr Brennan asked: What could you add to those beautiful words?

Of course, it didnt come close to summing up Chloes life. As short as it might have been, it has been absolutely filled to the brim with activity, with using her gifts, her talents, and sharing them generously with everyone she met.

But above all, its been filled with love. Love is the word that just kept coming out of those pages.

Ms Ferriss white coffin bore pink flowers, with some mourners wearing pink bows in their hair.

The coffin was carried by her group of her friends known as the sister squad.
Eoin Reynolds

A young man whose "father figure" was shot dead "in cold blood" during a Christmas Eve party could have been provoked into a total loss of control when he is alleged to have kicked, stamped, stabbed and used various weapons to inflict blows on the gunman, a lawyer has told the Special Criminal Court.

Dominic McGinn SC, for Michael Andrecut (23), applied this morning to the three-judge, non-jury court for permission to argue provocation as a partial defence to the murder charge against his client.

If the court consents, Mr McGinn will be able to argue that even if the grounds for murder are made out, Mr Andrecut should be found guilty of manslaughter.

The defence case would be that Mr Andrecut was so provoked by the gunman Tristan Sherry's "cold-blooded and deliberate" assassination of Jason Hennessy Snr that he was unable to control his actions.

The court has previously heard that in garda interviews, Mr Andrecut referred to Hennessy Snr as "Daddy J", and described him as a father figure who he loved and who loved him like a son.

The court has heard that Hennessy Snr and a group of about 30 people had gathered in Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown last December 24th for a party when Sherry and a second gunman arrived with their faces covered and hoods up.

Sherry scuffled with Hennessy Snr and fatally wounded him before the gunman was himself disarmed and beaten to death.

Three men are currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder while three others, including Jason Hennessy Snr's son Brandon Hennessy, are on trial accused of violent disorder. They all deny the charges.

Mr McGinn on Thursday told the court that for it to consider provocation as a partial defence to a murder charge, they must be satisfied there is evidence of a "genuinely serious act of provocation" that caused the accused to suffer a total loss of self-control.

Counsel said it would be difficult to imagine a more provocative act than Sherry shooting "in cold blood someone who was a father figure to Mr Andrecut" while they celebrated a Christmas party.

Mr McGinn said the prosecution's case is that Mr Andrecut carried out "extreme and continuous" acts of violence that included kicks, stamps, stabs and other blows along with the use of an "array of randomly acquired weapons".

Mr McGinn said all those alleged actions are "indicative of a loss of control."

Counsel suggested it would be difficult to know how anyone would react to "something as dramatic as the assassination of someone who is close to us," and he added: "It would be difficult to argue that an ordinary person would have been able to exercise self-restraint in the face of that provocation."

He reminded the court that in his interviews, Mr Andrecut said he reacted "instinctively" to the shooting, which Mr McGinn said suggests he had no control over his actions.

Lawyers for the other two men accused of Sherry's murder indicated that they will make similar applications when the trial continues on Friday before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge James Faughnan.

The three men currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (23), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown.

Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown and 18-year-old Diarmuid O'Brien of Corduff Place, Blanchardstown, and Brandon Hennessy (21) of Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15 - the son of Jason Hennessy Snr - are charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date.
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Al-Jouf Cement Co, Saudi Arabia, announces the signing of a contract to supply clinker to a Jordanian company. Under this contract, the Saudi Arabian company will export clinker to the customer starting 1 January, 2025. The company in Jordan specialises in the field of industry and mining, but no further information was disclosed.

The contract has a value of SAR38m (US$10.13m), representing 12.6 per cent of the companys total revenues according to the latest audited financial statements for 2023. The contract stands until 31 December 2025 or in the event of the completion of the supply of the agreed quantity.
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Material Evolution, the start-up aiming to decarbonise cement, announced today that its ultra-low carbon cement plant is now operational in Wrexham. The Mevo A1 Production Facility produced its first batch of ultra-low carbon cement in October 2024, on schedule and just 8 months after construction work began onsite. The facility has capacity to produce 120,000t of the companys MevoCem product, which has up to 85 per cent emissions reductions compared to ordinary Portland cement per year.

The plant uses no heat or kilns to combine the constituent ingredients of its cement. Instead, the facility relies on the companys patented alkali-fusion process to produce a cement capable of undergoing geopolymerisation. Sam Clark, co-founder and chief operating officer of Material Evolution, said, This launch takes us one step closer to achieving our goal of removing one gigatonne of CO 2 by 2040. Constructing a first-of-a-kind facility in just eight months is a massive undertaking. But our modular construction and lean design principles not only allowed us to move rapidly, but also means our approach is highly scalable. We hope this facility proves that cement and concrete decarbonisation is not only a possibility in the future  its a reality on the ground today. We look forward to working with government agencies, trade bodies and concrete specifiers to join us on our mission to realise the green transition in the UK.

The plant is located in Llay, Wrexham, on the site of CCP Building Products, which produces pre-cast concrete blocks. This location will allow for cement and concrete production at the same site, further lowering the carbon footprint of the end product due to the reduced transport requirements.

Material Evolution funded the A1 Production Facilitys construction in part through the GBP15m (US$19.1m) Series A funding round it raised in 2023, including strategic investment from SigmaRoc, CCP Building Products parent company.
3/13/2025

The 80th Annual Men's Day at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2305 E. 3rd St. in Chattanooga, will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 10:45 a.m. The theme of the event is "Men Striving for ... more
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The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America hosted hundreds of attendees this year to honor the accomplishments of the 2024 Eagle Scout Class at the annual Gathering of Eagles. Co-presenting sponsors Synovus Bank and EPB were there to support the work of these outstanding young people across the Tennessee Valley.



The 2024 Eagle Scout Class contributed nearly 10,000 hours of service to their local communities through 59 different projects.



"This Eagle Scout class is especially exciting as it is just the fourth in the history of the Cherokee Area Council that includes young women among its recipients," officials said.



Top awards were given to three youth for Eagle Scout Projects of the year:

 Shane Boyd of Jasper, for his project at Fiery Gizzard Trail conducting trail conservation and constructing a bridge at a location over a mile down the trail;

 Grady Pitts of Signal Mountain, for his project at East Lake Salvation Army Library revitalizing and installing all new Library Bookcases; and

 Cooper Hampton of Lafayette, for his project at Summerville Montessori Schools completely revitalizing their playground with interactive and educational elements.



The Cherokee Area Council also awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to adult Eagle Scout Clay Watson.

This award honors lifetime achievement of Eagle Scouts for their positive actions reflected by accomplishments and devotion to their local community, state and nation.Adult volunteers and Scout leaders including Tim Knight, Leslie Miller and Jim Morgan received the Silver Beaver Award, given for outstanding volunteerism to the local Council.J.J. Jerman was honored with the Councils first Alumni of the Year award for his tireless efforts to promote reengagement of Scouting Alumni across the region.This dinner served as the Councils largest and most important recognition event for local Scouts and adult volunteers.

The event was held on Dec. 3 at the Westin in downtown Chattanooga, and featured Jed Mescon as Master of Ceremonies, with congratulatory remarks from officials with U.S. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority is partnering with Local 3 News and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for the 40th annual Share Your Christmas food drive. From Dec. 10-12, CARTA invites riders to exchange food for fare, bringing canned goods and other non-perishable items on board in exchange for a ride on any CARTA vehicle, including CARTA GO, Care-A-Van, and fixed-route buses.

This unique opportunity not only helps riders get where they need to go but also supports a vital cause during the holiday season.

The Share Your Christmas food drive is one of the Chattanooga Area Food Banks largest initiatives, providing resources to more than 180,000 food-insecure individuals across the Tennessee Valley and northwest Georgia. With one in seven residents facing hunger, every donation makes a difference: each dollars worth of food donated can supply groceries for an entire day.

CARTA has been honored to support this meaningful holiday tradition year after year, said CARTA CEO Charles D. Frazier. As part of our mission to serve the community, were committed to helping our neighbors in need during the holidays. This campaign perfectly reflects CARTAs vision of connecting communities, empowering lives, and driving Chattanoogas progress. We invite everyone to ride with us and give generouslybecause together, we can make a difference this holiday season.

For more information on Share Your Christmas and how to donate, please visit www.local3news.com/community/share-your-christmas.
In arguments before the Supreme Court regarding challenges to Tennessees ban on gender transition treatments for adolescents, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, an Obama appointee, likened the side effects of transgender medical procedures on minors to the side effects of aspirin (WFIN 95fm 12/4/24).

Apparently the justice is either unfamiliar with one or the other or both which calls into question whether she is competent to adjudicate the case currently before the court. I will not detail any surgical or chemical treatments done on minors in the name of gender transition. The reader may research that for themselves.

Aspirin has been linked to Reyes Syndrome in children. Stanford Medicine website clearly states, dont give aspirin to a child younger than age 19. The statement does add the phrase, unless the childs physician directs you to do so. Thats because the risk of mental retardation is too great to take the chance.

Justice Sotomayor is said to be diabetic. Aspirin, even low-dose, is usually not recommended for diabetics. Her comments indicate to me she is likely reaching the point of retirement from the court. I suggest February 2025.

Ralph Miller
The County Commission on Wednesday took the unusual step of holding an impromtu committee meeting in the middle of the regular session for discussion on the planned new Health Department.

Several commissioners said they wanted more input on the facility, which is slated to close at its site next to Erlanger Hospital and move into brand new quarters at the Engel Stadium site.

Some commissioners wanted to skip the committee meeting and go ahead with a vote on a proposal to hire H&K Architects to design and build the project.

There was a 6-5 vote to hold the committee session.

David Roddy, county COO, said he agrees that as much input as possible is needed before giving guidance to the architects on what type facility to build.

He said he held a recent meeting with Health Department employees , who had concerns about all the changes planned and who wanted to know what "right sizing" means for the operation.

Mr. Roddy said the current Health Department is "a maze" with as much as 100,000 square feet of space. He said, "The building was given to us, and they said, 'Go fill it up' so they filled it up."

He said, "We have restrooms with 300 square feet and a couch in them that are within eyesight of another restroom. The hallways are massively large, and there are 300 to 400 square foot offices."

The pharmacy is in the loading dock and is "20 degrees colder than the rest of the building," he said.

Mr. Roddy said the architects needed to be brought on board "to help us figure out what we need to do next." He said they would be asking questions like how much space was needed and how many employees.

Commissioner Chip Baker said he wanted to learn what services the Health Department is mandated by law to perform. He said, "We need to design for what we have to do and what we should be doing." Mr. Roddy said a preliminary list shows eight mandated items out of some 30 services.

Concerning a $20 million cost estimate for the new building, Commissioner Baker said, "I bet my bottom dollar it ends up $40 million." He said the county was out of construction bond funds for additional projects for the next 4-5 years with the $260 million in bonds for the schools recently issued.

Commissioners also discussed a need to convert to digital health records. Mr. Roddy said a huge room at the Health Department holds paper records.

Commissioner David Sharpe brought up the idea of having a Board of Health, saying other large counties in the state do.

The commissioners were told that the county is putting $9.6 million of local funds into the Health Department annually. There are 275 fulltime employees and 20 parttime as well as some contracted workers.

The facility last year had 28,119 patients and 42,650 visits.

Commissioner Baker said the facility had grown through "mission creep" with the acceptance of grants and then keeping the programs after the grants run out.

Commissioner Baker said the county needs to hold open the possibility of anotther site other than the Erlanger tract. Officials said the land swap from its owner, UTC, would need to go through the university process, taking some 3-4 months from a January start.

Dr. Shannon Burger, Cempa Community Care CEO, said that agency had held costs way down by remodeling and expanding on existing buildings. She said the resulting facility is "state of the art."

She said Cempa is in final negotiations to purchase additional buildings across from Erlanger including an old neurology center and the Fortwood building, which would give them the entire block."

She said there should be more than enough room for a Health Department building there if the county wanted to explore that site.

She said one example of Health Department duplication is a TB clinic inside the department and another a mile away at Riverside Drive.

On the Health Department operation, she said, "You need to consider what are you getting for that $9 million."

She noted that most of the Health Department patients "come from the city."

Commissioner Baker said, "We're talking about a lot of data, but when we get that we can make some quick decisions."

After the committee session, the panel voted in favor of going ahead with hiring the architects.




A witness who the judge worried might be "bombastic or unpredictable" calmly told a Walker County jury on Wednesday that he did not kill his former girlfriend, Tammy Cropper.

Ms. Cropper's most recent boyfriend, Christoper Bullock, is charged with her murder, The former Seventh-day Adventist pastor declined to take the witness stand.

Instead the defense called from the adjacent Walker County Jail Tim Matthews, who the defense has said is a potential suspect in the Oct. 5, 2023, slaying at The Woodland apartments in Rossville.

Matthews, who was kept in handcuffs, said Ms. Cropper lived with him about eight years before moving out on April 2, 2023. He said he thinks she moved on to someone else because his trucking business suffered during the pandemic and he became short of money. Asked if he thought she began seeing someone else, he said, "Grandma said, 'When the dog keeps barking, then usually something's wrong.' "

Ashley Williamson of the Public Defender's Office noted that Ms. Cropper had taken out two Orders of Protection against him. He said after those incidents he had to move out and she and her family stayed in his home, but he said he mainly blamed Walker County for that.

In one incident, he said, "I threw some mustard and she threw some ice tea. I went to jail."

In another, it was claimed that he was firing a gun at the Cropper children. He said he was only shooting at a snake.

Matthews said he did believe Ms. Cropper had stolen from him, saying he sold a trailer and equipment for $17,000 to pay bills. He said that money disappeared, and Mrs. Cropper was the only other one with access to the money.

He described Ms. Cropper as tough, saying she worked 20 years as bar tender at a notorious Rossville bar. He said, "She had to be right on everything, and I mean everything."

He told the jury he never married her because "she wouldn't sign the pre-nupt."

Matthews said of the ex, "I loved her with all my heart. I thought we would grow old together. I thought we would be sitting by the campfire together."

However, he said he had no further contact with her after she left. He said, "Grandma said, 'Let it be if it's not to be.' "

He said his house burned down three days after she left him. He said he was inside at the time. He said he collected insurance.

Prosecutor Winston Franklin asked Matthews if he killed Ms. Cropper, and Matthews said no.

Paula Muir said Matthews could not have been the killer because he was working with her remodeling a house in Chickamauga all day on Oct. 5, 2023. She said there were four other workers there who could back that up.

She said they worked on the house "from daylight to dark."

Ms. Muir said the afternoon of the murder that Matthews got a call and looked bewildered. He told her, "I think Tammy's just been shot."

Rossville Police detective Dave Scroggins said concerning someone shooting both Ms. Cropper and Bullock, that he was advised that the front door was locked. The only other door was to a second-story balcony. He said, "I'm in pretty good health for an old man, but I couldn't climb up there." And he said the door to the balcony was locked.

GBI Special Agent Daniel Nicholson said he concluded that Bullock shot Ms. Cropper three times in her bedroom, then he went into the master bathroom and shot himself. She died at the scene, but he was not seriously hurt despite losing a large amount of blood.

The special agent said he happened to be at the Walker County Sheriff's Office when the call came in so he arrived at the house before the victim's body had been removed.

He said the name of Tim Matthews "came up the first day," but he said he interviewed him, Ms. Muir and the others at the remodeled house and ruled him out as a suspect.

Andrew Van Arsdale, a pastor friend of Bullock, called him "very loving, very expressive. He has the gift of affirmation. He's always trying to lift people up."

The witness, who attended Southern Adventist University with Bullock, said, "Never once have I seen him violent or abusive in any way."

He said he had lunch with Bullock on Oct. 4, 2023 - the day before the shooting. He said, "He was going through some rough times, but he was excited about a potential job."

The prosecution introduced numerous excerpts from conversations taken from Bullock's cell phone. He spoke about suicide in a number of references, including admitting to taking a large amount of pills in August 2021.

In some of the messages in the days just before the incident, he told his mother, son and friends how much he loved them.

In his last message at 10:10 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2023, he told his mother, "I'm sick. Don't call." A neighbor said she heard a sound like a nail gun, then a man sobbing sometime between 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The mother was visiting in town at the time, but Bullock did not arrange to meet with her.

It was testified that the last Internet search made by Bullock that day was for the song She Talks To Angels by The Black Crowes.

The jury at LaFayette was to begin deliberations on Thursday after hearing final arguments.


Republican Tennessee state Senator Ken Yager, 77, of Kingston was arrested, booked into the Glynn County Jail in Georgia on Tuesday night and accused of getting into a hit and run accident while driving under the influence while vacationing on Jekyll Island. He was booked into jail on charges of hit and run; duty of driver to stop or return to scene of accident, failure to stop at a stop sign and DUI as a less safe driver.

Senator Yager blew a .14 on the breathalyzer and refused to submit to a blood test, according to Troopers.

Troopers on Jekyll Island were notified to be on the lookout for a Ford Edge with Tennessee plates that had been involved in an earlier crash at Ben Fortson Parkway and North Riverview Drive. THis vehicle was located by law enforcement at a market.

Troopers noticed a distinct odor of alcohol on his breath and Yager admitted to being involved in a crash, but he told troopers he did not know law enforcement was en route when he left the scene, a report said.

Yager told the trooper he talked with the driver of the other vehicle after the crash, and he left because he thought everyone was fine.

During the stop, Yager urinated on himself, and he failed field sobriety tests, a report says.

The Yager office issued this statement, An unfortunate incident happened last night. On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion."

Senator Yagers district covers Campbell, Clay, Fentress, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Roane and Scott counties. Prior to redistricting, he also represented Rhea and Bledsoe counties

The former teacher, county attorney and Roane County executive was elected to the state Senate in 2006. He won re-election to another 4-year term in November. He recently was re-elected chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. He also sits on the Finance Ways and Means Committee and Commerce and Labor.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Steven R. Angle and Gary W. Rollins College of Business Dean Robert Dooleywho will assume the role of interim chancellor beginning Jan. 1, 2025jointly made the following executive leadership announcement on Thursday.Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White, who previously decided to transition into a new role in 2025, has agreed to continue as vice chancellor to ensure the continuity of UTC fundraising efforts at this critical time.She will remain in her role until a new UTC chancellor is named.Dr. Jerold L. Hale, UTC provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Jones as interim dean for the Rollins College of Business.We are working together to ensure a seamless transition and that UTC continues to move forward, the shared statement said.These two exceptional leaders will help ensure that important campus initiatives continue to move forward and that we maintain the momentum we have gained over the last several years. Please join us in thanking Vice Chancellor White and Interim Dean Jones for their service.Dr. Angle announced on Nov. 5 that he was transitioning from his leadership role to join the faculty after serving as chancellor since 2013. Dr. Dooley, who has served as the dean of the College of Business since 2011, was appointed interim chancellor by UT System President Randy Boyd on Nov. 13.Ms. White joined the UTC Executive Leadership Team in December 2021 during a difficult time in higher education following the COVID-19 pandemic. A UTC alumna with 18 years of experience holding multiple volunteer leadership positions at UTC and within the UT System, she has worked to increase philanthropy on campus by rebuilding advancement and alumni engagement teams.UTC is coming off the single largest fundraising year in University history, with $60.1 million raised from 6,762 donors during fiscal year 2024.We appreciate Vice Chancellor Whites commitment to ensure that this critical work continues during our search for a new chancellor, Dr. Angle and Dr. Dooley said.Dr. Jones has been a member of the Rollins College of Business for 27 years, serving as senior associate dean of the College for the last 14 years and as interim dean in 2018. He also has served as head of the Department of Finance and the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurshipas well as the Director of Accreditation for the College of Business at UTC.He attended the University of Alabama, graduating summa cum laude in finance before obtaining masters and doctoral degrees in marketing. His areas of expertise include marketing research, customer satisfaction and retention, and retailing and services marketing.Dr. Jones has published more than 25 peer-reviewed journal articles. His research on the marketing of mutual funds has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time and Money. He has consulted with numerous companies in the areas of marketing research and marketing strategy.
Many, many times, President Joe Biden has talked about the importance of restoring respect and honor in the American government. Which is why it is incredibly disappointing that Biden has disrespected the office of the presidency by going against his word, and pardoning his son, Hunter.

It does not matter how unfairly Biden believes his son was treated by the justice system. At the end of the day, it is completely unethical for a president to unilaterally decide that a jurys conviction of their son be completely washed away with the stroke of his pen.

Although the founders gave the president pardoning power so the nations chief executive could step into the legal system when punishment has gone too far, there were still some framers who feared the president might use their pardoning power for their own selfish gain. In the end, the Constitutional Convention, out of a high regard for the notion of mercy, trusted the countrys highest leader to use the pardoning power responsibly and only for the benefit of the nation.

The importance of President Biden staying completely out of his sons legal issues, is it showed the nation that the justice system could be non-partisan and fair. Hunter Bidens conviction helped counter Donald Trumps claims that his legal troubles were solely due to corruption by Biden and partisan bias. It showcased that no matter who occupies the Oval Office formally or currently, Republican or Democrat, the president and their family will never be above the law. In other words, the country benefited from seeing both a former president of one party, and the son of the current president from the other party, both be found guilty for their crimes by a jury of their peers.

Some might say President Biden did the right thing as a father. But that is not for us to decide. The only ones who should be concerned if Biden did good as a father, is Bidens own family. To be fair, Biden did what most parents would do if they had the power to protect their child, especially if they believed their child was innocent. But the president of the United States needs to be better than most people, because they were elected by the people, one would hope, to represent the best of us both nationally and globally. So as citizens, we should not judge our presidents based on their responsibility to their family, but instead on their responsibility to us. It is basic human logic to assume that any parent would be heavily inclined to believe their child is not guilty, not because of sound reasoning, but because of their unconditional love for them. Therefore, as president, Biden should have stayed completely removed from his sons entire legal case (as he promised he would), out of respect for the office of the presidency and to us.

With all that said, I urge Americans who vote for the Democratic party to fairly judge President Bidens pardoning of his son. You can still look fondly on the past four years under Biden and continue to support the Democratic party, while at the same time calling out Bidens recent wrongful pardoning. And I also urge Americans who vote for the Republican party, that for the next four years under Trump, you will remember your outrage against Biden right now and hold Trump to the same standard. We must all move beyond partisanship, because this is more than just about Biden, Trump, or whatever actions Hunter Biden may or may not have wrongfully committed. This is about the role of the presidency itself, which has been abused and misused throughout American history. And it needs to stop.

Brandon Denley

* * *

I think that all the hoopla over Hunter Biden's pardon, with a few exceptions, is fostered by hatred of President Biden.





Why do so many write such hateful letters? So what if Biden changed course on pardoning his son. How is any single person adversely impacted?







Mr. Brandon Denley's letter, though, is not hateful. I disagree with some points, but his letter is thoughtful and articulate.

The hateful letters are successful only in raising the author's blood pressure or level of stress; these hateful letters continue to divide the country. There is nothing to gain from hateful letters about President Biden, the pardon, or nearly anything else now. Maybe a writer of a hateful letter takes pride in his hate, bringing to mind the maxim: "What would Jesus do?" Would Jesus write a hateful letter?

With regard to the pardon, those authors of hateful letters have also have forgotten another important maxim: "Don't close the barn door after the horse is out." Hateful letters only close the barn door. The horse, in this case, is President Biden, who is leaving office Jan. 20.







In keeping with my horse analogy though, Mr. Denley would have made his letter far more powerful by only publishing paragraphs 3 and 6. Paragraph 3 is an excellent synopsis of the Founding Fathers' thoughts on the power of the pardon. It's worthy of re-reading.







I plead, with utmost passion, that everyone should read paragraph 6, the last paragraph, again - and again - and even a third or fourth time.





Here it is. Thank you, Mr. Denley.







************

"With all that said, I urge Americans who vote for the Democratic party to fairly judge President Bidens pardoning of his son. You can still look fondly on the past four years under Biden and continue to support the Democratic party, while at the same time calling out Bidens recent wrongful pardoning. And I also urge Americans who vote for the Republican party, that for the next four years under Trump, you will remember your outrage against Biden right now and hold Trump to the same standard. We must all move beyond partisanship, because this is more than just about Biden, Trump, or whatever actions Hunter Biden may or may not have wrongfully committed. This is about the role of the presidency itself, which has been abused and misused throughout American history. And it needs to stop."







Joe Warren



Ringgold


Three-day Maha Assembly session from Dec 7, Speaker's election and floor test on Dec 9 A three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has been scheduled from December 7 to 9 during which the new members will take oath and Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan will address the joint session. Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar said on Thursday that the newly elected 288 members of the 15th Assembly will take oath on December 7 and 8.



On December 9 Governor, C.P. Radhakrishnan will address the joint session, and the election to the post of Assembly Speaker will be held. Besides, the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will seek a floor test on the same day.



Pawar said that after the oath-taking function, the Chief Minister accompanied by two Dy CMs (Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde) will visit Chaityabhoomi at Dadar to pay homage to BR Ambedkar on his death anniversary (Mahaparinirvan Din). The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday in Mumbai on December 6. All government offices in Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban district will be closed on Friday. Moreover, liquor shops will be shut.



Further, Pawar said that he would meet NCP leaders during the session and after that will discuss issues relating to the cabinet berths. He indicated that the Mahayuti partners comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP will also huddle over a formula for the allocation of the number of cabinet berths among the three of them and also about the distribution of portfolios. BJP has already rejected Shindes demand for the home department though has agreed to allot the urban development department.



Pawar said that the cabinet expansion may take place on December 11 or 12 before the winter session of the state legislature slated to begin on December 16 at Nagpur. The session will take place from December 16 to 21 while on December 15 the Chief Minister will organise a customary tea meeting with the opposition members after chairing the state cabinet.



The Mahayuti sources said that Ajit Pawar, who is expected to retain the finance and planning departments, will present the supplementary demands. It will be necessary to finance ongoing expenses and also a slew of welfare and development schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana worth Rs 96,000 crore announced by Ajit Pawar ahead of the state Assembly election.



Ajit Pawar had tabled the supplementary demands worth Rs 94,000 crore on July 9 after the presentation of an annual budget of Rs 6,12,293 crore for the year 2024-25.



Moreover, the state government may announce the complete crop loan waiver for farmers and its roadmap to stabilise the prices of essential commodities across the state ensuring these remain affordable for the common man. These were among the 10 promises made by Mahayuti in the run-up to the Assembly election.




A Cleveland man who was wanted in a shooting in 2023 has been arrested in Arizona.

In March of 2023, the Cleveland Police Criminal Investigations Division responded to the Classy Cat on Inman Street on a call of a shooting. Cleveland Police Department officers encountered two women who had been shot.

The investigations division identified the suspect as Brandon Crofton. Crofton fled the state and could not be located. Warrants were issued on Crofton for attempted first-degree murder (2), possession of firearm during a felony, reckless endangerment with serious injury/use of a deadly weapon.

The Cleveland Police Department requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. The agencies worked together, exhausting a tremendous amount of man hours, conducting interviews, and utilizing various investigative techniques to obtain a reliable source, which ultimately led law enforcement to Glendale, Az.

During a surveillance operation, the U.S. Marshals Service in Arizona observed Crofton in a vehicle and apprehended him, without incident, at a local business. Crofton is now awaiting extradition back to Tennessee.
State Senator Paul Bailey and Representative Johnny Garrett have introduced legislation aimed at giving hospitals more flexibility in hiring certain specialized physicians. The proposed measure, Senate Bill 9, would allow Tennessee hospitals to directly employ radiologists, emergency room doctors, anesthesiologists and pathologists. Under current regulations, hospitals must hire these specialized physicians through third-party corporations, a process that can sometimes create obstacles for hospitals.For the past several years, the General Assembly has done remarkable work to expand freedoms for employers and create more opportunities for employees, said Senator Bailey.This legislation is another important step in that ongoing process. It will empower hospitals with more options to address their specific needs.Senator Bailey also emphasized the benefits this change could bring to rural hospitals, which often face unique challenges in staffing and operations.For rural hospitals especially, the ability to directly hire specialized doctors could mean improved patient care and greater operational stability, added Senator Bailey. Its a commonsense solution that supports our healthcare providers and ensures they have the tools to succeed.The proposed bill is permissive, meaning it does not mandate direct employment but simply provides hospitals with the choice.This important legislation will enhance the process hospitals use in hiring quality doctors who are committed to caring for Tennesseans, said Rep. Garrett. Not only does this boost operational efficiency, but it will result in better health outcomes and access for patients across the Volunteer State. Health care providers are essential to the safety of every community, and Im committed to reducing burdensome regulations while making available the tools and processes necessary to save lives.
Lee University will host the second annual Cleveland TUBACHRISTMAS in Pangle Hall on Lees campus, Monday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Members of the community, as well as middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students are invited to participate.

"We will bring together tuba and euphonium players of all ages to spread the Christmas spirit, said Dr. Jesse McConnell, director and coordinator of the concert and instructor of tuba and euphonium at Lee. TUBACHRISTMAS offers a wonderful opportunity for tuba and euphonium education and fellowship, concluding with a fun and unique Christmas concert for all to enjoy."

The program will feature traditional Christmas music arranged by Alec Wilder, including songs such as Angels We Have Heard on High, Deck the Halls, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

For those wishing to perform in the concert, registration will take place on Dec. 16, from 5-6 p.m. in the Pangle Hall lobby, with rehearsal from 6-7 p.m. Participants will pay a $10 registration fee and a $20 fee for the music, which will be theirs to keep after the concert.

All performers are asked to bring their own instruments and dress in bright, festive colors. Those who have previously participated in a TUBACHRISTMAS performance are encouraged to bring their music book from that experience to avoid purchasing a new one.

This is the 51st year of TUBACHRISTMAS concerts and events, which are presented throughout the world.

TUBACHRISTMAS concerts are presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit foundation incorporated in the state of New York and dedicated to developing, expanding, and preserving the music arts. The foundation focuses special attention on musical instruments not ordinarily the object of other support, and it facilitates its goals by providing scholarship assistance to selected established institutions that offer academic and music performance training.

Admission to the concert is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Pangle Hall is at the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue.

For more information, email McConnell at jmcconnell@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-8243.
Are you a college student or recent graduate looking to kickstart your career in arts and culture? If so, applications open Thursday for ArtsBuilds Opportunity Fellows program. Now in its fifth year, the program places college students and recent college graduates in a 10-week paid work experience with a local arts organization from February through April. ArtsBuild invites college students of all majors and interest areas to apply.



College students and recent college graduates will have the opportunity to serve the River City Company, Hart Gallery, City of Chattanooga Office of Arts, Culture, Creative Economy/Public Art Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Tourism Company as paid interns. College students and recent college graduates will have the opportunity to serve the River City Company, Hart Gallery, City of Chattanooga Office of Arts, Culture, Creative Economy/Public Art Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Tourism Company as paid interns.The program also includes professional development, networking, and community engagement experiences.



ArtsBuild is seeking innovators and forward thinkers as participants in the fellowship program who share in ArtsBuilds mission to build stronger communities through the arts. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a desire to work with others in a collaborative setting.



Fellows will receive $17.50 per hour for a maximum of 35 hours per week from ArtsBuild for the duration of the 10-week program. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged.



The ArtsBuild Opportunity Fellowship is one of several programs ArtsBuild provides to support arts sector workforce development. The ArtsBuild Opportunity Fellows program is made possible by generous support from ArtsBuild donors, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund. Candidates can find more information and submit their application through an active link to a Google Form at The ArtsBuild Opportunity Fellowship is one of several programs ArtsBuild provides to support arts sector workforce development. The ArtsBuild Opportunity Fellows program is made possible by generous support from ArtsBuild donors, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund. Candidates can find more information and submit their application through an active link to a Google Form at https://forms.gle/ 7Bpv7K7eFLDnDKhS6



James McKissic, president of ArtsBuild said, "Im delighted to open applications for the 5th Opportunity Fellowship. Chattanooga is full of talented young people looking to get their first chance to work in arts and culture. We are proud to partner with fantastic local organizations to make sure they can get that experience."



According to a recent nationwide economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, Hamilton Countys nonprofit arts and culture industry generates around $200 million in economic activity each year. The nonprofit arts and culture industry also supports over 3,000 jobs locally.



ArtsBuild plays a role in supporting this strong arts workforce through arts leadership programs, professional development programs for artists and educators, and creating a pipeline of young artists and arts professionals in support of the arts ecosystem.








Pedestrians look out over Ocean Beach after the possibility of a tsunami was announced in San Francisco on Thursday. San Francisco residents were notified of a chance of a tsunami following an underwater earthquake in Northern California. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A San Francisco Surf Rescue team evacuates surfers from Ocean Beach in case of a possible tsunami on Thursday. San Francisco residents were notified of a chance of a tsunami following an earthquake in Northern California. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

A powerful Northern California earthquake on Thursday followed by a widespread tsunami warning sent thousands of people fleeing inland amid mandatory evacuations and the threat of coastal flooding before authorities called off the warning.

The quake, which hit at 10:44 a.m., was centered about 10 miles southwest of Scotia in Humboldt County. Residents across the Bay Area reported intense shaking, with some describing rolling waves of motion.

Security footage from the Comfort Inn & Suites Redwood Country in Fortuna, California, shows the impact of the 2024 Offshore Cape Mendocino earthquake, which hit at 10:44 a.m. and was centered about 10 miles southwest of Scotia in Humboldt County. Courtesy of Bodhi Ench

Emergency notifications hit smartphones across the region minutes later, warning people of possible powerful waves and strong currents impacting the coast from Davenport in Santa Cruz County up into Oregon. The warning prompted several communities to call for mandatory evacuations while other areas equally at risk advised residents to stay away from the water.

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The warning, which applied to more than five million people, was lifted just before noon.

The strong quake sent pictures crashing to the ground, flung groceries into store aisles and rattled millions of residents who felt it hundreds of miles away.

Angie Chavez, a server at the Patron Kitchen in Rio Dell in Humboldt County, surveyed the damage in the restaurant after the earthquake struck. Soda bottles shattered on the ground and a big crack traveled down the wall.

Oh my goodness, Chavez said via phone. Theres chunks of walls on top of the tables.

Chavez, 22, and her colleagues ran out of the building, she said, and the scene outside was chaotic as the ground shook for what felt like several minutes. Others ran out of buildings and a driver ran a stop sign.

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Everybody just started freaking out, she said.

The quake struck nearly two years to the day after another major temblor rattled Humboldt County. The 6.4 magnitude quake on Dec. 20, 2022, left two people dead.

The 300 people of unincorporated Petrolia, part of the Lost Coast region of high Northern California, also took a stiff hit from the quake.

There are some trees that fell down in the street, and everything shook  stuff came off our shelves, said Dolly Pawar, who works at the Ruth Store downtown. But I think were OK here. This is a very remote area.  Not much here to fall down.

In Ukiah, cellphones at the Mendo Mill hardware store lit up just before the quake, warning of the impending tremor and giving everyone about 30 seconds to get moving, said Barbara Mayfield, vice president of the shop.

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We had everyone leave the building because you dont know whats going to happen, she said.

The U.S. Geological Survey classified the earthquake as a strike-slip type, which is generally less likely to generate large tsunamis.

Amy Palmer, a spokesperson for the Governors Office of Emergency Services, said officials took cues from the National Tsunami Center then worked with local governments, adding the warning was triggered because the earthquake was well above seismic thresholds for inundation.

The challenge in all emergency communications is getting the right information to people at the right time, Palmer said. But we cant take chances or roll the dice that a tsunami may not hit when there is a tsunami warning in place. We need to take it seriously.

Early reports indicated no major damage from the earthquake, which was the largest to strike the state since 2019, and one of fewer than two dozen to surpass a magnitude of 7.0, according to the California Department of Conservation.

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In the Bay Area, residents felt some shaking and rolling from the quake, but there was no damage immediately reported. The tsunami was the biggest concern, although the local response varied by city.

While Berkeley officials moved the population several blocks inland from the Bay, Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco and other nearby cities asked residents to stay away from the coast. Contra Costa County only alerted residents to the threat a minute after the warning was lifted.

In San Francisco, beachgoers were advised to head inland, prompting some to leave and others to head to Ocean Beach and Fort Mason to see a tsunami in real life.

Andre Sea, a 43-year-old teacher, lives within a block of the beach and came to see the tsunami.

My house is right there, he said, pointing. So if it hits, Im going to drown anyway.

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He said he was a little disappointed there was nothing to see.

More than 300 miles north, officials in Crescent City issued evacuation orders for the entire population of about 6,000 before the 11:30 a.m. expected arrival time of a tsunami. The evacuation order was lifted about 45 minutes later, said Chris Howard, a county supervisor.

Things went extremely well, Howard said. Now that its been lifted, well see how many people get upset. But Id rather be safe than sorry.

Ultimately, the Tsunami Warning Center said the predicted waves didnt happen.

Justin Schorr, a rescue captain with the San Francisco Fire Department, said residents shouldnt view Thursdays alerts and evacuation warnings as a false alarm.

This was an actual threat, Schorr said. The scientists were so concerned that they skipped over the other two levels of alert and they went straight to the highest one.

Schorr said its unclear how many people evacuated from the coastal areas.

Theres nothing to see in a tsunami event, Schorr said. By the time you can see it or hear it, its too late.

Robyn Burke, a parent of two children in the Pacifica School District, said she received a notification from their school that said it was not being evacuated, but urging parents to come pick up their children.

As a parent, its making me very anxious, she said about the reports of numerous earthquakes and a possible tsunami. Being on the coast is amazing, but its also something real to think about.
Protests opposing the hijab and demanding 'Women, Life, Freedom' have erupted across Iran, In October 2022. | Screenshot/ Youtube/ BBC News

While Iranian Christian converts are increasingly seeking asylum to escape persecution, many are being denied based on diplomatic relations with Iran.

One such individual, Jalal Darzi, is preparing for the worst after his asylum claim was rejected by authorities in Georgia. His application was denied following his second interview with Georgian officials on the basis that he had not sufficiently proven his Christian faith.

A report released Monday by Article18, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, and Middle East Concern describes the plight of Iranian Christians fleeing persecution in their home country, many of whom are being denied asylum in Georgia because their faith is deemed not to be genuine.

The report points out that despite facing persecution in Iran, Georgia's immigration services have accepted fewer than 1% of the over 1,000 Iranians who applied for asylum in the past three years.

The asylum-seekers, therefore, face an uncertain future, with little hope of being recognized as refugees but having few alternative options to access international protection, the report stated. It also mentioned that several individuals whose asylum claims were rejected in Georgia had spent years as refugees in neighboring countries like Turkey, expressing uncertainty about their next steps.

Notably, nearly one-fifth of all individuals seeking asylum in Georgia are Iranian. While Turkey remains the most common destination for Iranian asylum seekers, worsening conditions for minority faiths in Turkey have led many to seek alternatives like Georgia.

Despite the Islamic Republic of Iran's assertions that it protects the rights of Christians, converts and followers of Christianity continue to face arrests, sometimes for propagating a religion contrary to Islam. In Iran, possession of a Farsi-language Bible or conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal, and those who associate with converts often face imprisonment on national security charges.

The report highlights that approximately 85% of Georgia's population identifies as Orthodox Christian. Religious freedom advocacy groups suggest that one reason for the rejection of various asylum applications stems from intolerance of expressions of Christianity other than Georgian Orthodox.

Another factor cited for the rejection of applications, according to an anonymous asylum lawyer, is Georgias developing relationship with Iran.

Pastor Reza Fazeli reported that he was summoned by the Georgian Secret Service in July 2024, where he was told that Georgia's commitment to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations outweighed its obligations under the Refugee Convention. They said the diplomatic relationship was more important: that it came first for them, and that secondly we must obey the refugee and asylum seeker rules, the pastor explained.

Fazeli was reportedly ordered to close his church and to refrain from gathering with others in groups of more than five, and from conducting interviews with any news agencies. As of the reports writing, the pastor's church remained shut.

The advocacy groups included several recommendations, urging officials to recognize the diversity of Christian belief when assessing the genuineness of an individuals conversion. They also recommended that officials consult the United Nations Special Rapporteurs reports on Iran when determining whether asylum claimants have a well-founded fear of persecution upon return.

The organizations also call on Georgian authorities to recognize the persecution Christians face in Iran and urge the international community to open up new safe, legal routes for resettlement.
The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in Paris. | Photo Credit: Bardet/Vautrin/Emissive, via http://www.notredamedeparis.fr

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will travel to Paris, France, this weekend to attend the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been restored after the devastating fire in 2019.

It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the reopening of the magnificent and historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago, Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts in ensuring the cathedral was restored to its former glory: President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!

First Lady Jill Biden will also attend the ceremony as part of an overseas trip lasting from Tuesday until the weekend.

The historic 860-year-old cathedral was engulfed in flames on April 15, 2019, causing extensive damage to its vaulted ceiling and toppling its 19th-century spire.

The fire at Notre Dame occurred during Trumps administration, prompting him to comment on the incident at the time. So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly, Trump tweeted.

Despite initial speculation that the fire may have been an act of arson due to a rise in such incidents against churches in France, investigators concluded in 2020 that the fire appeared to have been "started by either a cigarette or a short circuit in the electrical system."

In response to the fire, Macron pledged to restore the cathedral within five years, promising that the restoration would make Notre Dame "more beautiful than ever." The extensive restoration involved about 250 companies and hundreds of experts, costing hundreds of millions of euros.

During a tour of the rebuilt structure in November, Macron expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the project, stating, You have transformed ashes into art.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs the six-week abortion ban known as the heartbeat bill in his office on April 19, 2019. | Photo Credit: Facebook / Governor Mike DeWine

Ohio has become the latest state to require students to use bathrooms and other private, single-sex spaces that correspond to their biological sex.

Republican Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 104 into law last Wednesday. The bill implements the Protect All Students Act regarding single-sex bathroom access in primary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education, according to a statement from DeWine's office.

DeWine's approval followed the bill's passage in the Republican-controlled Ohio House of Representatives with a 60-31 vote, as well as its clearance in the Ohio Senate with a 24-7 vote.

SB 104 mandates that schools designate each student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible by multiple students at the same time [] for the exclusive use by students of the male biological sex only or by students of the female biological sex only.

The legislation further asserts that no school shall permit a member of the female biological sex to use a student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that has been designated by the school for the exclusive use of the male biological sex and that no school shall permit a member of the male biological sex to use a student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that has been designated by the school for the exclusive use of the female biological sex.

It also states, No school shall permit a member of the female biological sex to share overnight accommodations with a member of the male biological sex. No school shall permit a member of the male biological sex to share overnight accommodations with a member of the female biological sex.

The passage of this legislation responds to concerns regarding trans-identified males using girls' restrooms, locker rooms and sharing overnight accommodations with female students during school field trips.

Ohio has joined a group of 12 states that prohibit trans-identified youth from using bathrooms and sex-segregated spaces that correspond with their stated gender identity in K-12 schools. The other states include Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Additionally, Florida and Utah require trans-identified individuals to use sex-segregated spaces that align with their biological sex in all government-owned facilities, not limited to K-12 schools.

DeWine's signing of Senate Bill 104 comes at a time when polling conducted after the 2024 presidential election indicated that an excessive focus on LGBT-related issues negatively impacted Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in her unsuccessful campaign.

A report from the polling firm Blueprint highlighted that 78% of swing voters who chose President-elect Donald Trump over Harris cited the belief that Harris was focused more on cultural issues like transgender issues rather than helping the middle class as a reason for their vote.
Home News Balm mentioned in the Bible rediscovered in 1,000-year-old seed grown into small tree

Horticulturists are celebrating the growth of a 1,000 year old Tsori seed, discovered nearly 30 years ago, which is believed to produce a balm resin mentioned several times in the Bible.

The seed was found in a natural cave in Lower Wadi el-Makkuk by archaeologists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the northern Judean desert during cave surveys from 1986 to 1989.

The 1.8cm long seed, weighing 0.565g, was stored at the university until selected by Sarah Sallon, a member of the Middle East Medicinal Plant Project (MEMP) and founder of the Louis Borick Natural Medicine Research Center (NMRC) at the Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem in Jerusalem.

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In 2010, she planted the seed, nicknamed Sheba, inside a greenhouse in the Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Israel and it grew into a tree in a pot, with help from her colleagues.

Sallon, a natural medicine enthusiast, told The Jerusalem Post that the ancient seed is a strong contestant for the source of the enigmatic Tsori.

Radiocarbon dating estimates the seed originated between 993 AD and 1202 AD, according to Communications Biology. Scientific analysis also involved DNA sequencing and chemical analysis, among other tests conducted. The species is identified as Commiphora, belonging to the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh.

Several hypotheses are offered to explain the origins, implications and ethnobotanical significance of this unknown Commiphora, to the best of our knowledge the first identified from an archaeological site in this region, including identification with a resin producing tree mentioned in biblical sources and possible agricultural relationship with the historic Judean Balsam, stated Communications Biology.

The study refuted an initial approach that Sheba was linked to a Judean Balsam known to be cultivated in ancient times and so moved to a second hypothesis for the seeds identity  that it represented the presumed extinct species of Commiphora, as mentioned above.

The species was unlikely to have been used for aromatic, smelling purposes because phytochemical analysis of the resin and leaves lacked volatile aromatic compounds, according to the study. However, pentacyclic triterpenes present in the plant mean it likely was used for medicinal purposes, such as healing wounds, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumoral activities.

Tsori translates from Hebrew into balm in English. It is mentioned in Genesis 37:25: As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.

It is also mentioned in Genesis 43:11: Then their father Israel said to them, If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift  a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

Further references are in Jeremiah 8:22: Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? as well as Jeremiah 46:11: Go up to Gilead and get balm, Virgin Daughter Egypt. But you try many medicines in vain; there is no healing for you.

Another reference is in Jeremiah 51:8: Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

Lastly, this species is also mentioned in Ezekiel 27:17: Judah and Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith and confections, honey, olive oil and balm for your wares.

Biblical tsori, most likely the product of a local species, was associated with the historical region of Gilead in the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift valley, a mountainous, richly forested area in antiquity with a lower fertile valley (ghor) intensively cultivated throughout history, stated Communications Biology.

Located on the east bank of the Jordan river between the Yarmuk river and northern end of the DeadSea, Gilead today occupies the northwest region of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Idaho ban on abortion trafficking can mostly go into effect: 9th Circuit

An appeals court panel has partly upheld an anti-trafficking law passed in Idaho last year that prohibits people from transporting minors outside of the state to get an abortion.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals released an opinion Monday mostly allowing the state law against abortion trafficking of a minor, known as Idaho Code  18-623, to go into effect.

The ruling affirmed in part and reversed in part the district courts preliminarily injunction enjoining Idahos abortion trafficking statute and remanded it back to the lower court for further proceedings. The law can mostly go into effect while the lawsuit against it continues.

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Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown, a Clinton appointee, authored the majority opinion, writing that the statute is neither void for vagueness nor facially in violation of the First Amendment rights of association.

We conclude that Section 18-623 does not restrict typical rights of association protected by the First Amendment, wrote McKeown. Idaho is not forcing anyone to refrain from supporting or joining these organizations.

While the majority opinion upheld parts of the law outlawing harboring and transporting girls to get abortions without parental consent, it also upheld an earlier block on the recruitment provision of the law, which it concluded infringes on First Amendment rights.

It sweeps in a large swath of expressive activities  from encouragement, counseling, and emotional support; to education about available medical services and reproductive health care; to public advocacy promoting abortion care and abortion access, wrote McKeown.

It is not difficult to conclude from these examples that the statute encompasses, and may realistically be applied to, a substantial amount of protected speech.

Circuit Judge Carlos Bea, a George W. Bush appointee, authored a partial dissent, believing that the plaintiffs failed to show standing to sue the state attorney general specifically over the enforcement of the law.

Here, the sole defendant AG cannot prosecute the plaintiffs  not unless and until one or more of the 44 county prosecutors refuses to prosecute and does so without exercising his or her discretion, wrote Bea.

So, to recap, the injunction bars prosecution by someone who cannot prosecute (the AG), but does not bar prosecution by someone who can prosecute (the county prosecutors). What relief from injury does this result provide?

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, who defended the state law in court, released a statement Monday celebrating the panel decision, noting that most of the statute can be enforced.

This is a tremendous victory for Idaho and defending the rule of law as written by the peoples representatives, he stated. Idahos laws were passed specifically to protect the life of the unborn and the life of the mother.

Trafficking a minor child for an abortion without parental consent puts both in grave danger, and we will not stop protecting life in Idaho.

Legal Voice, a progressive organization helping to represent the plaintiffs, released a statement on Facebook calling the panel decision a significant victory due to blocking the recruitment provision.

It means that Idahoans can continue to speak about abortion healthcare options, even to minors, as an exercise of their First Amendment rights, stated Legal Voice.

Unfortunately, the court did not put the rest of the abortion travel ban on hold. Its essential that the law is blocked in its entirety, as it threatens the many young people who need help from adults who arent their parents.

In April 2023, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 242 into law, which made it illegal for an adult to help an underage girl obtain an abortion without receiving consent from a parent or legal guardian.

House Bill 242 does not criminalize, preclude, or otherwise impair interstate travel, nor does it limit an adult woman from obtaining an abortion in another state, stated Little at the time.

Rather the abortion trafficking provision in the bill seeks only to prevent unemancipated minor girls from being taken across state lines for an abortion without the knowledge and consent of her parent or guardian.

In July 2023, Idaho attorney Lourdes Matsumoto, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and the Indigenous Idaho Alliance brought legal action against the state over the new law.

Idaho is one of several states that enacted laws banning abortion in nearly all circumstances at all stages of pregnancy following the United States Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Home News Iowa high school principal who risked life to protect students from shooter dies; family grieves loss

An Iowa community recently shaken by a school shooting is mourning the loss of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who succumbed to his injuries 10 days after bravely intervening during the shooting. Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags at half-staff.

On Jan. 4, a 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School, resulting in the death of a sixth grader and injuries to seven others, including Marburger. The principal, known for his dedication and heroism, attempted to calm the shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, allowing students to escape.

Marburger, 56, who had served the school for nearly three decades, died Sunday, according to his family. Local news outlet We Are Iowa reported that the principal was celebrated for his commitment to student safety and well-being.

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The Perry Community School District released a statement expressing profound sorrow over Marburgers passing. Dan was a tremendous leader in our school district and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Our school community is heartbroken by Dans death, the district said in a statement.

His daughter, Claire Marburger, paid tribute to her fathers love and kindness in a heartfelt post on Facebook, highlighting his role as a devoted family man and educator.

If you are lucky enough to know my Dad, you know there are not enough words to say about him, she wrote. Dad taught us, inspired us to be better people everyday. He passed many lessons and things on to us kids.

She added: Another thing Dad taught us was how to love. How to love each other, how to love our parents, how to love our spouses and significant others, how to love our kids and grandkids. And it comes down to one word, selflessly.

Gov. Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff, acknowledging Marburgers sacrifice.

Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburgers death. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family as we pray for their comfort during this very difficult time, Reynolds said in a statement. Dan courageously put himself in harms way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.

The shooting, which occurred around 7:37 a.m. before school started, also claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff. The state medical examiner ruled Jolliffs death a homicide. The incident unfolded during a breakfast program, with few students on campus.

Butler, armed with a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and an improvised explosive device, was stopped before causing further harm.

Marburgers role extended beyond his administrative duties. He was a pillar of support in times of tragedy, helping students grieve after past incidents, including a fatal car accident and a former students death from cancer. His impact on the community was profound, with his daughter describing him as a gentle giant and an amazing Dad and just amazing person.

The investigation into the shooting and Butlers motives continues. Allegations have surfaced regarding Butlers struggles with his gender identity.

Shortly before the shooting rampage, Butler posted a photo to his TikTok of himself in a bathroom stall with a duffel bag on the floor. "Now we wait," he wrote.

Butler's alleged accounts also used "he/they" pronouns, and his TikTok account included a photo using trans flags and the hashtag "genderfluid," as well as a video of Butler pretending to shoot someone and a screenshot of graffiti that reads: "Love your trans kids."

A Reddit account believed to have belonged to Butler posted in a forum about transgenderism and claimed he was reticent to transition because he didn't "want to look ugly," according to Reduxx.

Law enforcement and media outlets are examining the shooters background and potential motives.

A GoFundMe campaign, which was launched last week for Marburgers family, had raised $179,936, as of early Monday. An update added on Sunday reads, Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, weeks, and years to come. All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger.
Home News Parents' group wants accountability after principal says white students can't join racial club

An advocacy group focused on parents' rights in education believes that a federal civil rights office's response to a complaint accusing a Washington state school district of hosting racially-segregated groups did not go far enough.

Last Tuesday, Parents Defending Education unveiled the results of a 2023 federal civil rights complaint it filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights against the Olympia School District.

The complaint, filed in February 2023, highlighted Centennial Elementary School's affinity groups for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) elementary students, a program that allegedly excluded white students. PDE cited an email the principal of Olympia Centennial Elementary School wrote to a parent, stating that affinity groups are "limited to students who identify as BIPOC."

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PDE argued that barring students from participating in a club based on their race, skin color or national origin violates both Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In a letter last week to Caroline Moore, vice president of Parents Defending Education, OCR disclosed that the district had been notified of the complaint and responded accordingly. The district communicated to students and parents that the club is open to everyone, "regardless of race."

"Publicly available information confirms that the District sent an email a week after the BIPOC affinity group was announced, stating that it would be open to all students," the agency wrote.

"Because OCR has obtained credible information indicating that the allegation is currently resolved and has determined that the facts underlying the allegation are no longer present, OCR is dismissing the complaint," the letter continued.

While Moore expressed satisfaction that OCR conducted an investigation, the parental rights advocate asserted that the agency's response did not go far enough.

In a statement provided to The Christian Post, Moore lamented that OCR appeared to be content with the school district attempting to appease the Department of Education by "merely altering a few words on their website."

"This resolution doesn't dissolve the administrative and systematic issues clearly at play in the district. Any principal using their post to send out letters on behalf of the district creating 'safe spaces' for BIPOC students from their white peers should be put on notice," Moore stated.

"All students, no matter their race or creed, should have the same access to educational programming in public schools," she continued. "Such outrageous overreach by the elementary school principal calls for a close systematic district-wide overhaul of discrimination practices."

The Olympia School District and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

PDE asserted in its complaint last year that the Olympia School District used taxpayer funding to host a club that a parent was told was not open to students of certain races.

"According to Exhibit A, students are separated based on race as early as 4th grade," the complaint to OCR reads. "The principal emphasizes the importance of creating a 4th grade BIPOC group' safe space' because 'this space allows them to hang out, check in and possibly talk about their experiences as a student in the minority as they build a community.'"

The parental advocacy group urged the department to determine if the district behaved unlawfully and to take appropriate action.

In another case last month, PDE called for an investigation of Boston Public Schools over uncovered documents showing that the district organized racially-segregated affinity groups for teachers and parents.

The complaint, filed through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's office in Boston, highlighted various BPS affinity group materials, including one called "White Staff and Parents Challenging Racism."

A guide for the group instructs participants to "Learn More about Each Other as White People." Group members are supposed to reflect on past opportunities where they may have gathered with white people "to enhance [their] effectiveness as an ally to people of color."

As PDE noted, the curriculum for certain groups made it clear that the training is only intended for white people, which it argued is racist.
Home News Radical Fulani herdsmen kill 2 Christians, capture pastor

ABUJA, Nigeria  Fulani herdsmen attacked villages in central Nigeria on Sunday and the days prior, killing two Christians, wounding another and kidnapping a pastor among others, sources said.

Barnabas Para was killed in Gwanje village, Akwanga County, Nasarawa state while he and neighbors sat in front of his house where a mini-store is located on Sunday, said resident Moses Bello.

At about 8 p.m., I was resting in my house when I heard gunshots, Bello told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News by phone. A neighbor ran into my house and said some armed herdsmen shot at them as they were in front the house of our neighbor, Barnabas Para. When the attackers left, we went to the scene of the shooting and found Barnabas dead.

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The gunmen seized resident Okigwe Gajere, but he escaped and returned home, Bello said.

Armed herdsmen also killed a Christian and wounded another the same evening in Ntsakpe village, about 3 kilometers from Akwanga town along the Akwanga-Abuja Highway, a resident identified only as Francis said.

The gunmen attacked a neighbors house and killed a Christian by the name of Mr. Sule, he added. While Mr. Zamani, another Christian, was also shot and injured and is hospitalized at OLA [Our Lady of Apostles] Hospital, Akwanga.

Ntsakpe is located at the Alushi junction in Akwanga Local Government Area, he said.

Nathaniel Maaji Lauji, media adviser to the Akwanga Local Government Council, confirmed the attacks in Akwanga LGA.

We received reports about these attacks from Gwanje, Ntsakpe, Ningo and Goho communities, Lauji told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News by phone. These incidents occurred on Sunday, between the hours 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., sending shockwaves throughout these communities. Our thoughts are with the affected families.

In Goho village, a security aide to a former member of the National Assembly was shot and killed in the kidnapping of Joseph Haruna Kigbu and his wife on Sunday as they were on their way to Jos, said resident Akyala Ishaku in a Facebook post.

His police detail was killed alongside, posted Ishaku, a lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Pray for his safety.

Armed herdsmen on Nov. 28 also attacked predominantly Christian Ningo village, 2 kilometers from Gwanje, kidnapping Pastor Charles Joshua of Living Faith Church and three other Christians, Bello said.

Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300.

Nigeria was also the third-highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.

In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Trump says he pulled DEA nominee for 'what he said to my pastors' Rodney Howard-Browne was among those who prayed over Trump in 2017

President-elect Donald Trump says he personally "pulled" a Florida sheriff whom he picked to run the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in part because of the way the sheriff treated Trump's "pastors" and "other supporters."

Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, first shared his decision to step down Tuesday night, calling the opportunity "the honor of a lifetime."

"Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I've concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration," Chronister stated in an X post.

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Chronister did not provide further details about his reasons for backing out.

Trump later took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, to clarify that it was he who decided to pull Chronister from the position, not the other way around.

"He didn't pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters," Trump stated.

Citing unnamed sources, The New York Post reported Thursday that Trump's "forceful hand" led Chronister to remove his name. According to the report, Trump was particularly displeased by Chronister's handling of a situation involving church services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Arresting pastors for trying to keep their churches open is a non-negotiable with the president, and that's what the sheriff was accused of, and the president did not like that," one source told the Post.

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."

"Shame on this pastor, their legal staff, and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job," Chronister said at the time. "That's not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency. We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call."

Howard-Browne and his wife were Evangelical leaders who prayed over Trump at the White House in July 2017. He shared a photo of the meeting with him standing over the president while he lay hands on his back.

"Yesterday I was asked by Pastor Paula White-Cain to pray over our 45th President  what a humbling moment standing in the Oval Office  laying hands and praying for our President," he wrote.

Televangelist Paula White-Cain personally invited Howard-Browne and his wife, according to Vanity Fair. White-Cain was at one point rumored to have led Trump to Christ.

An image shared on social media in September appeared to show a fundraising flyer from White-Cain in which she referred to herself as "President Trump's personal pastor."

CP reached out Thursday to White-Cain for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received.

Chronister is the second Trump nominee to step aside after Matt Gaetz, Trump's first pick to serve as attorney general, also withdrew his name from consideration for a role in the incoming administration.

Gaetz dropped out in November after scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer.
Berkeley-born Scott Atthowe, center, built Atthowe Fine Art Services in Oakland into the go-to source to relocate major pieces of art and became an essential contributor to the Bay Areas cultural landscape. He died Oct. 31 at age 80. Katy Raddatz/The Chronicle

Scott Atthowes final job as an art mover was also his toughest  one hed talked about and plotted out for half of a career that lasted 50 years.

The job was to de-install an enormous and brittle 10-panel Diego Rivera fresco that had been permanently set in a concrete wall at City College of San Francisco and transport it in a slow procession in the dead of night to be installed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Atthowe, who had prior work experience as both a sculptor and a trucker, was mainly known as a magician when it came to relocating oversize and extremely valuable works of art. As the head of Atthowe Fine Art Services of Oakland, Atthowe (pronounced att-how) both looked like and led like Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments, and was as reliable as Moses.

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He proved it when he excavated Jay DeFeos famous 11-foot-tall. 1-ton paint sculpture The Rose from the San Francisco Art Institute and moved it to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. After that, trailering in and setting up eight 10-ton steel sculptures by Mark di Suvero at Crissy Field without piercing the turf in 2013 was as simple as rearranging chairs.

The 2021 installation of the Rivera mural Pan American Unity at SFMOMA was so complicated that a documentary film was made about it. Even Atthowe couldnt top it, so he turned his company into a worker-owned cooperative of 30 equal partners and retired to his own art practice at his home overlooking Tomales Bay in Point Reyes Station. It was there that he died on Halloween. Cause of death was complications of Lewy body dementia, said his partner and wife of 44 years, Patricia Thomas. He was 80.

Scott Atthowes final job as an art mover was also his toughest  one hed talked about and plotted out for decades: de-installing an enormous Diego Rivera fresco at City College of San Francisco and moving it temporarily to SFMOMA. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

The Bay Area art world has lost one of its key pillars with the passing of Scott Atthowe, said former SFMOMA Director Neil Benezra. He was such a singular figure in the art community because everyone who worked with Scott, whether they were museum staff or collectors, knew that if Scott was handling your work of art, it would be done correctly.

The grandson of a barge operator on San Francisco Bay, and the son of a trucking company owner, Atthowe had a masters degree in art practice and was trying to make it as a fine art sculptor when he could not find anyone to safely move his large-scale metal and concrete abstract works. So he bought a three-axle truck and opened a side hustle as an art mover in 1971. As these things go, the side hustle overtook his artwork. He lived in a loft above his warehouse and mostly hired artists, as opposed to furniture haulers, because they understood the delicate nature of what they were handling.

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This included the entire on-site collections of both SFMOMA and the de Young Museum, which he cleared out and stored while those institutions moved to new buildings, then moved into the new location.

At SFMOMA we often undertook unorthodox and challenging installations, and Scott was always up to the adventures we created, said Benezra.

Among the most delicate things Atthowe packed and moved was the cracked and crumbling 180-year-old mud wall of the home of California pioneer Juana Briones, which he moved into the Mission Street gallery of the California Historical Society, for an exhibition in 2014.

When Candlestick Park was demolished, the sculpture of St. Francis by Ruth Wakefield Cravath at the entrance had to be moved by crane into storage, a job for Atthowe. When Benny Bufanos 250,000-pound missile-shaped sculpture Peace had to leave San Francisco International Airport, Atthowe moved it to its new home on Brotherhood Way.

These were just a few of the multitude of jobs Atthowe did for the San Francisco Arts Commission, keeper of the civic art collection. Every sculpture on the drive surrounding the Music Concourse at Golden Gate Park was removed by Atthowe and then returned after the concourse was renovated. Cranes and lifts were always involved and Atthowe himself was always involved. As a business owner, he was hands-on and gloves on.

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Among the most delicate things Scott Atthowe moved was the cracked and crumbling 180-year-old mud wall of the home of California pioneer Juana Briones, which he brought to the California Historical Societys Mission Street gallery for a 2014 exhibit. Michael Short/Special to the Chronicle

If it was big and heavy and expensive and difficult you called Scott, said Susan Pontious, retired manager of the Civic Art Collection and Public Art Program. You could trust him, not just in the mechanics of moving the works. He was a great problem solver who was dedicated to the design integrity of the artwork.

Scott Charles Atthowe was born Oct. 15, 1944 in Berkeley, where he grew up in a midcentury modern house his father built in the hills, back when it was serviced by dirt roads.

Scotts grandfather, John Atthowe, was a first generation San Franciscan, the son of Welsh and Irish immigrants. He moved to the East Bay to run the Berkeley long wharf, and his son Charles Atthowe grew up working the water before father and son started East Bay Drayage.

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Long before he had his drivers license, Scott was moving trucks around his fathers warehouse, which imbued in him a truckers lingo combined with the San Francisco Irish accent of his forebears. By the time hed graduated from Hillside School and advanced to Berkeley High, he could fix cars and trucks.

Scott Atthowe, here in 2016, was born in Berkeley in 1944 and grew up around drayage. He got a masters in art before his side hustle moving artworks become his calling. Courtesy Patricia Thomas

His mother, Jean, was a textile artist and encouraged him to pursue architecture, which he did by taking a bus to San Francisco to work as an assistant in an architecture firm.

He also started a car parts business, geared to Packard, the old luxury car. After graduating from Berkeley High in 1962, he attended California State College at Hayward, where he earned his bachelors degree in studio art before earning his art masters from Sacramento State. He paid his way as a truck driver with a Class 1 drivers license.

While at Sac State he launched the art moving business after buying the three-axle truck to go with his Class 1 license.

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He launched the business with his first wife, Janice Barbary. They were separated and divorced by 1980. At that point, he was already living in the warehouse where the business started. His upstairs office contains signs from peace protest marches that were about the only thing that could get him away from his work and his own art, to which he dedicated what little spare time he had.

He developed a reputation for difficult jobs, said his widow, who met her future husband when he hired her as a job scheduler in 1979. Taking paintings out windows because they dont fit in an elevator, and packing delicate things like ceramics and glass.

The Bay Area art world has lost one of its key pillars, said former SFMOMA Director Neil Benezra. Everyone who worked with him knew that if Scott (Atthowe) was handling your work of art, it would be done correctly. Michael Short/Special to the Chronicle

In 2003, Atthowe and Thomas were married in Carmel and a year later they bought property overlooking Tomales Bay. They remodeled the existing house and added an art studio, where Atthowe was able to focus on his plywood sculptures.

The house and studio in Point Reyes Station is powered by solar, as is the warehouse in Oakland. Atthowes sculpture is made of wood reclaimed from his crating materials. In his packing of art, he gave tremendous attention to detail  and thats where his mind went when he retired. He pursued still-life photography and would zero in on a detail like paint peeling off a wall. He also pursued a daily drawing practice, dealing with shape and form.

In spite of his illness he went to his studio every day until two weeks before his death, said Thomas. He was that kind of driven personality. He took the energy that he had put into his business and put it into his own art.

Even in retirement Atthowe could not let go of the Diego Rivera fresco relocation from City College to SFMOMA, which had multiple starts and stalls over the years as he perfected the skills required to move it.

These are very risky jobs. If anything happened to that mural it would have been an international catastrophe, said Bryan Cain, CEO of Atthowe, of the Diego Rivera relocation. Scott basically said, Were the best for the job, so we should take the risk. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

He brought his trucking experience and his draying experience, and he also knew rigging, said Cain. We always got the job done and that is saying something, because every one of these pieces is unique and is not made to travel. It is something that wants to stay put.

Nothing wanted to stay put like Pan American Unity wanted to stay put in the lobby of the theater building at City College. The 10 panels measured 22 feet by 70 feet and weighed 60,000 pounds. It had been painted by Rivera for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition at Treasure Island, and though each panel was on a rack intended to be portable, when it was finally installed at City College in 1960, the crew made sure it wasnt going anywhere.

These are very risky jobs. If anything happened to that mural it would have been an international catastrophe, said Bryan Cain, CEO of Atthowe. Scott basically said, Were the best for the job, so we should take the risk. He did that for his entire career.

When Pan American Unity was finally installed at SFMOMA, a ceremonial toast was held. Cain turned to Atthowe and said, We did a great job on this project. Atthowe, in his usual jeans and T-shirt, turned to Cain and responded, We do a great job every time.
Home Opinion 5 myths regarding salvation

In the landscape of modern Christianity, there is often a tendency to oversimplify or distort the biblical message of salvation. Whether its due to cultural shifts, a desire for ease, or misconceptions that have taken root in various churches, certain myths about salvation have emerged that lead people astray from the true Gospel. Below, we will address five common myths that can undermine a believers understanding of salvation while grounding ourselves in Scripture to offer a more holistic and biblical view.

1. Saying the sinners prayer automatically ensures salvation

One of the most pervasive misconceptions is the belief that simply saying the sinners prayer guarantees salvation. While Romans 10:9-10 says, If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This passage does not promote a one-time verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as sufficient for salvation. Rather, Paul is pointing to the profound truth that salvation involves making Jesus Lord over ones life.

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Merely reciting words does not equate to true faith. In fact, without a heart transformation and a life that follows Jesus as Lord, the words are empty. As the saying goes, Jesus cannot save what He doesnt own. The call to confess Him as Lord is a call to surrender. Its a total reorientation of ones life under the authority of Christ. Saying a prayer without true repentance and submission to Christ leads to a false sense of security, as if salvation can be achieved by a formula rather than a relationship.

In Acts 26:20, Paul sums up the biblical view of repentance and conversion: I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. Similarly, John the Baptist urges his audience in Matthew 3:8 to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. This fruit is the tangible evidence of a life transformed by the grace of God. Its not just about making a decision; its about a fundamental change in ones heart, actions, and allegiance to Christ.

2. We just need Jesus. We dont need a faith community

Another dangerous myth is the belief that all we need is Jesus and that we dont need the church or a faith community to live out our salvation. This idea feeds into the modern culture of individualism, where personal spirituality is elevated above communal worship and discipleship. However, the New Testament paints a very different picture of Christian life.

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of the church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). We are called to fellowship with other believers, encourage one another, and grow together in faith. Jesus established the Church as His instrument to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20), and He gave us one another for accountability, support, and growth. Isolated Christianity is not biblical Christianity. As the writer of Hebrews exhorts, we should not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25). The community of faith is essential for spiritual growth and for living out our salvation.

3. Once saved, always saved

The doctrine of once saved, always saved has led many to a dangerous complacency in their spiritual lives. While Scripture assures us of our security in Christ (John 10:28), it also calls us to perseverance in faith. The idea that one can pray a prayer of salvation and then live however they choose, without concern for ongoing repentance and growth, is not supported by Scripture.

Jesus own words in Matthew 7:21-23 warn against this thinking: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.

4. Works are not important

Another common misconception is the belief that works are irrelevant to salvation. While it is true that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), this does not mean that works are unimportant. The very next verse, Ephesians 2:10, declares that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

James 2:17 says, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Works do not save us, but they are the evidence of a living faith. True salvation transforms our hearts and motivates us to live out our faith through good deeds. The fruit of our salvation is seen in how we love others, serve, and pursue righteousness. As Jesus Himself said, By their fruit, you will recognize them (Matthew 7:16). Faith without works is not true faith at all  it is dead faith.

5. The separation of faith from evangelism and missions

Lastly, one of the most overlooked aspects of salvation is the separation of faith from evangelism and missions. Some believe that salvation is a private matter between the individual and God, disconnected from the call to share the gospel and live missionally. Yet Jesus Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) directly ties our faith to making disciples of all nations.

Salvation is not just about securing eternal life for ourselves but about participating in Gods redemptive plan for the world. As we confess Christ before men, we fulfill His command to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Evangelism and missions are not optional add-ons to the Christian life; they are integral to the process of sanctification. As we share our faith, we grow in our understanding of Gods grace, and our walk with Him is deepened.

Jesus clearly stated that whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). Confessing Christ publicly is both an act of obedience and a means by which our faith is strengthened  the continual act of declaring Christ before the world consolidates and solidifies our walk with God. The more we share His Gospel, the more we are conformed to His image.
Home Opinion To businesses: Don't replace 'Merry Christmas' with 'Happy Holidays'

For Christians, Christmas is not just another holiday  it is the celebration of the incarnation of God. It marks the moment when God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ to redeem humanity. This foundational truth of the incarnate birth and the resurrection is at the heart of Christian faith and worship.

The significance of Christmas for Christians is profound, and its exclusion or commercial dilution in favor of generic phrases like "Happy Holidays" or secular celebrations should be deeply concerning, even offensive, to those who hold the true meaning of the holiday sacred.

The birth of Jesus: The heart of Christmas

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Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His coming was the fulfillment of prophecies that spanned hundreds of years and the hope of salvation for all people. The Apostle John encapsulates this profound truth in the Gospel, saying: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Christmas shows us that God is not distant, but rather that He has come near to His creation to bring redemption. This incredible message of hope, peace and love is for all people.

Over time, Christmas has increasingly been commercialized  a time for shopping, for sales, and for family gatherings. Yet for Christians, these aspects of the holiday often pale in comparison to the true joy of celebrating Christs birth. However, when Christians hear "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas", it can and should feel like a deliberate erasure of Christ from the very holiday that bears His name. I, for one, am tired of Christian traditions being minimized in favor of inclusivity, often for the sake of commercial gain.

Why Excluding Christmas Should Offend Christians

1. Christs incarnation is non-negotiable: To Christians, Christmas is not just another holiday  its the celebration of the moment when God Himself took on human form. This truth is foundational to Christian theology and understanding of the world. When commercial businesses dismiss the religious significance of Christmas, they aren't just excluding a holiday  they are diminishing the very heart of the Christian faith. For many, this is not just a matter of tradition but of spiritual identity.

2. A cultural and religious heritage: Christmas has been celebrated by Christians for nearly two millennia. It is deeply intertwined with Christian history, worship, and community. For Christians to see this holiday reduced to a generic "holiday season" is to witness a slow erosion of a cherished part of their identity and heritage. Its offensive to Christians when their sacred observance is treated as simply another seasonal event like any other, stripped of its religious meaning.

3. The erasure of religious identity: The growing trend of secularizing Christmas  by replacing "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays"  represents an attempt to neutralize religion in the public sphere. For Christians, this is more than a simple inconvenience; it is a direct challenge to their right to express their faith freely. When the core message of Christmas, centered on Christ's birth, is sidelined, it can feel like an attack on religious expression itself. Christians may feel marginalized in a society that continues to demand a non-offensive, inclusive approach, yet excludes their deepest beliefs.

4. The rise of a tolerance that excludes: Many businesses claim to adopt "Happy Holidays" as a way to be inclusive of various religious groups. But this form of inclusivity often means excluding those whose practices are tied to a specific religious tradition, such as Christianity. Ironically, this practice of forced tolerance is itself a form of exclusion, where Christianity is expected to quietly step aside to make room for every other tradition.

5. The hypocrisy of businesses with other holidays On the other hand, businesses that use the "Happy Holidays" greeting often engage in celebrations of other holidays or observances that similarly exclude certain groups, highlighting the hypocrisy in their supposed quest for inclusivity.

Pride Month : While Pride Month celebrates the LGBT community, it is clear that businesses supporting it may alienate other groups who do not share the same views on sexuality or gender identity. Championing Pride can be seen as selective inclusivity, where the needs of one group are prioritized over others, suggesting that businesses are more focused on appeasing popular social movements rather than genuinely embracing a broad spectrum of beliefs and values.

: While Pride Month celebrates the LGBT community, it is clear that businesses supporting it may alienate other groups who do not share the same views on sexuality or gender identity. Championing Pride can be seen as selective inclusivity, where the needs of one group are prioritized over others, suggesting that businesses are more focused on appeasing popular social movements rather than genuinely embracing a broad spectrum of beliefs and values. New Year's Day : Similarly, New Year's Day is a global event, but it is not universally celebrated at the same time or in the same way. The Gregorian calendar, which sets January 1 as the beginning of the year, is not followed by all cultures. For example, the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Chinese New Year occur on different dates and are celebrated with distinct traditions. By emphasizing a "New Year" celebration that is rooted in a particular Western tradition, businesses may inadvertently exclude those whose cultural or religious practices do not align with the Western calendar.

: Similarly, New Year's Day is a global event, but it is not universally celebrated at the same time or in the same way. The Gregorian calendar, which sets January 1 as the beginning of the year, is not followed by all cultures. For example, the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Chinese New Year occur on different dates and are celebrated with distinct traditions. By emphasizing a "New Year" celebration that is rooted in a particular Western tradition, businesses may inadvertently exclude those whose cultural or religious practices do not align with the Western calendar. Other secular holidays: Many businesses also market heavily around secular holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween, which, while widely celebrated, have their own set of cultural and historical baggage. Thanksgiving, for example, is controversial for its association with the mistreatment of Native American peoples, while Halloween can be seen as promoting pagan or occult practices. While these holidays may have broad commercial appeal, they are not universally embraced by all communities.

A call for respect and authenticity

For Christians, the exclusion of Christmas from the cultural conversation is more than just an issue of words  it is a matter of honoring God. Christmas is a time to proclaim the central truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. When businesses opt for generic greetings that erase this message, its not just a missed marketing opportunity, its a cultural denial of something that is sacred to millions of people.

Christians should not have to apologize for the religious significance of Christmas or for wanting to celebrate it in its fullness. The commercialization of Christmas is not necessarily a bad thing, but when it overrides the spiritual core of the holiday  when businesses reduce it to a generic, consumer-driven "season"  it is a disservice to both the Christian faith and to all customers who value authenticity and meaning in their celebrations.

Instead of choosing to secularize Christmas under the banner of inclusivity, businesses should embrace the authentic diversity of their customers' traditions. Respecting the Christmas season as a central and sacred observance for Christians doesnt exclude other traditions  it simply acknowledges that not all celebrations are the same, and that some, like Christmas, are inextricably tied to a specific religious identity.

Ultimately, Christians should not simply "tolerate" the exclusion of Christmas. They should be offended, but also advocate for a more authentic, respectful acknowledgment of their faith. To do so is not only to preserve the significance of Christmas but also to create a world in which diverse beliefs can coexist, each respected for its unique contribution to the cultural and spiritual fabric of society.
Home Opinion To be truly happy, you need a new perspective

One of the interesting observations Ive made by studying Scripture is that I am very similar to many people in the Bible. You probably are too. While cultures have certainly changed over time, people in general really have remained the same. A great example of this is the man named Asaph who wrote Psalm 73.

Asaph was a choir director in the service of David, and by judging his vocation, it is apparent that he was a man of God. Yet, like many modern people, he slipped into the trap of focusing on temporary worldly prosperity rather than the eternal benefits derived from the truths of God. Asaph confesses that he envied the proud when (he) saw them prosper despite their wickedness (NLT). He likewise said such people were able to take possession of the earth. Asaph even goes as far as to say in paraphrase, I try to follow God and live right in vain. I even try to live my life as best as I can, yet all I get is misery while the wicked have it made in life. What a waste of my time. Ive slid down the same slope.

However, we also discover Asaph declared doing so was him slipping into error. Asaph realized that thinking a pursuit of the enticements of life was better than serving God was a slippery slope. Perhaps youve slipped into error as well. How many times have you dreamed that winning the lottery or holding more power was the key to happiness? How many times have you thought that even evil people seem to get away with corruption while living better lives than you do? Asaph did the same thing, but he recognized that this mode of thinking was in fact a lie.

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Like many of us, Asaph initially took a human perspective rather than Gods perspective on life. He also was able to then show us that such thinking is a trap. Verse 16 declares, When I tried to understand (that living a Godly life is a waste of time), it was oppressive to me until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Despite initial feelings of hopelessness, Asaph entered the presence of God which enabled him to see the truth that his perception was incorrect.

The thing I like about Asaph is that he shows us his humanity. He took the wrong perspective about life, realized it was incorrect, and senselessly allowed it to grieve him, and eventually concluded that he did so out of ignorance of Gods Word and needed to change his outlook. Asaph was a real, flawed man just as I am, but he was able to learn and redirect his steps. This gives us hope because we can do the same!

Lies are combated with truth, and Asaph gives us some truth regarding his situation. Verses 23-28 inform us that God is always with us, which includes those times in life when we are grieved and feel like our lives are a waste of time. We learn that God guides us with his counsel. This tells us that God is our point man and that he indeed provides us with direction. When we have the wrong perspective in life, we tend to think others have it better than us, but God tells us not so. Better yet, verse 26 explains that our strength comes from God. Since He is eternal and almighty, what a strength we have!

Thoughts believing that glory, happiness, and the good life are found in riches and during easy times are only a slippery slope and can cause us a great deal of grief if we buy into such lies. Some people even go as far as to pursue this lie and attempt to live it out. Tragically, doing so yields a life similar to that of the character Scrooge from A Christmas Carol.

Reality is that we need to enter Gods sanctuary and allow his truths to enable us to be realistic about life. Failure to do so prevents us from taking inventory of our worldview, which puts us on the slippery slope toward error. May we instead have a realistic expectation for our lives where we can, like Asaph, declare, It is good to be near God.
Home News Gunman attacks Seventh-day Adventist school in California; 2 boys 'critical yet stable'

A gunman attacked a small Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated school in California Wednesday, badly wounding two male students before dying of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Wednesday afternoon, a shooter entered the campus of Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, a small kindergarten through eighth-grade school of fewer than 40 students.

The unnamed shooter, who, according to The Associated Press, had no prior ties to the school, reportedly attended a meeting with an administrator about possibly enrolling a child.

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However, shots soon rang out, with two students being wounded. The body of the shooter was later discovered near some playground equipment, with a handgun located close by.

Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said at a press conference that while a motive was presently unknown, it was possible that the school was attacked for its religious affiliation.

"Whether or not this is a hate crime or whether or not it's part of some sort of larger scheme at this point I don't have enough information to provide an answer to that," Honea stated, as quoted by the AP.

The two wounded children  a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy  were in "critical but stable condition" as of Thursday, according to a sheriff's office statement.

Siddhartha Patel, the special agent in charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, said during the press conference that investigators will do an "entire workup of the subject to get a better understanding of his motivation, ideology and what else could help [us] understand today's situation on incidence."

The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists posted a statement to Facebook on Thursday saying that they were "deeply saddened by the events that occurred yesterday at Feather River School."

"Our students, faculty, and staff were reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children, their families, and our staff members in prayer," the conference added.

"We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriff's Department who acted quickly to protect our students. We will continue to work closely with Sheriff Kory Honea and his team during this investigation."

G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, issued a statement on Thursday calling the incident an act of "senseless violence."

"We are fully supportive of our Adventist leadership in the Northern California Conference as they work closely with local authorities to address this tragedy. All levels of ministry are engaged in supporting members of our church and others in the community who are in crisis," said Bryant.

"Again, we urge our members and others to be prayerful and to help protect the privacy of this small, close-knit community during this very difficult time."
Home News John Piper denounces 'gender pronoun hospitality': 'A false view of reality'

Prominent theologian and Bible teacher John Piper denounced "gender pronoun hospitality" this week, considering the practice unbiblical and spiritually harmful to trans-identified people.

In an episode of his podcast "Ask Pastor John," uploaded Monday, Piper, an author and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was asked his thoughts by an unnamed elder of a church about their ministry at a nearby college that recently considered engaging in "gender pronoun hospitality."

The concept of "gender pronoun hospitality" involves a person using the preferred pronouns and name of a trans-identified individual, even if the person doesn't agree with LGBT ideology.

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"The argument is that there are times when, for the sake of evangelism, one may decide to call a person by their chosen gender if such an act removes a possible barrier in sharing the Gospel," stated the elder.

"The ask for our church is for a person to have the freedom, in the moment, to do this, limited to evangelism contexts, limited to conversations with those who are not believers. If someone claims to be a follower of Christ, such 'pronoun hospitality' would not apply."

Piper, who served as pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 30 years, opposed the idea of "connecting the beautiful biblical word 'hospitality' with the unbiblical concept of 'gender pronoun,'" calling it "unhelpful and misleading."

"We ought to be hospitable, but we ought not to be affirming of pronouns that designate a destructive choice and a false view of reality. It is possible to be hospitable and honest," Piper said.

The theologian noted that most often when people speak with someone directly, the most frequent "pronoun that you use is you."

"So, it may be possible to engage a person directly without touching the issue of pronouns," he said. "Now, of course, that doesnt work when dealing with proper names. Is Andy now Angie? You may not even know that Angie was once Andy. So, stepping into the conversation, you may not have any choice unless you simply avoid the name, which is possible."

Piper said he prefers the term "sex" over "gender," believing that the latter is "a compromise with sinful views of reality" and the byproduct of "radical feminists" in the 1970s.

"I think using the word 'gender' where the right word is 'sex' is like using the word 'marriage' for a relationship between two men or two women. It's not marriage. It is so-called 'marriage,'" he continued.

Piper referenced the Nashville Statement, a theologically conservative declaration released in 2017 by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood that Piper had signed.

"The Nashville Statement is right to say, 'Self-conception as male or female should be defined by God's holy purposes in creation and redemption as revealed in Scripture.' But calling a man a woman or a woman a man defies that holy purpose of God. It defies God," he said.

Piper said affirming trans-identity "involves living a lie" that "regularly leads to destructive and irreversible surgeries and treatments."

"Therefore, the greatest possible care should be taken before one gives any impression of approving or even being mildly disagreeable toward so-called transgenderism," he concluded.

As Evangelicals debate how to witness to members of the LGBT community, there has been some conversation over whether Christians should use the preferred pronouns of a trans-identified person.

In 2019, then-Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear said on a podcast titled "Ask Me Anything" that he would use a trans-identified person's preferred name and pronouns to showcase "hospitality" but would also affirm biblical truth.

"If a transgender person came into our church, came into my life, I think my disposition would be to refer to them by their preferred pronoun when we want to talk about gender," stated Greear. "I will be clear with him on the truth. The question is: Is that the battlefront that you want to choose?"

"That is the way that I would lean in this," he added. "I would say this is one of perhaps Roman 14 situations where you need to do what your conscience is allowing you to do."
Home News Sen. Blackburn demands Biden respond to authoritarian censorship of speech on social media

Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaskis revelation that the Biden administration is coordinating with social media platforms to determine which Americans and messages should be deplatformed is deeply concerning.

In a letter to President Joe Biden on Friday, Blackburn said the White Houses

oversight of social media posts it considers problematic or disinformation is alarming because having the government control the narrative on platforms such as Facebook is tantamount to censorship and violates citizens' First Amendment rights.

These revelations are deeply concerning," Blackburn wrote in the letter to Biden. "The blatant actions by your administration to work with big tech companies to censor Americans free speech are shocking  and arguably a violation of the First Amendment.

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"Communist countries such as Cuba are currently taking away their citizens right to use the

internet to communicate; the U.S. government should be standing up to, not looking to mirror,

authoritarian regimes such as these," the senator added.

Blackburn also asked about the criteria used to flag and remove posts or ban users and the legal basis the Biden administration is using to order social media platforms to follow the administrations guidance. She also asked if the administration has staff whose job it is to search social media to report people and messages they disagree with and get them kicked off the platforms they use.

She requested to be briefed on this by Aug. 2.

At White House Press Briefings on Thursday and Friday, Psaki said the federal government was coordinating with social media companies to make sure they are aware of the latest narratives.

"So we're regularly making sure social media platforms are aware of the latest narratives, dangerous to public health that we and many other Americans are seeing across all of social and traditional media," Psaki said Friday. "And we work to engage with them to better understand the enforcement of social media platform policies.

In response, Blackburn said in a tweet on Monday that "Jen Psaki told the truth for once: Biden and Big Tech are censoring us."

Despite the administrations coordination with social media giants, Biden accused Facebook of killing people by allowing what he deemed as vaccine misinformation.

"Theyre killing people," Biden responded to a reporter's question on Friday.

"The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated, and theyre killing people," he reiterated.

President Joe Biden said social media platforms are killing people after the White House criticized Facebook for allowing misinformation about coronavirus vaccines to be posted on its platform https://t.co/MHrtnUNjzrpic.twitter.com/ZSLfRCyGTZ  Reuters (@Reuters) July 16, 2021

Guy Rosen, Facebook's vice president of integrity, responded to Biden's accusation in a post on Saturday, titled Moving Past the Finger Pointing, and defended the various ways Facebook has responded to the pandemic and in vaccination efforts.

At a time when COVID-19 cases are rising in America, the Biden administration has chosen to blame a handful of American social media companies, he wrote.

While social media plays an important role in society, it is clear that we need a whole of society approach to end this pandemic, he continued. And facts  not allegations  should help inform that effort. The fact is that vaccine acceptance among Facebook users in the U.S. has increased. These and other facts tell a very different story to the one promoted by the administration in recent days.

He shared how data show 85% of Facebook users in the U.S. have been or want to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which is above Bidens goal of 70% of Americans vaccinated by July 4 that the administration did not achieve.

Facebook is not the reason this goal was missed, Rosen wrote.

On Monday, Biden clarified his comments that were perceived as an attack on social media, saying that Facebook is not, in fact, killing people.

Facebook isnt killing people," Biden said, stressing that his comment wasn't a condemnation of social media platforms, but the people he accuses of disseminating disinformation.

Biden added that he hopes Facebook will do more to fight the outrageous misinformation about coronavirus vaccines being spread on its platform instead of taking it personally that somehow Im saying Facebook is killing people.

"These 12 people are out there giving misinformation, anyone listening to it is getting hurt by it, he continued. Its killing people. Its bad information. My hope is that Facebook, instead of taking it personally ... that they would do something.

When he was asked if Facebook has done enough to combat misinformation, he said, To be completely honest with you, I dont know that they did anything today, up to over the weekend, I dont think they had. But I dont know."

Some have accused the Biden administration of using totalitarian measures in using social media to promote its message, as Big Tech censorship has led to various voices being banned from platforms in recent years.

Biden is using Big Tech as an arm for his agenda, Blackburn tweeted. This is state-sponsored media.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said the censorship from the administration is an effort to control.

The Biden administration just announced they are working with Facebook to censor more Americans, McCarthy tweeted last week. Big Tech and Big Government want the same thing  to control you. As a reminder, America is a land of FREEDOM.
Home News Ex-gay Christian realtor drops license over association's ban on 'hate speech'

A Christian realtor is allowing his real estate license to expire rather than comply with the new requirement from the National Association of Realtors that he and other members refrain from engaging in hate speech.

Matt Moore, a realtor who lives in Minnesota, announced his decision on Twitter Friday.

In addition to serving as a real estate agent, Moore creates digital content from a Christian worldview. The content available on his website includes a podcast titled Moore Musings, blog posts and videos.

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Would you pray for my wife and me as we seek God's will for what's next? This week my broker informed me that I cannot continue to talk publicly about Christian views re: LGBTQ+ issues if I want to remain with this brokerage.

As of July 1st, I will no longer be a realtor. 1/  Matt Moore (@onemoorematt) May 21, 2021

This week my broker informed me that I cannot continue to talk publicly about Christian views re: LGBTQ+ issues if I want to remain with this brokerage, he wrote.

Moore indicated that he would instead let his license expire than comply with that request, stating that As of July 1st, I will no longer be a realtor.

While Moore acknowledged that there are other brokerages in town, he cited the widespread uneasiness about real estate agents talking about LGBTQ+ issues in the public sphere in light of policy changes implemented by the National Association of Realtors.

Moore formerly identified as a member of the LGBT community and is now in a heterosexual marriage. He uses his platform to emphasize biblical teachings on sexuality.

In a Dec. 10 blog on his personal website, Moore wrote an open letter to the National Association of Realtors expressing concern about changes made to the groups Code of Ethics, which he warned could foster discrimination against Christian realtors.

Originally, realtors were encouraged to follow the principles of the Code of Ethics in all of their activities, but only with respect to real estate-related activities and transactions involving the REALTOR. Under the revised policy, realtors will be subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Ethics with respect to all of their activities.

One aspect of the Code of Ethics mandates that realtors must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

According to Moore, the new policy means a realtor can now be reported to his or her association for any perceived commission of hate speech against a protected class in any sphere of his or her life, including on personal social media profiles.

Consequences for violating the policy range from fines to suspension or termination of membership in the National Association of Realtors.

Moore warned that under the new policy, Realtors who express a historic Christian view of homosexual and transsexual behavior could become regular targets for undeserved allegations of hate speech." He warned that there exists no legal or standard definition of the term hate speech in the United States."

He argued that a mere articulation of Christian beliefs concerning homosexuality and transgenderism is frequently labeled as hate speech.

Countless are the times I have been falsely accused of using language that inflicts harm or incites violence upon gay and transgender people," he wrote. "I have been called hateful, bigoted, and homophobic even though I have expressed my loving intentions toward the LGBTQ+ community and communicated myself with gentleness and respect."

In his Twitter thread, Moore maintained that he and his wife arent angry about this.

Describing the new policy and his decision to give up real estate as a wrench thrown into our plans, he expressed confidence that Gods plan is still in place."

He will direct us in the way we should go, and we are excited to see where that will be," he said.

Moore continued the Twitter thread by characterizing his December warning letter as an effort to prevent other realtors, who may face similar ultimatums if something doesnt change, from having the same experience.

Expressing hope that sharing this will lead to that change, Moore maintained that all realtors should be free to share their religious beliefs outside of their job duties.

Full disclosure: I am not sure where the line is between seeking the good of others (advocating for religious liberty & policies) and quietly bearing the crosses God assigns to us (the worlds rejection is a sure one). Im trying to navigate it the best I can, he added.

I think my open letter to NAR in which I pleaded with them to reconsider their changes to the CEO is appropriate advocacy. I think stating that I am more or less being forced out of real estate because of the imposition of the COE on my personal life is appropriate advocacy.

Moore stressed that he is "not looking to bear the political torch because he has must focus on "Gospel things."

Perhaps God has called one of you to take up the political torch," he concluded. "But I think hes called me to move on.
Home News Pastor fighting to keep realtor license after complaints about biblical social media posts

A Virginia realtor is facing the possibility of having his license revoked over social media posts as concerns mount about the status of free speech for those working in real estate and other professions.

Wilson Fauber, a Staunton, Virginia-based realtor with a career spanning four decades, appeared before the Virginia Association of Realtors on Wednesday in a hearing to determine whether he violated the National Association of Realtors Standard of Practice 10-5. Adopted in 2020, the standard declares that realtors must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This all started, you could say, with a post that Wilson made on social media in 2015, Fauber's attorney, Michael Sylvester of the Founding Freedoms Law Center at the Virginia Family Foundation, told The Christian Post.

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Noting how the post came as the U.S. Supreme Court was considering whether same-sex marriage was a constitutional right in the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, Sylvester stressed that Fauber offered his analysis on the matter in his capacity as a Christian minister. Sylvester explained that Fauber posted the biblical view on marriage, sharing thoughts from the Rev. Franklin Graham on the matter. He never faced any ... blowback or pushback, Sylvester said.

Faubers social media post highlighting the biblical position on marriage came up when he was running for public office eight years later. Asked if he still stands by his Christian beliefs on this topic, Sylvester told CP that his client answered in the affirmative: He loves everyone. He serves everyone. He doesnt hate anyone, he doesnt discriminate against anyone, but he stands with the Word of God.

Earlier this year, Faubers social media posts became the subject of a complaint lodged with the Virginia Association of Realtors over the purported violation of the National Association of Realtors Standard of Practice 10-5. Sylvester expressed disappointment that the Virginia Association of Realtors did not dismiss the complaint as frivolous but rather issued a statement a few months afterward in April saying that if the allegations are true, then Wilson may have violated this new hate speech rule.

Our position is that Wilson said nothing that constitutes hate speech. Instead, he comes from a heart of love and he serves everyone, Sylvester countered.

The hearing, which was expected to last at least four hours, consisted of the presentation of witnesses and cross-examination about [Faubers] religious expressions. Sylvester expects a decision about his clients future within the next week. If the Virginia Association of Realtors sides against Fauber, he has the option to appeal within the association.

Sylvester views Faubers situation as something that could have an impact extending far beyond the real estate profession. What Wilsons problem is is everyones problem because this same standard of practice, 10-5, that were talking about has been held up by some as a model that perhaps other professions should adopt as well, he warned.

Sylvester expressed concern about the possibility of pastors who are also lawyers having their sermons or their social media posts put under great scrutiny when theyre trying to act in the ministerial capacity if their professional legal associations tried to constrain their speech. Insisting that you could imagine the same thing about physicians who also serve as pastors, Sylvester identified Faubers case as the tip of the iceberg.

We want to head it off now before other associations adopt similar drastic rules, he added. Fauber agreed that Standard of Practice 10-5 was problematic and called for its repeal: Its really an invasion of privacy. Its a drastic overreach because the National Association of Realtors has voted to give themselves the power if they wish to police realtor social media of any type.

According to Fauber, If I were to read a scripture such as Leviticus 18:22 and just close the Bible and not make any comment at all, if someone  and Im a realtor and a minister  and if someone is offended by that, even if theyre not in the service but someone tells them that I read that passage of scripture, then any person, you dont have to be a realtor, any person can file a complaint against that minister-realtor and be in the same shoes that Im in right now. And that should not be; thats an invasion of my privacy.

Fauber identified the penalties for those found to have violated Standard of Practice 10-5 as fines ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 and removal from the National Association of Realtors and their state Association of Realtors. He stated that such a course of action could result in realtors losing access to the Multiple Listing Service, which he characterized as an essential tool that realtors have to use to stay in business: If you do not have access to the Multiple Listing Service, youre out of business.

Sylvester described the Multiple Listing Service as the database that real estate agents go to find out all kinds of information about houses that are up for sale and to list houses for sale and the key tool for the trade as a real estate agent. He maintained that to have that access revoked would be career-ending for so many real estate agents.

This is particularly true for Fauber because although there are about a dozen private Multiple Listing Services not affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, none of them exist in his area.

Fauber is not the first realtor to have his license challenged over his views on contentious social issues. Sylvester detailed how a Georgia-based realtor named Julie Mauck, who spoke at a school board meeting against certain graphic and homosexual content being used in her public school system, faced an ethics complaint. While Mauck lost at her first hearing with the Georgia Association of Realtors, she ultimately secured a favorable outcome after appealing the decision.
Trump To Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Mom Sues Mattel For Wicked Toy Linking To Porn Site, Ohio's New Bathroom Law

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:33 07:33

Top headlines for Thursday, December 5, 2024

In this episode, we explore President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Paris for the re-opening ceremony of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of resilience and rebirth. Next, we discuss a bizarre and unsettling incident involving Mattel, where a mom reports emotional distress after discovering a misprint on a 'Wicked' movie doll box that led consumers to an inappropriate website. Finally, we turn our attention to Ohio, where recent legislation mandates that students must use bathrooms and private spaces corresponding to their biological sex, sparking conversations and controversy nationwide.

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The hard truth is that Christianity in the UK is on the decline. There is an obvious cultural shift away from organised religion. Yet, some of today's biggest music hits are filled with themes we recognise in Christianitysongs about hope, redemption, and even prayers. This is even more evident in the songs which chart around Christmas.

This year, Coldplay's We Pray and Craig David's soulful rendition of He's Got the Whole World in His Hands were just two of the many tracks that tap into something deeply spiritual. And in December, you barely need to look further than Coldplay's break-up song Christmas Lights to see that even the most melancholy of songs often has an in-built streak of hope.

The lyrics say: "And then all my troubles will be gone .... Oh, Christmas lights keep shining on."

So why, amid declining church numbers, are people connecting with and even finding comfort in these songs? Perhaps it reveals a collective longing for hope and connection in a world that feels increasingly uncertain.

We Pray made headlines for its strong references to Christianity and spiritual themes, and it currently has over 56 million streams on Spotify. This fascinates me for two reasons: first, it is sparking conversations about the deeper purpose and meaning of life, and second, I would never have guessed my long history with Coldplay would end up here. My first concert was during Coldplay's Parachute tour when I was just 15 years old, and I ended up crowd-surfing while they performed Yellow.

It's easy to see why We Pray sparked conversations. In the chorus, Chris Martin sings:

"I know somewhere that heaven is waiting ... I know somewhere we'll feel no pain."

Martin's music has many influences, but what comes through in his lyrics is a curiosity and wonder for what's beyond this world and a desperate search for hope and meaning by exploring the spiritual realm.

And he's not alone. That thirst for greater meaning and consequent interest in Christianity permeates popular culture. In film, screenwriters love underdogs, redemption arcs, fathers and sons reconciling, and revere the power of stories. In fitness, communities openly dialogue about a higher, benevolent power, greater purpose, and something beyond ourselves. In music, songwriters reference spiritual imagery and language and stepping out of ourselves.

In their podcast This Cultural Moment, John Mark Comer and Mark Sayers describe these undercurrents as signs of post-Christianity, of people defining themselves against organised religion, but wanting "the kingdom without the King." In other words, popular culture wants everything good about Christianity, the fruit of the kingdom, but doesn't want Christ.

I've always been fascinated by how culture highlights and speaks to the Christian worldview without realising it - it's because we're all part of the world that God created. So how do we engage with it?

Although not all cultural references to Christianity are positive  and many are negative in the extreme  all are invitations to talk. If we react harshly when people write lyrics that are clearly influenced by Christian heritage or culture, we close the door to dialogue. Think about it: maybe they've picked up a Bible and read a story; perhaps they're harking back to an early experience in church. Again, many are connecting to the themes and values of the kingdom, not the King Himself: the teachings, the ideas, and the characteristics of Jesus. It's just the exclusive claims and the supernatural realities they're not interested in.

Of course, we must be discerning. There is an agenda here on the part of opposing realms. Tactics are at play that belittle Christianity, dilute it down to make it sound like nonsense, or in extreme cases, evil. But Christians can appropriate this agenda by grabbing hold and engaging with it, reading the Bible, standing for the truth, and entering into conversations. It is spiritual warfare, the suppression of truth, and the world fighting back against the light that it does not understand. But we've got to enter the warfare; we can't just abandon it.

As Chris Martin's lyrics express, looking for meaning beyond yourself is part of what it means to be human. The search comes out naturally in people, presenting an incredible opportunity to invite people to explore that meaning through the Bible. This can feel like a mammoth task but in reality, all it takes is gentle intentionality and a non-judgemental, open invitation to discussion.

So, why not look for moments to connect with people over mutual interests and hobbies, like Coldplay? If someone expresses an interest in faith, Christianity or spiritual themes, ask them, 'You like that song, what do you make of its lyrics? What does it make you feel?'. Of the 56 million times people listened to We Pray, how many times did they become curious about something bigger than themselves? What an opportunity!

Now, it's important not to rush or force this. Sometimes people will say no. In the moment, don't take it personally or consider it a rejection. Instead, pray for them, enjoy their company, and be there when they're ready.

Here perseverance can be incredibly powerful. I once invited a friend from my local fitness community to read the Bible with me. He was hard to read over the weeks we met, but one day, sitting in his truck, he said he wanted to give his life to Jesus. We prayed there and then, and he was saved.

Relying on the power of God speaking through His words in the Bible completely removes the pressure on us to provide a perfect representation of Christianity. All the answers and work are done by God's Word itself. The Bible is the place where we can see Jesus most clearly. When the Bible is at the centre, using a resource like the Word One to One, Jesus becomes the focus, not the individual's portrayal of Him.

Christians are called to be in the world, not of it. We have the kingdom and the King; His name is Jesus, and others can too. So, the next time you sense that search for hope, for something more when your friend brings up the latest song they like, ask them what they mean. It might just open some doors.

Simon Lennox is CEO of The Word One to One
BARTs ridership has decreased since the pandemic, leading to an expected financial deficit in the coming years. Theres now concern a that an incoming Donald Trump administration could mean less funding for the Bay Areas regional rail service. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

With President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House in January, one thing became clear for BART: The regional rail service should give up any expectation of a federal bailout.

Some transportation experts see Trumps win, and the GOP takeover of Congress, as both a potential death blow and a reality check. The transit system that once dazzled riders with flashy extensions and new train fleets was hobbled by the pandemic. In the years since, it has limped along on federal and state funding that will soon dry up  potentially with no replacement.

With many commuters now working from home, BART projects a funding gap of between $300 million to $400 million a year starting in 2026. BART currently has an annual operating budget of $1.1 billion and capital budget of $1.5 billion. Signs of strain are already showing. Packed rush hour rail cars are mostly a thing of the past, and rider complaints about cleanliness and safety have ramped up.

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We had one scenario where we were going to have a Bay Area native (Kamala Harris) running the country, someone who has probably taken BART thousands of times, with potential Democratic majorities in the Senate and House and Rep. Nancy Pelosi still playing a very influential role, said former BART board director Nick Josefowitz, laying out what would have been a best-case election outcome  if an unlikely one  for Bay Area transit.

A police officer walks at BARTs 24th Street Mission Station in San Francisco in November. BART riders have said they have concerns about safety on the transit system. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

Instead, Josefowitz said, the party in power has been quite hostile to funding of government services generally, and transit in particular, while showing a particular animus toward the majority-Democratic Bay Area.

Across the nation, transit services have grappled with declining ridership numbers and funding issues. But BART's situation is especially dire, as it relies more on fares than any other service in the country. Many transportation policymakers say they knew long before Nov. 5 that federal aid would be a non-starter, no matter who sat in the Oval Office or which party controlled the legislative branch. Those who lost faith in Washington, D.C., have already pivoted toward Sacramento, where legislators next year may weigh a bill to put a transportation mega-measure on Bay Area ballots.

The fate of BART has even cast a shadow on San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie, whose campaign pledges to revitalize downtown could fall flat if commuters cant get there.

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There is no downtown renaissance without a really robust BART, Josefowitz said.

Lurie said in a statement that hes building a team rooted in accountability, service, and change to tackle the citys historic challenges, including safe and reliable transit. He declined to elaborate on any plans to fund BART.

Absent new funding, BART leaders may have to start a painful process of amputation. Consultants for the agency have released dark projections of the future: station closures, hourlong waits for trains, miles of unused track.

Pedestrians are seen at BART's 24th Street Mission Station in San Francisco. Riders are worried about potential cuts in service to the regional rail agency. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

BART is in a very challenging environment, for sure, said Sebastian Petty, senior transportation policy advisor at SPUR, a public policy think tank based in San Francisco. I dont think service cuts are inevitable, but do see the path to avoid them as narrower than before the election.

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But the blunt reality is BART cannot cut its way to solvency. Not only is the system heavily reliant on fares, which depend in part on service levels, it has high fixed costs to maintain its rail infrastructure that cant be mitigated by running fewer trains. The agency said it would have to cut service by around 65% to 85% to save 20% to 40% on its budget.

Service cuts dont create that many cost savings, Petty said. BART has a serious deficit with fewer obvious options in contrast to Muni, which is facing its own fiscal cliff and is studying a range of potential cuts to bus lines and frequency. Those would yield proportionally more savings compared to BART.

Officials at the rail agency remain stubbornly optimistic, saying their advocacy for financial aid would not stop under the Trump administration. BART had some success during Trumps previous presidency, agency spokesperson Alicia Trost said, pointing to a $1.2 billion Federal Transit Administration grant that the rail system scored in September 2020. The money paid for various infrastructure improvements to boost service through the Transbay Tube.

Whether BART should anticipate such grants again is an open question. Bay Area transit reaped about $4 billion in COVID relief funds for transit across two presidential administrations  an extraordinary grant package that the federal government is unlikely to replicate, said Rebecca Long, director of legislation and public affairs at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

That was a total anomaly, Long said, noting that the feds, in general, do not view themselves as caretakers for cities ravaged by the pandemic. Moving forward, Long said, it may be difficult for California  and the Bay Area, specifically  to compete with other parts of the country for infrastructure grants, given that the regions emphasis on boosting transit and lowering fuel emissions do not align with the expected priorities of the Trump administration.

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BART projects a funding gap of between $300 million to $400 million a year starting in 2026, partially because of reduction in ridership since the pandemic. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Despite those obstacles, transit operators can count at least one champion in Congress: Former BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, a Democrat who will replace outgoing Rep. Barbara Lee and who represents a large swath of Alameda County, has elevated transportation as a priority. Simon is legally blind and cannot drive, so she has always relied on public transportation. Now shes seeking an assignment on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she vows to be a negotiator.

I dont think transit is a partisan issue, Simon said in an interview shortly after her Congressional orientation in Washington. All across the country, people need to get to school or work or dialysis appointments.

One component of BART that may be beholden to the whims of the Trump administration is the long-awaited Silicon Valley extension. The Federal Transit Administration awarded $5.1 billion to the project in August for its second phase into downtown San Jose. But that agreement is not signed yet and therefore isnt secure, Long said. In 2021, Senate Republicans derided the six-mile segment as Nancy Pelosis Silicon Valley subway and stripped funding for it from a COVID relief bill, though it is outside Pelosis San Francisco district.

Hopefully the (Trump) administration will recognize the economic benefits that will accrue to the whole nation by expanding that high-capacity passenger rail, Long said, referring both to the importance of transporting people to jobs in a technological center, and to the volume of housing and commercial projects planned near the San Jose stations.

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Like other transportation officials, Long is looking toward the state, and to Bay Area voters, to build an economic life raft for BART and the regions 26 other transit agencies  whose combined operating deficits will reach $750 million a year in 2026.

The numbers are stark. Still, convincing the public to help has never been easy. Past campaigns for a transit measure or bond have disintegrated, and voters have shown little desire to dig in their pockets. BART recently polled residents in three counties and found tepid support for sales or parcel taxes to fund transit, neither of which reached the two-thirds threshold to pass. Slightly more than half of respondents, 56%, said BART had some or great need for additional funding.

New Plexiglass fare gates, like at BARTs Fruitvale Station, are expected to deter people from pushing through without paying. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

To riders scurrying through the fare gates at the Powell Street Station on a recent weekday, a future without BART is unfathomable.

Its essential, said Walter Moulton, who works at a restaurant where many employees dont own cars.

Susan Stein, who typically rides four stops from downtown to the Mission, said she cant imagine life without the ease and convenience of a rail line.

Im from New York, where the trains come all the time, Stein said, making a chopping motion with her hand to illustrate the efficiency of the New York subway.

The prospect of a deeply eviscerated BART  with trains arriving only every hour  made Stein and other riders grimace. They wondered how workers would commute across the bay and whether whole industries would collapse.

Experts are trying to get the average Bay Area voter to consider these consequences.

Long said she isnt completely surprised.

Youve got an incredibly anti-tax voter sentiment right now, she said. And since commuting lightened after the pandemic, people dont feel the same sense of visceral desperation to fix BART, or unclog freeways, that they did in 2019.

Nonetheless, she said, when the MTC polled voters in 2023 last fall on whether the Bay Area needed to protect its transit systems, 83% said yes.
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As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, this time with a Republican Congress backing him up, change may soon sweep over the tech policy landscape. Already, Trump is expected to cancel President Bidens executive order on artificial intelligence (which my colleague Kaylee Williams recently wrote about for CJR), loosen cryptocurrency regulations, and maybe save TikTok from a ban that was set to kick in early next year. While Trump was vocal about these issues during his campaign, he has been notably quiet on another major policy change even though he fought for it during his final days in office last time around: the repeal of Section 230, the law that shields social media platforms from legal liability when making decisions around users posts.

In broad strokes, Section 230 is the platform equivalent of the dont shoot the messenger rule. It was passed in 1996, as part of the Communications Decency Act, in response to the amount of pornographic, hateful, and defamatory content that was beginning to sweep the internet. Under previous publishing-liability rules, websites risked being sued if they removed such content; Section 230 was introduced to grant platforms immunity to moderate content if they found it objectionable in good faith, and to protect them from being held legally responsible for content posted by their users. We came to call it the sword and the shield, Ron Wyden, one of the coauthors of the law (and now a senator), told PBS. The sword is the ability to take down horrible stuff on the internet. The shield is the protection from frivolous litigation.

Today, Section 230 has become a punching bag for politicians on both sides of the aisle. On the right, Trump and many other conservatives believe that Big Tech platforms are biased against them and that Section 230 grants them protection to moderate their content without facing liability. During the final days of his first term, Trump issued an executive order to limit the protection offered by the law, a move that came after Twitter (now known as X) put fact-checking labels on some of his tweets that claimed, without evidence, that mail-in ballots were fraudulent.

Since leaving office, of course, Trump himself has started a social media company: Truth Social, which was founded in 2022 (at a time when he was still barred from Twitter owing to the insurrection of January 6, 2021). From now on, digital platforms should only qualify for immunity protection under Section 230 if they meet high standards of neutrality, transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination, Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social that year. Since then, however, he has stayed relatively quiet on issues related to Section 230. In August, Chamber of Progress, a progressive tech trade group, sent an open letter to Trump asking him to clarify his position on the law, pointing out that Truth Social itself relies on Section 230 to host and curate third-party content, and that if it werent for that provision, Trumps platform might also face litigation over what users say on the platform, Adam Kovacevich, the CEO of Chamber of Progress, told the Washington Post. Section 230 also lets Truth Social moderate content as it sees fit, for instance when choosing not to take down medical misinformation or hateful content.

The same principles, of course, apply to X, which, since Trump was last in office, has been acquired by Elon Musk, who is now an outspoken Trump ally. Last month, X invoked Section 230 to challenge a new California law that requires large online platforms to remove or label deepfakes related to elections and candidates in a set time period before and after that election. X alleges that the new law would prompt social media sites to lean toward labeling or removing legitimate election content out of caution, the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Trump has remained quiet on Section 230, Brendan Carr, his pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission in his incoming administration, has made his position quite clear. Carr, a veteran Republican regulator who currently sits on the commission, wrote a chapter in Project 2025, the policy blueprint prepared by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, in which he called for a reinterpretation of the law, proposing that the FCC work with Congress to make legislative changes such that Internet companies no longer have carte blanche to censor protected speech while maintaining their Section 230 protections. In other words, a stab at content moderation. Platforms, according to Carr, should only be granted protection under Section 230 if they severely limit content moderation so as to only remove user-generated content that is illegal. Carr has also proposed that if content filters do exist, users should be able to personalize them.

But Carr may be getting ahead of himself: several experts have argued that it isnt the FCCs role to govern online speech. (The conservative Federalist Society, for example, has noted that nowhere in Section 230 does it say that the FCC has the authority to define the bounds of immunity.) In 2020, during Trumps last days in office, there were some attempts within the FCC to argue that the agency had the authority to interpret Section 230, but these were eventually dropped, and such arguments seemed to fade as Democrats took control of the agency.

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Since then, Section 230 hasnt just given Trump and other Republicans a headache. Many Democrats have been just as vocal about their dissatisfaction with the law, albeit for largely opposite reasons, arguing that Big Tech companies have exploited it to avoid cracking down on harmful content. In May, a bipartisan pair of legislators announced a draft bill to sunset Section 230 unless tech giants could suggest reforms. But some observers trashed the proposal. Mike Masnick, of Techdirt, accused legislators of effectively holding the internet at gunpoint and threatening to shoot unless Google and Facebook came up with a plan to appease Congress. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal at the time, Wyden and Christopher Cox, the coauthors of Section 230, made a similar point, describing the plan to eliminate the law as a reckless one that would be disastrous for the internet. Under the draft bill, they wrote, if Congress cant agree on a successor to Section 230 by Dec. 31, 2025, websites from Yahoo and Etsy to the local restaurant hosting customer reviews will become liable for every syllable posted on the site by a user or troll. (The bill did not become law.)

Now, with a second Trump term ahead, its possible that the effort to reinterpret Section 230 will be revived. But, as per the Federalist Society, this process could be politically messy: Given the radical change in administrative law since 2020ironically made possible by the shift in the Courts makeup thanks to President Trumps first term appointmentstransforming Section 230 from Big Techs safe harbor into a regulatory hammer may prove difficult. Plus, with Trumps own stake in Truth Social and Musk breathing down his neck, its not entirely convincing that reinterpreting or entirely revoking Section 230 will be the administrations weapon of choice against content moderation.



Other notable stories:

Yesterday, Jeff Bezos, the owner of the Washington Post, spoke at the New York Times DealBook Summit and addressed his decision to bar the paper from endorsing Kamala Harris ahead of the election; critics suggested that Bezos was appeasing Donald Trump lest the latter go after his business interests in a second term, but Bezos denied this, reiterated that reader trust was the real reason, and insisted that the Post would continue to cover all presidents very aggressively. Also at the summit, Bezos said that he was very optimistic about Trumps second termin part because he seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulationand suggested that Trump has probably grown in the last eight years. And Bezos said that he would try to talk Trump out of his threats to the media, adding, The press is not the enemy, lets go persuade him of this.

For CJR, Bill Grueskin spoke with Dilan Gohill, a student reporter at Stanford who was arrested while covering a pro-Palestine occupation of the university presidents office earlier this year; Grueskin found that by all accounts, Gohill was there only as a journalist, and yet university officials want him prosecuted, and he could still face charges. It isnt clear why the district attorney is still reviewing the case, and its even less clear why Stanford has taken such an aggressive posture toward a student journalist with less than a years experience, Grueskin writes. Gohill told him that while the experience was super traumatic, it was important that someone was there.

Also over the summer, three journalistsOlga Fedorova, Josh Pacheco, and Sinna Nasseriwere arrested while covering a pro-Palestine protest outside Israels consulate in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention; police said that the journalists failed to comply with a dispersal order and scolded them for being too close to the protesters they were covering. Now the Freedom of the Press Foundations Seth Stern reports that charges of disorderly conduct against Fedorova and Pacheco have finally been dropped. (Its not clear if Nasseris case was also dismissed.)

Andafter Biden pardoned his son Hunter this week, eliciting much media uproarEsquires Charles P. Pierce wrote a column urging people to shut the fck up about it; George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil when he was president, Pierce wrote, and yet nobody defines his legacy that way. This, however, is likely because Bush Sr. did not pardon his son. Esquire corrected Pierces column claiming as much, then retracted it altogether. The magazine said that it regrets the mistake.
An influential coalition of pension funds and insurance companies holding a combined $9.5 trillion of assets called on regulators to mandate corporate disclosures of so-called Scope 3 emissions.

The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance said in a report published on Wednesday that requiring disclosures of carbon pollution produced by companies customers and supply chains would increase data credibility and comparability. Regulators also should provide guidance to address data and methodology problems that have thwarted the finance sectors efforts to grapple with their value chain emissions, the group said.

Scope 3 emissions typically account for more than 70% of a companys carbon footprint making them impossible to ignore for any business thats pledged to address their environmental impacts. Still, the structural issues and data problems attached to Scope 3 are widely known, leading to paralysis among investors.

NZAOA said its report, entitled Tackling Hidden Emissions for a Net-Zero Transition, represents an attempt to open a meaningful discussion with policymakers, companies and asset owners about how to overcome the many challenges posed by Scope 3 emissions. The group, which includes Allianz SE and the California Public Employees Retirement System, said while its critical for signatories to consider Scope 3 pollution, integrating those emissions into carbon accounting and target setting is highly challenging due to a lack of a standardized methodology, an overreliance on models for estimating emissions and limited availability of data.

Even so, its time for investors to stop making excuses and face up to this most vexing of problems, said Udo Riese, global head of sustainable investing at Allianz Investment Management and co-lead of the monitoring, reporting and verification workstream at NZAOA.

Everyone is complaining about how difficult it is, and the conclusion usually is I cant do anything, Riese said in an interview. We need to move on from saying yes we should do it, but we cant do it.

Failure to solve the Scope 3 conundrum will impede necessary climate action, according to the NZAOA, which added that a few jurisdictions have announced Scope 3 disclosure requirements, including the European Union and Japan. The group said asset owners should take several immediate steps to address the problem, including engaging with data vendors to improve estimation models, promoting voluntary disclosure enhancements and explaining the data quality and limitations of their Scope 3 disclosures.

For investors that have committed to net zero, an understanding of carbon accounting is essential. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, like a fleet of cars or a power plant, while Scope 2 covers emissions from the generation of energy the company buys, such as electricity. Scope 3 is everything else linked to the company: It represents an aggregate of 15 different categories of emissions sources from purchased goods and services to business travel.

While the Scope 3 construct is complex and even a little abstract, it offers useful insights into how companies and emissions are interconnected, Riese said.

Scope 3 emissions describe how companies are interacting with each other and with users and customers in the value chain, he said. And everyone knows that for systemic change, if you are connected in the value chain, you cannot solve your emission problems alone.

An understanding about the different Scope 3 dynamics in various sectors is critical for investors, according to NZAOA. In the finance industry, the group found substantial underreporting of Scope 3 emissions by banks, indicating some financial companies arent transparent about their emissions profile.

As an owner looking at that state of disclosures, you cant set targets on disclosed emissions in some sectors because its a pure guess, Riese said. As long as the difference between whats disclosed and whats estimated is so huge, then target setting is really difficult.

NZAOA members are required to independently set interim decarbonization targets on their financed emissions, otherwise known as Scope 3 Category 15 emissions. The groups guidelines currently cover only the Scope 1 and 2 emissions of their portfolio companies, though NZAOA said on Wednesday that its crucial for asset owners to consider the Scope 3 emissions of their invested companies in their portfolio steering and overall climate strategy.

The NZAOA is one of the member alliances of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. GFANZ is co-chaired by Mark Carney, the chair of Bloomberg Inc. and a former Bank of England governor, and Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.

Top photo: The business class cabin inside a Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd. (Comac) C919 aircraft operated by China Eastern Airlines Corp. during the Singapore Airshow in Singapore, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. The Singapore Airshow is Asias most influential aerospace and defense exhibition.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
A town in North Carolina sued utility firm Duke Energy on Wednesday, accusing the company of deceiving its customers and the broader public about the harms of climate change.

The town of Carrboro, about 30 miles from the state capital of Raleigh, said it is on the hook for millions of dollars in road repairs, rising energy bills and other infrastructure costs to mitigate the ill effects of climate change.

It blamed Duke Energy for its alleged campaign to delay the transition to renewable energy.

The climate crisis continues to burden our community and cost residents their hard-earned tax dollars, Barbara Foushee, the mayor of Carrboro, said.

The lawsuit, filed in the Orange County Superior Court, said despite being aware of the risks from fossil fuels for more than 50 years, Duke Energys top executives increased reliance on coal and gas for electricity.

We are in the process of reviewing the complaint. Duke Energy is committed to its customers and communities and will continue working with policymakers and regulators to deliver reliable and increasingly clean energy while keeping rates as low as possible, Duke Energy said in a statement.

The companys electric utilities serve more than 8 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy plans to add 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035, and shift some of its coal-based energy production to natural gas, according to the companys website.

(Reporting by Bose and Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Alan Barona)
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are seeing concerns over their reliability easing but they still lag gas-powered vehicles, a survey by an influential U.S. non-profit organization showed on Thursday.

EVs now have 42% more problems than their gas-powered counterparts, down from last years 79%, according to the Consumer Reports annual auto reliability survey.

Plug-in hybrids have 70% more problems than internal combustion models, improving from the 146% more problems it had last year. Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and hybrids remain the most reliable vehicle types overall.

On a brand reliability scale, which consider the weighted overall problem rate, Tesla came in at 17th place while Rivian ranked last at 22nd.

Tesla owners reported some build quality issues, including body hardware, paint and trim, noises and leaks, and problems with electrical accessories, the report said.

The survey ranked legacy automaker Ford at the 13th position, adding that its least reliable model is the F-150 Hybrid.

Japanese automakers Subaru and Lexus  Toyotas luxury brand  topped the reliability chart.

While brand rankings can guide you to the showroom, it is critical to look at reliability for specific models before making a purchase decision, said Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.

The Consumer Reports survey covers 20 problem areas including engine, electric motors, transmission and in-car electronics. The organization gathered data on more than 330,000 vehicles from the 2000 to 2024 model years, with a few newly introduced 2025 models.

(Reporting by Shetti and Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
AVON LAKE, Ohio -- The chemical and elemental symbol for lead is Pb. It comes from the Latin word plumbum, which is the Latin name for lead -- and where the term plumbing comes from.

But exposure to lead has been found to be a health hazard.

The federal government banned the use of leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many remaining pipe networks in older cities and homes predate the policy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are still 6 to 10 million lead service lines across the country.

And Avon Lake is out to find some of them.

Recently, Avon Lake Regional Water sent out letters to Avon Lake residents with unknown service lines, which for some reason or another were never designated through the city.

And while its unlikely that most of these homes have lead service lines -- particularly anything built after 1986 -- the city must file a report with the EPA and provide homeowners some options in changing out the lines if any do contain lead.

A service line is a pipe that connects the water main to a home or building.

The letter reads, in part, that Avon Lake Regional Water (ALRW) is the public water system responsible for providing drinking water to a given location and that this notification is being sent because this home or building has a lead status unknown service line.

This means that your service line material is unknown and may be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or a non-lead material.

Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA required ALRW to notify water consumers who are served by a lead status unknown service line.

According to the EPA, there is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant women, infants and young children.

Some of the health effects to infants and children include mental and behavioral problems.

Boiling water does not reduce lead, and lead levels actually increase over time as water sits in lead pipes.

Experts advise quite simply that if you have lead pipes, they need to be removed.

And thats exactly what ALRW aims to do if they discover that the service lines are indeed lead.

Lines inside the house, however, will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

According to ALRW Chief Utilities Executive Rob Munro, the EPA requires every water utility to have a comprehensive inventory of their service lines.

And if there is any service line that is of unknown origin for whatever reason, the utility has to treat that line as if it were a lead line and must investigate the line as to ascertain its makeup.

Any houses that were built after 1988 should not have any web service red lines or galvanized lines that are requiring replacement, and obviously we can go back through our records and look through any houses that have been built since then, Munro explained.

We have a pretty good grasp on our inventory. But, there were about 2,000 service connections in our system out of over 9,000 service connections that are falling into that category of unknown.

It doesnt mean that they have lead service lines or galvanized lines, it just means that its unknown and we have to notify the customers and then we have a survey thats available that were asking these residents to fill out, Munro continued.

We also offer them a walk-through of how they could help us to identify what they have, and we have a portal on our website where they can upload pictures and complete this survey.

If we still cannot determine based on that, then were going to have to go out to the residence and we will do hydro excavation around the meter to see what type of materials are coming from the water main to the meter.

Well also look at it from the customer side, which is from the meter into the house. And, while thats the customers responsibility, we still have to identify that as part of our process.

ALRW Chief of Utility Operations Greg Yuronich explained that when the water leaves the treatment plant, it must fall within an acceptable pH range to ensure that the water is not corrosive.

They also add a corrosion inhibitor to the water -- orthophosphate -- which creates a barrier on the inside of any metal surface and actually prevents the water from coming into direct contact with the pipe materials.

Weve been doing lead sampling since the late 1990s and weve never had an issue with any lead or copper being detected in the water, Yuronich said.

We had started adding orthophosphate in 2016, and thats perfectly safe to drink.

The problem with the lead service lines comes into play with anything when you would have a disturbance to the water line, he added.

If there was a water (main) break in an area with lead service lines, that is when we would distribute some filters that are capable of removing any lead that would have been disturbed and could potentially get into the water. Thats something that is done as a precaution.

Munro said he expects very few, if any, of the service lines to turn out to be lead.

That said, if any are found to be lead pipes, the city has until 2037 to actually remove them.

They must complete the identification of the service line pipes by 2027.

If lead pipes are found inside a home, the homeowner would have the choice to remove and replace them. But there currently exists no enforcement ability by any entity to force removal.

Munro said if homeowners find lead pipes inside their home, it is likely the city will set aside some dollars and create a loan program so that homeowners can more affordably mediate the situation.

He added that in current contracting bids with the city, contractors installing new water lines and updating infrastructure have already been authorized to remove lead lines if they come into contact with them.

Munro lauded fellow city officials for creating the online portal and its ease of use for homeowners to share any situations.

He also encouraged any residents with any concerns to give his office a call at 440-933-6226.

Read more from the Sun Sentinel.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  An Arctic front is moving into Northeast Ohio tonight and early Thursday morning, and its expected to add fuel to the snow belt.

The National Weather Service says the cold front will generate 5 to 10 inches of snow in eastern and southern Cuyahoga County, and in Geauga, southern Lake, northern Summit, and northern Portage counties, as well as northwestern Trumbull County. Higher terrains in those counties could see the largest amounts of snow.

Ashtabula County again appears to be in line for the most snow. After more than 50 inches fell in parts of the county earlier this week, this new storm could bring an additional 6 to 12 inches, forecasters say. Concerns about the storm have resulted in several Ashtabula County school districts canceling classes for Thursday, including Buckeye Local Schools, Geneva Area City Schools, Pymatuning Valley Schools and Kent States Ashtabula Campus.

The storm also will generate high winds, with gusts up to 55 mph. The Weather Service warns the winds along with intense snow squalls could reduce visibility on highways to a quarter-mile or less. Forecasters say the storm could quickly make travel difficult for motorists. Power outages also are possible because of the intense winds.

Expect temperatures in the low 20s tonight, with highs around 30-32 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Winds will back off a bit on Friday but there still will be gusts around 32 mph.

The lake-effect snow warning is expected to remain in place until 4 a.m. Friday.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties in anticipation of the oncoming storm.
Japanese fishing vessel expelled from China's territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao

Xinhua) 09:59, December 05, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday expelled a Japanese fishing vessel that had unlawfully entered China's territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao, according to a spokesperson for the CCG.

The Japanese ship entered the waters of Diaoyu Dao on Thursday. The CCG ships lawfully enforced control measures against it and issued warnings, driving the vessel out of the area, said spokesperson Liu Dejun.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory," Liu said. "We urge the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters."

Liu also reaffirmed China's commitment to conducting regular law enforcement activities in the Diaoyu Dao territorial waters and safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
San Jose police said they arrested one of two men accused of a 2021 gang-related homicide. Rafe Swan/Getty Images

San Jose police said they arrested one of two men accused of a 2021 gang-related homicide.

Undercover officers found and arrested Christopher Espinoza Jr., 35, in Hollister on Tuesday and booked him into the Santa Clara County jail on suspicion of murder, according to the San Jose Police Department.

Espinoza is a suspect in a homicide that occurred on Sept. 10, 2021, at around 11:31 p.m., when officers responded to the area of Winchester Boulevard and Cadillac Drive on reports of a shooting, police said. On scene, officers found a woman on the sidewalk and a man in the parking lot, both suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

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The man, a San Jose resident, was unresponsive and taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His identity was not released. The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects, who fled the scene before police arrived, were later identified as Espinoza and Isaiah Sotelo, 22. Sotelo is still at large and believed to be hiding in Mexico, police said. Police believe the alleged homicide was gang-related.

Espinoza was in custody Wednesday and was being held without bail, according to jail records.

Anyone with information on the incident or Sotelos whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Barragan #4106 or Detective Harrington #4365 at 4106@sanjoseca.gov or 4365@sanjoseca.gov, or to call 408-277-5283.
San Francisco resident Maxwell Maltzman, 18, pictured with his father. Maltzman was found dead of a homicide in early 2023. A teen arrested in his murder pleaded not guilty in Dec. 2024. Courtesy of the Maltzman family San Francisco resident Maxwell Maltzman, 18, was found dead of a homicide in early 2023. A teen arrested in his murder pleaded not guilty in Dec. 2024. Courtesy of the Maltzman family Maxwell Maltzman, of San Francisco, pictured with his mother. Maltzman was found dead in the Bayview District in early 2023. Courtesy of the Maltzman family

A 19-year-old pleaded not guilty to killing another teenager who had been missing for more than two weeks before he was found dead in San Francisco last year.

The defendant, who is not being named because he was a juvenile at the time of the alleged crime, denied the allegations of murder during his arraignment Wednesday afternoon in San Franciscos Juvenile Justice Court.

The proceedings were attended by a large group of the victims family and friends, including his parents and sister.

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Maxwell George Maltzman, 18, was originally reported missing on Jan. 6, 2023, before he was found dead two weeks later in the Bayview District of San Francisco. His death was recently deemed a homicide.

But two years passed before police officials made an arrest in his case. On Nov. 29, officials arrested the suspect on Ahern Way, a small alleyway in San Franciscos South of Market District. Officials located evidence at the suspects residence that was seized.

The defendant will have another hearing on Jan. 10 on the question of whether he should remain in custody pending trial.
Supporters of the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, including organizer Brenda Grisham in foreground, mark Prices last day in office Thursday morning during a rally outside the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. David Hernandez/The Chronicle

Thursday marked the last day in office for Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, who was recalled last month, as attention shifted to the imminent appointment of her successor.

The historic recall  the first to target a district attorney in county history  won 63% of the vote on Nov. 5, according to unofficial results.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts was to take the reins Friday until the county Board of Supervisors appoints a successor.

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The board is expected to discuss, and potentially outline, the appointment process next Tuesday. The boards pick will serve until 2026, when voters will elect a replacement for the rest of the term, which ends in 2028. Changes in state law made it an irregular six-year term.

The countys first Black district attorney, Price was elected in 2022 with 53% of the vote on promises that aligned with a broader movement across the nation that aimed to decrease incarceration, root out racial disparities in the criminal justice system and address the root causes of crime.

Thursday was the last day in office for Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, who was recalled by voters in the November election. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

But she faced immediate and strong pushback. Prosecutors in the office, family members of homicide victims and others said Prices policies were too lenient and fueled crime. The recall effort started last year as most crimes were on the rise, especially in Oakland. Some also blamed Price for managerial mistakes, including missed deadlines for prosecutors to file charges in about 1,000 misdemeanor cases.

Price did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

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When she conceded defeat in the recall vote last month, she said she believed she moved the needle of the criminal justice reform. She spoke of her offices efforts to expose prosecutorial misconduct under previous administrations and other moves she characterized as successes.

Since taking office in January 2023, I fought to bring change to a broken system, she said.

Late Thursday morning, some two dozen supporters of the recall celebrated the end of Prices time in office during a rally outside the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. Some of them held signs that read, Restore law & order and Restore justice.

Today will be a new day for Alameda County, said recall campaign organizer Brenda Grisham.

She called Roberts unqualified for the job and said she hopes supervisors move quickly to select Prices successor.

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Price hired Roberts as part of her leadership team when she took office in January of last year. Roberts had no prior work experience in the criminal justice system. He previously worked as general counsel for the Peralta Community College District after he was admitted to the California Bar in 2022. He declined to comment Thursday about his imminent leadership.

Several former county prosecutors previously told the Chronicle they plan to apply for the job. The list includes California Chief Deputy Attorney General Venus Johnson, San Francisco Deputy District Attorney Amilcar Butch Ford, Alameda County Counsel L.D. Louis and Contra Costa County Assistant District Attorney Annie Esposito.

The recall supporters said they dont plan to back a contender but hope the board picks a prosecutor who will aim to hold criminals accountable. Grisham added that the group wants Prices successor to undo the policies she instituted. Among the directives from Price was a requirement for prosecutors to not file special charges that seek to extend possible prison sentences unless they obtain permission from a supervisor.
In 2022, Amazon introduced the Buy with Prime button, allowing premium subscribers to make purchases using their Amazon account even when shopping on other websites.

Now the company is bringing a similar concept to its cloud-computing business.

At its Reinvent conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Amazon Web Services said a new Buy with AWS button will be available for cloud software partners to embed on their sites as a way for customers to pay.

AWS is the leading provider of cloud infrastructure, ahead of Microsoft and Google , reeling in over $100 billion in revenue in the past four quarters. Prominent cloud software vendors like Databricks, Wiz and Workday run their products on top of AWS, as well as other clouds, and will now be able to sell services directly to users with AWS accounts via the new button. The checkout option will allow buyers to take advantage of previously agreed-upon discounts.

"The intention here is to increase customer loyalty and partner loyalty and, ultimately, win rates," Matt Yanchyshyn, AWS' vice president of marketplace and partner services, told CNBC in an interview.

For software companies, the only requirement is that they need to be selling their products through the AWS Marketplace. Amazon reduced fees to 3% or lower in some cases this year, after Microsoft and Google decreased their rates.

On the consumer side, Amazon has an estimated 180 million Prime subscribers in the U.S. The $139 annual subscription includes speedy shipping as well as two-hour grocery delivery and digital services like Prime Video and Amazon Music.

Retailers that want to take advantage of Prime's massive customer base can pay a fee to add Buy with Prime to their site, and utilize Amazon's fulfillment network when purchases are made using the button. Amazon said in September that Buy with Prime orders through merchants' sites are up more than 45% this year from a year earlier.

Buy with AWS has one key difference in that it's free for software companies to embed. Because the services are running on top of AWS, the purchases result in more revenue for Amazon.
CNBC's Jim Cramer opined on artificial intelligence, explaining why Salesforce 's recent quarter suggests the innovative potential for the new technology is strong.

"I try not to go into too much depth about the power of AI because I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it," he said. "But now I'm thinking maybe I don't talk enough about it at all. There's just too much money being made, and I don't want to downplay that."

The enterprise software giant's revenue and guidance exceeded analysts' expectations, and shares jumped nearly 11% during Wednesday's session. On the earnings call, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff boasted about the success of its latest AI product, Agentforce, which consists of AI-powered chatbots. These AI agents are meant to automate various tasks for the enterprise, such as marketing or customer service efforts. With Agentforce, Benioff said his company is "unleashing this new era of digital labor for every business and industry."

Even as Big Tech shelled out billions for the new technology, Cramer conceded that many on Wall Street had begun to doubt the validity of the AI boom, wondering if it could make money. But according to him, Salesforce's agent product exemplifies a tangible use case for generative AI that will be valuable to the enterprise across the board. Cramer pointed out that the company claims it made more than 200 deals for Agentforce over the last quarter.

Cramer insisted that AI agents won't replace humans, and instead are designed to take on jobs most don't want to perform or that companies have trouble filling. This new dynamic could give workers time to focus on more meaningful tasks, he added.

"When this new industrial revolution takes off, you won't want to speak to a human  they don't have the time to talk to you," he said. "I say give me the Agentforce. Bring on the 'agentics.' "

Salesforce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks in conversation with Emily Chang during the APEC CEO Summit at Moscone West on November 16, 2023 in San Francisco, California. The APEC summit is being held in San Francisco and runs through November 17.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai is challenging Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to an AI duel.

Well, sort of.

"I'd love to do a side-by-side comparison of Microsoft's own models and our models any day, any time," Pichai said, speaking at the The New York Times' Dealbook Summit on Wednesday with interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin.

Pichai's comments came after Sorkin read aloud comments from an interview Nadella did earlier this year, in which the Microsoft CEO questioned Google's place in the AI arms race following the search giant's AI product mishaps earlier this year.

"Google should have been the default winner in the world of big tech's AI race," Nadella said in March on the Norges Bank Investment Management's podcast. "Google's a very competent company and obviously they have both the talent and the compute. They're the vertically integrated player in this. They have everything from data to silicon to models to products and distribution."

"You guys were the originals when it comes to AI," Sorkin told Pichai after reading Nadella's comments. He asked Pichai, "Where [do] you think you are in the journey relative to these other players?"

"They're using someone else's models," added Pichai after saying he'd love to do the side-by-side comparison.

"You're throwing down the gauntlet," Sorkin responded.

Laughing, Pichai shook his head adding, "I'm just  I have a lot of respect for them and the team."

Large Language Models are a type of artificial intelligence that can analyze and generate human language, trained by vasts amount of data. While Microsoft does have its own AI models, much of the advanced capabilities in its recent offerings are powered by OpenAI's LLMs.

The market for chatbots and related AI tools has exploded since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT in late 2022, giving consumers a new way to seek information online outside of traditional search. Shortly after, Microsoft it announced a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into the Bing search engine.

Google has used its own LLMs for years to power its artificial intelligence and search products. Google latest LLMs is its Gemini series, which powers its conversational AI that competes with OpenAI's GPT models. The company announced more advanced Gemini products in May.

The latest comments come as tech companies spar amid the escalating AI arms race, particularly between Microsoft and Google.

In October, Microsoft took the unusual step of publicly accusing longtime rival Google of running "shadow campaigns" in Europe, claiming those efforts were designed to discredit the search giant with regulators.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Pichai's comments.

WATCH: Google subpoenas AI rivals after DOJ forces Chrome spinoff
Republican U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler speaks at the GA GOP election night event for the run-off election for Georgias two Senate seats in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., January 6, 2021.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will nominate former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., to lead the Small Business Administration in his second term.

"I am very pleased to nominate business leader and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, from the Great State of Georgia, to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)," Trump wrote on Truth Social.



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Trump called Loeffler "a tremendous fighter in the U.S. Senate during the first Trump Administration" and said she would "bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive."

Trump announced last month that Loeffler would co-chair the organization planning his inauguration.

Loeffler, 53, represented Georgia in the Senate for just over a year in 2020 and 2021, filling the seat left by the late Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., when he resigned because of health reasons. She ran in the 2020 special election for the seat but lost in a runoff election to Democrat Raphael Warnock.



After the 2020 election, as Trump pushed his claims of widespread voter fraud, Loeffler repeatedly refused to acknowledge that he had lost the presidential election. NBC News reported last year that a special grand jury in Georgia that initially investigated Trump's efforts to overturn the election results recommended indicting more than three dozen people, including 21 who weren't charged in the Fulton County case. Loeffler was among those the panel recommended, but she was ultimately not charged.

Trump has named other choices for his future Cabinet who also expressed doubt about his loss in the 2020 election, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., his pick for ambassador to the U.N.; Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., chosen for secretary of state; and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, selected for attorney general.

Loeffler is the founder of the company RallyRight, which is described as "a suite of technology products designed to empower conservatives with the necessary tools to win at every level." She is also on the board for the application PublicSquare, which is described as the "largest marketplace & payments ecosystem that protects life, family, and freedom." She previously owned a 49% stake in the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, which was sold in 2021.

The small business administrator is subject to Senate confirmation.
The Xreal One Series features the X1 chip which is the company's first self-designed processor for its glasses.

Xreal on Wednesday launched its latest generation of augmented reality (AR) glasses as it looks to fend off competition from the likes of Meta and Snap .

The company, which is backed by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba , is hoping to capitalize on the growing interest in AR glasses.

The Xreal One Series features the X1 chip which is the company's first self-designed processor for its glasses and marks a big step for the product's capabilities.

Xreal talks up the ability for wearers of its glasses to be able to connect to devices such as a phone, laptop or games console, and see their content on a huge digital screen in front of them. The previous generation of Xreal's product required a companion device called the Beam for connections to a device, but the latest chip means that the Beam is not required.

"I think that it's the biggest upgrade in Xreal history and probably the biggest upgrade for the entire consumer AR glasses [sector]," Chi Xu, CEO of Xreal, told CNBC in an interview.

The X1 chip was in the works for three years, Xu said, adding that he sees it as a way to increase the capabilities of the glasses to differentiate from the competition.

"We have to step up to define a chip that is really defining some of the new features for these types of glasses," Xu said.

Xreal is one of the biggest players in the AR glasses space, but it is facing intense competition from the likes of Snap, which unveiled a new set of its Spectacles in September, as well as Facebook parent Meta's continued efforts with the Meta Ray-Ban product. Meanwhile, CNBC reported this year that Qualcomm is working on a set of glasses with Google and Samsung.
Giovanni Priolo, 3, from left, Anne Marie Priolo, and owner Mike Priolo at wine and spirits store the Jug Shop in San Francisco. The legacy business is fighting to keep its doors open and complete a relocation effort. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The exterior of wine and spirits store the Jug Shop, in San Francisco, at its temporary location. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Empty shelves at wine and spirits store the Jug Shop, in San Francisco. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

One of San Franciscos most beloved wine and liquor stores could soon run dry.

The problem started when the Jug Shop, located in Russian Hill since the 1960s, temporarily left its prominent corner at Polk Street and Pacific Avenue in 2021, moving to an interim space up the block to make room for construction of a new mixed-use development. Now that development, called Maison Pacific, is complete, and a gleaming, 2,700-foot ground-floor retail space is waiting for the Jug Shop at its old address. A 10-year lease, with multiple five-year extension options that can total 30 years, has been signed.

But during the long wait, business at the temporary location cratered. The Jug Shop is out of money, and without an infusion of cash, co-owner Mike Priolo said, he wont be able to complete the move.

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We have been in survival mode, Priolo said, citing an 80% downturn in business. The thing that keeps him and his brother Greg from throwing in the towel is the promise of a return to their old corner, at 1590 Pacific Ave., where the second-generation owners believe the Jug Shop could once again thrive. We have pushed really hard to make it this far, he added.

Jug Shop owner Michael Priolo walks through the in-progress work site at the shops previous address, at 1590 Pacific Ave. in San Francisco. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

But that return appears to slip from reach as the San Francisco legacy business struggles. Now, the owners dont have the capital they need to complete tenant improvements to return to the refurbished address with a goal date of March 1. With their current cash flow, they cant secure a loan, Priolo said. So in a bid to make the move back, the brothers have launched a major crowdfunding campaign with a $485,000 goal, which will help complete those tenant improvements  building out the otherwise raw space  and pay outstanding accounts. So far their campaign has collected $10,335.

The Jug Shop dates to 1965, when Carl and Ramona Barbato opened the business at its original location at 2235 Polk St. Mikes father, Phil Priolo, became a co-owner in 1978 and remained involved with the business until his retirement in 2015. Mike has been a co-owner since 2016. In 2018, the Jug Shop was designated a San Francisco Legacy Business for its longstanding status and contributions to the area, per a city staff report.

Work on the six-story Maison Pacific building was completed roughly one year ago, with some minor delays. The structure has 53 residential units  all sold  in its upper levels, plus other ground-floor commercial spaces that include local art framing company Orion Custom Framing and an incoming pilates studio. The building also includes parking for customers at the businesses.

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Sean Sullivan, managing principal for development company JS Sullivan, said the company has worked with Priolo and his family to help them move back into the corner space, and through the delays in construction on the project.

Were very much looking forward to having them back into the corner space, Sullivan said.

Jug Shop owner Michael Priolo helps customer Stan Hays (left). The San Francisco store hopes to return to its old address and is fundraising to do so after a drop in sales. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Priolo told the Chronicle that the shops location for the past 3 years, at 1648 Pacific Ave.  in a small space inside a former firehouse building  is within earshot of the old home of 15 years, yet business has never been the same following the move. Priolo saidit does not have customer parking and the same visibility a corner shop does. He has been vocal about the new location, but people are still not stopping by as often.

Everyone was so used to us being situated there, Priolo said.

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On top of that, large accounts for downtown clients went away over the pandemic and never came back. The diminished activity is visible stepping past the old fire stations handsome brick facade. The selection of bourbons, tequilas, wines and more is considerably smaller than it was at the previous spot. Customers often assume inventory is lighter to fit into the space, but Priolo said he is simply not able to make the same large purchases from vendors necessary to keep in-demand items inside the store.

I tell my dad Im glad hes retired because the inquiries about certain things that weve always had, but we dont have now, kind of kills you, he said. Priolo has also cut costs by reducing hours and making deliveries himself.

Jug Shop owner Michael Priolo poses for a portrait at his wine and spirits shop. The business has seen sales drop over 80% after a temporary relocation brought on by construction at its longtime address. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Heading into the end-of-year holidays, Priolo is hopeful for a bump in business and donations to the fundraiser. Over Thanksgiving week in 2019, he recorded over $74,000 in sales  and more than $3 million over the first 11 months of the year. This year, the shop moved just $11,236 worth of product during the same holiday period, and has just over half a million in total yearly sales.

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President Joe Biden is joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, left, as he announces new actions to protect borrowers after the Supreme Court struck down his student loan forgiveness plan, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Washington, D.C., June 30, 2023.

With less than two months left in office, President Joe Biden is under pressure to forgive more student loan debt.

On Wednesday, dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ed Markey, D-Mass., wrote a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, urging the Department of Education to forgive the debt of borrowers who have applied for relief after being defrauded by their colleges.

Among its requests, the lawmakers asked the Education Department to process the pending borrower defense applications of an estimated 400,000 borrowers. Borrowers can be eligible for that discharge if their schools suddenly closed or they were cheated by their colleges.

"These borrowers completed an onerous application to demonstrate that they were victims of fraud, but the Department has yet to act," the lawmakers wrote in their letter.

While Biden has been in office, the Education Department has forgiven more than $28 billion in student debt for more than 1.6 million borrowers who were misled by their schools or whose colleges closed.

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But the lawmakers said the Education Department needed to act for the remaining borrowers before it's too late.

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are vocal critics of student loan forgiveness.

"Under the previous Trump Administration, borrowers' applications were allowed to languish for years," the lawmakers said in their letter. "If their application was reviewed, borrowers often were denied and granted no relief."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., echoed that message in a post on X on Monday.

"I'm on the Senate floor warning against predatory for-profit colleges and shining a light on borrower defense discharges through the Department of Education," Durbin wrote. "We must continue to process these claims before the next administration comes into office."

Trump himself once ran a for-profit school, called Trump University, in which attendees said they were duped with false advertising and high-pressure sales tactics. The school was open from 2005 to 2010. A federal court approved a $25 million settlement in 2018 with former Trump University students.

The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images News | Getty Images

A Labor Department rule that shields retirement savers from getting harmful investment advice is at risk of being overturned during President-elect Donald Trump's second term  an outcome that would have an element of deja vu, said legal experts. The Biden-era regulation, issued in April, aims to rein in conflicts of interest that may taint investment recommendations from unscrupulous advisors, brokers or insurance agents. Officials worry such conflicts might lead an agent to profit at the consumer's expense, such as when investors are advised to roll money from workplace retirement plans like a 401(k) to an individual retirement account.

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The most immediate threat to President Joe Biden's Retirement Security Rule is that the Trump administration declines to keep defending it in court, attorneys said. The rule faces an uphill legal battle. Two Texas federal courts have already stalled its implementation and seem very likely to kill it, legal experts said. "At that point, the Trump administration could walk away from the case, just abandon it," said Fred Reish, a retirement law expert and partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

'Here we go again'?

What the DOL fiduciary rule does

A primary goal of the Department of Labor rule is to raise the investment-advice standard tied to 401(k)-to-IRA rollovers, especially those for certain insurance products, experts said. Rollovers are common for recent retirees. They are becoming more prevalent as baby boomers reach retirement age. About 5.7 million people rolled over $618 billion into IRAs in 2020, according to the most recent IRS data. By 2022, that dollar amount had grown to $779 billion, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The new Labor rule "makes it highly likely that rollover recommendations are subject to a fiduciary standard," Reish said.

U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | Getty Images

A fiduciary standard is a legal structure whereby financial professionals  brokers, advisors, insurance agents and others  must recommend investments that are in a client's best interest instead of ones, for example, that generate more of a profit for the agent. However, relative to rollovers, many retirement investors may not get such fiduciary advice, attorneys said. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act stipulates that one-time advice to an investor  instead of an ongoing client relationship  generally doesn't meet the fiduciary bar. Since rollovers are often a one-off transaction, many aren't covered by this heightened protection under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, attorneys said. The Biden-era rule would likely have the largest impact on insurance agents that sell "non-securities" products, which include certain annuities like indexed annuities, attorneys said.

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Such agents would likely be required to assess additional factors in their rollover analyses, including whether it's in a consumer's best interest to take money from their 401(k) plan and move it to an annuity, Reish said. Investment advisors and brokers who sell securities products, such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, are already subject to a Securities and Exchange Commission rule issued in 2019 that is "in many ways like the DOL's rule," Reish said.

Texas courts likely to strike down DOL rule

Two federal district courts in Texas issued a national "stay" of the regulation, in separate rulings in July. They indefinitely delayed the rule's Sept. 23 start date while the courts conduct a more detailed review of the lawsuits, which were filed by several insurance industry groups. Lawyers expect the courts to overturn the rule. Indeed, the judges hinted at that outcome. "The Rule is almost certainly unlawful for a broad class of investment professionals in the industry  not just plaintiffs," according to a July 26 order by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, in the lawsuit American Council of Life Insurers v. United States Department of Labor. ACLI and other insurance industry groups lauded that decision, calling the regulation "DOL's latest attempt to vastly expand its statutory authority by imposing fiduciary status on almost every financial professional who sells retirement products." The other Texas case is Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice v. Department of Labor.
The battery of an electric car is recharged at a roadside charging station on January 09, 2024 in London, England.

Britain is forecast to hit "peak petrol" in 2024, according to a new report, with electric vehicles (EVs) on track to assume a much bigger share of the country's car market.

Auto Trader said in an analysis published Wednesday that it expects the number of gasoline-powered cars on Britain's roads to tumble by almost half over the next decade as drivers shift toward EVs.

The online vehicle platform estimates there were 18.7 million gasoline-powered cars on the country's roads in 2024, although this figure is expected to steadily decline to just 11.1 million by 2034.

At the same time, it is expected the number of EVs on Britain's roads will soar to 13.7 million over the next decade as affordability improves, up from 1.25 million in 2024.

The EV share of the new car market is projected to rise from roughly 18% this year to 23% in 2025, Auto Trader said, noting that this is still some way below the 28% target for sales under the U.K. government's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

"Peak petrol is a genuine landmark for the UK," Auto Trader's Ian Plummer said in the report.
Executives from e-commerce company Alibaba and social media operator Tencent shared similar comments last month in their earnings calls, saying stimulus would take time to translate into growth .

"While it will take some time for the positive effect to fully materialize and to further [expand] to more consumption categories, we are confident that these policies will gradually provide more support for the real economy and incentivize consumer spending, bringing more growth opportunities for our business," said Shaohui Chen, Meituan CFO and senior vice president, according to a recording of the earnings call.

When asked on an earnings call Friday about the impact of stimulus, food delivery giant Meituan only said that in October, the average hotel order value in its newer travel booking business fell less than in the prior months, on an year-on-year basis.

Growth in pockets from real estate to manufacturing has improved since Beijing began announcing stimulus measures in late September. Companies, however, have maintained a cautious tone when sharing outlooks in the last few weeks.

China's latest efforts to kickstart growth haven't had a broad impact yet, data and company earnings show, indicating the world's second-largest economy won't be roaring back soon.

The ramp-up in stimulus measures is aimed at reaching this year's official target of around 5%, and a similar pace next year  while preventing financial instability, Gabriel Wildau, managing director at Teneo, said in a note Monday. To him, the tone on the economy indicates that "technological self-sufficiency and national security remain the top priorities" for China.

"Looking ahead, our sources expect that stimulus in 2025 will trickle out incrementally and in a data-dependent fashion," Wildau said. "'Just enough' rather than 'whatever it takes' will be the guiding principle."

Preliminary economic indicators for November reinforce a picture of improving, but not explosive, growth.

The Caixin purchasing managers' index for manufacturing showed further expansion in factory activity with a print of 51.5, its highest reading since June, according to LSEG data. The official PMI came in at 50.3, the highest since April. Retail sales and industrial data for November are due Dec. 16.

Caixin's measure of manufacturing labor showed employment contracted for a third straight month in November. That indicates "the effect of economic stimulus is yet to be felt in the labor market and businesses' confidence in expanding workforce needs to be strengthened," Wang Zhe, senior economist at Caixin Insight Group, said in a report.

"While the economic downturn appears to be bottoming out, it needs further consolidation," Wang said, noting the rising risk of "external uncertainties."

The U.S. on Monday issued yet another round of restrictions aimed at crimping Chinese chipmakers. President-elect Donald Trump last week announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on all U.S. imports of Chinese goods once he takes office in January.

"Markets will only be salivating for more and more stimulus as the geopolitical temperature rises," according to U.S.-based advisory firm China Beige Book's survey of Chinese businesses released Monday.

The firm surveyed 1,502 companies from Nov. 14 to Nov. 26, and found that retail spending improved from a year ago, along with home sales, despite "widespread" weakness in consumption of services. The report also noted that the share of the respondents borrowing more rose to the highest since May 2022, indicating a pickup in demand.

"Beijing's stimulus measures encouraged firms to come off the sidelines this month," the report said. "But it's unlikely to last without pledges of additional support."

China's Ministry of Finance has said more fiscal support could come next year. Investors are also watching for details from China's annual economic planning meeting, typically held in mid-December.
This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here .

Impeachment motion filed against South Korea's president

South Korea's parliament has formally introduced a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his shock announcement  and subsequent reversal  of martial law, but his People's Power Party has vowed to oppose the move. The opposition Democratic Party holds a majority in the country's 300 seat parliament, but needs eight PPP lawmakers to cross the aisle for achieving the two-thirds supermajority needed for the impeachment.

French government topples after no confidence vote

France's government has been toppled in a vote of no confidence on Wednesday. A total of 331 lawmakers from both the leftwing New Popular Front alliance and the far-right National Rally supported a no-confidence motion in the country's lower house, far exceeding the 288 votes needed to pass the motion. This means Prime Minister Michel Barnier will be forced to tender his resignation.

U.S. markets hit fresh records

All three major U.S. indexes closed at record highs Wednesday, with tech shares leading the charge following strong reports from Salesforce and Marvell Technology. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.69% and closed above the 45,000 mark for the first time, at 45,014.04. The S&P 500 rose 0.61% and the Nasdaq Composite added 1.3% to end at 6,086.49 and 19,735.12 respectively.

Powell not worried about Fed losing independence

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday he isn't worried President-elect Donald Trump will try to politicize the central bank once he takes office in January. His comments come amid reports that Trump may try to undermine Powell's authority. However, Powell said there are safeguards in congressional legislation that will help preserve the Fed from political influences.

[PRO] UBS and others think it's time to short the dollar

The U.S. dollar has surged since September, but some financial institutions are suggesting investors should bet against further strength in the greenback. Investment bank UBS, for instance, has warned investors not to chase the dollar's recent gains.
Nadia Milleron, whose daughter Samya Stumo was killed in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, holds a sign with photos of the crash victims during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the future of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, in the Hart Building in Washington, D.C., Oct. 29, 2019.

A federal judge on Thursday rejected Boeing 's plea deal tied to a criminal fraud charge stemming from fatal crashes of the manufacturer's 737 Max aircraft.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas expressed concern in his decision that the selection process for a government-appointed monitor, a condition of the plea deal, would be affected by diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

He wrote that "the Court is not convinced in light of the foregoing that the Government will not choose a monitor without race-based considerations and thus will not act in a nondiscriminatory manner. In a case of this magnitude, it is in the utmost interest of justice that the public is confident this monitor selection is done based solely on competency."



The Justice Department is reviewing the decision, a spokesperson said. Boeing didn't immediately comment.

In October, O'Connor ordered Boeing and the Justice Department to provide details on DEI policies that might affect the selection of the monitor.

The court gave Boeing and the Justice Department 30 days to decide how to proceed, according to a court document filed Thursday.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal charge of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by misleading regulators about its inclusion of a flight-control system on the Max that was later implicated in the two crashes  a Lion Air flight in October 2018 and an Ethiopian Airlines flight in March 2019. All 346 people on the flights were killed.

Boeing and the Justice Department didn't immediately comment.

Victims' family members had taken issue with a government-appointed monitor as a condition of the plea agreement, which they called a "sweetheart deal," and sought to provide more input on the monitor's selection.

Erin Applebaum, an attorney representing one of the victims' family members, applauded the judge's decision. "We anticipate a significant renegotiation of the plea deal that incorporates terms truly commensurate with the gravity of Boeing's crimes," Applebaum said in a statement. "It's time for the DOJ to end its lenient treatment of Boeing and demand real accountability."

The deal was set to allow Boeing to avoid a trial just as it was trying to get the company back on solid footing after a door panel on a 737 Max 9 blew out in midair during an Alaska Airlines flight on Jan. 5.

The new plea deal arose after the Justice Department said in May that Boeing violated a previous plea agreement, which was set to expire days after the door panel incident.

O'Connor said in his decision Thursday that it "is not clear what all Boeing has done to breach the Deferred Prosecution Agreement."

Under the new plea agreement, Boeing was set to face a fine of up to $487.2 million. However, the Justice Department recommended that the court credit Boeing with half that amount it paid under a previous agreement, resulting in a fine of $243.6 million.
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Thursday's key moments. 1. U.S. stocks were slightly lower Thursday. The S & P 500 closed at another record Wednesday, and the S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator , our favorite trading momentum indicator, signaled an overbought market for the fourth straight session. Jim Cramer said, "I don't like the tone" of the market, saying it's "gotten too speculative." He was referring to bitcoin' s surge above $100,000, which pushed stocks tied to crypto much higher. Jim said he's not against bitcoin and has owned it himself. He stressed people can own some bitcoin and stocks. 2. Elon Musk's xAI plans to expand its Memphis, Tennessee, supercomputer  looking to use at least one million graphics processing units to train his artificial intelligence startup's chatbot. The supercomputer currently has 100,000 GPUs from Nvidia . Scaling up that much would be a big payday for the Club holding. "Go buy Nvidia" if you don't own any, Jim said Thursday. He said a pullback to $138 per share would be a good level to act. It's not only Musk, Meta Platforms ' Mark Zuckerberg is investing $10 billion to build an AI data center in Louisiana. Construction is expected to continue through 2030. That means more AI chips, too. 3 . Danaher shares dropped 3% on Thursday, extending their losing streak to three sessions. CEO Rainer Blair failed to inspire investors when speaking at Evercore ISI's health conference Wednesday afternoon. Danaher stock made a nice run this year until it started to go sideways in August. Since its latest earnings report on Oct. 22, and the lack of China stimulus, shares hit a rough patch. Jim said Thursday that if not restricted he would want to buy back some Danaher shares that we sold higher in recent months. "I remain steadfast that it's a terrific buy," Jim added. 4. Among the stocks covered in Thursday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Five Below , American Eagle Outfitters , and Take-Two Interactive . (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
A sign with the company logo sits outside of the headquarters of Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 17, 2024.

Eli Lilly said on Thursday it will invest $3 billion to expand the manufacturing plant it bought in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin earlier this year, as it scrambles to meet soaring demand for its weight-loss and diabetes drugs.

The new investment in the factory, which it acquired from Nexus Pharmaceuticals, will help boost production of Lilly's powerful weight-loss drug Zepbound as well as its diabetes treatments and other medicines, the company said.

"Today's announcement represents our single largest U.S. manufacturing investment outside our home state of Indiana and will add to our ability to expand capacity to make both our existing and future pipeline of medicines," said Edgardo Hernandez, Lilly's president of global manufacturing.

Zepbound and Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro, both known chemically as tirzepatide, were in shortage in the U.S. for much of this year. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed tirzepatide from its shortage list earlier this year but is reconsidering that decision following a lawsuit from an industry group representing compounding pharmacies that make and sell versions of the drug not approved by the FDA.

Zepbound was introduced in the U.S. in late 2023. More than 5.2 million prescriptions have since been written for the drug, according to data from IQVIA shared by an analyst.

Lilly said it has committed a total of more than $23 billion to building, expanding and buying manufacturing sites since 2020. The acquisition, expansion, and additional purchases of land and the adjacent warehouse in Wisconsin bring Lilly's total planned investment in the site to $4 billion, it said.

Lilly, which has become the world's most valuable healthcare company worth over $790 billion, said it plans to start construction on the expansion next year, and previously said it expects production at the facility to begin at the end of 2025.

The company said it expects to add 750 jobs to the Wisconsin plant, which already has more than 100, including operators, technicians, engineers and scientists.

Danish rival Novo Nordisk has also invested billions in manufacturing to ramp up supply of its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, announcing it would take over three sites from contract manufacturer Catalent for $11 billion earlier this year.
The following is excerpted from the book "The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant," written by Tae Kim, a senior technology writer at Barron's, and publishing Dec. 10 by W.W. Norton & Company. The excerpt is from a chapter about activist hedge fund Starboard Value, founded by Jeff Smith.

Early in 2013, Nvidia's shareholders were getting restless. The stock price had been roughly flat for four years, and the financial performance was mixed. In its latest quarter ending in January, sales were up 7 percent year-over-year, but earnings were down 2 percent.

Nvidia had a strong balance sheet of about $3 billion in net cash, which was a significant asset when the overall market value of the company was $8 billion total. However, its growth rate was only in the single digits, which resulted in a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 14 times earnings. After backing out Nvidia's cash on hand, Starboard believed that the company was severely undervalued, and its core assets had far more room to grow. The fund pounced: according to Securities and Exchange Commission 13F filings, the hedge fund accumulated a stake of 4.4 million shares in Nvidia, worth about $62 million, during the quarter ending in June of 2013.

Some executives at Nvidia weren't excited about having Starboard as an investor. One senior Nvidia executive said the company's board was very worried that the activist fund would force a reorganization of the company, install its own board, and make Nvidia cut back on its investments in CUDAthe kind of drastic reshaping that it would attempt with Darden the following year. Another Nvidia executive said Starboard wanted a board seat, but the board had pushed back.

Still, the relationship never became too antagonistic. "I don't think it ever got to what I would call a crisis stage. You know DEFCON 1?" one Nvidia executive said, referring to the alert system used by the U.S. military for nuclear war. DEFCON 5 indicates peace, while DEFCON 1 means nuclear war is imminent. "It got to DEFCON 3."

The Starboard team met several times with Jensen and other Nvidia leaders to discuss strategy. Looking back on the investment years later, Smith said that Starboard primarily advocated for an aggressive stock buyback program and a de-emphasis on non-GPU projects such as phone processors. Starboard refrained from applying additional pressure after the meetings. The hedge fund eventually got its wish on the buybacks. In November 2013, Nvidia made two announcements: a commitment to buy back $1 billion of stock by fiscal 2015 and the authorization of an additional $1 billion stock buyback. The stock price rallied about 20 percent in the ensuing few months, and Starboard sold its position in Nvidia by March the following year.

Far from a contentious relationship, Nvidia and Starboard seemed to work well together in this brief period.

"We were incredibly impressed with Jensen," said Smith.

For his part, Jensen recalls the meetings with Starboard but doesn't particularly remember what was discussed. Before he knew it, Starboard was no longer an investor. But that wasn't the end of Starboard's influence on the chip industry, and on Nvidia.

A company called Mellanox was founded in 1999 by several Israeli technology executives, led by Eyal Waldman, who became its CEO. Mellanox provided high-speed networking products for data centers and supercomputers under the "InfiniBand" standard and soon became an industry leader. It had impressive revenue growth, going from $500 million in 2012 to $858 million in 2016. However, its high research and development spend left it with very thin profit margins.

In January 2017, Starboard bought an 11 percent stake in Mellanox. It sent a letter criticizing Waldman and his team for their disappointing performance over the prior five years. Mellanox's share price had fallen even though the semiconductor industry index had risen in value by 470 percent. Its operating margins were half of the average of its peer companies. "Mellanox has been one of the worst performing semiconductor companies for an extended period of time," read Starboard's letter. "The time for fringe changes and marginal improvements has long passed."

After a long series of discussions with the board, Starboard and Mellanox reached a compromise in June 2018. Mellanox would appoint three Starboard-approved members to its board and give the hedge fund additional future rights if Mellanox didn't meet certain undisclosed financial targets. Even with those concessions in hand, Starboard retained the option of waging a proxy fight to replace Waldman. Alternatively, Mellanox could choose to sell itself to a company that could generate better returns on its assets than it could as an independent company. The groundwork was laid for what would be one of the most consequential transactions in the history of the chip industry.

In September 2018, Mellanox received a nonbinding purchase offer from an outside company at $102 per sharea premium of almost a third over its current stock price of $76.90. Mellanox was now fully in play. It solicited an investment bank to seek other bidders and eventually expanded its list of potential buyers to seven in total.

Jensen wasn't thinking about acquiring Mellanox when it became available, according to another Nvidia executive. But he quickly saw the strategic importance of the asset, decided Nvidia had to win the auction, and joined the hunt in October.

Eventually, the list was narrowed down to three serious bidders: Nvidia, Intel, and Xilinx, which made chips primarily for industrial uses. The three potential buyers got into a multi-month bidding war, with Intel and Xilinx topping out around a bid of $122.50 a share. Nvidia went just a little bit higher, at $125 per share. It won the bidding war on March 7, 2019, for an all-cash offer of $6.9 billion.

Days later, Nvidia and Mellanox made the deal public and held a conference call with analysts and investors.

"Let me tell you why this makes sense for Nvidia and why I'm excited about it," Jensen said. He talked about how the demand for high-performance computing would risehow workloads including AI, scientific computing, and data analytics required enormous performance increases, which could only be attained through accelerated computing with GPUs and better networking. He explained how AI applications would eventually require tens of thousands of servers connected to one another and working together in concert, and the market-leading networking technology from Mellanox would be critical to make that possible.

"Emerging AI and data-analytics workloads demand data-center-scale optimization," he said. Jensen was predicting that computing would move beyond one devicethat the entire data center would become the computer.

Jensen's vision came true just a few years later. In May 2024, Nvidia disclosed that the portion of the company that was formerly Mellanox had generated $3.2 billion in quarterly revenue, up more than seven times from the final quarter in early 2020 in which Mellanox reported as a public company. After just four years, the former Mellanox business, which had cost Nvidia a one-time fee of $6.9 billion, was generating more than $12 billion in annualized revenue and growing at triple-digit rates.

"Mellanox was frankly a wonderful thing thrown in our lap by activists," a senior Nvidia executive said. "If you talk to AI start-ups today, InfiniBand, Mellanox's networking technology, is incredibly important to scale the computing power and make everything work."

Brian Venturo, cofounder and CTO of CoreWeave, a leading GPU cloud-computing provider and a customer of Nvidia's, argues that InfiniBand technology still has the best solution to minimize latency, control network congestion, and to make workloads perform efficiently.

Mellanox was a happy accident for Nvidia in some respects. Jensen wasn't on top of it from the start. But once Nvidia identified and understood the opportunity, it made the decision to pursue Mellanox aggressively. It was a great deal, though the outcome depended on Nvidia's ability to execute once the new business became part of the company. In those ways, Mellanox was a typical Nvidia achievement: the company pounced when others didn't, and Mellanox helped power Nvidia's rise to dominance in the AI space.

"It's absolutely going to go down in history as one of the best acquisitions ever," Nvidia's head of global field operations, Jay Puri, said. "Jensen realized that data-center-scale computing requires really good high-performance networking, and Mellanox was the best in the world at that."

After seeing Nvidia achieve all that is has over the past decade, Jeff Smith of Starboard Value had one summarizing thought, too.

"We never should have exited the position."
Adam Boehler, the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 14, 2020.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has chosen Adam Boehler, the chief executive officer of Nashville-based healthcare investment firm Rubicon Founders, to serve as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, with the personal rank of ambassador.

Boehler was a negotiator on the Abraham Accords in 2020, which helped to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states. Boehler worked alongside his friend Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a senior White House advisor at the time.

"He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Wednesday announcing Boehler's selection. "Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME."

Boehler responded to the announcement with a post of his own, writing, "There is nothing more important than bringing Americans home. Under @realDonaldTrump's leadership, there will finally be action and consequences. We will BRING THEM HOME."

Trump's announcement of Boehler followed the news this week that American citizen Omer Neutra, a hostage in Gaza who was believed to be alive, had in fact been killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

The same day Neutra's death was announced by Israeli authorities, Trump warned that "there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East" if the hostages held by Hamas are not released prior to his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

As of Thursday, approximately 100 hostages were still being held in Gaza, according to NBC News. Slightly more than 30 of the hostages were believed to have been killed in the 14 months since they were taken.

"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 wrote in the Monday post.

Long-running negotiations for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza were halted in November, after Qatari mediators grew frustrated with what they said was a lack of good-faith efforts from the parties at the table.

A few weeks later, Trump's incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel, Reuters reported on Wednesday, raising the prospect that the Gulf state might be willing to resume its mediation role in some future talks.

For the next six weeks, however, the Biden administration remains firmly in the lead of any negotiations. The White House reportedly viewed Witkoff's meetings more as an opportunity for him to better understand the situation, than as a full diplomatic effort.

Boehler will assume a role that is currently held by special envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens, who was appointed by Trump in 2020. Carstens was one of the rare Trump appointees who Democratic President Joe Biden kept on when he took office in 2021.

During the first Trump administration, Boehler also served as the chief executive officer of the newly created U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which sought to bring several U.S. international funding agencies together under one roof.

During the Covid pandemic, the new agency was also tasked with coordinating some of the medical supply chain, parts of which were working under an emergency Defense Production Act mandate from the White House.

The agency came under fire in 2021, after a government watchdog report found that it had failed to make promised loans with funds that were appropriated to it. In response, the DFC said the approval process for the loans had become much more cumbersome than it initially expected.
Modi in downtown San Francisco welcomed diners for the first time in November. The restaurants Italian-Mexican dishes include an achiote-pesto grilled fish and a birria lasagna. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle New downtown San Francisco restaurant Modi opened in November. Find a blend of Italian and Mexican flavors in items like pastas and grilled branzino. Provided by Modi New downtown San Francisco restaurant Modi is offering Italian-Mexican dishes like a branzino in an achiote pesto. It opened in November at the Salesforce Transit Center. Provided by Modi Studio Aurora owner Dario Barbone holds two of his paninis, among the best sandwiches in San Francisco. The rebranded restaurant, formerly Aurora Centro, relocated from downtown to the Mission District in November. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

New restaurants sprang up all over San Francisco in November, meaning an exciting, new spot to dine is not too far away.

Restaurants making their debut include neighborhood spots for tacos and pizza, hotly anticipated wine bars and dining rooms where one can find novel spins on Italian dishes.

Click here for a list of notable restaurants that opened in October.

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Italian and Mexican flavors come together

A new restaurant has arrived at the base of the Salesforce Transit Center. Named Modi, it offers a menu bringing together Mexican and Italian dishes from chef Marco Avila, the executive chef of Acquolina in North Beach. Expect to see plenty of pizza and fusion items like elote ravioli, birria lasagna and nopales Parmesan. The restaurants grand opening included a visit from Mayor London Breed, among other officials, per a press release.

88 Natoma St., San Francisco. sfmodi.com

French bakery expands into a new neighborhood

Potrero Hill has a new shop specializing in caneles, croissants and more French baked goods. Le Dix Septs second location, which opened Nov. 2, also serves as the companys baking hub and a retail space. Chef-owner Michelle Hernandez stocks her pastry case with passion fruit tarts, chai palmiers and quiches. The original Le Dix Sept location on 18th Street in the Mission District will remain open. Eater SF first reported the opening.

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455 Carolina St., San Francisco. ledixsept.com

Crispy burrito specialists expand

Chuys Fiestas, a popular San Francisco stop for burritos, seafood and Mexican cenaduria-style fare, has launched a Bernal Heights space. Classics like the three sope meal, enchiladas bathed in red or green sauce and molcajetes overflowing with a mix of beef, shrimp, avocado and cheese are all available. Of course, the crispy flat-top burrito  among the best Mission-style offerings in San Francisco  is still on deck.

3829 Mission St., San Francisco. chuysfiestas.com

Staff set up knives at the new Bernal Cutlery location inside the San Francisco Ferry Building ahead of its opening day. The popular kitchen goods shop opened in November. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle

Knife specialists enter the Ferry Building

Bernal Cutlery, a San Francisco favorite for kitchen utensils and pantry goods, opened a compact new location inside the Ferry Building. Find premium knives, utensils and cookbooks along with spices, sauces and plenty more. The location does not offer on-site knife sharpening, but the Ferry Building will eventually serve as a drop-off and pickup location.

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1 Ferry Building, Suite 26, San Francisco. bernalcutlery.com

Italian sandwich master moves into new digs

Some of the best sandwiches in the Bay Area have a new home. Downtowns Aurora Centro left behind its Salesforce Tower digs for a new space on Valencia Street. The sandwich shop and Italian pantry also rolled out a new name: Aurora Studio. Find the same stellar sandwiches, such as the pastrami-loaded DDD, and tapas. A DJ spinning Italo disco grooves and sounds beyond will still make appearances. It opened during the first week of November.

302 Valencia St., San Francisco. https://www.instagram.com/studioaurora.sf

A Castro landmark rises again

QBar, a prominent gathering place for dancing and partying among members of the San Francisco queer and trans community, welcomed revelers back on Nov. 8. The reborn space features an industrial look, with metallic doors and design elements. The bar resumed activities as a nightclub, but a press release announcing the reopening states it will slowly expand hours to include afternoon service and activities. The venue closed five years ago due to extensive fire damage.

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456 Castro St., San Francisco. qbar-sf.com

An interior view of Verjus in San Francisco, as seen in 2019. The Parisian wine bar reopened in November. Stephen Lam/Special to The Chronicle

Renaissance for a Parisian-style wine bar

Parisian-style wine bar Verjus has come back at the cusp of Jackson Square with views of the Transamerica Pyramid. The menu lists varied French bites from Lindsay and Michael Tusk, owners of Cotogna and Michelin-starred Quince, including romanesco with cauliflower, pork sausage with Manchego cheese and grilled beef with mushrooms. The wine list is largely French and highlights low-intervention wines.

550 Washington St., San Francisco. verjuscave.com

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Downtown landmark welcomes new restaurant

Miami chef Bradley Kilgores new restaurant is now serving diners all day long at the foot of the Transamerica Pyramid. Cafe Sebastian has morning pastries like babka and savory croissants and afternoon dishes like a Caesar salad made with little gems and toast topped with beef tartare and salsa verde.

545 Sansome St., San Francisco. cafesebastiansf.com

Grilled lamb chops are seen in a dining booth at new restaurant Morella in San Francisco. The restaurant melds Italian and Argentine flavors in the Marina District. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Italy meets Argentina in the Marina

New restaurant Morella connects Italian flavors through an Argentine lens. Morella, from the restaurant group behind Western bar Wildwood and the tropical Last Rites, features asado-style steaks, empanadas and pastas. Handmade pastas include uni-topped carbonara and pappardelle in a lamb sauce braised for four hours. Malbec from Argentina is the natural complement to several of the Argentine dishes, but there are other wines from Napa and Sonoma, too. The vast, high-ceilinged space decorated in a classic style is the perfect setting for a fernet with cola and duck sausage choripan.

2001 Chestnut St., San Francisco. morellasf.com

Wine bar shows off Asian flair

GiGis, a new wine bar with an Asian American bent, has brought Caesar salads spiked with fish sauce and hot dogs topped with pork floss to Divisadero. Executive chef and managing partner Tu David Phus menu includes more dishes with Asian American inflections, such as salmon ceviche and banh mi using cold cuts from North Beach deli Molinari. The wine list includes European and California wines, along with Vietnamese beers, sake and nonalcoholic options.

299 Divisadero St., San Francisco. meetatgigis.com

S.F. fave opens new pizzeria

Golden Boy Pizza, a North Beach favorite for Sicilian-style pizzas topped with garlic clams, pesto with vegetables, and sausage, is now cutting slices in Parkside. Owner Peter Sodini told the Chronicle the new 750-square-foot restaurant will offer its pies whole and by the slice for takeout only.

1447 Taraval St., San Francisco. goldenboypizza.com

Individually wrapped cookies from Cookie Chachi, a new shop in San Franciscos Chinatown. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle

Chinatown gets a cookie shop

New cookie shop Cookie Chachi is now offering its baked treats out of a small Chinatown space. The business, which previously offered its treats at coffee shops, has individually packaged cookies in flavors like chocolate chip, pistachio, peanut butter and Dubai chocolate.
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Closed circuit screenshots of a person of interest in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing. Source: NYPD

Police investigating Wednesday's fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson now believe the man wanted in connection with the killing traveled to New York City on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta two weeks ago, NBC News reported Thursday night. Investigators are trying to find a name for the unidentified suspect from ticket purchases for the trip, which ended in New York at around 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 24. That arrival date was two days before UnitedHealth Group , the parent of UnitedHealthcare, announced that it would hold its annual investor conference in New York on Dec. 4  the same day that a masked gunman killed the 50-year-old CEO Thompson as he was about to walk into that event in the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan. A Greyhound spokesperson said, "We are fully cooperating with authorities on this active investigation." "As it is ongoing, we cannot provide further comment at this time," the spokesperson said.

The bus angle in the probe was disclosed hours after the New York Police Department released two new photos showing what an NYPD spokesperson called a "person of interest" who is "wanted for questions in connection with the shooting" of Thompson on Wednesday morning. The images were captured by cameras at a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side. "The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individual depicted in the newly attached media wanted for questioning in connection with the below listed homicide," the NYPD's media affairs office said in a statement.

An NYPD information poster hangs outside a hostel where the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is believed to have stayed, in the Upper West Side area of New York City, Dec. 5, 2024. Shannon Stapleton | Reuters

Investigators were at the hostel, HI New York City, on Thursday. "We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, cannot comment at this time," a spokeswoman for Hostelling International USA, which operates the hostel, told NBC News. UnitedHealth Group, in a new statement Thursday night, said, "While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place." "So many patients, consumers, health care professionals, associations, government officials and other caring people have taken time out of their day to reach out. We are thankful, even as we grieve," the company said. "Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brian's family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice." A statement taped to the door of a Thompson family home in Minnesota on Thursday said, "We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian." "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives," the statement said. "Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your condolences and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time." Police on Wednesday released a video and still photos of Thompson's slaying, which showed the masked gunman shooting at the CEO, whose company is the largest private payer of health insurance benefits in the United States.

The suspect involved in killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. Source: NYPD
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at delivers remarks on protecting consumers when there are flight delays or cancellations in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2023.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on Thursday it was seeking public comment on whether airlines should be required to pay passengers cash compensation when flight disruptions are caused by carriers.

The USDOT is giving the public 60 days to comment as it launches the rulemaking process but stopped short of issuing a formal proposal. It will be up to President-elect Donald Trump's administration to decide whether to pursue regulations. Trump has vowed to slash regulations broadly.

"It's very reasonable to say you have some compensation for your time and some protections," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in an interview at an aviation event.

He said compensation rules for delays "would change the economic incentive in a way that motivates airlines to do more."

In May 2023, President Joe Biden said his administration would write rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers for disrupted flights and said the USDOT would issue a proposal by the end of 2023.

Canada, Brazil, the European Union and the United Kingdom all have airline delay compensation rules but Buttigieg said the USDOT is not "copypasting" Europe's rules.

The USDOT wants comment on whether airlines should be required to pay $200-$300 for domestic delays of at least three hours, $375-$525 for six-hour delays, and $750-$775 for nine-hour delays.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , United Airlines and others, sharply criticized the proposal. Airlines have sparred with USDOT over flight disruptions and sued to block USDOT's fee disclosure rules.

"Mandating additional cash compensation - beyond what airlines already provide - will drive up ticket prices," the group said. "This proposal is simply one in a long string of ill-conceived and rushed rules from an administration intent on reregulating the U.S. airline industry."

Airlines must refund passengers for canceled flights, but are not required to compensate customers for delays. Major carriers have committed to paying for meals, hotel stays and other expenses when they cause significant flight disruptions.

Buttigieg noted, however, that the USDOT had required and prodded airlines to do more.

"I'm not terribly surprised that when we require them to treat passengers better they're going to fight back," he said.

The USDOT is considering whether small airlines should pay less, if compensation should be required when passengers are notified well in advance, and if airlines must cover meals, hotel stays and other costs after carrier disruptions.

The USDOT is also considering requiring airlines to rebook passengers on their next available flights, or if flights are unavailable for 24 hours, potentially requiring them to use competitors.

It is unclear if the USDOT needs additional authority from Congress to mandate delay compensation.

Buttigieg has taken an assertive approach to investigating airlines. He said the USDOT is working to finalize family seating and wheelchair rules by Jan. 20.
Whether you like it or not, if you're looking for a new job, you may be interviewed by AI soon.

Interviews conducted by AI will a new norm by early next year, Brent Orsuga, a headhunter and recruitment expert told CNBC Make It last month.

Founded just last year, California-based AI recruitment platform Apriora conducts up to 1,000 AI powered interviews every day for companies looking to hire for positions ranging from senior software engineers to electricians and baristas, Aaron Wang, the company's co-founder and CEO tells CNBC Make It.

From scheduling to conducting interviews, Wang says Apriora's AI recruiting agent, Alex, which has been trained on "the entirety of the internet," automates the entire recruitment process.

"You can think of her as a super intelligent recruiting colleague," Wang says.

When a job is posted, Wang says the AI will read the description  creating a set of questions designed to evaluate candidates which can be further tailored by the employer depending on their specific needs.

During interviews, Wang says Alex engages with candidates in a conversational manner, responding appropriately, much like a human recruiter would. Wang adds that Alex can answer questions about the company, adjust its questions depending on candidate responses, as well as generate detailed feedback notes and identify top candidates for the recruiter after the interview.

Here's how Wang says you can best prepare for an AI powered interview:
Drug firm Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd on Thursday (December 5) announced that its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Dr Reddy's Laboratories Kazakhstan LLP, has received a penalty order from the Department of State Revenue, Bostandyk district, Almaty, Kazakhstan."This is to inform that our step-down wholly owned subsidiary "Dr Reddys Laboratories Kazakhstan LLP", has received an order dated December 4, 2024, from the Department of State Revenue, Bostandyk district of Almaty, Kazakhstan," Dr Reddys Laboratories said in a regulatory filing.The order, dated December 4, 2024, imposes a penalty of KZT 17,597,212 (approximately 28.7 lakh) for the disallowance of certain expense claims for the calendar year 2021.The company stated that the penalty pertains to the tax authorities disallowance of specific expense claims. Despite this, Dr Reddys has evaluated the financial implications and determined that the order will not have a material impact on its financials, operations, or other activities.Dr Reddy's Laboratories reported a 15% decline in its consolidated net profit, totalling 1,255 crore for the second quarter of FY25, compared to 1,480 crore in the same period last year. However, revenue from operations surged 17% year-on-year, reaching 8,016 crore. EBITDA rose by 5% to 2,280 crore, with margins improving slightly to 28.4%.The increase in revenue was primarily driven by global generics, with second-quarter earnings from this segment at 7,160 crore, reflecting a 17% year-on-year growth, supported by improved sales volumes and new product launches. North America saw a 17% rise in revenues to 3,730 crore, despite some price erosion.In Europe, revenues grew by 9% to 1,580 crore, aided by new product launches. The Indian market reported an 18% increase in revenues, totalling 1,400 crore, bolstered by its vaccine portfolio and recent price adjustments. Emerging markets experienced a robust 20% growth, reaching 1,460 crore, thanks to market share expansion and product launches.Shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd ended at 1,240.20, up by 24.60, or 2.02% on the BSE.


Expansion of existing eastern jetty in Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy islands for handling larger vessels



Development of open eastern jetty that can handle even Cruise vessels at Kalpeni and Kadmath



Development of western jetty in Kalpeni and Kadmath islands



Refurbishment and extension of Androth breakwater



Development of multimodal jetty and Navy jetty at Androth



Development of slipway and associated facilities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth



The Centre intends to develop port and shipping infrastructures in all inhabited Lakshadweep Islands and allow unhindered shipping services and safe passenger and cargo handling all around the year.Nearly a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and the pictures created a new interest in the archipelago, the Centre is preparing to unveil eight big projects to enhance Lakshadweeps connectivity for tourists and give the likes of Maldives virtually a run for their money.CNN-NEWS18 has accessed a Union government document that lists out these projects  including capability for larger vessels to come to Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy islands, development of landside facilities including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities at Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth Islands, and development of open jetty that can handle even cruise vessels at the Kalpeni and Kadmath islands. Work will begin soon on the first project worth Rs 303 crore  the construction of jetties and landside at the Kadmath Island, for which tenders are invited on December 4.The idea is to develop a multimodal jetty that can handle all the passenger vessels being operated in Lakshadweep islands, and hence improve the connectivity to the island ensuring the safety and comfort of the passengers, improve the connectivity and also the accessibility of tourists. The Centre intends to develop port and shipping infrastructures in all inhabited Lakshadweep Islands, and allow unhindered shipping services and safe passenger and cargo handling all around the year. This can prove to be a major game-changer.The first project involves construction of jetties, landside facilities and allied facilities at Eastern and Western sides in Kadmath Island, which is about 407 kilometres away from Kochi. Kadmath is the longest inhabited island of Aminidvi group, located in the centre of Lakshadweep islands. With an area of 3.34 sq km, Kadmath is 9.3km long and has width of 0.57 km.The proposed open eastern jetty at Kadmath is a multipurpose jetty that will cater to all the berthing requirements for passenger vessels as well as cruise vessels. The length of the jetty is 360m so that the cruise vessels can also be berthed," the document says, pegging the project cost at Rs 303 crore.A Passenger Waiting Hall will also be made with all modern facilities complying with world-class standards with separate transit area demarcated as arrival and departure terminal.Development of landside facilities, including passenger facilitation centre with modern amenities on both eastern and western side, warehouse etc in Kalpeni, Kadmath and Androth,These developments are mostly funded under Sagarmala Programme as Grant along with Union Territory of Lakshadweeps internal funds. Cochin Port Authority is acting as the Project Management Consultant for providing technical support consultancy services while Assystem India Limited, Chennai, has prepared Detailed Project Report to study the requirements.Lakshadweep an archipelago consisting of coral islands and reefs, is the smallest Union Territory of India. These beautiful and unpolluted Islands comprising of total land area of about 32 Sq Km, are surrounded by about 4,200 Sq.Km territorial sea area. Lakshadweep has 10 inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, a good number of attached islets, four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs. They are scattered in the Arabian Sea at distance of 220 to 440 kilometres off the west coast of Kerala.The islands are designated as restricted area and permit from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) is required to visit the islands. People here mainly depend on water transport for movement between the islands and the mainland. Apart from passengers, all the cargo such as essential commodities, including medical supply, food supply, construction material, clothing, stationeries etc are brought from mainland  either Cochin, Beypore or Mangalore.In addition to above, islanders depend on the mainland for specialist medical needs and higher education. Also, during the non-monsoon season, a huge number of tourists visit the islands mainly via ships. Further to the above, the export commodities such as coconuts, fish etc. are also transported to mainland using water transport. In short, shipping services is the lifeline for the people of Lakshadweep.
The Foreign Ministry of Nepal, on Wednesday (December 4), announced it signing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China. This comes seven years after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries, reports PTI.The framework will remain valid for three years and may be extended for an additional three years unless terminated by either party. The details of the agreement remain undisclosed. However, both the countries have stated their dedication to undertake the construction of the trans-himalayan multi-dimensional connectivity network (THMDCN).The projects will also involve improving the transport and power services in Nepal The agreement aims to help Nepal move from, "a land-locked country to a land-linked country," stated the joint statement released by the two countries.The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the New Silk Road, aims to build two new trade routes that will allow China to be connected with the rest of the world.It was launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping The two trade routes include the Silk Road Economic Belt which is spread across Asia and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road which will go to other continents, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America.The Initiative, however, goes beyond just infrastructure. It looks at expanding China's market audience by increasing the interconnectivity between other countries and China. This will in turn be responsible of growing China's power , enabling it to become more powerful, both politically as well as economically.There are three major reasons perceived for China's motivations with the BRI, according to the Royal Institute of International Affairs based in London.The first one is its rivalry with the United States. By creating this large of an interconnected route, China puts the countries along the trade route to be dependent on the Chinese economy . The country's current trade passes through Singapore, which is a major ally of the US. This initiative allows China to make its own secure trade route.The second one is for China to provide opportunities for country's large state-owned companies to work on projects outside China. This followed the 2008 financial crisis, where the 4 trillion government-funded projects led to an infrastructure oversupply in the country.And the third is the Chinese government's goal to use the BRI to encourage the economies of the central provinces of China. It uses the initiative to motivate businesses to pursue Belt and Road contracts.While the initiative does pave the way for better connectivity and infrastructure, along with increased opportunities for foreign investment, it has also raised concerns.Beyond the environmental and social risks of these large infrastructural projects, the countries who have signed the BRI are also exposed to debt risks.The accusation arose after the Hambantota Port Development in Sri Lanka. It states that China levies huge loans to developing countries to fund the projects but uses their inability to pay the loans back to gain leverage over the governments. When Sri Lanka was unable to pay the loan back, the port that was constructed was handed to China.However, the primary problem lies in the fact that a significant portion of the BRI remains undisclosed or ambiguous. Since there are many Chinese ministries that are a part of the BRI as well as competing provincial agendas, loyalty-driven diplomacy, and unclear project classification, there are many internal challenges to the initiative, stated the Royal Institute of International Affairs.India is one of the countries who has concerns about the Belt and Road Initiative. This is especially in the context of the disputed borders it shares with China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which runs through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). This could have huge implications on India , particularly if a situation of conflict arises, reported Times of India.
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A selection of Coteaux Champenois, a.k.a. non-sparkling wines from Champagne, available at Bar Jabroni in San Francisco. Courtesy Carly Hackbarth

Bar Jabroni, an excellent new wine destination in San Franciscos Lower Haight, likely has the largest selection in the U.S. of a highly intriguing wine type: Coteaux Champenois, or as co-owner Dennis Cantwell likes to call it, flat Champagne.

An obscure category even to many wine geeks, Coteaux Champenois refers to non-sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France. In a sense, it represents the original Champagne: All wines from this region, whose winegrowing history dates to the Roman times, would have been still before carbonation techniques became widespread in the 19th century. But once traditional-method sparkling wines took over, the flat wines receded into Champagnes backdrop.

Recent years, however, have seen a rise in Coteaux Champenois production for one very specific reason: climate change. Sparkling Champagne requires ultra-high acidity, something that can be harder to achieve with warmer temperatures.

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A lot of producers are looking at these as an opportunity to continue making relevant wine as their area warms up, said Max Alexander, who helps manage Bar Jabronis wine program, but its also often a passion project for them.

The 14 Coteaux Champenois wines on Bar Jabronis bottle list are all from grower-producers  the smaller, independent counterparts to the large, grand marque houses of Champagne  and Alexander considers them all to be natural wine. Coteaux Champenois is something that these smaller and more natural-minded producers embrace a little bit more, Alexander said.

They run the gamut stylistically, from what Alexander described as the wild, energetic, salty and savory tones of winemaker Timothee Stroebel to the more polished, restrained wines of Lelarge-Pugeot. The Vin de Comptoir from Charles Dufour, a sought-after natural Champagne producer, is made in a solera system  meaning it incorporates portions of wines from various years, currently all the way back to 1982.

Bar Jabronis flat Champagne list also includes one California entry, a Pinot Meunier from Napa Valleys Matthiasson. Its technically not Coteaux Champenois, of course, since it does not come from the Champagne region, but its a still wine made from a Champagne grape.

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Bar Jabroni has what is likely the largest selection in the country of Coteaux Champenois, an esoteric French wine type. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

There is no singular style of Coteaux Champenois; they come in white, red, orange and rose. If theres a useful comparison point, its Burgundy, the wine region just south of Champagne. As in Burgundy, the primary grape varieties in Champagne include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But because of its cooler temperatures, the Coteaux Champenois Pinots and Chardonnays tend to be lighter and more delicate than their southern neighbors  and, it should be noted, considerably less expensive. The wines on Bar Jabronis list range from $109 to $167 per bottle, prices that would be unthinkable these days for high-quality Burgundy in a restaurant.

Miniscule quantities of these wines reach the U.S., and many producers make them only in certain years, when the weather conditions allow the grapes to get ripe enough. While Bar Jabroni seems to have the most extensive selection, other Bay Area restaurants like Copra, Kitchen Istanbul and Snail Bar also stock Coteaux Champenois.

These wines are a little too esoteric  and a little low in supply  to justify pouring any by the glass, but Cantwell and Alexander hope that the bottle prices will feel accessible to wine lovers looking to nerd out. Whereas the markup for wine at many Bay Area restaurants hovers around 3.5 times the wholesale price, Alexander said, Bar Jabronis markups are considerably lower (though he wouldnt say by exactly how much).

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Investigators with the Santa Clara County District Attorneys office said they found human tissue, blood and vials of prescription drugs during a probe of illegal dumping at Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. Courtesy of Santa Clara County District Attorney

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen launched a civil enforcement action against the countys hospital system on Thursday after an investigation found it failed to properly dispose of lethal fentanyl, blood and other hazardous waste.

Investigators who performed unannounced inspections at Santa Clara Valley Healthcares three hospitals beginning in November 2023 found human tissue, blood, vials of prescription drugs including antibiotics and fentanyl, and hundreds of documents and labels with unredacted personal patient information in the hospitals trash, Rosen announced at a press conference Thursday morning.

According to Rosen, the hospitals did not follow state laws requiring contaminated trash to be incinerated or sterilized at high temperatures. Investigators estimated that tens of thousands of items of medical and hazardous waste were illegally disposed of in the trash by the county hospitals  Valley Medical Center, OConnor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital  in the last year, he said.

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The public needs to know what happened, and the county will not get a free pass when it comes to environmental protection and consumer privacy laws, Rosen said.

Representatives for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare said in a statement Thursday afternoon that they were taking the matter very seriously.

The hospitals immediately began implementing corrective actions to address the concerns raised in the probe after they learned of it three weeks ago, according to the statement. We take environmental stewardship and the confidentiality of patient health information seriously and are working to strengthen our efforts in these areas while still delivering high-quality patient care.

The hospital system could face up to $70,000 in civil penalties for each instance in which it was found to illegally dispose of hazardous waste.

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The English language is always changing, and thats both a beautiful and a deeply stupid thing. Linguistics nerds who treat words with respect have just as much say in the direction of the language as the army of 12-year-olds spouting nonsense in Fortnite 24/7. Thats how an easily definable word like literally comes to mean the exact opposite over the course of a few years.

Thats what those linguistics nerds call a skunked term  a word whose definition changes so frequently, or has become its own antonym (i.e., a contranym), that it can easily be taken out of context if youre not careful.

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14 Humbled It used to mean brought low, but now it means honored. Carrie wasnt humbled to win Prom Queen, she was humbled when they dumped a bucket of pig blood on her head. Advertisement

13 Cleave This word is an unholy amalgam of two completely different Old English root words: cleofan and clifian. The former means to separate, the latter means to join together. Because they sounded kind of similar, the word cleave now represents both meanings.

12 Its All Downhill From Here We use this to mean shits only going to get worse. But if you think about it, downhill is the easiest direction to go on a hill! It originally meant everything was about to get easier.

11 Dust, Seed, Stone These can mean to add granular particles (dusting a cake) or to remove granular particles (dusting a windowsill). Its comforting to imagine Amelia Bedelia serving up pulverized skin particles to Paul Hollywood. Advertisement Advertisement

10 A Steep Learning Curve In academic circles in the 1920s, this meant that a skill could be picked up quickly and easily. When the general public got a hold of it in the 1970s, they began using it to refer to a skill thats actually quite hard to acquire.

9 Table Tell a British politician to table something, and theyre going to put it on the agenda. Tell an American politician to table something, and theyre going to strike it from the agenda (and, unrelated, demand to see your genitals). Advertisement

8 Sanction If you tell a politician on either side of the pond to sanction something, youll have to specify whether you mean to permit or to penalize. Advertisement

7 Data Were in the midst of an epic battle of nerds against plebes. When someone says the phrase the data are correct, it feels deeply unnatural, but is in fact the correct usage. The singular of data is datum, which would be just as jarring to hear. Advertisement

6 Disinterested When someone is described as disinterested, they sound flighty, distracted or aloof. A disinterested judge, for example, sounds like a scatterbrained Jenna Maroney character. But the word originally meant unbiased and impartial  crucial characteristics for a judge.

5 Enormity You might think that enormous and enormity are directly related, and youd be right and wrong. They both have roots in the Latin word enormitatem, meaning vast and irregular. But their definitions split in Olde French: enormous means huge, while enormity came to refer to an irregular transgression or crime. Enormity took a turn from wickedness toward hugeness around the late 18th century. Advertisement

4 Hopeful, Hateful Hopefully originally meant to do something in a hopeful manner, but in the 1960s, we started using it to mean I sure do hope. So lets look at the sentence The boy hopefully left a plate of cookies for Santa. Using the modern meaning, youd only say that if you actually were Santa (and were feeling a bit peckish). Advertisement

3 Inflammable This may be the most dangerous contranym in the English language. Dr. Nick was right: the prefix -in means not, but English speakers have decided to ignore that in this particular case. To avoid deadly confusion, theres been a concerted effort to normalize the word nonflammable. Advertisement

2 Awful, Pompous and Artificial Legend has it that either Charles II or Queen Anne committed a faux pas by describing St. Pauls Cathedral as awful, pompous and artificial when they meant awe-inspiring, majestic and ingeniously designed.
There have been near countless retellings of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, including the classic 1951 film starring Alaistar Sim and the other classic film that exclusively stars Rich Little. But for comedy fans in the 80s, the best onscreen Scrooge wasnt even named Scrooge, he was Frank Cross, as played by Bill Murray in Scrooged.

Scrooged hit theaters back in 1988, so obviously not every aspect of it holds up today. For example, in one scene, Franks brother James receives a VHS player for Christmas and amazingly doesnt just toss it in the garbage. Also, several jokes seem more than a little iffy from todays standpoint  like the racist running gag about Chinese restaurants serving up cat meat. Why didnt three ghosts show up and convince the filmmakers to cut that material?

Another joke that doesnt seem so great comes when Frank is about to be visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past. While dining at a swank restaurant, Frank suffers from grisly hallucinations, which include a vision of a server engulfed in flames. So he grabs a pail of water and attempts to extinguish him.

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Of course, the guy wasnt really on fire. When the room looks upon Frank with confusion and disbelief, he responds: Im sorry. You know, I thought you were Richard Pryor.

This was obviously a reference to the 1980 incident in which Pryor nearly burned to death, apparently by accident, while freebasing cocaine. (Personally, this is how I first learned about Pryors tragic injury because I asked my parents to explain the joke while watching Scrooged.)

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As weve mentioned before, Pryor eventually revealed that the accident was really not an accident: It was a suicide attempt. He made this disclosure in his pseudo-autobiographical film Jo Jo Dancer Your Life Is Calling, and then further spelled it out during an interview with Barbara Walters. That interview aired on TV in 1986, two years before Scrooged came out.

Scrooged was co-written by Saturday Night Lives Michael ODonaghue, who wasnt exactly known for his restraint and sensitivity. Its unclear whether or not the Pryor joke was scripted, or ad-libbed by Murray (it doesnt appear in an early version of the script thats surfaced online). But the rest of the movies cutthroat lack of sentimentality has a clear purpose: skewering media excess and upending our expectations for a mainstream Hollywood Christmas movie. Scrooged literally opens with Santa Claus battling terrorists in the made-for-TV movie The Night the Reindeer Died.

Poking fun at Pryors suicide attempt, on the other hand, really doesnt accomplish much of anything. It could be argued that Frank Cross would make that joke in the days prior to his redemption, but why invite us to laugh along with the guy so awful that he needs to be terrorized into decency by Yuletide poltergeists?
When actress Jennifer Tilly and Simpsons co-developer Sam Simon divorced in 1991, Tilly received 30 percent of Simons future proceeds from his fledgling animated sitcom. But does she get to sleep in a racing car?

An Oscar-nominated actress and a veteran of TV comedy, Tilly is so much more than yet another pampered Hollywood divorcee to grace the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Tilly regularly played smaller parts in film and television throughout the 1980s, and, following her split from Simon, she broke through with a critically acclaimed performance in Woody Allens 1994 black comedy Bullets Over Broadway. From there, Tillys film and TV career exploded, and she even made a name for herself competing in the high-stakes world of professional poker, winning a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet in 2005.

But despite Tillys good fortune, no gamble ever paid off better for the actress, poker player and new Real Housewives guest star than her decision to marry (and later divorce) Simon.

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During a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Tilly talked about the divorce settlement that set her up for life, noting how her gratitude for the late Simon grows with every passing day, along with her net worth:

Already a seasoned cartoonist, storyboard artist, writer and producer, Simon joined The Simpsons as a co-developer, writer and executive producer after working with James L. Brooks on the influential sitcom Taxi. Simon started as writer on the Danny DeVito and Andy Kaufman-starred comedy before graduating to showrunner in the later seasons, and the multi-hyphenate comedy master also working on seminal sitcoms like Cheers and It's Garry Shandling's Show before helping to create the most beloved, prestigious and preposterously profitable comedy franchise in American TV history.

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Despite the title of the above post, Tilly is definitely not a billionaire because of her divorce settlement with the late Simpsons great who co-developed the show with creator Matt Groening and Brooks. While the greater Simpsons franchise is worth many billions of dollars through its various lucrative media and merchandising deals, 30 percent of Simons stake is very different from 30 percent of the entire pie. Before Simon passed away in 2015 from complications due to colorectal cancer, he donated his entire $100 million estate to various charities, telling The Hollywood Reporter, The truth is, I have more money than Im interested in spending. Everyone in my family is taken care of. And I enjoy this.

Time will tell if Tilly decides to follow her late ex-husbands example with her share of The Simpsons. Until then, lets keep tabs on her in case she ever goes into the music business  if she doesnt donate the fortune, will she at least borrow a feeling?
Romania, an EU and NATO member state, faced tens of thousands of intrusion attempts  some successful  that targeted its election IT infrastructure before and during the first round of its presidential elections, according to a report from the countrys main intelligence service.

The Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), which operates the National Cyberint Center tasked with detecting and blocking cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, attributed the campaign targeting websites and servers supporting the electoral process to a potential state-sponsored threat actor with a high degree of confidence.

The mode of operation, as well as the scale of the cyber campaign, lead to the conclusion that the attacker possesses considerable resources, consistent with a mode of operation specific to a state-sponsored attacker, the SRI stated in an intelligence briefing to the Romanian Presidential Administration.
Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Getty

Life in the Financial District is one of those enduring New York curiosities. Its been decades since the neighborhood was the beating heart of finance, which would desert it after happy hour, but why live that close to the Charging Bull if you could help it? The population hovered around 13,000 in the 1990s but has since ballooned to nearly 70,000 as the neighborhood was transformed by a tax-incentivized crop of luxury developments and office conversions. As that happened, a narrative emerged in real-estate trend pieces: Living in Fidi (a term coined by a developer in 2007) was actually great. The neighborhood offered way more than fast-casual lunch spots and a strangely enduring Ann Taylor Loft that opened after 9/11. And families  well, they loved it the most. It seemed impossible, somehow. Was it true or was it a conspiracy between the New York Post and Harry Macklowe?

I started to find out by posting to a Facebook group for parents in the neighborhood and was a little shocked by just how eager people were to talk. Nearly a dozen parents responded, ready to expound on the neighborhoods merits. Alex Gordon, a finance lawyer who came to Fidi in 2003 in search of cheap rent, properly loves it. The feeling has only grown since he and his wife had a child, he says, and as more stuff opens. Of particular note? Complete Playground, a 40,000-square-foot indoor play space on Broad Street. Thats been really good for the neighborhood, Gordon says. You definitely see more kids with more strollers now. (Hes not imagining it: Paige Murphy, an administrator at Leman Manhattan Preparatory, a private school on Morris Street, said that enrollment has grown from 50 to 700 students since 2005.)

Bill Fisher, the CEO of an online business school called Quantic, is a more recent arrival. He came here from the West Coast two years ago and agrees its been a great place to live with young children. The transportation is plentiful, including the nearby ferry, the schools are good, and there are parks if youre willing to walk a bit. Its also cheaper than a lot of other places in Manhattan. When I told people we were moving there, they were confused why I wasnt moving to Park Slope or whatever, Fisher says. I think its a very poorly understood neighborhood.

But some residents say they like Fidi precisely because its not misunderstood. I actually like that its a blank slate of humanity that doesnt exist anywhere else in New York, Shaun Surething, a queer hairstylist who co-owns Seagull Hair Salon in the West Village, tells me. After spending all day talking about gender and politics with his clients, he says the cultural void of the Financial District comes as a relief. I wanted a place to live where it was kind of flattened so I could have a place to decompress. (This view of the culture was more or less confirmed, even if accidentally, by a server on the cobblestoned block of Stone Street that feels like a perennial Oktoberfest. While residents do stop in, the customer base is still mostly tourists and office workers  a tour group comes through every three hours, he says in an impressively cheerful tone.)

In both cases  parents and overstimulated stylists alike  its the frictionlessness that neighborhoods with a Whole Foods and dense transit options offer that people seem to like. Like Downtown Brooklyn and Kips Bay, two similarly vibeless neighborhoods, Fidi is safe, convenient, and you can get on a train to essentially anywhere if you want to do something more than order in and exercise.

This isnt to say the neighborhood lacks charm, Surething adds. One could make a case that its arguably the most beautiful and decadent part of the city. He moved to the neighborhood in 2021 with his husband and loves the wide-open plazas and public art (not the Bull). Surething says the restaurant waits are shorter compared to places uptown and things are just bigger in general, like Conwell Coffee Hall (a coffee shop and cocktail bar thats also a front for Sleep No More) in an old Art Deco building.

Which is maybe closer to what some of the neighborhoods old-timers loved about it to begin with. Before there was Blue Bottle, there was Esther Regelson, who arrived in 1983 after taking over her sisters rent-stabilized lease. She lives in one of the few low-rise tenements left on Washington Street, now a rarity among the blocks glass skyscrapers. When I had just moved, I walked to Broadway and there was not a soul in sight, she says. She liked the eccentricities of the area. There were cobblestoned streets, there was a little flavor. But shes seen a lot of the small businesses that actually made the area more livable and neighborhood-y  florists, hardware shops, small pharmacies, chocolate shops  close down over the years. I dont think people realize what they could have had, Regelson says. Maybe it goes without saying she hates the term Fidi. I think its pretentious.
STORY LINK Pound to Euro Subdued following UK and Eurozone PMIs

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GBP/EUR Exchange Rate Forecast: Eurozone Data in the Spotlight

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The Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate was mostly flat on Wednesday following the release of the UKs and the Eurozones finalised services PMIs.On Wednesday, the Pound (GBP) experienced a slight rise against several major currencies, driven by a mix of positive factors.Firstly, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey's comments gave the Pound a lift, as he reaffirmed his commitment to a gradual easing of UK monetary policy.Moreover, the UK's final services PMI surpassed expectations, landing at 50.8 instead of the predicted 50.0, which added to Sterling's strength.The currency also gained ground from a risk-on mood in the markets, reflecting its increasing sensitivity to risk.On Wednesday, the Euro (EUR) faced difficulty in attracting buyers after the release of the Eurozone's finalized services PMI.While the data was marginally better than expected, coming in at 49.5 instead of 49.2, it still indicated the first contraction in the services sector since January, weighing on EUR exchange rates.Commenting on the PMI data, Dr. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, explained:'Stagflation is a pretty nasty word, especially if you are a central banker, but that is what is hitting the eurozone right now. InNovember, the economy started shrinking...'Adding to the Euro's woes was a risk-on sentiment in the markets, which tends to favour more volatile currencies over safe-haven options like the Euro.Looking ahead to Thursday, the main factor likely to influence the Pound Euro exchange rate will be the release of the Eurozone's latest retail sales data.The data is expected to decline from 0.5% to -0.3% in October, and if this decrease in consumer spending is confirmed, it could dampen EUR exchange rates.For the Pound, Thursday's economic calendar is devoid of any UK-specific data, which may lead to Sterling trading without a clear direction.

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STORY LINK Pound Euro Exchange Rate: "There are many reasons to be underweight in the euro"

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The Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has held comfortably above 1.2000 and secured a net gain to around 1.2070. The pair was on track for the seventh successive daily gain amid increased fears over Euro-Zone stagflation.According to ING; Be it European political risk, weak activity, the threat of trade wars or energy prices creeping higher (EU gas inventories are starting to come under pressure) there are many reasons to be underweight in the euro.MUFG expects GBP/EUR gain to 1.2120 early next year.Political concerns have undermined French bonds, especially with fears that the main casualty will be a lack of action to curb the budget deficit.French bonds have remained under pressure with the yield premium over German bunds widening to a 12-year high.The National Assembly no-confidence debate is due to start around 15.00 GMT with a potential vote after the European close.Prime Minister Barnier has stated that he could survive, but there are very strong expectations that he will lose.If defeated, Macron could ask Barnier to stay on in a caretaker role before attempting to name a new Prime Minister while there is no mechanism for early elections.MUFG commented; The caretaker government will likely rely on untested emergency legislation to collect taxes and delver minimal spending it considers vital while French President Macron attempts to put together another government with no new legislative election allowed until July.It added; The unfavourable political developments in France continue to pose a downside risk for the euro although are not necessarily sufficient to trigger another leg lower on their own.Economic developments will also be important ahead of next weeks ECB policy decision with confidence remaining very fragile.The final reading for the Euro-Zone PMI services-sector index was revised to 49.5 from the flash reading of 49.2, but this was below the October reading of 51.6 and the lowest reading for 10 months.Business confidence was also a 12-month low and below the long-term average. Despite weak demand, there was stronger upward pressure on prices.Dr. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, commented; Stagflation is a pretty nasty word, especially if you are a central banker, but that is what is hitting the eurozone right now. In November, the economy started shrinking while the PMI price components went up for the second month in a row.The UK PMI services-sector index was revised to 50.8 for the final reading from the flash reading of 50.0, but this was still a 13-month low.Overall business confidence also dipped to a 23-month low amid unease over cost pressures.There was stronger upward pressure on costs and service charges increased at the fastest rate for four months.The UK data will also trigger some concerns over UK stagflation risks, limiting the potential for very strong Pound support.

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STORY LINK Euro Rates Steady After French PM Barnier Ousted

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Barnier lost Wednesdays no-confidence vote.He is expected to stand down on Thursday and his controversial budget will be shelved.The market impact has been contained and the euro is steady and at higher lows compared to November.French PM Barnier was ousted on Wednesday by a vote of nonconfidence. He will stand down on Thursday and had this to say,This no-confidence motion  will make everything more serious and more difficult. Thats what Im sure of.The first challenge for President Macron to find a successor, which is no easy task given the hung parliament and the divisions between the right-wing RN party and the left wing LFI. Indeed, there are calls for Macron to stand down too and the head of LFI is demanding an early presidential election to try and solve the crisis. A new government cant be formed before July 25.Barnier was pushed out due to his approach to the 2025 budget. In an attempt to narrow the problematic deficit, he proposed 20bn in tax increases alongside 40bn in public spending cuts. That was unpopular and blocked by the other parties. In an attempt to proceed, Barnier forced through the bill without a vote, a risky procedure as it triggered the no-confidence vote. Barnier may have hoped Le Pen and the RN might back him rather than be seen as causing instability, but his gamble did not pay off.Le Pen said, we had a choice to make, and our choice is to protect the French from a toxic budget. The decision may come back to haunt Le Pen who has tried to appear less combative and capable of delivering a stable government.The budget will now be binned and the previous conditions can be rolled over to next year. This is just kicking the problems further down the road and the markets may punish the French deficit and political chaos with higher yields on their debt. French yields have already risen sharply. As ING note,The public deficit will remain high, probably around 5.5% of GDP, the debt will continue to grow and the next government  whoever it may be  will have an even more difficult task in getting public finances back on track. Furthermore, the fall of the government means that political uncertainty will persist and continue to weigh on business and consumer confidence...To make things worse, public-sector strikes are organised and threaten to close schools and hit air and rail traffic. These are in response to separate cost-cutting measures and could cause chaos over the rest of the year.Perhaps surprisingly, the euro held up well on Wednesday following the no-confidence vote. EURGBP dropped below 0.83 but has held higher lows with the November bottom of 0.826. Similarly, EURUSD remained at higher lows and held around 1.05. The pair is +0.15% in early trading on Thursday.The main market impact has been on French yields and the problems for the euro may come later if France cannot control its budget. Indeed, it may be a case of all the bad news being out for the euro and already priced in as it has been weak for several months now. The near-term direction hinges on the ECB meeting in December and whether they will deliver a 50bps cut or a 25bps cut. It increasingly looks like the latter and that is a small positive for the euro.There is some optimism that lower rates will lift the stuttering EU economy next year. So far, there is no sign of improved data and the only thing that has been lifted has been stock markets. Germanys DAX exceeded 20,000 for the first time earlier this week.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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Department of Public Works staff members clean the streets during a sweep on Sixth Street in San Francisco on Oct. 14. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave local governments broad authority to sweep homeless encampments, a federal magistrate has officially lifted many of the restrictions she imposed two years ago on San Franciscos evictions of the camps from city sidewalks and streets.

But U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu left in place her orders requiring the city to bag and tag any belongings police seize at the encampments, storing them safely and notifying owners on how and where to retrieve them.

The Supreme Courts ruling made it clear that the Constitutions prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments does not prohibit the enforcement of public-camping laws on public property even if the occupants have no other shelter available, Ryu said in a ruling Wednesday that narrowed the injunction she had issued in December 2022.

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Reversing a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an Oregon case, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in June that cities do not violate homeless peoples constitutional rights by evicting them from street encampments. The court said encampment residents were being punished for their actions, not their homeless status.

Consider San Francisco, where each night thousands sleep in tents and other makeshift structures, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion, quoting the citys filings in the case. He cited Mayor London Breeds statement that judicial restrictions on evictions have caused painful results on the streets and in neighborhoods.

San Francisco responded to the Supreme Courts ruling by increasing its removals of the hundreds of tents along city streets, actions Ryu ratified in Wednesdays decision. City officials have said they evict only residents who refused offers of shelter, but Ryu has found in past rulings that San Franciscos public shelters were full and their waiting lists were closed.

She also said Wednesday that the advocacy group Coalition on Homelessness could still seek to prove its claim in the lawsuit that the city is violating peoples rights by confiscating and destroying clothing, beds and personal belongings that officers find at the encampments.

Based on court filings by both sides, Ryu wrote, it is plausible that San Francisco may be violating the constitutional ban on illegal searches and seizures as a result of the Citys custom and practice of seizing and destroying the property of homeless individuals notwithstanding the Citys written policies that preclude this practice.

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Records from San Francisco and 13 other U.S. cities showed that homeless people seldom recover property that police confiscate at encampments, ProPublica reported last month. The recovery rate in San Francisco was 12% over 18 months, ProPublica said.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said Ryus decision ends most of the lawsuits claims against the city. He said the seven individual plaintiffs who filed the suit, along with the Coalition on Homelessness, are currently housed and have been for most of this lawsuit.

These folks were not harmed by the City, and the risk of future harm is extremely remote, Chiu said in a statement. We appreciate the Courts order today that will hopefully move us all closer to a resolution of this case.

John Do, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney representing the plaintiffs, said Ryus ruling nevertheless preserves the most important issue that is still in their case: the citys obligation to protect the personal property officers seize at the encampments.

Do said Ryu also left the door open to reviving other issues in the lawsuit, such as a claim that San Francisco is violating the California Constitutions prohibition on cruel or unusual punishment, which may be broader than the U.S. Constitutions ban on cruel and unusual punishment. He said the plaintiffs were prepared to go to trial in Ryus court on the property-seizure issue in July unless they reach a settlement with the city.

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Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, said the new policies on sexual assault and harassment accusations fulfill a promise made to the San Francisco Womens Political Committee whose members raised the issue of assault and harassment. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

San Franciscos Democratic Party adopted new guidelines Wednesday governing sexual assault and harassment accusations in the wake of recent high-profile allegations against two local politicos.

San Franciscos Democratic County Central Committee  the partys governing body in the city  said it will soon retain an ombudsperson to investigate complaints about sexual harassment and assault and will mandate that chartered clubs complete relevant training within 90 days or face disciplinary action.

The changes also include a policy that encourages Democratic clubs to host events at venues where alcohol is not permitted and to offer nonalcoholic beverages. The new rules also clarify that the use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances at party events or other places does not excuse assault and harassment.



Lily Ho, chair of the partys special committee tasked with making the new rules, said the committees job was to create a framework to boost accountability and to begin to change the culture around sexual assault and harassment.



We want diversity and inclusion, we want young people, we want women and all kinds of people to be participants in our political environment, Ho said. In order for that to happen, these spaces need to be safe.



The policy changes come after the DCCC launched an investigation in July in response to a Chronicle story detailing sexual assault allegations made against the co-president of the San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club, Kevin Ortiz, who denied the allegations. Another prominent progressive activist in the city, Jon Jacobo, has also been accused of sexual assault.



Jacobo, who was once an ascendent political figure in the city, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and other felonies in August after prosecutors accused him of assaulting a woman at his home in 2021. Ortiz has faced no charges and remains active in the San Francisco political world.

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The committee said the new policies were written in partnership with chartered clubs, sexual assault experts and survivors. Ho said that ensuring privacy was a key part of the policy to make sure that allegations against Democratic leaders or club members arent weaponized politically.



Under the new process, an independent ombudsperson will be the first person of contact about allegations of sexual assault or harassment between a complainant and respondent and will determine whether there has been a violation of DCCC rules. To protect peoples privacy, the DCCC will not be made aware of the specifics of the allegations and the identities of both parties until the conclusion of the incident. The ombudsperson then will send the case to a third-party independent investigator, the law firm of Gibson Dunn.



The law firm does an investigation and presents the facts to a six-person judicial commission made up of sexual assault experts. Then a three-member panel will review the case and determine whether the allegations are substantiated or not. If the allegations are substantiated, the chair of the three-person panel will then ask the complainant if they want to pursue restorative justice or would prefer the judicial commission choose the consequences for the person accused.



Both parties would need to agree to engage in the process. The committee will receive yearly reports on the number of complaints and the investigation results.

Nancy Tung, who is chair of the DCCC, said the new policies fulfill a promise made to the San Francisco Womens Political Committee whose members raised the issue of assault and harassment.

This is something that has been on my mind for three years, Tung said. Im very excited about what this means as we take a bold step as leaders in the Democratic Party to make our spaces safe for everyone.
The development plan put forward by Palisades Tahoes owner seeks to add 850 lodging units, 1,500 hotel rooms and 300,000 square feet of commercial space to the base village in Olympic Valley. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Lake Tahoe conservationists have filed suit to block a major ski village development plan at Palisades Tahoe approved last month, claiming the project would have a dramatic impact on the lakes famous water clarity.

The 25-year development plan, put forward by Palisades owner Alterra Mountain Co. and unanimously approved by Placer Countys Board of Supervisors in November, seeks to add 850 lodging units, 1,500 hotel rooms and 300,000 square feet of commercial space to the base village in Olympic Valley.

In a legal challenge filed Wednesday in Placer County Superior Court, conservation nonprofits League to Save Lake Tahoe and Sierra Watch claim that the project would worsen traffic congestion, increase air pollution, erode roadways, and degrade water quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin, according to a Thursday news release.

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The groups cite an estimate contained in the plan that the new village  with its higher guest capacity and a larger workforce  would add 3,300 daily car trips to the mountain roadways around Olympic Valley during peak periods, including 1,300 that would cross into the Tahoe basin. They say increased traffic runs counter to federally mandated goals to reduce car dependency in the Tahoe basin.

Runoff that carries sediment and particles from Tahoes roadways is a huge contributor to the lakes ongoing clarity issues, the groups say.

We are not opposed to the modernization and expansion of Palisades Tahoe, but we must take a stand to Keep Tahoe Blue, said Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of League to Save Lake Tahoe, in the news release.

There isnt acknowledgement of those impacts, nor are there any mitigations or enforceable actions to mitigate the impacts, Collins told the Chronicle.

The conservation groups also echoed concerns raised by Tahoe locals about the effects of traffic and higher numbers of tourists on their quality of life and the social, economic and environmental issues facing their communities.

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The proposed development would take every problem facing Tahoe  whether its the clarity of the lake, the availability of workforce housing, our public safety in the event of wildfire  and make it worse, said Tom Mooers, executive director of Sierra Watch, in the release.

The village expansion has been a divisive concept since it was first proposed in 2011, with some Tahoe residents lauding it as a much needed upgrade to a world-class ski destination and others decrying it as a corporate real estate ploy that would accelerate community problems associated with traffic and tourism.

An initial version of the plan was approved by the county in 2016, then challenged in court by Sierra Watch on grounds that the environmental review process ran afoul of the California Environmental Quality Act. A judge upheld those claims and ordered the county to rescind its project approvals two years ago.

Collins, of League to Save Lake Tahoe, said her group has been in dialogue with Alterra and Placer County planners for years and has sought to compromise on a project that wouldnt bring more cars into the Tahoe basin.

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Philippines urged to stop infringement, provocations in China's territorial sea

Xinhua) 10:04, December 05, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- China calls on the Philippines to stop infringement activities and provocations at once and not to challenge China's firm resolve to defend its lawful rights and interests, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said here on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding a claim by the Philippines saying that the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at a Philippine vessel.

Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory, Lin said, noting the Philippines sent Coast Guard and official vessels there and tried to intrude into China's territorial sea surrounding Huangyan Dao.

"In response, China did what was necessary to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. The measures are justified, lawful, professional and restrained," said Lin.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
In an internal memo issued Wednesday, JetBlue announced it would discontinue several domestic routes, including service to San Jose, a market where weve struggled to gain traction. Courtesy of JetBlue

JetBlue Airways is trimming its flight schedule, including in the Bay Area, as part of a broader effort to improve profitability and streamline operations.

In an internal memo issued Wednesday, the airline announced it would discontinue several domestic routes, including service to San Jose, a market where weve struggled to gain traction.

The route cuts are part of a larger network overhaul designed to refocus resources on higher-demand regions.

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The San Jose route, which connects Silicon Valley to Boston, will be phased out in the coming months. JetBlue acknowledged that it has faced challenges in making the West Coast route profitable, especially as competition from other carriers intensifies.

Earlier this year, JetBlue also discontinued flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles but still operates about two dozen routes out of SFO. The airline had previously ended service to Oakland International Airport in January 2020.

JetBlue said it is reassessing its position in certain markets, opting to pull back from less profitable routes and instead concentrate on more lucrative areas.

Recently, we made some network adjustments in certain markets, removing some underperforming flying from our schedule, allowing us to redeploy resources, including our popular Mint service, toward high-demand markets and new opportunities, JetBlue said in a statement to CNBC.

In addition to the San Jose route, JetBlue will also end service between New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport and several other cities, including Miami, Houston, Milwaukee and Austin, Texas. The airline explained that these routes no longer meet its financial expectations.

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Florida remains a strong geography for JetBlue, however post-COVID we havent been profitable in Miami due to the dominance of legacy carriers like American and Delta there, Dave Jehn, JetBlues vice president of network planning, wrote in the memo shared with multiple media outlets.

JetBlue did not immediately respond to a request for further information regarding the planned changes.

JetBlue has faced financial challenges in recent years, incurring losses exceeding $2 billion since its last profitable year in 2019. The airlines new CEO, Joanna Geraghty, took the helm in February following the departure of Robin Hayes. Plans for partnerships with American Airlines and a merger with Spirit Airlines were blocked by the Justice Department.

JetBlues decision to cut back its presence on the West Coast and in certain other markets comes as part of a renewed focus on the East Coast, where the airline has traditionally been stronger.

The carrier also plans to announce new transatlantic routes in the coming weeks, although it will reduce its European service starting in 2025 by halting its second JFK-Paris flight and cutting seasonal service to London Gatwick.

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How long would it be before any competent government with a thumping parliamentary majority needed to relaunch their political strategy? Two, three, maybe even four years into their time in office?

That Sir Keir Starmer is attempting a reset just five months after Labour won power proves how badly things have gone for him.

The Prime Minister insisted during the election campaign that he had a plan to fix the country. Yet there has been no trace of it.

Instead, the Government has made so many missteps its shoelaces might as well have been tied together.

Its not hard to grasp why Sir Keirs popularity ratings have plunged into the abyss.

He has broken promise after promise. His Chancellors brutal Budget will hit jobs and living standards. He has scrapped pensioners winter fuel payments, while bunging big pay rises to his union pals.

Now he is essentially trying to start again. In a major speech today, he will set out measurable milestones for going green, reducing NHS waiting lists, cutting crime and giving children the best start in life.

But voters dont care if Whitehall departments hit centrally mandated benchmarks. They care about whether they can see a GP when ill or if theyre financially worse off because the economy is stagnating.

The Prime Minister insisted during the election campaign that he had a plan to fix the country. Yet there has been no trace of it

There is no timetable for raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent, even though the head of the Armed Forces warned yesterday of the grave threat posed by rogue states

And what about the biggest problems? Net migration was nearly a million in 2023 and the small boats keep coming, but Sir Keir will not set a target for cutting the numbers.

Nor is there a timetable for raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent, even though the head of the Armed Forces warned yesterday of the grave threat posed by rogue states.

The PMs speech might be full of missions and targets beloved of the technocrat, but there is a distinct sense he is clueless about how to solve Britains most pressing problems.

However many times he reboots his stuttering Government, his rhetoric is not the problem: his policies are. And thats what voters will ultimately judge him on.

French lessons

The collapse of the French government in chaos and recrimination marks an ignominious low point for Emmanuel Macron.

With the ousting of his prime minister Michel Barnier after just three months, the preening president is now a busted flush.

Mr Barnier lost a vote of no confidence after hard-Right and far-Left parties united to oppose his Budget designed to slim down Frances bloated state.

But make no mistake, blame for this humiliation lies solely with President Macron. His hubristic gamble to call a snap election in the summer backfired spectacularly when he failed to win.

That has left France politically paralysed at the worst possible time, with the economy a basketcase and social tensions rising dangerously. No wonder the people are angry.

President Macron has been punished for arrogantly ignoring voters concerns. His predicament should be a valuable lesson for Britains political elite. If you treat the public with contempt, you give them no choice but to vote for someone who wont.

Michel Barnier lost a vote of no confidence after hard-Right and far-Left parties united to oppose his Budget designed to slim down Frances bloated state

A blight on our farms

Labour MPs claim to be on the side of working people. But clearly not when it comes to some of the hardest working  our farmers.

By voting for the Governments shameful inheritance tax raid on agricultural land, they are inevitably putting a nail in the coffin of countless family farms.

Yet while clobbering them with the loathed tractor tax, those same Labour MPs happily support sending foreign aid to farmers overseas. Their priorities couldnt be clearer.
It was still dark when Brian Thompson, chief executive of Americas biggest health insurance company, stepped out of his luxury hotel in Manhattans Midtown on Wednesday morning and walked across the street towards the Hilton.

After breakfast, he and scores of executives, investors and Wall Street analysts would be gathering in the second-floor ballroom for UnitedHealth Groups annual investor day.

They would hear presentations about the dazzling performance of a business with projected revenues of at least 350billion next year  most of which came from UnitedHealthcare, the arm of the health empire run by Thompson.

However, as the world now knows, Thompson  a 50-year-old father of two sons, who earned an annual salary of $10million (7.8million)  never made it to the meeting.

He was just a few feet from the Hiltons entrance at 6.46am when a masked gunman wearing a dark hoodie and grey backpack stepped from behind a parked car.

The next few moments, caught on one of the CCTV cameras that are ubiquitous in that upmarket area, continue to be scrutinised for clues. The footage shows the assailant had been waiting for several minutes, lurking by a side entrance.

Allowing Thompson, wearing a blue suit, to pass by him first, he then pulled out a gun fitted with a silencer and shot his target in the back from just a few feet away.

The next few moments, caught on one of the CCTV cameras that are ubiquitous in that upmarket area, continue to be scrutinised for clues, writes Tom Leonard

The footage shows the assailant had been waiting for several minutes, lurking by a side entrance

His victim stumbled and looked back at his assassin, who walked calmly towards him

His victim stumbled and looked back at his assassin, who walked calmly towards him. The killers 9mm pistol malfunctioned but he cleared the jam and continued firing, hitting his target in the back and leg as he collapsed on the pavement and tried to crawl away.

The assassin then coolly walked off, breaking into a run only to cross the street before fleeing down an alleyway, mounting an electric bike and riding into nearby Central Park, where CCTV coverage is sparse.

Even if he hadnt used a silencer on his gun  in movies, always the mark of a professional hitman  the premeditated but audacious assassination in the heart of Manhattan by a killer able to swiftly vanish, had the hallmarks of a Hollywood film.

And yesterday, fresh details emerged about the murder that has gripped the US and raised startling questions about the extent of anger over its controversial health-insurance industry.

Last night, police released a picture of the grinning gunman taken in a hostel in Manhattans Upper West Side. Police, who have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture, believe that the suspect stayed at the hostel.

Other clues have emerged  among them that the killer stopped off before the attack in a nearby branch of Starbucks, where he was again captured on CCTV  this time wearing a mask and buying a bottle of water and two energy bars.

Investigators also discovered a mobile phone near the shooting which they believe was his  and obtained a search warrant to analyse its contents. Officers have confirmed it was a targeted and brazen attack in a neighbourhood that at this time of year is heaving with tourists browsing the famous Christmas window displays along nearby Fifth Avenue.

Many have suggested this is a macabre reference to a 2010 book by Professor Jay M Feinman, an insurance law expert, titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims And What You Can Do About It

Investigators also discovered a mobile phone near the shooting which they believe was his  and obtained a search warrant to analyse its contents

The manhunt continued and investigators refused to comment on a possible motive

But as the manhunt continued and investigators refused to comment on a possible motive, many Americans wasted little time in concluding that the victims death must have been related to his job at the top of a deeply loathed, trillion-dollar industry.

Suspicions that Thompson was shot in retaliation for his companys behaviour, perhaps for a specific denial of insurance coverage, grew after police revealed that the words deny, defend and depose were found meticulously written in marker pen on three bullet casings at the scene of the murder.

Many have suggested this is a macabre reference to a 2010 book by Professor Jay M Feinman, an insurance law expert, titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims And What You Can Do About It. The book is billed as an expose of insurance injustice and a plan for consumers and lawmakers to fight it.

Americans pay more for healthcare than in any other country  with total spending in 2022 reaching a jaw-dropping 3.5trillion, more than 17 per cent of US GDP. And much of that goes to health insurers.

British people may have a love-hate relationship with the NHS but, for all its faults, no Briton has gone bankrupt for lack of healthcare since the end of the Second World War.

Yet its rare to find an American who doesnt regard their own countrys wildly profitable health insurers as ruthless blood-suckers, charging punitive premiums while doing everything they can to avoid paying out for treatments. And UnitedHealthcare, which has tens of millions of customers and 140,000 staff, had a particularly bad reputation in this respect.

Thompsons estranged wife Paulette has since revealed that he had received some threats that she believed were about a lack of coverage. She added: I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Unsurprisingly, the company removed the names of its other executives from its website within hours of the shooting. Some of them have also deleted their profiles from the social networking site LinkedIn.

Last night, police released a picture of the grinning gunman taken in a hostel in Manhattans Upper West Side. Police, who have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture, believe that the suspect stayed at the hostel

Thompsons estranged wife Paulette has since revealed that he had received some threats that she believed were about a lack of coverage.

Insiders say its not uncommon for health insurance company bosses to receive threats  while Philip Klein, a security company chief who has provided bodyguard services to Thompson in the past, said he was shocked he hadnt been protected at the time of the shooting. It also emerged that Thompsons mansion in Maple Grove, Minnesota  close to his companys headquarters  was targeted in a bomb threat 12 hours after his killing.

In an email to a local official, a pipe bomb was said to have been left at the house. Police, who found no explosives at the address, also searched his wifes home a mile away.

After Thompsons death, many ordinary Americans went online to say how much they hated his industry. Im an ER nurse and the things Ive seen dying patients get denied for by insurance makes me physically sick, said one.

I just cant feel sympathy for him because of all of those patients and their families.

Another wrote sarcastically: The ambulance ride to the hospital probably wont be covered. A third said: This needs to be the new norm: EAT THE RICH.

Whoever killed Thompson certainly knew how to handle a gun, experts have said. The silencer fitted to the weapon is designed to quieten the noise and reduce flash.

The gunman also assumed a practised shooting stance and showed no sign of panic when his pistol malfunctioned, smoothly and quickly clearing the jam and continuing to fire.

The killers decision to cycle into Central Park, where security cameras would have had much more trouble tracking him, was astute.

The son of a grain elevator worker, Thompson had joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and worked his way up.

He took over his new job running the insurance arm of the business in 2021. His reign at UnitedHealthcare had seen the companys profits rise  but not without considerable controversy. It has faced various inquiries and been accused by US Congressmen and federal regulators of routinely refusing to pay for medical operations and treatments.

The company is being sued by the estates of two people who died after it denied them healthcare coverage.

The lawsuits claim the company uses a secretive but deeply flawed AI algorithm called nH Predict, which forecasts how long patients will need to stay in rehab.

Designed to maximise profits for the company, it allegedly overrides doctors judgments and denies critical health coverage to elderly and disabled patients.

The company says the lawsuit has no merit and that the algorithm is not used to make coverage determinations.

Brian Thompson also faced a further lawsuit from investors alleging insider trading after he sold $15million worth of shares in his company before it was publicly disclosed that it is being investigated by the US Justice Department over alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

As an analyst hailed a very dark day for all of health care, the people at the top of a reviled industry must now worry about their own health and well-being.
Do they want to keep Lucy Letby locked up in prison after she is dead? It is hard to see any other practical reason for prosecuting her for more alleged killings.

Her sentence is quite clear. As long as she remains convicted, she must live in captivity until she dies, among people who despise her and may wish to do her harm, without hope of any kind.

There is absolutely no possibility of release. This is pretty tough if she is guilty. If she is not guilty, which growing numbers think possible, it is unthinkably cruel. So why have Cheshire Police sent detectives 200 miles to Bronzefield Prison in Surrey, to interview Ms Letby about more alleged crimes?

I do not know. But permit me to speculate. Do police and prosecutors wish to pile so many heavy rocks on her living tomb that she can never win a final appeal against her sentence?

Or can it be that a new trial would put the brakes on the increasingly powerful effort to have the case reopened, which has been fuelled by media coverage and debate on social media?

A new trial would silence all that, under strict rules designed to prevent media comment influencing the jury. And it might do so for many months.

But there is also a risk for the prosecution that with a new legal team, and the public daily more aware of doubts, Ms Letby might actually be acquitted of such charges. Who can be sure?

The belief in her guilt, among those who have not examined the case carefully, is still very widespread. Yet among many of those who have looked carefully at it, the more they do so, the harder they find it to believe.

Lucy Letby with a babygro in a 2013 staff profile in which she talks about her training at the University of Chester and working on the unit while studying to become a nurse

The case of Lucy Letby is the strangest I think I have ever encountered. There is still no hard objective evidence that she did anything wrong.

There are alternative explanations for the deaths which she is accused of causing, and for the other events she is accused of bringing about for criminal ends. In fact, there is still no hard objective evidence that any crimes took place at all.

Even more troubling, there are important things the jury did not know, about the internal problems, staffing, morale and cleanliness of the hospital where Ms Letby worked, the Countess of Chester.

There is strong evidence that the hospital, at the time of the alleged crimes, was in a pretty bad way. But the jury were barely aware of it.

As John Sweeney pointed out in Saturdays Daily Mail, the jury also didnt know of the role of one of the key prosecution witnesses in the accidental death of a baby a year before Ms Letbys alleged crimes began.

Doubts about several areas of evidence were not explored. The fact that the babies were in hospital at all because they were already unwell seems to have been put to one side. The significance of the dangerous bacteria from the hospital plumbing found in the ward sinks was not explained.

Then there was the astounding fact that door-swipe evidence supposedly showing where Ms Letby and others were in the hospital at important moments turned out after the first trial to have been not merely wrong but actually reversed. It was back to front, the wrong way round.

Weirdly, nobody seems anxious to make a fuss about this (the Crown Prosecution Service said the mislabelled door-swipe data had been corrected and was accurate in her retrial on one count of attempted murder). But surely if something so important was wrong in the first trial, and yet given in evidence, isnt doubt cast on the whole prosecution?

Letby's mugshot after she was convicted of seven murders and six attempted murders of babies (later upped to seven) between 2015 and 2016

Strangest of all, Ms Letbys defence never even called her strongest witness, Dr Mike Hall. After watching almost the entire trial, Dr Hall, a retired consultant neonatologist (an expert in the care of newborns) flatly told the authors of a new book, Unmasking Lucy Letby, that the nurse did not get a fair hearing.

Authors Judith Moritz and Jonathan Coffey  clearly impressed by his integrity and rigour  say Dr Hall remains dogged in his view that each of the babies had medical complications that pointed to other explanations for their collapse or death.

He has also written to the Thirlwall Inquiry  of which more later  saying that important elements of the medical evidence presented by the prosecution were flawed or misleading.

We shouldnt waste time worrying about why his evidence wasnt called. We should demand that it should at last be heard.

The only pro-Letby witnesses the jury heard were the nurse herself, and the hospital plumber, whose evidence of the sometimes filthy state of some sinks in the hospital was worrying, but, without context, failed to have much effect. What would be lost by reopening the matter?

And yet there is an immense Establishment force of some kind that sustains Ms Letbys conviction and resists any efforts to allow a full appeal.

Letby is arrested at her house in 2018. She is serving 15 whole-life terms, so will remain in prison until the day she dies

At the time of her conviction in August 2023, the then Prime Minister himself, Rishi Sunak, felt moved to comment, though traditionally in this country ministers have left justice to the courts. He said she had committed one of the most despicable, horrific crimes in our history. This political interest is bipartisan.

The following year, Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting went out of his way to condemn those who feared there had been a miscarriage of justice. He said their behaviour was crass and insensitive.

Lady Justice Thirlwalls government-backed inquiry into the case refuses even to consider the possibility that the convictions might have been wrong. She dismissed those raising doubts as noise.

She later refused to let Ms Letbys new barrister, Mark McDonald, represent her interests at the inquiry where she is daily denounced as a wicked killer. In normal conditions, I think most of us would see this as an amazing denial of natural justice. But these are not normal conditions, and there is no fuss. It is in this inquiry that the seeds of the new questioning of Ms Letby may have been sown.

Richard Baker KC, representing the families of the babies who died or were allegedly harmed, presented the findings of an audit at Liverpool Womens Hospital while Ms Letby was working there as a trainee. He said this found that breathing tubes became dislodged during 40 per cent of the shifts Letby worked, despite this usually happening on less than 1 per cent of shifts.

Statistical experts regard this suggestion as nonsense, and one has written to Mr Baker, in pretty sharp terms, to tell him so.

Plenty of such expertise is now available to anyone who wants it. A team of 30 experts  medical, statistical and legal  has been assembled to press for the case to be reopened.

No doubt they will be more than happy to answer questions from Lady Justice Thirlwall, Cheshire Constabulary, the CPS, Rishi Sunak and Wes Streeting. Let us hope they ask them.

Personally, I think it is about time the Establishment began to accept the possibility, at the very least, that they may be mistaken, and to listen with more generosity to those who think so.
'Mean girl' behaviour has been described by some as a type of survival mechanism

Apple Martin has been accused of being a 'mean girl' by some people following her recent appearance at a debutante ball in Paris over the weekend.

Though fans of the daughter of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have defended the 20-year-old, others have accused her of apparently muscling in on another debutant's photo opportunity.

It's also been reported that she was seen rolling her eyes disdainfully at her eligible date, Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck during the event at the Le Bal des Debutantes, held in the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La.

Although she may simply have been overexcited by the 'pomp and circumstance' of the occasion, these claims resulted in Apple being compared to archetypal 'mean girl', and Mean Girls character Regina George by some observers.

But what is a 'mean girl', and what prompts some to adopt this persona?

Mean Girl behaviours include actions like excluding members from a social group, gossiping about someone, or spreading rumours about them, and revealing secrets about someone to try and embarrass them.

In addition, getting multiple people to gang up together against an individual, and creating rules that people must follow to stay in a friendship group are among 'mean girl' behaviours.

Dr Lalitaa Suglani is a chartered clinical psychologist based in Birmingham. She told FEMAIL: 'The term mean girl often refers to someone who uses relational aggression behaviours like gossiping, excluding others, silent treatment or emotional manipulation to basically maintain social power or status. From a psychological standpoint, this behaviour is often a reflection of deeper emotional and social dynamics - there can be so much more going on which I will explain further.'

Apple Martin (pictured, right) has been accused of being a 'mean girl' by some people following her recent appearance at a debutante ball in Paris over the weekend, due to claims that she apparently muscled in on another debutant's photo opportunity among other behaviours

She explained that a significant driver of this behaviour is insecurity or low self-esteem.

'Mean behaviour can act as a mask for vulnerability, as individuals put others down to feel a temporary boost in self-worth or to assert a sense of control,' she explained.

For some, its a way of protecting themselves from perceived threats to their social standing. If someone struggles with low self esteem there are different ways it can present itself and one way is presenting as a so-called "mean girl".'

Social hierarchies and peer pressure also play a role, according to the expert. She said: 'Adolescence is a time when belonging to a group feels critically important. Within these tight-knit groups, relational aggression can be a way to maintain or elevate one's position in a perceived social hierarchy. This need to "fit in" or gain popularity can sometimes come at the expense of kindness or empathy. People may want to feel the need to be looked up to as a sense of control which ultimately gives or provides them with a sense of safety.'

And another key factor listed by Dr Suglani is behavioural modelling.

She explained: 'Young people often mimic what they see in their environment in other places like at home, in the media, or even among peers. If a child grows up observing manipulation, disrespect, or aggression as normal behaviours, they may replicate these dynamics in their own social interactions.

'Additionally, mean behaviour can stem from unregulated emotional responses. Adolescents who struggle to process feelings like jealousy, anger, or frustration may lash out without realising the full impact of their actions. Without healthy coping mechanisms, these emotions can drive harmful behaviours where they are not able to think about the impact it can have on others.'

Cultural and societal influences cannot be overlooked, Dr Suglani added, saying that the 'pressure to appear perfect or to achieve social status can exacerbate relational aggression'.

Regina George (pictured) a main character in the 2004 film Mean Girls, is one of the archetypes of this type of person (played by actress Rachel McAdams)

'Social media has amplified this dynamic by creating platforms for comparison, validation, and even anonymous criticism. These pressures can feed into behaviours aimed at maintaining a curated image of dominance or desirability,' she added.

'Finally,' the psychologist said, 'a lack of empathy is often at the core of relational aggression. Developing empathy is a process that doesnt come naturally to everyone, especially during adolescence.

'Without understanding or caring about the emotional impact of their actions, individuals may find it easier to engage in hurtful behaviours. This can also be a result of the brain structure at this age too.'

Laura Choate is the author of Swimming Upstream: Parenting Girls for Resilience in a Toxic Culture. Writing several years ago, to mark the 15th anniversary of 2004 movie Mean Girls, she mused on why 'girls have such a notorious reputation for drama, betrayal, and back-stabbing'.

She believes the way girls are socialised contributes to these types of 'mean girl' behaviour.

According to the author: 'Girls learn from a very early age that they are expected to be emotionally expressive - for every emotion, that is, except anger. Our daughters learn the importance of relationships and the risks associated with expressing angerif she makes someone mad, another girl might not want to be her friend any longer.

'So she learns to keep her opinions to herself instead of taking a risk that might cause a rift in the relationship. As a result, many girls never learn the skills they need for open, assertive communication or for effective conflict resolution.'

A post shared by Newport Academy reflected the same point. It pointed out: 'Mean girl behaviours, also known as relational aggression, are a form of bullying that hinges on exclusion, backstabbing, and manipulation.'

The 2004 film Mean Girls was actually based on a non-fiction book called Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman (pictured L-R: Lacey Chabert pictured as Gretchen Wieners, with Rachel McAdams as Regina George, Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, and Amanda Seyfried as Karen Smith in a promotional shot for the film)

The post also noted that this type of relational aggression is different to that seen between boys, which tends to take the form of physical bullying and name-calling.

It noted that it can be complicated to answer why girls can be so 'mean', and there are multiple reasons.

Like author Laura Choate, the post noted that the way girls are conditioned to behave is a major factor. A big part of this, it added, is that girls are taught not to show anger, and to behave in a way that is 'nice'.

It explained: 'As a result, girls dont learn how to directly address conflict or hurt feelings within friendships. The natural emotions of anger and hurt are distorted into passive-aggressive comments or badmouthing other girls behind their backs.'

In addition to this, the messaging around how important friendships are means that it is impressed upon girls that it is very important that they have friends and belong to social groups.

The result of this, is that friendships are so important, that they can be weaponised, and the threat of ostracisation can be used by 'mean girls' to ensure that others behave in the 'correct' way within their friend group.

In other words, those at the top of the social groups can threaten others with being thrown out of their circle if they don't behave in certain ways.

The film Mean Girls was based on a non-fiction book - Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman. In the book, the author broke down the typical roles girls assume within cliques.

Among them are the 'charismatic, forceful, pretty and manipulative' Queen Bee, who is popular, powerful, and the centre of attention.

The Queen Bee usually has a second in command, known as the Sidekick, whose power within the group is reliant on this relationship.

One of the more mysterious members was defined in the book as the Banker, who is described as someone who 'gains trust by dishing the details, but then uses the gained intelligence for her own benefit when the time is right' - and is usually hard to identify due to being strategic and quiet.

Another member, and one who will stand up to the Queen Bee is the Floater, who will spend time with multiple groups. Generally, Floaters do not use meanness to dominate others, and so are generally liked.

The final three members are the Torn bystander, who is often involved in conflicts because they are regularly torn between showing loyalty to the Queen Bee and doing the right thing.

Either in the group or trying to get in the group is the Pleaser/Wannabe/Messenger. They are characterised by their willingness to do anything to please others - most notably the Queen Bee or the Sidekick.

Finally, according to Rosalind Wiseman, is the Target, who is usually teased and excluded, often making them feel ashamed, and helpless. However, there is a benefit to being a Target, says the book, which is that this type tends to learn to be feel empathy for other underdogs.

While it may seem difficult to break this cycle of cliques led by mean girls, according to Laura Choate, there are strategies that can be implemented by parents to try and help their daughters avoid getting caught up in these types of behaviours.

They include staying aware, ensuring you know what position your daughter has in her school's social hierarchy. Education around relational aggression (as opposed to more overt bullying) can also alert girls to inappropriate behaviours.

Birmingham-based clinical psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani (pictured) spoke to FEMAIL about 'mean girl' behaviours and what can create them

Among other pointers, like helping girls evaluate their friendships and diversify their friendship groups (for example, to include those from activities outside of school), Laura also recommends trying to foster a leader, helping her to 'pour her energy into a broader social issue that captures her interest', and use anger more productively.

Clinical psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani told FEMAIL: 'Understanding root causes is essential to addressing mean girl behaviour.

'Teaching empathy and helping young people consider others feelings and perspectives can be transformative and enable healthy connections / relationships. Building self-esteem through positive reinforcement and teaching resilience can help individuals feel confident without needing to put others down..

She continued: 'Clear boundaries are also vital. Families, schools, and communities must model and enforce respect, kindness, and accountability in social interactions. Adolescents benefit from having safe outlets to express their emotions and learn constructive ways to cope with stress and insecurities.

'Ultimately, addressing relational aggression requires a mix of education, emotional support, and accountability. The goal is to create environments where young people feel valued and supported without resorting to cruelty to navigate their social worlds.'
Tanja's video, from the US, showed bathwater turning muddy as she rinsed trees

A woman who washed her Christmas tree before putting it up has left social media users baffled.

Instagram user Tanja Bentley Ward divided the internet when she shared a video of her dunking the artificial firs in a bathtub, before hanging them up to dry, ahead of the holidays later this month.

The clip showed the bathwater turning muddy after Tanja - who appears to live in the US - rinsed her trees in it.

The text on her Instagram Reel read: 'You might be surprised by the amount of dust on your Christmas tree...'

Explaining her reasons, the poster captioned: 'How dusty could it possibly be?!

'Last year, I mentioned how dusty the Christmas tree appeared. This year, Johnny setup [sic] for me to rinse and dry the branches before we decorate the house.

'Have you ever cleaned your Christmas tree?!

'Ours was much worse than I thought.'

A woman was left shocked after seeing an unexpected material cascade from her Christmas tree after she installed the festive decoration in her home.

The video showed her bathwater turning murky after dunking the tree in it, which appalled other users on the social media platform

Instagram users expressed their disbelief over Tanja's actions in the comments section, with her post garnering over 110,000 likes and 850 responses.

One user fumed: 'I will never forgive you for showing me this'.

Another criticised Tanja for washing her artificial Christmas tree, writing: 'Nice way to rust your FAKE tree, get a real one.'

Several people were confused about why Tanja would wash a real tree that would, naturally, be dusty - until they clocked that she was talking about a faux spruce.

Reacting to Tanja's shock about how much dust had lodged itself within the tree's branches, one person sarcastically wrote: 'Almost like it was outdoors before you brought it in.'

A second user added: 'For I moment I thought this was referring to real trees and I was like...yes of course?'

A third shared their best advice for cleaning trees like Tanja's, writing: 'Take it outside and spray it with the hose before it gets too cold out, dry it off with the leaf blower and then take it in and decorate it.'

Still others declared they would 'never ever ever ever' wash their Christmas trees, lamenting about adding yet another chore to their to-do lists.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is pictured in the square before being mounted by specialist crews

'This is giving random s*** your manager makes you clean at work when its slow,' one person quipped.

Another added: 'I DONT NEED ANYTHING ELSE TO CLEAN.'

It comes after the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square was mocked over its '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 to the UK by Norway every year since 1947, will see its lights switched on in a grand ceremony on Thursday.

In recent years the tree has been criticised for its lacklustre appearance after a long trip from Norway, with experts having to arrange the branches and 'fluff out' the pines after it arrives in London.

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'.

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'.
Kate Moss has called her debut collection for Zara the 'perfect party capsule'. But when I tried on a few pieces, a couple of other P-words came to mind  polyester and pricey.

When news first broke that the supermodel was teaming up with the Spanish high-street brand for a collection of partywear, I was giddy with excitement. From the iconic sheer dress she wore in the 1990s, to the gold lurex mini-dress she stumbled around Glastonbury in, no one parties harder  and looks better while doing it  than Mossy.

This 40-piece collection of clothes and accessories was designed by Moss, with Marta Ortega Perez, the chair of Inditex (which owns Zara), and Kate's long-term collaborator and stylist Katy England. Key pieces included the jewelled bra top and ivory double-breasted blazer and the black mini-dress paired with a cape. There are more wearable options, too  a ruffled floral dress and a halter-neck top with velvet flares.

But while the clothes look incredible in photographs, in real life they are less supermodel, more supermarket.

Just one day after the collection launched, when I walked into a branch of Zara in London's Sloane Square on Sunday, the black mini-dresses (149) were already shedding beads on the shop floor. The blazer (119) was badly stitched and 100 per cent polyester.

The gold knitted mini-dress, inspired by Kate's Glasto version, was too short, almost see-through and 90 per cent polyester. The 49.99 price tag was the only clue that you hadn't bought it at a market stall.

And those items seemed like a bargain compared with the leopard-print leather jackets, which are 699 a pop.

Although this collection was much-hyped before it dropped, shoppers have been complaining about it online. Some stylists have called it 'underwhelming' and 'a major disappointment'. '199 for this very boring black trench coat?!' wailed another.

Kate Wills says that although Kate Moss's new Zara collection looks great in photos, they are in fact less supermodel and more supermarket

Kate Moss calls her debut a 'perfect party capsule', but when Kate Wills tried on a few pieces, the P-words polyester and pricey came to mind

'I was super excited about the range as were lots of my clients, but it falls flat,' says Tatiana de Normann, a stylist and personal shopper. 'The shoes are dated and the fabrics are just crap for the price point. These sought-after celebrity collaborations are often highly priced and then totally let down by the fabrics being used. Zara should be doing better!'

It's a far cry from Kate's celebrated Topshop collections. I was one of hundreds of skinny-jean-clad Kate fans who queued for hours outside Topshop for the first collection in 2007.

Nearly 20 years later, I still wear three of the dresses I bought  although I'm considering selling them. One Kate Moss x Topshop feather-trimmed LBD recently sold on eBay for 900. I bought mine for 130 in 2014.

Apparently, this new collection was Kate's idea, and she even pitched it to execs at Zara HQ. The company's founder, Amancio Ortega, 88, has historically opposed celebrity tie-ins, choosing to focus on a quick turnaround of catwalk-inspired designs.

The 40-piece collection includes this dress, which is flaunted by the 50-year-old model

But Armancio's youngest daughter Marta, 40, seems to like the glamour of an A-list association and has brought in a series of 'cool girls' to collaborate on ranges for Zara. In 2021, Charlotte Gainsbourg brought out a denim collection and, in 2022, Kaia Gerber curated a range of 1990s minimalism.

Kate Moss feels like the right fit. But either Zara doesn't have the same skilled designers Topshop did, or the costs of creating affordable, well-made clothes no longer add up.

When celebrity collaborations work, they're a winner  think of Victoria Beckham's collaboration with Mango back in April. But if the quality isn't there, customers don't feel like aspiring A-listers, we just feel mugged off.

Many of the Kate Moss x Zara pieces sold out within minutes online, but I wonder how many of those will end up being returned?

What is surprising is that even though I know how disappointing the quality is, I still find myself wavering over a black tasselled cape. Kate wore one for her 50th birthday in Paris. Maybe I, too, could look glamorous and enigmatic?

I stop myself when I realise I'm about to part with 79.99 for a sheet of black polyester. Mossy might look good in a bin bag, but I'm not going to spend my hard-earned cash on one, even if it has her name on.
When a cruise ship arrives at port, you may assume crew members would spend the time relaxing or seeing the sights.

However, according to Bryan James, who was been working on cruise ships for three years, when crew members finally get the chance to walk around on dry land, their first port-of-call is usually a pharmacy and supermarket - not a beach bar.

'When crew members go out in port in the Bahamas or Florida it's usually not to spend a day out at the beach,' Bryan, who is currently on the Utopia of the Seas ship, explained in a TikTok video.

'It's not even to go out eating or drinking,' he continued. 'Crews are mostly getting off the ship to get errands done.'

Bryan said in his particular instance, he was looking for a pharmacy to pick up some medication.

After finding the pharmacy - which was located in a busy tourist strip at the back of a souvenir shop - he realized it was more for over-the-counter medication, but picked up what he needed.

'But that's fine cause that's all I needed,' he said, adding that the store was filled with brands he wasn't used to.

'I just kind of had to pick what seemed like the closest match,' he exclaimed.

According to Bryan James, who was been working on cruise ships for three years, when crew members they finally get the chance to walk around on dry land their first port-of-call is usually a pharmacy - not a beach bar

He added that the crew really look forward to docking in the United States because that's where they find the widest variety of products.

'The problem is an Uber to Target or Walmart is like $50 round trip,' he added. 'So when you go shopping you tend to buy everything in bulk, and buy anything you need for months and months at a time.'

He added that Port Canaveral in Florida is maybe 'the worst' of all the US ports for crew when it comes to walkability.

'And that's a bummer because SOOO many ships go out of here,' he added.

Some users were shocked they hadn't thought of the logistics behind living on a cruise ship.

'Idk why I just assumed cruise ships would have like over the counter meds for sale somewhere?' someone questioned.

'Wow! I dont know why Ive never even made this connection that you would have to go get general products,' mused another. 'Can you connect with passengers & save on a shared ride?'

Bryan often documents his life on the cruise ship, showing off where they live, what they eat and how they go about menial tasks like doing laundry and cleaning.

Bryan said in his particular instance, he was looking for a pharmacy to pick up some medication

Some users were shocked they hadn't thought of the logistics behind living on a cruise ship

Bryan isn't the only cruise ship worker to share his experience online.

Earlier in the year, content creator Erica DePascale, who worked onboard the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, also shared insight.

In her videos, Erica shared what it was like working on board the ship.

Before the customers arrived to set sail on the 20-deck ship, Erica revealed that she and her co-workers had been 'stress testing' all of the facilities on board.

Erica gave some jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes look into what life on board the ship looks like.

This included what activities guests can participate in, as well as some of the astounding attractions - including the largest water parks at sea.

Erica's footage gives a sneak peak of some of the standout attractions, with colorful looping slides and a 40,000 gallon swimming pool yet to be filled.
Lauren Sanchez has never been one to shy away from daring outfits.

So it was no surprise to see the glamorous media personality, 54, spilling out of a lace bustier as she attended The New York Times DealBook Event in New York with fiance Jeff Bezos, 60, on Wednesday.

Sanchez sported a tight white blazer over the lingerie top, but it did little to conceal her chest.

She paired the blazer with matching trousers and accessorized with a white handbag and elegant diamond necklace.

Breaking up the all-white color scheme, Sanchez opted for black heels.

Her beau Bezos looked casual and cool in a pair of suede boots, black denim jeans, and a tight black shirt that showcased his muscular torso.

Sanchez and Bezos, 60, began dating in 2019 and got engaged in May 2023. They have yet to publicly disclose when they plan to marry.

The US Sun previously reported that the nuptials will take place in Aspen this winter.

Lauren Sanchez spilled out of a lace bustier as she attended The New York Times DealBook Event in New York with fiance Jeff Bezos, 60, on Wednesday

Sanchez sported a tight white blazer over the lingerie top, but it did little to conceal her chest

She gave an insight into the planning during an awkward appearance on The View last month in which she gave a reluctant update and said she is 'very excited' for the forthcoming ceremony.

Although a bit sheepish, she did share a bit about what was happening with her wedding.

'Very excited about it, thinking about the dress, I have to say, I do have a Pinterest, I'm just like every other bride, so I do have a Pinterest board,' Sanchez admitted.

During the segment, she also admitted that at age 54, she never thought her life would be where it was right now.

'I never thought at, I'm gonna be 55, that you know, I'd be an author, that I'd be getting married, I mean life is just beginning,' the helicopter pilot admitted.

'When I was 20, I thought, "Oh my gosh, life is over at 50," let me tell you, it is not, ladies,' the mogul reassured the audience.

'It is not over, it is just beginning. It just gets better and better, and I always say when women are like, "Oh what is it like turning 50?" It's just the beginning.'

The businesswoman has recently been kept busy working on her children's book, which was released in September.

The media personality smiled and posed for a social media selfie before the event

The couple showed their commitment to each other by holding hands

The businesswoman has recently been kept busy working on her children's book, which was released in September

The Fly Who Flew to Space which follows 'an adorable fly named Flynn as they follow their dreams of becoming an astronaut right onto a rocket ship'.

It has since received a slew of positive ratings, including one that appears to be posted by Bezos.

On the book's Amazon listing, an account bearing the name of Jeff Bezos left a review fiercely praising the book.

Bezos gave the tome the maximum rating of five stars, but said he would have given it 'six' if he could.

He comically described it as 'the best children's book his fiancee had ever written,' something that was not hard for her to achieve as this is her first and only children's book.

While there's no way to tell if the account is indeed Bezos', sources confirmed to USA Today that it is.

Breaking up the all white color scheme, Sanchez opted for black heels

Some of Sanchez's raven bangs blew in her face as she entered the venue from the street

Sanchez has been spending time with her new celebrity friends and was pictured at the Fall 2024 Opening Reception for fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

She mingled with several stars at her The Fly That Flew To Space book party in September.

At the event was Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as momager Kris Jenner and RHOBH vet Kathy Hilton, who is also Paris Hilton's mother.

Also seen were fashion model Miranda Kerr and jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, who used to be wed to Tobey Maguire.
Rain chances return next weekend. Until then, it will stay sunny and mild. Baron/Lynx

UPDATED FORECAST: Bay Area temperatures cooling down ahead of dynamic weather shift

Other than the thin layer of haze blanketing much of the Bay Area over the last few days, this week has been filled with cloudless skies, abnormally warm temperatures and not a single drop of rain.

So when will the warm weather end, and when might we see some precipitation again? It turns out that we are going to have to wait a while.

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We estimate that there will be a pattern switch sometime between Dec. 13-15 that will lead to a reintroduction of cooler temperatures and chances of rain.

As we head into the weekend, the ridge of high pressure that has been bringing warmth and sunshine to California will actually start to buckle, becoming oriented in a more west to east direction, but still centered over California.

Despite a low pressure system and a new atmospheric river developing over the Pacific Northwest this weekend, California will remain under the protection of the high pressure ridge, which means temperatures will change very little through the weekend and into early next week.

Help from 8,000 miles away

Would you believe that the eventual breakdown of Californias stubborn high-pressure ridge next week has roots in the Himalayan Mountains  some 8,000 miles to the west?

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The towering Himalayas, one of the planets most imposing physical features, dont just shape the local landscape  they also influence the atmosphere across the entire Northern Hemisphere. By disrupting the jet stream, they can slow down and pull back the broad west-to-east winds that dominate our weather patterns.

This process is set to unfold over the weekend. Once the atmospheric ripple begins, it will take about a week to travel across the Pacific, reaching California by Friday the 13th. By then, the high-pressure ridge will likely have shifted westward, creating an opening for a storm system  and possibly an atmospheric river  to target the state.

Until then, keep the sunglasses handy as the stretch of mild and sunny weather continues into and beyond the weekend.

Thursday breakdown

San Francisco: Light haze will linger at the surface in the morning, but it wont impact the mostly sunny skies that will dominate across the city. A slight change to an onshore wind direction will keep temperatures a few degrees cooler, but still above average with highs in the low 60s in Ocean Beach and highs in the mid-60s downtown. Mostly clear overnight, with lows in the upper 40s.

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North Bay: Other than some early morning haze and low level clouds along the Marin shoreline, skies will be clear and sunny across the North Bay. Highs will generally be in the low to mid-60s in Vacaville, Napa and Fairfield, while highs will be in the upper 60s in Santa Rosa, Novato and Mill Valley. Mostly clear save for some valley fog and haze overnight, with lows in the low to mid-40s.

East Bay: Air quality levels should start to improve across the East Bay as the wind direction becomes slightly more onshore. Temperatures will top out in the mid to upper 60s in Oakland, Hayward and Walnut Creek. Skies will remain clear overnight, with lows in the low to mid-40s.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Some clouds may linger along the Pacific coast with more of an onshore flow. But otherwise, expect another mostly sunny day across the Peninsula. Highs will be right around 60 degrees in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica and highs will be in the mid-60s in South San Francisco and San Mateo. Mostly clear overnight with lows in the 40s.

Santa Cruz and South Bay: Temperatures will warm into the upper 60s to low 70s in San Jose and across the Santa Clara Valley. Temperatures will be just a few degrees cooler in Santa Cruz with highs in the upper 60s. Skies will be mostly clear overnight, with lows in the mid-40s.
Ladies, I stand with Deborra-Lee Furness.

Hugh Jackman's romance with his co-star Sutton Foster was - allegedly - Broadway's worst-kept secret, and overnight the two confirmed they were officially an item by walking arm-in-arm on a date night in Santa Monica.

Good for them, I suppose.

But let's backtrack to early December when a unsavoury tabloid rumour was doing the rounds - one I said was so painfully familiar to women that I prayed it wasn't true.

Apparently, not only was Deb's former husband madly in love with Sutton, 49, but Hugh's best buddies, Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, apparently knew all about the relationship - and kept it quiet.

A source told RadarOnline that Deb was 'seething with rage over being the last to know'. And, if that's true, who can blame her?

It's Deb I want to focus on, ladies, because if there were ever a time for women to stand in solidarity with each other, it is now.

Let's assume the rumours aren't just tabloid B.S. To break it down simply - your ex-husband has moved on pretty damn quickly with a colleague and everyone in your circle knew.

Hugh Jackman's romance with his co-star Sutton Foster was - allegedly - Broadway's worst-kept secret, and overnight the two confirmed they were officially an item by walking arm-in-arm on a date night in Santa Monica

The now-couple is pictured on the opening night of their Broadway show The Music Man in February 2022 in New York City

And worse than that, they chose not to tell you.

Not only have you been betrayed by the man you love, but by your close friends, too. It's the ultimate humiliation, a slap in the face, another betrayal. And it makes my blood boil.

If I were in Deb's shoes, the question I'd be asking is: 'Well, who else knew?'

They say ignorance is bliss, but I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power. I've always insisted partners and friends tell me the truth, even if it's going to hurt. I'd rather know than not. When I'm armed with the facts, I can act accordingly.

I don't want there to be silent pity or hushed voices when I walk into a room. Spare me that, at least. I'd hope my husband of three decades and our mutual friends would respect me enough to be honest.

But, if the rumours are to be believed, Deb didn't get that. Not only does it sound as though half of their A-list mates apparently knew about Hugh's romance, but I'm guessing so did the cast of The Music Man.

So Hollywood knew (allegedly). Broadway knew (allegedly). Who else?

Now, let me be clear: I'm not suggesting I know the facts here. The source is RadarOnline, not The New York Times.

According to a rumour that did the rounds in early December, Deb was reportedly 'seething with rage over being the last to know' about Hugh's new relationship

I don't know if there's any truth to the rumour that Deb was 'the last to know'. All I know is that in ordinary lives - far away from Hollywood - this kind of thing happens all the time. And it's heartbreaking. You feel like a bloody fool. It's why the story hit me like a gut punch.

For now, let's look at the possibility of Deb being the last to know. I know a pretty famous actor who told me he wasn't surprised when he heard the rumours.

'The close-knit environment of a theatre production means the cast get to know each other very well,' he tells me.

'They live in this cocooned bubble and everyone gets pretty intimate with each other. It would be safe to say cast members would have known about the relationship.'

Ouch. I don't think there are many women reading this who wouldn't be feeling Deb's pain.

With their 13-year age difference, surely this was something Deb has feared, that her handsome 'toyboy' husband, Australia's Mr Nice Guy, would eventually end up with someone younger.

Amanda Goff says the whole Hugh Jackman divorce saga shows why ladies must stick together

As women, we feel this to our core. We all know a woman whose husband replaced her with someone younger, and many of us know a couple right now who have just split up, and he's already moved on.

Would you tell Deb if she was your friend? Don't you think she deserves to know? Do we have a right to know when our exes move on so quickly?

Yes, I think we do. There's no worse feeling than being the last to know when your ex has found someone new - especially if you've only recently separated. I can't imagine a friendship surviving knowing someone had that information but kept it secret from me.

Again, stand in Deb's shoes for a moment. The actress and producer is a year away from turning 70. She loved a man for three decades, raised two children with him and, let's be honest, put her career to the side so he could bask in the glory of his Hollywood success. Now, at retirement age, she's been replaced by a woman almost 20 years her junior.

That's heartbreaking enough.

The couple released a statement announcing their split in September 2023 and just over 12 months later, reports emerged that Hugh and Sutton were an item, having grown during the production of their musical The Music Man, which opened in February 2022.

Let's call a spade a spade, ladies. The timeline kind of overlaps.

According to the rumours, close friends Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds knew about Hugh and Sutton, but didn't tell Deb

Don't friends have an ethical responsibility to disclose information like this? After all, isn't that the definition of friendship? If not, then what the hell is? Dinners and movie nights? Coffee dates and shopping? Is that the extent of it? No, thanks. If I had friends like that, I'd take my dog out for dinner instead - more loyalty with her.

If your friends don't speak out, does that make them complicit?

And Ryan and Blake, hello? Did you honestly think no one would ask the question: did they know? You lot gush over each other constantly. How do you think you'd feel, Blake, if the shoe was on the other foot? That'd wipe the pearly white smile off your face, wouldn't it?

As women, do we have a responsibility to tell our girlfriends the truth in situations like this? Men have the bro code. Surely the sisterhood can adopt something similar.

Come to think of it, were any of their mutual friends even remotely loyal to Deb?

This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity among women. We need to speak out.

I can see the argument for saying nothing and keeping out of it. Telling all can backfire. Maybe the scorned partner won't believe you. Maybe the couple will get back together, come out stronger and suddenly you're the bad guy.

But in Deb's case, the marriage was already over when word started to spread Hugh had found somebody new. Surely someone ought to have told her - even an anonymous text?

Perhaps the rumour no one said anything to Deb tells you all you need to know about Hollywood and the fake, fickle people who inhabit it.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?
Prince William appeared nothing short of chivalrous when he encouraged his wife to stand next to King Charles during a ceremony to welcome the Emir of Qatar to London on Tuesday - but gracious Kate knew better than to flout royal protocol.

The sweet moment saw William lovingly gesture to his wife to stand beside his father - before she politely stood back and allowed her husband, as heir to the throne, take up his rightful place next to the monarch.

The clip, captured at the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, has delighted royal fans after it was posted to Instagram by @pgeorge.royal - and wellwishers have been struck by the way the Prince and Princess of Wales 'honour' each other.

The caption to the wholesome footage read: 'Prince William honors his wife Catherine so much, he lets her stand with the King and she honors him by letting him stand with the King'.

The moment has attracted almost 1,000 likes while supporters have also left comments praising the 'beautiful' exchange between William and Kate, both 42.

One person was touched by Kate's grace and her obvious respect for royal traditions, acknowledging that she was careful not to steal anyone's thunder.

They wrote: 'You can see there even though William asked Kate to be beside the Royal guest, she still insists that William should be on that spot.

'She follows protocol. Not stealing anyone's thunder'.

Prince William encouraged his wife to stand next to King Charles during a ceremony to welcome the Emir of Qatar to London on Tuesday

While the Instagram user made a mistake in their post, confusing 'the Royal guest' and the King - William wanted Kate to stand next to Charles - their description of Kate is one that others shared.

Another person commented: 'Her manners are impeccable'.

While a third enthused: 'Sooo beautiful'.

A fourth person shared their affection for the Prince and Princess of Wales by writing: 'Greetings and blessings family.'

Kate looked typically elegant in a berry ensemble at the ceremonial welcome for the Emir of Qatar and his wife.

The event marks the Princess of Wales's most significant royal engagement after her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment this year - and she carried the late Queen's memory with her.

Kate donned a burgundy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (although recently departed for Givenchy) and matching hat from Sahar Millinery as she met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry in Horse Guards Parade, London.

Her berry coloured outfit echoed the ensemble she wore in Southport in September when she visited families who had lost their three young daughters in a horrific knife attack in July.

Prince William and Princess Kate put on an elegant display at the ceremonial welcome on Tuesday

The moment, which saw William lovingly gesture to his wife to stand beside the King before Kate politely stands back to allow her husband, as heir to the throne, take up his rightful place next to his father, has delighted royal fans

The Princess of Wales beamed as she stood on stage at the ceremonial welcome

The royal wore her hair in a chic and intricate updo as she arrived at Horse Guards Parade flanked by her husband Prince William; and chose significant jewels to mark the significant occasion.

She donned the late Queen's 30,000 Bahrain pearl drop earrings and her Japanese Pearl choker necklace, both of which were also previously worn by Princess Diana.

After fans noticed earlier in the autumn that the Princess's engagement ring, which also once belonged to Princess Diana, had been replaced by an eternity ring, Kate wore the sapphire stone today.

In a break from her usual suede pumps in a matching shade, the Princess instead opted to wear a pair of leather berry boots.

While Kate brought her signature elegance and glamour to the event, a notable absence was felt in Queen Camilla, who will miss some of the event scheduled for the two-day visit due to ill-health.

Nonetheless, Kate's involvement in Tuesday morning's ceremony was hailed as a 'positive sign' of her recovery in royal circles as she makes gradual steps back into public life.

In addition to the official welcome on Horse Guards Parade, she also joined the carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace, before attending a private lunch.

Kate stayed to view a display of priceless Qatari artefacts from the Royal Collection - but she did not attend Tuesday evening's glittering state banquet.

Royal fans left comments below the clip, which was posted on Instagram, praising the 'beautiful' exchange between William and Kate

A royal source described the announcement of the Princess's 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.

Kate announced in March that she had embarked on a course of treatment after doctors found evidence of the disease after 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.

Tuesday's events marked the start of a busier week for Kate, who will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

The Princess is expected to be joined at the service by Prince William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
READ MORE: Kate Middleton pays sweet tribute to the late Queen as she welcomes the Emir of Qatar

The Duchess attended the Beverley Hills event in support of her friend Tyler Perry

Meghan Markle put on a dazzling display in an elegant black evening gown and $20,000 (15,722) worth of accessories, as she took to the red carpet yesterday evening.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, arrived at the The Paley Center to support her friend Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors gala in Beverley Hills.

She donned a custom strapless black evening gown from luxury label Oscar de la Renta, which featured a daring split.

The mother-of-two paired the outfit with a pair of simple yet classic custom heels from French label Celine for the occasion.

Meghan injected further glamour to her outfit with a exquisite diamond $14,000 (10,990) Logan Hollowell tennis necklace, which she paired with rings by Lorraine Schwartz and Engender, according to Marie Claire.

The 43-year-old, who also sported her favourite $6,360 (5,000) Cartier Love Bracelet, had her glossy brunette tresses styled into her trademark low bun for the event by hair stylist Hector, who goes by @hectorssworld on Instagram.

Meghan added a sentimental eternity ring from Lorraine Schwartz to her ensemble, which was gifted to her by Prince Harry to celebrate a year of marriage. The stones on the gold band hold the birthstones of both Harry, Meghan and baby Archie's feature on the underside of the ring, out of public view.

Makeup artist Daniel Martin, who did Meghan's make up for her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, carried out the royal's beauty regime yesterday evening, completing the glowy look off with a touch of pink lip gloss.

Meghan Markle put on a dashing display in a black Oscar de la Renta gown as she attended The Paley Center for Media Hosts Paley Honors Fall Gala

The mother-of-two added further glamour into her outfit with a pair of classic Stuart Weitzman heels

Meghan and husband Prince Harry, 40, were part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs for the event, though he was not present on the red carpet. Harry was in New York at the annual DealBook Summit, where he revealed that he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to return to the UK with Archie and Lilibet.

He said said his focus was on being the best husband and the best dad that I can be - and claimed that due to security concerns in Britain there are things his two children 'undoubtedly wouldnt be able to do in the UK'.

Former Suits star Meghan was at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to cheer on Perry, 55, as the Paley Center for Media honored the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career. Perry was also the recipient of the Paley Honors Award at the soiree.

The actress and her husband have a close friendship with the billionaire filmmaker, who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet.

In September, Meghan and Harry  who have reportedly taken a 'twin track' approach to public appearances, that will see them doing more things on their own rather than together  attended Perry's star-studded birthday bash with Oprah.

Perry  who previously said Meghan treated him 'like a therapist' after quitting the royal family  also famously let the pair stay in his Santa Barbara home when they first moved to America.

The Six Triple Eight filmmaker looked dapper for the night, wearing a black tuxedo with a black button-up underneath.

While on the red carpet he and the 43-year-old royal shared a tender hug and chatted together.

Meghan Markle, 43, dazzled during a solo red carpet appearance on Wednesday, as she supported her friend Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills

The Duchess of Sussex attended the glamorous event without Prince Harry, who was in New York at the time

The Duchess of Sussex and husband Prince Harry, 40, were part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs for the event, though he was not present on the red carpet

The actress wowed at the event, following reports that she and Harry have taken a 'twin track' approach to appearances that will see them doing more things on their own

The Suits star was there to cheer on Perry, 55, as the Paley Center for Media honored the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career

He also posed with actress Tika Sumpter, 44, who thrilled in a silver gown. Actress Kerry Washington, 47, was also present to celebrate Perry, and looked stunning in a vibrant blue gown.

Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles, 70, made the event as well, rocking a black blazer dress. Meanwhile Yvette Nicole Brown, 53, looked chic in a black velvet suit and matching heels.

'Throughout my career, I have strived to bring people together and to give a voice to those often underrepresented in media,' Perry said in a statement after it was revealed he would be receiving the award.

'Media has served as a vital platform for this mission, and Im honored to receive this award from The Paley Center for Media, an organization that has dedicated itself to spotlighting the power and importance of media.'

Maureen J. Reidy, the President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media, shared: 'Through his acclaimed and prolific body of work, Tyler Perry has solidified his place as one of medias greatest and most impactful figures.'

'With each new project, he continues to move our industry, and our culture, forward, and it is our great privilege to present Tyler with our highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.'

Other Tribute Host Committee Chairs at the event were Ariel Emanuel, Jon Feltheimer, Whoopi Goldberg, Taraji P. Henson, Matt Johnson, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gayle King, Debra L. Lee, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Scott Mills, The Honorable Nicole Avant and Ted Sarandos, and Kerry Washington.

The Paley Center for Media called Perry 'one of the most inspiring, versatile, prolific, and innovative creatives working in media today' adding that 'Over the course of his storied career, he has produced over 2,000 episodes of television, and directed, written, and produced 28 feature films.'

The royal injected further glamour to her stunning outfit with a classic 5,000 gold Cartier Love Bracelet

The mother-of-two appeared to be in great spirits at the Beverley Hills event, despite flying solo for the night

Meghan styled her sleek raven tresses into her chic updo for the glamorous event yesterday evening

She opted for a chic make up look for the occasion, with a touch of mascara drawing attention to her eyes

Her custom Oscar de la Renta black gown commanded attention on the red carpet on Wednesday evening

It comes after Prince Harry revealed that he and Meghan have no plans to return to the United Kingdom

The 43-year-old appeared in great spirits at the Beverley Hills event and laughed it up on the red carpet

The mother-of-two further accessorized her outfit with a Logan Hollowell diamond tennis necklace

The actress and her husband have a close friendship with the billionaire filmmaker, who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet

In September, she and Harry attended Perry's star-studded birthday bash with Oprah

Perry  who previously said Meghan treated him 'like a therapist' after quitting the royal family  also famously let the pair stay in his Santa Barbara home when they first moved to America

Back in 2020, after Harry and Meghan announced that they were saying goodbye to their royal duties and relocating to California, the couple, along with their then-one-year-old son, Archie, spent a few months living in Tyler's Beverly Hills mansion

She added that he sent her a 'note' in which he said he 'understood' the intense pressure she was under, and encouraged her to reach out if she ever needed help

She soon began to open up to him about her struggles and the two grew close, despite them never even meeting in person

According to the outlet, Tyler offering his home to the pair 'became, in many ways, the reason that Meghan and Harry started their new life in Southern California'

Meghan held hands with Perry as they greeted each other in front of the shutterbugs

Pictured: Meghan was seen leaving the Paley Honors Fall Gala honoring Tyler Perry at Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills

The Paley Center for Media is a non-profit organization that's dedicated to preserving television and radio history and exploring the cultural and social impact of media.

Back in 2020, after Harry and Meghan announced that they were saying goodbye to their royal duties and relocating to California, the couple, along with their then-one-year-old son, Archie, spent a few months living in Tyler's Beverly Hills mansion.

During an interview with The Cut in 2022, Meghan, spoke out about her bond with Tyler, explaining that he got in touch with her after she first wed Harry in 2018.

She added that he sent her a 'note' in which he said he 'understood' the intense pressure she was under, and encouraged her to reach out if she ever needed help.

She soon began to open up to him about her struggles and the two grew close, despite them never even meeting in person.

'Sometimes, you can tell your life story to a stranger on a plane as opposed to some of the people that are closest to you,' she told The Cut.

According to the outlet, Tyler offering his home to the pair 'became, in many ways, the reason that Meghan and Harry started their new life in Southern California.'

Meanwhile Perry previously shared about his friendship with the royal couple: 'They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great.'

The Hollywood titan revealed that the duo had previously shared the same publicist whom he used to deliver a message of support.

'I sent them a note... and just said, "If you ever need anything, I'm here," and she called months later and just talked to me like I was a therapist and we just had a great conversation.'
A man carrying a knife, handcuffs, tape, protective mask and 'dummy gun' has been arrested outside the residence of Sweden's Royal Family.

Crown Princess Victoria, 47, her husband, Prince Daniel, and their two children, Princess Estelle, 12, and Prince Oscar, eight, are based in Haga Palace, located in the Haga Park, Solna Municipality, in Stockholm.

It was reported that royal guards spotted the man behaving 'strangely' near the gates last night in Sweden.

'It is a man who has been in the area and behaved strangely and who was then checked. A knife was found,' confirmed Per Fahlstrom, a spokesperson for Stockholm Police.

Officers discovered handcuffs, tape, a protective mask and a 'dummy gun' on him, media outlet Aftonbladet reported.

The Swedish outlet also claimed the man had a list containing the names of high-ranking officials from a prominent company.

The man, who remains in custody as authorities investigate his motives, is suspected of violating the Knife Act and preparation for serious assault.

The alarm was raised at 5pm and officers were deployed to the scene, just metres away from where the princess, who is heir to Sweden's throne, lives.

A man carrying a knife, handcuffs, tape, protective mask and dummy gun has been arrested outside the residence of Crown Princess Victoria , 47, and her husband, Prince Daniel

Margareta Thorgren, head of information for the Royal Court, told Aftonbladet: 'Last night at 5pm, a man was outside the gates at Haga Castle and behaved differently.

'The guards, who are always on site, saw fit to call the police. 'The police arrived and arrested the man, and thus it is a police matter.'

Investigations are ongoing and police have not disclosed further details about the suspect.

It is expected that the Royal Family has been warned about the incident, but they have not released a statement yet.

Haga Castle, which is situated in a public park, has been the home of Crown Princess Victoria, her husband Prince Daniel, and their two children since 2010.

Princess Victoria is the eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia, and is the heir apparent to the Swedish throne.

She married Prince Daniel ,when he was still her personal trainer, in June 2010. They have two children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Princess Victoria would be completing more military training.

Crown Princess Victoria , 47, her husband, Prince Daniel, and their two children, Princess Estelle , 12, and Prince Oscar, eight, are based in Haga Palace, located in the Haga Park, Solna Municipality, in Stockholm were the incident happened

Haga Castle, which is situated in a public park, has been the home of Crown Princess Victoria, her husband Prince Daniel, and their two children since 2010

Haga Palace, formerly known as the Queen's Pavilion, is located in the Haga Park

Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar of Sweden pose for a family photo

The training is part of preparations for her future role as head of state, the Royal Court said in a statement in April.

'The Crown Princess will during autumn 2024 begin special officer training to acquire a deeper understanding of tactics, military science and military strategy,' it said.

The course involves both theoretical and practical learning. Sweden joined NATO in March, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy.

It comes after Victoria donned sophisticated military attire as she celebrated the 100th anniversary of a women's voluntary organisation last month.

She was in high spirits as she arrived at Skogshem & Wijk in Lidingo for the celebration, which marks a century of the nation's Women's Voluntary Defence Organisation.

She looked smart as ever in a beret featuring a gold medal and a dark blue suit jacket and skirt, which is understood to be associated with the group being commemorated.

Her hair was swept back into a sleek up-do, while she kept her make-up simple and clean.

Victoria completed her ensemble with a simple white blouse, and carried a bouquet of white, yellow and blue flowers.

Princess Victoria wore sophisticated military attire as she celebrated the 100th anniversary of a women's voluntary organisation

The heir to the Swedish throne, 47, was in high spirits as she arrived at Skogshem & Wijk in Lidingo for the celebration, which marks a century of the Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Organisation

Photos at the event saw the royal warmly greeting other attendees, before also making a speech.

The Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Organisation is 'Sweden's largest defence organisation open only to women', known as the Svenska Lottakaren (SLK).

The organisation, which says it is non-political and all based on voluntary contribution, was created in 1924.

It is an 'independent auxiliary defense organisation' which also works with other civil authorities.

Local corps, known as lottakar, represent the SLK across the country, with the headquarters stationed in Stockholm.

According to its website, member of the SLK, which is said to be made up by some 5,000 women around Sweden, are 'responsible for a great number of tasks in the national defence', including the Home Guard, Navy and Air Force.
Here, FEMAIL explains how you can get your hands on a free drink

Starbucks has announced that they are giving away free drinks to millions of workers in an offer that will only be valid until the end of today.

While Brits may be bracing themselves to run to their nearest branch of the major outlet, the offer is only valid for people in a certain type of employment.

Anyone who is an NHS worker will be able to bag a free drink at many stores across the UK due to the brand's partnership with NHS Charities Together.

On Thursday, NHS staff can claim any free tall drink by showing a valid NHS staff ID at the till. While Blue Light discount cards will not be accepted, holders do get 10 per cent off at Starbucks all year round.

Although the promotion is valid at numerous stores across the UK, it is important to check if it will be valid at your local store, as not every branch is included in the promotion.

The collaboration, which is now in its fifth year, will also see Starbucks send festive treats to 10 ambulance stations.

Furthermore, NHS staff visiting participating We Proudly Serve Starbucks stands in hospitals can receive a free milk chocolate gold coin when they buy any hot drink, subject to availability.

It began during the coronavirus pandemic, when Starbucks began donating money and items to the charity, which supports NHS staff and helps improve care by funding services and equipment not covered by government funds.

Starbucks has announced that they are giving away free drinks to millions of workers in an offer that will only be valid until the end of today (file image)

In the five years since then, Starbucks has donated over 500,000 food and drinks items to NHS staff, and given more than 3.9million to the fund, per its website.

As well as running nationwide campaigns, Starbucks gives its individual stores the chance to partner with their local NHS charity and make a difference in their own communities.

Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK, said: Were proud to offer this giveaway for the fifth year running to say a small thank you to NHS staff for their remarkable service. Starbucks has always been a place where people come together and we hope that NHS staff can do just that on Thursday over a coffee on us.

'Thank you to our ongoing partner NHS Charities Together whose invaluable work supports the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff across the UK.'

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together said: 'Winter is always a demanding season for the NHS, with 72 per cent of the public rating working within the NHS as the most difficult job to do over the festive period in a recent survey, so this initiative couldn't come at a better time.

'We hope Starbucks Free Coffee Giveaway will remind our NHS staff across the UK that their dedication is appreciated and they will be able to take a break from their life-saving duties and enjoy the festive season.'

It comes after Starbucks announced some major changes to its menu in the United States, with the new Starbucks boss saying he will simplify the chain's 'overly complex menu' in a bid to win back customers amid slumping sales.

Brian Niccol said the chain needed to 'fundamentally change' its strategy.

While Brits may be bracing themselves to run to their nearest branch of the major outlet, the offer is only valid for people in a certain type of employment (file image)

The company unexpectedly released its earnings report in October, which revealed that sales had fallen sharply for the third consecutive quarter.

US sales fell by 6 per cent, as cash-strapped customers are increasingly put off by high prices and long wait times for drinks.

'Simplifying the menu may help resolve the problem of cafes becoming more stressful and less appealing, but they are not the only issues in play,' Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData Retail, told DailyMail.com.

'The main issue is that consumers are buying less coffee from Starbucks in order to save money,' he said.

'The other issue which compounds the problem is that Starbucks has gone off track in terms of the added value it is supposed to provide,' he added.

'Its cafes are too busy, lines too long, and too many of them are not pleasant places to linger. That means some people have defected to rivals, including independent chains.'
James Middleton, the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, has recounted his struggles in opening up to family members while he was battling depression - and revealed how he instead confided in his beloved late spaniel Ella.

The 37-year-old, who now lives in a farmhouse in Berkshire with his wife Alizee Thevenet and their first child Inigo, appeared on Loose Women today as part of their 25-hour talkathon which will fundraise for the mental health charity Get Britain Talking.

In an unfiltered conversation with hosts Kaye Adams, Colleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Judi Love, James revealed that his mental health first started to nosedive when he was at boarding school.

'Exams didn't reflect my knowledge base,' James candidly explained. 'On paper, I was failing and so I was made to feel like a failure.

'Expectations of you are a round hole and I was a square peg. I felt like the edges of me were being shaved off to get me through this round hole.'

Despite being at his lowest, James admitted: 'The hardest people I found it to speak to were my family.

'I think it was embarrassment. There was a stigma in myself because I've had such a privileged upbringing, how could I possibly be depressed?

'But it's an illness, it's a cancer of the mind.'

On today's episode of Loose Women, James Middleton spoke candidly about his mental health struggles

Despite looking 'normal' on the outside, James said it felt like he was 'burning' on the inside.

James went on to tell the Loose Women panel that his family knew that something was wrong but the more they tried to reach out, the more he became 'a recluse'.

'Only after therapy and chatting a lot was it suggested that my family should be involved and I'm so grateful for their patience.

'When the timing was right, they were there. They didn't just give up and say: "Deal with it yourself".

Instead of speaking to his family, James found himself seeking comfort in his dog Ella.

The mental health campaigner said: 'I've connected with animals more than humans. Animals don't judge you and that's something that is really comforting.

'Ella was one of those dogs, I'll never try and replace her,' he said. 'She was there when I was a teenager all the way to adulthood and passed away right before we found out my wife was expecting.

'At the beginning, when I picked her up as an eight-week old pup, I thought that I would be looking after her but actually she was the one looking after me for those 15 years.'

James revealed he struggled to confide in his family when he was at his lowest. Pictured: the Middleton Family leaving the Goring Hotel in London in April 2011

Kate's family attend a carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2021. From left to right, Pippa, James, his wife Alizee, Carole and Michael Middleton

James brought his dog Nala with him to the panel show and shared that his mental health first took a nose dive when he was at boarding school

James told the Loose Women panel that he found it difficult to speak to his family when he was depressed. He said that the more they tried to help, the more of a 'recluse' he became

With his dog Nala by his side, James thanked his family for being patient with him and being there when he needed it

James was in his first year at the University of Edinburgh when he brought Ella into his life.

He said that having something he 'was responsible for' helped keep him afloat during his darkest days.

'Ella saved my life because there were some very dark days where the anxiety meant I couldn't sleep and the turmoil that was going on in my mind, I just wanted to shut it off.

'It may have been pouring with rain or freezing cold but you still have to put a coat on and go outside.

'It was the ability to take yourself out of that moment and see a dog charging around and happy gives you that serotonin rush that really helped me.'

The entrepreneur went on to found raw dog food brand Ella & Co in 2020 which he named after his beloved spaniel.

On the website, James reveals that Ella came to 'every single one' of his therapy sessions.

He wrote: 'Just being by my side, she was helping me tremendously and had an immense positive impact.

James credits his life to his late dog Ella (pictured) as he would take her out on walks, even on his darkest days

'Its not always been easy for me to talk about my struggles with anxiety and depression, but Ella has been the one to encourage me to get the help I needed.

'I believe she is a large reason I was able to overcome the deep struggles I have had with my mental illnesses.

James credits Ella for not only saving his life but introducing him to his wife Alizee.

Writing in The Telegraph in 2021, James explained he met Alizee in 2014 at the South Kensington Club when Ella 'made a beeline for Alizee'.

James, who was 'embarrassed', went over 'to apologise and bring Ella back', recalling how Alizee thought he was a 'waiter' and 'ordered her drink while continuing to stroke Ella, who at this point was on her back lapping up the attention.'

Although Ella passed away last year, James has kept her memory alive by writing a touching book about their time together.

The book, which is titled Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, was published in September 2024.

On today's episode of Loose Women, James, who is a representative of the charity Pets as Therapy, brought along his trusty dog Nala.

As the audience clapped quietly as to not disturb the pup and the hosts stroked her chocolate brown coat, James revealed that Nala is in fact Ella's granddaughter.
Queen Letizia oozed sophistication in a black figure-hugging gown as she attended the 35th anniversary of Spanish newspaper El Mundo in Madrid.

The monarch, 52, who is herself a former CNN journalist, looked glamorous as she arrived at the photocall on Thursday.

The mother-of-two looked sensational in a tweed dress which featured long sleeves and off-the-shoulder detailing.

She completed the chic ensemble with black pointed heels and added sparkling touch with diamond drop earrings.

The royal posed up a storm at the photocall and presentation of the 22nd edition of the International Awards of El Mundo.

The beauty styled her brunette locks in a sleek centre parting, while her glam makeup featured a classic smokey eye.

El Mundo (The World in English) was founded by Pedro J. Ramirez, Alfonso de Salas, Balbino Fraga and Juan Gonzalez in 1999, and it is the second most read newspaper in Spain.

Previously at the 30th anniversary of the paper Letizia's husband King Felipe said the publication was 'a defender of the freedoms and rights of all citizens'.

Queen Letizia oozed sophistication in a black figure hugging gown for El Mundo presentation awards in Madrid today

In a speech he said: '30 years have passed; three decisive decades of the history of our country.

'And tonight we commemorate or celebrate what in them has been the extraordinary contribution to this newspaper of so many professionals, to portray them, describe them, even contribute to shaping them and leaving the testimonies of their protagonists for history. Congratulations to all of them.

'El Mundo, at this time, has become one of the most influential newspapers in our country, defender of the freedoms and rights of all citizens, especially the right to information and freedom of expression, as essential grounds of any rule of law.'

It comes after Letizia turned heads in a brand new tailored blazer and high-waisted trouser designer set yesterday.

The mother-of-two attended an event in Madrid focusing on raising awareness about accessibility in the workplace to mark International Disability Day.

The stylish royal arrived at the State Reference Centre for Personal Autonomy and Technical Aids with a black woollen coat draped over her shoulders - a technique known as shrobing - in an effort to stave off the winter chill.

There, she was greeted by the Second Vice President Yolanda Diaz and the Equality Minister Ana Redondo Garcia.

Notably, all three women opted for a business suit but with varying degrees of vibrancy.

The monarch, 52, who is a former CNN journalist, arrived at the photocall for the 35th anniversary of Spanish newspaper El Mundo on Thursday

The mother-of-two looked sensational in a tweed dress which featured long sleeves and an off the shoulder detail

She completed the chic ensemble with black pointed heels and she added a bit more glamour with diamond drop earrings

(L-R) Xavier Colas, Queen Letizia and Michael Reid pose at the photocall at the 35th anniversary of 'El Mundo'

The Spanish Queen appeared in great spirits as she attended the awards in Madrid on Thursday

The fashionable royal arrived wearing a chic white coat which she draped over her shoulders

While politicians Yolanda and Ana kept their outfits muted in white and grey respectively, the Spanish Queen turned heads in a midnight blue blazer worth 269.

She paired the statement suit by BOSS with a thin black round neck jumper and practical leather loafers with block heels by the same high-end fashion label.

Letizia has been opting for lower footwear over extravagant high heels as she is rumoured to be suffering from Morton's neuroma in her left foot since 2022.

This condition is characterised by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the third and fourth metatarsal bones.

It can cause severe stabbing pain, numbness and tingling.

She is also reported to have metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot - in both feet, which also explains why she has been choosing comfortable shoes.

Letizia wore her brown tresses down in a side parting and used bronze eyeshadow and thick mascara to accentuate her hazel green eyes.

Queen Letizia with a black woolen coat thrown over her shoulders as she arrives at the State Reference Centre for Personal Autonomy and Technical Aids

Letizia wears practical leather loafers with block heels from BOSS as she is rumoured to be suffering from Morton's neuroma in her left foot

Although the Queen kept her nails bare of polish, she completed her elegant ensemble with pearl drop earrings.

After taking a seat alongside various politicians and businessmen in the auditorium, Letizia was called on stage to deliver a speech - which, as usual, she delivered without cue cards.

In her capacity as honorary president of the Council of the Royal Board on Disability, she said: 'It is not at all usual for unions, companies and third sector entities to meet under the same roof to reflect on how to extend the rights of people with disabilities as consumers and workers.'

In addition to stressing the need for accessibility in the business sector, Letizia said: 'People with disabilities must have quality and decent work under the same conditions of equity as everyone else.'

As a former journalist herself, Queen Letizia also had a message for the media.

According to Articulo14, she asked journalists to avoid turning people with disabilities into 'heroes' when they overcome a social injustice.

The Queen eloquently added: 'All people, regardless of their physical, cognitive or sensory condition, should be able to achieve the life they want'.

In her speech, Yolanda Diaz described a conversation she had with the Queen, in which she told her that 'every time she reads the white paper on people with disabilities' she is 'confused' because there are too many challenges to face.

'The activity rate of people with disabilities is only 35.3 per cent,' Yolanda said, 'so the challenge is huge.'

The event concluded with a brief discussion between Spanish companies, Carrefour, Acciona, AENA, and unions, such as UGT.
She opened up about her marriage in her new book, Overcoming: A Workbook

The former first lady laid bare how she and her Barack overcome disagreements

Michelle Obama has shared insight into how she and her husband Barack Obama overcome their marriage problems, while also laying bare continuous body image issues.

While the former first lady, 60, and ex-president, 63, celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October, it took them 'a lot of practice' to learn how they can conquer their disagreements.

Getting candid about how they deal with conflict in her new book, Overcoming: A Workbook, Michelle admitted that she runs a 'lot hotter' than her husband does and that it takes her significantly more time to be ready to unpack an argument.

She penned: 'In my marriage, it took us some time and a lot of practice to figure out how to work through our disagreements.

'Barack, it turns out, is an on-the-spot fixer. He likes to jump right in and try to hash out a relationship problem immediately when it surfaces.

'I, on the other hand, run a lot hotter and slower than my husband does. I boil over with irritation and then have to work my way gradually back toward reason.

Michelle Obama has shared insight into how she and Barack overcome their marriage problems

The former first lady celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October

'My brain will sometimes implode at the outset of a conflict, and the last thing I want to do is engage in some instantly rational, bullet-pointed debate about who's right or what the solution is.'

Michelle, who shares daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, with Barack, said that it has taken the couple lots of practice to learn how to respond to each other, while also being considerate to both of their histories and needs.

'Barack has figured out how to give me more space and time to cool off and process my emotions slowly, knowing that I was raised with that sort of space and time,' she continued.

'I have likewise learned to become more efficient and less hurtful while doing that processing.

'And I try not to let a problem sit too long, knowing that he was raised to not let things fester.'

Elsewhere in the book, Michelle spoke openly about her struggles with imposter syndrome and body image.

'I've lived with my fearful mind for more than sixty years now,' she wrote. 'We don't get along. She makes me uneasy. She likes to see me weak.

'She keeps a giant overstuffed file folder containing every mistake and misstep I've ever made and is constantly scanning the universe for further evidence of my failings.

Michelle admitted that she runs a 'lot hotter' than her husband does and that it takes her significantly more time to be ready to unpacking an argument

She penned: 'Barack, it turns out, is an on-the-spot fixer. He likes to jump right in and try to hash out a relationship problem immediately when it surface'

'She hates how I look, all the time and no matter what.

'She doesn't like the email I sent to a colleague. She doesn't like the comment I made at the dinner party last night, either.

'She can't believe I say such dumb things in general.

'Every day, I try to talk back to her. Or to at least override her with more positive thoughts. But still, she won't go away.'

While Michelle described her fearful mind as 'every monster I've ever known', she revealed she has made a habit of pausing for a moment when doubts begin to build.

'I've been practicing stepping back and addressing my fear with familiarity,' she wrote.

Michelle's workbook, based on her 2022 number one New York Times bestseller The Light We Carry, features practical tools for navigating life's challenges and fortifying oneself in the face of uncertainty, obstacles, and self-doubt.

It was published on December 3.

Her first book, a memoir titled Becoming, was published in 2018.
A Wyoming man with dementia who went missing has been found safe and sound after his wife spotted him on TV while watching a news segment about helping those in need in Salt Lake City.

Michael Black, 91, ended up at Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, which is over 200 miles (320 kilometers) away from the home he shares with his wife, Avril Black, in Afton in western Wyoming's Star Valley.

Avril, 77, had reported her husband as missing on November 25 and tipsters had helped police map his journey through southern Idaho and into northern Utah, but then the trail went cold.

It turns out that Black - who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago - hitchhiked from a bus station to the rescue mission, where he met Jay Rouse.

Rouse, who is the shelter's chapel lead, told KSL News that he'd received a call from a good Samaritan who had picked Black up at the bus station on November 26.

'It was about 8.30pm to 9.00pm [local time] and normally, we're closed at that time but I said, "bring him by,"' Rouse recalled.

'Turned out he was 91 years old, a Korean War Vet. He was a really sweet guy. I realized this sweet, old man was in need of some help,' Rouse added.

The day before Thanksgiving on November 27, Avril spotted her white-haired husband while watching a KSL News segment as part of the 10 o'clock news that evening.

Michael Black is a 91-year-old man with dementia who went missing and his wife found him when she spotted him on a Thanksgiving news segment

Black ended up 200 miles from his home in Wyoming at this shelter in Salt Lake City called Rescue Mission

He was dressed in a black coat having dinner among dozens of others staying at the shelter.

Referring to the moment that she realized it was him, Avril said 'I thought, "Wait a minute, I'm sure I saw Michael."

'So I paused the TV, set it back, and yeah, sure enough, there he was,' she recalled.

'It was so unreal. I was so relieved. I actually slept that night,' Avril told KSL News.

Police then confirmed Michael Black's identity and she drove all the way to Salt Lake City to collect him.

'I'm speechless. It just blows me away that it happened. Boy, does he have some guardian angel looking after him.

'And you guys, thank goodness that you were there,' Avril continued, referring to the Afton Police Department and the team at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake.

'The police have been wonderful to us,' she told the outlet. 'And the rescue home, they gave him warm clothes and a blanket and really took care of him.'

Sam Benastick, 20, (pictured) was found on Thanksgiving after he spent 50 days lost in the Rocky Mountains in Canada

The Thanksgiving miracle occurred the night before a missing 20-year-old hiker was found alive after he disappeared for over 50 days in the Rockies.

Sam Benastick was reported missing on October 19 after he did not return from a 10-day fishing and hiking trip in Redfern-Keily Park in the northern Rocky Mountains, in Canada's British Columbia.

With temperatures in the mountain region dropping to a bitterly cold -20C (-4F), authorities were forced to call off their search in late October.

But two workers who were heading down a trail on Tuesday spotted Benastick, recognizing him as he walked towards them with two walking sticks and a cut-up sleeping bag wrapped around his legs for warmth.

He was taken back to safety and told cops that he initially stayed in his car for a few days, before walking to a creek near a mountain, where he camped for around two weeks.

After his time at the creek, he moved further down the valley and built a shelter in a creek bed.

Announcing his safe return to civilization, mom Sandra Crocker told hunters and fishers on a local Facebook group: 'Sam Benastick is alive, it's TRUE.

'Recovering in hospital. Complained he hadn't caught one fish. He will make recovery, just needs some time.'
TikTok is the perfect place for meal prep inspiration - no matter what your culinary abilities are.

Over the years, quick and easy recipes like Finnish blogger Jenni Hayrinens baked feta pasta or Jen Jones air-fried banana split have gone viral on the platform - and now Australian influencer Anna Paul is serving up a Turkish twist on pasta that users cant get enough of.

Inspired by a Central Asian dish called Manti, which is a type of dumpling, Annas timesaver dinner has accumulated a cult-like following - with some people declaring it is the best pasta they have ever eaten.

The OnlyFans star, who recently sparked criticism for admitting she wants a super super rich husband, revealed the dish was invented by her mother and comes together in only as long as it takes for the pasta to cook in a video posted last month.

Addressing her 7.2 million followers, the TikTok influencer said the dish only requires a handful of ingredients - including garlic-whipped yoghurt, paprika butter, minced meat, freshly boiled noodles and any salad veggies you have lying around.

In the clip that currently has nearly 13 million views, she shared: 'This is mama's Turkish pasta and I'm gonna show you how to make it because it's really, really easy.'

For the recipe, Annas mother adds the mince to a pan and cooks it off in its own fat, before adding curry powder 'because she thinks it gets rid of that weird meat flavour'.

The meat is then seasoned with a generous heaping of black pepper, onion powder, sweet paprika and salt.

The latest viral recipe is a 'Turkish pasta' popularised by the Australian TikTok and OnlyFans star, Anna Paul, (pictured) whose 10-minute creation has earned rave reviews

The recipe in question is thought to be inspired by the Turkish dish Manti - which is a type of dumpling - and combines freshly boiled noodles with minced meat, a garlicky yoghurt sauce, paprika butter, and vegetables

Annas mother also adds some diced brown onions to the pan before allowing everything to cook together until the meat is crispy.

Next, she prepares what anna describes as the most important part of the dish - a garlicky yoghurt sauce that requires Greek yoghurt, three cloves of minced garlic, and salt.

Annas mother also whips up a spicy sauce by melting butter and then stirring paprika through it.

According to Anna's mother, the dish is completed when all these ingredients are combined with the hot pasta and then topped with vegetables like baby tomatoes and fresh parsley.

Since posting the video, the recipe has blown up on social media - with dozens of users recreating it in their own kitchens.

Those who have tried the popular TikTok recipe have praised it as delicious, with several people admitting they have become 'addicted' to it and cooked it several nights in a row.

One user said: 'See why this is viral OMGGG, Anna Paul's mums Turkish pasta so fresh and yummy.'

Another revealed the dish was 'easily a 10 out of 10', adding that it had become a staple weeknight dinner.

The content creator first debuted the dish on her social media in November, when she shared the recipe to her 7.2 million TikTok followers

Those that have tried Anna's mother's culinary creation have described it as the 'best pasta' they have ever eaten

Anna's recipe video currently has over 12 million views, prompting several TikTok users to try their hand at recreating the pasta dish

Others hailed its use of 'fresh and delicious' ingredients, with some fitness influencers expressing their approval for the protein-packed dish.

In a follow-up video, Anna shared a clip of her mother preparing the delicious dinner before sitting down to enjoy the meal.

'Most people are obsessed with this, she noted. I had people tell me they've made this every single day for a week because they love it so much and I don't blame them.'

'The speed at which I eat this should be studied, it's a hazard for my throat,' she continued.

'And you guys love this, I'm so happy that you love this. You know everyday I get tagged in I think 30 to 40 stories of people making this every single day.'

During the clip, Anna's mother also suggested that the dish could be made vegetarian by 'adding lentils'.

Anna's recent post comes days after the German-born Australian vlogger hosted the TikTok awards in Australia last weekend.

During the event, Anna left one reporter stunned when she joked about wanting to marry someone 'who's super super super rich' - though the moment attracted fierce criticism after it was posted on social media

For the recipe, Anna's mother adds mince to a pan to cook off in it's own fat. She then adds curry powder 'because she thinks it gets rid of that weird meat flavour' and a diced onion

In a follow-up video, Anna's mother advised the dish can be made vegetarian by 'adding lentils'

Those who have tried the popular TikTok recipe have praised it as delicious, with several people admitting they have become 'addicted' to it and cooked it several nights in a row

Others hailed its use of 'fresh and delicious' ingredients, with some fitness influencers expressing their approval for the protein-packed dish

Shortly after, Anna defended in the comments section, insisting she was just 'nervous'.

She confessed: 'Guys I was so so nervous and didnt know what to say on the spot.

'Im nervous laughing to try to move past the question cause I didnt know what to say on the spot like that.'

At the TikTok Awards in Sydney, Anna ensured all eyes were on her as she led the arrivals in a glittering floor-length dress, adorned with intricate embroidery and a thigh-high split.

No stranger to showing off her designer wardrobe, the show-stopping custom frock, designed by Kylie Jenner's Khy label, retails for $340 (around 267).

The internet superstar, who has more than seven million TikTok followers, kept her accessories to a minimum for the star-studded night, simply adding an array of dainty bracelets.

Anna has never publicly disclosed her total net worth, although it was estimated to be about $10 million (7.8 million) at the end of 2024.

As well as monetising her TikTok content, Anna reportedly makes up to $220,000 a month from Only Fans, charging followers $9.99 per month for premium content.

Anna started her OnlyFans account at the age of 18 after carving out a reputation for herself as an influencer when she was a teenager.

She now has a cumulative 9.6 million followers across her social media platforms and her vlogs have documented her transformation from a 'broke' schoolgirl to a wealthy content creator and skincare entrepreneur.
Births in the EU last year plunged to an all-time low, heightening 'underpopulation' fears.

Just 3.67million babies were born across the 27 nations in the Bloc in 2023.

This was down 5.5 per cent on 2022, marking the biggest percentage drop since records began in 1961.

Double-digit percentage falls were recorded in the worst-affected countries, with Romania experiencing a 13.9 per cent decrease.

Freefalling birth rates have triggered doomsday warnings about an impending population collapse, which experts believe will cripple western economies.

Immigration will be needed to avoid the devastating consequences in Britain and the US, demographers delving into the topic have warned. Otherwise, the ever-declining birth rate could leave powerhouses with too few younger people to work, pay tax and look after the elderly.

After Romania, Poland (10.7 per cent), Czechia (10 per cent), Latvia (9.2 per cent), and Slovakia (7.7 per cent) saw the biggest year-on-year decline in births.

Wealthy EU nations, including France and Germany, also saw a significant drop.

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Just five nations saw any rise in total births  Malta (3.6 per cent), Portugal (2.4 per cent), Bulgaria (1.1 per cent), Cyprus (1 per cent) and Ireland (0.5 per cent).

The threat of underpopulation sparked by 'baby busts' is a pet topic of Elon Musk

In 2017, the eccentric Tesla billionaire said the number of people on Earth is 'accelerating towards collapse but few seem to notice or care'. And in 2021 he warned that civilisation is 'going to crumble' if people don't have more children.

While some nations are set to see their populations halve, others, especially in Africa, are forecast to log an eight-fold increase by the 22nd century.

Every single EU nation has a fertility rate  the average number of kids per childbearing woman  well below the replacement rate of 2.1, the number needed for the population to remain static.

The fertility rate in England and Wales in 2023, according to the latest Office for National Statistics report, was just 1.44  the lowest on record.

The UK hasn't had an average fertility rate above 2.1 since the early 70s.

No authority has a fertility rate above 'replacement' level.

Experts believe the trend is partly down to women focusing on their education and careers and couples waiting to have children until later in life.

The UK's fragile economy and cost-of-living crisis is also putting people off having children, some believe, evidenced by abortion rates simultaneously spiking.

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Others cite the environment, with people fearing that they will worsen their carbon footprint by having a child or that their child will have a bleak future due to climate change.

There is no evidence that Covid vaccines are to blame, with scientists insisting there is no proof they harm fertility.

Professor Melinda Mills, a demographer at the University of Oxford, told the Telegraph that with more educated women pursuing careers, they find it harder to find childcare.

She also said that many wait until their mid-30s which, due to biological factors, can lead to fewer people being successful in having children.

'You are starting to have children when you are biologically less able to have children,' she told the Telegraph.

'You might be able to have one child but because you're starting so late biologically, it's really difficult to have more children. People are getting caught out on that where they're just running out of time.'

Declining birth rates mean that the world's biggest economies will have to become more reliant on immigration as the population ages.

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While many scientists have warned about the threat of overpopulation on the environment, food and housing supplies, underpopulation is also a challenge.

Any decline in birth rates  combined with elderly people living longer thanks to medical advances  will see a drastic shift in the demographics of a population, with a higher number of older people in relation to young.

Experts worry this will leave too few taxpayers to fund public services, too few workers to fill key roles in health and social care services and too few people to buy houses and cars, upsetting global economics.

Some nations have even taken to paying new parents for having children in a bid to increase the birth rate.

Dr Natalia Bhattacharjee, of the University of Washington's School of Medicine, said the trends will completely reconfigure the global economy and the international balance of power.

In a paper published last year about the threat of underpopulation, she said: 'The implications are immense.

'These future trends in fertility rates and live births will completely reconfigure the global economy and the international balance of power and will necessitate reorganising societies.

'Global recognition of the challenges around migration and global aid networks are going to be all the more critical when there is fierce competition for migrants to sustain economic growth and as sub-Saharan Africa's baby boom continues.'

Economist Professor Andrew J Scott told the Telegraph that low birth rates are already becoming a 'biting point' in the EU, with most employment growth in the last decade coming from over-50s.

He said due to more old people and fewer young people. 'I don't think firms have yet woken up to the reality of a labour market where they've got to start thinking that actually my workforce is older,' Professor Scott added.

The global population is not expected to shrink anytime soon.

There are roughly 8billion people around the world currently and the figure is expected to peak close to 2100.

Although, credible studies suggest that the number of people worldwide could start to tail off as early as 2070.
A revolutionary vaccine that destroys specific strains of the bacteria E.coli could cut the risk of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers, according to scientists.

Research has suggested increasing cases of certain cancers in the UK could be linked to the bug  which is well-known for causing food poisoning, as well as urinary tract and blood infections.

The particularly harmful strains produce a DNA-damaging chemical called colibactin that has been linked to several types of cancer, including bowel cancer.

Vaccinating people to prevent them from becoming infected could offer 'huge public health benefits', researchers said, including lowering cancer risk.

The sharp rise in young people being diagnosed with cancer is a trend that's baffling doctors.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK with around 16,800 deaths a year. But over the last 30 years cases have surged by 52 per cent in 25-49 year-olds, according to studies.

The mystery surge is thought to be linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyles and junk food consumption.

Cases of prostate cancer have also increased by 622 per cent in 25-49 year-olds since the early 1990s and more than 55,000 cases are diagnosed a year in the UK across all age groups, Cancer Research says.

A study has suggested higher cases of certain cancers in industrialised countries such as the UK could be linked to two particular types of E.coli, which can cause infections in the urinary tract and bloodstream

Although overall cases of bladder cancer have actually decreased by 23 per cent in the UK between 2000-2002, more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year, according to Cancer Research.

But a vaccine to tackle E.coli  a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals  could reduce these numbers, a study published in the Lancet Microbe has revealed.

In the study researchers used international surveillance data to track different strains that had infected patients across different countries, including the UK, Norway, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The academics were especially interested in two strains that are more common in industrialised countries and cause infections of the bloodstream and urinary tract, rather than the digestive system.

These countries also have higher levels of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers, according to researchers.

The team's analysis showed these strains were much rarer in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, where cases of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers are also lower.

Senior author Professor Jukka Corander, of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Oslo, and the University of Helsinki, said: 'We have been using large-scale genomics to track E.coli strains across multiple countries for the last five years, using data that goes back to the early 2000s.

'This has allowed us to start to see the possible connections between two E.coli strains and cancer incidence rates.'

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Previous research has linked the DNA-damaging chemical called colibactin produced by certain strains of E.coli to several types of cancers.

Researchers note one 2020 study where tumour samples collected from patients with colorectal cancer had mutations that showed signs of the chemical colibactin.

Other studies have shown that colibactin can fuel the development of prostate and bladder cancers.

Researchers say this indicates a plausible link to an increased risk of all three cancers.

Study authors have suggested that interventions that will eradicate these two strains of E.coli, such as a vaccine, could be hugely effective at cutting cancer rates.

Another option suggested in the study is a 'therapeutic probiotic' to help destroy these two E.coli strains from the human gut, with the aim of removing them from the population entirely.

Dr Tommi Maklin, of the University of Helsinki and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, who worked on the study, added: 'E.coli can be found around the world, in many different forms, and understanding how strains of this bacteria impact humans differently can give us a more complete picture of health and disease.

'Having access to global genomic data on which strains are found in an area can uncover new trends and possibilities, such as strains in industrialised countries potentially being linked to the risk of certain cancers.

'We also need to keep ensuring that countries and regions around the world are included in genomic surveillance research so that everyone benefits from new discoveries.'

Professor Corander said he hopes the findings unlock a way of potentially eradicating E.coli which produce colibactin  a chemical which has been linked to bowel cancer.

'Science is not a stand-alone endeavour and by working together with cancer and microbiome experts, we are hopeful that in the future this work might lead to new ways to eradicate colibactin-producing E.coli strains,' he said.

'Vaccines or other interventions that target these E.coli strains could offer huge public health benefits, such as reducing the burden of infections and lessening the need for antibiotics to treat these, as well as reducing the risk of cancers that could be linked to the effects of colibactin exposure.'

Dr Trevor Lawley, of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: 'In the future, it could be possible to develop therapeutic probiotics that help to displace unwanted bacterial strains, such as the ones that release colibactin.

'Understanding more about the interactions between E.coli and cancer risk highlights the impact our microbiome has on our health and is a crucial avenue to explore if we want to work with our bodies to help combat certain conditions.'
It might boast charming views of the idyllic South Downs and be home to a 3-mile stretch of coastline loved by tourists.

But that does not mean much for residents of Adur, given its title of Britain's most miserable district.

According to a massive Government-funded project tracking happiness levels, the Shetland Islands is technically the happiest place in the UK.

Residents living in the remote Scottish archipelago scored an average of 8.22 on the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) happiness index.

On the other hand, Adur's comparitive figure was 6.16.

Adur, ran by a Labour council, is home to the popular seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea as well as Southwick, Lancing and Sompting. It is sandwiched between Worthing and Brighton in West Sussex.

Full results of the ONS survey, involving tens of thousands of Brits every year, are available in MailOnline's interactive map.

Average happiness scores across the UK as a whole dropped to 7.39 last year  the lowest figure logged since 2020/21, when Covid spawned.

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Statisticians did not indicate what specifically could be behind the drop.

Although, the data covers the period in which Britain was plunged into a cost of living crisis.

Studies have also suggested Covid and the knock-on effects of restrictions caused mental and physical health to plummet.

Na h-Eileanan Siar  the Outer Hebrides  was the second happiest at 8.12.

It was followed by North Kesteven in Lincolnshire (8.09), Pendle, Lancashire (8.06) and the Malvern Hills (8.06), which sit across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and northern Gloucestershire.

After Adur at the other end of the scale came Hastings (6.56) and Eastbourne (6.57), both of which are in East Sussex.

Every year, the ONS compiles scores on life satisfaction, sense of worth, happiness and anxiety across Britain.

The four personal well-being questions, include: 'How satisfied are you with your life nowadays?'.

Volunteers are also asked: 'To what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?', 'how happy did you feel yesterday?' and 'how anxious did you feel yesterday?'.

On average, the UK scored 7.39 out of 10 for happiness, a drop on the 7.45 logged in 2021/22.

Excluding the first year of the pandemic, the figure is the lowest recorded since 2013/14.

Overall, 8.9 per cent of people reported low levels of happiness  up from 8.5 per cent during the previous year.

Life satisfaction and feelings of achieving something worthwhile also fell to 7.45 and 7.73 respectively, compared to 7.54 and 7.77 in the year ending March 2022.

Anxiety levels, meanwhile, rose from 3.12 to 3.23. Apart from the year Covid hit, this was the highest figure on record.

But statistically significant changes were only seen across the measures for England.

Lack of statistical significance in changes in the devolved countries may be because of less data collected, the ONS noted, concluding there was less certainty in its estimates.

Yesterday, separate data named Woodbridge in Suffolk as being the happiest place to live in Britain.

It topped a poll after residents scored it highly for community spirit and friendliness  and a feeling they could be themselves there.

The upmarket town was also hailed for access to essential services such as doctors and schools, according to property website Rightmove, which compiled the report.

The London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, top last year, was second, while Hexham in Northumberland was third.
Catrina Slavin was driving to work earlier this year when out of the blue she was struck by what she feared was a heart attack.

'I was sweating, my heart was pounding  then it seemed to slow, then start again,' says the mother of two.

She drove straight to her GP surgery where initial tests suggested she might indeed be having a heart attack and Catrina, 41, was told to go straight to A&E.

There she was given an ECG (electrocardiogram), which measures the electrical activity of the heart. This ruled out a heart attack, but there was less reassuring news  Catrina had an irregular heart rhythm.

'I had extra beats where they shouldn't be,' says the podcaster, who lives in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.

Trying to work out why, and having ruled out an underlying heart condition, the consultant asked Catrina whether she drank.

'I answered truthfully that I used to drink heavily and binge drink, but I'd stopped years ago,' she says. 'He said it could still have an impact on my heart's rhythm and that I could still be recovering even now.'

It may seem an extraordinary outcome for someone who last had an alcoholic drink in 2021, but drinking can cause temporary and longer-term heart rhythm disturbances.

Catrina Slavin was driving to work earlier this year when out of the blue she was struck by what she feared was a heart attack

In the case of temporary changes, this is known as 'holiday heart syndrome'  an irregular rhythm that can occur after a heavy drinking session, typically seen after public holidays.

Rhythm disturbances are where the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly  causing palpitations, dizziness or fatigue. The most common form of irregular heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes the top chamber in the heart to 'quiver' resulting in a rapid and irregular heartbeat. The irregular beats mean blood can pool in the heart, allowing a clot to form.

AF most commonly occurs in older people as heart muscle weakens with age. But a new study has shown that heart rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation can occur in younger people who don't have a pre-existing heart condition as a result of heavy drinking.

In the study 193 volunteers with an average age of 29 wore a portable ECG monitor for 48 hours around the time they were going out on a drinking binge and in the hours afterwards. None of them had a heart problem and they usually drank on average 6.8 drinks per week outside their 'binges'.

Around 5 per cent of the participants developed a heart rhythm disturbance mostly in the 6- to 19-hour 'recovery period' after they had stopped drinking, according to the results published in the European Heart Journal in October.

One participant, a 26-year-old man, had a significant rhythm disturbance that lasted an hour, 13 hours after his last drink.

The researchers, from LMU University Hospital, Munich, said their results showed that holiday heart syndrome 'should be recognised as a relevant health problem' and called for future studies to analyse 'why these changes might be happening, and what the consequences could be'.

Heavy drinking creates the perfect storm for a rhythm problem, says Dr Simon Modi, a consultant cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

Binge drinking regularly over time can lead to high blood pressure and a long-term weakening of the heart muscle, which also increases the likelihood of developing an irregular heart rhythm

This is partly because the toxic nature of alcohol has a direct effect on the heart muscle, but it's also due to 'post-binge dehydration - together with electrolyte imbalance [a loss of potassium and magnesium] due to the diuretic effect of alcohol [meaning you pee more], which can all occur during and immediately after the binge', he adds. 'These all increase your risk of heart rhythm problems as they can affect the electrical activity of the heart.'

If you binge drink regularly, over time this can lead to high blood pressure and a long-term weakening of the heart muscle - 'which also increases the likelihood of AF and therefore heart failure and stroke', says Dr Modi.

Some people are more at risk of this than others.

'The more conditions you have that predispose you to heart rhythm disturbance - such as diabetes, obesity, a family history of AF, prior heart attack or damage to the heart muscle or sleep apnoea [where you stop breathing for short periods as you sleep]  the more likely it is that lower amounts of alcohol will affect your heart,' Dr Modi explains.

The type of drink may matter, too.

'One recent large study in Australia suggested that wine and spirits can be consumed at very low levels (less than seven drinks per week) without increased risk - but that any consumption whatsoever of beer and cider increases AF risks.'

Dr Modi says it is not clear why beer and cider are different. 'Maybe beer and cider drinkers under report how much they drink compared to wine drinkers.'

The good news is that abstaining from alcohol, or dramatically reducing the amount consumed if you're a heavier drinker, 'does reduce the likelihood of further episodes of AF or worsening heart problems - so binge drinking in your early 20s might not always lead to long-term arrhythmia if that habit was curbed', says Dr Modi.

Prior to the episode that left her in hospital, Catrina had had a racing heart from time to time after binges.

'I could always drink more than anyone else and drank for longer,' she says - that could be wine, vodka or spirits. 'I was the picture of propriety Monday to Thursday but then I'd fall off the wagon and drink heavily. I saw it as my end of week treat but it had a dark side.'

That dark side was regularly waking up in the middle of the night with a fast heartbeat.

'I'd get palpitations that were so strong they'd wake me from my sleep,' she says. 'I'd lie there, counting, trying to bring my heart rate down. It began to happen more and more after a binge.'

Things got worse for Catrina during the Covid-19 lockdown.

'Working from home meant that weekdays meant nothing anymore,' she says, and she started drinking during the week as well.

In September 2021, Catrina woke in the early hours of the morning with the worst palpitations she'd ever had.

'I laid there in bed at home praying I'd make it. I thought about my son and daughter, who were just 14 and 15 at the time. What if I died? What if they lost their mother? I knew I had to stop drinking entirely.'

Catrina hasn't had a drink since. Yet three years after she quit, in January this year, she suffered even worse palpitations while driving to work.

She recalls: 'By now I was going to the gym, walking, exercising, yet the palpitations were exactly the type I had when I was hungover all those times before.'

Her GP put a pulse monitor on her finger and she watched as her heart jumped from 130 beats per minute down to 40, then up to 90 and down again.

'The doctor told me to get to hospital, where a consultant would see me urgently,' Catrina says.

'I asked if I was having a heart attack and he said tests would confirm this, and I should go as soon as possible.'

At the hospital the news that she wasn't having a heart attack 'was a huge relief', she says. 'But then the consultant looked grave and said I had an ectopic heartbeat - essentially extra beats where they shouldn't be.'

Heavy drinking can lead to lasting damage to the heart, says Dr Modi. Other factors that can contribute to an altered heartbeat include stress, diabetes, high blood pressure and being overweight.

Catrina was given beta blockers - these slow down the heart by blocking the action of hormones such as adrenaline  but two days later she rushed back to hospital as she had severe palpitations and they increased her dose.

Dr Modi says: 'The treatment for rhythm disorders such as AF is to firstly modify the lifestyle factors that trigger AF such as stopping drinking, losing weight, eating healthily and exercising.

'If these measures don't work then medication may be offered to slow the heart. Some patients may need an ablation operation [where the part of the tissue sending the faulty electrical signals causing the rhythm disturbance is destroyed] as well as anticoagulant medication to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.'

Catrina, who has maintained her more recent healthy lifestyle, for example by regularly going to the gym, was able to come off the beta blockers and a recent ECG showed her heartbeat is back to normal. She has since started a podcast, Binge with Catrina, a platform she uses to warn others of the heart risks associated with drinking.

'I never dreamed my binging would cause such problems later on in life,' she says. 'I feel lucky to be here.'
Health officials are warning about a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl that has caused deaths in 37 states in recent years.

The drug, called carfentanil, is a derivative of fentanyl that was designed to tranquilize elephants, and is the most potent commercial opioid on the market.

There were 513 overdoses from carfentanil between January 2021 and June 2024, hitting states like Florida and West Virginia the hardest, according to a CDC report published today.

But while the overall numbers are low, officials are concerned because the total has increased increased seven-fold in the past year.

This could threaten to reverse a recent drop in drug overdoses seen in the country.

Carfentanil comes in powder, paper, tablet, patch and spray form, and can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.

In it's powdered form, the drug mimics cocaine or heroin, and is often mixed into other illegal drugs like xylazine or counterfeit pills.

As little as 2 milligrams, about one 50th of a pinch of salt, of the drug can be lethal - slowing breathing to dangerous levels, leading to brain damage or death.

The CDC report included data from January 2023 to June 2024, with the number of overdose deaths that were attributed specifically to carfentanil. Four states did not participate in the analysis

This picture shows the lethal doses for an average adult of various opioids like heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine

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CDC officials said: 'recent sharp increases in overdose deaths with carfentanil detected, although rare, highlight the ever-changing illegal drug supply and threaten progress in reducing overdose deaths.'

According to the DEA, the drug is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

It's unclear where the drugs are coming from, but the report states that they were likely manufactured illegally, not stolen from legal caches.

In a 2021 drug bust in Southern California, police found 21 kilos of the drug in the home of two US residents, Christine Ponce and Andres Jesus Morales.

Before it hit the streets, carfentanil was originally designed in 1974 to treat large mammals like elephants and bears.

It works on the same systems in the brain as codeine, heroin and oxycodone, and essentially stops or dulls pain. It's highly addictive.

Powdered fentanyls entered the US later than they did in other countries because they were difficult to mix into black tar heroin, which used to be more common, according to the CDC report.

But as prescription and counterfeit pills became more popular in the past few decades, it became easier to sneak these super-potent opioids into the supply.

The CDC tracked the total number of overdose deaths over each year, and compared the amount of those that were caused by illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMF), like carfentanil. Though the overall number of overdoses decreased, they said the number of carfentanil specific overdoses was going up

In 2021, police ceased 21 kilos of carfentanil from the home of a couple in Riverside County, California. It was the largest seizure of the drugs in the area at the time

In addition, dealers often mix the products into their supply in order to make their wares more potent for cheap, which keeps users wanting more, according to the DEA.

The CDC report found that seven in 10 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2023 involved fentanyl or one of its derivatives like carfentanil.

The report used a national overdose reporting system, which gathers data from death certificates, coroner's reports and toxicology reports to summarize drug overdose deaths. The new report included information from 2021 through 2023 for all overdoses, but tracked carfentanil specifically through the first half of 2024.

Of the 251,089 drug overdoses over the two year period, 74 percent were linked to fentanyl or a fentanyl derived drug. In 2023, 63,734 Americans were killed by fentanyl or one of its derivatives.

The report found the overall number of overdose deaths has been going down quarter by quarter in 2023, as has the total number of illegal fentanyl-derived drugs on the streets.

Yet at the same time, drug overdoses from carfentanil have been rising.

Florida and West Virginia were the only two states with more than 20 deaths linked to the drug.

They were followed by Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York and Ohio, which reported 10-19 deaths from the drug over a 18 month period.

The CDC report also separated out overdoses based on different geographic regions. IMF's, the bars shaded in life blue, refer to the deaths linked to fentanyl or its derivatives

Alexandra Capelouto died after taking fentanyl two days before Christmas in 2019. Alexandra was 19 when she took what she thought was oxycodone to help her sleep

Further, the CDC report said, if carfentanil continues spreading: 'overdose deaths could substantially increase.'

This is of particular concern because this uptick is substantially different than an outbreak that occurred in 2016, where it seemed to be contained within a few states.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recommends anyone who has been exposed to the drug seek immediate medical attention.

If someone gets exposed to the drug, the DEA notes that early symptoms may include drowsiness, disorientation, pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing and clammy skin. At this point, they urge the person to call 911.

If left untreated, someone may stop breathing, and the lack of oxygen can lead to breath or severe brain damage.

Professionals or bystanders can use naloxone, an FDA-approved medicated inhaler, to reverse the overdose and avoid the worst outcomes, if they act quickly.

Chuck Rosenberg, who was the Acting Administrator of the DEA in 2016, said of these drugs: 'We see it on the streets, often disguised as heroin. It is crazy dangerous.

Synthetics such as fentanyl and carfentanil can kill you. I hope our first responders - and the public - will read and heed our health and safety warning.'
READ MORE: Tricky brain teaser can only be solved by people with an IQ of 135

Could you pick out the Starbucks barista who served you two weeks ago in a busy crowd at a concert?

If so, you could be one of the 0.1 to one percent of people known as 'super recognizers', whose brains have an amazing ability to remember faces.

For these people, a brief glimpse is enough to identify an incognito celebrity or remember a complete stranger, even years later.

Some can also identify or match faces they have seen once, even if they're flipped upside down, pixelated, or shown at a different angle.

A pandemic-era study even found that super-recognizers could identify a masked person based on their eyes alone.

Though the research is still new, experts suspect that super-recognizers have spikes in brain activity when they recognize a face which tells their brains that this is an important piece of visual information.

Instead of that data being discarded by the brain in favor of something different in the coming days, weeks and months, these people's brains keep holding onto it.

Dr Richard Russell, a professor of psychology at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, said in 2021: 'Society operates under the assumption that everybody is about the same at recognizing faces, and that everyone sees the world in the same way. 'That simply is not true.'

If you think you're a super-recognizer, see if you can identify the upside down celebrity photos below.

Can you recognize this actress or this billionaire? If you can, you may be a super-recognizer

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Dr Russell was part of a team of researchers that coined the term 'super-recognizer' in 2009 with a study of four Americans who claimed to have 'exceptional' recall when it comes to faces.

They were able to identify photos of celebrities from before they were famous and pictures from different angles and with pixilation.

Dr Meike Ramon, an assistant professor at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, told the Washington Post that super-recognizers have a 'unique ability to derive a three-dimensional representation of a face, even when they see only one 2D image of the person.'

Dr Ramon's research suggests that super-recognizers are also particularly drawn to faces.

See if you guessed right: On the left is actress Angelina Jolie, while Elon Musk is on the right

In a 2022 study, she and her colleagues found that even when super-recognizers were shown random pictures of everyday life - someone using a computer, for example - they spent the most time looking at faces.

Their eyes were also drawn to faces immediately, regardless of where the face was in the photo.

Dr Ramon said: 'It seems like faces are extremely salient for super-recognizers for reasons that we still don't know.'

She noted that their brains also appear to respond differently to images within a second of seeing them.

How about this political influencer and star athlete? Less than one percent of the population can recognize them upside down

A 2024 study conducted by Dr Ramon's lab looked at brain activity of 16 super-recognizers and 17 controls while participants looked at pictures of plants, animals, faces, and other scenes.

In just 65 milliseconds of an image showing up, which is faster than the blink of an eye, their brains immediately responded differently than the control group.

On the other end of the spectrum from super-recognizers are people with prosopagnosia, better known as face blindness.

The two to three in 100 Americans with this condition have trouble recognizing even the most familiar faces, including their own, as well as noticing emotions or a person's age or gender.

Most people acquire face blindness from neurological conditions like dementia, brain tumors, and seizures, as these can cause brain lesions that destroy cells responsible for processing visual information.

However, some people may be born with it due to genetic mutations.

Meanwhile, the second set of upside down photos were Ivanka Trump and Tom Brady

Experts noted that while super-recognizers have exceptional recall, their abilities aren't perfect.

Dr David White, lead investigator at the Face Research Lab at the University of New South Wales in Australia, told the Washington Post that just like typical people, super-recognizers also find it more difficult to distinguish faces of people of different ethnicities than their own.

However, one study by his team showed that when super-recognizers made errors, they maintained higher confidence than other professionals who need to study faces, such as police officers.

If you're trying to improve your facial recall, Dr White's research suggests to focus on features like scars, ears, freckles, and blemishes.

His team also developed an online test to determine if you're a super-recognizer.

It comes after a study earlier this year revealed the terrifying condition known as 'demon face syndrome.'

Just one in 1,000 people are super-recognizers and can pick out these two actors in just a second

Known medically as prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), only about 75 cases have ever been documented of the syndrome, in which a person perceives unusual, often grotesque distortions when staring at a human face.

But a rare individual with the condition, a 58-year-old male who reached out to neuropsychologists at Dartmouth, has the unique ability to see faces normally on paper and on screens, despite seeing more eerie 'demon faces' in his real life.

This split allowed him and the researchers to reliably illustrate, for the first time, what faces can look like for a person living with the haunting vision of PMO.

Actors Timothee Chalamet and Sydney Sweeney were the last duo flipped around. How well did you do?

'Most of the articles about PMO have been brief case reports about individual cases,' Dartmouth Professor Brad Duchaine told DailyMail.com, 'written by the neurologists who happened to encounter them in their clinical practice.'

'Our report is especially interesting,' he said, 'because [...] we can be confident that the distortions of his visualizations accurately reflect what he experiences.'

A rare individual with a variation of the 'demon face syndrome' has the unique ability to see faces normally on paper and on screens, despite seeing more eerie 'demon faces' in his real life.

The divide allowed researchers to properly illustrate, for the first time, what faces look like to a person living with the demon-tinted glasses of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO).
A pro-lockdown virologist has warned that Donald Trump faces a torrent of infectious disease outbreaks when he takes office.

The comments from Dr Peter Hotez come as the Congo is put on 'maximum alert' after a mystery respiratory virus killed nearly 150 people, mostly teenagers.

UN health officials have been sent there to contain the outbreak and prevent it from being a global crisis.

Dr Hotez, a leading supporter of lockdowns and mask mandates during the Covid pandemic, warned there were at least nine infectious diseases currently spreading in the US that could cause another pandemic  in a plea to the Trump administration not to cut disease research funding.

Scientists are currently warning over a surge in bird flu cases in animals that are spilling into humans, as well as a resurgence in measles and whooping cough linked to falling vaccination rates.

In an interview with MSNBC news, Dr Hotez said: 'Here's the reason why we need to care about this stuff. We have some big picture stuff coming down the pipe.

'All that's going to come crashing down on January 21 on the Trump administration. We need a really really good team to be able to handle this.'

Dr Hortez's comments came hours before the Congolese Government's health minister warned the country was on 'maximum alert' over an outbreak of a disease 'of still unknown origin'.

Dr Peter Hotez, pictured above, was speaking on MSNBC warning of the dangers posed by

At least 376 people are already reported to have been infected by the illness that has hit Kwango province in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Children between 16 and 19 years old are worst affected, with patients suffering from a flu-like illness with symptoms including a fever, headache, cough, difficulty breathing and anemia  or lack of red blood cells.

A World Health Organization team has been dispatched to the area to test samples and identify the cause of the illness. It is expected they will publish the results of the testing in the coming days.

Congo's health minister Roger Kamba warned in a press briefing today: 'We are on maximum alert. We consider this an epidemic that we must monitor as much as possible.

'We are more or less in the assertion that it is respiratory,' he added talking about how the disease may be spreading between people.

But added that this was still a 'hypothesis' and that the country was still awaiting the first results from the testing.

Officials initially suggested that 143 people had died from the mystery disease, although authorities appear to have reduced that number to 71 deaths.

These include 27 in people who died in the hospital and 44 people who died in the community.

Of the people who died in hospital, 10 died due to a lack of blood transfusions and 17 died as a result of respiratory problems  the health minister said.

Most of the cases were children in their late teens, aged between 15 and 18 years old according to the BBC.

Dr Annie Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has worked in Congo since 2002, told NBC News that diagnosing the illnesses may be complicated by underlying health issues in the local population, including malaria and malnutrition.

Pictured above is a doctor speaking to a patient about treating monkeypox in the South Kivu region in September this year

The above map shows the DRC, and highlights the province of Kwango where the outbreak has been recorded

'I think it's really important to be aware of what's happening, and I think it's also realy important not to panic until we have more information,' she said.

'It could be anything,' she added. 'It could be influenza, it could be Ebola, it could be measles. At this point, we really just dont know.'

Dr Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases expert and associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said that at this stage it was difficult to tell what was causing the outbreak because only general symptoms had been reported.

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'We need more information,' she told DailyMail.com, 'the information that has been provided at present speaks of a number of diseases'.

Asked whether it could be monkeypox or Ebola, she said: 'In what they are reporting, we have not seen any reports of skin rash or skin abnormality  which would go with mpox.

'Typically, with viral hemorrhagic fever [like Ebola] you would hear reports of coughing or throwing up blood, and that has not been reported either.'

She added: 'The reports are concerning, but we need more data and more information about the symptoms they are seeing on the ground.'

Warning about emerging infectious disease outbreaks yesterday, Dr Hotez did not specifically mention the situation in the DRC during his call with MSNBC.

The above image is a screengrab from today's press conference in the DRC. It shows Roger Kamba, who heads up the country's department of health

He said: 'I'm really worried about [H5N1], it is all over wild birds in the western part of the United States, and going up to the north it is getting into the poultry.

'We're still seeing sporadic human cases, no human-to-human transmission yet, but that could happen. It's in the cattle, it's in the milk, and that's just the beginning.'

He continued: 'We have another major coronavirus likely brewing in Asia, we've had SARS-2 in 2002, Covid-19 in 2019, and we know these viruses are jumping from bats to people thousands of times a year.

'But there's still more. We know that we have a big problem with mosquito transmitted viruses all along the Gulf Coast where I am here in Texas, we're expecting Dengue and possibly Zika virus coming back or Oropuche virus, maybe even Yellow Fever.

'And then we have all this sharp rise in vaccine-preventable diseases going up becauase of, in part, the anti-vaccine activisim that's so prominent right now.

'We have a five-fold rise in pertussis cases, or whooping cough, over the last year, 15 measles outbreaks this year, we've got polio, that's been in the wastewater in New York state.'

He warned all these threats would come down on the Trump administration when it takes office on January 21, following inauguration day.

Trump has nominated vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Junior to head up the Department of Health and Human Services, who still needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

He has already vowed to slash research spending on infectious diseases, and instead reapportion the funds to solving the nation's chronic disease epidemic  with rising cases of heart disaese, cancer, diabetes and obesity.
Health experts are warning about the dangers of scented candles and incense this holiday season as evidence mounts that they can cause cancer.

In an opinion piece in the Conversation, two prominent researchers in Ireland warned that scented candles popular all year round release toxic gases like carbon monoxide, chemicals, and several volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The noxious gases and emitted chemicals can lead to coughing, sneezing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Their study on the topic and several others show that the fumes from burning candles can also increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis.

The people most at risk are in small homes and rooms with poor ventilation, such as a small apartment, a bedroom, or a bathroom.

Drs Asit Kumar Mishra from the University College Cork and Marie Coggins, from the University of Galway urged caution when using them in a new op-ed: 'Use of scented candles or smoking, when combined with blocked wall vents and closed windows, worsens exposure to indoor air pollutants for householders.

'While using scented candles, for example, peak fine particle concentrations could increase to 15 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization.'

They added: 'Some of the organic compounds emitted by home fragrance products, such as benzene, phthalates and formaldehyde, may cause cancer  and burning scented candles and incense sticks indoors is a major source of formaldehyde.'

Burning holiday-scented candles and incense can release toxic gases like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds, which can irritate the respiratory system and increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis

Candles are popular not only for their pleasing scents, but also for the aesthetic appeal they bring to interior decor. They're used in more than 70 percent of households.

Burning scented candles indoors releases a mix of aromatic substances that linger in the air, including chemicals like aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and alcohols.

Some harmful compounds, like naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, are known to cause cancer.

In a 2014 study backed by the EPA, researchers tested a dozen scented candle samples to see what chemicals they released when burned.

They found 34 key compounds, including VOCs and other harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acetic acid, both of which have been shown to cause potentially severe respiratory issues and skin irritation from short-term exposure, and cancer, asthma, cognitive impairment, and chronic respiratory issues when exposed over a long period of time.

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Even short-term exposure to candle smoke has been shown to reduce cognitive function.

In one study, participants' cognitive scores on a specific test averaged 48 before exposure, classified as average cognition.

After exposure to pollutants from a burning scented candle, their scores dropped to an average of 40, classified as below average cognition.

The researchers who authored the op-ed conducted their own study out this week in which they measured the air quality of 14 homes in Galway, Ireland, both 24 hours before and 24 hours after making changes to improve the house's energy efficiency.

In one study, on average, about 60 percent of exposure to small airborne particles, which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, came from candle burning

About 20 million cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2022, but that number is projected to balloon to more than 35 million cases by 2050. Air pollution, such as that from scented candles, is a major driver of lung cancer

Researchers measured five pollutants, including CO2 and PM2.5 (tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream), along with temperature and humidity in two rooms of each house.

PM2.5 particles, invisible to the naked eye, come from car engines, burning wood, and smoking. Pollution-measuring devices were placed a meter above the floor near sources of pollution and ventilation, while occupants recorded their household activities, such as cooking, opening windows, and burning candles.

The results revealed activities like burning candles, smoking and blocking wall vents can be detrimental to indoor air quality with levels of PM2.5 and CO2 increasing.

The two doctors said: 'In non-smoking homes, candle use can be the major source of particulate matter pollution.

'Some of the organic compounds emitted by home fragrance products, such as benzene, phthalates and formaldehyde, may cause cancer  and burning scented candles and incense sticks indoors is a major source of formaldehyde.

A 2013 study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that burning candles was a significant source of fine particles in the air that can cause respiratory issues, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and impair brain function.

They measured the concentrations of particulate matter in the air and found that levels of particulate matter stayed elevated for hours after the candles flame was put out.

On average, candle burning was responsible for about 60 percent of total exposure to tiny airborne particles small enough to easily be inhaled deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

A 2020 survey found that around a quarter of candle users reported health issues potentially linked to candles, such as headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing

Using scented candles and incense in small rooms and bathrooms, especially where ventilation is poor, compounds the dangers as it exposes a person to higher concentrations of harmful chemicals.

A 2020 survey in Saudi Arabia revealed that 66 percent of people who answered researchers questions used scented candles, and 34 percent used them more than four times a month.

Around a quarter of people reported health issues that could be linked to their candle usage, including headaches (reported by 15 percent), shortness of breath (nine percent), and coughing (eight percent).

More prolonged exposure (over 60 minutes) was linked to more headaches, sneezing, and wheezing, though not significantly.

The researchers concluded: This finding suggests that the emission of VOCs, phthalates and [particulate matter] by burning of scented candles like other fragrances products may be a reason for development of these adverse symptoms.

Often the ingredients in a scented candle are a mystery because there is no federal requirement that companies list them anywhere.

Instead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends  but does not force  manufacturers to disclose any potentially hazardous ingredients, such as lead in wicks or harmful fragrance chemicals.

As long as candles burn in well-ventilated spaces, the risks of harm will be minimal.

Jessica Wicks, an HVAC expert, told Real Simple: Consumers should avoid lead or metal wicks and paraffin wax candles.

You should choose soy, beeswax, or coconut oil candles with cotton wicks. Higher quality candles are more expensive, but typically last longer.
The CDC is 'standing ready' amid an outbreak of a mystery disease in Africa.

There are rising concerns about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where dozens of people have died from a flu-like respiratory illness.

A source at the CDC told DailyMail.com they were 'aware' of the outbreak and were in contact with health officials there 'and stand ready to provide additional support if needed'.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team to the southwestern province Kwango where the outbreak is being reported to take samples and test for the virus.

DRC health minister Roger Kamba said his country was currently on 'maximum alert' as they try to work out what's behind the 'epidemic' that has killed up to 143 people.

Most patients were children in their late teens, officials said, who suffered from symptoms including a fever, headache, cough and shortness of breath.

The symptoms suggest a respiratory virus  and, already, parallels are being drawn to the early days of the Covid pandemic.

Hong Kong became the first country to bring in health checks for arrivals from the DRC and Africa today, in an echo of measures taken to limit the spread of Covid.

Officials are 'aware' of a mysterious outbreak in the Congo. The above is a stock image and shows a healthcare worker caring for an individual in Tehran, Iran, in March 2020  at the start of the Covid pandemic

A source at CDC told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'The CDC is aware of reports of an illness in southwest DRC.

'US Government staff, including those from US CDC's country office in Kinshasa [the DRC's capital], are in contact with the DRC's ministry of health and stand ready to provide additional support if needed.'

It was not clear how concerned the CDC was over the outbreak, or whether the agency plans to alert the nation's doctors.

Tests on patients are currently being carried out in the DRC, with officials saying they expect to have the results before the end of the week.

There are no direct flights between the US and Kinshasa, according to flight monitoring websites, although passengers can still arrive via connecting flights.

This may include catching connecting flights in Johannesburg, South Africa, or in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Officials say it is taking days to establish the illness behind the outbreak because the cases are in a remote part of the country, which took two days for the health team to reach.

It is not clear what disease could be causing the outbreak at this point, but officials say it could be a respiratory disease.

Experts speaking to DailyMail.com said the symptoms were 'non-specific' and they needed more information.

Dr Peter Hotez, pictured above, was speaking on MSNBC warning of the dangers posed by

Dr Annie Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has worked in Congo since 2002, told NBC News that diagnosing the illnesses may be complicated by underlying health issues in the local population, including malaria and malnutrition.

'I think it's really important to be aware of what's happening, and I think it's also really important not to panic until we have more information,' she said.

'It could be anything,' she added. 'It could be influenza, it could be Ebola, it could be measles. At this point, we really just dont know.'

Dr Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases expert and associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said that at this stage it was difficult to tell what was causing the outbreak because only general symptoms had been reported.

'We need more information,' she told DailyMail.com, 'the information that has been provided at present speaks of a number of diseases'.

Asked whether it could be monkeypox or Ebola, she said: 'In what they are reporting, we have not seen any reports of skin rash or skin abnormality  which would go with mpox.

'Typically, with viral hemorrhagic fever [like Ebola] you would hear reports of coughing or throwing up blood, and that has not been reported either.'

She added: 'The reports are concerning, but we need more data and more information about the symptoms they are seeing on the ground.'

The above map shows the DRC, and highlights the province of Kwango where the outbreak has been recorded

The above image shows Roger Kamba, who heads up the DRC's department of health

Officials initially suggested that 143 people had died from the mystery disease, although authorities appear to have reduced that number to 71 deaths.

These include 27 people who died in the hospital and 44 people who died in the community.

Of the people who died in hospital, 10 died due to a lack of blood transfusions and 17 died as a result of respiratory problems  the health minister said.

Most of the cases were children in their late teens, aged between 15 and 18 years old according to the BBC.

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Dr Hotez, a leading supporter of lockdowns and mask mandates during the Covid pandemic, warned there were at least nine infectious diseases currently spreading in the US that could cause another pandemic  in a plea to the Trump administration not to cut disease research funding.

Scientists are currently warning over a surge in bird flu cases in animals that are spilling into humans, as well as a resurgence in measles and whooping cough linked to falling vaccination rates.

In an interview with MSNBC news, Dr Hotez said: 'Here's the reason why we need to care about this stuff. We have some big-picture stuff coming down the pipe.

'All that's going to come crashing down on January 21 on the Trump administration. We need a really really good team to be able to handle this.'
A top insurance company has walked back its 'appalling' decision to deny lifesaving anesthesia amid widespread backlash.

Health insurance giant Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield quietly announced in February that it would no longer cover the full amount of anesthesia if a surgery went on too long.

The announcement regained attention this week after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City this week, which police believe was a 'targeted' attack.

BCBS had said anesthesia coverage would be based on a timeline determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to 'target the number of minutes reported for anesthesia services.'

The company said that if a claim is submitted where the reported time for anesthesia services exceeds that number, it would be denied.

Though patients would have been able to dispute claim denials, 'documentation to support your request will be required,' according to BCBS.

However, those under age 22 and those receiving maternity-related care would not affected, the company said.

On Thursday, BCBS announced it would scrap the policy, which was meant to be implemented in New York, Missouri, and Connecticut. It was supposed to start in the affected states in February 2025.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has walked back a controversial policy that would deny anesthesia coverage if a surgery exceeded a certain timeline. Pictured is a BCBS office in Michigan

News of the policy comes just days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pictured here, was assassinated in what police believe was a targeted attack

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A BCBS spokesperson told NBC News: 'There has been significant widespread misinformation about an update to our anesthesia policy.

'As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change.

'To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.

'The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.'

The cost of anesthesia depends on the procedure type and length, but it can range from $200 to $3,500 without insurance.

Experts estimate that half of operations in the US use general anesthesia, which makes a patient fully unconscious, while the other half uses local anesthesia to numb a specific area.

According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 60,000 Americans need general anesthesia every day.

Before the policy was cancelled, physicians and lawmakers called it 'outrageous' and a 'money grab.'

The American Society of Anesthesiologists said in a press release that the 'unprecedented' move is based on an 'arbitrary limit' and that payment for anesthesia is based on several factors, 'including the exact amount of time for anesthesiologists to deliver care preoperatively, during the operation, and when transitioning the patient to the recovery unit afterwards.'

Dr Donald E Arnold, president of the ASE, said in a statement: 'This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care.

'Its a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete and safe anesthesia care.

'This egregious policy breaks the trust between Anthem and its policyholders who expect their health insurer to pay physicians for the entirety of the care they need.'

New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X: 'Outrageous. I'm going to make sure New Yorkers are protected.'

Following the news of the policy being pushed back, Hochul wrote on the platform: 'Don't mess with the health and well-being of New Yorkers - not on my watch.'

Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut also expressed concerns.

He said on X: 'This is appalling. Saddling patients with thousands of dollars in surprise additional medical debt. And for what? Just to boost corporate profits? Reverse this decision immediately.'

Social media users also joked about the policy.

One user posted on X: 'BYOA: Bring your own anesthesia.'

Another wrote: 'So it begins. America healthcare is about to become the hunger games.'
READ MORE: What is Havana syndrome? Symptoms explained after 60 Minutes

A government report has finally revealed what may have caused a mysterious brain disorder plaguing thousands of American diplomats and spies.

The House intelligence committee has released a declassified report on Havana syndrome, stating that 'it appears increasingly likely' that a 'foreign adversary' could be behind some of the cases.

The mysterious condition has baffled scientists since it was first reported in 2016, with more than 1,500 US officials around the globe reporting symptoms like persistent dizziness, nausea, and balance issues that have no explanation.

The subcommittee, chaired by Arkansas representative Rick Crawford, says US intelligence networks in Cuba and other affected areas could have been compromised by foreign spies in 'adversary' countries like China, Cuba, and Russia.

Exposure to radiation, chemical agents, and electromagnetic energy have all been blamed for the condition, though some experts have suggested the symptoms are psychosomatic.

The new report criticized the US intelligence community for 'thwarting' the committee's attempts to investigate the phenomenon.

It accused the FBI and CIA of failing to properly investigate US agents' symptoms.

'Because of this lack of cooperation and the Subcommittees inability to access specific information, the Subcommittee concludes there must be something IC [intelligence community] leadership has sought to prevent Congress from discovering,' the scathing report says.

Above, an old American car passes by the US Embassy in Havana on December 17, 2015

After US officials and embassy staff reported hundreds of cases in nearly 70 countries, new reports of Havana syndrome declined sharply starting in early 2022. But the mystery of what caused the ailments and the alarm remains. (Above a timeline map of key incidents)

The subcommittee said it would investigate further during the incoming Trump administration.

Earlier this year, a separate government-funded study found no signs of brain injury in 80 self-reported victims and said it was very unlikely to be caused by foreign adversaries.

However, researchers admitted the symptoms were 'quite profound' and 'disabling.'

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The Foreign Policy Research Institute estimates that 1,500 American officials have suffered mysterious neurological injuries since 2016.

The phenomenon was dubbed Havana syndrome after multiple government personnel stationed at the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, reported symptoms.

However, symptoms have also been reported in the US, Austria, China, Colombia, Georgia, Germany, India, Poland, Russia, and Vietnam.

According to the new report, these symptoms include vertigo, loss of balance, ear pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty with cognitive tasks.

The report states that Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) have mainly affected federal employees, particularly those in the intelligence sector, as well as their family members and children.

The report states: 'Since initial reports in 2016, AHIs have been pervasively affecting U.S. government officials, including White House staff, diplomats, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officers, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, and military personnel and their families, at home and abroad.'

'There's no environmental cause that causes the body damage that I saw,' an anonymous PhD source told DailyMail.com last year. 'I don't know how you create damage inside of a body, like what was seen, that comes on all of a sudden, and could be called "pre-existing conditions"'

Despite NIH researchers finding no brain changes in Havana syndrome patients, they admitted they had 'profound' symptoms

Earlier this year, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health evaluated 81 intelligence workers who claimed to suffer from Havana syndrome.

The research team, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland, weighed the results of these MRIs against the MRIs of 48 control participants.

Though the team could not rule out a temporary injury, they found 'a lack of evidence for an MRI-detectable difference between individuals with AHIs and controls.'

However, 24 patients did show testable signs of a condition called 'persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. This occurs when brain networks fail to communicate properly, which could be caused by inner-ear problems of stress.

Despite a lack of evidence, the research team admitted that 'these individuals have real symptoms and are going through a very tough time.

'They can be quite profound, disabling and difficult to treat.'

The subcommittee called for current data on Havana syndrome to be updated and that 'the issue of AHIs should be reinvestigated.'

They also expressed the dire need of patients to receive medical care and resources.

The report states: 'While some of those impacted have succeeded in receiving federal support for ongoing medical care, including but not limited to workers compensation, significant gaps have been identified which have left some in need of care for injuries received while serving the country.'
In September, I booked return flights for me and my wife from London to Hamburg, travelling in October. We used the travel agent website Opodo.

We're in our 90s and opted in to a guarantee offered by Opodo which said we would be refunded 80 per cent of the fare if one of us fell ill and we couldn't go. This cost 26 each.

This unfortunately happened, and the trip had to be cancelled days before departure because my wife was unwell. The flights cost 574, so we should get 459 back.

But I have yet to see the money. I have spoken to Opodo on the phone five times, and am told the refund will be in my account within a few days - but it never materialises.

I have been given excuses such as a manager being on holiday, and Opodo not having my card details, which I have definitely provided.

I am also concerned that I paid for an Opodo membership I didn't really want. I asked for it to be cancelled, but I am not sure if it was.

My bank statements show that, on top of the flights, I paid Opodo three amounts of 69.99, 51.86 and 54.52. Opodo also refunded me 25, but I don't know why. A.R, Cornwall

Fobbed off: A.R says he phoned Opodo about his missing refund five times, but it didn't arrive

Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: If you're looking to take a trip away, there are more companies vying for your business than ever before.

Sensibly, many people use comparison websites to compare fares to our chosen destination, as well as hotel prices, and see which are offering the best deals.

When I was booking flights and hotels for a wedding in Canada recently, it threw up a host of different names I had never even heard of.

Some were obscure airlines, but there were also lots of online travel agents, also known as OTAs.

Similar to the high street travel agents of old, these websites act as a middleman where you which lets you see travel options from lots of different operators in one place. Some offer just hotels, but others will sell you flights, cars, and a host of other things.

Opodo is one of these, and other well-known names include Kiwi, Expedia and Booking.

Opodo has an optional premium membership costing 69.99, which it says gives customers access to better deals on flights and hotels.

It also, the company claims, gets them priority access to the customer service helpline. Opodo bookers not planning to sign up for the membership may wish to note that they will be at the back of the queue.

Whether you knew it or not, Opodo has confirmed to me that you signed up to the membership, known as Prime. It was initially on a free trial, which is why you may have been puzzled by the billing.

I do understand your confusion. Nowadays there are so many 'optional extras' when booking a flight - even a bag larger than a postage stamp on certain airlines - that anyone could find themselves bamboozled.

You would have needed to sign up to the membership in order to get the 80 per cent refund guarantee, as this is only offered to Prime members.

Travellers might pay extra for this because it lets them bypass airline refund restrictions. EasyJet, who you booked with, only sells non-refundable tickets for example.

It ended up being a good deal for you - in theory, at least - as your wife was sadly too ill to travel to Hamburg and this meant you would be able to get most of the money back.

CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

If you'd booked direct with Easyjet, you'd not have seen a penny - though you also may have paid less overall, so it is hard to directly compare.

But though you'd been promised the refund, getting the money back in your pocket was a different matter - and you also noticed some payments you didn't recognise on your bank account.

I contacted Opodo to ask what was going on.

It said that your booking comprised the Easyjet flights, as well as additional services in the form of the cancellation guarantee, automatic check-in and priority boarding.

You saved 166.04 on your flights because you signed up to the membership, it claimed.

But when you requested to cancel the flights, Opodo said it made a technical error which led to your refund not being paid back.

The refund request was mistakenly logged in the system as one submitted to Easyjet, rather than one that needed to be processed by Opodo under the terms of the 'cancel for any reason' guarantee.

This led Opodo agents to incorrectly inform you that the refund was in Easyjet's hands.

Opodo has now processed an 100 per cent refund for your flights and the additional services you bought, as a goodwill gesture. This totals 756.

With regard to the membership, Opodo said you did attempt to cancel at the end of the free trial, and it offered you a 25 discount off the annual membership instead which you accepted. This was why the 25 landed in your account.

It has now refunded the remaining subscription fee in full, and disabled the automatic renewal next September to ensure no future charges.

Online travel agents have their place, especially when they offer things like this refund deal which did ultimately benefit you - and which you wouldn't have got with the airline itself.

But I do worry that in other cases, they just add an extra layer of admin and frustration when things don't go to plan.

In cases of cancelled flights I've covered in the past, the travel agent has refused to reimburse the customer until the airline has paid back the agent - leading to annoying delays. Customers have also struggled to get refunds for things like airline taxes.

An Opodo spokesman said: 'We would like to apologise to [A.R] for his experience, which in no way reflects the high service standards we strive to provide to the 21 million customers we serve annually.

'Due to an error in processing his refund request, incorrect information was recorded in our system, leading to inaccurate updates about the status of his refund.

'We have now resolved the matter and he has been fully refunded, including all non-refundable costs, as a goodwill gesture.

'His Prime membership fee has also been refunded in full, and he will retain access to the programme's benefits at no cost for the remainder of the year as part of our efforts to compensate for the inconvenience caused. We remain committed to delivering exceptional service to all our customers.'
Britain's competition regulator has approved the 15billion merger of Three UK and Vodafone, clearing the way for the creation of the country's biggest mobile operator.

The Competition and Markets Authority said on Thursday the deal can proceed if the two firms agree to spend billions rolling out a combined 5G network across the UK.

Vodafone and Three UK, whose parent company is Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, have pledged to invest 11billion creating such a network over the next decade.

The pair have already promised to cap their lowest-cost mobile plans at 10 for two years after the CMA raised concerns that the tie-up would lead to higher bills for millions of mobile users.

First announced in June 2023, the merger will create the UK's largest mobile operator, with around 27 million customers, and cut the number of operators from four to three.

Vodafone will hold a 51 per cent stake in the enlarged business but have an option to buy CK Hutchison Group's 49 per cent stake three years after the deal is finalised, depending on certain conditions.

Thumbs up: The Competition and Markets Authority has approved the proposed 15billion merger between Vodafone and Three UK

The two firms believe their consolidation will provide customers with a better 5G service, up to 5billion in economic benefits annually to the country by 2030, and advance the UK's digital transformation.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the watchdog's probe into the tie-up, said: 'It's crucial this merger doesn't harm competition, which is why we've spent time considering how it could impact the telecoms market.

'We believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed  but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures.'

Following the deal's completion, expected in the first half of 2025, the two groups must cap selected mobile tariffs and data plans and offer pre-set prices and contract terms for wholesale services for three years.

The tie-up comes amidst other transformative efforts under Vodafone's chief executive, Margherita Della Valle, who is looking to reduce the firm's massive debt pile and streamline operations.

Since she took over, Vodafone has sold its Spanish and Italian businesses in billion-pound deals, as well as its stake in telecoms infrastructure company Indus Towers, and unveiled plans to slash over 11,000 jobs over three years.

In its latest half-year results, the company reported its service revenues rose by 1.7 per cent to 15.1billion in the six months ending September.

Combined with lower energy costs across Europe, this helped its adjusted earnings before nasties expand by 3.8 per cent to 5.4billion.

Vodafone's Della Valle said the CMA decision 'creates a new force in the UK's telecoms market and unlocks the investment needed to build the network infrastructure the country deserves'.

She added: 'Consumers and businesses will enjoy wider coverage, faster speeds and better-quality connections across the UK, as we build the biggest and best network in our home market.'

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'A streamlined three-player market, seen in countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland, could lift profitability and encourage much-needed investment in the UK's lagging networks.

'This is a small win for the sector but doesn't change the tough market dynamics.'

Vodafone shares were 0.7 per cent up at 70.3p on Thursday morning, although they have barely risen since the year began.
Bitcoin has topped $100,000 for the first time as the price of the cryptocurrency continues to soar in the wake of the election of Donald Trump for a second term as US President.

Trump has nominated crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The President-elect has said Atkins, the chief executive of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a 'proven leader for common sense regulations'.

In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case to cut back burdensome market regulations.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: 'Bitcoin's move above $100,000 will dominate chatter across dealing rooms today.

'The move comes hours after Powell put gold and bitcoin in the same speculative category; bitcoin aficionados will view this as a sign that the upstart asset finally has the recognition they believe it deserves.'

He told This is Money: 'Momentum is very powerful at present, and like any other asset bitcoin does well when it's in the news - it will drive interest and further flows.

'Such big round numbers exert a powerful influence, but even after the recent huge gains, previous large rallies have gone much further in percentage terms. We could see yet more highs in the short-term.'

Bitcoin mania: Bitcoin has topped $100,000 for the first time as Trump nominated Paul Atkins to leas US SEC

Once Bitcoin broke $100,000 earlier, it was soon above $103,000 on its way to an all-time high of $103,619, a surge of about 6 per cent on the day.

Writing about Atkins, Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, and that provide capital to make our economy the best in the World.

'He also recognises that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.'

Trump embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the US the 'crypto capital of the planet' and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin.

Bitcoin has soared to unprecedented heights since Trump won the election on 5 November November.

The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from $69,374 on election day and rose as high as $101,512 on Wednesday, just two years after dropping below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX.

This morning, bitcoin stood around the $80,594.08 mark.

Bitcoin's march from the libertarian fringe to Wall Street has minted millionaires, a new asset class and popularised the concept of 'decentralised finance' in a volatile and often controversial period since its creation 16 years ago.

While some are bullish on future gains for bitcoin, other experts continue to warn of investment risks.

The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record just shy of $3.8trillion, according to data provider CoinGecko. By comparison, Apple alone is worth around $3.7trillion.

The cryptocurrency industry has been criticised for its hefty energy usage, while crypto crime remains a concern, and the underlying technology is yet to deliver a major revolution in the way money moves around the globe.

Still, as Vladimir Putin pointed out at an investment conference on Wednesday: 'Who can prohibit it? No one.'

Thomas Perfumo, Kraken's head of strategy said: 'The crypto market rally post-US election reveals the pent up demand previously stifled by uncertainty and lack of vision for crypto in the United States.

'Coupled with a positive macroeconomic outlook through 2025 for financial assets, crypto is in a very favorable position. That said, the velocity of this market rally shouldnt be that surprising.

'Theres nothing particularly "crazy" about the market action. You have explosive demand for a commodity whose supply is fixed and does not respond to price signals.

'In traditional commodities like oil or precious metals, wed see companies that refine and mine these resources increase production to satisfy demand.'

He added: 'Long-term, we have more reasons to remain bullish around the crypto markets. Globally, we believe crypto adoption is around 10 per cent of the world population, while about two-thirds of the worlds population has access to the Internet.

'We could soon see tipping points in adoption  as technological disruptions often do as they move beyond the early adopters into mainstream adoption  ushering in upwards of 1B people into crypto over the next two to three years.'

Gabriel McKeown, head of macroeconomics at Sad Rabbit Investments, told Newspage: 'With Bitcoin smashing through $100,000, the crypto symphony is reaching a crescendo.

'However, investors need to remember that in the crypto casino, today's digital gold could become tomorrow's fool's gold in the blink of an eye.

'The current rally can be attributed to several factors, with the recent US presidential election playing a pivotal role.

'The combination of Trump's victory, coupled with his recent nomination of crypto-advocate Paul Atkins as the next SEC chair, has signalled a potential shift towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment. Consequently, the implications of this new milestone are far-reaching, with a breaching of the long-anticipated $100,000 barrier, acting as a potential watershed moment for the digital currency.

'However, at these peak levels, the landscape is fraught with both opportunity and peril, as despite Bitcoins mainstream acceptance, it still behaves more like a speculative asset, so the substantial downside risk cannot be overstated.'
Craft brewers have turned against Keir Starmer's Labour government after their industry was hit hard by the Autumn Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a slew of new fiscal policies last month which independent businesses say they will have to shoulder the burden of.

Included in the raft of proposals was a rise in employers' National Insurance contribution (NIC), a 6.7 per cent increase in the minimum wage and a cut in business rates relief.

Independent breweries along Bermondsey Beer Mile in central London have reacted furiously to Labour's 25billion tax raid, with some claiming they will now be working for 'basically nothing'.

The criticism of Labour comes as a viral petition set up by pub owner Michael Westwood for another General Election received more than 2.8 million signatures - and will be debated in Parliament in the New Year.

Michael said he decided to launch the petition having seen the Prime Minister and his MPs go back on their manifesto promises and repeatedly talk down the prospects for the country.

Ben Hopkinson, of brewery and skate shop Hop Kingdom, said he would never vote for Labour and feels let down by the Government.

He told MailOnline: 'Any increase doesn't help, whether it's National Insurance, or tax or however they want to frame the wording, we're always losing out.

Ben Hopkinson (pictured), of brewery and skate shop Hop Kingdom, said he would never vote for Labour

The railway arches housing brewers on Bermondsey Beer Mile in central London

Tom Wilson (pictured), owner and head brewer at Kanpai London, said he is most concerned by added costs such as increased minimum wage and taxes

Brewer and importer Eric Besterbreur (pictured) said that so much 'damage' has been done to his industry that he no longer cares who runs the country

'It's incredibly hard to run a small business. Not just because of National Insurance, but rent rates, electrics tripled, water has gone up - everything goes up and from my point of view I work very, very, very hard for basically nothing.

'It's really community focused, and I don't think the government helps me in almost anything.'

Asked if he would vote for Sir Keir, the local entrepreneur - whose business brews their own beers - said: 'I would never have voted for him.'

He added: 'I think they're completely owned by big corporations, and big corporations don't want small independent businesses.'

Tom Wilson, owner and head brewer at Kanpai London, said he is most concerned by added costs such as increased minimum wage and taxes, as well as the rising price of alcohol duty.

He told MailOnline: 'It's multifaceted that we've got an increase in costs, increase in wage and tax bills, which is obviously impacting our margins and any ability to make profit, and is squeezing the industry.

'And then on the other side of things we've got perpetually increasing alcohol duty, which is then - for us to continue operating as normal - has to be passed unfortunately onto the consumer.

'So we're kind of at a bit of a pinch point where hospitality, the brewing industry, and the alcohol industry [...] are struggling.'

Talking about the impact on customers, Mr Wilson said: 'We've done our best to shoulder the burden and resist as much as we can passing this impact onto customers. However, only a certain amount of that can continue.'

Mr Wilson is the owner and head brewer at Kanpai London on Bermondsey Beer Mile

Mr Hopkinson told MailOnline: 'Any increase doesn't help, whether it's National Insurance, or tax or however they want to frame the wording, we're always losing out'

The railway arches housing brewers on Bermondsey Beer Mile in central London

Asked if he would vote for Sir Keir, Mr Hopkinson - whose business Hop Kingdom brews their own beers - said: 'I would never have voted for him'

Talking about the impact on customers, Mr Wilson said: 'We've kind of done our best to shoulder the burden and resist as much as we can passing this impact onto customers'

Proprieter Eric Bestereur's 'It Ain't Much, If it Ain't Dutch', based in railway arches on Enid Street, Bermondsey

Mr Hopkinson of Hop King, craft beer and skate park, based in railway arches on Druid Street

A general view of the railway arches on Druid Street, Bermondsey, central London

Mr Wilson is the owner and head brewer at Kanpai London on Bermondsey Beer Mile

A major pub chain previously warned that Labour's NI hike will cause the price of its pints to increase.

Chiswick-based Fuller, Smith & Turner - which has 5,500 staff - said it would need to raise prices for customers across its hotels and pubs as it faces a significant cost increase.

Brewer and importer Eric Besterbreur said that so much 'damage' has been done to his industry that he no longer cares who runs the country.

'Any charge you get eventually ends up going to the customers,' he said.

'Any Party, whether it's Conservative, Labour, they would have done the same. Because they don't have enough money so they need to get it somewhere, and as usual the bars pay for it.

'Lib Dem, I'm definitely not Conservative and most definitely not Labour.

'I don't really care anymore, there's so much damage.'

Brewer Connor McGlanchey, of Southwark Brewing Company, said he worries rising prices are going to result in even more consumers staying home instead of going out to drink.

'It has gone up. We've tried to keep ourselves low. Anywhere you go now you're paying 6.50 plus for a pint,' he said.

'People are now drinking less. It's cheaper to just buy some cans and stay home.'

He added: 'It'll bounce back. But there are a lot of brewing companies going under.'
With its cosy pubs, medieval parish church and quiet high street boasting a Gail's and a Waitrose, nothing points to Wokingham being a likely destination for the world's dirty cash.

But this sleepy Berkshire town has now been revealed as a surprise hotspot for suspect wealth channelled through offshore tax havens.

Nearly 6billion worth of suspicious funds have been used over the last eight years to buy UK property through shell companies registered in Britain's Overseas Territories, new research has revealed.

It comes after a huge money laundering network was exposed yesterday, with Russian woman Ekaterina Zhdanova suspected of being the kingpin of a multibillion-pound money laundering network which helped launder criminal cash obtained by hackers through Britain via drug gangs.

Irish cartel the Kinahans are also accused of using the system, run by two networks called Smart and TGR, to get cryptocurrency in return for cash - while oligarchs placed under sanctions used it to disguise their cash in order to invest in British property.

While the report of areas attracting the highest inflows of suspicious cash is dominated by mega rich honeypots like Kensington, Westminster and Hampstead, Wokingham in Berkshire makes a surprise appearance in fifth place.

An astonishing 146m worth of untracked money has poured into the town of 177,500 people since 2016, making it one of only three non-London locations to feature in the top 10.

The total investment for Wokingham covers just five properties, according to the study by Transparency International. This gives them an average value of almost 30m, despite the average house there selling for 530,000.

The sleepy Berkshire town of Wokingham has been revealed as a surprise hotspot for suspect wealth channelled through offshore tax havens

Ekaterina Zhdanova was yesterday revealed as one of the two kingpins of a multibillion-pound Russian money laundering network which helped launder criminal cash obtained by Russian hackers through Britain via drug gangs

The money laundering system operated in 30 countries and was used by gangs including notorious Irish cartel the Kinahans as well as money-runners across Britain, the NCA said

When MailOnline visited the town to speak to residents, they were surprised and dismayed that their town had been drawing in murky money.

IT worker Matthew Russell, 34, said: 'This is a quiet market town, nothing dodgy happens here.

'There are lots of new building developments shooting up around the place but I don't know who is behind them.

'I'd be extremely shocked to find out that anything illegal is going on here but I wouldn't let it change my day to day life.'

Emma Morden, 53, from nearby Arborfield, said: 'This is surprising.

'Wokingham is quiet, it's full of coffee shops and expensive restaurants that nobody can afford. Where I live, you can hear a pin drop it's that quiet.

Of the 6bn worth of untracked funds flowing into Britain, more than 90 per cent originated from the British Virgin Islands - which is favoured by super-rich wanting to avoid tax.

These funds have been used to buy 494 UK properties since 2018, mainly in London.

Transparency International broke the figures down by Parliamentary constituency, using data from a combination of corporate and land registry data, court documents and leaks.

Emma Morden, 53, was surprised by Wokingham's unlikely status as a hotspot for suspect wealth

An astonishing 146m worth of untracked money has poured into the town of 177,500 people since 2016, making it one of only three non-London locations to feature in the top 10

IT worker Matthew Russell, 34, said: 'This is a quiet market town, nothing dodgy happens here'

The Cities of London and Westminster attracted the most investment, with 3.6bn spent on 224 properties, followed by Kensington and Bayswater (1.1bn), Finchley and Golders Green (252m), and Hampstead and Highgate (170m).

Aside from Wokingham, Windsor and Bristol Central were the only other non-London constituencies in the top ten, coming eighth and tenth consecutively.

Wokingham resident Alma Homer, 76, said she had heard stories about Chinese companies buying up developments in the town.

'It seems weird. All of a sudden you have got all these properties shooting up. And nobody knows who's buying them. Who's finding money to invest?' she said.

'There's one development where two or three companies involved have gone bust and the houses they built are just sitting there doing nothing.

'All of a sudden we've got more houses being built than in London. It's never been known before. It's a nice place to live. It's quiet, there's no trouble. Let's hope they don't ruin it.'

Ashleigh Chinre, 18, agreed that the town is a haven of calm, adding: 'It's a quiet town. It seems a relatively calm and nice place for people to come.

'I haven't seen anything dodgy going on round here so I'm quite surprised. It's normally quiet, even on a Saturday night. You have a few bars which get crowded, but they seem quite sedate.

A pop-up market on Wokingham's historic high street, pictured earlier this week

The Cities of London and Westminster attracted the most investment, with 3.6bn spent on 224 properties, followed by Kensington and Bayswater (stock image of properties in Kensington)

'There is quite a lot of building going on. There's a lot of residential properties and care homes being built. It would bother me that if there was something dodgy going on - you like to think that everything is legal.'

Another resident said: 'This story is very disturbing and quite shocking.

'They've been building everywhere in Wokingham. Every time you look in the local paper there's a new development going up.'

Previous research in 2018 found 237 large scale corruption and money laundering cases which used corporate vehicles registered in the UK's Overseas Territories.

In total, these cases amount to 250bi worth of funds diverted by rigged procurement, bribery, embezzlement and the unlawful acquisition of state assets across 79 different countries.

Researchers identified the British Virgin Islands used in 92 per cent of these corruption cases.

Margot Mollat, Senior Policy Manager at Transparency International UK said: 'Corporate secrecy in the UK's Overseas Territories plays a central role in enabling corruption, money laundering, and the evasion of tax and sanctions on a global scale.

'Our new research highlights the Overseas Territories' role as global hubs for suspicious and illicit wealth. The secrecy provided by these jurisdictions have made them destinations of choice for corrupt individuals seeking to conceal criminal acts and enjoy the proceeds of their crimes with impunity.

Top 10 constituencies for shadowy money Constituency name Westminster Kensington and Bayswater Finchley & Golders Green Hampstead & Highgate Wokingham Chelsea and Fulham Vauxhall & Camberwell Windsor Runnymede & Weybridge Bristol Central Total invested (pounds) 3,612,636,143 1,136,568,010 252,470,000 170,280,001 146,250,000 97,785,500 77,597,700 49,664,656 48,190,000 34,710,858 No. properties bought 224 83 18 10 5 19 4 7 13 1 Advertisement

'Greater transparency is essential to trace these financial flows, not only within the property sector but in the broader fight against corruption and money laundering.

'But as inaction from these jurisdictions continues, the Government should establish clear transparency standards for British Overseas Territories. At the very least, these should be in line with EU practice, granting journalists, researchers, and academics who can demonstrate a ''legitimate interest'' full access to registers.'

A British Virgin Islands spokesman said: 'The British Virgin Islands is unwavering in its commitment to combating money laundering, tax evasion, and all forms of illicit financial activity. In partnership with the United Kingdom Government, the British Virgin Islands has established a dedicated Sanctions Unit to ensure compliance with international financial sanctions, acting promptly on Financial Sanctions Notices issued by HM Treasury.

'Additionally, we are advancing efforts to enhance transparency by preparing to provide access to beneficial ownership information in cases where a legitimate interest is demonstrated.'

It comes as international law enforcement made 84 arrests, including more than 70 in the UK, after busting a major Russian money laundering network.

It was overseen by Ekaterina Zhdanova, who posed as a glamorous Russian socialite and a legitimate businesswoman - while actually being a ' crypto laundering kingpin.

Zhdanova's double life, seemingly thriving as an entrepreneur opening hotels and businesses across Moscow while secretly running an illicit multi-billion-pound Russian network, was exposed yesterday after the National Crime Agency dismantled her criminal enterprise.

In July 2016, Zhdanova was establishing herself as a socialite whose successful business ventures led to her being splashed across the front cover of a Russian fashion and culture magazine.

It comes as international law enforcement made 84 arrests, including more than 70 in the UK, after busting a major Russian money laundering network overseen by Ekaterina Zhdanova

Smart was run by Zhdanova, who built a vast network of contacts in Moscow during a career in financial services

The whereabouts of the boss of TGR, Russian businessman Georgy Rossi (right, with Elena Chirkinyan), are currently unknown

Partying with Russia's rich and famous, Zhdanova had entered an exclusive social circle which was a far cry from her humble upbringing in a Siberian town.

But her web of lies soon appeared to unravel after she started taking advantage of her fame by posting on social media about buying 'huge volumes' of cryptocurrency.

In 2023, her luxurious lifestyle, posing with expensive watches and partying with pop stars, came crashing down as the US government sanctioned her for her alleged role in a crypto laundering operation used by Russian oligarchs and ransomware gangs.

But today, Zhdanova, who is custody in France, was revealed as one of the two kingpins of a multibillion-pound Russian money laundering network which helped launder criminal cash obtained by Russian hackers through Britain via drug gangs.

The true scale of the international sting was revealed by the arrest of courier Fawad Saiedi, who was pulled over by Met Police officers while driving southbound on the M1 towards London in November 2021.

Detectives found that Saiedi was carrying more than 250,000 in cash, while a further 24,500 was seized at his home along with a cash counting machine, The Telegraph reports.

Saiedi, who was filmed being questioned by officers in the backseat of a car while being detained, is also believed to have transferred 15,667,720 as part of his role as a courier and collector.

The scheme was first discovered with the arrest of Fawad Saiedi in London in November 2021, who was found with more than 250,000 in cash on the M1

A man counting money being processed by the money laundering network

Smart was run by Zhdanova, who built a vast network of contacts in Moscow during a career in financial services.

The whereabouts of the boss of TGR, Russian businessman Georgy Rossi, are currently unknown.

Both Zhdanova and Rossi were described as 'interesting characters in their own right' by Sal Melki, the head of illicit finance at the NCA, which led the sting dubbed Operation Destabilise.

Mr Melki admitted Zhdanova was 'not your typical' organised crime boss but someone who 'presents herself as a legitimate business person'.
EXCLUSIVE

The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli has been charged over the conduct of his private lottery business LMCT+, Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal.

South Australia's Consumer and Business Services launched an investigation into the operations of the Melbourne businessman's lottery business in September last year.

And now, just one day after Mr Portelli handed out $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to struggling western Sydney residents to buy groceries, the SA government department confirmed it was prosecuting Mr Portelli and Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which trades as LMCT+.

Mr Portelli personally faces nine counts of conducting/assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery, and the company faces ten counts of the same charge, the courts confirmed.

If convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum penalty of $190,000. The first mention of the case is scheduled for January 15 in the South Australian Magistrates Court.

Popularly known as 'Mr Lambo', Mr Portelli, 35, has an estimated net worth of more than $1billion - and he made much of his fortune through LMCT+, a subscription based lottery.

He has been accused by anti-gambling advocates of preying on low-income Aussies who pay up to $100 a month for lottery draws.

But the company says it is simply a 'membership reward service' that generates millions of dollars for local businesses.

Adrian Portelli arrived at Coles in Fairfield West flanked by security guards

The business has more than 300,000 customers who pay a subscription fee, with options ranging from a $20 to a $100 a month

It has more than 300,000 customers who pay a subscription fee, with options ranging from $20 to a $100 a month.

Subscribers get discounts from partners such as Amazon, Temple & Webster and Elite Supplements - although the website only releases the details to people who sign up.

The main attraction is the company's monthly lottery draws for cash, cars and homes. The last draw, on November 24, resulted in $1million going to one subscriber.

The more a subscriber pays, the more 'accumulating entries' they're given in each draw.

Mr Portelli operates LMCT+ under a NSW licence as a 'trade promotion' - a type of lottery designed to help businesses attract customers by rewarding them with prizes.

Under the licence, customers can get entries into the draws because they are paying for the 'goods and services' of the business - the rewards and discounts it offers.

Adrian Portelli's company offers monthly draws for cash, cars and homes. The last draw, on November 24, resulted in $1million cash going to one subscriber

Mr Portelli's lavish lifestyle - including a luxury car collection and multi-million dollar properties across Australia - is a subject of fascination of his fans

An LMCT+ spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the company is a 'membership reward service which proudly generates millions of dollars for local businesses and creates savings for Australian families'.

'The business also contributes to positive community initiatives through philanthropic investment,' the spokesperson said.

'These outcomes are particularly important during a cost-of-living crisis. Mr Portelli and LMCT+ are very aware of their social licence and take their legal and regulatory obligations seriously.

'To this end, the business conducts itself in accordance with all required regulatory approvals and partners with government to meaningfully contribute to economic and social projects.

'LMCT+ looks forward to driving further value for its partners and members into the Christmas holiday period.'

The entrepreneur was seventh on the Financial Review Young Rich List this year, with an estimated net worth of $1billion

Thousands of west Sydney residents lined up in 33C for a free Coles voucher on Tuesday

Mr Portelli's lavish lifestyle - including a luxury car collection and multi-million dollar properties across Australia - is a subject of fascination of his fans.

He made headlines on Tuesday for giving away $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to 1,000 Sydneysiders - many of whom waited in line for hours in the 33C heat.

The desperation of some of the attendees highlighted a national cost of living crisis.

Mr Portelli arrived in Sydney on his private jet for the event, and was flanked by security guards as he posed for pictures with delighted coupon holders.

'It's great to be able to offer some assistance to families before Christmas,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Why not? I'm able to assist with people, so I may as well spend the money.'

He also shocked TV viewers earlier this month when he bought all five Phillip Island properties on The Block for a staggering $15.03million.

Portelli's net worth has been valued at over $1billion by the Australian Financial Review, taking into account his collection of properties and luxury cars as well as the paper value of LMCT+.

The entrepreneur was seventh on the Financial Review Young Rich List this year.
The father of a four-year-old son has less than two weeks to raise money for an emergency surgery to remove a five centimetre tumour from his kidney.

Shakir Pichler, 57, was moving fake grass in the backyard of his Perth home last month when he began experiencing intense back pain.

'I went to the doctor after it didn't go away for about a week, which was a bit unusual,' Mr Pichler told Daily Mail Australia.

After going for multiple scans and tests, doctors discovered the 57-year-old had a large cancerous tumour in his right kidney.

'It's been crazy, life can just change in a second,' he said.

'It's just so bizarre how those things happen. If I hadn't have moved that massive roll of play grass and strained my back, I'd just be going on my merry way with a tumour in my kidney.'

Mr Pichler was referred to WA's public health system but was warned he would have to wait up to three months before his kidney could be removed.

As the tumour is considered large and has the potential to grow quickly, the Aussie dad has booked in with a private practice to complete the surgery.

Shakir Pichler (pictured with his wife and young son) went to the doctor after straining his back. Tests revealed a five centimetre tumour in his right kidney

'If it was just me, I would have just stuck it out in the public system and gone along for the ride,' he said.

'But I've got a four-year-old boy - it's not just me I have to think about.

'S**t's different when you're a parent.'

Mr Pichler is due to go for his surgery on December 18 but does not have private health insurance or enough savings to cover the upfront costs.

'Our friends were asking if they could help us out or told us to make a GoFundMe but I was just too proud,' he said.

'We're close to being able to afford the surgery but there's all the aftercare and loss of income. My wife's a teacher and she'll probably have to take some time off.

'Then there's all the other incidentals you just don't think of.'

A GoFundMe has since raised almost $15,000 with Mr Pichler saying one positive from the experience is the care shown by his friends, family and complete strangers.

Mr Pichler (pictured with his son) has elected to undergo a private surgery to remove his entire kidney, rather than waiting three months for the procedure in the public system

'It's kind of opened my eyes to the kindness and love that you sort of forget exists during your day-to-day life,' he said.

'It just didn't feel right at first, because I thought "I could have gone public - why should I go private when I haven't got private health insurance?"

'But the reason is to be here for my son as he grows up and give me the best chance of doing that.'

The operation, called a radical nephrectomy, will see Mr Pichler's entire kidney removed.

'We could do a removal of just the tumour, leaving a partial kidney, but then you've always got that chance of there being cancerous cells somewhere inside that kidney,' he said.

'So I'll just be the one kidney dude.

'It seems like most people live pretty normal lives after the procedure and it doesn't change your life expectancy at all.'

Kidney cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia with an average of one in 65 people over the age of 85 affected.

A GoFundMe for Mr Pichler (pictured with his son) has already raised nearly $15,000

The cancer is more likely to appear in men than women and has an average diagnosis age of 65-years-old.

Common symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in urine or peeing more often, back pain, a lump in the abdomen, fatigue, sudden weight loss and a fever.

Smoking has been linked to about one third of kidney cancer diagnoses. Doctors recommend not smoking or quitting as a preventative measure.
The former King Edward VIII exploded with rage when asked if had been offered a return to the English throne under Nazi rule, his interviewer has recalled.

Georg Stefan Troller, 103, spoke to the Duke of Windsor in 1966, thirty years after he abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Mr Troller, who had fled Vienna as a Jewish refugee before the war, recalls in an upcoming Channel 4 documentary how he got 'a little bit angry' during the meeting, before asking a question he 'shouldn't have asked'.

In October 1937, Edward and Wallis caused great consternation with the Royal Family when they visited Nazi Germany, where they met Hitler and were cheered by crowds.

Aware of Edward's previous Nazi sympathies, Mr Troller said he asked him if it was true he had been offered 'something like the governorship of England' if Hitler had won the war.

Edward 'exploded' with anger and refused to answer the question, Mr Troller recalls in Edward Vs George: The Windsors at War.

In a clip from the programme that has been shared exclusively with MailOnline, he goes on to add: 'In my intimate feelings, I think it was true, and I think that he would have done it.'

His belief is backed up by Edward's biographer Alexander Larman, who told MailOnline: 'I think it is more likely than not that Edward would have accepted a return to the throne on Hitler's terms, but we have no proof.'

The former King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson stand alongside Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler during a visit to Germany in October 1937

Georg Stefan Troller, 103, spoke to the Duke of Windsor in 1966, thirty years after he abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson

Earlier in the interview, Edward - who lived with Wallis in an opulent Paris home - bristled when Mr Troller said he had spent three decades 'in exile'.

He responded in fluent German: '...I am not exiled! Exiles are people who cannot return to their country. I can go back to England whenever I wish.'

The new documentary is based on Mr Larman's book The Windsors at War: The Nazi Threat to the Crown.

Mr Larman told MailOnline: 'There's no real indication in any of the letters that I read that he was particularly happy about Nazi Germanys defeat. He didn't share everyone else's joy.

'He was obsessed by the communists and Russia; he saw the Second World War as having been mishandled and as opening the door to a greater conflict.'

He added: 'I don't think he was an actual Nazi. But he looked at Hitler and Germany and was very impressed by what he had done.

'You have to see him as having Nazi sympathies.'

Mr Troller he interviewed Edward after agreeing to pay him and Wallis a fee of more than $1,000.

He says in the programme, which airs on Saturday: 'Considering my own story, as a Jewish refugee from Vienna, lots of my family members had perished in the Holocaust.

The Duke of Windsor bristled when Mr Troller said he had been 'in exile' for thirty years. Above: The former king in the 1966 interview with Mr Troller

In October 1937, Edward and Wallis caused great consternation with the Royal Family when they visited Nazi Germany, where they met Hitler and were cheered by crowds. Above: Edward appears to perform a Nazi salute during his visit

'I was a survivor. I wanted to know whether this man had really been on our side, or was it just a fake?

'I got a little bit angry, and I asked a question I shouldn't have asked: "Was it true that he, and his wife, had visited Hitler, that Hitler offered him, in case he won the war against England, something like the governorship of England?"

'He exploded: "No, not this question. Thats not on our list. Forget about it. I will not answer.

"No, go away, please, thank you, goodbye..." I had the feeling of uncompleteness.

'Yes I felt I had been thrown out. But I would have really have liked to know was it true? And in my intimate feelings, I think it was true, and I think that he would have done it.'

Edward and Wallis married in France at the opulent Chateau de Cande, which was owned by pro-Nazi businessman Charles Bedaux.

He had agreed to let them use the venue on the agreement that the couple would visit Nazi Germany, where Bedaux had business interests.

Historian Christopher Wilson tells Channel 4: 'Edward was a bit of a fool. What he wanted to do was to show Wallis what it was like to be royal.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor walking down stairs alongside Adolf Hitler during their visit to Nazi Germany, October of 1937

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor seen arriving in Berlin, October 12, 1937

Edward VIII giving his abdication broadcast to the nation and the British Empire, December 11, 1936

'He wanted the crowds out in the street, shouting for both of them.

'And the only way that was going to happen was to go to Nazi Germany, where they would roll out the red carpet for him, willingly, happily.'

By 1937, Hitler, who was initially elected in 1933, had become a dictator in Germany, and tensions with Britain were rising.

During the quasi-royal visit, Edward was pictured seemingly performing a Nazi salute and meeting with both Hitler himself and other senior Nazi officials.

After the Second World War broke out in September 1939, Edward was stationed across the Channel with the British Military Mission to France, but was then sent to be the governor of the Bahamas.

The five-year posting was the last official role he performed for the British state.

The first episode of Edward Vs George: The Windsors at War airs on Saturday on Channel 4 at 9.15pm.
Outraged Aussies are vowing to boycott Coles over the supermarket's use of a controversial cattle feed supplement that aims to lower greenhouse gases.

Coles announced in November 2023 some beef suppliers would expand the use of Bovaer in cattle feed, after two trials found the supplement lowered methane emissions by 'at least 50 per cent'.

Beef sold in Coles' general range is not produced from cattle fed with Bovaer - the supplement is exclusively used for the premium 'Finest Carbon Neutral' line of products.

Bovaer is fed to cows to suppress an enzyme that causes the production of methane, a gas that contributes to climate change.

The methane supplement is made of silicon dioxide, propylene glycol and the organic compound 3-nitrooxypropanol (known as 3-NOP).

There is no suggestion that the drug, produced by Swiss-Dutch manufacturer, DSM-Firmenich, is unsafe for consumers, or that it transfers to milk or meat.

However, social media is now awash with claims the additive can cause fertility issues and cancer.

Experts have also told Daily Mail that customers do not have anything to worry about and that concerns about cancer risks are unfounded.

But many Aussie conspiracy theorists remain suspicious, prompting dairy suppliers to reveal whether or not they use the additive.

Victorian farm Bass River Dairies announced on Tuesday it was selling 'full fart milk' from cows that were not fed Bovaer, while Norco also confirmed it was not using the supplement.

Coles expanded its use of the drug in November 2023 after trials found it reduced methane emissions

The supplement is exclusively used for the premium 'Finest Carbon Neutral' line of Coles' beef

'At Norco we pride ourselves on making quality, natural dairy products,' it said.

Outspoken anti-vaxxer and former federal politician Craig Kelly commended the milk companies who are not using the supplement.

'Well done Norco, listening to the public,' he said.

'We don't want to drink milk from cows drugged with Bovaer.

'And we also don't want to eat meat from cattle drugged with Bovaer - so all Coles meat is off the shopping list.'

Hundreds of fellow critics of the supplement responded to Mr Kelly's post.

'I want nothing to do with Bovaer, and we can all vote with our choices. Hopefully Coles will learn a very nasty lesson from all this,' one said.

A second added: 'Coles don't sell anything you can't get elsewhere. They will never get another cent from me - I have been a loyal Coles shopper for 30 years.'

'A sizable group of your customers don't want to eat food that you have tampered with. We just want wholesome natural food,' a third said.

Coles beef supplier Warren Barnett (pictured) has been using Bovaer on his New South Wales farm since May 2023

Bovaer suppresses the enzyme that produces the greenhouse gas methane in cows

Coles has hit back at the backlash and told customers the product is completely safe.

'Coles prioritises food safety and animal welfare and we are committed to improving the sustainability of our business,' a spokesperson said.

'Bovaer has been extensively researched over the past 15 years and approved by leading food safety organisations including Food Standards Agency UK and the European Food Safety Authority.'

In the UK, customers are also threatening to boycott Danish firm Arla - which holds the biggest dairy conglomerate in Britain - over its use of the drug.

Major supermarkets Tesco and Asda are among the stores which stock Arla milk.

Arla fired back at what it labelled 'misinformation' around the additive on social media.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates invested millions in Rumin 8, a company developing similar methane-reducing supplements in early 2023, via his investment firm Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

In the UK there has been confusion between Bovaer and the Rumin 8 company that had benefited from Gates' investment.

Bovaer is approved for use in dozens of countries, including Australia and the UK.
When Sarah started her stint as a Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) sickness benefit assessor, she arrived with a wealth of medical experience. A former Army nurse, she had served in Afghanistan and treated enough soldiers to know what serious distress  physical and psychological  looks like.

In her new job, though, she had no opportunity to meet anyone face to face. She would be paid to assess over the phone whether someone qualified for sickness benefit.

It wasn't long before she saw a pattern: she had been given a list of questions to ask claimants and a guide to where their responses would place them on the benefits scale.

Those she spoke to often seemed to know the answers  verbatim  that she was told to look for.

'I went on Google and straight away I found the criteria,' she told me. 'All the words [claimants needed] to say to essentially get a full benefit.'

I asked her if she thinks those about to go through an assessment will be doing the same: finding out the phrase that pays.

'Absolutely,' she replied. 'Sadly, my opinion is that not everyone who is claiming is quite telling the truth.'

Following Sarah's advice, I went online and soon came across so-called 'sickfluencers', who help their millions of followers on YouTube and TikTok to maximise their benefits.

TikTok 'sickfluencer' Liz Jones, known as the 'PIP angel', offers PDF guides to her 67,000 followers, with 'example answers for depression' that applicants can copy

TikToker Liz Jones, known as the 'PIP angel', offers PDF guides for applying to her 67,000 followers, with 'example answers for depression' that applicants can copy. Comment threads online on Reddit and Facebook are also full of advice.

'When filling out the form, speak as if you're having the worst day your disability can throw at you,' says one. 'I did that without exaggerating or lying about anything  and received LCWRA [Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity] without even being asked for an interview.'

The sickfluencers, many of whom suffer from long-term sickness and disability themselves, lay out the questions assessors might ask to see if the claimant really is as sick as they say.

They advise on key words and phrases that might be used in answers, such as 'distress'. 'And to make it even more effective you can put 'psychological' in front of it,' said one.

The sickfluencers say they are helping disabled people navigate the complex benefits system. The official advice is baffling: their advice is clear. Perhaps too clear.

Over the past 14 years, the approval rate for sickness benefits has more than doubled  to 80 per cent. With more than 15,000 people a week approved for long-term sickness and disability payments, it is clear something is out of control.

To be fair to them, many people do need help negotiating the official world of benefits  a maze addled with acronyms that many genuinely vulnerable people are plunged into every day.

Sarah is employed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). She judges whether people require sickness benefit

But whereas assessor and claimants used to meet, giving both an opportunity to discuss a claimant's needs, during lockdown the sit-down interview for sickness benefit gave way to a phone call. And that has never quite changed.

The number of sickness benefits approvals has risen from more than 1,000 before the pandemic to a peak of more than 3,000 a working day in March, according to official figures analysed by the team working on a Dispatches documentary I recently made with Channel 4. The figures include the extension or renewal of existing claims.

Instead of a need for medical evidence, or advice from an occupational health specialist, there's now a set list of questions.

And people know what assessors are looking for  sickfluencers aside, guidance is published online by the DWP itself. It's no surprise that people are comparing notes on a system that's wide open to abuse.

Sarah told me there are certain buzzwords many people use to ensure they receive maximum benefits. 'If at any point someone said they were suicidal every day, it's straight away in that high [payment category],' she said.

'It's down to the integrity of the person.' She said she deals with plenty of credible claimants. 'It's really frustrating to me because there are actually people that I chat to who are having those thoughts. You really feel for those people who are going through it.'

This wasn't the first time I had heard about the sickfluencers. Some time ago, a government minister told me exactly the same thing: that if you say you're suicidal, you get a straight award of full sickness benefits.

What struck me was that the minister  whose department ran the system  felt unable to change it. The DWP is too big. The UK sickness benefit system is now governing the lives of 3.3 million people: more than the adult population of Croatia.

A poster on TikTok promoting 'key words' to increase odds of sickness benefit assessors voting in favour of applicants

The assessments are handled by private companies under contracts that are hard to change. It may be tempting to see sickfluencers as the problem, aiding and abetting a mass defrauding of the taxpayer.

But it's a symptom of the real scandal: a shoddy system, horribly unequal to the task of assessing the sick and disabled.

The 'skivers versus strivers' trope is not just a cliche; it gets the welfare system entirely wrong  as I found out when I took a close look at the benefits system for my programme.

What I found was horrifying: a sickness benefit assessment process that is, in effect, a down-the-line telephone questionnaire  with pitifully little required in the way of medical evidence  that ultimately traps people in a web of benefits they find hard to escape.

Carrying out assessments on the phone should be cost-effective, but it's a strange kind of cheapness, because the bill for all sickness, disability and associated benefits across all ages is soon expected to top 100billion, due to the surging caseload.

When you consider the waste of human potential  2.3 million claiming five years ago, forecast to rise to 4.1 million by the next election  it's even worse.

The real scandal is how many people are not given the help they need but are instead shovelled off into the fringes of society, ignored even when they're better and want to work.

They followed the rules, made no effort to mislead  yet still end up trapped by a system supposed to help them. Part of the problem is the speed of assessments. The system encourages assessors to cut corners.

Another former assessor I spoke to, Michael Houston, found very quickly that his job was not to help claimants as best he could, but process as many claims as he could.

Desperate to get off benefits is taxi driver Gavin, who had heart surgery three years ago

'People were encouraged to do six cases a day,' he told me. 'And if you did any more than that, you would get 80 per case. If the claimant met the highest category [of sickness benefit], then the assessment could be curtailed early. This would allow them to fit in more cases per day.'

So some assessors are incentivised to complete cases running into double figures  that means at least an extra 320 a day.

But how easy is it for people like Michael to assess, over the phone, whether someone really is too anxious or depressed to work?

'Not very,' he said. 'Which is one of the things that, ethically and morally, I didn't really feel comfortable with.'

I spoke to another assessor, still serving, who confirmed that the bonus system is still in place.

'What strikes me about this job is how few people I speak to are genuinely too sick to work,' she said. She's not talking about perfectly healthy people scamming the system. She means those people who do need support being plunged into the 'too sick to work' category  which she thinks may do them more harm than good.

'Most people will want support to manage their mental health condition,' she said. 'But feel they can't get that on the NHS so they apply for benefits.'

She added that she's been struck by how many young people she is having to pass off as too sick to work. Some 190,000 under-25s are in this category. But the fastest rising age group is the 25 to 34-year-olds: more than 515,000 of them, up 65 per cent in the last five years.

With more than 15,000 people a week approved for long-term sickness and disability payments, Fraser Nelson says it is clear something is out of control

'We sign them off  we have to under the guidelines  but you have to wonder what we're doing to them,' she told me.

'I can understand the alcoholics in their late-50s, but I can't understand the young people in their 20s.'

And what of the alcoholics? In my film I met Anthony, who says he drank several cans before showing up to fill in the paperwork. He'll get the money.

But will he get the help he needs? I looked up the figures for alcohol-related deaths: they had been stable for two decades, but started to surge, along with sickness benefits, five years ago. The UK, incidentally, is the only major country to report such a surge. It seems to be a very British disease.

In Manchester I met Michael, who had been on sickness benefits for two years and was living in a hostel. He was tired of it, although he pointed out that he was getting more on benefits than those working in his hostel were earning. He had difficulties with mental health, but his treatment went well and he's keen to try work again.

He had a decent strategy: to train as a plasterer, a well-paying job with a big skills shortage. He had secured a place on the course and the film crew went there to meet him: we hoped this would be the good news story. But he didn't show up. We filmed him telling others at Loaves and Fishes, a community group, what had happened.

'When I contacted the JobCentre, they said because you're on Capability For Work, you would lose your benefits.'

He was dismayed. Plastering is classed as working and he would lose all his benefits. His escape had been thwarted.

This advice, by the way, is not quite correct. He's allowed to train  but would be at risk of reassessment and losing his benefits.

I only know this because the documentary crew had access to researchers and former advisers  it would often take us several days to understand the system. It made me wonder what hope there is for Michael, or others like him. They need formal advisers: occupational health specialists, or back-to-work advisers specialising in those with sickness support.

Expensive? Perhaps. But not as expensive as writing off another 800,000 people, which is the current plan.

The most astonishing interview in the film is with Gavin, a taxi driver, who needed sickness benefit as he recovered from heart surgery. Applying for it was a nightmare, he said. But the operation was a success, he recovered  so he contacted the DWP to say he was ready to come off it. It was three weeks before he had a response.

'I was told they couldn't change it themselves. They couldn't alter my award claim,' he told me.

'I had to wait until I was reassessed, which I felt was pretty peculiar.' When would that be? He wasn't told: he'd just have to wait.

That was almost three years ago  and Gavin has given up contacting them. He's still driving his taxi part-time, which the sickness benefit system allows. I asked him what the financial situation is, compared to working full-time with no benefit.

'I'm probably working half the hours for the same money,' he said. So does he have any financial incentive to give up his benefits? 'None at all.'

I asked him why, in that case, he was ready to go on television; his answer summed up the whole story: 'I wanted to highlight how bad things are.

'This is really important. When you need this help at your lowest ill health  and when you're at your worst  you can't get it. You have to wait through it. And then when you don't need it  or you feel life's much better  they won't stop giving it to you.'

The good news? It comes from Barnsley Council which commissioned a report over the summer trying to find out where its workers have gone. Seven in ten of those classed as economically inactive would like to take a job, it found, if it aligned with their skills and circumstances.

If applied nationally, it said, this would mean 4.5 million more potential workers  a massive pool of unused talent. If they joined the workforce, Britain would be supercharged with the fastest economic growth in the developed world.

So yes, the sickness benefit is a crisis  but fixing it is, by some margin, the biggest opportunity Keir Starmer has in front of him.

Get it wrong, and it could bankrupt the country. Get it right, and Britain's economy could be renewed and transformed.

Reforming welfare always has been the hardest job in politics. But this time, it really can't wait.

Fraser Nelson is a columnist at the Daily Telegraph. His film, Britain's Benefits Scandal: Dispatches, is available to stream on Channel 4.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has urged residents to boycott businesses that refuse to celebrate Australia Day.

Senator Hanson took to Facebook to make the call after it was revealed pub chain Australian Venue Co planned on refusing to have Australia Day events.

The pub giant, which is the second largest in the country and owns more than 200 venues, said Australia Day causes 'sadness' and 'hurt' for many.

Fierce backlash forced the hospitality group to backtrack on its decision, but Senator Hanson said that demonstrated the power of the public in refusing to give up its traditions.

'You probably saw the news that a foreign-owned corporation controlling 200 pubs was looking to cancel Australia Day,' Senator Hanson wrote.

'Well, theyve backed down after the backlash from proud Aussies!'

'This shows the power of standing together. If a company wont support Australia and our national day, they dont deserve our business.

'Lets boycott any business that disrespects our country and values. Australia Day is for all of us. Lets keep it that way!'

Pauline Hanson (pictured) praised the resolve of Aussies after pub giant Australian Venue Co was forced to backtrack on their intention to shun Australia Day events

Her call to action was praised by her followers, who wanted the cultural posturing of the business sector to end.

'Don't just boycott them on Australia Day, boycott them permanently,' one wrote.

'Any business which disrespects the celebration of this magnificent country does not deserve our respect,' another wrote.

'Companies in this country need to learn that if [they are] going to stuff around with our national day then it is going to cost them,' a third added.

Others echoed Senator Hanson's comments about standing up for the values that the national day represents.

'Australia Day is about being proud and celebrating being Australian or living in Australia,' one wrote.

'Australia Day is our day,' another wrote.

Senator Hanson uploaded a passionate social media post (pictured) to encourage people to turn their backs on businesses and venues, who do not want to commemorate Australia Day

'I refuse to go into any pub, club [and] shop who do not support Australia Day,' a third chimed in.

'We are dealing with the corporate woke authoritarian brigade here,' one wrote.

Senator Hanson has previously voiced her resentment of those who oppose the commemoration of January 26, which marks the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour and the beginning of the UK's colonisation of Australia.

She claimed in January people who complain about Australia Day should not get the benefit of a public holiday.

'Australia Day should be about national pride and unity, not the shame and division gleefully promoted by activists who make a sport of running down Australia and its people,' she said.

Senator Hanson also joined the chorus of criticism against supermarket giant Woolworths and retailer Big W for ending the sale of Australia Day merchandise.

She argued that businesses with 'virtual monopolies' have no right 'dictating to Australians how or when we can celebrate the founding and success of our country'.

'These businesses do not get to decide our national day on 26 January is offensive,' Senator Hanson said.

Australian Venue Co issued an apology following the backlash and said it was never their 'intention to hurt anyone'.

'It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day,' the company said.

'Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always.'

Among the venues that were set to shun Australia Day events were the Claremont Hotel and Bassendean Hotel in Perth and the Regatta Hotel, Boundary Hotel, and Friday's Riverside in Brisbane.

The company is owned by Hong-Kong based investment firm PAG, which bought Australian Venue Co in August 2023 for around $1.4billion.
Most young Australian workers are 'too lazy' for the hospitality industry, according to a cafe owner who's struggling to find staff.

Sunil Kumar Shrestha, who operates five Sydney cafes, told Daily Mail Australia that he doesn't have enough Australian born workers applying for jobs to sustain his businesses.

'I think the younger generation are a little bit too lazy,' he said.

'I did have a couple (of Australians) I took on but they worked for maybe two weeks and then they disappeared.'

Business NSW released a report on Wednesday that revealed eight in 10 businesses have had to increase pay or offer better working conditions to snag and retain skilled workers.

It revealed that 77 per cent of NSW employers had to deal with skills shortages  down from 93 per cent two years but still well above 51 per cent in 2019.

There are growing calls for federal government to fast-track skilled visas and permit more foreign students into Australia so help with the 'critical skills shortage'.

The Albanese government planned to cap the number of international students from 2025 before the Coalition and the Greens blocked the legislation from being passed.

Sunil Kumar Shrestha, who owns and operates five Sydney cafes, said his staff is about 70 per cent foreign workers and that not many Australians apply for any of his jobs. He's pictured at Tom and Gerry's cafe in Kent Street

Mr Shrestha said he finds it difficult to retain Australian born workers, whereas foreign workers will 'stick around'.

'They need to work,' he said.

The business owner said talk of the federal government talking about slashing international student numbers was concerning.

'About 70 per cent of my staff are foreign students,' he said.

'It is going to have a big impact on the hospitality industry and also small businesses. It's going to be very hard.'

Mr Strestha has gone as far as offering extra incentives and pay rises to attract and retain Aussie workers with little success.

'But they just disappeared. They never stayed in the job for long,' he said.

Mr Strestha said foreign students 'stick around' whereas the Aussie workers he had 'disappeared' after a matter of weeks. Pictured foreign student baristas Zoro and Amik during the busy morning rush

The cafe owner said the industry is already grappling with low numbers of skilled hospitality workers and that cutting migration numbers would make a bad situation worse.

'Getting a chef is really hard at the moment, and even cooks,' Mr Shrestha said.

'There's not many Australians joining the industry and when they do, they try to learn and they think it's too hard.

'They just give up.'

Across his cafes that he has operated over the last 13 years, Mr Strestha said he currently only has one Aussie chef - and she resigned last week and did her last shift on Wednesday.

The cafe owner said Aussies rarely apply to work in any of the roles he advertises. Pictured are Sydney CBD workers

Mr Strestha sponsors some staff, such as the chefs, so he can retain them.

'When they graduate and they have two or three years experience, we sponsor them,' he said.

'They stay for another two or three years, which is good for us.

'But as soon as they get permanent residency, they disappear.'

Labor's policies over the year have slowed down the pace of students entering Australia - which has already impacted the amount of visas granted.

Student visas issued in the last financial year came in at 376,731 - down from the 577,295 in the previous year.

Federal education minister Jason Clare said the policies won't change while there isn't any foreign student caps.

But the Opposition Coalition has promised to slash foreign student numbers, while both parties continue to blame migration for the housing crisis if they're elected to power at the next election.

Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter called on the federal government to fast-track skilled visas as well as permit more foreign students into Australia so help with the 'critical skills shortage', which was worse in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

'Australia is a nation that needs a good number of international students and skilled migrants to grow and prosper,' he said.

'Its too easy to hide behind housing supply issue rather than solve it.'
Donald Trump may have mastered the art of the deal once again, with rumors he will replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis as his pick to head Defense in exchange for Trump's daughter-in-law Lara getting Florida's open Senate seat.

Reports suggest the relationship between the friends turned enemies has undergone a 'remarkable turnaround' as the president-elect continues advanced talks to make the Florida governor his new nominee to run the Pentagon.

The Florida governor and Trump have reportedly had one-on-one discussions about the move.

A GOP source told The Bulwark: 'These discussions are real. It's serious. I can't say it's definitely going to happen, but the governor is receptive and Trump is serious, too.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team for comment.

It would be another turn in the long-running intertwining of the political fortunes for Trump and DeSantis - who ran against Trump in the Republican Primary before dropping out.

Trump has reportedly been willing to call for a fresh start between the two biggest stars of American conservatism.

Another aspect of these newfound talks: DeSantis' task ahead of replacing one of Florida's two sitting US Senators, as Marco Rubio is nominated for Secretary of State.

Donald Trump's relationship with Ron DeSantis has undergone a 'remarkable turnaround' as the president-elect continues advanced talks to make the Florida governor his new nominee for Secretary of Defense

DeSantis has reportedly been under consideration in an 11th hour move to flip out the original, controversial nominee Pete Hegseth

A Republican insider claims that DeSantis running the Pentagon could be tied to Trump's daughter-in-law and RNC co-chair Lara Trump being appointed.

'Initially, Lara Trump was not part of all of this. But there's no way it could have been avoided.'

The governor, who was on the original shortlist for the job, likely shares the values of Hegseth, who has called to rid the military of so-called 'woke' policies.

A DeSantis ally suggested the governor will be unconcerned with media perceptions and just get the job done for Trump.

'He needs don't-give-a-f*** honey badger to go in there and root out waste and the gov is the OG honey badger.'

Another source suggested that the discussions with DeSantis are a sign that Hegseth's on thin ice, despite a media tour in an attempt to improve things.

'I'm not sure what Pete is going to say, but right now he looks like a goner. Trump talking to DeSantis while this is all going on is a sure sign that Trump doesn't think Pete is gonna make it.'

The choice of former Fox News host Hegseth to lead the Defense Department is battling a tricky confirmation after past allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking resurfaced.

A Republican insider claims that DeSantis running the Pentagon could be tied to Trump's daughter-in-law and RNC co-chair Lara Trump being appointed

Earlier Tuesday, Hegseth vowed not to drink if he is confirmed to the Pentagon's top job after a deluge of negative stories highlighting his consumption.

'This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I'm doing it,' Hegseth said Wednesday on The Megyn Kelly Show.

His promise comes as lawmakers are skeptical of his qualifications to lead the Pentagon - the nation's largest employer with over 2 million under its purview and an $800 billion budget.

The confirmation has become more difficult as a steady stream of negative reports have come out highlighting his alleged binge drinking and and questionable behavior around women.

Hegseth, 44, has also been accused of sexual assault and getting too intoxicated while on the job to the point of being forced out of a leadership role for a veterans group.

Another recent NBC News report claims 10 current and former Fox News staffers said they were concerned about his drinking and could smell alcohol on him 'as recently as last month.'

Though many of the reports cite anonymous sources, something Republicans are quick to point out, they have added additional claims to the pile of materials the Senate must mull through ahead of Hegseth's confirmation.

Hegseth dove further into his drinking habits on Megyn Kelly's podcast, who is also a fellow former Fox host.

Pete Hegseth went on The Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday to again defend himself against a slew of damning reports about him  and admitted there are 'kernels of truth' in some of the stories. He also explained that he paid a woman accusing him of rape because he was worried about it harming his career and wife

'What do guys do when they come back from war oftentimes? Have some beers. How do you deal with the demons you see on the battlefield? Sometimes it's with a bottle,' he expressed.

'Unfortunately, tragically, for too many guys it's with the bottle and then it's depression and then, even worse, suicide.'

'I found my chapters of purpose that pulled me out of that,' he said.

'I'm a very different person than I was 10 years ago,' Hegseth insisted, pointing to his wife Jennifer and his Christian faith.

Trump is seemingly standing by his pick, and Hegseth said that he has recently talked to him.

'He supports me. We talked,' Hegseth said of his conversation with Trump. 'He said, you go meet those senators and I've got your back.'

The father-of-seven also recalled to Kelly how Trump said: 'Pete, I've got your back. It's a fight, they're coming after you. Get after it.'

But as the headwinds facing Hegseth seem to be their strongest, some senators are talking about other possible candidates for the top Pentagon job, like DeSantis.

A DeSantis ally suggested the governor will be unconcerned with media perceptions and just get the job done for Trump

Meanwhile, many in the Senate are awaiting their own meetings with Hegseth to see if he can handle the full confirmation process.

The former Fox News host met early Wednesday morning with Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who next Congress will hold the influential role of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, the job tasked with overseeing his nomination.

Their session was just one of several scheduled for this week and next as Hegseth makes his rounds with the 53 Republicans whose support he is seeking. He can only afford to lose three Republican votes.

Wicker indicated that the meeting went well, though he stopped short of sharing the details of their conversation.

'I dont see any obstacles that cant be overcome,' Wicker said about Hegseth's odds of getting confirmed, he also added that the former TV host should stay in the fight.

Wicker did say, though, that Hegseth would pledge to stop drinking if he is confirmed, which the senator said was 'a good idea.'

The allegations about Hegseth's drinking a treatment of women seemed to be of particular interest among the female lawmakers.

'I would like to hear from him about many of the allegations that you all have been reporting,' Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said of Hegseth.

She is the longest tenured Senate Republican woman and has a reputation of being a moderate, meaning the former Fox News host could face a tough battle swaying her.

'I have a meeting with Pete Hegseth on my schedule for next week to exploring his qualifications, his vision for the department and these new allegations against him,' Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis similarly said.
If boy bands and Samsung were all you knew of modern South Korea, then Tuesday's attempted coup  by its own president  might have come as quite a shock.

But those with longer memories will know that this peaceable, consumer-obsessed democracy has shallow foundations.

The southern half of the Korean peninsula remained a dictatorship until as recently as the late 1980s. Even today, it bristles with tension and weaponry, home to 28,500 American troops and the largest US base outside the States.

Now, President Yoon Suk Yeol has unleashed not just troubling memories, but dangerous forces of instability with his midnight declaration of martial law.

The immediate crisis was defused when  following mass protests by South Korea's people and politicians  President Yoon reversed his decision.

He did so within a matter of hours. But what has been done cannot be reversed.

The illusion of stability in Seoul has been shattered and that means Americans should sit up and take notice: the importance of the Korean peninsula to the US and its allies cannot be overstated.

South Korea sits on the front line of Washington's defensive ring in East Asia, the anchor of a network of US bases monitoring China's ambitions in the region  not to mention the activities of North Korea, the nuclear-armed hermit kingdom across the border.

The southern half of the Korean peninsula remained a dictatorship until as recently as the late 1980s. Even today, it bristles with tension and weaponry, home to 28,500 American troops and the largest US base outside the States. Now, President Yoon Suk Yeol has unleashed not just troubling memories, but dangerous forces of instability with his declaration of martial law.

The immediate crisis was defused when  following mass protests by South Korea's people and politicians  President Yoon reversed his decision.

For decades, a modern conflict on the Korean peninsula was thought so likely that it was a standard scenario in military planning for the outbreak of a Third World War.

Today, we face the real risk that the continuing chaos will trigger intervention from the North and, ultimately, a response from America, Seoul's guarantor of protection since the cessation of the 1950-53 Korean war.

Pyongyang, which rarely misses an opportunity to provoke the South, might content itself with aggressive military maneuvers and rocket launches, as at present.

But North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could also try to exploit his neighbor's divisions with sabotage, cyber-attacks and other measures short of a repeat of the North's invasion in 1950.

Any subsequent military reply from South Korea would threaten to pull the US into the conflict.

Although the South has a large military of its own, it very much relies on America's huge presence and its base at Dongducheon, 40 miles north of Seoul, to guarantee protection.

And that makes US troops a target, too.

For all North Korea's saber rattling with the missile launches and nuclear tests of recent years, there had at least been a consensus that Pyongyang would never risk a suicidal showdown with a rich, stable and democratic South Korea.

But no longer.

North Korea, China and Russia are increasingly looking to assert themselves in the north-east Pacific. This is, make no mistake, a dangerous moment.

South Korea was in political and economic turmoil even before President Yoon's disastrous intervention.

Washington, meanwhile, is distracted by the White House transition and the paralysis of a lame duck presidency.

Indeed, it is troubling that this week's attempted coup seems to have taken America by surprise.

With a number of off-shore bases at its disposal, including on the Japanese island of Okinawa, the Pentagon has considerable resources. But it is certainly not prepared for anything as dramatic as a full North Korean assault.

It is essential, then, that Washington learns the lessons, remains vigilant and abandons easy assumptions about stability in the region.

President Yoon's attempted putsch came as a shock to South Koreans themselves, although they were already alienated by accusations of corruption and influence-peddling against his wife and key supporters.

The fragility of Korean politics can no longer be overlooked, neither can the corruption of the political class.

Also serious is the destabilizing force of an economy under severe and growing strain as the nation's population continues to age  and shrink.

Yoon's buffoonish power grab and humiliating climb down are like something from a comic opera. But there's nothing light-hearted about the dangerous volatility now exposed.

Washington will be watching like a hawk  as will Russia, China and the deeply sinister forces of Kim Jong Un.
A New York mother has been left outraged after her daughter was handcuffed to a chair at her middle school following a fight with another student.

Christine Henson, 46, went to go pick up her daughter Faith, 12, from IS 584 in the South Bronx on November 19.

But when she arrived at the school her daughter was nowhere to be found.

School officials allegedly walked Henson to a room inside the school on Saint Ann's Avenue when she made the horrifying discovery.

The frustrated mother told Daily News: 'My daughter was treated like a criminal. She was really violated. It doesnt make sense.'

Faith was struggling and panicked while handcuffed to the chair with her arms behind her back, Henson said.

She told her mom she had been in handcuffs for three hours.

The mother recalled: 'I asked the school safety officer, "Why is she in handcuffs? Can you please take those off of her?" [The school safety agent] said "Shes not going anywhere.''

Christine Henson, 46, was horrified to discover her daughter, Faith, 12, was handcuffed to a chair at her middle school

Henson claims she was not given any explanation as to how her daughter ended up in handcuffs. The school safety agent allegedly blocked her from standing near the sixth grader.

The agent reportedly told Henson that police needed to come to unlock the handcuffs.

But when six officer arrived, Henson said the agent was the one who had the key to free her daughter's hands.

A representative from the NYPD told DailyMail.com that she was handcuffed following a fight with another student and started to become 'increasingly agitated.'

The department wrote: 'The School Safety agent attempted to place the student in Velcro handcuffs, the student was not compliant, and the School Safety Agent was unable to place her in the Velcro handcuffs.

'The student was then restrained using metal handcuffs.'

Police said the mother was informed about the situation and the child was handcuffed for about 15 minutes, not three hours.

Child and civil rights advocates asserted that handcuffing Faith was unnecessary and unacceptable, regardless of how long she was restrained.

'If there is no immediate threat, these students should be receiving support. Situations can be de-escalated in ways that dont require restraints,' Rohini Singh, director of the School Justice Project at Advocates for Children, told Daily News.

Rev. Kevin McCall echoed this sentiment, telling the outlet: 'You send your child to school to learn enough, not to be placed in handcuffs.

Police said Faith was handcuffed to the chair following a fight with another student

'We dont need the police inside our schools.'

Faith said she was completely baffled when she was handcuffed and was caught off guard when school safety agents restrained her.

She told Daily News: 'It was just out of nowhere.

'They did it sneakily. I was confused on why they did it. It felt terrible. It didnt feel right. They just did it. They didnt say why. Now my wrist hurts.'

Henson said she took Faith to an urgent care the next day and her daughter has not been penalized at school.

But the sixth grader is still stunned from the incident and wants to transfer schools.

'I feel frightened, I dont even want to go to class,' she said.

On November 22, Henson filed a request for Faith to be immediately transferred, but was initially told she had to have filed the incident the day off.

A school official said the earliest she could switch schools would be next fall.

But McCall said that once the situation became widely known, the school offered to have the student transferred.

'School and district leadership is reaching out to this family to ensure they have the supports they need, and mental health and emotional supports are available at every school,' public schools spokesperson Jenna Lyle told Daily News.

Faith said she wants to transfer out of IS 584 in the South Bronx after the November 19 incident

'We are taking steps to ensure that these resources are known to this student.'

Henson wants to sue the school over this incident.

'The school just glossed it over and expected me to bypass it as if nothing occurred. They want this to disappear,' she said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to NYC Public Schools for comment.
Divers have found the dead body of a teenage girl who disappeared on Halloween night.

Mai Sai Vue, 18, was last seen around 11pm on October 31 in the Civic Center area near Grove and Larkin street in San Francisco, prompting a huge search over of the last four weeks.

Her family confirmed on Wednesday Mai Sai's body was recovered by divers on November 28. Autopsy results are yet to be released.

Katelynn Vue, Mai Sai's sister, shared a Facebook post acknowledging her sister's death.

'It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that my sister, Mai Sai, has been found,' she wrote.

'Although it is not the results we have wanted, we are still grateful to have her found.'

Mai Sai was last spotted in a pirate costume consisting of a white dress, black leggings and black heels - seemingly celebrating the holiday before she abruptly vanished.

Her family began frantically searching for her near the Golden Gate Bridge early last month with the belief that she was somewhere in the area before disappearing.

In a devastating discovery, the body of 18-year-old Mai Sai Vue was found by California police divers on November 28

The teenager was last seen in the Civic Center area near Grove and Larkin street in San Francisco on Halloween night

Dozens of pictures were also shared by the family on social media in the span of the last few weeks - pleading for the community to help find their loved one as time is a crucial element in missing person cases.

Katelynn regularly posted about her missing sister on Facebook, along with the hashtag 'letsfindmaisai' which began quickly circulating online, leading to increased awareness and more people who joined in the search.

In a heartbreaking post last month, Katelynn shared a harrowing image of a group of people praying for her sister's return while on a deck overlooking a body of water.

Katelynn described the close-knit relationship she had with her sister on a gut-wrenching GoFundMe update following the devastating discovery.

'Mai Sai was a very intelligent and sweet person who had so much patience. As my only sister, she was my rock and the only person I could count on,' she wrote.

'Without my baby sister, I am lost, broken, and unable to focus on the fact that I no longer will have someone to lean on or to call my sister,' she added.

'A short but sweet lifetime together is never enough.'

The GoFundMe page is now being used to raise money for Mai's funeral expenses as the family are now making arrangements to properly say their final goodbye.

'I am still in disbelief of having to ask for everyone's support and favor in donations of her funeral expenses as she is my only sister who I had hoped to grow old with,' Katelynn wrote on the fundraiser page.

Earlier in November, Katelynn posted a heartbreaking photo to social media of family members praying for their loved one's return

Mai was last seen in a pirate costume consisting of a white dress, black leggings and black heels - seemingly celebrating the holiday before she abruptly vanished

Her family began frantically searching near the Golden Gate Bridge with the belief that she was in the area before disappearing

'I am at a loss for words and hoping that with your support, I can send my sister off well.'

Katelynn also thanked the community for their ongoing support in helping the family during the horrific time.

'On behalf of the Vue Family, we truly appreciate everyone for coming out to help us search for her as well as spreading awareness,' she added.

'Although it was not the news we had hoped for, we are still grateful to know that we have found her and can send her off properly.'
The Post Office is dumping its replacement for the scandal-hit Horizon IT system after setbacks caused costs to skyrocket to as much as 2billion, the Mail can reveal.

The in-house New Branch IT system (NBIT) was supposed to be finished by March 2024 at an initial cost of 200million over three years.

But difficulties in its development led to expensive delays.

Staff were yesterday told that the Post Offices sole stakeholder, the Government, has refused to fund the systems 1million-a-week running costs.

The Post Office is dumping its replacement for the scandal-hit Horizon IT system after setbacks caused costs to skyrocket to as much as 2billion

A Post Office spokesman last night said it had signed a one-year contract extension with Japanese tech giant Fujitsu to run Horizon until March 2026

A Post Office spokesman last night said it had signed a one-year contract extension with Japanese tech giant Fujitsu to run Horizon until March 2026.

The spokesman said significant aspects of what had been developed for NBIT have already or will be repurposed and added that the Post Office has a process for the management of bugs, errors and defects when it comes to Horizon.
Britain is facing a new 'world order' shaped by its enemies and regional conflicts, the head of the Armed Forces has warned.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said the world was dividing into three groups: Russia, China and its allies who want to undermine global security; responsible nations such as the UK; and states which seek to exploit the chaos for their own advantage.

In a landmark address to the Royal United Services Institute in London, Admiral Sir Tony called on international leaders to 'recognise that one era has ended and another has begun'.

He also warned that collusion between these hostile states could increase, including the possibility that North Korea provides tens of thousands more troops to back the Russian occupation of Ukraine.

He asked: 'Do we understand what is at stake? And are we sufficiently motivated to respond? This year's most extraordinary development was the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on the border of Ukraine.

'And the possibility of tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia, which could involve the exchange of the most sensitive technology and expertise between Moscow and Pyongyang.

'Add to this the use of Iranian-supplied drones by Russian forces, and Russia's threats to arm the [Yemeni] Houthis in direct retaliation for western support to Ukraine, and we are witnessing the world aligning into three groups.

'Talk of world order may sound abstract... And multi-lateral institutions may feel remote. But they are real.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, pictured right, said Britain is facing a new 'world order' shaped by its enemies and regional conflicts

He also warned that collusion between these hostile states could increase, including the possibility that North Korea provides tens of thousands more troops to back the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Pictured: Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers march during a mass rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang on September 9, 2018

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang

'Their presence, and more so their absence, can be felt in a way that is immediate and visceral.'

Admiral Sir Tony insisted the direct threat to the UK posed by Russia remained 'remote' and was adamant that as long as the West aligns its interests and capabilities, responsible states can thwart the opponents of democracy.

He said: 'If we step back for a moment, we can see our strengths.

'A Europe and America that represents half the world's wealth versus a Russia that is facing economic and demographic decline.

'A Nato that spends more on defence than Russia and China combined and is becoming even stronger.

'An international community that has responded to Russia's aggression with unprecedented cohesion and resolve.'
A German doctor who allegedly murdered eight elderly people is now being investigated for dozens of other suspicious deaths.

The 40-year-old Berlin palliative care doctor has been in custody since August after he was arrested for reportedly killing patients in his care using 'lethal drug cocktails' before setting fire to some of their homes to cover up his crimes.

The Berlin prosecution service claimed last week that the suspect was motivated purely by a 'lust for murder'.

Now, German media reported yesterday that police are now investigating some 40 other deceased patients for more possible victims of the doctor.

Berlin public broadcaster RBB have partially identifying the suspect as Johannes M.

They said on its website that 'if the investigation team's lead is confirmed, this would be one of the largest series of murders in nursing and medicine in German post-war history'.

The man was arrested in August on four counts on manslaughter.

His alleged killing spree started on June 11, when he is said to have murdered a 87-year-old woman in her home in the Neukoelln district of Berlin before setting her apartment alight.

The fourth victim, 72, was killed and her home in an apartment building set on fire in the Plaenterwald district adjacent to Neukoelln around noon on July 24 (scene pictured above)

Emergency services called to put out the fire around 12.30pm initially managed to resuscitate the woman, but she later died in hospital.

Three other residents in the block of flats suffered minor injuries in the fire.

The second alleged case of manslaughter happened nearly a month later, on July 8, just a few miles away.

Prosecutors believe that the doctor killed a woman aged 76, also living in Neukoelln, and tried setting a fire, which went out by itself.

He then attempted to cover up the killing by calling a relative of the victim. He told them that he was standing in front of her apartment and that no one was responding to him ringing the doorbell.

On July 15, just one week later, police believe the alleged serial killer struck again, when a 94-year-old woman died in her flat with her kitchen being set on fire in the same Berlin district as the woman a week prior.

A fourth victim, 72, was killed and her home in an apartment building set on fire in the Plaenterwald district adjacent to Neukoelln around noon on July 24.

A neighbour noticed smoke coming from the woman's ground floor flat and alerted the local fire service at 1.15pm, who found her dead.

The developing case, if confirmed, recalls that of the notorious German nurse Niels Hoegel, who was sentenced in 2019 to life in prison for murdering 85 patients in his care.

Hoegel, believed to be Germany's most prolific serial killer, murdered hospital patients with lethal injections between 2000 and 2005 before he was eventually caught in the act.
Delivery Heros shares experienced a remarkable surge, climbing 4.9% to reach 35.70, propelled by JPMorgans optimistic outlook for 2025. The food delivery companys stock performance reflects a significant shift in strategy, with management now prioritizing profitability over costly market share expansion. This strategic pivot, combined with the successful IPO of its Middle Eastern brand Talabat, has contributed to an impressive 42% year-to-date gain, despite hitting record lows in February. Analysts project an average annual operating profit growth exceeding 15%, strengthening investor confidence in the companys long-term trajectory. Market Resilience The Berlin-based company, currently valued at 9.8 billion, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of recent challenges. Despite temporary setbacks, including legal disputes surrounding its Glovo subsidiary and geopolitical tensions in key markets like South Korea, the stock has maintained a robust 28.79% increase compared to the previous year. Industry experts anticipate a substantial improvement in fundamental conditions for the entire delivery service sector, following the challenging period of 2022-2023. Ad Delivery Hero Stock: New Analysis  06 December Fresh Delivery Hero information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Delivery Hero analysis

Delivery Heros shares experienced a remarkable surge, climbing 4.9% to reach 35.70, propelled by JPMorgans optimistic outlook for 2025. The food delivery companys stock performance reflects a significant shift in strategy, with management now prioritizing profitability over costly market share expansion. This strategic pivot, combined with the successful IPO of its Middle Eastern brand Talabat, has contributed to an impressive 42% year-to-date gain, despite hitting record lows in February. Analysts project an average annual operating profit growth exceeding 15%, strengthening investor confidence in the companys long-term trajectory.

Market Resilience

The Berlin-based company, currently valued at 9.8 billion, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of recent challenges. Despite temporary setbacks, including legal disputes surrounding its Glovo subsidiary and geopolitical tensions in key markets like South Korea, the stock has maintained a robust 28.79% increase compared to the previous year. Industry experts anticipate a substantial improvement in fundamental conditions for the entire delivery service sector, following the challenging period of 2022-2023.

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Fresh Delivery Hero information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
A Detroit-bound United Airlines plane was re-routed back to Newark Liberty International Airport when crew members the smell of smoke was detected in the aircraft's cabin shortly after take-off.

Flight 3439 departed the New Jersey airport at around 4:30pm on Wednesday, ABC 7 reported.

The plane was forced to turnaround once the smell was detected, landing back at Newark at approximately 5pm, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The plane deployed its chutes for passengers to exit and they were taken to the terminal on a bus. No injuries have been reported.

The Detroit-bound flight departed from Newark Liberty Airport at 4:30pm and landed back there about 30 minutes later

The airport posted an update online acknowledging the incident, advising passengers flights may be impacted.

'Your flight may be affected due to PAPD activity at #EWR. Please contact your airline carrier for flight status,' it said.

On average, flights were delayed about an hour as a result of the emergency landing, according to NorthJersey.com.

The New Jersey airport was closed for about an hour following the incident.

The Embraer E170 was flying to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport before it had to go back to Newark.

In a statement, the Port Authority wrote: 'Passengers have deplaned and were transported to Terminal C.

'The FAA temporarily held flight operations during that time. At 5:55pm, the airspace re-opened with flight activity resuming. United will provide further details.'

United Airlines flight 3439 had to be evacuated after a fire started in its cabin Wednesday evening (stock image)

The cause of the smoke odor has not been confirmed and the airline said they are trying to rebook passengers' flights as quickly as possible.

A spokesperson from the flight's operator, Republic Airways, wrote to DailyMail.com: 'The flight landed safely and taxied without incident to a ramp area where a controlled, precautionary evacuation was conducted by the crew.

'We apologize to all affected for the inconvenience but the safety of our passengers and crew will always be our highest priority and we will always act to uphold that commitment.'
The New York City jury tasked with determining whether Marine veteran Daniel Penny committed manslaughter when he put homeless man Jordan Neely in a chokehold have zeroed in on testimony about his death.

The jury of seven women and five men sent a note to Judge Maxwell Wiley around 3pm on Wednesday asking to rehear part of the city Medical Examiner's testimony about issuing a death certificate without getting toxicology results for the 30-year-old victim.

Dr. Cynthia Harris had testified that bystander video of Penny's six-minute encounter with Neely onboard the F train in Manhattan, as well as investigative findings gave her all the information she needed to declare that Neely died of compression to the neck, NBC 4 reports.

'No toxicological result imaginable was going to change my opinion,' Harris said, even if it showed 'enough fentanyl to put down an elephant.'

She also claimed at one point that she did not know whether she observed Penny exerting 'sufficiently consistent pressure' on Neely's neck in the video to kill him, according to Gothamist.

The jury also asked Wednesday to review the six-minute clip a Mexican journalist took of the chokehold, as well as body camera footage from when New York Police Department officers arrived on the scene as EMS workers tried to revive Neely, and footage of Neely's interrogation at the police station in the aftermath.

Defense attorneys had argued that Neely did not die just from the chokehold, but from a combination of schizophrenia, use of synthetic marijuana, a genetic condition and his struggle with Penny onboard the subway.

They noted that first responders opted to use Narcan to reverse the effects of opioids before they administered CPR, and in his closing arguments, defense attorney Steven Raiser pointed out no expert witness during the trial could prove key elements beyond reasonable doubt.

The jury tasked with determining whether Marine veteran Daniel Penny (pictured) committed manslaughter when he put homeless man Jordan Neely in a chokehold have zeroed in on testimony about his death

The jury of seven women and five men asked a judge to rehear pat of the city Medical Examiner's testimony about issuing a death certificate without getting toxicology results for the 30-year-old victim

The defense attorneys have argued that Penny was only trying to protect others in the subway car in May 2023 when he subdued Neely to the point of death by placing him in a chokehold for six minutes.

Witnesses had said Neely boarded the uptown train on May 1, 2023 and started moving erratically, yelling about his hunger and thirst and proclaiming that he was ready to die, go to jail - or as Penny and some other straphangers recounted - kill.

In his closing statements, Raiser described the commuters onboard the subway that day as being 'frozen in fear,' and claimed there was an obvious reason that there was no footage of Neely's outburst - because they were too afraid to move.

He then quoted experts and witnesses who testified during the trial, and reminded the jurors that Neely was described as having 'severely psychotic cases.'

But Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran warned the jury on Tuesday that their verdict should not rely upon whether they themselves would be grateful for Penny's intervention, or weigh testimony from his loved ones that he is a 'good man.'

'What is so tragic about this case, is that even though the defendant started out doing the right thing a man died,' she said.

'He was given all the signs he needed to stop. He ignored them. He must be held accountable for that.'

She continued: 'You're not here to decide whether you'd want to ride alone on the train with Jordan Neely.

'That is not what this case is about. The only thing you need to determine here is whether or not the evidence here proves the defendant killed Jordan Neely.'

Penny is pictured holding Jordan Neely in a chokehold on a NYC subway train on May 1 2023

Neely was a Michael Jackson impersonator who was known and recognized in Times Square (pictured in 2009)

Yafna also noted that Penny is a Marine Corps veteran, arguing that he should have had a clearer understanding of the risks of his actions given his military experience.

She implored the jury to find Penny guilty of manslaughter  a charge which carries a maximum term of 15 years behind bars, describing in great detail how Neely 'clawed at his own neck with his nails' as he fought against the chokehold in those crucial first few minutes, before ultimately urinating on himself and losing consciousness.

But the jury must now decide whether to charge Penny with manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide charges.

To convict, prosecutors say that Penny's use of lethal force must be considered unjustifiable and that he acted recklessly when he subdued Neely.

If they decide Penny's actions did not amount to manslaughter, the jury will then consider the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.

Both charges are felonies. Neither carries mandatory prison time, but both carry the possibility of it - up to 15 years for manslaughter, or four for criminally negligent homicide.

The jury also asked to review body camera footage from when New York Police Department officers arrived on the scene as EMS workers tried to revive Neely

Deliberations are expected to continue Thursday, as protesters continue to gather outside the Manhattan courthouse to decry Penny and declare their support for a manslaughter charge.

But some of the protesters have become aggressive, defense attorney Thomas Kenniff said on Wednesday, describing how one man followed Penny to a car that was waiting for him after the trial one day and started banging on the doors.

The same man, he said, was 'repeatedly berating Mr. Penny with violent and homophobic slurs' when he arrived at court on Wednesday.

Kenniff noted that the man had been in the courtroom audience and asked Wiley to bar the man from future proceedings.

Wiley - who said he saw the confrontation from his office window - declined, noting that the public has a right to access court proceedings.

He said that court officers occasionally 'limited people's access' because of their conduct inside the courtroom, but he was not inclined to eject anyone over their outside behavior.

At that point, Penny's lawyers expressed their concern that the jury may hear the protesters, but Wiley noted that he told the jurors to ignore anything they may hear from outside.

'At this point, I think that we will assume that they're following their instructions,' the judge said.
The Prime Minister will try to relaunch his faltering administration today as a poll finds voters are disappointed with the Labour Government.

After just five months in office, Sir Keir Starmer will unveil a major reset designed to persuade voters that ministers are focused on their priorities.

He is expected to provide a series of measurable milestones to make it easier for the public to judge progress on Labours five missions.

But he will set no targets for reducing immigration and no timetable for increasing defence spending.

Yesterday he also appeared to back away from Labours flagship manifesto pledge to deliver the fastest growing economy in the G7, after a forecast said the UK was likely to lag behind the United States and Canada.

Polling suggests that public enthusiasm for Sir Keirs project has evaporated since his landslide win in July.

The Ipsos survey found that 53 per cent of voters are disappointed with the Governments performance while just 19 per cent are pleased.

Disaffection is even greater among older voters, who have been hit by the means-testing of the winter fuel payment, with 74 per cent of over-55s saying the Government has made a poor start.

After just five months in office, Sir Keir Starmer will unveil a major reset designed to persuade voters that ministers are focused on their priorities

Yesterday he also appeared to back away from Labours flagship manifesto pledge to deliver the fastest growing economy in the G7

Disaffection is even greater among older voters, who have been hit by the means-testing of the winter fuel payment, with 74 per cent of over-55s saying the Government has made a poor start

Voters also think the Government is doing a bad job of delivering on the five missions it pledged to prioritise.

On the economy, the poll found that voters believe Labour is doing a bad job by a margin of 45:21. On the NHS, it found the public disapproved of the Governments record by 42:22.

Just 26 per cent of voters think Sir Keir is doing a good job as PM, compared with 45 per cent who believe he is doing badly.

Todays relaunch follows concern among senior Labour officials that the Government has failed to convincingly explain to the public of what it is trying to achieve.

The PM will say: Hard-working Brits  reasonably want a stable economy, their country to be safe, their borders secure, more cash in their pocket, safer streets in their town, opportunities for their children, secure British energy in their home, and an NHS that is there when they need it.

My mission-led Government will deliver.

Alongside boosting growth, Labours missions were: making Britain a clean energy superpower; rebuilding the NHS; tackling crime and taking back our streets; and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Sir Keir is expected to put some flesh on the bones today, including a neighbourhood policing guarantee which will introduce a named, contactable police officer for every community in Britain.

On the economy, he will introduce a pledge to raise living standards over the course of the Parliament.

But Whitehall sources last night suggested he may stop short of promising a specific percentage rise.
The fall in the number of retailers accepting cash is hurting vulnerable people who rely on it to budget, charities and campaign groups have warned.

The falling number of businesses that accept cash is also contributing to feelings of isolation among older people, a group of cross-party MPs was told yesterday. Campaigners urged the Government to legislate or regulate cash acceptance.

The Treasury Select Committee last month called for evidence to see if rules are needed to ensure cash is accepted.

It comes after more than 6,000 bank closures since 2015 and ten per cent of cash machines shutting in the past three years.

In the first session yesterday, MPs heard from charity and campaign leaders how vulnerable groups  such as those with mental health issues or survivors of financial abuse  are affected by a lack of cash acceptance.

The fall in the number of retailers accepting cash is hurting vulnerable people who rely on it to budget, charities and campaign groups have warned

The falling number of businesses that accept cash is also contributing to feelings of isolation among older people, a group of cross-party MPs was told yesterday

Even when people have access to online banking and to make digital transactions, many still use cash to budget and control spending, the committee heard.

Conor DArcy, of charity Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said there was a gap in the legislation as energy providers are able to refuse cash as a form of payment from customers.

Ron Delnevo, chair of the Payments Choice Alliance, said the Government should legislate to make cash acceptance compulsory as some business will try to sneak out of it.
A deal on the Elgin Marbles is still some distance off but there has been a lot of progress, the chairman of the British Museum said.

Speaking yesterday, George Osborne said the sculptures could not be sent back under current laws but could be lent to Greece  more than 200 years after Lord Elgin had them removed from the Parthenon.

Mr Osborne told the Political Currency podcast they were looking at an arrangement where, at some point, some of the sculptures are in Athens, where they were originally sited. And, in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures.

The Greek PM met Keir Starmer in the UK this week.

A Downing Street spokesman said a decision on the Marbles was entirely up to the British Museum.

A deal on the Elgin Marbles is still some distance off but there has been a lot of progress, the chairman of the British Museum said

Talks in London on December 3, 2024 between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis have rekindled hopes of a deal for the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum in 2025
Detectives investigating the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson have been honing in on the bike route used by his killer to flee the scene - but one major detail remains in dispute.

Officers probing the early-morning shooting of Thompson, 50, had originally thought that the assailant fled on an electric Citi Bike near the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan.

The New York Times reported that by early afternoon, officers had gathered at the nearby bike share kiosk and were asking doormen for video footage of the station.

Police had said in their initial brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on the electric bike and released an image of the suspect on a bike after the shooting.

That scenario was put into doubt on Wednesday afternoon when a spokesperson for the bike share operator Lyft said that police officials had informed them that it was not from their fleet.

Sources have since told CNN that they have surveillance footage of the suspect on Manhattan's Upper West Side carrying a battery for an electric bike.

They told the outlet that believe the suspect may have taken the subway into Midtown prior to the shooting, and are investigating whether he had a bike already at the scene.

Footage captured of the shooting shows Thompson walking alone outside the entrance to the midtown hotel when the gunman steps into frame and opens fire.

The masked killer draws out a large gun fitted with a silencer and shots him in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street.

Police had said in their initial preliminary brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on the electric bike and released an image of the suspect on a bike after the shooting, seen here

Officials have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company, Thompson is seen here in an undated picture

Several bystanders were seen in the footage witnessing the horror shooting, with one woman standing mere feet away from the gunman when he opened fire.

Witnesses said the gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

Surveillance grabs from a nearby Starbucks show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

Sources also told CNN that the man bought two powers bars and a bottle of water from the coffee chain.

Authorities found a phone and a water bottle near the scene that they believe is the one he bought from Starbucks, and could offer them DNA.

Officials have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

He was also caught on surveillance footage loitering outside and appeared to be on the phone ten minutes before he opened fire, according to The New York Times.

The masked killer draws out a large gun fitted with a silencer and shots him in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning, in which he would announce United Healthcare's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook - including expected revenues of more than $450 billion.

His schedule was widely known, and witnesses have said the suspected gunman even knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Still, the investor conference reportedly began without interruption at 8am on the second floor of the Hilton until news of the shooting began to circulate.

Without knowing it was Thompson who was hit, one attendee told the group that 'someone got shot outside.'

CEO of parent company United Healthgroup Andrew Witty is said to have halted the meeting at the hotel just after 8am upon hearing of the tragedy.

He told attendees: 'Were dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, Im afraid, were going to have to bring to a close the event.'

A Hilton worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com in the aftermath that staff have been left shaken by the public assassination on their doorstep.

They said: 'For this to happen in this area, its weird. For this guy to do it around here with all these cameras and everything, theres got to be something behind it.

'I mean obviously there was, you have to be pretty crazy to do something like that.'

United is the biggest health insurer by market share in America. They have been the subject of protests by activists for allegedly systematically denying care for patients.

One such protest earlier this year led to the arrests of 11 people outside the United Healthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

The company made headlines in February after it was subjected to a cyber-attack which cost $872 million.

Thompson's wife, Paulette 'Pauley' Thompson, 51, has said her husband had been receiving 'some threats' before his trip to New York.

Members of the New York police crime scene unit photograph bullets lying on the sidewalk as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel

Surveillance grabs from a nearby Starbucks show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

'Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,' she told NBC News.

Thompson was also being investigated by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations and accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

He is survived by his wife and their two children who live in the family's $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

'We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,' she told ABC 7 following her husband's untimely death.

'Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,' she said.

'Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

'We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.'

Her sister Elena Reveiz told the New York Times that she was stunned by the news of her brother's slaying.

'He was a good person and I am so sad,' she said, describing Thompson as a good father to his two children.
A mother resorted to voluntary assisted dying rather than endure the long delay for an upgraded home care package, as the number of elderly and sick people on the waiting list balloons to 80,000.

The shocking case, which featured on Ben Fordham's 2GB show on Thursday morning, exposed the level of suffering for those facing interminable delays for the government's home care to be provided.

Home care packages, which are government-funded through MyAgedCare allow Australians to access support in their own home, including nursing, food preparation, cleaning and help with personal hygiene.

It is intended to stave off or avoid moving into costly residential aged care.

However, there are currently just over 77,000 waiting for home care packages, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care told Daily Mail Australia.

2GB has been inundated with calls from family members with elderly relatives who have been approved for packages but have been told they could wait over a year to receive the services.

The most heartbreaking call came from a man called Mark whose mother Ellen chose euthanasia as she could not wait that long for home care.

My mum suffered severe COPD for several years while she was waiting for an upgraded package,' Mark told the program.

Ellen (pictured with her son Mark) opted for voluntary assisted dying as the wait for an upgraded home care package was too long

'Her pride wouldnt allow any of her boys to take care of her or to bathe her so she got approved for the assisted dying and actually a few months ago proceeded with (it).

He added: She passed while waiting for the upgraded package.

COPD is short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a progressive inflammation in the lungs and airways that makes it difficult to breathe.

Fordham was devastated by the call and the suffering of so many vulnerable people.

We are chasing answers from the Australian government on this because people are dying while waiting for home care packages,' he said.

'When youve got Ellen choosing euthanasia instead you know that youve got a serious problem.

Fordham's program heard from multiple people whose elderly relatives passed away while waiting months for their approved care packages to be delivered

Bruno revealed that his 96-year-old mum was told she will need to wait over a year for NDIS level four home care support package.

Cyril Tooze (pictured), 86, was approved for the highest level of home care assistance under the federal government's MyAgedCare program earlier this year due to his chronic lung and heart illnesses but was forced to wait nine months. He opted for voluntary assisted dying instead

Another listener said: The $450millon spent on the failed Voice would have gone far further with home care packages.

The MyAgedCare website reveals it currently takes between 12-15 months for an individual to receive level four care after they have been approved.

Daily Mail Australia approached the Department for Health and Aged Care for comment.

Cyril Tooze, 86, was another who chose euthansia due to the long wait for in-home care.

Mr Tooze was approved for the highest level of home care assistance under MyAgedCare program earlier this year due to his terminal lung and heart illnesses.

However the Adelaide Hills man was given a nine-month wait time, despite having no-one to care for him as his family living interstate.

But when the backlog of demand and a staff shortage stretched that waiting period out beyond October, he opted to end his life following a lengthy hospital stint cause by a fall at home.

Mr Tooze weighed just 46kg when he died last month.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care said it was 'always concerning when someone feels unable to access the care and support they need'.

'In the past decade, the number of Australians in home care has increased fourfold which is why the Government is investing $4.3 billion in a new system of home care - Support at Home,' the spokesperson added.

'Support at Home will deliver a record number of home care packages, 107,000, through to July 2026.'

The spokesperson said Support at Home would 'provide support for 300,000 more participants in the next 10 years'.

'Additional funding for the first two years of the program is expected to shorten average wait times for aged care services to a target of 3 months from 1 July 2027,' they said.
The world's oldest bird has laid an egg at the age of 74.

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross that nests in Hawaii, has outlived many male mates, as well as the biologist who first banded her in 1956.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced the surprise egg delivery on X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'Wisdom, the world's oldest known wild bird, is back with a new partner and just laid yet another egg.'

Jon Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist, called the egg 'a special joy' and said officials were 'optimistic' it will hatch.

Like other albatrosses, Wisdom returns to the same spot each year to lay.

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross that nests in Hawaii, has outlived many male mates, as well as the biologist who first banded her in 1956
Looking pleased as punch at his first state banquet at Buckingham Palace, is David Beckham increasingly optimistic about that long-craved knighthood?

While his appointment as an ambassador to HMs charity the Kings Foundation was deemed an encouraging sign earlier this year, Beckhams complicated tax affairs have been viewed as a possible barrier.

Not helped by the 2013 leaked email, when, bitter not to be knighted, he complained about Katherine Jenkins, fuming Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. Plus taking coke. F****** joke.

Looking pleased as punch at his first state banquet at Buckingham Palace, is David Beckham increasingly optimistic about that long-craved knighthood?, writes Ephraim Hardcastle

Becks wore his 2003 OBE medal at this weeks state banquet  and on the correct lapel. When he attended William and Kates wedding, he awkwardly had it on the wrong side.

Perhaps he should have donned his gold Blue Peter badge.

The mere politicians present havent reached such dizzy heights, but Beckham would have been in good company. The King, the Queen, William and Kate all have one. So did the late Queen.

Royal curators held back while assembling this weeks special exhibition of UK-Qatari treasures for the visiting Emir of Qatar.

On display in the Palace Picture Gallery were manuscripts, photos and a silver dhow.

King Charles III with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, London, during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives

Queen Camilla with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ahead of a state banquet at Buckingham Palace

Sadly no sign of the finest royal bling received by the late Queen on her 1979 state visit to the gas-rich kingdom  including three gold horses encrusted with emeralds and diamonds, along with her first (and only) gold handbag.

WHAMS Andrew Ridgeley, pictured, tells Radio Times about the recording in Switzerland of the 1984 video for Last Christmas, where he and George Michael drank too much.

The production team, in their wisdom, had chosen to provide us with real wine, right to the brim, he wails.

We were having great fun, but there were casualties, of which I was one. There was an ante-room I was sent away to.

Id laughed so much at the dinner table that my eyes had swollen up and I was unfilmable. The Swiss sense of humour is no laughing matter Andy.

Awkwardly reminded of the time he announced hed rather slash his wrists than play James Bond again, only to then return to the role, Daniel Craig playfully protests to the Hollywood Reporter: Im an actor, I can change my mind!

Come on, Im not a politician. We can all change our mind and its very important we do.

The reported 20 million Mr Craig received for his final 007 outing doubtless helped.

Andrew Ridgeley arrives on the red carpet at the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on Friday, November 03, 2023

There's no love lost between Julian Clary and Nigel Havers, starring again in their ninth panto at the London Palladium.

Referring to Havers as Friar Tuck in Robin Hood, Clary quips: I dont think they pay him any more. He just turns up and no ones got the heart to tell him.

The running joke is hes been dug up once again. Does Nige speak highly of you, Julian?
A teenage girl has been arrested over a drunken car accident that left a high school student dead as cops press charges against the parents of another passenger.

Sophia Lekiachvili, 18, was killed in an car crash after leaving a boozy get-together at her friend's house to go for a late night drive on February 24 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hannah Hackemeyer, also 18, the driver of the car, has been formally indicted on more charges during a press conference on Wednesday after she was initially arrested in April for driving under the influence, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Sumanth Rao, 50, and Anindita Rao, 49, who are the parents of another passenger, have also been indicted for allowing underage drinking in their home, which allegedly became known for parties, before the fatal wreck.

Sherry Boston, the Dekalb County District Attorney, noted that the couple 'knew the girls had been drinking but they still let them get into a car and leave the house with an open bottle of wine in the front seat'.

'Halloween, Homecoming, the last day of school,' Boston told Law and Crime. 'It is a miracle that nothing happened prior to February 24.

'Mr. and Mrs. Rao's choices that night led to the death of a teenage girl.'

Three people are facing felony charges in connection to the death of Sophia Lekiachvili, 18, who was tragically killed in a drunken car crash in Atlanta, Georgia, this past February

Anindita Rao, 49, along with her husband, are indicted on three charges for allowing three underage kids to drink in their home before the fatal wreck - a home that is considered a 'party house'

Hannah Hackemeyer, 18, the driver of the car, was formally indicted on more charges Wednesday after she was initially arrested in April for driving under the influence

Hackemeyer, Lekiachvili and Ananya, the couple's daughter, were drinking at the Rao household earlier this year.

The teens - who were in full view of the Rao parents - had just finished off a bottle of wine before informing the adults that they were going for a nighttime drive.

Shortly before midnight, they left the home while drinking another bottle of wine.

But just 30 minutes later and less than a half mile away, the decision leave the home proved to be deadly.

Hackemeyer was driving a Mazda CX-5 nearly 100mph with Lekiachvili in the passenger seat and Rao in the back when she lost control and crashed the car, causing the vehicle to flip over.

'Hannah was speeding more than 60mph over the limit, hitting 98 mph just one second before the crash,' Boston said.

'The car's computer revealed she never tapped the brakes.'

Hackemeyer and Rao were able to crawl out of the car - leaving Lekiachvili critically injured and trapped in the passenger seat.

First responders rushed to the scene and extricated the teen before transporting her to the hospital where she died just hours later from her injuries.

Hackemeyer was arrested this past April and initially charged with failure to maintain a lane, reckless driving, driving under the influence under age 21 and vehicular homicide in the first degree but was ultimately released in May on a $25,500 bond, Fox News reported.

Lekiachvili (pictured) along with two other teens were drinking at the Rao household earlier this year when they decided to head out for a late night drive while intoxicated - all while the parents were aware of their alcohol consumption

Lekiachvili (pictured) was in the front seat of the speeding car when it lost control, crashed and flipped over - leaving her trapped in the seat before she was rescued but tragically died at the hospital just hours later

But during a press conference on Wednesday, Boston revealed that a grand jury had returned formal indictments against the teen.

She is facing three counts of first-degree homicide by vehicle, three counts of serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence under the age of 21 and possession of an open container of alcoholic beverage in the passenger area.

The Rao parents are now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and maintaining a disorderly house.

Anindita surrendered herself to authorities where she was then booked into the DeKalb County Jail.

Her husband was out on a business trip, but is expected to turn himself in once he returns back from out-of-state.

During the investigation, it was revealed that hundreds of teenagers could have been met with the same fate due to the Rao household being known as the 'party house', where teenage drinking was considered the norm.

'This crash was a foreseeable consequence of allowing underage drinking in their home and worse - allowing someone who they knew had consumed alcohol - to drive,' Boston said in a statement.

'We recognize that prosecuting these cases will not bring Sophia back, but we hope that by pursing justice in her death, we may prevent future tragedies.'
Fraport AG, the prominent airport operator, is finalizing its strategic withdrawal from Russia through a significant deal with Middle Eastern investor Orbit Aviation LLC. The company has signed a purchase agreement to sell its 25% stake in St. Petersburgs Pulkovo Airport, a move expected to generate positive financial impacts in the mid-double-digit million range. This development marks a turning point for Fraport, particularly after the company had previously written off claims worth 163.3 million euros and suspended its services at the airport in 2022. The transaction, set to conclude in the coming days, represents the culmination of 14 years of Russian operations and will contribute to a substantial reduction in the companys net debt. Market Performance and Growth The airport operators stock has shown robust performance, recording a 1.33% increase to 53.25 euros, while its market capitalization stands at 4.9 billion euros. JPMorgan has responded positively to recent developments, raising its price target from 49 to 59 euros. Fraports expansion continues with new ventures, including securing the opeRating concession for Greeces Kalamata airport, further solidifying its position as a key player in the European aviation sector. Ad Fraport Stock: New Analysis  06 December Fresh Fraport information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Fraport analysis

Fraport AG, the prominent airport operator, is finalizing its strategic withdrawal from Russia through a significant deal with Middle Eastern investor Orbit Aviation LLC. The company has signed a purchase agreement to sell its 25% stake in St. Petersburgs Pulkovo Airport, a move expected to generate positive financial impacts in the mid-double-digit million range. This development marks a turning point for Fraport, particularly after the company had previously written off claims worth 163.3 million euros and suspended its services at the airport in 2022. The transaction, set to conclude in the coming days, represents the culmination of 14 years of Russian operations and will contribute to a substantial reduction in the companys net debt.

Market Performance and Growth

The airport operators stock has shown robust performance, recording a 1.33% increase to 53.25 euros, while its market capitalization stands at 4.9 billion euros. JPMorgan has responded positively to recent developments, raising its price target from 49 to 59 euros. Fraports expansion continues with new ventures, including securing the opeRating concession for Greeces Kalamata airport, further solidifying its position as a key player in the European aviation sector.

Ad

Fresh Fraport information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
CommBank chief Matt Comyn is splurging on an extensive reno of his mansion

Australia's richest banker blasted for being out of touch with everyday Aussies

EXCLUSIVE

The country's richest banker is spending almost $1million on renovations at his palatial mansion - while pressing ahead with plans to slug everyday Australians $3 to access their own cash.

Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn came under fire for being completely out of touch after Daily Mail Australia revealed how his bank was imposing a 'grubby cash grab' on customers in the lead up to Christmas.

The bank this week buckled after widespread outrage and announced they will now delay the introduction of the controversial $3 withdrawal fee.

But it has so far resisted calls to scrap the charge entirely.

It comes amid ongoing criticism about Australia's financial executives paying themselves huge salaries while the rest of the country struggles with the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Comyn, whose bank is the main financial institution for more than a third of the country, remains the highest-paid executive across Australia's 'big four' banks, earning about $9million last financial year, after taking in more than $10.4million the year before.

But while his customers battle to make ends meet, Mr Comyn has been spending up big on the long-running overhaul of his multi-million dollar sandstone mansion in Sydney's affluent inner-east.

The bank boss initially estimated the extensive renovation works on his $9.5million pile - in a tree-lined enclave in Sydney's east - would set him back about $920,153, according to the development application he lodged with his local council.

CommBank boss Matt Comyn's is pouring almost $1million into giving his historic home in Sydney's east a major facelift. The grounds surrounding the prized pile continue to undergo extensive landscaping

Mr Comyn has come under fire for being out of touch with consumers, and raking in about $20million while the rest of the country struggles through a cost-of-living crisis

But with the overhaul continuing to drag on for almost two years, there is speculation that amount could well have blown out into more than seven figures.

Mr Comyn and his wife Lucy-Ellen have been toiling away on an upgrade across all three levels of the mansion since November 2022 and have been adding ensuites to the prestigious home's four existing bedrooms, a ground floor rumpus and extensive landscaping.

Workers were still busily mixing concrete at the ritzy address on Thursday morning as the mansion remained encircled with cladding.

The couple snapped up the mansion for $3.3million when Mr Comyn was still the bank's group executive for retail banking services before both its value and his paycheque skyrocketed.

The value of his home has already trebled and is expected to pass the $10million-mark once all his ongoing works are finally completed.

The Commonwealth Bank initially planned to move customers from their Complete Access Account to a Smart Access Account which included a $3 fee when withdrawing cash from a branch, post office or their phone from January 6.

After intense blowback, the bank said the change would be delayed by six months for customers who are 'worse off with the new fee'.

Mr Comyn's mansion already boasted an impressive backyard before his lengthy renovations

The renovation works have been dragging on for two years and are still underway

Two years into the facelift, there is still a lot of work to be done on the mansion's overhaul

Workmen haul in fresh sandstone blocks to compliment the historic sandstone already on-site

The Albanese government slammed the move, with housing minister Clare O'Neil saying: 'It doesn't seem fair or appropriate and this is a huge bank making huge profits. Come on, guys.'

'It's Christmas. We don't need this right now,' she said. 'This is not something the bank should be doing and we're asking them to reconsider.'

Assistant treasurer and financial services minister Stephen Jones also hammered Mr Comyn's bank over the fee, branding it a 'slap in the face' for loyal customers and the 'worst Christmas present imaginable'.

'Commonwealth Bank has to rethink this terrible decision,' he said. 'This seems to be to a tax on Australians who demand the right to use their cash.

'And the government won't stand for it. We're working for Australians to ensure they can continue to use cash if they so choose.'

North Queensland federal MP Bob Katter described the new charge as 'an act defiance and contempt for the people of Australia'.

He said the bank was 'counter-attacking' against the recent announcement that businesses selling essential goods and services such as groceries, medicines and fuel will be forced to accept cash from their customers unless granted a special exemption the start of 2026.

Sydney radio station 2GB drive host Chris O'Keefe was even more scathing, labelling the cash grab as 'beyond obscene'.

Housing minister Clare O'Neil has blasted the CommBank over its $3 withdrawal fee

The renovation was expected to cost about $940,000 to complete but that was two years ago

It is unclear when the lengthy overhaul will finally be completed

'Charging a fee to access our own money is nothing more than a grubby little money grab,' he said. 'How much blood do they want from us?'

He could scarcely contain his disbelief at the bank's claim the move 'is all part of our effort to give Australians the best banking experience'.

'They have got to be joking,' O'Keefe said. 'Are these people for real?'

O'Keefe said customers assessing cash costs the financial giant about $400 million a year but noted the bank made a whopping profit of almost $10billion last financial year after tax.

'This is all about boosting the bottom line,' O'Keefe said.

A Commonwealth Bank spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that it 'continues to offer customers free cash withdrawals from our national ATM network'.

They added that it would continue 'to offer waivers on assisted withdrawal fees for customers who meet certain criteria including certain types of pension recipients, those who deposit $2,000 a month, and those aged under-18.

2GB's Chris O'Keefe, seen with wife Yvonne Sampson, has been one of the fee's leading critics

'Our Streamline Basic account has no monthly account fees or assisted withdrawal fees and is available to customers who hold an eligible concession card.'

CommBank group executive of retail banking services Angus Sullivan said in a statement on Wednesday the change had been 'poorly communicated' with the bank's customers.

'The changes taking place are such that approximately 90 percent of customers we intend to move, and who we expect will be better off or the same, will be moved to the lower monthly fee account,' he said.

'If those customers dont want to move, they can contact us to discuss their options.

'For the remaining customers we are changing our approach and we are pausing the migration. Instead, we will contact these customers over the next six months to communicate about suitable product options.

'The changes outlined above do not affect approximately nine-million CommBank customers who are not on the Complete Access product.

'Commonwealth Bank maintains the largest branch network. Each of our branches has fee free ATMs and we have a moratorium on regional branch closures until at least the end of 2026.'
READ MORE: Lidia Thorpe to be suspended from Parliament

A young Adelaide mother-of-two has shared the disgraceful comment a chemist said to her when she went to get her insulin prescription filled.

Adelaide resident Chelsea said the pharmacist told her she 'must be 1/16th or something' because she didn't appear Aboriginal enough to him when she applied for a concession on her medication under the Closing the Gap scheme.

Chelsea, whose father is Aboriginal, said she was shocked that 'in 2024 we're still making comments about the colour of people's skin'.

Pharmacists receive a co-payment from the government under the scheme which reduces the cost of medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for Indigenous Australians.

'I give my script to the pharmacist, the chemist and he asks am I sure I get CTG,' she said in a now-viral TikTok video this week.

'I didn't think much of it. Next minute, he comes over to me, gives me my insurance, and says to me, well, you must be 1/16 or something.

'I say "sorry?" and he says "well, you know, you have to be aboriginal to get CTG, so you must be 1/16" and I just went "oh" then told him "not that it matters, but my dad's Indigenous".'

Chelsea said the pharmacist replied: 'Right, I just couldn't tell from looking at you.'

Adelaide mum Chelsea said in a now-viral TikTok video a chemist told her she must be '1/16th' because she didn't look Aboriginal enough to him to get a PBS co-payment

'So it's 2024 and we're still making comments to people about the colour of their skin? Cool, cool, cool.'

Aussies were shocked at the chemist's behaviour.

'What a weird thing to say to a stranger,' one person commented.

'The way racism is so casual and rife in Australia is crazy,' another said.

Others shared similar experiences to Chelsea's.

'I had to have a blood test during pregnancy and I filled out that I was Aboriginal. The woman crossed it out and told me "you don't look Indigenous", ' a woman said.

'I was so offended.'

'My older brother and dad are pretty dark but I didn't get as much of the dark skin,' a second person said.

'Still pretty tanned but not as much as them.'

'I took after my non-Aboriginal family members I've got blonde hair and my brother is tan with dark wavy hair,' a third added.
The driver of a luxury car has become the first Australian motorist to be fined under a new law that prevents people driving high-powered sports cars on a standard licence..

The 36-year-old motorist, who was driving a Lamborghini Huracan, was pulled over by police on Queensborough Avenue at Hillcrest, in Adelaide's north-east, on Sunday.

Officers noticed the vehicle did not have a number plate on the back and further checks revealed the driver also did not have a special licence to operate the car.

Drivers risk six demerit points and a maximum fine of $2,500 if they break the law. They could also be sent to jail for a year for subsequent infringements.

South Australia introduced new laws, which came into effect on Sunday, requiring motorists who drive high-powered vehicles to hold a 'U' class licence.

The licence must be obtained to operate ultra high powered vehicles (UHPV) that weigh up to 4.5 tonnes and have a power to weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.

South Australia Police said in a statement the motorist was issued an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence not appropriate to the vehicle.

The regulation applies to vehicles considered 'supercars' or 'hypercars'. Buses and motorbikes are exempt from the regulation.

Officers noticed the vehicle (pictured) did not have a number plate on the back and further checks revealed the driver also didn't have a special license to operate the car

The new law was introduced following the death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith.

Sophia was struck by a Lamborghini while she was walking along a footpath with her friend Jordyn Callea along Morphett Road, in Glengowrie, in the city's south-west in 2019.

The driver lost control of the car at high speed, and struck both girls and crashed into the front door of a restaurant.

The driver Alexander Campbell, 37 was handed a suspended sentence in 2022 after he was found not guilty of causing her death.

Campbell had previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated driving without due care.

He was given an 18-month good behaviour bond and was ordered to complete community service.

South Australia introduced the new law following the death of 15-year-old teenager Sophia Naismith (pictured) after she was hit and killed by a Lamborghini in 2019

Sophia's family successfully campaigned to have the legislation introduced.

Drivers of sports cars in South Australia must now obtain a U class licence by completing the U Class Licence Course.

The course will assist drivers to learn how to safely operate a UHPV and learn the risks associated with driving the vehicles.

Motorists will also be made aware of the features these vehicles contain including Electronic Stability Control and Automated Emergency Braking.
Morning Joe issued a stunning rebuke to a comment from one of their pundits, apologizing on behalf of the liberal network to rivals Fox News over a joke about Pete Hegseth.

The show has come under fire in recent weeks after hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski patched things up with Donald Trump at a secret Mar-a-Lago summit.

It has many, including 'never-Trump' MSNBC commentator David Frum, wondering if the network is going to start censoring progressives.

Frum, a former speechwriter for George W. Bush who has since pivoted to the left in the era of Trump, started the commotion with a comment on Defense Secretary nominee and ex-Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth's reported drinking exploits.

A recent NBC News report claims 10 current and former Fox News staffers said they were concerned about his drinking and could smell alcohol on him 'as recently as last month.'

On Wednesday's show, Frum joked that 'if you're too drunk for Fox News, you're very, very drunk indeed.'

In the next segment of the show, Brzezinski offered an apology for Frum's flippant comments.

'And before we go to break or a little bit earlier in this block, there was a comment made about Fox News in our coverage about Pete [Hegseth] and the growing number of allegations about his behavior over the years and possible addiction to alcohol or issues with alcohol,' she said.

Morning Joe issued a stunning rebuke to a comment from one of their pundits, apologizing on behalf of the liberal network to rivals Fox News

The show defended the network after a joke was made about the drinking of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth

'The comment was a little too flippant for this moment that we're in. We just want to make that comment as well. We want to make that clear.'

Brzezinski noted that MSNBC is a very different place in terms of coverage than Fox News but felt it went over the line.

'I just want to say there's a lot of good people that work at Fox News who care about Pete Hegseth, and we want to leave it at that.'

A furious Frum wrote about the entire saga in a column for The Atlantic published on Wednesday night, titled 'The Sound of Fear on Air.'

He called the experience 'unsettling' and 'ominous' for the future of MSNBC, which is set to be spun off by owners Comcast.

Frum claimed that he was warned not to repeat his remarks, which he called a joke and a reference to a failed secretary of defense nominee from the 1980s.

'At the next ad break, a producer spoke into my ear. He objected to my comments about Fox and warned me not to repeat them. I said something noncommittal and got another round of warning,' he wrote.

Frum reasoned that if the allegations about Hegseth's drinking are true, it's 'a startling and shameful shirking of responsibility on a matter of grave national importance. What's the appropriate language to call it out?'

On Wednesday's show, David Frum joked that 'if you're too drunk for Fox News, you're very, very drunk indeed'

The show has come under fire in recent weeks after hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski patched things up with Donald Trump at a secret Mar-a-Lago summit

'It is a very ominous thing if our leading forums for discussion of public affairs are already feeling the chill of intimidation and responding with efforts to appease,' he said.

He noted that he believed it was probably the end of his television career for saying so.

Richard Hudock, MSNBC's VP of Communications, responded to the controversy on social media.

'Joe and Mika have consistently expressed their strong reservations and perspectives regarding Pete Hegseth's nomination from the very beginning, and that stance remains unchanged.

We would have responded in the same manner regardless of when these comments were made or what news organization was referenced.

We have great respect for @davidfrum and his contributions; he is a valued member of the @Morning_Joe family. We invite him to join us tomorrow to discuss this topic and other pressing news stories of the day.'

Following Scarborough and Brzezinski's Mar-a-Lago meeting, the morning show hosts were met with criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Both hosts defended the move, after media colleagues also slammed the stars, and the pair claimed that the backlash proved there is a 'massive disconnect' between 'social media and the real world'.

'Yesterday I saw for the first time what a massive disconnect there was between social media and the real world because we were flooded with phone calls from people all day, literally around the world, all very positive, very supportive, 'I understand what you did' 'Scarborough said.

'But once in a while I would get a text or call from someone going, 'Oh, man, I hope you're doing okay.' I would call them back... I'd go: 'Are you on Twitter?' And he goes, 'I am.' I'd go 'Well I'm not so we've had a good day.'

'All of us will do the best we can do and we're all working towards a better America.'

The two MSNBC hosts, seen here, had met with Trump after a long feud , with the pair long criticizing the president-elect as a racist, sexist, fascist, and likened him to Adolf Hitler

After the meeting was announced, Brzezinski said they decided to reach out to Trump due to their viewers expressing fear over his election win.

She added: 'My father [diplomat Zbigniew Brzezinski] often spoke with world leaders with whom he and the United States profoundly disagreed. That's a task shared by reporters and commentators alike.

Brzezinski shared that Trump was cheerful during their meeting and seemed interested in finding common ground with Democrats.

However, Scarborough concluded by telling viewers they will not stop their criticism of the president-elect.

He said: 'Don't be mistaken. We are not here to defend or normalize Donald Trump.'

'We are here to report on him and to hopefully provide you insights that are going to better equip all of us in understanding these deeply unsettling times.'

Trump told Fox News that he took the meeting in order to 'Make America Great Again, it is very important, if not vital, to have a free, fair and open media or press.'

'I am not looking for retribution, grandstanding or to destroy people who treated me very unfairly,' he added.

Trump said that both of the hosts, 'congratulated me on running a 'great and flawless campaign, one for the history books.' 'The meeting ended in a very positive manner, and we agreed to speak in the future,' he added

'Many things were discussed, and I very much appreciated the fact that they wanted to have open communication,' he said. 'In many ways, it's too bad that it wasn't done long ago.'

Trump used to be a routine contributor to Morning Joe, and Scarborough was an early cheerleader for the billionaire's maverick bid for the GOP nomination in 2016.

But relations soured as Trump pulled off a surprise victory in the Republican primaries and began to look like a serious challenger to the Democrats' Hillary Clinton.

The four-hour morning show became a bastion of the Democratic establishment after Trump's first term, with President Joe Biden routinely tuning in while doing his morning exercises to see his acolytes promote the party's talking points.

With Trump in the White House and Scarborough engaged to co-host Brzezinski he began cementing his show's identity as an outpost of opposition to the new administration.

The couple even recorded a Christmas album called 'A Very Drumpf Christmas' with children's songs portraying the president as Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

It eventually attracted the attention of the president himself, who delivered a series of withering put-downs, labeling Scarborough 'Psycho Joe' and his then-fiancee as 'low IQ Crazy Mika', while mischievously claiming she had been 'bleeding badly from a face-lift' during a visit to his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Brzezinski later confirmed she'd been recovering from cosmetic surgery during the trip.

And the feud deepened when the president revived long-debunked claims that Scarborough had been involved in the death of his former congressional staffer who was found dead on his office floor in 2001.

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.

The allegations earned Trump his first rebuke from Twitter, which would eventually kick him off the platform altogether in January 2021.
The suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was wearing a luxury backpack for photographers that has sparked wild theories on social media.

The unidentified killer fatally shot Thompson, 50, outside of the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early on Wednesday morning.

Officers have launched a full-scale manhunt for the assailant who was caught on surveillance footage gunning down the father-of-two in cold blood.

Images shared by officers show the suspect inside a Starbucks prior to the shooting, and making his escape on a bike.

Eagle-eyed social media users have pointed out that the gunman was wearing a luxury backpack that retails for $279 and is well known amongst photographers.

'They're made for photographers but I guess the side door access works well for hitmen as well,' one person posted, referring to the design.

The bag is named the Everyday Backpack and made by Peak Design and comes with built in compartments to keep photography gear separate.

After users pointed out that the shooter was using the expensive backpack, some speculated that the killer could also be a photographer.

Officers have launched a full scale manhunt for the assailant who was caught on surveillance footage gunning down the father-of-two

Images shared by officers show the suspect inside a Starbucks prior to the shooting, and making his escape on a bike

Eagle-eyed social media users have pointed out that the gunman was wearing a luxury backpack that retails for $279 and is well known amongst photographers

One person said: 'The assassin was wearing a peak design backpack, I wonder what camera he shoots with.'

Another posted: 'The shooter is carrying a very expensive backpack meant to hold camera equipment and opens on each side, made by Peak Design...interesting.'

One other added: 'Peak Design backpack. Probably likes cameras...hobbyist photography and/or travel. Low volume product so easy to identify.'

'It looks like the backpack he is wearing is a Peak Design photographers backpack. That backpack is $300+ and it's very specific for carrying camera gear', another said.

'He is either into photography or he is trying to look like he is a photographer', they added.

The gunman still remains on the loose with authorities launching a full scale manhunt to find the assailant.

Witnesses said the gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

The unknown killer gunned down Thompson, seen here, outside of the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early on Wednesday morning

After users pointed out that the shooter was using the expensive backpack, some speculated that the killer could also be a photographer

Sources told CNN that the man bought two powers bars and a bottle of water from the coffee chain.

Authorities found a phone and a water bottle near the scene that they believe is the one he bought from Starbucks, and could offer them DNA.

The phone could also provide fingerprints and, if technicians can unlock it, could give them an insight into his identity.

Officers also searched Thompson's hotel room, are interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media.

They have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

'From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Thompson was shot

United is the biggest health insurer by market share in America. They have been the subject of protests by activists for allegedly systematically denying care for patients.

One such protest earlier this year led to the arrests of 11 people outside the United Healthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

The company made headlines in February after it was subjected to a cyber-attack which cost $872 million.

Thompson's wife, Paulette 'Pauley' Thompson, 51, has said her husband had been receiving 'some threats' before his trip to New York.

Thompson was also being investigated by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations and was accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

He is survived by his wife and their two children who live in the family's $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

'We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,' she told ABC 7 following her husband's untimely death.
Health officials will probe whether the arrival of a new batch of black tar-like balls on a Sydney beach are linked to previous contaminations.

Seven beaches including Bondi, Coogee and Maroubra in the city's east were closed after dozens of the mysterious balls washed up in October.

Tests found the balls were likely made of medications, human faeces, drugs and chemicals but experts were unable to pinpoint the source of the pollution.

On Tuesday, a small number of black balls were discovered by a member of the public on the eastern side of Silver Beach in the city's south.

Sutherland Shire Council immediately closed the beach and began cleaning up the white, green, grey and black balls which were a variety of shapes and sizes.

Officers from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) collected samples of the debris which will be tested the samples from October.

'Sydney Water officers found a small number of balls across Botany Bay at Dolls Point Beach, which were immediately cleaned up,' EPA said in a statement.

'Officers from the EPA, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Sutherland Shire Council have inspected nearby beaches, without finding any further debris.

A number of strange balls appeared on south Sydney's Silver Beach on Tuesday (pictured)

Similar balls saw seven Sydney beaches close in October. They were later found to contain several medications, human faeces, drugs and chemicals (pictured, a clean-up in October)

'This is a much smaller event than the incident in Sydney's eastern suburbs in October, with fewer balls over a smaller area.'

The EPA is still awaiting the results from samples of similar balls that washed up on Bombo Beach, on the NSW South Coast, two weeks ago.

Those samples - and the balls found on Silver Beach - will be tested against the debris found across several major Sydney beaches in October.
The family of Hannah Kobayashi confirmed they are exploring the possibility she may have been caught up in a green card marriage scam in the lead up to her disappearance.

Kobayashi, 30, was initially reported missing by her family early last month, after not boarding her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York.

On Wednesday, sources told LA Mag she had been apparently scammed out of the proceeds of a green card visa scheme.

The outlet say that Kobayashi and her then partner landed in LAX with plans to board their connecting flight, with her legal husband and his partner also onboard.

LA Mag report that the scam was uncovered by Kobayashi's mother who found documents listing an attorney for her daughter's marriage, which she handed over to law enforcement.

In a statement from the family lawyer Sara Azari, she said that the family did not have 'the facts or necessary documents' to verify what they called the 'alleged marriage'.

Their statement said: 'This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.

'We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.'

On Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department revealed that she had been seen crossing the United States-Mexico border into Tijuana.

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was declared 'voluntary missing' by LAPD on Monday after her family filed a missing person's report days after she was supposed to arrive in New York on Nov. 8

She was caught on security camera footage disembarking a plane at LAX just before 10pm on November 8

Investigators claim security footage from the border near Tijuana, about 145 miles from LAX, shows her alive between November 12 and 13, about a day after she disappeared.

Footage viewed by police on Sunday 'clearly shows 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi' crossing the border on foot, the LAPD said on Monday.

Authorities released new details of their investigation - citing 'witness interviews, reviewed video surveillance' and collaboration with local law enforcement - on what they say happened to Hannah.

Kobayashi 'knowingly departed' LAX after checking her bag to her connecting flight to New York from Maui and went to Union Station on November 11 and used her passport to buy a bus ticket to the border.

A photo from the surveillance footage shows her standing at a counter with her passport in hand and a suitcase by her side.

The footage showed her only days after she disappeared and about two weeks before her father, Ryan Kobayashi, took his own life at a parking garage near Los Angeles International Airport after arriving to help search for her.

The next morning, she took the bus to San Ysidro, California, before crossing the border.

The LAPD said there is no evidence of human trafficking or foul play and noted that Kobayashi seemed to want a less complicated life.

'The investigators noted that before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity,' the police department said in a statement.

Therefore, they are now classifying her disappearance as 'voluntary' in an attempt to respect 'her right to privacy'.

'The LAPD remains mindful of privacy concerns while ensuring all investigative actions are conducted within the bounds of legal and ethical standards,' the statement added.

Hannah Kobayashi's sister, Sydni Kobayashi, told NBC News on Tuesday that the family 'is confused' as to why authorities have not shared footage of Kobyashi crossing into Tijuana

Police say they will not further their investigation of Kobayashi to Mexico but will be notified if she returns to America and they encourage her to contact police or the American Embassy in Mexico to 'confirm her well being'.

Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, called that decision unsatisfactory for the family, who have still not seen the footage.

'We're just as confused and just as frustrated more than anything now,' Sydni told NBC News in an interview on Tuesday.

Family lawyer Sara Azari questioned how police could make the determination without consulting Kobayashi's relatives.

'They just reached this conclusionwithout showing them any footage,' the attorney told NBC News. 'It takes a lot more digging and investigation to be able to say it's voluntary.'

Sources told NBC Los Angeles that they do not suspect any foul play in her disappearance at this time.

One even made a bold suggestion: 'She's an adult and she can choose to be missing.'

The Los Angeles PD most recently said they thought Kobayashi 'intentionally' missed her flight to New York City - though her family says she would never do that.

She was captured in security footage standing at the counter at Union Station with her passport in hand the day before

Kobayashi's father Ryan, 58, joined the search after the family believed she might have been kidnapped. Ryan was found dead on November 25 after he jumped from a parking garage in Los Angeles

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 was on the flight with her ex-boyfriend, who continued on to New York and had cooperated with police while she was a missing person.

Kobayashi missed the flight to New York and security camera footage showed her abandoning the airport with her backpack only.

On November 10, she visited a book store at The Grove, a popular shopping center in Los Angeles.

Security cameras showed Kobayashi boarding a train on the LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station at 9:02 pm and then transferred to a different train at the Rosa Parks Station.

Kobayashi was finally seen leaving the Metro Pico Station with an unidentified person at 10:03pm.

It was around that time that her family received a string of strange text messages from Kobayashi that seemed to suggest she was in trouble and someone had stolen her money.

She claimed 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--- 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.'

The family also noted that the young artist's phone has been off since November 11 and her last pinned location was at LAX.

'There are a lot of suspicious or at least peculiar things about this case,' Almonte said, referencing her texts messages and 'spiritual awakening.'

'It remains a mystery to me as to why she would cross into Mexico.'
A young family-of-five are praying for a Christmas miracle after their house, cars and all of their belongings were destroyed in a mammoth fire.

The inferno tore through the home in Ravenswood, a small town in Western Australia about 83km south of Perth, at 10pm on Sunday night.

The fire, believed to have been caused by lithium batteries, has left the family homeless with only the clothes on their backs just weeks out from Christmas.

Police are not treating the blaze as suspicious.

Aden Weston said his sister's home, multiple cars and all of their belongings had been destroyed in the horror blaze.

'Last night my sister's family home in Ravenswood burned down due to lithium batteries,' he wrote on a GoFundMe.

'Leaving my sister, her partner and their three young children homeless just before Christmas. Lee suffered burns and smoke inhalation from the fire.

'Unfortunately the entire house, all their belongings and their cars are completely gone. They currently only have the clothes they escaped in.'

An Aussie family-of-five are praying for a Christmas miracle after their house, car and belongings were destroyed in a mammoth fire (pictured)

The inferno tore through the home (pictured) in Ravenswood, a small town in Western Australia about 83km south of Perth, at 10pm on Sunday night

Hayley, her partner Lee and their three kids, Cash, 9, Carter, 7 and two-year-old Nate managed to escape the inferno with only the clothes they were wearing (the family are pictured)

Mr Weston pleaded with Aussies to deliver his sister and her young family a 'Christmas miracle' by donating to the GoFundMe.

'All funds will go directly to Hayley and Lee to buy clothes, food, personal items and go towards all the bills and cleanup,' he said.

WA Police said two officers who attended the fire sustained minor smoke inhalation.

'A hydroponic setup was located within one of the rooms in the home,' a police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'This is not believed to be linked to the fire at this time.'

The police spokesperson added, 'Police have completed their investigation and although a hydroponic set up was located at the home, there is no evidence of any criminality.'

You can donate to the family's GoFundMe here.
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A 10-year-old transgender girl had a devastating reaction when asked what her biggest fear was amid a fierce public debate over trans rights.

The child was speaking to CNN's Lucy Kafanov as Supreme Court hears a case over the constitutionality of a Tennessee law denying transgender minors gender-affirming care.

Kafanov asked what concerns she had about speaking out for her rights.

'That I'm going to be like, murdered,' 10-year-old Violet DuMont replied.

'That one I'm going to be walking down the street and somebody's going to come up and, like, shoot me or something.'

Kafanov commented how a fear of being murdered is a 'really scary thing to be worrying about at 10 years old.'

'Yeah, that should not be a worry,' DuMont replied.

At that point, Kafanov asked DuMont's mother what she thought of her daughter's response and the reaction was emotional.

Violet DuMont, 10, shared that her biggest fear is getting murdered for speaking up for transgender rights

The answer caused her mother, Michelle Callahan-DuMont, to tear up

'It's just hard to hear her say that,' Michelle Callahan-DuMont replied as she wiped away a tear.

She added that Violet asked her several questions following President-elect Donald Trump's victory last month:

'Are we gonna have to move? Are they going to take me away from you? And Am I not going to be ale to get my medicine,' referring to puberty-blockers and hormone treatments.

'It's just, it's frightening,' the worried mother said.

Trump had vowed on the campaign trail to revoke policies supporting gender-affirming care, especially for those under the age of 18.

'On Day One, we will sign an executive order instructing every federal agency to cease the promotion of sex or gender transition at any age,' Trump said at a Mom's for Liberty event in August. 'They're not going to do it anymore.'

He has also said public schools will no longer receive federal funding if they promote ideas related to gender transitioning or transgender people and vowed that any hospital or healthcare provider that performs gender-affirming surgery or care to minors would no longer meet federal health and safety standards, and would therefore no longer receive federal funding.

The segment came amid National Correspondent Lucy Kafanov's coverage on a Supreme Court case over the constitutionality of a Tennessee law denying transgender children gender-affirming care

During the campaign, the Republican party also spent more than $200million on anti-trans ads that often ended with the statement: 'Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.'

The party's official platform even stated: 'We will keep men out of women's sports, ban taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries and stop taxpayer-funded schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden's radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations and restore protections for women and girls,' according to NPR.

When asked her thoughts on the Republican ads, Violet said they 'made me feel like, literally dead inside.

'It's probably honestly the worst thing I ever felt,' she claimed.

The 10 year old went on to say: 'I've heard transphobic politicians that say, "No you have the wrong gender. You're confused, honey."

'Now, my self is a fact, not an opinion,' she argued, 'and they don't get to decide that for me. I get to decide that for myself.'

Kefanov later referenced the interview as she went live outside the Supreme Court, where justices are hearing arguments to overturn a Tennessee law that prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty-delaying medication, providing hormone therapy or performing surgery to treat 'purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between the minor's sex and asserted identity.'

Trump had vowed on the campaign trail to revoke policies supporting gender-affirming care, especially for those under the age of 18

The law is being challenged by three families and a doctor. They are supported by President Joe Biden's administration.

Many transgender activists, including DuMont and her mother, traveled to the nation's capitol to show their support for the law being overturned.

'We spent time with three families who traveled on their own dime, missing school, missing work to be here in DC all the way from Arizona, to have their voices heard because they feel that there are a lot of politicians, lawyers, talking heads, discussing their rights [and] they're not being heard from themselves,' Kafanov said Wednesday, according to NewsBusters.

'And I want to give you a sense of what one 10-year-old Violent DuMont told me when I asked her what it feels like to be a transgender kid in America today,' she said before playing the clip in which DuMont shares her fear of being murdered.

Kafanov also noted that 'all of these families emphasize' that 'gender-affirming care, things like hormones, puberty blockers - these are deeply personal, intimate decisions that they are making with their pediatricians, with their psychiatrists, with the children over the course of many, many years.

'These are not, you know, willy-nilly decisions that they're making carelessly, and for these children, it's a chance to be who they truly are.

'These 10 year olds told me they have no doubts about their gender identity,' she explained.

'They are exhausted about having to continuously defend who they are and to argue for their very right to exist.'
Motorists could soon pay up to a whopping $50 an hour for parking if two of Australia's biggest operators join forces, according to experts and Australia's consumer watchdog.

Orikan Group has put forward a proposal to acquire rivals Duncan Technologies, sparking fears that the potential merger could make parking more expensive.

Both companies provide various services and applications to manage parking facilities and operate the majority of parking meters across Australia.

Saxon Hill, from Vehicle Monitoring systems, who provide tech solutions to Duncan Technologies warned that the move could lead to motorists forking out ridiculous prices for parking.

'Orikan account for about half of all local council contracts, while Duncan take up about a quarter,' Mr Hill told NCA Newswire.

'If these two entities are merged, it will be just like supermarkets, toll roads and airlines when one entity gets a stranglehold and there is no natural competition.'

Mr Hill said the acquisition will make parking more frustrating with the merger compounding the existing challenge motorists face to find parking.

'Those meters that are preset at $10 and motorists have to keep pressing to get it to what they want, but if you think it's bad now, wait until these two dominant companies merge,' he said.

Motorists could soon pay up to $50 an hour for parking if two Australia's biggest parking operators merge

Mr Hill's concerns were echoed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said the move will deprive other companies an opportunity to enter the market and deliver low cost parking.

'We are concerned that the proposed acquisition would substantially lessen competition in the market for end to end on-street parking solutions as Duncan is the primary competitor to Orikan,' Dr Williams said.

'We consider that the proposed acquisition is likely to lead to less competitive tender responses to local councils seeking on-street parking solutions and reduce innovation.'

Australia's consumer watchdog expressed concern the acquisition will reduce competition, which will make parking more expensive for motorists

Orikan currently has contracts with state governments and local councils across Australia and New Zealand.

Duncan Technologies supplies and looks after parking meters and also provides software and infringement solutions.

Orikan first requested a pre-assessment from ACCC about its proposal to completely acquire Duncan Technologies on April 19.

The ACCC indicated that the agency has not reached a conclusive view about its concerns.

The ACCC initially stated a decision would be made this week by December 5 but has since pushed the date to December 19.

Australia's parking, payment and enforcement industry is worth $4.5billion annually.

The latest figures by real estate group Ray White found that Brisbane motorists pay the most for parking at $79.83 a day.

The Queensland capital is closely followed by Sydney at $77.67 per day and then Melbourne at $67.49.
December 4, 2024: In 2023 Britain was criticized by Russia for sending depleted uranium tank gun shells along with the Challenger 2 tanks sent to Ukraine. Apparently, the people running Russian propaganda operations were not aware of what was going on with the ammunition used in Russian tanks. The Russians also supply depleted uranium shells for their tanks, as does Germany and the United States. So why is depleted uranium criticized? The reason is simple: anything associated with uranium, depleted or otherwise, will make for provocative headlines among the eek-a-nuke! crowd. Despite that many nations continue to use depleted uranium shells because this is the most effective ammunition for destroying enemy tanks. Despite all that, there is this persistent myth that depleted uranium is somehow toxic. This has become a myth too popular to stop using.

For example, some American soldiers returning from Iraq with undiagnosed health problems blamed it on depleted uranium metal, which is used in the 30mm cannon carried by the A-10 aircraft, 25mm shells used by the M-2 infantry fighting vehicle and 120mm shells used by the M-1 tank.

Depleted uranium is a very dense metal that has had the radioactive material removed in order to manufacture nuclear fuel or material for atomic bombs. This leaves the depleted uranium about as radioactive as some common building materials like granite. In other words, not very radioactive at all. Depleted Uranium is denser, and heavier than any other metal and penetrates thicker armor. It has proved to be a very effective anti-tank weapon. Not only does it go through armor, but it also burns when it hits armor at a mile a second or 1,600 meters a second. This increases the damage within the tank. But when the depleted uranium burns, it also creates many tiny fragments. At one point scientists believed that these fragments, emitting alpha rays, were causing otherwise unidentifiable diseases among troops who had operated in areas where depleted uranium ammunition was used. This proved to be false.

Another factor was that depleted uranium particles are still a heavy metal and are in the air only for a short time after the depleted uranium shell has hit something. After that, the particles fall to the ground and tend to stay there. Depleted uranium replaced tungsten, another (non-radioactive) heavy metal for armor piercing work. Tungsten can also cause health problems if it gets inside of you, as does another, more familiar heavy metal, lead.

Depleted uranium is what is left over when uranium has the highly radioactive U-235 removed for use as nuclear fuel or for atomic bombs. What is left is U-238, which, while still radioactive, emits much less dangerous alpha rays. U-235 emits the much more dangerous gamma radiation. Depleted uranium is thus less radioactive than the original uranium, and not much more radioactive than many other rocks. Thousands of American soldiers and civilians have handled depleted uranium in the last half century, with no noticeable increase in health problems. Moreover, there has been no increase in cancer cases among the civilian population of areas where depleted uranium shells have been used. Cancer specialists know that it takes five to ten years for leukemia to develop from a radiation exposure. Nuclear medicine specialists also point out that depleted uranium's alpha rays are stopped by just about anything, including skin.

There has, however, been an increase in cancers in Kuwait and southern Iraq since the 1991 Gulf War. But this region underwent far more than just the firing of many depleted uranium shells. The area was subjected to several weeks of burning oil fields. These fumes are also a known carcinogen and were far more abundant than the remains of depleted uranium shells. Moreover, the thousands of armored vehicles that tore up the pristine desert created an unprecedented, even for Arabia dust cloud containing a very fine, talc like, sand and a lot of other nasty stuff. Local doctors were not surprised at the increase in illness because they knew, from long experience, what oil fumes and the crud in the sand could do.

Accusations of depleted uranium causing health problems have been made before and have never withstood scientific scrutiny. But throw the words uranium and radioactive in front of the media and you send reporters and politicians into a frenzy. Meanwhile, this detracts from the very real health problems soldiers are encountered in places like Iraq and Ukraine. As far back as the 1970s, Department of Defense medical experts warned of the large number of diseases native to the Persian Gulf. Many of these exotic afflictions are tolerated by the locals, but can be debilitating, or fatal, to outsiders. There are also a number of medical conditions in the area which are either unidentified, or not well understood, even by the natives.

No one from the West took a close look at the diseases of the Persian Gulf area until large numbers of outsiders moved into the area during and after World War II. Currently, identifying and treating all the diseases of the region is still a work in process. There is a similar scare in Ukraine with the Russians insisting all manner of maladies were created by the depleted uranium munitions since by NATO countries. Grandstanding over non-existent depleted uranium illness detracts from work on the real diseases injuring Ukrainian soldiers. What made all of this a credible news story in so many places? Mostly it was the eagerness of the media to fall over a scary story.
Four men are wanted by police as an Australian city is rocked by a string of attempts to entice young students into vans.

In the past month, men in white vans have approached four children aged ten to 15 years in suburbs around Melbourne.

All the children escaped by running away or declining the offer and walking away before raising the alarm.

The most recent incident happened on Tuesday when a man in a white van approached a 10-year-old boy in Boronia in the city's east about 10.30am.

A day earlier at 9.40am, another man asked a 15-year-old girl walking along a Doncaster street to get in his van, but she was able to escape and sought help at a nearby shopping centre.

A similar approach was made to a 14-year-old girl in Tullamarine at 5.45pm on November 27.

The first incident that police are aware of happened on November 18 when a man told an 11-year-old boy in Blackburn that his mother had asked him to give the student a lift.

No suspects have been identified and investigators believe four different men were involved, Acting Superintendent Paul Cripps said.

Pictured is a computer-generated image of a person police wish to speak to in relation to an attempted abduction in Melbourne

In the past month, men in white vans have approached four children aged ten to 15 years in suburbs around Melbourne (a photo of one vans is pictured)

Acting Superintendent Paul Cripps urged parents on Thursday to talk to their children about not getting into stranger's vehicles and to report any suspicious behaviour

'There are similarities - being a white van - but at this stage we haven't been able to establish any links between the offenders,' he told reporters in Rowville on Thursday.

All of the incidents involved 'malicious intent' but the children are doing well despite a scary experience for them and their parents.

The approaches were concentrated around schools, prompting police to step up patrols in affected areas and schools to bolster security.

The jump in reports of children being enticed into cars is one of the highest priority investigations for the force, Act Supt Cripps said.

All the men took a 'friendly approach' when speaking with the children and used similar language, with slight variations in the descriptions of the vans involved.

'One thing we have to take into account, we are dealing with children so their descriptions aren't always as accurate as adults' (descriptions),' he said.

Parents are encouraged to 'be alert but not alarmed' and have a discussion with their children about what to do if they are approached.

'We ask parents to talk to their children and tell them what to do in these situations - not to get into vehicles, safety behaviour, speak to their parents, or teachers, report it immediately and let us know about it,' he said.
Detectives investigating the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson reportedly found shell casings with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' inscribed on them.

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them.

Detectives are now working to determine what the words mean and if they could possibly hint at a motive for the slaying of the 50-year-old.

The gunman fired several shots during the ambush and jammed his gun in the process, but managed to quickly clear the obstruction and continue firing, hitting the CEO in the chest and calf.

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions.

Firearms experts who studied the surveillance footage told the outlet that he reacted in the way someone with training from law enforcement or military would be trained to react to such an issue.

Witnesses said the gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them

Officers are still searching for the unknown assailant who gunned down Thompson, seen here, outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Thompson was shot

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Officers are still searching for the unknown assailant who ambushed Thompson outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

Authorities say he fled the scene on foot before then making a getaway on an electric bike into nearby Central Park.

Surveillance footage of the shooting shows Thompson walking alone outside of the entrance to the midtown hotel when the gunman steps into frame and opens fire.

The terrifying video shows the masked killer draw out a large gun fitted with a silencer and shoots Thompson in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street as he continues to fire.

Several bystanders were seen in the footage witnessing the horror shooting, with one woman standing mere feet away from the gunman when he opened fire.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

'From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Surveillance grabs from a nearby Starbucks also show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

Sources told CNN that the man bought two powers bars and a bottle of water from the coffee chain.

Authorities found a phone and a water bottle near the scene that they believe is the one he bought from Starbucks, and could offer them DNA.

The phone could also provide fingerprints and, if technicians can unlock it, could give them an insight into his identity.

Officials have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company.

As Thompson stumbled down the street, a witness in the hotel's entryway sprinted away

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions

Officers also searched Thompson's hotel room, are interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media.

He was also caught on surveillance footage loitering outside and appeared to be on the phone ten minutes before he opened fire, according to The New York Times.

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning, in which he would announce United Healthcare's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook - including expected revenues of more than $450 billion.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.

His schedule was widely known, and witnesses have said the suspected gunman even knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Still, the investor conference reportedly began without interruption at 8am on the second floor of the Hilton until news of the shooting began to circulate.

Without knowing it was Thompson who was hit, one attendee told the group that 'someone got shot outside.'

CEO of parent company United Healthgroup Andrew Witty is said to have halted the meeting at the hotel just after 8am upon hearing of the tragedy.

He told attendees: 'We're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I'm afraid, we're going to have to bring to a close the event.'

A Hilton worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com in the aftermath that staff have been left shaken by the public assassination on their doorstep.

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning

Surveillance grabs from a nearby Starbucks show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

Police had said in their initial preliminary brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on the electric bike and released an image of the suspect on a bike after the shooting, seen here

United is the biggest health insurer by market share in America. They have been the subject of protests by activists for allegedly systematically denying care for patients.

One such protest earlier this year led to the arrests of 11 people outside the United Healthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

The company made headlines in February after it was subjected to a cyber-attack which cost $872 million.

Thompson's wife, Paulette 'Pauley' Thompson, 51, has said her husband had been receiving 'some threats' before his trip to New York.

'Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,' she told NBC News.

Thompson was also being investigated by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations and was accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

He is survived by his wife and their two children who live in the family's $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

'We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,' she told ABC 7 following her husband's untimely death.

'Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,' she said.

'Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

'We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.'
A West Virginia couple accused of locking their adopted black children in a barn and forcing them to work as slaves pleaded not guilty to their latest charges.

Jeanne Whitefeather, 62 and Donald Lantz, 61, were arrested in October 2023 after two of their adoptive children were found severely neglected with no food, light or running water in a 20 by 14-foot shed with a camera in the corner.

The children had sores on their feet, wreaked of body odor and were wearing wet clothes. They were allegedly forced into labor on the couple's Sissonville farmland.

Kanawah County prosecutors said five children aged 16, 14, 11, nine and six were used basically as slaves' because of their race.

Three hours after finding the older children in the locked shed, deputies found a nine-year-old girl holed up in a loft inside the family's locked main house.

Whitefeather and Lantz - a white couple - appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to additional charges filed last month, which came on top of a series of other accusations which they also deny.

Lantz charges now include one count of child abuse resulting in bodily injury for hitting a child, 13News reported.

His partner faced four new counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury for spraying four adopted children with bear repellent.

Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62 of Charleston, West Virginia , plead not guilty on Monday to the new charges they are facing. The couple were first arrested in October 2023 after their adopted children were found locked in a shed on their property

Pictured: The backyard shed where two of the couple's teenage adopted children were found. There was no way to open the door from the inside, and cops found the kids without food or water. The kids were also forced to do manual labor on the surrounding farmland, its alleged

They are both also charged with human trafficking of a minor child: civil rights violations based on color, race and/or ancestry; use of minor child in forced labor; and child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death.

When Child Protective Services (CPS) made the horrifying discovery of the two children locked in the shed, Whitefeather told deputies the children actually 'liked' the shed they were locked in.

However, the teenage girl told deputies they had been locked in the building for approximately 12 hours and were last given food at 6am.

The building only had a small RV porta-potty and no running water, according to images from inside and descriptions from the initial police report.

The children were also forced to sleep on the hard concrete floor, they said.

The criminal complaint stated: 'If there was a medical emergency or fire, the children would be unable to exit the locked room to safety.'

Court documents said neighbors reported that the children were forced into farm labor and were not allowed inside the main house.

The shed sat on the grounds of the couple's five-acre, three-bedroom $295,000 Sissonville property. They also owned an 80-acre $725,000 home in Tonasket, Washington, which they sold after their arrest in October 2023.

After they posted bond on their initial round of charges, they sold the house where the children were abused for $295,000.

Filings also state that the teenage boy found inside the outhouse smelled of body odor and had 'open sores on his bare feet.'

The West Virginia couple are seen pictured at a previous court hearings

The children were found by authorities with an array of health problems - and the photos were taken by Whitefeather's brother about a week following the arrests

CPS took all the children into custody.

Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers said in June that the couple's original bond of $200,000 was insufficient compared to the severity of their crimes.

Akers said: 'Along with human trafficking and neglect was serious risk of bodily injuries or death, I don't find the bond to be sufficient.

'It alleges human trafficking, human rights violations, the use of forced labor.

'Human rights violations specific to the fact that these children were targeted because of their race and they were used basically as slaves from what the indictment alleges.'

The indictment suggested that three of the adopted children were black.

Before getting arrested in West Virginia, the couple fled Okanogan County, Washington to escape growing scrutiny from authorities there.

They abruptly sold their ranch early last year following probes from the sheriffs office and Child Protective Services who were threatening to remove their oldest son from the home, sources revealed.

DailyMail.com obtained a half dozen police reports giving more shocking details  including how two of their children ran away from home, and they allegedly forced one of them at gunpoint to stay in his room while using a bullwhip for punishment.

Pictured: Outhouses on the property where the children were found in neglected condition

When they moved to Sissonville, Lantz immediately complained that the barn was too close to the road and he was unhappy at the lack of privacy, according to one neighbor.

They were arrested just three months after relocating.

Whitefeather and Lantz have posted bond on previous charges, but have not been bailed for their most recent ones.

The couple was booked into South Central Regional Jail in June and are both still in jail, each with a $500,000 cash-only bond.
The Pennsylvania grandmother who fell through a massive sinkhole while looking for her cat is no longer expected to still be alive, authorities announced Wednesday as they declared they were changing their efforts from a 'rescue' mission to a 'recovery' mission.

Elizabeth Pollard, 64, was reported missing by concerned family members around 1am on Tuesday who believe she disappeared while searching for her cat, Pepper, in Unity Township, Westmoreland County.

Troopers found her car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant with her five-year-old granddaughter still inside a little over an hour after the alarm was raised.

A sinkhole was then located just feet away, leading more than 100 people to look for Pollard inside the abandoned mine.

But over the course of the past two days, there have been no signs of life, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said at a news conference Wednesday night, according to the New York Times.

'Unless it's a miracle, most likely, this is a recovery,' he announced as the conditions of the sinkhole started to deteriorate.

Rescuers spent the day Wednesday pumping water through a long-abandoned mine underneath the sinkhole to try to clear out debris and then remove it with a vacuum in an effort to further open the sinkhole so that they could access the mine, Limani said.

He compared the process to trying to pull a boulder from a house of cards, CNN reports.

Elizabeth Pollard, 64, is no longer expected to be alive after she fell through a massive sinkhole while looking for her cat

Her family reported her missing around 1am as troopers found her car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant with her five-year-old granddaughter still inside a little over an hour after the alarm was raised. (Pictured: The sinkhole)

As the rescuers were working, the sinkhole started to collapse and workers at the scene became 'head to toe covered in mud' as they remained 'definitely in harm's way' while trying to find Pollard.

'It's got areas... where it's started to collapse and decay and buckle a bit,' Limani explained of the sinkhole.

'We're afraid that we're going to make it worse if we continue to plow forward with the techniques we were using,' he said Wednesday.

He also said the oxygen levels inside the sinkhole became 'lower than what you'd want for someone to try and sustain their life.'

Fortunately, Pollard's young granddaughter was unharmed and is now back with her parents, despite sitting in nearly below-freezing temperatures for nearly 12 hours.

'She was just a five-year-old girl that was waiting in the car for her grandmother to come back,' Limani said.

It is believed Pollard accidentally formed the massive sinkhole while she was walking around looking for her feline companion.

Officers noted how she may have gone missing as early as 5pm - the last time she was seen by customers at the restaurant while looking for Pepper.

Rescue workers are seen working to find Pollard overnight. They utilized cameras and listening devices that were dropped into the hole

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani (pictured) said that the sinkhole had become dangerous

During an initial search, rescuers used a ladder and a harness - but found no signs of Pollard.

'You couldn't even get close enough to the hole because of the way it was undermined,' John Bacha, the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company Chief, told CNN.

The massive search that followed utilized cameras and listening devices that were dropped into the hole as well as more than 100 people working together at one point to search for the missing grandmother.

But the resources and technology used in the search picked up no sounds or images of Pollard - except for one camera that captured what appeared to be a shoe.

'Let's just say it's a modern shoe, not something you would find in a coal mine in Marguerite in 1940,' Bacha added.

Responders now say they are just 'trying to find her and do right by her family.'

'We're hoping everyone keeps their family in their prayers, that this ends up being a rescue mission and that's how we're going to continue to conduct ourselves,' Limani said.

Operations are now expected to continue Thursday morning, as mine reclamation experts were called in to help with safety measures.
Police have pulled over a television news reporter and a camera crew shortly after they approached former Senior Constable Kristian White.

White was found guilty of manslaughter last week for discharging his stun gun at great-grandmother Clare Nowland, 95 at the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in the southern NSW town of Cooma during the early hours of May 17, 2023.

NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb confirmed on Tuesday that the 34-year-old had been sacked after being suspended without pay throughout the trial.

White was remanded on bail until his next sentencing hearing in February.

Seven News reporter Annie Pullar and a camera crew confronted White in Cooma on Thursday to ask him how it felt to be free for Christmas and if he had anything to say to Ms Nowland's grieving family.

Dressed in a grey singlet, black shorts and wearing thongs and wrap around sunglasses, White remained silent as he got into his car and drove off.

The television crew then drove off but were pulled over by a highway patrol officer just minutes later.

Kristian White (pictured) was confronted by Channel Seven reporter Annie Pullar days after he was found guilty of manslaughter and removed from NSW Police

Just minutes later the Seven news crew were stopped by a highway patrol officer (pictured) who told them 'someone just called the police in relation to the media'

After asking for the cameraman to undertake a breath test, the police officer said that 'someone just called the police in relation to the media'.

'I assume it's got something to do with a matter that's obviously before the court, (or) not before the court,' the officer was heard telling the news crew.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment.

Ms Nowland's granddaughter, Kylie Paske, said she was baffled as to why White was granted bail..

'I no longer trust the police,' she told Seven News.

Ms Paske has forgiven the former cop for firing the stun gun and 'cried for him' after the verdict.

But she added that 'he's guilty, he pulled the trigger'.

It comes after Commissioner Webb on Tuesday announced that she does 'not have confidence' in White's 'suitability to continue as a police officer'.

'Accordingly, I have removed him from the NSW Police Force and he has been advised via his legal counsel,' she said.

'I have spoken with the family of the 95-year-old victim involved in this matter and advised them of my decision.'

White last week was found guilty of unlawfully killing 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland (pictured)

Kristian White has been granted bail while awaiting a sentencing hearing in February

In video footage played at his NSW Supreme Court trial, White was heard saying 'nah, bugger it' before shooting Mrs Nowland in the torso at the nursing home.

The 95-year-old, who was holding a steak knife at the time, fell backwards and hit her head before dying a week later in hospital.

The court heard Constable White and Acting Sergeant Jessica Pank were called to the facility in response to a triple-0 call claiming a 'very aggressive resident' was holding two knives.

Mrs Nowland had entered the rooms of four residents prior to the officers' arrival shortly before 5am. The grandmother had thrown a knife at a staff member.

White faces up to 25 years behind bars but was allowed to walk free from court ahead of his sentencing in February.

'So that there's no secret about it, I will not commit a policeman to custody until I understand the conditions under which he will be held, if he is to be held,' Justice Ian Harrison said at the time.

The Crown has applied for White to be jailed.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (pictured) confirmed the 34-year-old had been sacked in a statement released just before 3pm on Tuesday

Mrs Nowland is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Several members of her large family travelled for the trial last week and said they were 'very happy' with the jury's verdict.

'The family would like to thank the judge and jury for carefully considering the matter and the DPP prosecution team for their hard work,' the lawyer said outside court.

'The family will take some time to come to terms with the jury's confirmation that Clare's death at the hands of a serving NSW police officer was a criminal and unjustified act.'
Homeowners are struggling to sell their properties due to spray foam insulation fitted under a government scheme leaving them feeling 'conned'.

Robbie Anderson, 38, had spray foam fitted in his home in 2021 and the 5633 costs was covered by the Green Homes Grant scheme as he was eligible for certain benefits at the time.

He was hoping to move into a bigger house in Nottingham with his wife and when they put their house on the market and they quickly received an offer.

However, the buyers' lender rejected the property with mortgage provider saying it needed an insurance-backed installation warranty with a minimum of 10 years.

This is despite Mr Anderson using a trustmark-approved installer and was given a British Board of Agreement (BBA) product certificate.

Mr Anderson told the BBC he felt 'taken advantage of' and 'little bit betrayed', with 12 months remaining on their current mortgage.

The couple are now planning to remove the installation but this will set them back 4000.

'I don't feel it's fair that we should have to pay to get this removed,' Mr Anderson added.

Robbie Anderson, 38, and his wife had spray foam fitted in their home in 2021 and the 5,633 costs was covered by the Green Homes Grant scheme

It is estimated that as many 250,000 homes in the UK have this type of spray foam insulation (stock image)

The majority of it was installed under a the Green Homes Grant scheme saw installations completely subsidised for those on certain benefits in England (stock image)

'[The government] have to take accountability for it, given that they forked out for something they thought was a good thing.'

It is estimated that as many 250,000 homes in the UK have this type of insulation, after the majority of it was installed under t

he Green Homes Grant scheme, which saw installations completely subsidised for those on certain benefits in England.

However, some of the UK's biggest mortgage firms take a zero-tolerance approach to properties with spray foam as it can easily applied incorrectly leaving moisture trapped and roof timbers at risk of decay.

The Department for Housing has said it is consulting with lenders, while Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has called for 'decisive action' from the energy secretary.

Spray foam insulation, which comes in two forms, has been used for decades to stop heat escaping from roofs, lofts and attics.

Closed-cell spray foam becomes rigid once applied, providing superior insulation open-cell spray foam. It was initially used to stabilise deteriorating roofs.

However, if improperly installed, it can exert pressure on wooden timbers, restrict airflow, and increase the risk of decay.

Open-cell spray foam, on the other hand, stays soft after curing and is primarily used for insulation purposes.

It is more breathable, but is often applied in areas where a moisture-resistant underlay, such as bitumen felt is already in place, preventing vapor from escaping.

Independent chartered building surveyor, Geoff Hunt said due to government initiatives open cell spray foam has gained popularity in recent years.

But he called for 'caution and refusals on higher-risk applications' as mortgage lenders struggle to assess spray foam. He added that open cell foam has not been specifically linked to roof decay, telling homeowners with this type of insulation 'not to panic'.
One of King Charles III's farming advisers has accused Arla Foods of 're-engineering the cow' with its trial of adding a methane-suppressing supplement into cow feed.

Patrick Holden criticised Arla, which owns the UK's biggest dairy co-operative, over its controversial pilot of using the feed additive Bovaer across 30 British farms.

Organic farming pioneer Mr Holden - who advised Charles on setting up an organic holding at Highgrove, which became the Duchy Originals brand - said Arla had 'resorted to feed additives to maintain positive PR for their dairy-farming industry'.

The firm is working alongside Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco on the initiative, aimed at tackling climate-heating methane emissions produced by cows during digestion.

Arla has cited research suggesting the supplement can reduce methane emissions from cows' digestion by an average of 27 per cent, but questions remain over such additives' long-term effectiveness and impact on animal health and welfare.

Swathes of British shoppers have joined a growing social media storm calling for a boycott of Arla brands, especially Lurpak, with several accusing it of going 'woke'.

Mr Holden, founder of the Sustainable Food Trust, said Bovaer had been 'declared safe and therefore harmless to consumers of products from treated dairy cows'.

But he told the Daily Telegraph: 'Feeding cows potions to reduce emissions is a classic case of the dairy industry, and I use that word advisedly, treating the symptoms rather than the cause of the problem.

Organic farming pioneer Patrick Holden, one of King Charles III's advisers, has accused Arla Foods of 're-engineering the cow' with its trial of feed additive Bovaer (file photo)

A lorry driver for Arla Foods makes a milk delivery to a Tesco store in London (file picture)

Arla milk for sale at a supermarket in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, earlier this week

'The cause in this case is separating the dairy cow from her natural environment of which she is intrinsically a part.

'Once this separation has occurred, both physically and in the mindset of society, methane becomes a problem which needs to be addressed by re-engineering the cow.'

In response to Mr Holden's comments, an Arla Foods spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'As one of the biggest food producers in the UK, Arla Foods is committed to providing high quality dairy and we would never compromise on the safety of our products, or the welfare of our animals.

'As part of Arla's ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of dairy production we are working on several projects to drive down on-farm emissions. The majority of our cows in the UK are grass based, but we still need to consider ways to help reduce methane emissions.'

Bovaer came to prominence when Arla announced a trial use of the product at farms on November 26.

It is a feed additive designed to be used by dairy farmers in feeding cattle to reduce the methane emissions produced by the animals, by suppressing certain digestive enzymes.

The pilot has faced a significant backlash and calls for boycotts of Arla products, with fears over the effect of the additive on human health.

In one TikTok video, a woman pours her Arla milk down the sink, adding: 'Arla not in my house'

Some have claimed the additive was being put into the milk itself  rather than into the feed of the cows producing it  and others implied that tech billionaire Bill Gates is involved. Arla have denied both claims.

The Microsoft co-founder is not involved in the Arla trial, or Bovaer more widely, but last year invested millions into a rival start-up Rumin 8, which develops similar additives.

Arla has also reiterated the product's safety in a statement that aimed to repudiate 'a significant amount of misinformation', noting that Bovaer has been approved for use in 68 countries.

An Arla spokesperson said the health and safety of consumers and animals is the firm's 'number one priority'.

'The information spreading online surrounding our link to Bill Gates is completely false and claims relating to his involvement in our products is inaccurate,' they told the Grocer.

'Bovaer has already been extensively and safely used across Europe and at no point during the trial will there be any impact on the milk we produce as it does not pass from the cow into the milk.

In another TikTok video, a user with over 4,000 followers pours her bottle down the sink

One man filmed himself with Arla products and said they would go 'straight down the drain'

'Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), have approved its use based on evidence that it does not harm the animals or negatively impact their health, productivity, or the quality of milk.'

Bovaer was authorised in the UK in April and has been approved for use in a number of countries, including EU nations, Australia and Canada.

The FSA said all authorised feed additives, including Bovaer, have undergone its rigorous safety assessment, which is part of a wider process to ensure products are safe and appropriate for the UK market.

It added that its top priority is protecting consumer interests and holding up food and feed standards when considering any regulated product.

Arla's trial aims to explore how methane-suppressing feed additives could be rolled out across a larger group of farmers in the UK and is part of the firm's wider push to reduce the environmental impact of its dairy production.

A TikTok video shows a woman empty an Arla milk bottle into the toilet, before flushing it

TikTokers have shared videos demonstrating their boycott, by throwing Lurpark in the bin

Paul Dover, UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, said: 'We know that reducing methane is a big opportunity when it comes to improving our carbon footprint at farm level and feed additives like Bovaer have huge potential in helping us tackle this issue.'

Mr Dover said rolling out the additive at scale will 'not be easy due to the cost involved'.

He added: '(So) it's important we understand more about their usage potential and then work together with the industry, government and our partners to support farmers if we want to harness the opportunity they present in driving down emissions.'

National Farmers' Union dairy board chair Paul Tompkins said: 'While FSA-approved products could be useful tools in helping to reduce methane emissions, questions remain about long-term efficacy, that it can be used practically and effectively on farm, and that animal health and welfare will not be impacted.'

He said Government research shows shoppers are generally positive about the products as long as human and animal health are not affected.

'It's critical we also have a strong evidence base to give farmers the confidence to use these products. This trial project between Arla, Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco could help provide this evidence,' he added.
France has been left 'on the brink of the abyss' staring down an economic crisis and continued political floundering after far-right and leftist lawmakers voted to topple the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier yesterday.

The sensational no-confidence motion means Barnier - the former Brexit negotiator for the EU - will become the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history when he hands in his resignation this week.

He was ousted by lawmakers from Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally party and members of France's leftist coalition, who came together in an unholy alliance to pass a vote of no-confidence with 331 out of 574 votes - well over the 288 needed.

The vote prompted French President Emmanuel Macron, who has faced widespread calls to resign amid the chaos, to hold an emergency meeting with his inner circle in which he reportedly lambasted the left coalition for pushing Barnier out.

Macron railed against the Socialist Party (PS) in particular for 'inventing an anti-Republican front', castigating the left as 'a coalition of the irresponsible that will have to assume responsibility for this before the French people'.

Barnier was ousted after trying to achieve the impossible - to put together a budget to address the spiralling national debt while also keeping all three quarrelling political blocs in France's hung Parliament happy at the same time.

Having failed to make headway in the National Assembly, Barnier used an article of the French Constitution to force through a social security financing bill as part of a budget proposing 60 billion euro-tax hikes and spending cuts - a move that led the hard right and left to rise up against him.

Both sides spouted rhetoric that Barnier's proposed budget would damage and harm the French people - even while the deficit soars unchecked.

His ousting was summed up by veteran French journalist Eric Brunet who told BFMTV: 'What we have just seen is jaw-droppingly French.

'No pragmatism. Just ideology. Our whole discourse is disconnected from reality. It is typically, singularly French.'

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier gestures after the result of the no-confidence vote on his administration at the National Assembly in Paris on December 4

French President Emmanuel Macron was said to be furious at the decision to force out Barnier

France's media pulled apart the collapse of the government on front pages this morning. The headline reads: 'Michel Barnier censured - he came, he saw, he was fired'

Yesterday's governmental collapse leaves France in a unenviable position.

The no-confidence vote plunged the nation into a period of political paralysis with many predicting that economic disaster would follow.

French bonds and stocks are already being sold off at an alarming rate and borrowing costs are spiralling, all while public sector workers prepare for mass strikes.

The country's deficit already stands at over six per cent of GDP and is twice as much as the limit imposed by the European Union, of which France is a leading member.

France now risks ending the year without a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows special measures that would avert a US-style government shutdown and would see the 2024 budget roll over into next year until an alternative is drawn up.

Macron is now under pressure to name a new Prime Minister in a matter of days, with US president-elect Donald Trump expected to visit Paris this weekend for the reopening of the historic Notre Dame cathedral following years of renovations.

Loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Bayrou are seen as possible contenders.

Macron could well ask Barnier to stay on in a caretaker role as he seeks a replacement.

But any Prime Minister will have their work cut out to tame France's divided parliament.

Nicolas Beytout, political analyst at France's L'Opinion newspaper, predicts that Barnier's replacement will inevitably face the same obstacles and will likely fail just as their predecessor did.

'A new government needs time, which it won't have. It needs a majority, which it won't have. And it needs the determination to see through the necessary reduction in state spending  which it won't have.

'So I expect to see several more motions of censure, and several more falls of government  before eventually we start to wake up,' he concluded bleakly.

Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe added: 'Let's be clear, we are on the brink of the abyss', warning that the toppling of the government 'reinforces political disorder and weakens our country.'

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier attends the debate prior to the no-confidence votes on his administration at the National Assembly in Paris on December 4, 2024

The collapse of Barnier's government was pulled apart on the front pages of France's newspapers

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen poses prior to an interview on French TV channel TF1, in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

Manuel Bompard speaks to journalists at the Headquarter of the LFI Party in Paris, France

The sorry state of affairs has led to mass appeals from lawmakers for Macron to resign.

Macron has a mandate until 2027 and cannot be pushed out, but the political debacle has left him a diminished figure.

France's governmental woes are, after all, largely due to the French President's decision to call a snap election over the summer.

French voters duly installed a parliament split roughly equally between three blocs - a leftist coalition, Macron's centrists and allies, and the hard-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen.

The hung Parliament has proved largely useless with each bloc bickering and challenging the others while failing to deliver constructive policy decisions.

Typically, this situation would be remedied by a return to the ballot box.

But Article 12 of France's Constitution prohibits 'a new dissolution of the National Assembly within one year' of the previous election - meaning that Parliament will continue as is until at least July 2024.

Following Barnier's ousting, several lawmakers declared that the only way to move forward was for Macron to 'reset' the political climate by stepping down.

Manuel Bompard, an MP for the leftist La France Insoumise (LFI) party, said: 'We will see in the next few hours how Emmanuel Macron intends to go about it... but we are facing an unstable situation.

'If we want to bring back a situation of stability, it requires the departure of the President of the Republic.'

Bompard also said that his party would immediately put forward another vote of no-confidence against Barnier's replacement should Macron choose to appoint a loyalist member of his own party.

'If the idea is to have as future Prime Minister a Macronist who lost the European elections and the legislative elections, why not censure him?'

'When we vote, there must be consequences,' he insisted to French station RTL.

'It would be absurd, after the fall of the Barnier government, to appoint a member of the political force that came in third place.'

Another LFI member Eric Coquerel said: 'This government has never had any legitimacy and the responsibility for it lies more with Mr. Macron than Mr. Barnier.'

France's President Emmanuel Macron and France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, December 4, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, December 4, 2024

Macron, who returned to face the political fallout in France yesterday following a multi-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, has defiantly announced he will not leave office until his term ends in 2027.

'It so happens that if I am here before you, it is because I was elected twice by the French people,' Macron declared while in Riyadh, describing calls for his resignation as 'political fiction'.

Curiously, the far-right have not openly called on Macron to step down despite their matriarch Le Pen's obvious disdain for the President.

National Rally president Jordan Bardella said yesterday he was 'respectful of institutions,' adding that 'there is no justification at this time for the President of the Republic to leave.'

But some observers have suggested that Le Pen, 56, is seeking to bring down Macron before his term ends by ousting Barnier in a wider political ploy.

Le Pen, who is widely expected to challenge for the presidency in 2027, is also embroiled in a high-profile embezzlement trial.

If found guilty in March, she could be blocked from participating in France's next presidential election.

She has insisted, however, that her party's decision to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against Barnier was entirely about his budget proposal that she said would make the French poorer.

By following the 'catastrophic continuity of Emmanuel Macron', the prime minister 'could only fail', she wrote on social media.
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Sir Keir Starmer has today vowed Britain is heading for 'change and reform' as he urged voters to judge him on his ability to hit six milestones outlined in a major speech at Pinewood Studios.

The Prime Minister said he was committed to raising living standards, lowering NHS waits, building 1.5million new homes, putting more bobbies on the beat, ensuring children are prepared to start school and decarbonisation of energy.

The speech was framed as a reset just five months after Labour won the General Election amid concerns among senior officials the Government has failed to convincingly explain what is trying to achieve to the public.

Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below
The father of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Katib has appeared in court charged with her murder and the attempted murder of her mother in Co. Wexford.

Mohammad Shaker Al Tamimi, of New Ross, appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court yesterday evening.

The 34-year-old has been charged with the murder of Malika and the attempted murder of her mother, Aisha Al Katib.

The schoolgirl died after she suffered stab wounds in the early hours of Monday morning when attempting to intervene in a row.

Detective Garda Donal Doyle of New Ross Garda Station gave evidence of his arrest and caution to the court.

He said that the accused was arrested shortly after 12.30pm at University Hospital Waterford on Tuesday.

He was subsequently charged with the offences shortly after 5pm yesterday at Wexford Garda Station.

The court was told that he made no reply to the charges.

Mohammad Shaker Al Tamimi (pictured) appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court yesterday evening

The father of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Katib (pictured) has appeared in court charged with her murder

Dressed in dark grey trousers, white top and soft shoes, he covered himself with a blue blanket while sitting in court.

An Arabic interpreter translated the court proceedings to the accused.

The accused's solicitor Tim Cummins told the court that he has received no instructions to make a bail application.

District Judge Kevin Staunton said bail cannot be granted in the District Court for a charge of murder.

Mr Cummins also made an application for legal aid, saying his client is of no means.

The accused, who was driven into Gorey District Court in a police van, was remanded into custody to appear before Wexford Court on Monday, December 9 via videolink.

Judge Staunton directed that the accused receive a psychological evaluation when he arrives into custody.

The schoolgirl was at home in New Ross with her mother when the incident happened on Sunday night.

He covered himself in a blue blanket as he walked into the courthouse

The man has been charged with murder and attempted murder

Imam Rashid Munir (pictured) of the Waterford Islamic Centre told the Mail that more tests need to be carried out on Malika before her body can be released to her mother Alisha Al Katib

It is understood that she had attempted to intervene when her mother was attacked.

She was taken to University Hospital Waterford but died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.

The mother of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Katib is waiting for her daughter's remains to be released as she prepares to attend her funeral this week.

Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Islamic Centre told the Mail that more tests need to be carried out on Malika before her body can be released to her mother Alisha Al Katib, 31, and family, which is expected over the coming days.

A Muslim cleansing ritual will then take place on the child's body at a specially prepared room at University Hospital Waterford before she is transported to a Muslim plot in Waterford city for burial.

'I was with the mother last night and it's not easy to hear the details of what happened on Sunday night,' Mr Munir said.

'The family are still waiting for the body of Malika to be released, which we think will be in a couple of days. We're supporting Alisha and are encouraging her to give the last bath to her child which is an important ritual among Muslims.

'She is in hospital but she wants to attend her burial when that time comes,' he said. Justice Minister Helen McEntee called the incident 'extremely tragic'.
December 5, 2024: 2024: The three operational Ukrainian maritime drones are Sea Baby, Mother, and MAGURA. Sea Baby and Mother were developed by the Ukrainian secret service, or SBU, and the navy. They are used by the 385th Separate Brigade which specializes in naval warfare. MAGURA was developed by the Main Intelligence Directorate project, or GUR, and SpetsTechnoExport, a state-owned firm. At the end of 2023 SBU unveiled an updated Cossack Mother with a claimed top speed of 100 kilometers an hour. Manufacture of these drones is done in underground facilities to avoid Russian missile and guided bomb attacks.

Sea Baby was used in the mid-2023 Kerch Bridge attack and was carrying 850 kg of explosives. MAGURA carries 320 kg of explosives while Mamai carries 450 kg. These drones are no longer used just for delivering explosives against a target, they can also be used for reconnaissance when equipped with video cameras that broadcast what they see back to the drone operator. Some drones have been armed with small rocket launchers. Malyuk has a range of over 700 kilometers, which means they are suitable for operations on the high seas. Endurance is about 60 hours, and top speed is over 70 kilometers an hour. MAGURA has similar characteristics. Mamai was used in the long range attack at the distant naval base at Novorossiysk on Russias Black Sea eastern, which is a thousand kilometers from Crimea.

Ukraine has been developing subsurface drones since 2022 and in early 2023 the first one, the Toloka2 TK-150, was introduced. This drone was 2.5 meters long and equipped with a sensor mast that remained above the surface for navigation and to identify targets. Toloka2 can also carry a small explosive warhead. More recently, Ukraine developed the larger Marichka drone that is 6 meters long and one meter in diameter. Ukraine plans for a Western manufacturer to build and weaponize Ukrainian drones.

Ukrainian drones have been quite successful in attacking and sinking or disabling Russian ships. So far there have been twelve attacks which resulted in damage to twelve ships and the sinking of a cruiser, two small landing ships and one missile corvette. The longest range raids have been against targets in Kerch Strait and the more distant naval base at Novorossiysk.

To put the drone attacks in perspective, here is a list of Russian ship losses in the Black Sea since the Russians invaded Ukraine in February 2022:

March 2022/Ukraine used anti-tank missiles and armed drones to destroy three patrol boats and inflict heavy damage on two. Later in March a Russian naval base was attacked, sinking a landing ship and damaging other ships that were able to leave the base. One of these ships was on fire and Russia eventually sank it to prevent the munitions on board from exploding. Russia later raised that ship, made temporary repairs on the hull and towed the ship away to where the damage could be repaired.

A Russian corvette was damaged and towed away to be repaired.

April 2022/A Russian cruiser, the Moskva, was damaged and eventually sank after being hit by land-based Ukrainian anti-ship missiles. Moskva was the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet.

May 2022/An armed drone was used to sink a Russian assault boat. A nearby Russian landing craft was also sunk by an armed drone.

June 2022/A damaged Russian corvette was towed away to be repaired in a Russian base. Ukraine used two anti-ship missiles to sink a Russian rescue tug.

October 2022/Ukraine used drones to attack and damage a Russian minesweeper.

May 2023/Ukrainian drones destroyed a Russian intelligence gathering ship.

August 2023/Ukrainian drones attacked and damaged a Russian landing ship near the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk in the eastern Black Sea. Because of this, Russia stopped using Novorossiysk even though it was nearly a thousand kilometers east of Crimean. Ukrainian drones operating that far east convinced Russia that the base was no longer safe to use. Russian ships dispersed to even more distant Black Sea ports.

September 2023/Ukrainian warplanes used long-range British guided bombs to attack a Crimean naval base at Sevastopol. A Russian landing ship was sunk and a submarine in drydock was damaged beyond repair.

November 2023/Ukraine used cruise missiles to attack a Russian shipyard in Crimea to damage a Russian corvette so severely that the corvette was beyond repair.

December 2023/Ukraine used air-launched cruise missiles to destroy a large Russian landing ship docked in a Crimean port. A little later in December Ukrainian drones and air strikes sank a Russian patrol ship.

February 2024/Ukrainian drones attacked and sank a Russian corvette based in Crimea. Later that month Ukraine used drones to attack and damage a Russian landing ship off the coast of Crimea.

Ukrainian drone operations in the Black Sea forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to withdraw to the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Sevastopol was no longer a safe place to be, and Russian ships could no longer launch their Kalibr cruise missiles without risking attack by Ukrainian drones. The presence and aggressive use of the drones means that Ukraines grain corridor has been kept open despite Russias threats to interfere. Beyond symbolic significance, the corridor holds critical economic importance for Ukraine and is expected to contribute 5 to 7 percent of GDP growth in 2024 because of the grain shipments.

The aggressive and successful use of Ukrainian drones against the Russian Black Sea fleet was unprecedented in the history of naval warfare. Not only were these drones tactically successful but financially as well. For example, new frigates cost about $1.5 billion each. That much money can also pay for 5,000 drones. Destroyers cost twice as much as frigates. The frigates and destroyers are high seas ships that can travel all over the world. The drones operate in coastal waters although some of the larger drones can operate up to a thousand kilometers from where they were launched. These drones carry video cameras and satellite-based communications systems to collect information and, in peacetime, do so without fear of attack. Severe storms are another matter, but any storm damage will be broadcast as it is happening, at least until the video cameras or communications equipment is disabled.

Commercial cargo ships can carry hundreds of armed drones equipped with satellite communications so operators anywhere in the world can control them. These drones can be unloaded at sea and sent to carry out attacks on targets in the area or move to a nearby harbor and remain tied to a dock until needed. The only maintenance is keeping the drone batteries charged. These drones are a radical new weapon for naval warfare and the war at sea will never be the same because of the success of Ukrainian drones in their victorious campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
A university chief has been suspended after claims of an overseas relationship with a young woman whose student fees he is said to have helped fund.

University of Buckingham vice-chancellor Prof James Tooley, 65, who denies the claims, is reported to have been temporarily stood down from his 229,000-a-year post at Britain's leading private university following allegations regarding a woman in her twenties from India.

The accusations are said to have come from his 42-year-old wife Cynthia, handing over copies of diaries penned by the younger woman.

The Times quoted her as saying she was 18 when she first met Prof Tooley, then in his fifties, and their sexual relationship started when she was aged 21 - though later updated this to suggest she was instead 25.

The alleged relationship began after the academic got involved in a project in the Indian city of Hyderabad aimed at providing low-cost private schools for poor communities.

He is said to have known the woman's father and contributed towards her university tuition charges, before a relationship was struck up after she graduated.

Prof Tooley has led the private university, which was co-founded by Margaret Thatcher, since 2020 when he succeeded historian Sir Anthony Seldon.

Earlier this year, he unveiled a new course on the 'woke' movement, with related MA and PhD programmes - and he has also criticised Cambridge University for 'discriminating' against privately educated white boys due to diversity targets, while branding a drive to decolonise the curriculum as 'dangerous'.

University of Buckingham vice-chancellor James Tooley, 65, has reportedly been suspended after claims of an overseas relationship with a young woman whose student fees he helped fund

He is pictured here with his wife Cynthia at a Downing Street event, shared by her on Instagram

He said then: 'Cambridge is absolutely being discriminatory against the privately educated, particularly privately educated white males.'

Prof Tooley's suspension was revealed in a letter to students in October this year, following which he issued a statement through his lawyer branding claims made against him as 'baseless and malicious', adding that he would soon be 'vindicated'.

The woman now claiming to have had a relationship with Prof Tooley was quoted by the Times as saying: 'Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him and wanted to be with him.

'He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. People will say he used me because he has power and money. But that's not the case. He is a good man who cares a lot about other people.'

The newspaper added that she later got in contact to clarify she was 25 when the relationship begun, while there was no suggestion of any illegal conduct.

It was reported that Cynthia Tooley alerted the University of Buckingham to the alleged relationship on October 11, prompting an emergency meeting followed by Prof Tooley's suspension.

His wife is said to have made multiple accusations against him including the reporting of 'a suspicious object' at the VC's official residence in Buckingham.

Police officers were reportedly called to the property and took away a junior air rifle, but did not pursue any further investigations.

University of Buckingham VC James Tooley and his wife Cynthia outside 10 Downing Street

MailOnline has contacted Prof Tooley, his wife Cynthia and the University of Buckingham for comment.

Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, TV personality and mother-of-two, married him after a whirlwind relationship in February 2022.

The couple parted over the summer, the Daily Mail has previously reported.

He asked her to move out of Ondaatje Hall, the Vice Chancellor's grace-and-favour residence on the banks of the River Ouse, before she blocked him on social media and they now communicate via lawyers.

Announcing Prof Tooley's suspension in October this year, university managers sent out a letter reading: 'I am writing to inform you that the Vice Chancellor has been suspended following a number of serious allegations...

'It is our intention to carry out an independent inquiry to ascertain the veracity of these claims.'

According to the letter, chief financial officer David Cole, chief administrative officer Chris Payne and pro vice-chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris have been asked to act as interim co-heads of the university.

Prof Tooley responded by issuing a statement through the firm Griffin Law rejecting the claims, saying: 'The allegations made against me are baseless and malicious.

Buckingham students outside St Peter and St Paul Church on graduation day in 2009

'I look forward to being vindicated in due course, but in accordance with the University's processes, I am unable to comment further at this time.

'I remain, however, a committed advocate of free speech and academic freedom.'

A University of Buckingham spokesman said: 'We can confirm a member of the University staff has been suspended due to a number of serious allegations.

'It is our intention that an independent inquiry be conducted to ascertain the veracity of these claims.

'We are unable to make any further comment until this investigation is completed.'

When unveiling his new course earlier this year on the 'woke' movement, Prof Tooley said he had been inspired by Buckingham's co-founder and former chancellor, Margaret Thatcher, who he felt had been 'at his shoulder'.

He added: 'Our vision is viewpoint diversity, we want to be a leader in academic freedom.

'Nine out of ten social science academics in the UK are left-leaning.

The University of Buckingham, the country's oldest private university, was founded in 1976 and granted university status seven years later

'We want to give a voice to conservatism, classical liberalism and libertarianism.'

The course was said to have already signed up 100 people studying online, while there were plans for a master's degree and a PhD in the subject.

Buckingham, the country's oldest private university, was founded in 1976 and granted university status seven years later.

Prof Tooley was formerly an academic at Newcastle University and has a PhD from the Institute of Education at the University of London.
King Charles has revealed his relief that Morrisons still has butchery counters in its stores across the UK.

The Monarch, 76, told supermarket staff he is 'so glad' the company has kept its meat counter, while others have been forced to close.

Tesco announced it was axing its fresh food counters back in 2023, while Sainsbury's was forced to cut 3,500 jobs after shutting all of its deli, fish and meat counters in 2020.

But Morrisons has retained many of its butcher's in store, where shoppers can get their hands on a selection of freshly prepared cuts of beef, lamb, pork, turkey and chicken.

The King revealed his delight at the supermarket's commitment to keeping the counters open while meeting aid volunteers and supporters of the Disasters Emergency Committee at St Peter's Church in Notting Hill on Wednesday.

He told a group of Morrisons workers at the church: Im so glad that Morrisons still have a butchery counter, no-one else does.'

The supermarket workers, who appeared to be pleasantly surprised by the King's kind remarks, delightedly replied: 'Well take that back!

While Charles has long been a champion of British meat, he is now considering cutting back on red meat following his cancer treatment.

King Charles (pictured) has revealed his relief that Morrisons still has butchery counters in its stores across the UK

King Charles during a visit to St Peter's Church in Notting Hill, London, where he told Morrisons staff he is 'so glad' the company has kept its meat counter

Morrisons has retained many of its butcher's in store, where shoppers can get their hands on a selection of freshly prepared cuts of beef, lamb, pork, turkey and chicken. Pictured: A Morrisons butchers counter

The King's stepson, Tom Parker Bowles, said his mother, Queen Camilla, had already cut down the amount of beef, lamb and pork that she eats.

'Yes, I eat meat, but I go easy on the red meat  as does my mother,' says Parker Bowles, a food writer and Mail on Sunday columnist.

'And the King, after what he's been through recently, is looking again at what, and when, he eats.'

Parker Bowles, 49, in an interview with Saga magazine, adds: 'I'm no nutritionist, but I know that food is part of a body's 'medicine'. It knows when it's having the right stuff.'

His Majesty was visiting St Peter's Church in the upmarket area of London made internationally famous by the eponymous Richard Curtis movie to thank aid volunteers and supporters of the Disasters Emergency Committee.

The engagement wasn't announced in advance for security reasons but when passers-by saw his State Bentley waiting outside they began to gather to catch a glimpse of the monarch when he left.

Later in the day, Charles stunned tourists in the upmarket area of London as he embarked on an impromptu walkabout.

His Majesty was visiting St Peter's Church in the upmarket area of London made internationally famous by the eponymous Richard Curtis movie to thank aid volunteers and supporters of the Disasters Emergency Committee.

He shook hands with guests in the church as he learned about their work. St Peter's Church has supported Middle East humanitarian efforts via Christian charity Tearfund

When Charles left St Peter's Church he made the day of a handful of those waiting by stopping to chat to them and wish them Happy Christmas.

'Oh my God, you're kidding me,' Angle Salinas from Texas could be heard saying. 'I'm so sorry you've been stopped coming along the street,' King Charles said jovially.

'Are you all trying to go somewhere else, are you? I hope you are not getting too wet.'

'No, thank you so much. No, we're not,' said Angel and Ariana Salinas, from Texas, who are holidaying in the UK.

Asking where they had come from the King was told Seattle, Texas, Barcelona and Japan.

'Are you having an enjoyable time in London?' he asked.

'Now we are!' said Beau Kers from Rotterdam, Netherlands, making the King laugh.

'Oh I don't know about (that)!' he chuckled. 'Anyway I do hope you make the most of it and have a very Happy Christmas.'

King Charles waves to well-wishers as he steps out of Notting Hill's St Peter's Church on Wednesday

King Charles stunned tourists with an impromptu walkabout in Notting Hill, and could be heard apologising for leaving them standing in the rain

As the King walked off back to his car members of the group could be heard saying 'Thank you, oh, wow. Amazing. That was incredible.'

Mr Salinas said: 'That would never happen in the US! What a man, what a guy!'

He said afterwards: 'We are here for Ariana's 30th birthday and saw his car so we followed it. We've been waiting for an hour but it was absolutely worth it.

'I can't believe he came over and stooped to talk to us. It's just like in a movie!

'This is the most British thing that could ever happen in the UK. In the US you wouldn't get near anyone because of the security, but here the King just casually wanders down to say hello. It's amazing!'

Dutch tourist Beau Kers added: 'I told him we were having a good holiday now and he laughed. What a lovely, kind and polite man.'

Her mother, Diana, added: 'I arranged an event with our King Willem last year but I much prefer your King Charles. Such a kind man. This has been wonderful!'
The words scrawled on the bullets used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson closely resemble the title of a book criticizing insurance companies and the tactics they use to deny claims, it has been revealed.

Health insurance boss Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and calf early on Wednesday by a masked man who appeared to be waiting for him outside the Hilton hotel in Manhattan, before succumbing to his injuries in hospital.

Detectives investigating the shooting reportedly found shell casings with the words 'depose', 'deny' and 'defend' inscribed on them.

They are now working to determine what the words mean and if they could possibly hint at a motive for the slaying of the 50-year-old.

Curiously, the messages bear similarity to the title of a 2010 book on 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it', called 'Delay, Deny, Defend'.

Critics allege the tactic is used by insurance companies to 'ensure your claim is either never paid or paid at a rate far below what you deserve'.

The revelation came as Mr Thompson's grieving widow, with whom he has two sons, claimed that her husband had received threats before he was shot.

'There had been some threats,' Paulette Thompson, 51, told NBC News as she broke her silence in her first comments since her husband was killed.

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them

The title of a 2010 book by Jay M. Feinman criticizing insurance practices bears resemblance to messages on shell casings found at the scene of the crime

Officers are still searching for the unknown assailant who gunned down Thompson, seen here, outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning

'I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him' before his trip to New York, she added.

Ms Thompson said that she could not 'really give a thoughtful response right now' as she had 'just found this out' and was 'trying to console [her] children'.

She said police had told her it is believed to have been a 'targeted attack'.

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the calf and back early on Wednesday by a masked man who appeared to be waiting for him outside the Hilton hotel.

Shocking footage showed the gunman approach Mr Thompson from several feet and shoot, causing him to fall.

The gunman fired multiple shots during the ambush and jammed his gun in the process, but managed to quickly clear the obstruction and continue firing.

After the assailant darted across the road and out of sight, Mr Thompson was rushed to Mt Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

No arrests have yet been made.

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them.

Police said they found three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings, as well as a cellphone, at the scene.

Ms Thompson said 'there were some people that had been threatening' her husband

Paulette Thompson, left, spoke to media after the attack on her husband, center back

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, Wednesday, December 4

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Timeline of shooting 6:15am - Killer seen emerging from 57th Street F train station before walking to nearby Starbucks 6:44am - Thompson is shot as he walked towards the New York Hilton 6:46am - Police respond to a 911 call saying a person was shot 6:48am - Thompson is taken to hospital as the gunman fled on bicycle 7:12am - Thompson is pronounced dead at Mt Sinai West hospital Advertisement

Detectives are now working to determine the meaning as they try to assess what the motive for the shooting may have been.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, and the shooter is still on the loose at the time of writing.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information.

There is nothing to suggest Delay Deny Defend author Jay M. Feinman had any connection to the attack.

Online commentators were quick to point that the words found on the casings resembled insurance terminology and tactics.

One noted difference is that the book has 'delay' in its title, whereas one casing reportedly had 'depose' on it.

United is the biggest health insurer by market share in America. They have been the subject of protests by activists for allegedly systematically denying care for patients.

One such protest earlier this year led to the arrests of 11 people outside the United Healthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Surveillance from a nearby Starbucks show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them

As Thompson stumbled down the street, a witness in the hotel's entryway sprinted away

Police had said in their initial preliminary brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on the electric bike and released an image of the suspect on a bike after the shooting, seen here

The company made headlines in February after it was subjected to a cyber-attack which cost $872 million.

Thompson was also being investigated by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations and was accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions.

Firearms experts who studied the surveillance footage told the outlet that he reacted in the way someone with training from law enforcement or military would be trained to react to such an issue.

Thompson is understood to have been in New York for a conference when he was shot.

His schedule was widely known, and witnesses have said the suspected gunman even knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Authorities say the attacker fled the scene on foot before then making a getaway on an electric bike into nearby Central Park.

Detectives and members of the New York City police department's Crime Scene Unit at the scene where UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed, on Wednesday

Law enforcement officers work near evidence markers placed where shell casings were found

A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene

Witnesses said the gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Surveillance footage of the shooting shows Thompson walking alone outside of the entrance to the midtown hotel when the gunman steps into frame and opens fire.

The terrifying video shows the masked killer draw out a large gun fitted with a silencer and shoots Thompson in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street as he continues to fire.

Several bystanders were seen in the footage witnessing the horror shooting, with one woman standing mere feet away from the gunman when he opened fire.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

'From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Surveillance from a nearby Starbucks also show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the chest and was pronounced dead within 30 minutes

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions

Sources told CNN that the man bought two powers bars and a bottle of water from the coffee chain.

Authorities found a phone and a water bottle near the scene that they believe is the one he bought from Starbucks, and could offer them DNA.

The phone could also provide fingerprints and, if technicians can unlock it, could give them an insight into his identity.

Officials have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company.

Officers also searched Thompson's hotel room, are interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media.

He was also caught on surveillance footage loitering outside and appeared to be on the phone ten minutes before he opened fire, according to The New York Times.

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning

The Hilton sign hangs on the facade of a hotel near the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning, in which he would announce United Healthcare's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook - including expected revenues of more than $450 billion.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.

Wednesday's investor conference reportedly began without interruption at 8am on the second floor of the Hilton until news of the shooting began to circulate.

Without knowing it was Thompson who was hit, one attendee told the group that 'someone got shot outside.'

CEO of parent company United Healthgroup Andrew Witty is said to have halted the meeting at the hotel just after 8am upon hearing of the tragedy.

He told attendees: 'We're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I'm afraid, we're going to have to bring to a close the event.'

A Hilton worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com in the aftermath that staff have been left shaken by the public assassination on their doorstep.

Mr Thompson is survived by his wife and their two children who live in the family's $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

'We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,' she told ABC 7 following her husband's untimely death.

'Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,' she said.

'Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

'We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.'
A grieving carer has decorated his home with thousands of sparkling festive lights in an adoring tribute to his Christmas-loving partner.

Paul Bibby, 59, from Chelmsford, Essex, has adorned his home with an astonishing festive display for nearly two decades.

The 59=year-old has strung up over 30,000 lights with 70,000 colourful bulbs, as well as several inflatable festive figures including a snowman and Santa Claus.

Last October, the avid decorator sadly lost his partner Lynda Cummings, 61, who was a huge fan of his displays as well as the feel-good festivities.

And this year Paul's biggest light-show to date, has been dedicated to Lynda, who passed away unexpectedly due to heart problems.

But the full-time carer to his 36-year-old son Aaron, is considering making this year his last and best yet - despite the electricity bill of over 300.

People across the UK and as far as South Africa have ventured to the Essex home over the last 18 years to catch a glimpse of the extravagant display.

Paul Bibby, 59, (Pictured) has decorated his Essex home with thousands of lights in honour of his late partner

His partner Lynda Cummings (Pictured with Paul left) passed away last October. He has since dedicated his astonishing display to her

The 59=year-old has strung up over 30,000 lights with 70,000 colourful bulbs, as well as several inflatable festive figures including a snowman and Santa Claus

Famed for his incredible festive decorations, visitors have travelled as far as South Africa to catch a glimpse of his home in the past

In a touching ode to his late partner Lynda, he has created a sign which reads: 'My light are dedicated to Lynda.'

'I had put half of the lights up when Lynda passed away, and I didn't know whether to continue or take them down,' Paul said.

'I thought - you've started this, so you've got to finish it.

'Lynda was a big fan of the lights - and before she got ill she'd fill our house with decorations.'

He explained that Lynda would have liked for them to 'do it properly', adding: 'So for Linda, my light this year are the best ever.'

He said: 'Every year, I tell myself I can't do any better, but every year I manage to improve again! I've got some new raindrop ones that look great.'

'I've got more lights plugged in than ever - more bloody plugs that I have to switch on every day!'

Paul began the tradition in December 2005 with a single string of lights and has grown his display to be bigger and better every year.

The full-time carer has been adorning his home with thousands of lights for the last 18 years - however this Christmas may be his last

In honour of his late partner Lynda, he plans to make this display his biggest and best yet - despite the 300 electricity bill

The avid-decorator was half way through putting the lights up when his partner unexpectedly passed away

'I thought - you've started this, so you've got to finish it,' he explained: 'Lynda was a big fan of the lights - and before she got ill she'd fill our house with decorations.

An adult and baby admire the magnificent lights draped all over Paul's home in Chelmsford, Essex

Mr Bibby has previously decorated his home with England flags (left) for the Euros final against in 2024 and for the King's coronation this year he put up a hundred union jacks (right)

With the help of his 37-year-old son Aaron, takes around 45 minutes to blow up all the inflatable props every morning and to deflate them every night.

His festive commitment has attracted visitors from far and wide, who travel just to take a look at his iconic displays.

Last year he smashed his fundraising record of !,500, raking in 2,500 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, who he is collecting money for once again.

Mr Bibby previously decorated his house with more than a hundred union jacks to celebrate the King's coronation, and as a mark of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

'There's a little bit of me thinking I might make this year my last - I feel very lost without Lynda at the minute,' Paul added: 'This is for her.'
A man has died and another has been seriously injured after they were crushed by a brick wall at a construction site.

Emergency services rushed to Sexton Road, Inglewood, in Perth shortly after 1pm on Thursday following reports that two men had been injured.

One man, 69, died at the scene while another, 26, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a serious condition.

It is understood that both men were struck by a brick wall which collapsed on them, Perth Now reported.

Several tradies' vehicles were spotted outside of the home, which is believed to be under construction.

One man has died and another has been rushed to hospital after reports they had been struck by a falling brick wall at a construction site in Inglewood, Perth

Police and WorkSafe have launched investigations into what caused the incident (pictured, construction site)

At least eight police officers remained at the scene on Thursday afternoon as investigators tried to piece together how the tragedy unfolded.

People were seen hugging outside the home after learning of the incident from police.

CMFEU officials also attended the work site.

A section of Sexton Road nearby the construction site remained cordoned off.

WorkSafe has been alerted and has launched a separate investigation into the workplace tragedy.
A missing American vlogger was shot dead and his body dumped at sea during a botched kidnapping in the Philippines, police have said.

Elliot Eastman, 26, reportedly died on the night of his abduction from his home in the poverty-stricken town of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte on October 17.

It is believed he was shot in the leg while trying to resist the gunmen, who pretended to be police officers, but died while being whisked away on a boat.

Pictures from the scene show blood splattered along the ground where he was dragged away after being shot. Three suspects were later shot dead by police in a gunfight on November 12.

Speaking today, Lieutenant Colonel Ramoncelio Sawan, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula acting spokesman, said: 'Sometime late October, during our investigation, we encountered one witness who claimed Eastman had been shot during the abduction.

'On their way to escape by sea, the abductors noticed that Elliot Eastman was already dead. They threw his body into the water.'

He said officials had treated the testimony as speculation, before it was this week verified by a suspect allegedly involved in the abduction.

He continued: 'But then later on, sometime in November, we caught a suspect linked to the kidnapping. He himself confirmed what happened. He confirmed Elliot had been shot and that the man was dumped overboard.

Elliot Eastman, 26, (pictured) reportedly died on the night of his abduction from his home in the poverty-stricken town of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte on October 17

US YouTuber Elliot Eastman was kidnapped from a remote Philippines village just months after marrying a local woman (left)

'This suspect was able to execute an extrajudicial confession and then we submitted it to the Prosecutor's Office where we filed the complaint. The prosecutors accepted it.'

Eastman's family has been informed through the US Embassy, the police spokesman added.

Authorities have hoped for weeks that Eastman was alive and have been frantically searching for the missing expat.

The operation resulted in clashes with armed kidnapping groups on the conflict-torn island of Mindanao.

Police said they are yet to find Eastman's body and have not clarified the motive behind the abduction.

The American YouTuber was reportedly in the house with his Muslim Filipina wife Karisha Jala when four armed men allegedly burst through the door around 10pm on October 17.

The attackers falsely claimed they were police and reportedly shot the expat in the leg when he tried to resist.

He was then bundled away in a speedboat off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte - one of the most dangerous parts of the notoriously crime-ridden country.

Eastman had recently married a local woman Karisha Jala, who lived with him in a concrete shack belonging to his father-in-law

Pictured: FBI agents investigate the abduction of Elliot Eastman in the Philippines

Police arrived at around 11pm and took pictures of the suspected crime scene. Blood believed to be from Elliot's gunshot wound was smeared across a length of vinyl flooring.

An empty bullet cartridge from an M16 rifle could also be seen alongside everyday items including a hat, handbag and food.

Former Sibuco Mayor Norbideiri Edding said kidnappers may have targetted the American because they thought he was a rich foreigner and resented that he was living with a local Muslim woman.

He also claimed Elliot had been facing financial difficulties after allegedly being scammed by his previous girlfriend whom he had planned to marry.

Just weeks before he was abducted, Eastman posted said on a Facebook livestream that he was afraid of living in the area, where he had been for about five months, according to police.

'As long as I'm here, my life is still at risk, you know,' Eastman said on September 22.

'That's the reality. especially the area that I'm in....It's not even just the Philippines.

'This area that I'm in is like the most dangerous are in the country so it's literally like the red zone.'

Just weeks before he was abducted, Eastman posted said on a Facebook livestream that he was afraid of living in the area. Pictured: FBI officers join the search

The Philippines' southern region has been grappling with constant separatist attacks for decades.

A Muslim enclave in the predominantly Catholic country, it is also a notorious hub for violent extremist groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf.

Efforts toward peace have seen progress, with a 2014 peace agreement and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 2019. However, sporadic clashes with extremist factions and ongoing poverty continue to challenge long-term stability.
A woman who forged her former school headmistress' will in a bid to pocket her 4.2million fortune is facing a 200,000 court bill after being convicted of fraud.

Privately educated Leigh Voysey, 45, claimed Maureen Renny left her entire estate to her former pupil, including a plush 2.25million seven-bed house, to stop the teacher's family selling it to developers.

Mrs Renny died in January 2020 aged 82. Her family, suspecting foul play over the 2019 will - described as being 'bought from a shop' - reported the former Barn School pupil to police and she was found guilty of fraud and forgery charges in October.

Along with a criminal record, mother-of-one Voysey has now been left with a six-figure bill - half of which has to be paid upfront - after a judge ruled in favour of an earlier will that an earlier will naming the teacher's relatives as beneficiaries.

Mrs Renny's sprawling home Hill House, in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, was until 1998 site of The Barn School, which Ms Voysey attended as a girl, starting as an eight-year-old.

Voysey had claimed the headteacher had 'always favoured her,' giving her the best parts in class plays, appointing her head girl and prefect and that she 'reconnected' with her old mentor by chance during the last three years of her life.

She had claimed Mrs Renny asked her to write out a will and organise a friend to sign it on her behalf in September 2019, as she feared that her beloved former school building would be sold to developers if she left it to her relatives.

But Mrs Renny's family were suspicious and claimed a previous will from 2016 - benefiting cousins Gillian Ayre, Angela Eastwood and Susan Vickers, and the children of her stepson, Thomas and Katherine Renny - was her last true will.

Leigh Voysey was head girl at the Barn School and claimed her former headteacher had taken a shine to her

She attended the Barn School in Much Hadham (pictured, the seven-bedroom property that had housed the school)

The school operated until 1998 (pictured: a historical photograph of the school and its grounds)

At the High Court yesterday, Master Karen Shuman ruled this was the case, decrying Voysey's 'elaborate story' of reconnecting with her former mentor as 'false'.

In her claim, Ms Voysey said she had bonded with her former headteacher after visiting her as a carer and then a friend from 2016 and that she wrote her 'distant blood relatives' out of her will because she feared they would sell the old schoolhouse to developers.

In papers lodged with the court, Ms Voysey told how she was delighted to find that her former teacher still remembered her when she visited as a carer.

'Mrs Renny remembered exactly who I was, even though it was 25 years since I'd left her school,' she said.

'Mrs Renny told me that she'd been asking about me during the years since I had left her school.

'The whole experience that day was very touching. I worked one more shift as a carer for Mrs Renny, then visited her as a friend after that.

'After reconnecting in February 2016, I visited Mrs Renny when I could...approximately three to four times a year.

'When I visited Mrs Renny, I would make us both a cup of tea and we would talk about my time when I was at The Barn. We both enjoyed that immensely.

'During one of my visits, she asked me what I thought about The Barn, i.e. Hill House, and I said I loved it. Mrs Renny said to me: "I hope it never gets built on".'

She said Mrs Renny had mentioned leaving her estate to her in a new will, but that she did not want to accept that her former mentor was going to die.

But eventually in September 2019, the former teacher arranged for two of Ms Voysey's friends to witness a new will as she did not want anyone to know she was making it.

'Mrs Renny asked me to complete the 2019 will and dictated to me what she wanted to be written on it,' she said. Voysey had further claimed the teacher could not write the will herself as her eyesight was failing.

Kate Barrister KC, for Mrs Renny's family, denied Voysey had 'any ongoing acquaintance' with her former headmistress after leaving the school - save for one shift as a carer.

'It is averred that the only other material time that the deceased and the claimant met was on 19th February 2016 when the claimant was working as a carer...and worked a lunchtime shift looking after the deceased that day,' she said.

Mrs Renny's family successfully contested the false will, with the first will set to benefit the headteacher's family including cousin Angela Eastwood (pictured)

'The claimant cared for the deceased only once for a few hours over lunchtime on 19th February 2016.

'The claimant undertook no more shifts as a carer for the deceased and never visited the deceased again.'

She said the 2019 will was in Ms Voysey's handwriting and witnessed by two of her friends, who were not known to Mrs Renny.

The court had previously been told Mrs Renny had suffered a stroke in July 2019 and had become 'delusional' as her health declined thereafter.

Master Shuman, giving summary judgment for Mrs Renny's family on their claim that the 2016 will was her last true will, said Voysey's claim over the 2019 will had been struck out following her criminal conviction.

She said Voysey had put forward an 'elaborate story of reconnecting with her former headmistress and that led to a change in the will.'

'She indicated that the witnesses attended her home and she drove them to the deceased,' she continued.

'They met the deceased in the lounge and that's where the 2019 will was executed. What that has proved to be is false.

'The significant change in the backdrop to this case is that the claimant was convicted on 15 October 2024 for forgery and fraud in respect of the 2019 will.

'The conviction for forging the will is admissible in the civil proceedings as evidence of the forgery.

'As a result of that, I struck out the claim because it was based on a false premise that the 2019 will was a valid will, when it wasn't.'

Susan Vickers, another cousin of Maureen Renny, who will now benefit from the real will, which was produced in 2016

She then went on to grant probate in 'solemn form' of the 2016 will benefiting Mrs Renny's family - declaring that the 2016 will was valid and that there were no concerns about Mrs Renny's capacity to make it or her understanding of its contents.

'The 2019 will couldn't be more different from that,' she added. 'It appears to be something taken from the internet or bought from a shop.'

Ordering that Voysey pay the family's claimed 197,000 lawyers' bills on the tough 'indemnity' basis, the judge told her over a videolink: 'You have put up a forged will as being a true will. Something is out of the norm when a forged will is used to mount a claim in court.'

The exact costs figure will be assessed at a later date, but Mrs Renny's family claims the legal fees are around 197,000. Voysey is awaiting sentence over her criminal convictions.

Hill House was bought by developers Hill Residential in March 2021 for 2.25m; the house was subsequently separated from adjoining land and sold for 975,000 in January 2022.

Hill Residential states on its website that it now plans to build 30 news homes plus a 'large public park' on the land it acquired.
Kemi Badenoch has flown to Washington DC as she seeks to build links ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.

The new Conservative Party leader plans to meet Republican figures on Capitol Hill, where the US Congress is based.

Ms Badenoch will also attempt to woo members of Mr Trump's political party as she speaks at a gathering of centre-right political parties in the US capital.

But it is not yet clear whether she will actually meet Trump, who is due to visit France this weekend for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral but not expected to call in on the UK.

She is vying with Sir Keir Starmer for the president-elect's attention as senior British politicians attempt to curry favour with the second Trump administration before it begins in January.

Sir Keir met the incoming president at Trump Tower in New York in September, and recently revealed he had promised Mr Trump the UK 'will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come'.

While the Conservatives may feel they have more in common with the Republicans, Ms Badenoch and her team have quietly been at odds with parts of the Trump agenda.

Last month she said that his plan for new trade tariffs would be 'terrible news' for Britain without a free trade deal, and shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge is an outspoken backer of arming Ukraine, in contrast to Trump's appeasement of Vladimir Putin.

The new Conservative Party leader plans to meet Republican figures on Capitol Hill, where the US Congress is based while in the US

But it is not yet clear whether she will actually meet Trump, who is due to visit France this weekend for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral but not expected to call in on the UK.

Sir Keir met the incoming president at Trump Tower in New York in September, and recently revealed he had promised Mr Trump the UK 'will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come'.

The Prime Minister has been dogged by questions about past criticism of Mr Trump by senior Labour Party figures, and also by an ongoing war of words with businessman Elon Musk, who will advise the next president on cutting US government expenditure.

It is unclear whether Ms Badenoch will meet Mr Trump when she attends the International Democracy Union forum, as Tory sources would not comment on her schedule.

She will be the keynote speaker at a dinner on Thursday at which the Bush-Thatcher Award for Freedom is presented.

It is presented annually 'to individuals or groups who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the principles of liberty, democracy, and human rights.'

Last month Ms Badenoch told Sir Keir to urgently dust off Tory plans for a free trade deal to avoid being damaged by Donald Trump's protectionist economic plans.

She claimed that the Tories had been drawing up a 'landmark' agreement in 2020 before Trump lost the election to Joe Biden, who scrapped it.

This meant there was agreement 'on the shelf, ready to be dusted off' when the new president is inaugurated in January, she said in a Telegraph article.

It comes amid concern at Trump's plan to hammer US imports. The president-elect has proposed a general 10 per cent tariff and a 60 per cent levy on Chinese-made products.

Critics say that if enacted they would would affect the entire economy by pushing consumer prices higher and stoking retaliatory levies on American exports.

He claims the move will protect American jobs, boost the economy and raise revenue.

Ms Badenoch said that a deal was 'one of the biggest Brexit prizes', adding: 'If President Trump does pursue a new protectionist tariff regime it would be terrible news for the UK. Only a Free Trade Agreement will protect us.'

Earlier this week Sir Keir claimed the United Kingdom does not need to choose between its allies in America and Europe, in a major speech.

The Prime Minister said it was 'plain wrong' to suggest he needed to steer his Government away from either of the UK's most prominent allies.

With the advent of Donald Trump's return to the White House, European leaders fear a divide over the future of support for Ukraine, as the incoming president has expressed a desire to end the conflict on 'day one' of his time in office.

But Sir Keir said the UK would 'never turn away' from its partnership with the US, and also promised to build stronger bonds with Europe.

Speaking at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in central London, Sir Keir said: 'I want to be clear at the outset. Against the backdrop of these dangerous times. The idea that we must choose between our allies. That somehow we're with either America or Europe. Is plain wrong. I reject it utterly.'

He added: '(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose.

'The national interest demands that we work with both.'

The Prime Minister added: 'That's 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.
Monaco has unveiled the world's most expensive real estate development with $200million homes and apartments priced at $100,000 per square metre.

The opening of the Mareterra development at Anse du Portier in Monaco was celebrated with concerts, fireworks and a drone display on Wednesday.

Mareterra is built on six hectares of land reclaimed from the sea. It includes four villas valued at $200million each as well as 100 flats reportedly valued at more than $100,000 per square metre.

In comparison, the priciest areas in Paris cost about $15,000 per square metre.

In Monaco, where the highest proportion of billionaires in the world live, the high prices are still considered extraordinary.

But most of the penthouses, townhouses and villas have reportedly been bought already.

'It has been a big commercial success,' Guy Thomas Levy-Soussan, administrator of the consortium that built Mareterra at an estimated cost of $2.1billion, told the Times.

Prince Albert of Monaco attended the inauguration of the new development and highlighted the environmental credentials of Mareterra.

Mareterra built on six hectares of land reclaimed from the sea. It includes four villas valued at $200million each as well as 100 flats reportedly valued at more than $100,000 per square metre

There are several luxurious apartments built on Mareterra, like the ones pictured above

Prince Albert II of Monaco (centre) cuts the ribbon next to Princess Charlene of Monaco (left) and Prince Jacques (centre) during the inauguration of the new 'Mareterra' district in Monaco, on December 4, 2024

Monaco only has about 39,000 residents living on just 208 hectares, after France grabbed 95 per cent of Monaco's land in return for backing its sovereignty in 1861.

Estate agents said that his was hardly enough to cover the wealthy people wanting to move to Monaco, who are drawn to the small country due to no income tax and low crime rates.

To make space for future residents, officials say they can only either build upwards in the form of skyscrapers or out by expanding into the sea.

The country has already expanded about 60 hectares into the Mediterranean over the past century, but officials said Mareterra was an initiative like no other.

'Mareterra is a largely pedestrianised district that encompasses a lushly planted park, an elegant waterfront promenade, a small port, underground parking and both residential and retail offerings,' the advertising brochure states.

Promoters have described Mareterra as an 'eco-district' which prioritises 'a number of measures pertaining to the ecosystem, sustainability and responsible development of the site'.

One of these measures is the relocation of a marine plant called posidonia, 500 square metres of which were moved to another part of the sea to avoid its destruction, and a coral reef was protected.

But a marine biologist at a university in Nice, Alexandre Meinesz, told Liberation newspaper that the marine biodiversity had been 'massacred'.

This picture taken on November 07, 2019 shows what the area looked like before Mareterra was constructed

This photograph taken on November 14, 2024 shows Mareterra at Anse du Portier in Monaco in its finishing stages

Prince Albert II of Monaco (right) attends with Princess Charlene of Monaco (left), Princess Gabriella (centre-right) and Prince Jacques the inauguration of the 'Place Princesse Gabriella' in the new 'Mareterra' district in Monaco, on December 4, 2024

General views of the future extension known as the 'Anse du Portier' or 'Mareterra'

Prince Albert of Monaco attended the inauguration of the new development and highlighted the environmental credentials of Mareterra

Prince Albert, whose reign has been tarnished by rumours of marital discord and corruption, did not let the criticism deter him from celebrating the new development.

Also in attendance were his two children and his Zimbabwean-born wife Princess Charlene, who spent almost a year away from Albert in South Africa during 2021, allegedly for health reasons, which sparked rumours that their marriage was on the rocks.

Albert was also accused of real-estate corruption by Les Dossiers du Rocher, a website set up anonymously.

The accusations were linked to the palace due to hacked emails between Albert's advisers.
A 'well-known photographer' locked himself in an anorexic woman's room in an Italian hospital and raped her before trying to assault a second victim.

The 36-year-old man, who has been described by local media as a 'well-known Afghan photographer', attacked the two women at the Molinette hospital in Turin on May 23.

He reportedly went to the emergency department with his girlfriend showing signs of anxiety and a panic attack.

The man, a refugee from Afghanistan, was swiftly admitted and taken to the hospital's psychiatry department, to a wing reserved for those with eating disorders or mild mental illnesses, according to local media.

Since there was no free bed on the ward, he was placed on a temporary one in the corridor.

The lights dimmed at 9pm and the man used the opportunity to sneak into the room of an anorexic woman, 35.

He allegedly locked the door, blocked the entrance with a cabinet and removed the alarm bell from the wall before attacking the woman and raping her.

The woman tried to scream during the attack, but the man covered her mouth.

The 36-year-old man, who has been described by local media as a 'well-known Afghan photographer', attacked the two women at the Molinette hospital (entrance pictured) in Turin, Italy on May 23

He then fled into the room of another woman and locked the door, but the 66-year-old managed to scare the alleged attacker away before he could assault her.

She screamed for help at the same time the first woman reactivated her alarm bell, alerting hospital staff.

The prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the Afghan man.

The hospital's safety measures are also being investigated after staff allegedly failed to prevent the attack.

A psychiatric assessment of the man established that while he is 'socially dangerous', he is incapable of understanding his actions, Le Corriere reports.

'The experts provide a series of hypotheses, from schizophrenia to bipolarism, up to an acute episode linked to the use of cannabinoids,' the man's lawyer, Elena Negri, said.

'In essence, there is no clear diagnosis. Our requests to investigate further, also acquiring the defendant's current medical records, were rejected.'

Negri had requested the investigation into the hospital and 'those who did not intervene that night or intervened in an inadequate manner'.

The hospital's safety measures are being investigated after staff allegedly failed to prevent the attack

The man is due to stand trial in January.

Meanwhile, he was transferred from the hospital to a residence for the execution of security measures (REMS), where mental health patients who committed crimes are held.

The Afghan man was allowed to participate in a photography exhibition recently.
The main experiences of Google's generative AI may be centered on Gemini in its current state, but the internet company wants to consolidate this experience as its main app is getting an "AI Mode." As revealed via a new APK teardown on the Google app, Android users will soon get a chance to access this so-called 'AI Mode' which will integrate the generative AI experience to Search.

There are already several ways in Google's quest to integrate artificial intelligence into Search, and one of them was the controversial 'AI Overviews' which consolidates all results with shorter explanations that appear on top of the results.

Google 'AI Mode' For Android is Coming to Improve Search

There is already Google's Gemini Live for users to talk directly with users in the form of its chatbot that is capable of multimodal capabilities, but a new APK teardown by 9to5Google details an upcoming 'AI Mode' coming for the Search app. This new technology was found lying within the Search app's codes which was said to be under development since October for the Android version.

AI Mode or "AIM" will allow users to speak directly to Google's Search as if it were a chatbot like Gemini and other platforms, and will empower user's experiences by leveraging its enhanced capabilities.

Through this experience, users can treat Search as a chatbot and be more casual in their manner of 'talking' to the platform, as if one is talking to another person, albeit, a chatbot. Apart from being able to use voice inputs, Google is also leveraging multimodal capabilities wherein it accepts photos, videos, and more.

Here's How to Access Google's AI Mode for Android

Google made AI Mode specifically for Search and separates it from Gemini and Gemini Live which will be beneficial for those who want to focus on using the search engine for their activity. According to the report, the Google app beta version 15.48 suggests that users may access this AI Mode via a dedicated tab found at the bottom bar, and will be reportedly represented by a 'wink' icon, which is currently its placeholder.

Google's Search Generative Experience

Earlier this year, Google dived deeper into the world of generative artificial intelligence when it introduced the latest developments that it looks to deliver for users, especially for its longest-running product, Search. The last Google I/O 2024 event introduced the world to the Search Generative Experience which was its integration of AI to the search engine to deliver an AI-assisted experience.

This was later known as the "AI Overviews" which delivered a dedicated space that will appear under the search bar and above results for whatever users are looking for on the internet. However, Google later pulled out AI Overviews to work on what it has to share with users after facing significant controversy regarding the confusing and misleading information it delivers to the public.

Despite this shaky start, Google went on to deliver AI Overviews for its renowned search engine, and it appears on the many platforms it is available like mobile and web browsers by simply looking for online information via its platform. However, Google wants to expand more of Search's capabilities and integration with artificial intelligence, with AI Mode delivering the LLM experience with multimodal capabilities for Android.
Cops are using facial recognition technology to identify and track down the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Police in New York are focusing on a surveillance image taken from a Starbucks near the scene of the shooting in Manhattan in their manhunt for the attacker.

Mr Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in the back and calf yesterday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan before his assailant fled.

They believe Mr Thompson was the victim of a targeted attack, and are currently investigating a cell phone, live rounds and spent casings found at the scene.

They have also found cryptic words engraved into some of the recovered casings, which they hope will help them form a motive.

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions.

They say that the suspect appeared to be waiting for Thompson for five minutes outside the Hilton hotel, where he was expected to speak at a conference.

The victim's wife, Paulette Thompson, with whom he had two children, revealed that her husband had received threats before leaving for the New York event.

Surveillance from a nearby Starbucks show the shooter inside prior to the incident

Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the chest and was pronounced dead within 30 minutes

Police told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the messages on them

The investigation continues to focus on a number of items recovered from the scene and surveillance footage before and during the attack.

Police revealed that the suspect was seen in a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting.

A photo shared by authorities shows a Caucasian man in a dark jacket with a bag, hood and grey mask.

With just his eyes and part of his nose revealed, investigators hope facial recognition will be able to narrow down their search.

They are also looking at bullet casings with 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' scrawled on them, recovered from the scene of the shooting.

They are now working to determine what the words mean and if they could possibly hint at a motive for the slaying of the 50-year-old.

Curiously, the messages bear similarity to the title of a 2010 book on 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it', called 'Delay, Deny, Defend'.

Critics allege the tactic is used by insurance companies to 'ensure your claim is either never paid or paid at a rate far below what you deserve'.

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A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene

Law enforcement officers work near evidence markers placed where shell casings were found

Investigators also recovered a cellphone from an alleyway on the suspect's escape route.

Police said in their initial preliminary brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on an electric Citi Bike bicycle and released an image of the suspect on a bike.

They say they are now 'working through' the phone.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information.

They are also expected to search the room that the victim was staying at in New York, at the nearby Marriott.

While a motive is yet to be established, Mr Thompson's grieving widow claimed that her husband had received threats before he was shot.

'There had been some threats,' Paulette Thompson, 51, told NBC News as she broke her silence in her first comments since her husband was killed.

'I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him' before his trip to New York, she added.

Ms Thompson said that she could not 'really give a thoughtful response right now' as she had 'just found this out' and was 'trying to console [her] children'.

She said police had told her it is believed to have been a 'targeted attack'.

Ms Thompson said 'there were some people that had been threatening' her husband

Officers are still searching for the unknown assailant who gunned down Thompson, seen here, outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning

Paulette Thompson, left, spoke to media after the attack on her husband, center back

Mr Thompson was fatally shot in the chest in a possibly targeted attack by a masked man, who then fled down 6th Avenue and is being sought by police.

The gunman fired multiple shots during the ambush and jammed his gun in the process, but managed to quickly clear the obstruction and continue firing.

After the assailant darted across the road and out of sight, Mr Thompson was rushed to Mt Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

Mr Thompson, named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10m a year, was slated to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton soon after the shooting.

Thompson was set to speak about the company's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including announcing expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.
A drug dealer was stopped by police after being caught trying to stash a bumper haul worth at least 30k in some brambles.

Bodycam footage shows officers confronting a 'panicked' Aden Maynard, 21, in woodland near Tunbridge Wells, Kent on July 13 this year.

He was initially seen acting suspiciously outside an address in Hornbean Avenue, after patrols attended a disturbance.

Maynard was wearing a shoulder bag and after spotting Kent Police officers he ran into a nearby wooded area.

But a constable was hot on Maynard's heels and soon chased him down.

After being found without the bag Maynard realised he had been rumbled and tried to claim he was 'simply out enjoying a walk'.

Police dog Charlie was brought in to assist a search and led officers to an area in the woods near an abandoned fridge - where the bag was found concealed in foliage.

It contained drugs including cocaine, ketamine and cannabis - and had an estimated street value of at least 30,000, police said.

Aden Maynard (pictured) was stopped by police after being caught trying to stash a bumper haul worth at least 30k in some brambles

Bodycam footage shows officers confronting a 'panicked' Aden Maynard, 21, in woodland near Tunbridge Wells, Kent on July 13 this year. Pictured: The police constable who found Maynard and his police dog Charlie

Maynard, of no fixed address, later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis

More than 1,400 cash was also recovered, along with phones and a lock knife.

Maynard was later arrested and a review of one of the phones linked it to a drugs network known as the AD line.

An investigation also led to the recovery of CCTV from shops in Swanley and Westerham, which showed him paying for the phone to be topped up.

Further evidence linking Maynard to the drugs was uncovered after a sales receipt was found in the shoulder bag, for a TV and oven.

This led officers to a retailer in Orpington, southeast London, where security footage showed him making the purchase.

Maynard, of no fixed address, later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

He also admitted counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply, as well as charges of possessing a knife in public and possessing criminal property (namely the cash seized).

Maynard was wearing a shoulder bag and after spotting Kent Police officers he ran into a nearby wooded area

After being located by a constable without the bag and realising he had been rumbled Maynard claimed he was 'simply out enjoying a walk'

Police dog Charlie was brought in to assist a search and led officers to an area in the woods near an abandoned fridge - where the bag was found concealed in foliage

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and four months' imprisonment on December 2.

PC James Heaver said: 'Maynard was seen to return to the woods after we had initially spoke to him and it was clear he was panicked about what we were about to find.

'After almost 30 minutes searching for the bag we believed he had hidden, PD Charlie then quickly led us to its hiding place.

'This was a significant seizure of drugs and Maynard's phone provided further and irrefutable evidence of his role in an extensive operation supplying to multiple users.'
A British tourist who was arrested for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl in Thailand was reported to police by the child's mother, who he had been in a relationship with, investigators have said.

Luke Adam Lawrence, 30, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was identified by sleuths at the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) over a video allegedly showing a child being abused.

Officers worked with local cops and tracked Lawrence to the seaside 'Sin City' resort of Pattaya where he was living with his girlfriend, a Thai national who he had reportedly been with for around two years.

The 25-year-old mother, identified in Thai media only as 'Ms B', was reportedly shocked after seeing evidence that her partner had abused her child and immediately filed charges against him.

After locating him using the video evidence provided by the NCA, social media and phone tracing tools, armed police stormed his rented home at the Private Paradise Pattaya condominium block on Tuesday morning, December 3.

Footage shows Lawrence emerging from the bedroom shirtless followed by a woman. A translator in a blue denim jacket was present, reading the charges to the suspect.

Cops ordered Lawrence to kneel before he confirmed his name. He reacted by saying 'what, woah, wow' as the charges were read out.

Reading from the court arrest warrant, the translator says: 'According to the illegal conduct you have done, there has been a charge of rape, statutory rape, of another individual, by force, by threat, by applying threats and force, violent threats and violent force, to a person that was in a position that could not resist, or a person that could not fight back.

'Also, against a minor under the age of 13 years old, which is not your wife, not your legal wife.'

Luke Adam Lawrence, 30, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was identified by sleuths at the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London over an alleged video of a schoolgirl being abused

Officers worked with local cops and tracked Lawrence to the seaside 'Sin City' resort of Pattaya where he was living with a Thai woman

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) issued a media release confirming that the suspect had been identified by the NCA in England over the sexual abuse of the child

The translator went on: 'Even if that child did or did not agree, this conduct has been done against a child, who has not reached the age of 13 years old, so even if the child did agree or not agree to that, the child was in a situation where they could not fight back or do anything about that.'

Lawrence was then formally arrested over the alleged rape of the youngster, who he is said to have known through a friend. He was frogmarched into a waiting police van.

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has since issued a warning to Thai women who meet foreign partners through online platforms, specifically cautioning about the risks of pedophilia.

The CIB earlier put out a media release confirming that the suspect had been identified by the NCA in England over the sexual abuse of the child.

Officers said the investigation was launched when the NCA claimed to have traced child abuse content to Lawrence's phone.

A clip allegedly showed him raping a young Southeast Asian girl, which they believe happened in Thailand.

The cops in the UK then liaised with officers in Bangkok at the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division. The Thai police said they analysed the footage and compared it with different locations in Pattaya and social media posts to find Lawrence.

They claim to have identified the victim as a seven-year-old girl who was abused when she was six years old. They believe that Lawrence had connections to the mother of the alleged victim.

An arrest warrant was issued for 'raping a minor under the age of 13' and Lawrence was caught at 7.15 am.

He was handcuffed and passed to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for further legal action.

Cops ordered Lawrence to kneel before he confirmed his name. He reacted by saying 'what, woah, wow' as the charges were read out

Cops in the UK liaised with officers in Bangkok at the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division to find Lawrence

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kiatkong Thongkham of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division said: The suspect denied all charges and refused to testify during the arrest. He was detained at the police station.'

Investigating officers later informed the schoolgirl's mother of the arrest. They allegedly presented evidence and she filed further complaints to be added to the charge sheet.

The CIB said in a statement about the case that local women should 'beware' of foreign men who visit the country looking for a girlfriend.

They said: 'This is a warning to Thai women who seek foreign partners through various online channels, to be careful of the dangers of paedophilia, which is a mental disorder that causes patients to be sexually interested in children who have not yet reached puberty.

'Being aware of, and protecting against dangers that may arise from those who behave in this way, is very important.'
A baby boy likely suffocated to death after being left alone on a play mat while his parents slept, an inquest heard.

Little Leonidas Ramsden was just four months old when he was found unresponsive at his home in Buckfastleigh, Devon, on April 28 2022.

The baby boy, who was born on Christmas Day, had been placed on his back on the mat, and his father Dudley didn't want to disturb him by moving the baby to his Moses basket.

The father fell asleep on the sofa and when mother Chloe Knapton, 21, checked on Leo three hours later, around 6am, he was face down and unresponsive.

The mat had a safety warning on it that read babies and toddlers should not be left unsupervised, and the mother said she 'never left him unattended in it'.

Area coroner for Devon Alison Longhorn, said Leonidas 'likely' suffocated on the mat because he couldn't breathe freely.

In a fundraiser set up to pay for a memorial last year, Leo's young mother said: 'We are devastated and lost, feeling stuck in a reality that shouldn't exist. We will never feel complete again.

'I'm 21 years old. I have made two perfect, beautiful children. My daughter Azaylea and my son Leonidas-Aurelius . We fell in love the moment I met them.

Little Leonidas Ramsden was just four months old when he was found unresponsive at his home in Buckfastleigh, Devon, on April 28 2022

'Our son Leonidas-Aurelius was four months and three days old when he rolled over in the middle of the night while his family slept. He didn't cry... he didn't wake up... he just slipped away in his sleep with small sweet smile on his face.

'The moment me and my partner woke from a couple hours napping. We had to face the most reality shattering and horrific realisation... that Leonidas-Aurelius, the perfect soul had left the beautiful vessel we had created.'

She added: 'Leo had the most beautiful low tones to his voice and he loved the sound of it... he was always showing off his lovely cooing sounds but most of all he loved to roar.

'When you held his hands he would hold on and lift himself into the air... Always smiling and holding his head high. He was such a beautiful sight... four months and three days of showering him in love and kisses was the best moments of my life.'

According to The Sun, Chloe used the play mat as 'extra comfort' while feeding but 'knew it was not a safe sleeping scenario'.

She had asked the father to move Leo to his Moses basket at 3am because she wasn't feeling well.

How should my baby sleep? The Consumer Product Safety Commission has previously told parents they should follow this guidance: Best place for an infant to sleep is on a firm, flat surface such as that in a crib;

Parents and caregivers should use a fitted sheet only and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers or other items;

Infants should always be placed to sleep on their back;

Infants who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission. Advertisement

A post mortem was unable to establish a cause of death but the coroner ruled a narrative conclusion that he died 'having been found in a face down sleeping position while sleeping on a mat'.

The inquest heard that it was a 'sleeping pod but it appeared more like the underneath of a play mat'.

But it had a warning label telling parents not to leave a child under three unattended in it, so 'it was not an official sleeping pod'.

Sleeping pods - which are softer with cushioned areas without straps to hold the baby in place - are not recommended because they increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Baby mats are normally flat and firm.

In 2017, Tesco and Mothercare were among a string of British retailers to stop selling the products due to safety concerns. Boots later joined them in banning the pods.

They are still widely available on Amazon.

In a previous warning to parents, children's charity the Lullaby Trust wrote in an open letter: 'Items such as cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks, cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and anything that wedges or straps a baby in place can pose a risk to babies under 12 months.

'Evidence shows that sleeping a baby on anything but a firm, flat surface, or using soft, heavy bedding, can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

'They can lead to overheating or potentially obstruct a baby's airway if they roll or their face becomes covered by loose bedding.'

A spokesperson for The Lullaby Trust previously said: 'As a SIDS charity, we have watched with concern as products that go against safer sleep advice gain popularity.

'It is hard for parents when they are trying to choose from the overwhelming number of baby products on offer and many people make the reasonable assumption that if an item is sold on the high street or made by a recognised brand it is safe for their baby.'
This is the terrifying moment a train smacked into a pick-up truck at a level crossing after it had ignored red warning lights and blaring sirens.

Shocking footage shows how driver Ivan Nicol, 51, entered the crossing, disregarding the restrictions as an Inverness-bound train came hurtling down the 70mph track.

Debris can be seen flying through the air on impact as the two-carriage train continues for a while down the Scottish countryside before the video comes to an end.

Miraculously no injuries were sustained following the crash which took place on January 31 last year involving the 12.36pm service train from Elgin to Inverness.

Pick-up driver Nicol has now appeared in court and been found guilty of dangerous driving and fined 1040.

Train driver Pauline Smith said she had been travelling at around 68mph when she spotted the truck emerging onto the track at the Lower Cullernie crossing, near Allanfearn, Press and Journal reports.

In evidence given at court, Ms Smith said: 'I was worried we were going to end up derailing.'

This comes as she had had 'less than two seconds to react' before impact, throwing on the emergency brake and scrambling for the horn.

Train Driver Pauline Smith had 'less than two seconds to react' before impact when the pick-up truck suddenly emerged at the level crossing

She added: 'Everything seemed clear, it wasn't until I was just about on the crossing that the car came out.'

Ms Smith described how Nicol's vehicle 'just drove straight out' into her path at the user-operated crossing.

Train drivers are told as per safety protocols they should leave the cab before impact but Ms Smith recounted that 'there was no time'.

In addition to the fine, Nicol, of Drumduan Park, Forres, was banned from driving for a year and after that must sit and pass an extended driving test.

Defending Nicol, solicitor Duncan Burd had pointed out that the crossing 'continues to cause concern' and 'even today the gates are not operational - they are open all the time'.

He added that Network Rail had 'failed to attend to the crossing' and noted the CCTV footage did not show a stop sign with his client driving over the crossing 'at a slow speed'.

But Sherriff Eilidh MacDonald said 'it looks to me like he took a chance' and 'he has made a serious mistake'.

She added: 'I expect it must have been quite an unpleasant experience for everybody on the train.'

Debris could be seen flying through the air on impact as the two-carriage train continued for a while down the Scottish countryside

Finding Nicol guilty of dangerous driving, the Sherriff concluded: 'You drove your car over a railway track just as a train was coming.

'That is a very clear example of what it is to drive dangerously.'

The comments came as the Lower Cullernie crossing requires road users to check the lights and listen for the warning sign before opening the gates.

This process would need to be done manually as the push-button system had no longer been operational. A signalling engineer told the court that warning lights and sirens were triggered automatically as soon as a train enters that section of the track.

But he said: 'I am led to believe that the gates were open at the time.'

After the court case, Press and Journal reports that a spokesman for Network Rail declined to comment on the specifics but confirmed there had previously been a problem at Lower Cullernie where 'people were deliberately misusing the crossing'.

She added there was 'no issue with the infrastructure itself if used correctly.'

MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for comment.
Retail liquor giant Dan Murphy's has become collateral damage in the ongoing strikes at Woolworths distribution centres, leaving shelves bare in the lead up to Christmas.

Photos of a store in Brunswick East in Melbourne's north on Thursday show multiple aisles of empty shelves.

The Dan Murphy's store had low stocks of everything from local and international beers and cask wine to bottled and pre-mixed spirits.

The shortages have been sparked by industrial action involving more than 1,500 workers at five distribution centres run by Woolworths' national distribution network, Primary Connect.

The centres also provide distribution services for Endeavour Group, the owner of Dan Murphy's and BWS, which was previously owned by Woolworths.

Many liquor outlets have now put up signs warning customers to the shortages during one of the busiest sales periods of the year.

An Endeavour Group spokesperson warned that stores in Victoria and southern NSW are currently experiencing stock shortages of varying intensities.

'A key focus for us at this time is the safety and wellbeing of our team members, who are working very hard to assist customers during these challenges,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

Shelves at Dan Murphy's stores in Victoria (pictured) and southern NSW remain empty after weeks of industrial action at distribution centres run by Woolworths

Stocks of bottled and cask wine were running low at the Dan Murphy's in Melbourne's north on Thursday

'We understand the inconvenience for our customers and we appreciate their ongoing support and respect for our team during this time.'

The spokesperson added Endeavour Group isn't involved in the industrial dispute and have 'implemented alternative delivery arrangements' to try manage the shortfall.

The degree of impact on stock differs across our stores,' they said.

'While deliveries continue, certain stores may experience a decrease in how often they receive new stock.'

It comes as Woolworths prepares to submit a Fair Work Commission hearing on Friday to try and break the picket line at a crucial centre just outside of Melbourne.

The strikes started on November 21 with support from the United Workers Union (UWU) who are seeking a pay increase to at least $38 an hour for staff and scrapping Woolworths' new performance-measuring system 'Framework'.

Woolworths recently revealed the strikes had resulted in stock shortages in stores across Victoria, NSW and the ACT resulting in $50million in losses.

Despite not being part of the Woolworths Group, Dan Murphy's uses its distribution network Primary Connect which is currently at the centre of the strikes

Stocks of bottled and pre-mixed spirits have also been impacted by the industrial strike by distribution centre staff

The supermarket giant will argue on Friday for the UWU to stop blocking access for non-striking workers at the crucial South Melbourne centre as well as two more in Victoria and another in NSW.

'The application comes after the UWU refused to give any assurance of safe passage for team members seeking to return to work at our Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) yesterday and this morning,' a Woolworths statement read.

It also claims a 'majority' of workers at the South Melbourne centre had 'indicated they wished to return to work to begin being paid'.

'The UWU chose to block the site entry points at MSRDC with cars and protestors, which created an unsafe environment for team members who had shown up to work,' the statement continued.

'The majority of our team members at this site are not members of the UWU.'

UWU National Secretary Tim Kennedy said on Wednesday that Woolworths 'is in a position to end this strike right now by agreeing to a reasonable outcome with workers'.

Mr Kennedy said warehouse workers has been negotiating with Woolworths for better pay and safer conditions for almost seven months before the strikes began.

'Business groups may well come out and support the dangerous, inhumane and unsafe productivity framework but you can bet they are not being marked out of 100 in real time every time they perform a task,' he said.

'A safe workplace that treats workers as humans, not robots, and fair pay increases to help workers survive the ever-growing cost of living, is what is needed to end this strike.

'Woolworths have been gouging families at the check out and gouging workers in their pay packet for too long.'
A brave sixth-grade girl stepped up to help her teacher calm terrified kindergarteners after a gunman shot two young boys, leaving them fighting for their lives.

Jocelyn Orlando, a pupil at Feather River School in California, described how she told the children to close their eyes as the gunman 'paced back and forth from the window'.

'I told the kindergarteners to take deep breaths and think of something happy,' Orlando said in an interview with CBS News.

'We didn't know what was going to happen next.'

The sixth-grader, who would be around 11 or 12-years-old, added that she ran into the classroom after she heard screaming and shooting.

After critically injuring two boys aged five and six at the tiny religious school on Wednesday, the gunman then turned the weapon on himself.

One of the children had to be airlifted to hospital and they are both being treated at a trauma center in the Sacramento area, officials have said.

'I am thankful that they're still alive, but they've got a long road ahead of them,' said Sheriff Kory Honea.

Jocelyn Orlando (pictured), a pupil at Feather River School in California, described how she told the children to close their eyes as the gunman 'paced back and forth from the window'

After critically injuring two boys aged five and six at the tiny religious school on Wednesday, the gunman then turned the weapon on himself. Pictured: Police stand by his body

Pictured: police stand next to the tarp-covered body of the presumed shooter

The gunman may have targeted the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo because of its religious affiliation, but isn't believed to have had a prior connection to the victims.

'Whether or not this is a hate crime or whether or not its part of some sort of larger scheme at this point I don't have enough information to provide an answer to that,' Honea said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the private Christian school with fewer than three dozen students in Palermo, which has about 5,500 people and is about 65 miles north of Sacramento.

Honea said the shooter was in a meeting with an administrator about enrolling a child at the school, which he described as 'cordial.'

While initially, it appeared the gunman had no connection to the school, it is now believed he may have been affiliated with either the school or the nearby church. His full identity is not released yet and there's no clear motive for the shooting.

But it seems that was his first visit to the school and he did not know the victims. Shortly after that, shots rang out and people began screaming, Honea said.

The gunman's body was found near the slide and other playground equipment on the grounds of the school, which abuts ranchland where cattle graze.

A handgun was found nearby, said Honea, who added they were trying to contact the shooter's family before releasing his name.

Laurie Trujillo, a spokesperson for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, said in a statement that they were 'deeply saddened by the events that occurred today at our Feather River school.'

She added that they are grateful to the sheriffs office for acting quickly to protect the students.

An aerial view from the scene of the shooting in California on Wednesday

Sheriff Kory Honea said the gunman may have targeted the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo because of its religious affiliation

Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is a Christian denomination in which members consider the Bible their only creed and believe that the second coming of Christ is near.

The Feather River School has been open since 1965, according to its website.

The private elementary school was put on lockdown on Wednesday afternoon.

After the shooting, authorities rushed students initially to a gymnasium where they stayed until a bus arrived to take them off the grounds and to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, Honea said.

Travis Marshall, the senior pastor for the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, called the reunification between parents and their children 'very moving.'

'Some of the children were incredibly emotional,' he said. 'One woman was raising her hands up, praising the Lord' when she found her child.

Sixth grader Jocelyn Orlando described what happened to CBS News Sacramento.

'We were going in for lunch recess and basically everybody in my classroom heard shooting and most people were screaming,' she said.

'We all went into the office, we closed the curtains, locked the doors, basically did what we would do in a school shooting, and then one of the teachers came and we all ran into the gym.'

Assemblyman James Gallagher, whose area includes Palermo, said his 'heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy.'

'As a community, well all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless,' he said in a statement.

Pictured: An aerial view from the scene of the shooting in California on Wednesday

Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School

Honea added that the FBI is assisting in the investigation.

The school advertises itself as intending to give a 'spiritually oriented education for children.'

Honea noted that this is a rural area with very few people in the building and they're doing their best to take care of everyone.

'I hope that people can appreciate how tough this is for the students of the school, the faculty of the school, the members of this community, all the first responders.'

'We're doing everything we can to determine what happened in addition to making sure that everybody is safe.'

California Highway Patrol closed State Route 70 to northbound traffic near the school and are diverting traffic west and another southbound road was closed for about an hour.
Playboy fraudster 'Fast Eddie' Davenport has managed to stop the police from shutting down his 15m London mansion where he holds debauched sex parties.

The self-styled lord, 58, gained notoriety for hosting the debauched bashes at his lavish mansion in Marylebone, which was issued a closure notice by the Met Police.

Police had been called 63 times to incidents involving his property following parties.

There were also two reported rapes at the property which led to police being called.

One complaint, relating to an incident in a loo at the property, was withdrawn due to lack of evidence while the other remains under investigation - neither of which accused Davenport.

But Davenport flew back from Thailand to successfully challenge the order at City of London Magistrates' Court.

He denied late night parties have been held at the property, which has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and large reception areas.

He told the court he is 'absolutely certain there is no illegal activity' at the parties and he would have spoken to neighbours if they had approached him, and would have gone out of his way to 'appease and accommodate them'.

His lawyer argued that there is a 'culture difference between a partygoer' like Davenport and the neighbours who complained.

The rejected order stated: 'The notice states that any access to the premises is 'hereby prohibited for any persons other than those who habitually reside in the premises'.

Convicted fraudster 'Fast Eddie' Davenport (pictured) who has recently flown back to the UK from to prevent police shutting down his London home

The lavish mansion in Marylebone, where the Metropolitan Police nailed a Closure Notice to his front door before he successfully argued his case in court

Davenport denied late night parties have been held at the property, which has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and large reception areas. There is no suggestion the women pictured have been involved in the sex parties

The fraudster was notorious in the past for organising sex parties at 33 Portland Place, Marylebone.

But Dublin-born Davenport sold the 24-bedroom mansion, built in 1775 by Robert Adam, for 27m in 2015 to settle a court order to pay the Serious Fraud Office 14m.

He owns the freehold across the road at No 32 Portland Place, where he hosted a 300-guest sex party called Passing Fancies in 2022.

Neighbours claimed they have suffered years of extremely loud music, revellers taking drugs and vomiting in the street.

Challenging the closure notice, Davenport said: 'I have got quite a high social profile, I like going out and people would come back to the property with me.'

Davenport hosts art shows every month which welcome around 100 people but he told the court that they would not go on beyond midnight.

'In October, I am in London and I use the property quite extensively for entertaining friends at that time of year,' Davenport added.

'I am very anti-drugs, I don't drink, I have had two kidney transplants. Nobody would be smoking marijuana in my house.

'I smell marijuana on the street corner occasionally but definitely not in my house.

'I am so very, very anti-marijuana.'

Davenport claims security staff at his parties are all SIA (Security Industry Authority) registered.

PC Hannah Fordham, a Neighbourhood officer with the Metropolitan Police, earlier described an incident in which a man was killed in Lewisham after attending one of his parties. The incident is still under investigation.

The self-styled lord (pictured), 58, gained notoriety for hosting debauched sex parties

Neighbours claimed they have suffered years of loud music, revellers taking drugs and vomiting in the street. There is no suggestion those pictured have been involved in the parties

She said: 'A group of three tourists attended the location for a party, they then were followed from the party to their AirBnB, the people got out of the car, there were two females and one male.

'He tried to protect them as these two people tried to rob them.

'As a result off him trying to protect them, he was bottled in the neck which resulted in death.'

PC Fordham also referred to two rapes which led to police being called.

'The most recent one happened in July, this was an allegation of rape, this is currently under investigation still, the allegation states that it happened within the bathroom of 32 Portland Place.

'The allegation details that the female victim met someone at the party at 32 Portland Place, he then offered her cocaine.

'She took the cocaine, he then offered her into one of the bathrooms, she then blacked out.

'The next day, she then noticed she had ripped underwear.'

In 2020 three men were jailed for killing Romanian bouncer Tudor Simionov, 33, outside the mansion.

Gatecrashers had turned violent after being denied entry to the 2,000-a-table champagne party on New Year's Day 2019.

But Davenport insisted that no illegalities would occur at his property. He said: 'I don't take drugs, I don't let anybody in my house take drugs.

'I have seen people smoking marijuana, they are not from my house. I am absolutely certain there is no illegal activity (at the parties).'

He said he would have spoken to neighbours if they had approached him.

'I would have spoken to them and anything that I can do to help,' said Davenport.

'I absolutely would have done, I would go out of my way to appease them and accommodate them.'

Challenging the closure notice, Davenport said: 'I have got quite a high social profile, I like going out and people would come back to the property with me'

The fraudster was notorious in the past for organising sex parties at 33 Portland Place, Marylebone, but he sold it for 27m in 2015 to settle a court order to pay 14m

Mark Warwick, KC, representing Davenport, said in his closing speech that the closure order was 'unnecessary'.

He said: 'It is quite wrong that this gentleman should find he can't use his main house, particularly when its main house in London and has been for years.

'You heard the witnesses, you are best positioned judge for whether there is a culture difference between a partygoer like my client and the witnesses who've given evidence for the applicants in relation to this.'

Delivering the verdict, magistrate Mr Gowlett said: 'We're here today to hear an application for a closure order of 32 Portland Place in London, we heard evidence on behalf of the applicants.

'Witnesses describe seeing evidence of drug use, parking issues and excessive noise.

'We also heard about 63 computer aided dispatch calls to the police, and a number of serious alleged crimes.

'Having listened carefully to all the evidence and arguments, we do not find the case for closure has been proved on balance of probability, and therefore refuse the order that is sought.'

Mr Warwick had asked for the court to reimburse Davenport 124,000 spent on disputing the closure order.

A lawyer representing the Met Police objected and said it was 'the worst case I've come across in 16 years of doing it.

'There has been a rape in the address, a potential death connected to the address and they've requested 124,000.'

Mr Gowlett decided against granting a costs order.

Davenport was jubilant as he left court with his artist friend Philip Phirsov.

He has been throwing huge events for years after founding the raucous Gatecrashers Ball when he was 20.

The former public schoolboy was handed his first prison sentence at Southwark Crown Court in 1990 when he got nine months for a VAT swindle.

Dublin-born Davenport was jailed for nearly eight years for a 4.5m 'advance fee' fraud in 2011.

He served just three years of his sentence before falling ill and undergoing two kidney transplants.

Davenport had tried to claim that he had been too busy living it up in Monaco to run a sophisticated fraud.
A British Iranian sales manager who sued his employer after South African colleagues repeatedly put on Indian accents in front of him, has won an unfair dismissal claim.

Hossein Khansari complained that as the only Asian in the office he was offended by Alan Richardson and Jeffery Curnick putting on voices.

But the pair claimed they were 'genuinely non-plussed' that their 'private joke' could be considered racist and said they 'understood sensitivities' because of where they came from, an employment tribunal heard.

Dr Khansari, an engineer, is now set for compensation after a judged ruled he had been the victim of harassment as his colleagues had a 'lack of understanding of modern British views on such matters'.

However, while the judge found Mr Khansari was subjected to harassment related to his race, he failed to prove he was discriminated against because of his race and so his claim of direct race discrimination failed.

His claim of unfair dismissal also succeeded after his managing director admitted was 'wrongly under the impression' Mr Khansari needed to make written submissions before a disciplinary hearing.

The tribunal, held in Croydon, south London, heard that in March 2019 he started working at engineering firm Platipus Anchors as their regional sales manager for the north of England.

Dr Khansari said that fellow regional sales managers Mr Richardson and Mr Curnick had repeatedly mocked Indian accents which he found offensive as the only Asian person in the office.

Hossein Khansari (pictured) complained that as the only Asian in the office he was offended by Alan Richardson and Jeffery Curnick putting on voices

Mr Richardson told the tribunal there was a 'clear distinction' between mocking and imitating an accent and that he 'understood such sensitivities' because he had grown up in a multicultural country.

He added that his own accent was imitated by others.

Similarly, Mr Curnick said accents were imitated on 'rare occasions', prompted by sport or customers, and that 'things were taken differently' in South Africa.

Other colleagues either claimed they had not heard any accents being imitated or said they included German and French accents, not just Indian, and it was not 'derogatory'.

The tribunal found that Mr Richardson and Mr Curnick had harassed Dr Khansari by imitating Indian accents even if that wasn't their intention.

Employment Judge Colm O'Rourke said the pair were 'genuinely non-plussed' that their 'private joke' could be offensive.

He said: 'Messrs Curnick and Richardson were, we found, genuinely non-plussed that such behaviour could be potentially considered as racial harassment, referring to their 'multicultural' upbringing in South Africa.

'When it was put to Mr Curnick, however that it was not for them to judge whether such behaviour was insulting, or worse, he concurred. We are satisfied that this was conduct unwanted by [Dr Khansari] and that it did relate to his race.

The tribunal found that Alan Richardson (pictured) and Mr Curnick had harassed Dr Khansari by imitating Indian accents even if that wasn't their intention

Dr Khansari said that fellow regional sales managers Mr Richardson and Jeffery Curnick (pictured) had repeatedly mocked Indian accents which he found offensive as the only Asian person in the office

'We are not satisfied that their behaviour had the 'purpose' of harassing [Dr Khansari], but was instead a private 'joke' between them, which they genuinely, but wrongly, did not consider, perhaps based on their lack of understanding of modern British views on such matters, to be potentially offensive to [him].

'In considering whether, nonetheless, such behaviour had the harassing 'effect' on [Dr Khansari], we find it reasonable that it did.'

The tribunal heard that on December 9, 2021, Dr Khansari was removed from a flood alleviation project and suspended from the engineering firm after submitting a 'horribly inaccurate' presentation.

Dr Khansari was then fired on January 4, 2022, when he did not send in written submissions before his disciplinary hearing.

At the tribunal managing director Charles Agg admitted he was 'wrongly under the impression' that Dr Khansari needed to make those submissions before the hearing, making Dr Khansari's dismissal unfair.

Mr Agg said that the relationship between Dr Khansari and the company had 'irretrievably broken down' by January 2022 and that he was sacked for errors in documents, misleading customers, alienating colleagues and poor sales.

As early as August 2021 Dr Khansari was warned by Mr Agg of an 'erosion of relationships with your colleagues' and that he had an 'arrogance' that made Mr Agg concerned for his employment.

The tribunal found that the dismissal was unfair on procedural grounds but that even if correct procedures had been followed Dr Khansari would have been sacked.

EJ O'Rourke said: ' We consider that such a procedure, allowing for appropriate meetings, issue of formal warnings, guidance as to what was required of [Dr Khansari] in respect of his performance and if necessary, assistance in how to achieve it and if appropriate, allowing for any appeal procedure, would have taken three months, plus notice or pay in lieu of notice.

'We consider, in view of our findings already that his fair dismissal would have been inevitable at that point, due principally to his poor sales and his general attitude.'
Angela Rayner has pushed through plans for a 'super-prison' on greenbelt land more than three years after the scheme was rejected by locals.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary has approved the building of a jail holding 1,700 lags near Chorley in Lancashire, despite fears inmates would outnumber the population of local villages.

Chorley Council dismissed the plan for a site in Ulnes Walton, which is close to two existing prisons, in 2021.

But Ms Rayner overruled objections saying harms including the loss of green belt would 'clearly be outweighed by the benefits' and that 'very special circumstances exist which justify approval', the BBC reported.

It comes as the Ministry of Justice struggles with a shortage of prison places that led ministers to free thousands of prisoners early in the summer.

Whitehall's spending watchdog warned earlier this week that Government plans to boost prison capacity could fall short by thousands of cell spaces within two years and cost the taxpayer billions of pounds more than anticipated.

The National Audit Office (NAO) said current expansion plans introduced by the Tory government are 'insufficient to meet future demand' amid a projected shortage of 12,400 prison places by the end of 2027, with costs expected to be at least 4 billion higher than initially estimated.

A source close to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'On the day the last government was lambasted by the NAO for their planning failures, this new Government has shown that we will do what it takes to get prisons built.'

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary has approved the building of a jail holding 1,700 lags near Chorley in Lancashire, despite fears inmates would outnumber the population of local villages.

Chorley Council dismissed the plan for a site in Ulnes Walton in 2021.

It is close to two current prisons, HMP Garth and HMP Wymott (pictured top and plans above)

In a letter announcing the decision, the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government said Ms Rayner was over-ruling a planning inspector who said the rejection by Choley Council should not be challenged.

'The Secretary of State concludes that, on the evidence before her, the harm to the Green Belt and the other harms she has identified are clearly outweighed by the benefits...

'As such she concludes that very special circumstances exist which justify approval.'

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman added: 'This decision is critical to delivering the places we need to keep dangerous offenders off the streets and protect the public.

'This site will also provide a boost to the local economy with hundreds of new jobs and we will continue to work closely with the community to ensure they reap the benefits from the new development.'

It came as new government estimates suggest more than 100,000 prisoners could be held in jails in England and Wales within five years.

In a letter announcing the decision, the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government said Ms Rayner was over-ruling a planning inspector who said the rejection by Choley Council should not be challenged.

'The Secretary of State concludes that, on the evidence before her, the harm to the Green Belt and the other harms she has identified are clearly outweighed by the benefits... 'As such she concludes that very special circumstances exist which justify approval.'

The prison population is projected to increase to between 95,700 and 105,200 by March 2029, with a central estimate of 100,800, figures published on Thursday show.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the potential rise is driven by factors including 'continued growth' in suspects being charged and prosecuted, more cases coming to court, the 'rising levels of people on remand' and 'changes in sentencing policy and behaviour to keep the most serious offenders in prison for longer'.

Since September the Government has been freeing thousands of inmates early in a bid to cut jail overcrowding by temporarily reducing the proportion of sentences which some prisoners must serve behind bars in England and Wales from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

But prisons are still expected to reach critical capacity again by July.

MoJ figures show there were 86,059 adult prisoners behind bars in England and Wales on Monday, slightly higher than the 86,038 recorded at the beginning of last week.

The so-called operational capacity for English and Welsh men and women's prisons is 88,852, indicating there is now cell space for 2,793 criminals.

The latest data means the prison population is only 2.8 per cent lower than when the number of inmates being held hit a new record high of 88,521 on September 6, PA news agency analysis shows.

An additional 1,350 cell spaces tend to always be kept free above the overall operational capacity of the prison estate in England and Wales as a contingency measure so jails can cope with a sudden influx of inmates or change in the make-up of the prison population, according to the MoJ.
German companies eye increased investment in Chinese market

Xinhua) 10:19, December 05, 2024

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 20, 2023 shows a view of Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)

SHANGHAI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A significant majority of German companies plan to maintain their operations in China, with many intending to increase investment within the next two years, according to a survey released by the German Chamber of Commerce in China on Wednesday.

The Business Confidence Survey Report for 2024/25, conducted between Sept. 3 and Oct. 8, gathered insights from 546 member companies, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the German business community's outlook in China.

The survey revealed that 92 percent of German firms intend to continue their operations in the country, with only 0.4 percent considering an exit, despite market challenges.

Notably, 51 percent of respondents plan to boost their investment in the next two years, and 87 percent of them cite the need to remain competitive as their primary motivation. These companies are increasingly adopting an approach of being in China for China, and being in China for the world.

Clas Neumann, chairperson of the board of the German Chamber of Commerce in east China, highlighted the importance of localization, noting that "German companies are addressing current market challenges and mitigating risks while positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunities at hand."

The survey also revealed growing recognition of Chinese firms as innovation leaders. Though just 8 percent of respondents believe this is already the case, 55 percent expect it to become a reality within five years.

When ranking business opportunities in China, the internationalization of Chinese companies and the development of the green economy emerged as the top priorities for German businesses.

More than 5,000 German enterprises have taken root in China, and the Chinese market is of great significance to them, said Maximilian Butek, chief representative of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce Shanghai.

A report from the German Economic Institute shows that the total direct investment made by German companies in China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros (about 12.49 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The figure accounted for over 10 percent of Germany's total overseas investment that year -- the highest level since 2014.

Oliver Oehms, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China (north China), expressed optimism about the Chinese market in an interview with Xinhua.

Noting that the German business community is always optimistic, he said, "Although the consumer confidence is relatively low right now, this can change very quickly. We need to remain confident."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Sir Keir Starmer today promised a 'named, contactable police officer' for every neighbourhood in England and Wales as he delivered a 'reset' of his stumbling premiership.

The Prime Minister used a speech at Pinewood Studios to unveil six 'milestones' that Labour should have achieved by the time of the next general election in 2029.

Among his pledges, Sir Keir guaranteed that every community will have a named, contactable police officer responsible for dealing with local issues.

He described the move as 'a relief to millions of people scared to walk their streets' and promise 100million to support neighbourhood policing.

The PM's pledge is a recommitment to Labour's pre-election vow to put 13,000 more 'bobbies on the beat'.

But the Tories accused Sir Keir of 'misleading' the public and claimed only a third of the 13,000 new recruits would actually be full police officers.

Before the election, Labour promised 13,000 extra police officers, PCSOs and special constables, which would bring the total police workforce to a level above its 2010 peak.

The Conservatives said this would be made up of 3,000 officers being diverted to neighbourhood policing from the existing workforce, 4,000 PCSOs, and 3,000 special constables, who are unpaid volunteers.

They pointed to recent reporting that the Home Office had only requested funding for the recruitment of 3,000 fully warranted officers.

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured in January with PCSOs) promised a named, contactable police officer for every neighbourhood as he delivered a 'reset' of his stumbling premiership

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Labour's action was aimed at 'rebuilding the vital connection between the public and the police'

But the Tories accused Sir Keir of 'misleading' the public and claimed only a third of 13,000 new recruits would actually be full police officers

Sir Keir's speech was billed as setting out the 'next phase' of his Government and his 'plan for change' for Britain.

He said: 'My Government was elected to deliver change, and today marks the next step.

'People are tired of being promised the world, but short-term sticking plaster politics letting them down.'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded the speech an 'emergency reset' after a challenging first five months in office for Sir Keir.

The PM is facing ongoing protests from pensioners, farmers and businesses over Labour's tax and spending plans.

Sir Keir has also lost a Cabinet minister over a fraud row, been forced to sack Sue Gray as his chief of staff, and suffered a damaging row over his 'freebies'.

Police numbers fell following the 2010 election, before rising again after 2019 as the previous Tory government pledged to recruit 20,000 police officers.

While the number of officers reached record levels, the number of PCSOs and special constables continued to decline.

The promise of a named officer for each community is intended to improve relations between the police and the public.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Our neighbourhood policing guarantee is about more than just increasing numbers. It's about rebuilding the vital connection between the public and the police.

'This marks a return to the founding principles of British policing  where officers are part of the communities they serve.'

'Through this visible, responsive police presence in every neighbourhood, we will restore the trust and partnership that lies at the heart of keeping our communities safe.'

Chris Philp, the Tory shadow home secretary, said: 'Fewer than a third of Labour's 13,000 neighbourhood police are actually new police officers.

'What's more, the 100 million being made available will only cover less than a third of what is needed to recruit, train and pay new officers and PCSOs, which will undoubtedly lead to cuts elsewhere.

'The Conservatives recruited over 20,000 extra police officers and gave the police an extra 922million for policing this year, ensuring the police could protect the public and prosecute more criminals.

'Starmer has once again misled the public by claiming to recruit an extra 13,000 officers when the actual number is 3,000, and even that is not properly funded.'
Former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has resigned from the French government following a humiliating vote of no-confidence over his disastrous handling of the budget.

The sensational no-confidence motion means Barnier has become the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history after formally handing his notice in this morning at a 9am meeting with Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

The Elysee today confirmed that Barnier has been asked to stay on as a caretaker PM until Macron finds his successor. It is not currently known if the former diplomat has accepted this request.

'The prime minister today submitted the resignation of his government' to President Emmanuel Macron, who has 'taken note' of the resignation, the Elysee said. Barnier and his ministers remain 'in charge of daily business until the appointment of a new government', it added.

He was ousted by lawmakers from Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally party and members of France's leftist coalition, who came together in an unholy alliance to pass a vote of no-confidence with 331 out of 574 votes - well over the 288 needed. It was the first successful no-confidence vote France has seen since 1962.

The vote prompted Macron, who has faced widespread calls to resign amid the chaos, to hold an emergency meeting with his inner circle in which he reportedly lambasted the left coalition for pushing Barnier out.

Macron railed against the Socialist Party (PS) in particular for 'inventing an anti-Republican front', castigating the left as 'a coalition of the irresponsible that will have to assume responsibility for this before the French people'.

Barnier was ousted after trying to achieve the impossible - to cobble together a budget to address the spiralling national debt while keeping all three quarrelling political blocs in France's hung Parliament happy.

Michel Barnier (pictured) has formally handed in his resignation

The resignation was a massive blow for Emmanuel Macron (pictured, right)

Marine Le Pen's (pictured) far-right RN party led the charge against the Brexit negotiator

Having failed to make headway in the National Assembly, Barnier used an article of the French Constitution to force through a social security financing bill as part of a budget proposing 60 billion euro-tax hikes and spending cuts - a move that led the hard right and left to rise up against him.

Both sides claimed that Barnier's proposed budget would damage and harm the French people - even while the deficit soars unchecked.

His ousting was summed up by veteran French journalist Eric Brunet who told BFMTV: 'What we have just seen is jaw-droppingly French.

'No pragmatism. Just ideology. Our whole discourse is disconnected from reality. It is typically, singularly French.'

Yesterday's governmental collapse leaves France in a unenviable position.

The no-confidence vote plunged the nation into a period of political paralysis with many predicting that economic disaster would follow.

The Paris stock exchange fell at the opening on Thursday before recovering to show small gains, while the yields on French government bonds were again under upward pressure in debt markets.

'France probably won't have a 2025 budget,' said ING Economics in a note, predicting that the country 'is entering a new era of political instability'.

Moody's, a ratings agency, warned that Barnier's fall 'deepens the country's political stalemate' and 'reduces the probability of a consolidation of public finances'.

The country's deficit already stands at over six per cent of GDP and is twice as much as the limit imposed by the European Union, of which France is a leading member.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier gestures after the result of the no-confidence vote on his administration at the National Assembly in Paris on December 4

French President Emmanuel Macron was said to be furious at the decision to force out Barnier

France's media pulled apart the collapse of the government on front pages this morning. The headline reads: 'Michel Barnier censured - he came, he saw, he was fired'

France now risks ending the year without a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows special measures that would avert a US-style government shutdown and would see the 2024 budget roll over into next year until an alternative is drawn up.

Macron now has the unenviable task of picking a viable successor in the wake of a massive political setback, ahead of an expected visit from US president-elect Donald Trump this weekend for the reopening of the historic Notre Dame cathedral following years of renovations.

While there was no indication early on Thursday of how quickly Macron would appoint Barnier's successor, nor what their political leanings might be, loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Bayrou are seen as possible contenders.

Macron could well ask Barnier to stay on in a caretaker role as he seeks a replacement.

But any Prime Minister will have their work cut out to tame France's divided parliament.

Nicolas Beytout, political analyst at France's L'Opinion newspaper, predicts that Barnier's replacement will inevitably face the same obstacles and will likely fail just as their predecessor did.

'A new government needs time, which it won't have. It needs a majority, which it won't have. And it needs the determination to see through the necessary reduction in state spending  which it won't have.

'So I expect to see several more motions of censure, and several more falls of government  before eventually we start to wake up,' he concluded bleakly.

Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe added: 'Let's be clear, we are on the brink of the abyss', warning that the toppling of the government 'reinforces political disorder and weakens our country.'

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier attends the debate prior to the no-confidence votes on his administration at the National Assembly in Paris on December 4, 2024

The collapse of Barnier's government was pulled apart on the front pages of France's newspapers

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen poses prior to an interview on French TV channel TF1, in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

Manuel Bompard speaks to journalists at the Headquarter of the LFI Party in Paris, France

The sorry state of affairs has led to mass appeals from lawmakers for Macron to resign.

Macron has a mandate until 2027 and cannot be pushed out, but the political debacle has left him a diminished figure.

France's governmental woes are, after all, largely due to the French President's decision to call a snap election over the summer.

French voters duly installed a parliament split roughly equally between three blocs - a leftist coalition, Macron's centrists and allies, and the hard-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen.

The hung Parliament has proved largely useless with each bloc bickering and challenging the others while failing to deliver constructive policy decisions.

Typically, this situation would be remedied by a return to the ballot box.

But Article 12 of France's Constitution prohibits 'a new dissolution of the National Assembly within one year' of the previous election - meaning that Parliament will continue as is until at least July 2024.

Following Barnier's ousting, several lawmakers declared that the only way to move forward was for Macron to 'reset' the political climate by stepping down.

Manuel Bompard, an MP for the leftist La France Insoumise (LFI) party, said: 'We will see in the next few hours how Emmanuel Macron intends to go about it... but we are facing an unstable situation.

'If we want to bring back a situation of stability, it requires the departure of the President of the Republic.'

Bompard also said that his party would immediately put forward another vote of no-confidence against Barnier's replacement should Macron choose to appoint a loyalist member of his own party.

'If the idea is to have as future Prime Minister a Macronist who lost the European elections and the legislative elections, why not censure him?'

'When we vote, there must be consequences,' he insisted to French station RTL.

'It would be absurd, after the fall of the Barnier government, to appoint a member of the political force that came in third place.'

Another LFI member Eric Coquerel said: 'This government has never had any legitimacy and the responsibility for it lies more with Mr. Macron than Mr. Barnier.'

France's President Emmanuel Macron and France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, December 4, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, December 4, 2024

Macron, who returned to face the political fallout in France yesterday following a multi-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, has defiantly announced he will not leave office until his term ends in 2027.

'It so happens that if I am here before you, it is because I was elected twice by the French people,' Macron declared while in Riyadh, describing calls for his resignation as 'political fiction'.

Curiously, the far-right have not openly called on Macron to step down despite their matriarch Le Pen's obvious disdain for the President.

National Rally president Jordan Bardella said yesterday he was 'respectful of institutions,' adding that 'there is no justification at this time for the President of the Republic to leave.'

But some observers have suggested that Le Pen, 56, is seeking to bring down Macron before his term ends by ousting Barnier in a wider political ploy.

Le Pen, who is widely expected to challenge for the presidency in 2027, is also embroiled in a high-profile embezzlement trial.

If found guilty in March, she could be blocked from participating in France's next presidential election.

She has insisted, however, that her party's decision to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against Barnier was entirely about his budget proposal that she said would make the French poorer.

By following the 'catastrophic continuity of Emmanuel Macron', the prime minister 'could only fail', she wrote on social media.
After nearly 20 years of hosting one of the BBC's top cooking shows, you would think Gregg Wallace and John Torode would by now - at least - consider each other 'friends'.

While the Masterchef presenters may appear joined at the hip onscreen, the same cannot be said for when they are off it, with Torode previously claiming that he and Wallace have 'never been friends'.

And despite their seemingly natural chemistry, the presenting pair have at times locked horns when the cameras are off.

It therefore comes as no surprise then that Torode has failed to offer any public support to Wallace after allegations emerged from several women accusing the 60-year-old of making inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming.

The allegations emerged on Thursday last week, coming from a number of previous Masterchef contestants including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark.

After days of remaining silent on social media, Torode finally addressed the claims on Wednesday, but notably failed to speak up in support of his embattled co-host.

Torode said in a statement on Instagram that he found the recent reports 'truly upsetting' and the 'thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear'.

His words came after Wallace was said to be 'furious' with his former co-star for not publicly supporting him and unfollowed him and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram.

John Torode and Gregg Wallace appeared on Good Morning Britain in 2019, where the 60-year-old said he often sees his co-host in 'tears of frustration'

In another cip from ITV's This Morning, host Catherine Langsford told the pair 'It seems after 14 years , you still love it and love each other' to which Gregg gave a smirk

Wallace and Torode locked horns in one episode of Masterchef when they were unable to come to an agreement on which contestant should be voted out, prompting a tense exchange

Though Torode was Wallace's best man for his fourth marriage, to Anne-Marie Sterpini - 22 years his junior - in 2016, the pair are anything but close. Speaking to The Mirror in 2017, Torode admitted: 'It's funny, we've never been friends.

'We've not been to each other's houses He's so OCD, he wouldn't know what to do.

'He'd build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then he'd have an argument with his wife and not turn up.

'If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasn't in control.'

Torode even revealed that on one occasion he stormed off set after he got in a 'massive fight' with his co-host.

He said: 'Once, we had a bit too much to drink and filming got called off," admitted John

'We ended up having a massive fight about one of the contestants, and he got really stubborn  it was ridiculous.

'Weve had a couple of standoffs over the years, about contestants, and Ive just had to walk away from him.'

Wallace appeared visibly frustrated with his Masterchef co-host during one episode where they were unable to agree on who to send home

Wallace pictured with his wife Anne-Marie in June 2020

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.'

The rift in their relationship is also not news to those working on the BBC cookery show, as insiders .

One source familiar with the MasterChef scandal told Daily Mail's Katie Hind: 'Gregg and John are not friends, their relationship has been purely professional for a long time but that is looking shaky right now.'

Another source who knows both men added: 'It is a miracle that they stand next to one another on set sometimes, there have been some really, really bad times.'

A further strain in their relationship became apparent in October when Torode failed to get behind his co-host when his wife Lisa Faulkner alleged Wallace 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set.

Faulkner, 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy.

John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner has previously alleged Wallace 'repeatedly told rude jokes' on set. She is pictured on the set of Masterchef with Wallace and Torode in 2010

John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner appear on ITV's This Morning in September 2024

The Brookside and Holby City star told the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October how she would overhear the former greengrocer's jokes as she was chopping away, according to The Sun.

She said: 'Gregg was telling  I'm probably not allowed to say thisGregg just told rude joke after rude joke to the crew.

'You're just sitting there and if you're on the front bench just chopping away thinking, "I've got ten minutes left", and he's saying, "So this girl walked into a bar"

'And I'm going, "Please, I don't want to hear this joke".'

Torode, who was on stage with Lisa at the time, did not dismiss any of her comments, but claimed the show has 'changed quite a lot' since then.

Following the emergence of the allegations last week, Wallace has made his anger at Torode and his wife quite plain, after unfollowing them both on Instagram.

Meanwhile, a source told The Sun that Wallace is 'furious' with his former co-star for not publicly supporting him and believes 'he has done nothing wrong'.

The source said: 'Gregg is absolutely furious and is convinced he has done nothing wrong.

Faulkner (pictured), 52, appeared on the series in 2010 where she went on to win the Celebrity MasterChef trophy

Faulkner revealed earlier this year how she would overhear Gregg's jokes during her time on Masterchef, according to The Sun

'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.'

Wallace, 60, is facing a mountain of allegations from women who have continued to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct in recent days.

The MasterChef star stepped down from hosting the show after nearly 20 years last Thursday after 13 women, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, over a 17-year period across five shows from 2005 to 2022.

The allegations include roaming around on set naked with a sock on his penis, inappropriate jokes and groping crew members.

Other allegations include talking openly about his sex life on set, including details of intimate acts, flirting with crew members and asking younger female colleagues for their numbers.

The Masterchef judge's lawyers have said 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'.
China now poses a major nuclear threat to the West after rapidly expanding its atomic weapons arsenal, the head of Britain's armed forces has warned.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said the world was now entering a new 'nuclear age' - with China posing a more deadly threat than ever before.

In an alarming address to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, Admiral Sir Tony said Britain was facing a new 'world order' shaped by its enemies and regional conflicts.

The military boss claimed Russia, China, Iran and North Korea all posed a danger, and highlighted Beijing as a particular challenge for the US.

For decades, the nuclear threat posed by China was not considered significant. But Beijing is now expanding its stockpile of nuclear weapons more rapidly than any other country.

It is feared that by 2030, the communist state will be on a par with the US and Russia and could soon have an apocalyptic arsenal of 1,000 nuclear warheads.

Speaking at RUSI's annual Chief of the Defence Staff lecture, Adm Sir Tony said the world was 'at the dawn of a third nuclear age'.

He said the initial nuclear age was the Cold War, a period 'defined by two opposing blocs governed by the risk of uncontrollable escalation and the logic of deterrence'.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, pictured right alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, warned China now poses a major nuclear threat to the West

China's military often carries out wargames. Forces from the the People's Liberation Army are pictured launching a missile in August 2022

Pictured are Chinese soldiers during a march in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China

The second nuclear age was defined by 'disarmament efforts and counter-proliferation', he continued.

However, the situation faced by the world now was 'altogether more complex', he said.

'From Russia, we have seen wild threats of tactical nuclear use, large-scale nuclear exercises and simulated attacks against Nato countries, all designed to coerce us from taking the action required to maintain stability,' Adm Sir Tony warned.

'China's nuclear build-up poses a two-peer challenge to the United States. Iran's failure to co-operate with the International Atomic Energy Agency is a concern, and North Korea's ballistic missile programme and erratic behaviour present a regional and, increasingly, a global threat.'

A recent paper by Rusi warned that China was 'moving to a launch-on-warning posture akin to those maintained by Russia and the US'.

In recent years, China has emerged as a nuclear superpower. It has built hundreds of new intercontinental ballistic missile silos and ramped up its construction of nuclear warheads.

During his speech, Admiral Sir Tony said that as Britain's military chief he had a 'responsibility' to 'stiffen the nation's resolve'.

'That requires me to speak plainly about the threats we face and the response required,' he said.

The British armed forces chief said the world was dividing into three groups: Russia, China and its allies who want to undermine global security; responsible nations such as the UK; and states which seek to exploit the chaos for their own advantage.

China has rapidly expanded its stockpile of nukes, becoming a nuclear superpower. Pictured is Chinese President Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang

Pictured is the British Army's new Archer Mobile Howitzer gun firing, as British troops took part in training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, Finland last month

During his landmark address in London on Wednesday, Admiral Sir Tony called on international leaders to 'recognise that one era has ended and another has begun'.

He also warned that collusion between these hostile states could increase, including the possibility that North Korea provides tens of thousands more troops to back the Russian occupation of Ukraine.

He asked: 'Do we understand what is at stake? And are we sufficiently motivated to respond? This year's most extraordinary development was the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on the border of Ukraine.

'And the possibility of tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia, which could involve the exchange of the most sensitive technology and expertise between Moscow and Pyongyang.

'Add to this the use of Iranian-supplied drones by Russian forces, and Russia's threats to arm the [Yemeni] Houthis in direct retaliation for western support to Ukraine, and we are witnessing the world aligning into three groups.

'Talk of world order may sound abstract... And multi-lateral institutions may feel remote. But they are real.

Admiral Radakin also warned that collusion between hostile states could increase, including the possibility that North Korea provides tens of thousands more troops to back the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Pictured: Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers march during a mass rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang on September 9, 2018

A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launched in Oblast by Russia last month, which could carry a nuclear warhead

'Their presence, and more so their absence, can be felt in a way that is immediate and visceral.'

Admiral Sir Tony insisted the direct threat to the UK posed by Russia remained 'remote' and was adamant that as long as the West aligns its interests and capabilities, responsible states can thwart the opponents of democracy.

He said: 'If we step back for a moment, we can see our strengths.

'A Europe and America that represents half the world's wealth versus a Russia that is facing economic and demographic decline.

'A Nato that spends more on defence than Russia and China combined and is becoming even stronger.

'An international community that has responded to Russia's aggression with unprecedented cohesion and resolve.'

The comments came after a minister warned the entire British Army would be wiped out in 'six months to a year' during a major war with Russia.

Alistair Carns, who won the Military Cross for gallantry on special forces operations, issued the bleak assessment as he stressed the importance of building up Britain's military reserve forces.

The MP's warning came as he highlighted the huge numbers of Russian soldiers being slaughtered in Ukraine.

The entire British Army would be wiped out in 'six months to a year' in a major war, veterans minister Alistair Carns has warned (pictured are members of the Welsh Guards in Wiltshire)

Pictured is veterans minister Alistair Carns, who said Britain must invest in its reserve forces

The veterans minister, who is also a reservist, said around 1,500 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded every day. The highest reported total in a single day is around 2,000.

Mr Carns claimed the ability for Russia to be able to absorb such savage losses and continue with his invasion of Ukraine was part of Putin's plan, which is why Britain must boost its number of full-time professional soldiers and widen its pool of part-time reservists.

'In a war of scale  not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine  our army for example on the current casualty rates would be expended  as part of a broader multinational coalition - in six months to a year,' Mr Carns reported said in a speech at a conference on reserves at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

Mr Carns, a former full time Royal Marine Colonel until he switched his military career for one in politics, noted that Russia would soon be moving onto its third army in Ukraine, having conscripted tens of thousands of troops into its war effort.

'That doesn't mean we need a bigger army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis,' Mr Carns said.

A serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade fires his weapon in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, on November 29 2024

The British Army has shrunk to its smallest size in more than 200 years. Pictured is a British soldier on exercise

'The reserves are critical, absolutely central, to that process. Without them we cannot generate mass, we cannot meet the plethora of defence tasks.'

The British Army has shrunk to its smallest size in more than 200 years, with figures this year showing there were just 72,510 full-time, trained soldiers ready for deployment.

It comes after Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, announced in 2021 the Army would be cut to 72,500 personnel by 2025, scrapping the 82,000 target which had been set in 2015.

Meanwhile, government figures show there are 24,068 reservists in the Army - which is 20 per cent off its 2019 target of 30,000 set back in 2016.

Britain has underinvested in its reserve forces, which have shrunk dramatically over the years.

At the end of the Cold War, the 'Territorial Army', as it was known, had a trained strength of almost 73,000 soldiers. And by the end of the Second World War, more than a one million army reservists had been called to fight.

Limited funding has seen governments prioritising cash for the full-time army, Royal Navy and RAF.

But this has led to reserves being undermanned, with part-time troops historically lacking basic equipment like body armour, weapons and vehicles and not receiving the training they need.

Figures show Britain has just 72,510 full-time, trained soldiers ready for deployment (file image)

Military top brass often claim war is started by professional armies but ended by civilians - who join the fight as volunteers or reservists as has happened in Ukraine.

Mr Carns noted that Russia would soon be moving onto its third army in Ukraine having sustained heavy losses following more than 1,000 days of full-scale war.

'That doesn't mean we need a bigger army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis,' Mr Carns said. '

'The reserves are critical, absolutely central, to that process. Without them we cannot generate mass, we cannot meet the plethora of defence tasks.'

Reservists train in their own time, often attending evening or weekend sessions, or two-week annual courses.

Ukrainian soldier during infantry training in a building at an undetermined location in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on December 2, 2024

Britain also has a 'strategic reserve', which comprises of all former service personnel for a set period after they leave the regular military.

Previously this pool of troops - which can be called upon in the event of a war - used to train annually during the Cold War, with the Ministry of Defence keeping track of who was in the strategic reserve and where the lived.

However, this training ceased after the Cold War. Now the MoD does not necessarily know who or where everyone in the strategic reserve is based, reports Sky News.

Mr Carns said Britain needed to catch up with its Nato allies and 'place a greater emphasis' on reserve forces.

He added 'we need to grow our active reserve' to respond 'at short notice'.
Seven men were caught hiding among pallets of Nutella after 'banging and shouting was heard from inside a lorry.

After emergency services arrived, the men were found sat on 12ft high pallets of the chocolate spread inside a white Scania lorry.

Cambridgeshire Police said they had received a 999 call reporting noises coming from the lorry as it was parked up at Brampton Hut Services on Monday evening.

A photograph released by police shows the men lying on top of the boxes as fire service officers helped to get them out, before being checked over by ambulance workers.

They were taken to the Police Investigation Centre in Kings Lynn, Norfolk and have since been transferred to the immigration service.

The 44-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal entry into the UK and has since been bailed to return to the police station next year.

In a statement to MailOnline, Cambridgeshire Police said four of the men were of Turkish nationality, while three were Syrian.

The incident comes just weeks after migrants caused chaos on the motorway after escaping a broken down lorry on the M20.

Seven men were caught hiding among pallets of Nutella after 'banging and shouting was heard from inside a lorry parked up at Brampton Hut Services, Cambridgeshire

The men were said to have been found sat on 12ft high pallets containing the popular chocolate spread (pictured) inside a white Scania lorry

Eleven suspected migrants - both male and female - were travelling in a lorry but it ground to a halt near junction four, on 14 November.

A bright yellow Peugeot crashed in the process, which was later seen being taken away.

The incident, which caused 'mayhem' on the busy Kent Road, ended with the group being found on the hard shoulder and put in a Home Office immigration enforcement facility in Folkestone.

One eye witness said: 'It was complete chaos.

'I was driving and saw all these migrants running all over the place.

'It's a miracle they didn't die. How on earth did this happen? It was insane. Where did the lorry come from?'

Another said: 'They were risking their life in there. They could easily have been run over.

'God knows how it happened.'

A Kent police spokesperson said: 'At around 10am on 14 November 2024, officers located 11 suspected migrants on the hard shoulder of the M20 near junction 4.

'They have all since been transferred to a Home Office immigration enforcement facility in Folkestone.

'It is reported the migrants had been travelling in a lorry and enquiries are ongoing to locate this vehicle.'
Keir Starmer attempted to 'reset' his struggling government today as he bombarded Brits with another array of targets.

The PM used a speech at Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire to unveil six 'milestones' that Labour should have achieved by the time of the next election in 2029.

He warned that the 'gauntlet was being thrown down' to civil servants. In an apparent reference to Donald Trump's slogan in the US, Sir Keir said: 'I don't think there is a swamp to be drained here... But I do think that too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline.'

Sir Keir is committing to raising living standards, lowering NHS waits, building 1.5million new homes, and putting more bobbies on the beat as part of the critical intervention. Each neighbourhood will be able to contact a named local officer, under the proposals.

Ensuring children are prepared to start school and decarbonisation of energy are also on his list, intended to make it easier to judge progress on his five 'missions'. Confusingly there are also three 'foundations' for the government.

However, Sir Keir is not setting any targets for reducing immigration or a timetable for increasing defence spending.

The Resolution Foundation think-tank pointed out that the thresholds on increasing real disposable income for households have been hit in every Parliament since 1955, describing them as 'the absolute bare minimum for any functioning Government'.

He has also been accused of sidelining Labour's flagship manifesto pledge to deliver the fastest growing economy in the G7 - which looks doomed to failure as the US and Canada are surging ahead.

And he appears to have watered down a key commitment to make the power grid net zero by 2030, instead suggesting it will be '95 per cent clean power'.

The milestones are:

Higher living standards in every part of the United Kingdom by the end of the Parliament. The government says that will be measured on Real Household Disposable Income per person and GDP per capita. 'We also believe that growth must be felt by everyone, everywhere, so we will track GDP per head at both a regional and national level'.

Building 1.5million homes in England and fast-track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects - more than the last 14 years combined.

Ending hospital backlogs to meet the NHS standard of 92 per cent of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment.

Putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every neighbourhood, and 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles in England and Wales.

Giving children the best start in life, with 75 per cent of five-year-olds in England ready to learn when they start school.

Putting the UK on track for 'at least 95 per cent Clean Power by 2030, while accelerating the UK to net zero'.

The PM is using a speech at Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire to unveil six 'milestones' that Labour should have achieved by the time of the next election in 2029

The PM used a speech at Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire to unveil six 'milestones' that Labour should have achieved by the time of the next election in 2029

The premier was introduced by his deputy Angela Rayner , who said she was 'proud' that 'change has already begun'

Sir Keir has been accused of sidelining Labour's flagship manifesto pledge to deliver the fastest growing economy in the G7 - which looks doomed to failure as the US and Canada are surging ahead. Pictured, the latest OECD forecasts for UK growth

The premier was introduced by his deputy Angela Rayner, who said she was 'proud' that 'change has already begun'.

Sir Keir kicked off his speech by joking that if he kept coming to Pinewood he could be the next James Bond.

He acknowledged that people would say 'we've heard these before' and ask 'where's the rabbit out of the hat', but stressed the milestones are 'measurable'.

'One thing the British people know in their bones is that this is a great nation,' he said.

'This plan will land on desks across Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down.'

In a document published alongside describes the milestones, including delivering higher living standards by the next election, saying growth must be 'felt by everyone, everywhere'.

It insisted the long-term 'aim' was to make the UK the fastest-growing G7 economy.

That seems to be a slight backtrack from his firmer commitment at the election.

Sir Keir denied that the Net Zero target had been eased, saying: 'The clean energy pledge is today exactly what it was in the election; that has always been central to our mission.'

He added: 'The mission hasn't changed from the day I launched it nearly two years ago. In terms of where we need to get to on clean energy by 2030, it's exactly the same as it always was.

'There's always going to be a mix but that is the pledge that we made two years ago. That is the mission and we've not changed it today. '

Writing in the foreword to his 'plan for change', Sir Keir promised 'a relentless focus on the priorities of working people', backed by 'a new approach to wealth creation'.

He said there must be honesty about the 'trade-offs' required to achieve his aims.

He wrote: 'We know, after the sacrifices people made during the past 14 years, that it will be hard for working people to hear politicians ask them to come together for their country again.

'But the need for change is urgent. And it must be met.'

Alongside his 'milestone' on living standards, measured by real disposable income and GDP per head, Sir Keir's plan promises to ensure that 92 per cent of patients wait no longer than 18 months for NHS treatment, there is a named police officer for every neighbourhood, 75 per cent of children start school with a good level of development, and to put the country on track to achieve at least 95 per cent low-carbon power generation by 2030.

There is no goal on immigration - either legal or illegal - but the document said: 'We will restore order to the immigration system, reducing net migration from the record high levels seen in recent years by reforming our approach to the labour market, addressing skills shortages here in the UK, and clamping down on employers who exploit the visa system.'

Asked about the absence of a target on migration, Sir Keir said a 'serious plan' rather than 'gimmicks'. 'We are going to drive down migration both legal and illegal.'

On Channel boats, he insisted the 'only way to make it work is to smash the gangs'.

Polling suggests public enthusiasm for Labour has nosedived since his landslide in July.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Labour were not 'ready for government' despite having 14 years in Opposition

Nigel Farage slammed the lack of a target on immigration

Ipsos found 53 per cent of voters have been 'disappointed' with the Government's performance while just 19 per cent are 'pleased'.

Disaffection is even greater among older voters, millions of whom have been stripped of winter fuel payment, with 74 per cent of over-55s saying the Government has made a poor start.

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was grilled on why Sir Keir needed what the Tories have branded an 'emergency relaunch' after just five months in office.

'The Prime Minister is setting out today the plan for change and these really major milestones, that they capture the priorities for people across the country, the things that we're determined need to change over the next few years,' she said.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Before the election, we set out the big missions for the country.

'In my area, that was around making the streets safer, around reducing serious violence and also restoring confidence in policing.

'But now what we're doing, after the Budget and the spending review, is setting out 'what does that mean in terms of the real major milestones, the difference that we want people to see in their own communities, in their own towns'?.

Sir Keir will give further details on how Labour will meet its pledge to recruit 13,000 new neighbourhood officers, including police community support officers and special constables.

Ms Cooper told Sky News: 'We're putting forward, next year, an additional 100 million for police forces. Also we have a major programme around policing efficiency and collaboration across forces that will also generate further savings.

'But this is the plan over the course of this Parliament, the 13,000 over the course of this Parliament. That 100 million is sufficient to fund recruitment of around 1,200 new police officers.

'But we'll be working with police forces on how they actually make the most of that and get the impact of that, drawing in additional officers to get them back on to the beat because I think the reality of most people's experience is very often in the town centres, they just don't see the police anymore.

'And we want to make that focus getting the police back on the beat, working in communities, restoring neighbourhood policing, which is something really important and precious for Britain, which we've lost for too many years.'

The Labour manifesto had previously suggested a commitment to zero-carbon power by 2030

Sir Keir is not setting any targets for reducing immigration

The PM said in his speech: 'Hard-working Brits  reasonably want a stable economy, their country to be safe, their borders secure, more cash in their pocket, safer streets in their town, opportunities for their children, secure British energy in their home, and an NHS that is there when they need it.

'My mission-led Government will deliver.'

Alongside boosting growth, Labour's missions were: making Britain a 'clean energy superpower'; rebuilding the NHS; tackling crime and 'taking back our streets'; and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Sir Keir is expected to put some flesh on the bones today, including a 'neighbourhood policing guarantee' which will introduce a named, contactable police officer for every community in Britain.
Standing opposite a classic English pub on a quiet side street in the upmarket West London district of Fitzrovia, this appears to be an entirely ordinary Edwardian townhouse.

Yet this seemingly incongruous building has a surprising link to a multi-billion-pound Russian crypto laundering operation with clients ranging from the Kinahan cartel to cybercriminals, Russian oligarchs and even the Kremlin.

The UK was an important hub for the enterprise which allowed ill-gotten cash to be used to buy drugs from South America, property in the UK, and fund Russian spying operations overseas.

After the arrest of one of its couriers, the money was traced to a glamorous Siberian businesswoman called Ekaterina Zhdanova, who ran Smart, a Moscow-based cryptocurrency network, which, along with another called TGR, underpinned the whole money-laundering system.

And that's where the Fitzrovia townhouse comes in, with the building listed as the correspondence address for TGR Corporate Concierge LTD, a UK-listed company that played a role in the network.

Despite this, there is no suggestion anyone inside the building knew anything about its apparent links to international money laundering.

More than a dozen other companies are also registered to the same address for correspondence purposes, and it's unlikely any members of the organised crime ring ever visited it.

The system encompassing Smart and TGR was used by Russian-speaking hackers with millions in cryptocurrency that they needed to turn into cash and assets, as well as street gangs who had physical money they needed to launder.

This Fitzrovia townhouse is the correspondence address for TGR Corporate Concierge LTD, a UK-listed company that played a role in the laundering network. There's no suggestion anyone inside the building knew anything about its apparent links to international money laundering

Playing a key role in the conspiracy was Ekaterina Zhdanova, who was born in Siberia and built a vast network of contacts in Moscow

The whereabouts of the boss of TGR, Russian businessman Georgy Rossi (right, with Elena Chirkinyan), are currently unknown

The five-storey building is home to an art company and a hotel accommodation business.

When contacted by MailOnline over the intercom, they said they had no idea what TGR Corporate Concierge was or why it is registered at the same address.

They also denied any knowledge that the address was linked to a firm being used as a front for illegal activities.

Irish cartel the Kinahans are also accused of using the system to get cryptocurrency in return for cash, while oligarchs placed under sanctions used it to disguise their cash in order to invest in British property.

Even the Russian state used the secretive network to get money to spies based in other countries, and it is also claimed it was used to move funds from the state-controlled TV network RT to journalists based in the UK.

The media group, formerly known as Russia Today, was sanctioned by the UK in 2022 and has more recently been linked to a malign influence campaign in the US.

Zhdanova, who ran Smart, was born in Siberia and built a vast network of contacts in Moscow during a career in financial services during which she graced the covers of multiple business magazines.

The glamorous businesswoman was sanctioned by the US last year and is currently in custody in France.

The whereabouts of the boss of TGR, Russian businessman Georgy Rossi, are currently unknown.

Both Zhdanova and Rossi are thought to have made millions from laundering money around the world, taking a commission of roughly three per cent for transactions totalling billions.

Ms Zhdanova graced the covers of multiple business magazines during a career in financial services

The scheme was first discovered with the arrest of Fawad Saiedi in London in November 2021, who was found with more than 250,000 in cash on the M1

International law enforcement agencies investigating the network have now made 84 arrests, including more than 70 in the UK, with over 20million seized in Britain.

The scheme was first discovered with the arrest of Fawad Saiedi in London in November 2021, who was found with more than 250,000 in cash on the M1.

He was later jailed for possessing and transferring criminal property, and was thought to have been involved in laundering more than 15 million, under the instructions of Zhdanova and her associate Nikita Krasnov.

National Crime Agency director general of operations Rob Jones said the investigation, named Operation Destabilise, exposed billion-dollar laundering networks operating in a way previously unknown to international law enforcement.

'For the first time, we have been able to map out a link between Russian elites, crypto-rich cyber criminals, and drugs gangs on the streets of the UK,' he said.

'The thread that tied them together  the combined force of Smart and TGR  was invisible until now.

'The NCA and partners have disrupted this criminal service at every level.

'We have identified and acted against the Russians pulling the strings at the very top, removing the air of legitimacy that enabled them to weave illicit funds into our economy.'

Ms Zhdanova ran Smart, which operated alongside another organisation known as TGR

The glamorous businesswoman was sanctioned by the US last year and is currently in custody in France

A picture of Ms Zhdanova, who had a career in financial services

A man counting money being processed by the money laundering network

The complex scheme involved collecting funds in one country and making the equivalent value available in another, often by swapping cryptocurrency for cash

The money laundering system operated in 30 countries and was used by gangs including notorious Irish cartel the Kinahans as well as money-runners across Britain, the NCA said

The NCA released a video explaining how cryptocurrency was swapped for dirty money gathered by UK street gangs

Zhdanova and Rossi were at the top of an international system where criminals with dirty money or cryptocurrency could exchange it for funds of the equivalent value, meaning they could hide the fact the money had come from crime.

Smart's customers are alleged to have included a Russian ransomware group that was responsible for attempting to extort at least 27 million from 149 UK victims including hospitals, schools, businesses and local authorities.

The system meant drug dealers in the UK swapped dirty money for cryptocurrency that they could use to buy drugs from South American cartels, while Russian cybercriminals were able to buy assets such as properties abroad.

The network used cash couriers in the UK run by two men called Semen Kuksov and Andrii Dzektsa, who between July 2022 and September 2023 oversaw the laundering of 12.3 million in 74 days.

One courier linked to Kuksov's network, Igor Logvinov, was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Ireland and later jailed for three years.

Criminal gangs turned cash into virtual currency which they could then use to reinvest in their illicit business

A photo of piles of cash being moved by the gang that was provided by the NCA

Money was hidden inside boxes of washing powder

The boxes after being opened by officers

Zhdanova - pictured - is currently in custody in France

Wodges of numbered banknotes laid out on the ground

In Jersey in October 2021, an investigation found that Muhiddin Umurzokov, Anvarjon Eshonkulov and Batsukh Bataa had tried to launder 60,000 on the island.

They were found to be housing illegal migrants in sub-let homes that were paid for with the proceeds of drug dealing and prostitution, and were all jailed.

Two other cases saw money smugglers stopped at the border in Kent - Ukrainian nationals Taras Hirnyak and Andrii Trachuk who were found with 1 million in cash in washing powder boxes in May last year at the Channel Tunnel, and Ruslan Kaziuk who was stopped at Dover in March 2023 with taped up packages of cash.

Another courier, Andrejs Jasins, was stopped at Frankley Services on the southbound M5 near Birmingham in March 2023 and was found with 400,000 hidden under the passenger seat of his van.

The Latvian national had only flown into the UK the day before he was arrested, and was later jailed for two years.

Semen Kuksov (left) and Andrii Dzetska (right) was one of the network's cash couriers in the UK

A pile of banknotes wrapped up inside a bag for life

Several watches were also seized from the gang

The NCA worked with law enforcement in the US, Ireland, Jersey and France to bring down the network, which spanned 30 countries.

A series of sanctions, announced by US authorities, have been put in against individuals accused of running the network.

Zhdanova's associates Khadzi-Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov and Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov were sanctioned by the United States on Wednesday.

Rossi, Chirkinyan, and another leading figure in TGR, Andrejs Bradens also known as Andrejs Carenoks, were also sanctioned by the US, along with associated businesses including TGR Partners, TGR DWC LLC and TGR Corporate Concierge Ltd.
A scrap dealer will be jailed if he doesn't clear up 600 tons of rubbish, including a 'graveyard' of Henry vacuum cleaners and Cozy Coupe toy cars, from a beauty spot.

Paul Fenton, 59, has been accused of wrecking a wildlife haven and being 'wholly selfish' through his hoarding of rubbish at his unofficial scrapyard at Flowton near Hadleigh, Suffolk.

His 'absolute eyesore' of a dump is behind locked gates on a two-acre plot at the site of a medieval flint pit, surrounded by rolling fields and historic woodland

The rubbish on the site includes dozens of Henry vacuum cleaners and piles of old children's toy cars, tractors and buggies.

The collection of pedal and foot-powered vehicles includes a large number of iconic red and yellow Cozy Coupe cars.

Local residents are mystified about why Fenton is keeping the decaying objects, many of them covered in mould and discoloured by the sun at the site known as Flowton Pit.

Suffolk County Council has prosecuted Fenton four times in 2001, 2007, 2010 and 2012 over his eyesore dump. He was also given a suspended jail sentence in 2021 for allowing cocaine to be packaged at a drug factory in a shipping container on his land.

But despite being repeatedly fined thousands of pounds and made subject to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, he has failed to clean up the site over the last two decades.

Paul Fenton, 59, has been accused of wrecking a wildlife haven and being 'wholly selfish' through his hoarding of rubbish at his unofficial scrapyard at Flowton near Hadleigh, Suffolk

The 600 tons of rubbish includes a 'graveyard' of Henry vacuum cleaners and Cozy Coupe cars

An aerial view of the sprawling piles of rubbish he has been ordered to clear up

Council chiefs finally took him to the High Court last week where a judge made an interim order requiring him to carry out 'lawful arrangements' to remove 'all waste materials' from his site within three months.

The order made by Her Honour Judge Crane at the King's Bench Division on November 27 also requires him not use the land for the deposit or storage of waste in the future.

A council statement said that the judge determined that Fenton 'has no legitimate right to use the land in this way, noting the necessity of the interim injunction and proportionality given the history and duration'.

Fenton of Gaell Crescent, Hadleigh, did not respond to any pre-action letters over the case, and did not attend or have representation at the High Court.

He now faces a potential jail sentence under Contempt of Court laws if he fails to obey the injunction.

The council estimates there is 300 to 600 tonnes of what it calls 'domestic and commercial waste' on his land with 'a real variety of items including caravans, vehicles, car parts, wood, scrap metal, and oil tanks'.

Fenton has made no comment about the injunction and did not open his door to a reporter who called at his home where his letterbox was sealed up with yellow tape to prevent deliveries.

A mountain of cardboard boxes is pictured flowing down towards an old caravan

Council chiefs finally took him to the High Court last week where a judge made an interim order requiring him to carry out 'lawful arrangements' to remove 'all waste materials' from his site

The collection of pedal and foot-powered vehicles includes a large number of iconic red and yellow Cozy Coupe cars

Chris Chambers, the Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said: 'We will not stand for the actions of people like Mr Fenton, whose behaviour is wholly selfish with no regard for others.

'Previous successful prosecutions against him have clearly not had any impact, so we had no choice but to take the case to the High Court and seek this injunction.

'His choice not to dispose of waste in a legal manner affects local businesses who make a positive contribution to our economy by paying the appropriate charges and taxes for disposal.

'Mr Fenton's actions have also had a longstanding effect on the local community and environment - impacting rural and residential amenities, access and possible destruction of badger setts.'

A villager added: 'His site is an absolute eyesore and a blot on the landscape. People in the area have bore holes, and there are concerns that the rubbish he dumps could contaminate the water supply.

'It is a mystery why he is so fond of Cozy Coupe cars and Henry vacuum cleaners. The place is like a graveyard for them. Maybe he likes the smiley faces on the cleaners.'

Fenton was last fined 5,000 and ordered to pay 3,712 in costs at Ipswich Crown Court in April 2013 after he admitted five offences of breaching an enforcement notice and five offences of contravening a stop notice in relation to the pit.

He was also made the subject of an ASBO for five years after the court heard at an earlier hearing how the council had issued notices in 2000 requiring him and his former wife Susan Fenton to stop dumping waste material on the land.

A villager called it 'an absolute eyesore and a blot on the landscape'

A council statement said that the judge determined that Fenton 'has no legitimate right to use the land in this way'

The gates to the site, where junk can be seen overflowing the boundaries

Fenton appeared in court for breaching the orders in 2001 and 2007 before being fined and ordered to pay costs of 35,000, and getting first ASBO after admitting 10 offences in 2010.

The hearing in 2013 was told how a council monitoring and enforcement officer found piles of brick and concrete rubble and a tipper truck at the site.

Fenton told the court at the time that he had not run a business in the UK since he was given his ASBO in 2010 and had been trying to sell his land while living in Bulgaria.

Ipswich Crown Court heard in August 2021 how a shipping container in his yard was used as a makeshift factory for the cutting and packaging of cocaine

Christopher Southart, 35, of Harwich, Essex, who was found on the site with packages of the Class A drug worth up to 25,000 admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and was jailed for 98 months.

Kevin Parr, 60, of Harwich was found guilty of the same charge after a trial and admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply. He was jailed for 54 months.

Fenton admitted permitting premises to be used for the production of class A drugs, and was given a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.
A former FBI chief has revealed he does not believe that Brian Thompson's assassin was a hitman but he was clearly a 'proficient' marksman.

Robert D'Amico said the UnitedHeathcare CEO's killer made some crucial errors which mark him out as an amateur, including a visiting a nearby Starbucks prior to the slaying.

Thompson, 50, was gunned down in the early hours of Wednesday as he was on his way to an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The health insurance boss' wife Paulette, from whom he was separated, revealed he had recently been dealing with threats which referenced a 'lack of coverage'.

The shooter approached Thompson from behind and fired several shots using a handgun equipped with a silencer. He then fled the scene on an eBike and remains at large.

D'Amico said the assassin likely shed the clothes he was filmed wearing shortly after the killing and may already have committed suicide.

But the expert also speculated that the success of the execution and subsequent escape may have emboldened him into thinking that he can get away from the crime.

D'Amico told DailyMail.com he believes a 'suicide by cop' where the killer would deliberately provoke police to kill him if caught is unlikely.

He said the tactic is more common among school shooters who want to go out in a blaze of glory and that Thompson's assassin has not displayed signs of egotism.

A former FBI supervisor has revealed he does not believe that Brian Thompson's assassin (pictured) was a hitman but he was clearly a 'proficient' marksman

Brian Thompson, 50, was gunned down in the early hours of Wednesday while on his way to an investor conference in New York

D'Amico warned that the 'brazen' assassination could trigger copycat killings, as he speculated that it was the work of someone with a 'personal vendetta' against Thompson's company.

The security expert reviewed footage of the killing and noted that while the suspect's first shot was on target, his subsequent hits were more erratic.

'His first shot was well aimed,' D'Amico told DailyMail.com. 'The second one though, he somehow hits him in the leg. He took a longer shot than you would expect if it was professional.'

He pointed out that the although the shooter used a silencer, the weapon jammed after his first round.

'You could say, "okay he used a suppressor" and he did recognize that the gun had jammed and was able to deal with that but the gun was not tuned enough to function properly with the suppressor.

'A professional would have accounted for that. He did fix it quickly, so he I'd say he is proficient but not a "hit man", which, very few hit men actually exist and when they do they tend to be undercover cops or police sources meaning when someone "hires" them they usually get arrested for trying to hire a hit man.'

The security consultant also pointed out that the killer was captured on surveillance footage at a nearby Starbucks prior to the murder, which he said a proper mercenary would never have allowed.

Instead, D'Amico posited that the killer had simply 'thought a lot' about their crime.

'You can see he isn't excited, he is calm,' D'Amico added. 'He doesn't even start running until he's half way across the street.'

Security consultant Robert D'Amico said that a professional hitman would have been able to account for using a silencer on the gun which caused the weapon to jam

D'Amico, who founded his security consultancy firm Sierra One, said it was surprising that Thompson was without any protection given the recent threats against him.

He warned that such threats will likely rise in the wake of the killing and that it could push others already contemplating such crimes into similar actions.

'Someone who was already thinking of doing something similar, this could put it on the forefront.

'But you are going to get a lot of threats. People are going to take what has happened here and use it as a way to scare people, "what happened to that CEO is going to happen to you".

'It could ramp up the scare factor and definitely increase threats and for someone already thinking about it, possibly trigger something.'

He urged other high net worth individuals to be vigilant about sharing their schedules online.

UnitedHealthcare had put out an announcement about the investor conference without specifying a location.

But D'Amico said simple google searches would have been enough to yield enough information to allow the shooter to carry out the, 'brazen, targeted attack'.

'Even a layman can get on Google and then a more skilled person can find even more,' D'Amico said.

He also said a true professional would never have visited Starbucks prior to the killing as Thompson's assassin did

Footage of the horror shooting showed how the killer was lying in wait for Thompson and appeared to know which hotel entrance he was going to use.

The NYPD announced a $10,000 reward to anyone with information regarding the shooting and released two images of the suspect who was seen at a Starbucks before the killing.

He is described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a grey backpack.

The assassin was originally reported to have fled on a CitiBike, whose users are easy to track via phone and credit card data.

But cops now say the assassin was using a personal eBike, potentially making him much harder to find.

On Thursday morning, the Kama Central Park Hostel in NYC was raided by NYPD cops, with the assassin believed to have spent the night before the execution there.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior, he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.

Just months before the slaying, the company's Minnesota headquarters were rocked by large protests against an alleged, 'epidemic' of claims denials, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Thompson had been separated from wife Paulette at the time of the shooting, with the former couple living in separate million dollar Minnesota mansions a mile apart.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was separated from his wife when he was shot dead outside a Manhattan hotel.

Thompson, 50, was gunned down in the early hours of Wednesday as he was on his way to an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown. His unidentified assassin remains on the loose but cops have released a photo of him smiling and have searched a Manhattan hostel where he's believed to have stayed.

At the time of the killing, Thompson and his estranged wife Paulette had been living in separate homes that are less than a mile apart in suburban Maple Grove, Minnesota, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Thompson purchased the $1million home near his family home in 2018, according to public records, with neighbors telling the Journal that he spent much of his time traveling.

His wife Paulette, a practicing physical therapist, disclosed that her husband had previously received threats. She referenced a 'lack of coverage.' Despite the reported, threats, Thompson did not travel with security.

Former FBI supervisor Robert D'Amico said the slaying was likely carried out over a personal vendetta against UnitedHealthcare.

D'Amico said simple Google searches would have been enough to yield enough information to allow the shooter to carry out the, 'brazen, targeted attack'.

'Even a layman can find there's so much on the internet now and people put so much out there,' the security consultant told NBC News.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had been living separately from his wife Paulette when he was shot dead in Manhattan

He is survived by his wife Paulette 'Pauley' Thompson, 51, and their two children who live in a $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota

The man who shot Brian Thompson dead is seen smiling in a new image released by the NYPD Thursday

UnitedHealthcare had put out an announcement about the conference without specifying a location.

Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies, then disappeared into Central Park.

Police have used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killers whereabouts remain unknown as of Thursday morning.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,' Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday.

'From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Thomson was accused of insider trading and fraud before he was assassinated.

Last year the DoJ launched a probe into whether the private company of the nation's biggest insurer, led by Thompson, was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

Paulette lives in the $1.5million family home in Minnesota with the couple's younger son. Thomson was living less than a mile away

Thompson purchased the $1million house near his family home, pictured Thursday, in 2018, according to public records

The couple share two sons and were living less than a mile apart in the same Minnesota suburb

In May, the City of Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund initiated a complaint against Thompson and other executives.

The complaint accused the CEO of failing to tell investors about the federal probe before he unloaded over 31 percent of his stock, taking in $15.1 million in proceeds.

In legal documents, the fund said Thompson and other company execs sold over $117 million worth of UnitedHealth common stock during the four-month period when insiders knew about the federal antitrust investigation but the public did not.

Police issued several surveillance images of Thompson's assassin, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and wouldnt have attracted attention on a frigid winter day.

Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting.

The police department offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Officials are looking into whether the killer fled on an unmarked e-bike, and not a Citi Bike, as authorities had preciously said.

Paulette is a practicing physical therapist for Park Nicollet Health Services with over 20 years of experience

Former FBI supervisor Robert D'Amico said the slaying was likely carried out over a personal vendetta against UnitedHealthcare. Thompson is pictured

Footage showed NYPD officers performing CPR on the CEO, before he was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead

The use of an unmarked bike will make the killer far harder to trace, as CitiBikes are fitted with trackers and hired using a smartphone app or payment cards that make users easy to find.

Cops have yet to offer any further detail on where the assassin might be.

But NYPD officials say they don't believe he is any threat to the public given the targeted nature of the attack on Thompson.

'Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,' the insurers Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement.

'We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.'
MBABANE  The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has made significant strides in developing Eswatinis e-commerce platform.

EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu said as they have seen e-commerce steps taken by countries, institutions and private companies around the world, to widen their trade scope, they found it necessary to develop an online portal, www.buyeswatini.com, which will be a trading hub for local buyers and sellers. Mngomezulu said EIPA is working with all economic sectors in the kingdom, making sure that trade is represented holistically on the new platform, reflecting all goods and services available in the country in the process exposing local production to buyers and sellers domestically and abroad.

Yes, we did achieve having companies / traders listed on the buyeswatini.com platform, but that was not enough, so we looked for partners to work with, who can introduce the missing components for the platform to be transactional, which include introducing payment platforms and delivery services, he said.

Digitalisation

The CEO mentioned that based on the existing diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Taiwan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed regarding the Business Digitalisation Project. He said this was done in May this year in Taiwan. Subsequently, follow-up meetings have been held to further discuss the execution of such an exercise, which led to the identification of the International Integrated System Inc (IISI), a Taiwan-based company specialising in developing e-commerce platforms to assist traders. He said in this regard they will not move away from the known name of buyeswatini.com, but we will name it buyeswatini 2.0, which simple says they are introducing new additions; a payment function and a delivery function. He said IISI will help in the design and develop the App for the Android version, and will ensure that they conduct rigorous testing to ensure app reliability and user-friendliness.

Operation

Mngomezulu said to this far, with IISI, they have engaged with local stakeholders and partners whom they view as critical to the development and the effective functioning of the new buyeswatini 2.0 platform. He highlighted that a workshop was held in October this year, where a briefing on the Eswatini Business Digitalisation Development Project was presented by partners, the IISI, and the CEO of Wonderful Food presented an existing Agricultural e-commerce operation, with a Taiwan Experience. Further to that, one-on-one meetings were held with the purpose of scanning the enabling institutions which include, traders, payment gateway platform companies, ICT regulators, manufacturers, university and business support institutions.
A Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker accused of sexually assaulting a woman has failed to turn up at court.

Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Adnan Ahmed, 36, who is alleged to have touched a woman at an address in Portland, Dorset on August 21.

But no one knows Ahmed's whereabouts or how he can be contacted after skipping his court appearance.

At the time of the alleged offence, Ahmed lived on the barge that houses asylum seekers and is still moored at Portland Port.

A summons was sent to the Bibby Stockholm on November 2 instructing him to appear at Weymouth Magistrates' Court.

Court clerk, Natalie Evans, said yesterday: 'Mr Ahmed is not here. He was on conditional bail to be here. We don't know where he is now that (Bibby Stockholm) has been vacated.

'He was charged by the police and given conditional bail on November 2. He was meant to be here at 10am.'

Presiding magistrate Ian Hoggart asked: 'We don't know where he is?'

Ms Evans replied: 'No'.

A photograph taken this year shows the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge moored to the quayside at Portland Port in Portland

A large group of migrants attempting to cross the Channel are seen on a small boat

A warrant was issued for Ahmed's arrest.

Since October, more than 300 residents have left the barge after the Labour government announced it was to close following the general election and the last residents left the Bibby Stockholm last week.

Meanwhile, a second asylum seeker who has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman on Weymouth beach also failed to turn up in court.

Moffat Konofilia, 47, is living in a hostel for asylum seekers in Coventry, 180 miles from Weymouth.

A summons was also sent to him on October 31 to attend Weymouth Magistrates' Court yesterday to answer the allegation.

The court heard he notified the authorities to say he does not drive and has no money and was struggling to attend.

He was invited to apply to change the venue of the court or to appear via a video link but he did not respond.

A warrant for his arrest was then also issued.

The news of Ahmed failing to turn up comes after a summons was sent to the Bibby Stockholm on November 2 instructing him to appear at Weymouth Magistrates' Court (pictured)

It also comes as there is still no update on the whereabouts of two other former Bibby Stockholm residents who have gone missing having been charged and convicted of criminal offences.

One of them is Kenson Noel who was convicted of drug and violence offences.

Noel claimed he had fled to England to escape drug gangs in Trinidad and Tobago.

But in July he pleaded guilty to charges of possessing cannabis he took on the barge and assaulting a police officer who tried to arrest him.

The 29-year-old then went on the run before he could be sentenced and was later picked up by police after an arrest warrant was issued for him.

He was sentenced to a community service order by magistrates but disappeared again having failed to turn up for the unpaid work on August 3 and September 11.

A second known absconder is Ahmed Haffa who was convicted of theft and assault in February, but failed to appear in court for sentencing.

Haffa, 24, stole a 60 jacket from TK Maxx in Weymouth and then assaulted two security guards who chased him.

Ahmed Haffa pictured at Poole Magistrates Court. Haffa was convicted of theft and assault in February, but failed to appear in court for sentencing

He stole a 60 jacket from TK Maxx in Weymouth and then assaulted two security guards who chased him

A warrant for his arrest was issued by magistrates in Weymouth but Haffa has still not been located by police 10 months later.

The accommodation barge arrived in Portland Port in July 2023. It housed up to 500 migrants while their cases for asylum are dealt with by the Home Office but is now empty and is due to leave Portland in February.
Jordan Neeley's family have filed a lawsuit against Daniel Penny - a homeless man who died after he was held in a chokehold on the New York subway last year.

They are suing Penny, a former member of the Marine Corps, for negligent contact, assault, and battery that caused injuries and ultimately death, The Independent has reported.

It comes as a jury in an unrelated criminal case is currently deliberating manslaughter and negligent homicide charges brought against Penny over Neeley's death.

Penny, 26, put Neely, 30, in a chokehold for nearly six minutes on May 1 last year after the homeless man started aggressively shouting at passengers on the subway.

Some passengers and Penny have also claimed that Neely said he was willing to kill and didn't care if he went back to jail.

Video footage shows Neely struggling to get out of the hold before eventually going limp, despite passengers telling the former soldier to let go.

In the criminal trial, the defense attorneys have argued that Penny was only trying to protect others in the subway car.

In his closing statement defense attorney Steven Raiser described the commuters onboard the subway that day as being 'frozen in fear,' and claimed there was an obvious reason that there was no footage of Neely's outburst - because they were too afraid to move.

Daniel Penny arrives at court in New York on December 4 to face manslaughter and negligent homicide charges

Jordan Neely is seen in a GoFundMe organized by his aunt Carolyn Neely last year

Penny is pictured holding Jordan Neely in a chokehold on a NYC subway train on May 1 2023

He then quoted experts and witnesses who testified during the trial, and reminded the jurors that Neely was described as having 'severely psychotic cases.'

But Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran warned the jury on Tuesday that their verdict should not rely upon whether they themselves would be grateful for Penny's intervention, or weigh testimony from his loved ones that he is a 'good man.'

'What is so tragic about this case, is that even though the defendant started out doing the right thing a man died,' she said.

'He was given all the signs he needed to stop. He ignored them. He must be held accountable for that.'

She continued: 'You're not here to decide whether you'd want to ride alone on the train with Jordan Neely.

'That is not what this case is about. The only thing you need to determine here is whether or not the evidence here proves the defendant killed Jordan Neely.'

Yafna also noted that Penny is a Marine Corps veteran, arguing that he should have had a clearer understanding of the risks of his actions given his military experience.

She implored the jury to find Penny guilty of manslaughter  a charge which carries a maximum term of 15 years behind bars.

Daniel Penny pictured in a court sketch at the Manhattan Criminal Court on December 3

New York police officers administer CPR to Neely on the New York subway car

The jury listens as assistant district attorney Dafna Yoran (not seen) presents closing arguments as Judge Maxwell Wiley presides in the trial of Daniel Penny

Penny has denied both the charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Deliberations are expected to continue Thursday, as protesters continue to gather outside the Manhattan courthouse to decry Penny and declare their support for a manslaughter charge.

But some of the protesters have become aggressive, defense attorney Thomas Kenniff said on Wednesday, describing how one man followed Penny to a car that was waiting for him after the trial one day and started banging on the doors.

The same man, he said, was 'repeatedly berating Mr Penny with violent and homophobic slurs' when he arrived at court on Wednesday.

Kenniff noted that the man had been in the courtroom audience and asked Wiley to bar the man from future proceedings.

Wiley - who said he saw the confrontation from his office window - declined, noting that the public has a right to access court proceedings.

He said that court officers occasionally 'limited people's access' because of their conduct inside the courtroom, but he was not inclined to eject anyone over their outside behavior.

At that point, Penny's lawyers expressed their concern that the jury may hear the protesters, but Wiley noted that he told the jurors to ignore anything they may hear from outside.

'At this point, I think that we will assume that they're following their instructions,' the judge said.
Two alleged Russian spies were found naked in bed together when police officers burst into the room to arrest them, an espionage trial heard.

Bulgarians Vanya Gaberova, 29, and Biser Dzhambazov, 43, were discovered in bed when being arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia in February 2023.

Medical courier Dzhambazov was also living with co-defendant Katrin Ivanova, 32, in Harrow, northwest London, at the time, and 'seemed to be a cohabitating couple'.

But he was found 'naked in bed with [Gaberova] at the time when the police went through the door,' the prosecutor told the court.

Lab assistant Ivanova, along with Gaberova - who ran a beauty parlour called Pretty Woman in Acton, West London - and her ex-boyfriend, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 38, all deny working for Russian intelligence services between August 2020 and February 2023.

Ivanova also denies possessing 18 false ID cards and passports which included Greek, Italian, Slovenian and British passports which were found at her address.

Lead spy Orlin Roussev, 46, and Dzhambazov have accepted that they were involved in carrying out espionage.

Alison Morgan, KC, prosecuting, said: 'Ms Ivanova and Ms Gaberova were both arrested in February 2023.

Bulgarians Vanya Gaberova, 29, (pictured) and Biser Dzhambazov, 43, were discovered in bed when being arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia in February 2023

Biser Dzhambazov was found 'naked in bed with [Gaberova] at the time when the police went through the door,' the prosecutor told the court

Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova 'seemed to be a cohabitating couple'

'Mr Dzhambazov and Ms Ivanova shared a one-bedroom flat in Harrow and seemed to be a cohabiting couple.

'Mr Dzhambazov was not arrested here though, he was arrested at Ms Gaberova's address, in fact he was found naked in bed with her at the time when the police went through the door.'

The spies also used disguises to get into events and get close to their targets, jurors heard.

Dzhambazov and Ivanova both worked for a company called the Doctors Laboratory which they used as cover for some of their surveillance work in central London, the court was told.

Ivanchev - who was referred to as 'The Minion' by Dzhambazov - posed as a National Geographic journalist while Ivanova played the part of a Discovery journalist for a planned operation in Montenegro.

Roussev ran the spying operation from his 'Indiana Jones cave' in Great Yarmouth home, the court heard.

National Geographic clothing including a quarter zip, joggers, a waterproof jacket and a bucket hat along with press passes were seized at Roussev's home.

They also found an ID card printer usually used by companies to produce identity documents which would have been 'built to order', jurors heard.

Upon his arrest at his address in Enfield, Mr Ivanchev told police 'once I met Vanya (Gaberova) my life was f****d'.

'You may ask yourself whether he was saying this because meeting Miss Gaberova had taken Ivanchev from a perfectly normal life in the UK to being brought into this conspiracy,' said Ms Morgan.

Orlin Roussev pleaded guilty to espionage charges and accepted having fake identity documents, the Old Bailey was told

Vanya Gaberova is accused of being part of a highly sophisticated spying network, run by a Russian agent named as Jan Marsalek, which targeted people including dissidents

Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov

Jurors heard that the conspirators carried out surveillance on a US military base they believed was being used to train Ukrainian soldiers.

They planned to use 'military grade' IMSI catchers to capture the phone data of people within Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany.

Marsalek believed the base was being used to train Ukrainians in use of the Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system.

Ms Morgan said: 'If a Ukrainian solider on that airbase has his phone completely identified and takes that phone back to Ukraine where he is going to be one of those operating surface-to-air missiles, this could not be more serious in terms of the information they were trying to gather.

'To allow people to know where people involved in using this type of equipment might be in the future.'

That operation was interrupted when the defendants were arrested in February 2023.

Gaberova told police she had never met Ivanova, but the prosecution allege they were both in Valencia at the same time, conducting surveillance on a journalist called Christo Grozev.

Ivanchev explained that he had been in a relationship with Gaberova between 2017 and 2022 and had met Dzhambazov and Ivanova through her. He described Ivanova as Dzhambazov's girlfriend.

Roussev sent over 200,000 to Dzhambazov, who then sent it on to the other alleged spies between 2021 and 2023, the court heard.

Agent Jan Marsalek was paid by Russian Intelligence services who forwarded cash to Roussev who would pay his network of 'minions'.

Dzhambazov received 204,664.69 from Roussev in bank transfers. Dzhambazov then paid Ivanova 43,478 in transfers, although part of the sum is said to have been rent for their shared flat.

He also paid his 'lover' Gaberova 28,405 and gave Ivanchev 8450.

Gaberova, who allegedly recruited Ivanchev, sent him 7,499, jurors heard.

'You'll want to ask yourself what those sums of money were being paid for,' said Ms Morgan.

The alleged spies accept that they took part in the activity described by the prosecution, but they deny intending to obtain and communicate information useful to Russia.

Ms Morgan explained: 'You may consider that the real question for you to consider in relation to each of these six defendants is why they were involved in this activity? What did each intend when they did what they did?

'Did they each agree and intend that information should be gathered about the various targets directly or indirectly for the benefit of Russia?'

Dzhambazov and Roussev have already admitted their intention to aid Russia through their spying activity.

'You'll want to think about whether Mr Dzhambazov kept Miss Ivanova in the dark, never told her what they were really doing, or told his lover Miss Gaberova,' added Ms Morgan.

Ivanova, of Harrow, Gaberova, of Camden, northwest London, and Ivanchev, of Erith, deny conspiring to gather information that would be useful to an enemy between 30 August 2020 and 8 February 2023.

Ivanova also denies possession of false identity documents.

The trial continues.
The number of people reaching Britain by crossing the English Channel in small boats has reached almost 34,000, new figures have revealed.

The latest update comes today after a further 289 people were picked up in the Straits of Dover, according to official Home Office statistics.

People smugglers took advantage of an improvement in weather conditions to launch more journeys - before six dinghies were intercepted mid-Channel by British Border Force vessels and brought into the Port of Dover in Kent.

Groups, mostly made up of men, could be seen walking off the catamarans in orange life jackets and with red blankets on the gangway heading towards the immigration processing centre at the former Jetfoil terminal in the Western Docks.

The newest arrivals take the number to have come so far this year to 33,973 in 731 boats - including 20,399 who have now made the crossing since Labour came into power in July.

Today's crossings come after 122 people travelled over the Channel in two boats on Sunday.

Severe weather has hampered crossings in the last few weeks, with more stormy conditions forecast for the next few days. Before Sunday there had been no crossings for two weeks.

Yet today several boats got into difficulty while trying to set off from the French coast, with local authorities there launching rescue operations.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel on Wednesday

The number of people reaching Britain by crossing the English Channel in small boats has reached almost 34,000, new figures have shown

Life jackets, buoys and a deflated inflatable boat are seen after a failed attempt by migrants to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, on the beach of Sangatte, near Calais

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Some 85 people were brought back to the quay in Boulogne before being taken into the care of by the land rescue services and French border police.

The latest developments come after Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was criticised this week under fire for not including cutting migration among his newly announced targets.

Shock 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 under the previous Conservative admonistration.

Young children wearing woolly hats and coats were among migrants arriving in the UK today after crossing the English Channel.

Pictures show the small youngsters being carried as they reached Dover, Kent, with men and women also wrapped up in warm clothes to brave the colder weather conditions as they were brought ashore by a Border Force boat.

Before now, the latest arrivals of 122 people in two boats were recorded on Sunday, bringing the provisional total for the year to 33,684 that day.

The new Home Office figures also marked more than 20,000 people arriving since Sir Keir became PM in July, with the milestone coming on his 150th day in office.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed to 'restore order' to the migration system following the data, and blamed the Conservatives for a 'collapse in controls'.

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Firefighters help a migrant put on an emergency blanket after being rescued yesterday after an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, on the beach of Sangatte, near Calais

She told the House of Commons on Monday: '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.'

The latest crossings also come as more than 500 officers were involved in a series of police raids targeting people smugglers who bring migrants to the UK in small boats in Germany.

British authorities are understood to be supporting the action, but all the operational activity is taking place in Germany, and the investigation is being led by France.

The action is targeting gangs who take migrants from the Middle East and North Africa to France, before embarking on potentially deadly Channel crossings to the UK in flimsy inflatable boats.

No crossings have been recorded in the last two days, while Sunday's arrivals were the first since November 16 after a 14-day hiatus in activity amid bad weather.

So far the total arrivals for the year are up by 16 per cent on this time last year's 29,090, but down by 24 per cent on 2022's 44,174, which was a record annual high.

A Cabinet minister admitted this week that cutting migration numbers - legal or illegal - would not be in the measurable milestones to be unveiled by the PM in his new Plan for Change today.

Pat McFadden told Sky News on Sunday: I dont say that targets dont work in any circumstances. But numerical targets on migration have not had a happy history in recent years.

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He said that the Government would set out what it wants to achieve in critical areas like education, health, crime, housing, energy and living standards.

A Home Office spokesperson today said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

'The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay.

'We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.'
Islamist-led rebel forces have captured yet another city in Syria, overrunning Assad's forces in the city of Hama as the insurgents continue their surprise offensive.

The rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed the city of just under a million people and, after fierce fighting, claimed to have seized its prison and released inmates.

After a night of violent clashes, the rebels entered Hama 'from several sides' and were engaged in street fighting with Assad's forces, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, a British organisation.

By early Thursday afternoon, Syria's army admitted it had lost control of the strategically located city seen as crucial in its efforts to protect the capital and seat of power, Damascus.

'Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups... these groups were able to breach a number of axes in the city and entered it,' the army said, adding units had redeployed outside the city.

The fall of Hama came despite shelling and strikes carried out by the Syrian and Russian air forces, as reported by state media late Wednesday.

Maya, a 22-year-old student who gave only her first name for security concerns, said she and her family were staying at home as the fighting rages outside.

'We have been hearing non-stop the sounds of explosions and shelling,' she told AFP by telephone from Hama.

A multi-barrel rocket launcher fires against regime forces, in the northern outskirts of Syria's west-central city of Hama on December 4, 2024

Anti-government fighters rest at a position in the northern outskirts of Syria's west-central city of Hama on December 4, 2024

A Syrian Kurdish woman, fleeing from north of Aleppo, stands leaning on a bullet-riddled wall upon arriving in Tabqa, on the western outskirts of Raqa, on December 4, 2024

'We don't know what's going on outside.'

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, says 727 people, mostly combatants but also 111 civilians, have been killed in Syria since the violence erupted last week.

It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in a country already ravaged by civil war, which erupted with the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011.

Key to the rebels' successes since the start of the offensive last week was the takeover of Aleppo, which in more than a decade of war had never entirely fallen out of government hands.

The head of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Wednesday visited Aleppo's landmark citadel.

Jolani was seen waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited the historic fortress, in images posted on the rebels' Telegram channel.

While the advancing rebels found little resistance earlier in their offensive, the fighting around Hama has been especially fierce.

Assad ordered a 50-percent raise in career soldiers' pay, state news agency SANA reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive.

A Syrian Kurdish woman, fleeing from north of Aleppo, waits on a street with a child upon arriving in Tabqa, on the western outskirts of Raqa, on December 4, 2024

An anti-government fighter carries a rocket to be used against regime forces, in the northern outskirts of Syria's west-central city of Hama on December 4, 2024

The rebels launched their offensive in northern Syria on November 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon

Syrian armed forces were driven back by the rebels despite the government sending in 'large military convoys', according to the Observatory.

The monitor said the fighting on Wednesday was close to an area mainly populated by Alawites, followers of the same offshoot of Shiite Islam as the president.

The rebels launched their offensive in northern Syria on November 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.

Both Hezbollah and Russia have been key backers of Assad's government, but have been more recently mired in their own respective conflicts.

The United Nations on Wednesday said 115,000 people had been 'newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo' by the fighting.

Human Rights Watch warned the fighting 'raises concerns that civilians face a real risk of serious abuses at the hands of opposition armed groups and the Syrian government'.

Until last week, the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for years, but analysts have said violence was bound to flare up as it was never truly resolved.

Armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, continue their advance as they have captured 20 more settlements in the western province of Hama, Syria on December 4, 2024

Military reinforcements are on the way from Idlib to control the Hama fronts as armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, have captured 20 more settlements in the western province of Hama, Syria on December 4, 2024

Smoke rises as a member of the rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham drives on a motorbike in al-Rashideen, Aleppo province, Syria November 29, 2024

Spearheading the rebel alliance is HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch.

'HTS has had a lot of time and space and resources to organise itself and to prepare for this,' said analyst Sam Heller, of the US-based Century Foundation think tank.

How the fighting unfolds now 'depends on whether the Syrian government can regain its footing', Heller said.

'Opposition forces currently pushing south will likely get stuck somewhere in Syria's centre, when they run into really motivated and intractable loyalist resistance,' he said.

'At that point, it will be a question of whether Damascus has the means to mount the type of scorched-earth counteroffensive I assume it would like to execute.'
Donald Trump is mapping out where to deport migrants and illegal immigrants if their home countries refuse to accept them.

The list of countries the incoming administration is considering includes popular vacation destinations of Turks and Caicos, Panama, Grenada and the Bahamas, three sources familiar with the plans told NBC News.

One says the Trump transition team already reached out to all four countries to work out a deal to accept deportation flights from the U.S.

It's not clear where these countries stand on the matter and whether they would be open to negotiating a deal.

Trump vowed during the 2024 campaign to carry out the largest deportation effort in U.S. history in his second term.

He campaigned on fixing the southern border crisis, which has led to a series of issues in the U.S. including fentanyl and human trafficking and a record-number of illegal immigrants are living in the U.S. and taking up resources.

In 2022 it was estimated that 11 million undocumented immigrants were living in the U.S.

Critics of President Joe Biden's immigration and southern border policies claim that this number is dramatically higher than previously thought, with some claiming it could be as high as 20 million.

President-elect Donald Trump's team is making a list of third-party countries to accept deported migrants whose home countries' won't take them back

Trump vowed in his 2024 campaign that he would carry out the largest deportation in U.S. history that could see millions kicked out of the country once he takes office in the New Year

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed this week that American taxpayers spent $150.7 billion on illegal immigrants in 2023 alone.

At least several thousand migrants could be permanently displaced in third-party countries once Trump deports them if their home countries do not accept them back.

Sources say the incoming administration is hoping to deport migrants within a week of their arrest, and Trump thinks this policy would help expedite these deportations.

'President Trump was given a mandate by the American people to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border, and deport dangerous criminals and terrorists that make our communities less safe. He will deliver,' Karoline Leavitt, a Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman and incoming White House Press Secretary, told NBC.

Washington has long faced issues with countries refusing to take back those who left to illegally cross into the U.S.  especially those who sought asylum and claimed their conditions in their home countries were oppressing them.

Venezuela, Cuba and China are a few of the countries that are more reluctant to accept those back who emigrated to the United States.

Since federal court orders bar U.S. authorities from indefinitely detaining these migrants, most end up being released into the U.S.  even if a judge ordered their deportation.

To get around this, Trump plans to work with these third-party countries  many island nations in the Caribbean, to accept these illegal immigrants.

A source claims that Trump's transition team has already reached out to popular beach vacation destination countries of Turks and Caicos (pictured), Panama, Grenada and the Bahamas to start working out a deal for them to accept deportation flights from the U.S.

The president-elect also wants to work with Mexico to have them accept non-Mexicans being deported from the U.S.

Mexico already accepts migrants who are turned back at the border. But Trump wants the U.S.'s southern neighbor to do more and now also accept deportation flights of illegal immigrants even if they aren't Mexican.

Sources claim that striking this deal with Mexico won't be easy and that part of Trump's tariff threat is to apply pressure on the country to comply.
Record numbers of children are being drawn into terrorism as Instagram and TikTok act as a 'conveyor belt' leading 'towards extremism', a landmark report has warned.

The 'Five Eyes' counter terrorism alliance has issued an unprecedented warning about the staggering rise in children globally being recruited online by extremist and terrorist groups.

For the first time since its inception during the Second World War, the alliance between the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, has jointly published a paper which calls for a 'whole society response' to the radicalisation of children, describing it as a major threat to national security across the world.

The report calls for international action to stop increasing numbers of children being lured into 'violent extremism pathways' through social media and gaming platforms, warning that youngsters are just as capable of waging a deadly terrorist attack as an adult.

It comes as shock new figures published today separately by the Home Office reveal that children aged 11-15 now make up the largest proportion of referrals to the Government's de-radicalisation Prevent programme.

Of the 6,884 referrals made to Prevent in the year to March 2024, 40 per cent (2,729 referrals) were aged 11-15, with those aged between 16 and 17 accounted for the second largest proportion (892 referrals; 13%) of referrals.

Hundreds of youngsters under the age of 10 are also being referred to Prevent.

Britain's head of counter terrorism policing Matt Jukes said: 'Many threads have to come together if we are to stop this conveyor belt leading children towards extremism.

Britain's head of counter terrorism policing Matt Jukes said: 'Parents need to take a more active role in their children's online lives'

'The technology companies making vast amounts of money from children on their platforms must invest in making those platforms safer. Parents need to take a more active role in their children's online lives.'

He said: 'Since 2020, Counter Terrorism Policing has been warning of the growing numbers of children being arrested in relation to terrorism offences. Last year we arrested more children than we ever have before, some as young as 12 years old.

'This is not a phenomenon unique to the UK, our colleagues across the world are dealing with the exact same problem and in many cases we are seeing the influence of the same extremist networks reach across all of the Five Eyes countries.

'For all the benefits it brings, the internet has also globalised extremism, accelerated the spread of hateful ideologies internationally, and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to reach into the lives of children halfway round the world.'

The report warns: 'Online environments provide an avenue for first approaches to minors, including through seemingly innocuous social media and gaming platforms, such as Discord, Instagram, Roblox and TikTok.

Record numbers of children are being drawn into terrorism as Instagram and TikTok act as a 'conveyor belt' leading 'towards extremism', a landmark report has warned (file photo)

'In these platforms, violent extremism is made more accessible, as violent extremist content can be created within the platforms themselves.'

Titled 'Young People and Violent Extremism: A Call for Collective Action', the paper warns of a growing prevalence of children being drawn into violent extremism globally saying: 'We are increasingly concerned about the radicalisation of minors, and minors who support, plan or undertake terrorist activities.

'Radicalised minors can pose the same credible terrorist threat as adults, and law enforcement and security agencies cannot address this issue alone.'

Research found that 'violent extremist content is more accessible, more digestible and more impactful than ever before' with children 'increasingly normalising violent behaviour in online groups, including joking about carrying out terrorist attacks'.

Now the alliance are calling for collective action from parents to get involved in their child's online life, the tech industry needs to invest in safety and governments must strengthen legislation because 'once law enforcement and security agencies become involved it is often too late'.

The 'Five Eyes' counter terrorism alliance has issued an unprecedented warning about the staggering rise in children globally being recruited online by extremist and terrorist groups

Mr Jukes said: 'My Five Eyes colleagues and I are calling the alarm globally about the risk to our children, and every single one of us has a role to play in the collective response we need to reduce that threat.'

The paper sets out key issues including the fact that children are 'digital natives' who are more technically savvy than previous generations and they are using online plaforms, often encrypted ones, which places them at risk from sex offenders, extremists and other malign actors.

The report highlights that mental health conditions like autism and neurodiversity also play a significant role in a child's suspectibility to radicalisation.

Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, said: 'In every one of the terrorist attacks, disruptions and suspected terrorist incidents in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person.

'As a parent, the numbers are shocking. As an intelligence officer, the numbers are sobering.'
Conor McGregor was humiliated today after he was ordered to pay Nikita Hand's entire 1.25million (1.5m) costs for bringing a civil rape claim against him.

McGregor, who must also hand her 210,000 (250,000) in damages, may also face further punishment including a severe fine because the MMA star branded her a 'vicious liar' after losing the civil case in Dublin 13 days ago.

In a landmark ruling this afternoon, Ms Hand will also not have to pay his friend James Lawrence's legal costs, even though she lost her claim against him for assault. She will pay her own costs in relation to her civil case against Mr Lawrence, but nothing more.

Neither the fighter or his victim were at Ireland's High Court for the historic judgment today.

It came after her barrister John Gordon SC claimed that McGregor had 'scandalised the court' with a wild social media rant after losing. McGregor had also said that it had been a 'kangaroo court' that found he had 'brutally raped' and 'battered' the ex-hair colourist in a Dublin hotel penthouse in 2018 - which had been a 'direct insult' to the jury, Mr Gordon said.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens said that he awarded Nikita costs following the failed defence put forward by McGregor, in which he relied on what Lawrence claimed had happened on the day and night of the incident.

In his ruling the judge declared: 'Mr Lawrence and Mr McGregor went with the one narrative. The defendants filed a single defence represented by one legal firm. Mr Lawrence has modest means and McGregor was footing his legal bill.

'It is completely inappropriate to award Mr Lawrence any part of his costs even though he succeeded in his defence against Ms Hand'.

The judge admitted it was 'most unsatisfactory' that a litigant, McGregor, would attack the jury and disregard court rules. He would consider this further at a hearing in January. Punishment for contempt is a likely heavy fine.

McGregor lost a civil case brought by Nikita Hand, 35, (pictured) who won almost 250,000 in damages after she alleged that he raped her in a Dublin hotel on December 9, 2018. A judge has ruled he should pay her 1.25million (1.5m) costs of bringing the case

James Lawrence, co-defendant of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, had his legal fees paid by his friend. Ms Hand also accused McGregor's friend James Lawrence, 35, of assaulting her on that day. The jury decided that Ms Hand was assaulted by McGregor, but not by his co-accused Lawrence. But Lawrence cannot claim costs from Nikita

Ms Hand's legal team cited this tweets in the aftermath as aggravating factors, claiming they had 'scandalised the court'

It came after MailOnline revealed Nikita could end up owing McGregor more money than the 250,000 (210,000) he has to pay her in damages, if Lawrence's costs were passed to her.

Remy Farrell SC, for Mr McGregor, earlier opposed her application for his client to pay all her costs at today's hearing in Dublin, which was not attended by the fighter or his victim.

McGregor had shook his head as he lost the case on November 22. But the jury did not find against McGregor's co-accused and friend James Lawrence.

After the jury's verdict came in McGregor left with no comment but later tweeted: 'Nikita Hand, vicious liar! Two men falsely accused. One vindicated, the other soon to be!'.

John Gordon SC today told the High Court that his client wanted her costs to be paid by McGregor at the 'highest possible level', citing his behaviour during and following the trial as aggravating factors. He said the judge should take this into consideration when awarding legal costs in the bombshell case.

But senior counsel Gordon confirmed she was not seeking costs against Mr Lawrence.

John Gordon, SC for Ms Hand, said the conduct of Mr McGregor before, during and after the trial warranted him paying the entire costs of the proceedings.

Mr Gordon has made an application that Mr McGregor pay solicitor and own-client costs, which would cover his own as well as costs relating to Mr Lawrence.

It emerged during the case that Mr McGregor had been paying the legal costs of his friend.

The court was urged to take into consideration that Mr McGregor had posted after the verdict a series of social media posts, in which he described the court as a 'kangaroo court'.

Mr Gordon said this was a 'direct insult' to the jury. He also said that the 'direct criticism' of the jury should not go unremarked and should be considered as part of costs.

Justice Alexander Owens said it was 'most unsatisfactory' that a litigant would attack the jury and accused them of disregarding the court rules.

Mr Gordon claimed that as the jury found against Mr McGregor, it shows that they did not believe Mr Lawrence.

However, Remy Farrell, SC for Mr McGregor, rejected the application saying that the court does not have a wide discretion, as asserted by Mr Gordon, to award costs.

He said it should be done in the normal way, that costs the event.

John Fitzgerald, SC for Mr Lawrence, said his client was not involved in some 'grand conspiracy theory' against Ms Hand and claimed that the court was being asked to become the 13th juror in the case.

Nikita was handed a six-figure damages settlement after a jury in Dublin believed her story at the end of last month.

Nikita told the High Court that McGregor 'pinned' her down on the bed, choked her three times and left her thinking she was 'going to die'. 'I just let him do whatever he needed to do, so I could survive,' she said of the attack during a drink and cocaine-fuelled Christmas 'after-party'.

McGregor shook his head as he was ordered to pay Ms Hand more than 248,000 (206,000) in damages at the end of last month.

But the jury did not find against McGregor's co-accused and friend James Lawrence, who should be entitled to recoup his legal fees.

Conor McGregor's fiancee, and the mother of his four chldren, has stood by him leapt to his defence with a furious rant on social media against Nikita.

Dee Devlin took to Instagram to deliver a blistering attack on Ms Hand - telling her 'My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world'.

In the messages Ms Devlin painted Ms Hand as a party girl who had sent 'provocative pictures of herself' to McGregor.

She said: 'Imagine a WOMAN, with her own boyfriend and child, texting provocative pictures of herself to another woman's man with a family and child on the way.

'This woman claims to know me, yet still went ahead and sent messages and pictures of herself over and over to my man? Really?

'Whilst out on a 3 day bender, texting excuses to her own child at home where mammy is on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night into Monday morning.

'All the while out of her face in a hotel room dancing around a hotel carpark. What sort of WOMAN are you!!!

Conor McGregor's partner of 15 years, Dee Devlin was pictured arriving hand-in-hand with the mixed martial arts star to the his civil court case and took to Instagram to post a long rant in staunch defence of her man

Posting a family snap of McGregor and Devlin with two of their four children, she said: 'I love him I trust him and I BELIEVE HIM!'

She then went on to launch into a furious rant aimed at Ms Hand in which she made a series of astonishing allegations before adding: 'My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.'

'My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.'

Ms Devlin, McGregor's partner of 15 years, arrived hand-in-hand with McGregor to the hearings and comforted him when the verdict was delivered, also claimed that CCTV existed that would cast doubt on Ms Hand's version of events.

She wrote: 'CCTV DOES NOT LIE. I look forward to the day the world will see the footage of you on that night and the carry on of you. Not a bother on you having the time of your life.

'This is the real evidence, video footage no one knew was being taken in the moment which you miraculously don't remember?

'To me it looks like you're the one sexually assaulting in the lift. To me it looks like everyone is trying to get away from you.

'Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!

'They without sin cast the first stone.'

Mixed martial arts fighter McGregor and partner Dee Devlin outside the High Court in Dublin on Friday November 22

The MMA fighter and Devlin have been together since 2008 and became engaged in 2020, although they are yet to get married

McGregor last week vowed to appeal the High Court's decision but expressed his 'regret' over 'mistakes' made.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes.

'Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down.

'I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That's all on me.

'As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath.

'I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision.'

He added: 'I can't go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That's it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!'

It comes after the MailOnline exclusively revealed a host of major UK retailers are set to pull McGregor affiliated drinks from sale.

Conor McGregor has issued a fresh statement vowing to appeal his civil sexual assault case defeat but admitted he has made 'mistakes'

McGregor and his partner leave the High Court after the case against him
A man suspected of firebombing a government building and a nearby legal office remains on the run, as police conducted a dramatic raid on a building just a stone's throw from his first target overnight.

Police are conducting a major manhunt after a Legal Aid building and a lawyers' offices were hit in an arson attack in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast on Tuesday afternoon.

Incredibly, no one was seriously hurt in the incident, which sparked a mass evacuation and locked down the city's CBD.

Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed around two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot cops descending on an apartment building on Baker Street - less than 100 metres from the Legal Aid offices, which were still being forensically examined.

It came just hours after police released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the suspected arson attacks.

The grainy picture depicts a white-haired man wearing a surgical mask, dull green cap and T-shirt and jeans with a bag sitting by his feet.

Police officers were seen showing the image to residents of the apartment building.

'I don't think I've ever seen him before but then you can't see his face in the picture and everyone keeps themselves to themselves here,' one resident told Daily Mail Australia.

Dramatic footage taken shortly after 8pm showed around two dozen detectives and balaclava-clad riot cops descending on an apartment building on Baker Street - less than 100 metres from the Legal Aid offices, which were still being forensically examined

It came just hours after police release a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the suspected arson attacks

Pictured: A forensic officers photograph and bag evidence outside the Legal Aid building on Thursday night

Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford on the NSW Central Coast about 2.20pm on Thursday following reports of several explosions.

The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.

A short time later, police were called to the Kensmen building on the same street following reports of a fire and of smoke coming out of the third floor.

It is believed the culprit was targeting the offices of Conditsis Lawyers.

The legal firm revealed in a statement on Thursday night that the 'arson attack occurred in the corridor leading to our office'.

'We are relieved that all our staff are safe and extend our thoughts to our colleagues at the Gosford Legal Aid office, who were also impacted,' the statement said.

'We understand that the fire was contained at both offices once staff had been evacuated and that Legal Aids staff are also accounted for and unharmed.'

The statement added: 'We commend the swift response of emergency services and hope the police apprehend the culprit responsible for this disturbing incident soon.'

NSW Chief Inspector Col Lott said a person of interest came up the building elevator before lighting an LPG bottle.

NSW Police on Thursday night released a CCTV footage of a man wanted for questioning over suspected arson attacks against two buildings (pictured)

Police officers were seen showing the image to residents of the apartment building (pictured)

Firefighters wearing gas masks were pictured exiting the lawyers' offices after-hours for the carbon monoxide to ventilate

Emergency services were originally called to the Legal Aid building on Donnison Street, Gosford (pictured) on the NSW Central Coast about 2.20pm on Thursday following reports of several explosions

The Conditsis Lawyers offices (pictured) were targeted

An office worker, 54, was treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation.

More than 40 firefighters attended, along with 11 fire trucks.

Fire and Rescue NSW said heavy smoke flooded multiple levels of the building but they were quickly able to contain the blaze.

Firefighters wearing gasmasks were pictured exiting the building after leaving time for the carbon monoxide to ventilate.

Conditsis Lawyers director Michael Mantaj was reportedly one of those evacuated from the Legal Aid building where the explosions were reported.

'I didn't see the guy but someone threw an incendiary device,' he told the ABC.

'All staff are accounted for. Fortunately no-one was injured.'

The Daily Telegraph reported Conditsis Lawyers were acting on behalf of Legal Aid in Gosford Local Court earlier on Thursday.

Police said this will be one line of inquiry during the investigation.

Legal Aid NSW put out a statement on Thursday night.

'Legal Aid NSW Gosford office has been temporarily shut & all staff evacuated following an explosion that caused a small fire in reception,' the tweet said.

'Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire. None of our staff or clients have been injured. Enquiries are continuing and police are investigating.'

A postman told the Daily Telegraph he saw police running through nearby Kibble Park as if they were chasing someone.

The publication reported an older man was captured on CCTV apparently carrying two devices shortly before the Legal Aid fire.

Conditsis Lawyers were reportedly acting on behalf of Legal Aid in Gosford Local Court (pictured) earlier on Thursday

Firefighters and police brought stretchers to the Legal Aid building to assist several disabled people stranded on higher storeys of the building because the lifts were stopped.

Police remain on scene and have launched an investigation.

The incidents led to mass evacuations across the CBD with Gosford Court also in lockdown.

Donnison Street was closed in several sections near Dane Drive, Mann Street, and Baker Street, with motorists and the community urged to avoid the area.

Police wish to speak with a man seen in the area at the time of the incident.

He was described as aged in his 60s, of short stature, chubby build, wearing an all-black face covering, a black T-shirt, dark pants and shoes, and a dark cap.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Russian woman accused of sneaking onto a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris has been brought back to the United States and is scheduled to appear in front of a federal judge.

On Saturday, Svetlana Dali, 57, was allegedly able to get past security checkpoints at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

Dali, a Russian national with legal residency in the US, was even able to bypass a Delta gate agent to board the Paris-bound flight despite having no boarding pass or valid travel documents, cops said.

When she arrived in France, she was detained for several days before being escorted on Wednesday onto a Delta-operated plane headed back to New York City, ABC reported.

Dali was arrested at JFK Airport on Wednesday and is expected to be formally charged during her court appearance at the Eastern District of New York on Thursday.

It's not yet clear why she went to France without having a valid Visa or even a ticket to board. According to her Facebook, she does have Russian passport that was issued in 2012.

Passengers filmed Dali after she was reportedly caught going from bathroom to bathroom by flight attendants since she didn't have a seat.

She then allegedly became 'belligerent' and screamed at staff trying to question her.

Svetlana Dali, 57, will be charged formally charged Thursday in connection to her allegedly sneaking onto a Delta-operated plane that left from New York City and was headed to Paris

Pictured: Dali's Russian passport, which was issued in 2012

New footage of her return flight then also showed her being combative with airline staff, screaming about needing 'asylum against the United States.'

'Please help me!' she was seen saying in the video. 'I don't want to go to the United States.'

Delta and TSA said it they have launched an investigation to find out how Dali allegedly snuck past security checkpoints.

'Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. That's why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end,' Delta said in a statement.

The TSA said Dali was originally screened at JFK Airport and was not carrying any prohibited items but was found to be 'without a boarding pass.'

It hasn't been explained how Dali was allowed through the security checkpoint where they scan passengers' boarding passes.

'TSA takes any incidents that occur at any of our checkpoints nationwide seriously,' TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez said.

'TSA will independently review the circumstances of this incident at our travel document checker station at JFK.'

When Dali arrived at Paris' Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, French authorities said she was 'refused entry for lack of valid travel document and was placed in a waiting area.'

Dali is pictured as she's being confronted by flight attendants aboard the Delta flight to Paris

Passengers filmed her throughout the nightmare flight and was caught migrating back and forth between the plane's bathrooms since she didn't have a seat

Because she held a valid US residence, French officials moved to send her back on a return flight to JFK, however Dali was intent on remaining outside the US.

French airport officials also revealed that Dali has previously applied for asylum in France, although they did not say when she applied or if it was ever granted.

Several passengers shared their experience of being on the flight with Dali, who reportedly tried to evade staff by walking from bathroom to bathroom after take off.

Jairam Dookoo, who was on the original flight to Paris, said Dali initially pretended to try and find her documents before arguing with airline staff.

'She took 10 minutes to just find her bags, to try and find her boarding pass,' he told ABC News. 'Which she did not have at all.'

Footage of Dali being unruly with airline staff when French authorities tried to deport her back was taken before the jet ever got off the ground, and passengers said she began freaking out almost instantly.

Passenger Natalia Treichler said: 'She got belligerent, and so more stewardesses came in to try and restrain her.

'That's when everything started to escalate.'
Sir,



Upon perusing the article titled, Government Should Admit Failure to Fight Corruption - MPs (which graced Tuesdays edition of this publication), I found myself engulfed in a profound sense of indignation. I shook my head with disbelief.

Really, Honourable Members of Parliament? Is it not the case that this suggestion may, however, establish a perilous precedent? Although one might argue for transparency, the implications of such an admission could be far-reaching and potentially detrimental to our already tattered international image as a country. The article stated that some Members of Parliament (MPs) suggested that perhaps it is about time government pronounced that it cannot or is failing to fight corruption.

Concerns

Summarising the recent discussions in Parliament, some Members of Parliament (MPs) in the country have highlighted significant concerns regarding the persistent issue of corruption within the health sector, particularly in relation to the acquisition and distribution of medical supplies. Venting their frustrations, the MPs called for international assistance to combat corruption, citing failures of local entities to address the problem effectively. This call for external support emerged during debates on the PACs recommendations following a forensic audit that revealed a critical shortage of medical drugs, (amid allegations of corruption) despite substantial financial investments in the health sector.

The forensic audit, conducted by Funduzi Forensic Auditors, identified six key findings that underscore systemic issues within the health supply chain. These findings include inadequate supply chain management, poor governance, weak internal controls and instances of fraud and conflict of interest. The PAC chairperson and vice chairperson emphasised that corruption is a primary factor contributing to the drug shortages, which have reportedly been an ongoing issue since 2003. As a nation, we must not permit the individuals (MPs) whom we elected to assume the role of crybabies who are apprehensive about confronting the government and demanding accountability. Patients lives are at stake; some individuals have tragically lost their lives because of this drug shortages corruption conundrum. We cannot, however, allow corruption to delineate our identity as a nation. No!

Responsibilities

Parliament must acknowledge its responsibilities, assert its authority and compel the government, along with other established legal entities such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to hold accountable all individuals implicated in the Funduzi Forensic Audit. Parliament represents a legally and constitutionally recognised institution that functions as a vigilant overseer of the Executive. However, its role transcends mere oversight; it is crucial for ensuring both accountability and transparency. This is of utmost significance because, without such checks in place, the balance of power may become precarious.

It is unthinkable for such a venerable institution to suggest that the government should accept failure. They possess all necessary resources to urge (or force) government to address the systemic corruption dilemma that has and continues to, plague this nation. The nation must not be subjected to extortion by a handful of corrupt individuals, who have obliterated the healthcare sector due to greed. It is irrelevant whether these fraudsters are linked to those in positions of power. The law must unequivocally take its course. No one is above the law..

Perished

Government must cease its deficiency in political will to eradicate the purported corruption occurring in the procurement of pharmaceuticals. Patients have perished and will persist in perishing if a select few, who are seemingly untouchable, evade justice because of the administrations failures to fulfil its constitutional mandate: the eradication of corruption. However, this situation cannot continue unchecked. If the administration acknowledges its inability to effectively combat and eliminate corruption, it must consequently require the resignation of all its members collectively. A State cannot be jeopardised by a small group of corrupt individuals who destroy the healthcare sector and escape accountability due to their elite connections.

The pressing question is: If we concede defeat in the fight against corruption. Then Lord help us!



Alex Nxumalo
The cold-blooded assassination of the CEO of America's largest healthcare insurer in midtown Manhattan sent shockwaves across the controversial industry and captured headlines around the world.

Questions have been asked how the masked gunman who killed Brian Thompson, 50, outside the Hilton Hotel early Wednesday morning seemed to vanish into thin air, despite the Big Apple's widespread surveillance systems.

A frantic manhunt has seen the NYPD attempt to track the killer from the hotel in Midtown to a bike he was believed to have fled on.

Now the police have released new images showing the alleged assassin smiling on surveillance footage.

Cops issued a $10,000 reward hoping to enlist the public in tracking down Thompson's killer as the search enters its second day.

Late on Wednesday detectives revealed their first hint at a motive, saying the assassin left bullet casings reading 'deny', 'defend', and 'depose' - which many linked to a 2010 book by author Jay M. Feinman on the viciousness of the health insurance industry.

The father-of-two's widow Paulette said her husband had been receiving threats in the run up to the shooting, but Thompson chose to travel to New York anyway to head up his company's investors conference.

He was set to announce the company's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.

The NYPD released this grinning snapshot of the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson

Amid the shock over the 'brazen, targeted' attack, a callous online minority appeared to cheer the death of CEO but were quickly met with a swift backlash.

Here, DailyMail.com takes a look at everything we know about the shooter the manhunt for the killer continues.

What we know about the gunman

As of Thursday morning, the identity of the killer remains unknown, but police have released images showing his face.

Prior to that, they were going off grainy photos taken at a Starbucks before the shooting 'brazen, targeted' shooting.

They showed a white male, wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a grey backpack.

Police searched a hostel in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan where they believe the suspect had been staying.

Sources told CNN on Thursday morning that detectives obtained a search warrant for a property in the city, with the gun used in the killing bought from a Connecticut store.

The suspect opened fire on Thompson from behind as the CEO was headed into the New York Midtown Hilton hotel

The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with information on the shooter.

A former FBI chief told DailyMail.com that while the suspect was 'proficient', he is unlikely to be a professional hitman based on the way he carried out the attack.

Investigators searching for a motive recovered bullets from the scene which were inscribed with the words, 'depose', 'deny' and 'defend' inscribed on them.

The messages bear similarity to the title of a 2010 book on 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it', called 'Delay, Deny, Defend' by Jay M Feinman.

How the shooting unfolded

Thompson was due to speak at the UnitedHealthcare investor conference in the Hilton's ballroom.

He was not a guest at the hotel, but set off early to prepare for his presentation.

The killer appeared to know which direction he was coming from and was reportedly spotted loitering near the Hilton prior to the attack.

As he was walking towards the hotel's West 54th street entrance at around 6.45am, the killer approached him from behind.

The assassin emerged behind Thompson and shot him in the back with a firearm fixed with a silencer from around 20 feet

The first shot Thompson in the back, causing him to collapse into a doorway as the assassin unloaded several more bullets which struck him in the leg.

The masked gunman used a silencer in the shooting and was seen on surveillance footage fleeing across the street.

He disappeared through a paved seating area onto West 55th street where police said he hopped onto a bike and headed towards Central Park where he subsequently vanished.

Emergency responders performed CPR on Thompson and rushed him to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced dead.

What we know about the victim

Thompson is a married father-of-two who lives in a $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

However he and his wife Paulette Thompson, a physical therapist, are separated.

He became the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year.

He has been with the company for 20 years, previously serving as CEO for UnitedHealthcare's government programs arm.

UnitedHealthcare employs nearly 140,000 people across the world. Under Thompson's tenure the company has seen a sharp increase in profits.

However, on Thompson's watch, the of the business has attracted scrutiny from the Department of Justice, the New York Times reports.

According to filings, Thompson owned around $20 million in UnitedHealth Group shares at the end of September.

Thompson is a married father-of-two who lived in Maple Grove, Minneapolis

In April he was one of several executives who sold shares before the DOJ probe was announced, Bloomberg reported.

UnitedHealthcare was mentioned in a scathing Senate report which cited a soaring number of denials in post-acute care. Denials leapt from 10.9 percent in 2020 to 22.7 percent in 2022.

Prior to joining the company, Thompson was a certified public accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP having obtained an accountancy degree from the University of Iowa graduate.

Prior to his murder, he had received threats referencing a 'lack of coverage', according to Paulette Thompson.

Reaction and Tributes

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was among those to express their condolences over Thompson's death.

'This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,' Walz, who recently ran for vice president on Kamala Harris' ticket, wrote on X.

'Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brians family and the UnitedHealthcare team.'

Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobuchar, also wrote a tribute to Thompson on X, writing: 'This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompsons family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota.'

With the suspect at large, the NYPD has released several sets of images of the gunman, including new shots of him standing by a counter with his face mostly obscured by a balaclava

The suspect was described by authorities as a white male with a grey backpack wearing all black

UnitedHealth Group said the company was 'deeply saddened and shocked' by the news of Thompson's death.

'Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

'Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him,' the company said.

But among the tributes were some celebrating the CEO's death
One of Brianna Ghey's killers has had a bid to challenge the length of his sentence dismissed at the Court of Appeal.

Eddie Ratcliffe, 17, was detained for life in February this year for the murder of the 16-year-old, along with co-defendant Scarlett Jenkinson, who received a minimum term of 22 years.

Brianna was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife during the fatal attack in Linear Park, Culcheth, near Warrington, in February last year, which the sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Yip, described as 'exceptionally brutal'.

Ratcliffe, who was 15 at the time of the murder and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism, was also found to have been transphobic about his victim.

Lawyers for Ratcliffe lodged an appeal to have the length of his sentence reduced, claiming the judge failed to 'sufficiently' take into account his age and maturity when deciding his sentence.

The Crown Prosecution Service opposed the appeal bid, claiming that the sentence was 'appropriate' and was not 'manifestly excessive'.

In a ruling on Thursday, three senior judges dismissed the bid, finding that arguments made in favour of reducing Ratcliffe's sentence were 'based on a false premise'.

Summarising their judgment, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Murray, said: 'The judge's choice of a starting point of 20 years for a minimum term was correct, for the reasons that she gave.

Brianna Grey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife in Cheshire on February 11 last year

The murdered teenager Brianna Ghey (pictured) was attacked in Linear Park, Culcheth, near Warrington, in February last year

Jenkinson and Ratcliffe were named in March this year as Brianna's murderers

Summarising their judgment, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Murray, said: 'The judge's choice of a starting point of 20 years for a minimum term was correct, for the reasons that she gave.

'The judge was then entitled to take into account the aggravating factors as identified.'

She continued: 'The sentence imposed by the judge on the applicant was neither manifestly excessive, nor wrong in principle. The proposed grounds (of appeal) are not arguable.'

Ratcliffe, who attended the hearing in London via a video link dressed in a dark suit, shirt and tie, showed no emotion as the appeal bid was dismissed, with his mother present in court.

The court also heard that Brianna's family were in attendance remotely.

Richard Littler KC, for Ratcliffe, earlier told the court that his sentence was 'wrongly and artificially elevated' and was 'far too high', adding that the judge had failed to take into account his age and maturity.

He said: 'It is right to say that on any analysis of the applicant's maturity, he is closer to the starting point of a 14-year-old rather than a 17-year-old boy.'

He added: 'The point we make is (that) age and maturity were very important issues in this case, and could very much affect the end result for this particular applicant.'

Eddie Ratcliffe pictured during his interview with Cheshire Constabulary in 2023

CCTV footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of Eddie Ratcliffe boarding a bus on the same day as Brianna's murder

A photograph of the murder weapon issued by Cheshire Police during the trial last December

Mr Littler said that Ratcliffe was found to have 'poor social skills' and 'immaturity', as well as 'a lower-than-expected ability to express what he thinks or articulate his ideas'.

He said: 'There is no doubt they were taken into account, but they were not taken into account fully.'

Deanna Heer KC, for the CPS, said that Ratcliffe's attitude towards Brianna was 'dehumanising' and that the killing involved 'sadistic conduct', adding that the sentence was not 'manifestly excessive'.

She continued that the minimum term was 'appropriate... on the evidence in the case', and that Ratcliffe's autism diagnosis 'did not prevent him from understanding what he was doing'.

She said: 'Eddie demonstrated himself throughout to be just as enthusiastic about what they were going to do as Scarlett.'

An earlier trial at Manchester Crown Court heard that Brianna had thousands of followers on TikTok, but in reality was a withdrawn, shy and anxious teenager who struggled with depression and rarely left her home.

Jurors were told that the two killers were intelligent, 'high-functioning' and came from normal backgrounds, but had a fascination for violence, torture and murder and a 'thirst for killing'.

Jenkinson, who lived close to the park in Culcheth, had been asked to leave her school, Culcheth High, over giving cannabis-laced gummy sweets to another pupil and joined Brianna's school, Birchwood High, in October 2022.

Jenkinson, who lived close to the park in Culcheth, had been asked to leave her school, Culcheth High, over giving cannabis-laced gummy sweets to another pupil

Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, both then 15, lured 16-year-old Brianna (pictured) to a park in the village of Culcheth and stabbed her to death in a 'frenzied' attack

Brianna's mother Esther pictured with her daughter

She quickly became 'obsessed' with Brianna, and along with Ratcliffe drew up a 'kill list' of four other youths they wanted to harm until Brianna had the 'misfortune' to be befriended by Jenkinson.

The pair discussed the murder for weeks, detailed in Jenkinson's handwritten murder plan and phone messages found by detectives.

Jenkinson also told Ratcliffe she wanted to stab Brianna 'jus coz its fun lol... I want to see the pure horror on her face and hear her scream'.

They lured Brianna to Linear Park on February 11 last year where she was attacked with Ratcliffe's hunting knife, which had a 13cm blade.

She was stabbed in the head, neck, chest and back, with Jenkinson deleting a Snapchat conversation between them and inventing a cover story.

But both teenagers were arrested an hour later, with the murder weapon and blood-stained clothing found in Ratcliffe's bedroom.

After being found guilty of murder in December 2023, Jenkinson was detained for a minimum term of 22 years for what Mrs Justice Yip described as a 'frenzied and ferocious' attack.

Handing down judgment on Thursday, Baroness Carr said Brianna 'had her whole life ahead of her' and 'made a real impact in her short life', adding: 'Her family remember her for her laughter, for being full of life and being a good listener.'
Former Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz sparked outrage after she appeared to support the murder of UnitedHealth's CEO while highlighting the misdeeds of another.

Lorenz, once a rising star on the internet beat, issued a series of controversial posts on Bluesky shortly after Thompson was assassinated in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday.

'Woke up to see this spammed in my group chats,' Lorenz wrote alongside a celebratory image that read, 'CEO DOWN.'

'People have very justified hatred toward insurance company CEOs because these executives are responsible for an unfathomable amount of death and suffering,' she wrote on a different post.

'As someone against death and suffering, I think its good to call out this broken system and the ppl in power who enable it.'

In perhaps the most shocking post, Lorenz shared a news report about Blue Cross Blue Shield announcing they would not cover anesthesia for the full length of certain surgeries in some states.

Lorenz then added the information and picture of Blue Cross CEO Kim Keck in an apparent attempt to send an online mob in the medical executive's direction, before insisting she only wanted people to write in 'peacefully' to complain.

She wrote: 'And people wonder why we want these executives dead.'

Journalist Taylor Lorenz has sparked outrage after she appeared to support the murder of UnitedHelathcare CEO Brian Thompson

'Healthcare is a human right. We need universal healthcare now.'

Lorenz continued doubling down, defending her hatred of health care CEOs as her comments went viral, sparking outrage.

'Austen Rief seems to be attempting to manufacture an outrage campaign over a journalist posting about the sentiment surrounding a viral news event,' she replied to an X user that noted she appeared to be celebrating Thompson's murder.

After another X user accused her of celebrating murder, Lorenz went on, writing: 'Murder like what happens every year to thousands of innocent Americans killed by greedy insurance executives denying their coverage?'

It's not the first time Lorenz is in hot water over her social media activity. Her tenures at both The New York Times and the Washington Post were mired by her online scandals.

Lorenz left mainstream media recently to go independent, which means she is no longer subject to the social media rules upheld by traditional media outlets.

The move came after editors at the Washington Post had been concerned with her calling Joe Biden a 'war criminal' on social media.

Earlier this week, Lorenz was relentlessly mocked online after she said those who refused to wear masks were 'raw-dogging the air.'

'I love when ppl find photos where my mask is off for 5 seconds outside for a photo at my book party where every single attendee had to PCR test, as some kind of gotcha,' she raged.

'Planning a COVID safe book launch took months and THOUSANDS of my own dollars ensuring testing, outdoor space, far UV lights, and a litany of other precautions.

'Meanwhile u dumb f***s are out raw dogging the air and spewing ur disease laden breath all over ur elderly neighbors. We are not the same.'

Lorenz' comments about Thomson came as investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies, then disappeared into Central Park.

Police have used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killers whereabouts remain unknown as of Thursday morning.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

Police issued several surveillance images of Thompson's assassin, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and wouldnt have attracted attention on a frigid winter day.

Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting.

It's not the first time Lorenz is in hot water over her social media activity. Her tenures at both The New York Times and the Washington Post were mired by her online scandals

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on Wednesday

The police department offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Officials are looking into whether the killer fled on an unmarked e-bike, and not a Citi Bike, as authorities had preciously said.

Cops have yet to offer any further detail on where the assassin might be.

But NYPD officials say they don't believe he is any threat to the public given the targeted nature of the attack on Thompson.

'Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,' the insurers Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement.

'We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.'
Transgender activists staged an outrageous takeover of the United States Capitol women's toilets to protest Republicans' congressional trans bathroom ban.

Protesters have flocked to Washington, DC as the Supreme Court hears a case over the constitutionality of a Tennessee law denying transgender minors gender-affirming care.

Republicans have been emboldened by Donald Trump's win in the presidential election and South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace introduced a bill to ban transgender women from using female restrooms on Capitol Hill.

Last month, House Speaker Mike Johnson ruled the first transgender member of Congress cannot use the women's restrooms in a decision that will shake the U.S. Capitol.

Newly elected Sarah McBride, who will become the first openly transgender lawmaker when sworn into office in January, will have to use the men's facilities.

As the Supreme Court heard the most high-profile case of its term on Wednesday, transgender activists decided to record a dance number take over of the Capitol building's women's restroom.

The group of protesters - including trans actress James Rose - danced to Meeting in the Ladies Room by Klymaxx.

Video of the demonstration starts with a panorama of the interior of the Capitol building entrance, then turns into the nearby restroom that is filled with a dancing group of trans, non-binary and cis-gendered people.

Transgender activists staged an outrageous take over of the United States Capitol women's toilets to protest Republicans congressional trans bathroom ban

The group of protesters - including trans actress James Rose (right) - danced to Meeting in the Ladies room by Klymaxx

Some wore shirts with the colors of the transgender pride flag - pink, blue and white - that said 'Flush The Hate, Not Our Rights' and 'Trans People are NOT Dangerous. You Are!'

The others activists include non-binary influencer Jerome Trammel, comedian Elizabeth Booker Houston, influencer Alexis Rose, transgender model June Raven Romero and activist Hope Giselle-Godsey.

'We understand the weight of what it means to be a pariah in our society, so doing what's necessary is never too hard. It always starts with things that people feel are insignificant, like public restrooms, but it never stops there,' Giselle-Godsey told Gaye Magazine.

'We're here today to ensure they understand that we will not be erasedone bathroom at a timeor shoved back into the proverbial closet out of deference to the comfort of those who speak to eradicate us.'

Defendant supporters left comments applauding the video and encouraging the groups antics.

'Now Im going to be disappointed every time I go into a public restroom and dont see dancing,' one person said.

'Ill take the bathroom over an encounter with a man alone on a street any day,' a second said.

Another added, 'No MAGAs were harmed during the using of the potty or the filming of this video.'

Video of the demonstration starts with a panorama of the interior of the Capitol building entrance, then turns into the nearby restroom that is filled with a dancing group

The others include non-binary influencer Jerome Trammel, comedian Elizabeth Booker Houston, influencer Alexis Rose, transgender model June Raven Romero and activist Hope Giselle-Godsey

Some wore shirts with the colors of the transgender pride flag - pink, blue and white - that said 'Flush The Hate, Not Our Rights' and 'Trans People are NOT Dangerous. You Are!'

Mace's bathroom proposal caused a trans war to break out on Capitol Hill with Delaware Democrat Representative-elect McBride blasting Republicans claiming they were using it as a 'distraction' tactic.

Mace fired off a brutal response when asked why she does not want the first trans member of Congress to use women's restrooms.

'If being a feminist makes me an extremist I'm totally here for it,' the South Carolina Republican sharply told a reporter.

'I'm a victim of abuse myself. I'm a rape survivor. I have PTSD from the abuse I've suffered at the hands of a man, and I know how vulnerable women and girls are in private spaces.

'So I'm absolutely, 100 percent going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women's restroom, in our locker rooms, [or] in our changing rooms.'

Johnson, the GOP leader, finally weighed in on the controversy in a statement saying McBride would have to use the restroom of her biological sex.

'All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings  such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms  are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,' Johnson said in his statement.

'It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol,' he went on. 'Women deserve womens only spaces.'

DailyMail.com has contacted the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for comment.
A warship controlled by Vladimir Putin's forces may have fired a machinegun along with flares during a tense encounter with a German helicopter, a new report has claimed.

Bild reported that the Russian warship 'Merkury', a 104.5m (343ft) long corvette, fired signal ammunition flares as a German NH-90 SeaLion chopper approached during the clash, which was reported earlier this week.

The SeaLion was investigation the Merkury amid suspicions it was a part of Russia's so-called 'Shadow Fleet', a collection of marine vessels used to evade international sanctions.

The newspaper reported that as the SeaLion approached at an altitude of 4,000ft (300m), shots were fired with signal ammunition at a distance of around four nautical miles (7.4km), before the Russian ship set its machinegun off into the water.

The Russian ship reportedly apologised for the incident, but little more is known about the flare-up.

The German government has so far refused to comment, with Bild reporting that defence officials are investigating the incident as top secret.

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock mentioned the incident at a NATO meeting but did not give further details.

NATO is currently carrying out increased surveillance in the Baltic Sea to prevent hybrid attacks on pipelines and data cables by Russia and its supporters.

Bild reported that the Russian warship 'Merkury' (pictured) fired at a German chopper

Germany sent over a NH-0 SeaLion to investigate a possible Shadow Fleet vessel

Tensions between the West and Vladimir Putin's (pictured) Russia have been rising significantly in recent months

The Baltic Sea is bordered by eight Nato countries and Russia.

There have been at least three incidents of possible sabotage to the 40-odd telecommunication cables and critical gas pipelines that run along its relatively shallow seabed since 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

'NATO is stepping up patrols... allies are investing in innovative technologies that can help better secure these assets,' commander Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesperson for Nato's Allied Maritime Command previously said.

Yet the ease with which a ship's anchor can slice through a cable, coupled with the often-treacherous sea conditions, makes actual prevention of such attacks almost impossible.

Tensions between Russia and the West have been rising so high in recent weeks that defence chiefs from Russia and the US held a rare phone call last week.

Direct contact between Moscow and Washington has almost ceased to exist amid Russia's military offensive on Ukraine, and the Kremlin has said it considers the United States a direct participant in the conflict.

The call, between Russia's Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown occurred on November 27 and was held at the request of the Russian side, both Moscow and Washington said.

'The leaders discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,' Brown's spokesman told AFP.

A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk, northwestern Russia

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now a senior Kremlin security official, pictured with Vladimir Putin

It the was the first call between the pair since Brown took over the role in October 2023.

The Russian defence ministry said Gerasimov had informed Brown about Russian military drills in the eastern Mediterranean, announced as Moscow conducts air strikes to support its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad quash an Islamist-led rebellion.

'This information was given with the goal of preventing possibile incidents in connection with the presence of US and NATO ships near the area of Russian drills,' it said in a statement on Telegram.

It did not mention Ukraine or any other topic.

Citing a US military spokesperson, the New York Times reported that the pair discussed Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile.

Brown also expressed US concern over the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia's army on the battlefield, CNN reported.

Despite the West's reticence to comment on the matter for fear of further escalation, Russia has had no such qualms about using fiery language to stoke tensions.

Former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev even declared late last month that Nato and the US is at 'full war' with Russia.

Medvedev declared that the West crossed 'all red lines' and is now 'at war with Russia'.

The close Mr Putin ally who now serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said that every Ukrainian strike on Russian territory with Western weapons would be met with a response.

'It's not going to go unnoticed... It will change the rules of engagement - it's proof that Nato and Washington and other participants in the alliance are not just participating in a hybrid war, but a war in every sense of the word against our country.

'Negotiations are a long way off, events like this could push those negotiations back even further,' he told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya.

'Any strikes on Russia are unequivocally unacceptable. What happened was a crossing of all red lines.'
A Miami-based gallerist has made claims of 'censorship' after organizers ordered her to remove art featuring Donald Trump's face from an upcoming show.

The L Kotler Fine Art gallery was allegedly forced to remove the neon piece featuring the President-elect from its exhibition, the Scope International Contemporary Art Show, last week.

The painting, illustrated by artist Shyglo - who creates photorealistic oil paintings of cultural figures like Michael Jordan - depicts the face of the 78-year-old with the neon-lit word 'Huge' covering his face.

The gallery's owner Lindsay Kotler has since argued the organizer's command was an act of censorship, as she told Page Six they instructed her to remove the piece 12 hours before opening.

'We were asked to remove it immediately from our booth,' by a fair organizer, Kotler claimed to Page Six, adding that, 'at first they wouldn't give a reason.'

The 40-year-old gallerist was allegedly later told that the work was 'suggestive,' adding that based on the contractual agreement she signed with the organizers, they were permitted to tell her to remove artwork.

'Finally we had to take it down because in the contract they are allowed to tell us to remove artwork,' Kotler said.

However, Kotler did not agree, claiming the piece was 'beautiful' and 'not offensive in any way.'

A Miami-based gallerist has made claims of 'censorship' as organizers have allegedly ordered her to remove artwork featuring the face of Donald Trump from an upcoming show. Pictured: The work featuring former President Donald Trump, by artist, Shyglo, is titled 'Huge'

The L Kotler Fine Art gallery was allegedly forced to remove the neon piece featuring the President-elect from its near week-long exhibition, the Scope International Contemporary Art Show, running from November 29 to December 4

'It was pretty alarming. [The work] is not offensive in any way,' she said.

'It's a beautiful artwork. That artist, his paintings are of diverse icons: Michael Jordan, Prince, Obama. He's not focused on Republicans or Trump. It's supposed to inspire conversations like art should.'

Kotler, who established her company L Kotler Fine Arts LLC in 2021, has since called the move 'an act of censorship,' something she doesn't agree with in the art scene.

'I'm not an advocate of censorship in art,' she said. 'Art should convey thoughts and inspire interpretation. It's an expression.'

She added that she feels the art in question does not portray any overt political meaning, claiming 'the work could go either way.'

'It's up to the interpreter. It's sad to me that art is being censored and that it all comes down to politics.'

Her gallery, she says, which has represented artists of all backgrounds, including those who support Trump or the likes of the Democratic party.

'I'm not a supporter for anyone,' Kotler told the publication.

The since removed art has now drawn attention as it is now the primary subject in a heated bidding war that has hiked the original price of $8,500 to a whopping $15,000 - $30,000, as per the gallery's website.

The gallery's owner, Lindsay Kotler (pictured), has since argued that the organizer's command was an act of censorship, as she told Page Six that fair organizers instructed her to remove the piece at 11:30 pm on Monday, about 12 hours before opening

Kotler, who established her company L Kotler Fine Arts LLC in 2021, has since called the move 'an act of censorship,' something she doesn't agree with in the art scene. Pictured: The near week-long exhibit featuring work by artist, Shyglo

The alleged 'censorship' by the gallery's organizers is not a lone attack on the former President, as since his re-election, several others have been 'cancelled' or have refused to service those who support the Republican politician.

In Idaho, a glamourous beauty salon owner is facing a boycott of her small business after she repeatedly branded Donald Trump voters racist, homophobic and misogynists.

Tiffney Prickett, from the salon, Voire, in Coeur d'Alene, took to TikTok after the election to share her thoughts of the president-elect's voting base.

'Trump basically gave small men the ability and the courage to be misogynistic and hateful and say s*** like 'your body, my choice' and 'you will bear my child whether you like it or not,'' Prickett said in the November 12 video.

The 40-year-old mother-of-three has since faced numerous boycotts of her small business, some from 15-year returning clients, who disagree with her attacks.

In Tennessee, a florist has received massive backlash after saying she won't do business with Trump supporters after his election win.

Kristin Wolter, 49, of Memphis, made the announcement on the now-private Instagram account for her business, Everbloom Designs.

'I won't do business with people who support the president-elect,' she said in the video, which circulated widely social media beginning last week.

'It is because I need to create a safe place for me, my staff, and my family.'

Wolter said she was shocked that her 'community chose financial concerns and economy over human rights and decency,' Newsmax host Todd Starnes wrote in a post on X.

'I knew standing up for what I believe in would have consequences,' the post read.
The gunman who shot two kindergarten students in California was revealed to have lied about enrolling a student to gain access and open fire on the children of a Christian school.

On Wednesday, a man who is yet to be named opened fire at K-8 Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists and left two young boys, 5 and 6 years old, in critical condition.

Authorities believe the shooter may have falsified a meeting about enrolling a student into the school to gain access to the grounds. Deputies, however, don't believe a child was with him.

The suspected shooter had arrived in an Uber and met with the school's administrator, who described their meeting as 'cordial', according to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea in a press statement on Wednesday.

'After the meeting with the administrator on Wednesday, gunshots were heard,' Honea said.

California Highway Patrol Officers received 911 calls from the school at around 1pm, according to Sheriff Honea, and arrived on the scene to find the suspected shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The suspected shooter was found near playground equipment on the school grounds along with a handgun.

'Whether or not this is a hate crime or whether or not it's part of some sort of larger scheme, at this point I don't have enough information to provide an answer to that,' he said.

On Wednesday, a man who is yet to be named opened fire after meeting with the administrator of Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists

'I'm thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them,' Sheriff Kory Honea said in a press statement on Wednesday

According to Sheriff Honea, officers arrived on the scene to find the suspected shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a handgun near the playground equipment

Honea added that after receiving additional information, they are led to believe 'the subject responsible for the shooting targeted this school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventists church.'

Sid Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said: 'No father no mother should have to endure what happened today'

He added that they are 'still very early in the investigation' but believe, with additional help from the FBI, they have identified the suspect and were in the process of conducting interviews with possible associates.

Officers on the scene gave medical aid to the two young boys who were then transported to a Sacramento-area hospital where they are in 'extremely critical condition', according to Sheriff Honea.

'I'm thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them,' the sheriff said.

A sixth-grade student, Jocelyn Orlando, told CBS News that during the terrifying ordeal, she helped her teacher comfort younger students as the gunman was outside the classroom.

'I was thinking to myself, what if I get shot, what will happen to my family and me,' she told the outlet.

Orlando said she tried to comfort the kindergarten students by telling them to 'take deep breaths and think of something happy.'

According to Honea, the suspect had arrived in an Uber and met with the school's administrator, who described their meeting as 'cordial'. The meeting was said to be about enrolling a child into the school, and gunshots were heard shortly after

Remaining students were loaded onto a school bus and taken to Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they were reunited with parents and family members

'I told the little graders to close their eyes and cover their ears because he was pacing back and forth from the window... we all don't know what's gonna happen next.'

'I don't really know...It was really, really sad,' she added.

The school serves about 35 students from kindergarten to eighth grade, and remaining students on campus were secured inside the school's gymnasium.

They were then loaded onto a school bus and taken to Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they were reunited with parents and family members.

Dale Orlando, Jocelyn's father, told the outlet: 'I tried to get here as quick as I could, as safely as I could, while panicking on the inside.'

'We're not the only city, school, family, that this happens to, and this is not how life should be,' he added.

In a statement on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote: 'Heartbreaking. Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the children, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. To the survivors of gun violence: You are never alone. California stands with you.'

Honea added that while they believe the shooting to be an 'isolated incident,' a cautionary alert was sent to law enforcement throughout California state.
A 20-year-old man accused of murdering a physical trainer on Bournemouth beach has pleaded guilty to refusing to give police access to his mobile phone.

Nasen Saadi has been charged with the murder of Amie Gray, 34, at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff Promenade, on May 24, and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles at the same location.

Police rushed to the scene just before midday after receiving reports that two people had been stabbed on the beach.

Ms Gray, from Poole, died at the scene while Ms Miles, also from Poole, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Saadi entered his plea to the charge of failing to comply with a disclosure notification on the first day of his trial at Winchester Crown Court for the murder and attempted murder counts, which he denies.

A jury has been sworn in and prosecutor Sarah Jones KC is expected to open the case against Saadi on Friday.

The judge, Mrs Justice Cutts, told the jury: 'The next stage of the case is for the prosecution to open the case for you and Ms Jones will tell you what it's all about.

'For good reason that is not going to happen until tomorrow.'

Amie Gray (pictured) died after being stabbed on Durley Chine Beach, Bournemouth at around 11.45pm on May 24

A court artist sketch of Nasen Saadi who has been charged with the murder of the 34-year-old

Sian Gray, pictured with her wife of Amie Gray who died after being stabbed on Durley Chine Beach, Bournemouth

Ms Gray's wife Sian Gray said in a statement after her death: 'Words cannot describe the pain that we feel. Amie was the most loving wife and mother.

'Her giggly laugh and big smile will be hard to be without. A larger-than-life character. I will miss you immensely my love. To the moon and back, forever and always.'

Ms Gray's mother, Sharon Macklin, called her daughter 'beautiful inside and out'.

She said: 'As a family we are devastated to have lost one of the most amazing, funny, kind and energetic souls.

'When Amie entered a room it filled with laughter and her presence could not be ignored.'
Vladimir Putin's foreign minister has blamed the West for the 'reincarnation of the Cold War' and warned that it could turn 'hot' in a chilling rant.

Sergei Lavrov said the West failed to heed the Kremlin's warnings over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine and warned it risked turning into an East-West conflict, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Speculation over possible Western deployments, potentially as a peacekeeping force in the event of a ceasefire, has ratched up amid an escalation in the near three-year war.

Lavrov was quoted as saying that the West was behind a 'reincarnation of the Cold War, only now with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one'.

Asked about Western media reports on the topic, Lavrov said: 'All these fantasies are only exacerbating the situation, and show that the people who hold such ideas, prefer not to hear the very clear warnings that President Putin has repeatedly given.'

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said last month that there were no 'red lines' when it came to Paris's support for Ukraine.

Asked whether this included a French troop deployment, he said: 'We do not discard any option.'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday it was too early and 'inappropriate' to discuss whether Berlin would in future send troops to a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

A handout photo shows a serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo firing a weapon during a drill at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, 29 November 2024

Sergei Lavrov (pictured) said the West failed to heed the Kremlin's warnings over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine and warned it risked turning into an East-West conflict

Ukrainian servicemen of the mobile air defense unit fire a machine gun at Russian drones during night patrol on December 2, 2024 in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine

Lavrov also accused Washington of military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region that sought to 'destabilise the entire Eurasian continent.'

'Military exercises are growing with native participation in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Straits around the Korean Peninsula. Clearly, this is an attempt to destabilise the entire Eurasian continent,' Lavrov said at an OSCE meeting in Malta.

Lavrov was speaking after an OSCE summit in Malta, his first trip to an EU country since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

His rant is the latest stoking WW3 fears and comes after former US Army General tapped to be Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia warned at the end of November 'we're on the precipice of World War III'.

Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, 80, told Fox News of the precarious geopolitical circumstances after Vladimir Putin launched a never-before-seen hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

The retired general, who also served as a national security adviser in Trump's previous administration, said: 'I don't think World War III has begun, but we're right on the precipice.'

'When you look at what's happening... with an alliance that President Trump kept apart. You know, he had North Korea over here, he had China over here, he had Iran here and Russia over here.

'What you've seen now is they've all joined. You've got an axis together, and they're feeding off one another.'

Russian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location on November 27, 2024

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

Kellogg's plan to force a ceasefire in Ukraine was laid out in a policy paper for conservative US think tank America First published earlier this year that is likely to form the backbone of the incoming Trump administration's approach to managing the conflict.

In it, Kellogg along with co-author Fred Fleitz lambasted the Biden administration's handling of the Ukraine war and said the US' economic and military might should be used to leverage Kyiv and Moscow into talks.

The retired general advocated for pushing Ukraine into ceasefire negotiations by threatening to pull US aid, while simultaneously telling Moscow that Washington would boost support to Kyiv should Putin not agree to a diplomatic solution.

Under Kellogg's plan, Ukraine would have to cede a considerable chunk of occupied territory to Russia and agree with Western countries not to attempt to join NATO for an extended period of time.

In return, the US would help Ukraine to develop a 'long-term security architecture' to reinforce its defensive capabilities for the future - and levies would be placed on Russian energy sales to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction.
MBABANE  Losing groceries in December can be devastating.

A woman of Mpuluzi, Matseni, was caught red-handed on Sunday at her homestead with stolen groceries that she alighted from a bus with on Friday. The woman, who remains unnamed, had allegedly stolen the items from Phakama Bus Service, servicing the Manzini-Dingizwe route. The owners of the groceries discovered that they were missing upon reaching their destination at Dingizwe. Suspicion fell on the woman, after she was seen alighting from the bus with additional belongings that she had not boarded the bus with.

Recognising

The owners, recognising the woman, sought the assistance of Mhlambanyatsi police officers, to confront her at her homestead. Initially, she denied the allegations. However, further investigation by the community police, led by Viora Mavimbela, uncovered evidence implicating her. A family member within the womans household revealed that they had seen her returning home with groceries on the day of the theft. The police initially focused on one of her houses. However, on Sunday they extended the search to other houses that were typically locked within her family compound. A woman who was a fellow passenger on the bus played a crucial role in the case. She convinced the suspect to confess, revealing that she had stolen the groceries, but could not confess as she feared her husbands reaction.

Upon hearing the confession, the victimised family, with the support of the community police, called Mhlambanyatsi police officers to conduct a raid on the womans other houses. As the police approached, the woman threw the groceries into a pit latrine. However, the family managed to retrieve the items around 10pm. The police instructed the victimised family to calculate the total value of the stolen goods and demand compensation from her. The community police confirmed that an arrest had not been made yet. Chairperson of the National Road Transport Sabelo Dlamini condemned the stealing of other passengers goods, especially this festive season.

We strongly warn against customers, giving bus and kombi conductors their parcels (groceries), because they get stolen, said Dlamini. He said such theft has occurred so many times and inconveniences the drivers and conductors. Dlamini clarified that it is not ideal, but better when a customers belongings get stolen while they are on board, but it is worse when a customers goods get stolen under the care of the driver or conductor who was tasked with passing them to another destination. He also added that customers now put too much trust in drivers and conductors, as they pay them to pass their parcels to as far as Johannesburg and Mozambique. He added that drivers have created a strategy whereby they charge the customers approximately 10 per cent of that item to encourage customers to be on time when receiving their items.

Dlamini further advised customers to monitor their groceries when they are on any form of transport, because inasmuch as the conductors may keep a close eye on their goods, the buses or kombis cannot take responsibility for those stolen goods. Customers are the ones who know their own community members and they should keep track of who board the transport with what load. We plead with drivers to avoid overloading, because it perpetuates stealing and road accidents, said Dlamini. When kombis and buses are full, criminals take advantage and pickpocket or leave with belongings that dont belong to them.

He also asked the public to not board buses or kombis that are full, but to wait for the marshals to find them another form of transport. Dlamini warned customers about criminals known as emaphara who pretend to help them carry their goods, because they are heavy, them run off with them. Women carrying their children find themselves running after these criminals when they dash with their groceries, said Dlamini.
The View's Ana Navarro-Cardenas blamed ChatGPT for her embarrassing blunder in claiming President Woodrow Wilson pardoned a fictional man named 'Hunter deButts.'

Navarro-Cardenas, 52, took to X on Monday to defend President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter Biden - a move he repeatedly said he wouldn't do.

She claimed the 28th president pardoned deButts, who described as his brother-in-law. No records show Wilson had a relative under that name, an online sleuth discovered when he went on a deep dive on X.

Despite a Community Note being adding to her post saying saying there was 'no evidence Wilson had a brother-in-law named "Hunter DeButts,"' the controversial host did not delete or edit the post.

A day later, she finally responded, writing: 'Hey Twitter sleuths, thanks for taking the time to provide context. Take it up with Chat GPT...'

Her post included a screenshot of the popular AI system, showing it stating that Wilson pardoned 'Hunter deButts, his brother-in-law, after he was court-martialed during World War I for military misconduct.'

AI chat systems are known to be wildly fictitious at times as they do not fact check answers, bur rather pull from all the information on the internet - real or true.

ChatGPT is estimated to be around 89 percent accurate, according to Multi-task Language Understanding.

The View 's Ana Navarro-Cardenas blamed ChatGPT for her embarrassing blunder in claiming President Woodrow Wilson pardoned a fictional man named 'Hunter deButts'

Navarro-Cardenas, 52, took to X on Monday to defend President Joe Biden pardoning his son, Hunter Biden

A day later, she finally responded, writing : 'Hey Twitter sleuths, thanks for taking the time to provide context. Take it up with Chat GPT...'

AI chatbots can experience a 'hallucination,' in which they generate false or misleading answers, according to IBM.

The technology company recommends that humans 'validate' information given to them by AI chatbots to make sure it's correct rather.

This is not the first time Navarro-Cardenas has used ChatGPT to reinforce her political opinions.

On November 30, she posted another screenshot from ChatGPT about Charles Kushner, who President-elect Donald Trump nominated to be the Ambassador of France.

The host's excuse for the deButt debacle only seemed to anger fellow journalists, who expressed surprise that the talk-show host would rely on AI for her facts.

'The funniest thing isn't that ChapGPT hallucinated a Woodrow Wilson pardon. It's that a robot spat out the name "Hunter deButts" and none of this sounded out of place to Ana Navarro, a supposed political insider and commentator. Not even a curious follow-up Google search,'' T. Becket Adams, a columnist for The Hill, wrote on X.

'I like to think that if Siri told me Calvin Coolidge once pardoned "Amanda Hugginkiss," I'd do a quick follow-up because I have never heard this before,' he continued.

'It's a marvel that such chronically incurious people tend to secure tenure on cable news opinion shows,' Adams added in a follow-up post.

No records show Woodrow Wilson had a relative named Hunter deButts

Fellow journalist Glenn Greenwald found her blunder hilarious, writing on X: 'This Hunter deButts thing is really one of the all-time funniest things to happen in media and on this platform in awhile. That she works for ABC News makes it even better.'

Navarro's original argument came after Biden made a shocking announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for Hunter, calling his prosecution on gun and tax-evasion charges '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.'

Biden, himself, said as recently as June that unlike Trump - who has outright said he wants to pardon January 6 rioters - he wouldn't pardon 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,' 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.

Navarro's original argument came after Biden made a shocking announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair'

'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,' the president continued.

Biden said that there had 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.'
A couple who were jailed for leaving their 'exceptionally thin' baby boy in sickening conditions before he died have failed to overturn their convictions.

Infant Stephen Angell Jnr was subjected to harrowing mistreatment which included having drug traces in his milk and being found with a smell of 'unusual' body odour.

He would eventually succumb to the abuse aged just three months.

Stephen Angell, 45, and Laura Stevenson, 47, had denied any wrongdoing on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court but were convicted by a jury of willful neglect for events that occurred between August and November 2018.

Among these events were baby Stephen being exposed to the risk of ingesting drugs and a milk bottle being found in his home revealing traces of diazepam.

The couple, of East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, were jailed for two years each in July as Sheriff Colin Dunipace blasted them for showing 'no remorse'.

But the bid to clear their names has now been thrown out by judges after they had immediately told lawyers to launch the appeals against their conviction and sentence following the jail time verdict.

A source said: 'The pair of them are absolutely callous and it was no surprise they tried to appeal their convictions.

Infant Stephen Angell Jnr was subjected to harrowing mistreatment which included having drug traces in his milk

Stephen Angell, 45, and Laura Stevenson, 47, had denied any wrongdoing on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court but were convicted by a jury of willful neglect for events that occurred between August and November 2018

'They have both shown absolutely no remorse whatsoever throughout this whole case and it has left many sickened.'

Medics ruled baby Stephen's death as 'undetermined' but social work records highlighted concerns about his care while he was alive.

A probe revealed he had been exposed to the risk of ingesting drugs and a milk bottle found in his home revealed traces of diazepam.

The court heard a drunk Stevenson had left her son with a woman who was disabled and 'morbidly obese' and had gone to bed.

He was later discovered soaked in urine in the woman's arms by her horrified daughter.

Dr Adrienne Sullivan told the trial she examined Stephen in October 2018 amid concerns over weight gain.

She said his hands, feet and armpits were dirty, he had long nails and a smell of body odour was coming from him which was 'unusual'.

Professor Charlotte Wright told the trial the youngster was 'exceptionally thin' when she examined him.

During one exchange, the parents were advised to increase the amount of baby formula they were feeding him but Angell replied: 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it'

The court heard a drunk Stevenson had left her son with a woman who was disabled and 'morbidly obese' and had gone to bed

She had further nutrition concerns after he gained 100g in three days under medical supervision but was struggling to gain weight at home.

During one exchange, the parents were advised to increase the amount of baby formula they were feeding him but Angell replied: 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it.'

Sheriff Dunipace said: 'Despite the high level of social work intervention, you both failed in your duty to your son and I have concluded that the matter which you were convicted involved a high level of culpability and involved a deliberate disregard of the welfare of your child whilst in a position of the greatest trust as parents.'

The Appeal Court confirmed Angell and Stevenson had their appeals refused at the 'second sift' stage.'
American voters largely do not approve of President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth.

The embattled defense secretary nominee has been meeting with senators all week to convince them that he is the right choice.

Already on thin ice after allegations of binge drinking and misbehaving around women, Hegseth's shot at getting confirmed appears to be narrowing.

Out of the 53 Republican senators that will be overseeing his potential confirmation early next year Hegseth can only lose three GOP votes and still get through.

Several women GOP senators have expressed interest in speaking with Hegseth face-to-face to discuss the claims.

Many Republicans, though, appear to be on board with Trump's selections.

But according to the latest DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll, voters are unsure that Hegseth is the man for the job.

The 1,000 registered voters that responded to the survey overall viewed him unfavorably.

A majority of the over 1,000 registered voters that responded to DailyMail.com/J.L. Partner's latest poll had an overall negative view of President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee to be Defense Secretary, walks with his wife Jennifer Rauchet to his meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Thursday, December 5, 2024

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The survey found just a majority of respondents either viewed Hegseth very or somewhat unfavorably, though the bad rating came with a slim one-point margin.

Further, a majority of voters responded saying that Hegseth is an inappropriate selection for the job.

Just 28 percent of respondents indicated his appointment was appropriate while 29 percent said it was inappropriate, the poll found.

The remaining respondents either had no opinion (27 percent) or had never heard of him (16 percent).

Out of the many nominations Trump has made for his Cabinet and other high-ranking roles, only Kristi Noem's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security and Hegseth's nomination to be defense secretary were viewed as inappropriate.

Despite this, the poll found that voters also believe the former TV host should be confirmed to the post by a three-point margin.

Notably voters responded saying all of Trump's selections should get confirmed.

Still, among the Republican voters that responded to the poll, Hegseth ranked among the most unpopular nominations.

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Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee to be Defense Secretary, meets with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Despite his low favorability rating, a majority of survey respondents said Hegseth should still be confirmed

Just 57 percent of GOP voters responded they want him to be confirmed.

The only other Cabinet pick to have a lower confirmation approval among Republicans was treasury secretary nomination Scott Bessent at 54 percent.

Hegseth's approval rating among Senate Republicans is also in question.

On Thursday morning Hegseth was again spotted on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers to shore up support.

'I spoke to Trump this morning, just a few minutes ago. He supports us fully,' Hegseth said walking to a meeting with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds.

Asked if he'll meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago, he acknowledged that it was the president-elect calling the shots. 'If he wants a meeting we will have a meeting,' he said

Earlier in the morning Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee - the panel tasked with overseeing Hegseth's confirmation - expressed that she was not necessarily on board with the TV host's nomination.

During a Fox News interview host Bill Hemmer pressed Ernst on her recent meeting with Hegseth, saying it 'doesnt sound in your answer that you got to a yes.'

'I think you are right,' she responded.

'I think for a number of our senators they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared and thats why we have to have a very thorough vetting,' she said.

Hegseth has been on Capitol Hill for three consecutive days meeting with lawmakers about his vision for leading the Pentagon

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Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has also been reported as a possible defense secretary nomination should Hegseth fail to muster enough support

Joni Ernst while serving in the military before becoming the senator of Iowa

'[We] talked about a number of those issues and we will continue with the vetting process.'

Ernst, who served for 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, has also been reported to be interested in the Pentagon job herself, and could be tapped as a back-up nominee should Hegseth go down.

Fellow Republican female Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming have also said they plan to meet with Hegseth.

Both said they are interested in hearing more from him about the various allegations.

Those meetings are expected to occur next week.
A Republican unveiled a new bill that will give Donald Trump's DOGE agency the tools and clear direction to hit the ground running on day one of the next administration.

Trump tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to 'dismantle' the $6.5 trillion bloated U.S. bureaucracy by heading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

They plan to cut wasteful regulations and spending by specifically targeting the number of federal government employees.

Top Republican Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is leading DOGE's aggressive plans on a new 'DOGE Caucus' being set up in the Senate.

On the House side, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was tapped for a powerful job assisting DOGE by chairing a new congressional subcommittee.

Ernst's first DOGE-related bill exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, the REMOTE Act, will use software to monitor bureaucrats' computer use and require agency reports on the adverse impacts of telework.

It will also provide key information on how to get D.C. back to work.

Musk, along with his toddler X, and Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with the lawmakers and get a plan in place heading into the next administration.

DailyMail.com learned that Ernst will be pushing her new 60-page report outlining the most efficient ways for DOGE to root out abuse during their meeting.

She found that only 6 percent of federal workers report in-person on a full-time basis.

Musk entered the Capitol with his son ahead of meetings with lawmakers on Thursday

Musk and Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with the lawmakers and get a plan in place heading into the next administration.

DailyMail.com learned that Ernst will be pushing her new 60-page report outlining the most efficient ways for DOGE to root out abuse during their meeting

Musk and Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with the lawmakers and get a plan in place heading into the next administration

The new bill will ensure accountability of teleworking federal workers by requiring agencies to 'periodically review the network traffic generated by each such teleworking employee.'

It will collect the 'average number of logins made' by every employee and the average duration of their time spent on the computer network.

It will also collect the network traffic that workers generate.

With the GOP taking the majority in the Senate after the election last month, Ernst's bill has a better chance of passing in the next Congress.

The meetings come as Trump's former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he hopes that Musk and Ramaswamy can fix the government after he 'failed miserably.'

Mulvaney said on Piers Morgan Uncensored this week that he was in charge of government restructuring during Trump's first term.

But he 'failed miserably because everybody was against me,' he stated.

'The House, the Senate, even most of the agencies. I remember the secretary of defense was against the things the president wanted me to do.'

Mulvaney says he's hopeful Musk and Ramaswamy will be more successful in their pursuit.

Last week, Ernst laid out 22 ways Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy can use their new agency DOGE to trim down the federal government.

Musk is on Capitol Hill Thursday for a series of meetings about DOGE

The meetings come as Trump's former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he hopes that Musk and Ramaswamy can fix the government after he 'failed miserably'

A source told DailyMail.com that Ernst and Vivek met last week to discuss her ideas to slash $1 trillion immediately.

She was also at Mar-a-Lago last Saturday meeting with Trump, Musk and Treasury pick Howard Lutnick, DailyMail.com reported first.

They plan to 'work hand in hand on cutting down the bureaucracy and reining in tax dollar abuse,' the source familiar with their discussion said.

The senator said she met with Vivek to discuss how DOGE can be more effective

Ernst was with Trump and Musk on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago

The plan Ernst presented Vivek exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com lays out exactly how DOGE can quickly tackle the rising national debt by 'trimming the fat.'

Her first proposal is to address the massive issue of over 7,000 unused federal buildings wasting over $8 billion per year just in operations and leases.

That includes getting federal workers back into the office after empty offices have cost American taxpayers billions of dollars.

According to a survey, 68 percent of 625,568 staff worked three or four days from home.

The 22 ways to cut back spending 1. Fill or sell off vacant buildings wasting $8 billion per year 2. Audit the IRS and workers 'who aren't paying their own taxes' 3. Dismantle President Biden's 'billion dollar boondoggles' 4. Cancel California 'gravy trains' costing $1.8 million per day 5. Stop 'Christmas in September' end of year spending 6. Eradicate giving welfare for politicians 'destined for failure' 7. Change the composition of coins to save money 8. Stop 'bogus bonuses' for bad federal workers 9. Investigate 'silly science projects' wasting millions 10. Slash unemployment for millionaires 11. Delete all 'government swag' including koozies and key chains 12. Consolidate agencies' cloud licenses to save $750 million 13. Stop all funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology 14. End overpayment to the United Nations 15. Slash the Pentagon's waste of over $125 billion 16. Remove 'ineligible recipients' of federal employees health benefits 17. Put federal workers 'wasting time doing nothing' to work 18. Give more support to agriculture instead of pet projects 19. Work closely with GAO to reduce duplication and enhance performance 20. Require 'commonsense project management principles' 21. Fix 'bureaucratic blunders' in the SNAP benefits program 22. Get rid of trillion dollar 'secret flush funds' Advertisement

Elon Musk (left) has officially entered the Trump 2.0 administration, as he'll be leading the 'Department of Government Efficiency' alongside former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy (right)

In addition to unused physical office space, employees are facing productivity challenges due to the impersonal nature of remote work.

They've also been exposed for working from bathtubs, enjoying shooting pool, leaving early for happy hour and one who even collected a paycheck from jail.

And many have even scored what Ernst calls 'bogus bonuses' that 'reward poor performance.'

Ernst's other top priorities include cutting taxpayer dollars going to 'sketchy' Chinese labs and exposing government 'boondoggle' projects wasting millions.

She also is calling for an audit of the IRS after finding that over 5,000 employees of the agency haven't been paying their own taxes.

And there are still billions in unspent COVID relief funds that Ernst says should be re-routed to offset the growing national debt.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has already prepared a sprawling report including a 22-point plan to enact change

Meanwhile in the House, Marjorie Taylor Greene was tapped for a powerful job assisting DOGE by chairing a new congressional subcommittee

'Elon Musk better bring his scissors to DOGE because there is $2 trillion worth of cutting to do,' Ernst told DailyMail.com

The Iowa senator also outlined the 'silly science' projects that Americans are funding with no real benefit.

That includes projects finding answers to 'how fast can a shrimp run on a treadmill' and 'where does it hurt most to be stung by a bee.'

In addition, there was a study conducted looking into if water tastes better out of the bottle or the toilet and about 'how long it takes for a panda to poop.'

Ernst says it didn't stop there as taxpayers funded a study investigating whether a sour cream and onion chip looks like Elvis Presley.

'These might be fun to ask contestants on a game show, but the real question is: why are taxpayers supporting any of these studies?' questioned the lawmaker.

Taxpayers funded projects finding answers to 'how fast can a shrimp run on a treadmill'

And another project investigated whether a sour cream and onion chip looks like Elvis Presley

Musk said in a statement last week that DOGE will 'send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!'

Republicans have long complained about government over-spending and Trump touted that DOGE will accomplish its goals by July 4, 2026.

Trump pledged that the pair would help him 'dismantle' government bureaucracy and 'slash excess regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure Federal Agencies.'

'A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence,' Trump said in the statement. 'I am confident they will succeed!'

Trump emphasized that the pair 'will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government' and 'drive large scale reform' by creating an 'entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.'

Musk and Ramaswamy have become some of Trump's top allies in the tech bro community. DOGE itself is a play on the cryptocurrency Musk sent into the stratosphere by posting about it on Twitter (before he purchased and renamed it).

Musk officially endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13 assassination attempt on the Republican at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

The SpaceX, X and Tesla head joined Trump on the campaign trail on October 5 when the now president-elect returned to the Butler venue - memorably jumping around onstage.

He put his money where his mouth was - offering a $1 million award each day to registered voters in battleground states.

Former President Donald Trump (left) speaks at his second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania alongside Elon Musk (right), who endorsed the Republican after he survived the Butler shooting in July

Musk was with Trump and his family members at their election night shindig at Mar-a-Lago and has since been seen in meetings with the president-elect as he figures out who's in his Cabinet.

Ramaswamy is a Yale Law-educated entrepreneur who started Roivant Sciences Ltd. a decade ago, which uses technology to aid drug development and other healthcare needs.

He wrote a popular book on the right: Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam.

Ramaswamy started out the 2024 election cycle by running for president himself - though stayed complimentary of the ex-president.

Unlike candidates like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Rep. Will Hurd, who were decidedly anti-Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, Ramaswamy touted the 78-year-old's accomplishments in office.

When Trump appeared to be the runaway favorite ahead of the early primaries, Ramaswamy never turned on the former president, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, allowing him to have a comfortable place to land in the Trump 2.0 White House.

Ramaswamy came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, suspending his campaign immediately afterward and endorsing Trump.

Both Musk and Ramaswamy are billionaires - but Musk's net worth is estimated to be 304 billion and Ramaswamy is worth only one billion dollars.

'Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of 'DOGE' for a very long time,' Trump said.

'To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.'

Musk responded to the news by posting to X: 'The merch will be' and then typed out three fire emojis.

Musk's selection came amid a flurry of other picks from the President elect as he began to set out his inner circle of loyal allies.
Firefighters have issued a warning to air fryer owners ahead of the Christmas period, as a device burst into flames and burnt down a kitchen.

Crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service were called to a property on Monday evening following reports of a fire in the kitchen involving an air fryer.

The homeowner noticed an unusual crackling sound coming from the air fryer and removed the food thinking this may be the cause.

But when the noise continued, the owner raised the alarm and called 999.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the air fryer had burst into flames and had ripped through the entire kitchen.

Thankfully, the owner of the property was unharmed in the incident, but there was extensive damage to the kitchen.

DW Fire Rescue said in a statement: 'On Monday evening we attended a fire involving an air fryer.

'The owner noticed an unusual crackling sound coming from their air fryer so removed the food thinking this may be the cause but when the noises continued, quickly raised the alarm and called 999 for help.

An image from DW Fire and Rescue showing the damage caused to a person's home after an air fryer burst into flames on Monday

Upon arrival, firefighters found the air fryer had burst into flames and had ripped through the entire kitchen

'By the time the crew had arrived, there was a fully developed fire in the kitchen involving the air fryer.

'Thankfully, the occupier left the property as soon as instructed to by our Fire Control staff and was uninjured, however, there was extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the property.

'If you have an air fryer, or are new to owning an air fryer, follow the instructions fully. If you hear crackling, smell smoke or see sparking, unplug immediately if safe to do so, get out, stay out and call 999.'

Firefighters are obliged to document the cause of a blaze on their Incident Recording System (IRS) which collects the data that can then be used to help fire services know the latest dangers they face and how best to deal with them.

To document the cause of a fire on the IRS they must choose from a list of options.

However, MailOnline reported last month, that air fryer was not an option on that list.

Data released by the Home Office shows a six fold increase in the number of times the word 'air fryer' was mentioned in the additional free text box on the IRS in the last two years.

In that time, the trendy gadgets became the third most used appliance in UK kitchens.

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But the additional text mentions are not an accurate way to track air fryer fires as some could be merely incidental. For example, additional text recorded by a crew might state: 'Fortunately, the fire didn't reach the air fryer.'

The air fryer boom can be compared to the chip pan boom in the 1970s and 80s which gave rise to chip pans fires. They became so common that an amnesty was created and chip pan was added as an option on the IRS so firefighters could accurately record and track them.

However, data shows that chip pans have fallen out of fashion in UK homes and have been replaced with air fryers so it is important that air fires caused by them are also documented and tracked properly.

Last year, the Home Office said they would review the IRS and how it records data on fires to bring it up to date with emerging technologies like air fryers but they have failed to do so.

Stuart Wiggans, Chief Compliance Officer at Shield Safety, a leading provider of fire and food safety services, told MailOnline: 'Evidence strongly suggests that fires caused by air fryers are on the rise and the Home Office should undoubtedly add air fryers as a specific category for the cause of fire on the IRS.

'Accurate tracking and categorisation of air fryer-related fires would enable the development of targeted fire safety campaigns and regulatory measures, ultimately helping to mitigate the risks and prevent future incidents.

'Additionally, more accurate data could highlight particular makes and models that pose more risk.'

Mr Wiggans explained that the Home Office's failure to record air fryer fires could pose several risks.

'Failing to record air fryer fires poses several dangers. Firstly, it obscures the true scale of the problem, making it difficult for policymakers and safety regulators to address the issue effectively. Without accurate data, efforts to improve air fryer safety standards and educate the public on safe usage practices may be insufficient.

'Additionally, the lack of precise recording hinders the ability to identify common causes and factors contributing to these fires, which is crucial for developing preventive measures.'

A Home Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We regularly review the data that we receive from Fire and Rescue Services to ensure emerging risks are accurately captured.'
Donald Trump's embattled Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth told reporters he spoke with the president-elect Thursday morning, while an avalanche of accusations threaten to derail his nomination.

Hegseth was back on Capitol Hill for more one-on-one meetings with senators after media reports that he would meet with Trump, who has been blasting out a string of nominations from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

'I spoke to Trump this morning, just a few minutes ago. He supports us fully,' Hegseth said.

Asked if he'll meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago, he acknowledged that it was the president-elect calling the shots. 'If he wants a meeting we will have a meeting,' he said.

Trump is set to make his first public appearance in days at a Fox Nation awards ceremony on Long Island tonight.

A series of Republican senators have raised concerns about Hegseth's nomination. Two other nominations, one of Matt Gaetz to be attorney general and Chad Chronister to run the Drug Enforcement Agency, have imploded.

Now, with his nomination on the ropes, Hegseth is also under pressure to release a woman who accused him of rape from a 2017 from a nondisclosure agreement that accompanied a financial settlement that he paid.

Trump ally and Hegseth defender Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) on Wednesday night said Hegseth should not do so.

Embattleed Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was back on Capitol Hill to make his case to senators

His home-state governor, Ron DeSantis, has been mentioned as a possible substitute in an arrangement that could land a plum post for Trump's daughter-in-law Lara.

'Absolutely not,' he told CNN's Jake Tapper. 'We know how many people sign nondisclosures just to eliminate something, not that they ever did anything wrong, and he was never, you know, never charged with anything.'

That came after he earlier scolded the host: 'These are anonymous accusations. If these people are credible, Jake, ask them to come on your show to explain these things.'

That prompted Tapper to turn the tables. 'Pete Hegseth paid her money and she signed a nondisclosure agreement, so she can't come on my show to talk about it. Do you think Pete should release her from the NDA so that I can ask her the questions that you want me to?' he asked the senator. Both noted that no charges were filed in the matter.

He boiled over at one point: 'How am I supposed to interview her and have her not be anonymous anymore if he won't release her from the nondisclosure agreement?'

Sources told The Hill there is a block of three 'hard noes' that includes Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Senators are loathe to provoke Trump's wrath by speaking against him publicly, but some are predicting he can't clear the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a Senate Armed Services Committee member who is herself a survival of sexual assault, is withholding judgment, while describing a positive one-on-one meeting with Hegseth.

'Well, I did have a very long, lengthy discussion with Pete yesterday and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am a combat veteran,' she said on Fox News.

'So we talked about a number of those issues and we will continue with the vetting process. I think that is incredibly important. So again, all I'm saying is we had a very frank and productive discussion and I know that we will continue to have conversations in the upcoming months,' she went on calling the hearing process 'critical.'

'I think for a number of our senators they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared and that's why we have to have a very thorough vetting process,' she said.

Hegseth is back on Capitol Hill alongside his wife Jennifer

Hegseth vowed not to drink if he is confirmed to the Pentagon's top job after a deluge of negative stories highlighting his consumption

Trump began the transition by exacting a pledge from leadership on using recess appointments that go around Congress, but senators have been asserting their 'advise and consent' prerogative as the days go on.

An an illustration of how precarious the nomination has become, Hegseth has been telling senators he'll give up drinking and had his mom go on television to defend him.

Hegseth vowed not to drink if he is confirmed to the Pentagon's top job after a deluge of negative stories highlighting his consumption.

'This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I'm doing it,' Hegseth said Wednesday on The Megyn Kelly Show.

His promise comes as lawmakers are skeptical of his qualifications to lead the Pentagon - the nation's largest employer with over 2 million under its purview and an $800 billion budget.

Hegeth's confirmation has become more difficult as a steady stream of negative reports have come out highlighting his alleged binge drinking and and questionable behavior around women.

Senators have even started floating possible replacements to DailyMail.com, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Joni Ernst, a former combat veteran.

One such report published by the New York Times Wednesday revealed emails from his mother, Penelope Hegseth, in which she calls her own son a habitual cheater and abuser of women, according to an email she sent to him following his second divorce in 2018.

She later said the email was sent out of anger and frustration, and she claims to have written a follow up shortly after apologizing.

Hegseth, 44, has also been accused of sexual assault and getting too intoxicated while on the job to the point of being forced out of a leadership role for a veterans group.

Another recent NBC News report claims 10 current and former Fox News staffers said they were concerned about his drinking and could smell alcohol on him 'as recently as last month.'

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife Jennifer, as they walk through the basement of the Capitol. He met with various senators about his upcoming confirmation on Wednesday

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has also been reported as a possible defense secretary nomination should Hegseth fail to muster enough support

A report this week from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is also seriously being considered

Though many of the reports cite anonymous sources, something Republicans are quick to point out, they have added additional claims to the pile of materials the Senate must mull through ahead of Hegseth's confirmation.

Hegseth dove further into his drinking habits on Megyn Kelly's podcast, who is also a fellow former Fox host.

'What do guys do when they come back from war oftentimes? Have some beers. How do you deal with the demons you see on the battlefield? Sometimes it's with a bottle,' he expressed.

'Unfortunately, tragically, for too many guys it's with the bottle and then it's depression and then, even worse, suicide.'

'I found my chapters of purpose that pulled me out of that,' he said.

'I'm a very different person than I was 10 years ago,' Hegseth insisted, pointing to his wife Jennifer and his Christian faith.

Trump is seemingly standing by his pick, and Hegseth said that he has recently talked to him.

'He supports me. We talked,' Hegseth said of his conversation with Trump. 'He said, you go meet those senators and I've got your back.'

The father-of-seven also recalled to Kelly how Trump said: 'Pete, I've got your back. It's a fight, they're coming after you. Get after it.'

But as the headwinds facing Hegseth seem to be their strongest, some senators are talking about other possible candidates for the top Pentagon job.

Reports have indicated that Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served for 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, could be on the shortlist to replace Hegseth should his nomination fall through.

Ernst touts herself as the first female combat veteran in the Senate on her website and she has worked to mitigate sexual assaults in the U.S. military.

Hegseth, on the other hand, has said that women don't belong in combat.

Joni Ernst while serving in the military before becoming the senator of Iowa

Ernst in 2003, before her overseas deployment. She was the commander of the 1168th Transportation Combat Support Company based in Red Oak, Iowa

After Ernst and Hegseth met on Wednesday, the Iowan put out a cryptic message summarizing their sit down.

'I appreciate Pete Hegseth's service to our country, something we both share,' she posted on X. 'Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation.'

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said on Wednesday 'of course' Ernst is qualified to be secretary of defense should Trump choose to nominate her, adding 'her own service in uniform' makes her eligible for the post.

However, the Missourian was quick to follow up that his comments about Ernst's qualifications were not an endorsement.

'You're not going to lure me into giving advice to the president,' he said with a smile.

He also noted that his planned meeting with Hegseth on Thursday had been canceled by the nominee's team.

He was not given an explanation for the sudden cancellation.

Though Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who attended meetings with Hegseth on Wednesday, said the cancellation was likely due to it being the 'fly out day' in the Senate - when the lawmakers flee back home.

When pressed on whether Ernst or Hegseth is more appropriate for the post, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma demurred.

'I will let the president pick his own team,' Lankford responded, not offering his thoughts whether his colleague from Iowa would be a better pick than Hegseth.

Earlier this week the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump's team is also considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the Pentagon's top job.

Sources familiar with Trump and DeSantis' thinking revealed that the president-elect spoke to the governor about the job this week.

If the job is offered DeSantis, he would take it, the outlet reports.

DeSantis served in the U.S. Navy from 2004 to 2010

Hegseth and wife Jennifer Rauchet walk hand-in-hand on Capitol Hill Tuesday as Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary met with senators ahead of the confirmation process next year

Meanwhile, many in the Senate are awaiting their own meetings with Hegseth to see if he can handle the full confirmation process.

The former Fox News host met early Wednesday morning with Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who next Congress will hold the influential role of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, the job tasked with overseeing his nomination.

Their session was just one of several scheduled for this week and next as Hegseth makes his rounds with the 53 Republicans whose support he is seeking. He can only afford to lose three Republican votes.

Wicker indicated that the meeting went well, though he stopped short of sharing the details of their conversation.

'I don't see any obstacles that can't be overcome,' Wicker said about Hegseth's odds of getting confirmed, he also added that the former TV host should stay in the fight.

Wicker did say, though, that Hegseth would pledge to stop drinking if he is confirmed, which the senator said was 'a good idea.'

The allegations about Hegseth's drinking a treatment of women seemed to be of particular interest among the female lawmakers.

'I would like to hear from him about many of the allegations that you all have been reporting,' Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said of Hegseth.

She is the longest tenured Senate Republican woman and has a reputation of being a moderate, meaning the former Fox News host could face a tough battle swaying her.

'I have a meeting with Pete Hegseth on my schedule for next week to exploring his qualifications, his vision for the department and these new allegations against him,' Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis similarly said.
The author of a book tied to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson refused to address the killer's apparent tribute to his tome when contacted by DailyMail.com.

Author Jay M. Feinman responded 'no comment' when asked for his take on bullet casings left at the scene of Thompson's shooting outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, which were scrawled with 'depose', 'deny' and 'defend.'

The message is eerily similar to Feinman's 2010 book 'Delay, Deny, Defend', which details 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it.'

Critics allege the tactic is used by insurance companies to 'ensure your claim is either never paid or paid at a rate far below what you deserve'.

Health insurance boss Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and calf early on Wednesday by a masked man who fled on a bike, before the CEO succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Feinman is a law professor at Rutgers University. It's unclear whether he had any personal impetus to write the book.

It explains how the health insurance industry routinely puts claimants off with bureaucratic tactics and, in the end, never end up paying out.

Police are yet to confirm the gunman's identity or motive.

Author Jay M. Feinman responded 'no comment' when asked for his take on the killer's apparent tribute to his tome

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on Wednesday morning

'There had been some threats,' Paulette Thompson, 51, told NBC News as she broke her silence in her first comments since her husband was killed.

'I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him' before his trip to New York, she added.

Ms Thompson said that she could not 'really give a thoughtful response right now' as she had 'just found this out' and was 'trying to console [her] children'.

She said police had told her it is believed to have been a 'targeted attack'.

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the calf and back early on Wednesday by a masked man who appeared to be waiting for him outside the Hilton hotel.

Shocking footage showed the gunman approach Mr Thompson from several feet and shoot, causing him to fall.

The gunman fired multiple shots during the ambush and jammed his gun in the process, but managed to quickly clear the obstruction and continue firing.

After the assailant darted across the road and out of sight, Mr Thompson was rushed to Mt Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

No arrests have yet been made.

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them.

Police said they found three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings, as well as a cellphone, at the scene.

As Thompson stumbled down the street, a witness in the hotel's entryway sprinted away

Police sources told ABC News that casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, Wednesday, December 4

Your browser does not support iframes.

Detectives are now working to determine the meaning as they try to assess what the motive for the shooting may have been.

Timeline of shooting 6:44am - Thompson is shot as he walked towards the New York Hilton 6:46am - Police respond to a 911 call saying a person was shot 6:48am - Thompson is taken to hospital as the gunman fled on bicycle 7:12am - Thompson is pronounced dead at Mt Sinai West hospital Advertisement

Nothing has been confirmed yet, and the shooter is still on the loose at the time of writing.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information.

There is nothing to suggest Delay Deny Defend author Jay M. Feinman had any connection to the attack.

Online commentators were quick to point that the words found on the casings resembled insurance terminology and tactics.

One noted difference is that the book has 'delay' in its title, whereas one casing reportedly had 'depose' on it.

United is the biggest health insurer by market share in America. They have been the subject of protests by activists for allegedly systematically denying care for patients.

One such protest earlier this year led to the arrests of 11 people outside the United Healthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Police had said in their initial preliminary brief that the killer escaped into Central Park on the electric bike and released an image of the suspect on a bike after the shooting, seen here

The company made headlines in February after it was subjected to a cyber-attack which cost $872 million.

Thompson was also being investigated by the Department of Justice for antitrust violations and was accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions.

Firearms experts who studied the surveillance footage told the outlet that he reacted in the way someone with training from law enforcement or military would be trained to react to such an issue.

Thompson is understood to have been in New York for a conference when he was shot.

His schedule was widely known, and witnesses have said the suspected gunman even knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Authorities say the attacker fled the scene on foot before then making a getaway on an electric bike into nearby Central Park.

Detectives and members of the New York City police department's Crime Scene Unit at the scene where UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed, on Wednesday

Law enforcement officers work near evidence markers placed where shell casings were found

A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene

Witnesses said the gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Surveillance footage of the shooting shows Thompson walking alone outside of the entrance to the midtown hotel when the gunman steps into frame and opens fire.

The terrifying video shows the masked killer draw out a large gun fitted with a silencer and shoots Thompson in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street as he continues to fire.

Several bystanders were seen in the footage witnessing the horror shooting, with one woman standing mere feet away from the gunman when he opened fire.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

'From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Surveillance from a nearby Starbucks also show the shooter inside the establishment prior to the incident.

Police sources close to the investigation told CNN that they believe the shooter was an experienced marksman based on his reactions

Sources told CNN that the man bought two powers bars and a bottle of water from the coffee chain.

Authorities found a phone and a water bottle near the scene that they believe is the one he bought from Starbucks, and could offer them DNA.

The phone could also provide fingerprints and, if technicians can unlock it, could give them an insight into his identity.

Officials have yet to establish a motive in the killing but sources told ABC 7 they are investigating a possible grudge against the insurance company.

Officers also searched Thompson's hotel room, are interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media.

He was also caught on surveillance footage loitering outside and appeared to be on the phone ten minutes before he opened fire, according to The New York Times.

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning

The Hilton sign hangs on the facade of a hotel near the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed

Thompson had been slated to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel on Wednesday morning, in which he would announce United Healthcare's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook - including expected revenues of more than $450 billion.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.

Wednesday's investor conference reportedly began without interruption at 8am on the second floor of the Hilton until news of the shooting began to circulate.

Without knowing it was Thompson who was hit, one attendee told the group that 'someone got shot outside.'

CEO of parent company United Healthgroup Andrew Witty is said to have halted the meeting at the hotel just after 8am upon hearing of the tragedy.

He told attendees: 'We're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I'm afraid, we're going to have to bring to a close the event.'

A Hilton worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com in the aftermath that staff have been left shaken by the public assassination on their doorstep.

Mr Thompson is survived by his wife and their two children who live in the family's $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

'We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,' she told ABC 7 following her husband's untimely death.

'Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,' she said.

'Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

'We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.'
A gangland killer snatched two pet cats from outside their family homes in leafy Surrey and bundled them into his car to be used as bait in illegal dog fighting, a court has heard.

Carlos Cyrus, 30, was on parole for firearm and drug-dealing offences when he drove into Chertsey on July 17 with cat treats to coax Tilly, 15, into his arms.

More than a week later on July 29 he played the 'sophisticated' playbook again as he went into the same town to snatch jet black furred Maisie, 17.

The thefts left heartbroken families in a spiral of panic and caused the whole neighbourhood to go out and help search for their pets.

Cyrus was snared when Ring doorbell footage captured him snatching Tilly and throwing him into his car while CCTV picked up the numberplate of his vehicle.

The court heard GPS data led police to a probation address he was staying at. When officers arrived, he fled on foot, dropping his wallet and phone on the ground and throwing his keys onto the building's roof.

He was quickly caught and arrested and officers carried out a search of his car where cat treats and short light-coloured hairs were found alongside upholstery cleaning fluid.

Today at Guildford crown court, in what was described by a judge as a bizarre and unusual' case, Cyrus was jailed for a total of 20 weeks in prison after he admitted two counts of theft.

Carlos Cyrus, 30, was jailed for a total of 20 weeks in prison after he admitted two counts of theft. Pictured here as a teenager when he was convicted of manslaughter

Tilly the cat was one of the beloved pets taken for the fighting ring and has never been found

Cyrus, of Leeward House, Southall, is currently locked-up in HMP Wandsworth after his parole was revoked and his new release date is August, 2027.

He appeared for the hearing via video link wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt and black skull cap and spent much of the proceedings sitting behind a table with his head down looking at the floor.

Cyrus refused to answer any of polices questions when he was taken into custody and it was only when he was shown the CCTV footage that he issued a prepared statement in which he denied any knowledge of the cats or thefts.

The Crown Prosecution Service and police have no evidence of the fate of the families pet cats.

One theory previously put before court was that Cyrus was stealing them to supply to people so they could be killed by dogs.

Prosecutor Alban Brahimi KC read out emotional victim impact statements from both of the cats owners. MailOnline has made the decision not to name them as they are fearing for their safety.

Tillys owner said she torments herself thinking about whether her little beautiful cats old body had been torn apart by vicious mutts for sport.

In a heartbreaking statement, the mother-of-three said she and her husband had got Tilly when she was eight weeks old and that she had become a big part of their family.

Yasin Abdirahman, 22, was attacked by masked youths yards from his home as he walked a friend to a bus stop. Carlos Cyrus was convicted of his manslaughter.

Tilly was well known in the neighbourhood for being a friendly cat and had made many friends with other moggies in the area.

She was not simply a cat, she was a much-loved central part of our family, she said.

She and her family spent hours traipsing the streets looking for Tilly when she went missing and had made posters and appeals on social media in the hopes of finding her.

'We were devastated, but hopeful that we would hear her cat flap, or her little feet crunching the stones on the drive, or her calling out to us when we came home from school or work like usual,' she said.

'When we saw the footage that our beautiful cat had been stolen in broad daylight I was horrified. The shock and bewilderment of why someone would do this hit. The scene played over and over in my mind.

'I was unable to get to sleep without thinking of all the reasons someone would do this and when I eventually managed to sleep I would wake from fitful disturbing dreams.

'Her bed is still waiting for her and her food bowl is still full with biscuits as we can't bear the thought that we won't be seeing her again.

'There hasnt been a day since she was taken from my family that I haven't felt overcome with grief and shock.

'The thought that somebody would brazenly take her, to harm her is beyond pain. It is a constant numb feeling, its excruciating, the roller coaster of hope and then the devastating realisation that this man took her not through kindness.

'I am left with so many unanswered questions, was she hurt straight away? Is she waiting to be hurt? Is she scared? Is she cold, hot, hungry, thirsty, dead? Did her little old body get torn up by dogs for sport? This incident has affected not only my life but my family's life.

'It has affected by relationship with my family, having taken so much of my time away from them thinking of her, trying to find her and now trying to make sense of it.

'I feel joyless, and terribly sad. When the grief takes over, I need to remember that my children need to see me strong and I carry on, then feel guilty for having a moment without wondering if we will get her back.

'Then sadness thinking that we will have to say goodbye to her. Mentally, I am crushed. I have been left tormenting myself questioning everything.'

Cyrus, a convicted killer who successfully fought against deportation to his mothers native Jamaica, had previously refused to say what happened to the cats but today his barrister, Kwame Sekyere KC, said he claimed that he had let them go at the end of the street.

Mr Sekyere told Recorder Ann Mulligan that Cyrus was in the midst of a nervous breakdown at the time he stole the cats after he and his ill mother were made homeless, as well as having to deal with the death of a friend.

Cyrus ended up staying with a friend and was given a purpose and focus when he started looking after his pals pet cat, the court heard.

During that time, his friends cat passed away which is why he had the cat treats in his possession, Mr Sekyere said.

It could be this compounded other issues he was facing which caused a downturn in his mental health even further. He said it contributed to these offences.

He feels that in taking the cats it was some kind of rationale with dealing with his other friends cat dying that he was looking after.

Mr Sekyere added that these kind of thefts were out of character for him and that Cyrus had been involved in gangs in his childhood.

He has been quite clear that he cant give a full explanation about why he committed these offences other than his mental health had deteriorated to such an extent that he didnt think he was in control of what he was doing, he said.

The court heard Cyrus has eight convictions for 23 offences. This includes a seven-year sentence in 2009 for manslaughter when he was twelve years-old in which he was part of gang that beat and stabbed 22-year-old student Yasin Abdirahman to death.

Recorded Mulligan described the cat thefts as cruel and that he had put the owners and their families through an enormous amount of stress, worry, and upset.

This has caused them long term damage, anxiety, and distress and to this day they dont know what has happened to their members of their family, she said.

Your actions were very cruel and indeed has left a hole in their lives I have to sentence you in what is an unusual case.

She continued: You dont know why you acted in such a cruel and bizarre manner and the only explanation is, and probation supports this, is that you suffered a deterioration in your mental health.

Ms Mulligan said the thefts had been carried out with a certain degree of planning.

Cyrus was handed a 20 week custodial sentence for the theft of Tilly, and 16 weeks for stealing Maisie.

The offences will run concurrently, meaning he will spend 20 weeks behind bars for the callous crimes.

Cyrus Jamaican mother and Grenadian father had no legal status in this country when Cyrus was born and the Home Office attempted to deport him, but were defeated at the High Court.

He, his sister and his mother were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in January, 2005.

Over two years later in December, 2007 London-born Cyrus received eight months youth detention for robbery; attempted robbery; two assaults and aggravated vehicle taking.

In January, 2009 he was convicted of the manslaughter of a rival gang member and received seven years.

He was released in August, 2011, but was twice recalled to custody for breaching parole.

In August, 2015 Cyrus was served with a deportation notice with one reason the Parole Boards finding that he continued to pose a high risk of harm to others.

The following day he appealed, quoting the European Convention of Human Rights.
Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper revealed what really happened when Donald Trump's team reached out about him being on her hit podcast.

Cooper, 30, spoke at The New York Times' DealBook Summit on Wednesday in the Big Apple, as she responded to questions about having the president-elect and Vice President Kamala Harris on her show prior to the election.

Despite saying that she 'didn't want to technically get into politics,' the podcaster admitted that she knew she had to speak up because 'there was a larger conversation that was directly impacting my audience.'

When asked by editor Andrew Ross Sorkin if the political figures reached out to her, Cooper said they both did, but she avoided being involved in communications with Trump.

'We had a zoom call with Trump's team. I wasn't on it. I was like, "Let me know how it goes",' Cooper said.

Cooper added that she is a 'very competitive person' that knew she had to delve into the political world even if she truly didn't want to.

She then acknowledged how podcaster Joe Rogan had Trump on one of his episodes, adding that 'he knows his audience.'

'I know my audience, and it's a bunch of women looking for someone to advocate for them every single day.

Alex Cooper, the host of the hit podcast Call Her Daddy, shared what happened when Trump's team reached out to hers to appear on an episode during her interview at The New York Times' DealBook Summit

Cooper said that there was a Zoom call with Trump's camp but she chose not to be a part of it, as she told her team 'Let me know how it goes'. (Pictured: Trump on November 4 in Pennsylvania)

'And I understand that people are like, "Oh God, you're going to focus on the whole time on abortion." Yeah, I am, because it's not about abortion. It's about women's rights to their bodies,' Cooper said as the audience applauded her.

'So, I thought why not have on someone that could potentially have a huge impact on our country? And so I did, and it was fun,' she added, referring to the episode where Harris joined her back in October.

During the campaign trail, while the Democrat avoided the show's typically sexual content, she spoke of her take on abortion rights and student debt during the seven minute sit down.

Trump has openly disagreed with Harris' views on abortion, as he's made it clear that he will make sure the decision will be determined state-by-state.

During the October interview, Harris said of her combined family with husband Doug Emhoff and his two adult children: 'This is not the 1950s anymore. We have family by blood and family by love.'

Harris also reacted to J.D. Vance's comments about 'childless cat ladies' running the country by saying: 'I just think it's mean.

Cooper was quickly ripped to shreds for her sit down with Harris as viewers honed in on the podcaster's 'softball' questioning and lack of focus on two issues Harris is seemingly weak on - the war in Gaza and the federal government's response to Hurricane Helene.

A number of viewers even vowed to stop subscribing to her podcast, which is one of the biggest in America.

After the show aired, Cooper rushed to release a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram explaining she 'couldn't hit every policy' with Harris, and chose to focus the interview almost entirely on women's issues.

'I totally understand everyone has different political opinions, but I feel really good that the entire episode is about women.'

'I did what I knew would apply to the Daddy Gang,' she continued, referring to her loyal following. 'And I talked about women.'

Following the controversial episode, many people, including fans of the hit podcast, tore into Cooper.

'Unsubscribed and unfollowed,' one person wrote in the comments.

'I'm so disappointed, this feels like propaganda and trying to make her look 'gen z',' added another. 'You're gonna look back on this one day and regret it when we are in a war because of her. SMH, truly smh. You just lost a lot of respect.'

Others noted that it seemed in bad taste given the Biden-Harris administration's response to the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.

In October, Cooper sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris, as the two discussed abortion rights and student debt

'Wow shame on you! You sold your soul on this one while people need help you had this lady on a podcast,' one fan wrote.

'I hope everyone unfollows you and no one watches your crap podcast ever again,' said another.

While many disagreed with how Cooper conducted the interview, others were thrilled that the 30-year-old spoke in favor of abortion rights.

'Fascinating that people are shocked that a woman who has talked about abortion rights for years would interview a woman Vice President who is running for President about abortion rights?! It's like being shocked that Charlotte Tilbury is doing someone's makeup,' a user said.

'Imagine boycotting someone for having a presidential nominee on their show,' wrote another. 'You should be proud of your girl. You don't have to like and agree with every guest.'

Following the controversial episode, many people, including fans of the hit podcast, tore into Cooper for how her interview with Harris went

Cooper made it clear that her conversation with Harris wasn't 'one-sided' and that she is open to sit down with Trump 'to have a meaningful, in-depth conversation about women's rights in this country.'

It was later revealed that Harris spent six figures to build out the set for her appearance on Call Her Daddy.

According to a report by The Washington Examiner, her campaign splurged on building out the set of the podcast for her small appearance.

The outlet also reported that it was filmed inside a hotel room in Washington DC, with crews building out the set to imitate Cooper's actual set in Los Angeles.

In total, the Harris campaign spent $1.2 billion on the race while Trump's campaign spent $750 million, a Financial Times analysis found.
An actor who starred in Outlander has been accused of raping an unconscious woman in a hotel room before he was 'interrupted and confronted' by his co-star.

Greggory Odjig - who played the role of Satehoronies in Outlander's fourth season - is accused of raping a 34-year-old actress, at the Premier Suites Plus serviced apartments in Glasgow's Bath Street in May 2021.

The alleged victim told the jury that she had woken up to find her leggings in a suitcase after 'slipping into a state of unconsciousness' at a suite occupied by Odjig.

The prosecution claims that the woman was intoxicated and asleep or unconscious and so incapable of giving or withholding consent when Odjig, 47, removed her lower clothing and carried out the act.

She woke up in the room to sound of Odjig and his co-star Glenn Gould arguing and shouting.

Mr Gould told the court about how he rushed to protect the woman following the alleged rape.

The 53-year-old said: 'I'm a First Nations man from Canada and our job as men, as warriors, is to protect the women and children in our community.'

The woman, from Perthshire, said Odjig had been a friend of hers for four years.

Greggory Odjig, has been accused of raping a 34-year-old actress at the Premier Suites Plus serviced apartments in Glasgow's Bath Street in May 2021

Greggory Odjig played Satehoronies in series four of Outlander - he is pictured here in blue

She told the High Court in Stirling that she had gone to his suite after a day out in Edinburgh with her son and her sister and a group of actors and make-up artists who were filming in Scotland.

In a supermarket near the aparthotel, they bumped into Mr Gould and Odjig invited Mr Gould up to his two-bedroomed apartment to have a chat with them all.

The woman told prosecutor Kath Harper KC that she later fell unconscious after drinking sparkling wine.

She said Odjig helped her into a bed and she slipped into a state of unconsciousness.

She said she later woke up hearing shouting and screaming. Odjig and Mr Gould were both in the room, having an argument. Her pants were on but a pair of gym leggings she had been wearing were in a suitcase.

Mr Gould, in evidence previously recorded and played to the jury, said he thought she had 'got into the second bottle' of sparkling wine when she passed out suddenly and was then sick.

He said he later thought that things had gone 'a little too quiet' so he went to make sure everything was OK.

He tapped on Odjig's bedroom door and looked in.

Glenn Gould, (pictured) who played detective Jerry Commanda on the TV series Cardinal, said he had to take action 'as a warrior' to protect a woman who was allegedly raped by Odjig

He said: 'He was under the blankets, basically spooning her.

'He had his arms under the blankets and he was touching her. His arm was over her waist.'

He got the woman's sister, who asked Odjig what he was doing.

Mr Gould said: 'I believe his response was, 'we were just about to have some playtime'.'

Someone else pulled the covers off and said that the victim and Odjig both had no underwear on.

The actor said he told Odjig, 'Smarten up, what the hell's wrong with you, you've got to learn to have respect for women.'

Mr Gould said everything became 'kind of chaotic' after he had spoken to Odjig in the bedroom, and the victim's young son videod what was happening on a phone.

He said: 'Gregg was yelling at him and it looked like he was going to attack the boy.

'Gregg tried to swing at me a couple of times.'

Ms Harper, the prosecutor, asked: 'How did that come to an end?'

Mr Gould replied: 'I hit him. I hit him with a couple of upper cuts and I pinned him to the floor face down and I said 'You're done - you're done Gregg'.

'I said to the girls to get themselves to safety and get the little boy to safety - it's not safe in here.'

The victim, her son and her sister, together with Mr Gould, then went to a colleague's suite downstairs, from where police were called.

Odjig gave evidence dressed in a black shirt, black jacket and jeans together with a deer-skin tie and a traditional brooch bearing an eagle, which he said represented a messenger from God.

He told his counsel, Donald Findlay KC, that he had been in Scotland with crew and cast, including Mr Gould, filming for Outlander.

He said Mr Gould had been 'drunk' on the night in question.

The alleged victim had begun to 'convulse' and needed to be sick and he went to the bathroom with her where she vomited before she suggested it was 'lay time'.

They then went into his bedroom were she was sick in a garbage basket at the side of the bed.

He said she asked him to stay with her, so he got into bed and lay down beside her.

Mr Findlay asked: 'Were you hoping there might be a progression to some romantic attention?'

Odjig replied, 'No, not in that situation.'

Mr Findlay asked: 'Did you have any sexual contact with that young woman that night at all?'

Odjig replied, 'Definitely not.' He said there had been 'spooning' and said he had put his hand in the waistband of the woman's leggings.

Actor Glen Gould pictured as Chief Bird in the TV series Outlander

Asked why, he replied, 'Comfort, snug.'

He agreed with Mr Findlay that he had not wanted to be filmed in bed with the woman because 'he believed it would have been bad publicity for a video to be posted of a cast member of Outlander in bed with a fan'.

Asked how it might be that the victim's DNA came to be found on his private member, he suggested it might have transferred from his hands when he was going to the toilet.

He said it was not true that the woman was unconscious when in bed with him, and a claim that she had nothing on her bottom half was 'lies'.

An allegation that Odjig had also hit the woman has been dropped by the prosecution and he was formally acquitted of that alleged assault.

Odjig denies raping the woman.

The trial, before Lady Poole, will continue tomorrow with closing speeches from prosecution and defence.
Parents who carried on working from home after the pandemic are letting their children shirk school to be with them, Ofsted has warned.

Sir Martyn Oliver, chief inspector of schools, said 'societal norms have changed', meaning parents are more willing to allow children to bunk off classes, especially on Fridays.

During Covid-19 lockdowns many parents got into the habit of working from home while supervising children's remote lessons.

Sir Martyn said schools will have to work hard to 'recover that position' to stop the 'concerning' rise in parents condoning absence.

Unveiling his annual report, he also raised concerns over a new trend for 'flexi-schooling' - part-time schooling for children who cannot cope with school every day.

It comes after Labour pledged to tackle an epidemic of absence, which has persisted after the pandemic.

Sir Martyn said: 'There has been a shift in attitudes since the pandemic lockdowns: the expectations of school attendance are now viewed more casually.

'With working from home now firmly established for many parents, the old family routines have been loosened.'In an interview with Good Morning Britain, he explained how the pandemic trained parents to be able to cope with having children around them as they work.

Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted's chief inspector, said 'societal norms have changed', meaning parents are more willing to allow children to bunk off classes, especially on Fridays

Parents who carried on working from home after the pandemic are letting their children shirk school to be with them, Ofsted has warned. Stock photo

He said: 'Pre-pandemic, we used to notice as headteachers and teachers that if parents did work from home they would send their children in.

'But now post-pandemic we see parents are working from home and sometimes they keep their children off with them.

'We notice that because on Fridays attendance tends to go down more than any other day.

'We went into a lockdown period where children were told not to go into school and were actually told to go onto their screens and use their mobile phones.

'And then suddenly we go back and [say], 'Now come off your screen'.'He later added in a press briefing: 'I think societal norms have changed. We've got to do more now to recover that position because it is concerning.'In his wide-ranging report, Sir Martyn also talked about 'flexi-schooling', which he said is 'on the rise' across England.

This is where schools agree to allow children to attend only a few days a week and spend the rest at home, supposedly being supported to do work by parents.

But Ofsted is concerned that children may not be getting a good quality of education during the days at home, and said it should not be a 'long-term solution'.

It is thought schools may be resorting to the arrangement to help those with special educational needs and disabilities (Send), behavioural problems or extreme anxiety.

Labour pledged to tackle an epidemic of absence, which has persisted after the pandemic

Ofsted's annual report - which reflects on the state of education and children's social care in England in the 2023/24 academic year - estimated that 34,000 children are on part-time school timetables.

Department for Education (DfE) guidance says part-time timetables should only be used in 'very limited circumstances' and should not be used to manage a child's behaviour.

'The spread of part-time timetables suggests they are becoming more readily used, which cannot be good,' Sir Martyn warned.

Ofsted's report highlighted that attendance issues have 'deepened' since the pandemic, and disadvantaged children are more likely to miss class.

Nearly a fifth - 19.2 per cent - of pupils in England were 'persistently absent' - missing at least 10 per cent of school sessions - in autumn and spring 2023/24, latest Government figures show.

This is higher than the pre-pandemic rate in the autumn and spring terms of 2018/19 - 10.5 per cent.
Dozens of people have been killed and hospitalised in a Turkish tourist hotspot after drinking bootleg alcohol.

Local media reported that the death toll in Istanbul related to fake booze has risen to 17 this week, while 22 people have so far been sent to hospital, with just seven being discharged.

Authorities have so far arrested eight people in connection with the illegal alcohol, after raiding locations in Sisli, Beyoglu, Fatih, Kagithane, Esenyurt, Umraniye, Uskudar, Sultangazi, and Bakirkoy.

Police today seized 516 bottles of illegally brewed alcohol in Fatih and Sultangazi. The owner of a tobacco shop where the illicit alcohol was discovered was taken into custody.

It comes after a British woman was among six people who died after drinking illicit booze in Laos.

British lawyer Simone White, 28, died alongside Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, two Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Frela Vennervald Sorensen, 21, US man James Louis Hutson, 57, after drinking contaminated drinks.

Their drinks were found to have been full of methanol, a cheap but deadly chemical that is often added to drinks to make them stronger.

Since their deaths in November, Laos police have arrested the owner of the factory identified as the suspected source of the methanol poisonings.

Local media reported that the death toll in Istanbul related to fake booze has risen to 17 this week (File image of Istanbul)

Deaths from fake alcohol have spiked in the last week in Istanbul (File image of beer and wine bottles)

The manufacturing plant is located outside the capital city Vientiane and is understood to have been making the local Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey.

The rundown factory has been shut down by authorities and the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky has been banned in the country since the deadly outbreak.

The Ministry of Health's Department of Food and Drugs in Laos said the drinks will remain banned and the factory shut 'until the manufacturer improves the factory production process to ensure safety and quality according to standards', the ABC reported.

For now the factory remains abandoned and blue plastic drapes can be seen covering piles of empty bottles next to the remnants of a small fire outside.

Tiger Whisky packaging was found next to the extinguished fire, the publication said.

Twelve people have been arrested by authorities so far for their connection to the poisonous alcohol.

Two Indian men, aged 24 and 30, and a 35-year-old Filipino woman who was working at the hostel Ms Jones and Ms Bowles had been staying at were arrested last week.

No charges have yet been laid in relation to these arrests.
Marks and Spencer has been given the green light by Angela Rayner to knock down and redevelop its flagship store on London's Oxford Street, bringing to a close a four-year planning row.

The retail giant wants to flatten the 1929 Art Deco building near Marble Arch, also known as Orchard House, and replace it with a 10-storey retail and office block, incorporating a smaller M&S store, pedestrian arcade, offices, a cafe and a gym.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner granted the go-ahead to the scheme, for which a planning application to redevelop the store was first submitted by M&S in March 2021.

Today, CEO Stuart Machin said he was 'delighted' the development can go ahead after years of 'delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst', referring to previous Communities Secretary Michael Gove nixing the plans last July.

The Government report from July 2023 raised concerns that the public benefits were offset by the potential harm to nearby heritage landmarks and criticised the environmental impact of the redevelopment.

That decision was however overturned today after Ms Rayner cited the 'significant employment and regeneration benefits' of the development, The Standard reports.

Mr Machin said: 'I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst, under the previous Government, our plans for Marble Arch  the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street  have finally been approved.

'We can now get on with the job of helping to rejuvenate the UK's premier shopping street through a flagship M&S store and office space, which will support 2,000 jobs and act as a global standard-bearer for sustainability.

 Slide me  Marks and Spencer has been given the green light to knock down and redevelop its flagship store on London 's Oxford Street, bringing to a close a four-year planning row

'We share the Government's ambition to breathe life back into our cities and towns and are pleased to see they are serious about getting Britain building and growing.

'We will now move as fast as we can.'

Ms Rayner's backing comes after the High Court ruled in March that the Government had wrongly applied planning rules and ruled in favour of M&S five out of six points raised on the original decision.

News of the M&S scheme is likely to disappoint those who rigorously opposed the plans however.

Last year, a letter signed by 27 high-profile figures called for a halt and public inquiry into the scheme.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and comedian Griff Rhys Jones - the president of the Victorian Society - were among those who signed the letter.

Organised by Save Britain's Heritage, it read: 'We believe the overall strategy for this site is wrong, with a development which is environmentally wasteful, destroys an elegant and important interwar building and, many feel, negatively affects Oxford Street and its wider West End neighbourhood. We should be adapting the building, not destroying it.

'We now urge you to hold a public inquiry into these proposals which would unnecessarily pump nearly 40,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Angela Rayner cited the 'significant employment and regeneration benefits' of the development

Historic: The Marks and Spencer building on Oxford Street seen in December 1964

'In contrast to the slow release of carbon from existing buildings, these emissions would be released immediately because of the vast quantity of raw materials required such as steel and concrete.'

It added: 'While it cannot undo the harm caused by demolition, the proposed new M&S building makes several positive environmental moves and we believe this same design ingenuity could help deliver a comprehensive and successful retrofit scheme which would extend the life of this 1929 art deco landmark by another 100 years or more.'

The redevelopment plan at M&S is just the latest big change set to hit Oxford Street.

In 2021, IKEA was given the green light to convert the former Topshop outlet into one of its flat-pack furniture stores.

House of Fraser also closed its flagship Oxford Street store, while the former Debenhams building is currently undergoing a huge redevelopment after the chain went bust.

In 2020, John Lewis announced plans to convert a large chunk of its famous Oxford Street store into offices.

The John Lewis Partnership, which runs the department store chain and the Waitrose grocery arm, secured conditional planning permission from Westminster City Council in October 2020.

But last month the retailer announced a U-turn on those plans after its retail figures bounced back post-pandemic.

John Lewis now plans a major 800m upgrade of the store at 300 Oxford Street across all six floors, which will include a flagship Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Cafe on the third floor opening next year.
Billionaires have seen their combined wealth more than double over the past decade to $14 trillion, according to a new report, with tech billionaires' coffers filling the fastest.

Switzerland's biggest bank UBS, which is among the world's largest wealth managers, said the number of dollar billionaires increased from 1,757 to 2,682 over the past 10 years, peaking in 2021 with 2,686.

The 10th annual Billionaire Ambitions report, which tracks the wealth of the world's richest people, found that billionaires have comfortably outperformed global equity markets over the past decade.

Between 2015 and 2024, total billionaire wealth increased by 121 percent from $6.3 trillion to $14.0 trillion - while the MSCI AC World Index of global equities rose 73 percent.

The report documents 'the growth and investment of great wealth, as well as how it's being preserved for future generations and used to have a positive effect on society', said Benjamin Cavalli, head of strategic clients at UBS global wealth management.

The wealth of tech billionaires increased the fastest, followed by that of billionaire industrialists.

Worldwide, tech billionaires' wealth tripled from $788.9 billion in 2015 to $2.4 trillion in 2024.

Billionaire Tesla founder and X boss Elon Musk regularly tops global rich lists

The wealth of tech billionaires increased the fastest, the report found. Pictured: Microsoft's billionaire co-founder Bill Gates

'In earlier years, the new billionaires commercialised e-commerce, social media and digital payments; more recently they engineered the generative AI boom, while also developing cyber-security, fintech, 3D printing and robotics,' UBS said.

The report found that since 2020, the global growth trend had been slowed due to consolidation among China's billionaires.

From 2015 to 2020, billionaire wealth grew globally at an annual rate of 10 percent, but growth has plunged to one percent since 2020.

Chinese billionaire wealth more than doubled from 2015 to 2020, rising from $887.3 billion to $2.1 trillion, but has since fallen back to $1.8 trillion.

However, North American billionaire wealth has risen 58.5 percent to $6.1 trillion since 2020, 'led by industrials and tech billionaires'.

Meanwhile billionaires are relocating more frequently, with 176 having moved country since 2020, with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and the United States being popular destinations.

The heirs and philanthropic causes of baby boomer generation billionaires are set to inherit an estimated $6.3 trillion over the next 15 years, UBS said.

Switzerland's biggest bank UBS, which is among the world's largest wealth managers, said the number of dollar billionaires increased from 1,757 to 2,682 over the past 10 years, peaking in 2021 with 2,686
The staggering net worth of a Miami realtor who killed himself after multiple failed contracted hits on his estranged wife has now been revealed.

Sergio Pino, who died by suicide in July, was accused of sending a man to kill his estranged wife, Tatiana, until his 26-year-old daughter Alessandra unknowingly foiled the plan on June 23.

Authorities believe he arranged the murder plot several times beginning in July 2022 by hiring multiple men and even tried to poison her with fentanyl, police said.

While the couple had been fighting over the division of their assets for years since filing divorce, Sergio's four children, brother Carlos Pino and other business partners have now also begun to stake claim over his estate.

After months of review, the judge overseeing his estate's probate case has revealed Sergio's net worth to be $115 million at the time of his death.

This includes estimated value of cash, stock, real estate, yachts, luxury cars, businesses and other properties except real estate investments made by Sergio when alive, as estimated by a court-appointed curator.

It does not include the $43.8 million half-share of the Century Homebuilders Group LLC that passed on to Tatiana when he died.

Tatiana and Carlos had been clashing over who would be the next representative of the Group.

The net worth of Sergio Pino, a Miami realtor who killed himself after multiple failed contracted hits on his estranged wife, Tatiana has been revealed to be $115 million

As of now, Tatiana is running the Group  which is known to be the largest Hispanic-owned home builder in the US  as its representative.

According to the Miami Herald, the widow is now seeking a declaratory judgment to confirm that she owns the Group based on the fact that the couple held all of the company's equity among themselves as husband and wife.

Based on her claim, Tatiana and Sergio both owned the entire company when the couple were together and their joint interests could only be divided through a divorce decree or another agreement, the outlet explained.

She also claims that her husband 'executed a sham trust agreement  months before passing away  that purports to divest Tatiana of her (lawful) interest in CHG and illegally assign, transfer, and/or convey Decedent's membership shares in CHG (which belong to Tatiana upon his death) to the trust for the benefit of third parties. This was done without Tatiana's knowledge or consent,' according to NBC6.

But trustee, Pedro Hernandez, who was one of Sergio Pino's top lieutenants at the company says otherwise.

'Prior to Sergio's death, Tatiana claimed for years that she and Sergio each owned 50 percent of CHG. This is contrary to the position Tatiana now asserts in this action,' he told the channel.

The agreement allegedly named Carlos as the next representative of the Group.

Furthermore, the widow accuses her dead husband of 'dissipation and conversion of assets, fraud, usurping of business opportunities and failure to properly pay distributions to Ms. Pino, among other violations in respect to Decedent's management of CHG'.

Tatiana and Carlos have also been clashing over who will be the next representative of the dead relator's Century Homebuilders Group LLC

Based on her claim, Tatiana and Sergio both owned the entire company when the couple were together and their joint interests could only be divided through a divorce decree or another agreement

She also claims that Sergio 'misappropriated real estate development projects after 2013, including but not limited to Midtown Doral projects claimed by Decedent to own individually, which should have and do belong to CHG'.

A sum of $24,788.73 cash is the only cash amount that is not under review.

It is believed to be under the possession of the FBI who allege Sergio had already made a down payment to the 'murder crews' he had hired to kill his wife - promising them up to $300,000 if they got away with it without involving him in the investigation.

Federal authorities have previously accused Sergio of hiring multiple men to stalk and poison his wife before the June 23 attempt, which saw alleged hitman Vernon Green, 53, being charged.

Authorities believe he arranged the murder plot several times beginning in July 2022 by hiring multiple men and even tried to poison her with fentanyl, police said. Federal authorities have accused Pino of hiring multiple men to stalk and poison his wife before the June 23 attempt

The huge home as seen after the FBI raid where Sergio killed himself

A year earlier, a hitman allegedly rammed a rented Home Depot truck into her car in her driveway. Department Chief Jason Cohen said the driver had been waiting for Tatiana to come home.

The investigation began after this incident, when police were 'made aware of a lot of the background of what had been going on with Mrs. Pino, the accusations of her being poisoned or drugged by potentially her soon-to-be ex-husband,' Cohen told Fox News Digital.

'It was brought to our attention that this incident here was likely much more than just somebody crashing into her while she's coming home,' he told the outlet. 'It started to make sense that this was just another piece in that big puzzle.'

A total of nine people, including Green, have been allegedly involved in Pino's plots. Six have been charged with murder-for-hire, while the others face charges for stalking and arson, according to Fox News Digital.

Those arrested include Bayron Bennett, 33; Fausto Villar, 42; Avery Bivins, 36; Clementa Johnson, 47; Diori Barnard, 47; Jerren Keith Howard, 38; Michael Jose Dulfo, 42; and Edner Etienne, 27.

They all face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

In July, Bivins agreed to cooperate with authorities and made a recorded phone call to Villar, who he said recruited him. The feds moved into to arrest Pino and Villar after the phone call

Pictured: Edner Etienne, 27, Jerren Keith Howard, 38 and Michael Jose Dulfo, 42

Alessandra (pictured with her mother) called police on June 23 after finding a man with a gun in her home. She can be heard telling the 911 operator at the time. 'He just pointed a gun at me, they're still here'

A stretcher is taken out of the van, then wheeled inside to collect the body

In July, Bivins agreed to cooperate with authorities and made a recorded phone call to the man he said recruited him for the hit, according to NBC Miami.

Bivins called Villars, whom he met in a Florida state prison while the former was serving time for murder and armed robbery and the latter for just armed robbery.

'It's going to be good, everything gonna be straight,' he told Villar.

'Straight. But the f**king smoke has to clear. Everything has to clear, smoke has to clear. So with what you got, try to fend off,' Villar replied.

Villar had expressed worry the feds were already onto their plot as several of the nine were already being arrested.

'Why would you, if you get pinched, theyre going to have, this becomes now a conspiracy,' he told Bivins on the phone. 'Now you cant shake the rap. Your two boys now, or whoever the f--- they are, they can shake the rap.

'You should erase your gram. You erase your gram. You deletedelete. Do that for me, erase that. And then, Im going to go Zero Dark Thirty on this s**t for a while.'

They even discussed what would happen if the feds showed up at Bivins door, with Villar saying: 'We need a plan where, lets say, God forbid, they knock on your door one day or like whatever the case, someones got to let me know through here, like a code or something, yo.'

During one incident, Tatiana struggled to breathe and had to intubated six times before doctors discovered that she had fentanyl in her system, divorce records revealed (pictured: Tatiana and Sergio in 2018)

In July, Sergio shot himself in a bedroom of his waterfront Coral Gables mansion

Police continue to keep watch over Tatiana's home 'at least a few times day,' despite her husband's suicide

The feds moved in to arrest Sergio and Villar after the phone call, according to NBC Miami.

Villars had paid Bivins $75,000 of the $150,000 contract to murder Tatiana.

If the murder was completed successfully, he would have received an additional $150,000 bonus, according to the FBI.

Later in July, Sergio shot himself in the bedroom of his waterfront Coral Gables mansion, where Villar's wife's roofing company had done work on the $8 million property.

'It would appear he saw it was coming down. He likely thought he was going to get charged with this,' Cohen told Fox News Digital. 'It definitely, in my opinion, is very telling of someone with a guilty conscience, but just my opinion of a 27-year veteran.'

The couple were married for 30 years before she filed for divorce in April 2022 after she began to suspect he had tried to poison her.
The parents of two young boys died in a house fire that was started by an exploding e-bike battery, an inquest has ruled.

Josh Pearson, 28, and Danielle Bamber, 24, were killed when the blaze broke out at their home in Peter Street, Blackpool, on July 17. Mr Pearson had been storing e-bikes in the house to buy and sell and had sought advice on modifying batteries.

Their two sons, aged six and one, were saved from the fire: the eldest by a heroic neighbour who smashed through their front door and the youngest by firefighters who entered the upstairs bedroom.

Both children were taken to hospital for treatment. Ms Bamber, however, died at the scene, while Mr Pearson was pronounced dead at the Lancashire town's Victoria Hospital.

A joint police and fire investigation was launched in the aftermath of the tragedy after neighbours reported hearing a 'big bang' and screaming at around 2.30am.

At an inquest called today to hear evidence into the incident, coroner for Blackpool and Fylde Alan Wilson concluded the fire had been a tragic accident caused when the battery exploded in the living room of the dwelling.

CCTV footage from outside the home showed flashing lights and crackles, following minutes later by two more bangs.

Fire crews, who arrived in minutes, discovered Danielle had already died from smoke inhalation. Joshua was found unconscious but was later pronounced dead.

Josh Pearson, 28, and Danielle Bamber, 24, were killed when an e-bike battery exploded in their home in Blackpool in July

The fire took hold in a short time, an inquest into their deaths was told. Ms Bamber was found dead at the scene

The couple's eldest son was rescued by a neighbour who had smashed their way into the house

Several e-bikes were stored inside the living and dining areas of the home with forensic investigators pinning the blaze on an exploding lithium battery.

The inquest heard that Joshua had bought and sold e-bikes and that there was 'clear evidence' he had been tampering with batteries.

Mr Wilson said: 'Joshua had a hobby where he would buy and sell e-bikes. He would do them from home and stored the bikes in the dining room.

'Danielle didn't like this and asked him to keep them outside but he continued to do so.'

Mr Wilson said the fire was a result of a 'deficient' battery management system.

The Blackpool Gazette further reported that Mr Wilson raised concerns about the dangers of e-bike batteries, and the lack of a working smoke alarm in the property, which was privately owned.

Mr Pearson had also reportedly sought out advice on social media about how to adapt batteries for use in e-bikes.

He said in conclusion: 'I'm confident that from the available evidence that the batteries were very likely to be the cause of the fire and I'm absolutely clear that this is not an incident that should have led to any criminal proceedings.'

Lancashire Police ruled out any third-party involvement in the blaze.

Following the fire, locals clubbed together to raise a total of 6,600 to cover the unexpected funeral costs of the couple's death, with any money left over going towards their children.

Kara-Marie Pearson told how her partner, Jake Hartill, who did not want to speak to reporters, saved a young boy from the fire after smashing a glass panel in the front door of the home engulfed in flames.

A fire engine outside the house in Peter Street, Blackpool on July 17 after Mr Pearson and Ms Bamber died

Josh Pearson and Melissa Bamber died as a result of an accident, the inquest concluded

Ms Pearson said: 'If he hadn't got that little boy out, he'd be dead. I heard this almighty bang and I looked out my bedroom window and the whole downstairs was literally in flames.

'You couldn't even see it, it was pure orange. It was like an explosion.

'All I could hear was the dad screaming out, "Help! Help! Help!".'

She said her partner used a bat to smash the glass panel in the front door to lift the boy to safety.

Ms Pearson added: 'His skin was red hot, it was burning. Once we moved the little boy to safety, the whole windows just smashed, just blew. We all had to stand back because the flames came right out.

'It was like a wildfire, you can't explain how them flames were. It was traumatising. I've never seen anything like that in my life.

'It wasn't just like a normal house fire, that was like a wildfire. It doesn't bear thinking about, those poor kids have got no mum and dad.'

Fire brigades across Britain have warned of the hazards associated with e-bike fires, particularly those that are bought online that may not meet UK safety standards.

Deaths in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have multiplied fourfold since 2020 and callouts increased 46 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

The National Fire Chiefs Council says many of the fires involve counterfeit electrical goods, and warn that while genuine charges and batteries can cost more, the risks are not worth the savings associated with buying on a budget.
Columbia University professor Anthony Zenkus sparked outrage with his distasteful response to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Thompson, 50, was fatally shot while on his way to an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday.

Police are hunting for his assassin who was pictured for the first time grinning in surveillance footage images released by the NYPD on Thursday.

Zenkus, a social work professor at Columbia and Adelphi University, implied people should not mourn Thompson's death.

'Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down.... wait, I'm sorry - today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires,' he said.

Furious commenters called out Zenkus for brushing off the father-of-two's heinous murder and blaming him for the deaths of others.

'This is incredibly insensitive. Hes a father gunned down on the street. Have some compassion and humanity,' one person said.

'It just doesnt matter to heartless hypocrites like you that he had a wife and 2 kids, as long as you get to exploit a murder in the cause of your proletariat. Maybe he was working to prevent needless deaths. You dont know & dont care,' said another.

Columbia University professor Anthony Zenkus (pictured) said he will not be mourning Thompson's death

Thompson, 50, was fatally shot while on his way to an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday

'The idea that Brian Thompson deserved to die because he was a rich healthcare executive appears to be...a disturbingly popular sentiment,' a third person said.

You cannot claim to be the movement of compassion & tolerance while gleefully celebrating a dad of two getting shot to death. So vile.'

Zenkus is an activist on issues of racial justice, income inequality and climate justice, according to his Columbia biography.

In 2016, he gave a TEDx Talk on the ways in which income inequality and racism affect the brains and behavior of children. He also serves as an expert on family violence and trauma in television, print and digital media.

Some accused Zenkus of making a false equivalency and stated he would not be posting about people who died from illnesses their health insurance does not cover if Thompson had not been murdered.

'If the CEO didnt get killed I wouldnt have seen a single post about the 68k referenced in this post and I never did before but since he did its all I see, we dont care about people and their problems until its the trend to do so. Were all guilty of it at times including me,' one person said.

Others criticized Columbia for not having a social media policy and allowing their professors to post such things.

'Universities really need to start figuring out social-media policies. There are too many idiots on their faculties spouting nonsense that is totally unrelated to their work (and thus not w/in the bounds of academic freedom) and who are bringing disrepute to serious academics,' one person said.

Police are hunting for his assassin who was pictured for the first time grinning in surveillance footage images released by the NYPD on Thursday

'Wild to see a Columbia professor actively celebrating a cold blooded murder. He even has anti-violence in his profile,' said another.

Thompson's widow Paulette said her husband, who she is separated from, had been receiving threats in the run up to the shooting, but Thompson chose to travel to New York anyway to head up his company's investors conference.

He was set to announce the company's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.

Investigators searching the scene of the crime found bullet casings inscribed with the words: 'Deny', 'defend', and 'depose' - which many linked to a 2010 book by author Jay M. Feinman on the viciousness of the health insurance industry.

The gunman appeared to be lying in wait as he headed towards the hotel at around 6.45am.

Surveillance footage captured the moment he opened fire on the executive, shooting him in the back and leg before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police said he then hopped on a bike and headed towards Central Park. He currently remains at large.
A British woman has been charged with stalking former finance minister George Osborne and his wife for more than a year, according to court records.

Lydia Suffield, 27, is due to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with stalking Osborne, finance minister from 2010 until 2016, and Thea Rogers between June 8, 2022, and July 5, 2023.

The charge alleges that Suffield, from Liverpool, sent emails and messages on Instagram to the couple, as well as 'filing false referrals to the NSPCC', a children's charity.

No further details about the alleged offence were available. Suffield was unavailable for comment.

Osborne has held a variety of roles since leaving government including editor of newspaper the Evening Standard and now works for boutique investment bank Robey Warshaw as well as being chair of the British Museum.

A British woman has been charged with stalking former finance minister George Osborne (pictured) and his wife for more than a year, according to court records

Lydia Suffield, 27, is due to appear at London 's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday

He married Rogers on July 8, 2023.

A spokesperson for Robey Warshaw did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Osborne's behalf.

Osborne did not answer a call seeking comment.
Two bank accounts have been frozen as part of a counter-terrorism probe after the Met Police arrested seven people for alleged activity linked to a Kurdish group.

Freezing orders were applied to the accounts believed to be supporting or funding terrorist activity connected to the prescribed Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK.

The separatist group wants an independent Kurdish state in south-east Turkey and has been banned in the UK since 2001.

It has been fighting against the Turkish state since the early 1980s.

This comes after seven people were arrested at separate addresses across London on November 27 as part of the force's crackdown on Counter Terrorism Command.

Five men aged 23, 27, 31, 56, and 62 as well as two women aged 31 and 59 were arrested last week.

Five men aged 23, 27, 31, 56, and 62 as well as two women aged 31 and 59 were arrested last week (Stock photo)

The police have now confirmed warrants of further detention for all seven have now been obtained meaning they can be detained until Monday.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'Our officers continue to work around the clock to gather and review evidence as part of this investigation into what are very serious allegations.

'I want to reiterate that this investigation is being conducted with complete operational independence and ask that people to avoid speculating or sharing unverified information either online or elsewhere.'

Searches were carried out at eight addresses in London as part of the investigation, the force said.

The Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey was one of the locations that was under scrutiny but has been given permission to reopen.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for the Haringey area, said: 'We are very aware of the ongoing impact this investigation is having on the local community - particularly those from the Kurdish community.

'We have liaised closely with representatives from the community centre while searches have been ongoing there, and we recognise the impact of it being closed while officers have been carrying out important searches there as part of their investigation.

'I want to thank the local community and residents for their ongoing support and understanding, and should anyone have concerns, then please get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can work with you to keep everyone safe.'
UK defence chiefs fear that Russia could target Gibraltar or Cyprus in retaliation for Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles.

Senior defence figures held emergency talks with officials in Cyprus and Gibraltar after Putin warned that his military could strike the UK in response to the war-torn country's use of the British-made rocket, The Telegraph reports.

Vladimir Putin revealed last month that Russia had tested a new intermediate-range missile - known as Oreshnik - on Ukraine, and threatened that it could use the nuclear-capable weapon against countries that had allowed their missiles to strike Russia.

A source close to discussions told the newspaper that British interests overseas are easier to access than the UK itself, and that Cyprus is much more vulnerable to an attack.

'Russia could arm Hezbollah or another proxy to launch an attack via Iran. One of the things we are most worried about is the Houthis being equipped to launch an attack and they are close to Cyprus,' the source added.

The discussions are also believed to have included conversation around whether the need for any new defensive measures were required.

According to the newspaper, senior government sources confirmed the conversations had taken place in recent weeks, but it was emphasized that this was 'standard practice'.

The current threat level to England's military bases in Cyprus and Gibraltar is reportedly 'substantial' - meaning an attack is 'likely'.

Putin warned that his military could strike the UK in response to the war-torn country's use of the British-made rocket

Putin revealed last month that Russia had tested a new intermediate-range missile - known as Oreshnik - on Ukraine

It is thought that Gibraltar could be a target for Russia if Moscow wants to hurt UK interests

The 'likely' outcome is one of five potential threat levels which range from 'low' to 'critical', meaning an attack s 'highly likely in the near future'.

It comes after a new report warned that Britain is widely underestimating the threat of cyber attacks from Russia and China after a three-fold increase in severe incidents in a year.

Richard Horne, head of GCHQs National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned of the threat posed by Russias online aggression and recklessness and highly sophisticated Chinese hackers.

In his first major speech, the cyber security chief highlighted the widening gap between the threats facing the UK from state-backed hackers and criminals and the defences in place to protect businesses and public services.

Pat MacFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, also said Russia would 'not think twice' about 'turning the lights off for millions of people' by unleashing a wave of debilitating cyber attacks.

McFadden, who oversees policy on national security and state threats, warned that cyber interference enables Russia to severely disrupt countries and represents the 'hidden war' it is waging against Kyiv.

In a speech to the NATO Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House, the minister said: 'Military hard-power is one thing. But cyber war can be destabilising and debilitating.

'With a cyber attack, Russia can turn the lights off for millions of people. It can shut down the power grids. This is the hidden war Russia is waging with Ukraine.'

He added: 'Given the scale of that hostility, my message to members today is clear: no one should underestimate the Russian cyber threat to NATO.

'The threat is real. Russia is exceptionally aggressive and reckless in the cyber realm.'

Alistair Carns, the nation's veterans minister, earlier this week warned the entire British Army would be wiped out in 'six months to a year' during a major war.

Alistair Carns, MP speaks with army personnel, on October 29, 2024 in Salisbury, England

Anew report warned that Britain is widely underestimating the threat of cyber attacks from Russia and China

A muzzle flash lights up pine trees as the British Army's new Archer Mobile Howitzer gun fires, as British Army soldiers take part in training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, Finland. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024

Carns, who won the Military Cross for gallantry on special forces operations, issued the bleak assessment as he stressed the importance of building up Britain's military reserve forces.

The MP's warning came as he highlighted the huge numbers of Russian soldiers being slaughtered in Ukraine.

The veterans minister, who is also a reservist, said around 1,500 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded every day. The highest reported total in a single day is around 2,000.

Mr Carns claimed the ability for Russia to be able to absorb such savage losses and continue with his invasion of Ukraine was part of Putin's plan, which is why Britain must boost its number of full-time professional soldiers and widen its pool of part-time reservists.

'In a war of scale  not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine  our army for example on the current casualty rates would be expended  as part of a broader multinational coalition - in six months to a year,' Mr Carns reported said in a speech at a conference on reserves at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

Mr Carns, a former full time Royal Marine Colonel until he switched his military career for one in politics, noted that Russia would soon be moving onto its third army in Ukraine, having conscripted tens of thousands of troops into its war effort.

'That doesn't mean we need a bigger army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis,' Mr Carns said.
Sir Keir Starmer sparked a civil service backlash today after he swiped that 'too many' officials in Whitehall are 'comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline'.

The Prime Minister made the jibe as he staged a relaunch of his stumbling premiership after just five months in Downing Street.

In a major speech at Pinewood Studios, the Labour premier unveiled his 'plan for change' as he outlined new 'milestones' for measuring the success of his Government's 'missions'.

Sir Keir also laid out plans to 'fundamentally reform the way the Government goes about its business' as he launched an attack on civil servants' performance.

Echoing a phrase commonly used by US president-elect Donald Trump, the PM said: 'I don't think there's a swamp to be drained here.

'But I do think too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline (and) have forgotten, to paraphrase JFK, that you choose change not because it's easy but because it's hard.'

'We must be careful about the promises we make,' he added. 'But across Whitehall and Westminster that's been internalised as 'don't say anything', 'don't try anything too ambitious', 'set targets that will happen anyway'.'

Sir Keir Starmer sparked a civil service backlash after he swiped that 'too many' officials in Whitehall are 'comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline'

Sir Keir laid out plans to 'fundamentally reform the way the Government goes about its business' as he launched an attack on Whitehall performance

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, hit back at the PM's comments

The PM's words caused fury among trade unions who represent civil service staff, with Sir Keir accused of 'scapegoating' Whitehall officials for the failures of ministers.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, said he was 'really disappointed' with Sir Keir's 'extraordinary' comments after just five months in office.

'He was very specific, he talked about Whitehall not Westminster, so he's aiming that at civil servants,' he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

'I don't know any civil servant who is comfortable managing decline. 'I know civil servants who are burnt out because of the extra hours they're working.

'I know civil servants who have coped with a decade of austerity, of Brexit, of Covid, of dozens of ministerial changes and chaotic changes of government.

'They are desperate for a government that will value them, respect them and give them the resources needed to deliver vital public services.

'So I don't know what he's talking about and I've had so many messages from civil servants who are astonished that the PM made those comments.'

Steve Thomas, the deputy general secretary of Prospect, said that 'blaming the civil service for failures in policy delivery is an easy thing to do and is wide of the mark'.

'Reform may well be necessary, indeed civil service unions have been saying for years that we stand ready to work with the Government on how best to do that,' he added.

'That offer remains on the table. The first thing the Government can do to improve policy delivery is to recognise and make use of the specialist talent it has at its disposal.

'This means reforming pay for specialists to avoid what until now could be termed the 'unmanaged decline' of various parts of the civil service and its agencies, which are unable to compete with the private sector resulting in a recruitment and retention crisis.'

In the foreword to a document laying out his plan, Sir Keir promised 'a profound cultural shift away from a declinist mentality' as well as honesty about the 'trade-offs' required to achieve his aims.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the PM's 'emergency reset' showed Labour had not been 'ready for government' when it won the general election on 4 July.

Since winning power, Sir Keir has faced widespread anger from pensioners, farmers and businesses over Labour's tax and spending plans.

He has also lost a Cabinet minister over a fraud row, been forced to sack Sue Gray as his chief of staff, and suffered a damaging row over his 'freebies'.

Ms Badenoch added: 'This relaunch can't hide the reality of a Government that doesn't know what it is doing.'
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set to receive a knighthood in the New Year honours list, Whitehall insiders say.

He is said to be receiving the award for political and public service after almost two decades in frontline politics.

Having previously been a Labour MP, Mr Khan became the first Muslim mayor of the capital in 2016 and was elected for a third term this year.

According to the Financial Times, the Mayor is set to be handed the honour alongside a string of other political veterans who are all reported to be given gongs in this year's list.

Commons foreign affairs committee chair and long-standing Labour MP Emily Thornberry is set to be awarded a damehood, while New Labour-era health secretary Patricia Hewitt is said to be another recipient.

Several Conservative politicians are also in line to be recognised with knighthoods.

Andy Street, the former West Midlands mayor who was defeated in the local elections in May after seven years in office, is set to be a recipient alongside Nick Gibb, an MP for more than a quarter of a century who served as schools minister for a total of a decade.

Ranil Jayawardena and Marcus Jones, two Conservative parliamentarians who lost their seats in the July general election, are also likely to get knighthoods.

Sadiq Khan will receive his award for political and public service after almost two decades in frontline politics, insiders say

Commons foreign affairs committee chair and long standing Labour MP Emily Thornberry is set to be awarded a damehood

New Labour-era health secretary Patricia Hewitt is said to be another recipient of a damehood

Sources say Hewitt will be recognised for services to health, and Gibb for services to education, while the others are set to be awarded honours for parliamentary, political and public service.

Before anything is finalised, the draft document of the honours list must be signed off by Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles III.

The revelation comes as the PM is reportedly seeking to reward his former top aide Sue Gray with a seat in the House of Lords after she was forced out of Downing Street in a Labour power battle.

Ms Gray, a former senior civil servant, stepped down as the Prime Minister's 170,000 chief of staff in October following reports of a clash with other senior aides.

But now she is on a list of political peers the PM wants to appoint in the New Year Honours.

Also on the list are a string of time-served Labour MPs who stepped down at the election, who are being rewarded for making way for new 'talent' to enter the Commons.

They are said to include Lyn Brown, Kevin Brennan, Julie Elliott and Thangam Debbonaire.

And Mr Khan is now also set to join the list, after he announced earlier this week that he was pushing forward with his new 900million London Overground line which will connect suburbs, amid Transport for London's 450million bad debts.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan on a London Overground train in Barking in July 2022

The 'West London Orbital' scheme is an 11-mile rail proposal to take trains from Hounslow to Hendon via Brentford, Acton, Harlesden, Neasden and Brent Cross.

There would also be a station at Old Oak Common linking with the planned HS2 line to Birmingham, and a branch after Neasden off to West Hampstead via Cricklewood.

The announcement came after Mr Khan sparked backlash over his 6.3million Overground rebrand with six new names and colours which launched last Thursday.

The lines were renamed Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette and Liberty and given new colours - but it was branded 'predictable woke liberal nonsense'.

The announcement of the changes in February was greeted with bemusement and disbelief at the cost of the project, with critics saying it was a 'word cloud of virtue' and TfL should instead focus on improving the reliability of Overground services.

In May, The Labour Mayor thanked Londoners for voting him back in after he trounced his Tory rival Susan Hall.

Mr Khan celebrated his 'increased margin of victory' on the previous election after he received 1,088,225 votes, a majority of nearly 276,000 over Ms Hall, who secured 812,397 votes.

In his victory interview, which took place before the July general election, he said he was 'excited' by the prospect of working with Keir Starmer and his cabinet.

The Labour Mayor thanked Londoners for voting him back in after he trounced his Tory rival Susan Hall in May

He added that a Labour government working with City Hall for the first time in 20 years would be 'transformational' for London and would mean 'we can achieve much more.'

Mr Khan was one of the first Labour politicians to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but Sir Keir's strong support for Israel's right to self-defence caused anger among many supporters.

He also faced intense scrutiny over his record on law and order during the campaign, after a 14-year-old schoolboy become the latest victim of knife crime in the capital.
A sick tribute appeared outside the New York City hotel where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down by an assassin on Wednesday.

A balloon with a sign taped to it reading 'CEO DOWN' over the image of a smiling star and party poppers was found outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan after Thompson, 50, was gunned down there Wednesday morning.

The balloon was spotted as many Americans have joked about the CEO's death due to his company's track record of rejecting medical claims.

The same image on the balloon was also shared on former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz's BlueSky account.

'People have very justified hatred toward insurance company CEOs because these executives are responsible for an unfathomable amount of death and suffering,' she wrote in a separate post.

'As someone against death and suffering, I think its good to call out this broken system and the [people] in power who enable it.'

In perhaps the most shocking post, Lorenz shared a news report about Blue Cross Blue Shield announcing it would not cover anesthesia for the full length of certain surgeries in some states.

She wrote: 'And people wonder why we want these executives dead.'

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot and killed outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday

A balloon with a sign taped to it reading 'CEO DOWN' over the image of a smiling star and party poppers was found outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan

A congressman has condemned internet trolls currently gloating over the assassination of Thompson.

'Seems like leftists opposed to killing terrorists in the Middle East support killing CEOs in Midtown Manhattan,' wrote Representative Dean Phillips.

Phillips, a Democrat who represents Thompson's home district in Minnesota, spoke as online ghouls rejoiced in the cold-blooded execution of the healthcare chief.

Among them were one poster who wrote on X: 'Brian Thompson ran a company based off exploiting people during the most vulnerable times in their life.

'I'm not sad he's dead.'

Another shared a gif of a pastor praising Jesus, writing: 'CEOs of predatory corporations getting popped, turn this up. Peace out, Brian Thompson.'

Bluesky user Templin Jay wrote: 'Im not condoning murder but if theyre gonna kill people, I cant object too strenuously to them choosing someone who made his fortune making healthcare worse and more expensive.

'Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and Brian Thompson, some guy in a ski mask. If this be treason'

Thompson was executed by the gunman as he prepared to attend Wednesday's annual investor conference for United Healthcare. The medical giant was set to announce bumper revenue and profits

The shooter waited outside it for 10 minutes before opening fire (pictured: police on the scene)

BlueSky user Leslie Rising wrote, 'blue cross next,' referencing another of the country's health care companies.

Others offered less tasteless criticism of Thompson's murder while accusing UnitedHealthcare of 'killing tens of thousands of Americans every year by denying them health coverage.'

Thompson was executed by a gunman who remains on the loose as he prepared to attend Wednesday's annual investor conference for United Healthcare.

The medical giant was set to announce bumper revenue and profits, with Thompson, a married father, wearing a shirt and tie as he was gunned down.

Thompson's shooter - a white man dressed in a mask and dark clothes - knew from which door the CEO was going to emerge.

He waited outside it for 10 minutes before opening fire, The New York Times reported.

Journalist Taylor Lorenz has sparked outrage after she appeared to support the murder of UnitedHelathcare CEO Brian Thompson

The same image on the balloon appeared on her BlueSky account

The shooter - carrying a large black gun that appeared to be fitted with a silencer - then fled on a bike and is believed to have ridden into Central Park.

NYPD officials have offered a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to the shooter's capture.

Thompson unloaded $12million of shares earlier this year, as UnitedHealthcare faced a Department of Justice investigation and a civil lawsuit over antitrust allegations.

His widow Paulette revealed he had been receiving threats in the run-up to his death.
UnitedHealthcare has disabled social media comments on its profiles after disgruntled patients began flooding the company with complaints following the assassination of its CEO.

The health insurer has been deluged by comments, many from people who say their or their loved ones claims have been denied. Its most recent Instagram posts announcing the death of Thompson let users like or share the post, but not comment on it.

The company is in the spotlight following the assassination of CEO Bryan Thompson, 50, who was gunned down on his way to an appearance at an investor conference in New York on Wednesday.

Thompson was expected to announce the business' hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.

A motive has not been released for the slaying, but police discovered bullets inscribed with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' at the scene.

The inscriptions bear similarity to the Jay M Feinman's book Delay, Deny, Defend about the viciousness of the health insurance industry.

UnitedHealthcare put out a statement on social media expressing their sorrow following the murder, but was quickly inundated with angry comments. Currently, the most recent Instagram post where users can comment is from November 21.

'Just had a coworker find out she has cancer in her small bowel was denied a PET scan she is a registered nurse. Insurance is a scam and a money grab for the greedy. What a shame,' one person wrote on Instagram.

Comments were disabled after some callous people began cheering the death of the CEO, while others began to blast the insurance provider over allegedly failing to pay out for claims

UnitedHealthcare has disabled social media comments on its profiles after disgruntled patients began flooding the company with complaints following the shooting murder of its CEO Brian Thompson

'UHC has been denying my husband an asthma drug he's been on for five years. It turned him from a very severe asthmatic to someone who barely has asthma at all,' another wrote on Facebook.

'They used a retired orthopedic surgeon as the 'expert' on asthma to deny him access to this drug. I'm deeply frightened I'm going to lose him if he can't get this drug and goes back to being dangerously asthmatic.'

Others began making snarky remarks as they reposted the company's statement on Thompson's death, which attracted 3,600 'laugh' reactions on Facebook.

'Maybe stop denying healthcare,' one person said. 'This man had more blood on his hands.'

'Thoughts and prayers pending pre-approval and a referral from a specialist,' another added.

'Sending prior authorization, pre-existing conditions, denied claims, and collections (oh, and "prayers") to his family,' one person said, while another called it a 'delivery of karma'.

The UHC statement said the company was 'saddened and shocked' by Thompson's death.

'Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,' it read.

Thompson, 50, who was gunned down on his way to an appearance at an investor conference in New York on Wednesday. The NYPD released this photo of a 'person of interest in the case'

Thompson's family left a note for media and well-wishers saying they have been left 'shattered' by his passing.

Thompson's $1.1 million Minnesota mansion - less than a mile away from his wife's $1.5 million mansion following their separation - had a note on its front door on Thursday asking for privacy.

'Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,' the note read.

'Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moved through this difficult time.'

The CEO's killer still remains at large and was last seen on surveillance footage fleeing the scene of the crime on what police believe was an e-bike.

Investigators released new images of the suspect as the manhunt entered its second day.

Police sources told the New York Post that they found an ID was used by the assailant when he checked into the HI New York City Hostel in the Upper West Side.

Law enforcement sources revealed that investigators obtained a fingerprint off a water bottle the suspected gunman left behind at the scene.

Thompson was expected to announce the business' hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including expected revenues upwards of $450 billion. Clues at the scene had led to suggestions the killer was angry with his company

A motive has not been released for the slaying, but police discovered bullets inscribed with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' at the scene

Angry social media users deluged UHC's social media posts with allegations about how their claims were denied. Pictured: The suspected gunman at a Starbucks just before the shooting

Insiders told CNN that the fingerprint was smudged, and is therefore less conclusive than a full print.

Officials added that they are still attempting to crack into a phone that was left behind at Thompson's murder.

Investigators believe the firearm used to kill Thompson was a modern version of a rare World War Two gun.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did have a security detail with him on his New York City trip, but he was alone when he was ambushed in a fatal attack Wednesday morning.

Thompson, 50, had an in-house security team assigned to him for his stay in Manhattan, but they were not with him when he was shot dead as he walked to the companys annual investor conference at a Hilton hotel in Midtown, a source told CNN.

It's the norm for major health care companies to assign personal security to their top executives.

Thompson traveled to New York to present UnitedHealthcare's 2025 financial outlook - which included projected revenues over $450 billion - despite his wife saying he was subjected to threats beforehand.

After news of the killing emerged, US health care corporations began increasing the security details of their top executives.

Thompson's $1.1 million mansion - less than a mile away from his ex-wife's home on the same street - was subjected to the bomb threat 12 hours after he was shot.

The bomb threat was directed to the City Attorney from Maple Grove, MN in an email, claiming there was a pipe bomb at Thompson's home.

A bomb squad was dispatched but found no bomb, and the squad also cleared Thompson's wife Pauley's nearby home.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on Wednesday

The CEO had no security with him when an assassin walked up behind him and shot him dead

The hunt for the shooter brought New York City police Thursday morning to at least two hostels on Manhattans Upper West Side, based on a tip that the suspected shooter may have stayed at one of the residences, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.

Police also released photos of a person they said was wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The photos appeared to have been taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel, according to images of the lobby available online.

'We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time,' Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the hostel said in an emailed statement.

Investigators believe, judging from surveillance video and evidence collected from the scene, that the shooter had at least some prior firearms training and experience with guns and the weapon was equipped with a silencer, said one of the law enforcement officials who spoke with the AP.

Investigators also were looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan, the official said. The shooter fled on a bike and was last seen riding into Central Park.

The insurers Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc. ended the conference early in the wake of Thompsons death.

Police also released photos of a person they said was wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting

'Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,' UnitedHealth Group said in a statement.

'We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.'

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her 'there were some people that had been threatening him.' She didnt have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Insiders told the New York Times that detectives have not yet landed on his identity, and comparisons between names and a smiling photo released this morning have been inconclusive.
A monster earthquake off the coast of Northern California has triggered a tsunami warning for millions of Americans.

The San Francisco Bay Area has been told to expect enormous waves at 12.10pm local time.

Residents are being told to rush inland and take cover before the waves hit.

The 7 magnitude earthquake hit on Thursday morning around 50 miles from California's coast.

An aftershock was then felt moments later.

Thank you following DailyMail.com's live blog of the California earthquake. See a recap of the developments below.
A furious Emmanuel Macron tonight blamed extremist parties for bringing down his government and 'causing chaos' across France.

The President was resolute that he will not resign and vowed to carry out 'the mandate that you democratically entrusted to me'.

Macron was speaking for the first time since a coalition of the far-Right National Rally and Left Wing New Popular Front ended the three-month administration of prime minister, Michel Barnier.

Barnier's government lasted just 90 days and is now the shortest administration in modern French history.

The former Brexit negotiator resigned on Thursday, hours before Macron appeared on national TV, but will remains as prime minister for now as the leader of a caretaker government.

Speaking from the Elysee Palace, Macron refused to resign himself, and said 'the far-Right and the far-Left have united in an anti-republican front'.

'I know that some are tempted to hold me responsible for this situation. It's much more comfortable for them,' he added.

French Emmanuel Macron speaking during his address to the nation tonight. Macron was speaking for the first time since a coalition of the far-Right National Rally and Left Wing New Popular Front ended the three-month administration of prime minister, Michel Barnier

Barnier's (pictured) government lasted just 90 days and is now the shortest administration in modern French history

Leader of the far-right National Rally Marine Le Pen. A furious Emmanuel Macron tonight blamed extremist parties for bringing down his government and 'causing chaos' across France

He said Marine Le Pen's National Rally (NR) had, in particular, voted 'for a motion of censure that offered the opposite of their programme'.

Macron said the NR was focused on one thing  'creating chaos'  and said they had 'chosen disorder'.

This was because Ms Le Pen was only thinking of winning the 2027 presidential election, said Macron.

'They only think of one thing  the presidential election, to prepare for it, to provoke it, to rush it,' he said.

Macron remains resolute that he will not resign and plans to continue his second term until it expires in 2027.

He said: 'The mandate that you democratically entrusted to me is a five-year mandate and I will exercise it fully until its end.'

The president also said he would 'appoint a new prime minister within the next few days.'

This will be the third PM Macron has appointed just this year.

Paying tribute to Banier  his fifth prime minister in seven years  Macron added: I would like to take the opportunity to thank Banier for his steely determination, and everything he did. He was up for the challenge, and others were not.'

Barnier will now act as caretaker prime minister until a successor is announced.

Speaking from the Elysee Palace, Macron refused to resign himself, and said 'the far-Right and the far-Left have united in an anti-republican front'

France's outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal with the new Prime Minister Barnier back in September. Barnier, resigned on Thursday, hours before Macron appeared on national TV having been PM for just three months

Sources close to the president said he wanted to get a new PM in place by the weekend, for the grand re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019.

'Some 50 world leaders are expected in Paris, and a prime minister needs to be here to greet them,' said one aide.

Those arriving include American president-elect Donald Trump, who will be on his first foreign visit since his election victory last month.

Left and Right wing Parties in the Paris National Assembly united on Wednesday evening to defeat Barnier in a no-confidence vote.

The vote was called after Barnier was unable to pass his budget for next year which proposed 60billion euros in tax hikes and spending cuts in a bid to tackled France's financial woes.

These cuts and taxes rises were aimed at tackling the country's deficit which stands at over six per cent of the entire economy and is twice as much as the limit imposed by the European Union.

Unable to raise a majority in the hung parliament created by a snap election over the summer, Barnier said he would push the budget through via a presidential decree.

Such a move has become common under President Macron, who is accused of ignoring democracy and acting like a dictator.

Macron during his inauguration ceremony as French president in 2017. The president remains resolute that he will not resign and plans to continue his second term until it expires in 2027

Macron with Barnier during commemorations for Armistice Day. Paying tribute to Banier  his fifth prime minister in seven years  Macron added: I would like to take the opportunity to thank Banier for his steely determination, and everything he did'

The result was carried by 331 votes needed in the 577 seat parliament  well over the 288 needed.

It plunges France into a period of political paralysis, with many predicting economic disaster too.

French bonds and stocks are already being sold off at an alarming rate, and borrowing costs are spiralling.

With both Marine Le Pen's National Rally and the Leftist New Popular Front backing Barnier's exit, he had no chance of survival.

Speaking after last night's result Le Pen told France's TF1: 'I'm not dizzy, I don't consider it a victory. I consider that we had a choice to make and the choice we made was to protect the French.'

Voting took place soon after Macron returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia, when he ruled out resigning himself, saying 'I was elected twice by the French people,' and 'my priority is stability'.

Barnier is not an elected MP and his downfall after only three month breaks a record previously held by Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, who served for five months, up until May 2017.

Barnier made a last gasp plea for support in the run-up to the vote, saying his departure would mean 'everything will be more difficult and more serous'.

Some have even predicted France falling into deep recession, as Greece did during its sovereign debt crisis just over a decade ago.

Barnier's has ultimately fallen after failing to win parliamentary support for a social security budget aimed at saving the equivalent of 50billion.

The vote was called after Barnier was unable to pass his budget for next year which proposed 60billion euros in tax hikes and spending cuts in a bid to tackled France 's financial woes

France's National Assembly. French lawmakers voted 331 out of 574 in support of the motion with the far-left and far-right coming together in an unholy alliance. Just 288 votes were needed to see Barnier ousted

Unable to raise a majority in the hung parliament created by a snap election over the summer, Barnier said he would push the budget through via a presidential decree.

Such a move has become common under Macron, who is accused of ignoring democracy and acting like a dictator.

It came as unions in France called for strikes and street demonstrations across France following the collapse of the government.

A spokesman for the CGT, France's Confederation of Labour union, said strikes would affect multiple sectors, including schools, hospitals, airports, and town halls.
Mourners packed the streets of Belfast to pay tribute to a beauty technician who died in a nightclub, with her friends saying 'the heavens are in tears'.

Police inquiries are continuing into the death of Chloe Ferris, who would have turned 25 this week, after she died in the Lux nightclub in the early hours of Sunday.

Two men in their 20s had been arrested and questioned on suspicion of drug-related offences before being released on police bail for further inquiries.

Chloes funeral service took place in the capital on Thursday and crowds lined the streets on the Falls Road in the heavy rain before heading inside St Paul's Church.

Fr Darren Brennan read a statement from her parents, who wished their daughter a happy birthday and described her as a 'beautiful, special, vibrant, blossoming young woman'.

Welcoming Ms Ferris's loved ones to the service, Fr Brennan said: 'None of us would wish to be here, in fact, we shouldn't be here, but we are here.

'And it's like even the heavens are in tears as we bring the remains of Chloe Ferris, a beautiful, special, vibrant, blossoming young woman, to offer this mass for the repose of her soul.'

Reading words written by Ms Ferris's mother Sharon and father Declan, Fr Brennan said the love she was shown 'was so great, she had loads to spare'.

Mourners packed the streets of Belfast to pay tribute to Chloe Ferris after she died in a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday

Chloe's friends paid tribute to the beauty technician, saying: 'The heavens are in tears'

Crowds lined the streets on the Falls Road in the heavy rain before heading inside St Paul's Church

Chloe's white coffin bore pink flowers, with some mourners wearing pink bows in their hair.

Her coffin was carried by a group of her friends known as the 'sister squad'.

Fr Brennan continued: 'So in her short life, she did indeed share that love. She was so generous with it to all her friends and the people she met throughout her life.'

The priest said Ms Ferris 'loved her holidays' and was 'so proud' of her beauty business.

'She loved holidaying and she never blooming stopped holidaying,' he told mourners.

'Holidaying from America, touring with Kathleen, Laura and Nicole, to partying in Ibiza with the sisters, yes Chloe loved a party or two.

'Chloe joined a cross-community group, RCity, which had a great programme running missions to Africa, helping the children of Blanco. RCity not only had a great influence in Chloe's attitude to life, but also a desire to see more of what our world has to offer.

'But all this travelling, partying, had to be paid for, and dad's pockets were only so deep, therefore Chloe's little business had to flourish. And indeed it did. It flourished, and it flourished, and that was something she was so proud of, and not only her.

Chloe was described as 'beautiful, special, vibrant'

Police inquiries are continuing into the death of Chloe, who would have turned 25 this week, after she died in the Lux nightclub in the early hours of Sunday

Chloe's coffin is carried by a group of her friends

The hearse carrying the coffin of Chloe arrives at the church for her funeral

The coffin is carried out of the hearse in the rain and carried into the church

The parents of Chloe Ferris, Declan and Sharon, after their daughter's funeral mass

Chloe's white coffin bore pink flowers, with some mourners wearing pink bows in their hair

Mourners packed the streets of Belfast to pay tribute to a beauty technician

Fr Darren Brennan read a statement from her parents (pictured with their arms around each other), who wished their daughter a happy birthday and described her as a 'beautiful, special, vibrant, blossoming young woman'

A photo of Chloe is held by her cousin

Chloes funeral service took place in the capital on Thursday

Staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, which overlooks St Paul's Church

Fr Brennan said Ms Ferris's 'best client of all for therapy and stories' was her brother Christopher, and the pair shared an 'immeasurable' love for each other

The priest said Ms Ferris 'loved her holidays' and was 'so proud' of her beauty business

The funeral took place as police inquiries are continuing into the death

Reading words written by Ms Ferris's mother Sharon and father Declan, Fr Brennan said the love she was shown 'was so great, she had loads to spare'

'We actually think she named it wrong as Chloe's Beauty. It should have been Agony Aunt Chloe's Therapy, for she has listened to all her clients' stories and problems all day long. And not only did she never say a bad word about them, she just loved them all.'

Fr Brennan said Ms Ferris's 'best client of all for therapy and stories' was her brother Christopher, and the pair shared an 'immeasurable' love for each other.

Her parent's statement concluded: 'PS, how could we forget, happy 25th birthday. Chloe girl, we love you.'

Fr Brennan asked: 'What could you add to those beautiful words?

'Of course, it didn't come close to summing up Chloe's life. As short as it might have been, it has been absolutely filled to the brim with activity, with using her gifts, her talents, and sharing them generously with everyone she met.

'But above all, it's been filled with love. Love is the word that just kept coming out of those pages.'
Russell Findlay is bringing some much-needed snark to First Ministers Questions, livening up proceedings immensely.

He opened with a mock olive branch, offering praise to one moment from Shona Robisons Budget speech  the part where she held up a letter that Findlay had fired off to John Swinney outlining some ways he could cut taxes.

He thanked the Finance Secretary for holding up my letter for all of Scotland to see since it set out how my party is proudly on the side of Scotlands hard-working taxpayers and businesses.

Behind Swinney and Robison, the Nat benches chuntered themselves into a right old lather. Findlay gets under their skin. They know and he knows it, which brings a welcome new tension to FMQs.

The First Minister was all for discussing the letter, since it revealed a 950million gaping hole at the heart of Conservative taxation proposals.

Unfunded fiscal policies? Swinney, he of the decade-long council tax freeze, should sue for copyright infringement.

Shona Robison and John Swinney at yesterdays First Ministers Questions

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay needled John Swinney at FMQs yesterday

He was getting in a few decent blows at the Tory leader, until he declared that Findlays stance on tax reeks of economic compe... incompetence.

The Tories had a fair old ho ho at that flub. Findlay, having far too much fun, needled his foe deeper. Because I know how much John Swinney appreciated my first letter, I sent him a second one this morning, which sets out the savings we would make, he said, holding aloft his latest epistolary effort. Have none of them heard of email?

Findlay dismissed SNP claims to be cutting taxes for low and middle earners, saying this amounted to just one quid a month for those earning under 30,000.

What are people supposed to do with that? he hissed. Buy a selection box from Poundland? A few chortles around him but Swinney was not impressed.

Mr Findlay will have to practise his gags a little more after that one, he sniffed, adding that he had been too busy visiting an Early Learning Centre that morning to read Findlays follow-up letter.

Findlay summoned up all his oratorical wit and replied: I hope John Swinney learned something from the children at the Early Learning Centre.

Im with the First Minister on this one. Findlays patter is so old, Shona Robison has taken away its winter fuel allowance.

The Iron Laddie harrumphed that the Budget had sprouted from inside the Left-wing Holyrood bubble, glaring in the direction of those noted Leftists, John Swinney and Kate Forbes.

Douglas Lumsden and Alexander Burnett were practically bouncing in their seats, rumbling and spitting out heckles like overworked popcorn machines.

This got Swinney agitated and when he gets agitated he becomes noticeably more Scottish, with vowels the first casualty.

Mibbe Mr Lumsden and Mr Burnett can find it in themselves to welcome the tripling of investment in offshore renewables Mibbe they could welcome the 768million investment in housing

A mention in dispatches for Nationalist MSP Clare Adamson, who represents Motherwell and Wishaw. If I was Motherwell and Wishaw, Id ask for a recount.

She reminded Labour that it had called for another 25million for the arts but Robisons Budget was putting in 34million. (Why, dahling, being cultured isnt cheap.) Adamson said it was incumbent on all Labour MPs to back the Budget and support our creative industries.

MPs dont vote on the Scottish Budget, which is set by the Scottish parliament. They vote on the UK Budget, which is set by the UK Parliament.

This is a newfangled arrangement known as devolution.

The only way MPs could influence the Scottish Budget is by voting for the current UK Budget, which gives an extra 3.4billion to the Scottish Government.

As it happens, Labour MPs voted for that Budget, but MPs from a rival Scottish party voted against it. Just wait till Clare Adamson finds out which party that was.
A veterinarian in Brazil captured a heartbreaking image of a heron with a plastic cup stuck in its throat

Jeferson Pires, a veterinarian and biologist, was driving in Rio de Janeiro on Monday when he encountered the bird.

Pires approached the animal and was able to take a handful of photos before it flew toward a tree.

'This is the result of the irresponsibility of people who dispose of their trash incorrectly and throw it in irregular places, even though it is a large city that has a garbage collection system,' he wrote in a post on his Instagram account.

'Of course, reducing the use of plastic could also reduce the chance of this happening, but unfortunately people still do not care that much about our environment and believe that this happens far from where they live.'

He wondered how much longer the bird can survive, telling DailyMail.com that he believes the animal swallowed the cup the same day he took the photo.

'If he was fed, I believe he would survive for about five days,' Pires said.

Jeferson Pires, a veterinarian and biologist, was driving in Rio de Janeiro on Monday when he encountered the bird

Pires fears that the presence of the cup in the heron's neck will prevent it from consuming food

A veterinarian and biologist, Pires specializes in the care of wild animals and surgery

In his Instagram post, Pires recalled having to remove the head of a Peppa Pig toy from an alligator's stomach.

'It is worth remembering that the ones that come to my care must not be one hundredth of those that are really affected,' he wrote.

'Most of them become isolated and die without anyone being able to rescue them. A slow and painful death that affects millions of animals around the world, every day.'

Pires told DailyMail.com that he spent Wednesday and Thursday trying to locate the heron but was unable to find it, due to the area being difficult to access.

Pires' greatest concern is that the bird, identified as a Cocoi heron, the largest species of heron in Latin America, could fall victim to a another animal searching for food.

'Wild animals hide their pain a lot, otherwise they end up being quickly preyed upon,' he explained.

While Pires said he has seen many animals with plastic in their stomachs, 'I have never had a case like this in my 20 years treating these animals.'

The veterinarian and a local wildlife center are making a joint effort to monitor and rescue the bird.
A once-popular restaurant chain will be opening locations in 2025 for the first time in two decades.

Chi-Chi's is planning to make a comeback by opening two restaurants in Minnesota after closing its last location in 2004.

Chi-Chi's operated more than 200 restaurants nationwide before its unfortunate downfall in the early 2000s.

The restaurant openings were the result of an agreement with Hormel Foods, the owner of the Chi-Chi's trademarks, according to a press release.

Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi's co-founder, will be using the signature name in accordance with the agreement.

McDermott is hoping to honor his family's legacy by preserving Chi-Chi's classic experience while incorporating modern influences, according to the press release.

'While we are in the early stages of planning by securing funding, we can say the first two stores will be opened in Minnesota in 2025,' McDermott said in a statement to USA Today.

'Our goal is to explore the original development path Chi-Chi's took, through both company and franchised opportunities within the Midwest and East Coast.'

Restaurateur Marno McDermott believed there was demand for a full-service Mexican restaurant and requested help from former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee.

Together, they founded Chi-Chi's in 1975, and made around $2 million in first-year sales after opening the first restaurant in 1976, according to Reference for Business.

Chi-Chi's had almost 50 locations by 1983 and 42 new ones opened in 1985 after its financial success.

The restaurant chain served classic Tex-Mex food during its original run, offering meal items such as tacos, burritos, and tamales.

'I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi's restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry,' McDermott said in a press release.

'We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with today's consumer: an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor.'

Marno McDermott and Max McGee founded Chi-Chi's in 1975 and opened the chain's first restaurant in 1976

Chi-Chi's had nearly 50 locations by 1983 and 42 new ones opened in 1985 after its financial success

Despite its success, Chi-Chi's began to suffer financial problems in the 1980s after its rapid location expansion.

Chi-Chi's franchises also went through several management changes and by 2003 the restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

It also had a series of ownership changes, which Chi-Chi's claimed was the main reason why the restaurant chain was struggling.

Outback Steakhouse eventually purchased Chi-Chi's in a $42.5 million deal and closed the remaining 76 restaurants.

A few Chi-Chi's restaurants in Europe survived the financial setbacks but they are now permanently closed.

Already in major debt, Chi-Chi's was the subject of a storm of negative publicity when a Hepatitis A outbreak was traced to green onions in the salsa from one of its Pennsylvania locations.

The outbreak left around 650 customers sick, resulting in four deaths and hundreds of lawsuits.

It was the largest hepatitis A outbreak in the US, and it led to food safety changes still implemented today, according to CNN.

Chi-Chi's hepatitis A outbreak at its Beaver Valley Mall location in Pennsylvania was the largest one in the US

The Chi-Chi's brand did not disappear completely after the restaurant chain's permanent closures.

Hormel Foods sells packaged salsas, tortilla chips and other supermarket products under the trademark name.

The company has not announced what will be on the menu when the restaurants reopen.

Daily Mail has reached out to Hormel Foods for comment regarding the reopening of Chi Chi's restaurants.
A Ukrainian man was jailed for his part in a multi-billion pound money laundering network used by drug cartels and Russian oligarchs after being found with 1million in Scottish bank notes.

Ruslan Kaziuk was stopped by Border Force officials at Dover, Kent, in March last year when they seized the cash he had stashed in taped up packages as he tried to leave the country.

The UK was an important hub for the enterprise which allowed ill-gotten cash to be used to buy drugs from South America, property in the UK, and fund Russian spying operations overseas.

The 43-year-old had declared he had 500 on him but, when officials searched his Ukrainian-registered Mercedes van, they uncovered 2.1million concealed in one of the doors, three cardboard boxes and two shopping bags.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has now confirmed that more than half the money he was carrying was in Scottish bank notes.

Kaziuk was jailed for five years and eight months after pleading guilty to money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act on the first day of trial at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent in September 2023.

HMRC fraud investigation service director Richard Las said it was a huge win for UK law enforcement, adding that full credit should go to the National Crime Agency (NCA) for leading such a complex operation.

He added: Im pleased we were able to play our part, alongside our Border Force colleagues, in bringing Ruslan Kaziuk to justice.

Russian national Ekaterina Zhdanova ran crypto exchange network Smart

The Scottish banknotes seized at port were bundled up and sealed in tape

Ruslan Kaziuk was jailed for more than five years after being caught with the cash

Money laundering is not a victimless crime.

It robs our public services of much-needed money and it funds other organised criminality that harms our communities in Scotland and across the UK.

Kaziuk was just one figure in the money laundering network targeted by the NCA in Operation Destabilise.

So far 84 arrests have been made, and 20 million seized within the UK.

The NCA worked with law enforcement in the US, Ireland, Jersey and France to bring down the network, which reached across 30 countries.

Rob Jones, NCA director general of operations said: Operation Destabilise has exposed billion-dollar money laundering networks operating in a way previously unknown to international law enforcement or regulators.

The network was used by Russian-speaking hackers with millions in cryptocurrency that they needed to turn into cash and assets, as well as street gangs in Britain who had physical money they needed to launder.

The van being driver by Ruslan Kaziuk when he was stopped at Dover in Kent

Irish cartel the Kinahans are also accused of using the system, run by two networks called Smart and TGR, to get cryptocurrency in return for cash.

The Russian state used it to move money to its spies abroad, and it is also claimed it was used to move funds from the state-controlled TV network RT, formerly Russia Today, to journalists based in the UK.

Russian citizens placed under sanctions amid the war in Ukraine took advantage of the network to disguise the origin of their cash and buy property in Britain, the NCA said.

Smart was run by Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national said to have been born in Siberia before making it in the financial industry and building up connections in Moscow.

She was arrested in France, and had already been sanctioned by the US last year.

Georgy Rossi, whose current whereabouts are unknown, was the boss of TGR - and also came from a background in Russian banking before relocating to Europe.

They are both believed to have made millions of pounds from money laundering, charging around three per cent for transactions involving billions.
Children are being drawn to terrorism in record numbers by the 'conveyor belt' of Instagram and TikTok leading them to extremism, a landmark report warns.

The 'Five Eyes' counter terrorism alliance has issued an unprecedented warning about the staggering global rise in children being recruited by extremist groups.

The alliance between the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand  created during the Second World War  has for the first time published a paper urging a 'whole society response' to the radicalisation of children.

The trend is described as a major threat to security  and parents are urged to take 'a more active role' in their children's online lives.

The 'Five Eyes' report calls for international action to stem the tide, and warns youngsters are just as capable of waging a deadly terrorist attack as adults.

The report warns: 'Online environments provide an avenue for first approaches to minors, including through seemingly innocuous social media and gaming platforms, such as Discord, Instagram, Roblox and TikTok.

'In these platforms, violent extremism is made more accessible, as violent extremist content can be created within the platforms themselves.' It comes as other figures published yesterday revealed children aged 11-15 now make up the largest proportion of referrals to the Government's de-radicalisation Prevent programme.

Britain's head of counter terrorism policing Matt Jukes said: 'Many threads have to come together if we are to stop this conveyor belt leading children towards extremism. Technology companies... must invest in making those platforms safer. Parents need to take a more active role in their children's online lives.'

Children are being drawn to terrorism in record numbers by the 'conveyor belt' of Instagram and TikTok leading them to extremism, a landmark report warns (Stock photo)

Britain's head of counter terrorism policing Matt Jukes said: 'Many threads have to come together if we are to stop this conveyor belt leading children towards extremism'

the report also highlighted that mental health conditions such as autism can play a significant role in a child's susceptibility to radicalisation

He said: 'This is not a phenomenon unique to the UK. We are seeing the influence of the same extremist networks reach across all of the Five Eyes countries.

Titled 'Young People and Violent Extremism: A Call for Collective Action', the report warns: 'Radicalised minors can pose the same credible terrorist threat as adults, and law enforcement and security agencies cannot address this issue alone.'

The authors also highlight that mental health conditions such as autism can play a significant role in a child's susceptibility to radicalisation.
The Scottish Covid Inquiry has no projected final date as costs for the probe soar to more than 29 million.

Around 32,000 is being spent every day on the probe, which was established on 31 March 2022 - almost two-and-a-half years ago and has no apparent endpoint.

For the equivalent total amount spend so far, the Scottish Government could fund the annual salary of more than 800 junior doctors.

Scotlands pandemic probe runs alongside the UK Covid-19 inquiry which already dedicates an entire module to examining Scotlands handling of Covid.

Critics of the Scottish investigation have argued that having a separate inquiry conducted by the Scottish Government is completely unnecessary.

They explain that with no forecasted endpoint in sight the cost of the probe will continue to spiral out of control.

Analysis conducted by the Taxpayers Alliance shows that the Scottish Covid inquiry is already costing almost 5.50 per person per day - nearly three times as much per person as the UK Covid inquiry.

Despite the eye-watering expense an official for the Scottish Covid Inquiry said the probe will go on as long as it needs to complete an independent investigation without suggesting how long that could be.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was in tears when she gave evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry

Forst Scottish Secretary Alister Jack gave evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry

When asked how long the inquiry is expected to last, a spokesperson for the committee said: It is not possible to estimate the duration of the inquiry at this stage.

The Inquiry must balance the need to report as quickly as possible with ensuring it conducts robust, open and independent investigation.

Over 4.5 million has been spent so far on staffing costs for the inquiry to pay who are responsible for the overall administration and management of the inquiry.

This includes payments for the teams responsible for facilitating hearings, conducting investigations and delivering the inquirys public participation project Lets be Heard.

Meanwhile the Scottish Government has been paying 212,351 since October 2022 to have Lord Brailsford chair the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the Taxpayers Alliance, said: The Scottish covid inquiry has allowed costs to spin completely out of control, making the UK covid inquiry look almost affordable by comparison.

Whats particularly shocking is the complete lack of any end date, with the inquiry itself seeming to have no clue as to how long this farce will continue to plague taxpayers.

The Scottish government should demand a clear end date and a drastic reduction in costs for this increasingly pointless project.

The inquiry has just started hearings for portfolio two of four - which is the impact of Covid on business and welfare.

It was established in 2022 to examine Scotlands response to - and the impact of - the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as to learn lessons for the future.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Inquiry said: The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is Scotlands largest ever public inquiry, as the pandemic impacted the lives of everyone in Scotland.

The Inquiry has been tasked by the Scottish Government to conduct a robust, open, and independent investigation that gets to the truth and makes clear recommendations.

The Inquiry must balance the need to report as quickly as possible with ensuring that its recommendations are grounded in evidence and informed by the experiences of the people of Scotland.

The Chair has a legal duty to avoid unnecessary expenditure, and rigorous procedures are in place to minimise the cost to the taxpayer.
The same day President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. asked the Democrat to extend the same courtesy to his own son.

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. spent 30 months in prison a decade ago after spending around $750,000 in campaign cash on more than 3,000 personal purchases including a Michael Jackson fedora, a Rolex watch and fur coats.

In a two-page letter to Biden, obtained by Politico, the 83-year-old civil rights leader explained away his son's spending problem.

'While my son came to Congress with my "big" name, our family had no "big" financial statements for our years of civil and public service,' Jackson wrote. 'He had no foundation for living in two places with a family, and over 10 years, he spent funds he raised each year - not taxpayer funds - a total of $75 thousand dollars each year for certain personal and living expenses.'

Jackson and his then-wife Sandi signed plea agreements, with Jackson pleading guilty of fraud, conspiracy, making false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud and criminal forfeiture.

'Like Hunter, federal investigations begin in one place and always conclude somewhere else,' the elder Jackson said.

He asked Biden to give his son and former daughter-in-law a 'full and absolute pardon.'

'I implore you to consider his full freedom as opposed to his continued sentence in the form of "felonization,"' Jackson wrote. 'I hope that his pardon ... would provide for the expungement of his as well as Hunter's record,' the civil rights leader added.

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (left) spent 30 months in prison after spending $750,000 in campaign cash on more than 3,000 personal purchases. His father, prominent civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (right) asked President Joe Biden to pardon his son

Speaking to Politico, Jesse Jackson Jr. confirmed that he had filled out documents for formally request a pardon from Biden - after not doing so with Democratic President Barack Obama after he was released from prison in 2015.

'I did 30 months in prison. I did what the judge told me to do on behalf of the people. I honored it. I pled guilty. No jury had to find me guilty. So I owned my behavior,' the younger Jackson said.

'But the felonization doesn't end. My marriage ended. My house is near foreclosure. I'm having difficulty getting hired. It doesn't end,' he continued, adding that it's even harder for others to reenter society. 'It shouldn't be a life sentence.'

In his letter, Jackson Sr. pushed that spending reform was needed, as maintaining two homes as a member of Congress - one in a home district and then a place to live in Washington - was cost-prohibitive for many American public servants.

'In addition to your pardon consideration for my son and his former wife, I pray that, some measure of relief and reform may result from this letter for the benefit of all citizens, and those elected citizens who go to Washington, D.C. to serve our country,' Jackson wrote.

Jackson noted that his son made 'full financial restitution' - meaning now the home where his grandchildren reside in Washington, D.C. is near foreclosure.

'Whether from a position of established wealth or a position of less means, I pray that they find service to the American experiment, a joy and not a burden, as they live in two place, protect and educate their children, and care for their families, while they protect and care for the American family,' Jackson wrote.

The elder Jackson ended the letter by referencing Hunter again.

Jesse Jackson Sr.'s letter was addressed to President Joe Biden - pictured Wednesday during his trip to Angola - on the same day that Biden announced that he would be pardoning his son Hunter

'President Biden, even at this writing, I realize the burden you are carrying with your own son's future,' Jackson said. 'I will keep you in prayer as you weigh the balance of his life and the power of forgiveness.'

Jackson Sr. has been living with Parkinson's Disease since 2015 and retired last year.

At the time, Biden sent out a statement remarking on their 'decades of friendship and partnership.'

'Jill and I are grateful to Reverend Jackson for his lifetime of dedicated service and extend our appreciation to the entire Jackson family,' Biden said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Biden would pardon Jackson Jr.

Politico reported Wednesday that Biden's aides are discussing whether some of President-elect Donald Trump's politicial foes should get blanket pardons before the Democrat heads out the door on January 20.

Among those named in the story were Sen.-elect Adam Schiff - who said he doesn't want a preemptive pardon - former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who's been criticized by Trump's MAGA allies for the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Two people have been injured in an early morning firebomb attack at a synagogue in the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning it as a violent act of anti-Semitism.

About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the massive blaze at Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in Glen Eira, south-east Melbourne, at 4.18am on Friday.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said 'two thugs' had smashed the synagogue's windows, threw fuel on the floor and then set it alight as people were preparing to pray early Friday morning.

The worshippers were forced to flee the building, with two people suffering minor injuries.

'It's outrageous,' Rabbi Kaltmann said.

The worshippers inside the building at the time said inflammable liquids had been thrown in, synagogue board member Benjamin Klein said.

'They heard banging on the door, and the window and some liquids came through which were lit. The whole thing took off pretty quickly and was on fire,' Mr Klein told Nine.

'For this to happen to a synagogue thousands of kilometres away from anywhere else in the world, a peaceful neighbourhood, a peaceful community  it is quite horrendous.'

The fire was reportedly started by two men who threw Molotov cocktails into the synagogue, causing widespread damage and injuring two

Around 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the scene in Ripponlea early Friday morning to contain the fire at the synagogue

Yumi Friedman was inside the Synagoue with one other during the time of the attack, when he heard 'a big bang like a sledgehammer' before the windows smashed open, sending glass flying.

He ran to his nearby fish shop to alert the police, then returned to the synagogue. While trying to open the door, he burned his hand.

He said another worshipper saw two men wearing balaclavas outside the property.

'It is shocking that here in Australia there's such anti-Semitism,' Mr Friedman said.,

Hundreds of people were expected to begin gathering at the temple within an hour of the arson attack.

'This synagogue is one of the busiest in Australia,' Mr Klein told the Herald Sun.

'This synagogue was built by Holocaust survivors and this just brings back terrible memories.'

The sanctuary contains many holy books and Torah scrolls which had been destroyed, he said.

He added: 'To see it burnt and in ruins is quite horrendous to happen to a quiet community in Melbourne, Australia. You don't expect such things to happen.'

Fire Rescue Victoria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon said the 30m by 20m building was 'fully involved' in the fire and crews using breathing apparatus had tackled the 'escalated' blaze.

Victoria Police has now launched an investigation and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced it as a 'violent act of anti-Semitism aimed at creating fear in the community'.

'I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, there are two persons of interest who were there,' he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

'What was witnessed was them using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur.

People inside the synagogue reported hearing banging and seeing liquids being thrown, leading to a fast-spreading fire that caused panic

The synagogue contains valuable holy books and Torah scrolls, and the community is awaiting access to assess the full extent of the damage

People inside the synagogue reported hearing banging and seeing liquids being thrown before the fire

'It's a terrible morning to wake up to this news, which all Australians should unequivocally condemn,' he said.

'This is an outrage. The violence and intimidation and destruction of a place of worship is something that we should never see in Australia.'

The attack comes less than 24 hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Labor's Palestine support in the UN will invite more terrorism.

Australia joined 157 countries to support a resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian Territories, while eight voted against it, including the US and Israel.

It urged Israel to 'bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible' while recognising the 'inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination and the right to their independent state'.

Yumi Friedman (pictured centre) was inside the buiding when the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was set alight

Netanyahu's office told The Australian that the shift in position at the UN would lead to 'more terrorism' and 'more anti-Semitic riots' on Western campuses and in city centers, 'including in Australia'.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said no one should be surprised by the anti-Semetic attack on Australian soil.

'This violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians,' Mr Leibler said.

'Enough is enough, this is a stain on our nation. It's time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew hatred.'

The Australian Jewish Association said 'anti-Semitism has surged' under Anthony Albanese's government, and had been left to run rampant.

'Labor has stood by as ugly antisemitic protests have taken over our streets, week after week,' CEO Robert Gregory said.

Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack, but the Australian Jewish Association says the government has not done enough to combat anti-Semitism

'They have stood by as 'Free Palestine' extremists have targeted Jewish Synagogues and schools. There was an antisemitic protest outside Sydney's Great Synagogue, just this week.

'Labor has stood by as extremist Islamic preachers have preached toxic antisemitism. They have stood by as Jews were assaulted in the street and our universities were taken over by anti-Jewish radicals, setting up encampments.

'Now is not the time for Labor MPs to use the Jewish community for a photo op. It is the time to apologise and change the disgraceful policies that have caused antisemitism to spiral in Australia.'

The firebombing took place just days after pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside The Great Synagogue in Sydney on Wednesday night, as members of the Jewish community were holed up inside.

Victoria Police has launched a probe into the suspicious fire, urging anyone with information or footage to come forward

The group shouted 'Palestine will be free' and held up a slogan calling for the eradication of the state of Israel.

Sky News reported that when police arrived on the scene, the synagogue was in lockdown with those inside unable to leave.

Last month, celebrity chef Matt Moran's Chiswick restaurant was vandalised with anti-Israel slurs along with several cars in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.

Multiple cars were daubed with white spray paint that read 'f*** Israel'.

Israel's war in Gaza was sparked by listed terror group Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1200 people and 250 hostages taken, according to Israel's tallies.

The official death toll in Gaza has eclipsed 44,000, according to the local health ministry, with tens of thousands more missing or believed to be buried under rubble.
Speaker Mike Johnson promised a new DOGE policy will have a big impact on how Washington, D.C. will operate, promising a 'new day' for a government that is 'too big.'

The top House Republican held meetings with Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill Thursday.

The trio also appeared at a press event touting the formulation of a new House panel set up to run alongside DOGE to assist in its operations.

'We have long lamented the size and scope of the government, that it has grown too large,' Johnson said at the event.

'Let me be frank about this, government is too big, it does too many things and it does almost nothing well.'

Then the speaker announced a policy that is sure to shock federal workers across D.C. and beyond.

'One of the first things that i think you'll see is a demand from the new administration, and from all of us in Congress, that federal workers return to their desks.'

His announcement came just hours after a top Senate Republican unveiled a new bill that will give Trump's DOGE agency the tools and clear direction to hit the ground running on day one of the next administration.

Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson unveiled DOGE's first directive during remarks ahead of the newly formed DOGE caucus meeting at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2024

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk and Ramaswamy, will attempt to find programs and spending to cut in the federal budget

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., from left, walks with Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who is carrying his son X as they arrive for a roundtable meeting to discuss DOGE

Trump tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to 'dismantle' the $6.5 trillion bloated U.S. bureaucracy by heading the newly created DOGE last month.

They plan to cut wasteful regulations and spending by specifically targeting the number of federal government employees.

Top Republican Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is leading DOGE's aggressive plans on a new 'DOGE Caucus' being set up in the Senate.

On the House side, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was tapped for a powerful job assisting DOGE by chairing a new congressional subcommittee.

Ernst's first DOGE-related bill exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, the REMOTE Act, will use software to monitor bureaucrats' computer use and require agency reports on the adverse impacts of telework.

It will also provide key information on how to get D.C. back to work.

Musk, along with his toddler X, and Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with the lawmakers and get a plan in place heading into the next administration.

DailyMail.com learned that Ernst will be pushing her new 60-page report outlining the most efficient ways for DOGE to root out abuse during their meeting.

She found that only 6 percent of federal workers report in-person on a full-time basis.

Musk entered the Capitol with his son ahead of meetings with lawmakers on Thursday

Musk and Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with the lawmakers and get a plan in place heading into the next administration.

The new bill will ensure accountability of teleworking federal workers by requiring agencies to 'periodically review the network traffic generated by each such teleworking employee.'

It will collect the 'average number of logins made' by every employee and the average duration of their time spent on the computer network.

It will also collect the network traffic that workers generate.

With the GOP taking the majority in the Senate after the election last month, Ernst's bill has a better chance of passing in the next Congress.

The meetings come as Trump's former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he hopes that Musk and Ramaswamy can fix the government after he 'failed miserably.'

Mulvaney said on Piers Morgan Uncensored this week that he was in charge of government restructuring during Trump's first term.

But he 'failed miserably because everybody was against me,' he stated.

'The House, the Senate, even most of the agencies. I remember the secretary of defense was against the things the president wanted me to do.'

Mulvaney says he's hopeful Musk and Ramaswamy will be more successful in their pursuit.

Last week, Ernst laid out 22 ways Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy can use their new agency DOGE to trim down the federal government.

Musk is on Capitol Hill Thursday for a series of meetings about DOGE

The meetings come as Trump's former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said he hopes that Musk and Ramaswamy can fix the government after he 'failed miserably'

A source told DailyMail.com that Ernst and Vivek met last week to discuss her ideas to slash $1 trillion immediately.

She was also at Mar-a-Lago last Saturday meeting with Trump, Musk and Treasury pick Howard Lutnick, DailyMail.com reported first.

They plan to 'work hand in hand on cutting down the bureaucracy and reining in tax dollar abuse,' the source familiar with their discussion said.

The senator said she met with Vivek to discuss how DOGE can be more effective

Ernst was with Trump and Musk on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago

The plan Ernst presented Vivek exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com lays out exactly how DOGE can quickly tackle the rising national debt by 'trimming the fat.'

Her first proposal is to address the massive issue of over 7,000 unused federal buildings wasting over $8 billion per year just in operations and leases.

That includes getting federal workers back into the office after empty offices have cost American taxpayers billions of dollars.

According to a survey, 68 percent of 625,568 staff worked three or four days from home.

The 22 ways to cut back spending 1. Fill or sell off vacant buildings wasting $8 billion per year 2. Audit the IRS and workers 'who aren't paying their own taxes' 3. Dismantle President Biden's 'billion dollar boondoggles' 4. Cancel California 'gravy trains' costing $1.8 million per day 5. Stop 'Christmas in September' end of year spending 6. Eradicate giving welfare for politicians 'destined for failure' 7. Change the composition of coins to save money 8. Stop 'bogus bonuses' for bad federal workers 9. Investigate 'silly science projects' wasting millions 10. Slash unemployment for millionaires 11. Delete all 'government swag' including koozies and key chains 12. Consolidate agencies' cloud licenses to save $750 million 13. Stop all funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology 14. End overpayment to the United Nations 15. Slash the Pentagon's waste of over $125 billion 16. Remove 'ineligible recipients' of federal employees health benefits 17. Put federal workers 'wasting time doing nothing' to work 18. Give more support to agriculture instead of pet projects 19. Work closely with GAO to reduce duplication and enhance performance 20. Require 'commonsense project management principles' 21. Fix 'bureaucratic blunders' in the SNAP benefits program 22. Get rid of trillion dollar 'secret flush funds' Advertisement

Elon Musk (left) has officially entered the Trump 2.0 administration, as he'll be leading the 'Department of Government Efficiency' alongside former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy (right)

In addition to unused physical office space, employees are facing productivity challenges due to the impersonal nature of remote work.

They've also been exposed for working from bathtubs, enjoying shooting pool, leaving early for happy hour and one who even collected a paycheck from jail.

And many have even scored what Ernst calls 'bogus bonuses' that 'reward poor performance.'

Ernst's other top priorities include cutting taxpayer dollars going to 'sketchy' Chinese labs and exposing government 'boondoggle' projects wasting millions.

She also is calling for an audit of the IRS after finding that over 5,000 employees of the agency haven't been paying their own taxes.

And there are still billions in unspent COVID relief funds that Ernst says should be re-routed to offset the growing national debt.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has already prepared a sprawling report including a 22-point plan to enact change

Meanwhile in the House, Marjorie Taylor Greene was tapped for a powerful job assisting DOGE by chairing a new congressional subcommittee

'Elon Musk better bring his scissors to DOGE because there is $2 trillion worth of cutting to do,' Ernst told DailyMail.com

The Iowa senator also outlined the 'silly science' projects that Americans are funding with no real benefit.

That includes projects finding answers to 'how fast can a shrimp run on a treadmill' and 'where does it hurt most to be stung by a bee.'

In addition, there was a study conducted looking into if water tastes better out of the bottle or the toilet and about 'how long it takes for a panda to poop.'

Ernst says it didn't stop there as taxpayers funded a study investigating whether a sour cream and onion chip looks like Elvis Presley.

'These might be fun to ask contestants on a game show, but the real question is: why are taxpayers supporting any of these studies?' questioned the lawmaker.

Taxpayers funded projects finding answers to 'how fast can a shrimp run on a treadmill'

And another project investigated whether a sour cream and onion chip looks like Elvis Presley

Musk said in a statement last week that DOGE will 'send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!'

Republicans have long complained about government over-spending and Trump touted that DOGE will accomplish its goals by July 4, 2026.

Trump pledged that the pair would help him 'dismantle' government bureaucracy and 'slash excess regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure Federal Agencies.'

'A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence,' Trump said in the statement. 'I am confident they will succeed!'

Trump emphasized that the pair 'will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government' and 'drive large scale reform' by creating an 'entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.'

Musk and Ramaswamy have become some of Trump's top allies in the tech bro community. DOGE itself is a play on the cryptocurrency Musk sent into the stratosphere by posting about it on Twitter (before he purchased and renamed it).

Musk officially endorsed Trump on the heels of the July 13 assassination attempt on the Republican at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

The SpaceX, X and Tesla head joined Trump on the campaign trail on October 5 when the now president-elect returned to the Butler venue - memorably jumping around onstage.

He put his money where his mouth was - offering a $1 million award each day to registered voters in battleground states.

Former President Donald Trump (left) speaks at his second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania alongside Elon Musk (right), who endorsed the Republican after he survived the Butler shooting in July

Musk was with Trump and his family members at their election night shindig at Mar-a-Lago and has since been seen in meetings with the president-elect as he figures out who's in his Cabinet.

Ramaswamy is a Yale Law-educated entrepreneur who started Roivant Sciences Ltd. a decade ago, which uses technology to aid drug development and other healthcare needs.

He wrote a popular book on the right: Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam.

Ramaswamy started out the 2024 election cycle by running for president himself - though stayed complimentary of the ex-president.

Unlike candidates like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former Rep. Will Hurd, who were decidedly anti-Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, Ramaswamy touted the 78-year-old's accomplishments in office.

When Trump appeared to be the runaway favorite ahead of the early primaries, Ramaswamy never turned on the former president, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, allowing him to have a comfortable place to land in the Trump 2.0 White House.

Ramaswamy came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, suspending his campaign immediately afterward and endorsing Trump.

Both Musk and Ramaswamy are billionaires - but Musk's net worth is estimated to be 304 billion and Ramaswamy is worth only one billion dollars.

'Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of 'DOGE' for a very long time,' Trump said.

'To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.'

Musk responded to the news by posting to X: 'The merch will be' and then typed out three fire emojis.

Musk's selection came amid a flurry of other picks from the President elect as he began to set out his inner circle of loyal allies.
King Charles, having met and apparently bonded with Angela Rayner at one of his Scottish piles Dumfries House in September, had the Deputy PM to Buck House on Wednesday.

Charles, who aides say has taken a shine to Angela, was trying to persuade her  not entirely successfully  of the virtues of beauty when approving planning applications.

He has his work cut out but is optimistic.

Im his common friend, Angela was heard telling a courtier.

Rayner with King Charles in Summer. Im his common friend, Angela was heard telling a courtier

King Charles, having met and apparently bonded with Angela Rayner at one of his Scottish piles Dumfries House in September, had the Deputy PM to Buck House on Wednesday

Charles, who aides say has taken a shine to Angela, was trying to persuade her  not entirely successfully  of the virtues of beauty when approving planning applications

Monitoring closely the manoeuvres to return the Elgin Marbles, the King may be wondering if he might have to give up the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Although the British Museum Act of 1963 prevents it giving away anything in its possession, the Kings vast Royal Collection of art, jewellery, furniture, decorative arts and costume  the largest in private ownership in the world  has no such restrictions.

Legal advice deems that the collection is the monarchs to do with as he pleases.

But with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi about to wage a diplomatic campaign for the diamonds return, pressure to relinquish the priceless bauble (not used at the coronation to avoid a row) will intensify if the Greeks get their way.

The Elgin Marbles at the British Museum. Monitoring closely the manoeuvres to return the Elgin Marbles, the King may be wondering if he might have to give up the Koh-i-Noor diamond

Reflecting on the Gregg Wallace donnybrook , turbo-tongued Kathy Lette, pictured, quips: BBC pulls Christmas MasterChef.

Perhaps they can replace it with Huw Edwardss highlights, re-runs of Rolf Harris or Russell Brand?

Earl Spencer admits to losing a lucrative deal to have his ancestral pile Althorp House used for filming Stanley Kubricks swansong movie Eyes Wide Shut, with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

I was told, If you come across Kubrick dont look at him and dont speak to him, remembers Spencer.

Earl Spencer admits to losing a lucrative deal to have his ancestral pile Althorp House used for filming Stanley Kubricks swansong movie Eyes Wide Shut, with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman

Well, I bumped into him in my library and I thought it was a bit rude not to say hello. So I said hello, and he turned round and left!

Israeli prison officer Shalom Nagar, who has died aged 88, was assigned to guard the Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann, ensuring that he didnt smuggle poison into his cell prior to his 1962 hanging.

Before I gave him his meals, he recalled.

I had to taste it myself. If I didnt drop dead after two minutes, the duty officer allowed the plate into his cell.

Cliff Richard wants to market his Christmas Gravy like Paul Newman sells branded mayonnaise

Cliff Richard is keen to market his custard thick Christmas gravy recipe, saying: Im still waiting for some company to offer me a deal.

Paul Newman has his name on all sorts of mayonnaise and salad dressings and he did it for charity. Im available.

Shame he never thought of a musical collaboration with, er, Stock, Aitken and Waterman.
A 42-year-old man has died after being attacked by a 'dangerous fighting dog' in London, police have said.

Officers were called to Shirley Road, Stratford, east London, at 4.53am on Wednesday following reports that a man had been seriously wounded.

The victim was rushed to hospital, but did not survive his injuries. His family have been informed and a post mortem will take place in due course.

Detectives probing the fatal mauling have charged Leanne McDonnell, 32, of Shirley Road, Stratford.

She is charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, failing in the duty, as a person responsible for an animal, to ensure its welfare, and having custody of a fighting dog.

Police were called to Shirley Road (pictured), Stratford, east London, at 4.53am on Wednesday following reports that a man had been seriously wounded

A crime scene was put in place after the man died after being attacked by a 'dangerous fighting dog'

Police officers are pictured at the scene following the fatal incident that has seen a woman charged

Detectives probing the fatal mauling have charged Leanne McDonnell, 32, of Shirley Road, Stratford

McDonnell was also charged with three counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing no injury in regard to a separate incident on November 18.

She was remanded in custody and will appear at Barkingside Magistrates Court on December 6.

The dog that was involved in the two incidents has been seized by police.
An unidentified man working at a convenience store in New Orleans shot and killed an armed teenage robber.

Employees of Sam's Meat Market told WWL that two young men walked into the store at around 7.50pm on Tuesday and demanded cash.

Surveillance footage then showed a teenager in a green and yellow camouflage hoodie brandishing a gun at the store clerk, who quickly handed over some money.

The suspect could then be seen putting the cash in his pocket, before he starts rifling through the register - prompting the store clerk to back up with his hands up.

When the teenager is apparently satisfied he had stolen enough money, he could be seen walking up to another suspect in a dark hoodie who was checking out the merchandise.

At that point, the employee stands up and begins firing at the teen in camouflage, causing him to immediately fall to the ground as his friend fled the store.

Police have since identified the boy in camouflage as 16-year-old Cecil Batiz, whom officers say was brought to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to WDSU.

The other suspect was also identified as Teony Juarez, 18, who was wounded in the shooting, but was later arrested and charged for the armed robbery.

A teenager in a green and yellow camouflage hoodie, whom police later identified as 16-year-old Cecil Batiz, was caught on security footage at Sam's Meat Market in New Orleans pulling a gun on a store clerk as he demanded cash

The store clerk could be seen pulling out a gun and firing at the robbers

Officers noted in an affidavit obtained by Fox 8 Live that as Juarez was leaving the store, he fired his gun at the clerk.

The affidavit also claims that an unidentified female friend helped Juarez get to University Medical Center after the shooting, escorting him to the emergency room entrance before leaving.

Juarez is now charged with armed robbery, armed robbery with use of a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

He is being held on a $170,000 bond.

Teony Juarez, 18, is being held on a $170,000 bond as he faces charges for the armed robbery

The store clerk has not been charged with any wrongdoing for the fatal shooting at the store (pictured)

Meanwhile, the store clerk has not been charged with any wrongdoing, as District Attorney Jason Williams noted to a local radio station that 'the rules change' when someone thinks their life may be in danger.

'It's painfully obvious to anyone who saw that video what those two people were doing in that store. And that shop owner did not ask for that exchange,' he said. 'That's very clear.

'When somebody puts a gun in your face, they mean malice and have avarice in their heart. And all the rules have changed and you have a right to defend yourself,' the DA added.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have reversed a policy change that would have seen them tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia.

The insurance company, which is one of the largest health insurance companies in the country, backtracked on the move following widespread outcry.

Their decision came just a day after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

In a statement the company said: 'To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.

'The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.'

The company would have used 'physician work time values,' which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits, with maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt.

Last month, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to 'reverse the proposal immediately'.

The umbrella company for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is Elevance Health which is headed by Gail Boudreaux who had previously held Thompson's position as the CEO of UnitedHealthCare.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.

The insurance company, which is one of the largest health insurance companies in the country, backtracked on the move following widespread outcry

Their decision came just a day after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, seen here, was shot dead in Manhattan on Wednesday morning

The umbrella company for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is Elevance Health which is headed by Gail Boudreaux, seen here in January of this year

He was slated to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton Hotel soon after the shooting on Wednesday morning.

According to a release from United Healthcare on Tuesday, he would announce the company's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.

UnitedHealthCare had hired security for their top executives with Thompson having his own security detail for the event who were absent when he was gunned down.

As news of his assassination circulated on Wednesday morning, many major healthcare providers beefed up their personal protection for their top execs, according to CNN.

Former Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz sparked outrage after she shared information and a picture of Blue Cross CEO Kim Keck online following the news.

Lorenz insisted she posted the information on her social media page for people to write in to 'peacefully' to complain, adding: 'And people wonder why we want these execs dead.'

Authorities say the gunman fled the scene on foot before then making a getaway on an electric bike into nearby Central Park.

Surveillance footage of the shooting shows Thompson walking alone outside of the entrance to the midtown hotel when the gunman steps into frame and opens fire.

The terrifying video shows the masked killer draw out a large gun and shoot Thompson in the back, sending the CEO stumbling down the street as he continues to fire.

As Thompson stumbled down the street, a witness in the hotel's entryway sprinted away

The New York Police Department released the above image on Thursday of the main suspect

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As the manhunt extended into its second day on Thursday, officers said they had searched Long Island Rail Road train the day previously after receiving a tip the killer was onboard.

The tip turned out to be a dead-end, however law enforcement officials urged the public to continue offering tips to aid their ongoing manhunt.

Investigators also believe that the killer left his personal phone at the scene, and not a burner as had been initially reported.

Authorities also swooped on the HI New York City Hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side where the suspect is believed to have stayed.

He is thought to have stayed in the shared room facility on Tuesday evening, and checked in with a fake ID from New Jersey.

The weapon used in the shooting is also now believed to have been a modern version of a rare World War II gun.

Sources told The New York Post that detectives are focusing their efforts on a Connecticut gun store they believe sold the B&T VP9 gun.

The weapon used in the shooting is also now believed to have been a modern version of a rare World War II gun, seen here

Members of the New York police crime scene unit photograph bullets lying on the sidewalk as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Thompson was fatally shot

Detectives investigating the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson also found shell casings with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' inscribed on them.

Detectives are now working to determine what the words mean and if they could possibly hint at a motive for the slaying of the 50-year-old.

Thompson's family left a note on the door of their Minnesota mansion describing the exec as an 'incredibly loving, generous, talented man'.

Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooter appeared to be 'lying in wait for several minutes' before approaching Thompson.

Tisch added: 'Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target', and said that it did not 'appear to be a random act of violence'.

Authorities also swooped on the HI New York City Hostel, seen here, in Manhattan's Upper West Side where the suspect is believed to have stayed

'From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

His schedule was widely known, and witnesses have said the suspected gunman even knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.

Still, the investor conference reportedly began without interruption at 8am on the second floor of the Hilton until news of the shooting began to circulate.

Without knowing it was Thompson who was hit, one attendee told the group that 'someone got shot outside.'

CEO of parent company United Healthgroup Andrew Witty is said to have halted the meeting at the hotel just after 8am upon hearing of the tragedy.

He told attendees: 'We're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I'm afraid, we're going to have to bring to a close the event.'
The former husband of former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers has gone missing amid claims he stole half a million dollars while working as a financial manager at a Melbourne firm.

Justin McKeone is alleged to have stolen $481,490.33 from his employer during his five-month tenure as Head of Finance at Rocket Brands (Cozmic Sales Pty Ltd).

The 37-year old was due to appear in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday to respond to a civil application to place a freezing order on his assets, but failed to appear.

The court heard McKeone had not made contact with his lawyers since November 11 when he was contacted by lawyers acting for his former employer.

McKeone has not responded publicly to the allegations, and his LinkedIn profile and Instagram account have since been deactivated.

The court had already ordered a freeze on McKeone's assets totalling the amount Rocket Brands claimed he stole between May 23 and October 6.

That order was due to expire on Thursday, but was extended in McKeone's absence.

The court heard McKeone, who once rubbed shoulders with Melbourne's high society, had limited access to $800 a week for living costs and $10,000 to pay any legal expenses.

Justin McKeone and ex-wife former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers

McKeone joined Rocket Brands in March this year on a $200,000 annual salary. But just weeks into his probationary period, staff reportedly raised concerns about his erratic behaviour.

An affidavit submitted to the court by Rocket Brands director Matthew Holmes reveals he was told by other employees that McKeone was 'sleeping in the work toilets for up to four hours a day', taking excessively long lunch breaks, and frequently leaving the office without completing his duties.

Court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia claim McKeone admitted to the theft when confronted by Holmes in mid-October.

During the meeting, McKeone allegedly confessed he embezzled the money to fund 'a very serious drug habit' and told Holmes he would 'do his best' to repay the business.

On Thursday, barrister Kieren Hickie, for Rocket Brands, called on the court to extend the freezing order to any international assets McKeone might have hidden abroad.

The court heard McKeone had failed to comply with a 'disclosure notification' that was due in on November 24 despite assurances he would engage a lawyer to act on his behalf.

Rocket Brands asked Justice Peter Gray to make an interlocutory judgment - a non-final judgment that resolves an element of a claim or another issue without deciding the full case - awarding it restitution for the full amount and its legal costs.

'My client does seek to proceed by seeking interlocutory judgement be entered against the defendant with damages to be assessed,' Mr Hickie said.

Justin McKeone in happier days with ex-wife former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers

Olivia Molly Rogers dodged a bullet when she split with Justin McKeone

The company also asked that its legal costs be borne by McKeone.

'We are here today, plainly the defendant is in default of filing any appearance. It would be the just, timely and cost efficient resolution of this dispute that interlocutory judgement be entered,' Mr Hickie said.

Court documents claim McKeone disguised 114 unauthorised transactions as legitimate supplier payments, funnelling company money into his personal bank account to allegedly fund a drug addiction.

According to court filings, McKeone allegedly used his exclusive access to Rocket's financial systems to approve and process the payments.

The affidavit claims McKeone manipulated invoices to reflect payments to suppliers like 'Storage King' and 'Net Focus IT' while redirecting funds into his own Westpac account.

Screenshots submitted to the court allegedly show McKeone editing and approving these allegedly fraudulent transactions using the Xero software program. Holmes told the court he had not authorised any of those payments.

The alleged embezzlement was reportedly hidden in Rocket's financial statements under the guise of 'historical adjustments' totalling $310,878, further complicating the company's efforts to identify the missing funds.

Justin McKeone proposes to former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers

Holmes reported the alleged theft to Victoria Police on October 14.

Detectives from the Yarra Crime Investigation Unit interviewed McKeone on November 6, but no criminal charges have yet been laid as the investigation continues.

In the civil law case, Rocket Brands is seeking full restitution and has accused McKeone of breaching his duties as a senior manager.

The company has described his alleged actions in court documents as calculated and damaging, claiming the alleged theft has caused significant financial losses.

The court filing states McKeone's actions were allegedly a 'gross breach of trust' and that the company is 'not in a position to accept [his] representation' that he has no money left in his accounts.

Olivia Molly Rogers, who divorced from McKeone last year, has not commented on the legal case.

Justice Gray extended the freezing order to April next year and agreed to an interlocutory decision paving the way for an assessment for damages against McKeone to get underway should he remain uncontactable.
Wanting your adult children to be financially independent without having to fork out a small fortune is surely the dream of every parent.

With housing in Australia becoming even more unaffordable, many boomers are being pressured into giving up those overseas holidays and cruises so their hard-earned money is spent on helping their son or daughter into the housing market.

Unlike a generation ago, houses no longer cost just four times an average salary - try more than 12 times in Sydney now.

Then there is the near-impossible challenge of saving up for a mortgage deposit to secure a home loan as prices keep on climbing, meaning many younger Aussies can't get onto the property ladder without help from the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.

Even someone on a six-figure salary would struggle to save up for a 20 per cent mortgage deposit in less than a decade.

Real estate data group CoreLogic estimates that a couple earning $100,244 between them - the national middle household income - would take 10 years and four months just to save up for a deposit on a typical Aussie home worth $770,000.

The most basic apartment is now difficult to obtain if they saved 15 per cent of their income before tax, with only 17 per cent of homes in Australia now available for less than $500,000.

Help with lenders mortgage insurance

Those with a deposit of less than 20 per cent have to pay costly lenders mortgage insurance which runs into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Wanting your adult children to be independent without having to fork out a small fortune is surely the dream of every parent (stock image)

But Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia chief executive Anja Pannek says parents could pay this bill for their children if it meant getting them into the property market sooner - because prices are only going to climb higher the longer they wait.

'It comes down to individual circumstances and if you have available cash,' she tells Daily Mail Australia.

'If LMI's the differentiator, or it is the cost of getting into a mortgage, there's a number of different options that mum and dad can consider.'

Someone buying a $500,000 property with a five per cent deposit has to typically pay $14,872 in lenders mortgage insurance, Compare the Market calculated.

That decreased to $8,680 for someone with a 10 per cent deposit and to $4,713 for someone with a 15 per cent deposit.

For a $700,000 property, a five per cent deposit incurs a $27,947 premium, falling to $15,498 for a 10 per cent deposit and $7,540 for a 15 per cent deposit.

Going guarantor

Ms Pannek, a former chief financial officer of NAB's personal banking division, says parents could also go guarantor on a loan for their children 'which may not require actual cash injection'.

This means parents don't necessarily have to dig into their kids' inheritance to help them get a loan.

But with housing in Australia getting even more unaffordable, many baby boomers are being pressured into giving up those overseas holidays and cruises so their hard-earned money is spent on helping their son or daughter into the housing market (pictured is a Sydney auction)

Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia chief executive Anja Pannek said parents could pay lenders mortgage insurance for their kids if it meant getting them into the market sooner

But parents need to be mindful that if they become a guarantor, they are liable for the mortgage repayments if their child defaults on their loan.

'If anything goes wrong down the track, just make sure you go in eyes wide open for both parties, and there's really clear expectations from either of you,' Ms Pannek says.

'If it's a guarantor, what are your obligations?'

Helen Baker, a licensed financial advisor and founder of On Your Own Two Feet, tells us parents going guarantor must be aware they could lose their own house if their child is unable to pay their mortgage.

'They need to be careful their not putting their own home at risk,' she says.

Letting them live at home for longer

Ms Baker says letting children live at home for longer helps them save up for a mortgage deposit sooner because they aren't spending their hard-earned money paying off someone else's mortgage.

'It helps because instead of paying rent, and putting that money away and building that money for a deposit, they're likely to get there much quicker than [if they were] paying rent somewhere else,' she says.

But it is recommended parents charge board so they can cover their living expenses, especially in the case of a single divorcee housing their child.

'The risk is, what a lot of parents do, is they don't charge them anything for lots of other bits such as food or internet or the extra water or electricity,' Ms Baker says.

'A lot of people are actually sacrificing their own position to help out the kids.'

Helen Baker, a licensed financial advisor, said parents going guarantor must be aware they could lose their own house if their child is unable to pay their mortgage

Buying, building with kids

Parents selling in an expensive property market like Sydney could consider building a house with their adult children in a regional area or a more affordable capital city.

That way, they would derive a financial benefit should the house have to be sold later, and see their wealth be put to work while they are still alive, rather than making their children wait for an inheritance.

'In some cases, they can afford to do it and in some ways it's better for a lot of them to gift it early because they actually see it happening rather than just leaving it in the will that could be contested anyway,' Ms Baker says.

'So, there's an element of control of doing that.'

Australia's 15,000 mortgage brokers are witnessing more borrowers needing extra assistance.

'Our members do see increasingly "the Bank of Mum and Dad" and parents helping young people into the home loan market,' Ms Pannek says.
A Rhode Island mother has slammed the Department of Education (ED) for failing the nation's children, especially her two daughters who were diagnosed with dyslexia.

Jody Baldwin Stone told DailyMail.com that she struggled for years to get her daughters into special education programs, even though federal benchmark assessments indicated they were in need of 'urgent intervention.'

'I do think the level of bureaucracy in the Department of Education right now is so outrageous that you can't imagine the hoops they make families go through to receive special education,' Baldwin Stone said.

'The lack of monitoring children within special education, and abuses within the programs are, I think, warranted of dismantling at this point.'

Her statements come as President-elect Donald Trump vowed to dismantle ED, criticizing it as unnecessary, ineffective and a weapon of the 'woke' culture war.

In a campaign video, Trump said he wants states - not the federal government - to control the US education system.

'We have an education system that is focused on an adult jobs program,' said Baldwin Stone.

'Everything is based on the adults. I think we will see a return to a focus on what is best for students.'

Jody Baldwin Stone, pictured with her youngest daughter, said the US education system is failing its students - especially those with learning disabilities

Data has shown it hasn't just been children with special needs who have been left behind.

A new report found US students' math and science scores took a hit between 2019 and 2023, focusing on tests that are scored on a scale of zero to 1,000.

From 2019 to 2023, average fourth grade math and science scores fell 18 and seven points, respectively, and average eighth grade scores fell 27 and 19 points.

While COVID-19 exacerbated these declines, other factors at play included a mass exodus of teachers from the profession and spikes in student misbehavior and absenteeism.

Baldwin Stone said she was able to put her two daughters in schools that cater to their disabilities before the Biden administration, but said that '[the] writing was on the wall for years before.'

Baldwin Stone believes the bureaucracy of the Education Department is playing a major roll in the downfall of Americans' children, as she had struggled to get her dyslexic daughters the services they need to thrive in school.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the ED program that makes it possible for states and local educational agencies to receive federal funds to assist in the education of students with disabilities.

IDEA recognizes 13 disability categories as eligible for special education or IEPs - Individualized Education Programs. Dyslexia falls under an umbrella category called 'Specific Learning Disabilities.'

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To get enrolled in an IEP, students must go through a lengthy process that begins with a referral from a parent or teacher, followed by evaluation and a meeting with the IEP team.

How long this takes varies by state, but Baldwin Stone said that students can get stalled in the evaluation process for months to years.

'It is an abysmal failure,' she said. 'The bureaucracy is so big, and so many kids are failing.

'They keep these kids out of special education and they just think they're stupid when the reality is they're some of the brightest kids.'

Thus, she is in favor of abolishing the ED.

'It's just the whole mechanism of the way the Department of Education works - from the federal level and the state level to the Local Education Authority level, the LEA, which is another term for district - is broken,' Baldwin Stone said.

'The whole thing is broken.'

But a special education teacher from New Jersey - who asked not to be named - told DailyMail.com that dismantling the ED would only cause more harm to students, especially those with learning differences.

'If the [ED] disappeared tomorrow, there would be nobody guaranteeing that students are receiving services like speech therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, or physical therapy in schools,' she stated over email.

Without the ED safeguarding these services, parents would face an 'uphill battle' in fighting to maintain support for their special needs children, she added.

Trump will need congressional support in order to scrap the department - an uphill battle that will be made more challenging by the probable need for a supermajority - 60 out of 100 senators

Plus, dismantling federal regulations for special education would mean that these programs vary widely from state to state.

'The uncertainty and variability would upend special education as it is in this country,' the special educator said.

But abolishing the ED would have consequences for students in mainstreamed classes as well, she clarified.

'Students who receive additional services in school could be forced into the general education system with little support, pulling focus from other students and creating an environment that is not conducive to learning for anyone.'

Additionally, 'Without federal funding to level the playing field, lower income students will be disproportionately affected,' she said.

'Schools run on income from property taxes, the federal government gives funds to schools that are unable to meet the demands of their students.'

As an educator working on the front lines of the nation's academic decline, she opposes Trump's mission to axe the ED.

'The [ED] is not without faults, but getting rid of it completely would cripple an already overburdened system,' she said.

Trump will need congressional support in order to scrap the department - an uphill battle that will be made more challenging by the probable need for a supermajority - 60 out of 100 senators.

The idea has garnered significant GOP support, and Republicans have a majority in the Senate. But they do not have 60 members in the upper chamber.

That means Trump would need at least a few Democrats to vote in favor of abolishing the agency - which is highly unlikely.

Last year, a vote to dissolve the ED failed to pass as 60 Republicans and all Democrats voted it down.

Thus, Trump may not deliver on his promise to get rid of the department during his second term.
iPhone fans have just discovered a hidden 'red mode' introduced in last year's iOS update.

The feature initially left some users worried that their devices had suffered water damage or been hacked.

However, it was specifically designed to help users relax and sleep better at night as research has suggested that red lights have no effect on the circadian clock.

The so-called 'red mode' was introduced with Apple's iOS 17 operating system as part of StandBy -a customizable version of the Lock Screen that activates when the iPhone is charging and placed on its side in landscape mode.

To activate the colored feature, you can either use the Color Filters feature to apply a red tint or enable Night Mode in StandBy to adjust the screen's colors to red.

To enable Color Filters, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters.

Alternatively, activate StandBy in Settings, connect your iPhone to a charger, and place it on its side.

'You can use StandBy to turn your iPhone into a bedside clock, a photo frame, or a display for widgets or Live Activities in full screen,' the tech giant explained.

While some have worried that the blood red screen (pictured) is a sign of water damage, or hackers, or something even worse, the truth is that this surprising color change is a new feature designed to help iPhone owners and their loved ones get a good night's sleep

'When Night Mode is turned on for StandBy, the screen adapts to low ambient light at night, displaying items with a red tint to minimize disturbance while you sleep.'

Users can set the feature to either 'Automatically', which adjusts based on the ambient light around the device, or 'After 20 Seconds', which activates red mode when the phone is charging on its side.

A Reddit user sought help on the platform when their iPhone screen unexpectedly turned red while placed on its side.

'Any ideas why my widgets are red on the lock screen?' they asked.

Some users quickly explained, 'The red light only comes on when your room is dark.'

Others were baffled by the feature, with one user posting: 'What!! How!? I feel like I could never find the setting for it.'

Another Redditor commented: 'As a hardcore Android lover, I have to say I keep getting impressed by Apple almost every time.'

Interestingly, red light, like this hidden Apple feature, may encourage the release of melatonin.

Mariana Figueiro, director of the Mount Sinai Light and Health Research Center in New York City, told CNN: 'The only thing that you could argue is that if you give that red light in the evening prior to sleep, you're minimizing the disruption of the circadian system.

And as one user pointed out on Reddit, 'red mode' will help people see better in the dark as they navigate to the bathroom or to the kitchen for a midnight snack

iPhone fans have just discovered a hidden 'red mode' introduced in last year's iOS update. It was tucked in Apple's iOS 17

'[That is] because disruption of the circadian system occurs with bright or blue light.

'In other words, it might be that any benefits come from replacing the light you're exposed to before sleep with red light, rather than adding the latter during sleep.

'And that may be what leads to better sleep.'

Blue wavelength light  like the kind glowing off LED monitors and visible in broad daylight  has been found to suppress the secretion of melatonin, a hormone integral to the process of letting the human body know when it's time to sleep.

Although some clinical studies claim the connection has been exaggerated, research out of Harvard and the University of Toronto confirmed a link between these light exposures and shifts in both production of the hormone and circadian rhythms.

'The wider-ranging implication of our work is the demonstration that the standard of illumination used by the lighting industry and clinical research community is inappropriate when assessing its effects on the circadian system,' Harvard Medical School professor Charles Czeisler said.

In other words, light color as much as light brightness or illumination matters when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.
For many music lovers, the launch of Spotify Wrapped is one of the most exciting events of the year.

If you're not cringing too much at your results, you might be tempted to share your Spotify Wrapped on social media.

However, this could reveal more about yourself than you might think.

According to scientists, the genres we prefer and the way we consume music can reveal some surprising details about our personalities.

If Eminem was your top artist this year, it could be a warning sign of a psychopathic personality.

Swifties, on the other hand, are more likely to be agreeable, extroverted and forgiving - but less creative than other fans.

And while fans of metal might get a bad reputation, research has shown that they are really gentle introverts who let off steam with aggressive music.

Meanwhile, if you listened to thousands of new songs this year, experts say you are likely to be open-minded, curious, and a little bit neurotic.

Before you share your Spotify Wrapped to social media, remember that your taste in music might reveal a lot more about your personality than you think

Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' was found to be the favourite song of people with psychopathic tendencies. However, most rap fans are generally outgoing risk-takers, with a strong sense of self-confidence and a willingness to try new things

What does your top artist say about you?

If you're a fan of upbeat pop music, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, or Charli XCX are likely to be among your top artists this year.

Across a number of studies, fans of pop have consistently been found to score higher on personality tests for agreeability and extraversion.

For example, one influential 2003 study from the University of Texas at Austin found that 'individuals who enjoy listening to upbeat and conventional music are cheerful, socially outgoing, reliable, enjoy helping others, see themselves as physically attractive, and tend to be relatively conventional.'

While fans of pop score highly for some positive social traits, they are also more likely to be closed-minded and conservative in their views.

The same 2003 study found a negative correlation between pop music enjoyment and openness, the personality trait which determines imagination, creativity, and curiosity about the world.

Likewise, studies have found that country music fans often display these personality attributes to an even greater extent.

If Luke Combs or even Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter' have been on repeat this year it could be a signal of a highly conventional personality and lower levels of openness to new experiences.

Fans of upbeat pop artists like Taylor Swift (pictured) are likely to be agreeable, outgoing, and enjoy helping others. But they may be less creative and imaginative than other music fans

Those who love country musicians like Luke Combs (pictured) are likely to be more closed-minded but have higher rates of reliability, emotional stability, and determination

What your favourite genre says about you Pop Pop fans are agreeable, cheerful, and outgoing - but conventional in their views. Country Country fans are hard-working and determined but have a strong respect for authority and are more close-minded. Jazz While creative, open-minded and imaginative, jazz fans are neurotic and experience higher levels of sadness. Metal Metal fans may appear aggressive at first but are actually introspective, curious, and gentle. However, they may experience internal angst. Rap Rap fans are outgoing, confident, and ready to try new things. However, they are also more of risk-taking and less agreeable. Advertisement

However, a 2010 study published in The American Journal of Psychology also showed that country fans were likely to be hard-working, outgoing and dependable.

Enjoyment of country music was found to correlate with emotional stability, extraversion, and conscientiousness - a trait which relates to goal orientation, respect for authority, and determination.

On the other hand, if your top artists included John Coltrane, Nubia Garcia, or the Ezra Collective, experts say you are likely to be much more open-minded.

In 2022 Dr David Greenberg, of the University of Cambridge, published research showing that a love of intense, sophisticated music like jazz was strongly linked to openness, creativity, and imagination.

Dr Greenberg's study even showed that these trends persisted across cultures, with jazz fans around the world displaying similar attributes.

Speaking at the time, Dr Greenberg said: 'People may be divided by geography, language and culture, but if an introvert in one part of the world likes the same music as introverts elsewhere, that suggests music could be a very powerful bridge.'

But it isn't all good news for jazz fans, as a study published this year by researchers in the Netherlands found a strong correlation between a taste for jazz and levels of neuroticism.

People who score highly for this personality trait are likely to be more emotionally unstable and experience greater amounts of sadness, anxiety, and irritability.

If jazz artists like Nubia Garcia (pictured) it could mean that you are open-minded, creative, and imaginative. But jazz fans are also likely to be less emotionally stable and experience higher rates of anxiety

Other styles of music which are often associated with neuroticism are intense or aggressive genres like punk, metal, and hard rock.

Due to the heavy style and dark themes of the genre, metal fans often get branded as unpleasant or violent.

And some studies do suggest that this reputation isn't entirely undeserved.

Dr Greenberg's research found that people who scored highly for neuroticism tended to enjoy intense musical styles.

He suggests that this could be because people suffering from 'inner angst and frustration' use heavy music as a cathartic means of blowing off steam.

Likewise, research conducted by Spotify in 2020 found that fans of Death Metal tended to score lower for agreeability on self-assessed personality tests.

So, if Slayer, Slipknot, Black Sabbath, or Idles featured heavily in your top artists, experts say you may be less emotionally stable than other music fans.

However, this is far from the entire picture as other studies reveal that most metal fans are creative, introverted, curious, and gentle.

Despite their bad reputation, fans of metal bands like Slayer (pictured) are actually curious, gentle, and introverted although they do score lower for agreeability than other fans

What to do if you can't see your Spotify Wrapped If you can't see your Spotify Wrapped, it's likely because you're using an outdated version of the app. Head to the App Store if you're an iPhone user and the Google Play Store if you're on Android. Search for Spotify, and you should see the option to 'update' the app. Advertisement

Likewise, there is no evidence that exposure to violence in music leads to any increased tendencies towards violence.

In one study participants listened to an extreme metal track and then tested how desensitized they were to violence - then compared the results to what happened when they listened to Happy by Pharrell Williams.

The researchers found no evidence that the music desensitized listeners.

Lead author of the study, Professor Bill Thompson, from the Australian University said at the time: The fans are nice people. They're not going to go out and hurt someone.

Finally, whether you have been caught up in the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud or enjoy old-school classics like A Tribe Called Quest, fans of rap tend to be outgoing risk-takers with a curiosity about the world and a willingness to try new things.

Writing in his 2003 paper, Dr Peter Rentfrow, of the University of Texas at Austin, says that people who enjoy energetic upbeat rap tracks 'tend to be talkative, full of energy, are forgiving, see themselves as physically attractive, and tend to eschew conservative ideals.'

Likewise, subsequent studies have shown that rap fans tend to be more self-confident and score higher for extraversion.

However, research has also shown that rap fans are far from a homogenous group.

What does your listening history say about you? People who are more open-minded and curious listen to a wider range of songs and seek out more obscure music than others.

More closed-minded individuals tend to stick to a few songs they know rather than seeking new experiences.

Those with neurotic or unstable personalities tend to listen to much greater amounts of music.

Extraverts and outgoing personality types spend less time listening to music than their introverted peers. Advertisement

Spotify's 2022 research found that those who spent more time listening to 'brooding' songs like Drake's 'Take Care' had lower levels of emotional stability and greater neuroticism.

On the other hand, fans who enjoyed 'aggressive' music like 'Boss' by Lil Pump tended to score lower for agreeability.

But there is particularly bad news for fans of Eminem as a taste for his music could be a sign of a dark personality.

A 2017 study found that fans of Eminems 'Lose Yourself' and Blackstreet's 'No Diggity' were enjoyed by people with the highest scores for psychopathy.

Meanwhile, the least psychopathic people enjoyed Sias 'Titanium' and 'My Sharona' by The Knack.

What does your listening style say about you?

Of course, your Spotify Wrapped tells you more than just your top artists.

Music fans also get to see how many minutes they spent listening to music in the past year and how many different songs they listened to.

If you spend a huge amount of time listening to music this year, experts say this could be a sign of a neurotic personality. Extroverts, on the other hand, typically spend less time listening to music than others

And, just like genres, these details contain a treasure trove of information for psychologists.

In 2020, researchers from the Linz Institute of Technology, Austria gathered the listening data of more than 1,300 Last.fm users to build a dataset of over 35 million listening events.

They found that one of the strongest predictors of personality type was actually how many songs users listened to and how much time they spent listening to music.

If you listen to thousands of different songs last year, the researchers say this could be a sign of an open-minded and creative personality.

The researchers write: 'People scoring high on this trait, and hence more likely to try new things, listen to a higher number of unique tracks with a higher preference for niche tracks.'

However, if you spent lots of time listening to music this year it could mean you have higher levels of anxiety and sadness.

Higher levels of music consumption were correlated with higher levels of the neuroticism personality trait.

On the other hand, extroverts tend to spend less time listening to music than other people - presumably because they are too busy getting out and having fun.
Cybersecurity experts have urged Britons to stop texting - following a grave warning from the FBI to Americans about sending text messages between Androids and iPhones.

The US government's intelligence agency says SMS exchanges between iPhones and Android smartphones are leaving people vulnerable to Chinese hackers.

Instead, the FBI advises using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, which have end-to-end encryption.

End-to-end encryption ensures only the two participants of a chat can read messages, and no-one in between  not even the company that owns the service.

Speaking to MailOnline, Jake Moore, security advisor at ESET, advised that Britons should also heed the FBI's advice.

He explained that SMS messages can be 'intercepted with specialist knowledge and tools', which makes them vulnerable.

'When messages are sent between Android and iPhone they are forced across the SMS network which is not encrypted,' he told MailOnline.

'Encrypted messaging services are far more protected and offer product and security.'

SMS messages can be sent between any two mobile devices and are transmitted over mobile networks - but experts warn that this can be unsafe

Instead of SMS, Mr Moore recommends Signal, a privacy-focused app similar to WhatsApp that allows encrypted one-to-one or group messages and video calls.

'Privacy focused messaging platforms are the most secure and Signal ticks all the right boxes,' Mr Moore added.

Dr Luca Arnaboldi, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Birmingham's school of computer science, agrees that encrypted apps like WhatsApp are 'more secure' than SMS.

However, intercepting SMS messages and reading users' conversations is 'very difficult' and 'requires specialized equipment', he added.

For that reason, the likelihood of a Brit having their SMS messages intercepted by hackers is 'very low', according to the academic.

'Lots of messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, encrypt all messages, no matter what the phone operating system is,' Dr Arnaboldi told MailOnline.

'So it could be considered more secure, as even in the event of interceptions they would not be able to be read [your messages].'

Android phones use Google Messages for sending and receiving messages, while iPhones use iMessage  but both have end-to-end encryption too.

Android phones use Google Messages (left) for sending and receiving SMS messages, while iPhones use iMessage (right)

It should be fine for an iPhone user to send a message to another iPhone user if they are both using iMessage (file photo)

What is end-to-end encryption? End-to-end encryption ensures only the two participants of a chat can read messages, and no one in between - not even the company that owns the app or service (e.g. Meta). End-to-end encryption prevents data being read or secretly modified when in transit between two parties. The cryptographic keys needed to access the service are automatically provided only to the two people in each conversation. In decrypted form, messages are accessible by a third party - which makes them interceptable by governments for law enforcement reasons. Advertisement

Therefore, it is low-risk for an Android user to send a message to another Android user if they're both using Google Messages.

Similarly, it should be safe for an iPhone user to send an message to another iPhone user if they are both using iMessage.

The problem arises when messages are sent between one Android and one iPhone, because they are forced across the SMS network which is not encrypted.

'So the only issue in the very unlikely scenario were a message is intercepted, is that it could be read in Android to iPhone (and conversely),' Professor Arnaboldi added.

The overall message for Brits  and phone users in general  is to switch to end-to-end encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal that can be used for text messages, voice calls and video calls.

John Kingston, senior lecturer in cyber security at Nottingham Trent University, called SMS messaging 'an old technology' and 'therefore vulnerable in more ways than one'.

SMS, or short message service, has been available since the 80s but hit its heyday around the turn of millennium.

The US government has for years been trying to convince Americans to stop sending SMS messages  a move unsurprisingly backed by tech firms such as Meta that offer end-to-end encrypted messaging apps.

Signal is a privacy-focused app similar to WhatsApp that allows encrypted one-to-one or group messages and video calls (file photo)

In the US, TV adverts and billboards have given warning such as: 'If your personal texts arent end-to-end encrypted, its not private.'

End-to-end encryption is not without its controversies, however  children's charities have criticized it for making it harder to detect criminal activity such as pedophilia.

SMS is typically transmitted over mobile or 'cellular' networks  the vast equipment that enable wireless communication between mobile devices  but it's a misconception that SMS messages are inherently insecure.

Researchers at mSpy say it can be simply a case of installing monitoring software on the target device, which could be done remotely by sending dodgy messages containing links to malware.

Muhammad Ajmal Azad, senior lecturer in cybersecurity at Birmingham City University, said SMS messages have 'some shortcoming which might affect security and privacy of users'.

'SMS messages could be intercepted or read by anyone such as hackers or even your mobile carrier,' he told MailOnline.

'Messaging apps like WhatsApp operates over the IP (internet protocol) network which is different from mobile communication systems.'

He said SMS messages are often stored in the computers of a telecom carrier, whether it's Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile, which can be easily accessible by the third party in-case of data breaches.

Meta, owner of WhatsApp and other social apps, touts end-to-end encryption as the only way to keep personal messages well and truly safe. Pictured, advertising at Piccadilly Circus, London

This cyberespionage campaign targeting SMS messages sent in the US has linked with an ongoing cyberespionage campaign blamed by the US government on China, dubbed 'Salt Typhoon'.

The warning came from a senior FBI official who asked not to be named and Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

'Our suggestion, what we have told folks internally, is not new here: encryption is your friend, whether it's on text messaging or if you have the capacity to use encrypted voice communication,' Greene told NBC News.

However, China has rejected accusations from US officials that it engages in cyberespionage directed against Americans.

Despite months of investigation, the true scale of the operation, including total number of victims or whether the hackers still have some access to information, is currently unknown.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington called the US allegations 'disinformation',

China's government 'firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks,' spokesperson Liu Pengyu wrote in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

'The US needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China.'

Luke Stevenson, cybersecurity manager at Redcentric, said the collective recently targeted President Trump in the earlier stages of the US election campaign.

'From the information we have so far, it seems to be about gathering secrets to provide China with an information advantage over the US,' he told MailOnline.

Luke Dash, CEO of ISMS.online, said: While the FBIs warning is focused on vulnerabilities in US networks, British consumers should also take note.

Text messages sent via SMS  the standard texting format on most phones  are not as secure as we might think.

They can be intercepted because they dont use end-to-end encryption, leaving messages vulnerable to potential eavesdropping.

Sachin Bhatt, technical director at CyXcel, added that it is 'highly likely' similar compromises of UK networks have occurred.

'The UK is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-gathering alliance (that also includes the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand),' he told MailOnline.

'If Chinese hackers have developed such a technical exploit, they will want to target all these players.'
A mysterious Russian satellite soaring at the outer limits of orbit around the Earth has triggered fears that Moscow is developing a space-based platform to launch missiles - perhaps even nuclear weapons - to destroy untold numbers of vital satellites.

Today US officials told the New York Times that they believe the satellite is testing components for a Russian space weapon and US Space Command is monitoring it daily for signs of a threat.

The 'Cosmos 2553' satellite was blasted through the atmosphere atop a Soyuz-2 rocket from Russia's Plesetsk Cosmodrome in February 2022 days before Vladimir Putin ordered troops across the border into Ukraine.

It promptly positioned itself at the very edge of low-Earth orbit (LEO) some 2000 kilometres (1240 miles) up - an area saturated with radiation from the Van Allen belts that can scramble and degrade satellite components.

Defunct or decommissioned satellites are sent far out into this region of space to die silently in a so-called 'graveyard orbit', so the orbital path of Cosmos 2553 raised suspicions among US spacewatchers.

In the days following the launch, Russia's Defence Ministry issued a statement claiming its new sputnik was a 'technological spacecraft equipped with newly developed onboard instruments and systems for testing them under the influence of radiation and heavy charged particles.'

But US officials fear Cosmos 2553 could in fact be a testing platform for a future space-based weapon amid reports the satellite could be carrying a dummy warhead.

Fear over the prospect of a space arms race was sparked earlier this year when American media said US intelligence officials suspected Russia was aiming to deploy nuclear weapons in space.

It is unclear exactly what kind of weapons system Moscow plans to deploy, but according to early reports from US government sources, a space-based nuke would be used to attack satellites in orbit rather than strike targets on the ground.

This co-orbital anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) would be launched into orbit and circle the Earth before deploying some kind of nuclear device - either a bomb or a projectile - that would detonate in the proximity of enemy assets to destroy them in the original explosion, or fry their components with the resulting electromagnetic discharge.

The 'Cosmos 2553' satellite was blasted through the atmosphere atop a Soyuz-2 rocket from Russia 's Plesetsk Cosmodrome in February 2022

Anti-satellite nukes could destroy entire communication networks, GPS relay stations, military targeting systems and defence sensors, making modern life on Earth all but impossible

Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva, was among the first to identify Cosmos 2553 as a potential precursor to a space-based nuclear weapon.

He said the satellite was likely collecting data for use in the design and deployment of a future weapon, ensuring it would be shielded from long-term exposure to the Van Allen radiation.

'My best guess right now is that there is an experiment that studies shielding of various electronic equipment. The US IC [Intelligence Community] seems to believe that this equipment has something to do with a nuclear weapon. But it's nearly impossible to prove or disprove,' he told Breaking Defense.

The strategy behind a nuclear-capable ASAT appears to be the creation of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) - a burst of energy that would wipe out the electronics in enemy satellites over a vast area.

But if such a weapon were detonated too close to Earth where most satellites operate, it would also disrupt electrical infrastructure on the surface below.

Although the radiation of the nuclear blast would be absorbed by the atmosphere, the explosion would cause a massive electrostatic discharge - known as the Compton effect - and every wire and electrical system on Earth within its line of sight would effectively become an antenna.

The huge charge overloads the systems and also shorts the components of any electronic products.

We came to understand this in 1962 after the Starfish Prime nuclear test when the US detonated a nuclear weapon in low-earth orbit at an altitude of about 250 miles.

That bomb had a yield of 1.4 megatons - tiny in comparison to today's nukes - but the EMP blast in space still disrupted electrical and communication systems in Hawaii over 500 miles away from the detonation point.

If a modern nuclear device were to detonate at that altitude, then phone towers, internet, GPS, banking systems, power grids, and military operations would all be impacted, plunging society into chaos.

The deployment of such a weapon would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which was ratified by some 114 countries including the US and the then-USSR and prohibits the installation of nuclear weapons systems in orbit or the stationing of 'weapons in outer space in any other manner'.

Fortunately, a nuclear co-orbital ASAT weapon is yet to have been realised - as far as we know.

But a non-nuclear variant of a co-orbital weapon - a hunter-killer satellite that manoeuvres close to enemy tech in space before either firing a projectile or self-destructing to destroy the target - may already be held by Moscow.

Satellites underpin everything from communications and banking to navigation to missile systems.

Losing a number of satellites due to a devastating blast in space would undoubtedly wreak utter chaos on the Earth below, making modern life all but impossible.

Russia launches a Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Russian state TV has previously shared videos of what it says was an anti-satellite missile blasting off

Earlier this year, Russia vetoed a UN resolution calling on all nations to prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race in outer space, further stoking fears Moscow may be gearing up for a catastrophic cosmic escalation.

The resolution would have called on all countries not to develop or deploy nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction in space, as banned under a 1967 international treaty that included the US and Russia.

Russia opposed the resolution, while China abstained, meaning the resolution did not pass despite the support of 13 other nations.

Putin has previously said he has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space - but Moscow's refusal to green-light the resolution led Western lawmakers to question the Kremlin's true intentions.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the resolution as 'absolutely absurd and politicised,' and said it didn't go far enough in banning all types of weapons.

But US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield asked: '(The veto) begs the question - why? Why, if you are following the rules, would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding?'

Meanwhile, China is increasing its space capabilities at an alarming rate. In 2022 it conducted an apparently successful test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle and has developed an array of anti-satellite weaponry.

As a result, analysts fear that a new space arms race could be on the cards, leading to a slew of fearsome new weapons and military tech orbiting the Earth.

Britain's Chief Air Marshal, head of the RAF Sir Richard Knighton, said at a briefing at the Freeman Air and Space Institute last month that space is rapidly becoming a vital domain - and that Britain is lagging behind.

'Economically, 1 billion of activity per day relies on space. This highlights the significant economic opportunities in the sector. Militarily, over the long term, assets will move to space, and we need to be able to protect them and compete effectively in that theatre,' he said.

'We have created a focus, momentum, and energy around the space domain,' he said, but acknowledged there is still a long way to go to achieve the ambitions set out in Britain's 2021 Integrated Review of national security.

China launched the Shijian 21 satellite into orbit in October 2021 and successfully towed a defunct satellite out of geosynchronous orbit

In 2022, Russia conducted a daring test that saw two Kosmos satellites stage close fly-bys of a US KH-11 spy satellite, while a third tested its ability to fire a high-velocity shell.

Theoretically, such a weapon could destroy individual satellites without risking the collateral damage caused by a nuclear detonation and the resulting EMP.

But the destruction of the satellite would send thousands of fragments of debris hurtling through space.

This material could utterly devastate any other tech in orbit that collides with it, including the International Space Station, until the lethal fragments finally burn up in Earth's atmosphere.

China has also developed its own satellites capable of disabling Western orbital tech - or simply pulling it out of orbit.

Beijing in 2016 and 2021 tested the capabilities of its Shijan 16 and 21 satellites. These are billed as 'space debris neutralisation' devices but analysts believe the tech likely has dual military use.

Sporting robotic arms, these satellites are capable of 'grappling' other satellites and 'towing' them out of geosynchronous orbit some 22,000 miles above the surface of the Earth.

This feat was demonstrated by Shijan-21 when it pulled China's defunct Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite more than 1,800 miles further out, leaving it in a 'disposal orbit' out of harm's way of other satellites.

The capability has divided analysts who applauded China's efforts to mitigate space debris, but also recognised the assets could easily be deployed in an offensive manner against enemy technology.

Such dual-use tech is also possessed by the US, which has conducted some seven test flights of a space drone based on the design of the iconic Space Shuttle.

The X-37B - essentially a miniaturised robotic version of the space shuttle, is launched into space before using its own rockets and built in solar panel array to manoeuvre in orbit and deliver payloads to satellites before returning to Earth and landing on a runway.

NASA has kept many details of the X-37B under wraps, but the secretive space drone could easily be utilised to deploy weapons systems in space.

China also has a shuttle-like drone, the CSSHQ - though this device has only flown two missions and its capabilities are largely unknown.

Russia already has several space-based military assets. These include co-orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, direct-ascent ASAT missiles, and Starlink communication satellites

Pictured: China launches the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft on October 16, 2021

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is pictured shortly after landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, November 12, 2022

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, December 28, 2023. The rocket was carrying the U.S. military's X-37B secret space plane

The debris field created by the Russian anti-satellite test against Cosmos 1408 in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) causing alarm to the ISS crew, satellite operators, and spacefaring nations

Though some space-based weapons technology is evidently already possessed by the likes of Russia, China and almost certainly the United States, advanced orbital weapons systems are still very much in their developmental stages.

But these major powers already have a massive array of ground-based systems that are more than capable of taking out each other's satellites, or raining down hellfire on helpless civilians.

Regular intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) - of which Russia and the United States have hundreds at their disposal with thousands of nuclear warheads - would prove just as effective at destroying satellites in orbit and delivering a punishing EMP blast to wipe out ground based electrical systems.

Launched from land-based silos or nuclear submarines, these missiles would streak into the atmosphere and detonate hundreds of miles above the Earth's surface.

But there are also a series of weapons systems dedicated to taking out satellites, known as direct ascent anti-satellite systems, or (DA-ASATs).

These are missiles launched from the ground that lock on to a satellite and meet it in orbit.

Russia demonstrated one of its DA-ASATs when it destroyed a defunct 1980s-era Cosmos 1408 satellite in 2021.

This incident created a cloud of dangerous debris - at least 1,500 pieces - that narrowly missed a Chinese satellite and forced astronauts aboard the International Space Station to shelter in place.

That act was explicitly forbidden in the 1967 treaty, which stipulates that 'states shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies'.

But Russia isn't alone in violating that provision: China, India, and the US have all tested ASAT missiles on their own decommissioned satellites as well.

Besides DA-ASATs, the other kind of ground-based technology that could menace satellites takes the form of directed energy weapons.

This non-kinetic approach seeks to render enemy satellites defunct by interrupting their communications and severing the connection with the controller on the ground.

Ground or aircraft-mounted lasers can be directed at satellites' optical sensors, overwhelming them and leaving the technology incapable of collecting data.

Meanwhile, cyberattacks can exploit weaknesses in enemy control systems, and jammers can interrupt satellite communication by transmitting disruptive signals on the same frequency.

Russia blew up one of its own satellites in 2021 using a missile. Cosmos 1408, a defunct spy satellite launched in 1982, was the destroyed target, which resulted in a field of 1,500 pieces of debris endangering the crew of the ISS

Russian media handout of a Yars ICBM test launch

The weaponry developed for the purposes of space warfare reviewed thus far encompasses space-to-space and earth-to-space platforms.

But there is still one terrifying prospect that is yet to be covered - space-to-earth weaponry.

The fractional orbital bombardment system, known as FOBS, is a theoretical weapon of mass destruction that was dreamt up at the height of the Cold War, when the Soviet Union and the US were engaged in the space race while simultaneously reinforcing their nuclear arsenals.

This system would see nuclear warheads deployed into low Earth orbit aboard some kind of manoeuvrable satellite or hypersonic vehicle which could sit in position hundreds of miles above ground.

Upon discerning its target, the system could then deploy its weapon which would fire itself out of orbit and back down to Earth with horrifying precision.

Unlike conventional ICBMs, these nuclear devices would be able to bypass existing missile defence and early warning systems, striking targets with near total unpredictability and shocking speed.

Fortunately, such a system is thought to have never been developed - but as the space arms race gathers pace, the prospect of FOBS becoming real cannot be discounted.

In the meantime, China has developed a rocket-deployed hypersonic glide vehicle that could carry nuclear warheads like its ICBM counterparts, but could alter its trajectory under guided flight within the atmosphere.

While unable to sit in orbit before coming back to Earth, this vehicle could be launched into space before re-entering the atmosphere much quicker and with a far greater degree of manoeuvrability than conventional ICBMs.
Steven Spielberg might have set Jurassic Park off the coast of Costa Rica, but a new discovery shows that England's south coast would have been just as likely a location.

An incredible find by an amateur dinosaur hunter has revealed that East Sussex was once home to a fierce array of deadly carnivores - including a cousin of the T-rex.

Dave Brockhurst, 65, a former quarryman, discovered a set of fossilised teeth from three prehistoric predators within the clay pits of Bexhill-on-Sea.

One of the teeth is 5cm long, serrated like a steak knife and is believed to have belonged to a horse-size relative of the T-Rex which lived 135 million years ago.

This is the first time anyone has found evidence of a member of the Tyrannosaur family from this period anywhere in the UK.

In addition to the tyrannosaur tooth, Mr Brockhurst also found the needle-sharp fang of a 7m-long spinosaurus.

And, rounding out the Jurassic Park cast, the final tooth came from a 1m-long dinosaur called a dromaeosaurid which is in the same family as the Velociraptor.

Dr Neil Gostling, of the University of Southampton, told MailOnline: 'This huge diversity of predators is really pointing towards there being a vastly more diverse group of dinosaurs roaming around 135 million years ago in Southern England.'

An amateur dinosaur hunter has made a stunning discovery which proves that England's South Coast was home to a wide variety of predators including a relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex

Five fossilised teeth (pictured) were found in East Sussex. Tooth 'A' belongs to a spinosaur, tooth 'B' to a Tyrannosaur, tooth 'C' to a relative of the velociraptor, while D and E have yet to be identified

For the last 30 years, Mr Brockhurst has spent his weekends and days off scouring the clay deposits of the Ashdown brickworks where he used to work.

The obsession began in the 1990s after he rolled his ankle at work one day after tripping over a fist-sized fossil which turned out to be a dinosaur's foot.

Mr Brockhurst says: 'As a child I was fascinated by dinosaurs and never thought how close they could be.

'Many years later I started work at Ashdown and began looking for fossils.'

In the years since, Mr Brockhurst has found more than 5,000 fossils ranging from tiny fish scales to massive dinosaur thighbones.

However, his greatest discovery came this year when he unearthed an unusual set of fossilised teeth.

Handing his findings over to the professionals, palaeontologists from the University of Southampton worked out that these imposing fangs belonged to a set of carnivores dating back to the Cretaceous period.

Although the Bexhill carnivores are only represented by their teeth, the researchers were able to work out their identities by using machine learning and computer analysis.

The fossils were discovered in the Ashdown Brickworks in Bexhill-on-Sea, just to the West of Eastbourne

Dave Brockhurst, 65, a former quarryman, has spent the last 30 years looking for fossils in the Ashdown Brickworks but says that finding the predators' teeth stands out among the 5,000 specimens he has donated to the Bexhill Museum. Pictured: Mr Brockhurst at the site where the teeth were found

What dinosaurs were found at Bexhil-on-Sea? Tyrannosaur A 5cm-long, serrated tooth is believed to belong to a member of the Tyrannosaur family.

This 5m-long predator would have hunted large herbivores including iguanodontids. Dromaeosaurid A small, sharp tooth was found which belongs to a predator called the Dromaeosaurid.

This relative of the velociraptor would have eaten small dinosaurs and lizards. Spinosaur A large tooth was revealed to belong to a member of the spinosaur family.

These were large predators which reached between 7-8m in length. Advertisement

Dr Chris Barker, visiting researcher at the University of Southampton and lead author of the research says: 'Dinosaur teeth are tough fossils and are usually preserved more frequently than bone. For that reason, theyre often crucial when we want to reconstruct the diversity of an ecosystem.

'Our results suggest the presence of spinosaurs, mid-sized tyrannosaurs and tiny dromaeosaurs  Velociraptor-like theropods  in these deposits.'

Meat-eating dinosaurs, properly called theropods, are extremely rare in the Cretaceous sediments of southern England.

They are so rare in fact that, of the thousands of fossils found by Mr Brockhurst over three decades of work, only 10 specimens had been found.

The discovery of a tyrannosaur tooth is especially exciting for researchers since it is the time a specimen from this group has been identified in sediments of this age and region.

During the Cretaceous period 135 million years ago, England would have been at a much lower latitude than it is now, close to where North Africa is today.

This means that the climate would have been much warmer and suitable for large reptiles such as the dinosaurs.

The region that is now Bexhill-on-Sea was once a vast river delta which deposited the silty sediments that form the area's clay pits.

This terrifying serrated tooth belonged to a cousin of the Tyrannosaurus Rex which lived 135 million years ago. Experts say that this dinosaur would have been 5m-long, a third as large as its famous cousin. It would have lived on the Cretaceous flood planes of the South coast and hunted for large herbivores

Dr Gostling says that the Bexhill Tyrannosaur would have roamed these expansive flood planes, hunting for large herbivores like members of the iguanadontid family.

The smaller dromaeosaurid meanwhile would have survived by hunting for smaller dinosaurs and even some large lizards that made their home by the river.

What is surprising for the researchers is that this area, where theropods were once thought rare, could have supported such an array of different predators.

To support this population, there must have been plenty of prey to keep the hungry predators fed.

Dr Gostling says: 'In ecosystems, you have lots and lots of herbivores with a smaller number of predators at the top.

'If you've got a diverse group of predators, you must have an equally diverse group of herbivores because you have these size differences.'

Although the researchers say that more investigation will be needed, this means that Mr Brockhurst's discovery is a very good sign that the South of England could be far richer in dinosaur life than anyone previously thought.
If you receive a call from an unsaved number and are worried it's a scam, the clue could be in the first three digits.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that hackers are disproportionately using area codes from four US states.

The most popular area codes for scammers in 2024 were 720 (Colorado), 272 (Pennsylvania), 959 (Connecticut) and 346 (Texas).

The report noted that scammers use 'number spoofing' to alter the caller ID information to display a number with a familiar or trusted area code, which suggested those four states are also bombarded with fraudulent communications.

'Many scammers prefer using area codes from densely populated states to project authenticity and trust, ' ReversePhone, a phone lookup company, said in the report.

The company also identified three most common numbers appearing repeatedly in alleged scams: (763) 274-3899, (217) 402-1312 and (202) 456-1111.

'Scam numbers are often associated with a high volume of calls, especially around peak times such as holidays or tax season, when related scams like 'free money' or 'urgent bank notifications' are more common,' ReversePhone stated.

Security experts advise that people to silence calls from unknown numbers, block and report calls that show 'Likely a Scam' as the caller.

People with area codes in north-central Colorado (720), northeastern Pennsylvania (272), Hartford, Connecticut (959) and Houston, Texas (346) were the most targeted by scammers in 2024

The report looked at data collected from customer call complaint logs stored on reverse phone lookup tools, identifying numbers frequently used by scammers who often employ a technique called 'number spoofing' or 'caller ID spoofing.'

'This deception increases the likelihood of recipients answering the call, as people are more inclined to trust and engage with local or recognizable numbers, which is why it is best not to answer an unknown number,' Reverse Phone shared.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that 'you may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed' and users should 'be extremely careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information.'

The most common complaint was banking scams, with more than 1,370 reported from the top area codes, which involved granting the criminal remote access or transferring money to another account.

One user reported that she received a call from a person claiming to be from Capital One bank to verify her business credit card information.

'Once I provided all the details, they proceeded to take over my phone for security verification codes from banks,' she said, adding: 'They then logged into my bank and did a wire transfer of $20,000 from one of the accounts.'

Some potential victims have reported being asked to enter codes like *72 or **21 on their phones, which would give thieves instant access to their information.

The number one scam involved criminals asking for banking details to swindle customers out of thousands of dollars

One victim said a scammer claimed they were from her credit card company and told her that there was an attempted fraudulent charge on the card.

The person allegedly said it was on her Discover and Amex cards and they needed the expiration date - the only problem was she didn't have either of those cards.

'She said she would send me over to her manager and then hung up the phone. Obviously they are trying to get your card information,' the would-be victim told Reverse Phone, who conducted the report.

Debt collection and credit card scams were also among the top three reported issues, according to the report which said there were 1,148 and 942 cases respectively that were reported this year.

Residents with north-central Colorado (720), northeastern Pennsylvania (272), Hartford, Connecticut (959) and Houston, Texas (346) area codes were the most targeted.

These area codes received more than 200 fraudulent texts and phone calls each in 2024, the report revealed.

Scammers also tend to target phone numbers that are part of pre-paid plans or are associated with carriers that offer quick activation processes because there is less information they need to provide.

Certain carriers offer more advanced features that scammers can exploit, including call forwarding and the spoofing technique.

AT&T was the only major carrier that was specifically listed as the top targeted this year, coming in at the number two spot.

The telecommunication companies Onvoy and Lumen - which is the third-largest wireline phone provider in the US - also were reported as the first and third top targeted.

Coming in at number four was Twilio, which supports several major phone carriers including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile followed by TextNow which uses the T-Mobile network.

The FCC advises that if you answer a call, never give out personal information like account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information.

You should also be especially cautious if you're being pressured to provide the information immediately.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and visiting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya today held talks on ways to further expand bilateral ties, and also exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and Indias cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Kuwaiti FM visited India on December 3-4 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This is the first official visit to India of Abudullah Ali Al Yahya as the Foreign Minister of Kuwait.

EAM Jaishankar posted on X:
The FBI pleaded with iPhone and Android users Tuesday to stop texting each other due to fears their messages could be hacked.

The unprecedent move came after the agency found exchanges between the two brands leave messages vulnerable, suggesting that Americans should use encrypted apps like WhatsApp to prevent third parties from accessing conversations.

The warning stemmed from the China-linked hacking campaign known as Salt Typhoon that has reportedly breached several US networks.

Now, a US officials revealed that a 'large number' of Americans' cellphone data was stolen during the attacks.

'The extent and depth and breadth of Chinese hacking is absolutely mind-boggling - that we would permit as much as has happened in just the last year is terrifying,' Senator Richard Blumenth said during a classified briefing Wednesday.

Deputy National Security adviser Anne Neuberger noted he China-linked efforts have breached at least eight US telecom firms and dozens of nations since emerging earlier this year.

Federal agencies have spent the last few months investigation the true scale of the Asian nation's operations, only to still come up empty handed.

White House officials said at least eight US telecommunication firms were attacked by a Chinese hacking campaign. The statement comes as the FBI warned iPhone and Android users not to text each other

Salt Typhoon previously targeted the phones of Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Vice President Kamala Harris.

AT&T, Verizon, Lumen Technology and T-Mobile also confirmed breaches.

Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, said: 'Right now, the hardening guidance that we put out specifically would make the activities that we've seen across the victims much harder to continue.

'These are not cookie-cutter compromises in terms of how deeply compromised a victim might be, or what the actor has been able to do.'

T-Mobile and Lumen said that attacks were detected, but they found no evidence customer data was accessed on its network.

Verizon said 'several weeks ago, we became aware that a highly sophisticated, nation-state actor accessed several of the nation's telecom company networks, including Verizon' adding the incident was focused on a very small subset of individuals in government and politics.

And AT&T's statement said it is 'working in close coordination with federal law enforcement, industry peers and cyber security experts to identify and remediate any impact on our networks.'

Greene issued the warning to iPhone and Android users, urging them to be vigilant amid the hacking campaign.

He told Politico that people should 'use your encrypted communications where you have it,' adding that 'we definitely need to do that, kind of look at what it means long-term, how we secure our networks.'

The campaign, known as Salt Typhoon, emerged earlier this year and officials say the groups have links to China

Encrypted apps protect user's data by transforming their phone calls and text messages into an unreadable format to prevent dangerous parties from gaining unauthorized access.

'Our suggestion, what we have told folks internally, is not new here: encryption is your friend, whether it's on text messaging or if you have the capacity to use encrypted voice communication,' Greene told NBC News.

'Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible.'

China has rejected accusations from US officials that it engages in cyberespionage directed against Americans.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington called the U.S. allegations 'disinformation.'

China's government 'firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks,' spokesperson Liu Pengyu wrote in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

'The US needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China.'
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The 53 most expensive and cheapest countries to be an expat have been revealed - with an Asian country coming top and a 'crazy expensive' nation on the North American continent ranked bottom.

The table has been drawn up by Swiss-based expat guide InterNations, based on an expat survey in which respondents were asked about satisfaction with their financial situation and whether a disposable household income is enough to lead a comfortable life.

Read on for the full results. Where would you most like to move to? Head to the comments section.

The most affordable countries

1. Vietnam

Vietnam comes top for the third time in a row, with one American expat telling InterNations: 'The people are very friendly and the cost of living is very low.'

More than four in five expats (86 per cent) living in Vietnam are happy with the country's cost of living while 68 per cent say that their disposable household income is more than enough to lead a comfortable life.

Overall 65 per cent of expats say they are satisfied with their financial situation in Vietnam and this isn't just due to the low cost of living. Just under one in five expats in Vietnam say they earn $150,000 (118,000) a year.

The 53 most expensive and cheapest countries to be an expat have been revealed, with Vietnam ranked as most affordable in the world. More than four in five expats living in Vietnam are happy with the country's cost of living. Pictured is Ho Chi Minh City

An expat living in second-place Colombia says they enjoy the country's 'affordable cost of living'. Pictured is Bogota

Indonesia places third on the list, with just under three-quarters of expats happy with their financial situation. Pictured is Jakarta

2. Colombia

On the other side of the globe, Colombia ranks second-best for affordability, with one expat from Malta telling InterNations: 'I'm enjoying the relaxed way of life and the affordable cost of living.'

Nearly nine in ten expats in Colombia (85 per cent) are satisfied with the South American country's low cost of living, while 91 per cent say their disposable income is more than enough to lead a comfortable life.

Just under 90 per cent of expats (89 per cent) say they are satisfied with their financial situation in Colombia.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia places third on the list, with a Canadian expat revealing to InterNations: 'What do I like about Indonesia? The climate, the safety and peacefulness, the friendliness, the clean air and nature and the low cost of living!'

More than two thirds of expats (69 per cent) living in Indonesia are happy with the country's cost of living while 86 per cent said their disposable income was enough to lead a comfortable life.

Just under three-quarters (72 per cent) of expats in Indonesia are satisfied with their financial situation.

The least affordable countries

Canada is the world's least affordable country to be an expat, with one foreign resident describing the country as 'crazy expensive'. Pictured is Toronto

Finland places second from last on the list, with one in five expats unsatisfied with their financial situation. Pictured is Helsinki

The UK lands in the bottom three for priciness, with one expat saying they were 'unable' to live on their own on their current pay. Pictured is London

53. Canada

Placing last out of the 53 countries is Canada, where a Spanish expat reveals to InterNations: 'The cost of living is crazy expensive. Going out for a meal or drinks feels like a luxury.'

More than half of expats (53 per cent) say their disposable income isn't enough to lead a comfortable life in Canada.

And the country is rated expensive by 66 per cent of expats who live there, while more than a quarter of foreign residents (26 per cent) say their financial situation is 'very bad'.

52. Finland

In second from last place for affordability is Finland, where one in five expats (20 per cent) say they aren't at all satisfied with their financial situation.

Just over half (51 per cent) are unhappy with the Nordic country's high cost of living and, making the country's high prices painful, just under seven in ten (69 per cent) expats say their annual income in Finland is less than $50,000 (39,500).

51. UK

The UK lands in the bottom three, with one U.S expat telling InterNations: 'I wish our salaries matched the cost of living. I'm able to get by, but ideally, I'd like to be able to live on my own and I'm unable to do so on my current pay.'

More than half of expats (58 per cent) aren't happy with the high cost of living in the UK, while two in five (43 per cent) say their disposable household income isn't enough to lead a comfortable life.

Overall, 37 per cent of expats living in the UK are unhappy with their financial situation.
Audrey's plotting, David's lands in danger and Dee-Dee faces a dilemma next week on Coronation Street.

See below for our round-up of the Cobbles' most explosive moments about to hit screens.

1. Audrey pulls a sickie

Hoping to stall Gail's plans for the future, Audrey pretends to be ill.

When Gail insists on taking her temperature, Audrey sneakily sticks the thermometer in her tea for a few seconds.

When Gail insists on taking her temperature, Audrey sneakily sticks the thermometer in her tea for a few seconds

Gail reads Audrey's temperature and insists that she sees a doctor as soon as possible.

Is Audrey's plan working?

2. Bad news for Lauren

The truth about Frankie's mysterious bruises is revealed after the doctors do blood tests.

Lauren reveals to Max that her son's condition is worse than they first thought.

Later, Max bumps into Gus and Andrea in the hospital car park and worries over what Frankie's grandparents are up to.

The truth about Frankie's mysterious bruises is revealed after the doctors do blood tests

3. David smalls a rat

David and Audrey spot Shona and Adam deep in conversation.

Intrigued, David casually quizzes Shona about her afternoon, but she fails to mention talking to Adam, leaving David suspicious about what his wife is up to.

David casually quizzes Shona about her afternoon, but she fails to mention talking to Adam

4. Daisy makes enquiries

Daisy lets slip to Shona that she knows she was involved with a hit and run, making out that Kit told her what happened.

Daisy urges Shona to get her injuries properly checked out.

Daisy lets slip to Shona that she knows she was involved with a hit and run, making out that Kit told her what happened

Shona wonders why Daisy is suddenly so concerned about her welfare.

Will Shona decide that Daisy has something to hide?

5. Audrey in danger?

Matty and Logan confront David over the stolen money, leaving him shaken.

Later, David arrives at the salon and is concerned to see the brothers alone with his gran, knowing this is their way of issuing a threat to him.

David arrives at the salon and is concerned to see the brothers alone with his gran, knowing this is their way of issuing a threat to him

Later, David heads out to pick up Gail and Jessie's wedding rings from the jewellers, but returns having been beaten up.

What has happened?

6. Lisa's jealous actions

Lisa is put out when Carla doesn't correct Debbie when she refers to them as 'friends'.

Lisa is put out when Carla doesn't correct Debbie when she refers to them as 'friends'

Later, when Lisa Learns that Carla's got a lunch appointment with a handsome client, her jealousy gets the better of her and she heads to the Bistro.

Watching on as the client flirts with Carla, will Lisa be able to control her feelings?

7. Dee-Dee's new dilemma

Lauren is struggling with her mental health as she deals with Frankie's condition.

After Dee-Dee discovers that Frankie is going to need a donor, she visits Lauren and tells her that she'll try and help her find one.

After Dee-Dee discovers that Frankie is going to need a donor, she visits Lauren and tells her that she'll try and help her find one

But will Dee-Dee come clean to Lauren about the fact she is carrying Joel's baby  and will this affect her decision over having a termination?

8. Gail throws a celebration

Gail arranges a pre-wedding pampering session at the salon for the girls of the family.

Gail arranges a pre-wedding pampering session at the salon for the girls of the family

As Audrey serves up glasses of fizz, she's soon making scathing comments about Gail's choice of sixth husband.

Will Gail rise to the bait?

Later, Jessie reveals that he's tracked down the wedding rings to a shop. Why is David looking so worried?

9. Lisa and Carla exposed?

When Kirk causes a power failure at the factory when putting up the Christmas lights, Carla gives the workers the afternoon off while she waits to have it fixed.

When they end up being thrown out, Bobby brings Kirk and Fiz back to the flat to carry on drinking

The gang decide to take full advantage and head to the Rovers.

When they end up being thrown out, Bobby brings Kirk and Fiz back to the flat to carry on drinking.

As Lisa emerges in her dressing gown, it seems Carla and Lisa's secret romance is finally going to be revealed!

Coronation Street airs on ITV and is available to stream on ITVX.
A beloved TV star has replaced Gregg Wallace amid the presenter's sexual misconduct scandal, as the BBC announces a return date for Inside The Factory.

The MasterChef judge, 60, announced he was stepping back from the show after nearly 20 years last week while an investigation into his alleged misconduct is carried out.

He also quit BBC Two's Inside The Factory after complaints were made over alleged 'inappropriate banter' with female staff members over their weight.

Gregg stepped down from the show last year after the allegations in regard to female factory workers at Nestle, where he was filming at the time.

Sources said he had been 'rude towards staff' and spoke to them in a 'derogatory manner, especially to women'. But he later denied accusations, saying the claims were 'inaccurate'.

In the meantime, Paddy McGuinness has been announced as his replacement for the show, which visits factories up and down the country to see how our favourite products are made.

A beloved TV star has replaced Gregg Wallace amid the presenter's sexual misconduct scandal, as the BBC announces a return date for Inside The Factory

Paddy McGuinness has been announced as his replacement for the show, which visits factories up and down the country to see how our favourite products are made

In the upcoming ninth season, Paddy and Cherry Healey visit a host of new factories that produce some of our favourite foods on a massive scale, from sliced bread to flapjacks and sausage rolls.

In a Christmas special, set to broadcast on Sunday December 22, the duo visit a chocolate factory in Belgium to learn how they produce an incredible four million individual chocolate shells every single day.

It comes as Wallace faces accusations of inappropriate behaviour across five shows over a 17-year period.

Staff members and former contestants, including celebrities such as Emma Kennedy and Kirsty Wark, have claimed the former greengrocer made them feel uncomfortable on set.

Wallace has been accused of a raft of inappropriate behaviour including walking around on set naked except for a sock on his penis, getting changed in front of female staff, and even groping crew members.

Other allegations include sharing intimate details of his sex life, becoming fixated on a female staff member who was dating women and asking her about the 'logistics' and flirting with younger women on set.

Wallace has now stepped down from MasterChef while an external investigation is conducted by production company Banijay UK.

But he sparked outrage on Sunday after taking to social media and blaming a handful of 'middle-aged women of a certain age' for the allegations against him.

Then he posted a fresh video on Instagram claiming he was sorry for 'any offence caused' and that he had been under a great deal of 'stress'.

In the upcoming ninth season, Paddy and Cherry Healey visit a host of new factories that produce some of our favourite foods on a massive scale

Gregg stepped down from the show last year after the allegations in regard to female factory workers at Nestle, where he was filming at the time.

Wallace is best known for presenting MasterChef with co-host John Torode (left) and is now facing a deluge of allegations about 'inappropriate behaviour' on set

It was reported by The Times that he had allegedly offended certain female staff members at the Nestle UK factory in York with comments about their weight during a 'friendly' conversation.

The comments were non-sexual but were deemed 'inappropriate' and a complaint was lodged with Voltage TV, the production company responsible for developing the show.

'He was rude towards staff and continued to talk in a derogatory manner, especially to women.

'He was given a talking-to and was appalled that he had caused such offence,' a source said.

Voltage TV asked Wallace to moderate his language and filming continued - but his behaviour seemingly didn't change.

Staff reportedly informed management that they did not want the show to return while Wallace remained at the helm.

A source said: 'He felt that he was just trying to be friendly but no longer knew what the right thing to say was any more and decided to leave.'

A Nestle insider told The Times: 'He comes in cracking jokes but is from a very different world to our workers.'

The Christmas special for Inside The Factory will air on BBC One on 22 December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Emmerdale have released the first look pictures of Denise Welch as she takes on a role for the end of villain Tom King's storyline.

The Loose Women star, 66, is headed for the Dales after already appearing in Coronation Street, EastEnders and Hollyoaks, as well as being lined up to return to Waterloo Road.

In new images from the soap, Denise can be seen as a member of the jury as Tom faces trial for abusing wife Belle Dingle.

There's drama at the prison when the alarm sounds and a 'code red' is declared in Tom's cell.

Soon, news reaches a shocked Belle that Tom has been rushed to hospital having tried to take his own life.

As the family discusses the repercussions, will Tom's actions prevent him attending his trial?

Emmerdale have released the first look pictures of Denise Welch as she takes on a role for the end of villain Tom King's storyline

In new images from the soap, Denise can be seen as a member of the jury as Tom faces trial for abusing wife Belle Dingle

Theres drama at the prison when the alarm sounds and a code red is declared in Toms cell

Meanwhile, Belle begins to spiral as she becomes terrified that she'll have Tom's death on conscience for the rest of her life.

Denise announced she was joining Emmerdale on Loose Women as she eagerly told her fellow panellists and the audience: 'I'm going to be in Emmerdale!'

She explained: 'It's a one-off one hour special and it's the first time Emmerdale have ever done it. And for those of you who are fans of Emmerdale, there is a very powerful year-long story of domestic abuse.

'Which of course, appealed to me when I knew I'd be part of it because of our Facing It Together campaign, and this is a culmination of that story.'

The TV personality continued: 'So the episode takes place exclusively between the court and the jury and I am one of the head's of the jury called Heidi.

'Obviously I can't say what the outcome is but it's a very very powerful episode and some of the lines are taken from true cases.

'Refuge have seen it and they're thrilled with how it's been depicted so it was incredible to be a part of it, and that's on I think December 19.'

She gushed: 'So I've now been in all four soaps,' which earned a round of cheers from the audience.

On the role, Denise gushed: 'So I've now been in all four soaps,' which earned a round of cheers from the audience (Denise pictured above on Coronation Street in 1998)

Denise played Trish Minniver from 2021 to 2022 on Channel 4's Hollyoaks

She also played Alison Slater, the secret stepmother of Stacey Slater, on EastEnders

Denise added: 'I saw on social media that I'm now a CHEE and that's because it's quite something in America to be an EGOT which is the winner of an Emmy, a Grammy, and Oscar and a Tony.

'So not quite that level, but Corrie, Hollyoaks, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.'

Denise previously played Alison Slater, the secret stepmother of Stacey Slater, on EastEnders and played Trish Minniver from 2021 to 2022 on Channel 4's Hollyoaks.
A fan-favourite auction show is set to return to screens next year, alongside two spin-off programmes in a huge bumper TV deal - a total of 37 hour-long episodes.

STV has announced that their beloved series The Yorkshire Auction House will be making a comeback for a sixth season after being commissioned by Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland channel, Really.

The new season will consist of twenty episodes that will see host and auctioneer Angus Ashworth travel around the country looking for antiques and collectables to sell.

Back at his Ryedale saleroom, forgotten treasures go under the gavel, often making incredible windfalls of cash for the owners.

There will also be ten new episodes of the spin off The Derbyshire Auction House, which is fronted by Irita Marriott and first aired in July 2024.

In her show, the expert explores homes of people in the local area to find cherished items that could be worth a lot of money.

A fan-favourite auction show is set to return to screens next year, alongside two spin-off programmes in a huge bumper TV deal - a total of 37 hour-long episodes

There will also be ten new episodes of the spin off The Derbyshire Auction House, which is fronted by Irita Marriott and first aired in July 2024

Irita, who now owns an auction house, then helps find families the best possible price for their unearthed goods at auction.

And, the hugley popular Celebrity version Yorkshire Auction House will also be returning for another season next year.

In the star-studded spin-off, Angus helped celebrities declutter ther homes while looking for valuable items to take to auction.

Those who have already appeared on the programme include Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Skelton and Edwina Currie.

The previously commissioned fourth series of the show also features celebrities including Brian Conley, Colin Jackson and Vanessa Feltz.

The first series of Yorkshire Auction House was one of the best-performing original commissions of 2021 for Warner Bros. Discovery-owned channel, Really.

'This is a brilliant vote of confidence in the Auction House franchise from Warner. Bros Discovery and we're delighted to be back in production with three new series of what has proven to be a winning format,' said Craig Hunter, Creative Director of STV Studios Factual.

He added: 'It's fantastic that Angus [Ashworth]' excellent work on The Yorkshire Auction House and its celebrity spin-off continues to delight viewers, and we're thrilled that our latest addition to the franchise, with the wonderful Irita at the helm, has had such a warm reception too.'

Host Angus gushed: ''If you'd told me when we launched this show in 2021 that I'd still be here, multiple series and spin-offs later, and still absolutely loving helping celebrities and members of the public clear their homes to turn unwanted items into money, I'm not sure I'd have believed you.

The new season will consist of twenty episodes that will see host and auctioneer Angus Ashworth travel around the country looking for antiques and collectables to sell

And, the hugley popular Celebrity version Yorkshire Auction House will also be returning for another season next year (Angus pictured with Edwina)

Those who have already appeared on the programme include Craig Revel Horwood and Helen Skelton (pictured above)

'But this is a special show with a unique connection to its viewers, and I'm looking forward to seeing what treasures we uncover in 2025.'

With Irita Marriott adding: ''Oh my goodness, I'm over the moon to be returning with a second series of The Derbyshire Auction House next year.

'Viewers of the first series will know that opening my auction house involved just a little blood, sweat and tears  and trust me, that doesn't end once the cameras stop rolling!

'That said, this has been one of the most exciting projects of my life, and meeting all the fabulous people who take part in the show makes it all the more rewarding. I can't wait to strike the gavel on round 2!'

The Yorkshire Auction House, The Derbyshire Auction House, and Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House are available to stream on Discovery+
Our Yorkshire Farm fans were taken aback by Reuben Owen's new look on his show which is set to air this week.

The one-off special Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales features will feature him alongside younger brothers, Sid and Miles and his best mate Tommy.

The official synopsis reads: 'With Christmas approaching, Reuben Owen plans a festive party for friends and family at their local to thank them for all their help with his heavy plant machinery business.

'Before the planning begins, he and his good friend Tommy ride Reuben's early Christmas present, a snowmobile, through a sheep-filled field.

'Plus, the pair head to do some end-of-year work in a mining town in Sweden's arctic circle.'

A promo for the show was shared on Facebook with some users thinking Reuben looks 'different' now.

Our Yorkshire Farm fans were taken aback by Reuben Owen's new look on his show which is set to air this week

The one-off special Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales features will feature him alongside younger brothers, Sid and Miles and his best mate Tommy (pictured with mum Amanda)

The synopsis reads: 'With Christmas approaching, Reuben Owen plans a festive party for friends and family at their local to thank them for all their help with his heavy plant machinery business'

In comments seen by Leeds Live, they wrote: 'Reuben looks so different when he is out of work gear. Three lovely brothers and work so well together.'

Others added: 'He really does, doesn't he?'... 'Love seeing Reuben as he matures and with his lovely friendship with Tommy. Missed their input in the recent show.'

'Wow, Miles has shot up'

'Absolutely wonderful, we will be tuning in. Reuben is a very hardworking young man, he has an amazing work ethos just like his parents. Miles is as tall as Reuben now, all grown up.'

Our Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen returned to screens in October with her new Channel 4 show Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids.

Amanda and Clive are separated, announcing their split in June 2022 after 22 years of marriage and welcoming nine children together.

In the new show, they are joined by their nine children, eldest daughter Raven, eldest son Reuben, Sydney, Clemmy, Nancy, Annas, Violet, Miles and Edith as the family chronicle their attempts to create their dream home by renovating a derelict farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales.

Fans loved seeing an insight into farm life after Amanda's post as they took to the comments to share their love.

A promo for the show was shared on Facebook with some users thinking Reuben looks 'different' now

They wrote: 'A real credit to you and Clive.'; 'They all amazing'; 'Lovely pictures,really made my day happier'; 'Great to see they are enthusiastic over all things farmy!!'

'Lovely to see, they are always happy to be involved and get stuck in. Getting so grown up now x'; 'Loved watching Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids its amazing seeing how theyve all grown up over the years.'

It comes after Amanda was grilled by her fans after her new show Our Farm Next Door 'disappeared' from screens halfway through the series.

Viewers watched on every Monday for five episodes as the family chronicled their attempts to create their dream home renovation.

However, More 4 has not aired any further episodes or uploaded them to Channel 4 on demand since November 11.

With two episodes missing, fans started to worry and took to Instagram to quiz Amanda under a new picture of her and one of her children.

It comes after Amanda was grilled by her fans after her new show Our Farm Next Door 'disappeared' from screens halfway through the series

In the new show, Amanda and Clive are joined by their nine children, eldest daughter Raven, eldest son Reuben, Sydney , Clemmy, Nancy, Annas, Violet, Miles and Edith

Amanda and Clive are separated, announcing their split in June 2022 after 22 years of marriage and welcoming nine children together

One commented: 'Love your show but hasn't been on More 4 the last two Mondays when is it back on the TV?'

Another asked: 'Will we have more of Our Farm Next Door? Loved it.'

'Why have they only shown 5 episodes of your new show?', a third wrote.

'When is the next episode on TV?', yet another said.

Clarifying the situation, one replied: 'I think in the new year there will be new episodes.1-5 just finished recently and I read that they have to go to episodes 6-10 in the coming future.'

To the relief of the show's fans, the comment was correct. Channel 4 ordered 10 episodes of the show to be broadcast in two blocks of five episodes.

However, it is understandable why fans were worried as it comes two years after Channel 5 cancelled the show which shot the family to fame - Our Yorkshire Farm - following Amanda and Clive's separation.

Amanda recently opened up about her 'not very separated' split from Clive.

Amanda told The Sunday Times: 'We're just getting on with it. We bicker. We argue. There's no romance. But we're all right with each other. And that's a blessing.'

Reflecting on their shared priorities, she added: 'We're here and we've got a joint mission. It's about securing the future of the farm, the children.'

Yet, fans who were hoping Amanda and Clive, who met when Amanda was just 21, might reconcile, will almost certainly be disappointed.

She commented: 'If you've gone through a separation, there's a reason you separated. And it's usually because you're not getting on. Who wants that?'

Our Farm Next Door is available to stream on Channel 4.com.
The Death In Paradise Christmas special release date has finally been revealed, to the delight of fans.

Viewers will return to sun-drenched Saint Marie to join the police team and a new Detective Inspector for the upcoming festive feature-length special on Sunday December 22.

The episode will air on BBC One from 8:30pm and will also be available to stream on iPlayer.

When holiday maker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke), fresh from performing karaoke dressed as Santa, is found shot dead on the beach by a young boy Ollie - son of Jamie (Jim Howick) - the Saint Marie police team kick into action.

But with no Detective Inspector in place of the recently departed Neville Parker, are they capable of tackling such a big case?

With the pressure mounting, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) is relieved to receive some encouraging news as he learns a British detective is holidaying on the island.

The Death In Paradise Christmas special release date has finally been revealed, to the delight of fans

Viewers will return to sun-drenched Saint Marie to join the police team and a new Detective Inspector for the upcoming festive feature-length special on Sunday December 22

Following a somewhat disappointing solo trip, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) is aboard a flight back home to London ready to take off, though is informed by his boss that hes to be seconded to Honore, whether he likes it or not.

And for those who love a good mystery, the festive offering continues with a Beyond Paradise Christmas special to follow.

The spin-off will air on on BBC One and iPlayer from 9pm on Friday 27 December, so fans won't have long to wait after the Death In Paradise special.

Its Christmas time in Shipton Abbott, where Humphrey (Kris Marshall) and the team find themselves wrapped up in two festive cases.

When recently widowed Bob Holland (Mark Heap) is ordered to leave his home by a vision of his late wife Linda (Rosalind Adler), he is thrown into emotional turmoil, a vivid reminder of his harrowing grief.

Deeply disturbed by this series of troubling events, he turns to his friend Anne (Barbara Flynn) for comfort, who shares his encounters with the Shipton Abbott police team.

Unsure whether Bobs ghostly visions are a manifestation of grief or something more sinister, Humphrey and Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) get to work unravelling the mystery.

Bobs daughter Fiona (Tamla Kari) and her husband, a maverick inventor Colin (Seann Walsh), appear stumped and concerned when deliberating who could be behind this ghostly apparition.

Is Bob simply struggling with the pain of the first Christmas without his wife, or is there a darker force at play?

The episode will air on BBC One from 8:30pm and will also be available to stream on iPlayer

And for those who love a good mystery, the festive offering continues with a Beyond Paradise Christmas special to follow

Meanwhile, Kelby (Dylan Llewellyn) and Margo (Felicity Montagu) are on the case after a break-in at the church leaves the nativity scene incomplete.

With the Christmas service fast approaching, and CS Charlie Woods (Jade Harrison) due to attend, can Kelby solve the mystery of the missing Virgin Mary and impress the Chief Superintendent?

Away from the station, Humphrey and Marthas (Sally Bretton) fostering journey continues as they open their home to introverted teenager Jaiden (Austin Taylor) over the festive period.

Struggling to connect, and with Humphrey otherwise occupied at work, Martha feels out of her depth.

Can she overcome her self-doubt and find a way to bond with Jaiden? And will he open up and let her in before the holidays arrive?

Watch the Death in Paradise Christmas Special on iPlayer and BBC One from 8.30pm on Sunday 22 December and the Beyond Paradise Christmas Special on BBC One and iPlayer from 9pm on Friday 27 December
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby gave an emotional interview on her son's battle with drug addiction on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday.

Last month Cosby, 52, confronted son Robert Jr. in his room where she learned he'd been doing drugs since he was 16 in harrowing show scenes.

He opened up about the litany of drugs he's been doing throughout the years before making a stunning admission: revealing his mother was the only reason he didn't kill himself.

She told host Andy Cohen: 'Rob is doing so good. I am so proud of him, so proud of him' while revealing he stayed at a treatment for one month and completed his program.

She added: 'He did an excellent job. He came out a new person.'

Fans flocked to social media to praise Mary and Robert Jr. for opening up in such a raw way, some claiming it was one of the most 'real' moments in Real Housewives history.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby gave an emotional interview on her son's battle with drug addiction on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday

Last month Cosby, 52, confronted son Robert Jr. in his room where she learned he'd been doing drugs since he was 16 in harrowing show scenes. He opened up about the litany of drugs he's been doing throughout the years

On the heartbreaking moment a tearful Cosby said: 'It wasnt planned. We just came together, Robert and I, and I said, "Were going to do this because were going to help someone.

'I just said what I felt.'

She added that Robert's wife was also currently in rehab.

The dramatic episode saw Mary admit in confession that Robert Jr. was a 'perfect child' and 'very smart' but along the way something had changed.

Robert Jr. admitted to taking a Xanax and then an 'Adderall to balance out the Xanax,' as she asked if he was unhappy.

'Sometimes I feel like, life is like chicken unseasoned, but when I get high it's like adding seasoning to it,' Robert Jr. said, before admitting he started taking drugs when he turned 16.

He then admitted to taking acid and molly and cocaine, adding a 'turning point' for him was taking 10 Oxy pills at once and he couldn't even feel it.

A tearful Mary admitted, 'I won't judge you,' though she insisted that she would not support it and she wants to help him if he wants help.

She told host Andy Cohen: 'Rob is doing so good. I am so proud of him, so proud of him' while revealing he stayed at a treatment for one month and completed his program'

Fans flocked to social media to praise Mary and Robert Jr. for opening up in such a raw way, some claiming it was one of the most 'real' moments in Real Housewives history

A tearful Mary admitted, 'I won't judge you,' though she insisted that she would not support it and she wants to help him if he wants help

He wouldn't even admit that he was having a problem with drugs, as Mary said in confession that she was disappointed in herself.

She said he will die if he keeps on this path and he admitted, 'I wanted to die at the time,' and that he felt like 'a stain,' and that, 'this world wasn't for me,' before making a heartbreaking admission.

A tearful Mary said, 'If something ever happened to you, do you understand what would happen to me?' Robert Jr. responded, 'You're the only reason I didn't kill myself.'

Robert Jr. tearfully admitted, 'I just barely started being happy again,' as she told her son, 'Please, baby, recognize it, own it, and change it. Because you can,' as they embraced as the episode came to an end.

Fans were blown away by the touching scene, including X user @GossipInformer, who said, 'Now, this is REALITY! So many are going through this and don't seek help. Especially young black men. I'm sure he is helping so many people tonight. I love how Mary takes accountability for her part. I hope she stays the course and keeps him on the right path. Be hands on.'

@lil_guer said, 'Thank you to Mary and Robert jr for being so vulnerable and sharing this with the world. So many people will relate and know theyre not alone.'
Pakistan Dy PM-FM Ishaq Dar briefs diplomatic corps on govt actions against PTI

Islamabad, Dec 4 (UNI) Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar today briefed members of the countrys diplomatic corps regarding the governments measures taken in ensuring security in the capitals Red Zone area during the November 26 storming of the capital by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party.

The Red Zone consists of several of the most important institutions in Pakistan which includes the Parliament, Supreme Court, as well as several foreign missions.

The Deputy PM explained that the government had taken steps to ensure the security of the Red Zone by enforcing the new 'Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024', which barred any protests in sensitive areas, mandating prior approval from a magistrate for public gatherings, The Express Tribune reported.
Black Doves (Netflix)

Rating:

Ben Whishaw is one of our finest actors, an A-lister who combines star charisma with a vulnerable charm, whether in Bond movies or Shakespeare, Dickens or Paddington.

But even he can do nothing with the risible dialogue in Black Doves  a Netflix spy thriller that veers from Christmas rom-com to all-action ultra-violence, and fails tragically at both.

Imagine a remake of Love Actually by Quentin Tarantino, spliced with a BBC drama about a love triangle between gay architects in north London, and you'll have something about half as awful as Black Doves.

At times, Whishaw visibly gives up on his lines, and just lets the words fall out of his mouth, knowing nothing he does can make them sound better.

Sitting in a parked car with co-star Keira Knightley, supposedly the one woman alluring enough to make him forget a life of one-night stands in hotels with men, he stared straight out of the windscreen and recited: 'Helen Webb, the spy at the heart of government. They tell me you fell in love. That was silly.'

Ben Whishaw is one of our finest actors. But even he can do nothing with the risible dialogue in Black Doves  a Netflix spy thriller that veers from Christmas rom-com to all-action ultra-violence, and fails tragically at both

Keira Knightley in Black Dove. Knightly is supposedly the one woman alluring enough to make Whishaw forget a life of one-night stands in hotels with men

It didn't help that Helen's face was splattered with blood and brains. Moments earlier, Ben introduced himself by blowing the head off an assassin with a shotgun. He didn't just save her life but her leather coat, too  somehow, the gore drenched her from the neck up without spoiling her clothes. Good shot, sir.

Helen's hubbie is smooth Wallace Webb (Andrew Buchan), the Defence Secretary and tipped to be Britain's next PM. Wally has no idea his wife married him to gain access to government secrets, which she hands to master villain Reed (Sarah Lancashire).

Man cave of the week

What fun the prop buyers must have had with the set for Bertie Carvels 1970s bachelor pad in Dalgliesh (Ch5). A leather sofa the size of a Viking longship, mushroom lamps, yellow Formica worktops and a cassette radio were just a few of the gems. Advertisement

Reed gatecrashes a Cabinet Christmas party with some bad news  she knows all about the super-secret affair Helen has been having with sexy civil servant Jason. Worse, Jason's dead.

We already knew this, because we saw it happen: dodging Santas and drunken revellers on the Millennium Bridge, Jason (Andrew Koji) had a sudden sixth sense that he was about to be killed. Naturally, he went and stood still on the Embankment. He had a narrative purpose to serve, after all, and running away wouldn't help that.

A shot rang out. With a bullet through his heart, Jason staggered to the nearest park bench, slumped down, finished leaving a phone message for Helen, and expired.

Police were baffled and, frankly, didn't do a lot of investigating, apart from putting some crime scene tape on the bench. But Reed guessed Helen's life was in terrible danger and summoned the one man who could keep her safe  that's Ben's character, Sam.

Omari Douglas and Ben Whishaw. Imagine a remake of Love Actually by Quentin Tarantino , spliced with a BBC drama about a love triangle between gay architects in north London , and you'll have something about half as awful as Black Doves

Sarah Lancashire stars as master villain Reed. In the show she gatecrashes a Cabinet Christmas party with some bad news

Sam left the bar in Rome where he was feeling sorry for himself, had that one-night stand, shared a flirty dinner with friends he hadn't seen for years (that's the gay architects), and still caught up with Helen in time to kill her assailants.

All this, plus Christmas songs by Mud and Shakin' Stevens.

Ho ho ho, readers.
Suri Cruise is suddenly a rich teenager who can do as she wants as she has the means.

The 18-year-old daughter of Katie Holmes has come into a great deal of money, DailyMail.com has learned.

That is because her trust fund from her estranged father Tom Cruise 'kicked in' when she turned 18 on April 18.

'It is part of the divorce deal that a trust fund provided by Tom Cruise be shared with daughter Suri Cruise when she turns 18, and it is substantial,' a source told DailyMail.com.

'She was allowed to access it when she turned 18 in April. The rest of the money will become available to her once she enters her 30s. The trust fund was carefully constructed so that she does not get all the money at once and becomes overwhelmed.'

DailyMail.com has also learned that Katie has set up her own trust fund for her only child. 'Katie is fiscally minded and is looking out for her daughter, of course,' another source added. 'She wants her to be well provided for and have a great quality of life.'

Suri Cruise is suddenly a rich teenager. The 18-year-old daughter of Katie Holmes has come into a great deal of money, DailyMail.com has learned. That is because her trust fund from her estranged father Tom Cruise 'kicked in' when she turned 18 on April 18

Tom Cruise and his then girlfriend Katie Holmes arrive for the fan screening of War Of The Worlds in Los Angeles in 2005

Suri is a lucky girl as her father can easily afford to pay into her trust. He is reportedly worth over $600M, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Katie is reportedly worth $25M, according to the same site.

Indeed, divorce documents from 2012 show that the Top Gun star would provide Suri with a trust fund once she became an adult.

The actor also has another daughter, Isabella, along with son Connor, from his marriage to ex-wife Nicole Kidman.

When Tom and Katie split in 2012, it was stated that Cruise had set up a trust fund for Suri which she could access in part when she turned 18 and in full when she reached her thirties.

He also agreed to pay Holmes $400,000 per year in child support - about $33,000 per month - until Suri turned 18. It is believed those payments have now stopped.

And the Mission: Impossible star agreed to pay for all of Suri's health care, dental, insurance, education, college and extracurricular costs.

As DailyMail.com reported earlier this year, Tom has paid for Suri's $65,000 annual college expenses at Carnegie Mellon University.

A source previously told DailyMail.com: 'Tom is indeed paying for Suri's tuition - he has always paid for her schooling and would never stop as he is a stand-up guy.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, wearing an off-the-shoulder Giorgio Armani gown with an ivory silk train, on their wedding day in Italy in 2006

'It is part of the divorce deal that a trust fund provided by Tom Cruise be shared with daughter Suri Cruise, and it is substantial,' a source told DailyMail.com. 'She was allowed to access it when she turned 18 in April. The rest of the money will become available to her once she enters her 30s. The trust fund was carefully constructed so that she does not get all the money at once and becomes overwhelmed.' Cruise is pictured with his daughter Suri in 2012

Suri is a student at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her Christmas break begins on December 21

'He has never hesitated paying his daughter's child support and expenses. He does not go back on his word. He is fulfilling his obligation.'

Suri is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon and has likely been studying dance and theater as her movie star mother Katie has previously said those were her interests.

And Katie has already put Suri to work on two of her films, which gives her an advantage as she enters show business.

Suri contributed vocals to songs in two of Holmes' films - the 2023 drama Rare Objects and 2022 romantic drama Alone Together.

'I'm proud of my daughter,' Holmes told Town & Country of her daughter. 'Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I'm really proud of her and I'm happy.'

Katie was seen getting Suri settled into her school in the early fall as she moved into a dorm room.

DailyMail.com has also learned that Katie has set up her own trust fund for her only child: 'Katie is fiscally minded and is looking out for her daughter, of course,' another source added. 'She wants her to be well provided for and have a great quality of life.' Seen in 2021

Holmes and Suri Cruise at the American Ballet Theater Spring Gala in New York City in 2018

Holmes is seen on December 1 in New York City

An insider recently told the Mail about Suri's early days at college: 'She is a smart girl, and she is turning into a very intelligent mature young woman,' said a source.

'She has a very close group of loyal friends, and she knows exactly where she comes from.'

Since then, Suri has been seen back in her hometown of New York City where she attended her mother's play on Broadway titled Our Town with Jim Parsons and Zoey Deutch.

Suri - who has split from her boyfriend, according to a DailyMail.com exclusive, is expected to travel back home to New York City for her Christmas break which is from December 21 until January 13.

That gives Suri almost a month off from school.
Eagle-eyed fans have take to social media to speculate that The Bachelorette lovebirds Georgia Love and Lee Elliott may have broken up.

Georgia's recent posts to Instagram show her having fun with her friends - and followers noticed she was not wearing her diamond wedding ring.

One clip showed 36-year-old Georgia decorating her Christmas tree at home, and there was nothing on her left ring finger.

Another photo showed her having a drink at an outdoor cafe with an attractive male friend, and she was also not wearing her ring.

Fans took to the comment section on the photos to ask if she and Lee had called time on their relationship.

'Thinking [they] have broken up,' one fan speculated and another asked if Lee would be accompanying Georgia on her upcoming trip to New York City.

Eagle-eyed fans have take to social media to speculate that The Bachelorette lovebirds Georgia Love and Lee Elliott may have secretly broken up. Both pictured

'Havent seen post of them together for a long time,' a third person wrote and another speculated if they would be 'the first Bachelor divorce'.

Elsewhere, another person asked 'Where is Lee?' in the clip Georgia posted about her upcoming New York holiday, and the reality TV star responded: 'He's literally in the video.'

However, another fan pointed out that Georgia had simply shared an old photo: 'Haha, they are all old pics of them together.'

Georgia last posted an image of her and Lee together in September, while Lee last did so in August.

Neither Georgia or Lee denied a break-up when approached by Daily Mail Australia for comment.

The couple's relationship has long been subjected to break-up rumours, and in 2021 it was also speculated they had secretly called it quits.

However, Georgia later confirmed they were still going as strong as ever.

The pair met and fell in love in front of the cameras, as Georgia chose Lee as her winning suitor on the 2016 season of Channel Ten's The Bachelorette.

In 2021, Georgia and Lee married at the Frogmore Creek Winery outside Hobart, followed by an outdoor reception at the Shene Distillery.

Georgia, 36, recently posted to Instagram some photos of her having fun with her friends - and followers immediately noticed she was not wearing her sparkling diamond wedding ring

Meanwhile, another photo showed her having a drink at an outdoor cafe with an attractive male friend, and she was also not wearing her ring as she enjoyed a fun day out with her companion

The bride stunned in a custom couture gown by Australian designer Jason Grech, while the groom donned a white tuxedo jacket and bow tie by YSG Tailors.

Georgia and Lee were due to marry in Italy the year prior, but were forced to cancel due to the coronavirus travel bans.

The following year, they moved into their $1.3million townhouse in Melbourne's upmarket suburb of Hampton East.

At the time, Georgia was force to address rumours the pair had split after she was spotted without her engagement and wedding rings during an outing in Melbourne.

The former Bachelorette star had been inundated with comments from fans, questioning where her beloved jewels were when she posted pictures from her day out.

The stunner posed for a photo with Lee and explained, 'Can confirm still married.'

'And yes I forgot my rings today in a rush leaving the house, you guys are perceptive,' she added in a follow-up post.

Her posts come after she has shared a sweet series of photos documenting a date with her husband as they visited a popular floating bar in Melbourne, Arbour Afloat.

The couple were seen with drinks in hand as they enjoyed a sunny day in the heart of the city's CBD.
Emily Ratajkowski sent pulses racing on Wednesday as she modeled a black lingerie set while promoting Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi.

The model, 33, showcased her taut midriff and ample cleavage in a black silk triangle bra, retailing for $79, and an $18 lace G-string, in a photo posted to the brand's Instagram page.

The mom-of-one also appeared in snaps and a video on the brand's Stories, wearing a men's style open silk jacket, retailing for $159.

Her brunette tresses were styled straight for the shoot, and she wore delicate makeup highlighting her naturally stunning features.

Last month Emily was announced as the new Intimissimi Brand Ambassador.

The cover girl was seen in black lace lingerie that showed off her abs while posing by a window.

Emily Ratajkowski, 33, sent pulses racing on Wednesday as she modeled a black lingerie set while promoting Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi

Jennifer Lopez has been the global brand ambassador for Intimissimi since 2023.

Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni have also worked for the Italian brand.

'I am thrilled to join Intimissimi as their Brand Ambassador,' said Ratajkowski in a statement shared with DailyMail.com.

'Intimissimi celebrates women and femininity in such an inspiring way, and I am excited to help introduce this iconic brand to more women across the U.S.'

Emily added: 'I truly believe in the power of beautiful lingerie to make you feel confident and empowered, and Intimissimi does this beautifully.'

Emily has her own swimsuit line called Inamorata Woman.

'We are absolutely delighted to welcome Emily Ratajkowski to the Intimissimi family,' said Matteo Veronesi, Brand Leader Intimissimi.

'Emily's charisma and undeniable presence perfectly reflect the qualities we want to celebrate through our brand.

The model showcased her taut midriff and ample cleavage in a black silk triangle bra, retailing for $79, and an $18 lace G-string, in a photo posted to the brand's Instagram page

The mom-of-one also appeared in snaps and a video on the brand's Stories, wearing a men's style open silk jacket, retailing for $159

Her brunette tresses were styled straight for the shoot, and she wore delicate makeup highlighting her naturally stunning features

Last month Emily was announced as the new Intimissimi Brand Ambassador

Jennifer Lopez has been the global brand ambassador for Intimissimi since 2023

'She brings a modern, powerful energy that aligns with our dedication to empowering women and embracing individuality through our lingerie.'

Since its founding in 1996, Intimissimi has been 'at the forefront of lingerie design, combining Italian craftsmanship with contemporary fashion,' a press release shared.

'With a commitment to high-quality fabrics, sophisticated design, and an inclusive approach, Intimissimi brings women's lingerie, loungewear, and accessories that inspire confidence and elegance.'

Now available in 53 countries with 1,719 stores worldwide, Intimissimi has the 'experience and expertise to produce the finest lingerie for every woman's daily needs,' a press release shared.

Intimissimi is 'designed with the modern woman in mind, for the woman who is comfortable in her own skin.'

Lopez modeled beige toned lace and satin lingerie for the brand last year.
Jennifer Hudson's childhood home in Chicago where her mom and brother were gunned down in 2008 has been pictured for the first time since the horrific crime.

The Dream Girls star's mother Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, were found shot to death inside the Englewood home Donerson shared with Hudson's older sister, Julia on October 24, 2008.

Hudson's seven-year-old nephew Julian King - Julia's son - was reported missing from the home, but was found dead in the back of an abandoned SUV days later with multiple gunshot wounds.

In July 2012 Julia's estranged husband William Balfour - then 27 - was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion.

He was sentenced to three life sentences without the possibility of parole, followed by 120 years for other crimes.

Crosses, stuffed animals and candles in remembrance of the victims were once placed in the four-bed home's yard on Chicago's South Side but these have since been taken down.

Jennifer Hudson's childhood home in Chicago where her mom and brother were gunned down in 2008 has been pictured for the first time since the horrific crime

Hudson has previously opened up about her immense grief following the murders and said her son's birth in 2009 'saved my life' - pictured April 2024

A red cross on the decrepit house's door indicates it is structurally dangerous while the doors and windows have been boarded up.

The white two-story house has chipped paint while its front steps are crumbling.

In 2020 the home was put on the market by the Cook County Land Bank Authority for $20,000 but it is unknown if the home ever found a buyer.

The home sits vacant behind a rusty iron fence that separates a yard from the cracked sidewalk.

Hudson has previously opened up about her immense grief following the murders and said her son David's birth in 2009 'saved her life.'

In 2015 she told Glamour: 'It's frustrating as hell to me to have somebody who ain't lost nothing try to talk to me about it. I want to say, 'Don't even bother, because you know nothing.' But you never know how much you can get through until you're going through it.'

'I went from being an aunt, having a mom, and being a child to not having a mom, becoming a mom, and raising my own child. I tell David all the time, "You saved my life."'

Hudson admitted in the past she did not know how to respond after suffering such massive loss.

She said: 'There were so many shocks involved in it. Like, who do I grieve for first? Or, who do I start with?

'Its bits and pieces. Its too much. Youre confused. Your emotions are confused.'

The Dream Girls star's mother Darnell Donerson, 57, (center) and brother Jason Hudson were found shot to death inside the Englewood home Donerson shared with Hudson's older sister, Julia (right) on October 24, 2008.

Jason Hudson was 29 when he was murdered in his home

Hudson's seven-year-old nephew Julian King - Julia's son - was reported missing from the home, but was found dead in the back of an abandoned SUV days later with multiple gunshot wounds

In a 2014 interview with The Guardians Observer, the star has opened up about the heartache she suffered all those years ago.

I have definitely seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, the actress explained. You don't know how strong you are until you are placed in that kind of moment.

Speaking about how she deals with the grief, she said: If I close my eyes, I can almost remember what it was like, what I was like, 15 years ago. I was at home in Chicago, still in high school, singing in church, living with my family.

But generally, no, it feels like another Jennifer life. I dont look the same. Im a mother now. So many things have changed. I sometimes think the only constant is my voice. That hasnt gone away.

Jennifer explained how her performance at the 2012 Super Bowl, where she sang Star-Spangled Banner with the children of Sandy Hook High School, came soon after Balfours long trail of justice.

In July 2012 Julia's estranged husband William Balfour - then 27 - was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion

A red cross on the decrepit house's door indicates it is structurally dangerous while the doors and windows have been boarded up

The white two-story house has chipped paint while its front steps are crumbling

The home shows visible signs of wear and tear 16 years after the killings

A boarded up door was seen on the property

In 2020 the home was put on the market by the Cook County Land Bank Authority for $20,000 but it is unknown if the home ever found a buyer

Julia is now believed to be in a $2million mansion bought for her by Hudson

In many ways the trial was the most dreadful part of it all," she added. But again I know my mother would not have wanted us to miss a beat, so we were there every day.

I wouldn't wish it on anyone to have to experience anything like that, but that is what you do for your family, so that is what we did...
Nicholas Hoult continues to spark speculation he has married Bryana Holly as he stepped out wearing a wedding band on Wednesday.

The actor, 34, previously sparked speculation that he'd tied the knot with the model, 31, when he referred to her as his 'wife'.

And Nicholas was pictured wearing a wedding band on his ring finger as he attended the Nosferatu UK Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

He cut a dapper figure in a stylish grey suit over a white shirt and black tie, while accessorising with a matching watch.

It comes after Nicholas insisted that it is 'fairly clear' he is married to Bryana.

In an interview last month, the Great actor claimed the meaning of his words should have made things obvious.

Nicholas Hoult continues to spark speculation he has married Bryana Holly as he stepped out wearing a wedding band on Wednesday

Asked if his comments mean he is married, he told People magazine : 'I think it's fairly clear.'

'I feel like it's fairly from my comments.'

The actor called his Bryanna his wife while sharing her reaction to a scary scene in his horror film 'Nosferatu' on the red carpet at the 2024 Governors Awards on Sunday.

Nicholas was pictured wearing a wedding band on his ring finger as he attended the Nosferatu UK Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London

He told E! News on the red carpe: 'Afterwards, I remember I had my wife's nails imprinted on my hand. I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this was tense.''

The couple, who rarely make public appearances together, officially began dating in 2016 after meeting in Los Angeles.

They share son Joaquin, six, and another child born in 2022.

Nicholas went on to give an insight into family life as he revealed he's looking forward to celebrating the festive season - with a funny family tradition.

He added to the publication: 'I play this really silly game where you have to roll dice and when someone gets a six, they have to put on oven gloves, a hat, a scarf, and then grab a knife and fork and try and eat the chocolate bar, and eat as much as they can of the chocolate bar before the next person in the circle rolls a six. It's fun game.'

Nicholas and Bryana first sparked marriage speculation as they attended the star-studded wedding of Anna and Malcom in Venice in October last year.

He cut a dapper figure in a stylish grey suit over a white shirt and black tie, while accessorising with a matching watch

It comes after Nicholas insisted that it is 'fairly clear' he is married to Bryana

The actor, 34, previously sparked speculation that he'd tied the knot with the model, 31, when he referred to her as his 'wife'

Nicholas - who shot to fame as an adorable child star opposite Hugh Grant in About A Boy - and the blonde beauty both sported gold wedding bands on their fingers.

Back in 2018 Nicholas became a father for the first time after welcoming his first child - son Joaquin - with Bryana, after just one year of dating.

Nicolas told the Evening Standard in 2019 his 'levels of tiredness are extreme' after he became a father for the first time.

He said: 'No one warns you about it! But the level of love that comes with it outweighs everything. It's phenomenal.

'I'm loving it. And it evolves all the time. They change so much, every day is different. It fills you up as a human completely.'

While in 2020 he revealed he's relishing the challenges of fatherhood, and is actually enjoying being at home with his family due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on The Late Late Show with James Corden, he said: 'I'm loving it. It's mad. It's a learning curve, isn't it? There's a lot to take in.

'But overall, it's like that time again, it brings back a lot of memories of your childhood.

'It makes you play again - which I'm really enjoying, particularly with this time now with everything shut down and not having to work I'm kind of just playing trains all day. Yeah, it's great.'

Nicholas previously dated actress Jennifer Lawrence, 29, on and off for four years (pictured together in January 2014)

In 2020 he revealed he's relishing the challenges of fatherhood, and is actually enjoying being at home with his family due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The About A Boy actor famously dated Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence on and off for four years before they broke up in 2014.

Jennifer later reflected on their split during an interview with Diane Sawyer, revealing it happened as they completed filming X Men: Days Of Future Past.

Meanwhile, Bryana previously dated Five Seconds of Summer star Aston Irwin and Brody Jenner, the step-brother of American socialite Kim Kardashian, with whom she regularly featured on Kim's popular fly-on-the-wall reality show.

The couple dated for several months in 2013 before a dramatic falling out at the annual Playboy Mansion Halloween party.
An Australian model has sparked concern among fans after sharing a series of troubling social media posts.

Sahara Ray, whose father is surfing legend Tony Ray, took to her Instagram Stories begging for help and claiming someone was 'trying to kill' her.

In the since-deleted photos, the 31-year-old - who has relocated to the US - wrote: 'Somebody is trying to kill me. Please help me.

'I'm stuck on my farm in Hawaii and they poisoned me by putting puffer fish poisoning in my shoe. I'm alone and need help.'

Sahara, who briefly had a 'fling' with Justin Bieber in 2016, claimed someone was going to 'take' her.

She also claimed the police 'are all brainwashed and working for the same person'.

Australian model Sahara Ray has sparked concern amongst fans after sharing a series of troubling social media posts

Sahara, whose father is Aussie surfing legend Tony Ray, took to her Instagram Stories begging for help and claiming someone was 'trying to kill' her

'They are trying to frame me for things I didn't do and take me. HELP,' she pleaded.

In another Instagram Stories post, the model made several concerning claims about her health and assured her followers she wasn't 'joking'.

'A spirit has been taking over my body for a year now and is trying to kill me and eat me this is not a joke they are going to make me disappear. HELP,' she wrote. 'This is real.'

'This is happening to people all over the world. They are eating bodies and taking souls. Wake up,' she added.

Sahara then urged her followers to 'never do whippits'  another term for nitrous oxide or laughing gas  because 'the spirit is inside them'.

One fan shared screenshots of the posts on Reddit and expressed concerns for Sahara's mental health.

'This is rly concerning hard to tell if she's really in trouble or having a mental breakdown,' they wrote. 'I hope she's okay.'

Sahara, who went to rehab for drug and alcohol abuse in December 2021, is best known for her rumoured fling with Canadian pop star Justin Bieber in 2016.

In one Instagram Story, the model made several concerning claims about her health and assured her followers she wasn't 'joking'

Sahara then urged her followers to 'never do whippits'  another term for nitrous oxide or laughing gas  because 'the spirit is inside them'

The OnlyFans performer often shares racy photos of herself online

The OnlyFans performer often shares racy photos of herself online, with a previous photo shoot showing her strike a number of suggestive poses in tight swimwear.

It isn't the first time Sahara has sparked concern among her followers.

In March 2023, Sahara uploaded a gallery of Instagram photos in which she posed topless on a bed holding a prop assault rifle.

She dressed provocatively in a schoolgirl skirt as she writhed alongside rapper Chris Miles, 24, who has multiple face tattoos.

Sitting on a table in the background was a canister of nitrous oxide, known as a 'nang' in Australia and a 'whippit' in the United States.

The canisters are usually used as whipped-cream chargers, but can also be used to inhale nitrous oxide.

Users briefly experience dizziness, uncontrollable laughter, and hallucinations.

Sahara shared a confronting photo shoot that led to fears her partying lifestyle is getting out of control

Sahara rose to fame in August 2016 when she was caught by the paparazzi skinny dipping with Justin Bieber (right) in Hawaii

However, people can die from excessive inhalation as too much can cause a heart attack.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Sahara or Chris used the products.

In one photo, Chris was seen roughly squeezing Sahara's face, while in another he was pictured kissing her neck on the bed.

Many of Sahara's followers expressed concern in the comments section, with one writing: 'What happened to you?' while another added: 'Darling, we can do better.'
Jackie 'O' Henderson found her drug addiction being made the butt of a few jokes at the 2024 GQ Men Of The Year Awards.

Comedians Tim McDonald and Melanie Bracewell hosted the glittering affair and the hosting duo did not shy away from making a not-so-subtle dig at the KIIS FM star, 49.

During the duo's opening monologue, Tim and Melanie took aim at Jackie's recently published memoir, The Whole Truth.

After Tim exclaimed: 'Jackie O is here tonight,' Melanie replied: 'Jackie O released a book this year, and that's so exciting.'

However, things took a sarcastic turn as Melanie joked: 'Finally, someone that talks about her life for five hours every day was ready to share her story.'

The sledging didn't end there with Tim jumping in to mock Jackie's recent admissions about drug and alcohol addiction as well as her supposed romantic interest in younger men.

Jackie 'O' Henderson found her drug addiction being made the butt of a few jokes at the 2024 GQ Men Of The Year Awards

'In all seriousness, Jackie's book recounts her struggles with addiction,' he began before delivering the killer punchline: 'To Prada bags and 20 year old men.'

They boldly made the savage jokes while Jackie sat in the audience, looking effortlessly glamorous as she arrived alongside her best friend Pip Edwards.

For the glitzy night, Jackie put on a glamorous display as she showed off her incredible figure in an eye-catching black backless gown.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of heels as she strutted her stuff and worked the angles for the camera, showing off her toned frame.

Jackie appeared to take the jibes about her addiction battle in her stride as she stepped out smiling ahead of the event.

Just weeks ago, Jackie tearfully revealed her drug and alcohol addiction struggles for the first time in her memoir, The Whole Truth.

In October, she revealed how she had secretly checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in November 2022 for a 28-day stay, telling her listeners at the time she had long Covid.

At the height of her addiction, she was consuming up to 12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets daily, often with alcohol - which is extremely dangerous.

Comedians Tim McDonald and Melanie Bracewell hosted the glittering affair and the hosting duo did not shy away from making a not-so-subtle dig at the KIIS FM star, 49

Tim mocked Jackie's recent admissions about drug and alcohol addiction as well as her supposed romantic interest in younger men

Despite their on-air partnership lasting for 25 years, Jackie's long-standing co-host Kyle was kept in the dark about her addiction battle.

As Jackie made her heartfelt admission live on air, a shocked Kyle revealed he had 'no idea' about his co-host's secret.

'You're just so anti-drug, that's the shock of it, you have never been the party girl, you were never that,' he said.

Speaking sincerely, Kyle added that he was 'embarrassed' he did not see any signs of Jackie's addiction.

'I didn't know you were a big drinker, I know you like a wine every now and then. I feel embarrassed that I sit here every day of my life and had no clue,' he said.

'I'm in shock, I'm in shock and feeling like a s**t friend for not realising,' he added.

Jackie took an extended break from The Kyle and Jackie O Show when she checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in November 2022.

Jackie managed to secretly fly out of Australia and to Los Angeles to check into the famous rehab, which has been host to Hollywood stars including Lindsay Lohan and Keith Urban.

Just weeks ago, Jackie tearfully revealed her drug and alcohol addiction struggles for the first time in her memoir, The Whole Truth

Jackie was accompanied by her best friend Gemma for the flight and they made the decision to catch a night flight for more privacy.

In her memoir, Jackie detailed her travel itinerary and how she managed to keep her addiction a secret for more than two years.

'I'm ready to leave for the airport and catch this night flight. We board at the last possible moment and we arrive late in the evening,' the extract explained.

'We pick up our rental car and set a course for Palm Springs. We're headed to a little hotel there for two nights, but that's not my final destination.

'After our weekend in the Sonoran desert, Gemma will be heading home and I won't be going with her. I'm going on alone when she checks out.'

Jackie secretly checked into the Betty Ford Clinic for a 28-day stay to take part in a voluntary 12-step program to treat her drug addiction.

She marked two years of sobriety on November 14 after overcoming her years-long drug and alcohol addiction.
Meghan Markle dazzled during a solo red carpet appearance on Wednesday, as she supported her friend Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, wowed in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown with a sizzling front slit and strappy Celine heels at the event, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Sparkling around her neck was an exquisite diamond Logan Hollowell necklace, which she paired with rings by Lorraine Schwartz and Engender, according to Marie Claire.

Meghan and husband Prince Harry, 40  who recently said the pair have no plans to return to the United Kingdom  were part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs for the event, though he was not present on the red carpet.

Harry was in New York at the annual DealBook Summit, also attended by Jeff Bezos and Bill Clinton, where he revealed that he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to return to the UK with Archie and Lilibet.

He said said his focus was on being the best husband and the best dad that I can be - and claimed that due to security concerns in Britain there are things his two children 'undoubtedly wouldnt be able to do in the UK'.

Former Suits star Meghan was at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to cheer on Perry, 55, as the Paley Center for Media honored the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career. Perry was also the recipient of the Paley Honors Award at the soiree.

The actress and her husband have a close friendship with the billionaire filmmaker, who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet.

Meghan Markle, 43, dazzled during a solo red carpet appearance on Wednesday, as she supported her friend Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills

Meghan attended the event without Harry, who was in New York

The Duchess of Sussex and husband Prince Harry, 40, were part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs for the event, though he was not present on the red carpet

The actress wowed at the event, following reports that she and Harry have taken a 'twin track' approach to appearances that will see them doing more things on their own

The Suits star was there to cheer on Perry, 55, as the Paley Center for Media honored the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career

The smiling Duchess of Sussex left the Beverly Wilshire via a side entrance

The Duke of Sussex speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 in the Big Apple yesterday

Meghan's raven hair was styled in a relaxed updo, and delicate makeup accentuated her features. She further accessorized her look with a gold Cartier Love bracelet.

In September, Meghan and Harry  who have reportedly taken a 'twin track' approach to public appearances, that will see them doing more things on their own rather than together  attended Perry's star-studded birthday bash with Oprah.

Perry  who previously said Meghan treated him 'like a therapist' after quitting the royal family  also famously let the pair stay in his Santa Barbara home when they first moved to America.

The Six Triple Eight filmmaker looked dapper for the night, wearing a black tuxedo with a black button-up underneath.

While on the red carpet he and Meghan shared a tender hug and chatted together.

He also posed with actress Tika Sumpter, 44, who thrilled in a silver gown.

Actress Kerry Washington, 47, was also present to celebrate Perry, and looked stunning in a vibrant blue gown.

Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles, 70, made the event as well, rocking a black blazer dress.

Meanwhile Yvette Nicole Brown, 53, looked chic in a black velvet suit and matching heels.

'Throughout my career, I have strived to bring people together and to give a voice to those often underrepresented in media,' Perry said in a statement after it was revealed he would be receiving the award.

'Media has served as a vital platform for this mission, and Im honored to receive this award from The Paley Center for Media, an organization that has dedicated itself to spotlighting the power and importance of media.'

Meghan wowed in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown with a sizzling front slit and strappy Celine heels

Perry previously shared about his friendship with the royal couple: 'They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great'

Sparkling around her neck was an exquisite diamond necklace

She had a gold Cartier bracelet on her wrist

The Duchess looked to be in great spirits, despite flying solo for the night

Meghan flashed her megawatt smile

She walked the red carpet solo before meeting up with Perry

Her raven tresses were pulled up into a chic updo

She wore delicate glam for the occasion

A touch of mascara drew attention to her eyes

Her stylish gown commanded attention on the red carpet

It comes after Prince Harry revealed that he and Meghan have no plans to return to the United Kingdom

The Sussexes have called Montecito, California home since the summer of 2020 - after they fled the UK and the Royal Family

Meghan laughed it up on the red carpet

At one point she waved to the cameras

She further accessorized her diamond necklace with a number of rings

The actress and her husband have a close friendship with the billionaire filmmaker, who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet

In September, she and Harry attended Perry's star-studded birthday bash with Oprah

Perry  who previously said Meghan treated him 'like a therapist' after quitting the royal family  also famously let the pair stay in his Santa Barbara home when they first moved to America

Back in 2020, after Harry and Meghan announced that they were saying goodbye to their royal duties and relocating to California, the couple, along with their then-one-year-old son, Archie, spent a few months living in Tyler's Beverly Hills mansion

During an interview with The Cut in 2022, Meghan, spoke out about her bond with Tyler, explaining that he got in touch with her after she first wed Harry in 2018

She added that he sent her a 'note' in which he said he 'understood' the intense pressure she was under, and encouraged her to reach out if she ever needed help

She soon began to open up to him about her struggles and the two grew close, despite them never even meeting in person

'Sometimes, you can tell your life story to a stranger on a plane as opposed to some of the people that are closest to you,' she told The Cut

According to the outlet, Tyler offering his home to the pair 'became, in many ways, the reason that Meghan and Harry started their new life in Southern California'

Meghan held hands with Perry as they greeted each other in front of the shutterbugs

She shared a tender hug with the filmmaker

Meghan was seen leaving the event

She was all smiles while navigating the sidewalk in her designer heels

The Duchess didn't seem to mind the night winter chill

Maureen J. Reidy, the President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media, shared: 'Through his acclaimed and prolific body of work, Tyler Perry has solidified his place as one of medias greatest and most impactful figures.'

'With each new project, he continues to move our industry, and our culture, forward, and it is our great privilege to present Tyler with our highest honor, The Paley Honors Award.'

Other Tribute Host Committee Chairs at the event were Ariel Emanuel, Jon Feltheimer, Whoopi Goldberg, Taraji P. Henson, Matt Johnson, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gayle King, Debra L. Lee, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Scott Mills, The Honorable Nicole Avant and Ted Sarandos, and Kerry Washington.

The Paley Center for Media called Perry 'one of the most inspiring, versatile, prolific, and innovative creatives working in media today' adding that 'Over the course of his storied career, he has produced over 2,000 episodes of television, and directed, written, and produced 28 feature films.'

The Paley Center for Media is a non-profit organization that's dedicated to preserving television and radio history and exploring the cultural and social impact of media.

Back in 2020, after Harry and Meghan announced that they were saying goodbye to their royal duties and relocating to California, the couple, along with their then-one-year-old son, Archie, spent a few months living in Tyler's Beverly Hills mansion.

During an interview with The Cut in 2022, Meghan, spoke out about her bond with Tyler, explaining that he got in touch with her after she first wed Harry in 2018.

She added that he sent her a 'note' in which he said he 'understood' the intense pressure she was under, and encouraged her to reach out if she ever needed help.

She soon began to open up to him about her struggles and the two grew close, despite them never even meeting in person.

'Sometimes, you can tell your life story to a stranger on a plane as opposed to some of the people that are closest to you,' she told The Cut.

The two had an enthusiastic chat

The dynamic duo also posed with Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media

Maureen looked glamorous in a fiery red gown

Perry was the recipient of the Paley Honors Award at the soiree

The Six Triple Eight filmmaker looked dapper in a black tuxedo with a black button-up underneath

While on the red carpet he posed with actress Tika Sumpter, 44, who thrilled in a silver gown

Actress Kerry Washington, 47, was also present to celebrate Perry, and looked stunning in a vibrant blue gown

Her tresses were slicked back for the occasion

Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles, 70, made the event as well, rocking a black blazer dress

Yvette Nicole Brown, 53, looked chic in a black velvet suit and matching heels

(L-R) Perry, Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, and Maureen

According to the outlet, Tyler offering his home to the pair 'became, in many ways, the reason that Meghan and Harry started their new life in Southern California.'

Meanwhile Perry previously shared about his friendship with the royal couple: 'They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great.'

The Hollywood titan revealed that the duo had previously shared the same publicist whom he used to deliver a message of support.

'I sent them a note... and just said, "If you ever need anything, I'm here," and she called months later and just talked to me like I was a therapist and we just had a great conversation.'

It comes after Prince Harry revealed that he and Meghan have no plans to return to the United Kingdom with Archie and Lilibet.

The Duke of Sussex opened up about his desire to stay in the United States at the annual DealBook Summit live in New York on Wednesday.

It was there that the prince said security was a factor for his and Meghan's decision to stay put for the time being - as well as their children's future.

The Sussexes have called Montecito, California home since the summer of 2020 - after they fled the UK and the Royal Family.

The Times reported Prince Harry told the summit on Wednesday: 'I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.'

The Duke added that there are also activities he can do with young Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilibet that he 'undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK'.

It comes after Prince Harry revealed that he and Meghan have no plans to return to the United Kingdom with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three; pictured at the DealBook summit on Wednesday

Prince Harry said of life in the US: 'I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here'; they are seen in 2019

Harry said he was focused on 'being the best husband and the best dad that I can be', too.

During last night's summit, Harry spoke at length about children. He revealed he did not support the move to ban social media for children, stating that doing so 'creates all sort of problems'.

Harry said a social media ban for kids didn't make sense because taking it away could lead to family rows and playground bullying.

He did, however, state that social media companies should be subject to greater transparency and accountability.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Harry has secured the services of his neighbor Katy Perry to sing at the opening night of his Invictus Games, which will take place on February 8, 2025.

The Grammy nominated star will headline the opening of the event for disabled military veterans in Vancouver, Canada.

Katy is by far the biggest star to appear at the bi-annual event attended by Harry and his wife Meghan.

She and her partner actor, British actor Orlando Bloom, are close neighbors of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Montecito, California.

The Invictus Games will be the first major event Harry and Meghan have attended together after reports emerged they were going their separate ways in engagements.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US in June that year.

Since Harry and Meghan resigned from the Royal Family, the couple have spoken about how the Firm could have done more to support Meghan during her time in the UK.

The Duke of Sussex and Meghan relocated to California in 2020. Pictured this year in Nigeria

In their Netflix series, Meghan detailed her first meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales - and how she was 'surprised' to learn the Royal Family's formality continued behind closed doors.

She said: 'Even when Will and Kate came over and I was meeting her for the first time I remember I was in ripped jeans, I was barefoot.

'Like I was a hugger, I have always been a hugger I didn't realize that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.

'I started to understand that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside, that there is a forward facing way of being and then you close the door and think 'OK we can relax now.'

'But that formality carries over on both sides and that was surprising to me.'

In Prince Harry's biography Spare, the Duke claimed the Princess of Wales was 'put on edge' by Meghan's arrival and how she would be 'forced to compete' with the actress.

In their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed she began experiencing suicidal thoughts while she was pregnant with Archie in 2019 and was not given the support she needed.
Robert Pattinson said he was in 'a fugue state' after repeatedly being asked about his celebrity in 2011, leading him to make up a story on the Today Show about seeing a clown die when he was a child.

The 38-year-old re-watched his April 18, 2011 interview with former Today host Matt Lauer recently, according to The New York Times Style Magazine, which reported the actor had 'a combination of pride and alarm' in his voice more than 13 years later.

Pattinson told the publication that there 'was absolutely no hesitation at all' in his voice as he regaled Lauer with the tall tale on the NBC show.

'I'm like, "What on earth? Are you possessed?"' he said of the bizarre story.

The London-born actor was surging from the popularity of the Twilight franchise at the time, as well as his then-high-profile romance with costar Kristen Stewart.

'The only thing people would ever ask me about was being famous,' Pattinson told the magazine. 'You go into, like, a fugue state.'

Robert Pattinson, 38, said he was in 'a fugue state' after repeatedly being asked about his celebrity in 2011, leading him to make up a story on the Today Show about seeing a clown die when he was a child. Pictured in June in Paris

Pattinson at the time was promoting his circus-themed romantic period piece Water for Elephants, which co-starred Oscar winners Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz.

The Batman leading man told Lauer: 'The first time I went to the circus somebody died - one of the clowns died.'

Amid nervous laughter, Lauer (who was fired by NBC in late 2017 amid sexual misconduct claims) said, 'Alright, I'm not letting that go: How did the clown die?'

Pattinson replied, 'His little car exploded; the joke car exploded on him.'

Lauer asked Pattinson, 'Are you being serious right now?'

The Good Time star responded, 'Yeah; my parents had to - everybody ran out - it was terrifying.

Lauer said, 'What a bizarre way to start the interview' to Pattinson, who claimed 'it's the only time I've ever been to the circus.'

Pattinson corrected the record later that month while attending the film's Berlin premiere, admitting he 'actually made the whole thing up.'

The actor told the story in an April 18, 2011 interview with former Today host Matt Lauer

Pattinson was promoting his circus-themed romantic period piece Water for Elephants

Pattinson told the publication that there 'was absolutely no hesitation at all' in his voice as he regaled Lauer with the tall tale on the NBC show

Pattinson said he was groggy appearing on the show 'early in the morning' after the film's New York City premiere.

He said he ad-libbed what he thought was an interesting story about the circus in lieu of an actual real-life experience.

Pattinson recalled that Lauer was 'shocked' and that he was surprised he kept bringing it up.

Pattinson in the recent interview with The New York Times Style Magazine spoke about the up-and-down nature of show business, sharing a quote from late Hollywood legend Paul Newman.

He said: 'At the beginning of your career it's, "Who is Paul Newman?" And then it's, "Get me Paul Newman." Then it's, "Get me a young Paul Newman." Then it's, "Who is Paul Newman?"'

Next up for Pattinson is a leading role in the Bong Joon Ho adventure film Mickey 17, which arrives in theaters April 18, 2025.
UNESCO inscribes Spring Festival on intangible cultural heritage list

Xinhua) 08:05, December 05, 2024

Chinese delegates celebrate the inscription of Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

ASUNCION, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, taking place in Paraguay from Dec. 2 to 7. The committee recognized the festival for its wide array of rituals and unique cultural elements that engage all of Chinese society.

UNESCO highlighted that the Spring Festival, marking the start of the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, involves various social practices, including prayers for good fortune and family reunions. It also features activities planned by elders and festive public events organized by communities.

According to UNESCO's documentation, the traditional knowledge and customs associated with the Spring Festival are passed down informally within families and communities, as well as formally through the education system. Craftsmanship and artistic skills related to the festival are transmitted through apprenticeships, promoting family values, social cohesion, and peace, while providing a sense of cultural identity.

The committee also emphasized that the festival embodies the harmony between humans and nature and contributes to sustainable development in areas such as food security and education. It also plays a key role in raising environmental awareness.

China's vice minister of Culture and Tourism, Rao Quan, who led the Chinese delegation at the UNESCO session, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He stressed that the Spring Festival is China's most important traditional holiday, symbolizing the Chinese people's hopes for a better life, strong ties to family and country, and the values of harmony between humans and nature.

Rao further explained that the festival, passed down through generations, has provided lasting spiritual strength to the Chinese people. It has played a significant role in promoting family and social harmony, driving economic development, protecting the environment, and fostering global cultural exchange.

He added that the inclusion of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO list will help promote universal values of peace and harmony and highlight the important role of intangible cultural heritage in sustainable development.

With this addition, China now has 44 cultural elements or practices recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

Light decorations are pictured ahead of the Spring Festival in south China's Macao, Jan. 29, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Cheong Kam Ka/Xinhua)

Residents shop the Spring Festival decorations at a market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 10, 2023. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Hao Yaxin/Xinhua)

People visit a lantern show to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in the city of Taizhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 7, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

Folk artisans perform walking on stilts at a scenic spot of Zhengding ancient city in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 27, 2022. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

Members of a local gong and drum troupe perform during a temple fair in Junxian County of central China's Henan Province, March 2, 2018. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Xinhua/Li An)

Children perform dragon dance at a kindergarten to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Xianju County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua)

Local villagers perform dragon dance to celebrate the Spring Festival in Kuangting Village of Anhua Town in Zhuji City of east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 10, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Du Mingming)
Testing mortise-tenon bricks on China's space station for building houses on moon

Xinhua) 10:29, December 05, 2024

WUHAN, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Astronauts aboard China's space station are set to arrange an experiment on brick samples made from simulated lunar soil and featuring mortise-tenon joint structure, which may pave the way for building houses on the moon using lunar soils.

The innovative idea was conceived by a team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), who used simulated lunar soil to craft bricks featuring traditional Chinese masonry and woodworking techniques.

Those brick samples weighing 226 grams were transported into the orbital lab through the cargo craft Tianzhou-8 in November. The subsequent spacewalk mission will transport the samples to the exterior of the Wentian Module for endurance testing.

LUNAR AMBITIONS

So far, the major space-faring nations in the world have revealed ambitious plans to establish lunar bases. In 2017, China launched a cooperation initiative for an international lunar research station, and its first phase will see a basic facility built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region.

Engineers from across the globe have suggested multiple lunar construction methods, such as rigid, deployable, inflatable, 3D-printed and underground structures. NASA and the European Space Agency have favored the use of 3D printing. However, this 3D printing technique, which completes the structure in a single process, has a key vulnerability: a single crack could compromise the integrity of the entire structure.

Ancient Chinese craftsmen used only wood to construct magnificent buildings with the mortise-and-tenon structure, which joins pieces at right angles without the use of nails. The earliest example of this technique dates back 7,000 years to the Hemudu culture in east China's Zhejiang Province.

This has inspired modern space architects led by Ding Lieyun, a professor at HUST in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. They envisioned crafting bricks with interlocking joints on the moon for assembly.

They also developed a robotic system to handle the assembly, with the final step involving the use of 3D printing to reinforce the structure.

CHALLENGES

Constructing habitats on the moon, however, presents significant challenges. First, there are extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from over 180 degrees Celsius during the day to minus 190 at night.

Also, the lack of an atmosphere exposes the surface to intense cosmic radiation and frequent micrometeorite impacts. The moon also experiences about 1,000 small seismic events each year.

Another uncertainty is the impact of the moon's reduced gravity, which is only one-sixth of Earth's. This will affect the molding quality, Ding explained.

The goal of sending simulated lunar brick samples to space for tests outside the Wentian is to evaluate their resilience to temperature extremes and cosmic radiation. Wentian is equipped with 22 standard payload interfaces outboard for conducting extravehicular exposure experiments.

The brick samples in the experiment come in cylindrical and slab forms: the cylinders test mechanical integrity, while the slabs assesses insulation and heat resistance.

The samples have been divided into three groups. "We're planning to retrieve the first by the close of 2025," said Zhou Cheng, a professor at the National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction (NCTI-DC) under the HUST. The second retrieval is scheduled for 2026, and the final one is set for 2027, according to Zhou.

"Constructing a building is not merely for short-term use. This principle is especially critical in lunar construction. We must understand the processes of material aging and decay," said Ding.

LOCAL RESOURCES

In May 2023, the researchers from HUST obtained 500 mg of authentic lunar samples returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission. The lunar probe retrieved 1,731 grams of lunar samples, consisting primarily of rocks and soil from the lunar surface.

Using the small parcel of regolith, they initiated an investigation into in-situ construction methods.

"In-situ" is a strategy of harnessing exclusively lunar resources, eliminating the need for terrestrial material transport, Ding explained. "One brick-making process employs a caustic soda solution or sulfur to solidify lunar regolith, and it is not a purely in-situ construction."

Ding's team opted for volcanic ash from Changbai Mountain in northeast China's Jilin Province, which closely mirrors the composition of lunar regolith.

Lunar regolith, a layer of soil-like mixture distributed on the surface of the moon, is primarily composed of rock and mineral fragments, glassy particles and agglutinates.

They cleaned and dried the rocks, eliminated organic compounds, crushed them for elemental analysis, and subsequently incorporated specific additives to formulate a simulated lunar regolith. The team created five simulated lunar soil compositions to mimic the moon's diverse regolith across different regions.

The density of these bricks is comparable to that of conventional bricks, and their compressive strength exceeds that of concrete bricks by more than three times.

To prepare experimental bricks launched into space, three sintering techniques -- vacuum, inert gas and air sintering -- have been employed, according to Ding.

Among these methods, inert gas sintering yields the highest strength. In a vacuum environment, effective sintering can be achieved by heating to a temperature range of 1,000 to 1,100 degrees Celsius.

Nevertheless, the lunar environment is vastly intricate. Ding is aspiring to test bricks firing on the moon in the future. "Harnessing local lunar resources for construction can substantially cut building expenses and facilitate more profound space exploration," Ding said.

In the NCTI-DC lab's sandbox stands a building model resembling a vertically oriented eggshell. The building's interior is compartmentalized into two levels: an upper work area and a lower rest area. This is the conceptual design for a lunar dwelling Ding's team has imagined.

His blueprint also includes building a Lego-like lunar base and a lunar landing pad.

"These lunar experiments lay the groundwork for future space exploration," said Ding. "The moon can be a springboard to advance our reach into the cosmos."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner's tony neighborhood in the Los Angeles suburbs has been menaced by an unexpected predator - to the point a local school was locked down.

A mountain lion was spotted in the Hidden Hills area of Calabasas, where both Khloe, 40, and and her mother Kris, 69, own sprawling estates.

An elementary school in the vicinity went into lockdown for part of Wednesday because of the potential threat posed by the animal.

The feline was seen clambering over multiple tree branches in the area and passing some time on a resident's lawn, in images obtained by TMZ.

At one point the mountain lion - a member of a species than can run more than 40 miles per hour - was spotted darting up a tree at speed.

Given how many children and pets live in Hidden Hills, the locals are said to be frightened by the presence of the animal, according to a neighborhood insider.

Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner's tony neighborhood in the Los Angeles suburbs has been menaced by an unexpected predator - to the point a local school was locked down

Khloe is pictured in a recent Instagram post confronting her fears of piercings

Residents have called the California Department Of Fish And Wildlife (CDFW), only to be informed that the mountain lion cannot be tranquilized or removed under state law.

Mountain lions are a specially protected non-game species in California, and this particular big cat was on its natural territory, which is why the authorities could not expel it.

A CDFW representative has confirmed the organization tends not to intervene in wildlife movements if possible, as its remit is natural resource management and conservation.

Each situation is judged on a case-by-case basis, and there may be rare occasions when an animal might have to be moved to an appropriate habitat nearby.

However the optimal outcome is if the animal is able to leave the affected area of its own accord, the CDFW spokesperson explained.

Khloe is not generally scared of big cats in a controlled environment, as she revealed on her Instagram page during a 2015 trip to Mexico.

She and her half-sister Kendall Jenner could be seen interacting with rescued animals at the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation in Monterrey.

The eye-catching snaps showed Khloe playing with what appeared to be an adult brown and white jaguar, as well as petting a large leopard.

Khloe is not generally afraid of big cats in a controlled environment, as she played with a jaguar during a 2015 visit to the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation in Monterrey, Mexico

In 2022, seven years after Khloe's visit, a viral video surfaced of the animals in dismal physical condition and the organization was raided and shut down by the authorities

Khloe shared a close-up snap of a baby jaguar and gushed in her caption: 'My day has only just begun... Look at this face!!! I'm in love with this baby'.

A number of top-flight celebrities visited the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation over the years, including Lewis Hamilton and Paris Hilton.

However in 2022 a viral video surfaced of the animals there in dismal physical condition, with some so starved they were eating their own tails.

The Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation was plunged into a roiling controversy that culminated when the outfit was raided by the Mexican authorities and shut down.
The Wiggles star John Pearce and his heavily pregnant wife Jessie Adamo moved boxes into their Sydney home on Wednesday ahead of the birth of their first child.

The couple appeared to be in good spirits as they made their final preparations in their last few days before they are due to welcome their baby boy into the world.

John, 33, showed off his muscular frame as he effortlessly carried several heavy-looking boxes into the home, while accompanied by his wife.

The children's entertainer rocked a casual look in a plain black T-shirt, which he paired with blue tracksuit pants and black Nike sneakers.

He completed his look with slick futuristic aviator sunglasses and looked to be in good spirits as he strolled alongside his wife.

Meanwhile, Jessie showed off her growing baby bump in a black dress as she followed behind John, carrying several smaller boxes into their home.

The Wiggles star John Pearce and his heavily pregnant wife Jessie Adamo moved boxes into their Sydney home on Wednesday ahead of the birth of their first child

The couple appeared to be in good spirits as they made their final preparations in their last few days before they are due to welcome their baby boy into the world

John, 33, showed off his muscular frame as he effortlessly carried several heavy-looking boxes into the home, while accompanied by his wife

The expectant mother showcased her natural beauty by going makeup-free for the outing and wore her brunette hair tied back in a ponytail.

The couple appeared to be every bit the picture of domestic bliss as they worked together to unload the boxes from their car, with John flashing a warm smile at his glowing wife.

They have been keeping fans up to date with every step of their pregnancy journey so far and documented the process of building their unborn child's nursery in recent days.

Posting footage of the arduous task to Instagram, John proudly shared the nursery reveal with his followers after his efforts organising the project and assembling furniture.

Captioning the footage, John wrote: 'Dear baby, while mum is building you, Daddy is building the nursery and disposing of all the cardboard.'

However, some critics could only focus on one detail as they came under unlikely backlash for the footage.

Some fans were quick to point out that John and Jessie's cat Bally had been sleeping in the baby's cot, which they claimed could cause an allergic reaction for their baby boy.

One commenter began the barrage of unsolicited criticism with: 'Hey John, please keep the cat out of the cot or where the newborn will lay as cat fur can cause allergies in babies.'

The children's entertainer rocked a casual look in a plain black T-shirt, which he paired with blue tracksuit pants and black Nike sneakers

John, 33, showed off his muscular frame as he effortlessly carried several heavy-looking boxes into the home, while accompanied by his wife

He completed his look with slick futuristic sunglasses and his jet-black hair was freshly styled

Meanwhile, John's heavily pregnant wife Jessie wore a black maternity gown and showcased her growing baby bump as she carefully carried some smaller boxes into her property

She radiated elegance, with her maternity gown perfectly highlighting her maternal glow as she busied herself with the lighter items

'I hate to be that person but I have to say it. If your cat is comfortable in the crib before baby comes home dont be surprised if they climb in there when baby transitions from bassinet. Ive heard accidental smothering stories which is terrifying,' another added.

A third said: 'Cats love the smell of babies so just be careful. My mum found our cat with the baby inside the bassinet on her Christening dayfortunately not on top of her!'

'No one is hating when they tell you dont encourage the cat to sit in cot cause the cat will think its OK and one time baby may be in there. U need to try to discourage Bally to stay out,' one user commented.

Another one wrote: 'Be careful of the cat. My Aunty found it sitting on my cousin's face when she was a baby.'

Despite the numerous followers calling out the potential danger, others defended the couple.

'All the unsolicited parenting advice from all the experts,' one person wrote, while another simply said: 'Cute! Love seeing the cat in the bassinet.'

A third took a more direct approach, writing: 'Omg can everyone stop about their cat.

'Youre supposed to introduce cats to the new furniture before the baby arrives because then its not a whole new thing for them as theyve already gotten used to it.'

She showcased her natural beauty by going makeup-free for the outing and wore her brunette hair tied back in a ponytail

Jessie looked radiant as she stepped out alongside her husband during their latest outing

The couple appeared to be every bit the picture of domestic bliss as they worked together seamlessly, with John flashing a warm smile at his glowing wife

They have been keeping fans up to date with every step of their pregnancy journey so far and documented the process of building their unborn child's nursery in recent days

John and Jessie, who tied the knot in 2019, announced they were expecting their first child back in June.

The announcement featured a touching video on Instagram of the emotional moment they discovered Jessie was pregnant, and they confirmed they are set to have a boy.

'It has been a long journey but our beautiful angel has finally been sent to us,' they captioned the post.

'We are so full of joy and can't wait to meet you - baby Adamo Pearce due Dec 2024.'

They have since shared regular updates on their baby journey on social media, from the initial ultrasound, to a baby shower and a luxurious 'babymoon' in Fiji last month.

John and Jessie started dating in 2012, just two years after his dance-pop group Justice Crew shot to fame with their Australia's Got Talent win.

They tied the knot in a private ceremony in October 2019, with their fifth anniversary together coming up at the end of this year.
Sonia Kruger was all smiles as she stepped out with her long-term partner Craig McPherson and their daughter Maggie at Sydney Airport on Thursday.

The Gold Logie winning presenter, 59, looked travel ready as she cut a stylish figure while getting ready to jet off on an overseas holiday with her beloved family.

For the outing, she kept things casual in a chic black vest top, which she styled with beige high-waisted pants and designer open-toed shoes.

The Big Brother Australia presenter accessorised with stylish aviator shades and had her hands full with a stylish straw tote from luxury brand Jacquemus and her wheeled luggage.

Sonia embodied casual elegance as she made her way through the bustling departure lounge with her long-term partner Craig and their nine-year-old daughter Maggie.

Meanwhile, Craig looked smart in a pink polo shirt and black trousers as he stayed close to Sonia, helping with luggage as they prepared to embark on their much-deserved break.

The trio appeared relaxed and ready for some quality family time, no doubt looking forward to sun-soaked days and a chance to unwind after a busy year.

Sonia Kruger was all smiles as she arrived with her long-term partner Craig McPherson (both pictured) at Sydney Airport on Thursday

The Gold Logie winning presenter, 59, looked travel ready as she cut a stylish figure while getting ready to jet off on an overseas holiday with her beloved family

Sonia and Craig tend to keep their romance relatively private, but she gave a rare glimpse into their 16-year long relationship earlier this year.

In July, the television host spoke to Stellar Magazine about Craig's departure from Channel Seven, where he was the network's Director of News and Public Affairs for nine years.

Craig was responsible for programs in including 7NEWS, Sunrise and The Morning Show until his abrupt departure in April.

Breaking her silence on the decision, Sonia told how it was the right move for their family as she reflected on how they are pillars of support for one another.

'One thing Craig has always been for me  and I for him  is rock solid,' she shared.

'And in an industry that can be fickle at times, you need to have someone who's in your corner. We certainly are that person for each other.'

'Craig has had an incredible career... He's not ready to retire, but I think he needed to step back from such a demanding job, especially when we have a child who's nine,' she went on.

'She requires his attention at times, as do I. The timing was right for him to step out. I'm excited to see what comes next.'

The Big Brother Australia presenter accessorised with stylish sunglasses and had her hands full with a stylish straw tote from luxury brand Jacquemus

Sonia embodied casual elegance as she made her way through the bustling departure lounge with her long-term partner Craig and their nine-year-old daughter Maggie

Meanwhile, Craig dressed for a sunny day out in a pink polo shirt and stayed close to Sonia, helping with luggage as the family prepared to embark on their much-deserved break

The trio appeared relaxed and ready for some quality family time, no doubt looking forward to sun-soaked days and a chance to unwind after a busy year

Sonia turned heads with her incredible fashion sense, proving once again that she always knows how to make a statement

Her confident and stylish presence made it clear why she is always on the cutting edge of fashion trends

It comes after Sonia shared a rare insight into her relationship with her partner of 16 years, Craig McPherson

In July, the television host told Stellar Magazine that Craig's departure from Channel Seven, where he was the network's Director of News and Public Affairs for nine years, was the right move for their family

The Strictly Ballroom star has previously admitted her romance with Craig was a slow burn

Speaking to The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show in 2021, Sonia said she and Craig used to have many heated arguments when he was her boss on current affairs show Today Tonight, several years before they became romantically involved

'I'm biased, but he really is one of the best in the business. I know there will be something fun that comes for Craig where he can actually indulge a passion, which is sport. So, who knows?'

The Strictly Ballroom star has previously admitted her romance with Craig was a slow burn.

Speaking to The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show in 2021, Sonia said she and Craig used to have many heated arguments when he was her boss on current affairs show Today Tonight, several years before they became romantically involved.

'He's one of the toughest taskmasters there is. You would know. You get very little praise from Craig, but you will definitely hear about it if you've made a mistake or you've missed something,' she said.

However, Sonia got to know another side to Craig years later, after she'd left Today Tonight and was hosting reality show Dancing with the Stars.

She revealed Craig had reached out to her when her father was ill in hospital, which led to them reconnecting and starting their romantic relationship.

'He'd obviously heard about it, and he sent me a very kind message,' she said. 'And from that point, we started talking and reconnected.'
Reality star Leida Margaretha has been cleared of felony fraud and theft charges in Columbia County, Wisconsin, more than a year after she was arrested on allegations she embezzled thousands from a business she was a temp at.

Charges including felony wire fraud, fraud against a financial institution and theft were dismissed on Tuesday against the 90 Day Fiance personality, 35, In Touch reported after reviewing court records.

Following a November 21 plea hearing in the case, the charges against the Indonesia-born TLC star were dismissed by the Columbia County District Attorney's Office November 26, according to court records; a judge signed off on the motion December 2.

Margaretha's lawyer Taylor M. Hart said last month that the issue was 'not resolved,' court records indicated.

Margaretha continues to face felony charges such as wire fraud against a financial institution; bail jumping; and business-related theft.

Margaretha appeared on the TLC series in 2018 during the show's sixth season, as her marriage to Eric Rosenberg was chronicled on the series.

Reality star Leida Margaretha, 35, has been cleared of felony fraud and theft charges in Columbia County, Wisconsin, more than a year after she was arrested on allegations she embezzled thousands from a business she was a temp at. Pictured after her October 2023 arrest

Charges including felony wire fraud, fraud against a financial institution and theft were dismissed on Tuesday against the 90 Day Fiance personality

News of the latest legal development was initially reported by the outlet Starcasm.

Margaretha was arrested in October of 2023 in connection with accusations she embezzled funds at Loggerhead Deco, a Portage, Wisconsin business involved in manufacturing decorates glass bottles, WKOW reported at the time.

Margaretha, a temp at the company, used its account details to disperse money to outside accounts she controlled, Portage Police Department Lt. Ben Neuman told the station.

The department at the time issued a news release covering the details of what led to the arrest of the TV personality.

'On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Portage Police Department was notified by the owners of Loggerhead Deco ... regarding an internal theft involving a temp employee employed as their bookkeeper.

'Through the investigation, it was determined the employee had made fraudulent payments and withdraws to several business accounts and customers using Loggerhead Deco's account information.'

Among the charges Margaretha faced at the time included theft from a business, forgery, data fraud and wire fraud, authorities said.

Police said that victims impacted by Margaretha told authorities 'several thousands of dollars in unauthorized business account payments and withdraws' had been made.

Margaretha appeared on the TLC series in 2018 during the show's sixth season

Margaretha continues to face felony charges such as wire fraud against a financial institution; bail jumping; and business-related theft

Margaretha in May faced additional charges in Juneau County, Wisconsin including bail jumping, felony business theft and wire fraud against a financial institution

Margaretha's 'association as a co-owner to a business in Arkdale,' Wisconsin helped her 'facilitate these crimes.'

Margaretha in May faced additional charges in Juneau County, Wisconsin including bail jumping, felony business theft and wire fraud against a financial institution, legal docs reviewed by InTouch indicated.

She entered pleas of not guilty this past July to the aforementioned charges.

Margaretha's attorneys issued a statement May 15 to InTouch, saying, 'Like every criminal defendant in the United States, Ms. Margaretha is presumed innocent of any and all charges against her.

'As is her right, she adamantly maintains that innocence today. Her newest case is in the very early stages and has not yet had its initial court date.'

Lawyers for Margaretha said she had been 'eager for the court process to play out,' and that they had hoped 'that her case will resolve favorably for all parties involved.'

Margaretha did not directly address the cases on her Instagram Stories Tuesday, but appeared to complain about getting property involved with the probe returned to her

Margaretha did not directly address the cases on her Instagram Stories Tuesday, but appeared to complain about getting property involved with the probe returned to her.

'I'm entitled to get my stuff back,' Margaretha said on her Instagram, which is under the handle @_aicohen. 'I wonder whether is how the bureaucracy works or this a****** is just trying to make everything hard for me to retrieve my property that they seized as "evuhdens."'

She added, 'If somehow they are messing with my computer and my phone and put some spy s*** on it then guess what? I'll use my stuff to browse porn. So you're welcome lols.'

Margaretha added, 'Hey idiots screenshot this I knew you'll do it.'

In a separate frame, Margaretha said, 'Since they say that I'm poor well of course I need my computer back. I bought that s*** brand new with my hard earned money by selling p**** hair online. Just give me my stuff back a******!'
Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst are stepping down as the SBS Eurovision hosts.

SBS quietly made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon that the pair would not be continuing their role leading the Australian coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest.

'Since 2017, the most dynamic duo in the biz, acclaimed TV and radio personalities, music buff Myf Warhurst and comedian Joel Creasey have shared the joy of Eurovision with Australian audiences but are now ready to step out of the commentary booth and pass on their glittery microphones in 2025,' the statement read.

The public broadcaster went on to thank the duo for their eight years of service.

'SBS would like to extend their sincere thanks to Myf & Joel for their incredible work over the years.'

'Its been a huge honour to host the Eurovision Song Contest for SBS,' Myf and Joel were quoted in the statement.

Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst are stepping down as the SBS Eurovision hosts. Both pictured

SBS quietly made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon that the pair would not be continuing their role leading the Australian coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest

'We have absolutely adored watching our Australian artists compete on the world stage and its been a privilege to bring that experience to our dedicated Australian Eurovision fans,' they continued.

'We are very grateful to SBS and Blink TV and both acknowledge that one of the best things to come out of all of this is our beautiful friendship.'

Myf and Joel also hinted that they will definitely be collaborating some time in the future.

'Its been a huge honour to host the Eurovision Song Contest for SBS. We have absolutely adored watching our Australian artists compete on the world stage and its been a privilege to bring that experience to our dedicated Australian Eurovision fans,' the pair said

'We certainly aim to work together in some capacity again soon.

'We wish SBS and the new hosts all the very best with future broadcasts, and we look forward to getting up super early next year to watch it with the rest of Australia from the couch in our pyjamas,' the TV stars said.

'Other than music and wind machines, Eurovision is also about joy, passion and camaraderie,' said Paul Clarke, Australia's Creative Director for Eurovision after hearing the news.

'Finding hosts that embody this is never easy, but we struck gold with Myf and Joel eight years ago and have loved working with them ever since. We wish them all the best post-Eurovision.'

Clarke also suggested the public broadcaster had lined up the duo's replacement.

'We are excited to introduce you to a dynamic new host team for 2025  watch this space!'

The duo have hosted the SBS broadcast since 2017, succeeding long-time hosts Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang.
Georgia Toffolo and her fiance James Watt have spilled all on their relationship with their hilarious take on the viral Suspect Challenge.

The ex Made In Chelsea star, 30, and the millionaire Brewdog founder, 42, are enjoying a lavish holiday in the Maldives and couldn't resist the chance to poke fun at their romance by jumping on the social media trend.

The challenge sees a couple playfully insult each other while taking on the role of cop and running suspect.

James, who is reportedly worth an estimated 262 million, didn't hold back with his insults, yelling: 'Suspect says she's a strong, independent woman that doesn't need any man but she hasn't paid a single bill in 12 months.'

Other gems included: 'Suspect says she doesn't have a type but she chooses from the Sunday Times Rich List'; 'Suspect always says she's low maintenance. Suspect has a housekeeper in two different countries that I pay for' and 'Suspect says we don't really have an age gap but her therapist says it's just daddy issues.'

Georgia had her own insults ready though, quipping: 'Suspect says he loves the simple life but lives in the penthouse on the 40th floor and 'Suspect dyes his beard black every Friday night to cover up the greys.'

Georgia Toffolo and her fiance James Watt have spilled all on their relationship with their hilarious take on the viral Suspect Challenge

The ex Made In Chelsea star, 30, and the millionaire Brewdog founder, 42, are enjoying a lavish holiday in the Maldives and couldn't resist the chance to poke fun at their romance

James may have overstepped the mark though with 'Suspect says she really wants to get married but she hasn't seen the prenup yet,' prompting Georgia to declare 'that's so savage.'

The video was met with a stream of comments with the likes of Perrie Edwards and Georgia's Made In Chelsea co-star Jamie Laing calling it 'genius'.

Toff and James are relaxing in paradise, with the TV star keeping her followers up to date with the five star holiday.

Sharing photos earlier this week, she penned a reflective caption, writing: 'So many big life things have happened since we were last here a year ago.

'Exciting life milestones like getting engaged but also difficult things too with losing James dad so suddenly over the summer.'

'Its felt like we havent had anytime to process everything, the good and the bad too, just us. Which weve really needed. We made it! Looking far too fresh from travelling, the excitement has eclipsed any tiredness.

'For the next week I plan on taking it all in with my FUTURE HUSBAND (omg) in our favourite place in the world. HELLO FROM PARADISE.'

James proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands.

James, who is reportedly worth an estimated 262m, didn't hold back with his insults, yelling: 'Suspect says she's a strong, independent woman but she hasn't paid a single bill in 12 months'

Georgia had her own insults ready though, quipping: 'Suspect dyes his beard black every Friday night to cover up the greys'

James may have overstepped the mark though with 'Suspect says she really wants to get married but she hasn't seen the prenup yet,' prompting Georgia to declare 'that's so savage'

At the time, a source told MailOnline: 'He asked her to marry him yesterday in front of both of their families in Greece.

'After the proposal they went to a big party at the Peligoni club and ended up dancing on tables to ABBA, celebrating with all the other guests.'

Georgia, who found fame as a regular cast-member on E4 show Made In Chelsea, has been dating the millionaire BrewDog co-founder since last summer and the pair now live together in London.

Announcing the news while showing off her enormous diamond engagement ring, the blonde beauty told her Instagram followers: 'James just asked me to marry him.

'It really was the best moment of my life so far. I never knew I could feel happiness like this. The easiest, quickest yes to being your wife.

'Our love story is my favourite. How we managed to find each other out of billions of people out there will always be my greatest blessing.

'I love you forever and the magical life were building.'

James proposed with and exquisite eight carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth 200,000

James proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands

A source told MailOnline: 'After the proposal they went to a big party at the Peligoni club and ended up dancing on tables to ABBA, celebrating with all the other guests'

Georgia shared exclusively with MailOnline that her engagement ring was the 'most stunning thing' she had ever seen.

'I mean, I think it is the most stunning thing Ive ever seen. I cant quite believe it. Im still pinching myself that that is on my hand.

'I had no idea how James was going to propose, but he said months ago, What [ring] would you like if we were to get engaged? And I was like, Oh my God, I know exactly what I want!

So he then said, Why dont we pick it together? I know lots of people think there needs to be a surprise, but I think its a lot of pressure on a man to get something like that correct.

She added: 'Hes so clever. Ive never met anyone like him, and Ive met a lot of really successful people. I feel really fortunate to have him as my confidant.

However, as well as the high moments, it has also been a difficult year for the couple, with James' dad tragically passing away in August after battling pancreatic cancer.

Georgia's stunning, diamond-studded engagement ring is estimated to be worth 200,000

Sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram at the time, the Brewdog founder wrote: 'Early this morning, I lost my absolute hero and my forever rock as we said goodbye to my dad.

'My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only 6 weeks ago and it was heartbreaking to see him decline so quickly. Only 8 weeks ago he was still catching lobsters on his boat The Serene BF 453...'

In May 2024 James stepped down from his role as CEO of the company he co-founded in 2007 alongside Martin Dickie.

James has been at the centre of a string of misconduct accusations in recent years after being accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women at work.

More than 15 ex-staff previously spoke out against him with some claiming he made female bartenders feel 'uncomfortable' and 'powerless'.

They were even advised by colleagues on how to avoid unwelcome attention from James, according to an investigation by BBC Scotland's Disclosure programme.

Katelynn Ising, who worked at a BrewDog bar in Ohio, US, said female staff would dress down when they knew Mr Watt would be in their bars.

She said: 'We would make a point to warn new girls... like, 'Hey, just so you know, James Watt's coming to town. Just kind of, like, leave after your shift, don't really hang around [and] don't always do your hair and make-up that day, like don't catch his attention'.'

Other former staff claim he was witnessed by staff kissing an intoxicated customer on a roof terrace at another US bar.

James has said the allegations are false and denies behaving inappropriately.
Alessandra Ambrosio looked as flawless as ever on Wednesday night as she posed up a storm at the Elisabetta Franchi x VOGUE Celebrate Sotto le Stelle event at 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach.

The Brazilian model, 43, showcased her incredibly toned midriff in a black bow detail crop top as she mingled at the bash hosted by Elisabetta Franchi & Marco Bizzarri.

Alessandra teamed her tummy-flashing top with a pair of sleek black matching trousers while boosting her height with black platform heels.

The former Victoria's Secret angel added simple gold jewellery to her look at left her brunette locks to cascade over her shoulders for the event.

During the bash, Alessandra took the opportunity to snap photos with several attendees, including host and Italian fashion designer Elisabetta, who is celebrating the opening of her first store in the US.

Elisabetta, who features in the latest edition of Vogue Italia, cut a stylish figure in a strapless black gown and diamond jewellery.

Alessandra Ambrosio looked as flawless as ever on Wednesday night as she posed up a storm at the Elisabetta Franchi x VOGUE Celebrate Sotto le Stelle event at 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach

The Brazilian model, 43, showcased her incredibly toned midriff in a black bow detail crop top as she mingled at the bash hosted by Elisabetta Franchi & Marco Bizzarri

The ladies let their hair down as they took to the DJ booth alongside musical duo Blond-ish and Maria Borges.

While they were soon joined by model Devon Windsor and artist Gabriela Medina.

Alessandra's outing comes days after she shared several new images from her recent trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

The Brazilian bombshell was modeling a colorful two piece string bikini from the swimwear company Fae, which showed off her very toned figure.

In two of the images, the Vogue cover girl was seen with a hunky blonde man who went shirt free and added sunglasses.

The pair looked happy and chilled as he waxed his surfboard as the model took selfies.

In a video, Alessandra tagged the man as Australia native Buck Palmer, who is a jewelry designer living in Venice Beach, California.

Last month she was seen kissing Buck on the cheek as the two seemed to go Instagram official.

Alessandra teamed her tummy-flashing top with a pair of sleek black matching trousers while boosting her height with black platform heels [pictured with Elisabetta Franchi]

During the bash, Alessandra took the opportunity to snap photos with several attendees, including host and Italian fashion designer Elisabetta, who is celebrating the opening of her first store in the US

Alessandra wowed as she also posed alongside Mona Salib

The ladies let their hair down as they took to the DJ booth alongside musical duo Blond-ish and Maria Borges

While they were soon joined by model Devon Windsor and artist Gabriela Medina

Alessandra was on fine form as she chatted to guests at the fashion bash

Fellow party host, the Italian business executive and former Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri - who this year became chairman of Elisabetta's company - also got into the party spirit as he posed with model Taylor Hill

Buck was previously married to model Ashley Hart, who is the sister of Victoria's Secret model Jessica Hart.

On Instagram she said she was staying at the 1 Hanalei Bay Hotel.

Her brief captions included, 'One with the magical Kauai,' and 'Aloha' as the mother of two was also seen walking in the ocean and standing in front of a sign made of sticks that read ALOHA.

The supermodel has yet to comment on her new relationship with Buck and their kissing photo is no longer on her Instagram page.

Ambrosio has had a high-profile love life over the years.

Alessandra's outing comes days after she shared several new images from her recent trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii, in which she showed off her figure in a tiny string bikini

In two of the images, the Vogue cover girl was seen with a hunky blonde man who went shirt free and added sunglasses. He was waxing his surfboard as the model took selfies

In a video, Alessandra tagged the man as Australia native Buck Palmer, who is a jewelry designer living in Venice Beach, California. Last month she was seen kissing Buck on the cheek as the two seemed to go Instagram official

She was engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur from 2008 to 2018, though they never married.

They share daughter Anja, born in 2008, and son Noah, born in 2012.

Ambrosio has been in relationships with Alexander Smurfit (2024), Mohammed Al Turki (2024), Richard Lee (2021 - 2023), Nicolo Oddi (2018 - 2020), Raul Guterres (2018), Will Arnett (2015), Neymar (2014), DJ AM (2006), Robert Kubica (2006), Steven Allain (2005), Marcelo Boldrini (2001 - 2005) and Giovani Borghetti (1995 - 1997).

When not posing for big brands like Victoria's Secret she works on her own company she launched with a sister and a friend.
Kim Kardashian took inspiration from her ex-husband Kanye West's wardrobe on Thursday as she posted her latest series of Instagram snaps.

The TV personality, 44, put on a very busty display in a skimpy white bodysuit and a camouflage face mask as she posed up a storm outdoors.

Showcasing her ample assets in the skin-tight ensemble, Kim further accessorised with a cross-pearl choker necklace and pink friendship bracelet.

The star lifted her arms up to show off her snatched waist and completed her look with a pair of beige boots.

She simply captioned the post: 'kamouflage.'

Kim was recently accused of copying her ex-husband Kanye's, 47, wife Bianca Censori, 29, in her latest revealing photoshoot.

Kim Kardashian took inspiration from her ex-husband Kanye West's wardrobe on Thursday as she posted a slew of sizzling Instagram snaps

The businesswoman, 44, put on a very busty display in a skimpy white bodysuit and a camouflage face mask as she posed up a storm outdoors

The reality TV 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 on her Instagram on Sunday.

The mom-of-four wore a balaclava on her head, 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, 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 Kanye himself  appeared to be channelling the Australian architect.

Some fans wrote: 'Bianca has multiplied.'; 'Kimca Censori,'; 'Giving, Kayne';

The comments continued, with another person adding, 'Kinda Yeezy-ish. Just sayin' in reference to Kanye's Yeezy brand.

While another told the star to take her ex-husband back: 'Take him back Kim.'

Others compared her to rapper Doja Cat, writing, 'Now she thinks she Doja Cat.' While others added: 'Girl, go to bed.'; 'Just..why???'

Showcasing her ample assets in the skin-tight ensemble, Kim further accessorised with a cross-pearl choker necklace and a pink friendship bracelet

The star lifted her arms up to show off her snatched waist in the stunning slew of snaps

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. Unlike Bianca, Kim kept it PG by protecting her modesty with the proper undergarments.

Many of Kim's 359million 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.

Kim and Kanye split in February 2021 after six years of marriage and share four children  North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five.

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 publicly gallivanting 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.

Kim was recently accused of copying her ex-husband Kanye'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

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

Kim and Kanye split in February 2021 after six years of marriage and share four children  North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five (pictured 2019)

They added: 'She is truly surprised that Kanye would let his wife leave the house like that.'

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.
Lily-Rose Depp has given some rare insight into her childhood with brother Jack and their famous parents - Hollywood heavyweight Johnny Depp, 61, and French actress Vanessa Paradis, 51.

Speaking to her friend Natalie Portman, who she's known since she was a child, for Interview Magazine, Lily-Rose admitted her latest role in vampire flick Nosferatu has earned her some 'cool' points with her little brother Jack, 22.

Jack has remained out of the spotlight unlike his famous family, but Lily-Rose, 25, has called him 'the coolest person ever' and says he's fully supportive of her latest starring role.

'This one in particular was big for me, because my brother and I both were super obsessed with Dracula when we were younger. My brother used to dress up like Dracula when he was a kid for school,' Lily-Rose recalled.

'I was like, "Wow, if I get this part my brother's going to finally think I'm cool," ' she added. 'It's the classic thing of when you have a younger sibling, they think you're so cool when you're kids, and then when you get older, now I think he's so cool, and I'm like, "Let's hang!" And he's like, "I'm busy." But yeah, I think I got some points with this one.'

Lily-Rose also has a close relationship with her parents and told her friend Natalie that she is "so grateful" to them for making her and Jack's childhood as normal as possible despite their nomadic lifestyle.

Lily-Rose Depp has given some rare insight into her childhood with brother Jack and their famous parents - Hollywood heavyweight Johnny Depp and French actress Vanessa Paradis

Speaking to Interview Magazine, Lily-Rose admitted her latest role in vampire flick Nosferatu has earned her some 'cool' points with her little brother Jack, 22 (pictured together as children)

'I definitely want to have kids and when that time comes, I'll be bringing them around. I grew up that way, and as much as there were moments where I was like, "I want to be at school with my friends," now that I'm older, I'm so grateful,' she explained of her upbringing on film sets.

'Not only that I have traveled so much, thanks to my parents having to bring me around, but also for what I now see as the work that they put into making sure that my brother and I had a life in these places that were not ours. '

'At the time I wouldn't have seen it, but now I see that as conscious efforts that my parents were making to make me and my brother feel at home.'

Unlike Johnny and now Lily-Rose, Jack has remained out of the spotlight, and didn't seem to be too interested in following in his father's footsteps back in 2014.

'My boy, Jack, has always been a very talented draftsman,' Johnny told the Philippine Daily Inquirer at the time.

'He draws really super well. He also plays music very well. He's got a good feel for that. Aside from school plays and things, he hasn't shown any desire to become an actor. Whew.'

Johnny also shared with Rolling Stone in 2018 that his son was part of a band called Clown Boner, in which he follows in his dad's footsteps by playing guitar.

Lily-Rose meanwhile has previously slammed the idea that she has landed roles due to family connections but has admitted she has 'had a foot in the door' thanks to Johnny and Vanessa.

Jack but Lily-Rose has called him 'the coolest person ever' and he's fully supportive of her latest starring role (pictured in a 2020 Instagram shared by Lily)

Lily-Rose has a close relationship with her parents and says that she is "so grateful" to them for making her and Jack's childhood as normal as possible despite their nomadic lifestyle (pictured in 2013 with Johnny)

Lily looked stunning in a mini dress as she headed to Capital Breakfast Radio Studios in London on Thursday

'Nothing is going to get you the part except for being right for the part.' she told Elle in 2022.

'The internet cares a lot more about who your family is than the people who are casting you in things. Maybe you get your foot in the door, but you still just have your foot in the door. There's a lot of work that comes after that.'

Lily-Rose has had a huge renaissance after the flop of her HBO series The Idol - according to critics who have watched Nosferatu.

The actress starred in The Idol last year alongside The Weeknd, but it ended after just five episodes following substantial backlash over its disturbing content.

However, her performance in the reboot of the classic 1922 movie Nosferatu has been hailed by critics and received a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Early reviewers have declared Lily-Rose has broken away from the nepo-baby mould and is 'outstanding' as Ellen Hutter, a young woman suffering from seizures when possessed by vampire Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) in the Robert Eggers chilling remake.

Some critics have even claimed Lily-Rose could earn Oscar recognition for the film, which premiered in Berlin on Monday night and is set for release on January 3.

Lily-Rose has had a huge renaissance after the flop of her HBO series The Idol - according to critics who have watched Nosferatu

Her performance in the reboot of the classic 1922 movie Nosferatu has been hailed by critics and received a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Early reviewers have declared Lily-Rose has broken away from the nepo-baby mould and is 'outstanding' as Ellen Hutter,

Some critics have even claimed Lily-Rose could earn Oscar recognition for the film, which premiered in Berlin on Monday night and is set for release on January 3

The Telegraph's Tim Robey awarded Nosferatu three stars out of five and wrote Lily is the 'one to watch'.

'Lily opens the film screaming, thrusts herself bodily into striking fits of eroticised demon-possession, and gives the best performance,' he wrote.

'Gory and gorgeous, this extravagantly sexual spin on Dracula, following in the brisker footsteps of FW Murnau in 1922 (who was sued over his unofficial adaptation) and Werner Herzog in 1979, picks a pace to match its supremely glacial style. Rather than pouncing, it lurks, with an undeniably imposing way of making an entrance.'

Yahoo's Jonathan Sim chimed: '2024 has had no shortage of masterful horror movie performances. From Nell Tiger Free in The First Omen to Naomi Scott in Smile 2, female actors have been crushing it.

'We can add another name to the list of incredible performances: Lily-Rose Depp. Anya Taylor-Joy was initially cast as Ellen before being replaced by Depp.
She is the sister of a very famous Hollywood actor and is also renowned for starring in Sex Lives Of College Girls.

The actress, 32, who welcomed her first child in October, is the older sibling of the famous A-lister who has starred in various award-winning films.

Her younger brother sparked a social media frenzy when he arrived to the Golden Globes with his billionaire reality star girlfriend.

The American-French actor, who has received various accolades, is known for starring in Wonka, Dune and Little Women.

The A-lister's sister looked a far cry from his short brunette locks as she attended The Sex Lives of College Girls' advance screening of season 3 in New York on Wednesday.

So, can you guess who her famous brother is?

She is the sister of a very famous Hollywood actor and is also renowned for starring in Sex Lives Of College Girls

The actress, who welcomed her first child in October, is the older sibling of the famous A-lister who has starred in various award-winning films - can you guess who her famous brother is?

It's... Timothee Chalamet! Pauline is the older sister of the American-French actor, who is known for starring in Wonka, Dune and Little Women (pictured together in 2018)

It's... Timothee Chalamet!

Timothee's older sister Pauline, 32, looked completely uncrecognisable as she attended the screening of a brand new series that she stars in.

Pauline and Timothee, whose parents are Marc Chalamet and Nicole Flender, both went down a career route into acting.

Pauline is best known for her portrayal of Kimberly in the HBO Max series, Sex Lives of College Girls.

The show follows four 18-year-old freshman roommates at Essex College in Vermont.'

An IMDb synopsis describes its characters as 'a bundle of contradictions and hormones' who 'are equal parts lovable and infuriating.'

Pauline recently welcomed her first child with longtime partner Rhys Raiskin. The new mother hasn't revealed the baby's name, gender, or exact birth date.

Timothee has been dating billionaire-beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, 27, for over a year - first confirming their romance in September 2023.

The siblings pictured with parents Marc Chalamet and Nicole Flender in March 2018

The A-lister's sister looked a far cry from his short brunette locks as she attended The Sex Lives of College Girls' advance screening of season 3 in New York on Wednesday

Timothee's older sister Pauline, 32, looked completely uncrecognisable as she attended the screening of a brand new series that she stars in

The Sex Lives of College Girls cast: Pauline Chalamet, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Gracie Bea Lawrence and Mia Rodgers pictured left to right

Kylie first ignited dating rumors with Timothee in April 2023.

While they have not yet made their red carpet debut together, Kylie attended the 2024 Golden Globe Awards as Timothee's date and also made a surprise appearance at the L.A. premiere of his film.

In October, Kylie had the support of Timothee's big sister Pauline as she walked for Coperni during Paris Fashion Week.

Moments after Kylie's catwalk debut, she was spotted sharing a hug with Pauline, 32, at the Coperni after-party, which was held at the theme park.

In video shared by NSS Magazine, Kylie looked excited to see Pauline as she flashed a huge smile before pulled her in for a hug.

In August, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively that Kylie is so focused on the relationship and spending time with Timothee that she has become 'incredibly detached' from her inner circle.

'Kylie is turning into her brother Rob [Kardashian]  she is choosing to be a homebody for the most part,' insiders revealed to DailyMail.com.

Timothee has been dating billionaire-beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, 27, for over a year - first confirming their romance in September 2023 (pictured January)

While they have not yet made their red carpet debut together, Kylie attended the 2024 Golden Globe Awards as Timothee's date and also made a surprise appearance at the L.A. premiere of his film

The beauty mogul, 27, and the Dune actor, 28, were spotted on a cozy dinner date at Little Charli, a popular pizza spot in the West Village; (pictured in September 2023)

'For Kylie, it is her family, her kids and then obviously she is all in on hanging out with Timothee.'

Kylie is said to have lost all interest in trying to keep up appearances with industry pals as the insider continued: 'Time for going out and doing the Hollywood friendship thing is long past her. She is 27 going on 70.

'What suits her now is being out there when she needs to be, not because she wants to be. She is so busy with her relationship and being a mom and a businesswoman.'

The source added: 'She doesn't miss her times in the Hollywood shuffle and her desire to have friends outside her bubble isn't anything she is interested in right now.'
Alessandra Ambrosio showcased her supermodel legs as she arrived at Fendi's boutique store opening in Miami on Thursday.

The Victoria's Secret star, 43, looked incredible in a gold chainmail minidress from the designer.

Alessandra added a boost to her height with nude sandals and accessorised with gold hoop earrings and a clutch bag.

The model appeared in her element as she posed up a storm for the camera.

Model Devon Windsor, 30, cut a sophisticated figure in a black figure-hugging dress.

Cindy Mello and Afiya Bennett also made an appearance at the event.

Alessandra Ambrosio showcased her supermodel legs as she arrived at Fendi's boutique store opening in Miami on Thursday

The Victoria's Secret star, 43, looked incredible in a gold chainmail minidress from the designer

Fendi has expanded its boutique in the Miami Design District, spanning over 6,700 square feet.

The store is the second largest in the US, followed by New York, which is 6,900 square feet.

Alessandra's outing comes days after she shared several new images from her recent trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

The Brazilian bombshell was modelling a colourful two piece string bikini from the swimwear company Fae, which showed off her very toned figure.

In two of the images, the Vogue cover girl was seen with a hunky blond man who went shirt free and added sunglasses.

The pair looked happy as he waxed his surfboard as the model took selfies.

In a video, Alessandra tagged the man as Australia native Buck Palmer, who is a jewellery designer living in Venice Beach, California.

Last month she was seen kissing Buck on the cheek as the two seemed to go Instagram official.

Alessandra added a boost to her height with nude sandals and accessorised with gold hoop earrings and a clutch bag

The model appeared in her element as she posed up a storm for the camera

Model Devon Windsor, 30, cut a sophisticated figure in a black figure-hugging dress

Cindy Mello and Afiya Bennett (L-R) also made an appearance at the event. Fendi has expanded its boutique in the Miami Design District, spanning over 6,700 square feet

Ella Hunt and Ella Rubin posed for a photo at the event. The store is the second largest in the US, followed by New York, which is 6,900 square feet

Alessandra's outing comes days after she shared several new images from her recent trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii, in which she showed off her figure in a tiny string bikini

In two of the images, the Vogue cover girl was seen with a hunky blond man who went shirt free and added sunglasses. He was waxing his surfboard as the model took selfies

In a video, Alessandra tagged the man as Australia native Buck Palmer, who is a jewellery designer living in Venice Beach, California

Buck was previously married to model Ashley Hart, who is the sister of Victoria's Secret model Jessica Hart.

On Instagram she said she was staying at the 1 Hanalei Bay Hotel.

Her brief captions included, 'One with the magical Kauai,' and 'Aloha' as the mother of two was also seen walking in the ocean and standing in front of a sign made of sticks that read ALOHA.

The supermodel has yet to comment on her new relationship with Buck and their kissing photo is no longer on her Instagram page.

Alessandra has had a high-profile love life over the years.

She was engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur from 2008 to 2018, though they never married.

They share daughter Anja, born in 2008, and son Noah, born in 2012.
Kate Mara was joined by husband Jamie Bell and sister Rooney on Wednesday evening as they attended a fundraising reception in West Hollywood.

The actress looked elegant in a fitted black trouser suit while supporting Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection - an organization devoted to protecting chimps from the illegal bushmeat and pet trades.

Kate, 41, appeared to be in high spirits as she posed for a series of photos with actor husband Jamie, 38, who matched his wife in a smart wool blazer.

The actor, who found fame in musical drama Billy Elliot, rounded off his look with a plain black tee for his appearance at the event, where they were greeted by charity founders Jim Desmond and Jenny Desmond.

Joining the party, Kate's younger sister Rooney, 39, Mirrored her sibling in slim fitting black blazer, off-set with a crisp white tee.

The Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) is the first, and currently only chimpanzee sanctuary and conservation in the west African country, rescuing endangered chimpanzees from death or captivity.

Kate Mara was joined by husband Jamie Bell on Wednesday evening as they attended a fundraising reception in West Hollywood

The actress's younger sister Rooney (left) was also in attendance at the event, held on behalf of Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP)

Kate and Jamie married in 2017 and raised two children whose names remain private - a five-year-old daughter, and a two-year old son.

They met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2014, where they played the respective roles of Sue Storm and Ben Grimm.

Discussing her first pregnancy on Dr. Berlin's Informed Pregnancy Podcast in 2019, Kate revealed she had to be induced at 36 weeks after she was diagnosed with Cholestasis - a liver disease often diagnosed in the latter stages of pregnancy.

She was in labour at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles for three days and had an epidural, though she originally wanted a natural home birth. The actress then underwent a c-section after she developed a fever of 102 degrees.

'I was so scared to have the c-section...,' Mara said. 'I was genuinely terrified of what that meant and what could happen and all of these things, and then of course just being tired made me that much more scared, I think.

'Right before I went in for the c-section, thats when I sort of [felt] the devastation of it and the disappointment of not being able to experience a birth any way that I had hoped.'

She added: 'I was just super sad, I remember that moment very clearly because I burst out crying and was like, "Im scared."'

The procedure safely delivered the baby into her arms. Though the new mom experienced 'terrible shakes' from pre-surgery medication, and excess bleeding that required a blood transfusion.

Kate with charity co-founder Jenny Desmond at the West Hollywood event on Wednesday night

Left to right: Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Michelle Cho, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell attend the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection (LCRP) reception

The Mara sisters matched one another in stylish black outfits during their appearance at the event

'But also, I was like, "When am I going to stop shaking?"' she told Dr Berlin. 'I thought my teeth were going to pop out, my jaw was clenched so tight from the shakes, and then I thought, "I definitely cant hold her because I cant move." My arms were locked.'

Despite her ndistress, Kate admitted it was 'totally comforting' to hear her baby daughter's first noises.

'My husband brought her over to me and he kind of held her on my chest and it was amazing, but it was not at all what I imagined it would be,' she recalled. 'I could barely keep my eyes open to look at her.'

Kate and Jamie announced their engagement in January 2017 and tied the knot in a private ceremony in July of the same year.

During an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2018, Jamie revealed their wedding ceremony took place just a few feet from their Los Angeles home.

'We had a lovely wedding. It was very small and intimate,' he said.

Kate and Jamie announced their engagement in January 2017 and tied the knot in a private ceremony in July of the same year

Left to right: Jamie Bell, Kate Mara, Jim Desmond and Jenny Desmond pose for a photo

The Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) is the first, and currently only chimpanzee sanctuary and conservation in the west African country

Corey Scott and Claudine Book were also in attendance at the charity reception on Wednesday
Jessica Alves put on a very busty display in a sequined catsuit as she enjoyed a charity Christmas party on Wednesday.

The TV personality, 41, got in to the festive spirit at the Patients Lives Matter party held at HUX hotel in central London.

The star donned a form fitting nude-coloured cat suit covered in silver and gold sequins which was finished off with feathered cuffs and a jewelled collar.

Jessica added a pair of pointed white heels to her look and accessorised with a rose gold quilted handbag and large sequin hoop earrings.

The Brazillian star seemed to be enjoying her evening as she posed alongside former Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan Wallace.

The TV presenter, 45, who rose to fame after appearing on the 2006 series of the reality show, beamed as she posed arm in arm with Jessica.

Jessica Alves, 41, put on a very busty display in a sequined catsuit as she enjoyed charity Christmas party on Wednesday

The TV personality got in to the festive spirit at the Patients Lives Matter party held at HUX hotel in central London alongside former Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan Wallace

Aisleyne put on a leggy display for the Christmas do in black leather mini skirt and a sheer mesh top with an intricate black sequin pattern across the front

Aisleyne put on a leggy display for the Christmas do in black leather mini skirt and a sheer mesh top with an intricate black sequin pattern across the front.

The reality star was clearly pleased to see Jessica and the pair joked around in front of photographers with Aisleyne pretending to bow down to her and even crouching down to praise the social media star.

The pair were both attending the Patients Lives Matter Christmas party, with the charity hoping to raise money to offer improved patient care for those with life threatening conditions.

And for the charity event Jessica seemed on top form after revealing last month that she had been left with a gaping hole in the side of her surgically-enhanced bottom after she was stung by a bee.

The TV personality was stung on the bottom which later became infected and saw the Brazilian beauty rushed to hospital.

At first, the sting merely became swollen but soon a hole developed in the side of Jessica's bottom.

The star, who is known for her love of cosmetic surgery, went to The Clinic Club on Harley Street to help smooth out the injury after the infection healed.

Speaking to MailOnline, she said: 'I have 1000cc of hyaluronic acid which was able to even the scars and the imperfections in my bum after the bee sting.

Jessica donned a form fitting nude-coloured cat suit covered in silver and gold sequins which was finished off with feathered cuffs and a jewelled collar

The reality star was clearly pleased to see Jessica and the pair joked around in front of photographers

Aisleyne was even spotted pretending to bow down to Jessica and even crouched down in front of the social media star to praise her

'The professional at The Clinic Club London was very meticulous injecting the gel. He applied some local anesthesia and I was done in 40 minutes.

'The next day, I was resting for 24 hours on my stomach but I could do pretty much everything as normal.

'I am very happy with the results and now I'm getting ready to enjoy my hot Christmas in Brazil with my family. I fly out in two weeks.'

Detailing the injury, Jessica explained: 'I was sunbathing at Ocean Club in Ibiza when I was bitten twice on one cheek two weeks ago.

'A big inflamed lump formed and so I went to hospital to have it drained with a needle before being put on antibiotics.

'I had to fly to Las Vegas for a PA at the Palms hotel where I also had my birthday celebrations with close friends who were able to fly out to join me.

'After few days, the lump came back and it exploded, creating a big hole in my bottom and exposing my implants.'

Jessica's bottom implants had to be removed immediately, causing her anguish and feeling fearful because she will be forced to have yet more surgery.

Jessica Alves has revealed she was left with a gaping hole in the side of her surgically-enhanced bottom after she was stung by a bee

The star, who is known for her love of cosmetic surgery, went to The Clinic Club on Harley Street to help smooth out the injury after the infection healed

Upset: Jessica shared a shot of her arm with a cannula in it, at Spring Valley Hospital, captioning it: 'Party is over'

The TV screen queen has 2220cc implants and has said spending 1million in over 100 operations is all worth it as it's an 'investment in my happiness'.

She previously wrote on Instagram: 'With regret to all my Las Vegas fans that for health reasons I had to cancel my PAs coming up this week and return to England.

'I was stung by a bee two weeks ago and it is making me ill now'.

She also shared a shot of her arm with a cannula in it, at Spring Valley Hospital, captioning it: 'Party is over'.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on the 21st anniversary of his death.

Shirley's, 64, brother David died by suicide aged 44 in 2003, and the ballroom star has spoken openly in the past about how her sibling struggled with depression.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Shirley shared a gallery of pictures of herself with her brother David.

She accompanied the snaps with an emotional caption writing: 'Another year passes without my dearest brother by my side  Today is 21 years since you left us David and I miss you more and more everyday.'

'My mother and I talk about you every day. We reminisce all the memories we have with you. We laugh, we cry, we treasure the times we had. Losing you was like losing everything.'

'You were my brother, my protector, my teacher and my best friend all in one. Ill never really know why you left us but Id do anything to have you back by my side.'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on the 21st anniversary of his death

Shirley's, 64, brother David died aged 44 in 2003, and the ballroom star has spoken openly in the past about how her sibling struggled with depression

'I know youd be there with me fighting my corner, just like you did on the housing estate all those years ago. I wouldnt be the person I am if I hadnt have had you as my brother David. Im truly lucky to be able to call you my brother.'

She added: 'Your gorgeous daughter Mary has grown into the most remarkable young lady and is doing you so very proud. She is strong, beautiful and she brings us so much joy. @markballas is a dad now to little Banksi. Hes the light of my life and looks just like you.'

Shirley, who is an ambassador for Suicide&Co and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), also said that she will continue to work for both organisations as supporting people who are struggling with their mental health is incredibly important to her.

She added: 'Ill continue working for @calmzone and @suicideandco with you in the forefront of my mind.'

'Supporting those who are in dark places will always be important to me as I have learnt over the years there is light at the end of the tunnel and I truly believe if we knew then what we know now youd still be here with me and Mum.'

'Continue to rest in peace David. I hope you found the peace you were looking for. Mum and I miss you so very much. Love you forever. Xxx'

She also urged her followers to reach out for help: 'For anyone struggling, please reach out in confidence to @calmzone on 0800 58 58 58. And for family and friends who need support after loosing a loved one, please reach out to @suicideandcos counselling service on 0800 054 8400.'

Since her brother's death, Shirley has become an ardent campaigner for mental health awareness, even setting up charity The Ballas Foundation with her son Mark, 38.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Shirley shared a gallery of pictures of herself with her brother David

She accompanied the snaps with a lengthy emotional caption as she said: 'Another year passes without my dearest brother by my side  Today is 21 years since you left us David,'

She said: 'My mother and I talk about you every day. We reminisce all the memories we have with you. We laugh, we cry, we treasure the times we had. Losing you was like losing everything'

She added: 'You were my brother, my protector, my teacher and my best friend all in one. Ill never really know why you left us but Id do anything to have you back by my side'

She also mentioned how his daughter Mary has 'grown into the most remarkable young lady' and shared that her son's baby boy Banksi looks just like him

She added: 'Continue to rest in peace David. I hope you found the peace you were looking for. Mum and I miss you so very much. Love you forever. Xxx'

Shirley was said to have felt 'overwhelming grief' when her brother David died.

Her son Mark, who was a professional ballroom dancer on Dancing With The Stars in the US, previously opened up about the incident on his website.

In a blog post on his blog unearthed by The Mirror in 2017, the 38-year-old wrote: 'For me, it's about raising awareness of depression. It's not like a mood swing.'

'People struggle with it every day. Nothing matters. My uncle's daughter was everything to him, but it didn't matter because he was sick.'

'You have to make people aware of it so they can recognize it and help people get better.'

The post continues: 'The family was not only left with overwhelming grief, but guilt. You keep thinking maybe you could have done something.'

David and Mark had been especially close since he helped look after him while Shirley pursued dancing opportunities in the US.

Shirley and her son decided to go public with their story in 2010 in a bid to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
EXCLUSIVE

Samantha Armytage has separated from husband Richard Lavender on the eve of their four-year wedding anniversary.

Armytage and Lavender tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year's Eve in 2020.

The couple's separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper on Friday but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance.

'Yes Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but its somewhat lessened by the fact its amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Armytage told media late Thursday evening.

'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I wont be making any further comment.'

It's understood Armytage's television presenter friends have been comforting the 48-year-old TV star behind the scenes for some time.

Samantha Armytage has separated from her husband Richard Lavender (pictured together above)

The former Farmer Wants a Wife host and Lavender tied the knot in rural NSW in 2020. In one of their wedding photos, Armytage was seen holding hands with her new husband as they strolled across his Southern Highlands estate on New Year's Eve, shortly after saying 'I do'

The couple's separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper on Friday but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance

Armytage is no longer followed on Instagram by the 61-year-old equestrian businessman's two daughters, Sascha and Grace, although the former couple still follow each other.

It's understood she has moved out of Lavenders Southern Highlands home and is now living in her apartment located in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The former Sunrise host and Lavender started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June 2020 before tying the knot at his property in rural NSW six months later.

In a beautiful moment captured by photographer Abbie Melle, Armytage was seen holding hands with her new husband as they strolled across his Southern Highlands estate on New Year's Eve, shortly after saying 'I do'.

She captioned the heartwarming picture, which was taken after their wedding ceremony but before their reception, '11.58am on a Thursday. How lucky are we?'

The intimate ceremony only featured a small number of guests due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Richard's daughters believed to have attended.

Armytage also posted a photo from later in the evening, which showed the couple cuddling alongside the words: 'HNY from the Lav's'.

'Yes Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but its somewhat lessened by the fact its amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Armytage said in a statement. 'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I wont be making any further comment'

Armytage's television presenter friends have been comforting the 48-year-old TV star behind the scenes for some time

Armytage is no longer followed on Instagram by the 61-year-old equestrian businessman's two daughters, Sascha and Grace, although the former couple still follow each other. It's understood she has moved out of Lavenders Southern Highlands home and is now living in her apartment located in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Following the couple's wedding, Sam posted a photo which showed her and Richard cuddling up alongside the words: 'HNY from the Lav's'

The television veteran became the face of Farmer Wants A Wife in 2023 after first appearing as a guest host alongside former presenter Natalie Gruzlewski.

In August, she shocked fans by announcing she was quitting Channel Seven after 21 years.

Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she said she felt her time had come to an end.

'I'm big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: 'I've done what I can do here' and I move on,' she said.

'This is not the end. It's just the end of this chapter,' she added.

The television veteran became the face of Farmer Wants A Wife in 2023 after first appearing as a guest host alongside former presenter Natalie Gruzlewski. In August, she shocked fans by announcing she was quitting Channel Seven after 21 years. Pictured with cast of FWAW

It's been a tough year for Armytage who recently signed on as host of Nines new reality dating show The Golden Bachelor. Pictured at the Nine Upfronts

It's been a tough year for Armytage who recently signed on as host of Nines new reality dating show The Golden Bachelor.

The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor series, but differs in that the contestants of the reality dating show are people in their 50s and 60s.

In February, she lost her beloved dog Banjo while staying with her father near Wagga Wagga.

She shared pictures of herself posing with the six-year-old Labrador Retriever as she looked back on her precious memories with him.

In a caption, she shared a quote from Winnie the Pooh as she paid tribute to her pet.

'How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,' she wrote.

'Three weeks ago yesterday, I said goodbye to my darling boy, Banjo. My heart is completely broken.

'He was my best mate, my baby & my shadow.. & I don't know what I'm going to do without him.

'He has gone before his time - he was staying with dad near Wagga, & we think he may have been bitten by a snake.

'It was very sudden and I want to thank our vet who fought so, so hard to save him. We are all so sad.

'There is another star in heaven these days. Vale Banjo.'
Khloe Kardashian has reignited her feud with Blac Chyna's mum Tokyo Toni with a shady comment about publicised acts of charity.

Tokyo - real name Shalana Hunter - had shared videos of herself feeding the homeless while the famous family celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in their typical lavish style.

Her daughter Blac Chyna - whose real name is Angela White - shares an eight-year-old daughter Dream with her ex-fiance and Kardashian sibling Rob.

The duo have been at loggerheads with the family for a number of years with Tokyo accused of making several 'veiled physical threats' back in 2022 amid her daughter's $108 million lawsuit against them.

As Khloe rang in the holidays with her family this week, one fan commented: 'Yall over here enjoying while Dreams grandma is feeding the homeless.'

She responded: 'Watch out! Dont do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven Matthew 6:1-4.'

Khloe Kardashian has reignited her feud with Blac Chyna's mum Tokyo Toni with a shady comment about publicised acts of charity

Tokyo - real name Shalana Hunter - shared videos of herself feeding the homeless this week while the famous family celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in their typical lavish style

In a seemingly thinly-veiled dig at Tokyo, Khloe continued: 'Just because we dont post about it, doesnt mean we arent doing it my love. Sending you love and blessings.'

In another comment she added: 'And I am not knocking what anyone else chooses to show or keep to themselves. But personally, when people fall on hard times  I dont feel its right to publicize that for my own personal pat on the back.

'Highlighting a charity or an organisation that may need some awareness is one thing, but I dont feel comfortable highlighting people when theyre at a low point in their lives. To each their own, lm only speaking for myself.'

Hitting back, Tokyo uploaded a video including a screengrab of Khloe's comment and exclaimed: 'Do a food drive or I'm snitching on your a**. Let me see you whip up some macaroni cheese.

'You can put a pink apron on and your hair in a Versace bow. Get outside and do something. I'm going to save you this time.

'Let's not forget the time you brought that homeless man to your house. It sounds like you don't do that. You put him on TV too. B**** you are a homeless case.

'The day that Dream was born, I told that b*tch don't ever play with me. I haven't gone in on them b*tches in eight years. And you wanna f***ing undermine what I do, b****.

'Out of the countless comments you could've chosen to engage with, Khloe. Someone in reference to me? In a way that totally undermines my work.'

As Khloe rang in the holidays with her family this week, one fan commented: 'Yall over here enjoying while Dreams grandma is feeding the homeless'

As Khloe rang in the holidays, one fan wrote: 'Yall over here enjoying while Dreams grandma is feeding the homeless.' She responded: 'Watch out! Dont do your good deeds publicly'

Hitting back, Tokyo uploaded a video including a screengrab of Khloe's comment and exclaimed: 'Do a food drive or I'm snitching on your a**'

She added: The day that Dream was born, I told that b*tch don't ever play with me... And you wanna f***ing undermine what I do, b****'

Toni made a slew of disparaging remarks about the Kardashian family on an Instagram Live back in 2022 amid her daughter Blac Chyna's $108 million lawsuit against them.

She was later ordered to stay away from the courtroom battle against the Kardashians, after making 'veiled physical threats' at the family in an online attack.

Tokyo launched the attack while sitting just a few feet from the billionaire family in a Los Angeles courtroom, their attorney claimed at the time.

Michael Rhodes, who was representing the Kardashians at the trial called for her mother to be banned from the courtroom.

She was sitting directly behind Kim and Khloe, their sister Kylie Jenner and their mother Kris Jenner Rhodes told the court, and later she posted a 'rant' online in which she made 'veiled physical threats against my clients.'

'She cannot be in this courtroom if this is how she is going to conduct herself. Miss Jenner was physically worried this morning about her safety.

'A trial like this is hard - it's a lot harder if I have to worry about my clients' safety.'

In response, Chyna's attorney, Lynne Ciani, told the court, 'I have told my client that if she cannot control her mother if she says something inappropriate, she cannot come into the courtroom.'

Her daughter Blac Chyna - whose real name is Angela White - shares an eight-year-old daughter Dream with her ex-fiance and Kardashian sibling Rob (Blac Chyna and Rob pictured in 2016)

Tokyo Toni and Blac Chyna pictured in 2019

In the video, Toni appeared to be rolling what looks like a joint as she said the family 'looked dead' and compared Kris Jenner to a character from the horror movie Saw.

'Kris had on a f***ing crusty a** tan suit with one button,' Toni said as she began tearing the family's appearance apart, adding that she thought they looked 'homeless.'

'They look scary in real life,' she said in another part of the video, saying they had 'dips' in their faces.

She then mocked Khloe for nodding in court, saying to the camera: 'Did you have some Xanax before you got there b****?'

Toni seemingly make threats in the video when discussing who is allowed to sit next to her in court, saying 'stand the f*** up and back.'

'You're nobody, you're the snitch in the building, you get to the back h*e, like that,' she adds, while calling Kris 'decrepit.'
The Bachelor's Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston have hit the beach ahead of welcoming their first child.

The lovebirds took to Instagram on Wednesday to share highlights of their day by the sea.

Holly showed off her huge baby bump while wearing a black two-piece bikini and a straw hat.

Meanwhile, Jimmy flaunted his buff body as he stripped down to striped board shorts.

The couple were all smiles as they posed for a selfie before hitting the surf for a refreshing swim.

It comes as the reality TV stars revealed the gender of their soon-to-arrive bundle of joy.

The Bachelor's Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston have hit the beach ahead of welcoming their first child. The lovebirds took to Instagram on Wednesday to share highlights of their day by the sea. Both pictured

Holly showed off her huge baby bump while wearing a black two-piece bikini and a straw hat

In an exciting post shared to Instagram recently, the pair announced they are expecting a baby boy, and the news was met with overwhelming joy from friends.

The couple were seated in a stylish outdoor setting, surrounded by lush greenery, visibly ecstatic as they hold up an envelope revealing the baby's gender.

Jimmy, looking dashing in a crisp white t-shirt and beige trousers, has an expression of shock and excitement on his face.

Meanwhile, Jimmy flaunted his buff body as he stripped down to striped board shorts. The couple were all smiles as they posed for a selfie before hitting the surf for a refreshing swim

In another exciting post shared to Instagram recently, the pair announced they are expecting a baby boy

Beside him, Holly, glowing with happiness, covers her face with her hands in a delighted reaction.

Their post was quickly flooded with congratulatory messages from Bachelor friends and fellow reality stars.

Among the first to chime in was fellow Bachelor star Laura Byrne, who wrote, 'Firat Bachi boyyyy!!!!! So happy for you both,' alongside several celebratory emojis.

Matty J and Brittany Hockley also shared their joy, with comments like 'YTB!' and 'Congrats guys.'

It's been a big year for Jimmy and Holly who announced they're expecting their first child back in June.

The lovebirds announced the news alongside a gallery of beachside photos of the beaming couple.

'Coming 2024,' they wrote alongside a hatching chick emoji.
Glastonbury fans are convinced Father John Misty will perform on The Park Stage during next year's festival.

Eagle-eyed music lovers spotted a Glasto-sized hole in Father John Misty's UK and Ireland 2025 tour and are certain he will be announced for the five-day festival.

The former Fleet Foxes drummer, 43, whose real name is Josh Tillman, recently released his critically acclaimed album Mahashmashana and is promoting it with 10 dates in June and August.

However, there are no gigs pencilled for June 28 or June 29, which are the same dates as the Glastonbury Festival.

Writing in a fan forum on Reddit, one person wrote: 'Surely he's nailed on? Would love to see him play The Park!'; 'He's played before so I don't see why not.'; 'The Park would be an ideal venue. I expect they will have him at End of The Road.'

Josh recently spoke about his new record during an interview with NPR and revealed why he chose to name his record after the Sanskrit word.

Glastonbury fans are convinced Father John Misty will perform on The Park Stage during next year's festival

Eagle-eyed music lovers spotted a Glasto-sized hole in Father John Misty's UK and Ireland 2025 tour and are certain he will be announced for the five-day festival

He said: 'It means the great cremation pit, where the universe goes to die after its cycle of birth and death.'

'And despite the lofty title, the concerns are pretty terrestrial in my work. And I just liked the contrast of such a grand concept mapped on to what I'm usually singing about.'

He continued: 'As I am rounding the corner of 40 - I don't know - there's just intimations of impermanence that are creeping over the horizon.'

'It's not like an endless vista of possibility anymore. And at least for right now, conceptually, it's just - it's a little bit of, like, an exciting proposition.'

The eight-track album features beautiful ballads, hypnotic psychedelia, and catchy rock hooks.

It follows highly-rated LPs God's Favourite Customer, Pure Comedy, and I Love You, Honey Bear.

The Glastonbury line-up so far hasn't been confirmed - despite the fact that tickets for the 2025 event sold out in minutes.

The five-day festival takes place in June at Somerset's Worth Farm and draws in around 200,000 music fans each year to watch some of the world's biggest musicians perform.

The former Fleet Foxes drummer, 43, whose real name is Josh Tillman, recently released his critically acclaimed album Mahashmashana and is promoting it with 10 dates in June and August

However, there are no gigs pencilled for June 28 or June 29, which are the same dates as the Glastonbury Festival

Upon noticing this, fans of Father John Misty took to a fan forum on Reddit to share their thoughts

The official Glastonbury tickets went on sale on November 14 and November 17.

The stakes were even higher than usual, as 2026 will be a fallow year, meaning the festival will not go ahead.

The event periodically takes a fallow year roughly every five years to allow the farmland on which it takes place to fully recover.

Harry Styles is also reportedly being eyed by Glastonbury bosses to headline next year's festival, as he makes a sensational return to live music.

The former One Direction star, 30, shocked fans back in July when he appeared on stage as a guest at Stevie Nicks' BST performance in Hyde Park.

And now The Sun has revealed he has been approached by festival organiser Emily Eavis about headlining the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm.

A source told the publication: 'Harry would be the perfect Glastonbury headliner and Emily has long wanted him on stage at Worthy Farm, but the dates have never quite worked out.'

Harry Styles is also reportedly being eyed by Glastonbury bosses to headline next year's festival, as he makes a sensational return to live music (pictured last year)

The former One Direction star, 30, shocked fans back in July when he appeared on stage as a guest at Stevie Nicks' BST performance in Hyde Park

Harry was previously busy completing his 173-date Love on Tour show and the world tour began in September 2021 and ended in July 2023, spanning 22 months, and Harry since has receded from the limelight.

However, it seems he could now have a free June for Glastonbury as he continues to work on his fourth album.

They added: 'Harry would be an incredible act to watch on the Pyramid Stage. Glastonbury has a fallow year in 2026, so booking Harry for next year would be perfect.'

'It is something the team at Glastonbury are pushing for. Whether that dream will come true, however, is still to be decided by Harry's team.'
Molly Smith showcased her incredible figure in an array of sexy lingerie sets from her Ann Summers collection.

The Love Island star, 30, dressed up for the festive season in a gold scalloped bra, matching thong and suspenders in one look from the range, which goes live on Friday.

In another shot, Molly showed off her toned and tanned abs in a black sheer lingerie set which she teamed with racy vinyl boots.

Molly was crowned the winner of the All Stars version of the ITV2 reality show alongside boyfriend Tom Clare, 25, spoke to MailOnline about their relationship, nearly one year on from the show.

The couple recently sparked engagement rumours after Tom referred to Molly as 'Wifey' on Instagram when they holidayed together.

But Molly denied a proposal has happened as she said: 'Obviously we speak about it and if it wasn't going to happen, we wouldn't be together. So we do know that it is something that we we do want, but we're not in any mad rush.

Molly Smith showcased her incredible figure in an array of sexy lingerie sets from her Ann Summers Collection

In another look, Molly showed off her toned and tanned abs in a black sheer lingerie set which she teamed with racy vinyl boots

'We've got a lot going on. When it happens, it will be at the right time. But we're not in a a huge rush for anything like that yet.'

Molly also revealed they aren't in a 'huge rush to have children' as she added: 'I think if you rush things as well, you can kind of ruin it sometimes.

'So when it happens, it happens. But again with that we're not in a rush for it.

'I think give me a good few years.'

The couple live in Manchester together and are in the midst of renovating their home together.

Molly described her photoshoot for Ann Summers as a 'dream come true'.

The reality star confessed the night before her photoshoot she scoffed down a takeaway.

She said: 'I obviously stuck with my workouts. What I do anyway.

'I didn't put any extra pressure on myself because obviously, Ann Summers and I, we worked together, and they obviously liked how I look for a reason.

The reality star confessed the night before her photoshoot she scoffed down a takeaway

The Love Island star, 30, dressed up for the festive season in a gold scalloped one piece in one look from the collection, which goes live on Friday

Molly described her photoshoot for Ann Summers as a 'dream come true'

Tom sparked engagement rumours in June when he called Molly his 'wifey' during their getaway to the Maldives (pictured) but Molly says he is yet to pop the question

'I liked how I looked. I'm happy in my body.

'So I'd probably just say the only thing I did do is the night before I did my skincare routine. I put my LED mask on, had a hair mask and a general little prep that I'd do before any shoot and then I did have a takeaway.

'It was to settle the nerves.'
Lily James and her close friend Bart Edwards looked happier than ever as they completed another 'successful' wildlife conservation mission in Kenya on Thursday.

The actress, 35, shared wholesome snaps on Instagram, where actor Bart tightly wrapped his arm around the star.

The Pam & Tommy star wore off-white linen garments to explore the country and spotted elephants and tigers along the way.

After driving in a Jeep through parks and looking out across the vast mountain ranges, Lily looked overwhelmed with relief.

She wrote: 'In honour of @spaceforgiants Big Give Campaign, here are some pictures of @bartedwards and I and in Kenya where we witnessed first hand what successful conservation in action looks like within the Loisaba and Suyian Conservancies.

'We must protect and preserve the wilderness! Please visit the link in my bio to donate! Thank you.'

Lily James, 35, and her close friend Bart Edwards (pictured) looked happier than ever as they completed another 'successful' wildlife conservation mission in Kenya on Thursday

The actress shared wholesome snaps on Instagram, where actor Bart tightly wrapped his arm around the star

After driving in a Jeep through parks and looking out across the vast mountain ranges, Lily looked overwhelmed with relief

Lily returned to Kenya just three months after she visited in August with Bart, where she was appointed as the latest Global Supporter of wildlife conservation charity, Space For Giants and was joined by Witcher actor Bart Edwards for the trip.

At the time, Space for Giants' CEO and Founder Dr. Max Graham said: 'We are hugely grateful to Lily for taking up this critical role to support us and our frontline teams to preserve Africas last remaining natural ecosystems ad the large wild animals they hold.'

'Space For Giants, with its unwavering commitment to protecting Africa's natural heritage over 10 African countries, welcomes Lily as a valuable addition to its global conservation efforts.'

One of the Space For Giants projects Lily encountered during her visit to Kenya was the reintroduction of 21 eastern black rhinos back into Loisaba Conservancy.

The rhinos had previously been on the brink of extinction due to poaching for over half a century.

Lily reflected: 'Without Space For Giants' tireless work on the ground every day, our children would only see these incredible animals in books.'

Pierce Brosnan thanked Lily for letting him star in the Cliffhanger reboot in a sweet update last month.

The legendary actor, 71, shared a sweet behind-the-scenes photo alongside the actress after he wrapped filming.

The Pam & Tommy star wore off-white linen garments to explore the country and spotted elephants and tigers along the way

The remake of the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film sees Lily play Naomi, the eldest daughter of seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce).

The pair smiled side-by-side as they posed for a photo on the set, wearing wool trench coats and black hats.

Sharing the snap to Instagram, Pierce wrote: 'Dear Lilly, thank you and Jaume Collette Serra (director) for inviting me to come play with yll in the mountains of Austria and the fair city of beautiful Munich.'

He added: 'I had a blast, am gonna miss ya. I wish you et al every joy of success with your production of Cliffhanger. Mighty work

Lily is reaching death defying new heights in her latest role and taking over from silver screen legend Sylvester.

In the first shots from the Austrian production, the British actress is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film

The father-daughter duo, Naomi and Ray 'run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites. During a weekend trip with a billionaire's son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers,' an official synopsis reads.

'Ray's older daughter Naomi, still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes.'

Pierce Brosnan thanked Lily for letting him star in the Cliffhanger reboot in a sweet update last month

The reboot of the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film sees Lily play Naomi, the eldest daughter of seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce) (Lily pictured in the upcoming film)

In the first shots from the Austrian production, the British actress is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film

Stallone played park ranger and mountain climber Gabe Walker in the 1993 film which took place in the Rocky Mountains (pictured)

Ray is kidnapped while climbing with the son of a billionaire and Naomi must 'save her family' while fighting 'for survival in the Italian Dolomites,' the synopsis concludes.

The film is shooting in Austria, Italy and Germany and also stars Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery.

'Shooting our movie on location in the Dolomites using large format cameras was imperative for us to show the scope and scale of the story we're telling.'

'We're going to bring the audience a truly thrilling and visceral, premium theatrical experience,' director Jaume Collet-Serra said in a statement per Variety.

'Lily in particular has gone above and beyond for the role, putting in real training and learning to climb.

'Her dedication has allowed us to capture some incredible shots we couldn't have achieved otherwise, and the whole crew is blown away by her commitment.'

Stallone played park ranger and mountain climber Gabe Walker in the 1993 film which took place in the Rocky Mountains.
by Akim Reinhardt

Theres a lot going on right now. Lowlights include racism, misogyny, and transphobia; xenophobia amid undulating waves of global migrations; democratic state capture by right wing authoritarians; and secular state capture by fundamentalist Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu nationalists.

Among the many factors causing and influencing these complex phenomena are: the rebound from Covid lockdowns and the years-long economic upheavals they wrought; brutal warfare in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa among other places; and intense weather-related fiascos stemming from the rise in global temperatures. But one Id like to focus on is a growing sense of male insecurity.

The latest crisis in masculinity is not more important than other issues. However, Im currently attuned to it for several reasons. One is that as I wade through late middle-age, Im becoming ever more secure in (ie. relaxed about) my own masculinity, which in turn leads me to better notice gender insecurity in other men. Another is that I believe American male insecurity played a vital role in the recent election of Donald Trump and, as such, demands attention. Qualitative and quantitative data about Trump getting more votes than expected from young men with college education, from black men, and from brown men, signal something. And finally, as a historian, shit storms rising up from perceived crises in masculinity are not new to me.

In the United States, a broad crisis of white masculinity first emerged during the early 19th century. Then, as now, it was driven by economic changes and by challenges to established patriarchy, and it found expression in religion and politics.

During the colonial era and the early years of the new nation, patriarchy was deeply entrenched in American culture. Indeed, it did not look entirely different from patriarchies in other parts of the modern world that now horrify many in the West. Most fathers ruled families with an iron fist. Wives were expected to act not as independent partners, but as mere subordinates who took orders from their husbands and passed them onto the children. White husbands and fathers held nearly all of the citizenship rights and the economic powers, which were legally and culturally denied to women. White men voted; women did not. White men served on juries; women did not. White men, if fortunate enough, owned property and/or businesses; single adult women could only inherit property, and it became their husbands property upon marriage. And in a nation that was widely and deeply religious, men also provided religious guidance for their families. The family patriarch was boss of his familys religious tutelage. He said grace (or decided who would), he led them in prayer, and he set the religious agenda.

By the opening of the 19th century, this is more or less how it had been in the colonies and the new nation for nearly two centuries. But changes were afoot.

One important source of change was early urbanization. In 1790, the United States was overwhelmingly rural. Only 5% of Americans lived in towns with so much as 2,500 people; most Americans lived in farm families. But important economic changes were brewing in Americas nascent cities. Freed from British mercantile restrictions, the new U.S. economy quickly embraced the first rumblings of early industrialization. And as early capitalism began to take root, the economic tumult of boom/bust cycles and labor degradation soon followed. This, in turn, disrupted established gender relations.

Relative class stability was replaced by the volatility of shifting winners and losers. As new industries absorbed labor and implemented economies of scale, more and more skilled craftsmen saw their trades rendered obsolete. By mid-century, millions of independent tradesmen and farmers would end up in factories and other venues of poorly paid, manual wage labor. Whats more, by the 1820s, women were also working in factories, particularly in the booming textile industry.

As small businesses and independent labor were being degraded, a new class of white man was emerging. Unlike most American men, he was not a farmer. Instead, he lived in a town or a city. Whats more, he did not even work with his hands, as did urban skilled craftsmen. Instead, he was a new style of merchant, a wholesaler or retailer who made profits by the mathematics of bookkeeping instead of hard, honest labor. And those profits began to add up.

These new petty capitalists could lose fortunes as easily as they made them. However, many new urban merchants reached economic heights far beyond the average family farmer or skilled tradesman. Most never became full-on wealthy, but the bulk of them did come to form a new urban middle class that enjoyed luxuries beyond the reach of most, such as: matched grain wood floors, covered by expensive carpets; cast iron stoves; fine clothing for everyday of the week; and servants to cook and clean for them. By the 1830s, some urban homes even had the miracle of indoor plumbing.

Meanwhile, white farmers and skilled tradesmen faced ongoing economic pressures. Tradesmen lost out to the factories of the industrial revolution. Extra sons from large farm families, who were not in line to inherit the farm, moved to cities in search of work. The ranks of white, low-paid manual laborers grew. As a class, small farmers and skilled tradesmen were no longer the undisputed second-ranked Americans behind only truly wealthy white men.

A common reaction by white men whose economic standing declined, was to fall back on other sources of privilege, including longstanding patriarchal values and a burgeoning sense of whiteness. They re-emphasized their superiority over women, and embraced new frameworks of racial superiority over African Americans, Native Americans, and even other white men. In the free states of the North, white men increasingly resented black slaves. They blamed urban slaves for depressing wages. And they developed a political stance called Free Soil, which aimed to keep slave plantations out of the new Western territories and states so they could become a White Mans Paradise of small family farms. By the 1850s, many white, native-born men were also targeting Irish and German immigrants, whom they accused of driving down wages, speaking the wrong languages, worshiping the wrong religion (Catholicism), and lacking democracy bon fides. And they begrudged the white men of the new urban middle class. They besmirched the merchants as unmanly for not making their way by the sweat of their brows, and resented them for reaping supposedly ill-deserved gains at their expense.

This crisis of white masculinity also found expression in the great religious revival of the early 19th century known as the 2nd Great Awakening (2GA). It succeeded the 1st Great Awakening (1GA) of the mid-18th century. Or perhaps there was just one big Great Awakening, which was interrupted by several decades of war, revolution, and nation building. Historians still debate the extent to which theyre related and distinct. Either way, a defining element of the Great Awakening(s) is that much of the populace was swept up in a renewed religious fervor spread by a new brand of preachers.

During the 1GA, colonists were attracted to charismatic preachers who challenged older Presbyterian, Anglican (later known as Episcopalian), Puritan (later known as Congregationalist), and related theologies. The older doctrines insisted that Christians must commune with God through a trained, learned interlocutor, who was invariably a white man, a Minister or Elder with some elements of elite standing. But new preachers of the 1GA claimed that people could commune with God more effectively on their own, through faith and prayer. This rejection of strict, institutional religious authority proved a timely spur to the upcoming American Revolution. After all, if you dont need a religious leader to guide you to Heaven, then you certainly dont need a king to guide you to good governance.

The 2GA sprouted up at the opening of the 19th century. It peaked in the 1830s, and continued in various forms through the Civil War. And its impact is still very much felt in modern America. Indeed, when people talk of Americans supposed Puritanical values, that is a misnomer. Puritan values of the 1600s have virtually no effect on us today. They faded away centuries ago, and never had much influence outside of New England and parts of the Midwest. Instead, so-called Puritanical values actually refer, in general, to American Victorian (ca. 1830s1910s) values, which in turn were greatly influenced by the 2GA.

Certain aspects of the 2GA were a clear continuation of the 1GA, including: the rise of itinerant preachers; emotional, evocative, and often extemporaneous preaching instead of sedate, learned sermons read from behind a podium; a renewed devotion to evangelicalism (spreading the Gospel); and a move away from religious interlocutors in favor of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

However, some 2GA theological innovations went beyond the 1GA. Instead of formally trained theologians, more and more preachers were now autodidacts. And these self-taught preachers rejected predestination, a Calvinist theology that had been a prominent in American Protestantism up to that point. Predestination asserted that God chose who was going to Heaven or Hell before they were even born. But new preachers dispensed with predestination, and directed Christians to forge their Heavenly path by consciously accepting Christ into their life, and expressing their faith through good acts. Failure to do so was a sure fire path to Hell, because people were born sinners. But their afterlife was not predetermined; they could be saved by consciously accepting Jesus into their life and living a Christian life.

More and more American Christians were attracted to emotional, spontaneous sermons about the spiritual choices they must make, and the potential doom they faced. This led to a widespread urgency over the need to be saved so as to avoid eternal damnation. Millions sought salvation through a purposeful devotion to Jesus Christ that followed religious epiphany. This was now seen as a conversion experience, even if the person were already a practicing Christian. Christians would publicly profess a renewed commitment to Christ, and be baptized as adults. This would wash away their prior sins, and their soul would be reborn, or born again so they could commence an earnest path towards Heaven.

If even practicing Christians needed to be saved through an adult conversion experience, then spreading the Good Word (evangelizing), was now seen as the highest Christian duty. Evangelical camp revivals, where preachers warned of eternal damnation and implored sinners to be reborn, became commonplace across the nation. The first large 2GA camp revival took place at Cane Ridge, KY in 1801. Eventually some 20,000 people (about  of Kentuckys total population) attended.

The 2GA was not uniform across the United states. There were important regional differences. In the rural South, itinerant preachers with no fixed church address were vitally important. During the 1GA, they had done much to convert Africans and African Americans to Christianity. Previously, most slaves had been uninterested in staid Anglican church services, while many slave owners had resisted converting their slaves, fearing Christian teachings might lead them to rebel. But many slaves were drawn to 1GA preachers evocative style of sermonizing, while those same preachers warned slave owners that their own souls were in peril if they denied their slaves the teachings of Christ. However, the 2GA was different. A new generation of itinerant preachers still traveled throughout the South, holding camp revivals and preaching the gospel. But now their sermons tended to reinforce racial and patriarchal hierarchies that were central to the Southern social order. Thus, religion continued to function as a cultural institution through which white men could define their patriarchal masculinity.

The North was less homogeneous than the South. While the nation was still overwhelmingly rural, Northern cities were appearing and growing at rates that far exceeded the South. In the North, 2GA religious movements began to fissure along urban/rural lines. Much of that difference revolved around patriarchy.

In the bustling new cities of a young nation, the 2GA challenged unbridled patriarchy. Many of the well-to-do merchant men were open to a new Christian message that, while not advocating true gender equality, was at least willing to raise women up from complete subservience. And in a startling development, many urban 2GA preachers preached directly to women, engaging them in ways that other preachers did not. They offered a new message, talking about womens vital roles in Christian families. And that new message helped change American gender relations by identifying the home as the realm where wives could make direct contributions and important decisions instead of simply bowing to their husbands orders. Indeed, many Americans would eventually come to see women as being in charge of the home.

This was, however, not about gender equality. New middle class urban men still saw women as physically and intellectually inferior, and had no intention of letting their wives and daughters exert any authority outside the home. But they came to understand white, Christian women as having natural nurturing talents and skills, which qualified them to run aspects of the family home even without much male guidance. They believed women could: design the home to make it a regenerative, Christian space; make important decisions about child rearing; and even take the lead, or at least be co-equal, on matters of grace and prayer.

Northern 2GA preachers, such as the highly successful Charles Grandison Finney, advanced this new gender-relations model, particularly in cities and among the new middle class. Finney and his kind warned that worldly power corrupts. It needed to be countered with Christian love, which welled up more easily in women. But many rural Northerners rejected this feminized Christianity. They despised the new merchant class, derided white collar men as effeminate, and castigated them for handing over the reins of familial power to their wives.

Some rural 2GA preachers angrily warned that the end times were near. They rang the alarm about all that had supposedly gone wrong with Christianity, including its new effeminacy. One infamous masculine preacher of the 1830s was Robert Matthews. Styling himself the Prophet Matthias, he claimed the End Times were near. All real men would be saved, while the insufficiently manly would be damned; women were an abomination who needed to become obedient at once; it was wicked to teach women or preach to them directly; and women who lectured their husbands were to be cast out. Matthews issued a list of those who would be judged. Among them were All women who do not keep at home, All who preach to women without their husbands, merchant tailors who hired women workers, real estate dealers, and men who wore glasses. Matthews was a highly controversial extremist and atypical in many ways. But he was also in line with rural 2GA preachers in the North and South who promoted patriarchy.[1]

Much of this should sound familiar. In more recent decades, American patriarchy has again been challenged by changing gender roles arising from widespread economic tumult. And the defense of patriarchy has again found religious and political expression.

During the early-mid 20th century, blue collar white men, often with the help of labor unions, adapted to the industrial revolution and reordered their masculinity. Particularly after WWII, they cast themselves as hardworking breadwinners whose own wives could stay at home (at least while the children were small and if everything went well), much like the upper middle class wives of the white collar classes. But starting in the 1970s, deindustrialization upended 20th century American patriarchy. As good paying factory jobs requiring little or no formal education began drying up, fewer blue collar men could rise to the status of sole breadwinner. More and more wives entered the workforce. And as good salaries have flowed to white collar work, womens college attendance rates have steadily increased to where they are now the majority of students. This has enabled them to get white collar jobs that often pay as well or even better than traditional mens work. By the 1980s, the new crisis of American masculinity was upon us.

The loss of middle class factory jobs requiring no formal education; the assumption of many skilled trade jobs by immigrants who are willing to work harder and longer for lower wages; post-1960s feminisms tremendous strides against American patriarchy (even as it still has a long way to go); and the rise of yet another, white collar middle class, based not on merchant activity as in the 19th century, but on administration, technocracy, and finance, and which demands credentialed education in the form of college degrees, and even graduate degrees, which are increasingly earned less by white men, and more by immigrants and women: all of these factors have challenged American patriarchy and contributed to a crisis in American masculinity.

And once again, amid economic changes that challenge patriarchal gender roles and even white supremacy, we see men scrambling to redefine their masculinity. How else to explain, for example, a social phenomenon so seemingly incongruent and paradoxical as that of the tech bro? Pulsing, chest-pounding masculinity among men who spend all day staring at screens and typing. It would be comical if it werent toxic.

And of course the patriarchal strains of Christianity that dominated rural, ante-bellum America have evolved in many ways, but never really went away. As the nation steadily urbanized during the 19th century, and then suburbanized after WWII, rural Americans became a small minority of the population. By the mid-20th century, evangelical Christianity seemed like a provincial vestige of an earlier age. But conservative Christianity was publicly reactivated with the Reagan Revolution of the 1980s. No longer willing to leave participatory politics to the mainline Protestant denominations descended from the Finneyites and other liberalizing, urban 2GA Christianities, conservative evangelical Christians began asserting their cultural and social agendas. Theyre now louder and stronger than theyve been since the 19th century. Evangelical Christian churches across rural and exurban America idealize patriarchal family models. Whether it is championing patriarchal family arrangements, establishing male control over womens bodies (particularly vis a vis sexuality and reproduction), or rabid homophobia and now transphobia, the conservative Christian rights stance on gender issues is decidedly 19th century, and has found renewed vigor amid economic changes that challenge the preeminence of white men.

Perceived crises in white masculinity have always found political expression. Today its Trump. Two-hundred years ago it was macho politicians such as Andrew Jackson. No wonder Trump kept Jacksons portrait in the Oval Office. And no wonder the worlds other current and former right wing authoritarians of the last decade have likewise cultivated hyper-masculine personas. Whether its Vladimir Putins bare-chested horseback riding, or the rhetoric and/or antics of Rodrigo Duterte (Philippines), Shri Narendra Modi (India), Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey), Viktor Orban (Hungary), Jair Messias Bolsonaro (Brazil), and others, current and recent former strongman dictators and would-be dictators appeal to economically displaced men who long to assert their dominance. We may debate whether or not they are actually fascists. But either way, they are modern day saviors, offering salvation not in the next life, but in this one. They preach to citizens who fear the feminization of the economy, the rise of LGBT equality, the blurring of racial boundaries, and the reorganizing of traditional family structures.

Have faith that we will overcome.

***

[1] See: Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz, The Kingdom of Matthias (Oxford University Press, 2012. 1994)

Akim Reinhardts wesbite (currently under reconstruction) is ThePublicProfessor.com

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It was the show that kickstarted their careers, but Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie admit their parents warned them against signing up for now iconic reality series The Simple Life.

Launched in 2004, the show turned childhood friends Paris and Nicole into Y2K era icons with its depiction of the pair as hopelessly spoiled socialites who try their hand at a variety of low paying, menial and frequently thankless jobs - with hilarious results.

But a reported rift between its two principal stars led to the show's cancellation in 2007, with season five - in which the girls take jobs as summer camp counsellors- their last, until now.

Seventeen years older and considerably wiser, the pair are set to revive the format for a surprise return - but it might never have happened at all had they heeded the advice of their concerned parents.

Reflecting on its original concept with the digital December edition of Glamour UK, Paris - the daughter of businessman Richard Hilton and his TV personality wife Kathy - and Nicole - legally adopted by Motown legend Lionel Richie as a baby - admit their respective families vetoed the idea as soon as they heard it.

'Our parents did not want us to do it and told us not to,' recalled Paris. 'It was the first of its kind. They hear that were going to be sent somewhere and we dont know where were going.

It was the show that kickstarted their careers, but Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie admit their parents warned them against signing up for now iconic reality series The Simple Life

Launched in 2004, the show turned childhood friends Paris and Nicole into Y2K era icons with its depiction of the pair as hopelessly spoiled socialites who try their hand at a variety of low paying, menial and frequently thankless jobs - with hilarious results

'But after the first episode aired, my mom called me and shes like, This is the most hilarious show Ive ever seen in my life. You and Nicole are incredible. Shes like, I was wrong for once.

Thrust into a series unfamiliar working environments, the pair were routinely portrayed as airheaded brats with no real understanding of the world beyond their cossetted Beverly Hills surroundings.

'For me, its definitely a character,' Paris said of her onscreen persona. 'When Nicole and I got approached to do this, they described it as Green Acres meets Clueless, so I knew what the audience wanted - that blonde-airhead type of character.

'So I really played into that with questions like, "Whats Walmart?" I always knew what I was doing because Im not a dumb blonde. Im just very good at pretending to be one.'

Now 43 years old, the pair will resurrect their ditzy alter-egos for a three-part reunion special, available to watch on Peacock and Amazon Prime.

And they hope to win a new, younger legion of fans when it finally streams.

'The people that watched The Simple Life when it originally came out might know that weve been friends since we were two, but I dont necessarily think everyone is as familiar with that now,' said Nicole.

'And so we take you around parts of LA where we used to hang out, what we used to do in our childhood.

Seventeen years older and considerably wiser, the pair are set to revive the format for a surprise return - but it might never have happened at all had they heeded the advice of their concerned parents

Paris is the daughter of businessman Richard Hilton and his TV personality wife Kathy (pictured, with younger sister Nicky Rothschild-Hilton, in 2021)

Nicole is legally adopted by Motown legend Lionel Richie as a baby (pictured together in an undated Instagram photo)

'So really just painting a picture of what our friendship and our life was before we even did the show so that you really understand why when the opportunity came up for us to do it, it was just an automatic yes.'

During its original run the two friends drove the blue collar American heartland in their pink pink-up truck, taking on jobs at local farms, fast food restaurants and rest rooms along the way.

The reunion will see them revisit some of their old haunts on the show, as well as former employees and the employers they traumatized with their on-set antics.

Paris added: 'Going back to where it all started was really important. We go back to Arkansas, back to Altus, go visit the family and people that we worked for. It was so special.'

The pair will also give the reunion a unique twist - by turning Sanasa - a playful song they created as children - into an opera.

'We just wanted to do something different than all the other reunions,' said Hilton. 'The Simple Life was so innovative and so new to the world. Its such a special show to celebrate, and we just wanted to do it in the most extra and extravagant way.

'And its funny because were going to be fish out of water in this as well, because us being in the opera world is'

She added: Together we came up with this amazing treatment, and then we had pitch meetings with all the big networks. Everybody wanted it. Bidding war.'

The full interview is available in the UK December Digital Issue of Glamour UK, online now.

Thrust into a series unfamiliar working environments, the pair were routinely portrayed as airheaded brats with no real understanding of the world beyond their cossetted Beverly Hills surroundings
Kim Kardashian shared clips of her 20 foot Christmas tree in the foyer of her Calabasas mansion.

The 44-year-old entrepreneur also noted in the caption of the Instagram stories she shared Thursday morning that she has continued her tradition of waking up her kids with holiday music being played on the piano- which could be heard in the clip.

Two Grammy-award winning producer and writer Philip Cornish was the pianist playing in the Thursday morning clips.

'Waking up my kids to the piano playing every morning fills our home with so much joy,' she wrote in the clip shared Thursday.

She has explained in years past that Phil comes over every day during the holiday season to play the holiday music to wake the kids up 'by playing the piano while mad morning rush is happening to calm their little souls and fill it with beautiful Christmas songs' she explained in 2022.

She has documented the tradition on her Instagram page since 2021 - with Phil playing the piano every day during the holiday season for the past three years.

Kim Kardashian shared clips of her 20 foot Christmas tree in the foyer of her Calabasas mansion

The 44-year-old entrepreneur also noted in the caption of the Instagram stories she shared Thursday morning that she has continued her tradition of waking up her kids with holiday music being played on the piano- which could be heard in the clip

It is unknown how many years she has done this tradition but she started documenting it on social media in 2021.

Phil is also the music director for Kanye West.

Kim has been decorating her trees in the minimalist fashion for years.

The tree stood over 20 feet tall in the foyer of her home, reaching the second story of the home.

Kim and Kanye share four kids together: North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, Psalm, five.

They split up in 2021 with Kim filing for divorce, with it being finalized in 2022.

They tied the knot in 2014.

Kanye has since moved on, marrying Bianca Censori in 2022.

Two Grammy-award winning producer and writer Philip Cornish was the pianist playing in the Thursday morning clips

Kim and Kanye share four kids together: North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, Psalm, five

Kim also revealed that her brand Skims is collaborating with the winter label The North Face

Kim also revealed that her brand Skims is collaborating with the winter label The North Face.

She posted the news on her Instagram stories on Thursday morning for the collaboration.

The collection features puffy jackets in black, brown and cream colors, with matching shoes and leggings.

The new collection drops December 10.
John Stamos praised his former Full House costar and longtime pal, Dave Coulier, for remaining 'so positive' amid the latter's recent cancer diagnosis.

'Ive never seen anybody with cancer that is so positive, so optimistic,' Stamos told People at the Invisible Raptor premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday. 'I truly believe hes going to make it through.'

The father-of-one continued: 'He's really dedicated to helping people that are going through the same thing that he is. I'm proud of him for what he's doing.'

The actor, 61, also revealed that he 'flew to see' Coulier, 65, in Detroit 'a couple of weeks ago' to support him following a chemotherapy session.

Last month, Coulier revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system.

John Stamos praised his former Full House costar and longtime pal, Dave Coulier, for remaining 'so positive' amid the latter's recent cancer diagnosis

Stamos played Jesse Katsopolis and Coulier played Joey Gladstone on the ABC series Full House from 19871995, and on its Netflix reboot Fuller House from 20162020.

Coulier revealed he broke the news that he is battling cancer to his Full House colleagues in a group text.

He told People that he received an 'immediate' response after telling his costars about the cancer diagnosis.

Coulier said that the group text is composed of the show's creator Jeff Franklin and costars Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber and Scott Weinger.

'It was just this outpouring of, "I will be there. You just name the time, and I know you're in great hands with [wife Melissa Bring] but what can we do?"' he said.

Coulier, who's also worked on popular shows such as Robot Chicken, How I Met Your Mother and It's Garry Shandling's Show, said of the show's inner circle: 'It really is overwhelming the love that we have for each other.

'We've been there for so many years for each other and it's pretty remarkable.'

Coulier said that the bonds of the cast have been strong in the near-three years since the January 2022 death of Bob Saget at the age of 65.

'Ive never seen anybody with cancer that is so positive, so optimistic,' Stamos told People at the Invisible Raptor premiere on Wednesday. 'I truly believe hes going to make it through'

Last month, the actor, 65, revealed that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system

'I think we value not only our lives together, but we value our lives,' he said. 'We value those good times and the positive moments that we've gotten to share. And I think that that spills over to other people, and it's just positive.

'There's not many negatives when I'm with that group of people. It's really just laughter and positivity, and we appreciate so much what we have in our lives and the people around us.'

Coulier told the outlet that Stamos was visiting him after he undergoes chemotherapy: 'I can't wait for him to visit, November 15, I get a chemo treatment,' Coulier said. 'November 16, John's going to be here.'

He said of Stamos: 'He goes, "If you want to just sleep, I'll just sit by you or if you want to listen to music or just talk, whatever." And I'm just like, "Wow. That's like a brother. That's just truly a brother."'

Coulier, who discussed his diagnosis with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show November 13, told the publication that he was diagnosed last month after dealing with an upper respiratory infection.

Stamos played Jesse Katsopolis and Coulier played Joey Gladstone on the ABC series Full House from 19871995, and on its Netflix reboot Fuller House from 20162020 (seen in 1989)

Coulier said that the bonds of the cast have been strong in the near-three years since the January 2022 death of Bob Saget at the age of 65 (pictured in July)

'I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming,' Coulier told the outlet. 'This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey.'

Coulier, who is father to son Luc, 34, with ex-wife Jayne Modean, said that he's been entertained in doing his Full House Rewind podcast, as he 'never watched' the show during its first run.

'I understand it. I get it,' Coulier said. 'I understand why kids loved it so much, why families loved it so much, and why it's become so cross-generational. It's really got wonderful elements for kids and families.'

He said that the series' overwhelming message of love, respect and giving a strong effort resonates in the episodes.

'I didn't understand that so much when we were actually doing the show because it was so intense doing 192 episodes, but I get it now,' Coulier said. 'I can actually be so much more objective having a son going through family moments, going through raising a child. It just all makes sense to me.

'Now, I'm like, "Oh, now I see what was in the Kool-Aid. I get it."'
Jamie Foxx vows to tell the truth about his health woes in his upcoming Netflix special, nearly two years after his brush with death following a mysterious illness.

Due for release next week, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was expresses deep gratitude to those who prayed and supported his recovery, turning his performance into a touching thank you to his fans.

In a newly released trailer for the special, the Oscar and Grammy-winning comedy icon declares: 'I'm back and I'm so glad to see you all here. I'm so glad to be here.'

Appearing to then reveal what happened to him, he teases: 'What had happened was'

But before Jamie gets into it, the trailer comes to a dramatic stop.

Sharing the trailer on his social media, Jamie encouraged his followers to 'come hear my story.'

Jamie Foxx will set the record straight about his health woes in his upcoming Netflix special

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was will arrive on the platform on December 10

And the teaser is already resonating with the Law Abiding Citizen actor's fans, who were so moved that they said they had chills.

Commenting on Jamie's Instagram, one said: 'Yaaaaassss, now this is the promo that I've been waiting for!'

'Goose bumps!!!!!!!' another added while a third wrote, 'Just got chills brother.'

A fourth continued: 'I cannot wait!! Literally so excited for this.'

This upcoming special  set to hit Netflix on December 10  will see Jamie return to the stage following his 2023 hospitalization.

'If I can stay funny, I can stay alive,' he quipped in the first look teaser, as he sets the record straight with humor and vulnerability.

'This comedy event is a celebration of resilience, humor, and the power of community, reminding us all of the healing power of laughter,' a synopsis previously revealed.

The comedy event is one of a number of forthcoming projects the A-list actor has on slate, as he headlines the comedy movie Back in Action for the streaming service in a reunion with Any Given Sunday and Annie costar Cameron Diaz.

In the latest trailer, Jamie tells the audience: 'I'm back and I'm so glad to see you all here. I'm so glad to be here'

Jamie's fans have admitted they got 'goosebumps' just watching the trailer

The film is expected to begin streaming January 17, 2025.

Jamie is yet to divulge exactly what happened during his health scare, but in December 2023 he made his first official public outing since April 2023.

At the time, the Django Unchained star admitted he 'couldn't walk' six months prior while battling a mystery illness and wouldn't wish what he went through on his 'worst enemy.'

In April 2023, his daughter Corinne announced her dad was suffering from a medical complication.

Last July, Jamie posted a video thanking fans for their support amid his recovery

In a statement written on behalf of her family, she explained: 'We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday.

'Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.'

In May 2023, Jamie took to social media to thank his fans for their support.

The Hollywood star wrote on Instagram: 'Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed [prayer and heart emojis] (sic).'
Simon Cowell said that Katie Piper is 'one of the most special people' he has ever met as they attended a charity carol concert.

The music mogul, 65, attended the Katie Piper Foundation's third annual carol concert at St Peters Church in London on Wednesday, joined by his wife Lauren Silverman and son Eric.

Simon - who has been a patron of the charity for 15 years - gushed about his 16-year friendship with Katie as he gave a speech on the night, hailing her tireless work to help other burn survivors.

'You're the real definition of what I call strength, being a survivor in so many ways and real, real, true inspiration,' he said.

At the end of his speech, Simon made a touching comment about his son Eric's soon-to-be involvement in the charity.

Sharing his desire to pass on the baton to Eric, 10, Simon said: 'I am honoured to be a friend. I will always be here with you, with Lauren, and in years to come Eric. [to Eric] Over to you next!'

Simon Cowell said that Katie Piper is 'one of the most special people' he has ever met as they attended a charity carol concert in London on Wednesday

Sharing his desire to pass on the baton to Eric, 10, Simon said: 'I am honoured to be a friend. I will always be here with you, with Lauren, and in years to come Eric. [to Eric] Over to you next!' (Simon and Eric pictured in September)

Addressing Katie in his speech, Simon said: 'You are honestly one of the most special people I've ever met because I want to take you back 16 years.

'16 years ago I saw the documentary, and I saw someone in tremendous pain. I can't imagine what you went through.

'You put those two elements together, and how do you actually just get out of bed in the morning after that? And she got through.

'Im sorry to talk for you but weve spoken about it.Its a painful process, again, mentally and physically, to get through the way she got through.'

He continued: 'I joke about the fact that I saw the documentary and I offered Katie a job but she turned me down. She said no, I want to start this charity.

'I've seen you [to Katie] over the years, give so much of yourself to so many people in such a spectacularly extraordinary way.

'You've always been here for me as a friend, and to so many people, I'm sure, here as a friend, you're the real definition of what I call strength, being a survivor in so many.'

The carol concert saw a special performance by Britains Got Talent 2024 finalist Innocent Masuku and burns survivor Mobi1, as well as readings by Simon's wife Lauren, Katie Piper and daughters and Katie Brindle.

The music mogul, 65, attended the Katie Piper Foundation's third annual carol concert at St Peters Church in London on Wednesday, joined by his wife Lauren Silverman and son Eric

Simon - who has been a patron of the charity for 15 years - gushed about his 16-year friendship with Katie as he gave a speech on the night, hailing her tireless work to help other burn survivors

'You're the real definition of what I call strength, being a survivor in so many ways and real, real, true inspiration,' Simon said of Katie

Presenter Katie called out a vile troll on Instagram back in October after being targeted over her appearance and cruelly told she should 'jump out a window' to end her suffering.

The Loose Women star, 41, suffered facial burns and blindness in one eye after she was attacked with acid by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and accomplice Stefan Sylvestre in 2008.

Katie shared a snap of the comment and admitted that while she doesn't usually draw attention to cruel posts, this one 'was beyond anything' she could handle and adding to the 'heavy load' she was already carrying.

It started with the follower asking 'where's your nose?' to which the broadcaster replied: 'Being pulled into my fave by thick scar tissue it's incredibly painful'.

They then commented: 'Yep, it's cool but my nose is normal. I wish you to stop suffering as soon as possible.

'I recommend that you go out the window, preferably on the 10th-11th floor, perhaps this will ease your suffering' - followed by laughing emojis.'

Katie called out a vile troll on Instagram in October after being targeted over her appearance and cruelly told she should 'jump out a window' to end her suffering

Katie shared a snap of the comment and admitted that while she doesn't usually draw attention to cruel posts, this one 'was beyond anything' she could handle and adding to the 'heavy load' she was already carrying

Katie wrote: 'After completing my run this morning, feeling already depleted because of my bad time, I opened my phone to this'

Katie wrote: 'After completing my run this morning, feeling already depleted because of my bad time, I opened my phone to this. I can handle most things, but sometimes it adds to an already heavy load you are carrying.

'You never know how people are feeling, what they're going through, how their days are and even if you did, the only person we're judging because of this comment, is you.

'I wouldn't usually call this out so personally, but this is beyond anything even I can handle. This behaviour should always be called out, people need to do better.'

'This is not OK, and it will never be OK. If you can write something anything negative online and press 'post', you are a special time of person'.
Kylie Jenner may have the biggest Christmas tree in Hollywood, and fans would expect nothing less from the reality star billionaire.

However, it should also come as no surprise that rather than get her hands tangled in tinsel, Kylie has opened up her checkbook and enlisted the help of the Kardashian/Jenner family's go-to floral designer Jeff Leatham to do the heavy lifting.

The 27-year-old showed off Jeff and his team's immaculate Christmas designs in an Instagram reel she shared.

Kylie also showed daughter Stormi, six, putting on an ornament on the tree, as well as posing next to it.

The celebrity loved floral designer also took care of her outdoor decorations, Kylie shared in the video.

She had giant nutcrackers lining the entrance of her home, as well white Christmas lights throughout.

Kylie captioned the reel: 'Favorite time of year. Thank you to my Christmas angels @JeffLeatham & team.'

Kylie Jenner enlisted the help of the Kardashian/Jenner family's go-to floral designer Jeff Leatham; her daughter Stormi seen

The billionaire reality star, 27, showed off Jeff and his team's immaculate Christmas designs in an Instagram reel she shared

Kylie's video showed a ladder next to the tree and the bare tree before she showed it being lit up.

Kylie and her daughter appeared to add a few ornaments to the tree themselves - including an adorable dinosaur one and a rainbow one.

The star also shared a snap of her son Aire, two, holding hands with Stormi.

She shares her two children with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott.

Kylie shared a makeup tutorial just days prior, showcasing her slim frame in a pink crop top and matching bottoms.

The mother of two, who is currently in a relationship with actor Timothee Chalamet, promoted her Kylie Cosmetics brand in the makeup video.

She did her makeup with her products - even taking a break.

She grabbed her other product Sprinter - which is her canned vodka soda line.

Kylie captioned the reel: 'Favorite time of year. Thank you to my Christmas angels @JeffLeatham & team'

Kylie also showed daughter Stormi, six, putting on an ornament on the tree, as well as posing next to it

Kylie's video showed a ladder next to the tree and the bare tree before she showed it being lit up

A close up of the ornaments on the tree

The massive tree has glass ornaments throughout

Kylie had lots of beautiful ornaments for the tree, including a fun popcorn shaped one

Kylie and her daughter appeared to add a few ornaments to the tree themselves - including an adorable dinosaur one and a rainbow one

The celebrity loved floral designer also took care of her outdoor decorations, Kylie shared in the video

She had giant nutcrackers lining the entrance of her home, as well white Christmas lights throughout

She finished off her get ready tutorial with her Kylie Jenner Fragrances Cosmic hair and body mist.

Last month Kylie poked fun at her older sister Kendall's viral cucumber moment from an episode of The Kardashians that aired in 2022.

In season one episode seven of The Kardashians, Kendall was seen awkwardly cutting a cucumber for a snack.

The incident happened when mom Kris Jenner was visiting Kendall and she decided to make a snack that involved cutting up some cucumbers.

When Kris suggested to have the chef come in and cut the cucumber for her, Kendall insisted, 'I'm making it myself. Just gotta chop up some cucumber, it's pretty easy."

Kris added, 'You go girl,' while Kendall admitted, 'I'm definitely not a good cutter, so don't zoom in on me. I'm not professional whatsoever.'

Kendall awkwardly had her non-dominant arm over and around her dominant hand to hold the cucumber as she tried to cut it.

The supermodel then found herself at the center of online uproar - with fans shocked at her less-than-stellar culinary skills after they were put on full display for the cameras.

The star also shared a snap of her son Aire, two, holding hands with Stormi

Kylie shared a makeup tutorial just days prior, showcasing her slim frame in a pink crop top and matching bottoms

The mother of two, who is currently in a relationship with actor Timothee Chalamet, promoted her Kylie Cosmetics brand in the makeup video

Kylie went step by step to show off how she does her own makeup - using her own products

She showed off her done makeup look int he clip

Kylie posed up a storm after she was done to show off her makeup

Last month Kylie poked fun at her older sister Kendall's viral cucumber moment from an episode of The Kardashians that aired in 2022

Last month, Kylie decided to make fun of sister Kendall's viral cucumber moment - in a promotional clip she shared for her new Khy clothing collection that released

In season one episode seven of The Kardashians, Kendall was seen awkwardly cutting a cucumber for a snack

Kris tells her to 'be careful because I nicked myself the other day,' as Kendall awkwardly cuts thin slices of cucumber, adding, 'I know, I'm kinda scared'

Last month, Kylie decided to make fun of sister Kendall's viral cucumber moment - in a promotional clip she shared for her new Khy clothing collection that released.

Kylie donned her sequin tube top and matching booty shorts from Khy in the clip, as she stood in the kitchen with the cucumber on a cutting board.

Kylie used the audio from the episode and lip synced to it in the clip.

She cheekily captioned the Instagram video: 'new @khy holiday just dropped on khy.com,' adding a black heart and a cucumber emoji.
Emily Blunt hinted at the possibility of Devil Wears Prada sequel, as she confirmed there are 'rumblings' about making a follow-up film at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The actress, 41, famously starred as acid-tongued assistant Emily Charlton in the 2006 hit comedy, opposite Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Speculation about a sequel to the iconic film has been rife for years, reaching a fever pitch in July when it was reported that Disney had brought on screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, who adapted the original film from the 2003 novel of the same name.

While there has yet to be an official confirmation, Emily sparked new hopes for fans as she teased something was in the works.

Speaking during an In Conversation With event, the Oscar-nominated actress opened up about the impact of original film and the role it played in the trajectory of her acting career.

When asked if there was a chance of a sequel film, according to Deadline Emily told the excited crowd: 'There [are] rumblings. There is stuff churning around. But I dont know if I can confirm anything. But we would all be delighted.'

Emily Blunt hinted at the possibility of Devil Wears Prada sequel, as she confirmed there are 'rumblings' about making a follow-up film at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday

The actress, 41, famously starred as acid-tongued assistant Emily Charlton in the 2006 hit comedy, opposite Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway (pictured in film)

Speculation about a sequel to the iconic film has been rife for years, reaching a fever pitch in July when it was reported that Disney had brought on screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, who adapted the original film from the 2003 novel of the same name (Meryl in film)

The Oppenheimer star - who received a Golden Globe nod for the original film - admitted that The Devil Wears Prada catapulted her career, as it allowed people to see the range she had as an actor.

She said: 'Playing that character, who was so insane, it paved the way for people to see me more as a character actor rather than someone who should just be in period drama a lot of British people are just subjected to wearing a garnet or a crown at some point.'

However, Emily confessed she never could have predicted the wild and enduring success of the film, which made $326.7 million worldwide from just a $35 million budget, and which continues to be beloved by fans 18 years later.

She said: 'I just didnt know anything back then. I remember my agent calling me on the opening weekend and saying, It made this. I was like, Is that good?

'When we were filming it, we were weeping with laughter every day. We thought we were making something funny but I didnt know that it would become this thing that would catch fire in the way that it did its quoted to me every week now.'

The original film was adapted from Lauren Weisberger's book, which was loosely based on her time as an assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The story follows Andy - played by Anne - a struggling journalist who manages lands a job as a junior personal assistant to the fearsome Miranda Priestley, the editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine.

She tries to use this experience to pave the way for better journalism opportunities, but struggles to survive in the cutthroat fashion world and cope with the fiery Miranda's impossible demands.

While there has yet to be an official confirmation, Emily sparked new hopes for fans as she teased something was in the works

Speaking during an In Conversation With event, the Oscar-nominated actress opened up about the impact of original film and the role it played in the trajectory of her acting career

The Oppenheimer star - who received a Golden Globe nod for the original film - admitted that The Devil Wears Prada catapulted her career, as it allowed people to see the range she had as an actor

Rumours about a long-awaited Devil Wears Prada 2, were seemingly confirmed in the summer, with Variety reporting a possible plot summary that would reunite Emily and Meryl.

The sequel was said to follow Miranda and her career in present day as traditional magazine publishing is on the decline.

She squares off with former-assistant Emily, who is said to be a high-powered executive for a luxury group, as Miranda is chasing her company's ad dollars.

Emily previously broke her silence on the reports that she could reprise the iconic role in September, after being confronted about the veracity of the rumours by People.

She quipped: 'What sequel?' before adding: 'Oh my god I can't tell you anything!'

Referencing her character's flawless appearance in the film, Emily teased: 'Gonna get some good eye makeup going again right?'

She then went onto joke about how she'll be getting back into character, with a reference to Emily's battle with stomach flu, which helped her slim down to attend Paris Fashion Week.

The actress joked; 'I've gotta get a stomach flu and some eye makeup in there. I'm hoping for that!'

The original film follows Andy - played by Anne - a struggling journalist who manages lands a job as a junior personal assistant to the fearsome Miranda Priestley, the editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine

Rumours about a long-awaited Devil Wears Prada 2, were seemingly confirmed in the summer, with Variety reporting a plot summary said to follow Miranda and her career in present day as traditional magazine publishing is on the decline

Emily previously broke her silence on the reports that she could reprise the iconic role in September, after being confronted about the veracity of the rumours by People (pictured)

Meanwhile, her brother-in-law, Stanley Tucci, recently said he would be 'happy' to return to his role as fan-favourite character Nigel Kipling for a follow-up film (pictured in film)

Meanwhile, her brother-in-law, Stanley Tucci, recently said he would be 'happy' to return to his role as fan-favourite character Nigel Kipling for a follow-up film.

Speaking to People in October, the acclaimed actor said: 'If it does happen, I can only say that I'll be happy. I don't really know. I haven't [heard] about the plot or anything. I really haven't.'

When asked if he thought reuniting with Meryl, Emily and Anne would be fun, he gushed: 'I don't think fun would be the word. I think we would have one of the best times ever.

'It was just this perfect combination of people, from [director] David [Frankel] to Meryl to Annie, and Emily, who's now my sister-in-law. It's just great.

'I've made many movies, I've probably made close to 100 movies, and I don't even know how many television episodes, but that experience was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had'.

The update on the potential sequel comes just days after the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada launched in London on Sunday.

The update on the potential sequel comes just days after the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada launched in London on Sunday (pictured)

Starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda (pictured), the musical features an original score by Sir Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub, and book by Kate Wetherhead

Reflecting on why he decided to write the score, music legend Elton (pictured) told RadioTimes.com: 'The film is a classic and it's aged brilliantly and fashion and music go together so well, so there were so many scenes in the film that were crying out for music'

Starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda, the musical features an original score by Sir Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub, and book by Kate Wetherhead.

Reflecting on why he decided to write the score, music legend Elton told RadioTimes.com: 'The film is a classic and it's aged brilliantly and fashion and music go together so well, so there were so many scenes in the film that were crying out for music.

'It was a no brainer for me.It's fantastic to be able to write for this kind of musical because it's not Shakespeare, it's absolutely so much fun.

'It's got fantastic costumes, an incredible cast, and brilliant choreography.'
Gregg Wallace may be completely erased from the new series of MasterChef so it can be aired, MailOnline can reveal.

Wallace had already filmed the forthcoming series for amateur chefs last month with his co-presenter John Torode, 59. But the 60-year-old is now set to be wiped from the tapes before it is screened next year.

Wallace stood down from the show last week after a flurry of allegations of sexually inappropriate comments on set, which has sparked fears that the next series would have to be completely ditched.

But a production insider told the Mail Online that the series is salvageable as the option to airbrush Wallace entirely out of the episodes is being carefully considered. This would mean that the series - which will have cost production company Banijay a significant sum to make - would not have to be binned.

The source said that Torode and Wallaces critiques, where they give feedback on the contestants' food, were filmed separately.

Gregg Wallace may be completely erased from the new series of MasterChef so it can be aired, MailOnline can reveal

Wallace had already filmed the forthcoming series for amateur chefs last month with his co-presenter John Torode , 59 (pictured)

They said: John and Gregg were always shot with separate cameras. Any two shots, or wide shots containing the pair can be cut. Removing Gregg entirely is a difficult task, but not an impossible one.

Last Friday, Australian chef Torode was flown overseas to continue filming the show, with Irish chef Anna Haugh stepping in to replace Wallace.

Filming on the forthcoming series was completed on Tuesday afternoon and had been due to be broadcast in Spring 2025.

It is now unclear when the BBC will air the recently recorded episodes.

Sources on set said 'it couldn't have gone better', with one saying: 'Considering the circumstances it has been seamless.'

'We had the popular Anna Haugh, who has appeared on the show before, step in and give the contestants feedback alongside John.

'The production team was committed to keeping the atmosphere on set as calm as possible for our amateur finalists.'

It would not be an unprecedented move for a BBC programme to erase its stars from the screen.

Wallace stood down from the show last week after a flurry of allegations of sexually inappropriate comments on set, which has sparked fears that the next series would have to be completely ditched

Last Friday, Australian chef Torode was flown overseas to continue filming the show, with Irish chef Anna Haugh (left) stepping in to replace Wallace (pictured centre)

In 2023 RuPauls Drag Race, a reality TV contest for drag queens, one contestant was airbrushed out after they were accused of inappropriate behaviour before the show aired.

While TV presenter Jay Blades, who was charged last month with the physical and emotional abuse of his wife, has not appeared in pre-recorded episodes of The Repair Shop which have broadcast since.

Last week Wallace stood down from Masterchef, after a BBC News investigation revealed allegations of the presenters sexually inappropriate behaviour on television sets over a 17-year period.

The former greengrocer has denied behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. But he is now subject to an external investigation by top London law firm Lewis Silkin, instructed by MasterChef production company Banijay.

Torode broke his silence on Wednesday, but declined to defend his television colleague of 19 years, and said he fully supports the probe into the claims of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour and language.

He said it had been 'hard' to keep working after hearing of the allegations.

On Thursday night, the BBC broadcast the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professional, featuring Wallace. But it has scrapped the scheduled broadcast of two Christmas specials of the cookery show.
This Sunday will mark the 44th anniversary of John Lennon's tragic murder at age 40, and his widow Yoko Ono never found love like that again.

'I grew up with my mom speaking about my dad every day,' Yoko's son Sean Ono Lennon told BBC Radio 6 Music on Tuesday.

'She famously cut her hair when my dad died [because] in Japan, you used to cut your hair when your husband dies. So she spoke of him every day and I think she never has moved on from that relationship.'

The Beatle's assassin Mark David Chapman, now 69, is scheduled to have his next parole hearing in August after being denied 13 times.

The 91-year-old artist and the British pop star were still married to their spouses Anthony Cox and Cynthia Powell, respectively, when they originally met in 1966.

Cox gained custody of Yoko's 61-year-old daughter Kyoko Chan Cox after their 1969 divorce, and she miscarried her first son with John in 1968 a few weeks after his divorce from Powell was finalized.

This Sunday will mark the 44th anniversary of John Lennon's tragic murder at age 40, and his widow Yoko Ono never found love like that again (pictured in 1980)

And while Ono and Lennon formed the Plastic Ono Band and went on to collaborate on protests and music, the married couple separated for 18 months between July 1973-January 1975 during which he lived with his assistant May Pang.

'The truth is, even when they were apart, they were always talking. So I don't think they ever really broke up. All his stuff was still in the apartment with my mom. It's not like they had a real separation,' the 49-year-old nepo-baby dished.

'I think it's clear what his view of my mom was in his life. She was monumental, obviously, and the whole album [Mind Games] is about her. She's there in the studio It sort of confirmed how deeply in love he was with my mom.'

The seven-time Grammy winner was technically Yoko's third husband after divorcing her first husband, Japanese composer Toshi Ichiyanagi, back in 1962.

And Ono reportedly dated interior designer Sam Havadtoy for many years until their 2001 split.

During his turbulent six-year marriage to Cynthia, John welcomed his 61-year-old son Julian Lennon.

Sean just scored his first-ever Grammy nomination for producing the $167.98 Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection) Deluxe Box Set featuring six CDs, two HD Audio Blu-Rays, and a 136-page book.

'You look at the album cover, it's a collage of my mum literally the size of a mountain, and he's this little tiny thing sort of fading into the background,' Lennon noted.

'And I think it's clear what his view of my mum was in his life. She was monumental, obviously. And the whole album is about her...It sort of affirmed how deeply in love he was with my mum.'

Yoko's son Sean Ono Lennon (R, pictured in 2015) told BBC Radio 6 Music on Tuesday: 'I grew up with my mom speaking about my dad every day. She famously cut her hair when my dad died [because] in Japan, you used to cut your hair when your husband dies'

The 49-year-old nepo-baby continued: 'So she spoke of him every day and I think she never has moved on from that relationship' (pictured in 1983)

The Beatle's assassin Mark David Chapman, now 69, is scheduled to have his next parole hearing in August after being denied 13 times (2018 mugshot)

The 91-year-old artist and the British pop star were still married to their spouses Anthony Cox and Cynthia Powell, respectively, when they originally met in 1966 (pictured in 1968)

Cox (R, pictured in 1965) gained custody of Yoko's 61-year-old daughter Kyoko Chan Cox after their 1969 divorce, and she miscarried her first son with John in 1968 a few weeks after his divorce from Powell was finalized

And while Ono and Lennon formed the Plastic Ono Band and went on to collaborate on protests and music, the married couple separated for 18 months between July 1973-January 1975 during which he lived with his assistant May Pang (M, pictured in 1974)

Sean dished: 'The truth is, even when they were apart, they were always talking. So I don't think they ever really broke up. All his stuff was still in the apartment with my mom. It's not like they had a real separation' (pictured in 1973)

Lennon added: 'I think it's clear what his view of my mom was in his life. She was monumental, obviously, and the whole album [Mind Games] is about her. She's there in the studio It sort of confirmed how deeply in love he was with my mom' (pictured in 1969)

Yoko reportedly dated interior designer Sam Havadtoy (R, pictured in 1995) for many years until their 2001 split

Sean just scored his first-ever Grammy nomination for producing the $167.98 Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection) Deluxe Box Set featuring six CDs, two HD Audio Blu-Rays, and a 136-page book

Lennon noted: 'You look at the album cover, it's a collage of my mum literally the size of a mountain, and he's this little tiny thing sort of fading into the background'

The British-American musician continued: 'And I think it's clear what his view of my mum was in his life. She was monumental, obviously. And the whole album is about her...It sort of affirmed how deeply in love he was with my mum' (pictured in 2014)

John's vocals appear on the AI-assisted Beatles song Now and Then, which was nominated for two trophies - record of the year and best rock performance - at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which air February 2 on CBS/Paramount+

The British-American musician continued: 'I think every relationship is very difficult, and I don't believe that human beings have really solved the love equation. So I think they did the best of anyone I can see.'

John's vocals appear on the AI-assisted Beatles song Now and Then, which was nominated for two trophies - record of the year and best rock performance - at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which air February 2 on CBS/Paramount+.

Meanwhile, Ono's comprehensive solo exhibition Music of the Mind is on display at Gropius Bau in Berlin through March 16.
News of Samantha Armytage's split from her husband Richard Lavender was first exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Australia on Thursday evening... but there were key signs pointing to their separation in the weeks beforehand.

The former Channel Seven TV presenter, 48, sensationally announced she had split from the equestrian businessman, 61, on the eve of their four-year wedding anniversary last night.

The couple tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year's Eve in 2020.

Well-placed sources revealed news of their split exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday evening, with Samantha then confirming that they had 'amicably' gone their separate ways.

However, there were signs pointing towards trouble in Samantha's marriage in the weeks before the news became public.

Indeed, she was last photographed with Richard over three months ago.

The couple were last sighted together on September 5, when they arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Noosa together.

The couple were last sighted together on September 5, when they arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Noosa together (pictured)

No more: News of Samantha Armytage 's split from her husband Richard Lavender emerged this week, but there were signs pointing to their separation

They both flashed big smiles as they appeared to be in good spirits after the trip, which had been to celebrate Samantha's 48th birthday.

Samantha has instead made a string of solo appearances in recent weeks, including at the 2024 Melbourne Cup, despite Richard working in the equestrian business.

The former Farmer Wants a Wife host made a very glamorous appearance at Flemington Racecourse's world-famous Birdcage, but posed for photographs without her husband.

Stepping out on Melbourne Cup Day, Samantha cut an elegant figure in a vibrant red gown as she worked the angles for the camera during the solo outing.

It is not known if Richard was in attendance at the races, but Samantha was notably seen stepping out by herself as she mixed with the stars at the glitzy event.

While the couple do not normally walk red carpets together, Richard's involvement in the equestrian business sparked speculation they would attend the races as a couple.

The pair have previously made very rare public appearances together at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse, stepping out holding hands at the races back in 2021.

Samantha Armytage's 'change' column

Samantha also made some cryptic comments about everything in her life 'changing' in recent weeks, following her departure from Channel Seven and amid her marriage split.

Before news of their separation emerged, Samantha penned a candid column for Stellar in which she referenced the many changes in her life she was dealing with.

'All of a sudden, everything is changing: hair colour, waistlines, sleep patterns, pelvic floors, skin texture, friends, colleagues, houses, jargon, clothing styles,' she wrote.

Though she was talking about her career change in moving from Seven to Channel Nine, Samantha went on to speak about 'loving' and 'losing' in a poignant segment.

'Ive loved and lost. Ive laughed and cried,' she penned.

'Im stronger, yet more vulnerable. I have learnt discernment, acceptance and patience (to a degree).'

Samantha concluded her column by revealing she is happy with the person she has become and looked ahead with excitement to her 'new adventures'.

Amid the huge period of change in her life, Samantha has seemingly been looking for a new companion in recent weeks as she hinted that she was looking for another dog.

Samantha has since made a string of solo appearances in recent weeks, including at the 2024 Melbourne Cup, despite Richard working in the equestrian business

The couple have previously made very rare public appearances together at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse, stepping out holding hands at the races back in 2021 (pictured)

A new animal companion

The former Sunrise host tragically lost her faithful four-legged companion Banjo in February after he was bitten by a snake.

But she appeared to be on the lookout for another dog after spending an afternoon at a Guide Dogs NSW pop-up shop in Paddington, Sydney, with her sister Georgina.

One photograph showed Samantha, beaming broadly as she rested her head on one adorable pooch, called Ginger, as Georgina cuddled the dog tightly.

However, it appeared that Georgina was the one who was keen to take Ginger home, with Samantha captioning the image: 'Georgie Armytage, home!'

A second image showed Georgina clearly bonding with the adorable pooch, holding the dog tight as she smiled blissfully with her eyes closed.

Social media clues to split

Samantha's social media pages have also signalled towards her split as she is no longer followed on Instagram by Richard's two daughters, Sascha and Grace.

However, she is still followed by her now-ex-partner Richard on the platform after she insisted their separation was 'amicable'.

House hits the market

Samantha also pulled her beautiful home on the NSW south coast off the market just hours before her and Richard's split made headlines.

Samantha has seemingly been looking for a new companion as she hinted that she was looking for another dog while spending the day with her sister Georgina at a Guide Dogs pop-up

Samantha also pulled her beautiful beachfront home on the NSW south coast off the market just hours before her and Richard's split made headlines

The three-bedroom, two-bedroom beachfront property had been languishing unsold since last December.

Samantha slashed the original $3million asking price on the Hyams Beach property in September and relisted it with a $2.5million-$3million guide.

But on Thursday morning, the Illawarra Mercury reported that the house had been dropped from the agent's listing and was no longer for sale.

Though news of Samantha's split from Richard emerged this week, it is understood that her television presenter friends have been comforting her behind the scenes for some time.

How the split went public

The couple's separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper on Friday but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance.

'Yes Richard and I have separated. All break-ups are hard, but its somewhat lessened by the fact its amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Samantha then told media late Thursday evening.

'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I wont be making any further comment.'

It's understood she has moved out of Richard's sprawling Southern Highlands home and is now living in an apartment located in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Though news of Samantha's split from Richard emerged this week, it is understood that her television presenter friends have been comforting her behind the scenes for some time

The couple first started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June 2020 before tying the knot at his property in rural NSW six months later.

The intimate ceremony only featured a small number of guests due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Richard's daughters believed to have attended.

Amid her marriage breakdown, Samantha has also undergone a huge career change after stepping down from Channel Seven after 21 years with the network.

Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she said she felt her time had come to an end.

'I'm big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know wheor n the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: 'I've done what I can do here' and I move on,' she said.

'This is not the end. It's just the end of this chapter.'

She has instead moved to rival network Nine and been signed up as the host of brand new reality dating show The Golden Bachelor.

The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor series, but differs in that the contestants of the reality dating show are singletons in their 50s and 60s.
by Angela Starita

In October, I received a jury summons for Kings County Supreme Court. The first dayexactly two weeks before the presidential electionlawyers vetted potential jurors for a case made against the defendant, David Cruz, who was on trial for second-degree murder and related gun charges. Looking down at my hands when the charges were announced, I had to consciously take in the severity of the case since, of course, the judge had taken a dispassionate tone, the same one he might have used in a civil trial around a sidewalk fall or a landlord withholding heat. I immediately began dreading the possibility of being on the jury, fearing an ambiguous case with vindictive or thoughtless jurors. With an hour to go before dismissal, the lawyers choose me to serve. The judge told the 17 of us to return the following Monday, the day the trial would begin.

I spent the week trying to stop myself from imagining possible scenarios. I met up with a friend whose mother, a smart, generous woman who like most of her family loved Donald Trump, was dying of lung cancer. At the end of the evening, I told my friend my fears about jury duty, possibly jailing the wrong person, and even jailing the right person considering the state of our prison system. Though I hadnt named the crime, he assumed murder and then stood over me and said, Well, youre just better than the rest of us. I guess youre ready for your robes and sandals.

Like the rest of his family, my friend is witty, quick with a comeback, and much of our closeness rests on my appreciation of his humor. So standing there on that subway platform, I wondered if he were joking. I said nothing, not quite sure what had just transpired. He took a step back looked worried, then asked what was wrong. Not yet sure what had happened, I made some sort of excuse for going still. Another beat passed, and then he stepped close again and made another holier-than-thou crack. This time, it was clear there was no humor intended.

To be fair, he was drunk and exhausted after months of worry about his mother. At the same time, his wife has been searching for work, and he really couldnt see how he could build a reasonable future for his son with only one income. His stress was palpable.

When the trial began the following week, the assistant district attorney, a nervous young woman wearing a black suit jacket, a matching short skirt, and four-inch heels laid out the events of the case as she saw them: a group of men heading towards a cookout on Memorial Day Weekend encounter three other men with whom they exchange hostilities. The first group eventually decides to forsake the cookout and head home. On their way back to the subway, two of them are shot, one fatally. The shooter, she contended, was the defendant. The defense attorney, far more confident, very tanned and wearing loafers and patterned socks, said only that the crime was an awful one, but the police had the wrong man. Cruz himself wore wire-rimmed glasses, two neat braids, and pastel button-downsa prisoner dressed for court. In a photo taken the day he was arrested six years ago, he looks small and frightened. Hes a muscular man now.

Over the next days, the prosecutor brought in a parade of experts on guns, DNA, and autopsies. She also provided CCT video of the crime, several times showing it edited with circles, arrows, and photos of the defendant next to stills of the shooter. Incredibly, the defense attorney didnt bother to object or even remind the jury that the photo was added at the behest of the prosecution.

On that first day I found that, much to my relief, Id been made an alternate juror. There were five of us, and we sat in the jury box during the trial and spent our days in a room with the active jurors. Though most of us kept to ourselves, there were some standouts who wanted to socialize like the elderly NYC Parks employee later nicknamed Bike Man because his locked bicycle had been stolen the first day at court. He talked about his plans to retire in Cuba in a few years and one day came to court wearing a tee shirt with a quotation from Rumi about justice: Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. Ill meet you there. The other talkative juror was Godfrey, a young, ebullient bus driver, who claimed that some express bus drivers use their 7-hour layovers to visit mistresses and even had started whole second families. Another juror, Doris was a retiree who wore a turban and had trained to be an election worker. She was curious about Bike Mans extensive travels and when we were released early one afternoon, she went to Manhattan to visit Vanderbilt One, a fairly new high rise with a city viewing platform. One morning she said she wanted to lead us in prayer. While I was irritated that a public space became a forum for Christian prayer, I was grateful to Doris because her she began with a sober reminder that a young mans life is in our hands. I also said a private prayer each day as we entered the courtroom, asking for wisdom, though what I really wanted was enough doubt to find Cruz not guilty.

I knew this wasnt a fair way to go into the case. I took the judges edict seriously and tried hard to stick to the evidence. But it was work trying to imagine the victim, William Perez, a 20-year-old man whose sisters testimony was read by the prosecutor, revealing only that he had a job and was in East New York the night of his death to attend a cookout. That was all. For me, William Perez remained a fuzzy figure in a video, shot at close range and then lying dead in the street for minutes before anyone dared approach his body. Intellectually, I found the scene horrifying; emotionally, I cared most about the living man in front of me. No matter how much I tried, Perez remained an abstraction.

During the trial, three people sat on the benches behind the defense, people I assumed to be Cruzs relatives or friends since, during lunch outside of the courthouse, you would see them walking with his lawyer. But it also occurred to me that they might have gone to that side automatically, following the convention of weddings, sitting on the side of the person you know. No one sat on Perezs side over the course of those two weeks, except for a young man who arrived one afternoon just as we were being dismissed. He never returned. Even now that Im permitted to research the case, I can find nothing about the victim.

The day after elections, each side gave their closing arguments, and the alternates were put in a separate room while the jurors deliberated. We could hear the three hard knocks of the court officer as he delivered clarifications for their many questions. Meanwhile I spent the days trying to get work done but with constant interruptions from a fellow alternate, a 4th grade teacher who wanted us to know that she had stayed up until 3 AM to hear Trump speak. Its not all about abortion, you know. This she said to no one in particular. She went on to complain about her high bills and the cost of rent, the ways her children sometimes turned to her for money even though they were adults. She was clearly dedicated to her studentsthey were her other topic of conversationand on the second day, she bemoaned the way politicians talk, citing them as awful role models for kids. When I pointed out that Trumps one great talent is the skilled crafting of personal insults, she said Harris was equally guilty. Two of my fellow alternates agreed with her and took refuge in the no good politician bromide.

How could she not make the obvious connection between Trumps venomous rhetoric, his promises to dismantle or deregulate a host of agencies including the Department of Education, and her students? Did it require too many abstract jumps to imagine how people she loved might suffer under his administration and for years after? Was the word might too weak in the face of her mounting bills?

The jurors came to their decision. We marched into the courtroom, and they pronounced David Cruz guilty on all three counts. Afterwards, I spoke to some of them, and it was obvious theyd considered the case with a lot of care and integrity. In the end, one man told me they couldnt honestly find reasonable doubt. We wanted to, but we couldnt. I tried to comfort Doris, who said, We also have to remember the young man who died.
He renounced London after a decade in favour of a tranquil life on the edge of a Berkshire village with just 100 inhabitants  and two pubs. But there seems to be no danger of James Middleton sinking into bucolic obscurity.

Indeed, barely a couple of months after the publication of his book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, which has proved an instant bestseller, the Princess of Waless brother has earned a golden paw-print of approval for the dog food company he established in 2019.

I can disclose that Hello Ella  named after the cocker spaniel James credits with helping him conquer profound depression  has attracted the backing of the remarkable Craig Taylor, who left school at 16 and subsequently transformed the fortune of his familys small pet food business in Norfolk.

Taylor, 58, now heads what has become the biggest manufacturer of freeze-dried pet food in Europe. And, after first becoming a very modest shareholder in Hello Ella in 2020, hes just acquired a far more sizeable stake.

Documents filed at Companies House today record that Taylor has converted a loan he made to the company into 6,879 shares, priced at 72.68 each  or 500,000 in total. This means that his stake in Hello Ella is much the same size as Jamess.

Ive been impressed with the brand, Taylor tells me, and how James has built a loyal following.

Unsurprisingly, James, 37, is delighted. His company, he tells me, has just won an industry award  for our kibble and raw food  as well as launching in Waitrose and Sainsburys. With Craigs expertise, we can continue expanding.

There seems to be no danger of James Middleton, pictured, sinking into bucolic obscurity, RIchard Eden writes

I can disclose that Hello Ella  named after the cocker spaniel James credits with helping him conquer profound depression  has attracted the backing of the remarkable Craig Taylor, Richard Eden writes

Its a joyous contrast to his bleakest days. These followed his decision to drop out of Edinburgh University and establish a company called Boomf, making personalised marshmallows. It proved an ill-fated enterprise, which, by 2021, owed creditors 800,000.

At the worst moments, only Ella gave James purpose and reassurance, he reflected last month. Ella also bounded up to an attractive blonde  a trilingual Frenchwoman called Alizee. She and James later married and now have one-year-old son, Inigo  and six dogs.

India braves battlefield on charity mission to Ukraine

India Hicks is returning to Ukraine on a charitable mission in the new year, even though its army is struggling to fight off Russias advance.

It is going to be very dangerous, King Charless goddaughter tells me. By the time I get there, it will be a full-on land grab.

Hicks, 57, a granddaughter of the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, is on the executive board of Global Empowerment Mission, a humanitarian charity.

India Hicks is returning to Ukraine on a charitable mission in the new year, even though its army is struggling to fight off Russias advance, writes Richard Eden

Speaking at a signing of her latest book, Lady Pamela, about her mother, who was one of Queen Elizabeths bridesmaids, she explains: I just dont want to sit on the board and be a figurehead. I need to be there, but the situation is alarming. My husband is a little concerned.

India, who was a bridesmaid when the King married his first wife, Lady Diana, became a godmother to the son of a Ukrainian couple this year. The christening of Zakhar, whose parents met her through her charity work, was held in June at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the most sacred monastery in Ukraines capital, Kyiv.

OnlyFans leaves me lonely, says Lottie

Having followed her half-sister Kate Moss into modelling and then stripped off for the adult website OnlyFans, Lottie Moss says her fame puts potential boyfriends off, writes Richard Eden

Having followed her half-sister Kate Moss into modelling and then stripped off for the adult website OnlyFans, Lottie Moss says her fame puts potential boyfriends off.

Im single and mingling, having the time of my life, but its not always easy to find someone because of what I do and who I am, she tells me at the launch party for heiress Nicky Pietrzaks Delulu London collection in west London.

Lottie, 26, right, who dated Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton and is said to have been romantically involved with Brooklyn Beckham, added: Not everyone can Google who theyre dating and find out everything thats gone on in their life, but thats unfortunately me.

Lizzys a model daughter, Jerry

Elizabeth Jagger began her modelling career auspiciously at 13 when she joined her mother, Jerry Hall, on the catwalk.

Now 40, Sir Mick Jaggers daughter still enjoys posing with Texan model Jerry, 68.

Elizabeth Jagger, left, began her modelling career auspiciously at 13 when she joined her mother, Jerry Hall, right, on the catwalk

The pair appeared on the red-carpet at the annual Mon Cheri Barbara Day charity ball at the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich.

St Barbaras Day, or Barbaratag, is the feast day for St Barbara, the patron saint of firemen and miners.

Womens equality activist Lizzy wore a silver sequin dress by The Vampires Wife, while Jerry sported a blue cape and matching gown.

Despite Phil Collins retirement from his drum stool following health issues, it looks as if Genesis could be reborn.

His son Nic, 23  an acclaimed sticksman himself  is joining spin-off band Mike + The Mechanics for its 2025 world tour.

Guitarist Mike Rutherford says: Nic brings a great energy to the band, and its nice keeping it in the family. As well as hits including The Living Years, the Mechanics promise to drift into some of Genesiss much-loved classic tracks.

Will keyboard wizard Tony Banks join them, too?

Hardy hits jackpot

He played mercurial mob boss Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders, and theres no doubt that Tom Hardy knows how to make a killing.

Hardy, 47, who lives in south-west London with his wife, fellow Peaky Blinders actress Charlotte Riley, 42, made a profit of 2.5million at his company last year, writes Richard Eden

Hardy, 47, who lives in south-west London with his wife, fellow Peaky Blinders actress Charlotte Riley, 42, made a profit of 2.5million at his company last year.

The Hollywood stars accumulated earnings, which were disclosed in the latest accounts for his firm, 33 1/3rd Ltd, hit a staggering 22.2million  driven by his starring role in the Venom superhero films, which he wrote and produced.

The Mad Max and Inception actor recently starred in the third Venom movie  called The Last Dance  reportedly earning 15million.

TV presenter Evey Amery Kurlander has been left distraught by a horrific burglary at the north London showroom of Eveyspreloved, her luxury vintage bags and watches brand.

The QVC star says thieves fled with goods worth tens of thousands of pounds, including a Hermes Kelly 28 crocodile bag, which can fetch 28,000. I feel so upset about it, Evey, 57, tells me.

Its all captured on CCTV. Two big guys got in through the fire exit and tried to get into the room, which is very securely locked, so they took a sledgehammer and smashed in. She adds: It was awful to watch.

They took everything they could. Luckily, I wasnt working late, as I could have been in there.
Susan Sarandon has accused her former Hollywood talent agency of 'sensationalizing' the decision to drop her after her controversial comments at a pro-Palestine rally last year.

In November 2023 Oscar-winner Sarandon, 78, was axed by United Talent Agency, who had represented her for a decade - after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City.

Sarandon - who says she will never work in Hollywood again - claimed to Variety her former representatives had 'rushed' to a news site to make the announcement, saying: 'I dont know how Nancy Gates and Shani Rosenzweig, friends and representatives for 10 years, came to the decisions to drop me.

'Nancy informed me she was a Zionist as an explanation. Ive been politically active my entire life so for them to rush to Page Six at this particular time to make the announcement shows the intention of sensationalizing their decision. I believe everyone has a right to boycott. Its one of the few useful tools voiceless populations have.

The unrepentant star added: 'I have lost work. I have lost friends and family, but I have also gained inspiration from those who care enough about humanity and believe enough in the possibility of a better world to raise their voices to stop genocide.

'Im grateful for my new empathic, brave friends and family. I abhor violence against any population. Just as large of a threat is the crushing of our First Amendment rights. That is what makes fascism possible. No one is free until all of us are free.'

Susan Sarandon has accused her former Hollywood talent agency of 'sensationalizing' the decision to drop her after her controversial comments at a pro-Palestine rally last year - pictured September 2024

In November 2023 Oscar-winner Sarandon, 78, was axed by United Talent Agency, who had represented her for a decade - after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City - pictured

UTA - which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer - has never publicly stated why they axed Sarandon.

DailyMail.com has contacted a UTA representative for comment.

Sarandon has been vocal in her support for Palestine, and present at several rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

She then apologized for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza'.

Now in a new interview with The Times Sarandon has reflected on how the controversy led to the departure of her agent and how she is no longer able to star in mainstream studio films.

She told the publication: 'I was dropped by my agency, my projects were pulled. I've been used as an example of what not to do if you want to continue to work.

'There are so many people out of work right now since November of last year who have lost their jobs as custodians, as writers, as painters, as people working in the cafeteria, substitute teachers who have been fired because they tweeted something, or liked a tweet, or asked for a ceasefire.'

Asked if she would ever be offered a big film role again she replied: 'I don't know. Not anything in Hollywood.'

'Ive been politically active my entire life so for them to rush to Page Six at this particular time to make the announcement shows the intention of sensationalizing their decision. I believe everyone has a right to boycott'

Back in July Susan apologized for her remarks, saying her 'phrasing was a terrible mistake' while covering the latest issue of Elle Spain.

She also reiterated her desire to end the 'genocide' in Gaza, saying she had long been motivated to stand against injustice.

Covering the magazine, the actress explained that her position has a famous actress is a 'loudspeaker' allowing her to bring visibility to social issues.

Accepting that by speaking out she has ensured her blacklisting by a large part of the industry, Susan insisted that everyone had to come together to stop Israelis and Palestinians dying, because 'no one deserves to die this way.'

She said: 'Injustice has always hurt and angered me. I grew up in Washington in the 60s, with the Vietnam War hovering over that time and assassinations like Kennedy or Martin Luther King Jr. overshadowing our culture.

'I didn't have to force myself to educate myself in this sense, it was the only plausible option.

'That's why I'm so surprised by the misinformation that exists today, at a time when we have everything within our reach.

'It is up to each of us to stop the genocide that is happening in Gaza, and that means that Israelis and Palestinians stop dying. No one deserves to die this way.

'I understand that it is hard to accept that we are all part of the problem, but a war like this is only forged with our taxes, with your money and mine.

'That's why it's admirable that countries like Spain, Ireland or Norway raise their voices and say: 'We don't want to contribute to this.''

Susan recalled: 'I realized that my profession carried with it a loudspeaker in the 70s, when the United States introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.

'At one of the marches I was walking with Marlo Thomas, and she said to me: 'The only way we are going to be in the news is for you to speak.' And I did it, scared to death but I did it, because it is the way of life that I conceive.'

Susan has previously protested for the visibility of AIDS, to end the war in Iraq and against gun violence, even being arrested.

She was arrested in June 2018 at the Women Disobey protests for protesting against Donald Trump's controversial migrant policy of separating children from their parents.

While her second arrest was last year at a protest to raise the minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers.

In a recent interview with The Times Sarah has reflected on how said that the controversy led to the departure of her agent and how she is no longer able to star in mainstream studio films

She said: 'It will never cease to surprise me that an American thinks that someone is desperate to enter our country, when what they are really trying to do is achieve a dignified, stable and, above all, free life.'

The Rocky Horror Picture Show star previously caused controversy in November, after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City.

She apologised for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza'.

But Susan acknowledged that her words ignored 'centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe' as well as recent atrocities, such as the Tree of Life synagogue attack.

Taking to her Instagram, she said: 'Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, 'are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.'

'This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true.

'As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence which continues to this day.

'I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.'

'I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree.'

Susan has continued to be an advocate for Palestinian rights, and proudly wore a pro Palestinian button on the red carpet on Thursday for the New York premiere for her new film The Fabulous Four.

In April, she joined a host of film stars and directors donating memorabilia and time to a Cinema for Gaza auction to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Palestine, including Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Tessa Thompson, Louis Theroux, Jonathan Glazer and Stellan Skarsgard.
There is a saying which runs, Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name.

The saying is attributed to American writer Ernest Hemingway.

If he is correct, Peadar Thompsons beautiful new book Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland, will ensure the names of these women and men of Cumann Luthchleas Gael will be spoken for generations to come.

In his insightful introduction to Lost Gaels, Mark Thompson, CEO of the victim support organisation Relatives for Justice (RFJ) which brought the book to fruition, says: Our focus in this book is  not on who the perpetrators were or the circumstances in which Gaels died.

Peadar Thompson, author of Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland.

What matters for us is the unifying love - an gra - for the GAA that each person included in this book shared.

We wanted to celebrate the role of the GAA in their lives, and the achievements and contributions those deceased Gaels made to their clubs and counties.

Explaining his motivation for writing Lost Gaels, Peadar Thompson said it combined many different elements.

Speaking to The Derry News, headded: My own personal motivation was that I am a Gael. I am a member of Naomh Eoin CLG in Belfast. I have also spent my life around victim advocacy - my father Mark [Thompson] is the director of RFJ and my own family is a bereaved family of the conflict.

My professional interest was that I am a law graduate. I have a masters in International Law and my career aspirations are in human Rights, humanitarian work and victim advocacy.

It was a mixing of all of those worlds, in terms of my own personal motivation to do this work, said Peadar.

According to Peadar, the opportunity arose because RFJ was seeking to do a project around the GAA and the conflict as it supports a lot of the bereaved victims of the conflict who are also members of the GAA.

The question would come up time and time again, How many members of the Association were lost to the conflict? said Peadar.

To our suprise, no research had been done on that. No-one had a figure. So we said to ourselves, Why dont we set about doing that?

The project grew from there. Then, when we had our final figures confirming the numbers, we said Okay, what should we do with this? and we decided to write a book of pen portraits of each of the Gaels who were lost, said Peadar.

The whole Lost Gaels project took three years.

Before Peadar took it on full time, another RFJ intern, Eoin Connolly, had undertaken some initial research.

Peadar said the finished Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland book had received a great reception.

It has been really well received, he added. What means the most to me is that it has been really well received by the families involved. The families have been saying they think it is a project which was really worthwhile taking part in.

And then, more broadly, there seems to be huge interest in it from within GAA circles, and in the wider country, even internationally.

We have had a lot of interest from the US, Canada, Australia - anywhere where the GAA is, there has been a phenomenal amount of interest, which is brilliant, said Peadar.

Looking forward to the Derry, city and county launches of Lost Gaels, Peadar described the GAA as a very broad church.

Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland launch.

He added: There are a significant number of Gaels included in the book who were killed because they were Gaels. However, it also reflects the reality that a lot of Gaels were killed in other circumstances. Some were active members of Republican groups. There were Gaels who died on Hunger Strike. And we also have the likes of Joe Campbell who was an RUC officer.

The GAA is so broad and this is very much ref;lected through the stories contained in Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland.

The Derry Gaels remembered in Lost Gaels are: John Bateson (19), St Treas GAC, Ballymaguigan; Jim Sheridan (20), St Treas GAC, Ballymaguigan; William Strathern (39), Wolfe Tones GAC, Bellaghy; Kevin Lynch (25), Kevin Lynch GAC, Dungiven; Francis Bradley (20), St Treas GAC, Ballymaguigan; John Davey, Erins Own GAC, Lavey; Sean Brown (61), Wolfe Tones GAC, Bellaghy; Fergal McCusker (28), CLG Watty Graham, Maghera; Martin Lee (18), St Treas GAC, Ballymaguigan; Colm McCartney (22); Malachy McIvor (43), Henry Joy McCracken GAC, Moneymore; and James Kelly (25), CLG Eimeid, Sleacht Neill;

Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA killed in the Conflict in Ireland is published by Merrion Press. It costs 20.49.
A local driving instructor is encouraging learner drivers from Donegal to consider taking their driving tests in Derry.

Deborah McElhinney - owner of Deborahs Driving School - described the process as very straightforward.

Speaking to The Derry News she added: There is a massive difference in driving test and re-test waiting times between Derry and Donegal.

According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website, the next available driving test date in Buncrana and Letterkenny is May 5, 2025. It is May 12, 2025 for Donegal Town. In addition, anyone needing a re-test in Donegal has to wait a further three months.

Essentially, there is a five month driving test backlog in Donegal compared to an approximately one to two week wait in Derry.

I would encourage anyone in Donegal urgently in need of a driving licence, for employment, education or family purposes, to consider taking their driving test in Derry, said Ms McElhinney.

Ms McElhinney said she was currently teaching a number of people from Donegal to drive.

It is taking approximately a month from start to finish and they will be able to exchange their full Northern Ireland driving licence for a Republic of Ireland driving licence at their local National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office when they pass their tests. It is a very straightforward and legal process, she said.

In the Republic of Ireland, learner drivers must pass a theory test and an eyesight test before obtaining their provisional driving licence. They cannot take their driving test until six months after receiving their first provisional licence and their Essential Driving Training (EDT) must be completed and uploaded to the RSA portal two weeks before the test application.

In Northern Ireland, a provisional driving licence application can be made to the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) using a Northern Ireland address, with no theory or eyesight tests required beforehand.

In terms of driving test eligibility, there is no waiting period for applying but learners must pass the theory test first. There is no EDT or set number of lessons required, said Deborah McElhinney.

The driving instructor said the RSA had started a new recruitment campaign for driving test examiners.

But, realistically, those new examiners wont be recruited, trained, and in post until the summer at the earliest.

Another thing to note is Northern Ireland currently accepts Republic of Ireland registered cars for the driving test as well, so people can actually use their own cars for the driving test if they want - providing, of course, it is fully insured.
The Apprentice Boys of Derry 336th Shutting of the Gates takes place in Derry on Saturday, December 7.

The city centre is open and motorists driving through the city-side and Waterside areas, between 11.30am and 5.30pm, are advised to take extra care and of delays during parade times.

Signage advising of diversions/closures will be in place and officers will be on patrol.

Police work in partnership with the parade organisers and marshals to ensure minimum disruption to those going about their daily routine.



Parade details

Visiting Branch clubs taking part in the parade will assemble at the Railway Station in the Waterside at about 11am and leave at 11.30am.The route will take the clubs and bands from Duke Street across the top deck of Craigavon Bridge and then onto Carlisle Road, Hawkin Street, London Street, Bishop Street and Palace Lane to the Memorial Hall.



1.15pm

Bands will leave Society Street, Bishop Street, The Diamond, Ferryquay Street, Wapping Lane, Carlisle Road, Kennedy Street, Hawkin Street, London Street into the grounds of St. Columb's Cathedral. This is estimated to take approximately 40 minutes.

3.15pm

The Parade reforms in Bishop Street, Society Street, and moves off via London Street, Hawkin Street, Kennedy Street, Kennedy Place, Wapping Lane, Carlisle Square, Carlisle Road, Ferryquay Street, The Diamond, Bishop Street, Society Street, Palace Street to Bishop Street for the burning of the effigy at 4pm. When the parade is in Bishop Street for the burning; traffic - where possible - will be facilitated in the city, and this will be clearly signposted and officers will be on the ground to assist with traffic flow.

4.30pm

Following the burning, the parade will return to the Waterside across the top deck of Craigavon Bridge via London Street, Hawkin Street, Carlisle Road, Craigavon Bridge, and Duke Street for dispersal at Waterside Link at 5.15pm approximately.

The top deck of Craigavon Bridge (Waterside-bound) and Duke Street will be closed for a short time as the parade is underway.
There is concern locally among Roman Catholic leaders that the Vatican could press on with merging the Raphoe Diocese and the Diocese of Derry.

It follows reports that the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown travelled to Rome to meet with Bishops Bishop Robert Francis Prevost to put forward the case for the two dioceses to stay as stand-alone entities.

The Irish Catholic newspaper reports that Bishop McKeown also held talks with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who works as the Vaticans Secretary for Relations with States.

The Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, is keen to merge the diocese.

Earlier this year, Archbishop Montemayor told how the Church would be undergoing a reorganisation

With pooled resources and combined endeavours, and trusting strongly in the grace of God, we can look to the future with hope and confidence, he said following the announcement of other mergers in the west of the country.

The Raphoe Diocese has been without a bishop since the appointment this year of Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ as the 33rd Bishop of Down and Connor.

Next April, the Derry Diocese will also become vacant when Bishop McKeown retires.

Currently, the Raphoe Diocese is headed by Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie.

It is understood that, given its presence for the two Diocese to merge, the Vatican has been keen not to appoint a permanent successor to Bishop McGuckian.

There are fears, however, among the Church hierarchy locally about the possible workload given that there are only three Bishops in Northern Ireland and the mooted merger would see the Archbishop Eamonn Martin to administer the amalgamation while also taking care of the Armagh and Dromore dioceses.

Archbishop Martin is believed to be not entirely opposed to the suggestions of merging the diocese, but not at this time.

Of the 51 parishes in the Diocese of Derry, 11 are in County Donegal.

Already, some parishes have merged due to a dwindling number of clerics.

It was announced in the summer that while the parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick will still have three priests, there will not now be a dedicated parish priest in each.

Fr Michael McCaughey, the PP at The Three Patrons parish in Derry, became the PP of Clonleigh, but is also the PP in Camus and in Leckpatrick, while Fr Edward Gallagher has been appointed as a curate for the three parishes and Fr Declan Boland was named as a Priest-in-Residence for the Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick parishes.
Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney will discuss financing action to tackle climate change at a summit bringing together leaders from the devolved nations and Ireland.

Financing a just transition will be the main topic at the British-Irish Council (BIC) meeting in Edinburgh on Friday.

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris will be present at the summit, as will Tanaiste Micheal Martin.

As well as Scotlands First Minister, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan and Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill will also take part along with other ministers from the devolved administrations.

The chief ministers of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey also attend the BIC.

Alongside the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will represent the UK Government.

Formed in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, this will be the 42nd meeting of the intergovernmental forum.

Discussions are expected to cover the opportunity clean power presents for the economy and how to share best practice across the British Isles.

Mr Swinney said: Scotland will welcome political leaders to our capital city as we gather for the 42nd summit of the British-Irish Council  a meeting which also marks 25 years since the first council was held following the Good Friday Agreement.

As we reflect on 25 years, it is testament to the value of the British-Irish Council that the partnership conceived a quarter of a century ago has prevailed in the midst of unprecedented change and challenge.

The meeting in Edinburgh provides a forum for us to discuss the greatest challenge facing the next 25 years  that of climate change and delivering a just transition.

The need to share our knowledge, our efforts and our actions is no less urgent today than it was when the first British-Irish Council meeting was held in 1999.
Replacing all water pipes in Belfasts new maternity hospital could cost up to 9 million and take up to four years, a committee has been told.

That would be the worst-case scenario for the beleaguered hospital, which is already almost 10 years behind schedule.

However, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said recent sampling for bacteria at the site has suggested a complete refit will not be required.

The hospital, at the Royal Victoria site, has faced numerous delays, but it was hoped it would finally open next year.

However, after the trust took possession of the new building in March, testing of its water systems showed high levels of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA), leading the trust to say the project was facing a significant new delay.

Another problem around the medical gas pipework was later identified that would cost approximately 50,000 to rectify.

A Northern Ireland Audit Office report earlier this year said the unit was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

On Thursday, the Assemblys health committee convened to discuss the problems at the hospital.

Maureen Edwards, interim chief executive of the trust, brought interim findings of an independent review to the committee.

She described the review as forensic, adding that it had taken longer than expected due to challenges around the handling and volume of samples taken.

She said the latest sampling appeared to show a reduction in the overall amount of bacteria in the water systems

She said there had been a 50% reduction in the number of outlets having some level of pseudomonas detected, but cautioned these are incomplete results based on a single set of samples.

Previous results showed pseudomonas at 36% of outlets.

The trust is progressing recommendations around remediation works to reduce contamination and move towards the opening of the hospital.

These range from localised remediation works at a cost of between 750,000 and 1 million over three to four months all the way up to the worst-case scenario of full replacement of all domestic pipework.

The latter would be implemented if criteria around safe levels of bacteria were not met and would take up to four years at a cost of between 7 million and 9 million, Ms Edwards said.

However, she said the worst-case scenario of full replacement is not expected to be the preferred route based on the latest sampling.

A middle-ground option involves localised and minor repair works in non-augmented care, with a new domestic water system for neonatal and theatre areas.

Under each scenario, a further commissioning stage of five to six months would be needed to make the hospital ready for patients.

Ms Edwards told the committee the trust accepted the handover of the hospital from the contractor after samples fell under what she described as a high threshold of 2% failure rate.

However, increased levels of pseudomonas were reported in subsequent testing after the handover.

On the gas defects, she said the issue was identified at the time of handover.

She said it relates to 30 metres of pipework and could be resolved promptly.

It is not a critical path issue and resolution of the 30 metres of gas pipework will not delay the opening of this building.
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Two men have been arrested during an operation in which gardai seized 2.14 million euro worth of cannabis and more than 230,000 euro in cash.

Gardai said the intelligence-led investigation was targeted at transnational drug trafficking networks.

Officers attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) intercepted a vehicle in the Finglas area of Dublin and conducted a coordinated search of a residence in the Donore area of Co Meath on Wednesday.

The two men aged in their 30s were arrested in connection with the investigation and detained under drug trafficking legislation in Co Louth.

Following the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the GNDOCB, said: This substantial seizure of cannabis and cash once again shows the vast profits being made by transnational organised crime groups, from casual drug use across Ireland.

There is a direct link between personal use drugs consumption and the violence and drug-related intimidation being experienced in communities. We, in An Garda Siochana, will continue to disrupt the drugs networks bringing drugs into our country and to make Ireland a hostile environment for these criminals to operate. Demand fuels supply.

Please think before you use this festive period and play your part in making your community safer.

Investigations are ongoing.
Nikita Hand has been awarded costs in her civil action against Conor McGregor, after a jury found she had been raped by the mixed martial arts fighter in Dublin six years ago.

A judge in the High Court also ruled that James Lawrence, from whom she also sought damages for assault, but lost, cannot claim his legal costs against her.

Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case last month.

The costs of the case, which ran for some three weeks, are estimated to be more than one million euro (829,000).

The ruling means that Ms Hand and Mr Lawrence will pay their own costs in relation to the claim against him.

Mr McGregor, however, will have to pay the full costs relating to his side of the case, which will include Ms Hands costs relating to the claim against him.

The judges ruling on Thursday means that Ms Hand will pay the bill relating to costs in dealing with her claim against Mr Lawrence only.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens said the costs were made on a normal party-party basis, and not on the higher solicitor and client costs.

Justice Owens said that he made the decision after the defence put forward by Mr McGregor relied on what Mr Lawrence claimed had happened on the day and night of the incident.

He was it was a most singular and peculiar case.

He told the court that the story put forward by both defendants ran in lock step with each other, and the finding by the jury that Mr Lawrence had not assaulted Ms Hand was because they did not believe he had consensual sex with Ms Hand after Mr McGregor left the hotel.

Ms Hand, 35, from Dublin, was awarded almost 250,000 euro (207,000) in damages against Mr McGregor, after a three-week civil trial last month.

Ms Hand had been seeking about 660,000 euro for relocation costs as well as costs for loss of future and previous earnings.

Justice Owens said both men were represented by the same firm of solicitors, and that Mr McGregor was footing the bill for Mr Lawrence, who he said was of modest means.

He said that there was one narrative from both of them.

Justice Owens also said it was difficult to see how there would be separate legal costs in respect of solicitors for both men.

He said he did not agree that the damages awarded by the jury cast any light on the jurys decision, and said the jury were told not to double count and to be moderate.

He further said that the jurys decision not to award aggravated and exemplary damages to Ms Hand did not cast any doubt on their findings.

The court was told that Mr Lawrence had, under the Legal Services Regulation Act, been successful in defending his claim by Ms Hand, but not for the reasons advanced by his defence.

Justice Owens also raised a number of social media posts made by Mr McGregor after the jurys verdict.

He said that any social media posts that attack the integrity of the jury cannot be tolerated and that Mr McGregors posts were highly irresponsible.

He said he would deal with them another day and had not yet decided what to do about them, and whether to institute proceedings against Mr McGregor which could result in contempt of court.

He said this could result in a fine, adding that the sportsman is a very rich man and could afford to pay a fine.

Justice Owens also said that it was quite apparent to the jury that the evidence of Ms Hand could not sit with the evidence put forward by Mr McGregor.

He said they were faced with a stark choice, adding that if Ms Hand was telling the truth about Mr McGregor, it was more than inconceivable Mr Lawrence could have sex with her.

There was no middle ground, Justice Owens added.

The judge put a stay on all the orders until January 16.

Remy Farrell SC, for Mr McGregor, said that the ruling is likely to be appealed against.

Earlier, a lawyer for Ms Hand urged the High Court judge to order Mr McGregor to pay the entire costs of her civil action.

John Gordon SC, for Ms Hand, said the conduct of Mr McGregor before, during and after the trial warranted him paying the entire costs of the proceedings.

Mr Gordon told Justice Owens that he had a wide discretion in awarding costs against Mr McGregor.

The court was urged to take into consideration that Mr McGregor had, after the verdict, made a series of social media posts in which he described the court as a kangaroo court.

Mr Gordon said this was a direct insult to the jury.

He also said that the direct criticism of the jury should not go unremarked and should be considered as part of costs.

Justice Owens said it was most unsatisfactory that a litigant would attack the jury and accused them of disregarding the court rules.

Mr Gordon said that as the jury found against Mr McGregor, it shows that they did not believe Mr Lawrence.

He further said that Mr McGregor was verbally abusive of Ms Hand in the court, which he said stopped the court in its tracks.

He used vitriol as a weapon to intimidate my client. The court should not tolerate that, Mr Gordon added.

However, Mr Farrell rejected the application, saying that the court does not have a wide discretion, as asserted by Mr Gordon, to award costs.

He said it should be done in the normal way, that costs the event.

Mr Farrell said the suggestion that the verdict meant that the jury rejected all of the evidence by Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence was wholly incorrect and incorrect characterisation of the evidence.

John Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, said his client was not involved in some grand conspiracy theory against Ms Hand and said the court was being asked to become the 13th juror in the case.
Businesswomen from across the country, including Louth, came together in Mullingar earlier this month to mark the 10th anniversary of ACORNS, the award-winning business development programme for early-stage female entrepreneurs from rural areas.

Those representing Louth at the event were Fiona Lynch, founder of Almond Rose Design based in Clogherhead and Jennifer Provan, founder of Kitchenetta which is based in Ballymascanlon on the Cooley Peninsula.

Hosted at Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar, the event was one of a series of regional gatherings designed by ACORNS to help former participants network with peers from different cycles. The events aim to help participants broaden their networks, do business with each other, focus on their development goals and exchange ideas on overcoming business challenges.

The invitation was open to former ACORNS participants from the region and leading the discussion was ACORNS Director Paula Fitzsimons and some of the programmes voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs  Alison Ritchie, Managing Director of Polar Ice, Eimer Hannon, Managing Director of Hannon Travel and Anne Reilly, founder of Paycheck Plus.

ACORNS is a free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland. It has been running since 2014 and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).

ACORNS 10 is now underway. 56 early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland have been selected to participate. The new cycle got underway with a residential Launch Forum on October 21/22.
Sinn Fein Councillor Pearse McGeough has said he is disappointed and dismayed that remedial works due to take place at Greenmount Water Treatment plant will not be completed until the end of 2028 leaving almost 4,000 households with no certainty of a consistent, safe water supply.

Cllr McGeough said: The Greenmount plant services almost 4,000 households around Castlebellingham, Kilsaran, Dunleer and surrounding areas.

"Following an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report at the end of 2023, Greenmount, Cavanhill and Tallanstown were named as those in need of remedial works due to the detection of persistent trihalomethanes (THMs), Greenmount also had pesticide failures detected.

Cllr McGeough said he was dismayed to learn following a question he posed to Irish Water, that the vital remedial works will not be completed until the end of 2028 despite the EPA reporting a completion date for the middle of 2026. This is despite these remedial works being identified in the first half of 2019".

He continued: How much longer can Irish Water kick the can down the road?

"This is the 21st century and people should expect a consistent supply of safe water but as many in mid-Louth will tell you, it is neither safe nor consistent.

On Christmas morning 2023 the water went off in parts of Mid-Louth and did not return until New Years Day with little or no communication from Irish Water.

"Wastewater treatment in Ireland is not fit for purpose and it is the people who are suffering.

"The people of Louth deserve better than patchwork fixes every time there is a problem.

"There seems to be a lack of willingness to invest in the upgrade of the Water infrastructure and yet we have Taoiseach Simon Harris telling us we are a wealthy country and how much better off we are.

Almost 4,000 households now have to wait another 4 years for remedial works to be carried out but how many more problems will the lack of investment into the infrastructure cause before then?

"Its just not good enough; our health and water supply are being held to ransom by Irish Water and government inaction.
Iarnrod Eireann has announced details of its services to and from Dundalk over the Christmas and New Year period, along with its pre-Christmas late night service that begins today.

Late night DART and Commuter services will operate on the three weekends in the lead-in to Christmas: Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th, Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th and Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st December. This will include both a 00:40 and 01:40 from Dublin Pearse serving Tara St, Dublin Connolly, and all stations from Howth Junction to Dundalk.

Revised Christmas / New Year timetables will be scheduled for all routes from Christmas Eve 24 December 2024 to New Year's Day, 1 January 2025 inclusive, with no trains on Christmas Day 25 or St Stephen's Day 26 December. Iarnrod Eireann has also advised that the rail line will be closed from Dublin Connolly to Grand Canal Dock (with limited exceptions between Dublin Pearse and Grand Canal Dock) from 27 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 inclusive for major track renewal works.

Christmas Eve will see a weekday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes, with last services between 18:00hrs and 20:30hrs approximately. DART and commuter services serving Louth will operate a normal Saturday service until 21:00 hrs approximately. Last services: 20:18 Dublin Connolly/Drogheda and 19:48 Drogheda/Dublin Connolly.

On Friday 27 December, there will be revised and reduced InterCity services, Iarnrod Eireann advises to check times before travel. There will be a revised Saturday service operating on DART and Commuter routes, with alterations due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, check times before travel.

Saturday 28 December there is a normal Saturday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes. Sunday 29 December will see a normal Sunday service but again there will be cancellations and alterations on certain routes. Monday 30 December will also see revised and reduced InterCity services, check times before travel.

For New Years Eve Tuesday 31 December, there will be a weekday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes, with last services between 18:00hrs and 20:30hrs approximately. Last services serving Louth, include 20:18 Dublin Connolly/Drogheda and 19:48 Drogheda/Dublin Connolly. Additional late-night services will operate after Dublin New Years Eve events, with Iarnrod Eireann to release the details.

New Years Day Wednesday 1 January 2025 will see revised and reduced InterCity services, Iarnrod Eireann advises to check times before travel. On Thursday 2 January 2025 and Friday 3 January 2025, Belfast Enterprise services to/from Dublin Connolly Station will operate as normal. Northern Commuter services will operate between Dundalk/Drogheda and Dublin Connolly only.

See the Iarnrod Eireann website for more details and updates.
Interview: Chinese modernization benefits Egypt, world -- former Egyptian PM

Xinhua) 10:33, December 05, 2024

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese modernization benefits Egypt and the world a lot, former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The achievement of Chinese modernization is rooted deeply in the key values of Chinese civilization -- harmony, peaceful coexistence and prosperity, said Sharaf on Monday during the 2024 Understanding China Conference held in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

This year's conference, on the theme of "Carry through the Reform to the End -- Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development," has brought together over 600 participants, including politicians, officials, scholars, foreign envoys and media representatives.

Sharaf, who has paid more than 40 visits to China over the past two decades, said that he is really impressed by great changes in the country over these years.

"I can see the development not only in infrastructure and economy, but also the growing satisfaction of the Chinese people," he said.

"To achieve prosperity, there must be harmony and peace," Sharaf said, noting that these key values not only prompt Chinese modernization, but manifest themselves in the initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, namely the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

More important is the notion of building a community with a shared future for mankind, he added, calling it "a philosophical platform for world cooperation."

"The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the global initiatives are gifts of China to the world," he said.

Sharaf said that China has cooperated a lot with Egypt in infrastructure and energy as well as in building new communities.

He elaborated on a few successful examples of the Belt and Road projects, including the Central Business District in the new administrative capital of Egypt and the Benban Solar Park in Upper Egypt's Aswan Province. "China is doing a great job there," he said.

In Sharaf's view, further reform and high-level opening up are indispensable parts of Chinese modernization.

"You can see that the world is not at its best cases, since there are a lot of conflicts," he said, voicing his delight that China will continue its reform and opening up, because China's opening up helps a lot of countries, not least those in the Global South.

Thanks to China's high-level opening up, there has been a huge improvement in economic relations and people-to-people exchanges between China and Egypt in the last 10 years, Sharaf added.

"If China stops reform and opening up, it would be a great loss for the world," the former prime minister said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Camogie Association has launched an appeal to people in Louth, and nationwide, for historical materials to contribute to the GAA Library and Archives.

The items required includes, but is not limited to; minute books, convention reports, match programmes and souvenir programmes (i.e. opening of grounds), publications (books, magazines and annuals), old photographs and letters and diaries relating to Camogie.

The appeal forms part of the Camogie Associations Newman Fellowship Project at University College Dublin. The Fellowship project on the history of Camogie was launched to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of Camogie, and will document the unique place of Camogie in Irish life since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Brian Molloy, Uachtaran of the Camogie Association said: The Newman fellowship project provides a unique opportunity for us to gather together all aspects of our Associations proud history and document it for future generations.

"I would ask that everyone who has or had any connections with Camogie over the past 120 years to take the time over Christmas to bring together any materials they can find and share them with us so we can collectively preserve the rich and detailed story of Camogie.

If anyone has information to share, GAA Archivist Adam Staunton can be contacted at astaunton@crokepark.ie or 01 8192350.

Since its establishment in 2007, the GAA Library and Archive has been collecting the publications, records and archives of the GAA at central, provincial and county board levels.

The GAA Library and Archive collects material that contains information on the GAA, Camogie Association and LGFA. This includes material written about the GAA and Gaelic games, (books, magazines etc.) and material created by the GAA (records and archives).

The specific type of material collected by the GAA Library and Archive includes administrative records (minute books and convention reports in particular), publications (books and articles), magazines, annuals, photographs, posters and flyers, GAA newspapers and match programmes. Find out everything you need to know about the GAA Library and Archive collection process here.
This Christmas, Irelands leading school meals provider, The Lunch Bag, is reinforcing its commitment to the health and safety of students by donating LifeVac anti-choking devices to St Mary's NS in Knockbridge, Co Louth.

The LifeVac, a regulated medical device, is designed to prevent choking emergencies, and adds an invaluable layer of safety for thousands of children nationwide.

Sales and Marketing Director of LifeVac Europe, Matt Banagan said: "The team at LifeVac Europe are thrilled by the generous donation The Lunch Bag are doing for schools across Ireland, in combination with their school meals this clearly shows The Lunch Bags commitment to not only keeping children nutritionally healthy, but also to keep children safer in a choking emergency when first aid fails or cannot be performed.

"LifeVac Europe has helped save 3,128 lives to date, of which 1,960 have been precious children."

READ MORE: Louth businesswomen help mark 10 years of ACORNS development programme

This initiative is part of The Lunch Bags broader mission: to transform Irelands nutritional and wellbeing landscape. Their road crew, known for their fun and engaging visits, will spread festive cheer while personally delivering the life-saving devices to schools.

By promoting safe and healthy eating, The Lunch Bag continues to play a vital role in the lives of children, schools, and families across the country. The Lunch Bag CEO Ray Nangle said: "We are honored to be able to do this for our schools. Although we do hope its a gift that will never be needed, we hope it brings peace of mind to school communities nationwide."
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently hosted an event to mark the culmination of a transformative mentorship initiative, WISDOM, which was aimed at fostering professional growth, industry connections and career readiness for students in science through mentorship by DkIT Alumni.

Funded by N-TUTORR, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, enhancing career prospects and leadership opportunities for mentees. The programme, led by project co-ordinators, Sinead Loughran, Annmarie McHugh and Catherine Staunton and a team of nine student partners, paired students with twenty-two DkIT alumni, who provide personalised guidance, industry insights, and career advice.

Mentors from diverse fields like research, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing came on board as mentors to help guide the next generation of professionals. Mentors in this initiative provided mentees with a huge variety of expertise, hailing from companies such as Almac, WuXi Biologics, Poolbeg Pharma, PM Group, LinkedIn and Alexion Pharmaceuticals.

During the course of the programme, participants were provided with structured tools and sessions such as goal-setting journals by MoJo&Co and Career Development Planning to support their career growth. The programme integrated these approaches with DkIT's Graduate Attributes and Employability Frameworks to foster skill-building and career development.

The showcase event brought together both mentors and mentees to celebrate their achievements and the insights shared throughout the programme. Attendees also had the opportunity to reflect on the programme's impact and outcomes, and explore opportunities for future mentorship initiatives.

The event was opened by DkIT president Dr Diarmuid OCallaghan, who reflected on the rich impact of the N-TUTORR programme on both DkIT and third level institutes across Ireland.

The audience heard inspiring testimonials from mentees, who discussed the huge impact the programme had on them, and learned more about the key milestones throughout the programme and engaged in networking opportunities with professionals, students and staff.

The pilot initiative focused specifically on the Sciences discipline; however, the model has transferability and relevance to all disciplines within DkIT, and is one which can be replicated across programmes following the success of the pilot.

Speaking about the event, Programme co-ordinator Dr Sinead Loughran said: Its such a brilliant sight to see both past and present DkIT scientists come together for this event. The main catalysts for this project were our fantastic alumni network, excellent Careers and Employability team and our wonderful students who remained so motivated and enthusiastic throughout the process. The success of this initiative is down to the strong partnership between our students, alumni and staff. 

Student mentee Vaclav Uhlir said: This programme has helped us to envision our career dreams, guide and shape our growth and take ownership of our own futures. The expertise and insight that was shared with us throughout this process was invaluable and I feel more confident than ever as I progress towards my future career.
The giddy excitement of Christmas Eve was matched and accentuated by the long list of jobs that had to be done.

The turkey or goose had to be cleaned out, the good ware, glasses and cutlery had to be washed, the presents had to be wrapped, the baby Jesus had to be located to be put in the crib and importantly the youngest in the house had to light the Christmas candle.

There was a hubbub of never-ending chores, of manic tidying and preparing, while simultaneously entertaining visiting aunts and uncles and neighbours who dropped in.

The ham and spiced beef had to be boiled, the marrowfat peas with their white tablet had to be steeped, the jelly for the sherry trifle had to be made and puddings had to be boiled and water topped up for hours on end.

With the house full of such culinary activity and in anticipation of the great feast of Christmas Day with its mountains of food, Christmas Eve was a traditional day of fast.

For a great many, this non-meat day was observed by eating a simple dish of salted stockfish which in Cork is known as Battleboard.

Battleboard is the Cork term for the salted cod known variously as Bachalau in Portugal, Bacalao in Spain and Bakaliaros in Greece.

In Cork, the long slender member of the cod family, Ling, is the fish specific to battleboard.

In addition to the fast days of Lent, this was the dish of choice for Christmas Eve and the fishmongers of the old English Market used to sell huge quantities coming up to Christmas Eve.

Emma O'Connell with salted ling fish pictured with Shane Lehane at K O'Connell Fishmonger at The English Market, Cork. Pic Larry Cummins

In Cork, given our relatively moist and cool climate, when salted, the ling remained relatively soft compared to its Mediterranean counterparts that were dried in the baking sun.

Further north, the stiffness of klippfisk, the equivalent Scandinavian stockfish, came from the natural air-drying of their freezing climate.

The tender Cork battleboard simply required being soaked in hot water overnight.

It was placed in a shallow basin, skin side down, and the salty water replaced two or three times before its white flesh became full and plump.

To serve it, it was simply reheated in milk, flavoured with onions and white pepper and the milk thickened with flour.

In keeping with the all-white appearance of the dish, white turnip was the favourite accompaniment.

The Christmas Eve battleboard of the Aran Islands is known as ballach bui, yellow wrasse/rockfish.

I spoke with Mairead Ni Fhatharta from Inis Meain who spoke with her mother Maire and brother Pat who gave a detailed account of their preparation and tradition.

In the past, these colourful fish were caught with long lines off the cliffs, while in more recent times they have been fished with trammel nets in the summer and autumn months.

They were caught in great quantities, along with the other plentiful fish staples, mackerel and pollock, which were also salted and dried to make ronnachi bui and mangach tirim respectively.

The wrasse were gutted and placed in a barrel of salt to pickle for at least a week and when fully salted they were taken out to dry.

In the distant past, it was a common sight to see the ballach bui laid out in neat lines, two or three rows high on the soft thatched roofs of rye, to dry in the sunshine.

More recently, they were placed on the limestone walls to dry. The latent heat of the Inis Meain stone walls, along with the wind and intermittent sunshine, allow the distinctive yellow and green coloured fish to dry out and become firm. They are then paired off and fish of equal size are put belly to belly, one open-split side against the other open-split side with the colourful skin on the outside.

In the past, some people used to wrap raithneach (fronds of fern), around them to absorb any extra moisture and these would dry and decay over time but left the fish with an extra sweet and salty taste and these were especially relished as a treat.

The ballach bui were also hung from little hooks on a line across the hearth where they absorbed the distinctive flavour from the turf smoke and whether smoked or not, they were cooked by simply boiling them in a pot with water.

Some people would add two or three potatoes in an effort to absorb the excess salt and young and old enjoyed this fish, learning to mind the bones.

Many had a preference for the head of the fish with others specifying the eyes as a delicacy.

This unassuming preparation is the unique, vernacular, distinguishing dish of the Aran Islands: it is their taste of home, a taste that is full of sentiment and therefore one which is inextricably linked with their origins and identity that is always the focus of the Christmas period.

For the islanders, it is not Christmas without their fish dish and in the weeks before Christmas, the ballach bui are still sent off with those travelling to the mainland or dispatched in jiffy bags to the four corners of the globe where the islands diaspora have settled.

Whether in Cork or on the Aran Islands or throughout the country, the dish of salted stockfish was an important observation that marked the eve of the great feast.

In the countryside, one of the most memorable joys of Christmas was the marvel of all the lighted candles in all the windows as people walked to midnight mass.

This spectacle was enjoyed by multitudes as they headed into the village or town to avail of confession at 8 oclock before mass.

The traditional observance of the penitential repast of salty fish had one inevitable consequence, giving all who partook an unslakable thirst.

Thankfully the remedy was near at hand and the pubs were filled with men downing pints of porter to combat their desiccated plight.

In Cork, the full flow of Beamish, Murphys and Guinness resulted not only from the Christmas cheer but from the consumption of the salty battleboard, while on Inis Meain, they used to bring a tin can with them to the pub, and tin can porter on Christmas Eve was the order of the night.

The Holly Bough Podcast: The foods of Christmas Eve in Cork

Read more at echolive.ie/hollybough
A recent pyjama day and bake sale, organised by Cork students and teachers, raised almost 750 for charity.

The annual fundraiser, organised by students and teachers from the Early Learning and Care Department of Morrisons Island Campus, was part of Early Childhood Irelands National Pyjama Day.

The event raised 116 for the charity Sensational Kids and 626 for the Model Farm Road-based national charity Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Sensational Kids ensures that children and adolescents who have additional needs receive the vital therapeutic services they deserve to achieve their full potential, while Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind provides dogs for those who are vision impaired, as well as assistance dogs for families of children with autism.

The fundraising event, which was organised by Niamh OKeeffe, one of the Early Learning and Care teachers on the campus, was a big success with all who attended.

Visit from guide dog Penny

Students and teachers contributed to the bake sale, and also purchased on the day, and they received a visit from retired guide dog Penny, who was accompanied by her friend Tim Murphy, a volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The Morrisons Island Campus is part of Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) and was formerly known as the Cork College of Commerce.

The campus has approximately 1,200 students, attending a wide variety of courses on a full-time and part-time basis, and it also hosts night classes.

Among the courses available on the campus are educational programmes on business, administration, healthcare, nursing, early learning and care, computer science, and NTO (National Tertiary Office) courses and apprenticeships.

Early Childhood Irelands National Pyjama Day this year celebrated its 21st birthday, and has raised over 4.3million to date for projects and charities that support children.
If Holly Cairns and her expanded team of Social Democrats end up outside of government, theres a chance that a viable left alternative could emerge if they choose to be part of it.

Theres no ignoring that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were handed a near majority last weekend, while the left actually took a hit.

Sinn Fein went up in seats because of a better candidate strategy, but were down 5% on first preferences, while the Greens were almost entirely wiped out.

The Social Democrats and Labour both doubled their seats, but their vote gain was modest and many of their seats came from their near neighbours on the political spectrum. However, this was the second election in a row where a combination of centre left parties  Sinn Fein, Labour, the Greens, and the Social Democrats- got over 60 seats and more than 30% of the total first preference vote. Thats before you bring in the myriad of radical left small parties and independents whose raison detre is the opposition of the old Fianna Fail-Fine Gael axis.

That is a solid base on which to build a robust and ready opposition and give voters their first viable alternative in 100 years that doesnt include the Civil War parties.

Sinn Fein and Labour have both suggested that talks must happen between the left before a new government is formed, even if an alternative coalition is practically impossible on this occasion. But why stop there?

Following elections this summer, Nouveau Front Populaire emerged as the largest grouping in the French national assembly. Not a party in and of itself, this was a broad grouping of left-wing parties and candidates united in their opposition to a rising far right and on key issues around workers rights, pensions, public services, and the environment.

So, why should the talks in the Irish left stop once Fianna Fail and Fine Gael form a cabinet?

With it looking like the Civil War parties will do a straight coalition, they are creating a golden opportunity for the rest of the Dail to spend five years showing the public what else is possible.

That would require tough decisions and radical choices.

Instead of inter party competition, could a single shadow cabinet be built with Mary Lou McDonald as opposition leader, flanked by Ms Cairns and Ivana Bacik as the key spokespeople on major issues like health, housing, or finance?

Could the parties agree to a shared candidate strategy to maximise their collective seats without splitting the vote? And can they convince the radical left, who are unlikely to formally enter such an arrangement, to facilitate them if they needed it?

Ireland is going through a period of generational change. Old ideas about work and families are slipping away. Once stable structures like housing and healthcare are in dire straits.

The only two parties to ever lead Irish governments are only barely tipping above 40% of first preference votes between them.

If Holly Cairns, Ivana Bacik, Roderic OGorman and Mary Lou McDonald choose it, there is a real chance they could enter government together in five years time.
A teenager was lured to an isolated area on the outskirts of Midleton and beaten by two attackers  one of whom produced a claw-hammer with the threat: I have a good mind to use it on you.

Tarran Troy, who is in his early twenties, was jailed for three and a half years for his part in this violent attack which related to demands for payment of a drugs debt.

Detective Garda Cormac OBric gave evidence in the case where Tarran Troy of Lauriston Park, Midleton, County Cork, pleaded guilty to counts of assault causing harm, demanding money with menaces and producing a claw-hammer. It is a drugs intimidation case, the detective said.

On April 28 Tarran Troy and an accomplice called to the home of the 17-year-old. The following day, Tarran Troy went to the school of the injured party. The principal became so concerned that he called Detective Garda Dave OShea to express his concerns about the accused turning up at the school.

Det Garda OBric said that following both of these calls, the teenager was lured to an isolated area in the UDC grounds outside Midleton town and brought to a secluded wooded place. He was struck in the mouth with a closed fist and knocked to the ground. He tried to stand up. He was struck by the co-accused. They began kicking him on the ground. Tarran Troy produced a hammer and said, I have a good mind to use it on you.

There was a demand for 2,000 which they said was owed for drugs. He was instructed to ring his father. The family would not have had money. The father was spoken to by Mr Troy who asked for 2,500 so his son would be released.

The detective said the defendant and his accomplice came back into Midleton with the teenager. As they passed the garda station, the defendant recognised the car belonging to the teenagers father parked outside. At that point they let the 17-year-old go.

The teenager lost two front teeth and there was damage to the bone in his gum also. He cannot afford to pay for the dental work in Ireland that would be required to repair the damage. There was no victim impact statement from the teenager.

One of Tarran Troys previous convictions is for drug-dealing.

Defence barrister Alan ODwyer said: Mr Troy has written a letter. He outlines his disgust and regret for his actions. I would ask you to take into consideration his remorse for his actions on the day in question.

Judge Dermot Sheehan noted that the accused and his accomplice both kicked the teenager when he was on the ground. The judge referred to the defence plea in mitigation where his background circumstances included the sudden death of his father when the defendant was aged six.

He is doing well since he went into custody and is attending school in prison. He wants to stay clean of drugs when he gets out of custody, Judge Sheehan said as he imposed a four-year sentence with the last six months suspended.
The proposal to increase commercial rates for traders by 2.5% was dismissed at the Cork City Council budget 2025 meeting, which further saw the abolishment of the Rates Incentive Scheme, payable for 2025 in 2026.

The Rates Incentive Scheme saw qualifying ratepayers receive a 3.8% rebate on the first 4,000 of their bill in 2024.

Councillors voted by a majority 23 votes to three, to adopt the budget at the conclusion of the meeting, which was held in council chambers on Wednesday evening at Cork City Hall.

The budget, which was set out by Cork City Council CEO, Valerie OSullivan, provides for an investment of 325m in the delivery of services to the city next year, in what is the largest ever budget to be presented to elected members.

The allocated spending for 2025 represents an increase of 32.6m on the budget set out in 2024.

The main contributors to this increase comprise mainly of an increase in the CALF/Repair and Lease Scheme by 9.2m; an increase in funding for Croi Conaithe by 3.3m; an increase in payroll of 6.4m; an increase in the budget for homelessness services of 6.3m; an increase in Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme by 600,000; an increase in Disabled Persons Grants of 1.9m and an increase in inspections of privately rented houses of 1.5m.

In a report shared with council members, Ms OSullivan stated that the composition of next years budget, similar to last years budget, proved to be very challenging, in light of factors including the cost of living, cost of doing business, increased demand for services and payroll increases.

The Chief Executive further said that in preparing the draft budget, the views and priorities of the elected members, as expressed in meetings of the Finance and Estimates Committee, and at Corporate Policy Group, were taken into account.

The approval of this budget is vital for the progression and maintenance of our city, said Ms OSullivan.

This budget provides scope for further investment in both the day-to-day service delivery for the people of Cork, while providing much needed funding for Housing Revenue and Capital Services.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle said that this budget enables Cork City Council to maintain essential services while advancing its strategic objectives to enhance Cork as a better place to live, work, and invest.

To avoid an increase in rates for traders, Ms OSullivan proposed five saving methods which included 560,000 from rent increase, as rental income for additional house purchases; 200,000 from a reduction of rates abatement to 40% (previously 50%); 537,000 from the ending of the Rates Incentive Scheme; 408,000 from delaying recruitment by an additional month; and 795,000 from the reduction in draft budget of non-pay discretionary spend.

While the amendment was approved as a whole by majority vote, but Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said that the decision to not raise the rates is a spoof and dishonest to businesses.

Instead of increasing rates by 2.5%, the Rates Incentive Scheme that gave small businesses [3.8%] back on their annual bill is being scrapped, he told The Echo.

I think thats unfair to the smallest of businesses.

During a meeting held on September 25 2024, Cork City Council voted that the Local Adjustment Factor (LAF) of Local Property Tax (LPT) in Cork City would vary upwards by 12% - an increase of 3% on the previous year, providing additional funding for footpath repairs, tree pruning and ward funds.

The agreed upon budget further states that there will be no increase to car parking charges seen, due to the loss of 440 parking spaces in the city since 2021, and a reduction in future spending expected due to further pressure on parking income with the recently commenced Morrisons Island Public Realm Improvement and Flood Defence project.

There will however be increased spending allocated next year for improving public lighting following the adoption of the New Public Lighting Framework 2020, and priority given to improving main traffic routes and footpaths, with an increase of 31,000 in relation to ward funds over and above the 2024 budget.

Labour Party councillor, Peter Horgan, who was in favour of the budget, said that it was important to pass the allocated spending as laid out by the Chief Executive given that we need the city to operate in 2025.

"We have a duty as elected members of Cork City Council to ensure that the council continues to operate and to serve the people of Cork, and that's what was done, we passed the budget that will deliver, not everything we want, but gets us on the pathway to achieve what we want in our communities and city, he said.
A man in his 20s, who was arrested following the seizure of a significant amount of drugs in Cork yesterday, has been charged.

A Garda spokesperson said that gardai attached to the Togher Drugs unit charged the man in relation to the search operation, which took place at a domestic residence in Carrigaline at approximately 9.30pm on Tuesday.

As part of ongoing operations targeting the sale and supply of drugs, gardai seized 105,700 worth of drugs, which included approximately 96,500 worth of suspected cocaine, 5,400 of ketamine, 2,000 of MDMA and 1,800 of cannabis.

The man is due to appear before Cork District Court tomorrow morning at 10.30am.

Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
Both Cork City Council and Cork County Council have approved their budgets for 2025.

Cork County Council has agreed a budget of 516m, while their city counterparts agreed a budget of 325m.

The allocated spending for 2025 represents an increase of 32.6m in the city on the budget set out in 2024.

The proposal to increase commercial rates for traders by 2.5% was dismissed at the Cork City Council meeting, which further saw the ending of the rates incentive scheme payable for 2025 in 2026.

That scheme saw qualifying rate payers receive a 3.8% rebate on the first 4,000 of their bill in 2024.

To avoid an increase in rates for traders, Cork City Council chief executive Valerie OSullivan proposed five saving methods banded under one amendment  which included a saving of 537,000 from the ending of the rates incentive scheme.

Approved

While the amendments were approved as a whole by majority vote, with councillors voting 23 to three in favour of the budget, Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said that the decision to not raise the rates was a spoof and dishonest to businesses.

Instead of increasing rates by 2.5%, the rates incentive scheme that gave small businesses [3.8%] back on their annual bill is being scrapped, he told The Echo.

I think thats unfair to the smallest of businesses.

Ms OSullivan stated that the composition of next years budget proved to be very challenging, and said its approval was vital for the progression and maintenance of our city.

Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan, who was in favour of the budget, said that it was important to pass the allocated spending as laid out by the chief executive given that we need the city to operate in 2025.

The final vote on the Cork County Council budget, which is up from 458.3m in 2024, was carried by 20 votes to 11 against with 14 abstentions.

Meanwhile, in the county, elected members voted in favour of a 2% commercial rates increase which, due to an abatement, will lead to approximately 92% of the countys rate payers paying less rates.

The final vote on the budget, which is up from 458.3m in 2024, was carried by 20 votes to 11 against with 14 abstentions.

The original proposal by the council executive had been for a rates increase of 3%, with a 3.5% abatement for all ratepayers. This abatement would increase proportionally up to a limit of 7,000.

Recess

Following a recess, Fianna Fail councillor Gillian Coughlan proposed, as a compromise, a rate increase of 2% with the 3.5% increasing proportionally for bills up to 12,000.

Chief executive Moira Murrell said the budget would provide for a very significant investment across a range of services.

The proposal for a rates increase led to a lengthy debate among councillors, with many voicing objections to asking for a larger contribution from local businesses rather than central Government.

Objections

A number of councillors, who are small business owners outside of the council, voiced their objections to any proposed rate increase, citing increasing costs in terms of automatic pension enrolments and extra bank holidays.

Fianna Fail councillors spoke in favour of their compromise proposal. Patrick Gerard Murphy said that anybody who voted against the compromise put forward by his party would be actually be voting for the current rates, which would lead to business owners facing a rates bill of up to 20,000 paying a higher annual rates bill.

According to his calculation, a rates payer faced with a bill of 20,000 would pay 20 less under the proposed scheme  as opposed to the scheme in force for 2024.
Passengers were left waiting an hour for the Cork to Dublin train this morning, then squeezed into insufficient space when the train finally arrived.

Iarnrod Eireann shared on X (Twitter) that the 7am Cork to Heuston service was delayed departing Cork due to a technical issue onboard. Later the company said that staff were continuing to work on the issue, before saying that the train was cancelled.

The 07:00 Cork/Heuston service is cancelled this morning. The 08:00 Cork/Mallow service will operate to Heuston station and will be delayed departing as staff organise passengers in Cork, they wrote.

They then reposted this tweet, writing Correction - The 07:00 Cork/Heuston service is operating this morning, but it is approximately 64 minutes behind schedule and has reduced capacity. The 08:00 Cork/Mallow service has been amalgamated with the 07:00 Cork/Heuston service.

A passenger who had been planning to get the 7am train told The Echo: The 7am train bound for Dublin Heuston from Cork didnt leave Kent until 8am.

Passengers were left waiting on the platform and were informed that the train was being serviced and was expected shortly. That announcement was made twice before passenger were informed that the only train running direct to Dublin this morning would be the 8am train.

Passengers due to travel on the 8am train and passengers who should have been on the earlier train had to pile onto one train with four carriages which left a lot of passengers without any seat.

There was chatter amongst passengers on the train that many of them would be late for work and for meetings in Dublin.

Iarnrod Eireann also shared on X that the 5:40 Cork to Heuston was delayed by almost half an hour and that The 11:00 Heuston/Cork service this morning will operate with reduced capacity due to an earlier train fault in Cork.

An Iarnrod Eireann spokesperson explained: There was a mechanical fault on the train set that was due to operate the 07:00hrs train this morning from Cork to Heuston as a result the 07:00hrs and 08:00hrs services were amalgamated.

We would like to apologise to any customers if they did not get a seat. Any customer who had prebooked their ticket and did not get a seat is entitled to a refund.
Met Eireann have issued a status yellow wind warning for Cork as Strom Darragh makes its way towards the Irish coastline.

The national forecaster has said that the warning will last for 24 hours, coming into effect from 3pm tomorrow, until 3pm on Saturday.

As a result of the expected high winds, the public is advised to be wary of potential impacts including fallen trees, loose debris, difficult travelling conditions and some wave overtopping.

Road users and cyclists are advised to take extra care when travelling, and motorists are further asked to slow down and drive with extra care and attention to ensure the protection of vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

Precautions

A spokesperson for Cork City Council has advised that residents and businesses take the necessary precautions to ensure that loose items, such as Christmas decorations, trampolines, and materials on building sites, are properly secured.

A status orange wind warning has been subsequently issued for the seven counties of Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal, which will come into effect from 10pm tomorrow night until 9am on Saturday.

In addition, a status yellow rain warning for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath has been issued, coming into effect from 10am tomorrow until 10am on Saturday.

Further, a status yellow gale warning for all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea has been issued, as cyclonic gales or strong gales are predicted to gradually develop during the day tomorrow, becoming north to north-western tomorrow night and into Saturday.

The gale warning will stay in place from 9am tomorrow until 12am Sunday.
An East Cork mansion nestled on the banks of the Blackwater was the most valuable property sold in Ireland in 2024, according to figures contained in the Property Price Register (PPR).

Over the first 11 months of the year, approximately 1,235 sales have been completed nationally for sums of 1 million and above.

Approximately 202 sales with a value of 2 million or more were completed in Ireland in the 11-month period to the end of November, while 62 homes were sold for at least 3 million, with the most valuable being a property sold in Co Cork for a price approaching 30m.

Figures recorded on the PPR reflect the amount paid for the principal residence and up to an acre of land. When a residential property sale includes more than an acre of land, the value of that extra land is not included on the register.

Ballynatray House, a late Georgian estate set on 850 acres upstream of Youghal, sold last February for 29.25m, according to the PPR, which rather charmingly lists the 11-bay, two-storey over basement, Classical-style house as a Second-Hand Dwelling house /Apartment.

Ballynatray House was built between 1795 and 1797 and incorporates the fabric of an earlier house (built circa 1700), and includes the ruins of an ancient abbey.

It is understood that Ballynatray House was sold to British vacuum-cleaner magnate, James Dyson, one of Britains richest men, who already controls 35,000 acres in Britain and owns more land than King Charles.

Some estimates put Mr Dysons personal and family fortunes at over 20bn, and he owns extensive farms and estates in the English shires, along with homes in London, France, and Singapore, as well as a 300ft superyacht.

The PPR does not take into account the 850 acres of land attached to the property, with some reports estimating the full sale price of the Ballynatray estate to be between 32m and 35m.

The grounds of Ballynatray House featured in the 1975 Stanley Kubrick movie Barry Lyndon, which starred Ryan ONeal.

While some media reports have placed Ballynatray House over the border in neighbouring West Waterford, the PPR lists its address as Youghal.

The second most valuable property sold in Ireland in 2024 was Censure House, on Ceanchor Road in Howth, Co Dublin, which sold for 10m.

The third most valuable property sold in Ireland this year was Victoria House, 81 Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Co Dublin, which sold for 10m.

After Ballynatray House, the next most valuable property sold in Co Cork last year was Seaspray, Scilly, in Kinsale, which sold for 5.5m.

Another Kinsale property, Valley House in Sandycove, sold for 4.99m.

Kennitt House, on the Rochestown Road, sold for 3m.

Over Yonder, in Ardbrack, in Kinsale, sold for 2.9m.
A knuckleduster was concealed down a mans pants during one incident in Cork city and in another interaction with gardai he challenged one officer to take off his badge and go around the corner.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis outlined the background to both incidents at Cork District Court.

27-year-old David Raymond of Aisling Lawn, Ballincollig, County Cork, and now living in the UK, pleaded guilty to having the weapon and to public order charges.

Emma Leahy solicitor stressed that the charges dated back a considerable period to March and May 2020 and that since this time he had been doing well working in the UK. She said Mr Raymond was keen to deal with the outstanding matters against him.

He specifically returned to deal with matters before the court. Back at that time more than four years ago he was addicted to alcohol and his life was essentially in chaos. He left to try and get a fresh start. He is doing well in the UK. He knows he has to address these matters and he wishes to apologise wholeheartedly.

He presents as someone who wants to close this chapter of his life. He was the victim of a very serious assault in 2016. And any time he came to the city he would have something like that in his possession and it was very much for his own protection, Ms Leahy said.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted how far back the offences were but she also referred to a long list of previous convictions for public order matters.

The judge fined him 200 for having the knuckleduster and took charges of being threatening and abusive and failing to leave the scene of a disturbance into consideration. For the non-payment of fines on unrelated cases the judge said he could do 40 hours of community service.

On March 13 2020 he had a knuckleduster inside his tracksuit pants, Sgt Davis said.

Then at 4pm on May 24 2020 at a Covid checkpoint Garda Bryan Crowley and Garda James OConnell met him in Cork city.

He became abusive. He told garda Crowley in an aggressive manner several times to 'take off his badge and go around the corner'. He was informed to desist. He took out a naggin of vodka out of his pocket and called gardai f***ing muppets, Sgt Davis said.
A Cork schoolgirl who has a painful skin condition has said that her festive wish is to avoid having her bandages changed on Christmas Day.

Bonnie Basteed, 4, has epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which leaves her with blisters all over her hands and face, and requires her to wear special bandages to protect her body.

The Ballinlough native said: It hurts so much when they are changed, because, sometimes, my skin comes away with them.

I wish I didnt need to have my bandages changed on Christmas Day: I hate it. That would be the best Christmas wish of all.

Her heartbreaking message has been shared as a part of a Christmas appeal by Debra, the charity that supports the 300 people in Ireland who have EB.

Bonnie was born on December 22, 2019 and missing patches of skin on her chest, bottom, and hands. Bonnies mother, Amy Basteed, said: While we were over the moon when our beautiful baby came into our world, we were worried, too. We were told we could go home on Christmas Eve and everyone was head over heels in love with her, but it soon became clear something was badly wrong: This was a million miles away from the perfect Christmas we had dreamed of.

Every time we changed Bonnies nappy, skin would come away and blister, she added.

Our tiny baby girl  who weighed just five pounds and 10 ounces when she was born  was in agony. EB is caused by the absence of proteins between the skin layers, so the skin becomes painfully fragile and blisters at the mildest touch.

The condition can be difficult to spot in newborns, and when a GP assessed a blister on Bonnies toe, it was attributed to irritation from her sleep suit. A few days later, the blister had tripled and had spread as far as her ankle. Bonnie was sent for genetic testing at Our Ladys Childrens Hospital in Crumlin, where EB and Debra were mentioned.

As soon as we started speaking to the team at Debra and they visited us at home, we knew there were people who understood our situation and were there for us, said Amy. It was such a help to have their hands-on expert knowledge and clear answers to all our questions.

When Bonnie started school, the charity arranged for a room where Bonnies bandages could be changed, an created an illustrated book, so that her classmates and friends could understand her condition.

The charity relies on public support to provide services to the families of those with EB, including home visits, psychological counselling, and funding for research.

A generous donor has agreed to match every donation Debra receives this Christmas up to 50,000. To donate, visit: www.debra.ie
A Cork woman who was warned in October that she was in last-chance saloon when she was released on bail for shoplifting charges carried out several more thefts shortly after she got out.

Now, at Cork District Court, Maggie Foley has been jailed for eight months for a litany of thefts in Cork City, many of them over the last few weeks.

37-year-old Ms Foley, of Grenville Court, Grenville Place, Cork, was told by a judge at Cork District Court in mid-October that she would be released on bail, but that she was in last-chance saloon.

At that time, she was accused of burglary at Blue Nile, French Church St, where she stole a laptop and Nike runners from an office area on June 9. She was also charged with thefts at Tommy Hilfiger on St Patrick Street on June 16, at Dunnes Stores, Merchants Quay, on October 1, and at Tesco Express, South Main St, Cork, on October 8 and with stealing 50 worth of alcohol.

She stole a small amount of goods on October 12 at Centra, North Main St. The following day, she stole three cans of Four Loco at Tesco Express on South Main St.

And the day after that, she stole 85 worth of clothing at TK Maxx on Cornmarket St.

Despite the warning given to her about being at risk, Maggie Foley went on to steal 315 worth of clothing from Marks and Spencer on October 23.

As recently as November 9 she stole a 240 jacket at Brown Thomas in Cork. On the same date, she stole 138 worth of clothing from Dunnes Stores across the street.

Her solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said she had an awful lot of tragedy in her past, that a number of family members died in various circumstances when she was young. Mr Kelleher said that her difficulty with alcohol did not even commence until she was 25.

More than incarceration, she needs to get into rehabilitation to deal with her alcohol problem, Mr Kelleher said.

The judge who dealt with Ms Foley on this latest appearance at Cork District Court  Treasa Kelly  imposed a total sentence of eight months on her for all of the offences to which she pleaded guilty.
The focus is turning to the festive season, and that includes shopping for those all-important gifts.

Each year, many more of us are shopping online, with the ease of a click, meaning you can do it all from the comfort of your armchair without having to leave your home.

But one thing is for sure, if you do that, you are missing out on the opportunity to indulge your senses in the festive atmosphere of an Irish town or city at Christmas.

Few things are more special than spending a day strolling around your local town, festooned with lights and decorations, supporting local businesses, buying your Christmas gifts, or even stopping off in your favourite restaurant or cafe or pub to relax and unwind.

One such place that turns itself into a winter wonderland each year is the East Cork town of Midleton.

Throughout the year, it is a large, thriving market town that serves a wide hinterland of surrounding towns and villages, stretching east towards Youghal and north to Fermoy, as well as serving the harbour towns and villages including Aghada, Whitegate and Cobh.

From early December, Midleton is transformed, with an impressive array of lights and numerous Christmas props placed all around the town, from polar bears, elves, a giant nutcracker, Santas train, a large Christmas Tree, to brightly painted reindeer.

Each year, the reindeer are treated to a new colourful coat of paint in contrasting bright colours, painted by various local schools.

Anyone who visits the town, either by car, bus or the regular trains, will notice the cheerful characters.

Midleton has been long regarded as a great town for foodies, with a great tradition of restaurants, as well as a fabulous choice of shops including clothing, giftware, jewellery, electronics and flower retailers.

With a choice of lots of free parking just a short walk from Main Street, you can easily access the many shops and cafes around the town.

After the devastating effects of the flooding caused by Storm Babet in October, 2023, businesses in Midleton have been working hard together with Midleton Chamber and Cork County Council on ensuring the Flood Relief Scheme can be delivered in a timely schedule, so that the town is always open for business to serve the people.

There have been some successes in tackling the effects of flooding over the past year, which include the implementation of interim flood relief measures and the announcement of schemes such as flood barriers, so business owners have every reason to remain positive.

In the wake of the flooding, one of the stand-out successes back in December, 2023, was the very first Jingle & Mingle event, and so, this year, the local Midleton and Area Chamber of Commerce have again teamed up with local retailers to bring you Jingle & Mingle 2024.

It will take place over two days this week - on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7.

Come to town on those days and be entertained by the young boys and girls from six local national school choirs, performing Christmas carols at various locations.

On Saturday, three adult choirs will be heard around the town with their festive songs, and the RedFM Roadshow with Colm OSullivan will be on Main Street broadcasting from PTSB between 1-4pm, with lots of giveaways in their Spin The Wheel competition.

Earlier on Saturday, Santa will be arriving at the Farmers Market, and in the afternoon there will be lots for kids to do with face painting and Lego workshops.

Participating retailers will be open late on Friday, with discount offers throughout the weekend. Additionally, the Shop Local campaign operated by the Midleton Chamber allows anyone buying at one of participating retailers to enter a weekly draw with great prizes of vouchers to be used in local stores. The final draw takes place after Christmas with a first prize of 500.

So, if you are looking for something to do or a place to be, or even if you need to get those Christmas presents, why not come and spend some time in Midleton this weekend? You wont be disappointed with the choice of shops and the great value, as well as the sheer joy of soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Check out our Instagram pages #thisismidleton and #midletonchamber for more updates.
Is there any better feeling than the anticipation of watching a gift being unwrapped? Is it what they have always wanted? Yes, it is, because you are a gift ninja matching the perfect gift with the perfect person!

Foodies are easy to buy for. We love anything to do with food. Hampers have been big in the festive gifting scene of late, fabulously ready-made gifts to slide under the tree. But maybe, this time around, you might want more of a say on what goes in.

So, this years gift guide is designed with you in mind, with lots of small gifts and interesting things to fill a box or basket with for a more curated gift idea that feels a little more personal.

We have sweet things and drinky things, experiences, and a couple of cool things Ive come across in my search for lovely Christmas foodie gifts.

SWEET THINGS

Mellas Fudge, 8.50, www.mellasfudge.com

The original and only all-butter handmade fudge recently had a whole new revamp, unveiling gorgeous new packaging and a bevvy of new flavours. Its all about the toppings and the craveability factor, but in the process Mella and her team have breathed new life into an already stellar confectionary.

The new 170g bars come in five flavours: Madagascan Vanilla + Butter, Sea Salt + Caramel, Passionfruit + Coconut, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Chocolate, Sour Cherry + Nibs and are perfect for sharing (or not!).

Second Street Bakeshop, from 5 www.secondstreetbakeshop.com

Claire Keanes chocolate toffee brittle has been described at utterly addictive, and I entirely agree!

A selection of goodies from Second Street Bakeshop. Picture: Kate Ryan

Made with all natural ingredients, every piece of brittle is handmade with care right here in Cork.

This year, new products have been added to the range: two plant-based brittles in Old-Fashioned Oat and Roasted Hazelnut flavours - both fantastic, and bags of Gourmet Toffee Popcorn.

Cocoa By Judit, from 15-35, www.cocoabyjudit.ie

Waterford-based patisserie chef, Judit McNally, is the creative mind behind Cocoa by Judit, making hand-painted indulgent chocolates that are a feast for the senses!

Flavours include Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Blackwater Gin & Strawberry, Dark Chocolate Waterford Whiskey & Honey and White Chocolate Pistachio & Cherry.

In boxes of 6 or 16, and also available online.

Shandon Sweets, from 3, www.shandonsweets.com

Corks iconic maker of boiled sweets and confections always has a fabulous range of sweets and jellies in festive jars perfect for slipping into a hamper or as stocking fillers.

The famous Shandon Sweets Marshmallow Cups

Personalise a hamper and get 10% off when ordering online, and be sure to include a tub of Clove Rock  still their most popular sweet. Pop into the shop on John Redmond Street and take part in another Cork tradition, the Shandon Sweets Chocolate Cups. Buy individually or make like a true Corkonian and buy a box of 36 for everyone to enjoy over Christmas!

CAKES

Alternative Christmas Puddings, from 25, www.alternativechristmaspudding.ie

Niamh Cosgrove makes beautiful cakes! Using the best quality ingredients, including homemade liqueurs, she has developed a technique that elevates these puddings from a humble chocolate biscuit cake to something decadent and luxurious and all wrapped in jewel-coloured velvet. This year, Niamh has launched a version that is vegan and gluten-free.

Brack Club, 60, www.thecupcakebloke.com

Graham Herterich is the master of Irish tea brack and puts his own spin on things with inspired flavour combos. A three-month Brack Club Membership will keep you in limited edition tea bracks with a new one arriving each month.

The ideal gift for someone who loves some brack.

Include a copy of his Bake and Cook books for the ultimate gift for anyone whos pure weak for a bitta brack!

WINE & CHEESE

Ballymaloe Wine Tasting Weekend, from 1,190 (up to 2 people), www.ballymaloe.ie

Beat the February blues by gifting ahead with this incredible-sounding Wine Tasting Weekend in Ballymaloe, February 21-23.

Explore exquisite wines and farm-to-table dining in the countryside for this experience, hosted by Samuel Chantoiseau, Head Sommelier at Ballymaloe House, and Colm McCan, Wine Teacher at Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Kinsale Mead, 72, www.kinsalemeadco.ie

Mead is a good idea any time of year and a great alternative gift to the usual bottle of wine. Take advantage of Kinsale Meads web-exclusive festive deal for three Signature Series meads for only 72.

The Kinsale Mead Signature Series

Atlantic Dry Mead is honeyed and crisp, Wild Red Mead is smooth with blackcurrants and cherries, and Hazy Summer Mead is fruity - great with turkey or cold meats.

Sheridans Cheese Gift, www.sheridanscheesemongers.com

A by-word for quality cheesemongery in Ireland, Sheridans are offering a range of festive gift ideas including hampers, virtual cheese tasting classes and their fabulous Cheese Club.

A tempting cheeseboard from Sheridan's Cheesemongers

Vouchers for virtual cheese tastings take place January and February next year, and include a selection of specially selected cheese, accompaniments and two specially selected wines sent to participants a few days before the event. The selection is suitable for one to four people, making it a perfect gift for a post-Christmas get together. Hampers from 14-250, Virtual Cheese Tasting 70, Cheese Club from 50.

Follain #GiftOfHome, from 14.99, www.follain.ie

West Cork-based Follain present their festive range of jams, chutneys, caramels and curds, with 50% of proceeds from all online sales going to support the work of The Simon Community. Large boxes include a selection of six Follain preserves presented in a fetching box with specially designed jam spoons, gifting, recipe and pairing cards to make the most of it all.

PURE CORK SIPS

Rebel City Distillery  Craft Spirit Enthusiast Collection, 110, www.rebelcitydistillery.com

A trio of rebellious and award-winning spirits, Maharani Gin, Citrus Vodka and Irelands only Absinthe, makes for the perfect addition to any craft spirit enthusiasts drinks cabinet! Pair it with a voucher for a cocktail masterclass (45) to learn how to use all three in inventive and delicious cocktails.

The Rebel City Distillery Trio

BKultured Sparkling Water Kefir, 19, www.bkultured.com

Demand for Lo/No drinks is on the rise. From BKultured in East Cork comes Sparkling Water Kefir bottled in a 750ml (wine) bottle size, designed to give a champagne experience without the alcohol but with all the flavour and subtlety that BKultured is known for.

BKultured Natural Water Kefir

Itll be a lovely gift to bring to a party, or a thoughtful gift to anyone looking to avoid alcohol this festive season. Available online as a double pack at 38, or individually via local stockists (see online).

Loose Leaf Tea  Adventurers Gift Set, 26, www.looseleaf.ie

Corks premier tea merchant, Loose Leaf Tea, has a wonderful array of specially selected and blended tea gift sets. The Adventurers Gift Set contains four different teas in 50g bags - black, green, herbal and fruit  all nestled inside a gift box together with a teaspoon and a choice of either an owl, black kitty, ginger kitty, or curly sheep cutesy tea infuser.

For the tea lover: Loose Leaf Tea Adventurers Gift Set

Add a selection box of seven gourmet honey blends for sweetening the tea (18).

SCENTS-ATIONAL!

Hannas Bees, Beehive Beeswax Candles, 36, www.hannasbees.ie

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Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Ralph Regenvanu (L), Vanuatu's special envoy on climate change and the environment, Arnold Kiel Loughman (C), attorney General of Vanuatu and Ilan Kiloe, legal advisor to the Melanesian Vanguard Group attend advisory opinion sessions at the ICJ in the Hague, Netherlands on Dec. 2, 2024. Selman Aksunger / Anadolu via Getty Images

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)  the United Nations highest court  began hearings on Monday in the biggest case in its history. The hearings involve what legal obligations States have when it comes to climate change.

The proceedings represent efforts by the international community to formulate a legal framework to address the climate crisis.

Climate change for us is not a distant threat, Vishal Prasad, director of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change  a group active in bringing the legal action  told journalists before the hearings, as The Guardian reported. It is reshaping our lives right now. Our islands are at risk. Our communities face disruptive change at a rate and scale that generations before us have not known.

Representatives from small Pacific island states outside the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands on Dec. 2, 2024. Michel Porro / Getty Images

Vanuatu was the first country to present arguments at the hearings. The South Pacific nation of small islands urged the UN court to address the harms caused by climate change and the legal obligation of a handful of readily identifiable states to address their contributions to global heating and its impacts.

It is expected that a record amount of oral statements will be presented to the ICJ during the hearings, which will continue until December 13 in the Hague, Netherlands, reported UN News.

Following the hearings, the ICJ will issue an advisory opinion  expected in 2025  to clarify the legal obligations of States under international law, as well as the consequences for breaching those duties.

ICJs advisory opinions are not legally binding, but experts say they clarify law and are authoritative documents that will be referred to in future climate litigation, as well as during international climate negotiations, The Guardian said in another report.

Ralph Regenvanu, special climate change and environment envoy representing Vanuatu, told the ICJ judges that the readily identifiable states responsible for the climate crisis had produced most of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions while being the least affected by them.

The court heard testimony on how Vanuatu and other Pacific island states bear the brunt of more frequent and severe climate disasters, including rising sea levels.

We find ourselves on the frontlines of a crisis we did not create, Regenvanu said, as The Guardian reported.

The hearing was the result of diplomacy led by Vanuatu and years of work by Pacific island law students.

During the hearings, 98 countries will give statements, including wealthy nations most responsible for the climate crisis such as the United States, China, Russia and the United Kingdom.

Though the decision will not be legally binding, advisory opinions have an authoritative value and cannot be neglected, the ICJ Registrar said in a recent UN News interview.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the advisory opinion will assist the UN, General Assembly and Member States to take the bolder and stronger climate action that our world so desperately needs, as reported by UN News.

It could also guide the actions and conduct of States in their relations with each other, as well as towards their own citizens. This is essential, Guterres stressed.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

A new study led by Arizona State University has revealed an association between exposure of glyphosate, one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world, and long-term impacts on brain health in mice.

The study tested the impacts that two different doses of glyphosate exposure had on mice, with a high dose (500 mg per kg) and a lower dose (50 mg per kg), which was similar to the amount that was used to determine the acceptable dose of exposure to humans. The researchers observed how the exposure impacted the brains during a 13-week exposure as well as six months after exposure had ended compared to the control mice, which received no glyphosate exposure.

The team determined that glyphosate exposure led to neuroinflammation as well as behaviors and symptoms similar to anxiety and Alzheimers. For some of the animals, the exposure was associated with results as extreme as premature death.

Even the low dose led to negative impacts on the brains that lasted several months after exposure had ended. The scientists published their findings in the journal Journal of Neuroinflammation.

My hope is that our work drives further investigation into the effects of glyphosate exposure, which may lead to a reexamination of its long-term safety and perhaps spark discussion about other prevalent toxins in our environment that may affect the brain, Samantha Bartholomew, first author of the paper and a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University, said in a statement.

A farmer sprays glyphosate on an apple orchard in Asperen, the Netherlands on March 31, 2019.

Hans Verburg / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

These results have raised concerns over the current standards for glyphosate, which is considered to have no concerning risks to human health when used as directed on the label, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Further, the researchers warned about the potential impacts to aging populations, which are already experiencing an increase in cognitive decline, according to Ramon Velazquez, a co-author of the study, researcher with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and assistant professor of life sciences.

But the researchers hope that more investigation is completed to determine if the current acceptable limits of glyphosate are too high, or whether any exposure of glyphosate poses risks.

Herbicides are used heavily and ubiquitously around the world, said Patrick Pirrotte, senior author of the study and associate professor at the Early Detection and Prevention Division at Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks. However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives.

While the findings brought up the question of what these impacts observed on brains of mice could mean for glyphosate exposure and its potential impacts on human brains, it can also be used as an example to further research alternatives to testing on mice and other animals. Because of the complexity of brains, it is currently still common to use animal testing to observe reactions and impacts in brain research.

As Cruelty-free International reported, researchers are working on other ways to complete these important types of organ and nervous system studies without the use of animal testing. Scientists are rapidly exploring and advancing alternatives, such as computer modeling, tissue donations, cell cultures and human-on-a-chip models for brain research. PETA reported that AI is becoming more suitable as a method for alternative testing. However, more research on non-animal testing is necessary, and once alternatives are more established, they will require regulation to be implemented.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

U.S. Deputy Legal Counsel Richard Visek (L) and Legal Advisor to the U.S. Department of State Margaret Taylor (R) attend a hearing before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Netherlands on Dec. 4, 2024. UN Photo / ICJ-CIJ / Frank van Beek

Testimony from the United States during the ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on Wednesday evoked anger from climate activists and vulnerable nations, as the planets second-largest greenhouse gas emitter argued against nations being legally obligated to take measures to fight the climate crisis.

The oral arguments were part of the historic climate hearing in The Hague, where climate-vulnerable countries like Vanuatu and other small island nations are calling for rich polluters that are most responsible for global heating to be held accountable.

The International Court of Justices proceedings are a profound moment in global climate accountability. The hearings elevate science to the forefront, ensuring international law reflects the realities of climate impacts and the urgent need for global action, said Dr. Delta Merner, lead scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Science Hub for Climate Litigation, in a press release from UCS. Yet in todays oral arguments, the United States  the worlds largest historical polluter of heat trapping emissions  resisted calls for climate accountability. Instead of taking responsibility for its contributions to the climate crisis, the United States used its 30-minute slot to downplay the role of the courts for global climate action, emphasize non-binding national commitments under the Paris Agreement, and reject the notion of historical responsibility.

By framing climate change as a collective action challenge without clear legal obligations for individual states, the United States dismissed the potential for redress or binding accountability measures that advance justice for climate-vulnerable nations, Merner added.

In its arguments, the U.S. emphasized sticking with the 2015 and Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as other treaties, reported The Guardian.

Any other legal obligations relating to climate change mitigation identified by the court should be interpreted consistently with the obligations states have under this treaty regime, Margaret Taylor, legal adviser for the U.S. Department of State, told the ICJ judges, as The Guardian reported.

The response from climate activists illustrated the need for wealthy nations to be held accountable for their disproportionate contributions to the climate crisis, as well as their outsized evasion of responsibility.

Once again, we witness a disheartening attempt by the U.S. to evade its responsibilities as one of the worlds largest polluters, said Vishal Prasad, campaign director for the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, as reported by The Guardian. The U.S. is content with its business-as-usual approach and has taken every possible measure to shirk its historical responsibility, disregard human rights and reject climate justice.

Other of the worlds largest fossil fuel economies and biggest greenhouse gas emitters  China, Australia and Saudi Arabia  also argued against being held legally accountable for the pollution they produce.

It is absurd for the Biden administration to argue before the ICJ that countries do not have clear legal obligations to reduce carbon pollution, especially as it prepares to turn over the executive office to a proven climate denier like president-elect Trump, whose policies are likely to deeply harm U.S. climate action, said Ashfaq Khalfan, climate justice director at Oxfam.

Vulnerable nations fought for years for rich polluters to be held accountable, and the UN responded by asking the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in combating climate change, along with what the legal consequences would be if they do not do their part.

The ICJs advisory opinion has the potential to reshape international climate governance by providing clear, authoritative guidance on nations obligations under existing law. This process showcases how the best available science can illuminate pathways to protect human rights, advance equity, and compel ambitious climate action, Merner said in the press release. In the face of stonewalling from major polluters, we applaud the leadership of Vanuatu and others for advancing this process. These proceedings must continue to center the voices of frontline communities.

More than 100 countries and organizations are providing testimony over the 12-day hearings.

View of the ICJ courtroom at the start of the hearing on Dec. 2, 2024. UN Photo / ICJ-CIJ / Frank van Beek

Advisory opinions by the ICJ are not binding, but nonetheless carry significant weight both legally and politically. The opinion of the court will be cited as an authoritative statement during future international climate negotiations and litigation.

Ralph Regenvanu, special climate change envoy for Vanuatu, on Wednesday expressed disappointment in the U.S. and other major polluters on behalf of his country.

These nations, some of the worlds largest greenhouse gas emitters, have pointed to existing treaties and commitments that have regrettably failed to motivate substantial reductions in emissions these treaties are essential, but they cannot be a veil for inaction or a substitute for legal accountability, Regenvanu said, as The Guardian reported.

Vanuatu is leading the push for financial support and compensation for loss and damage for the countries that are most vulnerable to climate impacts  especially Pacific island nations  such as sea-level rise, flooding, drought and wildfires.

Taylor was dismissive of the ICJ weighing in on historic emitters being held responsible for their past pollution.

An advisory proceeding is not the means to litigate whether individual states or groups of states have violated obligations pertaining to climate change in the past or bear responsibility for reparations nor would it be appropriate to do so, Taylor said, as reported by The Guardian.

There are three international courts of law responsible for providing advisory opinions concerning the climate crisis, including the ICJ, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Earlier this year, ITLOS found that nations have a legal obligation to control greenhouse gases as pollutants.

By leveraging science and law together, the ICJ can help course-correct the international response to climate change, providing justice and hope for future generations as they endeavor to stave off some of the worst climate harms. No matter what the court decides, civil society must continue to push for decision-making guided by science and climate-vulnerable communities, as well as challenge the outsized political power wielded by fossil fuel interests seeking to obstruct and delay climate goals for the sake of their own bottom lines, Merner said in the press release.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Wolves in Europe will go from being strictly protected to protected next year after the Council of Europe backed a proposal by the European Union to downgrade their status.

Conservationists are concerned about the survival of the species, which bounced back after being on the edge of local extinction, reported The Guardian.

This decision is a green light to shoot wolves, given by the international community in white gloves, said Marta Klimkiewicz, science and policy advisor at ClientEarth, as The Guardian reported.

Last December, the status change was proposed by the European Commission at the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats in preparation for amending the EUs nature protection law, reported Euronews.

The downgraded status, which was welcomed by hunters, reduces the standards for shooting a wolf. The EU has said wolves kill 65,000 animals annually that were intended to be slaughtered for human consumption, The Guardian reported.

During the last two centuries, wolf populations were decimated across much of Europe. They recovered following habitat protections and regulations to reduce hunting, and it is estimated that there are now 20,000 wolves roaming the continent. The more robust numbers have led to increased conflict with farmers, who have called for culls in rural areas.

Animal rights activists said the move puts the wolf population  which once disappeared completely from France  at risk, reported AFP.

Sofie Ruysschaert, nature restoration policy officer with BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, said the downgrading of wolves protected status risked undoing decades of European conservation progress, as The Guardian reported.

There have been no documented killings of humans by wolves this century.

The risk of downgrading this status is to weaken or even cause the decline of this species in Europe, said Yann Laurans, head of WWF-Frances land biodiversity team, as reported by AFP.

Some have said the culling of wolves will not reduce attacks on livestock.

Nathan Horrenberger of the French Foundation for Biodiversity Research said the decision to lower protection for wolves in Europe is not going to help solve the problems facing livestock farmers, because wolves have been shot in European countries for years and its not bearing fruit.

Horrenberger told AFP that killing wolves could actually disrupt pack behavior, creating more solitary animals, who turn to easier prey, namely farm animals.

Just five countries voted against the proposal, according to environmental association Green Impact, who referred to the decision as a disgrace and promised to bring it to European courts.

According to the commission, the status change will go into effect on March 7 of 2025, unless one-third of its members object.

Assessments by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe suggest that one wolf population is vulnerable and five are near-threatened, The Guardian reported.

Scientists overall have said the wolf population in Europe could survive the change, but also warn it could be fatal for local populations hovering near the survival threshold.

Downgrading a species strict protection status for the political gain of a few, against scientific evidence, puts decades of conservation efforts at risk, said Sabien Leemans, senior biodiversity policy officer with WWFs European branch.
(Photo: Ecumenical News / Peter Kenny)Dr. Luiz Loures, deputy executive director of UNAIDS speaking at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland on May 21, 2015.

During a World Council of Churches prayer on Dec. 2, those gathered commemorated World AIDS Day, which was observed the day before as many churches worldwide have long supported carriers of HIV and AIDS who were once heavily stigmatized.

South African pastor, Rev. Christo Greyling, a member of the WCC's Health and Healing Commission, and the chair of the Working Group on HIV and Reproductive Health, offered a reflection on World AIDS Day.

This year the theme is, "Take the 'rights' path: My health, my right!"

The prayer read: "Give us new eyes for seeing the injustice you see, new ears for hearing the cries arising for help, new energy for doing your will, so that no one living with HIV remains forsaken, and no one, regardless of their origin or status, stays forgotten by those who have what they need."

Greyling noted that the scriptures make it abundantly clear that we are all entitled to a dignified life. "The concept of one body has to move beyond rhetoric," he said. "It has to be experienced."

According to the latest UNAIDS report on HIV, 40 million people globally are living with HIV, 1.3 million people have newly acquired HIV, and 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Almost 31 million people are receiving lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, according to UNAIDS.

Still, a quarter of people living with HIV who need lifesaving treatment, especially children and adolescents living with HIV, are yet to be treated. At least half of all people from key populations are not being reached with prevention services.

Greyling noted that humanity has to be empathetic to one another's needs, and in solidarity, respond in a timely manner with compassion and competence.

"We cannot rest when parts of this one body are suffering and are being stigmatized," he said. "We have to respond responsibly and together and make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting."

Greyling especially urged the mentoring of young leaders. "We are running a relay race," he said."

He said the world can end AIDSif the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV are respected, protected and fulfilled.

"As a community of faith, let us act together in faith."

UNAIDS cited Ethiopia's refugee camp at Jewiin the western province of Gambella which has the highest HIV burden across the county.

It is equipped with its antiretroviral therapy center.

However, like in Tigray, Gambella faces significant challenges in providing HIV testing and treatment.

Limited mobility within and beyond the camps, due to the costs of transport for clients and a shortage of ambulances in medical emergencies, combined with resource constraints at health centres, often results in treatment interruptions and high rates of loss to follow-up.

The WCC prayer also occurred during the "16 Days Against Gender-based Violence" campaign.

The prayer noted that gender inequalities, and unequal power dynamics between men and women and harmful gender norms are making women and girls vulnerable to HIV.

"It is depriving them of the voice and the ability to make decisions regarding their lives, and reducing their ability to access services, including for HIV," read the prayer. "Help us to be contrite and humble and transform harmful gender and masculinity norms among men and boys to help reduce vulnerabilities to HIV among women and adolescent girls."

Churches and communities are called to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.
They (regulators) said it couldn't be done (originally) but Three is finally approved for a merger. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given the go ahead for a merger between Three and Vodafone, first proposed by the companies in June 2023. The decision follows an independent inquiry group's investigation into the move's impact.

CMA is allowing the deal to proceed as long as "both companies sign binding commitments to invest billions to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK," a release states. "The network commitment would be supported by shorter term customer protections which would require the merged company to cap certain mobile tariffs and offer preset contractual terms to mobile virtual network operators, for a period of three years." CMA and UK communication services regulator Ofcom will both oversee these commitments and the merged company must produce an annual implementation report.

Chair of the independent inquiry group, Stuart McIntosh, explained, "We believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed  but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures."

Three tried to merge with O2 in 2015, but the European Commission (yes, this was pre-Brexit) blocked it a year later. Then European Commissioner for competition Margrethe Vestager, stated that the concessions Three offered wouldn't offset the deal's potential to limit competition and bring higher prices. CMA concurred but, in 2021, allowed O2 to merge with Virgin Media, determining that it would not have a "substantial" impact on competition due to the nature of their combined offerings.
Bitcoin has passed the $100,000 threshold for the first time. At approximately 9:39PM ET this evening, the cryptocurrencys value hit six figures, moving it past the milestone for the first time in its nearly 16-year history. As of the morning of December 5th, the price has stayed well above that $100,000 mark, and Bitcoin's value has generally been steadily increasing over the past month or so. That's no guarantee it'll stay where it is, but it's clearly having a moment.

That also means the legendary Bitcoin pizza order is now worth $1 billion. For those not in the loop, a Florida man  because, of course it was a Florida man  paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa Johns pizzas over 14 years ago in whats considered the cryptocurrencys first commercial transaction.

Ill pay 10,000 bitcoins for a couple of pizzas  like maybe 2 large ones so I have some left over for the next day, Laszlo Hanyecz posted in a crypto forum on May 18, 2010. Four days later, a British man took him up on the offer. That amount was only worth $45 at the time. (And the UK man only paid Papa Johns $25!) But only nine months later, the transactions value had skyrocketed to $10,000.

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Hanyecz told The New York Times in 2013 that he had no regrets about the then-$6 million pizza order. It wasnt like Bitcoins had any value back then, so the idea of trading them for a pizza was incredibly cool, he said. No one knew it was going to get so big.

I wonder if Florida Man has any regrets now that his fee for those two Papa Johns pizzas is worth a billion dollars.

Looking at it another way, Papa Johns current market cap is $1.567 billion. So, had Hanyecz saved his crypto instead of ordering those two pizzas, he could have bought nearly two-thirds of the company that baked his pie today.

Then, theres the story of a writer who, in 2017, helped a friend recover (at the time) $200,000 worth of Bitcoin from a broken laptop. Those 40 Bitcoins stuck in a MultiBit wallet for three-and-a-half years are worth more than $4 million today (so long as the cryptocurrency stays above the $100,000 mark).

Update, 10:35AM ET: This story has been updated with details about Bitcoin's current value after it hit the $100,000 mark.
Telegram is taking a significant step to reduce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), partnering with the International Watch Foundation (IWF) four months after the former's founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested. The French authorities issued 12 charges against Durov in August, including complicity in "distributing, offering or making available pornographic images of minors, in an organized group" and "possessing pornographic images of minors."

The UK-based IWF works with social media platforms, tech companies, governments and more to prevent the spread of CSAM. Telegram's membership to the IWF grants it access to the organization's tools that block links to CSAM content and "non-photographic depictions," including AI-created images. It also provides Telegram with hashes of known CSAM content and any harmful content the organization detects. The IWF reports having found thousands of confirmed instances of CSAM on Telegram since 2022.

Telegram has previously refused to join any programs that could help limit CSAM. In a release, Telegram's Head of Press and Media Relations Remi Vaughn claimed the platform "removes hundreds of thousands of child abuse materials each month" through reports and moderation through AI, hash-matching and more. Though Vaughn conceded IWF's support will strengthen the company's ability to delete CSAM before it reaches anyone.

Telegram has taken other steps since Durov's arrest, announcing in September that it would hand over IP addresses and phone numbers in legal requests  something it fought in the past. Durov must remain in France for the foreseeable future.
Tommy Davidson recently shed light on his complicated history with Jamie Foxx during an interview on 'The Big Tigger Morning Show.'

Reflecting on their years as costars and friends, Davidson detailed how their dynamic shifted over time.

In his 2020 memoir, 'Living in Color: What's Funny About Me,' Davidson described Foxx as being "mercilessly mean." While discussing their early days on 'In Living Color,' Davidson shared that they initially "got along" well. Foxx joined the hit sketch comedy series in 1991, a year after its debut, while Davidson was an original cast member. Both remained part of the show until it ended in 1994.

The tone of their relationship changed significantly when they worked together on the 1997 film 'Booty Call.'

Davidson, 61, claimed that Foxx's demeanor was noticeably different during filming. "It was a whole 'nother dude [...] It was like junior high. How the dudes used to be in junior high. I spent the whole movie saying my own lines, like you know when you're off camera, you gotta say your own lines. He wouldn't say 'em. I had to memorize his part and my part," Davidson recalled.

The Washington, D.C. native shared that he attempted to reach out to Foxx during his recent health crisis but didn't receive a response.

"I tried to [check on him], but I got no response," Davidson said, adding that the lack of communication wasn't new. "That was happening before that."

Still, Davidson expressed admiration for Foxx, 56, highlighting his immense talent. Foxx's temporary disappearance from the public eye left Davidson deeply concerned, but he said he's relieved that Foxx has recovered.

In addition to reflecting on his history with Foxx, real name Eric Marlon Bishop, Davidson spoke about his recent projects. He mentioned his guest appearance on Damon Wayans' new series, 'Poppa's House,' as "one of the most wonderful experiences I've had in years, in about 15 years."

Read more: Jamie Foxx Addresses Rumors Linking Diddy to His 2023 Hospitalization During Netflix Special

According to Davidson, his episode is set to air in February. He also touched on the possibility of an 'In Living Color' reboot, though no further details were provided.

In other Foxx news, the comedian is set to speak about his 2023 hospitalization in the special 'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was' when it appears on the streaming platform on Dec. 10. In a new trailer for the special, Foxx address the claims that he was replaced with a "clone" and that he "literally died."

"I'm back and I'm so glad to be here," Foxx tells the audience. The 'Django' actor has not addressed the hospitalization publicly yet after he was rushed there in April 2023.

The special, directed by Hamish Hamilton, has been labeled as a heartfelt return for Foxx.
Congratulations to Amber Heard who is pregnant with her second child following her public 2016 split from Johnny Depp.

A spokesperson for the 'Aquaman' actress, who is already a mom to 3-year-old daughter Oonagh Paige, confirmed the news.

"It is still quite early in the pregnancy, so you will appreciate that we do not want to go into much detail at this stage," they said to 'PEOPLE.' "Suffice to say that Amber is delighted both for herself and Oonagh Paige."

In July 2021, Heard wrote on Instagram how she had "decided I wanted to have a child" years before but "wanted to do it on my own terms."

"I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way. I hope we arrive at a point in which it's normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib," she added in the post's caption. "A part of me wants to uphold that my private life is none of anyone's business. I also get that the nature of my job compels me to take control of this. My daughter was born on April 8, 2021. Her name is Oonagh Paige Heard. She's the beginning of the rest of my life."

In a 2018 op-ed for 'The Washington Post,' Heard wrote about the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, without mentioning his name. However, many were convinced that she was referring to him, resulting in some outlets calling the Hollywood star a "wife-beater."

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor vehemently denied all the allegations, sued 'The Sun' in the U.K. for defamation, but lost in 2020.

Bruce Robinson, an English director who "introduced him [Depp] to Amber Heard," shared his thoughts on the controversial falling-out between the pair, which ended in a bitter legal battle.

Speaking with 'The Telegraph' in April 2024, Robinson shared how the former couple met on the set of the 2011 comedy-drama 'The Rum Diary,' which Robinson directed.

"I mean, the stuff that was printed about Johnny is just b******t," he said. "I'm sure there was a lot of friction in their relationship, but some of the things that were said about him are just utter nonsense."

Robinson noted that their romance "wasn't made in heaven." He also acknowledged that the film provided an artificial setting for an intense relationship between the two, but it was like a "dust" that didn't last long.

Depp, 61, also sued his ex-wife for defamation. The Fairfax, Virginia, trial was televised, and Depp scored a major legal victory over Heard after the jury awarded him $15 million in damages, which the judge reduced to $10.35 million due to a state law in Virginia. Heard was awarded $2 million in her defamation countersuit.

Robinson added, "It was kind of tragic that it ended up like it did."
Authorities in the Philippines are actively investigating reports surrounding the disappearance and presumed death of Elliot Eastman, a 26-year-old American YouTuber.

Eastman, originally from Vermont, was reportedly abducted on October 17 by four men impersonating police officers in the coastal town of Sibuco, located in the Zamboanga del Norte province.

According to initial reports from police sources cited by the 'Associated Press' and local outlets 'ABS-CBN' and 'GMA Regional TV,' Eastman was shot twice while resisting the abduction. Witness accounts stated that the kidnappers forced Eastman onto a speedboat, known locally as a banca, which quickly departed from the area. A witness later informed investigators that Eastman had died in the banca on the night of his abduction, and his body was allegedly thrown into the ocean.

Despite extensive search efforts, no remains have been found.

Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan, a regional police spokesperson, shared additional details, saying a relative of one suspect revealed that Eastman succumbed to gunshot wounds in his thigh and abdomen while being taken away. The same source also claimed his body was discarded in the ocean. Sawan noted that this information was supported by a statement from a key suspect recently apprehended, which has since been submitted to government prosecutors.

"We are constrained to believe that he has died. All of the information that we have points to that," Sawan told the 'AP.' However, he added, "We're still leaving a little bit of hope that it may not be the case" due to the absence of a body.

The ongoing investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and a confrontation last month where three suspects were killed in a gun battle with police. "PRO 9 would like to assure the public that the ongoing investigation will eventually result in the complete resolution of the case, and all perpetrators will be made accountable for this crime," the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) stated.

Eastman, who moved to the Philippines 18 months ago, chronicled his experiences in the region on his YouTube channel.

In his bio, he described falling in love and settling in Sibuco, where he was reportedly the first long-term foreign resident. His last video, posted just two days before the reported abduction, depicted him engaging in everyday activities, such as eating noodles, practicing yoga, and documenting the local weather.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces the threat of impeachment, as opposition lawmakers accuse him of violating his constitutional duties and committing an act akin to treason by declaring martial law, which he later lifted within hours.
South Korea's president lifts martial law after lawmakers vote against it

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols government early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule.
President-elect Donald Trumps lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction, arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance division, was shot and killed near a Midtown Manhattan hotel in what authorities believe was a targeted attack, New York City police said.
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Freedom is arguably the one thing that every human craves the most. It is widely thought that mass migration is mainly driven by economic factors. That is largely true, but there are millions of people who make extremely perilous journeys from their homelands to search for freedom elsewhere. Too many people die in too many places fighting for the opportunity to breathe that precious air. That is why I harbor singular disdain for people who enjoy liberty where they live, but then through their words and actions, enable those tyrants who trap and asphyxiate their helpless citizens.

Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began nearly three years ago, I cannot count the number of people whom I have heard blaming the Ukrainians for provoking Vladimir Putin and precipitating the war. In their telling, the Russians and Ukrainians have always been one people, and by entertaining Ukraines NATO membership aspirations, it is America and its allies who sowed the seeds for the present conflict. These people go on to say that the Ukrainians have allowed themselves to be manipulated by the West.

I have never in my life seen more grotesque arrogance than the one these Putin apologists display. Quite clearly, they claim to know Ukrainian history better than the Ukrainians themselves. What they also seem to be saying is that they can determine what is best for the Ukrainians, better than the Ukrainians can decide on their own.

Western societies are nowhere near perfect. But the liberty that ordinary people like me enjoy here is precisely what millions of people everywhere are dying for. For large numbers of citizens of other nations, that freedom trumps everything. That is why both wealthy people and others of modest means from places such as China, Russia, Venezuela, and similar countries that deny their populations some of the most basic freedoms, jump through all kinds of hoops to find homes in free and open societies.

Autocratic rule is akin to storing a gaseous substance under extremely high pressure. Enormous effort has to be expended to prevent the gas from escaping. But it eventually does, always. That is what I witnessed in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg in late 1991. I had spent the previous six years in the country as a foreign student and was preparing to return to my homeland when the borders were thrown open with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Throngs of Soviet citizens dashed to Western embassies in the major cities for visas to escape to the very countries that their leaders had spent decades portraying as swamps of evil. Those arrogant people who are insulting the intelligence of Ukrainians today would probably have asked those Soviet emigres of 1991 to stay in that pressure cooker because it was better for them.

In the last few days, I have been wondering what these exemplars of superciliousness think of the events in Tbilisi. Tbilisi is the capital Georgia, which used to be one of the 15 republics of the Soviet Union. Like Ukraine, it became an independent country in 1991. Since then, Georgians have desperately sought to rid themselves of the yoke that they were under for seven decades. The best way to achieve that goal, in the collective view of the Georgian people, is to join the E.U. In a December 2023 poll conducted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) of Georgia, 79 percent of the population expressed support for E.U. membership.

Enshrined in the Georgian constitution is a provision that spells out the peoples wish for their nation to become fully integrated into the E.U. and NATO. The country had been working quietly behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for over a decade now. But in March 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, Georgia formally submitted its application to join the E.U. The people didnt want to wait any longer and risk becoming the next Ukraine.

Even though the Russian emperor is bogged down in Ukraine, he has still managed to spread his tentacles into Georgia. The pro-Kremlin Georgian Dream party, which controls the national parliament, has used the familiar authoritarian playbook to thwart Georgias aspiration to become a free and open society. Following the countrys disputed parliamentary election in October, the opposition has boycotted the legislature. And last week, Georgian Dream party member Irakli Kobakhidze, who was reappointed as prime minister, announced the suspension of the countrys E.U. accession talks until the end of 2028.

The prime ministers decision has infuriated Georgians. Hundreds of thousands of them have been protesting in the streets over the last week, with the crowds growing larger with each passing hour. Over 330 protestors have been arrested thus far, with many reported to have been beaten in detention. Salome Zourabichvili, the nations popularly elected president who is not affiliated with Georgian Dream, has condemned the prime ministers pronouncement, accusing the party of steering the country more and more rapidly into a quasi-Russian model. She has called on the international community to help champion the aspirations of the Georgian people.

Whenever their pressure cookers malfunction, autocrats point their fingers at the evil hand of America. But the fury on display in the streets of Tbilisi suggests that the Georgians know where the problem truly lies. I hope and pray that the know-it-alls will not start telling them that they are being brainwashed by the West. That would really add insult to injury.
(The Center Square)  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to take action to protect the threatened Canada lynx population in the continental United States.

The Service proposed changes to its current critical habitat designation that would cover 19,112 square miles across several states, including Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming.

"These actions ensure the long-term survival of this elusive, snow-adapted wildcat that relies on cold boreal forests and abundant snowshoe hares for survival," a news release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

The proposed change would attempt to balance conservation and land-use priorities, the release said. It comes following a court-ordered review. It would update the 2014 designation in the western United States by cutting areas where lynx are "unlikely to thrive" while adding additional lands the federal government sees as better suited to the animal's needs, according to the release.

Nothing in this plan impacts the designated critical habitat in Maine or Minnesota.

"The final recovery plan for the Canada lynx sets clear strategies and measurable goals to support long-term conservation throughout its contiguous U.S. range," the release said. "The Service collaborated closely with state, Tribal, and federal partners to develop science-based conservation measures aimed at reducing risks to Canada lynx."

Global warming's impact on boreal forest habitats and the species living in them are among the biggest threats to lynx, the release said.

"The Canada lynx is a medium-sized wildcat adapted to cold, snowy environments, where it relies on its large paws to hunt snowshoe hares," the release said. "Although widespread and abundant in Canada and Alaska, lynx populations in the contiguous U.S. are small and fragmented, and they face pressures from habitat loss and human activity. Canada lynx in the lower 48 were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2000."

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024, beginning a 60-day comment period.

The Service will consider every comment sent in by January 28, 2025, before publishing a final rule. To find it, visit regulations.gov, docket no.FWSR6ES20240142.

Additional information, including the recovery plan and proposed critical habitat revision, is available here.
Last week marked my 10th wedding anniversary to the Man of the Ranch. As is our custom with momentous occasions, we celebrated by staying home, doing our chores and  since it also happened to fall on Thanksgiving  eating turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.

In other words, it was a day spent much like most of the others weve experienced as a couple.

Ive written before that when I married my husband, I knew I was marrying not just a man, but a way of life, and while I wasnt scared to commit to him, committing to a place and an occupation felt more complicated. Id been an itinerant musician for most of my adulthood. Could I really settle down and stay in one place, especially when that place was literally the most remote county in the contiguous U.S.?

December marks another important anniversary. Almost exactly 14 years ago this month, I pulled into the tiny prairie town of Bison, South Dakota. I lived in Michigan until I was 13 years old and after that moved every few years until arriving here.

That means Ive now lived in South Dakota longer than anywhere else, which is difficult to comprehend, as I still feel Ive just arrived. Im not alone in that feeling. To most folks here, Im a newcomer and always will be, but from the perspective of places this body of mine has traveled, South Dakota now houses more of my joys, sorrows, triumphs and all the mundane in-betweens than any other physical location.

Home is a topic Ive spent more time thinking and writing about than any other, probably, because for a long time I feared I would never find it. I recorded an album the year before I left Minnesota titled, The Road Home. In interviews about the recording, I posited that perhaps the road WAS my home, as I felt I came home to myself every time I got on stage to play music.

Or maybe music was home? I wasnt sure, but I remember during those interviews being scared home would never be a place or even a person, and that made me very, very sad.

And then I moved here, not planning to stay long, hoping to regroup from the relentless travel, but instead finding everything Id been searching for. The working title for my first book was actually Finding Home. The publisher changed it to Accidental Rancher, but nonetheless, all the promotional material for the book described my journey to the prairie as a homecoming. In fact, while I agreed that calling the process accidental was cute, catchy and seemingly accurate, I resisted the title at first because, well, nothing about arriving here felt accidental. There was just too much magic in all the ways things shouldnt have worked out but did for it to be an accident.

Last weekend, I did a book signing event at a wonderful little bookshop in Spearfish, South Dakota. As is almost always the case when I do book events, I had a reader ask, So how exactly did you meet your husband? And I answered, as I always do, We were the only two single people in our age range for 100 miles in any direction  So naturally everyone thought we should get married. Can you believe it actually worked out?

People ask this question because I havent written much about the time between when I arrived in South Dakota and when I got married, and I sometimes wonder if I ever will  I still cant believe some of the story myself, and I lived it.

In his book, Of Time and Memory, Don Snyder writes, Let us hope that we are all preceded in this world by a love story.

On Thanksgiving Day, my anniversary, looking across the kitchen island at my kids watching the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade while I mashed potatoes, I thought of this quote. They are lucky, and so am I, that sometimes a love story isnt told, but lived.
We think of the plains states as Wyoming, Kansas and others out west; places where buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play, according to the old song. However, few people realize that there were plains in what is now Ohio.

Granted they were small and scattered, mostly in the west and northwest, making up only 1% of what is now the states acreage. But historians agree they were spectacular, teeming with wildlife, wildflowers and grasses that grew to a height sufficient to hide man and horse.

That made Ohio the eastern edge of the tall grass prairies. But by the time those prairies were settled, drained and cleared for farming in the 1800s, perhaps only 1% of the original 1% of the acreage was left.

A half acre here, a few tenths there, is how Richard Gardner, chief botanist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, describes it. Most of those patches were along roads or railways, banks of streams, or in cemeteries that contain graves of the first settlers, he said.

The good news is that what remains of many of the former plains areas are under the protection of his agency. One example is the Sandusky Plains, which used to cover more than 200,000 acres south and west of the Sandusky River. Now there are only 74 acres left, most in the Daughmer Prairie Savannah State Nature Preserve.

There, visitors can hike a 1-mile trail to see the wildflowers and wetlands, as well as towering bur oaks that are more than 200 years old. It is named for five generations of the Daughmer family who maintained the prairie habitat through low-intensity grazing and periodic controlled burns, which the agency continues to do today.

But there is one place where visitors can glimpse a sea of wild grass, and flowering herbs, as one pioneer described what are now called the Darby Plains, in the Big Darby Creek watershed west of Columbus.

Many of those plains areas are designated as natural preserves but are also part of the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Since the 1970s, nearly 3,000 acres of the Darby Plains have been restored to their original glory, using grass and wildflower seeds from those tiny patches of the original plains.

There are even bison  the correct name for buffalo  thanks to a partnership between the park, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds that includes a breeding program. Four calves were born within the parks enclosures last spring.

Its a really cool story, said Elaine Hall, assistant resource manager for the park, part of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. Bison are grazing on plants they would have grazed on hundreds of years ago.

History

In those days, the plains were wet most of the year but dry in summer. Lightning strikes often sparked wildfires, but the Native Americans also did their own versions of controlled burns to help with hunting and just being able to walk through those areas, Gardner said.

He said the fires helped the tall grasses, most of which grew 8 to 10 feet tall and had beautiful blooms at the top. They included prairie dock, compass plant, switchgrass and prairie cordgrass, which has sharp blades that discourage grazing. The settlers called it gut-slashing grass because it could cut the stomachs of horses that galloped through it.

The fires maintained the grasslands by putting nutrients and seeds back into the rich, black soil and reducing woody growth, he said. One exception to the latter was the bur oak. It has a thick bark that is fire resistant, explaining the centuries-old oaks in the Sandusky Plains and elsewhere.

The Native Americans care of the land ended with the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. An alliance of mostly Algonquin-speaking tribes continued to resist settlement by Europeans after the Revolutionary War. Surprisingly, they defeated U.S. troops in their campaigns of 1791 and 1792, bringing settlement of the Northwest Territory to a halt. That is until President Washington put General Mad Anthony Wayne in charge of the military and ordered him to crush the resistance. The tribes suffered defeat in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, south of what is now Toledo, in 1794.

The British, who still had forts in the area and had promised to help the tribal alliance, abandoned them as well as their forts later that same year. So the alliance headed by Chief Little Turtle signed the Greenville Treaty giving up their land in what is now Ohio, plus large portions in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

When the Native Americans stopped the controlled burns, the grass became overgrown and the mosquitoes got really bad, Gardner said.

The first settlers called the flat, wet plains the barrens and many died of malaria carried by the mosquitoes. According to The History of Madison County, published in 1883, they built cabins along the streams where land was elevated and drier, and where the best timber grew.

Still, they recognized that the tall grasses were nutritious for their livestock. They cut them in June and July and fed them all winter. The grasslands were also home to an abundance of wild game that they could hunt for food.

They found other ways to use the tall grass. For instance, they discovered prairie dock, with its yellow blossoms at the top, oozed a sticky substance when cut. This became chewing gum for the youngsters.

Though there were no more controlled burns  at least none that werent disastrous  there were still fires from lightning strikes. The settlers would often burn a ring of grass 20 or 30 feet wide around their cabins to protect hay and homes.

They also recognized that the rich soil would be wonderful for agriculture, but they would have to drain the prairies and wetlands. Ditches began to appear and the state legislature passed drainage laws, the history book says.

Looking ahead

The Big Darby and Little Darby creeks are designated state and national scenic rivers. In 1991, The Nature Conservancy declared the creeks and their watershed to be one of the 12 Last Great Places of the Western Hemisphere that need saving.

But the people who formed the park district in 1945 were way ahead of them, especially since the city of Columbus was growing so rapidly. They wanted to save the watershed and the remnants of the plains, so they began purchasing land. The Battelle Darby park now covers 8,000 acres while the Prairie Oaks Metro Park to the north, which also includes some of the historic Darby Plains, covers nearly 3,000 acres.

In the mid-1970s, science teacher and park prairie specialist Jack McDowell started using the Darby Plains remnants to restore prairie environments. With buckets hung around his belt and a team of volunteers, he collected seeds of forbs (wildflowers) and grasses from the Bigelow Pioneer Cemetery and those little patches along roadways and creek banks, planting them elsewhere on parkland. McDowell died in 2012 and now has a restored prairie named for him.

We still continue Jacks work today, Hall said, although now seeds from restored prairies are used to create even more. Forb seeds are still picked by hand, each kind kept separate in the parks seed room. The only difference is that prairie grass seeds are now harvested by combines, which creates a bigger bulk for restoration, she said.

Hall says the restored prairies arent just attracting people. Coyotes, muskrats and deer have taken up residence, while tiger salamanders love the vernal pools that appear in spring. Butterflies and other pollinators are piling in.

The wet prairies in the park are considered one of the birding hot spots in Ohio based on the number of species recorded there on the eBird app, she said. American bitterns and Sandhill cranes are spotted regularly, while three wood storks  a species not normally seen in Ohio  appeared in plains areas this summer, perhaps pushed north by the hurricanes.

These vast, open spaces offer different natural phenomena in each season, Hall said. There is no bad time to visit the prairies.
HOWARD, Ohio  East Knox FFA members recently competed in the Knox County FFA Junior B Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event held at the old Fredericktown High School where they received third place with a silver rating. Team members were Aiden Kapper, Miranda Fawcett, Kylie Griffith, Braxton Lahmon, Weston Bostic and Will Stokes. The Junior B or Intermediate contest is held only at the county and district level to give FFA members a chance to compete in parliamentary procedure between the novice event and the advanced category. East Knox finished just two points behind the second-place team, narrowly missing advancing to the district competition. The team had 2 minutes of preparation time and 12 minutes of contest time to present five required abilities using two given motions and debated all abilities that required discussion. They also completed a written test over parliamentary procedure.



WEST SALEM, Ohio  On Nov. 19, members of the Northwestern FFA chapter prepared a lesson for first-grade students called Ag in the Classroom that focused on harvesting agricultural commodities and Thanksgiving. FFA members led a discussion about what is harvested this time of year and the tools needed for the job. The lecture was related to the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and the harvest of foods enjoyed by the Wampanoag people and English colonists that are still eaten today.

WEST SALEM, Ohio  Northwestern FFA traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 97th annual National FFA Convention at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The trip ended with the American Degree Ceremony on Oct. 26. Members who attended the National FFA Convention included Mallory Gilbert, Kaylee Cherry, McCullough Porter, Madilyn Smith, Shayden Starlin, Kenzie Cutter and Morgan Ervin. Several members received notable recognition during the 97th FFA Convention. West Holmes FFA member Garrett Houin was celebrated for his Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management Proficiency Award. At the American Degree ceremony, the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter proudly saw three graduates, Lauren Vaughan, Hanna Wilson and Melanie Imhoff, receive their prestigious FFA American Degrees.



NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio  New Lexington FFA hosted a statewide Ohio FFA Leadership Night, which consisted of fun, laughter, learning and making connections. During this event, the chapter partnered with Hocking, Athens, Perry Community Action Plan to provide for those in need. To attend, FFA chapters were asked to bring $5 or five non-perishable items per member. Along with the 90 canned goods collected, there will also be a donation of $575 dollars received from registration.



SULLIVAN, Ohio  Ten dedicated members of the Black River FFA recently showcased their skills in the Ohio FFA State Animal Management Career Development Event. Black River FFA members performed well, with Emma McCann earning seventh place overall, placing her among the states top 10 individual competitors. The team was supported by alternates Carson Steidl, Parker Broadsword, Hannah Pierson, Colton Roberts, Olivia Bailey, Brayden Lawhon, Emma Macfarlane and Jude Bailey.

SULLIVAN, Ohio  Black River FFA has been busy in recent weeks with 11 members demonstrating their exceptional knowledge and dedication at the National Invitational FFA Quiz Competition, held during the 97th National FFA Convention. Participants had to showcase their understanding of FFA history, traditions and current agricultural practices. This year, Black River fielded three teams. The team of Rylee Howard, Parker Broadsword, Colton Roberts and Addison Flynn achieved an impressive 11th-place finish. Additionally, two other teams, comprised of Olivia Bailey, Caroline Maat, Carlee Mennell, Emma Macfarlane, Adalee Hollan, Elina Crespo and Leah Coffman, earned 22nd and 24th places.



FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio  On Nov. 19, more than a dozen members of the Fayetteville FFA attended an Ohio FFA Leadership night held at Clermont Northeastern High School. During this event, attending members participated in numerous games and workshops led by members of the Ohio FFA officer team. The state officers present were Anna Moeller, Carter Boyd, Daniel Hartzell and Caleb Bennett. As part of the event, the chapter brought items to be donated to victims affected by Hurricane Helene.



CRESTON, Ohio  The Norwayne FFA team placed second in the Sub-District Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event competition on Nov. 12. The members included Halea Taylor, Morgan Hamby, Jaxon Kohler, Addison Liston, Lyla Ramsier, Jayla Winkler and Elise Buckingham. The team moved on to the district contest on Nov. 25. Additionally, members Gabby Conrow, Grace Haulse and Halea Taylor participated in the district Job Interview on Nov. 12 at Smithville High School. Conrow placed first in Division 5 and will continue on to the state competition. Taylor finished second in Division 4 and Haulse placed second in Division 1.



JEROMESVILLE, Ohio  Five members of the Hillsdale FFA chapter participated in the Job Interview Career Development Event on Nov. 7.

In Division 1, Jacob Schwendeman earned ninth place. Kailynn Eisom secured fifth place in Division 2. Blake Schwan placed eighth in Division 3. Rosalynne Weekley achieved seventh place in Division 4. Gage Barker excelled in Division 5, finishing in fourth place.
Food crime officers have found 'unsafe and potentially illegal' meat after they opened unrefrigerated vans containing 48 sheep carcasses.

National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) officers, along with the police, attended a location in London where they made the discovery.

The meat is thought to be illegal, having undergone a smoking process with its skin on, and is not traceable.

Meat should have traceability from farm to fork and be subject to checks by official vets and meat hygiene inspectors.

As a result, five men were arrested and were interviewed by NFCU officers. All five have been released under investigation.

Neil Castle, deputy head of NFCU said: "Officers discovered a substantial quantity of allegedly illegal meat in unrefrigerated vans.

"The meat lacks traceability and was being kept in unsanitary conditions posing a food safety risk.

"The meat has been seized and we are taking action with partners to tackle the trade in illegal meat and protect the public."
The Conservative Party's motion to scrap the so-called 'family farm tax' introduced in the recent budget was rejected by MPs following a debate in parliament.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had forced a non-binding vote on Labour's controversial move, which will introduce a 20% farm inheritance tax in 2026 for assets over 1m.

Prior to the vote, Ms Badenoch said that it would urge rural Labour MPs - which number over 100 - to 'explain themselves' over the tax.

However, after a four hour debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday (4 December), the motion was rejected, with 339 MPs voting against and 181 in favour.

The debate heard from a variety of speakers, including the Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins, who said that the government had 'driven farmers to despair'.

"The hike in national insurance, the acceleration of delinked payments, the fertiliser tax, the double cab tax... are all conspiring against the survival of British farms," she told MPs.

"Yet the government have added a death tax to that: the family farm tax, which is seeing families... worry about whether they will be able to hand on their farms to their children, as generations before them have done.

On the government side, the debate was characterised by a succession of MPs rising to read lines in defence of the chancellors policy.

There were two notable exceptions. Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: Let me be clear: if today was the real vote, I would vote against the governments plans.

"During the election, I read what I thought were assurances from my party that we had no plans to introduce changes to APR.

"On that basis, I reassured farmers in my constituency that we would not, and now I simply am not prepared to break my word.

In a similar vein, Sam Rushworth, MP Bishop Auckland, attacked the wording of the motion, but said that before reading it he was "genuinely unsure how I would vote, and offered a reasoned suggestion of a way forward:

We know that 7% of wealthy claimants account for 40% of the cost of APR, but that means that 93% are costing only 382 million," Mr Rushworth said.

"It would be interesting to know how much money it would cost to slightly lift the thresholds or to address the concerns about life insurance.

For the Liberal Democrats, both the partys rural affairs spokesman, Tim Farron, and the new chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Alistair Carmichael, spoke out against the tax.

Mr Farron concentrated his fire on the Conservatives, accusing the party of failing to make adequate financial support available to farmers while in government.

Mr Carmichael advocated a claw-back mechanism by which liability for inheritance tax would only arise if land was sold.

Sticking to the government's line, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner claimed that "there is plenty of time for people to plan for change and to get professional advice about succession planning".

The Countryside Alliance, which had urged the public to contact their MPs using its online lobby tool, said the outcome of the vote was 'disappointing'.

"Rural Labour MPs should be thinking more about their constituents and the impact the family farm tax will have on them, rather than jostling to please party whips," said Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs.

"The problem is not that the government is trying to tackle tax avoidance, but that the current proposal does not protect family farms, as was promised.

"Rachel Reeves must find a way of delivering this change working with the farming sector, if she is to avoid a never ending toxic political battle with the countryside".

The defeat comes amid intense debate over the new policy which has led to numerous farmer protests across the UK, including in Westminster itself.

Industry campaigners are currently in the process of organising new protests across the UK, including in London again, with a date set for Wednesday 11 December.
The Dutch firm behind Bovaer, the methane reducing feed additive, has slammed the current 'fake news' and 'misinformation' surrounding the product.

dsm-firmenich has responded to the recent backlash on social media which has seen UK on-farm trials of Bovaer heavily criticised.

Dairy co-operative Arla recently unveiled that it would test the feed additive on more than 30 farms.

Authorities including the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) consider the supplement safe for cows to eat.

Use of the additive has been given the green light in numerous other countries, including Australia, Brazil and Canada.

But there has been significant backlash to Arla's announcement on social media, particularly due to concern over the consequence of the additive on animal and human health.

The NFU has also since responded, admitting that 'questions remain' over the impact of long-term usage.

The union added that it was critical to have a strong evidence base to give farmers the confidence to use these products.

But dsm-firmenich, developers of Bovaer, said that the additive had been in "commercial use for several years without any safety or quality concerns, and no traces have been found in milk".

"Regulatory authorities and food safety authorities across the globe have approved Bovaer," the firm said in a statement.

"The cows fully metabolise the product, and it does not appear in milk or meat.

"Bovaer has undergone rigorous safety assessments and is approved for use in Great Britain.

The feed supplement was developed over 15 years in response to the need to reduce methane emissions from cattle.

dsm-firmenich said these emissions were a 'significant contributor to global warming' and Bovaer was an 'important development in the fight against climate change'.

The firm added: "The current misinformation around Bovaer is just another example of how scare stories can proliferate online.

"'Fake news' is now incredibly common, but we should stick to the facts: this is an important scientific innovation in the fight against climate change.

"It has been confirmed as totally safe, both for the cow and for consumers of milk and dairy products," the company concluded.
The number of positive liver fluke cases is beginning to rise following a wet, mild summer and autumn, with farmers now facing 'high challenges' in some areas.

Results of testing and post-mortem examinations in recent weeks suggest liver fluke activity in early autumn was still quite low.

However, the number of positive cases is now increasing and industry groups SCOPS and COWS are urging farmers to keep up with testing to avoid being caught out.

They explained that the forecast predicts a medium to high risk on the west coast, all the way from north Wales up to northern Scotland.

However, unpredictable weather patterns mean it is likely snail habitats, and therefore liver fluke will be more widespread  and the window for infection more prolonged  than in previous dry summers.

Therefore, the industry bodies are urging farmers across the country to 'stay on their guard and keep testing'.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings said there were particular concerns about those farmers who had treated sheep already.

"Flukicides do not have any residual effect, which means a dose given too early offers no protection if sheep have been put back onto infected pastures.

"It is vital to establish if fluke is present  so treatment can be given at the right time," she explained.

Highlighting the importance of testing, Dr Philip Skuce of Moredun added: The coproantigen test can detect the presence of liver fluke a little earlier than faecal egg detection, which is particularly useful when the risk is considered high on a farm.

"But as we head into December, faecal egg count testing methods are likely to be most appropriate, particularly post-housing.

Rebecca Mearns, of Biobest, warned of the potential perils of over-use of flukicides, in particular closantel.

She said: We are concerned about reports that sheep farmers are repeatedly treating sheep with closantel against Haemonchus contortus (the barbers pole worm).

"Dosing at intervals of less than six weeks risks adverse effects in sheep, including blindness. If farmers then also use the same drug to treat liver fluke, the risks of overdosing are even higher.

"This risk is made worse because some producers have assumed they have resistance to triclabendazole, ruling out the use of this potentially useful flukicide on their farm.

"Talk to your vet about how you can confirm the position rather than jumping to conclusions," Ms Mearns said.
Farm leaders have cautiously welcomed the Scottish government's budget, as it will provide 'some security' to the future of farming in Scotland.

The Scottish government, which now has full control over agricultural spending, delivered its budget on 4 December just days after a farmer rally outside Holyrood.

The budget will allocate over 660m to farming for 2025-26 via crucial schemes such as Basic Payment Scheme, Greening, Less Favoured Area Support and Voluntary Coupled Support.

However, given rising costs, it also means a real terms decline in terms of the schemes' value.

On the promised return of 46m previously deferred from agricultural funding, a timetable has been given: 20m is to return in 2025-26 for capital expenditure with the remaining 26m to come a year later.

Scottish finance secretary Shona Robison said: "In rural communities, over 660 million will support the crucial contribution of Scotlands farmers, crofters and the wider rural economy.

"Mairi Gougeon has told me about the discussions she has had with the farming community and their concerns about recent decisions by the UK government.

"As asked for by farmers, we are returning in full the savings that were used in previous Scottish budgets, through a new capital transformation scheme with 20 million n 2025-26 and the remainder in 2026-27."

NFU Scotland said the budget would provide 'some security' to Scottish farming and crofting, but 'only for the year ahead'.

The union's president, Martin Kennedy said: Scottish farmers and crofters deserved a budget that recognised their indispensable role in Scotlands rural and national prosperity.

"However, while falling short on our justified budgetary asks, we have received a budget that, if approved, provides guarantees that key support schemes will be delivered.

Securing the return of the 46m in deferred funding was a top priority for us and we look forward to working with government on how best to deliver capital support to help future proof our industry."

However, he said it was 'disappointing' that there was no real terms increase in funding for farming and crofting.

Similarly, calls for funding guarantees to be given on a multi-annual basis were unsuccessful, which would 'consign the industry to an annual battle over future support'.

"Farming and crofting are long-term industries that deserve a funding package that allows them to plan for the future," Mr Kennedy concluded.
Dolly Parton refuses to work the "week of Christmas" because the holidays are a "sacred" time for her family.

Dolly Parton says Christmastime is 'scared' for her family' and she refuses to work in the week of the festive holiday

The '9 to 5' hitmaker, 78, likes to ensure she has all her work wrapped up so she can enjoy quality time with her big family over the festive period.

She told 'E! News': I've never missed Christmas.

I try to book all my things beforehand [and] say, Do not book me, certainly for the week of Christmas, 'cause I need to be home with my family.

I'm going to visit family and friends in East Tennessee.

And then I'll be visiting Carl's family some, and then we'll just have all that food.

The country music legend has been married to husband Carl Dean for 58 years and revealed they never buy each other "big fancy presents" for Christmas and prefer more "practical" gifts.

The 'Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas' author said: "Carl and I have never bought big fancy presents for each other.

When I see things through the years that I think he would like, when I'm out, I'll just kind of collect stuff and give them to him.

Revealing her spouse's DIY hobbies, she said: He loves to work over at the barn.

He also loves to work outside. So, I'm always buying tools of different kinds.

When it comes to buying for the music legend, Carl can't go wrong with pots and pans as Dolly loves to cook.

She said: He knows I love to cook when I'm home and he always buys me something for the kitchen. A new pot or a new pan or some kind of something he's seen on TV he thinks I might like.

We just buy practical things. We don't worry about it, either.
Robert Pattinson has admitted he could "genuinely be retiring" after wrapping his 'Batman' trilogy.

Robert Pattinson is considering quitting acting after 'The Batman' trilogy

The 38-year-old actor made his debut as the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves' superhero blockbuster 'The Batman' in 2022 and is set to star in two more films to complete the series.

And the 'Twilight' star - who kick-started his career at the age of 17 playing Cedric Diggory in 2005's 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' - has now admitted he may bid farewell to acting when he wraps the third flick.

Robert told The New York Times' Style magazine: "I could genuinely be retiring by the end of them.

"Not in a million years did I think I'd still be doing this when I got my first job. I can't believe this is still going."

The second film is not due to hit cinemas until 2026.

Admitting acting takes up a lot of "energy", he said: "The main thing is constantly remembering what your job is.

It's a discipline to not use your energy on anything other than that."

The 'Mickey 17' star has relished the opportunity to work as a producer after signing a production deal with Warner Bros and confessed he got tired of always playing the English prince.

He said: "If you're just an actor, you don't really meet with anyone other than directors who want you to play an English prince.

"Doing this, I've met so many different people and I have something to provide them. It's made me more understanding of what I'm doing as a performer, as well."

Robert is best known for his starring role as vampire Edward Cullen in the 'Twilight' franchise and recalled a recent encounter with someone who thought he stopped acting after the cult classic saga.

The 'Tenet' star - who became a father for the first time this year after fiancee Suki Waterhouse, 32, gave birth to their daughter - recounted an immigration officer asking him: "'Hey, youre the guy from Twilight. Whyd you stop acting?'"

His hilarious response was: I was like... Im Batman?

Robert recalled: She just laughed."
Prince Harry "feels sorry" for trolls.

Prince Harry feels sorry for trolls

The Duke of Sussex laughed off speculation about the state of his marriage to wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and insisted he pays no attention to rumours written about the couple but is concerned for those who do.

During an appearance at the New York Times' 2024 DealBook Summit, Dealbook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin said to Harry: "I Google Newsed you, and there were people fascinated by everything you're doing, all the time. They're fascinated by Meghan is in California right now, and you're here.

"And there's articles left and right about, you know, 'Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren't you doing them together?'

"Is that normal for you? The second there's an article  she's in California, you're in New York  they say, 'Well, what is happening with these two, right?' Is that a good thing for you, in a way, that there's so much interest in you?"

Harry laughed as he replied: "No, that's definitely not a good thing. Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?'

"It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls.

"Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,' and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do."

Harry declared he had "no doubt" his conversation with the journalist "will be spun or twisted somehow against me, and maybe you yourself will be trolled relentlessly."

He added: "For that, I can only apologise, but you did invite me, so it's not my fault."

The prince declared his "main goal" to be "being the best husband and dad" that he can be, and admitted he "very much enjoys" living in California with Meghan and their children Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet, particularly because there are activities he can do in the US that he "undoubtedly wouldnt be able to do in the UK".

Harry and Meghan have both previously been critical of social media and its impact on young people and the 40-year-old royal admitted he'd like to work with company shareholders to discuss better safeguarding measures.

He said: I would welcome the chance to sit down with the shareholders, because their shareholders are the ones that really are in control.

"Im sure they are parents, and Im sure hopefully they would agree that kids need to be kept safe.
Prince Harry has insisted he is enjoying living in the US too much to ever return to the UK full-time.

Prince Harry has insisted he is enjoying living in the US too much to ever return to the UK full-time

The Duke of Sussex, 40, and his 43-year-old wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have been at the centre of rumours they have been living separate lives as they are pursuing different projects and Harry has made a series of trips alone back to Britain, but he has now declared there is a key reason he does not want to return to Britain.

Harry said at The New York Times DealBook Summit: I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.

The father-of-two  who has children Archie, five, and three-year-old daughter Lilibet with Meghan  added there are activities he undoubtedly wouldnt be able to do in the UK with his children  citing concerns about his security after his royal protection was scaled back following his US move, which led him to fight for it to be restored in a series of court hearings this year.

He added his focus now is on being the best husband and the best dad that I can be.

Harry and Meghan relocated to Montecito, California, in the summer of 2020 months after quitting duties as working senior royals.

The duke has been on a string of solo trips back to the UK this year alone.

His remarks come amid reports he faces the strong possibility his immigration documents may be made public in the wake of Donald Trumps US election victory.

Harry has been at the centre of demands for months by the Heritage Foundation think tank to have his visa application records revealed after he admitted in his 2023 memoir Spare to recreational drugs use  something he would have been required to disclose in his immigration documents.

Director of The Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom Nile Gardiner recently told DailyMail.com: I do think theres a strong possibility that (his papers could be made public.)

Its the presidents prerogative. Also the new Homeland Security Secretary could order a review of Harrys immigration application.

There are multiple things that could happen but it would be in the best interests of the American people if the Trump administration releases Prince Harrys records for public scrutiny and Harry should be held to account.

Mr Gardiner added he thinks Harrys files will be made public in the next year.

The Heritage Foundation says Harrys admissions about drugs could have made him ineligible for entry to the US.
Prince Harry is against a social media ban for children.

Prince Harry is against a social media ban for children

The Duke of Sussex, 40, has son Archie, five, and three-year-old daughter Lilibet with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, and despite the couples famous protection of their kids privacy, the father-of-two has now declared barring youngsters from platforms such as X and Instagram is a bad idea as it could spark family arguments and bullying by classmates.

He told The New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin at the newspapers DealBook Summit he thought companies should instead be subjected to more rigorous rules over being transparent and accountable in relation to their policies over childrens use of their social media offerings.

Harry declared posting online had been intentionally engineered to be addictive, saying banning or axing it creates all sort of problems.

He said: I try to think at these things through the lens as a dad. Its not a coincidence that the world has become more volatile and more divided since social media has been around for 20 years.

Harry also used the event to declare he is enjoying life in the US too much to ever return to the UK.

He added: I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.

Harry also said there are activities he undoubtedly wouldnt be able to do in the UK with his children  citing concerns about his security after his royal protection was scaled back following his US move, which led him to fight for it to be restored in a series of court hearings this year.

He added his focus now is on being the best husband and the best dad that I can be.

Harry and Meghan relocated to Montecito, California, in the summer of 2020 months after quitting duties as working senior royals.

The duke has been on a string of solo trips back to the UK this year alone.

His remarks come amid reports he faces the strong possibility his immigration documents may be made public in the wake of Donald Trumps US election victory.

Harry has been at the centre of demands for months by the Heritage Foundation think tank to have his visa application records revealed after he admitted in his 2023 memoir Spare to recreational drugs use  something he would have been required to disclose in his immigration documents.
The Philippines is unlikely to be a target of the planned tariff hikes under the next US administration under Donald Trump due to balanced and healthy bilateral trade ties, the formers department of trade and industry (DTI) undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo recently said.

The countrys trade deficit with the United States stood at $4 billion last year, far smaller than the deficits the latter faces with other Asian countries, like China ($300 billion), Vietnam ($109 billion), Japan ($75 billion), South Korea ($55 billion), India ($47 billion) and Thailand ($43 billion), Rodolfo said.

The Philippines is unlikely to be targeted by the planned tariff hikes under the next US administration due to balanced and healthy bilateral trade ties, a top government official of the former recently said. We believe that countries with which the US has a huge trade deficitparticularly those which worsened during the past four yearswill be likely targets of additional US tariffs, he said.

We believe that countries with which the US has a huge trade deficitparticularly those which worsened during the past four yearswill be likely targets of additional US tariffs, he was quoted as saying by a domestic media reports.

This puts the Philippines in a strong position as the United States looks to address trade imbalances, he noted.

"With the Trump administration's focus on reducing trade deficit, the Philippines can leverage the balanced and healthy Philippines-US trade, indicating a mutually beneficial trade relationship, the DTI official said.

Trumps pick for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, has been a strong proponent of closer economic and strategic ties between the United States and the Philippines, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)


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See Also: A Roundup Of Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singhs Movies Now, all eyes are on Ranveers upcoming project, Don 3, a highly-anticipated film that promises to take the franchise to new heights. The film has already created buzz in the industry, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.

Ranveer Singh, the versatile actor, who was recently blessed with a baby daughter, Dua, was spotted at the private airport returning to Mumbai. Fans couldnt keep calm as the actor looked dashing in his casual yet stylish attire. Ranveer is now looking forward to spending more time with his newborn daughter Dua and wife, Deepika Padukone.Ranveer was last seen in Singham Again, where his performance received immense praise. The film, directed by Rohit Shetty, was a box-office hit, with audiences loving his impactful role.
HIGHLIGHTS

Austral Gold Limited's subsidiary executes a Binding MOU with ASX-listed Challenger Gold (ASX: CEL) to process mineralised material from Challenger Gold's 100% owned Hualilan Project over a three-year term at the Casposo Plant in Argentina.

Transaction to create a new revenue stream for the Austral Gold Group, including a US$3 million fixed payment (US$2 million payable within 15 days of signing the Binding MOU, US$1 million due in two years), a US$110,000 monthly fee, and an incentive fee linked to recovery margins.

Operations are anticipated to commence in the second half of 2025.

Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 4, 2024) - Established gold producer Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it's subsidiary, Casposo Argentina Mining Ltd. ("Casposo"), has entered into a Binding Memorandum of Understanding ("Binding MOU") with ASX-listed Challenger Gold Limited (ASX: CEL) ("Challenger") whereby Casposo proposes to process mineralised material from Challenger's Hualilan project at Casposo's Plant, in San Juan, Argentina.

Casposo expects to execute a definitive Toll Treatment Agreement within the next 15 days.

In the Binding MOU, Casposo has agreed to use its best commercial efforts, directly or through third parties, to secure the necessary funding for the refurbishment and commercial startup of the Casposo Plant by July 31, 2025.

Austral's Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva said: "We are pleased to introduce a potential new revenue stream by processing mineralised material from Challenger Gold's Hualilan project at our Casposo plant in San Juan, Argentina. This initiative offers an opportunity to restart the plant, currently on care and maintenance, and contribute to our long-term growth strategy. We believe this project could enhance our operational capacity and create value for our shareholders."

Material terms of the Binding MOU are as follows:

The parties agree to set up a technical and advisory committee made up of up to three professionals from each party.

Casposo to use best commercial efforts to finance, directly or through third parties, the funds required for the refurbishment and commercial startup of the Casposo Plant on or before July 31, 2025.

The parties have agreed to enter into a formal Toll Treatment Agreement to govern the mining of minerals from the Hualilan Project, and the processing of mineralised material from Hualilan at the Casposo Plant that will contain mutually agreeable and customary terms and conditions for a transaction of this nature.

Operator: The Casposo Plant will be operated by Casposo's local branch in Argentina, named Casposo Argentina Ltd. Sucursal Argentina.

Guaranteed throughput Tonnage: guaranteed toll treatment of 150,000 tons available to Challenger per year, with a guaranteed toll treatment capacity available to Challenger of 450,000 tons over a three (3) year period.

Consideration: Challenger has agreed to pay Casposo the following: US$3 million, with US$2 million to be paid within the next fifteen business days and US$1 million to be paid on the second anniversary of the date of the Binding MOU, with interest accruing at a rate of 6% per annum. The US$2 million paid upfront shall be returned to Challenger if the Hualilan ore is not processed in the Casposo Plant, either because: (i) the Technical Committee determines, based on the testing of samples of minerals from the Hualilan Project and the studies relating thereto, that the recovery rate of the Hualilan mineralised material to be processed at the Casposo Plant will be below 70%; or (ii) operations of the Casposo Plant have not been relaunched on or before July 31, 2025, unless the delay is caused by matters related to the mining or extraction of mineralised material from the Hualilan Project to the Casposo Plant or matters otherwise beyond Casposo's control. In such case, the refund shall be net of the costs incurred or financed by Casposo, provided that such costs were included in the budget approved by Challenger, directly or through the Technical Committee. A fixed monthly fee of One Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars (US$110,000), from the reopening of the Casposo Plant and throughout the rest of the term of the Toll Treatment Agreement; An Incentive Fee in accordance with the gold-equivalent ounces recovery rate achieved through the process as percentage over costs of production ranging from 20% to 30%.



Exclusivity: During negotiation of the Toll Treatment Agreement, Casposo, its shareholders, including its executives, directors and employees, shall not engage in any transaction with third parties regarding the toll treatment of the mineralized material at the Casposo Plant with any person or company other than Challenger. Exclusivity expires on the earlier of June 30, 2025, the Termination of this Binding MOU or the execution of the Toll Treatment Agreement.

The Company wishes to advise that Tyrus SA, an entity controlled by Eduardo Elsztain, currently holds a 4.33% interest in Challenger. Mr. Elsztain is Austral's Non-Executive Chairman (and its majority shareholder) and a director of Casposo. The Company understands that Mr. Elsztain's beneficial equity interest in Challenger is projected to increase by approximately 8.79% leading to 12.74% interest, following completion of a private placement.

About Austral Gold Limited

Austral is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.com.

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.

Release approved by the Company's Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the Company's expectation that the Binding MOU creates a new revenue stream, the Company's anticipation that it can agree with Challenger on the terms of a formal Toll Treatment Agreement (and the timing thereof), that it can finance the refurbishment of the Casposo Plant and complete the refurbishment by July 31, 2025, that the refurbished Casposo Plant can process the amount of mineralised material contemplated in the Binding MOU and that the Company understands that Mr. Elsztain's beneficial equity interest in Challenger is expected to increase by approximately 8.79% leading to 12.74% interest, following completion of a private placement.

All of these forward-looking statements 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 expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets especially in light of the effects of the novel coronavirus, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves and other risks and hazards related to the exploration of a mineral property, and the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral 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. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232538

SOURCE: Austral Gold Limited
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 4, 2024) - CardioComm Solutions, (TSXV: EKG) (OTC Pink: EKGGF) a global leader in medical electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring technology and a pioneer in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions, announces that due to the ongoing Canada Post strike (the "Postal Strike"), the information circular and related materials (the "Meeting Materials") for its upcoming Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") to be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, are posted under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://cardiocommsolutions.com/cardiocomm-annual-general-meeting/. Shareholders of the Company are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials directly through the above-mentioned website. While the Meeting Materials have been mailed in the normal course, due to the Postal Strike, there can be no assurance that they will be delivered prior to the Meeting.

Registered shareholders, shareholders who hold their shares directly in the Company and not through a brokerage account or depository company, may contact the Company at 1-877-977-9425 or email info@cardiocommsolutions.com to receive a proxy and assistance with voting. Proxies completed and signed should be forwarded by the voting deadline at 11:00 a.m. EST, Monday, December 9, 2024.

Beneficial shareholders, shareholders who hold their investment through a brokerage house, depository company or other intermediary, and have not received their information, should contact their broker representative to request a proxy.

If you wish to receive a paper copy of the Meeting materials, please contact the Company at 1-877-977-9425 or email info@cardiocommsolutions.com. In order to receive a paper copy in time to vote before the Meeting, your request should be received by Friday, December 6, 2024.

About CardioComm Solutions

Toronto-based CardioComm Solutions' ("CardioComm" and the "Company") proprietary technologies are used remote patient monitoring (RPM). CardioComm's core products are used for remote recording, viewing, analyzing, reporting and storing of electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. CardioComm also became the first company to enter into the direct to consumer, personalized ECG monitoring market. With its suite of medically credible heart monitoring solutions for the medical and consumer markets, CardioComm continues to be a leader in ECG management technologies. CardioComm will be expanding use of its RPM and telemedicine technologies into the sports, health and wellness. Such efforts will facilitate the introduction of new wearable devices such as Smartwatches, chest straps, smart garments and patches that will collect additional monitored bio-signs and multiple ECG leads/channels options (1, 3 and 12 lead). Additionally, CardioComm will expand its HeartCheck branded direct to consumer solutions to include other bio-sign monitoring devices compatible with CardioComm's technologies. The Company's goal is to provide patients and caregivers with opportunities to consult and collaborate with specialists no matter the location, improving patient care and reducing costs. CardioComm has earned the ISO 13485 MDSAP and ISO 27001 certifications, is HIPAA compliant and holds medical device clearances and sales licenses from the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada).

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations).

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232541

SOURCE: CardioComm Solutions, Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 4, 2024) - Genesis AI Corp. (CSE: AIG) (OTCQB: AIGFF) (the "Company") is to hold its annual general and special meeting of the shareholders (the "Shareholders") of the Company on December 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) (the "Meeting"). The Shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2024 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. The Shareholders are urged to vote before the proxy deadline of 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 2024.

The Company is providing an update to Shareholders regarding the potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Company's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to Shareholders in connection with the Meeting. The Company delivered the completed Notice of Meeting, Information Circular and related proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") to the appropriate parties for printing and mailing to registered and unregistered Shareholders prior to the Meeting, but due the postal strike, it is possible that the Meeting Materials will not be delivered to some Shareholders prior to the Meeting. The Meeting Materials have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available on the available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. they are also available at the Company's website at https://www.genesisaicorp.com/investors/. Shareholders will still be able to vote their shares either directly by proxy (for registered Shareholders) or indirectly through their intermediary (for unregistered Shareholders who hold their shares through brokerage firms or other intermediaries).

All Shareholders are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials electronically and to vote in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Circular. Registered Shareholders should complete all signed proxy forms as directed on the form of proxy no later than 48 hours prior to the Meeting. Beneficial owners can obtain a copy of the voting instructions form from their intermediary. If you are a registered Shareholder and do not receive the Meeting Materials by mail ahead of the voting deadline, please contact at Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-800-564-6253 (toll-free in Canada and the United States) between 5:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) to obtain your proxy form control number to cast your vote for the Meeting. If you hold shares through an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, please contact your intermediary directly to obtain a copy of the voting instructions form.

About Genesis AI Corp.



Genesis AI Corp. is pursuing opportunities in the precision geospatial, forestry analytics, and carbon sector through Ai. Woodlands.ai is a generative Ai natural resources model in development, building digital twins of real-world forests.

Digital forests can be manipulated and studied in computer generated worlds, with the influence of deep machine learning, neural networks, and artificial intelligence. Digital forest technology has many applications including carbon offsetting, forest and land management and wildfire protection.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

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 Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the Meeting, potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Company's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to Shareholders in connection with the Meeting, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, and market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232556

SOURCE: Genesis AI Corp.
Top specialist offshoring solutions provider Yempo is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, and is kicking it off with a roadshow in the UK in February.

Yempo provides Philippines-based accounting, finance, and Information Technology (IT) professionals to businesses in Australia, UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Japan. It is led by Australian-British CEO Michelle Fiegehen, who holds decades of experience working for multinational financial services enterprises and managing global teams.

"I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Yempo over the past decade, and I am excited to help even more businesses meet their goals through IT and finance outsourcing," said Fiegehen. "Our partners have successfully leveraged Philippine talent to address challenges, and we hope to introduce others to this solution."

This February, Fiegehen is set to run a roadshow in the UK, as she visits existing clients in London, Norwich, Coventry, Ebbsfleet, Portsmouth, and Peterborough. Another is happening in Australia in May, in Sydney, Melbourne and other capital cities to be followed by more throughout the year.

"Companies hearing about us for the first time are always happy to learn that Yempo is not your ordinary offshoring partner. Our model is based on providing businesses premium talent who deliver like your local hires, and who are well-managed by a deeply engaged, highly professional, and 100%-compliant human resources team," added Fiegehen.

Yempo has since received multiple awards for its IT, finance, and accounting outsourcing services. Fiegehen was named one of the Top Emerging Women Leaders of 2024 by the Victory Magazine, APAC's 10 High-Performing CEOs from the Philippines in 2023, and the Best CEOs of the Year by The CEO Views in 2022.

Among its clients is UK-based Specialist Health Solutions, whose HR Head Lizzie Robson says, "Michelle provides a cultural bridge between the UK and the Philippines that makes planning easy. Yempo's complete recruitment, HR and regulation service protects our business from risk. Michelle's a friend in your camp."

Visit yempo-solutions.com today to learn more about Yempo and its specialist IT and accounting offshoring services, or book a consultation with the CEO here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203051434/en/

Contacts:

Michelle Fiegehen, CEO

michelle@yempo-solutions.co
City Luxe Debuts Nationwide, Redefining Luxury Lifestyle Services

Tampa, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - December 4, 2024) - City Luxe, a new national luxury lifestyle brand, has officially launched, marking a major milestone in the expansion of high-end services across the United States. Building upon the success of Tampa Luxe, City Luxe introduces a tailored approach to luxury experiences that seamlessly blend global sophistication with the unique cultural nuances of each city it serves.

City Luxe Launches as a National Luxury Lifestyle Brand, Expanding Premium Services Across the United States

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/231240_559f9271544838b5_002full.jpg

"This is an exciting chapter for our company as we expand our vision to serve a national audience," said Oytun Tutuncu, Founder of City Luxe. "With City Luxe, we're bringing a curated approach to luxury that reflects the unique culture and preferences of each city we operate in."

By expanding to major cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, City Luxe seeks to meet increasing demand for bespoke luxury services, including exotic car rentals, yacht charters, VIP event planning, and exclusive travel experiences.

Expanding a Proven Luxury Service Model

City Luxe builds on the established reputation of Tampa Luxe, which set a standard for delivering premium services in the Tampa Bay area. The transition to a national platform allows the company to retain its hallmark dedication to quality while diversifying offerings to cater to regional preferences.

Key services include:

Exotic Car Rentals : An extensive collection of luxury and high-performance vehicles.

: An extensive collection of luxury and high-performance vehicles. Yacht Charters : Personalized maritime experiences for relaxation, celebrations, and corporate events.

: Personalized maritime experiences for relaxation, celebrations, and corporate events. Luxury Vacation Rentals : High-end properties offering unparalleled comfort and exclusivity.

: High-end properties offering unparalleled comfort and exclusivity. VIP Event Planning: Tailored event coordination for unforgettable private and professional gatherings.

Through localized insights, City Luxe ensures that each offering reflects the character and culture of the cities it serves, creating memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Strategic Partnership with TripCity Fleet Management

City Luxe's partnership with TripCity Fleet Management plays a pivotal role in its national expansion strategy. The collaboration leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, enabling the secure onboarding of third-party luxury car owners through insurance-backed solutions.

"TripCity's cutting-edge technology allows us to scale operations without sacrificing reliability or security," added Tutuncu. "This partnership empowers us to grow while maintaining the exceptional standards our clients expect."

TripCity's platform provides City Luxe with a scalable infrastructure for managing a growing fleet, ensuring seamless service delivery across multiple markets.

Innovative Additions to the Luxury Lifestyle Market

City Luxe is also introducing new services aimed at elevating the luxury experience for its clientele. These include private jet charters and international travel packages, offering seamless, end-to-end solutions for high-net-worth individuals seeking personalized luxury experiences.

As a leader in the luxury lifestyle market, City Luxe is setting a new benchmark for service excellence. Its national launch positions the brand as a trailblazer, blending personalized regional touches with global sophistication to redefine modern luxury.

About City Luxe

City Luxe, the parent company of Tampa Luxe, is a national luxury lifestyle brand offering bespoke high-end experiences across the United States. Services range from exotic car rentals and yacht charters to VIP event planning and luxury travel packages. The company is committed to combining global sophistication with regional customization to redefine luxury for today's discerning clientele.

For more information, visit www.tampaluxe.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231240

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 4, 2024) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (FSE: M1C1) (the "Company" or Metals Creek) further to its November 5 and November 15, 2024 news releases, the Company announces that it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") for aggregate gross proceeds of $425,750.

The Company has issued 11,650,000 flow-through units (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.035 per FT Unit, each FT Unit consisting of one flow-through common share (the "FT Shares") and one half of a non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (the "FT Warrants"), each full FT Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional non-flow-through common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.07 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issue. The FT Shares will entitle the holder to receive the tax benefits applicable to flow-through shares, in accordance with provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The Company has also issued 600,000 non flow-through units (the "NFT Units") at a price of $0.03 per NFT Unit, each NFT Unit consisting of one common share and one common share purchase warrant ("NFT Warrant"), each NFT Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.05 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issue.

In connection with the Financing the company has paid cash finders' fees totaling $27,195 and issued 777,000 non-transferable broker warrants.

All securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.

The Financing is subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

The proceeds raised from the FT Units will be used for drilling on the companies Tillex Copper Project and the Shabaqua Corners Gold Property and will ensure that such Canadian Exploration Expenses qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), related to the exploration of the Company's exploration projects.

About Metals Creek Resources Corp.

Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property from Newmont Corporation, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has an 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF).

Metals Creek also has multiple quality projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact the Company at the number below.

Additional information concerning the Company is contained in documents filed by the Company with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232564

SOURCE: Metals Creek Resources Corp.
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.


EQS Newswire / 05/12/2024 / 05:30 CET/CEST

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 December 2024 -



Register for FREE Buyer Badge: https://tinyurl.com/3wpf8hr2



Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 51stHong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 16thHong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 23rdHong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair (jointly organised with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd) will be held from 6-9 January 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three concurrent fairs - themed New Play for All - are expected to welcome more than 2,500 global exhibitors, showcasing a diverse selection of smart toys, quality baby products and innovative stationery for all ages. In 2024, the fairs attracted some 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions.



HKTDC to Create Boundless Business Opportunities with Three Major Trade Fairs for Toy, Baby Products, and Stationery in Early January 2025

Wide range of exhibits at Asia's flagship toys fair



In the coming edition, Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, and 'World of Toys' pavilion which features mainly European exhibits, will once again set up pavilions, showcasing the latest toys and games from around the world. To promote Hong Kong's creative industries and branded toys to the world, Hong Kong Brand Toy Association (HKBTA) pavilion will return at the toys fair. Furthermore, ESG pavilion which aims to enhance Hong Kong toy industry players' awareness and knowledge of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) will be launched for the first time at the toys fair.



A fair highlight, the Brand Name Gallery will feature innovative products by about 340 renowned brands, including AURORA, Eastcolight, Hape, Masterkkidz, Rastar, Welly and more. Other highlights include the Smart-Tech Toys and Games zone, which showcases a wide array of tech-based toys and games including those operated via mobile apps, or incorporated with the latest VR, AR and MR technologies. Kidult World is the place to find items that target those young at heart such as hobby goods, performance magic items, models, figurines and more. Green Toys zone showcases high-quality toys that are made from eco-friendly and recycled materials.



Asian Toys & Games Forum unveils market trends



A highlight event - Asian Toys & Games Forum will feature speaker from reputable international market research provider, who will share valuable insights on global toy industry outlook, opportunities and product trends. Distinguish experts will discuss the industry's evolving role in healthcare and wellness, its positive social impact on social connectedness, and active ageing, under the theme of "Fostering Social Responsibility in the Toy Industry". To keep traders abreast of the latest industry development and visionary trends, a series of events will be held covering topics such as toy safety and regulations, sustainability, and gender perspectives and inclusivity in toys.



Concurrent Baby Products Fair and International Stationery & School Supplies Fair



The 16thHong Kong Baby Products Fair will welcome Korea, Selection of Europe, and the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association pavilions. The fair will present a wide range of baby products, including strollers and baby gear, bedding and furniture, skincare and bath products, baby clothing and footwear and maternity products to buyers. The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, will assemble the latest stationery products comprising school supplies, creative arts, office supplies, paper & printing products, writing instruments and gifts stationery. The three fairs provide abundant trading opportunities and good potential for crossover business activities among the participants from various sectors.



Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the Click2Match business matching platform in addition to attending the physical fair until 16 January 2025. Buyers can also use the Scan2Match feature of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors and view product materials, bookmark favourites, browse product information and floor plans, as well as engage with exhibitors before and after the fairs to continue their sourcing journey.Hashtag: HKTDC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

05/12/2024 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


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency crossed the long-awaited psychological milestone of $100,000 amidst excitement that followed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominating crypto enthusiast Paul Atkins to Chair the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cryptocurrencies in general and Bitcoin in particular have rallied significantly over the past month at the prospect of a crypto-friendly regime in the U.S.Bitcoin touched an all-time high of $103,900.47 breaching the previous peak of $99,655.50 touched on November 22. It is currently trading at $103,347.88 recording overnight gains of more than 7 percent and an addition of more than 144 percent till date in the year 2024. Bitcoin dominates 55.5 percent of the overall crypto market.With a market capitalization of $2.05 trillion, Bitcoin is ranked 7th in the global ranking of all assets as per market capitalization published by companiesmarketcap.com.Overall crypto market capitalization has also increased to $3.68 trillion implying an overnight addition of more than 4 percent.For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.comCopyright(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.




SYDNEY, AU, Dec 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Now in its fourth year, CISO Sydney 2025 is the largest annual gathering of NSW's most senior InfoSec decision makers. The conference will be hosted on the 11-12 February at the Royal Randwick Racecourse.CISO Sydney comes to you conveniently co-located with other three events, hosted at the same place: OT Security Sydney, AppSec & DevSecOps Sydney and Cloud Security Sydney. This will offer you and your teams a comprehensive platform to gain the crucial insights and connections you need to keep your business at the forefront of the industry.AIIA members get 20% OFF the ticket priceGet 20% OFF your ticket price with the discount code AIIA20OFF, applicable to any of the four events below. To redeem it, just go to the event registration page, fill out the form, and add the code in the discount code field. Note that the discount is not valid for solution providers or consultants.CISO Sydney | 11-12 February | Royal Randwick RacecourseDownload the agenda | Registration (use code AIIA20OFF) | WebsiteLearn how your peers are driving growth and cultural change by balancing risk and ensuring secure operations.Discover strategies to leverage AI's transformative potential while mitigating risks.Gain valuable insights into the emerging threat landscape to enhance your organization's cyber resilience.Master incident management with effective detection and response strategies.OT Security Sydney | 11 February | Royal Randwick RacecourseDownload the agenda | Registration (use code AIIA20OFF) | WebsiteLearn how to enhance security in interconnected environments by minimizing the OT attack surface.Gain insights into the convergence of IT and OT teams, prioritizing data confidentiality, integrity, and availability alongside asset safety and reliability.Explore strategies to reduce OT system vulnerabilities through network segmentation and robust security practices.Understand the impact of evolving regulations and standards on your organization and ensure compliance of your operational technology systems.Cloud Security Sydney | 12 February | Royal Randwick RacecourseDownload the agenda | Registration (use code AIIA20OFF) | WebsiteOptimise operational continuity and enable quick recovery from disruptions with well-prepared, collaborative strategies.Learn how to mitigate risks associated with automation and AI, ensuring secure deployment of advanced technologies in the cloud.Discover frameworks for cloud security governance that address regulatory compliance, risk management, and data protection.Gain insights into maintaining visibility and monitoring in dynamic cloud environments to detect unusual activity and protect critical assets.App Sec & DevSecOps Sydney | 12 February | Royal Randwick RacecourseDownload the agenda | Registration (use code AIIA20OFF) | WebsiteLearn how to evaluate AppSec and DevSecOps effectiveness through metrics and frameworks to drive continuous improvement.Discover how your peers are mastering continuous integration and monitoring DevOps to overcome multi-cloud challenges and secure CI/CD pipelines.Learn effective ways to empower developers with the skills and tools they need for secure coding, balancing automation with necessary human oversight.Explore innovative approaches to managing supply chain risk, ensuring compliance, preventing attacks, and automating governance.Don't miss this opportunity to learn and network with industry leaders! Join us today!About Corinium IntelligenceCorinium Intelligence is a global leader in providing conferences, events, and content to the information and technology industries. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, Corinium Intelligence brings together industry leaders to share insights, best practices, and strategies for success.For more information, please contact:Moira UngerleiderMarketing Managermoira.ungerleider@coriniumgroup.com.Source: CoriniumCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Coty (NYSE: COTY) (Paris: COTY), one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care, has joined forces with world-renowned crystal house Swarovski to announce an agreement for a long-term beauty license, with the opportunity to develop, produce and distribute a new vision of fragrances.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204846459/en/

COTY AND SWAROVSKI SIGN LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR NEW ENTRY INTO BEAUTY MARKET Tom Steinlechner (left: Jean Holtzmann, Chief Brands Officer Prestige, Coty; right: Michele Molon, Chief Commercial Officer, Swarovski)

This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, rooted in a mutual focus on creativity and innovation. The collaboration comes as Coty continues to elevate and diversify its portfolio, continuously bringing new products, brands, and innovations to the forefront.

The new partnership also reinforces Coty's reputation as the go-to partner for global brands looking to create or elevate their beauty portfolios.

Swarovski Crystal Business is represented in over 140 countries worldwide with 2,300 Swarovski boutiques complemented by selected multibrand partners. The new partnership enables Swarovski to enhance its brand presence and visibility in the beauty market and diversify its product offerings. In addition, it will bring its unique essence of pop luxury and joyful extravagance to the beauty industry, creating luxurious products that celebrate individuality.

Jean Holtzmann, Coty Chief Brands Officer Prestige, said: "We are delighted to announce our new, long-term partnership with Swarovski to develop and bring to market exciting new fragrance and beauty ranges. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled artistry, Swarovski has garnered significant recognition among global consumers, making it an ideal fit for a worldwide rollout across key markets such as EMEA, the Americas, and Asia. This licensing agreement aligns with Coty's successful strategy of focusing on licenses with multi-category potential. We are excited to start working with Swarovski to develop truly brilliant beauty offerings that will inspire elegance and express individuality."

Michele Molon, Swarovski Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Partnering with Coty is a significant step for Swarovski as we continue to expand our brand into new product categories. This partnership allows us to bring Swarovski's unique positioning of Pop Luxury a luxury that is creative, fun, colorful and joyfully extravagant to the world of beauty and fragrances whilst leveraging Coty's extensive industry expertise. Together, we will create beautiful and luxurious products that reflect our shared commitment to quality and innovation. We look forward to the endless possibilities this partnership will bring."

The first offering under this licensing agreement is anticipated to launch in 2026.

About Coty Inc.

Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. We serve consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 125 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Swarovski

Masters of Light Since 1895

Swarovski creates beautiful products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship that bring joy and celebrate individuality.

Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures, and sells the world's finest crystals, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as home decor and crystals for Automotive.

Swarovski Crystal Business is represented in over 140 countries worldwide with 2,300 Swarovski boutiques complemented by selected multibrand partners and employs 16,600 people. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. A responsible relationship with people and the planet is part of Swarovski's heritage. Today this legacy is rooted in sustainability measures across the value chain, with an emphasis on circular innovation, championing diversity, inclusion, and self-expression, and in the philanthropic work of the Swarovski Foundation, which supports charitable organizations bringing positive environmental and social impact.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204846459/en/

Contacts:

Coty Inc.

Antonia Werther, +31 621 394495

Antonia_werther@cotyinc.com

Investor Relations

Olga Levinzon, +1 212 389-7733

olga_levinzon@cotyinc.com

Swarovski

Sonja Zeehuisen

Corporate.communications@swarovski.com
Application is based on data from the phase III STARGLO study where Columvi plus chemotherapy showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival 1,2

This regimen could provide an off-the-shelf, fixed-duration treatment option for patients to start soon after diagnosis, which is important for those who are at high-risk of disease progression

Improving survival outcomes is needed for people with an aggressive disease like relapsed or refractory DLBCL, especially those who aren't eligible for transplant3





Basel, 5 December 2024 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Columvi (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) for the treatment of people with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have received at least one prior line of therapy and are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant. The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by 20 July 2025.

The standard second-line therapy for R/R DLBCL patients has historically been high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplant, however, not all patients are a candidate due to age or coexisting medical conditions. While newer therapies are becoming available, barriers remain for many and alternative treatment options are needed for these patients to improve survival outcomes.3

"For people with aggressive lymphomas like DLBCL, timely intervention with effective therapies can be crucial to reduce the risk of disease progression and improve long-term outcomes," said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We are encouraged by the overall survival benefit seen with this Columvi combination and hope it can become an important treatment option for those who are in need of alternative therapies."

The sBLA is based on results from the phase III STARGLO study, which were presented at the European Hematology Association Congress earlier this year and recently published in The Lancet.1,2 Data showed Columvi in combination with GemOx demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) improvement versus MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab) and GemOx (R-GemOx), making it the first CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody to show a survival benefit in DLBCL in a randomised phase III trial.1,2 Safety of the combination appeared consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines.1,2

Data from the STARGLO study have been submitted to other health authorities around the world for approval consideration, including the European Medicines Agency.

Columvi is part of Roche's industry-leading CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody programme, which has seen more than 3,000 patients treated in clinical trials and more than 2,600 treated in clinical practice to date.4 Columvi was the first fixed-duration bispecific antibody to receive accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA and conditional marketing authorisation in the EU as a monotherapy to treat people with R/R DLBCL after two or more lines of systemic therapy and is currently approved in more than 50 countries around the world.

As part of Roche's efforts to elevate treatment standards in the earlier stages of DLBCL, where there is the best opportunity to improve long-term outcomes and prevent relapse, Columvi is also being investigated in combination with Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin), MabThera/Rituxan, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) in previously untreated DLBCL in the phase III SKYGLO study.

About the STARGLO study5

The STARGLO study [GO41944; NCT04408638] is a phase III, multicentre, open-label, randomised study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Columvi (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab) in combination with GemOx (R-GemOx) in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior line of therapy and who are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant, or who have received two or more prior lines of therapy. Preclinical research indicated an increased antitumour effect when combining Columvi with GemOx over GemOx alone, so the STARGLO study was initiated to further explore the potential complementary effects of the treatment combination. Outcome measures include overall survival (OS; primary endpoint), progression-free survival, complete response rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response (secondary endpoints), and safety and tolerability.

In the primary analysis (conducted after a median follow-up of 11.3 months) patients treated with Columvi plus GemOx lived significantly longer, with a 41% reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]=0.59, 95% CI: 0.40-0.89, p=0.011) versus R-GemOx.1,2 Median OS was not reached with the Columvi regimen versus nine months for R-GemOx.1,2 Safety of the combination appeared consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines.1,2 Adverse event (AE) rates were higher with the Columvi combination versus R-GemOx, noting higher median number of cycles received with the Columvi combination (11 versus 4).1,2 One of the most common AEs was cytokine release syndrome, which was generally low grade (Any Grade: 44.2%, Grade 1: 31.4%, Grade 2: 10.5%, Grade 3: 2.3%) and occurred primarily in Cycle 1.1,2

STARGLO is intended as a confirmatory study to convert the accelerated approval of Columvi in the US and conditional marketing authorisation in the EU to full approvals for people with R/R DLBCL after two or more lines of systemic therapy based on the pivotal phase I/II NP30179 study [NCT03075696].

About Columvi (glofitamab)

Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T-cells and CD20 on the surface of B-cells. Columvi was designed with a novel 2:1 structural format. This T-cell engaging bispecific antibody is engineered to have one region that binds to CD3, a protein on T-cells, a type of immune cell, and two regions that bind to CD20, a protein on B-cells, which can be healthy or malignant. This dual-targeting brings the T-cell in close proximity to the B-cell, activating the release of cancer cell-killing proteins from the T-cell. Columvi is part of Roche's broad and industry-leading CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody clinical development programme that also includes Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab), which aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. Roche is investigating Columvi as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.

About diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

DLBCL is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), accounting for about one in three cases of NHL.6 DLBCL is an aggressive (fast-growing) type of NHL.6 While it is generally responsive to treatment in the frontline, as many as 40% of people will relapse or have refractory disease, at which time salvage therapy options are limited and survival is short.7 Improving treatments earlier in the course of the disease and providing much needed alternative options could help to improve long-term outcomes. Approximately 160,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with DLBCL each year.6,8

About Roche in haematology

Roche has been developing medicines for people with malignant and non-malignant blood diseases for more than 25 years; our experience and knowledge in this therapeutic area runs deep. Today, we are investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to patients across a wide range of haematologic diseases. Our approved medicines include MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab), Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin), Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax) in collaboration with AbbVie, Hemlibra (emicizumab), PiaSky (crovalimab), Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab) and Columvi (glofitamab). Our pipeline of investigational haematology medicines includes T-cell engaging bispecific antibody cevostamab, targeting both FcRH5 and CD3 and Tecentriq (atezolizumab). Our scientific expertise, combined with the breadth of our portfolio and pipeline, also provides a unique opportunity to develop combination regimens that aim to improve the lives of patients even further.



About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com .

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.



References

[1] Abramson J, et al. Glofitamab plus Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin.

[6] UpToDate. Patient education: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma in adults.

[7] Sehn LH, et al. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2021;384.

Roche Global Media Relations

Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

Hans Trees, PhD

Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech

Phone: +41 79 935 81 48





Nathalie Altermatt

Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas

Phone: +41 79 568 24 95





Simon Goldsborough

Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine

Phone: +41 79 461 86 83





Nina Mahlitz

Phone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti Pandey

Phone: +49 172 6367262





Yvette Petillon

Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell

Phone: +41 79 205 27 03

Roche Investor Relations

Dr Bruno Eschli

Phone: +41 61 68-75284

e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr Sabine Borngraber

Phone: +41 61 68-88027

e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com (mailto:sabine.borngraeber@roche.com)





Dr Birgit Masjost

Phone: +41 61 68-84814

e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com

Investor Relations North America

Loren Kalm

Phone: +1 650 225 3217

e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com





Attachment
EQT Transition Infrastructure will build on EQT's experience in backing climate-related opportunities across strategies and more than 15 years of investing in energy transition-related infrastructure

The strategy will provide capital, as well as industrial, technological, and sustainability expertise to scale businesses and support the transition to a decarbonized and climate-resilient future

ju:niz Energy (or the "Company"), a battery energy storage system developer and operator, will be the strategy's first highly thematic investment, to be acquired with capital from EQT's balance sheet

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Introducing the EQT Transition Infrastructure strategy

EQT Transition Infrastructure will seek to scale businesses that help enable the transition across industries to clean energy and a more resource-efficient, circular economy. Investing in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the strategy will leverage EQT's longstanding industrial experience in building businesses and deep sector expertise, and extensive experience across energy & environmental and transport & logistics investments. It will complement the Value-Add and Active Core strategies in EQT's existing EUR 72 billion1 global infrastructure business. Since its inception over 15 years ago, EQT Infrastructure has invested over EUR 17 billion, including co-investment, in energy transition-related opportunities across 25 platform deals.

The strategy will be led by Jan Vesely, Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure in New York, and Asis Echaniz, Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure Europe in Madrid, and supported by the 130-strong EQT Infrastructure investment team. The strategy will be chaired by Francesco Starace, who joined EQT in 2023 from his position as CEO of Enel, one of the world's largest energy utility companies and a leader in the sustainable energy transition.

Francesco Starace, Partner and Chair of EQT Transition Infrastructure, noted: "According to the International Energy Agency, technologies available today, combined with policy measures and investment, could deliver more than 80% of the emissions reductions needed by 2030. I'm excited that EQT will be able to expand its access to scaling companies with established transition-related solutions, an area that is additive to our existing infrastructure strategies. We also see this as a milestone to deepen EQT's partnerships with our clients by offering a variety of complementary propositions addressing the huge investment need to transition to a low-carbon economy."

Jan Vesely, Partner and Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure, commented: "The pace of technological innovation and a steady reduction in costs, coupled with digitalization and the evolution of AI, continue to drive the need for a transformation of our energy systems and the economy. Against this backdrop, EQT Transition Infrastructure will help emerging but proven solutions and businesses scale, to create the next generation of sustainable energy infrastructure."

EQT invests in Infrastructure and Private Capital climate-related opportunities from early-stage ventures through scale-up to large buyouts. Through these investments, it aims to help strong companies address environmental challenges by driving their growth, improving their operations, and offering relevant solutions through their products and services. EQT has helped 49 portfolio companies, corresponding to 57% of its invested equity, to validate near-term Science Based Targets.2

ju:niz Energy becomes the first investment of the EQT Transition Infrastructure strategy

Headquartered in Aschheim, Germany, ju:niz Energy develops, builds, and operates utility-scale battery energy storage systems to the latest technical standards. EQT will acquire the Company from its founder, Dr. Franz Hauk.

Increasing reliance on renewable, intermittent energy sources, coupled with rising power demand from the electrification of industries and households, requires solutions to strengthen energy grid stability, including in Germany. As the largest European electricity market with rapidly expanding renewable generation capacity, the country offers significant potential for energy storage infrastructure. In this context, ju:niz Energy is well-positioned to deploy utility-scale battery energy storage systems which help support grid stability and advance decarbonization efforts.

EQT will help ju:niz Energy build on its track record and early-mover advantage to expand its business model and become an independent flexibility provider with increased asset ownership. It will support the business to build on its experience across the entire value chain to scale its development of battery energy storage projects and successfully execute on its sizeable pipeline at various levels of maturity.

Asis Echaniz, Partner and Head of EQT Transition Infrastructure Europe, added: "The introduction of this strategy reinforces EQT's commitment to investing towards a climate-resilient future. ju:niz Energy is a perfect example of the type of business that EQT Transition Infrastructure will seek to invest in. We believe its innovative technology has strong underlying economics and the potential to help our energy infrastructure become significantly cleaner, more affordable and resilient. We look forward to partnering with the team during the Company's next stage of growth."

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. EQT was advised by UBS (financial), Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Norton Rose Fulbright (legal) and McKinsey (commercial).

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

1Total AuM as of Q3 2024

2As of Q3 2024

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LONDON (dpa-AFX) - GSK plc (GSK, GSK.L), on Thursday, said it has agreed with Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Ltd. to revise the terms on which Zhifei will commercialize GSK's shingles vaccine, Shingrix, in mainland China.This agreement serves as an amendment to the previously announced contract from October 2023. In accordance with the terms of the revised agreement, the parties anticipate that Zhifei will buy volumes of Shingrix, phased over a specified timeframe, amounting to a potential total value of 2.3 billion to GSK at current exchange rates, throughout the six-year period from 2024 to 2029. The previously stipulated minimum purchase levels shall no longer be in effect.The revised agreement extends the original three-year term during which Zhifei holds exclusive rights to import, distribute, and co-promote the vaccine in mainland China by an additional eight years, thereby extending these rights until 2034, along with updated anticipated volumes.Furthermore, under the amended agreement, Zhifei commits to engaging exclusively with GSK to explore a potential collaboration for the commercialization of a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in mainland China, contingent upon the regulatory approval of the vaccine, with an initial collaboration term of ten years.Luke Miels, Chief Commercial Officer, GSK, stated, 'This revised agreement with Zhifei puts our collaboration on a sustainable footing, managing challenges in the macro environment in the near-term, and helping us to reach even more Chinese people with our innovative adult vaccines over the long-term.'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.
Collaboration under the GESAC program, a federal government initiative promoting digital inclusion across Brazil with high-speed broadband over satellite

Telebras has selected SES, along with other partners, to support the implementation of Brazil's Electronic Government Program Citizen Assistance Service (GESAC). The partnership between the companies enabled the implementation of the Managed Enterprise solution across more than 1,500 sites in public institutions, schools, libraries, telecenters, health units, indigenous villages and rural settlements across the country's Northern Region.

As part of SES's Managed Enterprise solution delivered over its high-throughput SES-17 Ka-band satellite, SES will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the network, including satellite, gateways and remote sites. The sites have been connected since April 2024 and are supported by SES's new gateway in Hortolandia, Brazil. SES-17 is a geostationary satellite that offers an optimised solution for accelerating digital inclusion programs across the region, which offers full coverage over Brazil and the rest of Latin America.

The GESAC Program is primarily aimed at communities in a state of social vulnerability located in rural and remote areas throughout Brazil, promotes digital and social inclusion, and encourages e-government initiatives by government agencies. The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Communications (MCom) and has over 15,000 free Internet points in operation since its creation in 2002.

"Telebras has extensive experience in digital inclusion, and we have long been an ally of remote and underserved communities by bringing information and communication technologies that promote digital access and progress. As part of this project, we will do much more because digital inclusion enhances access to citizenship," said Frederico Siqueira, President of Telebras. "SES is a great partner that shares our commitment to bridging the digital divide across Brazil, and with its Managed Enterprise solution via SES-17 satellite and the ability to reach remote areas across the entire country, we will continue to provide life-changing internet access to many."

"Brazil has made significant progress in recent years in improving the population's access to the Internet, but there still room for improvement on the reach and quality of the services covering some low-density population areas in the country. We are delighted to support Telebras as part of the GESAC Program and at the same time contribute to the social advancement of communities that historically had little or no connectivity," explained Omar Trujillo, Vice President of Enterprise Americas at SES. "Through a combination of our cutting-edge ground system technology, advanced satellite capabilities, and service lifecycle expertise, our Managed Enterprise via SES-17 service provides the throughput, high performance and flexibility required to connect underserved and isolated places across Brazil and throughout the Americas region with minimal initial capital expenditures. Satellite-enabled solutions play a fundamental role in reducing the digital divide especially for those areas and communities."

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SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, today welcomed more than 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to the 2nd Future Sustainability Summit 2024. The event convened global experts to ideate, collaborate and inspire with insights, to accelerate the global transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, and showcase the UAE's sustainable practices, specifically in the financial environment.The first day of the Future Sustainability Forum showcased thought leadership in panel discussions on topics including facilitation and development of green financing mechanisms, enhancing stakeholder engagement for sustainable development, decarbonisation of the energy sector, prominence of building a circular economy, ESG reporting, and a roadmap to a sustainable 2025. The second day of the event will see industry-focused discussions surrounding innovation, digital transformation and smart cities.The event attracted 100 global speakers from 50-plus countries, highlighting the importance of the UAE's sustainability initiatives. Notable speakers at the event included H.E Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Office, Emirates Steel Arkan (EMSTEEL), Eng. Yousif Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE), Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sustainability Office, Abu Dhabi Maritime and AD Ports Group, Yasser Zaghloul, Group Chief Executive Officer, National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), Dr. Manfred Braunl, Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, Dr. Bernd Van Linder, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG, Emirates NBD, Oliver Philips, Regional Head of Sustainable Finance, Middle East and Africa, Barclays, and Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability, London Stock Exchange Group.Among the attendees were over 500 global investors, and more than 20 per cent of those investors represent funds with portfolios of USD100mn and above. This robust investor presence emphasised a strong focus on climate technology and renewable energy, underscoring the forum's role in driving sustainable investment and actionable insights in these critical areas.Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer at DIFC Authority and Co-Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, commented, "DIFC is committed to establishing synergies worldwide with governments, organisations, industries, investors and more, to drive the transition to Net Zero with sustainable finance mechanisms. The Future Sustainability Forum enables this transition through collaboration and knowledge sharing that inspires learning. Sustainability requires innovation, considerable finance, education, reporting, and capacity building. At DIFC, we are poised to reinforce our leadership in contributing to the UAE's climate action strategies and economic development by driving the future of finance."Since the UAE ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 to contribute to climate action, there has been considerable progress in transitioning the country to a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and low-carbon economy. The UAE's Net Zero agenda is a long-term plan aiming to achieve the sustainable development goals within the country. As a result, sustainable finance has been gaining momentum evidenced by the growth in green bond issuance, implementation of key international and regional projects to foster sustainability and other decarbonisation initiatives within the finance sector.Dubai - and DIFC - have championed efforts towards driving climate finance mobilisation in the region. At COP28, DIFC announced the launch of its Sustainable Finance Catalyst, a strategic initiative to grow sustainable finance flows from Dubai to USD100 bn by 2030. The future of sustainability lies in innovation, global collaboration, and the transition to a circular economy.The 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum is supported by:Strategic Government Partners: Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Energy and InfrastructureStrategic Partner: DIFC Sustainable Finance CatalystPresenting Sponsor: Commercial Bank of DubaiPowered By: MashreqPlatinum Sponsors: Deloitte, EsyasoftGold Sponsor: Emirates NBDMobility Partner: SalikSilver Sponsors: Barclays, S&P Global, Hedge5, Ahya, Blue SunRoundtable Sponsors: LSEG, Vision BankBronze Sponsors: White Hydrogen, Zero, Al Masaood, United Arab Bank, GIM-UEMOA, Pasqal, Ajman Bank, Lafarge, TRST01, TENDERDOfficial Media Partner: Arabian BusinessEcosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle EastFinancial Sustainability Media Partner: The Fintech TimesOfficial Sustainable Economy Partner: Finance World MagazineTechnology Media Partner: Mena TechAbout Dubai International Financial CentreDubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai.DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 43,800 professionals working across over 6,150 active registered companies - making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.For media enquiries, please contact:Nivine William | Nisha CelinaBurson | bursonglobal.comnivine.william@bursonglobal.com | nisha.celina@bursonglobal.comRasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre AuthorityManager, Marketing & Corporate Communications+9714 3622451Rasha.Mezher@difc.aeShadi DawiSenior Director - PR & Media+971 55 498 4989shadi@tresconglobal.comSource: tresconCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British telecom major Vodafone Group Plc. (VOD.L, VOD) announced Thursday that the UK's Competition and Markets Authority or CMA has approved its proposed combination with CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.'s Three UK.The CMA approval follows 18 months of detailed and thorough analysis, the company noted.It was in June 2023 that Vodafone and CK Hutchison agreed to combine their UK telecommunication businesses, Vodafone UK and Three UK. On closing the transaction, it was agreed that Vodafone would own 51% of the combined business and CK Hutchison 49%.In January 2024, the CMA launched its first phase of investigation into the proposed combination.In September, the CMA provisionally concluded that the proposed 15 billion pounds merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in the U.K.Following the CMA's approval, Vodafone and Three now plan to study the final report in detail and will continue to engage with the CMA as they put in place the final undertakings.The merger is expected to formally complete during the first half of 2025. Vodafone will own 51% of the equity and, after three years following completion and subject to certain conditions, Vodafone may acquire Hutchison's 49% stake through a Put and Call option.Vodafone and Three have committed to invest 11 billion pounds to create an advanced 5G network, which is expected to reach 99% of the population and benefit over 50 million customers.Vodafone noted that the 11 billion pounds network investment will require no public funding. As highlighted by the CMA, it will boost competition between the mobile network operators in the long term, benefiting millions of people who rely on mobile services.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.
KAYTUS V3 servers showcase end-to-end expertise in liquid cooling solutions-encompassing comprehensive R&D, production, testing, and delivery-enabling users to efficiently tackle the challenges of large-scale AI deployment.

KAYTUS, a leading IT infrastructure provider, has announced its new-generation V3 server family, featuring fully optimized liquid cooling technology. These servers provide comprehensive liquid cooling solutions, encompassing components, nodes, servers, and entire data centers. Designed to address cooling challenges and surging energy consumption, the V3 servers enable users to efficiently and reliably meet the demands of the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The surge in AI computing power and density has driven a significant rise in energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency, electricity usage in data centers is projected to double by 2026 compared to 2022, with approximately 40% of this energy attributed to cooling1. In response, governments are implementing stricter compliance requirements. Starting this year, European data center operators must report key energy consumption metrics annually2 to the European Union (EU), fostering the sustainable development of data centers. Liquid cooling, recognized as next-generation cooling technology, is prominently featured in the Best Practice Guidelines for the EU Code of Conduct on Data Centre Energy Efficiency3, offering a strategic pathway for achieving energy-efficient and sustainable data centers.

Cutting-Edge Liquid Cooling Technology Optimized for AI Applications

The KAYTUS V3 server lineup features advanced liquid cooling solutions, incorporating innovative technologies such as two-phase cold plates, negative pressure systems, and specialized coating treatments for motherboard PCBs. These advancements ensure enhanced safety, efficiency, and performance.

The innovative sleeper-architecture memory cooling solution, combined with a waterless heat exchange drive cooling system, accommodates memory modules and drives of varying thicknesses. KAYTUS liquid cooling rack scale servers deliver superior cooling performance, enhanced node flexibility, robust leak protection, and standardized liquid cooling components for streamlined integration.

The V3 server series is engineered for optimized energy efficiency, integrating global component-level temperature monitoring to enhance fan cooling performance by 20% through precise, fine-tuned control of high-efficiency fans. Equipped with Titanium-grade PSUs as standard, the series achieves a power conversion efficiency exceeding 98%. These PSUs are designed to support a wide range of loads, maintaining exceptional conversion efficiency even when server loads vary between 20% and 50%.

End-to-End Expertise: Robust Liquid Cooling Solutions from R&D to Delivery

Liquid cooling is a sophisticated technology involving system architecture, components, interfaces, hardware platforms, and monitoring systems, making the creation of a comprehensive liquid-cooled data center a significant challenge. KAYTUS showcases robust capabilities across all stages-R&D, production, testing, and delivery-empowering users to overcome the complexities of large-scale liquid cooling server deployment. With a commitment to strict quality control and proven reliability through extensive industrial applications, KAYTUS ensures outstanding system performance and durability. The company has designed core components-including cabinet and mobile CDUs, quick disconnects, manifolds, and low-flow-resistance cold plates-integrated into innovative products such as fully liquid-cooled servers and cabinets. These end-to-end lifecycle solutions provide complete liquid cooling systems as seamless turnkey projects, garnering widespread acclaim from its clients.

R&D: Leveraging on advancements in thermodynamic theory, material science and structural design optimization, KAYTUS has developed innovative solutions for CDUs, components, and cold plates. These innovations tackle key challenges such as high-efficiency component cooling with cold plates and liquid leakage prevention, delivering robust and reliable performance.

To mitigate the risk of liquid leakage, KAYTUS has introduced a liquid ring vacuum CDU design that creates negative pressure in the secondary pipeline. This enables liquid cooling circulation through a combination of negative pressure and multi-chamber switching mechanisms. Any leaked coolant is automatically 'sucked' back into the pipeline, effectively eliminating leakage hazards. Compared to traditional high-pressure pumps, the innovative use of vacuum pumps for multi-chamber switching ensures smooth coolant flow, significantly simplifying the overall system design.

To enhance component cooling, KAYTUS has introduced innovative solutions such as sleeper-architecture memory cooling, direct heat exchange drive cooling, and aluminum brackets for CPU cold plates. These innovations enable liquid cooling for all components, significantly enhancing cooling efficiency, reducing noise, lowering energy consumption, and achieving a PUE nearing 1. The sleeper-architecture memory cooling design, inspired by railway sleepers, features a 'sleeper' module comprising aluminum heatsinks, heat pipes, clips, and DIMMs. This module rests on 'tracks' formed by cold plate channels at both ends, delivering double the cooling efficiency of air cooling. Its decoupled design further streamlines operations and maintenance.

For cold plate-based cooling, KAYTUS has developed a low-flow-resistance design featuring enlarged and optimized flow channels achieved through structural innovation. Compared to traditional serrated straight-channel cold plates, this advanced design reduces flow resistance, improves coolant flow rates, enhances cooling efficiency, and maximizes CDU utilization.

Production: KAYTUS has established a comprehensive set of high-standard production technical specifications, spanning component material selection to advanced processing technologies, enabling large-scale mass production capabilities. For component selection, the adoption of FEP corrugated tubing for cold plates enhances corrosion and impact resistance, allowing the liquid cooling system to endure temperatures of up to 200C without deformation. Precision cold plate processing achieves serration thickness and spacing as fine as 0.1 mm, with a strict tolerance of 50 m, ensuring the accuracy of internal flow channels and overall cold plate fabrication. Advanced welding techniques further guarantee the stability of cold plates, ensuring no deformation or leakage under more than ten atmospheres of pressure.

Testing: KAYTUS ensures high safety and reliability for liquid cooling systems through rigorous, standardized production testing for cold plates, nodes, and rack servers. This includes rapid plugging/unplugging, heat exchange, flow performance testing, airtightness, pressure suppression, drainage, drying, and other critical processes. Each liquid cooling server undergoes comprehensive quality control to facilitate large-scale shipment and delivery. All testing processes are seamlessly integrated in real time with the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), leveraging 5G networks, cloud storage, and advanced technologies to digitalize and store testing data while enabling product quality traceability.

Delivery: KAYTUS embraces modularization and prefabrication concepts, enabling products to be delivered as prefabricated containers or modular data centers. This approach allows liquid cooling data centers to be constructed like building blocks, reducing construction cycles by over 50%. For example, the loop piping network utilizes a BIM design, with all valves and fittings prefabricated in the factory and assembled on-site. This prefabrication reduces the construction time for this phase from one month to just one week. Additionally, by deploying a range of smart sensors in advance, digital twin liquid cooling data centers are created based on precise models, ensuring advanced monitoring and operational efficiency.

Energy-Efficient, Reliable, and Agile Liquid Cooling Solutions Designed for Users

KAYTUS' full-chain liquid cooling capability delivers innovative product solutions that excel in energy efficiency, safety, reliability, and rapid deployment. These advancements empower users to build next-generation data centers tailored for the AI era.

Energy Efficiency: KAYTUS liquid cooling solutions are designed to support high-temperature inlet water, with servers capable of operating with a 50C cooling water supply on the secondary loop. This eliminates the need for chillers, enables 100% natural cooling, and significantly reduces cooling costs. The primary-loop liquid cooling system supports a 10C temperature differential, enhancing heat exchange efficiency between the primary and secondary loops while lowering circulation pump power consumption. KAYTUS also employs energy-efficient power supply methods, offering a comprehensive power supply chain from medium voltage to end feeders. This megawatt-level integrated power supply and distribution solution features high-density component integration, copper bar connections, and an efficient modular UPS system, boosting overall efficiency by 2.5%.

Security and Reliability: To enhance reliability, KAYTUS has developed an advanced monitoring system for liquid cooling data centers. Leak detection devices are strategically installed on cold plate nodes, at the base of cabinets, and throughout server room piping. Upon detecting a liquid leakage from a cold plate, the server system automatically shuts down to prevent further issues. The intelligent management system provides visualized monitoring and unified management capabilities. With detailed 2D/3D imaging, operators can remotely oversee and control hardware modules, core cooling components, power supply and distribution systems, access security, and other critical data center functions, ensuring efficient operations and maintenance (O&M).

Rapid Deployment: KAYTUS prioritizes rapid delivery starting from the design and production phases, leveraging modularization and prefabrication concepts. The liquid cooling system is segmented into multiple independent, clearly defined modules that can be quickly assembled to meet user requirements, reducing the design cycle by approximately 30%. With automated liquid cooling production lines, KAYTUS ensures high quality and efficiency, boosting the production speed of liquid cooling plates by five times. Additionally, prefabricated liquid cooling units, mostly assembled and tested in the factory, require only minimal external piping and electrical connections on-site, cutting the construction cycle by over 50%.

Currently, KAYTUS liquid cooling solutions are deployed across various industries, including cloud service providers and higher education. Notably, they are utilized at a German university ranked among the top 100 globally, renowned for its achievements in science, technology, and engineering. This institution hosts one of the national high-performance computing (NHR) centers, where KAYTUS liquid cooling servers, power an HPC cluster that enables parallel computing for multidisciplinary tasks such as materials science, life sciences, computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation, and fluid mechanics. KAYTUS provided approximately 700 compute nodes, over 30,000 processor cores, and 5,000 TFLOPS. Its liquid cooling solutions reduced cooling costs by 40% and operating costs by 30%, while ensuring high reliability. KAYTUS is thrilled to empower cutting-edge scientific research at colleges and universities, fostering innovation and academic excellence.

1 Global electricity demand rose moderately in 2023 but is set to grow faster through 2026

2 EU energy efficiency directive

3 2022 Best Practice Guidelines for the EU Code of Conduct on Data Centre Energy Efficiency

About KAYTUS:

KAYTUS is a leading provider of IT infrastructure products and solutions, offering a range of cutting-edge, open, and environmentally friendly infrastructure products for cloud, AI, edge, and other emerging scenarios. With a customer-centric approach, KAYTUS flexibly responds to user needs through its agile business model. KAYTUS operates globally, providing services to over 70 countries and regions. Learn more at KAYTUS.com

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Media contact

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8 Jordanian students receive Chinese ambassador scholarship

Xinhua) 13:07, December 05, 2024

AMMAN, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Eight students from six Jordanian universities were awarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship for 2024 on Wednesday in the Jordanian capital of Amman.

During the awarding ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Chuandong noted that the significant increase in the number of applicants this year reflected a positive momentum of educational cooperation between Jordan and China.

He added that over 700 Chinese students are currently studying at Jordanian universities, and the number of Jordanian students in China is also steadily rising, with a focus on learning the Chinese language.

The recipients expressed their gratitude for the scholarship, stressing that the scholarship is a significant support for their academic and professional endeavors. They pledged to make a contribution to strengthening cooperation and friendship between Jordan and China.

The Chinese Embassy in Jordan established the "Chinese Ambassador Scholarship" last year to encourage and support outstanding Jordanian students in their academic pursuits.

Six students received the scholarship in 2023. This year, the number of applicants increased to 50 from nine Jordanian universities.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
EBC Financial Group and Oxford University's Department of Economics dissect the barriers to climate progress, exploring carbon taxes, subsidy reforms, and the role of finance in driving sustainable economic growth globally

OXFORD, United Kingdom, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a world increasingly shaped by the dual crises of climate change and economic instability, the Oxford Department of Economics, in collaboration with EBC Financial Group (EBC), hosted a pivotal session in the "What Economists Really Do?" (WERD) series. The event brought together leading minds from academia and finance to explore actionable strategies for aligning economic systems with environmental sustainability while addressing pressing societal concerns.

The event, titled "Macroeconomics and Climate," featured a keynote lecture by Associate Professor Andrea Chiavari and a panel discussion titled "Sustaining Sustainability: Balancing Economic Growth and Climate Resilience," moderated by Associate Professor Banu Demir Pakel. Panellists included Dr. Nicola Ranger, Director of the Global Finance Group of the Environmental Change Institute and Senior Research Fellow at Oxford, and David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd. Together, they dissected the intersection of policy, finance, and human impact, offering practical insights and recommendations that extend beyond theoretical discourse.





From left to right: Dr. Nicola Ranger (Director of the Global Finance Group of the Environmental Change Institute and Senior Research Fellow), Associate Professor Andrea Chiavari (Department of Economics), David Barrett (CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd), and Associate Professor Banu Demir Pakel (Department of Economics)

EBC Financial Group: Empowering Responsible Trading and Sustainable Innovation

EBC Financial Group, a growing presence in the global financial markets, connects clients worldwide to opportunities for trading in forex, commodities, indices, and more through its comprehensive brokerage solutions. Operating across major financial hubs and emerging markets, EBC equips traders with innovative tools and fosters collaboration to address the evolving challenges of global finance. As the official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona and a partner of the United Nations' United to Beat Malaria campaign, EBC is committed to shaping a future defined by sustainability, equity, and responsible trading practices.

EBC's participation in WERD reflects the growing urgency of bridging financial markets and academic research to address climate and economic challenges. By contributing to a shared dialogue on actionable strategies, EBC joined a community of thought leaders in highlighting practical steps to align financial systems with sustainable development goals.

Can We Grow the Economy and Save the Planet?

At the core of the discussions was the recognition that financial and environmental security are universally shared concerns. Dr. Chiavari delivered an eye-opening keynote on the economic costs of climate change. He illustrated the dramatic growth of global GDP since the industrial revolution, juxtaposing this with the environmental toll of fossil fuel consumption and rising CO2 emissions. Chiavari highlighted the critical importance of the social cost of carbon in shaping effective policies.





Central to his message was the concept of the social cost of carbon, which quantifies the broader societal costs of emissions. "Carbon taxation is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic one," he asserted. Dr. Chiavari explained how such measures could create the economic incentives needed to steer both corporations and individuals toward sustainable choices. "Well, think again yourself," Chiavari added. "Turning on the radiator, your benefit is the same as before-having a warmer room. But now your cost is much higher than before."

Expanding on this point, Dr. Chiavari emphasised that carbon taxation is designed to target carbon emissions rather than energy consumption itself. "Carbon taxation taxes carbon, it doesn't tax energy," he explained. "So it creates huge incentives for the private sector, for people, for you, for us, for me, to move from fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy. It's not just about reducing energy or output; it creates huge incentives to switch towards alternative energy sources."

Building on this foundation, the panel discussion delved deeper into the practicalities of aligning economic growth with climate resilience, moderated by Dr. Banu Demir Pakel.

Bridging Policy, Finance, and Action Through a Panel of Perspectives

The panel discussion explored the complex interplay between economic growth and climate resilience. Each panellist brought distinct expertise to the conversation, offering fresh perspectives on how global systems can adapt to these twin imperatives.





Dr. Chiavari emphasised the global nature of addressing climate change, highlighting that emissions transcend borders and require a coordinated international response. He discussed the risks of carbon leakage, where stringent climate policies in one country could lead to emissions being displaced to regions with weaker regulations, ultimately undermining global progress. To mitigate this, Chiavari advocated for policies that foster international collaboration and innovation, ensuring that transitions to sustainable practices are both equitable and comprehensive.

Dr. Ranger highlighted the economic opportunities that can emerge from climate action, stating, "This is not just about costs, it's about opportunities." Articulating the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while addressing climate risks, Dr. Ranger also stressed the importance of reshaping public narratives. She underscored that effective climate action can foster innovation and progress without imposing a significant financial burden. She also advocates for redirecting fossil fuel and other environmentally damaging subsidies, which globally amount to up to $7 trillion annually, towards green investments, such as renewable energy.





Leveraging his extensive experience in financial markets, Barrett emphasised the importance of aligning market incentives with sustainability goals. He shared a frank assessment of the sector's challenges in embracing sustainability, underscoring the profit-driven nature of financial institutions: "The financial market is driven by the need to make money-whether that's for its shareholders or investors." Barrett highlighted the critical need for governments to create enforceable regulatory frameworks, noting that this alignment is essential to channel the sector's influence towards meaningful climate action.

On the topic of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, Barrett expressed concern over their current implementation, noting, "ESG has become a tick-box exercise." He called for stronger policies that ensure accountability and deliver measurable impact, rather than simply meeting superficial compliance standards.





During a discussion on climate "clubs", Barrett highlighted the risks of fragmented global efforts. He cautioned, "For these initiatives to succeed, they need to include all major players. Otherwise, the emissions reductions achieved in some regions could be offset by increased emissions elsewhere." This, he warned, could undermine the collective progress necessary to address climate challenges.

What Practical Steps Should Governments, Businesses, and Individuals Take to Build a Sustainable Economic Future That Feels Attainable and Secure for Everyone?

Separately, the moderator and panellists were interviewed to expand on this crucial question, providing diverse perspectives on the collaborative roles of governments, businesses, and individuals in addressing climate challenges.

The Role of Governments: Policies and Planning

Dr. Demir Pakel emphasised the importance of education and awareness in addressing climate change, particularly the role of governments in driving change. "The government's role is to start with increasing awareness," she explained, stressing the need for early education about the consequences of climate change. She highlighted the need for policies that not only incentivise the private sector but also guide consumer behaviour, noting, "It's a complex network where governments hold the primary responsibility for planning and guiding action at every level."

"The private sector needs incentives to be able to take action because they will definitely look shorter-term compared to the government. Therefore, their behaviour needs to be changed, and the government has another role: implementing policies to change the behaviour of both the private sector and consumers," she added.

Market Incentives and Carbon Taxation

Dr. Chiavari reinforced the need for government-led interventions, particularly through carbon taxation, as a means to correct market failures. He explained that by incorporating the societal cost of emissions into energy prices, governments can encourage more responsible consumption and investment decisions.

Changing the Narrative: A Positive Transition

Dr. Ranger reflected on the current challenges in climate action, echoing that a significant part of the problem lies in awareness. "At the moment, something is going wrong, and I think a lot of that is about the awareness side," she noted. "Governments play a role, but the government fundamentally does what the public will vote for. And a lack of awareness of the immediate benefits of a green energy transition-for energy security and public health-is a key problem at the moment."

Ranger criticised that the narrative surrounding climate change has failed in recent years by framing it as a costly and burdensome challenge. "Particularly the narrative is this is going to cost a lot of money to deal with. I don't agree with that view and it is not supported by the evidence. You know, we have to make hard decisions, but what we know is that right now the way we are approaching this is making it harder-specifically, a lack of certainty from government on its policies stalls investment and increases the costs. All the evidence shows that if we get the right policies in place and set a clear path for investors, a just transition is both the lowest cost and more beneficial pathway," she said.

Pointing to fossil fuel subsidies, she highlighted how their redirection could catalyse a positive transition. "Globally, we pump so much money into fossil fuel subsidies-estimates range from five to seven trillion dollars a year. If you stopped that and put it into clean technologies, we would have solved the problem."

To address this, Ranger called for a shift in public discourse to emphasise the economic opportunities inherent in climate action. She stressed the role of academics and experts in reshaping the narrative, saying, "We need to make sure people understand this is a positive transition. Through good government policy, the impact on individuals will not be significant and would actually boost job growth and innovation."

Ranger concluded by urging governments to take the lead in changing this narrative, saying, "What I'd really like to see is governments getting behind this and saying, 'Look, this is what's going to happen. It's going to benefit you. Here is the pathway. This is what both investors and the public need.'"

The Role of Businesses and Individuals: Accountability and Innovation

Barrett provided a candid perspective on the role of businesses and individuals in climate action. He highlighted the financial sector's profit-driven nature, cautioning that it would not lead sustainability efforts without clear regulatory frameworks. "Financial markets will not do it on their own. They need to be incentivised to act," he stated. "Once the financial sector is pointed in a direction and gets enthusiastic about a topic, it can accomplish incredible things, but it requires clear policy and incentives to get there."

Barrett also reflected on the role of individuals as voters and consumers, stressing that their choices can significantly influence policy and corporate behaviour. "Policy needs to be much better at educating the voter about what it wants and how it should expect that to come about," he remarked. By prioritising sustainable practices and holding policymakers accountable, individuals can drive systemic change.

While critical of superficial measures such as "tick-box" ESG frameworks, Barrett maintained an optimistic outlook on the potential of finance. "Finance can be incredibly innovative," he noted. "It can move mountains and solve real problems, but it needs the right incentives and honest conversations about what's at stake." He called for a shift from short-term political cycles to forward-looking strategies, urging all stakeholders to embrace the long-term effort required to address the climate crisis effectively.

To watch the full session of WERD's "Macroeconomics and Climate" episode, including the keynote and panel discussion, please visit https://youtu.be/MD5vaMjQdkc.

About EBC Financial Group

Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. EBC has quickly established its position as a global brokerage firm, with an extensive presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, and across emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group's subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

https://www.ebc.com/

About the Department of Economics

The Oxford Department of Economics is a globally recognised centre of excellence, housing one of the world's largest communities of academic economists. Known for the depth and diversity of its research, which significantly influences policy, the Department is also celebrated for its dynamic community of early-career scholars and its highly regarded undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2024, the Department of Economics was ranked first in the United Kingdom by The Guardian for undergraduate teaching. The ranking reflects the Department's ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and research, solidifying its position as one of the leading Economics departments in the world. Beyond the achievements in teaching, the Department's aim is to produce transformative and innovative economic research; to have a sustained impact on economic policy outside academia; and to develop and train the next generation of researchers and research leaders.

About What Economists Really Do (WERD)

WERD is run as an outreach programme by the Department of Economics, Oxford University to inspire the study of economics and share 'What Economists Really Do'. On topics ranging from the climate crisis to labour market discrimination, Oxford economists are working with governments and businesses around the world to improve policy and make the economy work better for everyone. Find out how economics can be used to shed light on some of the biggest issues facing society today in this successful public webinar series, returning for the fourth successful series in 2024-25.

Media Contact:

Savitha Ravindran

Global Public Relations Manager

Chyna Elvina

Global Public Relations Manager

Douglas Chew

Global Public Relations Lead

douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a577ed99-ad63-417e-9fad-3d322fe6e0db

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1de6469e-f2e7-494a-adc8-d9b6118dfdb3

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0fdb8f6-1eff-4c5b-b1e5-e18411f62ee0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6685fb00-342f-459e-8f92-0120b1cdee3c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d651d3f-c640-4132-bf9a-a5d6aba31266
Helsinki, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helsinki and Brussels - Tractebel, a global engineering company leading innovation in advanced nuclear technologies, will assist Steady Energy, a pioneer in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology development, in its LDR-50 nuclear reactor design and licensing process.

Tractebel has signed a contract with Finnish technology developer Steady Energy to provide engineering services to develop Steady Energy's LDR-50 SMR. Steady Energy has already struck agreements for 15 reactors in Finland and is expanding to Sweden and the Baltics. The construction of the first plant could begin as early as 2029, with district heating operations anticipated to start in the early 2030s.



Leveraging Tractebel's nuclear expertise

Tractebel has been providing state-of-the-art engineering and consultancy services for over 60 years across the full life cycle of nuclear facilities and leads innovation in SMR, which makes it the ideal partner to finalise Steady Energy's reactor design and licensing process.

Tractebel's experts will review the probabilistic safety assessment and provide engineering support for the reactor design. They will also assess scenarios to establish a severe accident management programme, which is required by national and international legislation despite that the technology itself is inherently simple and safe.

Steady Energy and its reactor design are currently being assessed by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). This concept evaluation will speed up the permitting process.

Tractebel will play a significant role in providing Steady Energy with engineering services. "Our engineers are frontrunners in nuclear technology but also energy storage, combined heat and power, and hydrogen production. We are proud to support the development of this groundbreaking technology that unlocks the supply of clean heat to cities and industries", says Denis Dumont, Tractebel's Chief Nuclear Officer.

"We are eager to start working with Tractebel and their internationally recognized nuclear engineers. Combined with our decades of Finnish expertise, we have one the world's most capable SMR teams", says Tommi Nyman, CEO of Steady Energy.

World's simplest nuclear plant

Steady Energy's LDR-50 is a 50 MW small modular reactor, specifically designed to produce heat up to 150 C. The LDR-50 is optimized for district heating, industrial steam production, and desalination projects.

The LDR-50 is a simplified pressurized light water reactor that operates at significantly lower pressures than conventional nuclear reactors. Simple design lowers construction costs significantly and makes it cost-competitive with competing production methods. The levelized cost of heat is below 40  per MWh, and the plant is investable by a single energy utility without requiring government subsidies.

The LDR-50 reactor is the size of a standard shipping container, and is designed to be built underground for added safety and to free valuable real estate for key urban areas.

Steady Energy's CEO Tommi Nyman emphasizes the simplicity of the system: "Heating water to 150 degrees accounts for 10 percent of global emissions. Our reactor focuses solely on this task, making it possibly the world's simplest commercial nuclear reactor. This design ensures that SMR-produced heat is cost-competitive compared to other alternatives."

Attachment
LISBON, Portugal, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to Christmas gatherings and delicious food and drink. However, the indulgence that often accompanies these celebrations can have a significant impact on our bowels.

Holiday overindulging can disrupt the delicate balance of our digestive system, and with the addition of increased socialising away from home, the risk of constipation rises further, with research showing people are stopping themselves going to the toilet when they need to go.

According to data from DulcoLax, 28%* of people in Portugal suffer constipation, hard dry stools or irregular bowel movement, with 70%** of people surveyed revealing they have experienced bloating and 58% suffer bowel pain or cramps.

The issue of seasonal constipation is exacerbated with many people, particularly women, preventing themselves from having a bowel movement until they get home, with 20%*** of 18 - 34-year-old women agreeing this is because they were told in childhood that going for a poo was dirty, inappropriate and embarrassing.

Constipation during the Christmas season can be a result of several seasonal factors:

Overindulgence: The festive season is typically associated with rich, fatty foods, and increased alcohol consumption, all of which can slow down digestion and lead to constipation.



Dehydration: The combination of festive drinks, such as alcohol and sugary beverages, and decreased overall fluid intake can contribute to dehydration, which can worsen constipation.



Sedentary Lifestyle: Reduced physical activity due to festive holidays, travel, and relaxation can also contribute to constipation.



Stress: The emotional and social stress which is often associated with the busy festive season can affect digestion and contribute to constipation.

Data indicates some digestive issues affect women more, with 53% of women experiencing bloating as opposed to 47% of men, and bowel pain affecting 44% women verses 39% of men. Thirty-eight percent of women*** agree men and women are treated differently during childhood when it comes to talking about going for a poo, leading to shame and embarrassment in later life. Women feel reluctant talking about bowel habits with over half (53%) of women in Portugal admitting they feel very embarrassed discussing the topic with anyone.

DulcoLax's 'Princess and the Poo' book - an unconventional fairytale book, with princesses unapologetically announcing they need to poo while in various everyday scenarios - is now available in 17 libraries across the city, including the Palacio Galveias, as well as the nation on https://www.dulcolax.com/pt-pt/princesastambemfazemcoco/. This educational website also includes advice on how to enforce positive toilet habits, as a woman and a parent.

The book is part of DulcoLax's Pooping Princesses campaign, challenging "perfect princess" stereotypes to help break pooing taboo and end the generational cycle of toilet shame. The aim is to normalise conversations amongst women and families about going for a poo, to stop them feeling embarrassed and preventing themselves from going to the toilet when they need to, which puts them at risk of constipation.

Pedro Gouveia, Country Head for Portugal at Opella comments: "Christmas is a time for celebration, which we wholeheartedly encourage, but it's important to also take care of your health. Too much rich food, dehydration and lack of physical activity can all contribute to constipation at this time of year. Our research shows women in Portugal are embarrassed about pooping and hold in going to the toilet until they are at home, which can lead to extra discomfort during the busy holiday period. By prioritising self-care and encouraging healthy conversations about this natural bodily function, we can reduce the risk of constipation and fully enjoy the festivities."

A series of Pooping Princess images have also been released on social, with an interactive Instagram filter that transforms people into a digitally drawn princess on the toilet and advice to help break the taboo on DulcoLax's educational hub page.

Follow and share the AsPrincesasTambemFazemCoco campaign on @DulcoLax.PT

Notes to editors

*Results based on survey of 500 adults in Portugal (18 years old and above), Opella Incidence Tracker, October 2024

** Results based on survey of 500 adults in Portugal (18 years old and above), Opella Incidence Tracker, April 2024

***Results based on a survey of 1,000 Portuguese men and women (18 years old and above) and 1,000 parents in Portugal with daughters, conducted by Toluna. Data was gathered in April 2024.

Pooping Princesses is a behaviour change campaign that highlights DulcoLax's expertise in constipation relief by raising awareness of normalising pooing conversations for all women to help stop the feeling of shame and risk constipation for women today, breaking the cycle for the next generation.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl) for constipation. It should not be taken daily for long periods. Prolonged and excessive use may cause electrolyte imbalance and hypokalaemia. Children < 10 years of age with chronic or persistent constipation should only be treated under medical supervision. Administration during pregnancy only under medical supervision. Read the information leaflet carefully. If you have any doubts or symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist. (4.0) MAT-PT-2400163 (1.0) July 2024

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573278/DulcoLax.mp4

Image - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573277/DulcoLax.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566941/5060396/Dulcolax_logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dulcolax---christmas-constipation-the-toll-festive-indulgence-is-taking-on-our-bowels-and-how-pooping-princesses-are-trying-to-help-302322831.html
AGDC Receives Support Towards Backstop to Funding of FEED on Alaska LNG Phase 1 Pipeline

Pantheon Resources plc (AIM:PANR)(OTCQX:PTHRF) ("Pantheon" or the "Company"), an oil and gas company developing the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields in close proximity to pipeline and transportation infrastructure on Alaska's North Slope, notes the announcement made by Alaska Gasline Development Corporation ("AGDC").

AGDC announced that the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") has approved a resolution to negotiate a letter of credit with the AGDC to backstop the costs of Front End Engineering and Design ("FEED") on Alaska LNG Phase 1, the in-state pipeline portion of Alaska LNG.

Key Points for Pantheon

AGDC is the owner of the Alaska LNG Project and the resolution is a key step to securing private investment in the project and moving to a Final Investment Decision ("FID"). Pantheon and AGDC signed a Gas Sales Precedent Agreement in June 2024 (the "GSPA") which includes, among other conditions, a requirement for the Alaska LNG project to reach FID (see RNS dated 05 June 2024).

The value of a take or pay contract under a Gas Sales Agreement based on the terms of the GSPA, if finalised, could potentially allow Pantheon to secure funds required to cover capital costs from the point of Ahpun FID to cash-flow self-sufficiency.

The full text of the AGDC announcement is available at https://agdc.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-12-04-AGDC-Statement-on-AIDEA-Resolution.pdf

David Hobbs, Executive Chairman of Pantheon Resources, said: "We continue to work closely with AGDC and the key decision makers in the State of Alaska to ensure that Alaskans get the maximum benefit from gas resources on the North Slope and to secure an infrastructure project essential to the long term energy security of the State and with positive impacts on US national security."

For further information, please contact:

UK Corporate and Investor Relations Contact

Pantheon Resources plc

Justin Hondris

+44 20 7484 5361

contact@pantheonresources.com

Nominated Adviser and Broker

Canaccord Genuity Limited

Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor, James Asensio, Charlie Hammond

+44 20 7523 8000

Public Relations Contact

BlytheRay

Tim Blythe, Megan Ray, Matthew Bowld

+44 20 7138 3204

USA Investor Relations Contact

MZ Group

Lucas Zimmerman, Ian Scargill

+1 949 259 4987

PTHRF@mzgroup.us

AboutPantheon Resources

Pantheon Resources plc is an AIM listed Oil & Gas company focused on developing its 100% owned Ahpun and Kodiak fields located on State of Alaska land on the North Slope, onshore USA. Independently certified best estimate contingent recoverable resources attributable to these projects currently total c. 1.6 billion barrels of ANS crude and 6.6 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) of associated natural gas. The Company owns 100% working interest in c. 259,000 acres.

Pantheon's stated objective is to demonstrate sustainable market recognition of a value of $5-$10/bbl of recoverable resources by end 2028. This is based on bringing the Ahpun field forward to FID and producing into the TAPS main oil line (ANS crude) by the end of 2028. The Gas Sales Precedent Agreement signed with AGDC (Alaska Gasline Development Corporation) provides the potential for Pantheon's natural gas to be produced into the proposed 807 mile pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska during 2029. Once the Company achieves financial self-sufficiency, it will apply the resultant cashflows to support the FID on the Kodiak field planned, subject to regulatory approvals, targeted by the end of 2028 or early 2029.

A major differentiator to other ANS projects is the close proximity to existing roads and pipelines which offers a significant competitive advantage to Pantheon, allowing for shorter development timeframes, materially lower infrastructure costs and the ability to support the development with a significantly lower pre-cashflow funding requirement than is typical in Alaska. Furthermore, the low CO2 content of the associated gas allows export into the planned natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska without significant pre-treatment.

The Company's project portfolio has been endorsed by world renowned experts. Netherland, Sewell & Associates estimate a 2C contingent recoverable resource in the Kodiak project that total 1,208 mmbbl (million barrels) of ANS crude and 5,396 bcf (billion cubic feet) of natural gas. Cawley Gillespie & Associates estimate 2C contingent recoverable resources for Ahpun's western topset horizons at 282 mmbbl of ANS crude and 803 bcf of natural gas. Lee Keeling & Associates estimated possible reserves and 2C contingent recoverable resources totalling 79 mmbbl of ANS crude and 424 bcf natural gas.

For more information visit www.pantheonresources.com.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Pantheon Resources PLC

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Reply Reply [EXM, STAR: REY] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialised companies supporting key European industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of big data, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include: Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services. www.reply.com

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
UK System for Patient Treatment of MDD, OCD and Decreasing Anxiety*

CARMARTHENSHIRE, United Kingom, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magstim, the global leader in neuroscience research and treatment for mental health, has been awarded UKCA clearance for the Horizon Inspire System, continuing to provide NHS physicians and researchers with next-generation transcranial magnetic stimulation technology to treat patients with MDD, OCD and Decreasing Anxiety*.





"As the first to introduce clinical TMS into the NHS, our team continues delivering innovative treatments to help treat depression and anxiety," said Professor Alex O'Neill Kerr, MBChB, Medical Director of Transforming Mind Solutions. "This new system takes trusted Magstim TMS technology to the next level, improving patient outcomes."

"Magstim has supplied the NHS with TMS technology for more than 30 years," said Ronnie Stolec-Campo, CEO, Magstim. "Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a proven and effective treatment with minimal side effects. The Inspire enables both experienced TMS providers as well as those who are new to TMS to get up a running fast to provide patient treatments."

The Inspire provides high-power air-cooling, ability to deliver back-to-back customizable treatments, all while being easy to use, cost-effective and offering portability between clinic rooms. Magstim TMS technology is cited in more than 20,000 peer reviewed research papers and used in hospitals, clinics and research centers worldwide.

The use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for treating MDD and OCD is increasing worldwide, driven by new studies demonstrating its effectiveness over other treatments (**).

The Horizon Inspire system leverages intuitive preset clinical workflows to simplify the treatment process, delivering precise results with no pulse decay, ensuring the correct dosage. Magstim's air-cooled coil reduces downtime and eliminates additional cooling expenses. Advanced data analytics tools improve treatment efficacy.

"Our UK based Magstim team engineered the very first commercially available TMS research technology, and we remain committed to our foundation of research" said Stolec-Campo. "We are unique in the industry because we do not charge pay per use fees, we maintain a dedicated service and support team, and we manufacture our own technology."

Visit Magstim.com or call 844-624-7846.

About Welcony

Globally, Welcony technologies support thousands of research labs, clinics, hospitals and universities that focus on mental health, brain disorders, cognitive neuroscience and neuromonitoring. Key brands include MagstimMagnetic Stimulation, MagstimEGIhigh-density EEG, TechnomedClinical Neurophysiology and NeurosignNeuromonitoring. Welcony is backed by Telegraph Hill Partners, a San Francisco based private equity company.

*Horizon 3.0 Inspire is indicated for the treatment of MDD in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode, as well as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

** https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/rtms-for-antidepressant-nonresponders

Media Contact: Mark Sejvar, mark.sejvar@magstimegi.com, +1-612-225-5868

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a898e41a-2a63-4e21-80be-d089ca705391
Temenos Multifonds will offer a significant uplift in capability and servicing for Valu-Trac's Managers and Collective Fund Shareholders

GRAND-LANCY, Switzerland, Dec. 05, 2024("Valu-Trac"), a prominent UK management firm, has selected Temenos Multifonds SaaS to drive the strategic development and growth of its Fund Administration and Transfer Agency business.

By replacing their in-house on-premise systems with the full end-to-end solution Temenos Multifonds Global Accounting (MFGA) and Multifonds Global Investor (MFGI), Valu-Trac aims to optimize operational efficiency through automation on a single platform. This transformation will offer a significant uplift in capability and servicing for Valu-Trac's Managers and Collective Fund Shareholders.

Valu-Trac, headquartered in Scotland, offers a comprehensive range of services including Investment Management & Support, Authorized Corporate Director (ACD), and Fund Operations to approximately 45 Sponsors/Investment Managers across over 150 Funds, with a total worth of 16bn AuM. Their product portfolio primarily focuses on UK OEICs and NURs funds.

With the implementation of Temenos Multifonds, Valu-Trac can introduce automated workflows with exception-based management, significantly enhancing the efficiency of their fund operations. Real-time visibility of potential challenges will be facilitated through NAV workflow dashboards, enabling prompt resolutions. Moreover, Valu-Trac will be able to swiftly respond to changing regulatory requirements and client requests with customizable reports.

Being on SaaS was seen as essential to Valu-Trac's business growth, providing a robust, resilient infrastructure that streamlines operations and reduce risk. This allows them to enhance customer experience with reliable NAV distribution and enhance the Shareholder experience in dealing. With Temenos' cloud-based technology and API-first integration, Valu-Trac can also seamlessly integrate with a wide range of internal or external systems.

Jonathan Child, Fund Operations Director, Valu-Trac, commented: "This is a strategic project for Valu-Trac, and after a thorough evaluation, we chose Temenos Multifonds as the best solution to meet both our current and future needs. Its comprehensive functionality and proven success in large-scale fund migrations made it the clear choice. With Multifonds, we can accelerate our digital transformation, better serve existing clients, and attract new ones. As a SaaS solution, it also ensures we always have the latest capabilities, top-tier security, and reduce IT operational concerns."

Oded Weiss, Managing Director, Temenos Multifonds, said: "We are proud to welcome Valu-Trac as a new member of the Multifonds community, marking our continued strategic commitment to the UK retail investment funds administration market. As a SaaS client, Valu-Trac is well positioned for future growth, by leveraging Multifonds across its comprehensive suite of middle, back office, and transfer agency services. Valu-Trac's expertise and intimate, end-to-end knowledge of the UK market, combined with Multifonds industrial level of automation, controls and data quality, will give Valu-Trac and its clients the robust foundation needed to grow and evolve successfully."

About Temenos

Temenos (SIX: TEMN) is the world's leading platform for banking, serving clients in 150 countries by helping them build new banking services and state-of-the-art customer experiences. Top performing banks using Temenos software achieve cost-income ratios almost half the industry average and returns on equity 2X the industry average. These banks' IT spend on growth and innovation is also 2X the industry average.

For more information, please visit www.temenos.com.
Creates Largest Contiguous Project (HWY 37) Held by a Non-Producing Company in the Golden Triangle, BC

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated December 4, 2024 (the "Agreement") to acquire the Ball Creek West project (the "BAM Project") from P2 Gold Inc. ("P2 Gold") (the "Transaction"). The BAM Project comprises 54 claims totalling 18,893 hectares and is located immediately west and contiguous with Kingfisher's HWY 37 Project, in Northwest British Columbia within the Golden Triangle.

The Transaction will bring the consolidated HWY 37 Project to 819 km2 making it the largest contiguous project held by a non-producing company in the Golden Triangle. The BAM Project is highly prospective for Cu-Au porphyry systems with three grassroots, large-scale target areas: Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman.

Consolidation of the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the most endowed region in Canada for large Cu-Au porphyry systems where neighbouring major miners Teck and Newmont hold Red Chris, Galore Creek, and Schaft Creek

Kingfisher entered the Golden Triangle in 2023 and has rapidly consolidated the largest contiguous non-producer held project in the region with 819 km2

The addition of three large-scale porphyry Cu-Au targets furthers the strategy of positioning Kingfisher as the premier Cu-Au explorer in the region

New tenure addition of 189 km2 is fully assessed with no holding costs until 2032

Dustin Perry, CEO states "Since we shifted our exploration focus to the Golden Triangle, we have taken a two-pronged approach of regional consolidation and systematic exploration. This acquisition marks a significant step in elevating the Company to having the largest contiguous project held by a non-producing company in the Golden Triangle. We see the Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman targets as having the hallmarks of large Cu-AuMo porphyry systems similar in scale to the targets we have identified to date. This acquisition further increases our pipeline of highly prospective targets in the most prospective porphyry region in Canada. This acquisition provides optionality to the Company as the tenures are in good standing until 2032 and require no immediate work. This allows us to prioritize drilling on our more advanced and recently generated targets while taking a systematic approach to de-risking these large porphyry anomalies.

Once ingested into our rapidly evolving machine learning VRIFY AI model, these targets will not only benefit from our existing database, but they will further refine the existing target areas through pattern recognition. We believe our methodical approach combined with cutting edge geoscience and AI is positioning the Company and our shareholders for long term success in an environment of rising metal prices."

Figure 1: HWY 37 Project and Contiguous Ball Creek West Project

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will (a) issue common shares to P2 Gold with an aggregate value of C$250,000 priced at C$0.165 per share, and (b) pay C$1,000,000 in cash to P2 Gold, with C$50,000 due on signing the Agreement and C$950,000 due on the closing of the Transaction, in exchange for the BAM Project. The BAM Project is subject to underlying royalty agreements over the project that includes a 1% net smelter return to be retained by Evrim Exploration Canada Corp., a subsidiary of Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen"), and a 2% net smelter return to be retained by Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm"), as well as a provision for Orogen to buy down 1% of the Sandstorm net smelter return for C$1,000,000 and the right to up to C$4,100,000 in milestone payments.

The Transaction remains subject to various terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, the approval of the Exchange and Kingfisher completing a private placement of at least C$1,000,000. The closing of the Transaction is anticipated on or about February 28, 2025.

BAM Project Overview

The BAM Project fits into Kingfishers' strategy of consolidating highly prospective projects in the Golden Triangle and systematically exploring them. The addition of Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman fit into the Company's strategy as they have the hallmarks of large porphyry Cu-Au systems. Given the BAM Project tenures are in good standing until 2032, the Company has no financial obligations to assess the tenures for approximately 8 years. The new tenures are contiguous with the rest of the Company's Golden Triangle landholdings and any work credits done across the 819 km2 can be spread across the project. This optionality enables Kingfisher to prioritize the more advanced targets at the Williams, Hank, Mary, and ME drill ready for near term drilling while completing systematic and lower cost exploration at these new target areas. The Company believes this process of large-scale consolidation, screening, target development, and drill testing is the most efficient and responsible way to deploy shareholder capital.

The overarching themes of the opportunities at the Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman targets include:

Located within a prolific mineral region

Large km-scale geochemical anomalies and alteration systems

Limited shallow historical drilling

Limited modern geophysical coverage

No follow up yet on 2019 sampling that discovered the Hickman target, greatly expanded the Northmore geochemical anomaly, and extended the Mess Creek geochemical anomaly

Northmore Grassroots Target *

The Northmore grassroots target area (Figure 2) includes a soil anomaly that extends 7 km N-S and has a width of 1.5-2.5 km E-W with several sampling gaps in steep gossan slopes. The broad Cu-Au-Ag-Mo multi-element anomaly reflects a region with a mix of outcrop and vegetative cover. Rock samples from the anomaly include up to 8.12% Cu and 1.06 g/t Au. Five shallow widely spaced drill holes totalling 1016 m tested the anomaly focused at the north. Drilling returned anomalous copper grades (~400-800 ppm Cu) over widths of 25 to 100 m.

A historical 11 line-km induced polarization-resistivity survey at the northern anomaly, completed in 1991, showed chargeability increasing in the eastern portion of the grid. The Company intends to digitize and invert this paper format data for visualization and targeting work in 3D space. A 352 line-km high resolution aeromagnetic survey from 2006 will also be inverted for use in 3D space and structural interpretation.

The broad grassroots Northmore target area is host to Texas Creek, or KSM-type, intrusions as well as syenite interpreted by previous workers to be Galore Creek intrusions. The Company plans to undertake further work to determine whether a KSM or Galore-style exploration model will apply here.

Initial work to further refine targets at Northmore will include expanding soil coverage to capture the full extent of anomalism and new geophysical studies. This new data coupled with 3D inversions of historical geophysical datasets will provide insight into the plumbing system and porphyry target areas for additional IP surveys and drill target generation within the large soil anomaly.

*Sources:Geochem:P. Jamet, 1991. (Assessment Report 22045), Henry Marsden, 2005. (Assessment Report 28076), John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833), Stewart Harris, 2018. (Assessment Report 37223), Stewart Harris, 2019. (Assessment Report 37953), Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), Mohan R. Vulimiri, 1990. (Assessment Report 20785), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), Thomas K. Branson, 2012 (Assessment Report 33614), John Bradford, 2009. (Assessment Report 30743), and Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101). IP-Resistivity: David E. Blann, 1991. (Assessment Report 22001). Magnetics: John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833).

Figure 2: Northmore Grassroots Target

Mess Creek Grassroots Target *

The Mess Creek soil and rock anomaly extends a minimum of 8 km along the length of the Mess Creek with elevated Au-Cu-Mo (Figure 3). In areas, the width of the anomaly measures a minimum of 2 km but sampling along the trend is not sufficient to characterize either the full strike length or width of the anomaly. A total of 24 holes to average depth of 177 m are focused in a 2.3 km N-S by 1 km E-W drill footprint (Figure 3). The drill area intersected anomalous Cu-Au including: 125 m of 0.11 g/t Au and 0.11% Cu (MC07-01), 242 m of 0.16 g/t Au and 0.08% Cu (MC06-02), and 159 m of 0.18 g/t Au and 0.12% Cu (BC-08).

Geophysical coverage at Mess Creek includes 447 line- km of a modern high resolution aeromagnetic survey that encompasses the Mess Creek soil anomaly. The principal Mess Creek soil anomaly is covered by 1970's era induced-polarization-resistivity data currently in paper format with limited depth penetration. The Company intends to digitize paper format data and to generate inversion products for both IP and magnetic data for 3D visualization and structural interpretation.

The Mess Creek area coincides with a trend of Galore Creek intrusions (the Loon Lake stock) and historical work areas document Galore-like alkalic Cu-Au-bearing syenite porphyry intrusions. The Mess Creek target area is also highly prospective for intrusion-related gold systems (e.g., Brucejack or Snip) based on the presence of the regional scale Mess Creek fault system.

The Company intends to completely capture the anomaly through expanded soil sample surveys and follow-up with geophysical surveys. These results coupled with 3D visualization techniques to historical geophysical and drill results will inform drill targeting work.

*Sources:Geochem: Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101), Wayne Hewgill and Godfrey Walton, 1986. (Assessment Report 15603), John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), Thomas K. Branson, 2012 (Assessment Report 33614), Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), S. J. Tennant, 1991. (Assessment Report 21360), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), John Bradford, 2009. (Assessment Report 30743), G. A. Clouthier, 1977. (Assessment Report 06391), G. A. Clouthier, 1976. (Assessment Report 06162), K. Buchanan, G. Gutrath, 1972. (Assessment Report 04100), and G. C. Gutrath, 1971. (Assessment Report 03093). Magnetics: John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833). IP-Resistivity: J. Vysselaar, G. A. Clouthier, 1978. (Assessment Report 06875), David K. Fountain, 1973. (Assessment Report 04755), Ashton W. Mullan, Peter K. Smith, 1972. (Assessment Report 03989), and G. A. Clouthier, 1977 (Assessment Report 06162).

Figure 3: Mess Creek and Hickman Target Areas

Hickman Grassroots Target Area *

The Hickman grassroots target area is an open and relatively new 3.5 km-long Cu-Au-Mo soil anomaly that was delineated in 2019 without follow-up (Figure 3). Surface work identified the presence of potassic-altered porphyry stockwork on surface and rock sampled up to 0.69 g/t Au and 2.5% Cu. The sampled region reflects a comparable geological setting to the Schaft Creek deposit, located ~7 km north of the target. Both the Schaft Creek deposit and Hickman target lie at the margin of the Late Triassic Hickman batholith (225 to 222 Ma) associated with monzodiorite porphyry phases.

No geophysical surveys have been completed at Hickman.

*Sources:Geochem: Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), and Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101).

Qualified Person

Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release.Kingfisher believes the work completed by historical operators was performed to a professional standard but has not independently confirmed the results. The Company notes that mineralization on other projects within the Golden Triangle is not indicative of mineralization on the BAM Project.

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia, including the Golden Triangle region. Kingfisher has two 100% owned district-scale projects and an option to earn 100% of the HWY 37 Project, that offer potential exposure to gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 43,201,553 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 778 606 2507

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. 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 transaction, 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: 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; 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 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.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company or "Doubleview") is to hold its annual general and special meeting of the shareholders (the "Shareholders") of the Company on December 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) (the "Meeting"). The Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 22, 2024, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. The Shareholders are urged to vote before the proxy deadline of 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 2024.

The Company is providing an update to Shareholders regarding the potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Company's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to Shareholders in connection with the Meeting. The Company delivered the completed Notice of Meeting, Information Circular and related proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") to the appropriate parties for printing and mailing to registered and unregistered Shareholders prior to the Meeting, but due the postal strike, it is possible that the Meeting Materials will not be delivered to some Shareholders prior to the Meeting. The Meeting Materials have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. They are also available at the following website https://docs.tsxtrust.com/2447. Shareholders will still be able to vote their shares either directly by proxy (for registered Shareholders) or indirectly through their intermediary (for unregistered Shareholders who hold their shares through brokerage firms or other intermediaries).

All Shareholders are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials electronically and to vote in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Information Circular. Registered Shareholders should complete all signed proxy forms as directed on the form of proxy no later than 48 hours prior to the Meeting. Beneficial owners can obtain a copy of the voting instructions form from their intermediary. If you are a registered Shareholder and do not receive the Meeting Materials by mail ahead of the voting deadline, please contact TSX TRUST INVESTOR SERVICES at 1-866-600-5869 (toll-free in Canada and the United States) or via email tsxtis@tmx.com between 5:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) to obtain your proxy form control number to cast your vote for the Meeting. If you hold shares through an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, please contact your intermediary directly to obtain a copy of the voting instructions form.

About Doubleview Gold Corp

Doubleview is a mineral resource exploration and development company that is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: A1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques.

Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development, and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.

About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit

The Company's flagship Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat Deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate, which was announced in the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below:

Open Pit Model Hat Resource Category



Tonnage Average Grade Metal Content CuEq Cu Co Au Ag CuEq Cu Co Au Ag Mt % % % g/t g/t million lb million lb million lb thousand oz thousand oz In Pit Indicated 150 0.408 0.221 0.008 0.19 0.42 1,353 733 28 929 2,045 Inferred 477 0.344 0.185 0.009 0.15 0.49 3,619 1,945 91 2,328 7,575

The Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3.

For further details, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release.

Qualified Person:

Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the written technical disclosure contained in the news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the Meeting, potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Company's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to Shareholders in connection with the Meeting, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, and market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232582

SOURCE: Doubleview Gold Corp.
The first report explores scenarios of AI's electricity consumption over the next decade, while the second report demonstrates how AI-powered HVAC systems can improve energy efficiencyThe research was published during IEA's global conference, where the company is in attendance

Rueil-Malmaison, France, Dec. 05, 2024, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today released two reports from its Sustainability Research Institute. These reports fill key knowledge gaps regarding AI's impact on sustainability, particularly in energy use.

The first research, Artificial Intelligence and Electricity: A System Dynamics Approach, examines four possible scenarios for AI's electricity consumption over the next decade. Considering the growing concern around AI's energy consumption, Remi Paccou, Director of Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, and Prof. Fons Wijnhoven, Associate Professor at the University of Twente (Netherlands), have built a system dynamics model that forecasts diverse scenarios for AI electricity demand, highlighting the path forward for sustainable AI development strategies and policies to mitigate environmental impacts.

The authors construct four scenarios of AI development and their associated impacts on electricity consumption. These scenarios, which are not predictions but rather tools to understand the complex factors shaping our future, span a range of possibilities: from Sustainable AI development to Limits to Growth, including more radical scenarios such as Abundance Without Boundaries and even the possibility of Energy Crises caused by AI. Alongside these forecasts and analysis, the report also contains recommendations for policymakers and decision-makers, contributing to a thoughtful and responsible approach to development, aiming for a path that balances progress with sustainability.

The second report,AI-Powered HVAC in Educational Buildings: A Net Digital Impact Use Case, also by Remi Paccouand Gauthier Roussilhe, Research Fellow and Doctoral Student at RMIT, demonstrates how AI-powered heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can enhance energy efficiency and environmental conservation in buildings. HVAC systems account for 35 - 65% of total building energy consumption. The study examined over 87 educational properties in Stockholm, Sweden, over an extended period under real-world conditions. Between 2019 and 2023, the study observed a total carbon emission reduction of 65tCO2e/y, roughly 60 times the actual embodied carbon footprint of the AI system deployed.

The research reveals opportunities for even greater carbon reductions in environments with more demanding heating, cooling, or air conditioning requirements. A comparative analysis between Stockholm and Boston showed that implementing the same solution in Boston could yield carbon emission savings seven times higher than in Stockholm.

The publishing of these reports coincides with the IEA's Global Conference on Energy & AI, where Schneider Electric is in attendance. This conference gathers experts from the energy and tech sectors, government, civil society, and academia to discuss the potential impacts of AI on global energy systems and the opportunities for leveraging AI for energy and climate goals. Schneider Electric's CEO, Olivier Blum, and Executive Vice President of its Data Centers & Networks Business, Pankaj Sharma, will participate in a high-level roundtable later today.

"The release of our reports comes at a crucial time, as the IEA conference highlights the transformative power of AI in the energy sector. As a company and as researchers, we are committed to keep shaping the future of energy and climate solutions", stated Vincent Petit, Climate and Energy Transition Research SVP at Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric Media Relations - global.pr@se.com

Attachment
EQS-News: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)-led Zambia Lobito Rail Project receives boost from Biden visit to Angola



05.12.2024 / 11:15 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





The project is led by the Lobito Corridor consortium, with AFC as the as lead developer, working in partnership with the US Government

LUANDA, Angola, December 5, 2024/APO Group/ --

Lobito rail project will break ground by early 2026, AFC CEO Zubairu says at Presidential forum

AFC commits up to US$500m in financing for Zambia-Lobito greenfield rail

AFC announces MOU with Kobold Metals as anchor client, guaranteeing at least 300,000 tons of copper and related freight per year

AFC pledges US$100 million to Kobaloni Energy for Zambia's first battery-grade copper sulphate facility

The Zambia-Lobito Rail project received pivotal support from US President Joe Biden's just concluded visit to Angola, with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) ( www.AfricaFC.org ) as the lead developer announcing a series of commitments that underscore the project's urgency and transformative potential to deliver economic benefits that transcend borders.

In a speech at the Lobito Corridor Leaders Summit, co-hosted by President Biden and President Joao Lourenco of Angola, and attended by Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, Vice President of Tanzania and representation from the private sector, AFC's President and CEO Samaila Zubairu announced that the Zambia-Lobito greenfield rail project will break ground by early 2026. AFC is committed to mobilising $500 million in financing through various financial instruments, Mr. Zubairu said, bringing overall project financing to over $1 billion.

Among a series of additional announcements, Mr. Zubairu said AFC has established a Memorandum of Understanding with critical minerals enterprise KoBold Metals as an anchor client, securing a minimum of 300,000 tons of copper and related freight annually. AFC has also committed $100 million to Kobaloni Energy to support Zambia's first battery-grade copper sulphate facility, ensuring sustained movement of cargo on the new railway.

"This project symbolizes what Africa's leadership, together with our global partners, can achieve when we unite behind a shared vision," Mr. Zubairu said in his speech at the forum. "It is not just about railways or minerals or food security - it is about fostering partnerships, creating jobs, and driving a sustainable future for Africa and the world."

The Lobito Corridor will connect the Port of Lobito on Angola's Atlantic coast with Zambia through modernized rail infrastructure. Plans are underway to extend connectivity to Tanzania's Port of Dar es Salaam, linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and strengthening regional trade and integration across East and Southern Africa.

AFC intends to collaborate with other multilateral development banks and financial institutions to develop instruments that attract global institutional capital. Additionally, AFC will engage African pension funds to invest, promoting generational sustainability.

The summit showcased significant progress in the development of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor. The project is led by the Lobito Corridor consortium, with AFC as the as lead developer, working in partnership with the US Government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

"The rapid pace at which we are moving reflects the urgency of the type of development Africans are demanding from their leaders, and the conviction of this consortium to execute," Mr. Zubairu told the summit. "The Lobito Corridor is more than just a rail line-it is an economic corridor that provides a lower-cost, lower-carbon gateway to African integration and global competitiveness."

At the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September, AFC achieved a major milestone by signing concession agreements with the Governments of Angola and Zambia to extend the Lobito railway through Zambia's Copperbelt. This entails the construction of an 830km greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Lucano, Angola, to the existing Zambian rail line in Chingola. Simultaneously, AFC received grant funding from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) towards completion of the environmental and social impact assessment for the project. These achievements, realised within one year of the 7-party MoU signed at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels in 2023, highlight AFC's catalytic role in driving the project's rapid progress.

Once completed, the Lobito Corridor will offer the fastest and most efficient route for exports and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and DRC to the Port of Lobito, Mr. Zubairu said. The rail link will cut travel time from the Copperbelt to international markets from 45 days to just seven, significantly lowering costs. Shifting freight from road to rail will reduce emissions by at least 300,000 tons of CO2 annually, underscoring Africa's leadership in the global energy transition and efforts to decarbonize the battery minerals value chain-particularly in producing battery precursors for both American industries and global markets, Mr. Zubairu told the summit it will also catalyse opportunities in ecotourism, agribusiness, and power transmission lines.

Beyond the greenfield railway, AFC is the Financial Advisor for the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) consortium, concessionaires of the existing Benguela railway stretching across Angola and into the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Click here ( https://apo-opa.co/49l5UUO ) for a replay of the Lobito Corridor Leaders Summit.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Download image: https://apo-opa.co/4ggYiVn (AFC's President & CEO, Samaila Zubairu, engages with U.S. President Joe Biden, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Angolan President Joao Lourenco in pivotal discussions on the transformative Zambia-Lobito Rail project)

Media Enquiries:

Yewande Thorpe

Communications

Africa Finance Corporation

Mobile: +234 1 279 9654

Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:

AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

05.12.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com




EQS-Media / 05.12.2024 / 11:20 CET/CEST



Aareal Bank provides 214 million refinancing for the largest outlet centre in northern Germany

Wiesbaden, 5 December 2024 - Aareal Bank is pleased to announce the successful closing of a 214 million refinancing for the Designer Outlet Neumunster, the largest designer outlet centre in northern Germany. The property is owned by a joint venture between McArthurGlen and Nuveen Real Estate. The centre qualifies as a green lending asset.

Aareal Bank acted as the sole underwriter for this transaction, reinforcing its position as a leading financier of trophy assets in Europe. This transaction is the starting point for a new partnership with McArthurGlen, one of the leading retail outlet operators in Europe. Nuveen Real Estate is one of the top five largest real estate managers in the world and manages assets totalling 29 billion in the retail sector alone. As a pioneer in the field of designer outlets, McArthurGlen has developed almost 600,000 sqm of sales space. In total, the group currently operates 24 centres in eight countries.

The Designer Outlet Neumunster, strategically located north of Hamburg and within a 60-minute drive from the Danish border, has been a prominent retail destination since its first phase opened in 2012. Comprising a total space of 29,000 sqm in an environmentally friendly village-style setting, it features 130 stores showcasing luxury brands such as Versace and Armani, as well as premium designer labels like Polo Ralph Lauren, Boss and Tommy Hilfiger.

Severin Schoettmer, Managing Director Special Property Finance at Aareal Bank, comments, "We are thrilled to provide financing for this prime retail asset of McArthurGlen and Nuveen Real Estate, two leaders in the retail property sector. Both companies demonstrate that, with the right concepts, brick-and-mortar retail schemes can be operated successfully and retain customers in the long term."

Mark Epstein, Deputy Chairman at McArthurGlen Group, states: "The proven concept of the Designer Outlet Neumunster reflects our commitment to delivering a high-quality value proposition for consumers while providing world-leading brands with an important channel to offer their products. We are delighted to be working with Aareal Bank to continue to make an active contribution to the transformation of the property industry."

Aareal Bank AG acted as the arranger, facility agent, and security agent for this transaction. Gleiss Lutz provided legal advisory services, while Cushman Wakefield performed the valuation for this asset.



Contact for the media:

Jasmin Maraslioglu

Phone: +49 611 348 2951

Email: jasmin.maraslioglu@aareal-bank.com

Web: www.aareal-bank.com

Aareal Bank Group

Aareal Bank Group, headquartered in Wiesbaden, is a leading international property specialist. The Bank uses its expertise to identify trends, challenges and opportunities at an early stage, and to exploit them for the benefit of its stakeholders. Aareal Bank Group provides financings, banking services and payments solutions for the property sector and related industries, and is present across three continents: Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific region. Aareal Bank Group's business strategy focuses on sustainable business success, with environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects as an integral part of this strategy.

Aareal Bank AG comprises the business segments Structured Property Financing and Banking & Digital Solutions. The Structured Property Financing segment encompasses all of Aareal Bank Group's property financing and funding activities. Here, the Bank supports its clients in making large-volume commercial property investments. The investment properties mostly comprise office buildings, hotels, shopping centres, logistics and residential property, as well as student apartments. In the Banking & Digital Solutions segment, Aareal Bank Group supports businesses from the housing, property management and energy industries as a digitalisation partner - combining extensive advisory services and product solutions with traditional corporate banking services and deposit-taking.

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SINGAPORE, Dec 5, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - inter airport Southeast Asia, the premier trade exhibition and conference for airport innovation and technology in Asia, will return to Singapore from 25 to 27 March 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands. The 8th edition is expected to bring together over 3,500 representatives of the aviation industry in Asia, influencers in the airports and airlines community, and 150+ exhibitors, including world-class solution providers and airport equipment suppliers, to connect, find synergies, build partnerships, and innovate.As the aviation industry advances and new airport projects and investments surge globally, groundbreaking innovations are essential to drive its transformation. Themed "Airport Operations for Tomorrow" conversations at the exhibition and conference will highlight innovation, technology, and sustainable solutions to optimise terminal and ramp operations of the future.Asia driving majority in airport projectsWith visitor arrivals projected to reach 564 million in the Asia Pacific, the region is now positioned at the forefront of significant airport development, leading the global aviation recovery. APAC currently boasts 575 existing or new airport projects, valued at a staggering USD 488 billion, while the investment at existing airports amounts to 170 projects, valued at USD 217 billion."Thailand is one of the high growths in emerging aviation market in Asia-Pacific. The passenger volume is expected to double by 2032, and Thailand will be one of the top 10 markets in total passenger traffic by 2042. To manage the increased passenger capacity, AOT developed a strategic master plan that includes the construction of new airports, expansion of existing facilities, and upgrades to key infrastructure to enhance capacity to accommodate 240 million annual passengers (MAP) by 2032," said Latchida Apaphant, EVP, Foreign Affair, Airports of Thailand PLC (AOT). "To make Thailand a regional aviation hub, and a goal to bring Suvarnabhumi International Airport rank among the top airport operators by 2037, massive investments are also be made to procure automated technology and biometric identification system to reduce international passenger processing times. Given the increasing complexity of airport operations and the need to innovate, inter airport Southeast Asia conference offers timely discussions and an exhibition to explore emerging technologies for the future of airports."Ms Latchida will join some of the C-suite speakers confirmed at inter airport Southeast Asia conference:1. Ricia Montejo, Head, Customer Experience, Aboitiz GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation2. Ibrahim Mohd Salleh, Chief Operating Officer, Aerodarat Services Sdn Bhd - a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group3. Lye Teck Tan, EVP, Safety & Security, Changi Airport Group4. Saurabh Dalvi, Head of Operations, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Celebi Nas5. Musdalifa Abdullah, CEO, GTR Malaysia6. Megat Ardian, Senior General Manager, Strategy, Malaysia Airports7. Raymond Lo, CEO, Menzies CNAC Aviation Services Ltd8. Simon Lotter, Head of Market for Asia & Pacific, Munich Airport International9. Tatsuya Izumi, Deputy General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation10. Ranjiv Ramanathan, SVP, SG Hub Transformation & Development, SATS Ltd11. Brad Moore, CEO APAC, Swissport International AGFor the complete list of speakers, visit www.interairport-southeastasia.com.inter airport Southeast Asia - the reference point for the Future of AirportsAccording to Airports Council International (ACI), global passenger volume is foreseen to reach 9.5 billion in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific region is said to lead in year-on-year (YoY) growth in 2024, with a 13% increase, reaching 3.4 billion passengers by year-end. With air travel playing a vital role in global trade and tourism, the sector must adopt innovative approaches to make airport more sustainable and resilient.inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will highlight global and regional solutions that support the scaling up of airport tech to boost operation efficiency and greener solutions in ground operations to reduce carbon emissions. Prominent exhibitors on the exhibition front include ADB Safegate, Alstef Group, BSLBatt, Charlatte Manutention - FAYAT Group, Dynell GmbH, ElectroAir, Fastcharge GSE, ITW GSE, JBT AeroTech, Runway Safe Group, Roypow, Smith Detection, TLD Asia Ltd, Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment, just to name a few."Ground support equipment is a critical component of driving airport operations, and the advancements in GSE technology are paramount for driving sustainability and efficiency. By embracing advanced GSE technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, we can reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, all while enhancing safety. It's important to discuss how we can reimagine ground handling operations to establish new benchmarks in turnaround efficiency, and I'm excited to discuss this with fellow panellists at the upcoming inter airport SEA," said Brad Moore, CEO - APAC, Swissport.Japan pavilion will also be showcased for the first time at inter airport Southeast Asia. The pavilion will present a dynamic line-up of companies including NEC, Japan Radio Co., Ltd (JRC), RION, ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd., Sugie Seito Co., Ltd. and Toyota Industries Corporation as they showcase cutting-edge airport equipment for ground operation and touchless technology to enhance airport experiences.In line with the industry's focus on innovation and safety, Singapore is also taking steps to advance aerospace manufacturing standards. A Working Group on Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace Manufacturing, established under the Singapore Standards Council, will launch a new standard: SS 708 Additive Manufacturing (AM) for Aviation - Filament Layer Manufacturing (FLM) Process Specifications. The standard seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for FLM parts producers supplying to the aerospace industry, covering process control and qualification of hardware, facility, materials, and operations. The standardisation of terminology and processes will also facilitate procurement officers of FLM parts to better evaluate new industry entrants to the FLM supply chain, ultimately contributing to enhanced safety in both commercial and military aircraft operations. More details will be made available at the event in March.All registered professionals for inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to both the exhibition and conference floors. For the latest information on inter airport Southeast Asia, please visit the event website, LinkedIn, or Facebook pages.About inter airport Southeast Asiainter airport Southeast Asia influences and accelerates the transformation of the airport industry in Asia by crafting a unique, 3-day airport trade show for the region.Every odd year, buyers and decision makers from the airports, airlines, ground handlers and the entire Airport community in Asia attend inter airport Southeast Asia to source and experience from the most diverse selection of innovations, technology and equipment for airport terminals and ramp operations.Whatever your strategy or needs - this is the place to be for business, friendship and new trends.25-27 March 2025Marina Bay Sands, Singaporewww.interairport-southeastasia.comAbout RXRX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.About RELXRELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at www.relx.com/investorsMedia contacts (on behalf of RX):Carolyn Kok (Carolyn.kok@fifthring.com)Chloe Lim (chloe.lim@fifthring.com)Source: inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA)Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou) took place on December 3 at the Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center. Over 600 participants from the political, strategic, business, academic, and think tank sectors, both domestic and international, attended. Themed "Carry through the Reform to the End--Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development," the conference was a joint effort by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Guangdong provincial government.

Thanks to the support of its domestic and international partners, the Understanding China Conference has become a leading global platform for understanding China's development strategy. This year's conference saw a significant increase in international participation, with 100 representatives from overseas, Hong Kong and Macao, including nine former heads of state, 16 ministerial-level officials, two ambassadors to China, and other leaders from diverse fields. This reflects the conference's growing global influence and the increasing desire for international dialogue and consensus-building. The program included keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, six parallel seminars, 14 thematic forums, two closed-door discussions, and numerous supporting activities, attracting over 100 domestic and international media outlets.

China consistently adheres to the development logic of "China can only do well when the world is doing well. When China does well, the world will get even better," framing its progress within the context of human development and providing more opportunities for global progress. Today China is steadily advancing Chinese-style modernization through high-quality development. This not only fulfills the aspirations of 1.4 billion people for a better life but also contributes to global peace and development. As former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome said, Chinese-style modernization is not just internal development for China; it offers new opportunities for global development. China looks forward to working with other countries to create a favorable environment for development, address various difficulties and challenges, and promote a model of global modernization characterized by peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.

This year's conference prioritized showcasing the global significance of China's further and comprehensive deepening of reforms and its advancement of Chinese-style modernization, demonstrating to the world that Chinese-style modernization has opened up new paths for promoting global modernization. The agenda also aimed to: demonstrate the characteristics and achievements of Chinese-style modernization; address international concerns about China's further and comprehensive deepening of reforms and its commitment to expanding high-level opening up; and foster discussion on topics such as the unified multi-ethnic Chinese nation and common development of the Chinese nation, cultural preservation and innovation in historically and culturally significant cities, and the innovative development of women's leadership. Ultimately, the conference sought to promote fine traditional Chinese culture and facilitate cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Contact: Albert Huang

Tel.: 0086-15810014610

E-mail: 1713543383@qq.com

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) (FSE: VN8) ("Scope Technologies" or the "Company") is proud to announce significant advancements to its data-in-transit security infrastructure with the installation of new hardware. These updates, which expand Scope's entropy delivery system across new locations in Europe, Asia, and North America, represent a milestone in delivering secure and efficient global data transmission.

The expanded network enhances the speed and redundancy of QSE's services while significantly reducing latency for businesses worldwide. These improvements not only ensure faster, more reliable data encryption but also strengthen protections against cyber threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks and Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) strategies.

"Our global network expansion reflects our commitment to providing unparalleled data security," said Sean Prescott, Founder and CTO of QSE Group. "By increasing our infrastructure's speed and reliability with new geo-locations, we're not only enhancing the user experience but also building the resilience needed to safeguard data during transmission, now and into the future. This is critical for industries handling sensitive information, where interception risks can lead to significant consequences."

As part of Scope's mission to continuously advance quantum-resilient encryption, these updates strengthen the QSE platform's capabilities in secure, real-time communications. The advancements also align with industry compliance requirements, providing organizations with a seamless, secure solution to meet regulatory demands.

Moreover, these upgrades lay the groundwork for QSE's forthcoming secure mobile application, designed to provide industries with rapid, encrypted data-sharing capabilities. Further announcements on the mobile app are expected soon.

Scope Technologies' commitment to expanding its infrastructure ensures that businesses and individuals are equipped with the tools needed to protect their data against current and emerging threats.

About Scope Technologies Corp.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Scope Technologies Corp. is a pioneering technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning. Through its primary brand, QSE Group, Scope provides next-generation solutions in data security, quantum encryption, and decentralized storage, empowering businesses with secure, scalable technologies that drive growth and operational efficiency.

LinkedIn: scope-technologies-corp

Facebook: Scope Technologies Corp

Twitter: @ScopeTechCorp

Contact Information:

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical statements of fact are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, future, strategy, objectives, goals and potential growth of the Company. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "aim", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, risks associated with the development and commercialization of the QSE product suite and the GEM Platform, ability to gain users of the QSE product suite and an increase in operating costs arising from development of its product suite . While Scope considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions, continued satisfaction of Canadian Securities Exchange requirements, product safety and recalls, regulatory compliance and risks associated with the Company's business. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the business of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232553

SOURCE: Scope Technologies Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands, is excited to announce the signing of its thirteenth (13th) franchise for Yolks Breakfast ("Yolks"), a boutique restaurant brand serving delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch. The franchisee has signed for a location in the Greater Vancouver Area, joining the existing 3 Yolks locations in British Columbia.

Yolks Breakfast 1



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"This marks our tenth (10th) new franchise agreement for Yolks since our acquisition just eleven (11) short months ago, bringing the Yolks brand signed franchise total to thirteen (13). Continuing to expand our presence in our current market of British Columbia is an important component to building on our market leading position," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Organic growth for Yolks is happening at the store level and for new units across Canada. With franchise agreements now in place in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, and 51-units contractually committed with area developers for Yolks, we show no signs of slowing down."

"As the breakfast category remains one of the hottest and fastest-growing sectors in the restaurant industry, we are maintaining our momentum and aggressive approach. Our asset-light strategy continues to attract significant interest and inquiries from potential franchisees. As progress unfolds, we look forward to sharing details about our initial real estate locations. Our overarching strategy has consistently focused on developing and growing emerging brands within the food sector. With the continued rollout of our franchising initiative, we anticipate these new locations will significantly contribute to the company's revenue and profitability."

Yolks Breakfast 2



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"The consistent growth of our brands across Canada underscores the strength of our franchising program. Franchisees gain from comprehensive training, continuous mentorship, and a range of resources that help streamline operations and foster success. By mitigating the typical risks of entrepreneurship and offering a clear path to profitability, our program continues to attract a strong wave of motivated investors. As our Happy Belly franchise program draws more franchisees to our brands, we're able to accelerate organic growth."

"As we move forward, our 2025 pipeline of new stores continues to expand with franchise agreements and lease signings progressing across North America. We currently have 421 contractually committed retail locations from area developers across all emerging brands in the Happy Belly Portfolio - whether in development, under construction, or already open. As we open new stores, the Happy Belly footprint continues to grow. Our team is committed to sourcing and evaluating real estate, reviewing franchisee applications, and collaborating closely with area developers to support our asset-light franchising model. By focusing on securing high-quality franchisees and prime real estate locations across Canada, we will further strengthen our expansion efforts."

We are just getting started.

For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.

About Yolks Breakfast

Chef Steve Ewing is a strong proponent of breakfast - it's his favourite meal of the day - which is why its so important to him and why he takes so much care and puts so much effort into its menu. Not only are the eggs free-range, but the bacon is local and the hollandaise isn't some quickie version, but the real deal, just one fast whisking away from le Cordon Bleu. Even the Dijon is made in-house!

About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands.

Happy Belly



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Happy Belly Food Group

Sean Black

Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz

Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232595

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Self-driving Cars Market is projected to reach from 37,090 thousand units in 2024 to 76,217 thousand units in 2035, at a CAGR of 6.8%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The self-driving cars market is poised for significant growth, driven by advancements in sensor technologies like LiDAR and radar, the adoption of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and the rise of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions such as robotaxis and autonomous shuttles. This growth is further fueled by supportive government policies and high consumer demand for safer and more convenient mobility solutions. The development of cloud computing and AI-based decision-making is also critical, enabling real-time data processing and dynamic improvements to autonomous vehicle performance. Emerging markets and intelligent city initiatives further amplify the market's expansion potential.

Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1220

Browse in-depth TOC on "Self-driving Cars Market"

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299 - Pages

Personal Mobility segment is estimated to hold the largest share during the forecast period.

The personal mobility segment is expected to lead the self-driving cars market during the forecast period, driven by a surge in demand for autonomous vehicles that offer convenience, flexibility, and on-demand transportation. Urbanization and smart city initiatives fuel the need for innovative mobility options to reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency. In 2024, Toyota's Corolla, a Level 1 autonomous vehicle, sold over 1.2 million units globally from January to September, showcasing rising consumer interest in ADAS-equipped vehicles. This trend underscores the appeal of autonomous features in personal transportation. AI, sensor technology, and connectivity advancements further drive this adoption, particularly with electric self-driving vehicles. As of October 2024, companies like Tesla (US) are increasing their push toward fully electric and autonomous models. New releases like the Tesla Model S Plaid focus on safety and efficiency. OEMs such as Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan), Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan), General Motors (US), and Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Germany) are also developing their Level 2 and 3 semi-autonomous cars for personal use. For instance, in June 2024, Japanese automaker Nissan showcased its in-house developed self-driving tech as part of its plan to provide autonomous mobility services by 2027.

The C&D segment is estimated to lead the self-driving cars market during the forecast period.

The C&D segment of self-driving cars is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, driven by a strong preference for mid-size sedans and SUVs equipped with advanced autonomy and safety features. Popular models such as the Audi A4, an L2 autonomous car, ranked among Audi's best-sellers in the US and Europe in 2023, while the Hyundai Elantra, an L1 car, recorded significant sales in South Korea the same year, illustrating broad demand across regions. Supporting this growth, BMW Group (Germany) began production at its Leipzig, Germany, plant in July 2024, with a focus on vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series, a popular L2 model from the C&D segment. Such production expansions highlight manufacturers' efforts to meet rising demand and reinforce the segment's leadership in the market.

North America is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

North America is expected to grow significantly in the self-driving cars market during the forecast period, driven by technological advancements, supportive policies, and strong consumer demand. The region benefits from the presence of leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Tesla, as well as start-ups such as Waymo, Motional, and Aurora, spearheading autonomous vehicle development. For example, Ford's BlueCruise system now covers 130,000 miles of controlled-access highways in the US and Canada. In comparison, General Motors has expanded its Super Cruise functionality to approximately 750,000 miles of roads, including highways and major arterials, as of February 2024. Regulatory initiatives, such as the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mandate for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) by 2029, further accelerate adoption.

Additionally, Waymo's driverless taxi services expanded to Los Angeles in August 2024, marking a milestone in public acceptance of fully autonomous vehicles. These advancements, combined with investments in intelligent transportation infrastructure and the increasing popularity of semi-autonomous features. Position North America as a key growth region for self-driving cars.

Key Market Players Self-driving Cars Industry:

The major players in the Self-Driving Cars Market include Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), Tesla (US), BYD Co., Ltd. (China), Volkswagen Group (Germany), Ford Motor Company (US), Hyundai Motor Group (South Korea). These companies offer self-driving feature-enabled vehicles and have strong global distribution networks. Companies are also actively launching new products to expand their market presence. Tesla (US) launched a robotaxi named Cybercab in October 2024. Similarly, in June 2024, Cruise LLC, a General Motors subsidiary, announced that it has resumed manual driving in Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas, with supervised operations ongoing in Phoenix and Dallas.

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This report provides insights on:

Analysis of key drivers (InFocus on improving road safety, Government regulations for integration of advanced safety technologies, and Rise of autonomous ride-hailing services), restraints (High development costs and Data privacy concerns), opportunities (Emergence of subscription-based service offerings and Consumer focus on sustainable transportation solutions), and challenges (Substantial cost of ADAS integration, Lack of software standardization, and Inadequate infrastructure for self-driving cars)

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the self-driving cars market.

Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the self-driving cars market across varied regions.

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the self-driving cars market.

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market share, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), Tesla (US), BYD Co., Ltd. (China), Volkswagen Group (Germany), Ford Motor Company (US), Hyundai Motor Group (South Korea) among others in self-driving cars market.

Related Reports:

Autonomous Construction Equipment Market

Autonomous Driving Software Market

Automotive RADAR Market

Autonomous Trucks Market

Get access to the latest updates on Self-driving Cars Companies andSelf-driving Cars Industry Growth

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Understanding China Conference opened on December 3 in Guangzhou, bringing together global leaders, scholars, and industry experts to discuss the theme "Carry Through the Reform to the End: Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development." Among the event's highlights was an address by Zheng Bijian, the 93-year-old founding chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. His remarks captivated the audience and underscored the importance of understanding China's modernization journey.

As Zheng approached the stage in a wheelchair, the audience responded with warm applause, honoring his lifelong dedication to bridging China's story with the world.

Zheng outlined three pillars critical to understanding China's development. First, he stressed that grasping China's reforms is essential to understanding its past, present, and future. Second, he described Chinese modernization as the blueprint for comprehensive reform. Lastly, he highlighted how Chinese modernization offers new opportunities for global development, urging the international community to view these changes as mutually beneficial.

"The best way to grasp China's new round of reform and development," he said, "is to closely follow the path of Chinese modernization."

Zheng also emphasized openness as a defining feature of Chinese modernization. Addressing concerns about global decoupling and supply chain disruptions, he stated, "China will never pursue closed, self-contained modernization. On the contrary, we value openness and will actively align with international economic and trade standards, deepen reforms in trade and investment, and create a world-class, market-oriented business environment."

He pointed to key policies reflecting this commitment, including lifting foreign capital restrictions in financial services, eliminating manufacturing investment limits, and expanding visa-free travel to 38 countries. A 72- to 144-hour transit visa exemption for 54 nations further underscores efforts to enhance global engagement.

Zheng concluded by reaffirming China's readiness to welcome international participation in its modernization journey. "China's reform and development represent opportunities for all nations," he said. "This openness is why the international community recognizes the strength of China's reforms and the resilience of its economy."

About the 2024 Understanding China Conference

The 2024 Understanding China Conference is a premier international platform co-organized by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the People's Government of Guangdong Province. It seeks to deepen global understanding of China's modernization efforts, reform strategies, and their broader global implications.

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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Paris has been crowned the world's most attractive city.It is the fourth year in a row that the French capital dominates the Top 100 City Destinations Index by data analytics company Euromonitor International.The proud moment comes just four months after the French capital successfully hosted the Olympic Games, and as the country is facing a political uncertainty with the resignation of its minority government Thursday.Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 provides insights into the performance, appeal and potential of urban markets. It compares 55 different metrics across six key pillars for 100 city destinations, to create an overall city attractiveness score. The six key parameters considered to measure the worthiness of global cities were economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability.The annual report issued by Euromonitor International in partnership with data company Lighthouse revealed that this year's top 10 ranking was dominated by six European destinations, while also showing an increase in non-European cities making the list.Paris retained the title of the world's leading city destination by registering more than 17 million inbound arrivals, followed by Madrid in second place and Tokyo in third. Rome came in fourth, while Milan rounded up the top five. Asia has one more representation in the top 10 - Singapore, at No. 9. European destinations maintain a good standing in the Index largely due to the Tourism Infrastructure pillar.Global international arrivals saw a 19 percent increase in 2024, driven by strong tourism demand, the Index shows. Europe remained the most popular region, reaching 793 million international trips in the same year.Bangkok topped the list of international arrivals by city with 32 million trips in 2024. The city surpassed pre-pandemic level of international tourism flows in 2023 and continued dynamic growth of over 30 percent in 2024.International tourism spending totaled $1.9 trillion in 2024, the report says.U.S., Turkey and China are expected to be the destinations with the highest volume growth of international arrivals by 2030, Euromonitor International said in a press release.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
RIVIERA BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / East Marine Boats Inc., a leader in innovative yacht tender design, proudly announces the delivery of custom-crafted, cutting-edge yacht tenders to Palm Beach Motor Yachts, a division of GB Marine Group. These game-changing tenders, designed to fit seamlessly in the tender garages of the PB55, PB65, PB70, and PB85 models and the GTRS Series, set a new benchmark in luxury and functionality.

The centerpiece of this launch is the groundbreaking retractable helm-a first-of-its-kind feature that redefines convenience and performance. Built on a lightweight aluminum frame, the four-passenger tender is outfitted with Hypalon tubes, navigation lights, custom rear boarding steps, a marine stereo, and USB charging ports. Weighing under 380 pounds with the motor, this tender reaches speeds of up to 30 mph, offering yacht owners unmatched agility and reliability.

"I am very grateful to be approached by GB Marine to come up with a lightweight yacht tender that can meet the demands of the proud owners of such a fine luxury yacht line. The clients wanted the ability to have a full driving helm with the use of an ultra-reliable outboard motor compared to the high-maintenance jet tenders. Most yacht owners of a certain age grew up running outboard engines and simply do not understand how to use a jet engine boat in low depth which can ruin the day. With the help of the GB Marine Group factory engineers, I am extremely proud to deliver the new design which allows the full usage of an outboard motor and a full steering helm that neatly tucks away when not in use", says East Marine Boats president, Anthony Mazzo.

Exclusive to GB Marine Group's fleet, the tenders will carry the Palm Beach Yachts branding and come with a robust five-year non-declining warranty. This partnership highlights East Marine Boats' commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

East Marine Boats, a family-owned business founded in 2000, has delivered over 700 yacht tenders across the United States. Proudly assembling their boats in America under the U.S. Coast Guard MIC build code ESM, the company recently expanded its operations to a larger Riviera Beach facility. This growth will double production capacity to over 600 units annually, enabling the brand to meet soaring demand while expanding its reach to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.

For more information, visit www.eastmarineboats.com, www.gbmarinegroup.com, or www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com.

Contact Information

Anthony Mazzo

CEO

anthony@eastmarineboats.com

(888) 265-8643

Related Images

Photo of East Marine Luxury 560 yacht tender docked on West Palm Beach, Florida sands. East Marine Boats 420 model

Photo of East Marine Boats 420 model. Retractable helm yacht tender

Photo of a retractable helm yacht tender in storage.

Source: East Marine Boats Inc.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) is pleased to report the identification of a significant IP anomaly at the Vista Alegre epithermal prospect within the Company's 100%-owned Valiente copper-gold project in Peru (Figure 1).

Highlights: Broadly, two distinct types of anomalies were identified in the IP geophysical survey (Figures 2 to 7): High chargeability - low resistivity zone over 2.4 km strike and up to 500 m deep coinciding with up to 0.23 ppm gold in soils (Figures 3 to 7) suggesting mineralization is associated with sulphide assemblages and argillic clay alteration; High chargeability - high resistivity zones over 1 km strike coinciding with mineralized silicified boulders containing white milky quartz, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrite assaying up to 1.98 g/t Au and 29 g/t Ag. (reported here) (Figures 3 to 7) suggesting epithermal-style mineralization associated with strongly silicified structures.

The target is drill-ready with 12 platforms approved as part of the recently granted DIA permit (reported here).

Drilling is anticipated to commence in Q2 2025.

Michael Hudson, CEO, states: "The identification of large scale and coherent IP geophysical anomaly at Vista Alegre represents another significant milestone in the development of the Valiente Project. The correlation between the geophysical anomaly, surface mineralization, and soil geochemistry provides us with compelling and de-risked drill targets. With our recently approved DIA permit including 12 drill platforms at Vista Alegre, we are well-positioned to test this extensive epithermal system in Q2 2025."

Geophysical Interpretation

Vista Alegre represents a significant epithermal target controlled by a prominent northwest-trending thrust fault that juxtaposes sedimentary sequences against phaneritic intrusive rocks. This structural corridor has been intruded by later-stage porphyritic intrusions and small massive to semi-massive magnetite bodies.

The integration of induced polarization (IP), resistivity, high-resolution aeromagnetic data (Figure 2), and surface geochemistry (Figure 3) has identified a substantial anomaly coincident with the thrust zone. Analysis of horizontal depth slices through the 3D IP inversion model (Figures 4 to 7) reveals multiple target types with distinct geophysical signatures correlating with surface geochemical anomalies up to 500 m below surface:

High chargeability - low resistivity zone over 2.3 km strike coinciding with up to 0.23 ppm gold in soils (Figures 3 to 7) suggesting mineralization is associated with sulphide assemblages and argillic clay alteration. No surface outcrops are present, although gold soil values are higher, especially in the northern sector. The structure dips southwest at approximately 60 degrees with some chargeable highs located on thrust bends, which may potentially be significant. High chargeability - high resistivity zones over 1 km strike coinciding with mineralized silicified boulders containing white milky quartz, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrite assaying up to 1.98 g/t Au and 29 g/t Ag. (reported here) (Figures 3 to 7) suggesting mineralization of epithermal character associated with strongly silicified structures.

The magnetic data exhibits variable wavelength responses across the trend, with broader wavelength anomalies indicative of deeper magnetite-bearing sources. A discrete magnetic body in the northern survey area displays sharp amplitude anomaly characteristic of a shallow magnetic source, likely representing a mapped intrusive magnetite body. Multiple northeast structures were also identified in the data with possible offsetting of the main northwest trending high chargeability - low resistivity zone. This spatial association of deep and shallow magnetic features, coupled with the extensive IP chargeability anomaly and coincident gold anomalies, suggests a well-developed mineral system with significant vertical extent and a preserved mineral system.

Geophysical Survey Details

The Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical survey was carried out by GeoMad E.I.R.L, a Lima-based consultancy company. The survey employed a pole-dipole electrode configuration on single lines with electrode spacing at 100 m intervals. Four lines were surveyed with lengths varying between 1.2 km and 6.8 km. Equipment used included:

Huntec 10Kw 20A transmitter

10 channel ELREC PRO receiver

LECIA GS15 GNSS for station recording

Geological Setting and Mineralization

Vista Alegre is a multi-signature target showing epithermal, porphyry and skarn characteristics, located in flat terrain with limited outcrops. Epithermal mineralization appears in two forms:

Siliceous boulders containing milky quartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite Weathered diorite outcrops with gold in sulphide veins and iron oxides

Two trends extend 3 km in total, one following mineralized boulders along an Andean thrust fault, and another marked by gold anomalous soil samples.

About the Valiente Project

Hannan Metals' Valiente Project identified a Miocene porphyry copper-gold belt in Peru's back-arc, with 18 Cu-Au porphyry and epithermal systems across 140 km x 50 km. The Belen Prospect (Figure 1), 19 km east of Tingo Maria, features three main targets: Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre, and Sortilegio. Despite being only 4% of Hannan's holdings, Belen shows significant potential through extensive anomalies.

Technical Background

All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using traceable parcels. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest preformed on 0.25g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples and sample widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. Gold was analyzed by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30g fire assay sample charge.

About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF)

Hannan Metals Limited is a natural resources and exploration company developing sustainable resources of metal needed to meet the transition to a low carbon economy. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Europe and Peru.

Mr. Michael Hudson, FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

On behalf of the Board, "Michael Hudson"

Michael Hudson, Chairman & CEO Further Information

www.hannanmetals.com

1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7

Mariana Bermudez, Corporate Secretary,

+1 (604) 685 9316, info@hannanmetals.com

Forward Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news.

SOURCE: Hannan Metals Ltd.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - S2 Minerals Inc. (CSE: STWO) ("S2" or the "Company") announces that, further to its press release dated November 28, 2024, it has completed the proposed consolidation of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") on the basis of one post-consolidation Common Share for every two pre-consolidation Common Shares (the "Consolidation"). As a result of the Consolidation, the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares will be reduced from 37,937,649 to approximately 18,968,824, subject to adjustment for rounding.

The Common Shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "STWO" under a new CUSIP number - 78485F205 and on a post-consolidated basis. A letter of transmittal with respect to the Consolidation was mailed to registered shareholders of the Company, a copy of which is also available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Until surrendered, a share certificate representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares will represent the number of whole post-Consolidation Common Shares to which the holder of such certificate is entitled to receive as a result of the Consolidation.

About S2 Minerals Inc.

S2 Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring mineral properties in Northwest Ontario, including the Sandy Lake project.

The Sandy Lake project comprises approximately 167,000 acres of contiguous mineral claims in the Sandy Lake Archean Greenstone Belt, located approximately 140 miles north of Red Lake, Ontario. S2 beneficially holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights to approximately 137,000 acres, and holds a 50.1% interest in the approximately 15,000 acres of the "Weebigee Joint Venture" claims and a 50% interest in a further 15,000 acres of the Southern Block claims in joint ventures with Goldeye Explorations Limited, now part of NexGold Mining Corp.

The Sandy Lake project is held within the traditional territories of Sandy Lake First Nation and Keewaywin First Nation. S2 also holds additional mineral claims which are located within Eabametoong First Nation traditional lands.

It is expected that over time, S2 may add new Canadian-focused exploration stage projects to its portfolio.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include statements regarding the effect of the Consolidation on the Company's capital structure, including the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Consolidation. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks relating to general business, economic, competitive, policy and social uncertainties, and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite regulatory approvals.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232531

SOURCE: S2 Minerals Inc.
In just three months, Hiya reported 9.7 billion calls as suspected spam to its customers

Hiya now flags 105 million spam calls on average every day, in the fight against spam and fraud

Hiya, the leading voice intelligence platform, reveals that it flagged more than 9.7 billion calls as suspected spam in Q3. The prevalence of spam calls means that Hiya flags more than 105 million suspected nuisance calls worldwide every day.

The findings are revealed in Hiya's Q3 2024 Global Call Threat Report, which explores the volume, frequency, and type of phone spam and fraud in more than 40 countries from July to September 2024. Spam is defined as unwanted calls, and includes both fraud calls and nuisance calls.

The greatest threat globally comes from fraudsters posing as banks and credit card companies. In almost every country, people are now being subjected to spam calls of this nature. The fraudsters' aim is clear: convincingly impersonate banks or credit card companies enough to get their victims to reveal account information and passwords in order to gain access to bank accounts and remove funds.

Fraudsters impersonating Amazon were the second most common global threat. Scam callers aim to scare victims into thinking there is a problem with a card linked to their Amazon account or trick them into sharing personal information to verify their details to complete an order or delivery.

Spam calls are a global issue with country-specific nuances

On a country level, the volume of spam calls and the types of scams differ greatly. Brazil tops the list with an astounding average of 28 per month, which means people receive them almost daily, 14% of which are fraud. By contrast, in Germany, the average rate of spam calls is as low as 2 per person each month. Spain received the most spam calls in Europe at 13 per month and also recorded the highest rate of fraud calls.

United States in focus

US citizens have seen spam call rates increase from an average of 11 to 13 per month since Q3 2024.

Medicare scams continue to dominate and are likely to increase in Q4 during its open enrolment period. Scammers' tactics here are different, rather than entice victims to hand over financial information, it's personal information such as their Medicare number that's deemed more valuable, so they can falsely bill the US government.

The US also saw a high proportion of insurance scams, which ranked second. Fraudsters also impersonated IRS tax agents, Amazon and Google representatives, and police personnel to scam their victims, many of whom have been identified as robocalls.

UK in focus

Following the trend of the last two years, HMRC scams dominated as the most common phone scams, with fraudsters fishing for personal and financial information under the threat of unpaid taxes. Amazon scams ranked second, closely followed by credit card scams, specifically those impersonating Visa and Mastercard. In fourth position were immigration scams, however, delivery scams with fraudsters impersonating Royal Mail, DHL, and UPS continued during the summer months.

Kush Parikh, President at Hiya said: "Quarter-on-quarter, our data shows fraud call rates continue to rise. Despite growing awareness of the risks, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, fuelled in part by the latest technology to adapt their tactics. Examples of robocalls are plentiful, demonstrating that it is becoming easier and less time intensive for scammers to spam call victims in high volumes."

"What has become apparent is that certain markets are making gains in reducing spam call volumes. In the UK, for example, the mass adoption by operators in technology that will help to prevent these calls from ever reaching their customers is undeniably having an impact. But it's clear more needs to be done by the finance sector, government departments like HMRC, and large global brands like Amazon and Google to ensure customers have a clear picture of what a legitimate call looks like, to help protect them from future harm."

For more information about Hiya's Q3 2024 Global Call Threat Report, please visit: https://www.hiya.com/global-call-threat-report.

About Hiya

Hiya is trusted by businesses, carriers, and consumers worldwide to deliver secure, engaging phone connections and protect against spam and fraud. Hiya's Voice Intelligence Platform powers solutions like Hiya Connect and Hiya Protect, serving over 500 million users globally. Hiya's network partners include British Telecom, EE, Virgin Media O2, Samsung, Ericsson, Rogers, and more. For more information, visit www.hiya.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205733025/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact

Katie Owen katie.owen@babelpr.com
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has invested nearly $700,000 to build a 120 kW hybrid solar plant in Mambasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The community PV project will supply power to more than 300 users, including six health centers, 224 small businesses, and 89 households. A hybrid solar power plant has been inaugurated in Mambasa, a town in Ituri province, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The UNDP invested nearly $700,000 to facilitate the development of the 120. 96 kW array through its Green Energy post-pandemic project. Ugandan solar company Aptech Africa ...

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) - (Adds Outlook)Build-A-Bear Workshop (BBW) said, for fiscal 2024, the company now expects: total revenue in the range of $489 million to $495 million, representing growth on a low-single-digit percentage basis at the midpoint; and pretax income in the range of $65 million to $67 million, in line with the prior year at the midpoint. In August, the company anticipated, for fiscal 2024, as compared to 53-week fiscal 2023, total revenue growth on a low-to-mid-single-digit percentage basis, and pre-tax income growth on a low-single-digit percentage basis.For fiscal 2024, as compared to the 2023 non-GAAP 52-week year, the company now expects: total revenue in the range of $489 million to $495 million, representing growth on a low-single-digit percentage basis at the midpoint; and pretax income in the range of $65 million to $67 million, representing growth on a low-single-digit percentage basis at the midpoint. In August, the company anticipated, for fiscal 2024, as compared to the 2023 non-GAAP 52-week year, total revenue growth on a mid-single-digit percentage basis, and pre-tax income growth on a mid-single-digit percentage basis.For 2024, the company increased net new unit growth to at least 65 experience locations globally, up from 50 locations.Q3 Results:Third quarter bottom line came in at $9.87 million, or $0.73 per share compared with $7.59 million, or $0.53 per share, in last year's third quarter. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $0.65 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company's revenue for the quarter rose 11.0% to $119.43 million from $107.56 million last year.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Andean Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: APM) (OTCQX: ANPMF) ("Andean" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval for its common shares to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and graduate from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

The uplisting to the TSX marks a significant milestone for Andean, reflecting the Company's growth and commitment to delivering value to shareholders. The move will enhance the Company's visibility and broaden its investor base by providing greater access to investors and improving overall liquidity, among other benefits.

Alberto Morales, Executive Chairman and CEO, commented: "Graduating to the TSX is a pivotal moment in our journey and highlights the progress we've made in advancing our business strategy. This uplisting will not only elevate our profile within the investment community but also position us to attract new institutional investors and improve liquidity for our shareholders. Our team remains committed to executing on our growth initiatives and delivering long-term value. I'd like to thank our employees, investors, and partners for their support in helping us achieve this important milestone."

Final approval of the listing is subject to the Company meeting certain customary conditions required by the TSX. Andean will issue a press release once the TSX confirms the date when trading of the common shares is expected to commence on the TSX under the ticker symbol (APM.TO). Upon completion of the final listing requirements, Andean's common shares will be delisted from the TSXV.

Shareholders are not required to exchange their share certificates or take any other action in connection with the TSX listing, as there will be no change in the trading symbol or CUSIP for the common shares.

About Andean Precious Metals

Andean is a growing precious metals producer focused on expanding into top-tier jurisdictions in the Americas. The Company owns and operates the San Bartolome processing facility in Potosi, Bolivia and the Soledad Mountain mine in Kern County, California, and is well-funded to act on future growth opportunities. Andean's leadership team is committed to creating value; fostering safe, sustainable and responsible operations; and achieving our ambition to be a multi-asset, mid-tier precious metals producer.

For more information, please contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, Inc. 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.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding the listing of the Company's common shares on the TSX. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property and option agreements and other material agreements; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; that there is no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that contracted parties provide goods or services in a timely manner; that no unusual geological or technical problems occur; that plant and equipment function as anticipated and that there is no material adverse change in the price of silver, costs associated with production or recovery. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein.

Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this release include, but are not limited to: risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and conclusions of economic evaluations; results of initial feasibility, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks relating to possible variations in reserves, resources, grade, planned mining dilution and ore loss, or recovery rates and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; mining and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes (including work stoppages and strikes) or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks related to commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; the uncertainty of profitability based upon the cyclical nature of the industry in which the Company operates; risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or delays in obtaining governmental or local community approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the uncertain global economic environment; and other factors contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232559

SOURCE: Andean Precious Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce the receipt of highly encouraging results from the recently completed Falcon Airborne Gravity Gradiometer (AGG) survey at its Alces Lake property in northern Saskatchewan. The survey has successfully identified several promising drill targets below surface that exhibit geophysical characteristics similar to the prolific WRCB Zone and other high-grade rare earths (REE) and gallium surface showings on the property.

Conducted by Xcalibur Multiphysics, the Falcon AGG Survey spanned over 1,053-line kilometers with 100-meter line spacing, focusing primarily on the Alces Lake regional fold and the northern portion of the property's NW-SE regional shear zone. These areas host several significant REE and gallium occurrences at surface, including the high-grade WRCB zone. The survey has provided critical, high-resolution subsurface imaging, revealing multiple new targets with similar characteristics to known mineralized zones at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters.

Stephen Burega, President of Appia, commented: "The results from the AGG survey are significant and highlight several high-potential targets that align closely with our geological models and previous discoveries at Alces Lake. We are now preparing to initiate a follow-up diamond drilling program to explore these targets at depth, with the first drilling operation set to commence in the coming weeks."

He continued: "This strategic move into diamond drilling marks a significant progression in Appia's exploration efforts at Alces Lake, aiming to delineate a source at depth for the high-grade REE and gallium occurrences that are commonly discovered at surface. Appia is confident that this next phase of exploration will provide valuable insights into the potential for new discoveries and the expansion of the project's known mineral resources."

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andre L. Costa, P.Geo., VP Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Figure 1 - Proposed Drill Targets for the Alces Lake Winter Program, 2024

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Ionic Adsorption Clay Project (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) which is 42,932.24 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. (See January 11th, 2024 Press Release - Click HERE) The Company is also focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, and exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario.

Appia has 149.4 million common shares outstanding, 170.8 million shares fully diluted.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, visit www.appiareu.com.

As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (X, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232560

SOURCE: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTCQB: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today announced that it awarded the Business Hub's first free master license of Dext Software Ltd.'s bookkeeping automation platform (the "Software") to Elite Times CPA Inc. ("Times CPA").

Tenet and Times CPA have been working in close collaboration since the announcement of their strategic partnership in August 2024 to bring awareness and promote the benefits of the Business Hub in combination with bookkeeping automation to Canadian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). While using the Software will allow Times CPA to virtually eliminate manual data entry and be able to serve more clients more efficiently, Time CPA's SME clients will enjoy the automation of a variety of tasks such as invoice processing and will be able to obtain a daily picture of how their businesses are performing from a user-friendly dashboard. The master license to the Software granted to Times CPA by Tenet, means that Times CPA will not only be able to use the Software to automate the bookkeeping of its existing SME clients, but will also be able to offer sub-licenses of the Software to entice potential new clients with an offering that includes Time CPA's services, the Software and membership on the Business Hub.

About Elite Times CPA Inc.:

Elite Times CPA Inc. is a Canadian accounting firm with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, proving various accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation and consulting services to a diverse clientele of businesses operating primarily in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Elite Times CPA Inc.'s clients include retailers, manufacturers, daycares, restaurants, import and exporters, IT service providers and more. For more information, please go to: https://timesaccounting.ca.

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232576

SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to announce a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Novamera Inc. to deploy their patented Surgical MiningTM process from surface, which, if implemented, would provide additional production tonnage over and above the Company's conventional underground mining production at its flagship Bethania mine in Peru. Novamera's innovative technologies has been successfully deployed at projects spanning Canada to South America, focusing on both precious and energy transition metals. Kuya Silver sees this partnership as an opportunity to produce bonus tonnage, not previously expected in the conventional underground mine plan. In addition, Kuya Silver is pleased to provide an update on current silver mining activities at its flagship Bethania mine in Peru.

Key Highlights:

Kuya Silver and Novamera plan to implement their state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly Surgical Mining TM process to gain additional production tonnage from surface as quickly as possible in 2025.

process to gain additional production tonnage from surface as quickly as possible in 2025. This additional bonus production, expected to be approximately 100 tonnes per day (" tpd ") could allow for a faster ramp-up to the initial 350 tpd production target, and potentially accelerate a production expansion beyond 350 tpd.

") could allow for a faster ramp-up to the initial 350 tpd production target, and potentially accelerate a production expansion beyond 350 tpd. Novamera has agreed to arrange financing for the Surgical Mining TM Project (" SM Project ") at no up-front cost to Kuya Silver.

Project (" ") at no up-front cost to Kuya Silver. Bethania ramp-up continues: Previously unknown mineralized structure branching off the Espanola vein was uncovered during normal development activities has provided additional higher-than-average grade material to date.

Surgical MiningTM Project

Kuya Silver is pleased to partner with Novamera Inc. with the aim of implementing its patented Surgical MiningTM technique at the Bethania project. The Bethania resource area consists of a swarm of structurally controlled silver-polymetallic veins, many of which extend to surface. Novamera's mining solution is well suited to the geology at Bethania, drilling large diameter holes from surface targeting vein mineralization. The resulting broken rock recovered consists of mineralized material similar to what would be mined using conventional underground mining methods. The technology consists of data driven hardware and software solutions to guide the drill process and minimize dilution. Once drilled, the holes can be immediately reclaimed to provide structural support to the mine with a minimal environmental footprint on surface.

Kuya Silver and Novamera have engaged to complete a definitive agreement on the SM Project as well as refining and finalizing the implementation plans over the next few months. Currently it is anticipated that the SM Project would provide up to an additional 100 tpd of production from surface, having little impact on Kuya Silver's conventional underground mining activities. The additional 100 tpd production could generate significant incremental revenue, enhancing cash flow and accelerating overall project payback. With minimal surface disruption and real-time reclamation, the SM Project aligns with Kuya Silver's commitment to sustainable mining practices.

Novamera has agreed to source funding for upfront capital required for the SM Project, which is expected to be on the order of $4.0 - $4.5 million USD, to be repaid from SM Project cash flows, after which Kuya Silver has agreed to pay Novamera a revenue share (capped at USD $50/oz silver price).

David Stein, Kuya Silver's President and CEO stated, "Since being introduced to Novamera and its Surgical MiningTM process, we have been fascinated by the possibility to use this technology at Bethania, which seems perfectly suited for this kind of technique to increase production and extract resources near surface that might otherwise be sterilized by normal mining operations. The arrangement with Novamera results in minimal upfront financial or operational risk to Kuya Silver, with the opportunity to profit meaningfully from this bonus production opportunity."

Dustin Angelo, Novamera's CEO said of the LOI, "We are excited to partner with Kuya Silver and help them unlock more value from their mineral resources. It's great to be working with such an outstanding team that is willing to explore innovative solutions that benefit all stakeholders of a mining project. We look forward to partnering with Kuya Silver, getting this project started in short order and showcasing the operational, economic and environmental benefits of Surgical MiningTM.

Bethania Ramp-up Update

The Bethania mine is ramping up production, broadly within expected parameters at this stage of the process. Overall production in Q3 and early Q4 was slowed by longer-than-expected lead time to purchase explosives, however these issues have now been fully resolved. To date, the mine has achieved close to 40 tpd of production, while at this stage mine development is still being heavily prioritized to reach optimal production levels in the near future. Currently the Company expects to achieve 100 tpd of mineralized and non-mineralized (development) material by mid Q1, with proportion of development declining in Q2 and beyond. Kuya Silver aims to achieve its initial target of 350 tpd by Q3 2025 (not including the SM Project).

In the normal course of mine development, Kuya Silver was pleased to encounter a previously unknown mineralized branch of the Espanola Vein while developing production access on the main Espanola Vein. Kuya Silver is currently mining this new vein with grades to date being well above the expected average. While this recent production success is not necessarily indicative of future production expectations, it is worth noting that our 2021-22 diamond drilling program, identified several previously unknown veins, now part of our resource estimate, and today in the early stages of mining operations we are seeing similar occurrences.

Finally, in preparation for year-end, the Bethania team is preparing to submit its mine plan for 2025 to the Peruvian authorities. In that plan, Kuya Silver has designed a new production ramp, to be developed progressively over the course of the year and beyond, which would improve safety, and allow for production to increase beyond 100tpd with better access to deeper levels of the mine. Kuya Silver has also designed a preliminary underground exploration drill program into its 2025 operations plans.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kevin J. O'Connell, P.E., Independent Technical Advisor to Kuya Silver and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Kuya Silver Corporation

Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya Silver operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada.

About Novamera

Novamera is a surgical mining technology company that has developed data-driven hardware and software solutions that pinpoint, map, navigate and extract high value narrow vein deposits. Novamera's precision drilling products integrate into conventional drilling equipment, enabling mining companies to quickly and sustainably mine various metal and mineral deposits that are otherwise uneconomic due to size, geometry and orientation. The process has large scale environmental and social impacts to support ESG targets and improve social licence. Requiring a small footprint with no blasting, the solution produces 95% less waste, 44% less GHG emissions and 99% less water discharge.

Reader Advisory

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statements, the Company's business operations, is forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the CSE nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232579

SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation
Istanbul, Turkiye--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Commencis, a leading technology company, today announced that it was named a winner of the 2024 'AWS Consulting Partner of the Year in Turkey', a regional AWS award recognizing partners that play a key role helping customers drive innovation and build solutions on AWS.

Commencis Named AWS Consulting Partner of the Year in Turkey

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AWS Regional Partner Awards recognize AWS's Top Partners of the Year and Rising Star Partners of the Year, whose business models have embraced specialization, innovation, and collaboration over the past year. AWS Partner Awards recognize partners whose business models continue to evolve and thrive on AWS as they work with customers. Winners were selected based on objective criteria with results audited by third-party analyst firm, Canalys.

Notably, Commencis was also a finalist for the EMEA Industry Partner of the Year - Consumer Goods, highlighting its expertise in delivering modern industry solutions and consulting services for the end-to-end transformation of consumer goods companies.

Alp Pekin, Chief Commercial Officer of Commencis stated: "2024 has been an incredibly productive and successful year for Commencis as an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner. We earned over 100 new certifications and secured multiple AWS competencies, showcasing our deep expertise. We've supported top brands, particularly in the retail sector, in unlocking the full potential of AWS infrastructure. Additionally, we've formed strategic partnerships that have further enhanced our ability to deliver exceptional cloud solutions. We're thrilled to receive this award, a true reflection of our team's dedication and achievements."

The AWS Partner Network (APN), is a global partner program, focused on helping partners build successful AWS-based businesses or solutions by providing business, technical, marketing, and go-to-market support. The APN includes independent software vendors (ISVs) and systems integrators (SIs) around the world, with AWS Partner participation growing significantly during the past 12 months.

To learn more about how Commencis helps companies deploy and manage cloud solutions to meet their business objectives, visit https://www.commencis.com/commencis-cloud-transformation/.

About Commencis

Commencis has more than two decades of expertise in the world of experience design, software engineering and cloud technologies. Putting digital at the core, we transform businesses to thrive and stay relevant in a demanding digital world leveraging the power of AI. We enable our clients to design and build digital experiences, create stronger and more meaningful relationships with their customers, and bring agility and scalability with cloud solutions.

Our products and solutions are used by leading brands in financial services, insurance, airlines, and retail in more than 20 countries. With 500 employees in our offices in Istanbul, London, and Berlin, we help our clients around the globe commence their next evolution and pave the way for a thriving digital society. For more information, visit www.commencis.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232436

SOURCE: B2Press BV
LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) and its gastroenterology (GI) business, Salix Pharmaceuticals ("Salix"), alongside the U.S. Pain Foundation (USPF), the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), and the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) have united to recognize today, Thursday, December 5, as the second annual Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) Awareness Day. This important day is dedicated to bringing awareness to a commonly-overlooked side effect of opioids. By raising awareness and fostering open conversations, OIC Awareness Day seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding this condition and offer support to the many patients impacted by OIC.

"As an organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with pain conditions, we're proud to participate in this year's OIC Awareness Day," said Kathy Sapp, CEO of ACPA. "By increasing awareness and improving communication between healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, we can make a meaningful difference for those affected by this commonly occurring condition."

In 2021, about 21% of adults in the U.S. experienced chronic pain. In 2019, 22% of adults with chronic pain were treated with a prescription opioid in the past three months. Opioids can cause OIC, which is a common side effect of opioid treatment. The annual recognition of OIC Awareness Day provides a platform for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to discuss this condition and encourage them to join the OICAwarenessDay movement.

"We're deeply committed to bringing attention to those affected by OIC on this annual awareness day," said Ceciel Rooker, President and Executive Director of IFFGD. "Empowering patients to speak openly about their symptoms is crucial. It's the first step toward helping to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment, and not suffer in silence."

In honor of the second annual OIC Awareness Day, Salix has refreshed the OICAwarenessDay.com website to offer valuable information and resources for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, addressing the causes, symptoms, and management of OIC. Additionally, Salix has partnered with influencers to spread the word online using the hashtag vOICesOfOIC, launched a content program with Chronicon, a global community for people with chronic illnesses, and shared posts across their social media channels to increase awareness about OIC.

"We're honored to be a part of OIC Awareness Day for the second year in a row," said Nicole Hemmenway, CEO of USPF. "By continuing to raise awareness about this condition, we aim to educate both healthcare providers and patients about OIC, a commonly overlooked side effect."

For more information on OIC and to learn how you can join the OICAwarenessDay movement, please visit www.OICAwarenessDay.com.

About Bausch Health

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. Our gastroenterology business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, is one of the largest specialty pharmaceutical businesses in the world and has licensed, developed and marketed innovative products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases for more than 30 years. For more information about Salix, visit www.Salix.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information about Bausch Health, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About The U.S. Pain Foundation

The U.S. Pain Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to empower, educate, connect, and advocate for individuals living with chronic illnesses and serious injuries that cause pain, as well as their care partners and clinicians. Through its multiple programs and services, the organization works to elevate the patient voice, increase disease-state education, improve pain care through policy change, expand outreach to underserved and marginalized communities, and provide comprehensive resources to ensure individuals are supported and empowered along their journeys. Learn more at uspainfoundation.org.

About The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by chronic gastrointestinal illnesses. Founded in 1991, IFFGD helps improve patient outcomes by enhancing awareness, improving education, and supporting and encouraging research into treatments and cures for chronic digestive disorders.

About The American Chronic Pain Association

?The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. Our Mission is to facilitate peer support, education, hope, and motivation for individuals living with pain and those treating pain conditions. We strive to raise awareness among the health care community, policymakers, and the public at large about issues of living with physical and emotional pain. Our vision is to motivate those with pain conditions to seek quality care, to optimize healthcare office visits, and to prevent chronic disease.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements about the future performance of Bausch Health which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to Bausch Health's overall business, including those more fully described in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference.

###

Investor Contact: Media Contact: Garen Sarafian Katie Savastano ir@bauschhealth.com corporate.communications@bauschhealth.com 877-281-6642 (toll-free) (908) 569-3692

SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant expansion to its Knaften-Hemberget gold property located in the southern part of the Swedish Gold Line in the prolific Vasterbotten District. Pending all final approvals, the newly submitted applications add 9,216 hectares to Gungnir's existing permits for a new total land package of more than 15,000 hectares or 150 square kilometres ( see maps ).

Highlights:

Expanded, under-explored 150 sq km property package (1) situated along the same "Gold Line" structural trend as First Nordic Metals Corp. that recently closed a C$11.5-million financing to fund exploration.

Located immediately up-ice of one the largest gold-in-till anomalies in the district.

Pre-expansion permits host the open-ended Knaften 300 Gold Zone (2) , a new 2024 surface gold target discovery, unsourced mineralized glacial float cluster with assays up to 8.52 g/t Au, untested high chargeability drill targets, as well as secondary base metals targets.

New permit applications expand coverage of potentially favourable greenstone belt lithologies, shear zones and intrusive rocks known to host gold mineralization in the region.

"With recent developments in the region and at a time of record gold prices, we have decided to focus on our highly prospective gold project in Sweden. In doing so, we submitted applications to significantly increase our land holdings along the Gold Line where we have held permits for some time with the intention of continuing to explore for the bedrock source(s) of the large Knaften regional gold-in-till anomaly", commented Jari Paakki, CEO. Mr. Paakki further added, "To fund and advance our now expanded Knaften-Hemberget gold project, as well as our temporarily paused nickel projects, the Company is considering multiple alternatives, including raising funds, an earn-in type arrangement or possibly an equitable merger".

The main new application area (Knaften nr 800) adjoins west and east of the Knaften property permits covering folded greenstone sequences with north-west and north-east trending shear zones (3) representing potential structural-lithologic sites for gold deposition. The smaller application (Knaften nr 900) covers the north-east corner of the known gold-hosting, quartz diorite intrusion. Other than mainly regional geological mapping, limited exploration is reported on these application areas with known drilling conducted on Gungnir's pre-expansion permits, mainly focused at the open-ended Knaften 300 Gold Zone. Significant drill results at the Knaften 300 Gold Zone by Gungnir and previous operators include:

59.60 g/t Au over 1.00 m (from 142.00 m) in hole KN19-06

5.39 g/t Au over 2.00 m (from 98.00 m) in hole KN19-09

3.45 g/t Au over 10.75 m (from 67.05 m) in hole 96009

3.20 g/t Au over 10.00 m (from 83.50 m) in hole 200707

2.92 g/t Au over 13.00 m (from 81.50 m) in re-sample 200707

3.11 g/t Au over 8.00 m (from 135.80 m) in hole 200714

2.13 g/t Au over 14.45 m (from 55.00 m) in hole KNA01001

2.01 g/t Au over 6.70 m (from 190.50 m) in hole 200710

2.89 g/t Au over 5.00 m (from 118.80 m) in hole 200715

Successful earlier exploration work by Gungnir at Knaften also includes discovery of a glacial float (boulder) cluster with assays returning up to 8.52 g/t Au (remains unsourced), identification of a new intrusion-hosted gold model at Knaften 300 with strong IP chargeability anomalies up to 40 mV/V in the south-east part of the intrusion (remain untested), as well as secondary targets including drill-discovery of VMS-related alteration and mineralization with anomalous zinc and gabbro-hosted copper-nickel mineralization, both previously unrecognized in the Knaften region. Work completed by Gungnir includes regional and local prospecting, completion of various geophysical surveys and drilling over 6,000 metres from 2017 to 2021.

Our latest developments in the Knaften-Hemberget area include our 2024 discovery of highly anomalous gold, up to 0.74 g/t Au in outcrop, from first-pass sampling within a newly identified gold exploration target on the Hemberget property (see news release dated September 16, 2024). The surface gold exploration target is defined by a two-kilometre-plus trend of angular to sub-angular mineralized and altered boulders, plus local possible lamprophyre dykes. The disseminated style of mineralization (arsenopyrite) and related silica-sericite alteration, makes this new surface gold discovery ideal for Induced Polarization (IP) geophysics to potentially outline drill targets with the goal of locating higher-grade gold mineralization; for further details including maps and photos refer to link below: https://www.gungnirresources.com/_resources/pdfs/Hemberget-September-2024.pdf?v=110309.

Gold Line Summary

The Knaften-Hemberget project is located in the south-east portion of the Gold Line, immediately north, up-ice of one of the largest, mainly unsourced gold-in-till anomalies in the district. The Gold Line is a proven but under-explored gold belt covering gold deposits and occurrences in different geological environments roughly aligned along a regional tectonic zone with gold mineralization primarily associated with arsenopyrite. It hosts Gungnir's Knaften 300 Gold Zone and more advanced gold deposits including Barsele containing greater than 2 million oz Au (Agnico Eagle 55% / First Nordic Metals 45%; see First Nordic's website) and Dragon Mining's Svartliden and Faboliden deposits which includes a gold mill at Svartliden.

As an interesting empirical observation, these four deposits/zones along the Gold Line are roughly 30 km apart on average, similar to regularly-spaced intervals of orogenic gold deposits in much larger global gold belts in Superior, Canada, and Yilgarn, Australia where deposits cluster into camps, commonly spaced every 30 to 50 km (4). It may be a coincidence or it could possibly also suggest fundamental structural sites for gold deposition along the Gold Line with further up-side potential, especially in the less explored Knaften-Hemberget area.

High-Grade Nickel

The Company continues to seek a quality partner to continue advancing its nickel assets, including the high-grade Lappvattnet nickel deposit. Gungnir to date has drilled 7,345 metres in fifty-three holes at Lappvattnet (2021-2023) with the goal of potentially upgrading and expanding the existing nickel deposit. Drilling has produced numerous, impressive near-surface nickel hits (Main Zone) including individual assays up to 7.38% Ni, as well as discovery of a new Footwall Zone. The key drill-target is the shallow, eastern down-plunge deposit extension where historic drilling is very sparse. Up to September 30, 2024, the Company reported C$1.36M in expenditures at Lappvattnet. Highlight Main Zone drill intersections include:

3.19% Ni over 4.25 metres within 10.4 metres of 1.51% Ni in hole LAP21-02 (from 45 metres)

2.62% Ni over 5.65 metres within 14.0 metres of 1.40% Ni in hole LAP21-05 (from 60 metres)

1.74% Ni over 10.00 metres in hole LAP21-13 (from 21 metres)

36.00 metres grading 0.93% Ni in hole LAP21-04 (from 49 metres)

3.02% Ni over 5.66 metres within 9.0 metres of 2.35% Ni in hole LAP22-19 (from 66 metres)

4.04% Ni over 5.76 metres 18.28 metres of 1.49% Ni in hole LAP22-25 (from 58 metres)

2.47% Ni over 6.10 metres hole LAP23-01 (from 66 metres)

Please refer to the 2020 NI43-101 Technical Report on the Company's home page and the Company's nickel projects summary presentation for further deposit details, drill results and core photos: https://www.gungnirresources.com/_resources/pdfs/Sweden-Nickel-Projects-2024.pdf?v=110701

Notes/Reference:

The expanded Knaften-Hemberget property package consists of seven permits, including four currently valid permits (Knaften nr 100, 200, 600 and 700), one permit under application for extension (Knaften nr 300) and two new permit applications (Knaften nr 800 totaling 8,967 ha and Knaften 900 totaling 249 ha), with the latter three applications pending final approvals. Payments for applications have all been made. Gungnir previously held Knaften nr 900 and a portion of Knaften nr 800. Adjustments to current and new permit blocks can be expected from time to time based on prospectivity, renewal costs and successful extension applications. For more information of permit status, please visit the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden's website: https://www.sgu.se/en/mining-inspectorate/prospecting-process/. The reader is cautioned that there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource at the Knaften 300 Gold Zone, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Kathol B, Weilhed P editors, (2005) Description of regional geological and geophysical maps of the Skellefte District and surrounding areas, Knaften area pages 109-111. Robert F, Poulson H, Cassidy K.F, Hodgson C.F (2005) Gold metallogeny of the Yilgarn and Superior cratons. Econ Geol 100th Anniversary 1001-1034.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared, verified and approved by Jari Paakki, P.Geo., CEO, and a director of the Company. Mr. Paakki is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Gungnir Resources

Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V, ASWRF: OTCPK) with gold and base metal projects in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, both with updated nickel resources, the Knaften-Hemberget project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, a newly discovered gold target at Hemberget, and secondary VMS-style mineralization and copper-nickel targets. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Jari Paakki, CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Head Office/Investor Relations

Phone: +1-604-683-0484

Email: corporatecommunications@gungnirresources.com

Jari Paakki, CEO

Email: jpaakki@eastlink.ca

Chris Robbins, CFO

Email: robbinscr@shaw.ca

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 Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "subject to", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations of successful permit approvals and renewals and timing thereof; expectations that current properties remain the same size or valid as adjustments to current and new permit blocks can be expected based on prospectivity, renewal costs and successful extension applications; expectations of successfully raising funds, an earn-in type arrangement or possibly an equitable merger to fund and advance projects; expectations of scope and timing of future exploration work, including work plan approvals and securing required contractors and partners; and Gungnir's plan for development of its properties and the timing thereof.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: access to the projects will remain available; transportation and infrastructure will remain available as anticipated; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned including receipt of all permits and extension of certain permits; Gungnir will be able to access capital markets and successfully complete financings on terms it determines to be reasonable; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the anticipated timelines. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit or new targets will be located on Gungnir's properties; gold prices may significantly decline; ability to find required contractors and partners to assist Gungnir as well as other types of arrangements with third parties to advance projects; that Gungnir may not be able to complete its planned work as anticipated; the impacts of war and/or other international conflicts; ability to access capital markets and complete successful financings on terms Gungnir determines to be reasonable; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; receipt of required permits, permits and approvals; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Frequency Exchange Corp. ("Frequency Exchange" or the "Company") (TSXV:FREQ)(OTC PINK:FRECF) is pleased to announce it has officially launched its NIKKI Wellness Technology ("NIKKI") on e-health platform GetHealthy.Store's virtual catalogue. GetHealthy.Store is a unique online portal that allows health practitioners to prescribe products to patients directly via the platform's 1,000+ "Virtual Clinic Stores".

The launch of NIKKI into GetHealthy.Store clinics is part of an agreement (the "Agreement") between Frequency Exchange's wholly owned subsidiary, FREmedica Technologies Inc., ("FREmedica") and GetHealthy.Store, first announced in a press release dated August 26, 2024.

Per the Agreement, FREmedica has launched its NIKKI Wellness Technology, a wearable that harnesses the power of bioenergetics for health and wellbeing (pictured below), on GetHealthy.Store's catalogue, which features 350+ health product brands encompassing 7000+ products. These brands and products are available through GetHealthy.Store's 1,000+ Virtual Clinic Stores which are currently used by more than 2,500 health practitioners across the United States.

Through GetHealthy.Store, doctors will be able to prescribe NIKKI along with individually tailored Wellness Programs to patients directly. General consumers and practitioner patients will also be able to purchase NIKKI through practitioner stores built on GetHealthy.Store's platform, and will have access to general Wellness Programs for sleep improvement, pain-relief, anxiety reduction, and energy boosting.

Per the terms of the Agreement, GetHealthy.Store will be responsible for central distribution and product fulfillment for all NIKKI sales in the USA and 25 additional countries, as well as customer service, supply chain management, and all sales and marketing. The Agreement allows FREmedica to scale quickly and seamlessly in the event of rising sales demand, enabling it to supply up to 1,000,000 NIKKI devices every 90-120 days.

FREmedica will also have the option to pursue co-branding and co-marketing opportunities with other companies featured on GetHealthy.Store's catalogue, for example with supplement companies whose products will complement NIKKI's unique Wellness Technology.

Frequency Exchange Founder and CEO Stephen Davis discussed NIKKI and the role of frequency therapy in holistic health in the latest episode of the Holistic Growth Podcast: Navigating Business in Natural Health and Functional Medicinewith host Dr. Tracey Stroup, ND, Chief Health & Growth Officer at GetHealthy.Store. Listen to the episode here.

Stephen Davis, Founder and CEO of Frequency Exchange Corp commented: "NIKKI is now available in GetHealthy.Store catalogues, opening the door for sales across more than 1,000 Virtual Clinic Stores, and accelerating our distribution potential across the USA and internationally. We're extremely fortunate to be working with GetHealthy.Store and their incredible team, and we thank Dr. Tracey Stroup and Jon Armstrong for their ongoing support. I have spoken with so many doctors who are discovering the benefits of bioenergetics on the health and wellbeing of their patients, especially with respect to Lyme disease and other often misunderstood illnesses. NIKKI truly is the first and only technology that enables individuals to harness the power of bioenergetics easily and conveniently, as part of their daily routine. We can't wait for more people to discover how NIKKI can complement both holistic and western medicine to promote healing and improve overall wellbeing."

Dr. Tracey Stroup, ND, Chief Health & Growth Officer for GetHealthy.Store commented: "The NIKKI wearable frequency device is a game-changer in integrative health. Its ease of use makes it accessible for everyone - from kids to adults - ensuring high compliance across the board. This innovative technology is the perfect complement to any supplement protocol, amplifying its efficacy and optimizing results. Whether you're managing chronic health issues or enhancing wellness, the NIKKI watch delivers incredible benefits in a simple, wearable form."

About GetHealthy.Store

GetHealthy revolutionizes health care practices by providing a seamless online dispensary experience within your own branded store, managed by us. Our user-friendly, all-in-one platform features a customizable storefront and a single administrative dashboard to script protocols and manage all online sales, enhancing both patient engagement and business growth. We offer a wide range of products and services, including diagnostic tests, premium supplements, inventory management, and turnkey marketing support, across multiple categories of health and wellness products. By bridging the gap between technology and care, GetHealthy equips health and wellness professionals with the tools and support needed to deliver exceptional patient care while boosting business revenue and engagement. Visit GetHealthy.store for more information.

About Frequency Exchange Corp.

Based in British Columbia, Canada, Frequency Exchange Corp. is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol "FREQ.V", and on the OTC in the US under the symbol "FRECF" ( www.FrequencyExchangeCorp.com). Frequency Exchange acquired FREmedica Technologies Inc. in 2022. FREmedica is now a wholly owned and operating subsidiary of Frequency Exchange Corp. FREmedica's business is focused on the development and global commercialization of "NIKKI", a Wellness Technology delivering frequency-enhanced Wellness Programs. FREmedica began with the development of a specialized Lyme support program designed to help people struggling with Lyme disease. Now FREmedica, through NIKKI, delivers Wellness Programs to assist with issues including sleep, pain, energy, immunity, and many more.

NIKKI delivers Wellness Programs to restore and improve communication in the network of trillions of cells that make up the human body. Strong cell communication is essential to good health. Health can be disrupted by physical, mental and emotional trauma. For example, poor sleep can be a symptom of pain, stress, and fatigue stemming from poor cell communication. NIKKI delivers specific frequencies into the body for the purpose of restoring proper cell function. Categories of Wellness Programs continue to grow. NIKKI Wellness Technology combined with frequency-based Wellness Programs is the result of years of development and experimentation with advanced bioenergetic technology. In third-party quality-of-life testing over an eight-week period, NIKKI proved to provide an unprecedented level of benefits ranging from better sleep and reduced pain to less anxiety and greater energy, with 90% of the test subjects experiencing improvement in overall wellness. Learn more at: www.WeAreNikki.com

The name "NIKKI" simply means "Victor of the People"; bringing wellness programs to all walks of life.

For more information, please contact:

Frequency Exchange Corp.

Stephen Davis

CEO and Director

250-732-7170

FREmedica Technologies Inc.

Nicole Sullivan

President

nicole.sullivan@wearenikki.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the trading date of the Company's common shares on the Exchange. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. 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. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at: www.sedar.com.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Frequency Exchange Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU)(OTCQB:TRUIF)(FSE:706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to report on high grade gold ("Au") assays from rock sampling and mapping carried out on a section of the company-defined Mark's Pond to Rich House ("MPRH") exploration fairway at its flagship Golden Rose Project ("Golden Rose"). The Golden Rose project is strategically located along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone in Central Newfoundland.

Highlights

Sampling and mapping were carried out along a 15 metre ("m") wide strip along the north shore of Lake Victoria made possible by unusually low water levels. This strip represents partial exposure of a 4 km stretch along the MPRH exploration fairway; A total of 47 bedrock and float grab samples were collected along the exposed shoreline, with 22 having grades in excess of 0.1 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au, of which 8 returned grades in excess of 30 g/t Au including 4 which returned grades in excess of 100 g/t Au; 12 of the bedrock and float samples contained visible gold ("VG"); A new bedrock occurrence with Rich House type alteration and veining was discovered approximately 1,100 m southwest ("SW") of Rich House; and The exposed north shore provided valuable geological information on what is interpreted to be a portion of a highly prospective structural trend extending through much of the large Golden Rose property.

CEO Statement

TRU CEO Steve Nicol commented: "The impressive grade results returned from this program of rock sampling signals that Golden Rose has the potential to generate high grade gold, but more significantly this rare exposure of lake shore has exposed a portion of the larger structural trend that is interpreted to extend for some 33 kms from NE to SW across the Golden Rose property. As only minimal information is currently available along the trend due to bog and till cover, studying this exposed lake shore provides valuable insight into some of the controls on gold mineralization occurring along this larger trend. The collection of many high-grade rock samples, some containing VG, also reinforces the Company's selection of the MPRH exploration fairway as the focus for initial drill planning. It is a credit to the TRU geological team that it recognized the importance of the opportunity afforded by the unexpectedly low water levels within Victoria Lake and moved quickly to take full advantage of the opportunity."

Sampling and Mapping

As previously reported (see news release dated October 22, 2024), TRU is in the process of rigorously and methodically assessing the project-wide data for Golden Rose, including geological re-evaluation, infill sampling, and field validation with the objective of developing an updated model of mineralization potential across the entire project area. The initial focus is on the MPRH exploration fairway where drilling is being planned.

The MPRH exploration fairway is a structural corridor interpreted to be up to 2 kilometres ("km") wide and over 7 km long, stretching from the Mark's Pond gold zone in the southwest to the Rich House showing to the northeast ("NE") (Figure 1). For several kilometres, the MPRH exploration fairway is parallel to the northwest shore of Victoria Lake.

FIGURE 1: MPRH exploration fairway location

The 2024 fieldwork program was assisted by unusually low water levels in Victoria Lake leaving exposed a significant amount of the lake shore and thus uncovering a 15 metre ("m") wide strip along the entire north shore of the lake representing a 4 km stretch of the MPRH exploration fairway.

Sampling and mapping were carried out by the TRU geological team along this strip of exposed shoreline. Bedrock samples were taken from siliceous intervals associated with a contact zone exhibiting iron carbonate alteration that can be tracked over an extensive strike length. Individual siliceous intervals extend to a width of up to 4 m, over 10's of metres in length. Many of the float samples collected were from angular boulders suggesting that they may not have been transported very far from the original source. A table of samples that returned in excess of 0.1 g/t from the sampling program is provided below (Figure 2). Figure 3 shows the locations of significant samples along the shoreline, close to Rich House.

Sample No. Type Description Visible Gold Au (g/t) 776697 Outcrop Quartz-carbonate veining on margin of Silica flooded Fe carbonate zone. VG 1,361.3 776858 Outcrop Quartz-carbonate veining on margin of Silica flooded Fe carbonate zone. VG 584.8 776854 Outcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 104.1 776857 Outcrop Quartz-carbonate veining on margin of Silica flooded Fe carbonate zone VG 30.1 776872 Outcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 15.5 776903 Outcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 4.7 776905 Outcrop Quartz Vein 1.3 776687 Outcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins 0.4 776916 Outcrop Mafic Volcanic 0.2 776856 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 140.0 776852 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 82.0 776859 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 51.4 776860 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 45.9 776855 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 25.2 776853 Subcrop Silica Flooded Fe carbonate + Qtz veins VG 17.0 776683 Float Quartz Breccia 25.3 776684 Float Quartz Vein 15.9 776696 Float Quartz Breccia 3.5 776686 Float Iron Formation 0.9 776695 Float Quartz Vein 0.4 776909 Float Granitic Dyke 0.2 776690 Float Quartz Vein 0.1

FIGURE 2: Table of significant sample results (> 0.1 g/t Au)

FIGURE 3: Grab sample locations and assays with geology close to Rich House

The MPRH exploration fairway forms part of a larger structural trend interpreted to extend for some 33 kms in a NE to SW direction across the Golden Rose property. The geology of this structural trend is complex with numerous sedimentary and volcanics lithologies existing as overlapping thrust slices over 10's of kms. The trend is interpreted to be highly prospective for Au along its entire length but has limited surface expression. The opportunity provided TRU geologists by the recently exposed Lake Victoria shoreline in a portion of the MPRH exploration fairway provides a valuable source of geological information which will assist to advance TRU's discovery aims for Golden Rose in this much larger structural trend.

High resolution drone imagery has also been collected over the exposed shoreline to document the outcrops for further geological interpretation.

Data Verification

During all exploration sampling and analysis works on its Golden Rose Project, TRU maintains strict quality assurance and quality control programs and has a sample security procedure in place. These are tailored as necessary to be appropriate to the types of samples being collected.

Samples reported on in this news release comprised rock chip and grab samples. These samples were all packed in sealed plastic bags and transported by the TRU Project Geologist directly to the laboratories of Eastern Analytical in Springdale, NL (ISO 17025 certified) for industry standard assay techniques for gold.

All samples containing VG were assayed using total pulp metallics as well as ICP-34 while the remaining samples were analyzed by 30g fire assay with AA finish and ICP-34 techniques. Blank and standard samples were inserted by the laboratory in addition to analysis of duplicate samples.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release has been prepared and approved by Joel Cranford, P.Geo., Project Geologist for TRU, and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

Joel Cranford has verified all scientific and technical data disclosed in this news release and noted no errors or omissions during the data verification process.

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU (TSXV:TRU)(OTCQB:TRUIF)(FSE:706) is on a mission to build long-term shareholder value through prudent natural resource property development. The Company's flagship project is the Golden Rose Project, a regional-scale 297.5 km2 land package in Central Western Newfoundland (includes a 33.25 km2 package of claims over which TRU has an option with TSX-listed Quadro Resources to acquire up to an aggregate 65% ownership) which straddles a 45km strike length along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone, directly between Calibre Mining's Valentine Gold Project and AuMEGA Metals' Cape Ray Gold Project. TRU is currently focused on efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential at Golden Rose, targeting discovery along this proven gold bearing trend.

TRU is approximately 36%-owned by European strategic investor Ormonde Mining plc (AQSE:ORM).

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Steve NICOL

CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878)

Email: ir@trupreciousmetals.com

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TRUMetals

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruMetalsCorp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TRUMetals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRUMetals/

Acknowledgement

TRU would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for financial support through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program and the Federal Government for its critical mineral assistance funding for the exploration activities at Golden Rose.

Cautionary Statements - Preliminary Results

The results obtained from the exploration works subject of this news release are comprised of grab samples from outcrop and float. They are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of the occurrence of a deposit.

The potential quantity and grade of metals and minerals in Golden Rose is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

Cautionary Statement - Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to exploration and drilling plans at Golden Rose. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Golden Rose, the Company's exploration programs and results, and commodities prices that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Golden Rose; the exploration potential of Golden Rose and the nature and style of mineralization at Golden Rose; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in precious metals and base metals prices; volatility in economic conditions and financial markets; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: TRU Precious Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (TSXV: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTC Pink: SPAZF) (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") is pleased to provide additional results from the 2024 drill program for the Spanish Mountain Gold project located in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia, Canada.

Highlights:

Hole 24-DH-1265 intersected 49.00 m grading 0.58 g/t Au (from 115.00 m to 164.00 m), including 9.00 m grading 2.09 g/t Au, and including 1.50 m grading 11.95 g/t Au.

Hole 24-DH-1265 also intersected 35.62 m grading 0.46 g/t Au, including 4.62 m grading 1.40 g/t Au , and 127.00 m grading 0.30 g/t Au (from 410.50 m to 537.50 m), including 4.50 m grading 1.58 g/t Au.

Hole 24-DH-1266 intersected 56.70 m grading 0.40 g/t Au (from 287.30 m to 344.00 m), including 7.50 m grading 1.09 g/t Au .

Hole 24-DH-1264 intersected 46.50 m grading 0.22 g/t Au (from 157.25 m to 203.75 m).

See Plan View & Long Section, 2024 Drill Program (Figure 1)

These results are important for three reasons:

Extended near surface mineralization within to the northwest of the 2021 resource pit, which has the potential to lower the strip ratio and expand resources (refer to press release dated October 16, 2024, for previously reported drill hole 24-DH-1267). Three holes in this series ended in strong mineralization indicating the deposit is potentially open at depth and not cut off by Fault 2, with mineralization extending an average of 40 m beyond the fault. All holes intersected mineralization proximal to Fault 1 and exhibited high-grade intercepts near faults and lithological contacts associated with pyrite, quartz veining, and silica alteration.

Peter Mah, Spanish Mountain Gold's President & CEO commented, "These results are encouraging indications of mineral endowment growth opportunities that reinforce the 2023 decisions to halt the EA process, re-interpret the geology and drill test the potential for mineralization extensions that could support a larger ultimate project scale. The Company is focused on updating a mineral resource estimate and PEA in the first half of 2025. We will utilize this new information to plan our 2025 exploration program to support growth opportunities, and the potential for near-surface staged production alternatives."



Figure 1 - Plan View & Long Section, 2024 Drilling (dated 04Dec2024)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5231/232586_05dec24_figure_1-smg_plan_view.jpg

2024 Drill Program

The 2024 drill program consisted of 11 NQ-sized diamond drill holes for a total of 5,590 m to target newly identified zones of mineralization within and/or near the 2021 pit constrained resource (refer to the Spanish Mountain Gold Project - Prefeasibility Study (PFS) and Mineral Resource Estimate, and associated NI 43-101 Technical Report, effective date May 10, 2023, available on the Company's website or under the Company's profile on Sedarplus.ca.)

The program included downhole surveying, oriented core and X-ray fluorescent ("XRF") data, which aimed to maximize information, improve ore body knowledge and better understand the mineralization controls and their orientation.

Main and Slipper Zone Extensions

Four step-out holes (which includes the previously reported drill hole 24-DH-1267) were collared within the 2021 resource pit boundary to test for mineralized extensions and continuity to the northwest near and within the Slipper Zone, Main Zone, Fault 1 and Fault 2. Initial drilling shows mineralization continues to trend northwest towards the Satellite Pit (see Figure 1 - Satellite Pit as identified in the 2021 PFS, see above) and remains open at depth.

Each of the holes intersected gold mineralization within multiple, newly interpreted geological units. Below describes the results from holes 24-DH-1264; 65; and 66.

Hole 24-DH-1264 intersected two key intervals of 46.50 m grading 0.22 g/t Au (starting at a depth of 157.25 m) and 26.50 m grading 0.26 g/t Au (starting at a depth of 265.00 m), where 'blebby' pyrite mineralization is stratigraphically controlled between the Volcanic Tuff and Greywacke units contact (see Figure 1 - Long Section View).

Hole 24-DH-1265 demonstrated continuity in the Slipper Zone, intersecting 49.00 m grading 0.58 g/t Au, including 9.00 m grading 2.09 g/t Au, and including a high-grade interval of 1.50 m grading 11.95 g/t Au, affirming the potential for higher-grade intercepts within the deposit. This hole expands the Slipper Zone mineralization 50 m deeper and 40 m further to the west compared to the 2021 resource block model. The bottom of the hole ended in mineralization intercepting 0.32 g/t Au over 127.00 m, including 4.60 m grading 1.58 g/t Au.

Hole 24-DH-1266 extended mineralization along Fault 1 returning 56.70 m grading 0.40 g/t Au, and Fault 2 returning 46.00 m grading 0.19 g/t Au.

The results of the four step-out holes substantiate the potential structural controls along the north-south faults, new geological model and expansion potential to the northwest.

Julian Manco, Spanish Mountain Gold's Director, Exploration commented, "The 2024 drill program targets were selected according to a new, improved geological interpretation based on extensive core relogging, a new 3D structural model and geochemical information. This has led to an improved 3D regional geological model which we anticipate will provide new insights for future exploration targets on what is emerging as an unconstrained larger gold endowment."

Table 1: 2024 Drill Program - Gold Assay Results

Drillhole ID From To True Width

(m) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) 24-DH-1264 27.00 33.00 6.00 0.44 24-DH-1264 37.50 39.00 1.50 0.33 24-DH-1264 138.25 140.00 1.75 0.56 24-DH-1264 157.25 203.75 46.50 0.22 24-DH-1264 265.00 291.50 26.50 0.26 24-DH-1264 358.50 363.75 5.25 0.56 24-DH-1264 436.00 440.00 4.00 0.28 24-DH-1264 558.00 562.50 4.50 0.36 24-DH-1265 56.50 62.50 6.00 0.19 24-DH-1265 73.00 83.50 10.50 0.18 24-DH-1265 115.00 164.00 49.00 0.58 including 115.00 133.00 9.00 2.09 including 131.50 133.00 1.50 11.95 24-DH-1265 275.00 278.00 3.00 0.27 24-DH-1265 285.38 321.00 35.62 0.46 including 285.38 290.00 4.62 1.40 24-DH-1265 329.54 332.50 2.96 0.27 24-DH-1265 340.00 341.50 1.50 0.38 24-DH-1265 346.00 356.50 10.50 0.46 24-DH-1265 388.00 395.00 7.00 0.31 24-DH-1265 410.50 537.50 127.00 0.3 including 499.00 503.50 4.50 1.58 24-DH-1266 44.50 47.50 3.00 0.33 24-DH-1266 80.50 94.00 13.50 0.21 24-DH-1266 127.50 129.00 1.50 0.34 24-DH-1266 206.00 212.50 6.50 0.24 24-DH-1266 265.50 276.00 10.50 0.19 24-DH-1266 287.30 344.00 56.70 0.4 including 310.00 317.50 7.50 1.09 24-DH-1266 356.00 360.50 4.50 0.28 24-DH-1266 395.00 411.00 16.00 0.4 24-DH-1266 446.00 450.50 4.50 0.44 24-DH-1266 483.00 484.50 1.50 0.56 24-DH-1266 512.50 558.50 46.00 0.16

Notes:

1) Intersections are calculated above 0.15 g/t Au cut-off.

2) The Company is unaware of any drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data presented above.

3) The complete assay table is available on the Company's website

Table 2: Drill Hole Location

HOLE-ID LOCATION X LOCATION Y LOCATION Z Azimuth Dip LENGTH 24-DH-1264 603928.32 5828193.718 1072.499 120 -70 584.00 24-DH-1265 603857.003 5828239.571 1075.001 120 -70 537.50 24-DH-1266 603781.925 5828262.461 1065.138 120 -70 558.00 24-DH-1267 603699.827 5828270.035 1067.569 120 -70 653.80

Drill Core Processing, Data Verification and Quality Assurance - Quality Control Program (QA/QC)

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labeled, and bagged. The remaining half of the drill core is securely stored on-site. Numbered security tags are applied to sample shipments to ensure chain of custody compliance. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals, including blanks and reference materials, with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QA/QC program is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Julian Manco, P.Geo, Director of Exploration (as described below).

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in Kamloops, British Columbia, for preparation with analysis performed in Vancouver. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays, with all analytical methods incorporating quality control materials at defined frequencies and established data acceptance criteria.

Each entire sample is crushed, and a 1 kg portion is pulverized. Gold analysis is conducted using a 30 g fire assay fusion with an atomic absorption (AAS) finish, with detection limits ranging from 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm. Also, Au Screen 30 g FA, 1 kg, 100 - 106 m method is used with detection limits ranging from 0.05 ppm to 10%. Overlimit gold values are analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish.

The samples are also subjected to a 34-element geochemical analysis using a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Results are reviewed by Spanish Mountain's geologists using ALS's QCPro software to ensure quality assurance before disclosure. ALS is independent of the Company.

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., has verified the data disclosed in this news release. The data verification process involved a multi-step approach to ensure accuracy and integrity. This included a detailed quality control (QC) analysis of the data, which was performed using both internal and external platforms, such as the QCPro software. These QC checks involved the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and duplicates to confirm the reliability of the assay results. In addition, Julian conducted a field inspection of the specific drill intervals mentioned in this release to directly observe the geological features and verify the nature of the results presented.

Qualified Person

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., Director of Exploration with Spanish Mountain Gold, is the Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. We are conducting an integrated Whittle Enterprise Optimization to identify the highest potential value-add improvements while increasing the understanding of the high-grade geologic controls and associated drill targets that could upgrade and expand the gold resource. We are striving to be a leader in community and Indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details on the Company are available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website: www.spanishmountaingold.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

"Peter Mah"

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Spanish Mountain Gold 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.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the pending holes from this drill program and the timing and results thereof; the potential to lower the strip ratio within the near surface environment; and the delivery of an updated mineral resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), and the timing and results thereof. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232586

SOURCE: Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.
Majority Ownership of Underexplored, Belt-Scale Gold Project in Western Australia

PERTH, AUSTRALIA and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Sarama Resources Ltd. ("Sarama" or the "Company") (ASX:SRR)(TSXV:SWA) is pleased to advise that it has completed the acquisition of a majority interest(1) in the Cosmo Gold Project (the "Project") in Western Australia. This follows satisfaction of all outstanding conditions precedent and receipt of final securities exchange approval.

The 580km Cosmo Gold Project(2)covers the entirety of the Cosmo-Newbery Greenstone Belt and is located approximately 85km north-east of Laverton in a region known for its prolific gold endowment (refer Figure 1). As one of the last effectively unexplored greenstone belts in Western Australia, the Project presents a unique and compelling opportunity for the Company.

Highlights

Sarama's President, CEO & MD, Andrew Dinning commented:

"We are very pleased to have completed the acquisition and gained control of the Cosmo Gold Project which we view as a compelling greenfields exploration opportunity in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields. The Project has excellent access and importantly scale, favorable lithological and structural settings and historical high-grade workings dating back to the 1890's. Sarama has already commenced a broad-scale, systematic exploration program and looks forward to working up the Project's first drill targets. We would also like to acknowledge the work done on the Project by Cosmo Gold Ltd and look forward to the ongoing support of the Traditional Owners for Sarama's planned endeavors."

Cosmo Newbery Project

The Project is comprised of 7 contiguous exploration tenements covering approximately 580km in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, approximately 85km north-east of Laverton and 95km west of the world-class Gruyere Gold Mine. The Project is readily accessible via the Great Central Road which services the Cosmo Newbery Community.

The Project captures one of the last unexplored greenstone belts in Western Australia and with a strike length of +50km, the Cosmo Newbery Belt represents a large and prospective system with gold first being discovered in the area in the 1890's. Multiple historical gold workings are documented within the Project area and work undertaken to date has identified multiple exploration targets for follow up.

Despite this significant prospectivity, the Project has seen virtually no modern explorationor drilling of merit due to a lack of land access persisting over a significant period. As a result, the Project has not benefited from the evolution of geochemical and geophysical techniques which now facilitate effective exploration in deeply weathered and complex regolith settings which is particularly pertinent given approximately 75% of the Project area is under cover.

Following the relatively recent securing of land access, the Project is now available for systematic and modern-day exploration programs to be conducted on a broad-scale. It is anticipated that future exploration programs will initially follow-up preliminary targets generated from regional soil sampling and limited reconnaissance drilling programs, a majority of which extended to approximately 5m below surface with a small percentage extending up to 30m below surface.

Figure 1 - Cosmo Gold Project Location, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia

Transaction & Joint Venture Summary

Pursuant to the binding Asset Sale and Purchase Agreement executed by Sarama and a 100%-owned subsidiary with Cosmo Gold Limited ("Cosmo") and Adelong Gold Limited ("Adelong"), Sarama has acquired an initial 80% of Cosmo's interest in the Project (the "Transaction").

An unincorporated joint venture has been formed between Sarama (via its subsidiary) and Cosmo on industry-standard terms to advance exploration on the Project, with the initial participating interests being 80% Sarama and 20% Cosmo. The joint venture structure will ensure continuity of exploration and Traditional Owner relationships and provide for transfer of technical knowledge for the benefit of the Project. Under the terms of the joint venture, Sarama has been appointed as operator and will assume sole responsibility for funding all activities on the Project up to the point of a 'Decision to Mine' being made. Within a 2-year period following completion of the Transaction, Sarama has, subject to the prior approval of TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"), the right to acquire the remainder of Cosmo's interest in the Project for consideration of A$1,250,000, payable in cash or shares at Sarama's election. In the event the right is not exercised, the parties will continue under the established joint venture relationship. Upon a 'Decision to Mine' being made, the parties will be required to contribute to joint venture costs in proportion to their participating interests. In the event a party does not contribute its share of proportional joint venture costs, the participating interest of that party shall be diluted according to an industry standard formula and if a party's interest is diluted to 10% or less, that party's interest shall be automatically converted to a 0.5% net smelter return royalty and the non-diluting party shall have a 100% interest.

The following information is provided for exchange compliance purposes:

The Asset Sale & Purchase Agreement in relation to Sarama, via a 100%-owned subsidiary, acquiring an interest in the Project is dated 12 August 2024, was fully executed 13 August 2024 and disseminated on TSX-V newswire services on 13 August 2024 and on the Australian Securities Exchange (" ASX ") platform on 14 August 2024. The Transaction is being conducted at arm's length and no Finders' Fees are payable.

In consideration for Sarama, via a 100%-owned subsidiary, acquiring an initial 80% interest of Cosmo's interest in the Project, Sarama has made the following payments: Cash consideration payment of A$100,000 to Cosmo; Issuance to Adelong, as directed by Cosmo, of 25,000,000 Chess Depository Instruments (" CDI s") in Sarama and 7,500,000 options (exercisable at A$0.05/option for a period of 2-years after issue and converting to Sarama CDIs at a rate of 1:1) to settle and fully release Cosmo from indebtedness to Adelong; Cash payments for project-related expenses of: approximately A$76,000 to various governmental agencies in connection with mineral tenure fees; approximately A$139,000 to various mining services suppliers in connection with soil geochemistry works; and approximately A$112,000 to Native Title groups in connection with land access agreement fees.

Sarama advises it has issued news releases in relation to the acquisition of an interest in the Project on the following dates: 5 November 2024 14 October 2024 25 September 2024 13 August 2024 16 July 2024 17 June 2024



For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dinning or Paul Schmiede

Sarama Resources Ltd

e: info@saramaresources.com

t: +61 8 9363 7600

FOOTNOTES

Sarama, via its 100%-owned subsidiary, has acquired from Cosmo an 80% interest in all the Project's Exploration Licences, with the exception of E38/2274 for which Sarama has acquired an effective 60% interest (with Cosmo retaining a 15% interest and an existing joint tenement holder retaining a 25% interest). The tenements in which Sarama has acquired an 80% interest account for approximately 80% of the total area of the Project. For a period of 2-years following completion of the Transaction, Sarama has the right to acquire Cosmo's remaining 20% interest, which would result in Sarama having an aggregate 100% interest, in all the Project's Exploration Licences (with the exception of Exploration Licence E38/2274 which would be held 75% by Sarama and 25% by an existing joint tenement holder in the event that Sarama exercises the option to acquire Cosmo's remaining interest in the Project). The Project is comprised of the following contiguous Exploration Licences: E38/2851, E38/3456, E38/2627, E38/2274, E38/3525, E38/3249 and E38/2774 covering approximately 580km. Prior to completion of the Transaction, Cosmo had a 100% interest in all the Project's Exploration Licences with the exception of E38/2274 for which Cosmo held a 75% interest.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the prospectivity of the Cosmo Gold Project, information with respect to Sarama having or acquiring mineral interests in areas which are considered highly prospective for gold and other commodities and which remain underexplored, costs and timing of future exploration, the potential for exploration discoveries and generation of targets, the intention to gain the best commercial outcome for shareholders of the Company, timing and receipt of approvals, consents and permits under applicable legislation and the completion of a transaction to acquire Cosmo's residual interest in the Cosmo Gold Project. Actual results, performance or achievements of the Company may vary from the results suggested by such forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, among others, that the business of exploration for gold and other precious minerals involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative in nature; Mineral Resources are not mineral reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration; few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; the actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents.

There can be no assurance that any mineralisation that is discovered will be proven to be economic, or that future required regulatory licensing or approvals will be obtained. However, the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration activities, the sufficiency of funding, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold and other precious metals, that the Company will not be affected by adverse political and security-related events, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain further financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Sarama does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws.

QUALIFIED PERSON'S STATEMENT

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration is based on information compiled or approved by Paul Schmiede. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a Fellow in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Paul Schmiede has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Paul Schmiede consents to the inclusion in this news release of the information in the form and context in which it appears.

This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Sarama Resources.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Sarama Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - TNR Gold Corp. (TSXV: TNR) ("TNR", "TNR Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that McEwen Mining Inc. ("McEwen Mining") has provided an update on the Los Azules copper, gold and silver project in San Juan, Argentina. TNR holds a 0.4% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR Royalty") (of which 0.04% of the 0.4% NSR Royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder) on the Los Azules Copper Project. The Los Azules project is held by McEwen Copper Inc. ("McEwen Copper"), a subsidiary of McEwen Mining.

The news release issued by McEwen Mining on December 3, 2024, stated:

"McEwen Copper Inc., a subsidiary of McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE and TSX), is pleased to announce the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its Los Azules copper project. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is the ministerial resolution approving the EIA, is a key permitting milestone on the way to feasibility, construction and future operation.

This EIS, which is issued by the San Juan Provincial Government's Ministry of Mines, highlights the support for copper mining in the pro-mining province of San Juan.

Since submitting the EIA documentation in April 2023, which was compiled by the international engineering and consulting company Knight Piesold and supported by 22 subject matter experts from San Juan, the Ministry of Mining and 14 public and private institutions comprising the Evaluation Committee have thoroughly reviewed over three thousand pages of the EIA and included a process of public consultation and a site visit to the project. This rigorous process ensures the project's environmental viability and establishes a solid foundation for responsible development.

Completing the evaluation process required significant work from our internal team and specialized consultants. McEwen Copper extends its sincere gratitude to everyone whose collaboration has been essential to meeting the highest technical and environmental standards. We look forward to their continued partnership in the following stages of the project.

Robert McEwen, CEO and Founder of McEwen Mining stated: 'Our commitment to modern, sustainable, and regenerative mining practices at Los Azules is reflected in our PEA and EIA, and we continue this work through our upcoming definitive feasibility study. We thank the 14 institutions for their work, whose efforts helped secure this key environmental permit.'

Michael Meding, Vice President and GM of McEwen Copper and General Manager of the Los Azules Project, added: 'This milestone propels Los Azules forward and highlights its transformative potential for the province and Argentina's mining industry. As we advance, sustainability and community engagement will remain at the heart of our project development.'

Strengthening Community Partnerships and Sustainability Commitments

Los Azules has built a strong partnership with the Calingasta community, fostering mutual trust and collaboration. McEwen Copper reaffirms its commitment to sustainable regional development by incorporating local perspectives. Los Azules distinguishes itself through its focus on sustainability. The project is designed to operate on renewable electric energy and achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. Its innovative process design ensures one of the lowest water footprints in the mining sector, aligning with international best practices; Los Azules aims for excellence in environmental stewardship.

Next Steps: Toward Feasibility and Construction

With the EIA approval in place, Los Azules is advancing towards publishing a definitive feasibility study, expected in the first half of 2025, with the potential start of construction as early as 2026, further strengthening McEwen Copper's position on the forefront of sustainable mining and as an important driver of economic and social development in San Juan.

About McEwen Copper

McEwen Copper is a well-funded, private company that owns 100% of the large and of the advanced-stage Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and the Elder Creek copper-gold project in Nevada, USA.

Los Azules is one of the largest and most promising copper projects worldwide, aiming to produce low-carbon copper that will position McEwen Copper as a leader in providing critical metals for the global energy transition. The project is being developed in partnership with strategic partners such as Stellantis, a global leader in vehicle manufacturing, and Nuton, a Rio Tinto venture, specialized in advanced technologies for efficient and sustainable copper extraction.

About Los Azules

Located in the province of San Juan, Argentina, the Los Azules Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits globally, supporting the energy transition through sustainable practices. Situated 3,600 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, it is 129 kilometers from Villa Calingasta, 250 kilometers from San Juan City, and just three kilometers from the Chilean border.

Los Azules was ranked in the top 10 largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world by Mining Intelligence in 2022. Los Azules is designed to be distinctly different from a conventional copper mine by consuming significantly less water, emitting much lower carbon, progressing towards carbon neutrality by 2038, and being powered by 100% renewable electricity once in operation. The updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in June 2023 projects a long life of mine, a short 3.2 years payback period, low $1.07/lb Cu production cost, high annual copper production, a 21.2% after-tax IRR and a $2.7 billion after-tax NPV8% at $3.75/lb Cu. For more details about the Los Azules PEA, refer to the McEwen Mining website.

Updated copper resources of 10.9 billion pounds at grade 0.40% Cu (Indicated category) and an additional 26.7 billion pounds at grade 0.31% Cu (Inferred category) support an initial mine life of 27 to 30 years, emphasizing Los Azules' strategic importance in the production of this critical mineral for electrification and global sustainability.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as of the date of this news release, are McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are 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, risks, and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the Company to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, foreign exchange volatility, foreign exchange controls, foreign currency risk, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31st, 2023, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31st, 2024, June 30th, 2024, and September 30th, 2024, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by the management of McEwen Mining Inc.

ABOUT MCEWEN MINING

McEwen Mining Inc. is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada (USA), Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. The company owns 46.4% of McEwen Copper, which develops the large, advanced-stage Los Azules copper project. Los Azules aims to become Argentina's first regenerative copper mine.

Focused on enhancing productivity and extending the life of its assets, the Company's goal is to increase its share price and provide investor yield. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has a personal investment in the companies of US$225 million. His annual salary is US$1."

The McEwen Mining press release appears to be reviewed and verified by a Qualified Person (as that term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and the procedures, methodology and key assumptions disclosed therein are those adopted and consistently applied in the mining industry, but no Qualified Person engaged by TNR has done sufficient work to analyze, interpret, classify or verify McEwen Mining's information to determine the current mineral resource or other information referred to in its press releases. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned in placing any reliance on the disclosures therein.

Stated Kirill Klip, TNR Gold's Chief Executive Officer, "We are pleased that McEwen Copper has reached this major milestone and secured the environmental permit for the construction and operation of Los Azules. Last year, we repaid our investment loan in full, and our Company has no debt. We believe that the recent market prices of our shares do not properly reflect the underlying value of the shares. Our transformation from a project generation junior mining company into a cash flow generating royalty company will bring the necessary catalyst for the market valuation of our assets. This advance has moved the Los Azules copper project development closer to the construction decision which can be made as soon as next year after the release of a feasibility study.

"Significant developments on the advancement of the Los Azules Copper Project towards feasibility have led to the increased Rio Tinto and Stellantis holdings in McEwen Copper as strategic partners of this large copper, gold and silver project. In 2023, Stellantis invested an aggregate ARS $72 billion. An additional US $100 million in McEwen Copper was invested by Rio Tinto's Venture Nuton in total," stated Kirill Klip, TNR's Chief Executive Officer. "TNR Gold's vision is aligned with the leaders of innovation among automakers like Stellantis, whose aim is decarbonizing mobility, and mining industry leaders such as Rob McEwen, whose vision is 'to build a mine for the future, based on regenerative principles that can achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2038'.

"Together with Nuton, McEwen Copper is exploring new technologies that save energy, water, time and capital, advancing Los Azules towards the goal of leading environmental performance. The involvement of Rio Tinto, with its innovative technology, may also accelerate realizing the enormous potential of the Los Azules Project.

"The green energy rEVolution relies on the supply of critical metals like copper; delivering 'green copper' to Argentina and the world will contribute to the clean energy transition and electrification of transportation and energy industries.

"The new president of Argentina has introduced important government policies aimed at supporting business and unlocking the country's economic potential. Mining is being recognized as an integral part of this economic development plan, providing jobs and enriching local communities.

"The strong team performance of McEwen Copper is advancing the Los Azules Project towards a feasibility study. The Los Azules Project PEA results highlight the potential to create a robust leach project while reducing the environmental footprint, and greater environmental and social stewardship sets the project apart from other potential mine developments.

"It's also encouraging to see an updated independent mineral resource estimate that has increased the resource significantly. Infill drilling during the 2023-24 season upgraded the resource categories, validated the geological model and confirmed the high-grade zone. Resource drilling for the Los Azules feasibility study is now complete, and the study appears to be on track for delivery in early 2025.

"Los Azules was ranked in the top ten largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world by Mining Intelligence (2022). TNR Gold does not have to contribute any capital for the development of the Los Azules Project. The essence of our business model is to have industry leaders like McEwen Mining as operators on the projects that will potentially generate royalty cashflows to contribute significant value for our shareholders."

ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP.

TNR Gold Corp. is working to become the green energy metals royalty and gold company.

Our business model provides a unique entry point in the creation of supply chains for critical materials like energy metals that are powering the energy rEVolution, and the gold industry that is providing a hedge for this stage of the economic cycle.

Our portfolio provides a unique combination of assets with exposure to multiple aspects of the mining cycle: the power of blue-sky discovery and important partnerships with industry leaders as operators on the projects that have the potential to generate royalty cashflows that will contribute significant value for our shareholders.

Over the past twenty-eight years, TNR, through its lead generator business model, has been successful in generating high-quality global exploration projects. With the Company's expertise, resources and industry network, the potential of the Mariana Lithium Project and Los Azules Copper Project in Argentina among many others have been recognized.

TNR holds a 1.5% NSR Royalty on the Mariana Lithium Project in Argentina, of which 0.15% NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder. Ganfeng Lithium's subsidiary, Litio Minera Argentina ("LMA"), has the right to repurchase 1.0% of the NSR royalty on the Mariana Project, of which 0.9% is the Company's NSR Royalty interest. The Company would receive CAN$900,000 and its shareholder would receive CAN$100,000 on the repurchase by LMA, resulting in TNR holding a 0.45% NSR royalty and its shareholder holding a 0.05% NSR royalty.

The Mariana Lithium Project is 100% owned by Ganfeng Lithium. The Mariana Lithium Project has been approved by the Argentina provincial government of Salta for an environmental impact report, and the construction of a 20,000 tons-per-annum lithium chloride plant has commenced.

TNR Gold also holds a 0.4% NSR Royalty on the Los Azules Copper Project, of which 0.04% of the 0.4% NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder. The Los Azules Copper Project is being developed by McEwen Mining.

TNR also holds a 7% net profits royalty holding on the Batidero I and II properties of the Josemaria Project that is being developed by Lundin Mining. Lundin Mining is part of the Lundin Group, a portfolio of companies producing a variety of commodities in several countries worldwide.

TNR provides significant exposure to gold through its 90% holding in the Shotgun Gold porphyry project in Alaska. The project is located in Southwestern Alaska near the Donlin Gold project, which is being developed by Barrick Gold and Novagold Resources. The Company's strategy with the Shotgun Gold Project is to attract a joint venture partnership with a major gold mining company. The Company is actively introducing the project to interested parties.

At its core, TNR provides a wide scope of exposure to gold, copper, silver and lithium through its holdings in Alaska (the Shotgun Gold porphyry project) and royalty holdings in Argentina (the Mariana Lithium project, the Los Azules Copper Project and the Batidero I & II properties of the Josemaria Project), and is committed to the continued generation of in-demand projects, while diversifying its markets and building shareholder value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Kirill Klip

Executive Chairman

www.tnrgoldcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "will", "could" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "could" occur, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements made in relation to: TNR's corporate objectives, and future potential transactions being considered by the Special Committee and the Board. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. While management believes that the assumptions made and reflected in this news release are reasonable, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. In particular, there can be no assurance that: TNR will enter into one or more strategic transactions, partnership or a spin-out, or be able to complete any further royalty acquisitions or sales of royalty interests, or portions thereof; debt or equity financings will be available to TNR; or that TNR will be able to achieve any of its corporate objectives. Actual results and future events in respect of the Company's NSR's could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the corporation to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. TNR relies on the confirmation of its ownership for mining claims from the appropriate government agencies when paying rental payments for such mining claims requested by these agencies. There could be a risk in the future of the changing internal policies of such government agencies or risk related to the third parties, in future, challenging the ownership of such mining claims. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied on.

In formulating the forward-looking statements contained herein, management has assumed that business and economic conditions affecting TNR and its royalty partners, McEwen Mining Inc., Ganfeng Lithium and Lundin Mining will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information herein and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232551

SOURCE: TNR Gold Corp.
Honoring Service, Empowering Veterans: ACT Recognized by Forbes as a Top Employer for Veteran Talent in 2024

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACT) is proud to announce its recognition as one of Forbes' Best Employers for Veterans in 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores ACT's unwavering commitment to supporting the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, ensuring they find meaningful careers within a company that values their unique skills and dedication.

Forbes' annual list of Best Employers for Veterans is a highly competitive ranking, recognizing organizations that provide exceptional opportunities and environments for veteran employees. The evaluation is based on a detailed survey of veterans, highlighting companies that excel in workplace culture, advancement opportunities, and efforts to recruit and retain veterans.

At ACT, creating an inclusive workplace that respects and values the contributions of all employees is a core pillar of the company's mission. Veterans play a crucial role in ACT's workforce, bringing leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that align seamlessly with the company's vision of delivering top-tier customer care and business solutions.

ACT CEO & President,Hunter Croft,expressed his pride in the recognition, saying:

"Being named one of Forbes' Best Employers for Veterans is a tremendous honor for ACT. Our veterans embody the values of service, integrity, and perseverance, which are at the heart of what we do every day. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where veterans can thrive and achieve their career goals. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to those who have served our country, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of their journey."

The recognition by Forbes is a testament to ACT's leadership in creating opportunities for veterans and stands as a call to action for other organizations to prioritize the hiring and support of veterans in the workplace. It serves as a reminder of the vital role veterans play in driving innovation, collaboration, and success in the corporate world.

With this distinction, ACT joins an elite group of companies making a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families. The company looks forward to building on this achievement, ensuring its workplace continues to reflect the values of respect, diversity, and excellence.

To learn more about ACT's veteran initiatives and career opportunities, visit the ACT Career Page.

About ACT:

ACT is a U.S.-based business process outsourcing provider and global leader in customer care. Our approach is founded on a winning formula - that the best solutions integrate Employee Experience (EX) + Customer Experience (CX) + User Experience (UX) + Digital Experience (DX) + Multi-experience (MX) for an outstanding Total Experience (TX) overall. As a 100% employee-owned company, we have placed Employee Experience at the center of our business strategy because we know that engaged employees ensure the best customer outcomes. As shareholders in the business, our Employee Owners have a personal interest in delivering value to our clients, and their motivations are uniquely aligned to our clients' success.

We have more than 27 years' experience helping our partners drive growth and brand loyalty by providing amazing experiences across every touchpoint and channel of the customer journey. We serve many of the world's top companies spanning a wide range of verticals, including numerous Fortune 50 clients. We offer a broad range of leading-edge technologies and custom solutions tailored to your business needs to make every unique customer connection count.

Contact Information

Zabrina Doerck

Chief Marketing Officer

zdoerck@acttoday.com

(215) 518-7718





Source: www.acttoday.com

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Accomplished Insurance Executive and Change Management Leader Brings Over 20 Years of Expertise to Drive Innovation and Efficiency in Underwriting Solutions.

360 Intelligent Solutions, a leader in delivering cutting-edge technology and process optimization solutions, proudly announces the addition of Pam Mize to its Advisory Board. With over two decades of expertise in insurance operations, strategic program management, and process improvement, Pam will play a pivotal role in driving the delivery and innovation of underwriting solutions tailored to the insurance vertical.

Pam Mize brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles across top-tier organizations, including her most recent position as Vice President of New Product Execution and Operations at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. There, she spearheaded multimillion-dollar technology and process improvement initiatives, successfully launching new products and enhancing operational efficiencies for the insurance industry. Her hands-on approach to change management and her ability to implement scalable, customer-focused solutions have consistently delivered measurable outcomes, such as improved revenue recognition and cost savings.

Pam's expertise extends to:

Business Process Optimization : She has led large-scale redesigns that resulted in double-digit percentage improvements in efficiency and profitability.

Underwriting and Insurance Operations : As a former executive at Assurance America and 21st Century Insurance, Pam has deep insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the insurance industry.

Technology Integration and Vendor Management: Pam has overseen complex technology transformations, including CRM migrations, portfolio management systems, and underwriting tools, managing vendor contracts exceeding $5 million annually.

At 360 Intelligent Solutions, Pam will lend her strategic acumen to enhance underwriting practices, bridging the gap between technology and operational effectiveness. She will collaborate with the leadership team to align solutions with the unique demands of the insurance market, ensuring the company's products remain innovative, scalable, and effective.

"We are thrilled to welcome Pam Mize to our Advisory Board," said Michael Sturgis, Chair & CEO, at 360 Intelligent Solutions. "Her proven track record in driving operational excellence and her deep understanding of the insurance industry make her an invaluable asset as we expand our offerings in underwriting solutions."

Pam Mize expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter: "I am honored to join the 360 Intelligent Solutions Advisory Board. This is a transformative time for the insurance industry, and I look forward to contributing to innovative solutions that enhance underwriting processes and support growth for our partners."

About 360 Intelligent Solutions Inc.

360 Intelligent Solutions Inc is a technology company specializing in providing innovative, intelligent technology solutions to insurance, healthcare, and financial service companies. 360 Intelligent Solutions is a leading provider of AI-powered solutions designed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making across various industries. With a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, we are committed to delivering transformative solutions that drive measurable results.

Contact Information

Source: 360 Intelligent Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
University of Alberta and Former DeepMind Researchers Develop AI Software to Optimize Performance and Improve Reliability in Industrial Control Systems

Funds to be Used to Drive Global Expansion of Cost-Saving and Energy Efficient Solutions

RL Core Technologies , (RLCore) has closed a USD $5 million Series Seed funding round led by TQ Ventures, a leading New York-based venture capital fund, with participation from Flying Fish Ventures. RL Core Technologies provides deep learning software which boosts the efficiency and reliability of industrial control systems.

RLCore has proven that its software solutions can lower two of the largest drivers of cost in water treatment- energy and chemical consumption - resulting in increased efficiency, reduced operational expenses, and consistent regulatory compliance. For its customers, RLCore has conducted automatic PID tuning improving flow rate 50% over default, achieved fully automatic chlorine injection allowing for precise dosing and attained a 20% improvement in backwash.

"Our success in the drinking-water treatment industry has shown we can create a competitive advantage for our customers by increasing efficiency and freeing up time-constrained operators to focus on more critical maintenance tasks," said RL Core Technologies CEO Martha White. "We are thrilled to have the support of such esteemed investors who share our vision. This funding will allow us to scale our operations and hire new talent to expand our cost-saving solutions to complex industries globally."

RLCore employs reinforcement learning to improve the efficacy and performance of industrial control systems. Reinforcement learning is a branch of artificial intelligence where software learns to make decisions to achieve improved performance while interacting with its environment as opposed to imitating humans. It was inspired by animal learning and psychology and mimics trial-and-error learning processes used by humans to achieve goals.

"TQ Ventures prides itself on partnering with exceptional founders," said Schuster Tanger, Co-Managing Partner of TQ Ventures. "We therefore seized the opportunity to invest in RL Core Technologies,led by a passionate team of eminent authorities in reinforcement learning. We are excited to help them replicate their success in water treatment in other industrial applications with automated controls."

"As the demand for sustainable practices grows, we envision that RLCore's technology will pave the way for more energy-efficient and environmentally sound solutions across various industries," said CEO Martha White.

RLCore was founded by Martha White, Adam White and Alden Christianson. Martha White is a Fellow of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) and a professor at the University of Alberta, a hotbed for world-class artificial intelligence research. In September, Martha White was admitted to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by Canada's oldest and most prestigious scholarly institute, the Royal Society of Canada, for her significant achievements in artificial intelligence.

Co-founder Adam White has over 20 years experience in developing reinforcement learning systems and is an assistant professor at the University of Alberta, Canada CIFAR AI Chair, and the Scientific Director of Amii. Previously he was a staff research scientist at DeepMind.

Alden Christianson, the company's third co-founder, has spent his career scaling organizations and leading teams to tackle complex problems. He spent over a decade with Google deploying custom-designed products to its datacenters. More recently, he worked at DeepMind where he grew and led teams of world class scientists, engineers and managers to pursue novel research in reinforcement learning and game theory.

"By leveraging their expertise in machine learning, RL Core Technologies is well poised to disrupt the way industrial control systems operate. With AI-driven automation these solutions not only create significant cost savings for industries overseeing complex processes, but also ensure they remain compliant with increasingly more stringent regulations," said Flying Fish Ventures Managing Partner Heather Redmen.

About RL Core Technologies

RLCore provides optimization software for improved process control in water and wastewater.By leveraging reinforcement learning, RLCore is able to optimize industrial control systems beyond what any expert could achieve alone. Our software integrates with existing infrastructure to continually adapt low-level setpoints, freeing up engineers and operators to focus on higher-level goals. Our customers experience greater reliability and efficiency with our solution, which reduces chemical consumption, enhances ultrafiltration system permeability, improves chlorine dosing precision, and continually optimizes PID controller performance. For more information, visit www.rlcore.ai .

About TQ Ventures

Based in New York City, TQ Ventures is a venture capital firm led by Schuster Tanger and Andrew Marks. The firm is generally agnostic on industry vertical and geography, and instead prioritizes business models with durable competitive advantages led by extraordinary founders across the software complex (B2B and B2C). The differentiated support and networks we provide our more than 80 global investments have fueled our reputation and in turn performance record. Founded in 2018, TQ has approximately $1 billion under management and is currently investing out of its third fund. For more information, visit: www.tqventures.com .

Contact Information

Source: RL Core Technologies

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

E2Gold Inc. (TSXV:ETU)(OTCQB:ETUGF) will begin the next phase of drilling on its Hawkins Gold Project in North-Central Ontario with a 1,500 m drill program to test step-out targets at its McKinnon Zone Inferred Resource1. These include down-plunge targets below high-grade gold shoots within the McKinnon Zone as well as never-before-drilled high-grade surface prospects up to 3 km east along strike (see Figure 1).

Eric Owens, President and CEO, stated, "This low-cost drill program could lead to a significant increase in the footprint of the McKinnon Zone. We have already drilled well below the Inferred Resource, in 10 widely-spaced holes, and know that the gold-bearing zone continues to at least 700m depth. This next step will provide us with more information about the growth potential immediately below the resource and to the east."

Figure 1. Map view of the McKinnon Zone Inferred Resource, the McKinnon East Extension, and drill targets in red ovals.

The McKinnon Zone Inferred Resource contains 6.2Mt grading 1.65 g Au/t for 328,000 oz.1 This resource averages 25 m wide, is 3.5 km long, and is defined down to +/-150m depth. It has a disseminated character, with high-grade shoots within the broadly planar geologic body. Recent surface exploration has shown that gold mineralization extends another 3 km to the east along the McKinnon Zone trend (Figure 1).

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has been informed that it can receive up to $200,000 for exploration activities at Hawkins from the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ("OJEP"). This is the third intake that the Company has qualified for, which previously has funded crucial field work in guiding the Company's drill plans. E2 is grateful to the Province of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Mines for their support of E2Gold and the junior explorers of Ontario.

The Company has received subscription agreements as part of a proposed private placement (the "Offering") of (i) common shares; and (ii) "flow-through" common shares, each at a price of C$0.01 per share, in any combination to raise aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$250,000. The Offering remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Additionally, to amend the Company's press release issued on August 27, 2024, as it relates to the Company's private placement that closed on August 26, 2024 (the "Offering"), insiders of the Company purchased an aggregate of 5,250,000 units priced at $0.02 per unit in connection with the Offering. Accordingly, the Offering constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders ("MI 61- 101") in Special Transactions. The Company is exempt from the minority shareholder approval and valuation requires of MI 61-101 pursuant to ss. 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) thereof on the basis that the participation by insiders represents less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

All scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Dr. Eric Owens. Dr. Owens is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT E2GOLD INC.

E2Gold Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company with a large flagship property, the 80 km long Hawkins Gold Project in north-central Ontario, about 140 km east of the Hemlo Gold Mine, and 75 km north of the Magino and Island Gold Mines. The property is anchored by the McKinnon Zone Inferred Resource of 6.2 Mt grading 1.65 Au g/t, for 328,800 ounces of gold.1 E2Gold is committed to increasing shareholder value through discoveries at Hawkins.

Note 1: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate on Hawkins Gold Project, Ontario, by P&E Mining Consultants, effective date September 10, 2020, available at SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information please contact:

Jeff Pritchard

VP Corporate Development

info@e2gold.ca

+1 647 699 3340

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.

Forward Looking Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of E2Gold, including with respect to the receipt of all regulatory approvals, the timing and completion of proposed exploration activities as currently proposed or at all and the closing of the Offering in whole or in part. 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.

SOURCE: E2Gold Inc

View the original press release on accesswire.com
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - SoHo Dragon, a New York-based Microsoft Partner, is excited to announce the launch of "Power Lunch 88," a simple but powerful tool designed to enhance employee engagement by pairing up employees for virtual lunches or coffee meetings. Power Lunch 88 enables a company of any size to build a strong company culture where colleagues can be seen as friends. Power Lunch 88 will be used by HR teams to boost employee engagement with remote and hybrid teams.

Power Lunch 88

Inspired by the concept of power lunches, which were once a staple in show business and fashion, where key movers and shakers had permanent lunch tables at popular restaurants, this tool brings that same level of connection and engagement to the virtual workplace. Even though the era of the true power lunch is over, the value created by the ritual is worth remembering.

With Power Lunch 88, employees can opt-in to be available for a Power Lunch (this can be lunch or a "power coffee" break) every two weeks. The system will take all the people who opted in and randomly create one-on-one matches for meetings. With seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, Power Lunch 88 ensures ease of use for businesses of all sizes.

"Power Lunch 88" is free for up to 24 users. Various tiers of paid versions allow for larger groups and more customization.

Whether for lunch or coffee, businesses will benefit from improving the connections between their employees, leading to a more cohesive and collaborative work environment.

To sign up or speak to a member of the sales team at Soho Dragon, visit https://www.sohodragon.nyc/power-lunch-88.

SoHo Dragon

About SoHo Dragon

SoHo Dragon is a technology consulting firm specializing in delivering innovative digital transformation solutions for enterprises. With expertise spanning cloud computing, data management, business intelligence, and application development, SoHo Dragon helps organizations harness cutting-edge technology to drive efficiency, scalability, and growth.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232549

SOURCE: SoHo Dragon
Today, International SOS is releasing its 2025 Risk Outlook report1 revealing essential insights into the mounting challenges for organisational and workforce resilience, alongside risk predictions for the forthcoming year. The research uncovers a Fragmenting World with 65% of the surveyed senior risk professionals perceiving that risks have increased over the past year and 69% think it is likely geopolitical tensions will have a significant impact on their business and or people in 2025. 75% of the primary decision-makers surveyed see social and political unrest as a top risk. This comes as 78% think it is likely burnout and stress will have a significant impact on their business and or people in the coming year.

Even in the ongoing permacrisis environment, the new research highlights that some of the most significant risks are those for which respondents said they were least prepared, including conflict, geopolitical tensions, and protests.

Sally Llewellyn, Global Security Director at International SOS, explains:

"The interconnected nature of today's risks are creating an environment where issues escalate quickly and unpredictably. Geopolitical tensions are triggering supply chain disruptions and cyber threats, while misinformation and disinformation amplify confusion, eroding trust within organisations and across borders. These complexities demand a shift from reactive to predictive strategies, leveraging intelligence-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. While the challenges are significant, organisations that take a systematic approach to understanding and mitigating these layered risks can not only protect their people and operations but also strengthen their resilience in an era of uncertainty."

Geopolitical Tensions: A Complex and Escalating Risk

Geopolitical instability ranks as a top concern for organisations heading into 2025, underscoring the fragility of a deeply interconnected global landscape. Businesses are now contending with an environment where conflicts are not confined to political borders but reverberate across industries, economies, and supply chains.

75% of respondents who are primary decision makers think political and social unrest and protests are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people in the next 12 months.

of respondents who are primary decision makers think political and social unrest and protests are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people in the next 12 months. 74% of surveyed primary decision makers also express the belief that geopolitical tensions are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people in the coming year.

of surveyed primary decision makers also express the belief that geopolitical tensions are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people in the coming year. 73% of surveyed primary decision makers highlight their belief that transport risks and disruptions are likely to have a significant impact on their businesses and/or people in the next year.

The risks are manifesting in varied and often overlapping ways. In Europe, the conflict in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and fractured political alliances, creating ripples across the continent. In the Middle East, the ongoing crises are intensifying polarisation.

Mental Health and Burnout: The Hidden Costs of a Fragmented World

The increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape is taking a profound toll on mental health with 65% of participants predicting that political stress and anxiety will have a significant impact on their business and/or people in 2025. These pressures are compounded by broader wellness risks that the following percentage of surveyed experts predict are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people over the next 12 months:

Stress and burnout: 78%

Impact of the cost-of-living crisis: 75%

Mental health conditions: 70%

Quiet quitting: 52%

Climate change anxiety: 45%

Dr Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS, comments:

"The seemingly unstable, unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of global events, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, are major factors contributing to employee stress and burnout. Businesses that proactively invest in employee wellbeing are building operational resilience. Creating a healthy workplace includes protecting and promoting mental health, which will not only help employees weather these stresses but also drive higher engagement, productivity, and retention essential for navigating a rapidly changing world."

Building Resilience in a Fragmenting World

Despite the many complexities and challenges organisations face today, there are clear pathways to building resilience. According to the report, resilient organisations share three key characteristics:

Access to actionable intelligence: Decision-makers need timely, relevant, and verified information tailored to their organisation's specific risks. This is critical in addressing misinformation and disinformation; 27% of participants reported that their organisation has been impacted by misinformation, with a further 32% reporting being unsure if misinformation has impacted their organisation a potential blind spot.

Integrated risk management platforms: Unified risk management systems streamline processes and enhance the productivity of risk managers. These platforms also enable seamless communication across teams, which can help leaders support their employees in when dealing with the impacts of risks such as extreme weather (49% of experts believe that the health impacts of natural disasters and extreme weather events will have a significant impact in 2025). By providing a single platform of reliable information, organisations can respond swiftly to both anticipated and unforeseen risks.

Optimised resource allocation: Consolidating resources allows organisations to prioritise high-risk areas without overextending. For example, 64% of respondents highlight increasing employee expectations about Duty of Care. This finding makes it essential to embed proactive health, safety, and security measures into operations. These investments are vital to addressing current and emerging risks.

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com

1 The 2025 Risk Outlook is based on an online survey conducted on behalf of International SOS by Ipsos of 802 clients and contacts of International SOS, comprising of senior decision makers responsible for the health, wellbeing and or security of people in their organisations. Of those 802 clients and contacts, 85 were identified as primary decision makers. Fieldwork took place online from 20 August 2024 to 1 October 2024. The survey is complemented with interpretations and predictions from the Workforce Resilience Council and extensive proprietary data and analysis from International SOS. The Workforce Resilience Council comprises representative experts from all health, security, and safety fields. The participants in this year's Council are from a mix of think tanks, associations, advisory boards, NGOs, and IGOs, relevant to the risks of working at home or abroad.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205494064/en/

Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Indira Illianti

Group Senior Marketing and PR Executive

indira.illianti@internationalsos.com
THOUSAND OAKS (dpa-AFX) - Amgen, Inc. (AMGN) announced Thursday a $1 billion expansion to establish a second drug substance manufacturing facility in North Carolina. This brings the company's total planned investment in Holly Springs to more than $1.5 billion, building on its previously announced $550 million commitment.The $1 billion facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, aligning with Amgen's commitment to environmental stewardship and manufacturing excellence.In tandem with the existing facility, these investments will create 370 new jobs in the region, supporting a robust biomanufacturing hub.This expansion enhances the company's global biomanufacturing network, leveraging decades of operational expertise and technological advancements to ensure the reliable and efficient delivery of high-quality medicines to patients worldwide.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.
Vulcan Minerals Inc. ("the Company" - "Vulcan") (TSX-V:VUL), is pleased to provide the following exploration update on its 100% owned Colchester/Springdale and Carbonear projects in Newfoundland.

Highlights:

Drilling underway at the McNeilly zone of the Colchester Property

Sampling of historic core at Carbonear extends mineralized intervals

Colchester/Springdale (Copper-Gold):

Further to our recent Induced Polarization (IP) survey at the McNeilly zone, the Company has commenced a 5 hole drill program to test some IP anomalies towards expanding the volcanic massive sulphide copper-gold deposit (see news January 12, 2024). Previous IP surveys by the Company and historic operators have shown a positive correlation to mineralized zones. The 2024 survey extended a previous IP survey on the Colchester main deposit to the north and helps establish the relationship with the McNeily deposit. Maps outlining the drilling program will be provided upon completion of drilling and assay results.

Field work on the Springdale project in 2024 consisted of preliminary prospecting to follow up previously identified soil geochemical anomalies (see news March 21, 2024). Activities focused on the gold potential in favourable geological structures in the vicinity of the Pine Pond/Maple Leaf showings. An historic trail was rehabilitated in late 2023 allowing easier access to the Pine Pond area. Sampling at the Seahorse Pond showing, which occurs approximately 750 metres northeast of Maple Leaf, returned up to 7.59 g/t Au and 1.02 g/t Au in pyrite-rich quartz vein grab samples. Prospecting north of, and parallel to, the Maple Leaf showing uncovered strong iron-carbonate-chlorite alteration zones with pyrite-chalcopyrite-galena bearing quartz-carbonate veins yielding assay results of up to 2% Pb with 0.18 g/t Au in grab samples.

Results are being compiled and interpreted in the context of mineralized trends. Further prospecting and mapping will be required to fully evaluate the new mineralization and related geochemical anomalies.

Carbonear (Zinc-Lead):

The Carbonear property has the potential to host sedimentary exhalative zinc-lead deposits (SEDEX). Based on previous drilling (see below) and mapping, certain sedimentary beds within the property contain disseminated pyrrhotite and lesser sphalerite (zinc) and galena (lead) mineralization. Bolstered by favourable geochemical soil results from 2022 and 2023, the Company completed a ground gravity survey over the Gull Pond north and south grids in 2024. The survey identified positive residual gravity anomalies correlating with the magnetic signature of the prospective zone. Prospecting confirms that the prospective zone for mineralization is formational and can be traced for several kilometers, consistent with a SEDEX type environment. Drilling is planned for 2025.

Carbonear - Infill Sampling Historic Drill Holes:

In 1997 a total of ten holes were drilled for 1,014 meters to test HLEM ground electrical conductors north and south of Gull Pond. Given that the Company's recent work has enhanced the prospectivity of this general area, the company resampled Holes CP-97-08 and CP-97-10 to better ascertain the tenor of mineralization previously encountered. These holes contain anomalous zinc mineralization over a potential stratigraphic interval of approximately 100 meters based on 23 historic core samples in Hole CP-97-08 and 10 historic core samples in Hole CP-97-10. To confirm and better define the tenor of mineralization, an additional 31 samples over 42.5 m in Hole CP-97-08 and 26 samples over 47 m in Hole CP-97-10 were assayed. Mineralization consists of disseminated sulphides in turbiditic siltstones and secondary fracture fillings. A complete compilation of all sample intervals from both holes is available at https://vulcanminerals.ca/carbonear-historical-drill-sampling-results/New infill sampling demonstrates the consistent nature of the anomalous mineralization. Hole CP-97-08 (76.2 meter total sampled length) has a weighted average of 0.23% zinc and 0.17% lead. Hole CP-97-10 (60.8 meter total sampled length) has a weighted average of 0.10% zinc and 0.05% lead.

President Patrick Laracy commented "Anomalous zinc-lead mineralization though not ore-grade, is an excellent indicator of the potential for higher grade mineralization within the sedimentary system. The challenge is to determine if higher grades are concentrated within the remaining geologic sequence."

The property was originally identified (1980) for its sedimentary exhalative base metal potential by Cominco, who operated the giant Sullivan SEDEX mine in British Columbia, one of the largest zinc-lead mines in the world. Theproject area has geologic attributes similar to other major SEDEX deposits worldwide. These attributes include a late Precambrian clastic sedimentary basin sequence of black shale/siltstone/sandstone containing substantial turbidite sequences containing lead and zinc mineralization.

About Vulcan

Vulcan Minerals is a base and precious metals exploration company based in St. John's, NL with strategic land interests in multiple active Newfoundland exploration and development belts. It also owns approximately 30 per cent of the shares in Atlas Salt Inc. (TSXV: SALT). Atlas Salt is currently developing the Great Atlantic salt mine in western Newfoundland.

Patrick J. Laracy, P. Geo., President, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

We seek safe harbour.

For information please contact:

Patrick J. Laracy, P.Geo.

CEO and President

(709) 754-3186

info@vulcanminerals.ca

www.vulcanminerals.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion, delivery and timing of the referenced exploration program and assumptions related thereto. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Vulcan Minerals Inc

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New React Score Integrates with Large Language Models to Monitor, Protect, and Optimize Brand Reputation

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandwatch, the world's premiere social media management and consumer intelligence suite, is redefining brand reputation management with the launch of its new AI-powered React Score. This industry-first advancement leverages automated AI to empower brands with unparalleled real-time insights, allowing for timelier, proactive action.

Unprecedented Brand Reputation Insights Powered by AI

React Score leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) models to analyze conversations across over 100 million sources, pinpointing brand risks and opportunities. Brandwatch's generative AI integration transforms data into easy-to-understand summaries, providing instant clarity on how and when to act.

React Score provides real-time ratings based on three key categories:

Harm: Identifies potentially damaging content that could negatively impact brand image.

Identifies potentially damaging content that could negatively impact brand image. Spam: Detects irrelevant or promotional messages that clutter brand conversations.

Detects irrelevant or promotional messages that clutter brand conversations. Emotion: Analyzes the emotional tone of conversations, gauging consumer sentiment with greater nuance.

React Score provides clear rankings across categories, helping brands quickly prioritize responses, monitor reputation health, and track performance in real-time.

AI-Powered Action and Deeper Audience Understanding

React Score lets brands dive deep into audience-specific trends and uncover shifts in sentiment across sub-topics by seamlessly integrating with multiple AI and manual analysis tools. Real-time alerts for spikes ensure swift, strategic responses to potential crises or opportunities.

"It has never been more important for brands to have access to accurate and reliable insights," said Matt Tippets, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Brandwatch. "Brandwatch built this game-changing hybrid approach, combining generative and proprietary AI with human oversight to deliver accurate, reliable insights that help our customers confidently navigate the complexities of the digital landscape."

This product launch follows on the heels of the recently announced collaboration with Google Cloud, with plans to leverage the powerful generative AI capabilities of Vertex AI and Gemini models to further enhance its suite of solutions. Brandwatch will also be releasing the Iris AI query assistant in Q1. This tool will intelligently blend proprietary and generative AI to simplify query creation, empowering brands to refine social listening searches with unparalleled precision and depth.

To learn more about Brandwatch React Score and how it can transform your brand reputation management, visit Brandwatch.com.

About Brandwatch

Brandwatch is the world's premiere social media management and consumer intelligence suite, equipping the world's most innovative and admired companies - including half of the Forbes 100 - with the tools, structure, and insights they need to act on opportunities and accelerate their brands.

Our portfolio of AI-powered consumer intelligence, end-to-end influencer marketing, and award-winning social media management platforms provides a best-in-class suite of solutions for the most enterprising brands and agencies to execute insights-driven strategies at scale.

Brandwatch is part of the Cision family of brands, alongside CisionOne, PR Newswire, and Streem.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cision Public Relations

CisionPR@cision.com

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Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

Dividend Declaration

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION,

IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

Guernsey, 5 December 2024

Volta Finance Limited ("the Company") hereby announces that it has declared a quarterly interim dividend of 0.15 per share payable on 16 January 2025 amounting to approximately 5.49 million, approximately equating to an annualised 8% of net asset value. The ex-dividend date is 12 December 2024 with a record date of 13 December 2024.

The Company has arranged for its shareholders to be able to elect to receive their dividends in either Euros or Pounds Sterling. Shareholders will, by default, receive their dividends in Euros, unless they have instructed the Company's Registrar, Computershare Investor Serviceswithin the "Investors - Other Documents" section. The deadline for receipt of currency elections is 12:00 (midday) on 30 December 2024.

CONTACTS

For the Investment Manager

AXA Investment Managers Paris

Francois Touati

francois.touati@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

Olivier Pons

Olivier.pons@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

Company Secretary and Administrator

BNP Paribas S.A., Guernsey Branch

guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com

+44 (0) 1481 750 853

Corporate Broker

Cavendish Securities plc

Andrew Worne

Daniel Balabanoff

+44 (0) 20 7397 8900

*****

ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange's Main Market for listed securities. Volta's home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

Volta's Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO's and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialized in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

*****

ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS

AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and 844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.

*****

This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris ("AXA IM"), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the "AIFM Directive") of Volta Finance Limited (the "Volta Finance") whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are "U.S. persons" for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

*****

This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

*****

This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "anticipated", "expects", "intends", "is/are expected", "may", "will" or "should". They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance's investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance's actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM's belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide - 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorite des Marches Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

*****
SOUTH BEND, IN / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN:STRW) (the "Company") today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 3,333,334 shares of its common stock for total gross proceeds (before underwriters' discounts and commissions and offering expenses) of approximately $35 million.

"We are pleased with the outcome of our first public offering, generating significant proceeds to advance our strategic objectives while increasing the Company's public float. We are also happy to welcome many new owners of our stock and look forward to a long-term partnership with these investors," said Moishe Gubin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The offering is expected to close on December 6, 2024, subjected to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 500,000 shares at the public offering price, less underwriting commissions.

The Company intends to contribute most of the net proceeds to Strawberry Fields Realty, LP, its operating partnership. The operating partnership will in turn use the proceeds from this offering to finance acquisitions of new investments, and for general corporate purposes. The Company will also retain a portion of the net proceeds to pay down existing debt and for general corporate purposes.

Janney Montgomery Scott is acting as lead book-running manager. Lake Street Capital Markets, Wedbush Securities, and Compass Point Research & Trading are acting as joint book-running managers. Colliers Securities is acting as co-manager.

Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus related to these securities may be obtained from: Janney Montgomery Scott, Attention: Syndicate Department, 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, by telephone at (617) 557-2975 or by email at prospectus@janney.com.

The offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (including prospectus) on Form S-3, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and declared effective on August 1, 2024. The prospectus supplement related to this offering will also be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Prospective investors should read the prospectus forming a part of that registration statement and the prospectus supplement related to the offering, when available, and the other documents that the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for more complete information about the Company and the offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc.

Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc., is a self-administered real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing and certain other healthcare-related properties. The Company's portfolio includes 115 healthcare facilities with an aggregate of 12,900+ beds, located throughout the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The 115 healthcare facilities comprise 104 skilled nursing facilities, nine assisted living facilities, and two long-term acute care hospitals.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters within this press release are discussed using forward-looking language as specified in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statement. These statements relate to the Company's offering of common stock and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds from the offering will be used as indicated. Completion of the offering on the terms described and the application of net proceeds are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, market conditions, general economic conditions and other factors, including those set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus and prospectus supplement related to this offering.

Investor Relations:

Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc.

IR@sfreit.com

+1 (773) 747-4100 x422

SOURCE: Strawberry Fields REIT Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The growth of the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for advanced vehicle technologies, such as autonomous driving and enhanced safety features. The rising integration of electronics in vehicles to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and connectivity is also a significant factor. Additionally, stringent regulations for vehicle emissions and safety are pushing manufacturers to adopt sophisticated ECU solutions.

LEWES, Del., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) Market Size was valued at USD 50 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 82.8 Billion by 2031, growing at a 6.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. The positive momentum in market dynamics, alongside the expected sustained expansion, points to the anticipation of robust growth rates over the forecasted period. Essentially, the market is poised for significant and noteworthy development.

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202 - Pages

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Scope Of The Report

REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2020-2031 BASE YEAR 2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2031 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2020-2023 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Bosch, Denso, Continental, Delphi Technologies, Siemens, Infineon Technologies, Texas Instruments, NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, STMicroelectronics, Microchip Technology, Renesas Electronics, ZF Friedrichshafen, Valeo, and Aptiv. SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application And By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope

Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) Market Overview

1. Market Definition and Segmentation

The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market encompasses various electronic control units that manage and control numerous functions within vehicles. These functions include engine control, transmission control, braking systems, infotainment, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The market is segmented based on vehicle type, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. Additionally, the market is classified by ECU type, such as powertrain control units, body control modules, and safety control units. The growth of electric and hybrid vehicles is further expanding the ECU market, as these vehicles require sophisticated electronics to optimize performance and energy efficiency. By segmenting the market, stakeholders can better understand demand patterns, identify growth opportunities, and develop targeted strategies for innovation and market penetration.

2. Current Market Size and Projections

The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market was valued at approximately USD 50 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 82.8 billion by 2031. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6.5% from 2024 to 2031. The increasing complexity of vehicle systems and the demand for advanced technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, are key contributors to this expansion. As vehicles become more reliant on electronic systems for functionality and safety, the need for sophisticated ECU solutions is growing. Market players are focusing on innovation and integration of cutting-edge technologies to meet evolving consumer demands. Additionally, rising disposable incomes and an increasing preference for smart vehicles are further driving market growth. Overall, the ECU market is poised for significant development, reflecting broader trends in the automotive industry.

3. Key Drivers of Growth

Several key drivers are fueling the growth of the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market. First, the increasing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is pushing manufacturers to invest in sophisticated ECU technologies that enhance vehicle safety and performance. Second, the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles necessitates the integration of advanced electronics, further expanding the ECU market. Additionally, regulatory pressures to improve vehicle emissions and safety standards are compelling automakers to adopt more complex electronic systems. The rising consumer preference for connected vehicles, equipped with features like infotainment systems and real-time diagnostics, also contributes to market growth. Furthermore, advancements in semiconductor technology are enabling the development of more efficient and compact ECUs. Together, these drivers create a robust environment for the ECU market, ensuring sustained demand and innovation in the automotive sector.

4. Challenges Faced by the Market

Despite its promising growth trajectory, the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market faces several challenges. One of the primary concerns is the increasing complexity of electronic systems, which can lead to higher production costs and potential reliability issues. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements requires manufacturers to continually update their products, posing significant challenges in terms of investment and resource allocation. Cybersecurity threats also present a growing risk, as vehicles become more connected and reliant on software. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, have led to shortages that affect ECU production timelines. These challenges necessitate strategic planning and collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market demands. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining growth and competitiveness in the ECU market.

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5. Competitive Landscape

The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market is characterized by a competitive landscape featuring numerous key players, including established automotive suppliers and new entrants specializing in advanced electronics. Major companies such as Bosch, Denso, and Continental dominate the market, leveraging their extensive experience in automotive systems and technology. These players are investing significantly in research and development to innovate and enhance their ECU offerings, particularly in areas such as electric vehicles and ADAS. The competitive environment is also witnessing an influx of technology companies collaborating with automotive manufacturers to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are common as companies seek to enhance their market presence and technological capabilities. As the market evolves, maintaining a competitive edge will require continuous innovation, agility in responding to consumer demands, and an understanding of emerging trends in the automotive electronics space.

6. Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are a pivotal factor driving the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market forward. Innovations in semiconductor technology have led to the development of more powerful, efficient, and compact ECUs, enabling vehicles to perform complex functions with enhanced reliability. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms into ECU systems allows for improved decision-making and adaptive functionalities, such as real-time traffic navigation and predictive maintenance. Additionally, advancements in communication protocols, such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, facilitate seamless connectivity between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users, enhancing overall safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the trend towards over-the-air (OTA) updates enables manufacturers to provide software enhancements and security patches remotely, reducing the need for physical service visits. These technological breakthroughs are shaping the future of automotive electronics, making vehicles smarter and more capable.

7. Regulatory Environment

The regulatory environment significantly influences the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market, as governments worldwide implement stricter vehicle safety and emissions standards. Regulations aimed at enhancing vehicle safety, such as mandatory ADAS features, are compelling manufacturers to integrate advanced electronic systems into their vehicles. Additionally, emissions regulations are pushing automakers to adopt more efficient technologies, leading to increased reliance on electronic control units for powertrain management. Compliance with these regulations often necessitates investments in R&D and the adoption of innovative ECU solutions. Furthermore, governments are promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives and subsidies, further boosting the demand for sophisticated electronic systems. Staying abreast of regulatory changes and adapting to new compliance requirements is crucial for automotive manufacturers and ECU suppliers alike, as these factors shape the market landscape and drive technological advancements.

8. Future Outlook

The future outlook for the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market appears bright, driven by the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry. With the increasing adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, the demand for sophisticated ECU solutions will continue to rise. Market participants are expected to focus on developing highly integrated systems that can manage multiple vehicle functions efficiently, ensuring optimal performance and user experience. As connectivity and digitalization become integral to the automotive landscape, the role of ECUs will expand, enabling features such as remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and enhanced infotainment systems. Moreover, as consumer preferences shift towards sustainable and smart mobility solutions, manufacturers will prioritize innovation to meet evolving demands. Overall, the ECU market is poised for substantial growth, characterized by continuous advancements in technology and a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and connectivity in future vehicle designs.

Geographic Dominance:

Geographic dominance in the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market is significantly influenced by key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. North America leads the market, driven by the presence of major automotive manufacturers and a strong emphasis on technological innovation, particularly in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The region's regulatory environment also promotes the integration of sophisticated electronic systems in vehicles. Europe follows closely, characterized by a robust automotive industry and a growing focus on electric vehicles, which necessitate advanced ECUs for optimal performance and safety. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth, propelled by increasing vehicle production, rising disposable incomes, and a shift towards smart and connected vehicles. Countries like China and Japan are at the forefront, with substantial investments in automotive electronics and a growing consumer demand for innovative features. As a result, geographic dominance will continue to evolve, reflecting broader trends in automotive technology and consumer preferences.

Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) Market Key Players Shaping the Future

Key players shaping the future of the Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market include Bosch, Denso, Continental, Delphi Technologies, Siemens, Infineon Technologies, Texas Instruments, NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, STMicroelectronics, Microchip Technology, Renesas Electronics, ZF Friedrichshafen, Valeo, and Aptiv. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in automotive electronics and playing a crucial role in the development of sophisticated control units that enhance vehicle performance, safety, and connectivity.

Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) Market Segment Analysis

The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market is segmented based on By Type, By Application and Geography, offering a comprehensive analysis of the industry.

By Type

Powertrain Control Units (PCUs)

Body Control Modules (BCMs)

Safety Control Units (SCUs)

Infotainment Control Units

Chassis Control Units

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Control Units

Communication Control Units

By Application

Passenger Vehicles

Commercial Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Hybrid Vehicles

Luxury Vehicles

By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Automotive And Transportation:

The Automotive Electronics Control Unit (ECU) market within the automotive and transportation sector is witnessing significant growth driven by the increasing complexity of vehicle systems and the demand for advanced functionalities. ECUs play a crucial role in managing essential vehicle functions, including engine control, transmission, safety systems, and infotainment, contributing to overall vehicle performance and safety. The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles necessitates sophisticated ECU solutions for efficient power management and performance optimization. Additionally, the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is pushing manufacturers to invest in more complex ECUs to enhance safety features and comply with stringent regulations. As the industry trends towards automation and connectivity, the demand for ECUs is expected to rise, creating opportunities for innovation and development. Consequently, the automotive and transportation sectors are increasingly relying on advanced ECU technologies to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

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France's Direction des Services de la Navigation Aerienne (DSNA) has made a strong commitment to safety, opting to deploy Aireon's space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data for aircraft traffic surveillance for its Cayenne Flight Information Region (FIR).

Under terms of the contract, DSNA will use Aireon's data across the entire Cayenne FIR, which includes terrestrial and oceanic airspace across 2.8 million square kilometers. The Cayenne FIR covering French Guiana in South America is a critical airspace for South Atlantic traffic; the Aireon data can provide unprecedented visibility of oceanic flights across a busy corridor.

The Cayenne FIR borders several FIRs managed by ANSPs already using Aireon's ADS-B, including ASECNA to the East, COCESNA and DC-ANSP to the North, and Nav Portugal to the Northeast.

"Cayenne is an important piece of airspace for South trans-Atlantic travel. Similar to the amazing operational benefits seen in the North Atlantic airspace, ANSPs and airlines who operate in the South Atlantic are a step closer to having complete visibility of a flight across the ocean, which could allow operators to more closely space aircraft, increase capacity, and operate more safely in the region," said Peter Cabooter, Aireon Executive Vice President, Customer Affairs.

Earlier this year, DSNA selected Aireon Locate search and rescue platform for all of its overseas territories, including Cayenne, Paramaribo, Piarco, and Tahiti FIRs.

"Cayenne has already implemented ground-based ADS-B which proved its effectiveness over the terrestrial component of the FIR. Space-based ADS-B is expected to provide new capabilities for Cayenne ATC by considerably expanding the surveillance area, in particular toward the wide oceanic airspace. Ultimately, implementing space-based surveillance supports reducing spacing between flights, which are today quite conservative, given the lack of real-time surveillance over the ocean," said Frederic Guignier, DSNA Director.

About Aireon LLC

Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that were formerly ground-based and, for the first time ever, is extending their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions, and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Space-based ADS-B surveillance covers oceanic, polar, and remote regions, and augments existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is providing a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system, available to all aviation stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.aireon.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205501337/en/

Contacts:

Emily Feliz

+1 571.424.5648

emily.feliz@aireon.com
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global animal genetics market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth USD 2.97 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach USD 4.19 billion in 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Various factors responsible for the market growth are demand for quality genetic materials from animal farms, breeding farms, and the animal food industry and the rising demand for genetic materials to produce animals of superior breeds that are high-yield and disease-resistant. Some of the key drivers in the rising acceptance of genetic materials are growing demand for animal-based food products, such as dairy and meat. Moreover, biotechnology is likely to boost growth in the market through application and advances in technology for the transfer of genetic material. However, some limitations are also expected as strict government regulations on both genetically modified animals as well as food products place some extent of restraint on the growth of the market for animal genetic materials in EU nations.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Animal Genetics Market"

370 - Tables

63 - Figures

360 - Pages

In this report, the animal genetics market is segmented into animal type, products & services, technology, end user and region.

Based on animal type, the animal genetics market is segmented into five major categories such as poultry, porcine, bovine, canine and other animals. Amongst these the porcine segment has accounted for the second largest share in the animal genetics market in 2023. Rising focus on improving swine productivity to meet the increasing global need for pork has driven the adoption of advanced genetic selection techniques. The segment has also benefited from the expansion of commercial pig farming and the use of superior breeds that offer better reproductive rates and higher litter sizes. Additionally, the integration of biosecurity measures in pig farming to control diseases has further fueled the demand for genetically enhanced pigs in this segment.

Based on product & service, the animal genetics market is segmented into animal genetic products and animal genetic testing services. In this report, the animal genetic products market is segmented into semen and embryos. The animal genetic testing services market is segmented into genetic trait tests, genetic disease tests, and DNA typing. In 2023, the genetic diseases tests segment accounted for a larger share of the animal genetic testing services market. However, the genetic trait tests segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is driven by increasing demand for identifying traits linked to productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability in animals. These tests help optimize breeding programs by ensuring desired traits in offspring. Growing awareness of trait-based genetic selection among livestock farmers further supports this segment's rapid growth.

Based on the technologies, this market is divided into five segments such as PCR, NGS, rDNA, Microarray Technology, and Other Technologies. The other technologies segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 11.3% in the animal genetics market during the forecast period. Advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and Market Assisted Selection (MAS) have been considered under this segment. These technologies enable precise genetic modifications and targeted trait selection, improving livestock productivity and health. CRISPR-Cas9's ability to edit genes efficiently has revolutionized genetic research, particularly in developing disease-resistant and high-performing animals. MAS enhances breeding accuracy by linking specific genetic markers to desirable traits. Increasing research investments and the growing need for sustainable farming practices further fuel the demand for these cutting-edge technologies.

Based on end users, there are four segments in the animal genetics market, such as Animal Farms, Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics, Diagnostic Centers and Research Institutes. The Animal Farm segment is expected to witness the second-highest CAGR during the forecast period. As farms look to increase efficiency and reduce costs, they are adopting genetic solutions to optimize breeding and health management. The growing focus on sustainable farming practices and the need to meet global food security demands are pushing farmers to invest in advanced genetic technologies. Additionally, government support and subsidies for modernizing farms, alongside the increasing use of genetic data, are contributing to the segment's rapid growth.

Based on region, the global animal genetics market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Latin America is expected to experience the second-highest growth rate during the forecast period, with factors influencing market growth including the region's expanding agricultural sector and increasing investments in livestock genetics. Additionally, advancements in breeding techniques, along with government initiatives supporting sustainable agriculture and animal welfare, are encouraging the adoption of animal genetics technologies in the region.

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The prominent players in the animal genetics market include Neogen Corporation (US), Genus PLC (UK), Genetic Technologies Limited (Australia), Urus (US), Select Sires Inc. (US), Groupe Grimaud (France), CRV Holding (Netherland), Topigs Norsvin (Netherland), Zoetis, Inc. (US), Animal Genetics, Inc. (US). Players in the global animal genetics market have employed various strategies to expand their global footprints and increase their market shares. The key strategies adopted by the major animal genetics market players include product and service launches and approvals, acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and expansions.

GENUS PLC (UK):

Genus PLC is a top company specializing in livestock genetics for improving meat and milk production. It operates through three main divisions: Genus PIC (focused on pigs), Genus ABS (focused on cattle), and a research and development division. The company sells its products in 35 countries and supports over 2,000 customers worldwide. Genus ABS alone works in 20 countries, serving more than 50,000 customers across six continents. Key subsidiaries include ABS Global in the U.S., Genus Breeding India, and Hermitage Genetics in Ireland. In 2024, Genus took full ownership of De Novo Genetics LLC, a U.S.-based dairy genetics company, and teamed up with 605 Sires + Donors, another U.S. company, to offer advanced genetics solutions for beef producers. These efforts reflect Genus' commitment to driving innovation in the livestock genetics industry.

URUS:

URUS, formed in 2018 by merging Koepon Holding BV (Netherlands) and Cooperative Resources International (CRI) (US), is a global leader in cattle genetics and farm management solutions. With ten subsidiaries, including AgSource, Alta Genetics, GENEX, and Trans Ova Genetics, URUS provides services like breeding programs, advanced genetics, dairy management tools, and reproductive technologies such as IVF and cloning. Operating in over 100 countries, it has a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. In 2023, URUS partnered with Genetics Australia to expand GENEX and PEAK products and, in 2024, launched the Africa Dairy Genetics Multiplication Program to improve cattle genetics in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, showcasing its dedication to advancing global livestock.

CRV HOLDINGS (NETHERLANDS):

CRV Holding is a global leader in improving cattle herds, providing advanced solutions for breeding, fertility, and health to boost productivity and animal well-being. Its services include breeding programs, data collection, herd book management, on-farm support, and industry publications to help farmers improve milk and meat quality. CRV operates in countries like Belgium, New Zealand, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, the U.S., and Spain, and exports bovine semen to about 50 countries through a strong distributor network. In 2021, it partnered with Nedap (Netherlands) to globally market Oxalext products, highlighting its focus on innovation and advancing livestock farming worldwide.

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Veterinary Vaccines Market

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Hamilton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Morison Insurance, a renowned insurance brokerage with deep roots dating back to 1895, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest office in the Greater Hamilton Area. This strategic expansion underscores the company's steadfast commitment to providing exceptional customer service and tailored insurance solutions to families and businesses throughout Southern Ontario.

Hamilton Insurance Team at Morison Insurance

Founded in 1994 by husband-and-wife duo Fred and Jill Morison, the company has grown from a modest single-office operation in downtown Hamilton to a distinguished organization with over 80 dedicated professionals across multiple locations, including Simcoe, Burlington, Tillsonburg, and St. Catharines. The new office in the Greater Hamilton Area will further strengthen Morison Insurance's ability to deliver personalized support and customized coverage to its ever-growing client base.

At the heart of Morison Insurance's success lies a deep-rooted commitment to community involvement and unwavering customer satisfaction. The Morison Insurance team has always prioritized ensuring that each client receives the tailored home and auto insurance coverage they need, backed by a team of knowledgeable insurance brokers committed to exceeding expectations.

"The opening of our new office serving the Greater Hamilton Area is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serving our community with integrity, compassion, and a personal touch," said Fred Morison, President & CEO of Morison Insurance. "We are thrilled to bring our tailored approach to insurance solutions to our clients, providing them with the exceptional service and peace of mind they deserve."

With a strong focus on fostering lasting relationships built on trust and reliability, Morison Insurance continues to build upon its century-old legacy. The new office will provide clients with convenient access to a team of experienced Ontario insurance brokers and professionals dedicated to guiding them through the complexities of insurance with ease and confidence.

Morison Insurance's expansion into the Greater Hamilton Area reinforces its mission to be a leading provider of comprehensive insurance solutions, offering peace of mind to families and businesses across the region. The company remains steadfastly committed to strengthening its ties with the communities it serves, ensuring that every interaction is guided by the core values that have defined Morison Insurance for generations.

As Morison Insurance celebrates this exciting milestone, the company looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and innovation in the insurance industry. The new office is poised to become a vital resource for clients seeking personalized and comprehensive insurance solutions, further solidifying Morison Insurance's position as a trusted leader in the field.

For personalized insurance solutions tailored to your needs, visit Morison Insurance at www.morisoninsurance.ca or call (905) 575-5969 to speak with a licensed Ontario insurance broker.

Morison Insurance Hamilton Office

About Morison Insurance

Founded in 1994 by Fred and Jill Morison, Morison Insurance has evolved from a single office in downtown Hamilton to a leading insurance brokerage with over 80 employees across Southern Ontario. With roots dating back to 1895, the company is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service while offering competitive insurance solutions. Morison Insurance operates offices in Simcoe, Hamilton, Burlington, Tillsonburg, and St. Catharines, allowing clients to access personalized support wherever they are. The Morison family values community involvement and strives to exceed customer expectations, ensuring that every client receives the right coverage tailored to their needs. With a strong commitment to integrity and compassion, Morison Insurance is proud to be a trusted partner for families and businesses throughout the region

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The global corporate community continues to grow support for nonprofits, backing over 56,000 organizations this year via Benevity's platform

CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2024, the market-leading global provider of corporate social responsibility solutions, announced that over $140 million was donated to nonprofits through its platform on GivingTuesday. This marks another milestone day of donations and volunteer efforts supported on Benevity's platform with 637 companies participating this year.

With more than 148,000 individuals coming together to support over 56,000 nonprofits across 122 countries and territories this year, Benevity saw donation dollars per donor increase by an estimated 2% year over year. The most popular causes that companies and individuals contributed to this year include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and United Way Greater Toronto.

"In a year marked by polarization, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly challenging social climate for companies, the corporate community has demonstrated the power of standing united in purpose and generosity, showing how collective action can bring us together," said Christopher Maloof, CEO of Benevity. "This year's remarkable GivingTuesday results are a testament to the corporate community's unwavering commitment to doing good, even giving both of their wallets and time with a notable growth in volunteering time committed to nonprofits. GivingTuesday continues to inspire ongoing action, showing the powerful impact of aligning corporate influence with employee-driven purpose and passion."

This year's corporate efforts also went beyond employee donations and matching programs, shining a spotlight on volunteer initiatives as interest and engagement in volunteering continue to surge . Almost 260,000 volunteer hours were logged by more than 21,000 individuals - a remarkable 17% increase in individual participation compared to 2023.

"This year's record-breaking donations and participation demonstrate the incredible power of collective action," said Asha Curran, CEO, GivingTuesday. "Together, through our collaboration with partners like Benevity, we united millions, raising $3.6 billion in the US alone. Each donation, each act of generosity, showcases the enduring spirit of people around the world."

To learn more about Benevity, please visit: https://benevity.com/ .

About Benevity

Benevity , a certified B Corporation, is the market-leading provider of corporate social responsibility.

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REDDING, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Whole Dried Flowers, Powder, Extracts), Distribution Channel (B2B & B2C), Application (Beverages & Food Products) - Global Forecast to 2031,' the butterfly pea flowers market is expected to reach $151.7 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

The growth of the butterfly pea flowers market is driven by the growing demand for natural food colors, increasing demand for healthy tea alternatives, and increasing R&D activities in the food & beverage industry. However, this market's growth is restrained by the dynamic government regulations.

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Additionally, increasing R&D activities to find new raw material sources is anticipated to create substantial growth opportunities for players operating in this market. Moreover, the increasing awareness regarding clean-label products is a prominent trend in this market.

Key Players:

Some of the major players studied in this report are EverforEver Biotech (China), Paraman Food Works (India), Specialty Natural Products Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Woodland Foods (U.S.), My Blue Tea (Australia), Wild Hibiscus Flower, Co. (Australia), Blue Tea (India), All Herbscare (India), Nippon Advanced Agri Co., Ltd. (Japan), Revival Tea Company (U.S.), and Bigelow Tea (U.S.)

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The global butterfly pea flowers market is segmented by type (whole dried flowers, powder, extracts), distribution channel (direct channel/business-to-business (B2B), indirect channel/business to consumer (B2C)), application (beverages {tea, other beverages}, food products, and other applications); and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa). This study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the regional and country-level markets.

Butterfly Pea Flowers Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

In October 2024, Bigelow Tea (U.S.) launched Bigelow Butterfly Pea Flower with two flavors, Sapphire Bay and Vanilla Midnight.

In May 2024, California Natural Color (U.S.) launched pure purple butterfly peas to its color portfolio for a variety of applications.

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Key Findings in the Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Study:

By type, the powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the convenience of sterilized powder, as well as its increasing popularity in food and beverage production. Sterilized butterfly pea flower powder is valued for its natural ability to change product color. It is gaining traction in the development of functional foods and beverages due to its ease of handling, transportation, storage, and high stability.

By distribution channel, the indirect channel segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by factors such as the rise of online shopping, increasing sales of butterfly pea flower products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and specialty health food websites, as well as growing exports to new global markets.

By application, the beverages segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising demand for functional beverages and the growing popularity of herbal teas. Additionally, the vibrant color of the butterfly pea flower makes it a popular ingredient in beverages such as teas, smoothies, cocktails, and lemonades.

By geography, Asia-Pacific is poised to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing interest in traditional health practices, a rising focus on indigenous plants like butterfly pea flower, and the growing health and wellness trends in the region.

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Scope of the Report:

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessment-by Type

Whole Dried Flowers

Powder

Extracts

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessment-by Distribution Channel

Direct Channel/Business-to-Business (B2B)

Indirect Channel/Business to Consumer (B2C)

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessment-by Application

Beverages

Tea



Other Beverages

Food Products

Other Applications

Botanicals Market Assessment-by Geography

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



France



U.K.



Italy



Spain



Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

China



Japan



India



Australia



South Korea



Indonesia



Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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Fruit Extracts Market by Source (Citrus Fruits, Apples, Pineapples, Grapes, Pears, Berries), Form (Powder, Liquid), Application (Beverages, Food, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics) - Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/fruit-extracts-market-5782

Botanicals Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Garlic Extract, Turmeric Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil), Form (Powder, Liquid), Nature (Organic), Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics)-Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/botanicals-market-6021/toc

Moringa Extract Market by Type (Moringa Leaf Extract, Moringa Seed Extract, Moringa Bark Extract, Moringa Root Extract), Form (Powder, Liquid), Application (Food & Beverage, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/moringa-extract-market-5773

Liquid Botanical Extracts Market by Source (Herbs, Spices, Fruits, Flowers, Roots), Application (Cosmetics, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Food), Technology (Solvent Extraction, Cold Pressing, Steam Distillation, Enfleurage) - Global Forecast to 2029 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/liquid-botanical-extracts-market-5248

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Research Summary

Particulars Details Number of Pages 114 Format PDF Forecast Period 2024-2031 Base Year 2023 CAGR (Value) 5.8 % Market Size (Value) USD 151.7 Billion by 2031 Segments Covered By Type Whole Dried Flowers

Powder

Extracts By Distribution Channel Direct Channel/Business-to-Business (B2B)

Indirect Channel/Business to Consumer (B2C) By Application Beverages

Tea



Other Beverages

Food Products

Other Applications Countries Covered North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Key Companies are EverforEver Biotech (China), Paraman Food Works (India), Specialty Natural Products Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Woodland Foods (U.S.), My Blue Tea (Australia), Wild Hibiscus Flower, Co. (Australia), Blue Tea (India), All Herbscare (India), Nippon Advanced Agri Co., Ltd. (Japan), Revival Tea Company (U.S.), and Bigelow Tea (U.S.)

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CAST's software mapping and intelligence technology empowers Huf Group to simplify portfolio governance, accelerate innovation, and ensure security compliance

NEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2024to manage its rapidly expanding software estate. The move enables Huf to enhance security, streamline compliance, and accelerate innovation in its cutting-edge automotive solutions.

Renowned for its advanced locking systems, door handles, and contact-free access technology, Huf serves nearly all major car manufacturers worldwide. With its growing reliance on bespoke software and hundreds of open-source components, Huf sought a new approach to ensure its software met the highest standards for security and sustainability.

Within hours of deployment, CAST Highlight delivered actionable insights by mapping Huf's entire custom application portfolio. The platform enabled Huf to automatically identify security risks and intellectual property (IP) exposures without disrupting its developers. It also facilitated the automated creation of complex Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), ensuring compliance with client requirements.

"With CAST, we were able to implement our projects much faster and more precisely," said Huf's Head of Software Platform. "The product was operational in half a day, and the insights we gained immediately strengthened our development process."

By using CAST Highlight, Huf can also detect vulnerabilities proactively, long before they appear in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This capability not only enhances security but helps Huf stay ahead of increasingly stringent regulations in the automotive sector.

Beyond security and compliance, CAST Highlight equips CIOs and IT executives with the intelligence needed to address critical priorities such as unwinding technical debt, optimizing for cloud adoption, improving sustainability, and raising IT agility. The platform's ability to easily map that intelligence against subjective information, such as business criticality, empowers Huf to steer and report on board-level imperatives based on facts.

"Huf Group exemplifies how technology leaders can harness software intelligence to innovate securely at faster pace," said Greg Rivera, Vice President of CAST Highlight. "We are proud to support Huf in their mission to deliver advanced, reliable, and secure solutions for the automotive industry."

About CAST

CASTleads the emerging field of software intelligence. Its technology automatically deciphers custom-built applications and provides instant insights into their inner workings - from portfolio views, down to the finest application detail - whenever executives and practitioners need to understand, improve, or transform their critical software. See castsoftware.com.

About Huf Group

Huf Group is the global leader in secure access and authorization systems for the automotive industry. With a focus on innovation, Huf delivers state-of-the-art solutions that enhance comfort and security for drivers worldwide.
ventureLAB, Canada's leading hub for hardware technology and enterprise software innovation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Serbia's Science and Technology Parks Belgrade, Nis, Cacak and Novi Sad. The agreement was formalized following the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2024, marking a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration between Canada and Serbia to advance innovation in hardware technology and enterprise software.

"This partnership comes at a critical time when AI is a top priority for governments worldwide. By focusing on AI computing power, we're connecting ecosystems and creating real opportunities for founders to scale impactful solutions," said Garry Chan, Chief AI Advisor at ventureLAB.

The MOU highlights a mutual commitment to promote each other's programs and provide support for founders developing transformative solutions. By connecting their respective ecosystems, ventureLAB and the Science and Technology Parks aim to unlock new opportunities for startups and scale-ups, enabling growth and innovation at a global level.

"This agreement opens new opportunities for Serbian startups to access global resources and markets while fostering collaboration in AI and innovation with Canada," said Jovan Milic, spokesperson for the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation.

The partnership encompasses several key objectives:

Global Innovation Ecosystem : By connecting Serbian startups with Canadian resources, expertise, and networks, the MOU fosters a robust global innovation ecosystem aligned with the GPAI Summit's goals.

: By connecting Serbian startups with Canadian resources, expertise, and networks, the MOU fosters a robust global innovation ecosystem aligned with the GPAI Summit's goals. Economic Growth : The collaboration stimulates economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and attracting investment. Serbian startups gain access to Canadian markets, while Canadian tech firms can explore opportunities in Serbia's fast-growing tech sector.

: The collaboration stimulates economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and attracting investment. Serbian startups gain access to Canadian markets, while Canadian tech firms can explore opportunities in Serbia's fast-growing tech sector. Talent Development: Knowledge exchange and mentorship programs will enhance the skills of entrepreneurs in both countries, empowering them to innovate and scale their businesses.

This MOU also builds upon Serbia's visit to ventureLAB in the summer, when Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technological Development Jelena Begovic toured the facility including ventureLAB's state-of-the-art Hardware Catalyst Lab and explored opportunities for collaboration.

This collaboration underscores the shared dedication to driving technological advancement, cultivating entrepreneurship, and building thriving ecosystems across borders.

About ventureLAB

ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Located at the heart of Ontario's innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 6,800 jobs and raise more than $420 million in investment capital. ventureLAB is powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada's knowledge-based economy.

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Montreal, Quebec and Manila, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) ("QeM") is proud to announce its participation in the Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to the Philippines, hosted by the Canadian Ministry of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.

As a pioneer in quantum-secure solutions, QeM's groundbreaking technology offers unparalleled performance, affordability, and scalability, making it the ideal choice for secure messaging and data protection across a wide range of industries.

"The Philippines, with its rapid economic growth, tech-driven industries, and high digital adoption, presents an exceptional market for our quantum-based solutions," stated Bernard Gibbs, QeM's consulting representative in the Philippines.

"The country's burgeoning IT, telecommunications, and financial services sectors are in critical need of advanced cybersecurity measures to protect their rapidly growing digital infrastructure. With approximately 120 million people and 81 million active e-wallet users, the Philippines has one of the highest rates of electronic transaction adoption in the Asia-Pacific region. These factors make it an ideal landscape for integrating QeM's quantum-based technology, which ensures secure data transmission and protects against both current and future cyber threats, including quantum computing attacks."

Gibbs emphasized the importance of timing, noting, "The Philippines is on the cusp of becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Its proactive approach to technological innovation and the government's focus on digital transformation align perfectly with QeM's mission to deliver cutting-edge, scalable, and affordable cybersecurity solutions. Our engagements here are a vital step in helping to fortify this nation's cybersecurity defenses."

"This trade mission is perfectly timed as Quantum eMotion transitions from groundbreaking innovation to full-scale commercialization," said CEO Francis Bellido. "Our quantum-based technology is uniquely designed to address a pressing need in today's cybersecurity landscape. With the rising demand for secure communication solutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)-often the most vulnerable to hacker threats-face significant challenges in accessing affordable and high-performance security technologies. Our solution bridges this gap, delivering cutting-edge quantum security tailored to the needs of these underserved organizations.

"We are confident that our engagements during the TCTM will translate into meaningful partnerships and adoption of our quantum encryption technologies. As we expand our footprint in high-growth markets like the Philippines, we are driving forward our mission to redefine cybersecurity and deliver significant value to our shareholders," Bellido continued, "This mission is occurring at a fantastic time where the Company is engaged in several business opportunities, spanning critical sectors such as telemedicine, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and finance."

Change of auditor

The Company today announced a change of auditor from KPMG LLP (the "Predecessor Auditor") to Audacie Inc. (the "Successor Auditor"). The Predecessor Auditor has resigned as auditor of the Corporation effective 5 December 2024, at the request of the Corporation to facilitate the appointment of the Successor Auditor as successor auditor of the Corporation. The Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the appointment of the Successor Auditor to replace the Predecessor Auditor, effective 5 December 2024. There were no modified opinions in the Predecessor Auditor's audit reports relating to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 or any subsequent period until its resignation date and there is no "reportable event" as such term is defined in Part 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102-Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102").

For more information, visit www.quantumemotion.com.

About QeM

The Company's mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security for connected devices. QeM has become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions thanks to its patented Quantum Random Number Generator, a security solution that exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced protection for high-value assets and critical systems.

The Company intends to target highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

For further information, please visit our website at https://www.quantumemotion.com/ or contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232616

SOURCE: Quantum eMotion Corp.
TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Myant Corp., a pioneer in textile computing for healthcare, and Coapt, a leader in neural interface technology, announced a collaboration aimed at transforming the assistive technology landscape. The partnership will focus on developing and commercializing textile-based electromyography (EMG) interfaces, enhancing the way prosthetic limbs and related therapeutic devices interact with the human body.

In merging Coapt's cutting-edge EMG intent decoder control systems with Myant's advanced textile technologies, this collaboration seeks to bring forward new products that will provide more comfort, precision, and control for individuals using assistive devices such as prosthetic limbs. Products born from this partnership may open new pathways for therapies that target phantom limb pain and biofeedback-based solutions, further advancing Myant's mission to improve life and everyday experiences for those with unique needs.

"Myant and Coapt share a vision of improving quality of life through seamless integration between technology and the human body," said Tony Chahine, CEO at Myant. "This collaboration will push the boundaries of what is possible in prosthetics and rehabilitation."

Myant and Coapt's roadmap for future innovation in assistive technology includes the exploration of virtual and augmented reality applications for medical therapies. This venture will also include funded research and clinical trials to explore the broader implications of their combined technologies for patients worldwide.

"Together, Coapt and Myant are creating a future where assistive technology not only helps people regain function, but also improves their overall comfort and autonomy," added Blair Lock, CEO at Coapt.

Myant is excited to showcase its latest innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 7-10, 2024 in Las Vegas, USA. Through live demos with Coapt, Myant aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation assistive technologies and foster meaningful connections with the global healthcare community.

About Myant

Myant exists to enable and augment quality living for all. We leverage advancements in AI, medicine and advanced materials to bring health, safety, connection and peace of mind through every stage of life.

Myant is leading a new era of evolution where AI guardians enhance human capabilities through textile interfaces that function like a connected second skin. This second skin - made possible by groundbreaking advanced materials - blends naturally into our everyday lives, setting a new standard for seamless interaction with the digital world.

From birth to elderhood, AI guardians enrich our daily experience, advance our well-being, ensure our safety, redefine how we connect to society, and enable universal access to the best possible care at every moment.

In 2024, ??Myant launched with significant growth into the EU and brought on world renowned AI Scientist Dr. Xin Gao as its Chief AI Officer.

For more information, visit www.myant.ca

About Coapt:

Coapt, LLC is a privately held company based in Chicago, USA, with a research subsidiary, Liberating Technologies, Inc. in Boston, USA. Coapt was founded in 2012 and quickly launched Complete Control, an FDA Class II-cleared myoelectric, machine learning prosthesis control system. This flagship product-now in its second generation-is the first technology to allow users to naturally control their advanced, prosthetic arms and hands. Complete Control leverages clinically developed artificial intelligence to learn and adapt to users' unique muscle signal patterns and provide intuitive, intent decoding control for bionic upper limbs. Coapt's myoelectric pattern recognition products are compatible with over 450 unique prosthetic limb configurations. In addition to Coapt's preeminent product line, the company has established deep industry partnerships and a robust academic research portfolio.

To learn more, please visit https://coaptengineering.com/

About Textile Computing

Myant knits sensors and actuators into everyday textiles, creating a textile interface that continuously senses and reacts to the human body. The aim is to empower humanity to transform our capabilities, proactively manage health, rapidly deliver treatment, and build better connections to ourselves and those around us.

Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2025

From 7-10 January 2025, Myant will be at Booth #53617 at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 201 Sands Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA

Media Contact

Charles Andreo

info@myant.ca

Media Kit

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Regulatory News:

IMPLANET (Euronext Growth: ALIMP, FR0013470168, eligible for PEA-PME equity savings plans), a medical technology company specializing in implants for orthopedic surgery and the distribution of technological medical equipment, today announces the implementation of financing with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank ("SPD Bank").

Ludovic Lastennet, IMPLANET's Chief Executive Officer, stated: "I would like to thank our partners, Sanyou Medical and SPD Bank, for their confidence in our project. With these new financial resources, IMPLANET has additional means to carry out its operations and fully execute its strategic priorities."

The financing arrangement consists of a short-term working capital loan from SPD Bank totaling RMB 15.2 million, around 2 million, for a 12-month term, repayable in full at maturity, without requiring collateral. The loan is intended for supplier payments and other operational expenses, with repayment guaranteed by Sanyou Medical.

Given this new financing and the cash flow projections based on current activity assumptions and anticipated commercial developments with Sanyou Medical for 2024 and 2025, the Company believes it will be able to meet its operational financing needs for the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company is continuing to explore various financing solutions to accelerate the development of its activities and medium-term growth, as well as the implementation of payment facilities with the Sanyou Medical group.

As a reminder, as of September 30, 2024, Implanet had cash reserves of 0.79 million. Furthermore, the Company received 0.68 million from the sale of the MADISONTM activity, with the remaining 0.17 million expected to be collected in the first half of 2025.

Upcoming financial event:

Full-year 2024 revenue, on January 14, 2025, after market close.

About IMPLANET

Founded in 2007, IMPLANET is a medical technology company that manufactures high-quality implants for orthopedic surgery and distributing medical technology equipment. Its activity revolves around a comprehensive innovative solution for improving the treatment of spinal pathologies (JAZZ) complemented by the product range offered by Orthopaedic Spine Development (OSD), acquired in May 2021 (thoraco-lumbar screws, cages and cervical plates). Implanet's tried-and-tested orthopedic platform is based on the traceability of its products. Protected by four families of international patents, JAZZ has obtained 510(k) regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the CE mark in Europe and ANVISA approval in Brazil. In 2022, IMPLANET entered into a commercial, technological and financial partnership with SANYOU MEDICAL, China's second largest medical device manufacturer. IMPLANET employs 43 staff and recorded a consolidated revenue of 7.4 million in 2023. Based near Bordeaux in France, IMPLANET opened a US subsidiary in Boston in 2013. IMPLANET is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris.

For further information, please visit www.Implanet.com.

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Contacts:

IMPLANET

Ludovic Lastennet, CEO

David Dieumegard, CFO

Tel.: +33 (0)5 57 99 55 55

investors@Implanet.com

NewCap

Investor Relations

Nicolas Fossiez

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

Implanet@newcap.eu

NewCap

Media Relations

Arthur Rouille

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

Implanet@newcap.eu
Regulatory News:

MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival of patients with cancer, announced the first treatment in the United States of a patient with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD) under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Single Patient Expanded Access. Expanded access, sometimes called "compassionate use," is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available. In the U.S., compassionate use may be requested by a treating physician via a Single-Patient Investigational New Drug (IND).

The patient, who was previously treated with multiple lines of therapies, including steroids and ruxolitinib, received this treatment at City of Hope, by Monzr M. Al Malki, M.D., associate professor and director of Unrelated Donor BMT program and Ryotaro Nakamura, M.D., professor and director of City of Hope's Center for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. City of Hope is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, whose Los Angeles comprehensive cancer center is ranked among the nation's top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News World Report. Drs. Al Malki and Dr. Nakamura are renowned for their expertise in the fields of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and GvHD.

"We are excited to have access to MaaT013 for this patient for the treatment of refractory aGvHD" said Dr. Nakamura1Dr. Al Malki added "We believe that microbiome-based immune modulation may play a crucial role in the treatment of aGvHD and look forward to exploring the potential of MaaT013 to enhance GvHD outcomes and improve patient survival."

"Providing MaaT013 under compassionate use in the U.S. highlights the pressing global need for innovative therapies to address refractory aGvHD," said Herve Affagard, CEO and co-founder of MaaT Pharma. "This also reflects the growing international recognition of MaaT013 as a potential new hope for patients battling this life-threatening condition."

As previously communicated, MaaT Pharma is currently advancing the Phase 3 ARES trial in Europe (NCT 04769895). Patient recruitment is now complete for the European study, and topline results are expected in January 2025. Additionally, MaaT Pharma plans to initiate a US Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating MaaT013 in aGvHD with gastrointestinal involvement in ruxolitinib-refractory or intolerant subjects. In this context, clinical batches of MaaT013 have been made available, enabling the product to also be distributed to support expanded access under FDA oversight. Finally, additional efficacy, safety, and long-term follow-up data from the Early Access Program in Europe will be presented at the upcoming ASH 2024 Annual Meeting taking place December 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, California, USA.

About MaaT Pharma

MaaT Pharma is a leading, late-stage clinical company focused on developing innovative gut microbiome-driven therapies to modulate the immune system and enhance cancer patient survival. Supported by a talented team committed to making a difference for patients worldwide, the Company was founded in 2014 and is based in Lyon, France.

As a pioneer, MaaT Pharma is leading the way in bringing the first microbiome-driven immunomodulator in oncology. Using its proprietary pooling and co-cultivation technologies, MaaT Pharma develops high diversity, standardized drug candidates, aiming at extending life of cancer patients. MaaT Pharma has been listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT) since 2021.

About MaaT013

MaaT013 is a full-ecosystem, off-the-shelf, standardized, pooled-donor, Microbiome Ecosystem TherapyTM for acute, hospital use. It is characterized by a consistently high diversity and richness of microbial species and the presence of ButycoreTM (group of bacterial species known to produce anti-inflammatory metabolites). MaaT013 aims to restore the symbiotic relationship between the patient's functional gut microbiome and their immune system to correct the responsiveness and tolerance of immune functions and thus reduce steroid-resistant, gastrointestinal (GI)-predominant aGvHD. MaaT013 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Forward-looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

1 Disclosure: Dr. Nakamura has received compensation from MaaT Pharma for service on an advisory board

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Contacts:

MaaT Pharma Investor Relations

Guilhaume DEBROAS, Ph.D.

Head of Investor Relations

+33 6 16 48 92 50

invest@maat-pharma.com

MaaT Pharma Media Relations

Pauline RICHAUD

Senior PR Corporate Communications Manager

+33 6 14 06 45 92

media@maat-pharma.com

Catalytic Agency Media Relations

Heather Shea

Media relations for MaaT Pharma

+1 617-286-2013

heather.shea@catalyticagency.com
Tonner Drones Secures EUR 900.000 In Non-Dilutive Financing

Schiltigheim, December 5th 2024 18:00, Tonner Drones ('the Company') is pleased to announce that it has secured EUR 900.000 in non-dilutive financing with supporting investors and its CEO.

With these bonds and credit line, Tonner Drones lengthens it financial visibility. During the right issue in April 2024 the Company communicated that it had financial visibility for 12 months. Under the new management, operational costs have been reduced even more, towards EUR 20.000 per month. Especially since CEO van den Ouden has waived his management-fee for 2025. With reduced costs and the access to this non-dilutive funding there is no further need to raise capital through the equity-markets. With the implemented meassures and support from management and supporting investors, Tonner Drones is on its way to become a cash-rich company in the French markets.

One investor subscribed to a bond of EUR 100.000 for a period of 24 months with 5% interest. The bond was subscribed against 90%. EUR 300,000 was made available as short-term financing to provide the company with financial flexibility to make investments and it provide bridging finance until the potential upcoming proceeds of selling assets. The bonds are subscribed against 98% and the interest is 0,5% per month. The fourth investor is CEO D.M. van den Ouden, who provided a credit facility of EUR 500,000. The credit facility can be used freely and redeemed at the company's discretion. The only costs are interest of 6% on an annual basis over the actual amount drawn. None of the products give access to the share capital.

"Shareholders and investors need to understand that I have always financed my own companies by myself. My ultimate goal now is to make Tonner Drones successful. I will use my own wealth to do so." said Diede van den Ouden, CEO. "I'm convinced that we are going to succeed, and it gives confidence that other investors are starting to join our cause. We say goodbye to the past and we return the company to the shareholders. It's a self-reinforcing effect because the more confidence I gain the more I will continue to invest."

End of Press-Release.

About Tonner Drones : Tonner Drones develops technologies for the logistics sector. Tonner Drones holds valuable stakes in some promising French drone manufacturers. Tonner Drones' strategy is to leverage its shareholdings in these companies through active asset management. Additional revenues can be achieved through royalties from patents held by Tonner Drones. Tonner Drones does not plan on owning a factory; however, it is determined to retain R&D for its products and systems in France.

Tonner Drones' shares are listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN code: FR001400H2X4).

More information at www.tonnerdrones.com / contact@tonnerdrones.com

Communication financiere

investors@tonnerdrones.com

Warning

Regarding the merits of any transaction or the making of any investment decision. It does not constitute or include any confirmation or commitment by Tonner Drones (or any other person) regarding the present or future value of Tonner Drones ' business, its securities, its subsidiaries or any other assets of Tonner Drones.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current beliefs and expectations regarding future events. These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations regarding future financial results, events, operations and services. and product development, as well as statements regarding performance or events. These statements are generally identified by the terms "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "project", "may", "should" or the negative form of these and other similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding Tonner Drones and its subsidiaries and investments, trends in their businesses, future capital expenditures and acquisitions, developments relating to contingent liabilities, changes in global economic conditions or Tonner Drones ' principal markets, competitive market conditions and regulatory factors. The realization of these events is uncertain; their outcome could turn out to be different from that envisaged today, which is likely to significantly affect the expected results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Tonner Drones undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, taking into account new information or future events.
Regulatory News:

Vivendi (Paris:VIV) takes note with satisfaction of the Paris Commercial Court's decision today to reject the request by CIAM Luxemburg, a fund holding 0.025% of its share capital, to postpone the General Shareholders' Meeting scheduled to be held on December 9, 2024, to vote on the Group's spin-off project.

Vivendi is pleased that shareholder democracy can be expressed and looks forward to seeing its shareholders at the Meeting on December 9, 2024, at 3pm at the Folies Bergere in Paris.

The Shareholders' Meeting can be followed live on either https://channel.royalcast.com/vivendien/#!/vivendien/20241209_1 or https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9a5zpk.

About Vivendi

Vivendi is a global leader in content, media and communications. Canal+ Group is a major player in the creation and distribution of cinema and audiovisual content on all continents. With Lagardere, Vivendi is the world's third-largest book publisher for the general public and educational markets, and a leading global player in travel retail. Havas is one of the largest global communications groups with a presence in more than 100 countries. Vivendi is also active in the magazine business (Prisma Media) and in video games (Gameloft). As a committed group, Vivendi contributes to building more open, inclusive, and responsible societies by supporting diverse and inventive creative works, promoting broader access to culture, education, and its industries, and increasing awareness of 21st century challenges and opportunities. In December 2023, Vivendi launched the study of a split project where Canal+ Group, Havas and Louis Hachette Group, the company grouping the assets in publishing and distribution, would become independent entities listed on the stock market. A Shareholders' General Meeting to be held on December 9, 2024, will vote on the project. www.vivendi.com

Important disclaimers

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Vivendi's financial condition, results of operations, business, strategy, plans and outlook, including the impact of certain transactions such as the split and listing projects, as well as related operations. Although Vivendi believes that such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of completion of the split and listing projects nor of Vivendi's future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including, but not limited to, the risks related to obtaining regulatory, administrative, third party or any other approvals, and the risks described in the documents of the Group filed by Vivendi with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the French securities regulator), which are also available in English on Vivendi's website (www.vivendi.com). Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Vivendi with the Autorite des Marches Financiers at www.amf-france.org, or directly from Vivendi. Accordingly, we caution readers against relying on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Vivendi disclaims any intention or obligation to provide, update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to subscribe to or purchase, nor an invitation to sell, buy, or subscribe to securities in France or abroad. This press release must in no way be interpreted as a recommendation to readers.

The dissemination of this press release may be restricted, limited, or prohibited by law in certain states, and anyone wishing to distribute it must inform themselves about the existence of such restrictions, limitations, or prohibitions, and adhere to them. Any failure to do so may constitute a violation of the applicable securities regulations in those states.

Unsponsored ADRs. Vivendi does not sponsor an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) facility in respect of its shares. Any ADR facility currently in existence is "unsponsored" and has no ties whatsoever to Vivendi. Vivendi disclaims any liability in respect of any such facility.

This document has been certified by Vivendi SE using the blockchain and Nodle Connecting SDK's Click solution to ensure its authenticity. View this certificate of authenticity by logging in to https://www.certification.vivendi.com or using a blockchain explorer such as https://etherscan.io or https://www.blockchain.com

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Contacts:

Vivendi
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports high-grade gold mineralization including 23.0 metres (m) of 5.00 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) at the Froyo Gold Zone ("Froyo" or "Zone"). Additional drilling extends gold mineralization at Froyo by 180 m. The Company has completed more than 40,000 m this year and expects to meet its 45,000 m goal by the end of the year.

Drilling Highlights

Broad, high-grade gold mineralization continues north in Froyo with 23.0 m of 5.00 g/t Au (24FR090) and 4.0 m of 15.34 g/t Au (24FR092)

(24FR090) and (24FR092) 10.0 m of 4.23 g/t Au (24FR086)

(24FR086) Froyo extended along strike by 180 m, intersecting 8.0 m of 2.08 g/t Au (24FR095) in previously untested area to the north of known gold mineralization

(24FR095) in previously untested area to the north of known gold mineralization Excellent continuity of mineralized structures along strike into the main Upper Antino area fold closure

Compelling evidence for repeating high-grade shoots with depth

Exploration Highlights

Gold mineralized strike length at the Lawa North and Lawa South targets extended to 13 km based on recent mapping and surface sampling program (Figure 1) Anomalous gold (>0.1 g/t Au) in 33% of 124 Lawa area grab samples including 11 samples with gold concentrations from 1.00 g/t Au to 14.42 g/t Au

extended to 13 km based on recent mapping and surface sampling program (Figure 1) New Da Vinci target situated 4 km southeast of Buese (Figure 1) Target identified through recognition of several overlapping geologic features similar to Upper Antino's Froyo Zone mineralization True discovery potential - no modern systematic exploration work or historical drilling Drilling underway with initial three-hole plan expanded to twelve holes Results from initial drilling expected before the end of this year

situated 4 km southeast of Buese (Figure 1) The Da Vinci target extends Antino gold trend by more than 4 km southeast (Figure 1)

Founders' President and CEO, Colin Padget commented, "Drill hole 24FR090 represents the 22nd interval at Upper Antino exceeding 100 gram-metre per tonne**, reaffirming the deposit's exceptional grade profile. The continuous growth at Upper Antino over the last 12 months has been a key de-risking step for the project, and when combined with the numerous new discoveries and impressive gold intercepts at Lower Antino and Buese, emphasizes Antino's potential to develop into a Tier 1 asset. Moving forward into 2025, we are continuing with our strategy of unlocking value through aggressive exploration, new discoveries, and the continued expansion of known gold mineralization at Antino. On this note, we are particularly excited about the new discovery potential that the Lawa and Da Vinci target areas represent."

Froyo Discussion

Drillholes 24FR090 and 24FR092 expand broad, high-grade gold mineralization northward at Froyo (Figure 2). These results continue to validate the exploration strategy of focusing on the sheared limbs of a regional-scale fold at Upper Antino, where a series parallel gold-bearing shear zones have been identified. Froyo now has a drill-defined strike length of ~1.6 km and an ~300 m wide mineralized footprint. To date drilling extends gold mineralization to a depth of 275 m and the system remains open in all directions. The deepest drilling at Froyo has delivered some of the broadest, highest-grade intercepts to date.

There is evidence of a repeating series of high-grade shoots within the broader mineralizing system. Analogous gold deposits in similar Guiana Shield stratigraphy host similar deep-rooted structures with gold mineralization extending to over 1000 m depth. Current drilling efforts at Upper Antino are focused on along-strike expansion of shallow, high-grade gold mineralization to the north and south. Future work will include systematic step-out drilling to target additional opportunity for further growth at depth. Figure 3 illustrates drilling progress and expanding gold mineralization along and across strike at Upper Antino over the last 18 months, including the identification of high-grade subparallel hanging wall shear zones. Additionally, a new high-grade shear zone-hosted discovery was made at Donut more than 900 m from Founders' earliest work on Froyo.

Lawa North and Lawa South Targets

The road-accessible Lawa exploration targets are ~12 km east of Upper Antino (Figure 1). Founders' geologists first visited the area to investigate recent artisanal mining activity and quickly identified two NNW-trending shear zones coincident with km-scale tonalitic intrusive bodies. Recent dry-season river bedrock mapping along the property's northeastern margin identified multiple gold-bearing shear zones up to 75 m wide that connect with the structure at Lawa North, giving the target an 8 km long mineralized strike length. The Lawa South shear zone extends over 5 km. Early work indicates property-scale, gold-bearing structures with similar tonalitic intrusive-hosted gold mineralization as the Donut, Lower Antino, and Buese targets. Ongoing surface exploration includes >1 km of trenching, 550+ auger samples, channel sampling, and geological mapping. An initial drill program for Lawa is anticipated for H1 2025.

Da Vinci Target

The Da Vinci target, identified by onsite technical staff and prioritized due to its geological similarities to the gold-rich Froyo area, underwent initial mapping before Founders redirected a drill from nearby Buese for exploratory drilling (Figure 1). The promising early visual results at Da Vinci have led to the decision to keep the drill there through the year's end. Meanwhile, Buese remains a focus-Founders will deploy its fourth diamond drill there in January to continue advancing the second phase of drilling. The Company anticipates releasing the pending Da Vinci drill results by the end of 2024.





Figure 1: Property Scale Plan Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/232642_ec95d7fd64a5a963_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Upper Antino Plan Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/232642_ec95d7fd64a5a963_002full.jpg





Figure 3: Upper Antino Timelapse from December 2023 to December 2024

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/232642_ec95d7fd64a5a963_003full.jpg

Table 1: High-grade Intervals at Upper Antino >100 gram-metre per tonne**

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Core Length*

(m) Au

(g/t) Gram-Metre per Tonne (gm/t)** 24FR090 254.00 277.00 23.00 5.00 114.70 24FR074 62.00 108.00 46.00 5.31 244.34 24FR067 280.00 304.00 24.00 5.06 121.55 24FR054 150.00 163.00 13.00 11.02 143.30 24FR049 44.00 70.00 26.00 5.52 143.52 24FR048 63.00 78.00 15.00 8.18 122.70 23FR044 56.00 82.00 26.00 4.86 126.36 23FR041 52.70 67.20 14.50 16.26 235.77 23FR038 77.00 90.00 13.00 14.03 182.39 23FR036 134.00 144.00 10.00 24.46 244.60 23FR030 182.00 208.00 26.00 6.35 165.10 23FR026 29.00 32.00 3.00 99.51 298.53 23FR025 222.00 267.79 45.79 4.06 185.91 23FR014 63.50 79.00 15.50 30.72 476.16 23FR011 76.00 89.00 13.00 8.75 113.75 23FR009 83.00 92.00 9.00 11.10 99.90 23FR007 47.50 54.95 7.45 15.22 113.39 23FR003 55.00 67.00 12.00 19.22 230.64 24GG004 149.00 187.00 38.00 10.90 414.02 23GG001 125.00 134.00 9.00 22.84 205.56 23GG001 152.00 158.00 6.00 94.69 568.14 24DO007 196.00 215.00 19.00 14.23 270.37

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width, based on current drill data

**Gram-metre per tonne calculated as core length in metres multiplied by g/t Au value

Table 2: Assay Results

Ho le ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR095 117.00 125.00 8.00 2.08 24FR093 33.60 50.10 16.50 2.83 24FR092 0.00 14.10 14.10 0.31 and 301.00 305.00 4.00 15.34 24FR091 71.00 74.00 3.00 1.27 24FR090 101.00 105.00 4.00 3.43 and 254.00 277.00 23.00 5.00 24FR089 303.00 308.00 5.00 2.21 24FR088 258.00 269.00 11.00 2.85 and 304.00 306.00 2.00 3.81 and 354.00 357.00 3.00 2.67 and 378.00 380.00 2.00 23.15 24FR087 248.00 256.00 8.00 1.04 and 363.00 375.00 12.00 2.34 24FR086 0.00 8.10 8.10 0.45 and 183.00 193.00 10.00 4.23 and 382.00 386.00 4.00 1.31 24EC003 48.60 56.10 7.50 4.87 24EC002 183.00 186.00 3.00 1.09 24EC001 166.00 174.00 8.00 0.39

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width, based on current drill data

Table 3: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting* (m) Northing* (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) 24FR095 817065.1 401904.2 206.3 260 -50 401.1 24FR093 817018.0 401620.0 156.8 260.3 -45 263.1 24FR092 816906.0 401550.0 177.8 79.6 -55.4 329.0 24FR091 817076.3 401516.0 161.4 250 -45 221.1 24FR090 817076.3 401516.0 164.4 250 -69.7 293.0 24FR089 817237.5 401231.5 149.3 255 -45 377.0 24FR088 817306.6 401259.2 150.0 255 -45 419.1 24FR087 817268.5 401354.5 187.7 250 -50 452.1 24FR086 817199.5 401321.5 181.5 250 -50 401.2 24EC003 816810.0 401338.9 241.6 308.6 -50.3 289.9 24EC002 816811.7 401337.4 241.4 259.0 -58.2 337.8 24EC001 816904.5 401374.5 231.8 260.9 -57.1 301.1

*The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company will complete 45,000 metres of drilling in 2024 and is fully financed for up to 60,000 metres in 2025.

1 2022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo.

Quality Assurance and Control

Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232642

SOURCE: Founders Metals Inc.
Premier accounting firm expands to Oxnard, offering tailored financial solutions to boost thriving local businesses

OXNARD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Accountant Partners, a leading accounting firm for small businesses, has opened a new office in Oxnard, California, to provide strategic financial services that empower local businesses to thrive. Oxnard's booming economy, fueled by growth in tourism and recognition as one of the best cities to start a business, creates an ideal environment for businesses to succeed.

The expansion of Accountant Partners into Oxnard aligns with the city's rising economic profile. Tourism activity in Ventura County increased by 14.1% in 2022 , a testament to the region's rapid recovery and robust travel sector. According to Visit California, statewide travel spending grew by 31.7%, adding 157,000 jobs and generating $11.9 billion in tax revenue. Oxnard benefits significantly from this momentum, offering vibrant beaches, culinary experiences, and an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurship.

"Oxnard's unique blend of economic growth, tourism-driven revenue, and recognition as a prime location for startups makes it a perfect fit for our services," said Allan Bayer, a senior partner at Accountant Partners. "We are excited to support local entrepreneurs with customized accounting solutions that foster growth and stability."

Strategically positioned in Ventura County, Oxnard offers access to major hubs like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, coupled with a burgeoning biotech scene supported by nearby institutions like UCLA and Cal Poly Pomona. The city's ranking among the top 50 places to start a business highlights its favorable conditions, including affordable real estate and access to top-tier talent.

Accountant Partners aims to provide Oxnard businesses with essential services like tax planning, bookkeeping, controller services, and strategic advisory solutions. The firm's tailored approach addresses the challenges of managing cash flow, navigating competition, and leveraging local incentives in a rapidly growing economy.

Entrepreneurs in Oxnard are encouraged to connect with Accountant Partners for a free consultation to explore how their financial services can support long-term business success. For more information, visit https://accountantpartners.com/small-business-accountant-oxnard/ or call (623) 267-3399.

About Accountant Partners:

Accountant Partners is a leading small business accounting firm helping business owners across the U.S. save up to $1M per year in taxes through partner-level accounting, reporting, and strategic advisory. With 27 years of experience, Accountant Partners specializes in best-in-class tax minimization strategies, personalized advisory, and technology-driven efficiency.

Contact Information

JP Richards

Director of Communications

releases@drakedigital.com

844-703-0880





Source: Accountant Partners

View the original press release on accesswire.com
PerfectPRO Painters enhances its offerings with specialized industrial painting services tailored for Canadian warehouses and facilities, ensuring superior durability and performance.

OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / PerfectPRO Painters, a trusted leader in commercial and residential painting solutions, proudly announces the expansion of its industrial painting services to meet the growing demands of Canadian warehouses and facilities. With a focus on delivering durable, high-performance coatings, this new initiative addresses the unique challenges of industrial environments, including heavy wear and tear, safety compliance, and aesthetic upgrades.

"At PerfectPRO Painters, we understand that industrial facilities require more than just a fresh coat of paint. They need solutions that endure the toughest conditions while maintaining a professional appearance," says Justin Assaly, co-owner of PerfectPRO Painters. "Our expanded industrial painting services are designed to provide long-lasting protection, safety enhancements, and visual appeal tailored to the needs of Canadian businesses."

Why Choose PerfectPRO Painters for Industrial Facilities?

PerfectPRO Painters brings decades of experience and innovation to every project, offering:

Specialized Coatings: Industrial-grade paints and coatings designed to withstand heavy use, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure.

Safety Compliance: Reflective and color-coded markings to improve visibility and safety in warehouses and facilities.

Custom Solutions: Tailored services to align with each facility's operational needs and aesthetic goals.

Experienced Teams: Highly skilled professionals with expertise in managing large-scale industrial projects.

With this expansion, PerfectPRO Painters aims to set a new standard in industrial painting across Canada. Whether it's rejuvenating aging warehouse walls, protecting flooring with epoxy coatings, or applying corrosion-resistant finishes, their comprehensive solutions cater to a wide range of industrial needs.

"Our mission is to support Canadian businesses with painting solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics," adds Fedi Assaly, co-owner of PerfectPRO Painters. "By expanding our industrial services, we're helping facilities operate efficiently while looking their best."

PerfectPRO Painters has built a reputation for excellence in the Canadian painting industry, serving residential, commercial, and now industrial clients with unmatched quality and customer care. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, the company remains committed to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Discover how PerfectPRO Painters can transform your industrial space with their expanded industrial painting services. For more information, visit https://perfectpropainters.ca/services/ottawa-industrial-painting-services or call (613) 801-2385.

About PerfectPRO Painters

PerfectPRO Painters is a trusted family-owned painting company serving homeowners and businesses across Canada. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialize in delivering high-quality, fast, and affordable painting services, backed by a "Price-Matching Guarantee" and a one-year warranty.

Source: PerfectPRO Painters Ottawa

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The CDC approximates that approximately 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries occur each year among healthcare workers in the United States.

EL PASO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / With a rise in needlestick injuries becoming a significant concern, BioMedical Waste Solutions, a leading provider of medical waste disposal services, with locations in El Paso, TX, is proactively educating the community on the risks of improper disposal of medical waste, including needles.

The CDC estimates that approximately 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries occur each year among U.S. healthcare workers. This number is likely lower than the actual figure due to underreporting, especially in private homes where elderly individuals and the 38.4 million Americans (11.6% of the population) with diabetes rely on needle usage on a day-to-day basis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out the dangers of sharps injuries in spreading serious diseases, with global annual infection rates among healthcare workers as follows:

Nearly 2,005,000 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

66,000 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV)

16,000 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV)

These infections can result in death or cause lifelong health complications, such as disabilities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that a third of all sharps injuries take place during disposal, reiterating the importance of strict medical waste disposal practices to protect healthcare workers and the general public.

To tackle this challenge, the El Paso medical waste disposal company BioMedical Waste Solutions released The Definitive Guide to Medical Waste Disposal in 2024. This guide offers essential information on the safe disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects, aligning with the company's dedication to improving safety and preventing the spread of infections through proper waste management.

These are the five essential pointers from the guide on how to avoid needlestick injuries:

Make use of FDA-approved sharps disposal containers Prevent overfilling of disposal containers Refrain from reaching into disposal containers Never attempt to recap needles Store sharp objects and disposal containers out of children's reach

JP Richards, Director of Communications at BioMedical Waste Solutions, stated, "The increasing rate of needlestick injuries and their serious effects on healthcare workers and the community are significant concerns. Our guide is crucial for preventing these injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare providers and individuals using needles at home. We are committed to offering effective El Paso medical waste disposal solutions. Together, we can reduce the dangers associated with needlestick injuries."

As a top El Paso medical waste disposal company, BioMedical Waste Solutions invites healthcare institutions, medical professionals, and needle users to consult their comprehensive guide on the correct disposal of sharps and medical waste. The company's extensive experience and cutting-edge technology guarantee the safe management, transport, and disposal of medical waste, satisfying the most stringent national, state, and local regulations.

For further details on safe medical waste disposal or to view the guide from BioMedical Waste Solutions, please visit their website at https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/medical-waste-disposal/ or reach out directly at 346-660-4994 or JPRichards@BioMedicalWasteSolutions.com .

About BioMedical Waste Solutions:

BioMedical Waste Solutions is a leading medical waste disposal company dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for the management and disposal of medical waste. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, the company serves healthcare facilities, private practices, dental offices, veterinarians and laboratories across America. BioMedical Waste Solutions offers comprehensive services to ensure the proper collection, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, including sharps, in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Contact Information

JP Richards

Director of Communications

releases@drakedigital.com

(346) 660-4994





Source: Biomedical Waste Solutions

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Leaders from across the consumer goods sector convene in Brussels alongside policymakers to explore actionable strategies for a sustainable and equitable future.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Cascale's Brand & Retail Forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the global consumer goods sector for a day of critical dialogue and collaboration. Held in the European Union's capital city of Brussels, the event provided a platform for exploring the intersection of policy and industry action under the theme, "Policy Dialogue in Action: Finding Common Ground for a Sustainable Consumer Goods Industry."

A Call to Action for Industry Leadership

Opening the Forum, Andrew Martin, executive vice president of Cascale, emphasized the need for collective action to address evolving regulations and shifting consumer expectations. "As industry leaders, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to evidence-based policy initiatives that not only drive sustainable practices but also create a future where businesses give back more than they take. In fact, it's a responsibility," he said.

Dr. Amaryllis Verhoeven, acting director, Tourism, Textiles, Digital Transformation of Industry and Social Economy at European Commission, DG GROW, highlighted the EU's Transition Pathway for Textiles and praised Cascale's Higg Index and Decarbonization Program as examples of effective collaboration. She underscored the Commission's commitment to aligning sustainability with economic resilience, stating, "We are here to help you, but we need to hear from you how to best do so."

Tackling Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities

Throughout the day, panelists and breakout sessions addressed key legislative developments, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Discussions underscored the importance of harmonization, transparency, and actionable data in ensuring compliance while fostering innovation.

Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of Public Affairs at Cascale, moderated a panel on the evolving EU policy landscape. Panelists called for increased collaboration between regulators and industry to ensure legislation remains practical while driving impactful change.

Advancing Supply Chain Transparency and Innovation

Interactive sessions highlighted the transformative potential of strategic partnerships. Carolina Van Loenen, director of Stakeholder Engagement at Cascale, emphasized collaborations with Fair Wear Foundation and Open Supply Hub to advance human rights due diligence and supply chain transparency. Attendees actively participated in group discussions, sharing insights and strategies to address global supply chain challenges.

Closing with a Vision for Progress

In a closing fireside chat, Pascal Brun, vice president of Sustainability and D&I at Zalando SE, encouraged attendees to view legislation as a driver of progress. "We've been fighting for more legislation-now let's embrace what is coming and get it right," he stated.

The day concluded with a call to action, as Cascale urged attendees to transform dialogue into tangible actions, driving systemic change for a sustainable and equitable future.

Immersive EU Experience: A Rare Opportunity

As a follow-up to the Forum, attendees were invited to an exclusive Immersive EU Experience the following day. Co-hosted by Policy Hub-Circularity for Apparel and Footwear, the outing at the European Parliament offered a unique opportunity to gain insights into EU legislative processes, connect with policymakers, and deepen understanding of the regulatory landscape shaping the consumer goods industry.

About the Cascale Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels

The Cascale Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels was a pivotal event uniting EU policymakers and industry leaders to explore actionable strategies for a sustainable transition in the consumer goods industry. Scheduled for December 4-5, 2024, at the Sofitel Brussels Europe Hotel, the Forum offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage in policy-focused discussions, gain insights into the latest EU legislation impacting textiles and apparel, and collaborate on solutions that drive sustainability and equity across the industry. An exclusive Immersive EU Experience at the European Parliament on December 5 provided deeper legislative insights and networking opportunities with policy experts and industry leaders.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cascale

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cascale

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cascale

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation are committing $150,000 in grant funding to support organizations and projects focused on improving access to affordable child care in Indiana communities.

The new round of grants follows more than $100,000 in funding awarded through the foundations last year to five organizations in Indiana working to close the child care gap in new and innovative ways.

"Inadequate access to high-quality, affordable child care not only creates significant barriers for parents and caretakers to participate and advance in the workforce, but also costs employers in lost productivity and employee retention," said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. "We know that Indiana's child care challenges are complex and we hope these grant funds will help communities and employers develop solutions needed to support working parents and the state's economy."

State and local government entities, local and regional economic development agencies, and public and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants up to $40,000. To be considered, applicants must submit their grant proposal to the Indiana Economic Development Association by Jan. 31, 2025. Awards will be announced in March 2025. For a full description of the grant program, including requirements, eligibility and scoring criteria, visit ieda.org/foundation.

"Hoosier families, businesses and communities all feel the burden of insufficient child care options," said Matt Kavgian, executive director of the Indiana Economic Development Association. "Making sure that working parents have access to affordable, quality child care will have long-term benefits for Indiana's prosperity and economic competitiveness."

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently released a report examining the impact of child care challenges on Indiana's economy. The study found that Indiana loses out on an estimated $4.22 billion annually for the state's economy, including a $1.17 billion annual loss in tax revenue, due to shortfalls in child care. According to the report, only 61% of children needing care statewide can be served through existing capacity.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.



Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation

Supporting the economic development profession, the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation provides scholarships and other support to tomorrow's economic development leaders.

Duke Energy: McKenzie Barbknecht

Phone: 800.559.3853

Email: mckenzie.barbknecht@duke-energy.com

IEDA: Matt Kavgian

Email: matt@ieda.org

View original content here.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Duke Energy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Duke Energy

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / KeyBank

Chosen community organizations will use grant dollars to improve the lives of Northeast Ohioans

Today, KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation proudly announced their support for eight exceptional nonprofit organizations in 2024, providing grants totaling $3 million. This significant financial contribution is aimed at empowering these organizations to further their missions of fostering positive change and growth throughout Northeast Ohio.

Specifically, grant funds will be directed toward critical areas such as workforce development, education, and initiatives focused on creating safe, healthy, affordable and inclusive communities. These efforts reflect KeyBank's unwavering commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of the clients and communities it serves, ensuring all have the opportunity to flourish.

"Some of the most impactful work we do takes place beyond the confines of our offices, in our communities where it truly matters," said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank Cleveland Market President. "We firmly believe that these strategic investments will not only enhance the resilience of our communities but also infuse them with vibrancy and stability. I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of everyone at Key, to express our heartfelt gratitude to these organizations for their tireless dedication and daily contributions that help our hometown thrive."

The organizations that have been awarded funding from the KeyBank Foundation include:

Cleveland Institute of Art

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio

Enterprise Community Partners Inc.

College Now Greater Cleveland Inc.

May Dugan Center

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Inc.

The Cleveland Orchestra

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Since 2017, KeyBank has made community investments totaling more than $1.8 billion in its hometown Cleveland market, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending; and transformative philanthropy.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Veolia North America joins the UN Global Compact as a subsidiary member of its parent company, Veolia Group , alongside thousands of other companies globally committed to taking responsible business action to create the world we all want.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Veolia North America is pleased to announce that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) initiative-a voluntary initiative for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices-as a subsidiary member of its parent company, Veolia Group .

With this announcement, Veolia North America is proud to join thousands of other companies globally committed to taking responsible business action to create the world we all want. This also supports Veolia's GreenUp strategy and effort to increase our stakeholder engagement in North America through the UNGC USA Action Network.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 20,000 companies based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Global Compact Networks. Veolia is an active participant in the UNGC including being a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate.

Fred Van Heems, President and CEO of Veolia North America said "This opportunity strengthens our commitment to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Through our GreenUp strategy, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and desirable future, and joining the UNGC provides us with additional tools to achieve this."

ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA

A subsidiary of Veolia Group, Veolia North America (VNA) offers a full spectrum of water, waste and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent.

www.veolianorthamerica.com

ABOUT VEOLIA GROUP

Veolia's ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of 45.3 billion in 2023.

www.veolia.com

CONTACTS

VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA

Nate Pepper

Vice President, Communications

346-351-0024

nathan.pepper@veolia.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Veolia North America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Veolia North America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/veolia-north-america

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Veolia North America

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Earlier this year, Gildan launched its inaugural Global Employee Volunteer Month, an initiative bringing together employees at the Company's global locations to make meaningful contributions to their local communities. This International Volunteer Day, Gildan is pleased to spotlight the activities led by employees as part of this month-long celebration.

"With around 670 employees dedicating 3800 hours towards this year's Global Employee Volunteer Month, this initiative was a testament to Gildan's commitment to operating with respect for our communities," says Claudia Sandoval, Vice-President of Global Social Compliance and Environmental Affairs at Gildan. "We are confident that this annual celebration will only continue to deepen a collective sense of giving among our global workforce and help make important strides towards our Next Generation ESG strategy's goal of creating long-term value within our communities."

Discover how Gildan employees played their part in supporting education, the environment, and other areas aligned with the Company's Community Investment Policy.

Canada

Gildan's head office in Montreal partnered with First Book Canada, an organization dedicated to providing educational equity by creating home libraries for children from low-income and historically excluded communities. Employees came together to assemble book bags and write inspirational notes for 110 children, encouraging them to embark on their educational journeys.

Honduras

As part of the 11-year partnership between Gildan and World Vision Honduras, employees from Honduras spent an impactful day with nearly 100 students from Choloma, Villanueva, and Quimistan, promoting environmental education. Volunteers organized friendly games and contests around environmental topics, fostering love for nature among the younger generations.

Dominican Republic

Employees from the Dominican Republic participated in interactive games and distributed educational kits to help students from 12 sponsored schools prepare for the school year. Through this initiative, Gildan supported over 3,500 students with much-needed school supplies, helping equip them for success in their studies.

Nicaragua

Employees from Nicaragua participated in an 8-day reforestation event, planting over 7,500 forest and grafted citrus trees on three partner farms. Additionally, employees collaborated with local producers and institutions to provide technical training to ensure responsible and effective planting practices, reinforcing Gildan's commitment to creating a sustainable environment for future generations.

Bangladesh

Contributing to the community's efforts to promote education, Gildan's Bangladesh employees volunteered with two organizations - Bashbari Government Primary School, and Zamia Yakubia Habibia Dendabor - providing over 500 students with school supplies, hygiene packs, first-aid kits, and other necessities, helping alleviate financial strain on students and their families.

U.S.

Employees at the Eden and Charleston distribution centers partnered with The Last Dons and Charleston Promise Neighborhood respectively, packing backpacks with essential school supplies, and distributing these to local schools, supporting over 2,200 students in the U.S. with their educational endeavours.

Employees from Gildan's yarns facilities also engaged in a wide array of activities in their communities, including distributing backpacks and supplies to students in need, organizing Relay for Life fundraiser to support the American Cancer Society, and volunteering at the Rescue Ranch, an organization providing permanent shelter to rescue animals.

Australia

Gildan's Australian employees participated in a warehouse volunteer day with Good 360, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential goods and services to smaller charities and nonprofit organizations. Employees worked together to pack care kits filled with vital clothing for various communities in need, contributing to the well-being of individuals and families facing hardships.

Find out more about Gildan's respect for communities here.

Gildan Spotlights Employee-led Volunteering Activities for International Volunteer Day

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gildan Activewear on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gildan Activewear

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gildan-activewear

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Gildan Activewear

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The "Exploring European Recreational Cannabis: Models and Commercial Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report examines the models that are currently being implemented in Europe, their nuances, and the commercial opportunities they may provide.

Several European countries have pushed for the regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes in recent years but lowered their ambitions amid concerns over whether doing so was compatible with EU law. Through this process, a European model of recreational cannabis legalisation has emerged, with some countries now implementing their own programmes with their own variations.

This report is a must-have for anyone involved or interested in the European recreational cannabis sector be it businesses, investors, or policymakers offering the strategic insights needed to succeed in a burgeoning and competitive market.

Key Highlights:

Understand evolving legal frameworks: The report provides detailed analysis of regulatory models across Europe, helping businesses navigate the complex and rapidly changing cannabis landscape.

The report provides detailed analysis of regulatory models across Europe, helping businesses navigate the complex and rapidly changing cannabis landscape. Identify market entry opportunities: Learn which European countries are moving towards recreational cannabis legalization and the potential for early market entry.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive summary

Introduction

Why Europe has taken a different approach to legalisation

Country-by-country overview Germany Malta Netherlands Switzerland Spain's unregulated cannabis clubs



Companies Featured

Fusion

Tik tonics

MIT45

Golden Groove

Dozo

Torch

Viva la shroom

Diamond Shruumz

Road trip

SporesMD

Tre house

CBDfx

CBDistillery

Binoid

Pure

Elf THC

Bearly Legal

Crooked creations

Urb

Mood

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9rg5x6

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/20241205738189/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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G&A's Sustainability Highlights ( 11.1.2024 )

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.

The month of September is always busy in New York City, with gridlock spreading across Manhattan when the General Assembly of the United Nations brings leaders of close to 200 sovereign entities to UN headquarters for plenary sessions and many side sessions. In addition, since 2009 the international nonprofit Climate Group has organized Climate Week NYC alongside the General Assembly to hold events that drive climate action and speed up progress.

This year's Climate Week NYC had over 900 events held around the city, including a workshop held by G&A Institute and GRI on September 26, "Reporting on the SDGs with Double Materiality." These events brought together thousands of government representatives, business leaders, and political change makers from all over the world.

What concepts and concrete actions came out of these gatherings? In our Top Story, S&P Global took a close look and shares the "Big 5" ideas coming out of Climate Week NYC that they expect to be at the top of agendas at COP 16 (UN Biodiversity Conference) held recently in Colombia and the upcoming COP 29 (UN Climate Change Conference) starting November 11 in Azerbaijan.

The five big ideas selected by S&P Global are:

Climate and clean energy financing needs to rapidly scale and accelerate. How to scale financing was a major focus at Climate Week, with discussions on using "blended" finance to pool public sector or philanthropic funds with private sector capital. This approach could help steer investments to bridge the growing gap in climate-related financing in developing countries. Public and private finance will be important discussions at COP 29, expected to be "the finance COP".

Strategies to combat climate change and nature loss go hand-in-hand. Nature loss was a theme of numerous Climate Week gatherings. Physical climate risk and the impacts on developing sustainable food systems were a bigger focus than in previous years, according to S&P. Companies are beginning to recognize the value of ecosystems and how much they depend on nature in their operations and supply chains.

Policy and collaboration are needed to support an equitable transition. The diverse needs of stakeholders can be addressed with more global cooperation, sustainable development, and the reform of international financial systems to support climate initiatives - a central theme of Climate Week discussions. A commitment to watch at the coming COP 29 is how much progress (or not) is made toward establishing a new collective financing goal for developing nations.

Technology and AI will help to drive solutions to climate change and sustainable growth. The buzz at many meetings was about AI as an "enabler" of sustainable outcomes. AI requires energy, which is resulting in "energy poverty" in the developing world as demand rises to record levels. New, clean generating capacity is needed, along with making sure there is the infrastructure needed to support it. Nuclear power may be part of the solution, along with renewable sources.

Disclosure is evolving with more focus on consistency and a rising role for nature. ISSB and TCFD were hot topics of conversation during Climate Week gatherings, in terms of changes in the disclosure landscape for companies. Around the globe, jurisdictions are adopting the ISSB standards or aligning existing frameworks with them (the EU's CSRD is example). Stakeholders, including key investors, are calling for more climate-related disclosure on issues such as biodiversity and deforestation.

More details of the "Big 5" ideas are in our Top Story, with an abundance of useful information for corporations and providers of capital. The COP 29 and COP 16 gatherings are sure to advance commitment and action on climate change issues, which will create opportunities for the private sector. The G&A team is focused on these big ideas and many more climate-related concepts. Let us know how we can help your company enhance climate disclosure through our guidance and support. Email us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A's Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/governance-accountability-institute-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
It was a record-breaking year for nominations, with nearly 500 submissions across nine categories.

License Global , the premier publication and leading source of news and trends for the global consumer product and licensing businesses, announces the winners for The Influentials 2024, highlighting the leaders reshaping the brand licensing industry, challenging norms, driving growth and leading with purpose. With more than 470 votes cast for a diverse group of movers and shakers, The Influentials received the highest engagement to date.

This year's winners are recognized across categories that reflect unique contributions to the field, from visionaries and disruptors to brand builders and change makers, redefining what is possible.

"The response to this year's edition of The Influentials has surpassed our benchmarks and reaffirms the passion and dedication that exists across the business of brand licensing. The nominations clearly showcase what makes a leader stand out and how important it is to our community to lift each other up," remarks Amanda Cioletti, Vice President of Content and Strategy for License Global. "Each nominee and winner exemplify the innovation, curiosity and passion that define licensing."

The winners of The Influentials for 2024 are:

The Innovator: Christian Bayley, global head, licensing and consumer products, Roblox

Recognizes an individual advancing industry standards in areas like sustainability, business practices and product design.

The Change Maker: Emmanuel Fordjour, senior vice president, finance and business analytics, Beanstalk

Celebrates those who foster meaningful change, creating programs that champion diversity, inclusion and progress.

The Collaborator: Kerri Estreich, senior director, licensing, Sesame Workshop

Honors leaders who have pioneered exceptional cross-category brand or product collaborations.

The Disruptor: Damian Treece, senior licensing manager, Bravado International Group

Recognizes individuals who inspire the licensing community to embrace new business approaches or philosophies.

The Newcomer: Kyle Lerner, senior licensing manager, Brand Central

Acknowledges emerging talents making an immediate impact in the first 10 years in their licensing careers.

The Expert: Diane Bolduc, director, global licensed consumer products, toy and games, Hasbro

Honors long-standing contributors whose careers have deeply shaped the licensing industry.

The Brand Builder: Ernest Savo, senior director, global licensing and business development, The Hershey Company

Celebrates the minds behind licensed products that drive significant reach, revenue and growth for brands.

The Influencer: George Wade, founder and president, Bay Laurel Advisors

Recognizes those who uplift the industry through thought leadership, mentorship and public contributions that inspire peers.

The License Global Influential 2024: Sarah Jackson, global director, license and brands, Primark

Reserved for an individual demonstrating excellence across multiple areas, or whose work has created a transformative impact on the industry.

Winners were named based on various factors including community nominations and License Global editorial board review.

To read the full feature for The Influentials 2024 including a list of the runners-up for each category, visit ? License Global .

About License Global

License Global, a part of the Global Licensing Group, is the leading publication for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content, including news, trends, analysis and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace. Through its magazine, website, daily e-newsletter, webinars, videos and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector's trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, and Licensing Expo Shanghai.

About Global Licensing Group

The Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets , a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), is the licensing industry's leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide licensing opportunities around the world by bringing brands and products together. The following events and information products are produced for the licensing industry by the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets: Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe , Licensing Expo Shanghai and License Global .

Media Contact

Informa Markets Licensing PR?

licensingpr@informa.com

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - GLOBAL LICENSING GROUP

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / R1 London Ltd, a forward-thinking proprietary trading firm based in the UK, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new and innovative platform, Ruthe1.com . The site is poised to redefine the proprietary trading space by offering traders of all experience levels a dynamic and immersive environment to test, refine, and showcase their skills in real-market conditions.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and forming strategic partnerships, R1 London Ltd brings to life an unmatched trading experience, powered by the premium cTrader platform and a suite of advanced trading applications. With a firm commitment to transparency and fairness, Ruthe1.com sets a bold new standard for prop trading firms globally, making it the platform of choice for traders seeking to elevate their game.

Why Choose Ruthe1.com?

Customizable Trading Challenges : Traders can test their strategies through flexible, customizable challenges, ranging from 1-2 step simulated accounts, with balance options spanning from $5,000 to $400,000. This allows for a personalized trading experience that evolves with the trader's expertise.

Earning Potential for Skilled Traders : Talented traders are granted access to funded accounts, where they can trade in live market conditions and share in the profits. This provides an excellent opportunity to transition from simulation to reality while capitalizing on your skill.

Comprehensive Educational Resources : Ruthe1.com offers a wide range of educational content, including online courses and skill-building resources. Regular trading competitions foster a vibrant community where traders can learn, challenge themselves, and grow.

Community Collaboration : The platform encourages traders to connect, collaborate, and compete, creating a supportive community that is focused on finding "The 1"-the next exceptional trader. It's not just about trading; it's about growth, teamwork, and success.

Commitment to Transparency: R1 London Ltd prioritizes clarity and accountability, with full transparency in its prop trading challenges, evaluation processes, and payout structures. This openness is part of their vision to provide traders with a trustworthy and fair trading environment.

Revolutionizing Prop Trading: A Vision for the Future

R1 London Ltd's mission is clear: empower traders with the best tools and opportunities to reach their trading goals. With real-market conditions, innovative evaluation processes, and a collaborative environment, Ruthe1.com aims to set a new global standard for proprietary trading firms.

"R U The 1?" - This question encapsulates R1 London Ltd's ethos and mission: to identify and support the next generation of exceptional traders who will make a mark on the financial markets.

To learn more and start your journey toward becoming "The 1," visit Ruthe1.com today and discover a new era in prop trading.

About R1 London Ltd

R1 London Ltd is an innovative proprietary trading company based in the UK, focused on providing an inclusive, transparent, and cutting-edge trading experience. By utilizing world-class technology and expertise, R1 London Ltd offers traders a platform to thrive in a competitive, yet supportive environment. For more information, visit Ruthe1.com .

Contact email: media@Ruthe1.com

Contact person: Andrew Robinson

Www.Ruthe1.com

SOURCE: R1 London Ltd

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Mr. Yearsley's Appointment Adds Leading Emergency Preparedness Private Sector Voice To The DRCA Board

ANNENDALE, VA and SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / The DRCA (Disaster Recovery Coalition Of America) (https://thedrca.org/) has elected Nathan Yearsley, President of Augason Farms (www.AugasonFarms.com) to its Board of Directors, it was announced by Casey Long, Executive Director of the DRCA.

Nathan Yearsley, President, Augason Farms

"As President of Augason Farms, Mr. Yearsley helms a company that helped pioneer emergency preparedness over 50 years ago and continues to serve the industry and its customers nationwide as a leader and innovator. We are pleased to add Mr. Yearsley's expertise, keen insights and unique perspectives to the DRCA Board, as the organization continues its mandate to bring preparedness education and information to government decision makers and opinion leaders," said Mr. Long.

Nathan Yearsley brings to the DRCA board a distinguished career within the emergency preparedness industry. As President of Augason Farms, Mr. Yearsley helms a company with nearly 53 years of service to families nationwide as the pioneering leader within the in the emergency preparedness food category. Augason Farms is renowned for its wide range of the highest quality preparedness solutions that remain a staple product across major national retailers nationwide.

"Augason Farms' number one mission is to encourage consumers to the importance of always being prepared before inevitable emergencies arrive, a commitment that aligns with the cornerstone objectives of the DRCA. I am honored to have been elected to the DRCA Board and look forward to contributing to the DRCA as a member of the Board," said Mr. Yearsley.

About the DRCA:

Headquartered in Annandale, Virginia, The DRCA (The Disaster Recovery Coalition of America) represents a broad range of industries that all play a critical role in disaster preparedness, logistics, response, recovery and mitigation on a national level. DRCA addresses critical industry-specific issues on behalf of membership by bringing together leaders from the Federal, State and local governments and the private sector to develop relationships and identify industry-specific opportunities and core challenges in issues pertaining to disaster response and recovery. The DRCA also educates government decision makers and public opinion leaders on the industry's role in helping constituents prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters, and advocates for government support on issues unique to the disaster recovery industry.

About Blue Chip Group and Augason Farms:

Founded in 1972 in Salt Lake City, Blue Chip Group, with the Augason Farms brand, is a pioneering leader in the preparedness food industry, sourcing, formulating, and producing the most nutritious emergency foods on the market. With a customer satisfaction ranking on Google Review of 4.5 stars, Augason Farms products are available at many of the country's most prominent and trusted national retailers. Visit https://www.augasonfarms.com/. Blue Chip Group is also a growing Food and Beverage Contract Manufacturer, with expanding capabilities and capacity. Visit www.bcgcopacking.com

# # #

CONTACT: Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

steve@ssapr.com

(818) 222-4000

SOURCE: Augason Farms

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Samsara ends Q3 FY25 with $1.35B in ARR as innovative solutions drive demand

Samsara Inc. ("Samsara") (NYSE: IOT), the pioneer of the Connected Operations Cloud, today revealed strong growth in its new frontiers as the company experiences high global demand for its innovative solutions that increase safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Samsara's at-scale breadth across products, customer sizes, end markets, and geographies is a key differentiator and driver of performance. Highlights include:

International Growth Milestones : 17% of Samsara's net new ACV in Q3 came from international markets, marking the second-highest contribution to date. Mexico achieved its highest-ever quarterly net new ACV mix, while Europe accelerated year-over-year ARR growth for the fourth consecutive quarter.

: 17% of Samsara's net new ACV in Q3 came from international markets, marking the second-highest contribution to date. Mexico achieved its highest-ever quarterly net new ACV mix, while Europe accelerated year-over-year ARR growth for the fourth consecutive quarter. Expanding Industry Reach : The public sector contributed its highest-ever net new ACV mix over the last four years, while construction drove the highest net new ACV mix for the fifth consecutive quarter. This reflects the value industries across the world of physical operations see in adopting Samsara's differentiated solutions to drive impactful results.

: The public sector contributed its highest-ever net new ACV mix over the last four years, while construction drove the highest net new ACV mix for the fifth consecutive quarter. This reflects the value industries across the world of physical operations see in adopting Samsara's differentiated solutions to drive impactful results. Emerging Products Fuel Demand: Samsara generated more than 100% quarter-over-quarter growth in Asset Tags' net new ACV in just its second quarter of selling.

Driving Innovation with Customer-Centric Solutions

Samsara now processes more than 10 trillion data points annually. This unique view into the world of physical operations powers Samsara's innovation flywheel and enables customers to address complex challenges. In the second half of FY25, Samsara rapidly delivered features tailored to both universal and regional needs. Highlights include:

Samsara Intelligence : An expanded suite of AI offerings that help its customers make smarter decisions and run safer and more efficient operations. Samsara Assistant provides instant answers to complex operational questions, while Intelligent Experiences brings AI-driven recommendations and actions to critical operations processes.

: An expanded suite of AI offerings that help its customers make smarter decisions and run safer and more efficient operations. Samsara Assistant provides instant answers to complex operational questions, while Intelligent Experiences brings AI-driven recommendations and actions to critical operations processes. Low Bridge Strike Alerting : With this feature, customers can set the maximum height for each vehicle to minimize the chance of tall vehicles hitting the underside of low bridges that are common in Europe. Nearly 2,000 bridge strikes happen in the UK every year, costing UK taxpayers around 23M annually.

: With this feature, customers can set the maximum height for each vehicle to minimize the chance of tall vehicles hitting the underside of low bridges that are common in Europe. Nearly 2,000 bridge strikes happen in the UK every year, costing UK taxpayers around 23M annually. Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) : This feature enables customers to maintain their braking performance record and alert operators when it falls below acceptable standards or if it detects faults. Samsara expects that in 2025, EBPMS will become one of the only two accepted methods for brake testing in the UK.

: This feature enables customers to maintain their braking performance record and alert operators when it falls below acceptable standards or if it detects faults. Samsara expects that in 2025, EBPMS will become one of the only two accepted methods for brake testing in the UK. Engine Immobilizer 2.0: With security a top priority for customers in Mexico, Samsara delivered a feature that allows for new customized alerts that can meet operators' needs when their safety is compromised. It also provides detailed real-time reports through the Samsara dashboard, helping customers effectively monitor the safety of their vehicles.

"Our customers are the backbone of the global economy and we partner with them to solve the hardest problems in the industry," said Kiren Sekar, Chief Product Officer at Samsara. "We're planning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in R&D over the next few years, leaning into advanced AI and our massive data set to create products that answer the needs of the world's largest and most complex operational companies."

Samsara's Multi-Product Platform Powers Customer Growth

Samsara's product innovation has resulted in more than 150 patents and is fueling new multi-product adoption amongst its customers. New multi-product customers in Q3 include organizations like Florida Department of Fish Wildlife and Fresno County. Existing customers such as Fraikin Group and Comfort Systems expanded with Samsara because of its clear and fast return on investment. For example, Fraikin, one of Samsara's largest customers in Europe, is in the process of expanding Samsara to 10,000+ vehicles and all new vehicles in its 60,000-vehicle fleet across its European operations.

"Digital transformation and decarbonization are central to our strategy, and Samsara has played a crucial role in helping us build a standardized, future-proofed, and innovative platform," said Edward Breedveld, Chief Digital Officer at Fraikin. "With this technology, we are greatly expanding our real-time data insights to optimize operations, minimize environmental impact, and ensure our vehicles meet the highest safety standards."

To learn more about Samsara's Q3 FY25 results, click here.

About Samsara

Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations Cloud, which is a platform that enables organizations that depend on physical operations to harness Internet of Things (IoT) data to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. With tens of thousands of customers across North America and Europe, Samsara is a proud technology partner to the people who keep our global economy running, including the world's leading organizations across construction, transportation and warehousing, field services, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and the public sector. The company's mission is to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy.

Samsara is a registered trademark of Samsara Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205068347/en/

Contacts:

Adam Simons

Samsara

media@samsara.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Researchers from the National Institutes of Health-funded study found that eating dark chocolate could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 21 percent.'Our findings suggest that not all chocolate is created equal,' Binkai Liu, a doctoral student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said.'For anyone who loves chocolate, this is a reminder that making small choices, like choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can make a positive difference to their health.'The study, published in The BMJ, included over three decades of data of nurses and healthcare workers in the U.S. The total 192,000 participants were diabetes-free when they initially reported about their food habits.The participants were followed-up with food frequency questionnaires every four years, evaluating the link between type 2 diabetes and total chocolate consumption, and type of chocolate.At the end of the study period, around 19,000 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and of the roughly 112,000 participants who specified their dark and milk chocolate intake, nearly 5,000 were diagnosed with the condition.'We were surprised by the clear split between dark and milk chocolate's impact on diabetes risk and long-term weight management,' corresponding author Qi Sun, an associate professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, said.'Even though dark and milk chocolate have similar levels of calories and saturated fat, it appears that the rich polyphenols in dark chocolate might offset the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and diabetes. It's an intriguing difference that's worth exploring more.'Researchers noted that those who consumed a one ounce serving, or 28.3 grams, at least five times a week, had 10 percent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who never or rarely ate chocolate.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.
Over 60 Renowned Thinkers Gather to Explore "Philosophy and Quality of Life: Existence, Truth, and Goodness"

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2024 launched its fourth and largest edition held at the King Fahad National Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission from December 5 to 7. The conference explores the theme "Philosophy and Quality of Life: Existence, Truth, and Goodness", emphasizing the role of philosophy in enhancing human well-being and societal prosperity.

The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Mohammed bin Hasan Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, and Mr. Ismaiel Almuhaithief, Chief Shared Services Officer of the Quality of Life Program. Their speeches highlighted the conference's strategic significance as part of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing Riyadh's position as a global hub for philosophical dialogue.

"The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference is a vital platform that reflects Saudi Arabia's leadership in advancing philosophical discourse locally and globally. Today's sessions with their strategic topics reaffirm our commitment to intellectual collaboration and the Kingdom's broader vision of enhancing the quality of life", said Dr. Mohammed bin Hasan Alwan.

Exploring Quality of Life: Mind, Body, and Spirit

The first day of the three-day conference witnessed valuable thought-provoking participations presented by renowned philosophers and academics to students and intellectual enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and the world. The first day featured keynote speeches and panel discussions focusing on historical and philosophical perspectives of quality of life.

They keynote session included "Quantifying the Quality of Life: How Did We Get to This Point? How Do We Go Beyond It?" by Dr. Robert Bernasconi, and "Concepts and Theories of Quality of Life from a Philosophical Perspective" by Dr. Kelly James Clark and Ms. Antonia Case. Workshops on "Humanity and Philosophy in Need of Each Other" and "Can I not choose?" attracted lively participation from a large audience interested in learning more on the role of philosophy in improve the quality of life for mind, body and spirit.

A Platform for Intellectual Growth and Global Exchange

The conference showcases over 60 renowned speakers from around the world, including prominent figures such as Dr. Fausto Fraisopi, Dr. Abdelrahim Dekkoun, and Dr. Nermine Ezzeldin. It also introduces partnerships with esteemed international organizations, including New Philosopher and The School of Life, marking their debut in Saudi Arabia.

By bridging academic thought with real-world applications, the conference reflects the Kingdom's dedication to intellectual enrichment and cultural exchange. Through discussions on themes like mind, body, and spirit, attendees engage in enriching dialogues that promote global collaboration and understanding.

As part of the Quality of Life Program, the conference underscores the relevance of philosophy in addressing contemporary societal challenges. The program aligns with philosophical principles such as justice, virtue, and happiness, all of which are essential for thriving communities.

The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2024 continues tomorrow with sessions exploring the intersections of philosophy, religion, and science, alongside workshops and panels designed to foster critical thought and meaningful discussions.

For more information and updates, visit the conference's webpage.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2574836/Literature_Publishing_and_Translation_Commission.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/riyadh-international-philosophy-conference-2024-a-captivating-opening-day-focused-on-quality-of-life-302324389.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") announces that it proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement of flow-through common shares ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.18 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $1 million (the "Placement").

The Company intends to use the gross proceeds of the Placement to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's projects in Ontario. In particular, the gross proceeds will be used to advance the Company's exploration program in the highly prospective Red Lake District, Ontario. The program will focus on follow-up drilling at the Newman Todd project, where recent results included an intersection of 14.0 g/t Au over 7.3 meters (see Renegade news release dated September 25, 2024). Additionally, Renegade will prioritize high-priority drill targets across its Red Lake properties, including Gullrock, an underexplored section of the Balmer assemblage on the Red Lake Mine trend, as well as its central Red Lake property adjacent to Kinross's Great Bear Project, Evolution Mining, and West Red Lake Gold's Madsen deposit.

The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and non-transferable warrants in connection with the Placement, subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws. The Company anticipates closing of the Placement (in one or more tranches) as soon as practicable subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued under the Placement will be subject to applicable regulatory holds expiring four months and one day from date of issue.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Renegade Gold Inc.

Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends the Company's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today.

For further information, please contact:

Renegade Gold Inc.

Nav Dhaliwal

President, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for completing the Placement, the potential payment of finders' fees and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received, and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES

OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232691

SOURCE: Renegade Gold Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) ("Astra Exploration" or the "Company") wishes to update its shareholders of the Company's AGM scheduled for 10am Pacific Time on December 12, 2024.

Due to the ongoing strike at Canada Post, many shareholders have not yet received AGM meeting materials. All AGM materials including proxy voting forms can be found on Astra's website at the following link: https://astra-exploration.com/investors/

Shareholders are encouraged to vote their shares as soon as possible. Signed proxy forms must be received no later than 10am Pacific Time on December 10th. For detailed instructions regarding voting options, please email info@astra-exploration.com with the subject line "Astra Dec 2024 AGM - Proxy Voting" and management will assist you in casting your vote. If shareholders wish to vote online, they can contact Astra's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust at 1-888-290-1175 or email shareholders@odysseytrust.com and a control number will be provided.

This news release is being issued in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)'s Blanket Order 51-931, which among other things, provides temporary relief from the requirement to deliver proxy-related materials for annual meetings. The Company is making its best effort to ensure that Astra shareholders have the timely opportunity to vote their shares, and as always, is committed to transparency and open engagement with its shareholders. Details of Blanket Order 51-931 can be found here:

https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/-/media/PWS/New-Resources/Securities-Law/Instruments-and-Policies/Policy-5/51931-CSA-Notice-December-4-2024.pdf?dt=20241203210541

About the Company

Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America. The Manchuria LSE gold-silver project over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest, is located in the prolific Deseado Massif of Santa Cruz, Argentina which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro. Astra's 100% owned Pampa Paciencia low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold-silver project is located in the Paleocene mineral province of northern Chile in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda, and shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon.

For further information please contact:

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, and exploration and development of the Company's projects.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232701

SOURCE: Astra Exploration Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Spackman Equities Group Inc. (TSXV: SQG) ("SQG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press releases dated February 6, 2023, August 4, 2023, January 10, 2024, March 8, 2024, May 21, 2024, August 26, 2024, and November 29, 2024, it has completed its previously announced reverse takeover (the "RTO") with Crystal Planet Limited ("CPL") and consolidation (the "Consolidation") of its outstanding common shares ("Common Shares").

Reverse Takeover

In connection with the RTO, all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of CPL were exchanged for Common Shares. SQG issued a total of 249,136,884 Common Shares in connection with the completion of the RTO. Full details of the RTO and certain other matters are set out in the Company's information circular dated March 28, 2024, a copy of which can be found under SQG's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Pursuant to the RTO, CPL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SQG, and will continue to carry on its business in the Korean talent management industry.

There will be no changes to SQG's current board of directors (the "Board") resulting from the RTO. SQG's Board is comprised of the following individuals: Richard Lee, William Hale, Kyoungwon Na, and Kun Hyok Yim. Richard Lee is also the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Alex Falconer is the Company's Chief Financial Officer. CPL's operating subsidiaries will retain their current management structure.

Final acceptance of the RTO will occur upon the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin by the Exchange. SQG's Common Shares are expected to resume trading on the Exchange on or about December 11, 2024.

Escrowed Securities

As described below, as a result of the RTO, Spackman Media Group Limited ("SMGL") holds approximately 79% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. SMGL has entered into a surplus securities escrow agreement in accordance with TSXV Form 5D (the "Escrow Agreement") with respect to its Common Shares. The Escrow Agreement provides for a 36-month escrow release mechanism with 5% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable on the date the Final Exchange Bulletin is issued by the TSXV with respect to the RTO (the "Bulletin Date"), 5% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable six months after the Bulletin Date, 10% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable 12 months after the Bulletin Date, 10% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable 18 months after the Bulletin Date, 15% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable 24 months after the Bulletin Date, 15% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable 30 months after the Bulletin Date, and 40% of the escrowed Common Shares being releasable 36 months after the Bulletin Date.

Conversion of Subscription Receipts

As previously announced, the Company completed a subscription receipt financing led by Hampton Securities Limited, as agent pursuant to which it issued 2,520,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.20 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $504,000.00 (the "Financing"). As per the terms of the Financing, in connection with the completion of the RTO, each outstanding Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted into one unit of the Company (an "Underlying Unit") prior to the resumption of trading of the Common Shares. Each Underlying Unit consists of one Common Share and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of 36 months. The Company may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants if, at any time following the four (4) month anniversary of the date of issuance, the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("Exchange") is greater than $0.50 for any 30 consecutive trading days.

The Common Shares and Warrants issued upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts are subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus a day from the date the Subscription Receipts were issued in accordance with the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The issuance of the Subscription Receipts by the Company comprised a portion of the concurrent financing completed in connection with the RTO. As part of the concurrent financing, CPL also completed a non-brokered private placement pursuant to which it issued ordinary shares for gross proceeds of $6,896,099 USD.

Further, upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts, the Company will issue 151,200 compensation warrants. Each compensation warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

Consolidation

Effective November 29, 2024, the Company completed the Consolidation on the basis of five pre-consolidation common shares for every one post-Consolidation common share (each post-Consolidation common share, a "Post-Consolidation Common Share" and collectively, the "Post-Consolidation Common Shares") such that, immediately after giving effect to the Consolidation but prior to the completion of the RTO, there were 2,977,994 Post-Consolidation Common Shares issued and outstanding. On resumption of trading, the Company's new CUSIP number for its Post-Consolidation Common Shares will be 846311306 and its new ISIN will be CA8463113065. Shareholders of the Company who hold shares electronically through a Direct Registration System advice (DRS) or through a broker are not required to take any further action with respect to the Consolidation. Any shareholders who hold a certificated position will be required to submit such certificate to SQG's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare"), alongside a Letter of Transmittal, to obtain their Post-Consolidation Common Shares. The Letter of Transmittal has been filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and will be mailed as necessary as soon as the Canada Post strike ends. Computershare will send registered shareholders a new DRS representing the number of Post-Consolidation Common Shares held by such shareholders.

All Common Shares issued in connection with the RTO have been issued on a post-Consolidation basis.

Early Warning Disclosure

SMGL, a Hong Kong company with its head office located at 1/F, Hing Lung Commercial Building, 68-74 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, received 200,347,125 Common Shares, representing approximately 79% of the outstanding Common Shares, as a shareholder of CPL pursuant to the RTO. SMGL currently owns 200,347,125 Post-Consolidation Common Shares, representing approximately 79% of the outstanding Post-Consolidation Common Shares, assuming the conversion of the Subscription Receipts. Prior to the RTO, SMGL did not hold any Common Shares. SMGL currently does not have any plan to acquire or dispose of additional securities of SQG, however, SMGL may acquire additional securities of SQG, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional securities it holds or will hold, or may continue to hold its current position, depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors.

The foregoing disclosure regarding SMGL is being disseminated pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues. A copy of the early warning report with respect to the foregoing will appear on SQG's SEDAR+ profile located at www.sedarplus.ca and may also be obtained by contacting SQG's Chief Financial Officer, Alex Falconer at falconer@faai.ca or 905 339 7079.

For additional information concerning the RTO and the foregoing matters in connection therewith, please refer to SQG's press releases and information circular noted herein, all of which are available under SQG's SEDAR+ profile located at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the information circular filed in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of SQG should be considered highly speculative.

All information contained in this press release with respect to SQG and CPL was supplied by the respective parties, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Spackman Equities Group Inc.:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the final approval of the Exchange of the RTO, the conversion of the Subscription Receipts, the timing for the resumption of trading of the Common Shares and the business, plans and operations of the Company after giving effect to the RTO.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to risks relating to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions; the potential occurrence of changes relating to the business, affairs, financial condition or operations of SQG or CPL; unanticipated operating events; competition for and/or inability to retain services and inputs; the potential that capital may not be available on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required final approvals from the Exchange relating to the RTO; uncertainty relating to the timing and completion of conversion of the subscription receipts described herein; stock market volatility; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; and the other factors described in our public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232698

SOURCE: Spackman Equities Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) ("Platinum Group", "PTM" or the "Company") reports that it has entered into a new equity distribution agreement effective as of December 5, 2024 (the "Distribution Agreement") with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Beacon Securities Limited (the "Canadian Agents") and BMO Capital Markets Corp. (the "U.S. Agent" and together with the Canadian Agents, the "Agents") for a new at-the-market equity program ("2024 ATM Program").

The Distribution Agreement will allow the Company to distribute up to US$50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian dollars) of common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") under the 2024 ATM Program. The Offered Shares will be issued by the Company to the public from time to time, through the Agents, at the Company's discretion. The Offered Shares sold under the 2024 ATM Program, if any, will be sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. The net proceeds of any such sales under the 2024 ATM Program are anticipated to be used, over the following 24 months, for the Waterberg property (the "Waterberg Project") pre-construction site work, engineering and preparation, a potential phase one development program at the Waterberg Project, a Saudi Arabia smelter and base metal refinery definitive feasibility study, a contingency provision and general, corporate and administrative expenses.

Under the Distribution Agreement, sales of Offered Shares will be made by the Agents through "at-the-market distributions" as defined in National Instrument 44-102 - Shelf Distributions on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), NYSE American, LLC ("NYSE American") or any other trading market for the Offered Shares in Canada or the United States or as otherwise agreed between the Agents and the Company. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Offered Shares under the Distribution Agreement. Unless earlier terminated by the Company or the Agents as permitted therein, the Distribution Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) December 13, 2026 and (ii) the date that the aggregate gross sales proceeds of the Offered Shares sold under the 2024 ATM Program reaches the aggregate amount of US$50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian dollars).

The 2024 ATM Program is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated November 13, 2024 and forming a part of the Company's U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 filed October 31, 2024, as amended on November 13, 2024. The prospectus supplement relating to the 2024 ATM Program has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company has relied on the exemption for "Eligible Interlisted Issuers" under Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual in connection with the listing of the Offered Shares on the TSX.

Copies of the prospectus supplement, the Distribution Agreement and other relevant documents are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the prospectus supplement relating to the 2024 ATM Program may be obtained, when available from:

Canadian Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement:

BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc.

Mississauga Distribution Centre C/O

The Data Group of Companies

80 Ambassador Drive

Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2Y9



or by emailing pgardner@datagroup.ca U.S. F-10 Registration Statement, as amended, and Prospectus Supplement:

BMO Capital Markets

151 W 42nd Street, 32nd Floor

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Equity Syndicate Department





or by emailing bmoprospectus@bmo.com

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of, the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and the Waterberg Project

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being operated in joint-venture with Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hanwa Co. Ltd., Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"), and HJ Platinum Metals Company Ltd.

Disclosure

The TSX and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management.

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "may", "will", "plans", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the future issuance of Offered Shares sold under the 2024 ATM Program; the ability to allocate of the proceeds from any sale of the Offered Shares as described in the Prospectus Supplement; the aggregate gross proceeds of the 2024 ATM Program; the use of proceeds from any sales of Offered Shares under the 2024 ATM Program; and the Company's other future plans and expectations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, the Company may not sell any of the Offered Shares or may raise less than the maximum offering amount under the 2024 ATM Program; management has broad discretion in the use of proceeds from the 2024 ATM Program; compliance with regulatory requirements; the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise additional capital, and to comply with the terms of any new indebtedness; additional financing requirements; and any new indebtedness may be secured, which potentially could result in the loss of any assets pledged by the Company; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the South African Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Ltd ("Waterberg JV Co."); the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; pandemics and other public health crises; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent Form 40-F annual report, AIF and other filings, including the short form base shelf prospectus, prospectus supplement and the Form F-10 registration statement, with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232684

SOURCE: Platinum Group Metals Ltd.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond Estates" or the "Company") announces that today it has issued 5,600,000 share options to 16 employees at a strike price of $0.22 per share option. Each option is exercisable for the purchase of one common share for up to five years from the date of issuance, at which time they expire. The options are being issued under the Company's existing option program and vest at the rate of 25% on each anniversary of the issuance date.

"These share option grants reflect the key role being performed by these team members in the successful execution of Diamond Estates' strategic plan," said Andrew Howard, President and CEO of the Company. "Our greatest asset is our people, and the Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that management's success is aligned with that of the shareholders."

About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.

Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates four production facilities, three in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, D'Ont Poke the Bear, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh Wines, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards.

Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Fat Bastard, Meffre, Pierre Chavin and Andre Lurton wines from France, Brimincourt Champagne from France, Merlet and Larsen Cognacs from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun and Erben wines from Germany, Calabria Family Estate Wines and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Saint Clair Family Estate Wines and Yealands Family Wines from New Zealand, Storywood and Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Maverick Distillery spirits (including Tag Vodka and Barnburner Whisky) from Ontario, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Islay Mist, Grand MacNish and Waterproof whiskies from Scotland, C. Mondavi & Family wines including C.K Mondavi & Charles Krug from Napa and Hounds Vodka from Canada, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Koyle Family Wines from Chile, Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland and McCormick Distilling International including Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Broker's Gin, Hussong's Tequila, Tarantula Tequila, 360 Vodka and Holliday Bourbon.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232706

SOURCE: Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to report the voting results for the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on December 4, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Shareholders fixed the number of directors at six (6), and all five (5) of the nominees, as set forth in the Company's Management Information Circular dated November 4, 2024 (the "Circular"), were elected as directors of Kingfisher at the Meeting.

At the Meeting, shareholders also approved: (1) the appointment of De Visser Gray LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the board of directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor, and (2) the approval of the Company's stock option plan, as more particularly described in the Circular.

For further information regarding the matters considered at the Meeting readers are encouraged to review the Circular, a copy of which is available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia, including the Golden Triangle region. Kingfisher has two 100% owned district-scale projects and an option to earn 100% of the HWY 37 Project, that offer potential exposure to gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 43,201,553 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 778 606 2507

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them 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. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
AtmosphereThe Store Makers, a Mumbai, India-based company which specializes in bespoke retail and workspace fit-outs, raised 5 crore in Seed funding.

The round was led by Artha Venture Fund and PIL Italica Lifestyle Limited.

The company intends to use the funds to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, design capabilities, business automation and marketing reach efforts.

Led by CEO Nilesh Rathod, Atmosphere is helping premium retail and workspace transformations in India. From its state-of-the-art 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility to its in-house design capabilities, Atmosphere delivers end-to-end solutions that reflect precision, innovation, and the ethos of each brand they serve.

The company has delivered spaces for leading brands, including Aisshpra Gems and Jewels, Aza, Emporio Armani, Kalki Fashions, Akoirah, Kuuraku, Kamat Hotels, Libas, Michael Kors, and Tumi, among others.

By leveraging global partnerships and expanding its clientele to luxury brands with high repeat potential, Atmosphere plans to solidify its leadership in the market. The company is also launching a design lab to develop intricate design capabilities and streamline production, meeting the needs of clients who demand precision and innovation.

FinSMEs

05/12/2024
Nuvig Therapeutics, a Menlo Park, CA-based privately held biotechnology company developing novel immunomodulatory therapeutics for patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases, raised $161M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Sanofi Ventures, Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities (formerly Cowen Healthcare Investments), and Norwest Venture Partners, with participation from new investors, B Capital, Leaps by Bayer, Global BioAccess Fund, LOTTE Holdings, Alexandria Venture Investments, and funds managed by abrdn Inc., and existing shareholders, Novo Holdings A/S, Platanus, Bristol Myers Squibb, Digitalis Ventures, and Mission BioCapital.

In conjunction with the financing, Paulina Hill, Ph.D., Partner at Sanofi Ventures, Tim Anderson, Managing Director at Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, and Tiba Aynechi, Ph.D., General Partner at Norwest Venture Partners, joined Nuvigs Board of Directors.

The company intends to use the funds to support clinical proof-of-concept studies for NVG-2089 and advance its preclinical pipeline.

Led by Pamela Conley, Ph.D., Cofounder, Chief Scientific Officer, and founding Chief Executive Officer, Nuvig Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is advancing an innovative pipeline of novel immune therapeutics for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The companys lead investigational drug candidate, NVG-2089, is an engineered Fc fragment designed to precisely target type II Fc receptors. When NVG-2089 binds to its target, it upregulates the expression of FcRIIb and causes the expansion of T regulatory cells and the downregulation of numerous inflammatory pathways.

In addition, Nuvig also appointed as independent members of the Nuvig Board of Directors: Ciara Kennedy, Ph.D., founder, President, and CEO of Sorriso Pharmaceuticals, and James Mackay, Ph.D., who most recently was the founder, President, and CEO of Aristea Therapeutics and currently serves as the founder and CEO of Kateran Consulting.

FinSMEs

05/12/2024
US District Judge Reed OConnor of the Northern District Court of Texas noted that prosecutors provided shifting and contradictory explanations regarding the role of diversity in the monitors selection process read more

A Boeing 737 Max aircraft during a display at the Farnborough International Airshow, in Farnborough, Britain, July 20, 2022. Reuters

A US federal judge has rejected a plea agreement between Boeing and the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning the two fatal 737 MAX crashes that occurred in 2018 and 2019, resulting in 346 deaths.

The proposed deal would have allowed Boeing to plead guilty to a felony conspiracy charge for misleading regulators about the aircrafts safety features, specifically the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which was implicated in both crashes.

Benefits of the guilty plea for Boeing

Boeing stood to benefit in certain ways under the plea agreement that was proposed. By pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge and entering into a settlement under the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), the company would have avoided a full trial that could have been more damaging to its reputation and operations.

Trials often bring intense scrutiny, revealing internal details and practices that companies might prefer to keep private.

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Moreover, the plea deal included a capped financial penalty, with a fine of up to $487.2 million. In contrast, a trial could have resulted in much higher penalties or civil liabilities, especially if victims families or other parties pursued additional claims.

Why was Boeings guilty plea rejected?

US District Judge Reed OConnor of the Northern District Court of Texas declined to approve the agreement, expressing concerns that it inappropriately limited the courts authority by imposing diversity considerations in the selection of the independent monitor.

The independent monitor would be an oversight entity appointed to supervise and evaluate Boeings compliance with the terms of the plea agreement and to ensure the company takes steps to improve its safety practices.

Judge OConnor noted that prosecutors provided shifting and contradictory explanations regarding the role of diversity in the monitors selection process.

He concluded the Department of Justice could take diversity into account when selecting the monitor tasked with overseeing Boeings safety efforts, putting the public interest at risk.

Boeings share price

Boeings share price fell by 1.5 per cent from the days high of $160.02 apiece to $157.5 at around 1:40 pm EST when the decision was reported.

With inputs from agencies
Bangladesh has removed the rule that requires Pakistanis to secure a no objection clearance to get a visa to travel there. This is the latest instance of the interim government in Dhaka cosying up to Islamabad. Is it an ominous sign for India? read more

A lot is brewing in Indias backyard, which could have a great impact on the geopolitics of the region. It appears that as Bangladesh moves further away from India, it is cosying up to Pakistan.

From visa waivers to defence deals and restoring sea routes, Dhaka under the Muhammad Yunus-led government is moving closer to Islamabad, a move that could imperil Indias security.

What are we talking about? We explain in detail.

Dhakas visa thaw with Islamabad

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dhaka has sent a message to all missions abroad instructing them to facilitate visas for Pakistani citizens and those of Pakistani origin. This comes as the interim government removed the requirement for Pakistani citizens to obtain a security clearance before applying for a Bangladeshi visa.

It was in 2019, under Sheikh Hasina, that Bangladesh mandated that all Pakistanis who wished to travel there had to obtain a no objection clearance from Bangladeshs Security Services Division. However, this will no longer be required.

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Mubashar Hasan, an expert on Bangladeshi politics and executive director of the Sydney Policy and Analysis Centre in Australia, told ThePrint, It seems by normalising relationships with Indias arch-rival Pakistan, Bangladeshs administration is signalling that it is not going to see South Asian politics through an Indian prism anymore. Whether in the long run, Bangladesh can continue to afford that remains to be seen as the West  specifically the US  sees South Asia through an Indian prism and the US is a vital ally for Bangladesh. Having said that, India, too, must realise its neighbourhood policy is in shambles.

Earlier in September, Islamabad too announced that Bangladeshis would be able to travel to the neighbouring country without incurring any visa fees. Moreover, the two countries also announced the resumption of direct flights  the last direct flight between the two countries was operated by Pakistan International Airlines ( PIA) in 2018.

Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government in Bangladesh, has inched closer to Pakistan in recent times  a shift from the older policy. File image/Reuters

Bangladesh-Pakistan direct sea route

The change in visa rules isnt the only sign of a thaw between the two nations. Earlier in November, a Pakistani freight ship from Karachi docked at Bangladeshs southeastern Chittagong port, marking the re-establishment of direct maritime links between the two countries after 47 years.

Pakistans envoy to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maroof, speaking on the occasion said that it was a major step in boosting trade across the region. Moreover, the route will promote new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

And thats not all. In September, Bangladesh also lifted imported restrictions on Pakistani goods. Earlier, all goods coming from Pakistan had to be offloaded onto other vessels  mostly belonging to Sri Lanka or Malaysia  before it came to Bangladesh. These vessels also required a mandatory physical check from Bangladeshi authorities.

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Arms trade

In August, just three weeks after Sheikh Hasinas ouster, Dhaka placed an order for a fresh supply of artillery ammunition from Pakistan. Sources in the Indian government told The Tribune that Bangladeshs interim government had called for 40,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 2,000 tank ammunition units, 40 tons of RDX explosives, and 2,900 high-intensity projectiles.

The sources said that while this wasnt the first such order of ammunition, the numbers were far greater than usual. For instance, in 2023, Dhaka had placed an order of 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

Addressing the question of 1971

Bangladesh and Pakistan share complex ties; their relationship has been strained since the 1971 Liberation War, when East Pakistan gained independence from Pakistan with Indias military support and was named Bangladesh.

Under Sheikh Hasinas rule, the tense relationship, as she sided with New Delhi on most issues. However, with her ouster, things have changed on the ground. In September, Pakistans high commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof met with the interim governments broadcasting and IT adviser, Nahid Islam. At that meeting, the two discussed the possibility of resolving longstanding tensions, particularly the sensitive issue of the 1971 Liberation War.

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Following the meeting, Maroof was quoted as saying that Pakistan had a deep desire to address the question of 1971. Bangladeshs Islam also acknowledged the same and indicated a willingness to move forward on the issue. We want to resolve the issue of 1971 with Pakistan, Islam said. A democratic South Asia requires us to strengthen our relationship with each other.

Theres also the fact that on September 11, the 76th death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Dhakas National Press Club held a commemoration meet in which speakers praised Pakistans founding father. One went as far as saying that said that without Jinnah, Pakistan would not have come into existence, and without Pakistan, Bangladesh itself would not have been born.

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Members of the Hindu Hitarakshana Vedike hold placards during a protest against the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, in Bengaluru. PTI

Concerns for India

The improvement in relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, however, is a growing worry for New Delhi. Thats because Bangladesh and India share a porous border through which goods and people can be easily moved.

And thats the concern the security establishment has in New Delhi  they fear that this newfound friendship will contribute to a rise in militancy and smuggling across the border. This worry isnt unfounded though; in 2004, Indian officials seized around 1,500 boxes of Chinese ammunitions, worth an estimated $4.5-7 million. They were allegedly meant for the banned group  ULFA. According to officials, Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was behind this move.

Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Centres South Asia Institute, told This Week in Asia that it shouldnt surprise New Delhi that the two nations are cosying up. It is very clear that the interim government, because of its concerns about its partnership with India, would want to take a bit of a different approach to Pakistan, Kugelman said.

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Moreover, Bangladesh is stepping further and further away from India. New Delhis decision to shelter Hasina has irked Dhaka. In an interview with the New York Times last week, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus questioned Indias decision to keep Hasina. She is in India. She keeps talking. Thats a bit destabilising for the whole country, he said. And we try to draw attention from the Indian government that this is not fair. You are giving ground for somebody who is thrown away from Bangladesh, and youre giving his or her a voice.

Moreover, the recent attacks on Hindus in the country along with the arrest of former Iskcon priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das has worsened the situation. While India has repeatedly called for Bangladeshs interim government to do more to protect the minority community, Dhaka has hit back, calling it propaganda. Yunus in the same New York Times interview alleged that India was trying to project an image that Bangladesh under him was becoming like Afghanistan.

With inputs from agencies
UnitedHealthcares Brian Thompson was killed on Wednesday morning in midtown New Yorks Manhattan. The police have described the killing as a brazen, targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. The 50-year-old CEO worked at the Minnesota-based company for two decades and led its insurance division, which employed about 140,000 people, since 2021 read more

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit, was killed on Wednesday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. UnitedHealth Group/Reuters

The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the USs largest insurers, was killed on Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan.

The police have described the killing as a brazen, targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference.

They said the gunman was at large and they were still investigating a motive.

Heres all we know about him.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson, 50, led one of the biggest health insurers in the US.

He was the Chief Executive of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance wing of parent company UnitedHealth Group Inc.

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He had worked at the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company for two decades and led its insurance division, which employed about 140,000 people, since 2021. Before that, he ran the companys Medicare and retirement business.

As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans  more than the population of Spain.

He was one of the companys highest-paid executives, with a $10.2 million annual compensation package.

Thompson maintained a low profile as Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group Inc., assumed a more visible position that included appearing before Congress and testifying.

However, the 50-year-old did often garner attention due to his influence on how Americans receive medical treatment. During an investor meeting last year, he described his companys move to value-based care, which involves paying physicians and other carers to look after patients health rather than just treating them once.

He also gained attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, came under fire for a proposal to begin refusing to pay for what it considered to be not critical ER visits.

Thompson started his career as a certified public accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he worked for nearly seven years, and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry, according to The Associated Press.

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In 1997, he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Iowa. He also went to South Hamilton High School in Jewell, Iowa, from where he graduated in 1993.

During his time at South Hamilton, Brian was a star student, athlete, homecoming king, and a respected leader. His achievements and character left a meaningful legacy within our schools and community, Heather Holm, the superintendent for South Hamilton Community School District, told CNN. We join all who are mourning in remembering Brians life and legacy.

He lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove and was the married father of two high school students.

Thompson in May, was sued for alleged fraud and illegal insider trading.

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The Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund, Florida, filed a lawsuit against the company and three executives, including Thompson, accusing them of selling a combined $120 million in company shares before a US Department of Justice antitrust probe was disclosed publicly.

According to UnitedHealth Group, Thompson is remembered as a beloved leader and friend.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York police department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him, the company said in a statement.

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Also read: Who was Amarnath Ghosh, the Indian classical dancer shot dead in the US?

What do we know about the shooting?

According to police, Thompson was shot multiple times by someone who approached him from behind as he was on his way to the companys annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue at about 6:45 am,

Authorities said Thompson had no protection detail and was with himself at the time.

According to Joseph Kenny, the chief of detectives for the police department, officers discovered Thompson lying on the ground outside the hotel with gunshot wounds to his right calf and back.

He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital at 7.12 am.

An image of the individual sought in connection to the investigation of the shooting death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealths insurance unit, is seen in a still image from surveillance video taken outside a hotel in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US, December 4, 2024. NYPD News/Handout via Reuters

At about 9 am, an hour after UnitedHealths conference started, Chief Executive Andrew Witty took the stage and announced the programme was cancelled because of a very serious medical situation.

The killing occurred a few blocks away at Rockefeller Centre, the site of the citys yearly Christmas tree lighting, which is broadcast on television and attracts large crowds. Under strict security, police authorities indicated the event will proceed as scheduled.

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This does not appear to be a random act of violence, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference. Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.

According to Kenny, the gunman looked to be a man with a very distinctive grey backpack, black and white sneakers and a black face mask.

About five minutes before Thompson arrived, he was outside the hotel, waiting close to the building while ignoring other people before coming up behind Thompson.

The gun malfunctioned after the attacker started shooting at Thompson, but he was able to correct the issue and continue firing rapidly, Kenny added.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, Kenny said.

The shooter ran into an alleyway near the hotel and later got on the electric bike that he took into Central Park.

It was unclear whether the mobile that police discovered in the alleyway belonged to the shooter, according to Kenny.

Also read: Georgia school shooting: How mass killings in the US have already claimed 131 lives in 2024

Were there any threats?

Paulette, Thompsons wife, told NBC News that he had received some threats, but she was unable to provide any details.

Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? she said, appearing to allude to a potential insurance-related motive, according to the network. I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

The Minneapolis Police Department claimed there was no occurrence of Thompson in its records, while the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police department, where Thompson resided, maintained it had no records of threats against him.

Baird investment analyst Michael Ha, who attended the UnitedHealth event, said people were frightened, confused and crying in the hotel hallway.

Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in New York. AP

Ha said Thompson was an incredibly smart, talented healthcare leader, with such a bright future ahead of him. At the time, we did not know what had happened, when it had happened, where it had happened. So we didnt even know if there was a potentially a shooter in the actual building itself, he said, as per Reuters.

Dave Ricks, CEO of pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly who spoke at another business conference in New York on Wednesday, said Thompsons killing was shocking. He was assassinated essentially in the street going to his investor conference.

According to a local tourism authority, the incident occurred at the beginning of New Yorks famed Christmas season, which is predicted to draw over 7.5 million tourists to the city.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorks murder rate increased, however, it has subsequently decreased to pre-COVID levels.

According to Reuters citing police figures, the city recorded 347 homicides until December 1 of this year, compared to 370 during the same period in 2023.

With inputs from agencies
Brian Thompson, who leads one of the US largest insurance companies, UnitedHealthcare was shot dead outside a New York hotel on Wednesday. Investigations reveal that the gunman, who is still on the loose, left a message at the crime scene through the casings of the bullets read more

Following the shocking murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, investigators have uncovered some new clues that they believe bring them closer to identifying the mysterious killer. AFP

Following the shocking murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, investigators have uncovered some new clues that they believe bring them closer to identifying the mysterious killer.

On Wednesday morning, Thompson, who leads one of the USs largest insurance companies, was shot dead by an unknown attacker outside a Manhattan hotel where his company was holding a conference.

Described by police as a brazen, targeted attack, the murder has sparked a manhunt in New York City. With the killer still at large, police are focused on uncovering the motive behind the crime.

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Here are the latest details.

Messages on bullet cases

According to Police sources quoted by ABC News, the detectives discovered a bullet casings left at the scene by the killer, which had some cryptic messages on them.

The shell casings had the words deny, defend, and depose inscribed on them. The news outlet said the NYPD detectives are working to determine whether the words were meant as a message from the shooter and a hint at his motive.

Police revealed that Thompson was shot multiple times by an assailant who approached him from behind as he neared the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue around 6:45 am. He was on his way to attend his companys annual investor conference.

Joseph Kenny, the chief of detectives, said officers found Thompson on the ground outside the hotel, suffering from gunshot wounds to his right calf and back. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 am.

Witnesses described the gunman as a man wearing a very distinctive grey backpack, black-and-white sneakers, and a black face mask. He had arrived about five minutes before Thompson and was loitering near the building, ignoring others, before he approached and attacked Thompson from behind.

An image of the individual sought in connection to the investigation of the shooting death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealths insurance unit, is seen in a still image from surveillance video taken outside a hotel in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US December 4, 2024. NYPD News/Handout via Reuters

He then walked into the alley acquired an electric bicycle, and rode towards Central Park via Center Drive before vanishing.

However, during the escape, cops suspect the shooter may have dropped some items.

The NYPD Chief of Detectives told ABC News that a phone was recovered in the alley the suspect fled through.

A water bottle was also found at the scene, which investigators believe was bought at a nearby Starbucks the assassin visited shortly before the shooting, investigators told CNN. Moreover, a candy wrapper was retrieved at the same location.

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Police cover evidence with paper cups as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson, 50, was shot as he entered the New York Hilton after 6:45am on December 4, 2024 in New York. AFP



Detectives are looking into the possibility that all three items are connected to the shooter. Testing is currently underway to check for any usable fingerprints or DNA.

The killer can be an experienced shooter

The killer may have been a highly skilled marksman, detectives told CNN, pointing to the suspects calm and calculated approach during the attack.

Surveillance footage revealed the gunman aiming a semi-automatic pistol at Thompson from 20 feet away. Despite the weapon jamming three times, the shooter maintained composure, quickly clearing each malfunction before continuing to fire while advancing towards his target.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, said Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Firearms experts cited by CNN noted that the suspects handling of the situation reflected the training typical of someone with a law enforcement or military background.

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Surveillance footage revealed the gunman aiming a semi-automatic pistol at Thompson from 20 feet away. Despite the weapon jamming three times, the shooter maintained composure, quickly clearing each malfunction before continuing to fire while advancing towards his target. NYPD News/Handout via Reuters

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed this sentiment at a news conference, describing the attack as premeditated.

Meanwhile, Thompsons wife, Paulette, revealed to NBC News that her husband had previously received threats, though she could not provide specifics.

Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? she said, appearing to suggest a potential insurance-related motive. I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

A crucial witness located

Currently, the top priority for investigators is to determine Thompsons most recent conversations and movements, sources told ABC News.

In the surveillance footage at the scene, investigators have captured a potential witnessa woman dressed in dark clothing and holding a coffee cupemerging from a doorway as the assailant fired nearby.

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Her identity remains unknown, and authorities have not suggested any link between her and Thompson. But based on her reaction, it appears she was caught off guard by the incident, initially taking cover before fleeing the scene.

Investigators are eager to locate this crucial witness, according to a report by Daily Mail.

Also read: Who was Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead outside NYC hotel? How did the shooting unfold?

Who is Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, led one of the largest health insurers in the US, providing coverage to over 49 million Americans.

He had worked at the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company for two decades and led its insurance division, which employed about 140,000 people, since 2021. Before that, he ran the companys Medicare and retirement business.

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As CEO, he was one of the companys highest-paid executives, with a $10.2 million annual compensation package.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealths insurance unit, was killed on Wednesday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. UnitedHealth Group/Reuters

However, the 50-year-old did often garner attention due to his influence on how Americans receive medical treatment. During an investor meeting last year, he described his companys move to value-based care, which involves paying physicians and other carers to look after patients health rather than just treating them once.

Thompson also faced controversies, including backlash over proposed ER payment policies in 2021 and a lawsuit in May for alleged fraud and illegal insider trading. Despite his significant role, he remained relatively low-profile outside the industry.

With input from agencies
Devendra Fadnavis is all set to take oath as chief minister of Maharashtra today in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, in the US, billionaire businessman Elon Musk will meet Republican lawmakers to discuss potential budget cuts in federal government spending read more

Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with PM Modi in attendance. PTI/File Photo

Thursday, December 5, is set to be a day filled with key events.

Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtras Chief Minister in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Elon Musk is scheduled to meet Republican lawmakers to discuss budget cuts among other pressing matters.

The Supreme Court will review Delhis pollution levels and decide on whether to relax GRAP IV measures.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will launch the European Space Agencys Proba-3 mission aboard the PSLV-C59 rocket.

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In Jharkhand, the council of ministers in Hemant Sorens government will take their oaths.

Sri Lankas interim budget will also be presented today.

Lets take a look at these events:

Devendra Fadnavis to take oath, PM Modi to attend

Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtras Chief Minister for a third term today. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at 5:30 pm in Mumbais Azad Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.

Devendra Fadnavis during a campaign rally in Nagpur. PTI

ALSO READ | Back in the CMs chair: The rise and rise of Maharashtra CM-elect Devendra Fadnavis

On Wednesday, Fadnavis, along with Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCPs Ajit Pawar, met Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government. This comes after the Mahayuti alliances landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats.

Elon Musk, Republican lawmakers to discuss potential budget cuts

Appointed by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk is set to meet Republican lawmakers today to discuss potential budget cuts in federal government spending. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy will also be part of these discussions.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. Reuters/File Photo

Republican US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X that Musk and Ramaswamy would discuss major reform ideas to achieve regulatory rescissions, administrative reductions, and cost savings.

Will GRAP IV measures be relaxed in Delhi?

The Supreme Court will review the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi today. During the last hearing, the court expressed concern over the insufficient enforcement of GRAP IV measures, which are initiated when air quality hits hazardous levels.

ALSO READ | Why does Delhis air quality deteriorate in winter?

Refusing to relax the restrictions earlier, the court noted a lack of urgency despite the poor air quality. With Delhis air quality improving on Wednesday, recording an Air Quality Index of 211 in the moderate range, the court will now assess whether conditions allow easing of GRAP IV measures.

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Proba-3 spacecraft set for launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch the European Space Agencys (ESA) Proba-3 mission aboard its PSLV-C59 rocket today after it was delayed on Wednesday due to an anomaly detected in the spacecraft.

Proba-3 is the worlds first precision formation flying mission. Image courtesy: X/@isro

Proba-3 is the worlds first precision formation flying mission and aims to study the Suns corona, the outermost and hottest part of the Suns atmosphere.

Jharkhand cabinet to take oath

The council of ministers in Hemant Sorens Jharkhand government will take oath today, party sources told PTI.

Hemant Soren took oath as Jharkhands 14th Chief Minister on November 28. Notably, the INDIA bloc secured 56 seats in the 81-member assembly while the BJP-led NDA won 24 seats. The first cabinet meeting has decided to meet for an assembly session from December 9 to 12.

Sri Lankas interim budget today

Sri Lankas interim budget will be presented today, while the full 2025 budget is scheduled for February 5. The interim budget will seek parliamentary approval on Friday.

Sri Lankas President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, Sri Lanka, November 14, 2024. Reuters/File Photo

ALSO READ | Is Sri Lankas new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake bad news for India?

The National Peoples Power (NPP) coalition, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, secured a landslide victory with 159 seats in the 225-member assembly. The governments primary focus would be to address Sri Lankas debt crisis and help the seven million citizens who fell below the poverty line during the economic crisis.

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With inputs from agencies
Irans new hijab and chastity law has spurred much outrage from women, criticism from activists and opposition from its reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian. But what do we know about the law? And what about all the other rules imposed on women in Iran? read more

Women are required by law to wear hijab in public in Iran. Source: AP

Iran has a new chastity law  and the president is not amused.

Irans Parliament passed the Hijab and Chastity Bill to much outrage from women and criticism from activists.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformer who came to power last year, too has voiced his opposition to the law.

In my opinion the hijab law, which I have to implement, is vague. We should not do anything to disturb the harmony and empathy of society. We have to talk and interact about the issue, Pezeshkian wrote on X.

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But what do we know about the law? And what about the different rules imposed on women in Iran?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the law?

According to DW, the bill was drafted by the Iranian judiciary on the orders of former president Ebrahim Raisi.

It came as a response to the growing numbers of women refusing to wear the hijab and challenging the authorities.

Iran in November arrested a young Iranian college student who stripped off her clothes at a university to protest the strict dress code.

The footage of Ahoo Daryaei sitting and briefly walking at Islamic Azad University in Tehran before stripping down to her underwear went viral.

Daryaei was harassed inside Tehrans prestigious Islamic Azad University by members of the Basij paramilitary force. The forces ripped Daryaeis headscarf and clothes  leading to her staging a protest by stripping to her underwear outside the university.

It also comes nearly two years after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody after breaching hijab rules, which triggered convulsive nationwide protests.

As per CNN, the Hijab and Chastity Bill spells out the ways in which men and women dress improperly.

This can be either nudity, dressing immodestly or, in the case of women, wearing the hijab in an incorrect manner.

Women are barred from wearing body-hugging clothes.

Attire that shows flesh under the neck, above the ankles, and above the forearms is banned.

Men are barred from showing any flesh under the chest and above the knees.

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Men may not bare their shoulders as well.

The law goes into trial for a three-year period.

It sets out much sterner punishments for both men and women who violate it.

According to Iran Wire, first offences under the law will attract a fine of between $285 and $1,140.

However, repeat offenders will be fined between $1,200 and $2,350.

As per DW, these fines are equivalent to around 20 months of the average salary of women.

It mandates fines to be paid within 10 days.

Those who are unable or unwilling to pay the fine will be restricted from renewing their passports, updating their vehicle registration, getting exit permits, getting vehicles released from custody and getting or renewing drivers licenses.

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As per CNN, it also fines business owners whose clients and customers do not adhere to the code.

It mandates higher penalties, possible prison sentences, travel bans, and restrictions on advertising their business.

The law also seeks to bring under its ambit digital spaces.

It mandates social media platforms keep an eye on and ban content the government says is unsuitable.

It also lays out harsh punishments for social media influencers and public figures speaking up against the hijab laws.

These include fining them up to five per cent of their assets and being barred from travelling.

It also states that traffic cameras and those belonging to various government agencies and AI will be used to track violators.

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It also asks citizens to report violators through the public reporting system.

As per Iran Wire, though the president must sign the bill, it is largely a formality.

This is because under Article 1 of the Civil Code mandates that the law is delivered to the President, who must sign it within five days, send it to the relevant authorities, and order its publication. The official newspaper publishes it within 72 hours of notification.

Even if he refuses to do so, the Speaker of Parliament can order its publication, and the official newspaper must publish it within 72 hours.

Thus the law is set to take effect by December 18 at the latest.

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However, the outlet quoted a source as saying that President Pezeshkian plans to ask Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to suspend the laws implementation during their December 8 meeting.

Pezeshkian, during the debate in July, had said, Just as they could not forcibly remove hijabs from womens heads in the past, they cannot now force it onto them. We have no right to impose our will on our women and daughters.

No country for women

Now, lets take a brief look at all the other rules imposed on women.

Women in Iran have been required to cover their hair in public and dress modestly since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

As per Iran Primer, laws have only vaguely defined what constitutes an act against morality and authorities have prosecuted those committing extramarital sex.

Police, Basij militia and vigilante morality police enforce compulsory public dress codes using violence.

A woman not wearing a hijab head scarf earlier faced harassment, arrest, a fine and up to two months in prison.

The development comes nearly two years after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody after breaching hijab rules, which triggered convulsive nationwide protests. Reuters

Activists who have challenged the laws have faced years in prison.

The legal age for girls to marry is 13 and younger girls may also marry with special paternal and judicial consent.

The Iranian judiciary has consistently blocked attempts to increase the age of marriage, as per Iran Primer.

More than 13,000 girls aged 13 were married from March 2018-March 2019.

A woman must seek her fathers permission to marry, though a court may override his refusal. Husbands may stop wives from taking jobs or travelling overseas.

Iran allows polygamy, including an unrestricted number of temporary marriages arranged for a fixed period.

Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men, while Muslim men can marry Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians.

Husbands have an incontestable right to divorce but women may only divorce on limited grounds and usually have to forgo monetary claims to secure agreement.

As per Iran Primer, women have to get a judges order for a divorce, while a man can simply declare it so  even in her absence.

Irans Parliament in 2002 changed the law to let a woman to divorce her husband if he is imprisoned, mentally ill, physically abusive or an addict.

Women who are divorced also lose custody of her children after she remarries. This is the case even after her husband dies, as per Iran Primer.

A mother may have physical custody of a child until age seven when custody is transferred to the father, though a court may override that. The father remains sole legal guardian.

A widow gets only an eighth of her husbands property, but a widower gets all of his wifes assets.

Daughters inherit half as much as sons.

Parliament in 2009 voted to let women inherit land.

The penal code says blood money compensation paid to the family of a female murder victim is set at half that offered for a man. A womans testimony in court is in many legal proceedings equal to half that of a man.

Sexual assault is not criminalised as a distinct crime. Rape can be prosecuted as an illicit form of sexual relations but the victim also risks punishment if she cannot prove coercion.

A man who sees his wife commit adultery may be exempted some punishment if he kills her. There are some exemptions for men who kill children or grandchildren, creating protection for honour killings of women and girls accused of sexual misconduct.

Wives must prove an intolerable level of spousal abuse to divorce on the grounds of domestic violence, the rapporteur said.

Women are ineligible to become judges and almost none have taken senior political roles. Many women who applied to be candidates in elections were not allowed to stand.

Authorities have periodically stopped women working as secretaries and office managers or in restaurants and cafes.

What do experts say?

That the Iranian mullahs are looking to crush women.

Mary Mohammadi, a US-based Iranian political analyst, told DW , It seeks to prevent the advancement of womens demands, bolster the morale of the regimes ideological supporters, exhaust the psyche of society by creating all-encompassing conflicts in daily life and weaken the revolutionary potential led by women.

They say that the regime has miscalculated  badly.

Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the Washington, DC-based Center for International Policy, told CNN that the government is making the same mistakes of the previous regime.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, has opposed the law. AP

This decision reflects a miscalculation of public sentiment and is unlikely to achieve the governments stated goals of preserving traditional social norms. Instead, it risks further destabilising an already fragile social fabric, Toossi told CNN.

The core of the hardline conservative system is going against the majority of the populace, the elected administration and the president, who have this mandate, have the will, Negar Mortazavi, editor and host of the Iran Podcast added.

They just dont have the power to overhaul and change the situation.

They say Pezeshkian is in a tough spot  and that his options are limited.

In a broader view, the disagreement over its implementation between the hard-liners in the Islamic Parliament and the so-called reformist Pezeshkian in the administration is a staged display of internal regime conflicts over the mandatory hijab law, Mohammadi told DW.

Toossi told CNN, His options include appealing to the Supreme Leader, requesting that the law be referred to the Expediency Council for renewed arbitration, he said. Alternatively, he could seek intervention through the Supreme National Security Council to override (it). Both of these options, however, hinge on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameneis tacit approval.

With inputs from agencies
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has blast off European Space Agencys Proba-3 satellites into Earths orbit from Sriharikotas launchpad in Andhra Pradesh. The mission will study the Suns corona at an entirely new scale by creating an artificial eclipse through its two high-tech satellites read more

The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission, the 61st flight of PSLV and the 26th using PSLV-XL configuration, ahead of its lift off, in Sriharikota. PTI

This evening (December 5), a pair of European satellites, Proba-3, blast into space from Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)s Sriharikota launchpad.

The launch was initially planned for Wednesday. However, minutes before the lift-off, following the request from the European Space Agency, Isro rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to December 5, 4.04 pm.

Europes Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Anatomy) consists of two satellites  Coronagraph (310 kgs) and Occulter (240 kgs)  in which two spacecraft would fly together as one, maintaining precise formation down to a single millimetre to study the corona, the suns outer atmosphere.

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So, what makes this mission unique? How will India benefit from this mission? Heres a closer look.

What is Proba-3 mission?

The term Proba derives from the Latin phrase Lets try, representing a series of experimental missions by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The journey began with Proba-1, followed by the Sun-observing Proba-2 in 2009, and then the Earth-observing Proba-V for Vegetation in 2013.

The Proba-3 mission, developed at an estimated cost of 200 million euros, involved teams from 14 European countries and 29 industrial partners. These teams worked for over a decade to create the satellites for the mission, in collaboration with Isros commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which helped develop the launch vehicle.

The Proba-3 satellites are set to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh from the spaceports first launch pad. Image courtesy: X/@isro

Designed for a mission life of two years, Proba-3 aims to study the Suns corona at an entirely new scale by creating an artificial eclipse.

The PSLV-C59 launch vehicle will carry two ESA satellites, each weighing approximately 550 kg, into a highly elliptical orbit of around 600 x 60,530 km and have an orbital period of 19.7 hours.

The Proba-3 satellites were launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 4:12 pm from the spaceports first launch pad.

Why the Proba-3 mission is one of a kind

The Proba-3 mission will be unique as it marks the first time two satellites  the Occulter Spacecraft (weighing 200 kg) and the Coronagraph Spacecraft (weighing 340 kg)  will work together to mimic a natural solar eclipse.

Launched together in a stacked configuration, the two small satellites will demonstrate precise formation flying, as stated by Isro. After launch, they will separate and fly in a coordinated manner, creating an artificial solar eclipse in Earths orbit.

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According to ESA, the Proba-3 missions artificial eclipse will offer a remarkable 100-fold increase in study time. The mission is expected to generate around 50 eclipses per year, each lasting six hours. Image courtesy: ESA

Observing the Suns ring-like corona has always been a challenge due to its high temperature, which makes it difficult for instruments to study closely. Scientists had previously only been able to study the corona during solar eclipses, when the moon blocks enough sunlight to make the corona visible from Earth.

This limited observation time often required scientists to chase eclipses around the world, with sometimes only minutes of observation or no time at all if clouds obscured the view.

Studying the corona is crucial for scientists, as it is the source of all space weather and its associated turbulences such as solar storms, solar winds, etc

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According to ESA, the Proba-3 missions artificial eclipse will offer a remarkable 100-fold increase in study time. The mission is expected to generate around 50 eclipses per year, each lasting six hours, giving researchers an unparalleled opportunity to study the Suns complex atmospheric interactions.

How will India benefit from Proba-3?

Proba-3 is being hailed as ESAs technology demonstration mission and Isros role in launching the mission highlights Indias reliable space launch facilities and its growing space capabilities. Further, it will be an addition to Indias rising reputation for cost-effective space missions.

According to Indian Express, there is also a strong possibility that the Indian solar physicist community will have exclusive access to the Proba-3 data as Indian scientists helped conceptualise the scientific goals of this mission. This data can offer an opportunity for collaborative research between the two space agencies and contribute to Indias own solar missions.

With input from agencies

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US President-elect Donald Trump has selected tech billionaire Jared Isaacman as Nasas next chief. Isaacman, a close associate of Elon Musk, has collaborated with SpaceX on several missions. The 41-year-old earlier made headlines for becoming the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk read more

US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he plans to nominate Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, as Nasas next chief. AFP

US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he plans to nominate Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, as Nasas next chief.

Jared will drive Nasas mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Isaacman has been a close associate of Elon Musk, who has been at Trumps elbow throughout the transition and has been tapped to lead a government efficiency commission. The billionaire private astronaut has even collaborated extensively with SpaceX, Musks space exploration company, on several missions, including the one where he made headlines with his historic spacewalk.

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Heres a closer look at Isaacmans journey.

He founded his tech company at 16

Jared Isaacman, the CEO and founder of Shift4 Payments, began his entrepreneurial journey at just 16 years old. His billion-dollar enterprise now processes payments for major clients, including Hilton and KFC.

According to AP, Isaacmans rise to success started in his parents basement after he dropped out of high school, opting to earn a General Educational Development (GED) certificate instead. This humble beginning laid the foundation for his tech giant company Shift4.

Mission specialist Anna Menon, pilot Scott Poteet, commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of the launch of the Polaris Dawn mission. File image/AP

Today, Shift4 handles over $260 billion in payments annually, while Isaacmans net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion, according to Forbes. His business is based in eastern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and their two young daughters.

A self-described space geek, Isaacman is an accomplished fighter pilot and holds the world record for the fastest flight around the globe in a light jet. He also owns Draken International, a Florida-based company, that trains US Air Force pilots and has the worlds largest private fleet of fighter jets.

He led a mission to travel the farthest since Apollo

Jared Isaacman has made his mark as one of the few private individuals to explore space, thanks to his collaborations with Elon Musks SpaceX.

In 2022, Isaacman partnered with SpaceX to launch the ambitious Polaris Program, a series of three private spaceflights designed to test advanced technologies and manoeuvres for deep-space exploration.

As part of the first mission, Polaris Dawn, he joined three other private citizens on a five-day journey in September that took them to the farthest distance (1,400 km) from Earth since Nasas historic Apollo 11 moon landing. The mission also included the first-ever all-civilian spacewalk. Issacman even briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceXs new spacewalking suits.

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This still image taken from a SpaceX and Polaris broadcast on September 12, 2024, shows US fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman. AFP

Isaacman has reportedly invested $200 million of his own funds into SpaceXs missions, which include his debut space mission Inspiration4 in 2021.

Reacting to Isaacmans appointment as Nasas head, Musk congratulated him via X, describing him as a man of high ability and integrity.

Why is Isaacmans appointment as Nasa chief significant?

According to CNBC, Trumps choice of Isaacman, whos an outsider to traditional government space programmes along with Musks involvement with the incoming administration  suggests that Nasa may move further into the realm of commercial partnerships_._

Already, the space agency relies heavily on SpaceX and other commercial partners to launch its astronauts, cargo and spacecraft to the International Space Station and beyond.

Isaacman, with his background in private space missions, is expected to continue this trend.

His leadership will also come with significant responsibilities, including overseeing Nasas $25 billion budget, with a major focus on the Artemis programme. This effort aims to return humans to the Moon and relies heavily on SpaceXs Starship rocket.

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Also read: SpaceX to launch sixth Starship test in Texas, Trump to attend

An artists concept of a crewed Artemis mission to the moons surface. Image courtesy: NASA

Additionally, he will manage NASAs aeronautics division, which is focused on green aviation technologies, alongside its space science portfolio.

Isaacman himself expressed his excitement for the role, stating on X that he was honored to receive the nomination. Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, he wrote.

With input from agencies
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has overwhelmingly been voted out of power by lawmakers over his controversial budget. The 73-year-old now has the dubious honour of being the shortest-serving PM since the Fifth Republic, the system of government in France from 1958 read more

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier leaves after he delivered a speech during a debate on two motions of no-confidence against the French government, tabled by the alliance of left-wing parties the "Nouveau Front Populaire" (New Popular Front - NFP) and the far-right Rassemblement National party , at the National Assembly in Paris, France. Reuters

When Michel Barnier took up the job of being Frances prime minister, it was believed that he could save the European nation. However, it seems that Barnier couldnt be saved himself after French lawmakers voted to oust him in a historic no-confidence vote.

Barnier will now submit his governments resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, earning him the title of being Frances shortest-serving premier since the Fifth Republic, the system of government in France from 1958. Following this, the president will address the nation (scheduled for 7 pm GMT) and have the tough job of picking a viable successor with over two years of his presidential term left.

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Following the historic no-confidence vote against Barnier, far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said she did not consider this to be a victory.

The choice that we made was to protect the French people, Le Pen said, adding that it was not made with a light heart. There was no other solution but this one, she said.

We decode what exactly happened though  starting from the no-confidence vote against Barnier to his ouster.

Who is Michel Barnier?

Michel Barner, the 73-year-old, is no stranger to French politics. Though he was brought in as PM in September by Macron, he has previous experience in the political arena.

Previously, Barnier served as foreign minister and twice as European Union commissioner in Brussels. He is best known internationally for taking on the job of negotiating Britains exit from the European Union on behalf of the bloc after the 2016 referendum. Firm and courteous in talks, and hugely respected by his team, Barnier won considerable kudos for his handling of the process.

Despite the odds stacked against him  he was leading a minority government  Barnier always exhibited calm, never losing his cool. Even hours before MPs voted to oust him on Wednesday (December 4), he maintained his calm, saying to the media, Im not afraid. Ive rarely been afraid in my political life.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier gets applause from ministers and parliament members after addressing the National Assembly prior to a vote on a no-confidence motion that eventually brought him down. AP

Why was a no-confidence motion moved against Barnier?

Macron brought in Barnier as PM in September with the hope that the 73-year-old would be able to solve the countrys debt bomb and steady Macrons administration. The countrys deficit is estimated to reach six per cent of gross domestic product this year and analysts say it could rise to seven per cent next year without drastic adjustments.

And thats what Barnier was trying to do with the budget that would reduce Frances eye-watering deficits. On Monday (December 2), the 73-year-old PM used a constitutional measure, Article 49.3, to push the governments proposed social security budget without a vote. This decision angered the National Rally party and the left-wing alliance New Popular Front (NFP)

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Barniers bill proposed 60 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts, which would help reduce the deficit to five per cent next year. There were also measures such as delaying pension increases, which sparked strong opposition from other party members.

Following this, Marine Le Pen said, The French have had enough. We are proposing a motion of no confidence against the government.

What happened at the no-confidence vote?

On Wednesday (December 4), both the Far Right and the left-wing New Popular Front coalition joined hands in ousting Michel Barnier and his government from power with a whopping 331 MPs voting for it. A minimum of 288 were needed.

The outcome marks the first time a French government has lost a confidence vote since 1962 and Barnier being the shortest serving PM since 1958. Besides him, Bernard Cazeneuve only served for five months and four days (155 days) in 2016-17. However, he knew his would be a short term as then French President Francois Hollande had announced that he wouldnt run for a second term.

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A scoreboard at the National Assembly shows the results of a no-confidence motion vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier to resign. AP

Barniers predecessor, Gabriel Attal also stayed only for six months and seven days (189 days) before his government resigned on July 16, 2024, following an election defeat.

Barnier speaking in his final address, warned lawmakers that their decision wouldnt help the country and its finances. This (deficit) reality will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure.

He said, This motion of censure would make everything more difficult. He further criticised Le Pen, saying their failure to agree on terms had showed that we do not have the same idea of patriotism and of sovereignty.

Following the no-confidence motion passed against Barnier, calls for Macron to go also grew louder. Mathilde Panot, the head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party told reporters, We are now calling on Macron to go, urging early presidential elections to solve the deepening political crisis.

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Notably, with Barniers government falling, the budget he had pushed through will not be enacted. Moreover, a caretaker government will have to pass emergency laws to ensure Frances national debts are serviced, fresh loan requests are issued and salaries are paid to its civil servants and military personnel starting in January.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier leaves after the result of the vote on the no-confidence against the French government. Reuters

What happens next?

Now, all eyes turn to French President Emmanuel Macron. He has the difficult task of appointing a new prime minister at a time when he enjoys little support in parliament.

Several are calling for him to step down, even though he is due to remain in post until 2027. But Macron appears in no mood to listen. On Tuesday (December 3), he said that he would honour [the trust of the French people] until the very last second of my term to serve the country.

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With inputs from agencies
Nepal has agreed to join the Belt and Road Initiative, a pet project of President Xi Jinping, during Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis visit to China. The two countries had in 2017 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Kathmandu to join the BRI, but the process remained at a standstill until now. But why is New Delhi worried about this development? read more

Nepal has joined Chinas Belt and Road Initiative.

Nepal and China signed an agreement for Kathmandu to join Xi Jinpings pet project during Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis visit.

Oli met Xi in Beijing when the two leaders discussed connectivity, industrial development, infrastructural development and trade and tourism among other issues.

Oli, who is on a four-day official visit to China that ends today (December 5) , earlier held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Li Qiang in Beijing.

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Today, we signed the Framework for Belt & Roads Cooperation. As my official visit to China concludes, I am honoured to reflect on the bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang, discussions with NPC Chairman Zhang Leji, and the highly fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Oli posted on X.

The Nepal-China economic cooperation will further strengthen under the Belt and Road Framework Cooperation, he added.

The BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.

But what happened? And why is this a concern for India?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

China and Bangladesh had in 2017 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Kathmandu to join the BRI.

However, the process has been at a standstill  until now.

The BRI framework agreement was inked by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Liu Sushe of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, according to the Prime Ministers secretariat.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for the implementation of BRI projects, sources said.

According to News 9, the pact outlines a framework under which projects can be finished.

Sources told the outlet the agreement outlines how Nepal and China can plan and coordinate each project. It also states how exactly each project can be financed.

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Specific details of the MoU remain under wraps.

Nepals foreign ministry wrote on X, The Government of Nepal and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China signed the Framework for Belt and Road Cooperation today.

Krishna Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in Kathmandu that a nine-point agreement was also signed during the visit, including several memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

Agreements that were signed include an exchange of letters regarding the construction of the Tokha-Chhahari tunnel road near Kathmandu; an MoU on Nepal-China trade promotion, and an exchange of certificates of completion of the renovation of the historic nine-storey palace situated in Basantapur in Kathmandu.

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Also, MoUs on protocol relating to the export of thermally processed buffalo meat to China; on development and construction works; on economic and technical assistance; on Chinese language education, and on cooperation in communication technology between Nepal Television and China Media Group were signed.

There was also an exchange of letters relating to aid in cash, he added.

A joint statement issued by both sides on Tuesday said that the two sides expressed their readiness to sign the MoU on building the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN) and the framework for Belt and Road Cooperation between the two governments as soon as possible, without specifying a distinct deadline.

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Representational image. AP

Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two countries in such areas as ports, roads, railways, aviation, power grids and telecommunication, to help Nepal transform from a land-locked country to a land-linked country, said the joint statement.

According to The Kathmandu Post newspaper, the Chinese side had removed the word grant proposed by the Nepali side and suggested replacing it with investment for projects under the BRI.

After reviewing the new terms and conditions, officials found a compromise and decided to include the phrasing aid and technical assistance in relation to project execution in Nepal, the paper said.

The word aid adds ambiguity and marks a step back from the Nepali Congress position of clearly specifying grants. Some countries also term line of credit as aid but which are essentially loans, the paper said.

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The Chinese side, after going through the document proposed by the Nepali side, removed the word grant from the text and added investment, the paper quoted another Nepali official as saying.

The Nepali side requested and insisted on having the phrasing aid and technical assistance, and the Chinese side responded positively, the delegation member was quoted as saying by the paper.

The BRI had been the subject of much debate and consternation in Nepal ahead of Olis trip.

While Olis Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) party wanted to go ahead with a loan from China under the terms of the BRI, the Nepali Congress led by Sher Bahadur Deuba was adamantly against it.

How much loan do we take? If grant, take it now. Lets not add further burden, Deuba told Oli during their meeting ahead of the trip, as per Rising Nepal Daily.

Beijing, it seemed, had little interest in giving Kathmandu anything other than a loan.

But Oli, ahead of the China visit, had struck an upbeat note.

I am embarking on a visit to China on December 2 and it will not just be a tour to a foreign country, Oli said. You will know by yourself how the visit became successful after I return home.

Then, on Sunday, the Nepal government announced that it accepted projects worth $20 million as grant assistance from China ahead of Olis first official visit to that country after assuming office for the fourth time.

The Nepali Cabinet also decided to accept $4.13 million of worth projects proposed by the government of China, the government spokesperson said.

It seems like Beijing has solved Olis problem back home for him.

Speaking at a programme held at Peking University, Oli later said that Nepal would reap benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative.

He expressed the belief that China has strongly supported Nepals development and that the BRI project initiated under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping would further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, the Himalayan Times newspaper reported.

Prime Minister Oli also called Chinese investors to invest in Nepal.

We will facilitate the investments for realising the national aspiration Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. We are committed to providing investment security, Oli said while addressing a programme jointly organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and China Council for Promotion of International Trade in Beijing on Wednesday.

He also invited Chinese investors to visit Nepal gifted by its natural beauty and seek investment opportunities.

The atmosphere is favourable for investment in Nepal which has made its way towards an era of political stability and prosperity, Oli said.

Why should India worry?

Firstly because Oli broke from the tradition of Nepalese prime ministers visiting India immediately after taking power.Oli himself is thought to be a pro-China leader.

He previously visited China in March 2016 after taking power in 2015.

For India, Nepals entry into the BRI is a national security concern.

Already Indias neighbours such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who have entered into the BRI, are facing a debt trap.

China has invested in several infrastructure projects in both countries and has racked up credit with both the leaders of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

And when the project ultimately fails, Beijing simply takes over it over  acquiring yet another asset in a foreign nation.

As Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in Sydney, explained to CNN in the aftermath of acquiring a license on the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, Theres a bigger picture here, that the more you invest in the Belt and Road initiative, the more the Chinese are in a position to force your country to align politically in terms of policy.

So you become dependent on their investment and their largesse, and youre less likely to be critical of them and youre more likely to accommodate their interests strategically.

India worries that Kathmandu, which has historically been a close ally, would similarly be ensnared by Beijing.

This is all part of what China calls its string of pearls strategy to engulf India.

News9, for example, cited the example of an airport in Pokhra  which is around 15 to 20 minutes away from the border via commercial flight  funded by China to the tune of $200 million.

India was forced to shutter its airspace because the airport posed a national security threat.

However, Nepal has brushed aside New Delhis worry that China may deploy its military aircraft and helicopters from that airport.

With inputs from agencies
Chinese ambassador to UK urges business leaders to foster openness

Xinhua) 13:17, December 05, 2024

LONDON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Zheng Zeguang has called on business leaders from both nations to embrace openness and inclusiveness, emphasizing the need to oppose isolation and exclusion.

"We need to uphold dialogue and cooperation, and oppose division and confrontation," Zheng said in his speech at the China-UK investor forum 2024 here on Wednesday.

Now is a testing moment for responsible countries as well as responsible business leaders, as the world is currently gripped by transformation and turmoil, said the ambassador.

In the speech, Zheng underlined the strategic importance of economic ties between China and European countries, noting that the long-term economic partnership has brought enormous mutual benefits to the two sides and "the potentials are yet to be fully tapped," he said.

Zheng's address comes in the wake of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the Group of 20 (G20) summit last month.

"We should strive for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and jointly write the next chapter in the sound and stable development of China-UK relations," said Zheng.

Speaking to the forum, Tulip Siddiq, Economic Secretary to the UK Treasury and City Minister, also emphasized the value of a constructive relationship with China to achieve the UK government's economic growth goals.

"We want to see deeper connectivity between our markets. We want to see more capital raised on our markets. We do want to see the Chinese financial ecosystem grow in the UK and we want to see our firms succeed in China," said Siddiq.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol claims he exceeded his constitutional powers by imposing martial law in the absence of a severe crisis. South Korea has seen very few presidential impeachments, with only one being upheld  that of the countrys first female president in 2017. The first impeachment in 2004 was overturned read more

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law on Tuesday, only to revoke the order six hours later.

This unexpected move, the first instance of martial law in South Korea in over 40 years, alarmed the United States among other allies. For a brief period, the nation, with a history of military rule, was confronted with visions of its past.

ALSO READ | Martial law imposed and then reversed: The 6-hour drama that unfolded in South Korea

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Facing growing pressure, including from members of his own Peoples Power Party, Yoon revoked the order as lawmakers defied the presence of Army personnel to vote 190-0 against the move in the 300-member Parliament. Yoon now faces the possibility of impeachment.

How many times has a South Korean president faced impeachment? Lets take a look:

History of impeachments in South Korea

Park Geun-hye (The sole impeached President) - March 10, 2017

Park Geun-hye, South Koreas first female president, became the first democratically elected leader to be removed from office. She was accused of colluding with a confidant in an influence-peddling scheme and misusing her presidential powers.

Park Geun-hye at a prosecutors office in Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2017. Reuters/File Photo

In December 2016, the Parliament voted to impeach Park, with some members of her own conservative party supporting the motion. She is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, who was assassinated in 1979.

The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld her impeachment, with all eight justices agreeing she had committed acts that violated the Constitution and laws. Acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi stated that Parks actions had betrayed the trust of the people and were of the kind that cannot be tolerated for the sake of protecting the Constitution.

ALSO READ | Was South Koreas First Lady behind President Yoons decision to impose martial law?

Later, Park faced criminal charges, which resulted in a 20-year prison sentence. After serving almost five years, she was released on medical grounds and later pardoned in 2021.

Notably, Park had admitted to the lapses and apologised for causing national concern.

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Roh Moo-hyun - March 12, 2004

In 2004, then-President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached on charges of failing to maintain political neutrality as required for high public officials. However, the Constitutional Court later overturned his impeachment, allowing Roh to complete his five-year term.

While the court acknowledged that Roh had violated election laws, it concluded the breach was not severe enough to justify his removal. It said, The court found the charges of illegal electioneering was not serious or grave enough to justify the unseating of the president, according to a report by NBC News.

The impeachment was initiated by two main opposition parties over minor electioneering violations and Rohs alleged incompetence in failing to address corruption among his aides. Public sentiment, however, largely opposed the impeachment, with polls showing that 70% of South Koreans considered the charges politically motivated and insufficiently serious, the report said.

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Will Yoon Suk-yeol be impeached?

The impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol accuses him of exceeding his constitutional authority by imposing martial law without the necessary conditions of a severe crisis. Notably, the South Korean constitution prohibits the president from using the military to suspend parliamentary functions.

People outside the National Assembly, after Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, December 4, 2024. Reuters

The motion is expected to be voted on between Friday and Sunday. To pass, it requires the support of two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly, or 200 votes. With opposition parties controlling 192 seats, additional backing from members of Yoons conservative Peoples Power Party would be required.

If the motion succeeds, Yoon would be suspended while the Constitutional Court decides whether to permanently remove him from office. During this period, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who holds the second-highest position in the government, would assume presidential duties.

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ALSO READ | Why South Korea could become the first country to disappear from Earth

What the law says

The Constitution allows parliament to initiate an impeachment motion against the president or other top public officials if they are believed to have violated the Constitution or any law in the performance of official duties.

To pass a presidential impeachment motion, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in the single-chamber parliament. Once passed, the Constitutional Court conducts a trial to determine whether the president violated the law, based on evidence provided by parliament.

Are parliament votes enough to impeach a president in South Korea?

A parliamentary vote to impeach leads to the presidents suspension from performing official duties until the Constitutional Court reaches a verdict. During the trial, oral arguments are presented by the chair of parliaments justice committee and the public official or their legal representatives.

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South Korean lawmakers submit an impeachment motion for President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 4, 2024. Reuters

The Constitutional Court has up to six months to decide whether to confirm the impeachment, which requires at least six out of the nine justices to vote in favour or to reject it. Currently, only six justices are serving, leaving three positions vacant.

What is martial law?

Under South Koreas Constitution, the president has the authority to deploy the military to maintain order during wartime, war-like situations, or other comparable national emergency states.

Martial law may involve measures such as suspending civil rights, including freedom of the press and assembly, and temporarily curtailing the powers of courts and government institutions.

People protest at a rally to condemn South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols surprise declarations of the failed martial law and to call for his resignation in Seoul, December 5, 2024. Reuters

A history of martial law in South Korea

South Korea witnessed the use of martial law during its periods of dictatorship as the country rebuilt after the 1950-53 Korean War. Leaders often invoked martial law to deploy combat troops, tanks, and armoured vehicles in public areas.

In the countrys first coup on May 16, 1961, Army Gen. Park Chung-hee led thousands of troops into Seoul during the early hours. Park ruled for nearly 20 years and declared martial law multiple times to suppress disagreement and detain critics. His regime came to an end in 1979 when he was assassinated by his spy chief.

Following Parks death, Maj. Gen. Chun Doo-hwan launched South Koreas second coup in December 1979, using tanks and soldiers to seize control in Seoul. In 1980, Chun led a violent military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement in Gwangju, killing at least 200 people.

By the summer of 1987, widespread protests forced Chuns administration to agree to direct presidential elections. Later that year, Roh Tae-woo, Chuns ally and a participant in the 1979 coup, won the election, benefiting from a split among liberal opposition candidates.

With inputs from agencies
Fadnavis has taken oath as the next chief minister of Maharashtra alongside his two deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. From this point ahead, Fadnavis will face key challenges to get the state on track of development and striking a balancing act within the coaltion read more

After 11 days of tiresome deliberation, Devendra Fadnavis has finally taken oath as the next chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday. The Mahayuti reached a breakthrough in picking the chief ministers face on Wednesday, just a day before the swearing-in ceremony. Weeks of drama culminated in Fadnavis securing the top post with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as his deputies.

In his third term as chief minister, Fadnavis has to fill Shindes shoes as the popular leader among the people of Maharashtra. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which holds the lions share of seats in the Mahayuti alliance, has put a lot of faith in Fadnavis to lead the state, especially after the partys poor show during the Lok Sabha elections. The incoming chief minister, however, has proven his worth after his first term but this time its going to be different and Fadnavis himself realises it.

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Speaking after being unanimously elected as the chief minister, Fadnavis said, Our responsibility has increased. We need to work harder. The struggle ahead is about meeting the expectations people have from us. We must work in tandem with our allies to achieve this.

The Mahayuti won a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections but with this success has come a flurry of responsibilities and expectations from the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP coalition. Here are five of them:

Shinde may have accepted the post of deputy chief minister but he did so reluctantly. He essentially switched posts with Fadnavis, an inevitable outcome after the BJP won 132 out of 288 Assembly seats. When Shinde left Uddhavs Sena in 2022 to join the BJP, the latter had no choice but to keep him in the CMs chair. Although it seems he would not brew trouble for the alliance in the initial few months, Shinde still holds ground in the bloc as Shiv Sena is the second-largest party in the Assembly

Thursdays swearing-in ceremony will only see Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar taking oath as the chief minister and deputy chief ministers respectively. The Cabinet expansion would take place later as it requires more deliberation. While Mahayuti has passed the first hurdle in government formation, theres another problem that might delay the process but the clock is ticking as the winter assembly session nears. The alliance is yet to be on the same page about portfolio allocation with Shinde and Pawar demanding plum ministries. Shinde is eyeing to retain the Urban Development and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) ministries and is pushing for other portfolios including revenue, agriculture, health, rural development, industry, and social justice. Meanwhile, Pawar seems to be content with his deputy chief minister post but wants the finance ministry for himself

After winning the state elections, Fadnavis government has to schedule the already-delayed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls as civic affairs in Mumbai come to a head. The term of the previous administration, which has Shiv Sena at the helm, ended in 2022. The elections were deferred after the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and BJP came to power and decided to revise BMCs delimitation. Since then, the civic body has been fraught with corruption allegations, near-breakdown of essential services, etc. Last week, Sena MPs discussed the BMC polls with Amit Shah in a meeting

It comes as no surprise that the Ladki Bahin scheme was a major driving force in Mahayutis win, but it came at a price. Fadnavis is now staring at a debt burden of over Rs 90,000 crore. Interest payments on the debt alone are 40 per cent of Maharashtras revenue. The new chief minister does not only need to manage the crisis but also fulfil Mahayutis promise to increase the financial aid under the scheme from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,100 per month

Maharashtra is the third-largest state in India and Fadnavis has the mammoth job of putting it back on the growth track. The Mahayuti alliance under Fadnavis has to address other issues like regional disparities, the most crucial of them being the case of the Maratha reservation. He also has to address the unemployment problem in both urban and rural areas
Fadnavis, who has become the chief minister of the state for the third time, took oath in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi read more

BJPs Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the next chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also sworn in as the deputy chief ministers of the state in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ceremony follows weeks of deadlock after the Mahayuti alliance witnessed a power tussle between Shinde and Fadnavis for the chief ministers chair. The latter was unanimously elected as the next chief minister of Maharashtra and hours later Shinde also accepted the post of Dy CM.

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Fadnavis has become the chief minister of Maharashtra for the third time.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/i14uGpEyr6  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

The swearing-in ceremony was a star-studded event with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Sachin Tendulkar in attendance. BJPs top brass including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajnath Singh were also present at Mumbais Azad Maidan to attend the event.

#WATCH | Mumbai | PM Modi, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, CM designate Devendra Fadnavis and all other leaders and attendees rise to the National Anthem at the oath-taking ceremony of the new government pic.twitter.com/VTx9XSA4MY  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for security during the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtras new chief minister scheduled on Thursday evening.

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Mahayuti won a historic victory with BJP alone securing 122 out of the 288 assembly seats while Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats respectively.

#WATCH | Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde takes oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/G33WOBOLbw  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Meanwhile, the Cabinet swearing-in function will be held between December 7 and 9, sources told News18.

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The Mahayuti alliance is yet to allot portfolios although BJP wants to keep the Home and Urban Ministry for itself.

Asked when other ministers would take an oath of office, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters, It is most likely that the council of ministers will be sworn in before the winter session of the assembly starts, so as to avoid administrative disruption. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai. Governor C P Radhakrishnan will administer the oath of office to Fadnavis and his deputies.

With inputs from agencies
Separating the buzz of having an American president in Africa, the visit largely shows the fulfilling of a responsibility more than a choice read more

While US President Joe Biden could not keep up to his promise to not interfere in the judicial process and granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden for any crimes committed between 2014-24 (including those related to Hunters gun ownership and tax evasion), he has at least fulfilled another promise made during the African leaders summit in 2022 to visit the continent during his presidency.

President Biden visited Africa for the first time in his final month. Biden first arrived in the West African island of Cabo Verde on Monday and then went to Angola the same day. This was the first trip of an American president to the continent since Barack Obama travelled to Kenya and Ethiopia in 2015.

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Biden became the first US president to visit Cabo Verde, one of the few stable democracies in West and Central Africa and an American ally. The same was true for Angola, an oil-rich nation, a former Portuguese colony, and an emerging partner of the US. This shows Americas preference clearly, particularly when the visit came after a long wait, and more with the motive of fulfilling a promise.

Africas prominence is rising; last year, under the presidency of New Delhi, the African Union was added to the G20 forum. The continent is gradually being driven by the Global South narrative and has seen a rise in anti-West, anti-neocolonialism sentiments. Meanwhile, Chinese footprints are growing significantly in the region. The fact that Biden found only a lame-duck period to visit Africa will also not be missed. Beyond that, it also shows how far the US has shed its supremacist mentality, which takes Africa, or the developing world at large, for granted.

Even during Bidens visit, Hunters redemption remained a flashpoint back in the US, while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols unexpected move to declare martial law on Tuesday, before withdrawing the same hours later after pressure from his parliament, would have also been a cause of worry for the POTUS.

However, the visit had some considerable takeaways, like Biden, while in Cape Verde, reiterated his support to have two permanent seats for African countries in the UN Security Council, a larger part of his rhetoric of having Africa as the centre of US foreign policy, but how far these promises will become a reality remains to be seen.

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Further, Biden, on Wednesday, pledged another $600 million for an ambitious multi-country rail project in Africa and accepted that the 1.4 billion-populated continent has been left behind for too long; he must think as to what were the prime reasons behind it and how far America can be held responsible for the same.

The US, along with its allies, is investing in a project, creating a corridor, to refurbish nearly 2,000 kilometres of train lines connecting Lobito port in Angola to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in Central Africa. This corridor will provide America access to the cobalt, copper and other critical material-rich regions, which might play a big role in establishing American leadership in the emerging electric economy. Anyways, there is no second-guessing as to whom these refurbished rail lines will benefit the mostthe one investing to build it.

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Separating the buzz of having an American president in Africa, the visit largely shows the fulfilling of a responsibility more than a choice. The rise of the Global South is a fact. Any global power cannot take the developing countries of Africa or Asia for granted, the way they did in the past few centuries. The struggle for global leadership, whether by the incumbent superpower or the aspiring one, will have to have Africa in its sphere. The late but necessary visit of Biden is a testimony to this.

However, this trip is like adding a cup of sugar to the ocean. The US needs to do a lot when it comes to retaining Africa on its side, just stating America is all in on Africa wont be enough, it has to be backed by the objective results. That requires not hollow commitments and strategic projects to ensure self-profits and global dominance but moving out of neo-colonial trends to genuinely help the continent, its people to have economic growth and better living standards. Otherwise, promises could be hollow as they were when Biden promised his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns. Soon Trump 2.0 will advent; what it brings for Africawhen America vows to become Great Againremains to be seen.

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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Japan, once a global leader in consumer electronics and industrial products, has struggled to keep pace with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor revolution. In the late 1980s, Japan commanded over half of the global semiconductor market, but its share has since declined sharply to just 10 per cent.

Japanese firms continued to bet on DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) production which became increasingly less profitable over time. Its competitors meanwhile diversified into more advanced and lucrative segments like microprocessors, which became crucial components in personal computers and other digital devices.

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This decline can be attributed to several factors, including complacency, prolonged trade friction with the United States, delays in adopting advanced production technologies, an aging workforce and corporate leadership, and sluggish investment in emerging technologies. Over time, competitors such as the United States, China, Taiwan, and South Korea have surged ahead, leaving Japan trailing in this critical sector.

To regain its competitive edge, Japan has launched an ambitious $65 billion investment initiative aimed at revitalising its semiconductor industry and advancing its AI capabilities. This strategic vision has opened new avenues for partnership between India and Japan.

During a visit to India in July 2023, Japans Minister for Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Nishimura and Indias Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen collaboration in semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment research, talent development, and supply chain resilience. This partnership is set to unfold at both government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) levels.

The global disruption of supply chains in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has starkly exposed their fragility and vulnerability to geopolitical factors. In response, concerted efforts are now afoot to develop more robust, resilient, and trusted supply chains, particularly with respect to sensitive, critical, and emerging technologies, components, and commodities.

The scale, scope, complexity, capital requirements, and potential rewards of AI and semiconductor applications, services, and products are of such magnitude that no single country or company can dominate the entire ecosystem of innovation, design, fabrication, and marketing. This reality underscores the critical importance of collaboration among friendly nations like Japan and India.

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By combining Japans capabilities in advanced manufacturing, robotics and technology with Indias software prowess, digital services, and large talent base, both countries can create a more resilient and competitive ecosystem. Besides AI and semiconductors, Hi-Tech engagement between the two nations cover a variety of sectors such as robotics, renewable energy, 5G, space exploration, and digital public infrastructure. Indias NITI Aayog has identified Japan as a key partner in advancing AI solutions.

Hi-tech cooperation is a key component of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, established in 2014. However, this has not always been the case. While India and Japan have historically maintained cordial relations, they were initially limited in scope. Beginning 1958 Japan did provide invaluable ODA (overseas development assistance) to India.

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This was primarily due to a divergence in the economic and political outlook of both countries. India followed a doctrine of non-alignment and a socialist model of development, while Japan forged a security alliance with the US and embraced capitalism. The conclusion of the Cold War marked a turning point in India-Japan relations, but not without some high-octane political drama.

Japan responded sharply to Indias nuclear tests in May 1998 by suspending ODA and pushing for punitive UN sanctions. However, its position began to shift in tandem with the United States, influenced by the success of strategic dialogues between US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott and Indias Minister for External Affairs, Jaswant Singh. Both the US and Japan started reassessing their ties with India, framing them within a broader geopolitical context.

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Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited India in August 2000 when the sides agreed to establish the Japan-India Global Partnership in the 21st Century, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration. It set the stage for future high-level exchanges and a series of agreements that would strengthen ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abes landmark visit to India in 2007 when he delivered the seminal confluence of the two seas address in the Parliament marked a turning point in bilateral relations. India and Japan concluded a civil nuclear cooperation agreement and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2011.

Bilateral trade between India and Japan has grown steadily since, rising from $16.95 billion in 2019-20 to $22.85 billion in 2023-24. Japan has also emerged as Indias fifth-largest foreign investor, with cumulative investments of $41.4 billion by December 2023, primarily in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and services.

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However, these figures remain well below the potential of their economic partnership. In comparison, Japanese businesses have invested a staggering $130 billion in China, with bilateral trade between Japan and China reaching $313 billion in 2022.

The investment gap between Japan and India is expected to narrow as numerous Japanese manufacturing companies scale down their operations in China and increasingly view India as a promising investment destination. This shift has been bolstered by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas pledge, made during his visit to India in March 2022, to invest JPY 5 trillion (approximately $37 billion) over five years in public and private projects.

India is the largest recipient of Japanese ODA, which has been instrumental in the development of numerous landmark infrastructure projects across the country. An excellent example of this collaboration is the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, or the Bullet Train, which leverages Japans cutting-edge railway technology and is supported by a concessional loan of approximately $11 billion from Japan.

India-Japan ties have evolved into a comprehensive partnership also encompassing defence, security, and strategic domains. The sides share a common perspective on regional opportunities and challenges, including Chinas aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.

The rapidly evolving multifaceted partnership between a resurgent Japan and a rising India, the worlds fourth- and fifth-largest economies respectively, holds immense promise for mutual growth and regional stability. With a strong foundation already in place, this relationship is poised to become even more robust and dynamic in the years ahead.

(Part 2 of the two-part series.)

[Also read Part 1: Why Japan is struggling to recover its economic mojo]

The author is a foreign affairs specialist and an ex-envoy to Canada and South Korea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar has resurfaced and lectured a massive public gathering in Bahawalpur, after 21 years. Masood Azhar is a well-known face in Indian security circles. Having brought India and Pakistan twice on a verge of full-fledged war after the parliament attack (2001) and Pulwama attack (2019), every time he resurfaces, the ghost of IC 814 embarrassment haunts the Indian agencies.

On several occasions in the past, JeM released the audio tapes of his speeches, but many of them were his old speeches. What makes this one unique is the dreaded terrorists public appearance after nearly two decades. Masood Azhar is known for his fiery, provocative lectures, inspiring hundreds of terrorists. Hordes of Muslim youth inspired by his powerful speeches joined terrorist groups and ended themselves as suicide bombers. After a break away JeM faction tried to assassinate Gen Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistan Army tightened its noose on Masood Azhar barring him from giving public appearances. However, he never lost favour with his ISI benefactors and continues to be an invaluable asset.

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According to the authors informer interlocutors, the speech was delivered sometime in the second half of November 2024 at the Umm-ul-Qura seminary and the mosque compound outside Bahawalpur. In an hour-long speech, Masood Azhar vowed war on India and Israel. Beginning with the roaring slogans of Nara-e-Taqbeer, Masood urged the audience to join JeM in the restoration of Islamic caliphate. Incidentally, the Ottoman Caliphate was destroyed in 1924. It is difficult to say if Masoods grand public appearance and lecture were deliberately planned to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the destruction of the Ottoman Caliphate.

The following are the extracts from his speech

Fearful rulers who do not believe in the word of Allah and jihad have led us to defeat in Kashmir, Palestine and other Muslim lands They say nothing can change, and America will rule the world Three hundred and nine years may pass before things change, according to the Quran God may will that things change only after a thousand years, and sometimes in minutes I am ashamed that a weakling like Modi challenges us, or a mouse like Netanyahu dances on our graves Tell me, are there not even 300 people who can fight to reclaim my Babri Masjid? We will send you all to Kashmir with such powerful guns that all the television anchors will quiver and ask where these weapons have come from The great Afghan leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the United States, told me he had a dream recently, where he saw his army marching to Palestine. When he arrived there, he saw Jaish-e-Mohammed was already there.

Masoods public appearance has made it amply evident that the Pakistan army continues to protect and support him. After the Pulwama attack, the Pakistan army claimed to have seized his Bahawalpur compound, but JeM has now built new buildings and expanded the Bahawalpur complex. In 2022, the Pakistan government stated that Masood had fled to Afghanistan. There were credible reports of Masoods meeting with the Taliban leadership and the involvement of JeM cadres supporting the Taliban against the American forces. However, with this large public gathering organised in broad daylight by JeM, Pakistans claims of having no linkages or being unaware of Masoods locations fall flat. Such a large public gathering cannot avoid the watchful gaze of the Pakistan army and in all likelihood, it cannot be organised without the tacit support of the generals. Also, Masood resurfacing makes it clear that the Pakistan army feigned distancing from Masood was just an eyewash, to put wool in the eyes of FATF and come out of its grey list.

Second, after the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021, Jaish cadres, mostly Afghan war veterans, have reportedly infiltrated into Kashmir with high-tech American night vision devices and M4 assault rifles. They are highly trained and battle-hardened cadres. The PAFF (Peoples Anti-Fascist Force), which has executed some of the most lethal terrorist attacks in the recent past in J&K, is believed to be a Jaish proxy. In the light of the massive ongoing filtration of highly trained Jaish cadres in Kashmir, the thorough investigation of the recent speech of Masood becomes crucial.

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Also, the widening communal fault lines, polarisation and radicalisation of the Indian Muslim youth offers a golden opportunity to Jaish to recruit cadres in the Indian hinterland and orchestrate terror attacks. Notably, Jaish always had pan-India ambitions. Even in this recent lecture he has referred to Babri mosque, which hardly leaves any doubt about JeMs pan-India ambitions. Also, it must be mentioned that JeMs linkages with the widespread Deobandi network in India and alignment with the pan-India objectives of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Islamic State  Khorasan Province (ISKP), can make JeM a more dangerous threat.

Interestingly, Masood had nurtured robust ties with Osama bin Laden who reportedly provided seed funding to JeM after Masoods release. Osama also played a crucial role in division of the assets between JeM and its parent organisation Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. These old ties provide a strong base to JeM to strengthen its ties with AQIS and ISKP. Incidentally, the ISKP has many former Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters. The TTP comes from the same Deobandi extremist circuit from which JeM comes. Many cadres of TTP have a Jaish background.

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Today, when AQIS and ISKP want to capitalise on the increasing radicalisation and polarisation of Indian Muslims, Masoods lecture raises many questions about JeMs intent, capabilities and plans to execute its pan-India ambitions. With its widespread network, JeM can facilitate the task of AQIS and ISKP. Hence, Masoods resurfacing needs to be analysed in the context of the current radicalisation scenario in India and Masoods long-term plans.

Lastly, Israel must not lose sight of the fact that Masood has made references to the ongoing Gaza war and equated Kashmir with Palestine. Most of the Kashmiri terrorist groups have always regarded Israel as an enemy of Islam, however, JeMs intense hatred for Israel becomes a matter of concern because of its robust ties with groups like Al Qaeda. In the context of the recent lecture, the possibility of JeM targeting Israeli assets and individuals in India cannot be ruled out.

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The author 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.
Hackers in the Salt Typhoon hacking campaign targeted telecom carriers in dozens of countries and reportedly accessed the phone and text communications of a select group of highly targeted individuals, including several government officials read more

Salt Typhoon has emerged as a major cyber-espionage operation, extending its reach far beyond the US. The Biden administration is exploring sanctions against entities that may have supported China's cyber programme. Composite image.

In a concerning revelation, the White House has confirmed that a Chinese cyber-espionage campaign, dubbed Salt Typhoon, successfully compromised at least eight US telecommunications carriers. This marks the first official acknowledgement of the scale of the attack, which has been unfolding for over two years. The announcement comes more than three months after initial media reports shed light on the operation, which has now been identified as a global threat.

The campaign, targeting telecom carriers in dozens of countries, reportedly accessed the phone and text communications of a select group of highly targeted individuals. While classified communications appear to be untouched, the implications of the breach remain significant, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

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Salt Typhoons serious implications

Salt Typhoon has emerged as a major cyber-espionage operation, extending its reach far beyond the US. Anne Neuberger, deputy adviser on cybersecurity and emerging technology, revealed that telecom networks across multiple nations have fallen victim to this campaign.

Despite the scale of the intrusion, US officials maintain that its impact was limited to specific targets rather than sweeping access to classified or widespread communications. However, the operations longevity and sophistication underline the urgent need for improved cyber-defences in the telecom sector.

US efforts to counter the threat

The White House has mounted a coordinated response to tackle Salt Typhoon, including a dedicated group that meets daily to investigate and support affected networks.

The Biden administration is also exploring actions against entities that may have supported Chinas cyber programme. Meanwhile, cybersecurity discussions with telecom CEOs and experts have led to calls for mandatory measures like secure network configurations and enhanced monitoring. These proactive steps aim to fortify defences against future threats.

Telecom networks struggle to regain control

Despite ongoing efforts, US telecom networks are still grappling with the challenge of ejecting Chinese operatives from their systems. Cybersecurity officials acknowledged the persistence of the intrusions, with investigations into the breaches beginning just six months ago. This prolonged access underscores the difficulty of countering advanced cyber espionage campaigns. The incoming administration will face a critical task in reinforcing cybersecurity measures and addressing the broader implications of Salt Typhoons global impact.

As the US continues to strengthen its response, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for constant vigilance.
Altman addressed concerns that Musk might misuse his proximity to political power to benefit his own businesses or harm competitors, calling such behaviour profoundly un-American read more

Musks close alliance with Donald Trump has raised eyebrows since the tycoon actively supported Trumps presidential campaign, pouring over $100 million into it and appearing at rallies. Since Trumps election victory, Musk has been a key figure in the transition team. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shared his belief that Elon Musk would act responsibly in his new role leading the Department of Government Efficiency under the incoming Donald Trump administration. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook conference, Altman addressed concerns that Musk might misuse his proximity to political power to benefit his own businesses or harm competitors, calling such behaviour profoundly un-American. It should be noted that Vivek Ramaswamy, who will be leading the Department of Government Efficiencies along with Musk, has already threatened to investigate a loan that Tesla rival, Rivian got from the Biden administration.

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Altman acknowledged Musks flaws but expressed confidence in his integrity, stating it would be against Musks core values to leverage government influence unfairly. Despite their current legal disputes and strained relationship, Altman maintained that Musk has a deep respect for fairness and competition.

Musks political ties spark concerns

Musks close alliance with Donald Trump has raised eyebrows since the tycoon actively supported Trumps presidential campaign, pouring over $100 million into it and appearing at rallies. Since Trumps election victory, Musk has been a key figure in the transition team and has been linked to high-profile interactions with tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichais congratulatory call to the president-elect.

With Musks businesses, like Tesla and SpaceX, heavily intertwined with government contracts, his new political position has ignited debates over potential conflicts of interest. Critics worry about the possibility of Musk favouring his ventures while wielding governmental power, though Altman downplayed these fears.

Legal disputes and a fractured relationship

Altman and Musks relationship has been complicated by Musks lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging they deviated from OpenAIs original nonprofit mission. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI who later left the company, has since launched xAI, a startup reportedly valued at $50 billion. Altman described the lawsuit as tremendously sad, reflecting on how he once viewed Musk as a mega hero.

Despite their differences, Altman remains optimistic that Musk will prioritise ethical considerations in his new role, highlighting their shared belief in technological progress and fairness.

Shifting perspectives on AIs future

During the same interview, Altman tempered expectations about artificial general intelligence (AGI), a longstanding goal of OpenAI. While he predicted AGI might arrive sooner than anticipated, he suggested its societal impact might be less dramatic than imagined.

Altman explained that many safety concerns tied to AI development might not materialise at the AGI milestone itself, noting, AGI can get built. The world goes on mostly the same way.

Altmans comments reflect a nuanced view of both AIs trajectory and his ongoing faith in Musks moral compass, even as their paths continue to diverge.
The study examined election-related posts across 40 countries, including key regions like India, the US, and the EU, and found that AI played a minor role in spreading misinformation during major elections in 2024 read more

The studys findings suggest that fears of AI-generated disinformation disrupting elections may have been overstated, at least for now. Image Credit: Reuters

A recent analysis by Meta shows that generative AI played a minor role in spreading misinformation during major elections in 2024, contributing to less than one per cent of the flagged content on its platforms.

The study examined election-related posts across 40 countries, including key regions like India, the US, and the EU. Despite earlier fears of AI driving disinformation campaigns, Meta claims its existing safeguards effectively curtailed the misuse of AI-generated content.

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Nick Clegg, Metas global affairs president, stated that while there were some instances of AI being used maliciously, the volume was low. He noted that the companys policies and tools proved adequate for managing risks related to AI content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Cracking down on election interference

Beyond addressing AI-generated misinformation, Meta reported dismantling over 20 covert influence campaigns aimed at interfering with elections. These operations, categorised as Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB) networks, were monitored for their use of generative AI. While AI provided some content-generation efficiencies, Meta concluded it didnt significantly enhance the scale or impact of these campaigns.

Meta also blocked nearly 600,000 user attempts to create deepfake images of political figures using its AI image generator, Imagine. These included requests for fabricated images of prominent leaders like President-elect Trump and President Biden, underscoring the demand for stricter controls around AI tools during high-stakes events.

Lessons from the past

Reflecting on content moderation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clegg admitted that Meta may have been overly strict in its approach, often removing harmless posts. He attributed this to the uncertainty of the time but acknowledged that the companys error rate in moderation remains problematic. These mistakes, he said, can unfairly penalise users and hinder the free expression Meta seeks to protect.

Generative AI: A contained threat for now

The studys findings suggest that fears of AI-generated disinformation disrupting elections may have been overstated, at least for now. Metas proactive measures, including monitoring and policy enforcement, seem to have kept AI misuse in check.

However, the company acknowledges that balancing effective content moderation with user freedom remains a challenge. As AI tools become more advanced, Metas ongoing efforts to refine its approach will be critical in maintaining trust and integrity on its platforms.
The venture plans to bring together OpenAIs advanced machine-learning models and Andurils expertise in military hardware and software, using data from real-world drone operations to train AI systems read more

Both OpenAI and Anduril have assured theyre focusing on using AI responsibly. The technology, they say, is about empowering military teams to make quicker and more informed decisions while staying true to democratic principles. Image Credit: Reuters

OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, is teaming up with US defence contractor Anduril in a partnership designed to tackle national security challenges using artificial intelligence. The collaboration will kick off with a focus on anti-drone systems, aiming to create AI tools that can spot and respond to threats from unmanned aircraft almost instantly.

This venture plans to bring together OpenAIs advanced machine-learning models and Andurils expertise in military hardware and software, using data from real-world drone operations to train AI systems. The goal is to offer quicker, smarter responses to potentially dangerous situations, helping military teams stay one step ahead.

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AIs role in the race for global defence

This partnership comes as the race to lead in AI technology heats up between global powers like the US and China. The stakes are high, with AI increasingly seen as a game-changer in national security. But with the rapid pace of AI development comes a lot of debate  how safe is it? Can it be trusted in life-or-death scenarios?

Both OpenAI and Anduril have assured theyre focusing on using AI responsibly. The technology, they say, is about empowering military teams to make quicker and more informed decisions while staying true to democratic principles.

A tectonic shift for OpenAI

OpenAIs move into military tech is a big step for a company that started as a nonprofit focused on cautious AI development. Over time, it has become a leader in making AI accessible, balancing innovation with careful oversight.

The partnership with Anduril also highlights Silicon Valleys rekindled ties with defencea throwback to its early days as a defence tech hub. Still, not all tech companies have embraced this direction. Google, for instance, faced internal protests over its involvement in military projects.

A growing trend in defence-tech partnerships

OpenAI isnt the only one making moves in the defence space. Just last month, rival AI company Anthropic teamed up with Palantir to bring its AI tools to US defence agencies. These partnerships underline how AI is increasingly being woven into modern military strategies.

While these innovations could transform national security, they also come with big questions. How do we ensure AI is used ethically? What risks might come with these technologies? As these partnerships grow, finding the balance between innovation and responsibility will be key.
Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday after the Syrian army withdrew from the strategically important and symbolic central city, according to a report read more

Syrian opposition fighters stand atop a seized military armored vehicle on the outskirts of Hama, Syria, on Tuesday. AP

Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday after the Syrian army withdrew from the strategically important and symbolic central city.

This marks the second major victory for the newly formed rebel coalition, which also captured Aleppo last week.

Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups and the rise of a number of martyrs in our ranks, these groups were able to penetrate several parts of the city and entered it, CNN quoted the Syrian military as saying in a statement carried by state news outlet SANA.

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Last week, rebel groups recaptured Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, after a surprise offensive that overwhelmed President Bashar al-Assads forces and allied militias.

The offensive dealt a significant blow to Assad and his backers in Iran and Russia, reigniting a civil war that had been largely dormant for years.

Hama, strategically located at a key crossroads in western-central Syria, offers direct supply lines between Damascus and Aleppo. Rebels had been unable to seize the city since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Abu Mohammad Al Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), the main rebel group leading the assault, said his forces entered Hama to cleanse a 40-year-old wound.

The city holds symbolic significance as the site of one of Syrias largest and most brutal massacres in 1982, when President Hafez al-Assad  the current rulers father  ordered a military crackdown on a revolt. A 1983 Amnesty International report estimated the death toll on both sides to be between 10,000 and 25,000.

The rebels have now vowed to continue their advance southward, targeting the city of Homs, about 165 kilometers (100 miles) from the capital, Damascus, reported CNN.

Our heroic people in Homs, your time has come. Declare it a revolution against oppression and tyranny, CNN quoted Hassan Abdulghani, the spokesperson for the rebels, as saying.

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Syrias civil war began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, when the government cracked down on protests against President Assad, who has been in power since 2000. The protests escalated into an armed rebellion, plunging the country into full-scale civil war.

Hama was one of the first cities to witness protests against the Syrian regime during the Arab Spring.

With inputs from agencies
Misri will be holding secretary-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin on December 9, the countrys Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hosain said read more

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will likely visit Dhaka next week for an official trip amid unrest in Bangladesh.

Misri will be holding secretary-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin on December 9, the countrys Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hosain said the state-run BSS news agency reported.

The visit comes at a time when relations between the two neighbouring countries have plummeted since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government came to power after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. It will also be the first high-level visit by a senior Indian government official since the August crisis.

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It is very clear that we want a good relationship (with India), Hosain told reporters at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka.

However, he emphasised that relations between Bangladesh and India must be built on a reciprocal basis. Both sides need to want that and should work for it.

The two officials are expected to discuss several bilateral issues including the potential extradition of Hasina and visa-related matters.

Hasina has been living in India since her administration was overthrown as a result of a popular student uprising. The former prime minister is also facing trial in Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal for her alleged involvement in mass killings of protestors during the July-August uprising

Bangladesh has been simmering with widespread violence after the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and subsequent atrocities against religious minorities have strained the ties between India and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Hasina has accused Yunus of perpetrating genocide and failing to protect minorities including Hindus.

The current power grabbers are showing failure in all areas. Failed to control the prices of daily necessities, failed to provide security for peoples lives. Strongly condemn these tortures directly and indirectly on common people, the former prime minister said.

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With inputs from PTI
Amid US President-elect Donald Trumps threat of tariffs, Mexico has seized record 20 million doses of fentanyl drug as part of ramped up crackdown on drug production and distribution in the country read more

Mexican authorities have ramped up action against production and distribution of drugs such as fentanyl in the country in recent days. (Representative photograph of Mexican police, Credit: Reuters)

Amid US President-elect Donald Trumps threat of tariffs, Mexico has seized record amount of fentanyl this week.

In two instances on Tuesday (December 3), Mexican authorities seized around 1,100 kilograms of fentanyl, which can make around 20 million doses of the drug.

Fentanyl is an opioid that is used in pain medication, but it has increasingly been used as a drug for non-medical purposes in recent decades in the United States. The usage of fentanyl as a drug has led to an addiction epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans.

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Last month, Trump pledged to impose tariff of 25 per cent on all imports from Mexico for its failure to check the flow of drugs like fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States. The recent uptick in drug seizure in Mexico is seen as a response to Trumps threat.

Mexicos largest drug seizure

Mexican authorities on Tuesday seized 1,100 kg of fentanyl at two places in Sinaloa province, which is the hub of drug operations in the country.

In the first case, authorities sized around 800 kgs of fentanyl in a truck along with chemical precursors used to make the drug, according to The New York Times.

In the second case, the newspaper reported that the authorities seized around 300 kgs of drugs along with industrial mixers and scales in a house.

The newspaper reported that this was the largest seizure of drugs ever in Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday said the seizures were part of a long investigation and resulted in the largest mass seizure of fentanyl pills ever made. She further said that the drug seized was worth around $400 million.

Mexico acts against drugs, immigrants over Trumps threat

Even as Sheinbaum has made crackdown of drugs central to her agenda since her swearing-in in October, the uptick in crackdown on drugs and illegal immigration is seen as a response to Trumps threats.

Since October 1 when Sheinbaum took office, the Mexican government has claimed to have seized 58 tons of drugs and arrested more than 5,000 people.

Eduardo Guerrero, a Mexico-based security consultant, told The Times that Trumps threats without a doubt have set the wheels spinning.

Guerrero said, All of this is being done to arrive at the negotiating table with Trumps security team with a portfolio of achievements.

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Guerrero said that the crackdown can achieve two goals: It can help the United States in terms of migration and fentanyl, and at the same time, with those same operations, it could begin to pacify some parts of the country.

Separately, Reuters reported Mexican authorities as saying on Wednesday that they apprehended over 5,200 migrants across the country the previous day.
The law firm that once spearheaded the entry of US firms in China, Paul Weiss, has become the latest to shut shop in China amid bleak investment outlook and declining interest in mergers and acquisitions with the return of Donald Trump to White House read more

Chinese and US flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing, China. Reuters

One of the first Western law firms to enter China following President Deng Xiaopings economic reforms starting in 1978, the New York-based Paul Weiss, has decided to shut shop in China.

In the wake of US President-elect Donald Trumps pledge to ramp up the trade war with China, the inbound investment outlook is weak and interest in mergers and acquisitions in China among foreigners has declined. As a result, US law firms are exiting the market they had once been eager to seek.

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In a statement to media, the Paul Weiss said, We will close our Beijing office at the end of the year. We remain committed to having a strong presence across Asia, including in Hong Kong and Tokyo, and will continue to provide the highest-quality service to our clients in all of our global offices.

Trump has promised to impose blanket tariff of 60 per cent on all Chinese imports on top of existing levies. On top this, Trump has also pledged to impose 10 per cent tariff as a punishment for Chinese drugs fuelling the addiction epidemic in the United States. He is also expected to ramp up outgoing President Joe Bidens hawkish policy of curtailing Chinas technology sector, particularly the semiconductor and information technology segments.

Law firms exodus from China ahead of Trump 2.0

The Paul Weiss full name Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is at least the 13th US law firm to exit China in 2024, according to Asian Legal Business.

The firm announced on Tuesday that it is closing its office in Beijing by the end of the year. The firm has more than 1,000 lawyers globally and its Beijing office was focussed on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE) investments, foreign direct investment (FDI), and corporate work, among other areas.

Three years after Deng, the Chinese leader at the time, opened the countrys economy that paved the way for its economic rise, Paul Weiss opened office in Beijing in 1981. While law firms once sought the Chinese market to make the most of the sociopolitical reforms and economic boom, they have been exiting lately over geopolitical tensions, repression by the Communist regime, muted investor sentiment, and trade conflicts.

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In October alone, two firms announced scaling down of operations in China. Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr announced it would close its office in Beijing and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom referred to shifting market dynamics to announce the closure of its office in Shanghai.

Similarly, Reed Smith, Perkins Coie, Dechert, Morrison Foerster, and Sidley Austin have announced closure of offices in Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong this year.

Trump 2.0 to disrupt Chinese business, say analysts

Following 2017, when Trump first came to power, the foreigners interest in China has consistently fallen.

Now, as Trump has promised to up the ante, the market anticipates more disruption for US-China business.

As the Trump 2.0 Cabinet and policies take shape, the market anticipates further negative impact and disruption to global and US-China business flows, said Nicholas Chen, Managing Partner with Pamir Law Group, to South China Morning Post.

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Chen further said, The anticipated US tariffs and economic targeting of Chinese will increasingly and directly hurt US supply chains and consumers. This in turn hurts US service providers like law firms in China.

Andrew Collier, a China analyst with economic research firm GlobalSource Partners, told SCMP that firms may also worry that their lawyers would be detained for representing foreign clients in squabbles with local peers.

Joe Simone, a partner with Simone Intellectual Property Services in Hong Kong, indicated that foreigners no longer see China as a place where they can make money.

I dont see a big turning of the corner in terms of investment and trade. If they dont see China as a place to make money, then whats the point?" said Simone to SCMP.

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Trumps tariffs have a potential to hurt Chinese economy badly, which has already been struggling with sluggish growth this year. Investment and financial services firm UBS has said in analysis that China could lose up to 2.5 per cent of GDP if the United States imposes 60 per cent tariffs on all Chinese imports.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has issued an arrest warrant against the former prime minister, has ordered a ban on the broadcast of Hasinas speech in Bangladesh read more

A Bangladeshi court on Thursday put an embargo on the broadcast of Sheikh Hasinas recent address that it labelled as hate speech.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has issued an arrest warrant against the former prime minister, has ordered a ban on the broadcast of Hasinas speech in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina is accused in several cases currently under investigation by the tribunal, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim told reporters.

We sought a ban on disseminating her hate speech as it could hinder legal proceedings or intimidate witnesses and victims, he said, confirming the ICT had agreed to enact the ban.

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If her speeches continue to circulate, it will become difficult to bring witnesses to the tribunal.

The court, however, fell short of explaining which authority is responsible for determining which speeches by Hasina qualified as hateful or how the order would be enforced.

What did Hasina say?

In her first public address held virtually at an event in New York ever since she was ousted from the country, Hasina lambasted the current interim government for not protecting minorities.

What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly attacked? she said.

She added, Today, I am being accused of genocide. In reality, Yunus has been involved in genocide in a meticulously designed manner. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians  no one has been spared. Eleven churches have been razed, temples and Buddhist shrines have been broken. When Hindus protested, the Iskcon leader was arrested.

The former prime minister also claimed that there was a plot to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana like their father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman died in 1975.
Bangladesh interim governments chief adviser Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with political parties of his country seeking suggestions on the countrys ties with India. While leaders called for early elections, he focused on condemning attacks on Bangladesh mission in Agartala read more

Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladeshs interim government, convened a meeting of all political parties over ties with India amid Iskcon row. The all-party meeting, however, had a conspicuous absentee in Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina  now exiled and sheltering in India.

It was the first such large political meeting convened by Yunus since he took over the reins of the countrys government in August, following a mass agitation and the ouster of Hasina. During the political huddle, Yunus sought suggestions to counter what was described as aggression against the nation.

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The meeting was called in the wake of the security breach at the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, the capital of Indian state Tripura. During the December 2 vandalism, protesters removed the Bangladesh flag and attempted to damage property. The Indian police arrested seven persons in connection with the incident and suspended three police-persons. A police officer faced disciplinary action.

While Yunuss focus during the meeting was on addressing India concerns, the political parties urged him to hold early elections  a task he was entrusted with when the agitators picked him to head the interim government after the fall of the Hasina rule.

3 big agendas of Yunus meet

During the meeting, Yunus sought political leaders input on three critical issues:

1 - alleged propaganda against Bangladesh in India and other parts of the world

2 - an attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala

3 - accusations of minority persecution within Bangladesh

Cancel all agreement between Bangladesh-India

Briefing media after the meeting, adviser of law affairs Asif Nazrul said, The meeting condemned Indias attempts to establish cultural hegemony over Bangladesh and its economic harassment of our country. It also condemned Indias attempts to interfere in Bangladeshs internal affairs. The parties urged the government to reveal all agreements that were concluded with India in the last 15 years and cancel all those agreements that are harmful for Bangladesh."

Nazrul, one of the leading spokespersons of Bangladesh interim government, said that the meeting chaired by Yunus did not include fascist parties Awami League and its allies such as the Jatiyo Party of the late General Hossein Mohammed Ershad.

Apart from the fascist Awami League government and their allies, all political parties of Bangladesh participated in the meeting. There were differences of opinions among us but we were united in our approach to safeguard independence, sovereignty and honour of Bangladesh, a report by The Hindu quoted Nazrul as saying.

Big countries not liking Bangladeshs freedom

According to a report by The Times of India, Yunus, without directly naming India, spoke about the escalating tensions with the neighbouring country. He claimed that there has been a coordinated campaign by big countries to undermine the legitimacy of the uprising that brought his administration to power.

He further alleged that big countries are involved in spreading misinformation about the new government.

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Many are not liking our freedom, the (new) independence, desperate efforts are being made to upset it, Yunus told political parties.

Yunus also urged the political parties to come together and take a collective action to counter the narrative saying that the July-August uprising in Bangladesh, which led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, as destabilising event.

The quarters who did not like the uprising are trying to depict it domestically and internationally as something dangerous, he said.

We have to tell the entire world that we are one. We achieved this together. This has now become a matter of our existence, Yunus further said.

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Yunus govt claims Hindutva forces fostering hatred towards Bangladesh

The Yunus-led government accused Indias governing elite of attempting to create an internal political issue out of everything that was happening beyond the border of the two neighbouring countries.

If this happens, it will be detrimental to Indias domestic politics. Anti-Bangladesh and anti-Muslim politics wont serve Indias national interest or contribute to its unity, a report by ToI quoted information adviser Nahid Islam as saying.

Nahid, one of the student activists who helmed the uprising against ousted PM Hasina before joining the interim govt, urged India to cease false propaganda against Bangladesh and uphold harmony.

Bangladesh shares historical and cultural ties with West Bengal, Tripura and Assam; they are our stakeholders. During the uprising in Bangladesh, students from Kolkata and Delhi stood in solidarity with us and protested Hasinas atrocities, he said.

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He further claimed that Hindutva forces didnt want democratic relations and harmony between India and Bangladesh.

They perceive the Bangladesh uprising and the political awakening of its students as a threat. As a result, they are fostering hatred towards Bangladesh, Nahid said.

With inputs from agencies.
Bitcoin surges past $100,000 for the first time. Donald Trump win and decisions to political drama in South Korea, here are the big factors which helped the oldest and the largest traded cryptocurrency to create a record read more

After a bumpy ride, bitcoin finally surged past $100,000 for the first time on Thursday. After breaking the key level, the oldest and the largest cryptocurrency continued to soar higher and hit a peak of $103,800. The journey to the historic event started following Donald Trumps resounding victory in the US election after which the rally extended as investors continued to bet on greater political and regulatory support from the US president-elect.

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According to a report by AFP, in the past four weeks (since Trumps triumph in US polls), bitcoin jumped more than 50 per cent and around 140 per cent since the turn of the year.

The remarkable rise after the US President election result on November 6 comes as sentiments and mood of traders and investors improved soon after Trumps win. The US-President elect has positioned himself as a champion of digital assets, vowing to make America the crypto capital of the planet and also even proposing a national stockpile of bitcoin.

From $16,000 to $100,000

Bitcoin crashed to $16,000 following the collapse of FTX in late 2022 which spurred a crisis in the market. However, surpassing $100,000 in just two years is seen as a dramatic change in the fortune of the cryptocurrency and the sector at large.

Also, binance, which is the worlds biggest crypto exchange, was fined $4.3b billion last year for failing to prevent money laundering, while FTX boss Sam Bankman-Fried was jailed for 25 years in March for defrauding customers.

5 factors that pushed bitcoin beyond $100,000-mark

1 - Trump nominating Paul Atkins

In the recent couple of weeks, bitcoin reached very close to $100,000 but fell back to trade in mid-$90,000, even going as low as $92,000 on November 27. The cryptocurrency has now finally burst through the historic level after Trump nominated major crypto proponent Paul Atkins to take over as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Atkins is founder of risk consultancy firm Patomak Global Partners, whose clients include companies in the banking, trading and cryptocurrency industries.

The transition team of Trump has also noted that Atkins had co-chaired the Digital Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the use of digital assets, since 2017.

Nominating him, Trump said Atkins recognises that digital assets and other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before, Trump said.

The US President-elect has also nominated several other crypto enthusiasts to top roles, including Howard Lutnick to run the commerce department and Elon Musk to co-head a cost-saving effort dubbed the department of government efficiency.

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2 - Trumps personal involvement in crypto sector

Investment in bitcoin got further fillip after reports of Trumps social media company - Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates Truth Social - bein in advanced talks to buy crypto trading firm Bakkt.

A report by The Financial Times last week, cited two people with knowledge of the talks, as saying that Trump Media and Technology Group is close to an all-stock acquisition of Bakkt.

Also, Trumps personal involvement in the sector has caught a lot of attention after the recent launch of his crypto venture, World Liberty Financial.

3 - Political drama in South Korea

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Bitcoin rally is also attributed to political drama in South Korea as traders keep track of events in the Asian nation after President Yoon Suk Yeols surprise declaration of martial law which was lifted within six hours after parliamentarians voted against it.

The opposition in South Korea has been demanding his resignation and has pushed for his impeachment, while the defence minister has stepped down over the crisis.

4 - Pro-crypto lawmakers into Congress

Trumps victory has also brought pro-crypto lawmakers into Congress, supporting his vision of making the US a global hub for cryptocurrencies.

5 - China, Brazil, Russias growing interest in bitcoin

After the US embracing pro-crypto policies, other countries are also moving favourably. Recently, China has lifted restrictions on personal crypto ownership.

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Brazil and Russia are also considering bitcoin for reserves, signaling its growing global economic role.
Chinas warning comes at a time when Beijing is drawing closer to Syria and has become one of the few nations that Assad has visited in recent times outside of West Asia. On that 2023 trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Assad announced a strategic partnership between their countries read more

The Chinese embassy in Syria sent out an urgent notice to its citizens on Thursday advising them to leave the country as soon as possible as rebel forces continue their rampage against President Bashar al-Assads troops.

Currently, the situation in northwestern Syria is intensifying, and the overall security situation is deteriorating further, Chinas embassy said in a message on its WeChat account on Thursday.

(The embassy) advises Chinese citizens in the country to make use of available commercial flights to return home or leave the country as soon as possible.

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The high commission further said that those who choose to remain in the country may face extremely high-security risks and potential delays in receiving assistance.

Chinas warning comes at a time when Beijing is drawing closer to Syria and has become one of the few nations that Assad has visited in recent times outside of West Asia. On that 2023 trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Assad announced a strategic partnership between their countries.

Rebels capture key city of Hama

The rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized the central city of Hama on Thursday days after getting hold of Aleppo.

Following overnight clashes, the rebels stormed Hama from several sides and engaged in street battles with Assads forces, Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

The rebels said they seized Hamas prison and released its inmates. By the afternoon, Syrias army admitted losing control of the city, strategically located between Aleppo and Assads seat of power in the capital Damascus.

Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups these groups were able to breach a number of axes in the city and entered it, the army said in a statement, adding units had regrouped outside Hama.

With inputs from AFP
European nations appear to be using the garb of genuine issues like environmental protection and labour rights to maintain a degree of protectionism to safeguard their own economic interests in the EU-Mercosur deal read more

EU's Ursula Von der Leyen is in Uruguay to finalise the EU-Mercosur trade deal. Reuters

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, under negotiation for over two decades, has brewed a lot of drama.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Uruguay on Thursday (December 5) to finalise the deal between the EU and the South American Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The proposed agreement seeks to create a trans-Atlantic market encompassing approximately 700 million people by reducing tariffs and trade barriers.

Whats the drama?

The drama around the deal comes from opposition from certain EU member states.

French President Emmanuel Macron has labelled the draft agreement as unacceptable, expressing concerns that it does not meet Europes environmental and food safety standards.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced concerns about the EU-Mercosur deals environmental impact. File image

In France, Poland, and Italy, the deal has sparked protests from European farmers, particularly those who fear that the import of cheaper beef from South America could undercut local prices and threaten their livelihoods.

Italy wants changes to agricultural sections of the draft EU-Mercosur trade deal.

Francesco Lollobrigida, the countrys agriculture minister, has opposed the terms of the deal multiple times saying farmers in the Mercosur bloc should have the same obligations on workers rights and the environment.

Those appear to be the issues on the surface, but beneath that, is there more to why there is so much politicking around the deal?

Before pondering on that, it is important to consider this fact: The opposition to the deal has come largely from a small number of EU countries.

On the South American side, the four founding members of Mercosur have expressed support for the current terms of the agreement.

Whats happening behind the curtains?

So, what is the problem with these European nations? Consider these points:

Protectionism in environmentalisms clothing: While environmental stewardship is critical, European nations arguments sometimes appear selective and hypocritical.

Many European countries continue to trade with nations whose environmental records are no better, if not worse, than those of Mercosur states.

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The EU-China trade is a case in point.

EU continues to trade extensively with China despite its poor record in environment protections. Representational Image - Reuters

The garb of environmental concerns seems to hide a tendency towards protectionism, which seems in line with the interests of politicians in France, Italy, and Poland, where farmers have protested aggressively against the deal.

European farmers protests against Mercosur beef imports have already shown a deep-seated reluctance to compete on equal footing.

Old [colonial] habits die hard: Some European powers seem bent on ensuring EU-Mercosur negotiations mirror historical patterns. What patterns, you ask?

Those where European powers dictated terms to the Global South, shaping agreements to suit their own economic and geopolitical needs.

Hypocrisy, thy name is Europe: Add to that the fact that historically, European nations industrialised without regard for environmental harm or the suffering that many indigenous communities had to go through.

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Now, they demand that the Global South adhere to stricter standards, effectively curbing development opportunities in these regions. This reeks of gatekeeping, as it allows Europe to maintain its economic advantage under the guise of ethical considerations.

That is not to say that environmentalists concerns about the faster depletion of the Amazon forest due to the deal arent genuine, just that European nations weaponisation of it appears quite dubious and hypocritical, given their stances on similar issues elsewhere in the world.

With inputs from agencies
Michel Barnier, the oldest Prime Minister since the establishment of the fifth French Republic, also became the shortest-serving premier since 1958 after his government lost a no-confidence motion. The ordeal now leaves French President Emmanuel Macron in a pickle regarding who to pick next read more

French President Emmanuel Macron was pushed into a major political conundrum after his appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier lost a no-confidence motion. The minority coalition led by the right-wing prime minister was toppled in just three months after a no-confidence motion was pushed by an alliance of left-wing parties supported by MPs from Marine Le Pens anti-immigration, far-right, National Rally.

On Wednesday, a total of 331 lawmakers in the French National Assembly decided to bring down the government. While Barnier might resign by Thursday, the French Presidents office said that Macron will be delivering a televised address by today.

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The voting was significant because it was Frances first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidous government in 1962 when Charles de Gaulle was president. Not only this, but the brief tenure of Barniers government has also become the shortest of any administration of Frances Fifth Republic, which began in 1958.

The ousting of Barnier has left the French leader facing the worst political crisis of his two terms as the countrys president. Heres a look at the long road ahead for Macron as he clutches on to the power till 2027.

How did France get here?

The current crisis in France goes back to Macrons major political gamble when he called early legislative elections. The inconclusive polls took place in June, leaving the countrys parliament radically divided.

While a left alliance took the largest number of votes but fell short of an absolute majority, Macrons own centrist grouping suffered losses. Barnier, who is one of the EUs former Brexit negotiators, was appointed by Macron in September after two months of political paralysis this summer.

Another interesting aspect of the polls was the fact that while the election more or less kept the far-right National Rally party out of government, it gave the partys leader Le Pen, a kingmaker role in a bitterly fragmented political landscape. It is pertinent to note that in France, the presidents pick of prime minister must win lawmakers approval. However, Le Pen has maintained that her party would oppose any candidate from the left-wing alliance even though it got the most seats in the July election.

While Barnier appeased the right, the left complained about his inclination towards the right. Socialist lawmaker Boris Vallaud went on to accuse Barnier of having locked himself into a humiliating tete-a-tete with the far right. Since the French parliament is so divided, similar issues will be faced by anyone who Macron picks next.

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What happens next?

Just like former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Macron can ask Barniers government to stay in power as a caretaker entity until he finds a replacement who wouldnt immediately be censured by a majority of lawmakers.

With the divided parliament, this might not be an easy task. While the caretaker will have the power to expedite the current affairs, it cannot vote on new laws.

While Macron has no specific deadline to nominate a new prime minister, he has expressed his intention to act swiftly, within the next 24 hours. Macron has already maintained that he will remain in power until the end of his tenure, which is the spring of 2027. However, he can only call for the next parliamentary election next July. Until then, the parliament will continue to remain polarized.

France is currently in a pickle

Why cant France have another election before July?

Even if Macron wanted to, he cannot call a fresh parliamentary election in the country because he has already triggered the provision of a snap election in July. According to the Constitution of France, since Macron triggered a snap poll, he cant call for new elections before next summer.

This means that France will continue to remain in political uncertainty until 2025. However, things can change if Macron himself throws in the towel and resigns. Since the office of the President cant remain vacant in France, any form of resignation from the French leader would trigger the Presidential election.

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However, Macron continues to remain adamant about staying in power. In the past, the French president has ruled out resigning, calling such a scenario political fiction. But part of the left and far right have called for his exit.

The bigger question: What happens to the budget?

Barniers key task, which ultimately led to his downfall, was to vote through a budget for 2025 in which he pledged to tackle Frances deficit with 60bn in tax increases and spending cuts. After weeks of a political standoff, the French leader pushed through a social security financing bill, using Article 49.3 of the constitution. The clause allows the government to force through legislation without a vote in parliament.

The move angered the lawmakers, sparking a no-confidence motion brought by the left alliance, and another brought by the far right. While Barniers minority coalition was essentially propped up by Le Pen, she pulled back her support, saying that the French Prime Ministers budget was a danger to the country.

What makes matters concerning is the fact that if no budget is voted on December 20, the government can use its constitutional powers to pass the budget by ordinance. The ordinance can be implemented after 50 days of deadlock while the national budget can be implemented after 70 days of debate.

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Apart from this, the government can propose emergency legislation that would roll over spending limits and tax provisions from 2024. This will be in place until the arrival of a new government and a new budget in 2025. While France is not at risk of a US-style government shutdown, there is still a financial crisis looming over the European nation.

The financial crisis is more than a political one

The ongoing situation in France is more of a financial crisis than a political one. The country is already facing a high budget deficit which, at above 6 percent of gross domestic product, is far above the EUs 3 percent guideline.

France saw a buildup in debt and deficit after spending generously to protect incomes during the pandemic and the rise in energy prices following the Russia-Ukraine war.

The economic woes can be reflected by the fact that on Monday, French bond yields  the interest paid on debt  even surpassed those of the euro zones former problem child, Greece, the same country that sparked a region-wide debt crisis in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. Hence, it is unclear whether the 2024 budget layout can keep the country out of a major economic crisis.

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Macrons woes with PMs

It is pertinent to note that Barnier was the fifth French Prime Minister since Macron came to power in 2017. Each of the premiers under him has served a successively shorter period, and given the ongoing turbulence, the new nominee risks an even shorter term than Barnier.

Interestingly, 73-year-old Barnier will become the oldest individual to assume the role under the Fifth Republic and the shortest-serving premier in the same republic.

Ever since assuming power, Macron has been navigating through a divided parliament, where he was not that popular. This led to him welcoming and saying bye to five prime ministers. The list of premiers includes Edouard Philippe, Jean Castex, Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal and Barnier himself.

In 2017, Macron became the youngest politician to be president of France. His first PM pick was Edouard Philippe, who served the office of the prime minister from 2017 to 2022. Castex held the office from July 2022 until the next election. However, turbulence for Macron started after the 2022 polls.

While the 2022 elections were historic, they became the root of all evil for Macron. The centrist French leader [was the] first French presidential candidate to win reelection since Jacques Chirac defeated Jean-Marie Le Pen in 2002. However, his centrist coalition lost its absolute majority in the same year, resulting in a hung parliament and the formation of Frances first minority government since the fall of the Beregovoy government in 1993.

Macron then chose Elisabeth Borne to navigate through a turbulent parliament, making her the second female prime minister of the country. Amid a political crisis, Borne was replaced by Gabriel Attal, the youngest head of government in French history and the first openly gay man to hold the office. However, his coalitions deplorable performance in the EU led to snap elections in the country and the advent of Barnier at the helm of things. With Barniers exit, it will be interesting to see how many more premiers Macron will have to appoint until 2027 and whether France will continue to remain in this political stalemate.

With inputs from agencies.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier became the countrys shortest-serving premier since 1958 after his government was toppled by a no-confidence motion read more

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier delivers a speech to announce the use by the French government of article 49.3, a special clause in the French Constitution, to push the budget bill through the National Assembly without a vote by lawmakers, during a debate on the 2025 Social Security Financing bill (PLFSS) at the National Assembly in Paris, France. File Image / Reuters

France plunged into a major political crisis after a no-confidence motion to bring down the government ousted the countrys Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The minority coalition led by the right-wing prime minister was toppled in just three months after a no-confidence motion was pushed by an alliance of left-wing parties supported by MPs from Marine Le Pens anti-immigration, far-right, National Rally.

In the voting process, which took place on Wednesday, a total of 331 lawmakers decided to bring down the government, indicating a clear majority. With this, Barnier is slated to resign as the French Prime Minister on Thursday. Ahead of the Wednesday voting, the premier warned that France would be plunged into the unknown, if his government is toppled.

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Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macrons office said that the leader will deliver a televised address to the nation on Thursday. The toppling of the government has left Macron facing the worst political crisis of his two terms as the countrys president. There is also uncertainty over how a 2025 budget can be decided as the European nation faces a growing public deficit.

France witnessed a historic political crisis and a major dilemma

The Wednesday voting is significant because it was Frances first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidous government in 1962 when Charles de Gaulle was president. Not only this, but the brief tenure of Barniers government has also become the shortest of any administration of Frances Fifth Republic, which began in 1958.

Macron is now left with a major political dilemma since no new parliamentary elections can be called in the country before July 2025. This leaves the French leader with a narrow option to pick another PM from a deeply divided national assembly. It is important to note that Macrons term as president will be ending in spring 2027. Before that, he is not obliged to step down.

In the past, the French president has ruled out resigning, calling such a scenario political fiction. But part of the left and far right have called for his exit. The French government was toppled months after Macron called a sudden and inconclusive snap election in June, leaving the countrys parliament radically divided.

While a left alliance took the largest number of votes but fell short of an absolute majority, Macrons own centrist grouping suffered losses. Barnier, who is one of the EUs former Brexit negotiators, was appointed by Macron in September after two months of political paralysis this summer.

His key task, which ultimately led to his downfall, was to vote through a budget for 2025 in which he pledged to tackle Frances deficit with 60bn in tax increases and spending cuts. After weeks of a political standoff, the French leader pushed through a social security financing bill, using Article 49.3 of the constitution. The clause allows the government to force through legislation without a vote in parliament.

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The move angered the lawmakers, sparking a no-confidence motion brought by the left alliance, and another brought by the far right. While Barniers minority coalition was essentially propped up by Le Pen, she pulled back her support, saying that the French Prime Ministers budget was a danger to the country.

It is pertinent to note that if the French parliament fails to pass a budget by December 20, the government can propose emergency legislation that would roll over spending limits and tax provisions from 2024. This will be in place until the arrival of a new government and a new budget in 2025.

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With inputs from agencies.
French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Thursday night, following Prime Minister Michel Barniers ouster in a no-confidence vote, according to a report read more

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Thursday night, following Prime Minister Michel Barniers ouster in a no-confidence vote, according to a BBC report.

Before Barnier submitted his resignation on Thursday morning, speculation about potential replacements was already circulating, with names such as Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and centrist former presidential candidate Francois Bayrou.

However, identifying a candidate acceptable to all major parliamentary factions may take time, as seen last summer when former PM Gabriel Attal served as caretaker for two months, added the report.

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In the interim, Barnier is likely to be asked to stay on.

Barniers government collapsed after MPs overwhelmingly backed the no-confidence motion, just three months after his appointment by Macron.

The vote on Wednesday night marked the first time in over 60 years that a French government had been rejected by parliament.

Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally (RN) and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) united to censure Prime Minister Michel Barniers government after he used special powers to push through his budget without a vote.

The motion passed with 331 votes, well above the 288 needed. Barnier must now submit his governments resignation, and the budget that triggered his downfall has been withdrawn.

According to the BBC report, while Barniers resignation does not affect President Macron, opposition politicians are increasingly calling for his resignation and early presidential elections, which Macron has ruled out.

The NFP, which won the most seats in the parliamentary elections, had previously criticised Macrons appointment of centrist Barnier over its own candidate. Together with the RN, it condemned Barniers budget, which aimed for 60bn in deficit reduction, as unacceptable. Le Pen called the budget toxic for the French.

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Ahead of the vote, Barnier argued that ousting him would not resolve the countrys financial issues.

We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility, Barnier was quoted as saying, adding that we need to look at the realities of our debt.

I did not present almost exclusively difficult measures because I wanted to.

With inputs from agencies
Bernard Cazeneuve had previously served as PM during the final months of Francois Hollandes presidency. Xavier Bertrand, a former insurance salesman once nicknamed floc floc for the sound his rubber-soled shoes made, was passed over for Barnier earlier this year read more

French President Emmanuel Macron is searching for a new prime minister after Michel Barnier officially resigned on Thursday (December 5), following a no-confidence vote by opposition lawmakers that toppled his government.

Several names have emerged as possible successors, circulating in political circles and the French media.

Heres a look at some of the top picks

Bernard Cazeneuve

Bernard Cazeneuve, 61, had previously served as prime minister during the final months of socialist Francois Hollandes presidency and was interior minister during the Charlie Hebdo and November 2015 Paris attacks.

Cazeneuve left the Socialist Party in 2022 over its alliance with the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) and other leftist groups.

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His appointment could help Macron draw Socialist lawmakers away from their current coalition and strengthen the presidents centrist base.

Sebastien Lecornu

Sebastien Lecornu, 38, is a close ally of Macron who defected from the center-right The Republicans party to support Macrons 2017 presidential bid. He has served as defence minister in Barniers outgoing government, overseeing increased defence spending and military aid to Ukraine.

Lecornu has faced controversy, with reports by investigative outlet Mediapart and newspaper Liberation alleging he met with Marine Le Pen, Macrons far-right rival, to discuss the war in Ukraine. Lecornu has denied the claims.

Francois Bayrou

Francois Bayrou, 73, is a veteran centrist and leader of the Democratic Movement (MoDem), which has been part of Macrons ruling alliance since 2017. A former justice minister, Bayrou resigned weeks into the role amid a probe into his partys alleged misuse of parliamentary assistants.

Cleared of fraud charges this year, Bayrou remains a prominent figure and a longtime mayor of Pau in southwest France, where he emphasizes his rural political identity.

Francois Baroin

Francois Baroin, 59, is a career politician and former finance minister who played a key role during Europes sovereign debt crisis in 2011-2012. Baroin, who became chairman of Barclays France in 2022, has been the mayor of Troyes in the Champagne region since 1995.

Baroins ties to former President Chirac and his center-right credentials make him another potential candidate to replace Barnier.

Xavier Bertrand

Xavier Bertrand, 59, is a center-right politician and head of the Hauts-de-France region, where Macron has focused on developing electric vehicle battery production. Bertrand previously served as a minister under Presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Bertrand, a former insurance salesman once nicknamed floc floc for the sound his rubber-soled shoes made on parliaments stone floor, was among the names considered by Macron for prime minister in the summer but was passed over for Barnier.

With inputs from Reuters
Olis China-centric policies under the Belt and Road Initiative risk plunging Nepal into debt for poorly planned projects something that his coalition partners and regional allies are opposed to read more

Nepals Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has chosen to align the Himalayan nation closely with China.

His stance became clear when he picked China for his first diplomatic visit abroad since assuming office in July. The signing of Nepal-China agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has further highlighted the closeness he wants Kathmandu to build with Beijing.

The agreements look ambitious on paper. But are they truly serving Nepals interests? Or is Oli jeopardising his fragile coalition government and the nations long-term stability for lofty promises that might crumble under the weight of debt and unfulfilled expectations?

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Looking at Nepals past experiences with China provides great insight about this.

A risky gamble with Chinese deals

During Olis latest visit to China, he finalised a framework agreement for BRI projects. While this is a new development, the deal itself is not. In fact, the initial signing between Kathmandu and Beijing took place seven years back in 2017.

The delay happened because a framework for cooperation had not been set as Nepal struggled to get consensus from its political parties.

While the agreements have been signed, debt concerns have spurred debate within Olis coalition government.

The situation is not very different right now, though. Nepali Congress party, a key supporter of Oli, is opposing any project funded by loans.

Debt and differences within the ruling coalition are big problems, but not the only ones.

India, a significant ally of Nepal, views China as a rival nation and has tried to limit Beijings influence on Kathmandu.

The Pokhara airport fiasco shows the risk Nepal is taking with China-backed infrastructure.

Pokhara airport fiasco

China has loaned Nepal $216 million to build an international airport in Pokhara, the second-largest city about 125 km (80 miles) west of Kathmandu, which began operating last year.

But the Chinese-built airport, claimed by Beijing as a symbol of Belt and Road success, has grappled with problems such as a lack of international flights, due to Indias refusal to let planes use its airspace.

This raises uncomfortable questions: Did Nepals government factor in the strategic realities of its dependence on Indian airspace? Why should Nepali taxpayers bear the brunt of a debt-ridden project that serves as little more than a Chinese trophy?

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Is Oli playing on shaky ground for no returns?

Olis coalition government is held together by tenuous alliances, and his China-centric policies are already sowing discord.

Abroad, there is the risk of upsetting a key regional ally that has stood on Kathmandus side against Chinese belligerence on multiple occasions.

So, is Oli willing to sacrifice domestic harmony for international optics? Has he truly assessed the cost-benefit ratio of these deals- both domestic and international?

The answer doesnt appear to be in Olis favour.

With inputs from agencies
Even though US President-elect Donald Trump has said he would end the war in Ukraine at the earliest, the approach he and his advisers have outlined may end up making peace talks difficult read more

Even as US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, there are indications he may end up becoming an obstacle.

While Trump has not released any concrete plan to end the war, he and his close advisers have presented a broad outline of the incoming administrations approach. The approach appears set to ruffle feathers in all quarters, whether its in Ukraine, Russia, or Europe.

In sharp contrast to the approach of outgoing President Joe Biden and much of Europe, Trump is not keen on support Ukraine to the hilt. Instead, he plans to use military assistance as leverage and force the two sides into a settlement at the earliest irrespective of whom such a settlement favours.

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Whats Trumps plan to end war in Ukraine?

Trump has indicated that he would use his personal relationships with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin along with a carrot and sticks approach to end the war.

Trump said in an interview last year that he would stop military assistance to Ukraine if Zelenskyy would refuse to come to negotiating table and would tell Putin he would flood Ukraine with aid if Russia would refuse to join talks.

I know Zelenskyy very well and I know Putin very well  even better. And I had a good relationship  very good with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more [assistance]. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you dont make a deal, were going to give him a lot. Were going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to. I will have the deal done in one day  one day, said Trump in an interview with Fox News.

In Trumps circle, three plans have been floated for Ukraine, one each by incoming Ukraine envoy Lieutenant General (Retired) Keith Kellogg, incoming Vice President JD Vance, and Richard Grenell, a former acting intelligence chief who is seen as a key adviser of Trump on European matters, according to Reuters.

Kellogs plan involves freezing the current battle lines and supplying more US weapons to Ukraine only if it agreed to peace talks and warning Russia that the aid to Ukraine would increase if Russia refused to join peace talks, according to the news agency.

The plan puts Nato membership on hold for Ukraine but offers US security guarantees.

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Similarly, Vance has called for freezing the battle lines and letting Russia keep Ukrainian territories it controls. He has also called for Nato or European Union (EU) memberships for Ukraine to be off the table to guarantee Russia its neutrality.

Grenell has called for the creation of autonomous zones in eastern Ukraine and has said that Nato membership is not favourable.

Trumps approach essentially means Russian victory

Whether it is Trumps approach outlined in the Fox interview last year or proposals presented by his advisers, they essentially make way for Russian victory.

All of these plans allow Russia to retain the upper hand in the war and retain territories it has won. At the same time, the plans put membership of Nato or EU, which these blocs as well as Ukraine has repeatedly committed to in recent years, off the table. The membership of these blocs provide Ukraine with military and economic security blanket. Taking these memberships off the table means depriving Ukraine of any solid security guarantees.

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For these reasons, Ukraine is unlikely to be excited about Trumps approach as it essentially means affirming Russias victory instead of arriving at a middle ground or a settlement thats favourable to Ukraine.

Trumps approach violates longstanding US assurances

Since 1990s, the United States has been treaty-bound to support Ukraine in the face of any external aggression.

Trumps approach to stop or curtail the support to Ukraine against the Russian invasion would mean the United States is in violation of its treaty obligations.

In 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum with Russia, the United States, and United Kingdom. Under the pact, in exchange of nuclear disarmament of Ukraine, the signatories assured it that no nation would use force against it and if anyone did, they would initiate immediate aid and offer help via the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

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Moreover, Trumps approach involves Ukraine significantly ceding territory to Ukraine, which would be in violation of the Budapest pact as the pact recognised Ukraines boundaries and sovereignty.

Both Russia & Europe to be miffed with Trumps plan

Even though Trumps approach favours Russia, the possibility of Trump ramping up aid to Ukraine if Russia does not agree to his terms is bound to leave it miffed.

However, such a possibility is unlikely owing to the longstanding friendly relationship between Trump and Russia and his fawning approach to Putin.

Beside Europe, the most dissatisfied bloc with Trump would be Europe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has plunged the continent in the worst security crisis since the World War II. At a time when it needs most support, Trump is essentially paving the way for adversarys victory.

Amid such a scenario, Nato chief Mark Rutte has warned Trump that not just Europe but the United States would also face dire threats if Ukraine is made to accept Russias terms in any settlement.

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We cannot have a situation where we have [North Korean leader] 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, because long-term that will be a dire security threat not only to Europe but also to the US, Rutte said he told Trump in an interview with Financial Times.

Rutte further flagged that victory of Russia would embolden its allies China, North Korea, and Iran in their respective theatres of Indo-Pacific and West Asia.

Rutte said he told Trump: Look at the missile technology which is now being sent from Russia into North Korea, which is posing a dire threat not only to South Korea, Japan, but also to the US mainland. Iran is getting money from Russia in return for, for example, missiles, but also drone technology. And the money is being used to prop up Hezbollah and Hamas, but also steering conflict beyond the region."

Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are working together in a way that various conflicts in the world are more and more getting connected, said Rutte.

So the fact that Iran, North Korea, China and Russia are working so closely together . . . [means] these various parts of the world where conflict is, and have to be managed by politicians, are more and more getting connected, said Rutte.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, Jaishankar highlighted New Delhi and Tel Avivs strong record of security cooperation as he elaborated on Indias stance in the ongoing conflict in West Asia read more

Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that Israel has stood by India when it faced security threats and has been an important defence partner to New Delhi.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, Jaishankar highlighted New Delhi and Tel Avivs strong record of security cooperation as he elaborated on Indias stance in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

As far as Israel is concerned, it is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security. It is also a country which has stood by us and different moments when our national security was under threat. When we take any decision, we will bear in mind the larger circumstances but we will be guided by our national security interests," he said.

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Israel has been at war with Hamas since October 7 after the Palestinian terror group attacked the country triggering a crisis in West Asia.

Back two-state solution

The Indian foreign minister reiterated Indias position on the war saying that it supports a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.

Indias policy towards Palestine has been long-standing and we have always supported a negotiated two-State solution, towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel, Jaishankar said.

He also noted Indias contribution to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza at a time when they are ravaged by the war.

Condemn hostage-taking

In September, India abstained from voting on a resolution demanding that Israel brings to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory without delay and within the next 12 months in the United Nations General Assembly.

Talking about Indias decision to abstain from voting on Gaza resolutions in the UN, the foreign minister said, A country like India, which is itself a victim of terrorism, if we countenance the fact that terrorism is underplayed and ignored, it is not in our interests that we do so. We look at any resolution, we look at the wording and take a mature view.

He added, We condemn terrorism and hostage-taking. We believe that countries have a right to respond to these situations but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. We must humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end to the violence.

Commenting on the International Criminal Courts arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jaishankar said, When the ICC was constituted, the question of our membership was considered. For very good reasons after a great deal of deliberations, India decided not to become a member. So with regard to any decision housed by the ICC, it is not binding on us and it is not a matter on which we have taken a formal position.

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An Israeli investigation has found that airstrikes would have killed six hostages held in Gaza Strips Khan Younis even if they would not have been executed by Hamas read more

Israeli military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has admitted that mistakes in the war in the Gaza Strip after an investigation found that airstrikes had hit an area where hostages were kept by Hamas.

An investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has concluded that six hostages, whose bodies were recovered from Gazas Khan Younis in August, were likely killed by Hamas terrorists in February as the area was being bombarded by Israel.

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However, the investigation said that had Hamas not killed the hostages, they would have been killed by the airstrikes.

The investigation concluded that the hostages were likely shot dead by Hamas as the bodies had gunshot wounds which indicated intentional execution.

These six hostages have been identified as Alex Dancyg (75), Yagev Buchshtav (35), Chaim Peri (79), Yoram Metzger (80), Nadav Popplewell (51), and Avraham Munder (78). Days after the recovery of these bodies, Israeli military on September 1 found bodies of six more hostages in Rafah, who were executed by Hamas.

What did Israeli investigation found?

The bodies of six hostages were found in a tunnel in the Hamas Town residential complex of Khan Younis on August 20.

The investigation concluded that hostages were killed in February when tunnels in the area were being struck with airstrikes, according to The Times of Israel.

Had they not been shot dead, they would have still likely died of suffocation or a similar cause as the bombings sealed off the tunnel in which they were being held by captors, concluded the probe, according to the newspaper.

In the same tunnel, the bodies of six Hamas terrorists were also discovered.

The Abu Kabir Forensic Institute found that Hamas personnel did not have any gunshot wounds and were killed as a byproduct of the airstrike, indicating they suffocated to their deaths in the tunnel, according to the newspaper.

While the exact date of the deaths cannot be determined from forensics alone, the newspaper reported that it is likely that hostages were shot dead very shortly before February 14 as the area was bombed on the date.

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Initially, the six hostages were held along with a larger group of hostages in an underground command centre where there were proper cages for captives, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Later, they were separated from the group in December, said the newspaper.

We have also made mistakes

After the investigations findings were presented on Wednesday (December 4), IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Halevi said that mistakes have been made in the war in Gaza.

We have made significant achievements, but they are minor so long as there are other hostages [still in Gaza]. The IDF is confident that the fighting advances their return, but in the context of combat we have also made mistakes [and were] not able to bring these hostages home alive, said Halevi, according to The Times of Israel.

It is important for the families of the hostages and the entire public to know that thousands of soldiers and commanders are working to succeed and avoid mistakes in this critical mission. Every mistake that occurred was due to lack of knowledge, and we are committed to learning from these mistakes, said Halevi.

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Michel Barnier became Frances first prime minister to be ousted by parliament in over six decades and now will go down in history as the shortest serving PM since the Fifth Republic began in 1958 read more

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier gestures after the result of the no-confidence vote on his administration at the National Assembly in Paris on December 4, 2024 as French MPs voted to oust his government after just three months in office in a move which deepens a political crisis in the country. Source: AFP.

Concerned after Michel Barnier was ousted by parliament after mere three months in office, French President Emmanuel Macron will seek ways out of Frances political crisis on Thursday.

Barnier became the first prime minister in France to be ousted by parliament in over six decades and now will go down in history as the shortest serving PM since the Fifth Republic began in 1958.

On Wednesday, a majority of 331 MPs in the 577-member chamber in France voted to oust Barnier s government, approving a no-confidence motion proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far right headed by Marine Le Pen.

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It was the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 when Georges Pompidous government was defeated. At that time, Charles de Gaulle was the president.

Barniers sooner-than-expected exit comes after snap parliamentary elections this summer, which resulted in a hung parliament with no party having an overall majority and the far right holding the key to the governments survival.

Why was no-confidence motion brought?

The no-confidence motion, brought by the hard left in the National Assembly, came amid a standoff over next years austerity budget, after Barnier, on Monday, forced through a social security financing bill without a vote.

Barnier is due to present Macron his governments resignation on Thursday morning.

The address of the president to the nation is expected at 1900 GMT, the Elysee said.

Macron will now have to engage again in picking a viable successor with over two years of his presidential term left. Meanwhile, there are some opponents who have been calling him to resign.

Im not afraid

On Wednesday evening, Barnier kept his cool in parliament, speaking just before the far right and hard left ousted his government in a historic no-confidence vote. The 73-year-old said, Im not afraid. Ive rarely been afraid in my political life.

Brought in by Macron in September to run a minority government after inconclusive parliamentary elections, Barnier often said that knowing how to keep ones cool was essential to managing the thorny task.

Also Read: France plunges into a political crisis after PM Michel Barniers govt loses no-confidence vote

Barnier hails from the Haute Savoie region of the Alps. He first become a member of Frances parliament aged just 27 in the 1970s, and entered government in the mid-1990s under the then-president, the late Jacques Chirac.

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He has also served as foreign minister and twice as an EU commissioner in Brussels. He is best known internationally for taking on the job of negotiating Britains exit from the European Union on behalf of the bloc after the 2016 referendum.

Macron gets into job

Barnier was the fifth prime minister to serve under Macron since he came to power in 2017.

Macron will once again get into the process of picking a new premier and candidates for the post are few, but loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macrons centrist ally Francois Bayrou are possible contenders.

The French President could also turn to former Socialist premier and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, a contender in September.

France to get a new PM in 24 hours?

Macron is minded to appoint the new premier rapidly, a report by AFP quoted several sources as saying.

A source close to Macron said the president, who has taken time with appointments in the past, has no choice but to name the new premier within 24 hours.

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With inputs from AFP.
Moldovas President dismissed Energy Minister Victor Parlicov on Thursday, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean called for the resignation of two other senior energy officials for their failure to address the ongoing energy crisis in the country read more

Moldovas President dismissed Energy Minister Victor Parlicov on Thursday, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean called for the resignation of two other senior energy officials for their failure to address the ongoing energy crisis in the country.

Recean also announced plans to request parliament to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector.

With Ukraine set to end its gas transit agreement with Russia on December 31, the prospect of disrupted Russian gas supplies to Eastern European nations, including Moldova, is growing.

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Moldovas breakaway Transdniestria region, which is backed by Moscow, relies heavily on Russian gas.

The resignations are the first stage of correcting the crisis situation. I had full confidence in Minister Parlicov. But he did not ensure the purchase of gas, Reuters quoted Recean as saying at a news briefing.

The presidential decree sacking Parlicov followed.

Parlicov said he knew his position was temporary and he was leading the ministry as long as I was trusted.

Recean also called for the resignation of state energy company Energocom head Victor Binzari and Moldovagaz supervisory board member Sergiu Tofilat for failing to buy and store enough volumes of gas at favourable price.

The government plans to ask parliament to impose a preventative state of emergency starting Dec. 16, he added.

A state of energy emergency is necessary to manage the risks of energy supply disruptions, at least partially, and to allow the government to impose certain actions, including restricting energy exports, Recean added citing uncertainty over gas supplies.

Moldova has received about 2 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia through Ukraine and since 2022, Transdniestria and Chisinau have agreed that all Russian gas received by Moldova will go to the breakaway region.

Transdniestria also has a large power plant fuelled by Russian gas and Chisinau, in turn, buys electricity from the region at a relatively low fixed price.

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Recean urged state bodies responsible for energy to prepare for various scenarios, including cuts of power supply from the power plant in Transdniestria.

Moldova has previously said that cutting off supplies through Ukraine is a very realistic scenario, and that if Kyiv stops such transit, gas could be delivered via the TurkStream pipeline to Turkey and then via Bulgaria and Romania to Moldova.

With inputs from agencies
OPEC+ members are holding back 5.86 million barrels per day of output, or about 5.7% of global demand, in a series of steps agreed since 2022 to support the market read more

OPEC+ will delay its plan to raise oil output, currently set to start in January, during its online meeting on Thursday, an OPEC+ source told Reuters, to provide additional support for the oil market in 2025.

OPEC+, which pumps about half the worlds oil, was planning to begin unwinding output cuts through 2025. However, a slowdown in global demand and rising output outside the group pose hurdles to that plan and have weighed on prices.

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Several OPEC+ sources have told Reuters an extension of the output cuts for three months is the most likely outcome, while others have said a longer period is possible. All of the sources declined to be identified by name.

There will be no surprise decisions, one of the sources said when asked what the meeting will decide.

OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, started its online talks, another source said. A monitoring group of top ministers was scheduled to gather ahead of the full OPEC+.

Despite the groups supply cuts, global oil benchmark Brent crude has mostly stayed in a $70 to $80 per barrel range this year and on Thursday was near $73 a barrel, having hit a 2024 low below $69 in September.

OPEC+ members are holding back 5.86 million barrels per day of output, or about 5.7 per cent of global demand, in a series of steps agreed since 2022 to support the market.

An output hike of 180,000 bpd - a fraction of the total - was planned for January from the eight members involved in OPEC+s most recent cuts of 2.2 million bpd. The hike has been delayed from October due to falling prices.

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The group also needs to address a 300,000 bpd output hike for the United Arab Emirates agreed in June that is scheduled to start in January 2025 and be phased in gradually. The UAE is keen for it to go ahead, sources said.
After suspending mediation last month, Qatar is expected to resume mediation for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after a visit from US President-elect Donald Trumps Special Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff, according to a report read more

Qatar is expected to resume mediation for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after the visit of US President-elect Donald Trumps envoy, according to a report.

For nearly a year, Qatar had been mediating US-facilitated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas along with Egypt. Last month, Qatar suspended mediation over the lack of seriousness on part of Israel and Hamas to reach a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

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Now, Reuters has reported that Qatar is expected to resume mediation after a visit from Trumps Special Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Even though Witkoff will assume office on January 20, he has already started his work.

Witkoff visited Turkey and Israel late last month and met the leaders of the two countries, according to Reuters.

Trump is keen to see a deal to end the war in Gaza by the time he takes office. His transition team and advisers are in touch with the outgoing Joe Biden administration, which continues to lead efforts for a deal.

Qatar signals resumption of mediation in Gaza talks: Report

Witkoff met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on November 22 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Nov. 23, a source told Reuters.

Al Thani had been leading the Qatari mediation efforts before the suspension last month.

The source told the news agency that the meetings signalled that Qatar has resumed the role as a key mediator after announcing its suspension after last month.

However, there were no formal announcements of the meetings or Qatars resumption of mediation.

The source further said that Hamas negotiators, which had reportedly been exiled from Qatar, would return soon for talks.

Regarding Witkoffs meeting with Al Thani, the source told the agency: Both agreed a Gaza ceasefire is needed before Trumps inauguration so that once the Trump administration takes office it can move onto other issues, like stabilizing Gaza and the region.

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Following the reported meeting with Witkoff, Reuters reported that Al Thani travelled to Austrian capital Vienna to on Nov. 24 to meet David Barnea, the chief of Israeli external intelligence agency Mossad, who has served as Israels lead negotiator in talks for a ceasefire and release of hostages.

It is not known if the meeting between Al Thani and Barnea was pre-scheduled or was a result of Witkoffs efforts. It is also not known if any progress was made during the talks.
Russia said on Thursday it had decided to close Polands consulate general in St. Petersburg in response to Polands decision to close the Russian consulate in Poznan read more

Russia on Thursday said it would close Polands consulate general in St. Petersburg in retaliation for Polands decision to shut down the Russian consulate in Poznan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also declared three Polish diplomatic staff members personae non gratae and ordered them to leave Russia by a specified date.

It was emphasised to the Polish side that Moscow has taken and will continue to take tough retaliatory measures against any unfriendly steps towards Russia, Reuters quoted the statement as saying.

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Polands foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski told Reuters Russia had no right to react in such a way, as Polands decision to close the consulate in Poznan was a reaction to Russias sabotage and arson in Poland.

And we do not conduct arson or sabotage in Russia. However, everyone knows what Russia is like, so this is not an unexpected action, Sikorski was quoted as saying.

With inputs from agencies
All 108 lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party have vowed to stay united to reject President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment, vote on which is expected on Saturday read more

South Koreas main opposition - Democratic Party - said on Thursday that it aimed to bring a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law to a vote on December 7.

According to a report by Yonhap, the Democratic Party seeks vote on Yoon impeachment motion Saturday.

But does opposition have the required number to impeaching Yoon? The answer is no. They need support of eight lawmakers for getting the impeachment bill passed.

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How will they manage?

It could be difficult for the opposition as it has a low chance of getting support from the lawmakers of the ruling party, most of whom were strongly against Yoons imposition of martial law in the country.

On Thursday, the ruling party said they will oppose the motion with the floor leader of People Power Party vowing that all their lawmakers would unite to defeat an opposition-led motion to impeach Preisdent Yoon over his brief declaration of martial law.

All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the presidents impeachment, Choo Kyung-ho said at a live-streamed party meeting.

Ruling partys assurance comes with a demand from Yoon

Though all 108 members of the ruling party in the 300-member parliament vowed to defeat an opposition-led motion to impeach the President, but leader of People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, on Thursday, has asked Yoon to leave the party.

Addressing reporters, Han Dong-hoon said he had demanded the presidents resignation from the party, and that his party was not trying to defend the presidents unconstitutional martial law.

What if impeachment motion is passed?

If the motion is passed, Yoon will be suspended pending a verdict by the Constitutional Court. If the judges give the nod, Yoon will be impeached and new election will have to be conducted within 60 days.

Yoon has not been seen in public since his televised address in the early hours of December 4.

Late Wednesday, Yoons office said that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned, but other key allies including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min remain in office.

With inputs from agencies.
South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the new defence minister. The changes came amid reports that Kim ordered the deployment of troops in the parliament during botched martial law read more

Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun (L) and Defense Minister nominee Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, are seen in this composite photo. Yonhap

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol nominated Choi Byung-hyuk as the countrys new Defence Minister after he accepted the resignation of the current Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. According to the South Korean news agency, Yonhap, Kims resignation came amid growing controversy surrounding his role in Yoons brief declaration of martial law.

The opposition lawmakers have already moved to impeach both Yoon and Kim over the stunning yet short-lived imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Reports soon started to float that it was Kim, who proposed the martial law declaration to Yoon and ordered the deployment of troops to the parliament, leading to clashes between the army and lawmakers.

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The martial law was lifted the same day it was proposed following the National Assemblys passage of a resolution to overturn it. According to Yonhap, Yoons new pick Choi is a retired four-star Army general currently serving as South Koreas ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Yoon picks a seasoned military professional

Choi served as deputy commander of the South Korea-US combined command from 2019 to 2020 and is touted as a seasoned military professional with a broad understanding of national security and extensive field experience, Yonhap reported

The nominee is considered to be a suitable candidate to fulfil the militarys core responsibilities, including maintaining a firm readiness posture based on the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, Chung Jin-suk, Yoons chief of staff, said in a press briefing.

It is pertinent to note that in South Korea, all ministers in the presidents cabinet are subject to a parliamentary confirmation process, but only the prime ministers appointment requires parliamentary approval. However, the parliament currently seems like swinging the other way.

South Koreas ruling party leader asks Yoon to resign from party

Amid the chaos, the leader of South Koreas ruling party said that he has asked President Yoon Suk Yeol to leave the party, even after he vowed to block an opposition-led impeachment motion. While speaking to the reporters, Han Dong-hoon said that he had demanded the presidents resignation from the party. He added that his party was not trying to defend the presidents unconstitutional martial law.

The floor leader maintained that the partys lawmakers would unite to defeat an opposition-led motion to impeach Yoon over his brief declaration of martial law. All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the presidents impeachment, the ruling partys floor leader, Choo Kyung-ho said during a party meeting.

It is pertinent to note that the opposition currently needs just eight ruling party lawmakers to pass the impeachment bill. South Koreas main opposition, The Democratic Party, has already made it clear that they will be voting to impeach Yoon at 7 pm (local time). If the motion passes, Yoon will be suspended and his case will go to the countrys Constitutional Court.

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If judges give a nod, then Yoon will be impeached and the country will undergo an election within 60 days. Yoon, who has been marred with one scandal after another since taking office in 2022, has not been seen in public ever since he lifted the martial law.

With inputs from agencies.
Lais week-long trip is aimed at shoring up international support for Taiwan as China maintains military pressure on the island and seeks to isolate it by poaching its few remaining allies and blocking it from global forums read more

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (C-R) being greeted by Governor of Guam Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero during a welcome ceremony upon his arrival at A.B. Won Pat International Airport in Tamuning, Guam. AFP

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Thursday called on like-minded governments to safeguard democracy during a visit to US territory Guam, his second stop on American soil in a Pacific tour that has angered Beijing.

Lais week-long trip is aimed at shoring up international support for Taiwan as China maintains military pressure on the island and seeks to isolate it by poaching its few remaining allies and blocking it from global forums.

Taiwan calls itself a sovereign nation, but Beijing insists the democratic island is part of its territory and opposes any official exchanges with it.

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Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday night following visits to Pacific island nations Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, after a stop in the US state of Hawaii.

In Honolulu, Lai discussed Chinas military threats towards Taiwan during a call with former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and met with US government officials and members of Congress  drawing a barrage of criticism from Beijing.

Landing in Guam, Lai was greeted on the tarmac by the islands Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Ingrid Larson from the Washington office of the de facto US embassy in Taiwan, and others.

Like most countries, the United States does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but Washington is Taipeis most important backer and biggest supplier of arms.

At a banquet for Lai on Thursday, Larson said the United States would keep helping Taiwan bolster its self-defense capabilities and its ability to protect itself against coercion.

Earlier, at Guerreros official residence, Lai warned of authoritarian expansionism and urged like-minded governments to unite and collaborate to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

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In her remarks, Guerrero said the partnership between Guam and Taiwan was more crucial than ever in the face of a dynamic global economy.

Taiwanese investments have significantly contributed to Guams growth, creating opportunities for our people, while fostering mutual prosperity, Guerrero said.

Lai also addressed Guams parliament  a first for a Taiwanese president, his office said  and will later Thursday travel to the Pacific island nation of Palau, the final stop of his trip.

Extending his sincerest gratitude to lawmakers for supporting Taiwans access to the international arena, Lai said Taiwan and Guam were like family.

China threats

Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands are among 12 nations that still recognise Taiwan diplomatically, including the Vatican, after China convinced others to dump Taipei in favour of Beijing.

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Lais Pacific tour has sparked fury in China, which on Tuesday vowed to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Taiwan issue is the core of Chinas core interests, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said when asked whether Beijing could launch another round of military drills around the self-ruled island in response to the trip.

Taiwan faces the constant threat of a military attack by China, which regularly deploys fighter jets and warships around the island to press its claims, and Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, when Chiang Kai-sheks nationalist forces were defeated by Mao Zedongs communist fighters and fled to the island.

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In his first public speech of the trip on US soil, Lai said Saturday there was a need to fight together to prevent war, warning there were no winners from conflict.

Lai will wrap up his trip on Friday.
They will not be able to achieve their goals despite what they have done in past days, and we as Hezbollah will be by Syrias side in thwarting the goals of this aggression as much as we can, said Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem read more

Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivers an address from an unknown location, on Friday, in this still image from video. Reuters

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Thursday said that his group, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, would support Damascus as Islamist-led rebels launch a major offensive.

They will not be able to achieve their goals despite what they have done in past days, and we as Hezbollah will be by Syrias side in thwarting the goals of this aggression as much as we can, said Qassem in a televised address, denouncing terrorist groups who want to bring down the regime in Syria.

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The remarks came as Syrian insurgents swept into the central city of Hama on Thursday and government forces withdrew, dealing another major blow to Syrian President Bashar Assad days after insurgents captured much of Aleppo, the countrys largest city.

The weeklong offensive, led by HTS and the Syrian National Army, appears set to continue as insurgents target Homs, Syrias third-largest city. Located 40 kilometers south of Hama, Homs is a critical gateway to Damascus, Assads power base.

The insurgents unexpected capture of Aleppo has dealt a major blow to Assad, reigniting the civil war, which had been in a stalemate for years. Hama, one of the few cities under government control, witnessed jubilant fighters celebrating in Assi Square, a site of early anti-government protests from 2011.

The Syrian army redeployed outside the city to protect civilians, while HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani declared the advance into Hama as an act of mercy. HTS, formerly al-Qaidas Syrian branch, now leads the insurgency in Syria.

Al-Golani is the leader of the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which previously served as al-Qaidas branch in Syria and is considered a terrorist group by the United Nations as well as countries including the US.

The group that was known as the Nusra Front in the early years of Syrias conflict changed its name and said in recent years that it cut ties with al-Qaida.

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With inputs from agencies
Top US military officer Air Force General Charles Quinton Brown spoke with Russias Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov over phone during which they discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine read more

US Air Force Gen. Charles Brown, Jr. (L) and Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (R). Source: Reuters.

The top US military officer, Air Force General Charles Quinton Brown, spoke by phone with Russias Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov last week, the US military said on Wednesday, the first time Brown spoke with his Russian counterpart.

The leaders discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a spokesperson for Brown said in a statement.

The rare call took place on November 27, but at the request of Gen. Gerasimov, Gen. Brown agreed to not proactively announce the call. The request for the call was made by the Russian ministry of defence, the spokesperson said.

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Brown became the top US general last year, and Gerasimov last spoke with Browns predecessor, Mark Milley.

Tensions have spiked in recent weeks. Ukraine fired US and British missiles at targets inside Russia despite Moscows warnings that it would see such action as a major escalation.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, said Moscow struck a Ukrainian military facility with a new medium-range, hypersonic ballistic missile known as Oreshnik (the hazel) and warned that more could follow.
Donald Trump announcement of nominating veteran Washington attorney Paul Atkins to chair Securities and Exchange Commission has cheered the cryptocurrency as bitcoin touched the much-awaited $100,000 mark on Thursday read more

Donald Trump announced on December 4, 2024 via his Truth Social platform Paul Atkins as his pick for the next Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: AFP.

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated veteran Washington attorney Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a move cheered by the cryptocurrency industry as bitcoin broke the $100,000 mark for the first time.

Atkins, an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, founded risk consultancy firm Patomak Global Partners in 2009, whose clients include companies in the banking, trading and cryptocurrency industries.

An announcement from the Trump transition noted that Atkins had been co-chairman of the Digital Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the use of digital assets, since 2017.

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Paul is a proven leader for common sense regulations, Trump said in a statement that emphasised Atkins commitment to robust, innovative capital markets.

He also recognises that digital assets and other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before, Trump added.

Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the first time Thursday on hopes that Trump will push through measures to deregulate cryptocurrencies when he takes office next month.

During the presidential campaign, Trump drew heavy financial support from cryptocurrency backers, some of whom are also close to the Republicans mega-donor, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Reacting on X to the news of bitcoin hitting the $100,000 mark, Musk wrote Wow.

The digital assets industry has been eager for a change at the SEC, with outgoing chair Gary Gensler having taken a hostile posture on the sector.

Gensler has referred to the cryptocurrency world as the wild west and launched lawsuits against major trading platforms including Binance, Coinbase and Kraken, along with various smaller startups.

The SEC chair also backed controversial measures to require publicly traded companies to measure their exposure to climate change.

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, cheered the nomination, calling Atkins an excellent choice.

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The past four years under Chair Gensler was a non-stop anti-crypto crusade, leading to an innovation stalemate and incalculable job, talent and economic losses, she said on X, the former Twitter.

But Senator Elizabeth Warren, incoming top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, expressed concern about his appointment, saying Atkins protested fines against major corporations despite their wrongdoing during the last financial crisis.

Trump in recent days has put forth a number of picks for multiple cabinet posts and other nominated positions.

On Wednesday he announced that he would be appointing former congressman Billy Long as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency President Joe Bidens administration has spent billions on overhauling to Republicans dismay.

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The announcement means that Trump will have to effectively fire current commissioner Danny Werfel, who was appointed by Biden to a five-year term in 2022.

In a separate statement, Trump picked former senator Kelly Loeffler to head the Small Business Administration, adding that she would also co-chair his inauguration committee.
Senior aides to President Joe Biden are engaged in an intense internal debate over whether to issue preemptive pardons to a group of current and former public officials who could be targeted if President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to a report read more

Senior aides to President Joe Biden are engaged in an intense internal debate over whether to issue preemptive pardons to a group of current and former public officials who could be targeted if President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

According to a Politico report, citing senior Democrats familiar with the discussions, Bidens aides are increasingly concerned about the possibility that various officials  both current and former could face investigations or even indictments.

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This sense of urgency has intensified since Trumps announcement last weekend that he had appointed Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Patel has openly pledged to target Trumps critics, added the report.

However, White House officials are proceeding with caution as they consider the extraordinary measure of granting blanket pardons to individuals who have not committed crimes.

They are wary that such actions could appear improper, potentially playing into Trumps criticisms, and that those offered pardons may choose to decline them, reported Politico.

The discussions include the potential pardoning of both sitting officials, whether elected or appointed, and former officials who have incurred the wrath of Trump and his supporters.

Potential targets for pardons include members of the January 6 Committee, such as Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, whom Trump has previously suggested should be jailed. Also mentioned is Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who became a target of right-wing criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deliberations are led by White House counsel Ed Siskel, with input from chief of staff Jeff Zients and others. President Biden, focused on his sons pardon, has not yet been involved in the broader discussions.

These talks were prompted by Trumps ongoing threats and discreet lobbying from congressional Democrats, though not by those seeking pardons. The beneficiaries know nothing, Politico quoted one well-connected Democrat as saying about those who could receive pardons.

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Bidens ultimate decision could have major consequences for some of the countrys most prominent figures, similar to his choice to pardon his son.

Bidens decision could be as consequential for high-profile public officials as his pardon of his son.

According to the report, a White House spokesperson declined to comment on the discussions but did not deny their existence.

These talks reflect growing anxiety among Democrats about Trumps potential reprisals if he returns to power. The breadth of Bidens pardon for his son Hunter underscores the White Houses concerns over Trump officials seeking openings for prosecution.

The key question is whether to take Trumps threats of revenge seriously, particularly against Democrats and the so-called Deep State.

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End-of-term pardons are always politically charged, but Bidens situation is unprecedented. Unlike past pardons, such as George HW Bushs of Caspar Weinberger or Bill Clintons of Marc Rich, Biden faces a return of a vengeful Trump with loyalists plotting retaliation, reported Politico.

The political pressure is compounded by Bidens decision to pardon his son, angering some Democrats already upset by his decision to seek re-election at 82. Now, Bidens aides must weigh whether to extend similar pardons to public officials targeted by Trump.

Capitol Hill presents conflicting views. Some Democrats, like Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), have praised Gerald Fords preemptive pardon of Richard Nixon as a potential model.

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Some longtime Democratic lawmakers, like Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), have talked favorably about the precedent of former President Gerald Fords preemptive pardon of Richard Nixon, issued before any charges were filed against the disgraced former president.

If its clear by January 19 that [revenge] 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, Politico quoted Markey as saying on WGBH last week.

Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), a close Biden ally who hosted the president in his district shortly before the election, issued a plea Wednesday for Biden to offer blanket pardons.

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This is no hypothetical threat, Politico quoted Boyle as saying in a statement, adding, The time for cautious restraint is over. We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power.

With inputs from agencies
As per the report, the hackers were believed to have targeted some of Patels communications. However, it has not been revealed whether they have actually accessed the communications and, if so, how much data was viewed or stolen read more

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently told Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to be the bureaus next director, that he was the target of an Iranian cyberattack. Two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News about the looming Iranian threat. While the exact timing of the cyberattack remains unclear, the FBI noted that it occurred before Trump picked him for the top job.

As per the report, the hackers were believed to have targeted some of Patels communications. However, it has not been revealed whether they have actually accessed the communications and, if so, how much data was viewed or stolen, the sources said. Meanwhile, the FBI refused to comment on the matter, and the investigation is still ongoing.

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It is pertinent to note that the current FBI Director, Christopher Wray, whose 10-year term doesnt expire until 2027, would have to resign or be fired for Patel to take over. Not only this, Patel would also require confirmation of the Senate.

Trumps team hit back

Without specifically acknowledging the alleged cyberattack, Trump transition spokesman Alex Pfeiffer issued a stern statement over the matter. Kash Patel was a key part of the first Trump administrations efforts against the terrorist Iranian regime and will implement President Trumps policies to protect America from adversaries as the FBI Director, Pfeiffer wrote in the statement.

In September this year, three Iranian operatives were charged with hacking Trumps presidential campaign as part of what the Justice Department said at the time was an effort to undermine the US elections.

The three Iranians were accused of being employed by Irans paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and were allegedly stealing emails and documents and sharing them with media outlets. At that time, law enforcement officials confirmed that Iranian hackers had, unsolicited, sent information they stole from the Trump campaign to people who were affiliated with President Joe Bidens campaign over the summer. However, the officials maintained that there is no evidence that any of the recipients responded to the information.

With inputs from agencies.
The ability to reload missiles at sea ensures US naval forces remain operational, countering threats without retreating to distant ports read more

(File) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, forward-deployed to the US 7th Fleet in the Indo-Pacific region, transits the Philippine Sea. Reuters

The Indo-Pacific, a region of immense waterways and growing geopolitical challenges, demands the highest level of readiness from the US Navy. With tensions escalating in the South China Sea and Chinas assertive moves, the American navy faces the crucial task of keeping its warships ready for action at all times.

According to the Wall Street Journal, one of the navys long-standing weaknesses has been its inability to reload missile launchers while at seaa potentially dangerous limitation during conflict. To solve this, the US Navy has developed an innovative solution: the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM).

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This cutting-edge system builds on Cold War-era concepts but is designed to meet the demands of modern maritime combat. By allowing ships to reload missiles at sea, TRAM ensures that the navy can maintain its combat edge even in the face of prolonged conflicts in challenging environments.

A strategic necessity

The Indo-Pacific region is a critical battleground where control of the seas could decide the outcome of future conflicts. For the US Navy, its destroyers and cruisers, equipped with advanced missiles, play a key role in maintaining strategic dominance. However, a major drawback has been the need for these warships to return to port to reload their Vertical Launching Systems (VLS)a process that takes weeks. In a crisis, such delays could leave vital areas exposed giving adversaries an opportunity to take advantage.

This is where the TRAM steps in. TRAM allows warships to reload their missile launchers while staying at sea, cutting rearming time from weeks to just days. This game-changing technology ensures that US ships remain operational in contested zones and can respond quickly to threats.

From old idea to modern marvel

The idea for TRAM originated in the 1990s when engineers tried to develop a system for reloading missiles at sea. At the time, technology couldnt handle the challenges of transferring large, delicate missile canisters between moving ships. The project was abandoned and the prototype was stored away.

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Fast forward to today, with rising tensions and a need for enhanced naval readiness, navy engineers revisited the old design. Using advanced tools and technology, they modernised it by adding motion sensors, computerised controls and stronger components, the Wall Street Journal report said.

This year, TRAM was successfully tested off Californias coast. During the trials, the system used a specialised crane on a supply ship to transfer a dummy missile canister onto the USS Chosin, a moving cruiser. The test proved that TRAM could safely and efficiently reload missiles at sea marking a major milestone in naval operations. With TRAM, the US Navy is better equipped to stay combat-ready in the Indo-Pacific ensuring its dominance in an increasingly contested region.

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Transforming combat readiness

The ability to reload at sea has far-reaching implications for the US Navys combat readiness. Currently, most US warships, including destroyers and cruisers, must undertake long journeys back to secure bases such as those in Hawaii or California, to reload. In a conflict with China, this would mean weeks of downtime during which these ships would be unavailable for operations.

TRAM changes this equation. By enabling reloading at sea, it ensures that warships can remain on station for extended periods, responding to threats without interruption. This innovation effectively increases the Navys operational reach and flexibility, reducing the dependence on vulnerable onshore facilities.

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In regions like the South China Sea, where Chinese forces have heavily militarised islands and posed threats to freedom of navigation, the ability to sustain operations without retreating to distant ports could prove decisive. TRAMs deployment would allow US forces to maintain a continuous presence in these contested waters, deterring aggression and reassuring allies.

The development of TRAM comes at a time when the US is seeking to strengthen its alliances and bolster its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. With Chinas naval power expanding rapidly, the US Navys ability to adapt and innovate is crucial for maintaining a balance of power in the region.

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Challenges and the road ahead

While TRAM represents a significant leap forward, challenges remain. The process of transferring missile canisters at sea is inherently risky, given the size and weight of the missiles and the potential for mishaps. According to the Wall Street Journal, engineers are working to refine the system further ensuring it is robust enough to withstand the rigours of combat. The navy has set an ambitious timeline aiming to integrate the system into operational use within the next two to three years.

A new era of naval warfare

TRAM is more than just a technical innovation. By overcoming the logistical hurdles of reloading at sea, the system ensures that the navys warships can operate with greater autonomy and resilience even in the most challenging environments. As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, TRAMs ability to keep US naval forces ready and responsive could prove to be a gamechanger.
The NYPD shared images of the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as the manhunt goes on hours after the incident. Thompsons wife released a statment describing the incident as a senseless killing read more

New York police shared the image of the suspect who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as the manhunt continues to find the culprit. According to the authorities, the gunman behind the Wednesday shooting incident reportedly stopped at a store located around the corner from the midtown hotel where he shot the insurance executive.

As the search goes on, the New York Police Department (NYPD), shared surveillance images of the alleged shooting inside the store. The shooter was in a hoodie and the store was located near West 54th Street and 6th Avenue, around the corner from the New York Hilton Midtown hotel where Brian Thompson was gunned down.

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The man appeared to have his face covered in the video of the brazen sidewalk killing. The video, which was reviewed by the investigators showed the shooter emerging from behind a parked car, stopping and pointing a gun at Thompsons back, holding it with two hands and firing multiple times from several feet away, NBC News reported. The shooter was then seen walking past Thompson and out of the frame.

Detectives believe the shooter was experienced

The detectives involved in the case said that the shooter might be experienced since he operated slowly, deliberately. From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters, NBC News reported.

Thompson was shot at around 6:45 am (local time) while he was walking towards the Hilton Midtown. The UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to hold an investor day at the Hilton on Wednesday but cancelled it after reports of the shooting. The 50-year-old was shot in the back and calf outside the hotel in what officials described as a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack against the insurance giant CEO.

The police noted that the shooter appeared to be lying in wait for several minutes before approaching Thompson from behind. The authorities are yet to establish the motive behind the attack. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said following the incident. She maintained that the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence. The authorities are now offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Thompsons family was angered by the incident

The insurance executives wife, Paulette Thompson released a statement in which she called the attack senseless, CNN reported. We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives, the wife of the deceased CEO said in the statement on Wednesday.

Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time, she added. Thompson served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare for more than three years. He was appointed to the top spot in April 2021 and has been working with the group since 2004.

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We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, the company said. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time, the statement further reads.

Meanwhile, Brian Thompsons sister-in-law Elena Reveiz, told the New York Times she was still processing the news of Thompsons death. He was a good person, and I am so sad, Reveiz said, adding that Thompson was a good father to his two children. Reveiz also mentioned that she was on her way to be with their family.

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With inputs from agencies.
President-elect Donald Trumps embattled pick for Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said that he will not withdraw from consideration amid reports that he will be replaced with Flordia Governor Ron DeSantis read more

President-elect Donald Trumps embattled nominee for Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth shared an impassioned post, saying he will not back down amid rumours that he will be replaced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. On Wednesday, Hegseth shared a post on X, formally known as Twitter, emphasising that he will not step out of the contention.

The post came a day after reports emerged that Trump may swap out Hegseth with DeSantis. A source told NBC News that the Florida governor is very much in contention for the post. Hegseth has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of sexual assault and extramarital affairs.

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Im doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers. The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of [Donald Trump]  and me. So they smear with/ fake, anonymous sources & BS stories. They dont want the truth. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I, Hegseth wrote on X on Wednesday morning.

Hegseth says Trump asked him to keep fighting

Shortly after the post, the 44-year-old reiterated to the reporters that Trump has himself encouraged him to keep fighting. I spoke to the president-elect this morning. He said, keep going, keep fighting, he said. Why would I back down? Ive always been a fighter," the former Fox News presenter averred, NBC News reported.

Later, Hegseth sat down with Megyn Kelly for an interview on her SiriusXM show and lambasted the criticism he had received. Were going to fight like hell. Theres no reason to back down. Why would we back down? Hegseth reiterated. Asked if hes being Kavanaughed, a reference to the 2018 Supreme Court nomination of and backlash to Brett Kavanaugh, Hegseth claimed that people are making things about him.

Kavanaugh stood up and he fought and he won and hopefully Republicans have learned that lesson," he added. While Hegseth was already facing a plethora of allegations, the New Yorker reported whistleblower accusations that he was forced out of leadership roles in two military veteran organisations following allegations of financial mismanagement, aggressive drunkenness and sexist behaviour. When asked whether he has an alcohol problem, the former Fox News host told reporters that he wouldnt dignify that with a response.

Last week, the New York Times shared a 2018 email from Penelope Hegseth, his mother, accusing her son of routinely mistreating women and displaying a lack of character. You are an abuser of women  that is the ugly truth and I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego, she wrote in the email.

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Penelope eventually walked back on the remarks she made six years ago and asked Hegseths supporters to stand by him. We all believe in him. We really believe that he is not the man he was seven years ago. Im not that mother and I hope people will hear that story today and the truth of that story, she told Fox News. I am here to tell the truth. To tell the truth to the American people and tell the truth to senators on the Hill, especially female senators. I really hope that you will not listen to the media and you will listen to Pete," she added.

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Meanwhile, Vice President-elect JD Vance also came to Hegseths defence on Wednesday morning, noting Penelope Hegseths appearance on Fox & Friends and telling followers on X that the media never talks about the apology because theyre trying to destroy him, not tell the truth.
Republican lawmakers and aides acknowledge that their narrow, ideologically fractured majority will pose significant hurdles read more

The Republican party, led by President-elect Donald Trump, is likely to have tough time due to its razor-thin House majority. File image/AP

House Republicans will begin the next Congress with a slimmer majority than anticipated, complicating efforts to swiftly advance President-elect Donald Trumps conservative policy agenda.

The GOP will hold 220 seats in the House, just two more than the 218 needed to pass legislation without Democratic support.

This narrow margin of error is likely to shrink further, with two Republicans expected to join the Trump administration and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) not returning after his brief bid for attorney general, Washington Post reported

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Republicans have projected unity and optimism about controlling Congress and the White House. Still, lawmakers and aides acknowledge that their narrow, ideologically fractured majority will pose significant hurdles.

The GOPs five-seat majority in the current Congress exposed deep divisions, with hard-liners frequently blocking compromises and forcing reliance on Democratic votes.

Nothing to spare

Do the math; weve got nothing to spare, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said during his weekly news conference.

Johnson, who has managed a razor-thin majority during his short tenure as speaker, faces mounting pressure to deliver on Trumps often unconventional proposals while safeguarding swing-district Republicans, crucial for maintaining the GOPs majority.

We could be the most consequential Congress of the modern era because we have to fix everything, Johnson said. We know how to work with a small majority; thats our custom now.

Whats the Republicans strategy?

House and Senate Republican leaders are already strategising for the upcoming session, focusing on two large-scale bills: one on border security and energy reforms, and another on reauthorising Trumps 2017 tax law.

However, internal pushback may delay votes until April, when two vacant Florida seats are expected to be filled.

Some Republicans believe Trumps influence could unify the party. If members resist certain policies, Well call President Trump, said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a staunch Trump ally, warned that megadonors like Elon Musk could help voters replace dissenters. The way the House and the Senate needs to understand the mandate is that the American people want President Trumps agenda done, Greene said.

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Despite efforts to foster cohesion, some Republicans acknowledge they may still need Democratic support.

That is going to be, I think, the challenge for some people within my party to accept, said Rep. Max L. Miller (R-Ohio). You still do need the other side, even though you do have a trifecta.
A tsunami Warning is now in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Davenport, California (10 miles NW of Santa Cruz) to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon (10 miles SW of Florence), a notification on the US Tsunami Warning Centers website read read more

The earthquake struck off coast of Northern California. Image courtesy: US Tsunami Warning System

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on Thursday (December 5).

Media reports suggested that the quake had been felt across the region, including in the Bay Area, where some people said they had felt strong shaking and rolling waves underfoot.

US seismologists said that the quake has prompted a tsunami warning for nearby areas.

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west-southwest of Ferndale, according to the US Geological Survey.

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The National Weather Services Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a statement saying, Based on preliminary earthquake parameters hazardous tsunami are possible for coasts located within 300 KM of the earthquake epicenter.

A tsunami Warning is now in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Davenport, California (10 miles NW of Santa Cruz) to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon (10 miles SW of Florence), a notification on the US Tsunami Warning Centers website read.

No tsunami waves had been reported as of yet, but the warning advised people near coastlines to remain alert and prepared for potential danger.

The greatest danger from potential tsunammi waves would be in the area north of San Francisco, around the far northern California coastal communities.

The US West Coast is the confluence of a number of the Earths tectonic plates, and tremors are not uncommon.

The area has been struck by a number of major earthquakes, including a 1994 quake that hit Northridge, in the Los Angeles area, killing dozens of people and injuring thousands more, as it wrought billions of dollars of damage to homes and infrastructure.

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which also caused a tsunami, is thought to have killed upwards of 3,000 people, some of whom died in fires that erupted after the powerful tremor.

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With inputs from AFP
While most reacted to his death with a sense of shock, netizens seemed to be indifferent and erupted with contempt for the industry and particularly the company Brian Thompson represented read more

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit, was killed on Wednesday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. UnitedHealth Group/Reuters

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompsons murder in broad daylight in New York has sent shockwaves throughout the US but social media users are not sympathetic towards his death.

Thompson was the executive of UnitedHealths insurance unit and was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in the early hours of Wednesday, in what the police think was a preemptive attack.

While most reacted to his death with a sense of shock, netizens seemed to be indifferent and erupted with contempt for the industry and particularly the company Thompson represented.

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Thompson had worked at UnitedHealth since 2004 in several divisions, according to a biography later removed from the companys website. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him, the company said in a statement.

Sending prior authorisation and prayers to his family

Posts and comments about Thompsons murder on X and TikTok showed how frustrated American citizens are with services provided by UnitedHealthcare.

Sending prior authorization, denied claims, collections & prayers to his family, one user wrote on TikTok.

Another user replying to a news article on Thompsons murder being investigated as a possible hit, said, As someone covered under UnitedHealthcare I can completely understand the actions taken.

Standup comedian Samantha Ruddy wrote on X, Got a push notification to exercise caution because the United Healthcare shooter is still at large. I personally do not feel like I am on the shooters radar because I am not the CEO of a highly divisive multi billion dollar insurance company.

Manhunt on

Meanwhile, New York police were searching on Thursday for the man who killed UnitedHealth Thompson in a brazen attack outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel and was last seen fleeing into Central Park.

The words deny, defend and depose were carved into the shell casings found at the scene, police sources told ABC and the New York Post. Reuters has not independently verified that information. The words mirror the title of a book critical of the insurance industry published in 2010 titled Delay Deny Defend.

Investigators have not yet named a suspect and were still looking for a motive, the New York City Police Department said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. They have not provided a briefing since.

With inputs from Reuters
In the past five years, Syrias HTS has gone from a group barely scraping by, to a powerhouse that can manufacture its own drones and missiles, and has pushed back forces backed by Russia and Iran. Heres how it happened read more

A fighter from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) mans a position in the eastern outskirts of Atarib town, in Syria's Aleppo province. AFP

Just half a decade ago, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was naught but a struggling Islamist rebel group. It was barely surviving under sustained attacks by the Russian-backed Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

Now, the HTS is making headlines for mounting a lightning assault and snatching Aleppo from the government.

According to the Financial Times, the group has become a formidable force now. Its base boasts of a military academy, centralised command, specialised units, and, most importantly, a homegrown weapons manufacturing industry.

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In Idlib province, HTS has established itself as a proto-military organisation. Its units are now equipped with tanks, drones, artillery, and snipers. Recent operations, including the high-profile raid across northern Syria, have shown the groups growing capabilities.

It has transformed over the past four, five years into essentially a polished proto-military, Financial Times cited Aaron Zelin, an expert on the group at the Washington Institute, as saying.

Weaponry and drone advancements

HTS has relied on Syrias abundance of weapons stemming from arms supplies that have almost flooded the country since the start of the civil war there in 2011 and its own manufacturing efforts.

The group produces drones, missiles, and mortar shells in small workshops. Its members use 3D printers and other such technology to make, from scratch, the parts that they cannot access.

Experts say HTS has leveraged drones for both surveillance and attacks, including a 2023 strike on a Syrian military academy in Homs that killed at least 100 people.

HTS has also introduced new guided missile systems, such as the Qaysar, capable of striking targets dozens of kilometers away, reducing reliance on suicide truck bombs.

Captured equipment, including Russian-made tanks, armoured vehicles, and anti-aircraft systems, has also bolstered HTSs arsenal. The groups efforts to operationalise these systems could mitigate its long-standing vulnerability to Russian airstrikes.

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A more advanced military structure

While some weapons are of Russian origin, the HTS military structure has drawn inspiration from the West. Jerome Drevon, a jihadist expert at the Crisis Group, said that the country has reorganised its military structure, drawing inspiration particularly the British armed forces.

The group now operates with about 30,000 fighters, including 15,000 full-time combatants, reservists, and allied forces.

HTSs military academy, established two and a half years ago, plays a key role in training fighters. Former Syrian army officers who defected have reportedly helped set up the training program, which includes basic, intermediate, and advanced military instruction.

And a PR strategy!

HTS has evolved in its approach to governance and public perception. Once notorious for its harsh rule, the group has sought to project a more disciplined and tolerant image, including allowing Christian worship in areas under its control.

HTSs leadership has also emphasised battlefield coordination and social media silence to maintain operational surprise. Recent offensives have seen its fighters take over the major city of Hama. Assads forces had to retreat despite support from Russia, Iran, and allied militias.

HTS has come a long way in five years, said Drevon. Now we have to wait and see where they go from here.

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The WHO already recommended the test, but prequalification means that UN agencies such as UNICEF, or others like the Gavi vaccine alliance, have a simpler pathway to procure and distribute a product in countries with limited resources read more

The World Health Organization announced Thursday it had given a first-ever green light to a test for tuberculosis  a disease which killed 1.25 million people last year.

Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, produced by US-based molecular diagnostics company Cepheid, is the first test for TB diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing that meets WHOs prequalification standards, the UN health agency said.

WHO prequalification aims to ensure that key health products meet global standards for quality, safety and efficacy.

The WHO already recommended the test, but prequalification means that UN agencies such as UNICEF, or others like the Gavi vaccine alliance, have a simpler pathway to procure and distribute a product in countries with limited resources.

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This first prequalification of a diagnostic test for tuberculosis marks a critical milestone in WHOs efforts to support countries in scaling up and accelerating access to high-quality TB assays that meet both WHO recommendations and its stringent quality, safety and performance standards, said Yukiko Nakatani, a WHO assistant director-general.

It underscores the importance of such groundbreaking diagnostic tools in addressing one of the worlds deadliest infectious diseases,

A preventable and curable disease, TB is caused by bacteria and most often affects the lungs. It is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit.

In October, the WHO said a record 8.2 million new tuberculosis cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2023  the highest number since it began global TB monitoring in 1995.

And with 1.25 million related deaths, TB probably returned to being the worlds leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, following three years in which it was replaced by Covid-19, the WHO added.

The test detects the genetic material of the bacterium that causes TB in spit samples, and provides an accurate result within hours.

The WHO says the accurate and early detection of TB, especially drug-resistant strains, is a critical global health priority.

High-quality diagnostic tests are the cornerstone of effective TB care and prevention, said Rogerio Gaspar, the WHOs regulation and prequalification director.

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The disease disproportionately affects 30 high-burden countries.

Five countries  India, Indonesia, China, Philippines and Pakistan  account for more than half of the global TB burden, with more than a quarter of the cases found in India alone.
NAMIBIA: Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as countrys first woman president

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won with 57 percent of the vote, flouting predictions that she might be forced into a run-off.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected Namibias president and will be the countrys first female leader, results released by the countrys electoral commission show.

The 72-year-old won with 57 percent of the vote, according to official results declared on Tuesday by the electoral commission, flouting predictions that she might be forced into a run-off.

Keep reading

Namibia set for first female president as disputed election count advances

Namibia faces election chaos as voting extended after irregularities

Namibia elections 2024: Will ruling SWAPO finally be dethroned?

Worst drought in century devastates Southern Africa, millions at risk

The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability, Nandi-Ndaitwah said after being declared president-elect.

Her win cements her governing South West Africa Peoples Organisation (SWAPO) partys 34-year hold on power since independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990  a contested outcome.

Opposition parties have rejected the results after the election was marred by technical problems, including shortages of ballot papers and other issues, causing election officials to extend voting until Saturday. Long queues meant that some voters gave up on the first day of voting after waiting for up to 12 hours.

The opposition parties say the extension was illegal and have pledged to challenge the results in court.

The candidate for the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula, trailed Nandi-Ndaitwah with 25.5 percent of the vote, according to the commission.

The rule of law has been grossly violated and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate, Itula said on Saturday.

Nandi-Ndaitwah was promoted to vice president in February after President Hage Geingob died while in office.

While in power for decades, SWAPO has disenchanted young voters due to high youth unemployment rates and enduring inequalities.

She got her start in politics by taking part in the countrys underground independence movement in the 1970s. She returned from the UK to join parliament in 1990 and went on to serve as minister with several portfolios over the years.

To read the original story, please click HERE
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation celebrated the Class of 2024 graduates of their ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate) Leadership Program during a luncheon on Nov. 18 at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Billings. This was the ACE Leadership Program'...
The Valley County Hope Project Festival of Trees 20th annual fundraising event was held Nov. 22, at the Elks Lodge. With a prime rib dinner served with mashed potatoes, glazed squash and finished with an upside down spiced pear cake with caramel topp...
Jessica Scanlan, founder of Montana-based MineLife Media LLC, and graduate of Nashua School, has been named to Women in Mining UK's 2024 "100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining" (WIM100), selected from over 570 nominations worldwide. A Montana Tech...
The Montana Department of Commerce recently announced that 26 local safety agencies will share more than $1.4 million of grant funding to support tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas. The funding is through Commerces Montana Eme...
Gayle (Lindberg) Johnson, age 91, of Wolf Point, Mont., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

Gayle was born on July 3, 1933, to Guy and Ida Lindberg in Arnegard, N.D., where she spent her early childhood. The family moved to Glasgow, Mont., where she finished her schooling. She traveled to Morehead, Minn., to attend Concordia College and earned an associate's degree.

After returning to Montana, she met a handsome young man named Floyd C. Johnson. Gayle and Floyd were married July 19, 1958, in Glasgow. They moved to the airport addition in Wolf Point then had kids and Floyd worked on the family farm south of the Missouri River. Gayle raised her two young children, Celia and Larry, while working as the secretary at Frontier School. After the tragic loss of her two children, she was blessed with son Kendall almost three years to the day later. During this time, she concentrated on her business as a Shaklee product distributor.

Gayle was seen on a number of occasions flagging for Floyd as he performed aerial spraying. She also returned to work at Lorene's for a while. She enjoyed attending church, being involved with Bible study and singing in the choir. She took pride in being selected the Queen of Montana Flying Farmers.

She loved attending social events- including the coffee club! Gayle found a passion in hand making cards for people and giving them out on special occasions. Mom and Dad took many trips together from Canada to Mexico, Hawaii to Alaska and across the USA. Together with her beloved husband Floyd, they spent 66 wonderful years together in the Wolf Point area.

She is preceded in death by her children, Celia and Larry; sister Betty Driver (Bill); niece Debbie Gage; nephews Jay Johnson, and Leonard Johnson; parents Guy and Ida; and great nieces Amanda Lenox and Bobbi Jo Loberg.

She will be missed by her husband, Floyd; son Kendall; nieces Cheryl Lenox, Donna Loberg and Eilleen Wilcoxon; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church. A luncheon followed immediately after.
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Idaho National Guard trains with US, Indian special forces

By Mike Freeman, Idaho Army National Guard December 3, 2024

BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), along with partners from the Indian Army's Special Operations Forces and the Idaho National Guard's 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, participated in Exercise Vajra Prahar Nov. 2-22, 2024.

The exercise on Orchard Combat Training Center ranges and facilities enhanced relationships between the elite units, focusing on realistic training scenarios that challenge participants in complex environments.

The 124th ASOS provided the Indian soldiers with joint terminal attack controller and close air support instruction to enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. special operations forces.

"We helped build stronger relationships with the partner force by demonstrating the tactical air control party's commitment to their success and providing them with valuable training and resources," said Master Sgt. Douglas K. Brock, a JTAC with 124th ASOS. "In the end, the 124th ASOS showcased their ability to work with anyone, anywhere, at any time to achieve mission success by maintaining a high level of readiness while also building a foundation for future training and development opportunities."

Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise, now in its 15th year, and changes locations annually between U.S. and Indian training facilities to improve the special operators' ability to work together in a variety of terrain and climate conditions. It was the first time the exercise was in Idaho.

"The airspace and training facilities have been awesome at the OCTC," said a member of 1st SFG(A). "They've given us the ability to run CH-47 Chinook missions, live talk on JTAC training, conduct sniper training and make direct-action assaults on multiple urban objectives."

The realistic training environment and integration of skills from participating units fostered tactical improvements and stronger relationships among the partner-nation forces, according to the 1sgt SFG(A) Soldier.

"By engaging in this rigorous training, participants develop their skills, improve communication and foster a spirit of collaboration that is essential for successful operations in real-world situations," he said. "Working alongside our partners across the Indo-Pacific region increases security capacity and interoperability among our forces."

The OCTC is a 173,000-acre joint combined arms training site 18 miles south of Boise. It provides world-class training facilities for warfighters from all U.S. armed forces and partner nations.





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NATO Foreign Ministers discuss situation in Ukraine and the Middle East

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

03 Dec. 2024

Meeting in Brussels on Tuesday (December 3), NATO Foreign Ministers welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for a discussion on NATO's southern neighbourhood and how best to work together to address common challenges to security. Jordan is one of NATO's most important partners in the Middle East and this was the first time that King Abdullah II participated in a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that NATO will soon open a Liaison Office in Amman as an important step "in making our deep relationships in the region even stronger".

Ministers also met in the NATO-Ukraine Council with Minister Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine and the new EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Secretary General Rutte underscored how Ukraine has resisted Russian aggression, noting that the "situation on the battlefield is difficult, and we have to do everything we can to get more military aid into Ukraine". He said that Putin "is pressing on, trying to take more territory. Because he thinks he can break Ukraine's resolve and ours. But he is wrong". Mr. Rutte condemned Russia's recent launch of an experimental intermediate range ballistic missile and noted that deploying this capability "will neither change the course of the conflict nor deter NATO Allies from supporting Ukraine".

The Secretary General said that NATO Allies are stepping up with more military support for Ukraine, a new command to coordinate assistance and training, and a financial pledge of 40 billion euros as a minimum baseline for this year. He said that it is necessary now to make sure that military aid goes to Ukraine, so that if Ukraine decides to "enter into talks with the Russians one day, they will do this from a position of strength".

On Wednesday, NATO Foreign Ministers will address Russia's hostile actions in NATO countries, including acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and energy blackmail. In previewing the meeting during a press conference, the Secretary General said that "none of these actions will deter us from supporting Ukraine or making our own defences stronger".

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Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Attends the Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated: December 03, 2024 21:19

On December 2, 2024, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue attended the Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza in Cairo, Egypt. The conference was co-hosted by Egypt and the United Nations, with representatives from over 100 countries and regions, as well as international organizations, in attendance.

Zhai Jun said that China is deeply concerned and saddened by the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. To fundamentally alleviate the Gaza crisis, a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire must be realized. The immediate priority is to ensure rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The top priority is to support the United Nations in playing a greater role in the Palestinian question and to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in performing its duties. The fundamental guarantee is the effective implementation of international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Zhai Jun said that since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, China has provided emergency cash assistance respectively to the UNRWA and the Palestinian government, as well as multiple batches of humanitarian aid to Gaza through Egypt. China will work with the international community to contribute wisdom and strength to quell the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and push the Palestinian question back onto the right track of the two-State solution.

During the meeting, Special Envoy Zhai Jun also met separately with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin Sergey Vasilievich.

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China, Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea confrontation

A maritime confrontation occurred near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.12.03 -- The Philippines and China traded accusations about a maritime confrontation on Wednesday around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a day after Beijing submitted a chart of the feature's shore to the U.N. to bolster its claim over it.

Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc and in China as Huangyan Dao, is a triangular chain of reefs about 125 nautical miles (232 kilometers) from Luzon, the main Philippine island. Claimed by China, the Philippines and Taiwan, the shoal has been under Beijing's de-facto control since 2012.

China's Coast Guard said four Philippine ships had attempted to enter China's territorial waters around the shoal and had "dangerously approached" its "normal law enforcement patrol vessels," prompting an "exercised control" by the Chinese side over their counterparts, said a Chinese spokesperson, Liu Dejun, in a statement.

But the Philippines said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon and "sideswiped" a government vessel during a maritime patrol near the shore.

The Chinese ship "fired a water cannon ... aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas," said Philippine coast guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela in a statement.

The Chinese vessel then "intentionally sideswiped" the ship before launching a second water cannon attack, Tarriela added.

Video released by the Philippines appeared to show a China Coast Guard ship hitting the right side of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a fisheries department vessel, with the crew shouting "Collision! Collision!".

The latest confrontation between the two countries' vessels came a day after China "deposited" a statement regarding "baselines of the territorial sea" adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal to the U.N., calling it "legitimate measures" to defend its territorial sovereignty.

China announced last month the baselines of its territorial sea around Scarborough Shoal to strengthen its claim over the feature that lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the U.N. said on Monday that China was "fulfilling its obligations" under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

A baseline under the UNCLOS is a line that runs along the coast of a country or an island, from which the extent of the territorial sea and other maritime zones such as the exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf are measured.

In 2016, a U.N. arbitration tribunal rejected all of China's claims to reefs in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal. The tribunal also determined that the shoal is a rock rather than an island.

As a result, while the shoal may qualify for a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, it cannot establish an exclusive economic zone. Instead, it is recognized as part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Despite the international ruling that China's claim over the shore has no legal basis, it has deployed patrol boats that the Philippines says harass its vessels and prevent its fishermen from accessing a lagoon there.

Edited by RFA Staff.

BenarNews journalist Jason Gutierrez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this story.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Sudan: UN deplores deadly shelling on Zamzam camp

3 December 2024 - The United Nations has condemned deadly shelling on Zamzam camp, the largest site for internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Darfur region of Sudan.

On Tuesday, UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed her grave concern over humanitarian aid organizations reports that Zamzam camp came under fire and intense shelling during the evening of 1 December and again on 2 December.

"Civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be a target," she underscored.

According to humanitarian organizations, the shelling killed at least five people and injured 18, prompting the evacuation of a hospital and the suspension of healthcare operations in the camp, which is located near El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state.

Conditions at breaking point

Already grappling with a months-long siege, Zamzam camp, home to over half a million displaced people, has faced severe shortages of critical humanitarian supplies.

Food security experts confirmed famine conditions in August 2024, making Zamzam the only location globally where famine has been declared this year.

"It is now 232 days since the siege of El Fasher began, which has resulted in unacceptable levels of human suffering," said Ms. Nkweta-Salami.

The violence has further devastated civilian infrastructure, including health clinics and shelters, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Urgent call for action

The UN and humanitarian partners have strongly condemned these attacks on civilians and called for an immediate halt to violence.

"[Civilian] protection is paramount," said Ms. Nkweta-Salami.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has also urged all armed groups to consistently grant safe passage for food aid to reach the camp.

"We have the food. We have the trucks. We have the staff on board to ensure this aid gets there. Now, we need all warring parties and armed groups to allow this vital food and nutrition to arrive safely," stressed Alex Marianelli, WFP's Operations Deputy Country Director in Sudan.

With over 11 million people displaced across Sudan, including 5.8 million women and children, the escalating violence has deepened the world's largest displacement crisis.

The UN has renewed its calls for international attention and immediate action to address the ongoing suffering of Sudan's displaced communities.



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Force will not secure Middle East peace: UN General Assembly President

3 December 2024 - The President of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday emphasised that peace and security in Middle East cannot be achieved through force or occupation but only through dialogue, mutual recognition and a commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution based on international law.

Addressing the 193-member Assembly, President Philemon Yang reiterated the importance of the two-State solution, calling it the only path to lasting peace.

"After more than a year of war and suffering, the realization of this vision is more urgent than ever before," he said.

Mr. Yang added that the two-State solution, first envisioned in General Assembly resolution 181, adopted 77 years ago, remains out of reach.

He described the ongoing denial of Palestinian statehood as a perpetuator of violence and despair, while asserting that the two-State solution is both a political framework and a moral imperative.

"It ensures the right of Palestinians to self-determination while safeguarding Israel's long-term security," he said. "In this way, it offers both peoples the chance to live with equal rights and human dignity."

Lebanon ceasefire, a critical step

Turning to the broader region, he welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, following a year of hostilities that caused thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and massive displacement along the Blue Line.

He commended the efforts of those who brokered the agreement and urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and fully implement Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

"This ceasefire represents a critical step towards de-escalation and a return to stability," he noted.

"Civilians in the Middle East deserve better."

Urgent call for ceasefire in Gaza

Turning to the dire situation in Gaza, Mr. Yang called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

He highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict, with thousands of lives lost, millions displaced and civilian infrastructure reduced to ruins.

"It is urgent that we end this situation. It is in our hands and it cannot be postponed any longer.," he said, urging all parties to grant immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic conditions in Gaza.

Palestine: Failure to stop a genocide is not an option

In the ensuing debate on the agenda item, Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine said that the Palestinian people have been faced with incessant attempts at their destruction for over a year.

"Every single day, from the sunrise to sunset, from sunset to sunrise, has been a journey of struggle and survival, of pain and agony, of loss and death," he said. Israel has spared no means in its destruction of the Palestinian people.

The Question of Palestine has been on the UN agenda since the UN came into being and remains the most critical test to the very existence of an international law-based order.

"It is the question of a people denied the very rights that lie at the heart of the UN Charter," he said, adding that solidarity with the Palestinian people must be translated into this decisive action to uphold international law.

He said Israel's obvious plan, was to destroy and displace the people to annex the land.

"This illegal occupation must end," he stated. "Supremacist ideologies" must be defeated, and the vision of two States living side-by-side on the pre-1967 lines must be realized.

"Failure to stop a genocide is not an option," he said.

Israel: When will terrorists be held accountable?

Reut Shapir Ben Naftaly, Political Coordinator at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, said that in the upcoming week the Assembly will convene three meetings to discuss the Middle East and debate resolutions based on a "reckless disregard for the truth".

"In the wake of Hamas' 7 October massacre, now over more than a year ago, the UN's entrenched anti-Israeli bias has been laid bare for all to see."

Hamas' murder, rape, and torture of 1,200 people, and the kidnapping of 240 remain insufficiently addressed by the UN, she said, adding that instead, the General Assembly fixates on resolutions which are sponsored by Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Venezuela and the Syrian regime.

If these actors "were truly interested in bringing solutions to the war-torn region, they would abandon their obsessive efforts to delegitimize Israel", she said.

They would focus on how to bring upon the immediate release of all hostages, how to dismantle Hamas, how to stop looting of aid by Hamas terrorists, and how to stop hatred in the Palestinian education system.

"Hamas abuses UN funds to sustain their terrorist activities, a fact that goes unmentioned in the reports and resolutions debated this week in these halls," she added.

"Is it not time to hold Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations accountable for the blood they have spilled, for the lives they have destroyed?", she asked.

Another call for just and lasting peace

Later in the day, the General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution reiterating its call for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The resolution (A/79/L.23) passed with 157 votes in favour and 8 against (Argentina, Hungary, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the United States), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Czechia, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine, and Uruguay).

The resolution also called for an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the two-State solution with two states living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, based on pre-1967 lines.

In the resolution, the Assembly also laid the ground for a High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held in June 2025, in New York.

In addition, the Assembly adopted a second resolution concerning the UN Division for Palestinian Rights, which serves as the secretariat of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP).

This resolution (A/79/L.24) was adopted with 101 votes in favour, 27 against and 42 abstentions.





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Gaza: New evacuation order affects more than 2,000 in Khan Younis

3 December 2024 - More than 2,000 people have been impacted by a new Israeli evacuation order issued in Khan Younis governorate in Gaza, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported on Tuesday.

Monday's directive is the fourth such evacuation order for the area since July and covers about three square kilometres.

OCHA stressed once again that repeated evacuation orders - which are now in effect for about 80 per cent of the Gaza Strip - leave civilians exposed to the dangers of hostilities and deprived of access to essential services.

'Tightening siege' in the north

The agency noted that North Gaza governorate has been under a tightening siege for nearly two months, leaving between 65,000 and 75,000 people without regular access to food, water, electricity or reliable healthcare, as mass casualty incidents continue.

Meanwhile, aid partners report that the entire population of Gaza needs humanitarian assistance, including more than 58,000 people with disabilities who face further challenges in accessing food.

In the south, some people are skipping meals and searching through trash to find food, or resorting to desperate measures, including pushing relatives into early marriage or child labour.

Aid missions hampered

Despite the catastrophic situation, OCHA warned that humanitarian access continues to be obstructed.

"In November, out of 578 planned aid movements across Gaza that require coordination with Israeli authorities, 41 per cent were facilitated. More than a third were denied outright, and the rest were either impeded or cancelled due to security and logistical challenges.

OCHA reiterated that civilians must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need, adding "whether they move or whether they stay, they must have assistance and they must be protected - and those who flee must be allowed to return as soon as circumstances allow."



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Investments in Women, Peace and Security Agenda Vital 'for Preventing Conflict, Achieving Sustainable, Inclusive Peace', Senior Official Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9797th Meeting (AM)

SC/15917

3 December 2024



Amid an era of conflict and violence, the Security Council and the international community at large must include women and girl peacebuilders in discussions at the highest levels, engage with them at the local levels and provide adequate financial support to help ensure the success of their efforts, delegates heard today during the 15-member organ's briefing on intergenerational leadership on women, peace and security.

"Intergenerational dialogues are critical opportunities for building trust and articulating shared aspirations," said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, pointing to rising violence, growing geopolitical contestation and diversifying threats to peace and security. "Amid these crises, young women peacebuilders are demonstrating that a better world is possible," she underscored, spotlighting the brave efforts of Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, Greta Thunberg from Sweden and Ilwad Elman from Somalia in "bucking the status quo".

Stressing that "peace cannot be achieved through deals made by elites alone", she said the international community must embrace new approaches to cultivate a new generation of leaders  especially young women and girls  who are at the forefront of reshaping power structures and advancing peace. Facilitating dialogues, fostering inclusive peace processes and investing in young women's leadership are three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership, she emphasized.

Detailing the Organization's support for "multi-track efforts that promote peace from the bottom up", she pointed to, among others, the Peacebuilding Fund's support in Chad for local dialogue platforms that brought together youth associations with traditional authorities to peacefully resolve disputes and lead prevention campaigns, as well as the organization in Yemen by the Office of the Special Envoy for the Secretary-General of consultations for an inclusive peace process, which has framed the women, peace and security agenda as a broader community priority rather than just a women's issue. Recalling the "Common Pledge on women's participation in peace processes" launched by the Secretary-General earlier in 2024, she urged all stakeholders to join the UN in taking concrete actions to ensure women's participation in peace processes.

"Investments in women, peace and security agenda are not an option; they are a necessity for preventing conflict and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace," she underscored, urging the international community's more robust and consistent financial backing to ensure that young women peacebuilders' work flourishes. Noting that "young women around the world are envisioning and demanding a world of justice and peace", she declared: "Together, we must cultivate leadership from the ground up, placing young women and women's rights at the heart of our efforts."

Also briefing the Council, via videoconference, was Tahani Abbas, who said she is a human rights defender and peace advocate. Noting her decades' long work with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, "having fled from Khartoum on my own two feet as the war rained down around me", she said that women have been on the front lines of conflict response in creative and adaptive ways. Sudanese women "in the latest version of the war" in their country have created networks of resistance like emergency response rooms, where "humanitarian mechanisms" they designed provide medical services, daycares, communal kitchens and other services to women and girls throughout Sudan. When the war broke out, women who had participated in de-escalation and dialogue processes at the local levels prior to the war and had used their skills and capacities to mediate, negotiate and manage tensions and conflicts in their communities during the war, she added.

Stressing the importance of including women civilian expertise into "dialogue processes that affect their fate", she recalled the meeting of the ALPS [Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan] Group in Switzerland in August where she, "along with over a dozen of my Sudanese sisters [...] over half of them young", advised the Special Envoy and other members of the Group on priorities and solutions. They continue to inform the technical committees about needs and opportunities to support the Sudanese, she said, emphasizing: "Without this kind of participation at all levels of dialogue, we will not see the enduring peace that the Sudanese people desire and deserve."

She called on the Council to protect and support women on the front lines of conflict  both as victims and first responders  and to support women peacebuilders before, during and after crises, highlighting that the "Mothers of Peace" group in Blue Nile are among others that are engaged in influencing "rank-and-file" within warring parties. She further called on the Council to partner with and for young women in Sudan and ensure that youth perspectives are meaningfully included in dialogues at all levels around ending the war and building Sudan's future.

In the ensuing discussion, many speakers echoed the Under-Secretary-General's calls for inclusive peace and security processes that ensured women's participation and highlighted their respective Governments' efforts to this end.

The representative of the United States, who organized today's briefing as Council President for December, spoke in her national capacity to recall the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, 13 years ago, to three women  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee of Libera, and Tawakkol Karman of Yemen. Describing a photograph of the three, hand in hand, "soaking in their historic accomplishment", the oldest awardee in her seventies, and the youngest in her thirties, she underscored the need for both "hard-earned wisdom and a fresh perspective; a keen understanding of the past and unrelenting hope for the future" in tackling intractable challenges to peace and security. "Let us follow their example, and create more coalitions like that one, of emerging and experienced peacebuilders," she said, detailing her Government's work to that end.

The United Kingdom's delegate similarly spotlighted her Government's work with Afghan women leaders to discuss tangible steps to support women's inclusion in Afghanistan's future. Voicing alarm over the sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence, she stated that the Prime Minister's newly appointed Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ray Collins, will drive international action to tackle this issue. She also highlighted its support to the Peacebuilding Fund, and its $900,000 programme with the International Civil Society Action Network, through which it helped bring together over 40 women peacebuilders across generations to assess challenges and plan collective action.

Likewise, the representative of Switzerland, noting her delegation's work as co-chair, with Sierra Leone, of the Informal Expert Group [on women, peace and security], emphasized the need to interact with women on the ground, stating: "We have tried to promote this through a trip by members of the expert group to South Sudan and during this year's Council trip to Colombia." In October, her delegation facilitated a joint dialogue between the young peace ambassadors of the African Union and the ambassadors of the Security Council of the UN and of the African Union. Further, the Council must commit to increasing the number of women mediators and contributors  a point also made by Guyana's representative.

Malta's delegate, noting her delegation's work as coordinator of the Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security, said: "We stand firm in our belief that in its deliberations, this Council must keep the daily  and disproportionate  challenges that women peacebuilders face at the forefront of its considerations." Ecuador's representative pointed out that women can act as "probes", transmitting their knowledge and helping train new women leaders.

"Generation equality, not just gender equality, must be our goal", underscored Algeria's representative, stressing that youth, especially young women, bring energy and creativity that are essential to shaping sustainable peace efforts. He spotlighted his country's National Action Plan adopted in July 2023, and its strong focus on improving women's inclusion in decision-making processes, and the Higher Council for Youth established in 2021 to give younger generations a meaningful voice in shaping policy and peace initiatives.

The speaker for France urged support for civil society funds and organizations, noting his country's financial support to the Global Survivors Fund set up by Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege in 2019, and, through its Feminist Organization Support Fund, the disbursement of $250 million over the period 2023-2027. Women's participation in peace talks must be strengthened, and all peace agreements must include gender equality provisions, he added, noting his country's investment of more than $1 million over the last three years in training women officers and creating military gender advisers for peacekeeping operations.

Slovenia's representative pointed out that while women remain disproportionately affected by conflicts, specific needs and vulnerabilities of different age groups remain largely invisible due to gender- and age-based discrimination. She called for the inclusion of comprehensive gender analysis, including gender- and age-disaggregated data in all policy planning and implementation, which are crucial to addressing that gap. A survivor-centred response, which ensures access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, is also needed, she added, noting that survivors must be empowered by engaging them in designing the response.

The Republic of Korea's representative cited his country's experience in prioritizing women's education for empowerment, pointing out that its First National Constitution in 1948 guaranteed women access to education on equal terms with men; "something unimaginable" during the country's prior history. This measure led to a steep decrease in women's illiteracy, he stated, allowing Korean women to "serve as community leaders, peace advocates and economic drivers  roles critical to nation-building". Spotlighting its launch in 2024 of the "Action with Women and Peace Fund", his country's first contribution will support the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, focusing on Sudanese women's participation in peace processes, he said.

Japan's representative advocated for leveraging the Peacebuilding Commission's advisory role, noting that its convening power can bring together diverse actors, including civil society and women peacebuilders, to inform the Council's deliberations. Moreover, by requesting the Commission's inputs and advice, the Council can better incorporate the voices of these diverse actors and reflect upon cross-generational efforts and initiatives on the ground.

On that point, the Russian Federation's representative, questioning how the women, peace and security agenda is being implemented in the Arab-Israeli conflict, said that fostering intergenerational dialogue is a task for the Peacebuilding Commission, not the Security Council. While the UN should create equal conditions for the participation of women and men in peacekeeping processes, the most valuable contributions are made by women living in conflict-affected regions, he said, urging the Council to take a "practical" approach that considers cultural specificities and avoids "cookie-cutter approaches or the interest of donors and other external players".

"Without creating the conditions for women's security, the Council's discussions will be nothing more than empty platitudes for women who have suffered so much from war and conflict," underscored China's representative. Echoing Sierra Leone's delegate who cautioned against tokenism, he said the Council's discussions on women, peace and security issues should not be for the sake of political correctness or soundbites. Urging concrete and pragmatic measures, he once again called on his fellow Council members to stand united in upholding the authority of the organ's mechanisms and resolutions and support robust action to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Mozambique's delegate, highlighting the contributions of young women in his country's struggle against colonialism, said: "This legacy continues to inspire successive generations of women peacebuilders who are now working towards a brighter future for women's empowerment in Mozambique. Similarly cautioning against "lip service", he called for enhanced capacity-building measures, through mentorship programmes aimed at women peacebuilders, and financial support for women-led organizations.

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Army Aviation's future: 'Twice as far, twice as fast'

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service December 4, 2024

WASHINGTON -- The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, or FLRAA, will dramatically impact the reach of Army Air Assault and how combat casualties are moved off the battlefield and protected.

The FLRAA is a medium-lift, tilt-rotor aircraft that will augment or replace a portion of the UH-60 Black Hawk fleet. The Army intends for the aircraft to provide combat aviation brigades with long-range, high-speed utility capability with survivability in contested environments.

With enhanced speed and improved range, the Army wants FLRAA to take the mission twice as far, twice as fast, expanding the size of the battlefield and extending the reach of missions.

"We're watching the very nature of warfare change," said Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commanding general of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama. "The speed of technology is absolutely meteoric."

Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, said such swift change is needed because "we can't actually do the large-scale, long-range air assault today" with the speed and distance required in modern warfare.

"What we can do is, we can build the new techniques and the procedures, build the doctrine, build the structures, understand the sustainment in order to be able to do that with a faster, future aircraft," Sylvia said.

He said such a mission is defined as the ability to deliver one brigade combat team over 500 miles in one period of darkness, arriving behind enemy lines able to conduct sustained combat operations.

A recent exercise involved the 101st moving a combat team from Fort Campbell to Fort Johnson, Louisiana, a total of 575 miles. Making the move required establishing two mission support sites, six forward arming and refueling points, and positioning about 1,000 soldiers at those sites in advance for support and security, Sylvia said.

"It also took us three periods of darkness," he said.

However, he said simulations show that by using the FLRAA for such missions instead of the UH-60, the division could take the brigade combat team 575 miles in only one period of darkness.

Sylvia said it would also cut in half the sustainment and security that we need.

The FLRAA is intended to operate and dominate in the air-ground littoral, which is the airspace over areas where Army operations take place.

Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray, commanding general of the Army Medical Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, said the planned long-range rotor aircraft will make a huge difference for transporting and protecting casualties.

The FLRAA will allow the Army to more quickly clear the battlefield of casualties, which gives commanders freedom of movement, Murray said.

The new aircraft will move critically injured Soldiers faster, over longer distances, with less need to refuel.

Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, director for the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, said that FLRAA will positively impact survivability of warfighters through its extended range, ease of picking up and transferring patients, and the fact that the aircraft can communicate to the field hospital staff, allowing medical professionals to know what's coming before the aircraft arrives.

Baker also noted that FLRAA maintenance crews at the launch point will understand the health of the aircraft before it returns from a mission.

Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Program Executive Officer, Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, said the FLRAA program shows how the Army is now engaging in modern aircraft acquisition by going a little slower upfront, with the plan to move faster later.

"That means we've got model-based systems engineering. We've got standards and interfaces that are defined down to the individual component level," he said.

What that will enable Army Aviation to do in the future is to bring new capabilities forward more quickly, making updates and changes timelier, Phillips said.

The ways of doing Army acquisitions today are markedly different than what was seen in the past, and FLRAA is a great example of that, Phillips said.

"If you go back and look at the historical timelines for aviation acquisition, this is absolutely an accelerated approach, but it does not sacrifice the rigor in the major program acquisition," he said.

Phillips said Special Operations Command and allies have come on board early with FLRAA project agreements. The allies want to align their resources for when the U.S. starts exporting this machine in the 2030s, he said.

"This is a very transformational branch right now," Gill said. The FLRAA is one of the Army's signature modernization systems representing that change.



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Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on situation in Sudan

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

December 4, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

"Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and is gravely concerned by its widespread impact on civilians. There is an alarming escalation of violence in regions such as Darfur and Gezira, including horrific conflict-related sexual violence. We are appalled by reports of shelling near the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.

"We continue to call on all parties to end hostilities and to engage in mediation efforts to address the conflict, which is having an unimaginable impact on the people of Sudan and causing a humanitarian crisis.

"The scale of human suffering and gross human rights violations and abuses are unacceptable. Women and children have been particularly affected and are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Canada continues to be actively engaged in addressing the humanitarian needs on the ground. We will continue our work with neighbouring countries, as well as with relevant governments and the international community, to coordinate the response to this crisis and actively support the foundation of any future peace process, centred on the well-being of the Sudanese people.

"We will continue to promote the inclusion of Sudanese civilians and civil society organizations in political dialogue efforts. We take particular note of the leadership role Sudanese women have played in the political discourse of the country, and call for the protection of civilians, human rights defenders and women peacebuilders.

"We remain very concerned by the significant impacts on those in neighbouring countries who are already facing poverty, violence and food insecurity, and by the potential for broader destabilization in the region.

"Together with regional and international partners, Canada continues to urge all warring parties to ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This includes the protection of humanitarian workers as they risk their lives to deliver life-saving aid.

"We note with appreciation all efforts to allow humanitarian agencies to reach people in need with essential, life-saving support.

"The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Sudan, and consular services in Sudan are limited. The Embassy of Canada to Sudan, in Khartoum, has temporarily suspended in-person operations due to the ongoing security situation, with consular functions temporarily moved to the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa.

"Canada has moved political and programming functions to the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa. In addition to Canada's ambassador-designate to Sudan, Joshua Tabah, Canada has deployed two full-time resources to the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa dedicated to Sudan."

"Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:

by calling +1 613-996-8885

by text message at +1 613-686-3658

via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881

by Signal at +1 613-909-8087

by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca

"We urge all Canadians in Sudan to check travel.gc.ca regularly for updates and to sign up with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

"Canada will continue to engage diplomatically with its partners and stakeholders in support of the people in Sudan to ensure a more sustainable, peaceful and secure future."

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Canada's response to the crisis in Sudan

Global Affairs Canada

Backgrounder

Since the outset of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, Canada has been working with its regional and international partners to address the deteriorating situation. Canada has repeatedly called on the warring parties to end hostilities, agree to a permanent ceasefire and to engage in mediation efforts. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Development both travelled to the region immediately following the outset of the crisis to meet with their counterparts and to discuss the situation on the ground.

To this end, Canada has maintained a high level of diplomatic engagement on the crisis, at different levels and through different fora. Canadian ministers regularly raise the conflict in Sudan in bilateral engagements with countries in the region, as well as in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the G7.

Canada actively engages on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council, including through co-sponsoring the resolution in 2023 that created the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, which is mandated to document violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the interest of pursuing possible measures for accountability and ending impunity. In October 2024, Canada co-sponsored the renewal of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

On April 12, 2024, Canada introduced new autonomous sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the ongoing conflict. Canada imposed sanctions on 2 individuals and 4 entities for directly or indirectly undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan, as well as participating in human rights violations. The new autonomous regime also builds on multilateral sanctions related to Sudan, imposed by the UN Security Council in September 2004 and implemented in Canadian law under the United Nations Act, which include an arms embargo, among other prohibitions.

Canada firmly believes that the meaningful inclusion of civilian and civil society voices in mediation efforts is key to ensuring lasting peace. For this reason, Canada has increased its support to Sudanese civil society organizations, including women's rights organizations, to help bolster their capacity to engage in mediation efforts and to mitigate the impacts of the conflict. In August 2024, Jacqueline O'Neill, Canada's Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, supported U.S.-led efforts in Geneva, Switzerland, to include Sudanese women's voices in ceasefire discussions.

Canada announced in November $2 million to ensure Sudanese civil society organizations, women human rights defenders and peacebuilders have the capacity to meaningfully engage in mediation efforts. Given the ongoing conflict and the impact that it is having on Sudanese civilians, Canada also announced $1.5 million in funding to reduce conflict related violence experienced by civilians by strengthening community capacity in crisis response, conflict mitigation and psycho-social support, particularly women and girls in Darfur.

In addition to the funding announced in November, Canada announced earlier this year $132.2 million in international assistance funding, including $100.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding and $31.5 million in development assistance funding, to address urgent needs in Sudan and its neighbouring countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

In alignment with humanitarian response plans, Canada's largely flexible humanitarian assistance funding allows our partners to address new needs arising from the conflict, in areas such as emergency food and nutrition assistance, health and medical services, shelter, protection (including prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence) and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Together with regional and international partners, Canada continues to advocate for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with the obligations of all parties to the conflict under international humanitarian law.

Canada's approach to immigration is designed to support sustainable growth by balancing community needs, economic objectives, and humanitarian responsibilities. A key part of these responsibilities is Canada's long-standing commitment to protecting the world's most vulnerable, including people affected by the conflict in Sudan.

The Government of Canada acted quickly after violence erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, including by prioritizing applications from people in the region, and implementing a number of temporary immigration measures and a permanent, family reunification pathway to help people affected by the situation.

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Situation in Georgia: Secretary General exchanges views with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze

Council of Europe

Secretary General

Strasbourg

4 december 2024

Secretary General Alain Berset is closely following the current developments in Georgia. Over the past 24 hours, he spoke by phone with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. In light of the tense situation and on-going confrontations, the Secretary General expressed the Council of Europe's concerns about increased polarisation and political deadlock. He also called upon all relevant actors to refrain from further escalation. The Secretary General also stressed the importance of investigating the reported instances of excessive use of force by law enforcement during demonstrations.

As Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe, the Secretary General reiterated the organisation's role in exchanging views with all stakeholders and recalled the obligation to respect the Council of Europe's values and standards, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. This is in the interests of the Georgian people, the country as a whole and its stability.

The Secretary General highlighted his resolve to continue supporting Georgia in its European aspirations and to ensure its democratic security. He also expressed his readiness to pursue constructive dialogue with all relevant partners, including civil society, with a view to overcoming the current crisis.

The Council of Europe stands ready to continue supporting Georgia, including in the framework of its existing Action Plan, which will accompany the country on its European path. In this context, the Secretary General intends to visit Georgia soon.

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Commissioner for Human Rights: Georgian authorities must fulfil their obligation to uphold the right of peaceful assembly

Council of Europe

Commissioner for Human Rights

Strasbourg

4 december 2024

"I am following with serious concern the reports of disproportionate use of force by the police against predominantly peaceful demonstrators and journalists covering the ongoing protests in Georgia. The authorities must uphold their human rights obligations to respect freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and media freedom", said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty.

"I note that yesterday the Public Defender of Georgia stated that most of the 201 persons visited by his Office in recent days indicated that they had been ill-treated by police, including after their apprehension. Most had serious injuries to the face, eyes, and head, which indicates disproportionate use of force. The alert of 29 November on the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalists reported that at least 35 journalists and media workers had been subject to verbal and physical assaults and obstruction in their professional duties.

While acts of violence by some protesters have occurred, they do not justify excessive force by police. Concerning the reported widespread use of water cannons and pepper spray against peaceful demonstrators, I stress that force, if used, must be a last resort and must meet strict standards of necessity and proportionality. Dispersal should also only be used as a last resort, following appropriate de-escalation efforts. Peaceful demonstrators must retain their right to assemble freely.

I note that the Special Investigation Service has opened an investigation into the alleged actions of law enforcement officers exceeding their authority. It is important that all allegations of abuse and criminal acts by law enforcement officers be proactively investigated, and that all responsible are held to account. Furthermore, all law enforcement officers should wear or display proper forms of identification to facilitate the prosecution and sanctioning of perpetrators of abuse, as stipulated by applicable international human rights standards.

I ask the Georgian authorities to immediately release all those individuals who are detained for the legitimate exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully, and to fulfill their obligation to ensure that journalists can report on public assemblies freely and safely. I will continue to observe the situation closely and to raise these issues with the Georgian authorities".

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Afghanistan: Statement by the Spokesperson on latest restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls

European External Action Service (EEAS)

04.12.2024

Afghanistan

EEAS Press Team

The Taliban has ordered all private and public educational institutions in Afghanistan to suspend medical education for women and girls. This decision represents yet again another appalling violation of fundamental human rights and an unjustifiable attack on women's access to education in Afghanistan.

The European Union expresses its strong concerns over this decision and its far-reaching implication, including the deepening of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the exacerbation of the suffering of its people. Women's participation in education and in the workforce is not just a matter of equality  it is essential for the self-sufficiency, development, and prosperity of any nation.

We urge the Taliban to reverse this discriminatory policy and uphold their commitments under international law, including ensuring equal access to education and to basic healthcare for all Afghans.

The EU remains committed to supporting women and girls, and all those whose rights are persistently violated in Afghanistan.



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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Brussels: Union between Russia and North Korea needs to be broken

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

04.12.2024

At a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels yesterday and today, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna underlined that as Russia is intensifying hostilities and has brought in North Korean troops to fight on its side, allies must provide military assistance to Ukraine even more quickly and effectively.

"Estonia's vision is clear - Allies and partners must take their support to Ukraine to a level that would make it possible for Ukraine to win the war," Tsahkna said.

The foreign minister said the fact that North Korean troops are fighting only a few hundred metres from NATO's border has made it clear that Russia's aggression against Ukraine affects not only Europe but also the global power balance and security more broadly.

"The increasingly close cooperation between Russia and North Korea makes them both even more dangerous than before," Tsahkna underlined. "Our Allies and partners understand that this union needs to be broken not just for Ukraine, but for the security of the democratic Western world."

Speaking about Ukraine's path to NATO membership, Tsahkna said that Ukraine's accession was in the interest of Allies. "Grey areas must disappear from Europe because for Russia, they are just tempting targets for its next aggression," Tsahkna said. "NATO membership is the only truly functioning security guarantee and the best chance to ensure a lasting and just peace in Europe."

At a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Tsahkna recognised Ukraine for making notable progress despite extremely difficult circumstances with reforms that Ukraine needs to complete to join the Alliance.

The foreign ministers also discussed at length Russia's hostile actions on the territory of NATO Allies, and talked about reinforcing NATO's deterrence and defence posture, which centres on increasing defence spending.

The meeting of NATO Allies and the King of Jordan Abdullah II focused on the situation in the Middle East, and their meeting with the European Union's High Representative Kaja Kallas covered closer cooperation between the EU and NATO.

On the sidelines of the NATO ministerial meeting, separate meetings were held between NB6 foreign ministers (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden and Denmark) and the EU's High Representative Kaja Kallas; and between Nordic and Baltic ministers (NB8) and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The foreign minister had bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimovic, French Minister for European Union Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

Doorstep interviews of the foreign minister on the first day and the second day.

Photos of the ministerial meeting are available HERE and HERE.

From Brussels, Foreign Minister Tsahkna will travel to Qatar, where he is accompanied by a business delegation and where his meetings with members of the cabinet are aimed at boosting bilateral relations, advancing the opportunities of Estonian entrepreneurs on Gulf States markets, discussing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and talking about security in the Middle East.

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Strengthening Arctic Defense: Trilateral exercise tests fifth-generation air power

Norwegian, U.K. and U.S. forces conducted a multi-domain find, fix, track and target military exercise with fifth-generation aircraft Dec. 3 in the High North.

By U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany Dec 04, 2024

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Norwegian, U.K. and U.S. forces conducted a multi-domain find, fix, track and target military exercise with fifth-generation aircraft Dec. 3 in the High North.

The Norwegian-led trilateral exercise bolstered Arctic defense and enhanced NATO interoperability as integrated multi-domain assets worked together to drop live-weapons on targets.

The air assets included Norwegian F-35 Lightning IIs and P-8 Poseidon aircraft, U.K. F-35 Lightning IIs and Eurofighter Typhoons, a U.K. RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, and U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers, KC-135 Stratotankers, a U-2 Dragon Lady and F-35 Lightning IIs.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force, Army, Navy and Special Forces participated in the exercise.

"Multi-domain integration is essential for leveraging the full spectrum of capabilities," said Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander. "It creates a more adaptable, resilient and precise military force capable of addressing diverse and evolving threats across the battlespace."

A major objective of the exercise challenged participating Allied forces to work together to execute live-weapon drops in Norway on targets which simulated enemy positions. Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers directed the payloads onto targets from their positions on the ground.

"This training event demonstrates the ability of the Norwegian Armed Forces to integrate with and leverage cutting-edge capabilities provided by the U.K. and U.S. in multi-domain operations," said Brig. Gen. Tron Strand, commander of Joint Air Operations Center in Norway. "In addition, the event provides an opportunity to develop, exercise and integrate our air command and control capability, to include F2T2, with close Allies. Together we are a credible deterrent, and if required, we are ready to defend the Arctic region.

F2T2 is a military targeting method used to effectively identify, engage and neutralize targets in combat operations commonly associated with ISR and precision-strike missions. The trilateral exercise allowed for the seamless integration of the F-35 data-sharing capabilities, as pilots from all three nations exchanged real-time tactical information, creating a unified air picture and demonstrated the aircraft's ability to operate as a force multiplier.

Royal Air Force F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft collaborated with their U.S. and Norwegian counterparts to share data and overcome the simulated threat posed in this exercise. NATO air forces routinely exercise together over host nations or neighbouring international waters to integrate their tactics, techniques and procedures, and strengthen the alliance's ability to operate together if the need arises.

"Interoperability is vital to the defense of NATO's northern flank," said Group Captain Hannah Bishop, head of operational plans for the Royal Air Force. "This exercise has demonstrated important enduring strengths of our alliance: our ability to understand how each other operates, to share critical information quickly, and to work seamlessly with each other."

The Royal Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force also form part of the Joint Expeditionary Force which, along with eight other northern European countries, provides a pool of ready, adaptable forces that can rapidly respond together either at home or around the world.

A Voyager from RAF Brize Norton provided air-to-air refuelling in the Norwegian Sea, ensuring RAF aircraft did not have to land to refuel, allowing aircraft to stay airborne longer.

"The Arctic is a critical region for our collective security and global stability," Hecker said. "Training with our Norwegian and U.K. Allies in this environment demonstrates our shared commitment to defending NATO's northern flank and adapting to emerging threats. Fifth-generation platforms are pivotal to maintaining air superiority in contested spaces, and exercises like this showcase their unmatched capability."

(Editor's note: Norwegian Joint Headquarters, Air Command Headquarters and U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Public Affairs contributed to this article.)



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Baiba Braze at NATO ministerial meeting: deterring Russia and helping Ukraine - the key task for the Alliance

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

04.12.2024

NATO's long-term support to Ukraine, development of NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities, formulation, ahead of the Hague Summit (in June 2025), of a NATO strategic approach to constraining Russia, and engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood - those were key topics addressed at the Meeting of NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels, Belgium, on 3-4 December 2024.

"Our problem is Russia, and Russia will not stop all by itself. Russia's efforts to escalate hostilities against Ukraine, including through deployment of the North Korean forces as well as by daily activities of aggressive and destabilizing hybrid warfare against NATO Allies, demonstrate Russia's readiness for a long-term confrontation. We must use all the instruments at our disposal - military, diplomatic, economic, and others - to strategically and effectively limit its capacity to replenish its military capabilities and, in general, to threaten Euro-Atlantic security. Russia needs to be constrained and stopped," the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, underlined at the meeting.

The Minister also stated: "At the political level, there is an agreement among NATO Allies - Ukraine will be a member of NATO, the question is, when and under what conditions. Allies must provide all possible support to Ukraine - sooner and more than before, as Ukraine's success on the battlefield is closely linked to security in Europe and globally. Moreover, the situation in the Euro-Atlantic area clearly demonstrates that Europe needs to make further investment in strengthening its defence capabilities and energizing the European defence industry, including through innovations and technologies, and by investing in the protection of critical seabed infrastructure, especially in the Baltic Sea."

In meetings with international media ahead of the ministerial, Baiba Braze underlined that it is important not to let Russia's escalating activities instil a sense of fear or doubt - either in society or among NATO Allies - about the need to continue providing support to Ukraine: "To intimidate and cause panic in society, to influence governments, to cast doubt on decisions in support of Ukraine - this, too, is part of Russia's instruments of war. Strengthening national security institutions and their cooperation in the Allied framework is therefore essential, while security services must reach out to the public, explain the situation and Russian methods of warfare."

At the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council with participation of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, the Foreign Minister of Latvia underlined that the Allies should urgently supply Ukraine with missile defence systems to respond to Russia's further strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other strategic infrastructure facilities. Latvia is one most active supporters of Ukraine and is prepared to provide long-term military support to Ukraine by allocating 0.25% of GDP for this purpose until at least 2026. The Ministers also discussed the political, economic and security reforms implemented by Ukraine, which strengthen Ukraine's resilience and, at the same time, bring it closer to NATO membership.

The NATO-Ukraine Council meeting was also attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, with the aim of promoting closer and more coherent cooperation between NATO and the EU in providing support to Ukraine, as well as in ensuring that EU defence industry strategy meets the needs of NATO combat capabilities.

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Nation's tireless pursuit of peace wins acclaim

13:51, December 05, 2024 By Zhang Yunbi ( China Daily

In the eyes of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, China's adherence to peace, amity, and solidarity is deeply rooted in the nation's culture of thousands of years.

"In my own career, I have learned a lot from the teachings of ancient Chinese philosophers. One of my strong guiding principles is: 'A thousand friends are never enough, and even only one enemy is still too much'," Prabowo said at a reception during his state visit to China last month, drawing huge applause from the audience.

During his talks with President Xi Jinping on Nov 9, he thanked China for upholding fairness and justice on the Palestinian question, and said Indonesia supports the three major global initiatives proposed by Xi  the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Leaders, officials, and scholars have agreed, when assessing Beijing's major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, that China is a sincere, productive provider of peaceful solutions to hot spot issues and in global governance.

China has strived tirelessly for breakthroughs, using a range of innovative approaches, and is a keen supporter of true multilateralism, working consistently to make the voice of developing countries better heard regarding global justice, peace, and development, analysts said.

Among the clear evidence in this regard is Beijing's role in successfully mediating and facilitating the landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year.

"China, we have seen, is constantly pursuing different avenues to promote peace, to create dialogue among nations, to try to reduce tensions and sit everybody around the table. We saw this especially in the situation with the Middle East right now," said Nicaraguan Ambassador to China Michael Campbell.

"We are committed to working hand in hand with China as we seek to create more democratic international relations for the world," Campbell told China Daily.

He noted that in many situations, China advances cooperation among countries "to find solutions, and to focus on the real priorities of the world, addressing issues such as climate change, helping to eradicate poverty, and promoting development and prosperity for everyone".

Building on the momentum of its facilitation of the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China "has promoted de-escalation efforts and long-term peace" in the Middle East, according to an article published by British and Portuguese scholars in October at the website of the Georgetown (University) Journal of International Affairs.

Maria Papageorgiou, a China expert and researcher at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and Mohammad Eslami, an invited assistant professor at the University of Minho in Portugal, said that "China's most substantial engagement "in resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict came with the Beijing Declaration issued in July at the gathering of representatives of Fatah, Hamas, and other Palestinian factions.

"China's diplomatic support has also materialized in its organization of other states in seeking a long-term resolution to the conflict," the scholars wrote, noting that China presented a five-point proposal to the United Nations Security Council last year for establishing a comprehensive ceasefire to end the fighting in Gaza.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China and Brazil jointly proposed a six-point consensus for its political settlement. As of September, the proposal had received positive response from more than 110 countries, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Also in September, China, Brazil, and other Global South countries jointly launched the Friends for Peace group, which seeks a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, at UN headquarters in New York.

Wu Zhicheng, director and professor of the Institute of International Strategy at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance), said: "To safeguard multilateralism, justice should be served and double standards should not be practiced. Major countries, in particular, should play an exemplary role, shoulder greater responsibility, and fulfill their due role as major countries.

"It is important to enhance the representation of developing countries in the global governance system, and to make international organizations such as the United Nations better represent the interests of the vast number of developing countries," he added.

Keith Bennett, a London-based senior analyst on international relations and co-editor of the Friends of Socialist China platform, warned that "the challenges facing humanity are growing", such as climate change and pandemics, and "none of these issues now can be reasonably tackled and addressed without the active involvement of China".

To address such issues, China has come up with proposals, solutions, and theoretical frameworks, as summed up in the three global initiatives of President Xi, he said.

As a major country, China "is actually putting forward comprehensive and realistic proposals for addressing these issues in a way that is acceptable to the majority of countries in the world and certainly to the majority of the people of the countries in the world", he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Pioneers Future Combat Technologies at Keen Sword 2025

US Marine Corps News

4 Dec 2024 | Emily Carroll Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) is at the forefront of shaping future combat capabilities during Keen Sword 2025. Last month this biennial U.S.-Japan exercise provided MCWL a unique opportunity to advance its Campaign of Learning, showcasing cutting-edge technical demonstrations designed to elevate joint readiness, interoperability and adaptability across coalition forces.

MCWL's Campaign of Learning is central to its participation in KS25. The lab uses the exercise to implement advanced capabilities to refine operational tactics that align with the Joint Warfighting Concept. By assessing new and emerging technologies in real-world conditions, MCWL aims to optimize warfighting capabilities that will be critical for the U.S. and its allies to address emerging threats.

The primary goal of KS25 was to facilitate seamless joint operations between the U.S. Marine Corps, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other allied forces. MCWL's technical demonstrations this year place significant emphasis on achieving Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control - a capability that allows data to flow seamlessly across domains and platforms, providing real-time insights essential for decision-making in complex operational environments.

"Our ability to innovate, embrace, and operationalize rapid change continues to provide a competitive advantage in today's complex national security environment," said Colonel Michael J. Carroll, director, MCWL Experiment Division. "Technical demonstrations during KS25 aimed to create the conditions for follow-on experiments in both Service-level and Joint exercises to accelerate modernization and work toward better interoperability, agility, and resilience across the force."

Other capabilities evaluated included advanced networking tools that strengthen joint-force connectivity. This technology is essential for maintaining a combat-ready force capable of withstanding and adapting to rapidly changing conditions. The exercise also enabled MCWL to gather data on innovative logistical solutions, which will enhance the sustainment of U.S. forces operating in contested environments.

MCWL's technical demonstrations and assessments are integral steps in refining capabilities critical to the Marine Corps' modernization initiatives. By building upon previous exercise insights, MCWL strengthens the Joint Force's overall operational reach and resiliency.

Bi-lateral exercises like KS25 highlight the Marine Corps' ongoing commitment to deepening operational ties and enhancing security with Japan and other regional allies. By sharing best practices, coordinating field exercises, and synchronizing technological advancements, MCWL ensures that joint forces remain adaptable, synchronized, and prepared for a broad spectrum of scenarios.

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NATO Foreign Ministers chart way forward in addressing Russian sabotage

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

04 Dec. 2024

NATO Foreign Ministers wrapped up two days of meetings in Brussels on Wednesday (December 4) addressing Russia's escalating campaign of hostile actions in NATO countries.

At their meeting on Wednesday, Allies considered a set of measures to counter Russia's actions against NATO and individual Allies. Secretary General Mark Rutte said that "both Russia and China have tried to destabilise our countries and divide our societies with acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and energy blackmail". He noted that Ministers agreed a set of measures to counter Russia's hostile and cyber activities, including enhanced intelligence exchange, more exercises, better protection of critical infrastructure, improved cyber defence, and tougher action against Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil exporting ships. He further stressed that NATO "will work closely together with the EU on these issues". Mr. Rutte underscored that the increasing alignment of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran highlights the global nature of the threats we face, including the escalating dangers of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He noted that in return for troops and weapons, Russia is providing North Korea with support for its missile and nuclear programmes. "These developments could destabilise the Korean Peninsula and even threaten the United States. So Russia's illegal war in Ukraine threatens us all", he said.

During the two-day meeting NATO Allies also met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the importance of NATO cooperating even more closely with its partners in the region. The Secretary General thanked the King of Jordan for his personal leadership and support to the Alliance and noted that NATO will open a Liaison Office in Amman soon to further deepen these ties.

NATO Ministers also met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and with Kaja Kallas, the new EU High Representative, in the NATO-Ukraine Council. They discussed Ukraine's most urgent needs, as well as what more Allies can do to provide critical ammunition and air defences, as Russia steps up its attacks and expands the war with the aid of North Korean troops and weapons. Mr Rutte noted that continued support for Ukraine is a priority, ensuring that, when the time comes, Ukraine can negotiate peace from a position of strength. He further highlighted how NATO is delivering on its commitments, including through a financial pledge and the new command in Wiesbaden, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine. The Secretary General stressed that "we must do more than just keep Ukraine in the fight. We must provide enough support to change the trajectory of this conflict once and for all".

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NATO Secretary General discusses security in the Western Balkans with the President of Montenegro

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

04 Dec. 2024

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, met with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The Secretary General thanked Montenegro for promoting peace, stability and security in the Western Balkans and its contributions to NATO missions and operations. They discussed the importance of keeping NATO strong and stepping up support for Ukraine.

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A look at the Defence news 25 November - 1 December

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 04-12-2024 | 15:20

Last week, four Dutch F-35 fighter aircraft arrived at Amari air base in Estonia.

From there, they will be guarding NATO airspace on the eastern border of the NATO treaty area for the next four months. Between 90 and 150 military personnel are part of the air force detachment in the Baltic state.

Compensation for relatives of Srebrenica victims

Over 2,300 relatives of 612 victims of the Srebrenica genocide have received compensation from the State of the Netherlands. The Wortmann Committee judged that they had each been able to make a credible case regarding the presence of their relatives at the Dutchbat military base on 13 July 1995. Their relatives were subsequently killed by Bosnian Serb forces. A total of 25 million Euros in compensation has been paid in relation to the events at Srebrenica.

Another success for the navy in the Caribbean: 685 kilos of cocaine intercepted

HNLMS Holland recently intercepted a boat carrying 685 kilos of cocaine. The haul in the Caribbean dates from 8 November, but was only made public last week. It was the navy vessel's sixth drug haul since September.

Prestigious Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize awarded to the NLD armed forces

During a ceremony held in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands Chief of Defence General Onno Eichelsheim accepted the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize on behalf of the Netherlands armed forces. The Dutch military was awarded the peace prize for their participation in more than 80 peacekeeping missions around the world.

Recovery Service finds human remains in wreck of Spitfire

The RNLAF Recovery Service recently found a small amount of human remains during the recovery of a British Second World War Spitfire. It was established beyond doubt that the remains belong to the Belgian pilot of the aircraft, Henri Goldsmit.

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US condemns China's latest hostility vs. PH vessels in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

December 4, 2024, 5:11 pm Updated on December 4, 2024, 6:08 pm

MANILA -- The US government on Wednesday condemned China's latest harassment of Philippine vessels at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), labelling the act as "unlawful".

"The PRC's (People's Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk," US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X.

"We condemn these actions and stand with our likeminded friends, partners, allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it faced fresh Chinese hostility during a routine maritime patrol to support Filipinos fishing in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday morning.

At around 6:30 a.m., PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc.

It also "intentionally sideswiped" the same ship on its starboard side and shortly thereafter, at 6:55 a.m., it launched its second water cannon attack.

PCG vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua, likewise faced blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers from a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel and another Chinese Coast Guard ship while BRP Cabra was subjected to reckless maneuvers by a different CCG vessel.

Beijing lays sovereignty claims over the feature, which is located well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

The feature is at least 472 nautical miles away from the nearest coast of China.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito also condemned the CCG's aggressive actions.

Estrada described the incident as a "blatant violation of international law" and an assault on the nation's sovereignty.

He called for the matter to be elevated to an international body and urged the global community to denounce China's provocations.

"China should cease these hostile actions and engage in constructive dialogue," Estrada said.

Ejercito labeled the attack as "brazen bullying" and a direct challenge to the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He criticized the continued disregard for Filipino fishermen's livelihoods and the dignity of the nation.

He underscored the urgency of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program to ensure territorial integrity.

"We need a minimum credible defense posture to put an end to these abuses," Ejercito said. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)

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PH vessels harassed anew in Bajo de Masinloc

Philippine News Agency

December 4, 2024, 1:14 pm

MANILA -- A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel fired water cannons yet again at a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship during a routine patrol near Bajo de Masinloc Wednesday.

China's actions are "not standard law enforcement" but rather acts of "unlawful aggression", PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, posted on X.

"At around 6:30 AM, CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), aiming directly at the vessel's navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc," Tarriela narrated.

Following the initial attack, a CCG vessel "intentionally sideswiped" the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side and launched another water cannon assault, Tarriela said.

"The PCG and BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels are legitimately patrolling our waters, while it is China that is encroaching upon them and militarizing the area by deploying PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy vessels to shadow PCG operations," Tarriela added.

Other PCG vessels, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, "faced blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers from PLA Navy vessel 500 and CCG 503. Additionally, BRP Cabra was subjected to reckless maneuvers by CCG 3104 at a distance of 300 yards," Tarriela said.

The vessels are on routine maritime patrol to support Filipino fishers in the area.

"The People's Republic of China has no jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc, which is classified as a rock under the 2016 Arbitral Award and Article 121 of UNCLOS. The Philippines has sovereignty over it, including its territorial sea. The waters beyond Bajo de Masinloc's 12-nautical-mile territorial sea fall within the Philippine EEZ (exclusive economic zone) measured from Luzon's baseline," Tarriela said.

The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to protect Filipino fishers and safeguard the Philippines' jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. (Heidi Lacambra, OJT/PNA)

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Modernization boosts military capability to detect 'surface contacts'

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 4, 2024, 11:06 am

MANILA -- The ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program has boosted the military's capability to detect and track "surface tracks or contacts", referring to conventional ships or vessels.

"Yes, for sure these are results of our modernization. Although I could not say specifically when we started having that capability," Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday afternoon.

"Suffice it to say with the pronouncement of the President that we are shifting from internal security to external defense. Amplified by this guidance to execute a comprehensive archipelagic defense posture, we have now oriented our monitoring towards our EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," he added.

He made this remark when asked whether the military's modernization played a part in the detection of the Russian attack submarine in Occidental Mindoro waters last Nov. 28.

The Russian submarine was spotted by the Western Command using its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Trinidad said the AFP has been able to "monitor almost 13,000 maritime traffic or ships within our EEZ for the month of November", including the Russian submarine and around 58 People's Liberation Army Navy and China Coast Guard vessels.

"This also means that we have greater capabilities to monitor surface assets or surface tracks or contacts than what we have to detect underwater contacts. Our underwater, undersea warfare capability is still modest. It is still (an) ongoing development," Trinidad said. (PNA)

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Explosion during training exercise kills 12 Vietnamese soldiers: state media

Top generals and government officials attended Sunday's opening ceremony of the 4-day military drills.

By RFA Vietnamese 2024.12.04 -- An explosion killed 12 Vietnamese soldiers during a training exercise at a military shooting range in southern Vietnam, state media reported on Wednesday.

The blast took place on Monday as soldiers transported explosives amid heavy rain and thunder in the 7th Military Region in Dong Nai province, according to the official Vietnam News Agency.

Initial findings indicate that lightning struck an electric detonator, causing it to detonate the explosives, the agency reported.

Authorities have found most of the victims' bodies and were continuing a search on Wednesday, the report said.

"This tragedy represents an immeasurable loss for the unit, families, and comrades," the military was quoted by the agency as saying.

State media reported on the incident on Wednesday evening after news of the explosion had already spread on social media.

On Wednesday, the YouTube channel of the People's Army Newspaper was still featuring a report on the opening ceremony of the military exercise, which took place on Sunday and was attended by Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang.

Giang oversaw and delivered the opening speech at the ceremony. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong, the chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and the country's vice minister of defense, was also present.

Also in attendance were leaders of general departments and agencies of the Ministry of National Defense as well as representatives from other military regions, military branches and academies, the newspaper reported on Monday.

The exercise was conducted to test combat readiness and practice defensive operations, the newspaper reported.

Edited by Matt Reed.

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U.S. Urges 'Dignity' After Georgian Protests Marred By Police Brutality

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 04, 2024

TBILISI -- The United States has urged the Georgian government to treat protesters with dignity after several days of a brutal crackdown in Tbilisi and accusation of excessive use of force and even torture by riot police.

Early on December 4 security forces again used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters taking part in the sixth consecutive night of protests in the Georgian capital triggered by the ruling Georgian Dream party's announced that it would halt accession talks with the European Union.

The U.S. Embassy to Georgia posted a laconic message on its Facebook page on December 4, reading only three words: "Leadership with dignity?"

The U.S. message came a day after a similarly curt sentence told the Georgian government "Don't blame others" in a post on Facebook, noting it was Georgian Dream that stopped the EU membership process and the party was to blame for a decision by Washington to halt a strategic partnership between the two countries.

On December 4, demonstrators moved from the central Rustaveli Avenue to a nearby subway station after security forces blocked their access to the parliament building and arrested several protesters.

Later in the day, law enforcement authorities conducted raids on the offices of several Georgian opposition parties. Offices targeted include those of the United National Movement and the Coalition for Change.

Notably, Nika Gvaramia, founder of the Mtavari television network and leader of the opposition party Akhali under the Coalition for Change, was detained by police near the offices of allied parties Girchi -- More Freedom and Droa following searches at those locations.

Gvaramia's lawyer, Dito Sadzaglishvili, said on Georgian television that during the arrest the policemen hit him repeatedly in the stomach, resulting in Gvaramia losing his breath for a few seconds.

Sadzaglishvili also said that Gvaramia learned that he was arrested for petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a police officer's order by eavesdropping on the conversation of the police. These are commonly used administrative offenses. Sadzaglishvili said a hearing should take place within 48 hours.

Another prominent member of the Coalition for Change, activist Gela Khasaia, was also taken into custody during the police operation.

The crackdown extended beyond party offices. Law enforcement entered the home of Ilia Glonti, administrator of the Facebook platform Daitove. The platform is known for facilitating the coordination of protest activities, where organizers and participants share logistical details and updates about rallies.

Despite the growing protests, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has refused to back down and threatened to punish political opponents, whom he accuses of being behind violence that has occurred at the protests.

Security forces started dispersing demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building after the Interior Ministry said some of them had insulted law enforcement officers and thrown various blunt objects, fireworks, and inflammable items in their direction.

Three influential U.S. senators -- U.S. Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Ben Cardin (Democrat-Maryland), Roger Wicker (Republican- Mississippi), and John Cornyn (Republican-Texas) issued a joint statement in support of the Georgian protesters and condemning the excessive use of violence by the government.

"The Georgian Dream's move to abandon European Union membership negotiations is a profound betrayal of the Georgian people's clear and overwhelming desire to embrace European values and institutions," the three senators said in their statement.

"This is not the conduct of a government committed to democratic reforms and pluralism but of an insecure regime dragging Georgia toward Russian-style autocracy. These actions flagrantly violate international democratic norms and undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Georgian people," the statement said, adding, "We strongly condemn the violence unleashed against peaceful protesters - tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, beatings, and mass arrests have no place on the streets of Tbilisi."

Georgia's ombudsman accused police of torturing pro-EU protesters.

Levan Ioseliani, whose role is to defend citizens' rights, said he and his officials had met people subjected to "the harshest treatment" by police.

"In most cases, they have received serious injuries in the face, eye and head area, which practically excludes even the possibility that the police used the necessary, proportional force against them every time," he said in a statement.

Protesters have described to RFE/RL the brutality employed by security forces against them.

"They were hitting us in the head," protester Salome Zandukeli said, describing how she and a friend had been chased on the night of December 2 by some 25 riot police into a building in downtown Tbilisi before taking refuge in a cafe.

Activist Gia Jvarsheishvili told RFE/RL that he was thrown to the ground by charging officers and beaten before being shoved into a police van where police pushed detainees to the floor and began stomping on them.

"Suddenly, I was in unbearable pain and I realized that I had been injured. I didn't know it then, but I had a broken rib," Jvarsheishvili said.

Georgia's pro-European president, Salome Zurabishvili, who has sided with the demnstrators, said on X that many of the arrested protesters had injuries to their heads and faces. Some people were subjected to systematic beatings between arrest and transportation to detention facilities, she added.

Georgia has been thrown into turmoil since parliamentary elections in October in which Georgian Dream secured 54 percent of the vote. The opposition and Western governments argued that the poll was marred by violations and Russian influence.

Kobakhidze has blamed the unrest on foreign "instructors" and tried to explain the decision to halt EU accession talks through 2028 by saying Georgia is ready for the talks, "but only with dignity and justice and without blackmail."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the crackdown on protesters and accused the country's leaders of "pushing the country into obvious dependence on Russia."

When the Georgian government receives praise from Moscow "it clearly shows who they are working for in Tbilisi and who the protests are being dispersed for," Zelenskiy said in his evening address.

He added that Ukraine was working with European countries on a response and he has "given the order to prepare appropriate sanctions resolutions."

A majority of Georgians support EU membership, and efforts to join the bloc are mandated in the Georgian Constitution.

Georgia received EU candidate status in December 2023 but relations with Brussels have soured in recent months, beginning with the adoption of a Russian-style "foreign agent" law, which critics say threatens media outlets and civil society groups. accusing them of "serving" outside powers.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-sixth-night-protests- police-brutality-tbilisi-eu-standoff/33226160.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.

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Declassified Documents Show Romanian Elections Targeted By 'Aggressive Hybrid Russian Action'

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 04, 2024

Documents declassified by Romania's security council on December 4 said the country was the target of an "aggressive hybrid Russian action" during recent election campaigns, including last month's surprise victory of a pro-Russian far-right candidate.

The Supreme Council of National Defense declassified the documents, saying they showed that Romania was the target of various coordinated actions leading up to the presidential election's November 24 first round, won by Calin Georgescu.

Voters in the EU and NATO member state will decide the winner of the presidential election in a runoff on December 8 that pits Georgescu against pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi.

It had already been reported that TikTok was used to generate support for Georgescu and connect him to a Romanian audience in the millions. But the declassified documents show that Romania's intelligence service believes that Georgescu was massively promoted on TikTok with backing from Russia through multiple methods, including coordinated accounts, algorithms to boost his presence on the platform, and paid promotion.

The documents help explain how Georgescu's popularity increased from 1 percent shortly before the race to 22 percent artificially, through a vast operation of manipulation that involved influencers and ensnared Romanian institutions as well as ordinary voters.

Some 25,000 TikTok accounts allegedly used to increase Georgescu's popularity "became very active two weeks before the date of the elections," according to the declassified documents.

About 800 of these accounts had extremely low activity until November 11. From that date onward "the entire network was activated at full capacity," according to the documents.

The intelligence service documents also show that influencers on TikTok were recruited to promote Georgescu directly by publicly supporting him and indirectly through neutral messages that contained labels associated with him.

Another method used to promote the independent candidate involved the creation of accounts that falsely represented institutions of the Romanian state.

Dozens of TikTok accounts were found that falsely used the intelligence service's logo and the title Anti-Terrorist Brigade (BAT), each displaying thousands of followers and over 100,000 likes.

These fake accounts had supportive posts for Georgescu, presenting the false notion that these state institutions supported him.

In addition, Georgescu's posts were not marked as belonging to a candidate, and this favored their mass dissemination. Other candidates whose posts were labeled as belonging to a candidate had a diminished online presence.

Romania's intelligence services hinted that large sums of money would have been spent in the operation. Georgescu, according to information revealed in the declassified documents, declared to Romanian electoral authorities that he spent nothing on his campaign.

The intelligence service linked the operation to Russia by noting that access data for official Romanian election websites was published on Russian cybercrime platforms. The access data was probably procured by targeting legitimate users or by exploiting the legitimate training server, the intelligence service said.

It added that it had identified more than 85,000 cyberattacks that aimed to exploit system vulnerabilities.

"The attacks continued intensively including on election day and the night after elections," the agency said in one of the declassified document.

"The operating mode and the amplitude of the campaign leads us to conclude the attacker has considerable resources specific to an attacking state."

Russia has denied any interference in Romania's elections.

TikTok confirmed the deletion of electoral propaganda materials two days after the request of the Central Electoral Bureau, but it did not delete the electoral content as requested by the Permanent Electoral Authority, and it continued to be available to the public even after the end of the election campaign, including on election day, in violation of Romanian election law.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romania-russia-election- interference-tiktok/33227010.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.

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'Foreign Agents' Bill Puts Serbia's EU Aspirations Under Question

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service December 04, 2024

Serbian lawmakers have begun deliberating a bill submitted to parliament that would establish a "foreign agents" registry, a move that may alienate Serbia from its EU ambitions.

Initiated by members of the Movement of Socialists, led by pro-Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, the bill aims to regulate organizations and individuals receiving more than 50 percent of their funding from foreign sources.

Supporters of the law argue that it aims to ensure greater transparency in the NGO sector. They claim that some foreign-funded organizations work against Serbia's national interests.

However, critics -- both within Serbia and internationally -- warn that such a law could stigmatize civil society organizations, hinder their operations, and limit freedom of expression.

"This draft law poses a serious and direct threat to civil society organizations, jeopardizing their role in safeguarding democratic values, human rights, and European integration," the EU's Economic and Social Committee said in a statement.

"As with similar initiatives in other candidate countries, such as in the case of Georgia, the EESC reiterates that such legislation is incompatible with the fundamental values of the European Union, which Serbia, as an EU candidate country, is expected to uphold."

The regional trend toward adopting such laws, legislation that mirrors Russian law and is often driven by pro-Russian political forces, highlights a broader geopolitical struggle in the Balkans.

Several countries in the region find themselves in a situation where they try to balance historic ties with Russia and their aspirations for European integration.

Serbia, alongside Montenegro, is considered a front-runner in the EU accession process. However, to achieve membership, candidate countries must harmonize their laws, policies, institutions, and practices with EU standards.

Any legislation perceived as suppressing civil liberties, the EU has said, could jeopardize this progress.

In Montenegro, a comparable draft law was introduced in October by the coalition For the Future of Montenegro, which includes pro-Russian parties such as the New Serbian Democracy and the Democratic People's Party.

The bill in Serbia is also steeped in further controversy because of its origins.

Deputy Prime Minister Vulin, a staunch ally of Russia, has positioned the bill as a transparency measure, comparing it to the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). However, Serbian opposition figures and international observers argue that the draft law more closely resembles the restrictive legislation seen in Russia.

Vulin's close ties to Moscow -- underscored by frequent visits and his role in coordinating Serbia's BRICS-related activities -- have drawn international attention.

In 2023, he was placed under U.S. sanctions for allegedly facilitating Russian activities in the Balkans. Critics view the proposed law as aligning with Moscow's pattern to muzzle independent civil society organizations and limit dissent.

With reporting by Kommersant

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-foreign- agents-eu-russia/33226321.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.

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Pashinian Suggests Armenian Rift With Russia Widening

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service December 04, 2024

YEREVAN -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian declared on December 4 in parliament that Yerevan had effectively passed the "point of no return" regarding its reintegration into a Russian-led military alliance.

His remarks came in response to recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who argued that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) could not intervene in the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh because it did not occur on Armenian territory.

"With all due respect to the Russian president, this statement highlights the fundamental issues within the CSTO," Pashinian said. His comments underscored the growing tensions between Armenia and the CSTO, marking a pivotal shift in the region's security dynamics.

The relationship between Armenia and the CSTO has been strained for some time, particularly since the 2022 incursion by Azerbaijani forces into Armenia's sovereign territory.

Yerevan accused the CSTO of failing to uphold its commitment to defend a member state, even as Armenia flagged the imminent threat to its allies. According to Pashinian, initial assurances from CSTO allies that Armenia's borders were a "red line" were later dismissed as ambiguous claims of undefined boundaries.

"When the aggression occurred, we said that the red line had been crossed. They responded by saying, 'Well, the border isn't officially delimited,'" Pashinian said, stressing the lack of a clear response from the alliance.

Armenian authorities have also criticized Russian peacekeepers for failing to prevent Azerbaijan's rapid offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, which ultimately resulted in Azerbaijan regaining control over the region after nearly three decades of ethnic Armenian rule.

This lack of action led to Yerevan's decision to freeze its participation in CSTO activities. Armenia did not attend the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting on November 28 in Kazakhstan and has skipped joint military exercises and other meetings. However, it has stopped short of officially withdrawing from the organization.

Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are also CSTO member states.

CSTO Secretary-General Imanghali Tasmaghambetov of Kazakhstan has downplayed Armenia's absence, stating that it does not affect the alliance's overall efficiency.

He reiterated on December 4 that Armenia remained a formal ally and that all CSTO commitments to Armenia were intact. Tasmaghambetov also emphasized that Armenia could resume full participation at any time, noting that there are no objections or obstacles from other member states.

Despite these reassurances, Armenia's criticisms of the CSTO's inaction in the face of Azerbaijani military moves have fueled a broader debate about the alliance's reliability. Many in Armenia see the CSTO's hesitancy as a sign of its weakening relevance in addressing the region's security challenges.

The deepening divide between Armenia and the CSTO also reflects a broader realignment in Yerevan's foreign policy. Armenia's growing criticism of the CSTO and its strategic turn toward other international partners suggest a waning dependence on Russian-led security structures.

This shift is particularly significant as regional powers, including Turkey and Azerbaijan, assert greater influence in the South Caucasus.

While Armenia has not formally initiated the process of leaving the CSTO, Pashinian's remarks signal that such a move may not be far off. The longer Yerevan remains at odds with the alliance, the more its security policies are likely to diverge from the CSTO framework.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pashinian- parlaiment-statement-armenia-rift-russia-csto-tasmaghambetov/33226765.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.

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Police Secure Area After Mystery Drone Crash Near Tajik Capital

By Merhat Sharipzhan and RFE/RL's Tajik Service December 04, 2024

Police and security officials have cordoned off a large area near Dusanbe after a drone resembling a military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed in a nearby town in an area where there are both Tajik and Russian military bases.

Officials have not given any details on the drone, which went down on December 3 in the town of Sharora, just 5 kilometers from Tajikistan's capital.

Eyewitness footage from the site, obtained exclusively by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, indicated that the drone struck a utility pole before crashing to the ground. The video shows flames at the crash site, which was quickly cordoned off by police and military personnel.

The incident occurred near a residential area, but no injuries or damage to homes was reported, according to local residents.

Tajikistan's Defense Ministry did not respond to RFE/RL's attempts to get comments from its representatives.

The crash site is located near significant military facilities, raising questions about the drone's origin and purpose.

The Aini Military Airbase, controlled by the Defense Ministry, is situated just outside Dushanbe. A Russian military base, part of the 201st Military Division, is also nearby. Both facilities play strategic roles in the regional security infrastructure.

Given the size and apparent military design of the drone, some analysts have speculated whether it could also have been a UAV from a third country.

Tajikistan has increasingly relied on drone technology in recent years, acquiring UAVs from various sources, including Turkey and China. The presence of advanced drone technology also highlights the increasing militarization of Central Asia, as nations modernize their arsenals.

The Russian military base nearby, which accounts for Moscow's largest military presence outside of Russia, also regularly conducts drone operations as part of its regional activities.

The region around Dushanbe, including the Hisor district where Sharora is located, is critical to Tajikistan's national security.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/dushanbe-drone-crash- military-uav-incident-december-2024/33226383.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.

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UK to push Allies to increase support for Ukraine and defence spending at NATO

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will attend the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Brussels.

4 December 2024

NATO Allies will be urged to bolster support for Ukraine at the Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels

UK will underscore its commitment to 2.5% defence spending

push will include calls for greater spending on defence capabilities

The UK will call on all NATO Allies to ramp up their support for Ukraine during the Foreign Secretary's first NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Brussels today. As Ukraine endures a third winter since Russia's full-scale invasion, he will call on Allies to boost their military assistance and ensure Ukraine continues on its irreversible path to NATO membership.

The visit reaffirms the UK's unshakable commitment to NATO, and our mission to delivering stability and security to enable a more prosperous future for our country. Investing in our collective defence is vital to supporting opportunity and prosperity in the UK - securing supply chains, protecting energy security and underpinning the conditions for continued growth at home.

During his intervention at the North Atlantic Council, the Foreign Secretary will reiterate the vital importance of NATO as the foundation of UK and Euro-Atlantic security, which supports the conditions for our economic security and growth including through the UK's own defence industry.

He will also call on Allies to deter cooperation between Russia and its key enablers. Russia has increasing third-party support which must be met with a robust and decisive response from NATO Allies, with the deployment of DPRK forces to Kursk, and Iranian transfers of ballistic missiles to Russia.

We will make clear that failing to increase Euro-Atlantic support, will embolden an increasingly aggressive Putin, and force Allies to invest far more in the future. The UK has provided 12.8 billion of support to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion and has committed to providing 3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes, with some of the UK's leading defence companies further helping to strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

The Foreign Secretary will also reiterate the Alliance's concerns about China's role in enabling Russia's invasion through its exports to the Russian defence industry.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Investment in Ukraine's security is investment in Euro-Atlantic and global security. 99% of military support to Ukraine has been from NATO Allies. This support is critical to enabling Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression, and the UK and Allies must double down on our efforts to ensure Ukraine prevails. This government has been clear that Europe must do more together now by increasing defence spending. This is a strategic imperative for our whole continent and it is why the UK is committed to 2.5% as soon as possible.

At the Foreign Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Secretary will meet key Allies, including the Finnish, Danish and Turkish foreign ministers. He will discuss a range of matters, including the need to boost defence spending, helping to strengthen both the UK and Ukraine's defence industrial bases and support investment in further military capabilities.

Minister of State for Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, attended the first day of the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting, where he advocated for continued support for Ukraine and attended the NATO-Ukraine Council working dinner. He also met with HM King Abdullah II of Jordan alongside Allies to discuss Jordan's vital role as a NATO partner, and the wider security picture in the Middle East.

The Foreign Secretary will travel on to Malta on Wednesday evening for a working dinner at the OSCE Foreign Ministerial meeting where he will further reiterate the importance of doubling down on support to Ukraine.

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Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on reported restrictions on Afghan women's education in medical faculties

UNICEF

04 December 2024

NEW YORK, 4 December 2024 - "I am deeply alarmed by reports that the de facto authorities in Afghanistan plan to ban women from studying in medical faculties, including fields critical to the health of women and children such as nursing, midwifery, and gynaecology.

"UNICEF is still determining the veracity of these differing accounts and welcomes efforts to address the issue. If confirmed, this ban is expected to immediately halt the medical education of thousands of women and jeopardize women and girls' access to health care.

"If implemented, this would be another devastating blow to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, continuing a trend of exclusion and denial of opportunities for half of the country's population. It would not only further limit the ability of women to contribute to society and earn an income but would also have far-reaching consequences for the health of the entire Afghan population. Lives would be lost.

"Afghanistan is already facing a desperate shortage of trained health workers, especially women. Female health professionals play a vital role in ensuring that women receive adequate maternal care, that children are vaccinated, and that communities have access to essential health services.

"Without female providers, women are less likely to seek antenatal care during pregnancy and less likely to deliver their babies safely and in clinics. In a country where women and children depend on female health professionals for culturally sensitive care, cutting the pipeline of future health providers would put lives at risk.

"UNICEF calls on the de facto authorities to continue to allow women to pursue medical education. The future of Afghanistan's health care system depends on the full participation of male and female medical professionals."

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UNICEF appeals for US$9.9 billion in humanitarian funding to support children affected by conflict and crisis in increasingly volatile world

UNICEF

Funding will support emergency programmes targeting 109 million children globally

04 December 2024

GENEVA/NEW YORK, 5 December 2024 -- UNICEF launched a US$ 9.9 billion funding appeal today to reach 109 million children across 146 countries with lifesaving aid in 2025.

The funds will be utilized in UNICEF's humanitarian response to multiple conflicts, climate shocks, displacement, and health crises expected next year.

Around the world, 213 million children are at the sharp end of unpredictable and volatile humanitarian emergencies. With 109 million children targeted by UNICEF for humanitarian assistance in 2025, donor funding is critical to ensure the response is timely, effective, and sufficient.

"The scale of children's humanitarian needs is at a historically high level, with more children impacted every day," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Looking ahead to 2025, we estimate that 213 million children in 146 countries and territories will need humanitarian assistance over the course of the year - a staggeringly high number. It is UNICEF's mandate to reach each of these children with the essential services and supplies they need, and to ensure that their rights are protected and upheld - a mandate that has guided our work for the past 78 years."

Additionally, in 2024, more than 57.5 million children were born into countries affected by conflict or other humanitarian crises where UNICEF has an emergency appeal. That figure is expected to rise by at least 400,000 in 2025.

The US$9.9billion appeal for 2025 highlights the pressing need to tackle a growing array of humanitarian challenges confronting children in 146 countries.

As part of its Humanitarian Action for Children, which sets out the agency's 2025 appeal, UNICEF plans to reach:

56.9 million children and women accessing primary healthcare in UNICEF-supported facilities

34 million children 6-59 months screened for wasting

20.6 million children, adolescents and caregivers accessing community-based mental health and psychosocial support

11. 1 million women, girls and boys accessing gender-based violence risk mitigation, prevention, and/or response interventions

24 million children accessing formal or non-formal education, including early learning

55.3 million people accessing a sufficient quantity and quality of water

The top five appeals by funding requirements for 2025 are for:

Afghanistan $1,188,778,304

Sudan $840,000,000

Democratic Republic of the Congo $804,295,490

State of Palestine $716,540,000

Lebanon $658,200,000

Notable results in 2024 include:

26.4 million children and women accessing primary health care

12.2 million children 6-59 months screened for wasting

17.4 million people accessing a sufficient quantity and quality of water for drinking and domestic needs

9.7 million children accessing formal or non-formal education, including early learning

12.6 million children, adolescents, and caregivers accessing community-based mental health and psychosocial support

Last year, donors contributed more than 50 per cent of UNICEF's thematic humanitarian funding to just four emergencies - Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, and Ukraine - a fraction of the 412 emergencies UNICEF responded to in 107 countries. Meanwhile, humanitarian operations in countries like Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Myanmar are the most severely underfunded.

"Support through flexible humanitarian funding is critical for our work for children affected by crises," said Russell. "Imagine what we can achieve for children working together through principled humanitarian action, creating a world where the rights of every child are protected and upheld, and where every child can develop and thrive - a world fit for every child."



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305 million people need lifesaving help next year, says UN's top aid official

4 December 2024 - Multiple unending conflicts, climate change and a glaring disregard for long-established international humanitarian law are set to leave a staggering 305 million people in need of lifesaving assistance next year, the UN's top aid official warned on Wednesday.

"The world is on fire...We are dealing with a polycrisis right now globally and it is the most vulnerable people in the world who are paying the price. We are dealing with the impact of conflicts - multiple conflicts - and crises of longer duration and of more intense ferocity" said Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in an appeal for $47.4 billion to provide life-saving aid in more than 30 countries and nine refugee-hosting regions.

Impossible choices

Dire as OCHA's new humanitarian assessment is on behalf of more than 1,500 humanitarian partners, it is expected that of the 305 million in need, only 190 million will be reached.

A lack of funding is just one of the reasons why, in countries where populations have endured decades of violence and instability, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

"In DRC, as with all these conflicts, we are ready to do more, it's our mission to do more," insisted Mr. Fletcher. "My people are desperate to get out there and deliver because they really are on the frontline. They can see what is needed but we need these resources. That's our call to action and we also need the world to do more; those with power to do more, to challenge this era of impunity and to challenge this era of indifference."

Doorstepping role

As the UN's newly appointed top aid official, Mr. Fletcher pledged to visit the capitals of the world "to bash down doors" of government in search of new partnerships and solidarity for the world's most vulnerable people.

"I've got to find ways to reframe this argument in a way that will resonate with the public at large," he added.

Citing his past roles as a UK ambassador with experience in conflict and peace building, from Kenya to Lebanon and Northern Ireland, the new OCHA chief stressed the need to ensure that aid continues to flow to where it's needed most.

"I have a very clear mission around humanitarian delivery," he said, before paying tribute to the "extraordinary entrepreneurial humanitarian diplomacy" of his predecessor Martin Griffiths, who stepped down in June for health reasons.

Election changes

Asked about the changing geopolitical landscape in a bumper year of hugely significant national and presidential elections, Mr. Fletcher insisted that "it's not just about America...we're facing the election of a number of governments who will be more questioning of what the United Nations does...But I don't believe that we can't make that case to them; I don't believe that that there isn't compassion in these governments which are getting elected."

In comments to journalists at the unveiling of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, Mr. Fletcher confirmed that communities continue to be confronted with multiple crises.

"It's not just the fact of so many conflicts at the same time, it's the duration of those conflicts; the average length is 10 years," he said. "We're not closing off conflicts before the next ones are starting. And the fact that those conflicts are so ferocious and the impact on civilians is so dramatic. I mentioned Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine as examples of that, with this disregard of international law and in every case, obstruction of our work."

Climate crisis accelerator

While stressing how many lives have been shattered by conflict around the world - not least in Sudan, where the new UN relief chief spent last week visiting and talking to people uprooted by the war - Mr. Fletcher underscored how severe the climate crisis is on already vulnerable people.

"The dread I have is that those two huge drivers of need are now combining," he said. And that's what makes our job so difficult. And they're often combining in areas that have already suffered huge levels of poverty and inequality."

Latest estimates indicate that some 123 million people have been displaced forcibly by conflict worldwide, Mr. Fletcher continued. "And among that group, violations against children are also at record levels and I saw this of course in Sudan; one in every five children is living in a conflict zone right now."

Challenging aid obstacles

Among his priorities, the top UN aid official insisted that guaranteed aid access remains a key issue that he would seek to address. "I talked to our teams in the field every day and they are facing multiple obstructions to getting the basics of humanitarian aid through," he noted.

"Our job is to get the humanitarian support through, checkpoint by checkpoint, border by border, it's what I was doing in Sudan...Arguing truck by truck for that humanitarian delivery. That's our mission."

Wednesday's Global Humanitarian Overview 2025 launch in Geneva, Kuwait and Nairobi will also be an opportunity to push for greater respect and understanding of the laws of war and international humanitarian law by combatants, to protect civilians and aid teams who have died in record numbers this year.

"It's not just the ferocity of these conflicts - Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria - it's about that wilful neglect of international humanitarian law," Mr. Fletcher said. And about the fact and as a result, we seem to have lost our anchor somehow."

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Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator -Transcript of Press Conference on Launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Geneva, 4 December 2024

The full Global Humanitarian Overview 2025 is accessible here

Good morning, everyone, thank you for joining us.

The world is on fire - and this is how we put it out.

We will launch the Global Humanitarian Overview this week, and it fills me with a mixture of shame, dread, but also hope. The reality is, as you know well, that we are dealing with a polycrisis right now globally. And it is the most vulnerable people in the world who are paying the price. We are dealing with the impact of conflicts, multiple conflicts, and crises of longer duration and of more intense ferocity.

We are dealing with the impacts of the climate crisis. And as I flew over Chad last week, I saw for myself the way that people already exposed to poverty are now also exposed to flooding and droughts. But thirdly, we are also dealing with the impact of growing inequality. And this combination - conflict, climate and inequality - creates this perfect storm that we are navigating right now and which I hope that this report will now help us to navigate in the coming year.

Three numbers, which I think we need to have imprinted on our minds right now: The first number is 305 million - that's the number of the people in dire need who we believe [are in need] in the coming year, 305 million. 47 billion is the second number - 47 billion is the funding we believe we need to raise [...] and then 190 million, the number of people we are trying to reach with aid in 2025.

Now, we have a choice; we have a choice right now. We can respond to these numbers with generosity, with compassion, with genuine solidarity for those in the most dire need on the planet - or we can carry on. We can choose to leave them alone to face these crises. We can choose to let them down.

I believe that we need to reset our relationship with those in greatest need on the planet. I believe that we need a surge in global solidarity, and that's why I feel shame at these numbers that, as a world community, as an international community, we have let these numbers rise to this level. It's why I feel dread, frankly, because I fear - and you in this room know this much better than me - I fear I'll be back next year in this seat, saying the same thing, but with slightly bigger numbers. And that really does fill me with dread, because behind every one of these numbers is an individual, is a person.

But there is also hope. There's hope in this report, and I also feel hope two weeks into my mandate as USG [Under-Secretary-General] and ERC [Emergency Relief Coordinator], hope because we have reached 116 million people with support in the last year, 116 million people.

I feel hope because of the people I met in Sudan over my visit that lasted more than a week - my first visit in the role to the site of the world's biggest humanitarian crisis - right now, I feel hope because of the people I met who are responding on the front lines. People like Mama Nour, whose centre I visited, who is [helping] women who have suffered the most horrendous sexual violence time and time again, who must think that the world has forgotten them - and yet they're not forgotten. She's reaching out with kindness and practical support.

I feel hope because of the humanitarian workers I've met over the last week, including our UN teams on the ground, and I've seen the passion and commitment and dedication that they bring to their work. And it is inspirational. And I feel hope because of the message that I received from people I met in Sudan and Chad.

I spent a lot of time in community meetings asking them what their message was for the world. And their message is: Don't give up on us because we still have hope. There are people who are living in a context that we could not imagine, that we would think is hopeless, and they are still telling us to have hope.

It is them, they, who are encouraging us not to lose hope. So as long as they have hope, then we have to have hope, too.

But it has to be a practical hope. It has to be based on our numbers and on plans. It can't be pure idealism and wishful thinking. So this is our North Star for the coming year.

This will guide our work, not just as a humanitarian system, but as a humanitarian movement, a humanitarian community. Because this job is far too big for the UN family to deal with alone - we need that broader coalition to help us respond to those in the direst need.

I'm now very happy to take your questions.

Q: Thank you, Mr. Fletcher. Nice to come see us and appreciate it. I'm Jamie from Associated Press, welcome. You mentioned we have a choice. We have a choice right now. We can respond to these numbers, the three that you laid out with generosity, compassion, genuine solidarity. Your own country has been criticized for reducing its international aid outlays. How are you going to convince other countries, countries that have not been giving money for a long time, that have a lot of money in some cases, and are not doing so, when your own country is reducing its outlays?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thanks, Jamie. I think that's a fair question, and I'm here to represent the UN, as of 16 days, that's my sole designation. But as you can tell from my accent, I do come from somewhere.

I think this is a broader challenge and a concern that we all have of donor fatigue. This humanitarian system right now is overstretched. It's underfunded, and it's literally under attack.

And we can maybe come back to the situation in which humanitarian workers find themselves - globally, we've just passed a number that makes this the deadliest year to be a humanitarian worker on record. It's a shocking thing for me to have to announce in my first week in the job, and those numbers have gone up again. People who are risking everything to do this work.

But yet your question is about that effort to ensure we find those resources. I think we've got to make the case afresh for global compassion.

We have to take that message to some of those, you know, we might call them the traditional donors, the people who are doing the most of the funding, for the last couple of decades - that includes the UK, includes others, Germany, the US, where the funding is being reduced. We've got to show them that responding to these crises in a practical, resourced way is the most effective way to deal with these crises.

We've got to show them what the alternative is, and sometimes we might have to frame that in different ways because we are facing a very different geopolitical context as the United Nations. And we should front up to that. We should be honest. This isn't the world that most of us thought we'd be working in, in 2024, for my generation, you know, I was 14 in 1989 as the Berlin Wall came down.

I didn't think that we'd be in a world where it feels as though the rivets are popping, that the wheels are rattling off on the international system that was designed with such patience by our predecessors and such vision - but it is.

The system is really, really stretched, and those that we might look to traditionally to reinforce that system, are not giving the support that we might wish.

So I've got to get out there, that's my job. I've got to get into capitals. I've got to make that argument. I've got to bash down doors. I've got to find ways to reframe this argument in a way that will resonate with the public at large. And you've got to cut through the noise. All this distraction that's out there, the sense I keep hearing, that we're all too busy to care.

We've got to find ways to make people care again.

Q: And very quickly, you mentioned the long-time donors. What about countries that do have a lot of money? Which countries, in particular, are you hoping that might be encouraged to give more? Do you have any countries in mind that you think?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: I have a long list, and it has a lot of countries on it. We've got to diversify the donor base. We can't just rely on the same club of donors, wonderful as they are and appreciative as we are of them. You know, I was in Chad last week, and Chad, despite being the fourth poorest country in the world, is a donor to the UN CERF [Central Emergency Response Fund] - that's pretty extraordinary. We've got to take this message out. I'll be going, I'm not sure we've announced my programme yet for the first quarter of next year, but you'll see many of those sorts of countries on that list. I had a chance to thank our colleague from South Korea here yesterday for the fact that South Korea is one of our largest growing donors.

So we, we're ambitious, and we're confident that we have a message that will resonate with new allies as well as with old allies.

Q: Thank you. Nina Larson, AFP. So along those same lines, I just wanted to ask, just to follow up on that, you mentioned the shifting geopolitical context. I was wondering if, how much more difficult things have become since November 5th in that sense? And then also when it comes to the funding, it used to be, until last year at least, that every year we came here and the and the appeals were bigger. It was always a record appeal and a record number, that the UN was planning on helping and that's no longer the case. I understand that might be down to realism, given that this year's appeal is only funded at less than 50 per cent. So, if you could talk to that and the biggest concerns around the impacts on funding gaps.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thank you very much, Nina. So question one is clearly about [incoming US President Donald] Trump and I think what we're facing, as I said to Jamie, is that much tougher global context. It's not just about America, although America is very much on our minds at the moment, we're facing the election of a number of Governments who will be more questioning of what the United Nations does and less ideologically supportive of this humanitarian effort that we've laid out in this report.

But I don't believe that we can't make that case to them. I don't believe that there isn't compassion in these Governments which are getting elected. And I think these numbers, which are staggering, will cut through. But it's our job to frame the arguments in the right way to land and not to give up. And so I'll head to Washington. I'll spend a lot of time in Washington, I imagine, over the next few months, engaging with the new administration, making the case to them, just as I'll spend a lot of time in other capitals where people might be skeptical about the work that we are doing. So I think we lean into this.

We should be honest about the challenges and realistic. We shouldn't pretend that everything will carry on as it is, but we've got to engage, and I'll be doing that.

On your second point, you're right, and I've got the list in front of me of the previous years. You know better than I do. And the numbers do go up and down each year - I think that's actually quite a positive. It would be very easy based on the data that I've seen and that the teams collected for us to keep coming to you with a bigger number and for us to say, look, the headline here is this is the biggest year ever. It's an easy thing for us to say, it's an easy thing for you to write.

But the reality is we've got to prioritize because of those funding gaps. We've got to be absolutely focused on reaching those in the most dire need - and, and really ruthless. And I choose that word carefully because it's a judgment call, that ruthlessness about prioritizing where the funding goes and where we can have the greatest impact. So it's a recognition that we've struggled in previous years to raise the money we need.

We're not saying that these crises are getting better. We're not saying that we don't need to reach a higher number with more money than we're asking for, but this is about prioritization, and we want to demonstrate that we will focus and target the resources that we have.

Q: Good morning, thank you for the briefing. You've talked about the need to combat impunity. This seems to be a little bit outside of OCHA's traditional role. So I'm kind of wondering, after a year, which of you have said is the most deadly for humanitarian workers, how you intend to kind of promote the security of humanitarian delivery? And you talked about the ruthlessness of prioritizing that's needed. What has been some of the humanitarian costs of the priorities that you're imposing and some of the cuts that you've had to impose on humanitarian assistance in the current year? Thank you.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thank you. Nick, I think when I talked about we have to end the era of impunity, I'm thinking about the international community, I'm thinking about the world at large. I'm not suggesting for a moment that from where I sit, that is something I can deliver, solo somehow, or that it's within my OCHA role.

It's actually for the broader collective to deliver. So it's a big "we" rather than a small "we". But it is part of my recognition that this is a different context. And it's not just the ferocity of these conflicts - Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria. It's about that willful neglect of international humanitarian law, and as a result, we seem to have lost our anchor somehow. We've lost our bearings somehow, that scaffolding that we felt was there, international humanitarian law that I was hoping that we'd be taking for granted at this point, is shaking. That scaffolding is shaky at the moment.

And that's the argument I think we need to take on, is a broader argument than just about OCHA because our job is to get the humanitarian support through - checkpoint by checkpoint, border by border. It's what I was doing in Sudan, meeting by meeting last week, arguing truck by truck for that humanitarian delivery. That's our mission. And as part of that, you know, you mentioned humanitarian workers and we passed that 281 number in my first week in the job of humanitarian workers killed this year, the deadliest year for humanitarian workers in history. And as I landed in Sudan, we lost another OCHA colleague. And we've lost more colleagues in the humanitarian movement, in the week since. And the reality is, the only way for me to stop that happening is to somehow try to stop humanitarians heading out towards the crisis in order to try to deal with the victims of them - and that's not something that we can do or will do. So I really need the international system and those with a voice and power to do much, much more to protect humanitarians in these conflicts.

And thirdly, on the costs: I mean, I don't have a list in front of me of the projects that we won't be able to fund as a result of not asking for more money. But if you look at the gap between the number who we want to reach this year, I think it's 190 million, and the number we think are in need, 305 million - my math is shakier than it was, but I think there's 115 million that we won't be able to reach with the support that we would like to, because we are making these priorities and that every one of those is an individual who needs shelter, health, education, people who are looking for what we're looking for security, justice, opportunity and dignity.

Q: My name is Paula with Geneva Solutions. My question was regarding the climate crisis that you mentioned, and just a week ago, the COP29 wrapped up in Baku and it was agreed that there would be $300 billion in climate aid that would be provided, which is much lower than the $1.3 [trillion] that had been estimated to cover needs. We'd like to know from you what sort of signal that this gives to the donors? As well as the impact of that, on the ground?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: The impact on the ground I think we can all see. And as I said, it was really driven home to me, in Chad, flying over those floodplains, to talk to the Government about the fact that they're hosting so many Sudanese refugees at the time when they have multiple layers of displaced people in the country, and they're responding to the flooding and the droughts as the country most vulnerable to climate change.

So, it's been seared on my mind, really, the real impact of that on a Government responding to that crisis. You know, I wasn't at the COP, but I think there we face the same challenge that we can set out the reality of a failure to act. And the SG [Secretary-General] does this very eloquently in describing what happens if we fail to act.

We can set out how we must respond, what we need to respond, why we need to respond. But then we need people to respond. We need the resources. And I think here, alongside the humanitarian crisis, because it's all intertwined, we've got to get that message out to new audiences. We've got to find a way to connect with new generations, because ultimately we need them to make the case to their Governments for why these challenges require a global response and not a national introspection.

We need to move on from this time of national distancing and get back to a system of global cooperation again.

Q: Two quick ones for you, Mr. Fletcher, just what's the most money consuming crisis right now? Is it Sudan, is a simple question. And then let me try to ask this question again, in another way. But would you have come up with a bigger number for the appeal, had the outcome of the US election been different?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thank you. So I've got the list of all the response plans above a billion. I don't have the list but I'm sure Jens [Laerke, OCHA spokesperson] can give it to you, from the last year of which crises consumed most money, looking backwards. Looking forwards, [the] Syria [Regional Refugee & Resilience Plan] is right at the top of the list. At over $4.5 billion, followed by Sudan, as I said, I saw of myself 25 million in need last week - at the top of this, it's the Syria regional plan. But there are 14 crises on that list, at over a billion. So that also includes Occupied Palestinian Territory, of course - I'll go to the region in the next two weeks to see for myself how we can deliver more effectively there - Ukraine, DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo], Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Somalia, Venezuela and Myanmar.

The second question. That's a really interesting question. No, I think this will be exactly the same number. Jens will tell you later if that's the wrong answer. But I believe, this has got to be based on data it for it to have real credibility. Our teams, you know, I'm amazed and encouraged - the rigor that goes into this work to get this level of clarity. If it didn't exist, we'd have to invent it. It's the sort of thing that someone who comes into the job and says, look, this is all too complicated, we've got to have a really clear roadmap, where is the need and what do we need to respond? These teams spend huge amounts of time on this, and I don't think that one election here and there changes the data or changes the need.

Q: Good morning and welcome, Mr. Fletcher. Hi, Emma from Reuters. One of the reasons the needs are so big, because the conflicts are not getting resolved. You have an experience, a lot of experience as a diplomat, and I understand this role comes with some potential for back channeling, for maybe even brokering conflicts behind the scenes. Is that something that you intend to do and where do you think you can make a difference, if so?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thank you. Emma. And, yes, indeed many of the most formative experiences in my diplomatic life have been working on conflict and peacemaking from Kenya through to, through to Lebanon. But also for four years as the Prime Minister's Northern Ireland advisor, so working very closely, on that, that negotiation. I know I have a very clear mission around humanitarian delivery. That's the job description. You know, there's a big C in the word OCHA standing for coordination. And ultimately, that's what I'll be judged against - can I coordinate the humanitarian system to stand up and deal with these challenges? Now, of course, to do that, there will be times when I need to be a diplomat.

I noticed that in Sudan, you know, I had 7 or 8 meetings just on getting the extra humanitarian flights, the extra humanitarian hubs and so on. That was diplomacy in its classic form. But it was for that humanitarian mission. I pay great tribute to my predecessor, Martin [Griffiths], who did some really extraordinary entrepreneurial humanitarian diplomacy, and I hope to build on that, learn from it, and be active and use a skills experience that I hope I can bring. But also we have some extraordinary people doing the actual political work, the actual negotiation, the SG, his team of Special Representatives, the political team, peacekeeping teams and so on. So I would want to support them because there's a link between peacemaking and humanitarian work, but also I'm conscious of where my lane is.

Q: Good morning, Mr. Fletcher, many thanks, for giving us the opportunity to talk to you. I was wondering, in the press release, and you repeated it earlier, you said that 305 million people around the world require humanitarian assistance next year and at the same time, you're saying that with the $47 billion you hope to receive, you are giving humanitarian assistance to 190 million people around the world. So I was wondering what will happen to the 115 million people who are not covered?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Well, I think, my understanding is that we won't be able to reach them in the same way. And, you know, if it would be very easy to sit there and say, we need to reach all those 305 [million], because we do, we want to. We wish we could. And if this message cuts through and we have a bumper year of funding, then we'll do as much as we can and it will go beyond the 190 [million]. But I have to be cynical and realistic about the prospects of doing that, and it is ruthless. I use the word ruthless and it's a tough word for us to hear as humanitarians, because it does mean tough choices about not reaching everyone. But I have to work with what I have to work with, and that means really, really tough choices. But they're based on evidence, and they're based on this assessment of where we can have the most impact on those who most need it. And so it's guided by the data and the evidence.

Q: I would like to ask a question on a country that you know well, Mr. Fletcher, and it is on Lebanon. How is the humanitarian situation and what is the plan for next year? I also want to ask about OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territory], what is the humanitarian situation there and what will be needed in 2025?

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: As you say, Moussa, I know Lebanon very well. I seem to be doing this in French and English combined - very Lebanese, in fact, combining the two in a sentence. So I know Lebanon very well, and it's a country that I love. And it's going through the most significant humanitarian crisis in a generation. This is after multiple crises. I left Lebanon in 2015 and said at the time that every time you think you couldn't hit rock bottom, you hear a sound, a tapping sound below. And they've heard that tapping sound again and again. The financial crisis, the port explosion and now this conflict, all of that on top of waves of refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis and we'll see more of that in the coming weeks, I fear. So it's a brutal situation that the Lebanese people are suffering and the ceasefire does, I hope, bring us some respite and an opportunity to get support to those who need it, because, you know, the human toll has been devastating.

The crisis is, of course, far from over. It doesn't end with the ceasefire. So we need to get more access. We need more funding to deliver aid to the civilians who so badly need it. And again, we call on the countries with influence in the region to stand up for international humanitarian law. We've got to avoid further bloodshed. We've got to avoid got to avoid further suffering. We've got to protect civilians. We've got to protect humanitarian workers and get back to the implementation of [UN Security Council resolution] 1701. On the precise numbers, for the Lebanon appeal, Lebanon is not in that list of a billion plus plans so I'll ask Jens to get back to you on the exact number in the document that we are seeking for Lebanon.

I'm also aware that for Lebanon and Syria, these needs are fluctuating at the moment and likely to increase given the state of the conflict right now.

Q: My name is Satoko, I work for Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper. According to the Overview, there are two main drivers of the crisis, conflict and climate emergencies. Could you give us a sense of which one is bigger driver of the global humanitarian needs in 2025? And secondly, you talk about multiple conflicts and crises of the longer duration and more intense ferocity. So how are you going to do this with these emerging the emerging trends? Thank you.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: Thank you. It's a really interesting question. I think the reality is it's the combination of the two, which is the most dangerous right now, because so many of the crises we're dealing with, so many of the crises on that list I read out to you of the 14 plans, these are suffering from the combination. So on the conflict side, it's not just the fact of so many conflicts at the same time, it's the duration of those conflicts. The average length is ten years, so we're not closing off conflicts before the next ones starting. And the fact is that those conflicts are so ferocious and the impact on civilians is so dramatic. I mentioned Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, as examples of that with this disregard of international law and, in every case, obstruction of our work.

I talk to our teams in the field every day, and they are facing multiple obstructions to getting the basics of humanitarian aid through. So we reckon 123 million people have been displaced forcibly by conflict. And among that group, violations against children are also at record levels. And I saw this, of course, in, in Sudan - one in every five children is living in [or fleeing from] a conflict zone right now.

So I don't know where that ranks in the list of crises, but that feels pretty severe and unacceptable to me.

On the climate side, you all know the stats and they'll be in the report: 2024 will be the hottest year on record. Presumably 2025 will then be the hottest year on record. Floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires affecting millions. We're on the brink of surpassing the 1.5 degrees in warming, and that will hit hardest in the countries that have actually contributed least to climate change. It wipes out food systems. It wipes out livelihoods, it forces communities to move from their homes and land. Drought has caused 65 per cent of agricultural economic damage over the last 15 years, worsening food insecurity.

So we can debate conflict versus climate change. But I think the toxicity of this and the dread I have is that those two huge drivers of need are now combining. And that's what makes our job so difficult. And they're often combining in areas that have already suffered huge levels of poverty and inequality.

Q: Good morning, and thank you for the briefing. I'd like to come back to Africa and to the forgotten crisis, and particularly DR Congo. I'd like to know if you have innovative solutions to reach requirements because you spoke about the duration of the conflicts and the crisis. DR Congo has a crisis that lasts for the last three decades. Do you plan to go to the region? Could you give us a picture and more information about the region, please? Thank you.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher: I can, and thank you for ensuring, Catherine, that we don't neglect some of these conflicts that can slip down the list that should normally, would normally consume so much more of our attention.

I wanted to make a point of visiting Sudan first because it's the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. I wanted then to get to the Middle East, as I will do the week after next, because it's the most intense crisis in the world. Gaza is a terrible place to be a civilian right now, as you all know, better than I do. But in the new year, I will be visiting Ukraine early on, it's very high on the list, and I plan to get to the DRC very early on to try to shine more of a light on that conflict - as you say, a long-running conflict. The country with the largest number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, one in four people requiring aid; the second highest number of uprooted people, more than 6.4 million, in the world, after Sudan. The scale of suffering is enormous, far beyond what the humanitarian movement can address. Among that - and I want to really underline this point more generally because it was something I heard and was very moved by during my visit to, Sudan - are the levels of gender-based violence, this epidemic of sexual violence against women and girls, the weaponization of women's bodies in conflict, which is at just horrific levels.

And I had conversations in Sudan that I will never forget. But this is also a huge feature of the conflict in the DRC. But then also, of course, and I haven't touched on it yet, but, in these overlapping crises, we also have the health crisis, in the DRC as well.

And as the document will show, the levels that we've got to reach are just not matched by the funding that we've been able to raise, so in DRC, as with all these conflicts, we are ready to do more. It's our mission to do more. My people are desperate to get out there and deliver because they really are on the frontline. They can see what is needed, but we need these resources. That's our call to action. And we also need the world to do more. Those with power to do more - to challenge this era of impunity and to challenge this era of indifference.

---

*An embargoed press conference was held on 3 December 2024 in Geneva.

4 December 2024

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Global Humanitarian Overview 2025: United Nations and humanitarian partners launch US$47 billion appeal for 2025 to support 190 million people worldwide

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

'In a world on fire, we must reset our relationship with people in crises'

(Geneva, 4 December 2024) An estimated 305 million people around the world will require humanitarian assistance in the coming year, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today, launching the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) for 2025.

The appeal seeks $47 billion to provide life-saving aid in 32 countries and nine refugee-hosting regions.

"In a world on fire, the most vulnerable - children, women, people with disabilities and the poor - are paying the heaviest price," said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

"We must reset the world's relationship with people in direst need," Mr. Fletcher urged. "Their voices and agency must be at the heart of our response. We need a new level of global solidarity to fully fund these appeals, and bold political action to uphold international law. The humanitarian community is ready to deliver - for the war-weary survivor, the displaced family, the hungry child. We must make and win afresh the argument for humanity."

Armed conflicts are intensifying in frequency and brutality, forcing nearly 123 million people to flee their homes. Climate-induced disasters are ravaging communities, devastating food systems and driving mass displacement. Meanwhile, older crises remain unresolved, with the average humanitarian appeal now spanning a decade.

The GHO for 2025 outlines carefully prioritized response plans, uniting over 1,500 humanitarian partners to provide critical assistance to 190 million people. Despite donors' longstanding generosity, funding shortfalls persist. By November 2024, only 43 per cent of the $50 billion appeal for that year had been met.

The consequences of underfunding are stark. 2024 saw an 80 per cent reduction in food assistance in Syria; cuts to protection services in Myanmar; diminished water and sanitation aid in cholera-prone Yemen; and escalating hunger in Chad.

However, the single most important barrier for assisting and protecting people in armed conflicts is widespread violation of international humanitarian law. 2024 is already the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, surpassing last year's death toll of 280. The vast majority of casualties are national aid workers.

Yet, despite these challenges, humanitarian agencies reached nearly 116 million people in 2024, delivering vital food, shelter, healthcare, education and protection services.

4 December 2024

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The State of Israel continues disinformation campaign against UNRWA

UNRWA

4 Dec 2024

04 December 2024

AMMAN -- Using commercial advertisement including billboards in several cities around the world and paid Google ads on multiple websites, the Government of Israel has stepped up its disinformation campaign against UNRWA.

These ads are the latest in a series of a wider campaign against UNRWA by the Government of Israel, which continues to publicly call for dismantling the Agency.

This latest global effort by a UN member state to label a UN agency as a terror organisation may amount to hate speech using corporations that are supposed to promote commercial products.

This campaign is creating immense reputational damage to UNRWA, currently the largest humanitarian provider for people in Gaza living through an excruciating war. These ads can put the lives of UNRWA personnel at serious risk.

Since the war began, 251 UNRWA team members were killed in the war in Gaza. Two thirds of the UNRWA buildings in Gaza have been hit, many directly or several times.

Those responsible for the spread of disinformation, including advertisement companies must stop and be held accountable. Regulations must be put in place to control the spread of such damaging and possibly dangerous messages.

ENDs-

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.



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Secretary-General's message to launch the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

04 December 2024

The 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview is an indictment of our failings as an international community.

A record number of armed conflicts are inflicting enormous pain and suffering  from Gaza, to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond.

Nearly 123 million people have been forcibly displaced  the twelfth consecutive annual increase.

Aid delivery is being strangled, deepening hunger and food insecurity, with famine imminent in Gaza and Sudan.

The climate crisis is sending temperatures soaring to deadly new records every year, causing floods, droughts, heatwaves and wildfires across the globe.

All this humanitarian havoc is placing 305 million people in need of assistance globally.

Women and children are the hardest hit as they endure and flee these emergencies.

And humanitarians are suffering alongside them, with 282 aid workers killed this year alone.

Despite the danger, these brave women and men reached more than 116 million people in 2024 with food, shelter, medicine, water, sanitation and protection.

They did so in the face of a massive funding shortfall  just 43 per cent of the estimated $49.6 billion required.

We cannot help the people enduring these nightmares with less than half the help required.

Today's growing crises need more support, not less.

In 2025, the United Nations is appealing to donors for $47 billion to assist 190 million people across 72 countries.

In addition to a surge of funding, we need a surge of political will to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law, invest in development, resilience and climate action, and protect civilians and aid workers as they carry out their lifesaving task.

Let's make 2025 a year in which we ease human suffering, heal divisions, and make progress to a better, more peaceful and hopeful future for all people.

***





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USS Carney: a Destroyer at War

US Navy

04 December 2024

From Austin Rooney

WASHINGTON -- October 19, 2023, started out as a routine day underway for Sailors aboard USS Carney (DDG 64) as the ship steamed through the Red Sea on its scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. However, starting at around 4 p.m. local time, things abruptly changed.

"We were in berthing and heard [an announcement over the ship's 1MC intercom system] 'clear the weatherdecks,' and I remember thinking, 'what does that mean? I've never heard that before,'" recalled Fire Controlman (AEGIS) 2nd Class Justin Parker, a SPY radar technician assigned to Carney.

Immediately after hearing the announcement, Parker said he heard the unmistakable sound of missiles being fired off the ship, as well as the destroyer's main 5-inch gun being fired. With no scheduled live fire drills that day, he said he instantly realized something was wrong.

"We had never done anything like this before - we had only trained to it," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class Charles Currie, a Mk. 45 gun technician assigned to Carney. "There was a lot of adrenaline going on - this was real-world now."

By the end of what became a 10-hour standoff, Carney had shot down 15 drones and four land-attack cruise missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking the most intense combat engagement by a U.S. Navy warship since WWII.

Carney departed for deployment Sept. 27, 2023, before the now-infamous Hamas terror attack on Israel Oct. 7. Looking back, crewmembers said they had no idea what was in store for them as they departed their homeport of Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

"I've only heard stories, but I expected to pull into ports and party a little bit," laughed Fire Controlman 2nd Class Kameron Miller, a Mk. 160 gun console technician onboard, for whom this would be his first deployment. "That was not quite the case."

On Oct. 7, after the deadly terror attack that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, crewmembers said they realized that the situation in the region would potentially be more complicated than they had anticipated, although the prospect of actual combat still wasn't on their minds.

"The XO told us flat out what the situation was, and what we could be facing," recalled Currie. "At that point the crew just started to get ready."

Following Israel's response to the Hamas attacks and its subsequent military operations in the Gaza strip aiming to free hostages and destroy the terror group responsible, the Iran-backed and Hamas-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen began a terror campaign against civilian mariners and cargo shipping in the Red Sea, aiming to disrupt international trade to leverage an end to the operation in Gaza. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called the attacks "a clear example of terrorism and a violation of international law" and pledged that the U.S. and its allies would "do what we need to do to counter these threats and protect these ships."

After the initial combat engagement on Oct. 17, Carney spent much of the remainder of its deployment on high alert, closing out its time in the Red Sea with a total of 51 combat engagements.

"The entire crew definitely fell back on their training, starting from the very beginning," said Lt. j.g. Haven Vickers, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer assigned to Carney. "Every single training experience we did before deployment - that's what we fell back on."

Vickers said she credits the intensity of the crew's training along with the camaraderie shared among her shipmates with the success they experienced in combat. While many admitted to being nervous at first, she said as time went on, they fell into a rhythm and were able to effectively react to and defend the ship from threats.

"As nervous as you get, it's not about you," said Ens. William Hinckley, the Administrative/Legal Officer onboard Carney. "It's about keeping everybody else safe. Thinking about everybody else and not just yourself is crucial."

Upon returning to their homeport following deployment May 10, 2024, the entire crew was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR), the first time a Navy crew has received the decoration since 1991 in the Gulf War.

"I could not be more proud of what the Carney team has done since September," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who attended the ship's homecoming. "It has been eye-watering to watch; you truly are America's Warfighting Navy in action."

For some of the crew, they said the impact of the deployment still hasn't fully set in.

"It's really neat to know that we made history," said OSC Noah Wicks, the Air Intercept Controller assigned to USS Carney (DDG 64). "Even though we're a small ship, we had a very big impact on the world."

For the young crewmembers like Miller, who's expectations of a routine deployment were shattered, he said the experience was a stark reminder of why he joined the Navy in the first place.

"It was probably one of the most rewarding experiences I'll ever have in my entire life," said Miller. "It wasn't just about traveling the world; it was about saving people's lives and getting a job done."

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Dynamic Successfully Completes Tenth Undocking Evolution

US Navy

04 December 2024

From Oscar Pope

Dynamic successfully undocked two 30-foot port operations workboats at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Navy's oldest floating dry-dock, Dynamic (AFDL-6), successfully undocked two 30-foot port operations workboats, marking a significant milestone for the crew, Nov. 26, 2024, at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek (JEBLC) in Virginia Beach, Virgina. Under the leadership of Cmdr. Johnny Stevenson, now in his second year as commanding officer, the crew executed the operation with precision and efficiency, saving the Navy both time and money.

The last time two work boats were both docked and undocked within a single docking evolution was in September 2021. With a completely new crew and commanding officer, the Navy's second-oldest vessel continues to prove its vital role in maintaining the fleet's operational readiness.

"The operation required the dry-dock to immerse 22-feet to facilitate the undocking process," said Cmdr. Stevenson. "The successful undocking of these vessels demonstrates our commitment to maintaining readiness and operational capability. I'm proud of our team's hard work and the seamless execution of this operation."

This operation marks the tenth docking evolution since February 2024 for Dynamic since departing its own depot level dry-dock repair.

Dynamic continues to play a critical role in the Navy's logistical and maintenance operations, providing indispensable support to the fleet. The successful undocking evolution reflects the crew's unwavering dedication and their ability to meet the Navy's operational needs effectively.

"Our people are our biggest assets," Stevenson concluded. "My goal is to bring out the best in everyone. Here on Dynamic, I trust and believe in every individual down to our most junior Sailor to execute and perform well."

As Dynamic prepares for its next mission, all eyes are on Stevenson and his crew, who stand ready to tackle any challenges ahead in service of the fleet and the nation.

MARMC, a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.



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Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick to lead Pentagon, says he is fighting on for confirmation

By Ken Bredemeier December 04, 2024

Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's embattled choice to lead the Defense Department, said Wednesday he is continuing his fight to win Senate confirmation, even as news accounts say Trump is considering whether to name someone else.

The nomination of Hegseth, a 44-year-old decorated military officer and Fox News talk show host, to lead the Pentagon has run into headwinds in the Senate, which must confirm his nomination, as he faces questions about allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking.

With no history of managing a large organization, either in the military or corporate world, Hegseth is an unconventional choice to oversee the country's nearly 2.9 million active duty and reserve troops across the world, along with another 700,000 civilians who work for the military.

But Hegseth said he is not backing down, even as several U.S. news accounts say Trump is reconsidering the appointment, possibly in favor of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a former military officer. DeSantis is a Navy veteran who unsuccessfully ran against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before withdrawing in January.

On social media platform X, Hegseth said, "I'm doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers. The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of @realDonaldTrump  and me. So they smear w/ fake, anonymous sources & BS stories. They don't want truth. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I."

At the U.S. Capitol, as he headed to meet with senators faced with deciding whether to confirm him, Hegseth told reporters, "I spoke to the president-elect this morning. He said, 'Keep going, keep fighting. I'm behind you all the way.' ... Why would I back down?"

NBC News reported Tuesday that 10 current and former Fox employees told the network that Hegseth's co-workers at Fox had been concerned by his alcohol consumption, including occasions when he showed up at work smelling of alcohol and talking about being hung over. Other news accounts have raised questions about Hegseth's partying and drinking at veterans' groups he oversaw.

Hegseth is also facing questions about a 2017 encounter at a Republican women's conference in California where a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her after extensive drinking. He told police investigating her claim that the encounter was consensual, and no charges were filed.

A couple of years later, however, Hegseth paid the woman an undisclosed amount to keep her from filing a lawsuit that Hegseth feared would get him fired from his weekend show at Fox.

One Trump ally, Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, on Tuesday called the allegations against Hegseth "very disturbing," and he said that some of them are "going to be difficult" for some senators considering his nomination.

Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the incoming Senate majority leader, said Hegseth must address the troubling allegations he faces.

"There are hard questions being raised, so he'll have to answer those," Thune said.

Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate in January, meaning Hegseth can lose the support of no more than three Republicans, with Vice President-elect JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, if necessary. Hegseth is unlikely to win any Democratic support.

In other presidential transition news, Trump on Wednesday named Peter Navarro, a former trade adviser in his first White House term, to be his senior counsel for trade and manufacturing when he is inaugurated January 20.

Navarro served four months in prison earlier this year for defying a congressional subpoena investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol as about 2,000 Trump supporters tried to block lawmakers from certifying that Trump had lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump described Navarro, 75, as "a man who was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it."

The president-elect also named Daniel Driscoll, a former soldier and Iraq war veteran, as secretary of the Army. Additionally, Trump plans to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees securities markets and investments.

Trump also announced Wednesday his choice of former Missouri Congressman Billy Long to lead the Internal Revenue Service.

According to the Missouri Independent newspaper's website, Long represented his Southwest Missouri district in Congress for six terms. The retired auctioneer and conservative talk radio host first ran in 2010.

Long attended the University of Missouri though he does not have a college degree, according to Ballotpedia.org.

"Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations. ... He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress," Trump said of Long in his announcement on Truth Social.

Trump has also tapped former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler to run the Small Business Administration.

"Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive," Trump said in a statement Wednesday. "She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach."

The New York Times describes Loeffler as a "top donor" to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. The newspaper's website said she has "little experience in public service." She received an appointment to the U.S. Senate in 2020 by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. She was defeated in a special election in January 2021 by the Rev. Raphael Warnock.

Loeffler, who is working on Trump's inauguration committee, also supported Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

So far, two of Trump's choices for top-level jobs  Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration and Matt Gaetz for U.S. attorney general  have dropped out.

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Readout of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit

December 04, 2024

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Angolan President Joao Lourenco co-hosted African leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, as well as private sector CEOs, U.S. development and finance institutions, and the Africa Finance Corporation, to celebrate and highlight progress on the development of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the partnership of the Lobito Corridor consortium. President Biden praised the progress made on the Corridor since its launch under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) at the 2023 G7 Summit, and today announced more than $560 million in new funding, including commitments expected to generate at least $200 million in additional private sector capital, for infrastructure projects along the Corridor, bringing the total for U.S. investments to more than $4 billion. The Leaders discussed the transformative impact the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor has had on enhancing access to the critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition and digital connectivity, strengthening food security, boosting regional trade, and empowering communities all along the Corridor. To date, the United States regional development banks, and international partners have mobilized over $6 billion in high-standard, public and private investments along the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor.

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Remarks by President Biden Participating in the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit | Benguela, Angola

December 04, 2024

Carrinho Food Processing Factory

Benguela, Angola

2:01 P.M. WAT

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Amos Hochstein. I'm a senior adviser to President Biden. It's an honor to be here with all of you.

I want to open first by saying thank you to Nelson Carrinho and the staff of this facility for opening it up for this event and providing the tour and the facilities for this discussion this afternoon.

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce our host and our leading partner, President Lourenco.

Mr. President.

PRESIDENT LOURENCO: (As interpreted.) Your excellency, Joe Biden, president of United States of America; your excellency, Felix Tshisekedi, president of the Republic  Democratic Republic of Congo; your excellency, Hakainde Hichilema, of the Republic of Zambia; your excellency, Philip Mpango, vice president of the United Republic of Tanzania; distinguished members of the U.S. Congress; distinguished members of the delegations.

Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to greet you with great satisfaction for hosting you at the city of Benguela, on which the attention of all Angolans is focused that are happy with the presence of your excellencies in our country and recognize the importance of this summit for integral development of our continent, the interconnection of this project to the rest of the world.

I'd like to thank President Joe Biden, President Tshisekedi, President Hakainde Hichilema, and President Mpango for having attended this event that will be a historical milestone of international trade and logistic chains.

Angola lives in the situation of peace and stability and is committed to keeping up its commitment with international partners, both at institutional level and with investors that have chosen our country as destiny for their businesses.

It's important to mention the strategic importance of Lobito Corridor, with Lobito port and the Benguela railway, in the 1970s was one of most profitable rails worldwide by transporting 3.3 millions of tons of cargo per year. We are expecting to optimize this important infrastructure as integral part of an international and transcontinental route that is able to connect the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and, therefore, connect safely the European, African, Asian continents with gains in terms of transportation and cost of maritime and rail freight.

Lobito Corridor has strategic importance given the contribution that it will give to dynamizing intra-African trade within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as the global trade in general.

Excellencies, with the presence of the highest level from our partners of DRC and Zambia, we signed, in June 2023, contract of concession of Lobito Corridor to a private consortium made up by recognized companies.

I would like to highlight the holding of U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022  in December 2023 in Washington, D.C., whereby Biden administration showed its commitment in the construction of infrastructure in Africa that has been implemented through Lobito Corridor, through the joint declaration U.S.-EU that was made public in the margin on the event on Global Partnership and Infrastructure during the G20 Summit held in India in 2023.

This will be a lynchpin for the economic development that will provide the participation of small and medium enterprise in the business value chain, mainly in agriculture, industry, and mining, in order to increase trade and economic growth of SADC region and the eastern African region, a way that the political commitment of all engaged people in materialization of this big project is a milestone.

It's important that the African countries involved, the consortium, and the sponsors should promote activities needed in order to materialize this important project that will positively impact the maritime and rail transport in international trade, as well energy transition and safety  food safety and, in general, in the global economy.

Thank you for your attention and wish you fruitful deliberations.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President. It's now my honor to introduce President Biden, who set the vision for this corridor during the Africa Leaders Summit and implementing it ever since.

Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you very much.

Mr. President, thank you very much for your hospitality.

Fellow leaders and friends, I can't think of a better way to end my trip to Angola than coming here to the Lobito Corridor.

And I want to thank all of you  all of you for being here today, including the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Zambia; Tanzania; and our partner, the CEO of the American Finance Corporation.

It's great to  to be here with all of you. And I mean that sincerely. I think we're at one of those transition points in world history where what we do in the next several years is going to affect what the next six, seven, eight decades looks like, and I think this is one of those milestones.

Our partner, the CEO of the Fi-  American Finance Corporation, is going to take care of everything for us. No-  nothing to worry about. But all kidding aside, it's great to be with you all.

When I launched this project with our G7 partners last year, I said our goal was to build a better future. And, folks, the future is here. It's now. The future is here.

The fact is I wish everyone could see what I saw today: tracks that will form America's fir-  or Africa's first intercontinental railroad  transcontinental railroad; a railcar that will cut travel from days to hours; and the  grain silos that are going to help transform the region from a food importers to food exporters; businesses that are investing across the corridor in 5G, solar panels, steel bridges made near my hometown back in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

And I want to be clear about something. All these projects' investments are designed to have high impact and meet the highest standards for workers, for the environment, and for their communities, because the United States understands how we invest in Africa is just as important as how much we invest in Africa.

That's what the PGI is part of, which is  I started a program early on  calling it Build Back Better, but we've changed it to PGI. And that's why, today, I'm proud to announce the United States will invest nearly $600 million in additional investment to expand agriculture infrastructure, to build high-speed mobile networks, and to continue upgrading the Lobito Atlantic Railway.

A few months ago, the DRC sent the first copper shipment on this railway for transit onward to the United States. The trip used to take 45 days to get to the United States from that. But now it takes 45  less than 45 hours  45 hours because of the changes you made. It's a game changer.

Imagine how transformative this will be for technology, clean energy, for farming, for food security as a whole. It's faster, it's cleaner, it's cheaper, and  most importantly, I think  it's just plain common sense.

So, my message today is simple: Let's keep it up.

All told, the United States has invested nearly $4 billion across the length of the Lobito Corridor. But we're not alone. Collectively, this group mobilized over $6 billion in private and public investments. But these aren't just investments in the region; they're investments in all of our futures, no matter where you are in the world.

Think about it. Critical minerals our world needs for electric vehicles and semiconductors can be found here. Clean energy we need to power artificial intelligence data centers and economic growth can be built here. Food we need to end hunger can be grown and transported and exported from all across the corri-  this corridor.

Put simply, as all of you know well, nations across the Lobito Corridor have solutions to some of the world's toughest problems.

We just need to keep working together  and I believe this from the bottom of my heart  if we work together  to mobilize more capital, to build more infrastructure to help make these solutions real, to help Africa  help Africa lead the way.

I've said to these guys and my colleagues here for a while, the last two days, you know, by 2070, the continent of Africa is going to have half the world's population. How can that survive without having the most  the greatest infrastructure in the world? It has to happen.

To help Africa lead the way, we need more capital, more infrastructure to deal with these real solutions. And that's why we're here today. I want to make sure I get to hear from all of you.

So, let me close with this. When we talk about the PGI, we often talk about the big picture: investment numbers, rising exports, national prosperity. But it's important to remember, at its core, what we're doing is about our people. I mean, it's simple pra-  about individuals, about our people. That's what this is about. And if I  it's about the farmer who can get more food on more tables because of what we're doing; the worker who can count on a living wage and safe working conditions; the entrepreneur who is finally empowered to lead, innovate, and build.

It matters. It matters. So, thank you again for being here today and allowing me to be here. And let's get started getting this done.

Back to you, Amos.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President.

Next, we'll turn to President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the largest deposits of copper and cobalt that are now going to be switching direction on this corridor. So, would be grateful to hear your reflections on how this is proceeding and what we need to do in the future for the DRC.

PRESIDENT TSHISEKEDI: (As interpreted.) Thank you, Amos.

Your excellence, President Joao Lourenco. Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia. Your excellency, President Joe Biden of the United States of America. Your excellency, Mr. Mpango, vice president of Zambia. Distinguished ministers. Distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen.

It is a true pleasure for me to speak here today at this meeting focused on the development of the Lobito Corridor. This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region.

I would like to warmly thank President Joao Lourenco for his leadership and hospitality.

The corridor is way more than just a transportation axis. It is a unique opportunity for regional integration, economic transformation, and to improve the living conditions of our fellow citizens.

This railway that connects the mining regions of the DRC and Zambia to the Port of Lobito is conceived in order to transport as much as 20 million metric tons of goods per year by 2030.

This is not just an infrastructure project; it is also a link between our three countries  the DRC, Zambia, and Angola. It is the symbol of our collective will to convert the potential of our countries into a tangible prosperity for our peoples by fostering a harmonious interdependence between our countries where our economies can blossom.

For the DRC, the Lobito Corridor is a strategic opportunity to make sure that we get value out of our natural resources, mostly copper and cobalt, because this makes up to 70 tho-  70 percent of the global demand for the current energy transition. With a production  a combined production of 3 million tons a year between DRC and Zambia, this project will significantly reduce the logistics cost, as well as it will improve and increase our export revenues.

This is a unique opportunity to access  to access, rather, the global markets through the Port of Lobito, and this gives us a strategic alternative to the other exportation corridors.

With its 1,739 kilometers, this railroad is connected to our roads and  and other rails, and it will play an important role in regional integration and continental integration.

The human impact is potentially enormous. It will catalyze the creation of about 30,000 jobs, direct and indirect, and it will reduce poverty and foster exchanges within Africa, in line with Agenda 2063 of the AU.

Today, transit can take up to 30 days or more, and it will be down to 10 days. This will increase our competitiveness on the international market. This is not just a logistical project, but it is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.

The DRC is fully committed to this project. As such, we have implemented a number of concrete actions in order to modernize our rail, road, and port infrastructures. We are trying to establish fluid and strategic connections between our main mining sites, like Kolwezi and Likasi, and the rail corridor  the rail corridor.

In parallel, we've put local transformation or processing of our natural resources at the heart of our economic strategy. It is imperative that the wealth contained in our ground contribute directly to the well-being of our peoples. This means that we need to develop industrial value chains locally so we can add value before we export.

Inga 3, our project, as well as other renewable energy projects, are essential to provide reliable energy supply that is sustainable and adapted to the demands of our expanding industry.

These efforts will make our investments more competitive, and we will be able to respect our environmental commitments.

Also, we will continue to strengthen the legal framework and the institutional framework to foster private investments and to guarantee transparency and good governance. These remain utmost priorities to foster a climate of trust and to make sure that our partnerships are win-win partnerships.

However, to fully realize the potential of the Lobito Corridor, peace and security in the region remain paramount.

We would like to thank Angola for its determining role in Luanda Process, and we reaffirm our engagement to working for a definitive return to peace in the east of our country, and security will be the bedrock of any sustainable development.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank our international partners, including the United States of America, for their technical and financial support through strategic initiatives like Power Africa and PGI. This support is a testimony to the geostrategic importance of the Lobito Corridor in the global supply chains and potential for it to be a catalyst for development.

In order to seize this opportunity and to invest in development of rail, energy, and port infrastructures, we will need investments. This will help make this sustainable.

The Lobito Corridor is surely an element that can be leveraged for growth. It is a model for regional integration, and it is a shared source of prosperity.

I believe firmly that, thanks to our cooperation and our determination, this project will go beyond expectations and will change the trajectory of our region for good.

The DRC stands ready to play its role in this. With our brothers and sisters in the region, we will move forward with this common vision  joined vision and unfailing will to have a better future for our people.

Thank you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President.

President Hichilema of Zambia, two years ago, during Vice President Harris' visit to Zambia, you helped draw  literally, draw the map and the line for the greenfield project for the  the newest part of phase two for the Lobito Corridor rail. We're very happy that you're here to be able to share some thoughts on how this could really be transformational for  for Zambia.

Mr. President.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: Tha-  thank you very much, Amos, moderator.

Let me just recognize President Biden and President Lourenco, our host. Thank you for hosting us.

President Tshisekedi, our neighbor, regional partner; Vice President Mpango, recognize you. Chief executive AFC, my dear friend here. And chief executive KoBold, our partner in Zambia. And also, the CEO American corporation.

Amos, first it's  it's my duty, really, on behalf of the people of Zambia, to appreciate this initiative, the Lobito Corridor; to thank President Biden for his effort, he  his government, American people for the recognition of the importance of this corridor, and, obviously, the origination being in Angola here, through DRC, through Zambia  the map that we drew in my dingy office in Lusaka when Amos visited.

And through that connection from  from Angola, which we believe will be (inaudible) on to Chingola, and then connecting that  very important  connecting that to the TAZARA corridor, which will really mean that we can connect our continent, this part of Africa, from the west coast in Lobito here, where we are, through DRC, Zambia, into Tanzania.

It's a huge, huge opportunity, not just for Zambia. Angola, DRC, Tanzania  happens that these countries are all SADC countries. It's good for SADC. It's good for individual countries. It's good for SADC.

Not just us; it's good for Africa  the Africa free trade area we are talking about, with the building blocks of our regional bodies  individual countries, regional bodies  SADC, East African community, West African community.

The Africa free-trade ar-  free-trade area we are envisaging, this corridor is of vital importance to opening up our countries, to opening up our regions, the continent, and, truly, the global economy  the U.S., yes; Europe; other parts of the global community, if I may say that.

So, I am aware that, at this stage, not many will see what we are discussing today and how valuable it will be 10 years down the road. But this is really a fundamental, if you like, change to our countries, to our economies, to our people.

I must say that this project is a huge opportunity for investment, for trade. We are talking about the rail infrastructure but also auxiliary infrastructure: the roads that would feed into this corridor; the opportunities for us to invest in the critical minerals; to apply our technology, the global technology  capital, of course, as President Biden said, but the technologies to exploit the resource endowments in our countries, to start with, in critical minerals to make our global economy greener, safer for us, for the future generations, so we can pass on a world that is able to raise children in a healthier environment, because the air will be reasonably cleaner than what it is today.

And the resource endowments that we have that we can exploit through this corridor in an efficient way, a way that will shorten the distances  connect, yes  but shorten the distances to trade  to invest, to trade. It is extremely  very, very, very important.

But also, I want to indicate that it's not just the rail infrastructure. It's not just the critical minerals. It's also the opportunities to invest in energy  energy itself  diversification of our energy portfolios in these countries, in our regions, on our continent, which, yet again, will contribute to a greener  greener world, to meet our carbon emissions targets, which we simply talk about every COP  COP25, 27, to whatever. I think this is walking the talk, in our view.

Solar, geothermal, wind, and others. This project will make it an imperative for us to invest in the energy that is required to exploit the critical minerals. We need (inaudible).

What else? Agriculture. Very important. Food security. In our countries, with the climate change, the need for us to water harvest, to irrigate  precision irrigation  to increase our productivity per hectare of land we have so we don't cut more trees to create fields. But for the same hectare, instead of producing, I'd say, corn, two tons per hectare, we can move to 12, 13, 14, 15 tons per hectare. This corridor delivers benefits in those areas.

I can go on, but let me just encapsulate it this way. This opportunity really will deliver efficiencies. This project, this opportunity will deliver growth in our individual economies on our continent, contribute to global growth  positive growth, cleaner growth; jobs; food security.

I already said green economies. What else? Business opportunities. We were taken around, first, just the place where we are here. Look at this facility. This facility now  and I'm very enthused. Where is my colleague there? I think that family is doing a great job. This is what Africa needs.

Our young people go out to study. They choose to come back home. They choose to invest here, working with the global capital, working with global technological advancements.

This facility will now be able not just to take in raw materials from the (inaudible) growers in a scheme, small-scale farmers having input supplied to them, having an offtake, assured market, a fair price improves their lives  this is great  but also be able to export beyond Angola and beyond Africa. This is what Africa needs today.

It also is important for treasury income. I don't have to ask the question, my president here, how much this business contributes to the Angola's treasury income, which is essential for Angola and for our economies to look after the weak, the sick, the old, the young in our communities.

And this is the connection, President Biden, that we see  your initiative, our collective effort, AFC here, KoBold here. It just took a visit. One of the times you invited me to the States, (inaudible) states were able to contrive a partnership. Now we have a mine that we are developing with KoBold  an American investment in partnership with Zambia, and we'll do great things together.

This corridor will make it easier to do that business for  for all.

I think I want to end here to say this is good for our countries. This is good for our region, for our continent. This is good for America. This is good for the global community.

Thank you very much for this opportunity. Thank

you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President.

I'd like to turn to Vice President Mpango of Tanzania.

President Biden has often talked about the Lobito Corridor not just as a corridor for the three countries  of DRC and Zambia  but as a transcontinental, and going from ocean to ocean, the end point being Tanzania.

So, we're very glad to have you here. The floor is yours, Mr. President.

VICE PRESIDENT MPANGO: His excellency, Joao Lourenco, president of the Republic of Angola, and our gracious host. His excellency, Joe Biden, president of the United States of America. His excellency, Hakainde Hichilema, president of the Republic of Zambia, and my neighbor. His excellency, Hakainde Hichilem-  his excellency, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The high-level dignitaries around the table, distinguished guests.

On behalf of her excellency, Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of the United Republic of Tanzania, I am honored to join this high-level meeting on the Lobito Corridor, which is a regional interconnection project of immense significance not just to Angola, the DRC, and Zambia, but to the broader SADC region and beyond.

Tanzania commends Angola and partners for this bold initiative to unlock the economic potential of Central and Southern Africa by linking this region to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Lobito Corridor, therefore, demonstrates how infrastructure can be a catalyst for social economic integration, trade facilitation, technology transfer, and regional development.

By bolstering connectivity, the Lobito Corridor will not only facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services, but will also promote shared prosperity and inclusive growth across the region.

Tanzania is no stranger to such aspirations, as it already links landlocked countries in Central Africa with the  with the Middle East, Asia, and the Far East. The Tanzania-Zambia railway  or, in short, TAZARA  and the oil pipeline TAZAMA, all connecting the hinterland to the Indian Ocean, have facilitated connectivity, cooperation and shared prosperity since the 1970s.

And through the SADC Protocols on Transport, Communication, and Meteorology, Tanzania is already linked to her neighbors and the wider region, enhancing the movement of people, goods, and opportunities across borders.

TAZARA is an interstate rail link, which allows trains to move from Tanzania to some SADC member states, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Tanzania extends profound gratitude to the United States for its steadfast support in advancing the development of the Lobito Corridor. The U.S. commitment to this transformative project reflects its enduring partnership with Africa and its recognition of the catalytic role of infrastructure in development.

In the same vein, we would like to commend the support of AFC and other partners for partnering with the U.S. in support of the development of the Lobito Corridor.

Tanzania views the Lobito Corridor as an integral part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity in Africa.

We also appreciate the fact that the implementation of the project will provide important opportunities for Africa's development in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, trade, and logistics along the corridor.

Tanzania is already undertaking in-  internal consultations aiming at aligning this project with national priorities and other bilateral and regional commitments.

In closing, allow me to reiterate Tanzania's commitment to regional integration and shared prosperity. We note the progress made on the development of the Lobito Corridor and commend the visionary leadership that has brought this initiative to life. And it is through such partnerships and innovations that Africa's Agenda 2063 will be realized.

I thank you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

I'd like to turn it over to the AFC  the Africa Finance Corporation. Mr. Samaila Zubairu has been a fantastic partner to this project. The AFC has invested across the many projects across the corridor and has been a great partner to making this  to realize this  of investment together, having a partnership with the United States, together with you, in promoting this project as an investable, bankable, and commercial project.

Mr. Zubairu.

MR. ZUBAIRU: Thank you.

Your excellencies, President Joao Lourenco of Angola, our gracious host. President Joseph R. Biden of United States of America. President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia. Vice President Philip Mpango of Tanzania. Honorable ministers. Members of the consortium. Distinguished guests.

It is my honor and privilege to stand before you here today.

Our purpose at the Africa Finance Corporation is to build the infrastructure that will catalyze Africa's industrialization and structural economic transformation.

The Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor is exactly the project we are made for and what the founders envisaged when they created AFC 17 years ago.

I have three key messages today: the partnership that got us here, what this project means, and our commitment to deliver this project for future generations.

I recall our first meeting with Amos Hochstein on the margins of the 2022 year's Africa Leaders Summit convened by President Biden almost two years ago. Amos, at that time, was special presidential coordinator of the newly formed G7 PGI. We agreed, in not so many words, that we'll do something together that will have a generational impact on our two continents.

I stand here today as lead developer of the Lobito-Zambia greenfield rail corridor, doing exactly what we said we will do. Since that meeting in December 2022, we signed an MOU formally constituting the project consortium in October 2023, comprising the governments of Angola, Zambia, and the DRC, alongside the United States, the European Commission, and the African Development Bank.

In February 2024, we commissioned a feasibility study with CPCS as technical consultant. That same month, we cohosted the Lobito Corridor private sector investment forum in Lusaka, alongside President Hichilema and the U.S. government.

In April 2024, we commenced the legal work stream with Linklaters.

In June 2024, we welcomed the government of Italy to the consortium and their commitment to  of $320 million. Thanks to President Biden for making that happen.

In September 2024, we completed a feasibility study and signed a $2 million grant agreement with USTDA in support of the enviro-  social impact assessment, which has been commissioned for delivery by decision analysis.

On the margins of UNGA this September, we signed the concession agreement with the governments of Angola and Zambia in the sec-  in the ceremony hosted by Secretary Blinken.

With thanks to President Lourenco, we have commenced  who has given (inaudible) instructions for the demanding efforts, we have taken a fundamental step towards unlocking the cultural value chain around the rail corridor.

We are now on track to break ground by early '26 in both Zambia and Angola. We plan to break ground at the same time from two different locations.

We have done all this while acting as financial adviser for the Lobito Atlantic Rail consortium, concessionaire of the Benguela rail line, which runs from the Port of Lobito here to Luau in DRC.

The rapid pace at which we are moving reflects the urgency of the type of development Africans are demanding from their leaders and the conviction of this consortium to execute. In particular, the resolve of the minister of transport of Angola, Ricardo Viegas D'Abreu, and the minister of transport and logistics for Zambia, Honorable Frank Tayali.

What this project means  we've heard about what this project means. I'll just mention a key  a few statements. The Lobito Corridor is more than just a rail line. It is an economic corridor that provides lower cost, lower carbon gateway to African integration and global competitiveness, cutting travel time from the Copperbelt to international markets from 45 days to 45 hours, as we heard President Biden mention recently.

Shifting freight from road to rail will cut emissions by a minimum of 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, underscoring Africa's primacy in the global energy transition and efforts to decarbonize the battery minerals value chain, particularly in producing battery precursors for both our industries here and in America.

It al-  it will also catalyze opportunities in ecotourism, agribusiness, and power transmission lines.

Earlier this week, President Lourenco offered us an opportunity to help build transmission lines and interconnectors to the Copperbelt and the South African Power Pool, as well as to the Lobito Atlantic Rail Corridor.

Our commitment: Here today, we celebrate our decision to step in as project developers for this greenfield railway.

But this is just the beginning. I am delighted to announce AFC's commitment of $500 million in financing for the Lobito-Zambia greenfield rail. This investment reflects our confidence in the project's transformative potential to deliver economic benefits that transcend borders.

We will mobilize African pension funds to invest alongside us, ensuring generational sustainability. We will also partner with other MDBs and financial institutions to cocreate instruments that crowd in global institutional capital, as was successfully done in markets such as Japan and the Gulf.

In addition, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with KoBold Metals as our anchor client, guaranteeing a minimum of 300,000 tons of copper and related freight per year. We have also pledged $100 million to Kobaloni Energy for Zambia's first battery-grade copper sulfate facility.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, this project symbolizes what Africa's leadership, together with our global partners, can achieve when we unite behind a shared vision. It is not just about railways or minerals or food security. It is about forging partnerships, creating jobs, and driving a sustainable future for Africa and the rest of the world.

Together, let us seize this moment and make history. Thank you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. Zubairu. And let me repeat again: Thank you, again, on behalf of everyone, for just making today's announcement of committing an additional $500 million for the project and starting it at the same time between Zambia and Angola is a great step forward.

You mentioned KoBold Metals. And all of this is not possible without the private sector coming and making the investments in the countries of the corridor. KoBold is literally the company that connects the 20th century and the 21st century. It's a technology company that's gone into the mining industry for products that will go into chips and electric vehicles.

So, very glad that you're here with us. And thank you, Josh, for being here and for your words.

MR. GOLDMAN: Your excellencies, President Biden, President Lourenco, President Hichilema, President Tshisekedi, Vice President Mpango, Director Ebong, CEO Zubairu, thank you very much. It's really an honor to be here.

KoBold is the world's most advanced mineral exploration company. The next phase of global economic growth is going to require significantly expanding supply of metals like copper and lithium to make everything from cars to data centers for AI.

But the mining industry keeps getting worse at finding more deposits of these metals  ten times less successful today than a generation ago. And the problem just keeps getting harder. The mines in production today, the vast majority were easily discovered and they were discovered many years ago.

So, at KoBold, we invent technology to improve exploration and discover the next generation of ore deposits. And we use our technology to go out and explore all over the world, at scale, using a powerful combination of artificial intelligence and human intelligence.

And then, when we make discoveries, we develop mines in ways that deliver lasting benefits to the countries and the communities where we operate.

In Zambia, we're developing the Mingomba deposit, which will be one of the largest copper mines in the world. And we are very proud to be an anchor partner of the  the new Zambia-DRC-Angola Lobito rail, because the Lobito Corridor fits the way that we do business.

First, we move fast. The economic impact and the creation of good jobs needs to happen now, not later. CEO Zubairu said that there will be shovels in the ground on the greenfield Zambia-Angola portion of the Lobito rail, and that's great news, because at KoBold, we're working to start major construction on the Mingomba mine also in 2026.

We will ship at least 300,000 tons per year of copper on the Lobito rail so that our investments at Mingomba can accelerate development across the region. And the faster we all move, the better for everyone.

Second, we succeed because of our partnerships. We work every day with our most important partners throughout the Zambian government and with our joint venture partners at ZCM-IH. Together, we'll create thousands of good jobs that will last for generations and will in-  increase intra-African trade. And our partnerships succeed because KoBold follows the rules and government supports our investments with actions that are fair, transparent, and fast.

Third, we raise the standards, as CEO Zubairu said. To succeed where industry is failing at finding more metals, we have to do better science, and we're equally committed to raising the standards for protecting communities, the environment, and the rule of law. We're committed to the Lobito Corridor because the standards are high, and that's how KoBold works.

Lastly, the private sector can step up and deliver. This year, KoBold's investors, our shareholders, came to Africa. They saw Mingomba. They met with key policy makers. We see the value that Lobito can create for the Mingomba mine, for our future discoveries. So, it will help enable the next round of investment and the next one.

And we're building the foundation of  for success of our business and for the region, and we'll be your partners every step of the way. Thank you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Josh. In the United States, we've been proud of the fact that the government  we've been working towards government-enabled and private-sector led.

And under President Biden's leadership, we have sought to expand the ability of the finance corporations of the United States  EXIM Bank, DFC, the MCC  these are all acronyms  for our export-supporting agencies.

And with us today is one of those agency heads, Enoh Ebong of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, to be able to talk about what the United States, over the last few years, in a very short period of time since President Biden not only launched this initiative but addressed the Africa Leaders Summit and made the commitment of turning the support from not only assistance but also investment.

So, with us, Enoh Ebong will be able to address how we've been able to do that and what the United States wants to do further.

Enoh.

MS. EBONG: Thank you. Your excellencies, President Lourenco, President Tshisekedi, President Hichilema, Vice President Mpango, our own President Biden, private-sector partners, when President Biden launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, he called upon our government to prioritize working with like-minded partners on the development of their infrastructure priorities. PGI has since become a critical global platform for the work of more than a dozen U.S. government agencies.

We are here because of your vision for connecting a region and its citizens to the life-changing opportunities that the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor can offer.

Through PGI, we are delivering game-changing deals and harnessing what no other country can: the innovation of our private sector.

For our part, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps mobilize capital by working alongside U.S. industry to prepare infrastructure projects through grant-based funding for feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Agen-  the  the U.S. In-  Agency for International Development are all funding significant commitments to sustainable infrastructure in your countries, including rail, clean energy, digital access, and opening the door for sectors like agribusiness.

Through PGI, we are using the full U.S. government tool kit to catalyze private investment and deliver innovative U.S. technology, high-quality infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth in the communities along the Lobito Corridor.

Our partnership with you is generating results  results that will endure for decades to come. We are at a hopeful inflection point in our shared history  one which calls to mind the Angolan national motto, "Virtus Unita Fortior", which is a call for strength through unity.

We are inspired to convene in Lobito, a gateway to the world, to solidify our momentum and celebrate the strength of the partnership that we have built together. Thank you.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Enoh.

And as we come to a close, President Lourenco, none of what we've heard today or what we've done over the last couple of years would have been possible without your partnership, your leadership, your friendship, and your commitment to this corridor.

I'd like to turn to you for any closing remarks that you may have. Mr. President.

PRESIDENT LOURENCO: (As interpreted.) Thank you very much. I would like to thank the presence of everyone, not only that of head of states, but also all our partners, private-sector financial institutions, and particularly thank President Joe Biden for  for the seriousness in keeping up to the promise made at the U.S. Leaders  U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that has said  is now being implemented.

So, this big project of Lobito Corridor is an infrastructure that we, as African statesmen, have been claiming for so that it can ensure the development of our continent. So, without connectivity, without (inaudible), we cannot ensure food security and development of a continent.

So, once again, thank you very much to all of you. Feel yourselves at home while you remain in the Angolan territory, and you are mostly welcome at any time you would wish to visit Angola.

Thank you very much.

MR. HOCHSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President. President Biden has told me that he is not a patient man and that, when he wants to deal with infrastructure, he wants it to happen as soon as possible. That is true in the United States. It is surely true here as well.

Mr. President, you heard today that shovels are already in the ground and working here in Angola. It is already cutting the time since your announcement in the DRC. And you heard again today that the shovels will be in the ground for the greenfield project. You promised that the beginning of 2026 in the  for the greenfield.

Mr. President, I hope that what you've seen and heard today from the private sector and from the other leaders is a demonstration of the transformative impact of your commitment that you made and the commitment that has been now delivered through the last couple of years, since the  since you launched this project a year and a half ago and since your commitment at the Africa Leaders Summit.

Mr. President, I hope you can  closing remarks to adjourn this meeting.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Mr. President, I'm coming back to ride on the train, all the way, from end to end.

I  as they say, if you  when we  on the Senate floor of the United States Senate, "Excuse a point of personal privilege." I've ridden an awful lot on trains. I commute every day 212 miles a day on Amtrak from Washington to my hometown to Wilmington, Delaware, as a senator. And so, I  I like trains a lot. (Laughs.) So, I'm coming back. You're stuck with me.

I want to close with one final thought. It's almost exactly this day, just over 160 years ago, my country, the United States, broke ground on America's first transcontinental railroad.

President Abraham Lincoln called it, quote, "the proudest thing of his life." "The proudest thing of his life." And  and he hoped that when he retired as president, he said, he'd be able to take a trip on that rail line.

I want to take a trip on this rail line, if I can.

Folks, PGI is one of the things that I'm most proud of in my presidency. The Lobito Corridor and all the work you all are doing proves why.

Because, like Lincoln, we're not just laying tracks; we're laying the groundwork for a better future for our people  ordinary people, people that's going to create jobs. It's going to create good-paying jobs for people. It's going to put them in a position where they can have the benefits people around the world have without having to long for them and actually get them.

And so, you know, laying the groundwork for better a future is what we're all doing here, in my view  a future of innovation, a future of opportunity, and, quite frankly, a future of pride.

Back home in the United States, I often say that when people see big infrastructure projects in their hometown  when they see cranes in the air, shovels in the ground  it literally gives them hope. It gives them hope and brings pride back to communities that have left behind for too long, communities that used to have industry but no longer have it.

And  and Africa has been left behind for much too long beyond that, but not anymore.

Africa is the future. I'm not being solicitous. Those of you who've had to deal with me, I've been focusing on Africa since I was a kid in the United States Senate heading the Africa Affairs subcommittee. It is the future, and we have to step up.

And I could not be prouder that our governments, our businesses, and our workers  (coughs)  excuse me  are working together to seize that future  that future  to build something that will deliver for the region and, quite frankly, deliver to the whole world  deliver to the whole world.

Going to get your coba-  your  your materials  instead of them coming in, you know, 45 days, they'll come in 48 hours now. No, I'm serious. It's a  it's a big deal, as we say where I come from.

To build something that will deliver for the region and the world  something that, if done right, will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come.

So, thank you again for your partnership.

Thank you, Mr. President, and all of you for your leadership.

And I can't wait to see all of you will continue to accomplish here in the Lobito Corridor in years ahead, and I think it's going to set a standard for the rest of the world.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you. And I really appreciate being able to work with you and what you're doing. Appreciate it. (Applause.)

2:59 P.M. WAT

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Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia

December 04, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, to discuss the U.S.-Zambian relationship and our shared commitment to economic and democratic progress. The two leaders discussed the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the new rail line from the Angola border into Zambia. They discussed how these investments in infrastructure  including through a new $491 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with the Government of Zambia in which the United States will invest $458 million and Zambia will commit $33 million  will help catalyze sustainable and inclusive economic growth for the people of Zambia, lower the cost of transporting goods to regional and global markets, and create an incredible legacy for generations to come. They affirmed the need to ensure conditions are in place to attract private sector investments in Zambia, including a conviction that strong, resilient democracies are essential to create quality jobs and inclusive economic growth. The presidents underscored their conviction that countries should not be held back from investing in their development by the need to service unsustainably high debt, and together committed to continue advocating for reform.

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Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

December 04, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to discuss the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the broader economic partnershipand the bilateral relationship between the United States and the DRC and the Congolese people. The two leaders affirmed the need to ensure conditions are in place to attract private sector investments in the DRC, including good governance, transparency, and a sovereign DRC that is able to harness its immense wealth for the benefit of all its people. President Biden encouraged continued commitment to the Luanda Process to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 04 December 2024 - Day 1015

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that so far, there have been 156 combat clashes. The hottest today remained the situation on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhivsk directions.

For the current 24 hours, Russia has made 25 aviation strikes on the territory of Ukraine, dropping 29 KAB, used 654 kamikaze drones to impress. Made almost 4000 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces attacked five times near vovchansky and glbokoye. One confrontation is still going on. The aviation strike was hit by the Veterinarian.

In the kupans komu direction the Russian aggressor during the day 15 times tried to advance to Ukrainian positions near kucervka, synkivka, petropavlivka, persotravnevogo, green grove and lozovoi. All Russian attacks were repelled by the Defense Forces. Also the Russian aviation struck kabama on dvoricnai, and lozovu and petropavlivku attacked narami.

In the Lymans komu direction, Russian forces attacked 13 times in the areas of grekivka, druzelubivka, makiiivka, terniv and zarichny. Ukrainian warriors stopped 11 attempts of the enemy to advance. Two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions four times at the position of Ukrainian troops in the Toretsk area. Two attacks have already been repelled by Ukrainian soldiers, the others are ongoing. KABAMA airstrikes suffered Konstantinivka.

Since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has tried 39 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Pokrovsky direction in the areas of Mirolyubivka, Promenya, Lisivka, Dachensky, Yellow, Shevchenko, Pushkinoy and Novopustinki. Ukrainian units have repelled thirty-six attacks, other battles continue.

According to the information available at this time, the Russian casualties to date are more than 300 people killed and wounded, and two armored vehicles, four vehicles were destroyed, also three cannons, one armored vehicle and one unit of vehicles were damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces 38 times attacked Ukrainian positions. The greatest activity was shown in the area of Sontsivka, Berestkiv, Zory, Novodmitrivka, Kurakhovoy, Dalnogo, Dachnyo, Romanivka, Elizabeth and Uspenivka, where Ukrainian defenders repelled 31 attacks, seven fighting are still ongoing. Kabama's airstrike was hit by the settlement of Ulakly.

In the Vremivs ,komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled ten attacks of the Russian enemy near the Green Field, Novodarivka, Konstantinopolsky and Sukih Yalyv, two more clashes are ongoing so far.

In the directions of Gulyaipil and Orikhiv, Russian forces launched aerial strikes in the areas of the settlements of Gulyaypole and Novoandriivka.

In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent does not leave trying to knock out Ukrainian units from occupied positions - within a day he was carried out two unsuccessful assaults.

In Kur ini Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 Russian attacks, in six more locations fighting continue.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit formations of the 5th Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Alisovka (Kharkov region).

Russian units repelled two counter-attacks of the 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops, a motor vehicle, a 152-mm D-20 gun, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 63rd, 67th mechanised brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and 3rd border service detachment near Petropavlovka, Glushkovka, Novoosinovo (Kharkov region), Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Novolyubovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

Ten counter-attacks of the 3rd, 14th, 30th, 116th mechanised brigades of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, and 117th Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 500 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer. A Zakhist-AF electronic warfare station and two ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and hit the 23rd, 28th, 33rd, 37th, 54th, and 157th mechanised brigades, 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, 81st Airmobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Ulakly, Dachnoye, Zvanovka, Pereyezdnoye, Seversk, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The losses of the enemy amounted to up to 350 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, a pickup truck, and two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns. One ammunition depot was wiped out.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 117th Heavy Mechanised Brigade, 152nd Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 38th Marine Brigade, 109th, 241st territorial defence brigades, 12th Special Operations Brigade, 14th and 15th National Guard brigades close to Shevchenko, Dzerzhinsk, Kalinovo, Shcherbinovka, Mirolyubovka, Pravdovka, Novotroitskoye and Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic).

Nine counter-attacks of the 100th, 151st mechanised brigades, 59th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 49th, 425th separate assault battalions of the AFU, 35th Marine Brigade, and the Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 530 troops, an armoured personnel carrier, four Kozak armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, a 152-mm D-20 gun, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

The Vostok Group of Forces advanced further into the depth of the enemy's defences and hit formations of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 113th, 120th, and 125th territorial defence brigades close to Konstantinopol, Novoselka, Volnoye Pole, and Dneproenergiya (Donetsk People's Republic).

Two counter-attacks of the 23rd and 151st mechanised brigades were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 150 troops, a tank, an armoured personnel carrier, two motor vehicles, a 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. Two electronic warfare stations were destroyed.

The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged personnel and hardware of the 141st Infantry Brigade, 110th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, and 124th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Novoandreyevka, Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), Sadovoye, and Priozernoye (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 55 troops, 12 motor vehicles, and an electronic warfare station. Two ammunition and one materiel depots were eliminated.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure of military airfields, ammunition depots, as well as engaged clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 133 areas.

Air defence units shot down 61 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 649 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 37,183 unmanned aerial vehicles, 586 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,611 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,497 MLRS combat vehicles, 18,960 field artillery guns and mortars, and 28,981 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of four mechanised brigades, a heavy mechanised brigade, a tank brigade, three air assault brigades as well as two territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Viktorovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Pravda, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Kurilovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 280 troops, Russian units destroyed a tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and two mortars.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 37,935 troops, 229 tanks, 165 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,225 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,082 motor vehicles, 308 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, 71 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.





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Reward Increased Up to $15 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Cartel Leader

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

December 4, 2024

Today, the U.S. Department of State is announcing a reward offer increase under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Mexican national Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho." Oseguera Cervantes is the co-founder and current leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a violent drug cartel in Mexico responsible for trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States for drug trafficking. Most recently, in April 2022, Oseguera was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes. Oseguera is a fugitive.

Today's reward increase is offered under the NRP, which supports law enforcement efforts to identify and bring to justice major violators of U.S. narcotics laws. If you have information, please contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) via text or WhatsApp at +1-213-237-9990 or by email at MENCHOTIPS@dea.gov. The DEA also seeks tips for other CJNG leaders, Audias Flores-Silva and Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, both of whom have Department of State reward offers of up to $5 million for their arrest and/or conviction.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.

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First AUKUS Defence Industry Vendor Qualification contracts awarded to Australian businesses

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

4 December 2024

The Albanese Government has awarded several contracts under a qualification process that paves the way for the Australian businesses to enter UK and US submarine supply chains, underscoring further progress in delivering the AUKUS program.

The Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program aims to enable Australian businesses to supply their products and services into the AUKUS trilateral submarine industrial base. It provides a vital conduit for helping Australian businesses, supporting high-skilled and well-paid jobs in locations across the country, including in regional Australia.

Through the DIVQ Program, the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is working with AUKUS partners to streamline processes and support the qualification of Australian businesses and their products and services.

The contracts to HIFraser, Mack Valves, Bale Defence and STAUFF Corporation, announced today, will enable these businesses to commence manufacture of a sample of standard US Navy valves and pipe fittings as part of their qualification process - a critical step to becoming approved vendors within the US submarine industrial base. Once qualified, these businesses will have the opportunity to manufacture and supply valves or pipe fittings for use in the construction and sustainment of a range of navy platforms, including Virginia class submarines.

HIFraser, Mack Valves, Bale Defence and STAUFF Corporation are Australian businesses with strong histories supporting Defence projects, including the Collins class submarine capability.

HIFraser has signed an initial contract with the Australian Government, to produce 15 valves (five lots of three valve types). HiFraser will also be producing pipe fittings for qualification. HIFraser employs 135 Australians, with locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane and O'Connor (WA).

Mack Valves has signed an initial contract with the Australian Government to produce 15 valves (five lots of three valve types). Mack Valves employs 33 Australians, with locations in Townsville, Wollongong, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Bale Defence has signed an initial contract to manufacture pipe fittings. Bale Defence employs 44 Australians in Port Macquarie NSW.

STAUFF Corporation has signed an initial contract to manufacture pipe fittings. Stauff Corporation employs 92 Australians with locations in Wollongong, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Once qualified these businesses will become part of the US supply chains, giving them the opportunity to receive orders to meet demand. This Australian Government funding gives them that opportunity to prove their manufacturing capability and in partnership with our AUKUS partners supports the approval process. Qualification takes time; the DIVQ gets Australian business ready to meet demand.

This is a major milestone in our efforts to expand Australia's submarine industrial base, promote opportunities for Australian businesses in the US and UK supply chains, and strengthen the resilience of our collective industrial capacity through AUKUS.

This is a practical step in Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclearpowered submarines and an investment in Australian manufacturing.

For further information on becoming involved in the build and sustainment supply chains, the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program and industry engagement activities, companies can register their interest through the ICN Gateway.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

"This qualification program is critical to delivering on AUKUS but also demonstrates how AUKUS can deliver for Australians and local businesses by providing opportunities for growth and jobs.

"It helps to fill the gaps within the supply chains of our AUKUS partners, giving greater strength and resilience to these supply chains.

"It also contributes to the development of Australian businesses ahead of the build and sustainment of our own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines."

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Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Techo Hun Sen

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 03, 2024 22:42

On December 3, 2024, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Xi Jinping said that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia is of high quality and fully conforms to the common interests of the two peoples. China has always regarded Cambodia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is ready to work together with Cambodia to build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. First, the two sides must firmly support each other to consolidate their ironclad friendship. China will firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests. Second, the two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning to seek common development and revitalization. The CPC is ready to strengthen strategic communication and cooperation in cadre training with the CPP, and to assist Cambodia in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions. Third, the two sides should seize opportunities to make new progress in win-win cooperation. China is ready to work with Cambodia to focus on the implementation of the new action plan on building a community with a shared future, continuously enrich the "diamond hexagon" cooperation framework, formulate cooperation plans for the "industrial development corridor" and the "fish and rice corridor", promote the effective implementation of key cooperative projects, and contribute to the high-quality synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy.

Xi Jinping pointed out that at present, the international situation is fraught with changes and chaos, and global challenges are emerging one after another, testing the responses and choices of all countries. Both China and Cambodia are committed to being the forces for peace, development and progress in the world. China will continue to support Cambodia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs to boost the strength of the Global South. China supports ASEAN in upholding its strategic autonomy and maintaining its centrality, firmly opposes external forces' introduction of Cold War mentality into the region, and unswervingly promotes ASEAN integration and community building. China is ready to work with Cambodia with firm determination to heighten the bottom-line mentality, strengthen collaboration and coordination, and jointly address various risks.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that the Cambodia-China friendship was jointly established by the elder generation of leaders of both sides and has withstood the test of history and time. The Cambodia-China community with a shared future is in the common interests of both sides. The Cambodian side thanked the Chinese side for its invaluable support and assistance in Cambodia's political, economic and social development over the years. He said, China is Cambodia's most trusted friend, and friendship with China is a firm political consensus within the CPP, which will not undergo any changes with intergenerational leadership transitions in Cambodia. Cambodia will continue to firmly pursue the one-China principle, support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is ready to comprehensively strengthen party-to-party exchanges with China, deepen political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance youth, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, in a bid to better benefit the two peoples. Cambodia is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the talks.

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Xi Jinping Meets with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 03, 2024 22:36

On the afternoon of December 3, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for KP Sharma Oli's long-term firm commitment to promoting friendship between China and Nepal and noted that China and Nepal are good neighbors, good friends and good partners linked by mountains and rivers. The two countries have always treated each other with sincerity and mutual respect and support, and bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development. Noting that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, Xi Jinping said China places Nepal in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is ready to uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations with Nepal, consolidate their traditional friendship and push for new and greater progress in advancing the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

Xi Jinping stressed that China respects Nepal's choice to follow a development path suited to its national conditions and supports Nepal in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is ready to work with Nepal to consolidate strategic mutual trust and provide staunch support on issues concerning each other's core interests. The building of the Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network is gradually transforming from a concept into reality. China is ready to continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with Nepal, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen connectivity cooperation in such fields as ports, transportation, power grids and communications. China is ready to help Nepal accelerate its transformation from a "land-locked country" to a "land-linked country", continue to support Nepal's economic and social development within its capacity, and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Nepal. China supports Nepal's declaration of 2025 as Nepal Visit Year in China, and welcomes Nepali friends to travel to China for business, tourism and study. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Nepal at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

KP Sharma Oli said that under the dynamic leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable development, which stands as a miracle in human progress. As a friend of China, Nepal is deeply proud of and inspired by these achievements, and hopes to learn from China's successful experience to drive its own development and prosperity. There are no problems, only friendship, between Nepal and China. The relationship between the two countries is based on friendship, equality, and respect. KP Sharma Oli expressed gratitude to China for its timely assistance and various forms of valuable support, which helped Nepal transform from a "land-locked country" into a "land-linked country". Nepal is ready to continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road cooperation. Nepal welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country and deepen cooperation in various fields. Both Xizang and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China's territory. Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and will not allow any force to use its territory for anti-China activities or to harm China's interests. Nepal opposes any foreign interference in China's internal affairs. The Global Development Initiative and other important initiatives put forward by China are conducive to jointly addressing the current complex international situation and global challenges for mankind, and Nepal is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and Nepal.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

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Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Sergiu Mihov Hold Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and Moldova

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 03, 2024 23:54

On December 3, 2024, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Sergiu Mihov held consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of China and Moldova in Beijing.

Liu Bin said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 32 years ago, China and Moldova have always upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed smoothly. China is ready to work with Moldova to implement the strategic plan made by the two heads of state, strengthen mutual support, expand cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, investment, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the development and revitalization of the two countries.

Sergiu Mihov said that Moldova attaches great importance to its relations with China, abides by the one-China principle, and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields, strengthening communication in international affairs and promoting greater development of bilateral relations.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.

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UK Parliament confronts 'Italian' tomato puree made with Uyghur forced labor

Companies globally are facing scrutiny to ensure there is no forced labor in their supply chains.

By Jilil Kashgary for RFA Uyghur 2024.12.03 -- The U.K. Parliament is discussing possible steps of action after an investigative report found that "Italian" tomato purees sold in British supermarkets are actually often made with Uyghur forced labor in China.

The report published by the BBC on Sunday found that 17 products, mostly store-name brands sold by British and German retailers, likely contain Chinese tomatoes. Some have "Italian" in their name, such as Tesco's Italian Tomato Puree, while others list "Italian" in their product description.

"Yesterday's 'blood-on-the-shelves' BBC investigation has rightly shocked the British public," said Sarah Champion, a Labour Party member of parliament who is also a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, during a House of Commons session on Monday.

"Tomato products sold in U.K. supermarkets with labels informing British customers that the purees were Italian-made or produced in Italy were actually linked to slave labor in the Xinjiang autonomous Uyghur region of China," she said about the links between the U.K.'s supermarket supply chains and Uyghur forced labor.

The news came days after Tadashi Yanai, president and chief executive officer of Japan's Fast Retailing, parent company of apparel retailer Uniqlo, said his company did not use cotton from Xinjiang.

Companies around the world are being scrutinized to ensure their supply chains don't include products made with Uyghur forced labor.

China reacted immediately to the report, saying, "This almost equates Xinjiang with 'forced labor,' which is a blatant smear campaign against China," in an editorial in the state-run Global Times.

"The BBC's latest attempt at 'fabricating a story' is rather clumsy," it said. "In Xinjiang, whether it's cotton or tomatoes, mechanization has largely replaced manual labor from planting to harvesting."

'Genocide'

In 2021, the U.K.'s Lower House of Parliament voted unanimously to designate the Chinese government's abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, including mass detentions, torture and forced labor, as part of a policy of genocide and crimes again humanity.

However, unlike the United States, which has legislation banning exports from Xinjiang under the assumption that they are made with forced labor, U.K. companies are allowed to regulate themselves to ensure such labor is not a part of their supply chains.

Champion went on to blame the United Kingdom's "weak and confusing product labeling regulation" for allowing "a linguistic sleight of hand to occur with, one can only assume, the aim of misleading consumers."

Directing her comments to Douglas Alexander, the UK's minister for trade policy and economic security, Champion asked, "What more evidence is required to prove that we need stronger labeling standards that give consumers more information on the sourcing countries of pre-packed products?"

"In the Uyghur region, egregious human rights abuses are taking place every single day, all underpinned by a system of state-imposed forced labor," she said, adding that an estimated 700,000 people are involved in the production of tomatoes against their will.

Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, who co-chairs the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said the U.K.'s 2015 Modern Slavery Act, which calls for the prevention and mitigation of instances of modern slavery across supply chains, needs an overhaul.

"Right now, we have polysilicon arrays coming in from Xinjiang in massive quantities, and nothing is being done about it," he said. "This is not just about Xinjiang; there are a quarter of a million people from Tibet in forced labor."

Firsthand accounts

The BBC said it spoke to 14 people who endured or witnessed forced labor in Xinjiang's tomato fields over the past 16 years, one of whom said that if workers failed to meet their daily production quotas of tomatoes for overseas export, they would be shocked with electric prods.

The news organization researched shipping data to determine that most Xinjiang tomatoes are transported by train through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and into Georgia, and finally to Italy.

In June, rights lawyers acting on behalf of Uyghur advocacy groups filed domestic and international complaints alleging that dozens of containers of tomato paste shipped by rail from Xinjiang to Italy two months earlier were produced using Uyghur forced labor.

Adrian Zenz, senior fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington and an expert on Xinjiang, said Xinjiang Guannong, a company that produces tomatoes using forced labor, created a shell company to export its produce under a different name to Italy and other locations.

Zenz cited legislation passed by the European Parliament in April that aims to prevent the import and distribution of goods made with forced labor, but must be passed by the EU's 27 countries, which will have three years to implement the law.

"The danger is that with the European Union having enacted legislation  a forced labor regulation that will go into effect in three years  the U.K. will become an even greater dumping ground for these kind of tomatoes," he said.

Hiding origins?

Oana Burcu, who specializes in Chinese foreign policy at the University of Nottingham, said it should come as no surprise that tomato paste originating from China, and potentially from Xinjiang, has reached U.K. supermarket shelves.

Italy, which imports large quantities of tomato paste largely from China and the U.S., is one of the world's largest exporters of tomato paste. It imports tomato paste it, repackages it, relabels it and exports it to other nations in Europe and elsewhere.

The EU has discussed implementing mandatory origin labeling for tomato products in recent years, though the measure has yet to be considered.

"A country could use the label made in or packaged in, let's say, Italy, even if no products from Italy were used as such, and Italy was simply used as a manufacturing or processing base," Burcu said.

Sophie Richardson, longtime activist and scholar of Chinese politics, human rights and foreign policy, said it wasn't surprising that tomato puree made from Chinese tomatoes is sold all over the world, including in countries that now have stronger laws against goods made with forced labor.

"And it's because the enforcement mechanisms are weak, and the companies keep saying, 'You know, we don't approve of forced labor,' but they also don't actually take the steps that they're obliged to take in order to prevent having those tainted goods in their own international supply chains."

Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian Responds to Media Questions on December 4, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 04, 2024 19:53

Bloomberg: Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on the short-lived imposition of martial law in South Korea? How might it affect ties between China and South Korea going forward? Are there any security implications on the Korean peninsula or in the Asia Pacific region in general? (similar questions from AFP, Reuters, DPA, News 1 Korea, CNN, NHK and so on)

Lin Jian: China noted relevant events and will not comment on the ROK's domestic affairs. China has asked its nationals in the ROK to take extra safety precautions. We hope the ROK will take effective measures to protect the safety and security of Chinese nationals and institutions in the ROK.

China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged.

AFP: The Philippines said that the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at a Philippine vessel. Do you have any comment?

Lin Jian: Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory. The Philippines sent Coast Guard and official vessels there and tried to intrude into China's territorial sea surrounding Huangyan Dao. In response, China did what was necessary to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. The measures are justified, lawful, professional and restrained. China calls on the Philippines to stop those infringement activities and provocations at once and not to challenge China's firm resolve to defend our lawful rights and interests.

China Daily: On December 4 Beijing time, the Electoral Commission of Namibia released the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections. The presidential candidate of the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won the election with 57.31 percent of votes and will become the first female president of Namibia since the country gained independence. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: China is glad to see the successful presidential and National Assembly elections in Namibia and extends congratulations to the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. China deeply values its relations with Namibia. Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of China-Namibia diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with Namibia to implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and thereby advance the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, so as to produce more good results from our practical cooperation and deliver more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

AFP: The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said last night that it has begun a ceasefire and that "under the mediation of China we are willing to engage in peace talks with the Myanmar army." Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment about whether China is ready to mediate peace talks between the Myanmar military and the MNDAA, and if so, could you give details on when and where these might happen?

Lin Jian: China commends the recent positive remarks of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. China is closely watching the developments in northern Myanmar, and has been urging relevant parties of Myanmar to engage in dialogue and consultation, stop the fighting as soon as possible, settle differences through peaceful means, and avoid escalation. In particular, they should not endanger the security and safety of China's border areas, Chinese people living in the border areas and Chinese projects, companies and personnel in Myanmar. We will continue to do what we can to assist and support the peace process in northern Myanmar.



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China's new drone draws debate over its potential uses

By Chin Ku December 04, 2024

China's recent unveiling of its prototype of a 6-ton tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle is stirring up debate over its potential use in combat.

The drone, the Lanying R6000, is purportedly intended for nonmilitary uses, but concept drawings that displayed Chinese military logos on the wings and body of the aircraft sparked worries that it may be used for military transportation, surveillance, reconnaissance or attacks.

Tiltrotor aircraft such as the Lanying R6000 combine the flying speed of airplanes with the takeoff and landing maneuverability of helicopters, providing them with the advantages of both systems.

The new drone, displayed at the Zhuhai air show in November, has a cruising speed of 550 kilometers per hour, a range of up to 4,000 kilometers, a maximum take-off weight of 6,100 kilograms and a maximum payload of 2,000 kilograms according to the website of United Aircraft, a Shenzhen-based company.

The business was born in 2014 after the Chinese government began efforts to integrate civil companies into defense technology development. In 2023, United Aircraft received funding from state-backed investment firms totaling nearly $276 million.

The company website describes the R6000 drone as a "car in the sky," that can seat up to 12 people with additional applications that include "urban air traffic, logistics transportation, emergency rescue" and others. But some observers say printed designs of the drone with military markings suggest that the company is looking toward military applications of the Lanying system.

The drone could serve to increase the efficiency of military logistics and transportation in the event of conflict in the Taiwan Strait, with its long range and rapid deployment capabilities, military analysts tell VOA.

The drone does not need a runway "making it particularly suitable for special terrains such as mountainous areas and islands," stated the United Aircraft website's product description.

Hong Kong-based Asia Times reported in October, "China's UR6000 may perform rapid resupply missions to support airfield seizure operations during a potential invasion of Taiwan."

Yao Cheng, a former lieutenant colonel staff officer of the Chinese Navy Command who is now based in Los Angeles, told VOA that the Lanying R6000's advantages lie in its fast speed, unmanned operation and strong emergency response capabilities.

These advantages, he confirmed, would be useful if a conflict were to break out over Taiwan.

"If there is fighting in the Taiwan Strait, because its speed is 550 [kilometers per hour], it can deliver the materials to the battlefield in about half an hour," Yao said.

Taiwan is located 180 kilometers from China. With a range of 4,000 kilometers, the Lanying R6000 could make more than 10 round trips from China to Taiwan before refueling.

Yao said the drone's wide range covers the Western Pacific, giving it the ability to reach locations throughout the South China Sea and U.S. military bases in Japan and South Korea.

Given the trend of warfare toward unmanned and intelligent warfare, Yao expects the Lanying R6000 to become an important force in military transportation.

However, Su Tzu-yun director of the Institute of National Defense Strategy and Resources at the Taipei-based National Defense Security Research Institute, told VOA that the Lanying R6000 has more value in commercial transportation than in the military.

The drone has low stealth capabilities given that helicopters and other similar aircraft that make use of tiltrotors tend to be noisy and produce radar signatures, Su said, making the drone an easy target for air defense missiles.

The size of the Chinese army's helicopter force, coupled with the limitations of Lanying system's stealth capabilities, makes it unrealistic for the drone to be considered as an ideal option in high-risk military operations, Su said.

He added that China possesses close to 1,000 helicopters, including the Z-20, China's version of the American Black Hawk helicopter. This number still trails behind that of the U.S., which has around 5,500 helicopter units.

Su said the drone could still play a limited role in the Chinese Navy. With its compact size and high speed, it is suitable for carrier-based tasks, such as rapid anti-submarine patrols or replenishment missions.

The Luying R6000 model could also develop into technology that is more appropriate and valuable for military use in the future, Su added.

VOA Mandarin and Katherine Michaelson contributed to this report.

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China grows global influence through partnership with Russia in 2024

By William Yang December 04, 2024

In the past year an economic downturn, persistent youth unemployment and a property crisis have plagued China at home. Abroad, Beijing has expanded its cooperation with Russia despite warnings from Western leaders that a closer alliance between the two countries is a source of growing concern.

In 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held three bilateral meetings. The two militaries also conducted several joint exercises in different parts of the world this year.

From Ukraine and BRICS to bilateral economic ties and the multilateral system, the "no limits" relationship that Beijing and Moscow announced just before Russia invaded Ukraine continued to live up to its name said analysts.

Their "frequent engagement shows that both countries are focused on their relationship and despite many barriers and issues that they had to deal with," said Philipp Ivanov, a non-resident senior fellow at Asia Society told VOA on November 28.

During their meetings, Xi and Putin repeatedly highlighted the importance of their bilateral cooperation.

"With the concerted efforts of the two sides, China-Russia relations have been moving forward steadily, with enhanced comprehensive strategic coordination and further cooperation on economy and trade, investment, energy, people-to-people exchanges, at the subnational level and in other fields," Xi said during his meeting with Putin in Beijing on May 16.

Ivanov said the relationship between the two neighboring countries has been mutually beneficial.

"Russia has become quite dependent on China in terms of the supplies of electronics and manufacturing equipment," he told VOA in a video interview last Thursday. "Beijing has been benefiting from the discounted energy prices that Russia provides."

Promoting a multipolar world order

China and Russia have also been seeking to promote an alternative "multipolar" world order that challenges the global system led by the United States in 2024.

Part of that effort to promote the multipolar world order has come through the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, also called SCO, and BRICS, an informal group of states that originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. BRICS has since expanded to include other countries from Africa and the Middle East.

In 2024, Belarus became the latest country to join SCO and in July, Minsk held joint military exercises with China near the border of Poland and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia formally applied to join BRICS this year.

Experts say the push has been appealing to some middle-power countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Brazil.

These countries "feel they can increase their own power through multilateral institutions like BRICS and SCO because they can play bigger roles in these organizations," Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, told VOA on November 28.

As the idea of a multipolar world order appeals to more Global South countries, Arho Havren said it strengthens China's efforts to portray itself as the leader of the Global South.

"During the G20 Summit in Brazil, Xi Jinping portrayed China's governance model as a model for developing countries, and I think that reflects China's growing confidence in presenting itself as a leader of the Global South," she told VOA by phone.

The Global South generally refers to countries listed as "developing" by the United Nations but also includes China and several wealthy Gulf states. China and Russia have stepped up their use of the grouping to highlight efforts to support the developing world and grow the political, military and economic influence.

While more countries express interest in joining multilateral institutions like BRICS, some analysts say their motivation may not be the same as Beijing and Moscow's anti-West agenda.

China and Russia "are trying to shift BRICS into some sort of anti-Western grouping, but not many countries in the Global South are on board with the idea," said Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Program at the Takshashila Institution in India.

"A lot of countries enter BRICS because they see it as [a platform that gives them] a collective voice to share their grievances with regard to lack of representation in global governance and the ability to shape global rules," he told VOA in a Zoom interview on November 29.

Deterring the US and its allies

China and Russia also increased joint military exercises in 2024, holding military drills and patrols in the South China Sea, the Arctic, the Mediterranean and the Sea of Japan.

Ivanov at the Asia Society said China and Russia are trying to use the joint military drills to "demonstrate that they have sufficient military capabilities to deter the U.S."

He added, "The exercises are also opportunities for China and Russia to test the limits of their military cooperation."

"As they exercise together more and do it in different places, it creates a certain connection between the two militaries, which is the most important ingredient that's currently missing in the China-Russia relations," Ivanov said.

Despite increased military cooperation with Russia in different parts of the world, Ivanov said China is still largely focused on modernizing its military and preparing for contingency scenarios in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

"The exercises with Russia are essentially experiments for the Chinese military to operate far away from its borders and it's too early to assess how ambitious China's global military strategy may be," he said.

As countries around the world prepare for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House in January, Arho Havren said China will seek to grow its influence in different parts of the world where Washington might reduce its presence.

"Wherever the U.S. takes a less-strong position, China will be ready to fill the vacuum," she told VOA.

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US arrests man allegedly helping North Korea prepare 'surprise attack' on South

The man allegedly hid firearms and ammunition in containers routed via Hong Kong to North Korea.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2024.12.03

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The United States arrested a man in Ontario, California, for allegedly orchestrating illegal shipments of firearms, ammunition and military equipment to North Korea with the intent of supporting a "surprise attack" by North Korea on the South.

Chinese national Shenghua Wen, 41, who was living illegally in the U.S. on an expired student visa, faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

According to a federal complaint filed Nov. 26, Wen allegedly concealed firearms and ammunition in shipping containers that were routed through Hong Kong with a final destination in North Korea, violating both federal law and U.S. sanctions.

Law enforcement officials seized several items from Wen's residence on Aug. 14, including a chemical threat identification device and a handheld broadband receiver for detecting eavesdropping devices.

In a subsequent raid on Sept. 6, authorities confiscated approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition allegedly intended for North Korea.

An investigation of Wen's iPhone revealed evidence of smuggling activities dating back to December 2023, including messages discussing military-grade equipment shipments with co-conspirators.

Between January and April, Wen reportedly communicated with a U.S.-based broker about acquiring a civilian plane engine, with text messages showing price negotiations for both the plane and its engine.

"These engines would be used to help develop the North Korean military drone program," Wen is said to have told federal authorities, according to the affidavit.

During questioning, Wen allegedly said that North Korea wanted those items "to prepare for an attack against South Korea."

In addition to weapons and equipment, Wen told investigators Pyongyang also tasked him with obtaining military uniforms in the U.S., which "would subsequently be used by the North Korean military to disguise their soldiers to conduct a surprise attack on South Korea."

"The results of today's arrest and search warrants are a testament to HSI and our partner agencies commitment to national security and protecting our sensitive technology," said Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson.

"It is a federal crime to illegally obtain and export certain US technologies by foreign countries and those who seek to circumvent the law will be thoroughly investigated."

As a non-citizen illegally present in the U.S., Wen was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He also lacked the necessary U.S. government licenses to export such materials to North Korea.

Wen's student visa was valid from December 2012 to December 2013, the affidavit said. In 2018, he was ordered to be removed from the United States.

Wen was previously arrested in 2021 and at the time signed a form acknowledging his overstay status.

Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 3, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine and for Allies to work collectively to promote security and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic. They discussed the serious implications of Russia's decision to introduce Democratic People's Republic of Korea troops into its war of aggression against Ukraine. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Baerbock also discussed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and agreed on the importance of support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Secretary emphasized the importance of ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and establishing lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

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Jailed Iranian Nobel Laureate Mohammadi Temporarily Released On Medical Grounds

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 04, 2024

Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been temporarily released for at least three weeks after receiving urgent medical care, her lawyer said on December 4.

"According to the medical examiner's opinion, the Tehran Prosecutor's Office suspended the execution of Ms. Narges Mohammadi's sentence for three weeks and she was released from prison. The reason for this is her physical condition after tumor removal and bone grafting, which was done 21 days ago," human rights lawyer Mostafa Nili said in a post on X.

Sources confirmed to RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Mohammadi, 52, had been released.

Analysts said that by suspending Mohammadi's sentence instead of granting her a medical furlough, the time she spends outside of prison will be added to her sentence. A medical furlough would have meant time spent outside of prison would be considered the same as time spent incarcerated.

Mohammadi has been campaigning for human rights in Iran for decades and has been in and out of prison for the last 20 years. She has been convicted five times since March 2021 and is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for "spreading propaganda" against the Islamic republic.

Last month, her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said his wife had been moved to a Tehran hospital after suffering health issues for more than two months.

"She had an operation, and the operation was on the right leg, and even moving in the prison, sitting, and doing simple things became impossible for her, and even some prisoners went on hunger strike demanding her release," Rahmani told Radio Farda.

"Although prison is not a place for Narges, there is no place for human rights activists in prison at all. She should not go back to prison and all human rights activists and civil activists should be released from prison," he added.

Despite being nearly continuously incarcerated since 2010, Mohammadi has often tried to raise awareness about prison conditions and alleged abuses faced by female prisoners. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023.

Her teenage children accepted the award in Oslo on her behalf and read out a statement by Mohammadi in which she criticized Iran's "tyrannical" government.

"Weeks of enduring excruciating pain in prison, despite tireless advocacy from human rights organizations, and international figures, highlights the persistent disregard for Narges Mohammadi's basic human rights and the inhumane treatment she endures -- even after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize," the Narges Foundation said in a statement.

"The Narges Foundation asserts that a 21-day suspension of Narges Mohammadi's sentence is inadequate. After over a decade of imprisonment, Narges requires specialized medical care in a safe, sanitary environment -- a basic human right. As doctors have emphasized, a minimum of three months' recovery is crucial for her healing."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-mohammadi-nobel-released- medical-grounds/33226416.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.

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Imposition of Sanctions on Additional Entities Involved in Trading Iranian Oil

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

December 4, 2024

The United States has imposed sanctions on 35 entities and vessels that have transported Iranian oil. The Iranian regime uses oil revenues to fund its nuclear program, missile and UAV development, support for terrorist proxies and partners, and to perpetuate conflict throughout the Middle East.

This action imposes additional costs on Iran's petroleum sector following Iran's announced nuclear escalations. It builds upon the sanctions announced on October 11 when the United States identified the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of Iran under Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, following Iran's October 1, 2024 attack against Israel. This identification allows the Department of the Treasury to target a broader range of activities and persons relating to Iran's trade in petroleum and petroleum products. We are using this expanded authority to impose sanctions on actors operating in Iran's petroleum sector.

The United States is committed to curtailing Iran's sources of revenue for its malign activities, consistent with the objectives of the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP Act). As long as Iran devotes its energy revenues to funding attacks on our allies, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing other destabilizing actions, we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable. These measures will be reinforced by ongoing close coordination with partners and allies to address and counter Iran's actions.

Yesterday's actions were taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which authorizes the imposition of sanctions on persons operating in certain sectors of the Iranian economy. For more information see the Department of the Treasury's press release.



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Myanmar insurgents call ceasefire after Chinese pressure for peace

The MNDAA said it will discuss political solutions to differences but vows to defend its territory.

By RFA Burmese 2024.12.04 -- A Myanmar rebel army has declared a ceasefire in its war against the military, the second insurgent force in days to cite pressure from neighboring China for its willingness to talk peace.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, which has been fighting for years for autonomy for the Kokang region on northeastern Myanmar's border with China, said it would send a delegation to talks with the military to resolve differences through political means.

"From today onwards, our troops will cease fire immediately and will not launch an offensive against military council troops," the MNDAA said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"We hope that related issues, including Lashio, can be resolved by way of discussion under mediation efforts through China," the group said, referring to the main town in northern Shan state, which the MNDAA has controlled since driving out junta forces in early August.

The group cited military airstrikes against civilians as contributing to its decision to talk, adding it would defend its territory, suggesting it was intent on self-determination.

Radio Free Asia tried to contact the junta's main spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, for comment but he did not reply.

The MNDAA is part of an insurgent grouping called the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which went on the offensive in October last year and made stunning gains against forces of the junta that seized power in a 2021 coup.

Another member of the alliance, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, which is also based in Shan state, announced on Nov. 26 that, given China's efforts to end hostilities, it was ready to talk to the junta.

The third member of the alliance, the Arakan Army, is fighting for self-determination in Rakhine state in western Myanmar, where it has made more gains against the military this week.

China has managed to broker short-lived ceasefires between the insurgent allies and the military before but they collapsed.

China has extensive economic interests in Myanmar including energy pipelines and mining projects and is keen to see an end to the violent turmoil that has engulfed its southern neighbour since the military overthrew an elected government in 2021.

China backs the military but also maintains contacts with rebel forces, particularly those based on its border. It has been calling on all sides to talk while pressuring the insurgents by closing the border and cutting off essential supplies such as fuel.

China's blockade has led to surging prices in areas under rebel control.

The MNDAA said last month that China had detained its leader, Peng Daxun, as part of its camping to pressure the group but China denied that, saying he was in China for medical treatment.

Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw, a a China-based analyst on Myanmar affairs, attributed the latest ceasefire to mounting pressure from China rather than a genuine desire to negotiate, saying that a truce could be short-lived if the MNDAA's calls for autonomy were dismissed.

"The MNDAA is saying after the ceasefire, they'll engage in discussions, to have their own basic territory and permission to establish it," she said.

"If they don't get it, they'll pick up arms."

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Treasury Exposes Money Laundering Network Using Digital Assets to Evade Sanctions

U.S. Department of the Treasury

December 4, 2024

OFAC and foreign partners disrupt the TGR Group, an international illicit finance network that enables Russian elites to circumvent U.S. and international sanctions

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning five individuals and four entities that are associated with or leverage the TGR Group, a sprawling international network of businesses and employees that have facilitated significant sanctions circumvention on behalf of Russian elites. This action also identifies a Wyoming-based entity that is owned 50 percent or more by a sanctioned individual. Today's action continues the G7 commitment to hold accountable parties that evade or offset the impact of international sanctions, including by using digital assets, and to impose costs on illicit actors that use digital assets to enhance and transfer their wealth. These designations are the result of a collaborative effort with the United Kingdom's (UK) National Crime Agency, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

"Through the TGR Group, Russian elites sought to exploit digital assetsin particular U.S. dollar-backed stablecoinsto evade U.S. and international sanctions, further enriching themselves and the Kremlin," said Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith, "The United States, alongside our allies and partners, remains committed to disrupting any effort by Russia to use digital assets or other illicit financial schemes to accrue, store, and transfer their ill-gotten gains."

the tgr group: enabler of sanctions evasion for Russian ELITES

With touchpoints around the world, the TGR Group is an extensive sanctions evasion and money laundering network that works to obfuscate the illicit activities of its clients, including through the use digital assets, such as stablecoins like Tether (USDT). Controlled by Ukrainian national George Rossi, the networkprovides a range of services to place, layer, and integrate illicit financial schemes into the global financial system. These include: the laundering of funds associated with sanctioned entities; providing an unregistered service to exchange cash and cryptocurrency; the receipt of cash and making the value available to clients in the form of cryptocurrency; providing a pre-paid credit card service; and, obfuscating the source of funds to allow high-net worth Russian nationals to purchase property in the United Kingdom.

To support their illicit activities, the TGR Group has leveraged other illicit actors, such as the Smart Group, led by Russian money launderer Ekaterina Zhdanova (Zhdanova). On November 3, 2023, OFAC designated Zhdanova, a Russian national, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy by laundering and moving funds using digital assets on behalf of Russian elites.

key members of AN international money laundering network

George Rossi (Rossi), a Ukrainian national who was born in Russia, is believed to be in overall control of the TGR Group. Rossi is the founder of TGR Partners and is the non-executive director at TGR Corporate Concierge LTD, both entities that are also being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024. Rossi also controls a TGR Group-related company that leveraged OFAC-sanctioned Russian cryptocurrency exchange, Garantex OU, to process USDT transactions after its date of designation.

Elena Chirkinyan (Chirkinyan), a Russian national, is a direct subordinate to Rossi and is considered a decision maker within the TGR Group. Chirkinyan is also a partner at TGR Partners and the Chief Executive Officer of TGR Corporate Concierge LTD. Additionally, Chirkinyan is the manager of TGR DWC-LLC, an entity designated pursuant to E.O. 14024.

In 2023, Chirkinyan was involved in obfuscating the transfer of funds out of Russia, most likely to support the activities of a UK-sanctioned Russian-language media organization in the United Kingdom. These funds originated from RT (formerly known as Russia Today). On September 13, 2024, the Department of State designated Autonomous Non Profit Organization TV-Novosti, a federally funded Russian organization that controls the RT media channel.

Separately, Chirkinyan coordinated with Zhdanova (via her moniker @monalisa7) to obfuscate the source of Russian client funds to purchase real estate property in the United Kingdom. Chirkinyan and other TGR Group members also arranged cash handovers in which USDT was sent to a cryptocurrency address controlled by Zhdanova, and in return cash was received by the TGR Group.

Andrejs Bradens (Bradens), a Latvian national, is associated with multiple TGR Group companies, including Pullman Global Solutions LLC (Pullman Global) and TGR Corporate Concierge LTD. Pullman Global is a Wyoming-based entity that is owned by Bradens.

TGR Partners is a Moscow, Russia-based entity that provides financial services such as asset management, cryptocurrency trading, foreign exchange market payments, and concierge services. TGR Partners maintains locations in Russia, the UK, and other parts of Europe and Asia. Rossi is the founder of TGR Partners and Chirkinyan is a partner at TGR Partners.

TGR Corporate Concierge LTD is a UK-based entity that is owned and directed by Bradens. Chirkinyan is the Chief Executive Officer of TGR Corporate Concierge LTD.

TGR DWC-LLC is a UAE-based entity that is managed by Chirkinyan. TGR DWC-LLC provided concierge services that may enable clients to obfuscate their sources of wealth and purchase high-value property.

Siam Expert Trading Company Limited (Siam Expert) is a Thailand-based entity. Siam Expert has facilitated the export of electronic components to Russia. Siam Expert is also associated with Bradens.

Pullman Global Solutions LLC (Pullman Global) is a Wyoming-based entity that is owned by Bradens.

George Rossi, Elena Chirkinyan, Andrejs Bradens, and TGR Partners are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy.

TGR Corporate Concierge LTD is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Bradens, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024.

TGR DWC-LLC is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Elena Chirkinyan, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024.

Siam Expert is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy.

Pullman Global is being identified for being owned in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by Andrejs Bradens, whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024.

affiliates of Sanctioned ekaterina zhadanova

Khadzi-Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov (Magomedov), a Russian national, and Zhdanova regularly coordinated to facilitate bulk cash and cryptocurrency money laundering transactions internationally. Magomedov and Zhdanova also coordinated a bulk cash hand-over in the United Kingdom.

On multiple occasions, Magomedov brokered money laundering transactions for which Zhdanova fulfilled and received a commission fee. To facilitate their activities, the pair arranged for international bulk cash deliveries and the conversion of bulk currency into cryptocurrency for clients. Zhdanova and Magomedov likely used TGR Corporate Concierge LTD to facilitate invoice payments, monetary transfers and/or cash for USDT transactions. Certain transactions were also likely facilitated by TGR Partners, located in the United Kingdom.

Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov, a Russian national, worked closely with Zhdanova as a key money laundering partner. As part of their scheme, Krasnov would arrange for intermediaries to deliver and convert bulk cash into cryptocurrency which would be deposited into cryptocurrency wallets in Zhdanova's name. Among other laundering methods, Krasnov and Zhdanova used a luxury watch company to facilitate trade-based money laundering. Krasnov is associated with the alias "acescom."

Khadzi-Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov and Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Ekaterina Zhdanova, an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons must comply with OFAC regulations, including all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens regardless of where they are located, all persons within the United States, and all U.S.- incorporated entities and their foreign branches. Non-U.S. persons are also subject to certain OFAC prohibitions. For example, non-U.S. persons are prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions.

U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 14024. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated or otherwise blocked today.

###

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Erdogan Calls For More Diplomacy In Talks With Putin On Revived Conflict In Syria

By RFE/RL December 03, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the conflict in northern Syria in a phone call on December 3 to discuss the renewed fighting.

A statement from Erdogan's office after the call said Syria should not become a source of greater instability.

"President Erdogan emphasized that while Turkey continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, it also strives for a just and permanent solution in Syria," Erdogan told Putin in their conversation on December 3, according to the statement from Erdogan's office posted on X.

He also said it is important to open more space for diplomacy in the region and the Syrian regime must engage in the political solution process, according to the statement.

Erdogan vowed Turkey will maintain its determined stance on the fight against the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been designated as a terrorist group by Turkey and the United States, and its "extensions," who are trying to take advantage of the recent developments in Syria, the statement said.

Erdogan and Putin spoke as Syrian rebels advanced against government forces after capturing Aleppo last week. The rebels pushed close on December 3 to the major city of Hama, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the rebels said.

The Syrian Observatory said on December 3 that the toll from the rebel offensive in the north had risen to 602 dead, including 104 civilians.

An attack on Hama would ramp up pressure on Assad, whose Russian and Iranian allies have scrambled to support him against the revived rebellion. The city has remained in government hands since civil war erupted in 2011.

A statement from Syria's army command said its forces were striking "terrorist organizations" in north Hama and Idlib provinces with Russian air support.

The Kremlin said Putin stressed the need for a "speedy end to the terrorist aggression against the Syrian state by radical groups." Both leaders noted the importance of further close coordination between Russia, Turkey, and Iran on the matter, a Kremlin statement said.

"The two presidents will continue to be in contact with each other in the context of seeking steps to de-escalate the crisis," the statement said.

The Syrian civil war had been mostly dormant for years until a major offensive by militants in northwestern Syria revived the conflict.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies last week seized control of most of Aleppo and the surrounding countryside, marking the biggest offensive in years.

HTS is a militant Islamist group that seeks to establish a state in Syria governed by Islamic law. The U.S.-designated terrorist organization has between 5,000 and 10,000 fighters, according to U.S. intelligence estimates.

The conflict has pitted Moscow and Tehran against Turkey, which supports armed groups involved in the HTS-led offensive.

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations late on December 3 accused Ukrainian intelligence services of aiding the HTS.

Rebels fighting with HTS are "openly flaunting" that they are supported by Ukraine, Vasily Nebenzya told the UN Security Council.

The envoy said there was an "identifiable trail" showing Ukraine's GUR military intelligence service was "providing weapons to fighters" and claimed Ukrainian military instructors from the GUR are training HTS fighters for combat operations, including against Russian troops in Syria.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said earlier that Russia and Iran "bear the main responsibility" for the recent escalation in fighting. It also noted Ukrainians were being targeted on a nightly basis by Iranian-designed drones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies in Iran "continue to make every effort not to lose control over the puppet Syrian regime, which is associated by the majority of Syrians with inhuman cruelty, tyranny, and crimes," the ministry said on December 2.

There are indications the conflict could escalate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on December 3 in an interview with a Qatari news outlet that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if Damascus asked.

Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani said Baghdad would not be "a mere spectator" in Syria and blamed Israeli military strikes on the Syrian government for the rebel advance, his office said.

Compounding Assad's problems, fighters from a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led coalition battled government forces in the northeast, both sides said, opening a new front along a vital supply route.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-russia-syria- turkey-rebels-fightin/33225553.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.

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Syria risks grave division and destruction, Security Council hears

By Vibhu Mishra

3 December 2024 - Syria's status quo has been "radically altered" in a matter of days, with a surge in fighting resulting in an "extremely fluid and dangerous" situation, the UN Special Envoy for the country warned on Tuesday.

Geir Pedersen told the Security Council the country faced grave risk of further division that was in no Syrian's interest.

"As I brief you today, a vast swathe of territory has come under the control of non-State actors, including the terrorist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and armed opposition groups, including the Syrian National Army," he said.

"These groups now de facto control territory containing what we estimate to be some seven million people, including Aleppo - Syria's second biggest city and a vast and diverse metropolis of more than two million people."

He added that Syrian Government forces have regrouped in Hama, but their defences are under pressure as the opposition forces advance closer to the city. Both sides have escalated attacks, with pro-Government airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham firing barrages of drones and rockets.

Civilians have suffered casualties on both sides, he told ambassadors.

Tensions in the northeast

Mr. Pedersen also reported heightened tensions in northeast Syria, where United States-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) seized villages citing an imminent threat by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh).

Israeli airstrikes were also reported on Damascus and the Syrian-Lebanese border this week, further destabilising the region.

The Special Envoy outlined two core messages, the first: an urgent need for de-escalation and calm.

"The last fourteen years of conflict have decisively shown that no Syrian party or existing grouping of actors can resolve the Syrian conflict via military means," he stressed, urging immediate de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Credible political process vital

The second message was that the de-escalation must be accompanied by a credible political horizon for the Syrian people.

For almost five years, the "often elevated but somewhat contained" violence on the back of a "patchwork of ceasefire arrangements" was positive, he said. "But without being pegged to a political process to resolve the crisis, this amounted only to a conflict-management approach. And this is not enough."

He reiterated his warning that such an arrangement was unsustainable and has now unravelled entirely.

He stressed the need for a serious political process involving the Syrian parties and key international players.

"Syria will be in grave danger of further division, deterioration, and destruction...this should be in no-one's interest," he concluded.

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'Dramatic Shifts in Front Lines' Radically Changing Situation as Non-State Actors Take Control of Syrian Territory, Senior Official Warns Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9798th Meeting (PM)

SC/15919

3 December 2024

Delegations Accuse Each Other of Being Responsible for Recent Hostilities

A vast swathe of Syrian territory  containing approximately 7 million people  has come under the control of non-State actors, including the terrorist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and armed opposition groups, the Organization's senior official for that country told the Security Council today, as he warned that more bloodshed could be on its way.

"In the last week, we have seen dramatic shifts in front lines in Syria, radically altering a status quo," said Geir Pederson, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, addressing the Council via video conference. On 27 November, the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Joint Operations Room  a coalition containing both Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and armed opposition groups, including the Syrian National Army  launched a ground operation, with drone cover, across agreed de-escalation lines, taking de facto control of almost the entirety of Aleppo and Idlib governorates.

He underscored that even though Syrian Government forces have since regrouped and established defensive lines in Hama, repelling some fighters, they are being "severely tested", with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and armed opposition groups advancing very close to Hama  a major city of some 1 million people. In addition, pro-Government air strikes on both military and civilian targets  including hospitals  have intensified in recent days. Meanwhile, violence has erupted on a second axis, with the opposition Syrian National Army launching an operation on 30 November on Tal Rifaat, a pocket north of Aleppo city under the de facto control of Syrian Democratic Forces-affiliated (SDF) forces.

Stressing that "the situation is in flux", with an unclear information environment, he said that these developments have provoked different reactions among the Syrian people  "a grave threat for some, a signal of hope for others". Armed actors in the north-west  including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham - have offered reassurances to all civilians, including minorities, through a series of public pronouncements. Nevertheless, some women leaders have expressed particular fears and are seeking reassurances.

"We need de-escalation and we need calm," he said, appealing to all parties to protect civilian populations and infrastructure and allow safe passage for Syrians fleeing violence. However, "this alone does not suffice," he stressed, adding that the Syrian conflict cannot be resolved via military means and de-escalation must be accompanied by a credible political horizon for the Syrian people.

Also briefing the Council was Raed Al Saleh, Director of the White Helmets, who said his organization has been responding to the brutal attacks on Syrians launched by the country's regime, the Russian Federation and Iranian cross-border militias, which have escalated in the last six days. Yesterday, Moscow launched air strikes that put four hospitals in Idlib out of service, he said, asking: "Who would expect a Member State of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council to participate in this heinous crime and cross thousands of kilometres in its aircraft to launch deadly attacks on the population and destroy hospitals and vital facilities?" The strikes killed 25 civilians, most of them children, who were impatiently waiting to say goodbye to their tents in a camp near Idlib and return to their village, he said.

Turning to Aleppo, which also "had its share of Syrian-Russian death and destruction", he said over the past few days, the White Helmets responded to air strikes that targeted the university hospital, a church, and residential areas in the city. The White Helmets have dispatched ambulances and specialized teams to work alongside the city's humanitarian partners and emergency services. Highlighting the real threat of chemical attacks, he called on the Russian Federation to end its use of the veto that supports that regime.

In the ensuing discussions, many delegates, voicing deep concern over the recent intensification of hostilities in Syria, urged all parties to de-escalate and prioritize dialogue. Several speakers accused their counterparts of being responsible in the uptick of violence and the ongoing conflict.

"Syria remains as dangerous as ever," warned the United Kingdom's delegate, expressing deep concern that further escalation  particularly Moscow's large-scale attacks against civilians  will only lead to more displacement of vulnerable people, disrupted humanitarian aid access and more suffering. Through its ongoing refusal to engage in the political process, "the Assad regime  along with its Russian and Iranian backers  has created the conditions for instability", he asserted, calling for de-escalation.

A significant shift in Syria "has again turned into an active war zone", observed Slovenia's representative. The actions of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham have already taken human lives and have profound implications for international peace and security. Reignition of a wider conflict in Syria could also have a devastating impact on the region, he cautioned, declaring: "We cannot allow the recent resurgence of violence to add another fuel to the fire that will further extend the conflict."

Algeria's delegate, also speaking for Guyana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, said the recent attacks, including those perpetrated by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, have led to the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives. He said there is no longer time for conflict management, calling on the international community to prioritize a durable political solution that preserves Syria's unity and territorial integrity.

The recent hostilities occurred amid a deteriorated humanitarian situation, said France's representative, underlining that "everything must be done to avoid disruption of humanitarian access as well as further population displacement". As winter approaches, access to humanitarian assistance must be maintained to keep these paths open, both across borders and across front lines, he added.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of the international community," China's delegate said, expressing concern about the seizure of the Iranian consulate in Aleppo. Stressing the importance of assisting the Syrian Government in eliminating the threat by terrorist forces in its territory, he said the international community must take measures to cut off their channels for obtaining weapons. Foreign forces must end their illegal military presence in Syria and the relevant country should immediately lift its unilateral sanctions, he said, emphasizing that a political settlement, respectful of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, is the only way out.

However, the representative of the United States, Council President for December, spoke in his national capacity, emphasizing that the "Assad regime's refusal to engage in the political process outlined in resolution 2254 (2015)  and its reliance on Moscow and Tehran  created the conditions now unfolding". The recent rebel offensive  "which the U.S. had nothing to do with", he declared  is being led by a group designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations. However, such designation does not justify further atrocities by "the Assad regime and its Russian backers", he stressed. He added: "The Council must speak with one voice in demanding that all parties cease brutal aerial attacks and adhere to international law."

Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation, expressing regret that the Special Envoy did not have the courage to "call a spade a spade", condemned the terrorist attack on Syria by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and other illegal armed groups. Western nations chose to ignore his delegation's repeated warnings against engaging with international terrorists, he said, adding that the waiting militants took advantage of the difficult situation in the Golan Heights and the border with Lebanon "to stab the Syrian people in the back". The Syrian armed forces, supported by Russian aerospace forces and other allies, have been making targeted strikes against the terrorists, he noted.

According to available information, the terrorists are primarily supported by the Americans and their allies, he added, drawing attention to the involvement of Ukraine's intelligence directorate in training and supplying weapons to the militants. Washington, D.C., and its allies are exploiting every opportunity to sow chaos in Syria while "whitewashing" Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham as a moderate Syrian opposition, he added.

For his part, Syria's representative said that Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham aims to seize control of multiple areas in northern Syria, especially in the governorates of Aleppo and Idlib, and the international highway which connects the northern and southern regions of the country. Noting the continued influx of terrorists and weapons across the northern borders, he underlined that the scale and scope of the terrorist attack unequivocally demonstrates the extent of international support they are receiving.

More so, he pointed out that this terrorist attack  which disrupted all aspects of life in Aleppo  could not have been carried out without a joint Turkish-Israeli green light and operational border. His country will take all necessary measures to defend its citizens, he said, adding that the terrorist organizations who have stained their hands with the blood of Syrians are part of the problem and not part of the solution.

Several delegations, under rule 37, also took the floor, including Turkiye's representative who, citing the Syrian conflict as "a stark reminder of the costs of political inaction", emphasized that without a genuine process of national reconciliation, the country will remain trapped in a cycle of instability and suffering. However, Israel's ongoing attacks across the region further complicate the fragile situation. As well, the violations of the Astana agreements  initiated by Ankara to achieve de-escalation on the ground  "have pushed Syria further into chaos", he said.

Lebanon's delegate, speaking for the Arab Group, also said it is essential to stay away from foreign agendas and called for the withdrawal of all external forces from Syria. He condemned the attack led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and noting the dire repercussions to regional and international peace  voiced support for Damascus as it combats terrorism in the form of Da'esh, the Nusra Front and affiliated groups as well as the repeated Israeli aggression and occupation of the Syrian Golan.

In the same vein, Iran's representative stressed that, "at the heart of this crisis, lies external support and intervention". He said that the scale and sophistication of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's operations "highlight deliberate external support, with the United States at the forefront". Stressing that "what happened in Aleppo and Idlib should serve as a wake-up call for the entire region regarding the resurgence of terrorism and extremism", he stated that no distinction can  or should  be made between types of terrorism. "If the international community fails to confront this terrorist group decisively, its growing dominance over parts of Syria could trigger catastrophic consequences," he said.

At the outset of today's meeting, despite a point of order by the Russian Federation, the Council decided to extend an invitation  under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure  to Raed Al Saleh, Director of the White Helmets, to participate in it, by a recorded vote of 11 votes in favour to 2 against (Russian Federation, China), with 2 abstentions (Algeria, Mozambique).

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Civilians In The Crosshairs As Russia Scrambles To Stop Militant Offensive In Syria

By Steve Gutterman December 04, 2024

The footage is striking, stark -- and familiar -- from both Syria and Ukraine.

In Syria's Idlib Province, one man sprays foam on a tangle of flaming wreckage as others run down a rubble-strewn street and into a heavily damaged hospital corridor. At a camp for displaced people, a resident says he pulled the dead bodies of five people from the debris after what he says was a Russian air strike.

"May God accept them as martyrs," he said of the victims in a video filmed by the Associated Press.

In 2015, when Russia intervened in the civil war in Syria, its air strikes were the most crucial part of a campaign that was instrumental in averting a potential government defeat and keeping President Bashar al-Assad in power.

In addition to propping up an ally, Russia's first major military foray outside the former Soviet Union in decades increased Moscow's clout in the Middle East and beyond. It was a slap in the face of the United States and the West, which despised Assad for his human rights record and wanted him out.

Those gains for Russian President Vladimir Putin came at an enormous cost for Syrian civilians, who were often the victims of the devastating air strikes despite Moscow's claim that it only targets what it calls "terrorists." Estimates of overall civilian deaths since the war began in 2011 range from more than 300,000 to over 600,000.

Now, it's happening again, as Assad's government and Russia scramble to stop a surprise offensive led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The HTS and allied groups have captured most of Aleppo, Syria's second city, in the biggest push by government opponents since a cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2020 led to a relative lull in the war.

"Russia presided over very extensive civilian damage in Syria in the past, and there is no reason to believe that it will be any different this time," Jenny Mathers, an expert on Russian politics and security and a senior lecturer at Aberystwyth University, said in written comments to RFE/RL.

Accounts and images from Idlib -- a rebel and militant stronghold in northwestern Syria -- and elsewhere since the offensive began late November appear to bear that out.

Russian air strikes damaged a cluster of four hospitals and a health administration building in Idlib on December 2, according to the White Helmets, a rescue organization operating in opposition-held parts of Syria.

Photos and footage showed burning vehicles, clouds of smoke, buildings damaged inside and out, and streets strewn with dust and debris.

"Most of the strikes have seemed to be directed at assets which may be considered crucial to [Russia's] operational objectives," Nicole Grajewski, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in written comments to RFE/RL.

"However, Russia has never shown a real particular concern for civilian casualties, especially in rebel-held areas," she added.

In part, that's because Russia's air forces are "not amazing at dynamic targeting," Grajewski wrote.

But she suggested that Russia has also shown a lack of concern for civilian life with its "prior siege tactics in eastern Ghouta and Aleppo during the earlier stages of the campaign -- not to mention Ukraine."

'An Ad Hoc Response'

Since Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces have frequently hit apartment buildings, private homes, and public places such as supermarkets and shopping malls in cities and towns across the country.

The missile and drone attacks have killed and wounded civilians daily.

Russia has also targeted crucial civilian facilities, such as power plants and other energy infrastructure.

Mark Galeotti, an expert on Russian politics and security, said that for the most part, Russia "neither deliberately targets civilians nor avoids them: if they are in the way of a strike deemed operationally necessary, so be it."

"That said, sometimes they do deliberately target civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, power stations and water plants, in order to drive people out of areas they wish to depopulate," he added in written comments.

But he said that in terms of tactics and aims, the current Russian bombings in Syria differ from its air campaign against Ukraine.

In Syria, "this is an ad hoc emergency response to a crisis, in Ukraine, a deliberate strategy of degrading the critical national infrastructure," said Galeotti, who is an honorary professor at the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies.

"However, they certainly reflect a common doctrine, a way of war that regards civilian casualties as inevitable -- and sometimes necessary," he added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/civilians- targeted-russia-syria-militant-offensive/33225539.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.

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Syrian Troops Reportedly Thwart Rebel Advance Near Russian Air Base

By RFE/RL December 04, 2024

A war monitor and state media say that Syrian government forces have launched a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels who were getting close to a Russian-operated airbase after capturing a string of towns and closing in on the key city of Hama.

The government forces' counteroffensive came after a blitz advance over the past several days by the rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). They have captured Aleppo, the country's largest city, as well as 14 central villages and towns, and gotten as close as 35 kilometers from Khmeimim Airbase.

President Bashar al-Assad's regime turned over the air base to Russia in 2015 as Moscow moved in to help Damascus turn the tide of a four-year civil was in its favor.

The Syrian state news agency SANA said rebels on December 4 retreated some 20 kilometers from government-held Hama, Syria's fourth largest city, after government troops backed by Russian air strikes repelled the rebels from the city's outskirts.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said the rebels only withdrew some 10 kilometers.

Hama, which is key to the defense of Damascus, is the gateway to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the former being home to a strategic Russian naval base.

Besides HTS, the rebels also include an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, said on December 3 that tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting.

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-counterattack- rebels-hama-russian-airbase-december-2024/33226501.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.

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Concerns grow in Iraq over escalating violence in Syria

By Sirwan Kajjo December 04, 2024

With Syria's second largest city of Aleppo now under control of rebel forces and militants, officials in neighboring Iraq are expressing concerns about potential spillover effects in their already unstable country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Tuesday during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that "Iraq will not be a mere spectator regarding the grave developments in Syria," adding that his country "will make all efforts to preserve its security and that of Syria."

Other senior Iraqi officials have voiced support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government since it faced swift advances by rebel forces in the northwestern part of the country last week.

Reports have emerged of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, mostly with the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces, or the PMF, moving into Syria in support of the Damascus government.

Rasha al Aqeedi, research associate at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said official statements and verified footage "indicate Iraqi forces have moved en masse to the borders, but nothing yet shows that any factions have actually entered Syria."

PMF leaders and other Iraqi officials have denied that any Iraqi armed groups have entered Syria.

Iraq, which shares a roughly 600-kilometer border with Syria, has maintained close ties with the Syrian government throughout 13 years of civil conflict. Baghdad is also a close ally of Iran, itself a key backer of the Syrian government.

Islamic State

Foremost among Iraqi concerns is a resurgent Islamic State, which once controlled vast swaths of territory in both Iraq and Syria.

That group, which also goes by IS, ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, could be motivated to reassert its presence, "to show the world it still exists as its rival factions are active," said Aqeedi.

However, Aqeedi also told VOA that Iraq would be unwise to move security forces to the Syrian border because that could create a vacuum for IS to exploit in places like Nineveh and Kirkuk, which could become vulnerable to hit-and-run attacks.

According to Mohammed Kakai, member of the Nineveh Provincial Council's Security Committee, Iraqi military officials in Mosul and its Nineveh Province have already expanded security measures along the Syrian border to prevent violence from spilling over.

"Thermal security cameras have been installed on the entire border of Nineveh Province with Syria," he told VOA, adding that Iraqi "border guards are ready for any threat on Mosul and Iraq as a whole."

Kakai added that Iraqi authorities have stepped up coordination efforts with Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, who control part of the Syrian side of the border.

"There is a joint operation room between our forces and the SDF. We share intelligence on any threat," he said.

Saif al-Saadi, a Baghdad-based Iraqi affairs analyst, says there are legal limitations to Iraq's engagement in the Syrian conflict.

"According to Article 8 of the Iraqi constitution, Iraq must adhere to neighborly relations and not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and seek to resolve conflicts peacefully," he told VOA.

He added that the prime minister of Iraq, "who is the head of the armed forces, is required by law to protect the border and prevent armed groups such as the PMF from going to Syria, because this could have adverse effects on Iraq."

Kawa Omar in Mosul, Iraq, and Balen Salih in Washington contributed to this story, which originated in VOA's Kurdish Service.

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VOA Exclusive: US House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks with Taiwan president

By Nike Ching December 04, 2024

The United States has dismissed Chinese objections to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific tour, reaffirming that transits through the U.S. by Taiwan's democratically elected leaders are routine and consistent with long-standing bipartisan U.S. policy.

Amid China's criticism, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi each spoke separately with Lai, underscoring steadfast U.S. support for Taiwan.

Johnson held a call Wednesday afternoon with Lai, who had recently arrived in Guam following a visit to Taiwan's Pacific ally, Tuvalu, according to sources who spoke with VOA on the condition of anonymity.

First call

The call marked the first direct conversation between the House speaker and Lai since the latter assumed office in May. Johnson had previously congratulated Lai upon his election in January and renewed the United States' commitment to the security and democracy of its Indo-Pacific partners.

Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday night for a brief layover and is set to depart Thursday afternoon for Palau, the final stop on his weeklong Pacific tour. The trip, which began on November 30, also included stops in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. This marks Lai's first overseas trip as president.

VOA has reached out to Johnson's office for comment.

Bipartisan US policy

"Every democratically elected Taiwan president has transited the United States," a State Department spokesperson told VOA this week.

Guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, the spokesperson added that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has remained consistent across administrations for 45 years.

Senior U.S. officials have also noted that these documents  the foundations of Washington's "One China" policy  contain no language explicitly prohibiting a Taiwan president from stopping over in a U.S. city.

Beijing opposition

Beijing, however, accused Washington of interfering in what it calls its "internal affairs."

Chinese officials said they "firmly oppose" any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province.

"Nothing will deter China from upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters this week.

Taiwan has said China's threats over Lai's visit are counterproductive.

Garnering US support

Lai's transits through Hawaii and Guam come as he seeks to garner support from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has said Taiwan should pay for U.S. protection.

In a closed-door address at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Lai expressed Taiwan's commitment to deepening cooperation with the U.S. and contributing to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Trump's nominee for secretary of state, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a prominent China hawk, has sponsored legislation supporting high-level visits by Taiwanese officials to the U.S. and advocating stronger U.S. policy toward Taiwan amid mounting Chinese military and diplomatic pressure.

When asked by VOA if he would maintain his support for Taiwan, Rubio said, "The president sets foreign policy, and our job at the State [Department] will be to execute it."

Despite facing sanctions from China, Rubio expressed confidence in finding solutions to engage with Beijing if confirmed.

Restrictions on Washington

Under long-standing, self-imposed restrictions by the State Department, a stopover in the capital by a sitting Taiwanese president is considered highly provocative to Beijing.

No sitting Taiwan president, vice president, premier or ministers of foreign affairs and defense has visited Washington for formal meetings while in office.

"I know there's some diplomatic rules related to leaders of Taiwan coming to the United States," Republican Representative Andy Barr, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told VOA.

"I think we need to remove any of those impediments. I think President Lai should be able to come to the United States, and we should welcome him."

The Communist Party-led People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan but claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy.

The U.S. has "acknowledged" but never endorsed China's sovereignty claim over Taiwan.

Washington maintains a "One China" policy distinct from Beijing's One China principle, taking no official position on Taiwan's sovereignty and not supporting Taiwan independence.

VOA's congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson and Mandarin Service reporter Yihua Lee contributed to this report.

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NATO Exercise Steadfast Dagger 2024 Starts at Combat Air Force Command/TUR JFAC

Republic of Turkiye Ministry of National Defence

Date: 04.12.2024

NATO Exercise Steadfast Dagger 2024 (STDA24) has started on the 26th of November 2024 at Combat Air Force Command/ TUR JFAC in Eskisehir.

Exercise STDA24, which is an operational and tactical level exercise conducted under the responsibility of SHAPE in order to train Allied Reaction Force, is the first in a series of exercises designed to support the host nation in a hybrid operational environment.

In 2025, TUR JFAC is going to undertake the responsibility of Allied Reaction Force Air C2 Entity.

In STDA24, TUR JFAC is conducting a joint exercise with NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Italy, Italian "Vittorio Veneto" Division, Spanish MARFOR and Spanish Special Operations Commands.

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The Federal Chancellor in Kyiv - "Ukraine can rely on Germany"

Germany - Federal Government

In its fight against Russian aggression, Ukraine can still rely on Germany's unwavering support, said Federal Chancellor Scholz during his visit to Kyiv. He also announced further arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Transcript of press conference

Monday, 2 December 2024

"Germany stands firmly alongside Ukraine. We say what we do and we do what we say," stressed Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a joint press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Monday.

The Federal Chancellor said that everybody wanted "this brutal war to end", adding that "nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do". Scholz said that this was why he had discussed with President Zelensky in detail, how Ukraine might be able to achieve a fair, just and lasting peace from a strong position.

The key facts:

Germany is a reliable source of assistance: Scholz stressed that Germany would not let up in its support for Ukraine. "We are all aware of how heroically Ukraine has been defending itself for over a thousand days, ever since that dreadful day on 24 February 2022, when Putin started his criminal war of aggression against your country," Scholz said. He then pointed out that in this third winter of the war, Russia continued to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure deliberately and mercilessly. Putin wanted the people to suffer from the cold, to harm Ukraine's economy and to cause production to stagnate, Scholz said. "However, we will not allow him to succeed with his cynical plan," he went on, saying that this was why Germany had just agreed to provide additional winter emergency aid for Ukraine.

Scholz stressed that Germany would not let up in its support for Ukraine. "We are all aware of how heroically Ukraine has been defending itself for over a thousand days, ever since that dreadful day on 24 February 2022, when Putin started his criminal war of aggression against your country," Scholz said. He then pointed out that in this third winter of the war, Russia continued to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure deliberately and mercilessly. Putin wanted the people to suffer from the cold, to harm Ukraine's economy and to cause production to stagnate, Scholz said. "However, we will not allow him to succeed with his cynical plan," he went on, saying that this was why Germany had just agreed to provide additional winter emergency aid for Ukraine. Comprehensive support : Federal Chancellor Scholz highlighted that after the USA, Germany was the second biggest donor of military aid for Ukraine, having made around 28 billion euros available to date. He pointed out that air defence support would remain a key concern, and that Germany had now delivered five full Iris-T SLM systems, three Patriot systems and more than 50 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks including missiles, ammunition and spare parts. "A sixth Iris-T SLM system, further Patriot launchers and more Gepard anti-aircraft tanks will be delivered before the end of December," Scholz announced, adding that further arms deliveries would take place in 2025. "What I am saying here in Kyiv today is addressed very clearly to Putin: we have great powers of endurance and we will be standing by Ukraine's side for as long as necessary."

: Federal Chancellor Scholz highlighted that after the USA, Germany was the second biggest donor of military aid for Ukraine, having made around 28 billion euros available to date. He pointed out that air defence support would remain a key concern, and that Germany had now delivered five full Iris-T SLM systems, three Patriot systems and more than 50 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks including missiles, ammunition and spare parts. "A sixth Iris-T SLM system, further Patriot launchers and more Gepard anti-aircraft tanks will be delivered before the end of December," Scholz announced, adding that further arms deliveries would take place in 2025. "What I am saying here in Kyiv today is addressed very clearly to Putin: we have great powers of endurance and we will be standing by Ukraine's side for as long as necessary." Ukraine belongs to Europe: Federal Chancellor Scholz stressed that Ukraine would consistently continue on its path towards membership in the European Union. "The new President of the European Council Costa and the EU's new chief diplomat Kallas reinforced this promise here in Kyiv only yesterday, and they were speaking for all of us," Scholz said, pointing out that Ukraine had made impressive progress under the most challenging of conditions. "Germany is here to provide support and guidance."

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 3, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in Brussels. The Secretary underscored U.S. commitment to ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position on the battlefield by the end of 2024. He reaffirmed U.S. readiness to ramp up training of Ukrainian forces and improve Kyiv's ability to defend against Russian air attacks through enhanced capabilities. The Secretary and Foreign Minister signed a memorandum of understanding in support of Ukraine's energy resilience, which reflects U.S. intent to provide $825 million in new U.S. energy assistance to Ukraine. The two also discussed Ukraine's irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership, and the direct threat Russia's aggression poses to Allies' security. The Secretary reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their sovereignty and freedom.



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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha at Memorandum of Understanding Signing in Support of Ukraine Energy Resilience and Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

NATO Headquarters

Brussels, Belgium

December 3, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Maybe I could just say at the outset as we sign - we're signing today a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Ukraine on energy. We and so many other countries are determined to do everything we can to continue to help Ukraine build energy resilience, and that's never been more important or more urgent, because Putin continues to weaponize the winter with horrific strikes on the entire energy grid, seeking to have people freeze to death, people without lights, take down industry.

The United States and many other countries have been working very hard in support of Ukraine to make sure that the energy grids can be repaired, replaced, protected, and this memorandum of understanding carries that work forward - making sure, again, that as things are destroyed, they get replaced; that Ukraine has greater generative capacity, both on a small and large level; that more protections are put in place; and as well that it's further integrated with the European energy grid. We've seen great progress on all of those fronts, and there's a tremendous determination not only for the United States but for many other countries to make sure that Ukraine's energy resilience remains strong.

More broadly, I look forward to speaking with my friend the foreign minister on the efforts that we're all making to strengthen Ukraine to deal with the ongoing Russian aggression. Here at NATO, I hear a shared determination across the entire Alliance to make sure that we continue to do everything that's necessary for Ukraine so that it can protect itself, protect its people, and ultimately find a just and durable solution to the Russian aggression.

Andrii.

FOREIGN MINISTER SYBIHA: Dear Tony, dear Secretary, thanks a lot for your strong words. I do really appreciate this opportunity to meet with you, to exchange views in such challenging times. It is true that this document is really very important document for us, especially now, when we - when our people, our civilians, suffering from daily Russian missile terror. And it's a true contribution into our energy resilience - we are speaking about more than 800 million of dollars. So once again, thanks a lot, and it's a vital support and assistance in such a challenging time.

It is true that Russians, they increased - they increased with missile attacks on Ukraine energy objects. And what is new: They started to attack objects of nuclear energy. So that's a true risk of nuclear incident, and all of us need to join efforts to respond appropriately. Now is not a time to discuss what ifs; it's a time to address properly to the challenges with which we are facing now.

We have regular meetings and talks with you, dear Secretary, and from each meeting the - the so-called list to do is getting shorter and shorter. And I do really appreciate your personal unwavering support of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. A recent strong decision with regard of strengthening sanction policy and sanctioning banking sector - it's true strong instruments to force Russia to the just, comprehensive, long-lasting peace.

Thanks a lot. Thank you.

(The memorandum of understanding was signed.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.





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Now, in December, We Are Expecting Systems from Several Partners; It is Crucial that This Is Implemented Without Any Delay - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

3 December 2024 - 19:56

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, a lot of work has been done regarding our army - relevant meetings were held.

At the beginning of the day - the Commander-in-Chief reported on the situation, the main tasks that need to be implemented right now, and the difficulties on the frontline. Significant reinforcements are needed in the Donetsk directions. And this includes arms supplies from our partners - it is a direct dependence: the greater our army's firepower is, the more technological capabilities we have, the more effectively we can destroy Russia's offensive potential and protect our warriors' lives. And we are having detailed discussions with our partners on this issue. Moreover, we are working on our own - boosting our production, our Ukrainian defense industry. We will have more long-range capabilities of our own.

Today, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine returned from his working visits abroad. He reported on new agreements and on the implementation of previous ones, especially regarding air defense. Now, in December, we are expecting systems from several partners, plus there are certain things that can be done in January for our air shield. It is crucial that this is implemented without any delay. Winter is a huge temptation for Russian terrorists.

Today, there was also a report on our energy sector. I am grateful to all our repair crews, to every employee of energy companies who are now mitigating the consequences of Russian strikes and protecting the system. This diligent work is very important in every region, at every facility. And they are responsible not only for their specific facility, but for the whole country - for the resilience of our entire state and the protection of all our people. We must do our utmost now at all levels, from the Government and the Ministry of Energy to all our regions and communities.

The day before, a new arms package from the United States of America was announced - as agreed with the President, we are accelerating the delivery. The pace of logistics is increasing, and this is exactly what we need. This package is worth USD 725 million. It includes missiles for air defense systems, artillery, and means to stabilize our positions. Thank you!

I thank everyone who is helping us!

I thank everyone who is defending and strengthening our country's positions, just as we need them, to achieve peace!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Report: Putin, Other Russian Officials Directly Involved In Transfer, Deportation of Ukrainian Children

By Mike Eckel December 04, 2024

Senior Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin, were directly involved in ordering the forcible transfer, fostering, and later adoption of Ukrainian children moved out of war zones and occupied regions of Ukraine, U.S. researchers found.

In a report released on December 3, investigators from Yale University said at least 314 children from Ukraine were subject to a "systematic program of coerced adoption and fostering" by Russian individuals and families.

"The Russian Federation engaged in systematic, deliberate, and widespread forced adoption and transfer of children from Ukraine," the report says. "The operation...was initiated by Putin and his subordinates with the intent to 'Russify' children from Ukraine."

The findings add to a growing body of evidence pointing to possible culpability for war crimes by Putin and other top officials.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 for the "war crime of unlawful deportation" and "unlawful transfer" of children from Ukrainian territory to Russia. The Kremlin's commissioner for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, was also charged.

Researchers at Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab, whose work is partially supported by the U.S. State Department, said they had documented since 2022:

Planes registered to the Russian Air Force and the presidential office were used to fly children to Russia;

Ukrainian children were taken to Russia for months, enrolled in Russian schools, then listed in child-placement databases;

Some Ukrainian children appear in Russian databases as if they were Russian-born, not Ukrainian-born;

Russian citizens who took on legal guardianship of Ukrainian minors were "empowered" to apply for Russian citizenship for the children in their

custody;

custody; Ukrainian children were subjected to "pro-Russian reeducation" at Russian state-run institutions.

The majority of the children from Ukraine who are listed in Russian databases, the report says, were taken from Donetsk, an eastern Ukrainian region that has been partially occupied by Russian and Russian-allied forces since 2014.

The Kremlin has declared the annexation of the Donetsk region, and three other Ukrainian regions -- Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson -- plus the Crimean Peninsula. Only Syria and North Korea have recognized the move.

Russian officials frequently portray their efforts as a humanitarian gesture, sheltering, feeding, or protecting children from war or the breakdown of services in occupied regions. However, in many cases, Russian authorities did little to identify parents or relatives or legal guardians of the Ukrainian children.

Ukrainian officials, journalists, and civil society activists, meanwhile, have also compiled substantial evidence of state support for transferring and deporting children out of Ukraine.

In many cases, the effort strained Russia's already overburdened social welfare infrastructure. Hundreds of Ukrainian children were transferred from occupied Ukrainian regions and sent to a network of summer and holiday camps in Belarus, where they were exposed to pro-Russian education and propaganda, RFE/RL found.

According to official Ukrainian figures, as of July 24, 2024, 19,546 children had been deported from Ukraine to Russia since the start of Russia's all-out invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine's human rights commissioner last month said 1,012 children had been returned from Russia to date.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on December 4 that it was pursuing visa restrictions for five Russian officials backed or installed by Russia in response to their involvement in human rights abuses in Ukraine, including the forced deportation of children.

"Many of these children have had their identities changed and origins obscured, have been subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination and militarization, or have been adopted by Russian families," the State Department said.

It did not identify the five Russian officials but added that Kremlin authorities had created obstacles preventing the return of the children to Ukraine.

"Russia's continued contempt for its international legal obligations to report the locations of these children makes securing their safe return nearly impossible," the State Department said.

With reporting by Current Time and RFE/RL's Ukrainian and Belarus services

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin- involved-transfer-ukraine-children/33226569.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.

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Ukrainian Official Says Regional Mayor Died After Torture In Russian Captivity

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 04, 2024

The head of the Zaporizhzhya region's military administration, Ivan Fedorov, has alleged that the mayor of the Ukrainian town of Dniproprudne died after being tortured while in Russian custody.

Fedorov said in a statement on Telegram on December 4 that the body of Yevhen Matveyev was recently returned to Ukraine during a prisoner exchange with Russia, which has occupied Dniproprudne since the early days of the February 2022 full-scale invasion.

Matveyev was captured by Russian forces on March 13, 2022. Last month, Ukraine recovered the bodies of 502 fallen soldiers and civilians, including 17 from morgues in Russia, as part of an exchange of prisoners of war between the two countries.

"He was held captive by the occupiers for two years and eight months and tortured to death. During the last exchange, his body was returned to Ukraine," Fedorov said. He gave no further details.

Russian officials have not commented publicly on the allegations.

Despite the occupation, Matveyev refused to abandon his town and worked to ensure the functioning of essential services and kept the population informed about ongoing events, Federov noted.

Matveyev's death underscores the brutal conditions under which Ukrainian officials and civilians have been held while in Russian captivity.

In October 2023, a UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found "continued war crimes and human rights violations gravely impacting civilians," including confirmation that "Russian authorities have used torture in a widespread and systematic way in various types of detention facilities."

Ukraine has also been accused of committing war crimes during the conflict, though to a far lesser extent.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/yevhen-matveyev- dniproprudne-torture-death-russian-custody/33226433.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.

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NATO Agrees To Prioritize Protecting Ukraine's Infrastructure

By RFE/RL December 04, 2024

NATO members have agreed to make protecting Ukraine's infrastructure a top priority, alliance chief Mark Rutte said on December 4, as Russia continues to pound Ukrainian cities and towns with drone and missile strikes.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the second day of a meeting of foreign ministers from the 32-member military alliance, Rutte said the gathering discussed providing Ukraine with enough air defenses to protect its infrastructure from Russian attacks.

"There was a clear agreement around the table last night that to help Ukraine, particularly with its infrastructure, has to be a priority," Rutte said.

"I'm confident that allies will follow up in the coming days and weeks in making sure that whatever they can supply to Ukraine will be supplied."

Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure for the third winter in a row, causing casualties and hampering the supply of electricity to thousands of civilians.

Early on December 4, Russian drones attacked the northern Cernihiv region, damaging several houses in a village, regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus said on Telegram.

In the central region of Vinnytsya, debris from a falling drone set a house on fire in the Haysyn district, partially destroying it, the State Emergencies Service said on December 4.

Separately, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched a guided air missile and 50 drones at targets in Ukraine.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 29 drones in nine regions -- Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskiy, Ternopil, Mykolayiv, and Donetsk -- the air force said, adding that 18 drones were neutralized after their navigation systems were jammed using Ukraine's electronic-warfare capabilities.

Separately, strong explosions were reported overnight in Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, one of the main hubs for Russian oil exports and an important military port that hosts part of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

An air alert was announced and Novorossiisk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko called on residents to take shelter because of a drone attack.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia have so far commented on the explosions.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-ukraine- infrastructure-defense-priority-rutte-december-2024-/33226284.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.

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (4 December 2024)

04.12.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of four mechanised brigades, a heavy mechanised brigade, a tank brigade, three air assault brigades as well as two territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Viktorovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Pravda, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Kurilovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 280 troops, Russian units destroyed a tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and two mortars.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 37,935 troops, 229 tanks, 165 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,225 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,082 motor vehicles, 308 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, 71 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

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The Current Government in Georgia Is Pushing the Country into Clear Dependence on Russia - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

4 December 2024 - 20:14

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

A brief summary of the day.

A report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: the front, our steps to strengthen the directions. Brigade supplies. The Kursk operation.

There was also a report from the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. Budanov reported on Russia's intentions for the near future and on the situation in Syria - how a shift in the balance of power in Syria could change global developments. And a report was made on the situation in Georgia. And this situation in Georgia, of course, is not just the problem of one nation and not just the problem of our region - how the current government in Georgia is pushing the country into clear dependence on Russia. It is truly shameful - what actions they are taking against their own people. And when Moscow praises these authorities in Georgia, it clearly shows for whom they are now working in Tbilisi and for whom they are dispersing the protests. Definitely not for Georgia. We are developing our legal response and working with European and other partners on concrete actions. I have given instructions to prepare appropriate sanctions decisions.

The Prime Minister also delivered a report today. Nearly 5 million Ukrainians have already applied for the eSupport winter payment. And today, Ukrposhta has joined the program: which means that there will be over 2 million more people who receive pensions and social payments through Ukrposhta - these people will also receive a payment of UAH 1,000. Today we also discussed our cooperation with Europe - the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Our partners have approved investments of one billion three hundred million euros; these are funds for infrastructure logistics, and in particular, it is the energy sector. We are grateful to our partners. We have coordinated our efforts for December with the Government, especially our work with the frontline regions. Everything related to the heating season, financial, energy and security issues.

And one more thing.

I congratulated our warriors on the Missile and Artillery Forces Day and presented them with state awards - Crosses of Military Merit. And honorary distinctions "For Courage and Bravery" were awarded to the 107th Artillery Brigade - Kremenchuk Brigade, as well as to the 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade "Black Forest". Thank you, warriors! I thank everyone who is fighting for our state, for our people, and I thank everyone who is helping us!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Crimes Against Ukrainian Children Constitute Systemic Policy of the Russian Federation - Dariia Zarivna at the UN Security Council Meeting

President of Ukraine

4 December 2024 - 20:58

Dariia Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA, presented a report to the UN Security Council on systematic gross violations of Ukrainian children's rights: murders, sexual violence, illegal adoptions, and militarization of young Ukrainians committed by Russia during its full-scale aggression against Ukraine.

Today's meeting of the UN Security Council "Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine" was convened to discuss and draw the world's special attention to the crimes committed by the Russian Federation against children during the war.

Dariia Zarivna thanked the United States of America, which currently holds the presidency of the UN Security Council, for organizing this important discussion and all delegates and speakers for their presentations. She also stressed that Russia has neither legal nor moral right to a permanent seat on the Security Council.

"Russia can never erase its authorship of the atrocities committed in Ukraine. For two years already, a permanent Security Council member's army - Russia's - has been listed as a grave violator against children. A first in UN history," she said.

The Ukraine's representative called on the international community to exert maximum pressure on Russia to force it to comply with international law.

The Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President emphasized that at least 16 children are killed or wounded every week. She also noted that millions of Ukrainians, including minors, have become refugees because of the war. Hundreds of thousands of children remain in the territories controlled by the Russian Federation, beyond the reach of Ukraine or international organizations.

Ukraine is searching for nearly 20 thousand children who were subjected to illegal deportation and forced transfer. However, the actual number may be many times higher.

"Russian officials systematically refuse to provide information. But to give you some idea, Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova boasted about 'settling' over 700,000 Ukrainian children in Russia," Dariia Zarivna noted.

She recalled that Ukraine, together with Canada, launched the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which was joined by 41 countries and the Council of Europe. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Coalition members, 1,022 children have been brought home.

Another important step in this direction was the adoption of the Montreal Pledge aimed at returning all captured and deported Ukrainians, especially children, at the Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula held on October 30-31 in Canada.

"We commend Qatar, the Holy See, and South Africa for their willingness to mediate. But we need more help. More action. More solidarity," Dariia Zarivna stressed.

She specifically urged to bring back to Ukraine the children abducted by Russians and taken to Russia.

Bring Kids Back UA's Chief Operating Officer demonstrated Marharyta Prokopenko's Ukrainian birth certificate and compared it to a Russian document in the name of Maryna Mironova. Russia issued it after Marharyta was abducted from the Kherson Children's Home. In Russia, her name and birthplace were changed, and she was forcibly adopted into the family of State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov.

"Kherson Children's Home. Just one case of many. Those little kids had to hide in a church basement when your army entered the city. But the FSB found them. And deported. You know where our children exactly are. Stop tormenting them. Bring kids back to Ukraine," Dariia Zarivna addressed the representatives of the Russian Federation.

Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Yale University Humanitarian Research Lab and a member of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force, presented the report "Russia's Systematic Program of Coerced Adoption and Fostering of Ukraine's Children" released on December 3, after 20 months of investigation, which reveals the systematic policy of the Russian authorities to illegally deport, re-educate, and forcibly adopt young Ukrainians.

Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights and a member of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force, emphasized in her speech that more than 1.5 million Ukrainian children remain under occupation. "The forced imposition of Russian citizenship is a deliberate policy of the aggressor state. Without Russian documents, children face discrimination even in accessing medical care, let alone education and other services in the occupied territories," she concluded.

Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UN Security Council meeting on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine (4 December 2024) - pdf - 218.22 kb

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

President of Ukraine

4 December 2024 - 19:52

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, who is visiting Ukraine.

The Head of State congratulated Alain Berset on taking office and thanked him for the Council of Europe's effective support for Ukraine, for its participation in the Peace Formula implementation, and for the Secretary General's principled position in the face of full-scale Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy particularly noted that Alain Berset plans to visit the communities liberated from Russian occupation, where he will be able to see with his own eyes the consequences of Russian war crimes.

The President stressed the importance of holding Russian criminals accountable and pointed out that a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression should be established as soon as possible.

"Ukraine proceeds from the fundamental need to prosecute all Russian war criminals who have killed and continue to kill Ukrainians. There should be no exceptions, immunities or other restrictions," he emphasized.

The Head of State underlined the role of the Council of Europe in establishing the Register of Damage as part of the International Compensation Mechanism. Ukraine looks forward to the creation of the Claims Commission and the Compensation Fund and counts on the Council of Europe's leadership in this process. The President emphasized that the Fund should be replenished with proceeds from confiscated and frozen Russian assets.

The parties separately discussed the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia. The President welcomed the Council of Europe's accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and noted the adoption of relevant resolutions by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Other issues discussed during the meeting included the Council of Europe's practical assistance to Ukraine, in particular in the areas of human rights protection, the rule of law and the development of democratic institutions.

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The President Congratulated the Warriors on the Missile and Artillery Forces Day

President of Ukraine

4 December 2024 - 16:53

On the occasion of the Day of Missile and Artillery Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian defenders and honored them with state awards.

"Starting this year, December 4 is your special day. It is a great pleasure for me to personally congratulate and reward some of the best among you, to thank you and your brothers-in-arms. And to express my gratitude to your families and loved ones for their unwavering support. It is so important to support your spirit and strength because your accuracy and ability to destroy the enemy depend on such support and on all of us," the Head of State said.

He noted that Ukraine will always remember the feat of all those who gave their lives for its independence. The participants honored the memory of the fallen defenders with a minute of silence.

The President thanked the warriors of the Missile and Artillery Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for defending our country and presented them with state awards. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Cross of Military Merit award to three combatants. The award recipients are:

Captain Serhii Babak. He defended Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions and, from the first day of the Kursk operation, carried out combat missions in the Kursk region. He repeatedly carried out artillery preparations in the most challenging areas of the offensive. He organized the work of an artillery battery to destroy enemy fortifications. Under his leadership, up to 2 platoons of Russian invaders and more than 10 fire emplacements were eliminated.

Captain Maksym Shevel. He took part in the liberation of the Kherson region, carrying out 20-30 fire missions a day. Only between August 30 and November 11, 2022, the combined artillery platoon under his command destroyed 9 self-propelled artillery systems, 8 howitzers, 2 Grad MLRS, 3 IFVs, 2 BRDMs, 5 mortar crews, 2 MT-LBs and approximately 8 enemy vehicles. Since this June, the artillery battery led by Maksym Shevel has been performing combat missions in the Kherson region.

Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Shkribliak. In March 2022, he repelled the Russian occupiers' attack on Mykolaiv. While part of a howitzer battery, he found himself encircled, but successfully evacuated a damaged self-propelled howitzer along with its crew. Under his command, the crew of the 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer destroyed an ammunition depot, a T-72 tank, a platoon stronghold, assault groups and a UAV group. As a result, more than 80 Russian invaders were eliminated.

The President also awarded the defenders with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, I-III classes, the Orders "For Courage," II-III classes, the Order of Princess Olga, III class, and the Medal "For Military Service to Ukraine."



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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell's remarks at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine

UNICEF

As delivered

04 December 2024

NEW YORK, December 4, 2024 - "Excellencies. Thank you Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield for bringing us together to speak about the consequences of the war in Ukraine on the lives of children, their families, and communities.

"Last month, the escalation of the war in Ukraine passed the 1,000-day mark.

"The UN has verified that at least 2,406 children have been killed or injured since February 2022 -an average of two children every day.

"Behind every number is a child with a name, a life story and loved ones, whose hopes and dreams have been shattered.

"These are the UN-verified numbers only - we know that the true figure is far higher.

"More and more children are directly caught in the conflict. The UN verified more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than we did during all of 2023.

"That is the true cost of a war. But it does not end there.

"The scale of displacement is staggering. Nearly 3.6 million people are displaced inside Ukraine, and almost twice as many - 6.7 million people - have become refugees.

"In Ukraine, the war is upending the lives of children. It has forced many families and children to a life underground because of the continual risk of attacks.

"Children spend up to six hours every day sheltering in basements and other damp, dark spaces under blaring air raid sirens, fearing for their lives.

"Over the past one thousand days, almost 1,500 educational institutions and more than 660 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed.

"In cities such as Kharkiv classrooms and playgrounds have been replaced with underground, makeshift schools, some of them in metro stations.

"With the onset of winter, children are exposed to freezing temperatures.

"This has been made worse by attacks on energy infrastructure, which have multiplied over the past months and reduced the country's electricity capacity to just half of what is required for the winter months.

"Some parts of Ukraine are experiencing power outages for 18 hours a day. As a result, many children in Ukraine are left without essentials such as heating, safe water and sanitation.

"The impact of war is taking a terrible toll on children's mental health and robbing them of their childhood.

"Children are impacted by the constant threat and fear of attacks or violence, the loss of loved ones, the separation of families due to displacement, and the disruption of education - including isolation due to long-term online learning.

"The consequences of such trauma can be devastating and have a long-lasting impact on children's mental health.

"One assessment found that a third of parents reported their children exhibiting signs of mental distress. With every passing day of war, more and more children will suffer, while facing the risk of life-long mental health consequences.

"UNICEF and partners are working tirelessly to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of children and families in Ukraine, including access to safe water, education, and psycho-social support.

"This year, UNICEF and partners have supported access to drinking water for 5.1 million people in Ukraine and provided mental health and psycho-social support services to more than 630,000 children, adolescents and caregivers.

"We are working with municipalities to keep heating systems going throughout the winter, and working to keep schools open and safe. In 2024, we supported the access of more than 450,000 children to education.

"We are doing our utmost to protect children, and to ensure that children understand how to protect themselves from landmines and explosive remnants of war, which contaminate one quarter of the country.

"But much more is needed to address the suffering of children and families.

"We again call for the support of Members of this Security Council, and the parties to this conflict to take immediate steps to protect children caught in this nightmare.

"First, all parties to the conflict must abide by international humanitarian law and human rights law and end grave violations against children. Attacks on energy infrastructure and the civilian infrastructure which supports children, such as health facilities and schools, must immediately cease.

"Second, parties must refrain from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Parties must also refrain from the use of landmines and other weapons, like cluster munitions, which are inherently indiscriminate, and which have a disproportionate impact on children.

"Eastern Ukraine was already one of the world's most mine-contaminated stretches of land even prior to the recent escalation - a reality which now has extended to other parts of the country.

"Third, UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the number of children who have been separated from their families. We urge parties to prioritize family tracing and reunification, and refrain from taking any actions that would alter a child's nationality or make it more difficult for them to be reunified. All parties and all stakeholders must focus on solutions that are in the best interest of the individual child.

"UNICEF continues to offer our support for the return and reintegration of all children in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"And finally, the United Nations and partners should have safe and unfettered humanitarian access to all children and families in Ukraine who need aid or protection services, including in non-government-controlled areas.

"We appreciate the generous support of Member States in funding the humanitarian response and call on them to continue providing the necessary resources to address both the immediate needs of Ukraine's children and what they will need to recover. Investment in the future of children is fundamental.

"Humanitarian efforts, while vital, cannot be a substitute for a political solution to end the war and suffering.

"Children are depending on this Council to provide solutions. We cannot and we must not let them down.

"Thank you."

#####

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Ukraine: UNICEF chief urges greater protection for children 'caught in this nightmare'

4 December 2024 - The plight of children impacted by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the focus of debate in the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

Catherine Russell, head of UN child rights agency, UNICEF, appealed for greater protection efforts by both the international community and the parties to the conflict, and a political solution to end the war.

"Children are depending on this Council to provide solutions. We cannot and we must not let them down," she said.

Young lives shattered

Ms. Russell outlined the awful toll on young lives.

At least 2,406 boys and girls have been killed or injured since the war began in February 2022 - an average of two a day, according to UN verified numbers, though the true figure is likely far higher.

"Behind every number is a child with a name, a life story, and loved ones whose hopes and dreams have been shattered," she said.

She noted that more and more youngsters are directly caught in the conflict.

"The UN verified more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than we did during all of 2023. This is the true cost of war, but it does not end there," she said.

Here she pointed to the staggering number of people who have been uprooted by the fighting, with nearly 3.6 million displaced within Ukraine and almost twice as many, 6.7 million, now refugees.

Living and learning underground

Due to the continual risks of attacks, children in some areas of the country are now sheltering up to six hours a day sheltering in basements and other damp dark spaces, she continued.

Furthermore, almost 1,500 educational institutions and more than 660 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed in the war. In some cities such as Kharkiv, classrooms and playgrounds have been replaced with underground makeshift schools, including in metro stations.

The onset of winter means children are exposed to freezing temperatures. The situation has been made worse by Russia's increased attacks on Ukraine's power grid, which have reduced energy capacity to just half of what is required during the colder months.

"Some parts of Ukraine are experiencing power outages for 18 hours a day. As a result, many children in Ukraine are left without essentials such as heating, safe water and sanitation," she said.

Mental health woes

The war is also taking a terrible toll on children's mental health and robbing them of their childhood, she continued.

"Children are impacted by the constant threat and fear of attacks or violence, the loss of loved ones, the separation of families due to displacement, and the disruption of education - including isolation due to long-term online learning," she said.

As the war continues, UNICEF and partners are working tireless to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of children and families. This includes working with municipalities to keep heating systems operational throughout the winter.

Although they are doing their utmost, Ms. Russell stressed the need for more action.

End violations against children

"We again call for the support of Members of this Security Council, and the parties to this conflict to take immediate steps to protect children caught in this nightmare," she said.

All parties to the conflict must abide by international humanitarian and human rights law and end grave violations against children, she said, while attacks on energy infrastructure, health facilities and schools must immediately cease.

Parties must also refrain from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, as well as use of landmines, cluster munitions and such weapons which have a disproportionate impact on children.

Reunite families, allow humanitarian access

As UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the number of children who have been separated from their families, Ms. Russell urged parties to prioritize family tracing and reunification, and refrain from taking any actions that would alter a child's nationality or make it more difficult for them to be reunified.

"UNICEF continues to offer our support for the return and reintegration of all children in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child," she said.

"And finally, the United Nations and partners should have safe and unfettered humanitarian access to all children and families in Ukraine who need aid or protection services, including in non-Government-controlled areas."

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Ukraine demands Russia return 'kidnapped' children

By Margaret Besheer December 04, 2024

Ukraine demanded Wednesday that Russia end what Kyiv called "the largest kidnapping campaign in modern history" and return Ukrainian children forcibly transferred from its territory during the ongoing war.

"Ukraine is searching for nearly 20,000 children who were subjected to illegal deportation and forced transfer," said Daria Zarivna, an adviser to Ukraine's president and a senior official at his Bring Kids Back Ukraine initiative.

"Yet the actual figure could be much higher, but we can't find it out  Russian officials systematically refuse to provide information," Zarivna added.

Zarivna told a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, convened to discuss the situation, that so far 1,022 children have been repatriated, and she urged the international community to pressure Moscow to cooperate.

"Russia must be forced to meet its obligations under international law," Zarivna said. "It must be compelled to allow access to occupied territories, stop deportations and forced citizenship and political indoctrination of children, provide information about transferred kids, [and] cooperate to bring them home."

Russia denies it has forcibly transferred children.

"There is no program in Russia on adopting children from the area of the special military operation," Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said, using the Kremlin term for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"Those who are orphans or those who are without relatives were only transferred onto temporary preliminary guardianship or temporary wardship, with Russian citizens," he said. "Nor is there any basis for the allegation about the forced naturalization of Ukrainian children."

He said a decree streamlining citizenship simply provides "an opportunity to obtain Russian citizenship for humanitarian reasons" and does not require an individual to give up their Ukrainian citizenship.

But the International Criminal Court disagrees. In March 2023, the court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian commissioner for children's rights.

The ICC pretrial chamber said it "considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, in prejudice of Ukrainian children."

"We call on member states to execute these warrants and ensure accountability," Ukraine's Zarivna said.

In June 2023, the U.N. secretary-general added Russia to its blacklist of perpetrators of grave violations against children for Moscow's actions in Ukraine, including the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools.

US to sanction abusers

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced that the Biden administration is pursuing visa restrictions for five Russian officials and authorities backed or installed by Russia, for their involvement in human rights abuses in Ukraine, including the forced deportation, transfer, and confinement of Ukrainian children.

"Make no mistake: Russian officials and Russian forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity," she said, chastising Moscow for being "intransigent and unrepentant, frustrating international efforts" to identify, locate, and reunite missing children with their families.

Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Yale University Humanitarian Research Lab, presented his group's findings that at least 314 Ukrainian children have been placed in the Kremlin's "program of coerced adoption and fostering" since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

He said 67 of the children have been formally naturalized as Russian citizens, while 208 have been placed with Russian families through adoption or some form of permanent or temporary guardianship.

"The children the Humanitarian Research Laboratory could find were exclusively, we believe, from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, but information reviewed by HRL analysts indicates children from Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv oblasts as well  areas captured by Russia after February 2022  are likely included in the program as well," Raymond said.

He said that the full number of children from Ukraine that Russia has placed in its adoption and fostering program is not known and his team could not determine it from the data they analyzed.

"Russia must provide Ukraine, the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF, and other relevant authorities a full list of the children it has taken, including those in the database systems that we have reviewed," Raymond said.

"Until Russia gives up this information, which it is legally and morally required to do, it will be impossible to fully assess how many children exactly from Ukraine are waiting to go home."

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Blinken: Ukraine must make hard, but necessary, decisions

By VOA News December 04, 2024

In his final appearance at NATO headquarters as U.S. secretary of state, Antony Blinken spoke about Ukraine and what he said are the hard, but necessary, decisions it must make about mobilizing its forces on the front lines to "deal with Russian aggression."

At the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, the top U.S. diplomat said the alliance has made a commitment "for every person, every soldier that Ukraine mobilizes." He said NATO is "committed" to ensuring that Ukraine has "the training and the equipment they need to effectively defend the country."

Separately, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is urging the Atlantic alliance to provide Ukraine with enough support to change what he called the "trajectory" of the war with Russia. He made his comments after meeting with the foreign ministers. Additionally, Rutte urged European countries to boost their defense spending. He said spending 2% of GDP on military budgets is not enough for deterrence.

During former U.S. President Donald Trump's first term in office, he criticized NATO for not spending more money on defense. Trump also has refused to say he wants Ukraine to defeat Russia and voiced skepticism about continued U.S. military aid. Trump has said he will resolve the war before he takes office January 20 but has not explained how that would happen.

In addition to the war in Ukraine, the foreign ministers Tuesday discussed what Rutte said was an "escalating campaign" of Russian hostile actions toward NATO countries, including acts of sabotage and cybercrimes.

Drone attacks

Meanwhile, Ukraine's military said Tuesday it shot down 29 of 50 drones that Russia launched in its latest round of overnight attacks.

The intercepts took place over the Chernihiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy and Ternopil regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Officials in Kharkiv reported damage to a business from a downed drone, while officials in Sumy said Russian shelling damaged several buildings.

Russia's defense ministry said Tuesday it shot down 24 Ukrainian drones overnight, and 11 more early in the day.

Officials in Russia's Ryazan region said a drone damaged four houses but caused no casualties.

Ukrainian drones were also shot down over the Rostov, Bryansk, Belgorod, Krasnodar, Kursk and Kaluga regions, the ministry said.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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NATO chief says Russia weaponizing winter in its war in Ukraine

By VOA News December 04, 2024

NATO chief Mark Rutte said Tuesday he is confident that whatever military aid allies can supply to Ukraine in the coming months will be provided, as he warned that Russia is again using the onset of winter as a weapon in its war in Ukraine.

Rutte told reporters in Brussels ahead of talks with NATO foreign ministers that there is a priority on protecting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and ensuring Ukrainian forces have the air defenses necessary to defend against Russian attacks.

In addition to the war in Ukraine, the foreign ministers are also discussing what Rutte said was an "escalating campaign" of Russian hostile actions toward NATO countries, including acts of sabotage and cybercrimes.

Ukraine's military said Tuesday it shot down 29 of 50 drones that Russia launched in its latest round of overnight attacks.

The intercepts took place over the Chernihiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy and Ternopil regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Officials in Kharkiv reported damage to a business from a downed drone, while officials in Sumy said Russian shelling damaged several buildings.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday it shot down 24 Ukrainian drones overnight, and another 11 drones early Tuesday.

Officials in Russia's Ryazan region said a drone damaged four houses, but caused no casualties.

Ukrainian drones were also shot down over the Rostov, Bryansk, Belgorod, Krasnodar, Kursk and Kaluga regions, the ministry said.

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Captivating Performances at musiCON

NEW YORK, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2024 musicON Music Festival, hosted by the May Flower Art Center, concluded with resounding success at the National Opera Arts Center in New York City. Spanning three days, the festival featured five concerts and an extraordinary repertoire of 60 chamber works, showcasing global composers across generations. 25 exceptional musicians from New York delivered stellar performances after a month of rigorous preparation. Highlighting the event was the announcement of Paul Novak as the winner of the 2nd musiCON International Composition Competition.

The festival attracted widespread acclaim, drawing prominent gures such as Yale University composition professor Aaron Jay Kernis, Peabody Institute Composition Chair Felipe Lara, and Pipa virtuoso Yang Jin. They commended the festivals seamless organization, high-caliber compositions, and captivating performances.

Celebrating Musical Diversity

Notable performances included works by esteemed composers like Qian Shenying, Fuhong Shi, and Natalie Draper, alongside emerging talents Aidan Gold and Soa Ouyang. Even novice composerssome with as little as three months of training at the May Flower Art Center  impressed audiences with their creativity and potential.

Founder Yiming Wu emphasized the festivals mission: The future belongs to versatile talents with strong cultural foundations. This ethos was embodied by Max Lu, a dual major in Computer Science at Columbia University and Composition at Juilliard, and Steinway Artist Taige Wang, whose original trio was performed with him on piano. The program embraced a broad spectrum of musical styles, from experimental contemporary to Bossa Nova, underscoring a commitment to diversity and innovation .

2024 musiCON Music Festival

May Flower Art Center alumni have earned accolades in prestigious international composition competitions, including Earshot Reading, BMI and ASCAP, with many going on to pursue dual degrees at Ivy League institutions. For more information, visit May Flower Art Center .

Media Contacts:

May Flower Art Center

(+1) 410-402-0521

office@mayflowerartcenter.org

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a617a590-eed5-43eb-a45e-41250f440080

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cb1e8e3-824f-4fee-874c-9ba012bd49f3

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NEW YORK, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW) between February 6, 2024 and July 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important December 13, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Edwards securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Edwards class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29704 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 13, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Edwards expected revenue for the fiscal year 2024, particularly as it related to the growth of Edwards core product, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Defendants statements included, among other things, strong commitment to the TAVR platform, confidence in Edwards ability to capitalize on a subset of untreated patients through scaling of its various patient activation activities, and continued claims of significant demand in allegedly lower-penetrated markets. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Edwards class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29704 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
NEW YORK, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday demonstrated once again how a day dedicated to giving back can spark worldwide compassion and action. The GivingTuesday Data Commons estimates that a record-breaking $3.6 billion was donated in the US alone, which brings the sum of GivingTuesday donations since its launch in 2012 to more than $18.5 billion.

The $3.6 billion donated yesterday represents a 16% increase from GivingTuesday 2023s total of $3.1 billion. More people than ever in GivingTuesday history participated in the day, with 36.1 million people taking action across the US, in addition to the countless acts of generosity that occurred all over the world. This collective giving showcases the enduring spirit of community support despite ongoing societal challenges. From monetary donations to volunteering, acts of kindness ranged from local community efforts to global initiatives.

Generosity isn't just about moneyit's about connection and community, said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday's Chief Executive Officer. In a world that can feel increasingly divided, we're seeing people unite through simple acts of kindness that have profound ripple effects.

Key GivingTuesday 2024 Highlights:

Total Dollars Donated, US: $3.6 billion, an increase of 16% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

$3.6 billion, an increase of 16% compared to GivingTuesday 2023 Total Participants, US: 36.1 million, an increase of 7% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

36.1 million, an increase of 7% compared to GivingTuesday 2023 Participants who made financial contributions, US: 18.5 million, an increase of 4% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

18.5 million, an increase of 4% compared to GivingTuesday 2023 Participants who gave goods, US: 12.9 million, an increase of 32% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

12.9 million, an increase of 32% compared to GivingTuesday 2023 Participants who volunteered, US: 9.2 million, an increase of 4% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

9.2 million, an increase of 4% compared to GivingTuesday 2023 Participants who spoke out about causes, US: 16.6 million, an increase of 17% compared to GivingTuesday 2023

This year's record-breaking donations and participation demonstrate the incredible power of collective action, Curran continued. When millions unite with a shared purpose, we don't just give what we canwe create real, tangible change. Each donation, each act of generosity, is a building block for community solutions that actually make a difference.

Since its inception in 2012, GivingTuesday has grown from a single day of giving to a year-round global movement. In 2024, the initiative continues to prove that generosity knows no borders, with grassroots movements in 105 countries inspiring individuals to give, collaborate, and make a difference. This year Benin, Bolivia, Denmark, Panama, and Sri Lanka launched national GivingTuesday movements, and GivingTuesday launched its Europe Hub, which joins the Africa, India, Latin America & the Caribbean, and US & Canada Hubs in providing on-the-ground support to regional GivingTuesday leaders.

For more information and giving stories, visit www.givingtuesday.org or contact media@givingtuesday.org .

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. It was created in 2012 at New Yorks 92nd Street Y and incubated in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact. What started as a simple idea of a day that encourages people to do good has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity year-round. The movement is brought to life through a distributed network of entrepreneurial leaders who lead national movements in more than 100 countries across the globe. An integral part of the global generosity movement is the GivingTuesday organization, which offers support and resources to GivingTuesday leaders and fosters connection and collaboration across the network.

To learn more about GivingTuesday participants and activities and join the celebration of generosity, please visit:

Website: www.givingtuesday.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GivingTuesday

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@GivingTuesday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/GivingTuesday

About the GivingTuesday Data Commons

The GivingTuesday Data Commons is a global network that enables data collaboration across the social sector. The Data Commons convenes specialist working groups, conducts collaborative research into giving-related behaviors, reveals trends in generosity and donations, and shares findings among its global community. With more than 170 data partners and 2,000 collaborators, the Data Commons is the largest philanthropic data collaboration ever built.

The GivingTuesday Data Commons utilizes data provided by the following organizations to estimate total giving on GivingTuesday: Benevity, BetterUnite, Blackbaud, Bloomerang, Bonterra, CanadaHelps, Chariot, Charity Navigator, Charityvest, Classy from GoFundMe, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, Daffy, DAFgiving360, Deluxe Merchant Services, Doare, DoJiggy, Donar Online, Donately, Donorbox, DonorDock, DonorPerfect, DonorsChoose, Every.org, Fidelity Charitable, Firespring, Fundraise Up, Give Lively, Givebutter, GiveCampus, Givelify, GiveSmart, Global Impact, GlobalGiving, Goodstack, Indspire, Keela, LaunchGood, Little Green Light, Mightycause, National Philanthropic Trust, NationBuilder, NEDDIE, Neon One, PayPal, Pledge, Qgiv, Raisely, RallyUp, Ruffalo Noel Levitz, Share Good, Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), Stripe, Tiltify and Vanguard Charitable.
Photo courtesy of Pozalabs

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pozalabs, an artificial intelligence (AI)- powered music technology company, announced the official launch of Eapy, a new web-based idea creation tool designed to improve the productivity of music composers.

Eapy has a canvas function for managing composition ideas with AI-generated MIDI samples, offering an integrated solution to simplify the creative process for music producers worldwide.

The new tool tackles a challenge in the music production industry by unifying multiple services composers typically use into a user-friendly platform. Its canvas function manages various elements that inspire music producers, including music snippets, photos, and voice memos. This integration aims to improve productivity by removing the need for composers to manage dozens of different services during their creative process.

Another notable feature of Eapy is its offering of AI-generated MIDI samples, which distinguishes it from competitors in the market.

Unlike some AI music generation services that have sparked controversy for using artists' works without permission, Pozalabs creates all AI-generated MIDI samples in Eapy using only its MIDI data.

This method prevents the tool from contributing to the data copyright issues currently affecting the global music market. It also sets Eapy apart from its competitors, such as Suno and UDIO, which have faced legal challenges for using copyrighted material in AI training.

In November, Eapy unveiled an upgraded AI-generated MIDI sample feature, enabling users to create, stack, and mix samples like building blocks to craft unique compositions. These samples, ranging from four to 16 bars, come in three types: chord progressions, instrumental tracks, and vocal toplines.

Pozalabs Eapy is the first service in Korea to provide vocal topline samples in Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) file format, giving composers editable files to support their creative process.

The accuracy of Eapy's AI-generated samples directly relates to the specificity of user inputs. When the genre, mood, tempo, and the number of bars are specified, users can generate high-quality MIDI samples that closely match their compositional intent.

This feature creates a new standard in music composition. AI-generated samples will now serve as raw materials for producers to modify and incorporate into original tracks.

Wongil Huh, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pozalabs, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: "Eapy is truly a major development in music composition technology. It is a service that anyone who loves music can easily use, whether professional composers or enthusiasts. Pozalabs looks forward to seeing how Eapy will inspire creativity and simplify the composition process for users worldwide."

Users can now access Eapy for free, receiving one gigabyte of storage upon signing up on the website .

Pozalabs plans to expand Eapy's capabilities in 2025 by adding a storage function and features that allow users to input images, voice memos, and videos to generate AI-based audio tracks.

About Pozalabs

Pozalabs is an AI company specializing in music generation and production. With a mission to "Spread the joy of music with AI" and a vision to "Ignite your creativity," Pozalabs develops ethical and inventive AI-powered music solutions. The company's portfolio includes LAIVE, an AI music generator. Pozalabs also advances AI music research while strongly focusing on ethical data use and copyright compliance.

Contact information:


NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 21, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (Zeta or the Company) (NYSE: ZETA), if they purchased the Companys securities between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Zeta Global investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-zeta/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Zeta Global and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (1) the Company used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (2) the Company engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (3) the Company utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data and these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zetas growth; (4) as a result, defendants positive statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

The case is Davoodi v. Zeta Global Holdings Corp., et al., No. 24-cv-8961.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
SYDNEY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cambium Bio Limited (ASX:CMB) (Cambium Bio, Cambium or Company), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focusing on the development of innovative biologics for ophthalmology and tissue repair applications, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a A$3.0 million capital raising.

Key Highlights:

Capital raising of A$3.0 million completed at A$0.4637 per share, representing a 25% discount to the 5-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) up to and including 2 December 2024

Strong support from new strategic investor AventaCell Biomedical Corp and existing major shareholder Zheng Yang Biomedical Technology

Additional participation from Cambium Bio directors, CEO, and Australian institutional and sophisticated investors

Proceeds to advance Phase 3 clinical development of Elate Ocular for dry eye disease

The capital raising, which was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 26 November 2024, comprises:

A$1.5 million strategic investment from AventaCell Biomedical Corp

A$0.25 million investment from Zheng Yang Biomedical Technology

A$0.146 million from Cambium Bio directors

A$1.054 million from Cambium Bio CEO, Australian institutional, sophisticated and other investors

Cambium Bio CEO, Karolis Rosickas, commented: "We are delighted with the strong support received in this capital raising, particularly from AventaCell Biomedical Corp as a new strategic investor. AventaCell's global leadership in cell culture supplements using our human platelet technology makes them an ideal partner as we advance our therapeutic programs. The participation of our existing major shareholder ZYBT, along with directors and management, demonstrates continued confidence in our strategy and clinical and commercial potential of Elate Ocular."

Use of Funds

The proceeds will primarily support the advancement of Elate Ocular through its registration-enabling Phase 3 clinical trials for dry eye disease, which are planned to commence in calendar Q2 2025. The funds will also provide working capital for the Company's ongoing operations.
BEIJING, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 2nd, the Administrative Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town) and the Sanofi Group signed a memorandum of cooperation to establish a new production and manufacturing base with an investment of approximately one billion euros. Once completed, this project will create a comprehensive insulin formulation product line from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to finished drugs, significantly enhancing Beijing E-Town's medical and health industry landscape. It also holds important strategic implications for the security of China's insulin supply chain.

"Sanofi is confident in the long-term development potential of the Chinese market. The Chinese government's policies promoting opening up and innovation, as well as the excellent business environment it fosters for foreign enterprises, have injected strong confidence into Sanofi's deep participation in China's economic development and support for high-quality growth in the pharmaceutical industry," said Frederic Oudea, Chairman of the Board at Sanofi. As one of the first foreign enterprises to settle in Beijing E-Town, Sanofi, a global leader in innovative healthcare, has continuously increased its investments in China. Starting with an initial investment of $240 million (approximately 1.7 billion yuan) in 1995, followed by an additional 500 million yuan in 2022, and now a substantial investment of one billion euros (approximately 7.66 billion yuan) in 2024, Sanofi has consistently chosen Beijing and embraced E-Town through these consecutive investments.

Warm Services in E-Town Earn Multinational Corporations' Vote of Confidence

In April of this year, upon learning of Sanofi's intention to invest in China, Beijing E-Town promptly established a dedicated service team. This included assembling expert groups, analyzing company needs, and detailing task lists  work schedules were meticulously planned down to the hour.

The attention to detail went even further. Beijing E-Town estimated the project's land requirements and supporting needs, selecting high-standard plots and preparing necessary infrastructure for water, electricity, gas, heat, and roads in advance. During site selection visits, they set up observation points and produced English-language reception manuals. Through over 20 meetings, designated personnel maintained close communication with Sanofi's various liaison officers, establishing a "zero-latency" response mechanism. Staff worked around the clock, ensuring timely coordination and handling of all requests, which fostered a closer relationship between Sanofi's team and E-Town officials. The exceptional services received high praise from Sanofi, whose different business unit leaders expressed satisfaction during four separate visits to select the location.

"Although we have been friends with E-Town for 30 years, this project's implementation has once again highlighted the excellent business environment and attentive service that E-Town offers," remarked Frederic Oudea.

The vote of confidence from multinational corporations also reflects the achievements of collaborative efforts at both municipal and district levels. The medical and health industry is one of the two key drivers of Beijing's innovative development. Under the high-level attention and strategic coordination of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee and People's Government, a joint service plan was formulated by both the municipal government and BDA to enhance communication with Sanofi. By working together to address the operational challenges faced by the company, these efforts have reinforced Sanofi's confidence in investing in China.

Rooted in E-Town for 30 Years: Fertile Business Soil Underpins Sanofi's Steadfast Choice

In the production halls of Sanofi, machines operate at breakneck speed, assembling a life-saving insulin pen for diabetes patients every eight seconds. On this U-shaped assembly and packaging line, each shift can package over 60,000 units, with finished products continuously rolling off the line.

From initially handling single-product repackaging to now locally producing formulations for four products like Lantus, and assembling over twenty varieties including Toujeo, the Beijing factory has evolved into Sanofi's largest insulin injection production base in the Asia-Pacific region. Now, for the first time, it is setting up biotherapeutic API production domestically. Over three decades, what remains unchanged is the consistently attentive service and mutual trust, while what has evolved includes increasingly refined government services, a fair legal environment, forward-looking spatial planning, and an excellent industrial ecosystem.

Refined government services have been integral throughout every phase of Sanofi's development  from coordinating review and approval agencies for pre-emptive professional guidance, regularly visiting enterprises to address needs and difficulties, to exploring future directions. Beijing E-Town adheres to the principle that "what enterprises need is what E-Town aims to achieve," supporting Sanofi's expansion and market reach. A fair legal environment continuously stimulates market vitality, providing solid support for each product launch and production increase by Sanofi. In this equitable competitive landscape, Sanofi actively engages in market activities, contributing significantly to the regional biopharmaceutical industry. Forward-looking spatial planning is reflected in the continuous optimization of industrial layout, setting high standards for major projects, facilitating smooth project commissioning and efficiency. An excellent industrial ecosystem strengthens Sanofi's development confidence, allowing better integration of international and domestic resources, leveraging its role as a "chain leader," and achieving synchronous development with the industry.

Brendan O'Callaghan, Executive Vice President of Sanofi's Executive Committee and Head of Manufacturing and Supply, noted, "These factors have further strengthened our confidence in developing in China, in Beijing, and in E-Town."

Sanofi's increased investment and production capacity expansion are just one example of the growing biopharmaceutical cluster in Beijing E-Town and the ongoing release of development opportunities. The Eli Lilly China Medical Innovation Center, the company's first innovation incubator outside the U.S., Pfizer's Beijing R&D Center, Bayer's first open innovation center in China, AstraZeneca's Global R&D Beijing Center, Medtronic's Digital Services Innovation Base, and HuyaBio's headquarters... At the conclusion of the 2024 International Biopharmaceutical Industry Innovation Beijing Forum on October 26th, six multinational pharmaceutical companies chose to establish themselves in Beijing E-Town, landing in Beijing's Biomedical Innovation Park (BioPark), deepening their business layouts in China.

Today, Beijing E-Town has gathered nearly 5,000 biopharmaceutical companies, including 124 large-scale industrial enterprises, 23 national-level specialized, refined, unique, and new 'little giants,' with an industrial output value close to 90 billion yuan, accounting for half of Beijing's total. Relevant officials from the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area stated they will accelerate the creation of a biopharmaceutical innovation hub, promoting more breakthroughs in innovative drugs and devices, continuous landing of new projects, and ongoing optimization of the industrial environment, striving to become the preferred choice for multinational enterprises seeking investment and development.

105 Fortune 500 Companies Choose E-Town: A Testimony to World-Class Business Environment

Beyond the "Sanofi Project," as early as late October this year, six multinational pharmaceutical companies chose to establish themselves in Beijing E-Town. The robust growth of foreign enterprises in Beijing E-Town vividly demonstrates the unique appeal of this fertile ground for enterprise development. From their initial entry into E-Town to firmly taking root, these corporate gems have propelled high-level openness with impressive achievements, continuously updating the city's development "progress bar." To date, 105 Fortune 500 companies have invested in 160 projects within Beijing E-Town.

As the only national-level economic and technological development area in Beijing, E-Town is a crucial window for the capital's high-level opening up to the outside world. Beijing E-Town vigorously implements its strategy of quality development enhancement, focusing on the "44637" industrial development system. Guided by the construction of the "Two Zones," it intensifies efforts to promote and serve foreign investment through policy support, premium services, platform building, and an excellent industrial environment, thereby enhancing the "E-Town Brand" of business environment.

Beijing E-Town continues to refine its industrial organization model, involving "science and technology industry coordination departments + industrial bureaus + specialized teams + platform companies + element support." It compiles and improves its policy toolkit, providing "2 (policy + measures) + X (support item list)" policy support for foreign-invested enterprises to further boost foreign investors' confidence. By closely aligning with the needs of enterprise development, it has introduced a full-lifecycle service mechanism for enterprises, smoothing out bottlenecks in business processes, and offering more convenient and efficient market entry services. Talent service mechanisms are being optimized with updated policies to attract world-class high-level scientific and technological innovation talents. Relying on the "E-Town Living Room," an international talent service area has been established, along with multi-lingual volunteer service teams, providing "one-stop" services to create a welcoming government service environment for foreigners investing and doing business. Continuously improving its high-level open economy mechanism, Beijing E-Town actively participates in the high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road Initiative," expanding international cooperation. It makes full use of platforms such as the Boao Forum for Asia Global Health Forum, the 2024 Beijing International Biopharmaceutical Industry Innovation Forum, the World Robot Conference, and the Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference to attract and utilize foreign investment more effectively.

"A world-class business environment should be subtle yet impactful. Only by truly addressing the perspectives of foreign-invested enterprises and foreign talents and solving practical problems can we further enhance their confidence in development," said an official from the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. "We will continue to improve service models and policy accessibility, ensuring that more multinational enterprises feel the 'warmth of E-Town' and 'Beijing Service.'"

Looking ahead, Beijing E-Town will remain committed to its role as a key platform for Beijing's international science and technology innovation center and a stronghold for high-end industries. It will continue to advance high-level openness, striving to create an investment environment aligned with international standards, a vibrant and open business environment, and a livable and business-friendly development environment. This will attract more multinational enterprises, new products, and technologies, replicating more "Sanofi Projects" on this land, and continuously expanding the circle of friends for high-quality development in the capital.

Source: The Administrative Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town)
Dublin, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Guidewires Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The United States Guidewires Market was valued at USD 0.80 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 1.05 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 4.79%

The United States guidewires market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector within the broader medical device industry. Guidewires are thin, flexible wires that play a crucial role in guiding various medical devices, such as catheters, through the vascular system or other anatomical pathways during minimally invasive procedures. This market has been witnessing substantial growth in recent years, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The United States guidewires market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the subsequent need for interventional cardiology procedures. Guidewires are indispensable in precision-critical interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement, where maneuverability and accuracy are key. This market is further supported by the expanding elderly population, which has a higher susceptibility to various medical conditions that require minimally invasive procedures like catheterization.

Key Market Drivers

Aging Population



The elderly population's demand for healthcare services that utilize guidewires is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, making them a pivotal driver of the market's expansion. Cardiovascular interventions, which are prevalent among the elderly, rely heavily on guidewires in procedures like angioplasty and stent placement. As the elderly population continues to expand, so does the need for guidewire-guided procedures in specialties like radiology, urology, and gastroenterology.



Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases



In the field of interventional cardiology, where cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality, guidewires play an indispensable role. Procedures like angioplasty and stent placement rely on these thin, flexible wires to guide catheters and devices through blood vessels with precision. With the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases on the rise, there is an increasing demand for these interventions, which, in turn, propels the growth of the United States guidewires market.



Similarly, as the incidence of diabetes and its complications continues to surge, the need for peripheral interventions, such as the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral artery disease, has increased. Guidewires are instrumental in guiding these procedures and addressing the vascular issues commonly associated with diabetes. This burgeoning demand is another significant factor contributing to the market's expansion.



Technological Advancements



One of the key technological advancements in the guidewires market is the development of more durable and flexible materials. Advanced alloys and composites have replaced traditional materials, enhancing the guidewires' ability to withstand the stresses of navigation while ensuring they remain flexible enough to navigate through complex anatomical structures. This increased durability translates to longer-lasting guidewires, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately lowering healthcare costs.



Key Market Challenges

Inadequate Reimbursement Policies



The reimbursement policies may also inadequately cover the cost of guidewire devices themselves. Guidewires come in a variety of types and can vary significantly in cost, with advanced models featuring cutting-edge materials and designs commanding higher prices. In cases where reimbursement is insufficient to cover the cost of premium guidewires, healthcare providers may opt for cost-effective alternatives, potentially limiting the adoption of more advanced and effective devices.



Stringent Regulatory Environment



Meeting stringent regulatory requirements can substantially increase the development costs of guidewires. Companies need to invest in research, testing, and compliance efforts, driving up production expenses. Smaller manufacturers may find it especially challenging to absorb these high costs, making it difficult for them to compete with larger, more established players in the market.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 85 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $0.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $1.05 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.7% Regions Covered United States



Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Dominance of Coronary Guidewires

Coronary guidewires lead the U.S. market, driven by the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the shift toward minimally invasive procedures.

Role in Invasive Procedures

Essential for angioplasty and stent placements, coronary guidewires assist in precise catheter navigation through coronary arteries.

Essential for angioplasty and stent placements, coronary guidewires assist in precise catheter navigation through coronary arteries. Preference for Minimally Invasive Approaches

Patients favor these techniques due to reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays, driving increased demand.

Patients favor these techniques due to reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays, driving increased demand. Aging Population Contributing to Demand

The growing elderly population in the U.S. is a key factor in the rising demand for coronary guidewires due to the higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Regional Insights

Mid-West Dominates the U.S. Guidewires Market

The Mid-West holds the largest market share, driven by a concentration of top healthcare facilities and medical innovations.

Healthcare Hub and Research Excellence

The region is home to renowned hospitals and research centers, fostering the development of advanced guidewire technologies.

The region is home to renowned hospitals and research centers, fostering the development of advanced guidewire technologies. High Prevalence of Cardiovascular Conditions

Chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular conditions, are common in the region, ensuring consistent demand for guidewires in medical interventions.

Key Market Players

Boston Scientific Corporation

Medtronic plc

Cook Medical

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Terumo Medical Corporation

Abbott Laboratories Inc.

Stryker Corporation.

Teleflex Incorporated

Becton Dickinson & Company

Olympus Corporation

Report Scope:



United States Guidewires Market, By Product:

Coronary guidewires

Peripheral guidewires

Urology guidewires

Neurovascular guidewires

United States Guidewires Market, By Region:

North-East

Mid-west

West

South

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bsqzph

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.

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ST. CATHARINES, Ontario, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-Winning Documentary UNBANKABLE to Make Exclusive Canadian Premiere on The News Forum, Spark Nationwide Conversation

Crafted over a seven-year journey across seven countries, UNBANKABLE explores Africas rich contributions to global economic thought. Directed by Willms with the support of African-majority film crews, the documentary poses a bold question: Can Africa Save the West? As Willms makes his debut as writer, director, and producer, he presents a fresh narrative focused on Africas potential for economic revitalization through local innovation, resilience, and collaboration.

Inspired by his fathers research conducted during the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, Willms brings a personal, nuanced perspective that connects African and Western viewpoints. UNBANKABLE challenges the entrenched idea that solutions flow primarily from the West, instead offering an alternative vision centered on cultural exchange, local wisdom, and collaborative development.

The global south is often overlooked as a source of economic solutions, but UNBANKABLE changes the narrative, celebrating voices that resonate deeply with the Canadian diaspora and beyond, said Tore Stautland, CEO of The News Forum. This film delivers a universal message of community resilience and hope, offering Canadian audiences a fresh perspective on economic empowerment.

The film has gained international acclaim, winning the prestigious Chairpersons Award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the Award of Excellence from the Impact Docs Awards, and an Honourable Mention from the Los Angeles Film Awards. It was also a finalist at the Cannes World Film Festival and the New York International Film Awards. In Canada, it is represented by Sherry Media Group.

The premiere supports The Unbankable Trusts mission, which funds economic initiatives for womens groups and diasporic communities in Canada, as well as essential financial programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond a film debut, UNBANKABLE is a call to action, inviting viewers to join a conversation on financial inclusion and social empowerment.

Watch the trailer here.

About The News Forum

The News Forum is a national Canadian news broadcaster available through most television distributors  see local listings.

TNF is a proud subscriber to the Canadian Press/AP along with other significant sources of breaking news from across Canada and around the world.

https://www.thenewsforum.ca/wheretowatch

Additional Information:

Website: www.thenewsforum.ca

News Website: https://www.forumdailynews.ca/

Twitter: @TheNewsForum_ ( https://twitter.com/TheNewsForum_ )

Facebook: @YourNewsForum ( https://www.facebook.com/YourNewsForum/ )

Instagram: @TheNewsForum ( https://www.instagram.com/thenewsforum/ )

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheNewsForum

TikTok: @thenewsforum_

Luke Willms

For media inquiries for Luke Willms, interviews, and further information:

Tyron Harkiss-Foster | Between Friends Agency | tyron@betweenfriendsagency.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2af6eb24-aaae-4c2e-8e11-66f9a102e3c9
Dublin, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East Building Automation Market Report Forecast By System Type, Application, Components, Countries and Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Middle East Building Automation Market will reach US$ 16.62 billion by 2032, up from US$ 6.68 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 10.65% between 2024 and 2032



The Middle East Building Automation Market is seeing expansion due to a number of factors, including the growing demand for smart infrastructure brought about by fast urbanization and population growth. Investment in automation technologies is bolstered by government programs that support sustainability and the creation of smart cities. Automated system adoption is encouraged in businesses and homes by growing awareness of cost and energy savings.

Furthermore, building management skills are enhanced by developments in cloud computing, AI, and IoT. Adoption of advanced building automation solutions in the residential and commercial sectors is further propelled by the increased emphasis on safety and comfort as well as regulatory compliance.



Driving Forces of Middle East Building Automation Market

Urbanization



Due to the rapid development of smart infrastructure brought about by population increase, urbanization is a major growth driver for the Middle East Building Automation Market. The region's major cities are growing significantly, and in order to handle the growing urban population, effective building management systems are required. In both residential and commercial buildings, these technologies maximize energy utilization, improve occupant comfort, and boost overall operational efficiency. The need for automated systems that integrate several building operations, such lighting, HVAC, and security, is growing as metropolitan environments change. This trend encourages investment in building automation technologies throughout the region by supporting government initiatives for smart city projects and supporting sustainability aims.



Government initiatives boosts the industry growth



The Middle East Building Automation industry is significantly driven by government initiatives because many of the region's nations place a high priority on sustainable development and the creation of smart cities. Advanced building automation technology investments are encouraged by national policies that support environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.



As stated in the UAE government's Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the goal is to double the industrial manufacturing sector's GDP contribution to 25%. The goal of the government's Operation 300 billion plan is to grow the industrial sector and strengthen its contribution to boosting the UAE's economy. By 2031, it wants to raise the industrial sector's GDP contribution to AED 300 billion (about USD 82 billion).

Furthermore, Operation 300 billion is greatly facilitated by the Emirates Development Bank (EDB). The bank has set aside AED 30 billion over the course of five years to help priority industrial sectors under the strategy. It is anticipated that these expenditures will increase the need for automated material handling in the industrial sector. These programs encourage cooperation between the public and commercial sectors, which stimulates market expansion and innovation. The Middle East's future urban environments will be shaped by the increasing need for advanced building automation systems brought about by governments' quest for modernization and better infrastructure.



Saudi Arabia Building Automation Market



Building automation in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly, propelled by government programs, a strong emphasis on sustainability, and the country's fast urbanization. The goal of Vision 2030 is to modernize the country's infrastructure by encouraging the creation of smart cities that use cutting-edge automation technologies. Market expansion is further fueled by the growing need for cost-cutting and energy efficiency in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Building management systems are improved by technological developments in IoT, AI, and cloud computing, which enable real-time monitoring and efficient operations. Furthermore, expenditures in automation solutions are increased due to the increased focus on safety and security systems. In the upcoming years, the building automation industry is expected to increase significantly as the nation attempts to modernize its urban landscape.



United Arab Emirates Building Automation Market



Government initiatives aimed at developing smart cities and widespread urbanization are fueling the building automation market's rapid expansion in the United Arab Emirates. Initiatives like Vision 2030 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Smart City program place a strong emphasis on advanced technological integration and sustainability.

Building automation system investment is being driven by the growing need for energy-efficient solutions in the commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. For instance, With regard to electricity generation, the United Arab Emirates plans to add about 21 GW of capacity, of which 26.1% will come from solar power. It is probable that these infrastructure advancements will offer industrial controls and factory automation solutions.



Furthermore, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) provide improved lighting, HVAC, and security management, enhancing operational effectiveness and occupant comfort. Additionally, the UAE's dedication to green building guidelines and environmental restrictions creates an atmosphere that is conducive to the adoption of automation. Owing to these factors, the market is expected to increase significantly and will support the nation's goal of encouraging creative and sustainable urban life.



Middle East Building Automation Company Analysis



The key players in Middle East building automation industry are Siemens AG, Honeywell International Inc., LG Electronics, Hitachi, Ltd., Schneider Electric, Electrolux, Samsung and Haier Inc.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 75 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $6.68 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $16.62 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.6% Regions Covered Middle East





Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Growth Drivers

4.2 Challenges



5. Middle East Building Automation Market



6. Market Share Analysis

6.1 By System Type

6.2 By Application

6.3 By Components

6.4 By Countries



7. System Type

7.1 Facilities Management Systems

7.2 Security and Access Controls

7.3 Fire Protection Systems

7.4 Building Energy Management Software

7.5 BAS Services

7.6 Others



8. Application

8.1 Industrial

8.2 Residential

8.3 Commercial



9. Components

9.1 Hardware

9.2 Software



10. Countries

10.1 Saudi Arabia

10.2 United Arab Emirates

10.3 Qatar

10.4 Kuwait

10.5 Bahrain

10.6 Oman

10.7 Turkey

10.8 Others



11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers

11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

11.3 Degree of Rivalry

11.4 Threat of New Entrants

11.5 Threat of Substitutes



12. SWOT Analysis

12.1 Strength

12.2 Weakness

12.3 Opportunity

12.4 Threat



13. Key Players Analysis

13.1 Overview

13.2 Key Persons

13.3 Product Portfolio

13.4 Recent Development & Strategies

13.5 Financial Insights

Siemens AG

Honeywell International Inc.

LG Electronics

Hitachi, Ltd.

Schneider Electric

Electrolux

Samsung

Haier Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lctb2n

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.

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MONTREAL, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (HPQ or the Company) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based materials would like to update shareholders on recent developments from HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI) [1] regarding the start of the commercial validation of its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) process.

Technology supplier PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY) (PyroGenesis) informed HSPI that it has successfully completed the extended refractory conditioning work on the pilot system, as previously announced in HPQs November 12, 2024, press release. This work was essential to ensure a more consistent flow of fumed silica from the reactor to the downstream recovery equipment.

PyroGenesis also advised HPQ that the first series of process material tests are scheduled to start in December 2024.

During the scale-up phase of any project, process improvements are to be expected. However, this does not change the fact that our FSR technology will transform fumed silica manufacturing for the better, said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon and HPQ Silicon Polvere. Our objective remains clear: to disrupt the fumed silica market by delivering a cost-effective, high-efficiency solution that redefines industry standards. And as we continue ongoing discussions to secure offtake agreements.

HPSI Fumed Silica Reactor Pilot Plant  Focus on Ensuring Product Quality

The FSR Pilot Plant represents a pioneering, state-of-the-art prototype system, meticulously designed with a suite of seamlessly integrated sub-systems. These sub-systems operate in synchronization to enable the production of fumed silica within the reactor, ensure its controlled transfer to downstream recovery systems, and optimize the efficient extraction and packaging of the final product.

The FSR development program is thoughtfully designed and systematically implemented to address the intricate challenges of scaling up a novel processfrom laboratory-scale equipment producing only a few grams of fumed silica per batch to an industrial-grade system capable of generating multiple kilograms per hour.

PyroGenesis is committed to pursuing ideas with real and significant potential for successful commercialization, and the Fumed Silica Reactor project definitively meets that threshold, said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis Inc. Our primary goal during the scaling-up phase is to continuously refine operational processes to ensure that HSPIs clients receive high-quality materials, setting the stage for sustainable and efficient commercial production.

A Foundation for Commercial Readiness

Following the successful completion of the initial processing material test, the program will progress to the batch production phase, where the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) will commence manufacturing kilograms of fumed silica.

The primary goal of this phase is to validate the system's ability to consistently reproduce critical physical propertiessuch as surface areaand essential rheological characteristics, including viscosity and thickening behavior, as previously demonstrated at the lab scale. Upon achieving this milestone, the program will advance to semi-continuous operations, aiming to produce a minimum of 200 kilograms of commercial-grade fumed silica samples for extensive testing and validation.

PyroGenesis technical team is always actively exploring ways to refine HSPIs proprietary FSR technology at the pilot plant scale to ensure high-quality material production at the pilot scale and for future commercial operations, added Mr. Pascali

Sample Testing

Throughout these phases, the fumed silica produced will undergo rigorous internal testing, with samples sent to Evonik, as outlined in the LOI announced on July 9, 2024. Additional evaluations may also be conducted by other parties under NDA. By Q1 2025, the focus will shift to optimizing pilot plant operations to produce high-purity, food- and pharma-grade fumed silica with a surface area of 300 m/g.

In addition to manufacturing materials with surface areas ranging from 150 to 300 m/g, the overarching goal is to achieve full-capacity operations, enabling multiple daily production cycles and delivering commercial-quality material. With an expected 20 hours of daily operation, the system is projected to produce approximately 161 kilograms per day, equivalent to an annual output of 50,000 kilograms (50 TPY).

REFERENCE SOURCES

[1] A wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Inc. when technology supplier PyroGenesis announced its intention to exercise its option to acquire a 50% stake in HSPI in May 2024.



About HPQ

HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.

HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.

HPQ activities are centred around the following four (4) pillars:

1) Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc being developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis. 2) Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. 3) HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system. 4) Becoming a zero CO 2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPTM Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.





For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site.

About PyroGenesis Inc.

PyroGenesis, a high-tech company, is a proud leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and are economically attractive alternatives to conventional dirty processes. PyroGenesis has created proprietary, patented and advanced plasma technologies that are being vetted and adopted by multiple multibillion dollar industry leaders in four massive markets: iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of its Montreal office, and its 3,800 m2 and 2,940 m2 manufacturing facilities, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. The operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, having been ISO certified since 1997. PyroGenesis shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada (TSX: PYR), the OTCQX in the US (OTCQX: PYRGF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (FRA: 8PY). www.pyrogenesis.com

Disclaimers:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the securitys regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB), a leading provider of global tax preparation, financial products and small business solutions, today announced the promotion of George Agurkis to Vice President of Government Relations. In his new role, Agurkis will lead the government relations team and its efforts to advance the companys legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities at the state, federal, and local levels.

During his three-year tenure, George has been instrumental in progressing policies that benefit our clients and company, including spearheading an initiative to support enhanced identity verification standards and real-time data sharing to combat fraud, said Dara Redler, Chief Legal Officer, H&R Block. We look forward to his continued leadership on critical initiatives that help the more than 20 million clients we serve.

Before joining H&R Block, Agurkis served as Senior Director of Advocacy at the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and spent a decade with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules in various roles, including Senior Professional Staff and Policy Advisor. In this capacity, he provided expert counsel to the Chair and Committee Members on pending legislation, procedure, and votes, as well as the political landscape and dynamics within Congress to navigate legislative processes effectively.

Beyond his role at H&R Block, Agurkis serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for Wright Patman Congressional Federal Credit Union, where he is responsible for providing oversight of the credit union in conjunction with the Vice President of Internal Audit. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Wilkes University.

For more information about H&R Block, visit HRBlock.com.

About H&R Block

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

For inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations: Teri Daley, (816) 854-3787, teri.daley@hrblock.com

Media Desk: Mediadesk@hrblock.com Investor Relations: Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674, jordyn.eskijian@hrblock.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16624efc-be1e-44e0-aa9a-f22b3ec9864a
New York, NY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new anesthesia practice is now serving New York City and surrounding areas---Greater New York Anesthesia Services, P.C. (GNYAS). GNYAS is supported by a new organization formed by Mount Sinai and U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP) to provide business services for the new practice.

GNYAS will serve Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and select Mount Sinai hospitals in conjunction with the Mount Sinai Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. GNYAS is providing care at the Peakpoint Midtown West and Peakpoint Flatiron ASCs, as well as New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Expansion plans will include other health care sites and the hiring of additional clinicians over the coming months.

This new anesthesia practice alliance will benefit the local community we serve by increasing patient access to high-quality, physician-led anesthesia care and by offering sustainable anesthesia services solutions for hospitals, surgery centers, and private practices, said Dr. Jonathan Gal, Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President of GNYAS.

In providing a turn-key management services solution, this partnership brings together the best of academic excellence and national private practice business expertise. This combination will enable GNYASs local clinicians and the facilities they support to focus on what matters most, excellence in patient care.

Like healthcare in general, the specialty of anesthesiology has become tremendously more complex, with outside forces that are unpredictable, said USAP anesthesiologist Dr. Kurt Jones. GNYAS and the new business services team help remove some of that complexity by optimizing recruiting, revenue cycle and other clinical and business operations --- allowing clinicians to spend time providing compassionate, high-caliber care and fostering great patient outcomes.

The Mount Sinai/USAP alliance provides advantages in two key areas:

Facility and Practice Supportrunning a health care facility or private practice is complex, but with GNYAS and its business support organization, administrators have a partner that simplifies administrative, technical, regulatory, and operational burdens, making it easier to concentrate on patient care.

Data and Quality Analyticsthe support GNYAS receives will allow the practice to use evidence-based protocols, benchmarking systems and continuous process improvement to remain at the forefront of high-quality care and supporting overall perioperative efficiency.

About Greater New York Anesthesia Services and the Mount Sinai and USAP Partnership

GNYAS is a turn-key anesthesia group that, together with the expertise and proven processes of its partners, Mount Sinai Health System and U.S. Anesthesia Partners, will provide high-quality and efficient anesthesia care. The new services organization gives GNYASs clinicians, hospitals and surgery centers access to two experienced partners that can create a sustainable, patient-focused anesthesia solution in the midst of changing healthcare dynamics. With a foundation of clinical talent and business support expertise, GNYAS gives peace of mind to patients, clinicians and facility administrators.

About Mount Sinai Ventures

Mount Sinai Ambulatory Ventures, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mount Sinai Health System. It has strategically invested in a wide variety of enterprises including ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care centers, management service organizations, and health technology companies.

About U.S. Anesthesia Partners

US Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP) is a physician-owned, clinician-led organization dedicated to providing high-quality anesthesia services. USAP anesthesiologists, CRNAs and CAAs work in more than 700 facilities across the country to provide anesthesia care for more than 2 million cases annually. USAPs over 4,500 clinicians have expertise in many anesthesia subspecialties, including pediatric, cardiac and OB anesthesia. USAPs data-driven quality metrics enable continuous innovation and improvements that are shared across the organization via its national and local clinical quality network. This network helps facilitate the delivery of consistent, high-quality services for patients, surgeons, facilities, and health plans. To learn more about USAP, visit http://www.usap.com/.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 600 research and clinical labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our timediscovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it.

Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians and 11 free-standing joint-venture centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweeks The Worlds Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals and by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals and Best Childrens Hospitals. The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll for 2024-2025.

For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Strong Growth in Q3 Continues Path to $10 Million ARR, Powered by Expanding RMR, Product Successes, and a Robust Sales Funnel

Detroit, Michigan, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (the Company) (OTCPK:AITX), along with its primary subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD-I), is pleased to announce continued strides toward achieving an annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate of $10 million by the end of its current fiscal year 2025, which ends February 28, 2025. This milestone, if accomplished, would represent a remarkable 3x growth from the Companys $3.4 million ARR at the close of FY 2024.

Following its strong Q2 FY 2025 results, RAD added $105,000 in recurring monthly revenue (RMR) during Q3, which ended November 30, 2024, bolstering its momentum toward this pivotal financial milestone. As significant is the size and quality of the expected incoming orders is larger and higher than its ever been. This RMR is preliminary and subject to adjustment.

Tripling our ARR in just one year, like we did last year, will be a testament to the value that RAD brings to our clients, said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX and RAD-I. We are focused on maintaining the growth rate despite the Law of Large Numbers through continued invention of solutions such as RADCam and SARA.

Sales Funnel Expansion:

During Q3 RAD-Is sales funnel grew dramatically, with a pipeline of anticipated contracts and high-probability sale opportunities now totaling $1.8 million in potential RMR, reflecting heightened demand for RAD-Is game-changing solutions.

Driving Growth through Innovation:

RIOs Proven Success: RIO  (ROSA Independent Observatory), which includes at least one ROSA  unit, has emerged as RAD-Is strongest solution, offering unparalleled value in autonomous security and surveillance. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a cornerstone of RAD-Is growth strategy, consistently delivering measurable results for clients across multiple industries.

RIO (ROSA Independent Observatory), which includes at least one ROSA unit, has emerged as RAD-Is strongest solution, offering unparalleled value in autonomous security and surveillance. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a cornerstone of RAD-Is growth strategy, consistently delivering measurable results for clients across multiple industries. SARAs Anticipated Impact: The introduction of SARA  (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) is expected to significantly expand RAD-Is ability to capture larger portions of client budgets, delivering direct benefits versus the traditional reliance on costly monitoring centers.

The introduction of SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) is expected to significantly expand RAD-Is ability to capture larger portions of client budgets, delivering direct benefits versus the traditional reliance on costly monitoring centers. RADCam Penetration: Robotic Assistance Devices Residential, Inc. (RAD-R), the Companys residential-focused subsidiary, is poised to make waves in the competitive home security camera market with RADCam, what the Company believes to be the worlds first talking security camera.



Were thrilled with the momentum were seeing across our full portfolio of solutions, including RIO, ROSA and AVA, added Troy McCanna, Sr. VP of Revenue Operations and CSO of RAD-I. We are looking good to continue a strong rate of growth with this core product set and I anticipate more exposure through planned visibility with several of our signature clients.

The sales growth weve achieved this year has been exceptional, reflecting the growing demand for our innovative solutions, said Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, FSyI, President of RAD-I. Im even more energized about what lies ahead as AVA Gen 4, ROAMEO Gen 4, SARA, and RADDOG enter the market. These advancements will elevate our offerings and accelerate growth as we continue to solve critical challenges for our clients.

Recurring monthly revenue (RMR) and annual recurring revenue (ARR) are vital indicators of financial health and stability for technology-driven businesses like AITX. These predictable revenue streams not only provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth but also enable the Company to make strategic investments in innovation, customer success, and market expansion.

With RAD-Is and RAD-Rs aggressive growth trajectories and a steady stream of innovative solutions, the Company remains committed to achieving operational profitability while continuing to disrupt the security technology and property management landscapes.

AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD-I), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industryi through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD-I solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industrys existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD-I delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house.

RAD-I has a prospective sales pipeline of dozens of Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD-I expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time.

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD-I, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.radcam.ai, www.stevereinharz.com, www.radgroup.ai, www.raddog.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz .

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. As such, there are no assurances that the Company will meet its expectations with respect to its future sales volume, becoming cash flow positive, ARR or RMR. In connection therewith, the stated RMR of $105,000 is preliminary and is subject to possible adjustments that may result in a revised and lower RMR figure. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

###

Steve Reinharz

949-636-7060

@SteveReinharz

i https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/




PANAMA CITY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, the cryptocurrency market has been experiencing continued bullish momentum, significantly contributing to the rise in overall market capitalization. Among the standout performers, GT has stood out, initiating a notable wave of price fluctuations. Yesterday, GT peaked at 13.329 USDT, highlighting GTs robust market momentum, with its price setting a new all-time high.

Diversified GT Ecosystem with Versatile Use Cases

GT is the native token of GateChain's mainnet, powering the entire GateChain ecosystem. Driven by its unique reversible trading mechanism, robust ecosystem support, and flexible incentive structures, GT has witnessed growing demand across a wide range of use cases. As the utility and gas fee payment token of GateChain, GT powers the core transaction system of GateChain. Beyond this, GT is widely utilized in spot trading, OTC trading, leveraged tokens, and futures contracts, as well as in derivative products such as leveraged wealth management, fiat lending, Earn products, and more.

Exclusive Benefits for GT Holders, Driving Community Growth

GT stands out from other tokens by prioritizing user experience and community collaboration. Through initiatives like Startup investments, GT holders gain access to investment opportunities with lower entry barriers. Additionally, GT enhances user influence by granting more substantial decision-making power. This encourages active participation in platform governance and collective progress. Since its launch in January, GT has significantly outperformed many similar tokens, boasting an impressive price increase of 160.87%.

Exclusive Advantages for GT Holders

GT holders enjoy a comprehensive suite of exclusive benefits:

Startup : Access to exclusive airdrops for new coins. The more GT tokens you hold, the larger your share of free airdrops.

Startup Mining : Dedicated mining pools for new tokens, supporting multiple mining options with a single coin.

GT Staking : A secure, user-friendly staking solution designed specifically for GT holders, enabling easy passive income generation. The average yield upon launch was 8.1%, with the current annualized return at 7.15%.

VIP Tier Upgrades: Enhanced access to Startup subscription shares and increased discounts on spot and contract trading fees.

Additionally, GT holders also gain access to exclusive welfare activities and a broader range of application scenarios.





Achieving Sustained Value Growth Through Ongoing Burn Plans

In addition to its diverse use cases, the ongoing burn mechanism has played a key role in enhancing GTs intrinsic value. Since 2019, through regular burns, the total supply of GT has been reduced by approximately 58.06% from its initial amount of 300 million tokens. Over the past three years, GT has consistently carried out quarterly token burns, totaling 31,338,915.10 tokens, valued at approximately $189,839,265.347. This strategy has successfully reduced the circulating supply to under 100 million GT, meeting the initial goal, with plans to continue the burn strategy in the future. (For more details, please check our announcement on Gate Token (GT) On-Chain Burn for Q3 2024 .)





GTs record-breaking price underscores its robust market performance and signals the potential for ongoing innovation and value growth within the Gate.io ecosystem. As the GT ecosystem continues to evolve and the burn mechanism persists, GT is poised to lead the industry and provide greater opportunities for its holders.

Media Contact:

Elaine Wang

elaine.w@gate.io

Disclaimer:

This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or advice. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. Please note that Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services from specific regions. For more information, please read our User Agreement .

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/224780aa-4d33-4178-9b3d-28a0eb14c73e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/61d6bdf2-1c2e-43e9-9a9f-0323298e5e1e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d66770c6-b8df-4978-aefa-5d1e2c18f8c5
NEW ORLEANS and TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dupuy Group (Dupuy), a leading U.S.-based logistics provider, has acquired the business and assets of Eland Logistics, Inc. (Eland Logistics), a respected family-owned warehousing and logistics company in the Greater Toronto Area. Eland Logistics operates a warehouse in Mississauga, Ontario, where it provides regional coffee roasters and their suppliers with storage, logistics and Canada-U.S. customs brokerage services. Eland Logistics also offers strategic warehousing and logistics solutions for moving and managing tea, metals and other breakbulk goods. Dupuys acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Eland Logistics closed on December 2, 2024.

With this addition, Dupuy welcomes a high-touch, customer-first team in Canadas largest coffee market, providing a strategic advantage for Customers when paired with our existing operations across the U.S. Gulf and East coasts, said Hans Luetkemeier, president of Dupuy. Dupuy Customers will also benefit from having an excellent Canadian distribution hub while Eland Logistics Customers will gain access to our global transportation network and additional specialized services.

Were excited to join Dupuy and look forward to uniting our capabilities to provide enhanced solutions for Canadian and U.S. markets, said Doug Eland, CEO of Eland Logistics. With our synergies, years of experience, and a shared world-class culture, Eland Logistics and Dupuy will create new opportunities and add value across our Customers supply chains.

About Eland Logistics

Founded by Doug Eland in 1988, Eland Logistics is a world-class provider of supply chain solutions focused on the foodservice industry. With over 35 years of experience in the green coffee and tea trades and a focus on food safety and cleanliness, Eland Logistics operates a certified organic facility in the Greater Toronto Area and is the only BRC-certified operation servicing green coffee in Canada. Eland Logistics provides supply chain solutions including Canada-U.S. customs brokerage; highway and intermodal freight services; food-grade warehousing; certified weighing, sampling and reconditioning; and consulting services. For more information, visit elandscs.com.

About The Dupuy Group

From its humble beginnings handling coffee on the New Orleans riverfront following the Great Depression, Dupuy has evolved into a diversified, global logistics provider. Dupuy operates ultra-clean, modern warehousing and logistics facilities on the U.S. Gulf and East coasts, servicing the ports of Charleston, SC, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL and New Orleans, LA. Dupuy handles commodities ranging from coffee, tea, metals, grains, sugar and barley to an array of general cargo. Its services include warehousing, bulk handling and processing, coffee and tea blending, truck transportation and more. For additional information visit, dupuygroup.com.

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Dublin, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Loan Management Software Market 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This Loan Management Software market report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography. North America was the largest region in the loan management software market in 2023.







The loan management software market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $8.49 billion in 2023 to $10.22 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to several factors including an increase in government initiatives, greater adoption of loan servicing software, expansion in the financial services industry, improved efficiency in lending operations, and heightened concerns about data security.



The loan management software market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $21.62 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, such as the increasing adoption of loan management, a rise in mobile users, a growing demand for automated loan origination and processing, a push towards digitalization, a heightened focus on customer experience, and improved risk management.

Key trends for this period include advancements in technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), innovations in cloud technology, greater use of data analytics and business intelligence tools, and the development of more personalized loan products.



The increasing importance of digitalization is projected to drive the growth of the loan management software market. For example, in February 2024, a report from gov.UK, a UK-based government website, indicated that the digital sector contributed $171.25 million to the UK economy in 2022, representing 7.2% of the total UK gross value added (GVA), a slight increase from 7.1% in 2021. Hence, the growing importance of digitalization is fueling the expansion of the loan management software market.



Leading companies in the loan management software market are concentrating on technological advancements, including AI-powered lending automation and decision management tools, to boost the accuracy and efficiency of loan processing. For instance, in June 2024, CompassWay, a US-based fintech company, launched a sophisticated loan management software designed for small business lending. This software leverages advanced algorithms, analytics, AI, and machine learning to automate and streamline the lending process, allowing lenders to handle applications more efficiently while reducing errors and enhancing regulatory compliance. It provides a comprehensive suite of solutions covering all stages of the loan lifecycle, from origination to servicing and debt collection.

Research Scope

Markets Covered:



1) By Component: Solution; Service

2) By Deployment Mode: On-Premise; Cloud

3) By Enterprise Size: Large Enterprises; Small And Medium-sized Enterprises

4) By Application: Cash and Liquidity Management; Risk Management; Collateral Management; Loan Origination and Servicing; Other Applications

5) By End-User: Banks; Credit Unions; Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs); Other End-Users



Key Companies Mentioned: Finflux; Fidelity National Information Services Inc.; Finastra Group Holdings Ltd.; CyrusOne Inc.; Lendio Inc.



Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain



Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa



Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.



Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.



Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 175 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $10.22 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $21.62 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 20.6% Regions Covered Global

The major companies profiled in this Loan Management Software market report include:

Finflux

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

Finastra Group Holdings Ltd.

CyrusOne Inc.

Lendio Inc.

Nelito Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Allcloud Enterprise Solutions Private Limited

Mambu GmbH

TurnKey Lender Inc.

LoanPro Software LLC

Zoot Enterprises Inc.

Calyx Software Inc.

Shaw Systems Associates LLC

Aryza Holdings Limited

Nortridge Software Inc.

Provenir Inc.

LendingPad Corporation

Infinity Enterprise Lending Systems

Temenos AG

Bryt Software

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nlj08j

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.

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Today, 5 December 2024, Coloplast A/S held its Annual General Meeting, at which the following resolutions were adopted:

The annual report for the financial year 2023/24 was approved.

Distribution of year-end dividend of DKK 17.00 per share of nominally DKK 1 was approved. In addition to the interim dividend of DKK 5.00 per share of nominally DKK 1 paid out in connection with Coloplast A/S half- year result, this brings the total dividend paid for the financial year 2023/24 to DKK 22.00 per share of nominally DKK 1.

The remuneration report for the financial year 2023/24 was approved.

The remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors for the financial year 2024/25 was approved.

Lars Sren Rasmussen, Niels Peter Louis-Hansen, Annette Bruls, Carsten Hellmann, Jette Nygaard-Andersen and Marianne Wiinholt were re-elected to the Board of Directors.

EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab was re-elected as Coloplast A/S auditors. The election applies to statutory financial reporting as well as assurance engagements relating to sustainability reporting.

Authorisation was granted to the chairman of the Annual General Meeting to make certain registrations with the Danish Business Authority and other authorities.

Immediately after the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Lars Sren Rasmussen as Chairman and Niels Peter Louis-Hansen as Deputy Chairman. In addition to the members of the Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors consists of three members elected by the employees: Thomas Barfod, Nikolaj Kyhe Gundersen and Roland Vendelbo Pedersen.

For further information, please contact

Investors and analysts

Anders Lonning-Skovgaard

Executive Vice President, CFO

Tel. +45 4911 1111

Aleksandra Dimovska

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel. +45 4911 1800 / +45 4911 2458

Email: dkadim@coloplast.com

Simone Dyrby Helvind

Senior Manager, Investor Relations

Tel. +45 4911 1800 / +45 4911 2981

Email: dksdk@coloplast.com

Press and media

Peter Mnster

Sr. Media Relations Manager

Tel. +45 4911 2623

Email: dkpete@coloplast.com

Address

Coloplast A/S

Holtedam 1

DK-3050 Humlebaek

Denmark

Company reg. (CVR) no. 69749917

Website

www.coloplast.com

This announcement is available in a Danish and an English-language version. In the event of discrepancies, the English version shall prevail.

Coloplast was founded on passion, ambition, and commitment. We were born from a nurses wish to help her sister and the skills of an engineer. Guided by empathy, our mission is to make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Over decades, we have helped millions of people to live a more independent life and we continue to do so through innovative products and services. Globally, our business areas include Ostomy Care, Continence Care, Advanced Wound and Skin Care, Interventional Urology and Voice and Respiratory Care.

The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S.  2024-12.

All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebaek, Denmark.

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SALISBURY, N.C., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahold Delhaize USA has announced that Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, plans to retire on May 2, 2025, after more than 35 years with the organization. She has been at the helm of Food Lion for more than a decade and has been part of the brands unprecedented growth, grounded in Food Lions heritage of customer service and convenient locations. A successor for Ham will be announced before year-end.

Meg has been an outstanding leader at Ahold Delhaize USA and has led Food Lion during one of the brands most exciting times as it repositioned itself to better serve customers, while staying true to its core attributes of low prices and convenient locations, said JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. Under Megs leadership, the brand has experienced tremendous growth, all while remaining true to its purpose of nourishing the towns and cities Food Lion serves. Not only did the Food Lion business thrive, but under Megs leadership the brand is on track to deliver 1.5 billion meals by 2025 through its Food Lion Feeds hunger-relief platform. She has been a strong leader for the brand, with a remarkable passion for building strong customer and associate experiences, and we wish her all the best as she transitions to retirement.

Meg added, While I am looking forward to retirement, Food Lion and Hannaford have been places that I have called home for more than 35 years. I am incredibly grateful to the associates who I have had the opportunity to work alongside every day, to our customers who put their trust in us to nourish their families and to our community partners who work tirelessly every day to feed those who are hungry in our local communities. Throughout my career, I have strived to operate as a humble teacher and a proud learner, and I have cherished the opportunity to learn from the great people I have worked with, and learned from, over the years.

Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across more than 1,100 stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. In 2014, Food Lion Feeds was created and has since donated more than 1.2 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

About Ahold Delhaize USA

Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands that also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands  Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. When considered together, the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, serving millions of omnichannel customers each week. For more information, visit www.adusa.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Christy Phillips-Brown

704-287-0055

Erin DeWaters

336-963-0393

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72a90a68-ba35-4fb0-9a5f-3553226b51c0
Meridian, Idaho, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBH Homes, Idahos largest and number one homebuilder, is excited to invite the Treasure Valley community to the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its newest community, Dutton Place, located in the heart of Meridian, Idaho. This is the fourth CBH community launch in the last two months, as CBH is committed to offering the best locations across the Treasure Valley.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Ribbon cutting at 11:30 AM)

Location: 3553 W Newland Ct, Meridian, ID 83642

Food: Love, Boardie

Attendees will enjoy charcuterie from Love, Boardie, meet the CBH team including the Construction Manager, tour beautifully designed new homes, and hear from the Chamber of Commerce. This family-friendly event is open to all, and CBH Homes encourages community members to join in the celebration of this exciting new development.

About Dutton Place:

Situated in the vibrant city of Meridian, Dutton Place is an exciting addition to the over 50 CBH communities currently released, offering a range of beautiful and affordable homes in a prime location. With twelve homes released to sell starting at $434,990, buyers can also take advantage of the CBH Festival of Homes Promo where they can get up to $50,000 towards extras such as closing costs, rate-buy-down and more. Plus, CBH is offering even more space with a sleek set of free custom Greyloch Garage Cabinets when you buy before the end of the year.

The community boasts proximity to top-rated schools, parks, shopping centers, and easy access to major highways, making it an ideal location for families and individuals alike.

"Dutton Place is an exciting community for us, located across from CBHs newest, hottest apartment complex, Yellowstone. said Holly Haener, Director of Sales Operations. "This development represents our commitment to building not just homes, but communities where families can thrive. Imagine being able to rent, then use the CBH Trade Up Program to help you to afford to buy all within the same location.

Join CBH Homes in celebrating the launch of Dutton Place and take the first step towards finding your dream home in Meridian. For more information, visit cbhhomes.com or contact CBH Homes directly at (208) 391-5545 for more information about new homes in Meridian at Dutton Place.

About CBH Homes:

CBH Homes has been building new homes for sale in Idaho for over 32 years, and for 19 of those, CBH Homes has been Idahos #1 Builder, a Best Places to Work in Idaho, ranked #42 in the nation, and proudly working with over 26,000 happy homeowners. Cbhhomes.com RCE-923





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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lion Copper and Gold (OTCQB: LCGMF, CSE: LEO), based in Nevada, focused on Copper, today announced that Steven Dischler, CEO, will present live at the Precious Metals & Critical Materials Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on December 11th, 2024.

DATE: December 11th

TIME: December 11, 2024 11:00 to 11:30 AM Eastern Time

LINK: https://bit.ly/4h5wQv6

Available for 1x1 meetings: December 10 and 11

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Company Highlights

Experienced management team and Board with a proven track record and clear vision for advancing our Yerington Copper Project to production

Near-term production potential at a brownfield mine, located in a Tier 1 mining district

Positive PEA completed, low CapEx heap leach project with expansion potential

Prefeasibility study underway, fully funded by Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto venture

Catalyst to District Consolidation, central location with excellent infrastructure in place and close to other known Copper resources

Earn-in Option Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture and aligned vision for responsible, domestic copper production

Exploration upside, including additional pre-discovery properties in other Tier 1 Districts



About Lion Copper and Gold

Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based company advancing its flagship copper assets in Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture.

About Nuton (nuton.tech)

Nuton is an innovative venture that aims to help grow Rio Tintos copper business. At the core of Nuton is a portfolio of proprietary copper leaching related technologies and capability  a product of almost 30 years of research and development. Nuton offers the potential to economically unlock copper from primary sulfide resources through leaching, achieving market-leading recovery rates and contributing to an increase in copper production at new and ongoing operations. One of the key differentiators of Nuton is the ambition to produce the worlds lowest footprint copper while having at least one Positive Impact at each of our deployment sites, across five pillars: water, energy, land, materials and society.

Nuton Technologies

The Nuton technologies are proprietary Rio Tinto-developed copper heap-leach related processing and modeling technologies, capability and intellectual property.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Steven Dischler

CEO, Lion CG

info@lioncg.com

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com
Worlds leading psychedelic conference kicks off with workshops from leaders in science, medicine, therapy, policy, Indigenous medicine, and society

Upcoming deadline: speaker submissions, initial scholarship applications, and creative submissions are open through Friday, December 13, 2024

Holiday sale! $50 off all registration types until December 31, 2024



DENVER, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), the leading psychedelic conference, hosted by Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), will be returning to Denver from June 16-20, 2025 at the Colorado Convention Center. Featuring over 500 expert speakers across 12 educational stages and hands-on workshops, this event is designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, with a focus on therapists and healthcare providers. Speaker submissions, scholarship applications , and creative submissions will be accepted through Friday, December 13. Please visit the FAQ page to learn more.

The week kicks off with two days (June 16 & 17) of in-depth, informative workshops , facilitated by leading experts in the fields of science, medicine, policy, healthcare, and culture, including:

Introduction to Psychedelic Neuroscience with Manesh Girn, Ph.D., Hannes Kettner, Ph.D., Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D., and more

Explore the current state of psychedelic neuroscience in an accessible format with leading researchers who will break down key concepts, highlight influential discoveries, and discuss the ongoing debates that are shaping the field.

Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Addiction with Peter Hendricks, Ph.D.

Learn directly from scientists and clinicians working on leading studies investigating the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat addiction and substance use disorders.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for End-of-Life and Palliative Care with Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., Charles S. Grob, M.D., and more

For clinicians to learn about novel therapies for treating emotional suffering near the end of life and in hospice and palliative care, the history, scientific findings from FDA-approved trials, and implications of the psychedelic treatment model and how psychedelic-assisted therapy might serve patient populations.

Guiding Psilocybin Therapy Sessions with Mary Cosimano, LMSW

Cover the primary therapeutic competencies necessary for guiding psychedelic-assisted therapy and their importance for guiding psychedelic sessions, with emphasis on presence, care, connection, and non-directive support.

Psilocybin as a Tool in Personal and Spiritual Development with William A. Richards, Ph.D. and Brian D. Richards, Psy.D.

Consider prerequisites for safer use, the potent variables of mental set and physical setting, the vast varieties of inner worlds awaiting exploration, and the challenges of integrating new insights and perspectives into everyday living.

Indigenous Medicine Traditions, Plant Medicines, and Right Relationship with The Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund

Learn about Indigenous medicines such as ayahuasca, peyote, and mushrooms within Indigenous culture and healing systems, and gain perspectives on how to engage with Indigenous peoples and their knowledge from a place of respect for equitable benefits.

Introduction to Psychedelic Law Practice and Policy for Attorneys with The Psychedelic Bar Association

Gain the fundamentals for attorneys seeking to support clients and policy initiatives throughout the psychedelic ecosystem.

Grof Breathwork: The Legacy of Stanislav Grof with Diane Haug, MA, LPCC, Director, Grof Legacy Project, USA

This highly experiential workshop offers an introduction to the theoretical and practical work of Stanislav Grof, whose groundbreaking research into the value of non-ordinary states of consciousness, including psychedelic experiences, remains a bulwark of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Workshops will continue to be announced in the weeks to come and can be purchased as an add-on to conference registrations. Those interested in attending can take advantage of the holiday sale between now and December 31, 2024 to receive $50 off all registration types. Both half- and full-day workshops are offered, and some workshops feature CE/CME opportunities.

Since 2010, Psychedelic Science has served as a dynamic and inspiring opportunity for people across the psychedelic community to gather, share knowledge, connect, and learn. As our community continues to grow, the PS2025 workshops will provide unique, hands-on opportunities for in-depth learning, experience, and collaboration with some of the bright minds and visionary leaders who have shaped our work together.

Betty Aldworth, MAPS Director of Education

Scholarship Info :

MAPS and PS2025 are dedicated to creating an equitable psychedelic ecosystem where everyone has opportunities to participate and contribute. In 2023, over 1,100 scholarships were awarded to individuals from various backgrounds, including therapists, advocates, students, community leaders, and underrepresented identities, ensuring diverse representation across the psychedelic space. Scholarships are not free registrations but selective awards based on need and merit. Apply by December 13, 2024, for priority consideration in the primary scholarship cycle. A smaller, secondary cycle will open in Q1 2025. Learn more at psychedelicscience.org/scholarship-faq .

More information about Psychedelic Science 2025 programming including workshops, sessions, keynotes, and other events can be found at psychedelicscience.org .
PALM DESERT, Calif., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its Huell Howser Excellence in Communication Award to Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) for its impactful MadeWithCCWD campaign.

This creative campaign shined a light on the essential role of water in the community by leveraging community partnerships, targeted advertising and wise investment of rate dollars to ensure a reliable and high-quality water service. Community social media partnerships were a key component of the campaign, highlighting how seven businesses and organizations with varying uses of water utilize it for the good of the community.

Its critical that water districts continue to educate and engage their customers to support critical investments in large infrastructure projects and long-term water service reliability, said ACWA President Cathy Green. The comprehensive timing and outreach done for this campaign shows that creative and extensive communication can prove successful in helping customers understand the need for rate increases.

The award was presented during the 2024 ACWA Fall Conference & Expo in Palm Desert, where water professionals gathered for programs and panel discussions on Californias critical water issues. CCWD was among four finalists for the award.

Other finalists for this years award were:

SCV Water for its Making Conservation a Santa Clarita Valley (and California) Way of Life Campaign, which encouraged water conservation and water-use efficiency through a broad-messaging campaign.

for its Making Conservation a Santa Clarita Valley (and California) Way of Life Campaign, which encouraged water conservation and water-use efficiency through a broad-messaging campaign. Western Municipal Water District for its North Well Outreach Campaign, which kept residents and customers apprised of construction and well work while ensuring that their drinking water meets all current quality and aesthetic standards.

for its North Well Outreach Campaign, which kept residents and customers apprised of construction and well work while ensuring that their drinking water meets all current quality and aesthetic standards. Yuba Water District for its Water Conservation Pilot Program, which promoted water conservation in Yuba County by distributing water conservation kits and educational videos.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose more than 470 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com

Contact: Heather Engel, Director of Communications | (916) 669-2387


Vancouver, December 4, 2024 - Canary Gold Corp. (CSE: BRAZ) (the "Company" or "Canary Gold") announces issuance of shares in connection with Rio Madeira Property Option Agreement.

In connection with the amended and restated option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated April 1, 2024 between the Company and New Frontiers Gold Mineracao Ltda. ("New Frontiers"), the Company has issued 465,116 common shares from its share capital to New Frontiers as partial payment under the First Installment (as defined below).

Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company has an option to acquire up to a 70% undivided interest in the Rio Madeira Property, which consists of an aggregate of eight exploration license applications covering an area of 68,445 hectares in Rondonia State, Brazil, by taking the following actions:

First Instalment

To acquire an initial 49% undivided interest in and to the Rio Madeira Property (the "First Instalment"), the Company must:

(a) on the execution of the original option agreement, pay $25,000 in cash and issue 500,000 common shares to New Frontiers (which is completed);

(b) no later than within ten (10) business days of the completion of the Company's initial public offering:

(i) pay $125,000 to New Frontiers;

(ii) issue that number of common shares to New Frontiers equal to an aggregate deemed value of $100,000 (465,116 common shares were issued on December 4, 2024, representing a price per share of $0.215);

(c) on or before April 1, 2026:

(i) pay an additional $200,000 to New Frontiers;

(ii) issue an additional number of common shares to New Frontiers that is equal to an aggregate deemed value of $200,000; and

(iii) incur $2,500,000 in exploration expenditures;

(d) on or before April 1, 2027:

(i) pay an additional $500,000 to New Frontiers;

(ii) issue an additional number of common shares to New Frontiers that is equal to an aggregate deemed value of $500,000;

(iii) incur an additional $2,500,000 in exploration expenditures; and

(iv) provide a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 that includes a mineral resource estimate in respect of the Rio Madeira Property.

Second Instalment

To acquire an additional 21% indirect undivided interest (the "Second Instalment"), the Company must fund (or reimburse New Frontiers) 100% of the costs associated with a development program required to deliver a "preliminary economic assessment" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) in respect of the Rio Madeira Property within two years of completing the First Instalment.

For compliance purposes with the Brazil Frontiers Zone Law, the Company acknowledges that it will be limited to a 49% direct equity participation in the Rio Madeira Property, however, it will be entitled to a 70% indirect equity participation under a separate agreement. Alternatively, the Company and New Frontiers may agree to a contractual structure whereby (i) the Company will be capped at a 49% direct equity participation (representing a 70% indirect equity participation under a separate agreement) in the Border Zone Claims (as defined in the Option Agreement), and (ii) a 70% direct equity participation in the Outside the Border Zone Claims (as defined in the Option Agreement). The definitive contractual structure will be defined in meetings between New Frontiers and the Brazilian Mining Agency, which result will be subject to the final approval of Brazil's National Defense Council as far as the Border Zone Claims are concerned.

The Company may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercise of the First Instalment and/or the Second Instalment by issuing the applicable common shares pursuant to the First Instalment and incurring the requisite exploration expenditures set forth above, respectively, prior to the respective due date.

All securities issued in connection with the Option Agreement are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance.

About Canary Gold Corp.

Canary Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company whose principal business is the acquisition and exploration of gold mineral exploration properties, with a focus in Rondonia, Brazil. The Company may acquire up to a 70% undivided right, title and interest in one gold mineral property in Brazil, the Rio Madeira Property. The Rio Madeira Property consists of an aggregate of eight applications for exploration licenses covering an area of 68,445 hectares in Rondonia, Brazil.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Tommasi, President

Phone: 604-318-1448

www.canarygold.ca

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the receipt of shareholder and Canadian Securities Exchange approval of the grant of stock options, payment by the Company of the First Installment or the Second Installment, the Company's acquisition of an interest in the Rio Madeira Property, and the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed in the Company's Prospectus and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. 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 will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

No securities exchange or commission has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, December 5, 2024 - Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR) (FSE:970) (OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated December 4, 2024 (the "Agreement") to acquire the Ball Creek West project (the "BAM Project") from P2 Gold Inc. ("P2 Gold") (the "Transaction"). The BAM Project comprises 54 claims totalling 18,893 hectares and is located immediately west and contiguous with Kingfisher's HWY 37 Project, in Northwest British Columbia within the Golden Triangle.

The Transaction will bring the consolidated HWY 37 Project to 819 km2 making it the largest contiguous project held by a non-producing company in the Golden Triangle. The BAM Project is highly prospective for Cu-Au porphyry systems with three grassroots, large-scale target areas: Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman.

Consolidation of the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the most endowed region in Canada for large Cu-Au porphyry systems where neighbouring major miners Teck and Newmont hold Red Chris, Galore Creek, and Schaft Creek

Kingfisher entered the Golden Triangle in 2023 and has rapidly consolidated the largest contiguous non-producer held project in the region with 819 km2

The addition of three large-scale porphyry Cu-Au targets furthers the strategy of positioning Kingfisher as the premier Cu-Au explorer in the region

New tenure addition of 189 km2 is fully assessed with no holding costs until 2032

Dustin Perry, CEO states "Since we shifted our exploration focus to the Golden Triangle, we have taken a two-pronged approach of regional consolidation and systematic exploration. This acquisition marks a significant step in elevating the Company to having the largest contiguous project held by a non-producing company in the Golden Triangle. We see the Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman targets as having the hallmarks of large Cu-AuMo porphyry systems similar in scale to the targets we have identified to date. This acquisition further increases our pipeline of highly prospective targets in the most prospective porphyry region in Canada. This acquisition provides optionality to the Company as the tenures are in good standing until 2032 and require no immediate work. This allows us to prioritize drilling on our more advanced and recently generated targets while taking a systematic approach to de-risking these large porphyry anomalies.

Once ingested into our rapidly evolving machine learning VRIFY AI model, these targets will not only benefit from our existing database, but they will further refine the existing target areas through pattern recognition. We believe our methodical approach combined with cutting edge geoscience and AI is positioning the Company and our shareholders for long term success in an environment of rising metal prices."

Figure 1: HWY 37 Project and Contiguous Ball Creek West Project

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will (a) issue common shares to P2 Gold with an aggregate value of C$250,000 priced at C$0.165 per share, and (b) pay C$1,000,000 in cash to P2 Gold, with C$50,000 due on signing the Agreement and C$950,000 due on the closing of the Transaction, in exchange for the BAM Project. The BAM Project is subject to underlying royalty agreements over the project that includes a 1% net smelter return to be retained by Evrim Exploration Canada Corp., a subsidiary of Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen"), and a 2% net smelter return to be retained by Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm"), as well as a provision for Orogen to buy down 1% of the Sandstorm net smelter return for C$1,000,000 and the right to up to C$4,100,000 in milestone payments.

The Transaction remains subject to various terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, the approval of the Exchange and Kingfisher completing a private placement of at least C$1,000,000. The closing of the Transaction is anticipated on or about February 28, 2025.

BAM Project Overview

The BAM Project fits into Kingfishers' strategy of consolidating highly prospective projects in the Golden Triangle and systematically exploring them. The addition of Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman fit into the Company's strategy as they have the hallmarks of large porphyry Cu-Au systems. Given the BAM Project tenures are in good standing until 2032, the Company has no financial obligations to assess the tenures for approximately 8 years. The new tenures are contiguous with the rest of the Company's Golden Triangle landholdings and any work credits done across the 819 km2 can be spread across the project. This optionality enables Kingfisher to prioritize the more advanced targets at the Williams, Hank, Mary, and ME drill ready for near term drilling while completing systematic and lower cost exploration at these new target areas. The Company believes this process of large-scale consolidation, screening, target development, and drill testing is the most efficient and responsible way to deploy shareholder capital.

The overarching themes of the opportunities at the Northmore, Mess Creek, and Hickman targets include:

Located within a prolific mineral region

Large km-scale geochemical anomalies and alteration systems

Limited shallow historical drilling

Limited modern geophysical coverage

No follow up yet on 2019 sampling that discovered the Hickman target, greatly expanded the Northmore geochemical anomaly, and extended the Mess Creek geochemical anomaly

Northmore Grassroots Target*

The Northmore grassroots target area (Figure 2) includes a soil anomaly that extends 7 km N-S and has a width of 1.5-2.5 km E-W with several sampling gaps in steep gossan slopes. The broad Cu-Au-Ag-Mo multi-element anomaly reflects a region with a mix of outcrop and vegetative cover. Rock samples from the anomaly include up to 8.12% Cu and 1.06 g/t Au. Five shallow widely spaced drill holes totalling 1016 m tested the anomaly focused at the north. Drilling returned anomalous copper grades (~400-800 ppm Cu) over widths of 25 to 100 m.

A historical 11 line-km induced polarization-resistivity survey at the northern anomaly, completed in 1991, showed chargeability increasing in the eastern portion of the grid. The Company intends to digitize and invert this paper format data for visualization and targeting work in 3D space. A 352 line-km high resolution aeromagnetic survey from 2006 will also be inverted for use in 3D space and structural interpretation.

The broad grassroots Northmore target area is host to Texas Creek, or KSM-type, intrusions as well as syenite interpreted by previous workers to be Galore Creek intrusions. The Company plans to undertake further work to determine whether a KSM or Galore-style exploration model will apply here.

Initial work to further refine targets at Northmore will include expanding soil coverage to capture the full extent of anomalism and new geophysical studies. This new data coupled with 3D inversions of historical geophysical datasets will provide insight into the plumbing system and porphyry target areas for additional IP surveys and drill target generation within the large soil anomaly.

*Sources:Geochem:P. Jamet, 1991. (Assessment Report 22045), Henry Marsden, 2005. (Assessment Report 28076), John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833), Stewart Harris, 2018. (Assessment Report 37223), Stewart Harris, 2019. (Assessment Report 37953), Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), Mohan R. Vulimiri, 1990. (Assessment Report 20785), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), Thomas K. Branson, 2012 (Assessment Report 33614), John Bradford, 2009. (Assessment Report 30743), and Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101). IP-Resistivity: David E. Blann, 1991. (Assessment Report 22001). Magnetics: John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833).

Figure 2: Northmore Grassroots Target

Mess Creek Grassroots Target*

The Mess Creek soil and rock anomaly extends a minimum of 8 km along the length of the Mess Creek with elevated Au-Cu-Mo (Figure 3). In areas, the width of the anomaly measures a minimum of 2 km but sampling along the trend is not sufficient to characterize either the full strike length or width of the anomaly. A total of 24 holes to average depth of 177 m are focused in a 2.3 km N-S by 1 km E-W drill footprint (Figure 3). The drill area intersected anomalous Cu-Au including: 125 m of 0.11 g/t Au and 0.11% Cu (MC07-01), 242 m of 0.16 g/t Au and 0.08% Cu (MC06-02), and 159 m of 0.18 g/t Au and 0.12% Cu (BC-08).

Geophysical coverage at Mess Creek includes 447 line- km of a modern high resolution aeromagnetic survey that encompasses the Mess Creek soil anomaly. The principal Mess Creek soil anomaly is covered by 1970's era induced-polarization-resistivity data currently in paper format with limited depth penetration. The Company intends to digitize paper format data and to generate inversion products for both IP and magnetic data for 3D visualization and structural interpretation.

The Mess Creek area coincides with a trend of Galore Creek intrusions (the Loon Lake stock) and historical work areas document Galore-like alkalic Cu-Au-bearing syenite porphyry intrusions. The Mess Creek target area is also highly prospective for intrusion-related gold systems (e.g., Brucejack or Snip) based on the presence of the regional scale Mess Creek fault system.

The Company intends to completely capture the anomaly through expanded soil sample surveys and follow-up with geophysical surveys. These results coupled with 3D visualization techniques to historical geophysical and drill results will inform drill targeting work.

*Sources:Geochem: Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101), Wayne Hewgill and Godfrey Walton, 1986. (Assessment Report 15603), John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), Thomas K. Branson, 2012 (Assessment Report 33614), Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), S. J. Tennant, 1991. (Assessment Report 21360), John Bradford, 2008. (Assessment Report 29568), John Bradford, 2009. (Assessment Report 30743), G. A. Clouthier, 1977. (Assessment Report 06391), G. A. Clouthier, 1976. (Assessment Report 06162), K. Buchanan, G. Gutrath, 1972. (Assessment Report 04100), and G. C. Gutrath, 1971. (Assessment Report 03093). Magnetics: John Bradford, 2006. (Assessment Report 28833). IP-Resistivity: J. Vysselaar, G. A. Clouthier, 1978. (Assessment Report 06875), David K. Fountain, 1973. (Assessment Report 04755), Ashton W. Mullan, Peter K. Smith, 1972. (Assessment Report 03989), and G. A. Clouthier, 1977 (Assessment Report 06162).

Figure 3: Mess Creek and Hickman Target Areas

Hickman Grassroots Target Area*

The Hickman grassroots target area is an open and relatively new 3.5 km-long Cu-Au-Mo soil anomaly that was delineated in 2019 without follow-up (Figure 3). Surface work identified the presence of potassic-altered porphyry stockwork on surface and rock sampled up to 0.69 g/t Au and 2.5% Cu. The sampled region reflects a comparable geological setting to the Schaft Creek deposit, located ~7 km north of the target. Both the Schaft Creek deposit and Hickman target lie at the margin of the Late Triassic Hickman batholith (225 to 222 Ma) associated with monzodiorite porphyry phases.

No geophysical surveys have been completed at Hickman.

*Sources:Geochem: Oliver Friesen, 2020. (Assessment Report 38858), and Mark E. Baknes, 2021. (Ball Creek NI-43-101).

Qualified Person

Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release.Kingfisher believes the work completed by historical operators was performed to a professional standard but has not independently confirmed the results. The Company notes that mineralization on other projects within the Golden Triangle is not indicative of mineralization on the BAM Project.

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia, including the Golden Triangle region. Kingfisher has two 100% owned district-scale projects and an option to earn 100% of the HWY 37 Project, that offer potential exposure to gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 43,201,553 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 778 606 2507

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. 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 transaction, 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: 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; 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 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.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.


79 Resources Ltd. (CSE:SNR) ("79 Resources" or the "Corporation" or the "Issuer") provides an update to its shareholders regarding the potential impact of an ongoing labour strike (the "Strike") by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on the Corporation's ability to adhere with its obligations to deliver its meeting materials to shareholders in connection to its upcoming annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on December 20, 2024 at 11:00 am P.S.T. (the "Meeting") at the offices of 1890 - 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9.

As a result of the Strike, the Corporation has satisfied all the conditions outlined in NI 51-931 - Temporary Exemption from requirements in National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Requirements and National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer to send certain proxy-related materials during a postal strike to rely on, and is relying on, the exemption from the requirement to send proxy-related materials as stipulated in the said order. This reliance is made in compliance with the terms and conditions specified therein and in full adherence to the applicable laws and regulations governing such exemptions.

The purpose of the Meeting is to receive and consider the audited annual financial statements of the Corporation for the year-ended December 31, 2023; to appoint an auditor if the Corporation for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration; to fix the number of directors at three; to elect the directors for the ensuing year; and to consider other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof.

The Corporation has delivered the completed notice of meeting, information circular and related proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") to the appropriate parties for mailing to registered and unregistered shareholders prior to the Meeting, but due to the Strike, it is possible that the Meeting Materials will not be delivered to shareholders prior to the Meeting. The Meeting Materials have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available on the SEDAR+ profile of the Corporation at www.sedarplus.com as well as on its website at www.79resources.com/agm

Shareholders will still be able to vote their shares either directly by proxy (for registered shareholders) or indirectly through their intermediary (for unregistered shareholders who hold their shares through brokerage firms or other intermediaries). Instructions respecting voting can be obtained as outlined below.

The Corporation will provide copies of the Meeting Materials by email to each entitled shareholder who requests them while the Strike is ongoing, without cost. Shareholders can direct requests for copies of the Meeting Materials to Endeavor Trust Corporation at 1-888-787-0888 (toll-free in North America) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. P.S.T.

If you are a registered shareholder, please contact Endeavor Trust Corporation at 1-888-787-0888 (or alternately at +1 (604) 559-8880 if outside of North America or if the toll-free number is inaccessible in your jurisdiction) to obtain your proxy form control number to cast your vote for the Meeting online at www.eproxy.ca. Registered shareholders can also complete and deliver their proxy to the offices of Endeavor Trust Corporation by hand or courier at 702 - 777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4, by fax (604) 559-8908; or by email proxy@endeavortrust.com.

If you hold shares through an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, please contact your intermediary directly for a copy of the proxy form and instructions for voting.

The deadline for voting by proxy for the Meeting is 11:00 a.m. (P.S.T.) on December 18, 2024.

About 79 Resources Ltd.

79 Resources is a Vancouver-based junior mining exploration company. Traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol SNR, the Corporation seeks to acquire, explore and develop mineral exploration projects. For additional information, please visit www.79resources.com.

The Corporation is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties set out in public filings made by the Issuer, such public filings and other important disclosures available through SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Corporation's Disclosure Hall on the CSE (https://thecse.com/listings/79-resources-ltd/#disclosure).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Jordan Harris

Chief Executive Officer

Email: info@79resources.com

Tel: 604.687.2038

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggest," "plan," "believe," "intend,", "intention" "estimate," "target," "project," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to completion of the Meeting and the passing of matters presented there at. Actual results may differ materially from those currently expected or forecast in such statements.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


South Korean ruling party vows to fight impeachment against President Yoon

Xinhua) 15:06, December 05, 2024

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party of Korea said Thursday that it will push for a vote Saturday for an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol over his shocking yet short-lived imposition of martial law.

Cho Seung-rae, the main opposition's senior spokesperson, said it plans to hold a vote on the motion at around 7 p.m. local time Saturday to give ruling party lawmakers enough time to deliberate over their decision on Yoon's actions, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, has submitted the impeachment motion with the backing of five smaller opposition parties, arguing Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the constitution and other laws.

The vote on the impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority to pass, which would need eight of the 108 ruling party lawmakers to vote with opposition parties. If it passes, the Constitutional Court would then decide whether to uphold the motion, with a decision required within 180 days.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, said at a party meeting on Thursday that the unconstitutional martial law order cannot be justified, urging Yoon to leave the party. But he pledged his party will rally efforts to block the motion's passage to avoid confusion.

The floor leader of the People Power party Choo Kyung-ho also vowed Thursday that its lawmakers would "unite" to defeat the opposition-led impeachment motion, which would immediately suspend Yoon's presidential duties.

"President Yoon will not make any statements today," a presidential official told reporters Thursday.

During a meeting on Wednesday with key political figures, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Yoon said there was "no wrongdoing" in the declaration of martial law and dismissed allegations of any impropriety, emphasizing that it was solely intended to prevent what he described as the Democratic Party's "reckless impeachment actions," local media reported.

Several high-profile cabinet ministers have expressed their intention to step down. Earlier on Thursday, Yoon accepted the resignation of his defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement, the presidential office said.

Kim, who reportedly proposed to the president declaring martial law, tendered his resignation on Wednesday evening, shortly after the Democratic Party submitted an impeachment motion against him.

The outgoing defense chief said he offered to step down in a bid to take full responsibility for all events related to Tuesday's martial law declaration and apologized to the South Korean people for causing disruption and confusion.

In a further development on Thursday, South Korean prosecutors banned Kim from leaving the country, Yonhap news agency said.

Meanwhile, South Korean police launched an investigation into a case of Yoon's treason charge, a senior police officer said Thursday.

Police have begun investigating the president for alleged "insurrection" following his declaration of martial law and subsequent lifting, which has sparked widespread political turmoil. Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency, confirmed that "the case has been assigned."

Yoon shocked the country by declaring emergency martial law Tuesday night, claiming to eradicate "anti-state" forces, only to lift the order six hours later after being rejected by 190 lawmakers in parliament.

On Wednesday night, demonstrators in downtown Seoul held a candlelight vigil and marched towards the presidential office against Yoon, demanding that he step down.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Featured

Do Highlife if you want hits Kwabena Kwabena to young acts

Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News Dec - 05 - 2024 , 07:00 2 minutes read

FOR the up-and-coming artistes who will have nothing to do with Highlife music because they believe it is outmoded, musician Kwabena Kwabena has a piece of advice for themthey are making a mistake. Huge!

The Highlife icon who has been doing music for close to 20 years believes the genre is the key to creating hit songs; evergreen ones as such.

Kwabena Kwabena is certain they cannot go wrong with Highlife, which is still the foundation of Ghana music, even though some see it as old-school.

In a recent chat with Graphic Showbiz, Kwabena Kwabena explained that it is unfortunate most young artistes prefer other music styles to Highlife when many of todays smash hits are deeply rooted in Highlife, showcasing its timelessness and relevance.

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According to the Aso hit maker, sticking to Highlife is the key to unlocking the door to remain relevant and bag bangers.

Highlife is thriving, and if you want hits, stick to the genre. Some people may think it is old-school, but many of Ghanas top hits, such as Fameyes Very Soon, King Palutas Makoma, KiDis Lomo Lomo and even Stonebwoys Jejereje are all rooted in Highlife, he explained.

Reflecting on his 20-year-old music career, Kwabena Kwabena acknowledged how humbling the experience has been and emphasised the importance of his fans unwavering support throughout the years.

I am humbled, honestly. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Almighty God and to my fans all over the world for their support over the years, he noted.

He added that staying relevant all this time is his biggest reward. For him, maintaining a lasting presence and impact is his greatest achievement.

Being in the industry for close to two decades is my biggest reward. Next year marks 20 years and staying relevant all this time is the greatest gift God has given me, he said.
Previous article: Do Highlife if you want hits Kwabena Kwabena to young acts

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Shatta Wale billed for Vybz Kartels Freedom Street concert this December

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Dec - 04 - 2024 , 21:05 1 minute read

Ghanaian dancehall sensation Shatta Wale has been officially announced as the only Ghanaian performer at the highly anticipated "Freedom Street" concert.

The event, headlined by Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers scheduled for December 31, 2024, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Vybz Kartel is set to deliver his first live performance in over 14 years, following his recent release from prison. This highly anticipated concert will be a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the unbreakable spirit of dancehall.

The star-studded event will feature an impressive lineup of international artists, including Skillibeng, Busta Rhymes, Popcaan, and Spice. This spectacular concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of dancehall music and culture.

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Kartel, often referred to as the World Boss, expressed his excitement, calling the event an evolution that will rewrite the rules of New Years Eve celebrations.

Freedom Street is set to deliver an immersive experience with cutting-edge stage design, lighting, and special effects.
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Place of military in Ghanas civil administration

Ahumah Ocansey Opinion Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:57 6 minutes read

I love the military. When the armed services and the police are marching in a phalanx to martial music, my heart throbs within in synch with the music and the stomping feet.

As the parade Commander yells his commands and the troops respond with dexterous, positional manoeuvres, to the admiration of the crowd, I experience a lift in spirit and fervour of affection for Ghana.

I never missed a military parade at Independence Square on July 1 (Republic Day).

Throughout the world, nations use military parades and displays of armaments, to rekindle the patriotism of the citizenry, and reassure them of the readiness of their military to defend the nation.

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The esprit de corps of the military on parade infuses pride, self-confidence, and selfless spirit into the citizenry, reminding them of the loyalty expected of them in their various vocations in the nation.

Unfortunately, President Akufo-Addo has cancelled the Republic Day holiday, and, along with that, military parades have ceased in Ghana. He does not know what he has done to the nation!

It should be an enormous cost to the nation to maintain a standing army. So, in peacetime Ghana, in what ways could the military be put to use in the civil administration of Ghana? Thats what we shall consider.

My knowledge of the qualities that define the military as a class of professionals arose from my stay with them as an Instructor in Communication Studies at the Ghana Military Academy in the late 1980s.

A new curriculum was introduced known as Standard Military Course, in partnership with the British Army, and I, and another civilian, the late Dr Kantanka Mensah, who lectured in International Affairs, were the civilians who teamed up with the military staff to handle the cadet-officers.

I was taken on under the CO of GMA, Lt Col Disu. Commandant MATS was then Gen Winston Mensah-Wood. Col Disu took an instant liking to me and asked me to consider converting to the military.

I smiled. I started mid-way with intake 25, then handled intakes 26, 27, 28.

It was with CO GMA, Lt Col Anyidoho, that I worked with most for intakes 26-28. Col Anyidoho was hard-driving, thorough, a military traditionalist, and fatherly as well!

He insisted on high standards for the officer cadets and imparted time-consciousness, meticulous personal turn-out, and allegiance to the military culture. Periodically, he sat in while I taught my class, as academic excellence was also required of the officer cadets.

Some of my colleagues on the staff were the late Lt Col Adulai, French Instructor, Majors Kusi, Safo, Aboagye, Kumah, and a British officer, Major Eydes.

Convert

I turned down the request that I should convert to the military, and I would tell you why. One day, we were on a military exercise, forgetting which one and where, but outside Accra, and, early in the morning, we assembled on the field after the exercise for debriefing by Col Anyidoho. He was talking when it got to 6.55 am, just before 7 am news.

Major Eydes had a small radio set in his hands. Then Harriet Tachie-Mensah of GBC, spoke: Today's Word with You is by Teddy Ahumah Ocansey of the Ghana Military Academy! Then my recorded voice was heard!

Wow! Silence! A stunned silence! Col Anyidoho was nonplussed; my officer cadets were surprised but proud to hear my voice on a national network. Col gave me a hard look that I understood: by whose permission have you gone on a national radio to speak as coming from the Ghana Military Academy?

I was sitting on the grass, perturbed and unsettled. Major Eydes broke the chill by congratulating me on what I said. Uhm!

That episode confirmed my conviction I could not be in the military because my mind is free-ranging, and I love to express my opinion on matters of interest! My numerous articles attest to that. When I found the military rather restrictive of my spirit, I left the GMA in 1990.

Qualities

What did I learn about the military? These qualities stand out: planning, attention to detail, trust and loyalty, commitment to a cause/objective, capacity to endure whatever, environmental consciousness (neatness), time-consciousness and, lastly, obedience to instructions/command.

Where do these fit into Ghanas civilian administration? One area in which I envisage the military could be deployed with maximum success is in the Municipal administration of the various districts in Ghana. Currently, places such as Ashaiman have been abandoned to filth and disorder, and so it goes for several other districts.

Even Accra Central is a monstrous shame! In this regard, the military officer, preferably a Major, would be given a four-year assignment, and be given allowance to that effect. After the four-year term, he returns to barracks, to be replaced. Our towns would be transformed into neat and decent places to live in.

With the rapid destruction of our forest reserves, any programme to rehabilitate the forests could be placed under the operational responsibility of the military, with assistance from the forest experts. Such undertaking requires tenacity and selflessness in working in the jungle, with all the rains and insects and heat. The military is trained to cope in such environments.

Beyond this, tree-planting and to check desertification of the northern plains of Ghana could also be assigned to them.

But for the governments compromise of galamsey, the military could eliminate this scourge in 24 hours! Nonetheless, they are the best organ of the state to stamp out the menace, and the task must be given to them. If this nation does not stop the continuing destruction of the water bodies, we must know that we are on the path of self-annihilation, because water is life.

It is an error of misgovernance that the military is perceived as a threat to democracy and that they must be kept at arms length from the civil administration of the country. What we must rather do, as a developing nation, is to use every available talent constructively to advance the nations' good fortunes.

That is to say since we have military engineers, why dont we provide them with the machinery and give them roads to construct, boreholes to drill, schools and clinics to build, and so on?

We are wasting an immense pool of talented and capable personnel in Ghana.

The military and their civilian counterparts must work together in as many ways as possible to foster such an alliance.

A National Military Day would enable the military to display their traditional skills in events such as military tattoos, martial music concerts, Beating the Retreat, and equestrian performances.

Ideally, National Service should have been one-year compulsory military service, but the cost of kitting and feeding might be too much for the government, otherwise, this is the best way to train the minds of the younger generation that shall succeed their elders, as the latter pass on in life.

The military is a source of strength in a nation, and as a developing nation, we must employ practical wisdom create an administrative amalgam of military and civilian personnel, and use them sensibly for the good of our nation.

The writer is a lawyer.
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Unravelling complexities of legal interpretation

George Bernard Shaw Opinion Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:57 4 minutes read

I had a pretty hard time a fortnight ago when I was accosted and heckled by a motley crew of professionals over the meaning and purpose of law in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts decision on the suit filed by the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, on what constitutes vacation of seats in Parliament.

The suit had basically been filed for the interpretation of Articles 97(1)(g) and (h) of our Constitution.

The professionals in question were confused, indeed baffled, by the fact that a lot of lawyers, law lecturers and even some judges on the panel that decided the case were divided on the interpretation of what constitutes vacation of seats.

Primarily, most of these professionals, some highly educated in their respective fields, could not fathom why there are such divergent views among the legal fraternity on the issue.

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To them, the law should be law; that is, there has to be only one interpretation of a given set of facts. They could not understand why different lawyers and judges should put different slants on the same facts.

The experience convinced me that there is an urgent need for public education on the nuances of law, especially with regard to what constitutional interpretation means.

This is because if these highly educated professionals thought in this way about interpretation, then only Providence knows what other, not so highly educated fellow citizens, might be thinking.

This is, therefore, a rudimentary attempt to explain why, in practice, there are no right answers in law.

Jurisprudence

This brings us into the realm of jurisprudence, which derives from the Latin word jurisprudentia, meaning knowledge of the law, it deals with the fundamental principles and various theories of law. This is because there is no one theory of what law is.

There are various schools of legal philosophy, which have different views as to what the law is. For example, there are Positivists, Natural Law scholars and critical legal scholars, just to mention a few, all postulating differently as to what law is.

For instance, legal positivists, of which Professor Hart is a leading protagonist, hold a theory of law which posits that the existence of the law and its content depends on social facts, such as acts of parliament, by-laws of local authorities and judicial precedents, rather than on morality.

On the other hand, natural law theory, which is traced to religious personalities like Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, believes that laws should be based on and underpinned by morality.

To natural law scholars, any unjust laws are not laws. To them, there are universal moral standards inherent in human beings and these moral norms should be the basis of laws for human beings.

It is very possible, therefore, that the outcome of a case, based mainly on the same facts, may be decided differently by different adjudication bodies.

This view was strongly disputed by the late legal philosopher, Ronald Dworkin, a natural law protagonist who argued that all hard questions of law admit of one answer  that is, there is only one morally right answer to any legal problem.

In contrast, positivists, spearheaded by Professor Hart, argue that law has an open texture.

So, in cases where the law seems unclear, the decision maker has discretion. This implies that different answers to the question might be given depending on how the discretion is exercised.

Legal scholars, philosophers, lawyers, and judges are not united in their views on what the law should be in any given situation.

On a practical level, this is partly why there is an appellate system within the administration of the law, whereby certain decisions are sometimes reversed on appeal.

As alluded to earlier, this is an attempt to explain in simple terms why diverse numbers of lawyers are expressing different views on the Supreme Courts decision in the vacant seats saga.

Liberal societies, of which Ghana is one, have established a system that accommodates these varieties of substantive justice.

We have created a court system which adjudicates matters by trying to find a compromise among the varying visions of what substantive justice and, to a large extent, what law should be.

Not everyones vision will always prevail, but we all need to accept the workings of the systems as the alternative would be chaos.

The writer is a lawyer.

E-mail: georgebshaw1@gmail.com
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Nigerian Pastor loses UK deportation battle after church shut down over 1.87m fraud

Graphic Online International News Dec - 05 - 2024 , 15:53 2 minutes read

A Nigerian pastor has lost his battle against deportation from the UK despite claiming it would violate his human rights. The pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, 44, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, had argued that deportation would breach his right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Adegboyega, who led the controversial SPAC Nation church, failed to convince an immigration tribunal to allow him to remain in Britain. The church, once praised for its outreach efforts, was shut down after investigators found it had failed to account for 1.87 million in outgoings.

Adegboyega arrived in the UK on a visitor visa in 2005 but has overstayed ever since. He married a British woman, presenting this as part of his case to stay in the country. His legal team described him as a "charismatic" leader who had positively impacted hundreds of young people in Londons black communities.

However, the Home Office contested his claims, stating that "all is not as it seems" with his church activities.

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Church closure and allegations

SPAC Nation was shut down after investigations revealed financial mismanagement. The Charity Commission reported "serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity" over several years.

Former church members alleged that young, vulnerable people were coerced into donating money through loans, benefit fraud, and even selling their blood, while church leaders lived lavish lifestyles.

Adegboyega denied these allegations, insisting there were no criminal charges related to SPAC Nations finances. He claimed the accusations were politically motivated and described suggestions that the church was a cult as baseless.

Inflated claims

The tribunal criticised Adegboyega for exaggerating his influence and community work. "We find it to be implausible that he has the time to undertake all of this work personally," the ruling stated, adding that his evidence was "hyperbolic in many instances."

Despite claims that his work had been praised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials, the tribunal noted that no testimony from them had been presented in court.

The tribunal also dismissed arguments that Adegboyegas absence would lead to the collapse of community projects, stating that SPAC Nations work would not "collapse or even significantly suffer" if he were deported.

Decision and reaction

Adegboyegas case marks the culmination of years of controversy surrounding SPAC Nation. While he maintained that he was a positive force in the community, the tribunal found otherwise, paving the way for his deportation.

The pastors removal from the UK comes amid increased scrutiny of organisations accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of religious or charitable work.
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Unknown disease kills at least 79 people in DR Congo

BBC International News Dec - 04 - 2024 , 19:29 2 minutes read

At least 79 people have died from an unknown disease that is causing flu-like symptoms in south-western Democratic Republic of Congo, the health ministry says.

The health ministry says the majority of people who have died are between the ages of 15 and 18.

More than 300 people have been infected with patients exhibiting symptoms like fever, headaches, runny noses and coughs, breathing difficulties and anaemia.

Response teams have been sent to Kwango Province, specifically the Panzi health zone, where the disease is most common, to manage cases and investigate the nature of the disease.

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Cephorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, told Reuters news agency the situation was worrying as the number of infected people continues to rise.

"Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines," he said.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region official told the BBC they have "dispatched a team to the remote area to collect samples for lab investigations".

Authorities have urged the population to remain calm and vigilant.

They urged people to wash their hands with soap, avoid mass gatherings, and avoid touching the bodies of the deceased without qualified health personnel.

A local MP told Top Congo Radio that about 67 people had fallen sick and died between 10 and 26 November.

"It should be noted that Panzi hospital is short of medicines to cope with this epidemic. We really need assistance," said the MP.

The central African country has also been dealing with a severe outbreak of mpox. Between January and July this year, they recorded about 14,500 infections.

DR Congo has also dealt with bouts of Ebola over the years.
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Ablekuma West MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful renovates Dansoman Special School

GraphicOnline Education Dec - 04 - 2024 , 20:41 2 minutes read

Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, has officially inaugurated the renovated Dansoman Special School, marking a step towards improving education for children with special needs in the constituency.

The upgraded facilities include three classrooms, a staff common room, a principals office, and toilet and urinal facilities, addressing long-standing issues of overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.

Commitment to inclusive education

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful expressed her commitment to alleviating the difficulties faced by children with special needs.

It gives me great joy to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for these children, including special ramps to assist those with mobility challenges, she said.

She reaffirmed her dedication to inclusive education, stating, Children with special needs deserve quality education in dignified conditions, and I am committed to addressing the challenges they face.

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Support from stakeholders

The renovation was widely praised by education stakeholders within the constituency. Mr Christian Julius Aforlah, the Municipal Director of Education for Ablekuma West, commended the MP for her efforts in improving educational infrastructure.

Madam Charity Lariba Daboya, Principal of the Dansoman Special School, highlighted the schools ongoing challenges despite the renovations.

The school currently serves 50 students, but we still face difficulties, especially with some parents not supporting their childrens education, she noted.

She called on corporate organisations, philanthropists, and individuals to support the schools operations and the welfare of its students.
Akan Constituency parliamentary candidates engage in debate

Emmanuel Modey Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The parliamentary candidates of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mary Yawa Aforla and Mustapha Tassah, respectively, yesterday, engaged in a debate organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for the Akan Constituency in the Oti Region.

Conspicuously absent at the debate, though, was the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate and Member of Parliament for the Akan Constituency, Yao Gomado.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Oti Regional Deputy Director of the NCCE, Setriakor Gagakuma, expressed concern about the absence of the MP, Mr Gomado, at the debate, which focused on issues affecting the constituency.

Mr Gagakuma said politics was the competition of ideas and the one with the best ideas to improve the standard of living of the people would carry the day.

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Servant

He was of the view that the one voted for by the people should see him or herself as a servant of the people but not as their lord.

The Kadjebi District Director of the NCCE, Daniel Agbesi Latsu, said the platform offered by the NCCE was to enhance the electoral process in the country.

He said the debate was not meant to produce a winner or a loser, but rather to enable the candidates to voice their ideas, which would enable the people to make their choice of who should represent them.

Please, let us sustain the peace in the country by abstaining from violent acts before, during and after the December general elections, he said.

Individuals, not parties

The Parliamentary Candidate for NPP, Mustapha Tassah, said the votes should not be based on political parties but rather on the individual.

It is not the political party that will come to develop your area but it is the individual, he said, calling on the public to vote for the individual who was capable of assisting them to solve their challenges.

The Parliamentary Candidate for LPG, Mary Aforla, said a vote for her would make her the first female in the Akan Constituency. Ms Mary Aforla, however, said she was ready to throw her weight behind anyone who emerged winner in the elections.

She said when voted for, she was ready to ensure that the Akan Constituency was developed to halt the youth from migrating to look for greener pastures.
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Avoiding ICC interventions: A-G urges Africa to consolidate democracy

Daily Graphic Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:43 4 minutes read

Ghana's Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged African countries to consolidate democracy in their respective jurisdictions in order to avoid conditions that require interventions from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"When democracy reigns and is practised in its true form, with the citizens feeling a sense of fulfilment of the entitlements of citizenship  free expression, security, adherence to constitutionally stipulated terms for governments without an attempt to manipulate same  concerns about the commission of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and impunity in general will be non-existent. Conditions which attract the interest of the ICC will necessarily be eliminated," Mr Dame said.

Addressing the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC in the Hague, the Netherlands, last Tuesday, the Minister for Justice said the pure practice of democracy in Africa required the establishment of sound systems of justice and the creation of facilities for the investigation and trial of cases of interest to the ICC.

"This, without a doubt, is in line with the declared objective of the ICC as it fosters the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute," he said.

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The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC.

Advocacy

Mr Dame, however, advocated complementary systems between states and the ICC to give meaning to the intentions behind the establishment of the court.

He affirmed the need for effective operationalisation of the principle of complementarity in furtherance of the full realisation of the objectives of the framers of the Rome Statute at the national level.

Mr Dame indicated that the primacy of national jurisdiction over the prosecution of crime required the occurrence of two things.

First, he said, all states must have strong and effective legal and judicial systems for the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, as the ICC by itself lacked the capacity to investigate and prosecute all international crimes committed in the territories of states.

Second, he said, domestic legislations of African countries must recognise war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide as specific offences.

This may be achieved either through the domestication of the Rome Statute into our laws so that national courts assume jurisdiction over offences created by the Rome Statute or the passage of a specific legislation affirming the creation of such offences with punishment duly prescribed according to international standards, and a forum for punishment of same within our respective domestic legal jurisdictions duly stipulated, he said.

The Attorney-General stated that the development and its visible outcomes could help dispel the perception that the court unduly concentrated on Africa, especially as international crimes under the statute knew no geographical boundaries.

The court must be seen to have its searchlight everywhere and to be responsive to war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity and the crimes of aggression committed anywhere without equivocation.

Unity

Mr Dame further called on all States Parties to the Rome Statute to stand together in unity and with one voice in defence of the court and its officials at all levels.

Ghana commends the enduring words of the President of the Court, Judge Tomako Akane, in her address to the UN General Assembly that the court is only bound by the law and will not change the course of its actions due to threats, be them political or of another nature, he said.

He stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and equity in the recruitment of staff of the court in a wide geographical and gender balance basis as possible based on the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.

This will no doubt give equal opportunity to competent nationals of all States Parties to bring their varied experiences and perspectives to bear at the court to enhance institutional efficiency while ensuring impartiality in the workings of the court, he said.

In that respect, Mr Dame said, Ghana looked forward to the effective implementation of the moratorium on recruitment of candidates from non-states parties and the new tenure policy of the court.
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Ghana Election 2024: Goodwill messages from diplomatic community

Mary Mensah, Foreign and Diplomatic Editor Dec - 05 - 2024 , 05:57 7 minutes read

Historically Ghana is recognised as a beacon of democracy as since 1992, Ghana has conducted eight general elections that have been observed to be largely peaceful, free and fair.

As the country approaches its crucial 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections on December 7, the stakes have never been higher. Ghana stands at a crossroads, with outcomes that will resonate beyond its borders and influence democratic stability in the West African sub-region.

This years elections are especially critical for the consolidation of Ghanas democratic gains, and offer a valuable opportunity for Ghanaians to once again set a positive example for Africa and the world.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana have sent messages of goodwill towards the sustenance of the friendly relations and fruitful cooperation that exist between Ghana and their countries, wishing the people of Ghana free, fair and peaceful elections on December 7.

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Ghanas collaboration with the respective countries and the institutions the diplomats represent remain on a positive trajectory.

Below are some of the Goodwill messages

British High Commissioner, Ms Harriet Thompson

The UK cares deeply about Ghanas s future, and like the Ghanaian people, wants to see it continue to flourish as a stable and successful example of democracy in the region and beyond.

The UK Government does not support any party or candidate.

This is for Ghanaians to decide. But we strongly support those working to uphold the democratic process, which is about freedom and choice.

We encourage a credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful election on 7 December  and urge parties to come together after to work in the interests of all Ghanaians.

A legitimate government, chosen by the people, is the best means for Ghana to tackle the challenges of today, build economic prosperity and strengthen its strong international partnerships.

High Commissioner of Canada, H.E. Myriam Montrat

Ghana and Canada share a longstanding friendship rooted in the shared values and principles that we protect and promote both domestically and internationally: democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and peace.

In the short time I have been in Ghana, I have witnessed first-hand how proud Ghanaians are  just like Canadians  of their countrys diversity and solid democratic foundations. As we celebrate the signature of a peace pact by all political parties on November 28, 2024, we are reminded that upholding and advancing democracy is hard work: it requires perseverance, dialogue, compromise, collaboration and vigilance. I congratulate all Ghanaians on this important milestone toward successful 2024 elections.

Since 1992, Ghana has conducted eight general elections that have been observed to be largely peaceful, free and fair. In a time of regional instability and economic uncertainty, this years elections are especially critical for the consolidation of Ghanas democratic gains, and offer a valuable opportunity for Ghanaians to once again set a positive example for Africa and the world.

It is also a crucial opportunity for Ghanaians to ensure that their Parliament is representative of their countrys exceptional diversity.

In particular, women and youth  whose voices and aspirations are key to a prosperous and peaceful future but continue to be underrepresented should be encouraged to exercise their right to vote, campaign, seek elected office, and claim their fair share of the seats at the decision-making table.

On December 7, 2024, Canadian officials will have the honour of observing the electoral process across several regions of Ghana. We trust that elections officials, political parties, government institutions, security agencies, media outlets and importantly, each and every citizen, will act in ways that preserve everyones safety, and uphold Ghanas reputation as a thriving democracy and a beacon of peace.

On behalf of Canada, I wish all Ghanaians an inclusive, free, fair and peaceful election. May Ghana win!



The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul

Democracy is like a tasty chocolate bar: you especially appreciate it if you no longer have it. Look around you and see how many democracies have eroded and to what extent the people suffer.

Jeroen Verheul  Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana

Democracy is much more than just elections, but free, fair and transparent elections are an essential ingredient of a healthy democracy. December 7 will be the day Ghanaians can show their compatriots (regardless of their political affiliation), their regional counterparts (especially those that are ruled by military juntas or autocracies) and the international community at large that Ghanaians continue to choose democracy.

I am confident Ghanaians will lead by example by voting in dignity and peace, and by both accepting the wish of the electorate and settling eventual disputes through existing rules and institutions. I do wish you a Ghana worthy celebration of democracy on the 7th December and afterwards!

Mitori Naoki, Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Japan

As December 7 rapidly approaches and anticipation runs high within the nation, I wish to emphasise the special standing Ghana has acquired within the continent.

Mitori Naoki  Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Japan



Ever since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, Ghana has gained an outstanding international reputation as a peaceful democratic nation.

In a time of increasingly frequent insurgencies and coups, Ghana has become a beacon of light signaling peace and stability within the region. Such a standing is not easily earned, and we would like to urge all actors to protect this legacy by prioritizing security and fairness above all else.

Japan will be playing its part by participating in the election observation. While monitoring the polling stations and collation centers, we trust that we will witness orderly and fair conduct in all aspects of the electoral process.

On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I express my highest hopes that Ghana will demonstrate its steadfast commitment to democracy.

Daniel Garces Carabali, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Colombia to Ghana

Colombia has closely followed the electoral process in GhanaThe Government of Colombia extends a warm greeting to the Ghanaian people, and in the framework of its upcoming elections, states that the citizens vote is the active expression of democracy.

Daniel Garces Carabali  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Colombia to Ghana

Ghana stands out in its history for being a peaceful country, we urge this peace to be maintained during the elections and we congratulate all the candidates in the contest.

Rolf A. Olson, Charge dAffaires

The United States wishes Ghana a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process on December 7 and commends the presidential candidates for signing the 4th Presidential Elections Peace Pact. It congratulates the National Peace Council and the Institute of Democratic Governance for their tireless stewardship of this important initiative.

The will of the Ghanaian people must not be thwarted by the threat of violence before, during, or after the upcoming elections.



Amb. Dayo Adeoye, acting high Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ghana

On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Staff and members of the High Commission in Ghana, and indeed, the entire Nigerian community in Ghana, we wish to extend our best wishes to the government and people of the Republic of Ghana as you head to the poll on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Amb. Dayo Adeoye  Acting High Commissioner of The Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ghana

Ghana's democratic landscape remains a very exemplary one, one that continues to inspire hope and confidence across Africa and beyond. May I use this medium to commend the people of Ghana for their enduring commitment to the principles of peace, unity and democracy.

As you demonstrate your civic responsibility come Saturday, we are confident that the election will uphold the values of transparency, inclusivity and fairness. We trust that all stakeholders will work together to ensure a peaceful and successful electoral process, reflecting the collective aspiration of the Ghanaian people for progress and stability.

Please be assured of the unwavering support and goodwill of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as you undertake this significant national exercise. Wishing the people of Ghana, a successful and violent-free electoral process.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live the Republic of Ghana.
Featured

Latex Foam supports Graphic for elections coverage

Timothy Ngnenbe Dec - 05 - 2024 , 06:18 2 minutes read

Superbrand company, Latex Foam Company Limited, has presented a number of mattresses and convenience accessories to the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) to support the media outfits coverage of the December 7 polls.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Latex Foam, Gifty E. Appiah, presented the items to the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, on behalf of the Generl Manager of the company, Salim Nahlous.

In presenting the items, Ms Appiah said the logistical support was in recognition of the rigorous nature of election coverage which required journalists to stay overnights in the office.

"We are aware that some of your staff members will sleep in the office, especially the night after the election, to get all the updates to the general public. That is why we at Latex Foam decided to provide these mattresses and pillows to you so that they will provide you with some comfort to work well," he said.

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He added that because the Daily Graphic was the countrys most credible newspaper, Latex Foam believed that many citizens would be relying on its content and other platforms of the company for the needed information on the outcome of the elections.

Information

Mr Nahlous called on the Daily Graphic to live up to its mandate of delivering accurate and timely information on the elections to help diffuse fake news that had the potential to create confusion in the country.

For his part, Mr Yartey expressed gratitude to Latex Foam for the gesture and gave the assurance that the mattresses would be put to good use.

He added that the GCGL was aware of the onerous responsibility to provide leadership in terms of credible election reporting and that the company was prepared to deliver on that mandate.

The Editor said as had always been the hallmark of the Daily Graphic, every actor in the electoral process would be given fair and equitable coverage in line with the constitutional mandate of the media.

The gesture is the latest support and partnership by the multiple award-winning foam manufacturers to and with GCGL.

At the peak of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, Latex Foam supported GCGL with quantities of nose masks to protect staff from infections and attendant conditions.

Latex Foam has also partnered with GCGL to support the University of Ghana Hospital in the past.
Next article: No guilty verdict in J.B. Danquah-Adus murder - Sexy Don Don to be retried

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Muslims hold thanksgiving, prayer session for Bawumia

Chris Nunoo Dec - 05 - 2024 , 07:57 3 minutes read

A Thanksgiving and prayer session has been held at the national mosque at Kanda, Accra, in honour of the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday evening, was interspersed with Quran recitals.

It was graced by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, Muslim elders, the Council of Zango Chiefs, some residents of Zango communities and the NPP faithful.

Policies

Dr Bawumia explained some policies of the government and also shared his vision with the congregation.

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On the organisation and performance of the annual Hajj Pilgrimage, he gave an assurance that under his government, measures would be instituted to ensure a hitch-free ritual for Muslims in the country.

He also pledged to roll out a flat tax and tax amnesty policies, including the granting of tax amnesty, to ensure that taxpayers begin on a clean slate.

That, he explained, was meant to rid the tax regime of bottlenecks.

Under the flat tax proposal, Dr Bawumia said importers would be made to pay a fixed rate for their goods upon arrival in the country.

The presidential candidate further assured women in business to stay in readiness for a women empowerment fund, which he said was intended to cushion women traders and sustain their businesses.

Initiatives

Touching on some of the initiatives taken by the government to position the country on course, the Dr Bawumia mentioned the digital address system, the Ghana Card and the introduction of mobile money interoperability.

He particularly mentioned the mobile money interoperability which, he said, had brought about financial inclusion, putting the banked and unbanked under the financial ecosystem.

The NPP presidential candidate said the system paved the way for people to transfer funds from one telecommunication platform to another.

The mobile money interoperability also helps to transfer money from one telephone network to another and also from ones bank account to his mobile money (MoMo) account and vice versa, he added.

Drone services

Dr Bawumia, who spoke in Hausa, also narrated his personal experience at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he lost his father due to the unavailability of blood.

He explained that it was one of the reasons that pushed him to introduce the idea of drone services to the government.

Dr Bawumia said the Zipline drone delivery services had since been set up across various points in the country and vaccines, blood and other essential drugs were sent by drone to hard-to reach areas.

He expressed appreciation for the show of support and the honour done to him.

Prayers

Sheikh Sharubutu later prayed for Dr Bawumia, the government and citizens as the nation prepares for the polls on Saturday.
Featured

No guilty verdict in J.B. Danquah-Adus murder - Sexy Don Don to be retried

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 05 - 2024 , 07:57 4 minutes read

Nearly nine years after the murder of the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency, J. B. Danquah-Adu, his family would have to wait a little longer in search of justice as the man accused of killing him has to be retried.

This comes after a seven-member jury returned a not guilty verdict of 4:3 in favour of Daniel Asiedu, aka Sexy Don Don, who, before the trial officially started in 2021, had gone through the justice system due to legal representation issues since 2016.

On the charge of robbery, four members of the jury said they did not find Sexy Don Don to be guilty while three found him to be guilty.

For murder, four members of the jury said they did not find Asiedu to be guilty while three found him to be guilty.

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Per the hung jury decision, Asiedu is to be retried on the charges due to Section 286 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

The provision reads, Where the jury is discharged, the accused shall be detained in custody or released on bail, and shall be tried by another jury.

Consequently, the court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has adjourned the case to December 20.

Asiedus lawyer, Yaw Dankwa, has started pushing for bail for his client who has been on remand at the Nsawam Prison for the past eight years.

The business of the day, which included final addresses by lawyers from both sides, summing up by the judge, and the deliberations leading to the verdict, started at 9:40 a.m. and ended at 5:55 p.m.

State

The prosecutions case was that Asiedu, who was on a robbery spree at the legislators house, made some noise which woke the MP up.

The prosecution said a struggle ensued between the two, leading to Asiedu stabbing the MP in the neck and chest, killing him in the process.

In her closing address, a Principal State Attorney, Sefakor Batse, who led the prosecution to call eight witnesses to firm up the case against the accused, called on the jury to return a guilty verdict.

She added that the accused did not only steal the late MPs phones but used force and harmed him in the process, adding, All this was to overcome any resistance from the deceased.

She pointed the jury to the testimony of Kenneth Krankye, a phone vendor, who the prosecution claimed Asiedu gave the late MPs stolen phones to.

In addition to this, she also relied on the testimony of an occupant of a house close to the late MPs.

Defence

The defence counsel, led by Mr Dankwah, disagreed with the prosecution.

Counsel asked the jury to question why the prosecution never switched on the mobile phones they claim his client stole from the MP.

Aside from that, counsel argued that none of the DNA tests presented by the prosecution were independently vetted.

Counsel said that the case was not properly investigated since there was not a single eye that saw the accused person at the crime scene.

It was an election year that year, so many things were overlooked. Dont let the real culprit walk around, it could be your son tomorrow. Use the opportunity you got to make sure that the right thing is done, he told the jury.

Background

On February 9, 2016, Mr Danquah-Adu was murdered in cold blood at his residence at Shiashie, a suburb of Accra.

Asiedu was arrested on February 11, 2016, by the police at a hideout at Agbogbloshie in connection with the murder of the legislator, and the police claimed Asiedu had confessed to killing the MP.

Asiedu was charged alongside Vincent Bosso for conspiracy to commit robbery, while Asiedu was further charged separately with murder. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bosso was discharged after the prosecution had closed its case while Asiedu was asked to open his defence.

Writers E-mail: justice.agbenorsi@graphic.com.gh
Featured

Vote massively for Mahama, NDC to build Ghana  Lordina

Mary Mensah Dec - 05 - 2024 , 08:03 3 minutes read

The Wife of the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, and Founder of the Lordina Foundation, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has held a number of engagements with traditional leaders, queenmothers, market women, opinion leaders and other identified groups to garner support for her husband, reminding them of the laudable manifesto promises of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

On the campaign trail across the country, Mrs Mahama does what she loves doing the most: spreading love and compassion by making donations to orphanages, hospitals and health facilities among others and has worked so hard over the years to make health care more accessible in Ghana and to expand educational opportunities to each and every child, and no region has been left out.

She never rested and for the eight years that her husband was in opposition, she continued to impact the lives of people especially women and children as her foundation funded fully equipped maternity and childrens wards and presented medical supplies to a number of health facilities.

To Mrs Mahama, by equipping the hospitals and local clinics with these essential supplies, they were taking a meaningful step towards bridging this gap. We are working to make health care not for a privileged few, but a right for everyone.

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She visited some major markets in a number of regional capitals to campaign for the flag bearer of the NDC, her husband, John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Wherever she went, Mrs Mahama held separate meetings with the regional associations of market women, queenmothers and other indigenous groups to garner their support for her husband to promote the #Mahama4Change2024 message and her promise to work with Ghanaians to Build the Ghana We Want.

Improve circumstances

The market women in almost all markets visited by the former First Lady shared similar sentiments and Mrs Mahama explained her husbands policies that would help improve their circumstances.

The prospect of affordable loans for women and traders was particularly welcomed, as current lending rates severely impacted their small businesses.

Wherever she went, Mrs Mahama shared with the people Mahamas key initiatives that would impact their businesses and lives.

She refuted unfounded claims that the NDC and Mahama would cancel the Free SHS policy, urging the women to reject the lies and gave an assurance that, he has not said that anywhere.

In fact, he has great plans to improve the policy to make it better, she emphasised.

She urged them to reject the lies and choose development and improvement in their business and living conditions by voting overwhelmingly for John Mahama and the NDCs parliamentary candidates in their areas, adding that it was important for the NDC to secure a majority in parliament.

NDCs innovative policies

The former First Lady also promoted the NDCs innovative policies, particularly those focused on women and children.

These included the establishment of a Womens Development Bank, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the fee-free policy for first-year university students and reminded them of the laudable manifesto promises of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Featured

Mahama outlines conditions for signing anti-LGBTQI Bill if elected President

GraphicOnline Dec - 05 - 2024 , 10:11 2 minutes read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama has stated that his decision to assent to the controversial anti-LGBTQI bill, formally titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, would depend on a thorough review of its contents.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa on Wednesday, 4 December, Mr. Mahama said: It is not an anti-LGBTQI Bill; it is a Family Values Bill. It was approved unanimously by our Parliament. [LGBTQI] is against our African culture, it is against our religious faith, but I think we must look at the Bill, and the president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament or alternatively he must send it to the Council of State and get the Council of States advice.

It depends on what is in the Bill

When asked directly if he would sign the bill into law if he were elected president, Mahama said: It depends on what is in the Bill. He explained that if he had been president when the bill was passed by Parliament, he would have sought a detailed examination of its provisions and consulted with relevant advisory bodies.

That is what I would have done, he affirmed.

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Legal challenges to the Bill



The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed unanimously by Parliament, is currently being contested in the Supreme Court through two separate lawsuits.

One of the plaintiffs, legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, argues that the bill contravenes several provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including those related to personal freedoms and the use of public funds. Sky contends that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin violated Article 108(a)(ii) of the Constitution by allowing the passage of a bill that imposes charges on the Consolidated Fund without proper approval.

Sky is seeking eight reliefs, including a declaration of unconstitutionality and an order to nullify the bill.

In a separate case, Dr. Amanda Odoi has raised objections to specific clauses within the bill, calling for an injunction against the Speaker, the Attorney-General, and the Clerk of Parliament to prevent them from forwarding the bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for assent.

Both cases aim to halt the implementation of the legislation, citing constitutional breaches and potential overreach by Parliament.

The bill has stirred national and international debate, with its supporters claiming it reflects Ghanas cultural and religious values. Critics argue that it infringes on human rights and could have far-reaching implications for personal freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces job opportunities at UNECA

Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 04 - 2024 , 12:45 1 minute read

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced available positions at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

In a statement dated December 4, 2024, the Ministry encouraged qualified individuals, particularly women, to submit applications before the specified deadline.

Detailed information on all available positions at UNECA can be accessed through the official website: uneca.org

Applicants are requested to notify the Candidatures Unit of their application outcomes via email at: vacancies.internationalorgs@mfa.gov.gh.

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Vacancies

a. Post: Chief of Section, Economic Affairs Officer

Grade: (P-5)

Deadline for Submission: 6th December, 2024

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/247666?language=en



b. Post: Economic Affairs Officer

Grade: (P-4)

Deadline for Submission: 28th December, 2024

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Chief of Section, Economic Affairs Officer

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/243513?language=en



c. Post: Senior Economic Affairs Officer

Grade: (P-5)

Deadline for Submission: 9th January, 2025

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/246214?language=en



d. Post: Communications Officer

Grade: (NO-C)

Deadline for Submission: 25th December, 2025

Duty Station: Dakar, Senegal

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/246434?language=en

Read statement below
Previous article: Prez Akufo-Addo approves upgrades for Ho, Sunyani, New Juaben and Wa from municipalities to metropolises

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An open letter from University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC to Ghanaians

Graphic.com.gh Politics Dec - 04 - 2024 , 14:35 5 minutes read

An open letter from University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC to Ghanaians: Vote for Change on December 7th

Fellow Ghanaians,

We, the University of Ghana lecturers for John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections, numbering about 250 drawn from various Schools, Centers, Institutes, and Departments across the university, recognize that our beloved nation stands at a crossroads, its very soul-trembling in the face of unprecedented decay.

As we approach the pivotal December 7th, 2024 elections, we feel compelled to raise our voices and urge you, the people, to respond to the clarion call for change.

For too long, we have borne witness to the systematic erosion of our cherished institutions, the dimming of hope in the eyes of our youth, and the unraveling of the social fabric that once held our nation together.

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Our Ghana, once a beacon of progress and prosperity, now reels from the devastating blows of economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, and the deliberate dismantling of the very foundations upon which we built our dreams.

Consider the stark realities that confront us: Our once-mighty currency, the symbol of our national pride, has been brought to its knees, leaving our people struggling to make ends meet. Our water bodies, the lifeblood of our communities, lie devastated, robbing our people of the most basic of necessities.

Our pensioners, the very backbone of this nation, have been stripped of their dignity, their hard-earned savings ravaged by the greed of the few.

Our indigenous financial institutions, the pillars of our economic independence, have been deliberately collapsed, leaving our youth to wander the streets in search of non existent jobs.

Our healthcare system gasps for survival, while our educational infrastructure crumbles before our very eyes, betraying the promise of a brighter future for our children.

The architects of this national tragedy now seek your mandate to continue their reign of destruction. But we, the custodians of knowledge and truth, cannot remain silent.

Our academic integrity and our commitment to the betterment of our beloved Ghana compel us to speak out, to stand as the conscience of our society.



We have seen firsthand the dimming of opportunities for our youth, the stifling of their potential by a system that has lost its moral compass.

When our students look to us, their eyes filled with uncertainty about their future in this land, our hearts break with the weight of their unspoken fears.

This is not the Ghana we dreamed of, the Ghana we fought for, the Ghana we vowed to build for generations to come. This is a Ghana that has been betrayed, a Ghana that has been robbed of its dignity and its promise.

But, fellow Ghanaians, the power to reset our course lies in your hands. John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress present not just an alternative but a vision of restoration and hope.

The partys pledge to introduce a 24-hour economy is a bold reimagining of our nation's potential, while its proven track record in championing improved free senior high school education demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development.

This election is not about partisan politics; it is about justice for the eight innocent souls whose lives were tragically cut short in 2020. It is about creating a Ghana where our nurses and teachers no longer need to seek greener pastures abroad, a Ghana where trust in our institutions is restored and the dignity of our citizenship is reclaimed.

To our security services, we say: Your allegiance is to the Constitution, not to any individual or party. Your integrity is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it must remain inviolable.

To every Ghanaian, we urge you to document any irregularities you witness and use your phones to record evidence of electoral malpractices.

Be vigilant, but remain peaceful. Be firm but steadfast in your commitment to the rule of law.

Fellow citizens, we anticipate the question: Why have we, as university lecturers, chosen to step beyond the comfortable confines of academic neutrality?

The answer lies in the sacred trust we hold as guardians of knowledge and truth.

When a nation stands on the precipice of disaster, silence becomes not neutrality, but complicity.

Our role as educators extends beyond teaching theorems and theories  we are tasked with nurturing critical thinking and moral courage in our students.

How can we teach ethics while turning a blind eye to the wholesale looting of our nation?

How can we lecture about good governance while watching our democracy crumble? The ivory tower was never meant to be a fortress of isolation but a lighthouse guiding society through darkness. Our academic credentials are not mere decorations  they carry with them the responsibility to distinguish truth from falsehood, progress from regression, hope from despair. When we see a leader and a party whose vision aligns with the prosperous Ghana we envision, we can tell, and our conscience demands that we speak this truth plainly.

We have chosen to name John Mahama and the NDC not out of partisan fervor, but because the evidence of their superior vision and commitment to Ghana's restoration is clear and compelling.

Our endorsement stems not from political allegiance, but from our professional judgment as analysts of policy and society.

To remain neutral in times of moral crisis is to side with the oppressor.

As Kwame Nkrumah taught us, the university must be the conscience of the nation.

Today, that conscience calls us to speak, to guide, and to stand firmly on the side of Ghana's redemption.

The future of our nation hangs in the balance. As academics who have dedicated our lives to nurturing the next generation of leaders, we implore you: On December 7th, 2024, let your thumb speak for Ghana, we know you can do it. Vote John Mahama and the NDC to restore hope, rebuild trust, and reignite the Ghanaian dream.

Ghana must rise again. Ghana will rise again.

Let us make history together

Signed:

University of Ghana Lecturers for NDC

Media Contacts:

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse (0244983637)

Dr. Abdul Karim Hakib (0244841692)

Dr. Johnny Andoh-Arthur (0545903898)
Featured

Bawumia hails Christian communitys support at Zongo Chiefs and Imams gathering

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 11:23 2 minutes read

The Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed gratitude to the Christian community for the overwhelming support they have shown him throughout his journey as the NPPs presidential candidate.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving and prayer service with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Accra, Dr Bawumia acknowledged the significant backing he has received from Christians, despite being a Muslim himself.

"I have received tremendous support from our Christian brothers and sisters in this journey. From the primaries in my party throughout my campaign across the country, the support has been massive and I have been overwhelmed," Dr Bawumia said.

Reflecting on the context of his candidacy, Dr Bawumia added, "I am a Muslim and northerner who contested in a party which has a majority of its delegates being Christians and not from the north. But when I stood as the only northerner and Muslim against nine other Christians, the delegates of my party overwhelmingly supported me and I won with a historic margin."

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He further acknowledged the ongoing encouragement from Christian leaders and members of the Christian community since his election as the NPPs flagbearer, describing the support as "equally overwhelming."

Dr Bawumia highlighted that the broad support he has garnered from Christians is a testament to the unity and diversity of Ghana, a quality he is committed to strengthening if elected president.

"This support and love our Christian brothers and sisters continue to show me reflect the beautiful diversity of our country, which I am committed to strengthening as President, in shaa Allah. I am very grateful to all of them," he said.

In his address, Dr Bawumia also urged the Imams, Zongo Chiefs, and the Zongo community to support his presidential bid as he seeks to continue the transformation of the country.
Featured

Don't take 2024 election for granted - Fiifi Kwetey urges NDC supporters

Beatrice Laryea Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 18:24 1 minute read

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, has called on party supporters to turn out in large numbers on December 7 to vote and restore the NDC to power.

Mr. Kwetey cautioned that any complacency or apathy within the party could lead to disastrous consequences. He urged the enthusiastic supporters gathered at Zurak Park in Madina, Accra, for the final campaign rally to stay vigilant.

The word of God for December 7 is that Ghana is due for victory, Ghana is due for change, and Ghana is due for the return of John Dramani Mahama. No power will stop it, he declared.

He further addressed the youth of Ghana: "December 7 is for you. Over the past eight years, you've witnessed the decline of this beautiful country of Kwame Nkrumah and Jerry John Rawlingssuffering, pain, disappointment, loss of hope, and the total despair that has gripped our nation."

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"On December 7, you must come out in your numbers and make a statement once and for all: enough is enough. Your actions on Saturday must send a clear message to the NPP and the world that enough is enough. Dont take this for grantedthe victory has not yet been secured. We must ensure that every single one of you stays committed until the last minute on Saturday, because the people we are fighting are desperate to remain in power and will do anything to hold onto it, he added.
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Election 2024: Christian Council urges security agencies to uphold professionalism and impartiality

Beatrice Laryea Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 17:09 1 minute read

The Eminent Persons Group of the Christian Council of Ghana has called on security agencies to demonstrate professionalism and impartiality in the upcoming December 7 elections.

The group, composed of both Christian and Muslim leaders, emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process largely depends on the conduct of the security forces.

Speaking to the media, Co-Chair of the Eminent Persons Group, Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo stressed that the role of the security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and fair election is essential for maintaining the credibility and transparency of the election results.

The Eminent Persons Group call upon the Ghana police service and all state security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality during the election. Inspector general of police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has assured us of their commitment, impartiality and professionalism which we commend and Applaud. We expect this commitment to be reflected in their actions on voting day and beyond."

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Dr. Boafo added, The police must ensure that every citizen is able to exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation. The success of our electoral process depends on the commitment of our security personnel to uphold the law fairly.
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Election-related violence will be swiftly addressed - Godfred Dame assures observer missions

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 17:07 2 minutes read

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has assured that cases of election-related violence will be addressed swiftly.

You can be assured that any infarctions are investigated as swiftly as possible and prosecution also mounted effectively, he said when observer missions of African Union (AU), and Commonwealth paid a courtesy on him today (Dec 5).

Cases

Mr Dame explained that almost all the election related cases in the 2020 election were resolved with the exception of the case of two people who died during the Techiman South Constituency election clash.

The Attorney-General said in that case, the investigators could not conduct a thorough investigation to be able to establish a link between the offence and the act.

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He said that was mainly due to the families of the victims insisting of burying the deceased immediately in line with Muslim rites.

Apart from that all election related offences were prosecuted and we will do so again this time if there are any infractions, Mr Dame said.

Missions

The AU Observer Mission was led by the former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, while the Commonwealth Observer Group Mission was led by former President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi.

The discussions with the A-G centered on whether they are legal challenges ahead of the elections, the statement in parliament and its potential impact on government business and legislations, and the role of observer missions in the electoral process.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, and the Solicitor-General, Helen Akpene Ziwu, joined the A-G to receive the delegation.

The Attorney-General expressed confidence in the electoral process and the integrity of the Electoral Commission.

He further assured the observer missions of efficiency of the management of post electoral violence or disputes.
Next article: ABANTU urges all to vote for women on Dec 7

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First Lady calls for peaceful elections - Campaigns in Trobu, Okaikoi North

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 18:47 2 minutes read

In the final leg of political campaigns towards this years general elections, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has appealed to electorates to exercise their franchise peacefully come December 7, 2024.

Saturday, December 7 isnt a war. Peacefully go and cast your vote. Do not be afraid, nothing will happen. We have the security services who will be in control so go and cast your vote peacefully and let Ghana move on to better heights, the First Lady urged.

She gave the advice on a thank you tour of the Trobu and Okaikoi North constituencies in Accra on Monday which also saw her canvass for votes to retain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power.

Interacting with party faithfuls, Mrs Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of continuity for true development of every nation.

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As such, she appealed to the electorates to keep the NPP in power to continue with development initiatives that it had implemented over the years for the wellbeing of citizens.

President Akufo-Addo made many promises to you when he was seeking the nod and he has delivered on almost all of them but Ghana deserves a lot more and the only person to continue these good works, is Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, she said.

The First Lady praised Dr Bawumia for his intelligence and unique capabilities which are needed for modern-day developmental needs.

Dr Bawumia understands digitilisation and technology which are needed in our present world to solve present day challenges and when voted into office, he has many ideas to bring on board to advance Ghanas development, she said.

Ms Gloria Owusu, aspiring MP for Trubio with Rebecca Akufo-Addo

While urging supporters to spread the good news to support Dr Bawumias win in the elections, Mrs Akufo-Addo further implored them to vote for parliamentary aspirants; Gloria Owusu and Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei to win the Trobu and Okaikoi-North constituencies, respectively.

Ms Owusu on her part urged all eligible voters in the Trobu Constituency to vote massively for the NPP for a one-touch victory.

We do not want the situation where the NDC will disagree with losing this elections so let us vote massively and widen the gap so they will not have any reason to contest the results.

Vote number one for both Dr Bawumia and Gloria and tell all your friends, family, loved ones to do same, she urged.

For her part, Ms Asiamah-Adjei encouraged her constituents to feel free to cast their votes on Saturday, assuring them of utmost security on the day.

Writer's email:rebecca.quaicoe-duho@graphic.com.gh
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Countdown to December 7: May democracy win

Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 12:57 4 minutes read

With just two days until the much-anticipated elections on December 7, Ghana stands on the brink of a significant moment in its democratic journey.

As we approach this critical date, the urgency for all stakeholdersincluding the Electoral Commission (EC), security forces, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the mediato make a final push for a smooth and successful election is paramount.

Ghana has successfully held general elections eight times since the transition into the Fourth Republic in 1992.

This remarkable track record has contributed to the strengthening of our democratic institutions and has earned Ghana a reputation as a beacon of democracy in the West African region.

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For example, in the 2016 elections, Ghana was praised internationally for its peaceful transition of power, which established a strong precedent for future elections.

Prior to this, Ghana had done the same in 2000 and 2008. As we prepare for December 7, we must build upon this legacy, ensuring our electoral process continues to reflect the values of transparency, fairness and inclusivity that we have come to cherish.

In recent days, Ghanaians, led by the EC, have made commendable strides in ensuring a transparent and efficient electoral process, although the NDC is still saying it does not trust the EC.

Voter education campaigns have been implemented, hopefully effectively, by the National Commission for Civic Education, the EC, CSOs and political parties. These campaigns sought to inform citizens with essential knowledge about their voting rights and the electoral process.

In addition, educational outreach efforts in cities and rural communities have equipped citizens with the necessary information to navigate the polling process, including how to identify their polling stations and navigate the layout of the ballot paper.

Moreover, several media personnel have been diligently fact-checking and providing balanced coverage, setting the stage for informed voting.

Role of media

The role of the media is pivotal, with platforms like radio and community bulletins actively informing listeners about their rights and responsibilities as voters.

Nevertheless, we cannot overlook the attempts by a few unscrupulous individuals who have engaged in misinformation, disinformation and mal-information for reasons best known to them. These disreputable actions not only mislead voters but also threaten the very fabric of our democracy.

Such persons are advised to desist from these acts, as they have adverse consequences for our nation.

The security forces have already voted peacefully, showcasing their commitment to maintaining neutrality and order during this electoral period.

While it is regrettable that a small number of officers opted to post their votes on social mediaan action that was widely condemnedmost have upheld their duty to foster a secure environment.

Their roles will be crucial in ensuring that all Ghanaians can vote in safety and with confidence on Saturday. It is vital that they continue to engage positively with communities, fostering trust and open channels of communication as we approach the voting day.

Political parties and candidates are now called upon to reinforce a spirit of respect and civility, holding their supporters to the same standard as we near Election Day. The remaining political rallies must encourage peace and policy discussion, not hostility and division.

This is not only essential for a peaceful election but also for long-term democratic stability. Sharing ideas and engaging in constructive debates should replace personal attacks, encouraging the electorate to make informed choices about the political future of our nation.

CSOs

As Ghanaians prepare to cast their votes, we must focus squarely on the importance of peace and collaboration. CSOs play a pivotal role in monitoring the electoral process and encouraging voter turnout, actively promoting dialogue among voters, with the aim of diffusing potential tensions.

CSOs should continue to facilitate community forums where individuals from different backgrounds come together to discuss their hopes and concerns, ensuring that everyone's voice is considered in this critical moment.

It is worth stressing that the upcoming elections provide a crucial opportunity for citizens to express their voices and choices. All of us should participate actively in our democratic process; the time has come for all Ghanaians to unite and ensure their voices are heard on December 7.

Please remember to vote peacefully, avoid confrontations and, once you cast your vote, go home, relax and wait for the results. Maybe youll want to return at the close of the polls to witness the counting process, a vital aspect of electoral transparency.

Finally, lets commit to upholding the democratic values we have established over the last 32 years and collectively strive to make Ghana a shining example of what democracy can achieve.

Together, we can build upon past successes and ensure that going forward both Ghana and democracy win on Election Day. This is not merely an obligation; it is our shared responsibility to foster unity and peace, making this election a true celebration of our democratic spirit.

The writer is a political scientist.
Previous article: What's on the minds of Ghanaian voters explored in seven charts - A BBC report

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Civil society organisations launch national elections situation room for Ghana Election 2024

Daniel Kenu Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 08:17 2 minutes read

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have jointly launched a national Election Situation Room to foster transparent and credible 2024 general polls.

It also aims to control the uncoordinated proliferation of civil society situation rooms across the country.

The "Command Centre" idea, which was mooted in 2008, is also to coordinate activities of field observers and receive swift reports for dissemination.

The bottom line is to uphold the principle that underpins the nation's three decades of parliamentary democracy.

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Significance

The Executive Director, IDEG, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, said the room would help collect data, provide analysis and communicate the same to the public.

He said the IDEG-CFI collaboration was also to link up with other stakeholders and send credible information to authorities in good time for action to be taken.

"It is to strengthen networks, coordination, collaboration and documentation of these experiences systematically and publish same," Dr Akwetey said.

He expressed hope that in future, situation rooms could help bring about reforms in the country's body politic.

Dr Akwetey said that the situation room concept was born out of the fear of violence ahead of the 2008 general election, adding that the initiative could be translated into policy formation and the countrys electoral process.

The IDEG-CFI situation room would be working for 12 hours each day but the coverage period would be increased to 24 hours on election day until the final declaration of results.

A team of experts have been put together to handle internal communication, and processes and put it out externally.

Peace

A former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Dr Fred Deegbe, who launched the situation room, called for a peaceful election and a united nation.

Just as the country had been able to navigate through the challenges of previous elections, he expressed optimism that this years polls would also be successful.

The Head of Advocacy and Institutional Relations, IDEG, Kwesi Jonah, said elections had become a sensitive national event because of the potential it has to create violence.

He said it was the reason IDEG and CFI were collaborating with national electoral bodies and security services to have a smooth and peaceful poll.

The IDEG-CFI situation room adds to the number of such initiatives already in the system, including those by the Ghana Police Service and the Media Commission.
Next article: What's on the minds of Ghanaian voters explored in seven charts - A BBC report

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EC cautions media against declaring election results

Charles Benoni Okine Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:02 3 minutes read

The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned media houses to desist from declaring the results of the December 7 polls or risk being arrested and prosecuted for the offence.

The commission said the media might call or project the trend of the December 7 polls but could not declare the results, insisting that only the EC reserved the right under the law to declare the results of the election.

"The media can call or project, but its the EC that declares. Anybody who declares election results other than the EC can be arrested and prosecuted," the Director of Training at the EC, Dr Serebuor Quaicoe, cautioned in an interview with Graphic Online's Charles Benoni Okine.

The ECs threat followed the growing misinterpretation among media personnel regarding which body is legally mandated to declare the presidential results.

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It was also to address the confusion over what constituted a call, projection and declaration of election results.

Dr Quaicoe said it behoved the media to stay within its remit as far as the elections were concerned and allow the EC to do what it had been mandated under the law to do to avoid any confusion.

Circumspection

A political expert also agreed with the position of the EC and urged circumspection on the part of the media to avoid creating problems in the country.

A Senior Lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Professor Alidu Seidu, said while the media had the right to project and call elections, it was the sole responsibility of the EC Chairperson, who was the Returning Officer under the law, to declare the results, particularly the presidential results.

He said it would be suicidal for any media house or person to do that ahead of the declaration and asked those planning to do so to desist from the practice.

Even regarding the call or projections, media houses must be extremely careful and ensure that they have what it takes to gather the required information before they make a move to project or call based on what they have.

The media has to demonstrate patriotism and eschew all political biases to do what is legally right and not to cause unnecessary tension by doing what can degenerate into something which can be uncontrollable, he added.

Prof. Seidu advised media houses to engage professionals to help them with their analysis of the trends as the results are announced from the various constituencies and not jump to conclusions.

Temptation

Prof. Seidu said many politically exposed actors in the country were known media owners and, therefore, there might be the temptation to use their platforms to announce results in favour of their party.

That, he said, would be risky and, therefore, advised against such intentions because it will not be in the interest of the peace that we all seek in these elections.

Parliamentary results

Regarding the parliamentary results, Prof. Seidu said those outcomes were known right at the polling stations.

But even with that, the media must wait on the EC official to declare the winner before they report.

The media must not be in a haste and get it wrong because a little spark can cause a lot of problems, he advised, adding that where the media even got the results from various sources, they must ensure that what they had were certified by the EC officials present.

Prof. Seidu said at a time when there was a lot of misinformation and disinformation from different sources, it was the responsibility of the media to ensure that they contributed to safeguarding the peace the country was enjoying by using their platforms to dispel rumours.
Next article: We dont want religious conflict and strife in Ghana - Akufo-Addo [VIDEO]

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I wont let Asanteman down  Mahama

Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 05:57 3 minutes read

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has made a promise to voters in the Ashanti Region that he will deliver on his commitments if elected into office on Saturday.

He said unlike the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that had taken the electorate in the regions loyalty for granted, an NDC government under his leadership wont let Asanteman down.

After going round the region, I have realised that the NPP takes your votes for granted because they believe you will vote for them no matter what, and that is why they have neglected the region in terms of development, Mr Mahama added.

He urged the electorate to reflect on their current living conditions and vote for change to reset the country and position the economy on the path of growth.

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The NDC presidential candidate, who has been on a six-day tour of the region ahead of the election on Saturday, was addressing a group of enthusiastic supporters in Effiduase, around 1 a.m., last Wednesday.

Engagements

The John Mahama's #Mahama4Change2024 campaign began with a community engagement in Mpatom, in the Manso Nkwanta Constituency, where Mr Mahama addressed party supporters and traditional leaders in the area, sharing his vision for the region.

He expressed his determination to improve the lives of the people by addressing the pressing issues affecting communities, including the poor state of roads.

Mr Mahama also made a stop at Manso Adubia, where his message of hope resonated with the people.

The presidential candidate later met with traditional leaders and party supporters in the Obuasi East Constituency, where he emphasised the importance of effective collaboration between traditional leaders and government.

At Obuasi Zango, in the Obuasi West Constituency, the NDC team interacted with residents and also engaged with the community at Akrofuom, where Mr Mahama outlined his vision for the region.

He also made a stopover at Menang, in the New Edubiase Constituency, and Aboabo in the Adansi Asokwa Constituency, where his message of change and development was received with joy.

Endorsement

In the Manso Nkwanta Constituency, the National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Samson Asaki Awingobit, and the flag bearer of the party, Bernard Mornah, openly professed their support for Mr Mahama.

The two, who joined the NDC campaign at Mpatom, in the Manso Nkwanta Constituency, urged the electorate to vote for change.

Mr Mornah said he was optimistic of the victory of the NDC and Mr Mahama in Saturdays election.

I am here with the entire leadership of the PNC, and we are here to declare our support for Mr Mahama and the NDC, he said.
Prioritise transparency, fairness  NDC Council of Elders urges EC

Joshua Bediako Koomson Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to prioritise transparency and fairness in all electoral processes as Ghanaians go to the polls on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

It stated that the credibility of the elections hinged on the neutrality and professionalism of the EC hence the need for the EC to remain impartial.

At a press conference last Tuesday, the chairman of the Council, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, noted that any perception of bias could erode confidence in the election results and lead to unnecessary tension.

Integrity

He called on all electoral officials to carry out their duties with integrity and dedication to Ghanas democratic ideals.

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"We urge the Electoral Commission to get its act together if they are to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

"It isn't easy for the public to accept its assurance for robust and transparent elections when day in and day out you hear and read of stories suggesting poor management on its part, the latest being the last-minute decision to reprint ballot papers for Special voting in the Western and Eastern regions of Ghana."

He stressed the crucial role of the EC in safeguarding Ghanas democratic principles hence the importance of conducting the elections in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Alhaji Iddrisu called on Ghanaians to protect their votes and document any acts of electoral malpractice.

We urge the electorate to consider themselves guardians of the ballot they cast. Let us all remain alert, be on the lookout for troublemakers, and wherever possible, put them on record, he stated.

Reaffirmation

He reaffirmed the NDCs commitment to peace and praised the partys presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, as a leader with the vision and integrity to address the nations challenges.

John Mahama is a reassuring personality with a passion for what works in the broader national interest. With John, success means lifting every Ghanaian, he added.

Alhaji Iddrisu lauded the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the rank and file of the NDC during the campaign, describing it as inspiring.

He, however, urged the polling agents to remain steadfast in their duties to ensure the partys victory.

Electoral malpractice

Alhaji Iddrisu said the NDC fully supported the National Elections Task Forces plan for maintaining peace.

He, however, urged the government to avoid using vigilante groups or security forces to intimidate voters.

Alhaji Iddrisu further took a swipe at the Akufo-Addo-led administration, accusing it of economic mismanagement, corruption and attempts to manipulate the election process.

He described the governments last-minute road rehabilitation and financial handouts as an insult to the intelligence of Ghanaians.

He described the upcoming election as a defining moment for the countrys democracy, urging citizens to reject what he called eight years of impunity, corruption, greed and nepotism, and vote for change.

No force can stand against the peoples might when they decide enough is enough. Let us win the election for Ghana together, Alhaji Iddrisu.
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Independent presidential candidate Nana Bediako accuses EC of bias in polling agent accreditation

Joshua Bediako Koomson Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 17:50 2 minutes read

Independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, has voiced his frustration with the Electoral Commission (EC), citing alleged irregularities in the process of obtaining accreditation for polling agents ahead of the upcoming elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra Thursday (December 5), he said his outfit mobilised nearly 40,000 polling agents to safeguard votes during the elections.

However, he revealed that the EC required individual letters and passport pictures for all 40,000 agents, a demand he described as logistically impossible to meet within the remaining 48 hours before polls open.

We put together almost 40,000 polling agents, only to find out that we have to write a letter for every single one of them in a space of 48 hours before we get accreditation. Meanwhile, others are picking up their accreditation without such requirements. This leaves us confused and questioning whether well have agents in place at all, he said.

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Institutional biases

Nana Kwame Bediako expressed disappointment over what he termed as institutional biases and systemic barriers against smaller political parties.

We should be dealing with all 13 presidential candidates fairly, not treating two as the main players and reducing the rest to substitutes.

This is not democracy. It feels like the system is designed to suppress smaller parties, he said.

The New Force leader called on Ghanaians to demand transparency from the EC and to reject any practices that undermine the countrys democratic principles.

Democracy is about fairness and respecting human rights. We cannot allow external or internal influences to dictate the future of this nation, he added.

In spite of the challenges, Nana Bediako encouraged Ghanaians to stand for truth and integrity in the electoral process.

He appealed for volunteers to step forward as polling agents to ensure transparency at voting centers, even as the party struggled to meet the ECs requirements.

This is a call to action for all Ghanaians. We need people who can stand for what is right and protect the sanctity of the vote. Our destiny as a nation depends on it, he stated.
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Mahama names conditions for accepting election results

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 10:47 1 minute read

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has reiterated that his acceptance of the December 7 General Election results will depend on the transparency and credibility of the process.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr. Mahama expressed concerns about potential irregularities and violence, emphasising the importance of a fair and peaceful election.

If on the election day, there is widespread ballot snatching, beating of people, and the military moving in and intimidating people, and thugs are all over the place, rampaging the place, you want me to accept that result? It will depend on the transparency and the fairness of the process, he said.

Mr. Mahama stressed that safeguarding electoral integrity is critical for the country's democracy and reiterated his commitment to a credible process.

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Ghanaians are set to head to the polls on December 7 to elect a president and Members of Parliament for the next four years, with electoral transparency being a crucial factor in the tightly contested race.
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NPP's possibilities victory rally gathers momentum

Chris Nunoo Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 17:12 2 minutes read

The final rally of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) scheduled to take place at the precinct of the University of Ghana Stadium has gathered momentum with thousands of enthusiastic supporters of the party converging on the grounds.

Dubbed the " Possibilities victory rally," today's gathering of NPP faithful is expected to be the trump card towards the victory of the flag bearer of the party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7, 2024 elections.

Presently, many of the supporters are singing and dancing at the venue which draped in the blue white and red colours of the NPP.

The stage for the dignitaries who will be addressing the crowd is also set.

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Many traders have also joined in the fray with some displaying party paraphernalia.

Other petty traders and hawkers are also cashing in with the sale of sachet water, food and drinks.

Security is also very tight and well arranged with the police ensuring free flow of traffic on the Legon - Madina stretch as well as those entering the University campus from the Okponglo junction.

Media organisations have also besieged the venue and mounted their tents and gadgets ready to broadcast the historic event to their audience.

Among the dignitaries and party Executives at the park so far are the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Alhassan, National Youth Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye and the National Youth Organiser of the party, Salaam Mustapha.

Some of the supporters who spoke said they share the views of many Ghanaians that times are difficult but when they compared the policies espoused by Dr Bawumia and the other candidates, they were convinced Dr Bawumia will pull the country through.

They said the free SHS had been a game changing policies which had brought massive relief to parents and called on all Ghanaians to support the bid of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to add on to the policy.
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Otumfuo blesses Bawumia and NAPO ahead of Saturday's election

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 16:02 2 minutes read

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has offered his blessings and best wishes to Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his running mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, as Ghana approaches its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday.

Dr. Bawumia visited the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday to express gratitude to the Asantehene for his "wise counsel and encouragement" throughout his campaign, which officially concludes today.

Gratitude for decency and issue-focused campaign

Addressing Dr. Bawumia, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II acknowledged the Vice Presidents earlier visit to seek his blessings before embarking on his campaign. The Asantehene expressed appreciation for Dr. Bawumias return to formally thank him.

"Before you started, you were here to inform me about your decision to contest for President. And before you started your campaign, you were here again to inform me and seek my blessings," the Asantehene said.

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He also commended Dr. Bawumia for running a campaign focused on issues, noting that he had stayed true to his promise to present what the NPP has achieved and his vision for the country.

"I'm happy that you have done exactly what you assured me you would do. I thank God that you have completed your campaign successfully in all the 275 constituencies. The rest is in the hands of God," Otumfuo said.

Blessings for the election

Ahead of the election, the Asantehene reaffirmed his prayers and blessings for Dr. Bawumia, urging him to continue placing his faith in God.

"My son, remain faithful in God because it is God who installs kings. You have done your part to sell what the party has done for Ghana and what you also want to do to continue," Otumfuo advised.

"I have already blessed you. As you are here, I will bless you again. I urge you to place your affairs in the hands of God for God's power to manifest."

Call for unity

Otumfuo also urged Dr. Bawumia and his running mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, to maintain their unity and commitment to working together.

"I want to advise you and your running mate that you should continue to work together and stay united. I pray to God and our ancestors to stay behind you so that whatever you are doing will be successful," Otumfuo concluded.

The Asantehenes blessings come as Dr. Bawumia wraps up his nationwide campaign in preparation for what promises to be a closely contested election.
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Take the money, but vote against NPP  John Dumelo to NDC supporters

Beatrice Laryea Politics Dec - 05 - 2024 , 17:40 1 minute read

Actor and Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Setor Dumelo, has urged party members to accept the money and other items offered by their opponents from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of Saturday's general elections.

However, Dumelo also called on the people to vote against the NPP after receiving the items.

Speaking at the NDC's final campaign rally at Zurak Park in Madina, Accra, on Thursday, December 5, he said: "Come with your family, friends, and everyone in your community to vote for the NDC and lets send the elephant back into the bush."

He further stated, "Ayawaso is coming under the NDC on December 7, Dome Kwanenya is coming under the NDC on December 7, and Greater Accra will be swept by the NDC. When they offer you money, take it. When they bring rice, take it. When they bring salt, take it. Take everything, but vote against them, because on December 7, we are resetting Ghana in the right direction."

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Thousands of party supporters have assembled at the Zurak Park for the crucial final rally.


Roughly halfway through the budget year, the county commissioners are reevaluating capital projects and considering where funds could be moved around and whether projects that were initially put off can now be moved forward.

Amid general discussions of adding additional capital projects to the budget during their December 3 meeting, the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment moving money out of the capital reserve fund and approved a $4.6 million project to replace and upgrade air handling units and rooftop units at the Sweetwater County Detention Center.

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Continued criticism of the near-final plan guiding management of 3.6 million acres of public lands in southwest Wyoming has sparked speculation that the incoming Republican-led Congress will nix the new charter through an oversight instrument that's never been used to intrude into federal land use planning.

Worries emanating from environmental advocacy groups and retired federal government employees are that the next Congress will undo the Bureau of Land Management's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, nearly 14 years in the making, using the Congressional Review Act. The little-known tool establishes procedures for lawmakers to overturn final rules passed by federal agencies within the past 60 congressional working days. That period will extend into the 119th Congress and provide lawmakers in both soon-to-be Republican majority chambers an opportunity to "look back" and overturn rules.

The BLM has completed its environmental review for the Rock Springs Field Office - the plans propose balancing conservation and development - but it has yet to finalize them with a record of decision, potentially subjecting them to Congressional Review Act reversal.

"If it gets undone by [the Trump] administration, the reality is all of the work that has gone into it is for naught," Cheyenne resident and former BLM-Wyoming State Director Mary Jo Rugwell told WyoFile. "The BLM has started over again on the Rock Springs RMP revision so many times, it's not right."

Wyoming's congressional delegation - Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, and Rep. Harriet Hageman - would not confirm that they intend to pursue a Congressional Review Act resolution as the mechanism for undoing the Rock Springs plans.

According to E&E News, however, Republicans are planning to expand use of the Congressional Review Act from the start of the next congressional session.

"My team and many other teams are systematically reviewing what rules would be subject to the CRA," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told the Washington, D.C.-based publication last week.

Both Wyoming senators and the state's representative declined WyoFile's interview requests about the subject. In statements, though, they were upbeat about the likelihood of killing the almost-completed federal land-use plan during the second Trump administration.

"I am optimistic that with President Trump and a Republican majority in the House and Senate, we can reverse the disastrous Rock Springs RMP in 2025," Hageman said in emailed remarks.

Hageman also sponsored a bill to prohibit the BLM from implementing its land-use plan for a region that includes the Red Desert and portions of the lower Green River Basin. Although it's had success in the U.S. House, there hasn't been any action on the bill in the Senate, where Democrats have held a slim majority in the current Congress.

Lummis, meanwhile, said in a statement enacting the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan would be a "catastrophic blow" to Wyoming's economy.

"I have fought to stop this plan every step of the way and will work with President Trump to ensure the RMP is overturned," she said.

An emailed statement from Barrasso's office went further. BLM's plans for its Rock Springs region, plans for sage grouse across the imperiled birds' range, and the agency's proposal to end coal leasing in the Powder River Basin "must be rewritten," the senator said.

"I am confident that President Trump's Secretary of the Interior will make energy and mineral production on federal lands an urgent and top priority," Barrasso said.

Up until now

Dating to 1996, the Congressional Review Act has been successfully used 20 times to overturn federal rules, according to the bipartisan Congressional Research Service. The vast majority of the resolutions came about during the first Trump administration, when on 16 occasions it was employed to throw out Obama administration-era rules.

The act applies to "major," "nonmajor" and "interim" rules, and also some agency actions that are not subject to traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking. Ultimately, the U.S. Government Accountability Office is the arbiter of eligible rules, and in response to a 2017 inquiry from U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), that office deemed federal land use plans to be under the Congressional Review Act's purview. It wasn't used then, however.

"It's important to recognize that if this happens, this would be the first time that the CRA has been applied to a federal land-use plan," said Ronni Flannery, a senior staff attorney for The Wilderness Society.

One provision of the Congressional Review Act requires that agency rules be submitted to Congress for review. To the best of Flannery's knowledge, a federal land plan has never before been submitted under the act. If the 119th Congress takes action to overturn BLM's Rock Springs plan, she said, it would mark a new era of unpredictability in federal land-use planning.

"Regardless of how one feels about conservation of public lands, applying the CRA to a federal land use plan would create significant uncertainty and instability," Flannery said. "That wouldn't be good for anybody."

A congressional revocation could tie BLM's hands and prevent federal officials from restarting the planning process for the millions of acres of southwest Wyoming. The field office, which includes the interchanging federally and privately owned "checkerboard" region, spans from the Utah/Colorado state line north to the Big Sandy River and from Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and the Green River east to the Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area

"It bars the agency from issuing another rule that's 'substantially the same,'" Flannery said. "That's another thing that has people in knots and up at night, because the law doesn't define what that means."

The statute, Flannery pointed out, also prohibits judicial review, further complicating the picture if it is used to overturn land-use plans.

Regulatory whiplash

Rugwell, the former BLM-Wyoming State Director who now presides over the Public Lands Foundation, said that the last 25 years have been "pretty tough" for federal government employees who get pulled in a 180-degree change of direction when administrations flip politically.

"The employees are excellent, and they need to be respected and allowed to do their job," Rugwell said. "Federal employees are used to having new administrations come in and having them change their priorities."

But BLM staffers, she said, are less accustomed to the idea that everything done under the prior administration's leadership "must be bad and needs to be thrown away."

Leading the BLM-Wyoming office from 2016 to 2019, Rugwell tried and failed to update the Rock Springs Field Office's resource management plan - a planning document akin to zoning that currently dates to 1997. The version she pushed was "much more moderate" than what's currently on the table and lacked expansive and highly protective areas of critical environmental concern.

"Trump 1.0 wouldn't even let me put that one out," she said. "It was much less conservation-oriented than this one, and they thought it was too conservation-oriented."

Rugwell wasn't surprised that the ongoing plan update became such a lightning rod. At one point during 2023, the draft revision caused outright political hysteria.

"You've got to find good common ground with all your cooperators, including environmental groups, but also ... the state, with the governor, with the counties, so that when administrations change, there's not such a big target," she said.

The BLM is on pace to finalize the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan revision during the current administration and Congress. A 30-day period is underway that will allow the governor's office to appeal the plan, but the clock will run out on Dec. 17, according to BLM-Wyoming spokesman Micky Fisher.

BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning will then get to call the final shots.

"She will then be able to reply to that [appeal] before issuing a record of decision," Fisher said.

In an opinion piece published last week, the Bowhunters of Wyoming, Muley Fanatic Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trout Unlimited urged the BLM to finish the job.

"The RMP isn't perfect, yet we appreciate the enormous task the BLM undertook to review and respond to tens of thousands of comments," the groups wrote. "Failing to finalize this RMP would waste the years of hard work that the [Greater Little Mountain Coalition] and many others have invested in this planning effort. Further, it would mean that the current management plan, which dates to 1997, would remain in place for an unacceptably longer period of time."

The BLM faces tough choices on the Rock Springs RMP and other federal land-use decisions and rules, other agency watchdogs say.

"The administration ought to be thinking really strategically," Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar said. "Not only because it faces the possibility that its decisions will be struck down, but also because the Congressional Review Act states that there can never again be a substantially similar rule enacted by a future administration."

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
Recent sentencings from the US Attorney's Office District of Wyoming:

Injury or Depredation to U.S. Property

Sherette Joseph Lujan, 48, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release for injury or depredation to United States property. The court also ordered him to pay $2,304 in restitution. According to court documents, on June 15, the Riverton Police Department was dispatched to the Riverton Post Office for a report of a man breaking windows in the building with a metal object. Officers detained Lujan who claimed a group of gangsters were following him, so he attempted to barricade himself inside the Post Office and break the windows to scare them off. Lujan also admitted that he had done methamphetamine earlier in the night. Lujan was indicted on July 10, pleaded guilty on Sept. 3, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced him on Nov. 22, in Cheyenne. The U.S. Postal Service and Riverton Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case.

Child Pornography

Robert Lynn Harris, 56, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, with 10 years of supervised release to follow, for possession and access with intent to view child pornography, subsequent offense. The court also ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution. According to court documents, on May 13, Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) agents were contacted by U.S. Probation Agents related to a supervision confiscation of evidence resulting from a search conducted on Harris, a convicted sex offender with a lifetime term of supervised release. The agent had located child pornography on a micro-SD card belonging to the defendant. Harris was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, and was sentenced on Nov. 27, by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) ICAC Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Z. Seth Griswold.
4/13/1983 - 11/19/24

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kara Lynn Turklay Harper, who passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024, at the University of Utah Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 41 years old and a resident of Green River, Wyoming.

Born on April 13, 1983, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Kara was the daughter of Robin Martinez and Stephen Turklay, and she was also raised by her father, Dominic Martinez.

Kara's family moved to Green River, Wyoming, where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Green River High School and worked as a CNA for several years, caring for those in need. Over the years, Kara found her place in the restaurant industry, where she became known for her exceptional service and bright personality.

Kara was a strong-willed mother to four children-Brent Harper (23), Alexandrea Harper (22), James Harper (19), and Cayleb Phillips (13). She was also a proud grandmother to Sawyer Harper (1) and embraced the title of "Ga-Ga" with overflowing excitement.

Kara was a proud sibling to three brothers-Kevin Turklay, Corey Martinez, and Colton Martinez, - and her sister Britney Turklay. Her siblings were not only family but also her closest friends. Kara also adored and cherished her many cousins, nephews, and nieces and was always eager to be an active and loving part of their lives.

Kara had three great loves throughout her life. She met Robert Harper as a child, and they built a family together, marrying before divorcing (2007). Kara later fell in love with Joseph Phillips, a partner in crime and passion, but their relationship tragically ended with Joseph's passing in 2014.

Kara ultimately found her true soulmate, Kim Robinson. Together, they created a blended family, welcoming three more children into Kara's heart: Katy (24), Trey (19), and Tessa Robinson (17). The couple planned to marry in January 2025, though they were already united in spirit.

Kara's adventurous spirit was reflected in her life's journey. She was a "gypsy soul" who never stayed in one place for too long, always following her heart wherever it led. Her time spent in Arizona was a period of deep personal growth, where Kara found her independence and the strength, to return to Green River, where she continued to raise her family. Despite her constant moves, her commitment to her children was unwavering.

Kara had a deep love for animals, treating her home as a sanctuary for her pets, and her vibrant spirit was fueled by her passion for music, especially country. She was an avid karaoke enthusiast, always ready to belt out her favorite tunes. Outside, she found joy in nature, particularly near lakes where she could go tubing, camping, or take long drives down dirt roads. Her life was a perfect blend of adventure, music, and a profound connection to the animals and outdoors she cherished.

Kara was known for her charismatic personality, quick wit, and boundless energy. Fearless when speaking her minkd, she embraced spontaneity and adventure, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Kara's legacy of love, passion, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her, especially her children, grandson, fiance, family, and friends.

A celebration of Kara's life will be held at a later date.

Rest in peace, Kara. You will forever be loved, and your spirit will live on in the hearts of all lucky to know you.
Nomas Rene Redzepi Photo: Thibault Savary/AFP via Getty Images

We were barely a week into 2023 when a New York Times headline caught the restaurant-worlds attention: Noma, Rated the Worlds Best Restaurant, Is Closing Its Doors. Speaking with reporter Julia Moskin, Rene Redzepi said that he had come to the conclusion that the fine-dining business model is unsustainable and we have to completely rethink the industry. The restaurant, Redzepi said, would close for regular service at the end of 2024 and Noma would live on as a food lab with an e-commerce operation and periodic pop-ups. A flurry of takes followed: The Guardian wondered, Are we seeing the death of fine dining? Wired more emphatically declared it to be the end of fine dining. The Independent blamed the movie The Menu, in which Ralph Fiennes plays a murderous chef. But Fiennes, at least, can sleep easy, because we are now at the end of 2024 and Noma is open for business with no signs that it will close at all.

The first indicator that the end was not imminent may have come the same day the Times story was published, when Redzepi & Co. shared a plan on the restaurants website for regular pop-ups around the world and seasons in Copenhagen once theyve gathered enough new ideas and flavors. By March 2024, the chef explained to Bloomberg that Noma was going to pop up in Kyoto and would instead close in the spring of 2025. For real, the story emphasized. But in October, Redzepi was back on Bloomberg for another course correction: Noma will exist as a pop-up entity that will open once a year in Copenhagen or elsewhere on earth. And so it went that last month, Noma released and immediately sold out of tickets for its next menu, Ocean Season 2025, which will run January 21 to June 27. This is not typically what a restaurant does when it closes.

A rep for Noma says the plan is to still evolve into a new type of restaurant organization that will operate as a pop-up entity and so on. Aside from the autumn pop-up in Kyoto and the shift in timing, we are working toward an evolution of Noma with much of this transformation already being under way, the rep writes. That is, at best, an interesting interpretation of closing.

What happened? One going theory is that Nomas shuttering was always a deflection. Not long before the Times story was published, the pandemics culinary revolt had brought scrutiny to the restaurants treatment of stagiaires  stages, pronounced the French way  the unpaid kitchen interns, as well as foreign workers tied to workplace-specific visas. Writing in the Financial Times, Imogen West-Knights reported that Nomas stages, on which the restaurant depended to assemble its intricate, labor-intensive food, were misled about their hours and the type of work theyd be doing. While that story was being reported, Noma announced that it would start paying its stages for the first time, having previously only offered experience and the chance to glean a bit of the restaurants reputation on their resumes. (It cost Noma $50,000 a month, the Times later reported, to pay its interns.)

Shortly after the Financial Times report, the Danish weekly Weekendavisen published an article, by Jeppe Bentzen, about the ways that Noma and other restaurants run by its alums were violating Danish labor law for foreigners on work visas. The businesses are required to pay workers from outside the European Union a minimum salary, which at the start of 2024 was 487,000 Danish krone, or about $69,000. As Bentzen noted in his story, this is much higher than what Danish cooks are paid, and many restaurants cant afford these salaries. But these restaurants were using accounting tricks like deducting the cost of meals, he reported, from the workers salaries to pay them less than they were legally owed. At Nomas now-closed sister restaurant, Restaurant 108, Bentzen reported that several employees had 5,000 Danish krone, or $705, a month deducted from their pay every month. More details about the workplace came out in the Times story, including one former stage who said that shed spent her three months at Noma only making beetles out of fruit leather and was forbidden from laughing.

People on both sides of the Atlantic express their doubts that Noma was ever going to close at all. One New York chef who staged there said  sarcastically  it was bullshit to create hype. A different chef says that his well-connected friends in Copenhagen tell him its never gonna close, but agreed to be quoted only as long as nothing led back to him. They probably have hit men, he joked. Yet another defended Redzepi spiritedly, but would only do so off the record. Most didnt want to chat. (Moskin declined to talk about the reporting process, but acknowledged that getting people to go on the record about Noma with anything but full-throated praise is so much work, every time.) Some speculate that Redzepi was planning to shut down his shrine to sea buckthorn because he was feeling the pressure, or that he panicked about the negative press and public outrage surrounding the restaurants labor practices. But then, one observer said, nothing happened with the charges.

Of course, plenty else has happened since. This summer, Apple TV+ premiered Redzepis show, Omnivore, and Noma launched its e-commerce operation, which includes a Taste Buds Membership, a $680 subscription that promises early access to products from Nomas test kitchen. The organizers of the Heartland Festival have hosted conversations at the restaurant, including one between Jeremy Strong and Karl Knausgard. Right now, Redzepi and his team are in Japan for their pop-up; later this month, theyll return home to prepare for next years menu. Even if its only open for the first half of the year, its still open. It also means fewer dinners, which naturally increases the restaurants exclusivity, at least until the next menu is inevitably announced.

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Huawei nova 13 and nova 13 Pro are getting their global launch next week

Huawei made the nova 13 and nova 13 Pro official for the Chinese market back in October, and now it looks like the duo is ready to make its international debut. In fact, that could happen at the Dubai event on December 12, where the Mate X6 is also going global.

This comes straight from Huawei itself. Today the brand has been talking about both the nova 13 and the nova 13 Pro through its official X account for international markets, and the posts have the same hashtag as those teasing the Mate X6's international debut, so it looks like a done deal at this point.

As you can see in the posts embedded above and below this paragraph, Huawei says the nova 13 "elegantly merges bold, tech-inspired sophistication with a contemporary flair", whatever that means, while the nova 13 Pro comes with "a Flawless Quad-curved Display and a striking Dynamic Plaid Texture Design". Sure, why not.

Curves, texture, and stylediscover the perfect harmony with the #HUAWEInova13 Pro, featuring a Flawless Quad-curved Display and a striking Dynamic Plaid Texture Design. #HuaweiLaunch #FashionForward #SuperSelfieSuperPattern pic.twitter.com/oWEfXsRSxD  Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) December 4, 2024

The nova 13 has a 6.7-inch 1084x2412 120 Hz OLED touchscreen, a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP ultrawide, a 60 MP selfie snapper, 256GB/512GB/1TB of storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 5W reverse wired charging.

The Pro on the other hand brings a 6.76-inch 1224x2776 120 Hz LTPO OLED touchscreen, a 50 MP main camera with OIS and variable aperture, a 12 MP telephoto with OIS, and an 8 MP ultrawide. The rest of the specs are identical between the two, at least for their Chinese versions.
Samsung's One UI 7 will arrive much later than anticipated, as the company promises to bring its latest UI in early 2025. But before the final release, the company is launching its beta program today and highlighting some new features.

Of course, Samsung begins by highlighting the new AI capabilities, including writing assist tools that help you write and format text more easily. The AI assistant can also summarize text, check spelling and grammar, and format notes into comprehensive bullet points.

One of the AI functionalities includes call transcripts, similar to Google Pixel's call transcribe feature.

Another big change is the design. Samsung went for a more simplified look and functionality. The new Now Bar is a product of that. It houses relevant activities from apps like Interpreter, Music, Recording, Stopwatch, etc., to de-clutter your lock screen appearance. This way, you get instant access to the most important notifications and actions on the home screen, so you don't have to unlock your phone as much.



New lock screen

The camera UI gets some love too. Camera buttons, controls and modes are reorganized for easier access. The viewfinder has been revamped as well, and it should provide a better preview of the stills and videos you shoot.

The One UI 7 Beta program kicks off on December 5, 2024, and starts with the Galaxy S24 series in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK and the US. As usual, users can apply to join the beta program through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung phones will soon let you access Google's Gemini in a new way, according to a teardown of the latest Google app for Android. This has revealed some code strings that clearly hint at the possibility to invoke Gemini with a long-press of the power button.

So far, you could only use this gesture to invoke Bixby or the power off menu, but it looks like Gemini will get in on the action as well, becoming another option.

This is interesting given how much Samsung has pushed Bixby over the years, despite its assistant never living up to the Google Assistant in terms of 'smarts' (while still being quite useful for specific tasks itself).

With this move, it looks like Samsung is ready to cede some of Bixby's real estate to Google, even though we assume the switch to invoking Gemini with a long-press of the power button will not be the default.

The code strings that have revealed this move are very specifically targeted at Samsung devices, and you will be informed that you can "hold down the Side button to talk to Gemini" once you go through Gemini's setup wizard ("Side button" is what Samsung likes to call the power button).

It's unclear when this will actually launch, but the imminent release of the One UI 7 beta based on Android 15 seems like a good time as any to have this feature make its debut.

Source
After 27 years in operation, Pacific Lighthouse Restaurant II at Chamorro Village in Hagatna is officially up for sale.

Thats according to owner Jung Suk Kim, who said his hope is to have the establishment sold off by years end.

Very busy, business is good, but we are too old, said Kim, 79, who runs the restaurant along with his wife, Young Jay Oh, 70.

Referred to by regulars simply as Lighthouse, the restaurant has been popular for decades for its deep fried whole local fish, sashimi, beef bulgogi and grilled galbi.

Oh does all the cooking back in the kitchen, while Kim works as server, busboy, and, when needed, security.

The couple runs the whole restaurant by themselves, and they were occupied Wednesday morning with preparations for the lunch rush, which Kim said is their busiest time of the day.

Their current restaurant at Chamorro Village is actually the second Lighthouse. The original was located across the street, closer to where the Gregorio D. Perez Marina now is, and had a different owner.

Back in 1997, Oh was working at the old restaurant, while Kim worked as the general manager at Ladera Towers, according to Kim.

When Typhoon Paka struck that year, the old restaurant was destroyed, and the previous owner asked Oh if she wanted to buy out the business, Kim said.

She did, and Kim came on full-time to help her run the business five years later, after Typhoon Pongsona smashed the island.

Kim said he used to be the food and beverage manager for high-end hotels around Seoul, South Korea in the 1970s, and in the 1980s managed all the restaurants at LG Twin Tower, the headquarters of Korean electronics giant LG Corporation.

Running the Lighthouse restaurant was easy, after that, Kim said, but it was Ohs cooking that has kept customers coming back over the years.

My wife is very good, he said. Our regular customers ask us, Let me know, please, how do (you cook) this kimchi, this galbi, this bulgogi.

He tells them, I am only security.

Even with the same recipe, theres something about Ohs cooking that others cant get right, according to Kim.

We dont know. Same recipe, and (they) cannot make the same flavor, he said.

Kim said seeing how much customers enjoyed Ohs cooking over the years was his favorite part of running the restaurant.

And theyve been fortunate, according to Kim, as theyve lasted through many struggles that have shuttered other businesses.

Even through the lean years of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers kept coming back, and after Typhoon Mawar last year, their concrete building was hardly damaged, he said.

But Kim said despite good business, he and Oh are old now and ready to retire.

One person has already come forward with interest in buying Lighthouse, he said.

Kim said he and Oh have no plans for retirement, only rest.

But he said he will keep up his one hobby: running.

With a bundle of race medals hanging on the wall, the near-octogenarian still gets out to run as much as he can.

Every morning, 5K, Kim said. Every morning, every week, Saturday or Sunday.
Opening a Pandoras box is how Attorney General Douglas Moylan responded to Department of Corrections Director Fred Bordallo Jr.s proposal to release as many as 250 pre-trial detainees now held at DOC.

The AG is opposed to the proposal.

Our client, who is the people of Guam, and our crime victims will strongly object if any attempt is made in our cases, Moylan said in a brief response.

Bordallo sent a letter to Moylan on Oct. 21, inviting him to a meeting and a tour of the Mangilao prison facility so that he can see the conditions first hand.

But Moylan said the Office of the Attorney General met internally on the letter and has an invite to the DOC chief for this Friday.

The DOC director cited severe overcrowding at the prison for his proposal to release almost half of the pre-trial detainees housed at the Mangilao adult correctional facility and at the Hagatna lock-up. DOC also has limited resources.

Bordallo on Tuesday said DOC has 534 pre-trial detainees, which he considers a large number. He said DOC needs to knock that number down to 250, which is more manageable.

During a legislative oversight hearing in September, DOC officials said there were nearly 1,000 inmates in both the Mangilao and Hagatna facilities, half of them on pre-trial status or those who have been temporarily held until they can be tried in a court. The facilities were designed for only about 300.

The DOC director said those to be released would be non-violent crime defendants, and proposes to work with the AG, the Guam Police Department and the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center to identify detainees who can benefit from behavioral assistance.

Bordallo said he met with the administration, judiciary and legislative officials on the plan, but has not yet met with Moylan or anyone from the Office of the Attorney General.
The U.S. will continue to aid Taiwans defense and ability to protect itself against coercion, an official from the American Institute in Taiwan, AIT, said on Guam Thursday.

AIT Washington office managing director Ingrid Larson made the comments at a luncheon Thursday afternoon at Hyatt Regency Guam, honoring the stopover of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

The luncheon organized by the Taipei Economic Cultural Office, TECO, in Guam was well attended by public officials from Guam, including Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Speaker Therese Terlaje, Associate Justice F. Phillip Carbullido, various senators and village mayors, as well as Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Arnold Palacios.

So commensurate is the threat faced, the United States will continue to help Taiwan bolster its self-defense capabilities, as framed by the Taiwan Relations Act, Larson told the crowd of local and visiting dignitaries.

AIT is a nonprofit largely funded by the U.S. Department of State, which serves as a liaison for the U.S. in its unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Lais stopovers on Guam and Hawaii as part of his visits to Pacific allies  the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau  has drawn criticism from the Peoples Republic of China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and pressures other countries not to recognize the island nations independence.

Past war games and a recent study commissioned by the U.S. Air Force have flagged Guam as a likely target should a U.S.-China conflict erupt over Taiwan.

Larson Thursday stressed that while the U.S. anticipates a new presidential administration, the north star of administrations for over 40 years has been preserving that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Peace and stability are critical to regional and global security, she said.

Larson said the U.S. applauds the Lai administrations efforts to continue reinforcing Taiwans self defense capability through reform and resource investment.

She said the longstanding, unofficial, U.S.-Taiwan relationship has been focused on democracy, security, and prosperity.

The U.S. late last month signed off on $385 million in new weapons sales to Taiwan, Reuters reports, while another $2 billion deal was approved in October, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in November said the diversion of U.S. weapons and defensive systems to Ukraine and the Middle East has diverted resources from the Indo-Pacific.

I believe that going forward, Taiwan and the United States will only further enhance our great relations, Lai told the crowd, speaking through a translator. Together, we are good partners in defending democracy, freedom and prosperity for both sides.

Democracy has given us a good way of life, and our life is diverse, he said. We have the precious freedom and creativity that allows Taiwan to develop its economy and also our shared values, including democracy, have allowed Taiwan to make friends with Guam, Hawaii, the United States and the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu."

Lai said he and the governor of Guam, Leon Guerrero, both with medical backgrounds, made a joint commitment to better the wellbeing of their peoples.

He also stressed Taiwans production of 90% of the worlds advanced chips, which it wished to leverage to strengthen economic development and increase prosperity in the world.

We look forward to many more exchanges between our islands, sharing knowledge, culture, opportunities, traditions," the Guam governor said.

The CNMI governor, Palacios, also said he would continue to support Taiwan.

"We look forward to an enduring relationship, despite the geopolitical environment that we now live in," he said.
University of Guam students have devised a new way to divide funds between village mayor offices thats meant to be fairer for villages big and small.

The proposal, drafted by UOG public administration class PA-480 students, was shown to the Mayors Council of Guam on Wednesday and received some initial excitement from mayors.

Currently, each of Guams 19 villages gets a flat $20,000 each year, while the remaining Mayors Council funding gets divvied up based on road mileage.

Sen. Joanne Brown, at a May budget hearing for the Mayors Council, calculated that the funding scheme has the highest populated village of Dededo getting just $10.45 per resident, compared to $473.02 per person in the least populated village of Humatak.

The longstanding issue often has mayors of highly-populated villages arguing theyre underfunded, while mayors of lower-populated villages worry about their funding getting slashed if money is divided based on number of villagers.

UOG students on Wednesday presented an alternative method that would use different formulas to decide how much cash each village gets, based on its needs.

The system was devised following interviews with various mayors and vice mayors about their priorities, according to Mark Torre, one of the students involved in the project.

Torre said the new scheme accounts for everything mayors have to spend on, from personnel and utilities to fuel and bush cutter repair.

Different areas of spending would be tied to different taxes levied by the government, according to Jason Young, another student involved in the project.

Young presented a sample of what two villages, Dededo and Sinajana, might see for their fiscal 2026 budget under the new funding scheme.

Dededo had 44,908 residents as of the 2020 census, compared to just 2,611 for Sinajana.

Both villages would get the same amount of $250,000 for their general operations, personnel, and utilities, based on a fixed 5% of a potential $5 million in real property tax revenue, based on the sample.

But money for public safety, education, and prevention programs would be based on how many residents each village has, and draw down from alcohol and tobacco taxes.

The result would be Dededo getting $159,336.33 for public safety, education, and prevention, more than four times the $34,049.75 Sinajana gets.

Money for public recreation facilities would also be tied to population numbers, under the proposed scheme, while funding for parks and historic site maintenance would be tied to the number of parks and sites in each village.

Finally, money for tasks like garbage and vehicle removal would be tied to the amount of road mileage each village has.

The final result would see Dededo getting a total budget of $631,438.28 for fiscal 2026, versus $430,979.58 for Sinajana, if adopted.

Young said the whole calculation process would be fixed and transparent, and subject to feedback from mayors at each step of the way.

It would free up mayors to handle their responsibilities and spend less time going through the motions and arguing, Young said.

Presenters gave each mayor a hard copy of the proposal to look over themselves.

Mayors Council President and Piti Mayor Jesse Alig said he could see how the calculations for Dededo and Sinajana could be justified.

Alig thanked the students for the work they put in.

This has given us a better way forward, I think, he said.

The possibility of dividing village funding up based on population, instead of road mileage, is often raised when mayors hammer out their annual budgets. It has been voted down every time so far.




Haiti - UNESCO : Cassava inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity





The Ministry of Culture informs that "the Know-how and traditional practices related to the production and consumption of Cassava" were the subject of a multinational inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asuncion, Paraguay.



The Ministry emphasizes that this inscription is the result of cooperation between Cuba, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Haiti.



It should be remembered that Cassava is a flatbread made from cassava, a tuber that is widespread in these four countries and is rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Varied in size and thickness, it is made from a bitter or sweet variety. It is integrated into meals and can be eaten alone.



The Permanent Delegation of Haiti to UNESCO is delighted, on behalf of the Haitian Government and people. This is the first multinational inscription involving Haiti and the second element of Haitian cultural heritage to be included in this prestigious UNESCO list after the giraumon soup https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35500-haiti-culture-the-soup-joumou-on-the-list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity.html



A legacy of the Arawaks/Tainos, the first inhabitants of Haiti, bequeathed to our African ancestors, Cassave, consumed today in all four corners of the country, is becoming a true culinary tradition. Whether it is sweet in the North, spicy in the bobori of Grande Anse, fine in Saint Marc, Cassave has nourished the Haitian people since the founding of the Nation and perpetuates a set of ancestral agricultural and industrial know-how.



Beyond its gastronomic qualities, Cassave is a powerful symbol of resistance. It reflects the struggle of indigenous peoples and descendants of slaves from Africa against the oppression of colonialism. As a product from Amerindian traditions, it embodies the survival of a heritage that has resisted colonial forces.



The Permanent Delegation of Haiti joins its voice with that of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to thank the National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, the UNESCO Chair in History and Heritage of the University of Etal dHaiti (UEM), the National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE). The students and researchers of the UEH who carried out the inventories, the photographers and videographers who contributed to the assembly of the file, the experts who ensured the writing of the technical sheet and its translation, as well as all the associations and popular organizations that supported this process.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Cap-Haitien : The USA expels 70 Haitians despite insecurity in Haiti





Despite the growing insecurity problem in Haiti due to the increasing criminal activities of armed gangs, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 70 Haitian citizens to the city of Cap Haitien on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.



In addition, the Dominican Republic continues to deport Haitians in an irregular migratory situation. Dominican migration has deported 71,124 Haitians since October 2nd, 2024, when President Luis Abinader announced his intention to expel up to 10,000 Haitians in irregular migration situations each week https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43778-icihaiti-dominican-republic-more-than-500-000-haitians-expelled-in-2-years.html



On the other hand, thousands of Haitians fleeing violence in Port-au-Prince have sought refuge in Cap-Haitien. A situation that has prompted Yvrose Pierre, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien to ask the Government to declare a state of emergency in the city of Cap-Haitien, whose territory is approximately 53 km2. "For me, the central government must declare a state of emergency for Cap-Haitien. It cannot be only for Port-au-Prince."



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















(CNBC) Amazon founder Jeff Bezos spoke optimistically of President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday at The New York Times DealBook Summit, saying he expects a more friendly regulatory environment in the upcoming administration. Im actually very optimistic this time around, Bezos said on stage. He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation.

To read this article:
Not only in the European Union, but also in the former EU member Great Britain, Apple is facing a rough wind because of its app store business policy. In the United Kingdom, a lawsuit is currently being brought by British app developers who are accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior due to the amount of commission it charges on app and in-app purchases and are demanding compensation.

Anzeige

This action has now been admitted for further hearing by a British competition court, the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Apple had lodged an appeal against this, but this was rejected, as reported by the US financial news agency Bloomberg. If the plaintiffs prevail in the proceedings, it could be expensive for Apple. According to the report, a claim for damages totaling 785 million British pounds is on the table. This is the equivalent of around 945 million euros.

13,000 developers affected

Specifically, it is about the 15 to 30 percent commission that developers have to pay to Apple for each app or in-app sale. While this was initially set at a flat rate of 30 percent, Apple lowered the fee for proven small, low-turnover developers after criticism became increasingly loud. The lawsuit covers a period beginning in July 2017 and involves around 13,000 affected developers, each of whom is to receive an average of 60,000 pounds, according to the statement of claim.

While Apple's business practices are the subject of lawsuits in the USA and now in the UK, the iPhone manufacturer and its App Store are subject to far-reaching legal regulation in the European Union. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) stipulates that Apple must enable alternative marketplaces for apps and so-called sideloading of websites in Germany, among other countries. Apple sees this as a major security risk.

Proceedings with a signal effect

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The plaintiff in the UK is Prof. Sean Ennis, who has already been heard on Apple's business policy by the EU Commission and the US Department of Justice. The lawsuit is supported by Harbour Litigation Funding, a professional litigation funder from the UK, which finances legal disputes such as the current one and receives a share of the compensation if it is successful.

Apple did not comment on the lawsuit to Bloomberg. The outcome is expected to have a signal effect that could also have an impact on other countries where Apple has been criticized for its business practices.

(mki)
With the British cloud provider Beeks, Broadcom has lost another major VMware customer, as reported by the IT specialist service The Register. Following a tenfold price increase, Beeks switched to the open source alternative OpenNebula. The service provider operates in 30 data centers and runs more than 3,000 servers and 20,000 virtual machines. Other reasons for the switch were a lack of innovation and poor support quality, Head of Product Management Matthew Cretney told The Register.

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Some of Beeks' customers preferred physical servers for lower latency and greater isolation over VMs, according to the report. Because the company doesn't want to use two programs, it needs software that can manage both virtual machines and physical servers. vSphere is unsuitable for this task, as it only supports virtual machines. To switch to OpenNebula, Beeks had to implement new interfaces and its own resource measurement tool, but was able to triple the efficiency of the virtual machines.

Stable sales despite customer losses

Since the takeover of VMware by Broadcom, numerous customers have been considering a switch. Small and medium-sized companies in particular cannot afford the price increases. Broadcom introduced the "Enterprise Plus" subscription for them in October in order to deter them from switching. Despite critical voices and customer losses, the takeover seems to have paid off for Broadcom. In the third quarter, the company recorded a 47 percent increase in turnover with the influence of VMware.

The CEO of OpenNebula, Ignacio Llorente, told Ars Technica that several well-known organizations had switched from VMware to the open source solution. OpenNebula can be used to manage private and public cloud infrastructures. The tool prefers KVM hypervisors, but also supports Xen, VMWare and Amazon's microVMs Firecracker.

(sfe)
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, an award-winning landmark hotel in the heart of California's Central Coast, opens a new chapter with the debut of its brand new spa and wellness concept, Lavender Barn, an Auberge Spa. Inspired by the aromatic flowers, deep roots, rich soil and twilight skies of Los Olivos, it combines age-old remedies and bodywork with the essence of slow wellness. Lavender Barn is a sanctuary where social enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike can explore new modalities, elevate their spirits, reconnect with nature or simply unwind. The spa will feature a calendar of visiting practitioners, ranging from yoga and meditation to local healers and regional wellness experts. Integrating the essence and vitality of Los Olivos into its body therapies, immersive treatments and wellness workshops, Lavender Barn is set to become California's premier destination for wellbeing.

"Lavender Barn was conceptualized for guests seeking an escape from exhaustion, offering a space surrounded by the soothing embrace of aromatic lavender. Here, slow and gentle well-being provides the perfect environment to savor life," said Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, global vice president of wellbeing, Auberge Resorts Collection. "This unhurried, pleasurable approach invites deep relaxation, helping guests indulge in leisurely moments of rest by utilizing wellbeing techniques such as the Trager Approach, auricular therapy and traditional balneotherapy."

Lavender Barn harmoniously blends rustic elegance with modern luxury, embracing a design that is both charming and timeless. Developed by the acclaimed interior design firm AvroKO, this transformative retreat celebrates the region's rich heritage and natural beauty. Signature elements, including burnt wood finishes and barn-style thermal areas, evoke an atmosphere of refined tranquility, further enhanced by accents of locally sourced walnut, cork and metal from Santa Ynez Valley-based artisans.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the soothing scent of lavender and invited to explore a curated boutique, featuring a selection of locally sourced all-natural perfumes, oils and butters, complemented by luxury skincare products from Biologique Recherche, and Santa Ynez exclusives, Monastery and Oak Essentials. Every guest is escorted to a well-appointed changing room and private locker, thoughtfully outfitted with a range of organic amenities. The experience continues with a signature Thermal Journey, a revitalizing cleanse designed to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit using a combination of water, heat and steam. The Thermal Journey includes an Oak Wood Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam Room, Cold Plunge and a Vitality Pool. Afterwards, guests can retreat to The Relaxation Room, a peaceful space where they can restore their bodies back to normal temperature while enjoying natural snacks and aromatic sips in front of the cozy fireplace.

The spa boasts five nature-inspired treatment rooms and one couples suite, each designed to provide a tranquil environment for transformative therapies. For those seeking an al fresco experience, The Porch offers an intimate outdoor retreat, complete with rows of lavender beautifully hung against the wooden spa exterior.

Lavender Barn's signature treatments provide guests with unparalleled and immersive experiences, expertly crafted for those seeking renewal and deep connection. The Slow Wellness Ritual is a journey of deep relaxation and mental clarity, crafted to soothe both body and mind. Enveloped in the calming aromas of local lavender, guests begin their journey with gold ear seed therapy for balance and inner healing. Followed by a blissful grounding ritual, honoring the feet with a botanical exfoliation and foot reflexology massage. For radiant skin health, the Slow Beauty Facial incorporates stone massage tools inspired by the ancient Chinese Gua Sha technique, delivering a rejuvenating and sculpting effect. This five-step facial treatment resurfaces the skin with nourishing enzyme exfoliation, refines pores through cleansing and extraction, and boosts circulation and skin tone with collagen-shaping massage. On The Porch, the spa's outdoor sanctuary, guests can experience the spa's signature tubs. This locally inspired therapy hydrates the skin with a botanical soak in water troughs, nodding to the destination's cowboy culture, and is perfect for couples, groups and small events. These bespoke services embody the essence of Lavender Barn, merging nature's gifts with expert techniques to provide a one-of-a-kind spa experience. Treatments harness the power of nature-inspired products sourced and produced by our neighbors, like local favorites Lavande, farmed and crafted in the Santa Ynez Valley, and Coastal Grown Apothecary, a boutique brand based in Santa Barbara.

Guests can discover intentional wellness through a thoughtfully curated selection of classes, retreats and workshops led by local practitioners. This includes a monthly residency with Santa-Barbara-based healing center Palma Colectiva, featuring unique experiences like the Full Moon Ritual. Additionally, expert-led sessions in breathwork, reiki, sound healing and intention-setting will be offered by wellness experts from the Santa Ynez Valley and Ojai. Lavender Barn's creative programming and bespoke spa menu nourish both body and soul, balancing the extraordinary and the every day while honoring the timeless charm and essence of Los Olivos.

Hotel website
voco Hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium portfolio, has announced the opening of voco Jeddah Gate. Situated in one of the most sought-after lifestyle destinations, voco Jeddah Gate is just 25 minutes drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport and close to the main railroad connecting Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah to Jeddah, making it an ideal base for business, leisure and religious tourists.

Featuring 706 contemporary guestrooms, blending modern comfort with premium amenities and the warmth of the voco brand, voco Jeddah Gate occupies a central location in the Fayhaa District just minutes from the iconic Jeddah Corniche. Designed for discerning travellers, each room offers sleek interiors, ergonomic furnishings, and cosy bedding, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV technology. Every detail, from the soothing decor to the intuitive layout, has been considered to enhance guest stays, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience at voco Jeddah Gate.

At the heart of voco Jeddah Gate is an extraordinary collection of event spaces designed to inspire and impress. With one of the largest capacities in the city, the hotel offers 17 modular meeting rooms and a grand ballroom for up to 700 guests, perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Each space blends sophisticated style with seamless functionality, ensuring that every event - whether a wedding, corporate affair, or banquet - feels effortless yet extraordinary.

The hotel's elevated hospitality proposition also includes six diverse dining venues, from the rich flavors of Arabic, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisines at Mayara all-day-dining restaurant to the relaxed Ora Lobby Lounge and Azura Pool Cafe. For a well-deserved 'me-time' voco Jeddah Gate's health club offers a range of facilities designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate including a 20-meter outdoor swimming pool, an exclusive indoor pool for women, a massage and beauty salon, and a kids club. These marvellous facilities offer ample reasons for guests to choose voco Jeddah Gate as the perfect destination for business, relaxation, and memorable family getaways.

Hotel website
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Co., a public listed company in Saudi Arabia, for two new hotels in the Islamic World District (IWD) within the holy city of Al Madinah.

The agreement will bring 1,057 rooms to Al Madinah, advancing KEC's pivotal role in transforming the city into a world-class destination via enhanced infrastructure, particularly in religious and cultural experiences.

The Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah is a transformative project aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and economy. A key component is the Islamic World District (IWD), a mixed-use development focusing on world-class hospitality for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The district will offer a seamless experience for guests, combining hotels, residential areas, commercial spaces, and cultural attractions. By leveraging its strategic location near the Prophet's Mosque and Al-Haramain High-Speed Railway, the IWD is set to become a major hub for visitors and residents alike, contributing to the Holy Cit's growth and development.

The 552-keys Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC and 505-keys Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC are scheduled to open in January 2029 in KEC's cluster 01, a prime slot directly at the entrance of the Islamic World District (IWD) and parallel to the Haramain train station. Featuring contemporary Najdi architectural style that blends modern design with Islamic cultural influences, both hotels will serve as the primary gateway to Madinah for international travelers arriving by air or rail.

The Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC will feature a large All-Day-Dining outlet and an open lobby lounge making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers, while the Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC, will provide a more streamlined experience with accessible and comfortable accommodations aimed at religious pilgrims and value-conscious travelers.

Guests of both hotels will benefit from IHG's best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, giving them richer benefits that can be availed on IHG's new mobile app. The benefits range from suite upgrades and annual lounge memberships to extended check-outs, and much more, depending on the chosen benefit level.

IHG currently operates 43 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, voco, and Six Senses, with 44 properties planned in the pipeline or already under development.
Cycas Hospitality, the leading European hotel management company, has announced the appointment of a new general manager, Tonio Logiudice, to one of the hospitality company's flagship properties, 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord . The appointment comes as part of Cycas Hospitality's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to guests across key European regions.

Originally from Italy, Tonio has held pivotal roles at prestigious 4- & 5-star hotels boutique hotels and resorts in Italy, Germany, Canada and France with renowned brands such as Disney, Sofitel, Marriott, Vienna House, Timhotel and B&B Hotels.

Tonio's extensive background leading teams across high-end resorts in Europe has equipped him with a keen understanding of luxury service and a talent for enhancing guest experiences. Known for his appreciation of art and his passion for cultural immersion, Tonio's multilingual skills and love for human connections have been instrumental in his success to date."

For over 15 years in the hotel industry, I have spent a large part of my career as a General and F&B manager in various locations such as Sardinia, the Dolomites and Paris. I have had the opportunity to work in hotels of different categories: large-capacity conference hotels, as well as ocean-front boutique hotels. Customer satisfaction, meeting their expectations and anticipating their needs, energising and building team loyalty are my driving forces.

From our location vibrant 10eme arrondissement of the French capital, 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord's public spaces and rooms are inspired by the colourful district and its cosmopolitan inhabitants. Joining the team is an opportunity for me to embrace the brand's philosophy of unique, story-driven experiences and establish the hotel and its F&B outlets, NENI and Sape Bar, as the true social hub of this unique district."
Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe connects the cruise interiors supply chain with Europe's most esteemed cruise lines, designers, and shipyards working on major refurbishment and newbuild projects.

Returning to ExCel London on 4 - 5 December 2024, the exhibition and conference presents interior design within the cruise industry and provides a unique focus on on Europe's luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruise market. The innovation and creativity of the industry is showcased across the two-day event through the expertly curated schedule of content and over 200 exhibiting design studios, outfitters, and interior suppliers.Experience a host of fantastic networking events such as the Opening Party, After Hours, and the co-located CSI Awards, each providing unrivalled opportunities to connect with key decision-makers and build valuable new relationships within the industry.

Head over to the website to find out how you can get involved in this one-of-a-kind event.

Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe 2024 takes place from 4 - 5 December 2024 at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL, UK.
The majority of hospitality workers believe there is a stigma around mental health across the industry. But self-care and therapy isnt enough to solve the issue when 51% of hospitality workers say their job is stress-inducing most or all of the time.

In the restaurant industry theres a big macho sort of persona that whatever restaurant youre working in you have to adapt to that. You have to look happy because if you dont, then that affects the people around you [...] so even when your life is in shambles, nobody can know that, said Charles Ford, general manager at S.K.Y. Chicago, in the Wall Street Journal.

There is also an industry-wide gap in leadership knowledge on how to best support the well-being of these workers. All of these factors come to a head during the holiday season. Mind Share Partners and CHOW teamed up on this article to bring awareness to the ongoing mental health challenges in the food/beverage/hospitality industry, and what employers can do to help.

Challenges that hospitality workers are facing

The food/beverage/hospitality industry has a long standing history of disincentivizing self- care, glamorizing a hustle and grind culture, and allowing unorthodox schedules and operational hours.

I know every job has its ups and downs, but working in a hotel is like playing a game of Jenga, except instead of blocks, the pieces are your sanity, shared Nathan Chen, a former hotel worker, on Medium.

Always taking care of others as a core part of your job role, with little time to take care of yourself, is a recipe for burnout. So its no surprise that the industry experiences disproportionate rates of mental health struggles.

New research from this year points to work-life balance, high expectations or workload, and long hours as the top factors that are negatively impacting hospitality workers well-being. For example, in the restaurant industry 74% of chefs report they are sleep deprived to the point of exhaustion, and more than half feel pushed to the breaking point. There is also a lack of job security industry-wide, which can lead to or exacerbate existing mental health challenges.

Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health also paint a concerning picture, reporting that employees of restaurants and hotelsthe two largest branches of the hospitality industryhave the highest rates of substance abuse in the American workforce. There is also a lack of regulatory bodies across independently owned establishments, making it difficult for workers in the industry to ask for help. Roughly 6 in 10 hospitality professionals report they are too afraid to tell their employer that theyre struggling with mental health challenges.

Most hotels and restaurants are facing industry-wide staffing shortages, as workers seek more sustainable working environments, and a greater work-life balance.

Read the full article at Forbes
Singapore - Hotelogix, a globally leading cloud-based hospitality technology provider, said that Araw Hospitality Group in the Philippines has migrated to its Hotel Property Management System (Hotel PMS) with multi-property management features to efficiently and centrally manage its group-wide operations. The management at the Philippines-based hospitality entity also aims to realize its future expansion plans by adding new properties on the comprehensive technology platform provided by Hotelogix.

Araw Hospitality Group, a Filipino-owned hospitality powerhouse redefining travel experiences with unique, vibrant concepts that center around guest engagement. Led by Jean Henri Lhuillier, a world traveler with a penchant for extraordinary experiences, our portfolio of luxury hotels, wellness resorts, boutique hotels, fine dining establishments, and beachfront resorts marries international flair with the warmth of Filipino hospitality. With a portfolio of over ten properties, including brands like Lihim Resorts in El Nido, Nawa Wellness, One Hagdan Villas, Bacau Bay Resort Coron, UNWND Boutique Hotels, and Araw Residences, the group aims to showcase the rich tapestry of local culture, arts, and flavors.

Before adopting Hotelogix, Araw Hospitality Group relied on disparate solutions to manage daily operations across its properties. While these solutions were effective in streamlining processes at the property-level, they presented a challenge when it came to overseeing the entire group from the head office. This decentralized approach hindered the managements ability to maintain centralized control, leading to potential operational errors, inefficiencies and delays in decision-making.

Our concern was to centrally manage the whole group to maintain brand standards across our portfolio, as this is imperative for us to ensure seamless operations, improved capabilities, enhanced clarity, and quicker and informed decision-making to serve our guests better. Hotelogix was our natural choice as it fulfilled all our criteria. Vincent Fajarda, Group Director of Marketing at Araw Hospitality Group

Fajarda said, With Hotelogix, we can centrally access guest profiles and group-wide reports. Plus, we can manage revenue, travel agents, and corporate profiles and ensure real-time OTA distribution for all ten properties from our head office. This level of efficiency and flexibility is crucial for us to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive Filipino hospitality landscape. With this, we now have one of the most robust solutions to realize our expansion goals.

Sivaprasad Gangadharan, Chief Sales Officer at Hotelogix, expressed enthusiasm about the growing number of hotels in the Philippines transitioning to the cloud to enhance their competitiveness and future readiness. It's exciting to see a brand like Araw Hospitality Group migrating to Hotelogix and joining our expanding client base in the Philippines. They possess a clear vision for their growth, and we're committed to providing the technological support they need to unlock their full business potential.

About Hotelogix

Hotelogix is a globally leading cloud-based hospitality technology solutions provider of industry-first Multi-property Management System, Hotel PMS, and Mobile PMS App for independent and hotel groups. We have the remarkable feat of implementing the most extensive multi-property deployment of 50000+ rooms across 500+ properties under a single group. Through our distribution brand AxisRooms, we also offer Channel Manager and Revenue Management solutions. We have earned the trust of 12000+ hotels in 100+ countries, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, LATAM, Europe and North America. We have been instrumental in driving their growth while helping them sell more rooms at the optimum rate and serving guests better.

Hotelogix is headquartered in Singapore and has offices in the USA, India, UAE, Thailand, and the Philippines.

For more information, visit https://www.hotelogix.com/property-management-system-large-hotels.php.

Debi Prasad Sarangi

Corporate Communications Specialist - Hotelogix

+91 804 093 6513 Extn: 1006
Covivio has announced the completion of the process of consolidating the ownership of jointly owned hotel operating and property companies with AccorInvest. At the end of this operation, initiated at the end of 2023, Covivio holds full ownership of 43 hotels located in France, Belgium and Germany, and sells to AccorInvest 16 hotels in the same regions.

A hotel swap creating value

By mid-2024, Covivio, through its subsidiary Covivio Hotels [1], owned 54 hotels leased to the AccorInvest Group under long-term variable-rent leases based on revenues. The AccorInvest group owned and operated the goodwill of these hotels, signing long-term management contracts with the Accor group.

Covivio Hotels was also indirectly the owner and asset managerof another 60 hotels leased to AccorInvest and held through 2 joint ventures created between 2010 and 2014: one held 80% by Credit Agricole Assurances and 20% by Covivio Hotels, and the other held by Caisse des Depots et Consignations, Societe Generale Assurances and Covivio Hotels.

The finalized transaction involves the acquisition by Covivio Hotels (and its partners in the 2 joint ventures) of 43 operating companies [2]  thus enabling the regrouping of these hotels, which will be owned by Covivio Hotels  in exchange for the transfer to AccorInvest of the properties of 16 other hotels, which will then be owned by AccorInvest.

In total, the consolidation of Covivio Hotels and the joint ventures will result in a value of 393m [3] for the hotel properties sold by Covivio Hotels and its partners, equivalent to that of the operating companies owned and operated by the companies whose shares will be acquired.

Covivio continues to strengthen its hotel activity, confirming its ability to extract value from its portfolio

In the hotel sector, Covivio has moved in recent years from a property investor approach to that of an asset managerand hotel operator. The Group now supports nearly twenty brands in Europe, with an increasingly diversified model (leased assets or assets in property and operated).

The deal with AccorInvest will enable Covivio to strengthen its hotel presence in areas with strong tourist appeal and significant potential for value creation through repositioning and management optimisation.

Of the 43 hotels involved, 14 will be managed directly by Covivios hotel management platform, WiZiU. In order to accelerate the planned repositioning plan, Covivio will also rely on 2 other players, Atypio and Sohoma, which will operate 12 and 10 establishments respectively, via management contracts. Five hotels will continue to be operated by Accor.

With the exception of 2 hotels located in Germany, for which a new lease agreement will be signed with B&B Hotels, all the establishments will remain under the Accor brand via short- and long-term contracts. For the short-term contracts, Covivio will draw on its expertise and in-depth knowledge of the various hotel groups to choose the most suitable brand in the light of the planned repositioning programmes.

Covivio plans to launch around ten renovation programmes from 2025, including the Ibis Montmartre, the Mercure hotels in Boulogne, Nice and Lyon, and the Novotel Sevres, capitalising on the recent repositioning of the Novotel in Bruges.

The entire repositioning plan and related works represent an investment of 100 M [4].

The Covivio Group was advised in this transaction by Natixis Partner, Etude Cheuvreux, De Pardieu Brocas Maffei, Loyens & Loeff (Belgium), J+S (Germany) and PWC.
This research is the result of a collaboration between ILTM, Hyatt and Altiant, it features a unique piece of research that focuses solely on affluent and HNW individuals views on luxury travel. We gathered quantifiable data from six countries of their global community, with a total of 800 interviews in October 2024 across the UK, US, France and China (n=150 in each), in addition to the UAE and Saudi Arabia (n=100 in each).

All surveys were conducted online, using sampling methods and generating statistically significant insights based on gender, age groups and wealth levels.

Across the whole sample, 52% identified as male and 48% as female. In age terms, the sample was split 50:50 in terms of under-45s vs over-45s. Almost two-thirds of the total sample (65%) were the equivalent of USD millionaires ($1m in investible assets), with the median investible assets equating to $2.2m when normalised to USD.

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Costa Ricas natural beauty, dedication to sustainability, and rich biodiversity have made it a top destination for travelers worldwide. Known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, the country attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.

In particular, the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast has experienced tremendous growth in tourism over the past two decades. With significant infrastructure improvements, such as the 2012 construction of a new terminal at Liberias Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the region has drawn an increasing number of tourists. While the more recent growth in tourism supports additional expansion to accommodate visitors, future development in Guanacaste also faces challenges.

Indicators Supporting Further Development

Increased Passenger Traffic at Liberias Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR)

Annual passenger traffic at LIR continues to rise, with arrivals in 2022 and 2023 surpassing the levels recorded in 2019.

Year-to-date data through September 2024 reveal a 12% increase in arrivals compared to the same period in 2023, indicating strong recent demand for the region.

LIR now serves over 20 international destinations, and new routes are anticipated in late 2024 and 2025, contributing to increased visitor convenience and capacity.

Top international feeder markets include Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Atlanta.

The airports greater connectivity signals Guanacaste's rising popularity among international travelers and positions the region for further tourism-related growth.

LIR Passenger Traffic Far Surpasses 2019 Level and Continues to Grow Source: Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport

Stronger Demand for Hotels & Luxury Accommodations

The hospitality sector in this market has grown substantially since 2004, particularly in the upscale and luxury segments, which cater to high-end travelers and eco-conscious visitors alike.

New high-end hotel projects in development are expected to contribute to higher average daily rates (ADRs) across Guanacaste, making the region more profitable for hotel investors.

The demand for luxury accommodation aligns with the regions growing prestige as a top-tier tourist destination for those seeking both relaxation and eco-friendly experiences.

While the number of total hotel rooms in Costa Rica and Guanacaste is not available, data are reported to STR for at least 10,000 hotel rooms, with many more not reported. Booking.com lists 1,700 individual accommodations, suggesting the breadth and depth of the market.

A selection of the under-construction or imminent new supply is shown on the interactive map below. However, we note that approximately 1,000 additional rooms, mostly in the luxury space, are in the planning stages in Guanacaste.

Economic Growth, Leisure Attractions & Sustainability Initiatives

Tourism is a vital contributor to Costa Ricas economy. The sector provides employment and supports local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and artisans.

Strong leisure demand also drives funding for conservation efforts and eco-friendly tourism practices, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with the countrys commitment to sustainability.

The mixed-use Ciudad Nya project, currently under construction, will feature Costa Ricas first Crystal Lagoon and will diversify the areas leisure attractions.

Guanacastes rise as a luxury destination is also reflected in the elevated real estate prices, which have attracted investors and established the region as a prime location for hospitality and residential development.

Challenges to Further Development

Strain on Airport Operations & Runway Conditions

The sharp rise in passenger traffic has put significant strain on LIRs single-runway infrastructure. As of October 2024, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has temporarily suspended operations at LIR due to delays in necessary runway repairs, raising concerns about operational capacity and safety.

Four other airlines have also indicated the possibility of redirecting flights to other airports if runway maintenance issues persist, which could affect visitor numbers, especially if the repairs are not completed by the beginning of the high season in December.

With only one runway, the airport has limited ability to add flights and sometimes requires airlines to schedule arrivals and departures at less desirable hours.

Lagging Infrastructure Development & Seasonal Congestion

Infrastructure growth has not kept pace with tourism demand, and many roads in Guanacaste remain unpaved, limiting safe and convenient access to a number of destinations.

The lack of bridges and critical access routes in some areas further restricts mobility, particularly during the rainy season.

Rapid real estate development in regions like Playa Tamarindo has reportedly led to water shortages, highlighting the importance of sustainable resource management in new developments.

During peak travel seasons, the influx of tourists can lead to overcrowded beaches and congested roads, which negatively affect both the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience.

High demand also strains local services, from waste management to emergency services, with the needs of visitors often exceeding the capacity of small towns and rural areas.

Environmental Strain & Ecosystem Stress

Increased visitor numbers place stress on Guanacastes natural ecosystems, raising concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and habitat disturbance.

Biodiversity is a core aspect of Guanacastes appeal, and continued ecosystem degradation could damage both the environment and future tourism.

High Real Estate & Rental Costs

While the growing popularity of Guanacaste as a luxury destination has significantly raised property values and attracted investors, this trend has also created higher housing and rental prices, sometimes making it difficult for local residents to afford housing.

Rising living costs and real estate prices can lead to the displacement of locals, which could, in turn, reduce the labor pool for the tourism sector and affect the availability of essential workers.

Lengthy Development Process Due to Complex Bureaucracy & Environmental Concerns

The development process for new real estate and hospitality projects in Guanacaste can be lengthy due to bureaucratic hurdles, as multiple governmental approvals are required for new construction, especially in areas with environmental significance.

Environmental impact assessments and strict regulations are essential to preserving Costa Rica's biodiversity but can delay projects, affecting investment timelines and profitability.

This regulatory landscape, while aimed at protecting natural resources, can slow the pace of development and may hinder Guanacastes ability to capitalize on rising tourist demand in a timely manner.

Introducing public-private partnerships, similar to Mexico's Fonatur program, could help streamline development while maintaining sustainability, thereby providing infrastructure support and incentives to attract responsible tourism investment.

Costa Ricas regulatory environment, which prioritizes environmental preservation, prevents overdevelopment and helps safeguard Guanacastes natural landscapes and cultural integrity. This careful balance reduces the risk of overcrowding and overbuilding, upholding Guanacastes appeal as an eco-conscious, luxury destination. The controlled growth of the region aligns with Costa Ricas sustainable tourism model, creating lasting value for existing investments and enhancing its exclusivity. However, to support growth and meet the needs of existing and future travelers, it is essential to address the region's basic infrastructure challenges. With Costa Ricas commitment to sustainable development, coupled with infrastructure improvements, the Guanacaste region can preserve its natural beauty, remain the premier eco-luxury destination in the Americas, and support lasting prosperity for residents, visitors, and investors alike.

For more information about the Guanacaste market or for help making informed investment decisions that align with your goals and risk tolerance, please contact Luigi Major, Managing Director of HVS Advisory.
IHG Partners with KEC to Develop Over 1,000 New Hotel Rooms in Al Madinah - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Co. to develop two new hotels in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. This agreement will add 1,057 rooms to the city's hospitality sector, supporting its transformation into a world-class destination.

The new hotels are part of the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) project in Madinah, an initiative to improve the city's infrastructure and economy. The project includes the Islamic World District (IWD), a mixed-use development that combines hotels, residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The IWD is designed to become a major hub for visitors and residents, contributing to the city's growth.

The Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC and the Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC, featuring 552 and 505 rooms, are slated to open in January 2029. Located near the entrance of the IWD and the Haramain train station, the hotels will be designed with a modern take on the traditional Najdi architectural style.

Haitham Mattar, IHG's Managing Director for India, Middle East & Africa, expressed excitement over expanding in Al Madinah and contributing to the development of the Knowledge Economic City. The hotels will cater to the city's religious pilgrims and business travelers, offering modern facilities in a traditional setting.

Amin Shaker, Chairman of Knowledge Economic City, acclaimed the partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts as a significant development for Al Madinah's hospitality sector. He emphasized the role of the new hotels in enhancing the city's reputation as a top travel destination. Mohammad Al Mubarak, CEO of Knowledge Economic City, echoed similar sentiments, praising the partnership with IHG for its commitment to quality and professionalism.

The Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC will feature an All-Day Dining outlet and an open lobby lounge catering to leisure and business travelers. The Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC will offer accessible and comfortable accommodations for religious pilgrims and value-conscious travelers. Both hotels will offer guests the benefits of IHG's loyalty program, IHG One Rewards.

IHG operates 43 hotels across Saudi Arabia, with 44 more under development or planning.
AI Airline Ticket Pricing Looms

Excerpt from Quartz

On its recent investor day, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian bragged that his company had been working with the Israeli artificial intelligence firm Fetcherr to design AI-powered pricing algorithms.

Weve now been working with them for, Id say, the better part of a year, he said at the time. And weve got about 1% of our network currently being priced by the Fetcherr team. This is again a full reengineering of how we price and how we will be pricing in the future.

To that point, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Ark., had a question about how airlines use customer information to determine how much a ticket costs.

Why do you make people enter in their age and their geographic location and their gender before they can even see the cost of a seat? he asked.

Klein denied that his airline uses the information to calculate fares but not that his airline uses algorithms to do so.

Thats a different question, he said.

Toward the end of the hearing, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the committee chair, returned to the question of algorithms and the potential use of AI to drive so-called dynamic pricing. He pressed Carter to explain why Delta felt the need to develop its pricing that way.

Its more about the right offer at the right time, Carter said.

Blumenthal, frustrated, put the question over AI price manipulation to the rest of the group.

Im assuming none of you can answer this question; I invite others to say that your airlines will never use AI to charge different fees or fares to people at the same time for the same flight, he said. Any of you want to commit?

The executives sat in silence.

Click here to read complete article at Quartz.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Windy with increasing clouds. High around 65F. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers early mixing with snow showers late. Low 33F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 50%.
Artists Growth adds Credit Cards, Expense Tools for the Music Industry

Designed to serve a broad range of artists and industry professionals, the Artist Growth X Mastercards include:

For individual artists and industry professionals, AGXS Personal includes a low fixed APR card,11.99%, which never changes, and no balance transfer fee for six months.

includes a low fixed APR card,11.99%, which never changes, and no balance transfer fee for six months. For small- and medium-sized businesses, AG X Business includes options for a low fixed APR (11.99%), that never changes and no balance transfer fee for six months.

includes options for a low fixed APR (11.99%), that never changes and no balance transfer fee for six months. For companies seeking integrated expense management, AG X Corp Purchasing is an end-to-end expense management platform offering custom underwritten credit limits, enterprise spending controls, unlimited physical and virtual cards, and integrations with Quickbooks and SAP Concur, among other powerful features.

Launched in partnership with Pinnacle Bank of Tennessee, the cards can be used as a complement to the Artist Growth platform or as a standalone financial tool.

Credit For The Music Industry

Every person and business working in the music industry today needs to be able to leverage fair credit, said Matt Urmy, founder and CEO of Artist Growth. In an economy where the national average APR for credit cards is above 25%, I am so excited to put these new tools in the hands of creators, industry professionals, and the businesses who support them.

This addition to the platform opens the door to a new level of integration, continues Urmy. Solving for financing and expense control is an important step in our strategy to build the essential platform for team

collaboration and executing on growth opportunities.



Were incredibly excited to have partnered with Artist Growth to enhance their platform. The Companys vision is compelling, and this move into finance is an exciting new chapter, said Jamie Sweeney, director of strategic partnerships at Pinnacle.

Learn more about the Artist Growth lineup of credit cards, as well as Workspace here.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.

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Fire District voters on Tuesday approved trading in its old ambulances and purchasing a new one.

Dalton Fire District Voters Approve Purchase of Ambulance

DALTON, Mass.  During the special meeting on Tuesday, Fire District voters approved borrowing up to $350,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance and any related costs.

Approximately 27 voters attended the meeting at the Stationary Factory, which lasted less than 10 minutes.

The only article on the warrant overwhelmingly passed with only one voter against it.

The no vote came from Tom Betit, who expressed his concern regarding the financial decisions and actions taken by the Fire District.

He requested the status of the "imaginary ladder truck " and was directed by the moderator to reach out to the district following the meeting because the topic was unrelated to the warrant article.

He also accused the district of "giving away trucks."

"Most recently, [former chief James Peltier] gave away a $50,000 truck to the town of Bolton," Betit said.

Betit was again informed by the moderator that this was also not a topic related to the article on the warrant and should be taken up with the district following the meeting.

"I called [District Clerk and Treasurer Melanie Roucoulet] repeatedly to request information. I stopped down and talked to [Prudential Committee committee member Thomas Murray] about it. He wasn't very receptive. What's with all the secrets," Betit said.

Afterward, Betit said he got the information surrounding the "$50,000" truck from a 2021 article in the Telegram and Gazette

The article explains that the vehicle he is referencing is a 1996 Stewart 1078 2 1/2-ton military vehicle obtained under the state surplus program.

The article quotes Bolton Fire Chief Jeffrey Legendre, saying, "Surplus vehicles either come from the state or federal sources. The truck we were able to get came from the Dalton Fire Department. Chief Jim Peltier could release it from his fleet since they were given a grant for a new vehicle."

Early Wednesday, Board of Water Commissioners Chair James Driscoll explained that participating in the state surplus program did not cost the district any money. The department was not using the military apparatus, so the program allowed it to be given to Bolton.



The program only has a surplus of military equipment, not ladder trucks or ambulances, Driscoll said.

No other voters stood to express concern regarding purchasing a new ambulance.

The station has two ambulances  a 2016 International and a 2019 Ford 50. However, only the Ford 50 still operates as an Advanced Life Support vehicle. It has been demonstrated both vehicles need to be replaced because of their deteriorating condition.

Based on communication with ambulance purveyors, it was previously thought it would take three-year build time and a projected cost of about $450,000 to $500,000 for a new ambulance.

However an unanticipated opportunity came up  a buyer had backed out of a vehicle order at the last minute, so an ambulance became available early.

The anticipated cost is about $345,000 to be rolled out as an Advanced Life Support unit. This includes transferring the radios and power load stretcher system from the district's old ambulance.

The remaining funds will cover the ambulance's decals.

This apparatus is an F450 series, a pickup-style, two-wheel drive, so it would have a larger motor and transmission, heavier-duty brakes, and be an all-around heavy-duty vehicle.

Additionally, the price increase that the district would face if it waited three years would no longer be a concern because the trade-in value is greater now.

The department's 2019 Ford 50 has a trade-in value of $30,000 and its 2016 International $2,500. The district will be trading in both.

Voter William Drosehn, chair of the town's Finance Committee, asked about the bond and cautioned against choosing one that is longer than the vehicle's lifetime.

Roucoulet explained that the district has a financial adviser through UniBank that will put it out to bid.

The district has yet to determine the longevity of the loan it intends to go for, but Roucoulet explained in a follow-up that she does not expect it to be longer than four years. Driscoll said whatever funds the district has left over after the purchase and decal will go toward paying off the loan.
WWII Soldier Coming Home Friday



Bernard Calvi NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  A World War II hero will be returning to the Berkshires on Friday night, 82 years after he died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines.

Pvt. First Class Bernard Calvi 's body will arrive from Hawaii on Friday and will be taken to Paciorek Funeral Home in Adams that evening.

A welcome home standout will take place on Hoosac Street in Adams beginning at 8 p.m. Calvi is set to arrive at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut at approximately 6:40 p.m. and arrive at Paciorek Funeral Home about 8:20.

Calvi had enlisted in the Army Air Forces in September 1940. He and William P. Gilman Jr. of North Adams, good friends and classmates, had been stationed in the Philippines with the 17th Pursuit Squadron five weeks before Imperial Japan launched its attack against United States and Allied installations across the South Pacific.

They disappeared after the fall of Corregidor, an island in Manila Bay to which U.S. forces had retreated, in May 1942. Calvi's parents, Lena and Joseph of Quincy Street, were informed in 1945 that their son had died July 16, 1942, at Cabanatuan Prison Camp after surviving the Bataan Death March. Gilman died a month later.

Some 2,800 prisoners died in the camp after suffering from starvation, disease and dysentery. They were buried in makeshift communal graves, which made identifying and recovering remains after the war difficult, according to the Department of Defense's POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

DPAA is tasked with recovering American service members missing in action and had played a key role in the recovery of Pvt. First Class Erwin S. King of Clarksburg from Guadalcanal. King was buried at Southview Cemetery on Sept. 24.

Calvi was 23 when he died. Like King, his immediately family had passed away but this nieces and nephews and cousins had continued efforts to find him and bring him home.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and burial with military honors will follow in the family lot in Southview Cemetery.

A calling hour will be held at the church on Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m.
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ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar joined African aviation Ministers and other senior leaders in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, last week to mark 25 years of aviation liberalization in Africa and to chart a course for the continent's aviation future.





The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) convened its 35th ordinary plenary session, opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, which was followed by the Yamoussoukro Decision Anniversary celebrations. Delivering remarks at both events, Salazar emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in unlocking Africa's vast aviation potential.





The Secretary General highlighted how 2024's dual anniversaries - 25 years of the Yamoussoukro Decision and ICAO's 80th year - present a unique opportunity to reinvigorate Africa's aviation development. "These milestones remind us of the transformative power of international cooperation," Salazar noted. "The Yamoussoukro Decision laid the groundwork for aviation liberalization across Africa, while ICAO's eight decades of cooperation with States has established the framework for safe and sustainable air transport. Together, these achievements provide the foundation for Africa's next chapter of aviation growth."





Unlocking Africa's Aviation Future

During the Yamoussoukro Decision anniversary celebrations, Salazar addressed the current state of African aviation: "With over 1.4 billion people but representing just 3% of global air services, Africa's aviation sector holds enormous untapped potential. Through continued collaboration and targeted initiatives, we can unlock these opportunities and create a more connected continent."





The Secretary General highlighted the outcomes of the comprehensive infrastructure gap analysis, conducted through ICAO's partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and AFCAC. This strategic study provides crucial guidance for future investments in airports, air navigation systems, and aircraft fleets across the continent.





Strategic Initiatives and Support

ICAO's engagement at the events highlighted several key priorities for African aviation development:

Implementation support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)

Advancement of the Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme for sustainable aviation fuel adoption

Technical assistance for achieving net-zero emissions targets

Enhanced safety oversight capabilities





The Secretary General emphasized ICAO's commitment to providing tailored assistance to Member States, particularly developing nations, in achieving these objectives while aligning with both the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.





Strengthening Regional Partnerships

On the sidelines of the events, Salazar held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Congo, M. Honore Sayi, and the Minister of Transport of South Africa, Ms. Barbara Creecy. These meetings focused on reinforcing ICAO's support for aviation safety, security, and environmental sustainability initiatives in both countries.





Looking Ahead

The Regional Directors of the ICAO Western and Central African and Eastern and Southern African Offices, Mr. Prosper Zo'o Minto'o and Ms. Lucy Mbugua, respectively, accompanied Mr. Salazar throughout his mission, underlining ICAO's comprehensive approach to supporting African aviation development.





The convergence of these milestone events in Brazzaville has set the stage for enhanced cooperation between ICAO and African aviation stakeholders. Through continued partnership and targeted assistance, ICAO remains committed to supporting Africa's aviation sector as it works to achieve its full potential in the global air transport system.






iciHaiti - Dominican Republic : More than 500,000 Haitians expelled in 2 years





As of December 1st, Dominican authorities have expelled 71,124 Haitians since President Abinader announced the policy of mass expulsions on October 2, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43334-haiti-flash-repatriation-of-10-000-haitians-per-week-the-great-hunt-has-begun-in-the-dominican-rep.html with the aim of deporting and repatriating up to 10,000 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation per week. Since October 2nd, on average each week, 8,890 illegal Haitians have been returned to Haiti.



According to statistics provided by the Directorate General of Migration (DGM), a total of 253,328 Haitians have returned to Haiti so far this year, compared to 251,018 for the year 2023, or more than half a million illegals over 2 years.



On December 1st, the Minister of the Interior and Police, Faride Raful, announced the creation of a specialized immigration unit, focused on strengthening border surveillance and national security.



In addition, a court in Pedernales sentenced two men involved in the trafficking of Haitian migrants to 5 years in prison. The accused are Jose Manuel Perez Rodriguez and Yeison Lopez, convicted of illegally transporting four Haitians in a truck.



S/ iciHaiti


















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Amy Adams has said she would love to play Taylor Swifts publicist in a biopic for a very relatable reason  it might mean Adams could get closer to Swift.

Responding to a 2019 post on X that read: Amy Adams will win an Oscar for Tree Paines biopic if she ever played Swifts publicist Tree Paine, the Enchanted actor said the fan casting idea sounded so fun.

That would be amazing, Adams said during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

That would be so fun. I mean if it got me closer to Taylor, then that would be fun.

Adams went on to describe how she had become a Swiftie recently, saying that while she always liked her and appreciated her, it was only after attending an Eras tour concert that she converted fully.

Ive always liked her music and appreciated her, and then I went to the Eras Tour  a friend of mine had a ticket  and then I became a Swiftie at 50, she said.

open image in gallery Taylor Swifts publicist Tree Paine in Denver, Colorado on 10 August 2017 ( Getty Images )

Im a Swiftie at 50, so Im like a shifty 50 Swiftie And Im like Isnt that nifty? And now my daughters going, Ooh, I hate this for you.

I suddenly went from normal to Ill take all the friendship bracelets! referring to the trend of Swift fans trading homemade friendship bracelets at Eras tour concerts.

Adams also shared that she ended up at an after-party and sang Whats Going On? with Swift during karaoke.

I may have sang it a little loud, Adams said. And Im sure everybody was like, Amy, shut up. We want to hear Taylor sing  So I should have sat down and just let Taylor sing.

Adams will be seen next in Nightbitch, adapted from the popular novel by Rachel Yoder and directed by Marielle Heller, whose past credits include The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me? and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.

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open image in gallery Amy Adams in Nightbitch' ( Searchlight Pictures )

The book follows an unnamed woman who, after giving birth, is forced into a stay-at-home routine while raising her child. Due to the feral nature of motherhood, Adamss character starts to develop strange new habits, such as walking around on all fours and eating directly from a bowl, leading her to conclude she is turning into a canine.

The trailer, which dropped days before the films premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), was branded as being awful by fans of the book, who complained that the comedic tone of the film appeared incongruous with the darker aspects of the story.

The film received middling reviews, though viewers pointed out that the film is not as bad as the trailer made it appear and had rave reviews as far as Adamss performance was concerned.

Nightbitch will be released in theatres in the US on 6 December.
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Jesse Eisenberg has revealed the emotional toll of filming the 2015 drama The End of the Tour.

The 41-year-old Social Network actor explained in a recent interview that he was so affected by the themes depicted in the film that he found himself constantly crying while shooting scenes, and the director had to ask him to stop.

The End of the Tour sees Eisenberg star as a fictionalised version of writer David Lipsky as he reflects on the five-day period spent interviewing novelist David Foster Wallace (How I Met Your Mothers Jason Segel) after learning of his death.

Eisenberg explained that his character, David Lipsky, was completely envious of the writer he was interviewing, and conveying that feeling became all-consuming.

I dont know if I was going through something in my career at that time or something that, for some reason, just mirrored what was happening in that movie, he told GQ. And it just was killing me. I really couldnt stop crying during the scenes. And then the director told me to stop crying during the scenes.

He continued: The character I was playing [Lipsky] was a deeply envious person. He is interviewing a writer that hes deeply, deeply envious of, and it was very uncomfortable for me and very emotional for me to be in that role.

Im sorry, Im not asking for sympathy  this is the nature of being an actor  but it just hit me in an incredibly personal way.

He added that the script material affected him in a way that he couldnt even explain to a therapist, which I was probably mistakenly not going to at the time.

Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg promoting The End of the Tour ( Getty Images )

And I just had these very strong feelings for Jason, the actor, whos really wonderful in the movie. Hes an imposing person, even, and all these very profound feelings of inadequacies were really eating me alive during that movie.

Eisenberg added that the short filming schedule  due to budgeting issues  meant that he was required to be immersed in character with Segel without any breaks.

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I was just in this world and it actually felt really I dont know what the word is, but it really felt actually quite not healthy for me, he said. I was glad when the movie ended, even though it was one of the most creatively inspiring experiences Ive ever had.

The film was deemed controversial when it aired, since David Foster Wallaces estate objected it, as did his high-profile writing colleagues.

At the time, Michael Pietsch, Wallaces longtime book editor and friend, told the Los Angeles Times of the film: David would have howled the idea for it out of the room had it been suggested while he was living.
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Ralph Fiennes has given his seal of approval to Cillian Murphy, should the Oscar winner wish to play Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter television series.

Earlier this year it was announced that HBO had begun casting for roles for a reboot series, inspired by JK Rowlings best-selling series of novels.

No official casting announcements have been made yet but there has been plenty of speculation around which major stars could play iconic roles, such as Albus Dumbledore.

Attention has now turned to who could play the main villain of the series, Lord Voldemort, which Fiennes famously played in five Harry Potter movies from 2005 until 2011.

During an appearance on Bravos Watch What Happens Live, Fiennes was asked about Cillian Murphy taking on the role. The 61-year-old enthusiastically replied: Cillian is a fantastic actor. Thats a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian. Yeah.

Murphy won the Oscar for Best Actor earlier this year for his portrayal of J Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolans biopic about the American theoretical physicist.

Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, and Cillian Murphy ( Warner Bros Pictures/Getty )

While casting calls are now open for the three young leads  Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger  it seems if bosses behind the divisive forthcoming series could wave a wand, they would cast Mark Rylance as the Hogwarts headmaster, Dumbledore.

According to reports, the Oscar-winning star of stage and screen, who can currently be seen in BBCs Wolf Hall: the Mirror and the Light, is sitting at the top of the casting wishlist.

Elsewhere, Matthew Lewis, who played fan favourite Neville Longbottom across all eight Harry Potter films, has given an update as to whether they can expect to see him in the forthcoming TV series.

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Speaking to People Magazine recently, Lewis said that he is not in any rush to return to the Wizarding World.

The idea of rejoining the franchise does not appeal to the 34-year-old who blamed his reticence on his very short attention span.

The reason I got into this job in the first place was because I have a very short attention span, Lewis explained during an event at the Harry Potter New York store.

I am very, very poor at maintaining anything for any length of time. Ive had many, many hobbies and passions over the years. Not a single one do I still do.
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Robert Pattinson delivered the perfect two-word response after being asked why he quit acting.

The London-born star, 38, recalled in a new interview that he was visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean with his partner Suki Waterhouse last New Year when an immigration officer said to him: Hey, youre the guy from Twilight. Whyd you stop acting?

Pattinson told The New York Times he wasnt sure how to respond, saying: I was like... Im Batman?

She just laughed, he recalled.

Pattinson shot to fame in the vampire franchise Twilight, appearing in five films from 2008 to 2012 as Edward Cullen opposite Kristen Stewarts Bella Swan. He went on to star in a series of lower budget indie and experimental films, including David Cronenbergs Cosmopolis in 2012 and the Safdie Brotherss Good Time in 2017.

He made his debut as Batman in 2022s acclaimed The Batman, from director Matt Reeves.

Robert Pattinson in Pacific Palisades, California in October 2024 ( Getty Images )

Elsewhere in the interview, Pattinson discusses the fact that he is recognized less frequently than he was a decade ago. Theres something about the nature of being fresh meat, he tells the paper. They thought, Youre not even a human.

He adds that for his role inThe Batman, Pattinson suggested that the character rarely be seen without his mask. That was my one idea for Bruce, he explains. Hes been portrayed until now as a playboy. But what if hes completely socially inept and kind of agoraphobic?

The film was praised by critics, with The Independents Clarisse Loughrey awarding it four stars and writing: [Pattinsons] performance hasnt been this tapered down since his Twilight days, stripped of the exhilarating chaos that infects his acting in Good Time or The Lighthouse. I cant blame him.

Anything outside the register of growly and monotone would be considered mutiny by fans, so its to be expected that he sounds almost exactly like Christian Bale did in Nolans widely admired Dark Knight trilogy of the early Noughties.

Pattinson can next be seen in Mickey 17, a sci-fi thriller from Parasite director Bong Joon-ho that is set to be released in the UK and US on April 18, 2025.

After the trailer was released, fans quickly picked up on Pattinsons unusual vocal performance.

One of my favourite things is when Robert Pattinson does a silly voice, said one fan in response.

A second person wrote: Robert Pattinson doing another freaky little voice. We won.

A third continued the praise, writing: No one can convince that Robert Pattinson is not one of the most versatile actors working today. An actor who is not only fantastic in his physical performance, but emotionally, and also vocally.
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A film deserves better than to be judged by its choice of title. But considering Nightbitch, an adaptation of Rachel Yoders 2021 novel, is quite literally about a stay-at-home mum convinced shes turning into a dog, it seems fair to ask for a little wildness, a little bite. Nightbitch is as tame as can be.

And this is surprising, considering its director Marielle Heller has already made two refreshingly thorny stories, The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) and Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)  both about female characters claiming their space in the world, even if their paths veer towards self-obliteration.

I want to stink, Mother (Amy Adams) cries out. I want to be a monster. She loves newborn Son dearly (played by both Arleigh and Emmett Snowden), and Heller and Adams are careful to preserve the purity of that connection, but shes also trapped in an endless cycle of scream, clang, squelch. Shes set aside her career ambitions, her achievements as an installation artist, while Husband (Scoot McNairy)  have you figured out the naming convention yet?  is able to roam from work to pleasure, barely contributing to the care of Son.

Mother, after a full week, finally has the opportunity to shower. Almost as soon as her hair is wet, Husband is there tapping on the glass screen, demanding to know why theyre out of milk. The kind of rage that behaviour would induce, without a proper outlet, would make anyone want to start howling at the moon.

Yet Heller, in her adaptation, has shed much of the books horror, bodily or not. Thick strands of hair grow out of a butt pimple, a new set of eight teats make an appearance. But when Mothers eyes start to glow, its a little too much like the werewolves in Twilight (2008), not enough like the werewolves in the cult coming-of-ager Ginger Snaps (2000), or the classic An American Werewolf in London (1981). Theres no sense of repulsion there. Instead, Nightbitch is largely a series of monologues about the brutal reality of motherhood, the violence of birth, the irreversible changes to a womans physiology and psychology. Its core points are relatively few, so we end up trapped in Mothers circular thoughts.

Adams is far too talented to require all this material. I couldnt help but think of the Diablo Cody-written Tully (2018), and how everything Nightbitch tries to say can be summed up in the single image of its star Charlize Theron sitting silently in her bra at the dinner table, looking like her souls just been sucked out through her nipples. Its the difference between a film telling us what we should feel, and allowing us to feel it.

Tame as can be: Amy Adams in Nightbitch ( Searchlight Pictures )

Mother is then made to deliver vague entreaties about the primal, ancient nature of her existence, arguing that all mothers are, in fact, gods, because they create life. But thats Instagram-grid, motivational-poster, superficial stuff  seeing motherhood as divine isnt particularly helpful when said mothers are fighting to be seen as humans, worthy of human rights. Hellers film is a fairytale, its not here to point fingers towards economic and political shifts. But when its conclusions end up so tidy and emotionally pat, you cant but wonder what itd be like if Nightbitch were actually allowed to run free.

Dir: Marielle Heller. Starring: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden, Emmett Snowden, Zoe Chao, Mary Holland, Ella Thomas, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper. Cert 15, 98 mins.

Nightbitch is in cinemas from 6 December
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Vice President Kamala Harris and pop star Chappell Roan were among the year's most talked-about people. But many were mispronouncing them.

The language-learning company Babbel and closed-captioning company The Captioning Group released a list of the words that news anchors, politicians and other public figures in America struggled with the most in 2024.

Its a nice way to kind of look back into the year and see everything that has happened, said Esteban Touma, a linguistic and cultural expert at Babbel.

Roan  whose hits include Good Luck, Babe!  shot to fame this year and is nominated for six Grammy awards. According to the list, her name is pronounced CHAP-uhl ROHN, not SHA-pel ROW-an.

During Harris' unsuccessful run for president this year, her great-nieces took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention to clear up how to say her first name, pronounced COM-a-la. Also making the list was U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose last name still leaves people tongue-tied. During his 2020 presidential run, his campaign made posters and T-shirts with the pronunciation Boot-Edge-Edge to help.

Other words on the list include:

Dutch Kooikerhondje, pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che, is a breed of dog that made it's way into the lexicon this year. This is largely because Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has a Kooikerhondje called Decoy who won the hearts of fans while delivering a ceremonial first pitch.

The name of the actress Zendaya, who starred in Challengers, is often mispronounced as zen-DIE-uh, but it should be zen-DAY-a.

Online fast-fashion giant Shein is SHE-in, not SHEEN.

Newly discovered exoplanet Speculoos-3b is pronounced SPEK-yuh-lohss three bee.

Phryge, the mascot of the Paris Olympics, is pronounced FREE-je. It was a nod to the Phrygian cap, an emblematic accessory of the French revolutionaries.

Semaglutide, the drug in weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, is pronounced sem-ah-GLOO-tide, not SEE-mah-gloo-tide.

The last name of Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who starred in Saltburn, is pronounced key-OH-gin.

Nancy Niedzielski, chair of the linguistics department at Rice University in Houston, points out that most of the words on the list are not English, so its not surprising that they would be mispronounced in the U.S. The key to pronouncing them correctly, she said, would probably just be hearing them spoken, she said.

open image in gallery Zendaya attends The Gothams Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 ( Invision )

There arent really tricks short of knowing how orthology works in that language, she said.

Several of the words on the U.S. list, including Keoghan, Phryge and Shein, also made the list for the U.K., which Babbel compiled with the help of the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, an organization for subtitling professionals.

Other words on the U.K. list include flygskam, a Swedish term pronounced FLEEG-skam, popularized by climate activist Greta Thunberg, which translates as flight shame, and the Chagos Islands, pronounced CHAY-goss, which made the list after the British government this year returned sovereignty of the long-contested Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius.

Touma, a native Spanish speaker, said if you can't pronounce a word, it's important to just keep trying.

One of the problems we have is our mouths are not trained to do these sounds that come from different languages, he said.

open image in gallery Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to mound ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Touma admitted even he struggles with some words, including Harris' first name. Even though he knows the correct pronunciation, he said, it's hard to get it correct in the moment when he's in a conversation.

As Roan's music gained popularity over the year, it was interesting cultural moment to watch as people learned to pronounce her first and last name, he said.

The way we create understanding with each other is just trying to do these things, Touma said.
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The team behind popular grassroots London music venue the Moth Club have explained why they are protesting a proposed development next door to their building.

The Hackney venue, which opened in 1972 as a servicemens club, has hosted hundreds of artists including Lady Gaga, Rick Astley and Dave Grohl since it began operating as a live music space in 2015.

Back in September, Moth Clubs team called on local residents and fans to protest a proposal for a new block of flats by contacting Hackney Councils planning department.

In a fresh statement last week, they disclosed that a further two separate proposals filed by Braycote Ltd and Emel Kara have been submitted to Hackney Council, which appear to lay out plans for a second block of flats on Morning Lane with balconies directly overlooking Moths smoking area and back onto the stage wall.

MailOnline reports that the two proposed developments share the same planning agents, Savills, and architect Stephen Peter Davy Smith Architects (SPDSA).

Both developments, if approved, put one of Londons most loved independent grassroots venues at serious risk, as well as impacting the identity of the local area, the Moth Club statement said.

( Google Maps )

The venue warned that the blocks close proximity to Moth Club would lead to conflicts, noise complaints, and a serious threat to the venues ability to operate.

Speaking to The Independent this week, general manager Edie Kench-Andrews said the initial proposal to build on top of an existing property wasnt as big of a problem we found out about a month later that there was a second [proposal] put in [where they] wanted to build the whole way around, and it would basically almost engulf us as a building.

It wouldnt just be the noise [that could create conflict with the new buildings residents, she said. It would be the queue, everyone outside in the smoking area Were angry because theres a genuine fear that this could shut us down.

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The threat posed towards live music venues from housing developments has been ongoing for at least a decade, when a report presented to the then-mayor of London, Boris Johnson, estimated that the number of live music venues in the capital had plummeted from 430 to 245 since 2007.

A common concern is the building of housing blocks next to these venues, which frequently leads to a rise in noise-abatement notices that can cost thousands of pounds to oppose.

Under changes to national planning rules brought about in 2016 through lobbying, developers seeking to build homes near existing live venues must prove they have considered noise during the application process.

Kench-Andrews said that this had not helped to assuage her fears for Moth Club: You can noise-proof the room as much as you want, but people are going to open their windows at some point, and if your balcony is over our smoking area, youre going to make a complaint.

The campaign to prevent the development was based on precedent, she said: Weve watched it happen to other venues, here and outside London. Were scared of becoming just one of those names on a long list of places that have been shut down. And without venues like us, people wouldnt have 90 per cent of the artists they enjoy listening to.

In a statement to The Independent, Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust, said: Music Venue Trust will be lodging a formal objection to the planning application which will be based upon the lack of recognition of the existence of the Moth Club in this proposal by this developer.

Agent Of Change principles should apply with regards to any developments near to a Grassroots Music Venue especially one as iconic and important to Londons music scene as the Moth Club

The failure of the developer to make any proposal that would mitigate the impact of this development on this venue is a significant oversight and we strongly encourage the local authority to reject this application.

Hackney Council said it was unable to comment while the planning application was being considered.

SPDSA declined to comment. The Independent has contacted Savills for comment.

Despite the challenges faced by the live music sector, its economic impact on the UK hit a record 6.1bn in 2024, with an annual report from the organisation Live estimating that it also supported jobs for almost 230,000 people.
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Its the day music fans have all been waiting for, but many users have been left disappointed at 2024s Spotify Wrapped.

The feature allows subscribers to see a personalised roundup of their listening habits through colourful visuals and fun facts about their music tastes. It also named the artists who racked up the biggest numbers for the year.

Unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift claimed the title of both Global and UK top artist for the second year running, achieving more than 26.6 billion streams thanks to the release of her Grammy-nominated album, The Tortured Poets Department. Sabrina Carpenter also ranked highly with her album, Short n Sweet.

Women dominated the top spots overall with all five of the biggest-streamed albums by women, including Swifts and Carpenters records at number one and three, respectively.

But many were disappointed with their annual wrap-up as they hit out at the streaming platform for removing features that were popular in previous years.

Spotify tends to change the highlights with every Wrapped, introducing listening auras and music locations in previous years.

This year, it appeared to keep the summary simple, opting for numbers on listening habits, and a detailed breakdown of a listeners musical phases throughout the year.

While usually listeners are treated to their top 50 songs, this year the platform offered them access to their top 100 instead.

Swift and Carpenter came out on top ( Getty )

Spotify wrapped flopped this year so bad, wrote one disappointed subscriber. Like where are the music cities, the playlists, the top genres or the listening auras all that wait for WHAT.

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Others hit out at the apps accuracy saying, #SpotifyWrapped2024 is a flop and inaccurate.

One X/Twitter user said the summary was so disappointing this year, I cant believe I waited this whole time for practically NOTHING, while another called it underwhelming.

The experience can be found by heading directly to the link on Spotifys website. That link will then open up the Spotify app, if it is installed, and must be used on a mobile. The app must be updated in order to access the function.
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The daughter of comedian Janey Godley, Ashley Storrie, has recalled a joke she made about her mothers terminal illness before she passed away.

The Scottish comedian died on 2 November after a battle with ovarian cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2021, forcing her to cancel her final tour of the UK.

Storrie, who is a stand-up comedian in her own right, recently won a Scottish Bafta for Dinosaur, a series which she wrote and stars in as an autistic palaeontologist, a condition she was diagnosed with in her 30s.

Speaking to The Guardian, the 38-year-old called the experience at the awards ceremony, which happened on 17 November, surreal as most people could only talk to her about her mothers passing, despite the fact shed just won an award.

Storrie shares that she and Godley had made a joke about something like that happening. I said: Im going to win a Bafta, but youre going to die that day and it will all be about you, said the comedian.

Dinosaur was nominated for four awards on the evening, with Storrie winning the gong for film and television along with Matilda Curtis, beating Baby Reindeers Richard Gadd and One Days Nicole Taylor in the process.

open image in gallery Ashley Storrie ( Jane Barlow/PA Wire )

After her mothers death, Storrie, who also works as a presenter on BBC Radio Scotland, thanked fans for their well wishes, describing how she felt her mother stayed with her longer because of all of the support and the love in the world.

Godleys funeral took place on November 30 in Glasgow, where she was laid to rest at St Marys Cathedral.

Storrie told the congregation she had been asked to headline the funeral, saying she would not be able to do any of her mothers jokes as she was in a house of God.

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She added: My mum is very grateful to all of you who came out yesterday to Edinburgh and lined the Royal Mile and lifted your voices in song, and the people whove come today to remember her in the best way possible.

My mum was very much a daughter of Glasgow, she loved her city dearly, it was her favourite place in the whole wide world.

The emblem of Glasgow is the tree that never grew, and the bell that never rang, and the bird that never flew, and the fish that never swam, and I think she took that as a challenge.

It felt like the world was telling her, be quiet, stay small, dont get big, so she did the opposite.

She ventured far from her shore, she swam very far indeed.

She travelled across the world where she found people who loved her in every corner, in New Zealand and Australia and Canada.

She never quieted, no matter how many people told her, I remember one of my earliest memories of my mum is her standing behind the bar and people telling her, you talk too much, and her talking more just to spite them, and she grew bigger than she could have possibly imagined.

open image in gallery Ashley Storrie (centre) at the funeral of Janey Godley (Andrew Milligan/PA) ( PA Wire )

Becoming emotional as she finished her speech, she told mourners: For one last time, can you please put your hands together, for my ma, Janey Godley.
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Rescuers are searching for 13 workers who went missing after a construction site collapsed in south China on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the emergency management bureau, the incident happened around 11pm local time at a construction site along the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway in Baoan district in southern China.

The railway will connect Shenzhen, a technology hub, with Jiangmen, both located in Guangdong province near Hong Kong.

Nearby residents have been evacuated from their homes and roads leading up to the construction site were closed as rescuers continued their search for the 13 missing men.

An investigation into the cause is underway, local authorities said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Construction on the railway section linking Shenzhen and Jiangmen in southern Chinas Guangdong province began in 2022.

open image in gallery In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a collapsed ground is seen at a construction site on a section of the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway in Bao'an district in Shenzhen, south Chinas Guangdong Province Thursday, 5 December 2024 ( Xinhua )

Industrial accidents are common in China due to weak regulations and poor safety standards. Recent incidents include a mining accident in Sichuan in which eight people lost their lives in August, a gas explosion in Hebei in March in which seven lost their lives and a residential fire in Nanjing in February in which 15 people were killed.

open image in gallery In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an aerial view shows the collapsed ground at a construction site on a section of the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province Thursday, 5 December 2024 ( AP )

In April 2022, a commercial building collapsed in Changsha killing over 50 people and injuring nine. In October this year, 15 people were sentenced for their roles in the accident. A structural testing firm was fined, and employees were jailed for falsifying safety documents.

Last year in July, a gymnasium roof collapsed at a middle school in Qiqihar killing 11 people, mostly young female volleyball players, and injuring four others.

The collapse was allegedly caused by construction workers storing heavy perlite bags on the roof, which absorbed rainwater, making them heavier, the authorities said at the time. The accident prompted Chinese leader Xi Jinping to call for a nationwide workplace safety campaign.
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A South Korean opposition MP has described the chaos and fear of Tuesday night, when he and other lawmakers scaled walls to enter parliament and vote down the presidents declaration of martial law.

Speaking in an interview with The Independent in Seoul, Jiho Cha said the shocking turn of events for South Korean politics reflects a global shift towards authoritarianism, and that he feared his country would descend into civil unrest, violence in the streets if he and other MPs failed to stop president Yoon Suk Yeol via democratic means.

Mr Yoon dramatically declared martial law in a national address late on Tuesday evening, triggering an immediate backlash as members of the public and opposition parties rushed to the National Assembly. They overcame the soldiers who had been deployed to block them  although we now know they carried no live ammunition  and the martial law order was voted down before daybreak.

Mr Cha, who is now among the opposition MPs from the Democratic Party spearheading efforts to impeach President Yoon in a vote this Saturday, described the tense hours culminating in Wednesday mornings reversal of the martial law order.

When we arrived at the National Assembly, the police had surrounded the building. It was clear we had to find a way inside to block this martial law, he said. If we failed to vote, there would have been a civil movement from our people against this violent government. There was a high risk of injuries or deaths in the streets.

Some MPs broke past the police lines by crawling through their legs; one viral video showed Ahn Gwi-ryeong, 35, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, grabbing the barrel of a soldiers rifle as she screams to be let past. Others like Mr Cha climbed over a 1.5m-high boundary wall to enter the National Assembly grounds before making their way inside.

The MPs and citizens coming together at the National Assembly showed the strength of our civil society, said Mr Cha. They created a human barricade to protect us from police and military intervention. Our colleagues and staff even used their bodies as shields to protect MPs from the special forces.

Once inside the assembly, lawmakers scrambled to assemble a quorum for the vote and barricaded the doors, preventing soldiers from entering the assembly building. Mr Cha described the atmosphere as scary but resolute, saying MPs understood the stakes were higher than the average vote in parliament.

Officials remove the furniture barricades from the doors of the National Assembly building ( REUTERS )

By 1am on Wednesday 190 MPs  including some from Mr Yoons ruling party  had gathered, a comfortable majority of the 300 who sit in the National Assembly. When speaker Woo Won-sik submitted a resolution requesting martial law be lifted they voted unanimously in favour. The Cabinet then declared martial law revoked at 5.18am.

President Yoon declared martial law citing threats from pro-North Korean, anti-state forces, leading many to assume it was the result of some as-yet unspecified threat from South Koreas nuclear-armed neighbour. Instead, it quickly emerged that he intended to use the measure to seize back control for his lame duck administration, having suffered a resounding defeat in a legislative election earlier this year.

Mr Cha describes the episode as only the latest very bad example of increasingly desperate and authoritarian manoeuvres by South Koreas president, adding: But we showed how it could be overturned through democratic resilience and swift action.

This is not just an issue for South Korea, it could happen anywhere in the world, even in democracies like Europe or North America, he said. It reflects a global trend toward authoritarian tendencies.

Despite successfully seeing off the attempt to enforce martial law, Mr Cha expressed concerns about the lingering damage to the countrys democracy.

Before joining the National Assembly, I was a humanitarian activist and researcher working in conflict and war settings. I never imagined facing something like this in South Korea. I grew up in post-dictatorship South Korea, but this martial law reminded me of the 1970s and 80s. To see such authoritarian actions again is confusing and deeply concerning, he said.

President Yoons authoritarian tendencies are deeply worrying. He makes decisions without consulting his Cabinet or the ruling party. Its becoming more about personal power than governance.

The opposition is now moving to impeach President Yoon, accusing him of violating constitutional principles and jeopardising democratic norms. Doing so, however, requires a two-thirds super majority  something Mr Cha says will be a challenge.

There is a real risk the impeachment may not pass on 7 December, especially if the [ruling] Peoples Power Party prevents its members from participating in the vote, he said. This would be a severe blow to democracy.

Major protests are expected for Saturday ahead of the impeachment vote, though demonstrations may also take place before then: a rally called for Seoul on Thursday afternoon did not materialise. Demonstrators are demanding accountability, not just for the martial law declaration but for what they see as the erosion of democratic principles under Mr Yoons government.

Mr Cha said it was a crucial moment for the country. The impeachment may succeed or fail, but this is about more than one leader. Its about protecting our democracy from becoming a dictatorship again.
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South Koreas ruling party has vowed to unite against the opposition-led impeachment motion against president Yoon Suk Yeol after his abrupt and widely condemned decree of martial law.

Floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said: All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the presidents impeachment.

The motion, introduced by the opposition Democratic Party, follows Mr Yoons chaotic attempt to suppress political activity and media, which sparked mass protests and led to his reversal of the order.

The liberal opposition, holding 192 seats in parliament, requires the support of at least eight of the 108 ruling party lawmakers for the impeachment bill to succeed, with the vote expected to take place on Saturday.

The Democratic Party introduced the impeachment bill against Mr Yoon on Wednesday. The vote, requires a two-thirds majority (200 lawmakers) to pass, and must occur within 72 hours of the bills reporting, Hankyoreh Shimbun reported.

open image in gallery South Korean martial law soldiers leave the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024

When did it all start?

South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise late-night television address, invoking the threat from North Korea and accusing the country's opposition of paralysing the government by controlling parliament.

He did not cite any specific threats from Pyongyang and focused on his political opponents.

"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Mr Yoon said.

South Koreas parliament then voted through a motion calling the declaration invalid. This was the first time in over four decades that the country had been put under martial law.

Mr Yoon is now facing calls to resign or face impeachment.

Here The Independent lays out what martial law is and what it means for South Korea.

open image in gallery National Assembly employees spray a fire extinguisher towards soldiers at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024

What is martial law?

It is the rule by military authorities in an emergency, at times when civil officials are deemed to be unable to function. It often involves the suspension of civil rights and the extension of military law. President Yoon has not been clear about what restrictions will be in place, but the Yonhap news agency cited the military as saying activities by parliament and political parties would be banned, and that media and publishers would be under the control of the martial law command.

Martial law often also restricts public protests, strikes and potentially other forms of public gathering.

The military also said that the country's striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools.

Those who violate martial law can be arrested without a warrant, local news agencies said.

"Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country," Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, which has the majority in parliament, said in a livestream online.

Martial law is in theory temporary, but in nations where it has been imposed, it has often been extended  and may continue indefinitely in some cases.

open image in gallery In this photo provided by South Korea Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, 3 Dec 2024

South Koreas Constitution states that the president may proclaim martial law when required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilization of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.

The martial law commander, appointed by the president on the recommendation of the defence minister among active-duty generals, has the power to take actions related to arrests of persons, search and seizure, speech and the press, and assembly.

The commander has authority over all administrative and judicial matters.

Why did the president declare martial law?

Mr Yoon has previously spoken about pro-North Korean, anti-state forces hindering his agenda, without going into detail. It is a simple threat to cite, given the fact the two nations have not officially been at peace since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953. Decades of animosity have followed, with repeated military drills, rocket firings and nuclear threats. Pyongyang has recently stepped up its ties with Russia, sending thousands of troops, missiles and ammunition to support Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, a development that has deeply worried Seoul at a point when relations between the two nations are at a low ebb.

The bigger factor may be the domestic political scene for Mr Yoon, who has been a lame duck president since the last general election was held in April and the opposition Democratic Party helmed by Mr Lee won a landslide. When he won the presidency in 2022, Mr Yoon  a member of the People Power Party, beat Mr Lee by just 0.7 percentage points. This was the closest election since South Korea started direct elections in 1987.

open image in gallery South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, bottom center left, and his party members stage a rally against the President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024

Mr Yoon's ratings in the polls have been low, while he has faced a number of controversies, including his wife, first lady Kim Keon Hee, being accused of stock manipulation by the opposition and a scandal over Ms Kim accepting a luxury Dior handbag. Mr Yoon has said his wife has been demonised and that that the allegations are "exaggerated".

In declaring martial law, Mr Yoon cited a motion by the Democratic Party earlier this week to impeach some of the country's top prosecutors over a failure to investigate the first lady as well as its rejection of a government budget proposal.

South Korea's ministers on Monday protested the move by the Democratic Party to slash more than 4 trillion won (2.3 billion) from the government's budget proposal. Mr Yoon said that action undermines the essential functioning of the government.

The declaration of martial law was condemned by opposition politicians and even the leader of Mr Yoon's People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, called the decision "wrong" and vowed to "stop it with the people".

What happens now?

Under South Korean law, martial law should be able to be lifted with a majority vote in the parliament, which the Democratic Party controls. A majority of MPs  190 out of 300  managed to make it to parliament and a motion passed calling for martial law to be lifted backed by all 190 legislators there. It is unclear how quickly this will happen, as the military insisted on the president being the one to lift the order given that political activity is banned under the martial law order.

A few hours later, Mr Yoon backtracked and said he will accept the National Assemblys demand and lift the martial law through a cabinet meeting.

open image in gallery People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The opposition party has called for Mr Yoon to resign or face impeachment for his destabilising actions. Mr Yoon didnt offer an immediate public response to the demand. But his office said senior presidential advisers and secretaries for Mr Yoon offered to resign collectively and the president also put off his official Wednesday morning schedule.

Impeaching Mr Yoon would require two-thirds support in the 300-member parliament. The main opposition and smaller parties hold 192 seats, and 18 members of Mr Yoons People Power Party opposed him in the 190-0 vote rejecting his martial law declaration. If impeached, Mr Yoon would lose his powers until the Constitutional Court rules on its validity, with prime minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as acting president.

Meanwhile, Mr Yoon accepted the resignation of defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly proposed the martial law declaration.

Despite previously dismissing concerns about imposing martial law as false propaganda, Mr Kim stepped down, and the president nominated retired four-star general Choi Byung-hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as his replacement.

open image in gallery Police officers stand outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

When has martial law been previously imposed?

Before South Korea moved to direct democracy in the late 1990s martial law had been imposed a number of times.

The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1979, after the assassination of the then-South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, who had seized power in a military coup in 1961.

In 1980, martial law was fully extended after a group of military officers led by Chun Doo-hwan forced then-president Choi Kyu-hah to proclaim martial law to crush calls by the opposition, labour and students for the restoration of democratic government.
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South Korean police have launched an investigation into president Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations of insurrection following his abrupt and short-lived declaration of martial law earlier this week.

The decree, which lasted six hours and plunged the country into political chaos, could have grave consequences for Mr Yoon as insurrection is a crime that bypasses presidential immunity and carries the death penalty.

The inquiry follows two complaints filed by the opposition Rebuilding Korea party and 59 activists, with prosecutors also launching an investigation against interior minister Kim Seon Ho and former defence minister Kim Yong Hyun for their roles in the crisis, according to Yonhap News Agency.

President Yoon declared martial law in an extraordinary late-night televised address on Tuesday, citing unnamed security threats.

The emergency measure suspended civilian rule, deployed soldiers and helicopters to the National Assembly, and triggered widespread shock. But the declaration of martial law, South Koreas first in over 40 years, was revoked within six hours after opposition lawmakers voted against it early on Wednesday morning. Opposition parties have condemned the move as a breach of the constitution and announced plans to impeach the president.

open image in gallery People protest during a candlelight vigil calling for the resignation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul ( Reuters )

A parliamentary vote is scheduled for Saturday evening, with Democratic Party spokesperson Jo Seoung Iae urging conservative lawmakers to reflect on what he described as an unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.

South Koreas military leaders have distanced themselves from Mr Yoons actions. General Park Ahn Soo, the army chief tasked with overseeing martial law, told parliament on Thursday that he had only learned of the declaration when the president announced it on live television, reported the Financial Times.

I found out about the martial law declaration watching Yoons press conference, General Park said, adding that the militarys role was directed by defence minister Kim Yong Hyun, who has since resigned. Vice defence minister Kim Seon Ho similarly claimed he was informed of the presidents plans only after the announcement.

open image in gallery Protesters chant slogans during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, 5 December2024 ( AP )

While we are military experts, we are not experts on martial law, General Park said during his testimony.

Lee Jae Myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party and Mr Yoons main rival in the 2022 presidential election, described his disbelief upon seeing the announcement.

He told CNN, That night, after I got off work, I was lying in bed with my wife  when she showed me a YouTube video and said, The president is declaring martial law. I replied, Thats a deepfake. It has to be a deepfake. Theres no way thats real. He recalled being shocked when he realised the announcement was genuine.

Earlier, the countrys vice defence minister claimed South Korean soldiers deployed at the National Assembly after President Yoon declared martial law did not carry live ammunition.

Speaking at a defence ministry briefing, Kim Seon Ho said the troops were ordered to the parliament by defence minister Kim Yong Hyun but they were essentially unarmed.

open image in gallery Members of the South Koreas main opposition Democratic Party (DP) demonstrate against the countrys president at the National Assembly on 5 December 2024 ( Getty Images )

The vice minister, however, accepted responsibility for failing to prevent the martial law order, which sparked national outrage and a political crisis, the BBC reported.

The defence minister quit earlier on Thursday. He apologised for causing disruption and concern to the public. All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me, he was quoted as saying in a statement by the defence ministry.

The defence ministers resignation increased pressure on the president, who appears set to imminently face an impeachment motion.

open image in gallery Poster calling for resignation of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol ( AFP via Getty )

At the parliamentary hearing on Thursday, the vice defence minister said he wasnt informed about Mr Yoons decision to impose martial law. He learned about it from the media.

He did not know who had authored the military proclamation suspending the activities of political parties after martial law was declared, but claimed that it didnt come from the defence ministry.

The decision to deploy troops to the National Assembly, however, came from the former defence minister. I had fundamentally opposed the deployment of troops over this martial law and I expressed a negative opinion about it, he claimed. I would like to apologise to our citizens once again, and, on a personal level, I feel devastated.

Mr Yoon moved quickly to name Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general and ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as the new defence minister.

The president continued to stay out of public view as of Thursday and has yet to address the growing calls for his resignation and impeachment.

open image in gallery South Korean marine veterans hold a rally in front of the presidential office in Seoul ( Reuters )

The main opposition Democratic Party, backed by smaller parties, filed an impeachment motion against Mr Yoon on Thursday, accusing him of violating constitutional limits by mobilising the military in a self coup. It said that Mr Yoon sought to suppress political opposition and block parliamentary function, actions deemed unconstitutional.

The motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat National Assembly to go ahead.

The opposition parties hold 192 seats and need eight lawmakers from Mr Yoons People Power Party to clear the threshold. The ruling party pledged to oppose the motion but could suffer internal divisions on the matter.

Jo Seoung Lae, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said they would push for a National Assembly vote on the impeachment motion on Saturday evening to allow conservative ruling party lawmakers enough time to contemplate their position on what he described as an unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.

Han Dong Hoon, leader of the People Power Party member who criticised the martial law decision, warned of political instability if the impeachment went ahead. We must prevent damage to citizens and supporters caused by unprepared political turmoil, he said.

If impeached, Mr Yoon would be stripped of powers while the Constitutional Court scrutinises the parliaments vote, with prime minister Han Duck Soo assuming presidential responsibilities in the interim.

open image in gallery Ruling People Power Party lawmakers hold a rally at the National Assembly in Seoul ( EPA )

Mr Yoons martial law declaration evoked memories of South Koreas authoritarian past, when military regimes instituted such measures to suppress dissent. South Korea, though, had not witnessed such scenes since its transition to democracy in the late 1980s.

After Mr Yoons declaration, troops in full battle gear tried to keep protesters away from the National Assembly as helicopters flew overhead and landed nearby.

In chaotic scenes, opposition lawmakers climbed walls to gain access to the parliamentary chamber as soldiers initially blocked entry.

It wasnt clear how the 190 lawmakers were able to enter the hall to vote down the martial law decree. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung and National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik were seen climbing over walls.

The soldiers and police officers blocked some lawmakers from entering but didnt aggressively restrain or use force against others.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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A 39-year-old woman was crushed to death and her nine-year-old son severely injured after a stampede broke out at the premiere of an Indian film in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Authorities identified the woman as M Revathi, who had come to watch the film with her husband M Bhaskar, their son, and seven-year-old daughter.

According to Indian media, huge crowds gathered at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, the capital of the south Indian state of Telangana, to get a glimpse of actor Allu Arjun, whose film Pushpa 2: The Rule was screening at the theatre.

Once Arjun arrived at the theatre along with the films music director Devi Sri Prasad around 10.30pm, the crowds pushed forward.

Authorities said that the theatre gates, which were shut, collapsed under the pressure of the crowd, which led to the stampede, adding that the police had to resort to baton-charge to control people.

People who were exiting the theatre from a previous show were caught in the midst of the crowd. Revathi and her son fell down in the stampede. The police personnel present there tried to resuscitate Revathi for several minutes. She and her son were rushed to Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital where Revathi was declared dead. Her son has been shifted to KIMS hospital with serious injuries and is in a critical condition, an police officer from the station where a case has been registered, said, according to The Indian Express.

The KIMS Hospital confirmed in a statement that the woman died from severe injuries sustained during the stampede and the child was brought in a semi-conscious state, and that he had been given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by police personnel. After arrival, he was put on ventilatory support, reported The Hindu.

A CT scan of the brain and spine was performed, revealing no significant abnormalities. While lactic acidosis has improved, the childs sensorium remains impaired. The condition is still critical, and the patient is under intensive care with continuous monitoring as the medical team works to stabilise him, the hospital said.

Hyderabad police have now registered a criminal case against the theatre and its management, and said that the theatre will be sealed as a part of the investigation process.

There was negligence on their part in ensuring crowd control measures were in place. Strict action will be taken against all those responsible for the incident, a senior police official told The Times of India.

Pushpa 2: The Rule is a sequel to the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, and stars Allu Arjun in the lead role, along with Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Dhananjaya, Sunil, and Ajay Ghosh. The films follow Pushpa Raj, a labourer-turned-mafia kingpin who rises in a syndicate that smuggles the rare red sandalwood. In Pushpa 2, Pushpa Raj struggles to sustain his sandalwood smuggling business in the face of tough opposition from the police, according to its synopsis.
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Tokyo is proposing a four-day work week for government employees as part of broader efforts to address Japans low birth rate.

The proposal, aimed at improving work-life balance, will allow civil servants to work fewer days while still meeting their monthly hour requirements, the citys governor Yuriko Koike said.

Flexible working hours will also be offered to parents of young children.

Lagging behind in womens empowerment is Japans longstanding issue, and overcoming the status quo and making society more diverse and prosperous is key for our bright future, Ms Koike said on Thursday. We will start with thorough support for work-life balance by introducing a more flexible working hour system, such as three holidays per week.

The governor said she plans to offer employees of the Tokyo Metropolitan government the option to work a shorter, four-day week starting April next year. Her administration intends to present a draft proposal for flexible working hours to the city assembly in 2025.

Well keep reviewing our work styles flexibly so that nobody has to give up their careers due to life events such as childbirth and child care, Ms Koike said on 3 December.

As Japans population continues to decline and labour shortages grow more severe, Ms Koike said her administration is seeking to strengthen support for families and improve social welfare benefits.

Japan is grappling with a demographic crisis as its population ages and the birth rate remains stubbornly low, a situation that the new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba has referred to as a quiet emergency.

He has pledged to implement policies to support families, including measures like flexible working hours.

Ms Koike also plans to launch a project aimed at boosting womens participation called Women in Action, one component of which is the introduction of a partial vacation system for parents of children in first to third grades of elementary school.

According to the governors plan, government staff, excluding shift workers, can take up to three days off per week but they will still be required to complete 155 hours per month, Sachi Ikegami, Tokyo Metropolitan government official responsible for personnel affairs, said.

In October, Miyagi prefecture announced plans to extend its four-day work week option to all employees by 2026, according to The Japan Times.

The policy, currently available to those with childcare or caregiving responsibilities, allows a three-day weekend with supervisor approval.

Other regions, including Ibaraki, Chiba and Kuji, are adopting similar initiatives, the paper reported, to support work-life balance, childcare, caregiving and workforce retention.

By realising a society in which workers can choose from a variety of working styles based on their circumstances, we aim to create a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution and enable each and every worker to have a better outlook for the future, a Japanese website said of the campaign known as hatarakikata kaikaku, which means innovating how we work.

The concept of a shorter work week in Japan, where the government reports at least 54 deaths annually due to overwork, goes back to 2021.

Mainichi reported in August this year, citing data from the ministry of health, labour and welfare, that about 8 per cent of companies in the country allow employees to take three or more days off per week, while 7 per cent give workers the legally mandated one-day off.

A Gallup survey measuring employee engagement ranked Japan as having one of the lowest levels of worker engagement. Only about 6 per cent of Japanese respondents reported feeling engaged at work, compared to the global average of 23 per cent.
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A Pakistani court has issued an arrest warrant for Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, in a corruption case, local media reported.

Mr Khan and Ms Bibi are accused of selling state-owned gifts worth over 140m Pakistani rupees (386,300) that the jailed leader received during his tenure as prime minister.

Ary News reported on Thursday that judge Shahrukh Arjumand issued a bailable arrest warrant for Ms Bibi. The hearing was held in Adiala Jail, where Ms Bibi was not present. Her request for exemption from personal appearance had been rejected.

The warrant followed the rejection of Mr Khan and Ms Bibis petitions for acquittal in the same case on 14 November.

It also came after police charged Mr Khan and Ms Bibi, along with several other people, under anti-terror laws for inciting violence during protests demanding the former prime ministers release from prison later last month.

Ms Bibi led a march on Islamabad but fled during a police raid that dispersed thousands of demonstrators. The protests resulted in several deaths, including of four security personnel, and the arrest of nearly 1,000 people.

Authorities accused Mr Khans supporters of attempting to take over the capital and carrying weapons, while Mr Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party denounced the cases as being politically motivated.

Ms Bibi was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court in the same graft case in October. She had paid surety bonds of 2,773 for her release. Her lawyer had argued that the allegations were baseless given that she was a homemaker and claimed the case was politically motivated.

Bushra Bibi, centre, and senior members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party lead their supporters during a rally demanding Imran Khans release in Islamabad on 26 November 2024 ( AP )

The Federal Investigation Agency challenged Ms Bibis bail before the Supreme Court arguing that it violated court guidelines as it was granted in the Islamabad High Court judges chamber.

Ms Bibi and her husband had been arrested in a separate Toshakhana case by the National Accountability Bureau in July, just hours after their acquittal in a previous case under family law related to their marriage. They had been sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year in connection with that case.

Mr Khan and Ms Bibi face multiple cases and the former prime minister is barred from political activity following his conviction in a corruption case earlier this year.

His supporters and critics of Pakistans ruling establishment have said the cases against them are part of a politically motivated crackdown.
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Watches of Switzerland has revealed strengthening sales amid a boost from strong demand for timepieces in the US.

Shares in the London-listed firm climbed higher in early trading on Thursday as a result.

The retail firm revealed that group revenues grew by 4% to 785 million over the 26 weeks to October 27, driven by an acceleration over the second quarter.

Our trading momentum through November, visibility of intake and second-half opening of large showroom investments support our full-year guidance, which is unchanged Brian Duffy, Watches of Switzerland

Sales were particularly strong in the US, growing by 11% to 355 million over the period, as it benefited from its stock rebuild.

UK and Europe revenues were 1% lower at 430 million, but the group highlighted growing demand in the UK in recent months.

Brian Duffy, chief executive of the group, said that trading has started encouragingly over the current quarter, as it has continued with its showroom investment and opening plan.

Mr Duffy added: We are pleased to report H1 FY25 revenue growth of 4% in constant currency reflecting an encouraging improvement in trading in Q2, driven by growing demand in the UK and US, and consistent growth in client registration lists, along with the acquisition of Roberto Coin in the period.

Looking ahead, key showroom openings in the second half include the flagship Rolex boutique in Old Bond Street, London; Audemars Piguet Town House, Manchester; Rolex introduction in Plano, Texas, and a reintroduction in Jacksonville, Florida; and the conversion of Mayors Lenox, Atlanta, to a Rolex mono-brand boutique.

Our trading momentum through November, visibility of intake and second-half opening of large showroom investments support our full-year guidance, which is unchanged.

Shares in the business were 5.9% higher on Thursday morning.
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A 2021 map shows the impact of a tsunami hitting the San Fransisco area - and the devastation it could cause.

The map was thrust back into the spotlight Thursday when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit off the California coast. It led to 5 million people being put under tsunami warnings in the immediate aftermath.

The interactive hazard maps released online in 2021 provide a look at just how much of the region could be inundated if a once-in-a-lifetime catastrophe strikes.

We are preparing for a worst-case scenario. A 9.3 magnitude quake off Alaska, that would be the worst-case for San Francisco, Adrienne Bechelli, deputy director of San Franciscos Department of Emergency Management, told ABC7 at the time.

San Francisco County tsunami hazard areas map was updated in July 2021 showing a potentially greater impact on the city than previously thought ( California Geological Survey )

New technology in 2021 allowed the states geological survey to update its maps from 2009.

A tsunami triggered by a large earthquake in Alaska would take approximately five hours to reach the city, the 2021 maps showed. Those findings were based on how, in 1964, a 9.2-magnitude earthquake in Alaska sent a tsunami toward California and did heavy damage along the coast near San Francisco.

Thursdays quake was much closer and created tsunami warnings, but officials said quickly after the quake that the threat had passed.

The 2021 maps based on an Alaska quake showed that a tsunami hitting downtown San Francisco was more significant than had been assumed. It was previously believed that areas that are immediately adjacent to the water, such as the Fishermans Wharf, the Embarcadero and the area around the famous Ferry Building would receive the brunt of any wave.

However, the 2021 maps show water potentially surging into parts of North Beach and the Financial District as far as Fremont Street.

The same is true across the region with waves hitting West Oakland and Lake Merritt. The entire Oakland Container Terminal and the citys international airport would be inundated.

"Bottom line: If youre near the coast and feel strong shaking from a local earthquake or get an official notification to evacuate, move inland or to a higher elevation as soon as possible, Rick Wilson, head of the CGS Tsunami Program, said in 2021. A large tsunami surge might be fascinating to watch but you dont want to be anywhere near it.

The tsunami triggered by the 2011 Japan earthquake rippled across the entire Pacific Ocean wreaking havoc in Santa Cruz harbour to the south of San Francisco, leaving heavy damage. Approximately $100m in damage occurred up and down the coast.

More than 150 tsunamis have hit Californias shore since 1800. Most were barely noticeable, but a few have caused fatalities or significant damage.

The most destructive tsunami to hit California occurred on March, 28, 1964. Several surges reaching 21 feet high swept into Crescent City four hours after a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in Alaska, killing 12 and levelling much of the towns business district.
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George Russell has revealed Max Verstappen threatened to put my f***ing head in the wall as their war of words escalated ahead of the final race of the Formula One season.

The Mercedes driver accused the Red Bull star of deliberately pushing to crash into him during the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Dutch driver missed out on pole position a week ago after being sent to the stewards for blocking Russell during qualifying, with both men sent to discuss the moment.

Verstappen ended up with a one-place grid penalty to drop down one spot and hand Russell pole position, though the four-time world champion would still win the race.

But the tension has only escalated in Abu Dhabi ahead of the conclusion to the 2024 season, with Verstappen accusing Russell of lying to the stewards.

He also stated that he had "lost all respect" for the Mercedes driver and that he behaved differently in front of the cameras to behind the scenes, telling Dutch television: "You know what it is? He acts decent in front of the camera here, but when you talk to him personally, he is a different person ... I can't stand that. In that case you can better f*** off."

But Russell hit back on Thursday, stating: I find it all quite ironic seeing as Saturday night he said he was going to purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and put me on my f***ing head in the wall.

Max Verstappen has accused George Russell of lying in Qatar ( Getty Images )

So to question somebodys integrity as a person, while saying comments like that the day before, I find is very ironic, and Im not going to sit here and accept it.

People have been bullied by Max for years now, and you cant question his driving abilities. But he cannot deal with adversity.

Whenever anything has gone against him -- Jeddah 21, Brazil 21 -- he lashes out. Budapest this year, the very first race the car wasnt dominant, crashing into Lewis, slamming his team ... As I said, for me, those comments on Saturday night and Sunday were totally disrespectful and unnecessary.

Because what happens on track, we fight hard, thats part of racing. What happens in the stewards room, you fight hard, but its never personal. But hes taken it too far now.
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Amber Heard is expecting her second child.

A spokesperson for the Aquaman actor confirmed the news in a statement to People magazine.

It is still quite early in the pregnancy, so you will appreciate that we do not want to go into much detail at this stage, the spokesperson said. Suffice to say that Amber is delighted both for herself and Oonagh Paige.

Heard welcomed her three-year-old daughter, Oonagh, via surrogate back in April 2021. She first announced the news in an Instagram post, explaining that her decision to have a child dated back four years.

Four years ago, I decided I wanted to have a child. I wanted to do it on my own terms. I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way, the caption read.

She noted wanting to normalize being a single mother and not wanting a ring in order to have a crib.

The actor added that she would normally want this aspect of her life to remain private, but because of her job, it wasnt possible. I also get that the nature of my job compels me to take control of this, her caption ended as she revealed her daughters name.

Heard was previously married to Johnny Depp from 2015 to 2017 ( Getty Images for L'Oreal )

Over the years, Heard has provided various updates about Oonagh on social media.

Heard was previously married to actor Johnny Depp from 2015 to 2017. In 2022, the two of them ended up in a public legal battle when Depp sued her in March 2019 for $50 million for defamation over an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post.

Depp had not been directly named in the article, but his legal team had argued there was a clear implication that Mr Depp is a domestic abuser.

After six weeks in court, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor won the case as the jury declared Heard had defamed Depp on all three counts. He was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

In June 2022, Heard revealed to Todays Savannah Guthrie if she would ever tell her daughter about the trial. I think no matter what, it will mean something, Heard said.

I did the right thing. I did everything I could to stand up for myself and the truth.

At the time, she also revealed that she planned on being a mother full-time. I get to be a mom, like, full-time, you know? she said when asked about how she saw her future. Where Im not having to juggle calls with lawyers.

Heard went on to resort to a more private life as she sold her home in California and moved to Madrid, Spain.
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Fearne Cotton has shared a health update after having an operation to remove multiple tumours.

The TV and radio presenter, 43, revealed she was scheduled for surgery earlier this week after doctors discovered two benign tumours below her ear in her saliva gland.

Cottons surgery comes just a week after her friend Davina McCall, 57, revealed she needed surgery for a rare brain tumour, who is also recovering post procedure.

The radio star reassured fans on social media that the operation had been successful and she is now recovering by resting away from the public eye.

Posting to her Instagram story, Cotton said: Operation went really well. Recovering and resting. Thanks so much for all the kind messages.

The former Celebrity Juice captain revealed McCall has been a source of support for her since she discovered the tumours, describing her as a beacon of positivity.

On Tuesday, Cotton took to her Instagram to reveal her health issue in a short video.

Ive got a benign tumour just in my jaw here, below my ear, another little tiny one above it, she said.

Im very grateful theyre benign but they do need to come out because theyre on a nerve. So Im gonna have that surgery, and then Im gonna be resting to get better before Christmas.

Not very good at resting, so wondering how thats gonna go. But Im feeling OK about it. Im going into the operation feeling good and well.

She also said her podcast, Happy Place, will carry on as normal.

Ill be doing all the regular stuff, Ive banked a load of good episodes so that will still be rolling out, and Ill see you soon.

open image in gallery Fearne Cotton attends the TRIC awards at Grosvenor House on July 06, 2022 ( Getty Images )

In the caption, Cotton explained she discovered the health issue when she felt a lump under my ear on my jawline a while ago now but this year noticed it was growing.

She continued: Turns out its a benign tumour and another small one above it on the saliva gland.

Its obviously so weird that only a couple of months ago Davina told me about her tumour and then weeks later I was calling her having discovered mine.

Im not only lucky shes a bloody good mate but also a beacon of light and positivity when it comes to this stuff.

open image in gallery Cotton and Davina McCall in 2017 ( Getty )

McCall recently underwent a successful operation to remove a 14mm-wide benign tumour, a colloid cyst, from her brain.

Following her operation, McCall told her followers that her short-term memory had been affected, but it was something that would improve over time.

My short-term memory is a bit remiss but thats something I can work on. Im writing down everything Im doing to keep myself feeling safe, she said last week.

Im on the mend, Im resting, Im sleeping loads, I feel really good. And very lucky.
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Chi-Chis Mexican restaurant is making a comeback, 20 years after the franchises last restaurant closed.

The company announced in a press release on Tuesday (December 3) that it will be making a return, with restaurants expected to open in 2025. The news comes as a result of Hormel Foods, the owner of Chi-Chis trademarks, making a new deal with Michael McDermott.

The agreement allows McDermott, whos the son of Chi-Chis founder Marno McDermott, to use the Chi-Chis name on the new restaurant locations.

In the press release, McDermott opened up about growing up with Chi-Chis as a child and shared how happy he was to bring it back to life.

I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chis restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry, he said.

We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with todays consumer  an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor.

Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chis founder Marno McDermott, poses with new menu for restaurant reopening ( CHI-CHIs )

McDermott also posed with the restaurants new menu, which included tacos, enchiladas, and chimichangas.

Chi-Chis was founded in Minnesota in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Mac McGee. It reached success with more than 200 restaurants operating in the U.S.

However, in 2004, the last Chi-Chis restaurant officially closed shortly after the company filed for bankruptcy, according to a 2004 USA Today report.

The shutdown occurred amid a hepatitis A outbreak at a Chi-Chis restaurant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The outbreak, which was traced to green onions served at the restaurant, resulted in 660 people getting sick and four deaths. More than 300 victims filed against Chi-Chis, seeking damages.

The 2004 bankruptcy also came after Outback Steakhouse purchased 76 Chi-Chis restaurants. Outback then converted those restaurants into restaurants for its own brands, including Carrabbas Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and its signature Outback Steakhouse.

However, major details about Chi-Chis comeback, including when restaurants will open in 2025, havent been revealed.

In addition to leading the reopening of Chi-Chis, McDermott has had an extensive career in the restaurant business. He founded the seafood, steak, and sushi restaurant Kona Grill in 1998, and he co-owns Rojo Mexican Grill.
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Too Hot to Handle star Harry Jowsey shared a heartfelt message on social media announcing his late fathers passing.

In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (December 4), the 27-year-old Perfect Match alum shared the heartbreaking news with his 4.4 million followers. The reality star uploaded a carousel of nostalgic photos celebrating his dads memory, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

I love you Dad, I miss you, Jowsey wrote. Ill catch you on the other side.

The photo series began with a snapshot of a young Jowsey alongside his brother and four sisters, with their father smiling proudly at the center. Several other images captured touching moments, including Jowsey and his brother hugging their dad by a water fountain, a candid shot of the father and son sitting side-by-side on a log, and a final black-and-white close-up of Jowsey holding what appeared to be his fathers hand.

He also took to his Instagram Story to thank fans for their outpouring of support.

Harry Jowsey pays tribute to late father in Instagram post announcing his death ( Getty Images for Paramount )

Thanks for all the lovely messages, he wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji. Love you all, hug your parents.

Although the Australian native refrained from sharing details about his fathers passing, he had hinted at experiencing loss one day prior when he posted a cryptic broken heart and dove emoji on a black background to his Instagram Story.

In the past, Jowsey has candidly reflected on his complex relationship with his father. In a 2021 appearance on the Almost Adulting Podcast, the reality star described growing up with a crazy, crazy alcoholic parent, but acknowledged his fathers good qualities.

I love my dad and I know hes trying to be better, Jowsey explained at the time. Regardless of anything, thats my old man, and I still love him.

Despite the challenges he experienced growing up on a farm in Queensland, Australia, Jowsey has often spoken fondly of his familys unwavering support and the close bond they share. He once expressed his heartfelt goal to deposit $1 million into his mother Melanie Jowseys bank account, highlighting his gratitude for her support over the years.

Jowsey shared insights into his personal growth during a 2023 interview with Swagger Magazine. He emphasized the importance of self-love and offered advice to his younger self. Stop stressing and believe in the future because its all going to work out, he said.

Jowsey first burst onto the reality TV scene in 2018 when he appeared on the New Zealand dating show Heartbreak Island, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He ultimately won the show, which came with a cash prize.

It wasnt until 2020 when he joined Netflixs Too Hot to Handle that Jowsey achieved international fame. The show, which challenged contestants to form deeper connections without physical intimacy, showcased his playful personality and knack for stirring up drama, making him one of the shows most memorable cast members.
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Haliey Welch, better known as the viral Hawk Tuah Girl, has faced backlash following the failed launch of her memecoin $HAWK, which crashed by more than 90 percent just hours after it hit the market. Now, the 22-year-old internet personality is being accused of scamming investors.

This week, Welch attempted to cash in on her viral fame by launching her own memecoin  cryptocurrencies that are based on viral memes or pop culture references, such as Dogecoin and Pepecoin.

Speaking to Fortune before the launch, Welch insisted that her memecoin, named HAWK, was not just a cash grab. However, less than 24 hours later, at least one investor has already filed a complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

When HAWK launched on the Solana blockchain on Wednesday (December 4) evening with a price of $0.005492, it quickly surged more than 900 percent and accumulated a market cap of $490 million. The tokens price peaked at $0.00004028, the Crypto Times reported, before its market cap plummeted to $60 million, marking a whopping 91 percent decline in value.

The rapid nosedive was credited by some to insider wallets and snipers  entities that rapidly buy up huge amounts of a tokens supply at launch  which reportedly controlled between 80 and 90 percent of HAWKs supply. According to Cointelegraph, one wallet managed to purchase 17.5 percent of the memecoins supply worth $993,000 at the time, and sold it less than two hours later for a profit of $1.3 million.

Many online commentators accused Welch and her team of a pump and dump scheme, whereby coins are bought at a low price, heavily promoted to inflate their value, and then sold off at a peak, often by company insiders.

Hawk Tuah Girl Hailey Welch is facing accusations of scamming investors after her crypto coin plummets in value just hours after launch ( YouTube )

Welch has denied all allegations of insider trading, stating in a X/Twitter post that her team hasnt sold one token and not 1 KOL was given 1 free token.

We tried to stop snipers as best we could through high fees in the start of launch on @MeteoraAG, she wrote. Fees have now been dropped.

The Independent has contacted Welchs representatives for further comment.

Welchs manager, Jonnie Forster, previously told Fortune that Welch will own 10 percent of the supply of HAWK but will not be able to sell it for one year.

I dont really see it as, like, a gambling thing, Welch told the outlet. I think its, like, a fun way to get my fans to interact.

Still, that hasnt stopped social media users from making light of the crypto controversy.

Shes gonna have to Talk Tuah judge soon, one person wrote on X, while someone else replied: She just hawk tuahed 1M dollars from our pockets.

Welch shot to viral fame in June as The Hawk Tuah Girl, thanks to an NSFW on-the-street interview posted by YouTubers Tim Dickerson and DeArius Marlow. Since then, Welch has signed with an agent and launched her own podcast, Talk Tuah.
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Justin Baldoni has opened up about his experience in an abusive relationship.

TheIt Ends with Us director and actor recently appeared in an episode of Elizabeth Days How to Fail podcast when he discussed a toxic relationship he had in college.

While attending Long Beach State University, Baldoni explained he met a beautiful young woman at Abercrombie & Fitch, and they quickly started a relationship. Reflecting on their romance now, he said he used it as a source of validation because I was trying to fill a hole and a void where I just didnt feel like I was enough.

It was a very bad relationship, and I kind of contorted myself and my personality to be what she wanted, he told the podcast host. I had strong values and opinions and beliefs going in, and those were very easily manipulated and reshaped to the point where a few months in I completely lost any sense of self that I had left. And it got very emotionally abusive.

The Jane the Virgin actor alleged that he also experienced sexual trauma in the relationship, which took time to process because of the stereotype that only women can experience sexual trauma from a man.

Baldoni said he began healing after a therapist asked him what he would do if a woman told him the same story ( Getty Images )

In my head, a man cant experience sexual trauma at the hands of a woman, Baldoni said. Its also the way that society has kind of made me feel that, you know, its only the other way around, when in reality it can happen.

He said he was hoping to save myself for marriage, and thats as detailed as Ill get into the story.

The Five Feet Apart director added that he had gone years not acknowledging the incident as a source of manipulation until his therapist at the time had asked him what he would do if a woman had told him the exact same story.

One day my therapist asked me a very simple question. She said, Justin, you do a lot of work in this space: If a woman told you that story, what would you call it? And thats when I broke, he said.

That relationship ended with cheating and infidelity. It was a terrible, terrible relationship, he added. I left college, I moved to LA, and it was actually thanks to that relationship ending that I ended up becoming an actor.

Baldoni married his wife, Swedish actor Emily (nee Fuxler), in 2013. The couple share two children, Maiya, nine, and Maxwell, seven.

He also admitted on the podcast that he was diagnosed with ADHD for the very first time in January.

I was diagnosed officially at 40, which means this year, I turned 40 early in January, Baldoni said. This is after probably four years of my therapist telling me it might be a good idea to go and get an actual diagnosis, pushing me in that direction because a common theme in my therapy sessions was this feeling of just not being enough.

Despite there being signs of the condition from his childhood such as struggling with reading and teachers calling him out of control and disruptive, his parents shied away from receiving a proper diagnosis and medicating him.

Not wanting me to be doped up on something and ADHD back then wasnt really understood, the actor explained. It was a deficit. You were broken and I think they didnt want to raise me feeling broken and ironically, because nobody was there to talk to me about it, nobody held space for me. I felt broken.
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The Rockefeller Centers Christmas tree lighting ceremony is still expected to continue today, despite the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which happened just a few blocks away on Wednesday.

As the tree has already been decorated by the plazas crew, its now time for this years lighting ceremony, which will be held later this evening.

In 1931, Rockefeller Center  based in Manhattan, New York  first commemorated the beginning of the Christmas season by bringing a 69- to 100-ft-tall tree inside the square. Two years later, the complex decided to make the tree an annual tradition and hosted its first-ever tree-lighting ceremony. However, the tree-lighting ceremony wasnt nationally televised until 1951.

Heres everything to know about the 2024 event, from when the tree will be lit to how to watch the ceremony.

When will the tree be lit and for how long?

open image in gallery The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting will take place on December 4 ( Getty Images )

The 92nd Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with the tree being lit a few minutes before 10 p.m. ET. As part of the ceremony, viewers will see the trees 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski star topper lit.

Following the lighting ceremony, the Rockefeller Center Tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. The tree will be lit during these times until the beginning of January.

How to watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony?

If youre based in New York City, you could take the opportunity to go to Rockefeller Center and see the tree lighting ceremony in person. However, if you dont live near Manhattan  or you simply dont want to attend what is likely to be a busy event  you can watch the ceremony from the comfort of your own home.

NBC will be broadcasting the ceremony, as NBC Studios is based at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The broadcast  also known as Christmas in Rockefeller Center  will begin at 8 p.m. on December 4. The two-hour televised event will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

Just like she did last year, Kelly Clarkson is hosting the ceremony and its televised special. There will be a range of celebrity appearances, including NBC anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin.

Along with performances by Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, country duo Dan + Shay, and Broadway star Megan Hilty, and more are expected to sing.

Whats the history of the tree lighting ceremony?

open image in gallery Kelly Clarkson is hosting this years Rockefellar Christmas Tree lighting ( Getty Images )

In 1993, three years before the skating rink was installed below, Rockefeller Center held its first annual tree-lighting ceremony. Years later, it went on to host the largest Tree in Rockefeller Centers history, with the tree standing at 100 feet tall in 1999.

The tree has since been decorated with different lights each year, including red, white, and blue ones in December 2001 to pay tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks.

In December 2004, Rockefeller Center received its 550-pound Swarovski star, which adorned the top of the tree each year until 2018. The star featured 25,000 crystals, 1 million facets and was 9.5 feet in diameter. In 2005, LED lights were added to the star, which made it look as if it were radiating light from its core to its tips.

A new Swarovski star was introduced in December 2018, with the piece designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The 9-foot-4-inch tree topper is not only backlit by LEDs, but it also features three million dazzling Swarovski crystals across 70 triangular spikes.
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A U.S. Justice Department investigation into the Memphis Police Department after the beating death of Tyre Nichols found a pattern of unlawful use of excessive force and discrimination against the Black residents of the majority-Black city in Tennessee.

The Memphis case is one of 12 similar investigations of state and local law enforcement agencies opened by the DOJ since April 2021. Many have been in response to high-profile deaths at the hands of police, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The five other completed investigations all found patterns of illegal police practices.

George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis

George Floyd died in May 2020 after a white officer pinned his neck to the pavement in Minneapolis for 9 1/2 minutes despite the Black mans pleas of I cant breathe. The ensuing global protests, which turned violent at times, sparked a nationwide reckoning over racism and police misconduct. Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder.

In June 2023, the DOJ issued a report saying the police department in Minneapolis engaged in a pattern of using excessive force and discrimination. The city agreed to resolve the findings through a consent decree with an independent monitor.

The aftermath of Breonna Taylor's death in Louisville, Kentucky

Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her home during a raid in March 2020. Federal and state prosecutors have said Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove were justified in returning fire after Taylors boyfriend grabbed a handgun and shot Mattingly in the leg. Taylors boyfriend said he mistook the police for an intruder breaking in after midnight.

The two officers left the department years ago and were not charged with any crimes. Two other former Louisville officers have been accused in federal court of falsifying the Taylor warrant.

In March 2023, the DOJ issued findings that the Louisville Metro Police Department had a pattern of unlawful practices that included executing search warrants without knocking and announcing. The report acknowledged changes already made by Louisville police and identified additional remedial measures that were needed.

A spate of scandals in Phoenix, Arizona

In Phoenix, there wasn't a single episode that led to the DOJ investigation. Instead it came after many smaller scandals. A 2020 case accusing 15 protesters of being in an anti-police gang had to be dismissed for lack of credible evidence; in 2017, a challenge coin was circulated among officers depicting a gas mask-wearing demonstrator getting shot in the groin with a projectile; and in June 2019, cell phone video emerged showing officers pointing guns when they confronted an unarmed Black couple with two small children they suspected of shoplifting.

This June, the Justice Department issued a report finding that the Phoenix Police Department had a pattern of several unlawful practices. They included unlawfully arresting homeless people and disposing of their belongings, the unjustified use of deadly force, and discrimination against Black, Hispanic and Native American people and those experiencing mental health crises.

City officials have said they are analyzing the report. They have also launched a new website describing the police department's road to reform and what they are doing to reduce the number of use of force incidents.

Civil rights violations in Lexington, Mississippi

The DOJ investigation of Lexington, Miss., followed a lawsuit by a civil rights group that accused police in this small, rural town of terrorizing Black residents by subjecting them to false arrests, excessive force and intimidation. The report, released in September, said the Lexington Police Department has created a system where officers can relentlessly violate the law."

The department operates under an unconstitutional conflict of interest because it is partially funded by money raised through fines. Police routinely arrest people who cannot pay fines or who owe outstanding fines and people are jailed without prompt access to court and with no assessment of their ability to pay bail, the report found.

The city and police cooperated fully with the investigation and committed to working with the DOJ to address the violations.

Excessive force in Trenton, New Jersey

In Trenton, N.J. the DOJ issued a report just last month that concluded officers in the state's capital have a pattern of misconduct, including using excessive force and making unlawful stops. The report documents arrests without legal basis, officers escalating situations with aggression and unnecessary use of pepper spray.

Officials said the city has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the DOJ. Trenton has so far disbanded two police department street units that officials said violated the constitution.

Six more still in progress

Six similar investigations are still in progress.

In Louisiana, the Justice Department announced a federal probe in 2022 following an Associated Press investigation into the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene and at least a dozen cases in which troopers or their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings.

Federal authorities were asked to investigate the Mount Vernon Police Department in a suburb of New York City by the Westchester County district attorney, who suggested the department has a problem with illegal strip searches.

The Special Victims Division of the New York City Police Department in under investigation for how it handles sexual assault crimes following years of complaints about the way investigators treat crime victims.

In Oklahoma, the DOJ is investigating whether the state, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City police discriminate against mentally ill adults, including by institutionalizing them when they could be helped in community settings.

The torture of two black men by white sheriffs officers in Mississippi led to a probe of the Rankin County Sheriffs Department. Following an Associated Press investigation, five Rankin officers and one from another department were charged and sentenced to terms of 10 to 40 years.

In Massachusetts, federal prosecutors did not point to any specific episode that triggered their investigation into a possible pattern of excessive force and discriminatory policing. The probe followed a lawsuit filed by a Black man who said he was wrongfully charged with murder based on his race and fabricated evidence.
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The family of a woman from Hawaii who vanished after landing in Los Angeles three weeks ago expressed frustration with investigators and said they haven't seen the surveillance footage that shows her walking across the border into Mexico.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said this week that the video shows Hannah Kobayashi, 30, walking with her luggage alone into a covered walkway at San Diego's San Ysidro crossing on Nov. 12, the day after relatives reported her missing.

McDonnell said there is no evidence Kobayashi was being trafficked or was otherwise a victim of a crime. Her disappearance is now classified as a  voluntary missing person, he said.

Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, told Hawaii News Now that the family didn't learn until Monday that her sister walked from San Diego into Mexico three weeks ago.

For them to tell us that they have been keeping us informed throughout the entire time, thats absolutely inaccurate, Sydni Kobayashi said Tuesday. We feel like were left in the dark and that was kind of like a huge slap in the face for us.

Family members, friends and local volunteers searched for Hannah in Los Angeles.

Investigators spotted Kobayashi on video while reviewing surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection late Sunday, McDonnell said. Sydni Kobayashi said authorities have not shown any surveillance video to the family.

The family has hired a private investigator and attorney because they still feel Hannah is in danger, Hawaii News Now reported.

They say that they seen her alone, but that doesnt discount the fact that someone could be watching her from afar, knowing how big this case has gotten and kind of like maybe controlling her or like telling her what to do, the sister said.

According to McDonnell, Kobayashi disappeared voluntarily as she sought to step away from modern connectivity."

Weve basically done everything we can do at this point. Shes left the country and in another nation now, he said, adding that if she returns to the U.S., law enforcement will be notified. He declined to comment further Wednesday.

McDonnell said she has a right to her privacy, but urged her to reach out to her family or law enforcement. He explained that the missing person case will remain active until her safety is confirmed by authorities.

The budding photographer from Maui went missing after she didnt make a connecting flight to New York on Nov. 8 to travel for a new job and to visit relatives.
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Watch as French Prime Minister Michael Barnier arrived at the Elysee on Thursday (5 December) to tender his resignation.

Barnier has become the shortest-serving French prime minister in modern history as opposition parties have ousted his government in a historic no-confidence vote  which hands President Emmanuel Macron a fresh political crisis.

Mr Barniers government is the first to be forced out by such a vote in more than 60 years, with the trigger being a clash over the countrys budget for next year. A majority of 331 voted in support of the motion to remove him; a minimum of 288 was needed.

Opposition parties tabled the motion after Mr Barnier controversially used special constitutional powers to force through a budget without a vote. The former Brexit negotiator was only appointed by Mr Macron in September.
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A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza.

Atif Al-Hout, the director of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis said 28 people were wounded.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports but had no immediate comment.

The strike in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people, near the southern city of Khan Younis, came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of the Palestinian enclave. Earlier strikes on central Gaza killed eight people, including four children.

Israel's war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israels offensive has killed over 44,500 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
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In a new head-to-head trial, drugmaker Eli Lilly said Wednesday that patients using its obesity medication Zepbound lost significantly more weight than those who were given competitor Novo Nordisks Wegovy.

Eli Lilly said that users of Zepbound, which contains the antidiabetic medication tirzepatide, shed 47 percent more pounds compared to those who were given the other semaglutide drug.

After 72 weeks, those who received weekly injections of Zepbound lost 20.2 percent of their body weight, or just over 50 pounds, while Wegovy users lost 13.7 percent, or more than 33 pounds.

About 31 percent of people taking Zepbound shed at least a quarter of their body weight, as Wegovy lost users lost just 16.1 percent.

open image in gallery The drugmaker Eli Lillys logo is seen on one of the companys buildings in San Diego, California, in September 2020. The drugmaker said a clinical trial showed patients using the obesity drug Zepbound lost more weight than those who were given its competitor ( REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo )

Given the increased interest around obesity medications, we conducted this study to help health care providers and patients make informed decisions about treatment choice, Dr. Leonard Glass, senior vice president of global medical affairs at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said in a statement.

We are thrilled that todays findings showed the superior weight loss of Zepbound, which helped patients achieve 47 percent more relative weight loss compared to Wegovy, he continued. Zepbound is in a class of its own as the only FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist obesity medication, and its changing how millions of people manage this chronic disease.

open image in gallery An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lillys weight loss drug, is seen next to boxes of Novo Nordisks Wegovy earlier this year. Novo Nordisk said it would wait for the complete data to come out before responding to the study ( REUTERS/Hollie Adams/Brendan McDermid/Combination/File Photo )

As a leader in obesity care, Novo Nordisk welcomes all innovation in this field. This is a top-line announcement, and we will await the complete data, including the distribution of treatment doses in the two groups, once the trial has been peer-reviewed and/or published, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson told The Independent.

Treatment of obesity is about improving health, wellbeing and prolonging lives. It goes beyond weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide injection) is the only obesity medicine proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, stroke and heart attack in people with known heart disease and overweight or obesity, they said. In addition, Wegovy is the only obesity medication recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024 guidelines for treatment of chronic coronary syndromes.

The randomized clinical trial, in which participants were divided into groups to compare the drugs, included 751 adult participants across the U.S. who were affected by obesity or were overweight, with at least one other medical condition that affected their health like hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolic disorder dyslipidemia. They did not have diabetes.

open image in gallery Injection pens and boxes of Novo Nordisks weight-loss drug Wegovy are seen in November 2023. The FDA approved a new indication for use for Wegovy earlier this year ( REUTERS/Victoria Klesty/Illustration//File Photo )

After the results of the trial were released, Reuters reported that Eli Lillys shares rose marginally in premarket trading.

Eli Lilly said it would continue to evaluate the trials results, which would be published in a peer-review journal and presented at a conference next year. Previous research from both companies found that the drugs helped people lose weight, but didnt pit the two drugs against each other.

Both drugs are different versions of the diabetes treatments Mounjaro and Ozempic, which are produced by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, respectively.

The news comes as both companies have boosted production. Zepbound brought in $1.3 billion in sales for Eli Lilly in this years third quarter.

Zepbound has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. The administration approved a new indication for use for Wegovy earlier this year to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease who are either overweight or have obesity.

With reporting from The Associated Press
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U.S. first lady Jill Biden toured the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Thursday as part of her final solo foreign tour.

Biden, 73, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night after stopping in Italy and visiting her ancestral home of Gesso in Sicily. The UAE, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, has been a key U.S. ally in the region and hosts thousands of American troops. The country's Jebel Ali port in Dubai also is the U.S. Navy's busiest port of call outside of the U.S.

The UAE also is a major buyer of Boeing Co. aircraft for its long-haul airlines Emirates and Etihad, and has been focused on winning American support for its push into artificial intelligence.

On Thursday Biden traveled to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn, a historic site. She was expected to speak at a summit later in the day.

Biden has come to the country previously. In March 2016, she accompanied her husband, then the vice president in the last year of the Obama administration, on a trip to the Emirates.

This trip comes after President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden over federal crimes after previously pledging that he wouldn't. The president dodged questions about the pardon while he was on a trip to Angola.

For her part, Jill Biden on Monday said: Of course I support the pardon of my son.

Biden will travel next to nearby Qatar. After that she'll fly to Paris and join President-elect Donald Trump and other dignitaries in Paris to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. She'll then return to Washington.
The pioneering director behind M*A*S*H* and Gosford Park would have turned 100 this month. Louis Chilton looks at the life of one of cinemas true greats  and explains why he deserves far more credit for the film landscape of today

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Researchers say they are surprised to discover that two massive asteroids that slammed into the Earth 35 million years ago caused no real climate impact.

After the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hit what is now the Yucatan Peninsula more than 30 million years before these asteroids, its explosive energy resulted in irreversible climate change. It was those changes after the impact that likely caused the global mass extinction.

These asteroids, while smaller than the dinosaur killer, struck our planet about 25,000 years apart. They left miles-long craters in the Mid-Atlantic Chesapeake Bay and Siberia: the fourth- and fifth-largest asteroid craters on Earth.

But what happened after they hit is puzzling to scientists. They found no evidence of a lasting shift in climate some 150,000 years later.

What is remarkable about our results is that there was no real change following the impacts. We expected the isotopes to shift in one direction or another, indicating warmer or cooler waters, but this did not happen, University College London Professor Bridget Wade said. These large asteroid impacts occurred and, over the long term, our planet seemed to carry on as usual.

open image in gallery In this dramatic illustration, a meteor falls toward Earth from space. A pair of asteroids that rammed into Earth more than 35 million years ago seemingly had no climate impacts, scientists said Wednesday ( Getty Images/iStock )

Isotopes are a type of atom, the smallest unit of matter that retains all the chemical properties of an element.

To determine the past climate, Wade and a team of researchers used analyzed isotopes in more than 1,500 fossils of tiny, shelled organisms that lived in the sea at the time known as foraminifera.

The fossils were between 35.5 to 35.9 million years old and were found in a nearly 10-foot-long rock core: a tube-like sample taken from underneath the Gulf of Mexico by the scientific Deep Sea Drilling Project. The pattern of the isotopes they looked at reflects how warm the waters were when the organisms were alive. They found shifts about 100,000 years before the asteroids hit, but none around the time of the impacts or afterwards.

open image in gallery A microscopic image shows the silica droplets that were found in a rock core. The droplets form after rocks containing the compound are vaporized by an asteroid ( Natalie Cheng / Bridget Wade )

They also uncovered evidence of the asteroid impacts in the form of thousands of tiny droplets of glass, or the compound silica. The droplets form after silica-containing rocks are vaporized by an asteroid. The silica ends up in the atmosphere but solidifies into droplets as it cools.

The work, which was funded by the UKs Natural Environment Research Council, was published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

However, our study would not have picked up shorter-term changes over tens or hundreds of years, as the samples were every 11,000 years, said Wade. Over a human time scale, these asteroid impacts would be a disaster. They would create a massive shockwave and tsunami, there would be widespread fires, and large amounts of dust would be sent into the air, blocking out sunlight.

open image in gallery Silica droplets, or microspherules, are seen in this image. One is about 100 microns in size ( Natalie Cheng / Bridget Wade )

She noted that research into the Yucatan asteroid strike, also known as the Chicxulub impact crater, suggests a shift during less than a quarter of a century. And, previous investigations into the climate of the time have been inconclusive: some have linked impacts to cooling and others to warming.

But, the university argues, that using the foraminifera that lived at different ocean depths provides a more complete picture of the oceans response.

Modeling studies of the larger Chicxulub impact, which killed off the dinosaurs, also suggest a shift in climate on a much smaller time scale of less than 25 years, Wade said. So we still need to know what is coming and fund missions to prevent future collisions.
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One of the teenagers convicted of the murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey has lost his bid to reduce the length of his sentence.

Lawyers for Eddie Ratcliffe, who was 15 at the time of the killing but is now 17, asked for the length of his sentence to be reduced, claiming the judge had failed to take into account his immaturity.

Ratcliffe was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years in February this year for Briannas murder, alongside co-defendant Scarlett Jenkinson, who received a minimum term of 22 years. Brianna was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife during the fatal attack in Culcheth, near Warrington, in February 2023.

Richard Littler KC, for Ratcliffe, told the Court of Appeal that sentencing judge Mrs Justice Yip had not fully accounted for Ratcliffes poor social skills and immaturity, stating the minimum term was far to high.

open image in gallery Brianna Ghey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife on February 11 last year (Cheshire Police/PA) ( PA Media )

But the appeal was dismissed by three senior judges dismissed the bid and found that the arguments in favour of reducing Ratcliffes sentence were based on a false premise.

Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Murray, said in summary of the judgement: The judges choice of a starting point of 20 years for a minimum term was correct, for the reasons that she gave.

The judge was then entitled to take into account the aggravating factors as identified.

She added: The sentence imposed by the judge on the applicant was neither manifestly excessive, nor wrong in principle. The proposed grounds (of appeal) are not arguable.

open image in gallery Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, both 16, were sentenced in Manchester Crown Court earlier this year ( PA )

Mr Littler said earlier on Thursday that the sentence had been wrongly and artificially elevated.

He continued: It is right to say that on any analysis of the applicants maturity, he is closer to the starting point of a 14-year-old rather than a 17-year-old boy. The point we make is age and maturity were very important issues in this case, and could very much affect the end result for this particular applicant.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) opposed the appeal bid. Deanna Heer KC, for the CPS, said: The overwhelming evidence is that Eddie is a highly intelligent young man.

It was apparent from the evidence that Eddie was neither suggestible nor biddable. Eddie demonstrated himself throughout to be just as enthusiastic about what they were going to do as Scarlett.

Ratcliffe attended the hearing via a video link, dressed in a dark suit and a shirt and tie. Briannas family were also in attendance remotely. He showed no emotion when the appeal was dismissed.

During the murder trial at Manchester Crown Court, jurors heard that the killers were high-functioning and came from normal backgrounds, but had fascinations for violence and murder and a thirst for killing.
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Killer nurse Lucy Letby has maintained her innocence after police confirmed she has been interviewed about more suspicious baby deaths, her lawyer said on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old was questioned under caution about further unexpected deaths and collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, her former place of work where she was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder eight others.

For the first time, Letby was also questioned under caution about her time at Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she trained as a student, Cheshire Police confirmed.

Letby is serving a whole-life sentence for the murders and attempted murders which took place between June 2015 and 2016 while she worked as a neonatal nurse at Countess of Chester.

open image in gallery Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims (PA) ( PA Archive )

Mark McDonald, Letbys lawyer, maintained on Wednesday that she is innocent of the crimes for which she was convicted.

The police have been briefing about further inquiries for over a year, Mr McDonald said. Any allegations need to be taken seriously so we are only surprised by the timing of this new leak from the police, given that there is now substantial information that undermines Lucy Letbys convictions.

Lucy voluntarily attended an interview; she was not arrested. Lucy continues to maintain her innocence and, as she has said throughout, she has never and would never harm any child.

The continuing leaking and briefing of information in this case by the police since the investigation began in 2017 is deeply concerning and needs to stop.

Everybody is entitled to a fair hearing and right now the police are arguably preventing this from taking place.

Cheshire Police said in an earlier statement that Letby was recently interviewed in prison under caution in relation to baby deaths and non-fatal collapses at the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Womens Hospital.

open image in gallery Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) ( PA Media )

Detectives are reviewing the care of some 4,000 babies who were admitted to hospitals while Letby was working as a neonatal nurse. This includes her time at the Countess of Chester Hospital between January 2012 and the end of June 2016, and two shorter stints at Liverpool Womens Hospital in 2012 and 2015.

Only the cases in which medical concerns are noted will be investigated further, Cheshire Police previously said.

Letby is currently serving 15 whole-life orders in HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey, which caters for category A women prisoners. In August 2023, she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies, and attempting to murder seven more, with two attempts on one of her victims.

Dr Stephen Brearey, a senior paediatrician at the Countess of Chesters neonatal unit, told the Thirlwall Inquiry - which is looking into the Letby case - that the nurse is likely to have murdered or attacked more babies before she killed her first victim.

On reflection I think its likely that Letby didnt start becoming a killer in June 2015, or didnt start harming babies in June 2015, Dr Brearey told the hearing in Liverpool. I think its likely that her actions prior to then over a period of time changed what we perceived to be abnormal.

The inquiry has heard that babies breathing tubes became dislodged on 40 per cent of Letbys shifts at Liverpool Womens Hospital between October and December 2012 and January and February 2015.
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Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has cancelled a Melbourne event on his Australian book tour due to unforeseen circumstances, his publicist said.

The cancellation means he will return to the UK earlier than scheduled.

The Melbourne event, part of the promotion for his memoirUnleashed, was set to follow a Sydney programme on Friday.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr Johnson has to travel back to the UK a day earlier than planned, therefore, regrettably, the Melbourne event has had to be cancelled, Australian publicist Max Markson said in a statement.

We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused, and wish to articulate that all Melbourne tickets are transferable to Sydney, or fully refundable.

Mr Johnson, 60, had been scheduled to speak at a dinner at Melbournes Sofitel hotel on Saturday.

In a video message recently, Mr Johnson said: I am hugely excited to be travelling to Australia in just a few weeks where I will be having conversations to promote my new book.

Mr Markson denied that a low demand for tickets was the reason for the cancellation of the event.

The top-tier tickets reportedly cover a three-course meal and a meet-and-greet with Mr Johnson.

The Independent has contacted Mr Markson for further comment about the events cancellation.

Mr Johnson led the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022 and served as the UK prime minister during the tumultuous period of Brexit and the Covid pandemic. He stepped down in 2022 amid the Partygate scandal, which centred on gatherings at Downing Street that violated strict public health restrictions.

The memoir covers his political career, details the challenges of his premiership and his role in Brexit and delves into all the big decisions and his reasons for taking them. It also talks about how he nearly died from Covid.

The overview of the book says: As a journalist, he was famed as a blurter of unsayable truths, and he has drawn again on this quality for the book. About people, policies, mistakes and triumphs. This is it  the reality as he saw it: unvarnished, unlocked, unleashed.

Amazon, which released the book in October, is marketing it as the political memoir of the century quoting a review in Daily Mail.

Mr Johnson began his career in journalism, writing for The Times, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph. In 1987, he was dismissed from The Times for fabricating a quote.

He served as the mayor of London between 2008 and 2016 and as foreign secretary from 2016 to 2018 under Theresa May.
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The new partner of Princess Dianas brother, Earl Spencer, has revealed that she has multiple sclerosis, and has filed a lawsuit against his estranged wife for allegedly spreading the private diagnosis.

Dr Cat Jarman and Countess Spencer are preparing for a High Court clash after the archaeologist accused the countess of revealing her medical diagnosis without consent.

The alleged disclosures include Lord Spencer, staff at his Althorp estate, one of Dr Jarmans TV colleagues, the countesss personal trainer, and teachers at the Spencers daughters private school.

It is understood that Lady Spencer denies these claims.

Speaking about her diagnosis for the first time on Wednesday, archaeologist Dr Jarman said: I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed eight years ago, when I was in the final stages of doing my PhD. I woke one morning with crippling pins and needles, shooting pains in my spine, as if I was being tasered.

Professor Jarman continued: I completely lost the power of my right hand  I couldnt even hold a pen. My body simply stopped working. It took nine months to be able to use my hand again. Im now on strong medication, and everything is kept at bay, but the problem with MS is that you live not knowing if you are going to have a relapse.

open image in gallery Charles Spencer and Cat Jarmans relationship was revealed in October ( @charles.earl.spencer/instagram )

Upon receiving the life-changing news, she described being utterly devastated.

She said: I thought I would be discriminated against because of it, because it is a disability. I thought it would affect my career, destroy my livelihood, affect the way people regarded me. I did not want to be defined by it, or my career be limited by it.

Consequently, she said she had worked hard to keep her MS hidden from all but a handful of people. And Charles wasnt one of them, she said.

Id been seeing him, romantically, for only two months or three months, and still hadnt told him. Its hard, isnt it, knowing when you reveal something like that. Some people do from the off, but I chose not to. And I stress that it was my choice. Your medical history is the most private thing.

After splitting from Lady Spencer in March, Lord Spencer and Dr Jarman, who host a podcast together, became close when she was conducting a dig at his Althorp estate in Northamptonshire in search of a lost medieval village. The pairs relationship was revealed in October.

The Norwegian professor, named Nordic Person of the Year 2024 in Scandinavia, alleged Lady Spencer found out about her diagnosis from someone close to the archaeologist and went on to tell Lord Spencer in May among a string of people.

open image in gallery The Spencers split was announced in March ( Getty )

Dr Jarman said: I just felt utterly sick. I went into a panic, particularly over the implications for my career. It has been the most stressful time, and with MS you are told that it is most important to avoid stress.

Dr Jarman launched legal action against the countess in October, alleging she had suffered distress, upset and embarrassment as a result of the leaking of intimate secrets.

A report on the court documents said: Dr Jarman did not, at any time, provide her consent to the countess to disclose that information to any third party or intimate anything to that effect. This lack of consent should have been obvious to the countess, given the nature of the private information and the circumstances in which it was imparted.

When these details were recently reported in the press, Dr Jarman said she felt compelled to speak out.

It is understood that Lady Spencer denies these allegations.

Dr Jarman is seeking damages, as well as an injunction preventing Lady Spencer from telling more people and a complete list of those who have already been told.

The Independent has approached representatives of both Lady Spencer and Dr Jarman for comment.
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The mother of a British hostage kidnapped by Hamas has expressed disappointment in foreign secretary David Lammy, after he strongly criticised Israel for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mandy Damari, 63, had attended the Labour Friends of Israel annual lunch on Monday, and had given a speech in front of 100 MPs to raise awareness of her daughter Emilys plight, who has not been heard from since March.

In a press conference on Thursday, she said that she had met with Mr Lammy at the event, but less than 24 hours later he had tweeted that he and his German and French counterparts (the E3 group) agreed to send an ultimatum to the Israeli government to demand more aid for Gaza.

open image in gallery David Lammy (C) holds a placard showing hostage Emily Tehila Damari while posing for a photo with members of the Jewish community ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

This was despite her repeatedly asking for action to provide aid to her 28-year-old daughter, who has now been trapped in the besieged enclave for more than 400 days. Ms Damari, who was born in Surrey and raised in Beckenham, said that his tweet contained no mention of her daughters situation.

Mr Lammy had posted on social media on Tuesday: Together with France and Germany, I have written to the Israeli government to urge action on the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must implement the UNs winter plan now: send equipment to guard against cold & flooding, give access to fuel, repair vital infrastructure, and get aid in.

I appreciate the foreign secretarys warmth in our meetings but I came for solutions, not sympathy, Ms Damari told reporters.

open image in gallery Mandy Damari met with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week ( LFI )

Emily was taken from her home in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and suffered gunshot wounds to her hand and her leg before being blindfolded and taken across the border during the shock incursion. Her dog Choocha, who was with her, was killed with a gunshot to the neck.

Her mother managed to survive due to a jammed lock in her safe room, while 64 people were killed in Kibbutz Kfar Aza and another 19 kidnapped. About 1,200 people were killed that day, while Emily and 250 others were taken back to Gaza as hostages, with the Israeli government estimates that around 100 are still in captivity.

Little is known about her daughters whereabouts aside from reports by released hostages that Emily had maintained her spirit, with Ms Damari telling reporters: Despite the long silence I believe she is still with us today.

She called for aid to reach her daughter, stressing: The hostages are fighting tooth and nail to survive, they cannot survive a second winter with only our thoughts and prayers.

open image in gallery Emily Damari, 28, has been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over a year ( Mandy Damari )

Ms Damari has been in the UK throughout this week meeting with political leaders, including prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform leader Nigel Farage.

She said that while she was heartened to hear Sir Keir reinforce that the hostages must come home and to see Emilys situation being discussed in the Commons, more must be done to prevent her daughter from dying the most tragic and terrifying death in the tunnels.

She added that Mr Farage had issued a strong statement in support of Emilys case, and had promised to talk to incoming US president Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump had posted on Truth Social that there would be all hell to pay if the hostages had not been released by the time he assumed office in January.

However, Ms Damari described the UK governments recent decision to back a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as a death warrant, as it did not ensure the release of the hostages. While the draft did demand their release, it was vetoed by the US which said it did not make that a precondition for a ceasefire.

We worry that Emily is no longer singing. Over the last 12 months while in captivity enduring unimaginable horrors, she has missed birthdays, weddings and the births of friends and familys children. She even missed her grandfathers death in London earlier this year.

She recounted her daughters love of Adele, Tottenham Hotspur and her regular visits to the UK, which would see her indulge in cups of tea, Cadburys chocolate and a full English breakfast.

Emily remains the only British hostage being held in Gaza.

More than 44,500 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave since Israel launched a military campaign in response to the 7 October attack, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry.
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Angela Merkel has admitted the EU was left feeling abandoned by the UK after its referendum result in June 2016, leading to the tumultuous years of Brexit negotiations.

The former German chancellor recalled the moment the British public decided with a majority of 52 per cent to leave the 27-country union, after years of uncertainty over its position due to immigration and financial issues.

During a talk to promote her new autobiography Freedom, Dr Merkel said: We felt abandoned all of a sudden. Britain was an important European power.

She added that the UK had bolstered ideas of globalisation in the EU, as well as maritime trade which were left lacking, and admitted that the decision to leave had saddened her.

Within her 700-page memoir, the 70-year-old former leader said she was tormented over the Brexit result and viewed it as a humiliation, a disgrace for the EU, and that she had sought to help David Cameron wherever possible.

However, she stressed that the UK had not helped itself by failing to introduce restrictions on eastern European workers when 10 new countries joined the bloc in 2004, giving Eurosceptics the opportunity to portray freedom of movement in a negative light.

Recalling the efforts which spanned years to reach a successful Brexit deal, Dr Merkel praised former prime minister Theresa May for the enormous job she undertook, and insisted that the EU members, including French president Emmanuel Macron, were well-coordinated in ensuring there wouldnt be a disruptive settlement.

Reflecting on the UKs potential dilemma of Sir Keir Starmer having to choose between closer relationships with the EU or Donald Trumps US, she told the Southbank Centre on Wednesday evening: I can only appeal that we not lose sight of one another.

In a wide-ranging discussion from her childhood under East Germanys communist GDR, to her relationship with Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, Dr Merkel insisted she did not reject the decisions made during her 16-year premiership from 2005 to 2021.

Frequently referred to as Mutti Merkel or Mother Merkel, she navigated Europes most populous country through the financial crisis of 2008, the migration crisis in 2015 and the Covid-19 pandemic, and enjoyed high approval ratings among Germans.

However since leaving office, many of her decisions have been criticised, including tethering her country to Russias cheap gas with the signing of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the rise of far-right party AfD, which gained popularity due to backlash to her opening the border to one million refugees.

Asked whether she regretted signing the deal with Putin to provide cheap gas to Germany, despite Russia only recently having occupied parts of Crimea in 2014, she explained that from her countrys vantage point, it was necessary for industrial purposes. She added that Ukraine had not opposed the deal as they were benefiting from transit fees, and told the audience: In weighing all the pros and cons I had at my disposal at the time, I would still hold.

She offered a similar response when asked if she regretted her reluctance to consider Ukraine for NATO membership in 2008, which her critics have argued may have prevented the war that has been ongoing since February 2022.

Asked whether she felt she could manage Putin or had underestimated him, she responded: I dont think I underestimated him because very early on I realised that he always tested you.

He always said that the worst event of the 20th century was the fall of the USSR, she said. For me that was the exact opposite.

Recalling an encounter in 2007, she said that Putin had learned she was afraid of dogs having been badly bitten on one occasion, and insisted that his black Labrador Retriever join them for their meeting in the Russian city of Sochi.

With uncertainty looming over Trumps continued support of Ukraine and NATO ahead of his second presidency, Dr Merkel stressed that Europe alone cannot replace the transatlantic treaty, and that the US was essential to maintaining security.

I dont think it would be a good thing for them to walk away, she added. Asked if Germany was ready to lead the response to Russias aggression in Ukraine should the US withdraw its current level of support, she insisted that her country had shown readiness but added: I hope we will do all of this together.

When asked if she had any advice for Sir Keir Starmer on handling Trump, she urged any leader to stand up for the interest of your country and expressed her hope that current leaders would show a united front, stand up for Europe.

Her decision to allow over a million asylum seekers to cross the border into Germany, in the wake of the Syrian civil war, has attracted both praise and criticism. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is now polling second in national opinion polls and is bolstered by youth support, with one of its key lines of attack being immigration.

Asked if she believed her actions had contributed to the current political turmoil facing current chancellor Olaf Scholz and for breathing life into the AfD, she said her acceptance to take refugees was motivated by her desire for humane treatment for those suffering. Just picture what these people suffered. Its a decision that is a life decision, you leave everything behind.

Referring to AfDs rise to prominence, she said Yes it is true, but on the other hand something had to be decided. An alternative would have been using water cannons to keep people from our border, but I would not have done that.

Since leaving office nearly four years ago, Dr Merkel has largely retired from political life and immersed herself in the world of the arts. Reflecting on her 35 years walking the corridors of power, she told her audience: I did whatever I could do within the remits of what I could do. I would say Ive tried my level best.
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The ghostwriter of Gregg Wallaces 2012 autobiography has claimed he sexually harassed her when she was working on the book.

Shannon Kyle, who wrote Wallaces memoir Life On A Plate, has detailed a string of incidents that allegedly occurred during the time they worked together.

The writer, 35 at the time, claims Wallace touched her bottom during a television appearance and frequently rubbed her thigh whenever he changed gears in his car.

The most disturbing incident, she said, occurred when Wallace answered his front door wearing only a towel, which he then dropped in front of her as she entered his home to work on the book.

I felt quite vulnerable because Im on my own in a flat with a man. Hes naked, Kyle told BBC Newsnight. She added that she had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before beginning the project.

open image in gallery Shannon Kyle, who wrote Wallaces memoir Life On A Plate, has detailed a string of incidents that allegedly occured during the time they worked together. ( BBC )

I was worried about losing the job... because Id given up all the work for this job. So I thought to myself... Im just going to try and navigate this, [Ill] just try and push on through, she said. It was just really revolting.

A statement from Wallaces lawyers to BBC News said: Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behaviour, and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.

Growing allegations

Kyles claims are the latest in a string of accusations made against Wallace since he stepped away from his role on MasterChef last Thursday, after almost 20 years on screen.

The production company behind the show, Banijay UK, launched an investigation into claims from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period.

Initially, the BBC resisted calls to remove Wallace from its programming. However, on Tuesday, it confirmed that two Christmas specials of MasterChef featuring Wallace would be pulled. The current series of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue as scheduled.

Controversial response

Wallace faced further criticism over the weekend following comments that appeared to blame the allegations on middle-class women of a certain age.

His remarks prompted widespread backlash, including from Downing Street, which condemned them as inappropriate and misogynistic. Wallace later apologised, saying he would take some time out.

open image in gallery Gregg Wallace faces a number of accusatiosn (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire )

A BBC spokesperson reiterated that the corporation takes such matters seriously and that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.

However, they added that it would be inappropriate to comment while Banijays external review is ongoing.

Pressure is mounting for the BBC to launch its own investigation amid reports that the broadcaster was made aware of Wallaces alleged behaviour years before his departure from MasterChef.

open image in gallery John Torode has said he will continue to be part of MasterChef (PA) ( PA Media )

John Torode, Wallaces long-time MasterChef co-host, addressed the allegations for the first time on Wednesday.

In a statement on Instagram, Torode, who has hosted the show alongside Wallace since 2005, described the reports as truly upsetting. He added: The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.

Torode, who was best man at Wallaces wedding in 2016, affirmed his commitment to the programme, stating: I love being part of MasterChef and will continue to be a part of it.
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Refugees living in Home Office hotels will be given twice as long to find accommodation before they are evicted, the Independent has learnt.

The Home Office has extended the grace period that an asylum seeker has to transition from supported housing to their own accommodation from 28 to 56 days. The move is a victory for councils and charities who have been pressing the government for the change.

In an email seen by The Independent, the Home Office has told local authorities that the extension will begin from 9 December. The extension will be in place until June 2025, when the impacts will be re-assessed, the correspondence says.

The 28-day move-on period starts when an asylum seeker is given refugee status and has been criticised as being too short, with migrants struggling to find somewhere to live in such a limited time.

Faster decision-making by the Home Office has partly led to a surge in migrants, who have been evicted from Home Office hotels, needing urgent homelessness help from councils.

The government is also rolling out electronic visas, with the deadline for people to change over at the end of December. Officials have said that the extension to the move-on period is due to increased decision-making and the transition to eVisas.

The new 56-day deadline will start when an asylum decision letter is issued to a newly granted refugee.

They must then approach their local council for housing help and advice and approach the Department for Work and Pensions to start a universal credit application if they need financial support.

After this, they will be set up with an account to get an electronic visa. The Home Office also aims for new refugees to have more than 28 days of support with access to their eVisa.

The government will also review how the extension works to report in late March next year.

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), welcomed the move, saying: People will have more time to find homes and employment, reducing homelessness and destitution risks.

This temporary extension of the Move On period from 28 to 56 days, something the LGA has long called for, is positive news for councils, communities and people seeking asylum.

Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, said: For over a year, new refugees have been trapped in a homelessness crisis. The extension of the move-on period is welcome and will mean, even on a temporary basis, that refugees will enjoy the same homeless rights as every other citizen in England and Wales.

A Home Office spokesperson said: This is a time limited pilot to support local authorities as we clear the asylum backlog and transition to eVisas. Only newly recognised refugees will receive 56 days notice to move on from asylum accommodation.

We have inherited enormous pressures in the asylum system and remain absolutely committed to ending the use of hotels as we ramp up returns of failed asylum seekers.
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MasterChef co-host John Torode has said allegations surrounding Gregg Wallace are truly upsetting as he addressed the reports of on-set misconduct for the first time.

The Australian TV host, who has presented the show alongside Wallace since 2005, said he loves being part of the programme and will continue to be a part of it after his long-time co-host stepped back amid an investigation into his behaviour.

Torode, who was best man at Wallaces wedding in 2016, said in a statement on Instagram he found the recent reports truly upsetting and the thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.

Since last Friday I have been away filming MasterChef overseas,he wrote. I love my job, and I love MasterChef. I love being part of it and will continue to be part of it.

During the last few days, Ive been trying to make the best cookery programme, so being busy making the show and caring for our contestants has allowed me little time to think about anything else, but that has been hard.

open image in gallery ( John Torode/Instagram )

He added: But as I hope everyone appreciates there is an investigation underway, which I fully support, so I cannot make any further comment at this stage and I hope that you all understand and respect my silence on the matter moving forward.

His statement comes after the BBC decided to axe two MasterChef Christmas specials as allegations of groping come to light.

Torode became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITVs This Morning before joining former greengrocer Gregg on MasterChef in 2005.

The men met in the 1990s when Wallace, greengrocer to Londons best restaurants for more than 20 years, began supplying one of Torodes establishments.

open image in gallery Torode became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITVs This Morning before joining former greengrocer Gregg on MasterChef in 2005. ( PA )

Wallace told the PA news agency in 2007: The first time we ever went for a drink together was when we started MasterChef.

John would never fraternise with suppliers, he added.

Across the years there have been rumours that the men did not get along off-screen, although Wallace previously said he was very fond of Torode.

Speaking about a dinner he had with Torode, Wallace told PA in 2012: We drank some very good red wine and we finished with a couple of brandies. We talked about love, life, weight loss, hair loss  Im very fond of John.

In 2017, Torode made headlines after claiming that he had never been friends with Wallace.

open image in gallery Torode became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITVs This Morning before joining former greengrocer Gregg on MasterChef in 2005. ( PA Archive )

He said in an interview with The Mirror: Its funny, weve never been friends. Weve not been to each others houses. If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately. If we do go out for a drink, Ill invariably be at one end of a big old table and hell be at the other.

However, Torode was best man during Wallaces wedding to Anne-Maire Sterpini in 2016 and, despite his attempts to seemingly distance himself from his co-host, Wallace said on an episode of Lorraine that same year: 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.

Whats 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.

Last week Banijay UK, the production company behind the BBC show, announced that Wallace would be stepping away from his role on MasterChef following complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct.

open image in gallery John Torode has said he will continue to be part of MasterChef (PA) ( PA Media )

On Tuesday night Wallace, 60, faced fresh allegations with BBC News reporting that one woman said he touched her bottom after an event and another said he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show.

The new allegations came after the outlet reported claims from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, with many others since sharing their experiences.

His lawyers have previously strongly denied he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature, according to BBC News.

A BBC spokesperson previously said the corporation takes any issues that are raised with it seriously and is clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. The broadcaster added that it would be inappropriate to comment amid the external review by Banijay UK.
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The prison population could pass 100,000 in three years time, the government has said, paving the way for a further overcrowding crisis in the crumbling prison estate.

New forecasts from the Ministry of Justice show that, assuming there is a high demand for prison spaces in the next three years, there will be 100,000 inmates by September 2027.

MoJ figures show there were 86,059 adult prisoners behind bars in England and Wales on Monday. The so-called operational capacity for English and Welsh men and womens prisons is 88,852, indicating there is now cell space for 2,793 criminals.

Under the medium estimates for demand, which assume a 5 per cent increase in cases in the courts, the prison population will pass 100,000 by March 2029.

In a speech on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer said that public services and Britains social contract are broken, with the state unable to perform basic functions.

Plans started under the Tory government to urgently expand the prison estate are running five years behind schedule and will cost 4.2bn more than first forecast, the spending watchdog revealed this week.

The National Audit Office predicted that there will still be a shortage of 12,400 places by 2027.

The Ministry of Justice has said that the rise in prison population over the next few years will be driven by a continued rise in suspects being charged and prosecuted, more cases coming to court, and changes in sentencing to keep serious offenders in prison for longer.

Since September the government has been freeing thousands of inmates early in a bid to cut jail overcrowding. Ministers have temporarily reduced the length of sentences that some prisoners must serve behind bars in England and Wales from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

However prisons are still expected to reach critical capacity by next July.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper has suggested that Labour will increase the use of ankle tagging and curfews as punishments for criminals.

She said this week: We obviously inherited a complete prison crisis from the Conservative government. The state of things was just shocking, and they hadnt built the prisons that were promised, the prison places that were needed.

The government announced a sentencing review in October, which will be headed by former Tory justice secretary David Gauke and will look at long-term solutions to prison overcrowding.

It is expected to consider scrapping short-term custodial sentences in favour of community sentences.

Labour has also pledged to recruit 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers, something that could have a knock-on impact on the number of people sent to prison in the future.
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The Queen is said to be tired but on the mend as she gradually returns to work as she recovers from pneumonia.

Camilla has been forced to cancel several engagements in recent weeks after the palace said she was recovering from a chest infection following her long-haul trip with the King to Australia and Samoa.

It was then revealed on Tuesday that she had in fact contracted pneumonia, and was still suffering from lingering post-viral symptoms.

On Thursday, she shared an update on her recovery as she joined domestic abuse survivors, advocates and staff from Womens Aid to celebrate the organisations 50th anniversary.

She spoke to Alice Liveing, a Womens Aid ambassador and a survivor of an abusive relationship who appeared in the Queens recent documentary about domestic abuse, who said after the event: She said she was feeling pretty tired and she was on the mend, she (said) was trying to juggle some bits.

Shes a long-standing supporter of Womens Aid and, more widely, domestic abuse, its very clear its very close to her heart. I think the documentary showed that, and even if shes not 100% she still comes  I think thats wonderful.

open image in gallery Queen Camilla speaks to (left to right) Ashley James, Katie Piper and Alice Liveing, Women's Aid ambassadors ( Stuart C. Wilson/PA Wire )

The Queen has had a busy week helping the King host the state visit of the Emir of Qatar over two days.

She missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome for the emir on Horse Guards Parade, waiting in the warm inside Buckingham Palace instead, on doctors advice, but attended a lunch, a Royal Collection exhibition and the state banquet.

The Queen contracted her chest infection after a long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa and has pulled out of a series of engagements since then, including the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph.

In an impromptu speech at the Womens Aid event, Camilla, who has long campaigned on the issue, vowed to help end domestic abuse and said: Its terrible that after 50 years it still has to be eradicated but we are making progress.

She looked relaxed as she joined the large group of women in London and said in her short speech before cutting the 50th birthday cake: Ive talked to many, many women and men all around the country, all around the world, and you hear the same devastating stories time and time again. I was so moved by it.

open image in gallery She looked relaxed as she joined the large group of women in London before cutting the 50th birthday cake ( Stuart C. Wilson/PA Wire )

She got a loud round of applause when she added: Ive no intention now that Ive started to stop now, Im determined to put an end to this

Weve all got to pull together, and start hearing the voices of survivors, its so important because every time another survivor hears a voice it inspires them perhaps to get up and say something themselves.

Among the guests was television presenter Katie Piper, a survivor ambassador for Womens Aid, who spoke movingly about her own experience and the work of the organisation.
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A multibillion-pound money laundering network between Russian cyber criminals, UK drug dealers and sanctioned oligarchs has been dismantled in an international operation.

The network, which used cryptocurrency to launder illicit funds, was uncovered in Operation Destabilise, the National Crime Agencys (NCA) largest money-laundering investigation in a decade.

The system was run by two cryptocurrency networks, Smart and TGR, facilitating the exchange of dirty money for cryptocurrency, allowing criminals to conceal the origins of their funds.

The operation targeted Russian-speaking hackers and UK-based street gangs. The scheme is said to have been used by Russian oligarchs and sanctioned individuals to launder money and invest in properties in the UK. The Irish Kinahan cartel also reportedly used the network to exchange cryptocurrency for cash.

Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national with strong financial ties in Moscow, headed the Smart network and has since been arrested in France. Zhdanova, previously sanctioned by the US in 2023, and her associate Georgy Rossi, who is still at large, are believed to have generated millions from the operation, charging up to three per cent for transactions involving billions. The networks reach spanned over 30 countries, with funds routed through the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates.

Rob Jones, NCA Director General of Operations, called the investigation groundbreaking, revealing how Russian elites, cybercriminals, and UK drug gangs were connected by a previously invisible laundering service. The operation has resulted in 84 arrests and 20 million in seized assets within the UK. The NCA estimates the network would need to launder 700 million to recoup that amount.

open image in gallery Georgy Rossi is pictured with his associate Elena Chirkinyan, both of whom have been involved in the scheme ( NCA )

The illicit system allowed UK drug dealers to swap physical cash for cryptocurrency, which they could use to purchase drugs from South American cartels. At the same time, Russian cybercriminals used it to convert cryptocurrency into physical assets, including real estate. Zhdanovas Smart network also allegedly facilitated the activities of a Russian ransomware group responsible for attempting to extort at least 27 million from UK victims, including hospitals, schools, and businesses.

open image in gallery Semen Kuksov and Andrii Dzektsa have both been arrested in connection with money laundering ( NCA )

Nik Adams, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for economic crime, said the network was hidden in plain sight and was moving vast sums linked to the drugs trade and violent crime in the UK. The NCA first uncovered the operation in November 2021, following the arrest of Fawad Saiedi in London, who was found with more than 250,000 in cash. Saiedi was later jailed for laundering over 15 million.

Additional arrests connected to the network included Semen Kuksov and Andrii Dzektsa, who between July 2022 and September 2023 oversaw the laundering of 12.3 million in just 74 days. In Ireland, Igor Logvinov, a courier associated with Kuksovs network, was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison. Other parts of the operation saw individuals smuggling large sums of money across borders, including Ukrainian nationals stopped at the Channel Tunnel and Dover with over 1 million in cash.

The NCA collaborated with law enforcement agencies in the US, France, Ireland, and Jersey to dismantle the network, which operated across multiple countries. Sanctions were announced against Zhdanovas associates, including Khadzi-Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov and Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov, as well as key figures in the TGR network such as Rossi and his associate Andrejs Bradens.
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Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been handed a five-year non-harassment order and fined after breaching bail conditions.

Hogg had his sentence for abusing his estranged wife over the course of five years deferred until 9 January for clarification on whether a community order with remotely monitored supervision can be imposed.

He earlier admitted breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, in June.

Hogg previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of Mrs Hogg when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4.

He admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

open image in gallery Hoggs sentence for abusing his ex-wife has been deferred to 9 January ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire )

The court previously heard he berated Mrs Hogg for not being fun after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent her more than 200 text messages in the space of a few hours.

For the bail breach, he was placed on a five-year non-harassment order and fined 600, with an additional 40 victim surcharge, when he appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday.

Hogg now lives abroad and plays for French club Montpellier, and court was told he is in the process of a divorce.

Angela Gray KC, representing Hogg, said he will be remaining in France until at least March next year.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said a report about Hogg placed before the court mentioned the Caledonian Mens Programme, a behaviour programme for men convicted of domestic abuse.

open image in gallery Hogg has admitted to a string of abusive incidents, including bombarding Gillian Hogg with texts while she was on a night out ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire )

There is a difficulty with that and that is that you are a non-resident of the UK, Mr Paterson said. I cannot impose that at the moment.

However, he said he wasnt prepared to defer until March. So I will defer sentence until January 9 for clarification about whether I can impose a community order with supervision to be monitored remotely, he said.

The sentencing in January will be at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The 32-year-old had been due to stand trial on November 4 but pleaded guilty that day to a charge of domestic abuse, between 2019 and 2024 at locations including Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

Prosecutor Drew Long told the court last month that the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children, all aged under three, but Hoggs behaviour deteriorated as he went out partying.

Hogg would shout and swear and accuse Mrs Hogg of not being fun for not joining in drinking, and her family noticed a change in her, the court heard.

open image in gallery Stuart Hogg playing for Scotland ( PA Archive )

In 2022, Mrs Hogg went on a night out and was bombarded with text messages from her husband which caught the attention of the people she was with, the prosecutor said.

The following year, the couple moved to Hawick but Hogg used an app to track his wife and questioned her whereabouts while she was dropping the children off, Mr Long told the court.

In 2023, Mrs Hogg decided to leave the rugby player and sought advice from a domestic abuse service.

In September of that year, the court heard last month, Hogg sent so many messages that it led Mrs Hogg to have a panic attack, and Hogg sent in excess of 200 texts in a few hours despite being asked to leave her alone.

On February 21 this year, police were called due to Hogg shouting and swearing and he was taken into custody and then placed on a bail order stipulating not to contact Mrs Hogg, or to enter the family home.

Hogg retired from professional rugby last year but in July this year it was announced that he would be returning after signing for Montpellier on a two-year contract.

The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs player was made an MBE for services to the sport in this years New Year Honours list.
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Tesco is urging customers to return packages of its Tsukune chicken skewers after an incorrect use-by date was put on packs, which the supermarket chain said could lead to risks to health.

The company said a full refund would be given to customers who brought back the 280g eight-pack product, saying the use-by date of 23/12/2024 had been incorrectly printed on the product, instead of the correct 10/12/2024.

An extension of the Use by Date could pose a risk to health, if the product is kept past the correct shelf life of the product, Tesco said in a recall alert.

If youve bought an affected product with batch code 241025, please dont eat it. Instead, return it to a Tesco store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

A recall notice for the product, described by the supermarket chain as, chicken with spring onion and ginger puree and a sachet of rice wine and soy sauce, was also issued by the Food Standards Agency.

This week Tesco also issued a recall of a brand of iced coffee with oat milk because a batch contained dairy milk.

Grind are recalling a specific date and batch code of Grind Iced Vanilla Oat Latte Coffee 250ml. Due to a packing error, some cans may contain Grind Iced Matcha Latte, which contains milk, the supermarket said in a notice.

This could therefore be a risk to those with an allergy or intolerance to milk and its constituents, it said.
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The entire British army would be destroyed in about six months to a year in a major war, a defence minister has warned.

Alistair Carns, the veterans minister, said the extremely high casualty rate currently being suffered by Russian forces in Ukraine  around 1,500 soldiers a day  highlighted the importance of rebuilding the UKs reserves.

His warning comes just weeks after John Healey, the defence secretary, said that Britains armed forces were so depleted that the country is not ready to fend off a major invasion.

In a damning assessment of the state of the UKs defences, Mr Healey said that while the military could conduct operations, what weve not been ready to do is to fight.

Mr Carns, who is a reservist, delivered his warning at a conference on reserves at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) in London.

open image in gallery Ukrainian troops training in the Donetsk region last month ( Ukrainian 24 Mechanised brigade )

In a war of scale  not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine  our army for example on the current casualty rates would be expended, as part of a broader multinational coalition, in six months to a year, he said in an interview with Sky News.

He said that when it came to Britain: That doesnt mean we need a bigger army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.

The reserves are critical, absolutely central, to that process. Without them we cannot generate mass, we cannot meet the plethora of defence tasks.

There is a requirement across government to remind people that freedom is not free, Mr Carns added.

open image in gallery Defence minister Alistair Carns is an army reservist ( Alistair Carns )

He said he hoped a major review of the UKs defences, due to be published in the spring, would provide an opportunity to "write a new deal for our reserves".

"We need to catch up with Nato allies and place greater emphasis on reserves," Mr Carns said.

One of the new Labour governments first acts after winning Julys general election was to launch a thorough root and branch assessment of the state of Britains military capabilities.

Sir Keir Starmer said at the time that Britains defences had been hollowed out by 14 years of Conservative Party neglect and promised a roadmap to increasing the UKs defence spending to the target of 2.5 per cent of GDP.

MPs on parliaments defence committee have also warned Britain is not sufficiently prepared to fight an all-out war, despite such readiness being a vital deterrent to Britains adversaries.

The military is consistently overstretched, with the unrelenting pressure on personnel exacerbating the crisis in recruitment and retention which is seeing more people leaving the armed forces than joining, the influential group of MPs warned.
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Britains first female Sikh MP has brought forward a bill which she hopes will end decades of discrimination against Jews and Sikhs in the UK.

Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, tabled her legislation in the Commons in a 10-minute rule bill, aimed at forcing the authorities to start to recognise Jews and Sikhs as ethnic groups not just religious ones.

Jews and Sikhs are two of the top three ethnic groups to experience hate crimes in the UK yet do not have data collected to help the police and other authorities tackle discrimination.

Added to that there is a concern that the NHS is also not collating data of health issues related to the ethnic groups leading to worse outcomes. The issue became accute during the covid pandemic when data about other ethnic groups was being tracked by health services.

open image in gallery Preet Kaur Gill brought forward a bill to end discrimination against Jews and Sikhs ( Parliament TV )

In her speech, Ms Kaur Gill quoted the Jewish comedian David Baddiel who has described the failures as othering and alienating.

Amanda Bowman, vice president of the Board of Deputies, wrote last year: Imagine youre sitting in a hospital waiting room and have been asked to fill out a form which, among other questions, asks for your ethnicity. [] So which box do I tick?

Ms Kaur Gill told the Commons: Since October 7 2023, the British Jewish community have faced an appalling rise in antisemitic hate attacks. While the Home Office collects data on antisemitic hate crimes by religion, it doesnt on racially aggravated antisemitism. This is despite racial hate crime outnumbering religiously aggravated hate crime by 10:1.

There is therefore a serious risk that Jewish hate crimes are being undercounted by the Home Office, because they do not have their own Jewish ethnic category.

She went on: The same also goes for Sikhs, as has been documented in the APPG on British Sikhs report into anti-Sikh hate. Sikhs are the most visible minority in Britain, yet we do not collect data on racist anti-Sikh hate.

The last governments hate crime action plan effectively ignored Sikh hate or the definition of anti-Sikh hate.

Sikhs and Jews are in the unique position of being considered both ethnic and religious groups under the Equality Act 2010. Currently, public bodies use ethnicity data to design and deliver public services in compliance with equalities legislation.

However, despite Sikhs and Jews being legally recognised as ethnic groups for over 40 years, they are listed under religion questions, which are never or rarely used by public bodies and render Sikhs and Jews invisible to policymakers.

The Birmingham MP added: The pandemic was a stark warning that poor data costs lives, yet years later we are still not learning the lessons. Whether you consider our legal status, our size, our contribution to society, or the inequalities and discrimination we face, it is scandalous that most public bodies still fail to routinely collect data on the Sikh and Jewish communities for the delivery of public services.

All our communities are asking for is fairness: to be counted as the ethnic groups we have been recognised as in law for over 40 years. Its high time that public bodies ended this injustice. As legislators we must put this wrong right to support them to do that.

Supporting the legislation, Andrew Gilbert, vice president of the Board of Deputies, said: Many organisations in the Jewish Community have been campaigning for Jews and Sikhs to be included in the collection of ethnicity data for many years.

The Board of Deputies were very disappointed when ONS did not add us when they added other groups.

We urge the Cabinet Office to help on this as it is making our communities invisible on data on Housing Crime Health and Education.
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Sir Keir Starmer has refreshed a pre-election pledge to restore policing to Britains streets as he tries to relaunch his government just five months after winning the election.

The prime minister will announce on Thursday that he plans to put a named police officer in every neighbourhood as he tries to win back the trust of voters after a difficult start to his time in Downing Street.

His plan for change comes as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) issues a report raising serious doubts over whether Sir Keir can succeed in his number one mission of creating economic growth.

The prime minister will make a speech in the south of England with a pitch to voters that Labour is on the side of hard-working British people and grafters with support for his party plummeting in the polls.

As well as addressing police numbers, it is understood Sir Keir will attempt to pivot his governments economic policy away from growth and towards raising the standard of living.

It comes after a bumpy start for Labour in which the prime minister, his ministers and even his wife were caught up in a freebies scandal; the departure of his first chief of staff Sue Gray; the forced resignation of a cabinet minister Louise Haigh; and a barage of criticism over a Budget with a record 40bn of tax rises.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer prepares to reset his government ( Getty )

Sir Keir has again evaded calls to explain what new information he had about his now-former transport secretary Ms Haigh when she was forced to resign last week following revelations of a historic fraud conviction. At PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Ms Haighs past misdemeanour was symbolic of a government that is a fraud on the British people.

But despite concerns over messaging and an inability to explain his partys policies, Sir Keir will plough on with his theme of supporting working people.

He will say: My government was elected to deliver change, and today marks the next step. People are tired of being promised the world, but short-term sticking plaster politics letting them down.

Hard-working Brits are going out grafting every day but are getting short shrift from a politics that should serve them. They reasonably want a stable economy, their country to be safe, their borders secure, more cash in their pocket, safer streets in their town, opportunities for their children, secure British energy in their home, and an NHS that is there when they need it. My mission-led government will deliver.

On policing, one of the key missions he laid out in the election campaign, Sir Keir will add: Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is about more than just increasing numbers. Its about rebuilding the vital connection between the public and the police.

open image in gallery Starmer will promise 13,000 more police officers for neighbourhood policing ( PA Archive )

Through this visible, responsive police presence in every neighbourhood, we will restore the trust and partnership that lies at the heart of keeping our communities safe.

His promise of 13,000 extra officers for neighbourhood policing has echoes of the 20,000 promised by Boris Johnson in 2019.

But his speech will be set against increasing scepticism over his economic strategy and fears of a spring tax raid after Rachel Reeves refused to repeat her pledge to not raise taxes again.

As farmers prepare to descend on London for another protest over inheritance tax on family farms, a Labour MP became the first to say they will rebel against the measure. Penrith MP Markus Campbell-Savours said in the Commons he would vote against the family farm tax if he thought the vote was meaningful.

Meanwhile, a report by the BCC has lambasted Ms Reeves over her Budget, warning in its quarterly economic review that growth this year would be just 0.8 per cent, a downward revision on its previous estimate, although it had slightly higher forecasts for 2025 and 2026.

Vicky Pryce, chair of the BCC economic advisory council, said: While government spending will underpin economic growth next year, businesses will be left licking their wounds as the fallout from the tough autumn Budget continues.

The BCC forecast shows the likely impact of rising costs, from changes such as national insurance. This means business investment and jobs will be hit.

As they face a difficult 2025, firms need reassurance the government can very quickly outline a clearer framework to boost growth and business investment.
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Sir Keir Starmer has outlined Labours Plan for Change in a landmark speech, outlining several new milestones which the Labour government hopes to acheive.

The event marked something of a relaunch of Labours policy aims, and builds on previously made commitments. The prime minister says the new pledges will define Labours aims to be acheived by the end of this parliament.

They include higher living standards, cutting NHS waiting lists clean power, and new infrastructure committments.

Speaking at Pinewood Studios, Sir Keir said: This government was elected to deliver real change for working people - and that is exactly what we are doing.

Faced with a dire inheritance, we know that we cannot deliver our Plan for Change alone. Mission-led government means doing things differently, and a decade of national renewal will require the skills and determination of us all.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer set out his Governments plan for change at Pinewood Studios in Slough on Thursday (Darren Staples/PA) ( PA Wire )

The prime minister also insisted that the new plans were not confusing, telling reporters: These are, if you like, something for the public to use to hold us to account on what we say we can achieve on the missions in the first five years.

But viewers could be forgiven for struggling to follow along. Putting it all together, Labours plan now comprises three foundations, five missions, six milestones, all of which are interconnected.

Responding to Sir Keirs speech, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the government doesnt know what it is doing.

The prime ministers emergency reset confirms that Labour had 14 years in opposition and still werent ready for government, she said.

Here are the six milestones that were announced today:

Living standards: Delivering higher, real, household disposable income and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by the end of the Parliament, as part of the goal of having the highest sustained economic growth in the G7 group of wealthy democracies.

Housebuilding: Building 1.5 million homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects.

NHS targets: Meeting the NHS standard of 92 per cent of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment.

Policing: Putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every community and 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles in England and Wales.

Early years education: Getting a record 75 per cent of five-year-olds in England ready to learn when they start school.

Clean energy: Putting the UK on track to at least 95 per cent clean power by 2030.
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Mel Stride has claimed the only reason the previous Tory governments Rwanda scheme failed to work was because it was scrapped by the Labour Party in their first week in office.

He comments came despite the scheme being bound up in legal challenges and failing to get a single flight off the ground in more than two years after it was announced by then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

While the shadow chancellor claimed a small number of people were sent to Rwanda, the only people that left the UK for the East African nation went voluntarily as part of a scheme separate to the forced deportation plan.

It comes just days after a cost breakdown of the plan revealed that a total of 715m was spent on the failed scheme.

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

Speaking at the press gallery lunch in Westminster, Mr Stride said: On illegal migration, there needs to be a clear deterrent with regards to small boats coming over here and that is the bit I believe this government is missing.

Of course, Keir Starmer is very quick to say youve spent X million pounds and you only got a small number of people over.

The reality is, the reason why there were only a small number of people going to Rwanda was because the policy was scrapped.

The report, published on Wednesday, showed that the previous government paid 290m to Rwandas government, in addition to spending 50m on flights, escorting, airfield preparations and police force costs.

They also spent 95m on detention and reception centres over a period between 2022 and June 2024.

Other spending, including on setting up new IT systems, legal costs, and staffing, added up to 280m.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper revealed the government would publish the detailed costs of the plan to date as she made a statement in the House of Commons.

In the two years the partnership was in place, just four volunteers were sent to Rwanda at a cost of 700m, she told MPs.

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.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel since Sir Keir became prime minister in July.

Home Office data published on Monday shows 122 people made the journey on Sunday in two boats. This suggests an average of 61 people per boat.

There were 50,637 arrivals during Rishi Sunaks 20-month premiership, which began on October 25 2022.

He saw 11,309 migrants arrive within his first 150 days of being in charge of the country.
Without anyone much noticing, the government is to abolish one of the most controversial pieces of legislation passed by the last government: the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, commonly called the Legacy Act.

It was deeply resented by many in Northern Ireland, who saw it as denying them justice for loved ones killed or injured in the Troubles, but supported by others who felt that old soldiers doing their duty decades ago were being held to unrealistic human rights standards in what was in effect a theatre of war. Hilary Benn, the secretary of state, is thus facing some criticism as well as support for his actions. It is proving divisive and adds to the under-reported tensions in the province...

What was the Legacy Act for?

It aimed to draw a line under the remaining outstanding legal actions, and any future ones, arising from offences committed in the Troubles. It thus covered the period from the outbreak of violence and deployment of troops in 1969 until 1998. The law covered terrorists and crown forces and sought to replace public prosecutions, civil actions and inquests with a truth and reconciliation process analogous to that used after the fall of apartheid in South Africa. Some high-profile cases involving aged British veterans, in particular, motivated the Sunak government to end the prospect of any more former service personnel, and terrorists for that matter, worrying about their futures. In short, the act was designed to make the Troubles history.

Whats the problem with that?

For many families in Northern Ireland still grieving the loss of loved ones, including the disappeared, with no remains ever found, justice has been delayed and they find it intolerable that it is to be forever denied. They resent the fact that whoever was involved should now be able to get away with it just because theyve volunteered to own up in a truth and reconciliation process, run by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

All of the main parties in Northern Ireland and Ireland opposed the Legacy Act, albeit for different reasons. Nationalists and Republicans found it repugnant that thered be an effective granting of immunity to British forces whod abused their power. Meanwhile, the Democratic Unionist Party, for example, objected to British forces being treated in the same way as terrorists. Last December, the Irish government felt sufficiently strongly about the Legacy Act that it took Britain to the European Court of Human Rights over it.

So, the Legacy Act was, well, troublesome, and the conditional immunity and inquest clauses are now being gutted out of the law, with complete repeal and a new law promised.

What will happen now?

Labour obviously has a huge majority in the Commons, and a clear manifesto commitment to abolishing the Legacy Act. The move has already been welcomed by most parties, but the DUP and some other unionist and loyalist voices oppose the move because it will mean ex-service personnel can be pursued again. Such cases will undoubtedly attract much coverage and criticism for Benn and his party, the charge being that the Labour government wont stand by those who put their lives on the line for the UK.

What does the official opposition say?

A young squaddie who served in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s would usually be expected to stand trial and face the consequences if found guilty of an offence. It is just such a prospect that compelled Tory ministers to pass the Legacy Act in the first place. Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Alex Burghart says the Tories legislated to try and protect some elderly people, including servicemen, who were being brought before inquests to discuss events that may or may not have happened very many years before... this was a process inevitably weighted against the police and the armed forces, who kept records and whose servicemen were easily locatable and contactable. He adds: I know the government are taking a different approach, but I do ask them to spare a thought for those men and to think very deeply about what they can do to support them and what help they can offer them.
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The use of ankle tagging and curfews will increase under Labours push to increase punishment capacity, Yvette Cooper has suggested.

She said the inheritance from the previous Tory government has left the country in a complete prison crisis.

It came after the National Audit Office said the prisons overcrowding crisis is down to the failure of the previous government to make sure policy changes bringing in longer jail sentences and boosting police numbers matched the space available in prisons to hold criminals.

While the new government will seek to boost the number of prison places, Ms Cooper said minister will also make increasing use of other punishments like curfews and ankle tagging.

open image in gallery Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer gears up to put neighbourhood policing at the centre of his plan for change being unveiled on Thursday.

Asked if more people could find themselves at home with ankle tags as a result of struggling prison capacity, the home secretary told Sky News: We obviously inherited a complete prison crisis from the Conservative government.

The state of things was just shocking, and they hadnt built the prisons that were promised, the prison places that were needed.

So the justice secretary Shabana Mahmood is going to be setting out a capacity building program, how we build the additional police places but also how we make sure, as part of the sentencing review, how we do make best use of things like tagging, things like curfews and other kinds of sentencing as well, because we want to make sure that people pay for their crimes.

We are determined to increase the prison faces to make sure that that happens but alongside that we will do additional things like tagging as well.

The government announced a sentencing review in October, which will be headed by former Tory justice secretary David Gauke and will look at long-term solutions to prison overcrowding.

It is expected to consider scrapping short-term custodial sentences in favour of community sentences.

In a speech billed as setting out the next phase of his Government, Sir Keir is expected to detail ambitious milestones for achieving the five missions laid out in Labours manifesto.

Downing Street said the milestones would focus on raising living standards, rebuilding Britain, ending hospital backlogs, putting more police on the beat, giving children the best start in life and securing home-grown energy.

Among the promises expected to be announced on Thursday is a guarantee that every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable police officer responsible for dealing with local issues.

The prime minister is expected to describe the move as a relief to millions of people scared to walk their streets they call home, and promise a range of policing reforms to improve performance alongside 100 million to support neighbourhood policing.

Chris Philp, Tory shadow home secretary, claimed that the announcement of 13,000 new officers in neighbourhood policing means 3,000 police will also be cut from 999 response and investigations - making the public less safe.

But Ms Cooper dismissed this as just nonsense, saying the 13,000 will be found by recruiting 3,000 new police officers, 4,000 new PCSOs and 3,000 new special constables, as well as having 3,000 officers redeployed by cutting the bureaucracy between the police and the CPS.

The bottom line is, we will deliver 13,000 more neighbourhood police and PCSOs into our teams right across the country, she said.
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Keir Starmers plan to reset the UKs post-Brexit relationship with the European Union has suffered a blow with the loss of a key ally.

French prime minister Michel Barnier lost a no-confidence motion after he pushed a controversial budget through without a vote.

Mr Barnier will have to tender his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron, making the politician, who was in post for less than three months, the shortest serving French PM in modern times.

That would mark a setback for Sir Keir, who has worked with Mr Barnier since his time as the EUs chief Brexit negotiator in the years after the UK voted to leave the bloc.

Keir Starmer and Michel Barnier ( Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street )

Sir Keir, then on Labours opposition frontbench, met Mr Barnier several times to discuss the possibility of a bespoke form of customs union as part of a Brexit deal.

The Labour leader has promised that he will fix Britains damaged relations with the EU for the benefit of generations to come.

But his task has become harder in recent weeks with the prospect of Donald Trumps imminent return to the White House.

Allies of the President-Elect have made clear they believe the UK will have to choose between the prospect of a free trade deal with the US or closer ties to the EU.

Sir Keir has rejected that, saying it is wrong to claim the UK will have to pick between two of its main allies, but the UK government is braced for further pressure from Washington on the issue.

Mr Barnier has talked tough before the no confidence vote, suggesting he could stay in power and warning of the dangers of bringing down the government.

But the far-right National Rally (RN) chief Jordan Bardella said that his optimism showed that the government was "completely out of touch with what is happening in the country".

The loss of Mr Barnier comes just weeks after the government of another key ally in Europe, Olaf Scholz, collapsed.

The German chancellor is now widely expected to lose the looming general election, which has been scheduled for early next year.

In better news for the prime minister, it appears that another ally  Irelands Simon Harris  looks will enter coalition talks to remain in government after his countrys general election last week.
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Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to usher in a "new golden era of building" as he takes aim at "blockers and bureaucrats" who he claims have throttled economic growth and made homeownership unattainable.

Writing in The Times, the prime minister attacked nimbys and environmentalists who he says have stymied economic progress in the UK. Sir Keir has directed ministers to draft laws that would simplify complex environmental regulations, which he argues can add millions to the cost of development and cause lengthy delays.

These proposed reforms aim to eliminate the "case-by-case negotiations" currently required under habitat regulations inherited from EU law. By allowing developers to offset environmental damage by funding broader environmental improvements, Sir Keir hopes to avoid protracted negotiations over individual projects.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer giving a speech in Buckinghamshire on Thursday (Darren Staples/PA) ( PA Wire )

He highlighted the HS2 project, which was compelled to spend 100 million constructing a tunnel for bats, as an "absurd spectacle" that must end. "This government will not accept this nonsense any more," he said.

Ministers are considering designating specific areas of the country as key infrastructure sites to expedite project approvals. This move would streamline the process, allowing projects to avoid the lengthy and uncertain approval procedures currently in place.

Sir Keirs comments came as he unveiled a new "plan for government" focused on six key areas: health, housebuilding, education, the economy, crime, and net zero. He said these milestones would enable the public to hold the government accountable by the next election.

However, Sir Keir faced criticism for appearing to dilute Labours election pledge to generate "100 per cent" clean power by 2030 and for not setting specific targets to reduce either legal or illegal migration.

Central to Sir Keirs economic strategy is Labours target of building 1.5 million homes by 2030 and fast-tracking planning decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects. He promised to build "roads, grid connections, laboratories, train lines, warehouses, wind farms, power stations," and to confront the "alliance of naysayers" that he says have impeded progress.

Writing in The Times, Sir Keir explicitly targeted those who use environmental regulations to delay building, asserting that he would not shy away from confronting local development opponents. He described rising homelessness and falling homeownership as "a shame and a failure of our politics."

He lamented Britains failure to build a reservoir for over 30 years and criticized the "endless hoops" that every infrastructure project must jump through, only to face opposition and delays. Using the example of the costly bat tunnel in the HS2 project, he underscored the need for more efficient processes.

Sir Keir pledged to double infrastructure project approvals compared to the previous Conservative government, acknowledging that both the government and developers would need to "stretch ourselves to the max" to achieve these goals.

He anticipated resistance to his planning reforms but welcomed the challenge, saying: "I always knew there would be resistance to our planning reform. Let me say this  I wont shy from this argument. In fact, I welcome it. Where there are blockers putting the brakes on, its a sign you are delivering real change."

Sir Keirs remarks coincided with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner approving a multimillion pound plan by Marks and Spencer to redevelop its flagship Oxford Street store, a project previously blocked by Michael Gove. Stuart Machin, M&Ss chief executive, expressed his satisfaction with the decision but criticized the "three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing" under the previous government.
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A man has gone on trial in Finland on charges of war crimes allegedly committed against Ukrainian forces in a Russia-backed separatist region of Ukraine in 2014.

Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for the defendant at the trial which opened Thursday at the Helsinki district court, public broadcaster YLE reported.

The suspect's name was not given when the charges were announced, but Finnish media have identified him as Russian national Yan Petrovsky, who had been living in Finland under the alias Voislav Torden.

His lawyer, Heikki Lampela, said he would deny all the charges.

The suspect was arrested in July 2023 at Helsinki Airport as he was headed for Nice, France, with his family.

Finlands Supreme Court ruled he could not be extradited to Ukraine, where he faced an arrest warrant, due to the risk of inhumane prison conditions there. Finnish prosecutors said that the Nordic country has an obligation to try him.

Prosecutors said when they announced the charges on Oct. 31 that they are related to his alleged activities in a unit called Rusich, which fought for the Russian-backed Luhansk separatist region against Ukrainian forces. They said the defendant is accused of having participated, as the units deputy commander, in acts that violate the laws of war, in which he and the units soldiers have killed a total of 22 Ukrainian soldiers and seriously wounded four.

He is also accused of acts contrary to the laws of war regarding the way of warfare and the treatment of wounded and killed enemy soldiers.

In March 2014, Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Separatist forces backed by Moscow later began an uprising in the eastern Ukrainian region, known as the Donbas, which grew into a long-running conflict. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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A manhunt is underway after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on Wednesday morning in what cops described as a brazen targeted attack outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Thompsons wife said her husband had recently received threats from angry customers over complaints she believed may have had to do with a lack of coverage.

I dont know details, Paulette Thompson told NBC News. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

open image in gallery UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was a father of two ( UnitedHealth Group )

The unnamed suspect was lying in wait for Thompson, 50, then approached him from behind and opened fire, hitting him in the back and right calf, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. The alleged shooter, a white male dressed entirely in black, fled on a Citi Bike ebike following the shocking homicide and was last spotted in Central Park, Kenny said, noting that a cellphone was recovered, and that Citi Bikes, which require a debit card or credit card to rent, are equipped with GPS devices.

Thompsons killing was not a random act of violence, Kenny said. The suspect, who was not a guest at the Hilton, was seen walking alone to the soon-to-be crime scene about five minutes before Thompson arrived. The suspect then stepped out from behind a car and gunned Thompson down, according to police.

Reached by phone, Thompsons brother Mark told The Independent he was not yet ready to comment on the heartbreaking situation.

Elena Reveiz, Thompsons sister, told The New York Times that she is also still processing the news but that her brother was a good person, and I am so sad.

The NYPD confirmed to The Independent in the aftermath of the shooting that a 50-year-old male had been fatally gunned down at that location, but that it was withholding an announcement of the victims identity pending official family notification. Police officials formally identified Thompson at a press conference later on Wednesday morning.

open image in gallery Brian Thompsons alleged killer left a trail of clues that police used to track him down. ( NYPD )

Police sources told the New York Post that the killing was a targeted attack, which was confirmed during the press conference by Chief Kenny. Investigators recovered three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged nine-millimeter shell casings, according to Kenny. On Wednesday afternoon, the NYPD released security camera photos of the suspect at a nearby Starbucks.

Thompson, who joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The shooting occurred at around 6:46 a.m.; the masked gunman was said to have fled down an alleyway before escaping on a bicycle. Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor conference at the Hilton at 8 a.m.

open image in gallery The unidentified suspect fled on foot, then hopped on a bicycle, according to surveillance pictures released by police ( NYPD Crime Stoppers )

One conference attendee described the scene inside to Fortune, telling the outlet that people were sitting and waiting for the event to begin when news of the shooting began to circulate throughout the room. Some started to cry. The attendee, who said he dined with Thompson, was a stand up guy, a good dude. Ive never met anyone who had anything bad to say about him.

Police sources said Thompson was not staying at the hotel, and that they have not yet determined a motive for the fatal attack. No arrests have been made. The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.

This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brians family and the UnitedHealthcare team.

open image in gallery The suspect walked away from the crime scene before getting on an electric Citi Bike and pedaling away ( Reuters )

Before taking the CEO job, Thompson, a father of two who works out of UnitedHealthcares Minnetonka, Minnesota offices, worked as the companys head of government programs. His annual compensation package of $10.2 million put him among highest-paid executives at UnitedHealthcare.

A caterer for Wednesdays investor event told 1010 WINS that she suspected something was amiss when no one showed up for the opening session.

The investor conference was subsequently canceled, with a company official telling attendees they were dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.

A statement released several hours later by UnitedHealth Group said, We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.
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A bull terrier found tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton has now found his fur-ever home.

Trooper, aged five, was left tied to a fence post in chest-deep water back in October as the category 3 storm made landfall in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The dog was rescued and taken to a shelter, hitting headlines across the country and leading Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to condemn the owner for abandoning the pup.

Troopers owner Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, was later tracked down and charged with one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. Garcia is facing up to five years in prison.

Now, two months on, Trooper has been rehomed, the Leon County Humane Society announced on Monday.

Troopers new mom and dad, Frank and Carla Spina from Parkland, drove more than 400 miles to Tallahassee to meet the bull terrier and they were a perfect match, the shelter said.

open image in gallery Trooper (pictured left) and his new sister Dallas (pictured right) ( Leon County Humane Society/Facebook )

Trooper has been adopted! From the moment he was introduced to his new Mom and Dad, you could see that it was a perfect match, the shelter said on Facebook.

In other meetings, Trooper would normally be visibly on edge and uncomfortable, but with Frank and Carla, Trooper seemed immediately at ease.

The five-year-old rescue pup has now joined his new sister Dallas, a 7-year-old miniature rescue bull terrier.

Dallas had been grieving the loss of her friend Diesel, 15, also a bull terrier rescue, who died in April.

open image in gallery Florida police found Trooper tied to a fence post (pictured) on October 9 as Hurricane Milton barreled towards the state ( Florida Highway Patrol )

According to the shelter, it was love at first sight when Dallas and Trooper met.

In an interview with WCTV, Frank Spina said that Trooper had been weary of men following his past experience but he quickly approached him for cuddles.

He came over and he got under my legs, and he started scratching his neck and his foot started moving, and she [LCHSs Amy Raddar] said perfect match! he said.
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A tsunami warning affecting more than 5 million people has been lifted after a major earthquake rocked Northern California.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor, with a magnitude of 7.0, hit just over 60 miles to the west-southwest of Ferndale. There were more than 30 aftershocks after the initial quake.

Residents along the coast were urged to move to higher ground after the tsunami warning was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the California and Oregon coasts.

The service has now canceled the tsunami warning. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area, the agency confirmed on social media.

Dave Snider, the tsunami warning coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said that a destructive wave is not on the table today after the warning went out earlier, NBC News reports.

For the U.S. West Coast, this is tricky stuff, Snider said. This is time-based. So we have to get that alert out, and then confirm, yes or no, that something is happening.

open image in gallery Areas of the California and Oregon coast were under a tsunami warning on Thursday, which has now lifted ( NOAA / National Weather Service/ US Tsunami Warning System )

The 7.0 quake was one of many seismic events that shook Northern California today.

Dozens of quakes were recorded near the town of Petrolia in Humboldt County, ranging in magnitude between 3.1 and 4.2, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and another four events were recorded today in the Ferndale area.

One social media user reported feeling the quake pretty strongly in Oakland, and another shared a video of the water in their swimming pool shaking.

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management urged residents to get away from coastal areas and warned that they were in danger before the alert was lifted shortly after.

A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you, the department said on X. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.

open image in gallery A San Francisco Surf Rescue team evacuates surfers from Ocean Beach in case of a possible tsunami on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 ( Benjamin Fanjoy/San Francisco Chronicle/AP )

After the tsunami alert, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, known as BART, stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland, while San Francisco Zoo was evacuated.

The zoo said in a social media post that the animals were secured following the tsunami warning and staff were moved to higher ground as a result.

The Berkley Police Department also issued an evacuation order for those in the tsunami zone. People in the Tsunami Zone are in IMMEDIATE DANGER and MUST EVACUATE NOW, the police said in a since deactivated post. Stay east of 7th St. This is a lawful order to leave now.

The California Governors Office of Emergency Services warned that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents are possible in a statement before the alert was lifted.

Californians should follow guidance from local emergency responders. Get earthquake safety tips, Californias governor Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X.

Newsom later added: Its another reminder of the state that we live in and the state of mind that we need to bring to our day-to-day reality here in the state of California, in terms of being prepared for earthquakes.
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A former FBI agent said it is clear that the shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson trained for his mission and that the suspect carried out the execution calmly.

Former special agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said she analyzed the surveillance footage of the UnitedHealthcare CEO over and over to reach her conclusion, which she shared on her YouTube show Break The Case with Jen Coffindaffer FBI on Thursday.

Police appear to be honing in on the identity of the suspect who fatally shot Thompson by the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on Wednesday morning.

New photos released by the NYPD on Thursday morning revealed the smiling face of a man wanted in the UnitedHealthcare CEOs killing.

This person definitely knew this gun, knew it would malfunction and he trained for his mission, Coffindaffer said of the suspect. And by the way, he accomplished his mission.

This whole thing was done very calmly, she added.

open image in gallery Former special agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said she believes the suspect trained for his mission ( Break The Case with Jen Coffindaffer FBI/YouTube )

But Coffindaffer, who specialized in gangs, narcotics and organized crime for 28 years at the FBI, said she does not believe the suspect is a professional marksman.

So it was either playing this out, and his skill, really honing that in to make this a successful hit, or he couldve been hired, she postulated. But this is no marksman, this is no sharpshooter.

Coffindaffer added that she believed the suspect was well versed with this gun and well versed in shooting, despite the fact that the gun appeared to malfunction.

Im very, very convinced he knew it would malfunction after each shot, she said. You can go to a firearms range and train and train and train and get good enough to do what he did, which was essentially hit once miss twice.

Was this a professional marksman? No. Did he have this well planned? Absolutely, Coffindaffer concluded.

While investigators are working to identify a motive, other experts have said the alleged gunmans slow, deliberate movements suggest experience with firearms, possibly in law enforcement or the military.

open image in gallery Investigators obtained surveillance photos of the alleged suspects unmasked face amid a citywide manhunt for Brian Thompsons killer ( NYPD )

According to police sources, the three words deny, depose, and defend were carved into the live rounds and shell casings found outside the Hilton Hotel.

Police sources confirmed the chilling message to ABC News and the New York Post, adding that three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged nine-millimeter shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Several of the bullets were inscribed with one of the three words, they added.

It is not clear what message the killer may have been trying to leave through the inscriptions, with the motive and the identity of the suspect still a mystery.

Coffindaffer weighed in on the significance of the three words, adding that her take was this shooting was personal.

Strong possibility that murder was motivated due to being denied health insurance, she said in a post on X. I would look for communication where these words were previously written or said. The person responsible for this murder has said or written this before!
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Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will now face federal charges in addition to the New York state murder indictment already brought against him, according to reports.

Federal charges  which will be brought by prosecutors from the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, according to The New York Times  would potentially allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty should Mangione, 26, ultimately be found guilty of murder, capital punishment having been outlawed in New York for decades.

According to documents unsealed on Thursday, and a sworn affidavit by an FBI agent, federal prosecutors intend to charge him with murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

The documents do not specify whether the death penalty will be sought, with the matter likely to be decided by incoming president Donald Trumps new-look Justice Department next year.

The development comes after Mangione appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom on Thursday and formally waived his right to an extradition hearing before being returned to New York.

open image in gallery A court sketch shows Luigi Mangione being led out of Pennsylvania court after waiving his right to an extradition hearing ( REUTERS )

Earlier this week, the suspect was formally indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on three murder charges over the attack on Thompson, 50, who was shot dead outside of the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4 by a masked assailant armed with a handgun who had lain in wait for him.

The incident led to a five-day manhunt, culminating in Mangione being arrested at a branch of McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9 after local police received a tip-off from a fellow customer responding to an image of the shooter circulated by the NYPD.

He was found to have a pistol, ammunition and fake identification cards about his person, as well as a 262-word manifesto denouncing the American healthcare system, having recently undergone back surgery.

In bringing the charges, Bragg called the episode a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.

The toughest penalty Mangione could face in state court, should he be convicted of Thompsons murder, would be life imprisonment without parole, which the Justice Department could deem insufficient.

open image in gallery Luigi Mangione leaves Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday December 19 2024 ( AP )

The state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case, said Danielle Filson, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

This defendant brazenly shot Mr Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk.

The Manhattan DAs office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of murder in the first degree.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangiones lawyer, said in a statement that the Southern Districts involvement in the case raised a number of issues she found disconcerting.

The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

open image in gallery Officers stand outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, where Luigi Mangioni is set to be arraigned on charges including murder ( REUTERS )

The suspects supporters continue to donate generously to a defense fund set up on his behalf after he became a problematic folk hero to some during his flight from justice.

The anonymous fund, The December 4th Legal Committee, had amassed almost $157,000 in donations via the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo at the time of writing.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has already been forced to denounce vigilante justice in response to the dark fandom Mangione has attracted.

In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint, he said in the aftermath of the suspects arrest.

In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: he is no hero.
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Police are closing in on a suspect in the brazen, targeted shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Wednesday morning.

New York police have searched the HI New York City Hostel in the Upper West SIde where they believe the suspected shooter was staying, according to CNN. Investigators believe the suspect checked into the hostel using a fake New Jersey ID, the New York Post reports, citing law enforcement sources.

We are fully cooperating with the N.Y.P.D. and, as this is an active investigation, cannot comment at this time, Danielle Norris, a spokeswoman for the hostels parent company Hostelling International USA, said in a statement.

Authorities have also published images of the suspected shooter in which he isnt wearing a mask.

Investigators, meanwhile, found bullet casings at the scene with the words deny, defend and depose written on them, ABC News reports. They also recovered a candy wrapper and water bottle believed to belong to the suspect. Investigators have been able to lift one smudged fingerprint from the bottle, CNN reports.

open image in gallery The New York Police Department released a new photo Thursday of the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ( NYPD )

The words are similar to a popular phrase in the insurance industry: Deny, delay, defend.

A 2020 book by Jay Feinman about the insurance industry bears a similar title: Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. The book describes itself as an expose of insurance injustice and a plan for consumers and lawmakers to fight back.

Feinman did not comment when contacted by The Independent.

Fingerprint and DNA tests are continuing.

open image in gallery Police are closing in on the suspect believed to have killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday ( AP )

The New York Police Department is also urging residents to continue sending in tips. Officers searched a Long Island Railroad train on Thursday  and while it didnt turn up any evidence, they emphasized the importance of information from the public.

The train stopped. They searched the train and nothing was found, a spokesperson for the police department said. We are getting Crime Stoppers tips...Its helping. We are following up on every single tip thats come in.

The shooter had been hiding behind a car outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan for about five minutes when Thompson exited Wednesday, police said. The suspect was spotted at a nearby Starbucks on West 56th Street and 6th Avenue shortly before the shooting.

Police said Thompsons schedule for Wednesday was widely known, ABC News reports.

The shooter, who was wearing a mask, approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the right calf and back at 6:46am.

Video of the incident shows the shooter walking up behind Thompson before shooting him multiple times, then calmly crossing the street. The footage also shows there was a bystander who witnessed the shooting and ran away as the suspect fired at Thompson.

Moment gunman shoots UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson dead in New York City captured on surveillance video

Police do not believe the shooter was a professional.

He fled on an e-bike, according to authorities.

Police described the shooter as a white man wearing a black hoodie and black pants and carrying a gray backpack. Its believed the suspect used a gun with a silencer. A food cart vendor near the scene of the shooting told NBC News that he did not hear any gunshots.

There is a $10,000 reward for information on the suspect.

open image in gallery Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the shooter ( EPA )

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said police are still finding more pieces to the puzzle as of Thursday.

We feel that were moving at a steady pace, and were going to have someone apprehended, Adams said.

UnitedHealth Group, which owns the insurance company, was holding its annual investor conference Wednesday. The company canceled the event following the shooting. Thompson was scheduled to speak there at 8am.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News her husband had received threats.

There had been some threats, she told the outlet. Basically, I dont know, a lack of [health insurance] coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

She added: I cant really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and Im trying to console my children.

UnitedHealth Group was aware of concerning threats against its executives ahead of Wednesdays shooting, CNN reports, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation.

Fake bomb threats were made against two homes, one owned by Thompson and the other owned by his wife, shortly after he was murdered on Wednesday.

The two homes, which are less than a mile apart in Maple Grove, Minnesota, were targeted on Wednesday evening, The Minnesota Star-Tribune reports. The threat was sent via e-mail to multiple people who then notified police. Thompson and his wife had been living in separate homes in Maple Grove for years, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The threats were not credible and considered an instance of swatting, police said.

No devices or suspicious items were located during the investigation, a Maple Grove police spokesperson said in a statement. The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax.
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The gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a horror early morning shooting left behind a cryptic message at the scene, it has been revealed.

According to police sources, the three words deny, depose, and delay were carved into the live rounds and shell casings found outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, where Thompson, 50, was gunned down Wednesday morning.

Police sources confirmed the chilling message to ABC News and the New York Post, adding that three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged nine-millimeter shell casings were recovered from the scene.

open image in gallery Investigators obtained surveillance photos of the suspects unmasked face amid a citywide manhunt for Brian Thompsons killer ( NYPD )

Several of the bullets were each inscribed with one of the three words, they added.

It is not clear what message the killer may have been trying to leave through the inscriptions, with the motive and the identity of the suspect still a mystery.

The three words bear a striking resemblance to Jay Feinmans 10 book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claim and What You Can Do About It.

Today the name of the game is delay, deny, defend: to improve their profits, insurance companies delay payment of justified claims, deny payment altogether, and defend their actions by forcing claimants to enter litigation, the books blurb reads.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made with the NYPD offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.

Investigators are now honing in on the killers use of an e-bike to flee the scene, as well as a water bottle and cellphone he appears to have dropped as he fled. Investigators also obtained surveillance photos of the suspects unmasked face, which the NYPD released publicly on Thursday.

The suspect, who was not a guest at the Hilton, was first allegedly filmed walking outside the Frederick Douglass Houses, a public housing project on the Upper West Side, as early as 5:00 a.m., according to ABC.

He was next captured on security camera at a nearby Starbucks that morning.

open image in gallery UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Thompson, in an undated photo, was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan ( AP )

A senior police official told CNN that the gunman stopped at the coffee shop at West 56th Street and 6th Avenue and purchased a bottle of water and two energy bars about 30 minutes before Thompsons death

The water bottle, along with a cellphone, were found near the scene with police believing the gunman may have dropped them while fleeing, CNN reported. Investigators are checking the items for DNA and fingerprints that could lead them to the suspect.

After visiting the coffee shop, the suspect was spotted walking alone to the hotel about five minutes before Thompson arrived and lay in wait for the victim.

The suspect then stepped out from behind a car and gunned Thompson down, hitting him in the back and right calf, at approximately 6:46 a.m., according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Thompsons killing was not a random act of violence but was a targeted attack, Kenny said.

After the shooting, the assailant crossed the street near the Hilton Hotel and fled through an alleyway on foot, before hopping on an electric bike at 55th Street, investigators told CNN.

The shooter, a white male dressed entirely in black, then headed north on 6th Avenue towards Central Park, where he was last seen at 6:48 a.m.

open image in gallery New York City Police Department provided this image of the suspect seen at a Starbucks before the killing ( NYPD )

Video footage, obtained by CBS News, appears to show the suspect cycling out of the park on West 85th Street just before 7 a.m., according to the sources.

Meanwhile Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at abut 7:12 a.m.

Kenny told reporters that investigators were looking into the suspects use of a Citi Bike, which require a debit or credit card to rent and are equipped with GPS devices.

But, law enforcement officials later told CNN that it now appears the suspect may have taken the subway from the Upper West Side to Midtown that morning.

Surveillance footage captured the unidentified man carrying what appears to be an E-bike battery on the Upper West Side, investigators said  suggesting that a bike was modified.

While investigators are working to identify a motive, experts have said the alleged gunmans slow, deliberate movements suggest experience with firearms, possibly in law enforcement or the military.

open image in gallery Bullets on the scene of the shooting of Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan ( AP )

The gun appeared to malfunction with each shot, experts told CNN, yet the suspect managed to clear the jam easily, suggesting prior weapons training.

Thompsons wife has said that her husband had recently received threats from angry customers over complaints she believed may have had to do with a lack of coverage.

I dont know details, Paulette Thompson told NBC News. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Reached by phone, Thompsons brother Mark told The Independent he was not yet ready to comment on the heartbreaking situation.

open image in gallery A 'Wanted' poster put up by the NYPD outside of the New York Hilton hotel near the scene where Thompson was shot dead ( EPA )

Thompson joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021.

He was scheduled to speak at an investor conference at the Hilton at 8 a.m., approximately 75 minutes after the attack took place.

The investor conference was subsequently canceled, with a company official telling attendees they were dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.

The UnitedHealth Group lamented Thomspons loss in a statement on Wednesday, noting that it was deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague.

It added: We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside of a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4.

He was laid to rest at a private funeral service in his Minnesota hometown on December 9. That same day, murder suspect Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania following a week-long manhunt.

Ten days before the exec was shot dead outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, the suspected shooter was believed to have traveled to New York City on a Greyhound bus. Five days after the shooting, Mangione was in handcuffs. The 26-year-old suspect is being held in a federal detention center in New York, where he faces more than a dozen state and federal counts, including murder charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

Heres everything we know so far in the build-up and aftermath of the fatal attack on the 50-year-old insurance CEO:

open image in gallery UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in the leg and back in a premeditated attack in New York City ( UnitedHealth Group )

Thompson shot in premeditated attack

The suspected shooter had been hiding behind a car outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan for about five minutes when Thompson exited, police said. The suspect was spotted at a nearby Starbucks on West 56th Street and 6th Avenue shortly before the shooting.

The shooter, who was wearing a mask, approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the right calf and back at 6:46 a.m. Video of the incident shows the shooter calmly walking up behind Thompson before firing, then calmly crossing the street. The footage also showed a bystander running away as the killing unfolded.

open image in gallery Luigi Mangione was taken into the Blair County Courthouse on December 10 shortly after his arrest in Pennsylvania. He faces both state and federal charges in connection to killing Thompson ( AP )

The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again, New York Police Departments Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

The shooting was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack, police said. Thompson appeared unaware he was in danger and had no security detail near him.

Thompson was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital about 30 minutes later.

The shooter fled the scene through an alleyway on an e-bike. He biked via 6th Avenue to Central Park. Security footage shows the suspect entering the Port Authority Bus Terminal, police said. However, they did not find footage of him leaving the depot, indicating he had left the city on a bus.

open image in gallery Surveillance footage of the suspect who shot Thompson in the middle of a New York City street ( NYPD News/Reuters )

Thompson was in the city to speak at the UnitedHealth Groups annual Investor Conference the day of his death.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, the company said in a statement. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.

New clues emerged

On December 5, police released images of the suspect with his mask pulled down. The photos came from a surveillance video at the New York City hostel where the Mangione was staying.

Police say he arrived in New York City on November 24 after jumping on a bus departing from Atlanta.

open image in gallery The NYPD released a photo showing the face of the suspect who stayed at a hostel before the killing ( NYPD )

On the day he arrived in New York City, Mangione was captured on surveillance video stepping off the bus at around 9 p.m. and spotted walking through the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, police said.

He then checked into an Upper West Side hostel, left on November 29 and then used a fake New Jersey ID to check back in on November 30.

While in the hostel, he slept in a multi-person room with two other men and wore a mask for the majority of his stay, according to CNN.

Both Greyhound and the hostels parent company, Hostelling International USA, told ABC News in a statement that they are fully cooperating with the NYPD but cannot comment further due to the active investigation.

Authorities found three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings, as well as a cell phone, at the scene of the shooting. They also recovered a candy wrapper and water bottle believed to belong to the suspect, according to ABC News.

The bullet casings police found at the scene had the words deny, defend and depose written on them.

A 2020 book by Jay Feinman about the insurance industry bears a similar title: Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. The book describes itself as an expose of insurance injustice and a plan for consumers and lawmakers to fight back. Feinman did not comment when contacted by The Independent.

At the time of his Pennsylvania arrest, Mangione was carrying a 262-page manifesto, a ghost gun, silencer and false ID cards, police said. He also had a spiral notebook which laid out his plot to wack Thompson at his parasitic bean-counter convention, according to The New York Times.

Wife reveals Thompson received threats as police search for motive

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News in the hours after the shooting that her husband had been receiving threats. UnitedHealth Group was aware of concerning threats against its executives, CNN reported.

"There had been some threats," she told the outlet. Basically, I dont know, a lack of [health insurance] coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Family and leaders mourn CEO

Family, friends and business leaders gathered for Thompsons private funeral service in his Minnesota hometown on December 9  the same day his suspected shooter was arrested in Pennsylvania.

Over a dozen state troopers, 100 cars and two dozen black SUVs lined the Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, as security measures were put in place for mourners, according to Fox News. The news outlet reported that a sniper was spotted on the church roof and a security code was needed to get into the service.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Thompsons sister Elena Reveiz told The New York Times that her brother was a good person, and I am so sad.

Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives, Thompsons family said in a statement to Minnesota news outlet KARE. We appreciate your condolences and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time, the statement continued.

open image in gallery Flags fly at half mast outside the UnitedHealthcare corporate headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Thompsons family described him as a loving, generous, talented man ( Getty Images )

Thompson was a father of two. Before taking the CEO job in 2021, he worked as the companys head of government programs. As CEO, Thompson worked out of UnitedHealthcares offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Thompson kept a low profile with little public name recognition, the Associated Press reported.

Thompson was also named in a lawsuit filed by a Florida pension fund earlier this year accusing UnitedHealth of hiding an antitrust investigation by the Justice Department from shareholders while insiders sold stock, according to the Journal. Thompson had not answered the claims in court before the shooting on December 4.

Under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare provided coverage to more than 49 million people, making it the largest insurance company in the U.S. The network includes 1.3 million physicians and care professionals across nearly 7,000 facilities.

Under Thompson, the company made $74 billion in revenue in the most recent quarter, earning the title of the largest subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. Thompson made $10.2 million annually and was one of the companys highest-paid employees.
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A Colombia drug lord and a key operator of the Medellin cocaine cartel has been released from a federal prison in the U.S. and is expected to be deported back home.

Records from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons show that Fabio Ochoa Vasquez was released on Tuesday after completing 25 years of a 30-year prison sentence.

Ochoa, 67, and his older brothers amassed a fortune when cocaine started flooding the U.S. in the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to U.S. authorities, to the point that in 1987 they were included in the Forbes Magazine's list of billionaires.

Living in Miami, Ochoa ran a distribution center for the cocaine cartel once headed by Pablo Escobar.

Although somewhat faded from memory as the center of the drug trade shifted from Colombia to Mexico, he resurfaced in the hit Netflix series Narcos true to form as the youngest son of an elite Medellin family into ranching and horse breeding that cut a sharp contrast with Escobar, who came from more humble roots.

open image in gallery Pablo Escobar in the Netflix show Narcos ( Juan Pablo Gutierrez/Netflix )

Ochoa was first indicted in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 1986 killing of Drug Enforcement Administration informant Barry Seal  whose life was popularized in the 2017 film American Made starring Tom Cruise.

He was initially arrested in 1990 in Colombia under a government program promising drug kingpins would not be extradited to the U.S. At the time, he was on the U.S. list of the Dozen Most Wanted Colombia drug lords.

Ochoa was arrested again and extradited to the U.S. in 2001 in response to an indictment in Miami naming him and more than 40 people as part of a drug smuggling conspiracy. Of those, Ochoa was the only one who opted to go to trial, resulting in his conviction and the 30-year sentence. The other defendants got much lighter prison terms because most of them cooperated with the government.

Richard Gregorie, a retired Assistant U.S. Attorney who was on the prosecution team that convicted Ochoa, said authorities were never able to seize all of the Ochoa family's illicit drug proceeds and he expects that Ochoa will have a welcome return home.

He won't be retiring a poor man, that's for sure, Gregorie said.
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Three generations of relatives came together to steal hundreds of dollars worth of products from a Florida Target on Black Friday, police said.

A 76-year-old grandmother and her 54-year-old daughter were charged with shoplifting, petit theft and contributing to the delinquency of a child, who Flagler County Sheriffs Office officials also identified as a suspect in the robbery. The trio stole $400 worth of cosmetics and booze from a Target in Palm Coast, officials alleged.

The adult women reportedly put multiple bottles of champagne and wine into the childs backpack. The child then bypassed the cashiers section and tried to exit the store. As she walked toward the exit, an employee approached her and took her to the loss prevention office.

There, an employee took the child into custody. A staff member had also seen the child place cosmetic products into her backpack.

As the youngster sat in the office, her mother and grandmother left the store with stolen alcohol bottles theyd shoved into bags, cops said. The 54-year-old woman allegedly walked to her vehicle in the parking lot with the bottles as her mother went to the restroom, officials said.

Deputies later found the woman outside the store and told them the child had been caught.

Once all three subjects were in custody, it was determined that they had attempted to steal $379 worth of cosmetics and alcoholic beverages, the sheriffs office said in a news release, according to the Miami Herald.

This mother and grandmother certainly wont win mother and grandmother of the year, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said.

We told our community that we would have an increased presence protecting our businesses and shoppers on Black Friday, but unfortunately, this family didnt listen. ...They involved a child in their criminal acts, which is a shameful thing.

The mother and grandmother are being held on $650 bond while the child was turned over to her father, the office said. Officials did not release their identities.
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A Texas man burned his Down Syndrome sons body on a wood pile at the family property after shooting him dead when he allegedly mistook him for an intruder.

Michael Howard, 68, told investigators he thought his son, 20-year-old Mark Howard, was an intruder when he shot him on December 1, according to the Sabine County Sheriffs Office. Hed recently contacted authorities about a burglary on his Hemphill, Texas property days prior.

When the Houston lawyer discovered he killed his son he told investigators he took his body, placed it in a front-loading bucket of a backhoe tractor and carried it to a remote area on his property. There, he placed the body on a wood trash pile and burned it, officials said.

He waited about 17 hours before notifying officials of what had occurred. Police believe he contacted his sons mother before calling a deputy. The father and son were the only two on the property and had arrived a few days prior.

The following day, he used his work cell phone to call the deputy who had responded to the burglary. When the deputy arrived around 2 p.m., the officer searched the area with Michael Howards consent trying to locate his son.

Finally, Michael Howard showed the deputy where he had taken his son for cremation, an area about two miles from where the shooting occurred. The defendant told the deputy he cremated his son because he felt thats what his son would have wanted, JP MacDonough, a county investigator, said at a news conference on Thursday.

The sheriffs office later obtained a search warrant for the property and processed the scene along with the Texas Rangers.

In that search, they discovered bones and body parts, including a portion of the lower jaw that contained a few teeth, which appeared to have been burned based on charring. The area they were found was heavy with soot and ash, the office said.

The body parts were recovered from the area and taken to the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office where they are awaiting autopsy.

Additionally, police found evidence to suggest Howard tried to clean the crime scene using a water hose.

It is a bizarre crime anywhere... just because of the nature of the event, MacDonough told reporters, stating he thinks Michael Howard burned the body and cleaned the crime scene for nefarious purposes.

The defendant has been charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence/human corpse. Hes being held in the Sabine County Jail on a $20m bond.

Howard owns a Houston-based private law practice but has owned property 170 miles away in Hemphill for years. Police would not comment on whether Howard had a criminal history.

In 1995, the state Board of Disciplinary Appeals suspended his license during the term of his one-year criminal probation for third-degree felony theft. Howards practice areas include personal injury, real estate, gas and energy resources and legal malpractice.

The attorney has two other children. Mark Howards mother has been interviewed as part of the investigation, MacDonough said.

Paul Robbins, the Sabine County District Attorney, said his office would be moving forward with a grand jury indictment. His team is looking at potentially hitting the attorney with additional charges, including misdemeanor crimes.

The Independent has emailed Howards office for comment.
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The family of Jordan Neely, a homeless man who died after being held in a chokehold for minutes on a New York subway car in 2023, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against his assailant, Daniel Penny.

The suit accuses Penny of negligent contact, assault, and battery that caused injuries and ultimately death.

The Independent has contacted Pennys attorneys for comment.

The lawsuit comes two days into jury deliberations in Pennys ongoing criminal trial for the high-profile incident.

On May 1, 2023, Penny, a former member of the Marine Corps, put Neely in a chokehold for nearly six minutes, after Neely boarded a Manhattan subway train and began shouting aggresively at passengers.

Witnesses described Neely yelling to the subway passengers that he didnt have food and water and didnt care if he went to back to jail. Penny, as well as some of his fellow passengers, claimed Neely also said he was willing to kill.

Criminal jury is currently deliberating over whether Penny is guilty of homicide and manslaughter for same incident on subway ( AP )

Prosecutors argued in the criminal trial, which began in October, that Pennys initial attempt to defend his fellow passengers was understandable and even laudable, but that the architecture student went too far and used lethal force unnecessarily. They said he continued to hold Neely after some passengers exited the train and Neely stopped moving for nearly a minute.

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 during closing arguments on Monday.

The defense, meanwhile, has argued that other factors could explain Neelys death, like the mans use of synthetic marijuana, his schizophrenia, and his genetic predisposition to sickle cell ailments. It has framed Pennys intervention as a heroic attempt to save his fellow passengers.

Daniel Penny was the one who moved to protect them, defense attorney Steven Raiser said during closing arguments. Why? Because he had something the others didnt. Something unique to him.

City medical examiner Dr. Cynthia Harris maintained during her testimony in the trial that Neely died from compression of the neck.

During an interview with police, later viewed by jurors, Penny told officers he was not trying to kill the guy.

I just wanted to keep him from getting to people, Penny told officers.

During the trial, bystanders testified both that they were relieved when Penny grabbed hold of Neely, and that the Marine Corps vet ignored pleas to let the homeless man go.

The case, in which a white man choked a Black man for minutes just a year after the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis, quickly became embroiled in politics over ongoing debates about racism, policing, and public safety.

Critics accused Penny of being a violent vigilante, while conservative commentators praised Penny as a heroic ordinary citizen and raised millions for his legal defense.
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A school supervisor was fired after he killed a deer to blow off steam during a short break from work.

Paul Simmons, 55, left work at Clatskanie School District on November 3 2023 to go hunting with his son along Swedetown Road in Columbia County, Ohio, according to a new lawsuit.

While Simmons claims he was simply taking a short break and that it was normal practice to deal with personal matters without asking for time off, his employer claims he skipped out on work without permission.

It is unclear exactly how long Simmons was gone but the break ultimately ended in him being convicted of criminal charges, fired from his job, and the matter now being at the center of a lawsuit filed by Simmons against the school district.

According to the new lawsuit, seen by Oregon Live, Simmons, who had worked for the school district for 29 years, left work, picked up his rifle and joined his son hunting.

During the hunt, he killed a deer and loaded its carcass onto his work truck, before driving home and documenting the kill on a state hunting database.

But, following the shooting, Simmons was hit with criminal charges of committing an act of trespassing, unlawful hunting, and official misconduct, according to Oregon State Police. Police also seized the deer carcass and Simmonss rifle.

After he was charged, Simmons was also fired from the school district. His superintendent cited the criminal charges and that he had left work without permission as reasons for his dismissal.

One year on, in November 2024, Simmons filed a lawsuit in Columbia County Circuit Court accusing Clatskanie School District of unfair dismissal.

In the suit, Simmons claims he was on a break when he went hunting and so it was personal time.

He claims he had needed to blow off steam because of a heavy workload and the news that his father had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, reported The Chronicle. He also claims it was not uncommon for school district staff to attend to personal matters without requesting time off.

The 55-year-old is now seeking $677,000 in backpay, future wages, and emotional distress.

Simmons accepted a plea deal over the criminal charges.

Under the terms of the deal, he was sentenced earlier this month to 1-and-a-half years of probation, ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution, and had his hunting license suspended for three years.

Simmons is now reportedly working at a local car dealership.

The Independent has contacted Clatskanie School District Superintendent Danielle Hudson and Columbia County Circuit court for comment.
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A gunman who wounded two young boys and then killed himself at a northern California elementary school on Wednesday may have targeted the institution because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, according to police.

Highway patrol officers were called to reports of shots fired at Feather River Adventist, which lies north of Sacramento, around 1.10pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said that the gunman, who has not been named, had opened fire, shooting two kindergarten students before turning the gun on himself.

When we arrived, we located an individual, an adult male, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told reporters at an evening press conference.

He was down, appears to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Two kindergarten students, aged five and six, were rushed to local hospitals after the attack on Feather River Adventist School in Oroville. They remain in critical condition in hospital.

Im thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them, Honea said.

open image in gallery Police officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School ( AP )

The gunman is not believed to be associated with the school but is said to have visited earlier in the day to attend a meeting with an administrator.

The meeting was about the possibilty of enrolling a family member, although authorities are now seeking to determine whether that was a ploy to gain access to the campus.

Honea said police had identified the suspect and received information indicating he may have targeted the school because of its Seventh-Day Adventist connection. His name has not been released, due to the ongoing investigation.

We are very, very early on in this investigation. There is still a lot of unknown questions, and answers that we are trying to obtain, Honea added.

The FBIs Sacramento office said on Facebook it was aiding local law enforcement and special agent Sid Patel said his fellow investigators were looking into the entire workup of the subject to get a better understanding of his motivation, ideology.

open image in gallery Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting ( AP )

Mike Ramsey, Butte County District Attorney, said his office was assisting students and their families.

That will be going on now for weeks, obviously months, Ramsey said.

Not only the children that were previously injured, but those children that saw their classmates gunned down in front of them.

The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists said it was deeply saddened by the incident.

Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer, it said in a statement.

We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriffs Department who acted quickly to protect our students.
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A Florida woman allegedly assaulted a fast-food worker when her lunch order didnt include the dipping sauces she wanted, according to authorities.

McKenzie Anne Keeling, 31, flew into a rage after picking up food last Friday afternoon at a Raising Canes restaurant in Clearwater and discovering that she was missing 8 packs of Canes Sauce, the chicken finger chains signature condiment, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court and reviewed by The Independent.

Keeling, who had already driven away by the time she became aware of the apparent oversight, then called the location and said she was on her way back to pick up her sauce, the affidavit states. Once she returned, the restaurant manager greeted Keeling  who was still talking to the Raising Canes employee who had picked up the phone  and inquired how she could assist her, the affidavit continues.

[Keeling] requested her missing sauce, which the victim provided, then [Keeling] requested additional sauces for free for wasting her time and gas, the affidavit goes on.

But the manager denied Keelings request, prompting Keeling to demand the womans name, according to the affidavit. It says that when the manager declined to identify herself, Keeling became hostile, both verbally and physically, creating a loud commotion and disturbing staff and customers.

As she continued yelling, Keeling struck the manager in the right thigh, then grabbed a lanyard attached to the womans belt loop that was holding her employee ID card and keys, and tried to yank it away, the affidavit states.

open image in gallery McKenzie Keeling is facing felony charges over the sauce incident ( Pinellas County Sheriffs Office )

This attempt to temporarily deprive the victim of [her] property utilized force and violence, and placed the manager in fear, the affidavit says.

This was witnessed by two other restaurant employees and additionally captured on CCTV footage, according to the affidavit.

Keeling was not visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time, and did not appear to have obvious mental health issues, the affidavit notes.

She was booked into jail on one count of strong-arm robbery, a felony, and released a short time later on a $2,500 bond.

In 2022, a New York City man was accused of shooting and killing a Chinese food deliveryman who failed to bring an adequate amount of duck sauce with his order.

Keeling did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Messages sent to her attorney, Roger D. Futerman, went unanswered. The manager, whose name The Independent is withholding, did not respond to a separate request for comment.

Keeling has pleaded not guilty.
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Hawaii native Hannah Kobayashi wanted to disconnect from her life and voluntarily disappeared, police determined this week, pointing to surveillance footage of her buying a bus ticket from Los Angeles to the Mexico border after she missed a flight to New York.

A still of the footage obtained by Fox 11 shows Kobayashi, 30, at Los Angeles Union Station purchasing the ticket with her passport and luggage in tow the day before she left the country.

At a news conference on Monday, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters his department believes Kobayashi crossed into Mexico on November 12 at San Ysidro. He cited footage of Kobayashi walking into Mexico obtained from US Customs and Border Protection. His department has now declared the woman a voluntary missing person.

Weve basically done everything we can do at this point, he said. Shes left the country and is in another nation now.

Police are no longer investigating the crime but Kobayashis case will remain open until law enforcement can confirm her safety.

open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi seen in security footage at LAX airport ( Facebook )

The search for Kobayashi began last month after she missed a connecting flight to New York City at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8. She later went to The Grove and was spotted in Downtown Los Angeles with a man unfamiliar to her relatives, who flew from Hawaii to California to search for her.

The man was cooperative during a police interview, officials said.

Chief McDonell now believes the woman missed her flight intentionally. Kobayashi had asked airport officials to return her luggage, which had been sent to New York, back to Los Angeles. She later went to the airport to pick it up, he said.

open image in gallery Ryan Kobayashi, center, holds a picture of his missing daughter Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena, Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Los Angeles ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

McDonells department has not found evidence suggesting she was being trafficked or involved in criminal activity.

At the same time, Kobayashi sent cryptic texts to a friend saying she had been tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds to someone I thought I loved. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, described the texts as really weird. Kobayashi added that she was scared and couldnt come back home.

As the search continued, Hannah Kobayashis father, Ryan, was found deceased after he reportedly died by suicide.

She has a right to her privacy, McDonnell told reporters. We respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her.

He asked anyone considering taking similar actions to consider the people youre leaving behind, your loved ones who are going to be worried sick about you.

Sydni Kobayashi told Hawaii News Now her family learned about her sister crossing into Mexico on Monday. She called on police to release the border crossing footage.

For them to tell us that they have been keeping us informed throughout the entire time, thats absolutely inaccurate, Sydni Kobayashi told the outlet. We feel like were left in the dark and that was kind of like a huge slap in the face for us. As the police suspend their investigation, her family has hired a private investigator to search for her sister.

Still, the family announced they would be shutting down a Facebook group called Help Us Find Hannah, the Associated Press reported after her relatives received threats against their lives and the lives of their small children.

Mexican authorities told the outlet theyve been alerted to the case but have not received an official request to search for Hannah Kobayashi.
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People who own a home in the US may live longer, research published Wednesday said.

For American men in early adulthood who were born in the early twentieth century  from the first years of the 1900s  four months were added to their life expectancy. Oxford University said this was likely owing to positive factors tied to homeownership, including accumulation of wealth, stronger social ties, better living conditions, and mental health benefits.

My study finds homeownership has a meaningful positive impact on life expectancy, Casey Breen, a senior postdoctoral research fellow at Oxford, said in a statement. These results suggest that social policies that equitably expand homeownership opportunities for Black Americans may help narrow the gap between Black and white male life expectancy in the US.

Breens work was published Wednesday in the journal Demography.

While physicians have said mortality rates between Black and white Americans have have narrowed in recent years, there are still discrepancies.

These varied outcomes in life expectancy raise significant questions. Why is life expectancy worse for some and better for others? Dr. Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, said in a statement in 2022.

open image in gallery A man opens the door to a house with a key. New research from Oxford University has found owning a home in early adult life added approximately four months to the lives of male Americans born in the early twentieth century ( Getty Images/iStock )

He noted that systemic historical issues have played a role. There were even fewer opportunities for Black Americans to own their own homes in 1940. That year, fewer than 10 percent between the age of 18 and 25 were homeowners and only 40 percent over the age of 65 owned their homes. Whereas, white Americans were nearly twice as likely to own a house as Black Americans.

Breen also found that owning a home was associated with 0.36 years of additional life expectancy for Black American men who were born during that time, and 0.42 years for white men.

To reach these conclusions, he used data from 1920 and 1940 census records, including social security death records, and a sibling-based identification strategy. They looked at life expectancy outcomes for American men who were between the ages of 24 and 35 and owned a home.

Controlling for factors like education, race, income, marital status, and family background, the study found that property value had very little impact on life expectancy.

Although, Oxford noted that the data of people used was restricted in terms of gender, ethnicity, nationality, and historical context.

This study also shows that there is a meaningful, statistically significant difference in life expectancy between Americans owning their home and those who rent, with homeowners in early adulthood living approximately six months longer at age 65 than those who rent, Breen added.

The study said that, going forward, expanding homeownership opportunities for minorities could be helpful in mitigating racial disparities in mortality in the US. Although, there are multiple factors complicating home ownership these days, like the economy and climate change.

Decades later, the gaps remain. The homeownership rate in the US is nearly 66 percent, according to financial services company Bankrate. Bankrate said that it increased by just over 10 million from 2010 to 2020: a smaller increase than in any other decade between 1950 and 2010. Among young adults, it said homeownership had declined from 45 percent in 1990 to 39 percent.

open image in gallery A woman uses a cellphone in her new house. While this study did not include women homeowners, further research will examine the link between homeownership on their life expectancy ( Getty Images/iStock )

Agency Simply Insurance said that while 74 percent of white Americans own their home, only 47 percent of Black Americans are homeowners. A National Association of Realtors report from last year said that the gap between Black and white Americans was the largest in a decade, and Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies found that Black, Hispanic, and Native American households were less likely to be homeowners in every US state but Hawaii.

More single women own homes than men, but the Pew Research Center said in 2023 that the edge was narrowing. Single women owned 58 percent of the nearly 35.2 million homes owned by unmarried Americans, while single men owned 42 percent.

Among households headed by an unmarried person ages 65 and older, about 6 million more were headed by women: which could be because women live longer than men. A LendingTree analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data said single women own 2.71 million more homes than single men.

Breen told The Independent that the data were limited to men because women often change their names during marriage, and he plans to investigate the link between homeownership on life expectancy for women in a follow-up study.

I anticipate Ill find similar mortality benefits for women, but of course I wont know until I have completed the follow-up study, he said via email.
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A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Thursday banned the publication of any speeches by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is in exile in India after being ousted in August after mass protests.

The decision came a day after Hasina made her first public speech in a virtual address to supporters of her Awami League party in New York, in which she accused Bangladeshs interim leader, Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, of perpetrating genocide and failing to protect minorities, especially Hindus, since her ouster.

The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal made the decision in response to a request by government prosecutors for a ban on any speeches by Hasina on mainstream or social media, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim said.

Hasina fled to India after being ousted in a mass uprising in July and August in which hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands were injured. She faces many court cases over the deaths, including some on charges of crimes against humanity. The tribunal has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close aides, and the government has sought help from Interpol for her arrest.

Prosecutors said in their request to the tribunal that some speeches and phone calls by Hasina had been disseminated on electronic media and could interfere in the investigation of the charges against her by influencing or frightening witnesses.

If speeches like these are published and broadcast, we wont be able to bring witnesses to the tribunal during trials, Tamim said.

He said the tribunal also ordered authorities to remove leaked speeches and phone conversations from media platforms.

Hasina established the tribunal during her 15-year rule. It was used to try people accused of war crimes during Bangladeshs war of independence with Pakistan in 1971. Politicians belonging to the Jamaat-e-Islami party were executed after being found guilty by the tribunal.

On Wednesday, Hasina told her supporters in New York that there had been plans to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana just like their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an independence leader who was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family.

She said armed protesters had been instructed to head to her residence in Dhaka and she was forced to flee to India so that security guards would not have to fire at the approaching crowd.

If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost," she said. "I was forced to leave. I told them not to open fire, no matter what happened.

Hasina has good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions between India and Muslim-majority Bangladesh have grown since her departure over incidents such as the jailing of a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh and attacks on a diplomatic office in India by Hindus.
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The desperate search for a missing grandmother believed to have fallen down a sinkhole while looking for her cat has now become a recovery mission, according to officials.

Elizabeth Pollard, 64, of Unity Township was looking for her cat, Pepper, on Monday night she fell into a 30-feet-deep sinkhole near an old coal mine in Marguerite, said Pennsylvania State Police.

Pollards family called police at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning to report her missing.

The grandmothers car was then found at a restaurant near the sinkhole at around 3 a.m., with her five-year-old granddaughter inside, Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said on Wednesday.

The child had nodded off in the car and woke up, Limani said. But Grandma never came back.

A desperate rescue operation was quickly launched to try to find the 64-year-old.

open image in gallery Rescue crews pictured on Wednesday morning searching the sinkhole for missing grandmother Elizabeth Pollard ( AP )

But now, more than two days on from her disappearance, Limani said it the search is no longer a rescue mission, but a recovery effort.

Limani said there were no signs of life of the 64-year-old and that oxygen levels in the underground crater had significantly plummeted.

We feel like we failed. Its tough, he told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday night, reported CNN.

Crews had been forced to reassess their rescue tactics on Wednesday morning due to the crumbling and decayed debris in the sinkhole.

Search teams had been using water to remove clay and dirt from the mine, but found this was making conditions more dangerous.

open image in gallery Elizabeth Pollard (pictured) is believed to have fallen in while looking for her cat Pepper ( Pennsylvania State Police )

Its got areas of where its started to collapse and decay and buckle a little bit. Were afraid that were going to make it worse if we try to continue to plow forward with the techniques we were using, Limani said.

Now, search and rescue teams plan to excavate an even larger radius, four times the size of the original area already dug up, in a final desperate bid to recover her body, Limani said.

He estimated this would take at least one more day of solid digging.

It is now a matter of trying to find her and do right by her family, he said.

On Tuesday, Pollards son Axel Hayes told CBS the family had been clinging to hope that she would be found safe.

Right now, Im going through a lot of mixed emotions. Im upset that she hasnt been found yet and Im really just worried about whether shes still down there, where she is down there, or whether she went somewhere safer, he said.

I just hope shes alive and well, that shes going to make it, that my niece still has a grandmother, that I still have a mother I can talk to, he continued.
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Police are searching for a masked gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday.

New York Police Department chief of detectives Joseph Kenny said after the shooting that the killing was not a random act of violence and appeared to be a targetted attack.

Thompsons wife told NBC News that her husband had recently received threats from angry customers, which she thought may have related to a lack of coverage.

I dont know details, Paulette Thompson told NBC News. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest insurer in the United States and is connected to a network of more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals across nearly 7,000 facilities.

Its parent company, UnitedHealth Group, is one of the largest corporations in the country, with a market capitalization of more than $560bn. Its size puts it on par with major US financial institutions and tech companies, rather than just its peers in the health space.

UnitedHealthcares parent company is one of largest and most influential corporations in U.S.

UnitedHealth also owns Optum, one of the major pharmaceutical benefit managers in the U.S.

The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based conglomerate has grown steadily since its founding in 1977 and has an estimated 439,000 employees. It earned $372bn in revenue in 2023, and is associated with one in 10 doctors in the U.S.

The company has approximately 2,200 subsidiaries, through which an estimated five percent of U.S. gross domestic product flows every day.

UnitedHealth Groups size has attracted the attention of authorities.

Last month, the Justice Department and four states sued to block UnitedHealth Groups proposed $3.3bn acquisition of Amedisys, a Louisiana-based home health company, that would allow UnitedHealth to expand further in-home care and hospice. It already owns LHC Group, one of the largest home care companies in the country.

Critics have argued UnitedHealth functions more like a utility than a corporation.

I think at this point we would consider UnitedHealth Group just kind of like ... core health infrastructure at this point in America, Matt Stoller, author of Goliath: The Hundred Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy, told CNBC last year. Its too big to manage.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty testified in Congress in May, after a cyber attack on another of its companies, Change Healthcare, which manages a third of all U.S. patient records, suffered a cyberattack in February that hamstrung large portions of the healthcare system.

During the hearing, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, called UnitedHealth a monopoly on steroids.

The company has insisted that despite its size, it owns no hospitals in America or drug manufacturers and that the healthcare industry remains highly segmented.

In February, the Department of Justice launched an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Last November, a class action suit accused UnitedHealth Group and a subsidiary of illegally using an algorithm to deny rehabilitation care to patients with government Medicare Advantage plans, despite allegedly knowing the algorithm had a high error rate.

UnitedHealth has sought to dismiss the suit and argues the complaints are meant for the Medicare appeals process.
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The defeat of Kamala Harris in the presidential election had a dual effect on her supporters, including those in DC tied to the issue-based groups that support the party.

On one hand, it effected a kind of malaise across a city now resigned to the return of Donald Trump and the likely erasure of many Democratic policy gains  meager as they were  made under four years of Bidens presidency. Feelings of anger and despair are palpable as various factions of the party issue their respective postmortems, coming up with differing reasons for the partys losses.

Another result of Harriss defeat is a sudden push by those issue advocacy groups to solidify what progress can be made permanent within the next few weeks. The judiciary is one arena where this push is pronounced, as the Senate rushes to confirm judges before the Republican majority takes power in January.

The real focus for many, however, is on not the judges but those already within the federal prison system. Advocates of criminal justice reform who pushed (unsuccessfully) for the Biden administration to fully decriminalize possession of marijuana at the federal level are now holding out hope that the White House will commute the sentences of more nonviolent drug offenders before January 20. Theyre especially hopeful in the wake of the president issuing a pardon for his son Hunter  despite promising repeatedly that he wouldnt.

On death row, another more desperate argument is being made. The ACLU and other supporters of progressive reforms to the US justice system, remembering the effort by Trump to speed up federal executions in 2020 before he left office, are encouraging Biden to take the opposite approach and commute the sentences of some or all of those awaiting execution.

Cassy Stubbs, who directs the ACLUs Capital Punishment Project, is clear: The most important thing that we can all do...is calling on President Biden to commute the Row. The most important thing we can do is make it impossible for Donald Trump to carry out that kind of execution rate again.

Were we more hopeful that Biden would have been bold early in his administration? Yes, she adds, in an interview with The Independent. He did immediately  or under the DoJ, Merrick Garland did immediately  suspend executions. So that was a big change from Donald Trumps term. But other than that, you know, we did not see the kind of bold action that his campaign had contemplated working to end the death penalty.

open image in gallery Avocates say the death penalty is an issue on which Biden promised in 2020 to push to change in Congress  but never did. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Many supporters of criminal justice reform say that the death penalty is an issue on which Biden has betrayed his own 2020 campaign promises, pointing to his low commutation rate as proof that the White House did not do all it could to move the issue.

His 2020 campaign website addressed the issue, according to records from Politifact: "Because we cannot ensure we get death penalty cases right every time, Biden will work to pass legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level, and incentivize states to follow the federal government's example."

But the incumbent president never used the White Houses bully pulpit to advocate for legislation in Congress to end the federal death penalty, even during his short-lived simultaneous Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. Legislation introduced under his term that would have done so died without floor votes in either chamber.

On Capitol Hill, the push for him to act in his final weeks is now winning support.

open image in gallery The presidents pardon of his son Hunter, despite explicit promises not to do so, have thrown his pardon and commutation records in new light. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Its less about the fact that the president pardoned his son and more about the fact that he's only really pardoning his son when there are, in fact, many people, including Leonard Peltier, as well as several other cases... who should be taken off death row, and who are facing the end of their lives if this president does not act, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent on Tuesday.

I hope that we see far, far, far more commutations and clemencies that are provided because the current administration has issued a record-low number, the New York congresswoman continued. And what I would hate to see is President Biden leaving office with less commutations and clemency issuances than even President Trump provided.

Biden has commuted the sentences of 131 people and pardoned 26 since taking office. His predecessor issued clemency to 237 people during his first presidency, including 143 pardons and 94 sentences commuted. A number of Trumps pardons were political allies of his, including Steve Bannon, his former White House chief strategist. Bidens most famous pardon was political, too  his own son had been charged with lying about his history of drug abuse on a form submitted while purchasing a firearm.

Yasmin Cader, director of the ACLUs Trone Center for Justice and Equality, said in a statement: The death penalty is a morally bankrupt and inescapably racist institution. President Biden came into office committing to abolishing the federal death penalty because of its fundamental flaws. Commuting the federal row is the way he can honor that commitment, and prevent irreversible miscarriages of justice.
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The Biden administration is said to be considering issuing preemptive presidential pardons to the likes of former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr Anthony Fauci in order to shield them from vindictive political prosecutions by Donald Trumps incoming administration.

High-ranking aides to President Joe Biden are currently engaged in a vigorous internal debate over the prospect  according to Politico, citing senior Democrats  with the president-elects decision to nominate Kash Patel as his FBI director increasing the sense of alarm in recent days.

Patel has openly promised to pursue Trumps critics, with Cheney and Fauci likely to be in the firing line.

Former GOP Rep. Cheney chaired the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol riot and campaigned with Kamala Harris during the election. Meanwhile, the retired physician led the federal response to the Covid-19 pandemic and became a hate figure among conspiracy-minded conservatives.

Another candidate said to be under consideration for a pardon is California Democrat Adam Schiff, a long-standing enemy of Trump who led the first impeachment investigation into the former presidents notorious quid pro quo approach to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019.

The talks come after Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden over the Thanksgiving weekend, drawing accusations of hypocrisy given that he had repeatedly vowed not to do so.

open image in gallery Joe Bidens administration is reportedly considering pardoning a number of allies to shield them from vengeful prosecutions by Donald Trump ( AP )

The White House officials now engaged in the discussions about issuing blanket pardons to Cheney, Fauci and Schiff are understood to be conscious that doing so would be an extraordinary step  given that none of them have been charged with a crime.

The decision might also appear to the American public like an admission of impropriety, playing into the anti-establishment critiques regularly offered by Trump and his supporters.

It is possible the recipients might choose to reject them on principle.

Schiff told the outlet: I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary.

According to Politico, the talks are still ongoing and are being led by White House Counsel Ed Siskel and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients.

Biden himself has not yet been drawn into the discussions, nor have any of the potential beneficiaries.

open image in gallery Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, whom the former pardoned over the Thanksgiving weekend ( AFP/Getty )

The possibility of issuing clemency in advance has reportedly received a mixed reception among Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle are among those urging Biden to act if it becomes clear before Trumps inauguration on January 20 that he is planning retribution against his political enemies, Politico reported.

This is no hypothetical threat, Boyle said in a statement.

The time for cautious restraint is over. We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power.

Presidents have commonly issued contentious pardons to allies before leaving the Oval Office, with Gerald Fords preemptive pardon of Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal one of the most famous.
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Some senior Democrats are reportedly so disappointed with President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, that they are threatening to withhold funding for Bidens presidential library.

The controversial decision, in tandem with Bidens move to drop out of the 2024 presidential election less than four months before Election Day, has left a sour taste in donors mouths, according to a recent Axios report.

As a result, Biden could be facing a financial obstacle in trying to build his presidential library  a historical tradition for presidents once they leave office.

open image in gallery President Joe Biden will establish a presidential library, likely in his home state of Delaware, after leaving office ( REUTERS )

"If they had their s*** together, they would have been doing the work on this over the summer  right after he announced he was stepping aside," an unnamed Democrat told the news outlet. "Now, its just too late. Hopefully, they are rightsizing their expectations and budget."

A person familiar with Bidens post-president planning told The Independent, that sentiment hasnt come up in a single donor conversation and that work is well underway.

Presidential libraries are a nationwide network of libraries, maintained by the National Archives, that include records and historical collections representing a presidents time in office.

They are typically funded by private donors and non-profit organizations.

Bidens decision to pardon his son, who was convicted on three federal gun-related charges and nine federal tax-related charges this year, led to intense backlash from Democrats and Republicans. For months, Biden had promised to not pardon his son but then suddenly reversed course.

open image in gallery Biden, pictured with his son Hunter Biden, issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter for any crimes committed between 2014 and 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Democrats like Senator-elect Adam Schiff, Governor Jared Polis, Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Greg Stanton all issued statements expressing disapproval of the pardon, believing it sets a bad precedent.

One snap poll from YouGov found that more than half of U.S. adults disapproved of Bidens decision.

For some, the pardon is the nail in the coffin after a year of frustrations with the president. His poor debate performance, initial refusal to drop out of the election and palpable retreat from the public eye has ultimately left relationships frayed.

In contrast, other Democrats supported Bidens pardoning of Hunter. Overall, approximately 64 percent of Democrats approved of the decision, according to the YouGov poll.

Former president Bill Clinton, Representatives James Cylburn, Hakeem Jeffries, Eric Swalwell and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi all voiced support for the presidents decision.

In response to the report, a spokesperson for the White House touted Bidens legacy in lowering drug costs, fighting climate change, leading the U.S. out of the pandemic, creating and passing the largest infrastructure package in 70 years, and taking on gun reform.

President Biden continues to deliver historic progress every day, and his legacy will benefit the American people for generations, the spokesperson said.
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A founding member of the Village People and long-time critic of Donald Trumps use of the groups song YMCA is changing his tune and says he would now consider performing the 70s anthem at the president-elects upcoming inauguration.

Victor Willis told Fox & Friends First that he would also allow the president-elect to continue using the song at events.

I decided to allow the president-elects continued use of YMCA because he seems to genuinely, genuinely like the song, and so many other artists were stopping him from using their music, Willis told Fox Thursday.

Willis had for years demanded that Trump stop using the song, which is widely regarded as a popular gay anthem often performed by the distinctively outfitted Village People, an odd choice for a man opposed to the LGBTQ community.

Willis added: I decided to contact BMI [Broadcast Music, Inc.] and told them not to terminate his political use license because he seemed to be bringing so much joy to the American people with his use of YMCA.

Trumps wooden dance moves to the song have gone viral across social media and even prompted responses in the world of sports.

Willis sang and co-wrote the tune, and now says Trumps use of it has contributed to it hitting the sales charts again 46 years after its initial release.

The founding member of the Village People previously condemned Trumps use of the song as well as Macho Man. He earlier said that the group would prefer the song be kept out of politics.

But YMCAs comeback has led some to speculate that the band may perform at Trumps inauguration in January.

Victor Willis (R) of Village People performs during the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, supporting Marine Toys For Tots last year in Hollywood, California. He has said that YMCA was not intended to be a gay anthem ( Getty Images for Associated Tele )

If you were to ask me today if the Village People would perform at the inauguration, I would probably say not because wed be concerned about endorsement of Trump, Willis told Fox.

However, because the president-elect has done so much for YMCA and brought so much joy to so many people, the song has actually gone back to number one [in sales], and its still number one today, so if he were to ask the Village People to perform the song live for him, wed have to seriously consider it, he added.

He noted: The financial benefits have been great  YMCA is estimated to have grossed several million dollars since the President Elects continued use of the song. Therefore, Im glad I allowed the President Elects continued use of YMCA., And I thank him for choosing to use my song.

Willis has rejected the notion that the song is a gay anthem. He urged those thinking the song isnt intended as straight to get their minds out of the gutter.

Come January 2025, my wife will start suing each and every news organization that falsely refers to YMCA, either in their headlines or alluded to in the base of the story, that YMCA is somehow a gay anthem because such notion is based solely on the songs lyrics alluding to elicit [sic] activity for which it does not, he declared on Facebook.

The songs lyrics refer to young men new in a city heading to the YMCA gym and rooming to hang out with all the boys and do whatever you feel.

But Willis argued on Facebook that the line you can hang out with all the boys is simply 1970s Black slang for Black guys hanging out together for sports, gambling or whatever. Theres nothing gay about that, he insisted.

But, he added: I dont mind that gays think of YMCA as their anthem.
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Speaker Mike Johnson and Marjorie Taylor Greene were brimming with excitement on Thursday as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, head of the incoming Trump White House Department of Government Efficiency initiative, were due to arrive on Capitol Hill.

But they may find that excitement isnt exactly shared by other members of their party. Many Republicans are not exactly overcome with confidence in the MAGAworld wunderchild pairings ability to identify government waste.

Greene, who is set to chair a subcommittee linked to the initiative in the incoming Congress, was touting the beginning of a new campaign to drain the swamp ahead of an early afternoon press conference in the Capitol. Quoting conservative columnist Paul Bedard of the Washington Examiner, she tweeted: President-elect Trumps effort to drain the swamp will start to take shape on Thursday when the co-leaders of his Department of Government Efficiency meet with congressional leaders and the new chairwoman of the House Oversight Delivering on Government Efficiency subcommittee.

Its DOGE day at the Capitol! Greene added herself later in the day, quickly followed up by what seemed to be a warning: This dream can be a reality when the House and Senate fall in line.

open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson were set to meet with DOGE ambassadors Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill Thursday afternoon. ( AFP via Getty Images )

If that was a warning shot, it was aimed across the bow of Johnson just as much as it was targeted at the Senate, where the strongest resistance to prospects such as cutting Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security is likely to come from. Greenes chairmanship of the subcommittee is seen as a reward for her loyalty to the Speaker (even though shes made it clear that loyalty has its limits.)

As of yet, lawmakers have little idea of what specific programs will be targeted for cost-cutting by the DOGE program. But Greene, in interviews, has claimed that no area of the federal government is safe from the executioners axe.

Jared Moskowitz was the first Democrat to join the DOGE caucus in the House, though he says he wont serve on Greenes subcommittee. He separately told the Washington Post that he will likely disagree with his Republican colleagues, fervently in some cases, but still wanted a seat at the table. Greenes panel will exist under the umbrella of the House Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer.

I joined the caucus because thats where the conversations are going to be had. Why not have a seat at the table? Moskowitz told the newspaper. Im sure they are going to have ideas that Im going to disagree with. Thats okay. But there are ideas that I have about reforming the government, as well. I dont think theres a single American in the country [who] thinks government is perfect, so Democrats shouldnt fear the conversation.

open image in gallery Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fl), a member of the Oversight Committees Democrat minority, is so far set to be the lone member of his party on the subcommittee ( AP )

DC insider publication Punchbowl separately reports that many Republicans are skeptical of DOGEs ability to meet an ambitious goal of cutting up to $1tn from the federal budget  especially as Johnson has outlined no path to passing such legislation through a Senate without a filibuster-proof majority.

Disaster, one senior GOP aide said of the undertaking, according to Punchbowl. The only good thing is that at some point theyll overpromise and get bounced by Trump.

Others, like Thom Tillis, believe that a possibility exists of reaching a bipartisan compromise with Democrats on cost-cutting measures.

"This is the very beginning of a process that, if we do it right, will be ongoing, the North Carolina senator said, according to Fox News. Right now, we are just talking about the art of the possible."
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Amid a slew of damning allegations about Pete Hegseths excessive drinking and sexual impropriety, Hegseths friends at Fox News are publicly pushing back on the claims while urging Republicans to push through the ex-Fox & Friends hosts nomination for defense secretary.

The full-court press by Hegseths former Fox colleagues comes as the 44-year-old is pulling out all the stops in hopes of saving his bid, including having his mother show up at his old haunt to denounce her past claims of Hegseths abusive treatment of women while pleading with President-elect Donald Trump to stick by her son.

At the same time, Fox News staffers and insiders who spoke with The Independent wonder if Hegseths recent media blitz and the rallying of the Fox News troops is just as much about helping set the stage for a potential return to the conservative cable giant as it is in terms of getting him over the finish line at the Pentagon.

While Hegseths path to conformation already looked tenuous following last months revelation that he paid hush money to a woman to keep a 2017 sexual assault accusation quiet, the dam burst late last week with a bevy of stories detailing allegations of alcohol abuse, crude and sexist behavior, Islamophobia and financial mismanagement of two veteran advocacy groups that he led.

open image in gallery Pete Hegseth appears on Capitol Hill to meet with senators amid allegations about drinking and sexual impropriety ( Getty Images )

After the New York Times reported that Penelope Hegseth accused her son in a 2018 email of abusive behavior toward women, the New Yorker followed up with a deep dive into Hegseths record running Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans of America  finding that many former employees claimed he poorly managed funds and once drunkenly shouted kill all Muslims in a bar, among other allegations.

Though these bombshell stories initially received scant coverage on Fox News, commentators and hosts at the right-wing network finally spoke out after NBC News reported on Tuesday night that Hegseths alleged drinking problems sparked concerns among his Fox colleagues. Two of his former Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts told NBC that they smelled liquor on his breath while he was on air.

In the wake of that story, current Fox & Friends Weekend host Will Cain reacted by calling the claims 100 percent bulls*** and horses***. Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosted the morning show with Cain and Hegseth until Hegseths recent departure, agreed with Cain and ripped NBC for not reaching out to her for their article.

The losers at NBC News never reached out to me either. Will Cain is right  your story IS horsesh*t. You now have 2 people who sat next to him 8+ hours a week on the record. Will you retract or correct your story? Campos-Duffy tweeted, adding: Worth repeating, NBC News used anonymous sources & unconfirmed stories to smear Pete Hegseth as a drunk on the job & never once asked his FOX & Friends coworkers who sit right next to him???

Cain would then collect other reactions from former and current Fox News staffers who defended Hegseth and insisted that he never drank on the job, adding them to an ongoing thread on X. As of Thursday afternoon, the thread includes 28 separate people  Fox guests, producers, reporters and hosts  vouching for Hegseths professionalism.

While Cain would also record a podcast episode that Fox News described as debunking NBCs hatchet job, the hosts of the weekday version of Fox & Friends angrily defended their buddy on Wednesday morning, saying they would not succumb to the lefts playbook while claiming Hegseth was the victim of a smear campaign.

We cant allow them to Kavanaugh Pete because I feel like thats what theyre trying to do right now, host Lawrence Jones exclaimed, referring to sexual assault allegations that came to light against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation.

Hegseth himself claimed he was being Kavanaughd during a sympathetic Wednesday afternoon interview with former Fox News star Megyn Kelly, who has also vociferously defended her one-time colleague against the mud-slinging from anonymous sources.

open image in gallery Hegseth has been in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Senators and convince them to back him as defense secretary ( AP )

While Hegseth was sitting down with Kelly, writing an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal and meeting with GOP senators to insist he was a changed man who promised not to drink a drop of alcohol while defense secretary, his mother appeared on Fox & Friends to distance herself from her 2018 condemnation of her son and trash the media along the way.

At the same time, she buttered up to the network, proudly proclaiming that her son grew as a leader and communicator at Fox. Being a TV news host prepares you for most things in a position like this: good communicator, think on your feet, take charge, she declared. Everybody should do a year with Fox!

The combination of Penelope Hegseths appearance on Fox & Friends, which also featured her repeatedly thanking the hosts for having her sons back as his controversies grow, and the increasing list of network personalities publicly backing their former colleague has led to speculation from some that this isnt just about trying to save Hegseths nomination.

I feel the were on your side, the patting on the back, the were family that youre seeing  it feels like the family is preparing to welcome him back into the fold, one current staffer told The Independent.

Another network insider wondered if the interview with Hegseths mother was more about her trying to get her sons job back at Fox once he withdraws, noting that she made a point of thanking the network over and over while saying that being a TV host was a great job.

A former Fox producer, meanwhile, said that the passionate defense of Hegseth from a growing number of Fox News personalities over the past two days suggests that they may be laying the groundwork for Hegseth to return to Fox if his nomination peters out.

The network insider, though, pointed out that it seemed unlikely that Fox News management would take him back, even with so many network staffers publicly declaring the drinking on the job claims are false.

Since the accusations of sexual assault and subsequent payoff first arose, the network has reiterated that they were unaware of the allegations while Hegseth worked at Fox News. Additionally, the networks leadership has made a concerted public effort in recent years to distance itself from the Roger Ailes era, which featured a bevy of sexual harassment and misconduct claims that resulted in the departures of prominent hosts and hefty legal settlements.

The Independent has reached out to Fox News and Hegseth for comment.
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Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to serve as FBI director, has pushed a litany of wild conspiracy theories, complicating his aspirations to run the agency.

During a number of appearances on the War Room podcast of former Trump White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, Patel has argued that China is funding the Democrats and that the country is sending military-aged males across the northern and southern borders in an attempt to prepare for a preemptive strike.

Patel and others have also claimed that Barack Obama runs a shadow network in charge of the intelligence community and Big Tech to go after Trump. Another claim pushed on the podcast is that Attorney General Merrick Garland wants to put Trump allies in prison.

Patel argued in one podcast appearance that the Republican congressional majority should arrest Garland using a legal doctrine known as inherent contempt, which has never been used that way before. He now appears to be willing to use federal law enforcement to go after Trumps detractors.

Thats just a few of the tales subscribed to by Patel, noted a new analysis by Vox.

When the first Trump White House faced allegations that the 2016 Trump campaign had colluded with Russian attempts to interfere in the election, Patel was a staffer for then-GOP California Rep. Devin Nunes, one of Trumps top defenders at the time. Patel wrote the 2018 Nunes memo, which argued that the FBI application to surveil Carter Page, a Trump campaign adviser, was littered with errors and was politically motivated.

The memo increased Patels stature among Trump allies, and he later held several top roles in the first Trump administration linked to national security.

Patel thinks that foreign enemies, such as China, Iran, and drug cartels, are working to infiltrate the U.S. and that Democrats are aligned with them in the effort, Vox recounts.

While guest hosting the War Room podcast during Bannons stint in prison for contempt of Congress, Patel spoke to a discredited China expert, Gordon Chang, who said that the country was planning an attack on our facilities on our soil and that China had managed to install President Joe Biden in the White House.

Kash Patel has vowed to go after journalists who he argues lied about American citizens ( Getty Images )

They were actually able to cast the decisive vote in 2020, he baselessly insisted. He added that China poured money into the Biden campaign.

I hope people are paying attention, Patel chimed in.

Patel often argues that theres a two-tiered system of justice, meaning that federal law enforcement uses two standards, one for allies of the deep state and another for adversaries. Allies, such as the Bidens, are only lightly scrutinized, while their enemies, such as Trump, are the targets of endless harassment.

The prosecutions of the president-elect are merely attempts to take down the man who threatens their control, according to Patel.

This is why Patel has an enemies list  the appendix of his book Government Gangsters lists people such as Vice President Kamala Harris and more obscure individuals, such as former State Department diplomat Elizabeth Dibble, Vox noted.

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 on an episode of War Room last year. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out.

In private, Patel has said that he needs to clean up the statement, which has been widely reported since his nomination to lead the FBI, according to NBC News.

He told the network in February that reporters are invaluable, and backed down from his harsh words with Bannon, indicating that he thought his remark had been exaggerated. He said his threat was only for people who had broken the law.

I would love for you to go back and get the whole quote and I appreciate you letting me talk about it, Patel told NBC News at the time. That full quote kind of speaks for itself. It was three words taken out of two sentences. But I basically said were going to use the Constitution and the courts of law to go after people criminally and civilly  if they broke the law.

He also accused the press of working with the government to share false narratives about the former president.

I have a problem with that, Patel said, according to NBC News. And I think there should be some form of accountability for it. I dont know what that looks like.

But he also said, Reporters are invaluable. Like, who else is going to tell the world whats going on in Washington or wherever, right?

A Trump transition spokesperson told NBC News that Patel is going to deliver on President Trumps mandate to restore integrity to the FBI and return the agency to its core mission of protecting America.
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Lindsey Graham has given two wildly different takes on Pete Hegseth within 24 hours as the president-elects pick for defense secretary continues to fight for his nomination.

Graham, one of Donald Trumps most loyal allies, has weighed in on the allegations surrounding Hegseth and contradicted himself in a short space of time.

Hegseth faces ongoing scrutiny over scandals from his past, centering around his treatment of women, which have the potential to derail his upcoming confirmation to lead the Pentagon.

And the former Fox News host also faces allegations of repeated drunken behavior at official events during his tenure as the chief of Concerned Veterans for America, which lasted from 2013 to 2016.

In one interview on Tuesday, Graham said the reports about Hegseth were very disturbing, but by Wednesday, however, Graham had changed his tune.

open image in gallery Lindsey Graham defended Pete Hegseth on Fox News a day after he said the allegations were disturbing ( Fox News )

Some of these articles are very disturbing, the South Carolina senator told a CBS reporter on Tuesday. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here but some of this stuff is its going to be difficult.

Good order and discipline is important, leadership comes from the top and I want to make sure that every young woman who joins the military feels respected and welcomed, he added.

But on Wednesday while speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News, Graham dismissed the allegations.

The allegations against Pete are all anonymous sources. I am not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source, Graham said. If youre not willing to raise your hand under oath and make the accusation, it doesnt count.

Ive heard everything about all of these people. None of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo, he added. Ive seen this movie before.

open image in gallery Hegseth met with Senators at the Capitol on December 4 ( Getty Images )

Hegseths accuser in the 2017 California sexual assault case  in which no criminal charges were brought and Hegseth denies  signed a nondisclosure agreement and therefore is unlikely to be able to speak out.

Hegseth and his lawyer Tim Parlatore told the New Yorkers Jane Mayers that sources claimed Monterrey police didnt charge Hegseth in the California case 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.

On Wednesday, Hegseth was at the Capitol meeting with senators in an attempt to salavge his nomination.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has been rumored to step into the nomination if Trumps team decide to ditch Hegseth.
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Fans of Melania Trump can have a private dinner with her and the president-elect  if they are willing to shell out up to $2 million for the honor.

The incoming first lady is likely to spend most of her time away from the White House during Donald Trumps second term, according to a report last month, but she is making an appearance at a candlelit dinner donors can attend if their price is right.

A Trump Vance Inaugural Committee flier obtained by the New York Times and prospectus seen by Axios reports that donors can enjoy an elegant and intimate dinner with President Donald J. Trump and Mrs Melania Trump on January 19 if they cut a personal check for $1 million or raise $2 million.

The dinner with the Trumps is described as the pinnacle event of the inauguration.

The top tier inauguration package  seen by Axios  for donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million also includes a dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha, tickets to the glitzy black-tie Starlight Ball on January 20, a cabinet reception with Trumps hopeful nominees, four hotel rooms, and six tickets to the swearing-in ceremony.

open image in gallery Donors can enjoy a candlelit dinner with Melania and the president-elect if they pay ( AFP via Getty Images )

Other packages are available with varying levels of access to the above events, though the dinner with Vance and his wife is only for donors of the highest tier. The lowest priced package is between $50,000 and $100,000.

The invite noted that there are no limits on the donations made to the inaugural committee, the Times reports, but gifts over $200 are disclosed to the Federal Election Commission.

The taxpayer funds inaugural events at the Capitol, including the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural luncheon. But the president-elect must raise money from private donors for the inaugural parade, concerts and the ball.

In 2012, Barack Obamas inaugural committee offered corporations who gave $1 million access to an array of inaugural festivities, the Times reported. And during Obamas first inauguration, his committee raised at least $53 million from donors.

open image in gallery Donald Trump at his first inauguration on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC ( Getty Images )

Meanwhile, President Joe Bidens inaugural committee was accepting $500,000 in donations from individuals and $1 million from corporations for his virtual ceremony in 2021, CNN reported at the time.

While it appears that Melania will be attending the inauguration, the returning first lady has made it clear that this time is different as she prepares to carve out her role as FLOTUS with four years of experience under her belt.

Kate Bennett, former CNN White House correspondent and author of Free, Melania: The Unauthorized Biography, noted that Melania can be as active in the East Wing or as inactive as she cares to be.

Melania will spend most of her time between New York City, where her 18-year-old son Barron is studying at NYU, and Palm Beach, Florida, sources familiar with her plans told CNN.
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Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough was absolutely apoplectic on Thursday over a column written by The Atlantics David Frum, opening the show with a 22-minute tirade over Frums complaint about the program apologizing for a flippant joke about Fox News.

Besides directly addressing Frums column, which featured the conservative pundit alleging that Morning Joe was displaying fear in the face of a new Trump administration, Scarborough and co-host/wife Mika Brzezinski also took the opportunity to lash out at critics of their recent fence-mending visit to Mar-a-Lago.

Appearing on Wednesdays broadcast, Frum  a vocal critic of President-elect Donald Trump and frequent Morning Joe guest  discussed the latest allegations about Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseths excessive drinking while he was a host at Fox News. If youre too drunk for Fox News, youre very, very drunk indeed, Frum said at the top of his remarks.

According to Frums column, he was warned twice by a producer during the following commercial break to not repeat the comment. Furthermore, Brzezinski followed up by issuing an on-air rebuke of Frum while apologizing to Fox News. The comment was a little too flippant for this moment that were in, she stated.

open image in gallery Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski react to criticism that they apologized for flippant remarks due to fear of Donald Trump ( MSNBC )

We have differences in coverage with Fox News, and thats a good debate that we should have often, she added. But right now I just want to say theres a lot of good people who work at Fox News who care about Pete Hegseth, and we want to leave it at that.

With Frum not only taking issue with the reprimand but also writing that the reaction suggests Morning Joe is already feeling the chill of intimidation and responding with efforts to appease Trump, Scarborough launched into an over-the-top rant at the top of Thursdays telecast that served to double as a justification of the recent Trump meeting.

What was the headline? The Sound of Fear. That wasnt the sound of fear, that was the sound of civility, Scarborough groused. In saying that Mika had apologized, she didnt apologize. She simply said it was too flippant.

Claiming other critics who celebrated Frums piece were having a meltdown, Scarborough insisted that he and Brzezinski werent being fearful of Trump and instead just doing their jobs as journalists by opening lines of communication with Trump, who they had spent the past years describing as a fascist and comparing to Adolf Hitler.

Let me tell you something, you can talk to anybody that has worked in the front office of NBC and MSNBC over the past 22 years. I tell you, Im not fearful, he exclaimed. If you talk to anybody who served with me in Congress, they will tell you, hes not fearful of leadership. Now? Not fearful!

While Frum had stated in his column that his observation of Hegseth and Fox News was appropriate based on recent reporting, including by NBC News, Scarborough insisted that editors at other outlets wouldnt let comments like that fly.

Let me tell you, something they wouldnt certainly never let in the pages of the Atlantic or the Washington Post or the New York Times. They would never do that, he declared. I actually asked an editor over at the Atlantic, and he was so shocked.

Meanwhile, Frum took the fiery monologue in stride, tweeting on Thursday morning that he was very sympathetic to the predicament faced by TV hosts and that these are worrying times.

Scarboroughs righteous indignation moved on from Frum, who he reiterated remained a friend of the show, and onto the widespread backlash the couple has received over their detente with Trump.

open image in gallery The Morning Joe hosts continue to take heat for their meeting with Trump shortly after his election win ( AP )

Since announcing they had gone to Mar-a-Lago last month to restart communications with the incoming president, the show has seen its viewership plummet  though MSNBC as a whole has also seen a ratings drop post-election.

Additionally, other media personalities have accused the hosts of hypocrisy and kissing the ring with their Mar-a-Lago trek. At the same time, it was reported that the impetus being their Trump meeting was driven by concerns of retribution by the incoming president, whose nominee to lead the FBI has said hed come after Trumps media critics  specifically Morning Joe.

You know what? People are upset with some of our guests, some of our friends. We snuck up on them too fast. We should have given them more of a warning. Whatever, Scarborough said. The main complaint was that we called Donald Trumps rhetoric fascist during the campaign. And then we went down to have an off-the-record comment.

While Brzezinski highlighted a number of other prominent news outlets that have reporters plugged into Trump world, Scarborough described the criticism their visit has received as outrageously stupid, adding that theyre doing exactly what media organizations like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal are doing.

What do you call it? You call it their job, he huffed.
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President-elect Donald Trumps scandal-plagued nominee for defense secretary, former Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth, vowed to a senator that he wont drink if he gets confirmed, according to reports.

He also insisted his critics were jealous of him.

Hegseths promise to stop drinking if he becomes secretary of defense followed reports that colleagues at Fox were concerned about his drinking and that he once chanted kill all Muslims during a drunken night out.

Co-workers said he smelled of alcohol before going on air and complained about being hungover, according to NBC News.

When Hegseth met Wednesday morning with the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Repubilcan Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, he promised Wicker that he wouldnt drink if hes confirmed, the senator told journalists.

I think thats probably a good idea, Wicker said, The Hill reported.

But Wicker also emphasized that he still considers the stories about Hegseths drinking allegations.

Hegseth also met with the recently elected majority leader Sen. John Thune of South Dakota Wednesday.

Despite concerns about Hegseths drinking and his treatment of women, one of whom filed a police report accusing him of sexual assault at a time he was visibly intoxicated, according to his own lawyer, Hegseth has promised to keep fighting to become secretary of defense.

I spoke to the president-elect this morning. He said, Keep going, keep fighting. Im behind you all the way. he told CBS Wednesday. Why would I back down? Ive always been a fighter. Im here for the fighters. This is personal and passionate for me.

Hegseths mother appeared on Fox & Friends on Wednesday, defending her son and addressing a 2018 email she wrote to her son accusing him of mistreating women. The New York Times obtained the email and published the details last week.

Hegseth has rejected all accusations of wrongdoing and claimed that a 2017 sexual encounter with the woman who accused him was rape was consensual.

A Trump transition official told NBC News that the drinking allegations were completely unfounded and false.

Pete Hegseth has been meeting with senators on Capitol Hill amid reports his nomination is in trouble ( AP )

There are at least six Republican senators uncomfortable with the notion of having to vote for Hegseth, and the GOP can only afford to lose three.

But for now, Hegseth is pushing ahead, writing an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal with the headline: Ive Faced Fire Before. I Wont Back Down.

I look forward to an honest confirmation hearing, not a press show trial based on anonymous accusations, he wrote.

Hegseth appeared on Megyn Kellys SiriusXM program on Wednesday, during which he rejected the claims that he has a drinking problem and said that he didnt rape the woman who accused him.

Hegseth also dismissed claims of financial mismanagement during his time atop a veterans advocacy organization, according to a report by The New Yorker.

He insisted the claims were being pushed by disgruntled people who are fired for cause, who are jealous or want a little bit of retribution.

Asked about the rape accusation, he responded: Absolutely not. Absolutely not, Ive been honest about that encounter, starting with law and enforcement. ... I may have been drinking, but I was cognizant of enough to remember every single detail.

Im not here to say that my conduct was good, added Hegseth, 44, who was married at the time. Being in a hotel room with someone thats, you know, not the person youre with is not okay. I own up to that.

He said he paid the woman a settlement because he had to, but that he now regrets doing so.

I paid her because I had to, or at least I thought I did at the time, he told Kelly. I was duly married, I was up for potential jobs in the administration, so my profile was higher ... She got lawyers that reached out to mine and said, If you dont come forward and if you dont pay money, then ultimately, were going to out him.

I did it to protect my wife, I did it to protect my family, and I did it to protect my job, and it was a negotiation, he added.

He also said he never had a drinking problem and that he hasnt sought counseling.

He added that if confirmed, hes not going to have a drink at all, saying that he wants the president-elect, senators, and American troops to know that he can be called at any time of day and that hell be fully dialed in.

This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there wont be a drop of alcohol on my lips while Im doing it, he told Kelly.

Kelly wrote in a lengthy post on X after the interview that The @PeteHegseth nomination has been endangered entirely by anonymous sources. We have zero idea about the credibility of these sources since every single mud-slinger has remained (& been allowed to remain) unnamed.

Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Hegseth said hes focused on what Donald Trump asked me to do.

Your job is to bring a war-fighting ethos back to the enemy, he added, according to NBC News. Your job is to make sure that its lethality, lethality, lethality. Everything else is gone. Everything else that distracts from that shouldnt be happening. Thats the message Im hearing from senators in that advise and consent process. Its been a wonderful process.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a veteran of the Iraq War and a survivor of sexual and domestic assault, wouldnt say if she would support Hegseth after meeting with him.

I appreciate Pete Hegseths service to our country, something we both share. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation, she wrote on X on Wednesday afternoon.

But Senate Armed Services Committee senior member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told reporters his concerns over the Army veteran deepen daily.

Theres more evidence by the day that he seems to be unfit to be secretary of Defense, he said Tuesday.

Ernst and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have already been floated as possible replacements for Hegseth if his nomination fails. Others include Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Trumps former ambassador to Japan, and Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, whos currently Trumps pick for national security adviser.
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An associate of MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell approached conservative social media influencers last month and offered them contracts worth thousands of dollars to post approvingly about Grenell as he attempted to get President-elect Donald Trump to nominate him for secretary of state, according to Politico.

Even before the election, Grenell  who served in Trumps first administration as the ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence  made it clear privately that he wanted to become Trumps secretary of state.

One source told Politico that Grenell informed Trumps inner circle it was State or bust for him.

Following Trumps victory and with Grenell actively lobbying for the position, a flurry of social media activity from prominent right-wing accounts suddenly began advocating for the incoming president to choose Grenell for secretary of state.

One contract that was obtained by Politico from Grenells associate called for the influencer to promote Grenell during peak posting times, adding that the content must appear genuine and should not suggest that it is an overt advertisement or promotional message. According to sources who spoke to Politico, the contracts for the social media campaign were worth up to five figures.

Richard Grenell is on record as saying he was working to strengthen right-wing political movements in Europe ( Reuters )

Ultimately, the effort didnt work.

Even though Grenell was one of Trumps fiercest fighters throughout the election campaign and the president-elect has shown a willingness to nominate MAGA diehards for high-profile posts, Trump decided to go with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) as his top diplomat.

The snub of Grenell sparked a MAGA backlash, with many prominent far-right supporters of the president-elect complaining that Rubio would be a disaster as secretary of state. Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department, conservative comic Dave Smith tweeted. Awful sign.

Politico also reported that there is no evidence showing Grenell was directly involved with the social media campaign. When reached for comment, the always pugnacious Grenell  a renowned Twitter troll  told a Politico journalist they were an unserious gossip reporter and that none of this was true.

While Grenell quickly came to terms that Rubio had won out over him, he has also apparently turned down offers to other positions within the incoming Trump administration. He reportedly refused an appointment as director of national intelligence, instead claiming hed prefer to help far-right extremist Kash Patel get through his controversial nomination as FBI director. Still, those within Trumps orbit believe that he may still get an important role in the White House.

Though his reputation for being difficult may have been one of the factors weighing against him for secretary of state, the nomination process for a Cabinet-level spot could have also given Trump pause  especially with the president-elect dealing with headaches related to some of his other nominees.

According to Politico, some within Trumps circle were worried that Grenells foreign business dealings would have been scrutinized by the Senate  notably a $500 million project in Belgrade with Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner.
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The legal woes continue for America's Mayor.

Former New York City mayor and Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has missed the deadline for responding to a motion arguing that he should be held in contempt of court.

Last month, attorneys representing Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss  who Giuliani defamed in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election  asked a federal judge in Washington, DC to hold him contempt for breaching a court order that prohibits him from falsely claiming that they manipulated election results.

Judge Beryl Howell said his lack of response will be treated as conceding that motion.

He had until December 2 to reply. He didnt.

Rudy Giuliani appears in federal court in New York on November 26 ( REUTERS )

On Wednesday, attorneys for the women urged the judge to hold him in contempt, noting that he was fully aware of the charge against him at a related federal court hearing in New York, where a federal judge is overseeing the transfer of his property to the women in the wake of last years massive $148 million defamation verdict.

Judge Howell offered to extend his deadline to respond by 2 p.m. on Friday.

Giuliani himself then sent a letter to the judge  two days after blowing the initial deadline  asking for a 30-day extension, because he needs more time to find an attorney.

He says four attorneys have turned him down.

Giuliani told the judge that his prospective attorneys believe she is unreasonable and biased against Trump, and that an outcome is a foregone conclusion and a no-win proposition.

Howell wasnt buying it.

She also dinged him for filing his letter without a signature, and for failure to comply with applicable procedural rules, since even defendants without any legal training and proceeding pro se are required to comply with procedural rules, and this defendant, though pro se, has previously been a practicing attorney with a history of significant government legal positions.

On recent livestreams, Giuliani accused the women of quadruple counting the ballots and passing hard drives that we maintain were used to fix the machine during the 2020 presidential election  claims that landed him in a trial court for defamation last year.

His statements repeat the exact same lies for which [he] has already been held liable, and which he agreed to be bound by court order to stop repeating, attorney Michael Gottlieb wrote in a court filing in Washington, DC on November 20.

A court order in the wake of his defamation verdict prohibits Giuliani from publishing, causing others to publish, and/or assisting in others publication of  any statements that suggest that Plaintiffs, whether mentioned directly, indirectly, or by implication, engaged in wrong-doing in connection with the 2020 presidential election, including the same statements that were found to be defamatory.

He is also prohibited from making other statements conveying the same defamatory meaning, according to Judge Howells order from December 2023.

Giuliani is now brazenly violating those terms, according to Gottlieb.

He will have until 2 p.m. Friday to explain why he believes he should not be held in contempt.

His next in-person court appearance stemming from the defamation case is scheduled for December 12.

The Independent has requested comment from a spokesperson for Giuliani.
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An attempt to bar Montana transgender state Rep. Zooey Zephyr from using the womens bathroom at the State Capitol in Helena failed a vote in the House Rules Committee.

Several Republicans were among the lawmakers who voted against the measure Tuesday. The measure was introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger and would have required legislators to use the bathrooms matching their gender at birth. Zephyr is Montanas first transgender lawmaker.

Schillinger said Tuesday that the measure says what probably shouldnt need to be said and puts into rules what probably shouldnt need to be put into rules, according to NBC News.

He made the comments at a meeting of the Joint House and Senate Rules Committee before the states upcoming legislative session next month.

The measure required both the House and Senate Committees to vote for it for it to pass. The Senate voted 11-7 in favor; the House panel voted 10-12 against.

Zephyr garnered national attention last year when she was censured and barred from the House floor after a harsh attack on a ban on gender-afirming care for transgender youth.If you vote yes on this bill, I hope the next time you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands, she said before she was censured.

This time, she took to social media on Tuesday to thank colleagues who voted against the bathroom-blocking bill.

Im happy to see that this proposed ban failed and am grateful for my colleagues  particularly my Republican colleagues who recognized this as a distraction from the work we were elected to do, she wrote on X. Im ready to represent my constituents, and look forward to working on behalf of the people of Montana.

Republican state Rep. David Bedey was one of four Republicans who voted against the measure.

Montanas Zooey Zephyr called the effort to block her from using the womens bathroom a distraction ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

This particular action will have the effect of making people famous in the national news and will not contribute to the effective conduct of our business, he said before the vote on Tuesday, adding that bathroom access wasnt a problem for the women lawmakers he spoke with during the past legislative session.

Fellow Republican state Rep. Brad Barker said the matter was turning into a distraction.

Another Republican, Rep. Jedediah Hinkle, backed the measure, noting that the legislature could have more trans lawmakers in the future.

I think its time this body addresses this issue now as they are addressing it nationally, he said. We need to set that precedent right now that women have their spaces and they need to be comfortable in those spaces, and I think we ought to stand up for them.

Hinkle may have been speaking about the election to the U.S. House of Sarah McBride of Delaware, set to become the first openly trans member of Congress when she is sworn in in January.

South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace put forward legislation to stop any legislators or House staffers from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.

Misgendering McBride, Mace told the press that the incoming Delaware lawmaker was the target of her proposal. Mace vowed shes absolutely 100 percent going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a womens restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms.

Mace received the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Im not here to fight about bathrooms. Im here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them, McBride said on X last month.

This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasnt distracted me over the last several days, as Ive remained hard at work preparing to represent the greatest state in the union come January, she added.

The attacks we see on trans people will escalate. This will not be the last attack on Congresswoman McBride, Zephyr told Scripps News last month.

She added: In my perspective, it is important that we make sure as trans people in this country that we do not cede ground to someone who wants to erase us  regardless of whether they want to erase us in the Capitol, or if they want to erase us as we go through our daily lives in public. We have to stand strong.
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French president Emmanuel Macron has announced he will name a new prime minister in the coming days to replace the ousted Michel Barnier as the French premier refused to heed calls for his own resignation.

In a 10-minute address to the nation, Mr Macron accused the extreme left and right, who shockingly combined to pass a vote of no confidence in Mr Barnier on Wednesday, of thinking only about themselves, and not the voters.

Earlier, he had described the two parties, which include the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, and the far-left France Unbowed party, as a coalition of the irresponsible.

The president said the parties had united in what he called an anti-Republican front and added: I won't shoulder other people's irresponsibility.

He accused the groups of creating chaos before Christmas in the hope of pushing for a new presidential election, and stated that he would not resign but see out his term until its natural end in 2027. He later reaffirmed his commitment to make France stronger and fairer.

I know some people want to point the finger at me, he said. It is a lot easier to do that. I have always accepted my responsibilities.

The mandate you have given me is for five years and I will exercise it until the very end.

Mr Barnier, a veteran conservative whom Mr Macron appointed prime minister barely three months ago, became the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history after he failed to find enough support for a budget aimed at taming a wide deficit.

The Elysee Palace said Mr Macron had asked Mr Barnier and his government to stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

Though Mr Macron took months to appoint Mr Barnier earlier this year, it has been reported that the French president wants to find a new appointment before a ceremony on Saturday to reopen Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been renovated after a devastating fire.

US president-elect Donald Trump is expected to attend along with many world leaders.

Allies in Mr Macrons own camp joined the chorus urging swift action. After the snap elections in late June and early July, it took Mr Macron nearly two months to appoint Mr Barnier.

I recommend that he proceed quickly to the appointment of a prime minister, its important, we must not leave things up in the air, National Assembly president Yael Braun-Pivet told France Inter radio before meeting Mr Macron at around noon.

France now risks ending the year without a stable government or a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows for special measures that would avert a US-style government shutdown.

The political turmoil in France further weakens the European Union, which is already reeling from the implosion of Germanys coalition government, and comes just weeks before Mr Trump returns to the White House.

It also diminishes Mr Macron, who precipitated the crisis with an ill-fated decision to call a snap election in June that gave rise to the countrys polarised parliament.

The president had lunch with Francois Bayrou, whose name has been mentioned by French media as a possible successor to Mr Barnier, Le Parisien newspaper reported.

Mr Macrons own mandate runs until May 2027 and he has so far shown no sign of bowing to opposition calls to resign, though a Toluna Harris Interactive poll for the RTL broadcaster showed 64 per cent of voters now want the president to step down.

The main culprit for the current situation is Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen, of the far-right RN told TF1 TV.

A French president cannot be pushed out unless two thirds of politicians decide he has gravely failed to fulfil his role, according to an article of the constitution that has never been invoked.

The new prime minister will face the same challenges in dealing with a fractured parliament, notably in passing a 2025 budget at a time when France needs to rein in its public finances.

Under French constitutional rules, there can be no new parliamentary election before July.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking a new prime minister to replace Michel Barnier, who officially resigned a day after opposition MPs voted to topple his government.

Here are some of the possible candidates whose names are circulating in political circles and in French media:

Francois Bayrou

Francois Bayrou, 73, is a centrist veteran whose Democratic Movement (MoDem) party has been a part of Macron's ruling alliance since 2017.

Mr Bayrou, a longtime mayor of the southwestern town of Pau who has made his rural roots central to his political identity, decided against running a fourth presidential race in 2017, instead rallying behind Mr Macron.

Mr Macron appointed Mr Bayrou as justice minister but he resigned only weeks later amid an investigation into his party's alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants.

He was cleared of fraud charges this year.

Mr Macron had lunch with Mr Bayrou on Thursday.

Sebastian Lecornu

Sebastian Lecornu defected from the centre-right The Republicans party and rallied behind Mr Macron's 2017 presidency, going on to become one of the president's staunchest allies. He joined Mr Macron's government alongside Bruno Le Maire, Mr Macron's long-serving finance minister, and former interior minister Gerald Darmanin who had also both defected from the conservatives.

Mr Lecornu, 38, most recently served as defence minister in Mr Barnier's outgoing government, overseeing increases in defence spending and France's support of military aid to Ukraine.

Investigative news website Mediapart and newspaper Liberation reported that Mr Lecornu had dined earlier in the year with Mr Macron's arch-rival, Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally (RN), and they had discussed the war in Ukraine. Mr Lecornu denied the encounter.

Bernard Cazeneuve

Bernard Cazeneuve was a senior member of the Socialist Party before he quit in 2022 in anger over the party's decision to form an electoral pact with the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI).

Mr Cazeneuve, 61, served as prime minister during the final months of socialist Francois Hollande's presidency. Before that, he was interior minister, in charge of security during the Charlie Hebdo attack and the jihadist assault in Paris on 13 November 2015.

The choice of Mr Cazeneuve would be designed to encourage Socialist MPs to move away from the alliance with LFI, Greens and Communists and to expand a centrist ruling group.

His name had also circulated in the summer as Mr Macron sought a prime minister following an inconclusive snap election that delivered the current fractured parliament. In the end, he was passed over for Mr Barnier.

Xavier Bertrand

Xavier Bertrand, 59, is a centre-right politician who heads the northern de-industrialised region of Hauts de France, where Mr Macron has sought to develop an ecosystem around electric vehicle batteries.

Mr Bertrand served as a minister under the conservative presidencies of Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy and took part in the Republicans' primary contest ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

Mr Bertrand, a former insurance salesman once nicknamed "floc floc" for the sound his rubber-soled shoes made on parliament's stone floor, was also among the names Mr Macron considered in the summer for the role of prime minister.

Francois Baroin

Francois Baroin, 59, is a centre-right career politician, whose father was a student friend of the late President Chirac.

He served briefly as finance minister, following a stint as budget minister, at the height of Europe's sovereign debt crisis in 2011 to 2012. He was named chairman of Barclays France in 2022.

Mr Baroin has been mayor of Troyes in Champagne since 1995.

Reuters
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A family member of Russian president Vladimir Putin accidentally revealed what is likely a confidential tally of the appeals by relatives of soldiers who submitted DNA samples.

Anna Tsivilyova, the daughter of Mr Putins cousin and a deputy defence minister, said the government received tens of thousands of appeals from relatives trying to trace soldiers, dead or missing, through DNA samples.

Ms Tsivilyova said in a video, published by the independent Astra Telegram channel, the ministry received 48,000 requests from relatives of Russian troops.

Russia and Ukraine have not officially published a tally of their respective military losses of personnel in the nearly three-year-old war and treat the figure as a state secret.

Western intelligence sources estimate the number of Russian dead to be as high as 200,000, with 400,000 wounded.

She was seen talking to the lawmakers in a video published on Tuesday where she said: The Ministry of Internal Affairs takes [DNA] absolutely free of charge at their own expense, and enters into its database all the relatives who have applied to us. Ive already said 48,000.

She was asked, moments later, by defence committee chief Andrei Kartapolov to not disclose this number.

Anna Yevgenyevna [Tsivilyova] has mentioned figures here, including missing persons. I earnestly ask you not to use these figures anywhere. This is such sensitive, closed information. And when we draw up the final documents, we should not include these figures anywhere, he said.

Ms Tsivilyova said: I didnt give the numbers of missing people, but the number of requests to us. Many of them will be found. So this number is specifically requests, not data.

Astra published a video of the meeting, which was streamed at the time on the website of parliaments lower house, the Duma. On Wednesday it was no longer available on the site, Reuters reported.

As late as last month, Russia suffered more than 2,000 casualties in a single day, Ukraines military claimed, in what would mark one of the heaviest toll of losses inflicted on Mr Putins forces at any point in the war so far.

Russian forces were suffering 1,500 casualties a day and were nearing the 700,000 mark for the total killed and wounded since February 2022, Sir Tony Radakin said last month. He described the cost of the war on the Russian people as extraordinary.

According to Astra, a popular Russian Telegram channel, the exchange took place at a parliamentary hearing in late November.

Ukraine and Russia have regularly floated purported numbers of dead and wounded on the enemy side and both Kyiv and Moscow have dismissed their opponents estimates as grossly inflated.
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Syrian insurgents have forced president Bashar al-Assad's army to retreat from the key city of Hama  a major victory after a lightning advance across the north Syria.

The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city "to preserve civilians lives and prevent urban combat" after what it called intense clashes.

The insugents said they were preparing to keep marching south towards Homs, Syria's great crossroads city that links the capital Damascus to the north and coast.

"Your time has come," said a rebel operations room in an online post, calling on city residents to rise up in revolution.

Al Jazeera television broadcast what it said were images of rebels inside Hama, some of them greeting civilians near a roundabout while others drove in military vehicles and on mopeds.

The insurgents took the main northern city of Aleppo last week and have since pushed south from their enclave in northwest Syria. Fighting has raged around villages outside Hama for two days.

The fall of Hama, which was in government hands throughout the civil war triggered by a 2011 rebellion against Assad, will send shockwaves through Damascus and fears of a continued march south by opposition forces.

Assad relied heavily on Russian and Iranian backing throughout the most intense years of the conflict, helping him to claw back most territory and the biggest cities before front lines froze in 2020.

The collapse of pro-government forces in northern Syria over the past week underlines the problems that alliance has faced since.

Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which had been the most potent Iran-backed force in Syria, has suffered heavy losses in its own war with Israel.

As his forces swept into Hama, the main insurgent commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani issued a video statement warning against any involvement by the other main regional force that is aligned with Iran - Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi militias.

Some Iraqi fighters entered Syria early this week to support Assad, Iraqi and Syrian sources said. The Hashd al-Shaabi has mobilised along the border with Syria saying this was purely preventative in case of spillover into Iraq.

"We urge him (Iraq's prime minister) again to keep Iraq away from entering into the flames of a new war tied to what is happening in Syria," Golani said.

Hama lies more than a third of the way from Aleppo to Damascus and its capture would prevent any quick attempt by Assad and his allies to launch a counteroffensive against insurgent gains of the past week.

Rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Aleppo province ( REUTERS )

An advance on Homs, 40km (24 miles) south of Hama, could meanwhile cut Damascus off from the coastal region that is a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian ally has a naval base and airbase.

"Assad now cannot afford to lose anything else. The big battle is the one coming against Homs. If Homs falls, we are talking of a potential change of regime," said Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report news letter.

Hama is also critical to control of two major towns with big minority religious communities: Muhrada, home to many Christians, and Salamiya where there are many Ismaili Muslims.

Although Hama had not previously been taken by rebels during the war, it was historically a centre of opposition to the Assad dynasty's rule.

In 1982 Muslim Brotherhood activists rose up in revolt there and the military launched a devastating three-week assault that killed more than 10,000 people and would come to be seen as a model for Assad's campaign against the rebels.

Golani referred to that bloody episode in his statement, saying "the revolutionaries have begun entering the city of Hama to cleanse that wound that has persisted in Syria for 40 years".

However, he added that rebels taking Hama would not exact revenge for the events of 1982.

The most powerful rebel faction is the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Golani, its leader, has pledged to protect Syria's religious minorities and has called on them to abandon Assad, but many remain fearful of the insurgents.

On Wednesday, Golani visited Aleppo's historic citadel, a symbolic moment for rebels driven out of the city in 2016 after months of siege and intense fighting, their biggest defeat of the war. Aleppo was Syria's biggest city before the war.

HTS and the other insurgent groups are trying to consolidate their rule in Aleppo, bringing it under the administration of the so-called Salvation Government they established in their northwestern enclave.

Aleppo residents have said there are shortages of bread and fuel, and that telecoms services have been cut.

Turkey, which designates HTS as a terrorist organisation, has long been the biggest external backer of other rebel factions and its role will be critical to the future of any enlarged insurgent region in Syria.

Ankara has denied having any role in the rebels' sudden sweep into Aleppo last week. It has maintained a military presence in northern Syria since 2016 and its stance will be critical for any expanded rebel enclave in the north.

Reuters
The moment it became clear that Donald Trump was going to win the US presidential election, bitcoins price began to climb. Within a few hours, the cryptocurrency had hit a new all-time high, and the overall market had swelled by a quarter of a trillion dollars.

One week later, bitcoin was up by more than a third. Now, the price has hit the $100,000 mark for the first time in its history.

But the boom isnt that simple. In its 15-year history, the crypto market has become synonymous with volatility. Price surges like the one seen in the last week are not uncommon, and can be triggered by something as minor as a tweet from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The latest rally, which has seen new price records for the past five consecutive days, is largely down to promises from Trump to end the persecution of the crypto industry in the United States and position the country as the bitcoin superpower of the world. During a keynote address at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville in July, the Republican pledged to form a crypto advisory council and create a bitcoin strategic reserve from the stockpile amassed through government seizures from financial criminals.

Trumps re-election could also see the removal of Gary Gensler as the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has been accused of pursuing a vendetta against the crypto industry, while the president-elect has said he will protect peoples cryptocurrency from Elizabeth Warren and her goons.

As pro-crypto figures line up to take senior roles under Trumps administration, bitcoins record-breaking rally has continued to build.

Trumps running mate JD Vance is the first bitcoin holder to run for Vice President, having disclosed that he held between $100,000 and $250,000 of the cryptocurrency in 2022  a figure that will have at least doubled at todays prices. He has been a strong supporter of the crypto industry and last year introduced a bill that would protect crypto firms and exchanges from being cut off by traditional banks.

The price of Bitcoin is surging  and this Trump-fuelled boom could be just the start

Under the Trump administration, crypto regulation is anticipated to be overhauled, including a more favourable stance from the SEC, which tightened its oversight during Joe Bidens term, Maria Carola, chief executive of the cryptocurrency exchange StealthEX, told The Independent.

His support measures  such as replacing SEC head Gary Gensler, establishing a bitcoin reserve, and aiming to make the US a crypto superpower  could fuel market growth. Currently, the market reflects a strong bull trend, with the potential for bitcoin to reach $100,000 by year-end.

But despite all of his promises, Trumps courting of the crypto space appears more tactical than ideological. With an estimated 50 million holders of bitcoin in the US, this demographic proved to be a significant factor in a major US election for the first time.

Crypto has been taken seriously in this election cycle and its clear that a robust regulatory framework is on the way, said Philippe Bekhazi, co-founder and CEO of XBTO.

As we see this become a reality, digital assets will become more embedded into society, increasing both retail and institutional adoption. This macro backdrop could see Bitcoin end the year well above current levels and even head towards $100,000 in 2025.

Bitcoins notorious volatility is matched by Trumps often fickle whims. During the last major bitcoin bull run in 2021, the recently ousted president told Fox Business that he thought bitcoin was a scam and that its value was based on thin air.

open image in gallery Bitcoin has a higher market cap than silver ( The Independent )

Regardless of Trumps personal views, investors appear convinced by his promises, as well as buoyed by the maturity of the crypto market. Bitcoin has proved its resilience during periods of aggressive regulation imposed by the SEC, and the approval of bitcoin exchange-traded funds earlier this year means it is no longer viewed as a fringe asset class. With a market cap of $1.8 trillion, it now holds more value than silver.

The overall crypto market cap passed $3 trillion for the first time in the wake of the election  roughly one fifth that of gold  and its global reach means that it does not need Trump to gain legitimacy. But history suggests that he could have a significant impact on its short-term price trajectory.

And it will not make bitcoins price any easier to predict.
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Bitcoins price has hit the $100,000 mark for the first time in history as demand for the cryptocurrency surged following the election of Donald Trump and other crypto-friendly lawmakers in the US election.

The worlds leading cryptocurrency is currently valued at close to $103,000, having risen over 7 per cent in the last 24 hours, as the president-elect announced plans to nominate pro-crypto businessperson Paul Atkins to chair the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC oversees US securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading a government crackdown on the crypto industry.

Mr Atkins, the chief of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, is a proven leader for common sense regulations, Mr Trump said on Wednesday.

Bitcoins value has more than doubled since the beginning of this year and has surged by over 45 per cent since 5 November.

Former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a keynote speech on the third day of the Bitcoin 2024 conference at Music City Center July 27, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee ( Getty Images )

In the lead-up to the US elections, Mr Trump had pledged to create a strategic reserve of bitcoin.

He promised to end what he called the persecution of the crypto industry and build the US into the bitcoin superpower of the world.

The US president-elect even floated the idea of using bitcoin to pay off the $35 trillion US national debt in August.

Hand them a little crypto check, right? Well hand them a little bitcoin and wipe out our $35 trillion, he told Fox Business.

Bitcoin Flash Crash to $63K on Upbit After South Korea's Martial Law

Since Mr Trumps election victory, shares in the crypto platform Coinbase have surged by over 70 per cent and crypto industry players continue to voice support for the president-elect in the hope that he will push through favourable regulatory changes.

US Rep. Patrick McHenry from North Carolina, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, said Atkins could restore faith in the SEC.

Im confident his leadership will lead to clarity for the digital asset ecosystem and ensure US capital markets remain the envy of the world, Mr McHenry posted on X.

Paul Atkins has the expertise and experience needed to restore faith in the SEC.



Im confident his leadership will lead to clarity for the digital asset ecosystem and ensure U.S. capital markets remain the envy of the world.  Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) December 4, 2024

Paul Grewal, chief legal officer of Coinbase, said in a post on X that Atkins appointment was sorely needed and cannot come a day too soon.

We appreciate his commitment to balance in regulating US securities markets and look forward to his fresh leadership at (the SEC), Mr Grewal said.

Critics are concerned Mr Atkins may whittle away existing regulations and charge lower penalties for violations.

Dennis Kelleher, co-founder of the financial policy think tank Better Markets, called Mr Atkins an industry cheerleader whose support for deregulation contributed to the devastating 2008 crash.

I think the nomination of Atkins would signal and would be understood as a return to the status quo before Gensler. Back to business as usual for the SEC, Alex Platt, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, told Bloomberg.

Bitcoin first emerged 15 years ago from a white paper written by the still-unknown pseudonymous author Satoshi Nakamoto.
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Bitcoin has finally broken above $100,000, hitting six figures for the first time in its history following an announcement from Donald Trump.

The incoming US President revealed on Wednesday that pro-crypto businessperson Paul Atkins would be the next chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), prompting the worlds leading cryptocurrency to shoot up by 7 per cent.

Atkins appointment signals a radical departure from current SEC chairman Gary Gensler, who has led a government crackdown on the crypto industry, with many figures hopeful that the nominee will lead to favourable regulation and price-boosting policies.

Market confidence is high, with investors hoping that bitcoins latest bull run can continue into the new year, however industry figures are urging people to be cautious.

Its important to note that bitcoin has yet to experience a significant correction, said Arthur Azizov, chief executive of the crypto business B2BinPay.

Based on this, its reasonable to conclude that a pullback is likely imminent  its just a matter of time. By year-end, I believe bitcoins price will consolidate around $100,000 before retracing to five-digit levels, potentially settling near $85,000 in the following months.

Bitcoins latest price gains have pushed its market cap above $2 trillion for the first time, ranking it as the worlds seventh most valuable asset ahead of Silver, Meta and Tesla.

While its price volatility means it cannot yet be considered a safe-haven asset like silver or gold, becoming only the seventh asset to pass the $2 trillion milestone means it can be considered a mainstream asset class.

With talks of a US Strategic Bitcoin reserve and more companies adding Bitcoin to their corporate treasuries, we may be on the precipice of true mainstream global adoption, said Richard Teng, CEO of leading crypto exchange Binance.

Todays milestone marks a turning point in Bitcoins journey from a niche asset to a mainstream financial instrument, attracting more institutional and retail investors, a powerful narrative and sentiment driver reinforcing cryptos position in the financial landscape and encouraging broader adoption.
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The UK government has revised its travel guidance for Bangladesh, cautioning that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the South Asian nation.

Issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday evening, the update reinforces existing advice against all but essential travel.

It highlights risks to foreign nationals in crowded areas and at religious places and political rallies, warning that some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam.

The advisory flags previous attacks involving improvised explosive devices in major cities and notes potential threats to minority religious communities, police and security forces. Authorities may impose additional security measures or restrict movement at short notice as they work to disrupt potential attacks.

The FCDO describes Bangladeshs political situation as volatile, noting that demonstrations and strikes frequently escalate into violence.

Clashes with law enforcement, arson, vandalism, and attacks on property or public transport in the past have resulted in fatalities.

open image in gallery Islami Andolan Bangladesh party members hold a demonstration at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka on 3 December 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

While the guidance is not legally binding, ignoring it may invalidate travel insurance.

The update comes after parliamentary debates highlighting concerns over the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Catherine West, minister for the Indo-Pacific, addressed the House of Commons on Monday, referencing the Indian governments concern over the recent arrest of Bangladeshi Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.

We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Ms West said, adding that the FCDO is closely monitoring developments.

She noted that during her recent visit to Bangladesh, the interim government assured her of its support for minority communities.

open image in gallery Students beat a policeman with sticks during a protest over a controversial quota system for government job applicants in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 18 July 2024 ( AP )

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government was overthrown in a mass street agitation earlier this year, has accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a genocide and failing to safeguard the countrys minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

Speaking virtually from New York at an event marking Bangladeshs Vijay Diwas, Ms Hasina alleged a plot to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, akin to the 1975 killing of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The remarks, delivered in Bengali, marked Ms Hasinas first public address since she fled Bangladesh for India in August.

Referring to the storming of her residence in Dhaka by the agitators on 5 August, she said, The armed protestors were directed towards Ganabhaban. If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost. It was a matter of 25-30 minutes and I was forced to leave. I told them not to fire no matter what happened.

She accused Mr Yunus of employing the state to target religious minorities in the country. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians  no one has been spared. Eleven churches have been razed, temples and Buddhist shrines have been broken. And when Hindus protested, the Iskcon leader was arrested, she said, referencing Mr Dass detention.

open image in gallery Sheikh Hasina waits to cast her vote in Bangladeshs general election in Dhaka on 7 January 2024 ( AP )

She also alleged a deliberate campaign of persecution. What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly persecuted and attacked? Ms Hasina asked while accusing Mr Yunus of systematically carrying out atrocities under the guise of governance.

The exiled prime minister highlighted growing strain in relations between Bangladesh and neighbour India under Mr Yunuss rule, with New Delhi expressing concern over attacks on minority groups.

Indias foreign ministry recently condemned the rise in extremist rhetoric and violent incidents and called on Bangladeshs interim government to protect minorities.

Our position on the matter is very clear: the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities, the ministrys spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said on Friday. He called for a fair and transparent resolution of Mr Dass case which has drawn international attention.

open image in gallery Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders and supporters march in Dhaka on 8 November 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

Ms Hasina said she fled Bangladesh to prevent further violence but lamented that her departure had failed to stop the bloodshed. When people were dying indiscriminately, I decided I should leave, she said, criticising the interim administration for continuing its violent clampdown.

While Mr Yunus is yet to respond to Ms Hasinas accusations, he urged the countrys politicians on Wednesday to keep differences at bay to counter Indian aggression.

They are undermining our efforts to build a new Bangladesh and spreading fictitious stories, he told a gathering of Bangladeshi politicians, in an apparent reference to New Delhis condemnation of the attacks on minorities.
President Joe Biden appeared to fall asleep during a Trans-Africa Summit in Angola.

The US President met with the Angolan president and his counterparts from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the summit on Wednesday (4 December).

During a speech by the vice president of Tanzania Philip Mpango, Biden can be seen closing his eyes and resting his hand on his face.

The president then opened his eyes, before closing them again.

The meeting came on the final day of a three-day trip to Angola.
Police dragged a Georgian opposition leader from his party office amid ongoing protests against the governing partys decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union.

The Coalition for Change opposition party said its leader Nika Gvaramia was detained and law enforcement raided its offices.

It shared footage showing several officers dragging the politician into a car.

Local media reported that police also raided the offices of several other opposition groups and non-government organisations.

It comes after the ruling Georgian Dream party retained control of parliament in the disputed 26 October election, which was widely seen as a referendum on Georgias EU aspirations.

Opposition parties and the pro-Western president accused the governing party of rigging the vote with Russias help and boycotted parliament sessions.
His lawyers will also challenge validity of service of summons at home in Co Kildare

Lawyers for businessman Paul Wright, who has been accused in the United States of fraud and using client money to fund a luxury lifestyle, have said they will challenge the validity of the service of summons on him and his companies at his home Co Kildare.

They also intend to try to have the case dismissed for alleged lack of jurisdiction.

Mr Wright and two of his Dublin-based companies, Eterna Private Clients and Wright Private Office, are being sued in Florida by a firm, TMCT, which is owned by a woman named Cherish Thompson.

TMCT has accused Mr Wright, who was born in the UK, of fraud and using money secured from investors to rent private jets, stay in luxury hotels and buy his son a house outside London.

Its also been alleged that Mr Wright, with an address at Carton Demense in Maynooth, Co Kildare, claimed he had been a member of the UKs elite military unit the SAS and that his family had also worked for the British royal family.

A private investigator told the court in West Palm Beach last month that Mr Wright was deemed to have been served at his address in Maynooth with a summons after six previous failed attempts to do so.

Stock image

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 5th

That was despite Mr Wright being present and visible in his home on some of the occasions where attempts to serve him were made, according to the investigator.

The service papers were ultimately presented to his wife, Martina Boyce Wright.

Defendants intend to dispute that such service was valid, note court filings in Florida this week.

Mr Wright has already vehemently denied what he said are outlandish and unfounded allegations and said he will be defending the allegations in full.

His solicitors have previously said that the US proceedings have been initiated by an aggrieved former independent contractor with whom Mr Wright was involved.

Now Mr Wright is hiring US law firm Cozen OConnor to represent him and his companies in the case.

In the event the service was validly made to Mr Wright and his firms, they would have had until December 11 to file a response. The defendants lawyers have now asked the court to extend that deadline to January 10 to prepare an appropriate response.

Further, defendants plan on moving to quash service effectuated on defendants and to dismiss the complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction and for forum non conveniens, they added.
Modified Domestic Demand (MDD), which is regarded as the best measure of how the Irish economy is performing, grew by 3.1pc in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2023.

It was up by 1.3pc between July and September, according to new national accounts released today by the Central Statistics Office.

MDD is the sum total of all personal and government consumption and investment, and leaves out aviation leasing and imported IP due to statistical distortions related to the multinational sector.

The updated estimate for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter is for an increase of 3.5pc. However for the period January to September, GDP has contracted by 1.7pc compared to the same period last year.

The CSO figures also show that consumer spending fell by 0.2pc in the last quarter, but is up 1.7pc on an annual basis. Government spending on goods and services increased by 4.2pc between January and September compared with the same period of 2023.

Meanwhile, compensation of employees was up 3pc in the first nine months of the year. This comes against the backdrop of a recommendation from the private-sector committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that union officials seek increases of 4pc to 7pc next year.

Jack Chambers, the Minister for Finance, said he was pleased to see the continued strength of the Irish economy.

Importantly, growth on an annual basis has been broad-based in nature, with both consumer spending (1.7pc) and modified investment (10.4pc) making a positive contribution, he said. This solid growth is consistent with the strength of our labour market and the robust exchequer figures released yesterday. Taken together these metrics all demonstrate that the economy has performed strongly this year.

Mr Chambers pointed out that the figures are retrospective, and that the economic outlook is now becoming increasingly uncertain, with risks clearly tilted to the downside, and the most pressing ones being external.

As a small, open and highly globalised economy, Ireland is particularly vulnerable to any deterioration in the external environment, said Mr Chambers, echoing a similar sentiment expressed by Gabriel Makhlouf, the governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, on Wednesday.

Put simply, these are risks that we cannot control directly  we must instead focus on managing what is in our control, Mr Chambers added. In particular, we must continue to build up our fiscal buffers, invest in our people and our infrastructure, and ensure the economy remains competitive.

The CSO figures also show that output in the globalised Industry sector expanded 14pc in the third quarter compared with the period June to August, while the Information and Communication sector increased by 6.3pc.

Overall, the combined multinational-dominated elements of the Industry and Information & Communication sectors rose by 9.1pc in the quarter, it said. These sectors accounted for 46pc of total value-added in the economy, compared with a 54pc share for all other sectors.

In the international accounts, the balance of payments recorded a surplus of 23bn in the third quarter, an improvement of 4.3bn on the previous quarter.

Net exports rose by 8.3pc or 12.1bn in the first nine months of 2024 compared with the first nine months of 2023, the CSO said. The 46.4bn increase in exports in the first nine months of the year compared with the same period in 2023 outpaced the growth in imports of 34.3bn.
The prevalence of unapproved AI usage is a cause for alarm amongst IT executives. Photo: Getty

Most businesses in Ireland are now using some form of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their day-to-day operations  but almost a third of them are using unapproved tools, according to a new survey.

The survey shows that 84pc of Irish businesses are using AI tools, but 62pc of them also believe that AI will increase the number of cyber attacks over the next year.

And most businesses (67pc)think the severity of such attacks will also be magnified because of AI.

It also found that 30pc of businesses reported that their employees are independently sourcing and using unapproved AI tools.

The independent survey was commissioned by Datapac and carried out by Censuswide. It gathered insights from 200 IT decision-makers across various industries in Ireland  and revealed that individual employee interest in AI capabilities is outpacing organisations planned technology strategies.

Datapac said that the prevalence of unapproved AI usage is a cause for alarm among IT executives whose organisations regularly use AI tools and applications.

89pc of Irish firms plan to invest in AI tools and applications over the next year

As these unapproved tools have not been subject to due diligence, many are concerned about the impact of such practices, with 39pc highlighting worries over the quality and integrity of data produced, Datapac noted.

It also found that 36pc of IT leaders expressed concerns that such tools could disrupt established workflows by reducing operational efficiency, while 40pc noted the lack of formal processes as being a critical issue that hinders consistent and reliable AI use.

Kevin Hall, senior systems engineer at Datapac

Kevin Hall, senior systems engineer at Datapac, said AI represents one of the most exciting technological advancements in decades.

However, in the rush to capitalise on AIs potential, organisations must not overlook best-practice due diligence, he said. We strongly encourage businesses to adopt AI-powered tools from trusted, reputable providers... that seamlessly integrate into existing technology ecosystems.

He warned that even with reputable providers, its important that organisations are prepared for AI integration to help mitigate potential cyber security and compliance risks.

As AI adoption accelerates, our survey underscores the importance of balancing innovation with robust governance.

By addressing the risks associated with unapproved AI usage, Irish organisations can unlock the full potential of AI while safeguarding data integrity, operational efficiency, and cyber security.

Despite the challenges, AI adoption remains a top priority for Irish organisations, with 89pc planning to invest in AI tools and applications over the next year.
Austria says it cannot execute Italian arrest warrant for Rene Benko

His Signa group was part of consortium that previously owned Brown Thomas in Ireland

Rene Benko. Photo: Getty

Marton Eder and Antonio Vanuzzo Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 03:30







Insolvent tycoon Rene Benko remains free to defend himself against multiple international criminal investigations after Austrian authorities said they couldn't comply with an Italian arrest warrant.
SEI is a Goldilocks in the industry  its not too big and not too small, not too bureaucratic, not too loose

The firm which manages $1.5trn in alternative assets has expanded its Dublin operation and has moved into new offices, says Michele Deely

Michele Deely

John Burns Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 03:30

The bulldozers started to tear down the complex of council flats on Charlemont Street, near Ranelagh one bright, cold morning in January 2014. The images of them tumbling down prompted many nostalgic reminiscences about the community of about 200 families that had once lived there, and some regret that a block designed by architect Michael Scott, in 1944, was being razed.
Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. who play two gigs at Dublin's 3Arena this weekend

Fontaines D.C are set to play their biggest ever home shows at Dublins 3Arena this Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7.

This follows the release of the Dublin-made, now London-based bands highly-anticipated fourth album, Romance, over the summer.

Its set to build on the success of 2022 album Skinty Fia, which reached number 1 in the UK and Irish album charts and saw the band named International Group of the Year at the 2023 BRIT Awards.

Speaking of the new albums title, bass player Conor Deegan said: Weve always had this sense of idealism and romance. Each album gets further away from observing that through the lens of Ireland, as directly as (Mercury Prize-nominated debut) Dogrel.

The second album (the Grammy-nominated A Heros Death) is about that detachment, and the third (Skinty Fia) is about Irishness dislocated in the diaspora. Now we look to where and what else there is to be romantic about.

Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos OConnell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan (bass), and Tom Coll (drums) also toured the US and Mexico with Arctic Monkeys.

Heres everything you need to know about their upcoming Dublin gigs.

Are there any tickets left?

Tickets are sold out on both nights, but if youre lucky you might get one on Ticketmaster resale.

When do doors open?

Doors open at 6.30pm and the boys will be on stage at 9pm.

Can under-16s go?

Under-16s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Carlos O'Connell, Tom Coll, Conor Deegan III and Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. Pic: Getty

Who is the opening act?

If similar to their UK shows last month, DIIV will be on stage at 7pm and Sorry will take to the stage at 7.50pm.

What songs will they perform?

Romance

Jackie Down the Line

Televised Mind

A Lucid Dream

Roman Holiday

Big Shot

Death Kink

Sundowner

Big

Here's the Thing

Bug

Horseness Is the Whatness

Nabokov

Boys in the Better Land

Favourite

In the Modern World

I Love You

Starburster

How do I get to the 3Arena?

Traveling to 3Arena couldnt be easier. Situated in the heart of Dublins docklands, it is very well served by public transport.

Dart or inter-city rail services will bring you to Connolly or Heuston Station, from where you can hop on the Luas straight to the 3Arena.

There are extra trams on show nights to cater for the large numbers travelling to and from the venue. A full schedule and live information are available on www.luas.ie.

Dublin Bus offers a high frequency and accessible service from all over Dublin to within a 20-minute walk of the 3Arena. The 151 route runs every 10 minutes during rush hour and will leave you on Castleforbes Road, the closest stop to the venue, just a two-minute walk away. The last bus departs Castleforbes Road at 23.15pm Monday to Saturday.

For anyone driving, there is limited car parking available in The Point Village car park, but this car park is not run by 3Arena.

With large numbers gathering on show nights traffic congestion can delay your arrival and departure so its encouraged to use public transport where possible.

What else should I be aware of?

3Arena is a fully cashless venue and the maximum bag size limit is 40cm x 40cm x 20cm. Large rucksacks, luggage or oversized bags are not permitted. Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult and standing is strictly over 14s.
Struggling with succession? Heres some way to make your farm more attractive to the next generation

Bring in farm labour, invest in technology and think outside the box when identifying your successor

Miriam Gunn herds calves on her family dairy farm in Roscommon while members of her family follow behind. Photo: Brian Farrell

Miriam Gunn Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 10:21

Succession isnt just an Irish problem. On my recent trips to Poland, Spain and Portugal, one of the biggest issues at all the agri co-ops we visited was succession and a lack of farm labour.
EU faces stiff opposition from farmers

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rings the bell at the start of the first meeting of the new college of European Commissioners in Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen landed in Uruguay on Thursday seeking to finalize a long-delayed trade deal between the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc, even as France slammed the agreement as "unacceptable".

Von der Leyen arrived hours after President Emmanuel Macron's government collapsed following a no-confidence vote in parliament over efforts to rein in France's budget deficit, leaving Macron scrambling to name a new prime minister.

The deal, 20 years in the making and deeply divisive in Europe where farmers and Paris have been the loudest voice in opposition, would create one of the world's largest trade partnerships and turbocharge the flow of beef and grains.

"The finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight. Let's work, let's cross it. The largest trade and investment partnership the world has ever seen. Both regions will benefit," von der Leyen said in a post on X.

Mercosur, including farming powerhouses Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, is meeting for a planned summit in Montevideo, with negotiators now expecting a trade deal to be unveiled, despite several false dawns, including a 2019-signed agreement that failed to get ratified by nations in Europe.

Three South American sources involved in talks said the deal was done and would be announced on Friday by Mercosur heads of state and von der Leyen after both sides were able to work out final details on environmental issues and government purchases.

"Everything went as we expected. We worked out an agreement that was enough for both sides," said one of the people, a South American source involved in the negotiations who asked not to be named as the deal was not yet public.

However, von der Leyen, just days into her second term, faces stern opposition at home to the deal, which would be the largest struck by the EU in terms of tariff reductions. EU countries as a whole and the European Parliament would have to approve any trade deal agreed.

European farmers have repeatedly protested against it, saying it will lead to cheap imports of South American commodities, notably beef, which is not subject to the same green and food safety standards as in the EU.

EU DIVIDED

France has been the most vociferous critic of the proposed agreement.

Though distracted by a political crisis after the collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's short-lived government, President Emmanuel Macron's office issued a statement on Thursday saying the planned EU-Mercosur deal was "unacceptable".

But other EU members such as Germany insist the EU-Mercosur deal is vital for the bloc as it looks to diversify its trade after the near-closure of the Russian market and amid discomfort about Europe's reliance on China.

They also see Mercosur as a potentially reliable source of critical minerals such as battery metal lithium, required for Europe's green transition.

South American negotiators remain optimistic that the EU will eventually give its approval and that France will not be able to rally a blocking minority.

"The EU has had a mandate to negotiate it for the last 20 years. The ratification is another process, later, they will have to work on it themselves," one of the sources said.

Reuters
Judge may bring contempt case against Conor McGregor over social media outburst, as Nikita Hand awarded costs in civil rape case

McGregor facing 1m legal bill after judge makes costs ruling in favour of Nikita HandMother of one will also not have to pay costs of McGregors friend, James Lawrence, whom she also sued for allegedly raping herI can if I want to begin to institute a proceeding on my own bat against Mr McGregor, judge says, adding that the UFC fighter was a very rich man and can afford to pay a fine

Conor McGregor leaves High Court with partner Dee Devlin

Shane Phelan Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 18:00







Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is facing a legal bill of around 1m after a judge ruled he must pay Nikita Hands legal costs following her successful civil rape claim against him.
The legal team for a schoolboy who was injured in a car accident in Switzerland six years ago may have increased his compensation by a factor of up to 10 by switching his personal injury claim to an Irish court.
Rapist to serve 18 more months for hoax bomb threats directed at government buildings

Murray (53) formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of making the threats from Midlands Prison in Portlaoise

Michael Murray

Niamh O'Donoghue Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 07:48







Convicted rapist Michael Murray will serve another 18 months in custody for hoax bomb threat phone calls directed at Government buildings last year.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik says Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein have all been in touch about forming a new government.

"I have been approached by the leaders of the three biggest parties, and I have informed each of them that I will revert to them next week," she said today.

Ms Bacik was giving little away about government formation in the wake of the election as she paraded her new intake of TDs at Leinster House - yet she hinted at possible participation in a new coalition.

"Because we are a party with deep roots, we've always been very serious gap about going into Government to deliver change," she told a media scrum. "We don't stand on the sidelines. We don't believe in simply shouting from Opposition benches. So we are very serious about exploring routes into government to deliver change.

"But we've also been clear that we don't go into government just to make up numbers, just to prop up any of the bigger parties.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik. Photo: Arthur Carron

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 5th

"We only go in if we're convinced we can deliver the radical change that has been set out in our manifesto."

She said she wanted to talk to the Social Democrats first, in keeping with her commitment to trying to find a consensus on the left, along with the sole Green, Roderic O'Gorman.

"We want to explore the options of co-operation across the left bloc first before we engage in any further talks. That's our priority and our absolute commitment."

She said she had heard from Micheal Martin, leader of largest party Fianna Fail, but it was in the nature of a formality. Fine Gael and Sinn Fein had also been in outline contact, she added.

She laughed off a question as to who would win a fight between former leader Alan Kelly and Dublin MEP Aodhan O Riordain, the first in favour of Labour entering Government, and the second implacably opposed.

She deflected questions as to whether Labour could go in while leaving its centre-ground rivals in the Social Democrats in opposition.

It was also put to her that the SocDems and Labour both entering Government was unlikely, in that FF/FG would have no need of extra 22 seats, with those smaller parties having 11 TDs each. "Anyone on the centre left who's serious about delivering change must look at how best to do that, and the best way to do that is from a position of collective strength," she said.

"That's why we set out the common platform approach. So we're really committed to it, and I do hope we'll see positive engagement from others on it. We are still at a very early, where we don't yet know which of the bigger parties will, in the end, be part of that Government.

"We are better going into any government formation talks from a position of collective strength, and that's why we want to explore the options."

Social Democrats

Deputy leader of the Social Democrats Cian O'Callaghan confirmed his party was currently talking to other parties and would be meeting with Sinn Fein today.

Social Democrats will also meet the Labour Party tomorrow and Fianna Fail in the coming days.

Speaking to RTE Radio One's Morning Ireland, Mr O'Callaghan said: "We've also asked to meet with Fine Gael and, with all of these parties, we'll be outlining key issues for us that we want to see worked on in this new Dail and indeed in the next government."

"We'll be asking to support our positions in relation to areas like disability, housing, healthcare, childcare, and we'd be making that same approach to all those parties, because, regardless of who's in the next government, we're strongly of the view that there needs to be change of direction in these areas.

"We want to be constructive and we want to put forward our solutions, our policy proposals in these areas to the other parties," he added.

When asked whether his party was willing to go into government without the Labour Party, Mr O'Callaghan said they "will be willing" if they can "get the kind of change in direction in these areas that we're looking for", adding that Social Democrats are "interested" in going into government.

"We haven't started those discussions yet, but over the next coming days, we should have a clearer picture on that," he said.

When asked about whether his party might end up like the Green Party who lost all their Dail seats but one, he said: "I don't think thinking about the next election is the right approach to take in terms of government formation."

"What we want to do is get our policies that we ran on implemented in the next government.

"If we go into government and we're successful in getting our policies implemented, that the electorate would recognise that and support that."

He also criticised the Green Party and said its "highly questionable" it had delivered on its key issue of climate change.

"We just heard that we're on course to be paying maybe not 8 billion in climate fines, but potentially 20 billion in climate fines, he said. "We haven't made the kind of progress that we should be making in the area of renewable energy, with offshore wind, with solar power."

Fianna Fail negotiator and outgoing Minister of State for Transport James Lawless, told the RTE programme that the conversations between the parties were all "about finding common ground" and "finding a way forward".

"We [at Fianna Fail] have our key issues, not more than every other grouping. And, I suppose, the outcome must also reflect the democratic exercise of the last general election, when we did return the most number of TDs, we did return the most seats, the highest first preference vote, and indeed, the highest transfers," he said.

"The onus is on us, Fianna Fail, to lead the next government and to lead those negotiations.

"But of course, we're open to suggestion and input and talking to prospective partners in government about what their particular views are, and then seeing what we can agree on together."
Two Summerhill College students barely missed a minute at the election count in the Clayton Hotel over the weekend, making sure they were there to catch all the goings on in the biggest political event of the year.
Hundreds of people have been arrested in Northern Ireland for attempting to enter Great Britain by crossing the border from Ireland.

The UK Home Office confirmed a three-day Comby operation, aimed at cracking down on people smugglers, led to multiple arrests this week, The Guardian reported.

Operation Comby was launched in April to intensify the immigration controls implemented by Operation Gull  a joint operation between the UKs Home Office and an Garda Siochana to stop the abuse of the common travel area.

This area allows only British and Irish citizens to travel without passports between the islands of Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Immigration officials in the UK have said that criminal gangs are now charging people up to 8,000 for an illegal travel package that doesnt involve crossing the Channel on small boats.

Aerial view of Belfast Port

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 5th

The Home Office officials arrested four people attempting to board ferries and planes in Belfast last Tuesday.

An Iranian man was arrested at Belfast Airport, who posed as a Ukrainian and appeared to have travelled from Barcelona to Dublin.

His Ukrainian passport was counterfeit and had several stamps to appear as if the man was well-travelled, which might suggest it had been prepared by a criminal gang.

The inspector at the criminal and financial investigations unit in immigration enforcement in Belfast, Jonathan Evans, said there is evidence that potential smuggling gangs are also targeting Dublin as a backdoor to the UK.

They are exploiting the common travel area in a way they didnt before, he told The Guardian.

"This is all about pushing out the gangs.
I have to ask myself is it worth it  home of Kildare politician targeted by thugs while his children were sleeping

Councillor and general election candidate Bill Clear believes he was targeted off the back of a Facebook campaign

Bill Clear wants full funding for CCTV for public representatives. Photo: Mark Condren

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 03:30

The family home of a Kildare county councillor was targeted by vandals and thugs when a rock was thrown through a window yesterday morning while his family were asleep upstairs.
People struggle to walk in the wind on the promenade in Salthill, Galway. Stock photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Met Eireann is warning of heavy rain and very strong winds in coming days as Storm Darragh is set to hit Ireland on Friday and Saturday, with Status Orange warnings on the way.

On Friday and Saturday, forecasters are warning of fallen trees, damage to power lines, very difficult travelling conditions, damage to temporary structures and wave overtopping, with poor visibility and possible localised flooding, with Orange warnings in force.

There are already Status Yellow weather warnings for Thursday for seven counties, which will be hit by rain and wind.

A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal from 1pm on Thursday until 9pm.

Another Yellow wind warning is in place for Co Kerry from noon until 6pm on Thursday.

Read more Fears for asylum seekers in tents in Dublin as Storm Darragh approaches

The national forecaster has warned of strong west to northwest winds and urged people to avoid taking any avoidable risks.

Between Thursday afternoon and Thursday night the wind gusts could reach 110 km/h, and a Yellow warning has also been issued for Northern Ireland.

As Storm Darragh moves in from Friday and into Saturday, more severe Status Orange wind warning is in place.

On Friday from 10pm to 9am Saturday an Orange wind warning is in place for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, with warnings of very strong and gusty northwest winds.

And an Orange wind warning for Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow is in force from midnight on Saturday to 9am, with Status Yellow rain warnings also in place.

A Status Yellow heavy rain warning is also in place for Clare, all of Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath from 10am on Friday until 10am on Saturday, with heavy rain on Friday followed by heavy showers on Saturday morning.

Another Status Yellow wind warning is in place for strong and gusty south to southwest winds veering northwest for the whole country from 3pm on Friday until 3pm on Saturday.

In Northern Ireland, warnings are also in place across the weekend.

People struggle to walk in the wind on the promenade in Salthill, Galway. Stock photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Irish weather warning colours explained

Today will see heavy rain in places and squally winds spreading eastwards across the country and gradually clearing during the afternoon, followed by scattered showers.

Southerly winds will become west to northwesterly and will increase fresh to strong and very gusty, reaching gale force at times near Atlantic and southern coasts, Met Eireann says. Temperatures will be 8 to 13C.

The winds will ease overnight, with showers becoming isolated. Some areas will be frosty and icy with lows of 0 to 5C.

Friday will be cloudy with rain becoming widespread, with localised flooding possible, and sleet possible on hills.

Highs 6 to 13C, and becoming very windy with the possibility of stormy conditions in the west and southwest.

It will be extremely windy or stormy on Friday night, with heavy rain for a time, with lows of 0 to 3C.

Cold and windy again on Saturday with some hail, sleet and snow showers likely in higher areas and a chance of thunder in the north and northwest, with highs of 4 to 8C, but feeling colder due to wind chill, Met Eireann says.

Sunday and Monday will be cold and breezy, becoming very cold on Monday night, with widespread sharp to severe frost and ice and some freezing fog in lows of -3 to 2C.

Tuesday will see fog lingering, with highs of 2 to 7C.
Joanna Byrne, the newly elected Sinn Fein TD for Louth has wasted no time in making her mark in the Dail, officially taking her seat today and immediately pledging to stand up for the people of Louth.

After signing the Oireachtas register and taking her seat, Teachta Byrne expressed her gratitude to those who supported her, saying I have hit the ground running in the Dail today, where I will be standing up for the people of Louth, alongside my colleague Ruairi O Murchu TD . I want to thank each and every person who voted for me. It is a huge honour and I will not let you down.

Byrne who joins party colleague Ruairi OMurchu TD in representing the country, outlined her commitment to the people of Louth. I am determined to deliver for people across the constituency and be a voice for ordinary workers and families in the Dail. I will work tirelessly to fight for you, your family and your community.

Today marked an important day for Sinn Feins team of TDs who met in Leinster House to discuss their plans for the future. The meeting was attended also by party leadership, President Mary Lou McDonald TD and Vice President First Minister Michelle ONeill MLA.

Teachta Byrne stressed the need for change, particularly on key issues such as housing, health, childcare and the cost of living. We discussed our plans to deliver the change that people in Louth need. I know that people are really struggling and they want to see change. They want a government for the future, that will make Ireland a better place to live and raise a family, she stated.

Reaffirming her role as a strong advocate for the county she concluded by saying: I will be Louth's strong voice, standing up for the people of Louth, on the issues that matter to them.
An unprecedented surge in demand for Guinness in the UK in recent weeks has led its brewer to boost supply amid reports of pub groups rationing the Irish stout to venues as the festive season ramps up.

Diageo, the multinational drinks firm that owns Guinness, said it had seen exceptional consumer demand over the past month for the dark beer as colder weather sets in and the brand enjoys a resurgence in popularity aided by younger consumers and celebrity Kim Kardashian.

We have maximised supply and we are working proactively with our customers to manage the distribution to trade as efficiently as possible, a spokesperson for Diageo said.

According to The Times, pub groups warned venue managers of the prospect of limited stock in the lead-up to Christmas, with one saying in an email to venues we have had to place stock on allocation for you.

Kim Kardashian posing with a pint of Guinness, and a baby Guinness. Photo: Instagram

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 5th

One pub company warned their managers that quantities may be limited through the festive season, The Times reported.

In May UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon said demand for Guinness helped it to to higher sales over the previous three months.

The companys founder and chairman Tim Martin said at the time the group had benefited from the rocketing popularity of Guinness - previously pigeonholed to an image of an older generations, mostly male drink - and a revival for some traditional ale.

The gods of fashion have smiled upon Guinness, previously consumed by blokes my age, but now widely adopted by younger generations, Mr Martin said.

The #GuinnessChallenge, a viral sensation, took over Instagram and TikTok last year with videos of perfectly poured pints filling the feeds of younger drinkers, turning the stout into emblem of coolness.

Women have also helped drive a higher uptake of the stout in recent years.

Last year reality star Kim Kardashian shared an Instagram Story of herself at a pub in London, as she was holding a pint of Guinness and a shot. Musician Olivia Rodrigo was also pictured wearing a Guinness is good 4 U top at her concert in Dublin earlier this year.

To meet the drinks resurging popularity, Diageo has invested more than 200 million in a new brewery in County Kildare, west of Dublin, as well as about 30 million towards St Jamess Gate brewery in Dublin to cater for the demand of its zero-alcohol product.

Recently, Diageo reported an 18pc growth in beer sales over the fiscal year, driven largely by increased demand for Guinness, with 0.0 sales doubling year on year.
If youre looking to gift a bottle of booze this Christmas, consider choosing an Irish brand  or one with a strong Irish connection.

Our whiskey industry has never been so vibrant, and todays Foxes Bow Whiskey recommendation would make a fun introduction to the scene. Finished in a mix of oloroso sherry and rye whisky casks to bring sweet and spicy notes respectively, this garnered Gold in the Best Blended Whiskey  No Age Statement category at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2022 and is a well-priced, approachable, versatile drop. Created by Great Northern Distillery for Limerick-based Alt Liquor Co, it is the first of a series that targets a new wave of whiskey drinkers with approachable flavours, contemporary branding and colourful artwork from Irish artist John Slade.

Equally upbeat is the current Founder Edition branding of Hennessy VS Cognac. Hennessy commissioned Irish artists Maser and Conor Harrington to mark the 300th birthday of Richard Hennessy, the Corkonian founder of one of Cognacs most iconic houses. Mixed with ginger ale and fresh lime, sipped straight or in a festive French coffee, the combination of a legacy brand in a bold design makes it a versatile gift.

One of my favourite discoveries this year comes from Mourne Dew Distillery, established in 2017 by former barrister and chartered accountant Donal Farrell, whose great-grandfather and grandfather were poitin and whiskey distillers. Farrell was inspired by a legal case in which forensic scientists used cold distillation to extract DNA as delicately as possible. He applies a similarly gentle process to ingredients like roasted hazelnuts (as in todays Bottle of the Week), freshly squeezed lemons (in the excellent Mourne Dew Lemon Liqueur) and for the brands range of vodka, poitin and gin, all vacuum distilled at cold temperatures with clean, balanced results. The poitin itself is also very good, as is the Rostrevor Ruby Gin, which gives a herbal twist to its red fruits.

Served at top restaurants in the UK and Ireland, including Londons Core By Clare Smyth and Neven Maguires MacNean Restaurant, Mourne Dew will appear in selected Spar, Eurospar, Mace and Londis stores in the new year. Its website offers a personalised labelling service, while its Mourne Dew Miniature Gift Pack of four 5cl bottles (18) allows you handpick your own combination for a cute stocking filler.

Todays selection also includes a gorgeous new elderflower liqueur and a modern classic from Dublins Bar 1661.

Bottles of the week

Mourne Dew The Pooka Irish Poitin Hazelnut Liqueur

Mourne Dew The Pooka Irish Poitin Hazelnut Liqueur, 35pc, 45

This poitin-forward liqueur is very well balanced, with intense aromas of roasted hazelnut (think mainlining Nutella) leading to a lovely purity of nut character on the palate, which is very rich without being overly sweet, more boozy than luscious. Only available online for now, but due for wider distribution in the new year (see above). This would be lovely served straight from the freezer, or over ice, or as a twist in an espresso martini. Celtic Whiskey Shop, irishmalts.com, masterofmalt.com, mournedew.com

Foxes Bow

Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey, 43pc, 40

This first release from Foxes Bow is a blended whiskey, triple distilled and aged in bourbon casks at Great Northern Distillery and finished in a mix of rye casks to bring a frisky spice and sherry casks to ramp up the warmth and red fruit character. Sip paired with nutty tangy cheese or mix with Poachers ginger ale.Tesco, Celtic Whiskey Shop and other independents, irishmalts.com

Hennessy Very Special (VS) Founders Edition

Hennessy Very Special (VS) Founders Edition, 40pc, 41

This commemorative edition is a good excuse to revisit an old classic, with its warming oak spice aromas (think nutmeg and orange peel, with hints of clove and cinnamon) and flavours of apple and sweet spices with notes of nutshell and oaky on the finish. (28 in Dunnes until December 10). Dunnes Stores, SuperValu and independents

Richmount Elderflower Liqueur

Richmount Elderflower Liqueur, 20pc, 30

Very pure, pretty and clean, capturing the top-note aromas of frothy floral sprays in summer hedgerows, with subtle honeyed citrus character on the finish. Produced by David and Martina Burns with elderflowers from their own Longford orchards, sip well-chilled or serve in a gin spritzer. Bradleys, Celtic Whiskey Shop

Bar 1661s Belfast Coffee

Bar 1661s Belfast Coffee, 30 (70cl)

Dave Mulligan and his Bar 1661 team are pioneers of the poitin revolution, and their signature Belfast Coffee presents this old spirit in a new way, giving the classic Irish coffee a twist with a cold-brew base  and poitin, of course. Their webshop is also selling tickets to in-person 28-course cocktail tasting experiences. bar1661.ie
Foster Klug: How South Koreas turmoil started in surgery theatres, not parliament

Opposition politicians have begun impeachment proceedings against president Yoon Suk Yeol, after his botched attempt to impose martial law

South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and his party members stage a rally against the president Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: AP

Foster Klug Thu 5 Dec 2024 at 03:30

For many observers, wild pre-dawn scenes in Seoul, with armed troops and legislators storming South Koreas parliament building after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, seemingly came out of nowhere.
Some of the nastiest abuse Ive gotten online was from people on the left mocking my faith. How is a persons religion fair game for derision?

The House of Commons was poignantly quiet. Usually, the United Kingdoms parliament is a cacophony of hurrahs and demurs and shouts and pleas for order.

British members of parliament had just voted through the second stage of an historic bill on assisted dying. It followed a robust, thoughtful, heartfelt, painful and affecting debate both inside and outside Westminster. If it is eventually passed and enacted, it will mark one of the biggest social changes in the United Kingdom since the 1960s.
If you focus on results alone, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results. It may be a cliche, but it should be kept in mind by all with an interest in forming a new government.

The voice of the people carried a singular message: more of the same is not going to cut it in meeting the nations pressing problems.

With the votes all counted, the performative process of playing hard to get will begin in earnest, but this is no time for such indulgence.

All those who campaigned could probably do with catching a breath  getting elected is strenuous and stressful. However, the national to-do list is exhaustive and needs to be addressed with renewed energy and imagination.

Parking the political sledging and focusing on our real needs is imperative.

Sinn Fein will hold talks with like-minded progressive political parties to form a government

Having had its wings clipped, Fine Gael has been forced to come back down to earth somewhat. In the realignment, it finds itself in third place, with one seat fewer than Sinn Fein.

What lies ahead is beyond status or prestige. The unglamorous work of rolling up sleeves and getting stuck in is all that counts from here.

As the biggest party in the Dail, Fianna Fail ought not to indulge in undue flexing of its newly found extra muscle. To its credit, the party has been rewarded for stepping up when it was demanded; first with the confidence and supply agreement in 2016, then by entering coalition with its historical enemy, Fine Gael, in 2020.

Both parties will recognise their share of the vote is far from what it used to be. A step change is demanded on their approaches to housing, health and the cost of living, which all registered highly as voter priorities.

Sinn Feins housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin has reiterated his partys view that the return of the two main parties in a coalition would be the worst possible option.

Sinn Fein will hold talks with like-minded progressive political parties to form a government.

Hedging his bets, O Broin added: Sinn Fein has always said if that isnt possible, we would talk to everyone  including Fianna Fail.

Unless we fix the housing crisis, we will have abandoned a generation

Perhaps it was former Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin who best captured the public mood in an RTE interview. He played down warnings about the fate of smaller parties entering coalition with Fianna Fail or Fine Gael.

Labour needs to move on from the fallout of its time in office during austerity, he insisted. There is too much on the line  issues that affect the people of today are what matter most.

He also warned that unless we fix the housing crisis, we will have abandoned a generation.

His appeal for the same single-mindedness with which we faced the economic meltdown to be adopted on housing needs to resonate in the Dail.

Power in itself may not make for an effective government, but failure to use it reveals ineffective ones.
Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is facing a legal bill of around 1m after a judge ruled he must pay Nikita Hands legal costs following her successful civil rape claim against him.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens also indicated he was considering bringing contempt proceedings against Mr McGregor over a social media post in which he described the court as a kangaroo court.

He further ruled that the mother of one would not be penalised with a costs order for losing her action against Mr McGregors friend James Lawrence, who she also sued for allegedly raping her.

It would be completely inappropriate to award Mr Lawrence any of his legal costs, even though he succeeded in his case, the judge said.

Although a jury last month dismissed her claim against Mr Lawrence, the judge found that they had not believed Mr Lawrences claim that he and Ms Hand had consensual sex.

Mr Lawrence was entirely successful in defending the claim but not for the reason advanced in his defence, the judge said.

Today on this Indo Daily Extra: Dave Hanratty is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent, to break down what happened in todays High Court hearing.
First-time TD Noel McCarthy said he wants to be a voice for Fermoy and east Cork as a whole

James O'Connor with his mother (right) and supporters at Mallow Count Centre on Saturday, ahead of his election to Cork East on Sunday. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Cllr Deirdre O'Brien and sons at Mallow Count Centre on Saturday. The Fermoy representative was eliminated from the race for Cork East following the ninth count. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

The Avondhu finally has a TD likely to be in Government in the shape of Fine Gaels Noel McCarthy, who became the first Fermoy resident to secure to a Dail seat in over thirty years when he was elected to Cork East on Sunday.

While Kevin OKeeffe of Mitchelstown was the last politician from the Blackwater region to serve as a TD (2016-2020), his father Ned, who won Dail seats in elections from 1982 to 2007, was the last local Deputy to sit on the Government benches.

Fermoy has been the poorer relation of Mitchelstown and Mallow, now annexed into Cork North-Central, in the north of the constituency for many years. There has not been a TD hailing from there since Myra Barry (FG), who joined her father Dick, a long serving TD himself, as a Deputy for Cork North East when she won a by-election in 1979 and earned subsequent seats in the 1981 and two 1982 elections.

Now, Fermoy, and indeed the rest of the Avondhu would seem to be back in business after Deputy McCarthys election to the Dail, given the likeliness that Fine Gael will go into Government with Fianna Fail.

Though Noel McCarthy and his fellow Fermoy LEA councillors Deirdre OBrien (FF) and William OLeary (Ind) appeared to be well in the running after tallies were completed ahead of the first count at Mallow GAA Complex on Saturday, southern candidates like outgoing TDs James OConnor (FF) and Pat Buckley (SF) and first-timer Mark Stanton (FG) looked to have an edge.

Midleton councillor Liam Quaide of the Social Democrats was another candidate in contention, perhaps the man who was looked to as an alternative to now-retired TD Sean Sherlock of the Labour Party.

The results of the first count, delivered after 9pm, clarified where the Avondhu candidates stood in relation to their competitors. Placing after Pat Buckley (5,937), James OConnor (5,907) and Mark Stanton (5764), Noel McCarthy was well in contention with 5,371votes. Cllr OBrien was 170 behind and after Liam Quaide (4,821), Cllr OLeary stood on 4686.

It was a seven-horse race for the four seats of Cork East. As the counts went on through the night into the early hours of Sunday morning, the field of 18 candidates was wittled away but there was no change amongst the frontrunners, who kept their positions.

The first big shift came following the seventh count, declared after 2am on Sunday. Liam Quaide (SD) had received 673 transfers from eliminated Green Party candidate Cliona OHalloran to see his vote increase to 5,934. He leapfrogged Cllr OBrien (5,438) and Noel McCarthy (5,721) into fourth place to put Mark Stanton (6,092) under pressure.

Following the consequential count, activity was suspended until 9am, when more daylight could be shed on the race for Cork East.

The eighth count, which involved the redistribution of 2,177 votes accumulated by Mona Stromsoe of Aontu, benefitted Cllr OLeary (+387 votes) and his fellow non-party candidate Midelton Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley (+317) but the order of the top six contenders remained the same.

The declaration of count number nine was a pivotal moment in the race, as the Avondhu contenders found themselves at the back of the pack after the transfer of Cllr Linehan-Foleys 4,209 votes. Cllr OBrien (5,810) was the runner to be eliminated, after Cllr OLeary (5,810) had just surpassed her.

The councillor said she was very disappointed to be out of contention and told The Corkman that her locality of Mitchelstown as well as Fermoy needs representation in Dublin.

Two great towns on the M8 and accessibility is wide open for industry, wide open for more house building so we need someone definitely at the top level shouting on our behalf, she said.

No matter what, you need someone who is knocking at the doors for you in Dublin and getting it for the people locally.

At a glance, one might have estimated that Cllr OBriens desire for a local TD would not come to pass, as fifth-place Noel McCarthy (5,912) was now nearly 900 votes short of Mark Stanton, while Cllr OLeary was nine votes behind him.

But the coming counts would be the Fine Gael mans time to shine.

A massive 1,304 transfers from Mitchelstown neighbour Cllr OBrien came Noel McCarthys way in the tenth count (declared after 1pm), moving him into third in the race with a 46-vote advantage over running mate Mark Stanton.

Over 2,500 votes redistributed to James OConnor saw him become the first elected to Cork East while William OLeary (+740) could not pull in enough transfers from Cllr OBrien, despite his geographical closeness, and he was eliminated.

Following the election the Rathcormac man said he was disappointed with the result but was looking forward to getting back to council business.

I will never stop fighting for a fairer Ireland, he stated.

Cllr OLearys elimination suited Noel McCarthy down to the ground, as he was awash with transfers in the eleventh count after receiving 2,184 votes from his former Fermoy LEA colleague. He was now ahead of poll-topper Pat Buckley, and certain to be elected.

The soon-to-be Deputy McCarthy, on his second run at the Dail, told The Corkman he was overwhelmed with the support he received.

Fifteen years of hard work as a councillor and I think today is the reward for it and I hope that I can continue that work in Dail Eireann, he said.

I tried before in 2016 and I was unsuccessful but I feel I really learned a lot between 2016 and now. I knew what to do, I knew how to fight the king and I must admit I had a great team.

The most important thing is Fermoy hasnt had a TD for 33 years. Today Im so proud to say that Im the first Fermoy resident since Myra Barry and Dick Barry, her father before that. That gave me great ambition.

Also Im a Cobh man originally and Cobh hasnt had a TD for 27 years. I based my campaign on the town where I live now with my family and the town where I came from. Together, this gave me this combination to be successful today.

I think I can be a voice for the people of north Cork, for the people of Cobh and surrounding areas. To say, Look if there is an issue I can knock on the ministers door or a Government representative and say, We want this for Fermoy, for Fermoy municipal area, for north Cork but most importantly for east Cork.

Meanwhile, Liam Quaide (7,889) and Mark Stanton (7,689) were neck and neck.

With none of the four remaining candidates reaching the quota of 9,602 on the eleventh count, the 322 surplus votes of James OConnor were redistributed in the twelfth and final count.

In this decisive count, declared after 4pm, Noel McCarthy was ordained a Deputy with 9,561 votes and Pat Buckley retained his seat with the 9,194 votes he had accumulated.

Bystanders focus was firmly set on the contest for the fourth seat, from which Liam Quaide (7,925) emerged victorious after receiving 36 vital transfers. Finishing with a 132-vote advantage over his Fine Gael foe, he became the first Social Democrat to win election to Cork East.

Im pretty stunned to be honest, the newly elected Deputy Quaide said.

Having gotten 104 transfers, Mark Stanton was left on the outside, no doubt disappointed that he could not secure the long-held seat of his father David.
Lynn Scarff, Director National Museum of Ireland, Dr Michael Waldron, Curator of Collections and Special Projects, Crawford Art Gallery, Dr Siobhan Doyle, Curator of Glass, Ceramics and Asian Collections, National Museum of Ireland, and Donal Maguire, Keeper of Art and History, National Museum of Ireland

Dr Siobhan Doyle, Curator of Glass, Ceramics and Asian Collections, National Museum of Ireland, at the new exhibition, Harry Clarkes Stained Glass. Pic: Julian Behal

Lynn Scarff, Director National Museum of Ireland, and Dr Michael Waldron, Curator of Collections and Special Projects, Crawford Art Gallery, at the opening of the exhibition Harry Clarke's Stained Glass. Pic: Julian Behal

A new exhibition showcasing six of Harry Clarkes stained-glass panels, including some of his earliest known works, has opened at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks.

The exhibition, Harry Clarkes Stained Glass, will run for at least two years and brings together panels not previously displayed in the same place before.

Three of them have travelled from Crawford Art Gallery in Cork as it closes for its ambitious redevelopment project.

Siobhan Doyle, curator of glass, ceramics, and Asian collections at the National Museum of Ireland, praised Harry Clarke as a fascinating character.

He seems like he was great craic., said Dr Doyle. One of the things I loved finding out about him is, when he was working in his studios in north Dublin, he always exhibited his works for a couple of days in his studio before they were sent off to the churches around the country and around the world.

He felt like as many people as possible should see his work. I think hed be really pleased with this exhibition, that were bringing it to the public in an accessible way that is free. I hope weve done Harry Clarke proud with this exhibition.

Harry Clarke is one of Irelands most celebrated artists. He had a short life. He died when he was 41, but he was super-productive during that time, and he managed to forge a career that still resonates with the public so much, even 100 years later.

Curating this exhibition, I felt a real weight on my shoulders because people recognise Harry Clarke, they love his work, and I really had to make sure we do the artwork justice within the space.

When youre researching subjects, you do really get to know a person. Harry Clarke died in 1931 but the things you find out about him along the way and when youre so focused on one individual, you really do feel an affiliation towards them.

Dr Siobhan Doyle, Curator of Glass, Ceramics and Asian Collections, National Museum of Ireland, at the new exhibition, Harry Clarkes Stained Glass. Pic: Julian Behal

Harry Clarke, born in 1889, is one of the countrys most renowned stained-glass artists and illustrators.

His work is celebrated internationally for its originality of design and impressive technical skill, not least in Ireland where his work can be seen in 16 counties, mostly in churches.

The panels on display in Harry Clarkes Stained Glass each reveal the artists distinct vision, inviting visitors into the world of religious and fantastical imagery that defined his career.

They include: The Consecration of St Mel, Bishop of Longford, by St Patrick (1910); The Godhead Enthroned (1911); The Meeting of St Brendan with the Unhappy Judas (1911); The Unhappy Judas (1913); A Meeting (1918); and Richard Mulcahy (c. 1925).

Lynn Scarff, director of the National Museum of Ireland, said: It's exciting to have all these pieces together in one room for the first time, and we were really pushing to have it open before the festive period.

Its a lovely space to come and immerse yourself in his work and enjoy it. Hes one of our outstanding artists. Theres something about Harry Clarke. Hes quite well known in Ireland. I think people have experienced his work in churches and hes in 16 different counties.

By bringing his work together, its an opportunity for people to come in and to delve into his world and give themselves space for imagination. Its inviting you into his world and allowing you to imagine different possibilities within that.

I really hope people are inspired by this work because of its nature. Hopefully, we see lots of people creating their own art, through coloured paper, pens, stained glass, and depictions in their own homes.

Admission to the exhibition is free. To celebrate the launch, the National Museum, Collins Barracks will open late tonight, Thursday, December 5 and Thursday, December 12, for special curator-guided tours of the exhibition provided on a first-come first-served basis
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has come under fire from Sinn Fein over comments he made while canvassing ahead of last weeks general election.

An online video has emerged showing Michael Healy-Rae canvassing in a Kerry mart where he accuses Sinn Fein of knowing nothing about work.

Deputy Healy-Rae is addressing the crowd from the sales ring and is heard saying: They [SF] know nothing about work. They never worked themselves. So how are they going to support workers.

The comments have angered Sinn Fein Councillor Deirdre Ferris who said she accepts that things can be said in the heat of the moment during an election campaign, but to make false accusations about her and her party colleagues is beyond the pale and not something she expected from Deputy Healy-Rae.

I hope he will do the right thing, Cllr Ferris said.

As someone who has worked all my life, and as someone who has represented the people of the Tralee area as a county councillor, I have to say I found [the] comments deeply insulting, she added.

His disgraceful remarks were not only false, they were also insulting to me, my colleagues and fellow party members and the thousands of people we represent.

She assures Deputy Healy Rae that she and her colleagues on Kerry County Council work extremely hard for the people of Kerry and will not allow anyone, including Deputy Healy Rae, to suggest otherwise.

My father [Martin Ferris] represented the people of this county for 23 years without ever losing an election and he couldn't have done that without hard work, Cllr Ferris added.

In response to the video, Deputy Healy-Rae said he was referring to Sinn Fein policy as being anti-work and was not targeting party individuals or their supporters.

There are Sinn Fein politicians, nationally and locally, that I would have nothing but the highest regard for, personally, he said.

I have tremendously great friends in the Sinn Fein party, who are great people in my book. But its the policies of Sinn Fein that the people, nationally, have said no to. If they evolved their policies they would be leading the government, Deputy Healy-Rae said.

He asserts that Sinn Fein is against aspects of the hospitality sector such as Airbnb, and taxation around Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Airbnb and short-term lets, which are very important for the tourism industry, they are very much against that, he said.

When were trying to create an environment of work and work ethic, all I hear from them, nationally, is the exact opposite, he said.

"If Sinn Fein had their way, the Foreign Direct Investment we have in this country, youd see everyone of those companies pulling out because they wouldnt want to be here under them as they would be terrified of what theyd do to them, he said.
Sligo is set to sparkle this Christmas with the arrival of an enchanting miniature Christmas Village at The Canopy. This exclusive festive attraction, created in collaboration with Hanleys Christmas Wonderland of Cork brings the magic of the season to life with incredible detail and charm.

Carefully curated using Lemaxs iconic Christmas collectables, the scene is a display of festive craftsmanship, featuring miniature shops, cottages, a bustling fun fair, a town, and even a snow-covered ski slope. Its a miniature world brimming with Christmas cheer, offering visitors of all ages a unique and immersive experience.

Damien Conlon of Hanleys Christmas Wonderland who helped to build the village said::The Christmas Village is amazing, it has so much going on. It has a lot of moving parts and a vibrant town scene.

The creation of the spectacular scene has been a labour of love, with a four-day build in Cork before its careful transportation to Sligo. The collaboration was made possible when the owners of The Canopy reached out to Lemax. That connection led him to Damien, a fellow Sligo native, and together, their shared vision became a reality.

Neil Monahan added: We wanted to create something truly special for Sligo this Christmas  a scene that would captivate families. Working with Hanleys and Lemax I think weve managed to do so. I think kids and adults alike will love this, its so detailed and you see something new every time.
The victim of an attempted car hijacking in Co Leitrim has spoken out about his terrifying ordeal.

An attempted hijacking incident occurred in Carrick-on-Shannon last Friday at a filling station on the Boyle Road shortly before 6am.

Two cars which had pulled into get fuel were targeted by a gang of four men.

One car was rammed while the owner of another car was chased down the back of the filling station by the men carrying bars.

One of the victims was approached while he was filling drums with kerosene, while the other victim was putting fuel in his car.

Speaking on John Lynch North West on Ocean FM earlier today, a victim of the attack explained his experience of the terrifying ordeal.

A white Audi pulled in to get diesel and then a black vauxhall vectra pulled in shortly after. The occupant of the Vectra asked the other lad to put a tenner of diesel into his car but he said no.

"He came over to me and asked if the machine took cash.

The occupant of the other car had coped something was up and he took his phone out and started filming him.

They must have seen the man filming them and they spun out onto the road and came back in.

They came back over to me and thought I was filling diesel and attempted to take the drums of me but I got them into the car.

The other occupant of the car was driving through the pumps and they spun around and hit his car head on, said the victim.

The man explained things then took a turn for the worst when four men got out of the car armed with bars.

Three men chased him down the back of the filling station with bars, while another man searched his car for valuables.

They ran for my car. I had seen them crash into the mans car so I knew I had to go.

I pulled the keys from my car and ran down the back and two of them followed me with bars.

One went to my car and searched it and the other went around to the other side with a bar to try and catch me there but I got turned and got onto a height and out onto the Boyle Road, said the man.

The other man whose car was rammed took his car out onto the road and stopped a lorry driver, who rang the gardai.

The man said the culprits fled the scene on foot towards the Carrick-on-Shannon direction. He said it was a frightening experience which has left him shaken up.

It was a very frightening experience.

I am not myself. I am very nervous.

An innocent person going about their business and to be attacked like this.

I was off last Friday and I thought I would go in and get my jobs done early in the morning but I wouldnt go back there again.

It is a nightmare  I keep thinking when am I going to wake up, said the man.

The man warned others to be mindful if filling up their cars in the early hours of the morning.

Be very careful. There are gangs going around now coming up to Christmas. It is a once off incident in Carrick-on-Shannon hopefully but we dont know, he said.

A Garda investigation has been launched into the incident.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said, Gardai are investigating a road traffic incident at a commercial premises on the Boyle Road in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday, November 29, 2024.

A collision involving two cars occurred at approximately 5:40am.

"It is reported that following the collision there was an attempted unlawful taking of a vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made at this time.

"Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Gardai in Carrick-on-Shannon on 071 965 0517, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Gardai have launched an investigation after two men burst into a house in a midlands town and violently attacked a man in his 40s.

Gardai have launched an investigation after two men burst into a house in a midlands town before pushing a man in his 40s to the ground and violently assaulting him.

The victim sustained a number of injuries when two men called to his door along Athlones Sean Costello Street shortly after 9pm last Wednesday evening.

The Irish Independent understands the man was barged to the floor before being kicked several times around the upper and lower body during the incident.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene a short time later with the man being taken to hospital for treatment.

Its understood that while the mans injuries have been described as non-life threatening, the nature and brutality of the ordeal sustained by the victim is of concern to gardai.

An examination of the scene has since taken place in a bid to throw up potentially vital DNA evidence the raiders may have left behind.

Detectives are also especially keen to speak to any eye witnesses who may have noticed anything untoward in or around Sean Costello Street at the time of the incident to come forward.

Gardai are investigating an alleged incident of assault a residential premises on Sean Costello Street Athlone, Co. Westmeath on November 27, said a garda spokesperson.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:20pm. A man, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information in connection to the incident is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 2600, or any Garda Station.
It will never happen again, motorist Christine Byrne, of 43 Wolfe Tone Villas, Wexford Town, assured Judge James McCourt as she dealt with a motor insurance prosecution.

The Circuit Court was told how the offence was detected after Ms Byrne reversed away from a garda checkpoint on April 16 earlier this year. Her 2010 Dublin registered vehicle was impounded and she admitted on the spot that her insurance cover was not in order.

Ms Byrne came to court seeking to avoid a disqualification from driving. She explained that she was drawing disability allowance and that she needed to drive to hospital appointments in Dublin. She added that she was the only member of her household who drives.

The judge asked her to fetch the disc from her car, which was parked outside the courthouse, in order to confirm that she now had a valid policy.

Once this was produced, the judge agreed that she could keep her licence. However, the conviction and fine imposed in the District Court remained on her record.
A Christmas concert featuring choir members as young as 12 will raise funds for those impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Taking place in St Catherines Church in Murrintown on Sunday, December 8 at 6.30 p.m. the concert will see the newly-formed Rosslare District Choir perform some familiar favourites under the instructions of music director Aileen Donohue.

The choir is comprised of members of the Rosslare District of all ages and was formed to provide an outlet for families, friend groups and retired individuals to sing together.

Newly elected Labour TD, George Lawlor will be in attendance and will add to the evening with a musical performance of his own. Aileen will also perform some of her own Christmas repertoire along with her husband and MC for the evening, Peter McCamley.

All proceeds from the event will go to the UNICEF Gaza Fund. Tickets 10, order online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-concert-for-gaza-st-catherines-church-murrintown-tickets-1099381612999
A hard-working family with a prestigious history in the fast food industry has opened a new chipper in Baltinglass, where locals have already been waxing lyrical about the mouthwatering fare and authentic dishes from their Turkish motherland.
Richard Curtis and Hugh Grant did a number of films together (PA)

Director Richard Curtis has recalled how he fought against the casting of Hugh Grant in Four Weddings And A Funeral as he thought the actor was too posh and too handsome for his movies.

Grant, 64, won a best acting Bafta in 1995 for Curtis romantic comedy, which saw him play clumsy English fop Charles, who seemed destined to always be the best man at weddings and never get married himself, until meeting an American named Carrie (Andie MacDowell).

Screenwriter and producer Curtis, also known for writing and directing About Time and The Boat That Rocked, told Radio Times: Casting has always been a revelation from the start of my film career.

Richard Curtis most recent film is an animated movie called That Christmas (Ian West/PA)

When we did Four Weddings And A Funeral, I said, Hugh Grant? Over my dead body!. I thought he was too posh and too handsome for my movies.

When he auditioned, he was much better than everybody else and I still fought against it.

Then the first time we screened the movie I realised I was wrong; it turned out that he was the most important thing in the film.

Now its such a joy to make a movie that doesnt have him in it.

He added: Though he would have made a good villain.

Curtis and Grant went on to work together for 1999s popular romantic comedy Notting Hill, which starred Grant as London bookshop owner Will, who has a chance encounter with movie star Anna Scott, played by Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts.

Hugh Grant arriving with actress Elizabeth Hurley for the charity premiere of Four Weddings And A Funeral (PA)

He also played the Prime Minister in Curtis romantic comedy Love Actually, released in 2003.

Grant has reprised his role as Daniel Cleaver for the upcoming Bridget Jones movie, adapted from Helen Fieldings novel Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, which sees Bridget navigate life as a single mother after the death of her husband Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth.

Curtis most recent film is an animated movie called That Christmas, based on his own series of childrens books and featuring the voices of actors Bill Nighy, Brian Cox and Fiona Shaw, among others.

The movie, released to Netflix on Wednesday, follows a number of families as they prepare for Christmas and a carol concert before a wall of snow descends upon the town.
South Koreas parliament has formally introduced a motion to impeach president Yoon Suk Yeol over a botched attempt to impose martial law, but his party vowed to oppose the move, throwing the process into doubt.
Killer nurse Lucy Letby has been interviewed by detectives in prison over the suspicious deaths of more infants.

The 34-year-old was questioned under caution over unexpected deaths and collapses of babies at her former place of work, the Countess of Chester Hospital and, for the first time, at Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she trained as a student.
Demonstrators participate in a rally to protest against the governments decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Georgian police on Wednesday raided the offices of an opposition party and arrested its leader in an apparent attempt to halt a wave of mass protests triggered by the governing partys decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union.
You dont expect to get a call that your child has been stabbed in school: are children becoming more violent?
Displaced women who fled the Aleppo countryside, sit with their children in Tabqa, Syria yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Syrian rebels battled government forces and allied militia yesterday in villages north and east of Hama, a major city whose capture would pile pressure on president Bashar al-Assad.

The rebels have staged their biggest advance in years over the past week, seizing Aleppo  Syrias biggest city before the war  in a lightning assault that has upended long stable frontlines.
Quick Commerce Market in India and Key Players

Quick commerce is transforming the e-commerce sector in India by offering ultra-fast delivery (10-30 minutes) for high-demand goods like groceries and personal care items. The sector is poised for massive growth, with Indias quick commerce market expected to reach US$5 billion by 2025 and US$9.94 billion by 2029 per some estimates. Key growth drivers include changing consumer preferences, increased e-commerce adoption, and demand for convenience among millennials and Gen Z.

Per an Economic Times report, the average order value (AOV) has grown to INR 500 from an initial INR 250  raising this AOV is an essential focus for quick commerce players and will require moving consumption towards more premium categories. As of the quarter ending June 2024, Zomatos Blinkit quick commerce app led AOV at INR 625. Interestingly, Blinkit partnered with Apple Premium Reseller Unicorn Infosolutions to make the iPhone 16 series (16 and 16 Plus) available on its platform along with standard discounts and EMI options on select credit cards.

Quick commerce market in India

Indias quick commerce market is witnessing intense competition among a few key players: Zepto, Zomatos Blinkit, and Swiggys Instamart.

Zepto led in app downloads with nearly 11 million across Google Play and Apples App Store. Swiggys app, which includes Instamart, saw 9.8 million downloads, while Blinkit had approximately 6.6 million. Tatas BigBasket e-commerce offering, offering BB Now within its main app, recorded about 3.5 million downloads, and Dunzo garnered fewer than a million.

Market share estimates place Blinkit at the forefront with 45 percent, Instamart at 27 percent, Zepto at 21 percent, and BB Now at 7 percent. The quick commerce model, initially emphasizing 10-minute deliveries, gained traction in India in 2021 during the pandemic when consumers shifted from local Kirana (neighborhood) stores to online platforms. Since then, quick commerce companies have heavily invested in dark stores, expanded product categories, and enhanced delivery capabilities to meet the growing demand. For instance, per a Business Today report, Zepto has 200-250 dark stores across metro hubs Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.

Quick Commerce Penetration  Indian Retail Market Year E-commerce Total retail 2018 0.14 percent 0.003 percent 2023 4.8 percent 0.3 percent 2028 (Projected) 17-30 percent 2-3 percent

Source: Grant Thornton Bharat, Economic Times

What are dark stores?

Dark stores are specialized retail outlets or warehouses exclusively designed for processing online orders. Unlike traditional stores, they are not open to the public. Instead, they serve as distribution hubs where inventory is stored, products are packaged, and orders are dispatched. Also referred to as dark shops, dark supermarkets, dotcom centers, or ghost stores, these facilities streamline the logistics of e-commerce.

Dark stores typically operate 24/7 and utilize advanced technologies like GPS and data analytics to optimize delivery routes, ensuring faster service. They are strategically located in city centers, targeting micro-markets within urban areas, which often results in higher rental costs compared to traditional warehouses. In India, rental rates for dark stores vary significantly across cities, ranging from INR 40 to INR 250 per square foot, depending on location.

Popular quick-commerce platforms such as Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto collectively operate around 1,200 dark stores in major cities across India, highlighting their growing importance in the countrys online shopping ecosystem.

City-wise rental rates for dark stores in India (per sq. ft.):

Mumbai: INR 60150

INR 60150 Bengaluru: INR 5080

INR 5080 Chennai: INR 4560

INR 4560 Hyderabad: INR 3550

INR 3550 Pune: INR 4060

INR 4060 Delhi: INR 150250

INR 150250 Gurugram: INR 5070

INR 5070 Ahmedabad: INR 3550

INR 3550 Kolkata: INR 5599

Leading quick commerce companies in India

Indias quick commerce industry has experienced explosive growth, with sales increasing by over 280 percent in two years, according to a Chryseum report. The industrys Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rose from US$500 million in FY 2021-22 to US$3.34 billion in FY 2023-24, growing at an annual rate of 73 percent. It is expected to reach US$9.95 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of over 4.5 percent.

1. Zepto

Founded in 2021, Zepto has rapidly gained traction by offering grocery and essential delivery in as little as 8-10 minutes. Its network of over 100 micro-warehouses enables the company to fulfill 2,500 orders daily in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Zepto also experiments with nominal platform fees and higher charges during peak times to enhance profitability.

2. Blinkit

Previously known as Grofers, Blinkit is a pioneer in the quick commerce space. It operates in 14 cities and boasts a market share of 46 percent, the highest among its competitors. With over 250 micro-warehouses and partnerships with 14,000 delivery agents, Blinkit ensures seamless operations and quick turnarounds, delivering essentials in 10-20 minutes.

3. Swiggy Instamart

Launched in 2020, Swiggy Instamart leverages Swiggys existing delivery infrastructure to deliver groceries within 45 minutes across 18 cities. By collaborating with dark stores and utilizing eco-friendly delivery methods like e-bikes, it has become a formidable player with a 27 percent market share.

4. Dunzo

Dunzo Daily focuses on delivering groceries, medicines, and household essentials in 35-40 minutes. It uses AI-powered logistics to optimize deliveries and manage demand efficiently. Dunzo also generates additional revenue through partnerships with D2C brands advertising on its platform.

5. BigBasket

BigBasket, known for its expansive grocery offerings, has entered the quick commerce market with BB Now. Operating in over 40 cities, it combines its existing infrastructure with dark stores and Kirana partnerships to deliver groceries quickly while maintaining its reputation for quality and reliability.

Whats behind the quick commerce market boom in India: Key growth drivers

Changing consumer expectations

Todays consumers demand instant gratification and personalized experiences. The convenience of smartphones has fueled the expectation of seamless and rapid services. Quick commerce caters to this demand by offering unparalleled delivery speeds, making it a go-to option for time-conscious buyers.

The on-demand economy

Quick commerce thrives on optimizing efficiency by leveraging advanced logistics and real-time data. Unlike traditional supply chains, it operates on an on-demand model, ensuring goods reach consumers in record time, often bypassing outdated retail processes.

Technological advancements

The growth of quick commerce is inseparable from technological innovation. AI-powered algorithms, robotic automation, and cloud platforms streamline order fulfillment, enhance inventory accuracy, and improve overall customer satisfaction. These technologies ensure that businesses can handle high demand while maintaining top-notch service quality.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for quick commerce, accelerating the demand for quick and contactless deliveries. Lockdowns and social distancing measures pushed consumers toward online shopping, with quick commerce stepping in to meet the need for fast and safe delivery solutions.

Integration with existing industries

Quick commerce seamlessly integrates with traditional businesses like grocery and kirana stores, D2C brands, and restaurants, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. These collaborations optimize order processing and improve last-mile delivery, creating a win-win situation for businesses and consumers alike. Platforms generate additional income through targeted advertisements, contributing to profitability.

Furthermore, quick commerce operates 24/7, offering consumers the flexibility to shop and schedule deliveries at their convenience. Its competitive pricing, enabled by bulk purchasing and economies of scale, makes it an attractive option for a broad customer base.

Challenges and outlook

Despite its rapid growth, quick commerce faces profitability challenges due to high operating costs, last-mile delivery complexities, and stiff competition. Companies are addressing these issues by optimizing dark store efficiency, encouraging higher-order values, and diversifying into non-grocery categories like electronics and cosmetics.

The future of quick commerce in India is promising, with opportunities to expand into untapped markets and explore high-value categories. As players continue to innovate and adapt, the quick commerce sector is set to become a cornerstone of Indias retail ecosystem, catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers.

Ultimately, Indias quick commerce market is revolutionizing how people shop, offering speed and convenience at their fingertips. With a few key players leading the charge and considerable untapped potential, quick commerce is poised to significantly impact the future of retail in India.

(With inputs from Melissa Cyrill.)
P&G shifted source of stainless steel for Gillette razors to counter tariff pressures in Trump 2.0. (Photo courtesy: facebook.com/GilletteIndia)

Procter & Gamble has revamped its supply chain for the ultra-thin stainless-steel strips used in its Gillette razors, shifting sourcing to India, Reuters reported.

This change is aimed at safeguarding the company's profit margins from potential tariffs that US President-Elect Donald Trump might impose.

The specialized stainless steel used in Gillette razors, designed to minimize nicks and cuts, is produced in large quantities by only a few companies worldwide, none of which are based in the United States, according to P&G's filings with the US Commerce Department.

A Reuters analysis of import data from the past four years reveals that P&G has switched its supplier for stainless steel in its top grooming brands in the US, its largest market, opting for a more affordable manufacturer in India.

This move could help the company counter rising costs during Trump's second term, the report said.

The Cincinnati-based company now primarily obtains the steel for Gillette from New Delhi-based Jindal Stainless, according to the US import records for P&G subsidiaries, including Gillette.

Investors consider Procter & Gamble a leader in the competitive consumer products sector, with its margins outperforming those of competitors such as Kimberly-Clark.

P&G aims to maintain this position after Donald Trump assumes office in early 2025. During his first term, the company faced $1.4 billion in external costs, including tariffs that impacted profits.

A P&G spokesperson confirmed the company's collaboration with Jindal, but refrained from revealing details about business partnerships for being sensitive and competitive in nature, Reuters reported.

The spokesperson also clarified that "it would not be accurate to point to cost as the sole driver of any sourcing decision."

Historically, P&G sourced more expensive steel from Japan and Sweden for Gillette razors, according to import records shared exclusively with Reuters by ImportYeti, said the report.

The steep tariffs during Trump's first term increased the costs of Japanese and Swedish steel, though P&G later secured an exemption.

Trump, known for his fondness for tariffs, has proposed new tariffs targeting China, Mexico, and Canada, which has left consumer product makers like P&G on the defensive.

During an investor meeting on November 21, P&G's Chief Financial Officer Andre Schulten indicated that the company would need to adapt its supply chain based on how Trump implements tariffs.

Despite years of struggles, P&G's recent strategies to improve its grooming business have shown progress, stated the division's CEO, Gary Coombe.

Jindal, the worlds largest producer of stainless steel for razor blades, has primarily served non-US markets, according to an industry executive who was not authorized to speak publicly.

While Jindal has had a long-standing relationship with P&G, imports of Jindal steel into the US began in 2022, according to ImportYeti records.

Over the past 36 months, P&G imported at least 4,283,569 kilograms (4,721 US tons) of stainless steel from Jindal.

Jindal declined to comment specifically on the steel used in razor blades or P&G's Gillette razors.

However, Abhyuday Jindal, managing director of Jindal Stainless, stated that the company focuses on "creating value in their business" with pricing being their "last priority."

Earlier this year, P&G acknowledged Jindal as a top supplier that "consistently performed at high levels," according to an internal company blog.

The P&G spokesperson emphasized that the company continually seeks new suppliers globally that meet its needs, though very few do. P&G has not made substantial changes to its core suppliers.

Import records reviewed by Reuters show that P&G has reduced its imports from Japans Proterial and Swedens Alleima.

Imports from Proterial were down nearly 59% through October compared to 2023, and P&G has not received any steel from Alleima this year.

Gillette has worked with Proterial for over 50 years and with Alleima for more than 20 years, according to filings with the US Commerce Department.

Alleima did not respond to requests for comment, and Proterial declined to comment.

P&Gs grooming business, the smallest division by revenue, has faced challenges in recent years.

During the pandemic, sales declined as men grew beards and shaved less.
Devendra Fadnavis is set to become the Maharashtra CM for the third term | Photo courtesy: Devendra Fadnavis X handle

Mumbai/IBNS: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis will on Thursday take oath as the Maharashtra chief minister, more than 10 days after the Mahayuti stormed back to power in the country's richest state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the supreme leader of BJP, will attend the swearing-in ceremony, which will be held at 5:30 pm.

Apart from the PM, several political and religious leaders are expected to grace the event.

In a flip, now caretaker chief minister who has served the top post for two years since 2022, Eknath Shinde, will be one of the two deputies.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)'s Ajit Pawar will be the other deputy chief minister alongside the Shiv Sena leader.

Union Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman, who was present at the BJP's core committee meeting on Wednesday, spoke on the return of the Mahayuti, the name refers to the ruling coalition comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde camp) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction).

"The unexpected, unprecedented victory is a message for Viksit Bharat," said Sitharaman and added, "The double engine government will now run under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

The road to the swearing-in ceremony has remained rough as Shinde had sent feelers about his wish to remain the CM even when he relied on PM Modi for the final decision.

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.

Fadnavis, who remained the chief minister from 2014-2019, served as Shinde's deputy in the Mahayuti government.

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.
Speculations end as Eknath Shinde agrees to take oath as Deputy CM in Mahayuti 2.0 govt led by Devendra Fadnavis. (Photo courtesy: Devendra Fadnavis X handle)

Mumbai: Eknath Shinde has agreed to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the Mahayuti government led by Devendra Fadnavis, India Today reported.

According to the report, Shinde Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant said Fadnavis's formal letter to the Governor revealed that Shinde would accept the deputy's post.

Earlier in the day, Samant said that none of the Shinde Sena MLAs would accept ministerial posts, if Shinde did not become the Deputy Chief Minister, according to the report

Earlier, reports had revealed that Shinde, who led the Mahayuti government after splitting with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime in Maharashtra, wasnt willing to accept the Deputys role in the new setting.

There were rumours that he might even skip the oath-taking ceremony, according to an NDTV report.

The speculations gained momentum after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said the party members are set to convince Shinde to take oath.

"We are sure Shinde-saab will listen to our requests and take oath as the deputy CM. We are going to convince him," said Shirsat.

The swearing-in ceremony at Mumbais Azad Maidan is scheduled for 5:30 pm and will be attended by prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Fifty four-year-old Devendra Fadnavis is set for his third term as Chief Minister.

His first tenure spanned from October 2014 to November 2019, making him the youngest Chief Minister of the state at 44.

However, his second term was brief, lasting just five days from November 23 to 28, 2019, after the Shiv Sena broke its alliance with the BJP.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar will also take the oath as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers alongside Fadnavis.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a dominant victory in the November 20 elections, winning 230 out of 288 Assembly seats.

The BJP emerged as the largest party with a record 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

On Eknath Shindes potential inclusion in the Mahayuti 2.0 government, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar said party MLAs had urged him to accept the deputys post during a meeting on Wednesday.

Even Devendra Fadnavis accepted the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister after the central BJP leadership insisted (in 2022). Our parties are different, but principles and ideologies are the same, he was quoted as saying by India Today.
Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM. Photo Courtesy: Videograb from Official X

Mumbai/IBNS: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongman Devendra Fadnavis Thursday took oath as the new Maharashtra Chief Minister after a stellar performance of his party in the recently concluded Assembly elections in the politically crucial state.

Along with Fadnavis, two of his deputiesShiv Sena boss Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawarwere also sworn in during the grand ceremony that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending nearly two weeks of stalemate.

Fadnavis is now a three-time Maharashtra chief minister besides being a six-time MLA.

Five years ago, he was removed as Chief Minister despite the BJP and the then-undivided Shiv Sena winning the 2019 election.

However, the two then split and Uddhav Thackeray allied the Sena with the Congress and the (also then undivided) NCP to form a government by the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

On Thursday evening, at Mumbai's iconic Azad Maidan, Fadnavis kept his promise to bounce back to power by twin political masterstrokes by the BJP - one of destabilising and dividing the Sena and NCP, and picking up the pieces. Those pieces in the form of Shinde and Ajit Pawar laid the foundation for the Mahayuti's big win.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a dominant victory in the November 20 elections, winning 230 out of 288 Assembly seats.

The BJP emerged as the largest party with a record 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Fadnavis' role as the CM was cleared after Eknath Shinde, who led the Mahayuti Alliance government after splitting with Uddhav Thackeray, said he won't be a problem and left the decision to the top leadership of the BJP.

However, reports earlier revealed that Shinde wasnt willing to accept the Deputys role in the new setting.

There were rumours that he might even skip the oath-taking ceremony, according to an NDTV report.

The speculations gained momentum after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said the party members are set to convince Shinde to take oath.
Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM. Photo Courtesy: PM Modi Official X

Mumbai/IBNS: In his first comments after taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and his first cabinet meeting, Devendra Fadnavis expressed hope that the state would not see any more political turmoil that it has seen over the last few years.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance will provide a stable government for the next five years, he asserted to the people through his media conference.

"From 2019 to mid-2022, we saw a lot of changes. We hope that there are no more similar shocks in the future," he told reporters in an indirect jibe at the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongman Devendra Fadnavis Thursday took oath as the new Maharashtra Chief Minister after a stellar performance of his party in the recently concluded Assembly elections in the politically crucial state.

Along with Fadnavis, two of his deputiesShiv Sena boss Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawarwere also sworn in during the grand ceremony that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending nearly two weeks of stalemate.

"In 2014 I was the Chief Minister and Shinde was with us. In 2019, for 72 hours, Ajit Dada and I were Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister. After that, Shinde was the Chief Minister and Ajit Dada and I were Deputy Chief Ministers. Now I am the Chief Minister and they both are Deputy Chief Ministers," he said speaking about their changed roles.

"Our roles have changed but the direction is the same, the pace is the same... You will not see anything different when you talk about the relation between the three of us," he added.

"This is a government of very fast decisions. Today on the occasion of the oath ceremony, I say the pace at which Maharashtra is going we will not stop," he said, "We have to make sure that all the decisions are well-thought, made at the same pace".

Fadnavis is now a three-time Maharashtra chief minister besides being a six-time MLA.

PM Modi, who was present at the occasion, congratulated Fadnavis and his two deputies.

Congratulations to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister.



Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji and Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state.



This team is a blend of experience and dynamism, and it is pic.twitter.com/IA9rH52H1H  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2024

Five years ago, Fadnavis was removed as Chief Minister despite the BJP and the then-undivided Shiv Sena winning the 2019 election.

However, the two then split and Uddhav Thackeray allied the Sena with the Congress and the (also then undivided) NCP to form a government by the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

On Thursday evening, at Mumbai's iconic Azad Maidan, Fadnavis kept his promise to bounce back to power through twin political masterstrokes by the BJP - one of destabilising and dividing the Sena and NCP, and picking up the pieces. Those pieces in the form of Shinde and Ajit Pawar laid the foundation for the Mahayuti's big win.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a dominant victory in the November 20 elections, winning 230 out of 288 Assembly seats.

The BJP emerged as the largest party with a record 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Fadnavis' role as the CM was cleared after Eknath Shinde, who led the Mahayuti Alliance government after splitting with Uddhav Thackeray, said he won't be a problem and left the decision to the top leadership of the BJP.

However, reports earlier revealed that Shinde wasnt willing to accept the Deputys role in the new setting.

There were rumours that he might even skip the oath-taking ceremony, according to an NDTV report.

The speculations gained momentum after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said the party members are set to convince Shinde to take the oath.
Prohibitory orders in Ambala as protesting farmers plan foot march to Delhi tomorrow. Photo courtesy: File image/UNI

New Delhi/IBNS: Prohibitory orders were imposed in Haryana's Ambala on Thursday evening as protesting farmers have planned a 'Dilli Chalo' march from the Shambhu border on Friday.

The foot-march to the Parliament building in Delhi is scheduled to begin at 1 pm from the Shambhu border protest site on Friday.

This would be the second-foot march planned this week.

Earlier on Monday, farmers from Uttar Pradesh attempted to march to Delhi to highlight their grievances, causing traffic congestion in parts of the national capital and Noida, where the farmers were stopped.

The protesting farmers have gathered under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), seeking legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price of crops, among other things.

Their long list of demands also includes guaranteed compensation and benefits under new laws.

The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February.

The prohibitory orders in Ambala automatically bar any procession on foot, vehicles, or other modes.

Central paramilitary forces have been deployed on the Haryana side of the border along with multi-layer barricading. Senior police officers have reached the border to assess the security situation.


Selling The City OTT release date is set. After Selling the OC, which debuted Season 3 earlier this year, and Selling Tampa, which was canceled after one season, Selling the City is the third spinoff based on Selling Sunset. According to the premise, this reality television follows a group of fashionable and astute New York real estate brokers as they work to close multimillion-dollar deals and create drama. Selling The City will be released on Netflix on 3rd January 2024.

Plot

Netflix claims that Srugo, who is a true New Yorker, grew up in the Soho district and attended the esteemed Stuyvesant High School before beginning her real estate career. She rose through the ranks of the male-dominated, upscale real estate industry to become one of the city's top individual agents after years of self-sacrifice and pounding the pavement. Instead, she chose to leave a legacy by bringing together a group of female agents at Douglas Elliman, who complete the cast of the impending occu-soap.

Cast and crew

Selling the City is executive produced by Chris Cullen, Skyler Wakil, Kristofer Lindquist, and Adam DiVello. The native New Yorker will try to put together her own team of elite agents, including Steve Gold, Gisselle Meneses-Nunez, Abigail Godfrey, Taylor Middleton, Jordyn Taylor Braff, Jade Chan, and Justin Tuinstra, in the first season of the show, which consists of eight episodes.

The description adds, From the creators of Selling Sunset and Selling the OC comes Selling the City, a new series following a dynamic group of no-nonsense, kickass agents at Douglas Elliman as they navigate the cutthroat world of luxury real estate in New York City.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Comedian Sunil Pal has revealed some shocking details about him being kidnapped. Sunil, in a recent interview, talked about his disappearance that made headlines. Wondering what the whole matter is? The comedian's wife, Sunita, on December 2 rushed to the Santacruz Police Station in Mumbai to file a complaint of her husband's missing.

Breaking: Comedian Sunil Pal reveals in a recent interview that SRK used to visit 'Slum' to meet his staff boy Subhash once in 4-6 months, be it his son's birthday or something.



That's why people love him #ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/uL2Lrj1xEi   (@Vamp_Combatant) June 5, 2024

The family realised that Sunil was missing after he became unresponsive to calls for several hours while travelling to Haridwar for an event. The comedian returned to Mumbai the next day but has now shared shocking details on where he was. He has revealed that he was kidnapped and even asked for a ransom of around Rs 8 lakh.

The kidnapping incident explained:

Sunil, while giving interviews to media outlets like Times Now and Telly Talk India, explained how he got into a scam under the name of an event invitation in Haridwar.

Sunil said when he arrived at the venue, he was taken to some place. Sunil soon realised that something was wrong at that moment. Sunil further added the kidnappers demanded lakhs from him and threatened him for life.

Sunil shared that after getting the amount asked, basically the ransom, the kidnappers arranged a flight for him to come back to Mumbai. The comedian said, They blindfolded me, gave me Rs 20,000 for expenses, and instructed me to leave after 1012 minutes. Once I removed the blindfold, I found myself near the airport.

The experience that Sunil Pal shared with the media is terrifying and should be taken as a warning call. This shows how risky it can be for celebrities to accept unknown invitations.

As per the latest media reports, concerned authorities are now investigating the matter.
A major update in the ongoing probe into Baba Siddique's assassination has come. As per the latest media reports, the shooters who assassinated politician Baba Siddique initially planned to target Bollywood actor and currently the host of Bigg Boss 18, Salman Khan. According to media reports, including one from India Today, during the ongoing investigation, suspects in the case revealed that Salman was their first target, but due to his security, the plan failed.

The plan to murder Salman then changed to assassinate Baba Siddique.

All about the Baba Siddique assassination case:

Baba Siddique was a prominent politician and also a close friend of actor Salman Khan. The politician was assassinated in October this year outside his son's office in Mumbai's Bandra East.

The attack was carried out by three assailants. Baba was taken to Lilavati Hospital, but he was unfortunately declared dead on arrival.

Long-time rival of Salman Khan, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination in a Facebook post. The gang then said since Baba has connections to the underworld and was a close ally of Salman, he was attacked.

What is Salman Khan's rivalry with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang about?

Salman Khan was allegedly involved in a blackbuck poaching case that has triggered his rivalry with the Bishnoi community in India that considers blackbucks sacred.

What is the status now?

The current scenario with the latest findings indicates that Salman Khan's life is still under threat. Authorities are still investigating the killing of Baba Siddique and potential plans the gang has targeting Salman Khan. The actors security remains a top priority amid these developments.
With much excitement surrounding the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, the sequel to the massive hit Pushpa: The Rise, fans have been eagerly waiting for nearly three years for the continuation of this action-packed saga. Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2: The Rule stars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil in the lead roles. The film has already earned over Rs 100 crore through advance bookings across India in all languages, reported in TOI. According to Sacnilk, it will be released in around 40,000 shows in India, making it the largest release in cinema history. Additionally, the advance booking total is expected to exceed Rs 105-110 crore, setting a new record for any movie.

Who is Sukumar? The Visionary Director Behind Pushpa 2: The Rule

Bandreddi Sukumar is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer, primarily working in Telugu cinema. Known for his unique storytelling style, Sukumar is celebrated for creating complex, multi-layered characters, often giving his protagonists grey shades that make them intriguing. His work has placed him among the highest-paid directors in Indian cinema.

Sukumar's success story began in an unexpected way. Before venturing into films, he worked as a mathematics and physics lecturer at a junior college in Kakinada. Despite his steady teaching career, Sukumar always had a creative streak, which led him to the film industry. He worked as a writer and later as an assistant director under V.V. Vinayak.

His first breakthrough came when he directed Arya (2004), which became a huge success and established Sukumar as a prominent director. His success was further solidified with awards like the Filmfare Award for Best Director and the Nandi Award for Best Screenplay Writer for Arya.

Sukumars Film Career and Notable Works

Sukumars career is marked by a series of notable films, each showcasing his distinctive approach to storytelling. After Arya, Sukumar continued his journey in Telugu cinema with films like Arya 2 (2009), 100% Love (2011), 1: Nenokkadine (2014), Nannaku Prematho (2016), Rangasthalam (2018), and Pushpa: The Rise (2021). Each of these films further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker with a unique vision and style. His work on Rangasthalam was particularly praised for its rural setting and character depth, and the film became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time.

Pushpa: The Rise became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021, and the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has already been eagerly anticipated by audiences. In addition to his directorial work, Sukumar has also produced films like Kumari 21F (2015), Uppena (2021), and Virupaksha (2023) under his production banner, Sukumar Writings.

Sukumars Early Life and Education

Sukumar was born on 11 January 1970 in a small village called Mattaparru, located in East Godavari (now part of Konaseema district) in Andhra Pradesh. He was the youngest of six children in his family. His father, Tirupathi Rao Naidu, was a rice trader, while his mother, Veera Veni, was a homemaker. Sukumar had a unique childhood experience; after the death of a rooster he loved, Sukumar adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, which lasted for many years.

He completed his schooling at Zilla Parishad High School in Razole and later pursued a master's degree in mathematics. After his graduation, Sukumar worked as a lecturer for nearly seven years at Aditya Junior College in Kakinada. Despite his academic background, Sukumar was drawn to the world of cinema, where he would later make a name for himself.

Sukumars Personal Life and Family

In his personal life, Sukumar is married to Thabitha Hamsini, whom he met during the screening of his film Arya. The couple got married in 2009 after a courtship of four years. Although Thabithas parents initially opposed their relationship due to Sukumars profession as a filmmaker, they eventually accepted their union. The couple has two children: a daughter named Sukriti and a son named Sukranth.

Sukumar's family life is relatively private, but his strong bond with his wife and children is well-known to his fans.

A Recap of Pushpa: The Rise and Pushpa 2: The Rule

The first film in the Pushpa series, released in 2021, introduced Allu Arjun as Pushpa Raj, a coolie who rises through the ranks of a red sandalwood smuggling syndicate in the forests of Andhra Pradesh. The success of the film made it one of the highest-grossing films of 2021. The much-anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, continues the story and is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media. In addition to Allu Arjun, the sequel also stars Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Dhananjaya, Sunil, and Ajay Ghosh. The film has been receiving attention for its gripping storyline and powerful performances.

The Technical Crew of Pushpa 2 includes Miroslaw Kuba Brozek as the cinematographer, Naveen Nooli as the editor, and Devi Sri Prasad, who returns to compose the music. Sam CS also contributes with the background score. Pushpa 2 has already earned praise, and Allu Arjun won a National Award for Best Actor for his remarkable performance. Devi Sri Prasad also won the National Award for Best Music Direction for the film.

Sukumars journey from a mathematics lecturer to one of the most celebrated directors in Indian cinema is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and creative vision. With his direction of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Sukumar continues to redefine the Telugu film industry and deliver unforgettable cinematic experiences. Whether its his unique storytelling or his deep connection with his characters, Sukumars impact on Indian cinema is undeniable.


Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is a day observed every year on December 6th to honour the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution. He was a strong supporter of social justice and fought for the rights of Dalits and other disadvantaged groups. Dr Ambedkar passed away in 1956, and his legacy continues to inspire many people in India and around the world.



This year marks the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas, with people across the country paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar, especially at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, where his ashes are enshrined. The day is a time to remember his vital role in shaping India's Constitution and his ongoing influence on the fight for equality and social justice.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas



#MahaparinirvanDiwas is observed annually on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution



Dr. Ambedkar, a revered leader, pic.twitter.com/eZFWpns9gF  PIB India (@PIB_India) December 5, 2024

What's Closed on Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

Government and Semi-Government Offices in Mumbai and Suburbs

The Maharashtra government has announced a local holiday on December 6th for state and semi-government offices in Mumbai and nearby areas. Employees will have the day off to observe the occasion and take part in the various events and tributes being held in Dr Ambedkar's honour.

Liquor Shops

According to a report by Mid Day, liquor shops in Mumbai will be closed on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, as the Mumbai City Collector has declared the day a dry day. This is a regular measure taken during important commemorative days in Mumbai.

What's Open on December 6th?

Banks

All public and private banks in Maharashtra, including major ones like the State Bank of India (SBI), will remain open on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Banking services will continue as usual, so customers can carry out their usual transactions without any interruptions.

Stock Markets

Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will operate normally on December 6th. This means stock trading and financial services will be unaffected, and business will proceed as usual.

Are schools open or closed tomorrow in Maharashtra?

The Education Department's Cluster Resource Center (CRC) has informed all schools in Mumbai that they will be closed tomorrow. A letter from the Deputy Director of Education to all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai confirms that December 6th will be a holiday in honour of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Crowd Management for Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Every year, thousands of people from all over Maharashtra come to Mumbai to pay their respects to Dr Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi. To manage the large crowds, the Central Railway has introduced new measures to ensure safety and prevent overcrowding. For the first time, holding areas have been set up at key stations across Mumbai. These steps have been taken following a stampede at Bandra Terminus, which highlighted the need for better crowd control.

Special Trains for Commuters

To handle the extra passengers, the Central Railway will run 12 additional suburban trains on the nights of December 5th and 6th. Six trains will operate on the main line, and six on the harbour line. To help manage the crowds, separate entry and exit points will be set up at Dadar station, allowing for smoother travel during the busy days.

Traffic Advisory for Commuters

In view of the #MahaparinirvanDiwas of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar a large number of devotees are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi, Dadar



To avoid inconvenience following traffic arrangement will be in place from 6.00 hrs in the morning of 5th Dec till 24.00 hrs on 7th Dec pic.twitter.com/OYWqcF2gYe  Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) December 3, 2024

As many people will be travelling to Chaityabhoomi, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a special advisory. Traffic measures will be in place from 6:00 AM on December 5th until midnight on December 7th to ensure smooth flow of vehicles and avoid congestion. It's recommended for commuters to plan their travel carefully and allow extra time for their journeys to avoid any inconvenience.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas is an important day for remembering Dr Ambedkar's contributions to India's Constitution and his continued influence on social justice. On this day, many things in Maharashtra will be closed, while others will remain open as usual. Whether you're dealing with banking, stock market activities, or travelling around Mumbai, it's important to stay informed about what's open and what's closed. By planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and respectful experience on this significant day.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Every year on December 6, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is in remembrance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a visionary leader. Today commemorates the anniversary of his passing and honours his enormous achievements in building a society that is more equitable and just. Dr. Ambedkar devoted his life to helping underprivileged people and combating prejudice based on caste. As a scholar, human rights activist, and social reformer, he was instrumental in forming contemporary India. His work made it possible for the Indian Constitution to be based on the values of justice, equality, and liberty. People all around the nation honours his legacy on this day by praying, getting together, and talking about his vision and beliefs. In addition to honouring his life, Mahaparinirvan Diwas serves as a reminder to keep pursuing Dr. Ambedkar's goal of an egalitarian and just society.

When was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born?

On April 14, 1891, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in Mhow, in the Central Provinces (present-day Madhya Pradesh). He was an Indian lawyer, economist, politician, and social reformer who was also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Why Dr BR Ambedkar is famous in India?

Credit: Andhra University

In India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is well-known for advocating for justice and equality. He is credited for making the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all citizens irrespective of gender, caste, or religion. He devoted his life to fighting caste prejudice and improving the lot of underprivileged groups, particularly Dalits. In addition, Dr. Ambedkar was a shining scholar, social reformer, and leader who supported universal education, human rights, and empowerment. Millions of people are still inspired by him today because of his efforts to advance social justice and combat injustice, which have made him a symbol of change and hope in India.

What is Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

One of Buddhism's core ideas is the state of Parinirvana. It represents a person who has achieved nirvana, or liberation, in this life and the next. Parinirvan is the Sanskrit term for achieving nirvana after death, or the soul's release from the body after death. This Pali term, "Parinibbana," refers to the achievement of nirvana. According to the Buddhist literature Mahaparinibbana Sutta, Lord Buddha's death at 80 is considered the first instance of Mahaparinirvana. Often perceived as anti-religious, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a Buddhist. said "I will not die a Hindu" and died on December 6, 1956, a little under two months after becoming a Buddhist. Because Babasaheb Ambedkar was a highly esteemed Buddhist leader, his death date is also known as Mahaparinirvana Diwas. As a result, it is believed that Babasaheb Ambedkar's incalculable contribution to society is celebrated on December 6.

Significance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Credit: Supreme Court of India

The term "Mahaparinirvan" has its roots in Buddhist philosophy. It stands for the ultimate state of freedom and escapes from the cycle of mortality and reincarnation (samsara). It represents the attainment of complete peace and light. Every year on December 6, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed to honour the life of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a social justice activist and the drafter of the Indian Constitution. In addition to commemorating his lasting impact in encouraging equality and human rights and assisting marginalized populations, the day represents his change to eternal peace. It is a day for reflection, remembering, and a reaffirmation of the commitment to his goal of an equitable and welcoming community.

B.R. Ambedkar's role in the constitution of India

The chairman of the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution was Dr. Ambedkar. Among his notable accomplishments are:

Social Equality: Advocated for the establishment of fundamental rights and the abolition of untouchability.

Encouraged an independent judiciary free from political influence: Ambedkar advocated for an independent judiciary free from political control.

Defended the rights of minorities: Pushed for reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) to guarantee them access to employment and education.

Contribution of B.R. Ambedkar to the Dalit Movement

Credit: NewsClick

Dr. Ambedkar played a vital role in the Dalit movement, which aimed to uplift underprivileged groups.

Fought Discrimination: Promoted the abolition of untouchability and discrimination based on caste.

Temple Entry Movement: Started working to allow Dalits to enter temples that are open to the public.

Education: Stressed the importance of education in fostering social empowerment.

Buddhism Conversion: Encouraged Dalits to convert to Buddhism in order to avoid caste prejudice.

Contribution of Dr. B R Ambedkar to India's Development

It is generally known that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar advocated for the rights of the poor, empowered them, and heard their concerns. Among his noteworthy contributions to the advancement of the country are:

BR Ambedkar's most significant contribution to India was his struggle against untouchability. During his school years, he encountered discrimination due to his Dalit identity, which sowed the seeds in him.

The Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha was established in Mumbai in 1924 by Ambedkar in an attempt to educate and solve the issues of the untouchables.

Ambedkar battled to guarantee Dalits the same access to water as members of higher castes.

To defend untouchables' access to temples, he launched a campaign against Hindu Brahmins.

Ambedkar agreed to provide the downtrodden classes special seats in the legislature when he signed the Poona Pact on September 25, 1932. They were referred to as Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

In his book Annihilation of Caste, he vehemently opposed the Hindu caste system, which he loathed.

Ambedkar was a lawyer. He became India's first Minister of Law and Justice after helping to create the country's constitution.

About 5 lakh of Ambedkar's supporters converted to Buddhism when he became a Buddhist on October 14, 1956. He died on December 6th of that year.

Holiday declared for Mahaparinirvan Diwas

In observance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's passing, the Maharashtra government declared Friday, December 6, a public holiday. In Mumbai and the neighboring areas, banks, schools, and liquor stores will remain closed.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Things have gone from bad to worse for French President Emmanuel Macron, whose Renaissance party suffered a devastating blow in the snap elections he called in June and July this year. After two rounds of voting, the New Popular Front outperformed Macron's Ensemble, with neither side anywhere near the majority mark.

Prime Minister for three months

As talks for an alliance collapsed, Michel Barnier became the new French Prime Minister in September this year. However, he was forced to leave office on Wednesday after failing a no-confidence vote in Parliament, with the unwanted distinction of being the shortest-serving French PM in over six decades.

CREDIT: REUTERS

This is despite the fact that with Barnier's appointment, Macron had hoped he would be able to run a minority government until the next French Presidential elections scheduled for 2027.

Who is Michel Barnier

Before his short-lived stint as the Prime Minister of France, 71-year-old Barnier had made a name for himself domestically and in the European Union.

CREDIT: REUTERS

His most notable role started in 2016, following the Brexit vote in the UK. Barnier was appointed as the European Commission's chief negotiator with the UK to discuss the terms of Brexit and the future relations between the two sides.

In the next couple of years, Barnier led the European Commission's negotiations with the UK, discussing a host of issues, including bilateral trade, the movement of goods and people, and most importantly, the status of Northern Ireland.

These negotiations were some of the toughest, as neither side was willing to give concessions to the other due to political ramifications.

Michel Barnier's roles in French governments

In domestic politics, over the decades Barnier has served in several French cabinet positions, including as Minister of the Environment, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Failed presidential election bid

In 2021, Barnier also launched an unsuccessful bid to be the presidential nominee of a political faction within the Republicans under the name "Patriot and European" for the 2022 French presidential elections. However, after finishing third in the race, Barnier ended his bid and had remained largely absent from politics until he was suddenly nominated as the Prime Minister in September.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Rumour has it that Nana, the talented idol-turned-actress, has found love with model Chae Jong Seok. The two met on the set of Baek Jiyoung's music video Indeed, It Was Love, in which they also co-starred and have been inseparable ever since.

Nana and Chae Jong Seok are dating: Report

Nana, the talented actress from the Netflix K-drama Mask Girl, is in a relationship with Chae Jong Seok, Koreaboo reported. The couple allegedly kept their relationship private for a while but was recently spotted together on a holiday in Bali, it added.

Couple's lovestagram goes viral

If industry insiders are to be believed, Nana, 33, and Chae Jong Seok, 27, have been head-over-heels for each other despite their six-year age gap. The couple's romance has been going strong, with a recent getaway to Bali in June outing their sacred secret. The couple reportedly opted for a tropical escape to take a break from their otherwise hectic schedule, and also posted some sneak peeks of their getaway on social media, sparking lovestagram rumours.

KDM THE HOTTEST COUPLE NANA AND MODEL CHAE JONG SEOK DI BALI BEBERAPA BULAN LALU pic.twitter.com/U2nCsdAW4Z  K-Drama Menfess (@kdrama_menfess) December 5, 2024

Further fueling romance speculation, the report stated that Chae Jong Seok's non-celebrity friends follow Nana on social media. While the After School actress previously followed them back, she recently unfollowed them in an apparent attempt to keep a low profile. Additionally, photos from a brand event in October 2024 show the rumoured lovebirds standing next to each other.

Agency responds to the rumours

When local media reached out for a comment to their respective agencies, they denied saying it's difficult to confirm details related to artists' private lives.

How did fans react to the news?

One fan extended their support to the couple, writing, "If the reports are true, it would be great to see how they support each other in their careers."

Another wrote, "This pair looks so pretty."

"Big news! Wishing Nana and Chae Jongsuk happiness and love in their journey together" added another netizen.

"I knew that chemistry was not for the show so happy for my queen," noted another fan.

Actress Nana and model Chae Jongsuk are reportedly dating. pic.twitter.com/5nWd1ro238  Pop Base (@PopBase) December 5, 2024

About Nana

Nana, whose real name is Im Jin-ah, debuted as a K-pop idol with the South Korean girl group After School and its subgroups, Orange Caramel and After School Red in 2009.

Nana has established herself as a talented actress with several notable performances. However, it was her captivating performance in the Netflix series Mask Girl that catapulted her to stardom. She is also known for her roles in Glitch and My Man is Cupid.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
OnlyFans model Scarlet Vas is expecting her first child with husband Tayo Ricci, who also happens to be her stepbrother. The influencer couple, who tied the knot last year, shared the news with their followers in September, revealing their baby girl is due later this month.

"And then there were three," the couple shared in a joint Instagram post on September 12. "We can't wait to meet you."

Couple documenting pregnancy journey amid backlash

Since their September announcement, Scarlet has been documenting her pregnancy journey on social media, and while she has garnered ample support in this wild ride from her husband, social media scrutiny against them has been intense due to the unconventional nature of their relationship.

The couple is aware of the backlash but has opted to blissfully block out the haters as they gear up for parenthood. With their baby girl set to arrive later this month, they're more focused on birth prep exercises and discussing diaper duties.

Speaking of the criticism, Vas told news.com.au, "Honestly, it doesn't affect us because we have each other," she continued. "I don't really read our comments section, but if I do, I actually laugh. We find trolls very entertaining."

So how did it all begin?

Scarlet, 29, and Tayo, 27, met as teenagers through mutual friends, the OnlyFans model told the publication, explaining, "Our families knew each other and they introduced us I guess you could say. So we've known each other for a very long time."

Vas shared that they have recently made the move back to their hometown in Australia after spending five years in America, where they focused on their professional front and successfully built careers as content creators.

"We didn't know what we were doing," she said, "but people were drawn to us, and whenever we did anything together it would always go very viral."

'We do spark controversy'

Scarlet Vas candidly shared that she and Tayo Ricci are thriving on the "step-sibling" content. "We didn't realize it was so popular, maybe because it's rare?" she blabbed. Despite sparking controversy, Scarlet acknowledged that sharing their unconventional love story has resonated with many. She joked, "We do spark controversy, I know that."

They met before their parents got married!

They were lovers first and became step-siblings later. Although the specifics of which parents tied the knot remain unclear, Scarlet has previously shared on TikTok that she and Tayo share a mother.

More about the couple

Vas, who rose to fame with the Australian soap Neighbours from 2017 to 2018, first grabbed eyeballs for her relationship with Ricky when she posted a video titled, I fell in love with my bfs best friend  who happens to be my step-bro.

Tayo Ricci has built a tremendous online presence, with a whopping 6 million followers on Instagram. Meanwhile, Scarlet Vas enjoys a huge following across platforms: 2.4 million on Instagram and an impressive 6.2 million on TikTok, where she frequently shares updates and insights into their unconventional life.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Abhinav Arora, a self-proclaimed spiritual orator, has once again caught the attention of netizens with his dancing in Lord Hanuman's attire. A viral video published on 'X' shows Arora executing a dance on 'Sita Ram' in the form of Lord Hanuman. Abhinav Arora, dressed in crimson, was seen wearing a garland and 'Mukut'. He also painted his mouth red to imitate the deity's avatar. He also held a mace (Gada) to represent Lord Hanuman.

Abhinav Arora's dance irritated people on the internet

I was worried about his mental health. Now I'm worried about mine pic.twitter.com/bssDfBmgUu  s s / tau (@kamleshksingh) December 5, 2024

Abhinav Arora's dance irritated netizens, who had previously criticized him for "not focusing on education." "We need smartphones without camera", a user hilariously wrote in the comments.

A worried user commented, "Oh God ! Its that same kid! His parents are exploiting him ,they need to be booked ! When he will grow up nd be mature he is going to hate his parents for doing this to him!"

Arora previously received threats from Bishnoi gang

#WATCH | Mathura, UP: Family of Abhinav Arora claims that he received a life threat from Lawrence Bishnoi gang.



His mother, Jyoti Arora says, "...We received a call message from Lawrence Bishnoi group today where we were being threatened that Abhinav would be killed. Last pic.twitter.com/A89FNRvOCN  ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2024

The family of spiritual content creator Abhinav Arora said Monday that Lawrence Bishnoi's group had threatened to kill him. "There are attempts to use social media to intensify our condition. These threats are not justified by anything Abhinav has done," the mother of Abhinav Arora told news agency ANI.

"He has only concentrated on his devotion and has to put up with so much. Abhinav was threatened with death in a call we got today from the Lawrence Bishnoi group. I missed a call last night, and we got a message from the same number today saying that Abhinav would be killed," she continued.

The 10-year-old spiritual content maker from Delhi recently attracted criticism after a video leaked showing him being reprimanded by Swami Rambhadracharya at a religious gathering. Abhinav's mother responded to the uproar to the viral video, claiming that even elders' scolding can be viewed positively.

Also read: How 10-year-old Abhinav Arora balances mala jaap, school, and spirituality: A glimpse into his daily routine

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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The face of the guy who inspired the fabled character of Santa Claus has been exposed for the first time in nearly 1,700 years. According to reports, scientists used data from the skull of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the real-life bishop who inspired the idea of Santa Claus, to "forensically recreate" his visage.

Who was Saint Nicholas of Myra?

He was a Christian saint, and his propensity for gift-giving influenced the Dutch folk figure Sinterklaas, who later became Santa Claus. Around the same time, this mythical creature fused with English Father Christmas to become the beloved persona of children all around the world.

Despite his enormous popularity, Saint Nicholas of Myra cannot be adequately described. People can see his "living face" for the first time.

Cicero Moraes, the lead author of the new study, told the Mirror that the facial structure revealed that the saint had a "strong and gentle face," adding that it is "curiously compatible" with the face described in the 1823 poem A Visit From St Nicholas, also known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

The scientists used Luigi Martino's data from 1950

Moraes told the publication that he and his colleagues used Luigi Martino's data from 1950, saying, "We initially reconstructed the skull in 3D using this data."

"We then traced the profile of the face using statistical projections. We supplemented this with the anatomical deformation technique, in which the tomography of a living person's head is adjusted so that the virtual donor's skull matches that of the saint. The final face is an interpolation of all this information, seeking anatomical and statistical coherence, he explained.

"He was a bishop who lived in the early centuries of Christianity and dared to defend and live the teachings of Jesus Christ, even at the risk of his life," Jos Luis Lira, the study's co-author and an expert on saints' lives, told the outlet, discussing the significance of the real-life saint.

Also read: This US-Canada Military Agency Has Been Tracking Santa Claus For 68 Years

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Vaccine researcherPeter Hotez recently made a bold prediction, warning that a wave of deadly viruses could hit the Trump administration immediately after Inauguration Day. Speaking on MSNBC, Hotez discussed the potential health challenges awaiting the new administration, suggesting a looming viral onslaught as a key issue in their health agenda.

What did vaccine researcher Peter Hotez say?

Pediatrician and vaccine advocate Peter Hotez recently warned that several viral outbreaks could hit the United States after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 21, 2025.

HERE WE GO! Vaccine researcher Peter Hotez says multiple viruses will be unleashed on America the day after Trump takes office



We have some big picture stuff coming down the pike starting on January 21st.



pic.twitter.com/SlGrvBddsC  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2024

Dr. Peter Hotez is the co-director of the Texas Childrens Center for Vaccine Development (CVD).

Speaking on MSNBC, Hotez discussed the upcoming health challenges the Trump administration may face, especially with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to become the Health and Human Services Secretary.

Hotez expressed concern about potential viral threats, including H5N1 bird flu, which is spreading across wild birds and into poultry in the U.S.

He also raised alarm about new coronaviruses, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika, and a rising trend in vaccine-preventable diseases, partly due to anti-vaccine movements.

Hotez emphasised the need for a capable health team to handle these growing threats as they could quickly escalate.

Vaccine debate between Elon Musk, Joe Rogan and Peter Hotez

Peter Hotez has made headlines before.

Back in June 2023, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise Joe Rogan's podcast, where Rogan hosted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss his anti-vaccine views.

Hotez labeled the conversation as "nonsense" and shared a Vice article that accused Spotify of not doing enough to stop vaccine misinformation.

Spotify Has Stopped Even Sort of Trying to Stem Joe Rogans Vaccine Misinformation. Its really true @annamerlan just awful. And from all the online attacks Im receiving after this absurd podcast, its clear many actually believe this nonsense https://t.co/GwIFsOODC2  Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) June 17, 2023

Joe Rogan offered $100,000 to charity if Hotez would debate RFK Jr. live on his show.

Joe, you have my cell, my email, Im always willing to speak with you https://t.co/dJDzJMxBwi  Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) June 17, 2023

In response, X CEO Elon Musk claimed that Hotez was "afraid of a public debate" because he knew he was wrong.

First of all, I am generally pro vaccine. I have been vaccinated against pretty much everything, as have my kids.



Second, I think there is tremendous promise in synthetic mRNA. It is like medicine going from analog to digital.



That said, the world obviously went crazy with pic.twitter.com/lQkqY8uvgT  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 18, 2023

Musk later clarified his stance on vaccinations, stating that while he supports vaccines, he believes there was an overreach with COVID-19 vaccinations, citing personal experiences of side effects and questioning the widespread use of the vaccine.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
A major police operation in Thessaloniki has blown the lid off a sophisticated art forgery ring that allegedly flooded European auction houses with fake masterpieces.

On Thursday, police stormed a workshop

near the Agia Sofia area, believed to be the hub of the counterfeit operation.

Inside, officers discovered a treasure trove of forged paintings, some valued as high as 100,000 each. Three individuals were detained for questioning as police seized a vanload of evidence, including counterfeit artwork and tools used in the forgery process.

This elaborate scheme allegedly involved selling the fake paintings to unsuspecting buyers across Europe, generating massive profits for the criminal organization.

The operation, which continued late into the evening, highlights the growing problem of art forgery in the international market.

The Hellenic Police (EL.AS) is expected to release an official statement with further details once the investigation concludes.

   iefimerida.gr
Greek telecommunications giant OTE Group is accelerating its shift to electric vehicles, aiming to have over 90% of its fleet powered by electricity by 2028.

The ambitious move is part of the company's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

By early 2025, 828 new electric vehicles will join

the COSMOTE Technical Services fleet, representing a significant step towards this goal Group is also investing in a nationwide charging infrastructure and providing driver training to support the transition.

This initiative is expected to slash CO2 emissions by 2,400 tons annually  equivalent to the electricity consumption of 1,500 households. OTE Group's Chief Financial Officer, Babis Mazarakis, hailed the move as a major milestone in the company's journey towards a greener future.

The shift to electric vehicles aligns with the sustainability strategy of OTE Group's parent company, Deutsche Telekom, underscoring a global commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

The initiative sets a strong example for other businesses in Greece and beyond, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to a more sustainable transportation model.

   iefimerida.gr
Some retired military personnel have shut down Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday over their unpaid entitlements.

The retirees, under the umbrella of Coalition of Military Pensioners, accused the Federal Government of not paying them a 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.

Among their demands are their owed payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, the payment of an additional N32,000 to their pensions, the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and a refund of deductions made from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers, among other demands.

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Addressing newsmen on Thursday, one of the leaders of the group, Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.), lamented the plight of military pensioners.

READ MORE: EFCC Recovers 753 Duplexes From Ex-Govt Official In Abuja

He added that their unpaid entitlements had caused untold hardship.

Azubuike said: We were told approval has been secured for the payment of our entitlements. The only thing remaining is cash backing.

We were told to exercise patience and assured that our long-unpaid entitlements would be settled in November.

November is gone, and there is no indication of when this will happen because its a matter with the FMoF and not the Ministry of Defence.


In a surprise move, four lawmakers from the Labour Party (LP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives.

The defection was disclosed on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Thursday.

The four lawmakers who defected are Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Constituency), Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Constituency) and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo).

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READ ALSO: PDP Crisis: No One Can Stop Me From Defecting To APC  Wike Insists

According to reports, the lawmakers attributed their defection to an alleged crisis within the Labour Party.

This development has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some critics accusing the lawmakers of lacking ideology and principles.
Veteran Nollywood actress Binta Ayo Mogaji proudly celebrated her son, Fareed Mogaji, as he graduated from Lead City University, Ibadan, during the 2024 convocation ceremony.

In an emotional message posted on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday, the actress thanked God for witnessing the major milestone.

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She also expressed gratitude to friends, family, and colleagues for their constant support throughout her sons university journey, with special recognition given to veteran actor Jibola Dabo, the father of her child.

READ MORE: Nollywood Star Princess Chineke Embarks On New Path, Joins U.S. Army

The actress also thanked the Performing Arts Department of Lead City University, Epitome Schools, and House5 Social Club members for their contributions to her sons accomplishment.

Fareeds graduation comes just months after Mogaji shared that she became a mother at 40, despite having only one fallopian tube.

Captioning pictures of the convocation ceremony, she wrote, Alihamdulillahi Alihamdulillahi

Alihamdulillahi I glorify Gods name for witnessing my only sons @fareed_mogaji graduation at Lead City University, ibadan. Convocation 2024.

I thank thank the people who had been my support systems so far @kolayems4u @waleilebiyi @olakunleakinyele @iyaibeji04

@goldmender_global Alhaji abdullateef, Mr tunde faloye.a.k.a. aroplanla @jibola_dabo @seunawodele Taiwo Adamolekun, Alhaji Mutiu Adepoju(headmaster) Ms Ayo Adisa, My very good friendMadam Bisi Mohammed @epitome_schools @performingartslcu_, Kola Thomas junior, The entire members of house5 social club, and last but not the least @jamalmogaji.

I am so grateful to you all and those who couldnt make it but were with us in kind too numerous to mention Nkan ayo koni tan ni ile gbogbo wa o ese mo dupe.

SEE POST:
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended four officers accused of stealing 43.16 million from a total of 74.95 million seized during an unauthorized arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The police also dismissed allegations that Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun was protecting a cartel accused of smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The officers suspended include DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all of whom worked at Zone 7 Headquarters.

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In August 2023, officers led by Inspector Okafor, acting on the orders of DSP Ejike, apprehended Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash on behalf of clients.

The officers were accused of reporting only N31.79 million of the recovered amount, while withholding the remaining N43.16 million.

The issue was raised to the IGP Monitoring Unit when the moneys owners filed a petition.

READ MORE: Amotekun Apprehends 22 Suspects For Kidnapping, Robbery In Ondo

A statement released on Wednesday by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that investigations found the officers had colluded to steal a portion of the cash and tried to cover their tracks by claiming technical problems with the evidence and spreading misleading information.

He said, Upon being contacted by the alleged owners of the money, the officers claimed that the sum they had recovered from the arrested suspect was N31,790,000, and requested a percentage of the money to jeopardise the investigation and suppress the case. Outraged by their actions, the money owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, Abuja and the matter was directed to the IGP Monitoring Unit for investigation. During the process, the cash sum of N31,790,000 was recovered from the officers, who claimed that it was the total money recovered from Andrew Ejah during his arrest.

After intense investigations and a series of trial, before duly constituted disciplinary panels, it was discovered that the officers took photographs of the suspect and the sacks of money at the point of arrest but claimed the phone they used was damaged and subsequently lost, in an attempt to conceal their misconduct.

However, forensic intelligence showed that this group of officers conspired and stole part of the money, amounting to N43,160,000, and tasked one of them to move the cash out of the FCT for hiding pending when the heat would blow over. They, thereafter, resorted to several tricks and gimmicks to cover their tracks. One was the spread of this false narrative and misinformation to several online blogs and newspaper platforms.

These officers have been suspended, being found culpable of serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, corrupt practice, illegal duty, and acts unbecoming of a police officer. 

Adejobi also denounced what it called a sponsored misinformation campaign aimed at linking the IGP to the scandal.

He said, It is pertinent to note that the circulating false narrative is a sponsored misinformation cultivated by mischief makers who seek to divert attention from the criminal acts of the police officers by attempting to join issues with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The affected officers will be prosecuted upon conclusion of due legal and administrative procedures.

We urge the public and the media to refrain from spreading this false narrative aimed at tainting the reputation of the Inspector-General of Police. Such misinformation undermines public trust and detracts from the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reform the Police Force by eradicating unprofessional elements.
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested four robbery suspects believed to be members of the notorious Shila Boys.

This loosely organized group is known for robbing residents of mobile phones, cash, and other small possessions, often in broad daylight.

According to a statement signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje on Wednesday, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, during a raid on criminal hideouts in Mubi, a major commercial hub 194 kilometers north of Yola.

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READ MORE: Benue Police Nab Eight Armed Robbery Suspects

Offensive weapons were reportedly found in their possession.

The operation, carried out by police operatives from select local government areas in collaboration with sister security agencies, led to the arrest of the suspects, aged between 22 and 24 years.

These suspects are Adamu Halidu, 22 years old, a resident of Yelwa, Mubi North; Ahmed Ibrahim, 23 years, a resident of Lukuwa Ward, Mubi North LGA; Saadu Haruna, 24 years, a resident of Tashan Gyela, Mubi South; and Ahmed Haruna, 23 years, a resident of Nasarawo, Mubi South LGA.


Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has defended the ongoing blending of petroleum products at the old Port Harcourt refinery.

According to Kyari, blending is an integral part of the refining process and not a crime

The NNPC boss made this Wednesday disclosure while speaking at the commissioning of the NUPENG Towers in Lagos.

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He explained that blending is necessary to bring products to the specification of different countries or regions.

If you dont blend, you will bring out off-spec products which will destroy your vehicles.

Every refinery blends because what is on specification in the United States of America will be off-spec in Nigeria and elsewhere.

READ ALSO: NNPC Denies Importing Adulterated Fuel Amid Price Protests

Blending is necessary to bring products to the specification of different countries or regions, Kyari said.

Kyari also invited those in doubt about the operationalization of the refinery, including Femi Falana, human rights activist and lawyer, to join him on a tour of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to verify their various statuses.

The Port Harcourt refinery commenced crude oil processing on November 26, after several years of being moribund.

The refinery has also commenced the loading of petroleum products for trucks, with a daily output of 1.4 million litres of petrol.

Kyaris statement comes amid concerns raised by some Nigerians about the refinerys operations.

However, the NNPC boss assured that the refinery is up and running, with loading operations in full swing.


Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied claims that Lagos will benefit most from the proposed tax reforms.

Sanwo-Olu made this Wednesday statement in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum Market Days 2024 in Morocco.

The Governor urged Nigerians to take time to understand the provisions of the reforms, countering claims that Lagos would be the primary beneficiary.

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What those uncomfortable with the tax reform are not willing to accept is that there is no way of making an omelette without breaking the egg, Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu also stated that the reforms would require everyone to work harder to realize their full benefits.

You cannot make changes if the reforms are not set in. I have advised that people should take time to read the provisions of the reform very well and to fully understand what theyre trying to do.

I have seen comments around. Comments like Lagos is going to be the major beneficiary. It is not true. Lagos is actually going to be a shaped-off in some places, but on a larger scale basis, we see it as a global thing for a better governance structure.

READ ALSO: 2027: I Have No Plans To Succeed Gov Sanwo-Olu  Lagos Assembly Speaker, Obasa

All of us will play better and well be able to discipline ourselves more. Some of the things that you will see is that you need to work harder for you to get the full benefit of the reform. So its not just an easy kill, he noted.

According to him, Lagos may face some losses in certain areas but will also gain greater opportunities to play a more significant role.

He stressed the urgent need for reform, pointing out Nigerias low tax-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio, which ranks among the lowest globally.

Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the proposed reforms would unlock significant opportunities for all states and non-governmental actors.

I have a positive attitude to it. I see it as a very wonderful reform. Tax-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria is one of the lowest in the world, the Governor said.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has opposed the bills, claiming it will negatively impact their region. However, Sanwo-Olu reassured Nigerians that the reforms are not intended to hurt anyone but to foster a fair and inclusive system that benefits everyone.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued warning to Federal Government not to scrap the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

ASUU noted that suffocating the funding source of TETFund to run the Nigerian Education Loan Fund would destroy public education in the country.

Speaking on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily breakfast programme on Thursday, the union President, Emmanuel Sodeke alleged that some members of the ruling class want to destroy public universities and ensure that the children of the poor remain slaves.

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He said: The only source of funding is from TETFund, so when you destroy it, you have destroyed public universities.

TETFund is a product of ASUU. You cant make the tax laws without meeting with ASUU for inputs before proposing it before the National Assembly.

The Vice Chancellors were not consulted, Pro Chancellors were not consulted. The people sat down somewhere and said over the next five years lets scrap it without consulting those who initiated this bill that has transformed Nigerian public universities.

Thats not how to work in a system. Thats not how to run a country that is democratic.

READ MORE: World Bank, IMF Sabotaging Public Universities In Nigeria  ASUU Chair

Let that Act that was initiated in 1993 that has transformed all Nigerian universities, allow it to stay.

If you want to drive NELFUND, go and look for ways to fund it. Dont take from the one that is in existence to fund it.

Take 1% or 2% of VAT to fund NELFUND. Dont take from Peter to pay Peter. Go and look for ways to fund NELFUND, he said.

When you go around all Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education today, 90% of the physical structures you have there are products of this struggle for TETFUND.

But this tax bill is saying that by the year 2030, it should be scrapped and merged with NASENI and NITDA and then reduced to 2%.


The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airline operators, and other stakeholders.

This move follows the increasing frequency of flight delays and cancellations in the country.

Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (All Progressives Congress, Oyo North), who sponsored the motion, expressed concern over the disruptions, emphasizing that air travel is crucial for business, official purposes, and time-sensitive appointments.

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This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bo, he said.

READ ALSO: Ekiti Court Remands Human Rights Lawyer, Farotimi For Allegedly Defaming Afe Babalola

He further noted that the delays and cancellations are detrimental to the socio-economic growth of the country.

Buhari also highlighted that despite the existence of regulations providing consumer protection in the aviation sector, enforcement remains a challenge.

According to him, Nigerians are unaware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delays.

He added, However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities.

The Senate Committee on Aviation was however charged with unraveling the circumstances behind the incessant delays and cancellations.

The Committee has also been directed to ensure that airline operators fulfill their responsibilities.
Some individuals, suspected to be thieves have invaded the rice farm of Nasarawa State Government, located at Jangwa community, Awe Local Government Area of the state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that unspecified quantity of bags of rice was stolen away from the farmland by the criminal elements.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule made this known in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra on Thursday.

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Abdullahi described the development as a setback for the state governments efforts to boost food security and provide relief to residents.

READ MORE: Nasarawa Police Apprehend Two Suspects For Alleged Murder Of Female Trader

The statement reads: While the state government is pleased with the yield recorded, it is saddened by the level of theft during the harvest.

This level of theft is disheartening, particularly at a time when we are doing everything possible to bring relief to our people and ensure food security in Nasarawa and beyond.

We will not be deterred. Nasarawa State, being an agricultural hub, must have its government leading the charge in agricultural activities.
A member of the House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has urged Nigerians to have hope in President Bola Tinubus government.

Speaking on Channels Televisions Politics Today, on Wednesday, Honorable Leke said that Tinubu is the messiah Nigeria needs and will fix the country.

The lawmaker faulted last administration, led by former president, Muhammadu Buhari, saying that its handled Nigerias economy carelessly.

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Mr. Leke said: By the time we get to 2026, they will see this country, everybody will be praising the President. He is the messiah that Nigeria needs now and he can fix Nigeria.

At the twilight of the last administration, even for you to get N1,000 in your pocket, was it easy? You know how much was printed by the CBN. How can the economy survive like that? Who will take you seriously?

READ MORE: Economic Reform: Nigerians Were Living Fake Life Before I Assumed Office  Tinubu

Things are getting better. This exchange rate issue will be fixed with time. It is better we go to reality than hiding.

Also speaking over controversial Tax Reform Bills, Mr. Leke said that it will be the best thing to happen to Nigeria if approved by the National Assembly.

He said: If you look at this tax bill and see the structuring that is taking place there, it shows that this level of borrowing in Nigeria will reduce in the near future.

We will not be borrowing money to finance the budget as much as we are doing now and we will be able to finance the infrastructure.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed his confidence over controversial Tax Reform Bill.

The former Akwa Ibom State governor stated that the Senate has not withdrawn the legislation, proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that ever since President Tinubu submitted the bill in October 2024, many reactions have been given to it, most especially from the northern part of the country.

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Some believed that it is an attempt to cripple the regions economy while others said that current administration is planning to enrich Rivers and Lagos State.

READ MORE: Senate Sets Up Committee To Review Controversial Tax Reform Bills

Reacting to the development during plenary on Thursday, Akpabio noted that the upper chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.

He also dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn.

Akpabio said: The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.

We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic.

These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.

If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that on Wednesday, the Senate set up a committee to to review the controversial Tax Reform Bills that are before the National Assembly.
A piece of the exterior of the former Camden High School is on display in the main hallway of the new Camden High campus. Read more

New Jersey released its annual statewide standardized test scores Wednesday, with good and bad news on how public school students are performing in math, language arts, and science.

The state Department of Education presented the statewide results to the Board of Education for third through ninth graders who took the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments, or NJSLA, in math, language arts, and science last spring.

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While the results were not unexpected and follow trends nationally for students recovering after the pandemic disrupted learning, board members expressed concern about a significant achievement gap among Black and Latino students, who lag their peers in all subjects. The gap is narrowing slightly, the results showed.

The percentage of students achieving proficiency or above improved slightly from last year, but still fell short of scores in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Language arts increased by 0.9%, to 52.2%, while math scores went from 37.6% to 39.6%. There was a slight increase in science, to 24.8%.

 READ MORE: First N.J. standardized test scores since the pandemic show students still struggling

The results showed a staggering 45.3% achievement gap between the lowest-performing and highest-performing student groups. A little more than 35% of Black students achieved proficiency, while 80.9% of Asian students met expectations in language arts. The gap was even wider in math.

Is there anything that we have not tried as of yet? asked board member Arcelio Aponte. Its frustrating to me that year over year we struggle to close this gap.

In its presentation, the Department of Education cited new literacy programs, high-impact tutoring, and assistance to help districts improve science and math instruction. The state announced a $42 million federal grant Wednesday to expand or build preschool facilities in 22 districts, including Cinnaminson, Palmyra, and Pennsauken in South Jersey.

Aponte asked board President Kathy Goldenberg to appoint a special task force or committee to study the achievement gap. Another board member, however, suggested that such a move could interfere with efforts by the Department of Education.

Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the department would work with the 13-member board. I think its an interesting recommendation, he said.

There were also some gains in some subjects by grade. Between 95,000 and 100,000 students took the assessment at every grade level.

In language arts, ninth graders had the biggest gain, improving to 58% meeting expectations, compared with 52% in 2023. Seventh and eighth graders had a slight decline.

District results were provided months ago to district officials and presented at local school board meetings.

 READ MORE: Camden schools make modest gains in state test scores, and other takeaways from a special advisory board meeting

Other takeaways from the meeting

While only 19% of eighth graders met expectations in math, 30,000 eighth graders are taking Algebra I, a higher-level math course, and are not required to take the test, which skews results. Science scores were virtually unchanged from the previous year. The state also released its New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment, which showed gains for juniors who took the test last spring. A 45-year-old state law mandates a high school exit exam, although there have been calls to scrap it. New Jersey is among 11 states that mandate an exit exam to graduate from high school. Students who fail the exam can still graduate through an alternative assessment or a portfolio appeals process. In language arts, 82.5% of test takers passed and were deemed ready to graduate, compared with 80.5% in 2023, while 55.6% passed the math portion, up from 55%. Neil Burti, former principal of Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill, was recognized by the state board for an award from New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association in March, naming him its Visionary Secondary Principal of the Year. Burti has since been named Cherry Hills director of secondary education.
When Bark Social bounded into town early last year, tails started wagging for what seemed to be a dream idea: a bar and cafe combined with an outdoor dog park in a Manayunk shopping center.

Its attributes included plentiful parking next to the United Artists movie theater, decent food, 30 beers on tap, strict rules about vaccinations, and kindly Bark Rangers  as the attendants were known  who cheerfully refereed and scooped while dogs frolicked on its vast expanse of artificial turf by the Schuylkill.

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Memberships cost $365 a year for one dog. The company said thousands of people had joined Bark Socials five locations in Philadelphia and the Maryland/District of Columbia area.

The good times came to an unexpected end last month. All five Bark Socials closed after business Nov. 21. In a statement posted the next day on its social media, the company said it was in the middle of a growth round when financing unexpectedly fell through. The company, whose first location opened in Bethesda, Md., in 2021, said it would file for bankruptcy protection.

The companys troubles have become more clear since then: Three days before it shut down, according to Monroe County, N.Y., court records, an investment group alleged that the company owed nearly $600,000, including attorney fees and court costs. A representative for the company did not reply to requests for comment, beyond sharing its initial statement.

The closing in Philadelphia was met by immediate grief, especially by members who visited frequently. A Facebook group was established to exchange tips about nearby parks and  since dogs were no longer interacting at Bark Social  to post photos to keep owners in touch. Some Bark Social members have since tried the Boozy Mutt, a smaller facility with on-street parking in Fairmount.

It feels like something got ripped away from the community, said Stefanie Karp, who lives nearby in East Falls with Bentley, her gentle-giant, 150-pound Great Pyrenees-German shepherd mix. They know every name of every dog, and their personalities. Can you imagine being a teacher and one day being really close to all your kindergarten kids and the next day saying, Theyre gone'? Theres a real sense of loss.

I think the worst part of this is the dogs dont understand, said Nickki Albano, who has two dogs, Max and Mango. At home, when she called out the names of Bark Rangers, they would run right to their leashes and look at us to put them in the car and take them over.

Steven Duong, a regular with his Great Pyrenees-Siberian husky mix, Dino, said he was surprised at the shutdown. Every time we were there, there was a lot of staff. I can see that the costs must have been high, but it seemed like they were expanding pretty fast as well.

Since Dino is a pretty mellow dog, Duong said, its not like he needed [a dog park]. He just needs a good walk.

Bark Social was my version of Cheers said Patrice Perrault, who signed up at the April 2023 opening with her pit bull mix, Archie. It was a place where everybody knew your name. Maybe not your name, but your dogs name.

Perrault and Archie were there on what turned out to be its final day. I know the staff didnt know, because they were doing things like painting windows and planning new drink menus, she said.

I was completely committed to this place, she said. Archie is very high energy, and needed that level of being able to run around in a safe place.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks with Donald Trump at a Turning Point Action rally in Duluth, Georgia, on Oct. 23. (MUST CREDIT: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Read more

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trumps pick for the nations top health post, has vowed to get the chemicals out of Americas food amid mounting concerns over the health effects of additives.

These chemical ingredients  designed to enhance the flavors, textures, colors, and shelf life of ultra-processed foods  are in many of the foods that Americans eat. But who determines whether they are safe?

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In many cases, its not the Food and Drug Administration that decides if chemical additives are safe to use in food. Instead, its the companies that make and sell the products that contain them.

Research shows that a regulatory loophole has allowed for America's food to be saturated in largely unapproved additives. The health consequences can be dire. In one case two years ago, a toxic food additive known as tara flour that was allowed into the food supply through this loophole was blamed for sickening hundreds of people and sending at least 130 to the hospital.

Now, a growing number of politicians and lawmakers are demanding changes. Kennedy has pledged to overhaul federal food regulations as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" plan. (A spokesperson for Kennedy did not respond to a request for comment.) And several states, including New York and Illinois, are considering new rules that would more strictly regulate the additives used by food companies.

The average consumer would absolutely assume that new preservatives, ingredients and flavors in food are all checked out by the FDA before they arrive on our supermarket shelves, said Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, who co-authored a recent report on the loophole in the New England Journal of Medicine. Thats whats commonly believed. But its a false narrative.

A little-known loophole

Under federal law, the FDA has a mandate to ensure that all ingredients used in food are safe. Companies are not supposed to use new food additives in their products until they have gone through a thorough safety review process and received premarket approval from the FDA.

The problem, experts say, is that food additives are exempted from the premarket approval process if theyre considered generally recognized as safe, or GRAS for short. This designation was created so that common household ingredients with a long history of safe use in food  like oil and vinegar, baking soda, and everyday spices and seasonings  would not have to go through rigorous safety reviews.

Under current rules, however, companies can skirt the premarket approval process and determine on their own that a new food additive or substance is generally recognized as safe.

Exactly how companies go about determining that a new ingredient is safe is up to them. The FDA says that companies can convene a panel of qualified experts to evaluate the scientific data. But its not a requirement. And studies show that even when food companies do convene a panel of experts, the experts are usually handpicked and paid for by the companies, creating financial conflicts of interest.

The food industry is deciding by itself without any input from the FDA what is safe for us to eat, said Thomas Galligan, the principal scientist for food additives and supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group. Most consumers would be shocked to know that the FDA has essentially handed the reins over to the food industry.

An analysis published in 2022 by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, found that 98.7% of the roughly 766 new food chemicals introduced to the food supply since 2000 were not approved by the FDA.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the FDA acknowledged that under federal law, food companies do not have to get premarket approval from the agency to use ingredients in their products that meet the criteria for GRAS. The spokesperson said that the federal law governing food additives doesnt give the FDA the authority to mandate that companies provide the agency with any information about the ingredients they use in their foods that are considered GRAS.

The food industry is responsible for ensuring the safety of the ingredients they use in foods before they go to market, the spokesperson added. All uses of ingredients considered GRAS, food additives, color additives, and food contact substances must meet the same safety standard  reasonable certainty of no harm.

Anna Rosales, the senior director of government affairs and nutrition for the Institute of Food Technologists, a food industry group, said in a statement that the process for approving new food additives should be more transparent.

IFT believes it is essential to recognize that both pre- and post-market assessments should ensure end-to-end transparency in the approval of ingredients and foods, she added. Transparency is critical to building public trust and ensuring consumer confidence in the U.S. food supply.

How a safe food ingredient made people sick

A tragic example of how this system can go wrong occurred two years ago, when nearly 400 people got sick after eating a ground beef substitute  called French Leek and Lentil Crumbles  sold by Daily Harvest, the popular food subscription service. More than 130 of the people who got sick were hospitalized with gastrointestinal distress, liver injuries, and other symptoms, and at least 39 people had to have their gallbladders removed.

Investigators determined that the most likely cause of the sickness was a new ingredient in the crumbles called tara flour  a high-protein flour made from the seeds of a tree grown in South America. Even though there were no published toxicological studies of tara flour and the FDA had not evaluated its safety, a company that imported tara flour from Peru had claimed that it was GRAS and supplied the ingredient to distributors in the United States.

Daily Harvest declined to comment. In previous statements, the company said that it was no longer buying ingredients from the producer that supplied it with tara flour. This was the first and only time weve used tara flour, the company said.

Earlier this year, the FDA announced that it had evaluated tara flour and determined that it was an unapproved food additive that didnt meet the standards for being generally recognized as safe. The agency said it found that there was not enough data on the use of tara flour in food, or a history of its safe use, to consider it GRAS.

The incident showed that companies can get away with using harmful new additives so long as they dont cause immediate symptoms, said Cohen at Harvard.

If a new food ingredient doesnt make people immediately sick, and people are just getting heart disease and cancer, then no one is going to trace it back to the companies, he said. I went into this thinking that the vetting process for new food ingredients was weak. And instead what Ive learned is that the vetting is nonexistent.

The fight against food additives

Some state and federal lawmakers are pushing back.

Last year, California became the first state to ban four food additives  red dye No. 3, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propyl paraben  that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and hyperactivity in children. Earlier this year, Democratic state lawmakers in New York introduced legislation to ban those same four food additives as well as three others that have been linked to health problems: titanium dioxide, azodicarbonamide, and butylated hydroxyanisole, also known as BHA.

These additives are collectively used in thousands of processed foods, such as bread, breakfast cereals, candy, pastries, fruit jams, frostings, frozen dairy desserts and frozen fruit bars.

The New York bill would require companies to tell the state if the products they sell in New York contain food additives that they privately determined were GRAS without notifying the FDA. The companies would also have to provide a report explaining how they assessed the safety of the ingredients and what evidence they have that shows that theyre safe. The reports would go into a publicly available database.

Companies shouldnt find it difficult to disclose this information, said Anna Kelles, a nutritional epidemiologist and New York assembly member who sponsored the bill. She said that under federal law, companies are already supposed to scientifically evaluate chemicals and do their due diligence to demonstrate that they are safe before declaring them GRAS.

Its a transparency issue, Kelles said. All this bill is saying is, Hey, if you want to use this chemical in New York State then wed like to see your proof that this is GRAS, and once youve done that then you can go on your way.

Another bill first introduced in Congress in 2021 by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) would go further. The bill, called the Toxic Free Food Act, would close the GRAS loophole and require companies to notify and get approval from the FDA before introducing new chemical additives into the food supply.

Companies would also be required to submit adequate safety data to the FDA, which would be made available to the public.

The FDA has a mandate from Congress to ensure the safety of our food supply and it simply cant do that if it doesnt know whats in our food and whether or not chemicals came to market through a rigorous safety assessment, said Galligan at CSPI.

Additives linked to adverse health outcomes

Five examples under the generally recognized as safe loophole

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Uses: A preservative found in breakfast cereals, potato chips, chewing gum, beer, butter, and vegetable oils.

Concerns: Studies have found that it causes cancer in animals. The federal governments National Toxicology Program says that BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Carboxymethyl cellulose. Also known as cellulose gum or CMC.

Uses: An emulsifier found in ice cream, salad dressings, candy, cookies, sauces, and some peanut butters. It prevents oil and water from separating and improves the texture of some foods.

Concerns: Studies have found that it disrupts the gut microbiome and promotes gut inflammation and other digestive issues.

Polysorbates

Uses: A group of emulsifiers found in ice cream, salad dressings, icings, baking mixes, frozen desserts, and other processed foods. They prevent ingredients from separating.

Concerns: Studies have found that polysorbates promote intestinal inflammation and have a detrimental impact on both the function and composition of the gut microbiome.

Erythritol and xylitol

Uses: Erythritol and xylitol belong to a group of low-calorie sweeteners called sugar alcohols. They are found in many foods, including chewing gums, breath mints, protein bars, low-carb ice cream, and sugar-free desserts and candies.

Concerns: Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic have found that consuming xylitol and erythritol increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Their studies indicate that these low-calorie sweeteners promote the formation of blood clots.

Propyl paraben

Uses: A preservative found in tortillas, pastries, jams, and baked desserts. Also used in many cosmetics.

Concerns: Some researchers have found that it can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone signaling, leading to diminished fertility and other problems.
Retired estate attorney John Sabatina (left), after winning his primary race for Register of Wills against incumbent Tracey Gordon (right) in May 2023. He took office in January 2024. Read more

Philadelphia Register of Wills John Sabatina Sr. has been hit with three more federal lawsuits from former employees who contend they were fired for not supporting him politically  which could leave city taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in new legal settlements.

That comes on top of $400,000 the city has already paid to settle four of five suits filed last year alleging that former Register of Wills Tracey Gordon fired employees for not backing her reelection campaign.

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Lets work backward:

Sabatina, a lawyer and Northeast Philadelphia ward leader, defeated Gordon in the May 2023 Democratic primary and took office in January 2024.

One of Sabatinas first orders of business was to terminate 19 employees, according to a September 2024 federal lawsuit filed on behalf of five of them. Those employees, who had been with the office between eight months and about four years, say Sabatina retaliated against them for exercising their First Amendment right to support a different candidate  or no candidate at all.

Two more lawsuits were filed in October, on behalf of former records clerk Ian Ewing and community outreach coordinator Mark Harrell, both hired by Gordon in 2020 and fired by Sabatina.

Those suits liken Sabatina, who has the backing of the Democratic City Committee, to a Tammany Hall-style political machine boss, a reference to the New York City political organization known for its patronage hiring.

Like the September complaint, the two suits allege First Amendment violations because the men had not supported Sabatinas candidacy.

You cant win office and just fire everybody and hire your friends, said Timothy Creech, a lawyer representing seven fired employees. These people lost good city jobs, for no reason.

Last month, a fourth lawsuit was filed on behalf of former administrative deputy Stephanie Graham, hired by Gordon in 2020. She said she had been targeted by Sabatina because she supported Gordons reelection campaign.

Employees in the register of wills office dont have the civil-service protections afforded other city employees. But Alice Ballard, a lawyer co-representing Graham, said the workers do have constitutional rights and cannot be fired because of their political leanings.

Its not a spoils system, Ballard said, referring to the process of replacing existing employees with supporters of the winning candidate.

Ava Schwemler, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Law Department, declined to comment on the suits, as did Sabatinas office. In a court filing responding to the September lawsuit filed by five employees, attorneys for Sabatina denied any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Gordons one term in office continues to be costly for Philadelphia taxpayers.

Elected in 2019, Gordon left behind a wave of lawsuits that alleged she had essentially turned the office into an arm of her reelection campaign and retaliated against workers who refused to contribute.

Last week, the city paid $120,000 to Patrick Parkinson, a former administrative deputy who said that Gordon continually and relentlessly badgered him for campaign donations. He said in his suit that he didnt want to be associated with her campaign because he considered Gordon ruthless, corrupt, unethical, incompetent and said she acted in an illegal manner.

Three other former Gordon staffers who said they were also retaliated against have been paid a combined $280,000. A similar lawsuit filed by former clerk Nicholas Barone is ongoing. He said he was fired for not giving money to Gordons campaign.

The register of wills processes probate records  wills, estate inventories, and inheritance tax documents  and issues marriage certificates. A remnant from the days when Philadelphia had a separate county government, the position remains independently elected, along with other so-called row offices like the sheriff and city commissioners.

Creech said the city is likely to continue to face these types of lawsuits until it reels in the patronage hiring in the office.

Theyre going to have this hole they blast in their budget every time an administration changes in the register of wills office, Creech said. The city shouldnt allow this to happen. It should reform the office and eliminate the patronage like they did in the courts or the streets department or with other city jobs.

Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article.
Protestors stand outside a Montgomery County SPCA to demand change for the animals and staff regarding the issues at the local shelter in Conshohocken, Pa., on Tuesday, Sept., 24, 2024. . Read more

The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is in the process of replacing its board president amid ongoing scrutiny into welfare conditions and mismanagement at the wealthiest animal shelter in the state.

April Lownes-Hostler, 57, resigned as the leader of the shelters board of directors in November, ending a 20-year run on the shelters supervisory committee. The SPCA confirmed the departure on Wednesday in a statement, describing the move as one part of a broader overhaul of the shelters top leadership.

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Montgomery County SPCA is reconstituting its Board of Directors as part of a comprehensive and ongoing effort to advance our mission, the statement said.

Lownes-Hostler did not respond to a request for comment and her replacement was not immediately named. The shelter is expected to provide updates in the coming weeks.

The move marks the latest in a series of upheavals at the nonprofit since September, when The Inquirer revealed signs of mismanagement, hazardous conditions, and alleged animal mistreatment at the SPCAs three branches.

Under longtime executive director Carmen Ronio, the Montco shelter amassed $67 million in net assets, making it by far Pennsylvanias wealthiest, while spending about $3 million a year on operations. Yet the papers investigation found that the wealth did not result in better outcomes for animals. Instead, the SPCA had become riven by understaffing, high euthanasia rates, and deteriorating kennel conditions.

 READ MORE: 7 things to know about our investigation into the wealthy, yet rundown, Montco SPCA

Dogs often escaped through broken cages, injuring themselves on frayed metal wires. Foster and adoption programming was virtually nonexistent compared with other regional shelters. An analysis of self-reported shelter data found that Montco also holds the lowest save rate among shelters in the Philadelphia region  and one of the lowest in the state, experts said.

Since the September investigation, backlash has been intense, drawing a protest outside the shelters main Conshohocken branch. Several donors threatened to withhold contributions to the nonprofit until reforms were made.

The shelters top veterinarian resigned days before The Inquirer published its findings. Ronio, the SPCAs longtime executive director, retired two weeks later, ending his five-decade tenure. And the Pennsylvania attorney general has since launched an audit of the nonprofits books.

 READ MORE: Wealthy Montco SPCA hit with a state audit as the nonprofit searches for a new leader

Lownes-Hostler was, until recently, the shelters spokesperson during this turbulent transition. Following Ronios resignation, she assured staff and stakeholders that the shelter was moving in the right direction.

We know this has been a difficult time for MCSPCA employees and other critical stakeholders, but were confident were going to emerge stronger and more committed to our mission than ever before, she said in a statement on behalf of the board.

In October, she announced the appointment of interim executive director Tracie Graham, who served as the shelter manager at the nonprofits Perkiomenville branch since 2012. A national search for a permanent director is underway, with the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania SPCA providing on-site assistance to managers in the meantime.

The shelter remains open for adoptions.

MCSPCA leadership is working collaboratively with regulators through this transition, the SPCA said in its statement Wednesday. We invite any interested families to visit during regular hours to meet with loving animals in need of homes.
Peace, sand, and an extended seawall will come to North Wildwood in the near future as the Shore city approved a settlement of a decadelong fight with the state of New Jersey over the state of its beaches.

Its better than fighting, said Mayor Patrick Rosenello, who said things started to change in the bitter, expensive dispute between the city and the state after Gov. Phil Murphy got involved last April, along with State Sen. Michael Testa.

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Until then, the city had been taking steps on its own to preserve its severely eroding beaches, in part by installing steel bulk-heading sheets to shore up its seawall, and had been incurring fines from the state Department of Environmental Protection as it awaited a long-delayed beach replenishment project.

The North Wildwood council approved a 140-page settlement at its meeting earlier this week. Under the agreement, the state agreed to rescind the $12 million in fines it had levied against North Wildwood, and the city agreed to drop its lawsuit against the state.

In June, under a tentative truce, the state began an emergency replenishment of North Wildwoods beaches, resulting in a dramatic extension of the beaches.

This months settlement calls for an extension of the popular North Wildwood seawall, which currently wraps around the north end of the island, southward, from Third to Seventh Streets, and calls for a full beach replenishment covering the entire island, which the DEP has said will begin in 2025.

The steel bulk-heading plates will remain, Rosenello said.

North Wildwoods cost for the projects will be $7 million, and the state will pay $50 million. We think its a good investment, he said. We will drop our lawsuit, they will drop the $12 million in penalties against us. It lays out a path forward.

He said the city will seek to cap the seawall with a flat surface, to extend the recreational use, and will be responsible for paying for that.

The island-wide project will involve removing sand from Wildwoods famously very-wide beaches and creating an island-wide dune system, he said.

Replenishing North Wildwood, which began on an emergency basis in June, involves bringing in sand from the ocean in a slurry mix that he said is much more effective than just trucking in sand, as the city had been trying to do. He said the beaches have held up well since June.

The hydraulic placement of sand is much more resilient than trucking in dry sand, Rosenello said. Its coming in as a slurry, 70% water, 30% sand. The natural flow of the slurry does most of the building. Its creating a very natural grade into the ocean. Its flowing out much further out into the ocean. For a lot of reasons, it creates a much more sustainable beach.

The Department of Environmental Protection, meanwhile, issued a statement thanking Rosenello and North Wildwood for their collaboration in designing and implementing shore protection measures that benefit the City and all of Five Mile Island.

The resolution of the dispute will allow the DEP to advance both the North Wildwood seawall and the Five Mile Island engineered beach and dune projects, expected to begin in 2025, the statement said.

The settlement will be published in its bulletin on Dec. 18, the DEP said, and subject to a 30-day public comment period.
The Public Ledger Building at 600 Chestnut St. in September 2023. Read more

Readying to study a semester abroad in Rome, or planning a summer sojourn in Sicily?

The Philadelphia Italian Consulate has got your passport and visa needs covered  but remember to bundle up.

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The consulates office in Center Citys Public Ledger Building had little trace of the Mediterranean dolce vita on Tuesday after the longtime tenant announced it was suspending its operations indefinitely amid intermittent electrical disruptions and a lack of indoor heating.

But the electrical woes were solved as of Wednesday, the consulate confirmed, and the office is back in business  though the cold remains a problem.

Only half of the consulate is heated now, said Cristiana Mele, the consulate general. But its where the public is, so at least service can resume normally.

Despite the disruption, Meles humor was on display: Me, Im going to freeze here until I get back to Rome, she joked.

The reopening ended a brief period of frantic confusion for Philly locals bound for Italy in the coming months, including those who took to social media to stress over whether their documents would be processed in time for their trips.

And the disruptions overall raised questions over the quality of life for Public Ledger Building tenants.

The consulate placed sole responsibility for the problems with the buildings management, Baycrest Management, and said that heating issues had been an issue all fall, while air-conditioning had been lacking during last summers sweltering heat.

Much of the 13-floor office building is being converted into apartments. Baycrest did not answer a publicly listed line when The Inquirer attempted to reach the company.

Meanwhile, Mele said her staff was working overtime today to process Tuesdays backlog.

Some of the 15-person crew even offered a temporary  and conveniently Italian  workaround for one desperate client, meeting that person in the Lamberti Pizza shop downstairs for business on Tuesday.

By Wednesday, Mele said, word about the meeting had made the rounds on social media, prompting around 30 people to gather at the shop looking for consulate services that morning.

She was pleased to report that services were again being offered where they actually should be.

The pizzeria was very concerned, Mele said with a laugh.
President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon, then-administrator of the Small Business Administration, in the White House in 2018. Trump has nominated McMahon  who along with her husband Vince founded the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company  to serve as secretary of education during his second term. Read more

When Donald Trump says he will send education back to the states, Pennsylvanians will need to reach for their wallets and get ready for teacher layoffs in their schools.

And they should prepare to fight.

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The stakes are high. According to Project 2025, whose authors are currently staffing up the next Trump administration, one way President-elect Trump and the next Congress plan to fund billionaire-heavy tax breaks is by ending Title I funding, the federal education program that helps low-income students and low-income communities.

This would be a devastating loss. In Pennsylvania alone, Title I provides $735 million to Pennsylvanias largest and smallest districts alike, from big districts like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown to the rural districts stretching across the state.

At its core, public education is an investment in every student as a future fellow citizen.

In a time of despondency, it is easy to accept these cuts as a tragic inevitability. In reality, however, with razor-thin majorities in Congress, Pennsylvanias congressional delegation alone can stop those cuts in their tracks.

And this means it is up to Pennsylvanians to make that happen, by reminding their elected officials what we do when Pennsylvanias leaders devastate schools with heartless funding cuts.

In 2010, Tom Corbett was elected governor of Pennsylvania by 10 points, riding a national wave of disillusionment with government. In his first budget, he slashed $850 million from Pennsylvanias public schools, particularly those with the highest needs.

Teachers lost jobs, and class sizes swelled. In Philadelphia, layoffs were rampant, schools closed, and buildings accumulated staggering amounts of deferred maintenance. A child died from asthma after suffering in a school with no nurse on duty.

Moreover, amid this humanitarian disaster, property taxes increased across Pennsylvania, as local communities did whatever they could to mitigate the harm those funding cuts wrought.

But destruction and tax hikes were not the end of the story.

All over Pennsylvania, outraged communities took action. Gov. Corbett could not so much as visit a Philadelphia public school without being forced to turn around and leave.

The fury never subsided. Four years later, Corbett lost his reelection campaign by the same 10 points.

In the last 50 years, seven Pennsylvania governors have run for reelection. Only Corbett failed. There was little mystery as to why. As The Inquirer explained, [T]hose first cuts, which rippled across the state in the form of teacher layoffs, program cancellations, and local property tax increases, were seared in the public mind and haunted [his] reelection campaign.

That was not Corbetts only education legacy. Near the end of his term, desperate school districts and communities filed a lawsuit against Corbett and the General Assembly for failure to adequately and equitably fund public schools.

Justice is slow, but nine years later, after a four-month trial in Commonwealth Court, a verdict was reached: Pennsylvanias school funding system violated the states constitutional command to provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education.

And in response, Pennsylvania slowly started down the path to finally giving every child the education they morally deserve and are legally entitled to.

The lesson for current state lawmakers  who have been returned to office by a grateful public  is plain. Pennsylvania leaders should carry out their constitutionally obligated duty to provide every child with a comprehensive, effective, contemporary education. And the courts and voters will hold them accountable if they fail to do so.

This is no moment for hiding or giving up.

Good politics and constitutional compliance, in other words, are one and the same.

And as Corbetts catastrophe reminds us, the lesson for Pennsylvanias congressional delegation is just as clear: It is electoral suicide to force school communities to lay off kindergarten teachers and still raise taxes.

Congress is not generally blamed for inadequate education funding. But Pennsylvanias lawmakers, who control the balance of power in Congress, will be held responsible should they take the nation and our state down that destructive path.

And the lesson for Pennsylvanians who are scared about the future is just as plain. This is no moment for hiding or giving up. Rather, it is a time to doggedly hold on with all our might and to use the very real power we still have.

At its core, public education is an investment in every student as a future fellow citizen. Education, like this Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and democracy itself, is worth fighting for.

Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg is a senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson with Councilmember Mark Squilla address media questions during a Sixers arena hearing last month. Council members could vote on the arena project as early as Thursday morning. Read more

Philadelphia City Council leadership postponed an initial vote on whether to approve the proposed 76ers arena in Center City, moving a scheduled Thursday meeting to next week as negotiations over the controversial project continue.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson announced late Wednesday that a committee vote is now scheduled for next Wednesday, Dec. 11. The delay in the meeting of Councils Committee of the Whole, which needs to grant initial approval to the project before it can be voted on by the full Council, gives lawmakers an additional six days to negotiate a deal with the team and with one another.

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Its a work in progress, Johnson told reporters Thursday. How these discussions are progressing or not progressing will determine if we wrap this up by the end of the year or not, to be quite frank.

The delay means a final vote on the legislative package green-lighting the $1.3 billion project likely couldnt happen until Dec. 19 under Councils normal rules, which require bills to be read in the Council meeting a week before a final vote. Council was originally set to adjourn for the year on Dec. 12, but Johnson has said an added session will be necessary to pass the arena legislation.

Because the Committee of the Whole is composed of all 17 Council members, the initial vote scheduled for next week would be a reliable indicator of the arena legislations fate.

Thats the next opportunity to see if we have anything that we could put up for a vote, said Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents the area where the arena would be built.

Council leaders have said they are working to reach a deal on the proposed arena by the end of the year. The Sixers have said they need legislative approval this year to keep to their construction timeline and open a new arena by 2031, when their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia expires.

The Sixers have been in negotiations with members of Council for months, and those talks intensified over the last several weeks through a series of public hearings about the project, which the team wants to construct near 10th and Market Streets.

Lawmakers were negotiating this week with the Sixers over the $50 million community benefits agreement that the team negotiated with Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration. Most Council members, including those who generally support the project, have said the Sixers should contribute more money to the CBA, and team representatives said publicly for the first time this week that they are open to paying more.

Thats something that has been a constant message weve heard from members, Squilla said Thursday. What that number is above that, we dont know. But that is something that we have to continue negotiating with.

 READ MORE: The 76ers indicate they may give more than $50 million for the arena proposals community benefits agreement

Squilla said Tuesday that the 76ers would need to contribute at least $10 million more if the project is to move forward.

Opponents of the arena say even that is woefully inadequate. A coalition of groups that oppose the project in large part because of its expected impact on nearby Chinatown said Wednesday that a $300 million CBA should be the minimum. City Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., who has said he opposes the project, floated the same number earlier this week.

The Rev. Robin Hynicka, of the group Center City Organized for Responsible Development, said during a news conference Wednesday outside City Hall that the current community benefits agreement is a misnomer.

Its a corporate benefits agreement, Hynicka said. We are asking City Council to stop this ill-conceived project, which is based on a limited imagination of a few wealthy individuals.

Parker, who supports the arena project and has been holding community meetings across the city to tout the proposal, said during an unrelated news conference Wednesday that shes optimistic it will get across the finish line.

It aint over until its over, she said. So Im going to keep eternally grateful and hopeful and optimistic throughout all of it, but Council has a right to do its due diligence.
China-proposed group to boost AI cooperation

08:11, December 05, 2024 By Minlu Zhang ( China Daily

A woman experiences AI-generated content technology at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Aug 28, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

A new international group proposed by China was launched at the United Nations on Tuesday, during a meeting co-chaired by China and Zambia, to promote global cooperation in building artificial intelligence capacity.

Representatives from more than 80 other countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, also attended the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

The UN's Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology was represented as well.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the need to harness AI for good, promote fairness and inclusivity, uphold multilateralism, and focus on capacity-building.

He said that the Group of Friends aims to foster broad partnerships, implement practical actions, and support sustainable development worldwide through AI.

"We hope this Group of Friends can play a role in helping the international community seize the immense opportunities presented by digital development, build partnerships, and undertake actions for a brighter and smarter future," Fu said. "We must promote AI for good."

AI can play a crucial role in implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda, enhancing people's well-being, and addressing global challenges, he added. Still, AI development could also bring conflicting rules, social risks, and ethical challenges.

"We must always keep in mind that high-quality AI development can only be possible when robust security guardrails are in place. AI must always be under human control," he said.

Fu also said that "we must uphold fairness and inclusiveness", and he called for ensuring that all nations have equal opportunities to develop and benefit from AI in an open, nondiscriminatory environment.

In addition, he called for "championing multilateralism" and advocating collaborative global efforts to make AI a tool for the collective benefit of humanity rather than a privilege for a select few.

Emmanuel Pamu, permanent secretary for budget and economic affairs in Zambia's Ministry of Finance and National Planning, stressed the importance of bridging the AI divide and supporting the UN's role in global AI governance.

He called on all parties to back the Group of Friends and strengthen international cooperation.

China has increasingly focused on AI development in recent years. Last year, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global AI Governance Initiative, aiming to address key challenges in AI governance and promote global cooperation.

In July, under the guidance of the initiative, China led the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on AI capacity-building. The resolution was co-sponsored by 143 countries, including the US.

The Group of Friends is rooted in the resolution, which aims to enhance international collaboration on AI capacity-building and promote "an open, fair, and nondiscriminatory business environment".

The resolution "encourages international cooperation to help countries, especially developing ones, strengthen AI capacity, enhance their representation in global AI governance, and advocate for an open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment", Fu told the General Assembly.

More recently, China and Zambia co-hosted the High-Level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of AI during the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September.

At the event, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi introduced the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. He also proposed establishing the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Du Mingming)
City Controller Christy Brady holds a press conference at the Municipal Services Building Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, a week after she was sworn into office. At left is former Acting City Controller Charles Edacheril who filled the seat until she was sworn in. Read more

Thousands of Philadelphia properties are improperly receiving tax relief, and could cost the city and its school district a combined $11.4 million each year, the City Controllers Office announced Wednesday.

Around 23,000 properties are improperly receiving the tax benefits through the citys homestead exemption program for the 2025 tax season, Controller Christy Brady said during a news conference about her offices investigation, which stemmed from a Philadelphia mans personal research into the issue.

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The homestead exemption program provides property tax relief for many Philadelphians, yet there are many individuals who are taking advantage of it, Brady said. These individuals, we believe, are committing real estate tax fraud.

However, Brady stopped short of calling for a criminal investigation, as some property owners could be committing tax fraud unknowingly, and enforcement of the citys tax exemptions lies with the revenue department.

The controllers office report detailed projections for the 2025 fiscal year. Over five years, improper exemptions could cost the city and school district $57 million, the office estimated.

After the release of the report, a city spokesperson said the revenue department established a tax benefit review unit in January and is working on a program to more accurately identify potential fraud for all assistance programs, which the department expects to launch in 2025.

According to the controllers office, zip codes in the Lower Northeast and South Philadelphia saw the highest concentration of illegitimate homestead exemption claims. Brady attributed the prevalence to the higher number of owner-occupied homes there, as opposed to rental properties in neighborhoods like Center City.

The homestead exemption is the citys most broadly applicable tax relief program. Every owner-occupied home in Philadelphia is eligible if the property receiving the exemption is the homeowners primary residence.

This year, the homestead exemption knocks a propertys value down by $100,000, decreasing the amount of taxes a homeowner must pay on the property.

 READ MORE: Property tax bills are going up for many Philadelphians. Heres how to access new tax relief measures.

The controllers office began investigating the possible fraud after Philadelphia resident Robert Faulds found through years of his own research on the citys publicly accessible property website that homeowners seemed to have been filing for multiple exemptions and brought his findings to officials attention. Faulds research provided the Controllers Office with a starting point for its investigation, the office said in a release.

To carry out its investigation, the controllers office used the publicly available property information to put residence owners into three categories  finding impropriety in each.

More than 10,000 Philadelphia residences belong to owners with the same name as someone receiving a homestead exemption. Investigators sampled about 500 of those properties, and found frequent instances of one person receiving an exemption on multiple properties. This group cost the city and school district an estimated $6.9 million, according to the report.

A city spokesperson pushed back on Bradys offices assertions, noting that many names are similar and that two people with the same name may be eligible for the exemption.

Investigators also looked at property owners mailing addresses. A sample of the 6,730 instances where a Philadelphia homeowner used a non-Philly mailing address found that about one-third of the property owners were receiving the homestead exemption despite being ineligible because they didnt live in the city, the report found.

But exceptions may exist there, too, the city spokesperson noted.

Before granting the homestead exemption, or any tax assistance program, [the revenue department] checks deed records, the city spokesperson said. We do not immediately disqualify an applicant who has a different mailing address, as adult children are often managing their parents affairs.

Rental properties owned by businesses made up the third category scrutinized by the office. In a sample of more than 1,300 rental properties owned by businesses, investigators found about one-fourth improperly receiving the exemption, costing the city and school district almost $450,000 in tax revenue.

On Wednesday, Brady said the vetting process wasnt there from the citys office of property assessment (OPA), which regulates the tax exemptions from property owners.

Brady said her office shared its findings with OPA and the revenue department, along with recommendations to shore up the program against fraud.

Those recommendations include increased property owner verification, a system that flags properties with identical owner names and mailing addresses, recouping lost revenue from property owners, and penalties for improper exemption claims.

Under the current exemption process, a property previously eligible for the tax exemption could become ineligible if, for example, a homeowner purchases another property and rents out the original residence, she said. In that case, its up to the property owner to fill out a form on the revenue departments website and apply to have the exemption removed, leading to the possibility of ineligible homeowners unknowingly receiving the benefit.

This is a starting point for someone if you know that you are illegitimately taking this, Brady said. If thats not your primary residence, nows the time to correct this situation.

Despite the offices findings of fraud, Brady noted that the tax exemption is underutilized, with only 40% of city homeowners eligible for the exemption using it.
Days after a presidential election in which immigration became a flashpoint, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker passed on a chance to reassert Philadelphias status as a sanctuary city, a place that resists federal pressure to help deport immigrants.

And this week, her staff offered tepid answers to questions about her position on sanctuary policies.

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That cautiousness has leaders in the citys immigrant communities concerned that people could be made vulnerable at a moment when the incoming Trump administration is promising to deport millions of undocumented migrants, among them nearly 47,000 in Philadelphia.

This is not a time for lack of clarity, in terms of actions or intentions, said Erika Guadalupe Nunez, executive director of Juntos, the Latino advocacy group. She needs to say it.  The sanctuary-city policy has prevented a lot of families from falling into the deportation dragnet.

Immigrant groups intend to rally at City Hall on Tuesday to demand that the mayor speak out.

The pressure on Parker, a Democrat, comes as the mayor is finishing her first year in office and as President-elect Donald Trump, to be inaugurated in January, pledges to commence a financial and legal assault on sanctuary cities across the United States.

And it arrives as sanctuary cities  places that deliberately limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  have become an increasingly volatile political issue and potential vulnerability for Democrats, who are reeling from a bruising national electoral loss and trying to regain voters who think the party is soft on immigration.

On Wednesday, Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said the administrations priority is to improve public safety and quality of life, not to respond to the president-elects rhetoric.

A 2016 executive order codifying the citys sanctuary status remains in place, he said.

The Parker administration remains laser-focused on the agenda that Philadelphians elected her to implement: making Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, greener city, with access to economic opportunity for all, Grace said.

Last month, Parker similarly answered a reporters question about her commitment to maintaining Philadelphias sanctuary status, saying her administration will make sure that we are prepared to address issues that come before us.

Parker said during her campaign last year that she supports Philadelphia being a sanctuary city, but neither she nor other candidates made it a significant issue.

Immigrant-rights activists noticed.

We are concerned about how shes not publicly supporting, said Patty Torres, co-deputy director of Make the Road Pennsylvania, an immigrant-justice group. Philadelphia definitely needs a leader that protects immigrant families, now more than ever.

But as advocates prepare to protest, others see the mayors approach as politically astute, given the unpredictability of Trump administration policy. Larry Ceisler, a public affairs executive based in Philadelphia, said Parkers language is responsibly cautious in the wake of Trumps election.

Shes walking a really fine line here, Ceisler said. And youre dealing with a potential of an administration in Washington like no ones ever dealt with before  one that speaks openly about retribution and vindictiveness.

Trump demands cooperation

Trumps advisers are discussing how to strip federal funding from Democratic-run cities if their leaders refuse to help carry out deportations, the Washington Post reported. Trump said during the campaign that he would ask Congress to pass a law outlawing sanctuary cities, and demand that the full weight of the federal government fall upon jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sanctuary cities generally refuse to deputize their local police officers as acting ICE agents, and some places, including the state of New Jersey, have sought to ban the creation of immigrant-detention centers.

Some big-city Democrats have forcefully defended their policies in the face of Trumps threats. Denvers mayor said his city wouldnt be bullied into changing its values, and Los Angeles officials passed an ordinance to reinforce that citys sanctuary status.

Mayors are the first line of defense, said Beatriz Lopez, deputy director of the Immigration Hub in Washington, a progressive policy group. Its immensely important that mayors have the courage and are able to employ the laws for their communities.

The most prominent example of a city that could come under federal scrutiny may be Chicago, which Trump has repeatedly criticized as crime-ridden. Mayor Brandon Johnson, a progressive, told the Post that his administration is preparing for potential federal funding cuts but wont change its policy to comply with ICE.

The message from Parker  who ran on a tough-on-crime platform  has been far less absolute. It contrasts not only with Democratic leaders in other cities, but with her predecessor, former Mayor Jim Kenney. He made support for the citys immigrant communities a cornerstone of his political identity, and eagerly warred against the first Trump administrations immigration policies.

The Kenney administration fought and won a major lawsuit in 2018 over Trumps effort to make local police enforce federal immigration laws, kicked ICE out of a database it believed the agency was using to find undocumented people, and barred city employees from asking residents about their immigration status.

Rafael Mangual, a fellow who studies urban crime and justice at the right-leaning Manhattan Institute, said Democrats now have a chance to rethink sanctuary. The partys electoral losses across the country reflect voters desire for a more law and order approach, he said.

Mangual said he hopes Parkers tone is a signal that shes going to back away from the sanctuary-city policy.

But immigration advocates want the opposite  for Parker to be more assertive.

We hope that she fights back as previous administrations have done, said Blanca Pacheco, codirector of New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, which works to support immigrants. We can work together to fight back, and make the city stand for families and for freedom.

The rise of sanctuary cities

The national debate is fiery, but the idea of sanctuary reaches back to the Bible, where the Old Testament described six cities of refuge. The ideal ran through early societies and became popular through Victor Hugos 1831 novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, in which Quasimodo rescues Esmeralda from the gallows and carries her inside the cathedral, beyond the grasp of authorities.

The modern concept of sanctuary cities emerged about 50 years ago, the first believed to be the liberal bastion of Berkeley, Calif., where in 1971 the City Council declared the jurisdiction safe for soldiers opposed to the Vietnam War.

The movement became immigration-driven in the 1980s, as churches and human-rights activists declared sanctuary for refugees fleeing civil war in El Salvador and Guatemala, the group Global Refuge wrote in a history.

Philadelphia engaged from the start.

In 1984, the Tabernacle United Church in West Philadelphia became the first in the region to proclaim itself a sanctuary. The First United Methodist of Germantown followed suit, welcoming a young couple from Guatemala who arrived with their daughter, having journeyed here on a modern Underground Railroad.

The family eventually won a court case granting them asylum.

That church resistance reawakened when Trump took office. At one point in 2019, more undocumented migrants had taken sanctuary in Philadelphia churches than in any city in the country, blocking their deportation by putting themselves beyond the reach of ICE. Agency guidelines dissuade agents from taking action at houses of worship.

Today there is no firm definition of what constitutes a sanctuary city.

Some local governments have issued formal declarations, but often, as in Philadelphia, it is behavior that defines  the citys decision to treat documented and undocumented residents the same, particularly in interactions with police or the courts.

Philadelphia and other sanctuary jurisdictions typically do not honor ICE-issued detainers to keep undocumented people in custody, responding only to judicial warrants.

Leaders in sanctuary cities say they could be sued if they obeyed administrative ICE detainers and held people beyond the release dates set by judges.

Thats what happened to Lehigh County and Allentown officials, who were successfully sued for keeping a man in prison  even after he posted bail  so that ICE could investigate his immigration status. It turned out that Ernesto Galarza was born in New Jersey, and his settlement for three days behind bars cost taxpayers $145,000.

But opponents of sanctuary policies say law enforcement must act in concert to deport people who are here without permission. They point to horrific, headline-grabbing crimes involving undocumented immigrants, incidents they say could have been prevented.

For instance, in 2015 a man who had been deported to Mexico five times, and returned each time, fired a shot that ricocheted and killed a 32-year-old woman in San Francisco, a sanctuary city. ICE officials said the county Sheriffs Department had failed to honor their request to hold Jose Inez Garcia Zarate, releasing him only months before the shooting, the New York Times reported.

The sanctuary-city policy is broadly misguided and, particularly as it relates to criminal offenders, is utterly insane, the Manhattan Institutes Mangual said. Anything the federal government can do to move states in a more sane direction should be on the table.

Philly among the strongest

Among scores of sanctuary cities, states, counties, and towns, heavily Democratic Philadelphia stands among the strongest. Or at least it did, emerging as a resistance leader during the first Trump administration, its opposition driven by community organizations and the city government.

The Kenney administration successfully argued in court that it was not part of the immigration-enforcement apparatus and did not have to devote staff to help ICE do its work. It said city police officers arrest people who they believe have committed crimes, regardless of immigration status, and a judge decides whether and when those people should be released.

Then-Police Commissioner Richard Ross testified that the department needs trust from the community in order to gather information and make arrests, and part of that is based on the fact that officers do not routinely collect data on immigration status.

Other places take the opposite tack.

Florida, Arizona, Texas, and other states passed laws banning sanctuary cities, and last month, Texas offered land to the Trump administration to build detention facilities near the border. Jurisdictions in nearly two dozen states help ICE by providing information and manpower under a program called 287g, named for a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Sanctuary status can come with a price. Philadelphia became a target of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who sent busloads of migrants here in 2022, insisting that sanctuary cities must share in border problems.

Philadelphia officials and immigrant groups safely and warmly welcomed those riders, all of whom had permission to be in the U.S. as they pursued claims in immigration court. Almost all the arrivals were seeking asylum.

No family should live in fear  whether its fear of eviction, fear of violence, or fear of deportation, Councilmember Kendra Brooks said in a statement this fall, as city officials celebrated the five-year anniversary of a Kenney alliance that provides lawyers for detained immigrants facing deportation.

Juntos stands among the main organizations that have pushed for expansive sanctuary city policies in Philadelphia. And that are demanding the same now.

Local protections are incredibly important, Nunez said. Its important for the city to take intentional actions to build that. And that includes publicly declaring were a sanctuary city.
The sheer number of businesses and diversity of the MTA member network is the strength of the MTAA. We represent the Australian automotive industry from dealer to recycler and everyone in between. This result highlights what can be achieved when we work together as one industry, he said.
North Queensland is vibrant and growing, and we could think of no better partner than the Cowboys to help us support this important region, he said at the Hutchinson Builders Centre in Townsville, the Cowboys home base.
He attributed much of the increase to value concentration in urban areas, economic growth, and rising rebuilding costs. Grollimund also pointed to the role of climate change in creating favorable conditions for many of the years catastrophic events, stressing the importance of investing in mitigation and adaptation measures.
In October, the company expanded home builder access to its New Homes Program in California, Florida and Texas. By year-end, the company said it expects the program to provide access to insurance for nearly 50,000 additional homes in the three states.
"[Jones] has done a fantastic job launching the US business and has built a very strong team across underwriting and support functions. Its ongoing success and the growth opportunities for the business mean we are now accelerating these senior management changes to optimise our operations, said group CEO, Alex Maloney.
"With our centralized underwriting and claims leadership team in place, we are best aligned to meet our clients needs by bringing a more expansive product set across a broader geographic scope, all while focusing on making profitable returns to our capital trading partners, said Bouloux.
Claims denial, storm recovery

During the Citizens board of governors quarterly meeting, Cerio addressed the insurers rate of claims denials following hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. As of now, Citizens has denied 13.2% of all claims related to the storms, primarily due to a lack of coverage under the terms of the policy, including claims for flood damage.
Brokers are encouraged to rate the workers compensation carriers they have dealt with over the past 12 months in areas such as claims processing capabilities, customer service, and competitive premiums.
For the eighth time since 2020, federal workplace safety inspectors have cited a Lake Zurich, Illinois roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls from elevation, the leading cause of fatal and serious injuries among people employed in the construction industry.

Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed employees of Fino Exterior Inc. working atop residential structures without legally required fall protection equipment on four occasions in 2024, in Palatine on Feb. 6, Orland Park on June 12, Palos Heights on Aug. 16 and Shorewood on Oct. 16. Fino Exteriors troubling history of ignoring federal safety regulations continued as OSHA cited the company for 13 safety violations in three inspections in four months and proposed $262,631 in penalties.

In addition to a lack of fall protection, OSHA cited Fino Exterior for the following violations:

Permitting employees to work near energized power lines.

Not providing employees with required hard hats.

Failing to train workers in fall protection hazards and prevention.

Lack of eye protection for workers operating pneumatic nail guns.

Improper use of ladders.

The 2024 infractions continue a series of similar citations issued after six inspections since 2020 and two others issued under a previous operating name, Arellano Roofing Corp. Fino Exteriors Inc. is currently liable for $65,115 in unpaid OSHA penalties.

Source: OSHA

Topics Contractors Illinois
Target has failed to persuade a judge in Florida to dismiss a lawsuit that accused the retailer of deceiving shareholders after its sales of LGBTQ-themed merchandise for Pride Month sparked a backlash and a customer boycott.

U.S. District Judge John Badalamenti in Fort Myers ruled that the plaintiffs had presented enough information for now to pursue claims that Target misled investors about its efforts to guard against social and political risks.

The lawsuit from investor Brian Craig claims that Targets board focused only on activist groups calls for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures and overlooked potential negative responses to the Pride campaign in May 2023.

Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

America First Legal, the conservative group that filed the lawsuit last year, had no immediate comment.

Target had urged Badalamenti to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that there was no evidence backing the allegations, that it had warned investors about a potential DEI backlash, and that the complaint was based merely on Craigs disagreement with the companys business decisions.

America First filed the lawsuit in Florida federal court in August 2023. The nonprofit group is headed by Stephen Miller, a close adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Related: Ex-Trump Administration Officials Target Corporate Diversity Efforts

America First and other conservative groups have accused some major U.S. companies of undertaking diversity and inclusion efforts at the expense of shareholders.

Target pulled some LGBTQ-themed merchandise linked to Pride Month last year, citing increased confrontations between shoppers and employees and incidents of products being thrown on the floor.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
Paul Atkins is President-elect Donald Trumps choice to lead the US Securities and Exchange Commission, suggesting four years of relaxed policy and enforcement for crypto firms to hedge funds.

Trump selected Atkins to replace outgoing Chair Gary Gensler, whose ambitious plans focusing on climate-risk disclosures, crypto crackdowns and stock-trading regulations drew resistance from Wall Street. Gensler has said he plans to depart on Jan. 20.

Paul is a proven leader for common sense regulations. He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World, Trump said in the statement posted on Truth Social on Wednesday.

By selecting the former Republican SEC commissioner, Trump is tapping one of the most influential GOP financial regulation insiders to oversee Wall Street. If confirmed, Atkins is expected to focus on whittling away at regulations and levying lower penalties for violations. Critics are already sounding alarms.

He is an industry cheerleader who, as a commissioner at the SEC from 2002-2008, supported deregulation that contributed to the devastating 2008 crash, Dennis Kelleher, co-founder of Better Markets, a financial policy think tank, said in a statement.

Atkins has been a strong proponent of digital assets and his selection to head the agency comes after Trump embraced cryptocurrency during his campaign.

Robinhood Markets Inc. legal chief Dan Gallagher said at the firms investor day in New York City on Wednesday that Atkins is the perfect pick for SEC chair.

Gallagher previously worked for Atkins at the SEC and at Patomak Global Partners, a consulting firm founded by Atkins with major financial industry clients. Patomak has since risen to become one of the most prominent sounding boards for banks, trading firms, fintechs and others seeking guidance on how to influence and respond to Washingtons edicts and investigations.

Atkins History

At the SEC and in the private sector, Atkins has been involved in some of the biggest and most contentious policy issues in finance, such as the influence of proxy advisers on corporate boards and the costs of disclosure overload, as well as policies to encourage capital formation. He has testified before Congress on ways to restructure the agencys operations and reduce what some industry participants consider duplicative or overly burdensome regulations.

As an SEC commissioner, Atkins spoke out against high penalties levied on companies, saying they ultimately hurt shareholders. He also called out the SECs mandate to not only protect investors but to increase competition and efficiency in the markets. The regulator must not price those very investors out of our markets through burdensome regulations or eat up the fruits of their investments through nonsensical mandates, Atkins said in a 2007 speech.

He also criticized parts of the sweeping reforms contained in the Dodd-Frank legislation that was enacted in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. He testified before a congressional committee about problems with certain big banks getting designated as systemically important financial institutions and the grab bag of public company disclosure provisions contained in the law.

Atkins leadership would likely be in sharp contrast with Gensler, who rolled out one of the most aggressive SEC agendas in recent memory. Some of Genslers marquee rule-makings, however, got stymied by legal challenges.

The SEC under Gensler also levied big fines for regulatory missteps, with record penalties for financial firms using unofficial communication devices to conduct business. Business groups, especially the crypto industry, often complained the SEC under Gensler enacted regulation by enforcement instead of first creating clear rules of the road.

I think the nomination of Atkins would signal and would be understood as a return to the status quo before Gensler. Back to business as usual for the SEC, said Alex Platt, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law.

Photo: Paul Atkins. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Chinese hackers compromised eight American telecommunications companies as part of a wide-ranging espionage effort to gather intelligence about prominent US citizens, Biden administration officials said Wednesday.

Anne Neuberger, deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, said that the Chinese group known as Salt Typhoon continues to linger inside some networks as security personnel work to eject the hackers. President Joe Biden has received multiple briefings on the matter as the US government seeks to investigate, she said.

The update comes after officials from the US Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Tuesday that it would be impossible for them to predict how long it would take to clear the intruders from compromised networks. The White House also has established a unified coordination group that meets on a daily basis to help address the threat, they said.

China has repeatedly denied US accusations of its involvement.

Read More: T-Mobile Engineers Spotted Hackers Running Commands on Routers

Neuberger didnt identify the companies affected by the months-long hacking campaign. AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. are among those breached, and the hackers potentially accessed systems the federal government uses for court-authorized network wiretapping requests, the Wall Street Journal reported in early October.

T-Mobile US Inc. Chief Security Officer Jeff Simon told Bloomberg News last week that the company had detected a breach that was potentially related to Salt Typhoon. Simon took part in a Nov. 22 meeting with telecommunications industry executives and White House officials to address the network intrusions, as did the CEOs of AT&T and Lumen Technologies Inc.

US Telecom, the trade group representing broadband providers, said in a statement to Bloomberg News that its members would continue to work side-by-side with intelligence agencies and law enforcement to identify and address the root causes of cybersecurity incidents.

Read More: Chinese Hackers Preparing for Conflict, Says US Cyber Official

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, among others. The attackers also spied on communications belonging to what the FBI has said is a limited number of people in government and politics.

US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday joined officials from the White House, FBI and other agencies to brief US senators in a classified closed-door meeting.

Following the briefing, Senator Marco Rubio described the hacking campaign as the most disturbing and widespread incursion into the countrys telecommunications systems.

Its about as bad as it gets, said Rubio, a Florida Republican nominated by Trump as the next US secretary of state.

Separately, two US senators demanded Wednesday that the Defense Department conduct an internal investigation into its contracts with phone companies. Senators Ron Wyden and Eric Schmitt said that the telecom providers networks used by the Pentagon could be vulnerable to foreign surveillance.

Photographer: Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg Creative Collection

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Cyber China
UnitedHealth Groups investor day turned from an ordinary corporate meeting in a midtown Manhattan hotel to a scene of stunned grief quicker than the health insurer could even react.

It was mid-presentation when everyone began to get the headlines, said Michael Ha, a health-care analyst at Baird who sat among roughly 275 attendees at the Wednesday event when news alerts started pinging attendees mobile phones. We were all looking around, we were all shocked and confused.

Fifty-year-old Brian Thompson, who led the companys UnitedHealthcare insurance division, had been fatally shot on the sidewalk as he approached the hotel around 6:45 a.m. Blood stained the concrete. And the suspect was still at large.

Details are still emerging of a grisly scene in which Thompson, in a blue suit, was shot multiple times on his way to the New York Hilton Midtown early Wednesday morning. But a haunting question remains: Why would someone want to kill Thompson?

Read more: UnitedHealth Executive Fatally Shot in NYC on Investor Day

Were looking into everything, Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives in the New York Police Department, said in a press conference. Were looking at his social media, were interviewing employees, were interviewing family members, we will be speaking to law enforcement in Minnesota.

Police said it appears that Thompson was targeted. A manhunt involving dogs, drones and an extensive police presence has been deployed to find the suspect, last seen in Central Park.

A man in a facemask approached Thompson from behind at around 6:45 a.m. and began shooting him in the back, according to a video released by the New York Police Department. Even though the gun malfunctioned, the shooter cleared it, continuing to fire 9-millimeter rounds at him. With Thompson slumped on the ground, the shooter walked past him and then fled on a Citi Bike. Thompson was taken to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.

Kenny responded to questions about the shooter, including whether he used a silencer, which the police couldnt confirm. It does seem hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, he said.

Prior to the killing, the shooter purchased some items in a nearby Starbucks, including a water bottle that he left in the alley as he fled, a person familiar with the investigation said. The police are hoping to pull DNA from a water bottle as well as the ammunition he ejected from the gun, the person said.

UnitedHealthcare had received threats against Thompson in the past, the person said.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC that he had received threats, suggesting they were related to potential insurance denials. She couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, she said in a phone call with NBC. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

The police said they didnt know the motive. They havent said whether the shooting was related to Thompsons personal or professional life. UnitedHealth has faced a series of crises in the last year. The Department of Justice is investigating the company for potential antitrust violations. A cyberattack earlier this year against its Change Healthcare subsidiary knocked out crucial networks, disrupting billions of dollars in payments.

Read more: Slain UnitedHealth Executive Puts New Focus on CEO Safety Policy

Any Other Day

UnitedHealths investor day kicked off a few minutes behind schedule. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Witty welcomed the crowd with opening remarks on problem solving and delivering on investor expectations. Were committed to making sure that were always playing chess and never playing checkers, he said.

They played videos. Another executive took the stage.

Shortly before 9 a.m., headlines about Thompsons shooting death rippled through the room. Everyone was looking at the news, Ha said. He and others left the room to try and figure out what was going on. Ha wasnt sure when the attack had happened.

People in the lobby were shocked, confused, sad, scared, Ha said. Some were crying. Attendees worried for their own safety as they tried to piece together the scant details. We didnt know if there was a shooter even in the actual building. So the atmosphere was definitely very dark.

By about 9:10 a.m., after waiting for Optum CEO Heather Cianfrocco to finish giving her presentation, Witty cut the meeting short.

Thanks, Heather. Im afraid that we  some of you may know were dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, Witty said, nearly two-and-a-half hours after the shooting occurred. And as a result, Im afraid were going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologize for. Im sure youll understand.

He told the audience, many of whom were watching a webcast, that were going to go offline now and find a different way to update investors on the business.

As attendees filtered out of the room, a couple staying at the hotel said they heard a helicopter early in the morning, but had no idea what was going on until they spoke with reporters. Its a large hotel that spans nearly two thirds of a Manhattan block.

On the floor below the UnitedHealth event, hundreds of people were attending a different conference. One attendee, Gillian Schiller, said I saw the ambulance but I had no idea what had happened.

Its unclear when the health insurance behemoth became aware of the shooting. We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague, UnitedHealth said in a statement. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Photograph: New York Police Department (NYPD) officers outside the New York Hilton Midtown in New York, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 after Brian Thompson, a UnitedHealth Group Inc. executive, was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan in what authorities described as a targeted attack. Photo credit: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
GEICO announced the addition 500 new jobs in North Texas in an expansion of its commercial insurance business.

Of these positions, 300 will support GEICOs commercial operations at its Richardson office, which has been designated as a main hub to serve the insurers small business customers, joining locations in Katy, Texas, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The remaining 200 positions will be dedicated to sales, service, and claims roles in support of GEICOs other lines of business.

GEICO said the expansion of its commercial lines business is being driven by new products including long-haul trucking insurance.

The new positions will help manage GEICOs continued growth commercial lines while serving the companys expanding small business customer base.

GEICO said it is hiring for commercial insurance sales and service positions, while also offering leadership development opportunities for those seeking management careers.

Topics Texas Commercial Lines Business Insurance
Arizona Department of Insurance Director Barbara D. Richardson has created a Resiliency and Mitigation Council that plans to examine the availability and affordability of homeowners insurance in forested and wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas of Arizona.

Based on the work of the council, the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions aims to produce a report by the end of 2025 to offer insights for policymakers to address issues of availability and affordability in these areas.

The focus will be on reducing the risk of losses in forested and WUI areas. According to an announcement by the department, lowering the overall risk shared among all policyholders may help homeowners insurance premiums for all homeowners in the state begin to stabilize.

The council will include representatives from local governments, firefighting agencies, the insurance industry and federally recognized tribal nations in Arizona.

The members include Richardson, as well as the following:

Thomas A. Torres, Director of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Tom Savage, League of Arizona Cities and Towns

Terri Edwards, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona

Chief Jake Rhoades, Arizona Fire Chiefs Association

Chief Randy Chevalier, Arizona Fire District Association

Carmine DeBonis, Jr., Pima County

Jacob Emnett, County Supervisors Association of Arizona

Laura Curtis, American Property and Casualty Insurance Association

Michael Newman, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Vacant, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

Vacant, Navajo Nation

The councils first meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. with both in-person and virtual attendance options. More information about the council and meeting is available on the DIFIs website.
Claim frequency in California workers compensation remains significantly higher in the Los Angeles Basin than in the northern part of the state, a new study shows.

The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California released its WCIRB Geo Study 2024, which underscores regional differences in claim characteristics across California.

The studys findings include:

Even after controlling for regional differences in wages and industry mix, indemnity claim frequency remains significantly higher in the Los Angeles Basin and significantly lower in the San Francisco Bay Area, a pattern that has remained consistent over the last several years.

Allocated loss adjustment expenses increased in all regions from policy year 2021 to 2022, with a particularly pronounced increase in Northern California regions. The regions around the L.A. Basin continued to have the highest ALAE, driven by high rates of litigation.

The share of indemnity claims that involve permanent disability increased slightly from 2021 to 2022 with increases somewhat more common in Southern California.

The study is available in the Research Studies and Reports section of the WCIRB website.

Topics California Workers' Compensation
This article is part of The Priorities of the Next EU Commission

Five years ago, European Commissions President-elect Ursula von der Leyen declared in her address to the European Parliament the ambitious goal to have a geopolitical Commission and geopolitical European Union. Despite repeating this declaration several times, it remained far from fulfilled. However, its importance is even greater today given the ongoing war in Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah, the assertive policies of non-democratic regimes, the undermined multilateral political, security and economic order, and isolationist and protectionist tendencies of the incoming second Trump Administration in the United States.

Increasing the EUs geopolitical role requires well-designed and coordinated actions in several important policy areas, including the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), building European defence capacities, trade, environment, preventing and mitigating climate changes, enlargement, and neighbourhood. In this short analysis, we concentrate on enlargement and neighbourhood policies, and EU institutional changes enabling progress in those and other areas important for the EUs global role.

Enlargement

Since 2013, when Croatia joined the EU, the enlargement process has been practically frozen. Two other Western Balkan countries  Montenegro and Serbia  started accession negotiations, in 2012 and 2013 respectively, but they moved slowly. Negotiations with Turkey opened in 2005 and moved even slower; they were effectively suspended in 2016 due to democratic backsliding in this country.

Enlargement became less of a priority for EU member states and EU governing bodies, who were preoccupied with other problems and emergencies: the financial crisis in the euro area periphery in 2010-2015, the refugee crisis of 2015-2016, Brexit, challenges related to the first Trumps presidency in the US and the COVID-19 pandemic. Enlargement was a secondary task for the Juncker Commission (2014-2019) and the first half of Ursula von der Leyens first term (2019-2021). This was reflected, among other things, in the Commissions administrative structure, which included enlargement policy in neighbourhood relations by creating a single Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) in January 2015.

EU member states lost their political appetite for further EU enlargement in the 2010s and early 2020s (Grabbe, 2024). Worse, some member states abused the unanimity requirement in the enlargement decision-making process to meet their national interests or other domestic political goals.

North Macedonia has been the biggest victim of such practices. Despite obtaining the EU candidate status already in December 2005, it has not been able to start effective accession negotiations yet due to objections from its two EU neighbours. First, Greece demanded a change in the countrys name. When this humiliating condition was met in 2018-2019, Bulgaria stepped in, demanding a new set of constitutional changes referring to the supposed Bulgarian roots of the Macedonian nation and language, and recognising the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia (Brunnbauer, 2022; Dimeska, 2023). Such nationalistically driven conditionalities have nothing to do with meeting the so-called Copenhagen criteria of 1993, which define candidates readiness to join the EU.

However, the candidate countries could also be blamed for the lack of progress or, even worse, backtracking in the process of building democratic and legal institutions. This was reflected in a number of ways, including the deteriorating democracy scores in the annual Freedom House surveys Freedom in the World and Nations in Transit (Smeltzer & Karppi, 2024).

One could argue that the slow accession process and uncertain membership perspectives (due to obstacles created by the incumbent EU members) were responsible for weakening enlargement-related incentives for the candidates to implement institutional reforms, which are often technically and politically difficult. They also created a fertile ground for nationalistic and autocratic populism. Meanwhile, a drastic democratic reversal observed in two member states that joined the EU in 2004 (Hungary and Poland) played into the hands of enlargement sceptics, strengthening arguments for even stricter conditionality related to democratic institutions, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, minority protection, etc., i.e. the Cluster 1 of the Revised Enlargement Methodology (REM) (European Commission, 2020).

The Russian aggression against Ukraine, which started in February 2022, radically changed the perception of the geopolitical and security situation in Europe, including the prospect of the enlargement process. It became evident that the EU could no longer accept the grey zones of the geopolitical vacuum and instability in its closest neighbourhood, which could be used by other powers such as Russia or China to advance their expansionist interests.

In the first instance, it affected the EUs perception of Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, which had never been considered potential EU candidates. In June 2022, the European Council (2022) granted EU candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine. In December 2023, Georgia became a candidate and Moldova and Ukraine were invited to start accession negotiations (European Council, 2023). The relative speed with which three EaP countries obtained candidate status and two of them were allowed to start membership negotiations served as a wake-up call for the Western Balkan candidates, who were afraid of being left behind in the process of joining the EU (Steinbach, 2024).

The EU also took active steps in speeding up Western Balkan accession. Bosnia and Herzegovina became an EU candidate in December 2022 and was invited to start accession negotiations in March 2024. On 8 November 2023, the European Commission announced a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans for 2024-2027 worth 6 billion (2 billion in grants and 4 billion in concessional loans). Apart from providing additional financial assistance to the region, the EU aims to accelerate its economic convergence, establish incentives to speed up governance and economic reforms, normalise Serbia-Kosovo relations, accelerate the integration of candidates into the Single European Market (beyond the Stabilisation and Association Agreement provisions) and boost intra-regional integration through the Common Regional Market. It includes, among other things, the possibility of joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), an important initiative for countries dependent on a large-scale remittance inflow, especially when two of them (Kosovo and Montenegro) already use the euro as domestic currency.

On 1 February 2024, the European Council (2024) approved the Ukraine Facility, which includes 5.27 billion in grants and 33 billion in loans. Apart from supporting the EU accession process of Ukraine, this initiative aims to increase the countrys resilience in its war with Russia and help with reconstruction.

On 10 October 2024, the European Commission adopted the Growth Plan for Moldova worth 1.8 billion with a similar agenda to that for Western Balkans.

While the number of countries with a formal EU candidate status increased from five at the end of 2021 to nine at the end of 2023, and eight of them have entered accession negotiations (all but Georgia), the actual pace of negotiations continues to be slow (as of November 2024).

The most advanced candidate in the negotiation process, Montenegro, has all 33 screened chapters opened, of which only three (science and research, education and culture, and external relations) have been provisionally closed. However, the new government of Montenegro, which came to power in 2023, managed to overcome the earlier negotiation deadlock, moving ahead with reforms in the crucial area of democratic institutions and the rule of law. As a result, the 16th Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on 26 June 2024 confirmed meeting the interim benchmarks set for Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security).

Since December 2021, Serbia has had 22 negotiation chapters opened and only two (science and research, education and culture) have been provisionally closed. There are three obstacles to the acceleration of Serbias accession process: domestic democratic backsliding, lack of progress in the normalisation of Serbia-Kosovo relations and limited alignment with the EU CFSP, especially concerning Russia (Mihajlovic, 2024).

Other candidates are still in the very beginning stages of negotiations. After completing the screening process (the initial phase of accession negotiation), Albania opened negotiations on Cluster 1 of the REM (Fundamentals) during the second IGC on 15 October 2024. Although North Macedonia ended screening all six negotiation clusters in December 2023, there has not been any follow-up due to its dispute with Bulgaria. Moldova and Ukraine are in the screening process. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the negotiation framework (a step before the first IGC and screening) is being prepared by the European Commission.

Due to its controversial legislation on foreign agents (Gorecki, 2024) and numerous irregularities during the October 2024 parliamentary election (EPDE, 2024), Georgia lost a chance to open accession negotiations in the near future.

Despite its progress in implementing political and economic reforms, Kosovo continues to wait to obtain a formal candidate status. Its non-recognition by Serbia and five EU member states (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) is the main obstacle on the EU integration path.

Enlargement policy: Challenges ahead

To speed up the EU enlargement, several steps must be taken by the new Commission and EU member states. First, and most important, the enlargement decision-making process should be streamlined. In the current procedure and practice, there are more than 150 veto points during the negotiation process (Darvas & Grabbe, 2024), which could be used by individual member states for domestic policy purposes. Member states should agree that unanimity Council decisions are needed for the most important steps such as opening and closing negotiation (perhaps also closing Cluster 1 on fundamentals) while intermediate, more technical steps should be decided by the European Commission.

Looking at the advancement of the negotiation process, it makes sense to set an indicative, not very distant date for Montenegros accession to the EU in order to mobilise all parties involved as was done in the case of the 2004 Eastern Enlargement. Montenegro is a small country already well integrated with the EU, so its accession involves little risk for the functioning of the EU or economic interests of the incumbent member states. On the other hand, a fast accession of Montenegro can incentivise other candidates and increase the credibility of the entire enlargement process.

The EU governing bodies must push the governments of Serbia and Kosovo to implement the 2023 Ohrid Agreement on the path to normalisation between the two countries. The resolution of this conflict could remove obstacles to Serbia and Kosovos EU accession and stabilise the entire Western Balkan region.

The expert proposals of the staged accession (Mihajlovic et al., 2023) or progressive integration (Darvas et al., 2024) aim at the acceleration of the accession process and creation of additional incentives for candidate countries by bringing forward selected benefits of membership, conditional on the successful closing of subsequent negotiation phases. Elements of these proposals were adopted in the aforementioned Growth Plans for Western Balkans and Moldova (e.g. the possibility of earlier access to SEPA) but it seems that it is not enough to strengthen pro-reform incentives and accelerate membership negotiation. The same relates to the limited financial envelopes of the Growth Plans, which should be substantially increased.

Ukraine, in its fight against Russian aggression, needs a much larger military, and financial and diplomatic support from the EU  especially with the risk of diminishing support from the incoming Trump Administration in the United States.

The idea of staged accession or progressive integration requires a fundamental political debate among incumbent member states on whether they are ready to offer candidates some membership benefits and privileges before completing membership negotiations and signing and ratifying accession treaties. On the other hand, the candidates will have to be reassured that this is an honest proposal to accelerate accession rather than a substitute for full membership.

On a more technical level, the forthcoming Commission should assess the advantages and disadvantages of the REM and propose its correction if necessary.

Neighbourhood policy

Article 8.1 of the Treaty on European Union obliges developing a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation. The practical elaboration and implementation of the respective policies started with the so-called Barcelona Process in 1995, which initiated the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership with ten countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region.

In 2004, when the first and main round of the EU Eastern Enlargement was completed, a new policy framework called the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was announced. Apart from ten southern and eastern Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Marocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria and Tunisia), it was also addressed to six post-Soviet countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). It did not involve the EUs actual and potential candidates, countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway), Switzerland or Russia.

Russia did not want to be part of the ENP, and a special cooperation framework (like that within the ENP) was developed for it by the EU in the 2000s (Road Map, 2005). It was suspended after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The ENP offered the neighbouring countries a privileged relationship built upon mutual commitment to common values principally within the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights, including minority rights, the promotion of good neighbourly relations, and the principles of market economy and sustainable development (European Commission, 2004).

From the very beginning, the ENP was considered by the EU as a substitute for an enlargement offer. Therefore, it lacked incentives for the neighbouring countries to align with the EUs fundamental values and institutions both in the political and economic spheres (Milcher et al., 2007; Emerson et al., 2007; Dabrowski, 2014). Originally it was a rather vague perspective of a stake in the EU Internal Market based on legislative and regulatory approximation, the participation in a number of EU programmes and improved interconnection and physical links with the EU (European Commission, 2004).

In 2007, it was cemented as the proposal of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and individual neighbourhood countries (Council of the European Union, 2007). In 2009, it was repeated in the Eastern Partnership proposal, a supplementary cooperation framework addressed to six Eastern neighbours (Council of the European Union, 2009).

DCFTAs, as part of broader association agreements, were signed with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in 2014 and entered into force in 2016. Earlier, in the second half of the 1990s and early 2000s, free trade agreements were signed with eight Southern and Eastern Mediterranean neighbours (all but Libya and Syria). However, their content was less ambitious than DCFTAs, signed with three Eastern neighbours.

To have a complete picture of the cooperation network with EU neighbours, one should mention two other institutions created on the initiative of France.

In 2008, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) was founded, including all EU member states, EU actual and potential candidates, nine Southern and Eastern Mediterranean participants of the Barcelona Process (all but Libya), Mauritania and Monaco. The UfM initiated several joint projects in environment, energy, prevention and response to natural and man-made disasters, education and small business.

In 2022, the European Political Community (EPC), which gathers all member states of the Council of Europe, was initiated. It aims to serve as a political forum and cooperation platform in various areas between the EU and non-member European countries.

Geopolitical developments in the EU neighbourhood in the 2010s and early 2020s shook the conceptual framework of the ENP and associated initiatives, at least in their multilateral dimension. As a result, the entire ENP concept requires a fundamental rethinking and redesigning in new circumstances.

The failure of hopes for democratisation associated with the Arab Spring and proliferation of conflicts in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, including civil wars in Syria and Libya, the unsolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israels ongoing war with Hamas and Hezbollah, and continued frozen relations between Algeria and Morocco undermine any broader pan-regional initiatives in this region.

On the other hand, bilateral relations between the EU and individual partners have also moved from more ambitious goals of promoting the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights, and trade and investment liberalisation to immediate needs such as the control of illegal migration, security issues and energy supply. They should be redirected back to the original fundamental goals in political and economic areas, at least for those countries that are not directly affected by internal and external conflicts and are interested in closer relations with the EU. They may include upgrading existing trade agreements, cooperation in a green agenda, education and culture, facilitation of movement of people, fighting terrorism, alignment with the CFSP, etc.

The EU should become more active in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction programmes in the region. The EaP agenda as a regional policy framework has also lost its importance. When Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine became EU candidates, they moved to another policy basket. Belarus withdrew from the EaP in June 2021 and became the subject of EU sanctions for human rights violations and supporting Russias aggression against Ukraine. The two remaining countries  Armenia and Azerbaijan  would benefit from a more active EU role in helping to achieve a peace agreement between them. Looking further ahead, Armenia may be interested in closer political and economic relations with the EU, and the EU governing bodies should be ready to support such aspirations.

EU institutional reform

The perspective of EU enlargement is often conditioned on EU institutional reforms. The key argument refers to the number of member states vs. the unanimity requirement in many crucial decisions. While one can imagine a hassle-free accession of one or two small candidate countries such as Montenegro, the number problem may become more serious when all or most current candidates join. On the other hand, even without the enlargement perspective, the EU needs institutional reform to function more effectively, especially in the context of its geopolitical ambitions.

This requires reducing the list of decisions that need unanimity in order to limit cases in which common EU policies are taken hostage by domestic politics. Unanimity should be replaced by qualified majority voting (QMV), at least in three policy areas: the Common Foreign and Security Policy, EU enlargement and Multiannual Financial Framework.

There are two ways to achieve this goal: activating the passerelle (bridging) clauses in the EU Treaties or by changes to the Treaties. The first is politically and legally more accessible but limited in subject scope. For example, it cannot apply to enlargement decisions (Kotanidis, 2020). However, as suggested earlier, member states can agree to reduce the number of existing veto points during the accession negotiations and delegate decisions related to interim benchmarks (opening and provisional closure of individual negotiation clusters and chapters) at the Commissions discretion.

Regarding the second avenue, the resolution of the European Parliament of 22 November 2023, containing 245 Treaties amendment proposals, many of them reducing national veto powers, can serve as the starting point for negotiating the Treaties changes.

Without institutional reform aimed at reducing unanimity requirements, the EU enlargement process will move slowly and could easily be trapped by domestic policy considerations in any incumbent member state as has happened many times before. Limiting the possibility of member states veto power is also important for more efficient and meaningful common foreign and security policy, building the EU defense capacity, reforming the EU budget and conducting other EU policies.

References

Brunnbauer, U. (2022). Side Effects of Phantom Pains: How Bulgarian Historical Mythology Derails North Macedonias EU Accession. Comparative Southeast European Studies, 70(4), 722739.

Council of the European Union. (2007). Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy [Presidency progress report]. General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC).

Council of the European Union. (2009). Presidency conclusions. Council of the European Union.

Dabrowski, M. (2014). EU cooperation with non-member neighbouring countries: the principle of variable geometry. CASE Network Reports, 119.

Darvas, Z., & Grabbe, H. (2024, September 4). Memo to the commissioner responsible for enlargement. Bruegel Memo.

Darvas, Z., Dabrowski, M., Grabbe, H., Lery Moffat, L., Sapir A., & Zachmann, G. (2024). Ukraines path to European Union membership and its long-term implications. Bruegel Policy Brief, 05/2024.

Dimeska, F. (2023, July 19). The Bulgaria-North Macedonia Constitution Issue: How it Evolved. Balkan Insight.

Emerson M., Noutcheva G., & Popescu N. (2007). European Neighbourhood Policy after two years: time indeed for an ENP Plus. CEPS Policy Brief, 126.

EPDE. (2024). ISFED Summary Statement on Georgias Parliamentary Election on October 6, 2024. European Platform for Democratic Elections.

European Commission. (2004). European neighbourhood policy [Strategy paper]. Communication from the Commission. COM(2004), 373 final.

European Commission. (2020). Enhancing the accession process - A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Brussels, COM(2020) 57 final.

European Council. (2022). European Council meeting (23 and 24 June 2022)  Conclusions. European Council, General Secretariat of the Council.

European Council. (2023). European Council meeting (14 and 15 December 2023)  Conclusions. European Council, General Secretariat of the Council, Brussels, EUCO 20/23.

European Council. (2024). Special meeting of the European Council (1 February 2024)  Conclusions. European Council, General Secretariat of the Council, Brussels, EUCO 2/24.

Gorecki, W. (2024). Georgia passes the law on agents, the internal crisis escalates. Analyses, Centre for Eastern Studies.

Grabbe, H. (2024). The push-pull between geopolitics and domestic resistance: lessons from the 2004 enlargement of the EU. Bruegel First Glance.

Kotanidis, S. (2020). Passerelle clauses in the EU Treaties: Opportunities for more flexible supranational decision-making. European Parliamentary Research Service, PE 659.420.

Mihajlovic, M. (2024, April 3). Serbias Challenging Journey to the EU: Reforms Required for Membership. European Policy Center Blog.

Mihajlovic, M., Blockmans, S., Subotic, S., & Emerson, M. (2023). Template 2.0 for Staged Accession to the EU. Open Society Foundations, European Policy Centre, Centre for European Policy Studies.

Milcher S., Slay B., & Collins M. (2007). The economic rationale of the European Neighborhood Policy. In A. Aslund & M. Dabrowski (Eds.), Europe After Enlargement. Cambridge University Press.

Road Map. (2005). Road map for the Common Economic Space  building blocks for sustained economic growth.

Smeltzer, M., & Karppi, A. (2023). A Region Reordered by Autocracy and Democracy. Nations in Transit 2024 [Digital Booklet]. Freedom House.

Steinbach, A. (2024). The rocky road to EU accession for Western Balkan countries: obstacles and lessons from the Eastern European Partnership. Bruegel Working Paper, 08/2024.
Gig: Fontaines DC

3Arena, Dublin, Friday-Saturday, December 6-7

The Grammy Award-nominated Irish band, currently earning plaudits and picking up gongs for album of the year with fourth record Romance, play their biggest shows in Ireland on Friday and Saturday.

Fontaines DC are at 3Arena on December 6-7.

We expect the five-piece to blow the roof off the 3Arena for their final gigs of the year following a UK tour last week. Grian Chatten and co can do no wrong at the moment.

Panto: The Improv Panto 2024

Cork Opera House, from Friday, December 6

Promising a different show every night, the Improv Panto returns to Cork Opera House throughout the month of December.

The Improv Panto returns to Cork Opera House throughout the month of December

The audience get to choose the story and who plays what character, with a cast including including Dominic MacHale (The Young Offenders), the peoples princess Laura OMahony, Declan Wolfe (Summer Revels!), Laura Harte, John McCarthy, and Dylan Howe on Keys.

Comedy: Jarlath Regan

De Barras, Clonakilty, Friday-Saturday, December 6-7

This is essentially a homecoming show for Jarlath Regan - he used to host monthly comedy nights in the homely De Barras 20 years ago. Considering he has five dates lined up at Dublins Olympia Theatre in January, yer man from Instagram says the De Barras gigs are the beginnings of a standup comedy show - indeed, the shows are called Life is a work in progress.

Streaming: Black Doves

Netflix, out now

Created and written by Joe Barton (Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project), this six-episode spy thriller stars Keira Knightley in a role weve never seen her in before, opposite Ben Whishaw as an unlikely spy/assassin duo. Its been great fun to do all of the fighting, she says. Black Doves promises high-stakes global intrigue, British wit, knife fights, and holiday (or anti-holiday) cheer.

Cinema: Housewife of the Year

Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, Sunday-Wednesday, December 8- 11

Winner of the best Irish feature documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh this year, Ciaran Cassidys documentary about the Housewife of the Year contest is a 77-minute snapshot of a previous Ireland (even though it lasted until 1995).

Housewife of the Year is screening at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, from December 8-11

The former contestants share their experiences of marriage bars, lack of contraception, Magdalene laundries, financial vulnerability, boredom, and shame. Its the story of a resilient generation of women and how they changed a country.
1. Chloe LEau de Parfum Intense (RRP 154)

Toted as the essence of inspiring, visionary femininity, Chloes latest fragrance opens with notes of raspberry and seemingly expresses every facet of the flower as though its scent had been captured at three different times of the day.

Warm, soft and musky, with leather-like tonalities, the houses new scent offering reflects the modern woman. And, its refillable.

LUNA Stray Tamer

2. LUNA Haircare Stray Tamer (RRP 14)

The latest innovation to smooth, control, and hydrate unruly hair.

It promises long-lasting hold without stiffness and is infused with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and ocean bamboo.

Taming flyaways while also nourishing, it will help you achieve that perfect slicked back look.

EUCERIN NEW* Ato Control Calming Balm

3. EUCERIN Ato Control Calming Balm (RRP 19)

A daily-use oil-in-water body balm specially formulated to soothe and intensely moisturise irritated and itchy skin.

Enriched with Licochalcone A, ceramides and shea butter to strengthen the skins barrier while relieving dryness and itching.

Champo Pitta Lash Serum

4. Champo Pitta Lash Serum (48, Brown Thomas)

Building on the success of the viral Pitta Growth Serum (one sells every 30 seconds) UK brand, Champo, has launched a corresponding lash serum, one that is prostaglandin-free.

Prostaglandins are a group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection.

Theyve become a hot topic in the lash serum world as some studies have shown that while they produce long and thick lashes, they also have been shown to produce other undesirable side effects such as skin darkening, pupil colour change and, even, undereye fat loss.

Champos approach  using efficacious peptides instead of prostaglandins  is a great option for those who want to play it safe.

Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Breath Strips

5. Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Breath Strips (6.99, McCauley Pharmacy)

New kid on the block, Burst, has released a revolutionary two-for-one oral experience in their Teeth Whitening Breath Strips.

Instantly dissolvable, these strips combine teeth whitening with breath freshness.

The formula includes an 11% PAP solution to quickly and visibly whiten and is minty fresh.

The biggest win? It doesnt leave your teeth horrendously sensitive, like some other strips.

JSHealth Vita-Growth Scalp Seru

6. JSHealth Vita-Growth Scalp Serum (44.99, jshealthvitamins.com)

JSHealth founder Jessica Sepel has worked with leading biochemists to develop an innovative, highly concentrated blend of 7 clinically proven actives for our scalps.

The Vita-Growth Scalp Serum aims to condition and protect the microbiome and tackle all hair issues at the root.

Bursting with peptides, vitamins and amino acids  this sounds like an excellent scalp treatment from a brand that pushes the boat out.

ALFAPARF Milano Professional Semi di Lino Reconstruction Mask

7. ALFAPARF Milano Professional Semi di Lino Reconstruction Mask (19.20, salons nationwide)

This mask  which deeply reconstructs fine, damaged hair  includes the following original technologies: an A-Z BOND COMPLEX, Urban Defence Pro anti-pollution shield, Shine Fix Complex, Colour Fix Complex and a climate-proof protective barrier, which keeps the hair hydrated as humidity and temperature changes.

Perfect for changeable Irish weather.

Hildun Forever Diamonds eyeshadow palettes

8. Hildun Diamonds Are Forever Collection (18 - 27, hildunbeauty.com)

Hilduns final launch of 2024 features three brand new, high-performance additions to the Hildun Beauty family; metallic pencils, 18 each, and two eyeshadow quads, 27 each.

The pencils are creamy with maximum staying power, while the eyeshadow pigments are exceptional.

Catch me in the Naked Diamonds palette from now until next year.
Hundreds of people have been detained in the North trying to get into Britain by crossing the border from the Republic of Ireland in an operation aimed at cracking down on people smugglers.

Criminal gangs are charging up to 8,000 for the illegal travel package they present as a safer route to crossing the Channel on small boats, say immigration officials.

The interceptions in the North have flowed from a UK Home Office campaign called Operation Comby launched last April to intensify the routine immigration controls implemented by Operation Gull, a long-standing joint effort with An Garda Siochana to stamp out abuse of the common travel area (CTA).

The CTA allows British and Irish citizens only to travel without passports between the islands of Ireland, Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands but it has become the subject of controversy in the Republic of Ireland over allegations that irregular migrants are using Belfast as a backdoor to the republic.

Operation Comby

A three-day Comby operation focussing on travel in the other direction this week led to multiple arrests, the British Home Office said. It involved officers in the ports and airports of Northern Ireland, Manchester, Liverpool, Holyhead and Cairnryan.

On Tuesday, Home Office officials detained four individuals trying to board ferries or planes in Belfast. One was an Iranian who appeared to have travelled from Barcelona to Dublin posing as a Ukrainian.

He was stopped by two immigration enforcement officials as he approached the boarding card turnstiles at Belfast airport. Within minutes, the officers suspected his Ukrainian passport was counterfeit and he admitted to being Iranian.

Officers said the detention could be low-hanging fruit that led to a potential smuggling gang in Dublin or elsewhere in Europe using the common travel area as a back door to Britain.

Jonathan Evans, the inspector at the criminal and financial investigations unit in immigration enforcement in Belfast, said the numerous stamps in the mans passport were designed to make it look like he was well-travelled.

This suggested the document had been prepared by a criminal gang to make it look like he has gone through multiple border controls previously with immigration stamps from other countries.

He added: We will now run his fingerprints through our databases and talk to Europol, the officer said.

We will also probably put out a national alert to see if there have been any other Ukrainian counterfeit passports been used and this could lead us to a new method used by organised criminals.

The surge in the number of asylum seekers going the other direction from Britain to Belfast and then Dublin was the centre of a political row here earlier this year after the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, said there was anecdotal evidence the sharp rise in the number of those seeking international protection were entering the country via Northern Ireland.

Maintaining the invisible border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was a political red line during the Brexit negotiations. Ireland and the EU faced down Brexiteers who wanted a hard border.

Asylum applications here have jumped from just under 5,000 in 2019 to more than 17,536 so far this year, according to Irish government data.

Evans says there is evidence that people-smuggling gangs are now also targeting Dublin as a backdoor to the UK as a VIP alternative to small boats across the channel.

Two previous Comby exercises this year resulted in 59 arrests, 12 detained as part of criminal investigations into suspected people smuggling, the seizure of forged passports and 430,000 in cash.

Helen McEntee earlier this year said there was anecdotal evidence the sharp rise in the number of those seeking international protection were entering the country via Northern Ireland.

Among the nationalities that have used Ireland as a backdoor are Syrians and Bedoonis, a stateless Arab minority in Kuwait, and other European nationals who have had what Evans calls adverse immigration decisions in Great Britain.

They are exploiting the common travel area in a way they didnt before. So what is happening now is that we are using this kind of overt approach of Comby to raise public awareness. This is all about pushing out the gangs, said Evans.

Debriefing from people desperate enough to pay the gangs to get to Belfast from Dublin show they charge between 5,000 and 8,000 for the flight from Europe, counterfeit documents, the trip to Belfast and for the ticket to wherever their destination is in the UK.

It might cost the gangs 1,000 all in. It is a lucrative business, Evans said.
Oprah Winfrey has commended one of Irelands youngest survivors of the Magdalene laundries, saying: I just cant imagine the kind of courage it takes to be you.

The American TV star was speaking during an interview with Carlow woman Maureen Sullivan, who appeared on Oprahs new podcast series, which focuses on authors selected from her book club.

The interview follows the release of the critically acclaimed film Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy.

The movie is based on a book by author Claire Keegan, who was in the studio with Oprah.

Maureen Sullivan, now 71 years old, was locked up in the New Ross laundry in Co Wexford at age 12, after reporting to a nun that her stepfather was sexually assaulting her.

She was then transferred to another laundry, in Athy, Co Kildare, before being sent to a school for the blind in Dublin.

Last year, she published her book, Girl in the Tunnel, about her experiences.

Speaking on the podcast, which aired this week, Oprah told Ms Sullivan: You are one strong, powerful woman, to come through what you did. The assault, abuse, and constant sexual molestation from your stepfather, and your mother knew, your mother knew.

And I love that first chapter in Girl in the Tunnel when you say: what did I do wrong?

You simply told on him, and by telling on your stepfather, who was constantly sexually assaulting you, you then were sent to the laundries, to an even worse existence.

I am so sorry, Oprah continued.

This is the thing that is so striking, your stepfather was a pure predator, because not only was he sexually assaulting you on a regular basis, and everybody in the house knew, certainly your mother knew and your grandmother knew, but they couldnt do anything about it.

But he did what a lot of predators do, he started calling you a liar. Maureen is a liar  he started doing that long before you told on him. So that when you did tell, nobody would believe you."

Ms Sullivan told Oprah: Yes, he brought his own children up like that, he had himself covered in every way. He was evil."

Maureen also attended the premiere of Small Things Like These in Dublin recently and thanked author Claire Keegan for writing the book, which is a fictional story based around factual events.

Oprah asked: Do you feel some sense of validation that you have been heard?.

Yes, I do replied Ms Sullivan.

And Id like to thank Claire very much for that, we are starting to heal.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner following the interview, Ms Sullivan said it was an honour to be asked to go on the Oprah podcast.

I really did feel like Oprah was listening to me and I watched her for years and shes very spiritual and connected with people. She is a very genuine and sincere woman, I found her lovely.

It puts the focus back on this important topic. I have a good counsellor and I am doing workshops and going back to my inner child. You have to heal, otherwise you will carry the pain."

A spokesperson for the Oprah show said: "Its about reaching out to a larger audience because this topic has impacted so many people.

We always try to reach many people with one story.
It felt a lot more low key heading into court room 26 for the costs hearing in the Conor McGregor civil rape case.

Two floors below was court room 24 where a jury of eight women and four men listened to shocking, and often harrowing evidence, across two weeks.

They heard Nikita Hand tearfully describe her account of how the MMA fighter brutally raped her in a hotel room in December 2018.

They saw, in the words of her barrister, McGregors mask slip as he gave evidence across two days, strenuously denying Ms Hands allegations and accusing her of being a liar.

Proceedings were altogether different on Thursday. Many of the faces were the same. All the assembled journalists dutifully arrived in an hour early to make sure they got seats.

The same legal teams were there, with senior counsels John Gordon, Remy Farrell, and John Fitzgerald leading their respective sides. Mr Justice Alexander Owens was there too, with a weighty task before him.

All that was missing were the main protagonists, who'd been there on every day of the trial in November.

The stakes were still extremely high, even though a jury had already found in favour of Nikita Hand in her case against Conor McGregor. And awarded her damages of just under 250,000.

The issue of who would pay the very significant legal bills arising from this landmark court case was on the agenda and, having lost the first court battle, Mr McGregor  through his legal team  was determined not to lose this one too. Legal experts had estimated the costs overall for the case would exceed 1m.

The oft-used rule of thumb in civil cases is that costs follow the event.

It basically means that the losing side is liable to pay the costs of the winning side.

So, it wouldve followed that Mr McGregor would pay Ms Hands legal fees.

Indeed, Mr Justice Owens remarked in court on Thursday that there was always going to be costs against McGregor, lets face it.

But the matter was complicated by James Lawrence, the co-defendant in the case.

The jury decided that Mr Lawrence did not assault Ms Hand on the same day, so Ms Hand was not successful in this aspect of her case.

This meant that she may have been liable to pay his considerable costs which couldve even exceeded the damages she was awarded. Furthermore, McGregor told the court he had paid Mr Lawrences legal fees, which involved the same law firm.

Mr Justice Owens said he would award Nikita Hand 'party-party' costs against Mr McGregor, which was not at the highest level of 'solicitor-own client' costs that her lawyers had sought. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

As he had been when summing up the case for the jury, Mr Gordon, for Ms Hand, did not mince his words.

Referencing social media posts made by McGregor in the aftermath of the verdict, Mr Gordon said the MMA fighter accused the court of behaving like a kangaroo court and that this was a direct insult to the jury and their decision.

During the trial itself, Mr Gordon said McGregor used vitriol as a weapon and was vocally abusive of [his] client in open court.

He said Ms Hand should get her entire costs against McGregor. Mr Gordon also posited that the jury must have accepted that Ms Hand did not have sexual intercourse with Mr Lawrence whatsoever on the day, despite his claims they had sex twice after McGregor left the hotel.

For his part, Mr Farrell, representing Mr McGregor, said that his client should pay the normal costs and that an application to pay higher costs should not be granted.

Mr Farrell said it was extraordinary that a civil claim alleging rape against Mr Lawrence had been pursued when she had given evidence that she did not have sex with Mr Lawrence, had no memory of doing so and accused him of lying.

He also said that no aggravated or exemplary damages were awarded against either man, and that post-trial social media posts shouldnt be taken into consideration as aggravating behaviour as many litigants express unhappiness with court verdicts.

Retiring before 1pm, Mr Justice Owens said he would return in the afternoon to deliver his ruling in what he called a most singular and peculiar case.

He said that McGregor and Mr Lawrence were lockstep in their account of the day and that it wouldnt be appropriate to award costs to Mr Lawrence even though the jury said he did not rape Ms Hand.

Mr Lawrence was successful but not for the reasons advanced in his defence, the judge said.

Mr Justice Owens said he would award party-party costs against McGregor which was not at the highest level of solicitor-own client costs that lawyers for Ms Hand had sought against Mr McGregor.

He added he was making no order on costs in relation to Ms Hands claims against Mr Lawrence, meaning each side will pay their own costs accrued from that claim.

Standing up following the ruling, Mr Farrell said that his side would very likely appeal Mr Justice Owens ruling.

Sure, he said that in his [social media] post, Mr Justice Owens replied, referring to McGregor.

Im not in the least offended by these things.

With the case listed for mention again on January 16, there is still some road to run yet before it reaches a conclusion.
The magic of Christmas arrived at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street when Santa Claus came with a Garda escort to start the festivities.

Six-year-old Albi Sullivan had been practicing at home to help Santa's countdown and to turn on the lights outside the hospital.

Albi, who hopes to receive a new kidney next year, seemed more excited about what Christmas Day has to offer, with a Hot Wheels garage and some big boy stuff on his list.

Santa will make it, with his elves, he said.

There will be help too from Jingle the Elf who is living with Albi's family to keep an eye on everyone in the run-up to Christmas.

He joked that his mother Leanne Murray is on the naughty list so she might not get presents.

Leanne said of his treatment at Temple Street: He is doing well now, its going well. Please god now he will get his kidney next year.

He has been a patient with Childrens Health Ireland since birth, first at Crumlin and for the last three years at Temple Street.

While waiting for Santa to land at the hospital, Albi, in his red Christmas jumper, showed everyone how to count backwards from 10 to zero, finishing with jazz hands and a big pow. That bit is important.

Jenny Keane, aged 16, performs alongside the Tumbling Paddies at the Temple Street christmas lights event. Picture: Mark Stedman

In the meantime, head porter John Doyle  probably better known than most doctors to the young patients  was rushing around checking the lights and landing path for their important visitor.

Every day of the year is a sad time because children come in when theyre sick, and their parents are stressed. But Christmas just seems to take on an extra dimension, he said.

Mr Doyle's Elf Club takes place on Christmas morning on a walkabout, with gifts and laughter.

Dressed in full Christmas gear, the Elf Club includes staff, managers, and some volunteers from the CHI Foundation.

They bring that extra little bit of magic with them, he said.

It lifts the parents and the patients out of that dark spot they may be in. Every child who is here on Christmas Day will stand out for you.

He remembered: Ive been fortunate enough to see parents with their first child on their very first Christmas morning here and to see their expressions change when Santa comes in."

He started working at Temple St in 1979 as a summer job and never left.

He refused to comment on retirement plans, saying only with a smile: Id like to be part and parcel of the new Childrens Hospital. And I really do think, not only is it going to provide world-class healthcare, but I think Christmas is going to be really magical there.

Fionnuala OLeary, hospital chief executive, was also excited to welcome Santa.

"Christmas is a simply magical time of year for children all over Ireland and it should be no less special for children attending hospital over the festive season, she said.
A man who deceived and stole from farmers and rural businesses on the pretext of selling fire safety equipment has been sent to prison.

Trevor OBrien, 50, of Knocks, Lyre, Clonakilty, Co Cork, appeared before Judge Fiona Brennan at Macroom District Court where he faced three charges under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

OBrien was charged with one count of theft and two counts of making gain or causing loss by deception relating to three separate incidents. Inspector Anthony Harrington said the alleged incidents all followed a similar pattern of goods being promised and not delivered and excessive prices being charged.

Giving evidence, 79-year-old farmer Patrick Finn from Kilcummin near Killarney, Co Kerry, told the court that Trevor OBrien arrived unannounced at his farm on November, 17, 2023, asking if he wanted to buy fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

Mr Finn said he had been anxious to change some of his old fire extinguishers and he agreed to buy three fire extinguishers from Mr OBrien, as well as four new smoke alarms and one carbon monoxide alarm for his house.

Mr Finn said he agreed to purchase the goods for 1,487 and paid OBrien by debit card via a Sum Up portable card reader OBrien had with him. Mr Finn said he then rang his son and told him about the purchase and his son told him he had been overcharged.

Mr Finn said he only received one fire extinguisher from OBrien and the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm were never delivered. He said he had repeatedly tried to contact OBrien and had told him he wanted his money back but OBrien did not refund the money.

Sean Kelleher, a farmer from Lissacresig, Macroom, Co Cork, told the court Trevor OBrien called to his farmyard on October 11, 2023, offering to sell fire safety equipment. Mr Kelleher said he asked OBrien for a cost estimate for three fire extinguishers, two smoke alarms and two carbon monoxide alarms.

He said he did not agree a price with OBrien but he did provide him with his card details. He said he had forgotten about it until close to Christmas when three fire extinguishers were delivered to the farm while he was on his honeymoon and he discovered 730 had been taken from his account without his consent.

Mr Kelleher said no smoke alarms were delivered and he tried repeatedly to contact OBrien to get his money back and return the goods.

Shopkeeper Denis White of the Bridge Shop, Toonsbrigde, Macroom, told the court Trevor OBrien arrived at his shop just before noon on May 27, 2024. He said OBrien showed him an identification badge and claimed to be from the company that had installed his fire alarm and extinguishers.

Mr White said OBrien claimed he was checking the fire safety equipment and held an extinguisher next to his ear and shook it.

He told Mr White three of his fire extinguishers needed replacing and took them away, leaving three new ones at the shop. He also said he would provide two new smoke alarms and two new carbon monoxide alarms but they were never delivered. Mr White said he had paid 425 by card for the goods.

The court heard evidence from two experts in the fire safety field, Tony Corcoran and Robert Thompson. Both gave evidence the prices being charged by OBrien were significantly above the norm and in some cases more than double what would be expected.

They said prices for fire extinguishers varied by type from about 40 to 95, while smoke and carbon monoxide alarms would typically cost less than 50.

Mr Thompson said it would be very unusual for a reputable company not to provide the goods at the time of payment.

Accused's testimony

Trevor OBrien told the court he had been in the fire safety business for 32 years. He said he charged 160 for a fire extinguisher, 90 for a smoke alarm and 89 for a carbon monoxide alarm. He said nobody was forced to buy from him and his prices may be higher because he did not deal in large quantities like some of the bigger providers in the market.

He claimed in all three cases he was unable to contact the customers to install the smoke alarms and would only do so while they were present. He claimed he had delivered four extinguishers to Mr Finn on the day he called and Mr Kelleher had agreed a price with him. He said he had called to Mr Whites shop to install the smoke alarms but left when he saw he was not behind the counter.

Insp Harrington put it to OBrien he never had any intention of delivering any of the smoke alarms and said in the case of Mr Finn he had targeted an elderly farmer.

He said OBrien had made no effort to refund any of the injured parties. The court heard OBrien was convicted of theft in Waterford District Court on November 26, 2024, where he was given a six-month suspended sentence.

Judge Brennan said OBriens evidence was self-serving and contradictory. She said she was satisfied all of the other witnesses were honest and trustworthy and she commended the gardai for the investigation that had resulted in the prosecution.

For the deception involving Mr Finn, Trevor OBrien was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison. For the theft charge relating to Mr Kelleher he was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

For the deception relating to Mr White he was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, to run consecutively. Recognisance in the event of an appeal was fixed in his own bond of 600 cash.
Nikita Hand has been awarded costs in her civil action against Conor McGregor, a judge in the High Court has ruled.

The judge also made no order in relation to the costs of James Lawrence, from whom she also sought damages for assault.

The costs were made on a party and party basis, and not on a solicitor and client costs.

This means that Ms Hand will pay her own costs in relation to her civil case against Mr Lawrence, however McGregor will have to pay the full costs of his side of the case.

Justice Alex Owens said that he made the decision following the defence put forward by McGregor, in which he relied on what Mr Lawrence claimed had happened on the day and night of the incident.

Earlier, John Gordon SC for Ms Hand (also known as Ms Ni Laimhin), who was awarded almost 250,000 in damages against McGregor, submitted that Mr Justice Owens should consider the conduct of the celebrity fighter and of that of his co-respondent, James Lawrence, before, during and after the case when considering the solicitor-client level of costs.

Mr Gordon said that McGregor, after a jury found him liable of the assault of Ms Hand in the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, accused the court of behaving like a kangaroo court and that this was a direct insult to the jury and their decision, scandalising the court.

After a three-week hearing last month, the jury found that McGregor did assault Ms Hand but found that Mr Lawrence had not. Both men had denied the allegation.

'Vitriol as a weapon'

Mr Gordon said that at the trial McGregor had used vitriol as a weapon against Ms Hand and that this should also be taken into account.

Mr Gordon told the hearing on Thursday morning that his client should get her entire costs against McGregor and that Mr Justice Owens should make no order against Mr Lawrence. The civil trial heard from McGregor in evidence that he was paying Mr Lawrences legal fees, which involved the same law firm.

Remy Farrell SC, for McGregor, said the costs against his client should be at the normal costs level in that he was the losing party in a civil trial and that the application for the higher costs level should not be granted by the discretion of the court.

Mr Farrell said it was extraordinary that a civil claim alleging rape against Mr Lawrence had been pursued when she had given evidence that she did not have sex with Mr Lawrence, had no memory of doing so and accused him of lying.

'Most peculiar case'

Mr Justice Owens said the case was the most peculiar case I have encountered.

Mr Farrell told the judge that the jury found Mr Lawrence to not have assaulted Ms Hand and did not award any aggravated or exemplary damages in the case against either man.

Mr Farrell submitted to the court that post-trial social media posts should not be taken into consideration as aggravating behaviour as many litigants express unhappiness with court verdicts.

John FitzGerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, submitted that his client should be awarded his costs against Ms Hand because the action she brought against him failed.

Mr Fitzgerald said that his client had been a witness in the case and that after giving his statement and claiming to have had consensual sex with her after McGregor left the hotel he was later arrested and interviewed numerous times by gardai.

Mr Lawrence said the matter was very serious for his client, who was brought before the High Court in the full glare of publicity to answer the case.

Nikita Hand. File photo: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

Mr Fitzgerald said that the option of punitive damages was offered to the jury but was not awarded against either respondent. They didnt award any, so what are we take from that? said Mr Fitzgerald.

Counsel said that there had been conspiracy theories that the two men got together to concoct and perjure themselves but that the jury did not believe in a made-up story from both men against Ms Hand.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client had been truthful and consistent in his account of having consensual sex with Ms Hand which is what he asserted before and throughout the case.

Mr Justice Owens said that he would make a decision on the costs of the case after 2pm on Thursday.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomed the decision to award costs in favour of Ms Hand.

Chief executive Rachel Morrogh said: "This decision will reinforce the publics belief that justice has been done in this case.

"Although for Nikita Hand, this case was always about the verdict, it was also important that both symbolically and financially, justice didnt give with one hand and take away with the other.

The costs awarded this afternoon underscore the significant consequences arising from Nikita Hands courage and her brave legal action," she said in a statement on Thursday.

Ms Morrogh added that the centre was pleased for Ms Hand and thanked her for "holding the torch of justice high since 2018, despite efforts to extinguish it."

"We wish her continued healing and health as she rebuilds her life with her family," she said.

We also thank her for her bravery in highlighting the issues that face victims and survivors of sexual violence.

We hope that blaming, shaming and discrediting victims will become something of the past and that this trial marks a turning point where survivors can hope for a better experience through the court process," Ms Morrogh added.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A Cork woman was warned she was in last chance saloon in relation to several shoplifting charges when she was released on bail in mid-October but she carried out several more thefts shortly after she got out.

Now at Cork District Court, Maggie Foley has been jailed for eight months for a litany of thefts committed in Cork City  many of them occurring over the last few weeks.

Foley, 37, of Grenville Court, Grenville Place, Cork, was told by a judge at Cork District Court in mid-October she would be released on bail but she was in last chance saloon.

At that time, she was accused of burglary at Blue Nile, French Church Street, where she stole a laptop and Nike runners from an office area on June 9.

She was also charged with thefts at Tommy Hilfiger on St Patricks Street on June 16, at Dunnes Stores, Merchants Quay, on October 1, and at Tesco Express, South Main Street, Cork, on October 8 stealing 50 worth of alcohol.

She stole a small amount of goods on October 12 at Centra, North Main Street. The following day, she stole three cans of Four Loco at Tesco Express on South Main Street.

And the day after that, she stole 85 worth of clothing at TK Maxx on Cornmarket Street.

Despite the warning given to her about being at risk, Maggie Foley went on to steal 315 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer on October 23.

As recently as November 9, she stole a 240 jacket from Brown Thomas in Cork.

On the same date, she stole 138 worth of clothing from Dunnes Stores across the street.

Her solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said she had had an awful lot of tragedy in her past when a number of family members died in various circumstances when young.

Mr Kelleher said unusually her difficulty with alcohol did not even commence until she was 25 years old.

More than incarceration she needs to get into rehabilitation to deal with her alcohol problem, Mr Kelleher said.

The judge who dealt with Ms Foley on this latest appearance at Cork District Court  Judge Treasa Kelly  imposed a total sentence of eight months on her for all of the offences to which she pleaded guilty.
Over 16 years after innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity, the notorious Limerick gangster who ordered the hit, John Dundon, has failed in a bid to overturn his murder conviction.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected Dundon's claims that evidence which "fell through the cracks" could have called the credibility of witnesses into question.

Dundon (aged 41) formerly of Hyde Road in Limerick, was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the hit that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Mr Geoghegan near the victim's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle on November 9, 2008. He is serving a life sentence.

Key State's witness, April Collins, had told the court that she heard John Dundon order gunman Barry Doyle to kill a gang rival less than 48 hours before Mr Geoghegans death. The court heard that April Collins was previously in a relationship with Johns brother, Gerard Dundon, for eight years and had three children by him.

Mr Geoghegan played rugby for Garryowen in Limerick and had been watching an Ireland international game at a friend's house before heading home shortly before 1am. He had just texted his girlfriend Jenna Barry to say he was on his way when Ms Barry heard shots fired outside.

Mr Geoghegan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The fatal shot was to the back of the head. It was the States case that Mr Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting that was meant for another man and was ordered by John Dundon.

Launching an appeal against the conviction in April last, counsel for Dundon, Dominic McGinn SC, argued that the court should hear fresh evidence of a phone conversation between witnesses Lisa Collins and Christopher McCarthy that did not emerge at Dundon's trial in 2013.

Mr McGinn said that during the conversation, which was recorded by the Irish Prison Service while Mr McCarthy was in jail, Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy discussed "how long was long enough" for Dundon to be imprisoned.

Counsel said there was a reference to Dundon receiving 10 years for a particular offence but that "wouldn't be sufficient". Mr McGinn said the conversation suggested that Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy had a motive to ensure that Dundon was convicted of an offence carrying a greater penalty, such as murder.

Rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity. File photo: PA

If Dundon's legal team at the time had known about the conversation, Mr McGinn said they undoubtedly would have used it to undermine the credibility of Mr McCarthy, Lisa Collins and her sister April Collins.

Those three gave evidence detailing how John Dundon ordered and organised the hit that resulted in Mr Geoghegan being shot in a case of mistaken identity. The Special Criminal Court, where Dundon was tried in 2013, found that their evidence was credible.

Mr McGinn said Dundon's original legal team was aware of the phone call but the evidence later "fell through the cracks" after Dundon sacked his lawyers on the day his trial was due to begin. His second legal team, Mr McGinn said, had to deal with a huge amount of disclosure in a short amount of time.

The absence of the phone call evidence was enough to raise a concern about the fairness of Dundon's trial, Mr McGinn said.

Today's ruling

In delivering the Court of Appeals ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice John Edwards noted that senior counsel for the appellant had asked the court to accept that the material at issue was relevant and its absence gave rise to a concern that the appellant did not have a fair trial or that his conviction might not be safe.

Mr Justice Edwards said that this matter was not pursued by the appellants new legal team at trial, who claimed that they had limited time to prepare. However, Mr Justice Edwards said that there was no evidence that this was the reason for their failure to pursue the issue, adding that there was no basis for drawing any inference as to their reasons.

He said that at the time disclosure of the telephone transcripts was sought, the material was not in the possession or procurement of the DPP, who was not under any obligation to provide it by way of disclosure. The judge said there was no breach of the duty of disclosure owed by the DPP to the appellant.

There was a great deal of evidence of fear of the Dundons, including of the appellant, and of grounds for resentment towards them, on the part of the three controversial witnesses whose conversations were captured, said Mr Justice Edwards. The judge went on to say that the court did not see how the defence having the transcripts in time for the trial would have further assisted them in undermining the witnesses.

He pointed out that the Special Criminal Court approached the testimony of these witnesses with great caution and warned itself of relying on their uncorroborated testimony, even though there was a good deal of evidence to corroborate their testimony. Finding the court was not persuaded that the appellants trial was unsatisfactory or his verdict unsafe, the judge said it would dismiss the appeal.

In April this year, Dundon was accused of engaging in a "cynical ploy" after he sacked his lawyers and asked for an adjournment of his appeal against the conviction.

Dundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after discovering that they were unable to advance a ground of appeal that the appellant said had been identified in recent months. The three judges of the court granted an application for Dundon's then lawyers to withdraw from the case.

New lawyers came on the record for Dundon, who was granted free legal aid and whose appeal eventually went ahead later that month.
The Prism, Cork Citys 20m answer to New Yorks iconic Flatiron building, looks destined to never get off  or above  ground. The developers failed to buy more time for the project.

While the start-stop nature of the build had fuelled speculation that it might never go ahead, the Irish Examiner can confirm that not only has planning permission lapsed, but an attempt by the developers to extend its duration by five years has been refused by Cork City Council.

What looks like the end of the Prism raises questions around the future, too, of a proposed 150m hotel development at the former Port of Cork site, on Custom House Quay, as Kerryman Kevin OSullivan, of Tower Holdings Group/Clontarf Street Developments, is behind both proposals.

The Prism site near the bus station in Cork City photographed in May 2023. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Prism, pitched as a glitzy, 15-storey, glass office block, was to be the first Cork development for New-York-based Mr OSullivan, whose brother, Donal, was jailed for six months last year for his part in a payroll fraud at his own New York construction company, Navillus.

Clontarf Street Developments failed to respond when asked if they intended to reapply for planning permission for the Prism, which was earmarked for a small, triangular site in Cork city, near Parnell Place Bus station, and bounded by Clontarf St, Deane St and Oliver Plunkett Street Lower.

The original, five-year consent was given in May 2019 and expired at the end of August 2024.

Planning laws allow for permission to be extended, subject to certain provisions, including that substantial works have been carried out.

A CGI artists impression of the proposed Prism building, planning permission for which has now lapsed.

While the developer argued this was the case  that the substructure had been completed at basement level  the council disagreed.

As a result, their executive planner recommended that an extension be refused on the grounds that the extent of the sub structure works, relative to the grant of permission for a 15-storey plus roof top canopy office block does not constitute substantial works in this instance.

The developer had argued work would recommence when the commercial office-space market recovered, and had requested a five-year extension.

The site has been surrounded by hoarding since piling, by CField Construction, was completed in 2022 and footpaths and road surfaces have been reinstated.
Multiple red weather warnings are now in effect as Storm Darragh makes land in Ireland.

Status red wind warnings have been issued for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Wicklow.

The warnings in Clare, Galway and Mayo are now in effect - with Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo's alert kicking in at 11pm.

Wicklow's warning starts at 1am.

All three are set to expire by 6am on Saturday.

Status orange wind warnings are in place for Munster and Connacht from 8pm Friday to 10am Saturday, and for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan from 10pm Friday to 10am Saturday.

A nationwide status yellow wind warning will run from 3pm Friday to 3pm Saturday. A second yellow rain warning is in place for Clare, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, and all of Connacht from 10am Friday for 24 hours.

Fastnet Lighthouse has already seen gusts of 140km/h or 79 knots.

Avg Wind:64kts, Wind Dir:293 (NW), Gust Dir:293 (NW), Gust:79kts at 06/12/2024 20:56:00  Fastnet Lighthouse (@FastnetLHouse) December 6, 2024

Meanwhile, Cork County Council were informed of a number of roads being blocked on Friday evening due to fallen trees.

There was a fallen tree on the N25 between Carrigtwohill and Midleton

There are reports of a tree down on the L7018 Ballymore, Cobh, but crews are on route to assess.

There is reports of a tree down on L1328-0 Lisballyhay to Doneraile road.

A downed tree has been cleared from the N71 near Glengarriff.

Flooding risk

The forecaster has also warned of river flooding with heavy rain and showers due on Friday and Saturday.

"The ground is saturated or waterlogged countrywide, so any additional rainfall will flow overland, resulting in surface water flooding, and flow straight into the river network.

"Some river levels in the West, Midlands and South-West are still above average, and the additional forecast rain could result in localised river flooding."

Met Eireann deputy head of forecasting Liz Coleman said Storm Darragh is going to bring "quite impactful winds across the country through Friday and into Saturday as the centre of the storm tracks across the northwest of the country".

"While it will be windy everywhere, its the gusts which can be the most damaging. The intense winds are expected to occur overnight but will continue for a time into Saturday morning, especially in those counties under orange wind warnings," she said.

"We ask people to be prepared and to secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and to plan their journeys safely if they need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.

"There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions."

Met Eireann has said that as Storm Darragh clears eastwards towards the UK and continental Europe, Ireland "will lie in a cold and strong north to northwest airflow".

"This will feed in showers from the north, of rain, sleet and hail, with some snow showers likely over higher ground. The showers will be most widespread across the north and west but will make their way across the country in fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds."

'Do not travel'

Taoiseach Simon Harris has urged the public on the west coast to take extraordinary caution with the red warnings in place.

Its very rare to have a status red weather warning and Id really like to encourage everybody in the six counties in the west affected by the red weather warning to take it extraordinarily seriously, Mr Harris said.

Red weather warning does mean do not travel during that period of time and even though it is a Friday night, coming up to the Christmas season, Id really encourage people to heed that advice.

Wonderlights, held in Fota House and Gardens, Cork has said it will not be open on Friday night due to adverse weather conditions.

Billed as Ireland's "largest and most mesmerising immersive light show experience, organisers emailed customers saying that the event was cancelled due to the weather and for everyones safety.

Gas Networks Ireland say it would "like to reassure its 720,000 customers that it does not anticipate any disruption to gas supplies during Storm Darragh."

Storm Names

Storm Darragh was first named by the UK Met Office, and it has issued an orange warning for Northern Ireland from 3am on Saturday until 9pm.

Since 2015, Met Eireann and the UK Met Office have been working together on the storm naming programme and were joined by the Netherlands KNMI in 2019. The storm that will impact Ireland this weekend has been named Darragh as the previous name, Conall, was named last month.

Storm Conall was named by the Dutch meteorological service on November 26, but it was not forecasted to affect Ireland. It did affect the UK and the Netherlands.

Storms are given names to increase public preparedness for extreme weather. They are only named when they could cause 'medium or high' impacts in any of the three partner countries.

When a storm is forecast, the national weather service that expects the biggest impact from the severe weather to hit its region or is likely to be first affected by it, names the storm.

Storm-naming happens in conjunction with orange/red weather warnings, which could be for wind, rain or snow or a combination of these conditions.
The death of a child with epilepsy whose mother successfully fought for access to medicinal cannabis to treat her seizures has prompted a call for a national policy in how hospitals oversee the administration of such medicines.

A jury at Cork Coroners Court recommended the policy be called Avas protocol, after Cork girl Ava Barry.

Ava died of bronchopneumonia in Cork University Hospital, age 13, at 2.40am on May 27, 2023.

She had suffered a rare genetic condition called Dravets Syndrome, a form of epilepsy which caused her to have daily seizures.

After a long campaign by her family, a ministerial licence was granted for Ava by then health minister Simon Harris to receive medicinal cannabis in 2017.

Medicinal cannabis had resulted in a 50%  70% reduction in Avas seizures, Cork Coroners court heard.

Ava began to improve, she smiled, she spoke, she sang. It was like a miracle in their lives, barrister for the family Doireann OMahony said.

But her condition deteriorated significantly over some weeks in 2023, during which she lost a lot of weight, dropping to just 15kgs.

She was admitted to the Bon Secours hospital in Cork suffering respiratory problems and low weight where she was stabilised. But as she was acutely unwell, she was transferred to Cork University Hospital.

Cork Coroners Court heard that there was neither a local or national policy on how medicines like cannabis granted under a special licence are administered in hospitals.

Because of the strict conditions they are permitted under, the doctors, who have not prescribed them, can be nervous about administering them, the court heard.

Vera Twomey and her husband Paul Barry at the inquest into the death of their daughter Ava. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

No records of the administration of two medicinal cannabis products  THC and CBD  prescribed to Ava were kept for some days in CUH at the beginning of Avas care there because the licence to administer the medications was not granted to any doctors within the hospital and Avas mother, Vera Tomey, was administering the medicine.

Cork coroner Philip Comyn said that there appeared to be a gap in national policy regarding the administration of medical cannabis in hospital settings.

The jury of four men and three women returned a verdict of death by natural causes.

They recommended the introduction of a new national policy for greater supervision of the administration of medications subject to a special licence be carried out and that it be called after Ava.

Let Avas Law be her legacy, Ms OMahony said

Barrister for CUH Caoimhe Daly said that doctors in CUH had gone to great lengths to care for Ava and to communicate with her family and her wider medical team when trying to break the cycle of infection that Ava was suffering while in hospital.

She extended her sympathies to the family on their loss.

Coroner Philip Comyn said that Ava suffered from a debilitating and ultimately terminal disease known as Dravet Syndrome.

Ava even reaching 13 years was due to herculean efforts by her parents," Mr Comyn said.

But Dravets is a nasty, pernicious disease that is progressive, he added.

Ms Twomey who is from Aghabullogue, Co Cork had walked from Cork to Leinster House in Dublin on two occasions in a bid to highlight the plight of her young daughter.

Ms Twomey said that her daughter was one of the most spectacular people she ever met.

The first day I met her in the CUMH on the 26th of November 2009 I remember saying to a nurse, 'are you sure she is mine, she is so beautiful?'

It was on that day my privilege to be her mother commenced, Ms Twomey said.

Her smile took up her whole face and she infected everyone she encountered with joy. She was, then and now, the most precious of gifts and an angel on earth as much as she is an angel now away from our sight.

Ava lit up a room wherever she was, be it at home or away."

Her enthusiasm for life bubbled over and when she was well, she made the very most of every opportunity to be involved in everything. Yes, the seizures butted in but she never gave up and that became the family mantra; never give up, Ava never gives up, so we wont either.

Her bravery in the face of daily struggle was clear from the early days and she never quit.

Her family were there to love her and help her and had the extraordinary privilege of being with someone who was not ordinary like the rest of us but quite the opposite the most impressive and powerful loving person I have ever known.

Our Ava, we miss you, we love you and you will always be with us, just out of our sight is all.
Now the election is over, I think its clear who the big winner was  Hairy Baby T-shirts, thanks to the man wearing Maybe I LIke The Misery at the Cork City count. (Im a Pairc Ui Rinn Or Nowhere man myself).

Anyway, I think its safe enough to talk about something political again.

Like dropping the VQ name from official usage.

The term is used for the area around MacCurtain Street and has been successful in creating a brand and conveying an experience, encouraging locals and tourists alike to visit the area to shop and socialise.

In all honesty, Im not sure how many people refer to it as the VQ in everyday speech, which may be part of the point going by accounts of a recent meeting of Cork City Council.

In short, the term VQ was used by Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh in a motion calling for an additional Garda presence in the area, and an amendment by Sinn Fein to remove the term was voted down.

Coverage of the meeting suggested councillors were claiming the V stood for vibrant rather than Victorian.

Councillor Michelle Gould of Sinn Fein said: This isnt an official place in Cork City and renders an important motion on policing and safety completely meaningless."

Clearly, any number of factors could be taken into consideration here.

There was a general election going on at the time, for one.

The term VQ is used for the area around MacCurtain Street and has been successful in creating a brand and conveying an experience. Picture: Larry Cummins

In addition, the main street running through this part of the city is still known as MacCurtain Street. That has not changed, no matter what the branding.

Bear in mind also the purpose of the rebranding. If meant to encourage people to visit a particular segment of a city, then there is a strong argument to support it. Getting people to change their behaviour  and spending patterns  in this way is often a challenge, and giving an area a particular name and identity can help with that.

Visitors to New York are familiar with places like SoHo (south of Houston Street) and TriBeCa (the Triangle below Canal Street), designations which help orient the visitor.

Its also reasonable to presume that those behind the rebranding exercise meant no disrespect to the memory of Tomas MacCurtain.

If you dig into the archives youll find two years ago the term Victorian was even dropped from the name, according to area spokesman Derek Shears: Its a conscious decision to remove that issue as a barrier to conversations about what we are really about. History is what it is. And we are proud of our history and heritage.

We are not ashamed of it but we recognised, from a practical point of view, that if people's opinions on that name deflect from what we are about, we needed to eliminate that as an issue.

All of these have their counter-arguments, of course.

In reverse order: not being ashamed of a link to Queen Victoria isnt a card Id be playing, to be delicate about it.

Also, MacCurtain Street may still be the name of the areas main street but if local businesses and the municipal authority prefer the VQ as a catch-all term, then its possible to feel the streets identity is being subsumed into the quarters brand.

And no matter what party raises a particular issue, if their members make a valid point surely that supersedes the points origins?

In 2021, it was unanimously agreed by Cork City Council to rename Anglesea Street after another former lord mayor, Terence MacSwiney.

To be honest, as a controversy, this shrinks in comparison with another point raised at that council meeting, a revelation which is scarcely believable to me.

Sinn Fein councillor Kenneth Collins pointed out that in 2021 it was unanimously agreed by Cork City Council to rename Anglesea Street after another former lord mayor, Terence MacSwiney. That still has not been done, three years later, but Collins pointed out: ... apparently, a street named after one of Corks heroes can just be renamed on a whim.

Three years and no budge on naming a street after Terence MacSwiney?

As small kids going to school, MacSwiney and MacCurtain were figures who werent that distant from us.

For me and many more classmates, the route up to the North Mon took us past the Pantry at Blackpool Bridge, where MacCurtain was shot to death in front of his family. Theo Dorgan, a few years ahead of us in the school, had included a reference to the murdered lord mayor in the best poem about Cork ever written:

MacCurtain turns down the counterpane of a bed hell never sleep in, unquiet murmurs scold from the blue-slate rooftops the Death Squad no one had thought to guard against.

Theos death squad, of course, crept back towards town after the killing in Blackpool; theyre popularly believed to have hurried into the RIC barracks on King Street, near the bottom of Summerhill South.

A few weeks later, that street was renamed MacCurtain Street thanks to a motion proposed by the new lord mayor: Terence MacSwiney.

By October, MacSwiney was dead himself after 74 days on hunger strike.

I dont like to be critical of local politicians who are doing a job which is challenging at the best of times and thankless on practically all occasions, but those responsible for the three-year delay in renaming Anglesea Street after Terence MacSwiney should be embarrassed.

It needs to be pointed out that Cork city councillors come in a long line going back to those two mayors of Cork, men whose example elevates the standing of the municipal office of our home city above any others in the country.

Tomas MacCurtain was the sitting lord mayor when he was murdered. The crime galvanised his fellow Corkonians to the extent the subsequent inquest returned a verdict of wilful murder against the British prime minister Lloyd George and his various accomplices.

His successor made the office of lord mayor of Cork a byword for freedom all over the world. Terence MacSwineys hunger strike and death were global news at a time when the world was a far less connected place.

In Australia, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Paris, New York, and the Vatican, MacSwineys slow deterioration was tracked by countless thousands. His writings influenced Gandhi in India and according to legend Ho Chi Minh wept at the news of his death.

All of this and more is covered in Dave Hannigans excellent Terence MacSwiney: The Hunger Strike That Rocked an Empire, which tells readers how one man put Cork City on the front of the New York Times and inspired lovers of freedom everywhere.

When I spoke to Dave a few years back he said: I think this story is just one of many from that whole era that have been allowed to fall through the cracks of history.

In the 90 years since MacSwineys death, there was just one other serious book about his life. We are terribly cavalier and casual about the incidents and events that shaped the future.

And about marking the importance of those events, it seems. Lets get this done.
By Addison Bridges, FDC Group Marketing Executive.

FDC's Addison Bridges. Agriculture has long been the backbone of Ireland's economy. However, the challenges faced by farmers today are increasingly complex, necessitating the expertise of agricultural consultants. In towns like Midleton, Abbeyfeale, Cahir and now with the latest expansion to Claremorris, FDC Group offers a comprehensive suite of consultancy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each local farming community.

Irish farmers are confronted with numerous challenges, including fluctuating market prices, stringent regulatory requirements, climate change, and evolving consumer demands. The FDC Group Agri Consultancy Team are instrumental in helping farmers navigate the complexities of modern farming.

Denis Fitzgerald, FDC's Area Manager and Agricultural Consultant.

Regarding specific advice the Agri Consultants offer, Area Manager Denis Fitzgerald commented, saying; The FDC Agri team regularly engage with our farming clients on many DAFM schemes including BISS / CRISS / Eco Scheme, National Reserve and Young Farmers, TAMS 3 Applications & Claims, ACRES, Nitrates Derogation, Nitrates Regulations Compliance, National Fertiliser Database and Beef / Sheep / Dairy Schemes. We also assist with the setting up of limited companies and registered farm partnerships and liaise with our Accountancy and Taxation colleagues where necessary.

How FDC Groups Agricultural Consultants can help you

At FDC Group, the Agricultural Consultancy Team offer a unique, full-service approach to our clients.

DAFM schemes: Our consultants provide assistance and support in completion of applications for scheme including BISS, National Reserve & CISYF (Young Farmers), TAMS 3 Applications & Claims, ACRES, Nitrates Derogation, National Fertiliser Database, Organics along with all additional sheep, dairy and beef schemes.

Our consultants provide assistance and support in completion of applications for scheme including BISS, National Reserve & CISYF (Young Farmers), TAMS 3 Applications & Claims, ACRES, Nitrates Derogation, National Fertiliser Database, Organics along with all additional sheep, dairy and beef schemes. Registered farm partnerships: Our consultants guide clients through the process of setting up a registered farm partnership from start to finish. The process starts with a consultation to ensure that this is the correct option for your business and ensures that you are maximising the benefits of entering into a partnership. From there, our advisors will complete all paperwork associated with setting up the partnership agreement and ensure all DAFM applications are completed in the correct manner to match the new partnership set up.

Our consultants guide clients through the process of setting up a registered farm partnership from start to finish. The process starts with a consultation to ensure that this is the correct option for your business and ensures that you are maximising the benefits of entering into a partnership. From there, our advisors will complete all paperwork associated with setting up the partnership agreement and ensure all DAFM applications are completed in the correct manner to match the new partnership set up. Herd number changes and incorporations: Our consultants can also add additional names to a herd number to help farmers qualify for schemes such as National Reserve and relevant young/women farmer scheme. We also aid in the change over for farmers who have taken the option to incorporate a consultant with the farmers respective accountant within FDC group to ensure that the herd number reflects how the business will be run going forward.

Our consultants can also add additional names to a herd number to help farmers qualify for schemes such as National Reserve and relevant young/women farmer scheme. We also aid in the change over for farmers who have taken the option to incorporate a consultant with the farmers respective accountant within FDC group to ensure that the herd number reflects how the business will be run going forward. Regulatory guidance: Keeping on top of changing regulations is crucial for compliance. FDC Ag Consultants offer advice on best practices, ensuring that farmers meet legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. This includes Nitrates Regulations Compliance and Nutrient Management Plans for fertiliser records.

Keeping on top of changing regulations is crucial for compliance. FDC Ag Consultants offer advice on best practices, ensuring that farmers meet legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. This includes Nitrates Regulations Compliance and Nutrient Management Plans for fertiliser records. Financial management: Our consultants provide financial planning services, including budget forecasts, cash flow management, and assistance with grant applications. They help farmers understand their financial position and make informed decisions.

Our consultants provide financial planning services, including budget forecasts, cash flow management, and assistance with grant applications. They help farmers understand their financial position and make informed decisions. Technical support and training: Our consultants are trained and knowledgeable on the latest agricultural technologies, from precision farming tools to data analytics. At FDC Group, our consultants aim is to offer support and training to our clients to maximise productivity and efficiency.

Local impact in Midleton, Abbeyfeale, Cahir and now Claremorris

The FDC Group offices in Midleton, Abbeyfeale, and Cahir serve as crucial hubs for agricultural consultancy in these regions. They are well-versed in the local agricultural landscape, enabling them to offer tailored advice that reflects the unique conditions and challenges faced by farmers in these areas. Their understanding of local markets, combined with their expertise, empowers farmers to make decisions that enhance productivity and sustainability.

Regarding services and locations, Denis Fitzgerald, Area Manager and Agricultural Consultant said, Our Agri hubs are located in Cahir, Abbeyfeale and Midleton, but we also use the 47 offices across the FDC office network to meet existing and new clients. All of the Agri team attend training updates as required by DAFM and meet the criteria to be registered on the approved list under the Farm Advisory System as overseen by DAFM.

Moreover, these consultancy services foster a sense of community among farmers, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of best practices. Regular workshops and seminars hosted by FDC Group provide platforms for farmers to learn from each other and from industry experts, strengthening the local agricultural network.

As the agricultural landscape in Ireland continues to evolve, FDC Groups Ag Consultants continue to evolve and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of Irish Farmers. FDC Group is committed to supporting farmers through financial guidance, regulatory compliance, farm diversification, and technological integration, to name a few. By addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural community, FDC Groups Ag Consultants not only enhance farm viability, but also contribute to the resilience, sustainability and evolution of rural Ireland.

To enquire about any of our services, please visit www.fdc.ie
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov clashed on Thursday indirectly with US secretary of state Antony Blinken at an annual security meeting, accusing the West of risking escalation over Ukraine, but walked out before Mr Blinken and other speakers could respond.

Speaking at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe ministerial meeting in Malta, Mr Lavrov accused the West of reviving the Cold War and provoking a direct conflict with Russia.

He said the US action was driven by a desire to return Nato to the political spotlight.

After the Afghan disgrace, there was a need for a new common enemy, Mr Lavrov said, during his first stop in an EU country since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken put the blame for escalation in the region back on Russia (Alberto Pizzoli/Pool/AP)

The result is the reincarnation of the Cold War, but now with the far greater risk of its escalation into the hot phase.

Mr Blinken, who spoke after Mr Lavrov left the room, put the blame for escalation in the region back on Russia, noting that the Russian foreign minister, the fourth speaker, did not stop to listen to other speakers.

Lets talk about escalation, Mr Blinken said, citing the deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile to attack Ukraine, Russias move to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, and attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure.

Mr Lavrov spoke about the sovereign right of every member state to make their own choices, Mr Blinken said.

Thats exactly what this is about, the sovereign right of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to make their own choices about the future, not to have those choices made in and by Moscow.

Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, who was the first to address the panel, walked out as Mr Lavrov took the podium, along with the foreign ministers of Poland and Estonia.

The 31st OSCE ministerial summit is being held in Malta (Alberto Pizzoli/Pool/AP)

Before leaving the podium, Mr Sybiha, called Mr Lavrov a war criminal.

Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table (Lavrov) should know this, Ukraine will succeed and justice will prevail.

It has been relatively rare for Mr Lavrov to attend forums involving senior western officials, although he recently took part in the UN General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil.

Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on her message app that Malta had annulled her visa to accompany Mr Lavrov.

The Maltese foreign affairs office said that three OSCE member countries had objected to extending the visa to Ms Zakharova, who is the subject of a travel ban. Mr Lavrov is subject to EU sanctions, but faces no travel ban.

Mr Lavrov attended the event last year in Skopje, North Macedonia, but Poland denied him a visa the previous year in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Blinken travelled to Malta from Brussels, where he attended what was likely to be his last Nato meeting of the outgoing Joe Biden administration.

Ukraines foreign minister was also attending, after Ukraine boycotted last year over Mr Lavrovs attendance.

Reporters Without Borders called on the OSCE to release 38 journalists detained by Russia, including 19 Ukrainians arrested in illegally occupied territories.

It said in a statement that Russia is the worlds fifth-largest jailer of journalists.
Mass protests in Georgia fuelled by the governing partys decision to suspend negotiations on joining the EU entered a second week on Thursday, as police cracked down on protesters with increasing force.

On Wednesday, an opposition leader was dragged into a police car and arrested, his party said.

Several other activists have been arrested and scores of demonstrators and some journalists have been brutally beaten.

Georgian journalist Guram Rogava was doing a live broadcast from a protest when a riot policeman went up to him and hit him in the head on Friday. Mr Rogava suffered fractured facial bones in the assault.

Demonstrators light candles during a rally (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

After being discharged from hospital on Monday with an immobilised neck and a bandaged head, he said he was lucky to be able to move his hands and talk.

It was clear that they were deliberately attacking media representatives, he told The Associated Press.

The government is in such a state that, for some reason, its survival instinct dictates the need to intimidate the media.

The ruling Georgian Dream retained control of parliament in the disputed October 26 election, a vote widely seen as a referendum on Georgias EU aspirations.

The opposition and the pro-western president, Salome Zourabichvili, have accused the governing party of rigging the vote, with neighbouring Russias help, and have boycotted parliament sessions.

Police block demonstrators during a rally outside the parliament (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

Opposition protests gained new momentum after the Georgian Dreams decision last Thursday to put EU accession talks on hold.

Riot police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the rallies and beat scores of protesters, who threw fireworks at police and built barricades on the central boulevard of the Georgian capital Tbilisi .

On Wednesday, the Coalition for Change opposition party said that police raided its offices and detained its leader, Nika Gvaramia. It shared a video showing several officers dragging Mr Gvaramia into a car.

Activists have also been arrested in police raids on offices of several opposition parties and non-government organisations, and one of them, Aleko Elisashvili, was in hospital for injuries he suffered during the detention.

More than 300 protesters have been detained and more than 100 people have been treated for injuries.

Riot police with shields (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)

One of the protesters, 22-year-old Aleksi Tirqia was placed in an induced coma after he was allegedly hit with a tear gas capsule.

Lazare Maghlakelidze, a 20-year-old student who joined the protests, said policemen who detained him at the protest early on Monday threatened to rape him and then hit him over the head several times.

They started beating me up immediately as soon as they made sure that there were no cameras around, Mr Maghlakelidze said. Despite a head injury and a broken nose, he said he is even more determined to keep protesting.

Georgian Special Investigation Service, a government agency that investigates alleged abuse of power, said it was investigating violence against protesters and interference with the journalists professional work.

It said that more than 300 people, including journalists and protesters, have reported violations of their rights during the protests.

Police detain a demonstrator in Tbilisi (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)

Tamar Oniani, a human rights lawyer, said such investigations in the past never gave visible result and no officer has faced charges of at least suspension from duty. He said that police brutality appeared to have the authorities blessing.

It was systemic, widespread violence against demonstrators, just because of the fact that they were at the demonstration and they were protesting, Mr Oniani said.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party said the raids of the opposition groups offices targeted those who encouraged violence during protests in an attempt to topple his government.

I wouldnt call this repression, it is more of a preventative measure than repression, Mr Kobakhidze said.

The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that the country meets the blocs recommendations, but put its accession on hold and cut financial support in June after the passage of a foreign influence law that was widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms.

The law requires organisations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as pursuing the interest of a foreign power, similar to a Russian law used to discredit organisations critical of the government.
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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has arrived at the Elysee Palace, where he is anticipated to resign following a vote by far-right and leftist politicians to dismantle his government, marking Frances second significant political crisis in six months.

Mr. Barnier, a seasoned politician who previously served as the European Unions Brexit negotiator, will hold the record as the shortest-serving prime minister in contemporary French history. There has not been a confidence vote loss for a French government since Georges Pompidou in 1962.

The radical left and far right expressed their discontent towards Mr. Barnier for advancing an unpopular budget through a hung parliament without securing a vote. The proposed budget aimed for 60 billion in savings to address a substantial deficit.

Mr. Barniers resignation will conclude weeks of strain surrounding the budget, with Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally criticizing it as excessively punitive toward working individuals.

President Macron is facing increasing pressure to step down, yet he has a mandate that extends to 2027 and cannot be easily ousted. Nevertheless, the ongoing political crisis has diminished his standing.

Read More: Michel Barnier  Frances shortest-serving prime minister

France now risks concluding the year without a stable government or a budget for 2025, although the constitution permits special measures to prevent a government shutdown similar to that experienced in the U.S.

The political chaos in France will further destabilize an already struggling European Union, which is reeling from the collapse of Germanys coalition government, just weeks before U.S. president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Mr. Trump is scheduled to visit Paris on Saturday for the unveiling of the renovated Notre Dame cathedral, and Mr. Macron is eager to appoint a new prime minister before that event.

Currently, France is entering a phase of deep political uncertainty, alarming investors in French sovereign bonds and equities. Earlier this week, Frances borrowing costs temporarily surpassed those of Greece, which is generally seen as a riskier proposition.

Any new prime minister will confront the same hurdles as Mr. Barnier in securing the passage of bills, including the budget for 2025, through a fragmented parliament.

A new parliamentary election cannot occur before July.
Global Crisis: UN Calls for 45 Billion in Aid for 2025

The UN has launched an appeal for over $47 billion (44.6bn) to provide essential aid next year, cautioning that escalating conflicts and the climate crisis will leave hundreds of millions in need.

The world is ablaze, remarked the United Nations new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher during a press briefing in Geneva, expressing his concerns for 2025 with a sense of dread.

With conflicts intensifying in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, and as climate change and extreme weather increasingly take their toll, the UN has estimated that 305 million people worldwide will require some form of emergency assistance next year.

We are currently facing a poly-crisis globally, and it is the most vulnerable populations who are bearing the brunt, Mr. Fletcher stated, cautioning that growing inequality, combined with the intersection of conflict and climate change, has resulted in a perfect storm of needs.

Displaced individuals find shelter in a camp in the al-Jazira state of Gedaref, eastern Sudan.

The annual request from UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations is aiming for $47.4bn for 2025  a slight decrease compared to this years appeal  which is deemed sufficient to assist the 189.5 million most vulnerable individuals.

We are unable to reach 115 million people with this plan, Mr. Fletcher acknowledged.

Highlighting the substantial donor fatigue affecting humanitarian efforts globally, he emphasized the necessity of developing a realistic strategy, which will involve prioritization and making really tough, tough choices.

We must focus intensely on reaching those in urgent need and be absolutely ruthless, he asserted.

As of last month, merely 43% of the $50bn appeal for this year had been fulfilled.

Insufficient funding has led to an 80% reduction in food assistance in Syria, cuts to protective services in Myanmar, and decreased water and sanitation support in cholera-afflicted Yemen, according to the UN.

The most significant obstacles to assisting and protecting individuals in armed conflict are the extensive violations of international law.

So far, 2024 has already marked the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, exceeding last years toll of 280 fatalities.

The global humanitarian system is overstretched, underfunded, and literally under attack, Mr. Fletcher noted.

We need a surge in global solidarity.

Conflicts in regions like Gaza are contributing to an overstretched humanitarian framework.

Concerns are also growing that Donald Trumps potential return to the presidency in the United Statesthe worlds largest humanitarian donorcould result in aid agency budgets being slashed instead of increased next year.

Mr. Fletcher stated that he intends to spend a lot of time in Washington in the coming months to connect with the new administration.

The significantly harsher global climate (is) not solely about America, he noted, adding that he plans to knock down doors globally to advocate for increased support.

By mid-2024, a record 123 million individuals were displaced from their homes due to conflict, while one in five children worldwide is either living in or fleeing conflict zones, according to UN data.

The suffering behind these statistics is even more unacceptable because it is man-made, Mr. Fletcher stated.

The wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine stand out for their brutality and intensity, the blatant disregard for international law, and the intentional hindrance of our humanitarian efforts to save lives.

Meanwhile, numerous long-standing crises continue to fester, with average humanitarian operations now lasting a decade, as per the UNs report.

The longer these crises persist, the grimmer the outcomes, Mr. Fletcher warned, noting that life expectancy declines, vaccination rates fall, education deteriorates, maternal mortality escalates, and the threat of famine intensifies.

Even more concerning, he remarked, is the increasing convergence of conflicts with climate-induced disasters that are ravaging communities, destroying food systems, and prompting mass displacement.

My fear is that these two immense drivers of need are now intertwining, he stated.
Letby, aged 34, was interviewed under caution concerning the unexpected deaths and collapses of infants at her former workplace, Countess of Chester Hospital, and, for the first time, at Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she trained as a student, noted Cheshire Police.

She is currently serving a rare whole-life sentence for the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others during her tenure as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Mark McDonald, Letbys attorney, informed the PA news agency: The police have been leaking information about further inquiries for over a year.

Mr. McDonald stated that Letby voluntarily attended an interview, emphasizing that she was not arrested.

He added: Lucy maintains her innocence and has consistently stated that she has never harmed and would never harm any child.

The ongoing leaking and briefing of information by the police since the investigation commenced in 2017 is extremely troubling and must cease.

Everyone deserves a fair hearing, and at this point, the police may be hindering that process.

Earlier, Cheshire Police released a statement confirming: We can verify that, by mutual agreement, Lucy Letby has recently been interviewed in prison under caution regarding the ongoing investigation into infant deaths and non-fatal collapses at both the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Womens Hospital.

Further updates will be provided.

Detectives are reviewing the care of approximately 4,000 infants admitted to the hospital during Letbys time as a neonatal nurse.

This review spans her tenure at the Countess of Chester Hospital from January 2012 to June 2016 and includes two placements at Liverpool Womens Hospital in 2012 and 2015.

Cheshire Police have previously stressed that only cases identified as medically concerning would undergo further investigation.

Letby, hailing from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life sentences after being convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one victim, between June 2015 and June 2016.

She is currently incarcerated at HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey, which accommodates category A female prisoners.

The Thirlwall Inquiry, which is examining the Letby case, continues to progress in Liverpool.

Dr. Stephen Brearey, a senior pediatrician in the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester, testified at the public inquiry last month that he believes Letby is likely to have harmed or murdered more infants prior to her first victim, a premature twin boy referred to as Baby A, in June 2015.

Dr. Brearey stated during the hearing: In hindsight, I believe it is probable that Letby did not begin her killing spree in June 2015 or start harming infants at that time.

It seems likely that her actions prior to this period over time altered our perception of what we considered abnormal.

Dr. Brearey noted that the reporting culture on the unit was strong, with staff encouraged to report any issues they believed had occurred.

However, he felt that in retrospect, some incidents from June 2015 to June 2016, and likely before, were deteriorations in infants that could have prompted further investigation.

The inquiry has revealed that infants breathing tubes became dislodged during 40% of the shifts Letby worked at Liverpool Womens Hospital between October and December 2012, as well as January and February 2015.
Man Executed in Missouri for the Murder of Nine-Year-Old Girl

A man sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl has been executed in Missouri, officials from the prison system reported.Christopher Collings, aged 49, was declared deceased at 6:10 PM yesterday (12:10 AM Irish time) at the state penitentiary in Bonne Terre, as per a statement from the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Collings was found guilty of the November 2007 murder of Rowan Ford, the stepdaughter of a friend in the small town of Stella.

Her remains were discovered in a sinkhole several days later.

Collings lawyers contended that the police chief, who secured their clients confession and served as the main witness at his trial, had a questionable past and was not credible.

Furthermore, they argued that the girls stepfather, David Spears, admitted his involvement in her death but was never charged with murder.

Governor Mike Parson of Missouri rejected Collings clemency appeal, allowing his execution by lethal injection to proceed.

Mr. Collings has had all the protections provided by both the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and his conviction and sentence remain due to the horrific and heartless nature of his crime, stated Governor Parson.

There has never been any doubt regarding Collings involvement or the atrociousness of his actions.

This year, there have been 23 executions across the United States, four of which took place in Missouri.

The death penalty has been revoked in 23 of the 50 states, while six othersArizona, California, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennesseecurrently have moratoriums in effect.
New York Police Seek Suspect in Murder of UnitedHealth Executive

New York police continue to hunt for the individual responsible for the assassination of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson, who was brutally attacked outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel before fleeing into Central Park.

Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealths insurance division, was shot from behind on Wednesday morning in what police labeled a targeted assault by a masked perpetrator who had been lurking.

This incident occurred just prior to the companys annual investor conference at the Hilton on Sixth Avenue.

The phrases deny, defend, and depose were found etched into the shell casings discovered at the scene, according to police sources speaking with ABC and the New York Post. Reuters has not independently corroborated this information.

When contacted by Reuters, the author, Jay Feinman, a professor emeritus at Rutgers University Law School, replied via email, Sorry, no comment.

Authorities have released a new photo showcasing a clear image of the suspects face, just a day after issuing images where his face was partially obscured by a ski mask. They have urged the public to assist in identifying and locating him.

Moreover, police have searched a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side, where they believe the suspect may have been staying, as reported by CNN.

Investigators remain in pursuit of a motive, as police officials stated during a press conference on Wednesday.

Brian Thompson had been with UnitedHealth since 2004.

All indicators suggest that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters on Wednesday.

Security footage showed the shooter standing behind Thompson, 50, lifting his handgun, and firing at his back.

According to police, the gunman arrived outside the hotel several minutes before Thompson did, waiting for him to walk by before firing, disregarding other bystanders.

The suspect, donning a hooded sweatshirt, a ski mask, and carrying a gray backpack, escaped on foot before hopping on an electric bike and pedaling into Central Park, officers stated.

Police have released numerous images of the suspect, captured by nearby surveillance cameras, including one showing the gun raised and aimed at Thompson, and another depicting the suspect fleeing on the bike.

The city boasts an extensive camera network, largely established after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which police can utilize to trace suspects movements.

The murder transpired on the morning of the citys annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, just a few blocks away.

The event proceeded as scheduled under tight security measures.

The suspected gunman was recorded on CCTV in the vicinity.

UnitedHealth holds the title of the largest U.S. health insurer, extending benefits to millions of Americans, who pay more for healthcare than individuals in any other nation.

Thompson, a father of two, had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a segment of UnitedHealth Group, since April 2021.

The company has faced challenges stemming from a significant data breach involving its Change Healthcare unit, which provides technology for U.S. healthcare providers, disrupting medical care for patients and delaying reimbursements to doctors for several months.

Thompson had worked at UnitedHealth since 2004, spanning various divisions, according to a biography that has since been removed from the companys website.

Our hearts go out to Brians family and everyone who knew him, the company stated.

During a video message to employees, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty announced Thompsons passing, referring to him as a truly extraordinary person.

At the companys headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, flags on campus were lowered to half-staff, as confirmed by a spokesperson to Reuters.

A NYPD flyer outside the New York Hilton Midtown requests information regarding the shooting.

Thompsons wife, Paulette, informed NBC News on Wednesday that he had been receiving some threats related to his position but stated she was unaware of the specifics.

Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and impacted so many lives, she remarked later in a statement.

Brian was an exceptionally devoted father to our two sons and will be deeply missed.

In Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Thompson resided, police administrator Theresa Keehn indicated to Reuters that there were no documented threats against Thompson, although one incident of suspicious activity was reported at his residence in June 2018.

Ms. Thompson reported seeing the deadbolt turning on their front door as she was preparing for bed, according to the police report.

She hid in the bathroom, feeling terrified, but authorities found no evidence of an attempted break-in or anyone on the premises.
Ukraine : Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has initiated thousands of investigations against individuals suspected of collaborating with Russian forces, though instances of minors being arrested are uncommon.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the girl was allegedly tasked by Russia to relay the locations of air defense systems in the region, which shares a border with Belarus, a Russian ally.

The SBU alleged that the girl conducted reconnaissance during taxi rides and transmitted sensitive information through encrypted online messenger services.

The SBU seized a mobile phone containing evidence of intelligence and subversive activities supporting Russia, it noted, adding that the girl has been charged with high treason and is currently in custody.

In a separate incident, the SBU announced the detention of six individuals in Kyiv and the southern Mykolaiv region for conducting sabotage and arson attacks intended for Russian interests on railways and energy facilities.

NATO chief Mark Rutte claims Russia is aiding North Koreas missile and nuclear programs

Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte indicated that Russia is providing support to North Koreas missile and nuclear initiatives in exchange for North Korea sending troops to participate in the conflict in Ukraine.

He encouraged NATO member states to supply sufficient arms to Ukraine to alter the course of the conflict as Russian forces make progress along the frontline.

In return for troops and weapons, Russia is offering North Korea support for its missile and nuclear programs, Mr. Rutte stated following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

These developments could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and pose a threat to the United States.

Ukraine and its allies assert that North Korea has dispatched soldiers to Russia to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.

NATO chief Mark Rutte has urged members to bolster arms supply to Ukraine

Mr. Rutte emphasized the potential threat that the alliance between Russia and North Korea poses to the US, especially with the upcoming return of president-elect Donald Trump to office.

US allies are exploring ways to persuade Mr. Trump that maintaining US support for Ukraine is in his best interest.

The unpredictable Republican has expressed skepticism regarding the continuation of extensive US military aid to Ukraine and has promised to swiftly negotiate a resolution to the conflict.

The growing alignment of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran underscores the global nature of the threats we face, along with the escalating risks of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mr. Rutte remarked.

The situation on the battlefield appears increasingly dire for Ukraine as Mr. Trumps inauguration approaches.

Russian forces are making advances along the frontline while Ukraines exhausted troops grapple with shortages in weaponry and personnel.

We must provide enough support to decisively change the trajectory of this conflict, Mr. Rutte emphasized.

We discussed what further actions allies can take to supply critical ammunition and air defenses.

Ukraine reports that a mayor imprisoned by Russia died after enduring torture

Earlier, Ukraine announced that the body of a mayor captured by Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region at the onset of their 2022 invasion, who allegedly perished in captivity, had been returned by Russia.

Russia seized significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia region shortly after launching its attack, including the town of Dniprorudne, and detained its mayor, Yevgen Matveiev, according to Ukraine.

He was held captive by the occupiers for two years and eight months and was tortured to death. His body was returned to Ukraine during the latest exchange, stated Zaporizhzhia Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.

Russia did not provide an immediate response to these claims.

Russian forces swept through the countrys industrial region in the south and claimed to have annexed the territory in September 2022.

The town of Dniprorudne, situated on the Dnipro River, had an estimated pre-war population of 17,736.

Mr. Fedorov referred to Matveiev as a true patriot.

During the occupation, he did not abandon the city or its people and took every measure to ensure the communitys survival, he expressed on social media.

Mr. Fedorov himself was briefly detained by Russian forces in March 2022 while serving as mayor of the southern city of Melitopol, which fell under Russian control.

Then-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for an international response in March 2022 regarding Mr. Matveievs disappearance.

European Council President Charles Michel likewise advocated for the mayors release.

In late March 2022, Kyiv raised alarm over the disappearance of 14 local officials from territories under Russian control.

Ukraine and Russia continue to regularly exchange prisoners of war, as well as the remains of deceased soldiers and civilians. The last reported exchange of remains occurred late last month.
12/04/2024

Dr. Rachel Weiser, Jax State's assistant professor of history, has been accepted to Brandeis University's Summer Institute for Israel Studies. Dr. Weiser will spend 10 days in residency at the university in Boston for lectures and workshops with scholars, politicians, and community leaders before taking a 10-day tour of Israel. Following the program, which takes place July 9 through 31, Dr. Weiser will develop two interdisciplinary courses on the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust for Jax State in the hopes of implementing for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Having grown up in Los Angeles and lived in Boston, two cities with large Jewish populations, Dr. Weiser has been interested in studying the Holocaust and the history of antisemitism for a long time. The Summer Institute ultimately presents her with a unique opportunity to educate students who may be less familiar with these topics. "But we're seeing it on the news or seeing it on social media, especially in the last year or so," said Dr. Weiser, who joined the Jax State history department this fall. "Even for our predominantly Christian students, I think there's a lot to be gained from learning about Judaism and its religious and cultural significance as it relates to their own religious history."

Since moving to Alabama, Dr. Weiser has learned about Birmingham's thriving Jewish community and the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, both of which she hopes to share with her students. "I've learned in my months here that there are hundreds of Holocaust survivors who relocated to Alabama after World War II," she said. "I think the fact that we have such a rich history here will just make it feel a little more personal and less far away, both in time and geography."

Though she's excited about the academic aspect of the program, Dr. Weiser is really looking forward to visiting Israel's most historically significant sites in person. "Nothing beats being there and meeting people who actually live there and can speak about their experiences," she said. "When it's a bunch of academics sitting halfway across the world talking about these events ... there's just not the same connection as physically seeing these places that I'll one day be teaching about."

Dr. Weiser learned about the summer program from her predecessor at Jax State, Dr. Russel Lemmons, who was instrumental in helping her transition to her new position in the history department. As both were modern European historians focused on Germany, they spent a lot of time discussing their shared interest in teaching about the Holocaust. Dr. Weiser wanted to develop a class on the history of antisemitism but didn't feel very knowledgeable about the region. Dr. Lemmons recommended the Summer Institute, which he had also attended years earlier. "So, it's been kind of a cool connection," she said. "I'm going to be the second generation of Jax State professors to participate in this program. It's quite an honor."
By Mehmet Ozalp, Charles Sturt University

(The Conversation)  The forgotten Syrian civil war has again flared up with the spectacular capture of Aleppo by opposition forces. A complex set of circumstances created the right time for rebels to strike, plunging Syria into an uncertain future and catching President Bashar al-Assad by surprise.

The Syrian civil war has been largely forgotten in a new world defined by the COVID pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Gaza conflict. Now it is firmly back in the international spotlight.

Status quo before the attack on Aleppo

Lets remember what was happening in Syria before the recent insurgency.

Russia and Iran had backed the Assad government, and its forces were in firm control of Syrias largest cities, Aleppo (the industrial hub and Syrias second-largest city, with a population of 2 million), Damascus, Homs and Latakia, among others.

After the fall of Islamic State (IS) in 2019, IS remnants and just about all jihadist groups and rebels, together with their families, gathered in the northwestern city of Idlib. This doubled its population to 2.7 million, making it Syrias largest city.

Significantly, Idlib shares a large border with Turkey. Turkey has had a military presence in northeastern Syria and controlled a large territory during three successive military operations in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Largely rural northeastern Syria, as well as the Kurdish and Arab majorities east of the Euphrates River, are controlled by the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), who managed to fend off IS with US support. This region includes much of Syrias oil and wheat production.

The status quo was cemented by a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2020. Now this has been disrupted with a surprise attack on Aleppo by a coalition of rebels and opposition forces.

Why did the insurgents attack Aleppo?

The forces that participated in the Aleppo offensive are a coalition of various rebels and anti-Assad opposition groups centred in Idlib. The biggest block is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which splintered from Al-Qaeda in 2016.

A second large group is the Syrian National Army (SNA), a rebel group supported by Turkey. There are a multitude of smaller armed groups within the HTS and SNA coalitions.

Pulling together such diverse groups into a coalition needs an facilitator. It seems Turkey has played this role. Taking advantage of the caretaker status of US politics after the elections, Turkey had the opportunity to give the go-ahead to the Aleppo offensive. Outgoing President Joe Biden is politically weak and hardly in a position to pay attention to Syria. President-elect Donald Trumps previous Syria policy suggests he would not much care who controls Aleppo.

Russian preoccupation with the costly war in Ukraine is another contributing factor. Russia has been struggling to win the war for almost three years, with increasing casualties and cost. Russia is a major supplier of weapons to the Assad government. But just about all Russian military personnel  and most importantly weapons  were concentrated on the Ukraine front.

Russias distraction, and weakening support for the Assad government, partly explains the opportunity seized by the HTS and SNA coalitions.

Iran is another important supporter of the Assad government. It has been under increasing pressure from Israel and the US since October 7 for supporting Hamas and other anti-Israel political elements such as Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has accused Iran of providing weapons to Hezbollah.

Added to this, Iran has had a series of political setbacks. In May 2024, Iran lost its President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. In July 2024, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. Most recently there have been rumours that Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is seriously ill.

Irans focus on these factors may have diverted its attention from Syria, potentially weakening its support for the Assad government.

What seems to be the real driving force behind the Aleppo offensive is Hamass surprise attack on Israel on October 7. That attack demonstrated how a well-coordinated and unified surprise operation could yield military results against a significantly stronger force.

It is highly likely that opposition groups in Syria used October 7 as a model and rallied to unite disparate groups under one goal: the capture of Aleppo. They took the opportunity caused by the key players in the Syrian conflict being distracted, striking when it was least expected.

What might happen now?

After their spectacular success in capturing Aleppo, the anti-Assad forces morale is high. They will cement their hold in Aleppo. Rebels may even continue their offensive to Hama, the next large city south of Idlib.

Turkey will continue to supply the rebels with political support and supplies. Turkey aims to extend its influence in northern Syria through vassal groups of Sunni Muslims, the dominant orientation of Islam in Turkey. Its main objective is to limit and, if possible, reduce regions controlled by Kurdish YPG. Capturing Aleppo from the Assad government is a key step in this objective.

While Kurds are not happy with Turkeys growing involvement in the Syrian civil war, they may prefer to deal with HTS than the Assad government. Kurdish militia have already announced they are withdrawing from Aleppo and will not contest rebels in the city.

Assad continues to receive vital, albeit weakened, support from Russia and Iran. Domestically, Assad enjoys backing from key constituencies, including the Shiite-Alawite population and secular-minded Syrians who oppose the establishment of a theocratic state. These groups provide Assad with a critical base of support, which reinforces his regimes resilience in the face of opposition advances.

Assad is expected to intensify efforts to reclaim Aleppo. Even if he ultimately loses the city, he may use the battle as an opportunity to consolidate his hold over other key regions and fortify his power in the territories still under his control.

The Syrian civil war remains unresolved as the country fractures into three zones: Turkey-backed Sunni forces in the north, US-supported Kurdish forces in the northeast, and the Shiite-backed Assad government controlling the west and south.

Each faction, driven by international and local interests, continues to entrench its hold, deepening the divide and complicating prospects for peace.

Mehmet Ozalp, Associate Professor in Islamic Studies, Director of The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and Executive Member of Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Bonus Video added by Informed Comment:

Syria update: Counteroffensive in Hama province, rebels forcibly expel Kurds in the north | DW News
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports high-grade gold mineralization including 23.0 metres (m) of 5.00 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) at the Froyo Gold Zone ("Froyo" or "Zone"). Additional drilling extends gold mineralization at Froyo by 180 m. The Company has completed more than 40,000 m this year and expects to meet its 45,000 m goal by the end of the year.

Drilling Highlights

Broad, high-grade gold mineralization continues north in Froyo with 23.0 m of 5.00 g/t Au (24FR090) and 4.0 m of 15.34 g/t Au (24FR092)

(24FR090) and (24FR092) 10.0 m of 4.23 g/t Au (24FR086)

(24FR086) Froyo extended along strike by 180 m, intersecting 8.0 m of 2.08 g/t Au (24FR095) in previously untested area to the north of known gold mineralization

(24FR095) in previously untested area to the north of known gold mineralization Excellent continuity of mineralized structures along strike into the main Upper Antino area fold closure

Compelling evidence for repeating high-grade shoots with depth

Exploration Highlights

Gold mineralized strike length at the Lawa North and Lawa South targets extended to 13 km based on recent mapping and surface sampling program (Figure 1) Anomalous gold (>0.1 g/t Au) in 33% of 124 Lawa area grab samples including 11 samples with gold concentrations from 1.00 g/t Au to 14.42 g/t Au

extended to 13 km based on recent mapping and surface sampling program (Figure 1) New Da Vinci target situated 4 km southeast of Buese (Figure 1) Target identified through recognition of several overlapping geologic features similar to Upper Antino's Froyo Zone mineralization True discovery potential - no modern systematic exploration work or historical drilling Drilling underway with initial three-hole plan expanded to twelve holes Results from initial drilling expected before the end of this year

situated 4 km southeast of Buese (Figure 1) The Da Vinci target extends Antino gold trend by more than 4 km southeast (Figure 1)

Founders' President and CEO, Colin Padget commented, "Drill hole 24FR090 represents the 22nd interval at Upper Antino exceeding 100 gram-metre per tonne**, reaffirming the deposit's exceptional grade profile. The continuous growth at Upper Antino over the last 12 months has been a key de-risking step for the project, and when combined with the numerous new discoveries and impressive gold intercepts at Lower Antino and Buese, emphasizes Antino's potential to develop into a Tier 1 asset. Moving forward into 2025, we are continuing with our strategy of unlocking value through aggressive exploration, new discoveries, and the continued expansion of known gold mineralization at Antino. On this note, we are particularly excited about the new discovery potential that the Lawa and Da Vinci target areas represent."

Froyo Discussion

Drillholes 24FR090 and 24FR092 expand broad, high-grade gold mineralization northward at Froyo (Figure 2). These results continue to validate the exploration strategy of focusing on the sheared limbs of a regional-scale fold at Upper Antino, where a series parallel gold-bearing shear zones have been identified. Froyo now has a drill-defined strike length of ~1.6 km and an ~300 m wide mineralized footprint. To date drilling extends gold mineralization to a depth of 275 m and the system remains open in all directions. The deepest drilling at Froyo has delivered some of the broadest, highest-grade intercepts to date.

There is evidence of a repeating series of high-grade shoots within the broader mineralizing system. Analogous gold deposits in similar Guiana Shield stratigraphy host similar deep-rooted structures with gold mineralization extending to over 1000 m depth. Current drilling efforts at Upper Antino are focused on along-strike expansion of shallow, high-grade gold mineralization to the north and south. Future work will include systematic step-out drilling to target additional opportunity for further growth at depth. Figure 3 illustrates drilling progress and expanding gold mineralization along and across strike at Upper Antino over the last 18 months, including the identification of high-grade subparallel hanging wall shear zones. Additionally, a new high-grade shear zone-hosted discovery was made at Donut more than 900 m from Founders' earliest work on Froyo.

Lawa North and Lawa South Targets

The road-accessible Lawa exploration targets are ~12 km east of Upper Antino (Figure 1). Founders' geologists first visited the area to investigate recent artisanal mining activity and quickly identified two NNW-trending shear zones coincident with km-scale tonalitic intrusive bodies. Recent dry-season river bedrock mapping along the property's northeastern margin identified multiple gold-bearing shear zones up to 75 m wide that connect with the structure at Lawa North, giving the target an 8 km long mineralized strike length. The Lawa South shear zone extends over 5 km. Early work indicates property-scale, gold-bearing structures with similar tonalitic intrusive-hosted gold mineralization as the Donut, Lower Antino, and Buese targets. Ongoing surface exploration includes >1 km of trenching, 550+ auger samples, channel sampling, and geological mapping. An initial drill program for Lawa is anticipated for H1 2025.

Da Vinci Target

The Da Vinci target, identified by onsite technical staff and prioritized due to its geological similarities to the gold-rich Froyo area, underwent initial mapping before Founders redirected a drill from nearby Buese for exploratory drilling (Figure 1). The promising early visual results at Da Vinci have led to the decision to keep the drill there through the year's end. Meanwhile, Buese remains a focus-Founders will deploy its fourth diamond drill there in January to continue advancing the second phase of drilling. The Company anticipates releasing the pending Da Vinci drill results by the end of 2024.

Figure 1: Property Scale Plan Map

Figure 2: Upper Antino Plan Map

Figure 3: Upper Antino Timelapse from December 2023 to December 2024

Table 1: High-grade Intervals at Upper Antino >100 gram-metre per tonne**

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Core Length*

(m) Au

(g/t) Gram-Metre per Tonne (gm/t)** 24FR090 254.00 277.00 23.00 5.00 114.70 24FR074 62.00 108.00 46.00 5.31 244.34 24FR067 280.00 304.00 24.00 5.06 121.55 24FR054 150.00 163.00 13.00 11.02 143.30 24FR049 44.00 70.00 26.00 5.52 143.52 24FR048 63.00 78.00 15.00 8.18 122.70 23FR044 56.00 82.00 26.00 4.86 126.36 23FR041 52.70 67.20 14.50 16.26 235.77 23FR038 77.00 90.00 13.00 14.03 182.39 23FR036 134.00 144.00 10.00 24.46 244.60 23FR030 182.00 208.00 26.00 6.35 165.10 23FR026 29.00 32.00 3.00 99.51 298.53 23FR025 222.00 267.79 45.79 4.06 185.91 23FR014 63.50 79.00 15.50 30.72 476.16 23FR011 76.00 89.00 13.00 8.75 113.75 23FR009 83.00 92.00 9.00 11.10 99.90 23FR007 47.50 54.95 7.45 15.22 113.39 23FR003 55.00 67.00 12.00 19.22 230.64 24GG004 149.00 187.00 38.00 10.90 414.02 23GG001 125.00 134.00 9.00 22.84 205.56 23GG001 152.00 158.00 6.00 94.69 568.14 24DO007 196.00 215.00 19.00 14.23 270.37

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width, based on current drill data

**Gram-metre per tonne calculated as core length in metres multiplied by g/t Au value

Table 2: Assay Results

Ho le ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR095 117.00 125.00 8.00 2.08 24FR093 33.60 50.10 16.50 2.83 24FR092 0.00 14.10 14.10 0.31 and 301.00 305.00 4.00 15.34 24FR091 71.00 74.00 3.00 1.27 24FR090 101.00 105.00 4.00 3.43 and 254.00 277.00 23.00 5.00 24FR089 303.00 308.00 5.00 2.21 24FR088 258.00 269.00 11.00 2.85 and 304.00 306.00 2.00 3.81 and 354.00 357.00 3.00 2.67 and 378.00 380.00 2.00 23.15 24FR087 248.00 256.00 8.00 1.04 and 363.00 375.00 12.00 2.34 24FR086 0.00 8.10 8.10 0.45 and 183.00 193.00 10.00 4.23 and 382.00 386.00 4.00 1.31 24EC003 48.60 56.10 7.50 4.87 24EC002 183.00 186.00 3.00 1.09 24EC001 166.00 174.00 8.00 0.39

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width, based on current drill data

Table 3: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting* (m) Northing* (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) 24FR095 817065.1 401904.2 206.3 260 -50 401.1 24FR093 817018.0 401620.0 156.8 260.3 -45 263.1 24FR092 816906.0 401550.0 177.8 79.6 -55.4 329.0 24FR091 817076.3 401516.0 161.4 250 -45 221.1 24FR090 817076.3 401516.0 164.4 250 -69.7 293.0 24FR089 817237.5 401231.5 149.3 255 -45 377.0 24FR088 817306.6 401259.2 150.0 255 -45 419.1 24FR087 817268.5 401354.5 187.7 250 -50 452.1 24FR086 817199.5 401321.5 181.5 250 -50 401.2 24EC003 816810.0 401338.9 241.6 308.6 -50.3 289.9 24EC002 816811.7 401337.4 241.4 259.0 -58.2 337.8 24EC001 816904.5 401374.5 231.8 260.9 -57.1 301.1

*The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company will complete 45,000 metres of drilling in 2024 and is fully financed for up to 60,000 metres in 2025.

1 2022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo.

Quality Assurance and Control

Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - Metallis Resources Inc. (TSXV: MTS) (OTCQB: MTLFF) (the "Company" or "Metallis") is pleased to announce impressive silver and gold results from the Company's second field exploration program (the "Program") completed at the Company's Greyhound Property (the "Property"). The Greyhound Property is a high-grade silver/gold/antimony project within the historic Stibnite (antimony mineral) Mining Camp, located in central Idaho, USA. The Program included 129 soil samples, 61 geological mapping points and 44 rock samples, that have delivered multiple high-grade silver and gold assays further refining the mineralized zones. These results will enable the Company to optimize the scheduled drilling planned for early 2025. Antimony assays are still pending and will be released once available.

Fiore Aliperti, Metallis' CEO and President, commented, "Results from our second field program at the Greyhound are incredibly encouraging and a testament to the work our technical team have been delivering. The soil sampling, geological mapping, and rock sampling are helping us to refine our drill targets and lay the foundations for an impactful 2025 exploration campaign. The continued development of the Greyhound Project is a key focus for Metallis, and we are optimistic about the potential this underexplored asset holds." He went on to add, "Additionally, attending the 2024 Idaho Mining Conference was a fantastic opportunity to deepen our connections and relationships within Idaho's ever-growing mining and exploration community, along with other stakeholders including government representatives. The knowledge gained and relationships established will undoubtedly play a pivotal role as we continue to advance the Property. We were thrilled to meet these key stakeholders and look forward to leveraging these connections as we move this project forward."

Key updates:

A total of 44 rock samples were collected, with results up to 4590 g/t Ag and an impressive silver grade that averaged 504 g/t Ag across all samples.

Remarkable gold assays up to 18.15 g/t validate the underappreciated gold benefit at this historic silver mine.

The Company recently attended the 2024 Idaho Mining Conference and engaged with drilling companies, social governance professionals, government officials and multiple technical experts to aid the advancement of the Greyhound project; and

Soil sampling defined several large multi-element soil anomalies that envelope all of the promising prospects. Together with geological mapping and rock sampling has prioritized the Birdie, the Bulldog and the 1350' zone as the initial focus for drill targeting.

Rock sampling results

Rock sampling was completed at known showings to help validate the structures that contain elevated silver, gold and antimony and further refine the mineralized zones. A total of 44 rock samples returned significant silver assays and impressively gold grades (See Map 1 Below) that point to high-grade gold potential which appears to have been overlooked historically. Sampling was focused on The Birdie, The Bulldog and the Akita. Two grab samples and two concentrate samples taken historically from underground at the high-grade 1350' zone were delivered by the property owner and sampled during this program, although those assays are pending.

The Bulldog provides one of the most developed targets on the property with sampling from this program returning very elevated assays from a specific high-grade vein. This 10 to 20 cm vein outcrops at surface for 13m and returned silver assays up to 3360 g/t with an average silver grade of 1624 g/t. This vein occurs within a wide shear zone that returned strong grades from the previous chip-sampling program. Gold grades from 0.14 to 1.09 g/t were also present along with base metals grades averaging from 1% to 5%. See table below of the 4 rock samples from this vein.

At the Birdie target where two trench cuts are located 70 m along strike from each other, significant gold and silver results were also returned. At the Upper Birdie, the highest silver grades from this program returned a significant 4900 g/t Ag from an 80 cm angular boulder dug up from the historic trenching. Gold grades were also substantial at the Upper Birdie (See Map 2 Below) with the 7 samples averaging 3.0 g/t Au. At the lower Birdie, a rock sample taken from a 50 cm quartz sulphide vein returned 18.15 g/t Au and 6 out of 7 samples were above 1.8 g/t Au. These elevated gold results from the Birdie highlight the substantial gold grades at this target.

Rock grab sampling around the newly discovered Akita showing also highlights a new zone 200 m to the north of the Akita. Two samples returned 5.0 and 7.3 g/t Au Eq* and are located in the northern part of a newly established soil anomaly. At the Ridge Cut, two more grab samples from the spoils pile returned 1280 and 1740 g/t Ag respectively. Further work at the 1350' surface trench returned 2 grab samples of 5.5 and 8.6 g/t Au Eq*.

Soil sampling results

Soil sampling during this program was focused on extending coverage and further defining known targets including the Birdie, Bulldog, and Akita. A total of 129 soils were collected across 8 selected lines (See Map 3 below) taken perpendicular to the strike of the Greyhound Shear. Results demonstrated strong anomalies in silver, zinc, lead and gold. A new extension to the Akita soil anomaly, 300 m east of the mapped Greyhound shear, further validates the strength of the mineralization around Akita (a new discovery this year) and demonstrates the potential of other parallel, underexplored shears. Zinc soil anomalies provide the best pathfinder element for identifying silver mineralization and highlight a 600 m long by 200 m wide anomaly around the Birdie and the 1350' zone. At the Akita, a 300 m long by 200 m wide zinc anomaly has been outlined and, at the Bulldog, the highest silver grade soil samples were returned.

Idaho Mining Conference

A Metallis delegation of Fiore Aliperti, CEO and President; Dave Dupre, Vice President of Exploration; and Carl Ryan, Project Geologist, recently attended the Idaho Mining Conference 2024. The event drew over 700 participants, including exploration companies, researchers, consultants, policymakers, government officials and other regulatory professionals from across Idaho. Metallis introduced the Company to a very receptive audience amongst the key players and stakeholders in Idaho's expanding mining and exploration community. Significant connections were made with local drilling companies, social governance professionals, and various Idaho geological experts. These connections will be critical in the development of Greyhound through the stages of exploration, with the goal of establishing an economic mineral deposit.

Qualified Person

David Dupre, P.Geo, Vice President - Exploration and the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical information contained in this release.

QAQC

All the rock samples were kept under the control of Metallis staff until they were delivered directly to the ALS sample preparation facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. Analyses were then completed by ALS Laboratories Ltd. in Vancouver, an independent certified laboratory. Blanks and standards have been added to the samples stream by ALS along with internal QAQC protocol. All the samples were initially analyzed by the Ultra Trace technique. Results that returned values greater than a pre-determined threshold were then analyzed by element  specific methods as noted below.

ME-MS 41: Ultra Trace Aqua Regia ICP-MS.

ME-GRA21: Au, Ag 30g Fire Assay  Gravity Finish

Pb-OC46: Ore Grade Pb  Aqua Regia

Zn-OC46: Ore Grade Zn  Aqua Regia

Sb-ICP08: Sb  KCl/HCl digestion ICP-MS

As-OC46: Ore Grade As  Aqua Regia

Soil samples were collected predominantly of B horizon at predetermined locations across the property. Once at the lab, samples were dried and crushed to 80 mesh (prep 41) before analysis by the Ultra Trace technique. Gold Analysis was completed by aqua regia digestion with a 25g aliquot (AuMETL43).

Reference Information:

A grab sample is taken from a rock outcrop that is being assessed for the presence of valuable elements. While taking the grab sample, the best-looking rock is chosen. Grab samples are by definition selective. Grab samples are solely designed to show the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to provide nor should be construed as a representative indication of grade or mineralization at the Project.

Chip sampling involves taking contiguous rock chip samples along a line to define the width and grade of a zone. Commonly, these are taken perpendicular to the strike of the mineralized zones

*Gold and Silver equivalent values are derived from the following prices in USD; Au $2500, Ag $28, Pb $0.90, Zn $1.20

About the Greyhound Property

The Company acquired the Greyhound Property located in Custer County, Idaho, approximately 42 km northwest of the town of Stanley, in February 2024. The Company entered into an option to earn a 100% interest in Greyhound with staged payments and exploration expenditures over a ten-year period of US $670,000 and US $10,000,000, respectively. Full terms are disclosed in the annual and quarterly financial statements filed in 2024 and in a press release from the signing of the agreement on February 27, 2024. This property was the center of an active silver mining camp in the early 1900's and at one point contained a smelter and two active mines situated along a 3.6 km mineralized shear zone. Since 1910, the property has seen limited exploration and only minor development when the Greyhound Mine was reactivated and mined sporadically from 1980-1991. The last remaining ore from this period was shipped to a smelter in 2000 and the property remains substantially underexplored.

About Metallis

Metallis Resources Inc. is a Vancouver-based company focused on the exploration for gold, copper and silver on its flagship 100%-owned Kirkham Property in Canada, situated in northwest British Columbia's Golden Triangle, and on the Greyhound Property, a gold/silver/antimony target in Idaho, USA.

Metallis trades under the symbols MTS on the TSX Venture Exchange, MTLFF on the OTCQB Exchange, and 0CVM on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and has 75,305,003 common shares outstanding.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

/s/ "Fiore Aliperti"

Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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The United Nations on Tuesday denounced the shelling of a displacement camp in North Darfur by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which killed at least six people.

The famine-stricken Zamzam camp, just south of state capital El-Fasher, came under intense rocket and artillery bombardment by the RSF on Sunday.

"The United Nations and humanitarian partners in Sudan strongly condemn these acts of violence against innocent civilians," the UN resident coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said in a statement.

She added: "I am deeply concerned by reports of the indiscriminate shelling of Zamzam camp, health clinics and shelters of displaced people. Their protection is paramount."

Since April last year, a war between the regular army and the RSF has killed tens of thousands, displaced more than 11 million and created what the UN has called the worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory.

El-Fasher has been besieged by paramilitaries for months, paralyzing aid operations and plunging the Zamzam camp, which is home to at least half a million people, into famine.

According to the UN, which managed to deliver its first aid convoy to Zamzam in months in November, families have been reduced to eating peanut shells to survive as children die of malnutrition.

"It is now 232 days since the siege of El-Fasher began, which has resulted in unacceptable levels of human suffering," Nkweta-Salami said.

Both sides of the conflict face accusations of war crimes, including targeting civilians, shelling residential areas and blocking or looting aid.

In recent weeks, the RSF has tightened its grip on El-Fasher, launching attacks on multiple fronts against Sudan's military and allied armed groups.
Mohamed Idris, 27, has despaired of ever finding a job in war-torn Sudan. Instead, he's now set his sights on a training camp on the Eritrean border, hoping to join a militia.

"I got my university degree but there aren't any job opportunities, if I get into a training camp I can at least defend my country and my people," he told AFP from Kassala in Sudan, the nearest city to the border.

Analysts say the growing role such militias and armed groups are playing in the war will only prolong the country's suffering.

Sudan's war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, sparking what the UN calls the world's worst displacement crisis.

More than eight million people have been uprooted internally and more than three million have fled abroad.

The northeast African country is on the brink of famine, according to aid agencies, and a UN investigation found both sides committed rights abuses with the RSF particularly implicated in sexual violence.

In Sudan's east, Kassala and Gedaref have so far been spared the chaos of war, but host more than a million people who have fled fighting elsewhere.

In both cities, AFP correspondents have seen convoys of four-wheel drives mounted with anti-aircraft weapons speed through the streets.

Each vehicle, blasting its horn as it went, was manned by a handful of young men waving assault rifles -- though the nearest battles are hundreds of kilometres (miles) away.

The men, like Idris, are part of a generation who have lost their futures to the flames of Sudan's war.

- 'Tribe and family' -

Now, they represent recruiting potential for new armed groups being formed, particularly along ethnic and tribal lines in the country's army-controlled east.

"The forces I want to join are from my tribe and my family," said Idris.

According to Sudanese analyst and former culture and information minister Faisal Mohammed Saleh, "these groups haven't yet joined the fray in the current war".

"But the fear is that they could be preparing for future rounds," he told AFP.

Sudan, which has only known brief interludes of civilian rule since independence from Britain in 1956, is rife with armed groups, some with the capacity of small armies.

For decades, many were locked in wars with the central government, claiming to champion the rights of marginalised ethnic minorities or regions.

In 2020, most signed a peace agreement with the government in Khartoum, and several rebel leaders subsequently became senior officials in the government of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

"In the first months of the war, many of these groups were neutral, but have since declared allegiance to the army," Sudanese policy researcher Qusay Hamrour told AFP.

They established the so-called joint forces to fight on the army's side, while other groups "wavered, before throwing their weight behind the RSF", Hamrour said.

According to former information minister Saleh, "what's new now is the eastern Sudanese groups, most of which are training inside Eritrea".

Eyewitnesses told AFP earlier this year that they saw Sudanese fighters being trained in at least five locations in neighbouring Eritrea, which has not commented on the allegations.

The witnesses said the camps were linked to Burhan's army or to figures from the former Islamist-backed regime of ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir.

- Loyal to no one -

Historically, though ethnic or tribal armed groups "may ally themselves with the regular army, they remain essentially independent", according to Ameer Babiker, author of the book "Sudan's Peace: A Quagmire of Militias and Irregular Armies".

Khartoum has long relied on armed groups to fight its wars in other parts of Sudan.

In response to an uprising in Darfur in 2003, Bashir unleashed the Janjaweed militia, leading to war crimes charges against him and others.

The RSF, formalised by Bashir in 2013, are descended from the Janjaweed.

In 2021, army chief Burhan led a coup that derailed a fragile civilian transition that followed Bashir's own ouster.

By April 2023, a long-running power struggle between Burhan and his deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, erupted into all-out war.

Now, what Babiker calls "the weakness of the Sudanese state" has compelled it to again to depend on militias to secure territory.

He said this strategy would "only lead to these groups growing stronger, making them impossible to bypass in the future".

Already, there have emerged "multiple centres of decision-making within the army", he told AFP.

According to a May report from the International Crisis Group think tank, "both main belligerents are struggling with command and control".

Burhan, increasingly reliant on powers from the Bashir regime "as well as communal militias and other armed groups ... risks losing his hold on the various factions."

Meanwhile the RSF is "an ever more motley assortment of tribal militias and warlords", according to Crisis Group, which says that both wartime coalitions have become more unwieldy.
Near gaping holes where walls used to be, workers at a centre for women and children in south Beirut assess the damage after a nearby Israeli strike devastated their facility.

It's "going to take us a lot to have our centre running again", said Zeina Mohanna from Lebanese charity Amel Association International, lamenting the space had ended up as "collateral damage".

She said she was "astonished" at the extent of the destruction after the strike hit the building across the street in south Beirut's impoverished Hay al-Sellom neighbourhood.

In late September, the Israeli army began heavily bombing Beirut's southern suburbs, normally a bustling, densely populated urban area where Hezbollah has strong support.

Amel, founded during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, has been literally picking up the pieces at several of its centres since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began last week, after more than a year of hostilities.

The Israeli army frequently issued evacuation warnings before the strikes, which it said targeted "Hezbollah facilities and interests".

In Amel's centre, where illustrations for children decorate brightly coloured walls, parts of the ceiling have been blown off and jagged chunks of glass sit precariously in window frames.

The words "Dream big" and cut-outs of clouds and butterflies were near the entrance where a woman was mopping up water from a broken pipe, as the sound of glass tinkered on the debris-covered street below.

- Al-Qard al-Hassan -

Mohanna said 13 of Amel's 40 centres, which provide social, health and other services nationwide, were damaged in the conflict.

The Hay al-Sellom centre, an Amel health facility nearby and a space for migrant workers in south Beirut's Shiyah district were impacted when Israeli strikes targeted branches of Al-Qard al-Hassan, she said.

A Hezbollah-linked financial firm sanctioned by Washington, Al-Qard al-Hassan is a lifeline for many in Lebanon's Shiite Muslim community as well as other Lebanese amid the country's years-long economic crisis.

The Israeli army says Al-Qard al-Hassan "directly funds Hezbollah's terror activities", and warned on October 20 that the military would soon attack the firm's "infrastructure".

It later said it hit nearly 30 targets related to the firm, and conducted further raids the following month.

Sokna El Hawli, who runs the Hay al-Sellom centre, said around 100 children and 40 women used to go there daily.

"The night I heard there was a strike near the centre... I cried and didn't sleep until morning," said Hawli, fighting back fresh tears.

"The people of this area really need this centre," said Hawli, herself displaced by the war from her home in the neighbourhood.

- 'Shattered' -

The United Nations condemned the October strikes targeting Al-Qard al-Hassan, saying they caused "extensive damage" to civilian property and infrastructure, while Amnesty International said they should be "investigated as a war crime".

Mohanna said the Hay al-Sellom centre was home to safe spaces for women victims of gender-based violence and programmes for children including one connected to United Nations agency UNICEF.

The UN agency told AFP that "the re-establishment of safe spaces for children in their community is vital".

Mohanna said Amel had officially communicated all its centres' locations to the UN -- "to try to protect" them, she added with chagrin.

A few kilometres (miles) away in south Beirut's Shiyah, people were checking Amel's space for migrant workers, heavily damaged in a strike that flattened another building's Al-Qard al-Hassan branch a couple of doors down.

Internal walls were blown apart, broken glass lay everywhere, and the explosion had thrown a neighbour's old-fashioned couch onto the centre's debris-strewn balcony.

"You feel shattered... We spend most of our time here... this is our home," said Amel worker Nour Khazaal, as photos of happier days sat among the mess.

Khazaal, who fled her Shiyah house with her one-year-old baby, expressed optimism Amel's facility would bounce back.

"I hope the centre will be not only like before, (but) 10 times, 100 times better," she said.
Lawyers for a prominent human rights activist who headed Tunisia's now-defunct Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) and has been detained since August, issued a renewed call Wednesday for her release.

Sihem Bensedrine was arrested for allegedly "falsifying" the final report published in 2020 of the commission's investigation into alleged abuses under the country's past autocratic rulers.

She faces charges in seven cases, including accusations of accepting a bribe to include a passage accusing the Franco-Tunisian Bank (BFT) of corruption, which she denies.

"This is a politically motivated case fabricated against her," her lawyer Abderraouf Ayadi said, arguing that all charges stem from her role as an outspoken critic of the government.

"Tunisia's judiciary is currently under political influence," he added.

Since September, her lawyers have filed multiple requests for her release but have yet to receive a response, Ayadi said.

The defence team has called for the annulment of all charges against her, citing legal immunity for IVD members during their mandate.

Established in 2014 in the aftermath of Tunisia's 2011 revolution, the IVD was tasked with documenting state-led human rights violations between 1955 and 2013.

This period includes the authoritarian rule of presidents Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted during the revolution.

In August, UN-mandated human rights experts urged Tunisia to ensure Bensedrine receives a fair trial and warned that her detention could amount to judicial harassment.

Her arrest "raises serious concerns about the respect of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Tunisia and has a chilling effect on journalists, human rights defenders and civil society in general," the experts said in a joint statement.
Syrian rebels on Wednesday encircled the key central city of Hama "from three sides", a war monitor said, despite a counteroffensive launched by government forces to retain control of the city.

Hama is strategically located in central Syria and, for the army, it is crucial to safeguarding the capital and seat of power Damascus.

The fighting around Hama follows a lightning offensive by Islamist-led rebels who in a matter of days wrested swathes of territory, most significantly Syria's second city Aleppo, from President Bashar al-Assad's grasp.

The rebels "have surrounded Hama city from three sides, and are now present at a distance of three to four kilometres (1.9 to 2.5 miles) from it," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said the government forces were "left with only one exit towards Homs to the south".

Key to the rebels' successes since the start of the offensive last week was the takeover of Aleppo, which in more than a decade of war had never entirely fallen out of government hands.

The head of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Wednesday visited Aleppo's landmark citadel.

Images posted on the rebels' Telegram channel showed Jolani waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited the historic fortress.

In Hama, 36-year-old delivery driver Wassim said the sounds were "really terrifying" and the continuous bombing was clearly audible.

"I'll stay home because I have nowhere else to flee to," he said.

- 'Fierce battles' -

While the advancing rebels found little resistance earlier in their offensive, the fighting around Hama has been especially fierce.

Assad ordered a 50 percent raise in career soldiers' pay, state news agency SANA reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive.

A military source cited by SANA had earlier reported "fierce battles" against the rebels in northern Hama province since morning, adding that "joint Syrian-Russian warplanes" were part of the effort.

The Observatory said government forces brought "large military convoys to Hama" and its outskirts in the past 24 hours.

"Dozens of trucks" loaded with tanks, weapons, ammunition and soldiers headed towards the city, it said.

It said "regime forces and pro-government fighters led by Russian and Iranian officers were able to repel" an attack northwest of Hama.

It said the fighting was close to an area mainly populated by Alawites, followers of the same offshoot of Shiite Islam as the president.

German news agency DPA announced the killing of award-winning Syrian photographer Anas Alkharboutli in an air strike near Hama.

- 'Close contact' -

The rebels launched their offensive on November 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.

Both Hezbollah and Russia have been key backers of Assad's government, but have been more recently mired in their own respective conflicts.

Russia, Iran and Turkey are in "close contact" over the conflict in Syria, Moscow said Wednesday.

While Russia and Iran both back Assad, Turkey has backed the opposition.

The United Nations on Wednesday said 115,000 people have been "newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo" by the fighting.

Turkey meanwhile warned that it may be too soon to expect large-scale returns to Aleppo from among the three million Syrian refugees currently on its soil.

"To those who say they wish to go back now we say, 'wait, it's not safe for the moment'," said Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

The Observatory says the violence has killed 704 people, mostly combatants but also 110 civilians.

- 'Spread very thin' -

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday warned that the fighting "raises concerns that civilians face a real risk of serious abuses at the hands of opposition armed groups and the Syrian government".

Rights groups including HRW have since the start of the war documented violations of human rights on both sides, including what could amount to "crimes against humanity" by Syrian government forces.

Until last week the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for several years, but analysts have said violence was bound to flare up as it was never truly resolved.

"Many policymakers thought, well, Assad won, there is no war," said Rim Turkmani, director of the Syria Conflict Research Programme at the London School of Economics.

But "we've been worrying about this for years, that the fact that there is no intense violence doesn't mean that the conflict is over," she told AFP.

While the rebels may have advanced swiftly, it does not mean they will have the capacity to hold onto the territory they have captured.

Spearheading the rebel alliance is HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch.

"It's very well organised, very ideologically driven," Turkmani said.

"However, they spread very quickly and very thin. And I think very quickly they're going to realise it's beyond their capacity to maintain these areas and, most importantly, to govern them."
Prosecutor Mykhailo Nechatylyuk reads out the indictment, alleging violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder of a civilian. On 20 November 2024, the Irpin City Court, in the north-west of Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, began to try a Russian prisoner of war, military officer Nikolai Kartashov, captured by Ukrainian armed forces a year after the alleged crime.

Kartashov was born in 2002 in the village of Gukovo, Rostov oblast, in western Russia. During the invasion of the Kyiv region, he was a senior gunner in the Russian army. Between 27 February 2022 and 30 March 2022, he and other servicemen of the 76th air assault division of the Russian Federations airborne forces stationed in Pskov, Russia, were deployed in Bucha, a city located five kilometres away from Irpin.

According to a Russian media, in December 2022, Kartashov received a suspended sentence for desertion. He was then sent back to fight in Ukraine. The young man had returned unauthorised from the combat zone to his home in the Rostov region.

Shoot anybody dressed in black

On 27 February 2022, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., Kartashov and other soldiers were driving down Buchas Vokzalna Street, towards the intersection with Nove Shosse Street, as part of an armoured vehicles convoy. Kartashov was positioned in the middle of the convoy, approximately 500 metres from its front vehicle. As a gunner armed with an assault rifle, a 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled artillery gun, he was responsible for watching the perimeter.

The senior officer, Vadim Tsvetkov, gave an order over the radio that all the people dressed in black should be considered as enemies, although many ordinary civilians may have been wearing black clothing.

According to the indictment, officer Tsvetkovs order did not comply with the international humanitarian law since it did not respect the principle of distinction and could have resulted in civilian casualties. However, Kartashov and his fellow officers - artillery gun commander Dmitriy Antonnikov, senior intelligence specialist and range-finder Ruslan Gorshkov, deputy platoon commander Denis Monakhov and senior artillery gunner Artem Derkach - jointly agreed to carry out the order, after having reached a tacit agreement based on mutual trust and loyalty within the military formation.

An unarmed security guard executed

Approximately three minutes after Tsvetkov had communicated the order, Kartashov and his associates noticed a man in a black uniform on the driveway of Vokzalna Street near the Novus store. It was a security guard of the supermarket, Valeriy K., born in 1996, a civilian who was not involved in the hostilities and was not armed. He was standing in plain sight between the rear of the Novus store and a residential building.

Between 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., Kartashov, Monakhov, Derkach, Antonnikov and Gorshkov opened precision fire with assault rifles. One of the shots inflicted a perforating wound to the guards chest, causing damage to the right lung. The victim died between 10:40 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the basement of the Novus store. The Russians kept driving in a convoy formation.

After the de-occupation of Bucha, a mass grave of people killed in the armed aggression of the Russian Federation was discovered on the Ukrainian orthodox churchs premises. Among them, there was Valeriy K.s body. When the victim was identified, it was also discovered that he had managed to call an ambulance using his mobile phone before walking into the stores basement, where other employees attempted to help him before he died.

The officer who gave the order reported dead

The identity of the killers was unknown until Kartashov was taken prisoner near the town of Kreminna, Luhansk oblast, in early 2023. At that point, he allegedly confessed to what had happened.

The accused Nikolai Kartashov, during the crime scene reconstruction organized by Ukrainian investigators.

The police conducted an investigative experiment, a reconstruction of the crime scene with Kartashov's testimony as to what had happened, and subsequently issued a press release stating that the prisoner of war was testifying to crimes committed by his units soldiers.

As the preliminary hearings began, in September 2023, the four other soldiers - Monakhov, Derkach, Antonnikov and Gorshkov - were served with suspicion notices in absentia for the murder of the supermarket security guard in Bucha. As for Tsvetkov, who allegedly gave the criminal order, Russian media reported in January 2023 that the officer had died in the special operations area in Ukraine.

Kartashov pleads guilty

Kartashov pleads guilty but refuses to testify in court. He is represented by a defence lawyer, Mykola Motruk, of the Free Secondary Legal Aid Centre. The accused faces 15 years in prison up to life imprisonment for violating the laws and customs of war.

Despite Kartashovs cooperation with the investigation, the prosecutor stated in court that he didnt consider that there were mitigating circumstances for the accused. The prosecutor reportedly has seven witnesses  residents of Bucha, including colleagues of the deceased who were nearby at the time of the shooting, residents of neighbouring houses and a man who identified the body of the victim. Yet none of them is known to have been an eyewitness to the crime.

The case will resume at the end of December. The court will start by examining written evidence. Then, a video of the investigative experiment and a 15-minute video of the military vehicles driving down the street, filmed on the day of the alleged crime by a Bucha resident from his balcony, will be reviewed. The judge explained to Kartashov that he could testify at any time during the trial if he wished to do so. He also recalled him thathe has the right not to testify against himself.

At the end of August 2023, the Irpin City Court found nine Russian military officers guilty of war crimes committed in Bucha, in March 2022. The ftrial held in absentia was the first, following the investigations led in Ukraine on the infamous crimes perpetrated in Bucha that shocked the world.

This report is part of our coverage of war crimes justice produced in partnership with Ukrainian journalists. A first version of this article was published on the  Sudovyi Reporter .
Image by Karl Callwood



Introduction

Fire damage can be devastating, leaving Arizona homeowners and business owners grappling with emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. Beyond the immediate impact of the fire, navigating the insurance claims process can be a daunting task. Policies often contain complex language, and many people find themselves facing delays, underpayments, or outright denials.

Understanding how to approach your insurance claim is critical to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. This guide will outline common challenges, key steps to take, and how legal support can help you handle fire damage insurance claims effectively.

Understanding Arizona Fire Insurance Policies

Coverage Basics

Arizona homeowners insurance policies typically include coverage for fire damage. This coverage often extends to:

Structural Repairs: Costs associated with repairing or rebuilding damaged property

Personal Property: Reimbursement for furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings destroyed in the fire

Temporary Living Expenses: Costs of alternative housing while repairs are underway, often categorized as additional living expenses (ALE)

While these elements are standard, coverage limits vary. Some policies may include exclusions for wildfires or cap certain types of claims, such as landscaping restoration. Its essential to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered and any potential limitations.

Common Exclusions

Many policies contain exclusions that may limit or deny coverage. These might include:

Fires caused by negligence, such as failing to maintain fire safety measures

Damage to structures not listed in the policy, like detached sheds or older additions

Limits on coverage for high-value items like jewelry or antiques

Understanding your policys terms is crucial to avoid surprises when filing a claim.

Common Challenges in Fire Damage Claims

Delays in Processing

Insurance companies may take weeks or months to process fire damage claims, leaving families and businesses in financial limbo. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, policy ambiguities, or high claim volumes during wildfire seasons.

Underpayment of Claims

Insurers may undervalue property damage or dispute the extent of loss, offering settlements that fall short of the actual repair and replacement costs.

Claim Denials

Denials often stem from policy exclusions, disputes over the cause of the fire, or allegations of improper documentation. If you believe your claim has been unfairly denied, its important to seek further clarification or pursue an appeal.

Steps to Take After Fire Damage

1. Document Everything

Thorough documentation is critical to the success of your insurance claim. Begin by photographing all damage to your property, including structural damage, destroyed belongings, and the surrounding area. Create an inventory of lost items with as much detail as possible, including estimated values and receipts if available.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the fire and initiate your claim. Many policies require prompt notification, and delays in reporting could jeopardize your claim. Be prepared to provide an overview of the damages and any supporting documentation.

3. Keep Detailed Records

Throughout the claims process, maintain records of all correspondence with your insurer, including emails, letters, and phone call summaries. Additionally, keep receipts for temporary housing, repair costs, and other expenses related to the fire. These records will be essential for verifying your claim and justifying compensation requests.

4. Review Settlement Offers Carefully

When your insurer presents a settlement offer, review it thoroughly before accepting. If the offer seems insufficient to cover your losses, dont hesitate to negotiate or seek legal advice. Insurers may initially undervalue claims, expecting policyholders to accept lower amounts without dispute.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

The Role of an Attorney in Fire Damage Claims

Navigating fire damage claims can be overwhelming, particularly if you encounter challenges like underpayment or denial. An experienced attorney can:

Evaluate the details of your case and explain your rights under Arizona law

Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement

Pursue additional compensation if your insurer acted in bad faith

If you feel your claim isnt being handled properly, consulting with attorneys experienced in navigating Arizonas fire damage claims can help you achieve the resolution you deserve.

When to Seek Legal Help

You should consider seeking legal assistance if:

Your claim is denied without adequate explanation

The insurer delays processing your claim for an unreasonable period

The settlement offered does not reflect the full extent of your losses

You suspect bad faith practices, such as misrepresenting policy terms or ignoring valid evidence

An attorney can provide the expertise needed to level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.

Conclusion

Recovering from fire damage is never easy, but navigating the insurance claims process doesnt have to add to your burden. By documenting your losses, staying organized, and understanding your policys terms, you can strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Former Presidential candidate, Reuben Kigame, has asked Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to apologize for threatening Kenyans criticizing Ruto's regime.

On Monday, Joho, who had accompanied President William Ruto to Taita Taveta County, threatened Kenyans who have been criticizing President William Ruto online.

In a statement on Thursday, Kigame stated that Joho should apologize to Kenyans over his threats.

The musician claimed that the CS seemed to be in support of some vices witnessed in the country recently where some Kenyans are being abducted by police.

"Joho needs to apologize to Kenyans or resign for threatening to come for those who use social media to ask for public participation, accountable leadership, and values in government.

"He seems to support abductions," Kigame remarked.

Kigame's remarks come after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced on Wednesday that the Senate will summon Joho over his remarks.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared himself as the number one enemy of President William Ruto.

Speaking during an interview yesterday, Sufuna blasted Ruto for rebuking Kenyans who are opposing his projects.

According to Sifuna, Ruto's statements do not go hand in hand with his actions.

He went ahead to assure Kenyans that no one should threaten them and asserted that he is the spirit opposing government projects.

I want to tell Kenyans, do not allow anybody to threaten you. You have already taken back your power. You used to live like you didnt know you have more power than these people.

"You are more powerful than all of us.

"Keep monitoring us as leaders. If someone says that there is a spirit of opposing, I am that spirit.

"And your statement, Mr. President, do not go in line with your actions and those of your government, Sifuna remarked.

Sifuna's remarks follow Ruto's statement on Tuesday, where he claimed that a negative spirit of opposing all government initiatives was lingering.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024- Claims of corruption, fraud, and unethical conduct have engulfed Kisumu County, centering on City Manager Abala Wanga and his controversial trip to Lagos, Nigeria, in July 2024.

The scandal involves the misuse of public resources, fraudulent representation and inappropriate personal relationships which has sparked public outrage and calls for investigations.



At the heart of the allegations is the claim that Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga travelled to Lagos accompanied by a lady who fraudulently posed as the City of Kisumus Head of Project Management and Investments to secure clearance for the trip.



The lady in question is Consolata Achieng, Stanbic Bank Kisumu branch manager and was seen meeting Wanga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport prior to their departure to Nigeria.

She is also reportedly involved in business dealings with the Kisumu County Government through companies linked to her, including Tacoa Enterprises and Bajach Limited.



Official documents under the Kisumu County Government letterhead falsely designated her as an official, facilitating her visa approval, travel and allowances.



It is alleged that her expenses, including airfare and stipends, were entirely covered by public funds.



The clearance process for her travel involved multiple government bodies, including the Department of Devolution and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo who reportedly signed off on her clearance despite knowing she was not a county employee is also implicated in the scandal.







Further scrutiny reveals that the companies linked to the lady in question have reportedly benefited from county contracts, sparking concerns about potential favouritism and financial impropriety tied to her alleged relationship with the Kisumu City Manager.



The bank where she is employed has also been implicated in the scandal, with allegations of unethical conduct involving senior staff.



A petition has been submitted to the bank's leadership, urging an internal investigation into claims that its employee engaged in fraudulent activities, including misrepresentation and misuse of public resources, under the pretense of official duties.



The petition was copied to both EACC and DCI.




































Thursday, December 5, 2024  Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas allies clashed with police in Nyeri Town yesterday, chanting Ruto Must Go.

The supporters had gathered to escort Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, and MP Gathoni Wamuchomba to the DCI to record a statement over the Limuru fracas when things almost took a turn for the worse.

The irate youth were seen shouting anti-government chants as they attempted to chase away police before the police turned on them and dispersed them.

At one point, Senator Thang'wa addressed the residents, taking a swipe at the police, whom he accused of attempting to disrupt the meeting.

"We want to tell the police, we respect them. We know who has sent you. We are not interested in you but the big fish who sent you," the Senator said amid loud cheers from the crowd.

Gachagua's allies alleged there were intimidation tactics in place to scare off allies of the former Deputy President.

Why are all politicians who were there not asked to record police statements? Wamuchomba posed.

"We are feeling unsafe. We cannot call each other with normal phones because they are tapped. We are afraid because we don't know what is being planned around our lives," she added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - A close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to stop blaming President William Ruto for the government's failures.

Gachagua, who was impeached in October, condemned the government on Sunday for making rushed and poor decisions, coercing and blackmailing Kenyans, and turning a blind eye to public pushback.

In an interview with NTV, Gachagua said he was not involved in the conceptualization and roll-out of some of the unpopular policies such as the dysfunctional transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He even threatened to 'expose' Ruto to Kenyans in due course.

Suna West MP Peter Masara said on Tuesday that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should be held accountable for the government's failures, adding that he should return the money he earned in office if he wants to distance himself from its performance.

The person who should be held accountable and responsible for the messes in government is Gachagua; he was the principal assistant to the President.

"The country is too big and the President has so many responsibilities, the MP told Citizen TVs Day Break program.

Gachagua was supposed to do his work and if he failed to, he should return even the money he was earning as a deputy president if he was not able to do what was expected of him.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024  ODM Communication Director Phillip Etale has expressed confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will bag the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship in February next year.

In a statement, Etale came out guns blazing, reprimanding Kenyans opposed to Railas AUC candidature.

According to Etale, Kenyans should rally behind his candidature to rise at the helm of the continental body.

He argued that Raila had sacrificed a lot for the country and that Kenyans need to pass their blessings to him as he gears up for the AUC role whose elections are scheduled for February 2025.

The only crime Raila Odinga committed was to fight tirelessly for the freedom everyone enjoys in this country, Etales statement read in part.

He must be allowed to succeed by the Grace of God, it added.

Etale defended the former Prime Minister, asserting that he has a clean record and has never grabbed or unlawfully taken anyone's property.

His sentiments followed a series of social media statements from a section of Kenyans opposing his candidature for the continental job.

Some of the social media users opposed to Railas candidature had even openly endorsed Djiboutis candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

However, the ODM communication director has dismissed their sentiments, insisting that Raila deserves the win.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has drummed up support for the broad-based government formed by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after the Gen Z demonstrations.

In a statement, Duale hailed the broad-based government, saying it has brought peace and tranquility to the country.

According to Duale, regional balkanisation based on political affiliation and divisive politics will also end because of the inclusive government under Ruto.

The broad-based, inclusive structure of the Kenya Kwanza Administration marks a significant stride towards ending the divisive politics of ethnicity that have long hindered national unity. H.E. President William Ruto has set a firm foundation for governance that values diversity and ensures every Kenyan feels represented.

Under his leadership, the era of sidelining any group or region must remain a thing of the past, as Kenya moves toward a more cohesive and inclusive future, Duale said in a post on X.

When addressing the residents of Taita Taveta, Ruto warned against tribalism as he called for national unity.

We must reject any attempts to divide our nation along tribal lines and instead come together to build a united, cohesive, and indivisible country focused on national development priorities and inclusive growth.

Tuwache ugomvi, tuwache chuki, tuwache migawanyiko, tuwachane na ukabila, na tuuungane; sisi wote ni ndugu wa taifa moja la Kenya.

"Na ndio mumeona mimi nimesema tuunganishe hata serikali; si sasa tuko na serikali ya broad-based, the Head of State said.

He also said his move to include opposition members in his government was informed by the need to unite the country.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024  Former Thika Town parliamentary aspirant Francis Gaitho has claimed that President William Rutos mother is demanding a bribe of Sh 500,000 from anyone seeking to join the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya Police, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and other security agencies.

According to Gaitho, President Ruto, nicknamed Kasongo by netizens for his lies and fake promises, has authorized his elderly mother to sell recruitment letters to poor Kenyans for Sh 500,000 each.

Is someone conning poor Kenyans using the Presidents mother?

This is a screenshot of what Francis Gaitho shared on X.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Claims of corruption, fraud, and unethical conduct have engulfed Kisumu County, centering on City Manager Abala Wanga and his controversial trip to Lagos, Nigeria, in July 2024.

The scandal involves the misuse of public resources, fraudulent representation, and inappropriate personal relationships which has sparked public outrage and calls for investigations.



At the heart of the allegations is the claim that Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga travelled to Lagos accompanied by a lady who fraudulently posed as the City of Kisumus Head of Project Management and Investments to secure clearance for the trip.



The lady in question is alleged to be a senior staff member at a bank in Kisumu and was seen meeting Wanga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport prior to their departure to Nigeria.



She is also reportedly involved in business dealings with the Kisumu County Government through companies linked to her, including Tacoa Enterprises and Bajach Limited.



Official documents under the Kisumu County Government letterhead falsely designated her as an official, facilitating her visa approval, travel and allowances.



It is alleged that her expenses, including airfare and stipends, were entirely covered by public funds.



The clearance process for her travel involved multiple government bodies, including the Department of Devolution and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo who reportedly signed off on her clearance despite knowing she was not a county employee is also implicated in the scandal.



Further scrutiny reveals that the companies linked to the lady in question have reportedly benefited from county contracts, sparking concerns about potential favouritism and financial impropriety tied to her alleged relationship with the Kisumu City Manager.



The bank where she is employed has also been implicated in the scandal, with allegations of unethical conduct involving senior staff.



A petition has been submitted to the bank's leadership, urging an internal investigation into claims that its employee engaged in fraudulent activities, including misrepresentation and misuse of public resources, under the pretense of official duties.



The petition was copied to both EACC and DCI.



The scandal has exposed glaring gaps in governance and accountability within Kisumu County.



Despite the gravity of the allegations, Governor Anyang Nyongo, who also serves as the current ODM Party Leader, has remained silent.



No disciplinary action has been taken against Abala Wanga or other implicated officials.



The scandal comes at a time when contractors in Kisumu County remain unpaid for their services, yet resources appear to be available for questionable activities.



Observers note that the countys leadership has failed to prioritize accountability, with public funds allegedly being diverted to finance personal relationships and unauthorized travel.



The allegations against Wanga and Kisumu County officials contravene several laws, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act which prohibits the misuse of public resources and fraudulent representation.



Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution, which emphasizes integrity, transparency, and selfless service in public office, has also been blatantly violated.



The petition to the EACC and DCI calls for a thorough investigation into:



1. The fraudulent clearance of an individual as a Kisumu County official.



2. The misuse of public funds to cover travel expenses.



3. The involvement of Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo and other officials in facilitating the fraud.



4. The business dealings between the individual's companies and the Kisumu County Government.









Via Cyprian Nyakundi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM) chairperson Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado has now joined the church leadership in castigating President William Ruto over lies and fake promises.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Naado said Kenyans have lost hope in their leaders.

If today we had a functional Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the number of MPs who would be in line to be recalled would be historically very high because they feel the political class no longer represents them, he said.

Naado said Kenyans have only been unable to make such a decision due to the lack of an electoral body.

He added that in the recent past, Kenyans have been trying to exercise direct governance because of the feeling that the political class is no longer representing them.

The SUPKEM chairperson listed two issues that have complicated the countrys politics.

One includes party politics, whereby someone vies for their elective seat with the right party and clinches it regardless of his character as a leader.

He also noted the attractiveness of the political office and the cost of campaigns have made becoming a political leader in Kenya expensive.

He explained that this results in the politicians trying to recoup the monies spent during the campaign period.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 5, 2024 - A video has emerged of a rogue Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer harassing a Citizen TV journalist in broad daylight.

The harassment occurred on Thursday along Kiambu Road when Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa appeared at the DCI headquarters after being summoned over last weeks chaos in Limuru.

Here is the video that will indict President William Rutos government and rogue DCI officers

This outright harassment, intimidation, and obstruction of Journalists by @DCI_Kenya should be condemned and denounced. This is a DCI official attempting to confiscate the camera of my colleague Agnes Oloo. @KenyaEditors @fidakenya @citizentvkenya. pic.twitter.com/EZOIvxZbOC  Ayub Sh Abdikadir (@AyubAbdikadir) December 5, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST
KILDARE County Council was the recipient of the Age Friendly Initiative award at the 2024 Excellence in Local Government Awards, which took place in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dublin last week.

Following the census of 2016, Ballymore-Eustace was selected as a potential village for Age-Friendly and Climate Change Friendly initiatives by Kildare County Council due to its high proportion of elderly residents compared to the rest of the county. Ballymore-Eustace was selected as a case study for how rural commuter villages can implement community-level solutions to address climate change, focusing on Climate Action.

The objective for Ballymore-Eustace was to identify the problems affecting the walkability of the village for elderly residents and at-risk road users. Through analysing the problems and talking about possible solutions, Ballymore-Eustace had the opportunity to enhance its walkability and transform into a more accessible public area, while finding sustainable ways to increase resilience in the face of climate change by involving the community.

Instead of solely concentrating on the main street in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare County Council also considered other amenities in the village, such as the river walk. Kildare County Council upgraded a section of the standard trail by adding new surfaces and constructing fishing areas, turning 800m into an accessible recreation spot. This pathway is now open to everyone and can be accessed by all.

This project has enhanced and promoted the inclusivity of, and engagement in, community life for older persons and individuals with disabilities while enhancing the availability of public and community spaces.

The Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase best practices in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised. The Excellence in Local Government Awards were held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
A YOUNG Kildare student undergoing a Teagasc/UCD course was named Student of the Year.

The 2024 graduates of the Teagasc/UCD level 7 Professional Diploma in dairy farm management course were presented with their diplomas at an awards ceremony at Teagasc Moorepark in Co Cork on Tuesday 3 December.

The overall student of the year award from the professional diploma in dairy farm management went to Conor Wynne from Newbridge. Prior to completing the level 7 diploma, Conor completed the level 6 advanced certificate at Kildalton agricultural college. During his two year placement, Conor worked on Pat Hennesseys farm in County Kildare. The student of the year award is sponsored by the Farm Apprenticeship Board, Irish Farm Managers Association and the master farmers.

The awards were presented by Dr Padraig French, Dairy enterprise leader at Teagasc Moorepark and Associate professor in dairy production Professor Karina Pierce from UCD. Professor Karina Pierce congratulated the 14 participants who graduated at the ceremony, commenting on the knowledge and skills the graduates have developed over the last two years and wished them well in their dairy careers.

Dr French congratulated the graduates and their families on the achievement. He acknowledged the significant contribution of Teagasc research, education and advisory staff in delivering the programme as well as the commitment from host farmers who run successful farm businesses, while also providing invaluable mentoring to students and very generously share their time and private farm information with students.
Some of the front page stories from the Kilkenny People (fifty years ago - December 6, 1974):

Fourteen years ago farmer John Whyte, Seven Sisters, Johnstown, was ploughing on his lands. He lost his valuable pocket watch.

During the week his son was tilling the same field. He found the watch.

Apart from rust on the outside, the timepiece was in perfect condition and is now keeping time as good as ever.

TOP SPEAKERS IN THOMASTOWN

Thomastown Vocational School are champions at school debating. They won the 1974 Kilkenny Junior Chamber schools debating award, beating Presentation Convent, Castlecomer in a fine debate.

The motion for the debate was Socialised and bureaucratised welfare and medical schemes erode the community consciousness to their individual responsibility in this area, which proved very appropriate during 'Share If You Care' week.

Both teams handled the motion well and showed a very full knowledge of the entire subject.

The winners now go forward to a regional final in which they compete against the winners from Waterford, Tipperary and Cork.

If successful they will compete in a national competition in the new year.

200,000 STATION FACELIFT

Work on the 200,000 reconstruction and development plan for MacDonagh railway station is expected to begin next summer.

This information was given by CIE regional manager, Mr T OConnor, to Ald T Martin at a meeting of the South East Regional Development Organisation in Waterford.

Under the development plan, Kilkenny will become a major railhead and one of the principal distribution centres of the South-East.

There will be a big increase in road freighting activity from Kilkenny and employment will also get a boost.

CIEs 27m plan to streamline services over the next five years was outlined to the meeting by Mr OConnor.

He mentioned that, from Monday, December 2, the handling of freight at Thomastown and Glenmore would cease, but there would be no redundancies.

Ald Martin stressed the importance of the development plan at Kilkenny being implemented as soon as possible as it was holding up Co Council development work in the vicinity of MacDonagh station.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Witches, wells, piseogs, pike, curses, Fionn Mac Cumhaill and ghost hurlers all form part of the rich heritage surrounding Kilkennys only lake, Lough Cullen.

Having read the various accounts of what was supposed to have gone on there in prehistoric times, you would be almost afraid to go anywhere near it.

It is also known by its English name, Holly Lake and amazingly there has never been a major feature written on what I found to be a little piece of heaven situated in the heart of South Kilkenny.

My favourite myth surrounding the lake is the tale that when there is a full moon, ghost hurlers come out and play on top of the shimmering surface of the lake.

According to the Journal of The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the hurlers, after a protracted and violent struggle, unleash unearthly shouts, which float in wild reverberations around the distant hills with the lake becoming unusually agitated.

The hurlers are then engulfed and a witch, disguised as an old woman lets out venomous wails of destruction and cries out in a loud voice, An luachair, an luachair (the rushes, the rushes.)

This ties in with the local superstition of how Lough Cullen was formed and the following story was written down by John ODonovan from Slieverue who did so much work on Irish place names proves this.

A wicked witch wished to destroy a number of young men who were hurling on the plain over which the waters of Lough Cullen spreads itself, he wrote.

One of the hurlers turned off the hurling green (faithche) to quench his thirst but not finding any water, he wandered about in search of a well.

He was met by the witch in disguise, who told him that there was no well near at hand but that if he went over to a tuft of rushes which she pointed out, and pulled one rush, a well would issue from the earth.

He did what she suggested and forthwith a deluge of water issued from the earth, which overflowed the plain, drowned the thirsty youth and all his companions on the green.

Getting to Lough Cullen is simple. Just go to Mullinavat and take the R448 which will bring you out on to the Fahee road out of Kilmacow

It is located on the tip of Kilmacow parish and is closely associated with Big Wood, Mullinavat and with Gracedieu, Kells, Kilmacow.



John Fitzgerald has lived his whole life close to Lough Cullen.

His childhood was spent exploring the lake, its shore and the bog and natural habitat surrounding it.

While other people went to Tramore, John and his friends made do with swimming at Dans Hole where they spent endless afternoons and evenings.

Alas, that has all stopped and all the fish that were in the lake have vanished.

The lake is fed by The Cats Rock stream and was home to trout and pike none of which remain.

John, a keen environmentalist, has noted that the wild iris flower, once common around Lough Cullen and especially along the waters edge, is completely gone.

He feels that in terms of size and quality, the lake he has always loved, has deteriorated. He blames Irelands entry into the EEC (now EU) in 1973 for leading to more intensive farming practices as a reason for its current state.



The Burkes or Gauls of Gaulstown in the parish of Lower Kilmacow were descended from William de Burgh, grandson of Edmond na feasoige de Burgh of Clanwilliam and ancestor of Walter de Burgh of (Ardmayle on the Suir), Co Tipperary, and who came to Kilmacow after 1370,

They built a castle, which became a ruin over looking Holly Lake, but is now gone.



Locals maintain that the remains of this castle still can be seen in a field between the road which leads from Gaulstown to Charlestown, and at the stream from Holly Lake, which flows between both places, nearer to the road than the stream.

Ringville National School was part of a project operated by Duchas and now retained for posterity in the National Folklore Collection. It centred on a man, called Laurence Roche who was handed down this story by his father.

About five miles north east of my house two miles from the village of Ballinerea, and three fields from ONeills of Fahee, is a lake which is called Holly Lake.

It is said that a man was going along the fields and he saw a woman with a pail of water in her hand. He asked her for a drink and she said pull up that rush and put it back the same way.

The man pulled up the rush, got the drink, but he could not put it back so the water gushed up and formed into a lake, and the lake is there still.

It is said that the woman was a witch and that there is no bottom to the lake, Mr Roche told a volunteer in the project overseen by teacher, Sile de Paor.

One time it was frozen and people came and skated and burled on it with holly burls. This is the reason they called it Holly Lake, he said.



The final story about Lough Cullen involves Fionn Mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna.

We are indebted to the late John ODonovan, the Irish scholar and topographer for this tale: Fionn was staying close to the lake and to make a long story short, saw a hare with a golden coat on one side and a shiny, silver coat on the other pass by.

He and his dog, Bran gave chase. After days and days, they found the hare, which had turned into a beautiful woman, crying by the waters edge because she had lost her golden ring in the lake.

Being chivalrous, Fionn eventually found the ring at the bottom of the lake and when he presented it to her, she took his hand and he immediately found himself metamorphosised into a wizened old man, near death.

Eventually, the Fianna found the witch who was living on Tory Hill. They started to dig up the hill and throw it into the lake.

Suddenly she appeared as they were demolishing the hill and asked them to stop, restoring Fionn to full health for doing so.

She disclosed her name as Grinn and said that the hill was her; habitation and the lake my power.

Fionn replied to her: We shall always know you by Cuillinn Grinn and this hill will be known as Sliabh Cuillinn to the end of time.
Hugginstown has an important place in the history of Kilkenny.

It was a seminal moment in the War Of Indepenence when volunteers of the 1st and 7th Battalions of the Old IRA laid siege to the the RIC Barracks at Hugginstown.

The names of the local Hugginstown Company of the IRA are still recalled today and a song in their honour was penned at the time which is still sung today.

It was the third successful RIC Barracks attack of the War of Independence in Ireland of 1919-1921.

At 11.30pm on Monday, March 8, 1920, Tom Treacy, officer in charge of the brigade of the 1st Battalion of the IRA in Kilkenny looked at his watch and shouted through a megaphone to his fellow IRA attackers, commence fire.

And so began the attack on the barracks by the 1st Battalion and the 7th Battalion of the IRA in Kilkenny.

After the attack in Hugginstown most of the rural RIC Barracks in Ireland were vacated.

One RIC man, Constable Ryan died as a result of injuries received during the attack on the barracks that night and he was buried in Ballybricken, Waterford.

On Ascension Thursday of 1920, the local Hugginstown company of the IRA bombed and burned the vacated barracks so that it could not be reoccupied by the RIC or the Black and Tans.

There were many arrests made by the RIC after the capture of Hugginstown barracks.

Many men from the local area were arrested and were sent to Belfast prison and then most of them were sent over to Wormwood Scrubs prison in London.

Those Kilkenny prisoners joined with other Irish Prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs on a hunger strike for 21-days when the prisoners were promised unconditional release.

The Hugginstown fife and drum band met the Hugginstown prisoners that were on hunger strike after their release at Ballyhale Railway station and led a huge concourse of excited people in parade formation to Hugginstown village where they received an enthusiastic reception before a huge bonfire in their honour in the centre of the village.

There followed an all-night celebration before the hunger strikers, eventually retired to the quiet shelter of their comfortable rural homes.

The local ballad-maker, Paddy Carroll, did not forget to sing their praises:

The Barrons and the Carrolls

And Lynch from sweet Coolmore

Were amongst the Irish prisoners

That came from Erins shore.

The Walshes, Raftis and OGorman,

From historic Ballyhale

Stood up for Irish freedom

In Wormwood Scrubs Jail

Mike Murphy too from Brownstown

His name I will not fail

To pin it down with high renown

With the prisoners of Scrubs jail.
With Christmas approaching, many of you, fretting over presents and what to get those dear to you, will be unaware of the intrisic link between the greatest gift giver of them all and County Kilkenny.

According to Kilkenny historians and not disputed by experts the world over, the saint who inspired the spirit of Christmas is buried at Newtown, Jerpoint, close to Mount Juliet.

In something akin to a chapter from a Dan Brown novel, it appears that the remains of St Nicholas of Myra well known for his secret gift giving in the 4th century, were moved to a little church three miles from Thomastown some 800 years ago.

It is well documented that during his life, St Nicholas left anonymous gifts for the poor and his well-known philantrophy and generosity of spirit led to him being made a saint shortly after his death in 346 AD, inspiring the legend of Father Christmas, Santa Claus or Kris Kindle-call him what you will.

READ NEXT: Delaney's of the Slatequarries and what it meant to South Kilkenny

Whether Santa was already in the world or was conjured up by St Nicholas is hard to say but for most Christians, Santa Claus is very much alive and at the centre of their pans for the holiday season, while the man himself is preparing for his big night.

One story attributed to St Nicholas was that of a poor man with three daughters who didn't have the money to buy their dowries and thus save his children from slavery. As the girls came of age and the man's anxiety increased, bags of gold were tossed through a window or down a chimney of his home over three nights - providing him with the funds he needed to save his girls and marry them odd to well-off husbands.

It is thought that the man who inspired the tradition of leaving presents under a Christmas tree, St Nicholas came from a wealthy Byzantine family and he is believed to have given much of his fortune away. Early pilgrims visited the cathedral in Myra to pay their respects to the bishop. He was originally buried at a local church in Myra, in modern day Turkey, when he died. Historians now believe his body was later moved to the church in Ireland by early Crusaders who were repsonsible for taking many valuable artefects from Turkey and neighbouring Greece.

Chairman of Callan Heritage Society Philip Lynch said that the remains were twice transferred across Europe in the 12th century. The colourful farmer claims a French family called the de Frainets moved the saint's remains from Myra to Italy in 1169 and that a relative called Nicholas de Frainet then took the remains to Ireland when his family relocated there and built a little church to the saint at Jerpoint. "St Nicholas Church is still standing and there is a slab on the ground which marks St Nicholas's grave," he said. Few locals know of the much-loved figure's link with Kilkenny. "It is an amazing story and yet very few people in Ireland know about St Nicholas's connection with this country," he said. "Every year now we get a few visitors to the site, " Mr Lynch said.

Just about now, the Santa Claus loved by children everywhere is busy wrapping up presents at his home in the North Pole. But if some historians are correct, the figure who inspired everyone's favorite portly gift-giver lies buried in a moss-covered Irish graveyard.

Like his more famous successor, the true St. Nicholas was renowned for his generosity. Born into a wealthy merchant family in the Mediterranean city of Myra, he dedicated his life to serving God and following Jesus' instruction to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor." He left anonymous gifts for the sick and destitute  bags of gold were a favorite  and later earned a reputation as a miracle worker with the ability to resurrect murdered children. Following his death in A.D. 346, his tomb at Myra cathedral became a site of pilgrimage for early Christians, who believed it possessed mystical healing powers.

Byzantine empire

So how did a Turkish saint end up on buried here? It's long been known that St. Nicholas didn't stay in his initial tomb for long. In the 11th century, the city of Myra, part of the Byzantine Empire, which inspirted WB Yeats, was besieged by Seljuk Turks.

So the remains were removed in case they would get into the hands of the invading Muslims and it is thought that the casket was removed by a crew of enterprising Italian sailors and were spirited across the Mediterranean to their home port of Bari. Today, Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians flock to that city on the Adriatic to pray at the grand Basilica di San Nicola, where his relics are rumoured to be kept but backing up Kilkenny historiasns theory that the remaisn never asctually stayed in italy. Philip Lynch has claimed that the daring raid was carried out by Itlaian sailors but at the behest and organsied by a family of French crusaders, who were known to be major collectors of relics. "The de Frainets, who are now known as the Freaneys, had land near Thomastown in Kilkenny," Philly Lynch, said.

"They also had lands in France. They went on the Crusades to the Holy Land to take on the Saracens." Lynch said the crusaders grabbed the remains as they were retreating from a Saracen army and took them to Bari in southern Italy, which was then part of the French Norman empire.

As Lynch tells it, the odyssey of the holy remains wasn't over yet. After the Normans were forced out of Bari by the Genoese, the de Frainets shifted the relics to their home in Nice. But soon the balance of power turned against the Normans in France as well, so the family packed up St. Ni cholas 's bones and headed to Ireland, adding that the remains were finally buried at the church in Jerpoint in 1200. The church now lies in ruins, but Lynch said one impressive tomb still stands out: a slab of rock into which the image of a bishop and two other heads have been chiseled. The heads are believed to be the two Crusaders who brought Nicholas to Ireland. And the bishop, believed to be Nicholas of Myra is surrounded by three gold bags which were destined for others.
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With families and friends in Kilkenny enjoying Paddington bear's latest adventure Padding In Peru in the cinemas, film production company StudioCanal has announced its search for the perfect place to host a Paddington statue.

The company is calling on people in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland to step forward and share why their location would be the best home for another replica of the marmalade-loving bear this festive season.

Complete with his signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and a marmalade sandwich in paw, Paddington could soon have a spot in your local park or town centre.

READ NEXT: Santa lands in Kilkenny to officially kick off Yulefest 2024

The public is being encouraged to write a message to Paddington and tell the bear what makes their home so special, with the most imaginative and heartfelt entry set to win.

StudioCanal will announce the winning location in January next year, with the lucky town or city set to become part of Paddington Visits, the epic statue trail which has seen fans stopping for selfies in John OGroats, sharing marmalade sandwiches in County Mayo and enjoying a friendly chat in Chester.

Visit www.paddingtoninperu.co.uk/paddington-visits for details on how to enter and share your name, location and a brief message explaining why your home would make the perfect place for Paddington to visit.
Won depreciation undermines financial stability, affecting borrowers

By Lee Yeon-woo

While the swift lifting of martial law prevented bank runs, continued exchange rate volatility will pose challenges for banks in managing their liquidity and stability, market watchers said Thursday.

Immediately following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, the exchange rate spiked to 1,446.5 won per dollar around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday. This marked the Korean won's weakest depreciation since the global financial crisis in 2009.

The rate has since stabilized, trading at 1,415.4 won as of 2:40 p.m., Thursday, though it remains elevated.

If the strong dollar phenomenon persists, banks will face challenges in managing their capital. For instance, a strong dollar increases the value of foreign currency liabilities held by banks, reducing their capital adequacy ratios.

For every 10 won rise in the exchange rate, the common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio of the four major financial holding companies decreases by approximately 1 to 3 basis points.

CET1, the core capital that banks hold as part of their capital structure, measures their ability to withstand financial distress. A decline in this ratio signifies a relative shortage of capital, directly impacting the corporate value assessments of banks.

At a time when major banks have pledged to raise their CET1 ratios as part of their Corporate Value-up disclosures, they are expected to tighten their control over capital management amid ongoing volatility.

Last month, when the exchange rate hovered at the 1,400 range, Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Jin Ok-dong remarked, "Financial institutions will face significant pressure on their BIS (Bank for International Settlements) ratio by December" if the current exchange rate persists.

"This could lead to financial institutions needing to reduce their assets," he added at a meeting hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In the aftermath, loans to small business owners and low-income groups are highly likely to face restrictions. Loans to individuals with low credit ratings carry higher risk weights, and an increase in high-risk weighted loans could adversely impact banks' capital adequacy.

Additionally, the prolonged depreciation of the Korean won could accelerate concerns about capital outflows. If demand for savings and deposit accounts  currently helping mitigate the situation  declines, banks' capital reserves are likely to come under significant pressure.

While the financial sector's impact requires extended observation, analysts believe the current effect on banks is manageable.

"With foreign currency loans comprising 3 to 8 percent of total assets, their solid core capital ratios averaging 15 percent as of the third quarter of 2024 can stay largely unaffected," Rena Kwok, a credit analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told The Korea Times.

The Financial Supervisory Service has implemented a 24-hour emergency response system to monitor financial conditions until the market fully stabilizes. It said it is also closely monitoring financial institutions' foreign currency funding conditions and liquidity trends, and in the event of unusual signs, it plans to take all necessary measures.
Poor performance of Value-up ETFs undermines efforts to address Korea discount

By Yi Whan-woo

The Corporate Value-up Program implemented by the government faces concerns that it will lose momentum in the stock market in the aftermath of the martial law declaration, which rocked the nation this week.

The program is aimed at boosting undervalued stocks, with a special index featuring 100 companies, a special basket of 12 exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a 500 billion won worth fund and other measures as Seoul's markets are among the worst performers in the world.

Under the circumstances, the benchmark KOSPI retreated again for two consecutive days, Thursday, after snapping a previous two-day losing streak, Tuesday before President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law that same day.

Although the National Assembly blocked the emergency decree early on Wednesday, analysts suggest that the ongoing political unrest is impacting investor sentiment, causing ripple effects across the market and dampening the intended impact of the Corporate Value-up Program.

Its a pity that the government may end up empty-handed concerning its goal of revitalizing the market because of the martial law, said Jung Eui-jung, head of the Korean Stockholders' Alliance. The incident only lasted for a few hours, but it may take months or longer to ensure investors that the political situation here is stabilized."

Jung pointed out that the opposition bloc is moving to impeach Yoon for "insurrectionary behavior," while the unpopular president still has about two and a half years remaining in his term.

An analyst at a brokerage firm, who requested to remain anonymous, believes that banking groups are being hit harder by the martial law declaration, as foreign investors, who had previously invested heavily in these groups' shares, are now selling them off.

The countrys largest banking group, KB Financial dropped nearly 10 percent on the benchmark KOSPI, Thursday, while the No. 2-ranked Shinahn Financial lost more than 5 percent on the same day.

Two smaller peers on the KOSPI  Hana Financial and Woori Financial  retreated more than 3 percent, respectively.

The analyst noted that the decline in banking groups was particularly significant, as they had been seen as the most likely beneficiaries of the Corporate Value-up Program.

With regard to ETFs, all 12 Corporate Value-up ETFs were found to be making a loss just a month after their market debut on Nov. 4.

For instance, KoAct Korea Value-up Active EFT and TRUSTON Korea Value-up Active ETF shed more than 2 percent as of Wednesday.

TIMEFOLIO Korea Value-up Active EFT and TIGER Korea Value-up ETF were among those that retreated more than 1 percent over the cited period.

It appears investors are little convinced about the financial policies of the current government, especially considering the president faces the risk of impeachment, the analyst said.
Bottom-fishing strategy still viable, says analyst

By Jun Ji-hye

Korean airlines are suffering a significant blow in the stock market in the aftermath of President Yoon Suk Yeols short-lived imposition of emergency martial law, which has been leading to a high exchange rate, coupled with the perception of Korea as a travel-risk country by major nations.

The high exchange rate is a direct hit for airlines, as most fixed costs such as aircraft leasing fees and fuel expenses are paid in dollars.

In addition, the elevated rate typically suppresses outbound travel demand. Historically, during periods of elevated exchange rates, the number of outbound travelers has tended to decrease or has shown slower growth rates.

Even with the passage of the National Assemblys resolution to lift martial law and its eventual repeal, heightened political instability in the country makes the depreciation of won inevitable, KB Kookmin Bank analyst Lee Min-hyuck said.

With the aftermath of emergency martial law amplifying risk aversion, exchange rate volatility is likely to remain high.

Hana Securities analyst Ahn Do-hyun noted that, although martial law was lifted, concerns persist as countries like the United Kingdom and Israel have issued travel warnings for Korea, and nations such as the United States and Japan have also urged their citizens to exercise caution.

The high exchange rate in the 1,400-won range is likely to persist for the time being. The elevated exchange rate negatively affects airlines from both demand and cost perspectives, Ahn said.

The analyst highlighted, however, that valuations of airline stocks remain highly attractive, making a bottom-fishing strategy still viable. Bottom-fishing is the practice of purchasing stocks when prices appear to be at their lowest point.

He said the exchange rate is expected to stabilize downward in the future, and as oil prices decline, the burden of fuel costs will ease. Therefore, the impact of the exchange rate is not expected to be long-lasting.

The supply concentration on Japan is being redistributed to China, which is expected to limit the decline in fares for low-cost carriers, he said.

Currently, the 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratios for Korean Air, Jeju Air and Jin Air stand at 7x, 5x and 4x, respectively, indicating strong valuation appeal.

A day after Yoons sudden declaration of martial law, which was lifted hours later by the Assembly, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul issued an emergency alert to its citizens, warning the situation is fluid and advising them to take safety precautions.

The British government issued a travel warning, advising its citizens to avoid large public gatherings.
Rotary International president attends Seoul 'Rotary Institute'

By Kim Ji-soo

For a long time, popular self-help books stressed that everyone needed to learn "how to say no." It almost seemed like a mantra, one that people living through these uncertain and volatile times should adhere to. So when Stephanie A. Urchick, 2024-25 president of Rotary International, advised her audience to keep on saying yes and to step up to leadership, you can bet that this writer was a bit bewildered.

Then again, it reflects her organization's goals, as well as the year-end good tidings people seek. As the second female president of Rotary International in its more than 100-year history, Urchick discussed her personal evolution in the organization, and also gave advice to women and men interested in leadership.

Urchick attended the annual Rotary Institute held in Seoul from Nov. 25 to 27  during which Rotary leaders from Korea discuss project ideas and visions, as well as learn from each others experiences. This year, it also focused on how to highlight the 100 years of Rotary in Korea in 2027. Urchick said she was glad to see more women leaders in Rotary.

"I think anyone interested in leadership should keep saying yes, if it's moral and legal. Keep saying yes and figure it out. When you say yes, the mountain of opportunities is amplified," Urchick said, adding that if you say no, people may not ask a second time.

"Leadership potential means having leadership skills. They are good communicators, able to inspire. Having the right personality is important," Urchick said. "Some people have a personality that is caustic and they want to chastise people right away, you won't get much buy-in from that. But if instead you say 'That wasn't correct. But I know you do this so much better. Let's try it in a different way,' you will get much buy-in."

Rotary was founded in 1905 in Chicago. The movement's international projects include a commitment to raising $50 million a year for polio eradication, and each dollar is matched with two dollars by Gates Foundation for bigger impact. Surprisingly, Rotary's history in Korea goes back to 1927, when the Gyeongseong Rotary Club started. And Rotary Korea's centennial year is 2027. Over the years, Korea has grown to become the second-largest donor in the organization. Assuming the international Rotary presidency for 2026-27 is a Korean, Yun Sang-koo, eldest son of former President Yun Po-sun.

Rotary International assists all its 1.2 million members in some 200 nations, and pays attention when a country celebrates its centennial in Rotary history, according to Urchick.

Urchick, who spent 34 years in Rotary International, did not think that she would be where she is today and the person that she has become if not for her service in the organization.

"I first went to a Rotary meeting in 1991. I was single again, and I needed to figure out how to use my time," she said. Like founder Paul Harris who initially set up Rotary to meet and learn from people of different professions and jobs, she went on to meetings. By her fourth meeting she was doing the newsletter and a year and a half later, serving as club president.

"I just kept saying yes," she said. Her Rotary Club is McMurray, Pennsylvania, United States.

Rotary International is a global network consisting of clubs, districts and zones. Rotary is also a global leader in the eradication of polio, which happened first as a pilot project in 1979, then R.I. President James L. Bomar, Jr. went to the Philippines to immunize children against polio. The campaign against polio began in earnest in 1985, and was so successful that other organizations such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are all partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with Rotary.

Urchick explained in detail how they were "very close" to eradicating polio.

"In 1985, polio (was) in some 125 countries. Now it is endemic in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are working there, and making sure there are no outbreaks. We are also working against polio variants, which a child gets after taking the vaccine," Urchick said. Now, the number of variant cases has also declined.

"We have a saying in Rotary, 'We are this close.' We have brought the cases down by 99.9 percent. We are very close," she said.

Rotary is also all about "positive peace." While traditional efforts at peace stress resolving conflict after it occurs, positive peace is acting to create conditions for peace before conflict even occurs. Rotary's approach is to address the causes of confrontation, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination and lack of opportunities. "Desperate people do desperate things," she said.

When asked if Rotary works in regions like Ukraine, and if they can assist in ending the ongoing conflict, Urchick says: "Not directly. Indirectly, yes. We do not broker peace. We build peace."

In fact, she focused on working with Ukraine, where there has been a membership growth of 40 percent since Russia began its invasion in 2022. "Ukraine is very much like Korea. It is a very resilient society. They want to do what they can to help their neighbors. They have seen the work being done in the name of Rotary and they want to be part of that," she said.

To recruit more of the younger generation, Urchick said clubs based in the United States created a satellite program called "Impact."

"As young people do not want to attend meetings, we created 'Impact' so that they could go out and do service at food banks and senior centers twice a month. They don't have to come to a meeting, except for the one held every other month where they could still learn about Rotary," Urchick said, adding that while this membership growth program succeeded in the United States, other nations will have to "adapt regionally."

Urchick is a partner and chief operating officer of Doctors at Work LLC, a consulting and training company. She holds a doctorate in leadership studies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

"I have become much more compassionate and empathetic to the needs of others. Growing up in the United States, we take so much for granted," Urchick said.

"We sit down for dinner and there is a glass of water. I went to Vietnam and there were children playing in the dirty water. When I went to the Dominican Republic, it was to provide clean water filters in people's homes so that they can have clean water. There are so many advantages that many of us have when we provide service. It opens our eyes to the needs of humanity."




A new defense treaty signed by the leaders of North Korea and Russia in June came into force this week as the two nations have exchanged the treaty ratification instruments, state media reported Thursday.

The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty went into effect Dec. 4, when the two sides signed protocol on exchanging the ratification instruments, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

At summit talks in Pyongyang in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new defense treaty that calls for providing military assistance "without delay" if either side comes under attack.

The two nations have been deepening military cooperation, with North Korea sending thousands of troops to Russia in support of Moscow's war with Ukraine, spawning concerns about an escalation of the protracted conflict.

North Korea said the treaty serves as a "legal framework" that will help put bilateral ties on a new strategic level and firmly defend the regional and global security environment in conformity with the common interests of the two nations.

The North Korea-Russia ties based on the treaty will be a "powerful security device that promotes the wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries, eases the regional situation and guarantees international strategic stability," the KCNA said.

"It will serve as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony," it added.

Experts said the new defense treaty is seen as warranting automatic military intervention in the event of an attack on either country. That would amount to the restoration of a Cold War-era alliance for the first time since a mutual defense treaty was scrapped in 1996.

In a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov last week, the North's leader Kim expressed his "invariable" support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Observers raised the possibility of Russia asking for North Korea to further provide weapons or send troops and the North requesting rewards in return for its military support. (Yonhap)
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's ending of an emergency martial law decree this week, his spokesperson said Wednesday, noting that he is watching the situation "closely."

Speaking in a press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, described the short-lived martial law imposition as a "few hours with a lot of confusion" while stressing that Guterres is "very much" aware of the situation.

"I can tell you that the secretary general welcomes the rescinding of the martial law decree and continues to follow the situation closely," Dujarric said.

The spokesperson pointed out that what counts is that "the institutions work" in Korea, and that the decree ended.

Asked to comment on the issue about freedom of expression that arose after the martial law declaration, Dujarric underscored that the U.N. stands for freedom of speech.

"I think everything unfolded extremely quickly in Korea," he said.

"For us, the important thing is that now things have returned to the situation  let's say 48 hours ago  and the martial law decree was rescinded, and my understanding is that the media is able to operate fully and freely in Korea right now." (Yonhap)
Senior US diplomat calls Yoon's emergency military rule decision 'badly misjudged'

By Lee Hyo-jin

The fallout from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law debacle is spilling over to the country's foreign relations, jeopardizing the presidents goal of turning the country into a global pivotal state, diplomatic analysts said, Thursday.

A series of planned visits by foreign leaders and senior officials has been canceled as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the emergency military rule, which lasted just six hours from late Tuesday to early Wednesday.

The Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that a meeting between South Korean and Kazakh defense ministers, scheduled for later that day in Seoul, was canceled after Kazakhstan called off the official's trip.

Considering the current situation, the schedule was canceled through mutual consultation between the two sides, a ministry official said.

The announcement came shortly after Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Kim offered to step down, Wednesday, amid growing speculation that he played a central role in the martial law declaration. Yoon accepted the offer the next day.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who had been set to visit Seoul from Thursday to Saturday, also canceled his trip, citing the current situation in South Korea, his office said Wednesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly reconsidering a planned visit to Seoul in January. While Ishiba stated that nothing has been decided regarding the potential trip, several Japanese media outlets, citing diplomatic sources, reported that it may be difficult for him to travel to South Korea at this time.

Senior diplomats in Seoul have scaled back or canceled their activities.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun returned home, Wednesday, cutting short his trip to Spain and Germany. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun canceled her planned trip to the United Arab Emirates this week.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul skipped the World Emerging Security Forum in Seoul on Thursday, which was organized by his ministry. He was scheduled to deliver the opening speech at the event.

These developments follow the martial law that Yoon declared in a surprise live briefing on Tuesday night. The declaration was swiftly overturned through a unanimous parliamentary vote of 190 lawmakers early Wednesday.

This incident has emerged as Yoons biggest political crisis since taking office in May 2022, as opposition parties filed impeachment motions against the president, accusing him of treason, while civic groups organized protests calling on him to step down.

The domestic challenges faced by the unpopular president appear to be casting a shadow over relations with South Korea's key ally, the United States.

Officials in Washington, who were not previously informed about the South Korean president's sudden martial law decree, have openly expressed skepticism regarding his decision.

Kurt Campbell, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, said the martial law declaration was badly misjudged" and "deeply illegitimate."

"I think President Yoon badly misjudged. And I think the memory of previous experiences of martial law have a deep and negative resonance in South Korea, Campbell said during an Aspen Strategy Forum event, Wednesday (local time).

Campbell noted that both sides of South Koreas political spectrum found the move "deeply problematic." He also noted this to be a symbol that South Koreans "were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process."

Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University, commented that Campbells unusually harsh tone toward the leadership of a key American ally reflects the unease in Washington over the situation in Seoul.

The U.S. government typically maintains a low-key, restrained response to the domestic issues of its allies. Campbell's strong remarks seem to signal Washington's disappointment with the martial law declaration that could hurt democratic values, which South Korea has upheld together with the U.S., Park said.

Park also said the martial law debacle delivered a fatal blow to Yoons leadership, undermining his influence in the nations diplomacy at a crucial time when "the government should be focusing its diplomatic efforts to respond to the incoming Trump administration."

Regarding Campbell's remarks, Korea's foreign ministry said it is engaging in necessary communication with the U.S. government at various diplomatic levels.

"The U.S. side has confirmed its ironclad committment to the South Korea-U.S. bilateral alliance," a ministry official said during a closed-door briefing.

Ellen Kim, a senior fellow at the Korea Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), anticipated Seoul's diplomatic setback to continue as impeachment proceedings roil the country.

By jeopardizing his presidency, Yoon has introduced uncertainty into the future of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan. Even if an interim president steps in following Yoons impeachment, few countries will seriously engage with South Korea until a new government is in place, Kim wrote in an analysis published Wednesday.

This lost time will come at a steep cost to South Korea, she added.
By KTimes

Son Ah-reum, a 24-year-old college student, could hardly believe her eyes when she read a post on the student-only online community "Everytime," claiming that President Yoon Suk Yeol had mentioned martial law. "It's a term I had only seen in history textbooks," she said, admitting her initial skepticism.

The process of martial law being declared late on Tuesday night and then lifted by early dawn the next day unfolded rapidly across social media platforms. Son stayed awake until 3 a.m., meticulously verifying the facts.

"I kept watching online forums and media YouTube channels to confirm the truth. At first, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, but as I followed the updates, I realized I had to witness and remember everything myself," she said.

The late-night martial law incident was resolved within six hours through a parliamentary vote. Unlike 45 years ago, the hyperconnected media landscape of today allowed the news to spread like wildfire. Citizens, despite their weariness, closely monitored the unfolding events with bloodshot eyes.

At 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Yoon announced martial law in an emergency briefing. Even before news outlets issued breaking reports, the announcement had already gone viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and various online communities.

Lee, a 27-year-old office worker, said, "I first learned about it when friends shared posts in our KakaoTalk group chat."

The images of helicopters carrying martial law soldiers landing on the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, and troops breaking through the windows of the building was broadcast live on YouTube.

Prominent politicians, including main opposition Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung, who has 1.1 million YouTube subscribers, streamed their journey to the National Assembly. Speaker Woo Won-shik also broadcast the parliamentary session where the lifting of martial law was approved in real time.

Citizens collectively experienced the dramatic sequence of events  from the declaration of martial law to the troop mobilization and the eventual parliamentary vote to rescind it.

Some citizens, after watching the videos, headed to Yeouido themselves to support lawmakers entering the Assembly or to physically block military intervention. International outlets, including the Associated Press, described the incident as a "midnight political drama."

Fake news debunked swiftly by watchful citizens

Misinformation about martial law quickly surfaced but was just as rapidly debunked. Images circulated online purportedly showed a news ticker warning of "random inspections and arrests for movement after 11 p.m." and an armored vehicle near Sadang Station on Line 2 of the Seoul Metro.

However, eagle-eyed internet users acting as fact-checkers confirmed the images were fake  the former was a doctored photo, and the latter was from a past military training exercise.

This response starkly contrasted with the 1970s, when martial law declarations were unilaterally presented by the regime through compliant media.

Kim, a 26-year-old office worker, said, "With so many deepfakes and artificial intelligence-generated content these days, I find myself doubting everything even more."

Despite the shocking nature of the incident, which seemed unthinkable in a democratic country in 2024, experts say the advanced media environment enabled citizens to respond calmly.

"In the past, when traditional media outlets were the sole source of information, a regime declaring martial law could tighten its grip on the press, leaving citizens in the dark," said Choi Jin-bong, a professor of communication at Sungkonghoe University. "But today, with abundant information accessible, people can reasonably anticipate outcomes, such as the National Assembly resolving the issue."

Choi Kyung-jin, an honorary director of the Media Human Rights Center and a former journalism scholar, said, "In the past, it was easy to block communication channels. Now, anyone can share any piece of information, making the situation entirely different."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.








Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said Thursday that he did not agree with President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law earlier this week, which was lifted approximately six hours later.

"I did not agree with it," Cho said during a parliamentary session when asked about his participation in a Cabinet meeting held late Tuesday, just before Yoon's announcement of martial law.

Cho added he agrees that the declaration of martial law was illegal and unconstitutional.

"I was so surprised and flustered. To be frank, I do not remember who said what," Cho said when asked to provide more details about the Cabinet meeting, including if participants protested the decision.

The health minister also stated that he was against the fifth article of the martial law decree, which ordered trainee doctors and all other medical personnel to return to their positions within 48 hours.

Later in the session, Cho apparently tried to walk back his earlier comments, saying that he "cannot judge" whether Yoon's move was unconstitutional.

Trainee doctors have been engaged in a collective action since February in protest of the government's decision to increase the number of medical school freshmen to address a chronic shortage of doctors in critical areas.

"It went against the government's stance to seek their return through dialogue, persuasion and faithful medical reform," Cho said. "The expressions were too aggressive." (Yonhap)
By KTimes

One of the mysteries surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on the night of Tuesday, which lasted only six hours, is why the armed forces that so easily entered the National Assembly did not actively block the vote to lift martial law.

The troops were swiftly deployed to the Assembly specifically to prevent the plenary vote that could nullify martial law, and as they were armed with live ammunition, they had more than enough capability to do so.

Online communities and social media have speculated that the operation's outcome was possible due to the so-called "inaction" of the soldiers who belonged to the younger generation of millennials and Gen Zers.

While it is noted that the military leadership failed to provide clear operational instructions to the 707th Special Mission Group of the Army Special Warfare Command deployed on-site, leading to confusion, there is also a theory that soldiers deliberately carried out their duties passively, recognizing the illegality of arresting members of the National Assembly  a constitutional institution.

Young troops: Consoling citizens, offering apologies

This restraint allowed lawmakers to gather and pass the motion to lift martial law despite the presence of armed soldiers.

On Wednesday, a live broadcast video from the YouTube channel MediaMongu, which gained traction in online communities, captured scenes of soldiers consoling citizens who had been pushed back during their advance into the National Assembly's main building the previous night. The footage appeared to show soldiers were forced into carrying out orders against their own will.

On the same day, another YouTube channel, TV Heo Jae-hyun, released footage of martial law soldiers repeatedly bowing in apology to citizens during their withdrawal after the resolution to lift martial law was passed in the plenary session.

Despite the unprecedented situation of over 280 armed troops, including snipers, storming the National Assembly, there were minimal casualties among staff and citizens during the operation.

Online commenters pointed out the apparent lack of urgency in the soldiers' actions.

One online commenter said, "When the staff inside the Assembly resisted by spraying fire extinguishers, you could tell the troops were just pretending to advance. They couldnt disobey orders, but they also couldnt fight citizens, so they just acted like they were following through."

Another said, "Judging by their use of night vision goggles, cutting the power must have been a basic part of the operation plan. If they had done that, the Assembly wouldnt have been able to hold the vote."

They added, "If the Special Forces had acted with the precision they were trained for, they could have subdued the unarmed staff in less than five minutes."

A Facebook user surnamed Kwon said in a post, Todays young soldiers are well-educated and fully aware of politics and the law, so they would have known that interfering with a parliamentary vote is unconstitutional. In such a situation, it was clear that they made only a minimal show of advancing while trying their best to refrain from using force.

He added, Every second they delayed through inaction bought enough time for the Assembly to gather the necessary quorum of lawmakers, allowing them to calmly pass the unanimous resolution to lift martial law.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
By Lee Hae-rin

Park, a 32-year-old office worker from Seoul, was watching TV at home on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. when breaking news aired President Yoon Suk Yeols declaration of martial law. She then grabbed the thickest jacket she had and took a taxi with her friend to head to the National Assembly.

"I felt anxious about doing nothing, so I went. I took a friend who has been to a candlelight rally before and I am glad I went there," she said.

Soon after, some 4,000 people started flocking to the National Assembly, causing severe traffic disruptions in the area. They confronted the police who blocked the main entrance and shouted, "Open the gate," Let the lawmakers in.

"I felt somewhat scared at home, but when I went there, there was nothing to fear. I will remember today for a long time," Park said.

Tuesday's turmoil was only the start of a series of voluntary gatherings of citizens nationwide.

Thousands gathered again in the squares of major cities with candles the following day after work, Wednesday.

The southern cities of Gwangju, Suncheon and Yeosu in Jeolla Province, as well as the Gyeongsang area including Busan, Ulsan, Changwon and Daegu, along with Gangwon Province and Jeju Island, saw hundreds to thousands taking to the streets to call for the resignation of the government.

These gatherings took place all across the country. It is the first time Korea has seen candlelight vigils simultaneously across the country since 2016, when former President Park Geun-hye was impeached.

Braving near subzero temperatures, people held rallies and demonstrations that were solemn and serious but also had an element of the festive, too. At some point, protesters even chanted along to trot songs and Christmas carols, modifying the song lyrics to criticize Yoon and the first lady as they sang together.





 ver   pic.twitter.com/b3FfSTJ9h4   (@ninini0421) December 4, 2024

All the people I met at the National Assembly on Tuesday night were happy. We sang, took pictures and laughed together, and even though they didn't know each other, some gave out hot packs to one another."

Meanwhile, several online posts encouraged citizens to join protests and rallies held in each region with a list of supplies and tips.

For example, many recommended packing chocolate, handkerchiefs, hand warmers and cushions for warmth and safety, while some advised wearing a mask and a hat to cover up and hide identifiable things such as phone cases, nail art, tattoos and hairstyles. Some shared guidelines for encountering police officers.

You will be shouting the entire time, so make sure you have some mild (not cold) water so you won't lose your voice, a post read.

"There are a lot of young women who want to come to the protest but are worried because they are alone, but no worries  it's rather a pleasant atmosphere," another post read, "There will be a protest in Gwanghwamun and the National Assembly every Saturday. So come and join us anytime."

Many say that social media played a big role in bringing people together amid the political turmoil.

Inside and outside the National Assembly, citizens and aides filmed military helicopters, armed martial law troops and military vehicles with their smartphones, broadcasting them on YouTube in real time or transmitting them to acquaintances. Images of soldiers breaking through the window of the National Assembly's main office also spread quickly through YouTube videos.

The video of Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, climbing a wall and entering the National Assembly's building had more than 2.38 million real-time viewers.

Experts believe that Koreas vibrant protest culture and enthusiasm are rooted in the modern and contemporary history of democratic movements in the 20th century and the candlelight civil revolution in 2016.

"People have risked their lives to protect democracy in political situations like this, such as the revolution of April 19 in 1960, the Gwangju Uprising, the Seoul Spring in 1980 and the candlelight revolution of 2016, Lee Byoung-hoon, honorary professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University said.

Having its roots in such a history, it can be said that Korea has the power, the politics of the square," he said, referring to grassroots movements and collective political action.
A motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration was reported to the National Assembly's plenary session Thursday, a parliamentary procedure that set the stage for a full-house vote this week.

Tabled by 190 opposition party lawmakers and one independent, the motion was reported to the session at around 12:48 a.m. It came less than a day after Yoon rescinded his martial law order following the legislature's passage of a resolution to overturn the order.

By law, a motion must be put to a vote 24 hours after the reporting procedure, and within 72 hours of the reporting. A vote on the motion can proceed as early as 12:49 a.m. on Friday.

In proposing the motion to parliament, opposition lawmakers alleged that Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the Constitution and other laws concerning principles of popular sovereignty and of the separation of powers.

They also claimed that the martial law decree infringed upon freedom of expression as it put all media and publishing outlets under the control of the martial law command and banned strikes and protests.

The opposition camp plans to hold the vote on the motion as quickly as possible.

To pass the motion, a majority of all 300 lawmakers must table it to the Assembly with two thirds of them required for its final endorsement.

The number of opposition lawmakers, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik and independent Rep. Kim Jong-min, stands at 192.

To pass the motion, support from eight lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party is needed. But the ruling party has made a decision against the impeachment motion.

Should the motion pass, Yoon's presidential job would be suspended immediately.

The surprise declaration of martial law on Tuesday night came after the opposition Democratic Party of Korea railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol "badly misjudged" his short-lived imposition of emergency martial law this week, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday, highlighting that Korea's past experience of similar events has a "deep" and "negative" resonance in the Asian country.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell made the remarks during a forum, after Yoon abruptly declared martial law Tuesday night and reversed the decree hours later following the National Assembly's passage of a resolution to overturn it.

He pointed out that the reversed law imposition is viewed as "deeply problematic" and "deeply illegitimate," while describing political parties' opposition to the decree as "deeply reassuring" about where Korea's democracy stands.

"What transpired over the last 24 hours in Korea ... was completely, deeply unpredictable and unlikely, and I think President Yoon badly misjudged," Campbell said during the Aspen Security Forum.

"I think the memory of previous experiences of martial law has a deep and negative resonance in Korea," he added.

He predicted that Korea will be in a "challenging" place in the aftermath of the martial law episode but reaffirmed the United States' commitment to maintaining the robust bilateral alliance.

"Our goal is to make clear that our alliance is absolutely rock solid," he said.

"We stand with them, but ultimately to have the confidence that they will be able to work through these issues, through their own means and their own mechanisms. And we have confidence in that."

Campbell obliquely criticized the martial law imposition while signaling a sense of relief over its retraction.

"You point out politics in the ROK are deeply polarized and divided. The fact that both (Korean) parties can agree that this step was deeply problematic, I think, in many ways, is deeply reassuring about the strength and depth of democracy in the ROK," he said, referring to Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

"We watched this over the last couple of days. We've had many interactions with our ROK interlocutors, and they take some pride in the resilience of their democracy, the fact that they've managed to stand clearly and firmly against these actions."

He also took stock of Korean people's reaction in the wake of the martial law declaration.

"The nature of the robustness of the democracy in many of the countries in Asia, Korea, first and foremost, is something that we should very much reflect on," he said.

"This is a powerful symbol, and the fact that people were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process and that would be met by the will of the people and frankly, the will of the legislative bodies. I think we have to take some comfort and confidence in that."

This week's development in Seoul appeared to have taken U.S. officials aback as it happened when President Joe Biden has championed democracy and touted progress with the deepening of the alliance with Seoul and trilateral cooperation with Tokyo as a key foreign policy feat during his term that ends next month. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, the presidential office said Thursday, amid growing controversy surrounding his role in Yoon's aborted martial law declaration.

Kim, who proposed the martial law declaration to Yoon, offered to step down Wednesday, after Yoon abruptly declared martial law Tuesday night and lifted the decree hours later following the National Assembly's passage of a resolution to overturn it.

Yoon has nominated Choi Byung-huk, a retired four-star Army general currently serving as South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to succeed Kim, Chung Jin-suk, Yoon's chief of staff, said in a press briefing.

Chung introduced Choi, who served as deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command from 2019-2020, as a seasoned military professional with broad understanding of national security and extensive field experience.

The nominee is considered to be a suitable candidate to "fulfill the military's core responsibilities, including maintaining a firm readiness posture based on the robust Korea-U.S. alliance," Chung said.

In South Korea, all ministers are subject to a parliamentary confirmation process, but only the prime minister's appointment requires parliamentary approval.

Yoon's surprise declaration of martial law caught the United States off guard, raising concerns over the alliance at a time of growing security threats from North Korea amid its deepening military ties with Russia.

U.S. officials welcomed Yoon's lifting of the martial law and reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance with Korea. (Yonhap)
Choi Byung-hyuk, the nominee to lead the defense ministry, is a retired four-star Army general currently serving as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Choi, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, served as the commander of a security brigade and the director of operations at the Capital Defense Command from 2008 and 2009.

In 2014, he served as the commander of the 22nd Division of the Army and later took on the positions as the director of the Army's inspection office, the commander of the 5th Army Corps, and the Army's vice chief of staff.

Choi was promoted to a four-star general in April 2019 and served as the deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command until September 2020.

In the run-up to the 2022 presidential election, he helped shape President Yoon Suk Yeol's campaign pledges for the defense sector, along with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

In December 2023, Choi was appointed by Yoon as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Choi's nomination came as Yoon accepted Kim's resignation offer amid controversy surrounding his role in Yoon's aborted martial law declaration. (Yonhap)
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), said Thursday he will make efforts to unite his party to block the passage of an opposition-led motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Han made the remark after the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and five other minor parties reported an impeachment motion over Yoon's aborted martial law declaration to a plenary session of the National Assembly early Thursday. A vote is expected as early as Friday.

"As party leader, I will work to ensure that this impeachment (motion) does not pass to prevent harm from unprepared chaos to the public and supporters," Han said during a party meeting.

Han clarified the decision is not to "defend" Yoon's "unconstitutional martial law," reiterating his call for the president to leave the party.

"Those responsible for unsettling the public and causing harm through unconstitutional martial law, including the president, must be held strictly accountable," he said.

The impeachment motion, put forth by 191 opposition lawmakers, requires a two-thirds majority to pass parliament. Of the 300-member National Assembly, the opposition will need eight votes from PPP lawmakers to pass the bill.

In response, DPK leader Lee Jae-myung reiterated his firm commitment to impeach Yoon, describing the martial law declaration as "a coup attempt by loyalists envisioning a de facto monarchy."

Yoon "tried to exert total power as a king or absolute monarch, putting all constitutional and national institutions under his control," Lee said in a party meeting.

Lee also urged Han to take on his "historical responsibility" by steering the ruling party away from becoming "accomplices to treason." (Yonhap)
By KTimes

The abrupt declaration of martial law Tuesday originated from the close alliance between President Yoon Suk Yeol and then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former senior and junior classmates at Choongam High School, multiple sources said.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the second-highest figure in the executive branch, was reduced to a mere figurehead amid secretive discussions on martial law orchestrated within the direct reporting system of the so-called "Choongam faction."

Other Cabinet ministers were similarly powerless in the face of the factions determination. Moving forward, the Yoon administration is expected to face intense scrutiny over its abnormal decision-making processes, along with mounting calls to hold Han and the Cabinet accountable for their failure to prevent the illegal attempt at declaring martial law.

Secretive meeting overrides opposition

Han and other Cabinet members were notified to "come to the Yongsan Presidential Office" late on Tuesday, sources said. It was only upon arriving at the scene that attendees learned that an emergency Cabinet meeting was being convened to deliberate on a martial law declaration.

Typically, such meetings include the president's chief of staff, the national security advisor, and the minister of government policy coordination.

However, the emergency meeting was conducted without the presence of any additional attendees. Some usual participants said that they had not even been informed of the meeting, highlighting the secretive nature of the gathering.

The martial law declaration, shared with only a select few, came from Kim. A Ministry of National Defense official said it is true that Kim proposed the idea of martial law.

Kim, a close confidant of Yoon, is an alum of Choongam High School and previously served as the inaugural chief of the Presidential Security Service in the Yoon administration. This collaboration between two Choongam High alums culminated in the covert planning and attempted implementation of the illegal martial law declaration.

Democratic Party lawmakers Reps. Kim Min-seok and Kim Byung-joo had previously raised concerns about a possible "Choongam faction martial law scheme" from the moment Kim was appointed as defense minister.

Despite heated opposition from most ministers, including Han, Yoon pressed forward, leveraging his authority to declare martial law after merely meeting the quorum for deliberation. The Cabinets dissent was overruled, and martial law was declared at 10:25 p.m.

Choongam factions dream futile



By midnight, troops had entered the National Assembly, but within two hours, lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution to lift martial law.

Yoon repealed the declaration three hours later, rendering the "Choongam factions dream" futile.

However, public outrage and mass resignations from presidential aides and Cabinet members have plunged the Yoon administration into its worst crisis since its inception.

Han issued an apology, taking full responsibility for the events, saying, As the head of the Cabinet, I deeply regret the processes that led to this situation.

He added that, while he would not immediately accept resignations from Cabinet members to avoid further chaos, all ministers and civil servants must continue their duties to ensure national stability.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Police on Thursday opened an investigation into charges President Yoon Suk Yeol committed treason by declaring martial law this week.

The investigation was assigned to the security investigation team under the National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency after two complaints were filed.

One complaint was filed by the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, while the other was filed by a group of 59 activists.

The complaints accused not only Yoon but also former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min of treason and other related charges for their roles in the declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law on Tuesday.

The prosecution and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have also received complaints accusing Yoon of treason and are reviewing whether to conduct their own investigations or transfer them to the police.

According to legal sources, Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung has also ordered prosecutors to open their own investigation and assigned the case to a public security investigation division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.

On Wednesday, minor opposition parties, including the Labor Party, filed complaints against Yoon, Kim and Park with the prosecution, accusing them of treason.

With Shim's decision, both the police and prosecutors are expected to investigate the cases simultaneously.

Speaking to reporters outside his office, Shim said the prosecutors will conduct the investigation "in accordance with the law and principles."

When asked about the possibility of a joint investigation with the police, he replied, "It's hard to say at this stage."

"We are reviewing various ways to ensure the investigation is conducted properly," he said. "We will take any necessary action depending on the stage of the investigation." (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

The buildings of the National Assembly were not the only target of martial law troops during the hours that followed President Yoon Suk Yeols order Tuesday night.

According to the National Election Commission on Thursday, more than 100 troops armed with rifles and other military equipment were sent to its headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. the next day.

The troops broke into night-duty rooms and several other offices in that building, according to the commission officials. They then confiscated the mobile phones from the officials on duty. But they all withdrew in an hour after lawmakers voted to nullify the martial law decree at 1:01 a.m.

Troops were also sent to the election management institutions office at Gwanak District in Seoul and to its training facility in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.

No casualties or violent clashes occurred, according to the commission.

Speaking to lawmakers at the Assembly, Kim Yong-bin, the commission's secretary general, said he had been uninformed of the deployment plan.

About 10 martial law troops entered and confiscated the mobile phones of five officials on duty and restricted anyone from entering or leaving the building, he said. About 100 other troops, who had been deployed later at about 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 4, were conducting security operations on the first-floor lobby.

This revelation suggests that Yoons martial law plot, proposed by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, aimed to take control of at least one additional critical institution other than the parliament building.

Kim Ou-joon, a YouTube channel operator who is popular among liberals, also said that he, too, was targeted by martial law troops.

Kim, a strong Yoon critic who runs Gyeomson is Nothing, said that about 10 troops were seen standing at around 1:00 a.m. Wednesday outside the building where his show is recorded, accusing them of restricting people from entering there.

Speaking to former KBS journalist Lee Jae-seok in a YouTube video released on Wednesday, Kim said that the troops were there to arrest him. But he did not provide any evidence.

Ive been informed that I am banned from leaving the country and that an arrest warrant has been readied, Kim said, adding that he had traveled far overnight to hide himself.

Kim was the former host of the TBS radio show News Factory from 2016 to 2022, during which he gained fame as one of the most influential voices among liberal politicians.
Nat'l Assembly seeks to vote at 7 p.m., Saturday; removal hinges on 8 ballots by PPP lawmakers

By Kwak Yeon-soo

The National Assembly is set to vote, Saturday, on President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment, following his short-lived declaration of martial law, which is widely regarded as a violation of the Constitution.

Despite the uproar the law caused and nationwide anger from the public and their calls for Yoons ouster, it is unclear whether the impeachment motion will be passed, as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is officially against it.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said, Thursday, it would push for the vote in a plenary parliamentary session at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

On Wednesday, 190 lawmakers of the DPK and five other opposition parties as well as one independent lawmaker submitted a bill for the impeachment motion, which was then reported to the plenary session at 12:48 a.m. on Thursday, a procedure for a full-house vote.

The bill must be voted on between 24 to 72 hours after submission.

We want to give enough time to PPP lawmakers to deliberate over their decision on Yoons unconstitutional coup attempt or treason charge. Now is the time to act according to ones conscience, not based on political interests, Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, a senior DPK spokesperson, told reporters after a Supreme Council meeting.

The impeachment motion requires the approval of at least two-thirds of Assembly members, meaning at least 200 votes out of the total 300. Since 192 of these members belong to the opposition bloc, at least eight PPP members must support the bill for the motion to pass.

If that occurs, Yoons authority will be immediately suspended and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of acting president. Yoons exercise of power will be suspended until the Constitutional Court reaches a decision on the impeachment, which could take up to 180 days. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be ousted and a new presidential election must take place within 60 days.

While acknowledging that the martial law was unconstitutional, the PPP said it would block the passage of the impeachment motion.

"As the ruling party leader, I will work to ensure that the impeachment motion does not pass, in order to prevent damage to the people and supporters (of the ruling bloc) that would arise from unexpected chaos," PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said during a Supreme Council meeting, Thursday.

"I'm not trying to advocate unconstitutional martial law," he said. "Those responsible for causing chaos by declaring unconstitutional martial law, including the president, must be held strictly accountable," he said, telling Yoon to leave the party.

But he also said, "We need to prevent a force that attemps to take power to escape criminal charges," indicating Yoon's impeachment is likely to lead to DPK leader Lee Jae-myung becoming the next president. Lee is currently on trial for multiple criminal charges.

The DPK criticized the PPP's stance and urged lawmakers from the ruling party to vote in favor of ousting the president.

"As Han said, the martial law was an unconstitutional, illegal act," DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said at a party meeting. "The PPP's official stance to oppose the impeachment means they agree with the martial law or are complicit in treason."

Experts were cautious about predicting the outcome of the vote.

I think the motion will likely be passed if the ruling party leaves the choice up to PPP lawmakers themselves. Even some lawmakers from the pro-Yoon faction are deliberating whether to vote for impeachment. But I heard that the ruling party may block its members from entering the plenary session on Saturday. In that case, things may get tricky. But opposition parties will likely submit the motion again and again until it is passed, political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon said.

Eom Kyeong-young, director of the Zeitgeist Institute, a private political think tank, said whether the Assembly passes the motion hinges on Yoons latest approval rating to be released on Friday.

If Yoons approval rating falls below 10 percent on Friday, its highly likely that the impeachment motion will be passed on Saturday. Lawmakers, especially those in rural areas, are very sensitive to the public sentiment and polls. Although the PPP is discussing follow-up measures after the martial law chaos, their actions are falling short of public expectations, Eom said.

Realmeter surveyed 504 people aged 18 or older, Wednesday, and found that 73.6 percent of respondents supported Yoon's impeachment, while 24 percent opposed it. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

On Saturday night, the Assembly will also conduct a revote on a bill mandating a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee.

Meanwhile, the Assembly passed impeachment motions against the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chair Choe Jae-hae for failing to audit the presidential residence relocation, and against three prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office Lee Chang-soo, for not prosecuting Yoon's wife.

The motions passed with 188 votes in favor and 4 votes against Choe, marking the first time the head of the state audit agency was impeached by parliament. The motion against Lee passed with 185 votes in favor and 3 votes against, while members of the PPP boycotted the ballot.

With the passage of the motions, all four will be suspended from their duties until the Constitutional Court rules on whether to uphold their impeachment. The impeachment motions were originally scheduled for a plenary vote on Wednesday but were postponed due to the martial law fiasco.
Former defense minister was mastermind behind martial law imposition

By Anna J. Park

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who briefly assumed the role of martial law commander, said Thursday that he learned of the martial law declaration through President Yoon Seok Yeol's public announcement on Tuesday night.

During an emergency parliamentary defense committee inquiry on Thursday, Park and acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho, who was a vice defense minister until early Thursday, said that the order to deploy troops to the National Assembly and the order for their withdrawal came from former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun.

"I did not know about the deployment of troops. I did not give the order," Park said, adding that he was informed of his appointment as martial law commander during a meeting chaired by Kim Yong-hyun, after Yoon's declaration of martial law.

The acting defense minister also said he became aware of the martial law declaration from media reports.

While these military officials declined to have been involved with the martial law schemes from the start, the former defense minister is reported to have remained in the underground control room of the Ministry of National Defense headquarters, issuing detailed instructions for the martial law operation from the moment Yoon declared the nationwide martial law until it was lifted.

Kim Yong-hyun, who is said to have directly recommended the declaration of martial law to Yoon, did not attend the session. His resignation, submitted on Wednesday evening, was accepted by the presidential office on Thursday morning.

Although it is unclear whether the former defense chief personally drafted the martial law proclamation decree, Army Chief of Staff Park explained that the former defense minister provided the decree to him.

Despite Park's suggestion that the decree might need further legal review to determine whether there were any unlawful articles, Park said Kim Yong-hyun insisted that "the matter has already been legally reviewed" as he pressed for the immediate announcement.

The issued decree included a provision in its first article that "all political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, political parties, political gatherings and protests are prohibited."

This has raised concerns that such a measure, which restricts the National Assembly's ability to demand the lifting of martial law, is unconstitutional, as it goes beyond both the Constitution and the Martial Law Act.

Yoon's visit to control room

Park also revealed during the parliamentary session that Yoon briefly visited the control center of the martial law command post, set up inside the Joint Chiefs of Staff's command, after the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law.

"I don't remember the exact time, but I think it was a little after 1 a.m. on Wednesday," Park said.

The Assembly passed the resolution calling for the lifting of martial law just after 1 a.m.

Kim, the acting defense minister, who was in the command post when the martial law was in effect, also said the president went to the control center, but added that he did not enter the room himself.

The president's visit was intended to encourage those involved.

As the former minister is pointed as the key figure behind the martial law debacle, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), along with other opposition parties, have urged investigative authorities to impose a travel ban on the former minister. Rep. Kim Min-seok of the DPK, who had consistently warned that Yoon and Kim Yong-hyun had been conspiring to declare martial law, said Kim is likely attempting to flee abroad.

Upon such requests, the prosecution issued the travel ban on the former minister through the Ministry of Justice on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, who attended another parliamentary inquiry session at the National Assembly on Thursday, said that all Cabinet members called upon right before the martial law announcement expressed concerns over the president's plan to declare martial law.

"All Cabinet members present expressed concern, and I also voiced my concerns multiple times," Lee said. "I recall that two or three ministers used the term 'opposition' to the martial law declaration. Many expressed concerns over the potential impact on the economy and foreign relations."

Yet, Lee said that he thinks the declaration of the martial law was an exercise of presidential authority.

"This is a matter of executive action, and I believe it is not appropriate to subject it to judicial review. I believe the president can also say that he declared martial law within the scope of the powers granted to him by the Constitution," Lee said.

Following Yoon's sudden announcement on Tuesday evening, the martial law remained in effect for six hours before being revoked by the National Assembly and approved during a Cabinet meeting early Wednesday.
South Korea's stability and future put to test

President Yoon Suk Yeols ill-fated attempt to declare martial law has created a storm of uncertainty that is affecting both national security and the economy. While the move was quickly reversed by the National Assembly after just six hours, its aftershocks continue to reverberate across South Korea and the international community. The fallout from this political misstep threatens to undermine South Koreas international image, strain diplomatic relations and destabilize its already fragile economy.

The failed martial law declaration has sent shockwaves through global capitals, further complicating South Koreas international standing. The highly anticipated ROK-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group meeting and its Tabletop Exercise (TTX), scheduled for Dec. 4 in Washington, were delayed. The postponement of this crucial diplomatic event underscores the growing concerns over the stability of the South Korean government, especially as uncertainties surrounding Yoons leadership mount.

Several foreign heads of state either canceled or postponed their planned visits to South Korea. Notably, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called off a summit with Yoon, citing political instability. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who had planned to visit Seoul next month, expressed hesitations about the visit, focusing instead on the safety of Japanese nationals in South Korea. This is a worrying sign of the deterioration in South Koreas diplomatic relations with key partners.

The governments of the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia have all voiced concerns over the volatile political situation in South Korea, a clear indication that the martial law debacle is viewed as a serious threat to the nations global standing. The United States, while relieved that the National Assembly acted quickly to revoke the martial law declaration, also criticized the lack of prior notification regarding the move, further straining the U.S.-South Korea relationship. High-profile figures, including Elon Musk, have weighed in on the incident, underscoring the international disapproval of the South Korean presidents actions.

This diplomatic isolation could have long-term consequences for South Korea, especially as it faces growing threats from North Korea and rising tensions in the region. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for South Korea to rebuild trust and stability in its political system to restore its position on the global stage.

Beyond the diplomatic fallout, the political crisis triggered by the martial law attempt has raised alarms within South Koreas economy. The domestic stock market, already under pressure from global uncertainties, suffered a sharp drop of over 2 percent in the immediate aftermath of the martial law announcement. The South Korean won also depreciated rapidly against the U.S. dollar, prompting fears of an exodus of foreign capital. While market jitters calmed somewhat after the government pledged a 10 trillion won ($7.65 billion) stabilizing fund, the situation remains precarious.

Despite the relatively brief duration of the martial law episode, global credit rating agency Standard & Poors has warned that the political instability could have lasting economic consequences. Although the agency affirmed that South Koreas credit rating would remain unchanged, the underlying risks to the nations economic stability are evident. Domestic businesses, already grappling with Trump risks  the threat of high tariffs from the U.S.  are now contending with heightened political uncertainties, which could further dampen investor confidence.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, one of the nations most powerful labor organizations, has initiated a political movement by announcing a general strike. This could escalate domestic unrest, further unsettling the countrys economic prospects. For South Korea, which is heavily dependent on global trade and foreign investments, such instability is a serious threat to its economic future.

At a time when South Korea is facing critical geopolitical challenges, including North Koreas advancing nuclear program and the looming prospect of further trade tensions with the U.S., the country cannot afford prolonged political impairment. The National Assembly remains deeply divided, with talk of Yoons impeachment gaining momentum. This political turmoil threatens to derail urgent legislative action on critical issues, such as economic stimulus measures for the semiconductor industry, a key pillar of South Koreas economy.

To tackle this crisis, South Korea must stabilize domestic politics and restore confidence in its leadership. Rebuilding relationships with key allies, particularly the U.S. and Japan, is essential to strengthening the countrys security posture. At the same time, efforts must be made to reassure the public and international investors that the country is capable of handling its internal challenges without compromising its economic or strategic interests.

The failed martial law attempt marks a pivotal moment in South Koreas history. The consequences of this political blunder are far-reaching, threatening the nations security, economy and international standing. While the situation is still fluid, it is imperative that South Koreas leaders focus on stabilizing the political environment, restoring international trust and protecting the economy from further harm. Only through swift and decisive action can the country emerge from this crisis stronger and more united.
By Cho Hee-kyoung

For someone who has spent nine years studying for the bar exam in addition to four years as an undergraduate law major, President Yoon Suk Yeol seemed to have no idea about the constitutional provision regarding martial law and the relevant legislation.

If he had prosecuted a case the way he declared martial law, the defendant would have walked free. If Yoon had sat the bar exam the way he handled the declaration, well we know. In this instance at least, we can only be thankful for Yoons incompetence or unpreparedness. The making of the declaration and its manner of execution was marred by all manner of legal problems both procedurally and substantively and these will ultimately come back to bite Yoon.

First, we need to debunk some popular beliefs about emergency martial law. The declaration of emergency martial law does not give a carte blanche to whoever is in power. It is an emergency power given to the executive to be used in a certain narrow set of circumstances for strictly defined purposes. There are clear demarcations on what a commander must not do under martial law alongside what powers may be exercised. But because of our experience of misuse of martial law powers by past authoritarian regimes, there is a lasting impression that it is ruled by force without any strictures. That is not the case. If proper procedures and rules are not observed, declaration of martial law itself could be illegal. Here are some of those faults.

Further, article 77 of the Constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law in times of war, a serious disaster (natural or man-made, including external threats) or an equivalent state of emergency in order to respond to military necessity or for the purpose of maintaining public order. Nowhere in Yoons declaration of martial law could one find any reference to constitutionally approved grounds for declaring martial law. Instead, he cited as reasons for his declaration anti-state forces in league with North Korea working against the interests of the nation. The anti-state forces he mentioned were only a veiled reference to the opposition party. Yoon pointed to the number of impeachment motions and special prosecutions made by the opposition party as proof of their anti-state stance. Nowhere does he mention the proven corruption of various public officials, especially prosecutors, as well as his own dereliction of duties that have led to such measures having to be taken by the opposition party.

Second, the declaration of martial law must not only have proper constitutional grounds but must also comply with the formal requirements under the Martial Law Act, which requires any declaration of martial law to expressly state the reasons, the type (whether emergency or security martial law), the time and geographical area of execution and the martial law commander. Yoons declaration failed to give adequate reasons or reasons that meet constitutional requirements, which is like giving no reason at all. Nor does it identify the place where martial law would apply, and he failed to name the martial law commander. (Leaving the area blank does not mean it applies nationwide automatically. It must be clearly stated.) All of this clearly breaches the requirements of Article 3 of the Martial Law Act.

Third, the declaration of martial law must go through a process of examination by the Cabinet. It could not be confirmed whether this was duly complied with and there is still a question mark over the matter.

Fourth, once martial law is declared, the president must immediately, without any delay, notify the National Assembly. However, the National Assembly never received any notification from the president regarding martial law. In fact, as the quorum of lawmakers managed to gather inside the legislature building, forcing their way through the special forces and some even climbing over walls to vote to repeal martial law, the speaker of the legislature waited and waited for the notification from the president to arrive. It never did. In the end, the speaker took constructive notice so that he could move the motion without further delay.

Fifth, the first paragraph of martial law Decree No. 1 promulgated by Park An-soo, the head of the army appointed martial law commander by Yoon and who is also Yoons high school alum, close to midnight on Tuesday prohibited all political activities by the National Assembly, political parties, as well as all political assembly, demonstrations and associations. Although the Martial Law Act gives the martial law commander authority over the administrative and judicial branches, once martial law is declared, there is no authority over the legislative branch. This is deliberate because only the legislature, representing the people, can call for the revocation of martial law and act as checks and balances on the vast and concentrated power of the martial law regime. Any attempt to prohibit political activities of the legislative branch is in breach of the Martial Law Act and is unconstitutional.

There are numerous other serious, substantively illegal aspects of Yoons declaration of martial law, including sending special forces to occupy the National Assembly building and ordering the leader of the ruling and opposition parties as well as the National Assembly, despite the fact that the Constitution and the Martial Law Act both provide that Assembly members have immunity from arrest and detention. (There is an exception if they are caught in the commission of a crime, which Yoon tried to exploit deviously by prohibiting political activities). These acts are doubly serious as they may well amount to insurrection or treason, which is punishable by death or life sentence under the Criminal Code. There is no presidential immunity for these crimes meaning that arrest and detention are on the cards.

It is difficult to fathom why Yoon did what he did. There is endless speculation about his motives, but what is clear is that this was a desperate move by a desperate man. There could not be a more clear demonstration of how unfit he is for the office. And his lack of judgment and inability to accept reality means there is no guarantee this will not happen again. Whatever the reason, Yoons shocking gambit provides more than ample grounds for impeachment. But impeachment takes time and there is the uncertainty surrounding the Constitutional Court, whose bench is only partially occupied. The best thing would be for Yoon to step down, but there is virtually zero chance of that happening. Is it now time for the law enforcement agencies to show their mettle?

Cho Hee-kyoung is a professor of law at Hongik University. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Korea Times.




By Nam Hyun-woo

LG Electronics said Thursday it will team up with U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker Ambarella to roll out an advanced in-cabin sensing solution, which monitors the status of the driver and the vehicle cabin.

According to LG Electronics, its driver monitoring technology will be embedded into Ambarellas AI-powered edge system-on-chip (SoC) module, capable of sensing and processing data directly on the module without connecting to the cloud.

LG Electronics driver monitoring technology uses cameras to detect and analyze the driver's eye movement and head position. If the system detects signs of inattentive behavior, such as drowsiness or cellphone use, it triggers a warning sound, helping to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers and pedestrians.

LG Electronics said this latest module will be showcased at Ambarellas booth at next years Consumer Electronics Show slated for Jan. 8 to 11.

The in-cabin sensing market is expected to experience stable growth as automakers increasingly view related technologies as critical for New Car Assessment Programs by transportation authorities worldwide.

Market tracker Roland Berger projects that the global market for advanced driver assistance systems, which includes in-cabin sensing will grow from $25.3 billion in 2025 to $53.2 billion by 2030.

Through cooperation with Ambarella and other partner firms, LG Electronics will spearhead the industry for vehicle safety by setting new safety standards for in-cabin sensing solutions, an official at the company said.
By Nam Hyun-woo

Directors Company, a Seoul-based advertising agency, said Thursday it completed the acquisition of Bitnine, a Kosdaq-listed firm specializing in hybrid database solutions, as part of the companys ambition to enhance capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI)-based video production and marketing software.

According to Directors Company, the two sides completed their transactions involving rights issues on Friday and appointed Jegal Wan, chief financial officer of Directors Company, as managing director of Bitnine, a position similar to CEO, to oversee new business initiatives and financial restructuring at Bitnine.

Through the acquisition, Directors Company seeks to integrate Bitnines hybrid solutions combining relational and graph databases into its generative AI-based advertising business.

Directors Company is known as the parent company for Directors Tech, which created headlines last month for acquiring SKAIWORKS, an AI advertising technology firm that won the LVMH Innovation Award for its AI-based photorealistic video advertisements, which they were able to create without traditional filming. SKAIWORKS is now a partner of over 500 global brands, including luxury leaders such as Bvlgari, Givenchy and Hublot.

The merger between Directors Company and Bitnine will be a model case of demonstrating the commercial viability of AI technologies, Directors Company CEO Shin Jae-hyuk said. We expect the merger will be an important stepping stone for our ambition to become a leading AI agent enterprise in the global market.
Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor will stage a partial strike this week in solidarity with an umbrella labor union's walkout against President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration, according to the company's union Thursday.

Hyundai's 43,000-strong union will hold a four-hour strike each on Thursday and Friday under the guidelines of the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU), a union spokesperson said over the phone.

The KMWU is part of the militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

GM Korea's 7,300-member union also decided to hold a four-hour walkout on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

On Wednesday, the KCTU vowed to go on an indefinite strike until Yoon steps down to take responsibility for the martial law debacle that shook the nation.

Late Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law, accusing "anti-state forces" of paralyzing the operation of the nation with impeachment motions and a downsized budget bill.

But Yoon abandoned the martial law attempt, the country's first such motion in over four decades, early Wednesday after the National Assembly voted to overturn the declaration.

Opposition parties submitted a motion on Wednesday to impeach the president over the botched martial law. (Yonhap)
Samsung Electronics has made an investment in a U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) platform security company, Axiado, the U.S. company said Thursday, part of Samsung Electronics' strategies for next-generation AI chips.

In a press release, Axiado said it has recently raised $60 million in an oversubscribed Series C funding round with participation from Samsung Catalyst Fund, Samsung Electronics' venture capital arm, and other companies.

But it did not elaborate on the detailed contributions of each investor.

California-based Axiado focuses on hardware-based platform security, providing an AI-driven approach to platform security against ransomware and other cyberattacks. Its technology is applied across various systems, including cloud data centers and 5G networks.

Axiado's flagship product, Trusted Control/Compute Unit (TCU), provides solutions for critical challenges in platform security for accelerated computing and AI data center power efficiency.

"We are excited to support Axiado and their AI-driven TCU technology, which has the potential to set new standards in platform security in the age of accelerated computing with AI," Marco Chisari, executive vice president at Samsung Electronics, was quoted as saying in the release by Axiado.

The investment is in line with Samsung Electronics' broader efforts in the AI chip sector, including its recent participation in a $700 million funding round for U.S. AI chip startup Tenstorrent, along with LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor. (Yonhap)
Political turmoil impacts annual event celebrating top exporters

By Park Jae-hyuk

Political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeols brief martial law declaration resulted in him becoming the second Korean leader since 2016 to miss the country's largest annual event for exporters in the trade-dependent nation.

His absence on Thursday came eight years after former President Park Geun-hye missed the 53rd Trade Day celebration, mired in a political scandal involving her close confidant, Choi Soon-sil, who was accused of interfering in state affairs. Just four days later, the National Assembly voted in favor of Park's impeachment.

At that time, Park became the third president to miss the annual ceremony, following the late former President Roh Tae-woo, who was absent from the 26th event in 1989 due to an overseas trip, and her father, the late former President Park Chung-hee, who did not attend the inaugural event in 1964.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Yoon was originally scheduled to attend this years event, as he had in the past, to encourage business leaders who helped Korea achieve the highest export growth during the first half of this year among the worlds 10 largest exporters, despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

Last year, the president notably introduced himself as Koreas No. 1 salesperson to emphasize the government's commitment to providing comprehensive support for exporters.

The decision to replace him with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was reportedly made at the last minute, following the political fallout from Yoon's six-hour martial law declaration, which lasted from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.

Accompanied by Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun, the prime minister awarded the Orders of Industrial Service Merit and citations to businesspeople for their contribution to Koreas exports and took photos with them with a solemn expression.

The congratulatory speech for the event was delivered under Hans name, not Yoons.

Although the unexpected martial law issue has caused concerns among foreign buyers, the prime minister promised that the government will help exporters spread their wings in the global market.

"Building on our strong alliance, the government will manage the trade environment with the incoming U.S. administration," he said. "In particular, we will leverage the APEC Summit in Gyeongju next year to showcase Korean companies to the world."

However, the incumbent U.S. administration has expressed concerns about Koreas political situation, describing Yoons recent decision as badly misjudged, deeply problematic and illegitimate.

Additionally, the Swedish prime minister and senior foreign government officials canceled their prescheduled visits to Seoul, as travel alerts for Korea were issued in multiple countries.

It also remains uncertain whether the Yoon administration will be able to prepare for the APEC meeting properly, given that its ministers offered to resign and the opposition bloc has been trying to impeach the president.

Without responding to such concerns, Han urged businesses to team up with the government to make Korea one of the worlds five largest exporters.

I hope this event will serve as a platform for shaping resolutions for the next 60 years, he said.

Korea designated Nov. 30 as Export Day in 1964 to commemorate its achievement of $100 million in annual outbound shipments and renamed the day as Trade Day in 1990.

Since a year after Korea became the ninth country in the world to achieve $1 trillion in annual trade volume on Dec. 5, 2011, the Korea International Trade Association has celebrated Trade Day on Dec. 5 every year.

This year, Kia won the $25 billion Tower of Export.

Amid the ongoing attempt to oust Yoon, 77 awardees received presidential citations.
Heiress tasked with finding groups new growth engines

By Park Jae-hyuk

Korea's second-largest conglomerate, SK Group, announced its end-of-year executive reshuffle and organizational restructuring on Thursday, reflecting efforts to regroup its business portfolio to combat looming uncertainties.

According to the group, it appointed 75 new executives and promoted two new presidents during its regular executive reshuffle announced on Thursday.

The number of its newly appointed executives dropped from 82 in 2023, 145 in 2022 and 164 in 2021, showcasing the group's focus on streamlining its top brass for more agile decision-making.

Unlike initial speculations, SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung was not promoted to vice chairman from president.

Industry officials had anticipated Kwak's promotion in the latest reshuffle, as SK hynix in the third quarter of this year outpaced Samsung Electronics semiconductor division for the first time in terms of quarterly operating profit, consolidating itself as the world's leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for artificial intelligence processors.

Instead, the company promoted Ahn Hyun, head of solution development, as a president, to accelerate the company's momentum in the HBM market competition.

Aside from Ahn, SK SUPEX Council Vice President Son Hyun-ho was named as SK Discovery CEO.

SK Group said his experience in devising business strategies at the SUPEX Council, the groups control tower, will help in improving the competitiveness of the intermediate holding company overseeing its pharmaceutical, energy, chemical and real-estate development subsidiaries.

Most of our major affiliates have already reshuffled their executives on an irregular basis to respond swiftly to the changing business environment, an SK Group official said. SK Innovations affiliates appointed three engineers as their CEOs in October, while SK Square and SK Ecoplant replaced each of their CEOs in July and May, respectively.

The group also sent SK hynix's executives to other affiliates to "share the expertise of the leading subsidiary." In line with this, former SK hynix R&D chief Pi Seung-ho was named the manufacturing head of SK On, the group's battery manufacturing arm.

For its leadership in the artificial intelligence sector, organizational restructuring took place at the groups holding company and SK Telecom.

SK Americas, which was founded earlier this year for the groups business in North America, appointed Senior Vice President Paul Delaney to oversee government relations in the region. The former deputy chief of staff at the Office of the United States Trade Representative joined the company in July.

SK Innovation hired the former program director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy under the U.S. Department of Energy as the companys chief technology officer.

SK Biopharmaceuticals Vice President Chey Yoon-chung, the oldest daughter of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, was tasked with finding the conglomerates new growth engines at a newly opened office of the groups holding company while maintaining her position at the biopharmaceutical unit.
Ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who was toppled in a historic no-confidence vote on Wednesday, made extraordinary calm his trademark across a half-century in politics, but goes down as the shortest-serving PM in French history.

Brought in by President Emmanuel Macron in September to run a minority government after inconclusive parliamentary elections, Barnier often said that knowing how "to keep one's cool" was essential to managing the thorny task.

His "sang-froid" was in evidence in his previous role as the European Union's chief negotiator in Brexit talks with the British government.

He also kept his cool in parliament on Wednesday evening, speaking just before the far right and hard left ousted his government in a historic no-confidence vote.

"I'm not afraid," said the 73-year-old. "I've rarely been afraid in my political life."

After just three months in office, Barnier will now go down in history as the shortest-serving prime minister since the Fifth Republic, the system of government in France from 1958.

Having already served as foreign minister and twice as an EU commissioner in Brussels, he is best known internationally for taking on the job of negotiating Britain's exit from the European Union on behalf of the bloc after the 2016 referendum.

Firm and courteous in talks, and hugely respected by his team, Barnier won considerable kudos for his handling of the process.

Barnier, who hails from the Haute Savoie region of the Alps, first become a member of France's parliament aged just 27 in the 1970s, and entered government in the mid-1990s under the then-president, the late Jacques Chirac.

Not fun guy

He often points to his alpine origins when explaining his "methodical" approach to work, freely admits that he is "not a fun guy" and has little time for the "bluster" of younger colleagues in the Paris-centric world of politics.

When he replaced Gabriel Attal, 35, in September, Barnier became the oldest prime minister in modern French history, at more than twice the age of his predecessor, the youngest.

Some have called him the "French Joe Biden," after the U,S, leader whose long career has spanned a similar timeframe.

Barnier has said that he accepted the thankless task of becoming prime minister as "an honor", but also made clear that he had no desire to hold on to the job at all costs.

Couldn't care less

On the eve of the no-confidence votes, he made clear how little attraction the corridors of power still hold for him.

"I am proud to serve, very honored to be prime minister," he said in a prime-time television interview on Tuesday from his elegant office.

"But the gold decorations all around us, the official limousines and all the trappings of power of the republic? I couldn't care less about those," he said.

Asked about the no-confidence motion, he said: "I'm ready."

One of his ministers, who declined to be named, said Barnier is "an incarnation of stability," but a deputy who served under the previous administration called him a "huge disappointment" and "old-fashioned."

Barnier wrote a book about Brexit, "My Secret Brexit Diary: A Glorious Illusion," its title already stating clearly what he thought of the idea of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.

With dignity

Barnier steered clear of any salacious gossip in the published work, but expressed his amazement at how his British counterparts were handling the process.

"They have not realized the consequences of what is truly at stake here," he wrote.

Barnier had largely vanished from the French political scene after missing out on the nomination from The Republicans (LR) party to challenge Macron in the 2022 presidential election.

Barnier said he wanted to be remembered as "an honest man, a patriot and a European, who is serving his country with dignity," (AFP)
Ukraine's foreign minister called Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov a "war criminal" Thursday as they both attended an international summit in Malta, the latter's first visit to an EU member since the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiga also accused Moscow of being "the biggest threat to our common security" as the two foreign ministers sat on the same huge table at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also in Ta'Qali, near Valetta, for the talks, though officials said he had no plans to meet Lavrov.

"Russia is not a partner; it is the biggest threat to our common security.

Russia's participation in the OSCE is a threat to cooperation in Europe," Sybiga told ministers from the 57-member body.

"When Russians say they want peace they lie," he said, adding: "Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist.

"And the Russian war criminal at this table must know: Ukraine will win this right and justice will prevail."

'Destabilizing'

Lavrov, who has been sanctioned by the European Union, had not visited an EU country since a December 2021 trip to Stockholm, again for an OSCE meeting, Russian media reported.

Sitting between the representatives of San Marino and Romania, he railed against the EU, NATO and in particular the United States.

He said the West was behind a "reincarnation of the Cold War, only now with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one," according to a transcript of his remarks from RIA Navosti.

He also accused Washington of military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region that sought to "destabilize the entire Eurasian continent."

The OSCE was founded in 1975 to ease tensions between the East and the West during the Cold War, and now counts 57 members from Turkey to Mongolia, including Britain and Canada as well as the United States.

It helps its members coordinate issues such as human rights and arms control, but Lavrov at the last ministerial summit a year ago in North Macedonia accused the OSCE of becoming an "appendage" of NATO and the EU.

Ukraine has called for Russia to be excluded from the organization, and boycotted the Skopje summit over Lavrov's attendance.

Summit host Ian Borg, Malta's foreign minister, opened proceedings Thursday with a call for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.

Blinken also accused Lavrov  who at that point was no longer in the room  of spreading a "tsunami of misinformation" and blamed Moscow for an escalation in Ukraine.

Many other participants railed against Moscow's aggression at a delicate time for Kyiv.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to press for a quick deal to end the war, leaving Kyiv scrambling to obtain security guarantees from Western allies and supplies of key weaponry before the January inauguration.

'Channels of communication'

In 2022, OSCE host Poland refused to let Lavrov attend their summit, and Poland's minister questioned why Moscow was still allowed to be part of the organization.

A spokesman for Malta told AFP on Wednesday that while he faces an EU asset freeze, there was no travel ban on Lavrov, and he was invited to "keep some channels of communication open."

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday that a number of Western countries were "using this platform for their own interests," arguing that the body had been "Ukrainianized."

But German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters in Malta that the OSCE "stands for security and freedom and we will defend it."

The OSCE has been paralyzed since the Ukraine invasion, as Russia has vetoed several major decisions, which require consensus.

The posts of secretary general and three other top officials have been vacant since September because of a lack of agreement over their successors.

Ambassadors have reached agreement on Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu as new secretary general to replace Germany's Helga Maria Schmid, a diplomatic source told AFP.

The ministers in Malta will also be seeking to agree which country will chair the OSCE in 2026 and 2027.

Russia had blocked NATO member Estonia from holding the chairmanship this year. Finland, which joined NATO last year, is up for the post in 2025.

The OSCE sends observers to conflicts as well as elections around the world. It also runs programs that aim to combat human trafficking and ensure media freedom.

But its efforts have been hampered by an inability to agree a budget since 2021. (AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting allies and senior politicians on Thursday as he sought to swiftly appoint a new prime minister, a day after far-right and leftist lawmakers toppled Michel Barnier's minority government.

Francois Bayrou, whose name is often cited by French media as a possible successor to Barnier, was due to have lunch with Macron, Le Parisien newspaper and other media reported. Bayrou is a veteran centrist politician and a close Macron ally.

Outgoing defense minister Sebastien Lecornu is also cited as a possible candidate for prime minister. There was no word yet of a possible Macron meeting with him.

Three sources told Reuters on Wednesday that Macron aimed to appoint a replacement swiftly, with one saying he wanted to do so before a ceremony on Saturday to reopen Notre-Dame Cathedral renovated after a devastating fire. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is among world leaders expected to attend.

Allies in Macron's own camp joined the chorus urging swift action. After the late June and early July snap elections, it took Macron nearly two months to appoint Barnier.

"I recommend that he proceed quickly to the appointment of a prime minister, it's important, we must not leave things up in the air," National Assembly president Yael Braun-Pivet told France Inter radio before meeting Macron around noon.

Macron will give a televised address to the nation at 8 p.m. (1900 GMT) after meeting the head of the Senate at 1400 GMT, French media said.

Barnier, a veteran conservative who became prime minister barely three months ago, will become the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history when Macron approves his resignation.

The two men met for over an hour on Thursday morning, French media said. Barnier had been due to hand in his resignation during that meeting but there was still no official confirmation after he left the Elysee presidential palace.

Turmoil

The political turmoil in France further weakens a European Union already reeling from the implosion of Germany's coalition government, and comes just weeks before Trump returns to the White House.

Any new prime minister will face the same challenges that led to Barnier's downfall, notably pushing the 2025 budget through a deeply divided parliament at a time when France needs to fix ailing public finances.

"This is the logical conclusion of what France and its lawmakers are at the moment: a mess," 75-year old Parisian Paulo told Reuters, commenting on the latest developments.

Macron precipitated the current crisis with an ill-fated decision to call the snap election in June. He has a mandate until 2027 but faces growing calls to resign.

"The main culprit for the current situation is Emmanuel Macron," Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally (RN) told TF1 TV late on Wednesday.

A French president cannot be pushed out unless two thirds of lawmakers decide he has gravely failed to fulfil his role, according to a never-yet-invoked article of the constitution.

Some 64 percent of voters want Macron to resign, according to the Toluna Harris Interactive poll for RTL broadcaster. A small majority of voters approve of parliament bringing down Barnier, but many are worried about its economic and political consequences, the poll showed.

Under French constitutional rules, there can be no new parliamentary election before July.

"Until potential new elections, ongoing political uncertainty is likely to keep the risk premium on French assets elevated," SocGen analysts said in a note. "Political uncertainty is likely to dampen both investment and consumer spending."

The political uncertainty has been unnerving investors in French sovereign bonds and stocks for weeks.

French bonds and stocks rallied on Thursday on what some traders said was profit-taking following the widely expected outcome of the no-confidence vote. But the relief rally is unlikely to last, given the scale of political uncertainty.

The fall of France's government leaves the country without a clear path towards reducing its fiscal deficit and the most likely outcome is less belt-tightening than previously planned, credit rating agency Standard and Poor's (S&P) said. (Reuters)
Islamist-led rebel forces captured the central Syrian city of Hama on Thursday, overrunning forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad only days after capturing Aleppo in a lightning offensive.

The rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed the city and, after fierce fighting, claimed to have seized its prison and released inmates.

After a night of violent clashes, the rebels entered Hama "from several sides" and were engaged in street fighting with Assad's forces, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

By early Thursday afternoon, Syria's army admitted it had lost control of the strategically located city seen as crucial in its efforts to protect the capital and seat of power, Damascus.

"Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups... these groups were able to breach a number of axes in the city and entered it," the army said, adding units had redeployed outside the city.

The fall of Hama came despite shelling and strikes carried out by the Syrian and Russian air forces, as reported by state media late Wednesday.

Maya, a 22-year-old student who gave only her first name for security concerns, said she and her family were staying at home as the fighting rages outside.

"We have been hearing non-stop the sounds of explosions and shelling," she told AFP by telephone from Hama.

"We don't know what's going on outside."

Rebel leader tours citadel

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, says 727 people, mostly combatants but also 111 civilians, have been killed in Syria since the violence erupted last week.

It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in a country already ravaged by civil war, which erupted with the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011.

Key to the rebels' successes since the start of the offensive last week was the takeover of Aleppo, which in more than a decade of war had never entirely fallen out of government hands.

The head of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, on Wednesday visited Aleppo's landmark citadel.

Jolani was seen waving to supporters from an open-top car as he visited the historic fortress, in images posted on the rebels' Telegram channel.

While the advancing rebels found little resistance earlier in their offensive, the fighting around Hama has been especially fierce.

Assad ordered a 50-percent raise in career soldiers' pay, state news agency SANA reported, as he seeks to bolster his forces for the counteroffensive.

Syrian armed forces were driven back by the rebels despite the government sending in "large military convoys," according to the Observatory.

The monitor said the fighting on Wednesday was close to an area mainly populated by Alawites, followers of the same offshoot of Shiite Islam as the president.

'Scorched-earth counteroffensive'

The rebels launched their offensive in northern Syria on Nov. 27, the same day a ceasefire took effect in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.

Both Hezbollah and Russia have been key backers of Assad's government, but have been more recently mired in their own respective conflicts.

The United Nations on Wednesday said 115,000 people had been "newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo" by the fighting.

Human Rights Watch warned the fighting "raises concerns that civilians face a real risk of serious abuses at the hands of opposition armed groups and the Syrian government."

Until last week, the war in Syria had been mostly dormant for years, but analysts have said violence was bound to flare up as it was never truly resolved.

Spearheading the rebel alliance is HTS, which is rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch.

"HTS has had a lot of time and space and resources to organize itself and to prepare for this," said analyst Sam Heller, of the U.S.-based Century Foundation think tank.

How the fighting unfolds now "depends on whether the Syrian government can regain its footing," Heller said.

"Opposition forces currently pushing south will likely get stuck somewhere in Syria's center, when they run into really motivated and intractable loyalist resistance," he said.

"At that point, it will be a question of whether Damascus has the means to mount the type of scorched-earth counteroffensive I assume it would like to execute." (AFP)
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Windy with showers and thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 66F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain. Low 41F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Gusty breezes and rain showers early. Thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 67F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low around 40F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Ryan Dunne

Over 16 years after innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity, the notorious Limerick gangster who ordered the hit, John Dundon, has failed in a bid to overturn his murder conviction.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected Dundon's claims that evidence which "fell through the cracks" could have called the credibility of witnesses into question.

Dundon (41) formerly of Hyde Road in Limerick, was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the hit that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Mr Geoghegan near the victim's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle on November 9th, 2008. He is serving a life sentence.

Key State witness April Collins had told the court that she heard John Dundon order gunman Barry Doyle to kill a gang rival less than 48 hours before Mr Geoghegans death. The court heard that April Collins was previously in a relationship with Johns brother, Gerard Dundon, for eight years and had three children by him.

Mr Geoghegan played rugby for Garryowen in Limerick and had been watching an Ireland international game at a friend's house before heading home shortly before 1am. He had just texted his girlfriend Jenna Barry to say he was on his way when Ms Barry heard shots fired outside. Mr Geoghegan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The fatal shot was to the back of the head.

It was the States case that Mr Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting that was meant for another man and was ordered by John Dundon.

Launching an appeal against the conviction in April last, counsel for Dundon, Dominic McGinn SC argued that the court should hear fresh evidence of a phone conversation between witnesses Lisa Collins and Christopher McCarthy that did not emerge at Dundon's trial in 2013. Mr McGinn said that during the conversation, which was recorded by the Irish Prison Service while Mr McCarthy was in jail, Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy discussed "how long was long enough" for Dundon to be imprisoned.

Counsel said there was a reference to Dundon receiving 10 years for a particular offence but that "wouldn't be sufficient". Mr McGinn said the conversation suggested that Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy had a motive to ensure that Dundon was convicted of an offence carrying a greater penalty, such as murder.

If Dundon's legal team at the time had known about the conversation, Mr McGinn said they undoubtedly would have used it to undermine the credibility of Mr McCarthy, Lisa Collins and her sister April Collins.

Evidence

Those three gave evidence detailing how John Dundon ordered and organised the hit that resulted in Mr Geoghegan being shot in a case of mistaken identity.

The Special Criminal Court, where Dundon was tried in 2013, found that their evidence was credible.

Mr McGinn said Dundon's original legal team was aware of the phone call but the evidence later "fell through the cracks" after Dundon sacked his lawyers on the day his trial was due to begin. His second legal team, Mr McGinn said, had to deal with a huge amount of disclosure in a short amount of time.

The absence of the phone call evidence was enough to raise a concern about the fairness of Dundon's trial, Mr McGinn said.

In delivering the Court of Appeals ruling today, Mr Justice John Edwards noted that senior counsel for the appellant had asked the court to accept that the material at issue was relevant and its absence gave rise to a concern that the appellant did not have a fair trial or that his conviction might not be safe.

Mr Justice Edwards said that this matter was not pursued by the appellants new legal team at trial, who claimed that they had limited time to prepare.

However, Mr Justice Edwards said that there was no evidence that this was the reason for their failure to pursue the issue, adding that there was no basis for drawing any inference as to their reasons.

No breach of disclosure

He said that at the time disclosure of the telephone transcripts was sought, the material was not in the possession or procurement of the DPP, who was not under any obligation to provide it by way of disclosure. The judge said there was no breach of the duty of disclosure owed by the DPP to the appellant.

There was a great deal of evidence of fear of the Dundons, including of the appellant, and of grounds for resentment towards them, on the part of the three controversial witnesses whose conversations were captured, said Mr Justice Edwards.

The judge went on to say that the court did not see how the defence having the transcripts in time for the trial would have further assisted them in undermining the witnesses.

He pointed out that the Special Criminal Court approached the testimony of these witnesses with great caution and warned itself of relying on their uncorroborated testimony, even though there was a good deal of evidence to corroborate their testimony.

Finding the court was not persuaded that the appellants trial was unsatisfactory or his verdict unsafe, the judge said it would dismiss the appeal.

In April this year, Dundon was accused of engaging in a "cynical ploy" after he sacked his lawyers and asked for an adjournment of his appeal against the conviction.

Dundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after discovering that they were unable to advance a ground of appeal that the appellant said had been identified in recent months. The three judges of the court granted an application for Dundon's then lawyers to withdraw from the case.

New lawyers came on the record for Dundon, who was granted free legal aid and whose appeal eventually went ahead later that month.

Both the Special Criminal Court and the High Court had previously rejected bids by Dundon to have his 2013 murder trial adjourned. However in June 2013, the Special Criminal Court ruled the murder trial should not proceed until the adjournment application came before the Supreme Court.

Garda interviews

On that occasion, Dundon had appeared in the Special Criminal Court wearing only a pair of dark-coloured shorts, having been admitted to hospital after going on hunger strike for at least a week and refusing fluids for a number of days.

The trial was delayed until July 2nd, 2013, when the opening day saw a gaunt, wheelchair-using Dundon taken to hospital for a head injury. He had earlier informed the court that he was illiterate in response to evidence that he had sacked his legal team and elected to represent himself. The trial eventually opened the next day.

Barry Doyle (38) admitted during Garda interviews that he shot Mr Geoghegan in a case of mistaken identity.

However, Doyle, of Portland Row in Dublin 1, later pleaded not guilty at trial to the murder of Mr Geoghegan. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on February 16th, 2012.
By Jessica Coates, PA

Thursday's front pages focus on a range of stories from Fianna Fail prioritising policing reform as they look to form a new government to the Kinahan crime gang having links to a Russian money-laundering network.

The Irish Times reports policing reform is set to be a central plank for Fianna Fail in the programme for government negotiations, with a tussle over the justice portfolio expected in coalition talks with Fine Gael.

The Irish Examiner report the Kinahan cartel and other Irish organised crime groups used the money-laundering services of sprawling multi-billion-dollar Russian criminal networks that have now been hit by British and US agencies.

The Echo report that Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is expected to form a coalition with Fine Gael to last a full-term.

Good morning, here's the front page of today's Irish Independent pic.twitter.com/7QTd83ozLf  Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) December 5, 2024

Just days after an impressive #GE2024 showing, the Social Democrats have some serious questions to answer... pic.twitter.com/6W7brwft7A  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) December 5, 2024

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/ygiA2t3Smf  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) December 5, 2024

Morning, readers. Here's the front page of today's Belfast Telegraph.  Stick with us for all your breaking news today. https://t.co/DE1pCfCHHr pic.twitter.com/VuuSLqyP5d  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) December 5, 2024

In the UK, Domestic and foreign politics dominate Thursdays front pages.

The Daily Mirror, Independent and The Guardian splash on Keir Starmers promise to introduce an extra 130,000 police officers in a speech that set out the next phase of his Government.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph leads on a UK defence chiefs warnings that China is a major nuclear threat to the West.

And the Daily Mail says veterans minister Alistair Cairns has claimed the British army could be wiped out in six months to a year if faced with a major war.

The Times and Financial Times report French President Emmanuel Macron is being called on to resign after prime minister Michel Barnier was forced out in a no-confidence vote.

Millions of patients eligible for a weight-loss drug could face a 12-year wait to access it, according to the i.

The Sun leads on a new claim against Masterchef host Gregg Wallace.

Metro splashes on a money laundering network converting cash into cryptocurrency taken down in an international sting.

Lastly, the Daily Star splashes on a psychic night in Scotland cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
PNN

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(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)

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Clockwise: Eight new panda sculpture designs, the New Pandas in their habitat: Ying Ying, Ke Ke, An An, and a teaser poster for the Special Edition Pandas

NewsVoir

Hong Kong, December 5: As a national treasure, the giant panda's rarity and heartwarming, adorable appearance has captivated the world. In Hong Kong, the panda craze shows no signs of slowing down, from the anticipated arrival of two new pandas in December to the locally born panda twins earlier. After the successful summer exhibition "100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour (Hong Kong)", the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) is once again setting the stage for a new wave of excitement by organising Hong Kong's largest panda exhibition, PANDA GO! FEST HK. The exhibition will showcase 2,500 panda sculptures in eight unique designs.

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The PANDA GO! FEST HK kicked off with a grand welcoming ceremony on December 2 at one of the Hangars, within the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport, where 2,500 pandas were warmly welcomed.

These pandas will be creatively displayed across various locations around Hong Kong. They are visiting iconic landmarks with four exhibitions throughout the city, starting in December.

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It was inspired by Hong Kong's own panda family, the PANDA GO! FEST HK also features six exclusive designs and introduces the special Hong Kong intellectual property (IP) - Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK) ARR invites both locals and tourists to dive into this immersive celebration that blends art, exhibition, and tourism. It promises not only a citywide celebration of the pandas' unique charm but also an atmosphere filled with joy and hope.

Organizer ARR Returns to Curate Again, Continuing a Decade-Long Bond with Pandas

The connection between giant pandas and the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) runs deep. In 2014, ARR introduced the iconic "I AM HERE" giant panda installation in Chengdu, the home of pandas, which has since become a local landmark. Later that year, ARR launched the "1600 PANDAS WORLD TOUR IN HONG KONG: CREATIVITY MEETS CONSERVATION," captivating audiences across multiple cities worldwide and pioneering a new exhibition format by appearing at landmark locations through a series of flash exhibitions. For generations, pandas have been cherished as close companions by the people of Hong Kong, holding special meaning for both ARR and the city's residents.

Now, a decade later, with the arrival of four new members, the total number of giant pandas has been brought to six. Also, thanks to global panda conservation efforts, the giant panda population has now grown to over 2,500. This includes wild pandas, which have increased from around 1,600 to approximately 1,900, and over 600 captive pandas. Despite these advancements, pandas remain exceedingly rare.

Panda Go! Fest HK Returns with Eight New Panda Designs as 2,500 Pandas "On the Go"! As a result, ARR has decided to bring 2,500 panda sculptures back with a fresh new look. Continuing with Hong Kong as the central hub, ARR is set to create the city's largest panda-themed exhibition yet, gathering panda lovers and art enthusiasts while spreading panda culture to every corner of Hong Kong. For the PANDA GO! FEST HK, ARR has designed eight new panda designs, which will form a creative collection of 2,500 panda sculptures.

Visitors will have the chance to spot traces of giant pandas at various iconic landmarks across Hong Kong, bringing art closer to daily life and raising awareness about panda conservation. The highlight of the event is the appearance of 2,500 pandas in four public exhibitions starting from December 7, where they will meet locals and visitors alike. For details, visitors can check the official website pandago-fest.com.

The Exclusive Hong Kong IP, Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong, will Make Its Adorable Debut

When visiting the PANDA GO! FEST HK exhibitions, you will notice six particularly familiar and charming pandas among the crowd. ARR has specially created six new characters for Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK), an exclusive Hong Kong IP inspired by the city's panda family. These characters include Ying Ying, Le Le, and the newly added members--Keke*, An An*, and the twin pandas, "Big Sister*" and "Little Brother*" (*existing names). Each character incorporates their distinct personalities and physical traits with anthropomorphic elements, blending local cultural and lifestyle features to create a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong exclusive IP.

PFF HK will not only be part of the exhibition but also serve as Hong Kong's giant panda ambassadors. This IP may appear in other panda-related events hosted by various organisations. ARR has gifted this IP to Hong Kong. Organisations are incorporating PFF HK into different settings, actively driving culture and tourism. This initiative aims to spread joy, boost the economy, and infuse new energy into Hong Kong. During this event, all royalties generated from commercial activities will be fully donated to Ocean Park to support giant panda conservation efforts.

This exhibition also features renowned French artist Paulo Grangeon as the artistic consultant. With his meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of artistic creation, he has further refined and elevated the essence of pandas, ensuring that every sc
New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday lauded the new government in Maharashtra as a blend of experience and dynamism and said it is due to the collective efforts of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies that the Mahayuti alliance got a historic mandate.

In a post on X, Modi congratulated Fadnavis and two deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party, on taking oath.

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"This team is a blend of experience and dynamism and it is due to this team's collective efforts that the Mahayuti has got a historic mandate in Maharashtra. This team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance," he said.

Modi assured all possible support from the Centre in furthering development in Maharashtra.

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The prime minister, several Cabinet ministers, chief ministers and deputy CMs of the BJP-led NDA-ruled states attended the oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai earlier in the evening.

In the November 20 elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, the BJP bagged 132 seats, the highest among all constituents of the Mahayuti alliance. Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP also performed well, bagging 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 [India], December 5 (ANI): Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the stopping of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by police at the Gazipur border in Ghaziabad while he was on his way to violence-hit Sambhal.

In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible.

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"It is a matter of grave concern that the Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, was prevented from visiting Sambhal yesterday to assess the ground realities of the recent regional tensions. The objective of the visit was to promote peace and harmony. This unprecedented and undemocratic move by the government is a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of parliamentary oversight and the rights of the opposition to hold the government accountable," Gogoi said.

Gogoi further emphasised that by "denying" Rahul Gandhi from visiting the site, the government "undermined" the responsibility of LoP raise the concern of the people.

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"As a representative of the people, the Leader of the Opposition has the responsibility to raise their concerns and hold the government accountable. Denying them access to crucial sites undermines their ability to fulll this duty. This act is a blatant attempt to stie dissent and suppress the voice of the Opposition. This incident raises serious questions about the state government's commitment to transparency and accountability," he said.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi along with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to proceed to Sambhal.

"We are trying to go to Sambhal, but the police are refusing to allow us. As Leader of the Opposition, it is my right to visit, yet they are stopping me. I am ready to go alone or even under police escort, but they have rejected that as well. They claim we can return in a few days, but this violates the rights of the Leader of the Opposition and the Constitution. We simply want to visit Sambhal, meet the people, and understand what has happened. Denying this right reflects the state of 'New India,' an India undermining the Constitution and Ambedkar's vision. We will continue to fight," Rahul Gandhi said earlier on Wednesday.

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals.

The ASI survey was prompted by a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque was originally built on the site of a Harihar temple. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Congress will hold a Lok Sabha MPs meeting at 10:15 am on Thursday at the Congress Parliamentary Party office in Parliament.

The meeting will be held to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the house after the proceedings for both houses resumed on Monday. The Parliament proceeding was stalled for the first week of the Winter Session due to protest by opposition parties over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal.

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According to sources, Congress is also likely to come up with the unique type of protest over the issue of Adani indictment.

Congress MPs along with their INDIA bloc partners have been staging protest, near Makar Dwar on the premises of the Parliament for the last two days.

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On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Secretariat members of the House to not hold protests or demonstrations in front of the gates of Parliament as it causes serious hindrances to the movement of Members to the Parliament Chambers during the sittings of the House.

Meanwhile, Congress MP has moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the stopping of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by police at the Gazipur border in Ghaziabad while he was on his way to violence-hit Sambhal.

In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible.

"It is a matter of grave concern that the Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, was prevented from visiting Sambhal yesterday to assess the ground realities of the recent regional tensions. The objective of the visit was to promote peace and harmony. This unprecedented and undemocratic move by the government is a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of parliamentary oversight and the rights of the opposition to hold the government accountable," Gogoi said.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi along with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to proceed to Sambhal.

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals.

The ASI survey was prompted by a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque was originally built on the site of a Harihar temple. The winter session of Parliament began on November 25 and will continue till December 20. (ANI)

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Amritsar (Punjab) [India], December 5 (ANI): A day after an assassination attempt, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday arrived at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to perform 'seva'.

Security has been heightened at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara following an attack on Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday.

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The assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, attempted to shoot Badal while he was performing 'seva'. However, Badal was unharmed, and the attacker was quickly overpowered and arrested.

Badal was performing 'seva' at the Golden Temple after being declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by the Akal Takht. Akal Takht announced punishment for him due to the "mistakes" and "decisions" made by the SAD-led government in the state from 2007 to 2017. As part of his punishment, Badal was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a placard around his neck indicating his status as a 'tankhaiya'.

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Following the attack, Bikram Singh Majithia, General Secretary of Shiromani Akali Dal, criticized Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar for suggesting that Badal might have orchestrated the incident himself to gain sympathy. Majithia accused Bhullar of making such remarks to protect his position and cover up his failure.

Police sources revealed that the attacker, Narain Singh Chaura is a hardcore Pakistan returned terrorist and former head of Akal Federation and had authored books on guerrilla warfare and other seditious materials.

"He was involved in smuggling of weapons and explosives into Punjab during the early years of militancy. He reportedly crossed into Pakistan in 1984 and remained there for several years before he returned to Punjab. During his stay in Pakistan, he was remotely in touch with radical organizations in Punjab and helping them," said a senior official.

According to Amritsar Police, Chaura also had several cases registered against him.

"There are several cases registered against him (Chaura), arms were recovered from him in the past, we will have to check records," Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said.

Multiple political leaders condemned the attack on Badal, with the Congress claiming the Punjab government being negligent with security and Bharatiya Janata Party saying that the assassination attempt is "indicative of complete breakdown of law and order". (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Jitender Singh Shunty, a Social activist and Padma Shri awardee joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of the Party's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.

Jitender Singh Shunty is also the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal (SBS) Foundation.

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Upon officially joining the party, Kejriwal expressed his admiration for Jitender Singh Shunty's significant contributions to society during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He highlighted Shunty's dedication and efforts in supporting those in need and commended his commitment to public service.

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Kejriwal emphasized that Shunty's inclusion in the party would enhance the strength of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

"He is known as 'Ambulance Man'...I have been told that he has facilitated last rites of more than 70,000 bodies, in dignified manner. During COVID era, when people hesitated to accept bodies of their family members, he accepted the bodies and performed last rites. He too fell prey to COVID. Even when his family contracted COVID, he continued his mission. He was awarded with Padma Shri for this...He has come to politics to serve people...His joining will strengthen AAP.," Kejriwal said.

On joining AAP, Jitendra Shunty said "I was stepping away from politics to focus on service work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to serve by cremating unclaimed bodies. One day, I received a call from Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed a desire to contribute to this noble cause. My colleagues pointed out the similarity in our work: while he is giving life to people, we are taking care of matters after death. We both draw inspiration from Bhagat Singh, who was the first to raise the issue of human rights in Lahore jail. After the pandemic, I took up the issue of why people should not have access to the bodies of their deceased loved ones."

Shunty is the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal and Shaheed-Ae-Azam Bhagat Singh Foundation. He joined the BJP in 2008 and won the Delhi assembly elections from Shahdara in 2013. Shunty was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2021 for his philanthropic services during the Covid-19 pandemic. He dedicated the civilian honour to his fellow frontline workers. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): In the revised budget estimates for 2024-25, the Chief Minister Atishi-led Delhi government has increased the budget outlay to Rs 77,700 crore. The actual budget estimate of Delhi is Rs 76000 crore.

According to the documents presented in the Delhi assembly on Wednesday, the government has allocated additional funds of Rs 400 crore in revised estimates for 2024-25 under the Scheme "MLALAD" to accommodate the increase in the limit per assembly constituency per annum to 15 crore with effect from April 2024.

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To provide the power subsidy to domestic consumers, the revised outlay under the scheme 'subsidy to consumers through DISCOM' has been increased by Rs 350 crore in RE 2024-25.

An outlay increased to 1130 crores in revised estimates 2024- 25 from 1040 crores in budget estimates 2024-25 for providing pensions to widows. For ongoing works of DMRC Phase-IV, an additional amount of Rs 1,848.72 crore is allocated in revised estimates for 2024-25. For the Delhi-SNB corridor and Delhi-Panipat corridor of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), an additional amount of 100 crore is kept in revised estimates for 2024-25.

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For the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Policy, the government has earmarked a provision of Rs 140 crore in the revised estimates against the budget estimates for 2024-25 of 30 crore. An additional amount of Rs 140 crore is allocated in revised estimates for 2024-25 for free travel for women commuters in DTC and cluster buses.

An amount of Rs 64 crore was kept in revised estimates for 2024-25 for pollution control measures. The total outlay of the Forest Department has been increased to 113 crore in RE 2024-25 against 39 crore in budget estimates 2024-25 for plantation and to increase the green cover of Delhi.

Delhi government has earmarked additional funds of Rs 100 crore for the re-modelling of existing hospitals. For the construction of school buildings and related ongoing projects, an additional fund of Rs 124.80 crore has been allocated in the revised estimates for 2024-25.

In the revised estimate, an additional fund of 1900 crore is allocated under the scheme of loans to DJB for ways and means of support to meet the routine revenue expenditure.

On the last day of the current assembly seating, Chief Minister Atishi presented the supplementary demands for grants of Rs 4575 crore for the financial year 2024-25, which was passed by the House. This was requested by the government to meet additional expenditure during the course of the financial year. (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 5 (PTI) India slammed developed countries for causing the climate crisis during a landmark hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday, saying they exploited the global carbon budget, failed to honour climate-finance promises and are now demanding that developing countries restrict their resource use.

The court is examining what legal obligations countries have to address climate change and the consequences if they fail.

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Making submissions on behalf of India, Luther M Rangreji, joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, "If the contribution to degradation is unequal, the responsibility must also be unequal."

India said developing nations are the hardest hit by climate change, despite contributing the least to it.

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"The developed world, which historically contributed the most, is ironically the best equipped with the technological and economic means to address this challenge," Rangreji said.

He criticised rich countries for enjoying the benefits of fossil fuels while discouraging developing nations from using their own energy resources.

"Countries which have reaped development benefits from exploiting fossil fuels demand developing countries to not utilise the national energy resources available to them," he said.

India also slammed the lack of action on climate-finance commitments.

"The USD 100 billion pledged at the Copenhagen COP in 2009 by developed country parties and the doubling of the contribution to the Adaptation Fund have not yet been translated into any concrete actions," India noted.

It called the new climate finance package for the Global South agreed at COP29 in Azerbaijan's Baku "too little, too distant" to meet the urgent needs of developing countries.

India stressed the principle of fairness, saying, "If the contribution to global environmental degradation is unequal, the responsibility should also be unequal."

India also reaffirmed its commitment to its climate targets under the Paris Agreement, but warned against overburdening its citizens.

"There is a limit on how much we burden our citizens, even when India is pursuing Sustainable Development Goals for one-sixth of humanity," it said.

The hearing is the result of years of campaigning by Pacific island nations and Vanuatu, which led to a UN resolution asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion. Over the next two weeks, 98 countries, including small island nations and large emitters, will present their views.

Though non-binding, the ICJ's opinion could set a moral and legal benchmark in the global fight against climate change.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ranchi, December 5: A total of 11 MLAs took oath as Ministers in the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan government in Jharkhand, clearing the much awaited cabinet expansion in the state. The oath was administered by the state governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a swearing-in-ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

Since his swearing-in ceremony on November 28, Chief Minister Hemant Soren was the only minister in the state government's cabinet. However, the cabinet was formally expanded today with the swearing-in ceremony of the other ministers. Jharkhand Cabinet Expansion: 11 Ministers of Hemant Soren-Led Government Take Oath of Office and Secrecy.

Among the MLAs, that took oath as ministers today, 6 belonged to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), 4 belonged to Congress while RJD was also given a single ministerial post in Soren's cabinet. JMM MLA Yogendra Prasad, JMM MLA Sudivya Kumar, JMM MLA Ramdas Soren, JMM MLA Hafizul Hasan, JMM MLA Deepak Birua and JMM MLA Chamra Linda sworn in as ministers.

Four Congress MLAs, including Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Irfan Ansari, Dipika Pandey Singh and Radha Krishana Kishore have been inducted in the cabinet of CM Soren. RJD MLA Sanjay Prasad Yadav sworn in as minister in the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan government in the state. Jharkhand Government Cabinet Expansion Set To Take Place on December 5, Check List of Ministers Likely To Be Inducted in Hemant Soren Cabinet.

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. Earlier today, JMM leader Manoj Pandey said that Jharkhand government will have representation of leaders from all sections of society. He stated that a balanced cabinet will be formed in the Jharkhand government.

"The Jharkhand government led by Hemant Soren will have representation of leaders from all sections of society... The names of Jharkhand cabinet ministers have been delayed as the Congress announced the names of ministers last night. A balanced cabinet will be formed. We believe in taking along all sections of the society...The names will be announced soon..." Pandey told ANI.

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Alappuzha (Kerala), Dec 5 (PTI) The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) will initiate action against the owner of the vehicle that caused an accident in which five MBBS students were killed in Kalarcode near here recently.

MVD officials said the registration of the vehicle would also be suspended.

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A senior officer with MVD said that the vehicle owner, a native of Alappuzha, does not have a license to rent the car, and a report will be submitted before the court for initiating prosecution against him.

"If the vehicle is used for hire or reward without a valid permit for being used as such, its registration can be suspended under section 53 of the Motor Vehicles Act," he stated.

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The first-year MBBS students of the Vandanam Government Medical College here were killed after the rented car they were travelling in collided with a KSRTC bus on Monday night, leaving six seriously injured.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Abdul Jabbar from Kannur, Mohammed Ibrahim from Lakshadweep, Devanandan from Malappuram, Ayush Shaji from Alappuzha, and Srideep from Palakkad.

In the CCTV visuals aired by TV channels, it can be seen that the speeding car skids and collides with the passenger bus and gets crushed beneath it on a rainy night.

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New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to establish guidelines that protect the fundamental rights and interests of Indian students travelling abroad for educational purposes.

The plea submitted that these students currently lack adequate legal protection whatsoever, leaving them vulnerable to fraud, exploitation, and various malpractices perpetuated by unregulated educational agents and foreign institutions.

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A plea moved by NGO Legal Pravasi Bhartiya stated that the existing leg framework governing emigration, as provided under the Emigration Act of 1983, does not contain provisions specifically safeguarding Indian students who seek education abroad. This Act is employment-focused and does not extend its protections to Indian students.

In the absence of regulatory oversight, these students, while pursuing higher education outside India, are at substantial risk of becoming victims of exploitation, plea added.

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The plea stated that, "In the absence of robust legal mechanisms for student's migration to abroad, Indian students are so vulnerable to severe exploitation and harassment not only in India but also in the destination countries. An appropriate legislation is the need of the hour to address this pressing issue. As an interim measure, appropriate guidelines on student's migration abroad will protect the rights and interests of the Indian students."

NGO President Jose Abraham through Advocate Basin Jaison claimed that there are rising incidents of fraud perpetrated against the students.

The plea further submitted that numerous cases have surfaced where students have been defrauded by unregulated educational agents. This includes false promises regarding university admissions, courses, and accommodations, resulting in significant financial losses.

Students lack legal resources under the Emigration Act 1983 or the Draft Bill 2021 to address grievances against fraudulent agents, unlike workers who have access to regulatory bodies and mechanisms for redressal, plea read. (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 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is sending an high-level Indian delegation to witness the ordination of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad as a cardinal by the Pope at a function to be held in the Vatican City on Saturday (December 7), said former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, from the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanacherry, Kerala, was elevated to the rank of Cardinal. He has been responsible for organizing Pope Francis' international travels since 2020. He is among 21 new Cardinals announced by Pope Francis on October 6. The formal ceremony for the new Cardinals will be held on December 8. Russian President Vladimir Putin Lauds PM Narendra Modi, Says 'Investments in India Are Profitable, Russia Ready To Place Manufacturing Site in Country'.

The delegation will be headed by Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian. The other members of the delegation are Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, Rajya Sabha MP Satam Singh Sandhu, BJP leaders Anil Antony, Anoop Antony and Tom Vadakkan.

"Honored to be part of Delegation to attend the ordainment of Kerala and Changanesserys very own, #FrGeorgeKoovakad as Cardinal, at the Vatican on 7th Dec. This delegation being sent by PM @narendramodi will convey the good wishes of PM, the christian community and All people of India at this most proud occassion for all Indians," Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a post on X. PM Narendra Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuck Discuss Enhancing Economic Connectivity, Fast-Tracking Visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City Project (See Pics).

Anil Antony said that PM Modi has always made it one of his most important missions to reach out to all global communities. "A very high-level delegation led by Union Minister George Kurian, two senior members of parliaments, are going to the Vatican City tomorrow for a ceremony where the Holy Father Pope Francis has created 20 new cardinals. Of the 20 cardinals created, one of them is Archbishop George, who is originally from Kerala and currently holds the Apostolic. He is in charge of the apostolic journeys of the Pope, so a high-level delegation will be going for these ceremonies," Anil Antony told ANI.

"Our prime minister in the last 10 years has always made it one of his most important missions to reach out to all global communities...There is a large Christian population in Goa, a large Christian population in the northeast, Kerala and all these places. Now you are seeing more and more people supporting the party and our prime minister's vision of Viksit Bharat," he added.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar told ANI that Father George Koovakad becoming a cardinal is n extremely proud moment for all the Indians, especially the Christian community. "It is an extremely proud moment for all the Indians, especially the Christian community. Father George Koovakad who is from Kerala, is becoming a cardinal...He is the first father who is becoming a cardinal directly and the Pope is ordaining him on the 7th evening," Chandrasekhar said.

"PM Modi on behalf of himself and all Indians is sending a delegation headed by Union Minister George Kurian of which I am a part. We will be going to represent the pride and happiness of the people of India," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, December 5: A delegation comprising concerned citizens and experts met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the worsening air pollution crisis and outlined practical steps to tackle this "public health emergency".

During the meeting in the Parliament House premises, the former Congress chief assured them that he would raise the issue in Parliament and advocate for immediate action on their demands. Delhi Air Pollution: Supreme Court Agrees To Relax GRAP-4 Restrictions, Says Cant Go Below GRAP-2 at This Stage.

The delegation, including renowned medical expert Doctor Sanjeev Bagai, environmentalists Jai Dhar Gupta and Vimlendu Jha, and Bhavreen Khandari from Warrior Moms, met Gandhi to address the worsening air pollution crisis, the Congress said.

They presented a petition demanding urgent action and outlined practical steps to tackle this public health emergency. The delegation emphasised the urgency of the situation, calling air pollution a severe threat to public health and well-being, it said.

They proposed actionable solutions to mitigate the crisis. Asserting that air pollution in North India is a "national emergency", Gandhi, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, had urged fellow MPs to come together in the session and discuss how the nation could end this crisis once and for all. He said the air pollution crisis needs a collective national response, not political blame games. Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Blanket of Smog Covers City and Surrounding Areas As AQI Remains in the Severe Category (Watch Videos).

Gandhi had shared a video on X in which he discussed the air pollution issue with environmentalist Vimlendu Jha at the India Gate here. In his post along with the video, the Congress leader had said air pollution in north India is a national emergency -- a public health crisis that is stealing our children's future and suffocating the elderly -- and an environmental and economic disaster that is ruining countless lives.

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New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the Delhi government for not paying the full subsistence allowance to construction workers, who went without work due to the curbs imposed to combat air pollution in the national capital.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih quizzed Delhi chief secretary Dharmendra for paying only Rs 2,000 of the mandated Rs 8,000 to 90,693 construction workers and directed the remaining amount be released immediately.

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"You want the construction workers to starve? Is this not a welfare state? If you can pay Rs 2,000 to 90,693 workers, then why can't you pay the remaining Rs 6000 to them?" the bench questioned the top bureaucrat.

The top court warned the official of initiating contempt action if its directions were not complied with.

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The chief secretary, who appeared virtually, informed the bench that information from the labour department revealed the payment of Rs 2,000 to 90,693 construction workers registered in the portal, in order to provide them with immediate succour.

"Statute provides for verification and therefore, we will pay the remaining amount after proper verification of these workers," he suggested.

The submission of the chief secretary, however, did not cut much ice with the court, which said the remaining amount had to be released immediately.

The top court questioned the Delhi government on efforts being made to reach out to the construction workers for payment of subsistence allowance and said it couldn't believe there were only 90,000 workers in Delhi.

The bench therefore asked for the issuance of a public notice to the construction workers to make them aware of registration and payment of the subsistence allowance.

The Delhi government was directed to convene a meeting of the workers' union immediately to ensure their registration.

Similar directions were passed for Rajasthan, where two districts Bharatpur and Alwar, fall in the NCR, besides 14 districts of Haryana and eight districts of UP, to convene a meeting of workers' unions and pay the subsistence allowance.

On December 2, the top court directed the chief secretaries of NCR states to appear before it through video-conferencing to inform whether or not any subsistence allowance was paid to the construction workers who went without work owing to the restrictions.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 5 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA and former Telangana Minister Harish Rao was released from Gachibowli police station here on Thursday night, after being in detention for over 10 hours.

Harish Rao was detained when he tried to go to BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy's house.

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Kaushik Reddy, who was booked on Wednesday for threatening the Station House Officer at Banjara Hills Police Station, was taken into custody from his residence in Kondapur on Thursday.

After his release Harish Rao said that Kaushik Reddy should be given "immediate station bail."

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"BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy was arrested during the early hours today...He has not been produced in court neither station bail has been granted to him...He should be given immediate station bail...We condemn this arrest," Harish Rao told ANI.

Earlier in the day, BRS MLC K Kavitha arrived at the Banjara Hills police station to meet Kaushik Reddy.

BRS cadre protested outside the Gachibowli police station against Rao's detention. BRS national spokesperson D Sravan condemned the detention, calling it "illegal" and accusing Telangana's administration of dictatorial practices.

"Strongly condemn the illegal detention of Harish Rao. Condemn the Police Raj in Telangana under dictatorial rule of Shri Revanth Reddy," D. Sravan posted on X.

Earlier on Thursday, BRS MLA Harish Rao claimed that MLA Kaushik Reddy faced illegal arrest after complaining about phone tapping at a police station.

According to Harish Rao, dozens of policemen arrived at Kaushik Reddy's house, attempting to arrest him without proper grounds.

Harish Rao also stated that he and other BRS leaders were treated unfairly when they questioned the police's actions.

"When MLA Kaushik Reddy went to the police station to complain about phone tapping, a case was filed against him. In the morning, dozens of policemen came to the MLA's house and tried to make an illegal arrest. If you question this wickedness, they behaved wickedly against me and BRS leaders. Arrested illegally and taken to police station," he posted on X.

Harish Rao strongly criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, calling his rule "demonic" despite being labeled as democratic.

"You (Revanth reddy) are continuing the demonic rule while calling it democratic rule. We are not afraid of your quail threats and illegal cases. Telangana society itself will give you wisdom," he posted on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, BRS claimed that party MLA Kaushik Reddy from Huzurabad visited the Banjara Hills Police Station to file a complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy, alleging they tapped the phones of opposition leaders.

However, upon his arrival, the Banjarahills CI reportedly fled the scene. Kaushik Reddy expressed outrage, stating that government officials loyal to the ruling party are not being held accountable.

"Huzurabad MLA who went to Banjara Hills Police Station to file a police complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy for tapping the phones of opposition leaders @KaushikReddyBRS ..Banjarahills CI ran away after seeing Padi Kaushik Reddy who went to the police station to file a complaint. MLA Kaushik Reddy expressed his anger that the government officials who are tooting the horns of the ruling party and doing what they say have not been spared," BRS posted on X on Wednesday. (ANI)

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Chennai, Dec 5 (PTI) Two persons died and 19 others are undergoing treatment at a government hospital on Thursday, allegedly due to suspected drinking water contamination in the city.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian, who visited the hospital and consoled the patients, stated that water samples have been sent to the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Guindy for detailed analysis.

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The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem results are available, Minister Subramanian told reporters.

The deceased have been identified as 56-year-old Tiruveethi and 42-year-old Mohanarangam. According to the hospital, Mohanarangam was brought dead.

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Residents of Pallavaram claimed that drinking water in their area became contaminated after sewage mixed with it during the recent rains in the city.

However, State MSME Minister T M Anbarasan, who visited the hospital to console the patients, dismissed water contamination as the cause and suggested that food poisoning might be responsible for the illnesses.

Residents of Kamaraj Nagar and Manalmedu in Pallavaram have been flocking to the government hospital in Tambaram with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea over the past three days.

A total of 34 individuals were admitted during this period, with 14 discharged and 19 currently receiving treatment, said Subramanian.

(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 5 (PTI) Centre-backed CSC E-Governance Services and traders body CAIT have signed an agreement to enrol traders and citizens into the government's social security schemes by organising dedicated camps, an official statement said on Thursday.

Under the agreement, CSC and CAIT collaboration will facilitate registration under various social security schemes.

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The schemes include National Pension System (NPS), Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Scheme, DigiPay Sakhi and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.

"A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) at a formal ceremony. This collaboration aims to ensure greater participation from last-mile beneficiaries," the statement said.

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Around 6 lakh common service centres operate under CSC across the country to provide people access to government services digitally.

CAIT claims to represent over 9 crore traders nationwide through more than 48,000 trade federations and associations.

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Jaipur, Dec 5 (PTI) A BSF head constable and an Indian Army jawan allegedly committed suicide in separate incidents in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, police said on Thursday.

SHO Mahajan police station Kashyap Singh said that Indian Army jawan Santosh Panwar (30) hanged himself in his room on Wednesday evening. He was posted in the Mahajan Field Firing Range of Bikaner.

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Panwar was a native of Maharashtra. His body was handed over to the family on Thursday morning after conducting a post-mortem, Singh said.

In another incident in the Jayanarayan Vyas police station area, BSF Head Constable Banshilal (44) was found dead in the basement of his house on Thursday. He hanged himself with a rope, Singh said.

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The body was handed over to the family after post-mortem. No suicide note was found in either of the cases. Further investigation is underway, Singh 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 5 (PTI) Sebi on Thursday restrained five entities, including Mishtann Foods and its promoter and CMD Hiteshkumar Gaurishankar Patel, from the securities markets till further orders for alleged financial mismanagement, fraudulent transactions, and corporate governance lapses.

The regulator also barred Mishtann Foods Ltd (MFL) from raising money from the public as well as prohibited 12 entities, including Hiteshkumar, Navinchandra Patel (CFO), Ravikumar Patel (former CFO) and Jatinbhai Patel (former whole time director) from associating themselves with any Sebi-registered entity or, any listed company or any firm that intends to raise money from the public, until further orders.

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Sebi found that MFL has negligible fixed assets on its books and negative cash flow from its operating activity and a very low inventory as compared to its sizeable sale figures during the investigation period and were prima facie found to be fictitious involving circular flow of funds.

Sebi in its interim order also observed the number of public shareholders of MFL has drastically increased from a mere 516 at the end of FY18 to 4.23 lakh by the end of September 2024 quarter.

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Hiteshkumar, the sole promoter of MFL, offloaded shares of MFL during July-August period, garnering around Rs 50 crore and the promoter holding has been declining since March 2024 quarter.

Thus, it appears to be waiting for an opportune time to offload his shares to the detriment of the retail investors.

The regulator noted that Mishtann Foods was prima facie found by booking fictitious sale/purchase transactions with the group entities and misappropriated its funds amounting to Rs 47.10 crore.

Sebi's whole-time member Ashwani Bhatia said, Hiteshkumar, Navinchandra, Ravikumar, and Jatinbhai, failed to perform their duties and obligations which resulted in publication of untrue and misleading financial statements of MFL for seven consecutive fiscal years from FY18 to FY24.

Therefore, it was prima facie found that these four directors violated the provisions of regulations of LODR (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) rules.

These directors are also prima facie found responsible for violations committed by MFL.

Mishtann Foods had filed a draft letter of offer for a rights issue of around Rs 150 crore in May 2023, with Sebi, however, it was later withdrawn.

Later, the company came up with a rights issue worth Rs 49.9 crore in April 2024, and the issue proceeds were found to be misappropriated by transferring the issue proceeds to partners/ directors of its group entities.

In August this year, MFL filed a fresh draft letter of offer with the stock exchange for another rights issue of an amount of less than Rs 50 crore. As per norms, there is no requirement to file a draft letter of offer with Sebi for a rights issue of an amount less than Rs 50 crore.

Therefore, it is apparent from the modus operandi that MFL intended to circumvent the regulator's oversight and compliance with ICDR rules, by withdrawing the initial Rs 150 crore rights issue and then proceeding to raise money in multiple smaller tranches through rights issues of amounts less than Rs 50 crore.

Given, the track record of Mishtann Foods, there is every possibility that if in case the company is allowed to go ahead with the proposed rights issue, it may again divert its proceeds.

Accordingly, Sebi directed MFL to bring back the rights issue proceeds amounting to Rs 49.82 crore misutilised/ misappropriated through group entities and the amount of Rs 47.10 crore which was diverted to promoters/directors of MFL and their relatives through fictitious sales/purchases with group entities.

The regulator also directed BSE to not approve any rights issue application filed by MFL till further orders.

Further, Sebi also called upon to show cause to 24 entities, including MFL, its key officials and others as to why an inquiry should not be held against them and also directed them to file their reply/objections within 21 days.

The interim order came from a detailed investigation covering the period from April 2017 to March 2024, following complaints of GST fraud and other financial irregularities by Mishtann Foods.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhopal, Dec 5 (PTI) Retail health insurance company Star Health Insurance on Thursday said it will add 5,000 agents and hire 150 managers in Madhya Pradesh by March 2025 under expansion plans.

The company said it has solidified its position in Madhya Pradesh with close to 50 offices and a network of 524 hospitals.

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"We have a robust network of over 31,200 agents covering 8 lakh lives and 527 employees in MP," Sanath Kumar, Executive President of Star Health Insurance told reporters here.

The company is looking to expand its reach by opening Gramin Bima Kendras in 14 districts with an additional six rural centres, adding 5000 agents, and hiring 150 sales managers by March 2025 in Madhya Pradesh.

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"We are deeply committed to making quality healthcare accessible to every corner of Madhya Pradesh," Kumar said.

The company has paid out Rs 1,313 crores in claims in the last five years in Madhya Pradesh, he added. CH1418

(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 5: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at 16 locations in Karnataka in connection with the brutal murder of BJP activist Praveen Nettaru, who was brutally killed on Jul 26, 2022. The raids have been underway since Thursday morning at the places of the suspects. The move comes months after the NIA chargesheeted two accused for their role in harbouring Mustafa Paichar, who is the key conspirator in connection with the killing of Praveen Nettaru, a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. Praveen Nettaru Murder: Anger Outpours At Funeral of BJP Yuva Morcha Leader in Karnatakas Bellare; Watch Video.

Praveen Nettaru, District Committee member of BJP Yuva Morcha, was hacked to death with sharp weapons at a public place with the intention to strike terror amongst the people. In this regard, FIR no. 63/2022 dated July 27, 2022, was registered at Bellare Police Station in Dakshina Kannada District and NIA re-registered the case on August 4, 2022, under various provisions of UA(P) Act and IPC. So far 19 accused persons have been arrested in the case.

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Dhaka, Dec 6 (AP) A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Thursday banned the publication of any speeches by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is in exile in India after being ousted in August following mass protests.

The decision came a day after Hasina made her first public speech in a virtual address to supporters of her Awami League party in New York. In the speech, she accused Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, of perpetrating genocide and failing to protect minorities, especially Hindus, since her ouster.

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The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal made the decision in response to a request by government prosecutors for a ban on any speeches by Hasina on mainstream or social media, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim said.

Hasina fled to India after being ousted in a mass uprising in July and August in which hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands were injured. She faces many court cases over the deaths, including some on charges of crimes against humanity. The tribunal has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close aides, and the government has sought help from the international police organization Interpol for her arrest.

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Prosecutors said in their request to the tribunal that some speeches and phone calls by Hasina had been disseminated on electronic media and could interfere in the investigation of the charges against her by influencing or frightening witnesses.

If speeches like these are published and broadcast, we won't be able to bring witnesses to the tribunal during trials, Tamim said.

He said the tribunal also ordered authorities to remove leaked speeches and phone conversations from media platforms.

Hasina established the tribunal during her 15-year rule. It was used to try people accused of war crimes during Bangladesh's war of independence with Pakistan in 1971. Politicians belonging mainly to the Jamaat-e-Islami party were executed after being found guilty by the tribunal.

On Wednesday, Hasina told her supporters in New York that there had been plans to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana just like their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an independence leader who was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family. Only Hasina and her younger sister survived because they were visiting Germany at that time.

She said armed protesters had been instructed to head to her residence in Dhaka and she was forced to flee to India so that security guards would not have to fire at the approaching crowd.

If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost," she said. "I was forced to leave. I told them not to open fire, no matter what happened.

Media reports said more such public speeches are planned by Hasina to address her supporters in the coming weeks.

Hasina has good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions between India and Muslim-majority Bangladesh have grown since her departure over incidents such as the jailing of a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh and attacks on a diplomatic office in India by Hindus.

Yunus has been meeting with political and religious leaders urging them to stay united. On Wednesday, he held a dialogue with most political parties except Hasina's Awami League party and the Jatiya Party which are facing severe challenges under the Yunus-led administration.

On Thursday, Yunus met with religious leaders and said there was no division among Bangladeshis when it comes to national issues.

Bangladesh has been facing crucial challenges since Hasina's ouster in August amid mob justice, rising commodity prices, errant street protests and an unstable economy. The security situation remains a major concern. About 700 inmates including many criminals and radical Islamists still remain at large after jailbreaks during the political chaos in August. (AP)

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Jerusalem [Israel], December 5 (ANI/TPS): More than 200 venture capital partners, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered in Tel Aviv on Thursday for the annual 2024-2025 Trends and Forecasts conference.

The conference was spearheaded by Pearl Cohen, a law firm, and Fusion VC, a US-based venture capital firm and accelerator for Israeli startups. It included several surveys and reports on Israel's startup ecosystem.

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Israel's mergers and acquisitions market saw a record-breaking high of USD 10.5 billion in 2024, Israel's best year ever, with Israeli startups securing USD 8.1 billion in funding, according to a report presented by Asaf Horesh, managing partner at Vintage Investment Partners.

This comes amid ongoing economic troubles in Europe and the US and as Israel faces an ongoing, multi- front war.

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According to the report, while the total number of deals dropped to 434 from 682 in the same period last year, the total amount of funds raised by the startups increased to USD 8.1 billion, up from USD 7.3 billion.

The fact that the total funds raised for this year have increased despite the decrease in the number of deals means that the companies that did succeed often managed to raise larger sums.

According to an investor study by Fusion VC, 43 per cent of respondents cited political and security instability as their top concerns, while 38 per cent emphasized difficulties in raising funds for new VC initiatives.

Furthermore, many investors saw attracting foreign investment amid the ongoing war as a critical issue, scaring off potential international investors.

"There is also concern that the Israeli tech ecosystem is overly concentrated in cybersecurity, with too few resources directed toward consumer-focused companies. This limits the potential for Israel to build large-scale consumer businesses," said Fusion co-founder Guy Katsovich.

In addition to reports, surveys, and discussions with leading investors, the conference also featured a discussion with Danny Gold, head of MAFAT (the Directorate of Defense Research and Development) and developer of Israel's famed Iron Dome.

Israeli defense technologies have proven their worth on multiple occasions over the past year of war, with Israel's air defense and cybersecurity drawing increasing interest from foreign buyers and investors. (ANI/TPS)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Deir Al-Balah, Dec 4 (AP) Israeli aircraft struck a sprawling tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, according to a local health official, setting off fires in the coastal tent city that Israel has designated a humanitarian zone but which has been repeatedly targeted.

The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants involved in terrorist activities in the area, without providing additional details, and said it took precautions to minimize harm to civilians.

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The strikes were the latest deadly assault in the war-wracked Gaza Strip, where Israel's offensive against Hamas is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire.

The Biden administration has pledged to make a new push to get a ceasefire for Gaza after Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah agreed to end more than a year of cross-border fighting. And President-elect Donald Trump demanded in a social media post this week the release of hostages held by Hamas before he is sworn into office in January.

Also Read | Israel-Gaza Conflict: At Least 21 People Killed in Israeli Air Strike on Tent Camp in Khan Younis.

The strike Wednesday in Muwasi, a desolate area with few public services that holds hundreds of thousands of displaced people, also wounded at least 28 people, according to Atif Al-Hout, the director of Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis.

An Associated Press journalist at the hospital counted at least 15 bodies, but he said reaching a precise number was difficult because many of the dead were dismembered, some without heads or badly burned.

Videos and photos shared widely on social media showed flames and a column of black smoke rising into the night sky, as well as twisted metal tent frames and shredded fabric. Palestinian men searched through the still-burning wreckage, shouting Over here guys! Further away, civilians stood at a distance, observing the destruction.

The military said the strikes had set off secondary explosions, indicating explosives present in the area had detonated. It was not possible to independently confirm the Israeli claims, and the strikes could also have ignited fuel, cooking gas canisters or other materials in the camp.

The strikes followed earlier Israeli attacks on other parts of the Gaza Strip that killed eight people, four of them children, according to Palestinian medics. The military said it had struck terrorist targets in a series of strikes.

On Wednesday, Israel said its forces recovered the body of one hostage who was captured alive during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war, yet who Israel believes was killed by his captors. Israel believes about a third of the remaining 100 hostages are dead.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel's offensive has killed over 44,500 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for their deaths because the militants often operate in residential areas and are known to position tunnels, rocket launchers and other infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

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 those efforts stalled as Israel rejected Hamas' demand for a complete withdrawal from the territory. (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 5 (ANI): The charge d'affaires of the Palestine Embassy in India, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, on Wednesday, expressed appreciation towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his letter on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

In a statement, Abu Jazer stated that PM Modi had reaffirmed India's support for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and also welcomed India's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine.

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"We welcome and highly appreciate the message of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The Prime Minister's message contained important content, reaffirming India's support for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and a two-state solution through the diplomatic and political path that the Palestinian people are striving to achieve. We also welcome and support the Indian Prime Minister's call for an immediate ceasefire to stop the Israeli war on Gaza, as well as India's commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine," the statement read.

Abu Jazer highlighted India's ongoing support for the United Nations through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and reiterated India's support for the UN and its institutions in addressing the needs of Palestinian refugees.

Also Read | Israel-Gaza Conflict: At Least 21 People Killed in Israeli Air Strike on Tent Camp in Khan Younis.

"We also believe that India's affirmation of its continued support to the United Nations in carrying out its activities in the region to bring about tangible change in the daily lives of the Palestinian people is a clear confirmation of India's support for the United Nations in its various institutions, foremost of which is UNRWA. It clearly confirms India's belief on the Objectives of the United Nations and all its institutions and its appreciation for all that it provides to the Palestinian people, foremost of which is UNRWA, which provides various assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees," the statement added.

Earlier on November 29, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's support for the Palestinian cause and highlighted the longstanding ties between India and Palestine, rooted in shared history. He emphasized India's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of economic and social development.

"On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I reiterate India's unwavering support to the Palestinian cause. India's ties with the friendly people of Palestine are rooted in our common history. We have always supported the Palestinian people in their pursuit of economic and social development with dignity and self-reliance. We are hopeful that direct talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides will resume to find a comprehensive and negotiated solution. India has also been at the forefront of extending developmental assistance to Palestine over the years," the letter read.

"Our flagship projects such as India-Palestine Techno Park, Palestine National Printing Press and four Schools are already functional while other projects, including the Palestine Diplomatic Academy, Women Empowerment Centre (Turathi) and a Super Speciality Hospital are under implementation. We have substantially enhanced our contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in recent years to strengthen its hands for humanitarian activities. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend my best wishes to the people of the State of Palestine in their journey to achieve statehood, peace, and prosperity," it 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)
Pristina (Kosovo), Dec 5 (AP) Judges of a European Union-backed court on Thursday ordered the arrest of Kosovo's three war veterans on alleged offenses against the administration of justice.

A statement from the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, based in The Hague, Netherlands confirmed ongoing operations in Kosovo authorised by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and supported there by the EU's Rule of Law Mission, or EULEX.

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Kosovar media reported three arrests.

The court in The Hague and a linked prosecutor's office were created after a 2011 report by the Council of Europe, a human rights body, that included allegations that KLA fighters trafficked human organs taken from prisoners and killed Serbs and fellow ethnic Albanians.

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The organ harvesting allegations have not been included in indictments issued by the court.

Since November 2020, top leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which waged Kosovo's 1998-99 war for independence from Serbia  ex-President Hashim Thaci, former parliamentary Speaker Kadri Veseli and ex-lawmaker Rexhep Selimi  have been in custody. They are on trial facing charges including murder, torture and persecution during and after the war.

Two other war veterans have been sentenced to jail terms for war crimes.

Two leaders of a Kosovo war veterans' association also have been convicted after being found guilty of witness intimidation and obstructing justice.

Most of the 13,000 people who died in the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo were ethnic Albanians. A 78-day NATO air campaign against Serbian troops ended the fighting, but tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, a move Belgrade and its key allies Russia and China refuse to recognise. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Seoul, Dec 5 (AP) Decades of achievement led Yoon Suk Yeol to the pinnacle of political power in South Korea, but his legacy may now boil down to a single, baffling decision to send out troops under martial law over vague claims that one of Asia's leading democracies was under threat.

Was there any clue in Yoon's background that this was coming?

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Yoon, a staunch conservative and longtime prosecutor, went from political novice to president of South Korea in 2022, ending five years of liberal rule that saw failed efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis and a slackening economy.

But his time in office has been marked by near-constant friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, threats of annihilation from North Korea and a series of scandals involving him and and his wife. Observers say he has long taken criticism personally and relies the advice of hardcore loyalists, and that he makes impulsive decisions.

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As he faces impeachment by parliament, no one thing explains his attempt to shut down the mechanisms of a democratic nation over his still unexplained claim that anti-state actors were acting under the influence of North Korea.

But there are strands in Yoon's background, and especially in the intense acrimony with the liberal opposition and his hardline standoff with North Korea, that help illuminate what could turn out to be the defining moment of his presidency.

A turbulent rise to top prosecutor

Despite his three years as president, Yoon's career has been overwhelmingly about the law, not politics.

Yoon, 63, was born in Seoul to two professors, and went to prestigious Seoul National University, where he studied law.

A defining moment, according to Yoon, happened in 1980 when he played the role of a judge in a mock trial of then-dictator Chun Doo-hwan, who had staged a military coup the previous year, and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

In the aftermath, Yoon had to flee to the countryside as Chun's military extended martial law and placed troops and armoured vehicles at the university.

Yoon returned to the capital and eventually began a career as a state prosecutor that would last nearly three decades, building an image as strong-minded and uncompromising.

Prone to confrontation

But he has also faced criticism that his personality was unsuited to high-level leadership.

President Yoon isn't well-prepared, and he does things off the cuff," Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Institute of Presidential Leadership, said. "He also tends to express his emotions too directly. The things that he likes and dislikes are easy to see, and he tends to follow the advice of a small group of his own people, not the majority of people.

During a parliament audit in 2013, Yoon, then a senior prosecutor, said he was under pressure from his boss, who said he opposed Yoon's investigation into an allegation that the country's spy agency had conducted an illicit online campaign to help conservative President Park Geun-hye win the previous year's election.

At the time, he famously said, I'm not loyal to (high-level) people.

He was demoted, but after Park's government was toppled over a separate corruption scandal in 2017, then President Moon Jae-in made Yoon head of a Seoul prosecution office, which investigated Park and other conservative leaders. Moon later named Yoon the nation's top prosecutor.

A neophyte in politics

Yoon only joined party politics about a year before he won the presidency, abandoning the liberal Moon after an impasse over a probe of Moon's allies. Moon's supporters said he was trying to thwart Moon's prosecution reforms and elevate his own political standing.

The 2022 presidential race was Yoon's first election campaign.

Yoon beat his rival, liberal firebrand Lee Jae-myung, by less than 1 percentage point in South Korea's most closely fought presidential election.

Their campaign was one of the nastiest in recent memory.

Yoon compared Lee's party to Hitler and Mussolini. Lee's allies called Yoon a beast and dictator and derided his wife's alleged plastic surgery.

Domestic political strife

Yoon's time as president has been dominated by frustration and acrimony, much stemming from his narrow victory and his party's failure to win control of parliament.

The liberal opposition's control of parliament will continue until he leaves office in 2027 after resounding parliamentary election wins earlier this year.

Gridlock in parliament has led to an increasingly tense political discourse.

When Yoon declared the state of emergency, he said a goal was to eliminate shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces" that he said were plotting rebellion, in an apparent reference to the opposition Democratic Party.

During Tuesday's martial law announcement, Yoon highlighted his rivals' repeated attempts to impeach his top officials and their bid to curtail key parts of next year's budget bill as major reasons for his declaration.

Claims of corruption have also battered his approval ratings.

Last month, Yoon denied wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scandal involving him and his wife. Spy camera footage in a separate scandal also purportedly shows the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, accepting a luxury bag as a gift from a pastor.

Choi said he thinks Yoon likely planned the clumsy martial law edict to divert public attention away from the scandals.

Whether he will be politically dead or not, he tried to massively shake up the political world, Choi said. But he failed. He likely ... believed there was no other option.

North Korea has lashed out at his hard line

If political squabbles and scandal have set the tenor of Yoon's domestic presidency, its foreign policy has been characterized by a bitter standoff with North Korea.

Yoon early on in his presidency promised an audacious plan to improve the North's economy if it abandoned its nuclear weapons.

But things turned sour quickly, as North Korea ramped up its weapons tests and threats to attack the South. By last year North Korea was calling Yoon a guy with a trash-like brain and a diplomatic idiot.

And for months now, North Korea has taken that trash theme literally, sending thousands of balloons filled with garbage over the border, including some that made it to the presidential compound in Seoul at least twice.

Yoon's mention of North Korea as a domestic destabilizing force reminded some of an earlier South Korea, which until the late 1980s was ruled by a series of strongmen who repeatedly invoked the threat from the North to justify effort to control domestic dissidents and political opponents. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Dec 5 (PTI) The World Bank has approved a USD 188.28-million loan to stimulate economic growth in the Indian state of Maharashtra, especially in the lagging districts, a media release said.

The USD188.28 million Maharashtra Strengthening Institutional Capabilities in districts for enabling growth operation will support district planning and growth strategies, the bank said in a statement.

Also Read | Earthquake in Japan: Quake of Magnitude 4.3 on Richter Scale Rocks Ibaraki.

Investments under the operation will equip districts with the necessary data, funds, and expertise to maximize the value of public money employed for driving growth and job creation.

It will also enhance private sector participation by improving e-government services for businesses in districts, especially in the tourism sector, it said.

Also Read | Israel-Gaza Conflict: At Least 21 People Killed in Israeli Air Strike on Tent Camp in Khan Younis.

By providing well-articulated investments in institutional capability and coordination at the district level, the program will enhance evidence-based planning and policymaking, efficient public sector interface with the private sector, and improved service delivery to the public  all of which are the fulcrum of broad-based growth, especially in lagging districts, said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank's Country Director for India.

The operation will unlock the value of public data by building a data governance architecture including the Maha Databank for better coordination, integration, analysis, and dissemination of insights into state development. This data can be used to address key development gaps including gender disparities.

The operation sets up an incentive framework that will trigger annual fiscal rewards to districts that achieve performance targets. The operation will also strengthen the online service delivery portals MAITRI 2.0 (for services to private sector) and the RTS portal (used for all government services) for improving access of the private sector to timely government services, said Neha Gupta and Thomas Danielewitz, the Task Team Leaders for the project.

The USD 188.28-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 15 years, including a grace period of 5 years, the media release said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, December 5: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) released the RRB ALP Answer Key 2024 today, December 5. Candidates who appeared for the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment exam can check the ALP Answer Key 2024 on the official websites of RRBs. The link to download the answer key and raise objections which opened today will close on December 10 at 10 AM.

While the RRB ALP Answer Key has been released, candidates faced difficulty to access the official website due to heavy internet traffic. The first Computer Based Test or CBT 1 for Assistant Loco Pilot posts was held from November 25 to 29. The RRB ALP recruitment drive consists of five stages including two computer based tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2), a computer based aptitude test (CBAT), document verification (DV) and a medical examination (ME). Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 98 Court Officer, Assistant and Other Posts of NCLT Recruitment 2024; Know Salary and Other Details Here.

Steps to Download RRB ALP Answer Key 2024:

Visit the official website of RRB at rrb.gov.in.

On the homepage, click on the "RRB ALP Answer Key 2024" link

Enter using your registration number and date of birth

Your answer key will be displayed on the screen

Take a printout for future reference

Through the RRB ALP recruitment drive, the Railway Recruitment Boards is aiming to fill18,799 posts of Assistant Loco Pilots in the Indian Railway. Here's the direct link to download RRB ALP Answer Key 2024. Candidates are advised to keep their registration number and date of birth handy to check and download the ALP Answer Key 2024. SSC GD Final Result 2024: SSC Constable Results Expected Soon At ssc.gov.in, Know Steps to Download Merit List.

For more details, candidates can visit the official website of RRBs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2024 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The Indian Coast Guard has rescued 12 crew members of a merchant vessel from the country which sank in the north Arabian Sea during its voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Bandar Abbas port in Iran, officials said on Thursday.
On 4 December Mexicos Presidentmet with the parents of the 43 students from the Ayotzinapa rural teacher training college who were abducted in Guerrero state in 2014.

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On 4 December Brazilian polling firm AtlasIntel released the results of a recent survey which showed a drop in public approval for President

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On 4 December Colombias finance minister,, resigned after reportedly testifying to prosecutors about alleged corruption by Presidents adopted son,, and the president of state oil company Ecopetrol,

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By MICHAEL RUBINKAM and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press

Swaths of Pennsylvania and many other states are honeycombed with old, unstable mines that can cause the earth to suddenly give way and threaten people and property.

Thats what searchers in Westmoreland County, just southeast of Pittsburgh, fear led to the disappearance of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard. Pollard and a young granddaughter were looking for a lost cat when she went missing Monday evening. At about the same time, a sinkhole appeared roughly 20 feet (6 meters) from where she had parked her car, in an area above an old coal mine. The granddaughter was found safe inside the car hours later.

This Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. image provided by the Pennsylvania State Police shows the top of a sinkhole in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers were searching for a woman who disappeared. (Pennsylvania State Police via AP)AP

The search for Pollard turned from a rescue effort into a recovery operation Wednesday, as authorities said they did not expect to find her alive.

Mine subsidence has caused billions of dollars in damage in the U.S. In Pennsylvania, where mining dates to the late 1700s, coal was mined in nearly half of the states 67 counties and there are at least 5,000 abandoned underground mines, leaving behind hazards that officials say can arise at any time.

There are as many as 500,000 abandoned mines nationwide  far outnumbering those that are still active, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. They dot the landscape of coal country and sprawling Western states where mining was common. People have died falling into them, and some murderers have tried to hide victims bodies by dumping them in open mine shafts.

The sinkhole in Westmoreland County appears to have resulted from a catastrophic collapse, suggesting the roof of an old mine gave way suddenly after sagging for years, said Professor Paul Santi from the Colorado School of Mines Geology Department.

If its dropping say, half an inch a year, you can use satellite information to detect that and monitor if it is getting worse or not, Santi said. But you can also have these really quick ones that are harder to predict. Thats what happened in this case. You have this roof collapse and overnight a sinkhole appears.

The Marguerite Mine that authorities believe resulted in the sinkhole was last operated in 1952 by the H.C. Frick Coke Co., according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. The coal seam in the area is about 20 feet (6 meters) beneath the surface.

Thats relatively shallow, adding to the chance of a sudden collapse in areas where the coal had been removed, leaving a void likely filled with air, water or debris that had washed in over time, Santi said.

The sinkhole that formed was teardrop shaped, Santi said, with a small opening above a larger cavern. If the mine collapse had been deeper, it would have been cone-shaped and taken longer for the disturbance to reach the surface, he added.

Some mines used supports such as steel arches to prevent collapses. Others left pillars of coal in place to support the roof, but they dont always prevent settling over time.

The state Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will examine the scene when the search concludes to see if the sinkhole was indeed caused by mine subsidence, spokesperson Neil Shader said.

Old mines pose myriad dangers, with 381 people killed and 152 injured at abandoned mine sites nationwide between 2000 and 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

In many cases, their owners simply walked away from coal or precious metals mines when they became uneconomical to operate and declared bankruptcy, leaving behind safety hazards and costly pollution cleanups that public agencies must handle.

Victims can drown in flooded shafts, get lost in underground tunnels or perish from poisonous gases present in many old coal mines. Mine shafts can extend hundreds of feet beneath the surface and often are unmarked.

State and federal agencies have sealed off many old mines. But more are discovered every year and officials have yet to conduct basic risk analyses on most of the abandoned mines on federal land.

Subsidence is a widespread occurrence, including a recent sinkhole in a neighborhood north of Rapid City, South Dakota, near where Santi grew up.

Its part of population pressure, he said. We just need to do our best to map them and then getting people to avoid building on them  or at least knowing if they are deep enough that its not going to be an issue for sinkholes, he said.

Besides the safety hazards, millions of gallons of water loaded with arsenic, lead and other toxic metals flows daily from contaminated mine sites without being treated.

Pennsylvanias abandoned mine agency has responded to 75 subsidences this year, and 578 since 2017, said Lauren Camarda of the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Subsidence has long menaced homeowners in the states historical coal regions, so much so that in 1961 Pennsylvania began offering mine subsidence insurance to cover damage to homes or buildings. There are more than 62,000 such policies in force today, and the program has paid out on more than 2,200 claims.

___

Rubinkam reported form northeastern Pennsylvania and Brown from Billings, Montana.
Authorities have identified the 73-year-old woman found dead alongside her dog following a blaze at an Upper Bucks County home.

Holly Susan Pechter-Walters was at the home in the 1800 block of Mountain View Drive in Haycock Township when flames ignited around 4 a.m. Wednesday, state police said.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks told lehighvalleylive.com Pechter-Walters and her deceased dog were the only occupants inside the home when the fire began.

There were no other reported injuries.

The woman and dog were found deceased at the back door, according to state police. The home has since been deemed a total loss by fire officials.

The cause of the fire continued to remain unclear Thursday morning. The Pennsylvania State Polices fire marshal continues to investigate, Branosky said.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
John Paul Fenlon has been appointed to the Teagasc Authority for a five-year term by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.

Mr Fenlon, from Ballickmoyler, is a Teagasc Farm Technician based in Oak Park, Carlow and will be the Teagasc staff representative on the Authority for the next five years.

The Chairman of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy welcomed the Laois man to the Authority and congratulated him on the appointment.

John Paul brings a wealth of experience to the Authority as an experienced agricultural professional with over 20 years of experience working with Teagasc, beginning in 2001. I look forward to working closely with John Paul in the years ahead, he said.

Mr Fenlon completed a Level 6 in Agriculture & Business in 2014.

Teasasc says that throughout his career, he has taken on many leadership roles and has been actively involved in both local and national agricultural organisations such as Macra and Laois County Ploughing Association. He received a Macra Gold Leadership Award and is also a National Farm Skills Winner in 2014.

He was Chairperson of the Organising Committee for National and World Ploughing Events (2021 - 2023). MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Picured: Anthony Brennan, Shay Duggan, Henry Whiteford, JP Fenlon and Austin Armitage at the South Laois ploughing match in Ballacolla. Picture: Alf Harvey.

He is co-chair of the Teagasc National Partnership Committee and has demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and committee involvement, particularly in the areas of farm operations, event management, and staff development. John Paul is committed to the up-skilling and education of Teagasc staff, said a statement.

Ms Donnelly has stepped down from the Teagasc Authority having completed a 5 year term.

The Chairman of Teagasc thanked Martina for her contributions to the Authoritys deliberations.

Martina provided excellent representation for the staff in Teagasc and made an invaluable contribution to the Teagasc Authority. I want to thank Martina for her commitment," said Mr Herlihy.

The 11 member Teagasc Authority is appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine and has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, the universities, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Teagasc staff.

It oversees the operation of Ireland's agriculture and food development body which provides research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.



X
Portlaoise woman Sarah Bennett has won a Climate Ambassador Award for her work in leading the way in community climate action.



An Taisces annual Climate Ambassador Awards brings together citizens who are passionate about protecting the planet and rewards their local efforts to reduce the impact of climate change in Ireland.



Sarah Bennett, from Kilminchy, secured her Climate Ambassador Outstanding Achievement Award for using her crafting talents to encourage others to adopt a more circular and sustainable mindset.

A knitter and sewer, Sarah set up a regular repair cafe, where she taught people how to repair their clothes, enabling them to become more resourceful. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

A strong generator of community engagement and youth-led climate action, Sarah also set up An Tionscadal Cniotala, or The Knitting Project, where they offered beginner Knitting classes and ran a community Knitting Group. This was in response to fast fashion, and participants were invited to develop an appreciation for slow, mindful and handmade items of clothing. Sarah put her passion for preventing waste to further use by organising a month-long event in her student accommodation to enable students, particularly international students, to sell or give away items such as lamps and bookshelves, at the end of their residency. As a student of law, she put her strong sense of justice to task by writing a piece with the Youth Advisory Panel on Waste Colonialism to be shared with the Irish Climate Youth Delegate for COP29, as well as an article exploring fundamental rights & freedoms, and how they empower young people to advocate for meaningful change in response to the climate crisis.



The Climate Ambassador Programme has shown me the power of collective changes. Small things that we do every day have a huge impact on the environment. I feel immensely inspired and grateful to be introduced to a network of incredible people who share my hope for a sustainable future," said Sarah.



Climate Action Manager in An Taisce, Grainne Ryan, said: An Taisce has no doubt that Sarah will continue to inspire others to take action locally in Laois and across the country, said Grainne Ryan, Climate Action Manager in An Taisce.



From Donegal to Dublin and Longford to Laois, on Saturday November 30, the room was filled with inspiring changemakers. Hailing from communities, clubs, businesses, schools, and colleges from all over Ireland.



Every Climate Ambassador was recognised with a framed certificate, and 10 were distinguished with special awards for their impactful climate actions. Throughout the year, they engaged their networks with biodiversity, circular fashion, education, nature restoration, youth communications, sustainable travel, sustainable energy, tree planting, rewilding, flood prevention, degrowth, food waste, and environmental advocacy. In addition to their impressive impact and extensive list of achievements, the awardees were also commended for uniting communities, boosting neighbourhood bonds, building trust, bridging generational gaps, and raising hope for our future.
Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Laois and several other counties over the next two days as Storm Darragh is expected to make its presence known across the country.

A yellow warning is in place for the entire country today, Thursday, from 12pm until 6pm, while a status Orange warning is in place for Clare, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Kerry and Waterford, from 10pm Friday until 9am on Saturday morning.

A status Yellow rain warning is also in place for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Mongahan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath from on Friday into Saturday which will possibly bring localised flooding, poor visibility, and difficult travelling conditions.

Storm Darragh is set to bring very strong and gusty northwest winds to the whole of Ireland today, with potential impacts including,



 Fallen trees

 Damage to power lines

 Very difficult travelling conditions

 Damage to temporary structures

 Wave overtopping

Status Orange - Wind warning for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal



Storm Darragh: Very strong and gusty northwest winds.



Impacts:

 Fallen trees

 Damage to power lines

 Very difficult travelling conditions



Valid: 22:00 06/12 to 09:00 Saturday 07/12 pic.twitter.com/SYvNWr7v1B  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 5, 2024

Rain will be heavy in places, with squally winds that will spread eastwards across Ireland today and will gradually clear during the afternoon, followed by scattered showers.

Southerly winds will become west to northwesterly as the rain clears and will increase fresh to strong and very gusty, reaching gale force at times near Atlantic and southern coasts. Highest temperatures of 8 to 13 degrees.

The winds will ease this evening and tonight, and the showers will become isolated with most parts becoming dry. There'll be some clear spells with a chance of some frost and icy patches. A few mist or fog patches too, but it'll become cloudier from the west later. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees with light to moderate westerly or variable winds.

Friday

Some early brightness in the north tomorrow. Otherwise it looks like a cloudy day, with rain becoming widespread. Some heavy rain and localised flooding is possible. Some sleet is possible on northern hills. Highest temperatures ranging from 6 to 13 degrees. Becoming very windy.

Moderate southeast winds at first will gradually increase strong and gusty, veering south to southwest later. During the evening, there is the possibility of stormy conditions developing in the west and southwest.

Extremely windy or stormy for a time on Friday night with heavy rain, possibly wintry in some northern areas, giving way to clear spells and occasional showers, some of hail or sleet. Turning colder with winds becoming fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds later in the night. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with some frost and ice likely.

Saturday



It looks set to be cold and windy on Saturday with sunny spells and blustery showers, some of hail and sleet and with some snow showers likely over higher ground.

The showers will be most widespread across the north and west, but will make their way across the country too in fresh to strong and gusty northwest winds. There's a chance of some thunder too, mainly near the north and west coast. Highest temperatures of just 4 to 8 degrees and feeling even colder due to the added wind chill factor.



Cold and breezy on Saturday night with clear spells and further showers, some wintry, with the showers mainly in the north and parts of the west, but becoming more isolated overnight. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees, with the chance of some frost and ice in sheltered parts.
Social Democrats councillor for Newbridge, Chris Pender has expressed his disappointment in delays in the rollout of Phase 2 of the National Fares Strategy.

The implementation, which impacts services including Bus Eireann, Irish Rail and Luas, has been deferred to the end of April 2025 due to complexities in system upgrades necessary for the fare changes.

Cllr Pender told Leinster Leader this week: "The continual setbacks in implementing the new fare structure are not just administrative delays but real setbacks for daily commuters in Kildare.

"Each delay in the fare reduction strategy impacts our community's access to affordable and efficient public transport, affecting people's daily lives and budgeting."

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has cited extensive updates to the ticketing systems, including the installation of new Leap Card validators and upgrading of ticket machines as reasons for the delay.

Despite assurances from Irish Rail, the required updates to their systems have proven more challenging than anticipated, leading to the postponement.

Cllr Pender added: "I have been assured repeatedly that progress was on track, and it is frustrating to see these promises not being fulfilled.

"It is essential that Irish Rail and the NTA communicate transparently about these issues and work diligently to minimize further disruptions.

Cllr Pender said that as a local councillor, he is committed to ensuring the issue remains a priority for the NTA and that all efforts are made to expedite the process.

He said: "I will continue to press the NTA and Irish Rail for solutions that will prevent future delays and ensure that our public transport system meets the needs of Kildare's residents."

The Social Democrats councillor also voiced concern on the timing of the communication of the delay, which was communicated just days following the general election.

He said: It is profoundly troubling and suspiciously convenient that this delay has been communicated just days after the general election.

"I can't help but feel that the timing of this announcement was strategically delayed to avoid influencing the electoral outcomes.

This is not just a mere oversight; it's a matter of integrity and transparency in public service. The residents of Kildare deserve better."

He concluded: I urge all affected residents to stay informed and to reach out to my office with any concerns or questions. Rest assured, I will keep you updated every step of the way as we work towards a resolution.
Sinn Fein TD for Reada Cronin has thanked voters for putting their trust in her and re-electing her to the Dail.

Signing the register in the Oireachtas, officially taking her seat as the returning Sinn Fein TD for North Kildare, she said: Im honoured to be re-elected. We worked non-stop for our constituents throughout the campaign, on many critical cases, and that work continues now after the election.

I know that many people are deeply disappointed but I can assure them I will be the voice of ordinary workers, our carers and their families in the Dail.

She added: On Wednesday, Sinn Feins team of TDs met in Leinster House, along with the leadership team President Mary Lou McDonald TD and Vice President First Minister Michelle ONeill MLA, where we discussed our plans to deliver the change that people in North Kildare need.

I know that people are really struggling and they desperately need and want change in their lives. They want a government of change that will deliver on housing, health, childcare and the cost of living. They want a government for the future, that will make Ireland a better place to live and raise a family.

I will continue to be a strong voice for North Kildare standing up for people on the issues that matter to them.
The death has occurred of Charlotte Byrne, Celbridge, Co. Kildare and pupil of Mount Sackville Secondary School.

December 4th 2024 (peacefully) at home, with her loving family by her side, at the tender age of 18.

Much loved, precious daughter of Caroline and Martin and adored sister of Michael and James.

Charlotte will be forever loved and forever missed by her parents Caroline and Martin, brothers Michael and James, Nana Kay and grandparents Phil and Dominic, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, a wide circle of cherished friends and all of the staff and pupils at Mount Sackville Secondary School.

May Charlotte rest in peace.

Reposing at her home on Friday evening (December 6th) from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.

Removal on Saturday morning (December 7th) to St. Patricks Church, Celbridge arriving for Funeral Mass at 11.00am followed by cremation at Newlands Cross Crematorium.

House private on Saturday morning please.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Aoibheanns Pink Tie and Oscar's Kids Ireland.

The Byrne Family would like to acknowledge the kindness and care shown to Charlotte and would like to express their appreciation to everyone for their support at this time.

The death has occurred of Sean Doherty, Castleroe, Maganey, Kildare.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 4th December 2024 in Naas Hospital.

Predeceased by his daughter Janette, sons Paddy and Michael (Dickie)

Beloved husband of Anna, father of John.

Deeply regretted by his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, sister-in-laws, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews friends and neighbours.

MAY SEAN REST IN PEACE.

Reposing in Dunne's Funeral Mill Road,Castledermot (eircodeR14X317) on Thursday from 2pm concluding with Rosary at 8pm.

Removal on Friday at 1:30pm to The Church Of St. Laurence O'Toole, Levitstown (walking from his residence) arriving for Requiem Mass at 2pm. Followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery

The death has occurred of Tom KELLY, St John's, Dublin Rd., Castledermot, Kildare, R14 RP76 / Carlow.

Tom Kelly of St. Johns, Dublin Rd., Castledermot, Co Kildare passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 3rd, 2024, at his home.

Beloved husband of Bea, much loved father of Rhona, Sandra, Enda and Thomas, adored grandfather of Lauren, Ryan, David, Keelan, Hope, Kimora, T.J and Matthew and cherished brother of Jimmy, Johnny, Ann, Delma and the late Andy and Margaret.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law Lesley and Raquel, sons-in-law Brian and Mick, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May Toms Gentle Soul Rest in Peace

Reposing at his home, St. Johns, Dublin Rd., Castledermot (R14 RP76) on Thursday from 4pm concluding with Rosary at 7.30pm. Removal on Friday morning at 10.30am to The Church of The Assumption, Castledermot arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am, Burial afterwards in Coltstown, Cemetery.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Alzheimers Society of Ireland.



The death has occurred of Louisa (Lou) MacHugh (nee Kearney), Journey's End, Graigues, Robertstown, Kildare

Lou passed away (peacefully) surrounded by her loving family at Naas Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Michael and daughter Sorcha.

She will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family: sons Lorcan and Ailin, sister Angela, brothers John and Richard, sister-in-law Nuala, daughter-in-law Irene, grandchildren Lachlan and Tiernan, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

May Lou Rest in Peace.

Lou will repose at Larkin's Funeral Home, Edenderry this Friday from 5pm to 7pm with Rosary at 7pm.

Her Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in The Church of the Holy Trinity, Derrinturn followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral will also be webcast.

The family would like to thank you for your kindness and support at this sad and difficult time.

House private please.

The death has occurred of Kitty (Kathleen) Nevin Richardstown House, Kildangan, Kildare / Carbury, Kildare.

Formerly of Ballinakill, Carbury, Co. Kildare.

Peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Naas Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Daughter of the late Jim and Mary, sister of the late Micheal and aunt of the late Alan.

Sadly missed by her loving sisters Marie and Ann, brothers in law Tommy and Eddie, sister in law Bernie, all her nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

May Kitty Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Glennons Funeral Home, Allenwood from 5pm on Thursday concluding with Rosary at 7pm.

Removal from her family home on Friday to arrive at The Church of The Holy Trinity, Derrinturn for Requiem Mass at 1:30pm.

Burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery.

House private on Friday morning please.

You can also take part in Kitty's Funeral Mass on the Carbury Parish Webcam via the following link:

https://www.carburyparish.ie/our-parish/webcam-derrinturn/

Glennons Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Glennons Funeral Directors on 045 860110.
Kildare County Council in partnership with Offaly County Council and Westmeath County Council is delighted to announce the tri-county creative health and wellbeing project Did I Ever Tell You.

The "Did I Ever Tell You" storytelling initiative aims to collect the thoughts and memories of older individuals in HSE healthcare settings across the counties of Kildare, Offaly, and Westmeath through a variety of creative engagements and artistic mediums.

Through this project, artists in each county will collaborate with residents of nursing homes and patients in hospitals through December 2025, using creative arts to enhance wellbeing, support mental health, and promote positive aging.

Selected stories, reflections and creative content from each county will be published in a collective book, celebrating older voices and the impact of arts in these health settings.

The project is supported by Creative Ireland under the Creative Health & Wellbeing in the Community Scheme, and is a collaborative effort involving the three counties with contributions from local Age Friendly, Healthy Ireland, Creative Ireland and HSE teams.

The tri-county collaboration was launched on December 4 with an artist networking event, bringing together the projects artists from each county for collaboration and idea sharing.

In County Kildare, the project will take place in Naas General Hospital through a new Artist in Residence programme which will host Visual Artist and Kildare native John Conway.

John will develop a project informed by ongoing engagement with service users with life limiting conditions, healthcare workers, and the wider hospital environment.

In the words of the artist, the format of a year-long residency is a wonderful opportunity to slowly develop relationships in the hospital, and to undertake artistic research to build towards a significant artistic output.

John is a socially engaged visual artist renowned for his work in complex health and community contexts.

Offaly County Council has joined forces with Anam Beo Arts Collective, who have engaged four visual artists, a writer and musician to connect with older adults in care and community settings including Clara Day Care and Riada, Ofalia, and Birr Community and Nursing Units.

Anam Beos tailored programme of artistic engagement is designed to foster social health, deepen community connections, and spark meaningful interactions among participants, artists, and care staff.

With gentle conversations, personal reflections, and shared memories, Anam Beos programme aims to bring forth and visualise stories that resonate across generations.

In Westmeath, arts collective Fighting Words will engage with residents at Cluain Lir Community Nursing Unit in Mullingar and St. Vincents Care Centre in Athlone to share their stories and memories, resulting in a collective book that encapsulates their experiences.

An animation piece will be developed in the second year to extend the project's impact.

This initiative is expected to create a ripple effect among kinship groups, as the residents families receive keepsakes that they can cherish and pass down.

Kildare County Council are the lead partner on the project, organising the intercounty elements and an impact evaluation.

Speaking about the project, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: Kildare County Council is delighted to partner with Offaly and Westmeath County Councils to bring sustained creative opportunity into nursing homes, care centres, and our own Naas General Hospital.

The enthusiasm from HSE staff and our talented project artists form a bedrock for the project, which we hope will bring moments of positivity, connection, and creative self-expression for patients, residents, their families and staff alike.
American musician Amanda Kramer (of The Psychedelic Furs) will join Naas author Wayne Byrne to launch and discuss their new book Hired Guns: Portraits of Women in Alternative Music. The event takes place at Naas Library and Cultural Centre on Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm.

Amanda Kramer is the keyboardist for legendary post-punk/new wave band The Psychedelic Furs.

In a career that spans four decades she has toured, recorded, or performed with lauded artists such as World Party, The Golden Palominos, 10,000 Maniacs, Siouxsie Sioux, Lloyd Cole, Thompson Twins, Information Society, and Eurythmics. Wayne Byrne is a film historian and prolific author who has written best-selling books on subjects such as Walter Hill, Burt Reynolds, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and the Halloween film franchise.

The pair recently published their first literary collaboration Hired Guns: Portraits of Women in Alternative Music, which was released to critical acclaim. Their following book, to be released in 2025, will document the history of film music of the New Hollywood and American Independent movements.

Byrne says, It will be very exciting for Amanda and I to be in Naas Library for this event. It will be a rare opportunity for fans to hear about her amazing career in-person and should offer a unique insight into writing on music and film as we will be discussing the making of our books.

Tickets for this event are free and can be had by contacting the library venue at 045-980795 or naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
A rock was thrown through the front window of the private residence of a general election candidate.

Independent Bill Clear unsuccessfully sought a seat in the Kildare North constituency last weekend.

A lifebuoy was thrown into the canal

The damage was caused overnight on December 2-3 at the family home of the politician, who is married with two children, at Oldtown, just off Sallins Road, Naas.

Read more Kildare news

It is not clear if the house was specifically targeted because of his role as a politician since the damage coincided with a number of incidents of vandalism along the Grand Canal around the same time.

However Cllr Clear believes he was deliberately targeted.

Cllr Clear with wife Annmarie and sons Michael and Patrick

These included the throwing of a lifebuoy into the water and damage to a sign.

Someone rampaged down the canal and then onto my house. They threw a rock through my window while we were sleeping. Vandalism and thuggery are the only word to describe this, he said.

A damaged sign near the canal

He added: I have to ask myself if it is worth it.

He is asking anyone who saw anything unusual on the Sallins Road from midnight until 6am on those dates to report it.
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of her mother in Co Wexford.

Mohammad Shaker Al Tamimi, of Lower William Street in New Ross, Co Wexford, appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court on Wednesday evening.

The 34-year-old has been charged with the murder of Malika Noor Al Katib and the attempted murder of her mother, Aisha Al Katib.

The schoolgirl died after she suffered stab wounds in the early hours of Monday morning.

Detective Garda Donal Doyle of New Ross Garda Station gave evidence of his arrest and caution to the court.

He said that the accused was arrested shortly after 12.30pm at University Hospital Waterford on Tuesday.

He was subsequently charged with the offences shortly after 5pm on Wednesday at Wexford Garda Station.

The court was told that he made no reply to the charges.

Dressed in dark grey trousers, white top and soft shoes, he covered himself with a blue blanket while sitting in court.

An Arabic interpreter translated the court proceedings to the accused.

The accuseds solicitor Tim Cummins told the court that he has received no instructions to make a bail application.

District Judge Kevin Staunton said bail cannot be granted in the District Court for a charge of murder.

Mr Cummins also made an application for legal aid, saying his client is of no means.

The accused, who was driven into Gorey District Court in a police van, was remanded into custody to appear before Wexford Court on Monday December 9 via videolink.

Judge Staunton directed that the accused receive a psychological evaluation when he arrives into custody.

The schoolgirl was at home in New Ross with her mother when the incident happened on Sunday night.

It is understood that she had attempted to intervene when her mother was attacked.

She was taken to University Hospital Waterford but died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.
Nine-year-old Oran Cox will represent Leitrim in The Late Late Toy Show on Friday night.

Oran from Carrick-on-Shannon was one of the lucky few to be selected to appear on what is the most popular show in Irish television.

Last year's Elf-themed Toy Show drew in over 1.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched programme of the year in Ireland.

This year, Ladbrokes has predicted yet another record-breaking viewership of the beloved show.

READ NEXT: RTE Late Late Toy Show 2024: Guide to time, TV, tickets, theme and more for Friday's show

Oran, who is in third class in Annaduff National School, will take part in the brand new section of the show, the County Parade.

This new addition is all about county pride, with children from all 32 counties across the island taking part.

In the callout for children to audition, the Late Late chiefs said they wanted kids who are "passionate about their county" and who have "county pride in buckets."

Clearly a young man passionate about Leitrim, Oran will represent his county on a ride-on bike, scooter, or go-kart along with the other flag flying children taking part.

In preparation for the big night, Oran got to try out all the different bikes and go-karts that will be used for the big parade.

Make sure to show your support for Oran when he makes his TV debut on The Late Late Toy Show on Friday night at 9:35pm on RTE One and RTE Player!
Dedicated Gaeilge enthusiasts in Leitrim participated in the annual Tionol Liatroma gathering in Drumshanbo on November 14.

Significant progress in reviving the Irish language in Leitrim was highlighted at the meeting. The countys two Gaelscoileanna, in Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton, reported high enrolment figures.

Cumann na bhFiann, the youth clubs in Drumshanbo and Ballinamore that operate through Irish, also noted increased participation.

Furthermore, attendance at Irish classes and Ciorcal Comhra sessions in Manorhamilton, Ballinamore and Dromahair have grown steadily, with record attendance seen at Ballinammore Library this Autumn.

Irish classes have also recently begun in Mohill Library on Thursday mornings.

However, the main focus of the gathering was the demand for a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge, or Irish Language Officer in Leitrim according to Sean O Suilleabhain, Irish language activist.

In June of this year, Conradh na Gaeilge made a presentation at a full meeting of Leitrim County Council where they outlined the need for such a position.

At the meeting, Conradh na Gaeilge noted that the county now has a full-time Arts Officer, a Heritage Officer and Biodiversity Officer which are all welcome developments, but the Irish language is entirely dependent on voluntary enthusiasts, with no backup.

Councillors gave unanimous backing to the delegations call for a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge.

Leitrim once had a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge for a period of about 10 months in 2012, with the role filled by Sean O Murchadha. Most counties have one Oifigeach Gaeilge in place, and some areas, particularly in the North, have multiple officers.

Approaches are now being made to Leitrims councillors to push for the appointment of an Oifigeach Gaeilge in the county as a matter of urgency, said Sean O Suilleabhain.

READ MORE: ALERT: Leitrim issues Status Orange 'severe weather warning' by Met Eireann
Trevor Seery, a local environmental advocate from Drumsna, Leitrim, has been awarded a 2024 Climate Ambassador Award by An Taisce for his notable contributions to climate action. Seery was recognized for his leadership in tree planting, biodiversity efforts, and resourceful community initiatives that have helped address climate change at a grassroots level.

The award, presented at An Taisces annual Climate Ambassador Awards on November 30th, acknowledges individuals who have made significant strides in environmental activism. Seerys efforts this year included planting over 800 trees, many of which were grown from locally gathered seeds. He also played a key role in revitalizing his local environmental group, organizing events such as Heritage Week, Tree Week, and a Bio Blitz for Street Feast, which brought together people to learn about and engage with nature.

Seerys environmental work goes beyond tree planting. He was actively involved in controlling invasive species, such as Himalayan Balsam, through the Leitrim Environmental Network. One of his standout projects, the Balsam Bashing Workshop, was a hands-on event that mobilized the community to address environmental challenges while raising awareness of the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

In addition to his tree planting and invasive species work, Seery demonstrated resourcefulness by building a display stand and cold storage box for seeds using upcycled pallets. Its about using what we already have to make a difference, Seery said. Sustainability often means being creative and resourceful, not always spending money on new materials.

Seerys recognition at the Climate Ambassador Awards highlights the impact of local, community-driven climate actions. The Climate Ambassador Programme shows how much can be achieved when citizens are empowered to make a difference in their own communities, said Grainne Ryan, Climate Action Manager at An Taisce.

The 2024 awards recognized 148 individuals across Ireland for their climate actions, which collectively engaged over 265,000 people. Seery was one of just ten individuals to be honoured for his consistent dedication to climate action.

While Seerys work continues to inspire local communities, he remains focused on spreading the message that everyone can contribute to the fight against climate change. Its not just about big changes; small, local actions add up, Seery said. We all have a part to play in protecting the environment.

The Climate Ambassador Programme, funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, continues to grow, training citizens to take action in their communities and tackle the challenges of climate change. Seerys award serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots efforts in shaping a more sustainable future.
With Christmas swiftly approaching, Santa may deliver a drone but not the knowledge to fly it safely, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has warned.

The IAA has launched the Drone Safely This Christmas campaign, supported by Drone Innovation Partnership and Dublin City Council, issuing advice ahead of the busiest shopping days in the lead up to Christmas.

If youre thinking of getting a drone this Christmas, you need to make sure you register as an Operator on the IAA website and that you know the rules before you fly.

Drone use is on the rise and the number of drones and operators registered in Ireland has risen exponentially over past number of years. Safety is paramount, and so since 2021, the IAA has registered over 8,000 drone operators and trained over 21,500 drone pilots.

This year has seen a 24% increase in the number of pilots trained.

Consumers who own a drone that is over 250gr or has a camera, are legally required to register as a drone operator. If you are a drone operator, drone safety is your responsibility. You need to ensure you are always in control of the drone and that you remain compliant with the law.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer of the Irish Aviation Authority commenting on drone safety said: Drone use has increased significantly in recent years. Piloting a drone is fun but it comes with responsibility to fly it safely while respecting peoples privacy.

Remember a drone is not a toy and can have very serious consequences if it collides with a person, an animal or another aircraft. So, if you do get a drone this Christmas, remember its your responsibility to know the rules and fly it safely.

Veronica Mariti Sesoko, Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP) Engagement Lead added: As drones top Christmas wish lists, its crucial to remember they are not toys. Fly responsibly by checking current regulations and following safe practices.

The Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP), a collaboration between the Irish Aviation Authority, Dublin City Council, and Maynooth University, is working to ensure drones enhance public services and support emergency responses while keeping our skies safe through active stakeholder engagement, including citizens.

Enda Walsh, UAS Manager/Drones Manager from the IAA added: Thankfully the vast majority of drone users are compliant with the regulations. However, we are concerned, with the rapid growth of drone usage, that not all new pilots may be aware of their responsibilities which can lead to unsafe flying.

If you see anyone not complying with the regulations, we encourage people to contact the IAA. Reckless use of a drone or inappropriate use of a drone camera may result in prosecution.

For more information on IAA Drone Safety Regulations and registration process, visit www.iaa.ie/drones.
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and other stakeholders met this afternoon to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh.

Storm Darragh is forecast to bring heavy rain and very strong, gusty northwest winds. Status Orange wind warnings are place for several counties, particularly along the western seaboard, on Friday and into Saturday, which could lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow wind warning will be in effect for the whole country during Friday and into Saturday.

A Status Yellow rain warning is also currently in place for nine counties for Friday and Saturday morning, which could lead to localised flooding in those areas.

The NDFEM is continuing to liaise with Met Eireann and is monitoring the situation. Local Authorities will also continue to monitor conditions locally with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) ready to respond where and when necessary.

READ NEXT: Severe weather warnings issued as Storm Darragh approaches Ireland

Met Eireann weather warnings currently in place:

Status Yellow  Rain warning for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath

Valid: 10am Friday  10am Saturday

Status Yellow  Wind warning for Ireland

Valid: 3pm Friday  3pm Saturday

Status Orange  Wind warning for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal

Valid: 10pm Friday - 9am Saturday

Status Orange  Wind warning for Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow

Valid: Saturday, midnight  9am.

PUBLIC ADVICE

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public:

Most of the country will be impacted by strong winds and everyone should take extra care. In particular, this storm may bring dangerous travelling conditions.

Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles, and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

There is also potential for localised flooding in some areas, so its important to remember to never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of the water can be deceiving.

I would also urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.

The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.

People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Eireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information.

Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
Applus+ in Australia partners with Abyss Solutions to revolutionize Non-Destructive Testing with Artificial Intelligence





HOUSTON, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Applus+, a global leader in the Inspection, Testing and Certification sector, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Abyss Solutions (Abyss), a cutting-edge provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine-learning solutions for inspection and maintenance. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities through the integration of AI-driven technologies.

By bringing together the extensive experience of Applus+ in NDT with Abyss' innovative AI algorithms and software platforms, this collaboration aims to revolutionize asset inspection processes, enabling faster, more accurate, and data-driven decision-making.

"We are excited to partner with Abyss Solutions to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence within inspection and testing," said Adam Alessandrino, Executive Vice President of the Pacific region at Applus+. "By integrating AI-driven technologies into our inspection processes, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled value to our clients by enhancing efficiency, reliability, and safety."

Through this partnership, Applus+ and Abyss will focus on developing AI-powered inspection solutions that enable predictive maintenance, asset optimization, and risk mitigation for clients across various industries, including oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure across the Pacific and South-East Asia

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Applus+, a global leader in Inspection, Testing, and Certification services," said Gary Hill, Regional Director at Abyss Solutions. "By leading a disruption in the inspection industry, Applus+ is addressing challenges once considered unsolvable due to workforce shortages. We are excited to partner with them on this transformative journey."

About Applus+:

Applus+ is one of the world's leading and most innovative companies in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector, offering a broad portfolio of services and solutions for customers across various industries. Its solutions ensure that assets and products meet quality, health & safety and environmental standards and regulations, while also enhancing performance. Headquartered in Spain, the company operates in more than 70 countries and employs over 26,000 people. The Applus+ Group drives profitable revenue growth through sustainable services and digitalisation at all levels.

About Abyss Solutions:

Abyss is pioneering the future of inspection at scale, providing products and solutions that enables autonomous robots to capture and analyze data at an unprecedented level. Its industry-leading technology is pushing the boundaries of the possible, going beyond the status quo to deliver billions of dollars in risk reduction for some of the world's biggest companies. We've curated the brightest minds in autonomy who strive to help protect the world's most valuable assets and resources, delivering the insights needed to inform preventative maintenance programs, exceed health and safety targets, and significantly reduce CO?.

SOURCE Abyss Solutions PTY LTD

4 december 2024 at 17:15

News published onand distributed by:
GigaDevice GD25/55 Serial NOR Flash Automotive-Grade Product Family Certified for ISO 26262 ASIL D





GigaDevice, a leading semiconductor company specializing in Flash Memory, 32-bit Microcontrollers (MCUs), Sensors, Analog products and solutions, announced its GD25/55 SPI NOR Flash Automotive-Grade Product Family has received ISO 26262:2018 ASIL D Automotive Functional Safety certification from SGS, the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. This achievement not only strongly validates the outstanding safety performance and reliability of the GD25/55 SPI NOR Flash product in demanding automotive applications but also further solidifies the company's leadership position in the SPI NOR Flash field.

With the exponential growth in the number of automotive electronics and electrical components, the demand for safety is becoming increasingly critical. As the internationally recognized standard for automotive functional safety, ISO 26262 aims to reduce the risks associated with automotive electronics and electrical systems and ensure the safety performance of vehicles. Under the ISO 26262 framework, the ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) classification system divides functional safety into four levels, ranging from A (lowest) to D (highest). Level D represents the highest level of safety, meaning that development processes at this level are subject to the most stringent requirements.

GigaDevice has always maintained a focus on precision and excellence in the automotive electronics field, with product quality at the core of its business development. In terms of quality management, the company's automotive-grade Flash aims for a 0 PPM defect rate, continuously driving quality improvements and earning widespread trust from customers. To date, global shipments have surpassed 200 million units. In terms of functional safety, GigaDevice has strengthened its process systems and personnel management, continuously enhancing its functional safety management capabilities. After achieving ISO 26262 ASIL D process certification in 2023, the company's automotive-grade SPI NOR Flash has now also received ASIL D functional safety certification. This demonstrates that GigaDevice has established a rigorous development process for automotive-grade chips, and based on this foundation, has developed the mature capability to design products that meet functional safety standards.

The GD25/55 SPI NOR Flash Automotive-Grade Product Family strictly adheres to the AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standard and is manufactured using 55nm/45nm process technology. It supports operating voltages of 3V, 1.8V, and a range from 1.65V to 3.6V, with capacities ranging from 2Mb to 2Gb, fully meeting the code storage requirements of automotive electronics. In terms of read/write performance, it offers single-channel, dual-channel, quad-channel, and octal-channel communication modes, with data throughput rates of up to 400MB/s, ensuring efficient data transmission. The product also boasts 100,000 erase/write cycles and a data retention period of up to 20 years. For enhanced safety, products with capacities of 64Mb and above feature built-in ECC algorithms and CRC check functions, improving reliability and extending the product's lifespan.

Currently, GD25/55 SPI NOR Flash Automotive-Grade Product Family are widely used by numerous domestic and international automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, serving key automotive electronics applications across a range of fields including In-Vehicle Infotainment, Intelligent Cockpits, Connected Car Systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Driving, Battery Management System, Domain Controllers, Central Computing, Central Gateways, and Zone Control Systems.

Ruwei Su, GigaDevice Vice President and General Manager of Flash BU, stated: "As a critical medium for storing key code in automotive electronics, the functional safety of NOR Flash is essential to ensure the reliability and integrity of data in extreme environments, directly impacting the safety and stable operation of vehicles. GigaDevice GD25/55 SPI NOR Flash Automotive-Grade Product Family has obtained the ISO 26262:2018 ASIL D automotive functional safety certification, which fully demonstrates the company's strong capabilities in automotive-grade chip design. Moving forward, GigaDevice will continue to uphold high standards of automotive functional safety, strictly adhere to relevant process specifications, and provide global customers with more high-quality, highly reliable automotive-grade storage products."

About GigaDevice

GigaDevice Semiconductor Inc. (SSE Stock Code 603986) is a global leading fabless supplier. The company was founded in April 2005 and headquartered in Beijing, China, with branch offices in many countries and regions worldwide, providing local support at customers' fingertips. Committed to building a complete ecosystem with four major product lines ? Flash memory, MCU, sensor and analog ? as the core driving force, GigaDevice can provide a wide range of solutions and services in the fields of industrial, automotive, computing, consumer electronics, IoT, mobile, networking and communications. GigaDevice has received the ISO26262:2018 automotive functional safety ASIL D certification, IEC 61508 functional safety production certification, as well as ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, and Duns certifications. In a constant quest to expand our technology offering to customers, GigaDevice has also formed strategic alliances with leading foundries, assembly, and test plants to streamline supply chain management. For more details, please visit: www.gigadevice.com

*GigaDevice and its logos are trademarks, or registered trademarks of GigaDevice Semiconductor Inc. Other names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

5 december 2024 at 01:05

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P2 Gold Announces Sale of Ball Creek (BAM) Claims





VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - P2 Gold Inc. ("P2" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGLD) (OTCQB: PGLDF) reports that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") signed December 4, 2024 to sell (the "Transaction") its Ball Creek Claims (also known as the BAM Project) to Kingfisher Metals Corp. ("Kingfisher") an arm's length party, on (a) payment of $1 million, with $50,000 due on signing the Agreement and $950,000 due on the closing of the Transaction; and (b) issuance of shares of Kingfisher having a value of $250,000, with the shares priced at the closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") immediately prior to an announcement of the Agreement. The Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including Exchange approval, and Kingfisher completing a private placement of at least $1 million. The closing of the Transaction is anticipated on or about February 28, 2025. No finder's fees are payable.

The Company plans to use the proceeds from the Transaction for additional metallurgical test work on its Gabbs Project and the permitting of production water wells at the Gabbs Project. The Company will provide additional details of its plans as they progress.

About P2 Gold Inc.

P2 Gold is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its gold-copper Gabbs Project on the Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. A positive preliminary economic assessment has outlined a long-life, mid-size mine at Gabbs with annual average production of 104,000 ounces gold and 13,500 tonnes copper over a 14.2-year mine life.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, information with respect to the Company's expectations, strategies and plans for its Gabbs Project including the Company's planned expenditures and exploration activities.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made, including without limitation, that the Exchange will approve the Transaction, Kingfisher will complete a private placement of $1 million and the Transaction will close on or before February 28, 2025, as well as the other assumptions disclosed in this news release. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including without limitation, failure to obtain Exchange approval of the Transaction, failure of Kingfisher to complete a private placement of $1 million and the Transaction to close on or before February 28, 2025, and risks associated with mineral exploration, including the risk that actual results and timing of exploration and development will be different from those expected by management. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, dated March 21, 2024 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks.

The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

SOURCE P2 Gold Inc.

5 december 2024 at 08:36

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LP Building Solutions Honored as One of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek





LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, has been named one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2025 by Newsweek. This accolade, awarded to LP for the second year in a row, underscores the company's commitment to corporate responsibility through environmental, social and governance practices.

"Earning this recognition for the second consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to Building a Better Worldtm," said LP Chair and CEO Brad Southern. "From advancing sustainable forestry practices to strengthening community engagement, we are dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact and continually elevating our sustainability efforts for the future."

Through a rigorous selection process, Newsweek evaluated over 2,000 U.S. public companies, analyzing more than 30 key environmental, social and governance performance indicators alongside public perception data gathered from a survey of over 26,000 Americans. This comprehensive review highlighted organizations making tangible strides in social responsibility and sustainability.

LP's inclusion in the list reflects its wide-ranging sustainability initiatives in the following areas:

Governance : Driving transparency and accountability across operations

: Driving transparency and accountability across operations People : Fostering an inclusive workplace culture and prioritizing team member well-being and development

: Fostering an inclusive workplace culture and prioritizing team member well-being and development Environment : Ensuring best management practices and minimizing environmental impacts

: Ensuring best management practices and minimizing environmental impacts Products : Developing sustainable, high-performance and carbon-negative building solutions

: Developing sustainable, high-performance and carbon-negative building solutions Communities: Investing in programs that strengthen and support local communities

LP's sustainability efforts are detailed in the company's 2024 Sustainability Report, which showcases its progress in advancing environmental, social and governance practices.

For more information, visit LPCorp.com/Sustainability.

About LP Building Solutions

As a leader in high-performance building solutions, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX) manufactures engineered wood products that meet the demands of builders, remodelers and homeowners worldwide. LP's extensive portfolio of innovative and dependable products includes Siding Solutions (LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding, LP BuilderSeries Lap Siding and LP Outdoor Building Solutions), LP Structural Solutions (LP TechShield Radiant Barrier, LP WeatherLogic Air & Water Barrier, LP Legacy Premium Sub-Flooring, LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP NovaCore Thermal Insulated Sheathing and LP TopNotch 350 Durable Sub-Flooring) and oriented strand board (OSB). In addition to product solutions, LP provides industry-leading customer service and warranties. Since its founding in 1972, LP has been Building a Better Worldtm by helping customers construct beautiful, durable homes while shareholders build lasting value. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP operates 22 plants across the U.S., Canada, Chile and Brazil. For more information, visit LPCorp.com.

5 december 2024 at 09:05

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Federal government partners with Bronson Centre on upgrades





OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - Ottawa's Bronson Centre is getting significant upgrades after a total investment of more than $8 million from the federal government and the Centre itself. The modernized facility will better support the 30,000 people who use its services monthly, including Ottawa's arts and cultural communities.

Funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program will support essential upgrades to Bronson Centre's plumbing, fire safety system, two accessible washrooms, and the roof. The project will also upgrade the building's envelope to help make the Centre more resilient to climate impacts. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and help ensure that the Centre remains an affordable, sustainable, and welcoming space for the community to gather, connect, and enjoy cultural events.

This project is also backed by additional federal funding from Employment and Social Development Canada's (ESDC's) Enabling Accessibility Fund and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario's (FedDev Ontario) Canada Community Revitalization Fund and Tourism Growth Program.

Quotes

"The Bronson Centre is an important community gathering place. These upgrades will ensure it remains a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come. The federal government investment reflects our commitment to supporting communities and reducing emissions. As the local MP, I want the Bronson Centre to remain a space for everyone, as part of our effort to revitalize downtown Ottawa!" Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"Bronson Centre is a one-of-a-kind space that benefits people of all abilities and their families. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting these types of projects that build, restore and revitalize integral community hubs for everyone to enjoy for years to come."

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West?Ancaster?Dundas.

"Bronson Centre's upgrade project is a fantastic example of a hardworking community and different partners coming together to create an accessible and inclusive building that is important to many and can be accessed by all. I am proud that through programs like the Enabling Accessibility Fund, our government can provide support to projects that create inclusive community spaces for all Canadians."

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Brampton West

"Bronson Centre is a microcosm of Ottawa. Over 30,000 people per month enter its doors to enjoy concerts, attend church services, create art, or volunteer for their community. We are built on the pillars of integrated services, culture, arts, food, and housing. Yes, this project revitalizes an important heritage site. Equally, we are a critical stakeholder in Ottawa Centre's revitalization. Many thanks to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada and the GICB program."

Corey Mayville, Executive Director

Quick Facts

The federal government is investing $8 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB), and has already invested: $523,556 through FedDev Ontario's Canada Community Revitalization Fund $160,440 through FedDev Ontario's Tourism Growth Program $100,000 through ESDC's the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB), and has already invested: Bronson Centre is contributing $1,640,201 .

. The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.

Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change. The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.

over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades. Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.

to support more projects through GICB until 2029. At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. The small projects component of the EAF provides funding for small scale construction projects that help persons with disabilities to gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities. Over 7,700 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007.

Associated Links

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html

Canada Community Revitalization Fund

https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/campaigns/covid19/canada-community-revitalization-fund.html

Enabling Accessibility Fund

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/enabling-accessibility-fund.html

Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

5 december 2024 at 12:15

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EnerSys Names Keith Fisher as President, Energy Systems Global





EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, today announced the appointment of Keith Fisher as President, Energy Systems Global effective January 2, 2025. Mr. Fisher will succeed and report to Shawn O'Connell, who was recently promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Fisher, with a distinguished 27-year career, brings a proven track record of driving operational and financial excellence across multiple industries. His leadership in global strategic execution and services transformation has positioned him as an ideal candidate to lead EnerSys' Energy Systems Global business.

Prior to joining EnerSys, Mr. Fisher served as President of Honeywell Intelligrated, where he led significant growth in services and implemented rigorous project management processes and tools leading to meaningful margin expansion and improved customer satisfaction. His tenure at Honeywell also included Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Building Technologies Global Services where he spearheaded global service modernization initiatives, resulting in both revenue and operating income growth, through digitization and standardized processes. He has effectively led multi-billion-dollar businesses across several strategic business units, demonstrating his capacity to scale and optimize operations in various industry cycles and market conditions.

EnerSys President and Chief Operating Officer Shawn O'Connell remarked, "Keith's extensive background in service transformation and global operational excellence will be instrumental in driving growth across our Energy Systems line of business. His experience managing 42 international sites and executing complex global strategies in multi-billion-dollar businesses positions him uniquely to lead our team into the next phase of profitable growth and service excellence."

"I am honored to join EnerSys and to lead the Energy Systems line of business," said Mr. Fisher. "EnerSys is at the forefront of transforming energy storage and power solutions worldwide, and I look forward to building upon its strong foundation of innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence."

About EnerSys

EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications and designs, manufactures, and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, portable power solutions for soldiers in the field, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. To learn more about EnerSys please visit https://www.enersys.com/en/

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

EnerSys is making this statement in order to satisfy the "Safe Harbor" provision contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any of the statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may include forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A forward-looking statement predicts, projects, or uses future events as expectations or possibilities. Forward-looking statements may be based on expectations concerning future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to operations and the economic environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements, please see our risk factors as disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by EnerSys on its website or otherwise. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

5 december 2024 at 16:20

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OVER 16 years after innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity, the notorious Limerick gangster who ordered the hit, John Dundon, has failed in a bid to overturn his murder conviction.

The Court of Appeal this Thursday rejected Dundon's claims that evidence which "fell through the cracks" could have called the credibility of witnesses into question.

Dundon, aged 41, formerly of Hyde Road in Limerick, was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the hit that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Mr Geoghegan near the victim's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle on November 9, 2008. He is serving a life sentence.

Key State's witness April Collins had told the court that she heard John Dundon order gunman Barry Doyle to kill a gang rival less than 48 hours before Mr Geoghegans death. The court heard that April Collins was previously in a relationship with Johns brother, Gerard Dundon, for eight years and had three children by him.

Mr Geoghegan played rugby for Garryowen in Limerick and had been watching an Ireland international game at a friend's house before heading home shortly before 1am. He had just texted his girlfriend Jenna Barry to say he was on his way when Ms Barry heard shots fired outside. Mr Geoghan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The fatal shot was to the back of the head.

It was the States case that Mr Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting that was meant for another man and was ordered by John Dundon.

Launching an appeal against the conviction in April last, counsel for Dundon, Dominic McGinn SC argued that the court should hear fresh evidence of a phone conversation between witnesses Lisa Collins and Christopher McCarthy that did not emerge at Dundon's trial in 2013. Mr McGinn said that during the conversation, which was recorded by the Irish Prison Service while Mr McCarthy was in jail, Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy discussed "how long was long enough" for Dundon to be imprisoned.

Counsel said there was a reference to Dundon receiving ten years for a particular offence but that "wouldn't be sufficient". Mr McGinn said the conversation suggested that Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy had a motive to ensure that Dundon was convicted of an offence carrying a greater penalty, such as murder.

If Dundon's legal team at the time had known about the conversation, Mr McGinn said they undoubtedly would have used it to undermine the credibility of Mr McCarthy, Lisa Collins and her sister April Collins. Those three gave evidence detailing how John Dundon ordered and organised the hit that resulted in Mr Geoghegan being shot in a case of mistaken identity. The Special Criminal Court, where Dundon was tried in 2013, found that their evidence was credible.

READ MORE: Armed gardai seize weapon from man in broad daylight in Limerick

Mr McGinn said Dundon's original legal team was aware of the phone call but the evidence later "fell through the cracks" after Dundon sacked his lawyers on the day his trial was due to begin. His second legal team, Mr McGinn said, had to deal with a huge amount of disclosure in a short amount of time.

The absence of the phone call evidence was enough to raise a concern about the fairness of Dundon's trial, Mr McGinn said.

In delivering the Court of Appeals ruling today, Mr Justice John Edwards noted that senior counsel for the appellant had asked the court to accept that the material at issue was relevant and its absence gave rise to a concern that the appellant did not have a fair trial or that his conviction might not be safe.

Mr Justice Edwards said that this matter was not pursued by the appellants new legal team at trial, who claimed that they had limited time to prepare. However, Mr Justice Edwards said that there was no evidence that this was the reason for their failure to pursue the issue, adding that there was no basis for drawing any inference as to their reasons.

He said that at the time disclosure of the telephone transcripts was sought, the material was not in the possession or procurement of the DPP, who was not under any obligation to provide it by way of disclosure. The judge said there was no breach of the duty of disclosure owed by the DPP to the appellant.

There was a great deal of evidence of fear of the Dundons, including of the appellant, and of grounds for resentment towards them, on the part of the three controversial witnesses whose conversations were captured, said Mr Justice Edwards.

The judge went on to say that the court did not see how the defence having the transcripts in time for the trial would have further assisted them in undermining the witnesses. He pointed out that the Special Criminal Court approached the testimony of these witnesses with great caution and warned itself of relying on their uncorroborated testimony, even though there was a good deal of evidence to corroborate their testimony.

Finding the court was not persuaded that the appellants trial was unsatisfactory or his verdict unsafe, the judge said it would dismiss the appeal.

In April this year, Dundon was accused of engaging in a "cynical ploy" after he sacked his lawyers and asked for an adjournment of his appeal against the conviction.

Dundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after discovering that they were unable to advance a ground of appeal that the appellant said had been identified in recent months. The three judges of the court granted an application for Dundon's then lawyers to withdraw from the case.

New lawyers came on the record for Dundon, who was granted free legal aid and whose appeal eventually went ahead later that month.

Both the Special Criminal Court and the High Court had previously rejected bids by Dundon to have his 2013 murder trial adjourned. However in June 2013, the Special Criminal Court ruled the murder trial should not proceed until the adjournment application came before the Supreme Court.

On that occasion, Dundon had appeared in the Special Criminal Court wearing only a pair of dark-coloured shorts, having been admitted to hospital after going on hunger strike for at least a week and refusing fluids for a number of days.

The trial was delayed until July 2, 2013, when the opening day saw a gaunt, wheelchair-using Dundon taken to hospital for a head injury. He had earlier informed the court that he was illiterate in response to evidence that he had sacked his legal team and elected to represent himself. The trial eventually opened the next day.

Barry Doyle (38) admitted during Garda interviews that he shot Mr Geoghegan in a case of mistaken identity.

However, Doyle, of Portland Row in Dublin 1, later pleaded not guilty at trial to the murder of Mr Geoghegan. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on February 16, 2012.
INTERNATIONAL energy provider Engie has announced its first Irish-based onshore renewable energy project, with Astatine selected to build three new solar farms in Limerick and Galway in 2025.

The solar farm in Dromsallagh, Cappamore is part of six projects awarded under last years Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS, a Government initiative designed to promote the development of utility-scale renewable energy sources in Ireland).

Dublin-based Astatine; along with TLI Group, which was also selected by Engie to be part of the project; will start building the initial three solar farms in January 2025, with the projects expected to be commissioned later in the year.

The new solar farms, located in Limerick and Galway, will have a combined installed capacity of 18-megawatt peak (MWp), allowing them to generate enough electricity to deliver clean, renewable, affordable energy to 4,100 homes.

READ MORE: Breakthrough on eco-friendly energy

As part of its sustainable development strategy, Engie will also establish a community benefit fund for the new solar farm in east Limerick.

This fund will allocate approximately 34,000 per year to support local communities, to be overseen by a dedicated fund manager in Ireland.

We are proud and excited to have been selected by Engie to build the companys first onshore renewable energy project here in Ireland, said Tom Marren, CEO of Astatine.

Switching to solar power will also help to decarbonise communities, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels.

Working with Engie on this project is another significant step on Irelands decarbonisation journey and we cant wait to get started, Mr Marren concluded.

The Limerick and Galway solar farms are part of six projects awarded under last years Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), a government initiative designed to promote the development of utility-scale renewable energy sources in Ireland.

Astatine is a leading Irish company specialising in industrial decarbonisation solutions for power, heat, and transport sectors.

Headquartered in France, Engie operates in over 70 countries and is a global leader in low-carbon energy.
RTE want to make it a Toy Show Day this Friday and you can definitely get in the festive mood ahead of watching the Late Late Show by attending St Gabriels School Christmas cakes, coffee and crafts fair.

It takes place in the Dooradoyle school (V94PY90) from 10am to noon. The morning will feature live music, monster raffle, Irish dancing, cakes, coffee, crafts and lashings of Christmas cheer.

All funds raised will support extra curricular activities at the school.

Sinead OBrien, of St Gabriels School Parents Association, said it is a special needs school that caters for boys and girls with complex physical and complex medical needs.

Our children travel from north Cork to south of Galway - a radius of over 65km. We are in a unique position of having six nursing staff which helps our children to attend school, said Ms OBrien.

However, they have no hall for the school and insufficient space for children with severe complex needs to mobilise.

The only space available is the outdoor space which we are now aiming to cover with pergolas to make it a dry space during our rainy days.

Unfortunately, there is no extra funding being provided to meet these needs, so as parents we are aiming to raise 25,000 to build covered pergolas, said Ms OBrien, who looks forward to welcoming everyone to a very important festive fundraising day this Friday, December 6.

All support would be appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there, said Ms O'Brien.
Honda Cars India is preparing to launch hybrid and electric cars in the coming years as emission norms are set to get stricter with the upcoming stage-3 of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations, a top company official said.

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms, which were first introduced in 2017-18, are aimed at improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles, leading to reduced fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The second stage of CAFE has been in effect since 2022-23, with the third stage set to come into force in 2027. CAFE norms apply to the average fuel consumption of all the vehicles sold by an automaker in a given financial year.

The company is looking ahead to 2027, counting on hybrid and electric vehicles to meet the stricter CAFE-III standards. It plans to introduce three new electric models by 2026-27 as part of a broader strategy to align its India portfolio to its global electrification goals.

We are currently navigating CAFE-II norms, and honestly, its a little tough at this moment," Takuya Tsumura, president and CEO of Honda Cars India told Mint. Looking ahead, we are focused on meeting CAFE-III norms with a line-up of electrified vehicles and hybrids."

A hybrid-driven future

Globally, the Japanese carmaker has set a target to achieve 100% electrification by 2040, which includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles. By 2030, two-thirds of its sales are expected to be electric vehicles. Tsumura confirmed that Honda's India product roadmap, which currently involves only petrol and mild-hybrid models, will also reflect the same direction, with three electric models set to debut in 2026-27. One of these will be a BEV based on Hondas Elevate mid-SUV model.

At least hybrids are the way forward for us to meet CAFE norms and achieve our carbon-neutral goals in India," Tsumura added.

Honda faces uncertainty regarding penalties for non-compliance with current norms, as government policies, such as carbon credit schemes, remain unclear. Mint had reported in September that Honda Cars India was one of the eight original equipment manufacturers in the country that did not meet their CO2 reduction goals in FY23.

Honda said it is optimistic about the Indian government's goal of 30% vehicle electrification by 2030, though it anticipates the actual figure might settle closer to 15-17%.

To support its electrification goals, Honda, as a group, has also ventured into two-wheeler EV segment and battery-swapping infrastructure in India.

Betting on entry-level sedans

Honda Cars India on Wednesday unveiled the third-generation Amaze, priced between 7,99,900 and 10,89,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The introductory prices are valid for 45 days from launch. With this release, the Amaze becomes Indias most affordable car equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the company claimed.

Honda is banking on the lower sedan segment to fuel growth, especially as hatchbacks face declining sales.

The hatchback segment is shrinking, but the lower sedan segment is holding steady with a 2% growth over the last five years," said Kunal Behl, vice-president of marketing and sales at Honda Cars India. This trend gives us confidence that customers prefer feature-packed, safer sedans to hatchbacks."

Also read | Honda needs to rev up as Ola, TVS and Bajaj electric bikes leave it in the dust

Currently, the entry sedan segment accounts for 7.5-8% of India's car market. Honda predicts it will expand to 11.5% in the coming years, driven by a shift in consumer preferences.

Honda is positioning the new Amaze to appeal to value-conscious buyers seeking safety and advanced features. With the new Amaze, we are confident of pulling in hatchback customers who are moving up the value chain," Behl added.
Singapore's GIC is close to raising its stake in Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH) ahead of a potential public listing of the healthcare platform in the next year or two, four people aware of the development said.

The Singapore sovereign fund will acquire an additional 15% stake in AHH from the platform's majority owner TPG, one of the four people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Once the transaction is complete, GIC will emerge as the biggest shareholder of the platform.

AHH, which owns Motherhood Hospitals, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology and Nova IVF, is a healthcare platform majority-owned by global private equity firm TPG. Founded in 2017, AHH is led by Vishal Bali, Asia head of healthcare at TPG Growth and a former CEO at Fortis Healthcare and Wockhardt Hospitals.

TPG, which has invested in AHH through TPG Growth, its equity investment arm, is selling some of its stake to return cash to its investors, the second person said.

The investment may value AHH at $800-900 million, the third person said. The transaction is currently in the documentation process," the person added.

Spokespersons for TPG Growth and AHH did not respond to Mints queries. GIC declined to comment.

Sumit Gupta, healthcare analyst at Centrum Broking, noted that several Indian hospitals as well as companies in diagnostics, medical devices and pharma distribution have gone public since the covid pandemic. "This trend has been fuelled by private equity promoter exits and a favourable environment for healthcare companies, driven by rising demand and strong growth prospectsOverall, in the healthcare space from April 2020, there have been more than 20 IPOs with a total size of 35000 crore, he added.

Also read | KKR, GIC & DigitalBridge in fray to acquire Carlyle Nxtra stake for $700 million deal

GIC had invested $170 million ( 1,280 crore) to acquire a minority stake in AHH in February 2022 from TPG. Following the round, GIC held approximately 40-45% stake in AHH, with the management owning ESOPs, while TPG Growth retained the majority.

With this transaction, TPG is expected to transition to a minority stakeholder in the healthcare platform, while GIC will increase its stake to majority. The deal may also include provisions for assured returns linked to the potential IPO," a fourth person told Mint.

AHH acquired a majority stake in the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in September 2023 for 600 crore. Earlier in May 2019, TPG Growth sold Cancer Treatment Services International to NYSE-listed Varian Medical Systems for $283 million, which had also provided TPG with some liquidity.

With an increasing emphasis on holistic and integrated healthcare models, organizations are pursuing mergers and acquisitions to enhance their service portfolios, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes - a trend that is less pronounced in many other industries. And single specialty is in the forefront for this segment," said Manmohan Tiwana, MD and CEO at Wodehouse Capital Advisors, a premier mid-market focused investment bank.

India's healthcare services market is worth around 6 trillion, said Vipin Singhal, associate director at Anand Rathi Investment Banking. Favourable demographic shifts, a rising proportion of non-communicable diseases and greater ability to pay are the sectors key structural drivers. These would, in turn, lead to about 15% CAGR to around 7.7trillion over FY22-25."

And read | Gentari, GIC set to invest $1.75 billion in AM Green unit
Kuwaits state-owned explorer and refiner is evaluating storing crude in Indian underground caverns under the second leg of the governments programme to boost strategic petroleum reserves in the worlds third biggest oil importer.

Participation of Kuwait Petroleum Company in phase 2 is one of the new areas of cooperation being explored, the external affairs ministry said in its reply to the parliamentary committee's query on cooperation between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The information was shared with KPC on 10 November 2022 and the company has shown interest in storing its crude in the facilities of state-run Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL), it said.

The status report on action taken by the government on the parliamentary panel's recommendations was submitted on Tuesday.

Indias plan to augment strategic reserves is aimed at ensuring energy security during geopolitical tensions which tend to disrupt supplies and drive up prices, as seen in 2022 during the peak of Russias war in Ukraine. Such reserves can be used in times of emergency.

The Union cabinet approved the construction of caverns along with single-point moorings and pipelines under phase II at Chandikhol, Odisha (4 million metric tonne) and Padur, Karnataka (2.5 MMT) in public-private partnership in 2021. ISPRL has since been engaging with the GCC countries.

The external affairs ministry said that ISPRL has also informed Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National oil Company (ADNOC), the national oil company of the UAE, about the opportunity to participate in the second round.

ISPRL, the custodian of caverns storing critical sovereign crude oil reserves, also operates facilities for any other entity approved by the Centre. It also coordinates for releasing and replenishing strategic crude oil stock during supply disruptions through an empowered committee of the Government of India.

Also read | Saudi cuts Asian Premium after India taps Russian oil

In the first phase, ISPRL created underground rock caverns to store 5.33 million tonne of crude across three locations: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (1.33 million tonne), and Mangalore (1.5 million tonne) and Padur (2.5 million tonne) in Karnataka.

ADNOC joined phase I to store 5.86 million barrels of its crude in Mangalore. In 2018, it signed another memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ISPRL to explore storing crude at its underground facility at Padur.

The parliamentary panel on external affairs, in its report in January this year, had suggested that the government should actively engage with the GCC countries to secure their participation in phase II of its strategic petroleum reserve programme as these nations contribute almost 35% of Indias oil and 70% of gas imports.

Also read | Aramcos VC arm in talks for India team

On the panel's recommendation of exploring more long-term contracts for oil and gas, the ministry replied India is also eyeing a term contract with Oman, the nations 12th largest supplier of oil, apart from existing deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

"These strategic engagements underscore India's efforts to secure a stable and diversified energy supply and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with prominent energy-producing nations in the region," the ministry said, adding that it continues to explore more such opportunities.

The external affairs ministry, in its reply to the parliamentary panel, also said that to broaden the scope of strategic reserves beyond national borders, ISPRL signed an MoU with Oman Tanking Terminal Company LLC (OTTCO) on 25 June 2023 to conduct feasibility studies for ISPRL's potential involvement in phase 1 of the Ras Markaz project through equity partnership or leasing storage space.

"This endeavour presents a distinctive opportunity to establish strategic storage beyond India, particularly with an oil-producing nation," it said.

And read | Aramco deals can push Kalpataru Projects up the growth ladder

The efforts to get into a term contract with Oman coincide with the free-trade talks between the two countries. Earlier, Mint reported that negotiations have concluded, and the signing of the agreement would follow soon. As of September, India has imported crude worth $649.46 million from Oman in the current fiscal (FY25), a nearly five-fold surge from $132.15 million a year earlier, showed data from the commerce ministry.
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, is getting into the business of war.

The worlds most valuable AI company has agreed to work with Anduril Industries, a leading defense-tech startup, to add its technology to systems the U.S. military uses to counter drone attacks. The partnership, which the companies announced Wednesday, marks OpenAIs deepest involvement yet with the Defense Department and its first tie-up with a commercial weapons maker.

It is the latest example of Silicon Valleys dramatic turn from shunning the Pentagon a few years ago to now forging deeper ties with the national security complex. OpenAI, valued at more than $150 billion, previously barred its AI from being used in military and warfare. In January, it changed its policies to allow some collaborations with the military.

While the company still prohibits the use of its technology in offensive weapons, it has made deals with the Defense Department for cybersecurity work and other projects. This year, OpenAI added former National Security Agency chief Paul Nakasone to its board and hired former Defense Department official Sasha Baker to create a team focused on national security policy.

Other tech companies are making similar moves, arguing that the U.S. must treat AI technology as a strategic asset to bolster national security against countries like China. Last month, startup Anthropic said it would give access to its AI to the U.S. military through a partnership with Palantir Technologies.

OpenAI will incorporate its tech into Andurils counterdrone systems software, the companies said. The Anduril systems detect, assess and track unmanned aircraft. If a threatening drone is identified, militaries can use electronic jamming, drones and other means, to take it down.

The AI could improve the accuracy and speed of detecting and responding to drones, putting fewer people in harms way, Anduril said.

The Anduril deal ties OpenAI to some tech leaders who have espoused conservative ideals and backed Donald Trump. Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey was an early and vocal Trump supporter from the tech industry. Luckeys sister is married to Matt Gaetz, Trumps pick to lead the Justice Department before he withdrew from consideration.

Luckey is also close to Trumps ally, Elon Musk.

Musk has praised Luckeys entrepreneurship and encouraged him to join the Trump transition team. Luckey has, at times, fashioned himself as a younger Musk and references Musk as a pioneer in selling startup technology to the Pentagon.

The alliance between Anduril and OpenAI might also help buffer the AI companys CEO, Sam Altman, from possible backlash from Musk, who has openly disparaged Altman and sued his company. Musk was a co-founder of OpenAI but stepped away from the company in 2018 after clashing with Altman over the companys direction. Last year. Musk founded a rival AI lab, x.AI.

At an event on Wednesday, Altman said he didnt think Musk would use his close relationship with Trump to undermine rivals.

It would be profoundly un-American to use political power to the degree that Elon has it to hurt your competitors," Altman said at the New York Timess DealBook conference in New York City. I dont think people would tolerate that. I dont think Elon would do it."

Anduril is leading the push by venture-backed startups to sell high-tech, AI-powered systems to replace traditional tanks and attack helicopters. The company sells weapons to militaries around the world and AI software that enables the weapons to act autonomously.

Anduril Chief Executive Officer Brian Schimpf said in a statement that adding OpenAI technology to Anduril systems will enable military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations."

Anduril, valued at $14 billion, is one of the few success stories among a crowd of fledgling defense startups. In November, the company announced a $200 million contract to provide the U.S. Marine Corps with its counterdrone system. The company said the Defense Department uses the counterdrone systems to protect military installations.

As part of this agreement, OpenAIs technology wont be used with Andurils other weapons systems, the companies said.

Altman said in a statement that his company wants to ensure the technology upholds democratic values."

The companies declined to comment on the financial terms of the partnership.

Technology entrepreneurs, backed by billions of dollars in venture capital, have bet that future conflicts will hinge on large numbers of small, AI-powered autonomous systems to attack and defend. Defense-tech companies and some Pentagon leaders say the U.S. military needs better AI for a potential conflict with China and other sophisticated adversaries.

AI has proven increasingly important for keeping drones in the air after the rise of electronic warfare, which uses jammers to block GPS signals and radio frequencies that drones use to fly. AI can also help soldiers and military chiefs filter large amounts of battlefield data.

Wading deeper into defense opens another source of revenue for OpenAI, which seeks to evolve from the nonprofit lab of its roots to a moneymaking leader in the AI industry. The computing costs to develop and operate AI models are exorbitant, and the company is losing billions of dollars a year.

Write to Heather Somerville at heather.somerville@wsj.com and Deepa Seetharaman at deepa.seetharaman@wsj.com
NEW YORKUnitedHealth Groups annual investor day began much like any other corporate event. There was breakfast, and then around 8 a.m. the collection of investors, executives and Wall Street analysts filed into a capacious third-floor ballroom at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan to hear upbeat presentations about the companys future.

Unbeknown to them, one of the companys top executives had been killed earlier that morning on the street out front in what police say was a targeted attack.

Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, had been steps from the Hiltons entrance at 6:44 a.m. when an assassin wearing a dark hoodie and gray backpack stepped from behind a parked car in the predawn darkness, calmly pursued him for a few steps, and then shot him with a 9-millimeter pistol.

View Full Image UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Photo: UnitedHealth Group

Thompson staggered, appeared to turn toward his pursuer, and then collapsed. The killer fled down an alley and then escaped on an ebike.

Inside the conference room of one the citys busiest hotels, the show went on. It wasnt until around 9 a.m. that Andrew Witty, chief executive of UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcares parent company, interrupted the proceedings to announce that the event was being canceled due to a very serious medical situation with one of our team members."

And as a result, Im afraid were going to have to bring to a close the event today," he added. Im sure youll understand."

The news had already started to ripple through the crowd. Nearly everyone with a mobile phone and a social-media platform seemed to know what the medical emergency was. Within the hour, many of the attendees were in the Hilton lobby, luggage in tow, checking out.

Even for a city inured to shootings and macabre headlines, the killing of a top executive just before sunrise was stunning. It was all the more so because the shootingwhich Jessica Tisch, the new New York Police Department commissioner, called a brazen, targeted attack"unfolded at the height of the holiday season in a Midtown Manhattan thronged with tourists admiring festive store windows, taking in the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall and the like.

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, just a few blocks from the Hilton, was due to be lighted on Wednesday night. By midmorning, a crowd had formed by the skating rink to watch a rehearsal for the television event. Meanwhile, a short walk away, others were gathered behind yellow tape and metal barricades, gawking at investigators as they picked over the crime scene.

Thompson, who one acquaintance described as having a classic Midwestern executive vibe," was visiting from Minnesota for the companys annual investor day conference, and had been staying at a hotel across the street since Monday.

In the healthcare industry, many were grappling with the loss of a friend and colleague. The previous evening, Thompson had been among the UnitedHealth executives who hosted a dinner for analysts and investors. It struck people as surreal," said John Ransom, an analyst at Raymond James, noting the dissonance between a routine Wall Street event and the killing of a man many had known for years.

Health insurance was Thompsons path from rural Iowa to executive success. Yet some speculated that the much-reviled industry might have provided a motive for the killeralthough the police released no information on the matter. Companies such as UnitedHealthcare have been inundated with lawsuits and complaints from enraged customers who complain that they have been unfairly denied medical coverage.

There had been some threats," Thompsons wife, Paulette, told NBC News on Wednesday, adding: Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage?"

Thompson, whose father worked in the local grain elevators, was considered a fast-riser at UnitedHealth. He had been appointed president of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 after leading its division that dealt with Medicare and Medicaid. He was married with two sons.

Speaking at his fathers funeral last year, he discussed their rural roots and reminisced about fishing with him and his older brother, Mark, at a favorite local spot.

Antonio Ciaccia, who met Thompson around 2018 while serving as head of government affairs at the Ohio Pharmacists Association, described him as uniquely affable, thoughtful, and likable."

View Full Image New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the shooting a brazen, targeted attack. Photo: Alex Kent/Getty Images

He maintained respect for Thompson even though they were on opposite sides of the table when a trio of UnitedHealthcare executives flew to Ohio to try to mend fences after the state accused the company of overcharging for drugs.

Matt Burns, a former UnitedHealthcare communications executive who worked with Thompson, recalled him as a whip-smart, down-to-earth leader.

He was always known as this sort of outgoing, affable, relatable leader who you rooted for and you cheered for," Burns said, crediting Thompson as one those behind for the companys launch of so-called health navigators, who would guide patients through difficult times with their treatment.

Thompson had been scheduled to speak at this weeks annual conference.

On Wednesday morning, one witness described the shots as sounding like a car door slamming. A hotel guest described hearing the sirens outside on Sixth Avenue.

View Full Image An provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference on Wednesday. Photo: AP

By 9 a.m., when a man who works at the 24-hour newsstand directly in front of the Hilton on Sixth Avenue arrived for his shift, nothing appeared out of the ordinary, he said.

Hiltons side door on 54th Street told a different story. Police tape, metal guardrails and orange cones blocked anyone from entering the building. Television-crew vans lined both sides of the street. A police officer mounted on a horse stood nearby, staring ahead at the hotels entrance.

Brian was a wonderful man and a wonderful father," said Maria Reveiz, one of Thompsons sisters-in-law who is a yoga teacher and owns a jazz club in Des Moines.

Reveiz, who said she is one of five sisters, had just arrived Wednesday in Egypt to help Gaza refugees when she got a text from another sister with an article about the shooting. They didnt know at first if it was true, she said. Thompsons wife, Paulette, also learned about the shooting from the other sister.

We are shocked and heartbroken and we are disgusted that we had to find out from an article online," Reveiz said.

WSJ staff members contributed to this article.

Write to Joshua Chaffin at joshua.chaffin@wsj.com
More than a decade ago, the off-road vehicle maker Polaris surrendered its status as a 100% made-in-America company, gambling that it could add a Mexican factory without alienating customers.

The move paid off handsomely. Buyers didnt flinch as the plant, located in Monterrey, churned out more than 22,000 vehicles in its first year, helping to expand the companys sales 33% while saving millions of dollars in costs. The factory has since become Polariss largest, producing such models as the RZR, a dune buggy-like vehicle that starts at $16,000 and can reach over $40,000.

Now the plant could become a liability. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to levy a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico as retribution for what he described as the countrys lax efforts in stopping drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

For Polaris, which has added engine-assembly and injection-molding facilities to its Monterrey operations, the new duties could create $400 million in costs that would be passed on to consumers, according to David MacGregor of Longbow Research.

The higher prices would come as Polaris faces weaker demand for its products, as well as $70 million to $80 million in tariffs for Chinese components used in its U.S.-made vehicles. The company has argued that those tariffs, put in place during Trumps first administration, are an unfair burden because its top competitors dont manufacture in the U.S.

Speaking at an investor conference Wednesday, Chief Executive Michael Speetzen said Polaris is reviewing its sourcing but otherwise is waiting to see what happens.

Were not going to spend a lot of energy trying to worry about what could be," he said. I mean, theres a million different scenarios."

Tariffs would upend a trade relationship that since 1994 has allowed most goods produced in Mexico to enter the U.S. duty-free. Companies making everything from cars to medical devices have taken advantage of the countrys proximity to the U.S. and its abundant, less expensive labor. Last year Mexico exported $475 billion of goods to the U.S., surpassing China to become the biggest foreign supplier.

Companies including Minnesota-based Polaris are now pondering an abrupt adjustment to their longstanding economic calculus. The Motorcycle Industry Council, which lobbies for power-sports manufacturers, said high tariffs would be damaging to the industry and its customers.

We hope that any new tariffs will also come with an opportunity to make our case for exclusions," said Scott Schloegel, a senior vice president at the trade group.

Heading south

Polariss founders built their first vehicle, a snowmobile, in the 1950s, and for years the companys sole plant was in Roseau, Minn., a rural town about 10 miles south of the Canadian border. It later added factories in Iowa and Wisconsin. For more than a decade after the North American Free Trade Agreement sent U.S. manufacturers flocking to Mexico, the company stood pat, insisting that its Midwestern workforce was sufficiently cost-effective.

That sentiment changed in 2010. Scott Wine, who was chief executive at the time, announced plans to build a factory in Mexico, saying Polaris would save more than $30 million a year in production costs and produce off-road vehicles closer to its customer base in the southern U.S.

Another advantage: While Polaris had trouble attracting workers to the small towns hosting its U.S. factories, that wasnt an issue in the industrial hub of Monterrey. Its metropolitan-area population of 5.3 million is nearly as large as the entire state of Minnesota.

Its still only a couple hours outside of the border, and we will get a significant savings and more efficiency and faster speed throughout our value chain once this is fully up and running," Wine said at an investment conference.

Polaris built its factory on the eastern edge of the metro area, not far from the airport. The process wasnt smooth. The company had to build a supply chain from scratch. There was also occasional violence in the city, and at one point a model vehicle shipped from Minnesota was stolen in transit, according to people familiar with the matter. But within a year, production had begun.

Polaris has since expanded its product lines and global ambitions, adding factories in China, Poland and France, along with Alabama and Indiana. It still employs more people in the U.S. than it does in Mexico, but the companys Monterrey facilities have become its biggest by far, covering 2.7 million square feet.

What are you going to do?

After the factory opened, Polaris said customers didnt push back. The company stopped placing American flag decals on vehicles, a subtle sign of the shift.

Eugene Bass, a 54-year-old general contractor from Delta Junction, Alaska, owns a RZR and captures some of his rides on a YouTube channel. He said he would prefer if the vehicle had been made in the U.S. but isnt put off by its Mexican origin. Off-roading is so exhilarating, he said, that many drivers likely wouldnt be deterred by a tariff-related price hike.

I think youll see a lot of people hemming and hawing about it, but you know, theyre going to buy them anyway," said Bass, who paid more than $30,000 for his 2022 model. Its just like the price of everything else going up. What are you going to do?"

The U.S. and Mexico imposed tariffs on each other during Trumps first term before arriving at a successor pact to Nafta known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It allowed most products, including Polariss, to remain duty-free. But the president-elect is promising a more aggressive stance this time around, threatening the farm equipment maker Deere with a 200% tariff if it moves production to Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum promised retaliatory tariffs if Trump proceeds with his plan.

Some supply-chain specialists doubt that Trump administration tariffs will reverse manufacturings long-running investment in Mexico, adding that even the conflicts of Trumps first term didnt derail the sectors growth.

Its too big to stop," said Eric Porras, a professor at the Egade Business School at Tecnologico de Monterrey. Two or three years of this pressure from the U.S. might not be equivalent to the more than 20 years that we have been exchanging goods."

Write to John Keilman at john.keilman@wsj.com
Elon Musks appointment as Donald Trumps waste-cutter-in-chief involves at least one glaring conflict of interest. A paradigm example of waste, which would be near the top of any cutters hit list, is the Space Launch System (SLS), a rocket designed to carry 95-tonne payloads into orbit to support Americas plan to return astronauts to the Moon. Adjusted for inflation, it has so far cost more than $30bnand has been launched just once. Moreover, it has an obvious and much cheaper commercial rival in the form of Starship, a vehicle with a greater capacity and which, unlike the SLS, is reusable. Starship was developed by SpaceX. But, as the world knows, SpaceXs boss is Mr Musk.

How this will play out remains to be seen. Indeed, the future of NASA in its entirety is in jeopardy if Mr Musk means what he says about the size of his proposed cuts ($2trn from a federal budget of $7trn). That organisation, which has little to show for a $25bn annual budget, is surely ripe for the slaughterhouse.

Yet, though it would look bad if Mr Musk killed it, the SLS is not and never could be a true competitor for Starship. Moon missions aside, whether it lives or dies makes no practical difference to his armlock on Americas space-launch industry. SpaceXs actual main challenger at the moment is Blue Origin, a firm founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, 18 months before SpaceXs formation in 2002.

Blue streak?

Blue Origin has not yet enjoyed SpaceXs stellar success. Its current product, New Shepard, is a toy. (It cannot reach orbit. It merely carries rich tourists above the Karman line, 100km up, which is the official boundary of outer space.) But that will soon change. The firm is now conducting pre-launch tests on New Glenn, a rocket both reusable and orbital. If all goes well, a prototype will lift off from a specially built pad at Cape Canaveral sometime in the next few weeks.

View Full Image Can-anyone-realistically-challenge-SpaceX-s-launch

New Glenn actually will be a challenger to SpaceX. It will carry 45 tonnes into orbit. That is still less than the 150 tonnes a Starship will manage, but more than the 23 tonnes of a Falcon 9. And it will be enough for Mr Bezos to get busy assembling Project Kuiper, his proposed satellite-internet constellation. Whether New Glenns will be produced in the sort of quantities, and achieve the turn around times, planned for Starships, remains to be seen.

Success for New Glenn would help assuage American officialdoms understandable nervousness that any firm, however cosy its relationship with the president, should have an armlock on the important business of launcha nervousness implicit in the name, Assured Access to Space, of a large bit of Americas Space Force that is involved in procurement. There is also a second back-up of sorts, though not a very convincing one, in the form of the United Launch Alliances (ULAs) Vulcan Centaur.

The ULA is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing that represents the last vestiges of the old way of doing space flightwith big, disposable rockets and relaxed launch schedules. Vulcan Centaur lifts 27 tonnes, making it a theoretical competitor of Falcon 9. But it has seen only one lift-off since its maiden flight in January. And it will not be reusable. Moreover, it depends on Blue Origin for its first-stage enginesthe BE-4 motors which that firm developed to launch New Glenn. Indeed, there has been talk in the past that Blue Origin might simply buy the ULA, though what it would do with such a legacy asset is unclear.

A duopoly (or even a duopoly-plus), though better than a monopoly, is still unideal. As Winston Churchill said of fuel supplies to Britains navy, safety and certaintylie in variety and variety alone". A number of smaller and less billionaire-dependent firms are therefore still paddling, though admittedly only at the shallow end of the market.

Rocket Labs Electron launchers have been lifting small (up to 320kg) loads into bespoke orbits since 2018. Now the firm, based in Long Beach, California, plans one called Neutron, with a capacity of 13 tonnes and a scheduled first launch in the middle of next year. It is also getting into the space-science market with a pair of Mars-bound satellites built for the University of California, Berkeley which it hopes will be launched next year.

Hot on its heels is Firefly Aerospace, based near Austin, Texas, which had the first fully successful launch of its Alpha rocket (capacity just over a tonne) in 2023 and is planning a larger device (capacity 16 tonnes) in collaboration with Northrop Grumman. Firefly is interested in space science, too. Its Blue Ghost lunar lander, due for launch next year on a SpaceX vehicle, will carry customers instruments and experiments to the Moons surface.

Northrop Grumman operates on its own recognisance as well. Its Antares system can lift eight tonnes and its smaller offering, Pegasus, 450kg. It also offers the delightfully dubbed Minotaur, which, as the name suggests, is cobbled together out of parts from other rocketsnamely motors from decommissioned Minutemen intercontinental ballistic missiles and bodywork from Pegasus.

Those are the successes. In rocketry, however, failure is certainly an option. In 2023 Relativity Space, a neighbour of Rocket Lab in Long Beach, tried unsuccessfully to reach orbit with a rocket called Terran 1 that was made largely by 3D printing. It hopes to have another go in 2026 with a modified version, Terran R, which relies less on that novel manufacturing technique. ABL Space Systems in El Segundo, to the north-west of Long Beach, likewise failed in 2023 and has scaled back its ambitions from being an all-comers commercial service to focusing on missile defence. And Astra Space, of Alameda, California, has undergone several corporate reincarnations in the wake of failed launches. It is currently pinning its hopes on what it calls Rocket 4, which has attracted the interest of the Defence Innovation Unit, a part of the Pentagon.

Destruction testing

If you have money, of course, launch failures provide a learning opportunity. They are, indeed, part of SpaceXs business model, as its approach to developing Starship has shown. But even that mighty firm came close to death when its first three attempts to send a rocket into orbit, between 2006 and 2008, went wrong. Another failure would have killed it. But the fourth go workedand the rest is history.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
If you had asked anyone before the pandemic about the paints and coatings industry in India, the answer would have been unanimous: Asian Paints Ltd was the undisputed leader. And for good reason.

Even during the pandemic-induced lockdown, while the company initially saw a 20% dip in its stock price, it quickly rebounded, regaining lost ground and reaching an all-time high by 2022.

In those two years, the companys sales surged by 50%, with net profit following a similar trajectory. Asian Paints seemed unstoppable.

But the tide began to shift when Grasim Industries Ltd announced its entry into the paints businessa serious challenge to the long-standing dominance of Asian Paints.

At the same time, rising raw material costs began to eat into margins, creating further pressure. Yet, between FY22 and FY24, the company managed to post a 21% increase in sales and an impressive 80% jump in net profit, aided by the easing of raw material prices.

Despite these strong financials, the stock price stagnated, frustrating investors who expected better.

The real blow came with the September 2024 quarterly results.

Sales declined by a modest 5% year-over-year, but net profit nosedived by a shocking 44%. This rattled investor confidence, sending the stock price plummeting by more than 30%pushing it back to 2020 levels.

In essence, the stock has offered virtually no returns over the past four years, a bitter pill for long-term investors.

The once unshakable Asian Paints is now at a crossroads. The critical question is: Can it reclaim its glory? Is this stalwart of the paints industry still a stock worth holding onto, or has it lost its shine for good? Lets delve deeper to uncover what the future may hold for this iconic company and its investors.

View Full Image Asian Paints Ltd share price movement (Jan 2015 till October 2024) (Screener.in)

India's paint industry

India's paint industry, valued at approximately 80,000 crore ($9.5 billion) as of 2024, has enjoyed a steady annual growth rate of 12-15% over the past decade. This growth has been driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and an increasing appetite for visually appealing homes and offices.

But with signs of slowing sales growth across major companies, the question arises: Can this momentum continue?

View Full Image Revenue comparison across companies. (Tijori Finance)

Segments of the paint industry

The Indian paint market is broadly divided into two key segments:

Decorative paints (75%): Encompassing interior and exterior wall paints, enamels, and wood finishes used in homes and commercial spaces.

Industrial paints (25%): Comprising specialized paints used in automotive coatings, protective layers, and other industrial applications.

Market landscape and competition

Out of this market, Asian Paints, Akzo Nobel, and Kansai Nerolac dominate with a combined 75% market share, with Asian Paints alone commanding 45-47%. This significant market share is built on a foundation of strong distribution and brand equity. Asian Paints extensive network of 75,000 distributors and over 150,000 touchpoints gives it a clear edge over competitors like Berger Paints and Kansai Nerolac, whose networks are roughly half the size.

Naturally, this translates to higher revenue and market dominance.

However, the dynamics are shifting with Grasim Industries (Birla Opus) entering the fray. Grasims planned 10,000 crore investment in the paints business is set to challenge the established players on multiple fronts.

Grasims competitive strategy

Grasim is positioning itself as a formidable competitor by addressing two critical factors in the paints business:

Distribution reach: Grasim plans to scale quickly with 55,000 distributors, leveraging its established foothold through its cement (Ultratech) and putty businesses. This overlap provides an opportunity for rapid network expansion, closing the gap with Asian Paints extensive network.

Tinting machine deployment: Tinting machines are vital for dealers to customize paint shades on demand. Asian Paints leads the market with 55,000 machines deployed. Grasim has promised to match this figure by FY25, sweetening the deal for dealers by offering free tinting machinesa game-changer that makes it easier for retailers to adopt Grasims Birla Opus brand.

Demand side: Is the market big enough?

While competition intensifies, the demand side of the equation appears promising:

Real estate growth: With Indias real estate market booming, new construction activity continues to fuel demand for paints.

Shorter repainting cycles: The average repainting cycle in India has shortened significantly, from seven years to 3-5 years, driven by rising incomes and changing consumer preferences. This trend ensures a steady stream of recurring revenue for paint companies.

India's paint market is expected to grow from 80,000 crore in 2024 to 120,000 crore by 2029, with a CAGR of 8.5%. Additionally, Indias per capita paint consumption remains low at 3.5kg, compared to the global average of 10kg, indicating room for growth. As India progresses toward becoming a developed nation, this gap is likely to narrow, boosting paint demand further.

While the overall market growth seems healthy, its not without challenges.

Grasims aggressive entry and investment will undoubtedly carve out a double-digit market share in the coming years, adding pressure on incumbents like Asian Paints. For established players, retaining market share will require continued innovation, network expansion, and operational efficiencies.

So, can Asian Paints brush up its growth prospects?

With all these challenges swirling around, you might be asking yourself: Can Asian Paints still grow and stay on top? Let's break it down together.

Making the most of its strong distribution network

First off, Asian Paints has a massive advantage with its distribution network. They have over 70,000 dealers spread across India. That's huge! This means whether you're in a big city or a small town, you can easily find their products.

This extensive reach helps them tap into both urban and rural markets. It's not easy for new players to build such a vast network overnight. So, even with new competitors like Grasim Industries stepping in, Asian Paints has a head start.

Also, Asian Paints' dependence on select distributors is less. They generate just 0.9% revenue through top 10 distributors. This figure is 23% for Grasim and 3.3% for Kansai Nerolac.

View Full Image Sales to top 10 dealers. (Asian Paints annual report 2024)

View Full Image Sales to top 10 dealers. (Grasim Industries annual report 2024)

View Full Image Sales to top 10 dealers. (Kansai Nerolac annual report 2024)

Expanding and innovating product offerings

Asian Paints isn't just about paint anymorethey're transforming into a complete home decor brand. Have you heard about their Beautiful Homes Stores?

These stores are like a one-stop shop for all your home makeover needs. You can walk in and find not just paints, but also furniture, furnishings, and even design consultancy services. It's a holistic approach to home decor that goes beyond just colouring your walls.

They've also made strategic moves by acquiring companies like White Teak, which specializes in premium decorative lighting and fans. Then there's Weatherseal, offering high-quality uPVC doors and windows. By bringing these products under their umbrella, Asian Paints is aiming to provide a comprehensive suite of home improvement solutions.

View Full Image Home decor business expansion. (Asian Paints quarterly report 2024)

Now, you might be wondering how big this part of their business is.

Currently, these new venturescollectively part of their decor businessaccount for about 4.5% of their overall revenue. But here's the exciting part: they have ambitious plans to double this to 10% in the coming years. That's a significant leap and shows how serious they are about this direction.

So, why is this a smart move?

Well, think about it from a customer's perspective. When you're planning to repaint your home, you're often also thinking about updating furniture, lighting, or maybe installing new windows and doors. By offering all these products and services, Asian Paints can cater to multiple needs at once, making it convenient for customers.

For their distributors and dealers, this expansion is a big win too. They can now offer a wider range of products to their customers, which can increase their sales and profitability. It's like having more items on the menu at a restaurantthe more you offer, the more likely customers are to find something they want. Plus, with a broader product line, dealers can negotiate better terms with the company, effectively pushing for collective bargains that can benefit them financially.

Financial stability and investor confidence

One of the most compelling strengths of Asian Paints lies in its financial stability, which could serve as a formidable moat in the years ahead. While theres considerable chatter about the potential for a price war triggered by Birla Opuss entry into the paints market, its worth examining the nuances of such a scenario.

The price war dilemma

Yes, a price war could lead to some loss of market share for Asian Paints, but lets consider this: what stops Asian Paints from reducing prices too?

Historically, Asian Paints has demonstrated exceptional pricing power. Speaking with distributors reveals that Asian Paints typically sells at a 15-20% discount to MRP, whereas competitors often discount as much as 40%. This highlights the strength of Asian Paints brand equity and its ability to maintain a premium despite aggressive competition.

For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse.

If pushed, Asian Paints has the resources and brand loyalty to engage in price adjustments. With its strong cash reserves, it can sustain lower pricing for extended periods, ensuring it retains its market leadership. This is a strategic lever that the company has yet to pulla potential ace up its sleeve that competitors like Birla Opus may not be fully prepared for.

View Full Image Surplus cash. (Asian Paints annual report 2024 )

Surplus cash and asset efficiency: A competitive edge

Asian Paints' financial health is underscored by its surplus cash position, as highlighted in the FY24 annual report. This financial cushion could prove critical if the company decides to defend its market share through strategic discounts or increased marketing spends.

Moreover, Asian Paints boasts the highest asset turnover ratio in the industry, a testament to its operational efficiency. With most players pushing for capacity expansion, industry-wide asset utilization may decline in the short term. Maintaining high utilization will likely depend on robust sales growthfurther fueling the possibility of a price war. Here, Asian Paints financial muscle could be a significant advantage, enabling it to navigate this challenging phase more effectively than its competitors.

View Full Image Fixed asset turnover ratio comparison. (Tijori Finance)

Timing and strategy: The waiting game

Asian Paints appears to be taking a calculated approach, observing how Birla Opus navigates its initial market entry. This deliberate strategy allows Asian Paints to gauge the true impact on margins and market share over the next two quarters before responding decisively.

Such prudence could buy the company valuable time to explore new business avenues, refine its strategy, and consolidate its leadership position. The current situation is not about immediate gains but about long-term sustainability and market dominance.

Valuation and investor implications

At a current price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 50x, Asian Paints is trading in line with industry peers. However, if the company can hold its margins and market share without major disruptions over the next two quarters, who knows it may reclaim the premium valuation it has historically commanded too.

In the near-term however, the company has to deal with a lot of issues. This may not prove to be great for its share price. However, Asian Paints is far from a write-off. With the market expected to stabilize and the competitive dynamics clearer by FY25, the company has the potential to do well, riding on broader market growth and its strategic advantages.

Note: We have relied on data from the annual reports for this article. For forecasting, we have used our assumptions.

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. The views expressed are my own and do not reflect or represent the views of my present or past employers.

Parth Parikh has over a decade of experience in finance and research, and he currently heads the growth and content vertical at Finsire. He has a keen interest in Indian and global stocks and holds an FRM Charter along with an MBA in Finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. Previously, he has held research positions at various companies.

Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article.
Fast and affordable data plans have kept millions glued to their phones, but cellular technology is evolving beyond connecting just humans. With 5G, were stepping into a future where everythingfrom devices to industriescan be seamlessly connected.

This next-generation technology isnt merely about faster internet speeds; its about revolutionizing industries and reshaping economies. India, one of the most enthusiastic adopters of 5G, is spearheading the transformation with rapid adoption and a nationwide rollout.

As demand surges, 5G is poised to redefine both society and the economy. So, which companies are leading this revolution? Lets take a closer look at five 5G-related stocks in India that are worth watching.

#1 Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel has been at the forefront of launching and expanding 5G services across India. Since rolling out its 5G network in eight cities in October 2022, the company has achieved nationwide coverage, spanning all 28 states and 8 union territories.

In July 2024, Airtel began re-farming its mid-band spectrum to handle growing 5G traffic. By optimizing spectrum in the 1800, 2100, and 2300 MHz bands, Airtel is improving browsing speeds and enhancing indoor coverage. With a diversified spectrum portfolio across bands like 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz, Airtel has built a strong foundation for comprehensive 5G services.

Airtels 5G user base grew to 90 million by Q1FY25, up from 72 million at the end of FY24. The company is set to launch standalone mode (SA) 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services by December 2024, while continuing with non-standalone mode (NSA) for consumer services in the short term.

Beyond connectivity, Airtel is deploying 5G-powered solutions for smart traffic management, public safety, and environmental monitoring in collaboration with cities. A partnership with Nokia, cemented through a multi-billion-dollar deal in November 2024, supports these efforts by deploying advanced 4G and 5G equipment across India. This collaboration also includes the Green 5G Initiative, which focuses on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Airtels infrastructure spans over 365,000 RKMs of submarine cables and satellite networks across 50 countries and 5 continents, serving over 2 billion people globally.

Financially, Airtel has shown consistent growth, with revenue increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% over the past five years and net profit surging by 38.4%. Looking forward, revenue and Ebitda are projected to grow at an annual rate of 1316% between FY24 and FY27.

Key growth drivers include expected tariff hikes, which are likely to boost average revenue per user (ARPU), the rapid rollout and increasing adoption of 5G services, and diversification into non-mobile business segments. Airtels strong performance in its Africa operations further enhances its growth trajectory.

With its aggressive expansion of 5G services and focus on innovation, Bharti Airtel is well-positioned to capitalize on Indias growing digital economy. As the company continues to scale its 5G infrastructure and diversify its offerings, it remains a compelling player in the 5G revolution, offering significant opportunities for long-term growth.

#2 Tejas Networks

Tejas Networks, a Tata Group company, is a key player in Indias 5G ecosystem, specializing in flexible, scalable, and open Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that enable seamless transitions from 4G to 5G for service providers.

The companys 5G portfolio includes Baseband Units (BBUs) that support up to 15 cells with massive MIMO capabilities, in-house designed Radio Units (RUs) compliant with 3GPP and O-RAN standards, and a 5G Core built on a virtualized, service-based architecture. These systems enable advanced features like network slicing, supporting enhanced broadband and low-latency communications.

Tejas also offers Distributed Units (DUs) and Centralized Units (CUs) for flexible deployments, making it a one-stop solution provider for modern telecom needs.

To further solidify its 5G capabilities, Tejas Networks acquired cutting-edge RAN technology from IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and SAMEER for 120 million. This strategic move strengthens its technological foundation and enhances commercial applications in the fast-evolving telecom landscape.

Tejas Networks has achieved a strong 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.4% in sales and transitioned to profitability during the same period. With Indias emphasis on localizing supply chains and positioning itself as a global tech hub, Tejas is well-equipped to meet the rising demand for cost-effective, high-quality telecom products.

The company is also expanding its global footprint, focusing on providing affordable 5G solutions to developing markets. It anticipates 20% revenue growth over the next two years, underpinned by India's increasing adoption of 5G technology.

Tejas Networks recently secured the largest order in its history from BSNL, signalling a major performance turnaround. With its comprehensive portfolio and strategic initiatives, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in Indias 5G revolution and beyond.

#3 HFCL Ltd

HFCL Ltd, a prominent technology solutions company, is playing a pivotal role in Indias 5G revolution with its cutting-edge products and services.

HFCL has launched Indias first indigenous 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) solution and offers advanced 5G Lab-as-a-Service facilities, enabling enterprises to test and optimize their systems.

The companys portfolio includes 5G outdoor small cell products developed in partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, addressing sub-6GHz and mmWave requirements. It also provides a comprehensive range of optical fiber and cables tailored to 5G standards.

HFCLs Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) products, such as its 1 Gbps Small Form Factor 4G/5G backhaul radio and 2 Gbps Point-to-Multipoint connectivity UBR, cater to diverse connectivity needs, including rural areas.

A significant milestone for HFCL was securing a 6.2 billion order from a domestic telecom service provider for indigenously manufactured 5G networking equipment. This large-scale order, to be executed by December 2024, underscores HFCLs commitment to advancing high-tech telecom equipment manufacturing in India.

HFCL has also partnered with Qualcomm to develop 5G millimeter-wave products and supplied fiber optic cables for Reliance Jios 5G rollout. Additionally, the company plays a critical role in the BharatNet project, which aims to improve broadband connectivity in rural India.

While HFCLs revenue has yet to fully recover over the past five years, the companys net profit has grown at a steady CAGR of 7.8%, demonstrating resilience in a challenging industry landscape. HFCL has invested 7 billion in a new facility dedicated to 5G equipment manufacturing and plans to double its revenue from 5G products within three years by expanding internationally and diversifying its solutions portfolio.

The company has set ambitious targets for 2027, aiming for revenue in the 90100 billion range. Its strategic roadmap focuses on boosting operational efficiency and expanding its market reach, positioning HFCL as a key player in Indias 5G ecosystem and global telecom markets.

With its innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and commitment to indigenous manufacturing, HFCL is well-equipped to contribute significantly to the nations 5G ambitions.

#4 Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra is at the forefront of network transformation, leveraging 5G, hyper-automation, AI/ML, and cloud migration to reshape telecom operations and drive innovation.

The company provides digital solutions to modernize operations and business support systems (OSS/BSS), enabling telecom operators to streamline their processes and enhance efficiency. Collaborations with Casa Systems and Enea have resulted in a comprehensive 5G core solution deployable on AWS or on-premises infrastructure, highlighting Tech Mahindras strategic focus on partnerships to drive future network operations.

AI integration is a cornerstone of Tech Mahindras telecom solutions, supporting real-time data analysis with machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify network bottlenecks and optimize resources. Predictive maintenance powered by AI minimizes downtime and enhances customer experience by preventing network failures.

The convergence of AI and edge computing is another key focus, enabling real-time data processing at the network edge to reduce latency and unlock advanced 5G and IoT applications.

In 2024, Tech Mahindra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwanese firm Pegatron to develop private 5G solutions for enterprises. This collaboration combines Pegatrons 5G connectivity layer and private 5G products with Tech Mahindras expertise in end-to-end 5G services, positioning both firms to capitalize on global opportunities.

Between FY20 and FY24, Tech Mahindra reported a revenue CAGR of 8.4%. However, its net profit declined by 11% during the same period, reflecting challenges in maintaining margins amidst evolving market dynamics.

Despite this, the companys pre-packaged digital solutions and commitment to network transformation cement its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

With its focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and transformative technologies, Tech Mahindra remains well-placed to drive value in the 5G ecosystem and beyond.

#5 Indus Towers

Indus Towers, a leading player in Indias telecommunications infrastructure, is playing a crucial role in the countrys 5G revolution.

Specializing in passive telecom infrastructure, Indus Towers oversees the deployment, ownership, and maintenance of telecom towers and communication structures. The company is actively upgrading its network to meet the high-spectrum and fast data speed demands of 5G while implementing energy-efficient solutions, including solar power and battery storage, to enhance sustainability.

To bolster 5G connectivity, Indus Towers has introduced In-Building Solutions (IBS), designed for high-density indoor locations such as malls, hospitals, and government buildings. Its collaboration with major telecom operators, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, has been instrumental in facilitating the nationwide rollout of 5G services.

The company has invested 5 billion in infrastructure upgrades and is expanding its network with 5,000 new towers specifically designed for 5G antennas.

Indus Towers has delivered impressive financial performance, with sales growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.2% over the past five years and net profit increasing at a CAGR of 19.3%.

Looking ahead, the company plans to add 10,000 new towers over the next three years to meet growing demand and anticipates a 12% revenue growth next year as 5G adoption continues to accelerate across India.

With its robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Indus Towers is well-positioned to remain a key enabler of Indias digital transformation.

Conclusion

Over the next 23 years, India is set to become the worlds second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 1 billion active devices. By then, approximately 920 million mobile users are expected, with 88 million adopting 5G technology.

Indias ambitions extend beyond adoption, with plans to manufacture mobile phones worth $126 billion by FY26. Moreover, 5G technology is projected to contribute a staggering $450 billion to the economy between 2023 and 2040.

The growing demand for high-speed transmission, low network latency, and an expanding number of connected devices are key drivers of this growth. Additionally, the rise of cloud-based applications has amplified the need for advanced network technologies, further accelerating the markets expansion. These trends are poised to solidify the positions of companies in the 5G space.

That said, before making investment decisions, it remains critical to evaluate a companys financial performance and corporate governance to ensure a sound and informed approach.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
With 27 general and seven standalone health insurers selling a raft of policies, selecting the right one may become confusing. Beyond product-specific features, the claims experience is a crucial factor in choosing an insurer.

Many customers look at the claims settlement ratio or rely on anecdotal claims stories from acquaintances. However, the claims settlement ratio alone does not give a complete picture. Other data points, especially the claims paid ratio in terms of amount, hold the key.

"Claims settlement ratios in isolation can present a skewed narrative. For example, if an insurer processes 80 small claims of 100 but leaves 20 larger claims of 1 lakh unresolved, they might still boast an 80% claims settlement ratio," said Sumit Bohra, president at Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI). This metric fails to account for the proportion of claims paid in terms of total amount, which could be significantly lower."

View Full Image Mint

,"Number vs amount of claims

What does a claims settlement ratio tell you about an insurer? It shows how many claims a year an insurer has settled or paid. If an insurer has a claims settlement ratio of 95%, it means it settled 95% of claims it received in a financial year. However, the devil is in the detail. What if an insurer only partially paid the claim? It would still be counted as a settled claim. That said, the amount of claims being settled by an insurer is more important. Higher the claims paid ratio, better is an insurance company in terms of the measured ratio.

However, this data point is not readily available. While insurers showcase their claims settlement ratios prominently, they hardly mention claims payout ratios based on the amount of claims. Though insurers declare total claims amount paid in a year in public disclosures, one needs to calculate the ratio manually for each insurer to make a comparison. Doing this for 34 insurers is not feasible for a customer.

IBAI recently released a handbook for policyholders, General Insurance Claim Insights, compiling metrics like claims paid ratio (amount), claims repudiation ratio, claims pendency ratio, and grievance resolution ratio among others.

The handbook includes all data points at an overall level along with individual lines of business, such as fire, health, marine cargo, marine hull, motor own damage, motor third party, and miscellaneous.

Looking into the health data, SBI General Insurance led with claims paid ratio (on amount) of 88.3%. Its claims paid ratio (on number of claims) remained nearly the same at 88.86%.

Next on the list is Bajaj Allianz, which quotes a ratio of 86.23% in terms of amount and 90.29% in terms of number of claims. This is followed by Royal Sundaram (83.18%), IFFCO Tokio (80.44%), Digit Insurance (79.5%), and Liberty General (79.14%) in terms of claims amount.

Star Health had the lowest ratio, at 54.61%. This means the company settled only about half of the claims it received in a financial year. The other four poor performers were Manipal Cigna (56.14%), Universal Sompo (55.25%), Navi General (61.69%), and Edelweiss (62.34%).

We would like to point out that this data is dated, inaccurate in calculation methodology and therefore not an authentic representative of actual facts and figures. At Star Health, we are committed to continually improving our claims settlement process," Star Health said in a statement.

The insurer claimed its settlement percentage was at 85.5% in FY24. These improvements reflect our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiencies and provide better service to our policyholders," it said.

"It is important to note that while the reporting standards are alike for all insurers, the data in the public disclosures are not comparable on a like-to-like basis due to (1) Variations in the business mix of different insurers, (2) Variances in standards of reporting by different insurers. With such skewed data mix, this report is fallible and inaccurate."

The claim paid ratio can be calculated in multiple ways. Some insurers might include repudiated and pending claims in the total claims amount, and others may not. It cannot be an apple-to-apple comparison," Manipal Cigna said in a statement.

Among noteworthy insurers, ICICI Lombard maintained a ratio of 82.59% in terms of number of claims. This is just 63.98% in terms of amount. HDFC Ergo has it at 86.90% and 71.35%, respectively.

Public insurers performed better on this front, with four of them, New India, Oriental Insurance, National Insurance, and United India, quoting a claims paid ratio (on amount) of 98.74%, 97.35%, 87.95%, and 73.03%, respectively. The claims paid ratio on the number of claims stood at 95.04%, 87.97%, 84.61%, and 84.28%, respectively.

The data is available for the financial year 2022-23. Total claims available for processing in FY23 included total claims outstanding at the beginning of the quarter ended 30 June, 2022 plus total claims reported during the year ended 31 March, 2023. The total amount of claims settled in FY23 was divided with it to reach the claims paid ratio for FY23.

Also Read: Indias insurance reforms: A bold transformation, but not without challenges

More data for better transparency

Insurers publish a lot of data, as specified by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irdai), but only seasoned experts can glean insights out of it. They believe more data points are needed for better transparency and comparative analysis.

The data is not granular to say the least. The regulator should make way for better reporting requirements. For example, insurers do not classify why a certain amount or number of claims have been repudiated. It could be a fraudulent claim or not in line with agreed policy conditions. We have no way to find out about it," Bohra said.

"Specified reasons for claims rejection or repudiation can help policyholders know more about insurers. For example, if an insurer detects a high number of frauds, it can give confidence to policyholders that the insurer is efficient in fraud detection. Similarly., policy-condition-specific rejections may showcase bad underwriting practices," he added.

Also Read: Health insurance with no premium hikes: Should you buy such plans?

Kapil Mehta, co-founder and CEO of SecureNow, said he noticed some discrepancies in the data for a couple of insurers when he ran calculations. For example, the closing claims of one quarter were not the same as the opening claims of the next quarter.

He further said insurers need to declare data separately for group and retail businesses. "Regulator could consider mandating the data disclosure at a portfolio level of group and retail businesses because claims handling process in both is quite different from each other. In retail, data disclosure is needed product wise so that policyholders can make a better product selection. Broad data at a company level is useful but can be refined," said Mehta.

Some definitions can be made sharper. "In grievances, every insurer has its own way of counting it. For example, grievances can be mailed, registered on phone or via social media. Some insurers capture all grievances, while others only email grievances. A standard way of doing it is needed. Similarly, if a customer makes an enquiry, insurers need to classify if it was a query, service request or a grievance, in a standardised way," he said.

Also Read: Why GST Council cannot ignore the health insurance row

Mint take: Insurance data is publicly available, and Irdai also publishes it annually. However, most of it is available at an industry level and in absolute numbers. Key data points, including claims paid ratio in terms of amount, product-specific claims ratios, claims efficiency ratio, claims pendency ratio and claims outstanding ratio, should be readily available on insurance companies' websites and in the insurance regulator's annual report for policyholders to make a comparative and informed decision.
PALAUFor Taiwan, an island democracy isolated and intimidated by its far larger rival regime in Beijing, a key to its fight for security and recognition lies in a handful of even smaller island democracies in the Pacific.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has been traveling across the region this week to shore up support from those countriesthree of Taipeis dozen remaining official allieswhile stopping in Taiwans biggest, albeit unofficial, ally, the U.S.

On Thursday, the Taiwanese president arrived in Palau, the final stop of his first overseas trip since taking office this year. Lais seven-day long trip saw him making stops in the three Pacific nations with which Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic tiesthe Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, in addition to Palau.

The Pacific is a crucial diplomatic front for Taiwan, where it is hoping to prevent Beijing from poaching more of its diplomatic allies. The tiny island nations, analysts say, could also play a strategic role in a potential Taiwan conflict involving the U.S. and China.

If China managed to gain dominance over the Pacific, that would impede U.S. forces from reaching Taiwan for support in a conflict and become a stronghold for China to attack the United States," said Chang Jung-ming, a research fellow at Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a Taipei-based think tank backed by Taiwans military.

Chinas Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan but considers the island part of its territory and has vowed to eventually bring it under its controlby force if necessary. Before Lais trip began, Chinas military vowed to resolutely crush any Taiwan independence separatists," a label that China has applied to the Taiwanese president. Taiwanese security officials also warned of China possibly conducting military drills after his return.

Notably, Lais trip included stopovers in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam. Those two transits, which come during a presidential transition in Washington, have prompted protests from Beijing, which opposes any links between Washington and Taipei.

On Thursday, Laiduring a brief stopover in Guamheld phone and video calls with members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., NY) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

During their phone call, Johnson reassured Lai that supporting Taiwan, and facing up to challenges from China, has bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, according to Karen Kuo, Lais spokeswoman.

China has been working hard to woo Taiwans remaining official allies, seeking to undermine the islands international prestige and limit its room to maneuver.

That kind of trend is alarming, certainly for Taiwan and also for the United States," said Eric Harwit, an Asian studies professor at the University of Hawaii and adjunct senior fellow at the Honolulu-based East-West Center think tank. We see China using their economic power to win over those island states and also potentially expand their military influence in the region."

Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation of 12,000 people, severed its relationship with Taiwan in January, just as Taiwanese voters elected Lai. Two months later, Naurus president traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In 2019, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, two nations in the Pacific, broke off their respective ties with Taipei within a week of one another.

Caught in the crossfire is Palau, a nation of roughly 18,000 people and more than 500 islands, a prime target in Beijings quest to isolate Taiwan. Palaus location in the so-called second-island chain, which extends south from Japan through Guam to New Guinea, makes it a potential chokepoint in any regional conflict.

While in Palau, Lai delivered a speech at its legislature and plans to open a government building complex that Taiwan helped to build. On Friday, Taiwan and Palau are set to conduct a joint maritime rescue drill, with Taiwans coast guard sending one of its newest domestically-made vessels from its southern port of Kaohsiung, in a possible rehearsal for showdowns with Chinese coast guard vessels in disputed regional waters.

Palau, the site of fierce combat between the U.S. and Japan during World War II, was administered by the U.S. after the war and gained independence in 1994. Along with the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau has a wide-ranging arrangement with the U.S. known as a compact. Under such an arrangement, the U.S. provides those countries with a combined $7.1 billion in aid over the next two decades.

As part of the compact, which was renewed this year, the U.S. provides for the islands defense. U.S. Marines completed restoration of a World War II-era Japanese airstrip on Palaus island of Peleliu in June, part of an effort to upgrade airfields across the region for use in a conflict. The U.S. is also building an advanced radar facility on Palau to increase early-warning capacity.

In 2017, with Taiwanese voters having elected a government skeptical of China a year earlier, Beijing began squeezing Taiwans remaining diplomatic allies. Beijing blocked Chinese tour companies from arranging group travel to Palau. Tourists from mainland China, who had accounted for about half of all visitors to Palau, plummeted.

The loss of Chinese visitors, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, led to a painful contraction in the local economy. But Palau has maintained its Taiwan ties. Local officials said they appreciated the support of a like-minded democracy, and sought to build up tourism from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the U.S.

Still, pressure from Beijing has continued. Palau was hit by a cyberattack targeting government records in March. Local officials said the attackers were believed to have links to China.

President Surangel Whipps Jr., who was re-elected in November, expressed concerns during the campaign about Chinese efforts to influence the vote. Recently, he has complained about Chinese survey ships operating in Palaus exclusive economic zone.

For countries weighing a shift in recognition to Beijing, the possibility of aid and investment beckons. After Xi made the first visit by a Chinese leader to Fiji in 2014, Chinas aid to the Pacific region soared. While that assistance declined after 2016, it has increased again in recent years, reaching $256 million in 2022, according to research by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank.

China has continued to emphasize its appeal to Pacific island nations. Last week, Xi hosted the prime minister of Samoa, one of Beijings most longstanding allies in the region. Xi told Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa that China would tap the potential of economy, trade, investment, agriculture and fisheries to achieve common development."

To counter Chinas efforts, the Taiwanese president has rolled out new offers during his trip in hopes of keeping allies on side.

In the Marshall Islands, Lai attended the opening of an artificial intelligence-powered medical center where Taiwan has helped train surgeons. He also told a banquet that he would boost a scholarship fund.

Were both ocean nations, people of the sea, sharing Austronesian culture. Were one big family, united by our love for democracy and freedom," Lai said.

While in Tuvalu, Taiwanese officials signed a memorandum pledging to help build an undersea cable for the country and underwrite 10 years of operational costs.

Even so, analysts said Taiwans approach may not be effective in the long run, since China can offer far more financial assistance.

The trend is really going against them," said Harwit of the University of Hawaii, referring to Taiwan. Still, maybe there is enough goodwill from those countries that they dont, for example, allow China military influence in the region."

Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com and Austin Ramzy at austin.ramzy@wsj.com
The 19 amendments to banking laws that were passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday remove various niggles in extant provisions, straighten out some others and make life easier for bank customers, especially a tweak that allows four nominees per account.

Under the present system of a single nominee, couples tend to nominate each other; should they both pass away together, say, in a road accident, their heirs would have a tough time accessing their inheritance. Instituting multiple nominees would significantly reduce the number of orphan accounts and the monies held in them.

While these changes are welcome, they do not address Indias principal challenge of banking. Bank credit to the commercial sector in India has hovered around 50% of GDP. This is far below the figure for most developed countries and also China, where bank loans exceed the economys annual output.

The only rich country where bank credit is a low proportion of GDP, like India, is the US. But then, America has a well-developed debt market that lets companies borrow from individual investors and saving pools, regardless of whether lending them money is deemed safe or very risky.

Rated highly or as junk, bonds issued by businesses tend to find takers in the US.

A 2022 report by the Lok Sabha Standing Committee on Finance put the unmet credit demand by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at 25 trillion or 47% of their borrowing needs.

While more than 90% of Indias nearly 60 million MSMEs are micro sized and best served by specialized non-bank finance companies (NBFCs) that have the wherewithal for this taskwhich involves high processing costs loaded onto small loansour banks must play their role, too, by lending money to NBFCs for them to lend tiny enterprises.

While this has been happening to some extent, MSME associations still complain that barely 15% of their credit requirements are met from banks.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cracked down on some NBFCs that were allegedly making usurious loans. This was partly on the suspicion that an unhealthy chunk of retail loans were being used by borrowers to speculate on the stock market. The banking sectors regulator is right to be concerned about that, but wrong to curtail additional lending by NBFCs.

After all, a tiny enterprise thats denied access to an NBFC would probably turn to an informal money-lender who will charge rates of interest many times higher than what even credit-card issuers do, which are typically higher than the rates RBI terms usurious when levied by NBFCs.

Also read: Microlenders wake up to hangover after credit party

Indias credit market needs a structural shift. Large well-known companies must raise funds, especially project finance, by issuing bonds instead of borrowing from banks. Large clients lull banks into lazy banking; their funds get deployed relatively safely and profitably, and theyre spared the job of doing risk assessments for relatively small loans.

Since risk pricing is the core role that banks are expected to play as financial intermediaries in an economy, such laziness must end. Indias Account Aggregator framework lets banks collate financial data on small borrowers and assess risks in a way that wasnt possible a decade ago.

Banks should take on larger MSMEs as clients and invest in bonds issued by NBFCs that lend to tiny enterprises. Since they would be able to charge higher rates of interest than on loans to large corporations, it would help their bottom-lines too.
New Delhi: An increase in the goods and services tax (GST) rate on certain readymade garments, currently being discussed by a ministerial panel, could be a dampener for the ongoing wedding season, textile manufacturers said.

According to estimates from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), bridal wear accounts for 10-12% of the total clothing market, underscoring its significance.

A group of ministers (GoM) led by Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary as part of the GST rate rationalization exercise is discussing whether to increase the rate for readymade garments priced above 1,500 while reducing the tax on cheaper ones.

But the central government on Tuesday distanced itself from the proposal in an indication that the Centre and the ministerial panel may not be on the same page on it yet.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that the panel on Monday decided to hike the tax on sin goods like aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco and related products to 35% from the present 28%, and to rationalize the rates on apparel, quoting an official.

Also read | GST Councils December Meet: Waiver of levy on health, life insurance premiums on agenda

As per the decision, readymade garments costing up to 1,500 would attract 5% GST, and those between 1,500 and 10,000 would attract 18%. Garments costing above 10,000 would attract 28% tax, the report said.

Indias wedding industry has grown to an estimated $130 billion, making it the second-largest consumer sector after food and groceries, according to a recent report by Jefferies Group, a global investment banking firm. This sector has become a significant contributor to Indias economic boom.

The report highlights that the average Indian wedding spending is 12 lakh, a figure that can sometimes exceed the amount spent on 18 years of a childs education. Compared to global standards, Indias wedding expenditure stands at five times its GDP, a ratio much higher than in several other economies.

With 8-10 million weddings hosted annually, India is potentially the largest wedding market globally, surpassing both China and the US in terms of volume. In terms of the total market size, Indias wedding industry is nearly double that of the US, though still behind China.

Big shocker

Talking to Mint over the phone, Rahul Mehta, chief mentor of CMAI, which represents the readymade garment sector, expressed concern over the proposed 28% GST slab for garments priced above 10,000. Mehta cautioned that such a move could severely impact the industry and consumers alike, calling it a big shocker" for the sector.

If the proposed tax slab is considered by the GST Council, it will be against the readymade garment industry. Currently, middle-class consumers purchase bridal clothing priced above 10,000 because it cannot be manufactured below that range. Mandating 28% GST instead of the existing 12% will burden consumers and hurt the industry," Mehta said.

He further argued that the decision could drive consumers toward the informal sector, undermining GST collection and weakening the wedding clothing industry. This will kill demand for wedding clothing, encourage informal markets and reduce government revenue," he added.

Artisans and handicrafts will suffer as their products are already expensive. This hike will severely impact their livelihoods," he said.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on Tuesday said reports of the ministerial panels recommendations on GST rate changes on certain items based on its deliberations were premature and speculative," Mint reported. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed the clarification in a social media post.

To a question on the Centres stand on the GoMs suggestions, a government official said on Wednesday that the GST Council will take a call on the matter.

Ripple effect

Economists agreed that a hike in GST on readymade garments would ripple through the economy, affecting production and the economy.

If demand falls, production will also decline. While the move may benefit weaker sections in some ways, the middle class will be disproportionately affected. Reduced consumption will ultimately impact GDP growth," said Abhash Kumar, assistant professor of economics at Delhi University.

Rajat Mohan, a senior partner at AMRG & Associates, a chartered accountancy firm, said careful consideration is needed to address the challenges and unintended consequences that may arise from such a shift in tax policy.

The proposed GST rate rationalization, particularly the plan to increase taxes on garments priced above 1,500, may have a significant impact on the readymade garment sector. First of all, the categorization based on prices or value, which is being proposed for the readymade garment sector, marks a significant departure from the current taxation system," said Mohan.

Also read | GST on cigarettes, tobacco, aerated beverages likely to be hiked, new 35% slab proposed: Heres what we know

This kind of value-based categorization has not been widely adopted in Indias tax structure, and while there were instances in the earlier value-added tax regime where certain items were taxed based on price, those were often regressive, explained Mohan.

Mohan said there is a risk of increased undervaluation of goods with this change, which could lead to higher instances of tax evasion.

Thirdly, if this proposal is accepted, the existing system of assessment based on the harmonized system or HSN codes may face difficulties, as comparing rates will become challenging due to the shift towards price-based categorization.

Also read | Is a GST rate cut for insurance good news?

However, a potential positive impact of this change is the progressive nature of tax collection, explained Mohan.

By taxing higher-value garments at higher rates, this policy could lead to increased tax revenues, aligning with the principle of taxing the rich more and contributing to a more equitable fiscal system," said Mohan, while urging careful consideration of any unintended consequences.
Shimla: Twenty-three-year-old Kiran Kumar is both frustrated and angry. Hailing from Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, he drives a cab for a living, earning 6,000 per month. For every drive between Chandigarh and Shimla, his daily route, he gets an additional 250 as incentive. But he is desperate to become a police constable. Why?

His childhood sweetheart is from a higher caste and a government job in Himachal Pradesh will enhance his status to seek her hand. The Congress government came to power in the state promising 500,000 government jobs. It is two years, and they have not created a single job," he fumes. I am running out of time and will never forgive them," he adds.

Jobs is not the only commitment the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has failed to keep. It promised 300 units of free power for every household; 1,500 cash compensation for every woman; return to the old pension scheme (OPS); minimum support price for milk and cow dung purchase at 2 per kilogram, among others. While the shift to OPS has been executed, most other promises have either been diluted or ignored.

The reasons are not far to seek. The states financial position is such that it is struggling to manage its day-to-day operations. Salaries have been delayed. Most contractual payments have been held up. One such delay turned into a major embarrassment recently. The Himachal Pradesh high court, at the end of November, ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan, the states guest house in New Delhi, for non-payment of 64 crore to a power company. The government hurriedly deposited the amount in the courts registry to prevent the attachment.

The states expenses far outstrip its revenue. Committed expenditure, those on salaries, pensions and interest, alone accounts for 67% of its revenue expenses. That has left very little space for capital and other developmental expenses. In 2023-24, the state posted a revenue deficit of 2.6% and a fiscal deficit of 5.9%, way above the target fixed for the states. Consequently, its borrowings are significant.

The state is in a debt trap," says Paras Jasrai, economist at India Ratings and Research. When more than two-thirds of your borrowing goes towards servicing your existing debt, you know things are bad," he adds.

Himachal Pradeshs chief minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also handles the finance portfolio, did manage to increase revenue through higher taxes in his latest budget. While he blames the previous government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for the financial crisis, he is confident of turning things around. My vision is to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027," he tells Mint.

That is a utopian dreampopulism has seeped deep inside peoples psyche, and unpopular decisions such as raising taxes, cutting expenses or even seeking private investment can invariably result in the government being voted out of power. If India needs an example of what unbridled populism can do to a state, Himachal Pradesh is the case study to read.

Economically unviable

The financial vulnerability began on 25 January 1971 when then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, announced Himachal Pradesh as the nations 18th state from Shimlas The Ridge, a popular tourist spot.

View Full Image A file photo of The Ridge, Shimla.

A committee that was set up earlier to look into Himachals statehood had clearly stated that it was unviable on economic grounds. Granting statehood was a political decision," says Sashikant Sharma, a professor at Himachal Pradesh University.

The states population was less and so were other resources. Its hilly and tough geo-climatic conditions made economic activities challenging. Himachal Pradesh was therefore granted the special category status, and it received the bulk of the funds from the Centre.

All was good in the first two decades, between 1971 and 1990. Most of the states financial needs were met by the Centre. The state saw a high level of development in this period," says Prabodh Saxena, chief secretary, government of Himachal Pradesh. Investments went into education and healthcare; the state was fully electrified by the 1990s. Himachal soon came second, after Kerala, when it concerned sustainable development targets," says Saxena. No other state has witnessed such changes in just one generation."

At the same time, policymakers made no significant efforts to raise revenue. Why do it when you are getting all the funds from the central government?

It became customary for the government to present tax-free budgets," says Saxena. Also, with limited private sector play, government jobs became the most sought-after occupation. Politicians milked this demand by appointing people from their voter base in government jobs and soon the size of the government swelled. The number of government employees rose to over 200,000 for a population of around 7.5 million in 2024. Add to this para workers (those working in anganwadis, health and mid-day meal centres) numbering around 18,000. Not surprising that the states salaries and pension bill alone account for 57% of its overall revenue expenses in 2023-24.

End of largesse

The Ninth Finance Commission (appointed in 1987) ended the largesse the Himachal Pradesh government was enjoying from the Centre. With a mandate to cut the revenue deficit of the states, it introduced changes in how special category states were funded. The flow of funds from the Centre dropped drastically.

The choice in front of the government then was to either rework its finances by cutting expenses and raising resources or continue the spending binge through borrowings. Unfortunately, the policymakers at that time chose the latter," says Suresh Bharadwaj, BJP leader and a former minister.

The state continued with its tax-free budgets and populist spendingthis time funded by debt. At one point (in 1999-2000), its outstanding debt touched 79% of gross state domestic product (GSDP). As the situation spiralled out of control, efforts were made to set right the finances. A white paper was published in December 1999 highlighting the precarious state of finances and the need for a no tax budget culture to go. Professional tax was levied on doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants. A massive hue and cry resulted in it being withdrawn almost immediately. Similarly, attempts to cut back unnecessary expenses were made, such as closing unviable schools, base recruitment in the government and so on. They led to protests by the opposition.

In an attempt to cut losses in state-run hotels, plans were made to hand over the management to the private sector. It was not an outright sale, but still, the opposition screamed Himachal for sale. The plan was dropped," recalls Sharma.

Following these moves, the BJP government of the day was promptly voted out of power. The message was clearno new taxes or cuts in expenses. Clearly, there is no political consensus on how to deal with the precarious finances," recalls Saxena.

Enter freebies

For much of the last two decades, Himachal Pradeshs financial position remained brittle. While its borrowings continued to rise, it still managed a revenue surplus occasionally. The culture of freebies that entered the state a few years ago drove the last nail in the coffin.

The BJP came to power in 2017, promising 125 units of free power. Towards the end of its term, it stopped charging rural households for water. In 2022, months before the state assembly election, it announced a significant pay revision for state government employees who, along with their dependents, account for almost 15% of the electorate. Salary costs in 2022-23 jumped by 26% and pension by 45%, causing the governments net borrowing to jump to 12,912 that year from 2,735 crore in 2021-22. Government employees were still unhappy.

Congress promised the moon. People fell for it and now they feel cheated.  Suresh Bharadwaj

Today, the government owes its employees 10,600 crore. It has money to give 1,500 per month to women but not pay the workers for their hard-earned labour," says Sanjeev Sharma, president, HP Secretariat Services Employees Association.

In 2022, Congress came to power by bettering BJP in offering freebies and other welfare as mentioned earlier. Congress promised the moon. People fell for it, and now they feel cheated," says BJP leader Bharadwaj. The only scheme, he says, that has been fully implemented is the shift to OPS, as it does not involve any immediate cash outflow. But this move will cost the state dearly going forward," he adds. The number of pensioners is expected to exceed those in employment soon.

Other schemes have been diluted or ignored. The government has brought in a lot of new restrictions for those qualifying for 1,500 cash compensation scheme for women. Earlier, it was for all women. Now, most of them dont qualify," says Bharadwaj. The biggest joke is the promise of 500,000 government jobs," says Bharadwaj. How can you make such a promise when the total number of government staff presently is just 200,000?" he asks.

Declining revenue

Congress governments giveaways coincided with declining revenue, especially from the Centre. Between the 14th Finance Commission and the 15th, the revenue deficit grant (RDG) that the state receives reduced by 3,000 crore," says Saxena.

That apart, RDG payment has been structured in a tapered manner. Between the first year of the 15th Finance Commission period (2020-21) and last year (2025-26), the shortfall is almost 7,000 crore. We are trying to bridge this gap," says chief minister Sukhu.

That apart, GST compensation that the state received of around 2,624 crore per year has also ended. To make matters worse, the borrowing limit of all states has been reduced to 3% of GSDP and that means 1,057 crore less funds.

Higher expenses and lower revenue have hurt the cash flows badly," says Saxena. The extent of the problem can be gauged from how the state has dipped into the ways and means advancea window provided by Indias central bank to help states tide over temporary mismatches in the cash flows of their receipts and expenditureto survive.

In April-August this year, Himachal Pradesh has tapped ways and means advance of 1,736 crore as against 2,083 crore it took in entire 2023-24," says India Ratings Jasrai.

Way forward

Chief minister Sukhus dream of pulling the state out of the financial mess and making it self-sustaining hinges on the government taking some drastic action.

There is an urgent need for expenditure control and re-allocation of resources. State welfare schemes have to be revisited and aligned with those of the Centre. A serious manpower review needs to be done," says Basu Sood, advisor (planning), government of Himachal Pradesh. He also emphasises the need for a mindset change to explore public-private partnerships.

A start has been made. We have raised 2,200 crore this year by plugging loopholes and streamlining liquor auctions. We are also offering freebies in a targeted manner. The poor need all the help and not everyone," says Sukhu. More reforms are on the way, the chief minister adds.

View Full Image A file photo of Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. (HT)

What about political consensus for drastic reforms? Difference of opinion will be there among political parties, but we are convincing the people directly," he says.

Not all are convinced that these steps will succeed. Politically, the Congress party is on the back footthe BJP won all the four parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections. They fear more populism and this has fuelled cynicism.

Theres a murmur doing the rounds in the corridors of Ellerslie House, the state secretariat. The only way to set things right, some say, is to make Himachal Pradesh a union territory. The Centre then can pump in funds and ease the financial crisis. Once that is done, statehood can be restored.

All these conversations are a reflection of the extent to which Himachal Pradesh is addicted to populismand the enormity of the task before the current government.
TEL AVIVThe surprising advance by opposition forces in Syrias civil war poses a conundrum for Israel and the West: Victory by either side presents risks.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is allied with Israels enemy, Iran. The resurgence of the war threatens to invigorate that relationship, undermining Israels effort to weaken Irans web of allied countries and militias throughout the region.

The rebel group now challenging Assads rule, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is a U.S.-designated terrorist organization that Israel sees as dangerous to its interests.

The best option for Israel now is a mutual weakening of those forces, not a decisive victory of any of them," said Harel Chorev, a senior researcher at Tel Aviv University.

Rebel forces from HTS are holding Aleppo after a lightning offensive to reclaim Syrias second city late last month, a move that exploited the distraction among Assads alliesIran, Russia and Hezbollahwhile they engage in other conflicts.

In recent years, Israel has preferred the devil we know" in Assad, over instability and insecurity created by the Islamist rebel groups, said Eyal Zisser, who follows Syria at Tel Aviv University.

Indeed, before the rebel offensive, Israel had nurtured hopes that Assad could be lured away from Iran through funding and closer ties to more Western-friendly Gulf states, according to Israeli and Arab officials. The Arab league had readmitted Syria after expelling it from the group for its alliance with Iran and Hezbollah. Assads forces were lukewarm in support for Hezbollah in its war with Israel, permitting weapons transfers but not committing troops.

With Assads regime now facing its greatest challenge in years, Israel worries that those gains are at risk. The rapid rebel advance has also created fresh instability and threatens to upend the regional order. Also, U.S. officials fear that America, which has roughly 900 troops in eastern Syria, might get dragged deeper into the conflict.

For over a decade, Syria has been a crucible for a great-power contest that has drawn in an array of state actors. On Assads side, Iran and Russia, along with Hezbollah, have propped up the regime with weapons and fighters. Turkey supports some Syrian opposition groups, as part of its own fight against Kurdish separatists. The U.S. partners with Kurdish-led militias in Syrias northeast in a campaign against Islamic State extremists.

Israel took a back seat at the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, but as Irans presence in that conflict deepened, and the war drew in Hezbollah, that stance changed. By 2014, Israel had begun what it termed the war between the wars" in Syria, mostly focused on disrupting the flow of arms and other illicit supplies to its enemy Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensified in recent months, Israel has stepped up the pace of its strikes in Syria, including an audacious special forces raid to destroy an alleged Iranian missile factory producing weapons for Hezbollah.

Were constantly monitoring what is happening in Syria," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday after rebels swept into Aleppo.

In recent years, Assad had attempted to mend ties with Arab states that opposed his alliance with Iran and Hezbollah. The Arab League voted in 2023 to normalize ties with Syria and reinstate it as a member. The decision was contingent on Syria engaging with Arab states to find a political solution to the civil war, something it hasnt so far done in any meaningful way.

There were signs, too, that the Syrian regime was reluctant to throw its forces behind Hezbollah in its war with Israel in the past year. Assad didnt send the group military aid or troops, and his forces refrained from retaliating for the killing of Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah. But the Syrian leader did allow the flow of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah to continue through his countrys borders.

Israel in the past funded the Free Syrian Army opposition forces as they took territory close to its border. It also offered medical treatment in its hospitals to injured fighters from the Nusra Front, an Islamist rebel group that was the precursor to HTS.

But that rebel groups blend of nationalism and Islamism, which echoes the ideology of Afghanistans Taliban and Palestinian Hamas, is regarded by Israel as a dangerous threat, particularly were it to come to power in neighboring Syria.

The fighting in Syria also risks Israels cease-fire in Lebanon, which is already strained by exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israels military has significantly degraded Hezbollahs leadership and military capabilities in the past months of intensive fighting, but hasnt uprooted the group. Israeli strikes to prevent Hezbollah rearming risk straying into cease-fire violations.

Netanyahu said that Israel would act to prevent Hezbollah rearmament through Syrias territory. We are committed to defending the critical interests of the State of Israel, and also to preserving the wars achievements," Netanyahu said Sunday.

Israels military launched an airstrike on Damascus on Tuesday, saying it was targeting Hezbollahs representative to the Syrian military.

Dov Lieber, Summer Said and Sune Engel Rasmussen contributed to this article.
Peter Burke has made history this General Election. Elected on the 1st count Burke is Longford Westmeaths poll topper for the General Election 2024. He is the first Fine Gael candidate to top the poll in the constituency since Paddy Cooney over 50 years ago in 1973.

Burke was elected on the first count with a whopping 10,864 first-preference votes.

This dwarfs his total from 2020 which sat at 6,617 first preferences.

The Longford leader got a chance to speak with Peter shortly before the announcement of the first count.

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Im feeling relieved, very humbled to get the vote which I did. I was very grateful to my family, very grateful to the support right throughout the constituency.

I have a huge task to do now to vindicate their faith in me and I work so hard every day to do just that.

In a video which you can watch on our Longford Leader General Election Live Blog, Burke said, Getting such a vote and to increase my vote to the extent that I did, Im very grateful to everyone that voted for me.

Im going to keep my constituency clinics going which are so important to me every Monday and Friday.

He congratulated the other Fine Gael candidate Micheal Carrigy saying,  Its great to see Micheal Carrigy get a good reception in Longford as well and thats been borne out with the vote as well. Its been a very good day for Fine Gael in Longford Westmeath.

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Burke has now achieved a hat-trick, this being his third time in a row to be elected to the Dail.

The first being 2016 then 2020 and now once again in 2024.

I was very happy with the campaign, everything went very well, and we got a great reception on the doors in Mullingar and North Westmeath, he recalled.

The outgoing Ministers campaign did have one bump in the road however as it was at his campaign launch that Michael OLeary, CEO of Ryanair took the time to share his thoughts on teachers.

Also Read: One in, one out: Longford's TD shake up see's Flaherty unseated

To recap OLeary said, The Dail is full of teachers. Nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done.

This was water off a duck's back for Peter however as his campaign was not stifled which is clear from the results.

This is probably down to the fact that Burke distanced himself from these comments saying he did not agree with the CEO.

Fine Gael was very successful in his General Election as both Burke and Longford candidate Micheal Carrigy secured seats in Teachta Dail.

The outgoing Minister for Enterprise explained why Fine Gael did so well in this election.

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We have three good candidates.

Micheal has been very strong in terms of working with children with additional needs and pioneering the Autism Committee and coming up with that report which is very much groundbreaking I know we need to legislate that.

Myself working as the enterprise minister I've been doing my best in terms of resetting the dial for small family businesses so people appreciate hard work and dedication and particularly dedication to public service, youre accessible, youre available youre doing the clinics youre meeting people week on week off, people will respect that kind of thing.

Tanya Cannon was not as successful as her fellow party members. She received only 507 first preference votes and only 658 overall, she was eliminated in count 5.

But according to Peter Burke on Saturday Fine Gael was happy with how things were going.

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We had so many new candidates coming forward, we had about 17 TDs contesting the election and that left about 26 constituencies where there was no sitting TD contesting the election.

Were going to have over 20 new members in our parliamentary party, which will give a huge chance for the party to refresh itself as well, he remarked.

This correlates with Fine Gael's so-called new energy which has been their campaign slogan for the past three weeks.

On the subject of two Fine Gaelers securing seats in the constituency, Burke believed it was a good sign for the party.

I think its good for Longford Westmeath, I think politics has gone very fragmented nowadays and it's a big challenge.

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And you can see that right across Europe because you have a lot of smaller parties so I hope it does give us a good chance to reset because having 20 new members in the parliamentary party will be a very good asset.

They all represent their communities and are very much leaders in their own right and that will be a good chance to see that they're only new to Dail Eireann but, theyre very well got in many of their constituencies.

With several new parliamentary members, it will be interesting to see how the government formation will go for Fine Gael.

Fine Gael finished up with 38 seats, one behind Sinn Fein and ten behind Fianna Fail. They took quite the hit in Kildare North as their longest-serving TD and the longest-serving TD in the Dail lost his seat.

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They are expected to start talks with Fianna Fail on returning to the Dail very soon. The talks are expected to take a while.

On the formation of the next Government, Deputy Burke stated, Well know maybe Monday or Tuesday what way the final numbers are going to be and what way in terms of shaping the next government.

It will be very interesting to see what way the leadership falls between the three main parties.
The work of Longford Historical Society in preserving the heritage of the county is a labour often unapplauded, but once a year when they publish their journal Teathbha the county can hold a tangible rendering of their toil.

The new edition of the Journal of County Longford Historical Society, Teathbha, was launched last Thursday, November 28 in Longford Library. Now in its twenty-third edition the journal contains articles about a broad variety of topics relating to Longfords history.

We have a very dedicated group of members in the Historical Society, Martin Morris, Longford County Archivist and the editor of Teathbha said, They come to lectures, to the AGM, and they come to any events like the launch of Teathbha.

Martin believes the interest in local history is at an all time high: James MacNerney, my predecessor, was the one who made Teathbha an annual. I think since it became an annual publication, which is some years ago now, people see it as part of the year. There's a lot of interest in local history in Longford. This is a time when it's in bloom in a big way.

The enduring appeal of the publication is such that the fresh minted copies are very much in demand: People love to read about places and people. Places that they know about or that they know something about, or people they may not have heard of, or in some cases they know a little about, but they want to know more. A lot of our contributors are local as well.

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Even the ones that don't live locally, some have local connections, but it's the local history that is really popular. It's one of those areas that's perennially popular. Teathbha is a celebration of the county. A celebration of what makes us unique.

Every place has its own unique history, and each person's connection with the history is rooted in their life experience. The diversity of the stories in Teathbha is down to the contributors.

The contributors are the people who make the journal, Martin explains, I have very little trouble getting new material, because people come forward with it. We have regulars, and we have newcomers, and we have people who are interested in a part of history. Year after year, they come back and they come up with new material.

The Journal of County Longford Historical Society is a good read, but also a repository of knowledge that could otherwise be lost. A valuable document detailing histories both private and public.

That's one of the good things about it. There are people who feel they have something that's of interest to say. If they don't write it and contribute it to Teathbha or another publication, it'll never see the light of day. It may be a lived experience or they may have spent a number of years researching the subject. Rather than publish a book, they can produce a couple of articles on this subject. The Society assumes the cost of publishing.

Teathbha is now an annual publication, but it wasn't always so. This 23 edition represents 55 years of the County Longford Historical Society work, and the quality of that material stands for itself.

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Whereas many people think of history as the big incidents, the big happenings, the reality is that history is an amalgam of all the little lives. Teathbha covers the big history, but it also preserves the details of the lives that went on during those times.

Martin says the journal plays an important part in recording local history: In order to understand history properly, you have to begin at the grass roots. Why was there a War of Independence in Ireland? It was because in enough localities around the country, people took up arms and they fought for their freedom.

Why was the Great Famine a catastrophe on an island-wide level? Because it affected every parish in Ireland. To understand the minutiae is really important, because you can make bland generalisations about things, but the local history really gets to the nub of it. You can compare and contrast and you can see the colour and the stories that relate to your own particular place.

Every year the demand for the book is high. Martin points to the quality of the submissions for this public appetite: The quality of the writing is just fantastic. My job as editor is not all that onerous, because those who write for it are very experienced .

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In the 55 years since the first publication the range of contributors has widened: I suppose one of the things that has changed from when Teathbha was first published, is the fact that there are courses in local history. A lot of the articles written in recent years are by people who have certificates, diplomas, degrees, people who went back to college as mature students and they pursued their dream.

People who had an interest in local history and they worked in another job. And when they retired, they said, well, now I have time in my hands, what will I do? I'll go and do a course. And we're reaping the benefit of their commitment and their interest now because they're writing for us.

This iteration of Teathbha covers a broad range of topics. You can read about the Annals of the Four Masters; the saints associated with Longford; the Enlightenment in the county; the Ordnance Survey; an intriguing pipers tune; and stories from Dromard.

There are three articles on Longfords diaspora; locals who went to South Africa in 1820; Kenagh people in the Falkland Islands; and Private Luke Baxter, who fought in the American Civil War, on both sides.

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The launch was performed by Ardagh native and well-known historian and author Dr Mel Farrell. Dr Farrell is an expert in the politics of the Irish Free State and has published widely on that and on the Irish Revolution.

The topics covered in this issue span a millennium and a half, Dr Farrell tells the Leader, You go from early Christian Ireland right up to the late 20th century with the article on the history of the Scor Sinsir competition. You're covering a wide span of history in this particular issue.

He says the County Longford Historical Society has put together a great annual: We have a lot of heritage around us, a lot of history around us. We have a wonderful local history society here. Teathbha is a wonderful publication and I've been around the country.

I've seen different local history societies and the one in Longford is second to none. And at 15 Teathbha is an ideal Christmas present for anybody who has a history lover in the family.

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Growing up in the historic village of Ardagh it's no shock Dr Farrell pursued the career path he did: I was very fortunate in that I knew all four of my grandparents. I knew one great grandparent as well. I had a sense of the early 20th century and the formative events there in terms of the War of Independence, the foundation of the State.

From a very early age, I had an interest in it. And I was very fortunate in St Mel's College as well. I had history teachers who encouraged that interest. And then from there, I went on to study in Maynooth.

The 2024 edition of Teathbha has contributions about the countys population in 1901 and the early development of hurling. If your name is Quinn, you might like to learn about the familys fortunes in the medieval period.

There is something for everyone in this year's annual. There are also reflections on our townland names and an account of the County Longford Field Names Project. Copies of the journal cost 15 each are available at outlets throughout the county.
The principals of Longford secondary schools Mean Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mels College have described their amalgamation on a state-of-the-art campus called Colaiste Mel agus Mhuire as 'hugely exciting'.

The announcement was made on Monday that a decision has been taken to open a new school to cater for in excess of 1,200 pupils following talks involving stakeholders.

Malachy Flanagan, the principal of Saint Mel's College described it as "hugely exciting and fantastic news for the town of Longford" and in particular for the students.

"It's going to be transformational in terms of their experience of post primary school. An amalgamation of two very strong schools," he added.

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Mr Flanagan stated the amalgamation will open up an array of opportunities in terms of expanding the curriculum and facilities and giving students more subject choice on one campus.

"It also has to be hugely exciting for parents, for families that their son and daughter can now travel on the one bus or the same car to the same campus," he said. "It will revolutionalise Longford, a town that badly needs and has been deserving of huge investment and it will give a lift to the town and the county to have a state-of-the-art campus."

Colaiste Mel agus Mhuire will be complted once extensive construction and refurbishment is completed on the existing site of Saint Mel's College.

Mr Flanagan said a design team will be appointed and the Department of Education have given a commitment for the major investment and "it will also push on and bring to fruition [their] '1965 building project".

A consultation process on the future of post-primary Catholic Education in Longford town took place between December 2022 and May 2023.

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It is understood an estimated opening date of September 2027 is the target.

In a statement from the Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference the patrons of Mean Scoil Mhuire and Saint Mels College, CEIST and the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, said: Following its conclusion, the views of Parents, Students, Boards of Management and Staff of both post-primary schools and the views of Parents of local primary school students, were reflected on and carefully considered both by the Patrons of both secondary schools and their respective Boards of Management."

Meanwhile, Siobhan Cullen, the principal of Mean Scoil Mhuire said there had been a lot of careful planning and consideration.

"It will ensure the future of Catholic education in "Longford for the boys and girls and that we on their behalf can secure the capital investment to provide up to date facilities for the students of both schools," she said. "It is a very important development in the educational landscape of Longford. The aims are to strengthen the educational experience for all students enhancing the resources that are already there while fostering a supportive learning environment for the girls and boys."

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Eileen Donohoe, the chair of the board of management of Mean Scoil Mhuire and a principal and teacher for 47 years in a co-ed school, described the move as a 'fantastic development'.

"I'm a firm believer in co-ed and it's a natural follow on from the make up of the family," she added.
Longford Women's Link has secured funding to host a major conference early next year with a renowned domestic homicide criminologist which their Domestic Violence Service Co-Ordinator believes can help to save lives.

Professor of Public Protection at the University of Gloucestershire Jane Monckton Smith hosted a major conference in May 2023 entitled 'Responding to the Risk of Domestic Homicide in Rural Ireland'.

The event was part of the Interagency Model Working Group programme in Longford which has seen key agencies (including An Garda Siochana, TUSLA, Courts Service and Longford Community Safety Partnership) working together to establish a model of good practice.

During her visit to county Longford, Prof Monckton Smith gave an acclaimed presentation and training on the '8 stage timeline' of events before domestic homicide.

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The former police officer had previously researched hundreds of cases of intimate partner homicide in 2018 through interviews with bereaved families and public protection professionals and identified 'Eight steps' to homicide and common themes.

Natalie O'Reilly, the DV Co-Coordinator at LWL, told the Leader recently Prof Monckton Smith is returning early next year and she believes all domestic violence professionals and Gardai should have access to it.

"There is extreme training going on in this building. We've gone to Iceland, Switzerland, previous managers have went to Canada," she said. "There is very crucial, vital training that has went on for us to be able to have the analysis that we do everyday."

Natalie outlined that is why they speak to the best in the business in terms of homicide training and they recently secured funding from the Department of Justice to deliver another replica conference.

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She stated Prof Monckton Smith delivers the 'Eight Stages to Domestic Homicide', which outlines from stage one which will profile the perpetrator.

"That will tell the professionals how to risk assess. When somebody comes to you for help they could just tell you a bit of the situation and you will know, 'She's a stage 5' or 'She's a stage 6', which is already over halfway to the homicide," Natalie said.

"So it is just such a crucial scientific framework that really all professionals should be working by."

The LWL DV Co-Ordinator stated the training has been commended and praised by industry leaders internationally.

"There is no criticisms to this training. It has been backed up. She (Prof Monckton Smith) has been headhunted now to do cold case reviews," she said. "She has also brought a new line of evidence, which is called hidden homicides."

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Natalie stated these are homicides that are going unnoticed and are then being staged as a suicide or an accident.

"Prof Monckton Smith has said they are happening all of the time. It's when the car crashes, it's the overdoses, it's the hanging, it's the asthma attacks," she added.

The eight steps identified to be present and connected in nearly all of the murders studied were firstly the romance developing quickly into a serious relationship, a pre-relationship history of stalking or abuse by the perpetrator.

Other steps were the relationship becoming dominated by coercive control, a trigger threatening the perpetrator's control such as the relationship ending or into financial difficulty, an increase or escalation in the intensity or frequency of the partner's control tactics, such as stalking or threatening suicide, the perpetrator having a change in mindset - deciding to move on, either through revenge or by homicide.

The last two steps are planning - for example the perpetrator buying weapons or seeking opportunities to get the victim alone and finally homicide - the perpetrator killing his or her partner and possibly harming others such as the victim's children.
The man charged in connection with the July 28, 2024 fire in Grafton Court, Longford town, which caused millions of euro of damage, was served with the book of evidence against him at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.

Guo Zhong Chen (55), of Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, is charged with arson and Section 2 criminal damage in relation to the Grafton Court fire.

The defendant was represented in proceedings by barrister Christine Burke BL, on behalf of solicitor John Shanley.

Prosecuting Sergeant, Enda Daly, said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was seeking to have Mr Chen sent forward for trial on the two charges in the Book of Evidence.

Ms Burke said her client had difficulty reading, even in his own language. The barrister asked if an audio copy of the book of evidence could be made available in Mandarin Chinese.

Counsel said the complex and extensive investigation had yielded over 60 hours of CCTV and extensive recordings of interviews, all of which would require the assistance of a Chinese interpreter present while the legal team went through them with Mr Chen.

Judge Bernadette Owens heard there was no application for bail.

Judge Owens issued the defendant with an alibi warning, advising him he must notify the State within 14 days if he wished to rely on an alibi in the course of his trial.

Ms Burke made an application for second counsel, however Judge Owens said that application could be made when the matter goes before the Circuit Court.

Judge Owens remanded Mr Chen in custody to appear back before a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on January 14, 2025.
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and other stakeholders met this afternoon to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh.

Storm Darragh is forecast to bring heavy rain and very strong, gusty northwest winds. Status Orange wind warnings are place for several counties, particularly along the western seaboard, on Friday and into Saturday, which could lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow wind warning will be in effect for the all of Ireland during Friday, December 6 and into Saturday, December 7.

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The Status Yellow rain warning is also currently in place for nine counties for Friday and Saturday morning, which could lead to localised flooding in those areas.

The Met Eireann weather warnings currently in place include a Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath which is valid from 10am Friday until 10am Saturday.

A Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland is valid from 3pm Friday until 3pm Saturday.

A Status Orange wind warning for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal which is valid from 10pm Friday until 9am Saturday, this warning also extends to Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow from midnight until 9am on Saturday.

READ MORE: ALERT: Met Eireann issues wind warning for six Irish counties

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public: "Most of the country will be impacted by strong winds and everyone should take extra care. In particular, this storm may bring dangerous travelling conditions.

"Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles, and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

"There is also potential for localised flooding in some areas, so its important to remember to never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of the water can be deceiving."

He continued: "I would also urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.

The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.

People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Eireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
As Winter Weather Settles in Across New York, Governor Hochul Announces $100 Million to Enhance Pavement Resiliency in Every Corner of the State

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: December 04 2024

Projects To Protect New Yorks Roadways From Inclement Weather, Enhancing Sustainability of Statewide Infrastructure.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $100 million to enhance the resiliency of state highways in 70 locations across New York impacted by extreme weather. With project support from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, a total of 551 lane miles of state highways in every region of the State will be repaved, reflecting the Governors ongoing commitment to revamping and revitalizing New Yorks aging infrastructure in the face of global climate change.

Between extreme heat in the summer, devastating winter storms and the ongoing saga of freeze-thaw cycles, New Yorks roads take a pounding from extreme weather in all seasons, and this investment takes direct aim at rejuvenating some of the State highways most impacted by extreme weather, Governor Hochul said. Keeping our infrastructure in a state of good repair is a sound investment that not only increases resiliency but spurs economic development and tourism across New York.

The State Department of Transportation is already responding to snow and ice events all across New York State. Paving investments in the face of extreme weather help ensure that state highways remain in good repair and have the added benefit of making it easier for Department staff to perform snow and ice operations across New York more effectively and efficiently.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, Targeted infrastructure investments not only enhance public safety, but the resiliency and sustainability of New Yorks vast network of roads and bridges. With a record $33 billion capital plan for the Department of Transportation, Governor Hochul is investing more in New Yorks infrastructure than ever before. Smart transportation investments have the ability to bring people and communities together, and thats just what this investment in our critical infrastructure will do across New York State.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, $10 million from our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is literally paving the way for improved safety and good-paying jobs repairing cracks and modernizing highways across New York. This is especially timely with winter approaching. Investing resources to keep our highways maintained to the highest safety standards is crucial to safe travel for residents and visitors, and efficient movement of goods for our businesses. Ill never stop fighting to make sure that our roads are as safe and efficient as possible, and Im thankful for Governor Hochuls work putting these federal dollars to good use.

Representative Paul Tonko said, Im proud to celebrate this significant investment that will help communities across our state withstand the increasing challenges presented by extreme weather. Made possible in part by our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  which has already delivered more than $74 million to improve roads and highways in the Capital Region alone  these upgrades will play a key role in bolstering safety and quality of life for millions of New Yorkers. Going forward, Im eager to see how these improvements will enhance resiliency and drive economic growth across New York State for years to come.

Representative Joe Morelle said, Investing in our aging infrastructure is essential to connecting people with family members, schools, employment opportunities, healthcare providers, and so much more. Here in New York State, we have the honor of experiencing all four seasons  meaning we must take extra measures to ensure our roads are resilient against scalding summers, freezing winters, and everything in between. Im grateful to Governor Hochul for utilizing federal dollars I helped secure to strengthen our local infrastructure, and I look forward to our continued work together.

Representative Pat Ryan said, Extreme freeze-thaw cycles and devastating flooding like we witnessed last year in the Hudson Valley already lay waste to our roadways, and with these once-in-a-lifetime weather catastrophes only increasing in frequency, we need to strengthen our infrastructure now. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created historic investments to improve the resiliency of our roads. Im proud that these funds will make roadways smoother and safer for Hudson Valley families while creating good-paying jobs along the way. Ill keep fighting every day to bring more of these landmark investments home to NY-18.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, With winters like ours, it is especially vital that New York leads the way when it comes to making substantial investments into our infrastructure. That's exactly what this funding from Governor Hochul will do, and I commend her and Commissioner Dominguez for continuing our commitment to safer roads and safer conditions for drivers statewide.

State Senator John W. Mannion said, Securing infrastructure dollars for Central New York and working with the Governor and partners across government to modernize roads and bridges has been a high priority during my time in the State Senate. This $100 million to repave over 500 miles of state highways will keep our roads safe and in the best possible condition for our residents and visitors.

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, Investing in our highways reinforces New York States commitment to protecting and enhancing our statewide infrastructure. The partnership we have with Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation shows the support for programs enhancing the safety and quality of life for the traveling public.

A complete list of paving locations, which will begin next spring, is available below:

Capital Region ($10.4 million)

$1.1 million to resurface Route 85 from the Cherry Ave Roundabout to Blessing Rd Roundabout, Town of Bethlehem, Albany County.

$1.4 million to resurface Route 144 from Route 9W to Albany County Line, Town of New Baltimore, Greene County.

$833,000 to resurface Route 4 from Routes 9 and 20 to Route 151, Town of East Greenbush, Rensselaer County.

$857,000 to resurface Route 66 from Route 43 to Old Route 66, Town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer County.

$143,000 to resurface Route 50 from Route 5 to Bruce Street, Village of Scotia, Schenectady County.

$1.8 million to resurface Route 9 from Route 8/Loon Lake to Valley Farm Road, Hamlet of Chestertown, Warren County.

$1.5 million to resurface Route 28 from Adirondack Park Road to Hudson River, Town of Johnsburg, Warren County.

$305,000 to resurface Route 67 from County Line to Route 22, Town of White Creek, Washington County.

$2.5 million to resurface Route 9J from Route 9 to County Route 26A in the Towns of Stockport and Stuyvesant, Columbia County.

North Country Region ($9.9 million)

$2.4 million to resurface Route 73 from the Cascade Mountain Trailhead to Liberty Hill Lane, Town of North Elba, Essex County.

$927,000 to resurface Route 190 from the Franklin County line to a point 1.6 miles west of Brandy Brook Road in the Town of Ellenburg, Clinton County.

$1.1 million to resurface Route 374 from the Hamlet of Brainardsville to the Village of Chateaugay in the Towns of Bellmont & Chateaugay, Franklin County.

$989,000 to resurface Route 3 from the Oswego County line to Hessel Road in the Town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County.

$965,000 to resurface Route 58 from the Hamlet of Fine to Route 23 in the Towns of Edwards and Fine, St. Lawrence County.

$285,000 to resurface Route 184 from Route 10 to Route 812 in the Town of DePeyster and the Village and Town of Heuvelton, St. Lawrence County.

$330,000 to resurface Route 3 from the Hamlet of Great Bend to the bridge over the Black River in the Town of Champion, Jefferson County.

$1.3 million to resurface Route 11 from the east Village of Gouverneur line to Bristol Road in the Town of Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County.

$505,000 to resurface Route 374 from a point 0.3 miles west of Sunset Road to Church Pond Road in the Town of Dannemora, Franklin County.

$479,000 to resurface Route 421 from Warren Point Road to Route 30 in the Town of Piercefield, St. Lawrence County.

$597,000 to resurface Route 58 from Route 23 to Harmon Road in the Town of Edwards, St. Lawrence County.

Mohawk Valley Region ($4.3 million)

$1.1 million to resurface Route 5 from Mary Street to Tilton Road, Town of Palatine, Montgomery County.

$2.1 million to resurface Route 20 from Beaver Creek Road to Brothertown Road, Town of Sangerfield, Oneida County.

$1.1 million to resurface Routes 20 and 28 in the Village of Richfield Springs and Town of Springfield, Otsego County.

Central New York Region ($10.8 million)

$2.2 million to resurface Route 26 from Vrolyk Road in the Town of Georgetown to Eaton Brook Road in the Town of Eaton, Madison County.

$600,000 to resurface Route 13 (Cortland Street and Utica Street) in the Village of DeRuyter, Madison County.

$1.3 million to resurface Route 104 from the Mexico East Village line to Interstate 81, Town and Village of Mexico, Oswego County.

$1.6 million to resurface Route 104 from the Cayuga County line to Route 104A, Town of Oswego, Town and Village of Hannibal, Oswego County.

$2.1 million to resurface Route 5/20 from the Seneca County line to Route 326, Town of Aurelius, Cayuga County.

$684,000 million to resurface Route 26 from the Broome County line to Route 41, Town of Willett, Cortland County.

$1.8 million to resurface Route 174 from Lee Mulroy Road to Main Street in Marcellus and from Main Street to West Genesee Street in Camillus, Towns and Villages of Marcellus and Camillus, Onondaga County.

$500,000 to resurface Route 931B (State Fair Boulevard ) from Route 297 to Pump House Road in the Town of Geddes, Onondaga County.

Finger Lakes Region ($13.5 million)

$1.5 million to resurface Route 96 from Route 366 to the Village of Waterloo, Town of Fayette, Seneca County.

$2.6 million to resurface Route 77 from Interstate 90 to Route 63 and Route 63 from Route 77 to the northern boundary of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Genesee and Orleans Counties.

$1.4 million to resurface Route 31A from Hulberton Road to Redman Road, Orleans and Monroe Counties.

$2.3 million to resurface Route 39 from the Village of Geneseo to the Village of Avon, Livingston County.

$683,000 to resurface Routes 943C and 253 from Route 64 to Route 65, Monroe County.

$2.6 million to resurface Route 259 from Interstate 490 to Route 104, Monroe County.

$2.4 million to resurface Route 20A from the Hamlet of Varysburg to the Village of Warsaw, Wyoming County.

Western New York Region ($10.6 million)

$1.8 million to resurface Interstate 86 westbound from Exit 24 to Exit 26, Cattaraugus County.

$1.1 million to resurface Route 62 from Gable Street to the Village of Gowanda, Cattaraugus County.

$1.4 million to resurface Route 474 from Route 76 to Eddy Road, Chautauqua County.

$709,000 to resurface Route 60 from the Jamestown City line to the Washington Street bridge, Chautauqua County.

$590,000 to resurface Route 952Q (Walden Avenue ) from Transit Road to Central Avenue, Erie County.

$180,000 to resurface the Virginia & Carolina Ramps to Interstate 190, City of Buffalo.

$125,000 to resurface the Busti Avenue ramps to Interstate 190, City of Buffalo.

$637,000 to resurface Route 20A from Cazenovia Creek to Elmwood, Erie County.

$263,000 to resurface Route 39 from Belscher Road to Clark Street, Erie County.

$263,000 to resurface Route 39 from Newman to Route 240, Erie County.

$650,000 to resurface Route 277 from Route 391 to Chestnut Ridge Park, Erie County.

$808,000 to resurface Route 93 (Bypass) from Route 31 to Robinson Road, Niagara County.

$660,000 to resurface Route 182 from Route 62 to Packard Road, Niagara County.

$720,000 to resurface Route 93 from Raymond Road to Akron Road, Niagara County.

$275,000 to resurface Route 446 from the Cattaraugus County line to the Village of Cuba line, Allegany County.

$200,000 toward resurfacing Routes 446 and 305, Allegany County.

$225,000 to resurface Route 19 from Gleason Hill Road to Gulf Road, Town of Belfast, Allegany County.

Southern Tier Region ($12.9 million)

$2.3 million to resurface all four ramps and the rest area at Exit 37 on Interstate 86, Steuben County.

$250,000 toward resurfacing Route 415 and Route 352, Steuben County.

$2.3 million toward resurfacing Route 961M, Chemung County.

$1.7 million to resurface Route 11 from the Hamlet of Castle Creek to Joyner Road, in the Towns of Chenango and Barker, Broome County.

$2.3 million to resurface Route 38 from the Village of Newark Valley to the Hamlet of Berkshire, in the Towns of Newark Valley and Berkshire, Tioga County.

$876,000 to resurface Routes 10 and 23 in the Village of Stamford, and Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County.

$534,000 to resurface Routes 30 and 206 in the Hamlet of Downsville, Town of Colchester, Delaware County.

$1.5 million to resurface Route 320 from Route 12 to County Road 29 in the Towns of Norwich and North Norwich, Chenango County.

$1.1 million to resurface Route 26 from Overlook Drive to the Cortland County line in the Town of Triangle, Broome County.

Mid-Hudson Region ($16.5 million)

$7.5 million to resurface the Taconic State Parkway from Route 55 To Tyrrel Road in the Towns of Pleasant Valley and Lagrange, Dutchess County.

$3.5 million to resurface Route 312 from west of the Metro North Railroad to Route 22 in the Town of Southeast in Putnam County.

$3.5 million to resurface Route 52 between Johns Estate Road in the Town of Shawangunk, Ulster County to Black Hawk Road in the Town of Crawford, Orange County.

$2 million to resurface Route 97 from the Tusten Town line to County Road 114, in the town of Cochecton, Sullivan County.

Long Island Region ($7 million)

$7 million to resurface Route 27 South Service Road between Pond Road and Route 97 in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County.

New York City Region ($4 million)
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: December 16 2024

Short for Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow, NEST is a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting health and wellness by maintaining a free-choice food pantry.

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule (D  Freeport) is extending her offices Thanksgiving food drive in partnership with the Baldwin and Roosevelt Public Libraries and the South Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department. Community members will now have until Wednesday, Dec. 18 to donate in support of The NEST at Nassau Community College.

Donors are invited to contribute canned goods, fruits and vegetables, dry goods and other non-perishable nutritional staples during normal business hours at the Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin, N.Y. 11510; Roosevelt Public Library, 27 W. Fulton Ave., Roosevelt, N.Y. 11575; or the South Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department, 555 May St., South Hempstead, N.Y. 11550.

Short for Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow, NEST is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization focused on promoting health and wellness by maintaining a free-choice food pantry that provides food, personal care items, and support services to students, employees, and families in need. Their philanthropic efforts are supported by the College community, Long Island Cares and Island Harvest, corporate donors, civic and religious organizations, and more.

Generosity is a hallmark of the spirit of the holiday season, and it made perfect sense to extend the food drive beyond Thanksgiving and into December, Legislator Mule said. I appreciate our partners at the Baldwin and Roosevelt Libraries and the South Hempstead Fire Department for being so willing to join us in this ongoing effort!
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: December 05 2024

Serial Bank Robber Choked and Threatened to Kill Elderly Customer to Get Money from Bank Teller.

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Gerald DeRosse was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 180 months in prison for committing a violent robbery of a Ridgewood Savings Bank in Queens, New York. He is also required to pay $205 in restitution and $205 in forfeiture. DeRosse pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2024.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office, announced the sentence.

The defendant, a serial bank robber, chose to terrorize hard-working bank tellers and customers, for his own selfish purposes. The victims, including an elderly woman the defendant locked in a chokehold, will never forget that day, stated United States Attorney Peace. It is a vital part of our mission to protect our community, and my Office will continue to tirelessly prosecute repeat offenders who show no respect for the law.

While on parole for a prior bank robbery, Gerald DeRosse once again terrorized our city by committing the same crime in which he utilized an innocent bystander as collateral to ensure his demands were met, stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. DeRosse's actions carelessly endangered the lives of others out of personal greed. The FBI will not tolerate repeat offenders who consistently threaten the safety of our city and its citizens.

As described in the governments sentencing memorandum and other court documents, on April 6, 2023, DeRosse entered a branch of Ridgewood Savings Bank on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, Queens, grabbed an elderly bank customer around the neck, and yelled that he was going to blow her f-----g brains out if the bank teller did not give him money. Another customer hid under a desk during the robbery. A screenshot from the banks video surveillance system, showing this harrowing moment, appears below.

The bank teller obeyed DeRosses demand and gave him $205 in cash. DeRosse then fled, but he was identified and arrested by the FBI a few weeks later. DeRosse previously had been convicted of robbery-related crimes on at least seven occasions and was on parole, having served a 13-year sentence for bank robbery at the time he committed this bank robbery. He had been released from state prison less than a month earlier.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: December 05 2024

Optimums long-running essay contest recognizes and celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans across the country.

Optimum, together with co-sponsor Univision Foundation, is proud to announce the 2024 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15  October 15, Optimum invited students across the companys 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person, cultural experience, celebration or tradition that has helped them connect to Hispanic culture and explain what it means to them.

The student essay contest ran from Sunday, September 15 to Thursday, October 31 and boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000. This years winners are:

Camila A. from Elwood John H. Glenn High School in Huntington, NY

Catie E. from Tyler Early College High School in Tyler, TX

Agustina V. from Brooklawn Middle School in Parsippany, NJ

Nataly N. from Batesville Junior High School Charter in Batesville, AR

Honorable Mention prizes have also been awarded to a dozen finalists in both the high school and middle school categories. Additionally, Optimum and Univision Foundation recognized the educators who encouraged their students to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by submitting an essay. Special gifts were awarded to educators who sponsored the highest number of essay submissions from their students. To view the full list of finalists, visit www.Optimum.com/hhm.

We are honored to witness the remarkable creativity and heartfelt stories shared by students across our footprint through our Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest, said Jen Ostrager, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs at Optimum. Our long-running contest, which continues to receive more student submissions year after year, not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their significant contributions to our communities. Optimum is proud to support and uplift these voices, and we look forward to celebrating with the winners and educators during our upcoming recognition events.

To continue celebrating the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced our country and to recognize all winners and runners-up, Optimum and Univision Foundation will host a live virtual celebration event, moderated by News 12s Elly Morillo, on Tuesday, December 10.

Optimum is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Click here to learn more.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
A bookstore just outside of Boston could help you find the perfect gift this holiday season.

Brookline Booksmith in Brookline was included on Yelps list of the top 50 shops to find a gift this holiday season.

Yelp Elites made the list by identifying businesses in the shopping and gifts category, then ranking them based on the volume and ratings of reviews for each business.

Brookline Booksmith has been located in Brooklines popular Coolidge Corner area since 1961, according to its website.

The bookstore is known for its used book collection, bargain books and gift section, according to Yelp reviews.

Brookline Booksmith also hosts event series, author talks, community conversations and annual book clubs.

Building community is a mutual responsibility, a mutual belonging, Brookline Booksmiths website reads. It is a core value we cherish and take tremendous care and commitment to uphold.

The bookstore has extended hours for the holiday season (until Dec. 17). These hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The address for Brookline Booksmith is 279 Harvard St., Brookline.
The state Senate vote on Bostons request to change its property tax classification was delayed for the second time this week after a senator said he wanted more time to look at the citys tax data.

Sen. Nick Collins, D-1st Suffolk, said the data certified by the Department of Revenue and released Wednesday night made it unclear whether the tax shift would be necessary, according to State House News Service. Mayor Michelle Wu has said the change would soften the blow of an expected major hike in homeowners' taxes in 2025 by putting some of that responsibility onto commercial property owners.

Estimates by city officials have been far off the mark, he said, according to SHNS. We believe it is fair and prudent to allow the time to digest that data and speak to our constituents, stakeholders and colleagues to determine whether this home-rule is necessary.
The wrong-way driver in last weeks fatal crash that killed Endicott College Sgt. Jeremy Cole drove nearly 13 miles between Hampton, New Hampshire, and Newbury, Massachusetts.

The driver went against traffic on the highway past seven exits and through seven towns: Hampton, Hampton Falls and Seabrook in New Hampshire then Salisbury, Amesbury, Newburyport and Newbury in Massachusetts.

Police from New Hampshire and Massachusetts attempted to stop the driver for more than 10 minutes with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. Police shone a spotlight at the driver to get him to stop, according to a prosecutor this week.

One Massachusetts state trooper estimated he drove between 60 to 80 mph, according to court documents.

The driver began driving on the wrong side of Interstate 95 after leaving the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet and then crashed near the Central Street overpass and mile marker 81.5 in Newbury, a total distance of roughly 13 miles, according to Google Maps.

Court documents obtained by MassLive on Wednesday give a more detailed look at last weeks fatal crash.

A New Hampshire state trooper first spotted the wrong-way driver near a liquor store in Hampton.

It was about 11:47 p.m. on Nov. 27 and the New Hampshire trooper spotted a white Tesla Model Y headed southbound in the northbound lane of Interstate 95.

The driver, later identified as Keoma Duarte, 40, of New Bedford, had just left the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet, which was closed at the time.

New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet in Hampton, New Hampshire, near Interstate 95.Google Maps

Less than a minute later, the New Hampshire trooper spotted the wrong-way driver and turned on his lights and sirens. The trooper began to drive parallel to the Tesla on the other side of the highway and followed the driver into Massachusetts.

At about 11:48 p.m., New Hampshire police alerted Massachusetts State Police about the wrong-way driver about 2 miles from the state border.

Massachusetts Trooper Jennifer Galvin saw the white Tesla fly by minutes later near Exit 83 in Newbury, according to an affidavit filed in Newburyport District Court.

At about 11:58 p.m., the Tesla crashed into a Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Cole, 49, of Exeter, New Hampshire, near the Central Street overpass and mile marker 81.5 in Newbury.

The Tesla faced south in the left lane with heavy front-end damage and Galvin found Duarte trapped in the car and conscious.

Galvin and another state trooper attempted to find a pulse on Cole, but they were unable to. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Massachusetts State Police trooper reported seeing the Tesla driving between 65 and 80 mph.

Galvin noted in the affidavit that several troopers, medical personnel and hospital staff reported Duarte as having an altered mental status, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.

A doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital wrote in a report: Patient unable to provide a history as limited by significant intoxication.

At Duartes arraignment on Tuesday afternoon, he appeared virtually via Zoom from a hospital bed due to his injuries from the crash.

Keoma Duarte, 40, of New Bedford, is arraigned from a hospital on Dec. 3, 2024. He faces manslaughter while driving OUI and other charges in connection with a crash that killed Endicott College Sgt. Jeremy Cole last week.Newburyport District Court via Zoom

A prosecutor described how Duarte strongly denied being involved in a car crash only moments after the collision.

He adamantly denied that he had collided with anybody, said James Gubitose, a prosecutor for Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers Office.

Even after being taken to the hospital, he continued to deny to police that hed been in an accident, even though his car was crushed and he had in essence crushed Sgt. Cole, Gubitose said.

When police approached Duarte in his car, his airbags had gone off and his responses were hesitant, delayed and lethargic, according to Gubitose.

I did not crash into anyone, Duarte reportedly told state police after the crash, according to the affidavit.

Police discovered a receipt in his Tesla with his name on it that showed he purchased several mini-bottles of Smirnoff. They found seven mini-bottles empty in his car, and one still full.

Medical records showed his blood alcohol level at 0.19%, according to Gubitose. The legal limit in Massachusetts is 0.08%.

Police also found marijuana in the car and a burnt smell of marijuana.

The Newbury Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to get Duarte and Cole out of their vehicles. Duarte was seriously injured and authorities flew him by helicopter to a Boston hospital.

Later at the hospital, Duarte told police that he was at the House of Blues for a show with his girlfriend and on his way home to New Bedford.

Duarte was unable to answer any other questions regarding that topic. Duarte was advised that he was in a crash and he continued to be baffled by this information, the affidavit states. Duarte became more difficult to ask questions to as he was complaining about leg pain and began ignoring our questions.

At the arraignment, the prosecutor described how Massachusetts State Police, with their lights and sirens activated, shone a spotlight into the vehicle, a Tesla Model Y, trying to get the drivers attention before the crash.

There was a lot of cars that night when he got to Massachusetts, Gubitose said.

Police were working on getting more troopers involved and putting down stopsticks in Georgetown to stop him.

It was evident that he wasnt aware or didnt care that he was on the wrong side of the highway, putting everyone in danger, Gubitose said.

Judge Peter Doyle set Duartes bail at $500,000 and set conditions for his release, including wearing a GPS monitor and remaining drug and alcohol-free. The judge entered a not-guilty plea on Duartes behalf.

Duarte is charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor, operating recklessly, manslaughter, and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation. He also faces civil motor vehicle infractions for driving in the wrong direction on a state highway, speeding and marked lane violations.

He faces a maximum 20-year sentence in state prison, according to Gubitose. His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19.

Duartes court-appointed lawyer, defense attorney Jason Howard, said Tuesday, Our client is entitled to a full, vigorous defense, and he will receive one in this case.

New Hampshire officials said on Monday they also expect to bring charges against Duarte.

Cole worked at Endicott for 15 years, where he was affectionately known as J.Cole, according to a previous statement by college President Steven R. DiSalvo. A GoFundMe raised more than $105,000 for Coles family  his wife and four children  as of Wednesday.

Endicott College senior and resident advisor Tessa Rogers, 22, told MassLive that Cole was like a father figure to countless students on campus, including herself.

Cole was married and a father to four children. He was driving home after his shift on the eve of Thanksgiving when the crash happened.
Prosecutors in the Karen Read case filed a motion this week to bar an expert hired by the defense who testified during Reads first trial that John OKeefes injuries were consistent with dog bites from testifying at Reads upcoming second trial.

That expert, Dr. Marie Russell, a retired emergency room physician and forensic pathologist who lives in California, was called by Reads defense to testify about the injuries sustained by OKeefe, Reads late boyfriend who she is charged with killing. During Reads first trial, Russell testified she believed OKeefes injuries were sustained by an animal, possibly a large dog.
Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked to the companys annual investor conference at a Hilton in Midtown, blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

The killing, and the shooters movements in the minutes before and afterward, were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city.

One video showed him approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam while the dying health executive tumbled to the pavement.

Other security cameras captured the initial stages of the gunmans escape. He was seen fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza, then escaping on a bicycle into Central Park, where he vanished.

Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killers whereabouts remained unknown late into the night.

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)AP

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target, Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Police issued several surveillance images of the man, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and wouldnt have attracted attention on a frigid winter day. Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting.

The police department offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, the insurers Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her there were some people that had been threatening him. She didnt have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. They were also searching Thompsons hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenny said.

Police initially said the shooter rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the citys bike-share program, CitiBike. But a spokesperson for the programs operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet.

Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the companys direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompsons death.

Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is sending our prayers to Brians family and the UnitedHealthcare team.

This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota, the Democrat wrote.
A North Attleboro man was sentenced for stealing over $1.7 million in gold, silver and platinum from the jewelry manufacturing facility where he worked, federal authorities said.

Benjamin Preacher, 54, was sentenced to 59 days in prison with two years of supervised release, including 10 months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service, U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said.

Preacher also has to give up $1.2 million, Levy said. Federal authorities recommended he get a 30-month prison sentence.

Preacher pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods and one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions in July, Levy said.

Preacher worked as a manufacturing supervisor at a Rhode Island facility from 2018 to 2024, Levy said. The facility was run by a company that sells luxury items, including jewelry made from gold, silver and platinum.

Preacher used his position overseeing the production and security of the jewelry to steal scrap metal from the facility, Levy said.

Preacher then drove the stolen metals into Massachusetts and then sold them to various businesses in Massachusetts, Levy said.
A 26-year-old YouTuber from New England is believed to have been shot dead during a kidnapping in the Philippines nearly two months ago.

Elliot Onil Eastman, from Hinesburg, Vermont, was shot twice with an M16 rifle while resisting an abduction by gunmen in the coastal town of Sibuco on Oct. 17, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Sibuco is a poor, remote coastal town in the Zamboanga del Norte province.
Jeremy Cole was known for his loving personality, dry wit and unwavering dedication to his family, community and profession.

An obituary for the 49-year-old Endicott College police sergeant, from Exeter, New Hampshire, paints a picture of an extraordinary void left by his sudden death.

Cole was driving home from his work shift on the night before Thanksgiving when his Chevrolet Trailblazer was struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 95 in Newbury, police say. The driver, 40-year-old Keoma Duarte, of New Bedford, is now charged in connection with Coles death.

Cole was a beloved presence at family gatherings, his obituary said, embracing his role as a big brother within his wifes large family.

Always ready with a joke, a witty comeback, or heartfelt support, the obituary said.

Cole took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his wife, Laura, and four children.

Hed served as a police sergeant at Endicott College for 15 years. In 2017, he graduated from there with an associates degree in criminal justice, and at the time of his death, was actively pursuing his bachelors degree.

His commitment to the campus community was remarkable, the obituary said. Jeremy made an effort to connect with as many students as possible, handling every situation with poise, humor, and compassion.

Cole was a recipient of the Lifesaving Award from the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and he was frequently sought out by students during commencement events who expressed their gratitude for his kindness and guidance during their time at Endicott.

Cole is survived by both parents, his wife, four children and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

Jeremys passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him, the obituary said. His legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Coles funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 9. The public is invited to Campbell Funeral Home at 525 Cabot St. in Beverly. A law enforcement walk-through will be held on at 1:30 p.m., followed by a public wake from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Overflow parking will be available at both St. John the Evangelist Church at 111 New Balch St., and the Church of the Nazarene at 556 Cabot St.
A Salem man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend on Dec. 20, 2020, officials said.

John Shairs, 55, murdered his then-girlfriend Tina Amore, 49, of Salem, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said.

Witnesses spoke about Shairs violent history at the trial, Tucker said. Amore died due to blunt force trauma to the head.

It is our sincere hope that this conviction brings some peace to the family and friends of Tina Amore, Tucker said following the jurys verdict.

Amore, a graduate of Beverly High School and Johnson & Wales University, worked as a legal secretary at State Street in Boston, Tucker said. She had two kids and loved helping her loved ones.
The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning at 12:53 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 1:30 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.

At 12:50 p.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Monroe to near East Windsor to near Sheffield, moving east at 20 mph, says the weather service. Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.

Locations impacted by the warning include Westfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Deerfield, Easthampton, Monroe, Southwick, Southampton, Hatfield, Williamsburg, Huntington, Bernardston, Buckland, Conway, Shelburne, Russell, Ashfield, Colrain, Westhampton and Granville.
SPRINGFIELD -- Amtraks New Haven-Springfield shuttle trains carried 577,133 riders in its most recent fiscal year, a 30.6% increase from the 441,943 it carried in the 2023 fiscal year, according to ridership statistics the passenger railroad released this week.

It was nearly the biggest ridership jump by percentage across Amtraks system in fiscal 2024, the Pacific Surfliner in southern California jumped 30.8%.
SPRINGFIELD  Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School has been tagged as distinguished, one of only two schools in Massachusetts to receive the distinction.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations acting commissioner, Russell Johnston, will be in the city on Friday to help celebrate the schools citation as a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School.
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It was only a few weeks ago that the women of Ireland breathed a collective sigh of relief when the now-outgoing Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that the Dail had passed legislation to allow for the free provision of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to women.

The devil is always in the detail, and unfortunately, unlike the Free Contraception Scheme introduced by the same Health Minister in 2022 and expanded recently to women aged up to 35 years, the Free HRT Scheme is not actually free.

In fact, many patients and colleagues have remarked to me, a Subsidised HRT Scheme would have been a more reflective name for what the scheme actually covers. I hypothesise here, from the media commentary provided by Stephen Donnelly, as no formal communication regarding said scheme was sent to either the GPs prescribing for this scheme or the pharmacists dispensing the medication.

To explain, with the Free Contraception Scheme, the fees for doctor consultations, the pharmacists dispensing the medication, and the contraception products themselves are all covered by the Government. What is more, all of the medication or medical devices prescribed for contraception are readily available in pharmacies to be dispensed.

In contrast, what we know so far, is that the Free HRT Scheme will only cover the medication or medical devices that are licensed by the Government of Ireland. So, when a prescribed product like an oestrogen patch is not available to pharmacists to procure because it is in short supply, an alternative patch licensed in Europe is sourced by your pharmacist and agreed with your prescribing doctor.

Pharmacies across Ireland have experienced HRT supply issues every day for the last three years or more. (You would think this would have been sorted out before announcing a Free HRT Scheme.) This means that the HRT product the patient receives most often will be unlicensed, and therefore, the cost will then have to be borne by them and not the State. Most women are on two to three different HRT products every month, and so this cost can really add up.

Then there is the fee for a prescribing doctors HRT consultation and in some cases a menopause specialist, as not every GP is happy to assess a patient for menopause treatment. If you have never been assessed before, you may require blood tests and interim follow-up appointments in the first year.

Lastly, there is the dispensary fee from the pharmacist and the prescription tax by the State. Neither are covered under the Free HRT Scheme (even though theyre fully covered under the Free Contraception Scheme).

Understandably, women are cross that come January, there will be an inequity in society with regards what the State supports in terms of womens reproductive health and hormones. The divide is between women who can reproduce but choose not to, with the Free Contraception Scheme, and those who are near or at the end of their reproductive years, who must pay for their Free HRT Scheme.

Not only is it unfair, it was also short-sighted on Stephen Donnellys part. Many women and pharmacist colleagues cite his premature Free HRT Scheme announcement as ill thought-out at best, and political gaslighting for votes in the recent election at worst.

Lets hope the next government can do better for women. Their first job should be to sort out the mess that has been left behind them in terms of rolling out this so-called Free HRT Scheme, that is due to start in January 2025 and was announced with much public fanfare and back slapping.

With cost a barrier for so many women wanting to seek help for their menopause symptoms, the Free HRT Scheme announcement was set to be a godsend. The reality seems to be far from that.

Sheena Mitchell is a pharmacist at Milltown Totalhealth Pharmacy and a passionate public speaker on healthcare challenges and reform, with a particular focus on family and female health. For more, see her healthcare platform and podcast at WonderCare.ie or follow @wondercare_irl on Instagram.
Transition Year students from schools across Mayo and Galway paid a visit to the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant on Friday afternoon to learn about the processes that go into treating raw water to make it safe for domestic use.

The Lough Mask WTP, perched high on a hillside just outside Tourmakeady, is one of the biggest and most productive plants in the west of Ireland, supplying clean water to homes across South Mayo and North Galway, as far west as Louisburgh and as far east as Ballinlough in West Roscommon.

The ten students, drawn from Transition Year classes in Sacred Heart College in Westport, Sancta Maria of Louisburgh and St Josephs College of Castlebar in Co Mayo, and High Cross College in Tuam, took part in the site visit as part of a six-week STEM Programme with Uisce Eireann.

Before travelling to Tourmakeady, the students were given a presentation by Ger Cafferkey (Asset Strategy Technical Lead) on the importance of catchment and abstraction management. David Henry (Project Manager, Delivery) then provided the students with a concise overview of the planned upgrades at Lough Mask.

After induction, the tour began at the pumping station on the shore of Lough Mask, from which raw lake water is pumped up to the plant, and ended where the clean, treated water is taken by gravity flow to reservoirs and on to homes and businesses across South Mayo and beyond.

Led by Conor OToole, the WTP Supervisor, Ronan McDonnell (Operations Technical Lead) and Eoin Hughes (North West Water Process Optimisation Manager), the students received a detailed tour of the plant, outlining each stage in the water treatment process.

The students were shown the plants operations room, which provides the operatives with real-time information on water quality and production output. They were then brought to the raw water balance tanks, before progressing on to the sedimentation tanks, filtration tanks and disinfection chambers, where the treated water is made safe for domestic use.

Finally, they were shown the laboratory and given demonstrations of the chemical tests carried out to ensure the water leaving the plant is compliant with regulations. These demonstrations were led excellently by operational personnel Michael Lally and Paul Thomas.

Eoin Hughes said the STEM programme is a valuable opportunity to educate young people about the work that goes into managing and protecting our water resources.

The students were really engaged and curious to learn about the water treatment process during our visit, said Eoin. At Uisce Eireann were always keen to show young people how we enable our communities to thrive, and to demonstrate the various highly-skilled careers paths available to them in the water services sector.

Id like to thank Conor and his team for facilitating the visit and sharing their experience and expertise with the students, and also the students themselves and their teachers for their enthusiasm, continued Eoin.

Conor McGreal and Jack McDowell, both from Sancta Maria College in Louisburgh, said they found the visit to the plant interesting.

Especially the treatment part, how clear they can make the water, offered Conor.

Abigail Marley, Ciara Brennan and Layala Murray, all from Sacred Heart School in Westport, said that they have an interest in science and that their favourite part of the tour was seeing the water being tested in the laboratory. They have been enjoying their STEM programme with Uisce Eireann so far.
La an Dreoilin (Wren Day), an Irish tradition historically celebrated on St Stephens Day (December 26), will take place as a family-friendly event in Mayo this year, thanks to local man Martin McFadden.

Earlier this year, Martin came up with the idea to expand the tradition to a family-friendly event in Mayo and also saw it as a great opportunity to raise funds for Western Care Association. Western Care Association (WCA) is dedicated to providing support and services to children, young adults and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families in Co Mayo. WCA provides a range of services including Residential Services, Day Services, Family Support Services and Social and Recreational Activities.

To bring his vision to life, Martin has teamed up with Sheila Moffatt of the Moffatt School of Irish Dancing, who has recruited ten dancers between the ages of 12 and 18. The event will also feature musicians from Mayo Comhaltas to perform alongside the dancers.

Together, they will perform in Newport, Westport and Castlebar on the afternoon of December 26. Performances will begin at 2pm and run through until 6pm. Each performance will last 15 minutes at the following locations and times:







The Square, Newport at 2pm

The Octagon, Westport at 2.55pm

Corrib Oil, Westport, at 3.30pm

Corrib Oil, Castlebar 4.15pm







Donations can be made to Western Care Association via https://www.idonate.ie/wl/event/LanDreoilnWrenDayFundraiserforWesternCareAssociation

Martin has fundraised for Western Care Association over the last five years, curating various fundraising events, bringing his total contributions to Western Care Association to an impressive 5,000. On Tuesday of last week Deric O'Hartigan, Presenter of Virgin Media's Ireland AM, broadcast live from Newport to get a sneak peak of what's to come on Wren Day.

Martin McFadden said: Im delighted the Moffatt School of Irish Dancing and Mayo Comhaltas have come on board to support my vision. Its all for a very good cause and I look forward to continuing my support for Western Care Association. These events are for the whole family on Thursday, December 26, and I encourage everyone to come out and support this worth cause. All funds raised go directly to Western Care Association.

Dr Mary Boyd, CEO of Western Care Association, said: Martin is a fantastic supporter of Western Care Association and we are so grateful for all he has done for us. Were very much looking forward to the Wren Day performances which promise to be a wonderful community event and were thrilled to bring a little magic back to Mayo. All of the funds raised by our community makes a significant impact, helping us to provide vital services to individuals and families who rely on our support. Be sure to put this event in your diaries.
GUIYANG, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Anna Bei, a 38-year-old German member of a Shanghai-based choir, described performing during the Dong New Year celebrations in Liping County in southwest China's Guizhou Province as challenging and exhilarating. "It's definitely a rare opportunity to communicate and exchange with local music culture," said Bei. A music major, she noted that she instinctively seeks out local music communities whenever she visits a new place. "Liping is very different from Shanghai and Germany. This place not only has unique ethnic culture but also warm and friendly people, breathtaking scenery and delicious food," she added. The Dong people, primarily residing in Guizhou and Hunan provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are celebrating their traditional New Year festival. A grand event, held in Liping from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, drew Dong communities from other regions as well as numerous international visitors. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2010, the Dong New Year is a vibrant festival that celebrates ancestral blessings, family reunions and the harvest. Yang Pingzhen, 63, joined a parade to showcase freshly harvested edible fungi. "I'm thrilled to present our Dong culture and Guizhou's unique specialties to tourists during this grand event. More than 30 people from my community are taking part in this parade, all dressed in our colorful ethnic costumes," Yang said proudly. For German blogger Robert Adolf, this is his third visit to the Dong New Year festivities in Liping, where he continues to document the rich culture of China's southwestern mountainous areas. Although he lives with his mother Anna Adolf in south China's island province of Hainan, Robert often travels to Guizhou on weekends to capture its landscapes and ethnic culture in short videos. He noted that escaping the hustle and bustle of city life to experience the warmth and authenticity of the Dong New Year in Liping brings him immense joy. As he wandered through Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping, he captured the enchanting melodies of traditional Dong singing and the lively ambiance of long-table banquets. "This year's celebration is particularly lively. The streets and alleys of the Dong Village are packed with tourists, creating a fantastic atmosphere. I don't usually experience such a vibrant ethnic culture and festive spirit in the city," Robert Adolf said. Sharing her thoughts, Anna Adolf added, "These special dishes have local flavors and are very delicious. This trip has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of Chinese ethnic culture and has made me feel at home in this place."
by Fern Siegel , December 5, 2024



The Navy's latest recruitment campaign  "Strike Group"  is a multi-scenario, mobile mixed-readyexperience that highlights the branch's technology and career options.

Developed by VML, a division of WPP, the work runs on Americas Navy YouTube channel. The creative is used by local Navy recruiters to promote upcoming Strike Group activations, noting the depths of Navy STEM careers  from nuclear engineering and aviation to special warfare and medicine. There is no paid media component.

Via virtual reality, the Strike Group provides users with a fully immersive, hands-on look into the technology and teamwork central to every Navy role.

Because Strike Group is modular, it can be presented as a nine-cube experience, or it can be broken into smaller groups, allowing Navy recruiters to annually activate at three-times more events than it currently does, says Heidi LaRochelle, VML Group connections director, experiential. The Strike Group can accommodate 450,000 participants a year, which is nine-times more than the Navys previous experiential activation.

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Strike Group comprises seven distinctive, interactive challenges:



All Hands

Players will test their skills on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in a five-person virtual reality game. Participants will don a Meta Quest 3 headset and be transported out to the USS Gerald R. Ford where they will team up to launch an F-35C Lightning II jet.

Support

The Navy conducts humanitarian missions around the globe through a variety of ship platforms and communities. Participants will navigate an interactive map of the world with a range of Navy ships and vehicles to explore the breadth and depth of these operations at strategic, geographic locations.

Fly

Players will experience Naval aviation. This full motion flight simulator will drop participants into the cockpit of an F-35C Lightning II, where they will launch from an aircraft carrier with their wingman on a training mission.

Dive

Navy Underwater Construction Teams are on call if an undersea repair is needed. In this interactive virtual mission, participants will take on the role of a Navy diver, driving a boat to a location after a storm, then use their dive and welding skills to help repair a damaged pier.

Achieve

Americas Navy has hundreds of roles available in every field. To help participants see themselves in one of these careers, they can take a personality quiz that will pair them with a list of jobs best suited to them.

Seek

To showcase the Silent Service, participants will undergo a real-life submarine mission  an Ice Exercise (ICEX) near the North Pole. Players will work together and use their skills in nuclear propulsion, sonar, and navigation to successfully break through the thick sea ice during the Arctic Ocean operation.

Train

Navy SEALs have a legacy of strenuous training and intense qualifications. In this experience, a Navy SEAL trainer will guide participants through a series of challenges that test their physical strength, mental fortitude and willpower.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, December 4, 2024

Experian has acquired Audigent, a data activation and identity platform in the advertising industry, giving it massive amounts of consumer and business data to target ads.

Audigents first-party publisher data and inventory network, as well as its sell-side distribution, will integrate with Experian's existing demand-side capabilities. It builds on the company's identity technology to help clients gain a better understanding of customers.

Kimberly Gilberti, general manager of Experian Marketing Services, told MediaPost that Audigent will continue to operate as a stand-alone brand for now.



When asked about the legality of acquiring so much data, especially for a company based in California, Gilberti said "privacy is among our highest priorities. Experian operates in highly regulated environments and complies with the data protection laws in all the countries that we operate in."

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Drew Stein, CEO and co-founder of Audigent, will remain and assume the role of managing director.

Stein developed Audigent's cookieless header-bidding solution and Hadron ID, a privacy-centric identity framework.

Experian and Audigent have partnered on a range of data innovations including the integration of Experian data into the Audigent SmartPMP and the creation of Experian Contextually Indexed Audiences, which combines deterministic audience with contextual targeting.

Although not unexpected because of the way the companies three-year partnership had demonstrated synergies in the past, it will be interesting to see how the combined companies, both with massive amounts of data, will support advertising.

Data and analytics associated with the combined companies are enormous. Audigent claims to have access to more than 4 billion first-party IDs, more than 1.8 billion monthly traffic, and a first-party device graph exceeding 13.3 billion, according to information on their website.

Imagine adding that to Experians 3.6 petabytes of data, at least, from individuals worldwide. The company claims to have access to more than 1 billion people and businesses, including 235 million U.S. consumers and more than 25 million U.S. businesses.

In September, Audigent partnered globally with Onetag, an AI-powered curation platform. That collaboration unlocked premium programmatic capabilities for publishers by combining the strengths of both platforms data, insights, and AI-powered curation.

At the time, Onetag supported publishers such as Yahoo, DotDash, BuzzFeed, and Weather.com. It gave Audigents clients access to Onetags global publisher supply base, traffic shaping technology, and real-time data to significantly boost advertising campaign performance.
by Colin Kirkland , December 4, 2024

With the completion of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Meta is coming to terms with the effectiveness of its recent efforts regarding election integrity enforcement.

Looking back, the tech giant admits to errors that inhibit free expression across its family of social-media apps and says it is seeking changes to promote fairness.

Over the course of the year, Meta has added political content controls on Facebook, Instagram, and threads, allowing users to opt out of political news on their feeds. The company has also updated its rules around election-process claims, run audits of terms it considers offensive under its Hate Speech policy, and updated its penalty protocol related to public figures suspended for violations during periods of civil unrest.

Meta also worked to raise voter awareness, attempting to combat AI-generated misinformation, and detecting and removing foreign influence operations -- a key focus after the Russian interference scandal across Facebook during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

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Now, however, the company claims that it went too far in attempting to protect its billions of users.

Striking the balance between allowing people to make their voices heard and keeping people safe is one that no platform will ever get right 100 percent of the time, the company said in a recent statement. We know that when enforcing our policies, our error rates are too high, which gets in the way of the free expression we set out to enable.

According to Meta, its policies lead to harmless content being taken down or restricted, causing too many people to be penalized unfairly.

The company's insistence on over-policing the spread of potentially harmful content draws a stark contrast to what CEO Mark Zuckerberg told members of Congress in 2018 in relation to Cambridge Analytica.

Before Meta agreed to pay $725 million to settle the privacy lawsuit, Zuckerberg said that the company did not do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm, including fake news, foreign interference in elections and hate speech.

President-elect Donald Trump's win in this years election may be influencing the social-media company's response to its election-integrity processes, especially when considering Trump's ongoing threats against Meta and Zuckerberg.

For example, in a recent Trump-authored coffee-table book, the president-elect stated that Zuckerberg steered Facebook against him and his 2020 campaign, adding: We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison  as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.

In prioritizing free expression across its apps, it is possible Zuckerberg and Meta are attempting to ease potential future tensions with the incoming President. Zuckerberg met with Trump in Florida last week.

The company's insistence on over-policing content is also reminiscent of a statement Zuckerberg made to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee in August, which described the Biden administration repeatedly pressuring his teams to censor content related to COVID-19.

I feel strongly that we should not compromise our content standards due to pressure from any Administration in either direction  and we're ready to push back if something like this happens again, he said, adding that he believes tech companies and other private entities should make independent choices about the information they present and that the alleged government pressure was wrong.
by Tanya Gazdik , December 4, 2024

Ford Motor Co. is joining forces with Percival, a London-based fashion brand, on a line of apparel featuring vintage advertising graphics.

The collection is a tribute to Fords heritage, blending vintage-inspired designs with contemporary fits and meticulous craftsmanship, according to the automaker.

Drawing from Fords archives, the garments feature vintage knit weaves, heavy jerseys and dry-handle work shirts with cut-and-sew detailing, all reimagined with a modern silhouette.

A standout piece within the collection, imited to just 15 pieces, is the premium leather bomber jacket, adorned with high-build embroidery.

With its focus on quality, durability, and timeless design, this collaboration honors Fords legacy while offering a fresh, contemporary take on classic automotive aesthetics, according to the automaker.

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The capsule collection is available to purchase in limited quantities online at Percivalclo.com and at Percivals Soho and Spitalfields stores.

This isnt Fords first foray into the world of fashion.

The automaker has a line of Dickies workwear clothing in partnership with actress Sydney Sweeney, who is a celebrity ambassador for Ford.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, December 5, 2024

Interpublic this morning announced the sale of DUMBO-based digital agency Huge and the acquisition of Mumbai-based "ecommerce intelligence platform" Intelligence Node.

Terms of both deals were not disclosed.

The holding company, which acquired a stake in Huge in 2008, indicated a potential sale was in the works during a previous earnings call with investors.

Interpublic said it sold the agency to private equity firm AEA Investors for an undisclosed sum.

In a separate deal, it said it acquired privately-held Intelligence Node to bolster its position in commerce and retail media.

The move follows Omnicom's acquisition of digital commerce platform Flywheel Digital from Ascential plc. late last year.

Intelligence Node utilizes AI technology to aggregate and analyze "billions of data points across over 1,900 retail categories in 34 global markets," the company said.

"As commerce and retail media continue their rapid convergence, actionable data is paramount to maximizing brand performance," Interpublic CEO Philippe Krakowsky explained in a statement.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 5, 2024

The U.K.-based company Voyager Labs -- which provides analytics services to law enforcement agencies -- has settled a lawsuit brought by Meta Platforms by agreeing to refrain from scraping Facebook and Instagram.

The settlement, approved Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin in the Northern District of California, also requires Voyager Labs to permanently delete any data collected from Meta.

The deal brings an end to a battle dating to January 2023, when Meta alleged that Voyager Labs created 38,000 Facebook accounts, then used those accounts to scrape data from more than 600,000 social media users. Meta claimed in its lawsuit that Voyager violated federal and California anti-hacking laws, and that Voyager broke its contract with Meta by failing to follow its terms of service, which prohibit scraping.

Voyager urged Martinez-Olguin to throw out the case for several reasons. Among other arguments, Voyager said Meta's allegations regarding a violation of its terms of service were vague, and that the complaint conflated Voyager Labs (also called Voyager UK) with its subsidiaries -- Voyager Analytics (based in Delaware), Novarize (based in Delaware) and Bionic 8 Analytics Inc. (based in Israel).

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Meta's theory of contract formation appears to be: there are billions of users of Meta's Facebook and Instagram websites, and Voyager UK allegedly was one of them; therefore, some contract must have been formed between Meta and Voyager UK, the company argued in a written motion.

Voyager also said California courts lacked jurisdiction to decide whether it violated federal or state anti-hacking laws.

Martinez-Olguin rejected those arguments in May, paving the way for the lawsuit to move forward.

Meta has sued other companies for allegedly violating its terms of service by scraping data, including analytics business BrandTotal. The companies settled that matter in 2022.
About

The term Narcoanalysis is derived from Greek word NARKCA, which means anesthesia or tarpor by administering psychotropic drug to the subject (1 Trusted Source

Constitutionality and evidentiary value of narcoanalysis, polygraph & BEAP tests



Go to source). Narcoanalysis, or a narco test, or truth serum drugs, involves administering barbiturates or other chemicals, often sodium pentothal, to lower a person's inhibitions with the aim of encouraging them to reveal information and emotions more freely. It can be defined as an investigative procedure where a person's mental state is explored following the administration of mild general anesthetics.

The term "narcoanalysis" was introduced by J. Stephen Horsley, who first described it in 1943, though it gained attention as early as 1922 when Texas obstetrician Robert House used the drug scopolamine on prisoners. This technique has become prominent in forensic medicine and forensic science as a tool for investigating agencies, involving interrogation under induced narcosis. In India, narcoanalysis was first applied in 2002 during the Godhra investigation. Its use attracted scrutiny during the 2003 Telgi scam and was also employed in the 2008 Aarushi murder case.

Narcoanalysis is based on the principle that a person lies using his imagination [inventing lies], which requires full consciousness. By inducing a semiconscious state [narcosis], his capacity to invent lying is diminished. Or "that at a point very close to unconsciousness, the subject would be mentally incapable of resistance to questioning, and incapable of inventing falsehood that he has used to conceal his guilt. In simple, it is a method that makes someone very sleepy and relaxed, so they can't make up lies easily. The idea is that when a person is in this drowsy state, they can't resist questions or think quickly enough to hide the truth. This way, they're more likely to say what's really on their mind (2 Trusted Source

Narco-Analysis Test



Go to source).

Sedatives and hypnotics are given to induce a state of sedation or relaxation, especially for specific tests or interviews under controlled conditions. Common drugs used include:

Anticholinergics

BZ (3-quinuclidinyl benzilate): An odorless compound used in the military.

An odorless compound used in the military. Scopolamine: Used infrequently.

Used infrequently. Sodium Seconal

Hypnotics

Barbiturates: Like sodium amytal (intermediate-acting) and sodium pentothal (ultra-short acting), often used in "Amytal interviews." Long-acting barbiturates are not suitable.

Like (intermediate-acting) and (ultra-short acting), often used in "Amytal interviews." Long-acting barbiturates are not suitable. Ethanol

Temazepam

These drugs may be used individually or in combination. The process is typically performed in a laboratory setting under supervision, with dosages adjusted based on the individual's age, sex, health, and physical condition (3 Trusted Source

Narco Analysis And Protecting The Rights Of The Accused



Go to source).

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Dosage Details

Scopolamine: Typically, 0.5 mg is injected subcutaneously, followed by 0.25 mg every 20 minutes for up to 3-6 injections until the desired stage for questioning is reached.

Sodium Amytal or Sodium Pentothal: A 2.5-5% solution is administered intravenously at a controlled rate.

A 2.5-5% solution is administered intravenously at a controlled rate. Sodium Seconal: 0.1 g given 90 minutes before induction, followed by 15 mg of morphine sulfate and 0.5 mg of scopolamine bromide 45 minutes later (all three drugs can be given intravenously to save time).

Required Team

An anaesthetist, psychiatrist, forensic psychologist, an audio-video technician, and a supporting nurse conduct the procedure. The forensic psychologist compiles a report on the findings, accompanied by an audio-video recording on a compact disc (4 Trusted Source

Supreme Court judgment on polygraph, narco-analysis & brain-mapping: A boon or a bane



Go to source).

Interpretation of Results

The phrase "in vino veritas," meaning "in wine, there is truth," suggests that people often reveal their true feelings when under the influence of alcohol because it lowers inhibitions, making them more relaxed, talkative, and sometimes more honest.

In a similar way, when a person is hypnotized, they enter a calm, suggestible state where they can respond to simple questions, but they can't freely speak up or reveal more than what they're directly asked. Sometimes, even if a person is guilty, they might still not admit it under hypnosis this is called a "false negative." So, while hypnosis can help someone feel comfortable enough to talk, it doesn't mean they'll always tell the truth or give useful answers, just like when someone opens up under the influence of alcohol (8 Trusted Source

Narco Analysis, Torture and Democratic Rights



Go to source).

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1. Scientific Validity: Many medical experts question whether narcoanalysis is scientifically reliable. They argue that it may not provide accurate or consistent results, so its credibility is doubtful.

2. Legal Validity:

Forced Use: International law considers the forced use of drugs to make someone speak as a form of torture. The Declaration of Tokyo also says doctors should not participate in any form of torture.

International law considers the forced use of drugs to make someone speak as a form of torture. The Declaration of Tokyo also says doctors should not participate in any form of torture. Rights Against Self-Incrimination: In India, Article 20(3) of the Constitution protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves. Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) says a person cannot be forced to answer questions that might lead to criminal charges against them. Since narcoanalysis makes people answer questions that may be self-incriminating, it violates this protection.

In India, Article 20(3) of the Constitution protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves. Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) says a person cannot be forced to answer questions that might lead to criminal charges against them. Since narcoanalysis makes people answer questions that may be self-incriminating, it violates this protection. Legal Opinions: In 2007, a government committee found that tests like lie detectors, brain fingerprinting, and narcoanalysis are unscientific and should not be used in criminal investigations. The Supreme Court of India also ruled in 2010 that these tests cannot be forced on suspects without their consent.

3. Medical Use: Narcoanalysis has some legitimate uses in medicine, particularly for diagnosing and treating certain psychiatric patients, where it's used under controlled conditions.

4. Reliability: Studies show that narcoanalysis is not entirely reliable. A person can still lie under its influence, and an innocent person might accidentally say something that implicates them. So, it doesn't guarantee truthful or accurate answers (5 Trusted Source

The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology - KSN Reddy and OPMurty



Go to source) (7 Trusted Source

Willing participants and tolerant profession: medical ethics and human rights in narco-analysis



Go to source).

Some people can still lie or make things up even while hypnotized. Others might become too suggestible and say what the questioner wants them to say.

Investigators might ask leading questions that push the person to give a guilty answer, even if they're innocent.

The drugs used for hypnosis can cause people to see or hear things that aren't real. This can lead to them making up stories or remembering things that didn't happen.

Statements made under hypnosis aren't always voluntary or clear, making them less reliable in court (6 Trusted Source

Legal Aspects And Ethical Problems Of The Use Of Narcoanalysis In Criminal Law



Go to source).
Struggling with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility? A groundbreaking trial aims to restore ovulation with a device that could revolutionize fertility care.

Highlights: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 10% of women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of ovulation-related infertility

May Health's experimental device offers a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative for women resistant to current fertility treatments

The REBALANCE trial aims to measure ovulation rates, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term benefits of the device

  Trusted Source

The Ultra Trial: Transvaginal Ultrasound-guided Ovarian Ablation Using the May Health System in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos)-related Infertility: Up to Twelve Months Follow Up



Go to source Trusted Source



New hope for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility: The REBALANCE trial tests a device to restore ovulation in women unresponsive to conventional treatments. #pcos #fertility #medindia

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Minimally Invasive Device for Ovulation Induction in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

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The Ultra Trial: Transvaginal Ultrasound-guided Ovarian Ablation Using the May Health System in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos)-related Infertility: Up to Twelve Months Follow Up - (https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(23)01615-1/fulltext)

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often face fertility-related concerns. Physicians at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences in Oklahoma City are leading a national clinical trial to assist women with PCOS-related infertility who desire to conceive ().The REBALANCE trial investigates the safety and efficacy of May Health's experimental device, which is aimed at restoring ovulation disturbed by PCOS. OU Health reproductive endocrinologist Karl Hansen, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OU College of Medicine, is directing the trial for the university and was the first clinician in the US to use the device."Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a prevalent endocrine disease that affects roughly 10% of all women of reproductive age," Hansen explained, "and it is the most common cause of infertility due to ovulation failure. It is thrilling to be researching a new potential therapy option for women experiencing PCOS-related infertility."It also highlights the importance of academic medicine," the doctor said. "We're not here to only provide the care that we already know; we're here to push the envelope and develop new understandings and treatments."PCOS is a hormonal imbalance caused by the ovaries overproducing androgens, a sex hormone that is essential for reproductive health . Androgen overproduction causes a cascade of processes that culminate in irregular or absent ovulation.Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) According to Hansen, over 80% of women with PCOS react to oral medicines targeted to induce ovulation, with up to 50% achieving pregnancy . However, about 20% of women do not ovulate after using the drugs. Gonadotropin injections are an alternate treatment that requires frequent monitoring and exact dosage modifications. Another option is laparoscopic ovarian drilling, which involves inserting a needle-like device through small abdominal incisions to deliver laser or radiofrequency energy to an ovary with the goal of restoring ovulation. However, this technique has declined in popularity, according to Hansen.May Health's experimental gadget intends to induce ovulation in women with PCOS-related infertility using a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The gadget is linked to a probe routinely used in transvaginal ultrasounds, which evaluates the ovary before providing electrothermal energy to execute the necessary number of ablations on it.The REBALANCE trial will enrol about 195 patients with PCOS-related infertility from several sites around the United States. Researchers will determine how frequently women ovulate following the operation. Secondary outcomes will be measured, including the pregnancy rate following the surgery, other PCOS symptoms, and how long the procedure's benefits last. OU Health Sciences is leading the trial in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania."We are glad to be partnering with May Health to offer this trial to patients with PCOS-related infertility," says Hansen. "Most women with PCOS come to us because they are attempting to conceive. For the fraction of women who do not react to oral medicines, evaluating an investigational device is an intriguing development.Source-Medindia
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...
The Navy has relieved the commanding officer of its reserve center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a statement announced Tuesday.

Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Bourque was removed as commander of Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne by Capt. Christopher Peppel, the commander of Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Everett in Washington state.

The Navy maintains 122 reserve centers around the country, and they typically serve as the first and primary point of contact between reservist sailors and the service for anything from administrative tasks to drill days.

Read Next: USS George Washington's Arrival in Japan Marred by 2 Sailor Deaths, Alcohol Ban

Bourque's relief, which was officially over a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," marks at least the 13th firing of a commanding officer this year for the Navy.

Loss of confidence is the boilerplate reason provided for firings by the military services, including the Navy, that can encompass anything from consistent poor performance by a command on key evaluations to personal actions like sexual assault or drunk driving.

Just this year alone, the sea service fired three commanders -- two submarine skippers and one Navy SEAL commodore -- for drunk driving incidents.

A military official told Military.com that Bourque was relieved over a matter of personal conduct, which did not involve allegations that impacted any other sailors, and that an investigation was involved.

Navy officials have previously said the sea service relieved 15 commanding officers over loss of confidence in 2023. However, Navy officials have said that commanders can also be relieved for medical reasons or ask to be relieved themselves, and those removals are not made public.

There are currently around 1,600 commanding officers in the active-duty Navy across all communities.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Bourque joined the Navy in 2009 after graduating from George Washington University. He served as a surface warfare officer aboard the destroyer USS Ramage and the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

In 2017, Borque completed his department head course and proceeded to serve aboard the cruiser USS Princeton and the destroyer USS McFaul as a plans and tactics officer, according to the profile.

He assumed command of NRC Cheyenne in December 2023 after having been assigned to the office that oversees deployments of individual reservists.

According to the Navy's statement, Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Nichols has been temporarily assigned as NRC Cheyenne's commanding officer while Bourque has been temporarily reassigned to Navy Reserve Forces Command.

Related: Another Navy Firing: Commander of Information Warfare School in San Diego Removed
It was a history-making event: In a chapel at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, 2nd Lt. Khady Ndiaye stood proudly -- wearing a hijab -- as she became the first Muslim woman commissioned by the U.S. Army as a chaplain candidate.

Presiding over the ceremony in June was Maj. Gen. Bill Green, the Army's chief of chaplains. He said the chaplains serve more than 200 faith groups, "while caring for the entire Army family ... regardless of their personal beliefs."

That ethos -- a commitment to religious diversity throughout a U.S. military with 1.3 million active-duty troops -- could be strained if Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, is confirmed as the next Pentagon leader.

Hegseth sometimes conveys his conservative Christian outlook in militaristic terms, has justified the medieval Crusades that pitted Christians against Muslims, and evokes the specter of Islamists seeking to impose their faith on non-Muslims. He has denounced the military's initiatives to foster diversity, equity and inclusion, which include religion among other categories.

Today's military "is one of the most diverse institutions in American society, racially, ethnically and especially religiously," said Ronit Stahl, author of "Enlisting Faith: How the Military Chaplaincy Shaped Religion and State in Modern America."

"Overall, the military was an engine of religious inclusion and really thinking about how to manage religious pluralism, but it was not a smooth or easy process," said Stahl, a professor of history at the University of California at Berkeley. "To have a secretary of defense who promulgates a worldview or operates within a worldview where not just Christianity, but a certain strand of Christianity, is the right religion, potentially changes the tenor of what an ethos of religious pluralism looks like in the military."

The military chaplaincy has evolved as America has diversified. It originally functioned with mainline Protestant and Catholic chaplains, expanding during World War I to include such groups as Jews and Mormons.

Recent decades have seen the military's first Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist chaplains. The military has also made accommodations such as allowing Sikhs to maintain their religiously mandated turbans and beards.

Today, about 70% of active-duty military identify as Christian -- including about 20% Catholic and about half Protestant or other Christian, according to a 2019 congressional report. About a quarter of troops were listed as "other/unclassified/unknown," with small percentages of atheists/agnostics, Jews, Muslims and adherents of Eastern religions.

The Defense Department could not immediately confirm the figures. But they roughly match Americans' religious demographics overall.

Today, the Army's careers-and-jobs website depicts its chaplaincy as "a multi-faith program -- ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, and more."

The mission for its chaplains: "Observe the distinct doctrines of your faith while honoring other denominations and ensuring the right for others to observe their own."

Rabbi Scott Klein. who serves as an Army chaplain within the 82nd Airborne Division and is garrison rabbi at Fort Liberty, said the military "has made significant strides in fostering an interfaith environment."

"One area where I think we can continue to improve is in education and training," he said via email. "Providing more opportunities for service members to learn about different faith traditions would further break down barriers and misconceptions."

The U.S. Navy reports that it has 874 chaplains. Most have a range of Protestant affiliations, including 101 Southern Baptists. They also include 46 Catholics, 18 Latter-day Saints, 12 Jewish, 9 Eastern Orthodox, 4 Muslim and 1 Buddhist. Statistics from other branches were not immediately available.

Hegseth's nomination requires confirmation from the Senate, where he's facing deepening scrutiny over other controversies. He is subject to multiple allegations that have emerged in the media about alcohol intoxication at work events, sexual misconduct and potential financial mismanagement. He was flagged as a possible "Insider Threat" by a fellow service member in 2021.

Hegseth, an author and former Fox News host, is an Army National Guard veteran of deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay.

He has written of America as a Judeo-Christian nation, portraying the founders as Christians despite what historians say were their diverse religious views. He said Americans of any religion are welcome in a "righteous crusade for human freedom," though he often fuses Christian and American identity. "We Christians -- alongside our Jewish friends and their remarkable army in Israel -- need to pick up the sword of unapologetic Americanism and defend ourselves," he wrote in his 2020 book, "American Crusade."

Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Hegseth "promotes the concept of fundamentalist Christian dominance and supremacy."

Weinstein, an Air Force veteran, said military personnel have the right to practice and proclaim their faith -- but within constitutional restrictions on the "time, place and manner" of such expressions.

"Christian nationalists like Hegseth believe there are no limits on when they can deploy their faith," Weinstein said.

But other veterans are supporting Hegseth, including Damon Friedman, a retired 20-year Marine and Air Force veteran who now leads SOF Missions, a Florida-based program aiming to reduce veteran suicides.

Friedman, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he shares Hegseth's Christian faith. That didn't interfere with his duty to lead troops regardless of their religion, he said.

"We live in a free country. We get warriors of all faiths," said Friedman, a retired lieutenant colonel.

He favors Hegseth's goal of rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which he contended is causing the military to focus on members' various identities rather than on solidarity in being a "war-fighting machine."

"We just need to get back to being green," he said, referring to the primary uniform color.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee, concurred.

"We need to get back to business, and I think Pete is just the person to do it," Hagerty said recently on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos .

Some concerns about Hegseth center on his views toward Islam and the religious motivations he cites for supporting Israel.

He has spoken enthusiastically about the possibility of a restored Jewish temple on its ancient site in Jerusalem. Such a move would involve the geopolitically explosive step of displacing the Al-Aqsa Mosque -- one of Islam's holiest sites and a symbol of Palestinian aspirations.

Hegseth made his comments at a 2018 conference in Jerusalem. He rejected Palestinian aspirations for statehood, saying there is "no such thing as the outcome of a two-state solution, there is one state."

Hegseth bears a prominent tattoo proclaiming "Deus Vult," ("God Wills It"), the Latin phrase attributed to the 11th century pope who called the First Crusade. That launched two centuries of fierce, intermittent warfare between Christian and Muslim armies in and around the Holy Land.

Hegseth wrote in his book that he wasn't romanticizing the Crusades and but said the "present moment is much like the eleventh century." He called for Christians, Jews and the Israeli army to "push Islamism back," culturally and when necessary militarily.

He defined Islamism as an ideology imposing Islam on others. He contended that moderate Muslims may be peaceful but are either "complicit in Islamism's expansion or impotent to reverse it."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations opposes Hegseth's nomination.

"If President-Elect Trump is serious about pursuing peace abroad and putting American interests above the interests of foreign governments, he should reconsider Mr. Hegseth's nomination," the Muslim advocacy organization said.

Thomas Lecaque, a professor of history at Grand View University, said the "Deus Vult" expression is unambiguously militant.

"There is no version of 'Deus Vult' that means anything other than a call for violence," said Lecaque, who studies religious violence from the Crusades to modern America.

The Trump-Vance transition team did not return emails seeking comment. Emails to Hegseth and his attorney also did not receive replies.

Larry Wilkerson, a retired colonel with 31 years in the military and an advisory board member of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Hegseth is an alarming choice.

"Diversity is a strength, but you've got to know how to lead it," said Wilkerson, a former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell. "You don't do it by forcing the majority's or even a large minority's views on them."
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier arrived in Japan as part of its home port shift less than two weeks ago, but its brief time in the country has been turbulent and marked by drunkenness, liberty restrictions and the deaths of two sailors.

Just days after the ship's arrival, reports of arrests over drunken behavior began to circulate on social media, and Navy officials now say that the ship has taken steps to curb alcohol consumption among the crew.

Then, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, the ship lost two of its sailors in separate events that are still being investigated, a Navy official told Military.com.

Read Next: Trump's Army Secretary Pick Is a Former Cavalry Officer, Yale Classmate of JD Vance

On Nov. 22, Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Condon was discovered unresponsive in a hotel room on the Navy base in Yokosuka, Japan.

A service official said that medical staff from U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka responded to the scene and pronounced the sailor dead.

Three days later on Nov. 25, Electrician's Mate Fireman Dimitri Morales was also discovered unresponsive but off base in Yokosuka, and local emergency responders declared him deceased.

The Navy said that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is leading the investigation into Condon's death while local Japanese authorities are leading the investigation into what happened to Morales.

The deaths come at a time when the crew appears to be dealing with at least a temporary spate of sailors causing trouble in their off-hours.

A Navy official said that, because of liberty incidents that occurred both prior to and since the ship's arrival in Japan, ship leaders decided to extend restrictions on what sailors can do in their off-hours and the ship's crew is barred from drinking alcohol.

Military.com asked the USS George Washington for a more detailed accounting of how many incidents its sailors have been involved in since arriving in Japan, as well as a confirmation of reports on social media that a number of arrests have been made, but those questions went unanswered.

The military newspaper Stars and Stripes, which was the first to report the restrictions, quoted the ship's spokesman as saying that the restrictions went into effect just four days after the aircraft carrier arrived in Japan and, while temporary, no end date has been set.

The subject of sailors and drunken antics is a thorny one in Japan, a country where past crimes committed by drunk service members range from minor offenses all the way to rape and kidnapping.

In 2021, Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis caused uproar after he lost consciousness and drove his car into the parking lot of a noodle shop, hitting multiple cars and killing two Japanese nationals, an 85-year-old woman and her 54-year-old son-in-law.

More recently, several alleged sexual assaults on the island of Okinawa this summer by Marines and an airman led the prefecture governor to tell U.S. reporters that those crimes were painful not only for their nature but because of the lack of transparency on the part of American forces.

Related: Okinawa Governor Blasts US Military's Lack of Transparency in Sharing Alleged Crimes by Troops
On weekends, Staff Sgt. Todd VanCantfort, an armed forces police officer in San Antonio, Texas, targeted gay bars in search of anyone in the military. One time, at the direction of his supervisor, he ditched his light blue and navy uniform to "dress gay." He chose tight jeans, cowboy boots, and an open button-down shirt, advertising a burst of chest hair.

It was 1985. San Antonio was dotted with several military installations and even more bars, many of them rowdy dance clubs where VanCantfort would break up fights or drive slurring service members back to base.

At the gay clubs, though, his orders were clear -- round up anyone in the military and turn them in, so leadership could kick them out.

"Victimizing the people for no reason," is how VanCantfort now describes it.

Forty years later, those witch hunts sound archaic. But they cast a long shadow over a military still struggling to make amends -- and now serve as a reminder of a disturbing legacy as Donald Trump returns to the White House next year. His now-embattled choice to lead the defense department, Fox News host and former National Guard soldier Pete Hegseth, has declared a war on "woke."

He's railed against women in combat, transgender rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that he insists have demoralized troops and weakened our fighting forces. Whether the controversial Hegseth is confirmed or not, his nomination has rekindled the question of who is welcome to serve in the United States military. And Trump's ties to the authors of Project 2025, a conservative and controversial blueprint for his second term, adds to the uncertainty.

For those caught up in the witch hunts that rooted out LGBTQ service members, the disgrace is everlasting.

"I don't know how to explain to somebody what it feels like when your own military that you volunteered to fight for your country doesn't want you," says Elaine Rodriguez, who was outed as a lesbian and kicked out of the Navy in 1991. She still mourns the military career taken from her and the self-worth that never fully rebounded.

Stories such as Rodriguez's have recently inspired pardons and other actions by the White House and the Defense Department. But, as The War Horse has reported, those efforts have benefitted only a fraction of the tens of thousands of gay and lesbian veterans who were kicked out. Still, advocates hoped that the small gains made under President Biden would lead to more sweeping action. That now seems unlikely.

It's not exactly deja vu, said Rodriguez, now 58 and living in Jacksonville, Florida, but it is "scary" that once again people who want to serve may be forbidden from doing so, much like in the 1980s.

She and VanCantfort are sharing their stories with The War Horse -- from opposite sides of the witch hunts -- to shed light on a painful and calculating discriminatory past that they say must not be forgotten.

How the Raids Went Down

VanCantfort, now retired and living outside Washington, D.C., was among a cadre of police officers, criminal investigators, commanders, and JAGs across the globe who executed the military's anti-gay policies that stretched from the 1950s through the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" in 2011 and resulted in the dismissal of about 100,000 service members.

In those days, when the staff sergeant pulled up to a gay club, it often would unfold like this:

Intimidate the crowd just by walking in, ask for the military IDs of people they recognized or suspected were in the military, and haul those folks back to their base, outing them to their commander. License plates with military decals in the parking lot were jotted down and reported.

On occasion, though, things went sideways. One night, he remembers arriving with two or three other officers at a smoke-filled country western lesbian bar on the outskirts of San Antonio. When they entered, the twangy band stopped playing. The lights popped on.

Someone -- the bar owner -- barked into the mic, telling her patrons to protect their friends in uniform.

The women stood shoulder to shoulder, forming a wall, allowing any scared service member to flee through a back exit. Because most of the women in the bar were civilians, they knew the armed forces police wouldn't arrest them. They inched so close to VanCantfort, he could feel their anger and their message was clear -- get the fuck out; leave us alone.

Making Her Family Proud

In December 1989, Elaine Rodriguez joined the Navy, following in the footsteps of her Navy veteran father and her older brother, a Marine.

She was 23 when she left her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, to begin boot camp in Orlando, Florida.

In her official boot camp photo, she appears so serious that she almost scowls. The military's strict rules, she says, were "a shock to the system." But she endured -- "I'm not a quitter" -- only landing in trouble once for giggling with a friend during physical training.

When boot camp graduation day finally arrived, her family came to Orlando to celebrate. Rodriguez's father beamed in the family photos. It was the proudest Rodriguez had ever seen him. From Orlando, Rodriguez went to Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois to train as an electrician's mate.

Having grown up in a protective, Catholic, Puerto Rican family, Rodriguez was on her own in the Navy for the first time and loved the independence. "I was doing my own thing," she says. "I was happy. I guess I could compare it to going to college but getting paid."

She made friends easily. She studied when she had to and stayed out late at bars when she wanted. Before the military, she had imagined that at some point, she'd find a husband and have kids.

In Great Lakes, away from her home state of Florida, unexpected feelings found the space to emerge. "Am I gay?" she'd wonder.

Origins of the Military's Witch Hunts

When VanCantfort gets going on his military career, he's a fast talker, and on a humid September day in Washington, D.C., he's a conveyor belt of memories. He starts in the early '80s when he was a military dog handler (13 dogs, many bites) and winds up in Germany and then Greece during the first Gulf War when he's helping secure military facilities and receiving slaps on the wrist for his hard-charging, eff-the-bureaucracy-and-get-it-done attitude.

His tales, however, lose color and momentum when the era of "anti-gay stuff" in San Antonio surfaces. His manner becomes careful, even procedural. The '80s were the era of the new AIDS epidemic and a conservative, Reagan-era Defense Department. In 1981, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger made discharge mandatory for gay service members, solidifying a practice that had already been established but was inconsistent among the branches.

The military's anti-gay policy dates back to World War I's Articles of War, which implemented a ban that prohibited gay sex. And in 1951, the Uniform Code of Military Justice outlawed sodomy with Article 125 -- a ban on oral and anal sex -- which resulted in gay and lesbian service members being pushed out and occasionally prosecuted. It's unclear how many gay service members were court-martialed, and in September, The War Horse filed a lawsuit to compel the branches to turn over those records.

In the years after World War II, the military sought to expel some of the hundreds of thousands of women who had enlisted as part of The Women's Army Corps or WAC (originally the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or WAAC) and the term "witch hunt" emerged.

Details of a few of those witch hunts are spelled out in formerly classified documents from 1950-1951 that The War Horse learned had been anonymously surrendered to a museum in Hawaii.

In a December 1950 memo, for instance, a military investigator focuses on an "insidious female ring" that military leaders believed was introducing homosexuality to new WAC trainees at Fort Lee, Virginia. "The homosexual road is not only down, it is always a continuous road from the first homosexual act to the end of the road -- the brutal sex crime," a different investigator later wrote.

A "modus operandi" document described how investigators compiled allegations and rumors, secured and maintained an informant system, inspected mail, and interrogated and polygraph-tested women in the ranks.

Women soldiers admitted under interrogation to letting loose just like their male counterparts -- drunken nights, parties. A few reported suspicions of certain women being "that way." Others reported that they had witnessed women "petting" or kissing or involved in a "lovers quarrel."

Nobody got off easy. In a document that included notes from a meeting between an Army colonel and a general, a colonel wrote: The Army would "build a case against the guilty that will STICK."

Sticky Note Waiting on Her Door

Within a year of enlisting, Rodriguez was on track to become an electrician's mate. One afternoon, right before Labor Day weekend in 1990, she was heading to a night class when a lieutenant commander came into a common area of the barracks with an order: If the women knew of any homosexual activity, they better report it.

This visit came a few years after a notorious witch hunt involving Marines at Parris Island. Almost half of the 246 women in a unit were questioned. Sixty-five of them subsequently were pushed out of the Marines.

But Rodriguez wasn't too worried. She wasn't going to "narc" on anyone. A few weeks passed and she assumed the whole thing would blow over.

However, one night, when she returned from a class, she was told she had to go to the Navy's on-base legal department. A stern superior in uniform was waiting for her. He grilled her about alleged homosexual activity that he had heard about.

"He said, 'This isn't a witch hunt,'" Rodriguez recalls. "And in my mind, I said, 'Well, I didn't say it was. So it must be.'" It was the first time she had ever even heard that phrase.

Rodriguez denied going out to gay bars and being attracted to women, and he let her go. She put the ordeal behind her and looked forward to shipping out to her first duty station in Hawaii.

A few weeks later, though, a sticky note on her door told her to go to the Naval Investigative Service. She headed to the NIS building. The walk was short, but dread warped time into a long and withering few minutes.

When she got there, two Naval investigators knew everything. Her girlfriend? A civilian named Marty. Her favorite gay bar? River's Edge. Overwhelmed and crying, Rodriguez confessed.

"I was in shock. The only thing that had ever happened to me prior to this was a speeding ticket," she says. "I literally felt like a criminal."

The Navy kicked her out with an other than honorable discharge -- a common practice that not only marred the records of thousands of service members but denied them access to veterans benefits such as health care and the G.I. Bill. Rodriguez's commander wrote in her exit paperwork that her behavior "is not compatible with the lifestyle of a service member and will not be tolerated." The governing body that determines whether a servicemember deserves being kicked out, decided she had committed a serious offense. And with that, the Navy emptied out her plan for the future.

Silence Proves the Safest Bet

Rodriguez isn't sure how investigators gathered intimate details about her. This was before cell phones and social media. She suspects either someone in her unit ratted her out or someone spotted her at River's Edge, the gay club outside Chicago.

VanCantfort knows that both scenarios are probable. In the early 1980s, in San Antonio, the Armed Forces disciplinary control board would create the list of bars he and his fellow officers had to scope out on weekends.

He also remembers times when service members who were in trouble would offer intel (with or without evidence) on gays and lesbians in uniform in exchange for a lighter punishment.

"It creates a whole class of people that are victimized with no way to get help," he says, "because the system is so secured against them."

It's why gay people in the military lived quiet, closeted lives, the sword of Damocles hanging above them should they share the truth even with close friends. In a system built entirely on power imbalance, silence proved the safest bet.

VanCantfort said he learned all of this a few months into his enlistment at 19 years old.

One night after a barracks party, with a few beers in him, he crawled into bed. At some point, he stirred awake and found someone standing in the dark beside his bed. The man, who VanCantfort recognized as living in the barracks, was naked.

Shocked, VanCantfort recalls stammering -- How did you get in my room? Get the fuck out.

He had honed scrappy fighting skills as a kid growing up poor in Texas and Massachusetts. He attended a dozen schools and didn't flinch at throwing a punch or insult to defend himself.

As the man moved toward the bed, VanCantfort said he fought him off. For weeks, though, the man taunted VanCantfort, daring him to report the attempted assault. "Making sure I understood, he would flip the story and claim I was a 'fag' and was trying to hit on him," VanCantfort recalls. So he stayed quiet.

A couple of years later, as an armed forces police officer engaging in witch hunts, VanCantfort stepped into a role that gave him all the power.

Little Changes Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

After Rodriguez learned in late 1990 that she was getting kicked out with an other than honorable discharge, the news spread around Great Lakes. Stares and slurs followed her for the 45 days it took to process her discharge. Sailors taunted her with catcalls. "Take her out back," they'd say. She was assigned to clean the barracks.

One day, a female sailor in the barracks called out -- "Rodriguez!" -- and demanded that she repair something in her room. Rodriguez walked in, and the woman shut the door and sexually assaulted her.

Rodriguez never told anyone. Who would believe her?

Homophobia was rampant in the early 90s and continued into the "don't ask, don't tell" era, which ended in 2011. President Obama repealed the policy, which was intended as a compromise to an outright ban on gays in uniform, allowing them to serve as long as they kept it hidden. Witch hunts slowed, but did not disappear.

Since then, the Pentagon has invited gay and lesbian service members who were discriminated against to apply for a discharge upgrade, an often cumbersome process that only about 1,700 service members have pursued, according to the Defense Department. Most have received an upgrade.

In October, the Pentagon announced that it had identified 820 veterans who were kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation under "don't ask, don't tell," and that those veterans would now receive honorable discharges.

And over the summer, President Biden announced pardons for gay and lesbian veterans who were convicted in a military court for consensual sex. But as The War Horse has reported, the narrow confines of the pardon exclude thousands of gay and lesbian veterans who were forced out of the military but didn't wind up in court. As of November, only 14 veterans had applied.

Dixon Osburn, an attorney who helped orchestrate the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" in 2011 supports all this federal action, but says gay service members who were kicked out in the '90s and earlier, like Rodriguez, often don't have records that clearly indicate the true nature of their dismissal from the military.

This leaves the Department of Defense with a tricky choice. "Are you just going to carte blanche, get rid of all the derogatory records, because the system is so flawed?" Osburn says. "That might be the easiest thing to do, but the military, I think, is trying to be exacting and making sure that they don't overturn appropriately recorded bad conduct."

Osburn and other advocates don't know what to expect from President-elect Trump when it comes to reparations for veterans kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation.

Hegseth provided some clues during an interview that aired just two days after the election on The Shawn Ryan Show, a podcast hosted by a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor. "The dumbest phrase on planet Earth in the military is our diversity is our strength," Hegseth said, pumping his book The War on Warriors.

He lamented the military's slide into wokeness, beginning, he said, under President "Clinton with the tinkering of 'don't ask, don't tell'" and really accelerating, he said, under President Obama. He talked about frequent conversations with veterans and active-duty service members complaining that "standards are dropping, the woke stuff is everywhere," and telling him, "I feel like I'm walking on eggshells.

About a week later, Trump announced he was tapping Hegseth to lead the military. But as controversy swirled around Hegseth's character, reports surfaced Wednesday that Trump is considering another veteran with a well-established track record of policies decried by the LGBTQ communities: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

'Didn't Want to Be Gay'

According to Department of Defense statistics, a majority of gay and lesbian service members who were kicked out before 2011 were quietly discharged with an honorable or general discharge.

Rodriguez wasn't as lucky.

After the Navy booted her with an other than honorable discharge, she returned home to Jacksonville and lied to her family, telling them a fistfight led to her dismissal. "I didn't want to be gay," she says. "I started dating a guy. I would hide my paperwork, my DD 214, and everything, I would hide it under my mattress."

She tried to become a detective. But a police academy wouldn't accept her because of the "commission of a serious offense" on her record. She eventually got work at a medical supply company, which she's grateful for, but it's not the career she wanted. She also, eventually, confessed to her family that she was gay, and that's the reason the Navy disposed of her.

For three decades, she largely kept her past military service to herself, ashamed of her short time in uniform and her unceremonious exit. About 21 years ago, though, at the urging of her family, she decided she'd try to get her discharge upgraded. Military review boards denied her upgrade application three times for various reasons, including her admission of lying all those years ago. But with the help of a lawyer, earlier this year Rodriguez finally received an honorable discharge.

"It's bittersweet," she says.

Her parents have died, and she can't share her victory with them. Rodriguez turned 58 in November. Her childhood dream of becoming a cop after religiously watching the tough New York female officers on Cagney and Lacey is long gone.

In the last two years, her fight to get that honorable discharge has revived old memories she thought she had wiped away, like the sexual assault. In the last year, she has had trouble falling asleep. She started relying on alcohol to doze off and is now on medication to cut that craving.

In the middle of the night, her wife will occasionally find her in the fetal position with blankets over her head.

"I don't like to say they screwed up my life," Rodriguez says, referring to the Navy. "But they screwed up my life."

What's Next After Trump's Victory?

Rodriguez and VanCantfort have never met. But when The War Horse told her about the former military police officer who participated in witch hunts, she was taken aback. Why would he do it? She wondered.

"I just can't even imagine having that type of job," Rodriguez said. "I actually feel bad for him."

At the time, VanCantfort was young and following orders. Even back then, he said, he disagreed, but disobeying was not an option.

"That's insubordination," he says. "And that's grounds for getting kicked out of AFPD [Armed Forces Police Department] as well as not getting any other good assignments."

After a year with the San Antonio Armed Forces Police, VanCantfort left the witch hunts behind for a new assignment. He ascended in the military, eventually retiring as a master sergeant. His license plate reads "USAF 23," honoring the 23 years he spent in the Air Force. And outside of the military, he compiled nearly two decades as a cop and intelligence expert.

VanCantfort, 61, is not a big feelings guy and speaks matter-of-factly. When asked how he believes a Trump presidency will impact a "woke," more inclusive service, he offers a belief he repeats often: Anyone who is mentally and physically fit to commit themselves to their country should have the chance. And the military should stick to being nonpartisan.

The Trump transition team did not respond to questions about whether the new administration plans to keep Biden's pardons for convicted gay veterans intact, or eliminate policies it considers "woke." It also failed to respond on whether the Trump White House will reinstate a ban on trans service members enlisting. According to a recent Newsweek article no decision has been made on a potential trans ban.

On the day after Trump's victory, Rodriguez decided to display her honorable discharge for the first time on Facebook. In the post, she congratulated Trump voters while thanking Presidents Biden and Obama for trying to right the wrongs of the past. "If it weren't for them, I would not be getting what I deserve as well as many others," she wrote.

Some of her Trump-voting friends liked the post, and perhaps that should've heartened her that the chorus of anti-woke talk will soften now that the election is over.

She can't help but worry, though, for one of her male cousins who is in the Army and married to a man. And when her wife wants to hold her hand or kiss in public, she still looks around, paranoid, worried that the affection is somehow wrong. Something to be punished.

This War Horse investigation was reported by Anne Marshall-Chalmers, edited by Mike Frankel, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mitchell Hansen-Dewar. Hrisanthi Pickett wrote the headlines.

Anne Marshall-Chalmers is an investigative journalist at The War Horse where she covers the health of veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. Her work has appeared in Mother Jones, Inside Climate News, Civil Eats, USA Today, NPR, and the Los Angeles Times.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas president replaced his defense minister Thursday as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets.

The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties submitted a joint motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday over his martial law declaration the previous night. Martial law lasted about six hours, as the National Assembly quickly voted to overrule the president, forcing his Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday.

Jo Seoung-lae, spokesperson of the Democratic Party, said it will push for a National Assembly vote on Yoon's impeachment motion on Saturday, calling his martial law declaration an unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.

On Thursday, Yoons office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Koreas ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Yoons office didnt provide any further comments by him. He hasnt appeared in public since his televised announcement that martial law was lifted.

The opposition parties earlier submitted a motion to impeach Kim, alleging he recommended that Yoon impose martial law. Kim had offered to resign and apologized for causing disruption and concern to the public. Kim said that all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me, according to the Defense Ministry.

During a parliamentary hearing Thursday, Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho said the decision to deploy troops at the National Assembly came from Kim Yong Hyun. Army chief of staff Park An-su, who served as head of the martial law command, said he didn't know how the troops were sent to parliament.

Kim Seon Ho also said he wasnt informed about Yoons decision to impose martial law until the announcement was reported by the media. He said he didnt know who wrote the military proclamation announced after Yoons martial law declaration, which stated that the activities of political parties would be suspended. Park said he proposed a legal review of the proclamation to Kim Yong Hyun, and Kim said a review had been completed.

I had fundamentally opposed the deployment of troops over this martial law and I expressed a negative opinion about it, Kim Seon Ho said. I would like to apologize to our citizens once again, and, on a personal level, I feel devastated.

Prosecutors in Seoul said they imposed an overseas travel ban on Kim Yong Hyun on Thursday.

Separately, opposition parties on Thursday voted to impeach Choe Jae-hae, chairman of South Korea's auditing board, and three senior public prosecutors. The four will be suspended until the Constitutional Court rules whether to remove them from office. Members of Yoon's governing People Power Party boycotted the votes, leaving the totals far over the threshold to impeach them.

Choe has been accused of softening a review of Yoons 2022 decision to move the presidential office from a downtown palace to the Defense Ministry compound, which critics saw as inexplicable waste of money. The prosecutors face accusations that they watered down an investigation into suspected stock price manipulation involving Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee.

During his martial law announcement, Yoon described the Democratic Partys continued attempts to impeach senior officials and prosecutors as anti-state activities and paralyzing the government.

The PPP said Thursday it has decided to oppose the motion to impeach Yoon. Observers say it could boycott a floor vote or cast ballots against the motion.

Impeaching the president would require support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties together have 192 seats. Parliament's rejection of martial law passed unanimously Wednesday with support from 18 PPP lawmakers who belong to an anti-Yoon faction in the party.

But PPP leader Han Dong-hun, head of the anti-Yoon faction, told reporters Thursday he would work to defeat the impeachment motion even though he criticized Yoons declaration as unconstitutional. Han said there is a need to prevent damage to citizens and supporters caused by unprepared chaos.

Experts say PPP factions could unite to avoid what happened after the 2016 impeachment of conservative President Park Geun-hye with the votes of some lawmakers in her own party. After she was removed from office, the liberals easily won the presidency in a by-election as conservatives remained in disarray. She went to prison but was eventually pardoned.

If Yoon is impeached, he would be suspended until the Constitutional Court rules on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential power. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over presidential responsibilities.

The impeachment motion against Yoon says he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis. It alleges he attempted a self-coup by mobilizing the military and that suspending political party activities and deploying troops to seal the National Assembly amounted to rebellion.

Thousands of protesters marched in Seoul's streets Wednesday, carrying candles and signs calling for Yoon to step down, and another large anti-government gathering was expected Thursday evening.

Reflecting the countrys deeply polarized politics, hundreds of Yoons conservative supporters rallied in downtown Seoul on Thursday afternoon, holding signs criticizing Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, seen as a potential successor to Yoon despite facing trials over various corruption allegations.

With Yoons declaration sparking concerns about South Koreas democratic status, officials have been trying to mitigate backlash.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jaewoong said the ministry sent diplomatic notes to foreign missions emphasizing that martial law was lifted through democratic procedures and that travel advisories need not change, as public safety remains stable.

When asked about the U.S. Embassy in Seoul's move this week to cancel routine consular operations, including visa and passport interviews, based on its assessment that South Koreas situation remains fluid, Lee said Seoul was maintaining necessary communication with the Americans. The U.S. Embassy later on Thursday said those services were resumed.

Yoons martial law declaration came hours after his summit with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, who traveled to Seoul on an official visit. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reportedly canceled a plan to visit South Korea this week.

We are continuously trying to ensure a seamless and consistent implementation of our ministrys diplomatic policies, Lee said.
Step into the World of Smart Sound: How to Connect a Samsung Sound System to Your Laptop







(How to Connect a Samsung Sound System to a Laptop)

As technology continues to advance, its becoming increasingly important for individuals to have access to high-quality audio equipment that can enhance their listening experience. With a sound system, you can immerse yourself in your favorite music or watch a movie with maximum clarity.

But how do you connect a Samsung Sound System to your laptop? It may seem like an straightforward process, but there are actually several steps involved. In this blog post, well take a closer look at how to connect a Samsung Sound System to your laptop using various methods.

One method is through USB cable. If your sound system is equipped with a USB port, you can plug it directly into your laptops USB port. To do this, simply unplug your sound system from its original power source, insert the USB cable into the port on your laptop, and plug it back in.

If your sound system doesnt have a USB port, you can use a Bluetooth connection instead. To do this, place your laptop close enough to the sound system so that both devices can be within range. Then, press the On/Off button on both devices, allowing them to establish a connection. Once connected, you should be able to stream music, podcasts, or videos directly to your laptops speakers.

Another method is through a soundbar. If youre looking for a more convenient option, a soundbar can be a great choice. Simply connect your soundbar to your laptop via HDMI cable, which is typically included in most soundbars. Once connected, you can enjoy crystal-clear audio without having to deal with multiple cables.

If you prefer to go, you can also use a sound dock. A sound dock allows you to connect multiple speakers or headphones to your laptop, creating a surround sound experience. To use a sound dock, simply place it near your laptop and plug in your desired speakers or headphones. Once connected, you should be able to enjoy high-quality audio on the go.

No matter which method you choose, its important to make sure that your sound system is compatible with your laptops operating system. Most modern laptops support USB, Bluetooth, and HDMI connections, while older models may require specific drivers or firmware updates.







(How to Connect a Samsung Sound System to a Laptop)

In conclusion, connecting a Samsung Sound System to your laptop can be a simple and enjoyable process. Whether you prefer to connect via USB cable, Bluetooth, or a soundbar, theres no reason why you shouldnt try it out. With the right hardware and software, you can take your audio experience to the next level and enjoy all the latest music and movies on your laptop. So why not give it a try today?

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if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
Its been well established that re-signing Alex Bregman is the top priority for the Astros but he remains a free agent. The club has to consider backup plans for the event Bregman gets away and its been reported that one of their contingencies is Jorge Polanco. Today, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that they could instead shift their focus to first base and have discussed Christian Walker.

The Astros and Bregman have been dancing around each other for quite some time without finding common ground. Dana Brown was hired as general manager in January of 2023 and almost immediately talked about signing core players to extensions. They did get new deals done with Jose Altuve and Cristian Javier but not with Bregman or Kyle Tucker. Brown and owner Jim Crane have continued to talk about their desire to re-sign Bregman in the almost two years since then but without getting pen to paper.

The problem seems to be the organizations long-standing aversion to big deals. Altuves $151MM extension in 2018 is still the largest guarantee theyve ever given out on any contract and the six years on the Yordan Alvarez extension is their longest pact. Theyve let players like Gerrit Cole, George Springer and Carlos Correa go get their big paydays elsewhere as opposed to re-signing them.

On top of that, theres the short-term payroll question. They payed the competitive balance tax in 2024, technically for the first time. They did go over the line in 2020 but the penalties were put on pause for the COVID-shortened season. RosterResource projects their CBT number at $234MM for next year, just barely below the $241MM base threshold.

Back in October, Brown spoke of the finances being a little tight and said We may have to get a little bit creative about spending. Crane struck a slightly more optimistic tone about the money in November, saying that the club has the wherewithal to do it if we need to do it but also cautioned that they didnt want to go crazy.

McTaggart says the Astros have offered Bregman a six-year deal worth $156MM, which aligns with previous reports. That would eclipse their previous record but just barely and its possible Bregman can top that elsewhere. MLBTR predicted he could land a guarantee of $182MM and he is reportedly looking for something in the range of $200MM. Bregman has reported interest from clubs like the Blue Jays, Phillies and Red Sox, with MLBTRs Anthony Franco recently taking a detailed look at his market in a post for MLBTR subscribers.

With a non-zero chance of Bregman ending up leaving Houston, the club naturally needs to at least ponder alternate realities, with Walker one such thing they seem to have considered. Its a logical consideration given that first base is a weak spot for the club. Jose Abreu crashed and burned as an Astro, getting released midway through the 2024 season. Jon Singleton picked up most of his playing time and was adequate but not outstanding. He slashed .234/.321/.386 last year for a wRC+ of 105 but with subpar defense, leading to an essentially replacement level season.

Walker is coming off a remarkably consistent three-year run with the Diamondbacks. He got into 160 games in 2022 and hit 36 home runs, then followed it up with 33 home runs in 157 games the following year. In 2024, he was on roughly the same pace but spent a small amount of time on the injured list, limited to 26 homers in 130 games. He finished each season with a wRC+ in the 119-122 range, producing a combined .250/.332/.481 batting line in those three seasons.

Hes also considered a strong defender at first base, with career tallies of 43 Defensive Runs Saved and 57 Outs Above Average. FanGraphs gave him 3.9 wins above replacement in 2022 and 2023. He would have been back in that range in 2024 if not for the aforementioned injury absence, ending up at 3.0 fWAR.

But since Walker turns 34 in March, his contract will be limited. MLBTR predicted him for a three-year deal with a $60MM guarantee, though its also possible he will be limited to a two-year pact, depending on how his market develops.

That price point would perhaps be more attractive to the Astros than the kind of deal Bregman will eventually sign, though there would also be drawbacks. Walker rejected a qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, meaning he is tied to the associated penalties. Since the Astros just paid the CBT in 2024, they would have to surrender their second- and fifth-best picks in the upcoming draft as well as $1MM of international bonus pool space. Also, after just getting burned by signing Abreu, they may not want to sign another mid-3os first baseman to a notable deal, especially when theyre still paying Abreu for another year.
A South African crime miniseries is making its streaming debut on AMC+, which you can watch for free with a trial on Philo. White Lies stars Natalie Dormer as Edie Hansen, who returns home after her brother is murdered.

The first two episodes of the series, which premiered in January of 2024, are available to stream now on Philo.

About the series:

When Edie Hansens estranged brother, a wealthy businessman, is murdered, the journalist is pulled back to her turbulent past. She arrives back in Cape Town to discover that some relatives are prime suspects. Edie tries to clear their names, but finds herself grappling with Bishopscourts crumbling police force, a corrupt political system and the secretive world of extreme wealth. The first two episodes of White Lies are available to stream now on Philo.

Here is what to expect:

Episode 1: Tabula Rasa - When a wealthy businessman is murdered and his wife is bludgeoned into a coma in their Bishopscourt house in Cape Town, their children become prime suspects.

Episode 2: Hide in Plain Sight - Edies attempts to find a witness to the murder place her in peril high on a mountainside, and she learns some information she doesnt like at all. Daniel is abducted by masked assailants at gunpoint.

White Lies trailer:

Where to watch:

$28/month, ditch cable and unlock 70+ channels of reality TV, movies, and more. Get access to over 70,000 movies and shows on-demand, plus AMC+. Philo (start free trial) - For, ditch cable and unlockof reality TV, movies, and more. Get access to over 70,000 movies and shows on-demand, plus AMC+. Click here to watch.

Cast:

Natalie Dormer

Brendon Daniels

Langley Kirkwood

Morgan Santo

Daniel Schultz

Jane de Wet

Katlego Lebogang

Robert Hobbs

Athenkosi Mfamela
MUNISING, MI -- In anticipation of high winds and low visibility, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore closed the Munising Falls Visitor Center on Thursday, Dec. 5.

An ongoing Winter Storm Warning is still in effect for much of the Upper Peninsula.

In Munising, the National Weather Service expects hazardous conditions to continue until 7 p.m. Dec. 5. There is also a Lakeshore flood advisory in effect.

Wind speeds are expected to 20 to 30 mph during the day, with gusts up to 40 mph or above.

Due to the danger of snow drifts and limited visibility the park decided to close the visitor center during the severe weather, said Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

RELATED: Winds gusting to 40 mph today as wind chills plummet to near zero

The park is still open, though.

Those who want to bundle up and brave the weather can expect fresh snow swirling and about 40 inches on the ground.

Folks can still snowshoe, ski, and enjoy the snow to their hearts content, Bradburn said.

A vehicle drives into a snowy Munising, Mich. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

RELATED: Pictured Rocks covered in nearly 2 feet of snow, winter road closures in effect

Visitors should note winter road closures before their trip.

Only one road in the park is plowed for vehicles from Dec. 1 to March 31.

The remaining roads are considered snowmobile trails and are only accessible by snowmobiles, according to the National Parks Services.

The plowed road is Sand Point Road which leads to Munising Falls.

Parking at the end of Sand Point Road allows access to the Sand Point Beach area and park headquarters. Ice curtain viewing and climbing is at Sand Point as well.
BEULAH, MI -- The story of Ebenezer Scrooges change of heart during the Christmas season is a classic, but this Up North hang is putting a folky spin on the holiday tale.

Typically a summertime favorite, St. Ambrose Cellars, a vast farm and meadery in Beulah, is bringing Christmas cheer indoors during its Bee Merry Weekend.

The feature presentation, The Haunting of Ebenezer includes 16 original Americana songs. A full band will guide the audience through Ebenezer Scrooges haunting and transformation.

The lively band, playing folk instruments and singing in harmony, will embrace the ghosts and regrets, the love and joy that has made A Christmas Carol such a beloved and enduring holiday tradition.

Part musical theatre, part storytelling the performance will take place in St. Ambrose restaurant area 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

RELATED: Northern Michigan meadery buzzes with barn concerts, hot honey and wood-fired pizza

The $25 ticket includes a draft drink from St. Ambroses award-winning lineup of 11 draft meads.

Try trophy-winning flavors like Shotgun Wedding, a strawberry rhubarb cyser, and Grateful Head, a habanero, mango and apple mead.

RELATED: Northern Michigan meadery takes gold and silver medals in national competition

A short drive from Crystal Lake and just 30 minutes south of Sleeping Bear Dunes, St. Ambrose offers a relaxed, Up North hang with picnic style seating during the summer and indoor cabin vibes for winter.

Throughout the cold weather season, St. Ambrose hosts weekly live music in addition to an open night mic.

Sundays twist on the Charles Dickens' story is the grand finale of St. Ambroses Bee Merry Weekend.

Stop by earlier in the weekend to see live music on Friday night and kids' crafts and Santa visits on Saturday afternoon.

Check out all the event details at facebook.com/stambrosecellars or discover more about the cellars mead and menu at stambrose-mead-wine.com.
With only two days left before Taylor Swift takes on her final Eras Tour concerts at BC Place Stadium, prices have dropped on ticket retail sites.

Compare on SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub.

Taylor Swift performs at the National Stadium on March 2, 2024, in Singapore. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)" will make its streaming debut on March 14, 2024.Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift concert tickets have been in high-demand since the original Ticketmaster sale back in 2022. Now, there are only three Eras Tour shows left on the nearly two-year global route. The tour took Swift to more than 15 countries across five continents, finally coming to a close in Vancouver this weekend after three consecutive nights at BC Place Stadium.

Find last-minute tickets to Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour on SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub. Look below to see how starting prices have shifted this week.

Tickets:

Fri, Dec 6  SeatGeek was from $651, now $527 | Vivid Seats was from $666, now $500 | StubHub was from $496, now $429

Sat, Dec 7  SeatGeek was from $651, now $569 | Vivid Seats was from $666, now $481 | StubHub was from $575, now $500

Sun, Dec 8  SeatGeek was from $1,149 now $732 | Vivid Seats was from $866, now $750 | StubHub was from $725, now $666

Tour dates:

Fri, Dec 6  BC Place Stadium; Vancouver, BC

Sat, Dec 7  BC Place Stadium; Vancouver, BC

Sun, Dec 8  BC Place Stadium; Vancouver, BC
Officials with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are warning Americans to stop using texting and call services that dont feature end-to-end encryption following an unprecedented cybersecurity attack. According to NBC News, the warning was issued Tuesday during a call with reporters featuring an unnamed senior FBI official and Jeff Greene, the executive assistant director for cybersecurity for CISA.

During the call, officials confirmed that Chinese hackers have attacked Verizon, AT&T and Lumen Technologies in order to spy on customers of those companies. As a result of the attack, the hackers may now be able to access communications made through unencrypted text messages or phone calls.

In particular, the warning involves anyone sending texts between an iPhone and an Android device. While messages between iPhones -- which show up as the blue iMessage on those phones -- and Google messages sent between two Android phones are automatically encrypted, thats not the case if each user has a different type of phone.

Messages sent between an iPhone and Android are vulnerable, leading officials to suggest those who need to send a message that way to use an encrypted service such as WhatsApp or Signal. While the data associated with encrypted messages can still be stolen by hackers, the encryption makes it impossible for the hacker to see what is in the data, according to Greene.

So far, officials have not said how many Americans are vulnerable thanks to the attack and Greene said there is no timetable for when well have full eviction of the hackers.
SAULT STE MARIE, MI  A Michigan State Police trooper helped revive an unresponsive woman on his fourth day on the job in the Upper Peninsula.

Noah Misiak, who graduated from recruit school in November, and Rachel Olesen of the Sault Ste. Marie post responded to South Mackinac Trail near 4 1/2 Mile Road at approximately 11:18 a.m. on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, they found a 60-year-old woman from Sault Ste. Marie slumped over in the car, unresponsive, not breathing and without a pulse.

The troopers, with the assistance of one of the womans sons, removed her from the vehicle, placed her on a blanket on the ground, and began lifesaving measures including CPR.

Thanks to the quick actions of the troopers and EMS who arrived shortly after the troopers, the woman regained a pulse while in route to MyMichigan Medical Center. She is in stable condition, police said.

We are proud of Trooper Olesen and Trooper Misiak for their efforts to help save a life. They responded quickly and professionally, said MSP 8th District Public Information Officer, Lt. Ben Eckola.

Although it was just his fourth day working since graduating from recruit school, Trooper Misiak demonstrated skill and composure. MSP also thanks the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department and their personnel for their fast and effective response.

As part of his recruit school training, Misiak, along with all Michigan State Police troopers, underwent more than 1,200 hours of hands-on, scenario-based, and lecture instruction, including first aid.
WARREN, MI  A Michigan man has been charged in a Macomb County shooting.

Darrien Harris, 33, of Warren was arraigned for assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and felony firearm.

The charges stem from a shooting that occurred at Harris home near Martin Road and Ryan Road in Warren on Nov. 28. Harris allegedly got into a verbal altercation with another man who had come to the house to deliver a present to his son.

As the victim was getting into a vehicle to leave, Harris allegedly shot him. He is expected to recover.

This was a senseless act of violence that stemmed from a verbal argument and could have been avoided, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. We take incidents involving firearms very seriously and will pursue justice to ensure accountability for such reckless behavior.

Harris is also being charged as a habitual second offender which may increase penalties.

Bond was at $750,000. If released, Harris must wear a GPS tether and have no contact with any witnesses.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 12 and a preliminary exam is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 19.
LEELANAU COUNTY, MI -- A Traverse City woman accused of intentionally hitting a police vehicle with her car has been charged with multiple felonies after being extradited from Florida. According to UpNorthLive, Jessica Perkins, 41, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of driving while intoxicated, third offense, destruction of police property, assaulting a police officer and more.

The charges stem from a September incident that began when police were investigating a malicious destruction of property complaint. While investigating, police confronted Perkins, who at some point allegedly hit a Leelanau County deputys patrol vehicle with her car before then speeding away. A chase ensued, but ended when Perkins rolled her vehicle.

Perkins failed to appear in court last month and a warrant for her arrest was issued. She was picked up in Venice, Florida and extradited back to Michigan recently.

Bond was set at $75,000 cash.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  A national laboratory best known for inventing the atomic bomb is partnering with the University of Michigan on a new facility coming to Washtenaw County.

This time its not about nuclear research. Its about artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Los Alamos National Laboratory and the university are partnering on two centers near Ypsilanti, one for classified activities and another for non-classified artificial intelligence computing and research, university officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 5.

The plan is to establish two computing centers on a 20-acre property at 10221 Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township, according to university officials. The facility will focus on research in science, energy and national security.

Los Alamos, which is best known for being behind the atomic bombs Manhattan Project and Trinity test site in New Mexico, is federally funded and part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Relationships between the university and Los Alamos are not new. Robert Oppenheimer, the man who built the atomic bomb at Los Alamos, taught in the summers of 1931 and 1934 at the UM Symposium on Theoretical Physics, among other local connections.

RELATED: The many Ann Arbor connections to atomic bombs father Robert Oppenheimer

Researchers from the university have worked with Los Alamos researchers for years. Now the relationship is formal.

Earlier this year, the university entered into a five-year $15-million research contract with the laboratory to develop advanced technologies, such as AI and sophisticated modeling techniques, and also to address complex challenges like unlocking fusions potential as a clean-energy source, officials said.

One center at the Ypsilanti Township facility will support Los Alamos scientists and engineers in conducting research and development focused on national security AI challenges, university officials said.

The other is for UM faculty, students and university partners in the state to collaborate with Los Alamos researchers on multidisciplinary research projects, along with joint workforce development and educational programs.

Money for the centers is expected to come from federal and state economic development funding.

Our new partnership and growing collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory will sustain and strengthen U-Ms impact and excellence in research, innovation and discovery, University of Michigan President Santa Ono said in a statement.

In addition to offering incredible new opportunities for our students, staff and faculty, this effort will create high-quality jobs and invigorate the state of Michigans place in the growing AI ecosystem and flourishing information economy.

A stronger partnership between the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Lab is beneficial to both institutions, Ono said.

Los Alamos drives a wide range of vital national security programs that utilize high-performance computing, AI and other capabilities like advanced materials and manufacturing to provide leading-edge solutions to some of the worlds most challenging problems, Thom Mason, Los Alamos National Laboratory director, said in a statement.

This partnership with the University of Michigan will provide critical new resources to support our data-intensive work, Mason said.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - A 36-year-old man has been charged after he kidnapped a University of Michigan staff member in a parking structure near campus.

Paul Joseph Walker is accused of entering the car of 50-year-old female staff member around 8:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, while they were in the Glen Parking Structure on Glen Avenue in Ann Arbor, according to information from Melissa Overton, deputy chief of police for the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security.

He directed the driver to go to downtown Ann Arbor, Overton said. No weapon was used, and no one was injured.

Walker was arraigned on charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment before 15th District Court Magistrate Tamara Garwood on Wednesday, Dec. 4, according to court records. Kidnapping is a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Walker, who is currently being held in the Washtenaw County Jail on a $100,000 bond, is set to next appear in court Dec. 12.

The kidnapping incident is just one in a string of car-related crimes in recent days, Overton said.

There was also a car taken overnight Nov. 28 from a lot on the Michigan Medicine campus, as well as a recent attempted car theft and attempted entry into an occupied vehicle, Overton said.

Police do not believe any of the incidents are related but recommend drivers near campus to report suspicious behavior and keep car doors locked.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the Department of Public Safety and Security at 734-763-1131, text 377911 or call the confidential tip line at 1-800-863-1355.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigans largest free tuition program is getting a hefty expansion as part of the universitys shifting diversity efforts.

The Go Blue Guarantee previously covered tuition for in-state families making less than $75,000 in income a year. The Board of Regents announced the expanded threshold of $125,000 during the Dec. 5 meeting.

The expansion means more than 2,000 additional in-state and current undergraduate students can qualify for free tuition on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, university officials said Thursday.

In addition to annual income, eligible families with assets up to $125,000 also qualify starting in the fall 2025 semester. Since the Go Blue Guarantee was established in 2018, more than 10,000 students will have received it by next fall, officials said.

The Go Blue Guarantee breaks down economic barriers and ensures that a world-class education is available to Michigan students from all backgrounds, no matter their familys economic means, President Santa Ono said in a statement.

Its an extraordinary commitment to the state and to the future of this state, Regent Mark Bernstein said.

The regents doubled the annual income threshold for the Go Blue Guarantee to better reflect the state of Michigans median income, Regent Mike Behm said. The program initially was marked for $65,000 annually and assets up to $50,000.

The regents increased the number to $75,000 in 2021, with Dearborn and Flint students needing to have a 3.5 GPA to qualify.

Regent Denise Ilitch said the expansion is an example of the board walking the walk.

We are constantly thinking and talking about an affordable, accessible education for all, she said.

The expansion will cost an additional $8.8 million, officials said.

As a state university, we have a responsibility to serve the people of Michigan and  given the many pressures of todays economy  we want to ensure that working-class and middle-class Michiganders can send their children to this great university and benefit from all that it offers, said Board Chair Katherine White.

Regent Sarah Hubbard said the expansion is part of a university-wide effort to shift how it handles diversity, equity and inclusion. Between declaring institutional neutrality, eliminating diversity statements on job applications and the Go Blue Guarantees expansion, she said were open for business for people from all walks of life.

People should feel comfortable on this campus expressing diversity of thought and freedom of expression, she said.

These diversity changes are coming at a time where faculty have organized multiple protests this week regarding concerns of cuts to DEI programs. About 100 protesters walked from Onos campus home on South University Avenue to the Ruthven Administrative Building prior to the meeting demanding the regents to maintain DEI funding.

Read more: Feared DEI cuts prompt faculty pushback at University of Michigan

30 1 / 30 Protesters gather outside University of Michigan Regents meeting in support of DEI initiatives

Protesters chanted about how the upcoming Trump administration could be affecting the universitys DEI changes. Chris Kolb, vice president for government affairs at the university, confirmed that this is a possibility in comments he made to the board.

I have been told pretty bluntly that Congress that this administration will use whatever tools they can to have us yield to what they want us to do, Kolb said.

Potential areas to increase funding at the university are through the Department of Energy and Department of Defense, Kolb said. However, the university will have to prepare for federal action on DEI issues.

DEI is one of the things that they believe needs to be eliminated from higher education, he added. They will use whatever tools they can, including the cutting off of finances, to make that happen, and we need to be aware of that as an institution.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A federal judge tossed a lawsuit filed by former Ottawa County Administrator John Gibbs, who claimed he was fired in February for whistleblowing.

U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering issued the ruling Wednesday, Dec. 4.
KENT COUNTY, MI - More than a dozen neighbors of the John Ball Zoo gathered during Thursday mornings Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting to oppose the zoos ambitious 10-year master plan, expressing concern mainly about another attempt to expand parking into nearby green space.

Kurt Reppart, a former Grand Rapids city commissioner, said hes tracked every change made by the zoo for 20 years, as both a resident who lives across the street and a citizen involved in city government, and doesnt believe more parking is necessary.

When I sit on my front porch and I look out at the park, most of the time, I will look at a completely empty parking lot, he said. Maybe I should buy some roller blades.

Residents who testified in opposition to the master plan also criticized the potential loss of a community meeting place if parking is expanded, the lack of studies pertaining to existing parking patterns and a breakdown of trust between the zoo and surrounding community.

After hearing over an hour of public comment, the commissioners voted to approve the proposal - with changes. Board Chair Stan Stek said the master plan now leaves residents a minimum of 375 feet of open green space.

I think were sending the right message, he said. I think this is a fair balance of those competing needs.

John Ball Zoo CEO Peter DArienzo called the proposal a compromise for all parties, but a compromise that works for the zoo.

The zoos updated master plan, which was unveiled in November, aims to add new giraffe and sea lion exhibits, a 30-foot waterfall, an underwater viewing area and a rooftop cafe, projects that would run through 2035.

RELATED: See John Ball Zoos ambitious plan to become one of the top zoos in the U.S.

The entire 10-year plan is expected to cost $300 million, largely covered through fundraising efforts.

DArienzo said the master plan will create the framework for future projects while also allowing the zoo to continue saving wildlife and serving the surrounding community.

The urban zoo sits on a 110-acre property, owned by Kent County, at 1300 Fulton St. W. The property served as a city park, known as John Ball Park, until 1989, when Kent County took ownership of it.

The zoos new master plan calls for expanding parking by hundreds of new paved spaces over what remains of John Ball Park, along with a possible 2,000 car parking garage.

The zoo cited the need for the parking as necessary to improve safety, accessibility, and traffic flow, but residents dont want to lose the nearby green space, which many still use for outdoor recreation.

John Ball Park is not an underutilized space in need of something else to do, said area resident Monica Wilson. It is a thriving park that has allowed our neighborhood to thrive.

RELATED: They want to pave over our park. Zoo OKd to add parking despite pushback

Neighborhood opposition to the zoos parking expansion dates back to 2015, when the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a master plan for the zoo that envisioned parking on the green space.

When the county board approved the master plan, that gave the zoo the authority to add the parking, but the extra spots were never added.

The zoos most recent request to add 572 paved parking spaces for between $10 and $11 million was approved back in January, and is expected to be complete within two years, giving the zoo around 900 paved parking spaces, up from 328.

RELATED: They want to pave over our park. Zoo OKd to add parking despite pushback

DArienzo said some zoo guests now are forced to park on grass and dirt in the adjacent green space, which community members highlighted as being unsafe and patrons complain about.

But Andrew Sisson, a Kent County resident near the zoo for over a decade, said the zoos reliance on community parking feedback without something more formal was problematic.

He criticized the presentation of the plan before the board before a more extensive parking and traffic study was conducted.

Paul DeBoer, member of the West Fulton Business Association, also disagreed with the projected $300 million project cost being applied without more careful research and communication, and before the 2024 project is completed.

The Master Plan also mentions a 2,000 space parking (garage) in the future, he said. ... Could the $10 million currently earmarked for the east parking lot be applied to this permanent, long term solution instead?

He said while neighbors want to be excited about new exhibits and expansion, they are saddened by the cost that only we absorb in the form of surrendered park space that has existed for decades.

Starting next year when the zoo opens, there will be no cars parked in the grass, as part of the agreement reached.

Changes to the proposal before it was approved also included a requirement that any removal of trees beyond 15 inches in diameter would require prior government approval.

DArienzo said the plan approved today is largely similar to the zoos original plan, with the exception of protection for trees.

Several community members expressed concern that project plans werent communicated well with neighbors, and that the updated proposal is not harmonious with the zoos 2016 operating millage.

Voters were led to believe that millage included the preservation of John Ball Park, and to that end, you commissioners have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure the zoo uses taxpayer funds to preserve and improve the park for public use, said Cindy DeBoer. Community trust has been broken, and we wont believe anything the zoo says anymore.

The zoo hosted several public input sessions throughout November to share the new master plan with the community. The plan can also be viewed online here.

DArienzo said moving forward, the zoo wants to continue having meetings and community engagements sessions held between neighbors and the zoo.

Democratic Commissioner Melissa LaGrand ultimately voted yes on the proposal, but she encouraged the urban zoo to know its limits in the future.

I just really think we need to take a hard look at what our limits actually are, she said. I dont think every art museum needs to be the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum, and I dont think every zoo needs to be the Brookfield Zoo.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Thousands of Consumers Energy customers are without power Wednesday, Dec. 4, as a fast-moving storm brings snow squalls and high winds, with lake-effect snow yet to come.

Consumers said around 8:30 p.m. that nearly 14,000 customers were without power, primarily in counties on the west side of the state: Allegan (1,915), Kent (2,381), Muskegon (4,180) and Ottawa (3,591.)

Indiana Michigan Power reported over 9,500 customers  the majority in the Benton Harbor area  without power.

Related: Storm update: Thunderstorms are embedded in winter storm, thundersnow is possible

Police and firefighters across West Michigan are responding to multiple reports of trees down, blocking roads and taking down power lines. In some cases, power lines are across roads.

Rescuers are also responding to numerous crashes and disabled vehicles.

Ottawa County sheriffs deputies were responding to 10 crashes around 8:15 p.m. Police in Kent County were responding to six at the same time.

DTE Energy has reported about 100 outages on the east side of the state, from Ann Arbor to Detroit.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids predicted winds could reach 50 mph in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing areas.

Related: Storm update: When Arctic blast, poor road conditions will arrive across Michigan

Gusts have exceeded the forecasts. So far, the NWS has reported a 56-mph gust in Whitehall, 54 mph in Grand Haven, 52 mph in East Grand Rapids and 40 mph in Zeeland.

The mix of accumulating snow, high winds and falling temperatures is expected to make travel hazardous late Wednesday into Thursday. Once the clipper system moves through, 8 to 12 inches of lake-effect snow could fall in West Michigan and Northern Michigan.

Lake-effect snow is expected farther east than usual.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Snow, blustery and very frigid winds and cold temperatures are contributing to a day off from school for Jackson-area students on Thursday, Dec. 5.

These schools are currently closed. This list will be updated as more closures come in.

You can read more about Michigan weather here.

Addison Community Schools

Columbia School District

Concord Community Schools

daVinci Institute

East Jackson Community Schools

Grass Lake Community Schools

Hanover-Horton School District

Hillsdale Community Schools

Homer Community Schools

Jackson Area Career Center

Jackson Catholic Schools

Jackson Christian Schools

Jackson County Intermediate School District -- all special education programs and transportation

Jackson Preparatory & Early College

Jackson Public Schools

Jonesville Community Schools

Leslie Public Schools

Litchfield Community Schools

Marshall Public Schools

Michigan Center School District

Napoleon Community Schools

North Adams-Jerome Public Schools

Northwest Community Schools

Paragon Charter Academy

Pittsford Area Schools

Reading Community Schools

Springport Community Schools

Stockbridge Community Schools

Trinity Lutheran School

Vandercook Lake Public Schools

Western School District

Will Carleton Academy
NEW BUFFALO, MI  Tourist season is long over in Southwest Michigan beach towns, but waitlists for one of its newest restaurants can still reach hundreds of names.

PostBoy, at 207 N. Whittaker St. in New Buffalo, opened Nov. 1. Its filling a niche that wasnt available to year-round residents before, said Chef and Restaurateur James Galbraith.

So far, its been a hit, he said.

This is Galbraiths third restaurant in Southwest Michigan, after Houndstooth and Anemal in Benton Harbor. He calls PostBoy his most ambitious.

You could go there for an anniversary or a birthday or a special event, but I didnt want to open a restaurant that was a special occasion restaurant, Galbraith said. I wanted it to be a fun place (where) you could go three times a week.

PostBoy offers an upscale yet approachable atmosphere, Galbraith said. The menu has everything from doughnut holes and $18 burgers to a raw fish dish called hamachi crudo and a $36 bavette steak. Click here for the full menu.

PostBoy's menu is meant to be fun and accessible, Galbraith said, combining global flavors with familiar favorites.Gabrielle Sukich

Its a combination of creative global flavors with a sense of familiarity and nostalgia that makes the menu fun and accessible, Galbraith said.

You can get a really good meal that has some locally sourced ingredients and is chefed up, but its not fancy, Galbraith said. You can just come in there with T-shirt and blue jeans and you can get one of the best meals youve had.

The 10,000-square-foot restaurant features a patio with fire pits as well as an expansive indoor dining room and bar.

In addition to offering a unique flavor pallet, the restaurant is elevating an underutilized corner in downtown New Buffalo, said entrepreneur Ben Holland, a partner on the project. Its about a block away from the harbor.

Entrepreneur Ben Holland, left, and chef/restaurateur James Galbraith, right, partnered to bring PostBoy to New Buffalo.Gabrielle Sukich

It used to be half a Subway, half a Keller Williams with a dumpy parking lot on the key corner of town, Holland said. It always bothered me that that was the case and I wanted to make it an activated beautiful corner (where) community could gather.

Inside, the space has a coastal feel, Holland said. Its meant to reflect the colors of a sunset, as well as local history.

Inside, the restaurant has a coastal vibe, Holland said.Gabrielle Sukich

The PostBoy name pays homage to the lakeshore citys founder, Captain Wessel D. Whittaker.

Its named after a United States Post Office schooner called Post Boy that was wrecked on a beach near New Buffalo in an 1834 storm.

The captain was struck by the areas beauty, returning the following spring to settle the area, according to the citys website.

New Buffalo means so much to me as a place where I grew up spending so much time, Holland said. To have a name of a restaurant that ties to the origins of the town was really fun and an interesting little piece of history that not many people knew about.

Its a gathering place not only for the New Buffalo community, but for talented staff and chefs across the nation.

This winter, PostBoy will host a guest chef series that will bring top talent to Southwest Michigan.

The series kicked off in November with Chicago Chef Zach Engel of Michelin-starred establishment Galit, according to a press release.

In less than a month since opening, PostBoy has also hosted several interns in the kitchen, Galbraith said.

Having started as a dishwasher himself, Galbraith knows the value of an internship and the opportunity to make industry connections.

A lot of the stuff that we do at the restaurant is things that Ive just learned by being around really great chefs, Galbraith said. We try to offer a space, both front and back of the house, for people to grow.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
I hate sauerkraut. Or at least I thought I did until I found this awesome little Polish restaurant in Bay City.

Krzysiaks House Restaurant is exactly what the name implies: its a restaurant that was converted from a house.

The restaurant is a staple on the South End of Bay City, located at 1605 Michigan Ave.

The atmosphere is also what you would expect from a community staple. On a Tuesday afternoon in early December, the restaurant was filled with locals and regular customers.

How was everything today? the cashier asked a customer who was paying his bill.

Very good, as usual, he responded.

Meatballs from Krzysiak House Restaurant in Bay City.Bob Johnson

Meanwhile, a woman nearby was having a sausage-related crisis. She hadnt placed her to-go order for their homemade sausage before dining, and by the time she tried, there wasnt enough left to fill it. She grabbed what was leftbecause when it comes to fresh sausage at Krzysiak, you dont wait, you act.

I didnt dine in because I was on a mission. I ordered enough food to feed a small army (or just me on a good day) and took it back to the office.

The meatballs, pierogi, and frog legs were a few things I wanted to try the most. But I really went for the cabbage rolls, sausage and kraut.

If anyone has ever told you that frog legs taste just like chicken, they lied; Frog legs taste better!

Pierogi from Krzysiak House Restaurant in Bay CityBob Johnson

Anyone who knows me knows that I have been on a quest to find homemade meatballs, not those baby shower and open house meatballs.

Well, I found them. Their meatball dinner comes with brown gravy, mashed potatoes and corn. Its a really hearty meal for these cooler months headed into winter.

You can never go wrong with cabbage rolls. These meat-stuffed cabbage leaves topped with a tomato gravy are a godsend.

But the big surprise was the Polish sausage and sauerkraut. Like I said, Im not fond of kraut at all.

I like it now, though.

The sausage, which is house-made, is amazing. But the kraut, which is also house-made, was not this sour monstrosity that terrorized me as a child.

As Ive matured (if thats even possible for me) my taste buds have, too. Im a little upset that I have been missing out on adding kraut to my sausages at ball games all these years because of childhood trauma related to the taste.

Krzysiaks sauerkraut is nothing like that. The flavor is mild, not overpowering. It adds a nice little zing to the sausage.

Krzysiaks offers many homemade items in the gift shop area of the restaurant, where you can also play the lottery.

They have everything from peanut brittle to chocolate-covered peanuts and raisins.

But Im extra, so I went for the chocolate-covered potato chips. So amazing! If you love the sweet and salty combination, youll love these.

Take a trip to Bay City and treat your taste buds to this Polish paradise of flavor.

Send an email to me at bob_johnson@mlive.com or follow me on Facebook to suggest more foods you want me to try.

Follow Krzysiak on Facebook for hours and menu.
STANDISH, MI  A pair of Kentucky teens are likely spending their winter holidays in a Michigan jail for allegedly shooting at a man at an Arenac County gas station.

Luke H. Webb and Lucas B. Keith, both 18, on Monday, Dec. 2, appeared in Arenac County District Court for arraignment on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. The charges are four- and five-year felonies, respectively.
BELLEVILLE, Mich.  Belleville five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood made his commitment to Michigan official Wednesday, signing with the Wolverines and becoming their highest-ranked quarterback recruit in program history.

After his signing ceremony inside the high schools cafeteria that also included six of his teammates solidifying their Division I commitments, a mob of media swarmed Underwood faster than the Wolverines surrounded midfield after beating Ohio State on Saturday.
SHANGHAI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- While embracing fashion and beauty rooted in oriental esthetics, many Chinese brands are now rapidly expanding their presence on the international stage. Ye Shouzeng, founder of ICICLE, a Chinese high-end clothing brand based in Shanghai, is bullish on the brand's global push, looking to triple the international sales proportion to 30 percent of its total sales revenue. ICICLE, dubbed by many netizens as the Chinese version of the Italian luxury brand Max Mara, earns a sales revenue of some 3 billion yuan (about 417.05 million U.S. dollars) a year. Apart from e-commerce stores, the brand, established in 1997, has around 250 brick-and-mortar stores across China. ICICLE is among several Chinese fashion companies expanding their portfolios through overseas acquisitions. In 2018, it acquired the bankrupt French fashion brand Carven, six years after establishing a design studio in Paris in 2012. The clothing brand's design teams in Shanghai and Paris collaborate closely to create distinctive collections. While maintaining regular communication online, the designers also spend several months each year working together to blend global perspectives with local insights seamlessly. Ye noted that the design center in Paris is vital for the brand's international identity. "We have French, Americans, British and Italians in our team, and their collective ideas from various cultures collide and merge to create a true fusion. Cultural diversity has become an integral part of our creativity," he told Xinhua. The Chinese fashion industry has also seen Bosideng Group, a leading down jacket manufacturer, take its brand global. Its first overseas store opened in London ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Since then, its products have graced the runways of New York, Milan and London Fashion Weeks, shining a spotlight on Chinese down jackets in the global arena. "Our flagship store in London bridges domestic and international markets. By integrating Eastern and Western cultures, design and technology, we demonstrate the strength and creativity of Chinese brands," said Li Chuang, head of the Bosideng brand management center. Chinese beauty brands are also shining bright on the global market. Florasis, a cosmetic brand known for its traditional Chinese esthetics and savvy social media marketing, has expanded to over 110 countries and regions, within six years of its international launch in 2018. Florasis crafts region-specific products that honor the oriental esthetics and cater to the unique needs of international customers, according to Gabby Chen, president of global expansion at Florasis. Chando Group, a Shanghai-based cosmetics brand, has made significant strides in Southeast Asia, leading Chinese skincare sales on Lazada, the region's flagship e-commerce platform, in Malaysia for eight consecutive months. This year, the brand rapidly expanded, opening over 150 stores in Vietnam within just 11 months of launch. "Chando crafted its sales and marketing strategies based on in-depth research of local economics, demographics, consumer behavior and cultural customs before venturing into its inaugural direct-sale market in Southeast Asia via a cross-border e-commerce platform," said Jenny Chen, Chando Group's general manager of public affairs. However, global expansion presents several challenges, such as navigating varying quality standards, balancing Chinese elements with international beauty preferences, and adapting to diverse consumer habits. To effectively overcome these challenges, Florasis unveils diversified products through customer collaboration and tells Chinese stories by exploring the cultural connection between China and beyond, Chen explained. Ye from ICICLE also acknowledges the challenges, noting that the clothing brand drew inspiration from China's rich textile history and exports not just international fashion but also oriental values. "Our global journey is long and arduous. It will take time for international markets to embrace the 'New Made in China,'" he said.
Rajni Pandey

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Six-time deputy, never the CM: 'CM in waiting' Ajit Pawar's long tryst with politics

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil were NOT the first choice for Pushpa; find out who was originally approached

Palak Vij

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Allu Arjun's female fan killed in stampede, Police issues statement, say 'there was no information about...'

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Allu Arjun's Gangama Jaatara scene from Pushpa 2 is to watch out for in the movie, fans can't stop praising the actor

Sarika Sharma is Editor, Entertainment, MoneyControl.com. She has over 24 years of experience in the field of journalism.

Sarika Sharma

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Palak Vij

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KGF actor Yash reportedly met Shah Rukh Khan at Mannat, soon to collaborate for a project?

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Nana Patekar on slapping a fan on Vanvaas' set: I was wrong but he was...

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Pushpa 2 producers react on woman's death at premiere stampede: Committed to standing by them

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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M Snehanjali

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Unidentified man issues threat to Salman Khan, says 'Bishnoi ko bolun kya?', taken into custody

Sarika Sharma

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When Sanjay Dutt advised Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to not enter Bollywood, 'That beautiful side on your face will disappear'

Palak Vij

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Bains deal with Manappuram may face delays due to differences over terms

Arindam Roy

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Rohit Singh

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Hyundai Motor to hike prices across models from next year; shares trade flat

Paras Bisht

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Rohit Singh

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* China-Europe freight trains have evolved into a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promoting trade and connectivity between Europe and Asia. * The railway service's stability and reliability has positioned it as a trusted pillar of logistical efficiency in today's complex global economy. * Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. by Xinhua writer Li Hanlin DUISBURG, Germany, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived here Tuesday morning, marking a historic milestone for this rail service. Coded X8083, the train departed from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, and arrived at Duisburg's terminal at 9:10 a.m. local time. Its cargo -- comprising electronics, industrial parts, and household appliances -- was quickly unloaded for distribution to multiple destinations across Europe. Since its inception 13 years ago, the China-Europe freight trains have transported more than 11 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods, valued at over 420 billion U.S. dollars. The service has also evolved into a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promoting trade and connectivity between Europe and Asia. TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIAL TOWN INTO LOGISTICS HUB Once an industrial powerhouse, Duisburg has evolved into a key logistics hub, with the China-Europe freight train playing a pivotal role. The city's port now handles over 4 million TEUs annually, managing a diverse range of goods including apparel, automotive components, food, chemicals, and machinery. Chang Haitao, acting consul general of China in Dusseldorf, underscored the significance of Duisburg Port as a critical hub for China-Europe freight trains in Western Europe boasting the highest cargo volume and value. "The service has enhanced transport efficiency and trade ties, showcasing the BRI's role in fostering connectivity," Chang said. "The port now handles 30 percent of the total rail trade between Europe and China, attracting numerous Chinese logistics and e-commerce companies," said Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport), a German company running the port of Duisburg. "The trains have significantly impacted trade development between China and Europe. For Duisburg and its port, this has been a tremendous boost, enhancing their growth and strengthening their connections to China," said Bangen. Markus Teuber, China affairs commissioner for the City of Duisburg, highlighted the remarkable growth and the railway connection between Duisburg and China. "The connection began with just one train per week and has now expanded to 30 to 40 trains weekly, linking Duisburg with 15 industrial areas across China," he said. Teuber emphasized that this development is crucial for employment and economic growth in Duisburg. "The city of Duisburg fully supports and welcomes this connection, recognizing its vital role in fostering regional development and creating opportunities," he added. OPTIMIZING SUPPLY CHAINS ACROSS INDUSTRIES Combining efficiency, stability, and environmentally friendly logistics, the China-Europe freight train has offered a transport option that is faster than sea freight and more cost-effective than air transport. Christian Hinkel, corporate communications manager at Deichmann, a leading German footwear retailer with over 4,700 stores worldwide, stressed the train's transformative impact on supply chain stability. "The China-Europe freight train stabilizes the supply chain between Germany and China, enabling faster deliveries and better responsiveness to consumer demands," he explained, adding that Deichmann relies heavily on its 25 long-term Chinese partners. For the pharmaceutical industry, the railway offers specialized solutions. Hanno Reeser, a strategic expert at New Silk Way Logistics in the Netherlands, emphasized its ability to provide temperature-controlled transportation, a crucial factor for pharmaceutical shipments. "We transport 20-25 temperature-controlled containers to China weekly, ensuring compliance with strict requirements," he said, noting that this service strikes an ideal balance between cost and speed, which is essential for time-sensitive industries. The railway service's innovative financial model is proving beneficial, particularly in the automotive sector. Fu Shigang, chairman of Carlsson (Chongqing) Import & Export, noted that rail bills of lading can now be used as collateral for secure international letters of credit. "Using a rail bill of lading, we imported 10 cars from Germany with 150,000 euros in cash," Fu said, illustrating how the model helps alleviate financial strain for smaller enterprises. Olaf Krueger, chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association, highlighted the railway's efficiency as a competitive edge for European businesses. "Its stability and reliability ensure just-in-time deliveries, optimizing supply chains for industries where timely delivery is critical," Krueger said. This capability has positioned the China-Europe freight train as a trusted pillar of logistical efficiency in today's complex global economy. HEADED TOWARD SHARED GROWTH Despite rising unilateralism and protectionism in some Western countries in recent years, the China-Europe freight train service has demonstrated significant growth, underscoring that China-Europe cooperation not only benefits both sides but also serves as a stabilizing force in global trade. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global shipping disruptions, the railway service became the preferred logistics solution for many enterprises, providing crucial support in maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, said Krueger. Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, praised the train as a hallmark of global connectivity. "The success of this initiative should inspire us to think deeply about the importance of connectivity for prosperity and development," Schumann said, urging European leaders to prioritize such infrastructure in shaping future Chinese-European strategies. Looking ahead, Krueger expressed optimism about the railway's potential to further strengthen China-Europe ties. "Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU." Schumann echoed the sentiment, describing it as "the beginning of history and a gateway to future opportunities." He said that the China-Europe freight train continues to create a rich narrative of collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.
Vaibhavi Ranjan

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In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024...

Many stocks trading at high PE multiples but recent correction has helped reduce froth in market, says Kotak AMCs Harsha Upadhyaya

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SEBI proposes new mechanism to determine the closing price of a stock

Asha Menon

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MC explainer: What is the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled by Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha?

Yaruqhullah Khan

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Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol.

Hiral Thanawala

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Tushar Goenka

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To avoid listing, Tata Sons may have to provide undertaking not to access public funds

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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AAP leader Naresh Balyan arrested under MCOCA after getting bail in 2023 extortion case

Surabhi Pandey

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Assam bans public beef consumption: A look at the strengthened 'The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021'

Siddharth Chakravorty

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BJP alleges nexus between George Soros, US-backed OCCRP and Rahul Gandhi: 'LoP traitor of the highest order'

Smriti Mishra

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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Devendra Fadnavis' grand oath ceremony in Maharashtra: Guest list to security arrangements - All you need to know

Parimal Peeyush

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Devendra Fadnavis sworn-in as Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar take oath as Deputy CMs

Parimal Peeyush

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'Greedy' YouTuber turns out to be Gujarat serial killer, caught moments before targeting his next victim

Sandeep Shrivastwa

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Morning Scan: All the big stories to get you started for the day

Arindam Roy

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Smriti Mishra

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Why BJP's jubilation and Fadnavis coronation signal a new era in Maharashtra politics

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Yogi Adityanath draws Babur comparison with situation in Sambhal, Bangladesh: 'Their DNA is the same ...'

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Vivek Deshpande was with The Indian Express and is now a freelance journalist based in Nagpur. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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The basics of Places of Worship Act and challenges it faces

Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Influencer, 23, opts for Rs 16 lakh hymenoplasty to 'become a virgin again'. Doctors warn of risks

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Woman turned down job, started a business with $50,000. The company is worth $1.2 billion now

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Lebanon's Hezbollah aims to rebuild longer term despite Israeli blows, US intel says

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OnePlus zeroes in on R&D, quality, retail with Rs 6,000-cr investment, says India CEO Robin Liu

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.

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Why Jeff Bezos wants to help out Donald Trump

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An illustration featuring President-elect Donald Trump holding Bitcoin is displayed outside a cryptocurrency exchange store after Bitcoin soars above $100,000, in Hong Kong, Dec. 5, 2024.
Video shows spiders listening for a particular sound before launching themselves towards their target.

A slingshot spider (left) is easy to identify by its distinctive web and egg sac (right). Source: Katja Schulz/spiderwith8lefttarsi/iNaturalist

Mosquitoes make one of the worlds most annoying sounds. But fascinating video reveals how spiders are utilising that high-pitched buzz to track down the insects and capture them.

Ordinarily, a spider will tackle prey after it becomes stuck in its web. But a team of researchers have discovered one species preempts the arrival of the mosquito by listening for the rapid flutter of its wings, then throws its web.

Several aptly named slingshot spiders were collected from the wild and then studied in a lab at the University of Akron, in the US state of Ohio. Lead researcher Sarah Han explained to Yahoo News that the spiders, whose scientific name is Theridiosoma gemmosum, can sense sound vibrations through their webs and the tiny hairs on their bodies.

Spider webs can pick up vibrations from noises across the room, she said. Its not hearing the way we think of it, but it is a way of picking up those same signals.

The slingshot spiders (left) were discovered to be using sound to identify the proximity of their prey. Source: The Company of Biologists/Getty

The experiment involved attaching the mosquitoes to black pieces of paper and moving them towards the webs. Once the prey was in striking distance, the spider would unleash its slingshot at 1 metre per second, intercepting it within 38 milliseconds.

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Spider behaviour changing through urbanisation

In September, a separate study by Melbourne University found spiders are being impacted by artificial light in our cities. They found evidence that at least one species brain was shrinking because it was altering the production of a key chemical in their bodies.

Han said studies into spiders are increasingly revealing how sensitive they are to their environment, and that her study has ramifications beyond the single species she examined. Urbanisation of spider environments could be impacting spider behaviour and web-building in ways that are yet to be discovered.

Spiders could be using these vibratory or sound cues a lot more than we thought about previously, Han said.

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The environment could be affecting the behaviour of spiders, even those who dont actively use their webs. It could be making them choose to build their webs in a certain way. Or maybe they tension their webs differently when they sense play nearby.

The study was co-authored by Todd A Blackledge and was published in the journal Experimental Biology.

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The mass congregation of campers on Aussie beaches often leads to erosion, waste management problems, and harm to native flora and fauna.

Overnight camping will be banned at this popular South Australian beach in the new year, as the government moves to preserve the fragile environment. Source: SA Government

Camping will be banned at a popular holiday destination along the Australian coast in the new year, with authorities looking to "protect the sensitive environment" by "stopping mass congregation of vehicles" on the sand.

It's the latest in a growing list of camping hotspots around the country to face a ban, as governments in coastal regions in particular work to preserve fragile ecosystems, many already battling significant issues like erosion, littering and pollution.

From February 3, 2025, overnight camping will not be permitted on Wauraltee Beach, including the area known as Second Beach, on the York Peninsula in South Australia.

According to the state's Department for Environment, the decision is supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Yorke Peninsula Council and community leaders. It said the increased popularity of off-road 4WD vehicles has seen more of them being driven on SA's beaches in recent years, creating problems for local ecosystems.

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Social media sharing of "secret spots", it added, has also resulted in "many places becoming so popular that the environment cannot sustain the level of use".

Improper disposal of waste and human activity can harm marine and coastal ecosystems. Source: Facebook

No intention to ban cars from all state beaches, officials urge

National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Programs Director Jason Irving clarified that there's "no intention" to ban all vehicles from beaches broadly across the state. Rather, the government is trying to find the line between "visitor enjoyment" and the "need to protect native flora and fauna".

"Large camping vehicles are being driven onto the beach in mass numbers with the purpose of remaining overnight and this is the challenge we are aiming to address," he said in a statement.

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"The new rules for vehicle access at Wauraltee Beach seek to ensure its environmental values are protected, while still allowing people to enjoy recreational activities such as boating and fishing.

"Wauraltee Beach is a special place but it will not stay that way for future generations if it is constantly damaged by a mass number of vehicles." Daytime vehicle access will remain for boat launching and recreation, the government said.

In addition to the environmental concerns, safety issues have also been raised at the spot, over the sheer volume of people turning up to 4WD.

"The number of vehicles accessing Wauraltee Beach has grown exponentially to the point where holiday periods and long weekends result in hundreds of people camping on the beach in large vehicles," the environment department said. This creates a safety issue, particularly for families with young children.

Wardens told to 'be fair' when administering compliance

Camping bans on Australian beaches are often implemented for various environmental, safety, and community-related reasons. Source: ABC

New signage at Wauraltee Beach will remind visitors of the changes. But the government said educating beachgoers will be the first priority  with wardens told to be fair and reasonable when administering compliance.

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Wildlife concerns including the disruption to birdlife such shorebirds, the fairy tern, eastern curlew, hooded plover, and red knot, were also a factor in the decision.

Sand dunes are particularly vulnerable, with vehicle use causing vegetation and root system damage that triggers sand drift and erosion.

Other impacts include permanent damage to cultural sites, artefacts, and places, as well as weed infestations introduced by vehicle tyres. Sand compaction from vehicle traffic also affects the natural movement and distribution of the coastal ecosystem.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Senator Marie Alvarado Gil View Photo

Sacramento, CA  Mother Lode Republican Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is co-authoring a bill that would repeal actions taken by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) last month.

In November, CARB updated the states Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program, calling for stricter clean air requirements, and a goal of cutting carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. It is in relation to higher polluting companies purchasing carbon offsets, and in turn, the changes are anticipated to spur higher gasoline prices at the pump.

Alvarado-Gil says that CARB initially predicted that gas prices would increase by 47 cents per gallon, but later retracted the estimate, and has not provided a revised figure. She adds that the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania estimates the price increase could actually range anywhere from 65 cents to 85 cents per gallon.

Alvarado-Gil says, Simply put, my rural and Central Valley constituents cant afford any increase in gas prices. The impact will be felt in every household, making it harder for families to take their kids to school, go to work, and put food on the table.

She continues, This hike was approved just a few weeks ago by an unelected board of millionaire bureaucrats, whose agenda is completely out of touch with the realities of normal Californians. If the progressive legislature is serious about making life more affordable, then passing this bill should be a no-brainer.

Senate Bill 2, which is also co-authored by Republican Brian Jones, would just repeal the November 8 decision, and would not eliminate the (LCFS) program.
A woman faces a big fine after she was caught feeding a dingo at a popular holiday island in her second offence.

A ranger caught the woman on dashcam giving food to a dingo, which is illegal, on November 24 at K'gari (former Fraser Island) in Queensland.

She had been fishing on the beach at Waddy Point, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The 26-year-old woman threw a small fish to a nearby young dingo, which it carried up the beach to eat.

She admitted to feeding the animal and was fined $2580, the maximum on-the-spot penalty. The maximum court penalty for feeding a dingo is $26,614.

There has been a spate of dingo attacks on the island in recent years. Source: Getty

Rangers soon discovered the same woman had been fined $413 in 2022 for having food available in her campsite at the Wongai camping area.

"It is frustrating to have a repeat offender on the island who doesn't care about the safety of people or dingoes," said Mike Devery a compliance manager at department.

"Hopefully she has learned an expensive lesson this time, and we hope the dingo doesn't suffer any adverse effects after being fed."

Mr Devery said feeding dingoes even once is enough to teach them to associate humans with food which can put the animal and person at risk.

Once habituated, dingoes can approach unsuspecting people for food and become aggressive if they don't receive it.

There have been 21 dingo attacks on the island this year.
Harare  The Zimbabwe Government is actively exploring the creation of a National Sex Offenders Register, a move aimed at enhancing the countrys capacity to track and manage individuals convicted of sexual offences.

The initiative, described as paramount for justice and child protection, comes in response to a growing concern over the alarming rise in sexual violence, particularly against women and children.

The announcement was made by Justice and Parliamentary Affairs permanent secretary, Vimbai Nyemba, during a meeting assessing the feasibility of establishing such a register. Nyemba highlighted the governments commitment to a multifaceted approach to tackling this pervasive issue. She emphasised that the register is not merely a punitive measure but a crucial preventative tool designed to safeguard vulnerable populations from sexual exploitation and abuse.

As the Government, we have a duty to ensure that our justice system is not only punitive but also preventive, safeguarding the safety and security of those at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, Nyemba stated.

This statement underscores the governments recognition that a reactive approach alone is insufficient to address the complex problem of sexual violence. The proposed register represents a proactive strategy to mitigate future offences and protect potential victims.

The creation of the National Sex Offenders Register is firmly rooted within the framework of Zimbabwes Vision 2030, a national development plan aiming to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Nyemba explicitly linked the register to this broader vision, stating: This initiative is a critical component of Vision 2030 which serves as the Governments blueprint for transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development that uplifts all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This connection highlights the governments belief that a safe and secure environment, free from the threat of sexual violence, is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. The register is presented not simply as a law enforcement tool, but as a vital component of a broader societal goal. By protecting vulnerable citizens, the government aims to create an environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute to national progress.

Nyemba further explained the rationale behind the initiative, stating: By establishing a comprehensive National Sex Offenders Register, we are taking a significant step towards fulfilling the vision and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are protected.

This statement reinforces the governments commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly those most at risk of sexual violence. The register is viewed as a key instrument in fulfilling the governments responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens.

The details of how the register will operate, including data collection methods, access protocols, and data security measures, are yet to be fully disclosed. However, the governments commitment to its implementation signals a significant step forward in addressing the issue of sexual violence in Zimbabwe.

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Yvew here. On one level, it should not come a surprise that individuals cling to pre-existing beliefs on politicized topics like climate change even when facts pile up against them. This propensity has been well demonstrated in the social psychology literature, even if those findings have not gone mainstream.

For instance, one study many years ago demonstrated that when people are presented with contradictory evidence, most instead double down. In the period when even the US press had started retreating from the WMD in Iraq fabrication, a researcher gathered a group of still-true believers. He showed them a video of demonstrating why the claim was false, including, critically, a clip of President Bush admitting as much.

Even with the seeming showstopper of the Bush walk-back from his Administrations once-dogged assertions, the viewers afterward scored as more, not less, convinced of the validity of the WMD in Iraq story.

Nevertheless, the notion that some who have actually suffered a climate change related disaster would go deeper into denial seems extreme. But this well-done study also includes the role of partisan media coverage around these event in help the doubters find backing for their views.

By Milena Djourelova, Ruben Durante, Elliot Motte, and Eleonora Patacchini. Originally published at VoxEU

As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent and destructive, one might expect first-hand experience of these events to bring consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change. Yet, the deep ideological divide on this issue in the US and beyond  combined with highly polarised media coverage  may hinder this process. Combining data on the timing and location of US-based natural disasters with large-scale electoral surveys, this column shows that experiencing disasters actually deepens partisan divisions in climate change attitudes, with significant implications for the public debate and policymaking.

The question of how to increase public support for climate action is at the forefront of policy debates in many countries and is becoming increasingly urgent (Dechezlepretre et al. 2022, Furceri et al. 2021, Douenne and Fabre 2022).

Yet, partisan differences in public perceptions about the existence and importance of climate change have been increasing over the past decades. For instance, in 2001, 48% of Republicans and 61% of Democrats in the US believed that the effects of climate change had already begun. Today, only 29% of Republicans share this belief, compared to 82% of Democrats (Saad 2021). These diverging trends are concerning, as they suggest that finding common ground on climate solutions may become increasingly difficult in the future.

At the same time, the frequency and severity of climate disasters have been increasing over time (International Panel on Climate Change 2014). Numerous studies have explored the relationship between disaster experience and views on climate change or environmental behaviours; yet, the evidence remains mixed. Some studies find a significant positive impact (Hazlett and Mildenberger 2020, Deryugina 2013, Baccini and Leemann 2020), others a mixed or qualitatively small positive impact (Konisky et al. 2016, Bergquist and Warshaw 2019), and yet others find no effect (Marquart-Pyatt et al. 2014, Carmichael et al. 2017).

In a recent paper (Djourelova et al. 2024a), we revisit the evidence by examining how individual beliefs about climate change respond to disaster experiences in the short term, with a particular focus on ideology as a lens through which these experiences are filtered.

Ideological Differences in the Attribution of Disasters to Climate Change

Our analysis proceeds in two steps. First, we conduct online surveys to understand how individuals reason about the causes of disasters and their association with climate change, using Hurricane Ian as a salient case study. Our findings suggest vast ideological differences in the attribution of the hurricane to climate change and, respectively, in the willingness to support climate action (Figure 1). This suggests that the occurrence of the same disaster is interpreted very differently depending on individual ideology. Eliciting second-order beliefs, we also find that individuals are very much aware of these partisan cleavages.

Figure 1 Attribution of disasters to climate change: Prolific survey

Ideological Differences in the Effect of Disaster Experience on Climate Change Beliefs

In the second and main part of our analysis, we study how individual beliefs on climate change evolve after exposure to a natural disaster. We do so by linking observational data on individual-level views on climate change, expressed in a large electoral survey (the Cooperative Election Study), to the exact timing and location of disasters declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Our empirical strategy leverages variation in the occurrence of natural disasters in time and space relative to the surveys roll-out. More specifically, we compare the attitudes of respondents surveyed in the four weeks after a local disaster to those surveyed in the four weeks before the event. We isolate the effect of disasters from other factors affecting climate change attitudes, such as geographical, temporal, or socio-demographic determinants, by comparing respondents living in the same county, who are interviewed during the same year and who share similar characteristics. In order to examine how polarisation on the issue evolves following a disaster, we allow for the effects of disaster exposure on climate change beliefs to differ based on respondents political ideology.

Our findings are striking. We observe that disaster exposure tends to widen the ideological gap in climate change beliefs, not close it. After experiencing a disaster, liberal respondents display an increase in their concerns about climate change of around 1.42.6 percentage points relative to their pre-disaster level. Meanwhile, conservative respondents concerns for climate change decrease by 2.52.6 percentage points. These changes are meaningful as they represent a widening of the partisan gap by around 11%. We do not find similar divergence in views on policy issues other than climate change and the environment, and are able to rule out differential reactions by socioeconomic characteristics correlated with ideology, such as income or age, as an explanation for this pattern.

Figure 2 Change in climate change beliefs following a local disaster

The Role of Media Narratives

One reason individuals may revert to and strengthen their pre-existing climate change beliefs is exposure to ideologically biased media accounts of disasters. Indeed, the media is a powerful lens through which people interpret complex events, and the way news outlets report on these events can significantly affect public opinion (Djourelova et al. 2024b).

To explore this explanation, we examine how local newspapers cover disasters and climate change and whether this coverage influences individuals beliefs. We gather all newspaper articles mentioning keywords related to natural disasters, on one hand, and to climate change, on the other, from around 1,200 local newspapers. We then measure differences in the quantity and tone of coverage dedicated to disasters and to climate change between liberal and conservative outlets around local disaster events.

Our findings reveal stark differences between liberal and conservative outlets, both in the quantity and in the tone of coverage. Whilst the volume of climate change coverage produced by liberal outlets increases following a local disaster, conservative outlets do not cover climate change more. This is despite liberal and conservative outlets increasing disaster-related coverage at a similar rate.

Additionally, we used the new capabilities provided by large language models such as GPT to capture subtle variations in the tone and content of news stories jointly related to climate change and disasters. Figure 3 shows that liberal outlets are more likely to suggest a causal connection between climate change and disasters. They also imply that climate change is an important issue more often than conservative outlets. Conversely, conservative newspapers have a higher tendency to actively negate the causal connection between climate change and disasters and to use sarcasm when discussing climate change. Our analysis shows that these ideological differences in tone are further amplified in the wake of disasters.

Figure 3 Partisan content differences in articles about climate change and disasters

Finally, our analysis suggests that these ideologically biased media narratives may play a role in polarising climate beliefs. Two pieces of evidence point in this direction. First, we find that the polarising effect of disasters is present only in counties with an active local newspaper, where residents are more likely to encounter ideologically framed climate stories. Second, the effect is more pronounced when local media coverage on climate change clashes with respondents ideology. For example, conservative individuals residing in areas with high climate-change coverage display the strongest decrease in climate-change concerns after a disaster. Conversely, liberals in areas with limited climate coverage strengthen their environmental concerns more.

Taken together, these findings underline a concerning trend: rather than fostering a united response to climate change, natural disasters may deepen ideological divides, especially when conflicting media narratives reinforce pre-existing beliefs. Our findings have implications for policymakers and activists. First, they suggest that the timing of attempts to raise awareness about climate change matters  as such, efforts may trigger conservative backlash in the immediate aftermath of disasters. Second, they demonstrate that the politicisation of climate change and conflicting messaging in the mass media is a major obstacle to achieving consensus on this matter.

See original post for references
Rolling Stone weighed in on what those who check into Twitter or TikTok have probably already noticed: Social Media Has Little Sympathy for Murdered Health Insurance Exec. At this point, there is comparatively little new news about the killing of UnitedHealths Brian Thompson in Manhattan even though its over a full day since the event.1 Police are under great pressure to solve a high profile murder quickly. The perp apparently was in the vicinity before the shooting, its not yet clear how long, although some opine not very long. He shot Thompson twice, once in the calf and once in the torso. Gun mavens (we have a tweetstorm below) explain how the weapons choice and gun handling caught on film reveal him not to be a pro.2

In case you have not heard, UnitedHealth was a standout denier of insurance claims, which is a fraud that these companies get away with on a pervasive basis. Our tale of tweets below shows not just barely coded views that Thompsons death was karma, that the claim denials from which he profited resulted not just in dozens but likely hundreds, even thousands of preventable deaths, even though vigilante justice is not a socially desirable way to achieve redress.

Frankly, I am surprised something like this has not happened sooner. Its not hard to think of cases of the C-suite killing people for fun and profit. Ford Pintos. Opioid makers with addiction creating sales strategies, with Purdue Pharma the lead but far from only actor. Vioxx, where Merck gamed the clinical trial data to hide extra heart attack deaths, which were so frequent that when the drug was taken off the market, that US mortality rate declined. Monsanto (now Bayer), where the company would have its staff apply the Roundup weedkiller only in heavy-duty protective gear, but never issued similarly stern warnings to customers.

A close ally during the foreclosure crisis described some of his cases from his days as a class action and even individual tort lawyer on mesothelioma cases. The end state of the cancer is horrific, with the patients often having their ribs break as the cancer both fills up their chest cavity and greatly constricts their breathing capacity. In one, which I gather was not atypical, the defense attorneys kept deposing him, 10 hours a day, days on end, in his deathbed in the hospital. They were not just trying to catch him in an inconsistency. They were trying to kill him faster via the stress and reduction of sleep so he would not be able to testify in court.

He lived long enough to do so. The spectacle of him being wheeled in, with an oxygen tube and dressed to show his distended upper torso was so appalling to jury that it was not hard to establish that he had been desperately harmed, merely firming up how the defendant was responsible.

My contact had to stop doing these cases. It was too psychologically draining even though he would win big awards.

And then the defense bar got good at finding ways to escape meaningful punishment. For instance, Alabama had once been a good venue for this sort of case (forgive me for sparing you why). But the state Supreme Court is elected. Those races soon attracted more in campaign donations than any judicial contest in the US. At one point, the chief justice race got $13 million in donations, far more than the governors race.

The result was any large damage award in Alabama would be cut back on appeals to $1 million, as in couch lint for a big company.

Now back to Thompson. Ill let the tweets do the talking since I dont have much to add.

Brian Thompson reportedly had a salary of $10 million per year, and $20 million in United Health Care stock. His net worth was $43 million. He was CEO during the COVID-19 crisis, at a time when UHC was denying 1/3rd of claims. Not celebrating his murder, just making a point. pic.twitter.com/3zNDxtjB6P  Dr. Andrew Saturn (@badspaceguy) December 4, 2024

UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson was just 50 years old at the time of his murder, which is a lot more tragic when you know that his life expectancy as a member of the Top 1% was 88, or 15 years longer than the life expectancy of the average American male https://t.co/VU5Xoi7cqD  moe tkacik (@moetkacik) December 4, 2024

you only feel this way if you accept that the social murder of millions via loss of healthcare is fine but the murder of one (1) CEO is a horrific crime, in which case youre an inhuman monster whos not worth listening to anyway https://t.co/WPrFoonRQ8 pic.twitter.com/4nBGfe3e12  the thicc husband & father (@lukeisamazing) December 5, 2024

He is a mass murderer. He runs an organisation that commits social murder on a massive scale, for profit. It's exactly as evil as it sounds, and the inability of you liberals to realise and accept that is partly why it's all going to get a lot worse than one CEO gunned down. https://t.co/1EAUw94L9j  Ben King (@Grimeandreason) December 5, 2024

People dont realize the banality of evil. That CEO wasnt walking around shooting people, he was sitting in an office enforcing and supporting policies that actively signed death sentences for countless people. Not only that  he profits from their deaths. https://t.co/yyq0DJPM8P  Han  (@theunrealhannah) December 5, 2024

The Dem establishment still argues that Medicare For All is an electoral loser, all while people hate health insurance companies so much that the overwhelming response to an insurance CEO's murder seems, from what I've seen, to be "yeah that seems about right."  Aaron Regunberg (@AaronRegunberg) December 4, 2024

Let's talk for a moment about why someone would want to murder the CEO of UnitedHealth pic.twitter.com/4ofQPkbL4d  Democrats hate the working class (@DoctorFishbones) December 5, 2024

I'm starting to think the ppl that got more upset about Oct 7 than the preceding oppression/subsequent genocide of Palestinians, & the ppl who are more upset by the murder of a healthcare CEO than the systematic killing of 10,000s of ppl via denial of healthcare, are the same ppl  Rohan Grey (@rohangrey) December 5, 2024

My official response to the UHC CEOs murder pic.twitter.com/YpDoBJh19v  Ron W (@FIPmyWHIP) December 4, 2024

There's been a bunch of misinformation about today's murder of United Healthcare's CEO. I'm going to debunk some of the firearms nonsense that's been stated. Myth 1: The pistol was a Welrod / B&T Station 6! Categorically false. pic.twitter.com/HhFcxKFhFw  Louis vil LeGun   (@LouisvilleGun) December 4, 2024

The murder of the CEO and the reaction reveals:  Americans are blindingly angry

 Due process is no longer trusted

 Vigilante justice is outlet for deepe feelings. Very similar to the Gilded Age of the 1880s and the 1930s. There's a failure of the social contract. https://t.co/rb8nSan4HO  People's Art of War  (@pplsartofwar) December 5, 2024

I've narrowed down the suspects in the CEO murder case pic.twitter.com/PqXY767V8u  My remaining here is masochism.  (@AliaStultulo) December 5, 2024

______

1 I dimly recall from the many episodes of various crime shows my mother liked to have droning on while I was trying to work that trails for suspects get cold after 48 or 72 hours. Better informed views welcome. Perhaps the window has widened with more pervasive surveillance tech. Gothamist seems a bit surprised the murderer has not yet been captured, describes some of the additional information tidbits, and suggests how he may still be tracked and caught.

2 Those of you who consume murder mysteries likely know this already, but a friend who started up a US operation in Moscow in 1993 and says she was the only person in that era to sue a Russian oil company, win in court, collect the money and live to tell the tale, had her ex-KGB driver explain how professional hits work. They take 3 people, A, B, and C. A does the killing. B has hired A. The client hires C, who finds B.

B kills A and is in turn killed by C so as to assure it will be very hard to connect the client to the killing.

A is cheap. B is not.
Yves here. Below is yet another example of continuing Collective West delusion. As most regulars know well, the US and Western weapons stocks have been badly run down over the course of the Ukraine war, to the degree that some NATO members have said they cant provide more due to the need to have enough for self defense. US and NATO efforts to increase output have had very limited success even as Russia has ramped up its military production greatly and has even been improving the design of some weapons based on battlefield experience.

In addition, Russia has always assigned vastly greater priority to air defense systems over manned aircraft due to the latter being impractical and unduly costly relative to its great territorial expanse. Russia as a matter of doctrine has also preferred layered offensive missiles to fighters and bombers.

Russia slowly and systematically denuded Ukraines air defenses by attacks on the electrical grid, which initially targeted electrical distribution (as in relatively easy to repair), to force Ukraine to burn through its air defense missiles. Russia has also been targeting air defense assets but this has been an opportunistic affair. Russia, as chronicled particularly well by John Helmer, has been increasingly striking Ukraines electrical production. This much less easily remedied reduction in output comes as Ukraine and Europe face a particularly cold winter. Bear in mind that the increased demand on an already wobbly electrical system can produce more breakage.

Hence the sense of urgency from the US/NATO side. Not only is Ukraine suffering an intensifying front-line crisis, with Russia pushing the line of contact westward and a steadily increasing pace and Ukraine desertions rising, but it faces an internal crisis if power output over the low temperature months is closer to worst case scenarios (only 4 hours of power a day) than most hope. That means more Ukrainians attempting to leave, an accelerating economic collapse as business find it difficult to function, and of course, impaired military output and (probably) logistics.

So NATO intends to magic some new air defenses to Ukraine.

One additional point about the infrastructure: NATO is correct to insinuate or even state that Russia seems to have become more bloody-minded about the conduct of the war than before. I am not sure whether taking out electrical production was part of the plan when the grid attacks started. This may be the result of a more bloody-minded attitude as Ukraine has made attacks into Crimea and Russia that targeted civilians (the Crocus city hall terrorism had Ukraine fingerprints all over it). But it could also be Russia recognizing that Western countries dont make the old Soviet standard electrical generation equipment that Ukraine uses. As we can see from the difficultly for US/NATO members to get out of their underwear to simply produce more 155 mm artillery shells, they would not set up factories just to build a large number of only-for-Ukraine electrical generation components over a few years and then have to cut output to close to zero. So Russia may have worked out that it wrecks Ukraines grid, it owns Ukraine as the only party that could/would restore critical parts of Ukraines production.

But there is another aspect to Russias increased willingness to wreck Ukraine infrastructure. As reader Maxwell Johnson noted in comments on Sputnik 2.0? Oreshnik and the Western Military Capabilities Gap:

I visited the Yuzhmash plant in 1993, when visiting Dnepropetrovsk on business (now Dnipro, but probably will revert to Dnepropetrovsk within the next few years). It is (was?) a huge sprawling Soviet facility. If the reports of its total destruction by a single non-nuclear missile are true, thats remarkable. Military aspects aside, I think the real significance of this strike on Yuzhmash is that the Russians are finally taking their gloves off. One of the reasons for Russias relative restraint in this conflict has been their desire to limit damage to key UKR infrastructure. There are plenty of tasty morsels in UKR that well-connected Russian oligarchs would love to get their hands on, and Yuzhmash is (was?) quite possibly the crown jewel of UKR industry. Putins decision to take it out sends a message that Russia will fight to the bitter end, even if it means laying waste to all of UKR. It reminds me of the British sinking of the French fleet in 1940; from that point onwards, the Germans knew that the British truly intended to fight it out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Mers-el-K%C3%A9bir

Now to the main event. As a Western messaging outlet, RFE/RL simply reports NATOs concerns and fond wishes.

By RFE/RL. Cross posted from OilPrice

NATO members have agreed to prioritize protecting Ukraines infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.

Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities and energy facilities with drones and missiles, causing civilian casualties and power outages.

Explosions were reported in the Russian port city of Novorossiisk, a key hub for oil exports and military operations.

NATO members have agreed to make protecting Ukraines infrastructure a top priority, alliance chief Mark Rutte said on December 4, as Russia continues to pound Ukrainian cities and towns with drone and missile strikes.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the second day of a meeting of foreign ministers from the 32-member military alliance, Rutte said the gathering discussed providing Ukraine with enough air defense systems to protect its infrastructure against Russian attacks.

There was a clear agreement around the table last night that to help Ukraine, particularly with its infrastructure, has to be a priority, Rutte said.

Im confident that allies will follow up in the coming days and weeks in making sure that whatever they can supply to Ukraine will be supplied.

Russia has been targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure for the third winter in a row, causing casualties and hampering the supply of electricity to thousands of civilians.

Early on December 4, Russian drones attacked the northern Cernihiv region, damaging several houses in a village, regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus said on Telegram.

In the central region of Vinnytsya, debris from a falling drone set a house on fire in the Haysyn district, partially destroying it, Ukraines State Emergencies Service said on December 4.

Separately, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched a guided air missile and 50 drones at targets in Ukraine.

Ukrainian air defense systems shot down 29 drones in nine regions  Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskiy, Ternopil, Mykolayiv, and Donetsk  the air force said, adding that 18 drones were neutralized after their navigation systems were jammed using Ukraines electronic warfare capabilities.

Separately, strong explosions were reported overnight in Russias Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, one of the main hubs for Russian oil exports and an important military port that hosts part of Russias Black Sea fleet.

An air alert was announced and Novorossiisk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko called on residents to take shelter because of a drone attack.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia have so far commented on the explosions.
Australia under scrutiny for passing law banning social media for kids under 16 (which will require ID verification for everyone)

Australia is now facing scrutiny for passing a law that would ban children under 16 from using social media and would establish an online surveillance system for all Australians on the internet.

The Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024, designed to protect the mental health of children and adolescents, mandates that social media platforms verify the age of their users. The legislation, passed by the Senate on Nov. 28 with a 34-19 vote, would impose penalties of up to AU$ 50 million ($32 million) for non-compliance. (Related: British government mulling SOCIAL MEDIA BAN for teenagers 16 and younger.)

However, skeptics have warned the public about broader implications.

Tech mogul Elon Musk described the law as a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians," while journalist Michael Shellenberger labeled it a "Trojan horse" that would "create digital IDs, which is a giant leap into the totalitarian dystopia depicted in 'Black Mirror' and already in place in China."

Moreover, the bill offers little detail on how age verification will work. This would require platforms to collect and store sensitive data, despite promises of barring platforms from collecting personal data like government-issued IDs and biometric solutions, such as facial recognition.

The explanatory memorandum stipulates that collected data must be destroyed after age verification. However, it also suggests ongoing monitoring to prevent users from circumventing restrictions. The legislation also leaves several questions unanswered, including which platforms will be affected. Unfortunately, this bill would take effect at the end of 2025.

Australian government attempts to curb free speech but fails to do so

In addition to passing the Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024, the Australian government is also attempting to curb speech online through the "Misinformation and Disinformation Bill."

The bill, which is an amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, mandates digital platforms to stop the dissemination of content "that contains information that is reasonably verifiable as false, misleading or deceptive and is reasonably likely to cause or contribute to serious harm of a specified type (misinformation and disinformation)."

However, critics argue that the main purpose of the bill is to shield the government and health authorities from criticism over their Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response to ensure that incoming health authorities and politicians would be immune from scrutiny and criticism. Critics say its vague definitions risk arbitrary censorship.

Nola Marino, a member of the conservative opposition Liberal Party, expressed her disbelief that Australia would be "debating a bill that is explicitly designed to censor and silence the Australian people."

Keith Pitt of the National Party echoed a similar statement. Pitt described the bill as a "yawning chasm that is incredibly dangerous to this country." He stressed that Western democracies like Australia are founded on freedom of expression and religion, but shockingly, legislation disregarded these objections.

Fortunately, the government withdrew the bill after strong Senate opposition in November.

"The government will not proceed with the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combating Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024," said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.

Read more stories like this at Surveillance.news.

Should cell phones be banned from schools? Watch this video.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Los Angeles Unified School District implements cellphone and social media ban.

Social media is the JUNK FOOD of human connection: Looks and feels like connection, but leaves you empty, just like junk food.

Poll: Parents most concerned about excessive use of SOCIAL MEDIA and mobile devices as kids return to school.

Parents and school officials of small Irish town unite to BAN SMARTPHONES for children as old as 13.

SURVEY: Majority of American teenagers feel happy and peaceful without smartphones.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

LifeSiteNews.com 2

SkyNews.com.au

Brighteon.com
Boats, trailers, caravans and vehicles will be banned from parking along an almost five kilometre stretch of Anzac Parade in Sydney after they began piling up.

Owners of boats, trailers and caravans will need to look for a new place to stash their vehicles. Source: Facebook/Randwick City Council

Residents have responded with mixed reactions after a city council announced it will ban parking for almost five kilometres along a busy nature strip that's become "increasingly popular for storage of boats, caravans and trailers".

Randwick City Council, which encompasses much of Sydney's inner-eastern and southern suburbs, announced overnight that "after receiving numerous complaints" it will install no parking signs along a 4.5km stretch of Anzac Parade between Matraville and La Perouse.

From today it will start warning owners to remove their vehicles from the grassed nature strip, with plans to "create formalised parking bays to support residents" in the works  however they won't be for boats or caravans.

"Parked vehicles make it more dangerous for pedestrians in these green spaces and create safety risks by blocking the view of oncoming traffic," council said in a statement.

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The portion of Anzac Parade in question is frequently used by boat owners for storage, angering those who say the area is already lacking adequate parking.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Randwick City spokesperson confirmed the new signage will be installed in the next five to 10 days. "Two variable message signs have been installed on site informing people of the change," he told Yahoo. "Vehicles can continue to park legally along Anzac Parade."

'No parking signs' will be installed along a 4.5km stretch of Anzac Parade between Matraville and La Perouse. Source: Randwick City Council

He said storage of "all sorts of larger vehicles"  including boats, trailers, caravans and vans  "presents a problem".

"Warning notices will be placed on vehicles currently left in the area and letters will be sent to car owners where possible," council said. There will be a grace period to allow vehicles to move and adjust to the change before $129 fines will be issued.

Residents erupt after council bans caravan, boat parking

Responding to the announcement on social media, dozens of passionate locals weighed in with their opinions. Some called for "formalised paid long-term parking" for the vehicles which they said "clog up residential streets"  something that has become a growing point of contention in some Australian suburbs.

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Meanwhile others questioned the idea from council, calling it "nonsense" and saying it will merely push the problem elsewhere.

"I appreciate this move however its also going to push these vehicles and boats into neighbouring streets where parking is at a premium," one person argued.

"I applaud council [for] considering ... street parking but they need to look at the bigger picture," said another. "The issue of vehicles including trailers parking on the grass of Anzac Parade ... provides a temporary solution in the absence of fenced off parking areas."

"People are trying to park their recreation vehicles OFF the roads to reduce congestion. The council is certainly not there for its rate payers. One person complains and yet again no community engagement or alternatives put in place," a third commented on the council's post.

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"Them being on the grass is a lot safer than on the street what nonsense is this council trying to pull," one local said.

Council stated online that once the vehicles have been removed, it would add more native and indigenous plants "to enhance the area" and help with "screening, shade and reducing noise".

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
China is worsening Americas fentanyl crisis, and Trump is threatening to slap more tariffs until Beijing ends it

China's central role in worsening the United States' fentanyl crisis has come under the spotlight once again thanks to President-elect Donald Trump's threat of imposing greater tariffs on the communist nation until it steps up to prevent the international trafficking of the highly addictive drug.

Trump has vowed to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on any goods coming into the U.S. from China  over and above any tariffs he has already pledged to impose on Chinese products.

Trump has warned that the tariffs will come almost immediately as soon as he enters office and that they would stay in effect until China, along with Mexico and Canada, take stronger measures to curb the illegal drug trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. (Related: Unveiling the Chinese money-laundering network driving Americas fentanyl crisis.)

In a series of posts on social media last Nov. 25, Trump has said that one of his first actions after being sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025, would be to sign executive orders imposing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as China.

"Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before," Trump wrote. "Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10 percent Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America.

Fentanyl claiming hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S.

In the U.S., fentanyl is a Food and Drug Administration-approved synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, such as in open-heart surgery or epidurals for mothers in labor. While technically being legal, its use without a prescription has proliferated and is responsible for the deaths of many Americans.

Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs  and illegal drug-makers are increasingly producing analogs, or drugs similar to fentanyl, with small molecular changes that can make the drug up to 100 times more deadly.

Reports link the deaths of nearly 400,000 in the U.S. to illicit fentanyl and its deadlier analogs since 2016, and the federal government has had trouble dealing with the massive amounts of fentanyl coming in across the border.

In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, representing 390 million lethal doses, more than the population of the United States.

This is why Trump feels forced to place massive tariffs not just on China, but also on Canada and Mexico, from where Chinese-funded operatives help move the fentanyl across the border. Scott Bessent, Trump's nominee to be Treasury Secretary, noted how Trump's threat of tariffs as a leverage is helping him achieve his foreign policy objectives.

"Whether it is getting allies to spend more on their own defense, opening foreign markets to U.S. exports, securing cooperation on ending illegal immigration and interdicting fentanyl trafficking or deterring military aggression, tariffs can play a central role," he wrote.

Watch this clip from Fox News featuring Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) warning about how China is "guilty of murder" for how much it fuels America's fentanyl crisis.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Amount of fentanyl seized across the U.S. this year enough to kill the combined population of America's 5 biggest states.

In just one month, U.S. authorities confiscate enough fentanyl to kill combined populations of California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Mexican drug cartels fighting over control of Montana, "the last best place" to sell illicit substances in America.

Oregon officials declare state of emergency over FENTANYL CRISIS in Portland (stemming from open borders policies endorsed by Dems).

The most dangerous drug in the world is NOT cocaine, heroin or crystal meth, but rather a drug commonly prescribed by doctors who get lavish bonuses for slinging it.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheEpochtTimes.com

Brighteon.com
PHARMA HELICOPTER MONEY: Donations to senators from Big Pharma could complicate RFK Jr.s path to HHS Secretary

The news that President-elect Donald Trump will be nominating Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary was welcomed by the countless Americans who are tired of the hold pharmaceutical and food companies have on government agencies. His Make America Healthy Again approach could do a lot for public health  but the corporate interests that have the most to lose could stop him from taking on the role.

Kennedy's confirmation hearings will be held in January, and although the Senate Finance Committee will boast a Republican majority once Trump takes over, their close ties to the pharmaceutical industry could prove to be a big obstacle. After all, the pharmaceutical lobby is considered one of the strongest ones in Washington, D.C.

According to The Federalist, the members sitting on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee who will vote first on Kennedy's nomination have raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of contributions from pharmaceutical companies.

Overall, The Federalist concluded that pharmaceutical companies have contributed more than $6.7 million to various Senate Finance Committee members from 2019 to 2024.

They note: Republicans overall brought in nearly $5 million from the pharmaceutical industry across 13 members while Democrats raised more than $1.7 million across 9.

One of the top recipients is senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), who has brought in around $680,000. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) has brought in more than $667,000, while Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) has received nearly $564,000.

When it comes to Democrat committee members, the top recipient is Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada with almost $460,000 during the last five years, followed by Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Ron Wyden of Oregon with $360,000 and $352,000 respectively.

The Federalist pointed out that receiving these donations does not automatically mean that a senator will be compromised and will always side with Big Pharma. They cited the example of Senator Ron Johnson, who has received more than $124,000 worth of donations from the pharmaceutical industry during the last five years yet held a series of roundtable discussions that were very critical of Big Pharma.

For example, he hosted a Senate roundtable in September about the nation's chronic disease epidemic and even invited Kennedy to speak there. More recently, he has demanded that public health agencies supply unredacted documents pertaining to the safety and development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Kennedy has already attracted a lot of support

After Thanksgiving, Kennedy will reportedly be holding discussions with various figures on Capitol Hill as he tries to get enough votes for a confirmation. A few key Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee appear to be on his side already. However, Forbes reports that even if all of the Democrat members vote against him, there is room for him to lose as many as three votes from Republicans on the committee and still make it to the full Senate for the confirmation vote.

We also shouldn't discount the possibility that some of the more health-conscious Democrats could vote in favor of Kennedy after all.

Government Accountability Institute Director Of Research Seamus Bruner said: Kennedys best chance at confirmation may entail quietly persuading as many health-minded Democrats as he can to vote in his favor to counteract any Republicans that vote against him.

He added that the Make America Healthy Again plan has already earned broad, bipartisan populist support.

A YouGov poll shows that Kennedy is a less controversial choice than some of Trump's other picks, which means he could well have a much easier path to confirmation.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

CBSNews.com
A lot of federal government employees better RUN and hide: 18 U.S.C. 241

The Censorship gang in various agencies and departments of the federal government, should RUN AND HIDE as fast as they can, because a LOT of them have committed violation of 18 USC 241 "Conspiracy against Rights." Prison awaits.

(Article republished from HalTurnerRadioShow.com)

For the four years of the Biden Regime, a LOT of federal officials took it upon themselves to work with corporations like Facebook (META), Twitter (X), Reddit, Instagram, Whatsapp, and other social media outlets, to suppress, censor, and even ban Americans for speech.

Much of the banning, shadow banning, being put in social media "jail," etc., had to do with COVID and the now-known-PHONY "Vaccine." Anyone who raised questions or doubt about COVID, or the "Vaccine" was ruthlessly suppressed.

That effort, was a criminal act; violation of 18 USC 241 "Conspiracy against rights."

The law is simple:

If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or

If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured

They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 696; Pub. L. 90284, title I, ?103(a), , 82 Stat. 75; Pub. L. 100690, title VII, ?7018(a), (b)(1), , 102 Stat. 4396; Pub. L. 103322, title VI, ?60006(a), title XXXII, ?320103(a), 320201(a), title XXXIII, ?330016(1)(L), , 108 Stat. 1970, 2109, 2113, 2147; Pub. L. 104294, title VI, ?604(b)(14)(A), 607(a), , 110 Stat. 3507, 3511.)

In paragraph one of the law above, you folks in government and in private corporations did, in fact, "oppress" users of social media services.

In paragraph two of the law above the folks at government agencies, and inside corporations did, in fact have the ". . . intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege. . ."

A lot of you folks in government and in social media companies did, in fact, commit federal crimes; each and every time you censored someone for their speech.

Social media companies called it "dis-information" or "mis-information" or "mal-information." They had the nerve to say that they were "protecting the safety" of their users.

How about FBI Agents, some of whom, to this very day, go out to "talk to you about your posting on the Internet?" Their very presence is an act of intimidation, of oppression. Having federal agents come to your door because you said something they're "concerned with" is outright intimidation - and I argue, it is also an actual crime. 18 USC 241.

Firstly, it is not up to the government or to the social media companies to arbitrarily define other people's views as "mis-information, dis-information, mal-information" etc. They have no such power and had no such right.

The Social Media behemoths claim protection from liability based upon Section 207 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA) because, they say, they are not the "publisher." They assert that they cannot be held liable for what other people choose to post on their service. Fair enough.

Then they turn around and explicitly DO choose to control the content on the service!

Out of one side of their mouths they say they're not liable because they're not a publisher, while at the same time, out of the other side of their mouths, they assert editorial control which only a publisher can do. They can't have it both ways - and they don't have it both ways.

Each time a government employee called, texted, emailed, or used a special "portal" to tell a social media company that a certain posting had to be dealt with - either by being deleted or otherwise blocked, that government employee engaged in a Conspiracy against rights. The government employee committed a crime.

Similarly, each time a corporate employee received such a government report or alert about a posting, and took action to delete, suppress, censor, or outright ban a user for such posting, that corporate employee - and the corporation itself - engaged in a conspiracy against rights. Crimes. Actual crimes!

When the new Trump administration takes office, I want each and every government employee who engaged in this conduct, fired and criminally prosecuted. ALL OF THEM.

These people should be made such an example of through the legal system, as to send a chill down the spine of every OTHER government employee in EVERY government agency (federal, state, and local) to never do things like that again. Ever. Not even once.

Similarly, I want the executives from those social media companies prosecuted criminally. Google, Youtube, Twitter, Facebook/META, Reddit . . . . all of them.

I want the perp-walks, the Indictments, the big media coverage . . . . the whole shebang.

After all, the liberal-left has taught us quite well: "The process is the punishment."

Put them through the process. Put them through the system. Let them sit at a Defendant's table and feel the very real, unrelenting, frightening, weight of the jury verdict coming at them. Let them sit in a 7' x 10' cement block cell, with it's 300 pound steel door. Let them find out what the SHU (Special Housing Unit) is, as they have to be in administrative segregation (solitary confinement) because "they're famous, and someone in the jail might hurt them to get famous, too."

These effete snobs in government and in social media companies who think they're so above-it-all; who think they're "immune" from consequences, should be made to find out otherwise through the legal system.

Literally thousands of government employees engaged in this type of conduct for years. Similarly, literally thousands of social media corporation executives and employees engaged in this conduct -- some of them STILL ARE engaging in it.

These activities were, in fact, crimes. Violations of 18 USC 241. Prosecute the people who did these things.

Here's the ironic punch line: What the government employees and social media companies were calling "mis-information, dis-information, and mal-information" was, in fact, the truth. Worse, what those same people called "truth" and "facts" and "safe" were not.

It was GOVERNMENT, the scientists, and the big pharma people who were actually the ones engaged in mis-information, dis-information, and mal-information! It was the government and big pharma that cost innocent people their health and in some cases, their lives - by pushing an un-tested gene-therapy, masquerading as a "vaccine" that didn't work, and caused all sorts of health problems, taking place to this very day.

The people claiming they were guardians of truth, were the exact opposite. Their actions violated the rights of tens-of-thousands of Americans, and COST THE LIVES of many more. Throw them in prison.

Read more at: HalTurnerRadioShow.com
If global warming is real, then why are the coldest areas of the world getting EVEN COLDER?

Researchers from Thailand have found that surface temperatures across Greenland have beenin recent years, not increasing like the climate alarmists claim.

Data going back to the turn of the millennium shows that Greenland's ice-covered sub-regions have been getting incrementally colder year after year. Greenland's ice-free sub-regions, conversely, have ever-so-slightly warmed during the same time period due to an increase in "population density."

The findings, which are based on more than 31,000 satellite recordings, suggest that a "total collapse" of the Greenland ice sheet is not going to happen in the next few months like the World Economic Forum (WEF) claims.

(Related: Earlier this year, a climate professor by the name of Bill McGuire tweeted that he thinks "culling" the human population is the only way to prevent a climate collapse.)

Antarctica barely warmed in 70 years

But that's just Greenland, some people are probably saying to themselves about the new research. Well, think again because similar data was pulled out of Antarctica, which has barely warmed over the past 70 years of detailed observations.

At both the North and South Poles, climate conditions are hardly as dire as the climate cultists would have us all believe. At worst, there is very slight warming in some spots, but this is countered by very slight cooling in others.

It is almost as if the climate is always fluctuating and that this is a completely normal phenomenon that should not scare people but interest them about the way our natural world works.

Overall, the Thai mathematicians found "no evidence of warming over ice-free and ice-covered areas" in Greenland other than very minor deviations that are probably just statistical margins of error more than anything else. The same is true about the Antarctic, which means there is no global warming taking place.

The very minor changes being observed around Greenland can be attributed to "natural variability rather than anthropogenic forcing," the scientists say.

"Most climate models were unable to reasonably simulate the unforced natural variability over Greenland," they add.

As for Antarctica, every so often some ice melts and breaks off, particularly in the western part of the region, which drums up fears about a "tipping point." These fears are unsubstantiated, though, especially after international scientists involved with another study found that Antarctica, like Greenland, is actually cooling somewhat.

The American Meteorological Society discovered a 2C decrease in temperatures over the 20-year period that ended in 2018. During the spring season, the temperature decrease was 1.84C every decade. During the winter, it was a 1.19C decrease over the same time period.

As usual, carbon dioxide is rarely mentioned in papers and articles about cooling temperatures because that molecule is only maligned when temperatures are warning. When the data shows cooling rather than warming, scientists start admitting that the climate naturally variates and that CO2 has nothing to do with it.

Amazingly, a similar scenario is unfolding around the world's equatorial region which is likewise seeing temperature cooling rather than warming. How will they explain that one?

"I cannot understand why politicians who have access to all of this information pander to them," one commenter wrote, "them" referring to the climate lunatics pushing climate nonsense.

"Why doesn't a single leading politician from across Europe stand up like Trump and say that we all bought in to the lies of a cult but we now know that the polar regions are not melting uncontrollably, the sea is not boiling and corals are quite okay, not a single person has drowned in rising seas. A few days ago, someone on this site posed the question: What are they really targeting in 2030, because it is not climate change, so what else is it?"

The latest climate-related news can be found at Climate.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailySceptic.org

NaturalNews.com

Ametsoc.org
Mike Adams Sermon 50: The dangers of CORRUPTION creeping into Christian churches

For his 50th sermon as part of the 100 Sermons series for the Church of Natural Abundance , the Health Ranger Mike Adams talked about the dangers of corruption creeping into Christian churches

The 50th sermon was based on the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation, which served as St. John of Patmos' letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor  Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. According to the Bible nutrition educator, the first three chapters contain important messages about surviving the tribulation that they have endured so far  including persecution under the Roman Empire and from non-Christians. But such tribulations are minor compared to the coming persecution from the globalists, he added.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the church was the third power center other than government and merchants in the local communities. While it was a very powerful cultural institution during its heyday, it today competes with other cultural institutions such as the government and the education system.

It was very easy for people to be overcome by their celebrity status and arrogance within the church, as they were admired by the people in their city as a church leader. Many men with weak morals and some women who were like Jezebel in the Old Testament found it easy to take advantage of their church positions. They made use of their positions to acquire riches in an immoral manner, wield power over others and engage in sexual adventures within the church.

"Back in the day, it was very easy to be corrupt. The church was a very easy place for corruption to creep in because the church was so incredibly powerful," said Adams.

"It's hard to be corrupt in a church in the modern world if you have no money, no following and nobody's listening to you. It's very hard to be corrupt in that kind of scenario."

The church has failed God repeatedly

The Bible nutrition educator pointed out that the church has kept failing God repeatedly. This continues until today with churches bowing down to Big Government.

Even worse, the church today has become corrupt  with some churches becoming wealthy not by doing good deeds, but by collecting money from their congregation and using it to live in luxury. Because of this, Jesus Christ and His disciples such as St. John were correcting the churches.

"That's exactly what Christ spoke against. Beware of the megachurch that asks so much from its people and yet delivers so little to the people. That's an abomination, and God sees it all," Adams warned.

"Every letter says here that God sees you. God is watching, God knows your mind and your heart. If you're a church leader, you can't trick Him."

The Health Ranger ultimately warned that several churches today are making the exact same mistake as the seven churches in Asia Minor, with some becoming a "compromising church" like the one in Pergamos. When churches compromise, they become temples to Satan  and they need to be called out and corrected for turning against God. According to him, it's not wrong for people to point out where the church has fallen and to call out church leaders whenever they turn away from Christ's teachings. (Related: Sermon 23: Correcting the WICKEDNESS inside the church.)

Head over to Corruption.news for more stories about corruption inside the church.

Listen to the 50th sermon of the Health Ranger Mike Adams for the Church of Natural Abundance about the corruption in the churches that turns them into synagogues of Satan.

This video is from the Abundance Church channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Sermon 7: Being FREED by Christ and WALKING IN THE SPIRIT.

Sermon 20: Mike Adams calls out the HYPOCRISY of churches supporting GENOCIDE.

Christian churches that advocate for Israels mass killing of Palestinian civilians are serving SATAN, not Christ.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

BibleGateway.com
Crypto mogul buys conceptual artwork of a banana duct-taped to a wall for $6.2M  then eats it in front of the press

Justin Sun, a 34-year-old Chinese-born entrepreneur who founded the Tron Blockchain Foundation, bought a conceptual artwork of a banana duct-taped to a wall for $6.2 million. He then ate the fruit and drew parallels between conceptual art and cryptocurrency

The artwork is titled "Comedian" and was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Sun was among the seven bidders for the artwork and the rights to recreate it at a Sotheby's auction in New York last week.

Sun chomped down on the banana after hailing the work as "iconic" during his speech at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong.

"It's much better than other bananas," Sun said in front of dozens of journalists and influencers after his first bite. "It's really quite good."

He said he felt disbelief in the first 10 seconds after he won the bid, before realizing "this could become something big." He then quickly decided he would eat the millions-worth banana.

"Eating it at a press conference can also become a part of the artwork's history," he added.

He further compared the conceptual art to non-fungible tokens (NFT) and decentralized blockchain technology. NFTs are blockchain-based tokens that represent a unique asset like a piece of art, digital content or media, and can be considered an irrevocable digital certificate of ownership and authenticity for a given asset, be it digital or physical.

"Most of its objects and ideas exist as (intellectual property) and on the internet, as opposed to something physical," he said.

Meanwhile, Sun has already been receiving unfavorable feedback lately for investing $30 million in President-elect Donald Trump-backed crypto venture World Liberty Financial (WLFI). This sizeable amount made him the project's largest investor.

"The U.S. is becoming the blockchain hub, and Bitcoin owes it to @realDonaldTrump! TRON is committed to making America great again and leading innovation. Let's go!" Sun wrote on X.

A day later, the crypto initiative announced it had welcomed Sun as an adviser to the firm.

"Justin's insights and experience will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and grow. Welcome to the team, Justin!" WLFI also posted on X

A few days later, Sun denied that the investment was an attempt to influence Trump or American politics.

"We are apolitical," Sun told AFP in an interview. "Me [serving] as advisor also contributes a lot of value I can be a great bridge for traditional financial and the [decentralized finance] industry."

$6.2M banana bought from a Manhattan vendor for 25 cents

According to reports, the banana used in the conceptual edible artwork was bought from a fruit stall on Manhattan's Upper East Side for 25 cents. Sun has expressed that he would be buying 100,000 pieces of the fruit amid the backlash he received when he immediately ate it after he won the bid.

The stall staff Shah Alam, who works for $12 an hour, learned from a New York Times reporter that the banana was resold as artwork for millions of dollars.

"I am a poor man," Alam, 74, told the news outlet. "I have never had this kind of money; I have never seen this kind of money."

Following this, Sun pledged to buy 100,000 bananas from the same vendor and said that they would be distributed worldwide, as "a celebration of the beautiful connection between everyday life and art."

"I hope this initiative will bring his story to a broader audience and, one day, I look forward to visiting his fruit stand in person to express my gratitude again," Sun said.

Alam responded, saying that acquiring so many bananas would be incredibly costly and logistically difficult. He added that the profit margin on such a purchase would be almost negligible, the New York Times reported.

"There's not any profit in selling bananas," he added.

According to the report, the fruit stand's owner, Mohammed Islam, said that no one from Sun's team had reached out to contact him or vet the banana plan.

Head over to CurrencyReset.news for stories related to digital money and cryptocurrency.

Watch the "Health Ranger Report" episode where Mike Adams talks about cryptocurrency as the ultimate defense against globalist CBDCs.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

SEC charges crypto guru Justin Sun and three of his companies  Tron Foundation, BitTorrent, and Rainberry  for market manipulation and other alleged fraud.

Trump vows to BAN central bank digital currencies: "There will never be a CBDC while I am president."

Bitcoin surges to just under $90,000 in value as second Trump term excites crypto markets.

Trump announces plans to reject CBDCs, promote free speech in AI, ban government censorship, and defund censorship institutions.

Russia legalizes Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies for international transactions to skirt Western sanctions.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

X.com

CoinTelegraph.com

Decrypt.co

Brighteon.com
TOO BIG to RIG: Top 10 ways the Biden/Harris Regime attempted to rig the election only to LOSE to a wave of red, wasting over a billion dollars

Without a full-blown plandemic in effect, the Democrats simply could not cheat enough to win the 7 swing states using millions of falsified mail-in ballots, so the red wave hit them like a tsunami. Conservatives, Republicans, Independents, swing-voters and even newly registered voters came out in droves and voted to save the republic from the communist insurrectionists who have decimated every facet of our nation, from the dismantled constitution to the crumbling economy, from our highly compromised national security to genocidal medical practices.

The Democrats lost the POTUS election in 2016, lost the election in 2020, and lost again in 2024. This time around, the Biden/Harris regime really shot themselves in the foot in so many ways it was even recognizable to their own pathetically loyal base. Young voters recognized this too. Thanks to the internet, podcasters, YouTubers, whistleblowers, Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, Alex Jones, Mike Adams and hundreds of other super-popular truth advocates, the majority of the nation was able to find out REAL news about how pathetic and insidious the Democrat politicians have become.

Democrat politicians, RINO Republicans and globalists plans for wrecking America were so obvious that most voters took a stance against it to save the nation

We may not be out of the woods quite yet, with the most volatile lame duck session ever happening right now, but with Trump about to take office with a mostly reliable, patriotic cabinet chosen, theres a very good chance America will be saved from the communist takeover that was getting worse by the day.

Most politicians are what they are because it enables them to embezzle enough money in 4 to 8 years to create an empire of liquidity and assets for their family for generations to come. They embezzle through insider trading, Big Pharma and Big Food investments, the military industrial complex and simply getting paid off by lobbyists to sell out Americas safety, health and economic interests. Luckily, some actual patriots, including several millionaires and billionaires, stepped up to the plate leading up to this election and stopped the steal by the Democrats. Heres how it all went down.

Top 10 ways the Demoncrats attempted to rig the election only to get defeated by the red tsunami at the polls

#1. Fake junk polls everywhere showing Kamala in the lead or in a close race

#2. Fake interviews, town halls and debates where she had all the questions, answers, teleprompters and Bluetooth earpieces set up in advance

#3. Google, Alexa, AI (artificial intelligence), Siri, Amazon Echo and other smart searching programs were fixed to give highly positive info for Kamala Harris questions and negative info about Donald Trump

#4. The only states Kommie Harris won were states that did NOT require identification to vote (making it very easy for all illegal immigrants to vote illegally)

#5. Delayed vote counts at polling places that all coincidentally ended up as victories for Kamala

#6. The relentless persecution and false prosecution of Trump, including by Deep State insidious plots, weaponized DOJ, labeling him as an election obstructing convicted felon, and trying to put him in jail before and during the election

#7. Two attempts by crazed Leftists to assassinate Trump motivated by MSM propaganda that Trump was the new Hitler, a dictator, and a threat to democracy

#8. Fake news trying to paint all Conservatives as white supremacists, gay-bashers, misogynists, deplorables, garbage and right-wing nutjobs

#9. Abusing, torturing, isolating, neglecting (denying vital medical treatments) and killing January 6ers from 2021 in order to scare all dissenters from stopping the 2024 election from getting rigged and stolen

#10. Pretending Kamala Harris was actually popular and wanted as the candidate for POTUS, by claiming she had grass roots support, having free concerts before rallies, bussing in hundreds of people from out of town or state for rallies, stealing campaign funds (Act Blue and embezzling) and robbing all of Bidens delegates in the process

Bookmark Censored.news to your favorite websites for more truth about the election victory for patriots and the future of our phenomenal republic. #TooBigToRig

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
Trump nominates America First fighter Kash Patel to lead FBI

On X / Twitter this week, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he will be nominating Kash Patel, whom Trump describes as an "'America First' fighter," to be director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

"Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," Trump wrote.

"He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution."

During Trump's first term, Patel served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as Deputy Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council (NSC).

"Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials," Trump further gushed. "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."

"Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI."

(Related: Did you hear? All J6 charges against Trump are slated to be dropped as requested by Special Counsel Jack Smith.)

Conservatives rejoice over Patel

In a statement following Trump's announcement, Patel thanked the president-elect and told him it is "the honor of a lifetime" to be nominated to direct the FBI during Trump's second presidential term.

"Together, we will restore integrity, accountability, and equal justice to our justice system and return the FBI to its rightful mission: protecting the American people," Patel further said in a thank-you post.

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) is excited that Trump picked Patel. Waltz says that the FBI headquarters in Washington "needs reform" and that "Kash is the man to drive that agenda!"

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is similarly excited. On X / Twitter, she congratulated Patel and urged him to get going now because "We got [sic] no time to waste  let's go!"

"The Deep State is officially on notice!" added Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) to the chorus of praise for Patel.

"It's a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and also for the nation that depends on a highly functioning, professional, independent FBI," joked former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who oversaw the FBI's investigation of the Trump campaign the first time around when Trump was accused of colluding with Russia.

"The fact that Andrew McCabe feels Kash Patel as FBI Director would 'disrupt,' 'dismantle,' & 'distract' the FBI speaks volumes that Kash is a good pick," added Scott Presler, an organizer and founder of Early Vote Action.

"Let me remind you that McCabe signed off on the phony FISA warrant to surveil Trump adviser Carter Page."

The praise continued in the comment section over at Breitbart where several commenters added things that they feel Trump should do starting on Day One of his presidency.

"Revoke the security clearances for all that are no longer in government," one said. "All these retired hacks that seek to undermine Trump and this administration need to be kicked to the curb  no clearance, no intel briefings."

"Then begin a real review of their finances and hold them accountable for insider trading! Then do a proper investigation concerning such insider trading for all that are in or have been in congress over the last 20 years and their aids! How do these people become multi-millionaires on a salary of around $150,000 a year? Time to bring such behavior, both sides of the isle, to an end!"

The latest news about Trump and what he plans to do starting on Day One of his second term can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com
UN committee condemns Israels actions as consistent with characteristics of genocide, calls for Israeli officials to be held accountable

A report by a United Nations (UN) special committee stated that Israel's "policies and practices" are "consistent with the characteristics of genocide," with committee members calling for immediate steps to be taken to protect civilian lives.

The committee, which was made up of representatives from Malaysia, Senegal and Sri Lanka, said that Israel is committing several violations of international law, and not just in Gaza. Countless civilians "have been indiscriminately and disproportionally killed en masse in Gaza," the paper stated. It added that in the occupied West Bank, both military and security personnel have "continued to violate human rights and humanitarian law with impunity."

The committee also said the Israeli government and military officials must be held accountable, including for their use of dehumanizing language and inciting violence upon their victims.

The UN also charged Israel with "discriminatory" legislation and measures that maintain a near-complete separation of Palestinians from Israeli settlers, which is in breach of Article 3 on racial segregation and apartheid under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Israel's violations of UN Security Council resolutions and orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are "weakening" the international rules-based order, added the committee. (Related: WAR CRIMES: UN report accuses Israel of destroying Gaza's healthcare system.)

The report recommended that UN member states exercise their leverage to stop Israel from practices and policies that violate Palestinian human rights and called for the halt of all offensive arms transfers and to hold Israelis accountable.

Lastly, the report recommended a thorough review of financial policies that allow religious and charitable organizations to fund activities in Israel.

South Africa has filed a case at the ICJ, accusing Israel of committing genocide

The report was submitted at the same time international legal actions are being pursued against Israel.

As a result of the October 2023 attack, South Africa filed a case at the ICJ accusing Israel of committing genocide. This case marks the second instance wherein a state has tried to bring another to court under the Genocide Convention, following the Gambia's case against Myanmar in 2019, which accused the latter of genocide against the Rohingya population.

Israel has recently acted to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the primary provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Its lawmakers alleged Hamas infiltration within UNRWA as the reason for this decision, which spurred worries from UN officials that the move could hinder the already troubled relief efforts.

The report also called for international bodies to increase support for UNRWA, both politically and financially, as the agency struggles amid growing challenges in sending vital services to the affected Palestinian population.

"Since the escalation of the conflict, Israeli officials have publicly supported policies depriving civilians of food, water and fuel, indicating their intent to instrumentalize the provision of basic necessities," concluded the report.

The UN's findings are corroborated by the investigation by the ICJ. In response, the ICJ has ordered Israel to take interim steps to prevent genocide, ensure that prompt humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and preserve evidence of potential genocide.

Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about Israel's aggressive military tactics.

Watch the video below as Israel accuses Russia of supplying Hezbollah with weapons.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

UN experts: Children in Gaza are dying because of Israels "targeted starvation campaign."

Israeli strike on UN-run school that housed displaced families in Nuseirat kills 23 Palestinians.

UN: Israel is committing "unprecedented" crimes against children in the Middle East.

IDF soldiers torturing, raping Palestinian prisoners without consequence  why is Israel never held to account for violations of human rights?

UN experts demand targeted sanctions, arms embargo against Israel for crimes against humanity.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Documents.UN.org[PDF]

Brighteon.com
Zelensky willing to sign peace deal with Russia in exchange for NATO membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to sign a peace deal with Russia if the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agrees to take Kyiv in as a member.

"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," Zelensky told Sky News. "We need to do it fast. And then on the [occupied] territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way."

He argued that if NATO takes in Ukraine, the defense alliance would recognize Ukraine's borders and "immediately" come to the defense of all of the land Kyiv controls. Zelensky also pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin would "not use the peace to prepare for another invasion" if Ukraine were a member of NATO.

Meanwhile, the Russian leader was one step ahead when he previously expressed disagreement with Ukraine's desire to join NATO, saying that Kyiv should be a neutral nation. Back in June, Putin said Zelensky should give up insisting on joining the alliance for peace talks to begin. (Related: Putin signals readiness for peace talks with Trump but stresses unchanged demands for ending Ukraine conflict.)

Zelensky's most recent announcement marks the first time he has declared a possibility of a pause in the war with Russia before asking for all its land back. In a recent interview, the Ukrainian leader said they would later try to ask any Ukrainian land Russia continues to hold to be returned to them in a "diplomatic way."

But Putin is expected to demand all the land he currently holds, including the regions of Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and parts of Kharkiv.

Critics were warning previously that Ukraine's reliance on the supply of military and humanitarian assistance is looking bleak as outgoing President Joe Biden's term is coming to an end and his supposed "successor" outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris failed to win the White House seat in the previous election.

But Zelensky seemed to be persistent in finding ways to be taken in by NATO.

Earlier this year, he presented a "victory plan" to the Ukrainian parliament and Western allies. Apart from his insistence on being part of NATO, he also asked for increased military support from the alliance.

Moreover, he was also hopeful that President-elect Donald Trump would work with him as Trump directly pledged to achieve peace as soon as he assumed office.

"I want to work with him directly because there are different voices from people around him. And that's why we need not to [allow] anybody around to destroy our communication," he said following Trump's victory.

NATO waits for Trump to start term before deciding on Ukraine's application

According to Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Bra, NATO members are waiting for Trump to take his seat at the White House before making a crucial decision over whether Ukraine will be allowed to join the alliance.

Bra said her country was in favor of the move but she suggested there was "a reality" determining many of her counterparts' stances.

"In principle, we as political leaders have agreed that Ukraine will be a member," Bra told Reuters on the sidelines of the NATO meeting. "Everybody is waiting for the new U.S. administration to start working, so I think that is one aspect that is said or unsaid, but it's a reality."

The former senior NATO official said Kyiv's battle-hardened military would be an asset for NATO.

"A number of countries don't necessarily feel comfortable inviting a country at war to join NATO," she said. "We are more flexible."

UkraineWitness.com contains more stories related to this.

Watch the video below where Zelensky begged NATO to grant Ukraine membership after Western-backed forces collapsed on the battlefield.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NATO's direct involvement in Russia-Ukraine conflict could easily escalate into a NUCLEAR WAR.

Foreign Policy magazine: NATO is aware that Ukraine is LOSING the war.

Zelensky presents "victory plan" to allies: Immediate NATO membership and unlimited military aid.

Putin warns of NATO's formal entry into war if it allows Ukraine to carry out long-range missile strikes.

Zelensky tries to bully NATO into letting Ukraine join, or he threatens to acquire nuclear weapons.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

News.Sky.com

Brighteon.com
BRI projects exemplify the robust cooperation between Cambodia and China under the initiative, delivering tangible benefits in infrastructure, tourism and economic growth. by Ki Manghout The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has greatly contributed to transforming infrastructure, as well as the economic and trade landscapes in Cambodia over the last decade. Before the initiation of the BRI in 2013, Cambodia faced significant challenges as one of the poorest countries in the region, with underdeveloped infrastructure hindering its economic progress. For instance, National Road No. 4, a critical route linking the capital Phnom Penh to the coastal province of Sihanoukville, was severely damaged, increasing transportation costs and slowing economic growth. The BRI has transformed this landscape. A key highlight is the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, which has significantly shortened travel time and enhanced connectivity between the capital and the country's main seaport. This has not only boosted economic activities but also improved transportation safety and efficiency. Another major development is the inauguration of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in 2023. This modern facility has been instrumental in Cambodia's post-pandemic economic recovery by attracting international flights, increasing tourist arrivals, and elevating the country's reputation as a major global tourist destination. These projects exemplify the robust cooperation between Cambodia and China under the BRI, delivering tangible benefits in infrastructure, tourism and economic growth. They have not only improved the quality of life for the Cambodians but also strengthened Cambodia's position in the global economic and tourism landscape. The convergence of China's BRI with Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy has created a powerful synergy, generating a "1+1 greater than 2" effect on bilateral and regional cooperation. Under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the new government prioritizes economic growth, infrastructure development, and improving citizens' well-being. These goals align seamlessly with the BRI's focus on connectivity and shared prosperity. For Cambodia, the BRI has offered critical funding and expertise to realize large-scale infrastructure projects. Tangible results, such as Cambodia's expressway and airport, showcase mutual benefits and serve as persuasive examples of the BRI's value, attracting more participants. One key reason for the growing popularity of the BRI is China's low-conditionality approach. Unlike some international aid programs, Chinese funding typically comes with fewer strings attached, offering an alternative to traditional aid sources that often impose political or economic conditions. For many developing countries, this model preserves their sovereignty while meeting critical infrastructure needs. Additionally, the Build-Operate-Transfer model is particularly appealing. It allows recipient countries to benefit from infrastructure development without bearing immediate financial burdens, with ownership transferring to the host government after the operational period. This win-win model, coupled with China's willingness to engage in strategic cooperation, has significantly expanded the BRI's reach, making it a cornerstone of modern global partnerships. The cooperation between Cambodia and China under the BRI framework significantly contributes to Cambodia's development and bilateral relations. Both countries emphasize the Asian value governance model, focusing on economic growth and the well-being of their peoples. This shared priority aligns well with Cambodia's vision of transitioning from a least-developed country to an upper-middle-income nation by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050. Looking to the future, Cambodia is poised to gain development momentum in areas such as digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure and green energy. To realize its ambitious goals, Cambodia can strengthen collaboration with China on major projects like the next phases of the Siem Reap Angkor and Techo International airports, so as to advance regional connectivity and ensure long-term prosperity. Editor's note: Ki Manghout is a research fellow at the Asian Vision Institute, an independent policy think tank based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
After pulling up on the side of the road, the driver shone her torch around the property to survey the damage.

A brushtail possum was photographed sitting on an old log after its habitat was cleared. Source: Google Maps/Supplied

A sad photograph highlights the immediate impact clearing land for development can have on native wildlife. Snapped by a woman driving home from work, the image shows a stunned brushtail possum sitting perched on a log after all of the nearby trees were felled.

The woman, who asked that we refer to her only as May, said the sleepy town of Dodges Ferry used to be a shack area. But because the coastal town is less than a 30-minute drive from Hobart, the simple structures and the bushland that surrounds them are being replaced with large modern homes and amenities.

The area has really changed. I moved here because its out of the way, and has all these beautiful beaches. But people moving here from the city now are coming here wanting fancy amenities like they had in Hobart, she said.

It was just over a week ago that May noticed more bushland had been destroyed. She didnt initially see the possum, because she was focused on the sheer number of trees that had been chopped down and piled up.

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I was driving along and thought: Oh my God, what the heck have they done here, she said.

You never really noticed the bush before. But the trees and shrubs were gone and a bulldozer was sitting in the middle.

Need more stories about Aussie wildlife?  Subscribe to our newsletter.

The Dodgers Ferry property where the possum was found had been heavily forested. Source: Google Maps/Supplied

Council remains silent after land clearing

Surveying the damage with her torch, she spotted the chocolate-brown brushtail staring back at her. I just felt so sad, she said.

Destruction of native habitat in Australia is surging as the human population grows and expands into regional areas. While there are some protections for wildlife already threatened with extinction, abundant species are frequently pushed aside, forcing them into the pathway of cars and dogs as they search for a new home.

Sorrell Council which has jurisdiction over Dodges Ferry was asked by Yahoo News on Tuesday if it had approved the clearing of the land, or requested an environmental survey of the land before the bulldozer rolled in. Council was unable to provide comment by deadline, saying it was extremely busy and its policy was to respond to media queries within 10 business days.

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Why common species can suddenly vanish

The displacement of common wildlife species like kangaroos, possums and wombats is a concern for Humane Society International. Insects like the bogong moth which once flew over the country in its billions are now endangered.

Even the common brushtail possum is in decline. While the species is thriving in our cities, its lost 50 per cent of its range since white settlement.

Species rarely become endangered because theyre naturally scarce, its usually because of the impact we have on them. Koalas were once enormously abundant, but they were hunted to near extinction, HSIs head of programs Evan Quartermain told Yahoo News.

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With the growing biodiversity crisis, were seeing increasing threats from the climate crisis, road strikes and development. We see species like wombats threatened by introduced issues like mange.

Abundant species, like these kangaroos on the outskirts of Melbourne, are increasingly losing their homes to development. Source: Elaine Ong

How can Australia's wildlife be protected?

Tasmania is a popular tourist destination because of its wild landscapes. But there are growing concerns about the state's rapid degradation.

In September, the state government released its decade-long delayed State of the Environment report which found ecosystems unique to Tasmania are being destroyed by a perfect storm of climate change, habitat loss and invasive species.

While climate change is a major threat to Australias wildlife, even if emissions were significantly reduced today, it would take decades for its impact on the environment to be reversed. But theres one area Quartermain argues can be immediately addressed, and that's habitat destruction.

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We need strong nature laws, where decision makers are empowered to say no. Because at the moment we're not saying no," he said. "We need to be saying when there's too much wildlife present, or its very important habitat that it can't be cleared, and we're just not doing that yet."

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Activist prosecutor in Daniel Penny trial draws scrutiny

Dafna Yoran, the Manhattan Assistant District Attorney prosecuting Daniel Penny for defending a train full of passengers from a violent schizophrenic, is a far-left activist driven by revenge fantasies against "Nazis," according to a profile shared by GO Magazine.

(Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com)

This is Daniel Penny's prosecutor Dafna Yoran (Who repeatedly referred to Penny as the "White man" during the trial) , as profiled in Go Magazine's "100 Women We Love." She brags about pioneering the "restorative justice" sentence for an NYC murderer. pic.twitter.com/NVeFxko2dS  Jeremy Carl (@realJeremyCarl) December 3, 2024

Surprise! The prosecutor is "married" to a radical feminist artist who specializes in "Latinx" "Feminist" and "Decolonial" work. pic.twitter.com/TEOtkpy2S9  Jeremy Carl (@realJeremyCarl) December 3, 2024

From Go Magazine's "100 Women We Love":

Her track record would make any guilty defendant tremble. Dafna Yoran, Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan has investigated and prosecuted scores of the city's most high profile and notorious homicides. Dafna's commitment to holding killers accountable is fueled by a sense of responsibility as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, with grandparents murdered by Nazis. In 2019, she had the opportunity to prosecute Neo Nazi James Harris Jackson, a Hitler fan who said he came to NYC with the intention of killing Black men, and murdered Timothy Caughman. It was the first time a white supremacist was prosecuted as a domestic terrorist in the U.S. "This prosecution closed a circle for me: I got to hold a Nazi accountable for killing an innocent person," the Senior Trial Counsel says. But her idea of holding people accountable doesn't necessarily mean prison time. When she prosecuted Matthew Lee for inadvertently killing an elderly professor while robbing him at an ATM, she felt that "a long prison sentence was not appropriate under these circumstances and determined to resolve the case in a different way." In collaboration with the victims family who "got to see the defendant as a human being, not the monster they imagined," she successfully spearheaded the first Restorative Justice case in a NYC homicide. Yoran, wife of Peruvian artist Ana De Orbegoso, began her career at a time when the unspoken rule was "women had to wear skirts in court." Yoran said to her boss, "Do you want me to wear a skirt or do you want me to think, because I can't do both at the same time! I was then the first woman to wear a pants suit on trial in New York County."

Another bio of hers from the Film Forum carries the same theme:

"In 2019, [Dafna Yoran] gave a reduced sentence to a black man who murdered an Asian college professor as he was withdrawing cash from an ATM," Greg Price commented on X. "She said that it was under the guise of 'restorative justice' and ended up giving him 10 years for manslaughter after he was originally charged with murder."

"Now she's attempting to imprison an innocent man who protected a group of people on the subway."

You cant make this up: Dafna Yoran is the Manhattan prosecutor currently throwing the book at Daniel Penny. In 2019, she gave a reduced sentence to a black man who murdered an asian college professor as he was withdrawing cash from an ATM. She said that it was under the guise pic.twitter.com/Za3kWmNSWL  Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 3, 2024

Combine this with the fact that Alvin Bragg reduced 60% of all felony cases last year to lesser charges last year, yet his office is now trying to lock up a guy who protected people from those criminals. pic.twitter.com/PtGV2gVU7A  Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 3, 2024

Absolutely insane, must-watch clip of Daniel Penny's prosecutor Dafna Yoran. She talks about how she reduced a clear cut felony murder charge to (manslaughter?) because she "felt sorry for the past trauma" that the armed robber had endured. "Restorative justice" insanity. pic.twitter.com/KpJg8GHmt5  captive dreamer (@captivedreamer7) December 4, 2024

Not surprisingly, Yoran is trying to secure a conviction against Penny by playing up the fact he's white and the violent schizophrenic he allegedly killed was black.

From The Daily Mail, "Daniel Penny prosecutors show shocking evidence to jury before they begin deliberations - as former Marine stands accused of killing homeless man Jordan Neely":

Assistant DA Yoran on Tuesday warned the jury their verdict should not rely upon whether they themselves would be grateful for Penny's intervention, or weigh testimony from the Marine veteran's loved ones that he is a 'good man.' 'What is so tragic about this case, is that even though the defendant started out doing the right thing a man died,' she said. 'He was given all the signs he needed to stop. He ignored them. He must be held accountable for that.' She continued: 'You're not here to decide whether you'd want to ride alone on the train with Jordan Neely. 'That is not what this case is about. The only thing you need to determine here is whether or not the evidence here proves the defendant killed Jordan Neely.'

Yeah, just ignore the fact he was defending everyone on the train! That's not relevant to the case!

Yoran implored the jury to find Penny guilty of manslaughter  a charge which carries a maximum term of 15 years behind bars. She told jurors in great detail how Mr Neely 'clawed at his own neck with his nails' as he fought against the chokehold in those crucial first few minutes, before ultimately urinating on himself and losing consciousness. She described the negligent homicide charge  the lesser of the two  as essentially a fallback charge which should be applied if the jury is not convinced Penny committed manslaughter. 'You, the jurors, should unequivocally state with your verdict that no person's life can be so unjustifiably snuffed out,' she said.

Go ahead and snuff Penny's life out though so Yoran here can get another conviction of a "Nazi" to satisfy her revenge fantasies!

'If the defendant is not justified in killing Mr Neely, then killing him is a crime. But what crime is it? Manslaughter in the 2nd degree is a reckless killing  not intentional.' Yoran told jurors being 'reckless' in this case, requires Penny to have been aware his actions put Mr Neely at 'substantial risk of death.' 'You have to be aware, and that what you're doing is a major departure from what a reasonable person would do,' she said.

Yoran sought to use Penny's service to our country against him:

Ms Yafna also cited Penny's Marine Corps training, arguing that he should have had a clearer understanding of the risks of his actions given his military experience. 'Beyond that, she said it is 'common sense.' 'We all know we need air to breathe and that it goes through your throat. 'You know how fragile throats are. It's hard to imagine that there is anyone out there who wouldn't be aware of that possibility  if not probability.' While Yafna argued she does not have to prove a motive, she said it was clear based on the evidence that Penny had overlooked Mr Neely's 'humanity.' She shared footage from Penny's police interview in which he repeatedly referred to Neely as 'just a crackhead.'

At the time, Penny did not know Neely was dead. He also was not aware that police had brought in the District Attorney's office, who were behind double-sided glass and instructing police which questions to ask, according to the defense. But Yoran said it was telling that Penny never once asked about Neely's wellbeing during this interview. 'During his whole interview, the defendant never says 'oh hey, how is that guy doing? Is he okay? Did he make it?' Imagine not even caring enough to ask that. 'The defendant, as empathetic as he may be, seems to have a real blind spot for Mr Neely,' she said. 'Maybe we, too, have othered them. Lumping them all together like this the way he does. But the context is telling here. 'When the defendant is talking like this, he knows he very likely killed him. Can you imagine a reasonable person speaking like this about a human being that he or she had just killed? 'There is something else that is glaringly missing in this statement. Any regret. Any remorse. Any self-reflection of 'maybe I went too far.'

Yoran is ultimately just urging the jury to find Penny guilty of being white -- the ultimate high crime in the New America.

As we saw with the similar political persecutions of Ian Cranston and Derek Chauvin, she very well may succeed.

Read more at: InformationLiberation.com
Beef, milk supply TAINTED with new BlackRock-backed animal drug called Bovaer that claims to stop animal farts

A new drug called Bovaer is being slipped into the U.S. food supply as a means to stop climate change, or so we are told.

Beef and dairy cattle are eating the drug, made by DSM-firmenich  BlackRock is a major shareholder in DSM-firmenich, by the way  as part of an effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) to decrease animal methane releases and thus cool planetary temperatures.

The idea was hatched back in 2006. The FAO started fearmongering about cattle casting a "long shadow" with their flatulence, which comes out slightly warm and stinky much to the chagrin of the globalists who fear that the weather might get too hot if something is not done to cap those smelly fumes.

A report issued at that time by the UN claimed that livestock is responsible for 18 percent of the world's greenhouse gases. It turns out this figure was pulled out of a bull's behind, so to speak.

(Related: Did you hear that the FDA just approved a new drug called 3-NOP for dairy cattle that supposedly stops them from farting  but at what cost?)

Animal farts are normal

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, an air quality specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences at UC Davis, says the report and its claims are wildly flawed. And the FAO was later forced to admit that Mitloehner is right.

"I must say honestly that he has a point," commented one of the study's authors about Mitloehner's discovery that the paper only looked at "the tailpipe emissions of cars" rather than conduct "a comprehensive life-cycle assessment."

"We factored in everything for meat emissions, and we didn't do the same thing with transport  we just used the figure from the IPCC ..."

The researchers now admit that while they did conduct a full life-cycle analysis on meat, taking into account both direct and indirect emissions, the only thing factored in as far as the transportation of meat is concerned was direct emissions, "leaving out activities like extracting fuel or the disposal of old cars."

"While FAO researchers initially stuck with their 18 percent figure based on their confidence in what makes up total emissions worldwide, a subsequent FAO study calculated global livestock emissions slightly lower, at 14.5 percent."

Mitloehner says that the way to create "less heat," if that is what the climate cultists are worried about, is to do "smarter animal farming, not less farming."

"Producing less meat and milk will only mean more hunger in poor countries," he warns.

It turns out that the original FAO report from 2006 that started all this does not even contain evidence to back the claim that the "livestock sector" is responsible for producing too many greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

Much of the public confusion over the supposed role that meat and milk play in climate change is attributable to just two sentences in the report that are printed only in the executive summary and nowhere else in the body of the text:

"The livestock sector is a major player, responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents). This is a higher share than transport."

Both of these sentences are factually wrong, and yet these false claims serve as the foundation of a decades-long quest by climate lunatics to stamp out animal flatulence and other natural processes that they strangely fear are going to destroy the planet.

"Methane emitted by livestock is part of the biogenic carbon cycle, a natural process," Mitloehner says.

The latest news about the climate cult's efforts to mass-drug meat animals with anti-farting drugs can be found at ClimateAlarmism.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheReaderApp.com

NaturalNews.com
Calls for Bill Gates to be arrested swell after billionaire eugenicist calls India a testing ground for his chemical experiments

The world is waking up to the ugly truth about billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates of Microsoft fame.

In a recent interview  watch below  Gates casually admitted that he is experimenting on poor people in developing India, a country he described as "kind of a laboratory to try things."

"Then, when you prove them out in India, you can take to other places," Gates said about how his chemical experiments in India allow him to then export those chemicals to sell in other countries.

"And so, our biggest non-U.S. office for the [Gates Foundation] is in, is in India and the most number of pilot rollout things we're doing anywhere in the world are with partners in India."

"It's kind of a laboratory to try things." Bill Gates is saying the quiet part out loud: India is a testing ground for his scientists to perform their experiments. pic.twitter.com/LBcjSkMTOR  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 3, 2024

(Related: Rumors are circulating that the days of Bill Gates having any power over anything "are numbered.")

World calls for Bill Gates to be prosecuted

Gates has always had trouble reading the room, but these latest callous statements in reference to human beings he is using as human guinea pigs is prompting such widespread outrage that the cringe, in this case, is truly off the charts.

"Arrest Bill Gates for crimes against humanity," tweeted Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10).

Pharmaceutical and vaccine giant Pfizer is also highly active in India where the rules and regulations are much easier to bend. Pfizer tests deadly, experimental drugs on the Indian people before proceeding to commercially sell those same drugs to people throughout the West.

"If your governments weren't under the influence of the World Economic Forum's young global leaders, they would never have opposed government agencies conducting their own clinical trials for new medicines entering the country," tweeted "OurVoicesMatter" (@OV_Matter).

"Just look at what happened with Pfizer when India proposed conducting their own trials."

Another person on X / Twitter could not help but notice how casually and openly Gates talks about his eugenics agenda.

"Treating a whole country as a testing ground shows a complete lack of respect for its people," this person said in the kindest possible way about who Gates really is.

"Seriously, why do they let this lunatic do this stuff??" asked another about Gates. "He's not a doctor! He's some psycho egomaniac that for some reason some clowns listen to."

It is not just greed that drives Gates but also mass death, suggested another about the psychopathic nature of Gates, which is apparent every time he opens his mealy mouth to start dispensing his reprobate thoughts.

"Is he saying that there are so many Indians that it doesn't matter, or that their lives are worth less?" wrote another. "If he is, that is actual racism, as opposed to the bigotry that is normally labeled as racism in the media etc."

Another chimed in that this is par for the course in India, which is being ravaged and raped by multinational corporations and Western government for profit.

"Although there have been great strides made in the last few years on the infrastructure and economic front and especially in the space and tech front, and Despite conventional PR, India has become a free for all for thugs and free for all gunda Raj due to the loss of any sense of long term vision based on fundamentals, loss of identity, loss of sovereignty, with too many home grown enemies (portrayed as social justice warriors fighting for democracy) amplified by outside influences that are working hard to Balkanize and destroy the civilization piece meal," tweeted "shashi kusuma" (@ShashiKusuma).

"This is yet another example of such debauchery."

Bill Gates is a mass murderer, even though he still roams free as a "philanthropist." Find out more at Evil.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

X.com

NaturalNews.com
TRADE WAR: China bans export of raw materials to U.S. for high-tech and military applications

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (PRC) has announced a ban on exports to the United States of several raw materials that could be manufactured for high-tech and military applications.

Among the raw materials that were banned were gallium, germanium and antimony. The Commerce Ministry announced the move after Washington, D.C. expanded its list of Chinese corporations subject to export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, software and high-bandwidth memory chips, citing concerns over national security. (Related: Chinese drone maker DJI sues Defense Department over inclusion in ChiCom military company list.)

"China has lodged stern protests with the U.S. for its update of the semiconductor export control measures, sanctions against Chinese companies and malicious suppression of China's technological progress," said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian. "I want to reiterate that China firmly opposed the U.S. overstretching the concept of national security, abuse of export control measures and illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Chinese companies."

The new export bans strengthen the enforcement of existing limits on critical minerals exports that China started implementing in July 2023. These export restrictions apply only to the American market and are expected to get worse after President-elect Donald Trump takes office and escalates the trade war.

Fears rising over potential expansion in raw materials placed under export controls

Antimony is used in flame retardants, batteries, night-vision goggles, bullets and other weaponry and even for nuclear weapons production. Gallium is necessary for the manufacturing of computer chips for smartphones, cars and other related products. Germanium is needed for the manufacture of solar panels, infrared technologies, fiber optic cables and certain military technologies.

China is the world's largest producer of antimony, gallium and germanium. The U.S. gets about half of its gallium and germanium directly from China.

All three minerals are considered critical for China's national security, and the Commerce Ministry said it would act to protect its "rights and interests" in the face of Washington placing another 140 Chinese corporations on its "entity list" subject to stricter export controls.

The expansion of the entity list comes as Beijing grows increasingly frustrated by American curbs on access to advanced processor chips and other semiconductor technology, also on grounds of national security. But before this export ban, it had been cautious in retaliating over fears that any offensive action could disrupt the country's fledgling semiconductor manufacturing industry as well as the possibility of negative knock-on effects on other tech sectors like artificial intelligence.

The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden said it was assessing the new restrictions and would take "necessary steps" to respond.

"These new controls only underscore the importance of strengthening our efforts with other countries to de-risk and diversify critical supply chains away from PRC," said a White House spokesperson.

The American private sector has also raised concerns, not so much due to the current restrictions but over fears that Beijing could target other critical minerals, including those with broad non-military and non-tech applications, like nickel and cobalt.

"China has been signaling for some time that it's willing to take these steps, so when is the U.S. going to learn its lesson?" said Todd Malan, chief external affairs officer and head of climate strategy at Talon Metals, which is developing a copper and nickel mine in Minnesota.

Learn more about the tensions between China and the United States at CommunistChina.news.

Watch this clip from Sky News Australia as experts discuss preparations being made by Beijing for future "trade conflict" with the United States as soon as Trump is inaugurated.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Your private call and text data was just stolen by China because it hacked U.S. government's illegal surveillance tool that spies on us all.

Report: Tariffs during Trump's first term helped U.S. decouple from China.

China's new hypersonic weapon could tip the scales in future conflicts in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

APNews.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Trumps incoming FCC chairman vows to dismantle censorship cartel of Big Tech companies

Newly appointed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has vowed to end the "censorship cartel" of Big Tech companies threatening free speech online

In a recent interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," the 45-year-old Republican commissioner revealed that the independent agency should "restore Americans' right to free speech." He vowed to dismantle the "censorship cartel" of Big Tech companies. (Related: Trump's FCC chairman pick vows to dismantle leftist disinformation cartel.)

"Combating tech censorship is going to be one of the top priorities for me," Carr told host Maria Bartiromo. "Facebook and other companies, have been part of a censorship cartel that has worked with advertisers. They have worked with government officials to censor the free speech rights of everyday Americans. That's got to end because censorship isn't just about stopping words. It's about stopping ideas. America is a country of founders, of people that have pushed boundaries, pushed frontiers."

The incoming FCC chairman also asserted that innovation and prosperity are linked to the free exchange of ideas. He warned the public of the economic and cultural consequences of suppressing free speech. "America is a country of founders, of people that have pushed boundaries, pushed frontiers. They've innovated and when you silence speech, you silence ideas and we unleash America's prosperity again."

Moreover, Carr claimed that there is a tie between the fight against censorship and broader political movements.

"That's why you feel this vibe-shifting in the country where people know President Trump is about to lead another great American comeback because this wet blanket of government control is going away and our economy is going to flourish again," he said.

Carr asks Google, Microsoft, Meta and Apple to disclose their association with NewsGuard and "censorship cartel"

In line with this, Carr sent a letter addressed to the CEOs of tech giants on Nov. 13, days before Trump revealed his promotion from senior Republican commissioner to permanent chairman of the FCC.

The letter was sent to Google's Sundar Pichai, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook to seek clarity on their associations with NewsGuard, a controversial for-profit "fact-checking" media rating firm and their broader involvement in content moderation practices.

"Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft and others have played central roles in the censorship cartel," Carr wrote in an X post on Nov. 15 alongside the letter. "The Orwellian named NewsGuard along with 'fact-checking' groups and ad agencies helped enforce one-sided narratives."

Carr, whom Trump hailed as a "warrior for free speech" while announcing his promotion to FCC chairman, called for Big Tech companies to disclose their use of NewsGuard services and similar fact-checking entities. The correspondence, which asked for a response by Dec. 10, stressed the potential implications of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which grants liability protections to online platforms acting "in good faith."

Visit SpeechPolice.news for more stories about government censorship of online speech.

Watch this episode of "The Fascist New World Order Podcast" which touches on hate speech.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

European journalists announce they'll be leaving Elon Musk's X by January 2025 because they "despise free speech."

Free speech concerns in the U.K. rise as communications regulator expands team to enforce online censorship laws.

Free speech org launches public push to change law protecting Big Tech censorship.

Free speech VICTORY: Federal appeals court rules Texas can enforce anti-censorship law aimed at social media platforms.

Free speech becomes roadkill in the crackdown on Canadian truckers.

Sources include:

Reclaimthenet.org

NYPost.com 1

NYPost.com 2

Brighteon.com
Newsom calls on state legislature to approve his $25 million budget for filing lawsuits against Trump

Gov. Gavin Newsom has convened the California State Legislature to approve his proposed $25 million budget for filing lawsuits against anticipated changes in the federal government under the incoming second administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Shortly after the results of the federal elections, Newsom, known as a vocal critic of Trump, convened a special legislative session to "Trump proof" the state and safeguard California's progressive policies against potential actions by the incoming Trump administration. State lawmakers swore in more than two dozen new members and elected leaders for the 2025 legislative session.

"I just called an emergency special session to help bolster our legal resources and protect our state against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump administration," Newsom posted on X on Nov. 8. "Whether it be our fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, or climate action  we refuse to turn back the clock and allow our values and laws to be attacked." (Related: Georgia appeals court cancels hearing to disqualify Fani Willis from Trump RICO case.)

In line with this, Newsom and the state legislature started the session on Dec. 2. Among the first proposals introduced was Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's (D-Encino) bill to allocate $25 million to the California Department of Justice for legal fees. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) supplemented this effort with a $10 million provision to support city and county attorneys in defending progressive local policies.

Moreover, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced new legislation that would safeguard reproductive rights, including penalties for local governments that attempt to restrict access to abortion.

Newsom stressed that his administration would not simply react to Trump's policies, but would go against them. He even stated the past successes in reversing Trump policies at the agency level, such as restoring $1 billion in high-speed rail funding under President Joe Biden. Additionally, he noted his collaboration with the Trump administration during the pandemic while maintaining the legal challenges of California against federal actions.

Trump and Republicans criticize Newsom and his Democratic allies for their legislative special session

Republican lawmakers in California sharply criticized Newsom and his Democratic allies as they convened for the legislative special session.

State Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) argued that the session could inflame tensions between California and the federal government.

"What we're doing today is sending that exact message  that we are going to fight tooth and nail for everything. And you know what? That means they're going to fight us tooth and nail for everything," Seyarto said of the proposed legislation.

Trump echoed a similar statement on his Truth Social platform after Newsom announced his plans. He even accused Newsom of doing everything to prevent California from becoming "great again."

"Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nation's beautiful California. For the first time ever, more people are leaving than are coming in. He is using the term 'Trump-Proof' as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to 'Make California Great Again,'" said Trump. "But I just overwhelmingly won the Election. People are being forced to leave due to his and other's, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS, like the ridiculously rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities and farms dotted all throughout California."

"They are making it impossible to build a reasonably priced car, the unchecked and unbalanced homeless catastrophe and the cost of EVERYTHING, in particular 'groceries,' IS OUT OF CONTROL," the president-elect continued.

Head over to Trump.news for similar stories.

Watch this video about talk show host Ellen DeGeneres leaving the U.S. permanently after Trump's win, something Reid Hoffman is also considering.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Tucker Carlson: Biden administration wants to leave Trump with a crushing global conflict.

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Trump says new Mexican president "agreed to stop migration through Mexico"  but she begs to differ.

Trump announces 21 of 24 cabinet nominations: here's an update (Kash Patel just nominated to head FBI).

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman considers leaving the U.S. following Trump's election win.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com 1

Breitbart.com 2

SMDailyJournal.com

Brighteon.com
Yes, the president can deploy troops to enforce immigration law

President-elect Trumps confirmation last month of his plan to deploy military assets for immigration enforcement sparked a constitutional debate. Legal scholars and commentators quickly declared such action forbidden by long-standing prohibitions on military involvement in domestic law enforcement. But this conventional wisdom misreads both the letter and spirit of American law. A careful examination of a pair of longstanding statutes reveals military support for immigration enforcement is permissible.

(Article by Patrick O'Malley and Joe Buccino republished from RealClearWire.com)

The issue hinges on two 19th century laws: the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 and the Insurrection Act of 1807. When properly understood, both allow the President to use active-duty military forces to support the deportation of illegal immigrants.

Posse Comitatus: A Firewall Between the Military and Law Enforcement

Since our nation's founding, Americans have been wary of standing armies and their role in civilian affairs. Concerns about military involvement in domestic law enforcement dates back to colonial experiences under British rule, particularly the quartering of British troops in civilian homes and their use to enforce British law. This experience was so troubling that it influenced several key elements of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Third Amendment, ratified in 1791, explicitly prohibits American soldiers from occupying private homes inside the county during peacetime. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, informed by a distrust of a large military force employed against its citizenry, codified the separation of military and civilian law enforcement. This act established a firewall between military force and civilian law enforcement.

The term posse comitatus, Latin for power of the country, dates back to the medieval England tradition of local sheriffs organizing citizens to assist in maintaining public order. A form of this practice made its way to the American Old West: sheriffs called for volunteers  a posse of the county  to chase down bandits. This power allowed sheriffs to deputize civilians to temporarily suppress lawlessness and maintain order.

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 derives its name from this practice with a crucial distinction: it specifically prohibits the military from acting as this civilian force. The law's architects recognized that using soldiers instead of citizens for domestic law enforcement would fundamentally alter the relationship between military power and civil society. They sought to ensure that federal troops were kept out of local law enforcement.

Yet this legislative barrier against using military force for domestic law enforcement is not absolute. Congress regularly makes exceptions, allowing military support to civilian law enforcement for actions such as protecting federal property, conducting domestic counterterror operations, engaging in counterdrug efforts. In cases related to immigration enforcement, courts have ruled the Posse Comitatus Act only prohibits direct military involvement in law enforcement actions such as detaining citizens. Support activities, from transportation to surveillance, remain legal. This distinction between direct enforcement and support operations provides the legal basis for President-elect Trump's proposed use of military assets in his planned deportation program.

Military Assets Against Illegal Immigration Today: U.S. Troops at the Southwest Border

The military currently provides support for immigration enforcement. Today, roughly 4,000 service members assist Customs and Border Protection along the southwest border. They operate surveillance aircraft, transport Border Patrol personnel, and maintain vehicles. These activities fall within the established legal framework for military support of immigration operations.

The incoming administration has the potential to significantly expand this support role. Military aircraft could transport detainees, military installations could provide temporary housing facilities, and military personnel could assist with administrative and logistical tasks. None of these activities would violate Posse Comitatus because they do not involve direct law enforcement actions.

The Insurrection Act: A Broad Authority for Military Force

But what about using military forces to support law enforcement and enforce the law? This is where the Insurrection Act becomes crucial.

The Insurrection Act, a composite of laws enacted between 1792 and 1807, represents a significant exception to the traditional separation of military and civilian law enforcement in the United States. The act grants presidents extraordinary power to deploy federal troops on American soila power that is typically forbidden but also vitally important to the success of federalism.

The act's broad language, largely unchanged since the Civil War, allows presidents to deploy troops whenever they believe domestic unrest, rebellion, or resistance to federal law makes normal enforcement impossible. This extensive authority is rooted in Congress's constitutional power to call forth the militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions, as described in the Constitution. The act effectively creates a presidential override of the prohibitions against using military forces for domestic law enforcement. What was initially conceived as an emergency power for a young nation now stands as a powerful tool for President-elect Trump, who might see state resistance to federal immigration enforcement as justification for military deployment.

Illegal Immigrant Safe Havens: Local Government Resistance to Federal Law

Some jurisdictions have already declared their intention to resist federal immigration enforcement. Six states have already publicly announced plans to resist President-elect Trump's plan to deport thousands of undocumented immigrants. Under the Insurrection Act, such resistance justifies the use of military force.

The deployment of military forces by a president inside the United States to enforce the law when local governments refuse to do so is not unprecedented. This happened several times during the Civil Rights era, most famously when President Eisenhower invoked the Insurrection Act to send the 101st Airborne to Little Rock in 1957 when state officials obstructed federal desegregation orders. Nearly seven decades later, the principle remains unchanged: local authorities cannot nullify federal law. If they attempt to do so, the President has authority to direct military power to enforce it. Invocation of the Insurrection Act in such an instance would permit American troops to detain undocumented immigrants inside the United States.

The Constitution provides remedies when state and local authorities obstruct federal law enforcement. The incoming administration has legal authority to use military assets to support immigration enforcement. Those who claim otherwise misunderstand both the law and its historical context.

Read more at: RealClearWire.com
Report: Denver mayor spent $356 million on services for MIGRANTS

Democratic Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has spent a whopping $356 million in taxpayer money on migrants , a new report has revealed.

The report was penned by the Colorado-based Common Sense Institute (CSI), a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the American economy. CSI recently released an updated version of its report, which is based on data from the city government.

According to the CSI, the $356 million constitutes eight percent of the city's $4.4 billion budget for 2025. Education for the children of illegals comprises the biggest portion of the $365 million, with the rest covering healthcare, accommodation, transport and childcare.

"The total cost to Denver metro schools related to new migrant students is $228 million annually, which would equate to one to two percent of the total state K-12 education budget for the 2024-2025 academic year," the CSI report said.

As per the Times of India, approximately 45,000 migrants have entered the Denver metropolitan area since December 2022. Of this number, 16,197 migrant students have joined local schools.

"Previous CSI reporting estimated the per-student cost of instruction and support in the Denver metro to be $14,100 per year," reported the Times of India. "Assuming this cost across all recent migrant students totals $228 million."

The report also pointed out that Denver's healthcare system has reached critical capacity. CSI wrote: "With 16,760 [migrant] visits to Denver metro emergency departments from December 2022 to the present, providers would have delivered [$49 million] of uncompensated care to migrants."

According to the report, Denver's peak migrant influx in January led to projected spending of $180 million through 2024, though actual expenditure tracking by the city shows approximately $79 million.

The report continued: "Of the total, 34.5 percent has been spent on facilities including hotels; 29.4 percent on personnel; 14 percent on services; and 11 percent on food." (Related: Denver publishes guide on how other cities can turn themselves into migrant sanctuaries using taxpayer dollars.)

Sanctuary city Denver at odds with border czar Tom Homan

"As a sanctuary city, Denver neither enforces immigration law nor collaborates with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents," the Times of India noted. "Under the Biden-Harris administration, Denver has experienced an unprecedented migrant influx, leading Johnston to reduce city services  including recreation center operations and spring flower bed installations  while accessing contingency funds."

Denver's status as a sanctuary for illegals has put it at odds with border czar Tom Homan. The former acting ICE director has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to implement his border security and mass deportation plans. During an appearance on Fox News, Homan told the network's Sean Hannity that he was more than glad to put Johnston behind bars.

"All he has to do is look at Arizona v. U.S., and he would see he's breaking the law," said Homan, referencing the decision reaffirming the federal government's authority to enforce immigration law. "But look, me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing. He's willing to go to jail, I'm willing to put him in jail."

"President Trump has been clear: We want to concentrate on public safety threats and national security threats. And I find it shocking that any mayor of the city would say they don't want public safety threats removed from their neighborhoods."

The border czar's remarks followed Johnston stating his readiness to challenge Trump's mass deportation policy for illegals, something the Democratic mayor dubbed as "illegal, immoral or un-American." He expressed willingness to be jailed for defending his city's sanctuary status.

"Yeah, I'm not afraid of that, and I'm also not seeking that. I think the goal is we want to be able to negotiate with reasonable people [on] how to solve hard problems."

Head over to Migrants.news for more stories about Denver and other sanctuary cities for migrants.

Watch border czar Tom Homan telling Sean Hannity that he is willing to jail Denver Mayor Mike Johnston during a Fox News appearance with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Chicago's Black community slams city officials over $51 million fund for migrants.

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Trump's new border czar warns that leaders of sanctuary cities could be prosecuted for harboring illegals.

Denver mayor backtracks after saying he'll oppose Trumps deportation efforts with 50,000 resistance activists.

As city reaches "breaking point," officials in sanctuary city Denver begin EVICTING illegals from overcrowded shelters.

Sources include:

MSN.com 1

MSN.com 2

Brighteon.com
South Korea briefly under martial law after President Yoon banned all political activities and placed military in charge

Civil war has descended upon South Korea this week after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a first for the country since 1980.

The announcement came on Tuesday when Yoon issued a public statement that the immediate deployment of South Korea's military to the streets was necessary "to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrowing the regime of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people."

"All political activities" were temporarily restricted, including all political parties, rallies, and even the National Assembly (similar to the U.S. Congress) itself. All "fake news" was prohibited as well with the South Korean military having been given the green light to do whatever is necessary to preserve "liberal democracy."

(Related: Back in early fall, South Korea told the world that North Korea would join Russia in fighting Ukraine starting on November 1 of this year.)

National Assembly's vote to end martial law denied

Reports outline the following six changes that were made on Dec. 3, 2024, in South Korea as part of Yoon's martial law declaration:

1) All political activities of any kind are banned

2) All acts "that deny or attempt to overthrow" the status quo are prohibited

3) All media and publications must submit to the control of the Martial Law Command

4) All strikes, rallies, and work stoppages and protests are prohibited

5) All medical doctors, including trainee physicians, who are currently on strike or who have left the medical field have to return to their jobs within 48 hours and "work faithfully"

"Those who violate will be punished in accordance with the Martial Law," the declaration states.

6) All "innocent" and "ordinary citizens" in South Korea are subject to strict measures that will "minimize inconvenience in their daily lives," save for anti-state forces and other subversive forces whose lives are to get more difficult.

"Violators of the above proclamation may be arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Authority of the Martial Law Commander), and will be punished in accordance with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act (Penalties)," the announcement, made by Martial Law Commander and Army General Park An-su.

Within a day, the National Assembly voted down the martial law declaration, this being the only legal means through which to end it. There was chaos for about 24 hours, and now things are reportedly back to normal  though Dominic Michael Tripi (@DMichaelTripi) on X / Twitter had this to say about why martial law is technically still in place in South Korea:

"Martial law is to remain in place as the votes casted to reverse the decision were invalid as the National Assembly was not allowed to meet during martial law period."

This was confirmed by The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief Michelle Ye Hee Lee who revealed that only Yoon can lift the martial law declaration despite the parliament's vote against it.

"'Democracy' has the most fluid definition these days," wrote another on X / Twitter.

"A coup attempt," suggested another about what might be happening behind the scenes. "The Parliament unanimously opposed, but will it be successful?"

Another wrote that there is no apparent threat in play, at least as far as the general public is privy to the matter, that warrants Yoon declaring martial law like this.

"I did not see any description of a great threat so it sounds like a fake threat," this person lyrically rhymed.

The latest news about political tensions all around the world can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Trudeau meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago, agrees to crack down on illegal border crossings and drug trafficking

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has allegedly made an agreement with President-elect Donald Trump and his team to combat illegal border crossings and drug trafficking in exchange for a better deal on future tariffs against Canada

In November, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he would "sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent tariff on all products coming into the United States and its ridiculous open borders" once he takes office on Jan. 20, 2025. (Related: REPORT: Tariffs during Trump's first term would help U.S. decouple from China.)

"This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Trump added. "Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!"

Just days after the announcement, Trudeau was seen dining with Trump along with several other individuals, including Big Tech billionaire Elon Musk, Senator-elect David McCormick (R-PA) and his wife, former Deputy National Security Adviser Dina Powell, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and his wife, Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick and his wife and National Security Adviser-designate Mike Waltz and his wife.

Accompanying Trudeau were Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanch and his Chief of Staff Katie Telford.

The meeting, held at Mar-a-Lago on Nov. 30, focused on fostering cooperation to tackle pressing cross-border issues, including the fentanyl epidemic and trade disparities. Trump confirmed their meeting in another post on his Truth Social account and called it "very productive."

"I just had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, where we discussed many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address, like the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration, Fair Trade Deals that do not jeopardize American Workers and the massive Trade Deficit the U.S. has with Canada," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

"I made it very clear that the United States will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic, caused mainly by the Drug Cartels, and Fentanyl pouring in from China. Too much death and hardship!" he added. "Prime Minister Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families. We also spoke about many other important topics like Energy, Trade and the Arctic. All are vital issues that I will be addressing on my first days back in Office and before."

Trudeau faces backlash for speaking against tariffs and then meeting with Trump

The meeting came after Trudeau spoke against tariffs. In an interview on Nov. 29 at the Canadian Maritime province of Prince Edward Island, Trudeau warned the public that these tariffs would harm both American consumers and businesses while undermining the North American trade pact.

Trudeau also pointed out that the tariffs could raise prices for American goods, including Canadian exports like Prince Edward Island Potatoes, which contradicts Trump's promise to reduce grocery costs.

Instead of gaining praise for meeting Trump, Trudeau faced backlash on X.

"Canadian PM Justin Trudeau meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Justin Trudeau mocked Trump behind his back. I hope President Trump concedes nothing to this fraud at their meeting. Justin Trudeau Should Resign Before Destroying Canada," one X user posted, along with the photos and videos of Trump and Trudeau during the dinner.

Follow Trump.news for more stories like this.

Watch the video below about Trump's tax cuts when he was still president five years ago.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Trump's tax free America beckons.

Sources include:

Modernity.news

APNews.com

Brighteon.com
The Far North Queensland company is offering visitors the chance to get close to crocodiles while riding on jet skis.

Tourists visiting Cairns can can do a croc-spotting tour on the back of a jet ski. Source: Terra-Marine Adventure Co.

Aussies are "dumbfounded" by the promotion of a seemingly popular tourist attraction in Far North Queensland waters  an area known for its abundance of freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. The ancient reptiles can be incredibly dangerous with authorities continually warning people to be cautious and avoid croc-prone areas where possible.

But those visiting the region will "have the opportunity to check out these ancient creatures from a distance while on the safety of a jet ski," Cairns tour company Terra-Marine Adventure Co (T-MAC) has advertised on Facebook recently. The company specialises in croc tours allowing people to get as close as five metres to the predators while riding the watercraft.

Photos shared on social media show smiling tourists riding jet skis, some with a large croc in the background. And while many are seen on sandbanks, metres away from people, crocs can swim inconspicuously beneath the water too, making many believe the water activity is unsafe.

But speaking with Yahoo News Australia on Thursday, lead tour guide Kai Walsh defended the company's tour saying "people are always aware of what they're getting into". He said the safety of the tourists relies on "common sense".

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"There are wild crocs in the water, so people need to be competent and aware. If they're stupid and they want to fall in, then that's on them," he added.

The tour company based in Cairns promotes 'croc spotting jet ski tours'. Source: Terra-Marine Adventure Co.

Locals react to croc country jet-ski tour: 'Stupid'

Similar tours are available through various companies across the region, but T-MAC's recent post sparked bewilderment among many. Some were quick to label the attraction as "stupid" while others slammed the organisers as "absolute morons".

"It's an "accident waiting to happen," some on social media expressed. "Only a matter of time," another said.

"What happens to a skier when you hit a croc just under the surface mid-river? Ski flips, cranky croc, long swim to shore. Good luck fools," another feared, while someone else said, "this cant be real".

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Crocodiles can be found in estuaries and beaches around Tropical North Queensland as well as in rivers, lagoons and swamps hundreds of kilometres from the sea, authorities warn. So many argue cruising Cairns waterways on jet skis is not a good idea.

Especially because the watercraft can reach a high speed quickly, increasing the risk of losing control which could result in falling off and into the water. If this happens, tourists fear being targeted by crocs.

A Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson told Yahoo News people are responsible for their own safety in croc country.

"People are advised to avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards," they said. "The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk  crocodiles have taken people from small vessels."

Jet-ski tour guide says participants undertake safety briefing

Asked if he considered the activity dangerous, Walsh told Yahoo "I would consider it dangerous, yeah". But those wishing to participate are required to undergo an extensive safety briefing before heading out, he confirmed. There's also a weight limit of 180kgs  above that there's more chance of falling off the jet ski.

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Walsh admitted, "multiple people have fallen into the water" during his four years with the company, but they're advised to jump back on as soon as possible.

Responding to the backlash, the tour operator said if people aren't confident then he suggests they shouldn't participate.

"If you're scared and you think something's going to go wrong, I wouldn't suggest it," he told Yahoo. "I've done it thousands of times, I've seen crocs thousands of times, and I've not had a single incident with a croc."

Riders don't need to have a jet ski licence, the company states. Source: Terra-Marine Adventure Co.

What are the jet ski licence rules in Queensland?

Over the past five years, there have been three jet-ski-related deaths in Queensland, according to authorities. The tour company says "no drivers licence is required" to operate one of their jet skis during the tour. Despite this Walsh says they've not had a single accident.

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In Queensland, it's understood both a recreational marine licence and a personal watercraft licence are required to operate a personal watercraft (which includes jet skis). However, under 'Hire and Drive' legislation, you don't need a licence if you are participating in an organised trip under the supervision of an appropriately qualified guide  who must be on board the watercraft.

It's an offence to operate a watercraft without a valid licence and it comes with a $533 fine for the operator. If the jet ski is owned by someone else, they can be fined an additional $266.

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Trump hilariously suggests that Canada become the 51st STATE with Trudeau as governor

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that Canada become the 51st U.S. state , with incumbent Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau serving as its governor.

Several sources confirmed this remark to Fox News, noting that the proposal followed Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canadian products. The incoming POTUS announced the tariffs as a punitive measure for Ottawa's failure to secure the northern U.S. border from illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. However, Trump offered potential statehood to Canada if the 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods would cripple Washington's northern neighbor.

According to Fox, the exchange reportedly occurred Friday, Nov. 29 when the Canadian leader flew to Mar-a-Lago unannounced. He enjoyed a dinner with Trump together with other esteemed guests.

"The issues of tariffs, border security and trade deficits were front and center," the outlet noted.

Two people at the table where Trudeau and Trump sat also noted that the U.S. president-elect, while cordial and welcoming to his guest, was "very direct when it came to what he wants." Trump told Trudeau that Canada has failed the northern U.S. border by allowing large amounts of drugs and illegal immigrants from more than 70 countries to pass through. He also highlighted the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, estimating it to be more than $100 billion.

Trump warned that the tariffs would be levied if Ottawa cannot fix the border issues and trade deficit. But the prospect did not sit well with Trudeau, who lamented that it would kill the Canadian economy completely.

The real estate mogul replied: "So your country can't survive unless it's ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion?" Trump then followed up by suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, eliciting nervous laughter from Trudeau and the rest of the Canadian delegation.

Trump wants Canada to step up before Jan. 20

Trump continued by saying that while Trudeau could still be the governor of the hypothetical 51st state, the Canadian leader's current prime minister title sounds better. Someone at the table then chimed in, telling Trump that Canada would be a very liberal state  a remark that triggered more laughter. The president-elect quipped back, suggesting that Canada could possibly become two states: one conservative, the other liberal.

Ultimately, the real estate mogul warned Trudeau that if the Canadian leader cannot handle his list of demands without ripping the U.S. off in trade, maybe Canada should really become a state or two and Trudeau could become a governor. "While sources say the exchange got many laughs, Trump delivered the message that he expected change by Jan. 20," Fox News pointed out. (Related: Maxime Bernier says a second Trump administration would be beneficial to Canada.)

The nearly three-hour conversation and dinner touched on other topics, with the Canadian delegation praising the reception as "very friendly and very positive." Representatives for Trump and Trudeau did not immediately respond to a request sent for comment sent by the media agency.

But according to Breitbart News, Trump's joke about Canada being the 51st U.S. state was partly a form of "payback for Trudeau making jokes at Trump's expense in front of other world leaders in 2019." Days after news of the exchange surfaced, the president-elect poked fun at the idea through a Truth Social post.

Trump uploaded an AI-generated picture of himself on top of a mountain with the Canadian flag flying to his left. "Oh Canada," he captioned, making a subtle dig at the country's national anthem.

"The history of U.S. attempts to conquer Canada is not a happy one," Breitbart News stated. "[U.S.] President James Madison was the last to try in the War of 1812, and was rebuffed by British forces  who were themselves driven back when counterattacking in the United States."

Head over to Trump.news for more stories like this.

Watch Mike Martins commenting on Trump's suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state in this clip.

This video is from the Mike Martins Channel on Brighteon.com.

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New Delhi, Dec 5 : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received a warm welcome from External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday for his two-day official visit to India.

He was accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Taking to X, Jaishankar posted, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today."

"His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship," he further wrote.

During his visit, the Bhutan King will hold a series of bilateral meetings with the Indian leadership to review the diplomatic ties.

The high-level visit, which concludes on Friday, signifies the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect between the two neighbouring nations, said an official press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Bhutan King will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another chapter in the ongoing high-level engagements between the two countries.

Additionally, Jaishankar and other senior officials from the Government of India are set to call on the Bhutan King. These meetings aim to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation, according to the press statement.

India and Bhutan share an extraordinary and exemplary relationship underpinned by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

The foundation of these ties dates back to 1949, when the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in February 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, further solidifying this enduring partnership.

One notable feature of the bilateral relationship between the two nations is their economic interdependence. Approximately 50,000 Indian citizens are employed in Bhutan across various sectors, including construction, education, and infrastructure projects. Some workers even commute daily from India to Bhutan's border towns for their jobs.

This integration demonstrates the depth of cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.

The scope of collaboration has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional areas like hydropower to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and space technology.

Bhutan became the second country to adopt the BHIM App, facilitating financial linkages, and India has supported Bhutan's 'Digital Drukyul' initiative, which aims to build a robust optical fibre network across all 20 districts.

Space cooperation is another promising area of collaboration.

Following the 2019 visit of India's Prime Minister to Bhutan, the jointly developed 'India-Bhutan SAT' was launched in November 2022.

This initiative, along with other technological partnerships, underscores the progressive nature of the bilateral relationship.

In education, India continues to support Bhutan in addressing shortages of STEM teachers, enhancing the country's human resource capabilities.

The King's visit provides an opportunity to review and advance these initiatives, further cementing the long-standing friendship and exploring new frontiers of collaboration between India and Bhutan.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed up to $100 million in cloud credits over the next five years to help underserved students gain skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, literacy and more.

The new programme will provide recipients with cloud credits, which essentially act like cash that organisations can use to offset the costs of using AWS's cloud services.

"Recipients can then take advantage of AWS's comprehensive portfolio of cloud technology and advanced AI services to create innovations such as AI assistants, coding curriculums, connectivity tools, student learning platforms, mobile apps, chatbots, and other technology-based learning experiences," said the company.

Skills in AI, machine learning (ML), cloud computing and computer science can open doors to boundless opportunities for students.

AWS said it is already working with more than 50 organizations from 10 countries, enabling them to use advanced technologies to bring digital learning solutions to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Rocket Learning, an India-based nonprofit that improves access to quality, early-childhood education for underserved children, will scale a project that leverages Amazon Q in AWS QuickSight as a generative business intelligence service to analyse trends and the effectiveness of video and WhatsApp-based content delivered to educators and parents.

This analysis helps optimise content to enhance learning outcomes for children across diverse regions, taking into account varying languages and cultural differences.

In the past year, more than 2 million students have received over 17 million hours of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), literacy, and career development courses through Amazon Future Engineer, a childhood-to-career programme.

AWS's AI and ML Scholarship Programme has awarded $28 million in scholarships to approximately 6,000 students to prepare them for a career in AI.

The company said it will help nonprofits, education technology companies, social enterprises, governments, and corporate social responsibility teams expand access to learning and development opportunities to underrepresented and underserved communities.
Chennai, Dec 5 : Customs officials at Chennai International Airport seized approximately 5,400 red-eared slider turtles on Thursday, valued at around Rs 75 lakh.

These turtles, often sought for their ornamental value, were illegally brought from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Customs officials said that these were discovered in the luggage of two passengers who had arrived from Kuala Lumpur.

The passengers were identified as Ramesh Akash (29) and Tamim Ansari Mohammed Rafique, both residents of Chennai.

Under suspicion, customs officials conducted a thorough inspection of their luggage, uncovering large numbers of live red-eared slider turtles packed in cardboard boxes.

The red-eared slider turtles, typically found in regions such as Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Europe, are commonly kept as ornamental pets in private estates and decorative tanks.

In addition to their ornamental value, these turtles are also believed to possess medicinal properties, fueling their illegal trade.

Officials from the Customs and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) raised serious concerns about the ecological risks associated with introducing these turtles into India.

They warned that the turtles could carry foreign pathogens harmful to Indias native wildlife, birds, and even humans.

Moreover, their introduction could severely disrupt local water ecosystems and the broader environment.

Tamil Nadu Wildlife Department officials consulted with the Union government's WCCB and decided to return the turtles to Malaysia.

The two passengers were arrested and are under investigation for their involvement in the smuggling.

It is to be noted that Chennai International Airport has increasingly become a hub for wildlife smuggling in south India, particularly for species like star tortoises.

Two consecutive seizures of star tortoises at the airport have prompted the Tamil Nadu WCCB to heighten its vigilance.

In a recent operation, air intelligence officials seized 3,600 live star tortoises following a tip-off. These tortoises were destined for Southeast Asia and Gulf countries.

Star tortoises, classified as endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are often collected from areas like Madhanapalli and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.

The WCCB has been conducting random monitoring in these areas to apprehend smugglers and those involved in rearing tortoises for illegal trade.

Recognising the growing problem of wildlife smuggling, organisations like the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are equipping customs officials with capacity-building tools.

These include software and training programmes designed to enhance their ability to identify and intercept smuggled wildlife.

TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network affiliated with WWF, conducted a study highlighting the alarming incidence of wildlife smuggling through Tamil Nadus airports, particularly Chennai.

The study attributes the rise in smuggling to the growth of the aviation sector, which facilitates the smooth transit of rare species to global destinations.

Indias position in global wildlife smuggling ranks among the top 10 countries where the airline sector is frequently used for wildlife smuggling.

Species like the black pond turtle and star tortoise are among the most smuggled wildlife in the country, with Chennai airport serving as a major transit point.

The Tamil Nadu Wildlife Department, in a recent raid in Tiruvallur district bordering Andhra Pradesh, discovered private farms rearing star tortoises for smuggling.

Officials suspect that some local police officers may be complicit in facilitating the smuggling operations.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorised star tortoises as Vulnerable. A proposal to elevate their protection status under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act from Schedule IV to Schedule I has been suggested.

This change would grant them the highest level of legal protection. With support from WWF and UNEP, law enforcement agencies at Chennai airport and other vulnerable locations in Tamil Nadu are better equipped to prevent wildlife smuggling.

These measures are expected to significantly reduce the illegal trade of rare species like star tortoises, black pond turtles and red-eared slider turtles.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the government is setting up 20 new industrial townships across the country, one of which has already started in Noida.

"A lot is happening, and with the active participation of industry, we can achieve much more and much faster. As a country, we need a change in mindset to recognise high quality and sustainability as our calling card as we engage with the world," Goyal said at the Bhart@100 Summit organised by the business chamber Assocham.

He also said that the government is open to the idea of alternative financing models for MSMEs, and entrepreneurship as a course curriculum in all engineering colleges and institutes of higher education would be the way forward.

Recounting the 'Panch Pran' espoused by PM Narendra Modi, the minister said: "To be a developed country by 2047 has to be a collective decision of all 1.4 billion people and we will have to shed the colonial mindset that we have inherited. We must learn to take pride in our history and tradition from which there is so much to learn. The government has ensured that there is no discrimination on the basis of caste or religion or creed in all the social welfare programmes and reforms to foster great unity and each one of us has to recognise our responsibilities, to contribute to making India really a great nation."

Sharing his views on the issue of greenhouse gases and sustainability, Minister Goyal said: "My considered view on the topic is that it is related to consumption and yet we are blaming the manufacturers. Developed countries with outsourced production are talking about pollution generated by coal-based power plants. What they failed to realise is that they became developed countries on the back of all the low-cost energy that the coal-based power plants gave them for over 100 years as they industrialised their economies. They continue to have 10 times more pollution per capita than the developing countries or less developed countries but are neither providing the finance nor technology to help the rest of the world adopt sustainability and yet expect the world to be responsible for the problems that they are facing."

In his address, Assocham President Sanjay Nayar said: "The government has made tremendous investments in social, physical and digital infrastructure but to get to Bharat@100, the private sector will have to play a bigger role. Trade diplomacy through FTAs, Investment corridors and working with friendly countries has a tremendous impact on the MSME sector which is the backbone of the economy."
Chennai, Dec 5 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday contributed his one-month salary to support relief efforts in the districts affected by Cyclone Fengal.

The Chief Minister handed over a cheque equivalent to a month's salary to State Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam as a contribution to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF), aimed at assisting cyclone-affected districts.

This gesture by the Chief Minister is expected to inspire similar contributions from DMK MLAs and MPs, as well as prominent cine personalities and members of civil society.

Earlier, CM Stalin flagged off a consignment carrying one lakh kilograms of rice and other relief materials from the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam.

The relief materials were arranged by the Health Minister and District Secretary Ma Subramanian.

The Chief Minister, who has sought Rs 2,000 crore in interim relief from the Union government, emphasised that Tamil Nadu has been working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of natural calamities, despite receiving "limited" financial support from the Centre.

CM Stalin had announced a comprehensive relief package for those affected by Cyclone Fengal and the ensuing heavy rain and floods.

As per the package, an amount of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the families of individuals who lost their lives due to the cyclone and floods, Rs 2,000 will be distributed to ration card holders whose livelihoods have been disrupted in Villupuram, Cuddalore and Kallakurichi districts.

It also announced relief for farmers whose crops were damaged 33 per cent or above and Rs 10,000 for mud huts damaged in the floods.

The state government has also announced that it would conduct special camps in affected districts to issue new certificates, voter ID cards, Aadhaar cards, and family cards to individuals who lost these documents in the disaster.

New textbooks and notebooks will be provided to students from affected families.

Additionally, District Collectors from Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai, where the cyclone caused severe damage, have been instructed to submit detailed reports of the worst-affected areas to the government for further action.
Ranchi, Dec 5 : The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand has unveiled its new cabinet, reflecting a balance of experience and fresh faces. Among the 11 ministers, five are first-timers -- Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Yogendra Mahato, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chamra Linda, and Sanjay Prasad Yadav.

At 66, Radha Jrishna Kishore, representing the Congress, is the cabinet's oldest member. His legislative journey spans decades, having served as a minister in the Arjun Munda government. Over the years, he represented various parties, including the Congress, the JD-U, the BJP, and the AJSU, before reclaiming his seat on a Congress ticket in this year's Assembly elections.

In contrast, Tirkey, the Congress MLA from Mandar, is the youngest Minister. The 33-year-old holds a postgraduate diploma in marketing communication from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and was previously in the corporate sector. She entered politics after her father, Bandhu Tirkey, lost his MLA post due to a court conviction.

Chaibasa's JMM MLA, Deepak Birua, was sworn in as a Minister for the third time this year. His first ministerial role was in February in Champai Soren's cabinet. Later, he was appointed as a Minister again in July in Hemant Soren's (3.0) government. Birua has consistently secured the Chaibasa seat, winning four consecutive terms in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Following Champai Soren's departure from the JMM to join the BJP, Birua has emerged as the most prominent face of the JMM in the Kolhan division.

JMM leader Linda, who has been elected as the MLA from the Bishunpur Assembly seat for the fourth consecutive time, has secured his first cabinet berth. Linda began his political journey as a tribal student leader, serving as the president of the Jharkhand Adivasi Chhatra Sangh in 2003, where he gained recognition as a fiery leader during the domicile movement. In 2009, he was elected as the MLA from Bishunpur for the first time and has since maintained a stronghold on the constituency. Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections, Linda rebelled against the JMM and contested as an Independent candidate from the Lohardaga seat, leading to his suspension from the party. However, his suspension was revoked just before the Assembly elections, and he has now been rewarded with a ministerial position.

Sonu, elected as JMM MLA from Giridih for the second time, became Minister for the first time. He defeated BJP's Nirbhay Shahabadi in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Earlier, he contested from this seat in 2009 and 2014, but was defeated. In his last term as an MLA, he was identified as the most vocal face of the JMM in the Assembly. He is considered a confidant of Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren.

Ghatsila MLA Ramdas Soren, a member of the Santhal tribe, has been appointed as a Minister for the second time. He first contested the Assembly elections in 2005 as an Independent candidate but was unsuccessful. In 2009, he was elected as an MLA for the first time on a JMM ticket. However, he faced defeat in the 2014 elections. Soren made a strong comeback, winning consecutive terms in 2019 and 2024. He was first inducted as a Minister in Hemant Soren's cabinet in July this year.

Sanjay Prasad Yadav, the sole Minister representing the RJD in the cabinet, has been elected from the Godda Assembly seat in this term. He previously served as the MLA from the same constituency in 2009. However, he faced defeats in the 2005, 2014, and 2019 elections. Currently, Yadav holds the position of General Secretary of Jharkhand RJD and is known for his close association with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and party leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Dr Irfan Ansari, a three-time consecutive winner of the Jamtara Assembly seat as a Congress candidate (2014, 2019, and 2024), has been appointed a Minister for the second time. A prominent figure in Jharkhand politics, he is the son of former Godda MP Furkan Ansari, inheriting a rich political legacy. An MBBS graduate, Dr Ansari is not only known for his political acumen but also for frequently making headlines with his candid and often bold statements.

JMM MLA from Madhupur, Hafizul Hasan Ansari, has taken the oath as a Minister for the fourth time. Politics runs in his blood, as he has inherited a rich legacy from his father, Haji Hussain Ansari, who also represented the Madhupur constituency and served as a Minister in the Hemant Soren's government. Hafizul Hasan's political journey began after the untimely demise of his father. He won the Madhupur by-election in 2021, securing his place in the Assembly for the first time. Even before being elected as an MLA, Chief Minister Hemant Soren recognised his potential and included him in the cabinet.

Mahagama Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh has been sworn in as a Minister for the second time within just five months. Hailing from a politically influential family, her father Arun Pandey and mother Pratibha Pandey were veteran Congress leaders in Ranchi. She is the daughter-in-law of Awadh Bihari Singh, a former Minister in the Bihar government. Deepika is widely regarded as one of Rahul Gandhi's close confidantes.

Mahato, the JMM MLA from Gomia, has been inducted into the cabinet for the first time. Elected as an MLA for the first time in 2014 from the Gomia constituency, he began his political journey with the Congress before later joining the JMM. A resident of Murubhanda village in Ramgarh district, he previously served as the chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India's strong commitment to Bhutan's economic development, highlighting the doubling of Indias development support to the neighbouring country for its 13th Five-Year Plan period during his meeting with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in New Delhi, on Thursday.

"Delighted to welcome Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Bhutan, to India. Admire His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchucks vision for Bhutan's progress and regional development. We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan," PM Modi posted on X after his meeting with the King of Bhutan.

The PMO detailed that PM Modi and the visiting Bhutanese King expressed satisfaction at the "excellent state of bilateral relations", encompassing development cooperation, clean energy partnership, trade and investment, space and technology cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

"The leaders reviewed the progress in enhancing economic connectivity between the two countries, and exchanged ideas on the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a visionary project spearheaded by His Majesty to catalyse Bhutans development and strengthen linkages with adjoining border areas in India," read a statement issued by the PMO reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to further strengthening the exemplary partnership across all sectors.

It mentioned that the Bhutan King expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the people of India for steadfast support of Bhutans aspirations for happiness, progress and prosperity.

While welcoming Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Queen of Bhutan, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, PM Modi also fondly recalled the "exceptionally warm hospitality" accorded by the government and the people of Bhutan during his State visit in March 2024.

The discussions were followed by a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of the visiting King and Queen.

"The meeting underscored the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, reflecting the spirit of mutual trust, cooperation and profound understanding that underpins the bilateral relations between the two countries," the PMO stated.

Earlier this year, during his visit to Bhutan, PM Modi had appreciated the Bhutanese King's vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will lead to economic prosperity and development in Bhutan and in the region in a sustainable manner, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between India and Bhutan.

"Be it a new airport for better air connectivity, be it new rail links between Gelephu to Kokrajhar and Samtse to Banarhat, be it operations of waterways through the Brahmaputra, we will soon see these projects completed swiftly. Integrated Check Posts will also be built to strengthen trade infrastructure," PM Modi had said while being conferred with Bhutan's highest National Award the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' by the King of Bhutan in Thimphu on March 22, 2024.

The two sides had also noted the progress towards establishment of two rail-links -- Banarhat (West Bengal)-Samtse (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam)-Gelephu (Bhutan) -- as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) undertook the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the two rail-links in consultation with the Bhutanese side.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : As the Maharashtra Assembly welcomed Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister, Bollywood stars lined up at the oath taking ceremony. The bigwigs of B-town like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty, Vidya Balan and her 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' co-star Madhuri Dixit attended the event in the entertainment capital of India.

Both Salman and SRK, whose iconic film 'Karan Arjun' re-released in cinemas recently, were dressed in their formal best. The two hugged each other at Azad Maidan where the event was held, sending their fans in frenzy over the "bhaichara".

While Ranbir was seen dressed in a white kurta pyjama with a jacket, Ranveer opted for an all-black look in Indo-Western formals with his half-tied hair.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections which were conducted on November 20, saw BJP emerging as the single largest party with 132 seats. The incumbent Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) wiped out the Maha Vikas Aghadi completely in the assembly elections.

Mahayuti alliance comprehensively won the Maharashtra Assembly Elections as it swept 230 out of 288 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of INC, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) won 46 seats in the Assembly elections of the state.

Devendra Fadnavis returned to the CM's chair after 5 years, and graduated from deputy CM in his last term. Earlier, the Mahayuti alliance kept mum on its selection of the Chief Minister candidate as negotiations were underway with all the stakeholders in the alliance.

The 2019 election was won by the alliance of BJP and Shiv Sena (back when Sena was one unit led by Uddhav Thackeray). However, the follow-up to the 2019 Assembly Elections was quite dramatic, and saw Uddhav Thackeray siding with INC and Nationalist Congress Party, and being crowned as the Chief Minister.

One thing that troubled the participants at the swearing in ceremony was the Mumbai heat. The city is currently witnessing an extreme swing between temperatures as the city sizzled on its hottest December day in the past 16 years (since 2008) as the maximum temperatures soared to 37.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Earlier, Mumbai recorded its coldest temperatures since eight years (2016).
Mumbai, Dec 5 : NCP president Ajit Pawar on Thursday created a record in Maharashtra politics by becoming the Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time.

Ajit Pawar, who grew up in state politics under the guidance of his estranged uncle and veteran politician Sharad Pawar, is credited for the NCPs stellar performance, winning 41 seats from 59 contested in the state elections. After he ditched his uncle and joined the MahaYuti in July 2023, Ajit Pawar decided not to return to his estranged uncle but spread his partys wings with the help of new friends and allies in the BJP and Shiv Sena.

Ajit Pawar hogged the headlines after he took the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister in November 2019 without keeping his uncle in the loop. However, he came back to the NCP fold after resigning as Deputy Chief Minister, which led to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's resignation. Despite his political adventure, he was later again appointed as Deputy Chief Minister in the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. After its collapse, he outpaced party colleague Jayant Patil by becoming the Leader of the Opposition. However, after his move to desert Sharad Pawar and join MahaYuti, he again became Deputy Chief Minister in July 2023.

He succeeded in getting the partys name and poll symbol (clock) from the Election Commission, though the matter is still pending final orders with the Supreme Court. Ajit Pawar took a bold decision to field his wife Sunetra against his estranged cousin Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha elections to give a strong indication to the party cadres that he has cut off his relations with Sharad Pawar and there was no question of going back to him. However, Sunetra Pawar lost to Supriya Sule. Ajit Pawar was ridiculed by his opponents, but he worked hard to focus on strengthening the party organization by promoting a slew of welfare and development schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana, in the run-up to the state assembly elections.

His move to further increase his outreach with voters by extensively traveling the state paid off, as NCP won 41 seats and strengthened its position as a trusted ally in MahaYuti and also in the NDA. He thereby outsmarted the Sharad Pawar-led faction and claimed that the NCP led by him was the real NCP. Known for his rough and tough talk, Ajit Pawar made conscious efforts to change his image, which also helped him increase his communication with the cadres.

Ajit Pawar is elected from the Baramati assembly constituency for a record eighth term. In 1991, he was elected as the chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank and continued to hold the post for 16 years. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1991 from the Baramati seat. He later vacated the seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar, who subsequently joined the Narasimha Rao-led cabinet as Defence Minister. Known for being a strict administrator, Ajit Pawar held several ministries including energy, irrigation, finance, and planning.

Amid the irrigation scam raked up by the opposition, Ajit Pawar had stepped down from the post of Deputy Chief Minister for some time but later was inducted again into the state cabinet. He also faced a media trial over the alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank and in taking over sick cooperative sugar factories in the state.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 4, zero-emission long-haul truck developer Windrose Technology announced the roll out and initial delivery of its flagship electric heavy-duty truck, the Windrose R700, to leading global logistics provider Kerry Logistics.

Photo credit: Windrose

The Windrose R700, designed from the ground up for zero-emissions long-haul transportation, boasts a massive 729 kWh battery pack, enabling exceptional range and stability during long-distance operations. Equipped with an 800V high-voltage platform, the R700 achieves ultra-fast charging, adding up to 400 km of range in just 35 minutes. It features three high-efficiency motors that deliver robust power and acceleration, ensuring reliable performance across various terrains.

Previously, Windrose collaborated with Kerry Logistics on multiple tests, including a round trip from Kunshan to Beijing (2,365 km) with only two charging stops. The duo also tested the vehicle through a direct 677 km journey from Jinan to Nanjing, which was completed without recharging and with 32% battery remaining at the destination. These trials demonstrated the R700's impressive range and efficiency.

The first batch of the Windrose R700 trucks rolled off the production line in December 2024, which marked the start of delivery for the model in the domestic market. Deliveries in the U.S. are planned for the first half of 2025, followed by European markets in the second half of the year. The truck will subsequently roll out in Australia, New Zealand, and other regions.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Windy with showers developing later in the day. High 66F. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers early mixing with snow showers late. Low 31F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 50%.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- FANGCHENGBAO, BYD's professional personalized sub-brand, announced its sales figures for November, totaling 8,521 units, representing a 41.4% leap from the previous month. Specifically, 6,058 units were of the BAO 5 model, and 2,463 units were from the BAO 8 model.

As of November 2024, the cumulative sales of FANGCHENGBAO have reached 50,682 units.

The BAO 5, built on BYD's DMO (Dual Mode Off-road) platform, officially went on sale in November 2023. Currently, there are four trim levels available, priced between 239,800 yuan and 302,800 yuan. The BAO 8, with a guidance price range between 379,800 yuan and 407,800 yuan, comes equipped with the DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic body control system and Huawei's Qiankun ADS (automated driving system) 3.0 solution.

BAO 5

In terms of appearance, the BAO 5 features a rugged, off-road design. Its front face is equipped with electric current matrix headlights, and a narrow-bar front grille with the logo inside shining at night. In addition, the bumper below boasts a bold design feature, creating a strong off-road presence.

The BAO 5s side profile maintains straight, bold lines, with distinctive features like a strong horizontal waistline and protective materials around the wheel arches and doors. It is also equipped with a straight roof-mounted luggage rack.

BAO 5; photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

In terms of off-road capability, the BAO 5 offers impressive approach and departure angles of 35 and 32, respectively, along with a minimum ground clearance of 220 mm, which increases to 310 mm with the DiSus-P.

At the rear, the BAO 5 retains a square design, with a side-opening tailgate and choices of half and full external spare tire covers, reinforcing its rugged look. It also features distinctive, vertically aligned rear lights. The BAO 5 is available in two tire sizes, with variants offering 18-inch wheels and 265/65 R18 tires, as well as optional 20-inch wheels with 275/55 R20 tires.

Regarding power performance, the BAO 5 is powered by the DMO platform, combining a 1.5T engine with front and rear electric motors. The engine generates 143 kW and 273 Nm, while the front and rear motors produce 200 kW/285 kW and 360 Nm/400 Nm, respectively. The combined system output reaches 505 kW and 760 Nm of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. It offers a combined range of up to 1,200 km.

The top-spec BAO 5 model, equipped with the DiSus-P, provides adjustable height, damping, and four-wheel coordination, significantly enhancing its off-road capabilities. The system allows the minimum ground clearance to increase from 220 mm to 310 mm, with improved approach and departure angles of 39 and 35, respectively.

BAO 8

In terms of appearance, the BAO 8 adopts the "Future Starship Aesthetic" design concept, with a front grille and headlights similar to those of the BAO 5, offering a broad visual stance. Its front bumper includes heavy-duty coverage to emphasize its rugged style.

BAO 8; photo credit: BAO 8

The vehicle's side profile is strong and straight, with gear-styled wheels. As for size, the BAO 8 measures 5,195 mm in length, 1,994 mm in width, and 1,875 mm (1,905 mm with roof rack) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. At the rear, it features a tailgate-mounted spare tire cover and distinctive tailights for enhanced recognition.

Inside, the BAO 8 is equipped with the DiLink cockpit system, featuring a 17.3-inch central display, a 12.3-inch passenger's screen, a 12.3-inch dashboard, and a 50-inch AR-HUD display. The central display features a DiLink 150 cockpit system powered by BYD's 9000 chip. The interior, paired with a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, maintains a balance of physical buttons and digital controls, including a unique aircraft-inspired gear shift area.

As for intelligent driving capabilities, the BAO 8 is equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 3.0 intelligent driving system. This system enables full-scenario intelligent pilot assist and also offers features such as automatic parking upon exiting the vehicle, valet parking, and remote parking.

The BAO 8 is powered by a 2.0T engine paired with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 550 kW and 760 Nm of peak torque. It features a 36.86 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a battery-powered range of 125 km and a combined range of up to 1,200 km. The model is also equipped with the DiSus-P system, allowing adaptive adjustments to the suspension, including comfort and height settings, as well as intelligent differential locking and multiple driving modes.
With the help of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, computed tomography (CT) scans taken to look for tumors or bleeding or infections, also revealed calcium buildup in arteries, a sign of worsening cardiovascular disease.

This is the result of a new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and an example of a new trend in "opportunistic screening," wherein radiologists repurpose existing medical images to diagnose illnesses beyond what the scan was originally designed to find.

Presented at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago on December 4, the study featured a reanalysis of a large batch of scans of the abdomen, which were done for many reasons, to analyze a portion of the aorta, the major artery that runs from the heart through part of the abdomen. Using the data from these commonplace scans, the study authors then used AI to measure the amount of aortic calcium, attach a standard score to the calcification level, and use it to predict a person's risk of having a major cardiovascular event, including a vessel blockage (heart attack).

Instead of relying on dedicated CT scans of coronary arteries, which are rare and not always covered by insurance, to find potentially fatal heart disease, we seek to use AI to help screen abdominal CT scans that are done for many reasons to opportunistically catch heart disease more often and earlier." Miriam A. Bredella, MD, MBA, study senior investigator

Dr. Bredella is the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Professor of Radiology in the Department of Radiology and director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Researchers looked back at 3,662 CT scans taken between 2013 and 2023 of mostly older men and women in the New York area who had both an abdominal scan (which captured part of the aorta) and a dedicated CT scan of their coronary arteries.

The researchers found that the AI-enabled measurement of calcification amounts in the aorta in abdominal scans done for other reasons enabled the team to accurately predict both calcification in the coronary arteries of the same person, and that person's risk of major cardiovascular events. This result, say the authors, suggested that the abdominal scan alone could be used to predict heart attacks or other cardiovascular events.

Those with aortic artery calcification were 2.2 times more likely after three years of monitoring to suffer a major heart attack or brain vessel blockage or need to have procedures to restore blood flow to the heart, which did indeed happen to 324 study participants, say the study authors. The study also showed early indications of arterial calcium buildup in 29 percent of study participants previously thought to have had none.

The new finding supports a previous study result published in September in the journal Bone about the use of opportunistic screening in diagnosing bone loss, also called osteoporosis.

In the earlier study, also with the aid of a fully automated AI algorithm, Dr. Bredella and her team from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School performed a secondary analysis of CT scans done as part of screening for lung cancer in 3,708 patients, mostly older current and former smokers. By analyzing scans done to examine the lungs, but that also capture images of nearby bones, the researchers found severe signs of bone loss across all races and incomes in both men and women.

Osteoporosis, a disease underdiagnosed in both the general population but especially in racial minority groups, the research team reported, was present in 38 percent of Black patients, 55 percent of Asian patients, 56 percent of Hispanic patients, and 72 of White patients screened. Also detected by the opportunistic screening tool were high ratios of body fat, arterial hardening, and fatty liver, all of which are tied to bone loss.

"Our research demonstrates that opportunistic screening could help with diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in vulnerable groups who are at greater risk of the disease, in particular, the elderly and those who smoke," said Dr. Bredella. "This work establishes the foundation for using opportunistic screening to address the lack of access to osteoporosis and heart disease prevention, as well as to screening for cancer and diabetes."

More research, though, she notes, is needed to determine if the imaging data and analysis provide sufficient early identification of those at greater risk of major coronary disease or osteoporosis for treatment to prove effective at reducing illness and death.

Funding support for the study on aortic calcification was provided by National Institutes of Health grants UL1TR001445, R35HL144993, R01AG065330, and R01LM013344. Funding support for the study on osteoporosis was provided by National Institutes of Health grant K24DK109940.

Besides Dr. Bredella, other NYU Langone researchers involved in the study presented at RSNA are co-investigator Jeffrey S. Berger, MD; Soterios Gyftopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc; Bari Dane, MD; Eduardo Iturrate, MD; and Michael P. Recht, MD. Judy Zhong, PhD, formerly of NYU Langone, was also involved, and another study co-investigator is Malte Westerhoff, at Visage Imaging GmbH in Berlin.

Other co-investigators involved in the osteoporosis study are Florian Huber, MD; Katherine Bunnell; and Efren Flores, MD, at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston; Perry Pickhardt, MD, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Ronald Summers, MD, PhD, at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
The human brain is an incredibly adaptable organ, often able to heal itself even from significant trauma. Yet for the first time, new research shows even brief contact with a common herbicide can cause lasting damage to the brain, which may persist long after direct exposure ends.

In a groundbreaking new study, Arizona State University researcher Ramon Velazquez and his colleagues at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, demonstrate that mice exposed to the herbicide glyphosate develop significant brain inflammation, which is associated with neurodegenerative disease. The findings suggest the brain may be much more susceptible to the damaging effects of the herbicide than previously thought. Glyphosate is one of the most pervasive herbicides used in the U.S. and worldwide.

The research, which appears today in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, identifies an association between glyphosate exposure in mice and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. This study tracks both the presence and impact of glyphosate's byproducts in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.

Glyphosate exposure in mice also resulted in premature death and anxiety-like behaviors, which replicates findings by others examining glyphosate exposure in rodents. Further, the scientists discovered these symptoms persisted even after a 6-month recovery period during which exposure was discontinued.

Additionally, the investigation demonstrated that a byproduct of glyphosate - aminomethylphosphonic acid - accumulated in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about the chemical's safety for human populations.

Our work contributes to the growing literature highlighting the brain's vulnerability to glyphosate. Given the increasing incidence of cognitive decline in the aging population, particularly in rural communities where exposure to glyphosate is more common due to large-scale farming, there is an urgent need for more basic research on the effects of this herbicide." Ramon Velazquez, researcher, Arizona State University

Velazquez is a researcher with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the ASU Biodesign Institute and an assistant professor with the School of Life Sciences. He is joined by first author Samantha K. Bartholomew, a PhD candidate in the Velazquez Lab, other ASU colleagues, and co-senior author Patrick Pirrotte, associate professor with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and researcher with the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in California.

According to the Centers for Disease Research, farm laborers, landscape workers, and others employed in agriculture are more likely to be exposed to glyphosate through inhalation or skin contact. Additionally, the new findings suggest that ingestion of glyphosate residues on foods sprayed with the herbicide potentially poses a health hazard. Most people living in the U.S. have been exposed to glyphosate during their lifetime.

"My hope is that our work drives further investigation into the effects of glyphosate exposure, which may lead to a reexamination of its long-term safety and perhaps spark discussion about other prevalent toxins in our environment that may affect the brain," Bartholomew says.

The team's findings build on earlier ASU research that demonstrates a link between glyphosate exposure and a heightened risk for neurodegenerative disorders.

The previous study showed that glyphosate crosses the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that typically prevents potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. Once glyphosate crosses this barrier, it can interact with brain tissue and appears to contribute to neuroinflammation and other harmful effects on neural function.

The EPA considers certain levels of glyphosate safe for human exposure, asserting that the chemical is minimally absorbed into the body and is primarily excreted unchanged. However, recent studies, including this one, indicate that glyphosate, and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid, can persist in the body and accumulate in brain tissue over time, raising questions about existing safety thresholds and whether glyphosate use is safe at all.

Herbicide may attack more than weeds

Glyphosate is the world's most heavily applied herbicide, used on crops including corn, soybeans, sugar beets, alfalfa, cotton and wheat. Since the introduction of glyphosate-tolerant crops (genetically engineered to be sprayed with glyphosate without dying) in 1996, glyphosate usage has surged, with applications predominately in agricultural settings.

The U.S. Geological Survey notes approximately 300 million pounds of glyphosate are used annually in the United States alone. Although glyphosate levels are regulated on foods imported into the United States, enforcement and specific limits can vary. Due to its widespread use, the chemical is found throughout the food chain. It persists in the air, accumulates in soils, and is found in surface and groundwater.

Despite being considered safe by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," and emerging research, including this study, points to its potential role in worsening neurodegenerative diseases by contributing to pathologies, like those seen in Alzheimer's disease.

The chemical works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway in plants that is crucial for producing essential amino acids. However, its impact extends beyond the intended weed, grass and plant targets, negatively affecting the biological systems in mammals, as demonstrated by its persistence in brain tissue and its role in inflammatory processes.

"Herbicides are used heavily and ubiquitously around the world," says Pirrotte, associate professor in TGen's Early Detection and Prevention Division, director of the Integrated Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource at TGen and City of Hope, and senior author of the paper. "These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks. However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives."

Is glyphosate safe to use at all?

The researchers hypothesized that glyphosate exposure would induce neuroinflammation in control mice and worsen neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's model mice, causing elevated Amyloid- and tau pathology and worsening spatial cognition after recovery. Amyloid- and Tau are key proteins that comprise plaques and tau tangles, the classic diagnostic markers of Alzheimer's disease. Plaques and tangles disrupt neural functioning and are directly linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.

The experiments were conducted over 13 weeks, followed by a six-month recovery period. The main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid, was detected in the brains of both normal and transgenic mice with Alzheimer's pathology. Transgenic mice are genetically modified to carry genes that cause them to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms as they age. This allows researchers to study the progression and effects of the disease in a controlled laboratory setting.

The researchers tested two levels of glyphosate exposure: a high dose, similar to levels used in earlier research, and a lower dose that is close to the limit used to establish the current acceptable dose in humans.

This lower dose still led to harmful effects in the brains of mice, even after exposure ceased for months. While reports show that most Americans are exposed to glyphosate daily, these results show that even a short period could potentially cause neurological damage.

Glyphosate caused a persistent increase in inflammatory markers in the brain and blood, even after the recovery period. This prolonged inflammation could drive the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, indicating even temporary glyphosate exposure can lead to enduring inflammatory processes that affect brain health.

The data emphasizes that glyphosate exposure may be a significant health concern for human populations. The researchers stress the need for continued vigilance and intensified surveillance of glyphosate neurological and other long-term negative health effects.

"Our goal is to identify environmental factors that contribute to the rising prevalence of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in our society," Velazquez says. "By unveiling such factors, we can develop strategies to minimize exposures, ultimately improving the quality of life for the growing aging population."

The National Institutes on Aging, National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, and ASU Biodesign Institute funded this study.
Federal law requires that all nonprofit hospitals have financial assistance policies  also known as "charity care"  to reduce or expunge people's medical bills. New research from Dollar For, an organization dedicated to helping people get access to charity care, suggests that fewer than one-third of people who qualify for charity care actually receive it.

"An Arm and a Leg" host Dan Weissmann talks with Dollar For founder Jared Walker about its recent work, and how new state programs targeting medical debt in places like North Carolina may change the way hospitals approach charity care.

Plus, a listener from New York shares a helpful resource for navigating charity care appeals.

Dan Weissmann @danweissmann Host and producer of "An Arm and a Leg."

Previously, Dan was a staff reporter for Marketplace and Chicago's WBEZ. His work also appears on All Things Considered, Marketplace, the BBC, 99 Percent Invisible, and Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Click to open the Transcript Transcript: New Lessons in the Fight for Charity Care

Note: "An Arm and a Leg" uses speech-recognition software to generate transcripts, which may contain errors. Please use the transcript as a tool but check the corresponding audio before quoting the podcast.

Dan: Hey there

Clara lives in New York City with her husband Remy and their family. And, recently, over the course of a year, they had some  medical encounters. At hospitals.

Nothing super-dramatic: Remy broke his ankle in August of last year. Hello, emergency room. Hello, ER bill.

They had a second baby in November 2023  a boy!  who ended up needing to spend a day in neonatal intensive care. Hes fine. They named him Isaac.

And one night early this year, Isaac just wasnt looking good. Lethargic. Had a fever.

Clara: We decided to give him Tylenol. Um, and he spit it all back out.

Dan: They took his temp again. A hundred and three point five.

Clara: We started Googling, um, what is like dangerously high fever for a baby

Dan: And yep. For a baby that little, a hundred three point five is starting to get iffy. Like possible risk of seizure. But it was late at night. No pediatrician, no urgent care. Hello new, unwelcome questions.

Clara: The last thing you want to be thinking about is, Oh shit, this is going to be really expensive. You want to be thinking about, lets go to the ER right now, make sure he doesnt have a seizure.

Dan: So they went. And the folks at the ER gave Isaac more tylenol, he didnt spit it out, his fever went down. They went home, relieved about Isaac and a little anxious about the bills.

After insurance, they were looking at more than eight thousand dollars. Clara didnt think her family could afford anything like that.

And the billing office didnt offer super-encouraging advice.

Clara: basically every time Ive called, they said, why dont you start making small payments now so it doesnt go into collections.

Dan: However. Clara listens to An Arm and a Leg. Where weve been talking about something called charity care for years. This summer, we asked listeners to send us their bills - and tell us about their experience with charity care. Clara was one of the folks who responded.

Just to recap: Federal law requires all nonprofit hospitals to have charity care policies, also called financial assistance.

To reduce peoples bills, or even forgive them entirely, if their income falls below a level the hospital sets.

Weve been super-interested in charity care here for almost four years, ever since a guy named Jared Walker blew up on TikTok spreading the word and offering to help people apply, through the nonprofit he runs, Dollar For.

Since then, weve learned a LOT about charity care. Dollar For has grown from an infinitesimally tiny organization  basically Jared, not getting paid much -to a small one, with 15 people on staff.

Jared says theyve helped people with thousands of applications and helped to clear millions of dollars in hospital bills.

And in the past year, theyve been up to a LOT and they've been learning alot. Before we pick up Claras story  which ends with her offering a new resource we can share  lets get a big download from Jared.

This is An Arm and a Leg, a show about why health care costs so freaking much, and what we can maybe do about it. Im Dan Weissmann. Im a reporter, and I like a challenge. So the job weve chosen on this show is to take one of the most enraging, terrifying, depressing parts of American life- and bring you a show thats entertaining, empowering and useful.

In early 2024, Dollar For put out a couple of big research reports documenting how much charity care doesnt get awarded. And why people dont receive it.

Jared: I feel like for a long time we have been looking around at the experts, right? Who are the experts? And where can we find them and what can we ask them?

Dan: Finally, they undertook a major research project of their own. They analyzed thousands of IRS filings from nonprofit hospitals, and compared what they found to a study from the state of Maryland based on even more precise data.

And they hired a firm to survey a sample of more than 11 hundred people. Then ran focus groups to dig in for more detail.

Jared: I think that what these reports have just revealed is like, we are the experts like dollar for actually knows more than everyone else about this.

Dan: The amount of charity care that hospitals do not give to people who qualify for it?

The data analysis produced a number: 14 billion dollars. Which Jared and his colleagues say is a conservative estimate.

The survey showed that more than half of people who qualify for charity care do not get it. About two thirds of those folks do not know that it exists. Some people who know about it just dont apply. And some who do get rejected, even though they qualify.

Their conclusion: "We found that only 29% of patients with hospital bills they cannot afford are able to learn about, apply for, and receive charity care." None of which surprised Jared.

Jared: Its like, Oh, like our assumptions have been correct on this. Like people dont know about charity care. The process sucks. Um, a lot of people that should get it, dont get it. Um, and hospitals have put all the pain and all of the responsibility on the patient

Dan: Those topline findings put Dollar Fors accomplishments in context.

Jared: Like we have submitted over 20, 000 of these financial assistance applications.

Dan: 20, 000 people. Thats spectacular. Thats I know youre counting the money. How much money is it that youre talking about so far?

Jared: I think were closing in on 70 million, 70 million in medical debt relief. So

Dan: Right. Its a start.

Jared: there you go.

Dan: It's a start.

Jared: It sounds great, and then you see the 14 billion number and youre like, oh, shoot. What are we doing? What are we doing?

Dan: laugh crying emoji.

Jared: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Dan: And so, for most of the year, Jared and his team have been testing a strategy to take on a 14 billion dollar problem.

Jared: We have spent the year trying to work with hospitals. We came at this - how do we put a dent in the 14 billion? If its not going to be through TikTok, and its not going to be through individual patient advocacy, then what if we moved further upstream, and instead of patients finding out about us one to three months after they get a bill, what if they heard about us at the hospital?

Dan: Jared envisioned patients getting evaluated for charity care, and getting referred to Dollar For for help applying, before they check out. He thought

Jared: Maybe we could make a bigger dent into that 14 billion. And, I think that that was wishful thinking.

Dan: Wishful thinking. Thats how Jared now describes his hopes that hospitals would see that they could do better by patients, with his help, and sign right up to work with him.

Jared: Um, well they havent, Dan. So, we dont have, uh, you know, weve got one hospital.

Weve got one hospital. I dont know if theres a smaller hospital in the United States. It is Catalina Island Health. It is a small hospital on an island off the coast of California

And when patients go in there, they tell them about Dollar For, and they send them over. Um, that was what we were hoping to do with these larger systems.

Dan: Jared talked to a lot of hospitals. He went to conferences for hospital revenue-department administrators. He didnt get a lot of traction

Jared: You know, this is one thing where Im like, I dont want to be totally unfair to the hospitals.

Theyre huge entities that you cant just move quickly like that.

it is going to take a lot more on their end than it would on our end, we could spin up one of these partnerships in a week.

And. Theyre going to need a lot of time and its going to, you know, how do we implement this? Um, you know, with a small Catalina Island hospital it was easy, but if youre talking to Ascension

Dan: Ascension Healthcare a big Catholic hospital system. A hundred thirty-six hospitals. More than a hundred thirty thousand employees. Across 18 states, plus DC. Jared says they might get thousands of charity care applications a month. A deal to steer folks to Jared isn't a simple handshake arrangement.

Jared: How do you, how do you do that? You know, how do you implement that? I mean, its a pain in the ass. And these hospitals, and more so, hospitals are not motivated to figure this out.

Dan: Yeah. Right.

Jared: Unless youre in North Carolina,

Dan: North Carolina. In 2023, North Carolina expanded Medicaid. In July 2024, Governor Roy Cooper announced a program that would use Medicaid money to reward hospitals for forgiving Medical debt.

Gov. Roy Cooper: under this program. Hospitals can earn more by forgiving medical debt than trying to collect it. This is a win win win.

Dan: Under the program, hospitals can get more Medicaid dollars if they meet certain conditions. One, forgive a bunch of existing medical debts. Another: Make sure their charity care policies protect patients who meet income threhholds set by the state.

A third: they have to pro-actively identify patients who are eligible for charity care  and notify those patients before sending a bill, maybe even before they leave the hospital.

Jared: Im very excited to see how that looks in the future. Because if you remember, the big four, like our shit list, is Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina.

Dan: Jareds shit list. The states where, over the years, he has heard from the greatest number of people who have difficulty getting hospital charity care. Where he often has to fight hardest to help them get it.

Jared's shit list, the big four, were the four biggest states (by population) that had rejected the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Because of how the ACA was written, no Medicaid expansion means a lot more people who dont have a lot of money and just dont have ANY insurance at all.

Its a giant problem. And North Carolina was one of those states where it was toughest.

Jared: And in, you know, the span of a year, North Carolina has expanded Medicaid, and created one of the best medical debt charity care policies in the country.

This law essentially says that they have to identify them early. So thats like - on paper, you know, it sounds amazing.

Dan: Onpaper it sounds amazing. Well come back to that. But first, lets make clear: This wasnt a sudden transformation. The governor, Roy Cooper, who we heard in that clip? He spent like seven years pushing the state to expand Medicaid.

The legislature finally agreed in 2023. And then Cooper and his team spent months this year figuring out how to bake medical-debt relief into the plan. It took a ton of maneuvering.

Our pals at KFF Health News covered the process. Heres Ames Alexander, who reported that story with Noam Levy, describing the process on a public radio show called Due South.

Cooper's team started out by trying to quietly bounce their ideas off a few hospitals..

Ames Alexander KFF Health News: But then word got back to the hospital industrys powerful lobbying group. Thats the North Carolina Healthcare Association. And the Association was not at all happy about it. .

Dan: They raised a stink. And claimed the whole thing would be illegal, the feds shouldnt approve it.

Cooper and his health secretary Cody Kinsley got kept going and they did get the feds to sign off on the plan. So it was legal.

But it wasnt mandatory. They were offering hospitals money, but those hospitals needed to say yes. And that didnt happen right away.

Ames Alexander KFF Health News: When Cooper and Kinsley unveiled this plan on July 1st, there wasnt a single hospital official who would join them there for the press conference. Ultimately, though, all 99 of the states hospitals signed on. And its not, its not really hard to understand why they stood to lose a lot of federal money.

Dan: Lose OUT on a ton of NEW federal money. A ton. According to KFFs reporting, a single hospital system stands to gain like 800 million dollars a year for participating.

And you know, thinking about that  how much money hospitals were considering turning down  kind of puts into perspective Jareds experience trying to get them to work with him. He wasnt offering anybody 800 million dollars a year.I said to Jared: Seems like this would be hard to replicate elsewhere. Other states arent going to be able to put that kind of new federal money on the table. And Jared said:

Jared: I think before like, Oh, can we replicate it? Im just like, how do we make it? How do we make it work in North Carolina?

Dan: That is: How to make sure when it gets implemented, that it really works? Remember, Jared said before: This all sounds amazing ON PAPER. Well have some of his caveats after the break. Plus the rest of Claras story.

An Arm and a Leg is a co-production of Public Road Productions and KFF Health News  thats a nonprofit newsroom covering health issues in America. KFFs reporters do amazing work  you just heard one of them breaking down how North Carolina put that deal together. Im honored to work with them.

Jared loves the idea behind North Carolinas initiative on charity care: Hospitals have to screen people while theyre on site, and let them know before they leave the hospital what kind of help they may be eligible for.

Jared: Making sure that a patient knows what is available to them before they leave is very powerful. , like, thats where the responsibility should be. Um, but how do you do it? And what happens if you dont? Right?

Dan: In other words, Jared says, the devil is in implementation, and in systems of accountability. Hes seen what happens when those systems are pourous.

Jared: In Oregon, they had that law that was like, Oh, you cant sue patients without first checking to see if theyre eligible for charity care. . And then you find all these people that are being sued that were never screened.

Dan: Yeah, Oregon passed a law in 2019 that required hospitals to evaluate patients for charity care before they could be sued over a bill. Jareds colleague Eli Rushbanks analyzed a sample of hospital-bill lawsuits in one county. He could only see patient's income in a few of them but in almost half of those, that income was definitely low enough that the debt should've been forgiven.

He also took a big-picture look: In the years after the law took effect, two thirds of hospitals gave out LESS charity care than they had given before. Probably not what lawmakers had hoped for.

Hospitals in North Carolina will have two years to fully implement the screening requirement, called presumptive eligibility.

Some hospitals around the country already use automated systems for this: They check your credit, pull other data. Some of them use AI.

Jared says hes seen some hospitals over-rely on the tech.

Jared: Some hospitals that are using presumptive eligibility tools will use that as a way to say, Oh, we already screened you. You cant apply, but the patient is sitting there going, well, Im eligible.

Your tool must have got it wrong. Cause these things are not a hundred percent accurate, or think of something like this, you lose your job, or maybe youre at the hospital because you just gave birth to another human. So now youre a household of four. Its a four instead of three.

And obviously the presumptive eligibility tool isnt going to be able to know that and calculate that. So if you go to the hospital and say, now I want to apply and they say, well, you dont get to apply because we already screened you and youre not eligible. Thats bullshit.

Dan: So, as North Carolina hospitals bring their systems online, Jared wants to push for a process where patients can appeal a machine-made decision. Jared: Id love to be able to test that

how does that impact how many people are getting charity care and that 14 billion?

Dan: What do you think is your best shot for the next year of kind of moving towards 14 billion?

Jared: We are trying to figure that out. Um, obviously the election will play into that, but I think that if I had to guess where we would land, um, I think that we will double down on our patient advocacy work.

Dan: Jared says they'll definitely also continue to work with advocates and officials on policy proposals. But

Jared: The only reason anyone cares about what we have to say about policy is because we know what the patient experiences. So I think that if the, the more people we help, the more opportunity we will have to push policies forward that we want to see happen

Dan: So, this is a good place to note: If you or anybody you know has a hospital bill that's scaring you, Dollar For is a great first stop. We'll have a link to their site wherever you're listening to this. They've got a tool that can help you quickly figure out if you might qualify for charity care from your hospital. Plus tons of how-tos. And they've got dedicated staff to help you if you get stuck.

And we just heard Jared say they're not backing away from that work, even as they aim to influence policy.

About policy  Jared does have one other thought about their work in that area

Jared: We think that were going to get a little bit more feisty, uh, moving forward. So Im, Im excited about that.

Dan: I talked with Jared less than a week after the election. We didnt know yet which party would take the House of Representatives, and of course theres still a LOT we dont know about what things look like from here. Jared had just one prediction.

Jared: I think were going to be needed, you know, that much more.

Dan: I think were all gonna need each other more than ever. Which is why Im pleased to bring us back to Claras story from New York.

You might remember: Her family had three hospital adventures in the space of a year.

The first one, where her husband broke his ankle, got her started. The bill was eighteen hundred dollars, after insurance. A LOT for their family. But she had a few things going for her.

One, she knew charity care existed. Not because the hospital mentioned it.

Clara: No, I know about it from an arm and a leg,

Dan: And two, she had the skills. Because by training, shes a librarian. And you may already know this but  people come to libraries looking for a lot more than just books.

Clara: People all the time, will come in and bring in a form or need help navigating different systems and, and even just looking and trying to see where to start.

Dan: So, she went and found her hospitals financial assistance policy online. Saw that her family met their income requirements. Found the form. Submitted it. Got offered a discount that still left her family on the hook for more than they could comfortably pay.

And decided to see if she could ask for more. Was there an appeals process? There was.

But she didnt find all of the information she needed online. The process wasnt quick.

Clara: A lot of phone tag. And I dont know if the bill pay phone lines are staffed better than the financial aid phone lines. But, you know, you get an answering machine a lot. You have to call back. The person doesnt remember you. Theyre not able to link your account.

All the things that I just feel like theyre really greasing the wheels of the paying for the bill option, but actually not making it especially accessible to do the financial aid and appeal process.

Dan: Clara hung in there. Here's what she told my colleague Claire Davenport.

Clara: Being a listener of the podcast, I feel like Im part of a community of people who are sort of maneuvering through the crazy healthcare system. And I do kind of have Dans voice in my head, like, this is nuts. This is not your fault. This is crazy and not right.

Dan: Also, when she was angling for more help on her husbands ER bill, she knew anything she learned could come in handy: She was due to give birth at the same hospital pretty soon.

Her persistence paid off. In the end, the hospital reduced that 1800 dollar bill to just 500 dollars.

Two weeks later, Isaac was born. And spent an extra day in the NICU. That, plus the late-night fever that sent them to the ER left Claras family on the hook for about 6500 dollars.

Clara used what shed learned the first time through as a playbook. Apply, then appeal to ask for more help. She says that made it a little simpler. But not simple, and not quick.

Isaac was born in November 2023. His ER visit was in April 2024. When Clara talked with our producer in early August 2024, she was still waiting to hear the hospitals decision about her appeal. Was it gonna be approved?

Clara: In the event that its not, I think we just put it on like the longest payment plan we can. Maybe we would ask family for help.

Dan: Update: A few days after that conversation, the hospital said yes to Claras appeal. Her new total, 650 dollars. About a tenth of that initial amount.

Which, yes, is a nice story for Clara and her family. But the reason Im so pleased to share her story is this:

Clara: Actually, I made a template that you can let your listeners use for making an appeal letter. Ill share it with you.

Dan: Clara thought it might be useful because part of the application and appeal process  not all of it was just facts and figures and pay stubs. There was also an opportunity to write a letter. Which opened up questions.

Clara: I feel like Its not totally clear what youre supposed to put in the letter and who youre appealing to and how emotional youre supposed to make it versus how technical

Dan: Heres how she approached it.

Clara: I was trying to think about if I was reading the letter, what would help paint the picture of this bill in context of everything else. trying to put myself in their shoes, reading it, what would be useful to kind of add more depth to our story than just the bill. And then also I just tried to be really grateful and express authentic gratitude for the great care we received.

Dan: She also included a realistic estimate of what her family could actually pay. Which the hospital ended up agreeing with.

And yes, Clara shared that template with us. Well post a link to it wherever youre listening to this. Please copy and paste, and fill in the blanks, and please-tell us if it works for you.

A big lesson here is, dont take no for a final answer. Dont take Well help you this much for a final answer. Clara discovered one other thing: Dont give up if it looks like you may have missed a deadline. She missed one.

Clara: So I called them and said, Im really worried.  I didnt send it in time. It might be off by a couple days. Is this going to be a huge problem? And they said, No, dont worry about it.

Its totally fine. Just send it. So Im thinking, Okay, wait. There are so many people who are going to get cut off or get their bill and realize, Oh, well, I totally missed the window. So lets go for the payment plan option. When actually,

Dan: If youve got the chutzpah, and the time, and the patience to make the next call and ask you may get a different answer.

It sucks that its this hard. But I appreciate every clue that its not impossible. And I appreciate Clara sharing her story  and her template with us.

I told Jared about it.

Jared: Yeah, thats amazing. I mean, I love, uh, its so funny. its just the idea of you have this patient that is going through all of this stuff and is so busy trying to focus on their own health, do their own thing, and theyre out here making templates so that other people can , you know, jump through the same hoops because we know Were all going to have to jump through the hoops, uh, is just, man, how frustrating is that?

But how amazing is it that you have, you have built a community of people that are, you know, willing to, uh, take those kind of crappy, not kind of, very terrible experiences and, um, and turn it into something that is helpful for other people. I think thats amazing.

Dan: Me too! So this is where I ask you to help keep a good thing going. Weve got so much to do in 2025, and your donations have always been our biggest source of support. After the credits of this episode, you'll hear the names of some folks who have pitched in just in the last few weeks.

And this is The Time to help us build. The place to go is arm and a leg show dot com, slash, support.

Thats arm and a leg show dot com, slash, support .

Well have a link wherever youre listening.

Thank you so much for pitching in if you can.

Well be back with a brand new episode in a few weeks.

Till then, take care of yourself.

This episode of An Arm and a Leg was produced by Claire Davenport and me, Dan Weissmann, with help from Emily Pisacreta  and edited by Ellen Weiss.

Adam Raymonda is our audio wizard. Our music is by Dave Weiner and Blue Dot Sessions. Gabrielle Healy is our managing editor for audience. Bea Bosco is our consulting director of operations.

Lynne Johnson is our operations manager.

An Arm and a Leg is produced in partnership with KFF Health News. Thats a national newsroom producing in-depth journalism about health issues in America and a core program at KFF, an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Zach Dyer is senior audio producer at KFF Health News. Hes editorial liaison to this show.

And thanks to the Institute for Nonprofit News for serving as our fiscal sponsor. They allow us to accept tax-exempt donations. You can learn more about INN at INN.org.

Finally, thank you to everybody who supports this show financially.
New findings show long-COVID affects a significant proportion of children and teens, with symptoms lingering for years and demanding better care strategies.

Study: A 24-month National Cohort Study examining long-term effects of COVID-19 in children and young people. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock

A study published in the journal Communications Medicine reports the prevalence and consequences of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms in children and young individuals up to 24 months post-infection.

Background

A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients consistently experience a range of health complications even after months or years of the initial infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This condition is medically termed as long-COVID.

The Long COVID in Children and Young People (CLoCk) study has been designed to explore long-COVID symptoms in children and adolescents aged under 18 years. The study has reported findings on long-COVID in 20,202 children and adolescents living in England up to 12 months after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In the current study, scientists have analyzed the CLoCk study data to report long-COVID symptoms and their consequences in children and adolescents for up to 24 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. This extended follow-up is crucial for understanding the persistence of symptoms over time and their potential impact on quality of life.

Study Design

Socioeconomic disparities in long-COVID: Children from the most socioeconomically deprived backgrounds were significantly more likely to report persistent symptoms and fulfill the long-COVID Delphi research definition compared to their peers from less deprived areas.

The study included a total of 12,632 children and adolescents from the CLoCk study who were 11 to 17 years old at the time of their initial SARS-CoV-2 testing (between September 2020 and March 2021).

The participants were categorized into four groups according to their infection status over the period of 24 months. The first group included participants who never tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The second group included those who were initially test-negative but subsequently tested positive. The third group included those who were initially test-positive but did not have reinfection later on. The fourth group included those who were initially test-positive and also developed reinfection later on.

Participants reported long-COVID symptoms and their consequences, which were examined at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. To operationalize long-COVID in children, the study used the Delphi research definition, focusing on persistent symptoms and associated difficulties in daily functioning.

Important Observations

All study participants reported experiencing some symptoms 24 months after their initial infection. The most frequently reported symptoms were tiredness, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, and headaches.

A variation in symptom prevalence was observed between the study groups. While participants who never tested positive exhibited the lowest prevalence of symptoms, the highest prevalence was observed among participants who initially tested positive and later developed reinfection.

The study groups also observed a variation in the total number of reported symptoms. While 35% of participants who initially tested positive and subsequently developed reinfection reported no symptoms, 46% of participants who never tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 reported the same experience. However, even among the never-positive group, 14% experienced five or more symptoms, highlighting the non-specific nature of many symptoms reported.

Broad symptom range: While tiredness and sleep issues were most common, less frequent symptoms such as abdominal pain and muscle aches were also reported, raising questions about their connection to SARS-CoV-2 infection and other post-viral syndromes.

Among participants who reported experiencing more than five symptoms, about 14% were from the never-positive group, and 21% were from the initial test-positive and subsequent reinfection group.

Despite significant variation in symptoms, only a slight variation in self-rated health, symptom severity, and symptom impact was observed between the study groups at a 24-month timepoint. This finding raises questions about whether self-perceived health metrics can fully capture the burden of long-COVID in children.

Considering the demographic characteristics of participants, the study found that long-COVID is more common among older participants, female participants, as well as socioeconomically deprived participants.

Participants who fulfilled the long-COVID Delphi research definition exhibited more difficulties, worse quality of life, and more tiredness than those who did not meet the long-COVID Delphi research definition.

Only 7.2% of the participants fulfilled the long-COVID Delphi research definition at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month time points. These participants reported an average of five symptoms at 3 months, five at 6 months, six at 12 months, and five at 24 months post-infection. This consistent subgroup reflects a more severe and persistent burden of symptoms, emphasizing the need for targeted support.

Considering vaccination status, the study found no apparent trend in the number of reported symptoms, health status, quality of life, and symptom impact or severity between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants at 24 months.

Study Significance

Mental health impact: Participants meeting the long-COVID Delphi definition showed significantly worse scores on validated mental health scales, including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Chalder Fatigue Scale, indicating higher emotional and behavioral difficulties.

The study finds that a considerable proportion of children and adolescents (aged 11 to 17) consistently experience, on average, five symptoms over the period of 24 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, irrespective of their infection status during this period.

While the most commonly reported symptoms are tiredness, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, and headaches, the participants less frequently report abdominal pain, concentration difficulties, and muscle pain. Although reported by a minority, these less frequent symptoms can still significantly affect daily activities and warrant further attention.

The study used the long-COVID Delphi research definition to analyze symptoms, which, in contrast to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, does not require symptoms to have arisen within the first three months of infection. It is the only definition currently being used for children and adolescents and is considered to be more powerful in capturing long-COVID symptoms, particularly for those who remained asymptomatic or unaware of having an infection during the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection phase.

Crucially, the study emphasizes that many of the reported symptoms are common in adolescents irrespective of their SARS-CoV-2 infection status, suggesting a potential overlap between long-COVID and general adolescent health issues.

Notably, the study could not find any significant variation in self-rated health, symptom severity, or symptom impact among children and adolescents with varying infection and vaccination status. Furthermore, the symptoms reported by participants are non-specific and often commonly reported in adolescents, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Considering the findings, scientists highlight the need for further studies to understand the pathophysiology, develop diagnostic tests, and identify effective interventions for long-COVID management in children and adolescents. In particular, longitudinal studies are essential to clarify the natural history of symptoms and their impact over time.
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, has partnered with National Omics Center (NOC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to leverage advanced sequencing technology for mangrove conservation research. The joint efforts aim to address the environmental challenges facing mangroves, which play a crucial role in coastal defense and the livelihoods of local communities.

Click the below picture to watch the film)

For centuries, mangroves have served as natures coastal guardians, acting as protective and vital barriers against erosion and storm surges while providing a haven for marine species. These ecosystems are crucial to the fishing industry, which contributes significantly to the nations economy. However, over the past 50 years, more than 60% of Thailands mangroves have been lost due to deforestation and urban development. With their disappearance comes increased vulnerability to environmental changes, making conservation efforts ever more pressing.

Mangroves have stood by us, reflected a local fisherman. They protect us from the waves and give young fish and crabs a place to grow. Without them, our way of life would be at risk."

A Genetic Lens on Mangrove Conservation

Understanding the genetic diversity of mangroves is essential to developing effective conservation strategies. Genetic data reveals how species adapt to challenges such as rising sea levels, changes in salinity, and habitat loss. The MGI sequencer DNBSEQ-G400RS allows for precise evaluation of such diversity for the first time, enabling researchers to delve into this genetic complexity with unprecedented precision, marking significant progress in conservation strategies.

Dr. Jeremy Shearman, Senior Researcher at the NOC, emphasized the value of this approach. Mangroves are essential for coastal regions and estuaries. They offer erosion protection from surf and storm damage, creating nurseries for young marine life that replenish ocean stocks. Understanding genetic diversity helps us preserve these valuable ecosystems.

He further explained, The main purpose of the research was for conservation. We wanted to identify the species present, sequence their genomes to create reference databases, and use restriction enzyme sequencing to measure genetic variation across mangrove populations throughout Thailand.

How MGI Tech Empowers the Initiative

At the heart of this initiative is MGIs cutting-edge technology. MGIs proprietary DNBSEQ sequencing technology supports Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), which is pivotal in building a comprehensive reference genome database and assessing the genetic diversity of these critical ecosystems. The RAD-seq method efficiently identifies genetic markers, crucial for constructing reference genomes and understanding the genetic diversity among mangrove populations. This insight is fundamental for formulating effective conservation strategies targeting these vital ecosystems.

Dr. Wirulda Pootakham, Director of NOC, remarked, Building a reference genome database for 15 mangrove species in Thailand allows us to assess genetic diversity more accurately using DNA data. This is vital for prioritizing conservation efforts.

The precision of MGIs sequencing technology is transformative. MGIs platform delivers high-quality data that reduces uncertainties in our research and allows us to focus on achieving impactful biodiversity outcomes, shared Ms. Sonicha U-thoomporn, Research Assistant at the NOC.

Our innovative sequencing process offers unmatched accuracy and efficiency, which are critical for biodiversity research, analysis, and conservation, added Mr. Nitinai Sising, MGI Sales Manager, Thailand.

Beyond RAD-seq, RNA sequencing enabled by MGI further enhances this research by revealing gene expression and adaptive mechanisms of mangroves to high-sodium environments. Together, these techniques offer an integrated view of mangrove biodiversity, resilience, and adaptability.

A Vision for the Future

MGIs contributions to mangrove conservation are already making waves. This research not only highlights the genetic nuances of mangrove species but also supports broader conservation initiatives across Southeast Asia. The genetic insights gathered through this initiative are informing policies and practices to protect and restore mangrove forests, ensuring these ecosystems continue to benefit coastal communities and the nations economy.

This work also fits a broader vision. MGIs commitment to sustainability extends to other projects, exemplified by its collaboration with Indonesias National Research and Innovation Agency on seaweed biodiversity. These partnerships highlight how genomics can address ecological challenges across Southeast Asia and beyond.

As Thailands mangroves tell a story of resilience and recovery, the partnership between the NOC and MGI provides a compelling example of how science and technology can safeguard natures treasures. This case study underscores MGIs pivotal role in advancing Thailands mangrove conservation efforts, providing a blueprint for using genomic innovation to preserve biodiversity and support the resilience of ecosystems for future generations.
Despite improvements in CPR and rates of getting patients to the hospital, only about 10 percent of people ultimately survive after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), translating to about 300,000 deaths per year in the United States. Once in the hospital, most patients who have had a cardiac arrest die of brain injury, and no medications are currently available to prevent this outcome. A team led by researchers from Mass General Brigham is seeking to address this. Using samples from patients who have had an OHCA, the team uncovered changes in immune cells just six hours after cardiac arrest that can predict brain recovery 30 days later. They pinpointed a particular population of cells that may provide protection against brain injury and a drug that can activate these cells, which they tested in preclinical models. Their results are published in Science Translational Medicine.

Cardiac arrest outcomes are grim, but I am optimistic about jumping into this field of study because, theoretically, we can treat a patient at the moment injury happens. Immunology is a super powerful way of providing treatment. Our understanding of immunology has revolutionized cancer treatment, and now we have the opportunity to apply the power of immunology to cardiac arrest." Edy Kim, MD, PhD, co-senior and corresponding author of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system

As a resident physician in the Brigham's cardiac intensive care unit, Kim noticed that some cardiac arrest patients would have high levels of inflammation on their first night in the hospital and then rapidly improve. Other patients would continue to decline and eventually die. In order to understand why some patients survive and others do not, Kim and colleagues began to build a biobank - a repository of cryopreserved cells donated by patients with consent from their families just hours after their cardiac arrest.

The researchers used a technique known as single-cell transcriptomics to look at the activity of genes in every cell in these samples. They found that one cell population - known as diverse natural killer T (dNKT) cells - increased in patients who would have a favorable outcome and neurological recovery. The cells appeared to be playing a protective role in preventing brain injury.

To further test this, Kim and colleagues used a mouse model, treating mice after cardiac arrest with sulfatide lipid antigen, a drug that activates the protective NKT cells. They observed that the mice had improved neurological outcomes.

The researchers note that there are many limitations to mouse models, but making observations from human samples first could increase the likelihood of successfully translating their findings into intervention that can help patients. Further studies in preclinical models are needed, but their long-term goal is to continue to clinical trials in people to see if the same drug can offer protection against brain injury if given shortly after cardiac arrest.

"This represents a completely new approach, activating T cells to improve neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest," said Kim. "And a fresh approach could lead to life-changing outcomes for patients."
Mr Yau (second left) visits the exhibition centre of textile and geographical indication products of Urumqi, Xinjiang.

Leading a business delegation to visit Urumqi, Xinjiang, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today met CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee Secretary Ma Xingrui in Urumqi.

He also met Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, and Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.

The days meetings aimed to exchange views on promoting economic and trade co-operation among the three places, with a view to jointly exploring the full range of opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative.

Mr Yau noted that Kazakhstan is a hub connecting Europe and Asia, while Xinjiang serves as a key link for the Silk Road on land, whereas Hong Kong is the premier gateway to the Mainland market. By strengthening exchanges and co-operation, the three places will be able to achieve complementarity for greater benefits, contributing to the prosperity of the Belt & Road regions.

He said over the past decade, the trade value between Hong Kong and Belt & Road economies other than Mainland China has increased by nearly 60%, demonstrating that the Belt & Road Initiative has been creating more opportunities for Hong Kong, and has become a new driving force for the citys economic growth.

He pointed out that Hong Kong is ranked the worlds freest economy and serves as the countrys gateway to the world and the functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support enterprises and professional services in exploring global markets and business opportunities along the Belt & Road, as well as assist Belt-Road countries and regions to enhance professional capacities and promote people-to-people bonds, Mr Yau added.

He also held bilateral meetings with Mr Tuniyaz and Mr Zhumangarin to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho and other members of the delegation attended a co-operation and exchange forum between China (Xinjiang, Hong Kong) and Kazakhstan today to promote Hong Kongs advantages as well as the economic and trade co-operation and people-to-people exchanges among the three places.

After arriving yesterday, Mr Yau visited the exhibition centre of textile and geographical indication products of Urumqi, to learn about the development of local specialty products.

He then had dinner with representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Xinjiang to keep abreast of their business operations and the latest economic developments in the region.

Mr Yau will lead the delegation to visit local enterprises tomorrow to gain an understanding of the development of the related industries before returning to Hong Kong.
JSW Group to Launch Its Own Electric Vehicle Brand in India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 14:38 IST

With its home-grown EV brand, JSW plans to compete with industry giants like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Hyundai.

This facility will be exclusively for JSW's new EV venture. (Photo: Business Standard)

JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, is gearing up to introduce its own electric vehicle (EV) brand in India.

In a recent interview, Jindal stated, Our goal is not to be an extension of a Chinese company selling products in India. We want to manufacture and add value in India, and sell in India," as quoted by ET.

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As part of its strategy, JSW Group acquired a 35 percent stake in MG Motor India last year, through a $1.5 billion deal with Chinas SAIC Motor.

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Additionally, the group plans to invest Rs 27,200 crore in a new EV manufacturing plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Jindal confirmed that this facility will focus on their upcoming EV venture.

With its own EV brand, JSW Group aims to rival well-established names like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Hyundai. However, Jindal has not yet revealed any specifics about the EV models in the pipeline.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 14:38 IST
Stocks To Watch: Vodafone Idea, Indus Towers, IGL, Axis Bank, Bharat Forge, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 07:53 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vodafone Idea, Indus Towers, IGL, Axis Bank, Bharat Forge, and others will be in focus on Thursday's trade

Stocks To Watch

Stocks To Watch On December 05: The markets had a volatile session, ending almost flat after three consecutive days of gains. In todays trade, stocks of Vodafone Idea, Indus Towers, Torrent Pharma, Bharat Forge, Indraprastha Gas, and others will be in focus due to various news developments.

Indus Towers: British telecom giant Vodafone is planning to sell a 3% stake in Indus Towers to reduce its debt of approximately Rs 856 crore, with the remaining proceeds to be used to clear dues of its Indian venture, Vodafone Idea. The transaction is valued at around Rs 2,841 crore, based on Indus Towers closing price of Rs 358.75 per share on the BSE on Wednesday.

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Larsen & Toubro (L&T): The company has completed the acquisition of a 15% stake in E2E Networks Limited through a preferential allotment on December 4, 2024. It is also expected to complete the secondary acquisition of 6% from E2E Networks promoter by May 30, 2025.

Indraprastha Gas (IGL): The companys board will meet on December 10, 2024, to consider the issuance of a bonus share.

Hero MotoCorp: The two-wheeler company has introduced the Vida V2 series of electric scooters, intensifying competition in the sub-Rs 1 lakh segment. The V2 series includes three variants  VIDA V2 PRO, PLUS, and LITE, starting at Rs 96,000.

Telecom Stocks: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is pushing for an expansion of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom equipment and network products, aiming to boost local manufacturing and capture export demand for 4G and 5G gear.

Torrent Pharma: The pharmaceutical company will acquire the brands Cospiaq (empagliflozin), Cospiaq Met (empagliflozin + metformin), and Xilingio (empagliflozin + linagliptin) from Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (BI). The deal is expected to be completed by March 2025, after Torrent has marketed these brands under a co-marketing agreement since 2022.

Force Motors: The company reported a modest 0.05% rise in total sales for November, with 1,885 units sold, slightly up from 1,884 units sold in the same month last year.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: The company has clarified that it is in commercial negotiations for three new Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75.

Kotak Mahindra Bank: The banks arm, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (AMC), is set to enter the private credit market with the launch of a fund aiming to raise between Rs 1,500 crore and 2,000 crore next month.

Axis Bank: The private lenders subsidiary, Axis Securities, has settled a case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) concerning alleged front-running by one of its dealers. The firm has paid Rs 14.62 lakh as the settlement amount, as recommended by SEBIs advisory committee and approved by a panel of whole-time members.

PG Electroplast: The company launched its Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) issue on December 4, with the board approving a floor price of Rs 705.18 per share.

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Bharat Forge: The company also launched its QIP on December 4, 2024, at a floor price of Rs 1,323.54 per share.

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 05, 2024, 07:53 IST
DU SOL Exam Date Sheet 2025 Released At exam.du.ac.in, Download Schedule For UG Courses Here

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 11:56 IST

DU SOL exams 2025 for various UG courses, including BA (Hons), BSc, BCom and Bcom (Hons.) will commence on December 12.

DU SOL exam 2024 timetable is available on the official website at- exam.du.ac.in.

The University of Delhi (DU) has officially released the date sheet for the December-January 2024-25 exams for the DU School of Open Learning. Students preparing for the upcoming exams can access the schedule by visiting DUs official website atexam.du.ac.in. The exam schedule, published in a PDF format, includes essential details such as program names, semester information, exam dates, and timings. The date sheet covers exams for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 (Semesters I, III, and V) for both regular DU college students and School of Open Learning students appearing simultaneously.

The official notification released by the University of Delhi on its website reads, Meant for all Regular students of the Colleges of the University as well as for the students of the School of Open Learning (SOL) enrolled for appearing in the examinations of Part 1, 2, 3 (I, III & V Semester) (Simultaneous)."

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DU SOL Exam Schedule 2024: Heres How to Download

Step 1: Candidates need to visit the official website of DU SOL, i.e.,exam.du.ac.into download the exam schedule.

Step 2: Search for the exam portal on the homepage.

Step 3: Then, visit the date sheet section and click on the list of programmes option to download the date sheet.

Step 4: Once done, the programme-wise date sheet will be displayed on your screen.

Step 5: Save a copy of the date sheet for further reference.

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According to the official notification, the university will be conducting the DU SOL exams 2025 for various undergraduate courses, including BA (Hons), BA Programme, BSc, BCom and Bcom (Hons.), from December 12 and will continue until January 14, 2025. The exams will be held in a single shift and will start from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM across the designated exam centres.

Students must make sure that they reach the exam centre and report for the examination ahead of time.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 11:56 IST
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Recently, Voyager Tech and Shanghai MEKRA Lang Vehicle Mirror Co., Ltd. (Shanghai MEKRA Lang), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MEKRA Lang Group in China, signed an agreement, under which the two parties will build a joint venture named Shanghai MEKRA Lang-Voyager Technology, which focuses on the R&D, iteration, production, and sales of the camera monitor system (CMS) (electronic exterior mirrors) for global commercial vehicles, according to a post on Voyager Tech's WeChat account.

Photo credit: Voyager Tech

The establishment of the new joint venture is in response to the industry trend characterized by green and sustainable development. It aims to accelerate the application and innovation of electronic exterior mirrors, offering more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly mirror solutions for global commercial vehicles. This collaboration will also enable the new venture to benefit from MEKRA Lang's R&D expertise and resources in the field of electronic exterior mirrors.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Chen Yinren, founder and CEO of Voyager Tech, stated, "We are delighted to partner with MEKRA Lang. As pioneers in the intelligent mobility sector, our self-developed commercial vehicle camera monitor system solutions (VT-CMS) have already passed the national GB15084 and European ECE-R46 certifications and are gradually gaining customer recognition. MEKRA Lang's significant market share and deep industry experience in commercial vehicle mirrors will enable us to leverage both parties' strengths to accelerate the adoption of VT-CMS products. The cooperation will contribute to the green and low-carbon transformation of the automotive industry. This is not only a breakthrough in technological innovation but also an important step forward for the industry. We look forward to a smarter, greener future with MEKRA Lang."

Mr. Shen Jian, General Manager of Shanghai MEKRA Lang added, "Electronic exterior mirrors have been explored and validated in Europe for many years. However, there are still opportunities in global markets to integrate them with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), adding more CMS+ features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and obstacle detection to enhance driving safety. This will meet the customization and diversification needs of Chinese customers. We believe the joint venture will grow rapidly, bringing new opportunities and injecting fresh vitality into China's commercial vehicle mirror market."

Voyager Tech, founded in 2013, focuses on R&D and commericialization of self-developed, highly integrated hardware, software algorithms, and advanced domain control systems related to intelligent driving and intelligent cockpit technologies. Its major clients include automakers such as Volkswagen, FAW Group, Chery, Geely, Changan Automobile, VOYAH, Great Wall Motor, HOZON Auto, Dongfeng Honda, Weichai, and KG Mobility.

MEKRA Lang Group, founded in 1932, is a global leader in vision systems for the commercial vehicle industry. The company operates 19 offices and factories across 13 countries, with its main business areas including commercial vehicle mirror systems, vision systems, and electronic video surveillance systems.

Shanghai MEKRA Lang has complete capabilities in designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing mirror systems. The company has an annual production capacity of 1 million sets of commercial vehicle mirror systems.
Job Alert: Opportunity To Work In The Supreme Court Of India, Salary Up To Rs 67,700 Per Month

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 21:12 IST

The selection process will begin with a skill test, which includes typing and shorthand tests. Following this, candidates will be selected based on a written examination and an interview

Only candidates aged between 30 and 45 years are eligible to apply. (File Photo)

The Supreme Court of India has released a job notification for a total of 107 posts. These positions are available for graduates and candidates with a law degree. Interested candidates can apply by visiting the official website of the Supreme Court. The application process has started, and candidates can apply on or before December 25, 2024.

Of the 107 vacancies, the highest number of posts are for Group B Personal Assistants, with 43 positions available. In addition, there are 33 vacancies for Senior Personal Assistants, and 31 positions for Court Masters (Shorthand). The Court Master (Shorthand) post is a Group-A Gazetted Officer position.

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Eligibility

Different qualifications are required for the various posts. For the position of Court Master (Shorthand), candidates must hold a law degree from a recognised institution. For the roles of Senior Personal Assistant and Personal Assistant, candidates must have graduated from a recognised university or institution. Only candidates aged between 30 and 45 years are eligible to apply.

Selection Process

The selection process will begin with a skill test, which includes typing and shorthand tests. Following this, candidates will be selected based on a written examination and an interview. Document verification and a fitness test will also be conducted as part of the final selection process.

Salary

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Selected candidates will be remunerated as follows:

Court Masters (Shorthand): Rs 67,700 per month

Senior Personal Assistants: Rs 47,600 per month

Personal Assistants: Rs 44,900 per month

First Published: December 05, 2024, 21:12 IST
ONGC Recruitment 2024 Begins For 50 Trainee CA, CMA Vacancies, Apply By Dec 18

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 19:00 IST

ONGC Recruitment 2024: Eligible students from ICAI and ICMAI can apply for the industrial training programmes through the official website, ongcindia.com.

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 18 months of training as part of the programme. (Representative/File Photo)

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is now accepting applications for trainee positions for Chartered Accountants (CA) and Certified Management Accountants (CMA). Eligible students from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) can apply for the industrial training programmes through the official website, ongcindia.com. The deadline for submitting applications is December 18, 2024.

This year, ONGC plans to recruit candidates for 50 positions through its industrial training programme. Applicants are required to complete a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 18 months of training as part of the programme.

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ONGC Recruitment 2024: Vacancy Details

Charted Accountant Trainee (CA)  25

Certified Management Accountant Trainee (CMA)  25

Eligible and interested candidates can complete the application process by using the Google Form link and uploading the necessary supporting documents. The training locations for the aforementioned position will be in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Dehradun, Hazira, Uran, Bokaro, Ankleshwar, Mehsana, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Cambay, Jodhpur, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Karaikal, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Agartala, and Silchar.

ONGC Recruitment 2024: Documents Required

Candidates should upload the following documents in the google form-

 Photo

 Date of Birth(10th mark sheet/certificate)

 Identity Card

 12th Marksheet

 Marksheets and Degrees(Intermediate Exams)

 Employee ID

Applicants are advised to visit the official website to review the criteria for the required documents. All mark sheets, certificates, personal identification cards, and documents related to ONGC employees (if applicable) must be self-attested.

ONGC Industrial Training 2024: Eligibility Criteria

CA-

 On or after January 1, 2023, an intermediate pass from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is required.

 Minimum Grades in class 12 should be 60%.

 Candidate should be born on January 1, 2000, or later.

 As of January 1, 2025, the minimum remaining articleship period is nine months.

CMA-

 Candidates must have passed the Institute of Cost Accountants of Indias Intermediate exam by January 1, 2023, at the latest.

 Minimum Scores in Grades 12 should be 60%.

 Should be born on January 1, 2000, or later.

 The minimum remaining training period will be 9 months (as of January 1, 2025).

ONGC Industrial Training 2024: Selection Process

The management will set the screening criteria for the selection process, and if required, candidates may be invited for interviews. Candidates will be responsible for attending the interview at their own expense. Interviews may also be conducted online or over the phone if necessary. As per Institute guidelines, leave will be allowed. There may be multiple training sites available. No further correspondence regarding the selection process will be entertained, and ONGC reserves the right to make the final decision.

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ONGC Industrial Training 2024: Stipend

Selected candidates will receive a consolidated stipend ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month during the first year, based on their assigned city. Candidates will be responsible for managing their travel, accommodation, and boarding arrangements.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 18:49 IST
How Fadnavis Got Eknath Shinde To Accept Deputy CM Role In Just 20 Minutes | Inside Story

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 12:29 IST

During the meeting with Fadnavis, Shinde expressed reservations but was reportedly assured a fair distribution of key portfolios, including the home department, MSRDC, and energy

Eknath Shindes decision to join the Fadnavis-led government as deputy chief minister is a significant moment in Maharashtras political landscape. (PTI)

The past 10 days have been particularly challenging for Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. Not only did Shinde face health issues, but he also endured mounting pressure to join the Devendra Fadnavis-led government as Maharashtras deputy chief minister. Having served as chief minister for two-and-a-half years, Shinde initially resisted the idea of stepping into a secondary role, citing a preference to focus on strengthening the partys organisation.

Speculation about internal discord within the Mahayuti alliance grew when Shinde retreated to his native village in Satara. However, he returned to Mumbai after a brief hiatus and resumed deliberations with key alliance leaders. The interactions with chief minister-elect Fadnavis at the CMs official residence, Varsha Bungalow, were pivotal in persuading Shinde to accept the deputy CM role.

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Fadnavis played a central role in this decision-making process. After staking claim to form the government, Fadnavis visited Shinde at Varsha to urge him to join the cabinet. During their 20-minute meeting, Shinde expressed reservations but was reportedly assured a fair distribution of key portfolios, including the home department, MSRDC, and energy, which are crucial for both governance and his partys political standing.

ALSO READ | Eknath Shinde: The Journey Of Auto Driver Who Overtook Thackeray Heir | 10 Points

Speaking to the media, Fadnavis stated, It is the wish of Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members that Shinde should be with us in this government. I have full faith he will join us."

Shiv Sena MLAs and former cabinet colleagues also played a significant role in convincing Shinde. Sources indicate that Shinde initially wanted a senior party leader to assume the role of deputy CM. However, persistent demands from MLAs, MPs, and Shiv Sainiks across the state forced him to reconsider.

Prominent Shiv Sena leaders emphasised the necessity of Shindes participation in the new government to maintain party morale and unity. Party MLA Bharat Gogavale said, We urged him to be part of the government as this will help both the party and the administration." Similarly, Uday Samant pointed out that around 60-61 MLAs, including independents, firmly backed Shinde for the position, reflecting a strong consensus within the party.

ALSO READ | Fadnavis As Maharashtra CM Nearly A Done Deal: How BJP Can Soften The Blow For Eknath Shinde

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Shindes hesitation stemmed from balancing personal stature with party loyalty. Accepting the deputy chief minister role would reinforce Shiv Senas presence in the government and ensure the partys interests remain safeguarded. However, it also risked being perceived as a step down after his tenure as chief minister. Declining the post, on the other hand, could weaken Shiv Senas influence within the Mahayuti alliance and jeopardise its future political prospects.

Shindes decision to join the Fadnavis-led government as deputy chief minister is a significant moment in Maharashtras political landscape. It ensures Shiv Senas continued relevance within the ruling coalition and reinforces Shindes leadership within the party. The assurances of a fair portfolio distribution also underline the importance of maintaining coalition harmony while addressing internal demands. As Maharashtra embarks on this new chapter under the Mahayuti government, Shindes role will remain crucial in shaping governance and political dynamics in the state.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 09:54 IST
'Air Pollution Biggest Crisis, India May See Surge In Lung Cancer, Heart Attacks': Top Cardiologist Dr Devi Shetty

Reported By : &

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 12:59 IST

The founder and chairman of the hospital chain Narayana Health describes air pollution as a man-made crisis that will have even more devastating consequences for Indians than for the rest of the world

Dr Devi Prasad Shetty said many heart patients suffer from a weakened heart due to damage, making them prone to lung congestion and repeated heart failure. (Facebook)

India is on the brink of a health crisis, with worsening air pollution set to drive a surge in lung cancer, heart attacks, and other serious illnesses, warns the countrys leading cardiologist, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty.

What used to be a seasonal concern lasting a few months has now become a year-round crisis that is spiralling out of control," he told News18.

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Dr Shetty, who treated Mother Teresa when she suffered a heart attack in 1984 and served as her personal doctor for the final five years of her life, describes air pollution as a man-made crisis that will have even more devastating consequences for Indians than for the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, Indian bodies are already genetically predisposed to developing heart disease and diabetes earlier than others and now face the additional significant threat of air pollution," he said.

ALSO READ | Opinion | Why Delhi Cant Breathe: A Story Of Systemic Failures

Although Shetty said he doesnt have data to confirm this at the moment, he does not doubt that we will soon discover that people living in areas of the country with poor air quality are significantly more likely to experience higher rates of heart problems, lung issues, and other pollution-related health concerns.

We still dont fully understand the long-term implications of this air pollution, as it has escalated rapidly to nearly unbearable levels in a remarkably short time. However, we are already witnessing a significant rise in lung problems among both children and adults."

How much pollution is too much pollution for the heart?

Shetty said the lack of data on this issue, especially in the Indian context, highlights the challenge of quantifying the exact contribution of pollution. However, prolonged exposure, even to moderate levels of pollution, will undoubtedly have serious consequences.

Living in such an environment year after year will significantly increase health risks, and I am convinced this will play a crucial role in worsening the situation. We must act now because the long-term consequences on our health are undeniable, and much of the damage, once sustained, is irreversible."

For example, he said, many heart patients suffer from a weakened heart due to damage, making them prone to lung congestion and repeated heart failure.

How lung health is linked to heart health

He explained that lung health is directly related to heart health. Those with a weak heart but relatively healthy lungs fare much better than those with both a weak heart and severely damaged lungs."

ALSO READ | Will Delhi See Artificial Rain? Can It Really Fix Air Pollution? Explained

We also see a marked increase in respiratory issues during winter across the country, leading to a higher incidence of heart failure, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions," said Shetty, who is also the founder and chairman of the hospital chain Narayana Health.

The interconnection between the heart and lungs is evident: when one organ is affected, the other inevitably suffers. Pollution adds a new layer to this problem, escalating significantly over the last 10 to 15 years."

What can be done?

Shetty told News18 that India needs to do what China did to improve the air quality. He emphasised the important role of civil society and the general public rather than the government.

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Civil society must come together and draft an action plan. Once the plan is ready, they should present it to the government for fine-tuning."

He believes that the government is waiting for people to take the initiative. We must recognise that such decisions will have both winners and losers. However, given the severe threat posed by air pollution, its essential to make tough choices."

First Published: December 05, 2024, 11:55 IST
'I Was Standing Alert': How ASI Jasbir Singh Foiled Assassination Bid On Sukhbir Singh Badal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 09:00 IST

Assistant Sub-Inspector Jasbir Singh was the one who thwarted the assassination attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple by overpowering the gunman, Narain Singh Chaura.

ASI Jasbir Singh, who thwarted an attempt to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal

Jasbir Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Punjab Police, was one of those who overpowered the attacker in time and thwarted the attempt to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday.

Multiple videos on social media showed how the attacker, later identified as Narain Singh Chaura, walked casually towards Badal.

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Even before anyone could sense an approaching threat, Chaura took out a gun and fired some rounds.

However, the swift action of the officers on site not only saved the life of Badal but also did not allow Chaura to flee the site.

#WATCH | Punjab: Bullets fired at Golden Temple premises in Amritsar where SAD leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, are offering seva under the religious punishments pronounced for them by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on 2nd December.Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/CFQaoiqLkx  ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024

Jasbir Singh, standing close to Badal in plain clothes, was clearly the one who turned back and looked at Chaura as he approached.

Singh sensed the threat to the senior Akali leader and pounced on the shooter, grabbed his hands and pushed them upwards after which the attacker was overpowered with the help of other security personnel and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force members.

In the melee, the gun fired and the bullet hit the entrance wall of the shrine behind Sukhbir Badal, who escaped unhurt.

Later, in a self-released video, Singh recounted the assassination attempt on Badal and said that despite instructions not to frisk or stop anyone, he identified the attacker and took immediate action.

Moments later, the Punjab Police managed to neutralise the threat, seize the weapon, and arrest the suspect promptly.

When he (Narain Singh Chaura) came there, I was standing alert. Looking at him, everything became clear. He was rounded up, his pistol taken away, and he was arrested," Singh could be heard saying in the video.

Officers had already briefed us that nothing untoward should happen here. So, we were on full alert, upholding the decorum of Darbar Sahib," ASI Singh added.

Watch: ASI Jasveer Singh played a key role in saving Sukhbir Singh Badal during the attack, showing great courage. He explained that authorities had briefed them about potential threats, and when the attack occurred, he swiftly intervened to stop the assailant(Source: Punjab pic.twitter.com/AFmepsiAni  IANS (@ians_india) December 4, 2024

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ATTACKED

Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped a bid on his life on Wednesday when a former Khalistani terrorist fired from a close range at Punjabs ex-deputy chief minister at the Golden Temples entrance but missed as plainclothes policemen overpowered him.

The audacious attack, which occurred at around 9.30 am, was captured on cameras by media persons who had gathered to cover the second day of Badal performing the duty of sewadar at the main gate of the Sikh shrine as religious penance for mistakes" committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

As other devotees were entering, the shooter slowly walked towards Badal (62), a Z+ protectee who was sitting in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, and pulled out a gun from his pocket.

Chaura, 68, was seen at the shrine on Tuesday as well.

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ATTACKER EX-KHALISTANI TERRORIST

Additional Deputy Commissioner Harpal Singh said the police had been keeping an eye on Chaura, who was at the Golden Temple on Tuesday as well.

Special Director General of Police Arpit Shukla told news agency PTI that more than 20 cases, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, are registered against Chaura.

He was involved in the 2004 Burail jailbreak case where he allegedly helped terrorists Jagtar Singh Hawara, Paramjit Singh Bheora and two others escape from prison. A native of Chora Bajwa village Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, he has been out on bail.

Chaura had remained in jail in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, his wife Jasmeet Kaur told reporters at his native place. To a question, she said he had told her that he was going to Golden Temple. She said whatever he did was wrong.

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Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the attack on Badal was foiled because of the alertness of police and the motive behind it will be ascertained after Chauras questioning.

The shooter came alone to the Golden Temple, he said, adding that the case will be investigated from all angles.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 08:45 IST
Baba Siddique's Shooter Had Salman Khan On Hit List, Plan Not Executed Due To Security: Police

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 14:13 IST

Salman Khan was on the hit list of the shooters of Baba Siddique, the arrested accused told the Mumbai Police.

Salman Khan and Baba Siddique (File Photo)

Bollywood star Salman Khan was on the hit list of the shooters of NCP leader Baba Siddique, however, they could not execute their plan due to heavy security arrangements" around the actor, the two arrested accused told the Mumbai Polices crime branch.

The shooters had also conducted a survey of the Galaxy Apartments where Salman Khan resides, they confessed to the police.

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The Mumbai Police has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the high-profile murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddique.

The Crime Branch has so far arrested 26 individuals in connection with the case, including the alleged main shooter, Shiv Kumar Gautam.

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Siddique, 66, a former Maharashtra minister, was fatally shot by three assailants on October 12 outside the Bandra East office building of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique. He suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest and was rushed to Mumbais Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

In a related development, Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was apprehended in the United States for his alleged involvement in Siddiques murder and a firing incident outside actor Salman Khans Mumbai residence.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:08 IST
Climate Change Crisis Being Seen As Investment Opportunity, COP29 A Disappointment, Says Top Official

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 18:58 IST

India had termed the $300 billion by 2035 climate finance commitment from developed countries an optical illusion", firmly recording its opposition at the final plenary

Activists participate in a demonstration for climate finance at the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit in Baku. (PTI)

Days after the years biggest annual UN climate summit ended with a $300 billion target for climate finance, Indias top environment official reaffirmed that COP29 failed to deliver, emphasising that the crisis of climate change is being viewed as a potentially commercially viable proposition  calling it the saddest part of the debate.

India made it abundantly clear, in words that were unambiguous and unequivocal, that this was not the deal that was to be accepted. It did not deserve to be the ultimate outcome. India made its point very strongly, and did not back down right down to the final negotiation of the text," said Leena Nanda, Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), during a public talk on climate in New Delhi.

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The two-week long tense UN negotiations had closed in Baku with a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of $1.3 trillion, with developed nations committing just $300 billion per year by 2035 in climate finance to developing countries. Global South slammed the deal for being inadequate, with India recording its opposition at the plenary, calling it an optical illusion".

Why are we not able to mobilise funds for mitigation? It is not that they are not there. They are being utilised for the purpose of investment. So, climate change as a challenge, this crisis, is being looked at as a potentially, commercially viable proposition. That is the saddest part of the entire debate and discussion," she added.

The senior environment ministry official who was an integral part of Indias delegation at the recently concluded summit emphasised there will be no real progress until there is a clear definition of climate finance, and commitment on how $300 billion annually will be directed to developing nations. The sentiment is widespread across the developing world, strongly voiced by India and supported by many other nations. COP29 failed to deliver," she added.

Nandan also reiterated Indias strong opposition to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), highlighting that G77+China agreed that it was fundamentally inequitable. Instead of funds for decarbonisation, there is talk of coercive unilateral trade measures that are going to affect the very principle that economies of countries are founded on," she remarked.

Speaking at the event, Sunita Narain, Director-General, CSE, brought attention to the severity of the climate change, highlighting how India is experiencing an extreme weather event almost every day in some region. The world should have rejected the $300 billion deal. No deal would have been better than what we have come home with. This is not even peanuts. It has practically consigned 70 per cent of the world to a situation, where they have no option but to do development in ways that add to the emissions in the atmosphere. It has created a disabling framework, rather than an enabling one," she pointed out.

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Ajay Mathur, Director-General of International Solar Alliance who was also present, remarked that it was never clear if the funds committed at COP29 were for investment or for enablement". It was never really clear. If we want to move forward, we have to address the definitional issues of climate finance," he added.

The new goal replaces the previous $100 billion annual commitment of developed countries in 2009, which remained largely unfulfilled.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 18:58 IST
India, China Review Border Situation, Confirm Implementation Of Disengagement Pact

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 20:30 IST

India and China expressed satisfaction with the progress of their disengagement agreement during the 32nd meeting of the WMCC.

India and China have completed the disengagement process ending a four-year standoff. (IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK/REPRESENTATIVE)

India and China expressed satisfaction with the progress of the disengagement agreement at the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held on Thursday in New Delhi.

Both sides reviewed the current situation along the border, emphasizing the lessons learned from past tensions.

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The Galwan clashes occurred on June 15, 2020, in the Galwan Valley, located in the eastern Ladakh region, near the India-China border.

Indian soldiers displayed immense bravery in the face of violent Chinese encroachment bids. A confrontation between Chinese forces and India forces resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers.

At least 38 Chinese Peoples Liberation Army soldiers also died in the clashes.

However in October 2024, military and diplomatic talks led to an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in India-China border areas, facilitating disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020.

The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020. They also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which is to be held in accordance with the decision of the two leaders in their meeting in Kazan on 23 October 2024," a press release by the External Affairs Ministry released Thursday said.

It also said that the Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary for East Asia, while the Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs Department.

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Both sides reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence. In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level through established mechanisms. They agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace & tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two Governments," the release further added.

It also said that Hong Liang also met with Indias Foreign Secretary during his visit.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 19:21 IST
'Israel Stood By Us...': Jaishankar Reiterates India's Backing Of Two-State Solution

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 15:03 IST

Jaishankar reiterated India's support for a two-state solution and said terrorism cannot be downplayed and ignored in the conflict.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar speaking in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. (Sansad TV)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday addressed the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, defending Indias defence cooperation with Israel by saying the latter had stood by New Delhi during security threats and both sides have a strong record of cooperation in the area of national security.

Jaishankar said Indias decision to pursue defence cooperation with Israel is based on national security interests. As far as Israel is concerned, it is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security. It is also a country which has stood by us and different moments when our national security was under threat. When we take any decision, we will bear in mind the larger circumstances but we will be guided by our national security interests," he further said.

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India Supports Two-State Solution

Jaishankar also weighed in on the current war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, reiterating Indias support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue and asserting that issues of terrorism and hostage-taking cannot be underplayed or ignored.

Indias policy towards Palestine has been long-standing and we have always supported a negotiated two-State solution, towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel, " Jaishankar asserted, while also highlighting the humanitarian assistance provided by India to Palestine.

On India abstaining from some UN resolutions on Gaza, the minister said the resolutions which do not reflect the entire reality of the situation are not balanced. A country like India, which is itself a victim of terrorism, if we countenance the fact that terrorism is underplayed and ignored, it is not in our interests that we do so. We look at any resolution, we look at the wording and take a mature view," he said.

We condemn terrorism and hostage-taking. We believe that countries have a right to respond to these situations but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. We must humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end to the violence," he added.

Jaishankar was also asked about the International Criminal Courts arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammad Deif, to which he said India is not part of the ICC member countries.

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When the ICC was constituted, the question of our membership was considered. For very good reasons after a great deal of deliberations, India decided not to become a member. So with regard to any decision housed by the ICC, it is not binding on us and it is not a matter on which we have taken a formal position," he said.

Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border on October 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israels military campaign over a year has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians, injured many others, and obliterated much of the enclave.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:11 IST
'Mission Successful': ISRO Places European Sun Observation Satellite Proba-3 In Orbit

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 19:02 IST

Soon after lift-off, ISRO said the two satellites onboard the PSLV rocket of Proba-3 mission have separated successfully and gone into their designated orbit

ISRO's launch vehicle PSLV-C59 carrying ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft after its launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota on December 5. (Image: PTI)

The European satellite, Proba-3, successfully launched into space on Thursday from Sriharikota, delayed by a day from its scheduled lift-off on December 4 due to a technical snag.

Proba-3 is a cutting-edge Sun-observing mission aboard the PSLV-C59, the flagship rocket of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It aims to advance global efforts to understand the economic and technological risks of space weather.

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The 44.5 metre tall polar satellite launch vehicle blasted off majestically from the first launch pad at the latest time at 4.04 pm. Soon after lift-off, ISRO said the two satellites onboard the PSLV rocket of Proba-3 mission have separated successfully and gone into their designated orbit.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission from Sriharikota, Andhra PradeshPSLV-C59 vehicle is carrying the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a Dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) (Visuals: pic.twitter.com/WU4u8caPZO  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Mission Success! The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission has successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESAs satellites into their designated orbit with precision. A testament to the trusted performance of PSLV, the collaboration of NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd) and ISRO, and ESAs (European Space Agency) innovative goals," ISRO said in a post on X.

Earlier, the space agency said its revised 8.5-hour countdown for the launch of the Proba-3 mission was progressing smoothly". The launch was originally planned at 4.08 pm on Wednesday (December 4).

But, minutes before the lift-off, following the request from the European Space Agency (ESA), ISRO rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to December 5, 4.04 pm. An anomaly was detected in the satellite propulsion system.

Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Anatomy) consists of two satellites in which two spacecraft will fly together as one, maintaining precise formation down to a single millimetre to study the corona, the Suns outer atmosphere.

Probas is a Latin word, which refers to Lets try. The mission objective is to demonstrate precise formation flying and two spacecraft  Coronagraph and Occulter will be launched together in a stacked configuration.

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NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO has bagged the order from the ESA for the launch. Prior to this launch, ISRO had successfully launched the Proba-1 rocket by the ESA in 2001.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:07 IST
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 4, FAW Logistics and Huawei Technologies signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement in Shenzhen, focusing on smart logistics, digital transformation, and talent development.

Signing ceremony; photo credit: FAW Logistics

The agreement outlines joint efforts to advance digital transformation within enterprises and explore integrated development strategies.

In data governance, the two companies will create innovative logistics data solutions and establish best practices for data application. In artificial intelligence, they aim to optimize freight routing and develop multi-AGV coordination systems, enhancing FAW Logistics' intelligent operations.

Additionally, the partnership will leverage FAW Logistics' expertise in supply chain services and Huawei's technological capabilities to foster synergies in smart logistics. Both parties will also collaborate to build a digital talent training system tailored to the automotive logistics industry, addressing the growing demand for expertise in intelligent manufacturing.

This agreement represents a new milestone in FAW Logistics and Huawei's relationship, with Huawei supporting FAW Logistics' ambition to become a leading smart logistics platform. By contributing to IT infrastructure development, process management, and digital transformation initiatives, Huawei and FAW Logistics aim to advance the intelligent and digital logistics industry development.
Kerala Lottery Results, December 6 & December 5, 2024 (Today & Yesterday): Karunya Plus KN-550 Winners Announced; Full List Here!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 09, 2024, 09:12 IST

Live Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Karunya Plus KN-550 lucky draw for Thursday, December 5.

Kerala Lottery Karunya Plus KN-550 Result: The first prize winner of Karunya Plus KN-550 will get Rs 80 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA PLUS KN-550 RESULT ON THURSDAY, 5.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya Plus KN-550 lucky draw for Thursday, 5 December 2024. The winner of the first prize will receive Rs 80 lakh, while the second prize winner will get Rs 10 lakh. A prize worth Rs 1 lakh will be given to each of the third prize winners. Check the live updates and the full list of winning numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results 9.12.2024: Win Win W-799 Winners; First Prize Rs 75 Lakh!

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FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-550 LOTTERY

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 80 LAKH IS PC 829065 (PALAKKAD)

Agent Name: ABDUL RAHEEM K M

Agency No.: P 3133

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS PE 629415 (KOZHIKKODE)

Agent Name: SOORAJ M C

Agency No.: D 7347

WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 1 LAKH ARE

PA 153947

PB 915200

PC 192066

PD 810248

PE 355071

PF 954058

PG 717442

PH 179506

PJ 636021

PK 724582

PL 368610

PM 346170

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE

0909 1029 1082 1167 1553 2103 2660 2787 3150 4147 4540 4946 5147 5600 8516 8829 9855 15833

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0343 0462 0976 1647 2183 2353 2463 2758 2779 2968 3758 3981 4448 4830 5302 5764 5961 6035 6146 6524 6777 6811 6995 7324 7786 7959 8354 8454 8756 9063 9625 9732 9867 9923

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0008 0133 0146 0171 0223 0615 0804 0880 1056 1246 1377 1694 1797 1801 1820 2557 2741 2849 2956 2962 3273 3417 3462 3720 3806 3973 4059 4227 4236 4319 4442 4573 4613 4646 4739 4923 5003 5034 5064 5294 5392 5450 5481 5493 5607 5674 5688 5696 5887 6001 6076 6090 6155 6271 6277 6449 6517 6603 6659 7236 7245 7529 7714 7989 8057 8286 8299 8598 8647 8769 8822 8915 8923 9284 9331 9409 9476 9513 9607 9697

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0017 0079 0129 0199 0217 0307 0379 0534 0563 0607 0753 0870 0874 0946 0974 1241 1286 1424 1443 1475 1517 1590 1625 1635 1683 1851 1885 1901 1987 2047 2067 2104 2117 2275 2717 2790 2840 3098 3176 3277 3400 3588 3659 3788 3823 3864 4131 4400 4522 4583 4627 4733 4784 4806 4878 4950 5025 5035 5072 5131 5158 5234 5353 5414 5430 5504 5569 5571 5634 5681 5683 5701 5714 5816 5870 5914 5923 5959 6012 6060 6062 6064 6074 6102 6188 6233 6446 6652 6754 6757 6856 7062 7136 7191 7264 7384 7416 7442 7581 7589 7754 7808 7810 7821 7918 7921 7932 8065 8071 8137 8139 8182 8205 8366 8533 8550 8589 8645 8665 9151 9225 9335 9472 9715 9721 9954

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

PA 829065

PB 829065

PD 829065

PE 829065

PF 829065

PG 829065

PH 829065

PJ 829065

PK 829065

PL 829065

PM 829065

ALSO READ: Kerala Pooja Bumper BR-100 Results: Ticket JC 325526 Wins Rs 12 Crore Kerala Lottery; Full Winners List!

KARUNYA PLUS KN-550 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakh

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

HOW TO CHECK KARUNYA PLUS KN-550 RESULTS?

Go to www.keralalottery.info, the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department, to see the Kerala Karunya Plus KN-550 lottery results.

Additionally, you can visit the Kerala Government Gazette office to personally confirm the winning numbers.

One should get in touch with the Kerala Lottery Department for more comprehensive and trustworthy information.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

People must compare their ticket numbers with those that are published in the Kerala Government Gazette. They are eligible for a prize if their numbers match. The winners can pick up their rewards at the Kerala lottery office in Thiruvananthapuram within 30 days of the results being announced. Both the winning ticket and the proper identification must be shown for validation during the prize claim procedure.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

1. A copy of the winning ticket, both sides of which have self-attestation

2. A Gazette officials signature on passport-sized photographs

3. A copy of the participants signed PAN card.

4. Complete the online award money receipt form and attach a revenue stamp before submitting it.

5. Documents proving identity, including voter ID, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

1. Visit the Kerala Lottery Departments official website at www.keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net.

2. Click on the Karunya Plus KN-550 Result link.

3. The outcome should now show each winning number.

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4. Find the websites download link.

5. To view the lottery results in PDF format, click the link.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 09:00 IST
Misplaced Priorities: DK Shivakumars Dream Project Skydeck Gets Thumbs-Down From Bengalurus Civic Activists

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:00 IST

Critics argue that the skydeck and tunnel projects are mere vanity projects in a city grappling with traffic congestion, poor public transport, and a lack of green spaces

Critics argue that the skydeck and tunnel projects are misplaced priorities in a city grappling with traffic congestion, poor public transport, lack of green spaces, and damaged roads. (PTI)

Bengalurus skyline is set to touch new heights  and so is the controversy surrounding the Karnataka governments ambitious plans for a 250-metre skydeck, poised to be South Asias tallest, and an 18.5-kilometre underground tunnel road.

Critics rallying against the project are accusing officials of bypassing public consultations and prioritising extravagant ventures over pressing urban needs. They say these mega-projects are nothing more than costly distractions in a city already drowning in traffic chaos and crumbling infrastructure like potholes and lack of sidewalks.

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The Congress government recently approved the construction of the 250-metre-tall skydeck, touted as South Asias tallest structure and estimated to cost Rs 500 crore, alongside the 18.5-kilometre tunnel road, estimated at around Rs 13,000 crore, aimed at reducing the citys notorious traffic congestion.

Karnatakas deputy chief minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar has championed both projects. He envisions the skydeck as a landmark to enhance Bengalurus global appeal and the tunnel road as a critical solution to the citys grid-locked streets.

The skydeck is expected to be built near the NICE Cloverleaf at Hemmigepura, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city. The tunnel road will connect Hebbal in the north to Central Silk Board in the south, with promises of slashing travel time from 70 minutes to 25 minutes.

However, critics argue that these projects reflect a skewed sense of priorities. What Bengaluru needs is an increase in the bus fleet, better last-mile connectivity, and a suburban rail network, not vanity projects.

Isnt it ironic that the state government claims they will beg the Union government to give them about Rs 10,000 crore to buy 500 EV buses but they want to spend Rs 49,000 crore on projects incentivising private vehicles? Why not use this same money to buy these EVs which is in line with the citys Climate Action Plan?" questions civic activist Kathyayini Chamaraj.

Critics argue that the skydeck and tunnel projects are misplaced priorities in a city grappling with traffic congestion, poor public transport, and a lack of green spaces.

So far, more than 600 people have signed the petition, which highlights the lack of public consultation and the sidelining of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA)  an apex body for transport planning.

Many residents News18 spoke to also described this as a project for the classes, not the masses.

We need the roads to be properly maintained, potholes to be filled, the links to metro stations sorted, more feeder buses, better last-mile connectivity, and suburban rail networks  not a skydeck," said Preeti Patwardhan, a resident of Sarjapur and an IT professional.

Another resident who commutes between Indiranagar and Jayanagar daily points out the flawed planning of such projects.

Did you know that while we are looking at metro connectivity in the city and they talk of underground passes, there is no metro line connecting Indiranagar and Koramangala  a very important residential and business district? Instead, we have a flyover that is yet to be completed near Ejipura. What good will a tunnel do unless traffic is better regulated and private vehicles are restricted?" asked Chethan Mahadevappa, who works with a chain of hospitals.

Arjun Madappa, who has visited the Melbourne Skydeck, highlights how the architectural marvel suits that country because they have prioritised public transportation and maintained infrastructure effectively.

You mean to say we will stand on this skydeck, look down on Bengaluru, and get an opportunity to shoot more videos and photographs of gridlocked roads, scanty tree cover, and a landscape corrupted over time from trees to skyscrapers?" he questions.

A feasibility study identified 15 major congestion points along the route, and the project includes additional elevated flyovers to complement the tunnel. However, critics have raised concerns about the projects geological feasibility, citing Bengalurus hard rock, fissures, and high water table, which could cause damage to the structures once built.

The risks of sinkholes, landslides, and disruptions to groundwater flow havent been adequately addressed," the petition started by Chamaraj warns.

Chamaraj said they are planning public meetings, expert talks, and human chains to galvanise opposition. Many argue that restoring lakes, expanding the BMTC fleet, and reviving green spaces would be a better use of public funds.

An official working closely on these projects said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 18.5-kilometre tunnel road has been completed and will soon be made public for people to discuss, debate, or raise objections.

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Those who are opposing this need to wait until the final details are out for debate. By just protesting against projects, it leads to no end. They must suggest other solutions to Bengalurus traffic congestion rather than strike down every plan. The underground tunnel project looks to accommodate both public and private transport. It is a project that needs to be well-conceived and implemented, and that takes time," said the official, adding that critics should wait for the final project details before raising such a hue and cry.

That too was fraught with controversy as the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the tunnel road was completed in a record three months as the company entrusted with the task is said to have done it hurriedly at a cost of Rs 9.5 crore. The company, a consultancy firm, was under the scanner after being blacklisted by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), a Ministry of Railways enterprise, in 2021.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:00 IST
Parliament Session: Lok Sabha Adjourned For Tomorrow As Oppn Protests Against BJP MP's Remarks

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 15:09 IST

Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his way to violence-hit Sambhal is expected to be the main issue of high-voltage drama in Parliament today.

The Parliament is expected to debate on Rahul Gandhi's Sambhal journey. (IMAGE: PTI)

The Winter Session of the Parliament resumed on Thursday, with tensions at an all-time high on Thursday as the opposition planned to protest over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being stopped at the Ghazipur border on his way to violence-hit Sambhal.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the tomorrow as a ruckus ensued in the lower house of the Parliament over remarks made by a BJP MP. The ruckus erupted when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey spoke about linkages between a foreign investor and a section of opposition leaders and claimed an international conspiracy was afoot to derail Indias success story under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Earlier today, Congress MPs met at 10:15 am in the Parliament House complex and held a unique type of protest inside the complex. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to follow the parliamentary rules and conventions and ensure that dignity of the House is not compromised.

As soon as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took up the Zero Hour at noon, opposition members were on their feet demanding that they be allowed to raise the issue of violence in Sambhal in the House. Birla said he would allow some opposition members to raise the issue.

In Rajya Sabha, BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed Indias national interests were under threats from abroad and demanded a thorough probe. He cited the Hindenburg report and the recent indictment of an Indian business house by a US attorney just ahead of the Winter Session as examples. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar asserted that the worlds largest democracy cannot be impaired by the deep state.

Jaishankar Clarifies Indias Position On Gaza War

Addressing queries during the Question Hour on the Gaza conflict, Jaishankar responded by reiterating that India supports a two-state solution for the Palestinian issue. He said any resolutions which do not include terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas do not reflect the entire reality and is not balanced.

A country like India, which is itself a victim of terrorism, if we countenance the fact that terrorism is underplayed and ignored, it is not in our interests that we do so. We look at any resolution, we look at the wording and take a mature view. As a matter of principle: We condemn terrorism and hostage-taking. We believe that countries have a right to respond to these situations but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. We must humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end to the violence," he said.

Speaking on defence cooperation with Israel, Jaishankar said the decision has been considered based on national security interests. As far as Israel is concerned, it is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security. It is also a country which has stood by us and different moments when our national security was under threat. When we take any decision, we will bear in mind the larger circumstances but we will be guided by our national security interests," he added.

Congress Isolated From INDIA Partners

Congress appears quite isolated from other partners of the INDIA opposition bloc, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress and others have conveyed to Congress that they cannot support disrupting the parliamentary proceedings.

On Wednesday, none of the INDIA bloc members joined Congress in walking out of the Rajya Sabha over the farmers protests. The Congress has been protesting and pushing for adjournments on issues which other parties feel dont find enough traction. Other INDIA parties have urged Congress to focus on taking on the BJP on real issues.

Whats On Table?

Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Gaurav Gogoi had filed an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his visit to Sambhal, making it one of the key issues to be discussed today. On the other hand, Congress letter Vijay Vasanth gave a notice in Lok Sabha to discuss urgent issues faced by Kanyakumari fishermen.

He called for immediate measures such as financial aid, modern fishing equipment, sustainable fishing practices, improved healthcare, insurance schemes, and disaster management plans to support the fishermen and their families, citing challenges threatening their livelihood including overfishing and declining fish stocks.

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On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which allows bank account holders to have up to four nominees in their accounts, after an intense debate. Opposition members fiercely criticised the bill with TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee describing it as a donkey passage towards privatisation of the Indian banking sector".

(with inputs from Pallavi Ghosh)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 09:14 IST
Politics Aside, Attack On Sukhbir Singh Badal Sparks Many Security Questions

Written By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 16:07 IST

Sukhbir Badal, who is undergoing religious punishment at the Golden Temple, was fired upon from close range by a man identified as Narain Chaura

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and others after a man allegedly opened fire at the former who was performing the duty of 'sewadar' outside the Golden Temple. (PTI)

The Incident

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Sukhbir Badal, who is undergoing religious punishment" at the Golden Temple, was fired upon from close range by a man identified as Narain Chaura.

The 63-year-old Chaura, an alleged Babbar Khalsa International member, had carried a 9mm semi-automatic pistol to the temple. Inches away from a wheelchair-bound Sukhbir Badal, he whisked out his pistol but was immediately overpowered by the former deputy CMs security detail. The bullet hit the wall and no one was injured.

However, the site was swarming with devotees and an incident like this could have led to bloodshed or triggered a stampede-like situation. Amritsar Police, in its defence, said plainclothes policemen were keeping a hawk eye and it was the swift response from three of their men  Rishpal Singh, Parminder Singh, and Jasbir Singh  that saved the day.

ALSO READ | Why Is Sukhbir Singh Badal Being Punished At Golden Temple, What Landed The SAD Leader In Trouble?

Video footage shows Jasbir Singh, wearing a red turban, grabbing Chauras arm and pushing him away from Badal, even as the pistol is fired. Bikram Singh Majithia, Badals brother-in-law, claimed Jasbir was a personal security officer who has been with the Badal family for decades.

The Ensuing Politics

Majithia slammed Amritsar Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar for claiming that Punjab Police had saved the day, arguing that Jasbir Singh was now a Badal family confidante and acted in that capacity.

He also slammed the Amritsar CP for telling the media that police will investigate, among other things, the allegation that this assassination bid was orchestrated to gain sympathy for the Badals.

Since Wednesday morning, when the attack occurred, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) circles were agog with murmurs about the conspiracy theory. Their argument  Chips of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Badals have been down after the punishment from the Akal Takht, and the assassination attempt would generate sympathy and perhaps resurrect them politically.

ALSO READ | Sukhbir Badal Firing: Shooters Old Post Says Apology Wont Undo Sins, Akali Dal Links Top Cops

Initially, these theories were only treated as political conspiracy theories till Bhullar made it official by saying police will probe this aspect too. Both the BJP and SAD have slammed him for the comments. Security experts also point out that Chaura, part of the Jagtar Singh Hawara group, had in the past made it clear that Badals were on his hit list. In that backdrop, they say, the conspiracy theory doesnt really fit in.

Chauras Facebook post dated July 14 states that no apology or punishment is enough to condone the sins of the Akalis". This, too, is being pushed by Akali supporters who have lambasted Amritsar Police for their statement.

Security Concern

Amidst the furore over the police statement, it is the real security concerns that are getting sidelined. To begin with, the assailant entered with a 9mm automatic pistol which cant be bought off the shelf in India. How did he then procure it?

Drones dropping off small arms and narcotics from Pakistan is the new reality for Punjab. As per BSF data, between December 2023 and November 2024, 37 arms have been smuggled into India from Pakistan along with 409 rounds of ammunitions. While no incident of drone-dropped arms and ammunition was recorded in 2022, in the last two years, a significant rise in such incidents has been recorded. In 2023, 69.5 per cent hike in arms dropped by drones and in 2024, 85.7 per cent rise WAS noted by the Punjab frontier of BSF.

Chaura is a known Babbar Khalsa operative. He has been associated with Pakistan since the 1980s as per police records. He reportedly travelled to Pakistan, first in 1984 for training when militancy was starting to plague Punjab. In 2013, he was arrested under the Explosives Act with a huge cache of arms. Sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) were also invoked later.

ALSO READ | I Was Standing Alert: How ASI Jasbir Singh Foiled Assassination Bid On Sukhbir Singh Badal

Senior intelligence officials reiterate that Pakistan has always reignited the Punjab theatre if the screws are tightened in Jammu and Kashmir. Together, these facts lead to an ominous question  was what transpired at Golden Temple an ISI-backed plan to cause tension in Punjab?

Safeguarding Golden Temple premises

The attack has also led to questions over the safety of devotees who come to Golden Temple. The Amritsar CP has conceded that no frisking is done at the entry point of Golden Temple because of religious sentiments. But Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has himself requested the government for adequate steps to secure the premises" after the attack. Is it then time to strike a balance between religious sentiments and the need for a fool proof security system at the entry point of the site?

Intelligence failure

CCTV footage now made public shows that Chaura was present inside Golden Temple a day before the incident. In fact, Majithia has alleged that police officials met him a day before inside the temple complex. Was Chaura then carrying out a recce before the attack? Was any intelligence available about the assassination attempt?

Chauras presence in the temple the same day Badal started his penance leads one to question if he attempted the assassination a day earlier too.

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The Amritsar CP said 175 plainclothes policemen and SP, DIG, AIG-level officials were deployed for the security of Badal. Bhullar, however, said the uniformed component was not possible owing to religious sentiments. But could more steps have been taken to secure other devotees, given the fact that a known Khalistani terrorist was spotted at the temple for two days consecutively?

Preliminary investigation suggests Chaura acted alone. But questions that need to be asked are the source of the arms, planning of the conspiracy, logistical support, if any, from other over-ground workers of Babbar Khalsa International, and wider concerns for the security of Golden Temple. If only politicians would ask the right questions.

Location : Amritsar, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:05 IST
Separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Writes To Waqf JPC Offering To Depose, Panel Yet To Make Decision

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 23:29 IST

Certain members of Parliament from the opposition side have informally reached out to the MPs on the ruling side in the panel, requesting them to support the deposing of Farooq before the committee as an important stakeholder, sources said

Members of joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on Waqf (Amendment) Bill pose for a photograph. (File image: PTI)

The chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Mirwaiz faction), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has written to the joint parliamentary committee for the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, to seek permission to depose before it. It is learnt that the panel is yet to accept or reject his request. However, sources said certain members of Parliament from the opposition side have informally reached out to the MPs on the ruling side in the panel, requesting them to support the deposing of Farooq before the committee as an important stakeholder.

Sources said that the committee had received his communication. It is also known that the ruling establishment has not been too much in favour of engaging with these extremist forces, who do not believe in the rule of law in India and do not want to abide by its Constitution," a source said.

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On Thursday, the committee met for the first time since its extension, given around a week ago by Parliament. The members from the ministry of minority affairs had deposed before the panel to help it go through the written responses submitted by them in reference to the questions that the MPs had asked earlier.

This was the seventh time that the ministry had deposed before the panel. As a matter of protocol, officials from the ministries of law and justice and minority affairs are mandated to attend all the JPC meetings.

The written responses submitted by the ministry run into close to 200 pages. However, on Thursday too some members had a brief discussion on further questions they wanted to ask the minority affairs ministry, especially around the appointment of non-Muslims to the committee and the powers being given to a collectorate as proposed by the bill in its amended form.

Speaking to the media, JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal said that the meeting was to go on till 9 pm but had to be cut short to around 6.30 pm due to a request by certain MPs. We wanted to hold the meeting till late in the evening, but today Mr (Asaduddin) Owaisi said that he was really tired, and therefore we decided to curtail the meeting. We will be holding the next meeting, and Mr Owaisi is ready," Pal said, taking a friendly jibe at the AIMIM chief. Owaisi had to take an evening flight back to Hyderabad, and therefore he rushed out of the meeting.

It is learnt that the committee will once again meet on December 27-28, which is expected to be the last meeting for this year. The panel has also proposed to finish the remainder of the study tour, which was cut short because of the non-participation and boycott by opposition parties last month. The BJP and the NDA MPs curtail the trip after visiting Guwahati and Bhubaneswar. The panel was supposed to travel to three more cities, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow, which is still pending.

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The JPC committee on Thursday held its 30th meeting in the presence of the chairman. The bill was referred to it by the House in the last monsoon session of Parliament, on August 9, 2024. As per the data available, the committee so far has examined 13 Waqf Boards, and seven state representatives have come before the panel in Parliament. So far, 42 organisations/stakeholders have appeared before the committee. The panel has undertaken two study tours. During the first study tour across states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, the panel met 123 stakeholders. The second trip had to be cut short because of the opposition boycott and could only visit Guwahati and Bhubaneswar. The panel examined 16 stakeholders.

The committee, which had asked the public to give their opinion about the bill, both online and through physical representation, so far has received 92.28 lakh emails and 4.99 lakh physical representations.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 23:29 IST
Sukhbir Badal Firing: Shooter's Old Post Says Apology Won't Undo Sins, Akali Dal Links Top Cops

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 11:43 IST

Badal Assassination Bid: The Akali Dal has alleged a link between accused Narain Singh Chaura and Police Commissioner and SP.

SAD Leader Sukhbir Singh Badal Firing Case (PTI Image)

Sukhbir Badal Firing: Shiromani Akali Dal has linked Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Bhullar to Narain Singh Chaura, accused in the assassination bid of SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple, alleging that the Superintendent of Police was seen shaking hands with the shooter in the CCTV footage.

This comes after Bhullar said that all angles in the case will be investigated, including the sympathy angle". Even if this attack was staged to gain sympathy, I have got a lot of questions about this. So, we are looking at a number of angles," the CP had said.

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Reacting to this, SAD General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia shared the CCTV footage on X and alleged that the SP was seen shaking hands with the accused before the firing incident took place. Majithia asked if the CP had links with Chaura and whether the SP and other officers would be arrested.

Dont you have links with Narain Chaura? In this video, your SP Harpal is seen shaking hands with terrorist Narain Chawra. Was Narain Chawra a relative of your SPs uncle or aunt? Was it all a conspiracy by Punjab Police with your involvement? Will you arrest SP Harpal and the other officers involved? I demand an independent Supreme Court inquiry into CP Gurpreet Singh Bhuller, SP Harpal, and AIG Jagjit Walia," Majithia posted on X, adding the CCTV footage.

Gurpreet BhullerCP SAAB  ,   ,  failure          !    3,4              Lawrence Bishnoi          pic.twitter.com/mevEAPCm0g Bikram Singh Majithia (@bsmajithia) December 4, 2024

Narain Singh Chauras Old Facebook Post Criticises Badal

In a Facebook post in July this year, Chaura had said that any apology by Badal could not undo the partys sins".

Notably, Badal was attacked while serving the religious punishment given to him by the Akal Takht over lapses" by the government led by him from 2007 to 2017, including the sacrilege cases under it.

The Chaura said that the SAD was politically rejected by the Sikh community in Punjab due to the partys grave misdeeds". He claimed that the SAD was now using Akal Takht Sahib as a means to revive its tarnished reputation.

This party is an enemy of the Panth and no longer has the right to lead the Sikh community in the political arena," he wrote.

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Any attempt to absolve them of their wrongdoings through symbolic punishments will not be accepted by the Khalsa Panth," Chaura added.

Chaura has also been writing at other fora on the sacrilege" cases under the Akali government. Questioning the lack of justice" in the matters, he has justified murders of some accused or suspects in the sacrilege cases.

Location : Amritsar, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 11:37 IST
Three Dead, 20 Hospitalised In Chennai's Pallavaram Due To Suspected Water Contamination

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 06, 2024, 08:57 IST

The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem results are available

The deceased have been identified as 56-year-old Tiruveethi and 42-year-old Mohanarangam. (Representational image via AP)

Three persons died and 20 others are undergoing treatment at a government hospital on Thursday, allegedly due to suspected drinking water contamination in the city.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian, who visited the hospital and consoled the patients, stated that water samples have been sent to the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Guindy for detailed analysis.

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The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem results are available, Minister Subramanian told reporters.

The deceased have been identified as 56-year-old Tiruveethi, the 42-year-old Mohanarangam and the 88-year-old Varalakshmi.

According to the hospital, Mohanarangam was brought dead.

Residents of Pallavaram claimed that drinking water in their area became contaminated after sewage mixed with it during the recent rains in the city.

However, State MSME Minister T M Anbarasan, who visited the hospital to console the patients, dismissed water contamination as the cause and suggested that food poisoning might be responsible for the illnesses.

Residents of Kamaraj Nagar and Manalmedu in Pallavaram have been flocking to the government hospital in Tambaram with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea over the past three days.

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A total of 34 individuals were admitted during this period, with 14 discharged and 19 currently receiving treatment, said Subramanian.

(with PTI inputs)

Location : Tamil Nadu, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 23:03 IST
'Same DNA': Yogi Adityanath Mentions Sambhal And Bangladesh, Then Makes A Mughal Reference

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 15:39 IST

Yogi Adityanath has compared the Ayodhya temple demolition, Sambhal violence, and unrest in Bangladesh, asserting that those behind all the three incidents share "the same DNA."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (Photo: ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday drew a parallel between the demolition of the Ayodhya temple 500 years back and the violence taking place in Sambhal and Bangladesh, present day. He also said the three incidents have the same DNA".

Speaking at the inauguration of the Ramayan Mela at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath said, Remember what Baburs man did in Ayodhya 500 years ago? The same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh."

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The people who created divisions in our unity, their descendants are still here, and they continue to disrupt the society in the name of caste. Look at what the enemies in the neighbouring country are doing. Five hundred years ago, a commander of Babur did something in Ayodhya. The DNA of all three actions (Ayodhya, Sambhal, and Bangladesh) is the same," he said.

Do not remain under any delusion. Some forces are present here, and they are fully prepared to cut you and make you bleed," he added.

If someone believes that this is happening only in Bangladesh, then the same elements are here too waiting to hand you over. They have made full arrangements to break the social unity," he said.

Some of the people talking about this are such who have property abroad. If a crisis happens here, they will run away and leave others here to die," the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said.

#WATCH | Ayodhya | At the inauguration of Ramayan Mela at Ram Katha Park, CM Yogi Adityanath says, Remember what Baburs man did in Ayodhya Kumbh 500 years ago. The same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh. The nature of the three and their DNA is pic.twitter.com/KpBmWoGlDJ ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Speaking further, Adityanath said, Lord Sri Ram united the society. Had we given importance to this unifying work, had we not allowed the enemies of the society to succeed in their strategy, this country would never have been enslaved. Our pilgrimages would not have been impure."

Yogi Adityanath also spoke on the relevance of the Ayodhya town, where the Ram Temple was constructed in January this year.

Once again Ayodhya is moving ahead with a new identity as a global city spiritually and culturally. Remember how in January this year, with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lord Ram has been seated in the temple again after five hundred years?"

Anyone who does not respect Lord Ram and Mata Janaki, no matter how dear they are to you, should be abandoned like an enemy," he said.

That is why Lord Ram devotees, in 1990, gave the slogan, Jo Ram ka nahi hamare kisi kaam ka nahi," Adityanath said.

In todays politics, a true Samajwadi is free from the attachment to property and children. However, todays Samajwadi have become Parivarwadi. Without the protection of criminals and goons, their condition becomes like a fish struggling without water. They do politics in the name of Lohia but are unable to adopt even one of his ideals." the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said.

#WATCH | Ayodhya | At the inauguration of Ramayan Mela at Ram Katha Park, CM Yogi Adityanath says, Once again Ayodhya is moving ahead with a new identity as a global city spiritually and culturally Remember how in January this year, due to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi, pic.twitter.com/Lehm17IDQC ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Meanwhile, reacting to Adityanaths remarks, Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said he was ready to get his DNA checked.

The Chief Minister should not speak about the DNA. We are ready to get our DNA checked, but he should also get his checked," Yadav said.

Massive protests have rocked parts of India over the alleged atrocities against Hindus and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.

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In Sambhal, tension had been brewing since November 19, when a Mughal-era mosque was surveyed on court orders following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site.

Violence erupted during a second survey on November 24 as protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with security personnel.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:18 IST
Kumbh Mela 2025: AI Chatbots, Apps To Transform Maha Kumbh Mela Experience

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:45 IST

Kumbh Mela 2025: The primary goals of digitising the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 are to improve security, increase visibility, monitor activities, and ensure efficient service delivery.

Kumbh Mela 2025: To ensure security and cleanliness during the Maha Kumbh 2025, 100 AI cameras will be installed at the mela. (Image: Shutterstock)

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a digital plan to help people navigate the Kumbh Mela 2025 with ease. This initiative, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to provide a modern digital experience for both attendees and those unable to visit in person. The primary goals are to improve security, increase visibility, monitor activities, and ensure that services are provided efficiently.

The Chief Minister has also launched a new website and app, offering detailed information on key areas such as ghats, akharas, religious sites, and travel options to enhance the overall experience.

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ALSO READ: Kumbh Mela 2025: Dates, Location, And The Cultural Significance Of Maha Kumbh

In an interview with the Times of India, Kumbh Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand stated, Work is being done for the chatbot. Through this, devotees will easily reach the camp where they want to go. They will not have to wander anywhere."

For the first time, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), chatbots, and Google navigation will be implemented during the Maha Kumbh. The Prayagraj Mela authority will also be able to track services provided at the event, including the Ganga Aarti Puja, through online platforms.

ALSO READ: Maha Kumbh 2025: Coloured Vehicle Passes With QR Codes For Seamless Access

For added convenience, 3D images of all camps will be uploaded to the official website, offering visitors a clear view of facilities and accommodation.

To ensure security and cleanliness during the Maha Kumbh 2025, 100 AI cameras will be installed at the mela. These cameras will monitor activities and alert the police to any issues. Scanners will also be installed in all toilets to track their cleanliness and maintenance in real time.

ALSO READ: Centre Releases First Instalment Of Rs 1,050 Crore For Prayagrajs Maha Kumbh

During Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths visit to Prayagraj, an agreement was signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and Google. This partnership will enable Google to offer an online view of the entire tent city.

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Visitors will also be able to access detailed information about new attractions such as laser shows, water sports, and more through the official website.

Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled to take place between 13 January and 26 February.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:42 IST
Pulao To Gajar Ka Halwa: 10 Signature Dishes In Wedding Menu Across Indian States

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 10:58 IST

From the rich and spicy curries of the North to the light and refreshing delicacies of the South, Indian weddings offer a culinary journey like no other.

The Indian wedding menu is different in each region of the country as they have their distinct culinary traditions. (Image: Shutterstock)

Indian weddings are renowned for their grandeur, vibrant colours, and, of course, the sumptuous feasts they offer. Each region of India has its own unique culinary traditions, and weddings provide the perfect platform to showcase these regional delicacies.

From the rich and spicy curries of the North to the light and refreshing delicacies of the South, Indian weddings offer a culinary journey like no other. With each bite of these dishes, youll experience the rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity of India.

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So, as the wedding bells ring and couples sit together to exchange vows across the country, lets explore some of the signature wedding dishes that adorn the wedding tables across India:

WEDDING MENU: 10 DISHES COMMONLY FOUND IN INDIAN WEDDINGS

Pulao

ALSO READ: Wedding Season: Guide To A Budget-Friendly Planning Of Your Dream Marriage Day

Butter Chicken

Luchi/Puri

Dosa

ALSO READ: Sustainable Wedding Trends: Eco-Friendly Decorations, Reducing Waste, And Green Wedding Ideas

Biryani

Gulab Jamun

Gajar Ka Halwa

We cannot miss out on this most loved winter treat. During the wedding season, the function is just incomplete without having a bowl full of the iconic Gajar ka Halwa. Made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, nuts, and cardamom, this rich, decadent dessert is a perfect winter indulgence with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, Gajar ka Halwa is a timeless classic that continues to warm hearts and satisfy taste buds across India.

Pani puri

Kadhai Paneer

Pav Bhaji

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One or more of these iconic dishes is a must-have on the Indian wedding menu!

First Published: December 05, 2024, 10:22 IST
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 1, during the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition Center, Chinese new energy vehicle maker NETA Auto announced a partnership with Indonesia's leading electric vehicle mobility company, PT Luxury Trans Indonesia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions in the country.

Photo credit: NETA Auto

As part of the agreement, PT Luxury Trans Indonesia placed an initial order for 50 NETA AYA vehicles, which will be used as premium mobility options for its clients.

NETA Auto has been actively expanding its presence in international markets. On November 12, the company signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Bolivia's largest automotive sales group, Saavedra Group, to establish sales channels and vehicle distribution networks across Bolivia.

Furthering its commitment to the Indonesian market, NETA Auto inaugurated a new 3S dealership in North Jakartas Pluit area on November 21 in partnership with PT Surya Mobil Abadi. With 11 operational 3S and 4S dealerships already established across Indonesia, NETA aims to increase its network to over 20 outlets by the end of the year, enhancing customer service and accessibility.

NETA Auto's Brazil subsidiary hosted its first dealership conference on November 22, attended by 22 representatives from 15 dealership groups. The event, which included brand presentations, Q&A sessions, and test drives, helped solidify dealer confidence in NETAs offerings. The company plans to establish more than 10 stores across Brazil by the first quarter of 2025, supporting large-scale deliveries and further market penetration.

On November 28, NETA Auto unveiled the NETA S Shooting Brake model at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024 in Bangkok, marking the first international debut of the model.
Worli Fort To Vasai Fort: Unpopular Forts In Mumbai That Are Waiting To Be Explored

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 15:49 IST

From the Mughals to the Marathas, the British, and even the Portuguese reigned over it at different points in time, leaving behind a rich history.

Worli Fort was built by the British as a defence fort.

With rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, Mumbai is a popular vacation spot for everyone to immerse themselves in. While the city of dreams is often associated with its bustling cityscape, nightlife, and iconic landmarks, the city also boasts a number of lesser-known forts.From the Mughals to the Marathas, the British, and even the Portuguese reigned over it at different points in time, leaving behind a rich history.

These historical sites, often overlooked by tourists, offer a glimpse into Mumbais past and provide opportunities for exploration and reflection. So, without much ado, lets delve into some of these hidden gems:

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Castella de Aguada

Also known as Bandra Fort, this ancient Portuguese fort is one of the most visited tourist places in Mumbai. Situated in Lands End in Bandra, the fort lies several feet high from the average sea levelat a height of 24 m.Besides being a tourist spot in the region, the fort has been a famous shooting spot and has been featured in many Bollywood movies like Dil Chahta Hai and Buddha Mil Gaya.

Worli Fort

Standing tall in the middle of the Worli fishing village, the Worli Fort is a historic yet unexplored tourist attraction in Mumbai. It was built on a hilltop by the British as a defence fort to keep an eye on the enemy ships and pirates. Get drenched in the views of the amazing Mahim Bay and the Bandra-Worli Sealink with cool sea breeze touching your face. In addition to that, the historical structure has a built-in well, a temple, and ample viewpoints overlooking the vast sea. This defence structure, visited by quite a few history buffs, students, and foreigners, is one of the few intact forts in Mumbai that is worth a visit for its unimpaired architecture.

Vasai Fort

Built by the Portuguese in 1536 and spread over 110 acres, the Bassein Fort, aka Vasai Fort, is located in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra. It is a majestic fort and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. This fort overlooks the confluence of the River Ulhas in the background and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region showcasing the Indo-European defensive architecture.This giant fort boasts six churches, three convents, and one cathedral as well as numerous public and private buildings, including a town hall, hospital, college, factory, library, coin mint, and a buzzing marketplace. This fort was home to 2400 soldiers, 300 residents, nobles, and artisans, and it remained a commercial, political, and military base of the Portuguese for nearly 300 years.

Irmitri fort

Also known as the Dongri Fort, this was constructed during the Maratha rule in 1739.Located right by the sea, this place offers a 360-degree view of Vasai Fort to the North, Borivali National Park to the East, Essel World, and the Water Kingdom to the South. This fort is well-maintained by a church located nearby and the locals in Dongri.

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Cross Island Fort

Colloquially known as Chinal Tekdi, this place is situated on the Mumbai Harbour in India. Sandwiched between Dockyard Road and Elephanta Island,Cross Island boastsan oil refinery, several large gas holders, and beautiful remains of a ruined fort.Located around 400 m from Ferry Wharf, you can reach the Cross Island in a speedboat or ferry.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 15:49 IST
Allu Arjun Fan's Death: Case Registered Against Sandhya Theatre After Woman Dies At Pushpa 2 Premiere

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 10:04 IST

Sandhya Theatre lands in trouble after a woman died during a stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere which took place at the venue.

Pushpa 2 premiere took place on Wednesday night.

A case registered against Sandhya Theatre for negligence after a woman died during the premiere of Pushpa 2. The premiere took place on Wednesday night. The theatre hosted a sea of fans and to their surprise, Allu Arjun joined them for the premiere. The surprise turned into a nightmare after a stampede broke out outside the theatre upon his arrival.

In an attempt to catch a glimpse of the superstar, fans rushed to get closer to his vehicle. In the process, a woman unfortunately lost her life while her son is said to be critical. Although Allu Arjun has not commented yet, the police officer investigating the incident revealed that the team was not prepared for a stampede situation becuase they were not notified about the Telugu actors arrival until two hours before he appeared.

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Speaking with The Hindu, the police officer said, There was no information about their arrival until two hours before and hence no bandobast was organised. People in large numbers gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor while he was leaving the theatre, leading to the stampede."

The victim is identified as Revathi, a resident of Dilsukhnagar. She was at the movie screening with her husband, Bhaskar, their son, and their younger child. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM as the family was leaving the theatre.

Police officers and bystanders immediately administered CPR to Revathi and her son before they were taken to a nearby hospital. The boy, who remains in critical condition, was later transferred to a super-speciality hospital. Sadly, Revathi succumbed to her injuries, and her body has been sent to Gandhi Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Meanwhile, a video showed Allu Arjun greeting fans through the sunroof. He was seen entering the theatre with his wife Sneha Reddy and Pushpa 2 co-star Rashmika Mandanna. Musician Devi Sri Prasad was also present with them.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 10:04 IST
Bollywood Stars Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh Shine At Maharashtra CM Swearing-in Ceremony | Video

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 20:14 IST

Ranbir looked effortlessly stylish in a white kurta pyjama with a jacket, while Ranveer made a bold statement in an all-black Indo-Western outfit

The two stars, known for their dynamic on-screen presence, were photographed interacting with fellow attendees.

Maharashtras political landscape was lit up with glamour as Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday.

The grand event, held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, saw the two actors add star power to the ceremony, which was also graced by top political leaders and business tycoons.

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#WATCH | Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh attend the oath ceremony of the Maharashtra government in Mumbai(Video source: ANI/ DG-IPR) pic.twitter.com/LLrgvsZEEA  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Ranbir looked effortlessly stylish in a white kurta pyjama with a jacket, while Ranveer made a bold statement in an all-black Indo-Western outfit, completing the look with his half-tied hair.

The two stars, known for their dynamic on-screen presence, were photographed interacting with fellow attendees and drawing attention with their sartorial choices.

However, their wives, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, were notably absent from the event, which otherwise saw a full show of support from other big names in Bollywood, including superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

The event also attracted several prominent figures from the business world, with Mukesh Ambani and Noel Tata among the notable attendees.

The ceremony marked a significant moment for Maharashtra, with Devendra Fadnavis returning as Chief Minister after five years, having previously served as the Deputy CM. Along with Fadnavis, Shiv Senas Eknath Shinde and NCPs Ajit Pawar were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.

(With inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ: Maharashtra CM Swearing-in: Salman Khan Among Celebrities At Mahayuti 2.0 Oath Ceremony | Video

First Published: December 05, 2024, 19:59 IST
Fabulous Lives' Shalini Passi Confirms Bigg Boss 18 Entry, Says 'Falling In Love With...'

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 23:25 IST

Shalini Passi resides in a luxurious 20,000 sq. ft. home in Delhi with her husband Sanjay Passi, chairman of Pasco Group, and their son, Robin.

Shalini Passi became an overnight sensation after Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives.

Art connoisseur and reality TV star Shalini Passi is all set to make her mark on the small screen once again by appearing on Bigg Boss 18 as a special guest. The episode, hosted by Salman Khan, will air tonight at 10 PM. In a teaser posted by JioCinema, Shalini can be seen expressing her excitement about the visit, accompanied by her unique friend, Maca Judith Leiber handbag shaped like a parrot.

Shalini, who rose to fame after her stint in Netflixs Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, has become a trending name on social media. The Delhi-based art collector, philanthropist, and founder of MASH, an organisation dedicated to bridging art, architecture, craft, and design, is now ready to bring her charm to the Bigg Boss house.

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In an Instagram video, Shalini confirmed the news, saying, I am very excited to enter the Bigg Boss house. Me and my friend Mac are going inside the house. For me, being in front of a camera is a very new thing because before 2018, I had a camera phobia. I used to get very scared and run away, which is why there were no pictures. Falling in love with the camera is a very new thing for me."

Shalini further revealed her personality quirks and what viewers can expect from her presence in the house. My friends would jokingly say that I should be the leader of Bigg Boss. You will give them good training and discipline them. If I feel something is wrong, I will surely tell them because it will be for their benefit eventually. I pick peoples vibrations. I am drawn towards people who are very sad or angry because I feel like healing them," she shared.

Hinting at the fun to come, Shalini added, Once I step inside the house, I will do some activities and fun things. Since there are a lot of youngsters, it will be fun. Ab toh bahut mazaa aane wala hai."

Shalini resides in a luxurious 20,000 sq. ft. home in Delhi with her husband Sanjay Passi, chairman of Pasco Group, and their son, Robin. Known for her love of art, architecture, and fashion, Shalini is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the Bigg Boss 18 house.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 23:25 IST
One Direction Members Were Planning 'Last Reunion Show' Before Liam Payne's Death: Report

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 16:55 IST

A news report claimed that the five members of the former band One Direction were considering for one last reunion show but Liam Paynes untimely death changed everything.

Liam Payne died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina. (Photo Credit: X)

Liam Paynes death has brought One Directions former members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson closer, as per a recent news report. The tragedy has left the bandmates devastated and made them rethink their relationships which had become distant over the years. The report also revealed that all the five members had been considering a one last reunion show" for their fans but Paynes sudden passing has changed those plans. But they are now planning to do a tribute to honour their late bandmate.

The guys would love to do a tribute to Liam. Theyre all so devastated right now they cant even think about that as a legitimate project, but it has been discussed. Liams death has caused the guys immense heartbreak," said a source quoted by US Weekly.

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Payne passed away on October 16, after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system. Investigations are underway and authorities have arrested three people in connection with the incident.

Styles, Tomlinson, Malik and Horan came together for Paynes private funeral in Amersham, England, last month. It was the first time the four had reunited since Maliks departure in 2015 and the bands indefinite hiatus in 2016.

The heartbreaking loss has reportedly been a wake-up call" for the former bandmates. Prior, they kept in touch sporadically but didnt have close friendships at all. Theyre all still mourning but are checking in on each other and feel closer than they have in years. It brought them back together," the source said.

The four bandmates shared a heartfelt joint statement following Paynes tragic death: Were completely devastated by the news of Liams passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."

Alongside the joint tribute, each member posted their own emotional messages on social media, remembering their bond with Payne. Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with his ex-partner Cheryl Cole. At the time of his passing, he was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy, 25, who also attended his funeral.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:55 IST
Vivek Oberoi Makes Rare Comment About Aishwarya Rai, Salman; Talks About 'Abusive' Love: 'Your Breakup...'

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:40 IST

Vivek Oberoi also spoke about Aishwarya Rai's husband and called him a sweetheart.

Vivek spoke about Aishwarya and Salman.

Vivek Oberoi recently opened up about his industry colleagues, the downside of fame and getting out of abusive relationships. The actor expressed gratitude for finding a higher purpose in life and not remaining stuck with plastic smiles. Vivek also commented on Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan.

In a recent chat with Dr Jai Madaans YouTube channel, Vivek was asked to react to certain names from Bollywood. When it came to Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek said, Hes a sweetheart, a really nice person." For Aishwarya and Salman Khan, Vivek had a similar reply, God bless them."

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Vivek opened up about his entrepreneurial journey and how his personal and professional downfall guided him towards his greater purpose. Vivek said, Perhaps I wouldve become a superficial person, living a superficial life. Perhaps I wouldve become plastic myself, among people with plastic smiles. If people troll me now, I dont care. Because I know my purpose in life, I know what is the most important to me."

Vivek said that being a celebrity makes ones experiences more intense due to constantly being in the public eye. Your breakup becomes world news," he said. Vivek also gave advice to the younger generation about dealing with heartbreak and said, If someone is leaving your life, think of it this way. A child drops his lollipop in the mud, his mother wont allow him to eat it because it is dirty, would she? Life will give you a new partner. The longer you stay with the pain, the more itll grow."

Vivek continued, Im speaking from personal experience. Sometimes, we go into abusive relationships, relationships where people are using you, people are not valuing you, not respecting you. You go into that relationship because you havent identified your self-worth. You think its right to have a fatalist attitude, thinking, I dont care, I can give my life also. But you have to value yourself."

In Bollywood, many actors have faced boycotts, with some disappearing from the limelight. However, Vivek Oberoi is one actor who, despite facing such a boycott, managed to rise above it and carve out a successful path.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:40 IST
Was Salman Khan The Real Target Before Baba Siddique's Assassination? Interrogation Details Surface

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 18:44 IST

Recent revelations indicate that Salman Khan was the initial target before the tragic murder of Baba Siddique on October 12, 2024.

Salman Khan and Baba Siddique (File Photo)

Salman Khans close associate and NCP leader Baba Siddique was tragically shot dead on October 12, 2024. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the murder, and recent revelations indicate that the shooters initially planned to target Salman Khan before carrying out the attack on Siddique.

According to a report by India Today, the accused in Baba Siddiques murder confessed during interrogation that Salman Khan was on their hit list. However, they were unable to get to the actor due to his heightened security measures.

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Baba Siddique was killed on Dussehra evening outside his son Zeeshan Siddiques office in Bandra East, Mumbai. Three assailants carried out the attack, firing six bullets, four of which struck Siddique in the chest. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Salman Khan has been a repeated target of death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In April, two men fired outside his residence, Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, escalating concerns for his safety. Numerous arrests have been made in connection with these incidents, and additional threats invoking Bishnois name have surfaced over the months.

On Wednesday, a suspicious individual caused a stir on the sets of Salman Khans upcoming film Sikandar. The man, after being questioned by security personnel, reportedly said, Bishnoi ko bulau kya? (Should I call Lawrence Bishnoi?)" He was promptly taken into custody and is being interrogated at the Shivaji Park police station.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is immersed in filming Sikandar, an action-entertainer directed by AR Murugadoss. The movie features Rashmika Mandanna, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the films first look poster, expected to be unveiled on Salmans birthday, December 27, 2024. Besides this, Salman Khan can also be seen as the host of Bigg Boss 18.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 18:44 IST
Yeom Hye Ran, A Bloody Lucky Day And Queen Of Tears Shine At The 2024 Asian Academy Creative Awards

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 17:10 IST

Jang Young Woo and Kim Hee Won won Best Direction (Fiction) for their work on Queen of Tears. This drama, featuring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, tells the story of Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In, a married couple who navigate a... Read More

Yeom Hye Ran won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Mask Girl. (Photo Credit: X)

The 2024 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) celebrated the best in creative excellence across the Asia-Pacific and this years winners left an impressive mark. On December 4, the prestigious awards ceremony took place in Singapore, announcing its Grand Final Winners. The event brought together some of the regions finest talents in television, film and digital media, making it a night to remember for the industry. The thrilling series A Bloody Lucky Day secured the award for Best Original Production by a Streamer (Fiction).

This intense drama, adapted from a webtoon, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its chilling storyline. It follows Oh Taek, portrayed by Lee Sung Min, a taxi driver whose seemingly ordinary day spirals into chaos after picking up a high-paying passenger who turns out to be a dangerous serial killer. The gripping narrative and stellar performances earned the show well-deserved recognition, reports Soompi.

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Yeom Hye Ran, celebrated for her powerful portrayal in Mask Girl, reportedly won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. This series, also based on a popular webtoon, dives deep into the life of Kim Mo Mi, an unassuming office worker battling insecurities about her appearance. By night, she transforms into a masked internet broadcast jockey (BJ), hiding her true identity. However, her double life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled in an unforeseen and life-altering incident. Yeom Hye Rans riveting performance added depth and emotion to this complex story, solidifying her place among the years best.

The dynamic duo of Jang Young Woo and Kim Hee Won won Best Direction (Fiction) for their work on Queen of Tears. This drama, featuring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, tells the story of Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In, a married couple who navigate a crisis with resilience, humour and love. Their journey to overcome the odds and stay together captured audiences and impressed the judges, making it a standout in this years awards.

The Asian Academy Creative Awards, organised by the Asian Academy of Creative Arts (AACA), are regarded as the most prestigious platform for recognizing creative brilliance in the Asia-Pacific region. Covering television, film, digital streaming, and emerging technologies, the awards honour excellence across various domains.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 17:10 IST
Global Watch | Chinese Encroachment Into The African Media Landscape

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 16:29 IST

The increasing Chinese influence in the African media landscape represents a concerning trend that must be addressed to safeguard the interests and hard-won sovereignty of the African people

Despite a history of relatively independent investigative journalism in numerous African nations, the financial and technical challenges faced by these media outlets make them susceptible to Chinese interventions that offer significant funding, equipment, and content. Representational image

In recent decades, particularly over the last ten years, Africa has become a crucial element and a new frontier in Chinas vision for the Great Rejuvenation. With its vast and underutilised natural resources, alongside aspirations for economic advancement and industrialisation, African nations represent an ideal bloc that China aims to influence to fulfil its extensive geopolitical ambitions. The infrastructural and economic initiatives that China has implementedpositioning itself as Africas largest bilateral trade partner and creditorhave sparked a wide range of opinions, scrutiny, and debates. However, a significant aspect often overlooked in this discourse is Chinas strategic integration into the African media landscape. This involvement is aimed at fostering favourable narratives about China while countering negative portrayals.

At the 2013 National Propaganda and Ideology Work Conference of the Chinese Communist Party, President Xi Jinping identified the media as a crucial tool for effectively telling Chinas story", emphasising the importance of external propaganda". Consequently, managing the narrative surrounding Chinas activities in Africa is as vital to its strategy as the investments made on the continent. Despite a history of relatively independent investigative journalism in numerous African nations, the financial and technical challenges faced by these media outlets make them susceptible to Chinese interventions that offer significant funding, equipment, and content.

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For instance, Xinhua, the Chinese state-funded news agency that moved its regional office from Paris to Nairobi in 2006, has established one of the largest networks of international correspondents across Africa, surpassing other global media organisations in grassroots reporting. The extensive output from these correspondents is often provided to local broadcasters at no cost, in exchange for various benefits such as airtime on local channels, stakes in media companies, and influence over editorial decisions. This exemplifies how China has strategically engaged with the African media landscape to shape its narrative.

Additionally, Nairobi hosts the African bureau of the China Global Television Network (CGTN) and China Daily, which operates from Johannesburg. China Radio International also maintains a station in Kenya at CRI 91.9 FM. Moreover, StarTimes, a privately owned Chinese media enterprise, has become the second-largest digital television provider in Africa, with over 13 million digital TV subscribers and 20 million streaming subscribers across 30 African nations.

In contrast to the 1990s, when Chinese journalists predominantly conveyed the Chinese narrative across Africa, recent developments indicate that China has strategically outsourced this role to African journalists, making its influence subtler and more insidious. African journalists are often invited on all-expenses-paid training trips to China, where they are educated" in a narrative that portrays Chinese involvement in Africa as altruistic and beneficial for developing nations.

Another tactic employed by China involves acquiring substantial stakes in local broadcasting companies to shape their narrative output. For example, StarTimes, a Chinese media company, merged with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), acquiring a majority stake and establishing a joint venture named Top Star. By training African journalists, recruiting them into Chinese media organisations, or forming partnerships with local broadcasters through offers of free content, financial support, or advanced media technology, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) effectively guides the discourse within African media to align with its own objectives.

Typically, the narratives promoted favour current governments that understand" and welcome the benefits" of Chinese initiatives while suppressing public dissent and criticism. Beyond concerns regarding debt-trap diplomacy, Chinese projects have faced significant backlash from African communities for negatively impacting local livelihoods and environments. For instance, in Nigeria, protests erupted in 2017 over inadequate compensation following the demolition of buildings for the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Railway Line. Similarly, in Tanzania, thousands were forcibly displaced during the Bagamoyo Port project, leading to protests that ultimately resulted in the projects suspension.

Additionally, there has been resistance against Chinese infrastructure projects due to their potential threats to blue economies and environmental sustainability. However, such dissenting voices and events are increasingly silenced within African media, particularly by outlets affiliated with Chinese interests. A notable example occurred five years ago when Kenyas Standard Group published an investigative report detailing human rights abuses and corruption linked to the construction of the Standard Gauge Railwaythe most expensive infrastructure project in Kenyas history. Following this report, the Chinese government promptly cancelled all advertising contracts with the media outlet and withdrew financial support that had previously helped sustain its operations.

The Chinese government also supports African nations with its well-known expertise in technological authoritarianism. In addition to previous measures, China provides African governments with technology that facilitates the suppression of dissent and imposes stricter controls on information dissemination. This was evident during the 2020 Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, where Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE aided Ethiopia Telecom in stifling opposition voices and limiting digital access. Furthermore, there are growing concerns regarding Chinese social media applications such as TikTok and WeChat, which are believed to influence political behaviour. This has led to the bans of TikTok in Senegal and Somalia in 2023, citing security and moral concerns.

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Considering the aforementioned points, it is deeply troubling that African nations, already at risk of economic entrapment due to Chinese strategies, now also confront the potential loss of the narrative battle against this emerging hegemon. A free, independent, and critical media is essential for amplifying the voices of the populace and presenting facts and viewpoints that contribute to an informed citizenry. The increasing Chinese influence in the African media landscape represents a concerning trend that must be addressed to safeguard the interests and hard-won sovereignty of the African people.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:29 IST
Opinion | The Time Is Now: Advocating The Case Of Maithili As A Classical Language

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Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 19:33 IST

Proponents of Maithili argue that it meets all the criteria for classical status, including an ancient literary heritage, a unique script, and significant cultural impact

According to folklore and oral history, Maithili, named after the Mithila region and associated with the mythological King Janaka, is widely spoken in Bihar and the southeastern plains of Nepal known as Terai. (Facebook)

The struggle for classical language status for Maithili has recently gained renewed public attention, especially following the Union Cabinets approval of classical language status for five new languages: Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit. Spoken by over seven crore people in the Mithila region across India and Nepal, Maithili boasts a unique and distinguished history but remains excluded from the list of Indias officially recognised classical languages.

Proponents of Maithili argue that it meets all the criteria for classical status, including an ancient literary heritage, a unique script, and significant cultural impact. Recognising Maithili as a classical language would affirm its historical importance, provide educational and cultural benefits, and help preserve its literary and linguistic legacy.

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Writers and public intellectuals from the Mithila region are strongly urging the Central Government to officially grant Maithili classical language status, acknowledging its vital role in Indias linguistic and cultural sphere. This article examines the rationale for granting classical status to Maithili, supported by compelling historical, linguistic, and cultural facts.

Meeting Classical Language Criteria

When it comes to the criteria for classical language status set by Indias Ministry of Culture, Maithili, meets each requirement. Ancient texts, some over 1,5002,000 years old, form part of its rich literary tradition, and Maithili has independently developed a unique and sophisticated literary heritage.

Critics may argue that limited state documentation due to restricted royal patronage has held Maithili back, but we can see this gap as powerfully bridged by the oral traditions and literary records from poets like Vidyapati and Jyotireshwar. The Tirhuta script, too, stands as a testimony to Maithilis cultural and historical depth.

The Historical and Literary Legacy of Maithili

According to folklore and oral history, Maithili, named after the Mithila region and associated with the mythological King Janaka, is widely spoken in Bihar and the southeastern plains of Nepal known as Terai. In the course of time, it developed as an independent language during the 8th and 9th centuries, evolving from Magadhi Apabhramsha.

Over the centuries, Maithili progressed through phases: Proto-Maithili (8th11th centuries), Early Maithili (12th16th centuries), Middle Maithili (17th18th centuries), and Modern Maithili (from the 18th century onward). Traditionally written in scripts such as Tirhuta, Neware, and Kaithi, it is now mostly penned in the Nagari script.

In The History of Maithili Literature, Prof. Jaykant Mishra praises Maithilis ancient literary traditions as fundamental to Mithilas cultural identity. In the same order renowned Linguist Dr. Subhadra Jha in his remarkable work The Formation of Maithili Language also asserts that Maithilis identity as a distinct language dates back to the 8th century, diverging from Magadhi Apabhramsha.

Vidyapatis Kirtilata (13501450 A.D.) is one of Maithilis earliest documented works, referring to Maithili as Abahattha" and emphasising its uniqueness among Indias regional languages.

The 14th-century Varnaratnakar by Jyotirishwar Thakur is another seminal work, an encyclopaedic lexicon offering cultural insights and covering cosmology, ethics, and geography. This foundational work is one of the earliest Indian lexicons, underscoring Maithilis extensive literary scope.

The medieval period saw a flourishing of Maithili literature, especially under poet Vidyapati, whose devotional and romantic verses remain vital to Maithili culture. Vidyapatis influence also extended to Bengali literature, where many poets cite him as a source of inspiration. Alongside Vidyapati, poets like Bhavananda Das, Umapati, and Lal Das contributed works that span philosophical, romantic, and devotional themes. Their collective contributions have helped establish Maithili as one of Indias oldest and most sophisticated vernacular traditions.

The Unique Script: Tirhuta

Tirhuta, Maithilis traditional script, is another critical reason for its classical status. This unique script, with its elegant structure and historical relevance, reinforces Maithilis independent linguistic identity. Though the Devanagari script has largely replaced Tirhuta, recent efforts seek to revive Tirhuta as a means of preserving cultural heritage. Just as Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu scripts receive government support as part of their classical language status, recognizing Maithili would afford Tirhuta similar preservation efforts, protecting it from decline and encouraging its usage.

Distinct from other scripts like Hindi or Bengali, Tirhutas lineage further highlights Maithilis separate identity. By granting classical status to Maithili, India could ensure that Tirhuta gains renewed relevance, securing its preservation as a national cultural treasure.

A Linguistic Identity of Distinction

Maithili, part of the Indo-European language family, developed within the Indic sub-branch, tracing back to Magadhi in the New Indo-Aryan stage. It evolved uniquely, blending inflectional Sanskrit roots with postpositions and markers, creating a partially analytic and synthetic structure. This unique typological structure further differentiates Maithili from neighbouring languages, reinforcing its identity as an independent language.

Suniti Kumar Chatterjees Perspective on Maithili

It is significant to mention here that the renowned linguist Suniti Kumar Chatterjee praised Maithili as one of eastern Indias most distinguished languages, with deep ties to Sanskrit. Chatterjee noted that Maithili retains a phonetic and grammatical structure that sets it apart from other Bihari languages, enabling a rich literary tradition centred around poets like Vidyapati.

He also wrote in his article for a Maithili Magazine Mithila Mihirs special edition that there is not a single Indian language that has not been influenced by Vidyapati.

Cultural and Social Significance of Maithili

It is worth mentioning here that beyond its literary and linguistic significance, Maithili serves as a profound cultural vehicle for the people of Mithila. It conveys centuries of traditions, folklore, and social customs intrinsic to the Mithila regions identity.

Maithili as a language plays a central role in Madhubani painting or Mithila Art, a renowned traditional art form depicting mythological themes and everyday life, often accompanied by Maithili verses. Acknowledging Maithili as a classical language would elevate its cultural significance, providing institutional support for this art form and other heritage practices.

Historical Recognition Milestones

Maithilis formal recognition has a longstanding history. It is remarkable to note that Calcutta University first acknowledged Maithili as a literary language in 1917, followed by Banaras Hindu University in 1933. The Maithili Academy was founded in 1975, and the Sahitya Akademi recognized it in 1965, all contributing to its literary development.

It is apt to add here the print culture of Maithili has significantly shaped its literary space, particularly since the late 19th century. This era saw the emergence of Maithili publications, including magazines, journals, and books, which played a crucial role in promoting the language and its literature.

In the 1970s, Maithili was included by the Bihar Public Service Commission and later added to the Indian Constitutions 8th Schedule and in the Union Public Service Commission. Despite this progress, Maithili remains underrepresented in educational curriculum and academic funding, highlighting the importance of classical status as a step toward comprehensive integration.

Benefits of Classical Language Status for Maithili

Achieving classical status would benefit Maithilis educational and cultural sphere. In India, classical languages receive dedicated funding for research, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. For Maithili, this could mean creating opportunities for advanced study, specialized courses, and cultural grants for teachers, scholars, and artists. The preservation of Maithili literature, Tirhuta script, and cultural heritage programmes would ensure the languages continued relevance and accessibility for future generations.

Recognition would also elevate Maithilis presence on national and international platforms. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has benefited from Tamils classical status through increased scholarly interest and funding for Tamil studies. Maithilis designation as a classical language could inspire similar support, potentially leading to festivals, literary awards, and programs promoting Mithilas culture and history.

Regional Politics and Delays in Maithilis Recognition

Despite support from political figures and scholars, the Bihar government has yet to formally request classical status for Maithili, with delays attributed to regional politics and resource constraints. Bihars Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other JD(U) leaders have voiced support for Maithili, emphasizing its legacy and need for preservation. Although a Linguistic Experts Committee advised the Ministry of Culture to grant Maithili classical status in 2018, regional political factors and budgetary concerns have stalled the proposal.

Many believe that a proactive state government approach could expedite the process. A central, independent committee tasked with evaluating languages for classical status might offer a solution, removing regional biases and ensuring that linguistic heritage, rather than political agendas, remains the focus.

The Way Forward for Maithili

To advance Maithilis classical language bid, Bihars government must formally submit a proposal and collaborate with linguists and historians to strengthen Maithilis case. Public awareness through lectures, seminars, and publications can broaden support, while advocacy from linguistic communities can underline the importance of preserving Indias linguistic diversity.

The historical, cultural, and literary wealth of Maithili provides a compelling argument for its classical status. Recognizing Maithili as a classical language would honour its legacy, ensure its preservation, and acknowledge its rightful place in Indias cultural heritage.

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As India seeks to celebrate and protect its linguistic diversity, granting Maithili classical status would be a vital step in preserving one of its oldest linguistic treasures.

Ashutosh Kumar Thakur is a Bangalore-based management professional, literary critic and curator. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 19:33 IST
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Porsche recently announced the appointment of Mr. Li Nan as Vice President of the Technology Division at Porsche China, underscoring its "In China, For China" development philosophy. As a native of China, Mr. Li will spearhead the integration of innovative and competitive technologies into Porsche vehicles.

Mr. Li Nan; photo crediy: Porsche

In addition, Porsche revealed the establishment of a dedicated technology division within Porsche China to oversee the company's local R&D efforts, reporting directly to Porsche China CEO. This strategic move aims to align Porsche's products and services more closely with the needs of Chinese customers.

Sajjad Khan, a member of Porsche's global Executive Board and head of the Car-IT unit, remarked, "Li Nan brings extensive market experience and technical expertise to strategically expand vehicle R&D in China. His profound knowledge in electrics/electronics and software development will be pivotal in understanding the diverse needs and expectations of Chinese customers."

Michael Kirsch, President and CEO of Porsche China, added, "Li Nan's appointment reaffirms our long-term commitment to the Chinese market. As a local expert deeply rooted in China, his insights and expertise will accelerate Porsche's advancements in vehicle connectivity and intelligent driving technologies."

Prior to joining Porsche, Li Nan held senior roles at Mercedes-Benz, amassing substantial expertise in infotainment, big data, and artificial intelligence. Over the past six months, Li Nan has been working at Porsche's R&D headquarters in Weissach, Germany, reporting directly to Sajjad Khan. During this time, he collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between the Shanghai R&D operations and Weissach, fostering synergy and knowledge transfer.
Assam's Move To Ban Beef At Restaurants Triggers Big Political Row As Govt, Opposition Spar

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 14:00 IST

A massive political row erupted after Himanta Biswa Sarma announced beef ban in Assam.

Beef ban: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (PTI Image)

Assam Beef Ban: A political row has erupted over the Assam governments decision to ban the public consumption of beef in the state with the Opposition labelling it against the right to freedom" while the ruling BJP lauding the state Cabinets call.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced on Wednesday that his government has decided to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition.

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BJP Vs Opposition On Beef Ban

Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan slammed the BJPs Assam government for the move calling the decision interference in personal lives" of people. She said that such decisions go against the Constitution of the country.

This is against the right to freedom and if the government will continue interfering in personal lives then the nation will head towards dictatorshipIt is the beauty of the country that we have people following different cultures, religions. These kinds of decisions are against the Constitution," she said.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, representing Assams Jorhat constituency in Lok Sabha, linked Himanta Biswa Sarmas move to his defeat" in Jharkhand where the Assam CM was election co-incharge. He said that Sarma is attempting to hide his shameful loss" in neighbouring Jharkhand and has come up with the conspiracy".

In Jharkhand, BJP suffered a shameful defeat under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarmahe is trying to hide his defeat and shameful loss, he has come up with this conspiracy. I believe that the way Jharkhand people defeated the politics of hatred and infiltrators, the same way in the coming election, people of Assam will punish the corrupt govt of Himanta Biswa Sarma," Gogoi said.

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut quoted the RSS as saying that it bats for freedom for consumption of any food items in the country, and asked if other BJP-ruled states will impose a similar beef ban in their states.

RSS leaders have said that there should be no prohibition on food in this countryIf they have imposed a ban in Assam, why has it not been done in Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur  where they have governments? Why did you not ban beef there? Do it. Why only Assam?" he said.

BJP Reacts

BJP MP Rameswar Teli thanked the Assam Chief Minister for the beef ban. This is good. I would like to thank the CM of Assam," he said.

Kerala BJP Vice President Major Ravi cautioned Sarma against giving wrong message" to the people and suggested him to clarify that beef is not cow" but buffaloes and bulls".

First of all you need to understand what is beef and what is cow, if you suddenly ban beef, this will give a wrong message to so many peoplebeef is not cow(Assam) CM should not have said thatif somebody wants to eat, they shouldthere should be freedom to eat what you wantcow we worshipI havent seen any place where cows are being slaughtered. Beef is buffaloes and bulls," he said.

He suggested to the Assam Chief Minister that he should first have understood the difference and then impose a ban.

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We shouldnt give wrong message to people and create communal issues," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 14:00 IST
Congress, Rahul Gandhi Aligned With Foreign Forces, Media Outlets Trying To Destabilise India: BJP

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 18:33 IST

Over the last four years, every issue on which the Congress party has targeted the BJP seems to rely on narratives and supporting material originating from abroad, the ruling party alleged

BJP leaders cited the report to target Rahul Gandhi as the ruling party raised the issue in Parliament. (File image: PTI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi of being aligned with international forces and investigative media platforms purportedly working to destabilise India.

The French publication Mediapart published a report titled The hidden links between a giant of investigative journalism and the US government" on December 2. According to the report, US billionaire George Soros, who has often been criticised for trying to destabilise" India, funded the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

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BJP leaders cited the report to target Rahul Gandhi as the ruling party raised the issue in Parliament.

The BJP mentioned how on July 1, 2021, OCCRP reported about Brazil cancelling a $324 million deal for Covaxin from India, and on July 2, Congress latched onto the article and pushed the narrative further".

Over the last four years, every issue on which the Congress party has targeted the BJP seems to rely on narratives and supporting material originating from abroad, the ruling party alleged.

Dr. @SudhanshuTrived sheds light on how the George Soros-funded OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project) spreads false narratives in IndiaListen pic.twitter.com/gGlV57SMyO  BJP (@BJP4India) December 5, 2024

This thread reveals the Congress-Deep State connection!Over the last four years, every issue on which the Congress party has targeted the BJP seems to rely on narratives and supporting material originating from abroad. Issues like Pegasus, Adani, caste census, democracy in pic.twitter.com/tcI3veZ11U  BJP (@BJP4India) December 5, 2024

   @nishikant_dubey       Mediapart             Open Society Foundation       OCCRP      ,            pic.twitter.com/BIORJVVUxe BJP (@BJP4India) December 5, 2024

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Why is OCCRP connected with Rahul Gandhi?A French investigative journalist has revealed that the US govt controls the media organization OCCRP, dictating that any story it ran was influenced & lacked genuine backing But what is its connection with Congress? pic.twitter.com/VrVtZ8IzBQ  BJP (@BJP4India) December 5, 2024

The BJP has alleged that OCCRP, which relies heavily on funding from Soros and US agencies, has used its platform to publish reports critical of India, which Rahul Gandhi has then used to target the government.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 17:37 IST
Devendra Fadnavis CV: From LLB To Business Management To Politics

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 18:15 IST

Devendra Fadnavis began as a ward convenor in 1989, rising to Maharashtra BJP state president by 2013 after holding key leadership roles

Devendra Fadnavis' political journey exemplifies determination and strong leadership. (PTI File)

BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thurdsay. Fadnavis is known as a dedicated and committed public servant. He is often addressed with adjectives like Ram Sevak" and Kar Sevak", which reflect his spirit of service and dedication.

Fadnavis takes pride in his service to Maharashtra and is fully committed to contributing to the states development. His priority has always been the welfare and progress of the public. Let us look at his educational journey, following which he embarked on his political career.

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Born on July 22, 1970, Fadnavis received his early education in Nagpur. He later obtained a law degree (LLB) from Nagpur University in 1992. In addition to this, he earned a postgraduate degree in business management. Fadnavis also holds a diploma in Method and Techniques of Project Management from DSE Berlin.Political journey

Fadnavis political career has been both active and influential. Beginning in 1992, he served as a ward councillor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation until 2001. During this period, he also held the position of Mayor of Nagpur from 1997 to 2001. Fadnavis influence extended to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where he was elected as a member for five consecutive terms, starting in 1999.

He later served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019. Subsequently, he was the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly from 2019 to 2022. He also held the position of Deputy Chief Minister in the Maharashtra Government.

Devendra Fadnaviss political journey began in 1989 as a ward convenor. By 1992, he ascended to the position of president of the Nagpur city Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. His career progressed with appointments as state vice-president in 1994 and national vice-president in 2001. Fadnavis further solidified his leadership within the party, becoming Maharashtra state general secretary in 2010 and ultimately ascending to the role of state president in 2013.

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Additionally, he shouldered the partys responsibility in crucial campaigns, including the Kerala and Bihar elections. His strategic planning and meticulous management as in-charge of the Bihar elections garnered widespread acclaim.

His political journey exemplifies determination and strong leadership, establishing him as an influential figure in both state and national politics.

Location : Maharashtra, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 18:15 IST
Multiple Roles Eknath Shinde Held: Shiv Sainik, CM, And Now Deputy CM After Long Suspense

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 18:00 IST

After holding the post Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde in a show of unity agreed to take the role of Deputy CM in the Mahayuti governmnet formed under the leadership of BJP's Devendra Fadnavis.

Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, November 26. (Image: PTI)

In what looked like the signing-off address by caretaker Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, he spoke about working just like a karyakarta in Vidhan Sabha elections, referring to his humble roots. The journey that began as a karyakarta took him to the position of Chief Minister of the second-largest state in the country. But, just as he announced that he was out of the race to hold the position for a second term, he reiterated that he would continue to work as a karyakarta despite whatever position he holds.

However, bowing to the pressure of Shiv Sena leaders, Shinde just few hours ahead of the oath ceremony of Maharashtra CM on Thursday agreed to take up the role of Deputy Chief Minister.

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In 2022, Eknath Shinde was rewarded with the Chief Ministerial position for having led a rebellion against Shiv Sena. Shinde left from Maharashtra with 30 MLAs initially and moved to BJP-governed Gujarat and eventually to Guwahati.

This put the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition into crisis, wherein the then CM Uddhav Thackeray had to resign, making way for the government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to be formed. On returning back to Mumbai with his 40 MLAs, Eknath Shinde was made the Chief Minister with earlier BJP CM Devendra Fadnavis being made deputy to him.

There was a mention that there could be tiff between the two because the earlier Urban Development minister of MVA was made the CM, while a sitting CM was made Deputy CM. But, there were enough campaigns to show that the double engine sarkaar was doing fine under the leadership of the duo.

In the 2.5 years of tenure under Mahayuti, several key development projects in the state were implemented, including big budget projects such as Metro projects in several cities, coastal road, Atal Setu, among others.

The fight that Eknath Shinde had to win was to ensure that he gets a title which proves that he is the one who carries the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, patriarch of Shiv Sena.

After the rebellion, Shinde would use Shiv Senas name and symbols, which did not go well with Uddhav Thackrey. Eventually, Uddhavs faction challenged this in court, and the case was moved to the Election Commission of India. The Commission recognized Eknath Shindes faction as the real Shiv Sena party, which made him being portrayed as the leader of Shiv Sainiks.

This was echoed time and again through the vote share he had in the two elections that the party had contested. In Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena had won seven seats, just two seats lesser as compared to Shiv Sena (UBT). Meanwhile, in Vidhan Sabha, the party managed to get 57 seats, one more than the undivided Shiv Senas 56 in the 2019 assembly elections and 35 more than Shiv Sena-UBT. The election result proved that Shinde had the grassroots support, which was earlier seen to be with Uddhav Thackeray.

In the same election, Shinde himself managed to win by 1,20,717 votes from Kopri-Pachpakhadi, where he was fielded against Kedar Dighe, grandnephew of Anand Dighe.

Anand Dighe has been mentor to Eknath Shinde, and by Kedar from Shiv Sena (UBT) against Shinde it was again a battle of ideology over mentorship. This was Shindes fourth consecutive win in MLA position ever since 2004.

When Eknath Shinde moved to Thane from Dare village in Satara, he would ride autos. He was eventually introduced to politics by then Thane Shivsena President Anand Dighe in early 1980. Shinde then became Sakha Pramukh in the Thane in 1984. It is said that Dighe provided emotional support to Shinde, when he lost his two children in 2000. Eventually, Shinde became successor to Dighes legacy after his death in 2001.

A 2022 Marathi-language biographical drama film named Dharamveer speaks about the bond that Shinde and Dighe have.

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Even as Shinde made the sacrifice for the position of the CM post on Wednesday, he was being attributed for being the leader responsible for resolving the Maratha issue and for being the face of Ladki Bahin yojna, which is being seen as one of the major reasons for Mahayutis win in Vidhan Sabha elections.

As he dropped the mic, Shinde said that for him no other designation was bigger than him being called Ladka bhau because he comes from a humble farmers family and would always want to be remembered as common mans CM.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 17:47 IST
Last Updated: December 06, 2024, 00:18 IST

Maharashtra CM Oath Ceremony: Top NDA Leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, attended the grand Maharashtra CM swearing-in ceremony, which took place at 5:30 pm at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtras Chief Minister after five years, while Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar also took oath as his deputies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event.

Curtains were brought down from the Maharashtra the CMs name, ending over-week-long suspense on Wednesday. Fadnavis was elected as the Leader at the BJPs Legislative Party meeting in Mumbai in the presence of central observers Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani.

Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar met the Governor last evening to stake a claim to form the government. They were invited to the oath-taking ceremony at 5.30 pm on Thursday.

Follow LIVE updates here as we take you through the developments leading up to the grand event in the evening:
Mahayuti's Big Moment: Eknath Shinde Takes Oath As Maharashtra Deputy CM After Days Of Suspense

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 17:57 IST

After days of uncertainty over his role in the new Mahayuti government and with only hours to go before the swearing-in ceremony, the Shiv Sena confirmed that Eknath Shinde will be taking oath as deputy CM

Eknath Shinde (Photo: PTI)

Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde was sworn in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister on Thursday, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Devendra Fadnavis, BJP legislature party leader, took oath as chief minister, while Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar were sworn in as his two deputies.

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After days of uncertainty over his role in the new Mahayuti government led by the BJP and with only hours to go before the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan, the Shiv Sena confirmed that Shinde will be taking oath. The announcement was made by his party colleague Uday Samant.

Eknath Shinde is set to take oath as deputy chief minister. We had a discussion with Devendra Fadnavis, who provided us with a letter confirming that Shinde will join him as deputy CM. I am here to submit it to the governor," he told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan before meeting Governor CP Radhakrishnan.

The outgoing CM was reportedly not happy as he had to cede the top post to ally BJP, and was reluctant to take the deputy post. Samant said Fadnavis as well as Shiv Sena leaders requested him that he should join the new government in this role.

Devendra Fadnavis personally requested Shinde to join his team. Shinde respected the request," he said, claiming that there was no friction among the allies.

He added: Shinde made a massive contribution to Maharashtra (during his tenure as CM). It was necessary that he join the government for the sake of the states people and his followers. He was thinking that he should make somebody else deputy CM and he himself should work to increase the partys strength. We flatly rejected this proposal."

With hours left to go for the oath-taking event, Samant said none of his party MLAs will accept a post in the new government if Shinde does not accept the deputys post. He further commented on NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhads meeting with Shinde and said there is no code of conduct on friendship in politics.

In politics, there is no code of conduct about who is friends with whom. Awhad and Shinde both are from Thane and that is why they are friends and will remain together," he said.

Watch: Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant on NCPSP Jitendra Awhads meeting with CM Eknath Shinde, says, In politics, there is no code of conduct about who is friends with whom. Awhad and Shinde both are from Thane and that is why they are friends and will remain together" pic.twitter.com/uFu81n2cf3 IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2024

On Wednesday (December 4), Samant said: More than Eknath Shindes wish, we  around 60  61 MLAs (including independents)  want him (Shinde) to lead us in the government. This is our firm stand. There are no ifs and buts on this. Shinde should become deputy chief minister and this is the desire of Shiv Sainiks, MLAs and MPs."

According to him, Shinde said he will tour the state as the Shiv Sena chief. But the party wants him (Shinde) to be the deputy CM and part of the administration, he added.

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The formation of the new government comes after two weeks of intense negotiations among the Mahayuti allies following the November 20 assembly polls and results on November 23. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition has a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member House.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:34 IST
Mission JD(S)? What Congress Is Hoping To Achieve With Its Hassan Rally In Karnataka

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 08:07 IST

The Hassan rally marks an attempt to build on a strong performance in the recently held bypoll and signals a strategic move by CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to train their guns at political rivals

At its core, however, the Congress rally in Karnataka's Hassan may represent a supremacy battle between CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. (Image: PTI/File)

The Congress has planned a rally in Karnatakas Hassan on Thursday, with a two-pronged strategy  it marks an attempt to build on a strong performance in the recently held bypolls and signals a strategic move by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to train their guns at their political rivals and settle some old scores.

Their targets? JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy.

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Hassan is traditionally known to be a JD(S) fiefdom and the heart of the Deve Gowda familys influence, but the party has lost its grip in the area over the years owing to a series of setbacks, including across the Old Mysore that they consider a bastion.

SIDDARAMAIAHS INFLUENCE IN OLD MYSORE REGION

Siddaramaiah was once part of the JD(S) and served as deputy CM in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. His expulsion from the party in 2005 after he attended an Ahinda rally in Hubballi, marked the beginning of his shift to the Congress.

He called his exit from the JD(S) voluntary and, for his political pride, contrary to Deve Gowdas statement that he was suspended for anti-party" activities. The sabre-rattling between both the leaders has been on and off since.

Known to be a very popular Ahinda leader with a string good political hold in the Old Mysore region, the chief minister is now looking to assert his dominance over the JD(S), particularly in Hassan with this rally.

This push comes at a time when the JD(S) is dealing with internal turmoil, including ongoing controversies surrounding Prajwal Revanna and his family, where the former MP has been accused of rape on multiple counts. The Congress is seeing this as an opportunity to weaken the partys grip on key regions and elevate Siddaramaiahs stature as the states political leader.

In the last Lok Sabha elections, the Congresss lone victory came from Hassan, where Shreyas Gowda Patil defeated Prajwal Revanna, Deve Gowdas grandson. In the bypoll, another Deve Gowda grandson, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, lost his third consecutive election in Channapatna, the seat vacated by his father HD Kumaraswamy.

THE PRAJWAL REVANNA FACTOR

After the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal broke out, tension has been rife between the families of Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. This has further fuelled the instability within the JD(S), creating a power vacuum that the Congress aims to fill. Adding to the partys troubles, the controversy has further tarnished the familys reputation.

Prajwal has been in custody since May 31, while his parents, HD Revanna and Bhavani, are out on bail but facing serious charges, including kidnapping. These scandals have left the JD(S) grappling with public trust, especially in its stronghold of Hassan.

Set against the backdrop of these struggles, the Congress rally in Hassan is more significant reflecting the broader political contest between the two parties. By doing this, the Grand Old Party is also taking on the BJP, whose political ally in Karnataka is the JD(S).

The JD(S) has lost considerable ground in Hassan due to Prajwals case. The party is on the back foot, particularly in Hassan, where internal rifts between the Gowda and Kumaraswamy families have worsened. The involvement of Revannas children in scandals has further eroded JD(S)s image," said political observer Sandeep Shastri.

He added: Prajwal and his brother Suraj are in the dumps because of certain scandals they are involved in. Kumaraswamys son is in the dumps from three consecutive defeats. So, in that sense, the first family within the JD(S) is on the back foot. This could have wider ramifications for the BJP-JD(S) alliance."

SIDDARAMAIAH VS SHIVAKUMAR?

For Shivakumar, it is all about Vokkaliga consolidation that has taken place under his state party leadership. He is looking at establishing his dominance in Hassan, which is the Vokkaliga bastion and Kumaraswamys family base.

But, this has sparked a battle for narrative control within the Congress, with Shivakumar trying to consolidate the Vokkaliga vote and positioning the bypoll victory as his. Siddaramaiah, however, is determined to take credit for the partys resurgence in the state under hai chief minsitership and governance in the second term

The Hassan rally was initially conceived as a show of strength" for Siddaramaiah, just like the 2022 Siddaramotsava  a celebration of his 75th birthday in Davangere, designed to promote him as a future CM. This time, the rally was intended to give an added push to the CMs image amid controversies, including the alleged MUDA scam.

At its core, however, it represents a personal battle for supremacy between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who are vying for dominance in their own way.

The rally was earlier called Siddaramaiah Swabhimani Janandolana Samavesha (Siddaramaiahs rally for self-respect). It has now been rebranded as Jana Kalyana Samavesha under the Congress banner.

The event planning ignited tensions within the Congress, with Shivakumar seeking to highlight the partys accomplishments as the state unit chief and Siddaramaiahs faction wanting it to be about the CMs policies, his image, and his outreach via the guarantee schemes.

The change in the name and course of this rally happened after an anonymous letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly expressed concern over the tendency of hero worship". A quick trip by both leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, to Delhi to meet senior leader Rahul Gandhi brought about the change.

The Congress high command cautioned them against using the party platform for personal gains. But, the banners and posters used for publicity do not have Siddaramaiahs name anymore, while the rally has been declared a party event.

Shivakumar, who is now overseeing the rally, said it is a party initiative under his leadership. The focus, he said, will be on communicating achievements and countering false accusations by the BJP and JD(S) with an emphasis on the peoples welfare, self-respect, and the protection of the Constitution.

Congress is a big party with a big history. If I want to participate as the president of the party, it should be under our banner. If the chief minister has to participate, it should be under Congresss banner. I have made it very clear, and they have agreed. Under our leadership, it is going on. Im presiding over the meeting," he told reporters.

He added: No one is a DK Shivakumar supporter or a Siddaramaiah supporter. Everyone is a Congress supporter."

CONGRESS MUST STRIKE BALANCE

Shastri warned that the Congress may face challenges if it continues to rely on internal rivalry and the decline of the JD(S) or even the Vokkaliga factor as the primary strategy. While narrative-building is important, it could divert attention from the state governments core responsibilities, especially as the administration reaches its halfway mark.

The success of the guarantee schemes in areas like Channapatna during the bypolls, particularly among poorer sections, could further solidify its base for the future. But, if the Congress fails to deliver and remains mired in internal conflicts, it risks losing public support.

At the moment, the Congress is benefiting from the disarray within the BJP. With the state unit embroiled in divisions, Congress hopes to turn these fissures into an advantage as it continues its push in Hassan and beyond. But Siddaramaiah must strike a delicate balance between political ambition and effective governance to maintain the partys momentum," Shastri added.

Set against the backdrop of these struggles, the Congress rally in Hassan is more significant reflecting the broader political contest between the two parties. By doing this, the Grand Old Party is also taking on the BJP, whose political ally in Karnataka is the JD(S).

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The JD(S) appears to have lost considerable ground in Hassan due to Prajwals case. The party is on the back foot, particularly in Hassan, where internal rifts between the Revanna and Kumaraswamy families have worsened. The involvement of Revannas children in scandals has further eroded JD(S)s image," said political observer Sandeep Shastri.

He added: Prajwal and his brother Suraj are facing serious challenges because of certain scandals they are allegedly involved in. Kumaraswamys son is in also facing a challenge with three consecutive defeats. So, in that sense, the first family within the JD(S) is on the back foot. This could have wider ramifications for the BJP-JD(S) alliance."

First Published: December 05, 2024, 07:21 IST
Raj Thackeray Extends Wishes To 'Friend' Fadnavis, Says 'Good Initiative Of Govt Will Be Supported'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 22:30 IST

Raj Thackeray extended his congratulations to Devendra Fadnavis, who was sworn in as the new CM of Maharashtra, and his deputy Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (Image: PTI)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday expressed his hopes that the newly formed Mahayuti government would make the most of its unbelievable" mandate for the benefit of the state, its people, and the Marathi language and culture.

In a post on X, Thackeray extended his best wishes to his friend" Devendra Fadnavis, who was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He also congratulated Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar for being sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.

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Thackeray also noted that Fadnavis should have had the opportunity to lead the state in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, following the state elections, and again in 2022 after the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Fadnavis was unable to become Chief Minister, despite the BJP securing the highest number of seats.

         .       ,   .        ,            . ,    Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) December 5, 2024

This time, the people have given an unbelievable mandate to the Mahayuti, more so to the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. I hope this is rightly used for the state, the Marathi people, the language and culture," Thackeray stated.

The MNS leader also reiterated that his party would support any positive initiative taken by the government in the next five years. However, Thackeray made it clear that if he believes the government is making mistakes or if the public feels the government is taking them for granted, he would not hesitate to speak out.

We will definitely make the government aware of their mistakes outside the legislature," he added.

Though Thackeray was invited to the swearing-in ceremony at Azad Maidan, he was unable to attend.

In the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP secured 132 of the 288 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41. The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, Congress 16, and NCP-SP 10.

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Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister, alongside his two deputies, Shinde and Pawar, at a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 21:26 IST
Firefox Users Get Major Security Warning From Indian Govt: What It Says

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 11:58 IST

Firefox browser has multiple security issues that can leave them exposed to hackers who can steal the data.

The web browser has got multiple issues notified by the security agency

Over the last few weeks, Android and even Apple users in India have got security risk alerts and now it is coming to those using the Firefox browser. These users have also been alerted about some major security risks that can be handled by updating to the latest version of the Mozilla products.

You can head over to CERT-In website for the latest security bulletin which details the problem with Firefox and what this high severity rated warning means for the users. and how it can be used to steal data from the affected users. The biggest concern about this alert is that multiple Firefox products are affected by this new threat.

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Firefox Security Risk: What You Should Know

The bulletin from CERT-In suggests the issues can cause big issues if they are exploited. Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Mozilla products which could allow a remote attacker to perform cross-site scripting, cause denial of service (DoS) conditions, disclose sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions or perform spoofing attacks on the targeted system," the note says.

Firefox Security Issue: Who Should Be Worried

Mozilla has shared the details about the security issue in a post and also highlighted the Firefox versions affected and even those using the Thunderbird mailing client. It also tells which platform users need to be cautious about using the web browser:

 Firefox versions prior to 133

 Firefox ESR versions prior to 128.5

 Firefox ESR versions prior to 115.18

 Firefox for iOS 133

 Thunderbird versions prior to 133

 Thunderbird versions prior to 128.5

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Mozilla Security Alert: How To Secure Your Devices

CERT-In has clearly advised people to update their Mozilla products to the latest version. The company has already issued a new patch which prevents these issues from targeting and attacking your device. The security agency also says do not install apps from third-party sources or click on links sent by unknown people.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 11:58 IST
'Better Than Ever': Internet On Notre Dame Cathedral Reopening After 5 Years

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 17:39 IST

During the French Revolution, Notre Dame was repurposed for secular use, even becoming a wine warehouse.

The fire melted the cathedrals roof, causing large amounts of lead to settle across Paris. (Photo Credits: X)

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen to the public on Sunday, December 8, after a five-year restoration following a devastating fire. The cathedral, a symbol of Gothic architecture, is also a historic landmark marked by the point zero des routes de France" plaque outside, which indicates the starting point for measuring distances across France.

The 2019 fire also uncovered a hidden issue: the release of toxic lead dust into the air. The fire melted the cathedrals roof, causing large amounts of lead to settle across Paris. This exposed a lack of safety standards regarding outdoor lead pollution, which later led to a major cleanup operation and a review of safety regulations.

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As news of Notre Dame Cathedrals reopening spread, people on social media celebrated the restoration of this iconic symbol of Paris.

A, X (formerly Twitter) user shared a picture of the Dame, with the caption, 5 years on from the fire, and Notre Dame is looking better than ever."

5 years on from the fire, and Notre Dame is looking better than ever ? ? ? pic.twitter.com/9x9iVY2tNG Dave K (@PunLovinLad) December 4, 2024

Another shared a clip, writing, The magnificent rose window of Notre Dame in Paris, freshly restored, in all its magnificent beauty ."

The magnificent rose window of Notre Dame in Paris, freshly restored, in all its magnificent beauty France ?? pic.twitter.com/u68ghPlJQg  Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) November 29, 2024

Someone shared a photo featuring all who contributed to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral over the past five years.

Collective photo of everyone who helped restore the Notre Dame Cathedral over the past five years after the 2019 fire. Set to reopen on December 8th. pic.twitter.com/7eVoPTY1z8  Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) December 3, 2024

Notre Dame is finally back open after 5 years!" a person wrote.

Notre Dame is finally back open after 5 years! pic.twitter.com/5GwVPksOfS DERICK the HALLS+? (@esplanerd) November 29, 2024

A user shared a GIF with the caption, Notre Dame Reopening HYYYYYYPE."

Notre Dame Reopening HYYYYYYPE pic.twitter.com/Vf1iSKOgXu Maria Mondloch ??? (@MariaMondloch) November 29, 2024

Another shared pictures of the Cathedral, writing, Notre Dame looking good before next weeks grand reopening."

Notre Dame lookin good before next weeks grand reopening pic.twitter.com/hEmSJBdgmu Louis Anthony Loftus (@louisafloftus) November 26, 2024

During the French Revolution, Notre Dame faced a turbulent period. Revolutionaries stripped it of religious symbols and repurposed it for secular purposes, including science festivals and even as a wine warehouse. It was only in 1795 that religious services resumed, and the cathedral regained its sacred status after Napoleon Is coronation there in 1804.

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The cathedral also holds a mystery: 28 statues decapitated by revolutionaries were rediscovered in 1977, and 22 of the heads are now displayed at the Cluny Museum.

While the cathedrals gargoyles date back to its construction, the dramatic chimera added in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc have become iconic. Inspired by Victor Hugos The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, these figures are often mistaken for the original gargoyles.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 17:34 IST
On December 4th, the Yangtze River Delta Regional Cooperation Office held a news conference in Shanghai to report on the achievements and results of the tri-province and one-city initiative in advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region over the past year since the symposium on further promoting the integration. Over the past year, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui have focused on the keywords of integration and high quality, formulated and implemented the third round of the Three-Year Action Plan for Integrated Development of the Yangtze River Delta Region. They have jointly promoted 18 key cooperation projects in the Yangtze River Delta, accelerated the implementation of 10 practical projects for integrated development, and collectively advanced special actions such as improving the quality, efficiency, and reducing costs of regional logistics, building an integrated regional market, and joint protection and management of the ecological environment, striving to achieve new significant breakthroughs in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. The number of cities boasting economies exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($137.58 billion) in the Yangtze River Delta grew from 6 in 2018 to 9, accounting for more than one-third of the national total. The Yangtze River Delta region jointly builds the new energy vehicle industry chain system, promoting the development of connected vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles. Currently, four out of every ten new energy vehicles produced nationwide come from the Yangtze River Delta region. The "Super Loop" high-speed rail in the Yangtze River Delta has been opened, with the operational mileage of high-speed rail exceeding 7600 kilometers, an increase of over 80% compared to 4150 kilometers in 2018. The 163-kilometer Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed railway is set to be operational by the end of the year, reducing the travel time from Shanghai to Huzhou from about 2 hours to approximately 40 minutes. Additionally, the airport link line connecting Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport will also be put into operation this year. With a total length of 68.6 kilometers, the connection between the two airports can be completed in as fast as 40 minutes, greatly shortening the spatial and temporal distance between key cities in the Yangtze River Delta. From January to October this year, the average proportion of good air quality days in the Yangtze River Delta reached 83.3%, an increase of 8.2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2018.

Source: Anhui Daily
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The Jakarta Auto Week 2024 (GJAW 2024) concluded on December 1, with BYD showcasing its latest achievements in electric vehicle (EV) innovation under the theme of "Thirty Years of Innovation." The company also reiterated its long-term commitment to the Indonesian market.

BYD Indonesia, PLN deepen cooperation; photo credit: BYD

At the GJAW 2024, BYD partnered with Indonesia's State Electricity Company ("PLN") to introduce a new home charging service concept. This initiative, accessible through the PLN Mobile app, aims to provide EV owners with a more efficient and convenient charging experience. As part of PLN's strategy to enhance public awareness of EV infrastructure and accelerate EV adoption in Indonesia, this collaboration marks a significant milestone.

BYD said it played a key role in developing and optimizing the app's charging features, offering critical technical support to ensure the service meets the specific needs of Indonesian EV consumers. Leveraging its extensive global experience in the EV sector, BYD has tailored the service to align with local market demands.

BYD has participated in several major auto exhibitions in Indonesia, including the Indonesia International Motor Show 2024 (IIMS 2024), the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2024 (GIIAS 2024), and the PERIKLINDO Electric Vehicle Show 2024 (PEVS 2024). Its presence at the GJAW further strengthens its deep ties with the Indonesian market.

Since its market debut in January 2024, BYD brand has sold over 11,000 EVs in Indonesia, highlighting its growing influence in the country's EV sector.
Brazilian Influencer To Spend Over Rs 16 Lakh On Surgery To 'Become A Virgin Again

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 14:23 IST

Brazilian influencer and model Ravena Hanniely plans to get a hymenoplasty in order to become a virgin again.

Doctors have warned against the procedure. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

A Brazilian influencer has made the decision to undergo a costly vaginal rejuvenation procedure where she is ready to spend more than $19,000 (around Rs 16 lakh) in hopes of becoming a virgin again." Ravena Hanniely, a 23-year-old model, has opted for hymenoplasty, a procedure where doctors surgically restore the hymen by stitching together the torn edges with dissolvable stitches. This procedure, which mimics the hymens pre-bleed state, holds deep symbolic value for Hanniely, symbolising a fresh start" both in her personal and professional life.

The procedure holds a special meaning for me," Hanniely told Jam Press. I want to become a virgin again. This is for my self-esteem and for personal reasons that have always been important to me," the model added.

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Hanniely, who has over 2.5 lakh followers on Instagram, mentioned that the procedure offers psychological benefits. Its about how a woman feels and what she wants for herself."

While she hasnt scheduled the surgery yet, Hanniely is fully dedicated to ensuring everything goes well."

I will follow medical advice, such as avoiding physical exertion, abstaining from intimacy for the recommended period and choosing comfortable clothing," she said.

Hanniely is confident in her decision but the procedure has raised concerns among medical professionals. Dr Hana Salusollia, CEO of London-based Medisonal Clinic, told the New York Post that hymenoplasty is a recognised cosmetic surgery but it doesnt truly restore virginity.

According to Dr Salusollia, the procedure involves potential risks such as infection, scarring and minor bleeding which can occur both during and after the procedure. There could be issues with healing and dissatisfaction with the results.

These risks can be reduced if performed in compliance with ethical standards by top surgeons," said the physician.

Dr Salusollia also pointed out that the decision not only poses risks for physical health but also raises ethical questions. She believes that patients should make these decisions based on their own wishes without feeling pressured by society.

It also raises huge ethical questions and patients should be encouraged to be empowered to make their own ethical choice rather than feeling forced due to societal pressures. Informed consent is critical as these decisions intersect with cultural and psychological dimensions," she said.

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While Hanniely knows that not everyone will understand her decision, she believes people should respect personal choices.

Unfortunately, not everyone can understand or support such intimate choices. We need to stop judging and start respecting these decisions," the model said.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 14:23 IST
Brian Thompson Received 'Threats' Before He Was Fatally Shot In 'Preplanned' Attack

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 09:02 IST

Brian Thompson was targeted by a masked gunman in midtown Manhattan, leading to his death.

Brian Thompson was walking down the street when the gunman opened fire. (Photo Credits: X)

In a shocking incident, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. He was outside the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan when a masked gunman approached him from behind and fired several rounds, the police confirmed. In what is being perceived as a premeditated and preplanned" move by the police, the attack left the 50-year-old UnitedHealthcare executive severely injured, resulting in his death. While the police investigate the matter with a furious manhunt underway, fresh details have surfaced.

Brian Thompson, who is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and two sons, had been receiving threats over the past days, leading up to the grave attack on Wednesday morning. Speaking to NBC News, the slain CEOs wife shared, There had been some threats. I dont know the details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him." She also claimed that the shooting was completely planned."

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What Happened To Brian Thompson?

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, during a press conference, stated that Thompson was struck at least once in the back and once in the right calf, further adding that the gunman was lying in wait for several minutes" before shooting his intended target.

The police have also accessed security footage showing the victim walking down the quiet street when the gunman approached him from behind and opened fire. While Thompson stumbled forward after the first shot, the gunman continued firing, making Thompson fall to the ground.

GRAPHIC WARNING Thieving health insurance company United Healthcare" CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in the filthy state of NewYork pic.twitter.com/f1ClWHB1DZ  Nufseyd (@nufseyd) December 4, 2024

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At one point, the gun even appeared to jam when the assailant paused to smack it on the side while walking towards the victim, who was struggling to get away. Later, he got onto a bike and disappeared into Central Park, the New York City Police Department said. The suspect now remains at large.

One of the witnesses also spoke to the media and said that he heard three shots while parking his car in the area. I heard three shots, yeah, and then when I looked, theres a man down. Hes a white male all in black, with a backpack. The guy was here, in the corner, the whole night," he said, as per Fox News. On the other hand, Thompson, who was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, was pronounced dead at 7:12 AM. The motive behind the attack is unclear.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 09:02 IST
Forest Spirits Scare Thai Villagers Until Police Uncover Surprising Truth

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 16:43 IST

The eerie sounds, near the Thai-Myanmar border village, were so loud at night that residents refused to leave their homes, fearing that the noises were caused by spirits.

The rescue operation took 30 minutes and the man was weak due to lack of food. (Representative Image)

Villagers in Mae Sot, Tak province, near the Thai-Myanmar border, recently experienced a terrifying encounter with ghostly cries emanating from a nearby forest. The eerie sounds were so loud at night that residents refused to leave their homes or approach the woods, fearing they were caused by spirits. When the situation became increasingly intense, local police decided to take action.

Upon searching the forest, they were shocked to discover that the cries were coming from a man trapped at the bottom of a well. Identified as Liu Chuanyi, the Chinese citizen explained that he had fallen into the well three days earlier and had been shouting for help every hour in an attempt to be rescued.

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Although Liu believed no one had heard him, the villagers confirmed that they had indeed heard his cries. But due to the strange and frightening nature of the sounds, they assumed it was a spirit haunting the forest, according to The Universal Daily News.

The rescue operation took 30 minutes, and when the man was found, he was in a weak condition. Reports indicate that he had a fractured left wrist, a head injury and bruises on his body. Liu had been trapped in the well without food or water. After being rescued, he was promptly taken to hospital for further medical care.

According to the South China Morning Post, Liu Chuanyi said that he shouted for help every hour in order to conserve his energy. Villagers near the forest had heard the strange cries and assumed it was a ghost haunting the area.

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Authorities believe that Liu accidentally fell into the well while trying to find his way out of the forest. At present, police are unsure why he was near the Thailand-Myanmar border, but they have already contacted the immigration department to investigate the matter.

Liu is now out of danger. The local authorities have decided to seal the well to prevent anyone else from falling into it.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:43 IST
Indian CEO Defends No Work-Life Balance Policy At His Startup: One Who Works Harder Wins

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:05 IST

Defending the intense work culture at his company, the CEO compared it with a rocket launch and argued that hard work and luck are the keys to success.

Despite facing heavy criticism, the CEO claimed he received a lot of job applications. (Representative Image)

A 23-year-old Indian entrepreneur from San Francisco garnered criticism last month after a post about his companys extreme work culture went viral. Daksh Gupta, founder of Greptile, shared on X that his company promotes an 84-hour work week and employees often work from 9 AM to 11 PM, six or even seven days a week.

Now, he has reaffirmed his work ethic in a recent interview. Defending the intense work culture at his company, the CEO compared it with a rocket launch" and argued that hard work and luck are the keys to success. While he believes that work-life balance might be important for some companies, an intense work environment is crucial for Greptiles growth.

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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

In a conversation with NBC Bay Area, Gupta said, Its a rocket launch in some ways. And when you have two groups of smart people that are trying to solve the same problem, the one that works harder and is luckier wins. And you cant control your luck, but you can control how much time you put in."

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

Daksh Gupta maintained that there are many successful companies where employees focus on balancing their work and personal lives. However, his company works differently. He shared that Greptile is looking for software engineers who are ready to work hard now for the chance to earn big rewards in the future. Despite facing heavy criticism on social media for his strict working environment, the CEO mentioned that he also received a lot of job applications.

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Some CEOs have raised concerns that startups like Greptile may be pushing the idea of hard work too much. Kristy Kim, CEO of TomoCredit, is one of those who believes that its possible to work hard and achieve success without giving up a personal life. She said, Its not the first time were hearing that Work is everything. But the key here is dont let work consume your entire life. If that happens you will burn out."

After Daksh Gupta shared his controversial post, he followed up with another update. He mentioned that his inbox was flooded with mixed messages. According to the CEO, 20% were threats and the remaining 80% were job applications.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 11:28 IST
IndiGo Passenger Who Fell On Plane Ramp 3 Months Back At Delhi Airport Says He Still Cant Walk

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 06, 2024, 09:38 IST

A man from Gurugram who tumbled down IndiGo's ramp at Delhi airport in August claims he is still struggling to walk.

The man twisted his ankle after falling on IndiGo's ramp while deboarding plane at Delhi airport. (Image: X/@ratnenduray)

An IndiGo passenger who fell on a plane ramp at Delhi Airport in August claims he is still unable to walk. Ratnendu Ray was deboarding the flight early in the morning when the incident happened. The fall left him with a severely injured ankle, and he was rushed to a hospital in Gurugram for treatment.

Ray alleges that when he approached the airline for compensation, his request was denied and IndiGo representatives even made fun of his injury. Sharing his ordeal on X (formerly Twitter), he warned others to exercise caution while flying with the airline.

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My harrowing tale with IndiGo so that others can be careful," wrote Ray on X, recounting the details of the incident and its aftermath.

Read| High On Punctuality, Lowest Complaints: IndiGo Refutes Survey Ranking It Among Worst Airlines

Ray explained that he slipped on a wet patch on the ramp while deboarding the flight. He noted that it was drizzling when the plane landed, and the ramp was poorly lit.

On Aug 14 early morning I landed in Delhis T2 on an Indigo flight from Chennai. As is most common with them, no aerobridge was given, and instead, they asked everyone to deboard using their ramps," he explained.

The IndiGo flyer added, It was drizzling slightly as we landed though it had stopped when the doors opened. The ramp was dark, & as it usually is, had a rubber sheet on it. I was walking down it at a normal pace. Halfway down the ramp, my right foot suddenly slipped on a moist patch on the ramp."

Sharing a picture of his broken ankle, Ray recounted the painful moment: My ankle twisted and I fell on the ramp, and I realised almost immediately that my ankle had broken or dislocated. The foot was completely bent and the pain was absolutely excruciating. I was helped down by another passenger."

3/n My ankle twisted and I fell on the ramp, and I realised almost immediately that my ankle had broken or dislocated. The foot was completely bent and the pain was absolutely excruciating. I was helped down by another passenger. This is my foot at the airport. pic.twitter.com/3ZG2hRjiGN ratnendu ray (@ratnenduray) December 4, 2024

The Gurugram man said that IndiGo staff placed him in a wheelchair and escorted him to the terminal clinic. From there, he was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As expected, they [doctors] determined that it was a dislocation of my ankle joint along with a trimalleolar fracture. Basically the ankle was shattered," he continued.

The man, who took off from Chennai, claimed that when he filed a complaint and sought compensation, the airline dismissed it and added insult to his injury". He alleged that IndiGo representatives downplayed the incident, stating that he was the only passenger who fell on the ramp that day.

Also Read| IndiGos Tribute To Vistara Proves Rivals In The Market Are Always Friends In The Sky

A response reportedly by IndiGo read, We observed that you were the only passenger who experienced an incident that day, with many others deboarding safely before and after your departure. Our team acted swiftly upon learning of the situation, arranging medical assistance and escorted you to the hospital, where we stayed until your wife arrived."

7/n In response Indigo customer service basically said (i am paraphrasing):i. ramp wasnt wet that could cause me to slip  implying Im making it up or must have imagined the little damp patchesii. I must be the idiot who cant walk down ramps as no one else fell that day pic.twitter.com/buEvFdmsEk ratnendu ray (@ratnenduray) December 4, 2024

Ray shared that he has still not been able to walk. Of course, they were unable to offer me compensation. Not only has the surgery and hospitalisation cost me a ton, but I have been unable to walk since mid-August, with potential full recovery at least a year away. To say nothing of the trauma for me and my family."

I now have a plate and bunch of screws in my right ankle, depend on a walker for limited mobility, deal with swollen ankles, occasional pain, two ugly surgery scars, & physiotherapy routine, hoping for some normalcy next year," he lamented while sharing an X-ray and a picture of his foot post-surgery, adding, I have missed office trips, meeting family etc."

11/n I now have a plate and bunch of screws in my right ankle, depend on a walker for limited mobility, deal with swollen ankles, occasional pain, two ugly surgery scars, & physiotherapy routine, hoping for some normalcy next year. I have missed office trips, meeting family etc. pic.twitter.com/sGyXJBuN53 ratnendu ray (@ratnenduray) December 4, 2024

The post, since being shared a day ago on X, has elicited numerous reactions from social media users. Very sorry to hear this. I travelled in the month of November. Chennai-Delhi and back. As you mentioned, no aerobridge at either airport. Only ramp, except during late night return to Chennai where an aerobridge was docked. Found the ramps wobbly too. Really strange," expressed an individual.

Another added, This needs accountability."

This is pathetic, you got lifetime trouble because of them & they have the audacity to deny medical charges also. Shame on IndiGo. Its frustrating," said a third.

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A fourth commented, This is horrible. Bad accident. And a really bad response from the airline. The least expected from them is an apology and a promise to look into the matter and of course, take care of the damage done. Speedy recovery to you."

It sounds so painful, especially the picture hits hard. Get well soon," wrote a fifth.

First Published: December 05, 2024, 17:01 IST
Mexican Actress Dies After Consuming Deadly Frog Venom In Cleansing Ritual

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 16:48 IST

Although this drink is prohibited in some countries, indigenous communities have long utilised it to cleanse themselves of toxins.

Despite being taken to a hospital, Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez was not able to be saved. (Photo Credits: X)

A Mexican actress, who worked in short films, died earlier this week after suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting following a cleansing ritual at a retreat. As part of a Healer Training Diploma program in Mexico, Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez consumed a drink called Kombo.

According to the Mirror, the 33-year-old actress participated in the traditional South American Kambo ritual, which entails consuming frog venom to rid the body of toxins, getting burned, and drinking water. Nevertheless, it is well-recognised that the practice could be fatal.

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Participants in the ceremony have to consume more than one litre of water. Small burns are then made on their skin, and frog mucus is applied to the wounds, the Mirror adds.

Although this drink is prohibited in some countries, indigenous communities have long used it to cleanse themselves of toxins. It contains South American frog poison.

As part of the bodys reactions during the healing process, Rodriguez began to throw up and experienced severe diarrhoea, according to The Metro. When her friend visited her, she finally gave in after initially refusing assistance while ill, as per witnesses. After being taken to a Red Cross hospital, Rodriguez died there.

A shaman at the retreat in Moyocoyani, Durango, reportedly informed her she couldnt leave, according to the Metro. But the person ran away when her health deteriorated. Police are reportedly looking for the shaman right now.

The time it took for her to reach the hospital was not immediately known. Meanwhile, a tribute to her was shared on Instagram by Mapache Films, a production company from Mexico, identifying her.

Check the post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDDzUKYsTu2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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With deep regret, we mourn the death of our beloved colleague and friend, Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez," the production company wrote in Spanish. Her death left a huge void in our hearts and our professional community, the post said. Her devotion, joy, and commitment left an indelible impression on all of us who had the opportunity to work alongside her, the post also mentioned.

The tragedy has led to discussions concerning the risks of these age-old customs and their growing appeal to those seeking wellness.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 16:48 IST
Startle Reflex Or Protective Behaviour? Viral TikTok Clip Fuels Parenting Debate

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:32 IST

In the video posted on TikTok, Hannah's son flinched when his father approached him in a way that alarmed many who watched it.

Nurse Hannah defends family amid viral backlash. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Popular parenting TikTok influencer Nurse Hannah has stirred a hornets nest by posting a video of her toddler flinching when his father approached him in a grocery store. The video, since deleted, was widely shared, showing the child raising his hands in a defensive position and looking startled. It generated intense reactions from viewers about what such behaviour could mean.

In the video posted on TikTok, Hannahs son flinched when his father approached him in a way that alarmed many who watched it. Several commenters sounded the alarm, questioning why a toddler would do such a thing in a situation like that. Comments like Why is a toddler flinching at anything?" and observations that the childs body language seemed purely defensive," suggesting he might need to be taken somewhere safe," were among them.

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It started a trend in which the parents began experimenting, using similar movements for their childrens reactions. This time, different responses appeared, such as laughter and sometimes no fear.

But not allowing public backlash and speculation around that reaction to fester and swirl, Nurse Hannah produced a follow-up clip for which she defended her husband while putting the original captured clip in context. She did specify that the moment happened humorously and that the same husband is the most loving and nurturing father". The clip led to conversations about bad responses or reactions by kids from either parent on TikTok.

TikTok users who are on Autism Spectrum Disorder were cited by WGTC stating that the sons reaction is typical for individuals with sensory problems or persons who have a condition of overlapping sensitivity, while others people said that the sons reaction could be the only natural response that the boy could give to his environment.

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This could be due to several reasons that range from normal reflexes to serious underlying health issues. The startle reflex, or Moro reflex, is the natural reflex in infants and toddlers. A child starts this when they are suddenly startled by noise, movements, or changes in the environment.

Some toddlers are far too sensitive to sensory stimuli and jerk at sudden movements and loud noises. When a child has passed through some terrifying experience or is afraid something may occur, flinching could be a protective-like reflexive behaviour.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 05, 2024, 13:32 IST
After Hunter, Biden Considering Preemptive Pardons For Officials Ahead Of Trump Return: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 09:29 IST

Biden's aides are concerned about a range of officials being targeted by Trump, as shown with his pardon of Hunter Biden.

US President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son was widely criticised by Republicans and Democrats alike. (Reuters)

In a surprise move, outgoing US President Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional" pardon to his son Hunter Biden for gun crime and tax convictions, a decision that was widely criticised by Republicans and Democrats alike. Biden, who earlier said he would not interfere with the proceedings, said his son was unfairly prosecuted" by political opponents.

However, Bidens senior aides are now debating over possible preemptive pardons to a range of current and former public officials who could be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump as he takes office on January 20, senior Democrats familiar with the discussions told Politico.

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These concerns have largely swelled after Trump nominated Indian-origin lawyer Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Patel, a fierce Trump loyalist, has vowed to come after the President-elects critics and has repeated falsehoods against Biden and the 2020 election.

Bidens Aides Worried About Future Indictments

The Presidents aides are deeply concerned about several current and former officials who could be targeted by inquiries or even inquiries. However, White House officials are carefully weighing handing out blanket pardons to those who have committed no crimes, as it suggests impropriety and those offered these pardons may reject them.

Officials are discussing pardoning those currently in office, as well as former officials who have angered Trump and his loyalists. These include former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, Senator-elect Adam Schiff and former Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci.

The deliberations have been organized by White House counsel Ed Siskel but include a range of other aides, including chief of staff Jeff Zients. However, Biden has not been brought into the broader pardon discussions yet as he was occupied solely on his sons pardon, said people familiar with the matter.

These debates were spurred by Trumps repeated threats and quiet lobbying by congressional Democrats, though not by those seeking pardons themselves. The ambit of the pardon given to Hunter Biden reinforced the growing anxieties among high-level Democrats on how far Trump would go with his reprisals after taking office.

Congressman Brendan Boyle, a close Biden ally who hosted the president in his district shortly ahead of the election, issued a plea on Wednesday for the President to offer blanket pardons. The time for cautious restraint is over. We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power," he said.

Uproar Over Hunter Bidens Pardon

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Several people criticised Bidens decision to pardon his son who was facing convictions in two criminal cases. While Trump called it a miscarriage of justice", the federal judge who oversaw Hunters tax case for trying to rewrite history". CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins called the decision a political time bomb".

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet said Bidens decision placed personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all." Democratic Representative Greg Stanton of Arizona said that while he respects the president, I think he got this one wrong."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 09:29 IST
France Plunges Into Political Crisis As PM Barnier Loses No-Confidence Vote

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 10:40 IST

Michel Barnier's government is the first to be ousted in over 60 years, making him the shortest-serving PM in French history.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier reacts after the result of the vote on the first motion of no-confidence against the government. (AFP)

French lawmakers on Wednesday voted to oust the Prime Minister Michel Barnier-led government after just three months in office, plunging the office into a political crisis. This is the first time in over 60 years that the National Assembly approved a no-confidence motion against the incumbent government.

Opposition parties had tabled the motion after Barnier controversially used special powers to force through his budget without a vote. The Barnier government was proposed by the hard left after the snap elections announced by President Emmanuel Macron, but was backed by Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN), who had the power to topple the government.

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The turmoil follows a snap election called by Macron that aimed, without success, to halt the march of the far right, and left no party or faction in parliament with a majority. Out of options, Macron chose Barnier to lead the government. With the government toppled so soon, Macron is likely to be forced to choose another viable successor.

Lawmakers in the French Parliament were required to either vote yes or abstain from Wednesdays vote, with 288 votes needed for the motion to pass. A total of 331 voted in support of the motion, BBC reported. Barnier will carry out his duties as caretaker PM until Macron chooses a successor.

Why Was Barnier Ousted So Soon?

Both the Left and the far-right tabled no-confidence motions against Barnier after he pushed through a social security financing bill by invoking a presidential decree on Monday, after failing to win enough support for the measures. The National Rally deemed the budget, which included 49 billion in deficit reduction, as unacceptable".

This made Barnier the shortest-serving PM in French history. Ahead of the vote, Barnier told the National Assembly that voting him out would not solve the countrys financial problems. " am not afraid, dont worry, I am not afraid, Ive rarely been afraid in my political commitment. Whats at stake is our collective ability to make strides toward one another, to get over tensions and divisions that hurt our country so much, to have as sole compass the general interest," he said.

I consider it an honour to have been for three months  and to still be  the prime minister of the French people, of all French people. And at a moment when this mission ends, maybe soon, let me tell you that it will remain for me an honour to have served with dignity France and the French," he further said.

Barnier will submit the resignation of his government to President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday following the no-confidence vote. No French government had lost a confidence vote since Georges Pompidous in 1962.

Calls For Macrons Resignation

With the government in peril, some lawmakers have suggested President Macron, who wrapped up a state visit to Saudi Arabia and flew in to Paris ahead of the vote, should resign to break the political impasse. We are now calling on Macron to go," said Mathilde Panot, the head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party.

Macron on Tuesday had rejected calls to resign, saying such a scenario amounted to political fiction". I was elected twice by the French people. I am extremely proud of this and I will honour this trust with all the energy that is mine until the last second to be useful to the country," added Macron, who is due to serve until 2027.

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However, Macrons move to call for snap elections has risked France ending the year without a stable government or a 2025 budget, weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. It will further weaken a European Union already reeling from the implosion of Germanys coalition government and risk French support for Ukraine.

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Paris, France

First Published: December 05, 2024, 07:23 IST
French PM Michel Barnier's Govt Ousted In 'Historic' No-Confidence Vote: What Happens Next?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 13:29 IST

Barnier's government collapsed as 331 members of the 577-member National Assembly voted for the no-confidence motion against him.

Both the Left and the far-right came together to oust Barnier's government. (Reuters)

In an unprecedented crisis in French history, lawmakers voted on Wednesday to oust the Prime Minister Michel Barnier-led government through a no-confidence motion proposed by both the Left and the far-right. This made Barnier the shortest-serving PM  three months  and his government the first to be ousted by a no-confidence vote in over 60 years.

The ouster plunged the European Unions second-biggest economic power into a political crisis and threatened to exacerbate its looming economic crises. The debacle has also left President Emmanuel Macron a diminished figure, whose call for snap elections started this crisis.

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The last time a no-confidence succeeded was in 1962 against Georges Pompidou, when Charles de Gaulle was President. France is now without a government for the time being, which means its ability to pass laws to ease its budget crisis is deeply hampered with a deeply polarised National Assembly.

Why Was Barnier Punished?

Barnier was appointed PM after Macrons snap elections in hopes of stopping the march of the far-right left no party with a majority in the parliament. Though not popular, Barnier was seen as a capable choice for the post and won enough approval to become the Prime Minister, according to Vox.

However, he faced significant challenges in trying to govern without a majority. He recently tried to push through a 2025 national budget without a vote in the lower house of parliament by invoking a presidential decree, earning him the wrath of lawmakers from both the Left and the far-right.

Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally deemed the budget, which included 49 billion in deficit reduction, as unacceptable". Both the Left and the far-right tabled no-confidence motions against Barnier in the 577-member National Assembly, requiring 288 votes to approve the motion. A total of 331 deputies voted against Barnier.

What Happens Next?

Barnier will submit the resignation of his government to President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday following the no-confidence vote. I consider it an honour to have been for three months  and to still be  the prime minister of the French people, of all French people. And at a moment when this mission ends, maybe soon, let me tell you that it will remain for me an honour to have served with dignity France and the French," he said ahead of the vote.

Barniers ouster could exacerbate Frances ongoing budget crisis and is a stark reflection of the deep polarisation in French politics. Frances budget deficit is 6.1 per cent of its output while it also has a 3.2 trillion euro debt  primarily due to several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

However, Barnier will stay on as caretaker PM as Macron is tasked with the responsibility of a suitable replacement, which will be difficult given the polarised National Assembly. No new laws can be passed until Macron names a successor.

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Neither can Macron call for early legislative elections as he already did that in June and as per French laws, the National Assembly must remain in place for at least a year. This only increases the pressure on Macron to find a new PM to pass the governments budget and prevent an economic crisis from engulfing France.

Macron is due to host a mega event to reopen the Norte-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire, with guests including US President-elect Donald Trump. France is at the risk of ending this year without a stable government or a budget amid a litany of economic issues. It will further weaken a European Union already reeling from the debacle of Germanys coalition government.

Location : Paris, France

First Published: December 05, 2024, 12:41 IST
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 4, ZEEKR announced that the 7X model surpassed the 30,000 units delivered within 75 days of its market launch. By the 60-day mark, its cumulative deliveries exceeded 25,000 units.

ZEEKR 7X; photo credit: ZEEKR

Hitting the market on September 20, the ZEEKR 7X offers three variants, which are priced between 229,900 yuan and 269,900 yuan. Nationwide deliveries began concurrently with the launch.

Built on the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, the ZEEKR 7X is an all-electric mid-size SUV. The model comes standard with an 800V high-voltage platform across its entire lineup.

In terms of appearance, the 7X embraces the "Hidden Energy" design concept, blending the family's signature hidden front grille that integrates the light strip, daytime running lights, and headlights, creating a coherent sense of lines. Besides, its distinctive clamshell hood design further enhances the vehicle's cohesion. Additionally, the model is equipped with the newly upgraded ZEEKR STARGATE integrated smart light curtain, which delivers a futuristic touch with intelligent lighting interactions across various scenarios.

Inside, the 7X's design aligns closely with that of ZEEKR 007, featuring an understated layout. The model adopts a large floating central display screen. Beneath the screen, a set of mechanical piano-style buttons is provided for the operations of multimedia and essential functions, improving ease of use.

Regarding intelligent driving features, the ZEEKR 7X is equipped with the Haohan Intelligent Driving 2.0 system ("Haonan" in named in Chinese Pinyin), which supports the HD map-free urban NZP (Navigation ZEEKR Pilot) driving assistant functions. This system handles over 90% of complex intersections and offers a city NZP commuting mode with route memory capabilities.

As for power performance, the 7X offers both single-motor rear-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive options. The single-motor version delivers a maximum power of 310 kW, with two battery capacity schemes: 75 kWh and 100.01 kWh, offering ranges of 605 km and 780 km, respectively. The dual-motor all-wheel drive version boasts a combined power output of 475 kW (646 hp), paired with a 100.01 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, providing a range of 705 km.
Investing In India Is Profitable: Putin Lauds PM Modi At Investment Forum

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 19:53 IST

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country is ready to set up manufacturing operations in India while lauding PM Modi's 'Make In India'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make In India has led to stable growth. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia believes that investing in India is profitable and said Moscow is ready to set up manufacturing operations in India at the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow.

We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India  We believe that investing in India is profitable," Putin said

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The statement comes as both nations continue to draw closer to each other. New Delhi and Moscow are old friends from the days of the former Soviet Union and have strong diplomatic and defence ties.

Earlier this week, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that India needed better access to the Russian economy.

We are pressing the Russian leadership very strongly saying look, we are buying so many things  we also need better access  I think we will make progress," he said at a conference.

Putin is due to visit India early next year  his first trip to the country since the war in Ukraine began  with the Kremlin saying on Monday that preparations were underway for the trip.

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A report by Reuters quoting the government quoting Putin said Rosneft invested $20 billion in India recently. It further added that Putin in January said that Rosneft planned to expand its presence in India.

The Russian President also lauded PM Modis Make In India policy. PM Modi has a program called Make in India. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Ministers leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first," he said.

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: December 05, 2024, 19:53 IST
South Korean Defence Minister Resigns After Row Over Imposition Of Martial Law

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 07:56 IST

South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun has resigned and his resignation has been accepted by President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of, who has now nominated Choi Byung-hyuk.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun (Credits: Reuters)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the new defence minister, the presidential office said on Thursday.

Kim, who offered his resignation on Wednesday, was seen as a central figure in Yoons declaration of martial law on Tuesday. A senior military official and filings to impeach Yoon by opposition members said Kim made the recommendation to Yoon.

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Yoons chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, called Choi a person of principle who carries out his duties with dedication and adheres to regulations."

The nomination is the first official move by Yoon after he announced the withdrawal of the martial law declaration in the early hours of Wednesday, amid a storm of political turmoil and diplomatic fallout.

Parliament introduced a motion early on Thursday to impeach him over the botched attempt to impose martial law, but his party vowed to oppose the move, throwing the process into doubt.

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The main opposition Democratic Party has called Yoons martial law attempt a treasonous act, and its lawmakers could lead a vote for the bill as early as Friday.

US officials said they were caught completely off guard by Yoons martial law declaration, which Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said was badly misjudged."

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: December 05, 2024, 07:56 IST
Mexican Actress Dies After Consuming Amazonian Frog Venom During Spiritual Cleansing Ritual

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 14:37 IST

Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez, 33, ingested the frog venom during a spiritual retreat ceremony in Mexico and experienced severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez, 33, died after ingesting the venom derived from an Amazonian leaf frog. (Photo: X)

In a shocking incident, a Mexican actress tragically lost her life after ingesting the deadly Amazonian frog venom known as Kambo as part of a spiritual cleansing ritual. Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez, 33, consumed some of the poison used by South American natives for toxin cleansing, but is banned in other countries.

She was attending a spiritual retreat ceremony in Mexico as part of a Healer Training Diploma programme when she consumed the Kambo venom. Soon after, Rodriguez started throwing up and had severe diarrhoea after consuming the venom, which is believed to be part of the bodys reactions while going through the healing" process.

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At first, she refused to get help but eventually relented when a friend came to see her, witnesses told the UK-based Metro. The actress was rushed to a hospital, where she passed away due to the effects of the poison. It was unclear how long it took her to arrive at the hospital.

A Mexican production company Mapache Films posted a tribute for Rodriguez on Instagram. With deep regret, we mourn the death of our beloved colleague and friend, Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez," it said in Spanish. Her passing left an immense vacuum in our hearts and in our professional community."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mapache Films (@mapache_films)

How Does The Poison Work?

Rodriguez was part of the Kambo ritual, which involved drinking over a litre of water, creating burns on the skin and putting mucus of the Amazonian frog on them. The venom triggers vomiting and defecation to combat the poison and increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Other symptoms involve fainting, dizziness and swollen lips.

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The symptoms usually last for half an hour, but extended exposure to the venom can cause seizures and even death, as seen tragically in Rodriguezs case. According to Metro, a shaman at the retreat told the actress that she could not leave and has now fled. The police have launched a manhunt for him.

Kambo is banned in several countries due to its fatal side effects. However, proponents of this ritual believe the venom can purify the body of toxic substances and also rid the mind and spirit of negative energy. It is also associated with luck, stamina and curing other physical diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

Location : Mexico City, Mexico

First Published: December 05, 2024, 14:37 IST
US Says South Korea's President Yoon 'Badly Misjudged' Martial Law Declaration

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: December 05, 2024, 10:33 IST

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Washington was caught unawares of the plan by its key ally.

Yoon is facing impeachment after his abrupt call for martial law in South Korea (IMAGE: REUTERS)

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol badly misjudged" his decision to declare martial law this week, and it had been seen as deeply problematic" and illegitimate."

Asked at an event organized by the Aspen Strategy Forum whether it was an intelligence failure that Washington was caught unaware by a key ally, Campbell said almost all US interlocutors in South Korea, including in the presidents office, were deeply surprised" by Yoons move.

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Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night to thwart anti-state forces" among his domestic political opponents, but rescinded the decision hours later after lawmakers defied him.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday that the US, which has around 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, was not aware of Yoons intention to declare martial law.

President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, later told a Washington think tank that the US learned about it on television, the same way the rest of the world did" and it raised deep concern for us."

Campbell said the events in South Korea had been deeply unpredictable and unlikely."

I think President Yoon badly misjudged. And I think the memory of previous experiences of martial law have a deep and negative resonance in South Korea."

Campbell said the fact that both political sides in South Korea could agree the step was deeply problematic" despite deep political polarization and division in the country was a reassuring tribute to the strength of democracy in the country.

This is a powerful symbol of the fact that people were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process and that would be met by the will of the people," he said.

Campbell said South Korea would be in a challenging place" in the next few months and the US goal would be to make clear its alliance with Seoul is absolutely rock solid."

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He said almost all US interlocutors inside South Korea  the foreign minister, the finance minister, many of the key players that we work with in the presidents office  were themselves deeply surprised" by Yoons move.

South Koreas parliament introduced a motion on Thursday to impeach Yoon over his botched attempt to impose martial law, but his party vowed to oppose the move, throwing the process into doubt.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 05, 2024, 10:33 IST
The head of Japan's largest investment bank has apologized and agreed to a temporary pay cut after an ex-employee was charged with trying to kill clients. The Nomura employee, who gave asset management advice to individuals and corporations, allegedly robbed the clients before setting fire to their home during a visit on July 28. He reportedly told a bank employee on Aug. 2 that he was a suspect in the arson. He was fired two days later, arrested Oct. 30, and has since been charged with robbery, arson, and attempted murder, per the BBC .

"We would like to deeply apologize to the victims, as well as many other people involved for the great inconvenience and concerns caused," CEO Kentaro Okuda said at a Tuesday press conference, where he bowed alongside other executives, per the Guardian. "We are truly sorry." Okuda, who vowed to return 20% of his pay for two months at the end of October after an employee was found to have manipulated government bond futures, this time agreed to a voluntary 30% pay cut over the next three months. Nine other directors and execs at the bank agreed to return 20% to 30% of their pay over the same period, reports the BBC.

Nomura said managers faced "strict disciplinary action" as a result of the employee's actions. "An incident like this must never happen at a financial institution entrusted with looking after its clients' assets," it added Tuesday. It said managers would now and "for the foreseeable future" attend employees' calls with clients and accompany them on visits to clients' homes, per the Guardian. Employees will also be monitored through company phones and dashboard cameras, as well as undergo an annual investigation into "potential wrongdoing," the bank said, per the BBC. (More Japan stories.)
She called herself the "luckiest unlucky girl." Dr. Kelly Powers, a physician and surgeon who made numerous appearances on Fox News and Fox Business in the leadup to a 2020 brain cancer diagnosis, died of cancer Sunday at age 45. It was just one illness she suffered. She was hosting a live TV segment on heart health in 2018 when she began experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath, reports the New York Post . "I went into heart failure while doing a report on Fox Businessliveon heart health and talking about the subtle signs that women often miss," she later told Preferred Health magazine. "You can't make this up." Two years later, Powers experienced a grand mal seizure, underwent a CT scan, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Just before her surgery to have the tumor removed, Powers learned she was expecting a baby through a surrogate. "I honestly could only think, 'What the hell is happening?'" Powers told Preferred Health, noting the news helped get her through her recovery. She went into remission but the cancer returned this year, per the Post. She's survived by her young son Bennett, her husband Steven Doll, and her parents.

"She was a brave and beautiful soul who could make friends anywhere she went," according to an obituary. "Kelly had a love for people and she was dedicated to helping others." The New York native attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her residency at Georgetown and the Boston University School of Medicine, per Deadline. She appeared on Red Eye, Fox & Friends, The Willis Report, and other shows. (More obituary stories.)
Former President Clinton defended President Biden's pardon of his son Wednesdaybut he rejected comparisons to his own pardon of his half brother. Clinton, speaking at the DealBook Summit, noted that Roger Clinton had already served his sentence when he pardoned him as he left office in 2001, the Hill reports.

Roger Clinton was convicted on cocaine charges after he tried to sell the drug to an undercover officer in 1985. "My brother did 14 months in federal prison for something he did when he was 20," Clinton said Wednesday, per Politico. Clinton said questions on his mind were: Would his brother "ever be able to vote again? Will he ever be able to have normal citizenship responsibilities?"
Now that Donald Trump has won the election, his lawyers have asked an appeals court to dismiss the Georgia criminal case against him because a "sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal." Prosecuting the 2020 election interference case would be unconstitutional, Wednesday's filing says, per NBC News . Trump originally faced 13 charges; the case shrank to eight counts in September. The Georgia case is the final criminal prosecution of Trump that has not yet reached trial, per the Washington Post .

Granting the Trump request probably wouldn't halt the prosecution of codefendants who include former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. The case has been frozen for most of 2024 while Trump's team fights a ruling against it on disqualifying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her staff on conflict of interest grounds, per NBC. Trump and 18 codefendants pleaded not guilty last year; four since have cut plea deals and agreed to testify. Wednesday's filing was much like one made to a Manhattan court to throw out Trump's convictions on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Sentencing in that case has been postponed pending the outcome of Judge Juan Merchan's decision. (More Georgia indictment stories.)
Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza during its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The human rights organization released a report claiming Israel's military actions amount to efforts to deliberately annihilate Palestinians, an assertion the group insists is backed by substantial evidence. Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's Secretary General, stated, "Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now." The report also suggests that countries supporting Israel, such as the US, could be complicit in these alleged actions.

Israel has firmly denied these accusations, labeling them as malicious fabrications. Israel's government emphasized its actions as defense measures against Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking the ongoing conflict. The Israeli Foreign Ministry refuted Amnesty's claims, arguing that its military endeavors are aimed solely at the militant group, not civilians. It contends that Hamas's operations within densely populated areas are responsible for civilian casualties. Israel also accuses international bodies like the UN of not adequately delivering permitted aid.

Amnesty's report comes amid rising global scrutiny, with figures like Pope Francis and Saudi Arabia's crown prince calling for investigations into potential genocidal actions. Amnesty maintains that Israeli strategies, such as the destruction of essential infrastructure and restricting needed resources, intentionally endanger the Palestinian population in Gaza. The report reviews incidents and patterns since the conflict's inception, seeking to establish intent behind the alleged acts. The contentious dialogue continues as calls for international intervention are made. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Sake, Japan's iconic rice wine, has been accorded a prestigious honor by UNESCO, achieving recognition on its "intangible cultural heritage" list. Celebrated for its significance in Japanese dining and ceremonial customs, sake is noted for its integral role in festive occasions and everyday life. During a gathering in Luque, Paraguay, UNESCO acknowledged sake along with other global cultural treasures, highlighting its importance beyond culinary artistry.

Kano Takehiro, Japan's ambassador to UNESCO, emphasized sake's place as "a divine gift" essential to social and cultural festivities in Japan. The UNESCO designation not only recognizes the craft and heritage of sake production but also seeks to revitalize its status as Japan's quintessential alcoholic beverage. Sake is crafted through a demanding process involving rice, water, yeast, and kojia fermenting agent essential to its production.

Japan's sake brewers are optimistic that this international acknowledgment might spur a resurgence in the drink's domestic popularity amid competition from imported wines and domestic beer. With exports to the US and China generating over $265 million annually, sake's global appeal continues to rise. The Japanese delegation marked the UNESCO listing with a traditional toast, underscoring the symbolic and economic significance of this centuries-old beverage. They hope the recognition will not only renew national interest in traditional sake but also bolster Japan's export economy. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
The newborn appeared at a hospital in Gaza last Octoberalone. After Israeli strikes on Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood, rescuers had discovered the girl in a tree, the apparent sole survivor of the attack, NPR reports. The stump of her umbilical cord was still soft, indicating she was days old. She was rushed to the now-ruined Shifa Hospital and placed in an incubator. Weeks later, under Israeli bombs, she was whisked to Al-Helal Al-Emirati Hospital in Rafah, where the girl with unknown parents found a new mom. Day after day, nurse Amal Abu Khatleh watched the baby girl "staring at the roof" out of an incubator she shared with other infants. She named her Malak, meaning angel in Arabic, and eventually asked to take the girl home.

"I have fallen in love with her," the 33-year-old tells NPR from Deir al-Balah, where she and Malak escaped in May after Israeli forces invaded Rafah. The hospital agreed to let Abu Khatleh care for the child on the condition that she return her once peace is achieved. Abu Khatleh is now on a desperate search to find Malak's birth parents, but has no leads. Malak's initial file, giving the date and location at which she was found, was destroyed in the bombing of Shifa. It's unlikely Malak's parents registered the birth in the first days of the war, but even if they did, there are no surviving records of births from that time, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

"I will keep her if I never manage to find her real parents," Abu Khatleh tells NPR. But other Gazan children aren't as lucky as Malak. UNICEF estimated at least 17,000 were unaccompanied or separated from their parents as of February. In August, the New York Times reported the war "is making so many orphans in such chaos that no agency or aid group can count them." With bombs falling and survivors moving from shelter to shelter, "no one can say how many children have lost track of their parents, and how many have lost them for good." (More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Montana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle voted Wednesday to block a ban that would've prevented Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the state's first openly transgender legislator, from using women's restrooms at the state Capitol. CNN reports that multiple Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against the measure on Tuesday. The bill proposed by GOP Rep. Jerry Schillinger would've barred lawmakers from using Capitol restrooms that don't sync with their biological sex at birth .

The motion "says what probably shouldn't need to be said and puts into rules what probably shouldn't need to be put into rules," Schillinger said Tuesday. Lawmakers who supported the ban in the 15-minute discussion ahead of the votein which no women took part, notes NPRsaid that the prohibition would keep bathrooms safe for women, but critics wondered how useful the bill would actually prove. "This particular action will have the effect of making people famous in the national news and will not contribute to the effective conduct of our business," GOP Rep. David Bedey said of the proposal, though he added he voted against the ban "reluctantly" due to his own personal views on the matter.

It's not the first time Zephyr's colleagues have gone after her. She was banned last year from the state House chamber after accusing Montana Republicans who wanted a ban on gender-affirming health care for minors of having "blood" on their hands. The attempt to keep her out of women's public bathrooms at the Capitol echoes that of GOP Rep. Nancy Mace in the US House of Representatives, who introduced a bathroom ban bill last month targeting freshman Rep. Sarah McBride, a transgender lawmaker. Soon after, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a change in policy at the US Capitol that would dictate all single-sex facilities be "reserved for individuals of that biological sex."

story continues below

Zephyr, who was first elected in 2022 and was reelected last month, appeared pleased after the Montana vote. "I'm happy to see that this proposed ban failed and am grateful for my colleaguesparticularly my [R]epublican colleagueswho recognized this as a distraction from the work we were elected to do," she wrote Tuesday on X. "I'm ready to represent my constituents & look forward to working on behalf of Montana." (More Zooey Zephyr stories.)
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An Israeli drone strike targeted a hospital compound in northern Gaza on Thursday, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy in a wheelchair and injuring at least 12 others, including medical staff, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The incident occurred at Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still operational in the region as Israel pursues a military campaign against Hamas. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya claimed the drone specifically targeted patients and staff at the entrance and emergency areas.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International on Thursday accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza amid its military operations against Hamas. The group asserts that Israel has deliberately targeted infrastructure and impeded aid access, claiming these actions are beyond justification. The Biden administration has dismissed these accusations as "unfounded," while emphasizing the critical role of human rights organizations in addressing the consequences of the ongoing conflict. Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel reiterated calls for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and improve conditions in Gaza. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Britain's top military officer has cautioned that the world may be entering a "third nuclear age," marked by complex challenges and diminishing security frameworks. Admiral Tony Radakin highlighted these concerns during a speech at the Royal United Services Institute; the yearly lecture by the head of Britain's defense staff is a tradition at RUSI, a leading think tank on military and strategic issues. While the first nuclear age was defined by the Cold War rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, and the second nuclear age saw more countries gain access to nuclear weapons, leading to efforts to curtail their spread, this possible third age is "altogether more complex."

It's one characterized by "multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before," Radakin said. He pointed to Russia's nuclear threats regarding Ukraine, China's nuclear expansion, Iran's uncooperative stance on its nuclear program, and North Korea's unpredictable actions. Additionally, he underscored the growing dangers of cyber-attacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the West. Particularly alarming is the stationing of North Korean troops with Russian forces near Ukraine, which Radakin described as the year's "most extraordinary development."

In his lecture, Radakin advocated for ongoing reforms within the British military to address these evolving threats. That includes ensuring the UK's nuclear deterrent remains a priority, as it significantly influences Russian military calculations. The UK consistently maintains at least one nuclear-armed submarine on patrol to respond to potential nuclear threats. As part of the response, the UK government is conducting a strategic defense review to re-evaluate the future structure and equipment of its armed forces, with findings expected in the first half of next year. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Bitcoin had powered above $100,000 for the first time the night before, after President-elect Trump chose Paul Atkins, who's seen as a crypto advocate, as his nominee to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from less than $70,000 on Election Day, but it fell back as Thursday progressed toward $99,000, according to CoinDesk. Sharp swings for bitcoin are nothing new, the AP reports, and they took stocks of companies enmeshed in the crypto world on a similar ride. After rising as much as 9% in early trading, MicroStrategy, a company that's been raising cash just to buy bitcoin, swung to a loss of 4.8%. Crypto exchange Coinbase Global fell 3.1% after likewise erasing a big early gain.

Elsewhere on Wall Street, stocks of airlines helped lead the way following the latest bumps up to financial forecasts from carriers. American Airlines Group soared 16.8% after saying it's making more in revenue during the last three months of 2024 than it expected, and it will likely make a bigger profit than it had earlier forecast. Southwest Airlines climbed 2% after saying it's seeing stronger demand from leisure travelers than it expected. It also raised its forecast for revenue for the holiday traveling season. On the losing end was Synposys, which tumbled 12.4%. The supplier for the semiconductor industry reported better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it also warned of "continued macro uncertainties" and gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell short of some analysts' estimates. American Eagle Outfitters fell 14.3%.

(More Wall Street stories.)
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met yesterday with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, at Gudaibiya Palace.

HRH Prince Salman emphasised the importance of strengthening Bahrain-Mongolia relations, reaffirming the Kingdoms commitment to advancing bilateral ties to achieve shared aspirations.

His Royal Highness highlighted the mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation between Bahrain and Mongolia across various sectors, aiming to benefit both nations and their peoples.

During the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing multisectoral collaboration, addressing the latest regional and international developments, and exploring issues of common interest.

Luvsannamsrai expressed gratitude for HRH Prince Salmans dedication to strengthening Bahrain-Mongolia relations and extended his best wishes for Bahrains continued progress and prosperity.

The Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and several senior officials, also attended the meeting.
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, held a meeting with Her Highness Shaikha Nayla bint Hamad bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB), to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of swimming pools and beaches across Bahrains tourism establishments.

The discussion centered on strengthening the partnership between the RLSB and the Tourism Authority to implement comprehensive audits and inspections at tourism facilities, ensuring strict adherence to operational safety guidelines for swimming pools.

Her Excellency emphasised that the safety and well-being of visitors and guests remain a top priority, underscoring the importance of robust safety protocols in enhancing Bahrains reputation as a safe and appealing destination for tourists.

The minister emphasised that visitor and guest safety at tourism establishments is a top priority, expressing her hope that this collaboration will further position Bahrain as a safe and attractive tourist destination.

On her part, HH Shaikha Nayla commended the Ministry of Tourisms efforts, highlighting the importance of joint cooperation to achieve shared goals of promoting water safety awareness across various sectors and enhancing understanding of safety measures for beachgoers and pool users.
TDT | Manama

Email : Ashentharaka@gamil.com

The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to receive 12 luxury cruise ships this December as part of the Bahrain Festivities 2024 celebrations, announced Sarah Ahmed Buheji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). This move aligns with Bahrains ongoing efforts to boost maritime tourism and achieve the goals outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 20222026.

Buheji emphasized that welcoming such a diverse array of cruise ships highlights Bahrain's position as a leading regional tourist destination. Among the notable arrivals are the Greek vessel Celestyle Journey, making its debut in the Gulf, alongside the French cruise ship Le Bougainville and vessels from the German AIDA fleet and the Swiss-Italian MSC Cruises.

These visits underline the wide range of exceptional tourism options Bahrain offers to visitors.

Buheji added that these cruise ship visits provide tourists with a chance to enjoy the Bahrain Festivities 2024 activities, experience winter beach tourism, and explore Bahrain's vibrant markets, malls, heritage sites, and archaeological landmarks.
RBC Direct Investing the only bank-owned brokerage in Canada to offer self-directed investors online International Trading through London , Hong Kong , Frankfurt and Euronext Paris exchanges

All RBC Direct Investing clients can now hold and trade in GBP, HKD, EUR, JPY, CHF, SGD, AUD, NZD

Both RBC online investing platforms, RBC Direct Investing and RBC InvestEase, are also offering a powerful incentive for new clients: up to 500,000 Avion points, worth up to $10,000 in travel value1 (Terms and conditions apply)

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - Bringing access to markets around the globe, RBC Direct Investing has launched online International Trading in multiple foreign currencies for all its investors  becoming the only bank-owned online brokerage in Canada to offer this capability.

RBC launches online International Trading for self-directed investors in 8 currencies! (CNW Group/RBC Royal Bank)

RBC Direct Investing clients can now trade online through London, Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Euronext Paris exchanges, and hold and trade in eight global currencies  including the British pound (GBP), Hong Kong dollar (HKD) and Euro (EUR). This new capability is in addition to being able to trade online in U.S. markets and hold and trade in U.S. dollars. Clients can also trade by phone in multiple international markets.

The added benefits:

Clients with an RBC British Pound, Hong Kong Dollar, or Euro eSavings Account can instantly transfer funds, within the standard business day, in the same currency between their RBC account and their RBC Direct Investing account

From within their RBC Direct Investing account, that currency is then immediately available for online International Trading no wire transfers, no delays

Also, once clients hold GBP, HKD, EUR, JPY, CHF, SGD, AUD and NZD foreign currencies in their RBC Direct Investing account, they can trade in the same currency with no further foreign exchange fees

"All our self-directed investors already have the strength of three powerful trading platforms, plus extensive research and commentary at their fingertips  now we are bringing them online access to trade around the world," said Dimitri Busevs, president and CEO, RBC Direct Investing, one of Canada's largest online investment brokerages.

Up to 500,000 more reasons to begin online investing with RBC

At the same time, for Canadians who aren't yet investing online with RBC, there now are up to 500,000 more reasons for doing so. That's how many Avion points  worth up to $10,000 in travel value1  investors new to RBC Direct Investing or to RBC InvestEase now can gain, when they open and fund an eligible account with either of these services by March 3, 2025. They can also receive $300 in cash and other benefits*.

(*Links to related Terms and Conditions are included at the end of this news release.)

"For Canadians who may not have considered RBC online investing options before, this is an opportunity to gain up to 500,000 Avion points to use as they wish  to pay commissions on Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar trades, fund their RBC Direct Investing account or help make a special trip possible," added Busevs. "This is yet another reason to take a look at the ease, convenience and depth of our trading platform."

"We understand Canadians want their money to work harder for them, and with this offer, we are rewarding them for choosing RBC to help them make that happen," noted Christine Socasau, head of RBC InvestEase. "We expect the opportunity to obtain up to half a million Avion points will be highly appealing to clients new to RBC InvestEase, who value professional advice at a reasonable cost."

As an online investment management service, RBC InvestEase also gives investors the invaluable gift of time. "We do all the heavy lifting for them," explained Socasau. "We build, manage, monitor and rebalance their ETF portfolios on a daily basis, letting our clients enjoy their lives while we take care of their investments."

Additional information about online International Trading through RBC Direct Investing is available at 9 International Trading Questions Answered + What to Know to Get Started . To learn more about the Avion points and cash offer and other benefits for new online investing clients, including Terms and Conditions, please visit RBC Direct Investing at rbcdirectinvesting.com/dms/wis2025/offer.html and RBC InvestEase at rbcinvestease.com/dms/campaign/wis2025/offer.html.

1 Note: Travel value is dependent on product held. $10,000 is based on Avion Elite tier travel redemption using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. Further details are available at avionrewards.com/travel

Disclaimer

This is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

About RBC Direct Investing  a self-managed, easy-to-use digital investing platform that enables you to trade when and how you want.

As an online investor with RBC Direct Investing, you have access to three powerful trading platforms with a fully customizable dashboard. We provide extensive investor resources, including advanced trading tools, research from experts and free real-time market data, to help you make informed investment decisions. Our online magazine, Inspired Investor  Trade, brings you personal stories, timely information and expert insights to empower your investment decisions. You can make investments online, or through the RBC Mobile app, including International Trading through London, Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Euronext Paris exchanges. You can hold and trade in eight global currencies  including the British pound, Hong Kong dollar and Euro  in addition to being able to trade online in Canadian and U.S. markets and hold and trade in Canadian and U.S. dollars. Also, only at RBC Direct Investing, you can use your Avion points to pay for trade commissions and fund your accounts. Our products include stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds and GICs. We offer FHSA, TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, RESP, non-registered investments (cash and margin) and non-personal accounts. Our English, French, Cantonese and Mandarin language-speaking agents are available to answer your questions and provide you with assistance getting started and our trading dashboard is enabled for International Trading in English, French, Simplified and Traditional Chinese. More information is available at rbcdirectinvesting.com.

 RBC Mobile is operated by Royal Bank of Canada, RBC Direct Investing Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

About RBC InvestEase  a digital-first platform combining active professional portfolio management and dedicated human advice as a convenient, cost-effective way to invest in your future.

With RBC InvestEase, you gain online access to diversified ETF portfolios, actively managed by a dedicated team  all for a low fee. The process begins with a simple online questionnaire to understand your individual goals, objectives and risk tolerance. Our professional team of Portfolio Advisors then takes care of selecting, buying and managing the ETFs, monitoring each account daily and rebalancing as necessary to keep you on track. There is no minimum investment required to open an account. Our Portfolio Advisors are also available via phone or e-mail to offer personalized advice if you need it and to answer to any investment questions. RBC InvestEase currently offers FHSA, TFSA, RRSP and non-registered investment accounts. More information is available at rbcinvestease.com.

About Avion Rewards

Avion Rewards is an award-winning internationally recognized loyalty and consumer engagement platform that provides Canadians with the flexibility to shop, save, earn and redeem for everyday merchandise, aspirational rewards and experiences. Its exclusive shopping companion, Avion Rewards ShopPlus, enables members to access offers seamlessly, saving them time and money right where they shop online. Additionally, as one of the largest travel providers in Canada, Avion Rewards makes it possible for members to benefit from the program's market-leading "any airline, any flight, any time" travel offering, as well as its flagship Avion credit cards and concierge service. Learn more at avionrewards.com.

Media contact:

Kathy Bevan, RBC Corporate Communications, 647-618-2287

SOURCE RBC Royal Bank
Every giftno matter its sizehas the power to make a meaningful difference. Post this

The series features portraits of nine remarkable donors from all ages and stages, each accompanied by a personal story that sheds light on their individual motivations for giving. From grateful patients and family members to UHN staff, from monthly donors to people organizing their own fundraisers, Portraits of Giving underscores the idea that every giftno matter its sizehas the power to make a meaningful difference.

"UHN has given me an opportunity to live again," said Arzein Mirza, one of the donors featured in Portraits of Giving, who has been a cardiovascular patient at UHN's Peter Munk Cardiac Centre since 2014, and who received a heart transplant at UHN's Ajmera Transplant Centre last year. "I want people to know that this top-of-the-line health care exists at UHN. To have this calibre of health care, we all have to take part. I hope that others will join me in donating so other people can benefit from what's available here."

Christopher Wahl, known for his intimate and thought-provoking portraits, brings his distinctive vision to this project, creating a compelling visual narrative that underscores the deep connection between donors and the communities they support.

"These portraits are about people, their stories, and their commitment to making a difference," says Wahl. "It's an honour to spotlight these individuals who give selflessly to improve the lives of others."

The nine donors featured in this series represent the power of uniting as a community, and the incredible impact donations can have to help UHN reimagine health care. From funding life-saving equipment to advancing critical medical research and innovation, donor support helps UHN remain at the forefront of world-changing health care.

Portraits of Giving is available to view online on the UHN Foundation website.

About UHN Foundation

Part of University Health Network (UHN), UHN Foundation raises funds for Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehab and The Michener Institute of Education. No one ever changed the world on their own: donor support is critical to upholding the excellence in patient care that UHN is known for, and changing the status quo of health care  helping recruit and train the brightest medical minds from around the world, complete critical capital projects, develop new treatments for disease, and advance bold medical research. UHNfoundation.ca

About Christopher Wahl

Christopher Wahl is a distinguished Canadian photographer known for his compelling and intimate portraits. With a career spanning over two decades, he has captured the essence of numerous prominent figures, including musicians, actors, athletes, political leaders, and everyday individuals, bringing out both vulnerability and strength in his subjects. His work has been featured in leading publications such as TIME, the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Life and many more. Recognized for his keen eye and ability to tell stories through his lens, Wahl continues to inspire audiences and the photography world with images that transcend traditional portraiture. Visit Christopher's website, Follow Christopher on Instagram @wahlchristopher.

For media inquiries, please contact: Olivia Monardo, Public Relations Officer, [email protected], 416-669-0638

SOURCE UHN Foundation
As it struggles with a recent spike in serious crimes committed by juveniles, Atlantic County has gone to court to address what it deems a crisis in the housing of young people charged with criminal offenses.

County officials argue the state Juvenile Justice Commission has ignored its responsibility to manage the statewide housing of juveniles charged with crimes and instead ordered the counties to figure it out.

That has led to overcrowding, riots, juveniles held at police stations in violation of federal and state law, and mental health emergencies, Atlantic County officials say.

The county wants a Superior Court judge to clarify whether the state commission or counties are responsible for placements in detention facilities and ensuring that a bed can be found for each young person held statewide.

Atlantic County officials are hoping for a declaratory judgment affirming that this is the commissions responsibility.

The Juvenile Justice Commission provides care, custody, and rehabilitative services to youth committed to the agency by the courts, according to its website.

All seven county youth detention facilities in New Jersey are owned and operated by the county where they are located. Counties without facilities contract with the facilities to house their juveniles, according to the commission.

When a judge orders that a juvenile be detained on criminal charges until their case is resolved, the young person must be housed in a dedicated juvenile detention facility. Statewide, the total maximum capacity for the facilities is 332.

Atlantic Countys Harborfields juvenile detention facility in Egg Harbor City exceeded its maximum capacity of 20 youths in 2024 and the county has struggled for months to find beds in other youth detention facilities around the state, according to county officials.

The county is currently housing about 15 more in youth detention facilities around the state, but says the precarious situation has resulted in young people chained to benches at police stations for hours as county officials try to find appropriate housing.

Harborfields had 24 people in its facility this year, sparking several overcrowding-related problems, according to court documents filed in the case. The problems included a riot at the facility in late August that resulted in injuries to one juvenile and two Juvenile Justice Commission officers. Five outside law enforcement agencies were called in to help respond to the incident.

A second riot occurred days later on Sept. 4, the county said in its filing.

In describing several cases of struggles to find open beds for detained juveniles, the county described a September incident in which a youth was taken to a hospital for a second time for suicidal ideation after 19 hours in police custody.

The county argues the situation creates potential civil rights violations and exposes county officials and local police departments to possible litigation if a family decides to sue over how their child is being handled.

In response to the countys concerns, the Juvenile Justice Commission issued a Nov. 12 order declaring that Atlantic County is regularly over capacity at its facility and restricting any admissions in excess of the 20-person cap. The order required other youth detention facilities  located in Bergen, Camden, Essex, Middlesex, Morris and Ocean  to accept Atlantic County youths when its facility is full.

But, the order left it up to Atlantic County to find which facilities have room to take their detainees.

Superior Court Judge Michael J. Blee, assignment judge for Atlantic and Cape May counties, heard arguments in the case during a Nov. 22 hearing.

We have a situation where the question becomes who is responsible for the placement and the assignment of juveniles, Atlantic County Assistant County Counsel Arthur J. Murray stated in court, pointing to existing state statute for the answer. If one reads the statute, the only entity that actually has the power to do it and the responsibility to do it is the JJC. The JJC does not seem to want to acknowledge that they have that power and they have that responsibility.

Murray described Zoom calls involving judges, prosecutors and others trying for hours to find beds for juvenile detainees, who cannot by law be placed in police holding cells, but remain held at police stations until accommodations are found.

Under state and federal laws, juveniles cannot be held by police for longer than six hours before theyre either released to a parent or placed in a juvenile detention facility. That six-hour timeframe includes the time it takes to transport a youth to a detention facility, which can take hours if theyre housed out of county.

No town can put any juvenile in a holding cell because theyre made for adults, Murray said. So you have juveniles who are being chained to benches for 6, 8, 10, 12 over 24 hours in this county. That must come to an end, judge. It cannot continue.

The overcrowding issue is not going away anytime soon, Murray said. Atlantic County has seen an increase in juvenile crime in the last few years and a disproportionate spike since the start of 2024, according to its suit.

The detainees the county is talking about arent juvenile delinquents who vandalized cars or committed some other youthful indiscretion, Murray stated.

They are in fact criminals, he said. Between July of 2024 and November of 2024, 97% of the juveniles held by Atlantic County, which range from 30 to 34, are charged with first- or second-degree crimes.

In a letter to the judge supporting Atlantic Countys case, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin J. Friel, head of the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police, described numerous instances where officers are forced to hold juveniles for well over six hours while awaiting intake, arguably violating federal law, which prohibits juveniles from being detained at a police station for more than six hours.

Dealing with the lack of JJCs ability to fulfill their obligation places the juvenile in continued stress as most police departments are not equipped to handle juvenile offenders for extended periods, Friel wrote. This situation compromises public safety, neglects legal obligations, and disregards the welfare of vulnerable youths.

The Juvenile Justice Commission has argued that, since it is a state entity, the state Appellate Court is the appropriate venue for the case. Also, the state believes it has, through its Nov. 12 order, taken action to address Atlantic Countys concerns.

The judge hearing arguments Nov. 22 prodded Deputy Attorney General Patrick Jhoo, who represented the Juvenile Justice Commission, to explain who is responsible for juvenile placements in detention facilities.

Who is going to decide where that youth should be placed? Blee asked. Representatives from Atlantic County, as it appears to be ordered, or the JJC?

The answer, your honor, is the JJC will review whatever process or proposal that Atlantic makes and either approve it or not, Jhoo answered.

The judge questioned how one county would know if another countys facility has room for juvenile or if there are safety risks, such as gang affiliations, that could complicate a placement.

The judge suggested a statewide agency would seem more likely to have that information and be able to make the determination.

Blee said he would issue a ruling by Dec. 20, with his first decision being whether his court is the proper venue for this case.

In a statement, a Juvenile Justice Commission spokesperson said its the counties, not the commission, that are responsible for ensuring they have adequate plans to house detained juveniles.

Whether a county operates a facility or relies on other counties to house their detained youth, it remains the counties responsibility to adequately plan for the detention of their youth, the spokesperson said.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Four residents from two families were rescued from a burning home in Lyndhurst early Thursday, with one person critically injured, authorities said.

The Lyndhurst Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Jay Avenue around 5:30 a.m., according to Chief Paul F. Haggerty.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke from the second floor and a basement fire with flames visible from one side of the house.

Lyndhurst police officers were the first to arrive and used a ladder to rescue a resident from a lower roof on one side of the home.

A second resident was found stranded on a second-floor roof and was brought to safety by the crew of Engine 1 using an aerial device, Haggerty said in a statement.

A third occupant escaped by jumping from a second-story window at the rear of the house, officials said. However, a fourth occupant was unaccounted for.

Former fire chiefs Steven Passamano and Nicholas Haggerty located the missing occupant near his bedroom. The person, who was unresponsive, was removed from the home, and CPR was administered at the scene.

The victim was revived and transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition, according to Haggerty.

ABC-7 reported that an emergency call initially came in as an argument on the street, but when police and firefighters arrived, they discovered the house on fire.

The fire, which rendered the home uninhabitable, is under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Arson Squad and the Lyndhurst Fire Prevention Office. No firefighter injuries were reported.

Our disaster volunteers responded to a home #fire on Jay Ave. in #Lyndhurst, providing emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs to 4 people in 2 families. We will assist 3 additional people when they're available to meet with our team.  Red Cross New Jersey (@NJRedCross) December 5, 2024

The fire, which rendered the home uninhabitable, is under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Arson Squad and the Lyndhurst Fire Prevention Office.Lyndhurst Fire Department

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
General Motors (GM) is recalling 132,037 trucks due to malfunctioning tailgates that unlatch without warning.

GMs recall affects several models, including the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The tailgates electronic gate-release has the potential to short circuit, making it possible for the tailgate to open while the vehicle is placed in park.

GM is not aware of any alleged crashes or injuries associated with this condition in the vehicles produced in this production period, the NHTSA said.

The organization advises owners of the affected vehicles to make sure the tailgate is closed and securely latched before driving.

Owners can bring their affected vehicles to their local dealers to fix the issue.

Dealers will inspect the trucks, and if necessary, they will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies at no cost to the owner.

GM notified dealers about the recall on Nov. 26, 2024 and will start notifying owners around Jan. 13, 2025.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
The owner of the iconic Wonderland Pier in Ocean City faced a contentious crowd Wednesday at a public meeting to discuss his proposed 250-plus boardwalk hotel and told them hed sell it if necessary.

If someone wants to buy it, I would absolutely sell it tomorrow, said Eustice Mita, head of ICONA Resorts, during an exchange with a local resident opposed to the new hotel.

Mita said the property is appraised at $25 million.

Gillians Wonderland Pier had been a family-run business for about 94 years until it closed permanently in October. Mita previously paid $8 million to save the pier from bankruptcy, but the Gillian family cited mounting operating costs for the closure.

The iconic murals and decorations are already gone and Mita quickly stepped forward with a new hotel and resort vision for the prime beach-front boardwalk property that included preserving some of the major rides. The seven-story hotel development would cost up to $155 million.

15 1 / 15 Last day of buiness at Gillians Wonderland Pier in Ocean City

Mita told the crowd at the Ocean City Tabernacle Wednesday night that he didnt have an unlimited time to debate the ICONA at Wonderland proposal.

I dont have the 10 years, I dont want to spend the five years, Mita said.

Residents opposed to the project voiced multiple concerns about how such a large project could reshape the town, and how the already narrow beaches would handle a surge in tourist capacity.

Im worried that were going to start turning into Ocean City, Maryland, rather than Ocean City, New Jersey, where its all hotels along that boardwalk, said a resident who only gave his name as George. Once you build, someone else is going to want to build, and theyll find a way to do it.

Mita has repeatedly about a half-century has passed since Ocean City saw a fresh hotel being built.

Another man, Paul, who also only gave his first name, believes a large hotel would ruin the scenery and character of the family town.

What I dont understand is how you can say you come to Ocean City - you understand the spirit and character of the people - youre going to put a monstrosity of cement and steel on my corner, he said. It doesnt fit in with anything here. In my mind, I dont understand why you cant come up with some alternatives because it seems like its so extreme.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
Theres no place like home, and Dorothy Gales ruby slippers are set to have a new one in three days.

The ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are being auctioned off for $1.15 million, nearly two decades after they were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota.

The sparkly pair of heels are currently bidding at $1.15 million, with the next minimum bid at $1.2 million, according to Heritage Auctions.

There are three days remaining in the auction, which will conclude on Dec. 7.

Judy Garlands character, Dorothy Gale, wore the iconic red slippers in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.

Michael Shaw purchased the slippers in 1970, but former mobster Terry Jon Martin stole them in 2005 while they were on loan at the Judy Garland Museum.

The FBI found the shoes in 2018 in Minneapolis while investigating a scheme to defraud and extort the Markel Corporation, the owner of the slippers, according to a press release from the agency.

The Shaw slippers are a match to the sequin and rhinestone pair that are currently on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

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Flavor Flav was all set for a night of holiday cheer at Rockefeller Center Wednesday.

But the beloved rapper, hype man and reality TV star says an incident behind the scenes took the merry out of Christmas.

Flav, 65, a founding member of the trailblazing New York hip-hop group Public Enemy, headed to Rockefeller Center for the annual Christmas tree lighting, where he says he was asked to leave a backstage area.

I feel weird, he shared on X, formerly Twitter. I was invited to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting tonite and I was escorted to see my boys ... THE BACKSTREET BOYS ... and we were backstage in their dressing room ... security came up to me and says @nbc does not want me in this area and I need to leave. At the same time ... their social media woman came up and asked to capture social content. What did I ever do to NBC or anyone?? all I ever do is try to spread joy and love ... and I think I did that for NBC at the Olympics.

Flavor Flav shared this now-deleted post Wednesday night. Flavor Flav via X/Twitter

Flavor Flav was indeed a mainstay at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

He could be seen cheering on Team USA at various events, and even became the official hype man and sponsor for the womens water polo team. This past summer, he signed a five-year sponsorship deal with both the womens and mens water polo teams.

Not only did he support the athletes in that way, he also jumped into action when Olympic discus thrower and college student Veronica Fraley said on social media that she couldnt pay her rent. Both Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian paid her rent  Flav for the month and Ohanian for the rest of the year.

The Flavor of Love star, a recipient of a Grammy lifetime achievement award with Public Enemy, later removed his post about what he says happened backstage at the tree lighting.

I deleted the tweet,,, but my spirit is broken.  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) December 5, 2024

I deleted the tweet, Flav said in a follow-up post. But my spirit is broken.

One of his followers replied, saying that NBC was wrong in asking him to leave the dressing room area, and that the Backstreet Boys should have spoken up.

They spoke up for me, Flav replied. They sure did.

NJ Advance Media has reached out to NBC.

Christmas in the city,,, aint nothing like the Rockefeller tree lighting . @rockcenternyc pic.twitter.com/NgceNqrHMh  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) December 5, 2024

In another post, Flav shared a short video of himself at the tree lighting, decked out with his signature oversized clock necklace and chains.

Yeah, boyyee! he said, deploying one of his famous exclamations as the huge Norway spruce was illuminated.

Rockefeller Center is lit! Flavooor-Flaaav in the building lighting up Rockefeller Center, baby! Yeah, boyyee!

The Rock & Rock Hall of Famer, who brings energy just about everywhere he goes, also recently attended the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, another event broadcast by NBC.

Flavor Flav is a fixture of public events like the Olympics and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.Bryan Steffy | Formula 1 via Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson, host of NBCs The Kelly Clarkson Show, hosted the tree lighting ceremony.

Besides the Backstreet Boys, the lineup included Jennifer Hudson, Megan Hilty, Coco Jones, Raye, Dan + Shay, Thalia and the Radio City Rockettes.

Before Thanksgiving, Clarkson surprised the choir group Scarlet Sound A Cappella from Neptune High School with the news that they had won the Star Choir competition and would sing at the tree ceremony, plus receive $10,000 from sponsors.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
Each December, we can be sure of a few things.

Mariah Careys All I Want for Christmas Is You will climb the Billboard chart.

Children will ask Santa Claus for gifts.

And all of the lights and shopping and music will culminate in Christmas on Dec. 25.

Arguably, the yuletide sprawl starts somewhere around the end of Thanksgiving, but everything is driving toward that late-December calendar date.

Hanukkah? Not as easy to pin down.

Sometimes its in late fall, sometimes early winter.

Usually, the Jewish holiday lands somewhere in the vicinity of December, but exact timing can vary widely from year to year.

Many times, it starts  and ends  before Christmas. And sometimes, the eight-night holiday falls so early its in November.

When the first day of Hanukkah coincided with Thanksgiving in 2013, the convergence was dubbed Thanksgivukkah.

This year, Hanukkah arrives smack dab on Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

Thats right, the first night of Hanukkah 2024  the first candles on the menorah, the first night of latkes and dreidels  comes as Christian families are sitting down to Christmas dinner. This time around, the last day of Hanukkah isnt until after New Years, on Jan. 2.

Just how rare is this meeting of holidays?

This year, Hanukkah's eight days don't just coincide with Christmas, they start on Christmas. NurPhoto via Getty Images

While Hanukkah and Christmas do often overlap, the last time the first night of Hanukkah landed on Christmas Day was 2005, 19 years ago.

More recently, in 2016, Hanukkah fell on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. That will happen again in 2027. But the first night of Hanukkah wont coincide with Christmas Day again until 2035.

(Despite what your average calendar will tell you, Jewish holidays start at sundown the night before the first day.)

READ MORE: The December dilemma - Why theres more Christmas in Hanukkah than ever before

Why does Hanukkah move around on the calendar?

Unlike Christmas and Kwanzaa, which happens each year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, its determined by a different calendar. The Jewish calendar, also known as the Hebrew calendar, sets the date instead of the standard Gregorian calendar.

On the Jewish calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar, Hanukkah always starts on the 25th of the month of Kislev. This year, which is the Jewish year 5785 (which began in October), that happens to align with Wednesday, Dec. 25 on the Gregorian calendar, a solar calendar.

A menorah on the fourth night of Hanukkah, as seen in North Haledon in 2022. In 2024, the holiday ends in January. Michael Bocchieri | Getty Images

Hanukkah, which is considered a minor Jewish holiday when compared to important holidays like Yom Kippur and Passover, commemorates the victory of the Jewish Maccabee rebel army over the Greek King Antiochus IV of the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century B.C.

Jews observe the holiday by lighting menorahs for eight nights. This is done to remember the miracle that is said to have happened when a small amount of oil used to light the menorah during the rededication of the Second Temple (Hanukkah means dedication) lasted for eight days.

Thats also why people celebrate with foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), which are fried in oil.

Hanukkah, though still among the less important holidays of the Jewish calendar, became more visible in the United States starting in the 20th century with the huge commercialization of Christmas. This brought a desire to cater to Jewish children with an emphasis on their own religious and cultural observances  hence the eight days of presents.

The meeting of Christmas and Hanukkah may make things easier  or more difficult  for celebrants of both holidays, schedule-wise.

Either way, some like to embrace the portmanteau Chrismukkah.

This name for the hybrid holiday celebrated by interfaith families came to prominence in pop culture after it was featured in 2003 on the Fox TV series The O.C.

In the first season episode titled The Best Chrismukkah Ever, the character Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), who grew up in an interfaith home, explains the merits of combining the best parts of each holiday (see video above).

Rutgers alum Ron Gompertz ran with the name, launching the now defunct website Chrismukkah.com, writing Chrismukkah books and selling Chrismukkah cards.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
In 2019, Kashif Jones worked as a correctional officer in Newark.

Now hes a chef and restaurant owner, spurred by a Jersey Shore crabbing trip that inspired him to drop his uniform and grab an apron.

I was used to fishing, but crabbing is a bit different. I was amazed that you could catch blue crabs in New Jersey, Jones told NJ Advance Media. Once I figured that out, I wanted to do it for other people.

The outing to Long Branch sparked the Newark natives love for seafood. Even though he had never worked in a kitchen before, he was inspired to start cooking and selling crab platters. While still working as a correctional officer at Essex County Correctional Facility, Jones began selling seafood platters, boils and crab trays out of his apartment in Irvington. He started buying snow crabs wholesale, cooking them in his kitchen and pairing them with sides like potatoes and vegetables.

Sales were so impressive that he decided to leave his job and get into the restaurant business.

The 34-year-old chefs unorthodox path to the kitchen led him to open the popular and unconventional Maplewood seafood joint Crabbae.

The first Crabbae location opened in Maplewood in March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But lockdown turned out, in some ways, to be a blessing in disguise.

We had already signed our lease. I put all of my money into the storefront, so I said weve got to push forward and open, Jones said. It really boosted our business because everybody was working from home and calling our phones.

The first Crabbae outpost was so successful that Jones went on to open locations in Kenilworth in 2021 and West Orange in 2023.

Kashif Jones is the chef and owner of Crabbae in Kenilworth. He makes the Rasta Pasta at his establishment.Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media

Jones, who is a self-taught chef, describes Crabbae (pronounced crab-bay) as an Asian-Caribbean-American fusion restaurant. However you describe it, Crabbae is a seafood standout. The eatery sets itself apart with nonconforming seafood offerings like loaded seafood fries, seafood ramen, rasta pasta and more.

Jones said his years of working at Northern State Prison and Essex County Correctional Facility prepared him to own a restaurant.

The prison system taught me how to be more in touch with the parts of life we forget about and being more grateful for the freedom we have, Jones said. It taught me how to treat people, how to have grace with people and even customer service.

Childhood memories of eating crabs with his family were also part of his motivation to start cheffing up seafood, and his passion shines through in the quality and creativity of the food.

Anybody can do burgers, fries or chicken wings, and we do a lot of that, Jones said. But I know seafood really makes people happy. Even though its usually more expensive, I know people really love seafood.

The Bae Tray from Crabbae in Kenilworth. November 6, 2024 Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media

Hows the food?

I can attest to that. After a recent trip to Crabbaes Kenilworth outpost, I too was plenty pleased.

Crabbaes edgy, unusual menu features items like creamy, spicy rasta pasta (a pasta dish with Caribbean spices) and gives the restaurant an identity of its own.

While I didnt expect to see rasta pasta on a seafood joints menu, it was ultimately one of the highlights of my meal. The Caribbean-Italian fusion dish features al dente pasta tossed in a jerk-seasoned cream sauce plus peppers and onions. Jones tops penne pasta with a choice of shrimp, crab, salmon, chicken, lamb chops, steak or  my personal favorite  delectable fried salmon bites ($35.36). The salmon was covered with a sticky honey garlic glaze that paired incredibly well with the spices and creaminess of the pasta.

Chicken stuffed with Rasta Pasta is on the menu at Crabbae in Kenilworth. November 6 2024Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media

No dish embodies the Asian-Caribbean-American fusion description better than the shrimp and sausage ramen ($29.12). The soups broth tasted similar to gumbo  bold, spicy and packed with smoky cajun flavor. The sausage and shrimp soaked up the richness of the broth and were loaded with flavor.

Crabbaes seafood boils include your choice of shrimp, snow crab or mussels, and are vibrant with flavor. The usual seasoning suspects like Old Bay, garlic, lemon and cayenne are present in the delightful aroma as soon as you open the bag. You will get your hands messy devouring one of these, but the flavor makes every napkin worth it.

Ryan Jones (left) of Elizabeth, and Jayme Pietroangelo of Woodbridge, enjoy a seafood boil at Crabbae in Kenilworth. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media

I opted for a combination of shrimp, mussels and snow crab ($26) for my seafood boil, and was especially curious about the crab (if a dish is in the name of the restaurant, it better be good). The crab legs were filled with delicate, slightly sweet meat that paired deliciously with salty melted butter. The mussels and shrimp subtle brininess highlighted their freshness.

The seafood quality is unquestioned here  its no wonder Crabbae was able to expand so quickly. But Jones credits his community as a driving force in his success  he says having his people behind him means everything to him.

I grew up in a tough era and our community saw a lot of downfalls so these kids also need to see successful people pour back into the community, Jones said. Im just trying to show kids that this is another option. You can be a business owner, build things from the ground up, lock in on social media and expand your brand.

More food coverage:

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One of the residents of a senior living community in Edison has died following a fire that ripped through several units of the building, officials said.

The fire broke out Tuesday evening at the Inman Grove Senior Citizen Residence in Menlo Manor, and forced the evacuation of 240 of its living units, according to a release from Edison Mayor Sam Joshis office.

Two of those evacuated were hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday night, authorities said.

One of those two residents died Wednesday, the mayor said. The other was in stable condition as of 8 p.m. Wednesday, his office said.

Our thoughts are with their family during this difficult time, the office said in a statement.

Of the 240 units that were displaced, 185 were deemed safe and those residents were able to return Wednesday, the release stated.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. It is not considered to be suspicious, officials said.

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A California woman illegally took over $800,000 from a business in Hanover Township after posing as an authorized vendor through a compromised email, authorities in Morris County said Wednesday.

Anna Marie Bustamante, 63, of Visalia, California was arrested and charged with second-degree theft. She is awaiting extradition from California to New Jersey, according to officials.

On July 27, 2023, Bustamante defrauded a business out of $806,727.92 after communicating with the company through a compromised business email, posing as an authorized vendor, officials said.

The money was sent to a bank account that resembled the vendors account, according to authorities.

The business reported the theft to Hanover Township police on Aug. 3, 2023 after learning it had been defrauded, officials said.

Authorities did not release the identity of the business Wednesday and did not share additional details on the investigation.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, according to officials.

Bustamante is being held in the Tulare County Sheriffs Office in California awaiting extradition to the Morris County Correctional Facility, officials said.

An attorney for Bustamante was not listed in court records Wednesday.

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When Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced his bid for governor, he cited the phrase famously coined by Bill Clintons strategist, James Carville , in his successful 1992 race: Its the economy, stupid.

That theme was laid bare once again by the last election, Gottheimer says. And its the message hes been hammering away at ever since, in diners across the state: The need for tax relief and lower costs for hard-working families.

Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for Clinton, just won a fifth term in Congress after unseating longtime Republican incumbent Scott Garrett in 2016. Hes served as co-chair of the House Problem Solvers caucus, a bipartisan group that strives to find compromise in Washington, and more recently, co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.

In this crowded race, hes carving out a lane for himself as a moderate, alongside candidates like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney of South Jersey. This week, Gottheimer spoke to the Star-Ledgers editorial board about the lessons of the last election, and why he thinks hes the man for the moment. Below is an edited transcript.

Q. What do you think the House Problem Solvers caucus got right?

Many things that people say are impossible to get done, weve helped get across the finish line. The first significant piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, were in the middle of that; the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which is the Gateway train tunnel and mass transit, and obviously fixes our roads and bridges and electric grid  I helped write that, negotiate it and pass it.

The Electoral Reform Act, a law to stop another January 6th from happening, since the vice presidents role is purely ministerial and you cant send multiple slates of electors. I helped get into law an expansion of the child tax credit, which included the COVID vaccines, the expansion of school breakfast and lunch, education funding, broadband and more.

I just helped negotiate a bill to get a massive expansion of support for nonprofit security grants to protect our communities and religious institutions; the CHIPS Act to build semiconductors in the United States; the PACT Act to help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals. And we passed legislation to stop whats called terror trucks when people rent trucks and blow them up. Darren Drake, a constituent of mine, was killed by a lone wolf terrorist like that on the West Side Highway.

Criminal justice reform, which I did with Hakeem Jeffries. So, all these things are law  not just bills, not just tweets. Actual laws. And its by working together and being willing to talk to and listen to one another.

Q. As far as this recent election goes, is there something that progressives got wrong?

I won my election by 12 points in the end, here in northern New Jersey, and unfortunately the Vice President only won my district by a point. Im doing this 21-county diner tour, and everywhere I go, Im basically hearing the same thing: Life is too expensive for folks. They want us to make sure we focus on getting their taxes down, getting their costs down. Thats why my lawn signs, since my first race, say, Lower taxes, Jersey values.

Its why we fought so hard to get health care costs down and cap out of pocket costs for seniors for things like insulin. What Im hearing from people is consistent: They say, we believe strongly in things that I call Jersey values, like reproductive freedom of choice and making sure we protect our air and water and gun safety. But also, you have to focus first and foremost on making my life more affordable, so I can afford health care for my family; I can afford childcare  we have the second most expensive childcare in the country; I can afford my tax bills, rent, mortgage or utility bills; I can afford food for my family, to go to a diner.

What voters basically said was, you didnt spend enough time, Democrats, talking about that stuff to us.

Q. Do you think youre more centrist than Mikie Sherrill and the other Democrats running for governor? What do you bring that they dont?

Im the only one running as the lower taxes, lower cost governor. And the only one whos got a record of solving problems that people said were impossible to solve. I think thats, frankly, the real differentiator here: Im willing to work with anyone to get stuff done.

I want to do everything we can to get costs down and taxes down, so people stay in Jersey: We lost 300,000 people in the last couple years. Weve lost dozens of public companies and businesses that have good paying jobs for families and support our downtowns. We are the fourth most expensive state in the country, with the highest property taxes. The BPU just put through a 16% increase on utility bills  really? You need to make more starter housing for people getting out of school, more senior housing weve got to solve these problems.

With families already suffering from inflation,@NJBPU is whacking residents with a 16% increase in gas prices.



I am introducing the Energy Costs Relief Act to provide a refundable tax credit of up to $350 to help offset rising energy costs. pic.twitter.com/XTZxjKUZdM  Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) December 4, 2024

Q. On another topic: Democratic voters recently staged an uprising against the power of the party machines to control our primary elections with a rigged ballot. What do you think of that and what would you do to restore faith in the party?

Im a big believer in Democratic parties and I support Democratic clubs and people coming together to be able to share solutions. I also believe that the process needs to be democratic and open, one that everyone can participate in. Thats really important.

Q. You say youre running to be the lower taxes governor. Do you think its possible to make any real dent in property taxes without cutting benefits for public workers?

I definitely do. Ill have more on this as I roll out my plans in the coming months. But its a false choice to claim you cant grow your economy, jobs and opportunity without hurting folks. Thats not going to be my approach. Its a false premise.

What we need to do is claw more money back to Jersey: Weve got other states that claw far more back for their budgets to the state from the federal government than we do. Youve got to cut wasteful spending and bureaucracy. Youve got to attract more jobs and businesses, so we have more revenue. Look at Connecticut, they just cut their income taxes. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts also have lower taxes than we do, and PA keeps stealing our jobs. If you look at Louisiana, they get nearly half their state budget every year from the federal budget. Were under 20%. We need to bring more resources back into our government to help pay for things like fixing our roads and help cover a lot of other costs, whether its law enforcement or firefighters and others.

Q. Youve said youd make it cheaper to buy a home in New Jersey. How? Would you try to break down zoning barriers in the suburbs, which many experts believe cut supply and drive up costs?

Im so excited to talk to you after I give my speech on this.

Q. So is the answer, Stay tuned?

Stay tuned. These are the coming attractions. Were going to roll out our plans to show you how were going to do it.

Q. On NJ Transit, do you feel the core problem is mismanagement?

You cant have a competitive economy with a transit system that people cant rely on. Given what we pay in this state for things, to not have a transit system thats working the way it should, its unacceptable. I helped write and pass the infrastructure bill so theres a lot of resources coming to Jersey for mass transit. But weve got to invest it wisely, in a way that actually fixes and addresses the problems were facing so people arent sitting in the summer hell again. And Ive been trying very hard for a new bus station in New York. I got some resources for that. The Port Authority terminal is decades out of date. Ive been fighting the congestion tax incredibly hard because a lot of people dont have mass transit options at all, so they have to drive to work. Youve got to make life cheaper for people, not allow New York to stick it to them.

Q. Should the new money raised for New Jersey Transits operations  the corporate transit fee  be permanent and dedicated to NJT? Would you extend it after it sunsets in five years?

Youre going to see me come out with a comprehensive approach, so Ill answer that then.

Q. In our last gubernatorial race, Republicans nearly pulled off an upset. And given Trumps recent narrow loss in New Jersey, do you think that the GOP is in an even stronger position in this race?

I think this is going to be a tough election. Which is why its critically important to talk to families and voters and explain to them, as I always have, how youre going to make life more affordable for them. This is what is front and center on peoples minds.

This is the second in a series of interviews with New Jerseys candidates for governor in 2025. Rep. Mikie Sherrill was featured Nov. 18.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was quick to dismiss the sexual assault allegation brought against President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Defense.

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host tapped to be Trumps Secretary of Defense, has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks for a 2017 sexual assault allegation brought against him. Trump allies, including Graham, have argued that the accusation should not matter because the woman has not been identified.

It was a bunch of anonymous sources, and the people did come for a long time. I served with him in Afghanistan. The people over there said nothing but great things about him, Graham said on Fox News on Wednesday.

The allegations against Pete are all anonymous, anonymous sources. I am not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source. If youre not willing to raise your hand under oath and make the accusation, it doesnt count, Graham added.

Graham: The allegations against Hegseth are all anonymous sources. Im not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source. If you are not willing to raise your hand under oath to make the accusation, it doesn't count. pic.twitter.com/JikSncpZXk  Acyn (@Acyn) December 5, 2024

While the police said Hegseth was never charged with a crime, Hegseth paid the woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a nondisclosure agreement to keep her silent about the alleged incident. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing.

The accusations being made are anonymous, but if people do raise their right hand and claim something bad happened, I will listen to them. Its up to the nominee to go through the committee and answer hard questions. Its my belief that presidents deserve their cabinet unless theres a good reason to say no, Graham said.

This is a diversion, but I will say this: that the confirmation process for both sides, you should find out who youre putting in these important jobs, and time will tell if theres anything serious here. Allegations that are anonymous dont count, he added.

Graham was not the only Trump ally trying to walk a fine line when discussing the allegation brought against Hegseth.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also lamented the anonymous accusation on Wednesday as CNNs Jake Tapper pointed out that the accuser could not publicly come forward without breaking her nondisclosure agreement.

People are going to join just because of Pete and his background and his fight for veterans. This is a great nominee. And Im disgusted that these anonymous sources say these things without willing to go on your show or some show and you know, have you asked them all these, all the questions, Scott said.

But when Tapper asked if Scott wanted Hegseth to release the woman from the nondisclosure agreement to come forward with these accusations, he said absolutely not.

Tapper: That woman Hegseth paid her money and she signed a NDA so she can't come on my show to talk about it. Do you think Pete should release her from the NDA so that I can ask her the questions that you want me to



Scott: Absolutely not. pic.twitter.com/nIKTN9PI5u  Acyn (@Acyn) December 4, 2024

Hegseth, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channels Fox and Friends Weekend and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A new Department of Government Efficiency meant to cut the size of government under President-elect Donald Trumps next term is open to the public.

The non-government agency that will be headed by billionaire Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is asking for the publics help to get input and to suggest areas to cut spending, Florida Congressman Aaron Bean announced.

Bean set up an email address  doge@mail.house.gov  and also plans to set up a website to track the groups progress.

The acronym DOGE is a nod to Musks favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said in a statement that Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House advice and guidance and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before. He added that the move would shock government systems.

Its not clear how the organization will operate. It could come under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which dictates how external groups that advise the government must operate and be accountable to the public.

Federal employees are generally required to disclose their assets and entanglements to ward off any potential conflicts of interest, and to divest significant holdings relating to their work. Because Musk and Ramaswamy would not be formal federal workers, they would not face those requirements or ethical limitations.

Right now, plans for the Department of Government Efficiency are still coming into focus. The nascent organization has put out a call for super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week on unglamorous cost-cutting. Applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes through X, the social media company that Musk owns.

In the Wall Street Journal, Musk and Ramaswamy provided the most detailed look yet at how they would operate and where they could cut. Some are longtime Republican targets, such as $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
Edison residents can no longer hold props or wear non-medical masks while addressing the township council under controversial new rules approved last week that have drawn national attention.

Council members in the Middlesex County township passed an ordinance at a Nov. 25 meeting focused on rules of decorum after speakers wore costumes and held props while addressing the council at recent meetings. The council also passed an ordinance shortening the time allotment for speakers from six to four minutes.

But the new rules drew criticism from state lawmakers and national media stories after residents said they could no longer hold American flags or copies of the U.S. Constitution while addressing township council meetings.

Democrats in Edison, NJ have banned the American Flag, the U.S. Constitution, and other props from their Council Meetings, the state Republican Party said on its social media account earlier this week. The post and other social media messages included video of a speaker at an Edison meeting escorted out by police after waving an American flag while speaking to the council.

In a statement released Tuesday, the council president apologized for the confusion over the ordinance and said neither Edison officials nor the new rules banned American flags from meetings.

The ordinance was intended to prevent the chronic and chaotic disturbances during meetings, which prevent officials from dealing with township business, said Edison Township Council President Nishith Patel.

Let me be very clear, the Edison Council has never, nor will we ever, ban the American flag from our public meetings, Patel said. Our nations flag as well as our states flag are both prominently and honorably displayed in our council chamber.

It was NEVER ever the intent of this council to ban the American flag, he said. In fact, nowhere in the ordinance is there even a reference to our nations flag being banned. If any of my remarks during the previous council meeting implied that, I apologize.

Patel did not respond to an NJ Advance Media request to clarify whether American flags are considered props under the township council ordinance and clarify what residents are permitted to hold while speaking.

In a statement, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi reiterated the flag was not banned from township buildings.

The American flag has never, ever, been banned, nor will it ever be banned in our municipal complex, or any government building that we solely operate, he said. We are all proud Americans who believe in the principles, morals and values the American Flag represents.

Ive spoken to the Council President regarding this matter and he has humbly apologized for the confusion surrounding the recently passed decorum ordinance, Joshi said.

The ordinance does not explicitly mention American flags or copies of the U.S. Constitution. It says any person addressing the council should do so in an orderly manner and those who disrupt the meeting will first be given a warning. The person may be removed if they continue violating the rules of decorum.

According to the ordinance, disruptive activities while addressing the council include wearing costumes or non-medically necessary masks, and using props.

Comments, performances or other behavior clearly intended to cause disruption by failing to address a matter of concern to the residents of the municipality, is also considered a disruption, according to the ordinance.

The Edison resident who was removed at last months council meeting said he was not permitted to continue speaking after holding a small flag in his hand while addressing the council.

Joel Bassoff, the resident who was removed, denounced the ordinance and said officials enacted the measure after residents previously showed up at town council meetings wearing Guy Fawkes masks and carrying props, such as the flag and U.S. Constitution.

Other council meetings attracted other speakers wearing costumes and using props, including a speaker at an October meeting who dressed in a full bong costume and performed cannabis-focused lyrics to the beat of a Lizzo song.

You dont like being embarrassed, so youre trying to ban the people who humiliate you, Bassoff told the township council at the Nov. 25 meeting before he was escorted out. But the best way to avoid humiliation is to stop doing stupid things like trying to clamp down on constitutionally-protected symbolic speech.

The more you try to suppress constitutional rights to free speech, he added, the more vigorously the public is going to fight back.

Bassoff was warned at the meeting by Patel that he was violating the rules by holding the American flag as a prop and could be removed from the meeting.

Two Edison police officers approached Bassoff to escort him out of the meeting, but Bassoff eventually returned to his seat and said he would not further disrupt the meeting, according to the video of the confrontation. The council then moved to take a five-minute recess and police officers escorted Bassoff from the building.

Other residents at the council meeting also spoke out against the ordinance.

Who cares if someones dressed as a bong? Who cares if someone wears a mask? Who cares if someone holds up a flag? asked Edison resident Sue Malone-Barber. Give them their four minutes and lets move on.

What is the big deal? It is juvenile to fight this war, she added. Youre losing. Its just making people more agitated, more determined to do something to provoke getting thrown out.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
NIO announced on August 20 of this year that it aims to complete "county-wide battery swapping" in over 1,200 county-level administrative regions across 14 provincial-level areas, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Anhui, by June 30, 2025. On December 4, reporters learned that the site selection for Anhui's "county-wide battery swapping" is progressing steadily, with completion expected by March 2025approximately three months ahead of schedule. It is understood that Anhui will complete "county-wide battery swapping" by March 2025, ensuring that every district and county in Anhui has a battery swapping station. With the completion of this network, all 5A scenic spots in Anhui will also be covered, alleviating concerns for drivers about energy replenishment when visiting these attractions. Additionally, NIO plans to complete county-wide charging accessibility across all provincial-level regions, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan, by June 30 of next year, allowing all electric vehicle users in the industry to access NIO's charging stations. On June 13, 2024, NIO partnered with Zhong'an Energy and Anhui Transportation Group to launch their first battery swapping station and the first batch of fourth-generation battery swapping stations in the country, with increasing charging and swapping facilities at Anhui's expressway service areas. During the "May Day" and National Day holidays, over 100 supercharging piles were deployed at highway service areas. As of December 4, NIO achieved its 2 millionth battery swap in Hefei, Anhui. As of December 3, NIO has established 2,744 battery swapping stations nationwide, including 903 expressway battery swapping stations, 4,145 charging stations, and 24,372 charging piles, making it the automotive brand with the most battery swapping stations and charging piles in China. In Anhui, there are 116 battery swapping stations, including 63 highway swapping stations, 156 charging stations, and 960 charging piles, along with 34,220 third-party piles.

Source: Anhui News
A GOP lawmaker got into a fiery shouting match with the with the Acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service during a hearing on the attempted assassination attempt of President-elect Donald Trump.

U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe spoke before a congressional task force on Thursday looking into the attempted assassination of Trump when Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) began to shout at him. Fallon was asking Rowe about a photo of him taken at the Sept. 11, 2001 memorial service ceremony from earlier this year and asked the acting director whether he was the special agent in charge of the detail.

And that is the day where we remember the more than 3,000 people that have died on 9/11. I actually responded to Ground Zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center, Rowe said before Fallon interjected.

Im not asking you that! Fallon shouted as the two began to raise their voices.

Rowe responded by shouting, saying he is asking the congressman to show respect for the service members who responded to the terrorist attacks that day.

Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes! Rowe shouted.

Im not. Im invoking... Fallon said.

You are, sir. You are way out of line! Rowe responded.

Heated exchange between @RepPatFallon and U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Rowe.



Rowe: "Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes!"



Fallon: "I'm not. I'm invoking -"



Rowe: "You are, sir. You are way out of line!" pic.twitter.com/LR28SDci5I  CSPAN (@cspan) December 5, 2024

Fallon responded by defending himself, saying he was trying to ask him a serious question before the two of them engaged in more shouting as other lawmakers called for order.

Im asking you serious questions for the American people. Were you the special agent in charge that day? Fallon asked again.

No I wasnt, Rowe responded. Fallon raised his voice again, accusing Rowe of wanting to be visible during the anniversary of 9/11 as the two shouted over each other.

The task forces inquiry is one of a series of investigations and reports into the July shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, that have faulted the troubled agency for planning and communications failures. Already, the fallout has included the resignation of the agencys previous director and changes that increased Secret Service protections for Trump before the Republican won the November election.

Trump has not yet named his pick to lead the agency.

A separate independent panel investigating that assassination attempt has said the Secret Service needs new leadership and that another Butler can and will happen again without major changes in how candidates are protected. Trump was wounded in the ear, one rallygoer was killed, and two others were wounded.

Rowe said the agencys internal investigation identified failures by multiple employees. He noted that the quality of the advance work  the people who go to a location before an event and plan how the Secret Service will protect someone  did not meet agency standards.

It is essential that we recognize the gravity of our failure on July 13, 2024, Rowe says in the prepared remarks. Let me be clear, there will be accountability, and that accountability is occurring.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Juan Soto saga appears to be coming to a close.

ESPNs Jeff Passan gave a rough deadline of next Wednesday when the mass exodus from the Winter Meetings occurs.

Plenty of rumors are swirling around the possible contract the four-time All-Star could sign. On Wednesday, former big league first baseman Eric Hosmer told ESPNs Buster Olney that he thinks Sotos contract will be higher than expectations.

When I started breaking this down  you do what the market says.  The 14-year contract is the longest one given out.  So youve got to figure hes going to pass that up," Hosmer said. [Max] Scherzer got 43 [million a year] at 38 years old as a starting pitcher. So you would figure Scott [Boras], representing the best hitter on the planet, so to speak, is going to ask for way more than that. I got to say the number is going to start with a seven because its the perfect storm for Soto.

Soto is coming off just an absolute career year with the Yankees, them falling short in the postseason, in the World Series; having the Mets involved in the bidding; having Toronto supposedly trying to spend a lot of money last year on [Shohei] Ohtani. So its kind of the perfect storm for Scott and Juan.

So I definitely am saying a seven is going to be in front of that. And like youre saying, the players and the agents now are getting creative with the signing bonuses and the deferred money.

BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

Would the Yankees be willing to exceed $700 million?

Prior history would indicate that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner will pay high prices to keep his players  see Aaron Judges nine-year, $360 million contract. But Soto only played with the Yankees for one season. Did Steinbrenner see enough of the right fielder to issue another record-breaking contract?

With Soto on the roster, the Yankees made the World Series for the first time since 2009. Together, Soto and Judge are arguably the best back-to-back lineup tandem in the sport. This resulted in Judge hitting 58 home runs and Soto putting up a career year in hits (166), runs (128) and home runs (41).

Most recently, ESPNs Alden Gonzalez reported that multiple teams had offered Soto at least $600 million. Other reporters have anticipated the five-time Silver Slugger earning the present-day value of Ohtanis deferred 10-year, $700 million contract, $46 million AAV.

At $701 million  we know Boras likes to set the bar when it comes to deal-making  and 15 years, the expectation for the length of the deal, Soto would top Ohtanis total contract and AAV. This contract would net the 26-year-old outfielder $46.73 million per year.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
The Yankees are hopeful they can re-sign Juan Soto, but as the sweepstakes for the superstar outfielder come to a close, theyre also exploring other options.

Backup plans are emerging with a Soto decision expected to be made within the next few days, if not during next weeks Winter Meetings in Dallas.

The Yankees are interested in starting pitcher Max Fried and infielder Willy Adames, both top pieces on the free agent market in the tier right below Soto.

The Yankees had a 90-minute Zoom call with Max Fried yesterday, and it supposedly went very well, YES broadcaster Michael Kay said on Wednesday on his ESPN Radio show. All the usual suspects were on the Zoom call.  Somebody whos on the Fried side said that Max really, really liked them and apparently theyre going to have another meeting as well.

Fried, 30, is entering his ninth big-league season after eight years with the Braves. He posted a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts in 2024, making his second All-Star Game. Since 2020, Fried is 54-25 with a 2.81 ERA across 112 starts. The left-hander is elite when it comes to keeping the ball on the ground and inducing weak contact.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Wednesday evening about Adames being a possibility for the Yankees. Adames has been linked to the Yankees previously this offseason.

The Yankees could sign Adames to play shortstop and shift Anthony Volpe over to second base, keeping Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third, Feinsand wrote. The other option there would be to move Adames over to third. The free agent prefers to stay at shortstop, but a position change is something hes willing to do if the situation and dollars are right.

If Adames went to third, the Yankees would then put Chisholm at second or even center field. He played up the middle with the Marlins before the Yankees acquired Chisholm at this past summers trade deadline.

Adames, 29, is coming off a career year with the Brewers by setting career highs with 161 games played, 32 home runs, 112 RBI and 21 stolen bases. Yankees fans will remember Adames from his first four years in MLB when he played for the division-rival Rays. Adames is also known for his quality defense, meaning hell perform well at shortstop or be capable of sliding over to a new spot on the infield.

If the Yankees arent able to bring back Soto  competition is steep and contract offers are reportedly already above the $600 million threshold from remaining contenders  theyll have plenty of money to spend. Either way, the Yankees have flaws they need to address this winter. Its unclear if Adames, Fried and other expensive free agents could still fit into the Yankees offseason budget if the team retains Soto.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@njadvancemedia.com.
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North Devon MP Ian Roome has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reaffirm the Government's commitment to funding the redevelopment of North Devon District Hospital (NDDH), following recent uncertainty over the New Hospital Programme.

During this weeks Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) on December 4, Mr Roome asked the Prime Minister for assurances on the future of the hospital, which has been struggling with outdated facilities.

When I heard that I had the chance to question the Prime Minister on a topic of my choice, I

knew without hesitation what I wanted to ask him, Mr Roome said.

Mr Roome highlighted that the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and operating theatres are nearly 50 years old, with the ICU having just six beds for a population of 165,000.

He also pointed out that many local residents face long journeys to access specialist care at nearby trauma units.

North Devon District Hospital is quite literally the lifeline of our community and it urgently needs support. With operating theatres and an Intensive Care Unit that are almost 50 years old, our hospital needs the vital repair work promised by this funding. The amazing staff work tirelessly day and night to help our community, but they need the right infrastructure and tools to be able to continue doing so, Mr Roome said after the exchange.

Mr Roome, who has long campaigned for better healthcare in North Devon, questioned the Prime Minister on whether the Government would continue to support the hospital through the New Hospital Programme, particularly after a recent review of the scheme raised concerns about funding and timelines.

In response, Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the previous governments failures in managing the hospital programme but assured that the current administration is committed to delivering the necessary funding.

The new hospital programme that we inherited was emblematic of the failures of the previous Government: making promises with no plan to deliver on them.

We are committed to delivery, including the North Devon hospital. We are reviewing the programme to place it on a sustainable footing, and the Health Secretary will set out further details of the new delivery soon. In the meantime, we continue to support trusts to develop their schemes, Starmer said.

Mr Roomes efforts to secure funding for NDDH have included direct appeals to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, and ongoing lobbying in Parliament.

Following the PMQs, Mr Roome expressed his determination to continue fighting for the funding necessary to upgrade the hospitals facilities.

It is not sustainable for people to have to travel such long distances to receive essential care. I will continue fighting for this funding which our community so desperately needs, he said.

As North Devon continues to grow, the need for an upgraded, modern hospital remains a top priority for local residents and their MP.
Opinion The Warning

U.S. military personnel at Space Command, in Colorado Springs, have kept a close eye on Cosmos 2553 ever since it reached orbit. Bathed in the bluish glow of their computer screens, they sit and watch whats going across all of space day after day, tracking the latest information on satellite constellations, coming rocket launches and the daily operation of the space-based systems that shape modern life.

But Cosmos 2553 is different. It circles Earth every two hours in a region called a graveyard orbit. Only 10 other satellites are out there, and all of them have been dead for years. The area is rarely used in part because its inside the Van Allen belts, zones of high radiation that encircle the planet.

Thats why Moscow claims Cosmos 2553 is there  to test out newly developed onboard instruments and systems against radiation. But what its really doing, U.S. officials say, is testing components for a Russian weapon under development that could obliterate hundreds, if not thousands, of critical satellites. Cosmos 2553 isnt armed, but it does carry a dummy warhead, one of several details being reported here for the first time. So while the orbiting satellite poses no imminent danger, the officials caution it does serve as a forerunner to an unprecedented weapon.

This article is part of the Opinion series At the Brink,

about the threat of nuclear weapons in an unstable world. Read the opening story here. This article is part of

the Opinion series At the Brink,

about the threat of nuclear

weapons in an unstable world.

Read the opening story here.

Although they are almost invisible in our day-to-day lives, satellites increasingly control how we live. Everything from pumping gas to trading stocks to checking tomorrows weather forecast depends on satellite signals, and the worlds collective appetite for these systems is growing. More satellites have been launched into orbit in the past five years than in the previous six decades as commercial companies and governments spend billions to build new constellations for communications, Earth imagery and other services. Most of them travel around Earth in a part of space called low-Earth orbit, an area within 1,200 miles of the planet.

Satellites in low-Earth orbit in 1970 Replay Source: T.S. Kelso, CelesTrak Note: Satellites for past years shown as of Jan. 1.

U.S. intelligence analysts havent determined if its this region or some other area that Russia may one day threaten if it ever deployed such a device. In any scenario, a nuclear weapon detonated in outer space wouldnt have a localized impact like a direct hit with a missile strike. It would be indiscriminate, affecting all nations. If the Kremlin decided to use a Sput-nuke, as the device is sometimes derisively called, it holds the unambiguous potential to disrupt the future of Americas military space operations and the lives of hundreds of millions of civilians around the globe.

Once considered a largely peaceful domain, space is now viewed by many American lawmakers and military commanders as a place where the next major global conflict might unfold. If Moscow is working on a space nuke, it would be merely one of dozens of space weapons under development or already in use by Russia, China and the United States. All three nations have tested high-flying missiles capable of targeting space systems from the surface and have lasers, signal jammers and other devices that can disrupt space operations. Russia has deployed nesting doll satellites (in which one satellite births a smaller satellite that is maneuverable and armed with a projectile) and China and the United States have demonstrated grappling satellites, which can sidle up to another satellite and tug it out of its orbit with robotic arms.

It may sound as if these technologies were torn from the pages of a science fiction novel, but none of them come close to doing what a nuclear weapon could in space: wipe out clusters of satellites at once.

As the risk of conflict in space climbs, there are surprisingly few international agreements to safeguard against military action there  and no established norms. There are just two major pacts governing nuclear weapons in the cosmos, both of which predate Neil Armstrongs first steps on the moon. The Limited Test Ban Treaty, which prohibits nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater or space, was signed by the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union in 1963. The Outer Space Treaty, which was first signed less than four years later, bans deploying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Today, both decades-old agreements are proving shaky. With a new generation of weapons under development, space experts see a rising potential for miscalculation, misinterpretation and aggression.

While the American government says it has tracked Russias nuclear anti-satellite program for nearly a decade, its impossible to independently verify its claims about Cosmos 2553. But even the prospect of such a device should alarm the more than 90 nations with at least one satellite in orbit. The potential threat to the worlds satellites may emanate from Russia today, but it doesnt end there. Any nation with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, like North Korea, holds the potential to reverse the progress of the space age with a single detonation.

It is a development that the world must not look on with indifference. In his first administration, Donald Trump created the Space Force, a clear indication that he recognizes the threat of the mounting militarization and weaponization in outer space. In his second term, its imperative for Mr. Trump to lead an international effort that aims to improve space traffic management, open new communication channels with adversaries and slow the rapid development of space weapons that is already underway.

We rely on space more than ever

Perhaps the easiest way to understand the extent of our reliance on space is gazing upon the night sky. It doesnt take long before Starlink satellites come into view, streaking among the celestial bodies. With around 6,500 active satellites, Starlink, operated by Elon Musks SpaceX, accounts for more than half of the worlds inventory. Starlink provides high-speed internet to customers who purchase terminals and is accessible almost anywhere on the planet, including Ukraine, where it has proved crucial to Ukrainian troops on the battlefield. (Moscow has since said any company that provides satellite service to Kyivs forces could become a target.)

SpaceX has plans to greatly increase the size of its constellation in the coming years. Thats a lot on its own, but Amazon also has plans to build a system to compete with Starlink in the next few years. China hopes to launch 40,000 of its own such satellites in the next decade, and the Pentagon is set to spend nearly $14 billion over the next five years to build its new system of missile-targeting satellites in low-Earth orbit. All told, the global space economy is expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035, roughly three times where it stood in 2023, according to a recent industry analysis.

The space economy has tripled in size since 2005 The miniaturization of satellite technology and lower launch costs have resulted in soaring demand. $500 billion 400 Commercial products and services Satellite radio, TV, geolocation 300 200 Commercial space infrastructure Satellites, launch pads, vehicles 100 U.S. government space budget Foreign government spending 2005 10 15 20 23 The U.S. space defense budget has spiked The United States plans to deploy hundreds of new missile-tracking and communications satellites in low-Earth orbit. Space force created $60 billion projected 40 U.S. national security space spending 20 NASA 2005 10 15 20 23 25 The space economy has tripled in size since 2005 The miniaturization of satellite technology and lower launch costs have resulted in soaring demand. $500 billion 400 300 Commercial products and services Satellite radio, TV, geolocation 200 Commercial space infrastructure Satellites, launch pads, vehicles 100 U.S. government space budget Foreign government spending 2005 2010 2015 2020 2023 The U.S. space defense budget has spiked The United States plans to deploy hundreds of new missile-tracking and communications satellites in low-Earth orbit. Space force created $60 billion projected 40 U.S. national security space spending 20 NASA 2005 2010 2015 2020 2023 2025 The U.S. space defense budget has spiked The space economy has tripled in size since 2005 The United States plans to deploy hundreds of new missile-tracking and communications satellites in low-Earth orbit. The miniaturization of satellite technology and lower launch costs have resulted in soaring demand. $500 billion Space force created $60 billion 400 Commercial products and services Satellite radio, TV, geolocation projected 300 40 U.S. national security space spending 200 Commercial space infrastructure Satellites, launch pads, vehicles 20 100 NASA U.S. government space budget Foreign government spending 2005 2010 2015 2020 2023 2005 2010 2015 2020 2023 2025 Source: The Space Report, Space Foundation

Its hard to overstate modern armed forces reliance on space. They use it to drop bombs on targets, communicate, navigate and track potential incoming attacks. When Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel in early October, for instance, U.S. forces knew well in advance where many of the missiles were positioned, the split second they launched and the approximate locations they were on course to hit. That so few of those missiles got near their targets is proof of the extraordinary technological advantage of America and its allies in space. This dominance is also an Achilles heel. U.S. military analysts believe the dependence on such systems is seen as a wartime vulnerability by our adversaries, including China and Russia.

Taking out these satellites, particularly in a conflict, could even the playing field. The conventional anti-satellite weapons that Beijing and Moscow have developed could render orbiting satellites useless. The United States responded to this growing threat by launching a satellite constellation last year code-named Silent Barker to monitor its spacecraft, and the Space Force continues to enhance its ability to fend off potential attacks.

The U.S. is launching satellites at unprecedented rates United States During the Cold War, the Soviet Union dominated satellite launches. The United States has leapt ahead with the advent of SpaceX. 2,000 objects launched in space per year 1,000 Other Britain China Russia 1960 1980 2000 2020 United States 2,000 objects launched in space per year 1,000 The U.S. is launching satellites at unprecedented rates During the Cold War, the Soviet Union dominated satellite launches. The United States has leapt ahead with the advent of SpaceX. Other Britain China Russia 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 United States 2,000 objects launched in space per year 1,000 The U.S. is launching satellites at unprecedented rates During the Cold War, the Soviet Union dominated satellite launches. The United States has leapt ahead with the advent of SpaceX. Other Britain China Russia 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Source: Our World in Data; United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Note: Objects launched include satellites, probes, landers, crewed spacecraft and space station components.

The discovery of Cosmos 2553 has generated serious contemplation at the highest levels in Washington about the worst-case scenario, including examining military policies and considering whether to entrust military commanders with more options and tools for conducting conventional counterattacks.

What if a nuclear weapon detonated in space?

If a war in space is difficult to fathom, a nuclear detonation is unthinkable. The devastation would be counted not in casualties but in mass disruption to our everyday lives, from vital services like weather forecasting and navigation to supply chains. Many of the larger national security satellites  comparable in size to school buses  are much farther from Earth, in whats called geostationary orbit, and contain electronics designed to withstand radiation from a nuclear detonation. But thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit have little to no protection and are profoundly vulnerable to such an attack.

Low-Earth orbit Satellite armed with nuclear warhead Satellite armed with nuclear warhead Low-Earth orbit Magnetic field Charged particles spiral around Earths magnetic field N S Magnetic field N Charged particles spiral around Earths magnetic field S N Radiation shell S N Radiation shell S Much of what we know about the effects of nuclear weapons in space stems from two series of U.S. tests conducted during the Cold War, code-named Operation Argus and Operation Fishbowl.



One test in 1962, called Starfish Prime, knocked out a third of the two dozen satellites in orbit at that time.



Heres what would happen if a weapon detonated near low-Earth orbit today. There would be no sound, no fire and no shockwave. There would be no mushroom cloud.



From the surface, people would see a brilliant light, followed by dazzling auroras generated by a burst of electrons colliding with gases in the atmosphere. The detonation would disable and destroy everything in its immediate vicinity, turning satellites into unguided projectiles that could crash into one another.



Objects in low orbits travel at around 17,000 miles per hour. Any debris  even as small and light as a paint chip  would pose real danger to other objects or people in space. Meanwhile, the burst of intense radiation produced by the detonation would be captured by Earths magnetic field. Swirling away from the blast point, the charged particles would form a shell of radiation that would linger for weeks, if not years  long enough to gradually fry the onboard electronics of surviving satellites orbiting close to Earth.



U.S. intelligence analysts have determined low-Earth orbit would be unusable for an unknown period, depending on the size of the blast.

Predictions about how an event like a nuclear detonation in space would affect human life are difficult to pin down. Any astronauts aboard the International Space Station would likely face grave danger and future human spaceflight would be imperiled for some time. A U.S. National Intelligence Council analysis of the possible economic damage caused by a nuclear blast in low-Earth orbit warned that there would be a widespread impact on travel and shipping, banking and financial markets, the oil and gas industries and farming and supply chains.

Even a detonation closer to Earth could have catastrophic effects. Such a blast high above a major city may not harm the population, but the bombs electromagnetic pulse could cause crippling blackouts and permanently damage electrical grids. The Soviets demonstrated these effects during a series of nuclear tests, code-named the K Project, in the early 1960s.

U.S. intelligence had been tracking Russias interest in developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon years before Cosmos launched in 2022, officials say. Once they detected it, just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, military officials at Space Commands Joint Operations Center in Colorado Springs started to pull together information from various intelligence agencies. They keyed satellite sensors onto the Cosmos 2553 and told leaders at the Pentagon what they believed they had found: a working model for Russias nuclear anti-satellite program that relays data on how an operational weapon would perform, should it be placed in orbit.

All this was kept in tight secrecy until last Feb. 14, when Michael R. Turner, an Ohio Republican who is the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, put out a cryptic statement calling for the release of classified material about a serious national security threat. As more information trickled out of Washington about the potential weapon, President Vladimir Putin of Russia publicly dismissed the allegation. Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against and are now against the placement of nuclear weapons in space, he said. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.

Although the Soviet Union, now Russia, signed the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which forbids nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in space, thats not exactly easing anyones mind. At the United Nations in April, Russia vetoed a resolution that reaffirmed provisions in that treaty. And in recent years, both Russia and the United States have walked away from several Cold War arms agreements as relations between the countries have worsened.

There are also several United Nations agreements that regulate various aspects of outer space, but space-faring countries have yet to solidify norms and conventions for responsible actions in orbit. How close can one nations satellite approach another nations satellite? When they inadvertently draw close, which way should they turn to avoid crashing? How should satellite operators communicate with one another? It took centuries in maritime and decades in aviation law to establish such rules and identify safe and professional behavior. Its now time for outer space.

The foundations of space law were set almost 60 years ago There are only two major treaties that govern nuclear weapons in space. The first, the Limited Test Ban Treaty, was signed just a year after the largest nuclear weapons test in space. Limited Test Ban Treaty October 1963 The U.S., the Soviet Union and Britain agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater and in space. Rescue Agreement 1970 Outer Space Treaty October 1967 Lays out the principles that governs outer space, the moon and other celestial bodies. Liability convention Registration convention 1980 Moon Agreement 1990 2000 2010 2020 Today Limited Test Ban Treaty October 1963 The U.S., the Soviet Union and Britain agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater and in space. Rescue Agreement 1970 Outer Space Treaty October 1967 Lays out the principles that governs outer space, the moon and other celestial bodies. Liability convention Registration convention 1980 Moon Agreement 1990 2000 2010 2020 Today Limited Test Ban Treaty October 1963 The U.S., the Soviet Union and Britain agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, underwater and in space. Rescue Agreement Liability convention Today 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Outer Space Treaty October 1967 Foundation of international space law that governs outer space, the moon and other celestial bodies. Moon Agreement Registration convention Source: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Although U.S. administrations including President Bidens have tried to move the world closer to a consensus on the rules of the road, progress has been slow. One hundred and fifty-five states, including the United States, voted in favor of a United Nations resolution calling to halt debris-generating anti-satellite missile tests from Earth, but Russia and China voted against the measure. After Russia vetoed the reaffirmation of the Outer Space Treaty, Moscow, along with Beijing, introduced a competing resolution calling for a ban on the placement of all weapons in outer space. That also failed after the United States and other nations dismissed it as a ploy to distract attention from its true intentions.

Therein lies the challenge. The United States, Russia and China are growing further apart rather than coming together to forge such agreements. Verifying that a satellite isnt carrying a nuclear weapon or some other harmful payload becomes even more difficult once its put into orbit. And writing legal definitions of what qualifies as a space weapon is a formidable task because of dual-use capabilities. A grappling satellite, for instance, that does the necessary work of grabbing and pulling dead satellites from orbit could also in theory be used to remove another nations functioning national security satellite from its position, though no nation is known to have done so to date.

President Lyndon B. Johnson and Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin of the Soviet Union in the White House East Room on Oct. 10, 1967, formally putting the Outer Space Treaty in effect. Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, via YouTube

There are clear points where collaboration can still happen that would benefit all countries  and provide the foundation for future agreement. A United Nations report in May noted the growing congestion in low-Earth orbit and urged states to consider an international framework for nations to share information on satellites and space debris. It echoes a topic already under discussion in Washington about developing an effective channel with Moscow and Beijing to coordinate space traffic. Such a safety mechanism could prove useful, particularly during a diplomatic or military crisis, to avoid an honest mistake like an unintended collision being interpreted as an act of war.

The U.S. military is on board for this kind of open channel, beyond the limited ones in operation now. We want to have a way to deconflict and have space safety discussions, which would enable those tenets of responsible behavior, said Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, who oversees Space Command.

American leadership is needed to bring other nations into the hotline and to maintain peace  however uneasy  in space. When news of Russias nuclear anti-satellite program became public, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to his counterparts in India and China to help apply pressure on Moscow about the program. Mr. Trump should try to expand on that effort when he re-enters the White House. Rather than fuel an accelerated space arms buildup, he should instruct his National Security Council to mobilize a diplomacy-led, multilateral effort to draw up rules of behavior in outer space that reflect the technological reality of today.

A good start would be for Mr. Trump to call out Cosmos 2553 by name  something the Biden administration hasnt publicly done  and further express the need to build on the half-century-old Outer Space Treaty with China and Russia. The president-elect might opt to consult Mr. Musk, who as founder of SpaceX has much to lose with a military confrontation in space. As he no doubt knows, the world has spent decades delicately constructing the space architecture that enables our daily life. Any act of war in space, much less a nuclear detonation, would needlessly put all that at risk.

History has shown that wherever theres a potential for financial or strategic advantage  on land, in the air or at sea  its accompanied by the prospect of war. The peril now looms above us, and it can no longer be overlooked.
A Chinese man bored with his daily life recently got detained for posting a wanted order in his name on social media and bragging about the countless crimes he had allegedly committed.

Can you imagine being so bored that you start posting made-up crimes online and posting as a criminal mastermind, hoping to get some kind of attention? Thats exactly what a man from northern China did last month, taking to social media to spread lies about himself, including that he had recently extorted 30 million yuan ($4million) from a company, that he owned a firearm and ammunition, and challenging people to find him if they wanted a 30,000 yuan ($4,000) reward. His post went viral, but it also caught the attention of Chinese law enforcement monitoring social media, and he ended up behind bars for his unusual stunt.

I am a native of Qinyuan county, Changzhi city, Shanxi province. I extorted 30 million yuan (US$4 million) from a company on November 10, 2024, the man claimed in his post. I possess a submachine gun and 500 bullets. If you find me, you will be rewarded 30,000 yuan (US$4,000).

Just a day after ratting himself out for crimes he never committed, the man surnamed Wang got a visit from Chinese police wanting to know if he was as dangerous as he claimed. His house was thoroughly searched and he was detained, but officers couldnt find any kind of firearm or dangerous weapons, and his claim about extorting sums from a company he had worked for proved false as well.

Wang told police that he was sorry for misleading them and explained that he had simply been simply bored and had acted out of frustration. Unfortunately, authorities considered that the harm had been done and opted to charge him with intentionally disseminating false information and causing social disruption.

According to Chinese news outlets, by the time Wang was detained, his video had gotten 350,000 views, 2,459 likes, 799 favorites, and 80 comments.
Brian Thompson

How would you handle the PR crisis triggered by the murder of a top corporate executive in broad daylight on the streets of midtown Manhattan?

Thats the challenge for UnitedHealth Group following the murder of 50-year-old Brian Thompson, head of its health insurance unit.

As the nations No. 1 health insurer, United Healthcare enjoys high brand name recognition.

Thompsons wife told NBC News that he received complaints about lack of coverage and threats from some people.

The New York Police Department called the 6:45 shooting a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the gunman fired seven rounds at Thompson, who was on his way to UHGs annual investor conference.

She said the shooter was lying in wait for several minutes and ignored other passers-by before firing several rounds into Thompsons back.

The assassin fled the scene of the crime outside the Hilton Hotel on an electric bike.

What was UHGs immediate response to the tragedy?

After the conference kicked off at 8 a.m., CEO Andrew Witt took the stage at 9 am conference to say the company was dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members and as a result Im afraid were going to have to bring to a close the event today. Why did the session even begin?

Later in the morning, UHG posted a statement on todays events on its website. We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, it reads.

The company "is working closely with the NYPD and asks for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.

The New York Times reported that UnitedHealthcare and its parent company have been rattled by federal investigations.

It has been accused of systematically denying authorization for healthcare procedures and treatments.

UHG also was hit by a cyberattack that compromised the private information of more than 100M people.

Its statement about experiencing a difficult time rings very true.

Following the murder of one of its top executives, a bright light will be focused on UHGs business practices.

Its PR team has its work cut out.

Three cheers for the democracy-loving South Koreans. Lets hear it for the Koreans who took to the streets of Seoul after the countrys madcap right-wing president declared martial law, which put the countrys media under control of the military.

After hours of turmoil, South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the troops back to their barracks, and lifted martial law.

Mini-Trump Yoon is known for labeling political opponents anti-state forces and fake news, according to The Guardian. He also has launched lawsuits against the press, apparently for their very unfair coverage.

The Korean outpouring in support of democracy in the wake of the coup attempt is heartening.

Would Americans take to the streets in protest if our Mango Mussolini attempts to stage his own coup?

Busan Bust Saudi Arabia and Russia are credited with torpedoing the United Nations attempt to negotiate a treaty to curb plastic production.

This months UN conference in Busan, South Korea, failed to produce a treaty and was extended to an undecided future date. How about sometime in 2050?

Delegates from more than 100 countries supported a treaty to impose limits on plastics products, but were thwarted by energy-producing nations.

A joint statement from the oil producers basically kicked the can down the road, calling for further time and discussions

The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, which includes Walmart, Unilever, Kraft-Heinz, Danone and other multinationals, blasted the inability to work out a treaty due a very unprogressive minority. The Coalition said: Theres no time to waste: we cannot afford this process sliding into unending negotiations.

Plastics not only pollute the land and sea but their production contributes to global warming. But Trumps return to power dooms the prospect for a deal to reduce the manufacturing of plastics.
Joel Malina

Joel Malina, who was Cornells VP-university relations in an 11-year run, plans to join Brunswick Group as a partner on Feb. 3.

Based in DC, Malina will counsel Brunswicks education, foundation and health clients on PA, issues, reputation management, media relations and crisis management.

At Cornell, Malina served as spokesperson, oversaw internal/external communications and managed relationships with federal, state and local policymakers.

Earlier, he was CEO & GM of Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, the former DC public affairs and lobbying powerhouse. He spent 21 years there, holding various senior posts before assuming the helm.

Henry Timms, Brunswick CEO, praised Malinas deep knowledge of government and ability to navigate complex local, state and federal systems. Im certain all our clients will want Joel on their side, he said.
THE Banagher Bronte Group will round off a great inaugural year with two events this coming weekend.

On Saturday December 7th the group will launch Martina Devlins 'Charlotte' at 2.30pm in the Crank House, Banagher. The book will be launched by Nigel West whose ancestors lived in Hill House (now Charlottes Way, a well-appointed guesthouse) until 1959 when it was sold to the local Church of Ireland community.

Martina Devlins book tells the story of Arthur Bell Nicholls two marriages, firstly to the great writer Charlotte Bronte in 1854 and ten years later to his first cousin Mary Anna Bell. The story which is told through the eyes of Mary Anna, is of three lives irrevocably intertwined, covering the period 1854 to 1932.

At the start of the book Martina Devlin declares: This story does not claim to be the truth but is inspired by real events. This is important because not long into the novel we meet the Reverend Richard Bell, Mary Annas brother and a maidservant at Hill House called Hope Porter, both fictional characters who add much to the historic events as they unfold.

As part of the proceedings Martina Devlin will be interviewed by Dr Maebh ORegan on the inspiration and creation of the novel. Maebh is a prominent member of the Banagher Bronte Group and has done great work with the Banagher Craft Group who have created a colourful collection of tapestries relating to the Bronte family which will also be on display in Crank House.

On Sunday morning after midday service at Saint Pauls Church, at 12.45pm approximately, the annual wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Arthur and Mary Anna will be held in the adjoining churchyard.
A talented musician from Clare, Rachel Mahony, has been awarded the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship for 2024 by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO).

Founded in 2023, the scholarship was established in memory of Ashling Murphy who was tragically killed just months after graduating from MIC as a primary school teacher in 2022.

In honour of Ashling, the scholarship recognises her love for traditional Irish music and teaching by awarding students from MIC who have shown exceptional talents as traditional Irish music players while studying for their degree in teaching.

The scholarship is open to first year Bachelor of Education students at Ashling's former college MIC. The bursary of 4,000 is awarded jointly by MIC and INTO.

READ NEXT: Offaly community group reiterates its commitment to ambitious Anaerobic Digester project

Commenting on this year's scholarship winner, President of MIC, Professor Dermot Nestor said: "Once again we are delighted to honour the memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022 following her murder.

"Ashling, as we all know, was a hugely talented traditional musician in addition to being a beloved teacher to all those fortunate enough to have had her as one during her short career.

"It is therefore fitting that we honour her memory by awarding a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician who is embarking on their B. Ed (primary teaching) programme here with us at MIC. Rachel is such a musician and a worthy recipient and I wish her all the very best with her studies over the next four years."

Carmel Browne, President of the INTO, also commented: "As INTO President this year, it is a special privilege to be closely involved with the award. The scholarship recognises Ashlings love of teaching and traditional Irish music, along with her dedication to celebrating and nurturing new talent.

"By awarding this scholarship, we not only keep Ashlings memory alive, but we also inspire future educators, who share her passion for music and community."

Hailing from Ennis, County Clare, Rachel is a highly accomplished and award-winning traditional Irish musician and aspiring primary school teacher.

Rachel is heavily involved with a number of local and national Irish music groups. She also tutors young musicians in her own community and she is actively involved as a tutor in Ireland's annual concertina event, Consairtin.

The scholarship was granted to Rachel at the annual MIC College Awards ceremony where she performed live.

Commenting on her award, Rachel said: "I am delighted to receive the scholarship founded in Ashlings memory. My passion for Irish traditional music has been a driving force in my life.

"I regularly attend festivals, fleadhs, and other events across the country, where Ive had the opportunity to connect with fellow musicians of all ages. These friendships, formed through a shared love of music, are as significant to me as the music itself."
The 2024 General Election is officially in the books and after an at times nerve racking count that ended at 2am on Saturday in the gym in the Community School in Birr, Carol Nolan, Tony McCormack and John Clendennen were elected as the three TDs to represent Offaly in the 34th Dail. But while the three TDs returned were the favourites to take the seats, there were still plenty of twists and turns and points of note throughout the 17 hour long count. Here we take a look at just some of the talking points from the General Election result in Offaly.

Female candidates take over 50% of the first preference votes

Of the 11 candidates on the ballot paper in Offaly, six were women and they combined to take just over 50% of the first preference votes with the total coming in at 50.32%. Carol Nolan led the way with 22.15% and Aoife Masterson claimed just short of one in six votes at 16.54%. Claire Murray took 6.85% of the votes with Pippa Hackett, Keisha Taylor and Maureen Ward combining for 4.8% of the vote. When the dust settled, Carol Nolan was the only woman elected but Sinn Fein's Aoife Masterson came very close to making it two losing out by just 116 votes

Did Fianna Fail's selection strategy cost them a seat

Fianna Fail took one of the three seats on offer taking just under 24% of the first preference votes but could they have improved that return with a different selection strategy? Tony McCormack was selected to run by delegates in Offaly and Claire Murray was added to the ballot paper after the local selection. That prompted Eddie Fitzpatrick to leave the party and run as an Independent and he picked up 7.9% of the first preference votes. Adding all those votes together would have given candidates elected as Fianna Fail councillors earlier this year a total of just under 32% of the total first preference vote. We'll absolutely acknowledge that this is a somewhat simplistic calculation and that it's impossible to know if 32% would have been enough for two seats but, given how tight it was on the final count, they could have been in the hunt for a second seat which yet could make a big difference when it comes to Government formation.

Unpredictable transfers made the final seat impossible to call

Transfers will always decide the ultimate outcomes of elections in Ireland and there is normally a fairly clear pattern but on Saturday in the Offaly election count, transfers took on a life of their own. One seasoned campaigner commented that anything could happen as the transfers 'were going all over the place'. At one point the buzz in hall was that it wasn't looking good for John Clendennen and there were some very nervous Fine Gael people but ultimately it was transfers from Claire Murray and Eddie Fitzpatrick that just edged him past Aoife Masterson for the last seat after the Sinn Fein candidate had proved to be very transfer friendly in earlier counts including taking nearly a fifth of Fergus McDonnell's 2,194 votes.

Carol Nolan has cemented herself as a strong Independent in the Dail

When she was first elected as a Sinn Fein candidate in 2016, Carol Nolan did so with just 170 votes to spare over Eddie Fitzpatrick. In that election part of North Tipperary was bundled in with Offaly and she claimed 10.9% of the first preference votes. As an Independent candidate in the 2020 election in the Laois Offaly constituency, she took 7.8% of the first preference votes but when all the votes were counted, she had over 5,000 to spare over Pippa Hackett. Fast forward to 2024 and with some big name Offaly Independents not in the field this time around, Carol Nolan topped the poll in the county with a very impressive 22.15% of the first preference votes. She has now cemented herself as a strong Independent not just in Offaly but also in Dail Eireann.

North Offaly candidates split the vote and cost the area a possible TD again

North Offaly has not elected a TD since 1992 when the late Ger Connolly was elected in Laois Offaly. Whatever hope the area had of returning a TD was realistically gone before the election with four candidates from the area on the ballot paper. Between them Eddie Fitzpatrick, Fergus McDonnell, Claire Murray and Pippa Hackett took close to 23% of the first preference votes with Eddie Fitzpatrick performing best at 7.9%. That split in the vote left the area without a TD yet again.

Tullamore's long wait for a TD from the town ends

Tullamore had also been without a TD for close to 30 years with Pat Gallagher's election for Labour in 1992 being the last time before this election that a TD had been returned for the town. That waited ended with the election of Tony McCormack and it was almost a double for Tullamore as Aoife Masterson came within 116 votes of also getting elected.

One small parish incredibly elects two TDs

While the entire area of North Offaly remains without a TD this century, and while Tullamore finally returned one, a small parish in Offaly can now boast that it has two TDs. Carol Nolan and John Clendennen were both elected to represent Offaly in the General Election and both hail from Kinnitty parish in the foothills of the Slieve Blooms. Independent Carol Nolan topped the poll and was duly elected on the fifth count while Fine Gael's John Clendennen was officially elected after the final count without reaching the quota. According to official figures, just over 900 people were registered to vote at the two polling stations at Kinnitty Community Centre with other voting in Roscomroe and Clareen. That is possibly one for the record books.
A Grave Story - Preserving History, One Stone at A Time is the theme of Shinrone Hertiage Group's workshop How To Survey Historical Graveyards', which take place next Saturday.

Speaking to the Midland Tribune, Ger Murphy outlined that as part of A Grave Story project running at St.Marys Church of Ireland, SHG was anxious to invite members of the public to come along and learn how to record these wonderful memorials to the dead.

Ger added the workshop is being run by historian Stephen Callaghan, and funded through the Heritage Council. Stephen has just completed a survey of the graveyard, and he outlined to the Midland Tribune that the session will explore different methods used to record the information on gravestones, and the best practices for their care and preservation. There will also be a hands-on dimension with some practical memorial recordings. And Stephen added that he would also by exploring the various symbols encountered on gravestones and their meaning.

And we asked Ger why this workshop was important for people to undertake, and he reflected that if you think about it, we will be remembered by our children, known of by our grandchildren, and if lucky, an entry on our great-grandchildrens family tree! So, all too often gravestones become the only reminder of a life once lived, said Ger.

Stephen adds that gravestones also reflect the cultural and religious practices of the time, from symbols to epitaphs. And surveys often identify gravestones at risk due to weathering, instability, or neglect. So surveying helps prioritise preservation work, ensuring the physical longevity of these historical markers well into the future.

The Workshop is on Saturday December 7th, starting at 11.30am in Cloughmoyle School House, Shinrone. The Workshop is free; however, places are limited and booking is required in advance by contacting Ger Murphy on (087) 101 5991 or email clareenhouse@hotmail.com

And SHG was keen to express their thanks to Rev. James Wallace and the Vestry of St Marys for being so supportive and encouraging with the A Grave Story Project.
KILCORMAC Development Association (KDA) is proud to announce a free Home Energy Retrofit and Funding Workshop, to be held on Thursday, December 12th, at 7pm at the Kilcormac Community and Enterprise Centre, Kilcormac (R42 X894). This event is hosted in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as part of the KDA's ambitious EU Just Transition project.

This workshop, led by SEAI Mentor and Energy Consultant Laurence OReilly, aims to empower residents, businesses, and community groups with essential knowledge about energy retrofitting, including information on available grants for insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy solutions.

The workshop is a cornerstone of the KDA Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence, a transformative initiative to make Kilcormac a regional hub for renewable energy, innovation, and sustainability. The project reflects the KDA's dedication to reducing fossil fuel dependency, creating employment, and fostering sustainable economic revitalisation.

The KDA Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence, based at Kilcormac Community and Energy Centre, integrates cutting-edge renewable technologies, including:

Solar PV Systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy.

Micro Hydropower Installation , inspired by the historic millwheel at the site, harnessing energy from the Silver River.

Solar Carports with EV Charging Points , promoting sustainable transportation.

Renewable Energy Training Courses, providing skills and job opportunities for residents.

The initiative is closely aligned with Kilcormac's broader community development goals and EU Just Transition principles, addressing economic challenges arising from the decline of the peat industry and creating pathways toward a greener future.

With Kilcormac historically impacted by job losses in the peat industry and its ranking as a disadvantaged area per Pobals deprivation index, this project is a critical step in achieving economic revitalisation. The Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence also complements the KDA's National Just Transition Tourism Recreation Hub project, leveraging the town's unique assets, such as its proximity to Lough Boora Discovery Park, to elevate Kilcormac as a destination for eco-tourism.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or community group representative, this workshop is your chance to learn how to reduce energy costs and take part in Kilcormac's green transformation.

For more information or inquiries, contact the KDA office at (057) 91 35445 or email info@kilcormacda.ie .

Join them on December 12th to be part of a sustainable future for Kilcormac!
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Reaching 100,000th-trip milestone, China-Europe freight train service enhances connectivity, win-win cooperation

08:16, December 05, 2024 By Li Hanlin ( Xinhua

DUISBURG, Germany, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived here Tuesday morning, marking a historic milestone for this rail service.

Coded X8083, the train departed from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, and arrived at Duisburg's terminal at 9:10 a.m. local time. Its cargo -- comprising electronics, industrial parts, and household appliances -- was quickly unloaded for distribution to multiple destinations across Europe.

Since its inception 13 years ago, the China-Europe freight trains have transported more than 11 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods, valued at over 420 billion U.S. dollars. The service has also evolved into a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promoting trade and connectivity between Europe and Asia.

A drone photo taken on Nov. 15, 2024 shows the 100,000th China-Europe freight train, coded X8083, waiting for departure at the Tuanjiecun Station in Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIAL TOWN INTO LOGISTICS HUB

Once an industrial powerhouse, Duisburg has evolved into a key logistics hub, with the China-Europe freight train playing a pivotal role. The city's port now handles over 4 million TEUs annually, managing a diverse range of goods including apparel, automotive components, food, chemicals, and machinery.

Chang Haitao, acting consul general of China in Dusseldorf, underscored the significance of Duisburg Port as a critical hub for China-Europe freight trains in Western Europe boasting the highest cargo volume and value.

"The service has enhanced transport efficiency and trade ties, showcasing the BRI's role in fostering connectivity," Chang said.

"The port now handles 30 percent of the total rail trade between Europe and China, attracting numerous Chinese logistics and e-commerce companies," said Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport), a German company running the port of Duisburg.

"The trains have significantly impacted trade development between China and Europe. For Duisburg and its port, this has been a tremendous boost, enhancing their growth and strengthening their connections to China," said Bangen.

Markus Teuber, China affairs commissioner for the City of Duisburg, highlighted the remarkable growth and the railway connection between Duisburg and China. "The connection began with just one train per week and has now expanded to 30 to 40 trains weekly, linking Duisburg with 15 industrial areas across China," he said.

Teuber emphasized that this development is crucial for employment and economic growth in Duisburg. "The city of Duisburg fully supports and welcomes this connection, recognizing its vital role in fostering regional development and creating opportunities," he added.

The 100th China-Europe freight train in 2014 departs from Zhengzhou Putian Container Center Station in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Aug. 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

OPTIMIZING SUPPLY CHAINS ACROSS INDUSTRIES

Combining efficiency, stability, and environmentally friendly logistics, the China-Europe freight train has offered a transport option that is faster than sea freight and more cost-effective than air transport.

Christian Hinkel, corporate communications manager at Deichmann, a leading German footwear retailer with over 4,700 stores worldwide, stressed the train's transformative impact on supply chain stability. "The China-Europe freight train stabilizes the supply chain between Germany and China, enabling faster deliveries and better responsiveness to consumer demands," he explained, adding that Deichmann relies heavily on its 25 long-term Chinese partners.

For the pharmaceutical industry, the railway offers specialized solutions. Hanno Reeser, a strategic expert at New Silk Way Logistics in the Netherlands, emphasized its ability to provide temperature-controlled transportation, a crucial factor for pharmaceutical shipments.

"We transport 20-25 temperature-controlled containers to China weekly, ensuring compliance with strict requirements," he said, noting that this service strikes an ideal balance between cost and speed, which is essential for time-sensitive industries.

The railway service's innovative financial model is proving beneficial, particularly in the automotive sector. Fu Shigang, chairman of Carlsson (Chongqing) Import &Export, noted that rail bills of lading can now be used as collateral for secure international letters of credit. "Using a rail bill of lading, we imported 10 cars from Germany with 150,000 euros in cash," Fu said, illustrating how the model helps alleviate financial strain for smaller enterprises.

Olaf Krueger, chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association, highlighted the railway's efficiency as a competitive edge for European businesses. "Its stability and reliability ensure just-in-time deliveries, optimizing supply chains for industries where timely delivery is critical," Krueger said. This capability has positioned the China-Europe freight train as a trusted pillar of logistical efficiency in today's complex global economy.

An aerial drone photo shows a China-Europe freight train departing from Tongjiang North Railway Station in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Wu Yunan/Xinhua)

HEADED TOWARD SHARED GROWTH

Despite rising unilateralism and protectionism in some Western countries in recent years, the China-Europe freight train service has demonstrated significant growth, underscoring that China-Europe cooperation not only benefits both sides but also serves as a stabilizing force in global trade.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global shipping disruptions, the railway service became the preferred logistics solution for many enterprises, providing crucial support in maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, said Krueger.

Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, praised the train as a hallmark of global connectivity.

"The success of this initiative should inspire us to think deeply about the importance of connectivity for prosperity and development," Schumann said, urging European leaders to prioritize such infrastructure in shaping future Chinese-European strategies.

Looking ahead, Krueger expressed optimism about the railway's potential to further strengthen China-Europe ties. "Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU."

Schumann echoed the sentiment, describing it as "the beginning of history and a gateway to future opportunities." He said that the China-Europe freight train continues to create a rich narrative of collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Du Mingming)
The landscape of Syria is shifting once more, as a series of recent events signal potential cracks in President Bashar al-Assad's enduring grip on power.

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.

On Monday, at least 25 people were killed in northwestern Syria in the rebel-held city of Idlib in air strikes carried out by the Syrian government and Russia.

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.

The Islamist groups, particularly those aligned with hardline ideologies, have resurfaced in the northern and eastern territories, emboldened by diminishing international focus and the fragility of local power structures.

While their territorial conquests do not rival the vast expanses once held by ISIS, these groups have managed to assert influence in key rural regions, disrupting supply chains and governance. Prisoners, including several Kurdish women, have been taken, though their treatment and exact locations remain shrouded in mystery, amplifying fears of sectarian and retaliatory violence.

The motivations of these Islamist factions remain diverse yet unified by a singular goal: to dismantle Assad's regime and replace it with an Islamic state.

While some seek an emirate rooted in local governance, others envision a broader caliphate extending beyond Syria's borders. Their resurgence poses not only a direct military challenge to the regime but also complicates efforts by external actors like Russia and Iran to stabilize their footholds in the country.

President Assad's whereabouts and role are increasingly opaque, with reports suggesting a more insulated leader, reliant on a close cadre of advisors and military leaders. This isolation mirrors his narrowing support base, particularly as economic turmoil and corruption exacerbate public discontent in regime-held areas. Popular protests, once unheard of in core Assad strongholds, have gained traction, echoing grievances that led to the 2011 uprisings.

The implications of this shifting power dynamic extend well beyond Syria's borders. A destabilized Syria risks reigniting regional tensions, from Turkey's precarious dealings with Kurdish factions to Israel's concerns over Hezbollah's positioning near its borders. For Sunni-majority states in the Gulf, the prospect of Islamist rebels gaining momentum is a dual-edged sword, potentially weakening Assad while also threatening to embolden extremist cells closer to home.

As the Syrian conflict enters this precarious phase, questions linger about the durability of Assad's rule.

Could this mark the beginning of his end, or is it merely another phase in Syria's seemingly perpetual cycle of upheaval? What is certain is that the stakes are higher than ever, with the outcome set to reverberate across the Middle East for years to come.
The fatal shooting Wednesday morning is the second at a Northeast Portland motel in two weeks.

Two men have been killed in separate shootings in the parking lot of the Quality Inn motel near the 8200 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard. On Wednesday, police had taped off entryways to the motel, and several cop cars were in the parking lot along with a mobile command center.

North Precinct officers responded to the parking lot shortly after 5 a.m. and found a man dead, according to police spokesperson Mike Benner. Police said the suspect or suspects fled before officers arrived.

James Thomas, 64, has lived in a home on Northeast 82nd Avenue directly across the Quality Inn for the past three years. He said he heard gunshots and saw police arrive around 5:20 a.m. Police left the area by 11:40 a.m.

On Nov. 20, officers responded to the same motel a little after 7 a.m. and found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance and later died. Police identified him Wednesday as 43-year-old Kimo Henriques and said hes from Vancouver, Washington.

In the first shooting, police called the Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team to conduct a search of the area to find possible suspects. Police said one person was detained after the search and have not announced any arrests in either shooting.

Thomas said he and his neighbor across the street check in with each other occasionally to keep an eye out for suspicious activity by their homes. He was saddened by the shootings but said hes grateful the nearby violence hasnt spilled over to his side of the street.

Its terrible, Thomas said.

Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake.
Clackamas Countys district attorney has asked the Oregon attorney general to take over an investigation into a former West Linn doctor accused by dozens of former patients of sexual abuse.

The state Department of Justice confirmed that it has received the request from District Attorney John D. Wentworth and noted that it had already been investigating the case since fall 2022.
Birthdays at The Oregon Zoo are a big occasion  even more so if, like the zoos newest rhino calf, the birthday boy weighs a hefty half ton.

Tamu was born to parents Jozi and King on Dec. 4, 2023, meaning the male black rhino calf is celebrating his first birthday Wednesday. But dont be fooled by Tamus young age: He also weighs more than 1,000 pounds.

At a whopping 1,040 pounds, Tamu is just under half the size of his 2,400-pound mother. He weighs about the same as a concert grand piano or the average adult horse. If the world-record holder for most weight lifted by a human were to visit The Oregon Zoo, theyd be able to hold five Tamus and rock them gently to sleep.

Hes the only 1-year-old I know who weighs half a ton, Kelly Gomez, who oversees the zoos Africa area said in a press release. Were thrilled with the way hes growing and progressing.

When he was born, Tamu weighed a measly 100 or so pounds, the average for a newborn rhino. By the time the zoo announced his gender and name (Tamu means sweet in Swahili) in February, he was clocking in at more than 250 pounds.

Tamu may be heavy (and only growing heavier!), but hes still just a toddler. Most of the time, he keeps close to his mom, Jozi, which is standard for the first few years of a rhino calfs life.

Both of Tamus parents are part of the critically endangered eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros. Poaching rhino horns is a major threat to the black rhino, and its western subspecies was already declared extinct in 2011.

So, Tamus first birthday isnt just a day to celebrate for The Oregon Zoo  its a beacon of hope for his entire species.

Hopefully, Tamus story can help inspire a new chapter in their conservation, Gomez said.

 Veronica Nocera covers life and culture. You can reach her at vnocera@oregonian.com, 503-221-8111 or @vernocera
The Challenge 40 airs Episode 15 on Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m. on MTV. The reality series features individuals from across reality TV platforms throughout The Challenges 40 seasons all coming together to compete in epic challenges for a chance to win a whopping one million dollars. Tune in to watch this weeks episode with a free trial of Philo.

 Dont have cable? You can watch The Challenge for FREE on Philo (free trial) or Fubo (free trial).

This weeks episode is called Thinking Thin Era, where the chances for success feel slimmer and slimmer. Tune in for free with Philo to find out what happens tonight, and get ready for next weeks exciting episode.

Who is hosting The Challenge 40?

TJ Lavin is back to host the most iconic season of the longest running MTV challenge show.

Who is competing on The Challenge 40?

Brad Fiorenza from The Real World: San Diego (2004)

Brandon Nelson from The Challenge: Fresh Meat II

Cory Wharton from Real World: Ex-Plosion

Chris CT Tamburello from The Real World: Paris

Darrell Taylor from Road Rules: Campus Crawl

Derek Chavez from The Real World: Cancun

Leroy Garrett from The Real World: Las Vegas (2011)

Nehemiah Clark from The Real World: Austin

and many others

What seasons and shows will re-appear during The Challenge 40?

Viewers will see alumni from The Real World, Road Rules, The Challenge (U.S.), Are You the One? (U.S.), Big Brother (U.S.), Survivor (U.S.), Love Island (U.S. and UK), Survival of the Fittest, and Exatlon Estados Unidos.

Who has been banned from MTVs The Challenge?

Rumor has it that Dunbar Merrill, Duong Dee Nguyen, Tonya Cooley, Evan Starkman, Camila Nakagawa, and Kenny Santucci have all been banned from participating in The Challenge.

What TV channel is The Challenge 40 on?

What: The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras

When: Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m. PT/ET (new episodes every Wednesday)

TV channel: MTV

Watch live stream online: You can watch The Challenge 40 for FREE on Philo (free trial) or Fubo (free trial). If youre out of free trials, you can sign up for Philo for only $28/month.
The investment will encompass vital replacements of key process components, including the recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure. The investment will encompass vital replacements of key process components, including the recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure.

Green Bay Packaging Announces Major Investment to Modernize Arkansas Kraft Paper Mill

Dec. 4, 2024 - Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is pleased to announce a substantial investment in the modernization of its Arkansas Kraft paper mill in Morrilton, Arkansas. This multi-year project significantly enhances the mill's infrastructure and underscores the company's commitment to sustainable practices and operational efficiency.

GBP's Arkansas Kraft Division is a fully integrated pulp and containerboard mill utilizing a sustainable combination of virgin fiber and recycled fiber to produce high quality kraft linerboard and corrugating medium.

The investment will encompass vital replacements of key process components, including the recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure. Additionally, GBP is set to install an electric turbine generator  an integral element of the decarbonization strategy that will substantially reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

The project also includes the acquisition of approximately 300 acres of land for future investments and expansion, positioning the mill for the long term.

"The Arkansas Kraft Paper Mill, established in 1965 by my father, Jim Kress, has built a proud legacy as an industry leader. Today, I am excited to share that we are making a significant investment in our Arkansas Mill. This initiative will enhance our operational capabilities and solidify our competitive edge for the future," stated Will Kress, Chairman and CEO of Green Bay Packaging.

"To uphold our commitment to innovation and excellence, we recognize the importance of investing in future technology," remarked Matt Szymanski, Vice President of Mill Operations. "These investments only happen because of our hard-working and loyal workforce and a supportive community in Morrilton, Arkansas."

Bryan Hollenbach, Executive VP, added, "GBP has been a significant contributor to the state's economy for over five decades, and this investment reflects the company's ongoing dedication and commitment to our workforce and Arkansas. By updating the facility and investing in new technologies, GBP aims to foster innovation while ensuring a sustainable operation for years. We will be working closely with the state of Arkansas to make this happen."

Started in 1933, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is a family-owned, vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is dedicated to the innovative development of its products and forestry resources, focusing on safety, sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement throughout its over 40 facilities in 16 states.

SOURCE: Green Bay Packaging Inc.
Pregnant women who exercise may reduce their child's risk of developing asthma later in life, according to a new study.

Researchers from Finland studied 963 mother-infant pairs to determine how physical activity during pregnancy can affect a child's risk of asthma when they are between the ages of five to seven. The data was obtained from the Kuopio University Hospital.

Findings from the study showed that mothers who exercised at least three times a week had children who were 50% less likely to develop asthma. In comparison, 34% of the children of pregnant mothers who only exercised once a week developed asthma.

Of all exercises, the study found walking (34%) to be the most common form. Other exercises mentioned include jogging (32%), muscle strengthening (29%) group exercise classes (22%), swimming (8%), and riding (4%).

How Can Exercise During Pregnancy Reduce a Child's Risk of Asthma?

The study is not the first to recommend exercise among pregnant women. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises pregnant mothers to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. This is to help reduce excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression. The increased blood flow also supports lung, heart, and cognitive development in the fetus, a separate study found.

What Causes Asthma in Children?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. There is also no cure at present. However, the lung condition is believed to affect nearly 25 million people in the US alone, including 4.7 million children under 18.

There are many factors associated with the development of asthma. Apart from maternal physical activity during pregnancy, asthma was also prevalent among children whose mothers (19%) and fathers (22%) had the lung condition. It was also 47% more common in children in mothers who were overweight during pregnancy and 25% more likely among children whose mothers took oral antibiotics during pregnancy, the Finland study noted.

Children can also develop asthma in adulthood due to socioeconomic factors, such as air pollution, smoking, and weight.

That said, health experts said the study's results are "exciting," adding that it could give pregnant women a way to potentially prevent asthma in their children.

"Once the child has asthma, there's so many medications out there and so many new biological injections that we can give to help treat the disease," Stephen Kimura, a board-certified allergist, told National Geographic. "So if we can identify the high-risk individuals and alter maternal care and decrease asthma, that would be great."
The almost half-century run of WIVB-TV (Channel 4) anchor Don Postles in Buffalo soon will be ending.

Channel 4 General Manager Joe Abouzeid announced Wednesday afternoon in an email to the staff that Postles final broadcast will be Thursday, Dec. 19.

We appreciate Dons contributions over the last 30-plus years at News 4 and wish him the best in his retirement, Abouzeid said.

The retirement of the anchor also will be the end of an era in local broadcasting.

After 52 years in TV news, its time to hop on my horse and ride into the sunset, Postles said.

His retirement isnt a surprise. It follows the decision seven months ago by his longtime co-anchor Jacquie Walker to drop her anchoring duties and work occasionally.

Several weeks ago when asked if he wanted to continue working, Postles said: Well see. Depends on the conditions.

The Postles-Walker team has been conditioned to be in a tight battle for local news ratings supremacy with WGRZ-TVs (Channel 2) long-running anchor team of Maryalice Demler and Scott Levin for years.

During the last big sweeps competition in Walkers final month in May, she and Postles were No. 1 at 5 and 6 p.m. in both Nielsen and ComScore rating services. (The recently concluded November sweeps numbers without Walker as co-anchor should arrive shortly.)

News ratings in the Buffalo market have significantly declined over the last three decades, especially in the last several years. But they still remain stronger here than they do in most TV markets.

Postles, 73, is one of the rare local media personalities  meteorologist Don Paul is another  who has completed a rare hat trick of anchoring for all three local news departments.

Postles, a member of the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame, joined Channel 4 as a reporter in 1993 before moving to the anchor desk.

Postles first arrived on Buffalo television in 1976 at Channel 7, where he worked with broadcasting legend Irv Weinstein for 11 years. He joined WGRZ-TV (Channel 2) in the late 1980s after a brief stop at a station in Fresno, Calif.

According to his biography on the WIVB website, he has won several Associated Press and United Press International awards, a first-place award in 1995 for investigative reporting from the New York State Broadcasters Association and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Journalism for co-anchoring WIVBs coverage of the crash of Continental Flight 3407.

He also covered the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II and recovery of Western New York native Ann Odre, who in May of 1981 in St. Peters Square was hit by a stray bullet intended for the pope. The pope also was wounded.

Ch. 4's Don Postles hopeful of full recovery after removal of 'low-grade cancerous tumor' Postles said he found a lump a few months ago, which led him to see a specialist that made the diagnosis.

Postles was hired by Channel 4 about a year after Channel 2 didnt renew his contract after three years as anchor in what was viewed at the time as a financial decision by the stations previous owner.

I remember when Bethlehem Steel shut down and I did stories about the poor guys losing their jobs, Postles said at the time. When one door shuts, another door opens. But I wouldnt wish this experience on anyone, not even my worst enemy.

Postles career will be celebrated on Channel 4 during his last week, especially during his final 6 p.m. newscast in about two weeks.

He isnt expected to get the long goodbye treatment that Walker received in late May when she decided to leave the anchor desk with a weeklong respective of her work and an hour special on sister station WNLO-TV.

Alan Pergament: Jacquie Walker's goodbye highlighted by respect from co-workers and rivals Walkers goodbye on the 6 p.m. newscast Wednesday illustrated the respect she has earned from colleagues, rivals and politicians she has covered.

On her final broadcast, several former Channel 4 reporters and producers Walker mentored mentioned her influence, including Tara Lynch, Michele Mehaffy, Kathy Swenson, Ellen Maxwell Notarius and Mary Lynn Ryan.

Almost all of those interviewed were women who viewed Walker as a role model.

A graduate of American University, Postles remains the anchor on the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, but hasnt anchored at 11 p.m. since he became irate with co-anchor Kelsey Anderson more than a year ago after she properly asked him to correct a mistake he made on the air. According to sources, their relationship hasnt been repaired.

Sources: Don Postles is off the 11 p.m. newscast on WIVB after reportedly upsetting co-anchor According to multiple sources, Postles 11 p.m. disappearance is a result of his becoming irate at co-anchor Kelsey Anderson after she asked him to correct a mistake he made on the air.

According to sources, Postles has upset several co-workers over the years with his criticism of them. His supporters have said he has been trying to get his co-workers to be held to a standard that younger staffers dont understand, and they also dont handle criticism well.

It is unclear whether Channel 4 will replace Postles from outside or have someone at the station pick up his duties while it searches for his successor.

Dave Greber has replaced Postles on the newscasts that Anderson co-anchors. He appears to be his logical replacement, which would create an opening for his current roles.

The station has talked to former CBS anchor Jeff Glor, who has said he is open to anchoring in his hometown.

But the station is unlikely to want to pay Glor what he deserves to be paid.

Channel 4 also has to decide whether Anderson, who has anchored some of Walkers newscasts on a temporary basis, will be her permanent replacement.
PALERMO, Calif. (AP)  Two children were in extremely critical condition Wednesday after being shot at a tiny religious K-8 school in Northern California, and the gunman died at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot, police said.

The gunman may have targeted the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo because of its religious affiliation, but isnt believed to have had a prior connection to the victims or the school, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said. He didnt explain further.

Whether or not this is a hate crime or whether or not its part of some sort of larger scheme at this point I dont have enough information to provide an answer to that, he said.

The wounded children, boys ages 5 and 6, are kindergartners at the school and are being treated at a trauma center in the Sacramento area, officials said.

I am thankful that theyre still alive, but theyve got a long road ahead of them, Honea said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the private Christian school with fewer than three dozen students in Palermo, which has about 5,500 people and is about 65 miles north of Sacramento.

It was the the latest among dozens of school shootings across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas. The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms.

But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws. Firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021, according to KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues.

Emergency personnel outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP)AP

Honea said the gunman was dropped off by an Uber driver who is being interviewed by detectives.

He said the shooter was in a meeting with an administrator about enrolling a child at the school, which he described as cordial. But it seems that was his first visit to the school and he had no prior connection to the victims. Shortly after that, shots rang out, Honea said.

The gunmans body was found near playground equipment on the grounds of the school, which abuts ranchland where cattle graze. A handgun was found nearby, Honea said.

Honea said they were trying to contact the shooters family before releasing his name.

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is a Christian denomination in which members consider the Bible their only creed and believe that the second coming of Christ is near. The Feather River School has been open since 1965, according to its website.
By Jack Panyard, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

Nearly four years ago, Jennifer Cheri Johnson lost two children  one born and one unborn  after crashing her car while she was drunk.

A Lancaster County judge this week found Johnson guilty of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

President Judge David Ashworth found Johnson, 39, guilty of causing the February 2021 crash that killed her 11-year-old son, Calvin Murrey, and related charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and reckless endangerment.

Johnson was 12 to 16 weeks pregnant at the time of the crash and she miscarried shortly after. Police charged her with the death, but Ashworth found Johnson not guilty of the lead charge, aggravated assault of an unborn child.

Johnson had entered a no-contest plea June 5, saying she did not remember much from the day and had a brain fog occasionally after the crash. While not an admission of guilt, a no-contest plea is a conviction. Johnson acknowledged that the prosecution had enough evidence that a jury could have convicted her had the case gone to trial.

Johnson rescinded the plea June 18, and her case went to a bench trial before Ashworth on Monday.

Manheim Township police said Johnson crashed her 2001 Honda Accord head-on into an SUV and another vehicle in the 1100 block of Lititz Pike on the Thaddeus Stevens bridge heading into Lancaster. Her blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit, and she was traveling between 55 and 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Johnsons son died hours after the crash at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, and Johnson miscarried days later. The crash severely injured the two passengers of the SUV Johnson hit, but both survived. Police said Johnson and her son were not wearing seatbelts.

During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo called witnesses, medical experts and police to testify about what happened the night of the crash. At one point, Linardo pulled out a bag with nearly a dozen bottles of alcohol and wine that were in Johnsons car.

Johnsons attorneys, public defenders Rian Thompson and Adriana Scotto, attempted to point out inconsistencies in the Manheim Township police investigation, and they argued the Feb. 23 crash could not be considered the definitive cause of her miscarriage, as doctors determined the fetus could have died as late as early March.

Ashworth took 20 minutes to reach a verdict. Johnson and family members watching from the benches wept silently as he pronounced her guilt.

Johnson is in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $1 million bail until her sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.

As Johnson was led out of the courtroom, she told Linardo, Im not a monster.
A 12-year-old girl walking home from her Harrisburg school last week was abducted by a 23-year-old man, who took her back to his city home and raped her, court documents said.

The girl was walking her normal route home on Nov. 25 when she noticed a man dressed in all black with a black mask over his face following her and trying to get her attention. Police said that man was I Marr Finley, who lives in uptown Harrisburg.

Finley offered the girl money for sex and told her to follow him after she said no, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The girl told police she was scared and followed him to his home on the 2700 block of Reel Street. On the way, Finley covered the girls eyes so she could barely see where she was going, court documents said.

Court documents did not say what school the girl attends, but Camp Curtin Middle School is across the street from Finleys home.

When they got inside, Finley called out to see if his mother was home, then took the girl upstairs and raped her, the affidavit said.

Finley blindfolded the girl and led her out the back door of his home after the assault, court documents said. She ran home after he told her he would kill her family members if she told anyone about the rape, according to the affidavit.

The girl first spoke to Harrisburg police on the evening of Nov. 25, when she went to a hospital after the assault, the affidavit said.

The girl told police shed left her green backpack holding her school ID inside Finleys house. Court documents said police found the backpack in Finleys house while executing a search warrant.

Police said they took Finley into custody after a Wednesday afternoon chase that involved him climbing out of a second-story window and running across rooftops to avoid arrest.

Finley at first denied knowing the 12-year-old or taking her to his house, police said. But he later told officers he had consensual sex with the girl and that she left her backpack at his house by mistake afterward, court documents said. Under Pennsylvania law, a 23-year-old cannot have consensual sex with a preteen girl.

Police charged Finley on Wednesday with rape of a child, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, kidnapping of a minor, corruption of minors, and unlawful contact with a minor.

Online court records show Finley was unable to post $250,000 bail and is being held at Dauphin County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18 in front of J. Matthew Pianka.
Editors note: This is the last in a three-part series.

Ronald Sperry Jr. of Hampden Township and his family believed it would just be a matter of time and fairness before someone in the justice system recognized the miscarriage that occurred with his double-murder convictions in 1985.

We had no idea an innocent person could go to jail, Rons sister, Natalie Sperry-Mauger, told PennLive, summing up her familys bewilderment.

But months turned into years, and years into a decade. And Ron remained behind bars, judged guilty of the bloody stabbings of sisters Dorothy Felker, 75, and Effie McAlicher, 77.

During that time, numerous appeals were made, including for ineffective legal counsel, the circumstantial nature of the case and Rons interrogation without an attorney. Yet when Rons case finally reached the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the panel refused to hear it.

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Rons last, best shot at a new trial came in 1995 when blood evidence in the case took center stage. The killer or killers who stabbed the sisters in their Cumberland County home in June 1980 left behind a blood trail.

One intruder likely cut his hand breaking the slatted glass of the basement window. Police believed the injury was significant enough that they checked with local emergency rooms for patients with hand lacerations that weekend.

Those hospital checks didnt yield a suspect, police said. But Holy Spirit Hospital, the most likely place a suspect would have sought treatment, was never heard from, according to testimony.

Detectives claimed the records werent made available, but Sperry-Mauger insists the records were somehow suppressed. She said the Holy Spirit records would have shown Ron was never treated there for a hand injury or anything else around the time of the murders.

As proof, Sperry-Mauger produced a letter dated Aug. 25, 1987, from Holy Spirits medical records correspondence secretary. It states: We have no records (Ron Sperry) was ever seen in June and July of 1980. The letter was made part of Sperrys appeals.

But it was the blood believed to be from the killer found at the crime scene that earned Sperry a second shot at being scientifically excluded as the murderer.

During the 1985 trial, the blood evidence was basically a wash. Using the best technology at the time, tests compared the blood type, isoenzymes and antigens.

That narrowed the pool of suspects to fewer than four of every 100 people. Sperry was one of them. But so was one of the 10 other suspects named in court who were investigated for the double murder.

The first DNA fingerprinting in a criminal case would not take place for another year, occurring in the United Kingdom where British scientist Alec Jeffreys developed the technique.

In 1995, Sperrys persistent appeals finally resulted in a partial victory. He wouldnt get the new trial hed been seeking. But he would receive a second round of blood tests using more advanced technology.

By this time, DNA fingerprinting was becoming more widespread in criminal cases. Yet, the court-ordered retesting of the blood evidence in Sperrys case didnt go quite that far.

The out-of-state independent lab examined the genetic characteristics of blood found on a curtain at the crime scene and compared it to a sample from Sperry. The test results fell short of being definitive.

The lab report stated that both tested samples shared the same genetic characteristics that were present in one in every 2,000 white men. Theres no record of blood samples from the named suspect who also matched the crime scene blood sample being tested a second time for genetic characteristics.

The results didnt rule Sperry in or out as the killer. Still, the genetic testing was much more specific.

Instead of the crime scene blood matching four of every 100 people, as testified to at trial, the ratio now plunged to a fraction of 1%.

District Attorney Michael Eakin seized on the test results, trumpeting them to the media as soon as he had them in hand. His message: The DNA test didnt exclude Sperry.

Former Cumberland County District Attorney J. Michael Eakin, who rose all the way to the Pa. Supreme Court.

I never had a question in the first place. This just lays to rest one more possible excuse, the DA told the Patriot-News for a January 1995 story headlined: Request for DNA testing backfires.

In the same story, Sperrys public defender couldnt comment because she hadnt yet seen the labs report even though the defense had fought for the testing.

In his court motion to the judge, Eakin wrote that the frequency of the DNA match was one in 1.7 million.

In response, Cumberland County Judge Harold Sheely, who presided over Rons original trial, put an end to his bid for another.

The results do not provide defendant with exculpatory evidence because defendant cannot be excluded as the perpetrator  although the alternative can be argued  that these results do not conclusively prove that defendants blood was found at the crime scene, Sheely wrote in April 1997.

With that, the judge scuttled Sperrys final appeal, ruling: The standard for granting a new trial based upon after-discovered evidence is not met  the outcome of the trial would not have been affected.

Sperrys last, best hope for winning his freedom through the legal system was gone.

But could a dogged investigative reporter with a track record of helping to free wrongly convicted inmates in central Pennsylvania pull off a miracle?

Looking good

Legendary Patriot-News reporter Pete Shellem had earned a reputation as a a rare, one-man journalism innocence project for his investigative journalism exposing miscarriages of justice in Pennsylvanias criminal system.

After exhausting all other avenues, Ronald Sperrys mother and biggest champion took her sons case to Shellem. The family was unable to locate any records of Lillian Sperrys correspondence with Shellem in the trove of papers she accumulated in nearly four decades of trying to win Rons freedom. She died in 2019.

But according to Ron and his sister, Shellem was actively digging into the case around 2008-09. Ron told PennLive Shellem reported positive results from his investigation in phone calls with Lillian, which she related to Ron.

It was looking good, Shellem had told her, according to Ron.

Pete Shellem THE PATRIOT-NEWS

PennLives attempts to locate any of Shellems records related to the Sperry case also were unsuccessful. This could be due to the reporters process, as explained by Shellem himself: I dont start writing until Im sure Im right, the reporter told The American Journalism Review in 2007.

One possibility for Shellems interest in the case is the involvement of Pennsylvania State Trooper Victor Dove. Hed gathered fingerprint and blood evidence at the crime scene the day the sisters bodies were discovered.

Dove also figured prominently in another of Shellems high-profile investigations  Jay C. Smiths involvement in a triple murder. That case spanned two decades, beginning with the slayings of Pennsylvania teacher Susan Reinert and her two children and the discovery of Reinerts body at a Swatara Township, Dauphin County, motel in 1979.

In 1986  the year after Sperrys murder trial  Smith, principal of the Upper Merion High school where Reinert taught, was found guilty of murdering the teacher and her two children. He was condemned to death. Six years later, however, Smith became the first Pennsylvania death row inmate to be set free after the state Supreme Court found prosecutorial misconduct in the case.

Smiths 1989 federal lawsuit accused six investigators, including Dove, of mishandling key evidence and keeping it from the defense during the trial. The lawsuit said Dove altered his account about when he found the evidence stored in a state police locker. Smiths suit was unsuccessful, and internal investigations found no criminal wrongdoing by the investigators.

Still, Ron Turo, who defended Sperry at trial, speculated that Rons fate, which turned on the fingerprint evidence furnished by Dove, might have been different had the jury known of the troopers involvement in the Smith controversy.

Fingerprint evidence has become more suspect over the years, Turo said.

As it was, the prosecutions pair of fingerprint experts simply carried too much weight  especially with a jury from four decades ago, the lawyer said.

To the average juror, that is the top echelon of fingerprint experts, Turo said of Dove and his FBI counterpart. That created a real difficult piece of evidence to get over.

For his part, Dove told PennLive he doesnt recall being contacted by Shellem about the Sperry case.

Unfortunately, whatever Shellem may have seen in the case will never be known.

On Oct. 24, 2009, the 49-year-old reporter, at the pinnacle of his career and lauded with awards and accolades, fatally shot himself at his Carlisle-area home.

Lillian Sperry was devastated, her family said.

She really liked Pete. It really bothered her. She was really upset, Ron said of his mom. He told her he was getting really close to getting me out.

The Sperry family in happier times -- from left, Natalie, Ronald Jr., Lillian and Ronald Sr. (Courtesy of Natalie Sperry-Mauger)Courtesy of Natalie Sperry-Mauger

Shellems untimely death dashed Lillians hopes to free her son.

Everything was exhausted. It was like the end of the road, Sperry-Mauger recalled. My mom wrote to everyone. She exhausted every avenue. What she resorted to then was daily mass and prayers.

Another 15 years would pass.

Final bid for freedom

These days, its Natalie whos battling to free Ron. She inherited the task following her mothers death at 81 after a stroke. Natalie is convinced both her parents died of broken hearts, unable to comprehend how an innocent person could end up doing life in prison.

At the end, all she talked about was Ronald. She knew her time was limited. She didnt know what to do. This whole thing definitely shortened my parents lives, Natalie said. Her father, Ronald Sr., died in 2015 at age 75. The cause was vascular dementia from a heart attack 10 years before, she said.

Her parents legacy is the boxes of paperwork chronicling all the efforts to free their son. This bequest belongs to Natalie now.

In May 2023, she filed paperwork on Rons behalf with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons seeking a commutation of her brothers life sentences. She said the application has languished without action.

I follow up every couple months, Natalie told PennLive. Its sitting with nothing happening. Its just a very slow process. The entire process takes anywhere from three to five years or longer to run its course.

Natalie Sperry Mauger poses in front of the house where the double murder occurred in June 1980. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

An email update from the Board of Pardons dated Nov. 18 confirmed this. It states Rons application has yet to be officially filed because its still undergoing a thorough review, adding: Due to the complexity of the investigative process, we cant estimate when the next step will happen. We ask for your patience as you navigate this lengthy process that takes many years to complete.

Cumberland County DA Sean McCormack told PennLive his office has yet to be contacted by the pardons board as part of its review of Sperrys application. When reached by PennLive, McCormack said he was unaware of the case, noting he was in school at the time. McCormack said he planned to pull the case file, assuming it could be located, to look into it further.

But Natalie insists her diabetic, hypertensive brother doesnt have time for another long investigation. She said shes hoping this PennLive special report brings attention to problematic issues in Rons case and expedites his bid for freedom.

I am praying that someone with the power to help my brother reads the stories and takes action for justice, Natalie said. I know that Gods hand is in this, and I pray that justice is imminent.

WATCH: Reporter John Luciew and Ronald Sperrys sister, Natalie, talk about the case outside the Hampden Township house where the two sisters were murdered 44 years ago.

Sperrys first lawyer, Turo, has added his written support to the commutation bid. But what wont be part of Sperrys application is any admission of his guilt. Sperry is adamant about this  even though it could boost his chances.

It doesnt require you to admit the crime, Turo said of the process. But from a practical standpoint not doing so may make getting a commutation more difficult. To be able to say, Im terribly sorry. I learned my lesson. Ive done my time. I paid my debt to society. That attitude would probably play well to the board in a lot of cases.

Not Rons. From the moment he was accused of the brutal double murder, Sperry has never wavered. Forty years in prison havent changed this.

I should get out because Im not guilty, Ron insisted.

Never again

In all other respects, the intervening four decades have changed everything.

When Turo was finished defending his childhood acquaintance in a death penalty case, the defense lawyer vowed hed never take on another.

Turo has held true to his word.

Ron Turo at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Carlisle on Dec. 17, 2019. (PennLive file photo)PennLive file photo

That is the case that led me to juvenile law, the lawyer said. None of my clients could be put to death in juvenile law. I knew I never wanted to do a death penalty case. You have somebodys life in your hand. I never wanted to have it happen again.

Forty years before, Turo was 30 and new to private practice after beginning his career as a full-time public defender with 25 jury trials under his belt.

He thought he was ready. I was at a good point.

Best of all, Turo had a client he truly believed  a belief 40 years havent shaken.

I do believe that he was innocent, Turo said of Ron. A lot of its having met him. He was a young kid. Relatively quiet. Very sincere. He was a deer-in-the-headlights during this whole situation. He didnt strike you as a guy who would create this horrendous situation. When you saw the pictures (of victims Felker and McAlicher) it was mind-boggling, and it was gut-wrenching. Who would do such a thing?

Not Ron, the lawyer insisted, then and now.

When you do this type of work, you get a sense very quickly about people, Turo said. Ive represented thousands of people. You dont get a lot of innocent clients. When you do, you feel for them.

He still has those feelings.

It certainly affected me, Turo said.

Forty years later, it still does.

Dreams of freedom

For just as long, Ron Sperry has been re-playing his trial testimony over and over in his mind.

From the very first when Ron was confronted by detectives, he could never explain his fingerprints at the crime scene. Then-Cumberland County DA Eakin exploited this weakness to trial-turning effect when Ron took the witness stand.

They said the fingerprints were mine. They had a witness from the FBI, Ron said, recounting his most painful memory. The DA asked why my fingerprints were in several places. I cant offer an explanation. I should have said, Theyre not mine!

While Ron second-guesses himself, Turo doesnt when it comes to putting his client on the stand.

We had to, he said. This case was about innocence. The only chance he would have had was to testify. That was so the jury could assess credibility and innocence, the lawyer explained.

Moreover, Ron and his family were completely on board.

This wasnt controversial, Turo said of the decision. He wanted to testify. His family wanted him to testify. I felt he had to testify.

To this day, however, Ron faults his lawyer for not adequately preparing him for the DAs onslaught. He lost the trial, Ron said of Turo. I didnt know what to do.

Ronald Sperry Jr. -- then and now. At right, Ron in his Cumberland Valley High School Class of '79 picture, and at left in his Pa. Dept. of Corrections mugshot.Photo Illustration

Mostly, Ron does his best to push it all away: the trial, his testimony, the ill-fated bike ride that started it all.

I usually keep it out of my mind so I can keep going on, he said.

When everyday reality is the nightmare, dreams are the only escape.

When Ron dreams, its of simple things: Living with his sister. Having his own bedroom. Watching TV. An annual trip to the shore with Natalie.

And just maybe, riding a bike again.

I have hope it will happen, Ron said.

After 40 years, its all he has left.

READ the full series:
Two Cumberland County men face state prison terms for their role in a March 2021 sexual assault on a woman during a get-together in Hampden Township.

Taj Tucker, now 25, and Chase Toombs, now 23, were convicted of felony sexual assault and conspiracy charges following a jury trial in August, though jurors acquitted both of an additional count of rape, the most severe of the charges lodged against them.

Judge Christylee Peck sentenced the men Tuesday to minimum jail terms of three to six years, with an additional three years of probation after their prison terms expire.

Defense attorneys asked for lesser sentences that would allow Toombs and Tucker to serve their time in county prison, but Peck imposed the state time citing the trauma to the victim and evidence presented at trial that the men had conspired after the fact to cover up the crime.

The victim, 19 years old at the time of the assault, told police she had been invited to the get-together at a home on Orrs Bridge Road by a friend, and expected to hang out and have some drinks with co-workers.

After having several drinks, she told police she began to lose consciousness.

She testified that when she came to some time later she awoke to find herself in a bathroom at the home with her pants down, with Toombs, whom she worked with at the time at a local fast food restaurant, forcing oral sex on her, and Tucker behind her trying to perform vaginal and anal intercourse without her consent.

At some point, the defendants switched places and continued the assault. The victim reported experiencing a great deal of pain and noticed she was bleeding from her mouth and vagina due to their actions.

Later that night, according to case files, she had a friend take her to a hospital to undergo a sexual assault examination, where a nurse noted multiple injuries to the victims mouth and vaginal areas.

The victim identified Toombs and Tucker as her attackers, and police subsequently executed a search warrant on the SnapChat accounts belonging to both men.

There, prosecutors said, investigators found communications between the two after the assault where they discussed getting their stories lined up and admitting that they let the [Hennessy] get control that night, referring to a popular brand of cognac.

In a victim impact statement presented to the court Tuesday, the woman said despite her belief Toombs and Tucker still arent taking full accountability for their actions, she is forgiving them.

I hope they heal from whatever pain caused them to do what they did that night and after. But I also hope that you give them as much time as possible so I can finally have peace of mind that theyll receive a punishment after years of feeling like the only one paying for all of this was me, she wrote.

Toombs and Tucker, who both lived in Silver Spring Township at the time of their 2023 arrests, were both committed to Cumberland County Prison after Tuesdays proceeding, pending eventual transfers to the state prison system.

Their minimum prison terms will run to December 2027.
Even before TikToker Jiare Schneiders body was discovered in a wooded area in Georgia on Nov. 26, his family has faced harassment from fraudsters claiming they were holding Schneider hostage and demanding money for his safe return.

This despite his confirmed death.

The internet personalitys sister, Jasnique Woods, told TMZ the messages started before her brother was found dead after being missing for two weeks, but have also kept coming in even after his death was confirmed.

She said the family has received multiple threats from scammers who claim theyre holding Schneider against his will and are demanding a ransom for his release.

As previously reported, the 31-year-old went missing for 10 days.

He was then found dead in Jonesboro last week after a lengthy search, Clayton County police confirmed with FOX 5 Atlanta.

While his family searched for him, missing-person flyers were posted in an attempt to attain more information regarding his disappearance.

This was how scammers got Woods phone number.

Since then, several fraudsters have called her and claimed to be holding her brother captive. In fact, one caller even made a $5,000 demand for his release, texted her a link and instructed her to pay a ransom in Bitcoin. She then filed a police report for aggravated harassment.

TMZ reported no arrests have yet to be made in the case.

It gets even more bizarre.

Woods talked about another caller, who had an actor get on the phone and pretend to be her late brother pleading for help. The fraudster went as far as to say things including, Mommy, help.

Even though the family didnt fall for the cheap tricks, that didnt stop the threats.

Woods talked about the threat she received on Thanksgiving Day, when the scammer claimed to have Jaire and again said theyd release him if money was paid. The next day, another fraudster called. It was a woman this time, who said I have your son, before hanging up.

Due to the onslaught of harassing phone calls, Woods changed her phone number. She also chose not to file a police report for every call, as shes more focused on mourning her brother.

So far, Schneiders cause of death has yet to be determined and his family is desperate for answers on exactly what happened to him.
Members of the rock group Halestorm, originally from York County, recently had a brush with beings from beyond.

The group braved the so-called Blood Prison, also known as the Ohio State Reformatory, while they were in town for the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio.

And their trip through the historic former prison was all captured for paranormal posterity, according to Loudwire.

Halestorms visit was featured on an episode of Loudwires series Paranormal Prison, and their experience can be viewed on Youtube here.

READ MORE: Central Pa. rock star talks about playing with Skid Row, returning home for York Fair concert

Halestorm was founded by Red Lion natives Lzzy and Arejay Hale, and the group came back to the area over the summer to perform at the York State Fair.

The bands visit to the Blood Prison included a few spooky surprises, but apparently the creepy coincidences dont end there.

Towards the end of the episode, Lzzy Hale was revealed to have sent a text message to the Paranormal Prison team about unusual activity that plagued her after the filming had ended.

Does Halestorm have a new groupie from beyond the grave, following them on tour? Check out the episode and decide for yourself!
If you use pain patches to ease chronic pain, you might want to listen up.

Millions of pain patches sold nationwide have been recalled because the medicated patches, which contain analgesic ingredients intended to relieve discomfort in the muscles, joints, or nerves when applied to the skin, fell short of federal standards.

On Oct. 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled more than 14 million of the pain patches, as the announcement suggests at least 12 million of the 14 million recalled pain patches were distributed under the name Absorbine Jr.

The brand is sold at Walmart, CVS, Amazon, H-E-B, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and other retailers.

These products are widely used and are trusted by consumers.

The reasoning behind the recall is listed as CGMP Deficiencies, meaning the manufacturing company  Unexo Life Sciences Private Limited, a company based in New Delhi, India  has fallen out of compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP).

Additionally, multiple other brands are also included in the recall, with 11 products and eight brand names in total:

ABSORBINE JR. Extra Large BACK PATCH, Menthol 5%, 1 extra large patch per box, Distributed By: Absorbine Jr., LLC, Chattanooga, TN 37402 UPC 8 89476 41218 6, UPC 8 89476 41236 0

ABSORBINE JR. ULTRA STRENGTH PAIN PATCH, Menthol 6.5%, 1 patch per box, Distributed By: Absorbine Jr. LLC, Chattanooga, TN 37402 UPC 8 89476 41318 3, UPC 8 89476 41336 7

ABSORBINE JR. PAIN RELIEVING KNEE PATCH, Camphor 7%, Menthol 7%, packaged in 1 patch (UPC 8 89476 41251 3) and b) 6 patches (UPC 8 89476 41306 0), Distributed By: Absorbine Jr., LLC, Chattanooga, TN 37402

THERACARE MAXIMUM STRENGTH PAIN RELIEF 4% LIDOCAINE PATCH, a) 1 patch (NDC 71101-001-24, UPC 8 45717 00878 5) and b) 6 patches (NDC 71101-001-06, UPC 8 45717 01056 6), Manufactured for: Veridian Healthcare, LLC, Gurnee, IL 60031

THERACARE Cold Hot Medicated Patch, Menthol 5%, 5 patches per box, Manufactured for: Veridian Healthcare, LLC, Gurnee, IL 60031 NDC 71101-954-05, UPC 8 45717 00818 1

HealthWise PERIOD PATCH Menstrual Pain Relief, Menthol 10%, 10 patches per box, Manufactured for Veridian Healthcare, LLC, Gurnee, IL 60031 NDC 71101-947-10, UPC 8 45717 01072 6

EQUATE MAXIMUM STRENGTH LIDOCAINE PAIN RELIEVING PATCH Lidocaine 4% Topical Anesthetic, 6 patches per box PATCHES, LIDOCAINE 4%, Distributed by: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, AR 72716 NDC 79903-106-06

LILAS Feminine Pain Relief Patch, Menthol 10%, a) 5 patches per box (UPC 7 87099 48212 1) and 10 patches per box (UPC 7 87099 48211 4), Distributed by: Lilas Wellness, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105

JR WATKINS COOLING PAIN RELIEF PATCHES, Menthol 7.5%, 5 patches per box, Distributed By: J.R. Watkins, LLC, Oakland, CA 94612 UPC 8 56294 00878 5

CHEEKY BONSAI PAIN RELIEF PATCHES, Menthol 10%, 4 patches per box, Distributed by Cheeky Bonsai, San Francisco, CA UPC 8 60006 57564 9

PARCHE LEON PAIN RELIEVING HOT PATCH, Camphor 3%, Menthol 1.25%, Capsaicin 0.025%, 6 patches per box, Distributed by: Pharmadel LLC, Georgetown, DE 19947 NDC 55758-039-01, UPC 8 59424 00433 6

The FDAs notice doesnt explain how manufacturers failed to reach quality standards.

CGMP provides for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. Adherence to the CGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring that manufacturers of medications adequately control manufacturing operations, the FDA explains.

On Nov. 22, the case was classified as a Class II risk level, which means the products pose a moderate to high risk to the publics health and can cause temporary or reversible adverse health effects.

The FDA normally doesnt consider Class II drugs to pose a risk of severe harm or death.

If you have purchased any of the recalled pain patches, discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

If you experience any adverse effects, contact your doctor and report the problem online via the FDAs MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.
By Susan Snyder, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  As enrollment declines at its Commonwealth campuses, Pennsylvania State University is aiming to grow the first-year student body at University Park over the next few years.

Nearly 9,200 freshmen attend the main campus this fall. Eventually, the school would like to reach 10,000, said Matt Melvin, vice president for enrollment management.

Its really in response to demand, Melvin said, noting that University Park received more than 106,000 applications for summer/fall 2024. We are in an enviable position in the market because of that demand.

Penn States overall acceptance rate for summer and fall 2024 was 79%. But at University Park, it was 50%, meaning half the students who want to go there are not admitted. The universitys overall yield rate  the percentage of students accepted who enroll  is 15.6%; at University Park, its 17.4%.

The universitys board of trustees voted last month to enter a ground lease agreement for a new 1,500-bed housing development aimed at upperclassmen. Under the ground lease, the university owns the land but the development will be constructed and operated by Greystar Development East LLC. The move comes as the university attempts to make more room for freshmen.

As we admit more first-year students, since there is a live-on requirement that will use up more of our own inventory, we wanted those students who are non-first year  who would traditionally choose to live with us  to still have another option and an affordable one, said Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business.

University Park has about 15,000 beds and runs close to capacity, Melvin said. About 775 beds will be available at the new residence hall in fall 2027 and the rest by the following fall.

Old Main at Penn States University Park campus in State College, Pa. (Abby Drey / Centre Daily Times, file)

Growing at a time of nationwide drops

All but one of the more than 30 trustees approved the lease agreement. Barry Fenchak, who has an investment advising practice in State College, voted no, saying he didnt think it was a good idea to increase enrollment at the main campus, given the enrollment struggles nationally at colleges. Nationwide, freshman enrollment dropped 5% this fall, in part because of the botched rollout of federal financial aid forms known as FAFSA, and there are predictions for more declines as the number of high school students falls.

Fenchak questioned the impact on yield and noted the schools desire to attract more out-of-state students who pay higher tuition. About 58% of Penn State students are from Pennsylvania.

We are already digging far, far deeper into our applicant pool, he said. And if we put ourselves in a position where we have to increase enrollment, that is only going to exacerbate those concerns.

But Melvin said because the increase will happen slowly, the university will have time to build up support services for student success.

We feel like we can meet [our] mission by expanding and not harming ourselves in terms of strong outcome variables, he said.

Richard S. Sokolov, board vice chair, said at a committee meeting where the housing project was discussed that the board at a recent retreat had been talking about ways to increase opportunities to attend University Park and the need for more housing to accommodate students. This project does that without Penn State having to build a new residence hall.

What this does is the equivalent of having a private entity invest hundreds of millions of dollars to build an asset that is going to enable us to increase enrollment, drive income, and generate substantial financial gain with zero risk, if, for whatever reason, lets say there was another pandemic and there was a problem with people attending, said Sokolov, vice chairman of Simon Property Group, based in Indianapolis. They still have to pay the ground rent, they still have to pay their mortgage, they still have to operate this building.

Melvin acknowledged enrollment challenges, including the publics increasing scrutiny of the value of higher education. He also cited more opportunities for training programs.

But Melvin said the university also is increasing recruiting efforts, including paying more attention to Illinois, which he called the new New Jersey. For years, New Jersey has been among the top states for exporting high school graduates to colleges elsewhere.

Melvin said he didnt think the effort to grow University Park enrollment would hurt the Commonwealth campuses, which attract students seeking smaller classes closer to home.

They are very different populations, he said.

A way to grow revenue

Enrollment has been declining steadily at the Commonwealth campuses. It stood at about 24,000 last June, down about 30% since 2010. This fall, overall enrollment at those campuses fell about 2%, but the decline in first-year enrollment was more steep: 8.4% or 578 students.

More than 380 employees at the Commonwealth campuses  about 21% of those eligible  took a buyout this year.

Meanwhile, the main campus has grown to more than 42,000 students; this fall, enrollment increased by 365 students, or less than 1%.

Across all its campuses, Penn State enrollment this fall is just under 88,000.

Melvin acknowledged that attracting more students to University Park will help increase revenue. The university has been aiming to close a deficit, which stood at $191 million in 2022, by this summer. The university is on track to finish this fiscal year with a balanced budget, a university spokesperson said.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived veteran running back Jonathan Ward from their active roster, the team announced on Wednesday. That move opens up a spot on the active roster, which cornerback Cory Trice Jr. will likely take.

Trice has been practicing for the last three weeks, but the Steelers decided not to activate him as he continued to acclimate back after missing seven weeks with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh has until tomorrow before practice to activate Trice, and it seems that will almost certainly happen.

Trice was a seventh-round pick out of Purdue who missed his rookie season with a torn ACL. He had a strong start to the year, even grabbing his first career interception against the Denver Broncos, before suffering the hamstring strain.

As for Ward, he will likely be brought back to the teams practice squad as a running back depth. However, he must clear waivers, even as a vested veteran, due to the rules after the trade deadline. If the Steelers do want to bring him back, they would have to release someone from the practice squad.
By KATHY McCORMACK, The Associated Press

Snow squalls  sudden bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds  created whiteout conditions in parts of the northeast during a storm that brought even more snow to the Great Lakes region Thursday.

Two people died from heart attacks after shoveling snow in upstate New York, officials said. The deaths were recorded Wednesday in western New Yorks Erie County, which has seen steady snowfall since the end of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, well ahead of when winter officially starts on Dec. 21. Numerous schools in Buffalo and surrounding towns were closed Thursday and vehicle accidents backed up traffic on highways after several inches of snow fell overnight and into the morning.

See also: The latest weather alerts

In Ohio, travel bans were in place Thursday in the northeast corner of the state along Lake Erie, where up to 5 feet of snow was on the ground from storms earlier in the week and more was in the forecast. Part of Pennsylvania along the lake was under a blizzard warning until early Saturday with speed reductions in effect on interstates. Surrounding counties in the region were under lake-effect snow warnings.

While missing out on the heavy snow, the Harrisburg area has seen squalls, high winds and power outages on Thursday.

Power outages were starting to rise around the state. Pennsylvania recorded more than 14,000 customers out Thursday morning, according to Poweroutage.com, which tracks outages throughout the nation. As the storm made its way to New England, Connecticut saw nearly 11,000 customers without electricity. Farther south, high winds knocked out power to more than 12,000 customers in Virginia.

Snow covers cars near the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Neil Blake/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)AP

Snow covers homes and streets near the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Neil Blake/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)AP

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in four counties ahead of the next round of lake-effect snow, which could bring another foot of snow through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Crews in Ashtabula, Ohio, along Lake Erie, were busy brushing snow off roofs before the next round piles on top. The citys fire chief said the department has responded to more than 100 snow emergencies, including collapsed roofs, downed power lines and trees, and people who needed medical care.

Snow covers cars near the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Neil Blake/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)AP

Dylan Burguard of Brattleboro, Vt., builds a snowman with her 1-year-old son, Braedon Miller, after a snowstorm on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)AP

The storm dumped up to 8 inches of snow in parts of northern Connecticut, according to weather service reports. Parts of northwestern Massachusetts saw around 9 inches.

Slick roads from snowfall overnight into Thursday morning led to dozens of crashes along roads in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Many schools delayed opening or were closed for the day in New England.
Annie Ross, professor of mechanical engineering at Polytechnique Montreal, poses in her laboratories in Montreal on Wednesday. Ross narrowly avoided the shooting massacre at Ecole Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989, having left not long before it started. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
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HEGSETH AND RAUCHET: Defense secretary selectee Pete Hegseth, with his wife Jennifer Rauchet, head to a meeting at the Capitol on Wednesday. Matt McClain/The Washington Post
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A 32-year-old Zimbabwean man based in the United Kingdom, Tanaka Zivanai, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 28-year-old Zanele Sibanda in Gloucester earlier this year. Zivanai also admitted to possession of a bladed article in a public place.Appearing via video link from prison, Zivanai made the admissions at Bristol Crown Court on November 27. His guilty plea follows the tragic events that unfolded in the early hours of August 27, when police were called to the junction of Paul Street and Tarrington Road in Tredworth. Emergency services responded to reports of a man attacking a woman.Upon arrival, officers discovered Zanele Sibanda with multiple stab wounds. Despite the swift response from paramedics, Zanele was pronounced dead at the scene.Following the incident, Zivanai was arrested the next day and charged with her murder. The Major Crime Investigation Team conducted an extensive inquiry, leading to his arrest.Zivanai has been remanded in custody since his arrest and is due to be sentenced on January 14, 2025, at Bristol Crown Court. His case has brought attention to the severity of violence and its impact on communities, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

ZANU-PF has dismissed claims from opposition parties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that the party has been involved in meddling in the electoral processes of neighboring countries. The ruling party, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is accused of supporting ruling parties in Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, all of which are also former liberation movements.In an exclusive interview with Business Times, ZANU-PF's Director of Information and Publicity, Farai Marapira, strongly rejected the accusations, asserting that the party's strength lies not in interference but in its deep commitment to the values of Africa. Marapira emphasized that ZANU-PF's ideological foundation is built on resisting neocolonial influences and asserting African sovereignty. He stated:"As ZANU-PF, we are powerful but not in the essence of manipulation. We are powerful because we represent a very strong ideal. We are powerful because we represent the true values of Africa."Marapira also expressed frustration with what he described as the hypocritical stance of imperialist forces, who, according to him, have historically sought to undermine Africa's independence. He referred to the global powers who, after industrializing, sought to subjugate African nations and now attempt to label only those governments they support as democratic. Marapira continued:"You must understand that these so-called proponents of democracy came into Africa on the back of their industrialization, which was ahead of ours, and chose to put us on an even keel with dogs, stating that dogs and Africans are not allowed in here today."ZANU-PF claims that the real threat to African sovereignty comes from imperialist forces and their local allies, whom the party accuses of attempting to destabilize African nations that have resisted foreign control. Marapira further argued that these forces, including figures such as former Botswanan President Ian Khama and South African political leader Mmusi Maimane, are desperate and have run out of ideas in their attempts to weaken the resolve of African countries. He stated:"When a party like ZANU-PF stands against such a formidable force and defies it, of course, people are bound to have sleepless nights, and the Brenthurst Foundation is at its end, all its foot soldiers, Ian Khama and Mmusi Maimane; they are at their wit's end. They've run out of ideas."Marapira framed the ongoing opposition to ZANU-PF as part of a broader struggle for African self-determination, where the people of Africa are rediscovering and redefining their true history and values, independent of colonial influence. He concluded:"This is not about ZANU-PF; this is about African people rediscovering themselves, African people redefining themselves outside of the colonial context."The comments reflect ZANU-PF's long-standing narrative of resistance against foreign interference and imperialism, a theme that has shaped much of the party's rhetoric since Zimbabwe's independence. As tensions continue to rise between ZANU-PF and opposition voices within the SADC region, the ruling party remains firm in its stance, framing the ongoing political struggles as part of a broader fight for African unity and self-determination.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Vocal Harare political activist and business advocate, Engineer Jacob Mutisi, has called for stringent accountability for bankers and financial institutions involved in the mismanagement and fraudulent activities that have led to the loss of funds by depositors. Mutisi, who has suffered significant financial prejudice and losses due to the collapse of banks in Zimbabwe, argues that these bankers must be held responsible to prevent a culture of impunity.In an interview with The NewsHawks last night, Mutisi expressed his frustration with the banking sector, particularly the way in which some banks have collapsed due to the mismanagement, theft, and fraud committed by shareholders, directors, and managers. He highlighted that many Zimbabwean banks have failed due to poor corporate governance, corruption, and the failure of executives to act in the best interest of depositors."Bankers and financial institutions have a serious fiduciary duty to protect depositors' funds," Mutisi said. "Unfortunately, many banks went under because their shareholders, directors, and managers failed to run them properly, often engaging in fraudulent activities, including embezzlement and misappropriation of funds."Mutisi emphasized the importance of trust in the banking sector, noting that depositors entrust their funds to financial institutions with the expectation of security. When bankers breach this trust through theft or mismanagement, it undermines public confidence and has far-reaching consequences for the economy."Banking is about trust, confidence, and confidentiality," he added. "When bankers betray this trust, depositors suffer massive financial losses, which can result in the loss of savings, homes, or businesses."The activist pointed to Zimbabwe's troubled banking history, citing the collapse of major banks such as United Merchant Bank, Royal Bank, AfrAsia Bank Zimbabwe, Barbican, Interfin, Trust Bank, Allied Bank, Century, Renaissance, and Capital Bank. According to Mutisi, no one has been held accountable for the mismanagement and fraudulent activities that caused these banks to fail, despite the devastating impact on depositors."These bankers who caused these failures are walking free," he said. "They live in luxury while the victims of their actionsordinary Zimbabweansare left to suffer. Some of the culprits even hold powerful positions in government, and that cannot be allowed in a responsible society."Mutisi stressed that it is crucial for authorities to pursue criminal charges against those responsible for defrauding depositors and to ensure they face appropriate penalties. He also called for reforms to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve oversight to prevent further collapses in the banking sector."Whistleblowers must be protected and encouraged to expose bankers who mismanage funds," he said. "We need a system that promotes transparency and accountability, not one where financial results are manipulated to hide the truth."Mutisi also advocated for reforms in the country's financial protection systems, calling on the Depositors Protection Corporation (DPC) to ensure that victims of banking fraud are compensated in a timely and fair manner."The collapse of Zimbabwe's banking sector and the lack of accountability for those who looted depositors' funds signal a failure of governance," Mutisi concluded. "We need urgent reforms to restore trust in the financial system and protect the rights of depositors. Without action, the cycle of corruption and impunity will continue, further crippling our financial landscape."Mutisi's call for stronger regulation and accountability comes at a time when Zimbabwe's banking sector is still grappling with the aftermath of several high-profile collapses, leaving many depositors in limbo and raising concerns about the stability of the country's financial system.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The future of at least 500 learners at Mother Patrick Convent Primary School in Harare hangs in the balance after the school expelled 40 students for allegedly disrupting lessons. The expulsion letters, which were delivered on December 2, cite the "disruption of the learning process" and the students' prolonged absence from school as reasons for their dismissal.The expelled students, ranging up to Grade 6, were reportedly punished for exceeding the school's attendance limits. Acting head, Eugenia Muketiwa, confirmed in the expulsion letters that the children had missed more than a week of classes, which led to the decision to withdraw them from the school roll.However, a closer investigation into the events surrounding the expulsions revealed that the issue was connected to an ongoing strike by the school's teaching staff, who downed tools on November 19 over poor working conditions and unpaid salaries. This industrial action forced many parents to withdraw their children due to the lack of supervision while the teachers were on strike.Parents and guardians of the expelled children have expressed outrage, claiming that their children are being unfairly punished for the teachers' grievances, which they argue is not the children's fault."This is a clear case of victimisation. Our children are being punished for something they have no control over," one parent said.Another parent added, "Our children were left loitering around the school because there were no teachers. They should not be expelled for missing classes when the staff has been on strike for weeks. The school authorities need to address the issues that are affecting both the students and the teachers."Some parents revealed that they had been forced to withdraw their children from the school after seeing them unattended during the strike, only to later receive expulsion letters.In response to the parents' concerns, the school's management assured that efforts were underway to restore normalcy at the institution. A letter from the chairperson of the management board, identified as Mr. Matigimu, acknowledged the challenges but pledged to take full responsibility for creating a stable and conducive learning environment."We acknowledge that the recent events may have fallen short of expectations. We are committed to restoring normalcy at our school at the earliest," the letter stated.Matigimu further urged parents to return their children to school, emphasizing that a school could not function without its students. He assured that the management was working to resolve the internal issues and engage with the teachers to address their concerns.However, he also pointed to a lack of transparency and communication between the school authorities and parents as a major source of misunderstanding."We regret any distress this may have caused and are committed to keeping you informed of all developments," he said.The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has taken note of the situation and deployed a team to investigate the matter. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro confirmed that the government was seized with the issue and would be closely monitoring developments.As tensions between the parents, teachers, and school authorities continue to rise, many are waiting to see how the situation will be resolved, with the future of the affected students hanging in the balance.
An effective alternative to troublesome script-based solutions

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the March 31, 2025 deadline for PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) v4.0 compliance approaches, businesses face heightened pressure to meet new standards, particularly those related to the management and monitoring of third-party scripts on payment pages (requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1). While these standards are crucial for securing consumer payment data, many businesses find that traditional, script-based solutions don't address the growing threat of cyberattacks and payment page tampering. Available today, DataStealth offers a superior, no-code, fully managed solution that helps businesses achieve compliance within a few weeks.

Requirement 6.4.3 mandates that any business that transacts online maintains an inventory of scripts on payment pages, ensuring that these scripts are not tampered with, and preventing unauthorized scripts from executing in the consumer's browser. Requirement 11.6.1 mandates real-time detection of any unauthorized changes to payment page scripts or HTTP headers. Both requirements demand constant monitoring and proactive strategies to ensure the integrity of payment systems. The complexity and resource-intensive nature of these tasks are leading many businesses to struggle with compliance, increasing the risk of fines, payment processing suspensions, and security breaches.

"As the deadline approaches, relying on reactive solutions is no longer an option. If you look under the hood of how traditional script-based methods work, you'll find unavoidable weaknesses and high maintenance efforts which leave critical payment data vulnerable. Our no-code solution requires a simple one-time DNS change to deploy, offering true real-time security, preventing malicious content from executing, and protecting every single payment transaction," said Ed Leavens, CEO and Co-Founder of DataStealth.

Browser-based, script-driven solutions have significant drawbacks because they do not support 100% of browsers and servers, and rely on scripts running in a specific order, making them vulnerable to missed detections or delayed threat defences. Additionally, they fail to detect complex or dynamic script tampering and may malfunction across different browsers, creating security gaps. Scripts can also be blocked or disabled, rendering the solution ineffective. Lastly, many of these solutions only alert administrators to tampering rather than blocking unauthorized content, which puts compliance at risk.

DataStealth is a new alternative that addresses the shortcomings of script-based solutions by proactively monitoring all content being delivered to the consumer's browser, guaranteeing compliance 100% of the time, on 100% of the payment pages. Product features and advantages include:

Proactive Monitoring: Validates all content (scripts, headers, assets) in real-time before it reaches the consumer's browser, preventing malicious scripts.

Validates all content (scripts, headers, assets) in real-time before it reaches the consumer's browser, preventing malicious scripts. No Dependency on Consumer Browsers: Operates independently of browser security, ensuring consistent protection across all devices and browsers.

Operates independently of browser security, ensuring consistent protection across all devices and browsers. Real-Time Detection: Instantly detects and blocks unauthorized content, ensuring compliance and reducing security risks.

Instantly detects and blocks unauthorized content, ensuring compliance and reducing security risks. Comprehensive Protection: Automatically blocks malicious scripts, ensuring only secure content is delivered to consumers.

Automatically blocks malicious scripts, ensuring only secure content is delivered to consumers. Compliance Assurance: Ensures ongoing compliance with PCI DSS 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 standards.

For more information on how DataStealth can help your business achieve PCI DSS 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 compliance, visit www.datastealth.io.

About DataStealth

Founded in 2018 and backed by Dragon's Den investor and tech entrepreneur Michael Hyatt, DataStealth offers cutting-edge security solutions that protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards. With over twenty patents, the company's innovative, no-code technology integrates seamlessly into existing systems, providing robust protection without requiring any changes to applications, code, or user behavior. DataStealth delivers powerful security while maintaining a smooth, uninterrupted user experience.

Media Contact:

Alison Fisher

2508967305

[email protected]





SOURCE DataStealth
Opening new possibilities for farmers in Europe to combat key cereal diseases while enhancing crop quality

BEIJING and TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE 000553), a leading global crop protection company, announced today its plan to introduce a novel fungicidal Active Ingredient, Gilboa, targeting key cereal and oilseed rape diseases including Septoria, Ramularia, and Sclerotinia. The company has submitted this innovative molecule to the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), where it is expected to be assigned to a new mode of action group for cereals. This innovation will offer European farmers a valuable resistance management tool, enabling the use of Gilboa-based fungicides in conjunction with, or instead of, existing fungicides.

In the past five years, EU farmers have lost access to 68 conventional pesticide active ingredients due to regulatory changes. Moreover, it has been some years since a new molecule targeting Septoria in wheat, Ramularia in barley, or Sclerotinia in oilseed rape has been introduced to market. Unlike existing solutions, many of which are based on SDHI and DMI's, Gilboa targets a different pathway. This new approach offers farmers an innovative way to tackle serious fungal diseases while enhancing crop quality.

"Based on our extensive field trials, Gilboa is a major game-changer for cereal farmers in Great Britain, Europe and globally," said Florian Wagner, EVP Portfolio and Innovation at ADAMA. "Based on its mode of action, this new chemistry exemplifies ADAMA's leadership in developing advanced solutions to protect cereal crops while reducing the risk of resistance development."

"We expect Gilboa to be a standout solution to challenges faced by farmers worldwide," said Gael Hili, President and CEO at ADAMA. "Farmers today need more diverse and effective tools in their toolkit, and Gilboa delivers exactly that. By complementing ADAMA's existing portfolio of cereal fungicides, it provides growers with a broader range of solutions to manage disease pressure more effectively. This aligns with our strategy to deliver innovative solutions that address growers' evolving needs, improve disease management, and support sustainable agriculture."

Gilboa was submitted for registration in 2023 and is expected to be approved in Great Britain in 2027 and the EU in 2029. Subsequent registrations are planned for additional territories.

About ADAMA

ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing practical solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. Our culture empowers ADAMA's people to actively listen to farmers and ideate from the field. ADAMA's diverse portfolio of existing active ingredients, coupled with its leading formulation capabilities and proprietary formulation technology platforms, uniquely position the company to develop high-quality, innovative and sustainable products, to address the many challenges farmers and customers face today. ADAMA serves customers in dozens of countries globally, with direct presence in all top 20 markets. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X at @ADAMAAgri.

ADAMA Contact:

Tal Moise

Public Relations

Email: [email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/799829/Adama_Agricultural_Solutions_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ADAMA Ltd.
CAIRO, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- African Discovery Group (AFDG) has signed a letter of intent for a business combination with MPS infrastructure Inc. in a stock-based transaction creating a sustainable energy and water company.

The Transaction is expected to close in 4Q2024, subject to shareholder approval, customary due diligence and documentation. As part of the Transaction, AFDG is expected to issue shares to the target company and existing operating team. The transaction is expected to result in the existing AFDG shareholders retaining a minority ownership of the company. In conjunction with the closing, the combined company intends to hire a Chief Executive Officer.

Speaking in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, AFDG Chairman, Alan Kessler, stated, "MPS and Bjorn have worked tirelessly to create substantial value via their projects. We are highly enthusiastic to move forward under Bjorn's leadership in such a paradigm changing fashion for our company and our shareholders."

Premise for the transaction

The key immediate value proposition is the development and operation of a project for the supply of Green Hydrogen to be located at Abu Qir Fertilizer's Facility in Alexandria, Egypt. The 125 MW Electrolyzer facility is expected to produce 50 MT of Green Hydrogen per day and 400 MT of medical grade oxygen per day. Green hydrogen's principal purpose is to help reduce the CO2 footprint by replacing grey, or fossil fuel derived, hydrogen.

Name change and management replacement

It is expected that post the closing of the transaction, Bjorn Q Aaserod the current executive chairman of MPS infrastructure will continue in his role, with Alan Kessler the current Chairman and CEO of African Discovery Group resigning as Chief Executive Officer, but will remain a member of the board of directors. Chris Haaland and Knut Arne Svarteberg, current directors of MPS Infrastructure Inc. will remain as Directors. Furthermore, new Directors will be proposed and elected in the current months in anticipation of a potential uplisting to a major US exchange.

It is additionally expected that the company will change its name from both the acquiring company African Discovery Group as well as the target company MPS to a new name, that encompasses the leapfrogging nature and paradigm changing provision of energy and power into the coming century.

About African Discovery Group

African Discovery Group, Inc., is a Delaware corporation, dedicated to the development of the African continent. AFDG's wholly-owned subsidiary, ADG Subsidiary Corp., is a Delaware corporation ("ADG"). AFDG's primary businesses from which ADG currently generates revenues and from which it intends to generate revenues in the future, include agriculture/sustainability, power, media, strategic minerals, and finance sectors on the African continent. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, is committed to all aspects of environmental, social and governance issues in its business.

About MPS

MPS is a project development company focused on sustainable green energy, electricity and water infrastructure. MPS has a focus on developing projects for Green Energy utilizing water electrolysis technology and renewable electricity for Green Hydrogen, Oxygen and Green Ammonia. The company is focusing on the entire value chain of renewable power generation and electrification including PV Solar, Wind, Hydro and emerging technologies.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE African Discovery Group
HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Andreozzi + Foote, a leading national law firm advocating for victims of sexual abuse, has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of S.A., a Pennsylvania resident and former inmate of the State Correctional Institution at Cambridge Springs (SCICS). The complaint alleges sexual assault by a correctional officer and widespread institutional failures to protect inmates from abuse.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, names the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) and several individual officials and employees as defendants. These include George Little, Secretary of Corrections; Michael Zaken, Deputy Secretary for the Western Region; Lisa Graves, Superintendent of SCICS; and Correctional Officer Alfonzia Newsome, the alleged perpetrator.

According to the complaint, on December 11, 2022, S.A. was sexually assaulted in her cell by Alfonzia Newsome. Despite numerous reports of inappropriate conduct by Newsome toward inmatessome allegedly witnessed and reported by staffhe remained employed at the facility until late 2023. The lawsuit claims that Newsome's actions, along with the institution's failure to address prior reports, violated S.A.'s Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.

"The facts of this case reveal a disturbing pattern of negligence by those entrusted to uphold safety and dignity within the correctional system," said Nathaniel Foote, Esq., a partner at Andreozzi + Foote. "Our client bravely reported this assault, only to find herself in an environment where systemic failures allowed such abuse to occur unchecked."

In July 2023, Pennsylvania State Police initiated an investigation into allegations of misconduct by Newsome. On July 29, 2024, Newsome was formally charged with multiple counts, including felony Institutional Sexual Assault and misdemeanor Indecent Assault. The case is pending tria l in Crawford County, PA.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, alleging deliberate indifference by the defendants and failures to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). "No person in custody should be subjected to such heinous acts, and the institutions responsible must be held accountable," said Veronica Hubbard, Esq., also representing the plaintiff.

Andreozzi + Foote remains committed to seeking justice for S.A. and ensuring that systemic reforms are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Veronica N. Hubbard, Esq.

Andreozzi + Foote

4503 North Front Street

Harrisburg, PA 17110

Phone: 717-525-9124

Email: [email protected]

About Andreozzi + Foote:

Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation's leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse. The firm has successfully represented some of the highest-profile child sexual abuse cases of our time. Led by trauma-informed attorneys, Andreozzi + Foote is committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families.

SOURCE Andreozzi + Foote
Integrated data sharing platforms to accelerate research into ALS and Alzheimer's disease by providing unprecedented access to collaborative tools and datasets

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Answer ALS, together with the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (AD Data Initiative), announced a transformative partnership to integrate the AD Data Initiative's AD Workbench with Answer ALS's Neuromine Data Portal. This collaboration will reshape the landscape of neurodegenerative disease research by providing a unified, single access platform for data sharing and analysis.

The partnership leverages both Answer ALS's extensive resources, including the world's largest open-shareable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research repository, with over 150 TB of data from more than 1,200 individuals, and the AD Data Initiative's powerful AD Workbencha secure, cloud-based environment designed to enhance data sharing, analytics and collaborative research. By integrating these platforms, the initiative will streamline efforts and significantly expand the impact of global research into ALS and Alzheimer's disease.

"This collaborative environment is unprecedented in the field of neurodegenerative diseases." Niranjan Bose, AD Data Initiative Post this

Combining the capabilities of both the Neuromine Data Portal and the AD Workbench enables integrative analysis of ALS and Alzheimer's data for the first time in one shared space. This approach not only saves time and resources but also enhances the depth of research by allowing cross-referencing of disease pathways and genetic data.

"This collaborative environment is unprecedented in the field of neurodegenerative diseases," said Niranjan Bose, Interim Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative. "By facilitating access to a broader range of datasets and analytical tools, we are empowering researchers around the world to push the boundaries of what is possible in ALS and Alzheimer's research."

Terri Thompson, Program Director & Director of Data Management at Answer ALS, highlighted the technical achievements of the partnership: "Researchers can now leverage the Neuromine search and filter capabilities in combination with virtual machines in AD Workbench workspaces and enjoy the benefits of single sign-on across both platforms. This eliminates redundant efforts and maximizes the utility of every dataset."

With this initiative, researchers from academia, industry, philanthropy, and government gain access to a broader array of resources, facilitating more robust studies and accelerating the pace of scientific discovery. Furthermore, by streamlining the research process and enhancing data accessibility, the combined resources stand to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those living with ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and related neurodegenerative disorders. As a result, families looking for new treatments may find renewed hope as this collaborative effort drives towards significant advancements in therapeutic development.

"The integration of these platforms under a single interoperable framework is a real solution for the ALS community and beyond," said Clare Durrett, Managing Director of Answer ALS. "It allows researchers to access and analyze critical data without the barriers of separate systems, speeding up the discovery of potential therapies and enhancing our understanding of these complex diseases."

The Answer ALS and AD Data Initiative partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating progress in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases through innovative, open-source solutions. Researchers interested in accessing the combined data and tools can do so through the Neuromine Data Portal and the AD Workbench, both of which prioritize security, user-friendliness, and comprehensive data governance.

For more information about accessing the data and collaborating with the Answer ALS and AD Data Initiative team, please contact Clare Durrett at [email protected] or Matt Clement at [email protected].

About Answer ALS

Answer ALS is the most comprehensive ALS research consortium in history, producing more ALS data and biological samples than has ever been amassed, while openly sharing with the global research community. These data and samples are used to investigate the unique pathways of each variation of ALS and begin to develop and test the right treatments or cure. Answer ALS is an unprecedented approach to understanding and defeating the disease.

Headquartered in New Orleans and Washington, D.C., Answer ALS stands at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate the disease, supported by research partners and advocates worldwide.

For more information, visit us at answerals.org , LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .

Media Contacts:

Kissy Black

Answer ALS

[email protected]

Roxan Triolo Olivas

Lotos Nile

[email protected]

About the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative

The Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative is a coalition of leading academic, advocacy, government, industry, and philanthropy organizations that recognizes the need for dementia researchers to find easier ways to share unpublished data, analytical tools, and scientific findings. These partners are working together to accelerate progress towards new diagnostics, treatments, and cures in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Learn more about the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative at www.alzheimersdata.org.

Media Contact:

Manny McBride

Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative

[email protected]

SOURCE Answer ALS
REDDING, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Whole Dried Flowers, Powder, Extracts), Distribution Channel (B2B & B2C), Application (Beverages & Food Products) - Global Forecast to 2031,' the butterfly pea flowers market is expected to reach $151.7 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

The growth of the butterfly pea flowers market is driven by the growing demand for natural food colors, increasing demand for healthy tea alternatives, and increasing R&D activities in the food & beverage industry. However, this market's growth is restrained by the dynamic government regulations.

Download FREE PDF Brochure Of Butterfly Pea Flowers Market -

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Additionally, increasing R&D activities to find new raw material sources is anticipated to create substantial growth opportunities for players operating in this market. Moreover, the increasing awareness regarding clean-label products is a prominent trend in this market.

Key Players:

Some of the major players studied in this report are EverforEver Biotech (China), Paraman Food Works (India), Specialty Natural Products Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Woodland Foods (U.S.), My Blue Tea (Australia), Wild Hibiscus Flower, Co. (Australia), Blue Tea (India), All Herbscare (India), Nippon Advanced Agri Co., Ltd. (Japan), Revival Tea Company (U.S.), and Bigelow Tea (U.S.)

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The global butterfly pea flowers market is segmented by type (whole dried flowers, powder, extracts), distribution channel (direct channel/business-to-business (B2B), indirect channel/business to consumer (B2C)), application (beverages {tea, other beverages}, food products, and other applications); and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa). This study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the regional and country-level markets.

Butterfly Pea Flowers Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

In October 2024 , Bigelow Tea (U.S.) launched Bigelow Butterfly Pea Flower with two flavors, Sapphire Bay and Vanilla Midnight.

, (U.S.) launched Bigelow Butterfly Pea Flower with two flavors, Sapphire Bay and Vanilla Midnight. In May 2024 , California Natural Color (U.S.) launched pure purple butterfly peas to its color portfolio for a variety of applications.

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Key Findings in the Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Study:

By type, the powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the convenience of sterilized powder, as well as its increasing popularity in food and beverage production. Sterilized butterfly pea flower powder is valued for its natural ability to change product color. It is gaining traction in the development of functional foods and beverages due to its ease of handling, transportation, storage, and high stability.

By distribution channel, the indirect channel segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by factors such as the rise of online shopping, increasing sales of butterfly pea flower products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and specialty health food websites, as well as growing exports to new global markets.

By application, the beverages segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising demand for functional beverages and the growing popularity of herbal teas. Additionally, the vibrant color of the butterfly pea flower makes it a popular ingredient in beverages such as teas, smoothies, cocktails, and lemonades.

By geography, Asia-Pacific is poised to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing interest in traditional health practices, a rising focus on indigenous plants like butterfly pea flower, and the growing health and wellness trends in the region.

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Scope of the Report:

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessmentby Type

Whole Dried Flowers

Powder

Extracts

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessmentby Distribution Channel

Direct Channel/Business-to-Business (B2B)

Indirect Channel/Business to Consumer (B2C)

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Assessmentby Application

Beverages

Tea



Other Beverages

Food Products

Other Applications

Botanicals Market Assessmentby Geography

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



France



U.K.



Italy



Spain



Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

China



Japan



India



Australia



South Korea



Indonesia



Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

Related Reports:

Plant Extracts Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Essential Oils, Oleoresins, Flavonoids, Carotenoid), Form (Liquid), Source (Herbs & Spices, Fruits & Vegetables), Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics) - Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/plant-extracts-market-5988

Fruit Extracts Market by Source (Citrus Fruits, Apples, Pineapples, Grapes, Pears, Berries), Form (Powder, Liquid), Application (Beverages, Food, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics) - Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/fruit-extracts-market-5782

Botanicals Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Garlic Extract, Turmeric Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil), Form (Powder, Liquid), Nature (Organic), Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics)Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/botanicals-market-6021/toc

Moringa Extract Market by Type (Moringa Leaf Extract, Moringa Seed Extract, Moringa Bark Extract, Moringa Root Extract), Form (Powder, Liquid), Application (Food & Beverage, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/moringa-extract-market-5773

Liquid Botanical Extracts Market by Source (Herbs, Spices, Fruits, Flowers, Roots), Application (Cosmetics, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Food), Technology (Solvent Extraction, Cold Pressing, Steam Distillation, Enfleurage) - Global Forecast to 2029 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/liquid-botanical-extracts-market-5248

Butterfly Pea Flowers Market Research Summary

Particulars Details Number of Pages 114 Format PDF Forecast Period 20242031 Base Year 2023 CAGR (Value) 5.8 % Market Size (Value) USD 151.7 Billion by 2031 Segments Covered By Type Whole Dried Flowers

Powder

Extracts By Distribution Channel Direct Channel/Business-to-Business (B2B)

Indirect Channel/Business to Consumer (B2C) By Application Beverages

Tea



Other Beverages

Food Products

Other Applications Countries Covered North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Key Companies are EverforEver Biotech (China), Paraman Food Works (India), Specialty Natural Products Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Woodland Foods (U.S.), My Blue Tea (Australia), Wild Hibiscus Flower, Co. (Australia), Blue Tea (India), All Herbscare (India), Nippon Advanced Agri Co., Ltd. (Japan), Revival Tea Company (U.S.), and Bigelow Tea (U.S.)

About Meticulous Research Pvt. Ltd.

We are a trusted research partner for leading businesses worldwide, empowering Fortune 500 organizations and emerging enterprises with market intelligence designed to drive revenue transformation and strategic growth. Our insights reveal future growth opportunities, equipping clients with a competitive edge through a versatile suite of research solutionsincluding syndicated reports, custom research, and direct analyst engagement. Each year, we conduct over 300 syndicated studies and manage 60+ consulting engagements across eight major sectors and 20+ geographic markets, all to deliver targeted business insights that help our clients lead in a rapidly evolving global market.

With a strong focus on problem-solving for complex business challenges, our research enables organizations to navigate change with assertion, aligning it with strategic pathways for sustainable growth. By identifying innovative and effective solutions, we empower leaders to make impactful decisions that drive operational excellence and fuel innovation. We are committed to crafting insights that enhance business performance and help our clients unlock new revenue opportunities, positioning them for long-term success in the competitive global marketplace.

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SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd.
Highlights

Well-mineralized interval grading 1.11% nickel over 10.1 metres including 1.32% nickel, 0.17% copper and 0.55 g/t palladium + platinum over 4.4 metres

Mineralized interval is 138 metres northwest of BAN24-18 which intersected 1.61% nickel over 12.0 metres including 3.95% nickel over 4.0 metres

Follow-up drillhole BAN24-21 is in progress with BHEM survey scheduled

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQX: CNIKF) is pleased to announce assay results for drill hole BAN24-20 at the Company's Bannockburn property, which intersected 15.7 metres of net-textured sulphides within a disseminated sulphide-bearing peridotite. Bannockburn is one of the Company's southern exploration properties in the Timmins Nickel District.

Figure 1  BAN24-20, core pictures a; (467.0-485.3 metres) (CNW Group/Canada Nickel Company Inc.) Figure 2 Bannockburn B-zone and F-zone (CNW Group/Canada Nickel Company Inc.)

CEO Mark Selby said, "We are very pleased that this second hole at Bannockburn intersected a well-mineralized interval grading 1.11% nickel across 10.1 metres and correlates with both the geophysical target that had been identified in the prior borehole survey and the observed mineralization. We look forward to continuing to unlock the higher-grade potential of this target, and to testing other high potential conductors identified at the Bannockburn property."

Bannockburn Property

The Bannockburn property is located 65 kilometres south of Timmins and approximately 20 kilometres west of Matachewan, Ontario, and is in the vicinity of the Company's Midlothian and Sothman properties. The Company has been primarily focused on the large tonnage, low grade nickel zone (the B-Zone) and has identified a number of new prospective targets which are being tested for higher-grade material.

Bannockburn F-Zone

Results from assays for high grade nickel mineralization identified in drillhole BAN24-20 highlight up to 1.32% nickel over 4.4 metre within a well mineralized zone of 0.80 % nickel in 15.7 metre drillhole length. (Figure 1a). Hole BAN24-20 intersected the BHEM target at 470 metres downhole (within 20 metres of the interpreted location), within a strongly serpentinized peridotite that includes net-textured to locally semi-massive sulphides. The strongly mineralized peridotite is approximately 10.1 metres in core length and is followed by strongly serpentinized peridotite with disseminated nickel mineralization to end of hole.

The Company completed a new BHEM survey in BAN24-20 to test the continuation and extent of the high-grade horizons intersected in holes BAN24-18 and BAN24-20. The two intersections appear to be from two separate lenses. Massive sulphides at BAN24-18 appear within a volcanic package, whilst sulphides at BAN24-20 are at the upper contact of a thick sequence of mineralized ultramafic rocks. The Company is currently following up drilling the target with hole BAN24-21.

Table 1: Selected Assays BAN24-20

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Cu % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t S (%) BAN24-20 470.3 486.0 15.7 0.80 0.08 0.03 0.207 0.084 4.58 including 470.3 480.4 10.1 1.11 0.13 0.04 0.318 0.126 6.99 including 476.0 480.4 4.4 1.32 0.17 0.05 0.394 0.157 7.78

*Drillhole length. True width not calculated

a) Volcanics to peridotite contact, with Net-texture sulphides (Po (Pyrrhotite)>Pn (Pentlandite) and continuing into disseminated sulphides

Table 2: Drillhole Orientation

Hole ID Easting (mE) Northing (mN) Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) F-Zone BAN24-20 507326 5311585 34 -60 552

Statement Regarding TSX Venture

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.

Quality Assurance and Control, Drilling and Assaying

Edwin Escarraga, MSc, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, is responsible for the on-going drilling and sampling program, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The core is collected from the drill in sealed core trays and transported to the core logging facility. The core is marked and sampled at 1.5 metre lengths and cut with a diamond blade saw. One set of samples is transported in secured bags directly from the Canada Nickel core shack to Actlabs Timmins, while a second set of samples is securely shipped to SGS Lakefield for preparation, with analysis performed at SGS Burnaby. All are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs. Analysis for precious metals (gold, platinum and palladium) are completed by Fire Assay while analysis for nickel, cobalt, sulphur and other elements are performed using a peroxide fusion and ICP-OES analysis. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of 3 QA/QC samples per 20 core samples making a batch of 60 samples that are submitted for analysis.

Qualified Person and Data Verification

Stephen J. Balch P.Geo. (ON), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel.

About Canada Nickel Company

Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero Nickel, NetZero Cobalt, NetZero Iron and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Selby

CEO

Phone: 647-256-1954

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, drill and exploration results relating to the target properties described herein (the "Properties"), the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the potential of the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and the Properties, timing and completion (if at all) of mineral resource estimates, the ability to sell marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, corporate and technical objectives, and the completion of assays, follow-up geophysics and further drilling. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, and failure to obtain regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Canada Nickel Company Inc.
Event to include the distribution of 400 Learning Lunchboxes to local students  highlighting a shared belief in the importance of advancing science education in Barbados and beyond.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), McGill University and the U.S. State Department are teaming up to host a full day of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities and presentations to honor the 70th anniversary of the acclaimed Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados and promote STEAM education to students in Barbados.

The event, designed to celebrate seven decades of STEAM in the Caribbean, will feature inspiring presentations and workshops hosted by respected scientists; McGill students; U.S. government officials; and prominent STEAM leaders such as Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI.

"Together, COSI, McGill, and the U.S. State Department are steadfast in the belief that a better world can only be achieved through an increasingly STEAM-literate society  not just in the U.S. and Canada but across the globe, including the Caribbean," said Dr. Bertley. "With this vision at the forefront, we are joining forces in Barbados to inspire young minds throughout the region to pursue future careers in science and technology."

The Bellairs Research Institute, a McGill Facility, was founded in 1954 to provide a place in which professors and students might develop a scholarly interest in the tropics. Since then, the Institute has spearheaded impactful marine, biological, and technological research and hosted students and scientists from around the world for field courses, workshops and research projects.

"We are proud of the vital role Bellairs plays as a hub for both education and sustainability research," said Professor R. Bruce Lennox, Dean of Science at McGill University. "We are pleased to collaborate with Dr. Bertley, a distinguished McGill graduate and a valued member of the Board of Directors of McGill's Redpath Museum. His unique position as a bridge to COSI enables this important collaboration, and we're eager to see how our collective efforts in this outreach initiative will benefit and engage the community."

According to Donald Maynard of the U.S. State Department, "The U.S. Embassy is proud to collaborate with COSI to distribute Learning Lunchbox science kits and encourage the next generation of STEAM leaders in the Eastern Caribbean."

To continue promoting STEAM education throughout the island, COSI will distribute 400 COSI Learning Lunchboxes  which include STEAM activities and experiments  to Barbadian students from several local schools.

As the United States' #1 science museum, COSI is uniquely committed to advocating for STEAM education across the globe  including in India, Egypt, the Arctic, and the Caribbean. Earlier in November, COSI and the U.S. State Department also hosted an event in Dominica, where it collaborated with the Indigenous Kalinago People to distribute 300 Learning Lunchboxes to local children.

The COSI Learning Lunchboxes work to increase diversity and equity in STEAM and inspire youth towards related pathways, while providing parents and educators with a framework to increase engagement and accelerate learning. COSI has already distributed over 400,000 Learning Lunchboxes in more than 40 states and seven countries in partnership with federal agencies such as NASA, the White House, the U.S. State Department, and more.

"Genius is not confined to any one specific race, religion, gender, or economic class," concludes Dr. Bertley. "In order to ignite curiosity in STEAM, we must create a more STEAM-literate society, and that starts with inspiring young people anywhere and everywhere."

About COSI

COSI, the "#1 Science Museum in the Country" as voted by USA Today's 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.

About McGill University

Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada's top ranked medical doctoral university. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning three campuses, 12 faculties, 14 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 39,000 students, including more than 10,400 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,000 international students making up 30% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 20% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.

About the U.S. Department of State

The Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency within the Executive Branch and the lead institution conducting American diplomacy. Established by Congress in 1789 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Department is the oldest and most senior executive agency of the U.S. government. The Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor and implements the President's foreign policies worldwide through the Department and its employees.

Media Contacts

Griffin360

Dan Griffin

(212) 481-3456

[email protected]

SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
The new Danbury, CT location will introduce Central Bark's unique approach to whole dog care and enrichment to the region.

DANBURY, Conn., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Bark, the premier whole dog care franchise and industry pioneer, is today announcing its first franchise agreement and the upcoming opening of their first location in Connecticut, marking the twelfth state to enter the brand's footprint. The first location will be in Danbury, CT, and is set to open in early 2025 in a convenient location near The Danbury Fair Mall.

The new Danbury, CT location will introduce Central Bark's unique approach to whole dog care and enrichment to the region.

Leading Central Bark's introduction to Connecticut is Carol O'Donnell Martin. Carol brings extensive knowledge of community engagement, operational management, finance and a shared passion for dogs to amplify Central Bark's rapidly expanding national presence. The franchisee believes that her personal love for animals makes this journey into franchising the ideal venture for her professional life.

"A few years back, I started what I fondly called my side hustle  walking dogs in my community," said Carol. "The dogs that I cared for started to change my wellbeing. I always felt this sense of calm and reduced stress after every walk or play date and I knew Central Bark would provide an avenue to channel my professional skill set alongside my passion for animals. Their approach to whole dog care is exactly what our community in Danbury, and across our state, needs for our beloved pets."

No stranger to a busy lifestyle, Carol understands the value of providing a safe and science-based approach to enrichment dog day care, boarding, and grooming that enriches a dog's life and supports pet ownership. She is eager to establish a robust community of dog owners  creating unique opportunities to connect and expanding Central Bark's impact in pet-related non-profits and welfare efforts.

For more than 20 years, Central Bark has drawn in dogs and their owners across the country to experience its whole dog care approach, which combines Central Bark's industry-leading dog day care expertise with the latest in canine behavioral science. Enrichment care provides a healthy and balanced blend of exercise, social group play, learning, rest, and "TLC" to help dogs be healthy, happy, calm, and well-rounded members of the family. Furthermore, Central Bark also offers dog boarding, baths, grooming, a boutique retail market, training, and more. Central Bark strives to provide dogs with a comfortable, tailored experience, as demonstrated by their commitment to keeping class sizes smaller than other options across the industry.

"Carol is an amazing addition to our rapidly growing Central Bark franchise family," said Tim Weiderhoft, Ed.D., CFE, Chief Operating Officer for Central Bark. "We are changing the dog care landscape across the country, one new Central Bark at a time. Our approach to enrichment programming, including Puppy Hours, rest periods and low dog-to-enrichment specialist ratio, are differentiators for a reason and that is resonating with new franchisees and our customers alike. We're looking forward to introducing the Danbury community to our approach with our first location in Connecticut."

Central Bark typically features approximately 6,000  7,000 square feet of indoor space plus more than 2,000 square-feet of outdoor play area. Activities include small flexible playgroups, group skills work, rest periods, and personalized one-on-one enrichment sessions. Enrichment add-ons give pups the extra attention they love and the freedom to use their senses, safely exploring with their instincts as they engage with interactive toys, puzzles, and games.

For more information on Central Bark, visit https://www.centralbarkusa.com/. Franchising opportunities can be found at https://centralbarkfranchising.com/.

About Central Bark:

The Central Bark franchise system was founded in 2003 and now operates under the name Barkley Ventures Franchising, LLC. For more than 20 years, the brand has grown to over 40 locations across more than a dozen states. The company has hosted over two million dog visits. Central Bark participates in VetFran, the International Franchise Association's (IFA) veteran program, and offers a franchise fee discount to qualifying veterans. Central Bark is also an IFA MinorityFran participant. For more information about franchising with Central Bark, visit centralbarkfranchising.com or call 866-799-2275.

SOURCE Central Bark
American Heart Association consortium advances development of evidence-based health tech solutions

TAIPEI, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- dBio has joined the American Heart Association Center for Health Technology & Innovation (the Center) Innovators' Network, an initiative focused on building and fostering health technology relationships to develop innovative and scalable solutions. The Center aims to advance the rapid, efficient and effective development of healthcare technology, bringing together innovators to accelerate the development and adoption of transformative solutions aimed at improving cardiovascular health and patient care on a global scale.

For the first time, dBio's StethoCloud is introduced at AHA's Scientific Sessions 2024 as of part of AHA's Center for Health, Technology, & Innovation.

By joining the American Heart Association Center for Health Technology and Innovation Innovators' Network, dBio also has the opportunity to access the Association's digital evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations as they develop digital healthcare technologies. Members collaborate with the Center in different ways, including building models for clinical outcome studies, which lowers the significant cost of developing those studies independently, helping connect the science to technology and providing evidence that a digital platform improves healthcare outcomes  a key concern for providers and payers. This invaluable network will guide and support dBio's efforts in advancing health technology.

"The Center aims to advance the rapid, efficient and effective development of healthcare technology," said Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, volunteer past president of the American Heart Association (2019-2020), chair of the American Heart Association's Health Tech Advisory Group for the Center and the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine and provost for medical affairs of Cornell University. "Joining the Innovators' Network gives members the opportunity to leverage the consortium and work toward broadening and deepening their engagement in this arena."

"We are excited to join the American Heart Association Innovators' Network, a collaboration that aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation in healthcare technology," said Judy Wu, business development director at dBio. "With the support of the American Heart Association's scientific experts and leading cardiologists, we look forward to advancing StethoCloud, our AI-powered wearable stethoscope. This partnership will accelerate the adoption of transformative solutions that enhance cardiovascular care and provide real-time, actionable insights for both patients and healthcare providers."

Whether utilized by healthcare professionals or individuals at home, StethoCloud delivers invaluable insights, supporting improved health outcomes and empowering better care decisions. Through our participation in the Center's ecosystem, dBio is aligned with the Association's mission to advance the health of all individuals and communities and remains committed to driving innovation in health technology and enhancing cardiovascular care worldwide.

About dBio

dBio joins the Innovators' Network bringing with them StethoCloud, the world's lightest AI wearable stethoscope, weighing just 15 grams. Designed with user comfort in mind, StethoCloud seamlessly connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, marking a significant advancement in remote health monitoring.

StethoCloud is revolutionizing cardiology by capturing and analyzing heart sounds with unparalleled precision. It facilitates long-term recordings and personalized trend analysis, providing continuous, real-time insights into vital signs. Powered by advanced AI and IoT technology, StethoCloud serves a wide range of health applications, from large-scale physical examinations to individualized home care.

MEDIA CONTACT:

For dBio: Edward Chou

Executive Assistant to Chairman

[email protected]

SOURCE Decentralized Biotechnology Intelligence Co., Ltd.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's health sector, long plagued by resource shortages and brain drain, has marked a significant achievement with a rise in the number of orthopaedic and paediatric surgeons, largely attributed to training initiatives by the College of Surgeons East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).Speaking at COSECSA's official opening and graduation ceremony in Harare yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the positive impact the institution has had on Zimbabwe's surgical workforce."In 1999, Zimbabwe had 25 orthopaedic surgeons. Today, this number has risen to 48, 42 of whom were trained through COSECSA," Mombeshora said.He also noted the dramatic increase in paediatric surgeons, from just one in 1999 to 88 currently, with seven of them being COSECSA graduates. Additionally, he revealed that the country previously had no plastic and reconstruction surgeons before COSECSA's interventions.The minister applauded COSECSA's efforts in retaining human resources within Zimbabwe and across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region amid widespread emigration of healthcare professionals."Training a surgeon requires significant time, commitment, and financial resources. I commend COSECSA for ensuring the continuous growth of a world-class surgical workforce," Mombeshora said.Mombeshora also acknowledged the increasing number of female surgeons among the graduates, commending COSECSA for promoting gender inclusivity and supporting women in surgery."This demonstrates that gender is no barrier to surgery or training. The rise of women in surgery across Africa is a powerful example of breaking barriers and building inclusivity," he added.Melini Baruth, senior director at Operation Smile Global, praised COSECSA for its transformative impact on surgical education and healthcare over its 25-year history."We are honoured to partner with COSECSA to build the next generation of surgical leaders. Our collaboration with Women in Surgery Africa aims to empower female surgeons and drive equitable access to life-changing surgery across the continent," Baruth said.COSECSA operates across 14 countries, serving a population of over 460 million people. The college has trained and certified over 900 surgical specialists, with more than 1,200 surgeons currently in training.Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has successfully retained 96 COSECSA-trained surgeons, who are now serving communities nationwide.The event underscored Zimbabwe's potential to develop and maintain a skilled surgical workforce, even in the face of significant challenges, offering hope for improved healthcare access and outcomes in the future.
Initiative reflects automotive manufacturer's commitment to product quality, team building and community

GUELPH, ON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Team members at DENSO's thermal manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, have assembled 41 bikes for the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC) to donate to local families this holiday season. DENSO also provided helmets with each bicycle.

DENSO's donation is part of a company program called Build-a-Bike that for six years has allowed the Guelph location to give back to local families during the holidays. Through Build-a-Bike, which began in 2017 and was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, DENSO has built 238 bicycles for Guelph community members to date.

DENSO gave this year's gift to GNSC today in a gathering at its Guelph location. During the event, DENSO also announced it would donate C$2,000 to GNSC's North End Harvest Market.

"When our community comes together for a common cause, good things happen," said Brendan Johnson, executive director of GNSC. "We're grateful for DENSO's commitment to Build-a-Bike, which amounts to much more than just assembling bicycles. It can make all the difference in creating a memorable holiday for our neighbours and friends in Guelph. These bikes are a gift of love and kindness to the community."

Build-a-Bike begins each fall as DENSO Guelph employees team up to earn parts, reinforce product quality principles and assemble the bikes. Grand River Cycle inspects the bicycles prior to distribution and, as the holidays draw near, GNSC helps match them with local families and completes deliveries. This year's donation includes bikes and helmets of various sizes, fitted for young children up to adults.

"Whether we're building an automotive product or a bike for a family, our focuses on quality and safety always shine through," said John Klassen, president of the DENSO Guelph facility. "I'd like to thank our DENSO team, GNSC and Grand River Cycle, who always make this a fun opportunity for us to use our manufacturing skills to help people in the community."

DENSO's Guelph location was recognized in 2023 by Canada's Top 100 Employers as one of the Waterloo Area's Top Employers. The site is currently hiring for various roles. To apply, go here.

About DENSO

Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.2 billion leading mobility supplier.

SOURCE DENSO
The EU-funded project will showcase a mobile application as well as key findings on children's digital maturity during its concluding conference in Vienna

VIENNA, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The EU-funded DIGYMATEX Project will unveil a new app designed to guide children and teens toward healthier and more balanced technology use.

The application will be showcased at the DIGYMATEX concluding conference, Growing Up on Screens, which will take place on December 9, 2024 at the University of Vienna and will be streamed online.

During the event, project researchers will also present key findings on how young people use digital technologies and the importance of fostering self-determined and socially responsible technology use.

With kids spending more time online than ever, the DIGYMATEX app empowers young people aged 9 to 18 to develop better habits while using smartphones, tablets, and other digital tools. Through fun interactive activities and personalized feedback, the app helps users make thoughtful choices, build skills, and stay connected to the world around them.

The app focuses on three key elements:

Choice : Kids can pick their own activities and challenges, giving them a sense of control.

: Kids can pick their own activities and challenges, giving them a sense of control. Confidence : Gamified lessons teach practical skills, such as how to stay safe and smart online.

: Gamified lessons teach practical skills, such as how to stay safe and smart online. Support: A friendly digital guide cheers them on with motivational messages and progress updates.

"The DIGYMATEX app promotes healthier technology habits and builds confidence and independence in young users," said DIGYMATEX project coordinator, Prof. Marco Hubert of Aarhus University, Denmark.

"The concluding conference will summarize more than four years of research on developing evidence-based tools for understanding and assessing digital maturity in children and adolescents."

The meeting is open to researchers, educators, and parents interested in the topic of children's digital maturity. It includes a keynote presentation, "A Child Rights Approach to Digital Maturity" given by Prof. Sonia Livingstone of the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

To view the full programme and to register, click here.

About DIGYMATEX

DIGYMATEX is an EU-funded project working to develop evidence-based tools for understanding and assessing digital maturity in children and adolescents.

The project is being funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme and the Canadian government and is comprised of 12 partner organisations from leading universities, research institutions, and technology companies in ten countries.

For more information, https://digymatex.eu/

Contact

Marco Hubert

Aarhus University

[email protected]

+45 9350 8662

SOURCE DIGYMATEX Project
RIGA, Latvia, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicobros International announces significant funding to the amount of $2 million in the interest of scientific research on the efficacy of nicotine pouches for smoking cessation. Following the success of Nicobros' online sales of smokeless alternatives nicotine pouches (nicotinepouches.net and snus.online), the young entrepreneurial company has joined forces with industry leading scientists and some of the most notable names in the tobacco sector to spearhead a series of research papers over the next 5 years. This research is intended to take an in-depth exploration into the effectiveness of a selection of traditional no-smoking tools, compared to newer product nicotine pouches. The research will also include placebo products.

For millions of smokers seeking to quit cigarettes, the tools available such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and nasal sprays have proven limitations. According to this study, as many as 10% return to cigarettes once again within a year of quitting. Nicobros believes this is because the smoking cessation products available aren't effective enough to resist withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Nicotine pouches have for many, been transformational in the quest to give up smoking. Small, convenient and discreet, these fume-free oral sachets containing a blend of nicotine, flavorings, water and sweetener are revolutionary because they do not contain tobacco, which is the most dangerous ingredient in cigarettes. Therefore, all the risks associated with tobacco are immediately eliminated.

Currently, there are limited studies on smokeless alternatives, yet the category has been in existence since 2014. Most governments have introduced regulatory guidelines on usage, but some governments are still on the backfoot. The Nicobros scientific research will serve multiple purposes. Firstly, findings could result in government health departments endorsing these products as highly competent nicotine replacement therapy, which is one of Nicobros' aims, and secondly, the research may help to better categorize nicotine pouches. Some countries, for example Germany, struggle to place these smokeless alternatives with no place in the food or tobacco categories.

Nicobros has spent the last 12 months analysing sales and canvassing its customers to understand how nicotine pouches are being used. Said the CEO of Nicobros:

"We are hugely encouraged by the exceptional sales of nicotine pouches and wanted to understand the psychology behind our customers' purchases. Following extensive market research, we discovered that as many as 30% of our customers are buying our products for smoking cessation. In fact, our research also states that thousands have managed to stay smoke-free for over 12 months following their switch-over to nicotine pouches. This has led us to believe that nicotine pouches are the most efficient and effective smoking cessation tool to date. Working with leading scientists and hopefully, we can influence government departments by providing proof of data. In doing so, we will look to gain further endorsement of these products, and firmly cement the smokeless alternative category as a genuinely healthier alternative to cigarettes."

Upon commencing the scientific studies, due to begin in the second quarter of 2025, Nicobros also aims to get involved with the World Health Organization and help to drive their global no-smoking campaign. There is significant potential here to significantly reduce the global impact of cigarettes.

Contact and Information

www.nicotinepouches.net

SOURCE Nicobros SIA
The Directors of Nashville Chopin and Music City Chopin today released the names of the donors supporting the Piano Rainbow Metro Nashville Public School initiative along with the names of the first 5 recipient schools

NASHVILLE, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Directors Joshua Izzard and Graciella Kowalczyk of Nashville Chopin and Music City Chopin announced the roster of donors to the organization's Piano Rainbow donation program along with the names of the first five Metro Nashville Public Schools that will receive pianos. The Piano Rainbow Initiative places pianos in schools and community centers in under-resourced and underprivileged areas across Nashville. Nashville Chopin provides these wonderful instruments free of charge, as well as mentorship, artistic guidance, and educational materials. This project aims to honor the cultural diversity of Music City while empowering students through music education.

Next week, the first five pianos are heading to their new homes at Napier Elementary School, Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary, John Early Museum Magnet Middle School, Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School, and Bellshire Elementary, where they will become living musical murals.

Nashville's Music City Chopin thanks its sponsors for making the Piano Rainbow initiative possible. Piano Rainbow's wonderful sponsors are business and community leaders, including Southern Land Company, Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans, Falcetti Pianos, Mercedes-Benz of Music City, Beaman Toyota, Gibson Gives, Shigeru Kawai, Buchalter, Cole Law, Firefly Pediatric Dentistry, Brett Manning's Singing Success, Firefly Pediatric Dentistry, and others. The broad support across industries is a shining example of the intersection of business and the arts coming together to better lives, exposing youth to high-level music education and providing instruments to learn and express their artistic nature.

Several sponsors offered statements posted on the program's Donors Page detailing why they supported the program.

JOHARI MATTHEWS - VP & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ONE COMMUNITY & TENNESSEE TITANS FOUNDATION

"Through the Tennessee Titans ONE Community initiative, we recognize the transformative power of arts and music in shaping young minds and fostering creativity. By partnering with Music City Chopin, this initiative reflects our deep commitment of supporting students and the multitude of opportunities that stem from investing in arts and music education. We're excited to see how this initiative will nurture the potential of our young people and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers and leaders."

Music City Chopin will celebrate these wonderful kids and generous sponsors on December 16th, 2024, at a special piano unveiling event and performance in Curb Family Hall at Schermerhorn Center. Tickets are available online at Friends of Nashville Chopin Celebration's ticketing page.

Contact:

Joshua Izzard

[email protected]

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13051177

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition
EVANSTON, Ill., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endeavor Health is proud to announce that five of its hospitalsEdward Hospital, Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Skokie Hospitalhave earned Magnet redesignation, the nation's highest honor in nursing excellence. Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this prestigious recognition highlights Endeavor Health's unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards in patient care and nursing practice.

Research has shown that Magnet-designated hospitals consistently deliver stronger outcomes, including shorter stays, higher satisfaction, more dedicated time with nurses and lower mortality rates. Additionally, these hospitals demonstrate higher nurse retention, reflecting a supportive and sustainable care environment.

"This accomplishment is a testament to the extraordinary compassion, expertise and collaboration of our nurses," said John Tressa, DNP, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, System Chief Nursing Executive at Endeavor Health. "Magnet recognition is more than an awardit symbolizes the shared voices of our Clinical Nurses in how we approach patient care, develop our team members, foster innovation and continually improve outcomes for our patients. I am immensely proud of the work we do together to achieve this honor."

Endeavor Health Edward Hospital celebrated its fifth consecutive Magnet designation, a significant milestone that included distinct commendations for their outstanding exemplars in nursing practice and patient outcomes. Endeavor Health Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie Hospitals, celebrated their fourth consecutive Magnet designations.

Magnet designation, the gold standard in nursing, recognizes excellence in practice, leadership and innovative patient care. Redesignation is achieved through a rigorous process requiring widespread collaboration and engagement across leadership and staff.

Endeavor Health's Elmhurst, Northwest Community and Swedish Hospitals are in the early stages of applying for Magnet redesignation, with results anticipated in 2025. This continued effort toward redesignation reinforces Endeavor's legacy of excellence in nursing and highlights a system-wide culture of evidence-based practice, professional development and a supportive environment for nurses.

About Endeavor Health

Endeavor Health is a Chicagoland-based integrated health system driven by our mission to help everyone in our communities be their best. As Illinois' third-largest health system and third-largest medical group, we proudly serve an area of more than 4.2 million residents across seven northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 27,600 team members, including more than 1,700 employed physicians, are the heart of our organization, delivering seamless access to personalized, pioneering, world-class patient care across more than 300 ambulatory locations and nine hospitals, including eight Magnet-recognized acute care hospitals  Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights), Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital (Naperville).

Contact: Allie Burke

630-728-3747

[email protected]

SOURCE Endeavor Health
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements ("REE"), and critical minerals, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") with the Government of Madagascar (the "Government") setting forth certain key terms applicable to the Company's Toliara titanium, zirconium, and REE project (the "Toliara Project" or "Project"), located in southwestern Madagascar.

As previously announced, on November 28, 2024, the Madagascar Council of Ministers, as Chaired by the President of Madagascar, lifted the suspension on the Toliara Project, which was originally imposed in November 2019. The lifting of the Suspension allows the Company to continue development of the Project, re-establish community programs, and advance activities necessary to achieve a positive final investment decision ("FID").

The MOU announced today is the culmination of extensive negotiations over several years with the Malagasy Government on fiscal and other terms applicable to the Toliara Project and a major step forward in advancing the Project. While the Company is progressing towards an FID, which is expected to be made in approximately 14 months, the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize the terms and conditions set out in the MOU through the implementation of a "Stability Mechanism" consisting of one or a combination of the following: (a) submittal of an Investment Agreement to the Madagascar Parliament for approval as law and certification of the Toliara Project ("Project Certification") under existing law establishing a special regime for large scale investments in the Malagasy mining sector (the "LGIM "); (b) promulgation of amendments and revisions to the existing LGIM (the "LGIM Amendment") in a form that provides for the necessary certainty of financial and legal terms, and reasonable financial, operational and legal requirements, for large-scale projects and have Project Certification under the amended LGIM, together with an Investment Agreement (if reasonably required) submitted to Parliament for approval as law; and/or (c) another agreed upon mechanism that achieves the necessary certainty of financial and legal terms, and reasonable financial, operational and legal requirements, applying to large-scale mining projects.

Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels commented: "As I've said before, I believe the Toliara Project is a 'generational' critical mineral project that has the strong potential to operate well beyond many of our lifetimes. Therefore, it is vital to Energy Fuels, and to our Base Resources subsidiaries, that the Republic of Madagascar and the communities in the vicinity of the Project enjoy significant benefits that go beyond jobs, economic development, and sustainable operations that respect human rights, local culture, and the environment. To achieve this vision, the MOU signed today creates the framework for a long-term mutually beneficial partnership between a U.S. critical mineral company and the people of Madagascar. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Madagascar to formalize the terms of the MOU and grow our relationship with what we believe will be the largest U.S. investment in the country's history."

Key Terms and Conditions of the MOU

Under the MOU, the Company has agreed to pay a five percent (5%) royalty (and no other) on mining products and deliver US$80 million after Project Certification in development, community, and social project funding, including a total of $30 million within 30 days after Project Certification, another $10 million within 30 days after achieving a positive FID and an additional $40 million by the fourth year of operations. In addition, the Company has agreed to spend at least $1 million prior to FID in the Atsimo Andrefana Region on community and social investments, and $4 million annually thereafter, indexed at 2% per annum, from commencement of construction after a positive FID. The Company has also committed to developing the Toliara Project in an environmentally, socially and fiscally responsible manner, and to observe the specific protections set out in the MOU.

The payments described above are not expected to have a material effect on the economics of this potentially multi-billion project, which (along with the appropriate disclaimers related to technical disclosure) are described in the Company's April 2024 press release. The Company is in the process of updating the September 2021 definitive feasibility study and December 2023 prefeasibility study on the Toliara Project, along with the White Mesa Mill's 2024 prefeasibility study on rare earth oxide production, to reflect current economics.

The Government has agreed in the MOU, among other things, to:

assist the Company with obtaining all necessary administrative authorizations for the purpose of adding REE-bearing monazite recovery to existing permits;

certify the Project as eligible under the LGIM (or amended LGIM, if applicable) as soon as the LGIM eligibility conditions are met; support the prompt development of the Toliara Project, including (without limitation) by causing all relevant State authorities to timely consider and grant all complete applications for permits, licenses or authorizations necessary or desirable for the development and operation of the Toliara Project in accordance with the laws of Madagascar ;

; maintain the fiscal, legal and customs stability of the Toliara Project;

not, directly or indirectly, receive, take or have an interest (including an economic interest or form of production sharing arrangement, and whether carried or free-carried) in the Company or any of its assets, including the Toliara Project;

provide active and public support for the Toliara Project, including by publicly announcing the State's support for the Toliara Project and its development; and

undertake any LGIM amendments in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Company, to ensure that such amendments (or similar instruments with legislative force) provide the necessary certainty of financial and legal terms to address the reasonable financial, operational and legal requirements of large-scale mining projects, and otherwise supports the bankability of the Toliara Project and the ability of the Company to achieve a positive FID.

In addition, under the MOU, the Company's agreement to pay a 5% royalty on revenues and its commitments to pay the US$80 million in development, community and social funding are conditional on:

the terms of the Stability Mechanism being adopted in a form that is satisfactory to the Company;

Project Certification having been obtained; and

prior to Project Certification having been obtained, there being no change to the laws of Madagascar (as they apply to the Company and the Toliara Project as at the date of the MOU) that is adverse to the Company or the Toliara Project.

The MOU and its terms are expressly subject to the foregoing conditions set out in the MOU. It should be noted that there can be no assurance that the foregoing conditions will be satisfied or as to the timing of satisfaction of those conditions, or the timing for approval of the addition of monazite to the mining permit. If such conditions are not satisfied, this could delay any FID in relation to the Toliara Project or prevent or otherwise have a significant effect on the development of the Toliara Project or ability to recover Monazite from the Toliara Project.

ABOUT ENERGY FUELS

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company, focused on uranium, REEs, heavy mineral sands ("HMS"), vanadium and medical isotopes. The Company has been the leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate for the past several years, which is sold to nuclear utilities that process it further for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy and owns and operates several conventional and in situ recovery uranium projects in the western United States. The Company also owns the White Mesa Mill in Utah, which is the only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium processing facility in the United States. At the Mill, the Company also produces advanced REE products, vanadium oxide (when market conditions warrant), and is preparing to begin pilot-scale recovery of certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments. The Company also owns the operating Kwale HMS project in Kenya which is nearing the end of its life and is developing three (3) additional HMS projects, including the Toliara Project in Madagascar, the Bahia Project in Brazil, and the Donald Project in Australia in which the Company has the right to earn up to a 49% interest in a joint venture with Astron Corporation Limited. The Company is based in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, with its HMS operations managed from Perth, Australia. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." For more information on all we do, please visit http://www.energyfuels.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based uranium and critical minerals company or as the leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation that the Company will re-commence development activities on the ground, re-establish the Company's community programs or progress the other activities necessary to achieve a positive FID for the Toliara Project; any expectation that the Toliara Project is a 'generational' critical minerals project or that it has the strong potential to operate well beyond many of our lifetimes or at all; any expectation that the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize fiscal and other terms applicable to the Project through an investment agreement, amendments to existing laws or other mechanisms as appropriate; any expectation that rare-earth element production will be added to the existing mining permit; any expectation that the financial and legal stability of the Toliara Project will be maintained; any expectation that the Toliara Project will attain Project Certification or that the other conditions to the Company's funding obligations will be satisfied; any expectation that a positive FID will be made for the Toliara Project and the timing of any such positive FID; any expectation that the Toliara Project will be developed; any expectation that the MOU will create the framework for a long-term mutually beneficial partnership between a U.S. critical mineral company and the people of Madagascar; and any expectation that the Company will be successful in recovering certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; legal challenges; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; the failure of the Company to provide or obtain the necessary financing required to develop the Project; market factors, including future demand for REEs; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml , on SEDAR at www.sedar.com , and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com . Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.
Trend serves enterprises and governments worldwide as core enabler of security and compliance

DALLAS, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced its latest platform compliance achievement: Trend Vision One for Government has obtained a FedRAMP Authorization to Operate (ATO). This milestone enables Federal government customers to leverage Trend's platform to rapidly stop adversaries and control their cybersecurity risk posture. This FedRAMP ATO cements Trend as a global leader in compliant zero trust solutions.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: "FedRAMP is the gold standard for U.S. government customers and industry partners alike. With our platform receiving FedRAMP Authorization, government customers can fully leverage Trend's unmatched threat intelligence and risk management capabilities. Customers can understand their environments, meet their zero trust requirements, and innovate securely and with confidence."

Achieving FedRAMP ATO status represents confidence from the U.S. public sector in Trend's ability to secure growing attack surfaces and manage cyber risk for government agencies as well as their partners and suppliers.

Trend Vision One for Government is a purpose-built platform that enables agencies to track attacks across their organizations, allowing security teams to see more and respond faster. The new FedRAMP Authorization will bring Trend's industry-leading advanced endpoint security and artificial intelligence capabilities to government customers building out hybrid architectures that extends across multiple cloud and on-premises environments.

Greater Visibility: Integrated sensors deployed across multiple environments coupled with top tier threat intelligence and an intuitive use interface allows agencies to understand their zero trust architectures and meet the most demanding requirements.

Faster Detection and Response: Dynamic detection models and proactive policy management let government customers spot IOCs that other platforms miss and update their environments to defend against those threats to government customers.

Improved Security Team Efficiency: Continuous threat hunting and monitoring for updated IOCs across any environment allows government security teams to prioritize their time to drive real security and risk management across agency enterprises.

Trend is committed to data privacy and information collection transparency. Data processing will remain in the U.S. and data will be separated from the commercial Trend Micro cloud environment to ensure it is only accessible to analysts with security clearance to meet strict FedRAMP requirements.

Established in 2011, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a government-wide initiative designed to empower agencies to securely use advanced cloud technologies for greater operational agility, cost efficiency and innovation. FedRAMP standardizes security and risk assessment for cloud technologies and federal agencies, using highly transparent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards and guidelines.

To learn more, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/business/capabilities/solutions-for/federal-government/security-operations.html

To view Trend Vision One for Government on the FedRAMP Marketplace, visit: https://marketplace.fedramp.gov/products/FR2226231529

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader , helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend's platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com .

SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated
Two major wins in the Charlotte market showcase Flexential's significant business growth and strong close to 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexential, a leading provider of secure and flexible data center solutions, has been recognized in Charlotte Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 Awards, as well as ranking #19 on the publication's list of Largest Private Companies  a significant jump from #42 last year.

Flexential Honored by Charlotte Business Journal with 2024 Fast 50 Award and Largest Private Companies List

Charlotte Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 Awards recognize the top 50 fastest growing private companies in Charlotte N.C. that have documented the highest revenue growth over the past three years. Additionally, Flexential's rise to #19 on Charlotte Business Journal's list of largest private companies indicates the company's outstanding year-over-year growth.

These significant business achievements come on the heels of Flexential's second consecutive honor as one of Charlotte Magazine's Top Workplaces of 2024, pointing to the strong culture of belonging and innovation that permeates the company and its Charlotte headquarters. However, Flexential's achievements are not limited to the Charlotte area. Earlier this year, Flexential also won the State of Colorado Top Workplaces 2024 Award, and just recently broke ground on its newest state-of-the-art Denver data center.

"We're proud of the recognition we've received as a result of the remarkable growth and innovation that Flexential has experienced this year," said Chris Downie, CEO of Flexential. "With 42 data centers in 19 highly connected markets, we are well poised to continue advancing and supporting our communities. We look forward to continuing the momentum, both in Charlotte and across all the key markets in which we operate."

Following its recent strategic investment from Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP) and continued support from GI Partners, Flexential will continue to focus on achieving its mission of meeting the increasing demand for digital infrastructure.

About Flexential

Flexential empowers the IT journey of the most complex businesses by offering customizable IT solutions designed for today's demanding high-density computing requirements. With colocation, cloud, connectivity, data protection, and professional services, the FlexAnywhere platform anchors our services in 42 data centers across 19 highly connected markets on a 100Gbps private network backbone. Flexential solutions are strategically engineered to meet the most stringent challenges in security, compliance, and resiliency. Experience the power of IT flexibility and how we enable digital transformation at www.flexential.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X. Visit our interactive data center guide to book a tour. Flexential is a registered trademark of the Flexential Corp.

Media Contact:

Alison Brooker

Corporate Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE Flexential
Customers are optimizing sourcing and adaptive supply chain strategies with Coupa; realizing $221 billion in cost savings and margin improvements

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Coupa's growing community of more than 3,000 global brands have realized more than $221 billion in savings to-date, and nearly $17 billion savings in the fiscal third quarter alone. By leveraging Coupa's leading AI total spend management platform, customers are benefiting from more favorable supplier, sourcing, and supply chain design and planning strategies  driving down costs to improve profit margins.

"Coupa's goal is ambitious. We're building a network that will underpin the future of global trade, where supply and demand is matched autonomously in real time, unlocking new growth opportunities for millions of buyers and suppliers. Our unmatched network of 10 million buyers and suppliers grows every day along with the $7 trillion dataset that grows with their transactions every year. All of this is informing our community-generated AI that gets smarter by the minute so that businesses can accelerate efficiency and growth plans, de-risk their future, and become more resilient to build a better tomorrow, together," said Leagh Turner, Coupa CEO.

"Coupa's ambitions are turned into actions by the most powerful team, technology, and community that I've ever seen. The business is accelerating, innovating, and growing. We've maintained a 95% gross retention rate and we are on track to deliver approximately 40% EBITDA margins for the year. And, we continue to deliver tangible value to our customers that helps them improve margins," continued Turner.

"We want procurement to be an almost invisible support. End-users don't need to think about who to contact or how to buy. That's where Coupa comes in and why it's so powerful for our business," said Bernard Hardy, Procurement Excellence Director at AkzoNobel, a leading supplier of sustainable and innovative paints and coatings for customers around the world. Read more on AkzoNobel's story here .

Coupa community highlights for the third fiscal quarter include:

380+ global businesses initiated or expanded their partnership with Coupa . New wins for the quarter include the American Residential Services, Bugaboo International, Nextracker, San Francisco Giants, Swiss Life Germany, Swiss Steel Group, Vina Concha y Toro, and Yamaha Motor Company.





. New wins for the quarter include the American Residential Services, Bugaboo International, Nextracker, San Francisco Giants, Swiss Life Germany, Swiss Steel Group, Vina Concha y Toro, and Yamaha Motor Company. 128% QOQ new bookings growth in Coupa's supply chain business , welcoming several new customers and renewing multiple leading brands.





, welcoming several new customers and renewing multiple leading brands. Customers realized 276% ROI within three years and achieved more than 3x the financial benefit with a payback within 10 months, according to a 2024 Total Economic Impact Study from Forrester Research quantifying the business value delivered by Coupa.





according to a from Forrester Research quantifying the business value delivered by Coupa. Coupa's global community event Inspire will highlight the company's "Margin Multiplier Effect," held in Las Vegas on May 12-15, 2025 and followed by a series of World Tour events in Frankfurt , London , Sydney , Sao Paulo, and Tokyo throughout the year. At these events, procurement, finance, supply chain, and IT professionals can learn from industry peers with curated learning and networking journeys.





and followed by in , , , Sao Paulo, and throughout the year. At these events, procurement, finance, supply chain, and IT professionals can learn from industry peers with curated learning and networking journeys. Coupa's AI-driven total spend management platform continues to be recognized by leading analyst firms for its innovative use of AI, automation, customer centricity, and compliance.

500+ Coupanians stepped up to make positive change during Coupa's Global Impact Week . Across 13 countries and 38 events, employees ran, walked, and biked over 3,500 miles, contributing a donation to Guide Dogs for the Blind, World Vision, and the American Red Cross. Additional organizations that employees supported by donating funds and their time include SuitUp, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Clean up the Arakawa River in Tokyo , and local food banks in Bogota , Atlanta , and NYC. On Giving Tuesday, Coupa matched employee donations 200%.





. Across 13 countries and 38 events, employees ran, walked, and biked over 3,500 miles, contributing a donation to Guide Dogs for the Blind, World Vision, and the American Red Cross. Additional organizations that employees supported by donating funds and their time include SuitUp, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Clean up the Arakawa River in , and local food banks in , , and NYC. On Giving Tuesday, Coupa matched employee donations 200%. Coupa recently welcomed seasoned technology and industry leaders to its leadership team, including:

About Coupa

Coupa makes margins multiply through its community-generated AI and industry leading total spend management platform for businesses large and small. Coupa AI is informed by trillions of dollars of direct and indirect spend data across a global network of 10M+ buyers and suppliers. We empower you with the ability to predict, prescribe, and automate smarter, more profitable business decisions to improve operating margins. Coupa is the margin multiplier company. Learn more at coupa.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

SOURCE Coupa Software
Celebrate the Holidays with Festive French Cheer

COLMAR, France, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From dinner parties to office holiday happy hours, cookie swaps, and cooking classes to ringing in the New Year, holiday gatherings call for bubbles. Simplify your shopping with a bottle that suits all these occasions: Cremant d'Alsace. The most versatile of sparkling wines, Cremant d'Alsace offers the elegance to accompany celebrations, with a price tag perfect for casual sipping.

(PRNewsfoto/Wines of Alsace)

As one of the leading French alternatives to their more pricey counterpart (ahem, Champagne), here are a few reasons why Cremant d'Alsace produced in this northeastern French region should be your go-to sparkler this holiday season:

A range of styles  and colors! Cremant d'Alsace Brut, Extra Brut, Rose and Vintage sparklers are produced from classic French grapes, like Chardonnay, though Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling may also be used for regional flair. All Cremant d'Alsace roses are made from 100% Pinot Noir, showcasing an eye-catching pale pink hue. A touch of luxury without the luxurious price tag. Cremant d'Alsace is made in the traditional method, a hallmark of elegant, long-lasting, quality bubblies. And with a typical price below $30 , there's no need to skimp on the White Elephant exchange or worry about blowing your budget by popping a second bottle at the holiday table. A perfect pairing with just about any dish. With crisp acidity and lively bubbles, Cremant d'Alsace has never met a food pairing or holiday recipe it didn't like  from potato latkes to glazed ham to gingerbread cookies to caviar.

Alex Sarovich, Founder, Own Rooted Hospitality, shares, "I love stocking up on Cremant d'Alsace for the holidays, especially since you can get two bottles of Cremant d'Alsace from a quality producer for the price of one bottle of Champagne! It's incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a wide range of holiday foodscheese plates, cranberry stuffing, and bacon-wrapped dates are just a few of my favorite pairings with Cremant d'Alsace."

Learn more about Cremant d'Alsace  widely available at your favorite local retailer or online shop  here.

PRESS CONTACTS:

USA

Teuwen, an Evins Communications Company

Kaila Raymond | [email protected]

Catherine Lambert | [email protected]

ALSACE

CIVA - Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace

Foulques Aulagnon | [email protected]

About Alsace Wines Located in northeastern France, Alsace is nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. On the Vosges foothills, vineyards are planted on 13 soil types. Alsace grows seven main varieties including dry Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparklers and rich, late harvest wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace and complex Grand Cru bottlings, Alsace makes it all.

About Teuwen, an Evins Communications CompanyTeuwen, an Evins Communications Company, is an award-winning food, wine, and spirits public relations and marketing agency with insight and influence. A collaborative and creative team, authentic industry connections, and personalized approach to each client produces strategic, integrated programs across multiple touch points, with powerful results.

SOURCE Wines of Alsace
News / National

by Staff reporter

High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda has ordered the eviction of miners engaged in gold mining activities on Ascotvale Farm in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, following a legal challenge by Paidamoyo Kuruneri, widow of the late former Finance Minister Christopher Tichaona Kuruneri.The miners, Sipho Mlalazi and Thabani Ndlovu, had resisted eviction, claiming they held valid mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). However, Justice Dube-Banda ruled in Paidamoyo's favor, stating that their operations were illegal and lacked the necessary environmental impact assessment certificates mandated under the Environmental Management Act.Paidamoyo detailed in her affidavit that Ascotvale Farm was acquired by her late husband in 1997, and the couple took occupation upon receiving the title deed. In 2002, the Environmental Management Act introduced strict conditions for prospecting, mining, and ore processing, requiring EMA certification for mining projects.Despite these provisions, Paidamoyo said ministry officials illegally issued licenses to miners without ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This led to unregulated mining activities on the farm, causing severe environmental degradation.In 2019, Christopher Kuruneri sought a prohibition interdict against the government to enforce compliance with the EMA Act. The court granted the interdict in 2021 and declared all mining licenses, permits, and certificates on Ascotvale Farm invalid.In her latest application, Paidamoyo sought to evict Mlalazi and Ndlovu from mining claims on the farm. Mlalazi, who held a claim named Rosary 101, opposed the application, arguing that his mining rights were valid and could not be challenged after two years of registration.However, Justice Dube-Banda dismissed his arguments, ruling that the absence of EMA certification rendered the mining activities unlawful.The judge upheld Paidamoyo's application and ordered Mlalazi, Ndlovu, and any associates occupying the mining claims to vacate the property immediately."There are no special reasons warranting a departure from the general rule that costs should follow the result. The applicant is entitled to her costs. She sought costs on a legal practitioner and client scale," Justice Dube-Banda stated.He further authorised the Sheriff of the High Court to enforce the eviction if the respondents failed to comply.The ruling reinforces the legal requirement for mining operations to adhere to environmental regulations and could serve as a precedent for future cases involving unregulated mining. It also highlights the ongoing conflicts between landowners and miners in Zimbabwe's resource-rich areas.
Premier spa franchise sets sights on Michigan's thriving second-largest city for its next chapter of growth

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MassageLuXe , a premier spa franchise specializing in high-quality massage, facial, and waxing services, revealed today its strategic plans to expand the brand's presence in Michigan via the Grand Rapids market with the help of existing and new franchisees, presenting the area's aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand a brand with a strong business model into their local communities. MassageLuXe has plans of opening five locations in Grand Rapids over the next three years.

Claiming the title of the second largest city in the state of Michigan, Grand Rapids boasts an outstanding economy with diverse industries, beautiful scenery and all the big-city excitement with the small-town sense of community. MassageLuXe's expansion into Grand Rapids will provide a unique opportunity for the city's growing population and booming industries.

"Our franchise owners have built great relationships and reputations in the state of Michigan for MassageLuXe," said CEO of MassageLuXe, Kristen Pechacek. "We love getting to improve the lives of this beautiful state through health, wellness and relaxation. Our locations in Michigan have a proven track record of success with established communities who love and recognize our brand across the state. Grand Rapids presents a unique opportunity for us to expand into new communities that are ripe to support new businesses."

MassageLuXe franchisee, Reuben Levy, owns five locations in the state, all primarily outside of Detroit in communities like Shelby Township and Rochester Hill. Levy has worn many hats over the years from graduating with a degree in engineering to owning his own office supply company, but he's remained steadfast in his pursuit of being his own boss and setting up his family for success. Levy's journey with MassageLuXe began over a decade ago one faithful day when he bought a Groupon for a massage at the original Michigan location. Levy was a loyal customer of the brand for years before he decided to pursue ownership. He sold his office supply company, began acquiring and adding MassageLuXe locations and hasn't looked back.

"I couldn't speak highly enough about the brand, the teams we've built and our loyal customers," said Reuben Levy, multi-unit Michigan franchise owner of MassageLuXe. "We're in an amazing, growing industry and there's a ton of opportunity especially if you're passionate about the physical and mental health of your community. It's a great organization to join with constant and consistent support for your business. To be successful you need to love where you work and love what you do and that is exactly MassageLuXe for us and our teams. We're looking forward to the brand impacting even more people in our great state."

MassageLuXe is on a huge growth trajectory and has nearly 100 locations open and operating around the country. The company is building momentum to expand and advance its franchise development plans with first-time and experienced operators alike.

MassageLuXe is actively seeking motivated individuals to partner with as the brand continues expanding in Grand Rapids and beyond. Whether you're looking to complement your current career, already own a business, or are interested in dedicating yourself full-time to the spa industry, MassageLuXe could be the perfect opportunity for you.

To learn more about franchising with MassageLuXe and the available franchise incentives, visit: https://massageluxe.com/franchise-opportunities/

For more information about the parent company, MassageLuXe, visit: https://massageluxe.com

About MassageLuXe

Founded in 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment. Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has 92 locations across 19 states and plans to double in size in the next three years.

SOURCE MassageLuXe
HOUSTON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HNO International, Inc. (OTC: HNOI) and Pneumatic and Hydraulic Company (PHC) have signed a formal teaming agreement to accelerate the deployment of scalable hydrogen energy systems. This collaboration will leverage PHC's expertise in fluid power systems, power distribution, and service capabilities to support HNO International's vision of deploying hundreds of 1-10 megawatt electrolyzer production plants, refuelers (mobile and stationary), hydrogen refueling systems, and microgrid solutions.

PHC, a leader in the compressed gas industry for over 60 years, is the largest North American distributor for Haskel and serves a broad range of industries, including notable aerospace clients like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA. Their affiliate company also provides power distribution technology to the majority of major datacenters in the United States, supporting clients such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. Their extensive experience in fluid power solutions and high-pressure systems, along with their distribution lines of over 55 American-made brands of related equipment, will be instrumental in this partnership. PHC's robust service and repair infrastructure ensures long-term operational reliability, a critical factor in deploying cutting-edge hydrogen systems.

HNOI, with more than 15 years at the forefront of green hydrogen-based clean energy technologies, has a proven track record in delivering scalable, innovative hydrogen solutions. Their Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP ) and Compact Hydrogen Refueling System (CHRS) are designed to provide modular and rapidly deployable hydrogen production and dispensing solutions that meet the growing demand for clean energy across transportation, industrial, and energy sectors.

"This teaming agreement solidifies a partnership that combines HNO's innovative hydrogen solutions with PHC's exceptional integration, distribution, and service expertise," said Don Owens, Chairman of HNO International. "Together, we are taking a significant step forward in advancing the hydrogen economy and delivering clean energy solutions at scale."

The partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to transforming energy systems through efficient, reliable, and scalable hydrogen technologies. By pooling their resources and expertise, HNO International and PHC are positioned to address the challenges of clean energy adoption and drive the hydrogen economy forward.

About HNO International, Inc

HNO International (HNOI) is a company specializing in the design, integration, and development of green hydrogen-based energy technologies. With over 15 years of experience in green hydrogen production, HNOI and its leadership team are on a mission to help lead the renewable energy transition by making energy accessible to businesses and communities worldwide. Their pioneering solutions, including the Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP) and the Compact Hydrogen Refueling Station (CHRS) , are setting new standards for green hydrogen production.

About Pneumatic and Hydraulic Company

PHC, a leader in the compressed gas industry for over 60 years, is the largest North American distributor for Haskel and serves a broad range of industries, including notable aerospace clients like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA. Their extensive experience in fluid power solutions, high-pressure systems, and power distribution makes them a trusted partner in energy infrastructure.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov .

SOURCE HNO International
Two innovative brands joining forces to create a leading independent digital transformation business

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huge, a leading experience design and technology business, today announced that it has been acquired by AEA Investors ("AEA"). Huge was acquired from Interpublic Group ("IPG") and, in connection with the transaction, will join forces with AEA's existing portfolio company Hero Digital, forming one of the largest independent experience transformation businesses in the world.

Founded in 1999, Huge has built an impressive legacy of creating compelling digital products and experiences for clients, such as Google, McDonalds, NBCU, Nike, and more. Through this strategic combination, Huge will unite with Hero Digital, a similarly customer-centric organization that is committed to delivering innovative, information-driven experience design solutions.

The combined company will leverage Huge and Hero Digital's differentiated service offerings, complementary capabilities, and expanded global reach to further define the future of intelligent experiences, all while delivering enhanced growth for clients.

"This partnership comes at a critical time in the industry, as demand for intelligent experiences that combine innovation with real, measurable impact is increasing," said Lisa De Bonis, CEO of Huge. "We are delighted to come together with Hero Digital, and we are confident that the marriage of our businesses  supported by AEA's expertise in helping innovative companies drive growth  will enable us to continue to transform how clients connect with their customers and aid them in designing human-directed experiences at scale."

"This strategic combination represents a transformative moment for Hero Digital, Huge, and our valued clients," said Jay Dettling, CEO of Hero Digital. "Together, we will leverage our collective creativity and talent to continue providing best-in-class experiences, marketing, and commerce solutions, supporting the growth of our customers and the combined business."

In addition to scale and an enhanced global footprint, bringing together Huge and Hero Digital will establish a combined company that is positioned to serve a broader range of industries and support clients with a wider spectrum of capabilities.

"Huge has an outstanding reputation for delivering digital experiences that drive significant long-term value for its clients, and we've been impressed by their strategic and creative strength and are excited about the leverage this brand will bring us in the market," said AEA Operating Partner Jim Coleman, who will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company. "With broader industry exposure and an expanded spectrum of capabilities, together, Huge and Hero Digital will be an experience transformation powerhouse that is well positioned for accelerated growth in an increasingly data-driven and digitally led marketplace. We look forward to supporting the combined team as they seek to execute on the exciting opportunity in this space."

Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG, added, "We're pleased for the team at Huge and look forward to seeing the next phase for this storied digital brand as the company continues its evolution under new ownership."

Houlihan Lokey and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provided legal representation to IPG and Huge.

About Huge

Huge is a design and innovation company. We create products and experiences that grow the world's most ambitious companies. We do this by designing experiences for people, not users, and uncovering new sources of growth by leveraging our creative talent, our proprietary platform LIVE and unlocking the advantages brought to us by emerging technologies. We believe all experiences should be intelligent and unique to every client.

About Hero Digital

Hero Digital is a leading independent customer experience company leveraging strategy, design, technology, marketing, and data, to solve the critical digital transformation needs of the Fortune 1000. Hero Digital creates new business growth by transforming the complete digital customer experience, enabling people and brands to prosper. Hero Digital's blended teams help companies like Comcast, U.S. Bank, Zoom, Nagase, UNC Health, and TD Ameritrade Institutional drive business growth across the customer journey.

About AEA Investors

AEA Investors was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors, join its portfolio company boards, or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA's over 120 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Stamford, San Francisco, London, Munich, and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have approximately $19 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market and small business companies, growth capital, and private debt investments. For more information, visit www.aeainvestors.com .

About IPG

Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) ( www.interpublic.com ) is a values-based, data-fueled, and creatively-driven provider of marketing solutions. Home to some of the world's best-known and most innovative communications specialists, IPG global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB, FutureBrand, Golin, Initiative, IPG Health, IPG Mediabrands, Jack Morton, KINESSO, MAGNA, McCann, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Global, Octagon, R/GA, UM, Weber Shandwick and more. IPG is an S&P 500 company with total revenue of $10.89 billion in 2023.

Media Contacts

Huge:

De'Andra Roberts

[email protected]

Hero Digital:

Challin Baro

[email protected]

AEA Investors:

Kaitlin Bilby

(212) 845-4307

[email protected]

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson / Madeline Jones

(212) 355-4449

IPG:

Tom Cunningham

(212) 704-1326

SOURCE Huge
NEW YORK and TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus" or the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCQB: ITHUF), which owns, operates and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, provides an update to the previously disclosed legal proceedings involving Ninth Square Capital Corporation ("Ninth Square"). Ninth Square served a statement of claim on August 8, 2019 against iAnthus, MPX Bioceutical ULC ("MPX ULC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of iAnthus, and MPX International Corporation ("MPXI") before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, seeking damages for alleged oppressive conduct relating to an arrangement between iAnthus and MPX Bioceutical Corporation, the predecessor of MPX ULC (such claim, together with all related and consolidated actions, the "Consolidated Claims").

On December 3, 2024, iAnthus entered into a settlement agreement with Ninth Square and the other parties to the litigation, pursuant to which the parties thereto agreed to settle the Consolidated Claims on terms that provide for, among other things, the issuance of 5,000,000 common shares of iAnthus (the "Shares") to Ninth Square, at a deemed price of C$0.01 per Share.

The settlement agreement contains no admission of wrongdoing or liability by iAnthus, MPX ULC nor any of the other defendants, and iAnthus and MPX ULC continue to vigorously dispute and contest the allegations made in the Consolidated Claims.

The Shares will be issued pursuant to a prospectus exemption under Canadian securities laws (with no applicable hold period) and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act. The Shares have not been, nor will they 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" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Shares will be issued as "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the U.S. Securities Act. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of the Shares, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About iAnthus

iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company's reports that it files from time to time with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the settlement agreement, including the issuance of the Shares, and other statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business development and results of operations.

These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward- looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Denmark, the Indian Ambassador to Denmark, Mr. Manish Prabhat, and a delegation from the Indian Embassy visited SPX FLOW's Sborg, Denmark office. The visit underscored the shared commitment of both nations to driving innovation and fostering partnerships in engineering, industrial and sustainable solutions.

During the visit, SPX FLOW leaders showcased the company's advanced engineering solutions and global contributions, particularly in food, beverage, and industrial manufacturing. Presentations also spotlighted SPX FLOW's operations in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Pune, India, emphasizing its role in driving technological progress and supporting sustainable development in the region.

The delegation, which included key representatives from the Indian Embassy, engaged in discussions about future collaboration opportunities. The visit strengthened SPX FLOW's position as a key partner in fostering ties between private and government initiatives across both nations.

The program concluded with a guided tour of SPX FLOW's Innovation Center offering a glimpse into the company's cutting-edge research and development efforts, demonstrating how SPX FLOW's innovative solutions address global challenges and align with the shared goals of India and Denmark in sustainable development.

"This visit underscores the importance of innovation and partnership in addressing global challenges," said Pranav Shah, SPX FLOW Global Market Director, Dairy Plant Based Beverages. "We are honored to play a role in the growing collaboration between India and Denmark."

The event reflects SPX FLOW's commitment to global collaboration and marks a milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Denmark, paving the way for future opportunities in technology and industrial growth, added Shah.

About SPX FLOW, Inc.

Based in Charlotte, N.C., SPX FLOW, Inc. improves the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. The company's product offering is concentrated in process technologies that perform mixing, blending, fluid handling, separation, thermal heat transfer and other activities that are integral to processes performed across a wide variety of nutrition, health, and industrial markets. SPX FLOW has operations in more than 25 countries and sales in more than 140 countries. To learn more about SPX FLOW, please visit www.spxflow.com .

Media Contact:

Melissa Buscher, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE SPX FLOW, Inc.
Among his many accolades, Wood has also earned honors from "Super Lawyers" magazine and Martindale's prestigious Peer Review Ratings.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce that personal injury attorney and Partner Walt Wood is named to the 2024 "South Carolina Lawyers Weekly" 'Leaders in the Law' list.* The award is given to "legal leaders who set the standard for attorneys across the Palmetto State."

Wood joined the firm in 2017 and pioneered its expansion into South Carolina. Along the way, he has been named to the 'Rising Stars' lists for both North Carolina and South Carolina by "Super Lawyers" multiple times. He also holds a Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent rating.*

"I'm honored to be selected," said Wood, who recently attended the ceremony celebrating the 2024 'Leaders in the Law.' "It's heartening to be recognized for the impact we can have on our clients and community. South Carolina is my home state, and helping the people here gets me moving every single day. I'm so glad I came back home to Greenville and am making a difference."

Since 2020, the firm's South Carolina practice (managed from its flagship Greenville, South Carolina office) has helped people recover millions in total compensation.**

ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has helped over 65,000 injured people since 1997. Many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, mass torts, and class actions.

Contact Information:

David Chamberlin

33 Villa Road

Suite 400

Greenville, SC 29615

1-866-900-7078

https://www.farrin.com

Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, and Greenville, SC. Attorney Michael Shepherd: 555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, NC

*Standards of inclusion: sclawyersweekly.com; superlawyers.com; martindale.com. 'Rising Stars' designation is for 2012-13 (NC) and for 2014-16 (SC).

**Dozens of total clients. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately.

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
As the premier alternative to nitrogen-generating systems, Jetaire continues to educate on the benefits of INVICTA through direct engagement with airlines and lessors.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jetaire Group, the manufacturer of INVICTA, the premier alternative to nitrogen-generating systems for Airbus and Boeing aircraft, today announced its 2025 event schedule. As the deadline for implementing approved modifications to meet Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction (FTFR) requirements approaches, Jetaire is intensifying its efforts to educate operators, lessors, and investors on the benefits of INVICTA technology.

Key events in Jetaire's 2025 schedule include:

Airline Economics Dublin Growth Frontiers - January 2025 , Dublin, Ireland

, Parts Base Expo - February 2025 , Miami, Florida

, Aviation Week MRO Americas - April 2025 , Atlanta, Georgia

, MRO Asia Pacific - September 2025 , Singapore

, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA-BACE) - October 2025 , Las Vegas, Nevada

, MRO Europe - October 2025 , London, UK

"With the 2026 mandatory implementation dates on the horizon, it's crucial for the aviation industry to understand the most effective and efficient solutions for FTFR compliance," said Michael Williams, CEO of Jetaire Group. "Our presence at these key industry events allows us to demonstrate how INVICTA is revolutionizing fuel tank safety while offering significant operational benefits."

INVICTA, Jetaire's pioneering reticulated polyurethane foam technology, offers a maintenance-free design with an industry-leading 10-year warranty. It provides FTFR compliance without requiring modifications to the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS), resulting in the lowest total cost of ownership solution in the market.

Key benefits of INVICTA include:

Multi-agency approval for Airbus A320, A330, Boeing 737, and 767 aircraft

FAA and EASA validation for all Jetaire's INVICTA STCs

Professional installation by trusted partners worldwide

Compliance with 14 CFR 25.981 (a)(c)(d) and applicable airworthiness directives

Industry professionals attending these events are invited to meet with Jetaire representatives to learn more about INVICTA and how it can benefit their operations. To schedule a meeting or for more information, visit www.jetairegroup.com.

About Jetaire Group Fayetteville, Georgia-based Jetaire Group is a leading manufacturer of aviation safety technology, specializing in fuel tank flammability reduction solutions. Its flagship product, INVICTA, is revolutionizing the industry by providing a cost-effective, maintenance-free alternative to nitrogen-generating systems for Airbus and Boeing aircraft. With a global presence in over 50 countries, Jetaire Group continues to set the standard for innovation and reliability in aviation safety.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Adam Belusko at +1 404 346 7175 ext. 224 or email at [email protected].

SOURCE Jetaire Group
Researchers reported positive long-term results of bilateral capsulotomy for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment

SEOUL, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often resists conventional treatments, severely impacting patients' lives. Researchers conducted the world's first clinical trial of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) capsulotomy in treatment-resistant OCD. Their 10-year follow-up study demonstrated sustained symptom improvement, functional gains, and high patient satisfaction, establishing MRgFUS capsulotomy as a safe and effective treatment and offering new hope to patients worldwide.

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) capsulotomy provides lasting relief to patients with refractory OCD, according to the results from a clinical trial with a long-term follow-up of 10 years.

When conventional non-invasive treatments for psychiatric diseases fail, clinicians inevitably have to consider brain surgery. However, brain surgery for psychiatric diseases has long been taboo among the general public due to the infamous history of lobotomy. Thankfully, advancements in brain surgery in recent years are changing the narrative.

Bilateral capsulotomy, more commonly known as deep brain stimulation, is a form of brain surgery that has been garnering attention in treating treatment-resistant or refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients with refractory OCD experience a debilitating degree of repetitive behaviors and thoughts that they are unable to control, thus downgrading their quality of life.

A group of researchers from South Korea demonstrated that a novel non-invasive bilateral capsulotomy called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) capsulotomy is efficacious and safe in treating refractory OCD for up to two years. MRgFUS capsulotomy non-invasively and precisely ablates tissues in the brain region of interest. However, the sustained efficacy of this treatment option was unclear.

Recently, the same research group conducted a long-term follow-up study of 10 years involving patients with refractory OCD who underwent MRgFUS capsulotomy. They reported that MRgFUS capsulotomy is an efficacious and safe treatment option for refractory OCD, with high patient satisfaction, even at 10 years, establishing its lasting positive effects in patients. Their findings were published in Molecular Psychiatry on October 28, 2024.

This study has achieved multiple milestones in OCD research, offering hope to many patients experiencing refractory OCD. Accordingly, Dr. Jin Woo Chang from Korea University Anam Hospital who is a lead researcher in the study, exclaims, "These studies involve the world's first clinical trial for OCD with MRgFUS. The current study is also the world's first long-term follow-up study for OCD after treatment."

Interestingly, the application of MRgFUS capsulotomy may not be just limited to refractory OCD. Dr. Chang says, "The results from our clinical trial also imply the potential role of MRgFUS in managing other common psychiatric diseases, such as refractory depression, due to its simplicity and safety."

With the clinical application of MRgFUS capsulotomy on the horizon, Dr. Chang concludes, "With the rapid development of new surgical techniques like MRgFUS, it is possible to cure psychiatric diseases without additional complications. I am convinced this new technology will offer a new lease of life for those suffering and struggling from serious psychiatric problems."

Reference

Title of original paper: Long-term clinical outcome of a novel bilateral capsulotomy with focused ultrasound in refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment

Journal: Molecular Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02799-9

About Korea University College of Medicine

Website: https://medicine.korea.ac.kr/en/index.do

Contact:

Yoo-Jung Lee

+82 2 2286-1131

[email protected]

SOURCE Korea University College of Medicine
"We are deeply honored by the creation of the Pride Blend and the generous support it brings to the American LGBTQ+ Museum. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to visibility, inclusivity and mutual support within our community," explained Ben Garcia, Executive Director at The American LGBTQ+ Museum.

The American LGBTQ+ Museum is currently preparing a permanent home in New York City. Every bottle of Pride Blend sold will help the museum create spaces that tell, and cherish, LGBTQ+ stories.

"We hope the LGBTQ+ community put this bottle on proud display and put it to good use at a big celebration. We love knowing the donated proceeds will lead to more special experiences, created by the museum itself," remarked Tony Laithwaite, founder of Laithwaites Wine.

Pride Blend is a rich red wine crafted by Annette Bergevin, a talented lesbian winemaker in Washington. To create the label, The American LGBTQ+ Museum held a contest and chose "All That Glitters Is You," a vibrant depiction of the San Diego Pride Parade from internationally collected artist RD Riccoboni.

Pride Blend will be poured at events for the American LGBTQ+ Museum throughout the year and is now available for purchase at www.Laithwaites.com/Pride.

About The American LGBTQ+ Museum

The American LGBTQ+ Museum preserves, investigates and celebrates the dynamic histories and cultures of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, as well as those of the emergent and adjacent identities among our communities. Using exhibitions and programs, the museum seeks to advance LGBTQ+ equality through the lens of social justice movements, envisioning a world in which all people work toward and experience the joy of liberation.

To learn more, visit www.americanlgbtqmuseum.org

About Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the world's leading home delivery wine service, was founded by Tony Laithwaite in 1969. The company champions smaller, family-run wineries and provides high-quality, personalized services for its customers. All orders are accepted and fulfilled by licensed retailers and wineries in your delivery state.

To learn more, visit www.laithwaites.com/Pride

SOURCE Laithwaites Wine
LONDON and BOSTON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- L.E.K. Consulting, the global strategy consulting firm, has opened two additional offices in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to meet fast-growing demand from clients in the area.

The new offices are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Manama, Bahrain. Earlier in 2024, L.E.K., which has been serving clients in the GCC for many years, announced a new office in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

"We are delighted that our strategic insights and sector expertise are helping so many businesses and investors operating in these fast-growing economies make smart strategic decisions, create value and realize growth," said L.E.K. Global Managing Partner Clay Heskett.

Globally, L.E.K. serves companies and institutions across a broad range of sectors and practices. In the GCC, the Riyadh office focuses on serving clients across financial services, healthcare, education and transportation. The Bahrain and Dubai offices have a particular concentration on financial services.

About L.E.K. Consulting

We're L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients' businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice  spanning the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe  has guided leaders across all industries, from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors. Looking for more? Visit www.lek.com.

Media contacts:

UK: [email protected]

US: [email protected]

SOURCE L.E.K. Consulting
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Beitbridge woman testified this week about a horrifying ordeal during which an armed robber allegedly sexually assaulted her while searching for money during a robbery. The accused, Azion Kosiwe, is part of a gang whose other members are reportedly detained in Harare for murder.Kosiwe appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba, facing robbery charges. The victim recounted the traumatic incident, describing how Kosiwe violated her during the attack."After ransacking my goods, he turned on me and inserted his fingers in my privates to see if I had hidden any money there. He insulted me and asked me why I soiled him," she testified.The woman, visibly emotional, detailed the physical and psychological pain she endured, stating that she bled heavily following the assault. "I can easily identify him because of what he did. I remember him well and cannot forget the pain he caused me," she said.The court heard that on January 19, 2024, the victim and a colleague boarded a vehicle in Beitbridge, believing it was heading to Harare. Prosecutor Ronald Mugwagwa said Kosiwe and his accomplices pretended to be offering a legitimate ride to unsuspecting passengers.After traveling a short distance, the car veered off the main road onto a dust road, where the passengers were ambushed. One of the robbers brandished a knife, demanding money and valuables.The victim lost $100 and her phones, while another woman was robbed of $300 and electronic devices. During the robbery, Kosiwe allegedly committed the sexual assault while searching the victim for hidden money.During cross-examination, Kosiwe denied the charges and challenged the victim's ability to identify him. However, the victim maintained her identification, stating she had seen him in daylight prior to boarding the vehicle and vividly remembered him due to the traumatic encounter.The trial has been adjourned to next week when the State is expected to call the second victim as a witness. The case continues to draw attention due to the severity of the allegations and the broader implications of organized crime in the Beitbridge area.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Wind and SAMSUNG E&A announce the entering into a collaboration agreement to accelerate the development of eFuel facilities outside of Europe, in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The partnership aims to combine each party's expertise to evaluate opportunities for collaboration in eFuel facility development, extending Liquid Wind's reach and ongoing business development.

Claes Fredriksson, CEO and founder Liquid Wind. In Kyo Cheong, Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy. Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A.

Under the collaboration, SAMSUNG E&A may be engaged to supply the engineering services of Liquid Wind's future eFuel facility projects outside of Europe, in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The partnership supports Liquid Wind's long-term objectives and its market strategy to develop and deploy eFuel facilities and expand globally.

Claes Fredriksson, CEO and founder of Liquid Wind, says:

"I am pleased to announce this new collaboration after welcoming Samsung Ventures as a new shareholder in Liquid Wind*. In line with our company's strategy of growing our global presence in the eFuel space, and through this partnership, we will explore the feasibility of developing eFuel facilities outside of Europe to meet the increasing market demand of fossil-free fuel."

Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A, says:

"Building on our strong legacy as a leader in Oil & Gas EPC**, SAMSUNG E&A acknowledges the pivotal role of eFuels in combating climate change. By harnessing our expertise in EPC and modular manufacturing, we are committed to driving growth in the eFuel market. Through our strategic collaboration with Liquid Wind, we aim to ensure the successful delivery of their eFuel projects, advance efforts to mitigate climate change, and unlock new business opportunities in this transformative sector."

The collaboration agreement was signed by Claes Fredriksson, CEO and founder of Liquid Wind, and Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A. The signing ceremony took place in Seoul during the Sweden-South Korea Strategic Summit on 5 December 2024 and in presence of a large high-level business delegation to Japan and South Korea, led by Business Sweden.

*On 21 November 2024, Liquid Wind announced the raise of 44 million ($47m USD) in Series C financing with Uniper, Hycap and Samsung Ventures to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon fuels. The raise represents one of the largest European funding rounds in the eFuel sector this year and will accelerate the development of green eFuel production for hard-to-abate sectors including shipping.

**Engineering, procurement, and construction

CONTACT:

Media contacts

Liquid Wind

Klaudija Cavala, Head of PR, Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/r/liquid-wind-and-samsung-e-a-partner-to-accelerate-the-development-of-efuel-facilities,c4073607

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/18536/4073607/ad3788a1d7e446ae.pdf PRESS RELEASE Liquid Wind and SAMSUNG E A enter strategic partnership 5 December 2024 FINAL Seoul ENG https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/claes-fredriksson-ceo-and-founder-liquid-wind-in-kyo-cheong-minister-for-trade-industry-and-energy-h,c3358365 Claes Fredriksson CEO and founder Liquid Wind In Kyo Cheong Minister for Trade Industry and Energy Hong Namkoong President and CEO of SAMSUNG E A

SOURCE Liquid Wind
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mantle Ridge LP ("Mantle Ridge"), which together with its affiliates beneficially owns more than $1 billion of Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (NYSE: APD) ("Air Products" or the "Company") shares, today issued the following statement:

It was reported in the press today that:

"Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. experienced a 2.3% drop in its stock price in pre-open trading on Thursday. This decline came as a result of activist hedge fund Mantle Ridge LP withdrawing its earlier push for a board overhaul at the industrial gas company."

Shareholders should not fear. As has been our consistent practice in every project we have done, and has been evident from our filings and communications with the Board, we seek a restructuring of the Board to one that can enable new executives to succeed, and better board performance. This necessarily includes a meaningful minority of ongoing incumbent directors, and new independents that would comprise a majority of the reconstituted Board.

In this case, we are nominating four, and the Company is nominating two, entirely new and independent candidates (six directors out of nine would be new and independent). We encourage shareholders to closely read our proxy filings.

The board slate as specified in our amended filing should in our view be sufficient to allow the Company to approach the future on a strong footing. It seeks replacement of the four most problematic directors, the addition of four new ones we have nominated, and a process to replace the current CEO.

Because the Board would not engage in a collaborative process of Board reconstruction, we took the initiative to compose this board solution on our own, informed by our fellow shareholders' preferences and desires for change.

We are grateful for the support from our fellow shareholders and are excited about the wonderful chapter ahead for the Company."

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information herein contains "forward-looking statements." Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, words such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "targets," "forecasts," "seeks," "could," "should" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any idea or assumption herein is, or will be proven, correct. If one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the underlying assumptions of Mantle Ridge LP ("Mantle Ridge") or any of the other participants in the proxy solicitation described herein prove to be incorrect, the actual results may vary materially from outcomes indicated by these statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Mantle Ridge that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will ever be achieved.

Certain statements and information included herein may have been sourced from third parties. Mantle Ridge does not make any representations regarding the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such third party statements or information. Except as may be expressly set forth herein, permission to cite such statements or information has neither been sought nor obtained from such third parties. Any such statements or information should not be viewed as an indication of support from such third parties for the views expressed herein.

Mantle Ridge disclaims any obligation to update the information herein or to disclose the results of any revisions that may be made to any projected results or forward-looking statements herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such information, projected results or statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS

Mantle Ridge and the other Participants (as defined below) intend to file a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying BLUE universal proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to be used to solicit proxies for, among other matters, the election of its slate of director nominees at the 2025 annual stockholders meeting (the "2025 Annual Meeting") of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("APD"). Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Mantle Ridge will furnish the definitive proxy statement and accompanying BLUE universal proxy card to some or all of the stockholders entitled to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

The participants in the proxy solicitation are Mantle Ridge, Eagle Fund A1 Ltd (the "Record Stockholder"), Eagle Advisor LLC, Paul Hilal, (all of the foregoing persons, collectively, the "Mantle Ridge Parties"), Andrew Evans, Tracy McKibben and Dennis Reilley (such individuals, collectively with the Mantle Ridge Parties, the "Participants").

As of the date hereof, the Mantle Ridge Parties beneficially own an aggregate of 4,107,521 shares (the "Mantle Ridge Shares") of Common Stock and Mr. Evans beneficially owns 5 shares of Common Stock. The Mantle Ridge Shares collectively represent approximately 1.8% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock based on 222,383,500 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 27, as reported in the Company's definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on December 3, 2024. Mantle Ridge, as the sole member of Mantle Ridge, which is in turn the advisor to certain affiliated funds (collectively, the "Mantle Ridge Funds"), may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Common Stock to be held for the accounts of the Mantle Ridge Funds. Mantle Ridge, as the advisor to, and holder of 100% of the noneconomic voting interests in, the Mantle Ridge Funds, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the shares of Common Stock to be held for the accounts of the Mantle Ridge Funds. By virtue of him ultimately controlling the managing member of Mantle Ridge GP LLC, the general partner of Mantle Ridge, which is in turn the sole member of Mantle Ridge, the advisor to the Mantle Ridge Funds, Mr. Hilal may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the shares of Common Stock to be held for the accounts of the Mantle Ridge Funds. The Nominees who beneficially own Common Stock (as set forth in the cover pages hereof) may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of (and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the shares of Common Stock to be held for their accounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

MANTLE RIDGE STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF APD TO READ THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS FILED BY MANTLE RIDGE WITH THE SEC AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, WHEN FILED, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE BY DIRECTING A REQUEST TO THE PARTICIPANTS' PROXY SOLICITOR, D.F. KING & CO., INC., 48 WALL STREET, 22ND FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005 (STOCKHOLDERS CAN CALL TOLL-FREE: (888) 628-8208.

Investor Contact

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

Edward McCarthy

Tel: 212-493-6952

Media Contacts

Jonathan Gasthalter

Gasthalter & Co. LP

Tel: 212-257-4170

SOURCE Mantle Ridge LP
SPOKANE, Wash., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales welcomes Mike Sterner as the latest addition to our Spokane Sales Engineering team. His well-rounded skills in the industry will help to strengthen the company's position and build lasting relationships in the Pacific Northwest.

Mike Sterner

"We are excited to have Mike join our team. His combined experience as a Mechanical Designer and HVAC Account Executive will be instrumental in driving our growth," said Andrew Asper, Spokane Branch Manager at ACI. "His ability to craft solutions with contractors and engineers will make Mike a great addition to our Spokane team."

"I am very grateful to join the team at ACI," says Mike Sterner. "Here I've found a very talented team of HVAC professionals, and with their help, I will strive to deliver excellent customer service and support to the Eastern Washington region."

During his decade-long tenure as an Account Executive for another rep firm, Mike successfully drove sales and market development for VRF and ductless heat pump systems for plan-spec and design-build projects, building lasting relationships with engineers, contractors, and end users. His role included conducting factory-certified training on equipment installation, programming, and start-up, ensuring contractors and owners were well-prepared to operate systems efficiently. He has also worked as a Mechanical Designer for a consulting engineering firm, contributing to the creation of innovative HVAC solutions for commercial and industrial projects, collaborating across the industry to deliver top-notch solutions.

About ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales:

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales is the Pacific Northwest's premier vendor for commercial HVAC applications. The company collaborates with consulting engineers, contractors, and their customers to deliver exceptional solutions for various sectors, including education, data centers, commercial office buildings, healthcare, and industrial facilities. With a team of thirty-six degreed sales engineers and project professionals working with over fifty equipment manufacturers, ACI is committed to helping buildings thrive. For more information, please visit acimechsales.com.

SOURCE ACI Mechanical Sales
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Moove , a global leader in innovative mobility solutions, is proud to announce a groundbreaking fleet partnership with Waymo, the global leader in autonomous driving technology. This collaboration represents the first commercial partnership of its kind on the Waymo One app.

Moove Partners with Waymo

Under the agreement, Moove will manage and dispatch Waymo's fully autonomous fleet, beginning with operations in Phoenix in 2025 and expanding into Miami in 2026. Moove will take responsibility for fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure, ensuring the seamless operation of Waymo's all-electric AV fleet. Waymo will continue to offer its service through the Waymo One app, and remain responsible for validation and operation of its autonomous driving technology  the Waymo Driver.

Ryan McNamara, Vice President of Operations at Waymo, said:

"We are excited to partner with Moove in Phoenix and later Miami, bringing together their mobility-focused fleet management experience with our growing Waymo One service. Together, we will provide safe, seamless trips for riders, and scale faster and more cost-effectively over time, with safety continuing to lead the way."

While expanding into autonomous vehicles, Moove remains deeply committed to serving its existing customers in emerging markets. The company will continue to provide its flagship Drive-to-Own (DTO) product, which democratises access to vehicle ownership for underserved mobility entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive.

Autonomous vehicles promise a transformative future, addressing inefficiencies, safety concerns, and environmental challenges in traditional mobility systems. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives each year, making them one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Shared AV solutions offer a unique opportunity to reduce urban congestion, enhance safety, and transform cities into more sustainable environments. Moove's expertise in fleet management will enable Waymo to focus on advancing its cutting edge Waymo Driver technology while delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable experiences for riders.

Ladi Delano, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Moove, commented:

"Ride hailing has transformed urban mobility over the past 15 years, yet the core experience has largely remained unchanged. Waymo's safe, reliable, and convenient Waymo One service leads in autonomous technology, and together, we're driving a major shift in urban mobility. We're proud to partner with Waymo, bringing our operational expertise to make this transformation possible.

"We understand that mobility isn't a 'one size fits all'. While we're expanding into AVs in the U.S., we remain deeply committed to serving our customers around the world where we will continue to provide our unique financing solutions to underserved mobility entrepreneurs".

Moove's U.S. market entry is part of a broader strategy to build the world's largest fleet and best in class technologies that power mobility platforms. Moove's growth has been fuelled by its global Uber partnership and the support of leading investors, including Uber, who participated in its Series B funding in 2024. With operations in 12 markets across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Moove has already served over 30,000 mobility entrepreneurs globally, completing more than 50 million trips in Moove-financed vehicles.

About Moove

Moove is building the world's largest fleet and best in class technologies that power mobility platforms. Its flagship Drive-to-Own (DTO) product democratises access to vehicle ownership with a revolutionary revenue-based financing model, enabling underserved mobility entrepreneurs to thrive.

With operations in 12 cities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Moove is now expanding into autonomous vehicles through partnerships with industry leaders like Waymo. Moove is transforming mobility to make it safer, more efficient, and accessible to all, while creating sustainable employment opportunities in the evolving mobility sector.

To date, Moove has demonstrated remarkable global impact:

Key facts

$500+ million in combined equity and debt funding raised from world-class investors including Uber, Mubadala, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton , Janus Henderson , and IFC (World Bank)

, , and IFC (World Bank) Launched and scaled to 12 markets across four continents in less than 4 years

Over 100,000 lives positively impacted through job creation and mobility access

More than 30,000 mobility entrepreneurs served globally

50+ million trips completed in Moove-financed vehicles

Media Contact

[email protected]

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573857/Moove_Waymo.jpg
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American Software Testing Awards (NASTA), which celebrates excellence and innovation in software testing across North America, honored TestingXperts (Tx) with the Most Innovative Project award, for the year 2024.

For a leading global restaurant chain, Tx, solved complex quality engineering challenges leveraging advanced technologies like AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This saved the client over $1 million in QA costs and reduced delivery timelines by more than half.

Manish Gupta, CEO of TestingXperts, said, "At Tx, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. In this project we blended industry expertise with AI, machine learning, and low-code automation. We shall continue to anticipate market needs and deliver transformative solutions that empower our clients globally."

This year's awards featured remarkable winners across various categories. This included TestingXperts, Infosys, Capgemini, EY and State of Illinois Department of Information & Technology in partnership with IBM.

The latest recognition from NASTA highlights the remarkable progress Tx has made as a global leader in quality engineering, driving transformational results that empower businesses worldwide. By delivering cutting edge solutions and setting industry benchmarks, Tx cements its position as a pioneer in next generation quality engineering and digital assurance.

About TestingXperts

TestingXperts(Tx) is a global leader in Digital Assurance (DA) and Quality Engineering (QE), with a specialized division in digital engineering (DE). Tx is firmly positioned among the top 3 pure-play software testing services companies worldwide. With headquarters strategically located in Pennsylvania, USA, and London, UK, we maintain a dynamic network of offices and delivery centers across the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa, UAE, India, and Singapore. Our services are impeccably tailored to meet the demands of next-gen technologies. Our specialization extends seamlessly to Automation, Digital, DevOps, Agile, Web, Mobility, AI/ML, RPA, Blockchain, IoT, and Big Data, reflecting our commitment to a holistic range of capabilities.

Media Contacts

USA:

Joe Underwood

Email: [email protected]



UK:

Sahil Baquer

Email: [email protected]



India:

Upkar Singh

Email: [email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2574336/TestingXperts_New_Logo.jpg

SOURCE TestingXperts
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") is honoured to announce that Neil Hetherington, Chief Executive Officer of Daily Bread Food Bank, has joined its Board of Directors.

"Neil brings to our board decades of front-line experience in addressing social justice issues and is a leading advocate in advancing public policies to reduce food insecurity," said Lynda Kuhn, Chair of the Centre. "As we seek to accelerate our impact on the growing crisis of food insecurity, Neil's experience will both inform and strengthen our work."

Mr. Hetherington joined Daily Bread Food Bank as CEO in January 2018. Daily Bread Food Bank supplies fresh and shelf-stable food to 129 member agencies across Toronto and is a national leader in research that examines the causes and impacts of food insecurity. After beginning his career in project management at Tridel Construction, he joined Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Hetherington's non-profit experience, prior to Daily Bread, includes 16 years as CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Toronto and New York City, and two years as CEO of Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency serving thousands of people in Toronto.





About the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") is a registered charity committed to working collaboratively to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030. The Centre advocates for critical public policies and invests in knowledge building and programs that advance the capacity of people and communities to achieve sustainable food security. The Centre was created in 2016 and is governed by a board of directors, including five independent experts.

Follow us on X:

@FeedOpportunity

SOURCE Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nestle USA announced the appointment of Martin Thompson as Chief Executive Officer and U.S. Market Head, effective January 1, 2025. Thompson will report to Steve Presley, Nestle CEO Zone Americas, and will join the Zone Americas Leadership Team.

Martin Thompson, Nestle

Thompson joined Nestle as a part of the company's acquisition of the Starbucks consumer packaged goods and foodservice products business in 2018. Subsequently in 2020, he was appointed President of Nestle Coffee Partners, the U.S. business housing iconic coffee brands such as Nescafe, Starbucks at Home and Seattle's Best. Under his leadership the division has served as a key growth driver for the Nestle USA business, delivering consecutive years of profitable growth and market share gains.

"For the last several years Marty has led one of our most successful businesses, cementing our position as undisputed leaders in the coffee category. He was instrumental in doubling our Starbucks business globally in just four years and leading the expansion of Nescafe in the U.S. market. He understands that our business, regardless of category, is all about the consumer  knowing them and delighting them at every turn," said Steve Presley, CEO of Nestle Zone Americas. "Just as importantly, Marty believes in the power of people and culture to fuel business results and he builds and inspires teams that deliver. I expect he will inspire that same innovation and growth mindset he fostered within our winning coffee business as he takes on the broader CEO role."

With over 35 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, Thompson brings deep experience in sales, marketing, and general management to the role. Before joining Nestle, Thompson served as CEO of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and has held several leadership roles at The Clorox Company and Procter & Gamble.

About Nestle USA

Nestle USA is committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. The company's food and beverage portfolio includes some of the most recognizable brands in the United States, including Coffee mate, DiGiorno and Nestle Toll House. Nestle USA also boasts the largest coffee portfolio in the U.S., including Nescafe, Nestle Starbucks Coffee and Seattle's Best. Nestle USA is part of Nestle S.A., headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland  the world's largest food and beverage company, which has been named among "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" by Fortune magazine for more than 25 consecutive years. For more information, visit nestleusa.com.

Media Contact: Dana Stambaugh, [email protected], 571-457-3803

SOURCE Nestle USA
The 1917 Private Reserve Napa Cabernet was selected through a unique "blind" tasting and voted as the best wine to pair with steak. Only 1,917 bottles exist, and every purchase earns you the chance to win a deluxe trip to Napa Valley.

OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha Steaks, America's Original Butcher, and Laithwaites, the world's No. 1 home delivery wine service, are pleased to announce the release of their most luxurious wine yet. Selected by a panel of experts to be the best red wine to pair with steak, it is the ultimate bottle to serve with special holiday meals this season and for any occasion worth celebratingand it's limited to 1,917 bottles in honor of the year Omaha Steaks was founded.

EXPERT PANEL HOLDS "BLIND" TASTING TO SELECT THE BEST WINE TO PAIR WITH STEAK

The Omaha Steaks 1917 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was selected through a rigorous tasting. On a freezing (-30F) afternoon in January 2024, Todd Simon (Omaha Steaks fifth-generation family owner and Chief Steak Evangelist), Nate Rempe (Omaha Steaks CEO and President), Tony Laithwaite (founder of Laithwaites Wine) and members of their teams gathered in Omaha, Nebraska to taste a range of rare wines from around the world.

The objective: To find the best wine to pair with steak. The wines were exclusively selected by wine experts around the world. To remove any element of bias, each wine was tasted "blind"  meaning that no facts about the wine (including the label, bottle shape, grape variety, or geographic region) were revealed. Each member had to rate the wines independently. Hardly anyone spoke, in an effort not to influence other panel members.

The winning wine was determined not by how good it tasted on its own, but rather by how well it enhanced the flavor of the steak. Fittingly, Omaha Steaks Private Reserve steaks were served alongside the wines after being expertly prepared by Omaha Steaks' corporate chef. As the results were tallied, there was a clear tension in the room as panelists realized the heavy burden put upon them (to select the best wine in the world to pair with steak). Had this ever been done before?

The scores were on the doors. Wines that didn't make the cut included exceedingly rare releases from Italy, France, and Australia. In the end, there was one clear winner: a spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's legendary Oakville district.

A COLLECTOR'S ITEM FOR STEAK & WINE LOVERS

Renowned winemaker Bill Knuttel meticulously crafted this Cabernet Sauvignon from hand-harvested fruit grown in two elite, sustainably farmed vineyards in Oakville, the famous AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Napa Valley. He then aged the wine for 25 months in fine French oak barrels. In the glass, you can look forward to sumptuous flavors of blackberry, ripe blueberry, black cherry, and hints of cocoa, with a wave of velvety tannins. While delicious now, it will also age beautifully and is perfect for your favorite cut of Private Reserve steak.

As you would expect, a wine this good is made in very small batches. In fact, only 1,917 bottles exist, and each is individually numbered. The wine will retail for $149.99 per bottle on OmahaSteaksWine.com and is sure to sell out quicklyespecially as each purchase will gain the customer entry into something very special. You can also try the Ultimate Private Reserve Steak & Wine Experience at homea package available for $499.99 that can be found by visiting OmahaSteaks.com/wine.

THE ULTIMATE STEAK WINE + A LUXURIOUS SWEEPSTAKES

To celebrate the launch of the 1917 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Omaha Steaks Wine is offering the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Napa Valley for one lucky person and their guest. The package includes roundtrip airfare, three nights hotel accommodation, and a luxurious wine experience, plus ground transportation to and from the event.

Enter the Sweepstakes now through January 15 by going to OmahaSteaksWine.com/win and:

Purchasing 1 or more bottle of the 1917 Private Reserve Cabernet (1 entry)

Signing up to receive emails from Omaha Steaks Wine (1 entry)

Signing up to receive text messages from Omaha Steaks Wine (1 entry)

Mail us a letter (1 entry)

Commenting on the news, Todd Simon said, "When we launched the Private Reserve line of meats nearly 30 years ago, we were inspired by the winemaker practice of releasing "Reserve" wines from the very best vineyards, grapes and vintages. These cuts are the best of the best. Luxurious and indulgent. I am so thrilled to have found a wine that can perfectly complement the intensity and complexity of these cuts and provide customers with a truly unique culinary experience. I am also pleased that the winning wine happens to come from the United States, and from such a distinguished winemaker like Bill Knuttel."

Tony Laithwaite remarked, "So often, people judge a wine by how impressive it tastes on its own. That's all well and good, but to me, wine and food are meant to be enjoyed together. What makes this Private Reserve Cabernet so good is that it actually makes your steak taste betterand the meat enhances the flavors in the wine, too. It's a match made in food and wine heaven, and I couldn't be more excited for customers to try it with their favorite cuts."

About Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks, America's Original Butcher, founded in 1917, is an Omaha, Nebraska-based, fifth-generation, family-owned company. Omaha Steaks markets and distributes a wide variety of the finest quality USDA-approved, grass-fed, grain-finished beef and other gourmet foods including seafood, pork, poultry, slow cooker and skillet meals, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts. Today, Omaha Steaks is recognized as the nation's largest direct response marketer of premium beef and gourmet foods, available to customers by calling 1-800-228-9055, online at www.OmahaSteaks.com or at retail stores nationwide.

About Laithwaites

Laithwaites, the world's leading home delivery wine service, was founded by Tony Laithwaite in 1969. Its exclusive range of wines are selected by local experts who taste over 40,000 wines each year and select less than 2%. The company champions smaller, family-run wineries and has a commitment to high-quality, personalized services for its customers. To learn more, visit www.laithwaites.com or OmahaSteaksWine.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Omaha Steaks; Laithwaites
MUSCAT, Oman, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to Belgium, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen their collaboration in green hydrogen. The MOU, signed between Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and the Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC), sets the stage for enhanced cooperation across the hydrogen value chain, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to advance the global hydrogen economy.

Oman and Belgium Strengthen Green Hydrogen Partnership with New Landmark Agreement (PRNewsfoto/IDENTITY) Oman and Belgium Strengthen Green Hydrogen Partnership with New Landmark Agreement (PRNewsfoto/IDENTITY)

The agreement underscores joint efforts to align policies, promote knowledge exchange and technological advancements, as well as explore opportunities across hydrogen production, infrastructure, transportation, and utilization. It will also explore pathways to broader cooperation with other European countries, by addressing legislative challenges and exploring new opportunities for research and development.

"This MoU represents a defining moment in the partnership between Oman and Belgium, advancing our shared ambition to shape the future of the global hydrogen economy," said H.E. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom. "Oman's potential capacity as a hub for green hydrogen production, combined with Belgium's role as a promising hydrogen-based industrial hub and strategic connection point to European markets, will strengthen energy security and create a seamless hydrogen supply chain. Together, we aim to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy by fostering innovation and building the infrastructure needed to connect producers and markets worldwide."

The MoU builds on 46 years of strong bilateral relations between Oman and Belgium, underpinned by key milestones in the green energy sector. These include a 47-year Project Development Agreement between Hydrom and the Hyport Duqm project, an international alliance between Oman's OQ Alternative Energy and Belgium's DEME, aimed at producing and exporting green hydrogen. This was further supported by the 2023 declaration of intent between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman and the Ministry of Energy in Belgium to advance hydrogen certification and trade frameworks.

Oman continues to strengthen its position as the global hydrogen hub of tomorrow, fostering international partnerships that drive sustainable development and advance technological progress. Hydrom's role as the national orchestrator of Oman's green hydrogen strategy is central to this vision, enabling transformative projects and infrastructural development.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573898/Green_Hydrogen_Agreement.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573897/Green_Hydrogen_New_Agreement.jpg

SOURCE Hydrom
Annual List Recognizes the Best of the Best Industry-Leading Companies in the Nation

BOSTON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OneUnited Bank, the nation's largest Black owned bank, has been named to Inc.'s 2024 Best in Business list in Financial Services, which recognizes companies that, through exceptional execution, have achieved significant milestones and core business wins, customer expansion, key product launches, increased market share and industry-defining accomplishments, like OneUnited Bank. Companies from a wide range of industries  such as technology, business, finance, health care, and retail  have been recognized for their success and their positive influence on the business world. The full list can be found on Inc.com and in the upcoming winter print edition of Inc. magazine.

Kevin Cohee, CEO & Owner, OneUnited Bank

"We are incredibly proud to have been recognized by INC Magazine for our accomplishments in the financial services industry. Every day we witness the transformative power of financial empowerment and the difference it makes in people's lives", states Kevin Cohee, Chairman and CEO, OneUnited Bank. "This drives our passion and commitment to continue our mission"

OneUnited Bank is nationally known for its use of state-of-the-art technology to create unique financial products that serve the needs of low-to-moderate income communities and historically underserved minority populations. At OneUnited, banking isn't just a service, but a technology-driven, personalized experience to help customers make more informed financial decisions. The Bank is renowned for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and data aggregation technology to boost financial literacy, offer payday loan alternatives, improve users' financial health, and bridge nationwide economic and opportunity gaps.

For more than 50 years, OneUnited has been focused on fostering better financial wellness for the communities it serves. This clarity of vision and mission is reflected in its products and services. Its goal is to unite communities to share ideas, technology, and management resources to better meet the banking needs for all.

"For over 40 years, Inc. has been committed to recognizing America's most dynamic businesses and honoring the great work they do. These businesses have had a profound impact on their industries, solving important problems, and shaping the future of business in ways that will have lasting effects," says Inc. editor-in-chief Mike Hofman.

Inc.'s Best in Business Awards are open to companies of all sizes and types, in all industries and locations. Public, private, nonprofit, subsidiary, U.S.-based, and international companies. Inc. editors hand-review every application and select Best in Business honorees that, in each of the award categories, have had an outstanding influence on their communities, their industries, the environment, or society as a whole.

For more information or to see the complete list, please visit inc.com/best-in-business.

About OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank (www.oneunited.com) is the nation's largest Black-owned bank, the first Black internet bank, a Minority Depository Institution, and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). OneUnited has been honored to receive the U.S. Department of Treasury's Bank Enterprise Award for Community Development for twelve years.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.'s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, digital, print, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Media Contact:

Suzan McDowell

Circle of One Marketing

(305) 576-3790

[email protected]

SOURCE OneUnited Bank
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has rehabilitated 111 boreholes since March 2024 as part of its efforts to address the city's ongoing water challenges, with support from various non-governmental organizations and stakeholders.Council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu revealed that the city currently has 419 community boreholes, with an annual target of repairing 120 by the end of 2024."So far, from January to present, 111 boreholes have been rehabilitated. The council is making frantic efforts to fix the remaining nine from 2024's target list," Mpofu said.The rehabilitation project has involved both internal and external contributors. BCC staff repaired 42 boreholes, while Sida, a non-profit agency, rehabilitated 35 under a contract that ran from May to November 2024. UNICEF contributed by fixing 12 boreholes in June, and a contractor, funded with US$50,000 from internally-generated resources, is currently working on 22 boreholes."The contract sum for the rehabilitation project has been fully utilized, and the project's performance is under review," Mpofu added.The initiative comes amid severe water shortages in Bulawayo, where residents often go days without water due to dwindling levels in supply dams. The city has already decommissioned Upper Ncema and Mzingwane dams, exacerbating the crisis.In March, BCC began rehabilitating non-functional boreholes to provide alternative water sources for affected communities. The council's collaboration with external partners has been vital in accelerating these efforts.Despite the progress, the city's water challenges remain critical, with residents calling for sustainable long-term solutions, including increased investment in water infrastructure and dam management.
Appoints new Chief Technology Officer and reassigns tenured leaders to Chief Product Officer and Chief Customer Officer positions

LONDON and NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Orgvue, the organizational design and planning software platform, has strengthened its senior leadership team with three new appointments. Jason Simpson joins Orgvue as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Jessica Modrall leaves her role as Chief Customer Officer to become Chief Product Officer, while Ross Hill is promoted from Vice President of Global Services to the Chief Customer Officer role. All appointments are effective immediately.

Jason Simpson joins Orgvue from financial API software developer, Codat. In his role there as CTO, he significantly evolved the technical architecture and working practices to support the business in targeting enterprise-grade clients with SaaS solutions. Prior to that, as Senior Director of Engineering at Anaplan, Jason led a material technology transformation, dramatically improving delivery rates through automation, quality enhancements, and engineering culture evolution.

Jessica Modrall has a background in organizational design and large-scale transformation. She joined Orgvue in 2018 to lead the company's services division in EMEA before being promoted through the customer experience division to become Chief Customer Officer in 2023. Prior to Orgvue, Jessica was a member of Deloitte's Human Capital Consulting practice based in New York and then in New Delhi, working with Fortune 100 companies globally on their most complex workforce and organizational design related challenges.

Ross Hill joined Orgvue in 2015 as an advisory consultant. He moved to the US in 2016 to support the opening of Orgvue's North America office and then relocated to Hong Kong in 2018 to set up the company's Asia Pacific office. He returned to the US in 2020 to lead Orgvue's services division. Ross has led many transformation initiatives for Fortune 100 companies and is highly experienced in building sustainable digital organizational design and workforce planning capabilities for Orgvue's clients.

Commenting on the new leadership appointments, Oliver Shaw, CEO of Orgvue, said:

"I'm tremendously excited to welcome Jason to Orgvue and to congratulate Jessica and Ross on their well-deserved appointments to our leadership team and executive committee. Jason brings a wealth of highly relevant expertise and a proven track record in driving innovation and transformation. I've no doubt his leadership with help us accelerate the achievement of our engineering goals for the business.

"Jessica is an accomplished leader and highly experienced professional. Her depth of understanding of how technology enables business transformation will be invaluable in guiding Orgvue's product development in the coming months and beyond.

"In the ten years Ross has served with Orgvue, he has supported in every region in which the company operates and so has a wealth of experience in how we deliver value. I don't think there's anyone better to help our clients achieve the goals they set themselves."

On his appointment, Jason Simpson said:

"I'm really excited to be joining Orgvue and to have the opportunity to help this innovative business achieve its potential. Having experience with Anaplan of working with highly configurable SaaS solutions for enterprise customers gives me a head start in this role and should give us clear direction on what needs to be done.

"I've already been very impressed with the high-calibre engineering team here and it will be a privilege to serve these talented individuals through leadership that I hope will help them achieve extraordinary things."

About Orgvue

Orgvue is an organizational design and planning platform that empowers your business to transform its workforce by understanding the work people do and the skills they have. Our platform connects strategy to structure, providing clarity of vision, so you can build a more adaptable, better performing organization that thrives in a constantly changing world of work.

The world's largest and best-known enterprises and consulting firms use Orgvue to visualize and model current and future states of the organization and make faster, more informed decisions. The company is headquartered in London, with offices in Philadelphia, The Hague, Toronto, and Sydney.

SOURCE Orgvue
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pixelgen Technologies , a leader in cell surface proteomics for single cells, today announced upcoming participation at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition (ASH) in San Diego, Calif. from Dec. 7-10 at the San Diego Convention Center. New data from collaborators will support the application of Pixelgen's patented Molecular Pixelation (MPX) technology and kit across a broad range of scientific research, as the company expands into hematology.

"With spatial mapping of cell surface proteins, hematology researchers can gain unprecedented insights into the organization and function of protein and protein complexes critical to blood cell function and disease," said Pixelgen CEO Simon Fredriksson, Ph.D. "This capability promises to advance diagnostics, enable personalized therapeutics, and support the development of next-generation treatments for blood cancers, immune dysregulation, and hematopoietic disorders. We're excited to be participating in ASH for the first time and sharing our groundbreaking technology with the hematology community."

Pixelgen will be featured in two sessions:

Dr. Fredriksson will give an industry presentation titled "The Spatial Organization of Surface Proteins of Single Cells in Myelodysplastic Syndrome for Diagnostics and Drug Target Discovery By Molecular Pixelation," featuring data from Dr. Aaron Viny, Columbia University , on Dec. 7 from 3:30-3:45 p.m. , in Room 5B . Dr. Fredriksson will be joined by Dr. Viny.

, on from , in Room . Dr. Fredriksson will be joined by Dr. Viny. Dr. Jessica Nordlund , Associate Professor at the Molecular Precision Medicine research group at Uppsala University , along with Dr. Maria Globisch , has a poster titled "Mapping the Spatial Proteome of Individual Leukemia Cells Undergoing Fludarabine Treatment," from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 , session number 803, in Halls G-H.

Pixelgen will be at Booth #2852 showcasing its product and technology. Representatives will be available to discuss the company's latest data on identifying CAR-T cells and mapping their cell surface proteome for detailed mechanism of action studies. To support the company's work in hematology, Pixelgen has developed an Application Note, in collaboration with Illumina, looking at cancer specific protein patterns of blood cancer cells, which is available here.

About Pixelgen Technologies

Pixelgen Technologies AB was founded in 2020 by a team of passionate, experienced innovators and entrepreneurs with a vision to bring a new spatial understanding to biology by mapping cell surface proteins and their spatial inter-relationships. The company has developed Molecular Pixelation, a DNA-based visualization technology for analyzing cell surface proteins, to gain novel insights into cellular activity that will advance better medicines and diagnostics. Pixelgen is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

Contacts

Corporate:

Annika Branting

[email protected]

+46 762-69 68 46

Media:

Susan Thomas

[email protected]

+1 (619) 540-9195

SOURCE Pixelgen Technologies
LOS ANGELES , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The steady stream of news showing rapid growth in the legal consulting industry isn't slowing down. The latest example is this week's announcement that Quandary Peak Research is rolling out new patent monetization services , a significant expansion of the technical and legal consulting services that have powered the firm's growth for over a decade.

Quandary Peak Research launches new patent monetization service to help clients maximize the value of patent portfolios. Post this Quandary Peak Research has launched new patent monetization services, leveraging its technical expertise and trial-tested experts to help clients maximize the value of their patent portfolios.

Patent monetization generally refers to creating tangible revenue streams from patent holdings. Many large corporations have assembled portfolios of thousands of patents at a significant R&D and legal cost, and the potential of monetizing those portfolios has been a topic of growing discussion in corporate boardrooms. Efficiently monetizing an extensive patent portfolio, however, is not trivial, which is where the opportunity appears for consulting firms like Quandary Peak to step in with targeted technical expertise and monetization experience.

"Our service offers a unique approach to patent monetization," said Quandary Peak's President, George Edwards. "We are building the best team of technical analysts in the industry, which we then compliment with the expertise of our trial-tested expert witnesses, who are second to none in terms of their insights into the patent litigation process and the depth of their knowledge within their respective fields."

According to Edwards, Quandary Peak's new patent service offerings will be led by Muzammil Hassan and Vikas Sharma . Both Hassan and Sharma are familiar faces to those in the industry. Hassanan expert in patent licensing, monetization, litigation, and IP managementis a new arrival at Quandary Peak, having spent the last twelve years rapidly ascending the ranks at GreyB. His stint at GreyB culminated in a role as Group Manager, in which he managed a team of approximately seventy patent analysts and consultants.

Hassan's technical expertise encompasses reverse engineering, testing, and packet capturing across diverse technologies such as processors, hybrid vehicles, display technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), and client-server communication. Additionally, Hassan has made significant contributions to standard-essential patents (SEPs) analysis, authoring essentiality-check reports for patents declared essential to 5G standards at ETSI.

At Quandary Peak, Hassan will continue in a leadership role as Director of Patent Monetization . "Muzammil [Hassan] is such a tremendous addition to our team for three reasons," said Edwards. "First, he brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in intellectual property generally and patent monetization specifically. Second, he has an outstanding grasp of an amazingly broad spectrum of technologies. And third, he has a proven ability to rapidly assembleand then scale upa truly awesome team of analysts."

Quandary Peak previously announced hiring Vikas Sharma another well-known industry veteranin February. This week's announcement, coming less than a year later, shows that Sharma's role is set to grow significantly beyond his initial purview of patent litigation and source code review. Sharma's new title, Senior Director of Patent Services , reflects his expanded leadership responsibilities.

Quandary Peak's new patent monetization services will encompass multiple types of technical work, including patent portfolio analysis, evidence-of-use charting, licensing support, and sales strategies. These new services use a novel approach, forming a hybrid team of subject matter specialists with patent trial experience alongside engineers with deep technical and intellectual property expertise.

Patent portfolio analysis involves examining large patent pools, sometimes comprising tens of thousands of patents, to identify those with the most value. Most large patent portfolios contain a small number of exceptionally valuable patents, while the rest may have little or no value. Finding the high-value patents, however, is a challenging task. That's why assembling a team with the proper expertise is essential to unlocking a portfolio's monetization potential.

Patent monetization is a logical step in Quandary Peak's continued development. Patent analysis has always been a core competency of Quandary Peak, which is already well-known for its patent litigation and expert witness work, particularly in software and computers. Just this year, Quandary Peak experts testified in two high-profile software patent cases, resulting in $122 million and $242 million verdicts in favor of Quandary Peak's clients.

"2024 has been a tremendous year for Quandary Peak," said Edwards, "We surpassed every growth goal we set while staying true to our collaborative company culture and our reputation for consistently delivering the highest quality work. I'm more optimistic than ever that the best is yet to come. Keep an eye on Quandary Peak Research in 2025."

About Quandary Peak Research

Quandary Peak Research is a multinational consulting firm that provides expert analysis of software and computing technology. We offer tech expertise for litigation consulting, expert witness testimony, source code analysis, intellectual property services, technical due diligence, and software quality audits.

We thrive on unraveling complex systems and communicating our findings to a nontechnical audience. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, premier research universities, state and federal government agencies, and the law firms that represent them.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jeremiah Deasey

Manager of Digital Marketing, Media, and Brand

[email protected]

SOURCE Quandary Peak Research
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Radians, a leading manufacturer of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) with facilities in Tennessee and North Carolina, has donated $300,000 of safety products to the United Cajun Navy to support their ongoing Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.

The donation includes high-visibility apparel, coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, and cold-weather gear to protect volunteers during the winter months. These essential PPE items enable the United Cajun Navy to protect their staff and volunteers during search and rescue, relief distribution, and cleanup.

"Radians is proud to provide the PPE resources, especially our cold-weather gear, to support the United Cajun Navy's vital work this winter," said Philip Young, Radians VP of Business Development. "As a North Carolina resident, I'm especially grateful we can assist communities and our neighbors in need."

"Supporting the United Cajun Navy's impactful work in our region is an honor," added Radians CEO Mike Tutor. "This donation reflects Radians' ongoing commitment to safety and community service, standing behind charitable organizations dedicated to helping others during tough times."

For more information about Radians safety solutions, visit www.radians.com. To support the United Cajun Navy's disaster relief efforts, visit www.unitedcajunnavy.org.

About Radians

Radians is on a mission to protect lives worldwide by manufacturing high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). With over 25 years of expertise, Radians offers a comprehensive line of safety products designed to reduce injuries and safeguard individuals across diverse markets, including industrial safety, construction, public safety, and retail. Radians has partnered with highly respected brands including DEWALT, STANLEY, DUCKS UNLIMITED, CRAFTSMAN and DSM Dyneema to provide high performance personal protection products. Radians' brands include Bellingham, Crossfire, Neese, VolCore, Arctic Radwear, Nordic Blaze, and VisionAid. An ISO 9001:2008 certified leader in the PPE industry, the company is headquartered in Memphis, TN, and has additional facilities in Thomasville, NC, Bellingham, WA, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.Radians.com.

SOURCE RADIANS
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BNY") (NYSE: BK), a global financial services company, today announced the appointment of Rajashree Datta as Deputy Chief Risk Officer.

Ms. Datta will join the company on December 15 and be a member of BNY's Executive Committee. She will succeed Senthil Kumar as BNY's Chief Risk Officer in 2025 following a transition.

"I am delighted to welcome Rajashree to BNY," said Robin Vince, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Risk Management is an imperative for any company, especially BNY  which sits at the center of the financial system  and Rajashree's expertise in developing strong risk frameworks will help us continue to deliver resilience for our clients and the industry."

"BNY's ability to effectively manage risk is one of its most important commercial differentiators," said Ms. Datta. "I look forward to working with BNY's world-class teams as they continue to prioritize the strength and soundness of the company's systems, platforms and business model."

Ms. Datta joins BNY from Goldman Sachs where she most recently served as a Partner and Global Head of Finance Risk, responsible for overseeing Liquidity, Capital and Accrual Rate Risks. During her time at the investment bank, she led significant aspects of the development of its approach to risk management with a demonstrated focus on ensuring judicious risk management in the context of business requirements, risk appetite and regulatory expectations.

Ms. Datta joined Goldman Sachs in Investment Banking in 2000 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Amherst College.

Media

Ryan Wells

[email protected]

About BNY

BNY is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world  managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years BNY has partnered alongside clients, putting its expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today BNY helps over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. BNY supports governments in funding local projects and works with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of September 30, 2024, BNY oversees $52.1 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.1 trillion in assets under management.

BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Headquartered in New York City, BNY employs over 50,000 people globally and has been named among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bny.com. Follow on LinkedIn or visit the BNY Newsroom for the latest company news.

SOURCE BNY
Rewarding fans with its best-sellers like Mango Supreme Cake, Butter Mamon and Chicken Empanada, Red Ribbon wants to thank both its longtime fans and newcomers who have helped the Filipino bakery reach this momentous milestone.

WEST COVINA, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Beloved Filipino bakery, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Inc., founded in the Philippines over four decades ago, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the United States this year. Best known for its beautifully crafted cakes  including its signature Mango Supreme Cake and vibrant Ube Overload Cake  and its unique lineup of sweet and savory pastries, the beloved bakeshop features treats perfect for both special occasions and everyday snacking.

To mark its 40th anniversary in the U.S., Red Ribbon is hosting a week-long celebration filled with special deals, freebies, and exciting giveaways at participating locations. Rewarding fans with its best-sellers like its signature Mango Supreme Cake, Red Ribbon wants to thank both its longtime fans and newcomers who have helped the Filipino bakery reach this momentous milestone.

From opening its first U.S. store in 1984, Red Ribbon has consistently delighted fans from coast to coast for the past forty years. Named the "Best of L.A." twice by the Los Angeles Times and touted as a destination bakeshop for ube desserts by Eater Las Vegas, Red Ribbon continues to create superior and sumptuous baked goods for both its loyal fans and first-time customers.

To mark this milestone, Red Ribbon is offering a week-long celebration filled with special deals, freebies, and exciting giveaways at its participating U.S. locations.

Weekend Freebies: From December 6-8 , 9am to 12pm , Red Ribbon locations will be offering a free limited-edition tote bag or Butter Mamon Share Pack with any $40 purchase.

From , , Red Ribbon locations will be offering a free limited-edition tote bag or Butter Mamon Share Pack with any purchase. Week-Long Deals: From December 6-8 , 12 pm onwards and all-day during December 9-12 , customers can get $5 off the Mango Supreme Cake and Palabok Platter combo, as well as any 6 Empanadas for $20 .

From , onwards and all-day during , customers can get off the Mango Supreme Cake and Palabok Platter combo, as well as any 6 Empanadas for . Daily Prize Box: Every $40 purchase gives fans the chance to win prizes like Butter Mamon Share Packs, limited-edition Red Ribbon mugs and keychains, and an array of assorted pastries.

"For 40 years here in the U.S., Red Ribbon has been elevating special occasions with our uniquely delicious cakes and pastries. We're so appreciative that our fans see our treats as an essential part of getting together with the people they love," said Donny Reyes, Business Unit Head, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Inc. "With our 40th anniversary, we're looking forward to celebrating both our longtime fans and newcomers to our brand who are discovering our delicious take on traditional bakery items for the first time."

For those not familiar with the Red Ribbon menu, here are some of the brand's most enticing, must-have offerings:

Cakes Made to Celebrate

Mango Supreme Cake  Made with real Philippine mangoes, this best-selling three-layer white chiffon cake features fluffy cream, a golden mango glaze between each layer, and is topped with mango chunks and a maraschino cherry.

 Made with real Philippine mangoes, this best-selling three-layer white chiffon cake features fluffy cream, a golden mango glaze between each layer, and is topped with mango chunks and a maraschino cherry. Ube Overload Cake  Deliciously smooth ube is used to create this stunning purple chiffon cake that beautifully contrasts with the bright white frosting. Or, discover the newer Ube Flan Cake that features a creamy milk custard on an ube chiffon cake.

 Deliciously smooth ube is used to create this stunning purple chiffon cake that beautifully contrasts with the bright white frosting. Or, discover the newer that features a creamy milk custard on an ube chiffon cake. Yema Caramel Cake  This moist white chiffon cake is wrapped in a smooth Philippine Yema caramel custard and topped with mesmerizing swirls of Dulce de Leche.

Delightful Pastries

Butter Mamon  An all-time favorite amongst fans, and available in Ube, Mocha, and Cheese flavors, this moist, fluffy chiffon cake is covered in 100% butter for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

 An all-time favorite amongst fans, and available in Ube, Mocha, and Cheese flavors, this moist, fluffy chiffon cake is covered in 100% butter for a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Cheesy Ensaimada  This fluffy and flaky pastry is topped with butter, sugar, and cheese, creating the perfect sweet and savory snack.

 This fluffy and flaky pastry is topped with butter, sugar, and cheese, creating the perfect sweet and savory snack. Chicken Empanada  Savory pastry dough is generously filled with tender chicken and deep-fried to a crisp golden brown.

Red Ribbon proudly serves visitors spanning 38 locations across the U.S., including in California, Nevada, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and Illinois. To learn more about Red Ribbon Bakeshop, please visit redribbonbakeshop.com for information on U.S. locations, featured menu items, and nationwide shipping services. Follow Red Ribbon on Facebook @RedRibbonUSA and on Instagram @redribbonusa for the latest on new products, upcoming store openings, and special offers.

About Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Since being founded in 1979, Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc. has become one of the largest and fastest-growing bakeshops in the Philippines. For the past 40 years the brand has offered superior tasting cakes and pastries and has proved itself as a staple for most Filipino families to mark every special occasion, celebration, and milestone. Today, the international bakery brand boasts over 450 total locations and over 30 bakeshops across the U.S. with locations in California, Nevada, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, and Illinois.

Red Ribbon is among the "Top 500 Chain Restaurants in the U.S." list, which is published annually by leading foodservice research and consulting firm, Technomic. Additionally, both Red Ribbon's manufacturing facilities in California and New Jersey are Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certified by SGS, the global benchmark for quality and integrity. HACCP is an internationally recognized process control system that identifies where hazards might occur in the food production process and puts into place the safety measures that a facility should take to prevent the hazards from occurring.

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), also known as the Jollibee Group, is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, with a mission to deliver great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating through its 19 brands with over 9,500 stores across 32 countries.

The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger), four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in China), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

Through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), the Jollibee Group holds a 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan (THW) brand. It has a joint venture with the THW Group to expand THW in China. It also established a joint venture company that holds the franchise rights to operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. The Company also holds a 90% stake in Titan Dining Partners II Ltd for growing Asia-Pacific food service brands.

The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

SOURCE Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc.
The company also filed a motion to dismiss the claim the Department of Justice brought against the company





DOJ's recent claim against Rocket Mortgage misplaced blame on the Company for work done by an independent appraiser hired by an independent appraisal management company

DETROIT, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Mortgage, the nation's largest mortgage lender and a part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), filed suit in Federal District Court against the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to correct conflicts between the government's regulations requiring appraiser independence and its enforcement actions seeking to hold lenders liable for the conduct of independent licensed appraisers. Rocket Mortgage also filed a motion to dismiss the claim the DOJ brought against the company based on the same regulatory conflicts and misapplication of applicable law.

"It is unreasonable that the DOJ chose to sue Rocket Mortgage for the conduct of an independent appraiser. We will not stand idly by while the courts are used as venues to leverage our company's name to publicize the case instead of the pursuing justice against those who may have committed wrongdoing," said Bill Emerson, President of Rocket Companies. "Today's filings highlight the conflict between HUD's regulations and the DOJ's enforcement positions. We are looking forward to laying out all the facts of this case in court. Rocket Mortgage has thousands of passionate team members who focus every day on doing the right thing. It would be an offense to our workforce if we let the DOJ's and HUD's wrongful actions go unchecked."

On October 21, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a baseless complaint against Rocket Mortgage in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado (United States of America v. Rocket Mortgage, Solidifi, Maksym Mykhailyna and Maverick Appraisal Group). Rocket Mortgage followed all applicable laws and the only explanation for the company's inclusion in this case about the alleged conduct of an independent appraiser is the DOJ's apparent motive to bring headlines to their claim.

"It is notable that, in a case about the alleged actions of an independent appraiser that was contracted through an unaffiliated third party, Rocket Mortgage is listed first in the DOJ's filing and is the only company mentioned by name in the headline of the government's press release announcing the DOJ's lawsuit," Emerson added. "We have always been guided by the fundamental principle that all homebuyers and homeowners should be treated fairly and should have every opportunity to achieve their dream of owning their own home or using their equity to improve their lives. Our long, exemplary track record of fair housing lending speaks for itself."

The accusation of discrimination is against the independent appraiser who performed the appraisal, not Rocket Mortgage. Despite this, the DOJ surprisingly dragged Rocket Mortgage into a lawsuit based on the assertion that the company "had the authority to correct the [allegedly] discriminatory appraisal, or cause it to be corrected, but failed to do so." This is 100% false. Rocket Mortgage had no "authority to correct" the appraisal as a matter of law and the claims against the company should be immediately dismissed.

It's important to note that Rocket Mortgage originated three home loans for the borrower named in the lawsuit, with which there were no issues. The borrower's loan is currently being serviced by Rocket Mortgage, and also was being serviced by Rocket Mortgage at the time of the appraisal in question. When the applicant expressed concern with the home's valuation during this refinance, Rocket Mortgage offered a path to challenge the appraisal through a value reconsideration process which complies with the law. The borrower declined to engage in that process on two separate occasions.

The government's own requirements under the Dodd Frank Act and the changes to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), that was enacted in 2010 in response to the Great Recession, mandate that a lender must obtain an appraisal from an independent state-licensed third-party appraiser to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence on the appraisal process. The government's requirements also prohibit lenders from taking any action to influence the appraisal value "to be based on a factor other than the independent judgment of th[at] appraiser." The government cannot require Rocket Mortgage to rely only on an independent appraiser's opinion of value and  at the same time  find the company liable for not influencing or correcting the valuation.

Rocket Mortgage filed its complaint against HUD to seek judicial resolution of the conflicts HUD has created between the government-created mandates of appraiser oversight and appraiser independence. This resolution is necessary because HUD has failed to provide notice or an opportunity to comment on its policy change requiring lenders to oversee and "correct" the appraisals of independent, third-party appraisers.

Rocket Mortgage is asking the court to:

Declare that the Fair Housing Act prohibits Rocket Mortgage pursuant to TILA's appraiser independence requirements from influencing or attempting to influence the independent judgment of an appraiser to "correct" or "remediate" a home appraisal.





Affirm that Rocket Mortgage does not have control over, or any other legal responsibility for, the actions of an independent appraiser.





State that, under the Fair Housing Act, Rocket Mortgage is not liable for relying on an appraisal provided by an independent, third-party appraiser





Issue an order vacating any policies of holding mortgage lenders responsible for failing to correct or remediate perceived or alleged appraiser bias or discrimination in an appraisal.

Any assertion that Rocket Mortgage is biased is false. Rocket Mortgage remains committed to homeownership for everyone who can sustainably afford it. In fact, the company has introduced several programs in an effort to bridge the racial homeownership gap.

Rocket Mortgage is America's largest mortgage lender, having helped more Americans than any other lender according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data from 2023, the most recent time period available. The company has also been top-ranked in J.D. Power's client service studies for mortgage origination and mortgage servicing a total of 22 times over the past several years, more than any other lender.

The case is Rocket Mortgage, LLC vs United States Department of Housing and Urban Development filed in the United States District Court for District of Colorado. Rocket Mortgage also filed a motion to dismiss the government's claims against the company. Rocket Mortgage is represented by Michigan-based Morganroth & Morganroth and Goodwin Procter of Washington, DC.

ABOUT ROCKET MORTGAGE

Detroit-based Rocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender and is a part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT).

The lender enables the American Dream of homeownership and financial freedom through its obsession with an industry-leading, digital-driven client experience. In late 2015, it introduced the first fully digital, completely online mortgage experience. Since its founding in 1985, Rocket Mortgage has closed more than $1.8 trillion of mortgage volume across all 50 states.

J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage #1 in client satisfaction for both primary mortgage origination and servicing 22 times  the most of any mortgage lender. Rocket Companies, Rocket Mortgage's parent company, has placed in the top third of Fortune's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" the list for 21 consecutive years.

SOURCE Rocket Mortgage
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of Western Asset Management Company mutual fund investors resulting from allegations that Western Asset may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On November 25, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release entitled "SEC Charges Ken Leech, Former Co-Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management Co., with Fraud." This press release stated that Leech had been charged with fraud "for engaging in a multi-year scheme to allocate favorable trades to certain portfolios, while allocating unfavorable trades to other portfolios, a practice known as cherry-picking."

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Lacey Chabert partners with iconic chocolatier to celebrate the holidays

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Stover Chocolates, an American classic since 1923, has partnered with actress, Lacey Chabert to encourage people to share their happy memories with Russell Stover for a chance to win an amazing holiday getaway.

"The holiday season is about gathering with loved ones, enjoying timeless traditions, reminiscing about the past, and making happy memories," said Chabert. "Russell Stover Chocolates are one of my favorite gifts to receive and give loved ones."

Chocolate lovers can visit RussellStover.com/MakeHappy to submit a happy memory with the brand or a future moment they can't wait to indulge in for a chance to win a sweet holiday getaway to the destination of their choice  New York, Vermont, or Lake Tahoe  in 2025. Weekly winners will be randomly selected to win a Russell Stover prize pack. Consumers can enter through February 27, 2025 at www.RussellStover.com/MakeHappy .

"Our chocolate gift boxes have been part of family traditions and gift giving for decades. We're proud to be a part of America's holiday traditions, celebrations, and everyday indulgences," said Russell Stover's Vice President of Marketing, Patrick Khattak.

About Russell Stover Chocolates

Russell Stover Chocolates has been an American classic since 1923. Crafting delicious treats, made using the finest ingredients, Russell Stover Chocolates has been known for its chocolates for generations. Russell Stover Chocolates includes the Russell Stover, Whitman's, and Pangburn's brands. The company was acquired by Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli in 2014 and is now part of the Lindt & Sprungli Group. To learn more about Russell Stover Chocolates and its long-standing company history visit RussellStover.com.

SOURCE Russell Stover
Expansion Boosts Capacity and Reinforces Sabatino's Position as the Global Leader in Premium Truffles

WEST HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabatino, the largest and most productive truffle company in the world, has announced today the opening of its new distribution center in West Haven, Connecticut. This state-of-the-art facility expands Sabatino's warehouse capacity by 40%, positioning the company to meet the increasing global demand for its premium truffle products.

With operations spanning from Italy to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, Sabatino oversees every step of the truffle journeyfrom cultivation to creation. This new facility serves as a central hub for production, packaging, and shipping of Sabatino's diverse lineup, including luxury oils, condiments, honey, seasonings, spreads, and instant meals. Each product benefits from a direct, traceable supply chain that connects Sabatino's orchards to the tables of chefs and food lovers worldwide.

The West Haven facility is designed with cutting-edge automation technology, featuring advanced robotics that streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This innovative approach will allow the brand to meet the rising consumer demand while ensuring the highest standards of quality and service. Although the facility will start with current staffing levels, Sabatino plans to hire more talent in 2025 to keep up with growing needs.

In addition to boosting distribution capabilities, the new center is built with sustainability at the forefront. The facility is equipped with solar panels, significantly reducing our carbon footprint, and aligning with our commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This investment not only supports brand growth but also reflects our dedication to a sustainable future.

"This new facility marks an exciting milestone for Sabatino," said Federico Balestra, third-generation owner, and CEO. "The expansion enables us to better meet growing demand, enhance our service, and uphold our sustainability values. It's an important step in our U.S. growth, which also includes our first retail location at New York City's Grand Central Terminal."

Thomas McQuillan, Chief Development Officer, and sustainability expert, added, "Our new facility embodies our vision for a greener future. By integrating sustainable practices and advanced technology, we are not only enhancing our operational efficiency but also minimizing` our environmental impact. This is a critical step forward in our journey towards sustainability."

As a key hub in Sabatino's global network, the West Haven center brings renowned truffle products to chefs, food lovers, and professionals worldwidereliably and sustainably. This expansion in the U.S. is just the beginning: Sabatino is also enhancing its Italian facilities to meet rising global demand while maintaining the excellence that makes Sabatino truffles a staple in kitchens across continents.

About Sabatino

Discover the magic of truffles with Sabatino, the world's largest truffle specialist based in Montecastrilli, Italy, and West Haven, CT. Family-owned and operated for generations, Sabatino offers a premium selection of the finest truffle species and high-quality truffle products. Trusted by renowned chefs worldwide, Sabatino's products are also available to consumers, allowing them to bring the enchantment of truffles to their own kitchen. Sabatino is guided by family stewardship, preserved values and traditions, and an enduring passion for the art of truffle. Join us in the next chapter of this century-old culinary journey by visiting www.sabatino1911.com

Contacts:

Chris Mendez Pauline Charles

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Sabatino
News / National

by Staff reporter

Gogo Tarima Muzariri, the mother of the late Livingstone Maynard Muzariri, former director-general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), has passed away at the age of 112. She died on Tuesday, at a time when a bitter family dispute over her son's estate continues to escalate.Muzariri was admitted to Karanda Hospital in Mt Darwin, where she was being treated for a medical condition after suffering a seizure last week. Family member Lovemore Muzariri revealed that Gogo Muzariri had been in a deteriorated state, unable to receive proper medical care due to a lack of funds.We had to take her to Karanda Hospital last week after she suffered a seizure. Unfortunately, we failed to raise funds to get her proper medication. The sad reality is that Uncle Maynard used to take care of her very well when he was alive. In fact, she had a nurse aid who was dedicated to looking after her, Lovemore said.However, after Maynard Muzariri's death, his widow, Esther, and their son, Tatenda, have been embroiled in a fierce battle over the vast wealth left behind, which includes millions of US dollars in property investments, primarily in the Borrowdale district of Harare. According to family sources, Esther took control of the wealth immediately after her husband's death and severed ties with his extended family, leaving Gogo Muzariri without the same level of care she had previously received."After Maynard passed away, his wife and son started fighting for the wealth, and no one was looking after Gogo," Lovemore said.Gogo Muzariri, who had several children, saw the passing of six of them during her lifetime. Maynard Muzariri, as the breadwinner, had been the pillar of the family, and after his death, the disputes over the estate have led to strained relationships among family members.Efforts to contact Tatenda and Esther for comment were unsuccessful. Tatenda declined to speak to the press, while Esther was unavailable.The estate battle has taken a legal turn, with Esther being called in for questioning regarding the sale of stands from the estate before it has been legally dissolved.As Gogo Muzariri's death marks the end of an era for the family, the ongoing dispute over her son's estate has left unresolved tensions and further complications for the inheritance. The situation remains tense as the Muzariri family continues to navigate the complex legal and emotional ramifications of their feud.
DENVER, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam The Concrete Man, North America's largest concrete franchise specializing in residential and commercial services, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Eagle Merchant, a private equity firm recognized for its focus in franchise investments.

Since 2019 Sam The Concrete Man has grown to over 80 locations across the US and Canada. The partnership with Eagle Merchant will enable the company to scale even further, positioning them for substantial growth and expansion.

Sam The Concrete Man has partnered with Eagle Merchant to expand its resources and double its franchise locations, bringing top-quality residential and commercial concrete services to even more customers.

CEO Todd Stewart will retain his role in Sam The Concrete Man, remaining deeply involved in the company's growth and overseeing new initiatives to enhance systems and processes. Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Eagle Merchant will allow us to take Sam The Concrete Man to new heights. We're excited to bring more value to our customers with an expanded service footprint and tailored offerings in local communities."

Eagle Merchant, with over $1 billion in investments in consumer and commercial service businesses, brings deep expertise in helping franchise-based companies reach their full potential. By fostering relationship driven collaboration, Eagle supports businesses in achieving long-term growth and innovation.

As part of this partnership, Sam The Concrete Man aims to double its franchise locations within the next year and continue steady expansion in the years that follow. Through the additional resources provided by Eagle Merchant, Sam The Concrete Man will enhance training and support for franchise owners, ensuring they have the tools needed to build successful businesses and provide world-class customer service and support. "Our corporate and franchise development teams are fully prepared to support our franchise owners as we enter this next phase of growth," Stewart added.

With roots dating back to 1989, Sam The Concrete Man provides high-quality residential and limited commercial concrete services, offering fair pricing and a professional, transparent customer experience. With a comprehensive operational model that includes internal marketing, a contact center, and dedicated operations teams, the company continues to deliver world-class concrete solutions across the U.S. and Canada.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Sam The Concrete Man, as it sets out to reach more communities and expand its reputation for excellence in concrete services.

For more information about Sam The Concrete Man please visit: SamTheConcreteMan.com

For franchise opportunities, please visit: SamTheConcreteManFranchise.com

Media Contact: Mike Perry

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Sam The Concrete Man
Land Day at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh kicks off thematic days

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia's UNCCD Presidency launched Land Day today, the first of its seven scheduled Thematic Days designed to focus discussions and ongoing negotiations on key areas within the land degradation, desertification and drought issue. One of the central matters driving debate during the day concerned the urgent need to unlock private sector investment to mobilize international resources for land restoration.

Saudi COP16 Presidency Calls on Private Sector to ramp up Funding Amid Land Restoration Finance blackhole

It comes as Saudi Arabia's UNCCD Presidency called for the private sector to 'ramp up' funding, after a UNCCD report highlighted only 6% of financial commitments for land resilience and drought restoration came from private sources. UNCCD findings have also highlighted the cost of inaction, with the potential for the global economy to lose $23 trillion by 2050 due to land degradation, desertification and drought.

A range of key events took place during the course of Land Day to amplify awareness and action. The Business for Land forum brought together top-level decision-makers from business, government, and civil society to explore the intersection of business, finance, and policy and promote private sector engagement in addressing land degradation.

Delivering the keynote speech at the forum, UNCCD COP16 President and Saudi Arabia Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, said: "Through our Presidency of COP16 we will work to make this COP a launchpad to strengthen public and private partnerships and create a roadmap to rehabilitate 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030."

Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, also addressed attendees on the need to unlock new investment, saying: "We really need to look at the entire spectrum of capital that is available, from philanthropic, corporate social responsibility, development finance, blended, looking at subsidies, and also private equity, mainstream capital, and look at how we can continue to grow new opportunities."

Following a series of events this year at the UN General Assembly, the CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 'Rio Convention Synergies' dialogue also took place on Land Day, highlighting developments made during the 2024 Rio Trio events. The event discussed the interconnected issues driving land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change, and how to find common solutions.

"If the international community is to deliver land restoration at the scale required, then the private sector simply must ramp up investment. As the latest UNCCD findings show, there remains a worrying blackhole in the funds needed to combat land degradation, desertification and drought," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.

"For decades businesses have profited from land, now is the time to embrace restoration and invest in futureproofing the foundations of businesses, industries and whole economies. At COP16 in Riyadh we are working to mobilize both the public and private sector, to further incentivize investment, and ultimately, help unlock a potential trillion-dollar restoration economy," added Dr. Faqeeha.

Meanwhile, the day also outlined the unique issues facing different types of land around the world, and the potential solutions to arrest their degradation. From forests to rangelands, which are natural grasslands used by livestock and wild animals to graze and forage. Rangelands also include savannas, shrublands, wetlands, tundra and deserts, and account for approximately 54% of all land cover according to the UNCCD. During Land Day discussions on 'Protecting and Restoring Rangelands' took place to mobilize investments in the preservation, protection, and restoration of global rangelands. Sessions offered participants insights into science-backed solutions for combating land degradation and drought, and the crucial role of finance in the circular economy.

"Rangelands are a vital ecosystem for people around the world, nurturing lives and livelihoods. However, they are facing acute degradation with over 50% of rangelands already degraded. This is having a drastic impact, putting at risk 1/6th of humanity's food supply and 1/3rd of the planets carbon reservoir. The continued depletion of these vital lands is driving food insecurity, climate change, biodiversity loss and forced migration," said Dr. Faqeeha.

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, please visit UNCCDCOP16.org

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573910/Saudi_COP16.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556588/5056017/UNCCD_COP16__Logo.jpg

SOURCE UNCCD COP16 Presidency
The screening was followed by an engaging conversation with director Miguel Gomes and Acropolis Cinema founder Jordan Cronk, focusing on the nonfiction techniques Gomes employed in the film. This marked Miguel Gomes' first-ever appearance in Los Angeles. The event attracted a vibrant audience of cinephiles, emerging filmmakers, film critics, industry professionals, and Oscar voters, as Grand Tour is also Portugal's official selection for the Academy Awards.

SmallRig Awards, launched this year by SmallRigrenowned for its affordable, compact, and versatile rigs for filmmakers, journalists, and photographersaims to discover impactful films and videos addressing global social issues. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and the opportunity to secure financial backing from SmallRig for future projects.

From now until December 31, the SmallRig Awards is accepting entries of fiction or documentary films and videos under 40 minutes in length, featuring compelling stories that shed light on worldwide challenges, including but not limited to:

Marginalized Communities Lacking Representation

Global Warming

Animal Conservation

Economic and Social Inequality

Health Crises

Cultural and Social Divides

Gender Inequality

Participants will compete for 22 awards, with cash prizes ranging from $800 to $12,000. The award categories include:

SmallRig Gold Award

SmallRig Silver Award

SmallRig Bronze Award

Audience Choice Award

Emerging Talent Award

Outstanding Achievement Award

With the slogan "See It. Change It.," the SmallRig Awards are designed to encourage young filmmakers with limited resources to think creatively about how films of modest scale and budget can engage with universal issues through a variety of tools and storytelling techniques.

"The SmallRig Awards are for socially conscious filmmakers," says SmallRig founder Zhou Yang. "We believe that images are very powerful. They allow people, behavior, and important moments to be seen." He continues: "While we support films that call for action on global issues and aim to create positive change, our focus is more on addressing issues constructively rather than taking a critical or activist approach." As for eligibility, Zhang points out that "the award isn't limited to films alone. It's also open to other types of works, such as journalistic videos or even PSA videos. We hope applicants will join us in making change happen."

The jury panel will be led by Ruby Yang, Academy Award-winning filmmaker of The Blood of Yingzhou District (2006). Yang has also been honored with an Emmy, the DuPont-Columbia Journalism Award, FilmAid Asia's Humanitarian Award, the Global Health Council Media Award, and two IDA Pare Lorentz Award nominations. The jury will assess entries based on storytelling technique, production quality, and artistic creativity.

For more information about the Smallrig Awards and submission guidelines, visit the official awards website at https://www.smallrig.com/activity/SmallRigAwards. Submissions can be made directly on the website or on Filmfreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/SmallRigAwards.

SOURCE Smallrig

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PORTLAND, Maine, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its philanthropic focus on helping people access the care and coverage they need, Sun Life U.S. has renewed its support of Northeastern University's Roux Institute Gap Year program with a donation of $50,000. The program places recent college graduates from schools around the country in clinical support positions throughout Maine. The graduates fill frontline roles, helping to address staff shortages in care delivery settings, including dental. Nearly all Gap Year program participants enter careers in healthcare, and many of them remain in Maine. Since the Gap Year program began in 2023, 54 graduates have been placed in seven healthcare systems around the state.

"As part of Maine's academic community, we believe strongly in working with our partners to support the state's economy and its citizens," said Aileen Huang-Saad, director of Life Sciences, Health & Engineering and associate professor of bioengineering at Northeastern University's Roux Institute. "We launched the Gap Year program to address the issue of access to healthcare in Maine while attracting and retaining more health professionals. Sun Life's commitment to helping people access the care and coverage they need aligns so well with our mission, and we're thrilled to have their continued support. Our generous donors play such an important role in our ability to grow this program."

The Gap Year program provides support to clinical teams, enabling them to increase the number of appointments available and treat more patients in the community. Of the participants who have completed the program, 80% have stayed in Maine, and all of them confirmed in an exit survey they would be seeking employment in healthcare or engaging post graduate studies in health.

"Sun Life has a large presence in Maine, and we are committed to partnering with organizations like the Roux Institute to help Mainers live healthier lives," said Dan Fishbein, M.D., president, Sun Life U.S. "With the growing workforce shortage crisis in the U.S. healthcare system, supporting programs like the Roux's Gap Year is an innovative way to address this issue in Maine. We are proud to support this program as it expands patient access across the state and steers recent graduates into careers in healthcare."

Based in Portland, Maine, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University offers graduate degrees in data analytics, life and health sciences, and other fields. Sun Life first partnered with the Roux Institute in 2020 to deliver an actuarial training program for employees. Sun Life has also participated in the Roux Institute's research on artificial intelligence (AI) and its 2023 conference, "The State of AI in Maine."

Sun Life partners with many organizations in Maine to support healthy communities and help people access care, including the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine and Spurwink Services. The Roux Institute works with corporate and individual donors around Maine to support the Gap Year program.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.51 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university with an R1 Carnegie classification, and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Northeastern's global university system includes 13 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. Students study, conduct research, and work on co-op in 149 countries and on all continents. The university has 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 industry partners worldwide.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

[email protected]

781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

Northeastern Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
SANTA FE, N.M., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is pleased to announce the return of SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW), celebrating its second annual event, from May 7 through May 11, 2025. Following the success of last year's inaugural event, SNFW will present multiple runway shows, pop-up shops, activation spaces, and fashion panelsdesigned to spotlight Indigenous creativity, amplify Indigenous voices, and provide networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals.

Patricia Michaels designs on the SNFW runway 2024  Tira Howard Photography

"This year's Native Fashion Week will invite the community to join us in celebrating Indigenous creativity and innovation," said SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze. "We have also issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a fashion producer to collaborate with SWAIA staff on the event. Interested and qualified applicants are asked to submit their proposals by December 20, 2024."

The open RFP process reflects SWAIA's commitment to inclusivity and transparency within the Indigenous fashion industry. The selected producer will work closely with SWAIA to bring SWAIA Native Fashion Week's vision to fruition.

Creating a standalone event during the City of Santa Fe's shoulder season, last year's inaugural SNFW is an offshoot of the popular SWAIA Native Fashion Show. The 2024 SNFW event highlighted 17 Indigenous designers from the U.S. and Canada, featuring 140 models and over 30 independent makeup and hair artists. Event funding was made possible by the generous support of the New Mexico Multi-Cultural Foundation, Heritage Hotels, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the City of Santa Fe, Malouf on the Plaza, N8tive Beauty, Meow Wolf, and media partners such as Table Magazine New Mexico, Cowboys & Indians, and Native American Art Magazine.

The 2025 SNFW participating designers and ticketing information will be announced in early 2025. For more information on the upcoming event and to access the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a fashion producer, please visit: [RFP FASHION PRODUCER LINK].

About SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW):

SWAIA Native Fashion Week is an offshoot of the popular SWAIA Native Fashion Show that has taken place during Santa Fe Indian Market, since 2014. SWAIA Native Fashion Week debuted in May 2024, an event dedicated to Indigenous fashion designers and Indigenous representation in the fashion industry. The goals of SWAIA Native Fashion Week are to establish Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the Indigenous fashion capital of North America, showcase Indigenous creativity, create networking opportunities, and amplify Indigenous voices.

About SWAIA

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is a non-profit organization supporting Native North American art and culture. SWAIA creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native North American artists by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market the largest and most prestigious Native art event in the world. Since 1922 SWAIA has cultivated excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms developing programs and events that support, promote and honor Native North American artists year-round. swaia.org

IG: santafeindianmarket

FB: @SWAIA

SOURCE Southwestern Association for Indian Arts
Tapster Recognized for its Simplified Bar Franchise Model that Streamlines Operations & Eliminates the Burden of Complex Staffing, Food Service Requirements, & Inventory Frustrations

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tapster, the premier self-pour tasting room franchise, was named a "Top 100 Game Changer" by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. The annual list is a compilation of the top 100 innovative franchise opportunities in the United States, excelling in the following key areas: supporting veterans, attracting millennials, opening doors for new entrepreneurs, filling unique niches, making a positive impact, and serving their communities.

Tapster was recognized for redefining social drinking with its innovative self-pour concept, flexible beverage offerings, and streamlined operations that create a profitable, lifestyle-focused business model. By eliminating typical restaurant franchise challenges, Tapster is paving the way for the future of community-focused hospitality.

With 40+ rotating taps of beer, wine, craft cocktails, and more, Tapster gives communities the freedom to sip at their own pace while helping franchisees build profitable, eco-friendly businesses.

"The self-pour industry is on the rise and its driven largely by growing consumer demand for convenience," said Mike Weinberger, president of franchising at Tapster and managing partner of Community Franchise Group, which is guiding the brand's growth via franchising. "Tapster isn't just about great drinksit's about setting a new standard in hospitality through innovation, sustainability, and connection. With flexible operations and a guest-first experience, Tapster is leading the charge as one of the hottest franchise opportunities in today's market."

Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine / FranServe says, "2024 was a year of explosive growth and success for the franchise model. A brand that earns the Top 100 Game Changers designation has gone the extra mile to improve people's lives and sets itself apart! We are THRILLED to recognize and showcase these 100+ FRAN-TASTIC brands that went above and beyond. Here's to #ChangingLives and congrats to this year's Game Changers!"

Tapster launched its national franchise expansion strategy earlier this year, targeting prime markets across the country. The self-pour concept offers franchisees a simplified bar franchise model with a proven track record of success. Tapster's innovative approach streamlines operations and eliminates the burden of complex staffing, food service requirements, and inventory frustrations. The hot, emerging franchise brand also caters to the growing consumer desire for customization and control. The total investment to open a Tapster franchise is $400,000 - $1,200,000, including a $40,000 franchise fee.

View the 2024 Top 100 Game Changers list at https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/2024-game-changers/.

To learn more about the Tapster franchise opportunity, visit https://tapsterfranchise.com.

About Tapster:

Tapster is a pioneering force, revolutionizing the social drinking experience. The innovative, self-pour bar concept offers 40-plus taps with a wide variety of beer, craft cocktails, wine, cider, hard seltzer, kombucha, cold brew coffee, and craft sodas. Guests sample a wide variety, at their own pace, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Founded on core values surrounding environment, empowerment, and education, Tapster opened its first tasting room in 2017 and has five locations across the United States. With a proven business model focused on simplicity, profitability, and community engagement, Tapster offers owner-operator franchisees the opportunity to be part of a dynamic brand that is poised to reshape the way people experience and enjoy their favorite brews and cocktails. For more information, visit https://tapstertastingroom.com/ or https://tapsterfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Betty Anne Richardson | Franchise Elevator PR | [email protected] | (847) 945-1300 ext. 245

SOURCE Tapster
Legislation Would Put Workers, Retirees Ahead of Executives During Bankruptcy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters Union commends Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) for introducing the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act in the U.S. Senate, which would correct abuses of the corporate bankruptcy process that rob employees and retirees of their hard-earned wages, benefits, and retirement savings.

"Corporate bankruptcy law in the U.S. is a joke," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "The rules are written to favor corporations, not working people. The system is rigged to undercut workers and retirees, while CEOs walk away with multimillion-dollar payouts. The Teamsters Union supports the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act and we will fight for its passage to make sure workers and retirees are finally prioritized during bankruptcy proceedings."

For years, the Teamsters Union has advocated for meaningful corporate bankruptcy reform in America. The Teamsters called on Congress and the White House to pass and enact bankruptcy legislation to prioritize workers last year, but such reform efforts were not taken up at the time.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
GROTON, Conn., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of White House and Pentagon negotiations regarding delays and cost overruns in submarine production, ThayerMahan, a global leader in undersea surveillance technology, recently responded to a media inquiry about its Outpost system. The core question was whether its unmanned, long-duration acoustic sensing systems are able to augment submarine surveillance missions.

ThayerMahan is a positive option for the Navy to ensure the undersea domain is covered. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2nd) Post this The unmanned, long-duration Outpost platform deploys acoustic sensing systems that can augment submarine surveillance missions, thus enhancing and extending the effectiveness of the submarine force.

"What we have is truly a 'disruptive technology,'" Mike Connor, ThayerMahan Chairman and CEO told The Day of New London, CT, which covers nearby submarine manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat. "We're proposing to do things for a lot less money."

Connor is a retired Vice Admiral who commanded the U.S. Submarine Force during his time in the U.S. Navy. Connor told The Day that he and others foresaw labor shortages and supply chain challenges years ago when submarine production was at a post-WW II all-time low. That lull resulted in significant reductions in the manufacturing base that fed components to GD's Electric Boat, and markedly diminished the skilled workforce necessary to build one of the nation's most sophisticated defense assets.

Just days after Connor was interviewed to explain how Outpost can aid in filling known and anticipated undersea surveillance mission gaps, the White House asked Congress for $7.3 billion in emergency funding to keep sub production on pace.

Each submarine costs about $5 billion and construction takes six to seven years. In addition, subs require a crew of about 130 sailors to operate.

One Outpost system costs about $2 million and requires a few months of construction time. The 22-foot unmanned vessels are powered by solar, wind, and wave energy, can employ an array of sophisticated listening devices similar to those deployed by submarines, and deliver high-quality sensor data ashore in near-real time.

This scenario means a fleet of small, unmanned Outpost platforms can cover vast areas of ocean around the globe while providing submarine commanders with valuable and timely maritime awareness on and below the surface.

Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson (USN Ret.) noted that "We need sensors, we need as many sensors as we can get out there. Sampling density is key. And so, autonomous, high-quality, connected, persistent sensors, at an affordable price are fundamental. Outpost provides all of those qualities. It is exactly the type of sensor we need."

After learning of the White House request for an emergency $7.3 billion in additional sub funding, Connor issued the following statement:

"Since there is no plan on the table that will solve the submarine shortfall in the next 20 years, some funding should shift to mitigating the impact of that shortfall. Outpost is one method for filling the gap in undersea warfare capacity. Taking 10% of the $7B proposed for long-term improvement in the submarine industrial base and using it to fill the near-term gap in undersea capacity would be a good place to start.

"We will always need submarines because they can fire missiles and deploy special forces, but we cannot build them fast enough to meet the increasing threats across the globe," Connor said. "There is too much ocean and too many bad actors with advanced technology for our sub fleet to keep up with."

Adding to the production challenge is the agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S., known as AUKUS, for the U.S. to provide three to five subs to Australia to keep China's military in check.

U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut's 2nd District and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces told The Day the Outpost system is a worthy option for the Navy.

"The bottom line is the (submarine) fleet needs to grow and AUKUS is a big commitment," Courtney said. "ThayerMahan is a really positive option for the Navy to make sure the undersea domain is going to be covered. It's always been Mike Connor's view that ThayerMahan can extend the reach of submarines, allowing them to concentrate on other things (besides surveillance).

"It shows we have options to make sure undersea threats are deterred."

Media Contact: Dr. Kevin Lopes

Vice President, Marketing

120B Leonard Drive

Groton, CT 06340

860-937-6499

www.thayermahan.com

SOURCE ThayerMahan, Inc.
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou) took place on December 3 at the Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center. Over 600 participants from the political, strategic, business, academic, and think tank sectors, both domestic and international, attended. Themed "Carry through the Reform to the End--Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development," the conference was a joint effort by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Guangdong provincial government.

The 2024 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou) took place at the Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center.

Thanks to the support of its domestic and international partners, the Understanding China Conference has become a leading global platform for understanding China's development strategy. This year's conference saw a significant increase in international participation, with 100 representatives from overseas, Hong Kong and Macao, including nine former heads of state, 16 ministerial-level officials, two ambassadors to China, and other leaders from diverse fields. This reflects the conference's growing global influence and the increasing desire for international dialogue and consensus-building. The program included keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, six parallel seminars, 14 thematic forums, two closed-door discussions, and numerous supporting activities, attracting over 100 domestic and international media outlets.

China consistently adheres to the development logic of "China can only do well when the world is doing well. When China does well, the world will get even better," framing its progress within the context of human development and providing more opportunities for global progress. Today China is steadily advancing Chinese-style modernization through high-quality development. This not only fulfills the aspirations of 1.4 billion people for a better life but also contributes to global peace and development. As former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome said, Chinese-style modernization is not just internal development for China; it offers new opportunities for global development. China looks forward to working with other countries to create a favorable environment for development, address various difficulties and challenges, and promote a model of global modernization characterized by peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.

This year's conference prioritized showcasing the global significance of China's further and comprehensive deepening of reforms and its advancement of Chinese-style modernization, demonstrating to the world that Chinese-style modernization has opened up new paths for promoting global modernization. The agenda also aimed to: demonstrate the characteristics and achievements of Chinese-style modernization; address international concerns about China's further and comprehensive deepening of reforms and its commitment to expanding high-level opening up; and foster discussion on topics such as the unified multi-ethnic Chinese nation and common development of the Chinese nation, cultural preservation and innovation in historically and culturally significant cities, and the innovative development of women's leadership. Ultimately, the conference sought to promote fine traditional Chinese culture and facilitate cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Contact: Albert Huang

Tel.: 0086-15810014610

E-mail: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2574270/The_2024_Understanding_China_Conference.jpg

SOURCE Guangdong Province
Hailing from Alaska, "The People's Tree" is on public display through January 1, 2025 as a symbol of national pride & unity

EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, an 80-foot Sitka spruce, is lighting up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the 2024 holiday season. The tree, selected from a different national forest each year in a tradition that began in 1970, traveled more than 4200 miles from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska  America's largest national forest  to reach the West Lawn.

2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S Forest Service searched for the perfect tree, evaluating the characteristics of individual trees in the Tongass. The tree's journey included 11 stops, where people signed the truck's banner with personal messages, from Wrangell, Alaska through Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Altoona, Iowa, as well as Dover Air Force Base and Joint Base Andrews.

84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, has been the presenting sponsor of what affectionately is known as "The People's Tree" for three years. As part of its annual holiday celebration, 84 Lumber brought an early Christmas gift to Dover Air Force Base families by donating 84 Christmas trees during a private event held at Major George S. Welch Elementary School & Air Base Middle School. Holiday cheer also arrived at Joint Base Andrews where 84 Lumber also gifted 84 Christmas trees to military families as a small token of gratitude for their service and sacrifice before the tree's last stop on its journey to Washington D.C..

"It's a joy to spread a little extra holiday magic to those who give so much," said 84 Lumber's Vice President of Marketing Amy Smiley. "Part of 84 Lumber's messaging for this year's tree was a call to action for employers to consider hiring veterans to fill their open positions. This important message was proudly displayed on the banner adorning the truck carrying the People's Tree," said Smiley.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is made possible with support from partners like 84 Lumber, along with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, as well as volunteers locally and across the nation. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program creates the opportunity to spotlight public lands with billions of trees across diverse ecosystems.

The tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening until January 1, 2025.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of the nation's 155 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2024 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.

About 84 Lumber

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, 84 Lumber was named as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 by Newsweek and was named one of America's Top Retailers 2024 by USA Today. The company was also recognized as one of America's Largest Private Companies in 2023 by Forbes. The company also made the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies in 2023. For more information, visit www.84lumber.com and join us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

SOURCE 84 Lumber
News / National

by Staff reporter

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Douglas Mwonzora, has called for a government investigation into allegations that ZANU-PF officials are politicizing food aid distribution in rural areas, deliberately excluding opposition supporters from receiving drought relief.Mwonzora made the comments in response to widespread reports that ruling party members are removing families aligned with opposition parties from lists of beneficiaries for food aid, particularly in rural and remote regions. According to Mwonzora, this practice is not only unethical but also a violation of the rights of Zimbabweans affected by the ongoing drought."Almost every family in the rural areas has indicated that they require drought relief aid. Indeed, they require food aid. Most of this drought relief is coming from international donor organizations, and it is meant to benefit all Zimbabweans," Mwonzora said.He went on to accuse ZANU-PF officials of using food aid as a tool for political manipulation, saying, "ZANU-PF, through its officials, has been systematically removing families of the members of the opposition from the list of beneficiaries of food aid. This can only be described as evil."Zimbabwe is currently facing a severe drought exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, which has caused widespread crop failure, leading to food shortages across the country. In April, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for food assistance. The government has since received donations from several countries and organizations to address the crisis.Despite this, concerns persist regarding the transparency and fairness of the aid distribution process, with opposition parties claiming that food relief is being politicized. Mwonzora emphasized that the drought has impacted Zimbabweans across all political affiliations and that food aid should be distributed equitably."This drought has affected all people regardless of their political affiliation. Our constitution guarantees that Zimbabweans must have food security. By denying the opposition food aid, ZANU-PF is abrogating the fundamental rights of our people," he stated.Mwonzora has called on the government to step in and ensure that food aid reaches those in need, regardless of their political affiliation. He urged the police to take action against those who interfere with the distribution of relief aid and appealed to donor agencies to monitor the process to ensure that aid is distributed fairly and reaches all intended beneficiaries."Therefore, the government, through the police, must step in and arrest all people who are interfering with the food aid program. The donor agencies must step in and independently ensure that the food aid reaches all intended beneficiaries," Mwonzora added.As Zimbabwe grapples with a growing humanitarian crisis, the issue of food aid distribution has become a focal point for political debate, with accusations of corruption and political interference intensifying.
ORLEANS, Mass., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seaside Cannabis Company is proud to be celebrating not only its 1st year of operations, but also winning 2 prestigious awards: the NECANN 5-Star Retailer Award and the Cape Cod Times Community Choice Award.

Seaside Cannabis Company Voted #1 Best Cannabis Dispensary on Cape Cod

The NECANN 5-Star Retailer Award is given to dispensaries that demonstrate excellence in all aspects of their business, including product quality, customer service, and community involvement. The Cape Cod Times Community Choice Award is voted on by the public to recognize 'the best' local businesses by category. In Seaside's case, this meant it was selected as 'The Best Cannabis Dispensary on Cape Cod'.

"The Seaside team is incredibly proud to win two merit-based awards in our first year of operation," said Meg Wieland, General Manager of Seaside Cannabis Company. "We're especially proud of winning Best Dispensary on Cape Cod, as it is a testament to the hard work of the team, and their passion for bringing the best cannabis products our state has to offer, home to Cape Cod."

Seaside Cannabis Company believes that being 'the best cannabis dispensary on Cape Cod' means providing the Cape Cod community with a safe, welcoming, and educational environment for cannabis shopping. This dedication can be experienced in their comfortable Orleans shop which offers a wide variety of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals. Unlike most dispensaries in the state, and completely unique in the Cape region, is their 'deli-style' Flower Market, allowing customers to intimately see, smell, and select strains individually.

As a thank you to the local community, the company is hosting a free 2-part holiday party for their customers on December 21st, the date of their 1st day of operations, and the 1st legal cannabis sale in Orleans.

Part 1 is from 12-4pm at their Orleans dispensary, and aimed to deliver 'surprise & delight'. Part 2 kicks off at 7:30pm at The Alley Bowling & BBQ in Orleans, with free music, food, and fun (while supplies last).

"Our 1st year has been more successful than we had hoped," said David Currier, President of Seaside Cannabis Company and owner of The Alley Bowling & BBQ. "We are stoked to be able to say 'thank you' to our customers by hosting a free holiday bash."

About Seaside Cannabis Company

Seaside Cannabis Company is a locally owned and operated cannabis dispensary located in Orleans, MA. The company is a dynamic team of seasoned professionals and advocates with a shared passion for normalizing cannabis by providing a first-class customer experience forged through consumer education & engagement.

For more information, please visit seasidecannabis.com/about-us

Contact:

Adam Higgins

[email protected]

SOURCE Seaside Cannabis Company
The funding will provide financial assistance to service members and their families.

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), in partnership with the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), is proud to announce a $500,000 grant to four relief organizations for holiday-focused emergency financial assistance: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and Army Emergency Relief. These funds will support military personnel, ensuring they can focus on their missions while meeting the urgent needs of their families. This assistance will cover various critical needs, including:

Basic Living: Rent, mortgage, and food assistance

Medical: Medical copays, special needs medical equipment, and dental care

Unforeseen Emergencies: Emergency travel, funeral expenses, and disaster assistance

Vehicle Assistance: Repairs, maintenance, insurance payments, and child car seats

Permanent Change of Station: Temporary lodging, household set-up, and travel

"The holidays can present significant challenges for manyincreased financial stressors, separation from loved ones, emotional strainparticularly our military service members," said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "We are grateful for our partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, which offers essential support to these families, helps to alleviate their financial load, and ensures they can care for their loved ones this holiday season."

Navy Federal Credit Union recently pledged ongoing support for the Bob Woodruff Foundation aimed to enhance the financial wellness of service members and their families. This partnership ladders back to BWF's longstanding commitment to support Active-Duty service members and veterans during times of need. With the holiday season providing additional and unique financial strains, this funding will provide timely relief during a critical time of the year.

For more information about the Bob Woodruff Foundation and its initiatives, please visit https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/.

About the Bob Woodruff Foundation

The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $165 million to ensure that our nation's veterans, service members and their families  those who stood for us  have stable and successful futures.

About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving more than 14 million members globally and is the world's largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of 24,000 and has a global network of more than 360 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact:

Hillary Ovalle

[email protected]

954 825 3065

SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation
MENIFE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, William S. Chesnutt, CEO is acknowledged as an Inner Circle Lifetime for his contributions to Transforming Small and Medium Businesses with High-Quality, Affordable Consulting and Training.

William S, Chesnutt, CEO

William S. Chesnutt, a visionary leader with expertise in consulting and training, serves as the Founder and CEO of Strategic Development Group LLC. With a mission to provide small and medium-sized businesses with professional advice and training at an accessible cost, Mr. Chesnutt draws on years of experience and a deep commitment to mentorship and leadership development.

Strategic Development Group LLC offers a range of services, including consulting, web development and design, and certified webinars. These services are designed to equip businesses with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in competitive markets. Mr. Chesnutt's emphasis on resilience-building and operational efficiency is underscored by his certifications as a Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Mr. Chesnutt holds a Master's in Management in Organizational Leadership from American Military University (2020) and an MBA from the University of Redlands (2020). His career accomplishments include being the first American awarded the prestigious Blue Book of Competence from the RAF of Britain as an Air Traffic Controller. He has also authored two influential books: The 3P Business Framework: People, Process, and Performance, The Foundations on Which Great Organizations Should be Built, and Your Strategy, Your Success: The Essentials of Strategic Planning for Organizations. His work has been featured in Valiant CEO, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the consulting industry.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Chesnutt actively mentors veterans through the American Corporate Partners program and serves as an Executive Partner with the University of Southern California Master Business for Veterans Program. He is a member of several leadership organizations, including the National Society for Leadership Success and the Whitehead Leadership Society.

Looking to the future, Mr. Chesnutt is focused on launching an online university tailored to veterans, the underprivileged, and individuals with disabilities. This ambitious project reflects his commitment to empowering underserved communities and fostering opportunities for growth and success.

A devoted fan of the San Diego Padres, Mr. Chesnutt enjoys hiking, road trips, and vacations in Idaho when he's not working. He dedicates his achievements to the inspiration and guidance of his mentors and family, including Dr. Kerry Mix, Dr. Wayne Roseberry, and Glen Titan.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Nation's third-largest medical school has annual impact equal to hosting 31 Summerfest music festivals

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) had a $5.82 billion direct operational economic impact on the United States' economy in fiscal 2023. The full report can be found here.

The third-largest private medical school in the nation, MCW's total economic impact annually is equal to hosting approximately 31 Summerfest music festivals, which generate an estimated economic impact of $189 million per festival to the state of Wisconsin.

Additionally, more than 38,500 jobs were directly and indirectly supported and sustained statewide by MCW collectively in fiscal 2023.

"This report demonstrates the Medical College of Wisconsin to be not only an impactful academic and research institution, but also an economic driver and force beyond our state and into the nation," said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO of MCW. "We believe in being a transformational leader for healthier communities and a more vibrant economy in which individuals and families can flourish."

MCW is one of the top 100 research institutions, according to the National Science Foundation, in the United States out of 20,000 institutions. MCW is the largest private research institution in Wisconsin. MCW invested approximately $400 million in research, training, and related purposes during fiscal 2023, including conducting more than 3,800 research studies and clinical trials and leading the most cancer and neuroscience clinical trials in Wisconsin.

MCW's research expenditures - an important driver of activity and growth - and indirect and induced economic activity resulting from those expenditures totaled $826.3 million during fiscal 2023, according to the report. MCW's research activities have a significant economic impact, generating about $8 in economic output for every $1 spent on research, when spending and spin-off development are included in the total impact.

Nearly 60 percent of all MCW graduates remain in Wisconsin to practice in a wide range of healthcare and health science positions. The 12,000 MCW alumni living in Wisconsin collectively contribute $19.5 billion in economic impact annually to the Wisconsin economy, according to the report. MCW also ranks in the top 5 percent nationally among medical schools in the number of resident physicians it trains and is the state's leading provider of specialty-trained doctors.

Read the full release at: https://www.mcw.edu/newsroom/news-articles/the-medical-college-of-wisconsin-delivers-nearly-6-billion-economic-impact-in-fiscal-2023.

SOURCE Medical College of Wisconsin
In-Person and Live Virtual Courses Offer Actionable Takeaways Based on the Best Practices of The Ritz-Carlton Brand

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- If you had the opportunity to transform your organization using customer service training based on the foundations of the iconic Ritz-Carlton Brand, how quickly would you begin, asks Amanda Joiner, Global Vice President of the global consulting and advisory firm. Leaders ready to inspire sustainable change will find the 2025 Customer Service Learning Calendar presented by The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center (TRCLC) to be brimming with fresh perspectives and action-rich pathways available in both in-person and live virtual formats.

"TRCLC courses are designed to equip attendees with tangible ideas they can bring back to their organizations and activate right away," said Ms. Joiner. "Essential explorations span redefining leadership skills, elevating customer and employee experiences, and creating brand advocates that strengthen competitive advantage."

"Customer service courses from The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center offer tangible ideas to use right away." Post this

Ritz-Carlton facilitators share leadership philosophies and renowned business practices with firsthand experiences, compelling videos, and engaging discussions. Courses are relevant across industries worldwide and delivered in virtual and in-person formats:

Two-day onsite immersive courses enable participants to explore ideas in intimate group settings and experience the ambiance of a Ritz-Carlton hotel where course methodologies are illustrated in real-time moments.

Live virtual courses bring the best practices of The Ritz-Carlton Brand to life in highly interactive, rich agendas, and for the first time, include a global virtual course offered in multiple time zones.

About The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center (TRCLC) is a global consulting and advisory firm that specializes in the art of organizational transformation and is dedicated to helping organizations create exceptional employee and customer experiences that drive competitive advantage. An extension of The Ritz-Carlton Brand, TRCLC leverages methodologies and best practices to unlock a sustainable business transformation founded on a culture of excellence. With onsite and virtual solutions ranging from immersive courses and interactive workshops to strategic advisory offerings, thousands of clients have engaged TRCLC as a trusted source to refine service excellence and deliver some of the biggest launches, innovations, and transformations across industries worldwide. Visit www.ritzcarltonleadershipcenter.com for information and join the conversation on LinkedIn.

Press Contact

Sandra Ryder

The Sandra Ryder Company

[email protected]

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center Contact

Melissa Burin McCall

[email protected]

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center
New Partnership Ensures Top-Tier Oversight for Made-in-America Surgical and Medical Exam Gloves

HARVARD, Ill., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Medical Glove Company (USMGC)  the only American manufacturer of the machines, components, and chemicals necessary to make nitrile and polyisoprene exam gloves in the United States  has partnered with RAO Solutions, Inc. (RAO) to bolster safety and compliance for its suite of surgical and medical exam gloves. This collaboration elevates the company's consistent commitment to providing American healthcare professionals and patients with the highest-quality personal protective equipment.

USMGC's gloves already meet rigorous ASTM standards, including certifications for chemotherapy safety, tensile strength, viral penetration resistance, and more. With the addition of RAO Solutions, Inc. USMGC aims to further refine its processes, ensuring continued excellence in safety and compliance while staying ahead of evolving regulatory requirements.

"Care and quality are at the heart of everything we do," says Alex Todoroki of USMGC. "By bringing Jami Donohue, Valerie Followell and the RAO team on board, we're not just meeting industry standardswe're raising the bar. RAO's expertise will help USMGC ensure our gloves remain the gold standard in healthcare products vital to our country's health and security. Also, as part of the movement to reindustrialize the U.S., we see this level of quality assurance as a reassertion of American consumers' expectation for high-quality products when they see the Made-in-America seal."

RAO brings decades of regulatory and quality expertise to the partnership. President, Jami Donohue has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having held key leadership positions at organizations such as G.D. Searle, Hospira, and Baxter Healthcare. Valerie Followell has expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and product certification. In addition, Followell has been an adjunct lecturer at Northwestern University for nearly 15 years, where she teaches courses on the regulation and compliance of medical devices.

"We're thrilled to work with U.S. Medical Glove Company and contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality, American-made medical gloves," says Followell. "Their dedication to safety and excellence aligns perfectly with our values; and together, we're committed to ensuring their products continue to exceed expectations."

This announcement comes quickly after the recent launch of the U.S. Medical Accessories division, created to supply USMGC customers exclusively with support and service for its proprietary glove-making machines. This new level of quality assurance adds a layer of service and support to an industry that historically has been mired by overseas manufacturing methods that are unsafe, inefficient, and wasteful.

ABOUT U.S. MEDICAL GLOVE COMPANY

U.S. Medical Glove Company (USMGC) is the world's first end-to-end manufacturer of nitrile and polyisoprene surgical and exam gloves, headquartered in its 1.8 million-square-foot facility in Harvard, IL. USMGC oversees on American soil every stage of productionfrom raw materials, to machine manufacturing, to deploying AI technology in the development of its proprietary ERP, to the distribution of the final products. With funding and support from the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response, USMGC is able to fulfill its mission to secure the supply of gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for the United States and its allies. For more information, please visit www.usmg.us .

Media Contact:

John Flaherty

773-799-8200

[email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Medical Glove Company
Mark Adams joins a robust team of 1031 experts and expands Accruit's footprint into the Pacific Northwest

DENVER, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Accruit is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Adams to their team of Subject Matter Experts and 1031 specialized attorneys. With a wealth of experience in 1031 exchanges and commercial real estate, Mark will be an invaluable asset to the organization, enhancing Accruit's abilities and expanding their expertise in these critical areas.

Mark Adams comes to Accruit with a distinguished career in legal consultation, real estate transaction law, as well as structuring 1031 exchanges. Prior to joining Accruit, he served as the Exchange Manager for the Pacific Northwest region at a national 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary. During his tenure, Mark provided expert consultation to clients regarding IRC Section 1031 like-kind, tax-deferred exchanges. He was responsible for preparing and reviewing transactional documents for legal compliance and presenting educational 1031 classes to industry groups, including commercial real estate brokers, realtors, escrow officers, and real estate investors. Additionally, Mark serves on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), where he is also the Co-chair of the Membership Committee.

"I joined Accruit because of their commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional customer service. The organization's growth-oriented culture aligns with my passion for continuous learning and making a meaningful impact within the 1031 industry," stated Mark Adams, Senior Director at Accruit.

At Accruit, Mark will leverage his extensive background to provide expert guidance to support clients of Accruit's integrated 1031 Exchange Platform, Managed Service. His deep understanding of 1031 exchanges and real estate transactions will enhance Accruit's ability to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to clients nationwide.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mark Adams to the Accruit team," said Steven Holtkamp, Chief Revenue Officer at Accruit. "His extensive experience, proven track record in the 1031 exchange, and his 1031 industry contributions through his involvement with the FEA make him an ideal addition to our team. We are confident that Mark will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success."

About Accruit

Accruit, an Inspira Financial Solution, is a leading full service Qualified Intermediary and developer of the industry's only patented 1031 Exchange technology. Founded in 2000 and acquired by Inspira Financial in 2023, Accruit has gained the trust of thousands of clients and become a leader in the industry through its highly credentialed experts, consistent delivery of service, innovative technologies, robust security protocols and financial strength. For more information, visit www.accruit.com.

Press Contact:

Karlee Kilbey

3038657321

http://www.accruit.com

SOURCE Accruit
Participation in the VETS Indexes Employers Awards is completely free of charge and open to organizations of all types and sizes. Organizations that achieve top scores will be honored with an award, a news release, and a VETS Indexes Employer Awards seal that can be used in advertising, marketing, and recruiting efforts  a powerful symbol of their leadership in veteran employment.

To request a survey application for your organization: (https://vetsindexes.com/employer-awards/) Click this link and fill out the yellow box near the top of the page.

(https://vetsindexes.com/employer-awards/) Click this link and fill out the yellow box near the top of the page. To learn more about the Employer Awards program: (https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FL0yBRK6RUmBXXEbFVgcaQ) Register for our informational webinar on 12/17 at 2 pm ET , during which we will provide an overview of the program, offer tips for improving your organization's award level, suggest shortcuts for filling out the survey, explain our evaluation process, and more.

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is the nation's most objective and fastest growing recognition program for organizations focused on hiring veterans. The number of participants has tripled over the past couple of years, and they range from the world's largest companies to your local sheriff's office.

"The VETS Indexes team and I have been absolutely floored by the surge of interest in the Employer Awards," said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes. "Top veteran employers across the country have recognized the fair, objective, and high-integrity process behind this program and have flocked to be part of it. If your organization hasn't participated previously, now is the perfect time to get involved!"

Every organization that submits a survey for the Employer Awards will receive one complimentary ticket to the April 10 Employing U.S. Vets Conference in New York City (https://employingusvets.com/). Awards recipients from the 2025 program will be announced at this event, followed by a day full of speakers and panels sharing tips and best practices related to veteran employment. In addition to providing the free conference ticket, participating in the Employer Awards program opens up the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service to your organization. This groundbreaking service digs into our exclusive veteran employment dataset to provide detailed and actionable intelligence on the areas where an organization's veterans program excels  and where there may be room for improvement. The benchmarking includes a summary overview as well as granular, question-by-question detail, with comparative data showing the performance of our full field of survey participants, top-ranked veteran employers, and both industry- and size-based peer organizations. Learn more about the benchmarking service at this link (https://vetsindexes.com/benchmarking-2024/).

The deadline to submit surveys for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards is February 14, 2025.

All data that employers provide in VETS Indexes' 65-question survey is treated as confidential and never published. The program evaluates organizations across the following 5 categories:

Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring

Veteran employee development and retention

Veteran-inclusive company policies and culture

Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves

Military spouse/family support

Congratulations to the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards recipients! See them all at this link ( https://vetsindexes.com/award-results-2024/ ) or below:

5 Star Employers | 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards ABSI Aerospace & Defense Booz Allen Hamilton General Dynamics Information Academy Securities, Inc. CACI International Inc Technology (GDIT) Aldevra LLC Cognosante General Dynamics Mission Alight Solutions Combined, a Chubb Company Systems ALLO Communications Comcast Cable Greencastle Associates American Family Insurance Cushman & Wakefield Consulting, LLC AMERICAN SYSTEMS CWTSatoTravel Hearst Television American Water EXPANSIA HireMilitary ASRC Federal Fiserv IBM AT&T General Dynamics Bath Iron iostudio, LLC Bancroft Capital LLC Works JCTM Johnson & Johnson Roberts & Ryan Investments, Trinity River Authority of KPMG LLP Inc. Texas Lowe's Companies, Inc. RTX UBS Financial Services Inc. Maximus Sabre Systems, Inc. United Rentals, Inc. Merck Scientific Research Corporation UPMC MI Technical Solutions Serco Inc. -- the Americas USAA Northrop Grumman division of Serco Group, plc Verizon Oracle Southern Company Veterans United Home Loans Orange County Sheriff's Office, Spectrum Viasat Inc. Orlando Florida TAC Industries Walden Security Orion ICS, LLC Talents ASCEND, LLC Werner Enterprises, Inc. Performance Contractors, Inc. Tennessee Valley Authority Windstream Holdings Power Home Remodeling Texas Department of Family Xcel Energy Precise Systems and Protective Services Zeiders Enterprises Inc. Prudential Financial The Home Depot



4 Star Employers | 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards Acxiom LLC CON EDISON Herc Rentals Air Combat Effectiveness Constellis, LLC Kearney & Company Consulting Group, LLC Corning Incorporated Lawrence Livermore National Albemarle Corporation Corps Solutions, LLC Laboratory Allegiant Air, LLC Eastman Lincoln Financial Group Amentum Eaton Corporation Loring Job Corps Center Amerivet Securities, Inc EM Key Solutions, Inc. MAS Building and Bridge Anvil Systems Group Eversource Energy MassMutual ArcBest FDM Group Melton Truck Lines Army and Air Force Exchange Five Stones Research MOAA Service Corporation Neighbors Bank ASUS Flagler County Sheriff's Office NextEra Energy Barclays Fortuna NRG BeneLynk Fox Corporation NVIDIA BlueHalo LLC General Motors, LLC Office of the Minnesota BMO Bank N.A. Granite Construction Attorney General Cincinnati Incorporated Gulfstream Aerospace Parsons Corporation Clearway Energy Corporation Peraton, Inc PPL Corporation Sysmex America Inc. Warrior Service Company LLC Premise Health The Cigna Group Weston & Sampson Rangam The Hartford World Kinect Corporation SkillStorm Commercial Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings Worthington Enterprises Services, LLC USIC WPS Health Solutions Spartanburg County Veterans' VSP Vision XPO, Inc. Affairs W R Systems, Ltd. Zimmer Biomet SRS Distribution Wabtec Corporation



3 Star Employers | 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards ABM Industries Incorporated Hyundai Motor America Sony Electronics Inc. Adobe ITT Inc. State of Nevada Alliant Energy Jacobs Steelcase ALLY Construction Services Kolme Group LLC STEP CG Amgen Life Cycle Engineering SUNBELT RENTALS AMH LifeView Group, Inc. Syntelligent Analytic Solutions A-P-T Research, Inc. Lumen Technologies LLC AVIAN MSC Industrial Direct Co. System High Corporation Beagle Hill Services LLC Navy Exchange Service TDS Telecom Berry Law PC LLO Command (NEXCOM) TeamWorx Security Inc Black Hills Energy NC Department of Tech-Marine Business, Inc. bp America Transportation Total Quality Logistics Builders FirstSource Nighthawk Cyber, LLC U-Haul International Chemonics International Inc. Penn State Health UNC Health City of Abilene PRIDE Industries United Airlines City of Harker Heights PRISM Inc University of Arizona Police Clean Harbors Radian Department CMC Randstad USA Viqtory, Inc. CVS Health ResMed Inc. Virtual Service Operations Deepwatch Robinhood Markets, Inc. Washington State Department ENSCO, Inc. S&P Global of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Frontier Communications Sentar, Inc. Program Fuse Integration Inc. Sharp Decisions, Inc. Watco Haworth, Inc. Signature Performance, Inc. WGNSTAR HigherEchelon, Inc SMX Xerox Corporation

Recognized Employers | 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards Accolade, Inc. First Horizon Corporation nVent Akima Flagstar Bank Operation Stand Down Amazon GableGotwals Tennessee Amedisys Global Payments Orchard Software Corporation Apache Industrial Goldbelt, Inc. PepsiCo Apex Systems Government Tactical Solutions PKL Services, Inc. Applied Materials Greater Rochester Chamber of PMIC Inc. AutoZone Commerce Riverside Healthcare Baylor Scott & White Health Hanover County Sheriff's Office Ryder System, Inc. Bottom Line Equipment, LLC Harrisburg Area Community SAIF Corporation Brevard County Sheriff's Office College Sevan Multi-Site Solutions Catalent Pharma Solutions Howmet Aerospace Inc Sierra Management and Cboe Information Management Technologies, Inc. Cedars-Sinai Group, Inc. Snohomish County PUD No. 1 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Inspired Solutions, Inc. STATE STREET CHRISTUS Health IntelliDyne, LLC Suburban Propane, L.P. Circet USA Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC Sunrun Circle Computer Resources JMA Resources, Inc. Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., City of Key West Kichler Lighting LLC Inc. City of Virginia Beach Linden Police Department TD Bank Coeur Mining Malace HR Teleflex Community Bank System Inc Matrix Service Company Teradyne, Inc. Community Choice Financial MISO The GEO Group, Inc. Family of Brands Munich Reinsurance America TRAX International Critical CxE Inc. Corporation Deluxe Nineline Veteran Services U.S. Xpress, Inc Essendant North Carolina Department of United States Postal Service Estee Lauder Companies Inc Adult Corrections West Virginia University Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Northern Nevada Community Williams Companies, Inc. First Command Financial Housing

Services, Inc. Nucor



About VETS Indexes: VETS Indexes is a leading voice on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards , hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference , unearthing unique and unprecedented data on veteran employment through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service , and developing custom indexes, linked to financial products, that track the performance of the publicly traded companies that have established themselves as the best employers for veterans.

The VETSX and VTRNIX indexes were created on the premise that the companies that make the best use of the highly talented, yet under-valued, talent pool that veterans represent will ultimately see a benefit to their bottom lines. The performance of the indexes has emphatically confirmed that thesis, outpacing the S&P 500.

As the world's first resource for U.S.-veteran-themed indexes, our mission is to provide innovative solutions that recognize the value created by the mission-critical mindset, unique skills, and specialized training that veterans bring to the workplace. Our mission also includes a commitment to always donate a significant portion (target of 20% and no less than 5%) of our net profits to charitable organizations that support veterans and their families.

Learn more about us at VETSIndexes.com and follow us on social media channels via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Contact: Nicholas Antaki

(516) 418-3821

[email protected]

SOURCE VETS Indexes
CAMPBELL, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WEKA, the AI-native data platform company, announced today that Hoang Vuong has joined as chief financial officer (CFO). Reporting to WEKA cofounder and CEO Liran Zvibel, Vuong will be responsible for all aspects of the company's financial strategy and operations as it continues to scale amid explosive growth.

WEKA CFO Huong Voang

Vuong joins on the heels of a record-breaking year for WEKA. The company exceeded over $100 million in annual recurring revenue and grew to more than 500 employees globally, as five of its customers expanded their AI and HPC clusters to over an exabyte of data under management running on the WEKA Data Platform. In May 2024, WEKA closed a $140 million Series E funding round led by Valor Equity Partners at a $1.6 billion valuation, cementing its unicorn status.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Hoang Vuong as WEKA's new chief financial officer," said Zvibel. "2024 was a banner year for WEKA, as we achieved several major financial milestones and added many of the world's leading AI and HPC innovators to our customer base. Hoang's track record of driving growth and public company experience will help accelerate our momentum."

A seasoned technology executive, Vuong served as CFO at Amplitude Inc. from 2019 to 2023, helping to take the company public in September 2021. Before that, he was the chief operating officer and CFO of GoFundMe. He also held various leadership positions at Intuit, Demandforce, and Deloitte. He currently serves on the board of the software company Revinate, Inc.

"WEKA is leading the way in AI and GPU acceleration and is well positioned to ride the AI infrastructure wave," said Vuong. "I'm beyond excited to join WEKA's talented team and seize the opportunity ahead of us."

About WEKA

WEKA is architecting a new approach to the enterprise data stack built for the AI era. The WEKA Data Platform sets the standard for AI infrastructure with a cloud and AI-native architecture that can be deployed anywhere, providing seamless data portability across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments. It transforms legacy data silos into dynamic data pipelines that accelerate GPUs, AI model training and inference, and other performance-intensive workloads, enabling them to work more efficiently, consume less energy, and reduce associated carbon emissions. WEKA helps the world's most innovative enterprises and research organizations overcome complex data challenges to reach discoveries, insights, and outcomes faster and more sustainably  including 12 of the Fortune 50. Visit www.weka.io to learn more, or connect with WEKA on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

WEKA and the WEKA logo are registered trademarks of WekaIO, Inc. Other trade names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE WekaIO
BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual analysis report on the taro price index was released during the 2024 Entrepreneurs Boao Forum on Monday, which plays a vital role in integrating the taro industry with finance and technology through digitization, further boosting the high-quality development of the taro industry in Hezhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Photo shows Hezhou Taro on display at the booth of the 2024 Boao Forum.

Hezhou has adopted an industrialized approach and an innovative mindset to foster the cluster development of the traditional taro industry, turning taro into a new growth driver that revitalizes the consumer market.

"Hezhou is not only one of the largest areas in China for continuous taro planting, but also home to major clusters of taro processing, such as Babu District and Pinggui District. Meanwhile, our products are exported worldwide," said Quan Changwen, director of the Hezhou municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.

Meanwhile, the taro planting in Hezhou covers an areas of over 170,000 mu (around 11,333 hectares). The city has fostered 31 taro processing enterprises with an annual processing capacity exceeding 270,000 tonnes. Empowered by overseas warehouses and cross-border e-commerce platforms, taro products from Hezhou are exported to regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2023, the city exported 1,670 tonnes of taro worth 31.5 million yuan (around 4.32 million U.S. dollars).

The price index of agricultural products, which combines the digital economy with the agriculture and forestry, has become a powerful engine for many regions to deepen market-oriented economic reforms, enhance brand influence, and promote the sustainable industrial development. The release of the taro price index gives a major boost to upgrading Hezhou's industrial ecosystem, building the brand of Hezhou Taro and enhancing its influence in pricing.

Furthermore, the release of the price index will not only offer multi-dimensional market insights and data guidance for the taro industry, but will also enhance the impact of Hezhou Taro as it expands its market reach, according to insiders.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343432.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's bid to rejoin the Commonwealth has been effectively blocked by the United Kingdom, which has stated that the country must first address its governance and human rights record before being readmitted. This development comes after the Commonwealth Secretariat recommended Zimbabwe's readmission, following a consultation period in which member countries were given until November 26 to express their views.In a written response to a question by Baroness Kate Hoey in the House of Lords, the UK's Foreign Office stated that, while it supports Zimbabwe's eventual return to the Commonwealth, it does not share the Secretariat's assessment of the country's progress or readiness. The UK emphasized that Zimbabwe must meet the values and principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter before being allowed back into the organization."The UK has always been clear that we would like to see Zimbabwe return to the Commonwealth when the time is right. However, currently we do not share the Secretariat's assessment of Zimbabwe's progress or readiness in line with the shared values and principles laid out in the Commonwealth Charter," the Foreign Office said in its response.While acknowledging that Zimbabwe has made some progress, the UK highlighted several critical areas that need further improvement, particularly in democracy, governance, and human rights. The UK pointed out that Zimbabwe had not implemented key recommendations from the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission, which identified several deficiencies in the country's electoral process.The observer mission raised concerns about the lack of independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), prohibitive candidate registration fees, the absence of judicial independence, and a lack of transparency in the announcement of election results. These issues, the UK government argues, must be addressed before Zimbabwe can reapply for Commonwealth membership.In response to these concerns, the UK has called for another assessment of Zimbabwe's progress, with a proposed follow-up mission to take place in 2025. The Foreign Office stated that it would "encourage a further Commonwealth assessment mission to Zimbabwe in 2025 to follow up on these areas."The UK's stance comes amid growing calls from African nations for Zimbabwe's readmission to the Commonwealth. However, the UK's position underscores the ongoing challenges the country faces in meeting the democratic and governance standards expected by the organization."We strongly value our partnership with Zimbabwe and stand ready to support further reforms in this regard, through the Commonwealth and other fora," the Foreign Office added.The Commonwealth, which currently includes 56 countries with historical ties to the British Empire, suspended Zimbabwe in 2002 following concerns about human rights violations and the political situation under former President Robert Mugabe. While some African countries have been vocal in their support for Zimbabwe's return to the Commonwealth, the UK's decision reflects a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for concrete reforms before Zimbabwe can fully rejoin the group.
BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An expert review meeting for a research project was held in Beijing on Monday, focusing on the practices and policies concerning the effective integration of the ecological protection compensation system with the mechanism for realizing ecological value to promote sustainable agricultural and pastoral development.

Two research reports compiled by China Economic Information Service (CEIS) received high acclaim from the experts attending the meeting.

Photo shows the research reports released by China Economic Information Service (CEIS).

As global environmental issues intensify and the concept of sustainable development gains traction, the ecological protection compensation system and the mechanism for realizing ecological value are playing an increasingly vital role as innovative environmental economic policy tools for promoting sustainable agricultural and pastoral development.

The first report provides an in-depth analysis of the theories, policies, mechanisms, models, approaches and solutions related to the effective combination of ecological protection compensation and the realization of ecological value.

The second report examines practices in six selected regions, including Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and provinces of Gansu, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai, summarizes their experience and provides valuable insights for reference.

The research project received strong support from Mengniu public welfare foundation, which is committed to creating greater social value through tangible actions in areas such as emergency disaster relief, rural revitalization, nutrition empowerment, and ecological protection.

Looking ahead, Mengniu will continue to actively engage in public welfare initiatives, fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, deepen efforts across various key areas, and contribute to building a better society through its business practices.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343433.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
FLOWOOD, Miss., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zavation Medical Products, LLC ("Zavation"), one of the largest privately held spinal device technology companies globally and a portfolio company of Gemspring Capital ("Gemspring"), today announced the appointment of Lane Major as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Major succeeds Zavation founder Jeffrey Johnson, who will continue to support the business as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Lane Major, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Major brings over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare and life sciences. In 2004, he co-founded K2M, Inc., a global innovator in complex spine and minimally invasive technologies, where he helped scale the company to $300 million in revenue as COO and Chief Strategy Officer. He played a key role in transformative milestones, including a private equity exit, an IPO, and K2M's $1.4 billion acquisition by Stryker Corporation in 2018. At Stryker, he led the Spine division as Vice President and General Manager, overseeing strategic expansions such as the $500 million acquisition of Mobius Imaging and Cardan Robotics.

Mr. Johnson remarked, "As Zavation embarks on its next phase of growth, it is crucial that our next CEO embodies our values, shares our goals, and aligns with our long-term vision. Lane is an established leader in the spine industry, a great cultural fit, and deeply committed to delivering best-in-class services to our customers. I'm excited to work closely with him to build on our success and drive Zavation forward."

"Jeffrey's vision and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences have truly set Zavation apart," said Mr. Major. "I am thrilled to join such an exceptional organization and excited to collaborate with Jeffrey and the entire team. Together, we will continue to invest in our in-house design expertise and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, driving innovation to deliver cutting-edge spinal solutions for customers worldwide."

"We are excited to welcome Lane to Zavation," said Chirag Hirawat, Principal at Gemspring. "With decades of leadership in the spinal devices industry, Lane has a proven track record of driving sustainable, long-term growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. His dedication to customer service will be an invaluable asset as he takes on this role. I look forward to collaborating with Jeffrey and the Board to support Lane in leading Zavation into its next phase of growth."

About Zavation

Based in Flowood, MS, Zavation designs, engineers, and manufactures a portfolio of spinal hardware and biologics covering key areas including cervical, thoracolumbar, interbody fusion, interventional spine, and minimally invasive surgery. Founded in 2012, Zavation has commercialized over 25 product families since inception, experienced exceptional growth and created a national network of numerous distributors across the United States. The company operates two vertically integrated facilities located in Flowood, MS and St. Louis, MO. To learn more information about Zavation and the company's suite of products, visit www.zavation.com.

About Gemspring Capital

Gemspring Capital, a Westport, Connecticut-based private equity firm with $3.8 billion of capital under management, provides flexible capital solutions to middle market companies. Gemspring partners with talented management teams and takes a partnership approach to helping drive revenue growth, value creation and sustainable competitive advantages. Target companies have up to $1 billion in revenue and are in the business services, consumer services, financial and insurance services, healthcare, industrial, software, and tech-enabled services sectors. For more information, visit www.gemspring.com.

Media Contact

Jaden Goff

601-946-2101

[email protected]

SOURCE Zavation Medical Products, LLC.
 Showcased Advanced Training and Anti-Drone Solutions at I/ITSEC 2024

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zen Technologies, a global leader in defense training and anti-drone solutions, is making a strategic push into the U.S. defense market. The company has formalized its partnership with Applied Visual Technology Inc. D.B.A. AVT Simulation, a premier provider of customized training systems, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked today in Florida. This collaboration is set to revolutionize simulation and training solutions for defense and security forces.

Zen, recognized for its innovation with over 155 patents and 1,000 systems deployed globally, has also showcased its advanced technologies at I/ITSEC 2024 in Orlando, the world's largest event for modelling, simulation, and training.

"Our partnership with AVT Simulation underscores our commitment to providing innovative, scalable solutions for the rapidly evolving U.S. defense market," said Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Zen Technologies. "With this collaboration, we aim to set new benchmarks in defense training and simulation, enhancing military readiness and safety across the board."

This strategic alliance integrates Zen's cutting-edge technologies with AVT's expertise in delivering tailored simulation systems. Together, the companies will develop next-generation solutions for defense, emergency response, and commercial applications, addressing the surging demand for immersive, cost-effective training platforms in the U.S.

Zen has presented its latest advancements at I/ITSEC 2024, highlighting solutions like the Tank Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator, Infantry Virtual Training Simulation System (IVTSS), and its AI-powered robotic platforms. The event serves as a pivotal opportunity for Zen to strengthen ties with U.S. defense leaders, explore co-development initiatives, and expand its role in Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

"The U.S. is the largest and most dynamic defense market in the world, and I/ITSEC provides an ideal platform for us to showcase our capabilities and connect with key stakeholders," added Ashok Atluri. India's defense exports have seen unprecedented growth, with the U.S. emerging as a top destination. Over the past five years, U.S. imports of Indian defense technologies surpassed $2.8 billion, fuelled by a shared focus on counter-drone systems, AI-driven platforms, and advanced simulation technologies.

Kyle Crooks, CEO of AVT Simulation, echoed the enthusiasm for the partnership: "Partnering with a proven company like Zen Technologies will greatly enhance our solutions and improve the effectiveness of Warfighters."

Zen has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, achieving remarkable milestones in defense technology. The company has recently secured patents for groundbreaking systems like the "Tank Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator" and the "Infantry Virtual Training Simulation System (IVTSS)," underscoring its leadership in simulation-based training. Further, Zen has also introduced AI-powered robotic solutions, unveiling cutting-edge products such as Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS, Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640. These advanced, IP-owned innovations cater to diverse defense needs, empowering forces globally with superior tactical capabilities and operational efficiency.

About Zen Technologies

Zen Technologies is a pioneer and leader in providing world class state-of-the art Defense Training and Anti-Drone solutions and has a proven track record in building training systems for imparting defense training and measuring combat readiness of security forces. With a dedicated R&D (recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India) and production facility in Hyderabad, the company has applied for over 155 patents and shipped more than 1,000 training systems around the world. With over 30 years' experience fielding realistic combat training solutions to armed forces worldwide, Zen constantly updates its portfolio to include new solutions for emergent threats. Leveraging their world-class, in-house production facilities, Zen has developed strategic solutions tailored to the specific needs of End Users Ministry of Interiors and Ministry of Defence including customized training programs aligned with the requirements of the U.S. Army and U.S. Department of Defense.

About AVT Simulation

Based in Orlando, Florida, AVT Simulation is a trusted provider of advanced training solutions for defense, government, and commercial applications with over 25 years of simulation experience. Known for its innovative approach, AVT specializes in creating customized simulation systems that enhance performance and readiness by utilizing their 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

Media Contact:

Keeret Singh Heer

[email protected]

SOURCE Zen Technologies
News / National

by Staff reporter

Controversial businessman and self-proclaimed philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has sparked fresh debate after presenting veteran talk show host Dr. Rebecca Chisamba with a brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuner. Chivayo hailed Dr. Chisamba as a "national treasure" and likened her to the American media icon Oprah Winfrey.The flamboyant figure, known for his grand gestures, shared his admiration for Dr. Chisamba in a heartfelt social media post, recalling childhood memories of watching The Mai Chisamba Show with his late mother."Growing up, I often watched your shows on ZBC TV with my mother, who adored you dearly. While I didn't always understand the depth of your discussions, I admired your smart dressing, neatly combed short hair, and the calm way you treated every guest on your show," Chivayo wrote.He went on to praise Dr. Chisamba's enduring impact on Zimbabwean society, lauding her for promoting cultural values and providing a platform for dialogue on sensitive social issues. "You are a national treasure, a mother to the nation, and a fountain of wisdom," Chivayo declared, adding, "Your dedication to uplifting this nation deserves the highest recognition."This latest gift follows Chivayo's recent donations to veteran musicians Mai Charamba, Leonard Zhakata, and Mechanic Manyeruke, which sparked mixed reactions. Critics questioned the ethics of accepting gifts from Chivayo, whose wealth has often been linked to allegations of corruption and dubious business dealings.Some netizens voiced concern over the optics of respected public figures accepting what they described as "tainted" wealth, while others argued that Chivayo's gestures should be viewed independently of his controversies.Dr. Chisamba, affectionately known as Mai Chisamba, is celebrated for her long-running talk show, which has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwean television. Her discussions on family, culture, and societal issues have resonated with millions over decades, earning her widespread respect.As Chivayo concluded his tribute, he reflected on the profound influence Dr. Chisamba has had on Zimbabwean culture. "Like a true mother, you reconcile families, heal broken marriages, and remind Zimbabweans of the value of their culture and heritage," he wrote.While the gesture has stirred debate, many see it as a fitting acknowledgment of Dr. Chisamba's contribution to Zimbabwean society, even as questions linger over the source of Chivayo's wealth.
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New Delhi, Dec 5 : Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to curb criminal activities and drug trade in the national capital during a discussion on the city's law and order situation in the Assembly session.

Gupta on Wednesday alleged that the AAP government is shielding Rohingyas and drug traders, which has led to an increase in criminal activities in the city.

He said that when he raised the issue of the crores of rupees spent on Arvind Kejriwal's "Sheesh Mahal", his microphone was turned off, and he was not allowed to speak, according to a press statement from Office of LoP, Delhi Assembly.

Expressing his protest, Gupta accused the AAP government of being responsible for the rising crime in Delhi, alleging that it is trying to issue voter IDs to thousands of Rohingyas living illegally in Delhi using fake documents to include them in voter lists. These Rohingyas, he claimed, are involved in drug trade and other criminal activities, the statement added.

Gupta further accused the AAP government of stifling the opposition's voice, undermining democratic values, and deliberately avoiding discussions on public interest issues in the Assembly.

He said that the opposition's demands to discuss critical topics such as the "Sheesh Mahal," CAG reports, air pollution, education, health, and infrastructure were rejected.

Despite the issues being raised, the government refused to allow discussions. In protest, BJP legislators boycotted the Assembly session and staged demonstrations on the premises. The opposition legislators carried placards with slogans like "Delhi Sarkar Kangal, Sheesh Mahal me Kejriwal" to express their dissent, the statement said.

Gupta said that the AAP government has repeatedly proven that its priority is not public welfare but self-promotion.

He slammed the government for making lofty claims while ignoring ground realities, such as severe air pollution, broken roads, poor public transport, and unresolved issues with water and sewage.

He pointed out that pollution in Delhi has reached hazardous levels, but the government has failed to take concrete steps, including addressing stubble burning or improving public transport, the release mentioned.

He highlighted that the imposition of GRAP-IV has rendered two million workers unemployed, leaving their families in dire poverty without any financial assistance from the government.

Initiatives like smog towers and electric buses remain confined to paper. Several areas in Delhi lack access to clean water, yet the government is ignoring public grievances and indulging in political propaganda. When the opposition raises these issues, ruling party members disrupt Assembly proceedings, said the statement.

Gupta declared that he would not tolerate the government's dictatorship and negligence under any circumstances.

He vowed not to let the people of Delhi be betrayed, whether the issue is air pollution, deteriorating healthcare, or corruption.

He demanded accountability from the government on every issue and insisted on serious discussions on topics such as the CAG reports, air pollution, health, education, and infrastructure.

Gupta said that the opposition will not accept the government's arbitrary actions and will continue to voice its demands, the release noted.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : A day before the oath-taking ceremony of the new MahaYuti government takes place on Thursday, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde congratulated Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the BJP Legislative Party leader and extended his best wishes at Varsha Bungalow in Mumbai.

More than 10 days after the MahaYuti's landslide win, Fadnavis will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with NCP's Ajit Pawar will take the oath as Deputy Chief Ministers in the new cabinet, sources said.

The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Mumbai's Azad Maidan and will see the participation of several NDA Chief Ministers and leaders.

Ending the long-drawn suspense over who would get the top job, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form the MahaYuti government.

After meeting the Governor, Fadnavis said, "The swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I met Eknath Shinde and requested him to join us in this government, as it is the wish of MahaYuti workers...We will fulfil the promises made to the people of Maharashtra."

Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed his satisfaction with the two-and-a-half years of the MahaYuti government in Maharashtra, ahead of the swearing-in of Fadnavis as Chief Minister.

"I am very happy with the completion of two-and-a-half years. The work done by our government--the MahaYuti government--by the three of us and our team in the last 2.5 years is remarkable. It will be written in golden letters in history. We are proud to have taken such significant decisions," said Shinde.

It will be Fadnavis' third term in the top post after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party on Wednesday.

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election witnessed a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led MahaYuti alliance, which secured a landslide win with 235 seats out of 288.

The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats.

The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also recorded notable gains, securing 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

While, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will arrive in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit and hold meetings with the Indian leadership to review bilateral relations.

The Bhutan King will be accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The high-level visit, which concludes on Friday, signifies the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect between the two neighbouring nations, said an official press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During the two-day visit, the King will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another chapter in the ongoing high-level engagements between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials from the Indian government are set to call on His Majesty. These meetings aim to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation, the press statement said.

India and Bhutan share an extraordinary and exemplary relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

The foundation of these ties dates back to 1949, when the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in February 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, further solidifying this enduring partnership.

One of the unique aspects of the bilateral relationship is the economic interdependence between the two nations. Nearly 50,000 Indian citizens work in Bhutan in sectors such as construction, education, and infrastructure projects, with some daily workers crossing the border to work in Bhutan's border towns.

This integration demonstrates the depth of cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.

The scope of collaboration has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional areas like hydropower to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and space technology.

Bhutan became the second country to adopt the BHIM App, facilitating financial linkages, and India has supported Bhutan's "Digital Drukyul" initiative, which aims to build a robust optical fibre network across all 20 districts.

Space cooperation is another promising area of collaboration.

Following the 2019 visit of India's Prime Minister to Bhutan, the jointly developed "India-Bhutan SAT" was launched in November 2022.

This initiative, along with other technological partnerships, underscores the progressive nature of the bilateral relationship.

In education, India continues to support Bhutan in addressing shortages of STEM teachers, enhancing the country's human resource capabilities.

The King's visit provides an opportunity to review and advance these initiatives, further cementing the long-standing friendship and exploring new frontiers of collaboration between India and Bhutan.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with NCP's Ajit Pawar will take the oath as Deputy Chief Ministers in the new cabinet, sources said.

The oath-taking ceremony will take place at Mumbai's Azad Maidan and will see the participation of several NDA Chief Ministers and leaders.

Ending the long-drawn suspense over who would get the top job, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form the MahaYuti government.

After meeting the Governor, Fadnavis said, "The swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I met Eknath Shinde and requested him to join us in this government, as it is the wish of MahaYuti workers...We will fulfill the promises made to the people of Maharashtra."

It will be Fadnavis' third term in the top post after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party on Wednesday.

The decision came after days of speculation and political manoeuvring as Eknath Shinde wanted to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. However, the BJP, refused to budge and later, Shinde said he would back PM Modi's pick.

Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed his satisfaction with the two-and a-half years of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, ahead of the swearing-in of Fadnavis as Chief Minister.

"I am very happy with the completion of two-and-a-half years. The work done by our government--the MahaYuti government--by the three of us and our team in the last 2.5 years is remarkable. It will be written in golden letters in history. We are proud to have taken such significant decisions," said Shinde.

Shinde was accompanied by Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar at a press conference.

Addressing the media, Pawar emphasised their commitment to effective governance.

"We will leave no stone unturned in running the government. Party activities will be managed by BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule and NCP's Sunil Tatkare," he said.

There was also some light-hearted banter during the press conference.

Asked whether he and Ajit Pawar would take oath on December 5 as Fadnavis' deputies, Shinde said, "Wait till evening..."

Pawar, in response to Shinde's reply, said, "Sham tak unka samaj aayega (We will know about Shinde by evening), I will take it (oath), I will not wait."

Shinde then said, "Dada (Ajit Pawar) has experience of taking (oath) both in the morning and evening." This elicted laughter from all those present at the press conference.

In the year 2019, Pawar had taken oath as the Deputy Chief Minister with Fadnavis as the Chief Minister in an early morning ceremony at Raj Bhavan.

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election witnessed a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured a landslide win with 235 seats out of 288. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats.

The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also recorded notable gains, securing 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

While, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats.
Washington, Dec 5 : Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire who made the first private spacewalk in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Isaacman was at the helm of Shift4 for the past 25 years and had also co-founded and served as CEO of Draken International, a defence aerospace company, for over a decade, supporting the US Department of Defence and its allies, Trump said on Wednesday on X.

"I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration," the US President-elect said.

"Over the past 25 years, as the Founder and CEO of Shift4, Jared has demonstrated exceptional leadership, building a trailblazing global financial technology company. He also co-founded and served as CEO of Draken International, a defence aerospace company, for over a decade, supporting the US Department of Defence and our allies," he added.

Isaacman said on Wednesday that he was honoured to be nominated and would be "grateful to serve".

"Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history," he said on X.

The nomination of Isaacman was announced on Wednesday as Trump named a slew of appointments, including his former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time this year for obstructing a Congressional investigation, as his senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing.

Isaacman, 41, a self-described "space geek" who made his money as the founder of a payment processing company, is also an accomplished fighter pilot who owns a Florida company that trains Air Force pilots.

He travelled into space in September with a mission to test SpaceX's new, customised spacewalking suits.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Isaacman will replace Bill Nelson, 82, a former Democratic Senator and astronaut, and would likely continue to work closely with Musk because NASA plans to use SpaceX's Starship rocket to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The reusable rocket, the largest ever made, is currently undergoing test flights.

The space agency also uses SpaceX to deliver supplies and astronauts to and from the International Space Station. At the same time, NASA is expanding its horizons beyond the moon with unmanned spacecraft travelling to Jupiter's moon Europa and exploring the surface of Mars for signs of living organisms.

Although NASA is not a cabinet-level agency like the Department of Defense, its head is nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate. While best known as the US government agency responsible for space exploration, NASA also conducts studies of the Earth using satellite technology as well as aeronautics research and testing new aircraft.

Musk congratulated Isaacman on X, describing him as a man of "high ability and integrity".

Trump has now largely completed filling the top jobs in his administration. The nominees will go before the Senate for hearings starting in January.

Other appointments Trump made on Wednesday were Daniel Driscoll, a military veteran who was a senior adviser to Vice President-elect JD Vance, as army secretary and Adam Boehler, a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team, as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
Seoul, Dec 5 : North Korea's state media on Thursday kept mum about South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of emergency martial law and its political repercussions.

Yoon abruptly declared martial law late Tuesday, accusing the opposition of paralysing the government with "anti-state" activities. He lifted the decree hours after the National Assembly voted to reject it, Yonhap news agency reported.

As of 9 a.m., none of North Korea's state media, including the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's main newspaper, and the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), had published any reports related to the martial law turmoil.

The Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper targeting the domestic audience, also did not carry articles about South Korean protesters' anti-government rallies calling for Yoon's ouster in its Thursday edition. The paper has published such reports almost every day this month.

Experts said North Korea may try to use the martial law turmoil as a propaganda tool to arouse its people's animosity toward North Korea.

In March 2017, the KCNA and the state-run Korean Central Television swiftly reported the impeachment of then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye, about two hours after the Constitutional Court upheld it.

In May 2004, when the court rejected the parliamentary impeachment of then President Roh Moo-hyun, North Korea's state media carried a related press statement, issued by North Korea's committee in charge of inter-Korean affairs, two days after the court ruling.
Seoul, Dec 5 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, the Presidential office said on Thursday, amid growing controversy surrounding his role in Yoon's aborted martial law declaration.

Kim, who proposed the martial law declaration to Yoon, offered to step down on Wednesday after Yoon abruptly declared martial law on Tuesday night and lifted the decree hours later following the National Assembly's passage of a resolution to overturn it, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon has nominated Choi Byung-huk, a retired four-star Army general currently serving as South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to succeed Kim, Chung Jin-suk, Yoon's chief of staff, said in a press briefing.

Chung introduced Choi, who served as deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command from 2019-2020, as a seasoned military professional with a broad understanding of national security and extensive field experience.

The nominee is considered to be a suitable candidate to "fulfill the military's core responsibilities, including maintaining a firm readiness posture based on the robust South Korea-US alliance," Chung said.

In South Korea, all Ministers are subject to a parliamentary confirmation process, but only the Prime Minister's appointment requires parliamentary approval.

Yoon's surprise declaration of martial law caught the US off guard, raising concerns over the alliance at a time of growing security threats from North Korea amid its deepening military ties with Russia.

US officials welcomed Yoon's lifting of the martial law and reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance with South Korea.
Seoul, Dec 5 : Choi Byung-hyuk, the nominee to lead the Defence Ministry, is a retired four-star Army general currently serving as the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Choi, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, served as the commander of a security brigade and the director of operations at the Capital Defence Command from 2008 and 2009, Yonhap news agency reported.

In 2014, he served as the commander of the 22nd Division of the Army and later took on the positions as the director of the Army's inspection office, the commander of the 5th Army Corps, and the Army's vice chief of staff.

Choi was promoted to general in April 2019 and served as the deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command until September 2020.

In December 2023, Choi was appointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol as the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Choi's nomination came as Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun amid controversy surrounding his role in Yoon's aborted martial law declaration.
New York, Dec 5 : The wife of the slain CEO of the largest US health insurance company has said that he had received death threats as police scrambled to find the man who brazenly shot him in mid-Manhattan.

The Wednesday morning shooting in front of a Hilton hotel as the city teemed with tourists visiting for the lighting of the iconic Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree nearby in the evening triggered shockwaves.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch tried to reassure the visitors, saying the killing was "a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack" and "does not appear to be a random act of violence".

"Millions of people will be enjoying the tree lighting tonight, among other holiday events, and the NYPD will be out there with them, keeping them safe," she added.

Thompson's wife Paulette Thompson told NBC News that he had told her "there were some people that had been threatening him".

She said that she did not know the details but it could have been motivated by a "lack of coverage" in the company's insurance programmes.

Thompson led UnitedHealthcare (UHC), the largest US health insurance company with an annual revenue of $281 billion and more than 140,000 employees, many stationed in India for backoffice, technology and strategy jobs.

The company provides private health insurance mostly through employers as well as offering plans under the government programmes for senior citizens and the poor.

Police described the shooter as a light-skinned man clad in a light brown or cream-coloured jacket, wearing a black facemask and carrying a grey backpack.

Tisch said that "it appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes" and shot Thompson as he walked to the hotel for his company's investment conference.

He was hit in the leg and chest as the gunman began firing from behind. After the gun, a .9 mm weapon, jams, he is seen on security videos quickly clearing it and resuming firing.

Police Department Chief Joseph Kenny said, "It does appear he is proficient in the use of firearms, as he was able to clear the malfunction pretty quickly."

The shooter is seen on videos calmly crossing the avenue, hopping on a for-hire electric bike available around the city, and riding away.

He was later spotted at Central Park before the trail went cold.

Police are working on clues from the bike rental to try to locate him.

In the video, Thompson turns around after being shot towards the shooter before falling to the ground.

Ambulance workers, who arrived within minutes with police, tried to resuscitate him before driving him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

Thompson, 50, became the CEO of UHC after working his way up during his 20-year career with the company.

"Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him," his company said in a statement.

Federal officials and lawmakers have criticised the company for allegedly denying coverage to customers or payments for health services rendered making policy-holders responsible for payments.

This has created controversies and animosity among some insured by it.

Several people who posted on social media X said unpleasant things about Thompson.
Los Angeles, Dec 5 : Two students were wounded and the suspected gunman was dead after a shooting at a school in Northern California, authorities said.

Deputies were "on the scene of an active incident involving a shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo," the Butte County Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday in a statement.

Students were being taken to a nearby church and parents were asked to respond to the church to be reunified with their children, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The office received multiple 911 calls at around 1 p.m. local time regarding an adult male firing shots at students, KRCR-TV, a local TV station, reported, citing the Sheriff's Office as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Multiple agencies immediately responded to the incident and located the shooter, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said the report.

Two students sustained gunshot wounds, one of whom was airlifted to a nearby hospital, it added.

The school, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is a K-8 school with more than 30 students, according to its website.

Palermo, home to more than 5,000 residents, is about 104 km north of Sacramento, the capital of the US state of California.
Gaza, Dec 5 : At least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a shelter for displaced people west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources.

Local sources and eyewitnesses reported on Wednesday that Israeli warplanes targeted the shelter, which houses displaced people in the Mawasi area, with at least one missile.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza issued a press statement saying its team is working to extinguish a fire that erupted in the tents following the Israeli strike, Xinhua news agency reported.

Medics told Xinhua that rescue teams recovered the bodies of at least 20 victims, including five children, and transported dozens of the wounded to hospital.

The Israeli army has not yet commented on the strike.

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

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 44,532, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tashkent, Dec 5 : Uzbekistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reached an agreement on adopting a joint roadmap for expanding multifaceted cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear development, the press service of the Uzbek President announced.

According to the announcement, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on Wednesday with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who is currently on a visit to Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed in detail the prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and promoting new areas of practical cooperation reports Xinhua news agency.

It was noted that priority areas of cooperation have been identified, such as improving the competence and potential of national agencies, training highly qualified personnel, and promising projects in the fields of nuclear energy, agriculture, water use, health, and ecology within the framework of IAEA programs.

According to the press service, Uzbekistan has been a member of the IAEA since 1994. During this period, over 40 joint projects have been implemented with the involvement of technical assistance from the organization.

Currently, five projects are being implemented in the field of improving the legal framework and the potential of national structures, the development of nuclear science, medicine and other areas.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Both Houses of Parliament have lists of various businesses scheduled for Thursday. Union Home Minister will move a Bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in the Lok Sabha and a Committee on the welfare of the OBCs will present their reports in both Houses.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, bringing more clarity to roles and empowering authorities at the national and state levels. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1 and seeks to amend the existing Act which was originally enacted to ensure effective management of disasters in India by creating institutional mechanisms, disaster management plans, and strategies for preventing and mitigating disaster impacts.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who moved a motion for The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Wednesday seeks consideration and passing of the Bill.

The Bill aims to amend the Railways Act of 1989 to enhance the powers of the Railways Board and improve operational efficiency. Key provisions of the Bill include the integration of the Indian Railway Board Act, of 1905 into the Railways Act, of 1989. This move seeks to simplify the legal framework governing Indian Railways by repealing the Indian Railway Board Act, of 1905 and incorporating its provisions into the Railways Act. The changes are intended to streamline the constitution and composition of the Railway Board, thereby boosting the overall efficiency of railway operations.

Members of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (2024-25), Ganesh Singh and Rodmal Nagar will present the Action Taken Reports on securing the representation of OBCs in employment and for their welfare in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited(RINL). The report also presents the observations/recommendations contained in the 30th Report (17th Lok Sabha) of the Committee on measures undertaken to secure the representation of OBCs in employment and for their welfare in various departments/ organisations/institutions under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) pertaining to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The fourth Report is on the Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the 33rd Report (17th Lok Sabha) of the Committee on measures undertaken to secure the representation of OBCs in employment and for their welfare in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)aY under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Nine Union Ministers will lay papers in the Lower House concerning their departments.

In the Rajya Sabha, the members of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (2024-25), Kavita Patidar and Shambhu Sharan Patel will lay on the table various reports on the OBC recruitments in various government departments.

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will make statements regarding the "status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 15th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on aWelfare of Indian Diaspora; Policies/ Schemesa; Status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 20th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs aDemands for Grants for the year 2023-24a; Status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 22nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on aIndiaas Neighbourhood First Policy "

On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha cleared a bill to replace the 100-year-old Boiler Act, passed by Lok Sabha earlier in the day. The Bill, which aims to decriminalise seven offences and promote ease of doing business, was cleared in the Upper House by a voice vote. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a statement in Rajya Sabha on the recent developments in India-China relations.
Jerusalem, Dec 5 : Israeli security forces announced that they had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage kidnapped to Gaza during Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, and took him back to Israel.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the body of Itai Svirsky was retrieved in a military operation, reports Xinhua news agency.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said during a press briefing that Svirsky was abducted alive and later killed by his captors.

Svirsky, 38, a resident of Tel Aviv, was abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri while visiting his parents, who were killed during the Hamas-led onslaught. According to a statement from Kibbutz Be'eri, Svirsky was presumed dead as of January 2024.

Hagari also presented findings from a military investigation into the deaths of six Israeli hostages whose bodies were recovered in August from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The investigation suggested that their deaths were likely linked to an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas, 150-200 meters from their location of captivity.

Pathological examinations revealed indications of gunshots on the hostages' bodies, but no gunshot wounds were found on the bodies of the militants guarding them. Hagari said the most plausible scenario was that the hostages were shot by their guards shortly before or during the airstrike.

"At the time of the strike, the military had no information that hostages were being held in the underground compound," Hagari said.

To date, Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of 38 hostages, while 117 hostages have been released alive, most of them through negotiated deals. About 100 others are still held hostage in Gaza, and Israel estimates that about a third of the hostages are no longer alive.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Delhi Metro services on the Blue Line experienced disruptions on Thursday as a result of cable theft that occurred between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar stations, leading to considerable delays for passengers.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) informed passengers about the issue through posts on X, advising them to plan their journeys accordingly.

"There is a delay in services on the Blue Line due to a cable theft between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar. The inconvenience is regretted," the DMRC stated.

In another update post, DMRC clarified that the cable theft issue could only be resolved after the operational hours of the metro.

"The cable theft issue on the Blue Line between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar will be rectified only after the end of operational hours in the night," it said in the post.

"Since the trains will operate on restricted speed on the affected section during the day, there would be some delay in services," it said.

The corporation urged commuters to plan their travel with the delays in mind, noting, "The journey shall take some additional time."

The Blue Line, a crucial and heavily trafficked corridor of Delhi Metro, connects Dwarka in the west of the national capital to Noida and Vaishali in the east (Uttar Pradesh).

The line services key areas such as Rajiv Chowk, Yamuna Bank, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Noida Sector 16, and Noida Sector 18, where many offices are located.

With the delay coinciding with morning office hours, passengers faced inconvenience, particularly those commuting to work in areas served by the Blue Line.

Efforts to restore normal operations are expected to begin after metro services conclude for the day, with repairs scheduled during non-operational hours.
New York, Dec 5 : US state of Mississippi could see the steepest drop off in health insurance coverage if Congress doesn't vote to extend temporary health coverage subsidies at the end of next year, according to a recent report issued by policy think tank The Urban Institute.

Some 112,000 people in the state would lose health insurance, a 43 per cent increase in the state's already-high uninsured rate, the report said.

A decade ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reformed the American healthcare system, offering millions of Americans an affordable health insurance option, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting The Urban Institute.

Today, more than 21 million Americans have enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan, and the number of people without health insurance has been cut by 42 per cent, according to the report.

"If the enhanced premium tax credits expire, there will be dramatic declines in Marketplace coverage and increases in uninsurance, but the effects will not be felt equally across states or by race, income, and age," said Jessica Banthin, senior fellow at the Urban Institute in a statement. "Our analysis shows that their expiration could mean some communities may experience greater coverage losses, making healthcare unaffordable and inaccessible."

The increased subsidies allow Americans to buy health insurance plans on the ACA Marketplace at lower costs with enhanced premium tax credits. The benefits were first authorised by Congress in 2021 to help more Americans attain healthcare coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic and are set to expire at the end of 2025, reports Xinhua, citing a Associated Press report.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Congress MP Manickam Tagore, on Thursday, gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over the issue of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi being stopped from visiting Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

Tagore said it was a "matter of grave concern that the LoP was prevented from visiting Sambhal to assess the ground realities of the recent Jama Masjid issue and other regional tensions".

"His objective was to promote peace and harmony and yet this undemocratic and unconstitutional move by the government violates the very principles enshrined in our constitution which guaranteed freedom of movement and the right to meet citizens. The Modi government claims to uphold constitutional values but actions like these directly contradict those claims. Denying the LoP the right to meet the affected persons in Sambhal raises serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency, accountability and constitutional rights," Tagore said in the notice.

The Congress MP urged the House to take this matter seriously and demand an immediate explanation from the government. "This is an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress the voice of the opposition undermining the rights of the citizens to express concerns," he said.

LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who were headed to Sambhal on Wednesday, were stopped at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

The Congress MPs, accompanied by many party leaders and workers were stopped by police officials on the border, citing the law and order situation in Sambhal.

Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi expressed his displeasure, stating: "The police stopped us from going to Sambhal. Being the Leader of Opposition, it is my right and duty to go there. Yet, I was stopped. I am ready to go alone, but they did not agree to that either. This is against the Constitution. Why is the BJP scared? Why is it using the police to hide its failures? Why is it suppressing the message of truth and brotherhood?"

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi backed Rahul Gandhias statement, adding, "We want peace and prosperity. Even in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi took peace there. I want to ask the BJP why they stop such attempts. When any political leader wants to carry a message of peace, why do they stop them?"

The BJP criticised the Congress over the visit issue. Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) for attempting to visit violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh (UP), claiming that this was done to compete with Samajwadi Party (SP) for the vote bank in the BJP-ruled state.
New York, Dec 5 : US President-Elect Donald Trump has named as his top advisor on trade Peter Navarro, who defied a then-Democratic Party-led Congress and went to prison rather than cooperate in its inquiry into the riots that shook the Capitol.

Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday that in his first administration, "few were more effective or tenacious than Peter in enforcing my two sacred rules, Buy American, Hire American."

As his Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, he said Navarro would work to "protect American Workers and truly Make American Manufacturing Great Again."

About his imprisonment, Trump said that he "was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it."

The House of Representatives Special Committee investigating the January 6 riots ordered him to appear in person and hand over documents.

He was convicted of contempt of Congress and spent four months in jail for refusing to comply.

The riots followed a rally at which Trump had claimed he was the winner of the 2020 election and the election was stolen.

Navarro joins another hardliner, Jamieson Greer, who was named US International Trade Representative (USITR) by Trump.

Trump said that Greer had helped "in imposing tariffs on China and others to combat unfair trade practices" during the first term.

Navarro is a hawk on China and published a book, 'Death by China: Confronting the Dragon - A Global Call to Action', warning about Beijing's goal of world domination through predatory trade practices.

He is an advocate for high tariffs to help rekindle US manufacturing beaten down by imports, mainly from China, and he stood by Trump as he hiked tariffs on many products from China.

Navarro distinguished himself during the Covid pandemic, warned about it and then helped the US overcome the global supply chain hurdles in facing it.

He was one of the first senior officials to sound an alarm about the Covid pandemic, warning in a January 2021 memo that it "would leave Americans defenceless in the case of a full-blown coronavirus outbreak on US soil" and cost trillions of dollars.

He made his mark when Trump put him in charge of using the Defence Production Act to ramp up the production of materials needed to fight the pandemic, notably making the car company GM turn to make ventilators for patients.

When he served as an Assistant to the President and Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, Trump said, "he helped me renegotiate unfair Trade Deals like NAFTA and the Korea-UD Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and moved every one of my Tariff and Trade actions FAST."

Trump trashed the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada and replaced it with a new treaty that Trump considered more favourable to the US.

He also renegotiated the Korean agreement.

Navarro, who has an economics PhD from Harvard and has been a professor at a California university, is very articulate, and Trump, noting his "extensive Policy analytic and Media skills," said that "his mission will be to help successfully advance and communicate the Trump Manufacturing, Tariff, and Trade Agendas."

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in)
Oslo, Dec 5 : A Norwegian court denied mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik's parole request.

The Ringerike, Asker and Baerum District Court decided that Breivik would not be released on probation from prison. The court believes that the conditions for probation are not met, and the demand for release is therefore not upheld. The verdict is unanimous, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I have spoken to Breivik, and I take it to mean that he wants to appeal," Breivik's attorney, Oystein Storrvik, told the Norwegian news agency NTB.

Breivik appeared in court on November 19 to argue he should be released after spending more than 13 years in prison.

This marks the second time Breivik's parole request has been rejected, following an earlier denial in 2022.

Earlier this year, the Oslo District Court ruled against Breivik in a lawsuit he filed challenging the conditions of his imprisonment.

On July 22, 2011, Breivik carried out one of Norway's most devastating attacks, beginning with a car bomb explosion outside the government headquarters in Oslo that killed eight people. He then opened fire at a youth summer camp organised by the ruling Labor Party on Utoya Island, killing 69 individuals, most of them teenagers.

In 2012, the Oslo District Court sentenced Breivik to 21 years in prison, the maximum sentence under Norwegian law, with the possibility of extension. The verdict marked a legal conclusion to one of the darkest days in the country's history.
Los Angeles, Dec 5 : Public health officials in the western US state of California said they have secured a broad, voluntary recall of all raw milk and cream products from a local dairy farm due to possible bird flu contamination.

The California Department of Public Health said in a news release on Tuesday night that the statewide recall includes all Raw Farm, LLC raw milk and cream remaining on retail shelves.

The department warned consumers against consuming any raw milk products from the quarantined farm, reports Xinhua news agency.

The move followed two limited recalls of Raw Farm products after bird flu was first detected in samples of raw milk produced by Fresno-based Raw Farm on November 21.

Officials said that Raw Farm milk products have tested positive for bird flu at both retail and dairy storage and bottling sites in recent days.

The California Department of Public Health said that customers "should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase."

In addition, public health officials urged consumers "to avoid consuming any Raw Farm products for human consumption including raw milk, cream, cheese, and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food topper and pet food kefir marketed to pet owners."

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has placed the farm under quarantine, suspending any new distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after November 27.

Public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to elevated risks of foodborne illness. The California Department of Public Health noted in its news release that no human bird flu cases associated with the product have been confirmed to date, and the state is working closely with federal and local partners to investigate the situation and better understand how it might impact consumers.

"California continues to monitor and respond to bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry," said the department, adding that "bird flu virus levels have been demonstrated to be high in raw milk from infected cows, and sporadic human cases identified in workers in close contact with infected dairy cows and their milk indicate that raw milk is infectious to humans."

So far, 58 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported in the United States during 2024, with 32 in California, according to the latest data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Seoul, Dec 5 : Unionised workers at Hyundai Motor will stage a partial strike this week in solidarity with an umbrella labour union's walkout against President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration, according to the company's union on Thursday.

Hyundai's 43,000-strong union will hold a four-hour strike each on Thursday and Friday under the guidelines of the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU), a union spokesperson said over the phone.

The KMWU is part of the militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). GM Korea Co.'s 7,300-member union also decided to hold a four-hour walkout on Thursday and Friday, respectively, reports Yonhap news agency.

Meanwhile, Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Rhee Chang-yong said on Thursday the current political climate surrounding the opposition's move to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol is unlikely to affect South Korea's sovereign ratings and growth momentum given the country's solid market fundamentals.

Rhee made the point during a press briefing in Seoul, two days after Yoon declared martial law in a surprise late-night address, which was lifted about six hours later after the National Assembly voted to reject it. The opposition side then filed a motion to impeach Yoon.

On Wednesday, the KCTU vowed to go on an indefinite strike until Yoon steps down to take responsibility for the martial law debacle that shook the nation.

Late Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law, accusing "anti-state forces" of paralyzing the operation of the nation with impeachment motions and a downsized budget bill.

But Yoon abandoned the martial law attempt, the country's first such motion in over four decades, early Wednesday after the National Assembly voted to overturn the declaration.

Opposition parties submitted a motion on Wednesday to impeach the president over the botched martial law.

a"IANS

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narednra Modi meets the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in New Delhi on Thursday, December 5, 2024.. Image Source: IANS

New Delhi, Dec 5 : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received a warm welcome from External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday for his two-day official visit to India.

He was accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Taking to X, Jaishankar posted, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today."

"His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship," he further wrote.

During his visit, the Bhutan King will hold a series of bilateral meetings with the Indian leadership to review the diplomatic ties.

The high-level visit, which concludes on Friday, signifies the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect between the two neighbouring nations, said an official press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Bhutan King will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another chapter in the ongoing high-level engagements between the two countries.

Additionally, Jaishankar and other senior officials from the Government of India are set to call on the Bhutan King. These meetings aim to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation, according to the press statement.

India and Bhutan share an extraordinary and exemplary relationship underpinned by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

The foundation of these ties dates back to 1949, when the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in February 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, further solidifying this enduring partnership.

One notable feature of the bilateral relationship between the two nations is their economic interdependence. Approximately 50,000 Indian citizens are employed in Bhutan across various sectors, including construction, education, and infrastructure projects. Some workers even commute daily from India to Bhutan's border towns for their jobs.

This integration demonstrates the depth of cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.

The scope of collaboration has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional areas like hydropower to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and space technology.

Bhutan became the second country to adopt the BHIM App, facilitating financial linkages, and India has supported Bhutan's 'Digital Drukyul' initiative, which aims to build a robust optical fibre network across all 20 districts.

Space cooperation is another promising area of collaboration.

Following the 2019 visit of India's Prime Minister to Bhutan, the jointly developed 'India-Bhutan SAT' was launched in November 2022.

This initiative, along with other technological partnerships, underscores the progressive nature of the bilateral relationship.

In education, India continues to support Bhutan in addressing shortages of STEM teachers, enhancing the country's human resource capabilities.

The King's visit provides an opportunity to review and advance these initiatives, further cementing the long-standing friendship and exploring new frontiers of collaboration between India and Bhutan.
Manchester, Dec 5 : Kevin De Bruyne has expressed relief after Manchester City ended a seven-match winless run by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League.

De Bruyne was named in the starting lineup for the first time in over two months and made an instant impact, setting up Bernardo Silva with a header to tap in from close range. Shortly after the half-hour mark, the skipper doubled the lead with a powerful drive into the top corner from 15 yards.

Jeremy Doku then added a third after the interval to extend City's lead and propel his side to their first victory since October.

De Bruyne was happy to see the team bounce back with a well-deserved victory. "Itas nice. Itas not been a nice period for me, but you have to deal with it. Itas nice to be out there to change the momentum hopefully. Itas been a tough time. You have to accept the challenge, I think we did well today," he said.

aWe started really well. First 20 minutes we were in control. I had a chance with the header, I was trying to score but it was going next to the goal. It was good that Bernardo was there. I was really surprised because when I got the ball from Jeremy [for the second goal], I was in so much space. I just had to hit the target. Luckily I did that.

aIt was more of a 3-3-4 I would say. We didnat expect Forest to go man for man so we adjusted a bit. The first 30 minutes we did well and then we struggled a bit. And then the second half was a different game playing against five at the back.

aI tried to manage it a bit. In the second half I managed it a bit more and controlled it a bit more. Iam happy I could do 70 minutes, itas a big improvement from what Iave done lately so Iam happy about that," De Bruyne added.

The win moved City back into the top four in the Premier League with 26 points from 14 games, with Liverpool at the top with 35 points from the same number of games played.

De Bruyne feels that it's too soon to discuss the title race and insists that the team's focus is solely on improving with every match.

aTo be honest itas not the moment to look at that. Itas been a hard period. We have to accept the challenge. The Premier League is getting harder and harder. We know that everybody is becoming a really tough team to play. Everybody is taking points off everybody.

aWe have to improve as a team first, try to win games and weall see in a couple of months where we are. Hopefully, we will have improved a bit and we get a bit closer. For the moment, it is not the time," said De Bruyne.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : About 6.39 crore people from rural parts of the country have been trained in digital literacy under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), the government has said.

The government's aim was to reach 6 crore rural households (one person per household) nationwide.

"The scheme has ended, as against 6 crore, 6.39 crore individuals were trained across the country as on March 31, 2024," Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

IT training centres were set up under PMGDISHA scheme across the country, including Bhiwani and Mahendergarh districts in Haryana.

The IT Ministry also launched the India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) and North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS) to create jobs and promote IT/ITES in small towns by offering financial support of up to Rs 1 lakh per seat.

The schemes also provide incentives for promoting local entrepreneurs and hiring women and disabled individuals through BPO/ITES units across the country operating in States/UTs, said the minister.

India is the IT skills capital of the world. Stanford University in the US has ranked India among the top four along with the US, the UK and China in global and national AI vibrancy ranking based on 42 indicators.

"The government has been taking steps to ensure that we continue to retain our advantage in IT skills," the minister added.

MeitY has initiated a programme titled "FutureSkills PRIME", jointly with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), aimed at re-skilling/up-skilling of candidates in new and emerging technologies, namely, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Additive Manufacturing/ 3D Printing, Cloud Computing, Social & Mobile and Cyber Security.

Further, under the 'IndiaAI FutureSkills' of India AI Mission, India AI fellowship is offered to B Tech and M Tech students of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) recognised engineering institutions, informed IT Ministry.

IANS

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Chennai, Dec 5 : The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 14 fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu when they were fishing near Katchatheevu, and their two boats were also seized.

The fishermen were nabbed early in the morning for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

Other fishermen who witnessed the incident reported that the Sri Lankan Navy severely attacked them, damaging their fishing nets and GPS equipment. They also claimed that their boats were deliberately rammed by the Navy, causing further damage.

It is noteworthy that on Tuesday (December 3), the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Neduntheevu. According to the Tamil Nadu coastal police, Sri Lankan authorities have accused these fishermen of entering their waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities. The arrested fishermen, aboard two fishing boats, were taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for further investigation.

The recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen have caused significant distress among the fishing community.

There are growing calls for both the central and state governments to take action to prevent such incidents.

Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized 58 boats.

Many of these fishermen remain detained in Sri Lankan jails. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister raised the issue of these arrests with the Sri Lankan government, urging measures to prevent further detentions and boat seizures.

However, despite these discussions, the arrests have continued unabated, prompting fishermen's associations in Tamil Nadu to plan large-scale protests across the coastal districts.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, told IANS that fishermen's associations across the state are organising widespread protests in response to the ongoing arrests. "The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families who rely on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing out to sea," he said.

Thajudhin also highlighted that the Sri Lankan government is in the process of nationalizing mechanized fishing boats seized from Tamil Nadu fishermen. "This action will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings," he explained.

The fishermen's association has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end mid-sea arrests and the seizure of mechanized boats, which are the backbone of the fishermen's livelihoods.

K.M. Periasamy, a fishermen leader from Ramanathapuram, emphasised the emotional and financial toll on fishermen and their families. "Families are in deep distress due to regular arrests and attacks in mid-sea by the Sri Lankan Navy," he said.

Periasamy revealed plans to meet with the Prime Minister and the Union External Affairs Minister to address these issues. He added, "The seizure of mechanized boats is financially crippling families who have no means to repay the loans taken to purchase these boats. Tamil fishermen venture into the high seas for fishing, not for unlawful activities. We urge the Indian government to resolve this matter at the highest level with Sri Lankan authorities."
Khartoum, Dec 5 : Sudan's Darfur region Governor announced that 20 civilians were killed in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on an area in North Darfur State.

"The RSF has committed a massacre in the Abu Zeriga area, south of El Fasher city, killing 20 civilians and injuring 20 others," Governor Minni Arko Minnawi said on Wednesday in a post on his Facebook page.

Minnawi said that the attack took place on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

He called on the international community and humanitarian organisations to send international investigation teams to document the crimes and work to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He further urged aid organisations to intensify efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected population amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.

In the meantime, the non-governmental Sudanese Doctors Network said the attack left 21 civilians killed and 13 others wounded.

The RSF has not issued any comment on the attack on the Abu Zeriga area.

Since May 10, fierce clashes have raged in El Fasher between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which have been embroiled in a brutal conflict since mid-April 2023.

The ongoing war in Sudan has claimed the lives of over 27,120 people and displaced more than 14 million others, either within the country or abroad, according to estimates from international organisations.
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy was arrested on Thursday by Hyderabad Police amid high drama at his residence.

Kaushik Reddy, who was booked on Wednesday for threatening the Station House Officer at Banjara Hills Police Station, was taken into custody from his residence in Kondapur. He was shifted to the police station.

Tension prevailed as BRS leaders and workers staged a protest near the MLA's house over the arrest. BRS senior leader and former minister T. Harish Rao and other leaders were detained when he tried to go to Kaushik Reddy's house.

Harish Rao, K. Prabhakar Rao and Shambipur Raju were whisked away to Gachibowli Police Station. Another party leader and former minister Jagadish Reddy was taken to Raidurgam Police Station.

Police personnel had reached Kaushik Reddy's residence in the morning. As the news of his imminent arrest spread, several BRS leaders tried to reach there to show their support.

A case against Kaushik Reddy and his supporters was booked at Banjara Hills Police Station on a complaint by Circle Inspector Raghavendra.

The inspector alleged that MLA from Huzurabad threatened him and tried to obstruct him in the discharge of his duties.

The incident occurred when the MLA along with about 20 supporters went to Banjara Hills Police Station to lodge a complaint that his phone was being tapped. When the MLA was coming to the station, the Circle Inspector or the Station House Officer Raghavendra was going out.

Kaushik Reddy insisted that the SHO should leave only after taking his complaint. When the police officer told him that he was going for some urgent work and would take the complaint on his return, the MLA vented his ire.

Kaushik Reddy had a heated argument with the SHO and told him that when an MLA comes to the police station, the SHO must receive him properly. He was heard threatening the police officer.

The MLA's supporters stopped the SHO's vehicle and raised slogans. The SHO came back and took the complaint from the MLA.

Later, the police registered a case against Kaushik Reddy on a complaint by the SHO. The case has been registered for the offences of unlawful assembly; using force to obstruct the duties of a public servant; criminal intimidation; wrongful restraint, public nuisance and rioting against Kaushik Reddy and others.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials have got specific evidence about the diversion of ill-gotten proceeds in the cash-for-school job case in West Bengal through a trust named after the deceased wife of the former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee.

The ED has named the said trust, Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust, in the fifth supplementary charge sheet filed by the central agency at a special court in Kolkata earlier this week, sources said.

In the fresh chargesheet, the ED has also named Partha Chatterjeeas son-in-law Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya, who according to the central agency officials used to operate the financial matters of the trust at the ground -level.

Bhattacharya, who is currently settled abroad, came to Kolkata earlier this year, met the Income Tax officials and informed their departmental officials about the property purchased by the former education minister in Bhattacharyaas name using the latteras identity proofs like PAN cards.

Then the Income Tax also secured definite evidence that besides Bhattacharya, the former state education minister also purchased huge property in the name of his daughter Sohini Bhattacharya (Chatterjee), who is also settled abroad along with her husband.

In the fresh charge sheet, the ED has included 29 new names of individuals and corporate entities, including a company linked to a prime accused in the case of Sujay Krishna Bhadra.

The other corporate entities named in the charge sheet include those involved in the real estate business, the private education sector and bicycle manufacturing. The name of S. Basu Roy & Company, the outsourced entity responsible for the supply of optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets for the written examinations for school jobs, had also been named in the fresh charge sheet.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Chatterjee in the school job case. He was arrested by the ED officials in July 2022 and since then he has been in judicial custody.

Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is conducting a parallel probe into the school job case, also showed him as arrested in the matter.

The CBI sleuths on Wednesday collected voice samples of two accused in the case -- Santu Gangiopadhya and Santanu Bandopadhya -- to match them with the audio clips of their conversations recovered from their mobile phones.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : More than 4,500 international civil servants from as many as 32 countries have visited India for training under the mid-career capacity-building programme on public policy and governance during 2014-24, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha.

Capacity building programme for international civil servants focuses on best practices and innovation in governance enabling dissemination and replication of India's good governance models in foreign countries, the minister stated in a written reply.

He said the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions conduct capacity-building training for international civil servants through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), an autonomous society under it.

DARPG/NCGG has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, Cambodia, Gambia, Maldives, and Malaysia in the field of public administration, public policy and governance Reforms, Singh said.

"In the period 2014-2024, more than 4,500 international civil servants from 32 countries have visited NCGG for mid-career capacity building programme on public policy and governance," he said.

The total number of civil servants to be trained by the year 2029 depends on the requests/requirements of the partner countries under the extant MoUs and other bilateral arrangements, the minister said.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer recently renewed the MoU for capacity building of 1,000 Maldives civil services officers during the period 2024-2029.

This renewed partnership will continue to enhance the capabilities of Maldives civil servants in public policy, governance, and field administration. It will further strengthen the ties between India and the Maldives.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the training of civil servants across the country, aiming to empower 3.2 million officials through a comprehensive digital training module.

This programme, part of the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), is also known as Mission Karmayogi. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced this development during the first National Training Conclave held at Pragati Maidan this week, emphasizing the need for civil servants to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of public service.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Actor Vikrant Massey is all set to star in an exciting new musical love story alongside Shanaya Kapoor.

After recently withdrawing his retirement statement, Vikrant has begun shooting for his next film, "Ankhon Ki Gustakhiyan." The actor, who had previously hinted at stepping back from films, is now back in action and ready to take on this new project. Recently, the opening clap ceremony of the film was held, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with the cast and crew attended it.

Expressing his admiration, CM Dhami remarked, "I am glad to see young filmmakers like Mansi & Varun Bagla showcasing the state's beauty while presenting a timeless story that celebrates love and human resilience."

Producer Mansi Bagla shared, "We were very particular about casting the right actors for this romantic film. Vikrant Massey is a powerhouse of talent, and his chemistry with debutant Shanaya Kapoor is truly captivating. Aarushi Nishank, being a multi talented actor and a renowned native of Uttarakhand, adds an authentic touch to the film. We truly feel they are the perfect choice for the characters of our film."

Produced by Mini Films and directed by Santosh Singh, the upcoming musical love story stars Vikrant alongside debutant Shanaya Kapoor and Aarushi Nishank.

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, written by Niranjan Iyengar and Mansi Bagla, is being shot across Mumbai, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Europe.

Meanwhile, the '12th fail' actor has recently clarified that he is not retiring from films; he is just going for a long break to focus on his health and his family.

In a statement, Massey said, "Acting is all I can do. And it has given me everything I have. My physical and mental health have taken a hit. I just want to take some time off, I want to better my craft. I feel a sense of monotony at the moment. "My post has been misinterpreted that I am quitting or retiring from acting. I want to take some time off to focus on my family and health. I would be back when the time feels right."
Patna, Dec 5 : The voting for the Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election in Bihar was underway as voters were steadily queuing up outside polling stations on Thursday.

It has garnered significant attention as the seat, which became vacant after Devesh Chandra Thakur's election to the Lok Sabha from Sitamarhi, is witnessing a triangular contest involving the JD(U), RJD, and Prashant Kishoras Jan Suraj Party.

JD(U) has fielded Abhishek Jha, an upper caste from this seat which has been winning the constituency for 22 years.

During his campaign, he focused on employment for graduates, timely university sessions, postgraduate studies, and improving access to education loans.

He has accused Prashant Kishor of contradicting his own anti-dynasty stance by fielding a candidate from a political family.

Gopi Kishan is the RJD candidate for this seat. He belongs to the Vaishya community and focused his campaign on representing students and addressing their concerns, providing employment opportunities, and bridging communication between the government and the student community.

Dr Vinayak Gautam is testing his luck on the ticket of the Jan Suraj Party in this bypoll. He represents the Bhumihar community and comes from a prominent political family, being the son of former MLC Ramkumar Singh and grandson of former Minister Raghunath Pandey. He is leveraging his family's influence and experience, with an aim to appeal to the strong Bhumihar voter base in the region.

Tirhut has historically favoured the NDA, with all seven MPs from the region belonging to the alliance. Devesh Chandra Thakur, the previous MLC, served for over two decades and worked closely with Nitish Kumar, bolstering the partyas influence.

Prashant Kishoras entry into the fray with a well-known candidate has added intrigue to the contest, potentially splitting the vote base of traditional parties.

Both JD(U) and RJD candidates have highlighted the need to provide jobs to unemployed graduates.

Ensuring timely university sessions and facilitating postgraduate studies are common promises. Gopi Kishan has particularly emphasized giving students a voice at the policy-making level.

JD(U) candidate Abhishek Jha has vowed to improve the loan process for higher studies.

Tirhut graduate MLC constituency has 1,58,828 voters, with 1,07,401 male and 47,419 female voters.

The constituency spans four districts such as Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, making it a diverse and challenging electoral landscape.

The counting of votes will be held on December 9.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Actress Saiyami Kher, who is gearing up for her upcoming streaming movie 'Agni', has shared the inspiration behind her role in the film.

'Agni', directed by Rahul Dholakia, tells the story of firefighters and the challenges that they face in a densely populated country like India.

The actress shared that she drew immense inspiration from Harshini Kanhekar, India's first woman firefighter, to portray the strength, courage, and resilience required for this groundbreaking character. In the film, Saiyami stars alongside Pratik Gandhi and Divyendu Sharma.

Reflecting on her preparation for the role, Saiyami Kher said, "Portraying a firefighter is a role I feel incredibly proud and privileged to take on, I was extremely ashamed of myself because I didn't know about the female representation of women in the fire department. Harshini Kanhekar was the first female firefighter and her story is both humbling and motivating. It's very disappointing that not many people don't know that there are female firefighters".

She further mentioned, "Harshini's story of determination, grit, and breaking barriers served as a guiding light for many to follow. Playing a character like this came with its own challenges, both physically and emotionally. Harshini's path-breaking achievements helped me see the depth of commitment and resilience that women like her bring to a traditionally male-dominated field. I hope my portrayal in 'Agni' will not only honor her but also inspire others to recognize the quiet strength of our everyday heroes. I was very fortunate to spend time with almost 50 women firefighters for prep and draw from their inspiring lives".

'Agni' celebrates the heroism of firefighters while bringing a unique story to the Indian screen. It presents a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of those who put themselves in danger to save others.
Kochi, Dec 5 : As Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led cabinet decided to wind up the Kochi Smart City project, the Congress on Thursday alleged a massive scam.

Veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala said this winding up is a big scam and "what is now heard is that the Kerala government will have to pay compensation to the Smart City Dubai".

The Vijayan cabinet on Wednesday decided to wind up the Smart City project and a committee has been formed to work out the separation agreement with Smart City Dubai.

Defending the winding up, State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve on Thursday told the media, that the decision taken by the Kerala government to look elsewhere is not going to have any impact on the state's development plans.

"The Infopark campus is now filled up and there are hundreds of IT companies now waiting for space. Hence, once the separation agreement is done, we will come out with a fresh programme to bring IT firms into the project," said Rajeeve.

But Chennithala said, "This is a big scam... have you ever heard about compensation being given to a company which failed to do its job, despite being in office for the past nearly nine years?

"Vijayan who is also the IT minister has to give an explanation. What's even more strange is that Baju George, who was part of Smart City Dubai when the agreement was inked then, is also now on the committee to work out the compensation. This is a major scam and very soon we will come out with more details," said Chennithala.

Curtains have now come down on what was billed to be one of Kerala's flagship IT projects -- the Kochi Smart City, a project between Smart City Dubai and the Kerala government, but State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said they will go forward with the concept, as there is a huge demand for space.

The Kochi Smart City project was planned to have 8.8 million square feet of built-up space in a 246-acre land at Kochi of which 70 per cent would be for IT and IT-enabled services, and would employ 90,000 professionals.

Right from the start, this project ran into troubles when it was visualized by the Oommen Chandy government in 2004, after the CPI(M) led by the then Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan, staunchly opposed it.

Just before the Assembly polls in 2006, the Kerala High Court gave its clearance to the Chandy government to go ahead with the project, but fearing a backlash, Chandy put it aside.

However, in 2006 when Achuthanandan, who succeeded Chandy, signed the agreement with Smart City Dubai.

But again it went into slumber on account of the then global recession and after Chandy returned to office in 2011, the project got going. At the fag end of his term in 2016, one building of the first phase was inaugurated and after that, no effort was there to go forward, when Pinarayi Vijayan became the Chief Minister in 2016.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are enjoying a romantic getaway in Rome.

On Thursday, the couple shared a series of their mushy clicks from the trip on Instagram and wrote, "Rome in a jiffy at the @anantarapalazzonaiadi! Cozy dinners with a view, a fun buggy ride through the city, and some mandatory sightseeing! Two days well spent!!"

From indulging in cozy dinners with breathtaking views of the city to posing at some of the most scenic spots in Rome, Sonakshi and Zaheer are enjoying every moment of their getaway. In the first image, Zaheer is seen posing with his head resting on Sonakshi's shoulder. In the next image, the 'Akira' actress makes a victory sign. The third mirror selfie shows the couple striking a romantic pose.

Other romantic clicks of the actors highlight their chemistry and bond.

Earlier, the couple humorously asked if anyone was casting for an Italian mafia movie, jokingly inviting them to call. Sonakshi posted a string of pictures of the two of them posing in sharp outfits in Italy, adding the iconic track from The Godfather, starring Al Pacino. She captioned the post: "Anyone casting for an Italian mafia movie call us."

Sonakshi and Zaheer first crossed paths at a party hosted by Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Both actors began their careers with Salman; Sonakshi made her debut alongside him in the blockbuster "Dabangg," while Zaheer debuted in Salman Khan's home production "Notebook." The couple is said to have dated for seven years and lived together for a year before finally tying the knot.

Sonakshi began dating Zaheer in 2017, and the couple starred together in the 2022 film "Double XL." They got married in an intimate ceremony on June 23 of this year, surrounded by family and industry colleagues.

The couple wed in a civil ceremony under the Special Marriage Act. They celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary in the Philippines and shared glimpses from the celebration on social media.

The 'Dabangg' actress captioned the post: "We celebrated one month of our wedding by doing what we needed to do the most  RECOVER!!!"
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing Indiaas rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally.

Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origina"whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy."

"This grand festival will reaffirm India's timeless values and ideals while fostering spiritual and cultural unity," he added.

He emphasised the collaborative efforts between the state and Central governments, stating, "We are fully committed to ensuring that this event embodies both grandeur and spiritual essence, reflecting the best of Indian culture and traditions."

Minister Singh further detailed the government's strategic approach, explaining that responsibilities have been distributed among various state ministers to invite participation from across India and abroad.

He noted, "Our delegation visited Arunachal Pradesh to encourage participation. Recently, we organised a significant event at the Ashoka Hotel in Delhi, attended by more than 50 diplomats and representatives from various countries, including the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture. Through them, we extended invitations to people worldwide to join this unparalleled spiritual and cultural celebration."

The Mahakumbh is considered to be the worldas largest spiritual and cultural gathering.

The Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 is going to be held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. It is the worldas largest public gathering and collective act of faith. This congregation primarily, includes ascetics, saints, seers and pilgrims from all walks of life.

Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over 12 years.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing Indiaas rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally.

Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origina"whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy."

"This grand festival will reaffirm India's timeless values and ideals while fostering spiritual and cultural unity," he added.

He emphasised the collaborative efforts between the state and Central governments, stating, "We are fully committed to ensuring that this event embodies both grandeur and spiritual essence, reflecting the best of Indian culture and traditions."

Minister Singh further detailed the government's strategic approach, explaining that responsibilities have been distributed among various state ministers to invite participation from across India and abroad.

He noted, "Our delegation visited Arunachal Pradesh to encourage participation. Recently, we organised a significant event at the Ashoka Hotel in Delhi, attended by more than 50 diplomats and representatives from various countries, including the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture. Through them, we extended invitations to people worldwide to join this unparalleled spiritual and cultural celebration."

The Mahakumbh is considered to be the worldas largest spiritual and cultural gathering.

The Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 is going to be held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. It is the worldas largest public gathering and collective act of faith. This congregation primarily, includes ascetics, saints, seers and pilgrims from all walks of life.

Mahakumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage observed every 12 years.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : BJP Rajya Sabha MP, Sudhanshu Trivedi, on Thursday raised serious concerns in Parliament over what he described as deliberate and coordinated attacks on India's national interests by foreign entities.

Trivedi slammed international forces for attempting to undermine India's growth and stability, calling their actions suspicious and conspicuous, targeting the resolution of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Trivedi remarked, "Since India has emerged as a strategic, economic, and diplomatic power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and with the introduction of the resolution for Viksit Bharat, we have observed increasing foreign activities targeting the economic, moral, and social aspects of our nation over the past three years."

Citing an investigative report by a French publication on the Sarajevo-based Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Trivedi highlighted its alleged connections to foreign governments and US businessman and financier George Soros.

"This project is funded by foreign governments, and its focus is on India. Along with this funding, it also has connections with George Soros," he said.

Trivedi outlined a pattern of events over the past three years, questioning the timing of certain reports and incidents, which he claimed coincided with significant political events in India.

He provided examples, stating that on February 3, 2021, a report on Indian farmers was published during the Budget Session of January 2021; on July 18, 2021, the Pegasus report emerged during the Monsoon Session of Parliament; on January 24, 2023, the Hindenburg report was released just ahead of the Budget Session, scheduled to begin on January 31; on January 17, 2023, the BBC documentary 'India: The Modi Question' was launched on July 19, 2023 and a video of the Manipur violence surfaced a day before the Monsoon Session.

He further noted that during election campaigns earlier this year, a report on COVID-19 vaccines was published on May 10, 2023. He added that while the Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on August 9, 2023, a Hindenburg report followed on August 10.

Trivedi drew attention to the current Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25 and alleged that a report by a US attorney targeting an Indian business house was released on November 20, just days prior.

Highlighting an unprecedented incident, Trivedi said, "For the first time in Indian history, during recent General Elections, the Russian government issued an official statement alleging foreign interference in the elections. This has never happened before."

Turning to the Opposition, Trivedi asked, "Is this happening knowingly or unknowingly? If unknowingly, come forward and discuss it. But if knowingly, a strict investigation must be conducted. I am not citing isolated incidents; I have presented a consistent sequence spanning three years."

Trivedi assured that such external efforts would not derail India's progress.

"To those who think they can pull India down, I want to say that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, no foreign interference can affect us. These so-called defenders of democracy will fail," he concluded.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that the party has accepted Shahdra MLA and Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel's request for retirement from electoral politics due to health issues.

Kejriwal said the party has decided not to field Goel in the upcoming Assembly elections on his request.

He also hit out at BJP leaders who have criticised the AAP-led Punjab government for "deteriorating" law and order, citing the attempt on the life of Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.

"I compliment Punjab Police for avoiding a big incident and want to request BJP leaders and media to also highlight the deteriorating law and order in Delhi and the threats to women, children and businessmen from shootouts and murders," said Kejriwal.

Earlier, Speaker Goel, 76, who has represented the Shahdara constituency twice as an AAP legislator, wrote a letter to Kejriwal expressing his desire to retire.

"We tried to convince Goelji to continue. He has been like a father figure for all of us. But on his insistence, we have accepted his decision," said Kejriwal.

In his letter to Kejriwal, Goel said, "After years of serving the people of Delhi, I feel it is the right moment to retire from active politics and spend time with my family. I will, however, continue to contribute to the party in a non-political capacity."

Addressing the media while inducting a two-time councillor and former legislator Jitender Singh Shunty, a Padma Shree Awardee, into the AAP, Kejriwal said social workers like him would add to the welfare politics pursued by the AAP government.

Shunty, a former BJP legislator who represented the Shahdara seat in 2013, is the founder of the NGO Shaheed Bhagat Singh Seva Dal, which helps cremate unclaimed bodies.

On joining Team Kejriwal, Shunty said, "Shaheed Bhagat Singh is my and Kejriwal's hero and this invitation to serve the people, even if in their death, could not have been rejected."

Shunty, popularly known as 'Ambulance Man', claims to have arranged an honourable cremation for 70,000 dead in Delhi. His services during COVID-19 also won him high praise.
Varanasi, Dec 5 : Renowned spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur has written to the United Nations (UN) on Thursday, urging the body to create a separate country for Hindus in Bangladesh if they are unable to ensure their safety.

His appeal comes in the wake of the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent spokesperson for the Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, who was detained under sedition charges.

The arrest followed allegations by former Bangladesh National Party (BNP) leader Firoze Khan, claiming that Das had disrespected the national flag of the country.

The denial of bail for Das has sparked protests across Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Speaking to IANS, Thakur expressed frustration with the UNas lack of response, stating, "The UN was founded to stand up for humanity when attacked, but it is silent now. In Bangladesh, Dasa lawyers were beaten, and violence is being unleashed against Hindus, with women and children attacked and homes torched. This cruelty should concern the UN."

Thakur further demanded international intervention, urging that if the Bangladesh government cannot protect Hindus, the UN should consider creating a separate territory for them.

"Hindus have sacrificed their lives in the creation of Bangladesh. I will not tolerate cruelty towards them," he added.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Chinmoy Krishna Das continue, with a Bangladesh court setting January 2, 2025, as the next hearing date. Das will remain in custody until then on alleged sedition charges.

The arrest has drawn criticism from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which condemned the denial of bail.

ISKCON has also expressed concern, revealing that two monks and the secretary of Das have been detained by Bangladeshi authorities.

In a related development, a petition has been filed to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh, accusing the organisation of provoking communal unrest, a claim that has further fueled tensions in the region.

ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman has also called for heightened security for Dasa lawyer, citing the recent attack on a previous advocate.
Srinagar, Dec 5 : Continuing their efforts to combat the drug menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday seized two vehicles of peddlers in Srinagar city.

A police statement said, "Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police in Srinagar have seized two vehicles acquired through proceeds of illegal narcotics trade. Srinagar Police have seized two vehicles, a Corolla bearing registration number DL4CNE 6086 and a BMW bearing registration number JK01AF-0047 in case FIR No. 36/2024 u/s 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora from the accused person namely Mudasir Ahmad Wani, son of Gulam Rasool Wani, resident of Stadium Colony, Chanapora."

Mudasir Ahmad Wani has already been arrested in a drug case a few days ago.

The seizure of vehicles acquired by illegal means through narcotics trafficking has been made under the provisions of the 68 NDPS Act, said the officials here.

The police in its statement reiterated its "commitment to eradicate the drug menace and dismantle the infrastructure supporting narcotics trafficking".

On Wednesday, the police seized a property worth over Rs one crore belonging to a drug peddler.

Two days back a residential house worth Rs 5 crore was seized in Anantnag district belonging to another drug peddler.

The police investigation has revealed that drug peddlers acquired these properties through the proceeds of the illicit trade in narcotics and psychotropic substances, said the officials.

Security forces also suggest that the funds so generated through drug smuggling are used to support terrorism by luring youths to join the ranks of different terror outfits.

After terrorists increased their activities in the aftermath of peaceful people-participative Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections, the Army, security forces and police have started an aggressive anti-terror campaign that targets terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs) and their sympathisers.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has chaired top-level security review meetings during the last two weeks wherein clear instructions were passed on to the security forces to completely dismantle the terror ecosystem in the union territory
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted two-weeks' interim bail to expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl in Unnao in 2017, in view of his precarious health condition.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted two-weeksa interim bail to expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl in Unnao in 2017, in view of his precarious health condition.

A Bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh ordered AIIMS Delhi to undertake his initial assessment to determine if his ailments could be treated in the national Capital or would require any referral beyond Delhi.

The Bench, also comprising Justice Amit Sharma, added Sengar will not make any attempt to contact the rape survivor and will remain in touch with the IO daily.

Before the Delhi HC, Sengaras lawyer contended that he should be released on interim bail in view of his deteriorating medical condition.

He is suffering from diabetes, cataract, retinal detachment and other ailments, added Sengaras lawyer.

The plea for release was opposed by the rape survivoras counsel, apprehending threat to the victim and her family.

The survivoras counsel said that Sengar should be given medical treatment within the jail premises.

Sengar's plea against the trial court's order in the rape case is pending before the Delhi High Court, with him having sought reliefs like quashing of the trial court's December 16, 2019 judgment, which convicted him, and the December 20, 2019 order sentencing him to imprisonment for the rest of his life.

The trial court had convicted Sengar under various provisions of the IPC and also imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh on him.

Also, in March 2020 a special court sentenced Sengar, his brother Atul Singh and five others to 10 yearsa imprisonment in two cases linked to the death of the Unnao rape survivor's father in 2018.

The court had held them guilty under various Sections of the IPC for offences such as conspiracy, culpable homicide, disappearance of evidence, framing incorrect records, wrongfully restraining a person, and the Arms Act.

The trial started on August 5, 2019, after the Supreme Court directed to transfer all five cases related to the matter from Unnao to Delhi.

The top court had directed to hold trial on a daily basis and complete it within 45 days.

Sengar was expelled from the BJP and disqualified as a member of the Assembly after the trial court convicted him.
Jaipur, Dec 5 : In a property misappropriation case involving the former royal family of Bikaner, a court has issued a show cause notice to Siddhi Kumari, MLA of Bikaner East, as there were repeated instances of the court-appointed commissioner being denied access to Shiv Vilas in Lalgarh Palace.

This time, the court has granted the commissioner the authority to seek police assistance to ensure compliance.

The dispute arose between Rajyashri Kumari, a member of the former royal family, and MLA Siddhi Kumari over the alleged misappropriation of properties belonging to the late Rajmata Sushila Kumari. To safeguard the properties, the court-appointed Trilochan Sharma as the Commissioner to inspect and report on the situation.

Initially, Sharma was denied entry to Lalgarh Palace. On his second visit, although allowed onto the premises, he found the rooms in Shiv Vilas locked. A court order issued on December 3 directed Sharma to submit a report, but access was again denied.

Earlier, on November 30, Sharma reported that a guard at the palace barred his entry, citing Siddhi Kumari's absence and her refusal to grant permission. As a result, he was unable to inventory the properties. Siddhi Kumarias lawyer subsequently applied to revoke the commissioneras appointment, which the court dismissed.

On Wednesday, Trilochan Sharma presented his report in court and said that despite the court's order, the guard did not let him enter Shiv Vilas at Lalgarh Palace on November 30, saying that Siddhi Kumari was not inside. The doors of Lalgarh Palace were closed and locked. In such a situation, the list of Rajmata Sushila Kumari's properties could not be prepared.

On Wednesday, Sharma had attempted to carry out the court's directive but was once again unable to access the locked rooms. He was informed that the keys were with Siddhi Kumari, who reportedly could not provide access due to health issues. Consequently, Sharma returned without completing his report. In his latest report submitted on Wednesday, Sharma stated that non-cooperation had hindered his ability to fulfil his mandate. He requested police assistance to ensure compliance. The court has now directed the Superintendent of Police in Bikaner to provide adequate security, enabling Sharma to proceed with the inspection.

The court on Wednesday issued show cause notices to Siddhi Kumari and the guard Avinash Vyas for obstructing its orders. It has instructed Trilochan Sharma to revisit Shiv Vilas on Friday, with permission to request police assistance if faced with further resistance.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : Arpita Mukherjee, a prime accused in the cash-for-school job case in West Bengal and a close associate of former state Education Minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee, was hospitalised at a private hospital in Kolkata on Thursday.

Mukherjee was released on bail last month after a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) approved that. Her bail was granted when she was already out on a five-day parole because of the demise of her mother.

She was hospitalised in the morning after complaining about a severe stomach infection.

To recall, Mukherjee was arrested in July 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials after huge cash and gold worth Rs 50 crore was recovered from her twin residences in the city. Partha Chatterjee was also arrested then.

Although Mukherjee was released on bail last month, Chatterjee is behind bars at Presidency Central Correctional Home in South Kolkata, with a division bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday reserving the verdict on Chatterjeeas bail plea.

Since being released on bail last month, Mukherjee has been staying at her ancestral residence at Belgharia on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, where her mother died recently.

Although she was granted bail, the special court imposed a few conditions for granting the bail. She had to submit her passport and was barred from going out of Kolkata till further orders.

Recently, the ED submitted its fresh supplementary charge sheet in the school job case, where it included 29 new names of individual and corporate entities. The new names included a trust named after Partha Chatterjeeas deceased wife as well as some corporate entities having an interest in real estate, the private education sector and bicycle manufacturing among others.

The names of S. Basu Roy & Company, the outsourced entity responsible for the supply of optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets for the written examinations for school jobs and Partha Chatterjeeas son-in-law Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya were also named in the fresh charge sheet.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Assam government's decision to impose a complete ban on the consumption of beef in public places, including hotels and restaurants, has garnered positive reactions from other BJP leaders.

In Chhattisgarh, Cabinet Minister Tankaram Verma welcomed the move, stating, "In our country, cows are revered as Gau Mata. From birth to death, their importance in our lives is unparalleled, even during final rites where cow urine is used. I wholeheartedly support this decision by the Assam government and congratulate them for taking such a step."

Similarly, Uttar Pradesh's Minister of Tourism & Culture, Jaiveer Singh, expressed support, calling the decision "a much-needed and commendable initiative," and suggested it should be implemented soon.

The decision was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a Cabinet meeting held in the national Capital.

Sarma emphasised that the restriction extends the earlier ban, which prohibited beef consumption within a five-km radius of temples and prayer sites.

"From today, there is a complete ban on consuming beef in public spaces across Assam. This includes serving beef in hotels, restaurants, and community events. Defaulters will face penalties as per the law," Sarma stated during a press briefing.

Sarma told reporters here, "We previously imposed a ban on consumption of beef in an area within a five-km radius of temples and other prayer places. However, now we have decided to extend this restriction and a total ban on consuming beef in public places in Assam is prohibited from today."

"The restriction also includes serving beef in hotels, restaurants and at any other community festivals in the state. The defaulters will be punished as per the provision laid down under the law," he added.

The Chief Minister also took a swipe at the Congress party and said, "Some of the Congress leaders including the state president have spoken about banning beef consumption in the state. We already had a strict law regarding this; however, the matter was thoroughly discussed in today's Cabinet meeting and we have come up with a blanket ban on consuming beef in public places across the state."
Bhopal, Dec 5 : A female student, who was pursuing her bachelor's degree in interior design, died in suspicious circumstances on Thursday in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

She was found unconscious at a hostel in the morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The deceased has been identified as Kashish Badhwani, a resident of Gwalior.

The hostel where the incident occurred falls under the jurisdiction of the Lasudia police station. Upon receiving information, a police team reached the hostel and started an investigation into the matter.

The student was found lying unconscious outside a bathroom in the hostel where she had been living for the last couple of years. She was noticed by one of her hostel mates, who alerted the staff members.

According to police, the parents of the deceased woman live in Gwalior and they have been informed. Meanwhile, the police have sent the body for post-mortem.

Badhwani was pursuing her bachelor's degree (interior design) from a private college in the city and was living in a private hostel.

During the interrogation, hostel mates told police that Badhwani was upset due to some unknown reasons and had not been talking to anyone for the past couple of days.

Police also learnt that she had stopped taking phone calls from her father M. Badhwani. She did not share any problems with anyone at the hostel.

The police team carried out a search in her hostel room, however, suspense remained on whether it was a suicide or murder. College friends, hostel mates and staff members are being questioned, said the officials.

"It would be too early to reach any conclusion, however, preliminary investigation suggests suicide. But, the exact reason would be known after the post-mortem is done," a police official said.

Over a dozen people have been interrogated so far, however, the police have yet to find any solid reason that could lead the further investigation into the matter. Police have recovered her mobile phone and will be examining her call records.
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday launched a special mobile app to select beneficiaries under the Indiramma housing scheme of the state government.

The beneficiaries under the scheme will be selected from Friday. Officials will visit villages to verify the applications and select beneficiaries.

Under the first phase of the scheme, the government will provide assistance to the poor for the construction of 4.5 lakh houses. The government will sanction Rs 5 lakh to eligible poor beneficiaries who own a plot, towards the construction of houses.

In the subsequent phase, a housing site and Rs 5 lakh will be allotted to landless poor. The scheme was launched by the Chief Minister at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on March 11.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said 3,500 houses will be built in each Assembly constituency under the first phase.

The poorest of the poor will be given priority under the scheme. Dalits, tribals, agriculture workers, physically challenged, sanitation workers, single women and transgenders will get priority.

The Chief Minister said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi strived to help the poor fulfil their dream of a dignified life with their own house. He claimed that there is no village in the house without Indiramma houses.

He said more than 25 lakh houses were built under the Indiramma scheme between 2004 and 2014.

CM Reddy said: "The scheme started with Rs 4,000 per unit and increased to Rs 1.21 lakh during YSR's regime. Now under the peopleas government, the per unit cost has been increased to Rs 5 lakh."

He stated that the app was being launched at a time when the Congress government was completing its first year.

CM Reddy reiterated that the BRS had pushed the state into a financial crisis.

He said when the Congress came to power in the state, it "inherited" Rs 7 lakh crore debts raised by the BRS.

He advised former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to change his attitude and come forward to give his suggestions to the government for the state's development.

The Chief Minister also invited BRS chief Rao to participate in the first anniversary celebrations of the Congress government.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the government remained committed to fulfilling the dream of every poor family to have his own house.

He listed out the welfare schemes implemented by the government during the last year including crop loan waiver to the tune of Rs 21,000 crore, free bus travel for women, cooking gas cylinders for Rs 500 and free electricity up to 200 units every month.

Revenue Minister P. Srinivasa Reddy said during the 10-year rule of BRS, tenders were called for 1.52 lakh double-bedroom houses while construction was taken up for 98,000 houses. He alleged that only 62,000 houses were completed and they were allotted to supporters of the then-ruling party.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Actor Aditya Pancholi has made a noble decision to donate his body to medical science after his death.

Pancholi recently expressed his desire to contribute to the advancement of healthcare and medical research, promising his body for educational purposes. By deciding to donate his body, Aditya hopes to support medical research and education, potentially saving lives and fostering future advancements in healthcare.

Speaking about the same, the actor said, "As actors, we often portray heroes on screen, but true heroism lies in giving back to society in meaningful ways. By donating my body, I hope to inspire others to consider this act of giving, which can make a real difference to humanity. It's a small step to ensure that even in death, I can continue to contribute to the world."

Dr. Lion Raju Manwani called Aditya's decision to donate his body "an act of immense courage and compassion."

"It reflects his larger-than-life personality and his deep commitment to humanity. Such gestures inspire countless others to think about how they, too, can make a difference. I salute him for this heroic step," he shared.

Aditya Pancholi will be announcing his decision to donate his body to medical science at the Lion Gold Awards on December 13.

Meanwhile, Pancholi has been making headlines since his wife, Zarina Wahab, publicly spoke about their strong bond and how they continue to support each other through both personal and professional challenges.

Zarina also addressed abuse allegations made by Aditya's ex-girlfriends, Pooja Bedi and Kangana Ranaut.

She strongly defended her husband, stating that he has never been an abusive husband.

Wahab told Lehren Retro, "He has never been an abusive husband. He is such a sweetheart. Ulta mai maar du use. But he is very sweet. His girlfriends accused him of these things because they didn't get what they wanted."
Moscow, Dec 5 : President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'India-first' policy and the 'Make in India' initiative and expressed Russia's willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India.

Addressing the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow, President Putin drew parallels between Russia's import substitution programme and India's 'Make in India' initiative.

The two-day forum started in Moscow on Wednesday.

"Prime Minister Modi has a similar programme called Make in India. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable," the Russian President said.

He highlighted that Russian oil giant Rosneft has invested $20 bn in India recently.

The 'Make in India' initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing and attracting foreign investment, has played a key role in strengthening India's position in the global economy, he observed.

President Putin's remarks underscored India's economic progress under PM Modi's leadership. He lauded the Indian government and its efforts in creating "stable conditions" for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly highlighting the economic initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a special focus on the 'Make in India' programme.

President Putin also highlighted the significance of Russia's import substitution programme in the context of BRICS' evolution, focusing on the growth of SMEs and the necessity for a rapid dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate smooth business transactions for SMEs in BRICS+ countries.

He pointed out the rise of new Russian brands that are replacing Western brands that have exited the market, noting the success of local Russian manufacturers in sectors such as consumer goods, IT, high-tech, and agriculture.

"For us, this is particularly important as part of our import substitution programme. The emergence of new Russian brands is helping replace those of Western companies that have voluntarily left our market. Our local manufacturers have achieved significant success, not only in consumer goods but also in IT and high-tech industries," he said.

President Putin also underlined the need for greater cooperation among BRICS nations to support the growth of SMEs and encouraged member countries to identify key areas for collaboration at the upcoming summit in Brazil next year.

Referring to the investment platform Russia is developing with BRICS, President Putin said that it has the potential to benefit all partner countries and is expected to become an important instrument for supporting our economies and providing financial resources to the countries of the Global South and East.

"I urge my BRICS colleagues to evaluate the current situation in key areas of cooperation, and we will certainly bring this to the attention of our Brazilian counterparts, who will be leading BRICS next year," Putin added.
Aizawl, Dec 5 : The Mizoram government plans to promote Mizo traditional attires by urging the people of the state to wear them more often, officials said on Thursday.

A senior official of the General Administration Department (GAD) said that in order to evoke pride in their culture, the Mizoram government has once again urged all the people, including government employees, to wear ethnic attires more often to promote the community's traditions, customs and folklore.

"We have issued a notification once again requesting all, specially government employees including those at Public Sector Undertakings, boards, bodies and agencies to wear traditional Mizo attires at the workplace at least once a week, preferably every Wednesday. This is expected to inculcate closeness to their Mizo culture and tradition, and simultaneously promote innovations in designs and production of cultural attires," the GAD official told IANS.

Wearing of Mizo attire at the workplace is, however, voluntary, the official pointed out and said that a fresh notification was issued on the advice of Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

The notification has requested all administrative heads and heads of all departments to bring this to the notice of all officials and employees under their charge.

For the last many years the state government has been asking people and government employees to wear Mizo attires more frequently in order to promote the Mizo community's pride in its rituals, traditions, customs and folklore.

The Mizoram government ahead of the 'Chapchar Kut' festival in February this year has urged everyone in the state to promote traditional attires by wearing them during the festivities.

Chapchar Kut is one of the most important spring festivals in Mizo society.

After the clearing of the forests for 'jhum' cultivation (slash and burn method of farming), this festival is celebrated with great fervour by the people of Mizoram.

People dressed in bright costumes with attractive headgears sing, dance and make merry during the festival, which is normally celebrated during February-March every year.

Nearly all Mizo festivals revolve around tilling of the land.

Mim Kut, Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut are the three major festivals in Mizoram all of which are in some way or the other connected with agricultural activities.

The Mizos, irrespective of age and gender, participate in these festivals.

Decked in colourful dresses, young men and women go on a dancing spree which sometimes last all through the night.

Mim Kut is celebrated in August-September in the wake of harvesting of the maize crop.

Dedicated to the memory of their deceased relatives, the festival is underlined by a spirit of thanksgiving and remembrance of the years.

The first harvest is placed as an offering on a raised platform built in the memory of the dead.

The Pawl kut festival is a post-harvest carnival, celebrated during December-January.

Again, a mood of thanksgiving is evident, because the difficult task of tilling and harvesting is over.

Community feasts are organised and dances are performed. Mothers with their children sit on memorial platforms and feed one another.

This custom, which is also performed during Chapchar Kut, is known as Chhawnghnawt. Drinking of rice-beer is also part of the festival.

These two days of festivities are followed by a day of complete rest when no one goes out to work.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)
New Delhi, Dec 5 : BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra on Thursday launched a blistering attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of colluding with foreign forces to "destabilise India" and called him a "traitor."

Patra, while addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, alleged his involvement in a "dangerous triangle" with US businessman and investor George Soros and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The remarks came after BJP leaders raised concerns in Parliament over alleged foreign interference, with Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey accusing the Congress and the party's Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi expressing grave concerns. The issue led to disruptions in both Houses.

Patra highlighted revelations from the French newspaper Mediapart, calling them "extremely grave."

He claimed the "dangerous triangle" undermining India's unity involved Soros' Open Society Foundation, OCCRP, and Rahul Gandhi.

"George Soros, based in the US, funds OCCRP, a global media organisation with around 50 partners worldwide. The third corner, directly linked to India, is Rahul Gandhi," Patra alleged.

He alleged that OCCRP's investigative reports are influenced by Soros' financial support.

"If 70 per cent of an organisation's funding comes from one source, it cannot claim neutrality. OCCRP serves the interests of Soros and hidden US agencies aiming to destabilise nations," Patra said and claimed that Rahul Gandhi's actions often align with the OCCRP's narratives.

Patra cited the July 2021 OCCRP report on Brazil cancelling a $324 million Covaxin order, claiming it sought to tarnish India's reputation during the global vaccine rollout. He mentioned that even though the information was well-known before, Rahul Gandhi only raised the issue after the OCCRP report.

"Rahul Gandhi followed this narrative, holding a press conference attacking the government. OCCRP dictates, and Rahul Gandhi follows," Patra alleged.

The BJP leader accused OCCRP of targeting India's top industrialists with fabricated reports to destabilise the economy, weaken investor confidence, and provoke a regime change.

"These reports caused stock market tremors and created opposition to the government," Patra said, claiming the LoP amplified these allegations to paint a false picture of Indian industrialists.

He pointed to the Pegasus spyware controversy, alleging a pattern of reports emerging before Parliament sessions to disrupt proceedings.

"On July 18, 2021, OCCRP published the Pegasus report, and Rahul Gandhi held a press conference the next day. Parliament was in chaos. Eventually, the Supreme Court dismissed the allegations in August 2022," Patra noted.

Patra also referred to OCCRP's defence of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi during the National Herald case, claiming the organisation published articles targeting the Indian government to shield the Gandhis.

He drew attention to Rahul Gandhi's association with individuals linked to Soros, including Salil Shetty, Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, who participated in the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

Patra presented photographs of Rahul Gandhi with Shetty and other OCCRP-linked journalists. "These connections expose a coordinated agenda. It's two bodies, one soul," he claimed.

The BJP spokesperson further slammed Rahul Gandhi's proximity to Bangladeshi journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, known for publishing anti-India content, and mentioned other instances of his meetings with OCCRP-linked figures.

Patra alleged that the LoP's ultimate goal is to hinder India's industrial growth and economic stability.

"The Gandhi family has shown they would sell the country if they could to attain power," he claimed, reiterating his accusations of foreign collusion against the Congress leader.
Dhaka, Dec 5 : Terming it as a "hate speech", a domestic war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh on Thursday ordered that the recent remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be removed from all social media platforms in the country with immediate effect.

Earlier this week, while addressing an Awami League event in New York virtually, Hasina had slammed the interim government's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for allegedly targeting Hindu temples, including ISKCON sites, and other religious places of the minorities in Bangladesh.

"Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who is responsible for mass killings through a deliberate plan along with his student coordinators. They are the masterminds," she had asserted during her speech that went viral on social media.

On Thursday, local media quoted International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim as saying that the speeches and phone conversations of Hasina that have been leaked on social and electronic media could hinder the investigation process initiated against her by the interim government.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza, directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove all current and previous instances of such speeches from Hasina from all platforms.

"We will ensure that the tribunal's order is communicated in writing to the relevant authorities of international platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube," said Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman who had moved a petition seeking a ban on former Bangladesh PM's speeches.

Ironically, the tribunal was established by the government led by Sheikh Hasina under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to provide for the detection, prosecution and punishment of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other crimes under International Law committed by the Pakistani Army, with the help of their local collaborators, in the territory of Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War.

Last week, after the Bangladeshi authorities arrested and jailed Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh, Hasina had strongly condemned the "tortures" inflicted on common people by the interim government in Bangladesh and called for "immediate release" of the Hindu priest.

"A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately," said Hasina.

The Bangladesh Awami League (AL) president and daughter of the 'Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had also highlighted several incidents of persecution of members of minority communities that have been reported from across 52 districts in Bangladesh since her resignation on August 5, this year.

"A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she stated.

"After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of the law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist activities," Hasina added.
Patna, Dec 5 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has expressed serious concerns over issues surrounding the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

In a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he highlighted the problems faced by candidates due to technical glitches and alleged administrative shortcomings.

"Many candidates were unable to fill the application forms due to server failures in the final days before the deadline. This was a significant setback for hard-working aspirants. We demand immediate remedial action," Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav also criticised the ambiguity surrounding the implementation of the normalisation process for the examination.

He called it controversial and unjust, arguing that the difficulty of questions varies based on the candidate's preparation, and normalisation imposes an artificial standard.

Candidates are yet to receive complete clarity about the examination system.

He advocated for the exam to be conducted on one day, in a single shift, with one paper and one pattern, ensuring fairness and preventing paper leaks.

"To address the grievances of candidates affected by server failures, I have asked authorities for a five-day extension for the application deadline, clarity on the examination process and rejection of the normalisation method, a transparent, fair examination held in one shift, avoiding any scope for malpractice, and proactive measures to prevent any incidents of paper leaks," LoP Yadav said on Thursday.

LoP Yadav stated that if the Bihar government fails to address the grievances of the candidates, he and his party would join the protesters and fight "shoulder to shoulder" with them.

He accused the NDA government of mishandling the future and dreams of Bihar's students and urged them to act responsibly.

Tejashwi Yadav's strong stance has put pressure on the Bihar government and the BPSC to address the candidates' grievances promptly.

His involvement signals a significant escalation in the issue, aligning with the aspirations of students and their families, who demand fairness and transparency in the examination process.
Bengaluru, Dec 5 : The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing on the appeal petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioning the Governor's sanction for prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam to January 25.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria, heard the matter on Thursday. Senior counsels Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

After hearing the arguments and counterarguments, the bench directed that notices be issued to the respondents. However, the court declined to issue a stay on the petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the MUDA scam.

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal representing the state government argued that the Governor does not have the authority to sanction prosecution against the Chief Minister. He contended that the High Court needs to address constitutional questions. In cases involving government employees, consent for prosecution must be given by those who appointed them.

"The Governor lacks authority to permit an investigation against the Chief Minister. The sanction for a probe against the CM should not be granted in this manner. If allowed, it will lead to anarchy in the country," Sibal argued.

He further said that the inquiry regarding the CBI probe could be taken up in January. He proposed that the division bench complete its inquiry before the single bench of the High Court addresses the matter.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that the Governor's actions violated Section 17(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He emphasized that consent for prosecution must be sought through a police officer, a point overlooked by the High Court.

Singhvi also argued that the Governor must act in accordance with the Cabinet's recommendations, as directed by the Supreme Court. He questioned the High Court's decision to uphold the Governor's actions, asserting that the Cabinet would naturally support the Chief Minister.

He demanded that the petition seeking a CBI probe, scheduled to be heard by the single bench on December 10, be postponed.

Chief Justice Anjaria responded by stating that arguments on this matter could not be heard without serving notices to the respondents.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty requested the bench to adjourn the matter to January.

Senior counsel Dushyanth Dave, representing J. Devaraju, the fourth accused in the MUDA case, argued that his client had no connection to politics, yet was being investigated.

He submitted that the High Court had sought a report from the Lokayukta and demanded a stay on the High Court's order.

Dave further contended that the issue of de-notification is not new and that petitions submitted by farmers in this regard would be considered by the government.

He pointed out that while the High Court mentioned the land value increasing from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 56 crore, there is no connection between these developments and his client.

He argued that it is unreasonable to prosecute someone for events that occurred in 1998.

He also highlighted that Devaraju, being 80 years old, is not in a position to face criminal prosecution. He alleged that the petition seeking a CBI probe was malicious.

Chief Justice Anjaria observed that it would not be appropriate to stay the single bench's verdict. He further maintained that it would not be possible to interfere with the petition seeking a CBI probe and suggested approaching the single bench on this matter.

The bench clarified that it would not express any opinion on the single bench's verdict, as doing so could influence the investigation.

Senior counsel K.G. Raghavan, representing complainant Snehamayi Krishna in the MUDA case, stated that the single bench of the High Court had merely issued notices, and these notices were unrelated to the current matter.

The hearing had assumed importance in the backdrop of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) writing a letter to the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the MUDA case and stating that its probe has revealed illegalities in the site allotment process. The ED is also probing the matter.

The Karnataka government on Wednesday criticised the ED for writing a letter to the Karnataka Lokayukta in the MUDA case allegedly involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Minister Priyank Kharge said that the ED and IT are "puppets" of the Central government.

He claimed that it is being done to divert attention from Covid-19 and other cases of the BJP. "People have given a verdict against BJP's communal politics. We will fight this politically and legally," he said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had reacted to the ED letter saying that it was being done to "influence" the judiciary.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The cost of veg thali cooked at home declined 2 per cent in November (on-month), while that of non-veg thali remained flat, as tomato prices declined 17 per cent on-month, according to a report on Thursday.

Tomato prices declined with fresh supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat in October, but lower arrivals in November capped further decline, according to the monthly report by CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics.

The rise in prices of vegetable oil, onion and potato by 4 per cent, 4 per cent, and 1 per cent on-month, respectively, arrested further decline in thali cost.

"Meanwhile, potato and onion prices rose due to reduced supplies, with potato arrivals down 27 per cent and onion arrivals down 28 per cent on-month, preventing further decline in veg thali cost," CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics' Director-Research, Pushan Sharma, said.

"We expect prices of vegetables and pulses to stabilise from December as fresh supplies enter the market, providing some respite to the veg thali cost," Sharma added.

On-year, the cost of home-cooked veg thali in November amid elevated tomato and potato prices rose 7 per cent, and of non-veg thali by 2 per cent.

An 11 per cent drop in fuel cost -- from Rs 903 last year for a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi to Rs 803 currently a" prevented further increase in the thali cost.

For the non-veg thali, an estimated 2 per cent rise in broiler prices led to a stable thali cost.

An estimated decline of 3 per cent (on-year) in broiler prices, which account for 50 per cent of the non-veg thali cost, arrested the cost increase.

"The coming few months are likely to witness year-on-year growth in non-veg thali on account of a low base created from December 2023," Sharma said.
Bengaluru, Dec 5 : Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra said on Thursday that the ruling Congress party in the state will soon witness street fighting and clashes over the Chief Minister's post and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar was waiting for his turn to occupy the seat.

Bengaluru, Dec 5 (IANS) Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra said on Thursday that the ruling Congress party in the state will soon witness street fighting and clashes over the Chief Minister's post and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar was waiting for his turn to occupy the seat.

Speaking at a press conference in Kalaburagi, Vijayendra, said, "Infighting within the Congress party has started, and what was confined within four walls has now come out in the open. There will soon be clashes within the party and there will also be street fights."

He made the statements while responding to questions about the differing statements by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the power-sharing agreement.

Vijayendra said that Deputy CM Shivakumar was waiting for his turn to become the CM who claimed that he has a 50 per cent stake in bringing the Congress government to power.

The BJP leader asserted that there is competition within Congress for the CM's position and demanded that Siddaramaiah clarify the details of their internal agreement.

Commenting over the internal fighting over the power-sharing pact between him and CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM Shivakumar said on Thursday in Bengaluru, "Currently, there is no proposal for the transfer of power. We will complete our government's tenure without any issues."

When asked about Home Minister G. Parameshwara's alleged dissatisfaction regarding the power-sharing agreement, Shivakumar responded: "I haven't spoken about this in front of you. I haven't discussed this with Parameshwara or anyone else. I only shared my perspective in a television interview. Is it possible for me to disclose everything we have discussed in front of you? On this matter, the Chief Minister said yesterday that there has been no discussion, and I agree with his statement."

When asked whether there were differences between him and Parameshwara, Shivakumar clarified: "I have no differences with anyone. In politics, I have no enemies -- everyone is my friend. We have worked together as a team within the party and will continue to do so. We will achieve success together."

Referring to 'Jan Kalyan Samavesha' organised by the party, Shivakumar stated, "We don't need to demonstrate our strength. When our party conducts programmes to convey its principles to the people, why do BJP and JD(S) feel restless?... Our party, along with many organisations, is organising the convention at Hassan. Several organisations have come forward to extend their support for programmes to be held in other districts in the future. When our mothers shed tears in Hassan, no one tried to wipe them away," Shivakumar charged, referring to the sex video scam involving Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda.

"They came to Channapatna and shed tears there too. BJP and JD(S) are losing their ground, and out of frustration, they are criticizing our programmes," Shivakumar maintained while indirectly referring to the defeat of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil's defeat in the bypoll to the Channapatna Assembly seat. Kumaraswamy represented the seat earlier.
Ranchi, Dec 5 : The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand has unveiled its new cabinet, reflecting a balance of experience and fresh faces. Among the 11 ministers, five are first-timers -- Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Yogendra Mahato, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chamra Linda, and Sanjay Prasad Yadav.

At 66, Radha Jrishna Kishore, representing the Congress, is the cabinet's oldest member. His legislative journey spans decades, having served as a minister in the Arjun Munda government. Over the years, he represented various parties, including the Congress, the JD-U, the BJP, and the AJSU, before reclaiming his seat on a Congress ticket in this yearas Assembly elections.

In contrast, Tirkey, the Congress MLA from Mandar, is the youngest Minister. The 33-year-old holds a postgraduate diploma in marketing communication from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and was previously in the corporate sector. She entered politics after her father, Bandhu Tirkey, lost his MLA post due to a court conviction.

Chaibasa's JMM MLA, Deepak Birua, was sworn in as a Minister for the third time this year. His first ministerial role was in February in Champai Soren's cabinet. Later, he was appointed as a Minister again in July in Hemant Soren's (3.0) government. Birua has consistently secured the Chaibasa seat, winning four consecutive terms in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Following Champai Soren's departure from the JMM to join the BJP, Birua has emerged as the most prominent face of the JMM in the Kolhan division.

JMM leader Linda, who has been elected as the MLA from the Bishunpur Assembly seat for the fourth consecutive time, has secured his first cabinet berth. Linda began his political journey as a tribal student leader, serving as the president of the Jharkhand Adivasi Chhatra Sangh in 2003, where he gained recognition as a fiery leader during the domicile movement. In 2009, he was elected as the MLA from Bishunpur for the first time and has since maintained a stronghold on the constituency. Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections, Linda rebelled against the JMM and contested as an Independent candidate from the Lohardaga seat, leading to his suspension from the party. However, his suspension was revoked just before the Assembly elections, and he has now been rewarded with a ministerial position.

Sonu, elected as JMM MLA from Giridih for the second time, became Minister for the first time. He defeated BJPas Nirbhay Shahabadi in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Earlier, he contested from this seat in 2009 and 2014, but was defeated. In his last term as an MLA, he was identified as the most vocal face of the JMM in the Assembly. He is considered a confidant of Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren.

Ghatsila MLA Ramdas Soren, a member of the Santhal tribe, has been appointed as a Minister for the second time. He first contested the Assembly elections in 2005 as an Independent candidate but was unsuccessful. In 2009, he was elected as an MLA for the first time on a JMM ticket. However, he faced defeat in the 2014 elections. Soren made a strong comeback, winning consecutive terms in 2019 and 2024. He was first inducted as a Minister in Hemant Soren's cabinet in July this year.

Sanjay Prasad Yadav, the sole Minister representing the RJD in the cabinet, has been elected from the Godda Assembly seat in this term. He previously served as the MLA from the same constituency in 2009. However, he faced defeats in the 2005, 2014, and 2019 elections. Currently, Yadav holds the position of General Secretary of Jharkhand RJD and is known for his close association with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and party leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Dr Irfan Ansari, a three-time consecutive winner of the Jamtara Assembly seat as a Congress candidate (2014, 2019, and 2024), has been appointed a Minister for the second time. A prominent figure in Jharkhand politics, he is the son of former Godda MP Furkan Ansari, inheriting a rich political legacy. An MBBS graduate, Dr Ansari is not only known for his political acumen but also for frequently making headlines with his candid and often bold statements.

JMM MLA from Madhupur, Hafizul Hasan Ansari, has taken the oath as a Minister for the fourth time. Politics runs in his blood, as he has inherited a rich legacy from his father, Haji Hussain Ansari, who also represented the Madhupur constituency and served as a Minister in the Hemant Soren's government. Hafizul Hasan's political journey began after the untimely demise of his father. He won the Madhupur by-election in 2021, securing his place in the Assembly for the first time. Even before being elected as an MLA, Chief Minister Hemant Soren recognised his potential and included him in the cabinet.

Mahagama Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh has been sworn in as a Minister for the second time within just five months. Hailing from a politically influential family, her father Arun Pandey and mother Pratibha Pandey were veteran Congress leaders in Ranchi. She is the daughter-in-law of Awadh Bihari Singh, a former Minister in the Bihar government. Deepika is widely regarded as one of Rahul Gandhi's close confidantes.

Mahato, the JMM MLA from Gomia, has been inducted into the cabinet for the first time. Elected as an MLA for the first time in 2014 from the Gomia constituency, he began his political journey with the Congress before later joining the JMM. A resident of Murubhanda village in Ramgarh district, he previously served as the chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : As many as 350 posts of High Court judges, almost a third of the sanctioned 1,114 positions, are lying vacant across the country, with the Allahabad High Court topping the list with 74 vacancies, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Minister of State (Independent charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal while replying to a question by Akhilesh Prasad Singh of the Congress, said, "Vacancies of judges in High Courts keep on arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of judges and also due to increase in the sanctioned strength of judges."

Meghwal said since May 2014, the Government has increased the sanctioned strength of High Court judges from 906 to 1,122 (as on date), and 64 judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court and 999 judges have been appointed in various High Courts.

According to data shared in his reply, the minister indicated that the Allahabad High Court has a vacancy of 74 judges against a total sanctioned strength of 160, followed by Punjab and Haryana High Court with 31 vacancies against a total strength of 85 and Bombay High Court with 28 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 94.

He said one of the reasons for the delay in filling up posts was courts exceeding time limits for recommending new names.

"The High Courts are required to make recommendations at least six months before the occurrence of a vacancy. However, this time limit is rarely observed," he said.

The official data on vacant posts of judges showed that the situation even in the national Capital is no different from others, with 21 vacancies in Delhi High Court against a sanctioned strength of 60.

The Calcutta High Court has 27 (against the strength of 72), Patna High Court 19 (53), Rajasthan High Court 18 (50), Madhya Pradesh High Court 16 (53) and Telangana 42 (14).

Sharing the procedure for filling up judicial vacancies in High Courts, the Minister of State said, "Appointment of judges to High Courts is made under Articles 217 and 224 of the Constitution of India and according to the procedure laid down in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) prepared in 1998, pursuant to the Supreme Court Judgment of October 6, 1993 (Second Judges case) read with their Advisory Opinion of October 28, 1998 (Third Judges case).

"As per the MoP, the responsibility for initiation of proposals for appointment of judges in the Supreme Court vests with the Chief Justice of India, while the responsibility for initiation of proposals for appointment of judges in the High Courts, vests with the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned, in consultation with two senior-most puisne judges of the High Court.

"As per the MoP, the High Courts are required to make recommendations at least six months before the occurrence of a vacancy. However, this time limit is rarely observed," he said.

Claiming that it was not feasible to indicate the time needed for filling up vacancies of the judges in the higher judiciary, the Minister of State said, "Appointment of judges in the higher judiciary is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the executive and the judiciary.

"It requires consultation and approval from various Constitutional Authorities both at the state and Central level. Hence, the time needed for filling up vacancies of judges in the higher judiciary cannot be indicated."

The official data showed that almost all large states had vacant posts of High Court judges, except three small states like Tripura, Sikkim and Meghalaya which have full sanctioned strength of 5, 3 and 4, respectively.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : In a rare scene between the legislative teams of the ruling Trinamool Congress and Opposition BJP in West Bengal Assembly, on the ninth day of its winter session, the Opposition bench supported a motion brought by the treasury bench.

The motion moved by West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya was regarding resuming direct flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to different European countries, whose operations were suspended over a period of time.

Supporting the motion, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari said that the clearance from the Union government for direct flight operations from different European countries to Kolkata is already in place.

"Kolkata is already enlisted under the World Air Services Agreement and Open Sky Agreement. So a fresh approval from the Union government in the matter is not necessary. I will request the state government to initiate dialogues with all concerned. The state government should also apply for an extension of the international airport in Kolkata. If any hurdle surfaces, we, on behalf of BJP's legislative team will take up the matter with the Union government and also speak to the Union Minister concerned. We are overwhelmingly supporting the motion," the LoP said.

He also said that the extension of the international airport in Kolkata is facing hurdles because of the existence of a Mazar there. He said that ministers in the state Cabinet like Firhad Hakim or Siddiqulla Chowdhury should initiate relocating the structure.

"The state government should initiate removing the infrastructure bottlenecks on this count," Adhikari said.

Chandrima Bhattacharya also thanked the LoP for his gesture.
Mumbai/Agartala, Dec 5 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that the state government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to set up a Tripura Bhavan in Navi Mumbai.

After visiting the land of the proposed Tripura Bhavan at Sector 16 of Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, the Chief Minister said that after construction of the Bhavan, it would facilitate the accommodation of people of the state who often visit Mumbai for medical treatment, business, educational and various other purposes.

An official in Agartala said that during his visit, Saha, accompanied by Tripura and Mumbai government officials, inspected the land and reviewed the progress of the work of the new Tripura Bhavan.

"Considering the need of the people, especially the ailing people, the state government has been planning to establish a Tripura Bhavan in Mumbai," the Chief Minister told the media in Navi Mumbai.

He said: "The Cabinet decided to set up one Tripura Bhavan in Mumbai and accordingly acquire land for the purpose. The land is very close to the Tata Cancer Hospital and is accessible via two roads. States like Sikkim and other states are also setting up state Bhavans in the area. I have also reviewed the design of the proposed Tripura Bhavan structure. In the coming days, the people of Tripura would greatly benefit from this initiative."

Tripura Chief Minister went to Mumbai on Wednesday to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a third time on Thursday evening.

Currently, there are three Tripura Bhavans in Kolkata, two in Delhi and one in Guwahati.

Earlier a Tripura Bhavan was set up in Chennai but it was subsequently closed.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Apart from the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court, eight High Courts in the country are carrying out live streaming of court proceedings, allowing media and other interested persons to join them, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

The government also told the House that more than six crore cases have been handled by virtual courts and online fines of more than Rs 649.81 crore collected till October 30, 2024, while handling petty matters like traffic challan cases.

Minister of State (independent charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said in an answer that, as on date, live streaming of court proceedings is in operation in the High Courts of Gujarat, Gauhati, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Patna, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court.

Replying to a question by Vivek K. Tankha of the Congress, the Minister of State said: "The live streaming of court proceedings falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the respective High Courts and the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court has circulated the Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings to all the High Courts."

Replying to a question on whether the government has earmarked specific funds to equip all courts in India to possess the requisite infrastructure for implementing live streaming, Meghwal said, "One of the components of the eCourts Project Phase-III is Courtroom Live Audio-visual Streaming System (CLASS) under which an amount of Rs 112.26 crore has been earmarked."

Replying to another question by Subhash Barala of the BJP on improvement in the system for Judicial Administration, Meghwal said the 23rd Law Commission of India was constituted on September 2 to suggest measures to ensure speedy clearance of arrears, reduction in costs and delivery of fair justice.

The MoS said the law panel would also suggest measures for simplification of processes and court procedures and suggest harmonising rules of various High Courts for the sake of uniformity and ease of understanding and implementation.

It would also suggest steps for the simplification of procedures to reduce and eliminate technicalities and devices for delay.

In response to a question on Virtual Courts asked by Aditya Prasad of the BJP, the MoS said virtual courts have been promoted with the aim of eliminating the physical presence of litigants or lawyers in the court and for adjudication of petty cases on a virtual platform.

"This concept has evolved in order to efficiently utilise court resources and to provide the litigants with an effective avenue to settle petty disputes while adhering to all the judicial processes," he said.

More than 6 crore cases have been handled by these virtual courts and online penalty of more than Rs. 649.81 crore has been realised till October 30, 2024.

Claiming that the establishment of Virtual Courts is an administrative matter which falls within the purview and domain of the judiciary and respective State Governments, the MoS said as on October 30, 27 Virtual Courts in 21 States / UTs including Delhi (2), Haryana, Chandigarh, Gujarat (2), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala (2), Maharashtra (2), Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir (2), Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (2), Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Manipur (2), have been operationalised to handle traffic challan cases.
Chandigarh, Dec 5 : Three drug smugglers have been arrested with 5 kg heroin from Punjab, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Thursday.

Those arrested have been identified as Husanpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar, Karandeep Singha, alias Manna, and Maninder Singh, both residents of Attari Mandi in Amritsar.

Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also seized drug money and impounded the accused's two-wheelers, which they were riding.

DGP Yadav said a team of Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has received a tip-off that accused Karandeep Singh and Maninder Singh were indulged in the smuggling of heroin and recently retrieved a huge consignment of heroin by Pakistan smugglers that was to be supplied to drug smuggler Husanpreet Singh.

The tip-off further revealed that both the accused were coming to the Amritsar-Attari Road near Punjabi Bagh Palace on a white Honda Activa to deliver this drug consignment to drug smuggler Husanpreet Singh, who was also reaching there on his black Motorcycle Hero Deluxe HF, he said.

The DGP said that acting swiftly, teams from CI Amritsar laid a special checkpoint near Punjabi Bagh Resort on Attari Road and arrested all the accused after recovering heroin consignment and drug money from their possession.

Further investigations were to establish linkages in this case and identify Pakistan-based drug smugglers, he added.

In this regard, a case on December 4 has been registered under Sections 21, 25 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Due to the recovery of drug money from the accused, the severity of the offence has been enhanced by incorporating Section 27-A of the NDPS Act.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : As Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders were stopped by the police while attempting to visit violence-hit Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh (UP) on Wednesday, Congress leader Ajai Rai and party spokesperson Pawan Khera on Thursday accused the Yogi Adityanath-led government of trying to conceal its wrongdoings in Sambhal.

Ajai Rai, speaking to IANS, claimed that the UP government was attempting to hide the truth about the violence in Sambhal in which five youths were killed, which he suggested involved orchestrated actions and police-led killings.

Rai also criticised the UP policeas claims that Pakistan was involved in the violence, asserting that the Congress leaders had been stopped from visiting the area, despite their insistence on investigating the matter.

"If there is something, we will find out whether itas linked to Pakistan, the US, the UK, or even the BJP or RSS. But it will come out only when we will go there," Rai said.

Pawan Khera also expressed frustration over the police action, questioning why LoP Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders were being prevented from visiting Sambhal.

"Ask them why they are stopping us from going there. They are not going and are not allowing us to go there also. I don't know what they are trying to hide," he added.

He further accused the BJP government of spreading hatred and trying to suppress the truth.

Khera also raised questions about the delayed beef ban in Assam, asking why it had not been implemented earlier after so many years of governance.

The Congress convoy was stopped at around 11 A.M. on Wednesday when it reached a police barricade set up on the highway. Despite attempts by LoP Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders to negotiate with senior police officers, they were not allowed to proceed to UP.

The blockade led to severe traffic jams, as Congress workers attempted to breach the barricades.

LoP Rahul Gandhi called the police action a violation of his constitutional rights and accused the BJP of using the police to suppress the message of truth and brotherhood.

The police has imposed restrictions on entry into Sambhal until December 10, following violent incidents related to a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which some claim was once the site of a Hindu temple.

As many as five people were killed in the violence in Sambhal on November 24 and many, including 20 policemen, were left injured.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India's strong commitment to Bhutan's economic development, highlighting the doubling of India's development support to the neighbouring country for its 13th Five-Year Plan period during his meeting with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in New Delhi, on Thursday.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India's strong commitment to Bhutan's economic development, highlighting the doubling of Indiaas development support to the neighbouring country for its 13th Five-Year Plan period during his meeting with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in New Delhi, on Thursday.

"Delighted to welcome Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Bhutan, to India. Admire His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuckas vision for Bhutan's progress and regional development. We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan," PM Modi posted on X after his meeting with the King of Bhutan.

The PMO detailed that PM Modi and the visiting Bhutanese King expressed satisfaction at the "excellent state of bilateral relations", encompassing development cooperation, clean energy partnership, trade and investment, space and technology cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

"The leaders reviewed the progress in enhancing economic connectivity between the two countries, and exchanged ideas on the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a visionary project spearheaded by His Majesty to catalyse Bhutanas development and strengthen linkages with adjoining border areas in India," read a statement issued by the PMO reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to further strengthening the exemplary partnership across all sectors.

It mentioned that the Bhutan King expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the people of India for steadfast support of Bhutanas aspirations for happiness, progress and prosperity.

While welcoming Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Queen of Bhutan, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, PM Modi also fondly recalled the "exceptionally warm hospitality" accorded by the government and the people of Bhutan during his State visit in March 2024.

The discussions were followed by a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of the visiting King and Queen.

"The meeting underscored the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, reflecting the spirit of mutual trust, cooperation and profound understanding that underpins the bilateral relations between the two countries," the PMO stated.

Earlier this year, during his visit to Bhutan, PM Modi had appreciated the Bhutanese King's vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will lead to economic prosperity and development in Bhutan and in the region in a sustainable manner, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between India and Bhutan.

"Be it a new airport for better air connectivity, be it new rail links between Gelephu to Kokrajhar and Samtse to Banarhat, be it operations of waterways through the Brahmaputra, we will soon see these projects completed swiftly. Integrated Check Posts will also be built to strengthen trade infrastructure," PM Modi had said while being conferred with Bhutan's highest National Award the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' by the King of Bhutan in Thimphu on March 22, 2024.

The two sides had also noted the progress towards establishment of two rail-links -- Banarhat (West Bengal)-Samtse (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam)-Gelephu (Bhutan) -- as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) undertook the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the two rail-links in consultation with the Bhutanese side.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : India has been honoured with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024, presented by Dr Mohammed Azman, President of ISSA, at the Regional Social Security Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Union Ministry for Labour and Employment announced on Thursday.

Employeesa Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) received five Certificates of Merit for Communication channels, E-proceedings: A case on the use of information and communication technology in justice delivery, Massive district outreach programme (Nidhi Aapke Nikat), Multilingual call centres and Prayaas initiative. The awards were received by Ashok Kumar Singh, DG, ESIC on behalf of EPFO.

EPFO has adopted the ISSA Guidelines on Communication by Social Security Administrations and implemented it by preparing a communication framework document (CFD) to effectively and efficiently communicate with stakeholders. Digital and non-digital communication strategy is being adopted for efficient and timely communication. Webinars, short message services (SMS) and e-mails, social media, information education communication (IEC) videos, camps under Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 (a massive district outreach programme) etc, are used to educate and communicate with stakeholders.

In the E-proceedings case, EPFO has been ensuring regular compliance in a critical aspect of a contributory social security system. In this process, the regulators conduct judicial proceedings to determine the dues from the defaulting employers. The inquiries were done in a physical mode leading to time delays and there were concerns regarding higher levels of transparency. It has made the inquiry process online end-to-end, ensuring fairness, and enhanced transparency, in addition to reducing the average inquiry time.

Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 has ensured last-mile delivery of services. EPFO has presence in the country through 139 Regional Offices and 117 District Offices. However, there is an absence of EPFO in more than 500 districts of the country, leading members to sometimes undertake extensive journeys to EPFO offices for various tasks such as online claim submission, grievance redressal, etc. Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 is held throughout the country on the 27th of every month, where grievances are resolved on the spot.

Multilingual Call Centres have helped towards an inclusive grievance redressal. Vast geographical expansion and a multitude of languages spoken across India present challenges in disseminating information about social security schemes under the Employeesa Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952.To address the challenge, EPFO has made the information accessible and free of charge in 12 major regional languages, in alignment with the ISSA Guidelines on Service Quality. These call centres help in efficient grievance redressing and ensure member satisfaction by resolving doubts and problems in the language of the member.

Prayaas is also an initiative undertaken by EPFO for handing over pension payment orders (PPO) to retiring members of the Employeesa Pension Scheme, 1995 on the day of retirement itself. Numbers of the PPOs issued under this initiative is rising consistently.

EPFO also received a Special Mention for Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra), highlighting the commitment of EPFO to support pensioners with digital ease. The Digital Life Certificate also known as the Jeevan Pramaan Certificate is an additional facility for filing Life Certificates for pensioners enabled by the biometric authentication system that is Aadhaar-based.

These awards recognise the efforts undertaken by EPFO to reform and adopt good practices in line with the changing economic and social milieu. This international recognition will further inspire team EPFO to strive harder for the service of its members, the Labour Ministryas statement added.
Palghar : , Dec 5 (IANS) In a breakthrough, the Palghar Police busted a four-member gang committing ATM Card frauds all over Maharashtra and nabbed the accused from Thane district, an official said here on Thursday.

According to Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil, after a detailed investigation, the Palghar Police have nabbed the four accused holed up in Titwala and Ulhasnagar towns of Thane district.

They were identified as Kismat M. Shaikh, 27; his brother Hasmat B. Shaikh, 32; Haresh R. Pradhan, 21 - all residents of Kalyan, and Deepak B. Jha, nabbed from Ulhasnagar after the other accused broke down during sustained questioning and spilled the beans on him.

SP Patil said that on September 27, a senior citizen, Bhagwan N. Hatekar, 67, lodged a complaint alleging ATM fraud, with the Palghar Police.

According to the complaint, Hatekar had gone to withdraw money from his Bank of India account through an ATM card that day.

At that time, 3 strangers approached and sweet-talked him saying they would help withdraw the cash from the ATM machine, to which he agreed.

However, by a sleight of hand, the trio managed to swap his ATM card with another one, handed it over to him and forcibly withdrew Rs 50,000 from his account before decamping from there.

Taking serious note of Hatekar's complaint, Palghar SP Patil and Additional SP Vinayak Narle, Crime Branch Police Inspector Pradeep Patil and others launched an investigation into the case for over three months.

The team comprising police officer Rohit Khot plus others launched a manhunt for the three suspects, and following a tip-off, traced their current whereabouts to Titwala town in the adjoining Thane district.

A special team was quickly despatched to Titwala where the sleuths managed to nab the trio, comprising the Shaikh brothers, Pradhan, 21, all residents of Kalyan, and Jha from Ulhasnagar.

During questioning by the police, the four accused confessed to their crimes and the Palghar Police recovered a second-hand white SUV which was used in committing various frauds, plus cash of Rs 30,000.

Explaining the modus operandi, SP Patil said that the gang used to lay in wait for gullible victims, engage them in conversation and deploy tricky methods, and would get their ATM card PIN details which they misused to withdraw cash later from their targetas bank accounts.

Further probe has revealed that they were luring and cheating people all over Maharashtra with 19 similar fraud cases pending against them in Palghar, Nagpur, Thane and other places.

The Palghar Police with help from the Cyber Police Cell, are now trying to track the unknown tentacles of the online scam that may be spread in Maharashtra and in other states, their associates and other details, said a police official.
Patna, Dec 5 : In a surprising turn of events, Rambabu Yadav, accused of threatening Purnea MP Pappu Yadav via video call, has made a startling confession during his interrogation with the Purnea Police.

"The threats were orchestrated at the behest of Rajesh Yadav, Pappu Yadav's spokesperson and media in-charge. He is a worker of Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party (JAP). The plan to threaten Pappu Yadav was devised by Rajesh Yadav in Eco Park, Patna. The threats were made through video calls from the same location, with the first video being deliberately made viral," Rambabu told police officials.

Rambabu claimed he would be offered leadership opportunities within the party and monetary rewards in return for his actions.

On December 1, Rambabu sent the first threatening video to Pappu Yadav, which triggered a direct response from the MP, who called to inquire about his identity.

Overcome with fear, Rambabu went into hiding at a friend's house. A second video was planned to be released in a few days, but the police apprehended him before it could go public.

Despite his confession, Rambabu was granted bail from the police station. The police are also investigating the alleged involvement of Rajesh Yadav and his motivations behind the conspiracy.

Rajesh Yadav, a close associate of Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, has denied any involvement and called for an impartial investigation.

Rajesh Yadav categorically denied knowing Rambabu or having any connection to the case. "I do not know who Rambabu is. I have nothing to do with this matter," Rajesh Yadav said.

Rajesh emphasised the need for a fair and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and protect the MP's reputation. "The image of the MP is being tarnished. There should be an impartial investigation of the matter," he said.

After arresting Rambabu from Ara, the police interrogated him, uncovering a possible link to Rajesh Yadav.

The connection came to light when the police tracked the numbers used for the threats, leading to "important clues."

An FIR was registered in the Sahayak Khajanchi Police Station of Purnea after the threats were issued. The police have been pursuing leads based on the phone numbers used in the case.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of working with "anti-India" elements instead of supporting the nation's interests.

Her remarks came in the backdrop of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's call for unity in countering forces undermining India's sovereignty.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar stated, "We cannot allow the largest democracy to be made dysfunctional by a deep state anywhere else. This House should be united in neutralising any trend or initiative that is pernicious and dangerous to our sovereignty."

The BJP has also raised concerns over the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) reports and foreign interference and accused the Congress of having links to it.

Reacting to these developments, Paul supported Dhankhar's remarks, calling them "absolutely relevant."

She accused the Congress of betraying the nation since Independence, pointing specifically to the creation of the Waqf Board.

"The country was divided on the basis of religion, with the creation of the Waqf Board. Muslims went to Pakistan, while Hindus and other communities stayed here. After that, what was the need for the Waqf Board?" she asked.

Paul slammed the Congress for allegedly distorting historical narratives during its tenure.

She alleged, "We were taught the wrong history. Babur, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jahan were shown as great, while leaders like Chandragupta Maurya, Shivaji, and Rani Padmini were sidelined. Even leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee were not given due recognition."

Paul accused Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi of aligning with anti-India individuals like US businessman and investor George Soros.

"They go to America, talk against India, and sit with people like George Soros to do anti-India work. Instead of supporting India, they actively undermine it," she alleged.

Turning her attention to the Opposition bloc INDIA, Paul claimed that leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi aimed to seize power in 2024 but are now resorting to creating disturbances after defeat in the Lok Sabha polls.

"They had hoped to form the government in 2024, but it would have been chaotic to see them fight among themselves for the Prime Minister's chair. Now, knowing they have no chance, they are disturbing India again," she claimed.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : The suspense in Maharashtra ended on Thursday after caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde decided to join Devendra Fadnavis-led Cabinet as the new Deputy Chief Minister at the swearing-in ceremony which is slated for 5.30 pm at the Azad Maidan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Shiv Sena chief leader and Senior Shiv Sena legislators Uday Samant, Sanjay Shirsat and Bharat Gogawale rushed to Varsha and made a strong plea to Eknath Shinde to join the government as the Deputy Chief Minister.

"By honouring the request of Shiv Sena MLAs, Shiv Sainiks and Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde has agreed to accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister. We met Fadnavis at his Sagar Bungalow and he gave a letter recommending Eknath Shinde to be the Deputy Chief Minister. We have handed over the same letter to the Governor's Principal Secretary," said Shinde's close confidant and former Industry Minister Uday Samant.

He said that Eknath Shinde would take an oath of office and secrecy as the Deputy Chief Minister.

"There was absolutely no hiccup in the process. We all wanted Eknath Shinde to be in the government. We all requested Eknath Shinde for the same. Eknath Shinde had thought that as the head of the organisation and as the head of the party, he would go around Maharashtra and do the work of the party and give a chance to someone else. But we told them that this is not acceptable to us. It was the wish of every Shiv Sainik that he should become the Deputy Chief Minister. We are all thankful to Eknath Shinde for accepting our request," said Samant.

He clarified that there was no disagreement over the allocation of portfolios and ministerial berths.

"All three leaders including Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will sit together and decide properly on the allocation of portfolios or ministerial posts," he said.

He admitted that Eknath Shinde was not in the frame of mind to become the Deputy Chief Minister as he wanted someone from among the Shiv Sena legislators to take up the Deputy Chief Minister's post.

Former ministers Deepak Kesarkar and Gulabrao Patil shared Samant's views saying that Eknath Shinde has agreed to become the Deputy Chief Minister after their request.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Taking note of the improving Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi and adjoining areas, the Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions to GRAP Stage-II.

However, the bench, headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka, said that it would not be appropriate to allow the CAQM to go below GRAP-II restrictions at this stage.

It suggested that the CAQM may consider incorporating certain additional measures which are part of Stage-III.

The bench, also comprising Justice A.G. Masih, took note of the submission made by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that in the last four days, the AQI levels have come below 300.

The apex court told CAQM to impose GRAP-III restrictions if the AQI crosses 350 and GRAP-IV measures if the AQI goes above 400 in the coming time.

It said that the AQI levels were consistently above 300 before November 30 and only during the last four days that the levels have come down below 300.

The matter will be heard next on December 12.

Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had refused to tinker with the applicability of GRAP-IV measures.

"As regards the suggestion for modification of applicability of GRAP-IV, we will hear the parties on this aspect on 5th December, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. On that day, we will also examine the AQI levels and find out whether there is any downward trend," it had said.

Finding that there was a "complete lack of coordination amongst the stakeholders like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi government, the Delhi Police, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee when it comes to implementation of all GRAP measures", the top court had said that it is the responsibility of the CAQM to coordinate activities of all these entities with a view to ensuring that GRAP measures are implemented.

"The Commission will have to coordinate the effort of all the agencies involved and ensure that adequate manpower is deputed at the entry points," it said.
Hassan, Dec 5 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar on Thursday claimed that he will stand with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah till his last breath.

"Friends, you need not worry. I had stated in Mysuru that Shivakumar would be with Siddaramaiah. I am declaring now, I will be with him now, tomorrow and until my death, I will be with Siddaramaiah. This is the history of this 'Kanakapura bande' (Shivakumar is called a bande (boulder) in politics. Kanakapura is his native place). It is my religion to honestly carry out the work, wherever I am," the Deputy Chief Minister claimed while addressing a gathering in Hassan at the 'Jan Kalyan' convention.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to the Swabhimani Coalition and Congress workers for making the massive public welfare rally in Hassan a success.

Criticising the BJP and JD(S), Siddaramaiah accused them of being "anti-people" for insulting the beneficiaries of the Congress government's welfare schemes.

"We will not stop implementing the five guarantees under any circumstances," the Chief Minister said.

Taunting on the defeat of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna and former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai's son Bharath Bommai, the Chief Minister said that the people have chosen the Congress party over them while expressing gratitude to the people for their trust in Congress.

Criticising the BJP, he said, "Despite promises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government did not provide rice to the needy. The BJP is a government of betrayal."

Siddaramaiah also questioned Kumaraswamy's silence on issues like the Mekedatu project and the Central government's reduction of funds for farmers.

He further challenged BJP and JD(S) leaders to address these injustices.

The Chief Minister claimed that he played a role in making Deve Gowda the Chief Minister, only to be ousted from the party later.

Siddaramaiah promised that Congress would win all constituencies in Hassan district in the next assembly elections, citing the stability and progress brought by Congress governments.
Chennai, Dec 5 : Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday said Tamil Nadu was a pioneer and model for combating climate change in India.

Chairing the second meeting of the Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change at the state secretariat, CM Stalin remarked, "The climate change governing council I lead is the first of its kind in the country. Tamil Nadu is a model state for others in combating climate change."

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government considers economic development and environmental responsibility as its twin priorities.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the rejuvenation of water bodies, the creation of climate-resilient cities, and the protection of biodiversity.

Referring to the air pollution in Delhi, CM Stalin urged the council members, including Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, to design projects addressing such challenges.

The Chief Minister noted the success of the 'Meendum Manjappai' initiative, which has significantly reduced the use of single-use plastic bags by promoting jute bags.

He stated that environmental awareness, particularly among the youth, has grown considerably compared to the past.

Highlighting the state's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, CM Stalin revealed that 8.3 crore tree saplings have been planted under the Pasumai Tamil Nadu Iyakkam (Green Tamil Nadu Movement).

Chief Minister said that approximately 1,000 hectares of mangroves and critical habitats have been developed through the Tamil Nadu Neithal Meetchi Iyakkam, contributing to carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

He also said that Tamil Nadu was also a leader in renewable energy, being the third-largest producer in India.

The state generates 11,900 million units of energy annually through windmills and aims to produce 50 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.

Focus on Water Conservation Describing rural water conservation as the "pillar" of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change project, CM Stalin announced plans to rejuvenate 5,000 small irrigation ponds at a cost of Rs 500 crore in 2024-25 through the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

Under MNREGA, 2,39,701 natural resource management works have been completed.

Since 2021, the 100-Day Water Conservation Movement has created 1.3 lakh water conservation structures, addressing water shortages and boosting agricultural productivity. In urban areas, the state has renovated 2,477 water bodies, improving water levels and quality.

Furthermore, the state government has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs 1,825 crore to the Department of Economic Affairs, seeking funds from the Asian Development Bank to develop six rivers and water pumping stations.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Actor Sonu Sood, who is gearing up for the release of his directorial debut, 'Fateh', has said that the film is an ode to every hero who dares to challenge the odds and fights back.

The teaser of the film has been attached to the Allu Arjun-starrer 'Pushpa: The Rule' which released in cinemas on Thursday, and is getting a positive response.

Talking about the film, Sonu Sood shared, "Stepping into the director's chair for the first time with Fateh has been a journey of passion and purpose. This action saga calls to attention the unseen battles fought in the shadows of the digital world. I'm thrilled that the teaser of Fateh is out for the audiences who are watching 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' in theatres".

He further mentioned, "It's a glimpse into a world we've poured our hearts into creating, and I can't wait for viewers to experience the adrenaline, the emotions, and the sheer power of Fateh. This film is my ode to every hero who dares to fight back against impossible odds, and I hope it leaves viewers inspired and electrified".

The film is inspired by true incidents in cyberspace, and stars Sonu Sood alongside Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz, and Naseeruddin Shah. While moviegoers are treated to a sneak peek of this outing on the big screen on Thursday, the digital unveiling of the teaser is set for December 9.

Produced by Sonali Sood for Shakti Sagar Productions' and Umesh KR Bansal for Zee Studios, 'Fateh' is a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the fight against cybercrime. The film is slated to release on January 10, 2025.
Bhopal, Dec 5 : One person was killed while 10 others were injured in a clash between two families over an alleged illicit affair in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

The incident was reported from Khilonda village of Barnagar town, around 55 km from district headquarters Ujjain.

A video of the incident that surfaced on social media showed around one dozen persons chasing each other and two tractors trying to mow down members of the opponent group.

The two families first engaged in a wordy duel which later took an ugly turn and turned into a deadly clash.

According to police, the families attacked each other with knives, swords and other sharp-edged objects.

The injured were rushed to hospital, of whom one was declared dead on arrival.

The deceased was identified as Shehzad Khan.

After Shehzad's death, his family members placed his body on a tractor trolley, reached Badnagar Police Station and staged a protest, demanding action. However, they left after senior police officials assured action against the accused.

Badnagar SDOP Mahendra Singh Parmar said both the parties, who indulged in the clash, have filed their complaints and the matter was under investigation.

A police team have reached the village, Parmar said.

The injured were identified as Abid Khan, Altaf Khan, Raheem Asheem, Raeesh Khan, Nahru, Rustam, Afsana and two others. They have been admitted to different hospitals for treatment, police said.

Both families have been fighting over the "illicit" relationship for a few months. Elder members from both families resolved the matter a few days back, however, the clash broke out again.

According to police, 14 people have been booked from both sides under relevant charges and further action will be taken based on the investigation.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : In a bid to empower people through social service schemes, CSC e-Governance Services and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Thursday announced a collaboration to ensure greater participation from last-mile beneficiaries.

The partnership seeks to empower traders and citizens across the country by facilitating their registration under various social security schemes, including National Pension System (NPS); Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana; Atal Pension Yojana; Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Scheme; DigiPay Sakhi' and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.

Traders and other citizens can now directly avail the benefits of government welfare schemes through dedicated camps to be organised by CSC.

"Small traders have long been the backbone of our economy, yet many have faced challenges in accessing government welfare schemes due to limited awareness and accessibility," said Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and MP from Chandni Chowk.

This partnership between CSC and CAIT ensures these essential schemes  ranging from pensions to entrepreneurial support  reach every corner of the country, especially grassroots traders, he added.

The effort aims to secure the financial future of millions while streamlining access to government welfare programmes.

"With the extensive reach of CSC's digital infrastructure and CAIT's vast network of over nine crore traders, this initiative not only secures the financial future of millions but also fosters a more inclusive and socially empowered trading community," said B.C. Bhartia, CAIT National President.

This partnership reflects the government's vision of financial inclusion and will play a significant role in building a stronger, self-reliant India, he added.

CSC SPV, a pivotal player in the Digital India Mission, operates nearly six lakh CSCs nationwide. These centres act as a backbone for India's digitally and financially inclusive ecosystem, bridging the gap between government schemes and remote areas.

"Our mission is to transform lives in remote areas by empowering local communities. This MoU further reinforces CSC's role in advancing social empowerment," said Sanjay Rakesh, Managing Director and CEO of CSC e-Governance.
Jaipur, Dec 5 : Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde on Thursday called for modernising India's ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and ensuring the patenting, certification, and global promotion of its unique medicinal properties.

Speaking at the international seminar on aAyurvedic Medicine Standardisation a" Challenges and Solutionsa organised by the National Ayurveda University, Jodhpur, the Governor stressed the need to explore Ayurvedaas potential in treating incurable diseases through rigorous research and testing.

Highlighting the importance of Ayurvedaas branding and marketing, the Governor urged stakeholders to make Ayurvedic products appealing and accessible to a global audience.

He also advocated for effective policies to ensure their proper promotion and integration into modern healthcare.

The Governor underscored the contributions of ancient Indian medical pioneers such as Atreya, Charak, and Sushrut, lamenting how Indiaas traditional knowledge was systematically taken abroad and adapted.

He further called for concerted efforts to patent rare Ayurvedic formulations and revive their widespread usage.

Reflecting on Indiaas rich heritage, Bagde mentioned the destruction of Nalanda Universityas library by Bakhtiyar Khilji, which sought to erase Indiaas intellectual treasures. Despite such efforts, he said, the legacy of Ayurveda remains resilient.

He urged Ayurvedacharyas to make this ancient knowledge accessible to people worldwide and emphasised the importance of herbal medicine and written texts in preserving this tradition.

Earlier, the Governor also inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Homeopathy College under the National Ayurveda University.

The seminar provided a platform for experts to discuss the challenges in standardising Ayurvedic medicine and explore solutions to bring this traditional system into the modern medical framework.
Chennai, Dec 5 : An engineering student from Chennai, V.V. Vaageesan, has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking to quash the Censor Board certificate issued to the Tamil movie 'Amaran'.

Chennai, Dec 5 (IANS) An engineering student from Chennai, V.V. Vaageesan, has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking to quash the Censor Board certificate issued to the Tamil movie aAmarana.

The petitioner approached the court after his personal mobile phone number was displayed in one of the scenes in the movie, leading to immense difficulties.

According to Vaageesan, he began receiving a barrage of phone calls after the movie was released in theaters on October 31, 2024.

The callers reportedly assumed that the number belonged either to actor Sai Pallavi, who played the female lead in the movie, or to Indhu Rebecca Varghese, the character portrayed by her.

Vaageesan had earlier issued a legal notice to the production firm, Raajkamal Films International, owned by superstar Kamal Haasan.

The firm subsequently apologised for the inadvertent mistake and masked the phone number before releasing the movie on Netflix on December 5, 2024.

Despite this, Vaageesan filed the writ petition, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the release of the movie on OTT platforms until the case is resolved.

Additionally, the petitioner has sought compensation of Rs 1.1 crore from the movieas producer and director.

He also requested the court to direct Bharti Airtel Limited to produce the incoming call records for his phone number from October 31, 2024.

aAmarana, a biopic of late Army officer, Major Mukund Varadarajan, includes scenes depicting the love story between Major Mukund and his wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese.

In one such scene, the female lead, played by Sai Pallavi, shares a 10-digit phone number with the protagonist, which, as it turns out, matches Vaageesanas personal number.

The writ petition is expected to be listed for hearing before Justice S. Sounthar on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Hanoi, Dec 5 : Calling cooperation in the field of security as an important pillar in bilateral cooperation, Vietnam on Thursday urged India to continue supporting the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to improve its law enforcement capacity through various programmes and upgradation and purchase of advanced and modern equipment.

Welcoming India's Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor at his office in Hanoi, Politburo member and Vietnam's Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang affirmed that India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is developing positively with a solid foundation of relations and high political trust.

The meeting, held shortly after the third India-Vietnam Security Dialogue co-chaired by the senior Indian diplomat and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Public Security Lt. Gen. Pham The Tung, focused on enhancing high-level exchanges to convey the messages of the leaders of the two countries.

The Vietnamese minister expressed his delight at the positive results of the security dialogue, asserting that it is a good opportunity for the two sides to concretize the content of cooperation to further develop the relationship between the two countries in general and between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the National Security Council of India in particular.

He urged sharing of more strategic information on issues of mutual concern, strengthening cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crimes, and coordinating training to improve capacity.

Quang hoped that the two sides would create favourable conditions and coordinate to ensure security and safety for each other's citizens when living, studying, working and travelling in each country; ensure safety for high-level visits between the two sides; negotiate and sign cooperation documents on the fight against transnational crimes such as high-tech crimes, drug crimes, human trafficking crimes, etc.

"On this occasion, Minister Luong Tam Quang also requested the National Security Council of India to continue supporting the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to improve its law enforcement capacity through long-term and short-term scholarship programmes; provide support programmes for the Ministry of Public Security to upgrade and purchase advanced and modern equipment, to further meet the requirements of ensuring national security, maintaining social order and safety in the new situation," read a statement issued by Vietnam's Public Security ministry.

India's Deputy NSA, meanwhile, affirmed that the National Security Council of India will continue to promote security cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, contributing to the effective implementation of the Action Programme to implement the 2024-2028 India-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, creating an important foundation for the two countries to further strengthen their cooperative relations in the coming times.

Earlier, the two sides exchanged views on global and regional security and implementation of aspects of the Action Plan for the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the ministerial security dialogue.

Speaking at the opening of the discussions, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung emphasised that, since the two countries upgraded their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, Vietnam and India have achieved many positive results in cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, security, defence, culture, society, and people-to-people exchanges.

"Recently, during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to India in August 2024, the two countries continued to implement the Action Programme to implement the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the new period of 2024-2028 with many good prospects," the minister said in his opening remarks at the meeting.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) detailed that the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in areas such as countering terrorism; combating organised crime; and sharing of information between law enforcement agencies during the security dialogue that is held biennially under the MoU for cooperation between the National Security Council Secretariat of India and the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam signed in 2016.

"Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration on economic dimensions of security and emerging technologies, including cyber-crime. They also discussed strengthening training and capacity building cooperation, including in UN Peacekeeping," the MEA stated.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : India and Slovenia on Thursday announced a five-year plan to strengthen their scientific and technological collaboration in various areas.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and Slovenian Minister Dr Igor Papic, met here to finalise the Programme of Cooperation (PoC) for 20242029.

The meeting emphasised expanding joint research in transformative areas, including hydrogen technologies and sustainable innovation.

"We are happy to deepen our ties with Slovenia as we finalise the Programme of Cooperation (PoC) for five years. This initiative will open avenues for research and foster networks among scientists of both nations," said Dr Singh.

With this move, India and Slovenia are set to embark on an ambitious new phase of scientific collaboration.

Dr Singh highlighted the success of existing collaborations, noting that over 20 joint projects have already been implemented in fields such as health, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and smart cities.

"This partnership has consistently delivered impactful results, and the new PoC will enhance cooperation across emerging research domains," the minister said.

Dr Papic, accompanied by Slovenian Ambassador Mateja Vodeb Ghosh and Economic Counsellor Tea Pirih, hailed the opportunity to work closely on hydrogen technologies, a focus area critical to achieving global energy sustainability.

The India-Slovenia partnership, rooted in a 1995 agreement, has grown through programmes such as the Joint Working Group on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

As both countries prepare for a Joint Committee meeting in Slovenia early next year, the new PoC promises to pave the way for further collaborative breakthroughs, said the government.

They also discussed plans for a new joint call for research projects, which will focus on mutually agreed areas to drive innovation and deepen academic and industrial connections between the two nations.

"With this renewed commitment, India and Slovenia are poised to set a benchmark for international cooperation in science and technology, contributing to global progress in critical fields," the government said.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : India's rising domestic production of thermal coal and the slowdown in the Chinese economy are expected to exert downward pressure on the price of fossil fuel in Asian markets during 2025, according to an S&P Global report released on Thursday.

India's rising domestic supply and the government's emphasis on reducing import dependency are likely to keep industrial purchases limited to the domestic market, the report states.

Vignesh Sundaram, a principal research analyst with Commodity Insights, forecast total imports to reach around 206 million MT in 2025 due to increased capital spending on infrastructure. However, strong domestic production will likely keep overall imports stable, he noted.

The report also expects the slowdown in the Chinese economy to reduce the demand for coal in the international market.

China imported around 353 million metric tonnes (MT)of thermal coal so far in 2024, according to the latest data available in S&P Global Commodities at Sea.

According to Pat See Khoo, a senior analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights, the country is likely to import around 380 million mt of thermal coal in 2025, slightly less than 2024 imports amid stable domestic supply and moderate coal-based power generation growth.

An S&P Global Ratings report said the US is likely to increase export tariffs on Chinese goods in South Asia.

"We assume the U.S. will raise the effective tariff on Chinese imports to 25 per cent from around 14 per cent currently, starting in the middle of 2025," the report said. It also forecasts Chinese GDP growth at 4.1 per cent in 2025, 0.2 percentage points lower than the September baseline.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is set to remain a cornerstone of the Asian thermal coal market in 2025, retaining its status as the world's largest exporter. However, mid to small-sized miners could encounter challenges due to suppressed global coal prices amid China's hard bargaining stance.

Australia's position in the Asian thermal coal market remains strong in 2025, supported by mid-calorific vale (CV) coal demand from China. A structural supply shortfall in seaborne high-CV thermal coal due to underinvestment and depletion of existing reserves could lead to rising prices, according to the latest market outlook for Whitehaven coal.

Russia's coal exports to Asia are anticipated to face significant challenges in 2025 due to infrastructure limitations and declining production in its major coal-producing area, Kuzbass. Despite these obstacles, Russia continues to be a key supplier of mid- to high-CV coal, particularly to China and South Korea, the report added.
Chandigarh, Dec 5 : Haryana Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Thursday announced plans to bolster environmental sustainability by launching the Aravalli Green Wall Project, modeled after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives.

This project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment through campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

Following the five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the minister lauded the country's achievements in transforming arid landscapes into vibrant green belts. Inspired by this success, the Central government has assigned Haryana the responsibility of leading the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

The initiative will cover over 1.15 million hectares across four states -- Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi -- demonstrating an exemplary model of multi-state collaboration. The project aims to enhance afforestation with indigenous tree species, conserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost groundwater recharge.

The minister emphasised that this project will create green employment opportunities for local communities in the Aravalli region, supporting sustainable livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

In Haryana, the state has appointed Van Mitras to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of protecting nature and fostering sustainable practices.

The Van Mitras are also working to strengthen local engagement with forest conservation efforts, enhancing both ecological balance and community resilience.

A delegation from Haryana, led by Rao Narbir Singh, has returned from participating in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) or COP16, that is underway in Riyadh.

Before departing, the minister said that Prime Minister Modi is taking historic steps to address climate change as part of his vision for a developed India by 2047.

He emphasised that developed countries should provide technical and financial support to developing nations to make the fight against climate change more effective.

He mentioned that initiatives like the National Solar Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched under the leadership of the Prime Minister, are progressing meaningfully.

He reiterated that India is fully committed to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : Parents of the lady junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital who was raped and then murdered within the hospital premises in August this year, on Thursday, opened a Facebook account seeking justice for their daughter.

In the Facebook account titled 'Truth and Justice: Voice for RG KAR Victim', the victim's parents uploaded a written and video message seeking support from the bigger society to their demand for justice for their daughter.

"Justice for Our Daughter. We are standing strong, but we can't do it alone. Your voice, your support, and your love can make all the difference. Let's unite to shine a light on injustice and demand what's right. Together, we can bring hope and accountability. Please stand with us. Share, speak, and support. #JusticeForOurDaughter #justiceforRGKar," the written message read.

In the video message, where the victim's parents appeared with blurred faces, they claimed that it is almost four months since the tragedy unfolded and they are yet to know what exactly happened with their daughter on that night.

"First Kolkata Police was conducting the investigation which we felt was not going in the right direction. Hence we moved the Calcutta High Court with the plea for the handover of the charge of the probe to a better agency. Thereafter the matter was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Almost four months have passed since then and there is no proper progress in the investigation. We are yet to get justice for our daughter. So we are appealing to the people of India to join us in demanding justice for our daughter," the victim's parents claimed in the video message.

The body of the victim doctor lady doctor was recovered from the seminar hall of R.G. Kar premises on the morning of August 9. Kolkata Police started the initial investigation and arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy.

Thereafter, the charge of the probe was handed over to CBI, which has recently submitted its first chargesheet in the matter where also the civic volunteer was identified as the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

However, the CBI sleuths are also probing the former and controversial; principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal on charges of misleading the investigation and tampering with evidence while the initial investigation was being carried out by Kolkata Police.

The trial process in the case is currently in progress on a fast-track and daily basis at a special court in Kolkata.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : France has been left without a government as in a first-of-its-kind move, the far-right and the left coalition joined hands to unseat Prime Minister Michel Barnier a day before his third month in power, propelling the country into a new phase of uncertainty with major and far-ranging implications for its politics and the economy.

As the National Assembly late on Wednesday passed the no-confidence motion against the government with 331 votes in the 577-member house with the leftist conglomeration New Popular Front joined by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, the consequences span far beyond the hapless Prime Minister's political future.

The 73-year-old Barnier, who took over on September 5, will go down in history books twice.

He is now the shortest-lived Prime Minister of the Fifth Republic (post-1958), with his 90-day-odd stint beating Premier Bernard Cazeneuve's 160 days in 2016-17, and being just over a third of his predecessor Gabriel Attal's 240 days. He is also the second Prime Minister to be unseated by a no-confidence vote - over half a century after Georges Pompidou in 1962.

The fall of Barnier's centre-right government has left the Budget for the next year in limbo, but also raises questions over future governance, given the deadlock in the National Assembly, divided into three mutually antagonistic blocs spanning the political spectrum, but each far from a majority on their own.

Yet, the real victim is not Barnier, whose impassioned speech in the house failed to budge the National Rally nor did his concessions to their demands on the budget proposals, but President Emmanuel Macron, who has earned the undying enmity of both the right and the left with his series of reckless - in hindsight, mostly - political moves this year.

Following the vote, Marine Le Pen told media that their decision to oppose the government - after staying out of the Left's first no-confidence motion against Barnier in September - was carefully considered and meant "to protect the French people". The reference was to the proposed budget, with its spending cuts and tax rises, as the deficit rises.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of NPFas largest party France Unbowed, said that the outcome was "inevitable" and called for Macronas resignation.

However, Macron, who is midway through his second and final term, has time and again announced he will not quit.

The options before the President are now to appoint a new Prime Minister and reports indicate that Macron, who returned from a visit to Saudi Arabia, has initiated the process. He could install a non-political government of technocrats, as has been the norm in neighbouring Italy, beset by chaotic politics and fractured mandates, but this lacks political legitimacy and will find it difficult to operate in the current polarised milieu.

Fresh parliamentary elections could be a way out, but this option is foreclosed by the constitution till the next July.

Yet, more than the politics, it is the economic situation that should concern the political stakeholders and the people, as the growing budget deficit, currently above 6 per cent of the GDP, is swelling the public debt (beyond 3.2 trillion euros), and making it costlier and costlier to finance.

This, eventually, impacts the government's capacity to act, amid the less-than-optimum climate in Europe, and the spending cuts and raised taxes goes on to fuel the rise of populist forces.

France has already experienced this with the growth of both the far-right and the hard left at the experience of the centrist parties.

The political imbroglio in France gains more significance as it is echoed in neighbouring Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz's "traffic light" coalition has broken down after the expulsion of the Free Democratic Party, leaving his government in a minority.

Elections are due early next year - at least half a year before schedule, and while the right-wing Christian Democratic Union is expected to beat Scholz's Social Democratic Party, the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany and the left-wing but socially traditional Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance is fragmenting the political space - again at the expense of the centrists.

What would be more worrisome is that these extreme - by virtue of their position on the political spectrum - and populist parties have a disdain for the European Union, and its policies, especially on immigration. There are not also big fans of the EU views on Ukraine and sanctions against Russia - which are hitting Germany and other European countries more than the government of President Vladimir Putin.

With the political deadlock in both France and Germany - the EU and Europe's biggest powers and economies amid wide-ranging global changes - the thumping victory and the coming presidency of Donald Trump, 2025 seemed destined to be quite eventful.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)
Imphal, Dec 5 : The last rites of 12 Kuki-Zo tribals, including ten killed in the exchange of fire with the CRPF in Manipur's Jiribam district on November 11, were performed in Churachandpur on Thursday.

Thousands of men and women joined the mass burial with tearful eyes amid a total shutdown in tribal dominated areas.

Mizoram Chief Minister's Adviser, H Ginzalala, prominent leaders of various tribal organisations, leaders of the Young Mizo Association, and Church leaders were present at the mass burial.

After memorial speeches, floral tributes and gun salute by village volunteers, the 12 bodies were buried at the Cemetery in Sehken village of Churachandpur district.

Wearing black attires thousands of men and women including elderly persons joined the mass burial with tearful eyes.

Before the mass burial at the Cemetery in Sehken village, people from all sections of society paid their last respects at Peace Ground in Tuibuong.

According to the leaders of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), before the ceremonies of the funeral the bodies of the 12 Kuki-Zo-Hmar youths were taken out from the hospital morgue and sent to their families.

A massive silent rally was also held and thousands of people including students wearing black attires and holding placards and banners participated in it.

Meanwhile, thousands of people on November 19 took part in a 'coffin rally' in Manipuras Churachandpur in solidarity with the ten Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal Village Volunteers.

Jointly organised by various tribal organisations, thousands of men and women wearing black attire symbolically carried ten dummy coffins to pay homage to the ten slain youths.

After the post-mortem of all ten bodies along with two other bodies was conducted in Assamas Silchar Medical College and Hospital, the bodies were airlifted on November 16 to Churachandpur, a Kuki-Zo-Hmar inhabited district.

The Manipur Police had earlier claimed that all ten amilitantsa were killed in retaliatory firing by the CRPF after they allegedly attacked the camp and the adjoining police station at Jakuradhor village in Jiribam districtas Borobekra sub-division on November 11.

Two CRPF jawans also suffered injuries in the gun battle.

However, the ITLF, Kuki-Zo Council and Hmar Studentsa Association (HSA) have been claiming that all ten slain Hmar Village Volunteers were engaged to protect the villagers.
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : In a new twist to the suicide of a sub-inspector of police in Telangana's Mulugu district three days ago, the police have detained a woman who was with him when he took the extreme step.

Hyderabad, Dec 5 (IANS) In a new twist to the suicide of a sub-inspector of police in Telanganaas Mulugu district three days ago, the police have detained a woman who was with him when he took the extreme step.

The woman was found with Rudrapu Harish, 31, at a resort, where he shot himself dead near Mullakatta bridge in Eturanagaram Mandal on Monday.

Police detained the 26-year-old woman after Harishas parents lodged a complaint, holding her responsible for their sonas death.

Harish, who was working at Wajedu Police Station, was reportedly in love with the woman and wanted to marry her. However, after recently learning about her relationship with some other youth, the SI had decided not to continue the relationship and had called her to the resort to settle the matter.

They allegedly had an argument and the upset SI shot himself dead with his service revolver.

The police officer reportedly came in contact with the woman about seven months ago. They started chatting on social media and subsequently developed intimacy. They had decided to get married. The woman, who was living in Hyderabad for studies, used to visit Wajedu on weekends and holidays.

However, when Harish started enquiring about her on the suggestion by his relatives, he found that the woman from Chilukur of Suryapet district had befriended three youths when she was at Chilkur. When one of them refused to marry her, she lodged a complaint with the Chilukur police and a case was registered there.

On learning about her previous relationship, Harish refused to marry her and asked his parents to look for another girl. On December 1, they went to a private resort near Mullakatta to sort out the issue but had an argument.

Harish wanted to end the relationship but the woman threatened to take the matter to the notice of higher authorities. Fearing the consequences of this for his career and the family, the SI killed himself in the presence of the woman. Police registered a case and recorded the statement of the woman. On a complaint by the SIas parents, police started an investigation into her role.
Seoul, Dec 5 : Six hours after stunning the country by declaring emergency martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reversed his decisions and faced calls to step down.

Analysts said Yoon's actions have violated the constitution, throwing the country's political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.

Yoon declared martial law in a televised emergency address on Tuesday night, vowing to eradicate 'anti-state forces' and uphold free constitutional order.

It marked the first martial law declaration since the country's military dictatorship ended in the late 1980s.

Yoon criticised the parliament for paralysing state affairs by attempting to impeach government officials, launch a special prosecutor's team for investigation into scandals involving the first lady and protect the opposition leader from legal risks.

South Korea has been in a bitter political stalemate for months, with the country's liberal opposition parties winning a parliamentary majority in April. The ruling and opposition parties had been locked in a deadlock over next year's budget, which analysts said was a catalyst for Yoon's sudden move.

Analysts point out that Yoon's martial law declaration was not supported either by his own party or the United States, Xinhua news agency reported

Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's conservative People Power Party, called the decision to impose martial law 'wrong' and vowed to 'stop it with the people.'

On Wednesday, the party leadership convened to discuss potential measures, including asking Yoon to leave the party and the resignation of the entire cabinet.

In the meantime, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told media that the US side was not notified in advance of Yoon's announcement. The White House expressed relief that Yoon had rescinded his martial law declaration.

Analysts said Yoon's lack of prior communication with the United States raises questions about the level of support he can expect from the US side.

Yoon has long been criticised for his 'lack of communication' governance style. "The president not only refuses to meet with the opposition leader but also avoids the ruling party leader. He even did not attend the National Assembly opening ceremony for fear of criticism," said Lee Geon-tae, a lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party.

In the face of increasing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, Yoon's political gamble without internal or external support has led to a predictable failure, analysts said.

South Korea's constitution stipulates that martial law can only be declared in cases of war, unrest, or other comparable national emergency states requiring military intervention to maintain social order. Constitutional experts said Yoon's move did not meet these criteria and was unconstitutional.

Noh Hee Beom, a lawyer who worked as a research judge at the Constitutional Research Institute, said Yoon's imposition of martial law violates Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution and the Martial Law Act. He believed that Yoon's attempt to break a political deadlock had exceeded his authority under the constitution and was a grave violation of the constitution that could result in his impeachment.

On Thursday, six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, reported an impeachment motion against Yoon to the 300-member National Assembly, with a vote scheduled for Saturday.

Under the constitution, the impeachment motion must be approved by at least two-thirds of the National Assembly legislators, equating to 200 votes in favour.

Local media estimates indicate that 192 votes from opposition and independent lawmakers are already secured, requiring just eight additional votes from the ruling party for the motion to pass. If successful, Yoon would face a trial by the Constitutional Court, potentially following the path of former President Park Geun-hye.

The martial law crisis has sparked widespread public outrage in South Korea, with civic and labour groups holding protest rallies to demand Yoon's resignation.

Local media reports suggest that Yoon's failed political gamble has left him in a precarious position, and significant changes to his political career may be imminent.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed a $50 million loan to build a climate-adaptive water harvesting project in Meghalaya.

The aim is to enhance water security by constructing water-harvesting systems to improve access to water and reduce community vulnerability against climate change impacts in the northeastern state.

The project will support the construction of 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts in Meghalaya besides developing 3,000 hectares of command area to provide reliable irrigation areas for farmers, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The project will also establish 50 weather stations for climate data gathering and monitoring, and micro-irrigation systems in Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions. It aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019.

"Beyond financing, ADB's value addition will involve assisting the state in implementing the MSWP and providing guidance on integrating climate adaptation measures into water security plans," said Mio Oka, Country Director of the ADBas India Resident Mission.

This includes designing water harvesting systems (WHS) to support agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, water supply, and other productive livelihoods for economic development, Oka added.

Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, said that the project seeks to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilisation of the state's water resources through a participatory approach, reduce vulnerability, and promote integrated water resource management.

The project will help develop a state-wide WHS master plan considering micro catchment areas and disaster risk management.

This will guide the creation of water security plans at the village level to be managed by the village employment councils, watershed management committees and water usersa associations.

The ADB will help strengthen the capacity of the Meghalaya State Watershed and Wasteland Development Agency and the Soil and Water Conservation Department in water management, operation, and management.

In addition, the project will train farmers, especially women, to increase livelihood productivity in irrigated agriculture such as horticulture and fishery techniques, said the government.
Paris, Dec 5 : French Prime Minister Michel Barnier arrived at the Elysee Palace on Thursday to hand in his government's resignation to President Emmanuel Macron after the government was overturned by a parliamentary no-confidence vote a day earlier.

On Wednesday evening, a total of 331 deputies of the French National Assembly, mostly from the left-wing parties alliance New Popular Front and the far-right party National Rally, voted in favour of a no-confidence vote, forcing Barnier to resign and his government to collapse.

Lacking a majority in the National Assembly, Barnier on Monday forced through a social security budget for 2025 without a vote, which triggered the parliamentary censure, Xinhua news agency reported.

Appointed three months ago, Barnier could become the most ephemeral prime minister. Before him, parliamentary censure had only been used in 1962 against the government of Georges Pompidou.
Jaipur, Dec 5 : Rajasthan Secretary of the School Education Department Krishna Kunal on Thursday chaired a meeting to discuss granting the Rajasthani language the status of a state language.

During the meeting, scholars unanimously advocated for defining Rajasthani as a language that encompasses all dialects spoken within Rajasthan while emphasising that Rajasthani does not oppose or exclude any dialect.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provisions were also discussed, highlighting the need to provide primary education to children in their mother tongue.

An official said that efforts are being made by the Rajasthan government to implement this policy at the earliest, with a focus on promoting Rajasthani at the grassroots level.

"In line with the vision of Education Minister Madan Dilawar, the government is dedicated to the preservation and growth of the Rajasthani language. All necessary steps will be taken to achieve this goal," said Secretary Krishna Kunal.

Prominent scholars present in the meeting included Omkar Singh Lakhawat, Govind Shankar Sharma, Kalyan Singh Shekhawat, Pramod Sharma, and Deepika Vijayvargiya, among others.

Lakhawat proposed creating a dedicated panorama of Rajasthani and Braj languages and stressed the need to act on standard suggestions for the language's growth.

He called for collective efforts to ensure Rajasthanias prosperity.

The scholars highlighted the richness and extensiveness of the Rajasthani language dictionary, claiming it to be unparalleled. They argued that granting Rajasthani official language status and incorporating it as a medium of education would naturally make it popular among younger generations. However, they warned that without integrating Rajasthani into teaching and textbooks, its preservation and expansion might remain a challenge.

Officials briefed the gathering on various steps taken by the education department to support Rajasthani language development. These include incorporating Rajasthani language and literature in the NTT examination, publishing literature in local dialects at the district level and procuring Rajasthani language books under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and distributing them to students.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritise the promotion and recognition of the Rajasthani language as a key cultural and educational initiative.
Kohima/Gangtok, Dec 5 : The fifth day of the Hornbill Festival on Thursday witnessed a mesmerising performance by the Sikkim Cultural Troupe, leaving the audience captivated with their vibrant display of unity and cultural diversity.

The troupe presented an integration dance that beautifully represented the various communities of Sikkim and showcased their harmonious coexistence and rich cultural heritage of the state.

According to official, the audience at Kisama Heritage Village warmly applauded the troupe's artistic representation of Sikkim's multi-ethnic identity.

Meanwhile, Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia met his counterpart in Nagaland Temjen Imna Along, at the Tourist Information Centre, Kisama in Kohima on the sideline of the Hornbill festival.

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.

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, US, 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.
Bengaluru, Dec 5 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka including state capital Bengaluru as well as Tamil Nadu in connection with the 2022 murder case of BJP worker Praveen Nettaru.

"The searches were carried out at premises linked with the absconding accused, suspects and their associates of BJP worker Praveen Kumar Nettaru, which NIA has been investigating since August 4, 2022, after taking over the probe from the police in Karnataka," the NIA said in a statement.

A host of digital devices and incriminating documents were seized during the searches on Thursday carried out as part of NIA's ongoing investigation to apprehend the absconders in the case. So far, a total of 19 people have been arrested in connection with the murder case.

Chargesheets have been filed by NIA against 23 people, including four absconding accused, till date. Non-bailable warrants and rewards have also been issued against the absconding accused persons, the NIA stated.

Praveen Nettaru, BJP Yuva Morcha's Dakshina Kannada District Secretary, was hacked to death with sharp weapons in a brutal attack on July 26, 2022, by members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The horrendous killing was aimed at instilling fear in a specific section of society, officials claimed.

According to sources, NIA officials on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at 16 places in different locations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The raids were conducted in different locations in Bengaluru, Kodagu district in Karnataka. The NIA sleuths also conducted raids in Chennai.

Sources submitted that the NIA conducted raids to gather input about accused persons who were absconding in the murder case.

The NIA suspected that the absconding accused had settled in foreign locations and from there, they were carrying out their operations.

It was established that the accused killers were in constant touch with the locals in various cities of south India, sources stated.

A probe had earlier revealed that the assailants targeted Praveen Nettaru to avenge the death of a youth belonging to the minority community in a road rage case.

The NIA had submitted 1,500 pages of the charge sheet, including statements of 240 witnesses.

The murder had led to revenge killings and a series of stabbing incidents in the state.

The state unit of BJP and former state unit BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel gifted a house to Nettaru's family.

The previous BJP government headed by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had also provided a job for Nettaru's wife.

However, the Congress government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, did not renew her contract, sparking outrage in the state. After the backlash, the Siddaramaiah government reinstated Nettaru's wife.
Kinshasa, Dec 5 : The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is on 'maximum alert' over the emergence of an unknown disease that has killed more than 70 people, DRC Public Health Minister Roger Kamba said on Thursday.

The minister told a press briefing in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, that a disease "of still unknown origin" reported in the Panzi area of Kwango Province, DRC, which has been described as an "epidemic," has affected 382 people since October. The people have presented symptoms that "are similar to the flu."

So far, 71 deaths have been reported, 27 of them at health facilities and 44 others in local communities, he said, adding that around 300 people have recovered, Xinhua news agency reported.

Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister, was quoted earlier Thursday by local media as saying that 131 deaths have been recorded since November 10 to date.

"We are on maximum alert," said Kamba. "We consider this an epidemic that we must monitor as much as possible."

"We are more or less in the assertion that it is respiratory," he said.

According to Kamba, based on the hypothesis, the emergence of this disease coincides with seasonal flu, which occurs from October to March and peaks in December.

He also outlined the hypothesis of COVID-19, whose mortality rate is lower than that reported in Kwango.

"These are hypotheses pending the results of the sampling," Kamba said, adding that efforts have been hindered by the poor medical and logistical conditions on the ground.

Specialised intervention teams have been sent to the field to identify the nature of the disease, according to the DRC health minister.

"We are still waiting for the first results," he said.
Amaravati, Dec 5 : Google will help Andhra Pradesh government drive Artificial Intelligence advancements in the state.

Under an agreement signed with Real Time Governance Society on Thursday, Google will provide skill development programmes in schools and colleges, train startups and traditional industries in AI-based solutions, and assist in areas like healthcare and sustainability. This partnership will also focus on enhancing digital infrastructure and fostering a robust startup ecosystem in the state.

Google will also conduct training classes on AI-related services for start-ups, customary industries and minor sector business organisations.

An agreement to this effect was signed between Google and the state government on Thursday.

Google will also extend its cooperation to the State Government in key areas like healthcare and environmental sustainability to integrate AI and ML solutions.

The state government has taken a crucial first step to provide opportunities in line with the international changes in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

For advanced innovations in the field of Artificial Intelligence, the state government signed the agreement with Google in the presence of the Minister for Education, Information Technology and Electronics, Nara Lokesh.

The general manager of the Indian unit of Google, Lalitha Ramani, and the Secretary of Real Time Governance of the State Government, Suresh Kumar, signed the pact at the State Secretariat.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AP Economic Development Board (EDB), Saikanth Varma, the CEO of Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), Dinesh Kumar, the Secretary of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Kartikeya Mishra, senior officers of the Investment Wing of the State Government and others were present.

The general manager of Google Maps, Lalitha Ramani, said that this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed in accordance with the vision of the Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, to extend better and faster services to the people by making use of AI.

Lokesh said that Ease of Living is the basic policy of the State Government and the main goal is providing necessary faster services to the people through mobile phones instead of making rounds to all the government offices.

Expressing satisfaction over the MoU signed with Google for providing better AI-based future opportunities to the youth, Lokesh said that the aim is to extend much better and faster services to the people through advanced technology. Google will play a vital role in preparing the workforce for AI-based empowerment, Lokesh said.

The Minister also expressed confidence that the youth in the State will now get skill training with global standards which will provide vast opportunities to them.
Sambhal, Dec 5 : In the wake of recent violence, the police administration in UP's Sambhal has intensified measures to ensure law and order ahead of Friday prayers, while posters of those accused of rioting and vandalism are set to be displayed at prominent intersections across the city.

"So far, we have not released any posters but are preparing to do so," Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi told a press conference here on Thursday.

The violence, which occurred on November 24, caused damage estimated at over Rs 1 crore, and authorities plan to recover this loss from the identified rioters. The unrest left four youths dead, and the affected areas remain deserted, with many houses locked as residents fled in fear of police action.

On Thursday, an ASP and a CO, along with police personnel, inspected these violence-hit streets, where incidents of stone pelting at the police had occurred earlier. In areas like Mohalla Kot Garvi under Sadar Kotwali, several homes are found still locked.

So far, 34 rioters have been arrested, and 400 suspects have been identified, according to police officials.

Authorities are also considering contacting the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe a possible terror connection, following the recovery of Pakistani-made cartridges during investigations.

SP Bishnoi said that 29 policemen were injured during the November 24 clashes. "To maintain peace, a significant security presence has been deployed, including personnel from multiple police stations, PAC, RAF, and dozens of senior officers. Three-layered security arrangements have been made at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal for Friday prayers," he said.

District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya confirmed the deployment of 30 magistrates and urged people to offer prayers in local mosques. The Peace Committee has also appealed for calm and cooperation.

While the situation in the city is gradually returning to normal, the administration remains cautious as it prepares for the second Friday prayers since the violence. Security has been further tightened, especially in light of the December 6 anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition.

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an ASI visit to the Mughal-era Mosque Shahi Jama Masjid. The clashes resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals.

The first round of the ASI survey was conducted on November 19, just after a local court ordered it on applications filed by eight petitioners claiming that the mosque had been built after destroying a temple.
Dhaka, Dec 5 : Already pushed on the backfoot internationally for targeting minorities, especially Hindus, the interim government in Bangladesh led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday tried to extend a hand of friendship to the incoming administration in Washington, asserting that the five-decade relationship will remain unchanged after Donald Trump begins his second innings as the US President, next month.

"Our bilateral relationship with the United States is longstanding and multifaceted. The US is one of our key trade and investment partners and both countries share many mutual interests. Bangladesh has worked with both Democratic and Republican governments for over five decades," Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said during a weekly media briefing in Dhaka.

The local media quoted Alam as saying that there is "little chance of conflict" between the two countries on issues of mutual interest since Bangladesh has worked with the Trump administration earlier.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry's fresh stance is being seen as an attempt by the interim government to allay popular fears of Dhaka facing a major backlash from Washington over several incidents of persecution of members of minority communities that have been reported from across the country since the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, this year.

Last month, during his Presidential election campaign, Trump had condemned the growing attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

In a strongly-worded post on X, Trump had extended Diwali greetings to Hindu Americans and slammed Bangladesh, which he said "remains in a total state of chaos".

"I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos," he said while accusing his Democratic Party rival Kamala Harris and US President Joe Biden of ignoring the plight of Hindus around the world.

"It would have never happened on my watch," Trump wrote. "Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America... We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom," he added.

In the same message, the US President-elect had spoken about strengthening the "great partnership" with India and "good friend, Prime Minister Modi".

Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, President of the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and daughter of the 'Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, would also be watching the developments closely over the next few weeks.

Earlier this week, while addressing an Awami League event in New York virtually, Hasina had severely criticised the interim government in Dhaka and Yunus for allegedly targeting Hindu temples, including ISKCON sites, and other religious places of the minorities in Bangladesh.

"Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who is responsible for mass killings through a deliberate plan along with his student coordinators. They are the masterminds," she had asserted during her speech that went viral on social media.

Last week, after the Bangladeshi authorities arrested and jailed Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh, Hasina had strongly condemned the "tortures" inflicted on common people by the interim government in Bangladesh and called for "immediate release" of the Hindu priest.

"A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately," said Hasina while highlighting the crimes being committed against minorities in Bangladesh since August 2024.

"A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she stated.

"After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of the law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist activities," Hasina stated.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), claiming it to be an independent organisation, working against organised crime and corruption, saw its reputation and global standing 'shredded into pieces' following an explosive investigative report by a leading French paper - Mediapart.

Mediapart published a damning report, shedding light on the network's funding, and its brazen attempts to target and malign foreign governments, to further its own and financier's interests.

"OCCRP, which labels itself as an independent and non-partisan organisation, is funded by US government agencies and works to serve their interests," it said.

The French paper in its investigation has uncovered details of its funding from US-based agencies and laid down details of its financiers, since its inception in 2006.

"Government funding accounts for 70 per cent of the annual budget of OCCRP between 2014 and 2023. Around 52 per cent of the funds were provided by the US government alone," said the paper in explosive details.

Following the 'expose' on OCCRP's alleged dealings with the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and investors like George Soros, it came under heavy fire from the government as well as the BJP.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a blistering attack at the OCCRP as well as the Congress party for engaging in a nexus to 'destabilise' the country and derail its economic growth.

Sambit Patra blasted the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi in a press briefing and accused him of aligning with international and anti-India forces, purportedly working to destabilize the country.

"I have no hesitation in saying he (Gandhi) is a traitor of the highest order," said Patra during a press conference.

"A shocking triangular nexus involving George Soros, certain US agencies, and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has emerged. Rahul Gandhi represents the third angle of this nexus. Mediapart report shows that OCCRP receives significant funding from Soros' Open Society Foundation, with 70% of its funding coming from this single source," he further said.

BJP RS MP Sudhanshu Trivedi too hit out at the Bosnia-based OCCRP and recounted the incidents when it came up with fabricated reports to defame the government while opposition parties played along to amplify its vile agenda.

"On February 3, 2021, a report on Indian farmers was published during the Budget Session of January 2021; on July 18, 2021, the Pegasus report emerged during the Monsoon Session of Parliament; on January 24, 2023, the Hindenburg report was released just ahead of the Budget Session, scheduled to begin on January 31; on January 17, 2023, The BBC documentary 'India: The Modi Question' was launched, on July 19, 2023, a video of Manipur violence surfaced a day before the Monsoon Session," Sudhanshu Trivedi said, raising an alarm over foreign interference in India's internal affairs.

He further said that a day after the conclusion of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Hindenburg report was released to target Indian markets. Ahead of the current Winter Session of Parliament, beginning on November 25, a report by a U.S. attorney targeting a leading Indian business house was released on November 20 for ulterior motives.

As per the French daily, the OCCRP has received at least $47 million from the U.S. government, $14 million from European countries (Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia and France) and 1.1 million from the European Union, since its inception.

Owing to its funding, it remains obliged to further its agenda and also takes pride in crediting itself for 'government downfall' in any country.

USAID-funded OCCRP is believed to be at the helm of the 'regime change' operation in Bangladesh.

"US State Department has repeatedly doled out funds specifically to target foreign nations. It donated $2.2 million to OCCRP between 2015 and 2019 for a hit job titled - Balancing the Russian Media Sphere," the French daily found.
Bhopal, Dec 5 : The alleged encroachment issue on government land which witnessed drama by Mauganj BJP Pradeep Patel and forced the district administration to demolish the boundary wall, reached before Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Narendra Bahadur Singh, who has constructed a home on disputed land, filed a petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, alleging that MLA Pradeep Patel was pressuring the district administration to demolish his home along with others.

Singh told the Court that the plot in question is divided into two separate portions and both portions have separate aKhasaraa numbers.

On one portion (Khasra number 127) was allotted to a temple (Mahadevan temple), whereas another portion of land (Khasra number 128) was allocated for Dalit and minority families to build their homes.

Petitioner further claimed that the second portion of land (Khasra number 128) was allowed to over a dozen families belonging to Dalit and Muslim families a few years ago.

However, through his influence MLA is pressuring the district administration to declare all homes built on it illegal and demolish them on the pretext of encroachment, Singh said.

Hearing the matter, Chief Justice of MP HC Suresh Kumar Kait put a stay on demolition and sought a reply from respondents in the matter within two weeks.

"High Court has ordered for stay and has asked the district administration to submit their reply within two weeks," advocate Manoj Sharma, who represented the applicant in the court told IANS on Thursday.

Sharma also informed that the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, IG Rewa, District Collector and Mauganj SP, as well as MLA Pradeep Patel, have been made as respondent in the case.

On 19 November, police detained Pradeep Patel and several of his supporters after they reached the disputed land site to remove encroachment, resulting in communal tension and stone pelting that left at least five people injured.

BJP MLA was put on house arrest in a guest house, however, he defied the security and managed to reach the spot again on next morning. He was detained again and was put on house arrest around 30 km away from the spot.

However, MLA's resistance forced the district administration to demolish the boundary wall on disputed land three days later. The district administration has taken the land into its custody and has declared it a prohibited area.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Over the next three weeks, India is targeting to send its first uncrewed or experimental mission as part of Gaganyaan - which envisages a demonstration of ISRO's human spaceflight capability - while a crewed spaceflight mission is targeted for October-December of 2026, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Sharing details of the Stipulated Timeline for the Gaganyaan Mission in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said, "The first uncrewed (experimental) mission is targeted by the end of 2024. Further, uncrewed missions are targeted for Q3 of 2025 and Q1 of 2026 respectively."

Replying to a question by Rajeev Shukla of the Congress, MoS Singh said for the first uncrewed mission, solid and liquid Propulsion Stages of human-rated launch vehicles were ready for flight integration. "C32 Cryogenic stage is nearing completion. Crew Module and Service Module structure realisation completed. Flight integration activities are in progress," he said.

The MoS identified a shortage of semiconductor components as one of the major challenges associated with the project.

"Major challenges and risks are related to the seamless supply of raw materials, semiconductor components and timely deliveries of hardware from industries," said MoS Singh.

Sharing the details of steps taken to counter the challenges, the MoS said, "Multiple sources have been identified for the supply of critical elements for the mission. The criticalities with regards to the timely delivery of subsystems are monitored closely for the intervention of higher management."

He said the Gaganyaan Industry Meet was also organised to sensitise industries about the quality aspects required for human space missions and timely delivery of hardware.

Elaborating on the crew, he said two out of three semesters of the training programme for Gaganyatris has been completed and Independent Training Simulator and Static Mockup Simulators have been realised.

Elaborating on other planned missions involving humans, MoS Singh said, "The Government has recently announced an expanded vision for Space Programme wherein Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and Indian Moon Landing by 2040 were envisioned. Future missions for Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Indian Moon Landing will also involve humans."
Mumbai, Dec 5 : Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan recently treated his fans to glimpses of his visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Sharing photos and videos from the Pink City on his Instagram handle, Kartik showcased his deep appreciation for Rajasthani culture. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor was seen mingling with locals and participating in traditional activities. In one of the videos, Kartik enthusiastically joined the locals for a lively Ghoomar dance and in another he is seen singing the song Pee Loon from the film "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. "

Kartik joined the traditional Ghoomar dance, a signature folk dance of Rajasthan, alongside a group of locals. The actor could be seen matching steps with the dancers. Sharing the post, the Dhamaka actor wrote in the caption, "Guess my fav color." He also shared his candid photo wearing a pink t-shirt and blue denim jacket.

He also posted a picture showcasing a plate of traditional Rajasthani food.

Aaryan had previously penned a note celebrating two years of his film "Freddy." In an Instagram post, the actor wrote, "Ek joke sunau - I Still Love You Two years of #Freddy, and the joy of living this 'twisted' lover boy still feels as electrifying as ever! Transforming into Freddy was no small feat- gaining 14 kgs to embody his vanilla yet hauntingly complex life was just the beginning. This character took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and madness, and honestly, he's still screaming for his story to continue."

Kartik added, "The search and quest to explore more of Freddy's world is far from over. Thank you for showering so much love on your Dr. Freddy. This journey has been unforgettable, and who knows the best might still be yet to come!."

On the work front, he is riding high on the success of his recent release "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3," which has become the biggest Bollywood grossing movie. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the horror comedy also starred Vidya Balan Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles and Rajesh Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra in supporting roles.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : A court here on Thursday sent Aam Aadmi Party (AAM) MLA Naresh Balyan to judicial custody for a day in connection with the stringent MCOCA case.

As arguments of the Delhi Police on the plea for police remand remained inconclusive, the Rouse Avenue Court sent the MLA from Delhi's Uttam Nagar constituency to judicial custody and ordered his production on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Additional Sessions Judge Vandana Jain turned down the Delhi Police's application to remand Balyan to 10-day police custody for interrogation and asked the investigating officer to "move an appropriate application before an appropriate court".

The accused person is a sitting MLA and he needs to be produced in a special MP/MLA court, the judge told the public prosecutor.

On Wednesday, the Delhi Police Crime Branch rearrested Balyan under MCOCA minutes after he secured bail in connection with an extortion case.

After the Rouse Avenue Court allowed his bail application in the extortion case, the Delhi Police arrested the AAP leader within the court premises and took him to its office.

A day before, the Rouse Avenue Court sent the MLA from Delhi's Uttam Nagar constituency to police custody till Wednesday and in the meantime, asked the Delhi Police to respond to his bail application in the extortion case.

In the course of the hearing, Balyan's lawyer questioned the necessity of arrest and submitted that he was ready to appear before the investigating officer, as and when needed, and would cooperate with the ongoing probe.

Initially, the AAP leader was sent to two days of police custody on Sunday in connection with the extortion case. The Delhi Police had then argued that Balayan should be sent to its custody for five days for interrogation.

Balyan was arrested on November 30 following the release of audio clips allegedly featuring him in a conversation with gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu. The clips purportedly reveal plans to threaten and extort money from Delhi's builders and others.

The BJP has described Balyan as an "extortionist" and accused AAP leaders of colluding with gangsters to extort protection money from traders and builders.

BJP national Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Balyan's activities were conducted with AAP supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's full knowledge and consent. Similarly, BJP leader Kailash Gahlot dismissed claims of conspiracy surrounding Balyan's arrest, asserting that the matter had been "known to senior leaders for the last year".

Gahlot raised serious concerns about the lack of action from AAP's top brass, including Kejriwal, despite their awareness of the issue.

"It would be completely wrong to call this a conspiracy because every senior AAP leader has known about this for the last year. The real question is why no action was taken despite senior party leaders, including the National Convenor, being aware of such activities. It is disturbing that the issue has escalated to this point," he said
Kochi, Dec 5 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday quashed the order expelling the college students implicated as accused in the suicide of a second-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Pookode in Wayanad district, and directed a fresh probe.

J.C. Sidharthan's body was found in the hostel toilet on February 18 this year and it was alleged that he committed suicide.

Later when it became a big issue, it was alleged he was a victim of ragging and was allegedly assaulted by some of his classmates and seniors. As many as 18 students were arrested in the case and faced action including expulsion from the institute.

A bench of Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. ordered the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to conduct a fresh enquiry after giving the students a memo of charges outlining the specific allegations against them, in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

The court has also permitted the students to continue their studies in the college, subject to the final outcome of the fresh enquiry to be conducted.

"Disposed of, quashing the impugned orders, all the three reports, to the extent it apply to the petitioners. The University is directed to conduct a fresh enquiry after furnishing a memo of charges to the petitioners, specifying individual allegations against each of them and furnishing them the gist of the statement of witnesses requiring the petitioners to submit a written explanation for the same. However, the statement of witnesses need not be recorded afresh and the gist of such statement regarding the involvement of petitioners shall be furnished to the petitioners without revealing the identity of the witnessesa.petitioners shall be re-admitted to the college by permitting them to continue studies on the campus subject to the final outcome of the enquirya If the petitioners are found guilty, the period of punishment that they have already undergone will have to be adjusted against the penalty to be imposed. The enquiry shall be completed within four months," the court ordered.

At present, all the accused students, after being in jail for a while, are now out on bail.
Jaipur, Dec 5 : BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi raised an issue in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). He stated that every time a session of Parliament is in session, a report from abroad emerges with the intent to tarnish the image of the country.

After Trivedi raised the issue, political rhetoric intensified.

Rajasthan BJP's State General Secretary and MLA Jitender Gothwal said: "You will see that for the past 10 years, the opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has been following a policy of criticising India whenever they go abroad."

He continued: "Before the commencement of a session of Parliament, foreign powers that want to weaken our country, along with the Congress and its allied parties, bring forward anti-India agendas, and then attempt to defame India. Rahul Gandhi himself tries to tarnish the country's image while abroad, in order to damage the reputation of the parties working with the BJP."

MLA Gothwal further stated: "Before the Parliament session begins, various issues are misrepresented. This time, Congress leaders are pushing their agenda to defame the Indian economy and the country's industrialists. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, their attempts will fail. I am fully confident that India is progressing the fastest in the world and is leading globally. At the same time, it is exposing the truth of the Congress party to the public."

The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which claims to be an independent entity working against organised crime and corruption, saw its reputation and global credibility "shattered" after a revealing investigative report by the prominent French newspaper Mediapart.

The report exposed the network's funding sources and its blatant efforts to target and discredit foreign governments to advance its own and its financiers' interests. After the revelations about OCCRP's alleged ties with the US Department of State, USAID, and investors like George Soros, the organisation faced intense criticism from both the Indian government and the BJP.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Delhi BJP on Thursday said the AAP government's failure to ensure the timely release of Rs 7,201 crore for Delhi Metro is threatening to delay ongoing and future projects that are crucial for promoting public transport and checking pollution.

The party also started collecting suggestions from residents for its Assembly election manifesto and announced that 14 vans would travel across the city and residents would be free to submit their suggestions in designated boxes. "Our sole agenda is to build a better Delhi," Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said.

Sachdeva also flagged off a rally of 600 auto-rickshaws and announced that once the BJP government comes to power the party will ensure cashless life and medical insurance for auto-rickshaw drivers.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, said he was writing to Chief Minister Aatishi, questioning her over the alleged delay in the release of funds for Delhi Metro at a time when her government had failed to address issues like traffic congestion and pollution.

Gupta revealed that the Delhi government needs to provide Rs 7,201 crore for the Delhi Metro-4 project but is not doing so. He claimed the AAP government had also delayed the payment of Rs 4,879 crore to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), supporting various projects.

"The Delhi Metro had written to the Delhi government on November 20 seeking sanction of funds under the government's Revised Estimates otherwise their projects would get delayed," said Gupta, hitting out at the AAP government for creating hurdles for Central-government supported projects like Delhi Metro, Delhi-Meerut rail and Eastern Peripheral road work by the NHAI.

Gupta accused the AAP government of suppressing the Opposition's voice during the final session of the seventh legislative assembly, which concluded on Wednesday.

Gupta stated that Opposition legislators were not allowed to discuss public issues, and those demanding a discussion were evicted from the house by marshals. He mentioned that the AAP government has now become a "dumb and deaf" government because it neither wants to listen to the public issues raised by the Opposition nor wants to allow a discussion on them.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, Vijender Gupta said that during the assembly session, the Opposition wanted to question the government about the millions spent on Arvind Kejriwal's official residence also popularly described as "Sheesh Mahal", but when the demand was made, the Leader of Opposition's microphone was turned off.

He added that the opposition wanted to discuss issues like the 14 pending CAG reports, the growing pollution in Delhi, and the operation of the Delhi Teachers University in just four rooms of a school building. However, the ruling party members created a ruckus, forcing the adjournment of the session.

BJP legislators Mohan Singh Bisht, Abhay Verma, and Delhi BJP spokesperson Yasir Zilani were also present during the press conference.

Gupta further stated that the AAP government is misleading not only the public but also the High Court. He cited the petition filed by BJP legislators regarding the CAG reports in the High Court and explained that the Delhi government had assured the court that the current legislative session would not be the last one. This turned out to be a blatant lie, as the government ended the session after just two days, a day after their statement in the High Court.

During the discussion on law and order in the House, Gupta claimed the BJP MLAs raised the issue of an assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at Kejriwal's residence but the ruling party disrupted the proceedings.

Gupta also accused the AAP government of sheltering Rohingyas and illegal immigrants, making them voters based on fake documents. He claimed these immigrants were fueling the crime in Delhi.

Earlier, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal led a signature campaign in support of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which has not been implemented in Delhi by the AAP government.

The signature campaign was held in Lok Vihar District Park in Pitampura in north Delhi. The Delhi BJP also launched a missed call campaign to garner support for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Delhi. Residents of Delhi can show their support for the demand for implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme by giving a missed call on 7820078200.

Gupta also attacked the AAP government for its so-called 'false education revolution,' stating that the government takes on projects without proper planning and leaves them incomplete.

He cited the example of the Delhi Teachers University, which was established to train teachers but is currently running in just four rooms of a school building. For a year and a half, no admissions were taken, and now only 64 students are enrolled, none of them in teacher training courses, but in basic courses like BA and MA.

Gupta exposed the government's failure, mentioning that 29 Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas opened during the BJP's tenure were shut down, leaving the future of talented students in darkness.

He also demanded immediate financial assistance for 20 lakh workers who have become unemployed due to GRAP-4, but the government has not responded.
Yangon, Dec 5 : Myanmar authorities have seized 188,000 stimulant tablets and 16 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) reported on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a house in Tachileik town of Shan state on December 3 and confiscated the narcotics, the report said.

The seized narcotics had a street value of over 211.2 million kyats (about 100,571 US dollars), it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

A suspect was charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and a further investigation is ongoing, it added.
Kolkata, Dec 5 : West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday, claimed that the citizen will teach the Chief Advisor of the interim Bangladesh government Muhammad Yunus a lesson if the supply of essential items from India to the neighbouring country is stopped for just seven days.

"Recently, we have blocked the movement of goods vehicles at the Benapole-Petrapole Border in North 24 Parganas district for just a day. If we block the supply for just seven days, the Bangladeshi citizens will teach Muhammad Yunus a lesson," Adhikari said at a gathering in protest against the attacks and atrocities on minority Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh and the arrest of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monks by Bangladesh police.

He also elaborated on how Bangladesh is dependent on India to run its economic affairs.

"Bangladesh's economy is totally dependent on India. We send everything to Bangladesh from food products to cotton, Bangladesh is dependent on India for the supply of 97 essential items," Adhikari said.

He said that in the Lok Sabha elections this year the majority of the Hindus in his native district of East Midnapore got united in support of the BJP candidates.

"Now it is time for the Hindus elsewhere to get united," he said.

BJP candidates got elected from both the Lok Sabha constituencies in East Midnapore district namely Tamluk and Kanthi in the Lok Sabha elections. While the former judge of the Calcutta High Court was elected from Tamluk, Soumendu Adhikari, the younger brother of Suvendu Adhikari was elected from Kanthi.
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : Hyderabad police have booked actor Allu Arjun's team and the management of Sandhra 70mm Theatre for the death of a woman in a stampede during the premier show of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' on Wednesday night.

Police said there was no intimation from theatre management or the actor's team that they would be visiting the theatre. The theatre management also did not make any additional provisions regarding security to manage the crowd.

Allu Arjun's team and the theatre management have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

On the complaint of the family members of the deceased, a case has been registered in Chikkadpally Police Station under sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS.

Akshansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone said the case was under investigation.

"Stringent action as per law will be taken against all the persons responsible for the chaotic situation inside the theatre leading to the death of a person and injury to others," he said.

Giving a detailed account of the incident, the DCP said 'Pushpa 2' premier show was scheduled at Sandhya 70mm theatre in Chikkadpally RTC X road at 9.40 p.m. and a huge crowd had gathered there to watch the movie as well as in anticipation of getting a glimpse of the movie's lead actors coming to the theatre.

"However, there was no intimation from the side of theatre management or the actor's team that they would be visiting the theatre. The theatre management did not make any additional provisions regarding security to manage the crowd. Nor there was any separate entry or exit for the actors' team though the theatre management had information about their arrival," the police official said.

"Around 9:30 pm, actor Allu Arjun came to Sandhya theatre with his personal security and all the people gathered there tried to enter the theatre with him. His personal security team started pushing the public which further aggravated the situation as there was already a huge gathering at the theatre. Taking advantage of this situation along with the actor and his security team large number of people entered inside the lower balcony area."

According to police one Revathi (35) and her son Sri Tej (13) felt suffocated due to the large public influx and immediately the police personnel who were on duty pulled them out of the public from the lower balcony and performed CPR on her son and immediately shifted them to the nearby Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital.

The doctor of Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital informed that she was dead and her son Sri Tej was advised to be shifted to another hospital for better treatment.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : As per the established "In-house procedure" for the constitutional judiciary, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is competent to receive complaints against the conduct of judges of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justices of the High Courts, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Similarly, the Chief Justices of the High Courts are competent to receive complaints against the conduct of High Court judges, Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson in a written reply.

Wilson had asked the government for reasons due to which it has not evolved a code of conduct for judges for discharge of functions in consultation with the CJI.

In response, the Law and Justice Minister said that the Supreme Court, in its full Court meeting in May 1997 had adopted two resolutions. The first resolution "The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life" lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be observed and followed by the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the second "in-house procedure" provides for taking suitable remedial action against judges who do not follow universally accepted values of judicial life including those included in the Restatement.

Regarding the pendency of cases before the tribunals across the country, the minister said tribunals are governed by various Acts administered by different ministries and the pendency of cases may be due to various factors including circumstances and complexity of each case, nature of evidence, cooperation of stakeholders and frequent adjournments, non-compliance with the summons issued by the tribunals, seeking intervention in the tribunals' proceedings, non-appearance in the proceedings and then challenging the ex parte orders passed against them.

The absence of lawyers and frequent adjournments by the lawyers also result in pendency, the minister added. Further, he said that the process of establishing benches of tribunals is undertaken by the ministry concerned based on the requirements.
Jakarta, Dec 5 : Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, through its Denpasar office in Bali province, issued on Thursday an early warning for high waves that could reach up to four metres and would likely occur in the southern waters of the resort island.

"The high waves are expected to occur from December 5 to 8 in the southern part of the Bali Strait, Badung Strait, northern part of the Lombok Strait, southern part of the Lombok Strait, and also the southern waters of Bali," the agency's official forecaster said in Denpasar as quoted by local media.

The agency warned fishing boats and ferries to be cautious of exceeded wind speeds, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bali is Indonesia's most famous resort island that is known for its beaches and waves. The island usually welcomes increasing foreign tourists during the holiday season.
Mumbai, Dec 5 : From a rickshaw driver to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde created his own mark in state politics.

Hurt after missing the Chief Ministeras post in the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Shinde took a bold step to stage a rebellion and left Shiv Sena to join the BJP-led MahaYuti alliance.

He succeeded in his gamble as he hit the jackpot by getting the Chief Ministeras post in the MahaYuti government in June 2022.

After a slow and steady start, he tightened his grip on Shiv Sena and also on the government. He claims to be happy to get a new identity of a Ladka Bhau (beloved bhau), especially in the wake of the successful implementation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Shinde also claims that he is happy after being recognised as the common manas chief minister after he headed the MahaYuti government for two and half years.

Shinde led the MahaYuti alliance which recorded a landslide victory in the just concluded Assembly elections. Although he was initially reluctant to join the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet as the deputy chief minister, he has ultimately yielded to honour the request made by Fadnavis and a host of party workers.

He faces a tough challenge to adjust to the Deputy Chief Ministeras post as he will now have to focus on discharging his duties in the government led by Devendra Fadnavis and also increase his focus on further strengthening the party organisation ahead of upcoming civics and local body elections which are being looked at as mini assembly elections.

After winning 7 of the 15 seats contested in the Lok Sabha elections, Shinde was credited for Shiv Sena winning 57 after contesting 85 seats in the state Assembly election. Shinde has claimed that Shiv Sena headed by him is now a real Shiv Sena, not the one led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Shinde will have to strike a balance in charting his path in the changed situation. He will have to take due caution so that Shiv Senaas growth is not overshadowed by BJP.

Already Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has taunted for surrendering to the BJP by accepting the Deputy Chief Ministeras post and sacrificing Balasaheb Thackerayas thoughts.

Shinde faces a major challenge to consolidate Shiv Senaas presence in the next five years especially when BJP has already announced its ashat pratishata objective of winning the 2029 Assembly election by winning a majority on its own.

Influenced by Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray and Shiv Sena's Thane district chief Anand Dighe, Shinde started his work while taking up social issues in the 1980s.

He participated in many agitations and suffered imprisonment during the Maharashtra-Karnataka border agitation.

He entered into electoral politics in 1997 when he for the first time was elected to the Thane Municipal Corporation as a corporator. He never looked back thereafter. He became the leader of the house in 2001 and held that post for three consecutive years.

He became the state assembly member for the first time in 2004 and won successive elections in 2009, 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 from Thane and later from Kapri Pachpakhadi constituencies. He became the Leader of the Opposition for sometime in 2014 and later became the minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government between December 2014 and October 2019.

He became the minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government and after deserting him he assumed the Chief Ministeras post in the MahaYuti government in June 2022.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Shillong, Dec 5 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday launched the "Paint My City" campaign aiming to increase the aesthetic appeal of cities in the hill state.

Shillong, Dec 5 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday launched the "Paint My City" campaign aiming to increase the aesthetic appeal of cities in the hill state.

Speaking at the occasion, Sangma said, "The initiative is aimed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the town. As part of the initiative, the boundary walls, building of government offices and educational institutions will be painted."

The campaign was launched in Tura town and it will happen in Jowai and Shillong.

The Chief Minister said that the overall objective of this campaign is to transform Tura town into one of the cleanest and most picturesque towns in the country.

Sangma appealed to the community to participate in the initiative and set an example for the state and the nation.

The Chief Minister earlier unveiled the foundation stone for the Shillong Ropeway Project, which was laid by President of India Draupadi Murmu on January 16 this year in the presence of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.

This is Meghalaya's first passenger ropeway project, which will be implemented in partnership with French-based company POMA, whose role will be to primarily supply equipment for the project.

The Chief Minister lauded the stakeholders for completing necessary paperwork and official formalities for the commencement of the project.

"There were numerous challenges from land acquisition, permission and also the creation of the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority for ensuring safety standards and licensing. The commencement of the project is the fruition of four long years of preparation," he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Raid Laban Dorbar Shnong Pyllun for extending cooperation. The project will pass through Laban, Madan Laban, Upper Lumparing, Lower Lumparing, Lumkjatsngi, Oxford Hills and Rngi Shillong.

Talking about community partnership for the project, the Chief Minister said: "It is of great importance that the community partners with the government. The project is an outcome of a partnership between all stakeholders. This project will ensure revenue collection, which will benefit the Dorbar and other stakeholders of the project."

Sangma also lauded the armed forces particularly the Air Force for extending all their cooperation and support for the initiation of the project.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has ordered the Delhi Police to induct a candidate who was declined appointment for not disclosing two criminal antecedents in the attestation form.

The applicant, Sonu Bhati, was selected for the post of Constable in Delhi Police in 2018 but was served with a show-cause notice asking why his candidature should not be cancelled for his involvement in two criminal cases.

Bhati, who was declared successful in both written as well as physical tests, replied that at the time of filling out the attestation form, he was not aware of the cases and in both, he has been acquitted.

However, the Delhi Police declined to absorb him into service, prompting him to file a plea before the CAT.

Advocate Namit Saxena, representing Bhati, argued that the two cases were of a trivial nature and he was not aware of them at the time of filling out the attestation form.

In any event, he has been found acquitted in both and his candidature be thus suitably accepted, contended Saxena.

Accepting Bhati's plea, the CAT said that his non-disclosure of criminal cases in the verification attestation form was not concealment, adding that both the FIRs have been quashed and he is now innocent and blemish-free.

In its decision, the CAT directed the Delhi Police to consider the applicant's appointment to the post of Constable, if he is otherwise found fit, within a period of two months.

"We quash and set aside the orders of the respondents (authorities) dated 19.09.2018 and 12.12.2018 and direct them to consider the applicant's appointment to the post of Constable (Executive) Male," it ordered.

It further directed that the applicant will get all notional benefits like fixation of pay and allowances, along with seniority.

However, he would not be entitled to any payment of pay arrears under the principle of 'No work no pay.'
New Delhi, Dec 5 : Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) will observe the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as Samajik Samrasata Diwas (Social Harmony Day) on Friday (December 6).

The students' organisation will commemorate the day by organising a variety of events such as seminars, floral tributes, community meals, competitions, and other creative programmes at various central universities, state universities, colleges, and other locations across the country.

The ABVP organises these events every year on December 6 to raise awareness among students in educational institutions about Dr. Ambedkar's ideas and to engage the youth in the direction of social transformation.

Samajik Samrasata Diwas is one of the major events celebrated by ABVP's extended units across the country.

On the eve of this occasion and programme, ABVP national president Dr. Rajsharan Shahi, national general secretary Dr. Virendra Solanki, and national organisation secretary Ashish Chauhan paid tribute to B.R. Ambedkar, and called upon the youth of the nation to contribute towards positive social change in the country.

The nation will pay tributes to B.R. Ambedkar on Friday, 6th December on his death anniversary.

The country will also remember him as the esteemed architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless advocate for social justice.

The day is also described as Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Thousands gather at various places across the country to pay tributes to B.R. Ambedkar.

According to information, thousands are expected to gather at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai to honour the legacy of a leader whose work continues to inspire millions.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas holds profound significance as a tribute to B.R. Ambedkar's transformative legacy.

According to Buddhist texts, Lord Buddha's death is considered to be Mahaparinirvan, the Sanskrit term for 'nirvana after death'.

Parinirvan is considered liberation from Samara, karma, and the cycle of death and birth. It is the most sacrosanct day in the Buddhist calendar.
Agartala, Dec 5 : The Tripura Gousia Samiti, a Muslim socio-religious organisation in the northeastern state, on Thursday demanded the ending of atrocities on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and disrespect to the Indian national flag.

A nine-member delegation of Tripura Gousia Samiti on Thursday met the Additional District Magistrate, West Tripura district and submitted a memorandum addressing the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala demanding to stop atrocities on Hindu and other minorities in the neighbouring country.

After submitting the memorandum to the ADM, Tripura Gousia Samiti President Abdul Barik said that they are worriedly witnessing the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh for the past several months.

"People belonging to Sanatan Hindu Dharma and other minorities are being oppressed and attacked in Bangladesh. Properties of the minorities are being burnt, vandalized and damaged. These are unacceptable," Barik told the media.

Severely condemning the desecration of the Indian national flag, the Samiti in their memorandum said that being Indian they were deeply disheartened after witnessing through various social media about the utter disrespect to the Indian tricolour in Bangladesh.

"We want an immediate stop to such violent actions and incidents and punishment to the perpetrators," the organisation said and demanded protection of the properties of the Hindu community and other minorities.

Meanwhile, besides providing adequate security in and around the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) office in Agartala, the Tripura Police keep an extra alert in dealing with the protests and agitations against the atrocities on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country.

The Bangladesh AHC since Tuesday suspended all visa and consular services for an indefinite period citing security reasons.

The Bangladesh AHC's head of mission and First Secretary Aal Amin a notice had said: "Given the security situation, all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala will remain suspended until further notice. This comes into effect immediately."

The Bangladesh AHC's decision comes after the breach of security at the mission during a protest by an organisation against the atrocities on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country.

West Tripura District Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar K suspended three Sub-Inspector of police -- Dilu Jamatia, Debabrata Sinha, and Joynal Hossain -- and Assistant Commandant (a DSP rank officer) Kanti Nath Ghosh was withdrawn from his posting due to their negligence of duty during the protests on December 2.

An official said that during the protest a delegation of 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' met the officials of AHC and submitted a memorandum to them, urging the caretaker government of Bangladesh to stop atrocities on the Hindu community and protect their lives and properties.

During this time some activists forcefully entered the complex of the AHC and reportedly "desecrated" the Bangladesh national flag and the police drove out the protesters immediately.

Police also arrested seven persons in connection with the breach of security at the Bangladesh AHC office.

The official said the state government has also ordered an inquiry into Monday's incident and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Southern Range, would conduct the probe.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : India is in a 'much more advantageous position' than many other countries in the world to build 'deeper' relations with the incoming Donald Trump 2.0 administration in the US, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on Thursday.

Speaking at an ASSOCHAM conference on 'Viksit Bharat Summit' on the national capital, EAM Jaishankar said the way important economies look at India has undergone a tremendous change in the last 10 years.

Asked about the prospects of India-US relations under Trump 2.0 , the minister said, ''there are countries which are looking at Trump 2.0 as a political challenge; we are not. That separates us from a very large number of countries, so we are in a much more advantageous position to translate 2.0 into a deeper relationship'".

He said India would also have to work out a political equation with America under Trump.

"That is one area where we score because we have always had positive political relations with Trump and he always had a positive view of India," said Jaishankar.

"However, it would not automatically translate into every transaction. Like everybody else we may also have some issues; we will deal with those issues'," he added.

Dr Jaishankar said the US would need India in many areas where they would like to take technology leads. The two countries would have to build an understanding of mutual benefits and relationships in several areas like emerging and critical technologies as trusted partners.

The External Affairs Minister said that India would not want to end up as a market for another economy and not being able to compete with their products which are dumped in our country.

Dr Jaishankar also touched upon relations with Russia and the geo-political situation in the Middle East. He particularly talked about the shipping challenges in the Red Sea and how the situation there is of direct consequences to India's economic interest.

Talking about the MSMEs and their role in manufacturing, the External Affairs Minister said It is one of the top priorities of the government. ''We have to create more manufacturing zones, improve logistics and make ourselves more competitive. I think we have made progress but there is a lot we will have to do," he added.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to supply solar power to one crore households by March 2027, the government reiterated on Thursday.

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the aim of achieving 1 crore rooftop solar installations in the residential sector by Fiscal Year 2027 with an allocated budget of Rs 75,021 crore.

By March 2025, installations under the scheme are expected to exceed 10 lakh, with the numbers doubling to 20 lakh by October 2025, reaching 40 lakh by March 2026, and ultimately achieving the target of one crore by March 2027.

Launched by PM Modi on February 15, 2024, the groundbreaking initiative aims to provide free electricity to households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels, said the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The scheme offers a subsidy of up to 40 per cent to households, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible.

In just nine months, 6.3 lakh installations have been completed, resulting in an impressive monthly installation rate of 70,000, 10 times higher than the pre-scheme average, according to the ministry.

With a goal to benefit one crore households, the programme is also expected to save the government Rs 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.

"This transformative initiative empowers millions to adopt clean energy, reinforcing India's commitment to sustainable development and energy innovation," said the Ministry.

Earlier, the government said that around 1.45 crore registrations have been done and 6.34 lakh installations were completed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

The National Portal reported a total of 1.45 crore registrations, 26.38 lakh applications, and 6.34 lakh rooftop solar installations, Union Minister of State (MoS) for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Naik, said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

The subsidy has been issued to 3.66 lakh applicants, and it is regularly released within 15 to 21 days, according to the Minister.
Patna, Dec 5 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Umesh Rai, the main accused in the Jethuli mass murder case from the Nepal border in Motihari on Thursday.

Rai had been absconding for approximately one and a half years.

The incident occurred on February 19, 2023, in Jethuli village, sparked by a parking dispute that escalated due to mutual enmity. Four persons belonging to the family of Munrika Yadav were gunned down in that attack.

A case was registered at Nadi police station on February 20, naming 26 individuals as accused. Out of these, 15 individuals have already been arrested and are in judicial custody.

Umesh Rai, identified as the main accused, fled after the incident, evading arrest by moving between various locations and ultimately crossing into Nepal.

"Acting on intelligence, the SIT tracked Rai's movements and located him near the Nepal border in Motihari. Following a raid, the SIT apprehended him and brought him back to Patna. Rai was handed over to Kotwali police station, Patna and we have taken over his custody for further proceedings," said Nikhil Kumar, SDPO of Fatuha range, Patna.

"Patna police has already initiated the attachment proceedings against the houses of 8 absconding accused, following which a charge sheet was submitted in the court," Kumar said.

The dispute over parking in Jethuli village escalated on February 19, leading to widespread unrest the next day. On February 20, 2023, angry villagers protested the incident and blocked the state highway for hours.

Villagers also targeted the properties of Umesh Rai and his supporters, attacking their houses and setting their vehicles on fire.

The protests turned violent, with villagers pelting stones at the police, leading to heightened tensions in the area.
New Delhi, Dec 5 : The BJP on Thursday made serious allegations against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of aligning with international forces and investigative media platforms allegedly working to destabilise India.

The party cited a report from the French media outlet Mediapart, which highlighted the involvement of entities such as billionaire George Soros, US-based agencies, and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) as part of a "dangerous triangle" aimed at fostering instability in the country. The BJP in no uncertain terms linked the Congress leader to all this.

BJP leaders allege that before every Parliament session, foreign forces bring up issues that the opposition uses to create disturbances in the House, preventing the session from functioning smoothly. In an interview with IANS on Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar expressed their views on this matter.

Dinesh Sharma stated: "It is unfortunate. Some opposition parties sympathise with those who create instability. When a Parliament session is about to start, a big event is engineered to bring up issues that create instability in the country. These issues emerge before the session, and once the session ends, they stop talking about them. Such events originate from abroad and are then propagated within our country. The opposition creates a ruckus in Parliament over them. Since they can't gather crowds on the streets, they do it in the House. This tendency should be avoided."

Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's statement that what is happening in Sambhal and Bangladesh today is similar to what Babur did 500 years ago, Sharma clarified, "This statement does not refer to the citizens of Sambhal. They are respected by us. However, there are people who have come wearing a mask and are using American and Pakistani bullets. In videos, they are openly firing guns. These individuals have a terrorist mindset."

Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said, "Congress created a ruckus over Covid. The issues that are discussed abroad are raised by the opposition in the House. Their aim is to halt India's progress. The Opposition wants to move forward with a regressive mindset. They want voting by ballot papers instead of EVMs."

Targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal, he said: "Mamata Banerjee has kept the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on hold and did not allow its implementation. Now, she is saying that new people should come there. She is not able to manage the people of West Bengal. She should first clarify her stand. She knows that most Hindus in West Bengal are voting for the BJP instead of her, which is why she is making such statements to woo them. People should stay cautious of her."
Agartala, Dec 5 : The three-day plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), a regional planning body for the eight states of the region, will be held in Agartala from December 20, officials said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, other union ministers concerned and top officials of the Central government and eight northeastern states will attend the meeting of the NEC in Agartala on December 20-22.

The NEC plenary session was supposed to be held on August 31 and September 1 but it was postponed due to the devastating floods in Tripura.

An official of the Tripura Planning Department said that the progress of various ongoing and proposed development projects, the India-Bangladesh border-related issues and other important matters were scheduled to be discussed in the three-day NEC meeting, where the Governors and Chief Ministers of all the eight northeastern states and senior officials of NEC and DoNER Ministry would attend.

The Union Home Minister, in the previous NEC meeting in Shillong, had said that in the 50 years of its establishment, the NEC has increased the pace of development of the region by providing a policy-related platform to all the states and simplifying the solutions to their problems.

He had said that in these 50 years, more than 12,000 km of roads have been constructed in this region, 700 MW power plants have been established and many institutes of national excellence have also been established under the guidance of NEC.

Highlighting the role and scope of NEC under the Act East Policy, the Home Minister had said that in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has achieved significant success in solving the problems of law and order, insurgency and borders in this region.

The devastating floods in Tripura have left at least 40 people, including women and children, dead, and several others injured in landslides and drowning in six districts.

The Tripura government demanded around Rs 15,000 after the unprecedented flood and landslides triggered by record quantities of rainfall in August damaged a huge number of public and private properties, infrastructures and crops.

A state government official said that around 1.28 lakh people have taken shelter in 558 relief camps in all eight districts.

He said that 17 lakh people were affected in the entire state, which has witnessed unprecedented rain and devastating floods since August 19.

With its headquarters in Meghalaya's capital Shillong, the NEC, a regional planning and statutory advisory body for the eight northeastern states including Sikkim, was constituted under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, and came into being on November 7, 1972.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 : A day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a blanket ban on public consumption of beef in the North-Eastern state, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Thursday hinted towards introducing more stringent laws for the prevention of Cow slaughter in Odisha.

While speaking to media persons, Harichandan on Thursday said "We will soon bring more stringent laws regarding prevention of cow slaughter. The government will soon take a decision in this regard."

Meanwhile, the minister for the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development department, Gokulananda Mallik on Thursday said that the Odisha government has formed a committee which is deliberating upon the ways to protect the cows, increase the cattle population, stop the illegal trafficking of cattle and slaughtering of cows in Odisha.

Mallik further informed that the government is preparing to introduce stringent punishment against those engaged in illegal transportation and slaughtering of cattle in the state.

Highlighting steps being taken by the state government for the rehabilitation of old and sick cows, he said that the state government is encouraging organisations to establish Goshalas in the state through subsidies and financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties Biju Janata Dal and Indian National Congress leaders demanded banning the export of beef before bringing such stringent laws.

Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said the government should find out why beef is being exported and the people involved in the export of beef linked to which party. She also argued that restrictions should not be imposed on a single community.

Similarly, Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati stated that his party does not oppose the bill but urged the government to first ban the export of beef before bringing stringent laws.

It is pertinent here to mention Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier said the state government is mulling to amend the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960. The act prohibits the slaughter of cows and their progeny in the state of Odisha. It also mentions that a person found violating the act will be subjected to rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or both.
Bhopal, Dec 5 : Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is all set to become the second destination for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh, witnessed a massive fire on Thursday.

The fire broke out in Ravli Kudi Circle of the forest area around 5:30 pm. A team of forest officers spotted the fire, which gradually covered a wide area covered with dry grass and shrubs.

In a video of the fire incident, a couple of forest staff were seen running to escape from the blaze, which covered a large portion of the sanctuary very fast due to wind.

Several fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot to douse the blaze and the efforts were underway. An official said that the reason for the fire is being ascertained.

The damage to flora-fauna and casualty to wild animals from the mishap would also be known after the fire comes under control, officials said.

Sources claimed the fire occurred in the prey base area inside the enclosure built for the cheetah project, which raised apprehension. However, Sandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has yet to make any statement on it.

The sanctuary spread over 368 sq km and situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts has been found as the best location for the cheetah project after Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district.

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board (MPWB) has earlier stated that the solar-powered fencing in the sanctuary has been completed to make it predator-proof. Besides, eight quarantine bomas (enclosures) have been built to put the cheetahs when they will be relocated here.

The soft release enclosures have also been built in the wildlife sanctuary for the release of the cheetahs after the end of their quarantine period.

It has also stated that the sanctuary has a good prey base area for cheetahs and the process of shifting 1,250 spotted deer to Gandhi Sagar from other wildlife sanctuaries in the state is in progress.

The process of making the sanctuary leopard-free has also begun and more than one dozen leopards have so far been captured and released in other sanctuaries.
Bhopal, Dec 5 : Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Usha Thakur said on Thursday that Bangladeshi citizens living in Indore or any other areas of the state should be sent back to their country.

Senior leader Usha Thakur (58), who is an MLA from Mhow in Indore, claimed many Bangladeshi citizens are living in Indore and they have established their businesses in prominent markets in the city.

"I have written a letter to Indore district administration and have requested that all Bangladeshi citizens should be identified and sent back. I know many of them have established their business in Sadar Bazar and Sarafa Bazar," said Thakur.

She further stated that she has demanded an inspection of marketplaces and that the ID cards of suspected persons should be thoroughly checked.

"Many Bangladeshi are living here in Indore with fake IDs," claimed Thakur.

Another BJP MLA from Indore, Ramesh Mendola held Muhammad Yunus responsible for the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. He also demanded that the Noble Prize authority should review its decision on Muhammad Yunus.

"The Nobel Prize committee should review their policies. As a state head, the person Yunus (Muhammad) who is responsible for Hindu Genocide in Bangladesh doesn't deserve to be called Noble laureate," Mendola wrote on X.

In Madhya Pradesh, protests were held in several places, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur and many other districts against atrocities in Bangladesh.

The BJP leaders and ministers took out a protest march organised in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Dhar and many other districts in Madhya Pradesh.

Different organisations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu outfits, marched on the streets with slogans against the Bangladesh government and demanded security for minority communities in the neighbouring country.
Agartala, Dec 5 : The Border Security Force (BSF) seized 2.18 kg of smuggled gold valued at Rs 1.71 crore at a border village near the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura's Sepahijala district, officials said on Thursday.

A BSF spokesman said that troops of the 81st Battalion of the border guards seized 2.18 kg of gold from the Nehal Chandra Nagar village on Wednesday night.

Acting on specific intelligence input, BSF troops laid an ambush along the International Border and the paramilitary personnel observed suspicious movements near the border fence.

When challenged by the BSF, the suspected smugglers managed to flee, taking advantage of dense vegetation, uneven terrain, and the cover of darkness, the spokesman said.

He said undeterred, the alert BSF troops conducted a thorough search of the area which led to the recovery of the smuggled gold, which included bars, biscuits, and nuts, collectively weighing nearly 2.18 kg.

The seized gold has been handed over to the Customs Department for further legal action.

A BSF statement said that the successful operation highlights the BSF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's borders and preventing cross-border smuggling.

This seizure stands out as one of the most significant gold recovery operations near the India-Bangladesh border in recent years, particularly in Tripura.

The BSF remains steadfast in its mission to curb illegal activities along the border and ensure national security, the statement said.

A senior BSF official said that 55 Rohingyas among 675 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh apprehended in Tripura this year by the BSF and various contraband worth Rs 48 crore have been seized.

Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF has intensified its security along the India-Bangladesh border and deployed additional troops.

The BSF also uses various devices to closely monitor the border situation.
Guwahati, Dec 5 : Assam BJP chief Bhabhesh Kalita said on Thursday that the opposition leaders must credit the ruling party for banning the beef in the state.

"Rakibul Hussain brought up the beef issue during the election. He accused us of distributing beef to get votes. This accusation did not go well with the voters and Congress put up a very poor show in the Samaguri assembly by-election," he told media persons.

He also asserted that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was quick to challenge the Congress on this false narrative.

"CM Sarma challenged the Congress leaders to give it in writing to impose a ban on the consumption of beef in public but they failed to do so. However, the Chief Minister discussed it at length in the cabinet meeting and announced the ban on consuming beef in public places across the state. Therefore, from now on, nobody can use beef consumption as an issue in the election," Kalita said.

On Wednesday, Sarma chaired a Cabinet meeting through virtual mode from the national capital to make a key decision regarding the ban on the consumption of beef in Assam.

"We previously imposed a ban on the consumption of beef in an area within a five-kilometre radius of temples and other prayer places. However, now we have decided to extend this restriction and a total ban on consuming beef in public places in Assam is prohibited from today," he said

He added that the restriction also includes serving beef in hotels, restaurants and at any other community festivals in the state.

"The defaulters will be punished as per the provision laid down under the law," the Chief Minister added.

Sarma also took a swipe at the Congress party and said: "Some of the Congress leaders including the state president have spoken about banning beef consumption in the state. We already had a strict law regarding this; however, the matter was thoroughly discussed in today's cabinet meeting and we have come up with a blanket ban on consuming beef in public places across the state."
Bhopal, Dec 5 : The Income Tax Department conducted raids at multiple locations including Indore district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

According to sources, around 70 members of the Income Tax Department have been carrying out searches at various locations since early Thursday morning.

Simultaneous raids were conducted at sites owned by prominent businessmen involved in building materials, property brokerage, petrol pump operations and prominent jewellers.

In Dhar, searches were carried out at 12 locations, including residences and business premises.

Key persons targeted for raids include R.C. Jain, a prominent building materials' dealer from Manawar; Golu Pahadia, a petrol pump owner; and property brokers Pankaj Godha, Zaheer Sheikh, and Rajesh Sharma.

While in Indore, searches were carried out at the home of cotton merchant Suresh Mehta.

Sources said the Income Tax officials are examining documents to verify complaints of unaccounted wealth exceeding known income sources.

According to the information, raids were conducted following a complaint received against several prominent businessmen, accusing them of having more assets than their income.

Similarly, in Rajgarh district, Income Tax officials raided four jewelry shops, including Kesar and SV Jewelers.

Officials questioned shop owners and shut the shutters during the interrogation. Even the mobile phones were turned off.

The Income Tax Department has yet to disclose its findings, stating that further details will be shared after the investigation concludes, sources aware of the developments said.

Raids were underway till late at night in the presence of heavy security by police personnel.

Buildings in which searches were being conducted have been cordoned-off by police. Several buildings have been sealed.
Patna, Dec 6 : At least five persons were arrested after clashes erupted between locals and the police force in Bihar's Supaul on Thursday.

The confrontation led to injuries among both police and civilians, and five individuals, including two women, were arrested.

The police said that over 100 locals, angry about an unresolved land dispute, marched to the Triveniganj police station to pressure the police into action.

The crowd moved to block the road near Durga temple in Triveniganj market, shouting slogans against the police, creating significant disruption.

The crowd turned aggressive and pelted stones at the police in which SHO Rajiv Kumar sustained injuries. However, police later resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

Following the confrontation, five individuals, including two women, were detained by the police.

An official said that the injured SHO, along with others, received medical attention while an investigation was underway in the case.

Security has been tightened to prevent any resurgence of violence, but tensions still linger in the area.

"The precise reason behind the local unrest remains unclear. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest it may stem from a land dispute or ego-related issue among locals. Further inquiries are being conducted to uncover the root cause of the public anger," said Shambhu Nath, the SDM of Triveniganj subdivision of Supaul district.

"Right now, the situation is completely under control. The matter is being investigated thoroughly," Shambhu Nath said.
New Delhi, Dec 6 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday dissolved the entire Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) unit in Uttar Pradesh, along with the district and block units, effective immediately, according to a press statement.

This decision is being seen as part of the party's plan to restructure its Uttar Pradesh unit and prepare for the next Assembly elections in the state in 2027.

In an official statement, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal confirmed the decision, saying, "Congress President has approved the proposal to dissolve the entire state unit of the PCC, along with the district presidents and Block Congress Committees of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect."

All committees, sub-committees, and district-level units of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee have been dissolved with immediate effect, following which all the old officials, executive committee members, and leaders with special charge will no longer hold these posts.

The Congress's performance in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 2022 Assembly elections was disappointing. Therefore, the party needs to re-establish itself in Uttar Pradesh, which was once a Congress stronghold.

However, under Kharge's leadership, the grand old party is trying to bring forward youth and grassroots leaders into its fold. The party leadership believes it is necessary to change the old committee and induct new energy into it.

As many as 403 Assembly seats of Uttar Pradesh will play an important role in the upcoming elections. The objective of the organisational change is to strengthen the Congress at the regional level.

The party will select a new leadership, which can understand the ground issues better. At the same time, efforts will also be made to fix the accountability of old leaders. This decision by Congress will have more impact in those Assembly seats in the state where the party currently has less influence.

New committees could be formed to create a balance between young and experienced party leaders in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress will now re-establish its organisation in both rural and urban areas of the state keeping in mind caste equations.

Earlier on November 6, Kharge had dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), along with its district and block units, in a significant restructuring move.

The decision, effective immediately, aimed to revamp the partyas structure in the Congress-led hill state, which had not seen a major reorganisation since the party's government was established there,
Moscow, Dec 6 : Russia will close the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg starting January 10, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The move was a response to the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan on November 30 by the Polish authorities, the Ministry said on Thursday in a statement.

It added that three diplomats of the Polish consulate have been declared "persona non grata" and ordered to leave Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.

It accused Polish authorities of following an "openly hostile policy" towards Russia in recent years, adding that one of the manifestations of this approach was the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan.

"The Polish side was informed that Moscow has taken and will continue to take tough countermeasures to any unfriendly steps towards Russia," it added.

On October 22, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced that Warsaw decided to close the Russian Consulate in Poznan and expel diplomats for alleged sabotage attempts.

Poland, together with the three other EU member countries in the Baltics, has accused Russia of orchestrating hybrid attacks including "intimidation, the instrumentalisation of migrants, sabotage, disinformation, foreign information manipulation, and interference".

Russia's Foreign Ministry claimed on Thursday that the closure of its Poznan consulate was part of Poland's "openly hostile policy" toward Moscow and efforts to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia.

For its part, Poland warned it would close all the Russian consulates on its soil if the "terrorism" it blames on Moscow carries on.

"If acts of diversion and terrorism continue, I will close down the rest of the Russian consulate presence in Poland," Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters after Moscow announced the closure of its St. Petersburg consulate.
Gaza, Dec 6 : At least 12 Palestinians were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources.

Israeli aircraft targeted a house behind Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia city in northern Gaza, local sources and eyewitnesses said on Thursday.

The raid killed seven people and wounded several others, Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson in Gaza Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua news agency.

According to Basal, Israel launched another airstrike later on Thursday at a gathering of Palestinians in the Shuja'iyya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, killing three and wounding five others with varying degrees of injuries, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, paramedics told Xinhua that medical workers recovered two bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli drone attack on a gathering in Khirbet al-Adas, north of Rafah city, in southern Gaza.

The Israeli army has not commented on the attacks yet.

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

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 44,580, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.
"A long and winding road with a lot of unexpected turns" is how Terry LaBan describes the publication of his first graphic novel, Mendel the Mess-Up. It could also serve as a synopsis of the work itself: 12-year-old hapless Mendel is the bane of his shtetl, but through a series of coincidences and plansthe latter of which work by virtue of going almost totally awryhe ends up not only saving the day but acing his Bar Mitzvah. LaBan, a veteran of alternative, mainstream, and syndicated comics worlds, found himself at a career crossroads. Im not a superhero person, he says, which limited how far I could go. Ideas for adult graphic novels werent panning out. Then he noticed that friends were having success with middle grade graphic novels, and he realized that the emotional struggles of the preteen audience resonated deeply. LaBan spoke with PW from his home in suburban Philadelphia about the books origin story, identifying with his protagonist, and world-building from a Jewish perspective

Was there anything in your background that gave you a running start on writing for middle graders?

I had never done anything for kids before on my own. But I used to write about 100 pages of Donald Duck comics a year, and those stories are middle grade stories. I'd always loved those comics, along with adventure books like The Lord of the Rings, The Black Cauldron, and the Tintin books.

I had other ideas for stories, but one popped into my head kind of randomly one day. I have done Jewish-themed work in the past: my syndicated comic strip, Edge City [which ran from 2001 to 2015] was about a modern Jewish family. But this idea was, How my grandpa whipped the Cossacks. It was just a title and I didnt do anything about it for a long time. When I did write the story, it was originally a grandpa telling the Mendel story to a kid. I was in a critique group, and the response was, We really like the story about the kid in the shtetl, but the framing story is boring. So I dropped the framing story.

 My favorite things are funny and scary and dark and dramatic. Theres not a big distance between comedy and horror. 

The things that Mendel goes throughthose are issues that I had as a kid and still have now. My middle grade years were really intense for me, and Ive thought about them all my life. The book is about self-esteem, which is true about a lot of middle grade books, but its a kind of self-esteem that I believe hasnt been explored: the idea of, Theres something wrong with me that I cant change, and how do I accept that and deal with it? Mendel feels like hes cursed and he cant change that, but he finds a way to use it to his advantage.

How did you find an agent?

I sent it to a bunch of agents, and didnt get any bites, but during Covid in 2020, I reconnected with an old friend and told him I was trying to sell this book. His brother-in-law was really into Jewish middle grade books so I sent it to him, and he suggested sending it a certain agent, and she suggested sending to a small Jewish publisher. Right before I was going to write an email to the publisher asking what was happeningI figured they were going to turn it downI got a call from PJ Library. The publisher had sent it to them, and they really liked it. They told me they were looking for more Jewish middle grade graphic novels.

They wanted me to make some changes and their recommendations were really good. For PJ Library to approve it, I had to create a script, like a film script: Panel 1a description of what was happening, the dialogue. I hadnt done that before for something of my own. Sitting down and making a script makes you think about the story in a different way, and I realized it was a crucial thing.

Then they gave me a letter that said theyd get behind it if it got published. I had met Denis Kitchen of Kitchen Sink Press [which publishes both underground and classic comics] years ago and figured he must have publishing contactsand he offered to be my agent. He got me a deal with Holiday House in a couple of months. In fact, he told me we got the deal on Erev Rosh Hashanah 2022. And I was like, Happy New Year!

The book seems to draw on a lot of threads of Jewish comedy. Who were your comedy influences?

I dont think of comedy as a separate thing. My favorite things are funny and scary and dark and dramatic; humor is an aspect of all the things that are going on. Theres not a big distance between comedy and horror. I really liked Breaking Badit was fast-moving and scary and disturbing and hilarious.

So I wanted to give kids something that was funny, yeah, but its also dark. There are serious issues that happen. The Cossacks are funny and then theyre not funny. They destroy this village, and theyre horrible and it keeps getting worse and worse. And thats not funny.

Its a challenging time to be a Jewish kid. How do you feel your book fits into the current landscape?

I started this book in 2019 and it was finished in 2020, so all of the things that have happened in the couple of yearsthat was not part of my thinking. I think the fact that there are resonances here is good and interesting. The story works if you can read things into it.

All Ashkenazi Jews have this notion of the past inside them. A lot of it comes from pop culture: I think of Fiddler on the Roof. I read the Sholem Aleichem books. I look at old photographs and they look like the people I know. My hope is that Jewish kids would find a similar connection to their history.

Im also interested in making a Jewish fantasy world. Theres this default medieval world that a lot of fantasy takes place in, with castles and dragons and everybody understands it. I wanted to create a world of Jewish archetypes, a Jewish world. If a Jewish kid could read that and it resonated, that would make me very happy. But what I really want them to experience is an exciting story that they cant put down. I try to end every page with cliffhangers so you'd want to keep turning themeven if youre not Jewish.

One Jewish archetype is the schlemiel. Is that how youd describe Mendel?

I feel like hes a schlemiel who really cares. My impression of classic schlemiel-dom is that its unaware; theres a doltishness to the archetype. Mendel isnt a dolt. Mendel tries really hard, and he struggles with it. Thats how hes different from the classic schlemiel.

Whats next for you?

I do have something on the table, but no ones seen it. Its not a Jewish story, but its historically based, its conceived as a series, and its adventure-yfor middle graders, thats important. But I don't want to talk about it because Im extremely superstitious.

Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan. Holiday House, $22.99 Dec. 17 ISBN 978-0-8234-5356-6; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-0-8234-5680-2
A few weeks after launching its Hear Your Story imprint, Sourcebooks announced on Thursday the launch of another new imprint, its 19th to date: Stonefruit Studio. Stonefruit Studio will, according to a release, publish distinctively creative childrens books across all age categories and formats. The imprint will publish 16-24 titles annually, including picture books, middle grade, YA fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction, with the common denominator being books whose authors and illustrators can showcase their bold narrative voices and distinct styles that bring the joy of reading to children of all ages.

Ben Rosenthal and Mabel Hsu, Stonefruit Studios editorial directors, are two industry veterans hired away from HarperCollins this past spring to build this imprint. Rosenthal was editorial director at HarperCollins's Katherine Tegen children's imprint, and Hsu was that imprint's executive editor. The duo report to Jenne Abramowitz, editorial director for the Sourcebooks Fire, Young Readers, and Jabberwocky imprints within the childrens publishing division of the multifaceted, multimedia company, which is headquartered in Naperville, Ill. Senior art director Celeste Knudsen and editorial assistant Mikaela Luke round out the Stonefruit Studio team.

Stonefruit Studio is about celebrating stories that are fresh, diverse, and unexpected in other words, stories that refuse to be eaten politely, Rosenthal said. Were building a space where authors and illustrators can explore big ideas and take creative risks.

Hsu added that Stonefruits approach will be highly collaborative, which means were looking for creators who want to partner [with us to] edit, design, produce, market, and publish these books together.

Stonefruit Studios inaugural list will debut in summer 2026 with three releases that are to date untitled: a picture book by Matthew J. Burgess, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, that celebrates imaginative dreaming; a middle grade read that is a spooky, tech-twisted series by Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly and Eliot Schrefer; and, for YA readers, an Enola Holmes-meets-Buffy fantasy adventure by J.A. Morgenstein.

Books to be released in subsequent seasons include, in picture books, a hilarious tale about a princess pony by Jordan Morris, illustrated by Charlie Mylie; the adventures of the last living dinosaur by Skylar Hogan; and a surreal chess-themed story by Jacob Sager Weinstein, illustrated by Victo Ngai. Middle-grade releases will include a wildly reimagined heros journey by Printz Award-winner Daniel Nayeri; a humorous graphic novel about a secret organization of pests by Michelle Sumovich; and an adventurous graphic novel about a family taking on the Aztec underworld by Yehudi Mercado. For YA readers, Stonefruit Studios early offerings will include Firstborn, the first in a romantasy trilogy by debut novelist M.J. Hastings.

Sourcebooks has moved aggressively into the children's book market in recent years, and has been very successful: in fiscal year 2023, children's books accounted for 32% of the company's total net revenues; 51% of Sourcebooks' releases in 2023 were children's books. Sourcebooks does not have statistics yet for fiscal year 2024, but Heather Moore, executive director, impact marketing for Sourcebooks Kids, noted that NPD BookScan shows Sourcebooks is up 30% in POS of children's and YA books.



Stonefruit Studio exemplifies what Sourcebooks does best: empowering stories and their creators to connect with readers in profound ways, said Sourcebooks CEO and publisher Dominique Raccah, who founded the company in 1987. Im so thrilled to see this talented team bring their passion and creativity to life with this new imprint! Jennifer Gonzalez, publisher of children's books at Sourcebooks, who joined the company in January, added, "Ben and Mabel are creating something truly special, bringing an exciting array of stories that will inspire and captivate young readers. We are excited to offer a dynamic platform for authors and illustrators to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of childrens books.
Taylor Swifts publishing gambit has paid off on the strength of her brand. Published by her own vanity press, Taylor Swift Publishing, and sold only at Target, The Eras Tour Book has sold just over 814,000 copies in its first week on sale, according to Circana BookScan, making it the 7th bestselling book of the year in a short sales week that began with its November 29 publication. The book had a two million copy first printing, per the Wall Street Journal, and appears to still be on sale at Target, suggesting that the retailer has yet to run out of copies despite the big first week.

The decision to self-publish had some drawbacks for Swift, with many fans criticizing the book for a number of errors, some of which were simple proofreading goofs. And the book is ineligible to be listed on BookScans weekly sales charts because it is sold by only one retail outlet. Still, The Eras Tour Book would have easily hit #1 on the chart otherwise, with nearly 16 times the sales of the second bestselling book of the week, Jeff Kinneys latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, Hot Mess, which has pushed more than 493,000 copies since it hit shelves on October 22 and over 51,500 last week.

As BookScan pointed out in an email to media partners, Swifts book sold roughly 2,000 fewer copies than the first volume of Barack Obamas presidential memoirs, A Promised Land, did in its its first week on sale in 2020, making it the second-highest adult nonfiction release in the services history. And it did it via only one sales outlet, and with three fewer days in the week for buying. (Obamas memoir went on sale on the traditional Tuesday pub date, rather than Friday, as Swifts did; sales counted for the week by BookScan ran through the end of Saturday, November 30.)

Swifts own book is the latest in a string of recent books about the artist. Rob Sheffields Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music has sold 10,989 copies to date since it was published by the HarperCollins imprint Dey Street Books on November 12. And Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book has sold nearly 506,000 copies this year and more than 1.1 million since it was published last May, as well as more than 20,000 copies of its Ultimate Fan Edition of the book since its November 5 publication.

This article has been updated for clarity.
After more than four years of litigation, a closely watched copyright case over the Internet Archives scanning and lending of library books is finally over after Internet Archive officials decided against exercising their last option, an appeal to the Supreme Court. The deadline to file an appeal was December 3.

With a consent judgment already entered to settle claims in the case, the official end of the litigation now triggers an undisclosed monetary payment to the plaintiff publishers, which, according to the Association of American Publishers, will substantially cover the publishers attorney fees and costs in the litigation.

While we are deeply disappointed with the Second Circuits opinion in Hachette v. Internet Archive, the Internet Archive has decided not to pursue Supreme Court review, reads a December 4 statement posted on the Internet Archives blog. We will continue to honor the Association of American Publishers (AAP) agreement to remove books from lending at their member publishers requests. The post added that the IA would continue work with supporters "to advocate for a future where libraries can purchase, own, lend, and preserve digital books.

The end of the case comes after a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court in September delivered a swift and unequivocal decision that unanimously affirmed judge John G. Koeltls March 24, 2023, summary judgment ruling, which found the Internet Archive's program to scan and lend print library books to be copyright infringement.

This appeal presents the following question: Is it fair use for a nonprofit organization to scan copyright-protected print books in their entirety, and distribute those digital copies online, in full, for free, subject to a one-to-one owned-to-loaned ratio between its print copies and the digital copies it makes available at any given time, all without authorization from the copyright-holding publishers or authors? Applying the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act as well as binding Supreme Court and Second Circuit precedent, we conclude the answer is no, the 64-page decision reads.

 After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit. 

The infringement lawsuit was first filed on June 1, 2020, in the Southern District of New York by Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley, and organized by the AAP. The suit specifically involved 127 works from the plaintiff publishersa sample of the more than 33,000 plaintiff publishers' works said to be included in the Internet Archive's librarywith initial court filings suggesting that the lA's collection included more than a total of 3.6 million works potentially under copyright.

Publisher and author groups had long been troubled by the IA's program and the concept of controlled digital lending. But a lawsuit did not appear imminent until March 2020, when the Internet Archive rattled publishers and authors by unilaterally launching its now shuttered National Emergency Library initiative, which temporarily removed restrictions on the IA's collection in response to the pandemic closures of schools and libraries.

In a statement, AAP reps celebrated what they characterized as a complete legal victory.

After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit, which leaves no room for arguments that controlled digital lending is anything more than infringement, whether performed by commercial or noncommercial actors, or aimed at authorship that is creative or factual in nature, said AAP president and CEO Maria Pallante, in a statement. As the Court recognized, the public interestand the progress of art and science that is the mandate of the Constitutions copyright clauseis served best when authors and their publisher licensees can decide the terms on which they make their works available.

Meanwhile, the Internet Archives legal battles are not quite over. The IA is facing a similar, follow-on suit filed by a group of major record labels over its "Great 78" program, which collects vintage 20th century 78 RPM recordings, digitizes them, and makes them freely available to the public.

An archive of PW's coverage of the case is here.
It was late morning on a Tuesday, and the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, which provides services to those facing homelessness, was bustling with individuals drinking coffee, eating soup and chatting with one another.

A few of them are gathered in the back corner of the common space, where Terie Starr Wanderingstar is poised with a pair of hair scissors and a waitlist.

It was James Thompsons turn for a cut, and he wanted a mohawk  something rock and roll that will match his black nail polish and tattoos.

I usually do it myself, the CDDC guest said. Then again, why would I when a professional is here?

Wanderingstar switched out her scissors for an electric trimmer, and as she worked over Thompsons silver head of hair, it was hard to look away from her.

The top layer of her hair is blonde, gray and white, but underneath it, soft purple curls peek out. She was wearing pink lipstick, black false eyelashes and glitter on her nose that shimmered when she moved. She sported bedazzled glasses and cowgirl boots with frilly socks sticking out over the top.

As the CDDCs Data and Information Coordinator Val Goodness said, shes walking on sunshine.

Wanderingstar has been cutting hair for homeless residents every other week at the CDDC for over a year now. And as the days grow shorter and darker, her services are providing a bright spot for one of Corvalliss most underserved population  people to whom, through Wanderingstars own life experience, she can fundamentally relate.

The hairstylist will turn 75 in January, and has been cutting hair for most of her life. She said she had a shop in Corvallis for 10 years, and now works as a caregiver for seniors who prefer to continue living at home.

She was baptized as a Mormon three years ago, she said, something that completely changed her life. She began cutting hair at the CDDC because the Lord gave me a calling, she said.

She went to college while she was in her 50s, she said, and thats where she got her nickname  Starr.

Thats what Im supposed to be, she said.

Brooks Winebarger, another CDDC guest, sat down in the salon chair in front of Wanderingstar, his freshly-shampooed hair sticking up in spikes. He had been waiting patiently for his turn, goofing off with Wanderingstars other clients and making observations about their new dos.

It was Winebarger's first time having someone else cut his hair in a year, and it felt good. Its a really good tingle, he said. I feel like a puppy.

Over the course of about 10 minutes, Wanderingstar transforms Winebargers spikes into a neat and trim cut and shapes his long beard so that it hugs his chin.

Goodness entered the room as they were finishing up. Brooks, youre looking awfully handsome! she said.

Wanderingstar hands Winebarger a hand-mirror.

Oh, wow, he said as he looks at himself. He had to agree: Shes amazing.

During the 2024 point-in-time count, 420 people were counted as being without housing in Benton County, the majority of those found in Corvallis. That prompted one CDDC staffer to refer to the current homelessness situation in Corvallis as a crisis.

Goodness said that people who come to the drop-in center for services really depend on Wanderingstar.

Theres very little in life, especially during this season, that brings them much happiness, she said.

On top of that, people just trust and feel comfortable around her. Its like family, you know, having an auntie cut your hair for you, Goodness said.

And Wanderingstar understands the folks at the drop-in center, Goodness said, because shes got a life story not so different from theirs.

She lived in a trailer on several acres of land for eight years. The folks from whom Wanderingstar was renting were old, she said, and when one of them passed away, the other couldnt take care of the trailer anymore, and it was demolished.

In those eight years, Wanderingstar discovered rent prices had skyrocketed. It wasn't just her perception either; Corvallis housing and rent prices have been increasing for several years, and the city has consistently been ranked as the most rent-burdened in the state.

Wanderingstar lived in what she called a barndominium, or a barn converted into a living space, for two years, but it was not complete, she said. It was so cold and damp there that she equated it to being homeless.

So she kept searching, and in one month, she moved three times. After that, she lived in her car for a month, then began couch surfing. Now, she rents a room from a couple for whom she once worked  she used to be a caregiver for the wifes mother.

Shes still trying to find a place of her own that she can afford and just applied for a unit at Rivergreen Landing Apartments, a new affordable housing project in the city. She said she doesnt yet know if she got it or not.

Despite the difficulty  and maybe because of it  she finds meaning in spending time with those sitting in front of her in the salon chair, and relates profoundly to their struggle.

I understand these people, she said. Its not easy. And its not getting any easier.

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Palestinian publisher Samir Mansour was awarded the 2024 International Publishers Associations Prix Voltaire at the award ceremony of the 34th International Publishers Congress held yesterday in as part of the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico. The IPA also announced a Prix Voltaire Special Award for the late Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina, who was killed last year in a Russian missile attack in Ukraine.

Per the IPA, Prix Voltaire acknowledges "publishersindividuals, groups or organizationswho have typically published controversial works amid pressure, threats, intimidation or harassment, be it from governments, other authorities or private interests," as well as "publishers with a distinguished record of upholding the values of freedom to publish and freedom of expression." The prize comes with a purse of CHF 10,000.

In its award citation, the IPA called the Samir Mansour Bookshop for Printing and Publishing "a critical part of the local community in Gaza, publishing the works of Palestinian authors and housing thousands of books in various languages.... The bookshop has continued its efforts to bring books to Palestinian youth, visiting evacuation centers and providing books and gift packages to displaced children."

Accepting the prize, Samir Mansour delivered a video address. "In 2021, my bookshop was completely destroyed; it was rebuilt in 2022," he said. "During the current war, the bookshop was also destroyed again and the second branch of the library bookshop was destroyed. However, I am still continuing my work which I grew up with and was raised in since my childhood. I am still publishing despite being on the Gaza strip. God willing us, we will continue to publish and print, no matter how difficult the circumstances we are living today. We will continue."

The ceremonys tribute to Victoria Amelina used footage from last year's IPA Prix Voltaire ceremony, where Amelina accepted the 2023 Prix Voltaire Special Award on behalf of the late Ukrainian author and illustrator Volodymyr Vakulenko. "The Ukrainian literary community is grateful for the award," Amelina said at the ceremony. "This award is unique, meaningful, and moving to us, partly because no one out of hundreds of other Ukrainian writers who, like Vakulenko, were murdered throughout Ukrainian history ever received such an international award posthumously. I am sure that Volodymyr Vakulenko would like to dedicate this award to them too."

Kristenn Einarsson, chair of the IPAs Freedom to Publish Committee added: "Before, during, and post conflict, the role of publishers is monumental. Peace is only possible in a society that welcomes education, values the exchange of diverse ideas, and promotes innovation, conversation, and compromise. This is why books as builders of empathy and sources of cultural knowledge, and the publishers that produce and protect them, serve as cultural institutions that promote peace and progress. Authoritarian governments and other powerful entities often tighten control over information during conflicts, imposing strict censorship and disseminating propaganda."

Einarsson continued: "Publishers not only face personal destruction in conflict, but may also face threats such as violence, imprisonment, or even death for publishing materials that are perceived as controversial. Those committed to freedom of expression have navigated these treacherous waters, often working clandestinely, in exile, or even in a context of war, in order to ensure the dissemination of knowledge."

IPA president Karine Pansa added: "Our two laureates this year as well as our shortlist encourage us to think about the role of publishing for peace and the relationship between conflict and publishing. This years Prix Voltaire laureate and nominees embody publishers efforts to promote books and the dissemination of information to prevent conflict and foster peace, even while facing extreme dangers themselves. Their commitment to publishing and the dissemination of knowledge becomes a beacon of hope amidst immense devastation."

A version of this story originally ran in BookBrunch.
Star Trek, Star Wars, 2001: Space Odyssey and dozens of other sci-fi stories set in space have delighted us for decades. Whats really happening in space right now, though, should worry us.

It is part of the great power competition that is going on across the world. Whats going on up there can no longer be divorced from terrestrial geopolitics, geo-economics and statecraft.

So, as the UK Government works on its upcoming strategic defence review, which was launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer with the aim to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come, policymakers will become increasingly aware that to omit space would be a mistake.

To stay ahead of strategic competition we must look at space as a crucial part of our defence and security thinking. Ships, aircraft and tanks tend to dominate the debate and headlines, yet none of those things will operate effectively without assured access to space capabilities. Nor could GCHQ function without the satellites in space, a strand of our intelligence gathering that will arguably become more important in the modern world.

To understand just how much we need protection in space, we must recognise that what goes on above us impacts everyday life on earth.

Checking the weather app to decide whether to carry an umbrella, no longer hailing a cab but commanding one from your phone, texting a friend to organise meeting up, emailing a vital document that needs immediate attention, streaming box sets to get through those long, dark nights: all have been made possible because of satellites in space. Tech geeks in California might have put devices into our hands but its satellite capacity thats really driven our reliance upon them.

It has also changed for ever how wars are played out. Russias invasion of Ukraine put a spotlight on how space is driving major changes to the defence world  everything from battlefield command and control to the use of drones and long-range missiles have been brought about by space. Space-based remote sensing means that almost anything that moves on the battlefield is being watched by the unblinking eye of a satellite.

It is also important that the public are brought in to this debate and made aware of what the government are doing to protect our interests. The electorate does not forgive poor leadership or lack of preparedness  the pandemic and its aftermath has proved that. Moreover, explaining the future of space and showing government commitment will lead to greater investment and incentivise the commercial world to fuel innovation, creating jobs and skills to underwrite our future economic architecture.

Elon Musks SpaceX is the best example of this. It could be argued that without SpaceX, the US government would be unable to claim that they are ahead of China in the race for space. SpaceX was made possible by decades of US government investment in space  during that time, we in Europe largely left it to the US to set the scene. President-elect Trumps appointment of Musk brings unique commercial knowledge of space into government which  whatever the critics may think  is invaluable at this inflection point in the race for space between East and West.

China and Russia are expanding their presence in space, and seek state and commercial dominance. A US defence intelligence report has highlighted that between 2019 and 2021 the combined operational satellite fleets of China and Russia grew by 70 per cent, palpably demonstrating the seriousness and speed of their intent. This speed is facilitated by capital thats easy to access and deploy in an authoritarian regime. It is a challenge to Western investment that is currently and to a large extent met by investors and innovators in the private sector.

The UK Government released a National Space Strategy in 2021, which said it would build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and vowed to protect and defend UK interests in space. This was a good start, and alongside our Space Command and Space Agency, provides a perfect platform from which to build resilience.

But speed is of the essence. Obsession with outer space, once thought to be the terrain of sci-fi nerds, needs to go mainstream  and that starts with the strategic defence review.

Fiona Hill is the founder of the Future Resilience Forum. She served as Downing Street chief of staff and Home Office special advisor under Theresa May. fiona@marshamstreetconsultants.com
Apple TV+ is set to release an eight-episode German-language series Feb. 26.

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Berlin ER is a medical drama starring Haley Louise Jones as Dr. Parker, who endures difficult working conditions in a Berlin hospital, as she tries to outrun her past.

"When she tries to implement necessary reformers, Parker is confronted with resistance from the underpaid, ill-equipped and chronically fatigued hospital staff who only survive with an indispensable dose of black humor," an official synopsis reads. "But in the face of an increasingly merciless health care system, the battered team must put aside their differences and pull together to save lives.

Slavko Popadic, Aafak Aengul, Aram Tafreshian, Samirah Breuer, Bernhard Schutz, Peter Lohmeyer and Benjamin Radjaipour also star.

After the initial two episodes premiere Feb. 26, the show will run through April 9.
Akasa Air has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to exempt it from deploying CAT-III trained pilots on flights to and from two major fog-affected airports, Kolkata and Bengaluru, for specific periods, since there is a shortage of such pilots in its roster, sources told Business Standard.

Photograph: Akasa Air/X

The airline has informed the regulator that without this exemption, its entire flight operations could face a "cascading" impact.

Pilots trained on CAT-III instrument landing systems can land in low-visibility conditions at airports equipped with these systems.

The three subcategoriesCAT-III A, B, and Cpermit landings with minimum runway visibility of 175m, 50m, and zero visibility, respectively.

Akasa Air did not respond to queries on this issue.

On November 13, the DGCA instructed all airlines to comply with the fog mandate, requiring only "CAT III-ready" pilots and aircraft for flights to and from fog-affected airports, which include Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and Bengaluru, between 9 PM and 10 AM.

This year, the regulator's directive has been implemented a bit earlier than usual due to the early onset of fog and smog in northern India.

On November 29, Akasa Air wrote to the DGCA seeking exemption from this mandate for flights operating to and from Bengaluru and Kolkata airports between 9 pm and 4 am.

While the airline did not explicitly mention it in the letter, sources mentioned that this request is due to a shortage of CAT III-trained pilots.

The airline currently has about 105 such pilots, whereas approximately 165 are required.

In its November 29 letter, Akasa Air warned that without the requested exemption, its operations at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports would face "significant disruptions," severely affecting overall network, causing inconvenience to passengers.

"The cascading effect of these disruptions will extend beyond just the immediate delays at Bengaluru and Kolkata.

"Aircraft that are unable to land as per schedule will cause ripple delays across the network, impacting subsequent departures, crew schedules, airport slot performance, and ultimately causing a cascading effect on passengers," it mentioned.

The airline sought this exemption citing weather data, which showed that the runway visual range (visibility) at Bengaluru airport never dropped below 550 meters between 9 pm and 4 am from December 10, 2023, to February 10, 2024.

For Kolkata airport, it noted that the visibility dropped below 550 meters only once during the same time period.

Sources mentioned that the airline, which started flight operations in August 2022, plans to achieve CAT-related approvals or pilot training in phases.

They talked about the airline's strategy, which has made plans keeping in mind the topography of southern and northern states is different, and that Bengaluru will be impacted differently compared to Delhi.
Electric vehicle (EV) sales in India fell 12 per cent in November 2024 to 191,554 units, down from 219,021 units recorded in October, as the festival-driven surge subsided.

Photograph: Vincent West/Reuters

However, on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, sales surged 31 per cent, compared to 145,197 units in November 2023, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The decline was evident across all EV segments, with two-wheelers (e2Ws), three-wheelers (e3Ws), and four-wheelers (e4Ws) witnessing month-on-month contractions ranging from 5 per cent to 25 per cent.

The e4W segment experienced the sharpest drop, with sales plunging 25 per cent to 8,782 units in November from 11,587 units in October.

In the e2W category, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of total EV sales, volumes fell 15 per cent to 118,944 units in November, compared to 139,787 units in the previous month.

Meanwhile, the e3W segment fared relatively better, recording the smallest decline of 5 per cent, as sales dipped to 63,415 units from 67,182 in October.

EV registrations in Delhi remained steady in November, with a marginal decline of less than 1 per cent.

A total of 7,091 EVs were registered in November, slightly lower than the 7,141 registered in October.

While Novembers figures signal a short-term cooling off after the festive season, the Y-o-Y growth highlights the sustained momentum in Indias EV adoption journey.

Nationally, EV sales have crossed the 1.8 million mark in the first 11 months of the year, reflecting the growing adoption of electric mobility.

This growth received a fresh push as the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) reinstated subsidies for cargo e3Ws under PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) for the remainder of the current financial year (FY25).

However, the subsidy, previously halted after annual targets for FY25 were achieved, has been revised downward from Rs 50,000 to Rs 25,000 per vehicle.

The industry sold 80,546 units within months of the schemes launch.

Now, the government has extended subsidies to an additional 124,846 e3Ws (L5 category), a quota originally planned for FY26, further incentivising the segments growth.

L5 category is a classification for three-wheeled EVs that are used to transport people or goods and have a maximum speed of over 25 kmph.

This marks another step in the Centres gradual reduction of incentives across its last three EV subsidy schemes, reflecting a shift in policy as the government aims to balance support for the EV market with fiscal sustainability.

After FAME-II expired on April 30, the ministry introduced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024, with Rs 500 crore as a bridging measure, further reducing incentives to Rs 10,000 for e2Ws and Rs 50,000 for e3Ws.

FAME stood for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India.
This article was first published 1 year ago

Photograph: Kind courtesy ADGPI/Indian Army IMAGE: Captain Shiva Chouhan is the first woman Indian Army officer to be operationally deployed in Siachen -- the world's highest battlefield.

IMAGE: Commander Prerna Deosthalee is presented with the appointment letter by Western Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Praveen Nair on being selected as the Commanding Officer of Waterjet FAC INS Trinkat, December 2, 2023

She is the first woman officer of the Indian Navy to command a warship. Photograph: ANI Photo



For the first time in the IAF's history, a woman officer was given command of a frontline combat unit. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Group Captain Shaliza Dhami took command of an Indian Air Force missile squadron in the Western sector, March 7, 2023.For the first time in the IAF's history, a woman officer was given command of a frontline combat unit.

Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Wing Commander Deepika Misra and her team rescued around 47 people over eight days during the floods in Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh for which she was awarded a gallantry medal.

Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Rekha Singh , widow of Galwan Valley clash hero Naik Deepak Singh, is now an army officer, posted in eastern Ladakh.

IMAGE: Army Medical Corps Officer Colonel Sunita BS on November 21 become the first woman to assume the role of Commanding Officer at the Armed Forces Transfusion Centre, Delhi Cantonment.

Prior to this, the colonel served as the commanding officer at a strategically important field hospital in Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: NLTV/X

Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Captain Geetika Koul from the Snow Leopard Brigade is the first woman medical officer from the Indian Army to be deployed at the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier.

IMAGE: Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, an Indian Army officer from the 117 Engineer Regiment, is the first woman officer from the Border Roads Organisation to be posted on foreign assignment -- she has been assigned to the BRO's Project Dantak in Bhutan. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Indian Air Force officer Manisha Padhi is India's first lady Aide de Camp. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Colonel Shuchita Shekhar is the first women officer of the Army Service Corps to assume command of a Communication Zone Mechanical Transport Battalion, responsible for the maintenance of the Northern Command's supply chain. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Colonel Geeta Rana of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers is the first woman officer to take over command of an Independent Field Workshop in a forward and remote location in Eastern Ladakh. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'Maharashtra is virtually in a debt trap.'

IMAGE: Then Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde showers flower petals on women during the launch of the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Laadki Baahin Scheme in Mumbai, August 31, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Maharashtra handed the Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party an unprecedented victory in the recent assembly elections.

Many political analysts believe that the Majhi Laadki Baahin Yojana announced three months before the elections was instrumental in the government beating anti-incumbency.

MLBY transferred Rs 1,500 a month to beneficiaries -- around 25 million women.

Critics said it was good politics but bad economics as the scheme cost the state exchequer Rs 46,000 crore (Rs 460 billion) a year -- and strained the state's resources.

Regardless of the red flags, the state government has since decided to raise the amount to Rs 2,100 a month as promised in its poll manifesto.

Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Vishwas Utagi, leader of the All India Bank Officers Association and economist, on Maharashtra's financial muscle to afford the Laadki Baahin Yojana.

Will the Laadki Baahin Yojana lead to greater fiscal woes for Maharashtra?

It is beneficial for the women of Maharashtra as they will now get Rs 2,100 per month instead of Rs 1,500 that they were getting earlier.

These women are below the poverty line so they will definitely welcome it.

There is nothing wrong in it because this cash is readily available to them from the government's side.

The other question then arises, how will it impact Maharashtra's budget?

You cannot blame the takers because ultimately those who are monitoring this scheme are giving benefit to the common person -- in this case, poor women -- but in the long run it will affect Maharashtra's economy.

In what way?

The question is, how much provision can you make in the state budget for such schemes as you have to shut down some other scheme to put money in LBY?

When Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the budget he said LBY cost the government Rs 46,000 crore so the question arises, what happens to other (beneficiary) schemes? How long can you continue with such a scheme?

The funds position today is such that Maharashtra is virtually in a debt trap.

Around Rs 2 lakh crore is the revenue gap of the Maharashtra government.

And Rs 8 lakh crore is the debt burden on the state.

The debts raised by the Maharashtra government from different financial institutions, like the World Bank and other places, to run metros will take a lot of income away from the state.

If you take all these debts, then on every Rs 100 earned by the Maharashtra government, Rs 35 to Rs 40 will go in debt servicing.

And if these financial policies continue in future, Maharashtra's budget will become like Sri Lanka's budget.

How is Maharashtra heading the way of Sri Lanka?

The option now for the Maharashtra government is to raise more taxes to generate more revenue.

They may raise property taxes, stamp duty or under other heads but these taxes are already on the higher side.

They have limited items like liquor tax where they can go and charge more but this too is already on the high side.

How long can the Maharashtra government go on with freebies?

They are already shutting down government schools followed by public health services. Public health and public education are now dying in Maharashtra.

The tax burden will be heavy on the people of Maharashtra in days to come.

Ajit Pawar told me giving Rs 50 per day to poor women is nothing as you don't even get one cup of tea in cities like Mumbai for that amount.

The per capita income is very low in Maharashtra for the last 15 years. Rural income is low and the per capita income is less and Maharashtra has reached the number 7 position.

The leaders are announcing freebies but they have done nothing to boost Maharashtra's per capita income in both rural as well as city areas.

Per capita income of the state is falling and therefore I am saying Maharashtra's economy is going Sri Lanka's way.

The situation is very dangerous.

Then prime minister Vajpayee had introduced the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act to curb wasteful expenditure. Do states follow it?

According to me the (economic index) figures have been fudged by the Government of India from 2014 onwards.

After Covid we had a -24% fall in GDP in June 2020. You will find that many medium scale businesses and small scale businesses shutting down. Only 45 percent of these micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could be revived as 55 percent of them shut down. This had a tremendous impact on wage earners as jobs evaporated overnight.

Moreover, technology has changed so much that new jobs are being created only at places where fewer workers are required. And even with whatever jobs you get they are contractual. This is a new situation since 2022.

Capital will flow only in those directions where fewer jobs are created and this results in lower purchasing power in the hands of the people.

This only takes the Maharashtra economy downwards as there is no purchasing capacity among the people.

Even the Comptroller and Auditor General had flagged state governments over their finances as they were not following fiscal discipline in spending. Do politicians not understand the seriousness of the situation?

This is a very serious situation for Maharashtra. There is no future for new jobs. And in this scenario you need to have a different kind of approach to develop the budget.

I can understand putting money in the hands of people during Covid times as people had lost purchasing power. Handing over money to them was essential then. But you cannot dole out money and freebies without creating jobs.

The government is not helping MSME by getting loans to them through banks or helping them to expand them so that they can create jobs.

The big issue today for the Maharashtra government is how will they bridge their revenue deficit which has gone beyond 3 percent.

The Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management Act states that Maharashtra's fiscal deficit should be within 3 percent of its Gross State Domestic Product which they are not able to maintain due to fiscal indiscipline.

Even the Opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi led by the Congress stated it would give every woman Rs 3,000 per month if it came to power. What do you do in such a situation as every political party is trying to outdo the other with freebies?

They are also looking at the short term.

Subsidies are necessary but how long they should continue that has to be decided.
'There is a difference between a politician and leader.'

'A politician will have his pound of flesh first and do everything else later.'

'A leader will sacrifice everything to help people.'

IMAGE: Sanjay Meshram campaigns in the Umred constituency. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sanjay Meshram/Instagram

It has been a busy time for IIT-Bombay alumnus Sanjay Meshram since winning the Umred constituency in Nagpur district 12 days ago. Meshram is among the handful of Congress candidates to survive the Mahayuti tsunami that demolished the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra.

A successful entrepreneur with long years of social service, Meshram, 65, entered electoral politics in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, but tasted electoral success only after winning the Umred seat as an MLA.

"It is due to 15 years of hard work among the people. They have carried me on their shoulder," he tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

What are your primary goals as a first time MLA?

My constituency is compressed from three sides -- the Gosikhurd Reservoir Project, the Karhandla National Forest, the WCL coal mines.

This has resulted in resettlement of a large number of people, but many civil amenities have yet not been given to them properly. Therefore, this is my first priority.

These people once owned land, but are now working as farm labourers. This is very painful. I want to start some schemes for them that will help in setting up small businesses or a unit where young people can get jobs.

From IIT-Bombay to politics -- how did you set course on this journey, especially because not many from the IITs/IIMs venture into politics?

I love taking up challenges. After completing engineering from IIT-Bombay, I went for a job interview to Maruti.

I was 23-24. During the interview, they asked me if I was given a choice which department would I join?

I said, marketing.

They laughed because at that time people would stand in queue and play black money to buy the Maruti car.

'Mr Meshram, do you think Maruti needs marketing?' they asked. I told them marketing was not only about putting a car in the market, but also developing service units, gauging competition etc.

I got the job placed on the shop floor as a management trainee.

After three months, I protested, and told them I had opted for marketing, not production.

They said it was part of my orientation and 3 months became 6. I knew I would not get out of the rut, so I packed my bags and came home.

My parents scolded me for having left the job, but I told them I have my degree to fall back on.

I started the business of manufacturing plastic bags in Nagpur. I employed 100 families and supplied the bags to Raymond, Digjam, Vimal.

Since I was always interested in engineering marketing, I then started marketing cranes and special heavy equipment.

Post-liberalisation, India was importing heavy machinery from abroad [which needed specialised lubricants]. Since my specialisation was application engineering, I started marketing lubricants and built a good business.

IMAGE: Sanjay Meshram campaigns in Umred. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sanjay Meshram

How did politics happen?

My inclination was social service. In 1992, I joined the Rotary club and became president of Nagpur North in 2002.

In 2012-2013, I was governor of Rotary International district 3030 which stretched from Nashik to Gondia.

I realised the limitations of working in a social organisation where you can do projects up to 5 crores. If you want to raise your level of service you have to get into politics.

Congressman Mukul Wasnik -- the MP from Ramtek [2009 Lok Sabha] -- asked me to help in the Umred constituency where he had got less votes.

I already had a business setup in this constituency and started working here. I did social work like medical camps etc.

In 2014, the person who had contested from this constituency joined the BJP. Mukulji said why don't you contest from Umred since there was a vacancy.

I entered politics, but there was a rebellion against me within the party. I lost badly.

There is a difference between a politician and leader. A politician will have his pound of flesh first and do everything else later.

A leader will sacrifice everything to help people.

A leader will create more leaders, but a politician will prevent anyone else to come up.

The moment a politican comes to power, he will circle around the constituency like a snake and bite anyone who throws a challenge.

The sole aim of politics is to keep power.

But I realised to win you have to work among the karyakartas from the ground up, at every level.

I had a very strong organisation behind me. I got my chance when the seat fell vacant and my candidature came up.

By that time people had already seen my work for 15 years and thought the injustice done to me had to be redressed.

I did not fight my election, people did. They carried me on their shoulders and even in this tsunami when all Congress seats were defeated in the area, I was elected by 14,000 votes.

IMAGE: A lady applies tilak on Sanjay Meshram's forehead on the campaign trail. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sanjay Meshram/Instagram

The Congress won 5 out of 10 seats in Vidarbha in the Lok Sabha election. Why did it perform so badly just five months later?

We are still unable to understand what really happened. A game has been played with the EVMs. You can't tamper the EVMs, but you can change the names.

The machine does not understand names, it understands numbers. If you put a number which belongs to the BJP instead of the Congress, it will show that the BJP has got those numbers [instead of the Congress].

The janta of Maharashtra was against these people and yet they have won. They have manipulated the results.

A leader of my district [former state minister] Sunil Kedar lost, and did not lead in any of the booths during counting.

This is impossible because he is the leader in Nagpur district controlling the panchayat samiti and zila parishad. Such a thing can never happen.

We want that VVPAT should also be counted and matched with the count on the EVM, but they are not ready to do that.

The Congress is planning a jan andolan against the EVM. We will go with the message to the people that to save democracy elections should be conducted by ballot paper.

Our objective is not to gain power, but ensure fair and free elections so that democracy survives.

We will save democracy.

Public opinion is being created that people will become slaves of the government and the true will of the voters will not be reflected in the government if we continue like this.

IMAGE: A jubilant Sanjay Mesharam after winning the elections. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sanjay Meshram

But the same EVM recorded a win for you.

There is a particular level to which the EVM can be set. They can swing 5% to 10% of the vote, but not if you are winning by 15%, 25%, 30%.

I believe I should have won 1.25 lakh votes, but I got 85,000. They could not manage that limit because people wholeheartedly voted for me.

In the last 10, 12 years all democratic institutions have been captured by the BJP. Constitutional institutions are being dismantled and taken control of.

Why were elections in Maharashtra postponed by a month? They talk about one nation one election, but are unable to conduct election in three states at one time? Why?

They did this to buy time because their position after the Lok Sabha election was vulnerable. They needed time to disburse the amount allocated for the Laadki Behna scheme and do inaugurations.

IMAGE: Sanjay Meshram celebrates with supporters. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sanjay Meshram

Has the Congress lost the support of the Vidarbha farmers who had stood with the party?

Not at all! The basic policy of this government is to destroy the agriculture sector and give it to the corporates. Soyabean is being sold at Rs 3,000, Rs 3,500, so where will the farmer go? The input cost has risen so much because they have put 18% GST on all agriculture inputs.

A farmer buys material at 18% but when he sells he does not get a refund of 18%. If you really want agriculture to survive, you should use the cooperative sector to do the purchasing and selling.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony in Mumbai which would be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IMAGE: Mahayuti flags and banners put on a roadside ahead of Maharashtra CM oath-taking ceremony, near Marine drive in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Nationalist Congress Party head Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde are also expected to take oath as deputy chief ministers, sources said.

This is for the third time that Fadnavis (54), an MLA from Nagpur, will be sworn-in as the CM of Maharashtra.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, where elaborate security arrangements have been made for the event.

The formation of the government under Fadnavis comes after two weeks of intense negotiations following the November 20 state assembly polls, the results of which were declared on November 23.

Fadnavis had emerged as the frontrunner for the coveted post following the BJP's strong showing in the elections as it secured 132 seats in the 288-member House.

Together with its allies Shiv Sena and NCP, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has a commanding majority of 230 seats.

On Wednesday, Fadnavis, joined by Shinde and Pawar, met with state Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formally stake claim to form the government, presenting letters of support from the coalition partners.

Following this meeting, the governor extended an invitation for Fadnavis to lead the new government.

At the legislature party meeting earlier on Wednesday, Fadnavis thanked the BJP legislators for reposing trust in him, adding that the thumping victory of the ruling Mahayuti alliance was due to the mantra of Ek hai toh safe hai given by PM Modi.

The swearing-in ceremony will be a grand affair with nearly 42,000 attendees, BJP leader Prasad Lad earlier said.

PM Modi, several Union ministers, and chief ministers and deputy CMs of various states will attend the ceremony, he said.

Special arrangements have been made to accommodate 40,000 BJP supporters and a separate seating arrangement made for 2,000 VVIPs, including leaders from various religions, he said.

More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for security during the swearing-in ceremony, an official said.
Devendra Fadnavis, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, was on Thursday, December 5, 2024 evening sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister at south Mumbai's Azad Maidan.

Fadnavis has held this position twice before. Only Vasantdada Patil and Sharad Pawar have been chief minister four times.

Eknath Shinde, who was chief minister between June 30, 2022 and December 4, 2024, and Ajit Pawar were sworn in as deputy chief ministers.

All Photographs: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi has a pat for Fadnavis who led the BJP to its best ever performance in a Maharashtra assembly election -- winning 132 seats.

IMAGE: Fadnavis, who served as deputy chief minister during Shinde's tenure as CM, was chief minister between 2014 and 2019.

IMAGE: Would he? Would he not? There was suspense whether Shinde would take the oath on Thursday afternoon. In the event, he did, meekly accepting the deputy chief minister's post.

IMAGE: Ajit Pawar has coveted the chief minister's post for years. So much so that he broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar in June 2023 and joined the Mahayuti in the hope that the powers that be in New Delhi would dump Shinde and give him the CM's job.

That didn't happen and Ajitdada will now have to reconcile with the reality that he will always be the bridesmaid never the bride.

IMAGE: The roads to Azad Maidan for the last couple of days have been plastered by giant billboards of Shinde welcoming Modi to the city. No sign of Fadnavis or Pawar on the hoardings, of course.

IMAGE: Modi greets Governor C P Radhakrishnan, who Wikipedia informs us has been described as the 'Modi of Tamil Nadu'.

IMAGE: Shinde, seen here presenting a bouquet to Governor Radhakrishnan, wanted to be Maharashtra's home minister if he could not be CM, but was reportedly sternly told by Amit A Shah that that would not happen. So what portfolio will keep Shinde satisfied?

IMAGE: A galaxy of BJP and NDA leaders from the Centre and the states flew to Mumbai for the Fadnavis swearing in. The really important ones are upfront on stage along with Fadnavis, Pawar and Shinde. You know who they are, right?

IMAGE: Modi meets the men of the moment as he arrives for the swearing in.

IMAGE: Fadnavis signs the register after taking the oath of office.

The first file he signed was approving financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for a patient awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

Pune-based Chandrakant Kurhade's wife had sought help from the chief minister's relief fund for her husband's treatment.

Fadnavis signed the file before heading to Mantralaya, the state government headquarters for the first cabinet meeting.

IMAGE: Look who's watching Eknath Shinde sign the register. That's Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh's chief minister and president of the Telugu Desam Party, one of the BJP's two primary allies in the NDA.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Bangladesh Bank is printing new notes, including in them features of the July uprising, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported on Thursday, referring to the student-led protests that forced then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India on August 5.

Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus took charge as chief adviser, the head of an interim government in Bangladesh.

Photograph: Kind courtesy https://www.kbcoins.in/ IMAGE: A Bangladesh taka note bearing Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's portrait.

According to the central bank, banknotes of taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 are being printed on the interim government's instructions.

The new currency notes will not include the image of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the newspaper reported, quoting the bank.

Religious structures, Bengali traditions, and 'graffiti' drawn during the July uprising will be included on the currency notes, the newspaper said.

'I hope the new note could be released in the market within the next six months,' it quoted Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Husneara Shikha as saying.

According to the newspaper, officials from the bank and the ministry of finance said Sheikh Mujib's image will be removed from the current currency notes. Initially, the design of the four notes is being changed, and the others will be redesigned in phases, they said.

The legacy of Sheikh Mujib, often called the Father of the Nation, came under attack during the protests, which were initially against a controversial job quota. His statues and murals bearing his image were targeted as his daughter fled to India, and is reported to be still living there.

Sheikh Hasina has directly targeted Dr Yunus in recent remarks, accusing him of failing to protect the minorities, including Hindus.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has termed her remarks as hate speech, and the country's leaders said a smear campaign is on against the Yunus government.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday assured his government will continue the Ladki Bahin Yojana and fulfil Mahayuti's pre-poll promise of hiking the monthly stipend under the scheme to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500 now to eligible women.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with state Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar after their swearing in ceremony, in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Addressing his maiden press conference after taking over as CM in the evening, he said he will provide a stable government over the next five years and the state under his leadership will see politics of change and not revenge.

Fadnavis said the mandate of people in the 2024 assembly elections reflected their huge expectations and love, and he is feeling the pressure of their hope.

He maintained Maharashtra will grow with same speed in social, infrastructure, industrial sectors as seen in the last two-and-a-half years.

The CM said the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a cash transfer scheme target at women from poor families launched by the firs Mahayuti government, will continue and channelization of financial resources will be done during the next budget.

Fadnavis assured the ruling coalition will fulfil its pre-poll promise of hiking the monthly stipend under the scheme to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500 now.

The CM informed that election of a new assembly speaker will take place on December 9 during a three-day special session of the house beginning from December 7 in Mumbai.

Fadnavis said the new cabinet, which currently has deputy CMs Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party), will be expanded before the winter session of the state legislature which will he held in Nagpur later this month.

"Talks on cabinet formation are in the last stage," the CM averred.

The CM stated that even though the opposition strength in the new assembly has reduced, his government 'will address all valid issues raised by them'.

The BJP leader insisted his party was not opposed to a caste census, but it was against weaponizing the exercise for political purpose.

"The (2022) caste census (survey) in Bihar was done with our support. We have to first decide what we want to achieve through it," he said.

Fadnavis asserted the next five years will see a stable government in Maharashtra.

"There will be politics of change and not revenge," he maintained.

He said the issue of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the assembly, where the Maha Vikas Aghadi has less than 50 members in the 288-strong house, has be decided by the new speaker and not the government.

In the Lok Sabha, when the main opposition party didn't have enough numbers for the LoP post, the leader of the largest political outfit had been given all powers, he pointed out.

Fadnavis insisted his government will be a people-oriented administration which will function with transparency and take the state forward on path of development with speed.

Asked who will get the key home and finance portfolios, the CM avoided a direct reply and said, 'they will be with our government'.

He rejected suggestions that Shinde, who headed the first Mahayuti government and was denied a second term as CM, was upset.

"Shinde immediately agreed to my request to join the government," he said.

"The main leader has to be a part of the government to ensure smooth functioning," he said.

Fadnavis said river linking, solar power projects, development in social, infrastructure, industries will not stop.

"Roles may have changed, but focus and direction remain the same," he said on becoming CM after serving as deputy CM under Shinde in the first Mahayuti government.

Fadnavis, who served as CM for the first time from 2014 to 2019, pointed out that Shinde, then in the undivided Shiv Senea, was in his cabinet at that time.

The CM said he had phoned opposition leaders Sharad Pawar, Sushilkumar Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray and Prithviraj Chavan, and also Raj Thackeray of the MNS personally and invited them for his swearing-in ceremony.

"All of them congratulated me and wished me. They couldn't attend the swearing-in because of individual reasons. Dialogue shouldn't end in politics among political leaders," he said.

On his journey of the last five years, half of which was spent in the opposition when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was in office, Fadnavis referred to the message of 'faith and patience' given by revered saint Saibaba.
The Indian Coast Guard has rescued 12 crew members of a merchant vessel from the country which sank in the north Arabian Sea during its voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Bandar Abbas port in Iran, officials said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Coast Guard of India/X

The vessel MSV Al Piranpir sank on Wednesday outside Indian waters, within Pakistan's search and rescue region.

Hence, the Indian Coast Guard carried out the rescue operation in collaboration with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), the ICG said in a release.

"This humanitarian search and rescue mission saw a close collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and PMSA, with both nations' maritime rescue coordination centres (MRCC) maintaining continuous communication throughout the operation," it said.

The merchant vessel left for the Iranian port from Porbandar on December 2 with general cargo. On its way, it reportedly sank in the morning hours of Wednesday due to rough seas and flooding, said the release.

A distress call was received by the Indian Coast Guard's MRCC, Mumbai, which promptly alerted the ICG regional headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar.

ICG ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. The MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was swiftly provided, the release said.

Later, Sarthak reached the probable location and conducted an extensive search operation.

The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued approximately 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan's search and rescue region, it said.

The search for survivors was supported by a PMSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory.

The rescued crew members were examined by a medical team onboard ship Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They were being transported back to Porbandar harbour, the release added.
Countries have the right to respond to situations but they should be mindful of civilian casualties and must observe humanitarian laws, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

IMAGE: Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

Responding to supplementaries during the Question Hour regarding India's position on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, he said, "We condemn terrorism, we condemn hostage-taking. We do believe countries have the right to respond to the situation but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. They must observe humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end of violence."

When asked the reason for India's abstention from a resolution in the UN General Assembly on October 27, 2023, regarding the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, Jaishankar said there were many resolutions in the UN General Assembly and in some India abstained and in some, it voted in favour.

According to him, there are several reasons to abstain such as a resolution is not balanced, it is more divisive, it can set a precedence which has consequences for India or it has larger implications.

"In this particular case, we felt that the resolution was not well-drafted and not well-considered. We had reservations on the language. Our concern was not accommodated. That is why we abstained," he said.

Responding to TMC MP Saket Gokhle, who asked about India's position on a ban imposed by the Israeli government on the UN aid agency UNRWA and how India is sending aid to Palestine, Jaishankar said the government has stood by its decision to send humanitarian aid and it has just released the latest tranche of support to the UNRWA.

He further asked that India always supported a two-state solution and in the UN, India abstained on a resolution against Israeli illegal settlement in the West Bank.

"What is India's position on the illegal settlement made by Israel in the West Bank in Palestine," Gokhle asked.

"Regarding the two-state solution, we supported the two-state solution. We have been public and unambiguous about that. There should be no cause for confusion regarding a two-state solution," Jaishankar answered.

He reiterated that the wording of resolutions is important for deciding to support them.

Talking about the October 27, 2023 resolution, he said, "There was no reference to terrorism. There was no reference to hostage-taking. In our mind if a resolution doesn't reflect the entirety of a situation, it is not a balanced resolution. A country like India which is itself a victim of terrorism, if we countenance the fact that terrorism is underplayed and ignored, it is not in our interest that we do so (support)."/>

When asked about India's position on the International Court of Justice's warrant against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and a Hamas leader for war crimes, the minister said, "India is not a member of the International Criminal Court. When the International Criminal Court was constituted, the question of our membership was considered. For very good reason and after a great deal of deliberation, India decided not to become a member. With regard to any decision passed by the ICC, it is not binding on us."

Highlighting India's humanitarian assistance to Palestine, he said New Delhi has given assistance to people of Palestine at this particular time by making an annual contribution of USD 5 million to UNRWA the main assistance-providing agency.

"This amount traditionally used to be USD 1 Million. This government decided to raise it from USD 1 million to 5 million," he said.

Jaishankar added that India has provided 70 metric tonnes of aid of which 16.5 was of medicine in 2023.

"We have given 65 metric tons of medicines to the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA in 2024. We have provided 33 metric tons of medicine to Lebanon," he said.
Defying predictions of his political eclipse, Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar has not only consolidated his position in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti, but also fortified his place in Maharashtra politics by becoming deputy chief minister for the sixth time.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde with NCP chief Ajit Pawar during a press conference, at Raj Bhawan in Mumbai on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Ajit Pawar has now firmly come out of the shadow of his formidable uncle Sharad Pawar, more than a year after he rebelled against the NCP founder.

He took oath as a deputy CM in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government at a grand ceremony here on Thursday evening.

A multiple-time deputy CM under different governments, 65-year-old Ajit Pawar has not concealed his chief ministerial ambitions, but that dream has still remained unfulfilled.

His detractors may mock him as a 'forever deputy chief minister', but at the end of the churning in Maharashtra politics post-2019 that saw the Shiv Sena and NCP splitting and foes becoming friends, he proved to be the ultimate survivor.

Doubts were raised over his political acumen when he fielded his wife Sunetra Pawar against his cousin Supriya Sule, the daughter of NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar, from Baramati in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year.

Sunetra Pawar lost the election and Ajit Pawar later regretted fielding her against his cousin.

However, he not only retained grip over the Baramati assembly constituency, the family bastion, in the ensuing state elections despite Sharad Pawar campaigning aggressively against him, but also cemented his place in the state politics.

Ajit Pawar's party won 41 seats out of the 59 seats it contested in the November 20 polls to the 288-member state assembly.

This was in complete contrast to the NCP's poor show in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in which the party got only one seat out of the four it contested in the state.

Ajit Pawar defeated his nephew and NCP-SP candidate Yugendra Pawar from Baramati by a margin of more than one lakh votes.

The NCP head has been the deputy CM thrice since 2019. He also served on the post twice in the Congress-NCP regimes before 2014.

Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy CM in an early morning ceremony with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister on November 23, 2019, only to resign three days later, leading to the collapse of the government.

He later became deputy CM in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government headed by Uddhav Thackeray.

Last year, he joined the then Eknath Shinde-BJP government in the state, becoming the deputy CM again and causing a split in the NCP founded by his uncle.

Ajit Pawar is the son of Sharad Pawar's elder brother Anantrao Pawar, who passed away when Ajit was 18 years old.

He followed in Sharad Pawar's footsteps into politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a sugar cooperative.

In 1991, he was elected chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank, a position he held for 16 years.

Ajit Pawar's first electoral foray was in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati. But he vacated the seat after Sharad Pawar became defence minister in the Narasimha Rao government and needed to enter Parliament.

Ajit was elected as MLA from Baramati the same year and since then has been representing the seat.

The NCP chief has held several portfolios, including irrigation, water resources and finance.

He is also a trustee of the Vidya Pratisthan, Baramati, an educational institution founded by Sharad Pawar.

He was also chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank till 1999 and the Pune District Cooperative Bank till December 1998. He has also served as director of the state milk federation and State Kho Kho Association.

Ajit Pawar is currently president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association and the State Kabbadi Association.

Before becoming a second deputy chief minister last year (alongwith Fadnavis), he was leader of opposition in the state assembly.

He had voiced his desire to head the state NCP unit. After a few days, he along with several other senior NCP leaders joined the Eknath Shinde government, parting ways with uncle Sharad Pawar.

Based on legislative strength, the faction led by Ajit Pawar was given the NCP name and its 'clock' symbol, a massive setback for the Sharad Pawar group.

His move to field his wife against cousin Sule in the Baramati Lok Sabha seat had made his younger brother Shrinivas and his family stand by Sharad Pawar.

Later, Ajit Pawar said it was a mistake to field his wife against Sule.
In order to prevent recurrence of military standoff along their contested border, India and China on Thursday reflected on the lessons learnt from the eastern Ladakh face-off that ended a few weeks ago following completion of the disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 19th G-20 Summit, Rio de Janeiro, November 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In talks held in Delhi under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), the two sides also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary question.

It was the first WMCC dialogue after completion of the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh that effectively ended the standoff which had begun in May 2020.

"The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said.

"They also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives (SR)," it said.

A decision on resumption of dialogue under the SR mechanism was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jingpin in Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on October 21.

"Both sides reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence," the MEA said on the WMCC talks.

"In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level through established mechanisms," it said.

"They agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two governments," it added.

The leader of the Chinese delegation also called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
A leading Kuki-Zo organisation of Manipur on Thursday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a judicial probe into the killing of 10 youths in a gunfight with the Central Reserve Police Force.

IMAGE: People pay their last respects to the mortal remains of 12 Kuki-Zo men, including the 10 killed in the gunfight with the CRPF in Jiribam district, during a funeral in Churachandpur, Manipur, December 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In its letter, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum also raised questions over the neutrality of the CRPF.

The organisation reiterated its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community under the Indian Constitution in the state where ethnic violence between Kuki tribals and Meiteis claimed over 250 lives since May last year.

"The latest round of violence, which started with the burning of Zairawn village in Jiribam district and the horrific murder of a 31-year-old tribal woman, has resulted in the deaths of 13 Kuki-Zo people," said the letter signed by ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip and General Secretary Muan Tombing.

The body of the woman, who was "tortured and charred to death" was found at her home on November 7 evening.

"What makes this episode more worrying for the minority community is that 10 tribals were killed by the CRPF, which was supposed to act as a neutral force," the ITLF said in the letter to the Union home minister.

It claimed that the post-mortem reports of the deceased clearly showed the men were shot from the back, proving that they were not engaged in a gunfight with security forces when they were gunned down.

"They were most likely ambushed or murdered after being captured. Also, all of them were shot multiple times (some had more than a dozen bullet wounds, mostly from their back), raising further questions about the moral and ethical conduct of the paramilitary force in using such excessive lethal force.

"Four of the bodies were also desecrated, with each missing an eye, indicating that they were gouged out," alleged ITLF in the letter, a copy of which was marked to the Director General of CRPF.

The tribal body further claimed that when Zairawn village was burnt down and the woman was killed just a few days before, the CRPF personnel who were stationed nearby "refused to come out" of their camp and "failed to fire" a single shot to thwart the assailants even though the attack lasted for over an hour.

The Assam Rifles was replaced with the CRPF following demands made by the Meiteis, the ITLF said alleging that there are many Meitei officers in the CRPF.

The Manipur police on November 11 had claimed that 10 suspected militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces after armed insurgents fired indiscriminately at Borobekra Police Station and an adjacent CRPF camp at Jakuradhor in Jiribam district.

All the 10 men along with two other youths killed recently were laid to rest on Thursday in Churachandpur.

The claim that the 10 were militants and they died while attacking Borobekra police station and a nearby CRPF camp is "false", the tribal body asserted.

"In light of the available facts, we demand a judicial inquiry into the deaths of the 10 Kuki-Zo volunteers so that justice is served to them and their families," the ITLF said in the letter to Shah.

It claimed that the slain men were out on patrol to protect their fellow tribals because of the attack on Zairawn village allegedly by Meitei gunmen.

"As for the CRPF, it should remind its men on the ground of its purpose and act as a neutral force from now on," the letter read.

As for the path to lasting peace, the ITLF said a militarily enforced tranquility cannot bring permanent normalcy and what is needed is a political solution.

"We urge you to start laying the groundwork for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people under the aegis of the Indian constitution so that we can live a life free of discrimination and subjugation," the letter said.

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.
The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it has decided not to accept recommendations for enhancing pension by 10 percent to retired regular captains of the Army in accordance with the One Rank One Pension scheme.

IMAGE: Supporters take part in an protest in solidarity with ex-servicemen against the One Rank One Pension Policy 2023, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, October 6, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and justices Sanjay Kumar and Manmohan was apprised about the non-acceptance of recommendations on pension hike by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Centre.

The top court was hearing an appeal of the Centre challenging an order of December 7, 2021 of the Armed Forces Tribunal at Kochi.

According to the AFT order, the central government was to take a decision on the pension payable to the retired regular captains.

"We have made a decision and we have not accepted the recommendations," the ASG said.

The bench then asked the counsel appearing for retired Army captains including M Gopalan Nair, who are fighting for enhanced pension, to challenge the non-acceptance of the recommendations as the time is the essence in such matters.

The counsel for former Army officers sought time to take instructions and this led the bench to adjourn the hearing to December 12.

Earlier, the bench had come down heavily on the Centre for failing to take any decision for years on the pension payable to retired regular captains in accordance with the OROP scheme and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on it.

It had granted the Centre the last opportunity for resolving the anomalies with regard to the pension of such retired officers under the scheme.

The bench had said if no decision is taken then it will direct for enhanced pension by 10 per cent to the retired regular captains. The Centre had said six anomalies were pointed out by the Kochi bench of the AFT and they needed to be rectified, but it was yet to take a stand.

"For how many years will this go on? Either you pay an enhanced pension by 10 per cent or we are imposing a cost on you. We wanted a decision to be taken, but you have not taken it. This matter came up in 2021 but still no decision has been taken," the bench had said.

The root of the dispute lies in the OROP scheme introduced by the Centre in 2015.

Under the scheme, the rate of pensions for past retirees were fixed at par with that for the current retirees of the armed forces.

However, certain anomalies crept in the pension tables for captains and majors for the lack of proper data of the officers in the ranks of regular captains and majors since the minimum current rank of retirement to attain pensionable service is lieutenant colonel.

The ministry of defence appointed a One Man Judicial Committee to recommend the resolution of this anomaly in 2016 but no decision was taken by the ministry on the matter after that.

Subsequently, the Kochi Bench of the AFT directed the ministry to resolve the anomaly based on the OMJC's recommendations in a time-bound manner.

However, the Centre challenged the AFT order in the Supreme Court.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said that he received a "key piece of evidence" which showed that the 56-year-old man missing for 10 days disappeared from an Army camp at Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district.

IMAGE: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh (second from left) inaugurates the Construction of Infrastructure for Shifting of the Assam Rifles, at Langthabal Old Palace in Imphal, November 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The evidence was submitted to him by representatives of the joint action committee formed in response to the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh on November 25, sparking protests in the northeastern state.

"Met the representatives of the joint action committee against the missing of Shri Laishram Kamalbabu and his family members, who are actively pursuing his whereabouts. Shri Kamalbabu was last seen at the 57 Mountain Division Headquarters, Leimakhong," the CM said in a post on X.

Singh said that the entry signature signed by Kamalbabu, belonging to the Meitei community, before he entered the Army camp was presented to him by the JAC members.

"During the meeting, the JAC members presented a key piece of evidence the entry signature of Shri Kamalbabu, which he had signed before entering the camp" Singh added.

Singh also said that the JAC members were informed "about the ongoing efforts to locate Shri Kamalbabu at the earliest, with the assistance of the security forces" and that JAC "expressed their desire to draw the attention of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, JAC members, along with Kamalbabu's relatives, said they were dissatisfied with the ongoing search efforts and accused the security forces of being reluctant to cooperate with the family in addressing the issue.

"It has been 10 days now. The silence and inaction of army authorities are deeply disturbing and add to our anguish. It is not just about the man. It is about fixing accountability and ensuring justice. We met with Chief Minister also and he has assured us all help," a relative of the missing man said.

Kamalbabu, a native of Assam's Cachar district who lived in Khukrul in Imphal West, was a works supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services in Leimakhong Military Station of the 57th Mountain Division, according to the Army.

The police on Tuesday said the Indian Army has deployed over 2,000 personnel for the search of the Meitei man who has been missing for over a week, the police said.

The military camp, located in Kangpokpi district, is some 16 km away from the state capital Imphal and is surrounded by the hills where the Kuki people live.

Meiteis who lived near Leimakhong fled after the ethnic violence began in May last year, claiming over 250 lives so far.

The protesters claimed it was likely that Kamalbabu was kidnapped by militants.
The Sambhal administration on Thursday said it will put up posters of those involved in the November 24 violence.

IMAGE: Kanpur Police conducts a flag march in the wake of Sambhal violence in Kanpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

"We will put up posters of those involved in Sambhal violence ... in all likelihood today," District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya told PTI.

He said the authorities have identified more than 400 people and arrested 32 so far in connection with the violence that broke out last month over a local mosque survey.

"There is a peace committee meeting at 3 pm and we will discuss the situation with everyone," he said.

"We are currently designing it (poster). It will be finalised today. 400 people have been identified. Posters will be put up after excluding those who have been arrested," he said.

The Uttar Pradesh government had on November 27 said it will make those involved in the Sambhal violence pay for the damage to public property and display their pictures on public walls.

Sambhal police has already released several pictures of those allegedly involved in violence.

In these photographs, nine persons have been identified and help is sought from people to identify those who have masks on their faces.

"A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson earlier said.

In 2020, the government had put up posters of individuals allegedly linked with vandalism during the anti-CAA protests.

The posters were later removed following a court order.

Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19, when a Mughal-era mosque was surveyed on court orders following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site.

Violence erupted during a second survey on November 24 as protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with security personnel.

Four people were killed in the violence and many more were injured.
At least five of the seven Trinamool Congress legislators within the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency of party MP Mahua Moitra, and another MLA from an adjacent seat have written to Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee demanding the removal of the parliamentarian from the post of Nadia Uttar organisational district president.

IMAGE: TMC MPs Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra (right) attend the proceedings of the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, December 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo/Sansad TV

The lawmakers allege that Moitra has, in a sustained manner, kept the assembly representatives in the dark while undertaking party programmes in her area and indulged anti-social elements from the region that have dented the party's image, especially among the minority voters of the district.

A copy of the complaint signatories to which are Kallol Khan from the Nakashipara assembly segment, Rukbanur Rahaman from Chapra, Nasiruddin Ahmed from Kaligunj, Ujjwal Biswas from Krishnanagar Dakshin and the recently released cash-for-job scam accused Manik Bhattacharya from Palashipara was also forwarded to the TMC state president Subrata Bakshi urging disciplinary action against Moitra.

Karimpur MLA Bimalendu Sinha Roy also inked the complaint, although his assembly segment falls outside the Krishnanagar parliamentary seat boundary. The area, however, is part of the organisation district unit which Moitra heads.

Two MLAs from Moitra's Lok Sabha segment, Tapas Saha from Tehatta and veteran politician Mukul Roy from Krishnanagar Uttar, have not signed the grievance letter, it was learnt.

"We did not approach Saha since he is currently under the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) scanner for the school jobs scam and Roy's position in the party is ambiguous since he is still formally a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) MLA," one of the aggrieved MLAs, requesting anonymity, told PTI while explaining the reasons for their absence from the signatory list.

The legislator alleged that, ever since she was re-elected as a parliamentarian in June, Moitra has been ignoring her MLAs while visiting their respective constituencies and moving around with her own coterie of leaders.

"Under the circumstances, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to undertake party activities with her. She is disrupting party functions in the region and promoting factionalism," the aggrieved leader said.

Banerjee had re-nominated Moitra from the Krishnanagar seat for the 2024general elections after the MP was unceremoniously expelled from the 16th Lok Sabha in December 2023 following a recommendation to that effect from the parliamentary ethics panel over cash for query allegations in the Adani Group dealings case.

Moitra won the seat by a margin of over 44,000 votes to return to the 17th Lok Sabha.

The MP, the disgruntled TMC leader alleged, recently reshuffled three block presidents of the TMC, 16 Anchal presidents and 116 booth presidents in her district without taking the respective MLAs into confidence.

"She is moving around with known anti-socials and indulging criminals and extortionists from the region. That has led to significant disillusionment among our supporters, especially those belonging to the minority community. Our party's image has taken a severe beating on her account," the leader claimed.

Some of the MLAs also accused Moitra of using her proximity to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a means of influencing the district administrative and police top brass into getting things done her way.

Most of the local OCs in police stations do not receive my calls anymore, an MLA stated.

An aggrieved leader alleged that the MP's activities have already cost the party a significant number of votes in the region.

"Compared with the 2016 state poll results, we lost nearly 12 percent votes in the Nadia Uttar organisation district in the assembly polls of 2021. It is a matter of great concern and we thought it would be prudent to let our supreme leader know what's happening on the ground. We want the MP to be removed from her party position," he said.

"Our supremo can replace her with any leader of her choice and we are okay with whatever decision she takes," he added, while confirming that there has been no development on that front so far.

Moitra, who is now in Delhi attending the Parliament's winter session, refused to comment on the matter.

"I have no comment to offer on this district-level rubbish," she said.
The Delhi high court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017.

IMAGE: Expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sentence for the time being and directed that Sengar be admitted to AIIMS-Delhi for his medical evaluation and must remain in the capital once discharged.

"Considering the history of the case as also the medical condition of the applicant, it is directed that the applicant will be released on interim bail for two weeks and he shall seek admission in AIIMS Delhi for a comprehensive medical evaluation," the bench, also comprising Justice Amit Sharma, said.

The court sought a report from the medical board of AIIMS and listed the matter for hearing on December 20.

Sengar is also serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim's father. His plea for interim bail in that case is still pending before another bench of the high court.

Sengar sought interim bail on the grounds that he was suffering from various ailments, like cataract, that required urgent attention.

The plea was opposed by the victim's lawyer as well as the CBI.

Sengar's appeal challenging the trial court's verdict in the main Unnao rape case is pending in the high court.

He has sought quashing of the December 2019 judgement of the trial court which sentenced him to imprisonment for the remainder of his life.

The girl was kidnapped and raped by Sengar in 2017 when she was a minor.

On March 13, 2020, Sengar was sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and was fined Rs 10 lakh, in connection with the case of custodial death of the rape victim's father. The court had also awarded a 10-year jail term to Sengar's brother Atul Singh Sengar and five others.

The father of the rape victim was arrested at the behest of Sengar in a case under the Arms Act. He died in custody on April 9, 2018.

The rape case and other connected cases were transferred to Delhi from a trial court in Uttar Pradesh on the directions of the Supreme Court on August 1, 2019.
Protests broke out in the posh TDI society in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly over a house being sold to a Muslim doctor by a resident.

IMAGE: A banner put by protesters at the gates of TDI society in Moradabad, UP, says Dr Ashok Bajaj apna makan wapas lo (take your house back). Photograph: Screengrab from a viral video posted on X

Slogans were raised by the members of the housing society after they came to know that one Dr Ashok Bajaj had sold his house to Dr Ikra Chaudhary.

Residents mounted a demonstration at the colony gate holding banners 'Dr Ashok Bajaj apna makan wapas lo' (take your house back).

Both, the buyer and the seller, were not available for comments.

"This is a Hindu society, where over 400 Hindu families live. We don't want anyone from the other communities to reside here," a protester said, adding that the house is near a temple.

TDI City Society chairman Amit Verma also joined the protesters.

One of the residents feared the ownership may change the nature of the colony.

"We fear that there will be a disturbance in the demographic structure of the society and unwanted changes might occur if other communities start to settle there and Hindus start to leave," the person said.

District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said the society members have filed a complaint, raising objection over selling of the house.

"We are talking to concerned parties and trying for a unanimous, amicable solution to it," he said.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal Thursday hugged two police officials for saving his life when a former terrorist opened fire at him but missed as plainclothes policemen overpowered the attacker.

IMAGE: SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal hugs two police officials for saving his life after a former terrorist opened fire at him, in Amritsar, Punjab, December 5, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy Sukhbir Singh Badal on X

Badal posted on X the pictures of assistant sub-inspectors Jasbir Singh and Hira Singh who are part of his security detail.

"Risking your life to save someone's life is not an easy thing. ASI Jasbir Singh and ASI Hira Singh, both have been a part of our family from the time of Parkash Singh Ji Badal.

"My family and I cannot repay the courage and loyalty shown by them yesterday. May God bless them with long life, good health and all happiness," said Badal in a post on X.

The Akali leader escaped a bid on his life on Wednesday when former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura fired from a close range at the Punjab's ex-deputy chief minister at the Golden Temple in Amritsar but missed as plainclothes policemen overpowered him.

ASI Jasbir Singh sensed the threat to the Akali leader and pounced on the shooter, grabbed his hands and pushed him after which the attacker was overpowered with the help of other security personnel.

The audacious attack was captured on cameras by mediapersons who had gathered to cover the second day of Badal performing the duty of 'sewadar' at the main gate of the Sikh shrine as religious penance. PTI CHS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Opposition parties of trying to divide society, saying what Mughal ruler Babur's army did in Ayodhya and Sambhal is what is happening in Bangladesh.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offers prayer at Ram Ghat of river Mandakini, in Chitrakoot on November 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The chief minister, who was in Ayodhya for the inauguration of the 43rd Ramayan Mela, said Lord Ram united the whole society.

"Had we given importance to unity and not let the strategy of nation's enemies succeed in creating social animosity, this country would have never become a slave. Our pilgrimages would not have become impure. A handful of invaders would not have dared to invade us and and would be crushed by India's brave soldiers," Adityanath said.

"But those creating obstacles within the society were able to succeed. Their genes remain the same even today. Those who indulge in caste-based politics to shatter the social fabric are still active," the CM said.

"... 500 years ago, a general of Babur committed certain deeds in Ayodhya, similar acts in Sambhal, and what is happening today in Bangladesh. The nature and DNA of all three are the same," he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said if someone believes that what is happening in India was dissimilar to what happened in Bangladesh then they are mistaken.

"Divisive elements are there already, tearing apart the social fabric, breaking social unity, and making full arrangements 'aapko kaatne aur katwaane ka'," he said.

"These divisive forces include many who have purchased properties in countries around the world. When a crisis strikes here, they will flee to those places, leaving the people here to suffer and die. This is what they do," he added.

Ever since the Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh government was toppled in August this year after intense student protests, the Muslim-majority neighbouring country has reported widespread violence against religious minorities, including the Hindu community.

Violence erupted in Sambhal last month, leading to the killing of four Muslim men, over a survey of a local mosque.
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the newly elected Congress MP from Wayanad, along with other MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit A Shah in New Delhi.

The delegation urged the Centre to provide immediate relief to the landslide-affected people of Wayanad.

Priyanka highlighted the need for immediate assistance to help affected families, rebuild their lives and restore essential infrastructure in the region.

She also urged Shah to urgently consider releasing the required funds to support the rehabilitation efforts in view of the severity of the disaster.

IMAGE: Priyanka with Shah. Photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: The delegation of MPs from Kerala with Shah, here and below.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Foggy early, then partly cloudy later in the day. High near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low around 45F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) has signed a two-year extension with Nokia to expand its 4G and 5G network across Indonesia.

The Finnish vendor stated that the extension of their partnership will run from 2025 to 2027, as Nokia supports IOHs ambitions to enhance operational performance and advance Indonesias telecoms sector.

Under the agreement, Nokia will supply products from its AirScale equipment portfolio, including multiband radio technology and high-capacity baseband solutions. It will also utilise AI and machine learning to optimise network investments, ensuring efficient deployment in high-demand areas, Nokia said.

Nokia will additionally provide its FastMile Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions in certain regions, expanding broadband access to more homes and businesses.

Vikram Sinha (pictured, fifth), IOH President Director and CEO, said: At Indosat, our purpose is to empower Indonesia, and this collaboration reinforces our commitment to connect more people and make digitalisation accessible to everyone. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide reliable connectivity. Moreover, this partnership is a pivotal step towards integrating AI into our ecosystem, paving the way for smarter, more efficient networks that will shape Indonesias digital future and elevate the quality of life for every Indonesian.

Tommi Uitto, Nokia President of Mobile Networks, added: This deal not only reinforces our leadership in the advanced mobile networks space but also deepens our commitment to supporting Indonesias digital transformation and growing mobile ecosystem.
SMEs can adopt similar practices for tracking expenses and invoices, ensuring no deductions or tax credits are missed.

2024 has been a significant year of change for the sharing economy in Australia.

In August, The Fair Work Act amendments affecting gig economy workers came into effect, setting tailored minimum standards for employee-like workers in the gig economy. This included gig economy workers getting greater protection from unfair deactivation and unfair contract terms, and the ability to ask the Fair Work Commission to resolve disputes.

From July 1st, The Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR) came into effect for transactions made through electronic distribution platforms (EDPs) for the supply of services such as asset hire, performing tasks, and food delivery  adding to taxi travel, ride-sourcing and short-term accommodation (90 consecutive days or less) that were already listed. The new SERR terms increased the types of gig economy workers having to log their transactions accurately. This meant having to track invoices, payments, and expenses, and submit BAS and annual statements in a timely and accurate manner.

Gig economy workers have always operated in somewhat of a grey area. They have the unenviable task of carrying out their duties, while effectively needing to be their own accountant and understand their tax obligations as a sole trader. The new reforms have only heightened those responsibilities. This is where technology and a solid understanding of tax and financial reporting obligations come in. Heres how sharing economy workers can be more tax compliant, and relax knowing that things are being taken care of.



Utilising the right technology

Hiring accountants can be too costly for sharing economy workers and not particularly scalable across a workforce. However, there are now all-in-one, cost-competitive platforms like TaxLeopard designed to help gig workers with everything including invoicing, payments, expense tracking, business activity statements, filing tax returns, and bookkeeping with minimal input from the user. They are typically easy to use, accessible on the go, and digitally native  meaning they are desktop or mobile-compatible and have simple interfaces that visualise and simplify the tracking of accounts. In short, this means less worry about taxes and more time gigging.



Key dates and deadlines

While they may not be the most riveting of placeholders to put in your diary, there are some unavoidable dates and deadlines to note if you want to meet your tax obligations as a gig worker. Not doing so can result in hefty repercussions. The tax year begins on the 1st of July and ends on the 30th of June each year. The 30th of June is also the final day to claim deductions for business expenses incurred throughout the year. The other key date is the 31st of Octoberthis is the deadline for individuals not using a registered tax agent to lodge their tax returns.



Income and expenses tracking

To complete an accurate end-of-year statement, its essential to keep track of all invoices, income, and expenses throughout the year. Doing this manually, either on paper or via a digital spreadsheet, however, can prove tricky and be prone to error. Expenses tracking can be critical for your income. As a gig worker, it can be easy to overlook the various expenses incurredsuch as your phone bill or fuel. Claiming deductions for those expenses can take time, but make all the difference when it comes to funds owed to the ATO. Doing so accurately may even lead to a healthy tax rebate at the end of the financial year.

Ideally, gig economy workers should use a digital system designed precisely for invoices, payments, and expenses. This will help ensure there are no missed payments or expenses, and no costly mistakes made when filing the final return.

Real-time reporting

In relatively recent history, tracking your accounts was a manual process consisting of calls to your accountant, digging out files containing your paper business receipts, and doing your best to navigate the keys of a calculator that you may not have picked up since school. That has now changed. All you now need to do to get a real-time gauge on your accounts is log in to your accounting platform and your own personalised dashboard will appear, showing your estimated reduction in income tax based on the expenses you have logged, recent payments, outstanding invoices and more.

Being a relatively new sector, the gig economy is ever-evolving and the new legislation has heightened the reporting responsibilities of gig economy workers and the organisations that hire them. While mandatory logging of accounts and taxes can seem labour-intensive and time-consuming, there are tools and techniques now available that mean gig workers can confidently stay across their accounts.

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U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden days before his scheduled sentencing on gun-possession and tax-related charges, despite having repeatedly said he would not do so.

The sweeping pardon announced on December 1 exonerates Hunter Biden, 54, from any crime he may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.



That period includes Hunter Biden's controversial stint as a board member of the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma Holdings, a role that was a touchstone for Republican criticism of Joe Biden and was at the heart of the first of two impeachments of Donald Trump, the former president who will return to the White House in January.

Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma in May 2014, less than three months after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was pushed from power and fled to Russia in the culmination of the massive, monthslong Euromaidan protests over official corruption and his decision to scrap plans for a trade agreement with the European Union and pursue closer ties with Moscow.



Hunter Biden's business partner, Devon Archer, had joined a month earlier, when the U.K. froze a Burisma bank account holding $23 million amid suspicion of money laundering.



At the time, Joe Biden was the U.S. vice president and President Barack Obama's point man for Ukraine, which was battling Russian and Russian-backed forces in a war fomented by Moscow in the eastern Donbas region following Yanukovych's departure. Russia had also seized control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

Burisma's owner, Mykola Zlochevskiy, a former environment and natural resources minister, was under investigation for corruption, accused of having used his position to acquire lucrative gas fields.



Hunter Biden had no background in the energy industry, sparking speculation he was hired to provide political cover for Burisma and its owner. The United States and its allies were in the process of placing sanctions on former officials in Yanukovych's government who were believed to have enriched themselves.



Hunter Biden was paid as much as $50,000 a month, a large amount by U.S. standards. Board members of Apple and Meta, two of the biggest companies in the world, were receiving on average about $30,000 a month at the time. Biden said he never spoke with his son about his work, including Burisma.



In 2016, Biden threatened to withhold aid to Ukraine if the government did not dismiss its prosecutor-general, who was widely considered to be hindering corruption investigations. Ahead of the 2020 election, Republicans cast that threat as an attempt by Biden to hinder an investigation into Burisma, without providing any evidence.



Overall, Republicans accused Democrat Joe Biden of peddling influence overseas and his son of violating the U.S Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals lobbying the U.S. government on the behalf of a foreign state to register with the Justice Department.



Hunter Biden served on the Burisma board until April 2019, when his father announced he would challenge then-President Trump in the 2020 election. Trump soon began targeting Hunter Biden's work in Ukraine, and the issue roiled U.S.-Ukrainian relations just as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took office after his election in April 2019.



During a phone call that July, Trump asked Zelenskiy to look into the Bidens' activities in Ukraine.



The call led to accusations that Trump had conditioned the release of nearly $400 million in military aid on an investigation into the Bidens, and Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The Senate acquitted Trump on both charges in February 2020.



Joe Biden defeated Trump in the November 2020 presidential election, but Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 vote last month and will take office again on January 20.



The controversy surrounding Burisma was an unfortunate development for Ukraine, serving only to reinforce its image in the United States as a corrupt state, Oleksandr Krayev, an analyst at Ukrainian Prism, a Kyiv-based think tank, told RFE/RL.



"Ukraine was secondary to Hunter Biden's story, [but] we looked like a small corrupt state where evil companies and golden youth launder their money," Krayev said.



U.S. presidents frequently pardon a number of nonviolent criminals or commute their sentences shortly before leaving office. But Biden's broad pardon of his son has fueled criticism from Republicans and rankled some supporters who say he is undermining Americans' faith in the judicial system.



It has also been criticized in foreign countries, including Ukraine, given the emphasis the United States has placed on the importance of an independent judiciary free of intervention.



"This example is disappointing. Practice what you preach," Daria Kalenyuk, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center in Kyiv, told RFE/RL. "Such actions provide Russia and other authoritarian regimes with additional opportunities for propaganda. This is especially harmful in the context of war, when Russia is actively trying to discredit Western democracies and their values."

Hunter Biden had been due to be sentenced on December 12 and 16 in two separate cases. In June, he was found guilty of lying about his drug addiction on a government form required to obtain firearms. Then, in September, he pleaded guilty to falsifying his tax returns and paying his taxes late.



While he faced more than a decade in prison, as a first-time, nonviolent offender, he was likely to serve a few years at most and might have avoided prison altogether, legal experts say.



In announcing the pardon, Biden accused his Republican opponents of targeting him and his son and expressed concern that this would continue after Trump takes office.



"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.



Whether the incoming Trump administration will seek to pursue an investigation related to Burisma is unclear. Trump said last year that he will name a special counsel to probe the Biden family, though he gave no details about who might be investigated on what possible charges.



The pardon does not prevent the Trump administration from pursuing an investigation, but Hunter Biden could ask a court to dismiss any charges, pointing to his broad clemency, experts say.



Kyrylo Ovsyaniy contributed to this report from Kyiv
BELGRADE -- Serbia has extradited five Chinese citizens in the last five years, according to data obtained by RFE/RL.

While one extradition case between China and Serbia was made public in 2021, the new instances, which were obtained by RFE/RLs Balkan Service through a freedom-of-information request from the Serbian Justice Ministry, shows extraditions took place on a larger scale than previously known.

That cooperation is also set to grow as the Justice Ministry prepares to submit to parliament a draft extradition law with China that, if passed, would expand the scope of cooperation between Beijing and Belgrade.

In response to questions from RFE/RL, the Justice Ministry said it is currently writing the draft law and is "obtaining the opinions of other competent institutions." After that, the ministry said it "will initiate the procedure for ratification" of the treaty between Serbia and China.

The extradition agreement was signed in May during a state visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Belgrade and is a sign of the deepening ties between the two countries. During that trip, Xi and Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic boosted their strong partnership with 28 new agreements, setting the stage for further cooperation in areas such as law enforcement and the media.

The extradition deal, which would regulate the bilateral extradition of citizens charged with crimes, is seen by experts as a response to the influx of tourists and Chinese nationals to Serbia that have corresponded with high-profile Chinese investments and loans for projects through Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

According to data from Serbia's National Employment Service, more than 45,000 work permits have been issued to Chinese citizens since 2016, the year the ruling Serbian Progressive Party started intensifying relations with Beijing and expanding BRI projects.

Serbias Interior Ministry told RFE/RL there are currently 3,433 Chinese citizens registered in the country.

Petar Vidosavljevic, a lawyer at the Belgrade Center for Human Rights, a Belgrade-based NGO, tells RFE/RL that visa-free travel between the two countries has made it easier for Chinese to come to Serbia, including criminals.

But he added that questions remain over how Serbian "authorities will apply this agreement" and whether they will monitor it for instances of misuse.

Extradition Concerns

Beijing has faced criticism from watchdog groups for using the extradition system around the world to not only bring back criminals but also political dissidents and those from vulnerable groups, such as the country's Uyghur community.

The Madrid-based NGO Safeguard Defenders has warned about Beijing abusing the system.

The group says China has thus far signed more than 60 bilateral extradition treaties with countries around the world and more than 40 of them have been ratified by national parliaments.

And since Xi came to power in late 2012, Safeguard Defenders has recorded nearly 70 attempts by the Chinese government to have 400 people extradited to China. Most of them were in Europe and the extradition requests were deemed to be based on tenuous legal grounds.

Serbia has signed extradition treaties with numerous countries, such as the United States, Germany, Belarus, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

But in the last five years, courts in more than a dozen European Union member states have stopped adhering to extradition requests from China, due to suspicion that the person whose extradition is sought would face repression, abuse, and extrajudicial retaliation back home.

A Serbian Snapshot

In the cases documented in the data obtained by RFE/RL about Serbia extraditing Chinese nationals, all five of the Chinese were pursued on criminal charges -- three on charges of fraud, one for money laundering, and one for inflicting serious bodily harm.

All five cases took place under Serbian domestic law that covers international criminal issues.

The new treaty, if ratified by parliament, could streamline that process, Vidosavljevic says. But he adds that with the contents of the deal signed in May not publicly available, there are concerns among human rights advocates as to whether all elements of the agreement will be disclosed.

The contract Serbia signed with China raised concern among human rights experts because it has still not been made public, Vidosavljevic adds.

Several contracts signed between Belgrade and the Chinese government or Chinese state-owned companies remain secret and came under scrutiny.

Most recently, there has been public backlash over the contracts with Chinese construction companies that renovated and rebuilt parts of the main railway station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, whose roof collapsed and killed 15 people.

Serbian authorities said Chinese firms did not replace the roof that collapsed and that the contracts will not be publicly disclosed due to secrecy provisions in the deals.

Correction: The number of work permits issued to Chinese citizens since 2016 was previously stated incorrectly.
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.
President Joe Biden recently became the first American president to visit Angola. Throughout my presidency, he said, its been [the] goal of the United States to build a strong partnership with peoples and nations across the continent of Africa.

African leadership will be important going forward as one out of every four human beings on Earth will live in Africa by the year 2050. It will be up to this next generation to expand access to clean energy, tackle threats of global health, and grow a global middle class.

Two years ago, the United States pledged to deliver $55 billion in new investments in Africa and to mobilize American businesses to close new deals with African partners. This plan has already proven very productive, said President Biden:

More than 20 heads of U.S. government agencies and members of my Cabinet have traveled to Africa, delivering over $40 billion in investments thus far. And we have announced nearly 1,200 new business deals between African and American companies  and American companies  total will be worth $52 billion, including investments in solar energy, telecom, mobile finance, infrastructure, and partnerships with American airlines.

Being all in on Africa means making sure African voices are heard at the tables that matter most, declared President Biden.

Under my leadership, the United States, we brought in the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 economies, and we insisted on more African representation among the leaders of the International Monetary Fund and other world financial institutions. Weve also pushed to ensure that developing nations do not have to choose between paying down unsustainable debt and being able to invest in their own people.

The United States continues to be the worlds largest provider of humanitarian aid and development assistance. And thats going to increase, promised President Biden:

Im announcing over $1 billion in new humanitarian support for Africans displaced from homes by historic droughts and food insecurity. But we know African leaders and citizens are seeking more than just aid. You seek investment. And so, the United States is expanding our relationship all across Africa  from assistance to aid to investment to trade  moving from patrons to partners to help bridge the infrastructure gap.

Today the United States and Angola, said President Biden, are standing shoulder to shoulder, working together for the mutual benefit of their people.
High Court Reporters

A hospital has apologised to the family of an elderly lady who died while on holiday here from the US after she was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department for treatment following a hill walking fall.

Cavan General Hospital, in a letter read to the High Court, apologised for the shortcomings in the care of mother of four Mary Mulligan who it was claimed was not seen for six hours by an Emergency Department doctor.

Her familys counsel Sara Antoniotti SC instructed by Augustus Cullen and Law told the High Court there was a six hours lengthy delay before the 73-year olds medical assessment by a doctor.

Counsel said it was their case that if this had not occurred the pensioner would not have died.

Counsel also told the court that Ms Mulligan was on blood thinning medication and, as a result, should have had a CT scan within 8 hours of her fall at 2.30pm.

Counsel said the scan should have been carried out before 11pm but was not done until 2.30am.

Prior to her death, Ms Mulligan who had seven grandchildren had been living in Texas with some family members and the rest of her family was in Ireland.

An apology was read to the court as her family settled a High Court action against the HSE. The case was before the court for the division of the statutory 35,000 mental distress payment only.

A letter from Cavan and Monaghan Hospital general manager Su-Zann OCallaghan was read to the court which said: "On behalf of Cavan General Hospital I wish to sincerely apologise for the shortcomings in the care your mother received at the hospital which we acknowledge fell below the expected standard of care.

It added: I acknowledge and apologise unreservedly to you and your family for the ongoing distress and suffering this has caused. We wish to reassure you and your family that the hospital strives at all times to optimise patient care and we will continue to ensure that best practice is at the forefront of our clinical service to all patients.

Ms Mulligans daughter Roisin McMahon, Carrick, Virginia, Co Cavan had sued the HSE over the death of her mother.

Mrs Mulligan had slipped and fallen face forwards while climbing a hill on September 2nd, 2021 at 2.40pm and had sustained a laceration to her forehead. She was brought to the hospital where a triage assessment was carried out at 5.27pm.

A nursing note recorded that Ms Mulligan was seen by an Emergency Department doctor at 11.20pm

A nursing note at 1am on September 3rd showed Ms Mulligan to be sweaty and unresponsive and a clinical deterioration was noted a half an hour later.

A CT scan performed after 2.30am and it showed a massive intracranial haemorrhage. Ms Mulligan was transferred to a Dublin hospital where operative care was not advised and she died at 1.15pm on September 3rd.

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was a failure to recognise or understand heed or respond to the womans head injury and a failure to ensure an adequate and timely assessment of Ms Mulligan on her presentation with a head injury.

An unreasonable delay, it was claimed, occurred in the performance of the CT scan and an intracranial haemorrhage developed during her time in the Accident and Emergency Department and there was a delay in the administration of correct and timely intervention until such time when her neurological status was irreversible.

Approving the division of the solatium, Mr Justice Paul Coffey conveyed his deepest sympathy to Ms Mulligans family.
An attempted carjacking involving a masked gang wielding bars took place in the early hours of last Friday morning at a filling station on the Boyle Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, it has emerged.

Its understood that a car carrying the gang first rammed another vehicle at the self-service filling station while the driver was getting fuel. They then attempted unsuccessfully to hijack another car, the driver of which was also getting fuel at the time.

The gang then escaped on foot following the incident, which proved to be a terrifying ordeal for the two motorists.

A Garda spokesperson informed the Roscommon Herald that Gardai are investigating a road traffic incident at a commercial premises on the Boyle Road in Carrick-on-Shannon last Friday morning.

The spokesperson said that a collision involving two cars occurred at approximately 5.40 a.m..

It is reported that following the collision there was an attempted unlawful taking of a vehicle, said the spokesperson.

No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Gardai in Carrick-on-Shannon on 071 965 0517, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Olivia Kelleher

Volunteers who organise regular soup kitchens in Cork have called for better services to be provided for vulnerable people such as Vanessa OCallaghan (36) who died in hospital yesterday after being assaulted in the city centre last weekend.

A Kindness Krew soup kitchen was running outside the former Savoy Cinema in Patrick Street in Cork at around 8pm last Sunday when Ms OCallaghan was attacked by up to three people.

Kindness Krew volunteer, Roslyn Barrett, went to the aid of Ms OCallaghan. Roslyn and the other volunteers are trained in first aid so she provided CPR at the scene prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

She described the late Ms OCallaghan as having been quiet and mannerly".

In an interview with the Opinion Line on Corks 96FM Ms Barrett said that she didnt want Vanessa to be another statistic".

It is frightening what is going on and it is very sad that I am on the radio giving my condolences to Vanessas family. I hope they get peace.

"I knew Vanessa very well from our soup run. She was a lovely girl. Never bothered anybody. This unprovoked attack shoudnt be happening to vulnerable people in the city.

"There are seven of us on the soup run who risk our lives every Wednesday and Sunday to go in town to feed these vulnerable people. 99 percent of people appreciate what we give them and are hungry coming up for a second hot dinner.

"That shouldnt be happening in this day and age. The city council and our Government need to see what is going on in our country. None of our homeless are ever provided with anything by our city council.

One soup service user told the Opinion Line producer, Paul Byrne, that Vanessa was a kind and generous person who once gave him a hundred euro she had found on the street. Another user said that Vanessa wouldnt have hurt a fly".

Vanessa OCallaghan.

The Kindness Krew, who are comprised of volunteers who give hot food and drink to the homeless, posted on Facebook that Vanessa didnt deserve what happened to her. They expressed their hope that the Cork native would rest in paradise".

Street Angels, another voluntary group who assist the vulnerable in the city, posted that they had heard of the passing of Vanessa with a very heavy heart".

Rest in peace my angel. May you get the best bed in heaven. Heartbroken my friend. Please all say a prayer for her loving soul.

Both groups are organising vigils in memory of Vanessa and will post details in their social media pages in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said that the death of Ms OCallaghan was an appalling event".

Questions always need to be asked about whether the amount and quality of the services are sufficient when an incident like this happens. We need to ask ourselves what we should be doing and how we should be doing better.

A postmortem will be carried out today at Cork University Hospital in order to determine the course of the garda investigation. However, the death is expected to be upgraded to a murder probe.

CCTV footage from area businesses is being harvested and a large number of statements have been made. Investigations are ongoing. Gardai have appealed for witnesses to the incident to contact them.

They have also asked that members of the public who were in the area of Patrick Street between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday night, and who may have video footage (including dash cam) contact Angelsea Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
Michael Bolton

Two men have been arrested by gardai after 2.14 million worth of cannabis was seized in Co. Meath.

On Wednesday, gardai intercepted a vehicle in the Finglas area of Dublin, and conducted a coordinated search of a residence in the Donore area of Co. Meath.

During the course of the operation, cannabis with an estimated value of 2.14 million, and 231,350 cash were seized.

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by FSI (Forensic Science Ireland).

The two men, aged in their 30s, have been arrested in connection with the investigation, are currently detained at a Garda station in the Co. Louth area.

Following the operation Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau said:

"This substantial seizure of cannabis and cash once again shows the vast profits being made by transnational organised crime groups, from casual drug use across Ireland. There is a direct link between personal use drugs consumption and the violence and drug related intimidation being experienced in communities.

"We, in An Garda Siochana, will continue to disrupt the drugs networks bringing drugs into our country and to make Ireland a hostile environment for these criminals to operate. Demand fuels supply. Please think before you use this festive period and play your part in making your community safer.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
Pro-European alliance in the future parliament

The Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania and national minorities have decided to form a pro-European parliament coalition

The Chamber of Deputies (photo: cdepro)

Roxana Vasile, 05.12.2024, 13:50

The Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania and national minorities other than the Hungarian signed, on Wednesday, a joint resolution in which they commit to form a coalition in the future Parliament of the country following the December 1 elections. We must overcome the wave of hatred that has been grinding us for 20 years and focus, together, on a great national goal  the continuation of Romanias European development path! This is what Romanians are expecting from us, both those who live in the country and those who live in the West and who have shown us, through their recent vote, that we must continue to build a strong and dignified state, capable of fighting for the rights of the Romanians, stated the Social-Democratic leader and prime minister in office, Marcel Ciolacu.

The coalition is for the stability and modernization of Romania for the benefit of all citizens, the Liberal interim president, Ilie Bolojan also pointed out, reaffirming, on behalf of all the signatory parties, that they will maintain and strengthen Romanias commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values and partnerships, as pillars of security and national prosperity. Also, the president of UDMR, Kelemen Hunor, has stated that this coalition also aims to isolate those forces considered extremist, which have an ideology unsuitable for Romanian society. It is gratifying that no party wants to associate with AUR and SOS, said Kelemen Hunor.

All eyes are, of course, now focused on the extremely tense second round of the presidential elections, as the head of state is the one who, after consultations with all the political parties in parliament, designates the one who will form a Government. The interim leader of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, urged all Romanian citizens to vote informed and rationally in the next election, to choose a pro-European, democratic and safe Romania and to reject isolationism, extremism and populism. Going forward  the UDMR leader also said, x-raying the current political situation  we must, however, find those formulas and, of course, those public projects through which we can respond to societys expectations. I want to believe that both PNL and PSD have understood the message of the people and do not want the continuation of what they have done in the last year and a half.

Government partners, seeming to have finally found that common element that united them, at the expense of the one that had deeply divided them in the past, the two, however, have put into operation their arsenal of fierce political struggle before the presidential and parliamentary elections. And between USR and PSD there has been a lot of grudge and resentment for years. Now, through the parliamentary coalition they agreed on, all these political forces say they now want to send an important message to society. (MI)
Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency crossed the long-awaited psychological milestone of $100,000 amidst excitement that followed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominating crypto enthusiast Paul Atkins to Chair the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cryptocurrencies in general and Bitcoin in particular have rallied significantly over the past month at the prospect of a crypto-friendly regime in the U.S.

Bitcoin touched an all-time high of $103,900.47 breaching the previous peak of $99,655.50 touched on November 22. It is currently trading at $103,347.88 recording overnight gains of more than 7 percent and an addition of more than 144 percent till date in the year 2024. Bitcoin dominates 55.5 percent of the overall crypto market.

With a market capitalization of $2.05 trillion, Bitcoin is ranked 7th in the global ranking of all assets as per market capitalization published by companiesmarketcap.com.

Overall crypto market capitalization has also increased to $3.68 trillion implying an overnight addition of more than 4 percent.

For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.com

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
British telecom major Vodafone Group Plc. (VOD.L,VOD) announced Thursday that the UK's Competition and Markets Authority or CMA has approved its proposed combination with CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.'s Three UK.

The CMA approval follows 18 months of detailed and thorough analysis, the company noted.

It was in June 2023 that Vodafone and CK Hutchison agreed to combine their UK telecommunication businesses, Vodafone UK and Three UK. On closing the transaction, it was agreed that Vodafone would own 51% of the combined and CK Hutchison 49%.

In January 2024, the CMA launched its first phase of investigation into the proposed combination.

In September, the CMA provisionally concluded that the proposed 15 billion pounds merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in the U.K.

Following the CMA's approval, Vodafone and Three now plan to study the final report in detail and will continue to engage with the CMA as they put in place the final undertakings.

The merger is expected to formally complete during the first half of 2025. Vodafone will own 51% of the equity and, after three years following completion and subject to certain conditions, Vodafone may acquire Hutchison's 49% stake through a Put and Call option.

Vodafone and Three have committed to invest 11 billion pounds to create an advanced 5G network, which is expected to reach 99% of the population and benefit over 50 million customers.

Vodafone noted that the 11 billion pounds network investment will require no public funding. As highlighted by the CMA, it will boost competition between the mobile network operators in the long term, benefiting millions of people who rely on mobile services.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
European stocks hovered near one-month highs on Thursday as President Emmanuel Macron seeks a way out of France's political crisis.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is expected to resign later today after being ousted in a no-confidence vote over a budget dispute. That makes him the shortest serving prime minister in modern French history.

It is likely that the country will remain without a government for several weeks, if not months, until Macron appoints a new prime minister, who will have to form a new government.

The State budget and the social security budget for 2025 will not be voted on, but the constitution allows special measures that would avert a U.S.-style government shutdown.

The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.3 percent at 519.16 after rising 0.4 percent on Wednesday.

The German DAX gained 0.3 percent, France's CAC 40 added half a percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was marginally higher.

Shell fell around 1 percent while Equinor rose half a percent after they have announced plans to merge their British offshore oil and gas assets, creating what will become the U.K.'s largest independent energy company.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE, a French real estate company, added 1 percent after it acquired a 38.9 percent stake in URW Germany GmbH and its related entities from its joint venture partner Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in an off-market transaction.

Vodafone shares rose about 1 percent in London after the country's antitrust authority approved the company's $19 billion merger with Hutchison's Three UK.

Paper and packaging firm DS Smith fell 1.2 percent after reporting declines in half-year revenue and profits.

AstraZeneca rose half a percent as Imfinzi receives for limited-stage small cell lung cancer.

Future Plc soared 15 percent after reporting its full-year results for 2-24.

Frasers Group plummeted 12 percent as the sportswear and fashion retailer lowered the upper end of its full-year profit forecasts.

French aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran SA plunged 5 percent after issuing new financial targets.

Banks BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale climbed 2-3 percent on hopes that the government can avoid a shutdown.

Oil firm TotalEnergies added 1.7 percent after RBC upgraded its rating on the stock.

Aurubis AG shares jumped 14 percent after the German supplier of non-ferrous metals and copper recycler reported robust full-year results in a volatile market environment.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health-funded study found that eating dark chocolate could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 21 percent.

"Our findings suggest that not all chocolate is created equal," Binkai Liu, a doctoral student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said.

"For anyone who loves chocolate, this is a reminder that making small choices, like choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can make a positive difference to their ."

The study, published in The BMJ, included over three decades of data of nurses and healthcare workers in the U.S. The total 192,000 participants were diabetes-free when they initially reported about their food habits.

The participants were followed-up with food frequency questionnaires every four years, evaluating the link between type 2 diabetes and total chocolate consumption, and type of chocolate.

At the end of the study period, around 19,000 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and of the roughly 112,000 participants who specified their dark and milk chocolate intake, nearly 5,000 were diagnosed with the condition.

"We were surprised by the clear split between dark and milk chocolate's impact on diabetes risk and long-term weight management," corresponding author Qi Sun, an associate professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, said.

"Even though dark and milk chocolate have similar levels of calories and saturated fat, it appears that the rich polyphenols in dark chocolate might offset the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and diabetes. It's an intriguing difference that's worth exploring more."

Researchers noted that those who consumed a one ounce serving, or 28.3 grams, at least five times a week, had 10 percent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who never or rarely ate chocolate.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News
While Hero Electric was once among the preferred options, controversies related to dealers and alleged FAME II subsidy misappropriation have dented the brands reputation

It is commendable that Hero Electric was among the first businesses to offer electric two-wheelers in India. The company had launched its operations around 2009. Someone at Hero Electric had the vision to foresee that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive world.

Hero Electric website down

It is important to note that Hero Electric is a completely distinct entity and should not be confused with Hero MotoCorp. The latter is primarily focused on ICE two-wheelers, although VIDA electric scooter is also available. Talking about Hero Electric, the official website (heroelectric.in) is down for around two weeks. Theres evidence to support that with the help of Web Archives. Hero Electrics website currently shows the 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable error message.

While this can happen to any website due to technical issues, Hero Electrics website going offline for several days is quite intriguing. Conversations on Hero Electrics X handle are also pretty sparse, with the last update posted in June 2024. Finding relevant links about Hero Electric on search engines has also become quite challenging. When there are no or limited updates from a website or brand, search engines adjust the rankings accordingly. And even for links that are available, the 503-error message is displayed.

Hero Electric  What went wrong?

Hero Electric was doing pretty good just a few years back. In 2022, the company had reported its best ever annual sales of 100,123 units. Hero Electric had ambitious plans to produce 5 million EVs in three years. The company was expanding its charging network in collaboration with its partners. New facilities were also being planned such as the 170-acre plant in Salarpur industrial area in Rajasthan. The company had also partnered with multiple NBFCs to provide easy finance options to its customers.

Troubles for Hero Electric started when its name came up in alleged FAME subsidy misappropriations. FAME subsidy was meant for components manufactured locally. It was alleged that Hero Electric had claimed subsidy on parts that were imported. Other EV brands were also involved in similar cases, some of whom decided to return the subsidy amount. But Hero Electric challenged the allegations made by the investigative agencies. The company even made a counter claim and demanded Rs 556 crore from the government. According to Hero Electric, this amount was the pending subsidy for past EV sales.

Trouble with dealers

Earlier this year, Hero Electric dealers had protested against the company for alleged pending payments of Rs 500 crore. The dealers said that they have not received any payment in the past two years. Responding to the allegations, Hero Electric had said that the issues will be resolved by December 2024.

SFIO raids

In the latest development, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has raided Hero Electric premises in connection with the FAME subsidy misappropriation case. Raids were also conducted at Benling India and Okinawa. Benling India website is currently showing as Account Suspended. It is not certain if this is linked to the search operations conducted by SFIO. According to SFIO, subsidies of around Rs 297 crore have been misappropriated. During the search operations, SFIO has confiscated various account books, digital data and other potential evidence.
The new Honda Amaze is the only sub 4m sedan to offer ADAS, thus offering a tempting proposition for buyers with regard to safety

Despite the Indian automotive market gravitating towards vehicles marketed as an SUV, car makers are still betting big on sub 4m entry-level sedans. For Honda Cars India Ltd, the bet on Amaze is a lot bolder, considering Amaze is their best-selling vehicle in the domestic market, bringing volumes.

It has to go against rivals like Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor and the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is very interesting to see how close two Japanese manufacturers in India has launched their sub 4m sedans in India. In this comparison, lets take a look at how Amaze fares against Dzire in terms of features, specs, dimensions and pricing.

Honda Amaze VS Maruti Dzire

Price-wise, Maruti Suzuki has an advantage as it starts from Rs 6.79 lakh (Ex-sh). In comparison Amaze gets an introductory Rs 8 lakh base price, which will be increased after 45 days of launch. The mass production and economies of scale along with less expensive 3-cylinder engine has allowed Maruti to price Dzire aggressively.

Where dimensions are concerned, new Amaze is identical in length, 2mm narrower in width and 25mm shorter in height. But it blows punches back by offering a 20mm longer wheelbase and a larger 416L boot, 34L more than Dzires 382L. In their top-spec trims, both Amaze and Dzire come equipped with larger 15-inch alloy wheels.

Both sedans get 185-section tyres. Despite Dzire offering a taller 65 profile tyre than Amazes 60, ground clearance is more on Amaze at 172mm as opposed to Dzires 163mm. Amaze is also slightly heavier than Dzire where kerb weight is concerned.

Specs and Performance

While pricing is not Amazes strength, specs and performance are in its favour. We say this because new Amaze retains the iVTEC 1.2L 4-cylinder engine that is capable of delivering 88 bhp of peak power and 110 Nm of peak torque. Dzires new 3-cylinder engine is low on performance and is significantly more prone to vibrations and is not a thrilling package.

Even the gearbox choices with Amaze are a cut above as it offers a CVT automatic option with paddle shifters whereas Dzire offers a very sluggish AMT. Fuel efficiency numbers are higher with Dzire, but it has to be noted that Honda has a track record of under-quoting mileage figures and over-delivering in real world. Amaze lacks a factory CNG option, something that all of its rivals offer.

Features

Crash safety is an area where Honda promises big, thanks to the added ESC and 6 airbags. Dzire has proved its mettle by garnering 5 Stars in recent Global NCAP crash tests. The main advantage with Amaze is that it offers ADAS suite now, which is first in segment. Amaze offers bi-projector LED headlights and projector LED fog lights. Dzires LED lighting is based on reflectors.

Both vehicles get single-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents. Amaze lacks a sunroof, which is a sensible choice. Amaze offers an 8-inch infotainment system, an inch smaller than Dzires. Both vehicles have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Amaze strikes back with a better instrument cluster with a larger 7-inch TFT MID.

Where Dzire offers a 360-degree camera, Amaze only offers a LaneWatch camera on left ORVM. Amaze offers a headrest for centre passenger in 2nd row, but it still doesnt get adjustable headrests on 2nd row unlike Dzire. Comparing these vehicles, it is very clear that there is more to like on Amaze than Dzire despite the pricing strategy.
While Hyundai dominated the compact SUV segment and Creta topped SUV substrata as a whole, the companys sub 4m SUV sales declined

The month of November 2024 has been a slow one where automotive sales are concerned. The festive season (September and October 2024) over and the marriage season diverting expenditures, automotive sales take a slight hit around this time. Despite that, most of Indias best-selling cars and SUVs registered positive growth demonstrating their sales potential.

Top 10 Cars Nov 2024

It was Maruti Baleno that took the crown as Indias best-selling car of November 2024 with 16,293 units sold. This is quite a feat considering the 12,961 units sold a year ago yielding 25.71% YoY growth with 3,332 units gained in volume. In 2nd place, we have Hyundai Creta with 15,452 units sold and clocking an even more impressive 30.79% YoY growth and 3,638 units volume gain as opposed to 11,814 units from last year.

Tatas Golden Boys, Punch and Nexon, secured 3rd and 4th position on this list with 15,435 and 15,329 units sold respectively. Because they were just as popular last year, the YoY growth registered by Punch and Nexon was 7.31% and 2.77% respectively. Volume gained by Punch and Nexon YoY was 1,052 and 413 units respectively. Notably, these sales numbers included both ICE and EV versions of Punch and Nexon.

Maruti Suzuki offerings secured 5th position to 9th position on this list. Ertiga is in 5th position sidelining Brezza with 15,150 units sold last month with 17.83% YoY growth and 2,293 units gained in volume. With 14,918 units sold, Brezza registered an 11.39% YoY growth with 1,525 units volume gain as opposed to 13,393 units sold last year.

Trailing Brezza closely was Fronx, selling 14,882 units. When compared to 9,867 units sold last year, Fronx saw sales grow by 50.83% with 5,015 units gained in volume (highest in this list). The evergreen Swift managed to sell 14,737 units and was the first vehicle on this list to register a YoY decline of 3.75%, losing 574 units in volume. WagonR followed a similar trend with 13,982 units, but the decline was more drastic at 15.60% YoY, losing 2,585 units in volume.

Mahindras best-seller was Scorpio (Classic and N), securing 10th position on this list with 12,704 units sold last month. Scorpios popularity is constant and this mid-size SUV saw 4.26% YoY growth. Top 10 Cars Nov 2024 accounted for a total of 1,48,882 units last month. When compared to 1,34,254 units sold in November 2023, there was a 10.9% YoY growth with units gained in volume.

Top 15 SUVs November 2024

As mentioned before, there are 6 SUVs that featured on the Top 10 Cars Nov 2024 chart  Hyundai Creta, Tata Punch, Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Fronx and Mahindra Scorpio. In 7th place, we have Marutis Grand Vitara at 10,148 units sold last month. It is second-best-selling compact SUV after Creta, with 27.86% YoY growth and 2,211 units gained in volume as opposed to 7,937 units sold last year.

8th best-selling SUV was Hyundai Venue with 9,754 units, but it was the first SUV to register a sales decline of 12.75%, losing 1,426 units in volume. Venues Kia counterpart, Sonet, is doing rather well with 9,255 units sold and registered a healthy 43.87% YoY growth with 2,822 units gained in volume.

Mahindra XUV700 is Indias 10th best-selling SUV with 9,100 units sold.XUV700 registered 26.02% YoY growth with 1,879 units volume growth. At 11th place, we have Thar and Thar Roxx, selling 8,708 units in total and achieving a volume growth of 2,898 units YoY. At 12th place, we have the smallest Mahindra SUV, XUV3XO. There were 7,656 XUV3XOs sold last month and there was an impressive 63.83% YoY growth.

13th place was secured by Mahindra Bolero with 7,045 units sold. Bolero saw a 24.52% YoY decline in sales, losing 2,288 units in volume. Hyundai Exter sold 5,747 units with 30.97% YoY decline, just like Venue. Kia Seltos was at 15th position with 5,672 units sold last month and it registered 22.77% YoY growth. In total the top 15 best-selling SUVs accounted for 1,61,805 units in November 2024. When compared to 1,42,090 units from last year, there was a 13.88% YoY growth with 19,715 units gained in volume.

Source
Chinese delegates celebrate the inscription of Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

ASUNCION, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, taking place in Paraguay from Dec. 2 to 7. The committee recognized the festival for its wide array of rituals and unique cultural elements that engage all of Chinese society.

UNESCO highlighted that the Spring Festival, marking the start of the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, involves various social practices, including prayers for good fortune and family reunions. It also features activities planned by elders and festive public events organized by communities.

According to UNESCO's documentation, the traditional knowledge and customs associated with the Spring Festival are passed down informally within families and communities, as well as formally through the education system. Craftsmanship and artistic skills related to the festival are transmitted through apprenticeships, promoting family values, social cohesion, and peace, while providing a sense of cultural identity.

The committee also emphasized that the festival embodies the harmony between humans and nature and contributes to sustainable development in areas such as food security and education. It also plays a key role in raising environmental awareness.

China's vice minister of Culture and Tourism, Rao Quan, who led the Chinese delegation at the UNESCO session, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He stressed that the Spring Festival is China's most important traditional holiday, symbolizing the Chinese people's hopes for a better life, strong ties to family and country, and the values of harmony between humans and nature.

Rao further explained that the festival, passed down through generations, has provided lasting spiritual strength to the Chinese people. It has played a significant role in promoting family and social harmony, driving economic development, protecting the environment, and fostering global cultural exchange.

He added that the inclusion of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO list will help promote universal values of peace and harmony and highlight the important role of intangible cultural heritage in sustainable development.

With this addition, China now has 44 cultural elements or practices recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

Light decorations are pictured ahead of the Spring Festival in south China's Macao, Jan. 29, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Cheong Kam Ka/Xinhua)

Residents shop the Spring Festival decorations at a market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 10, 2023. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Hao Yaxin/Xinhua)

People visit a lantern show to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in the city of Taizhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 7, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

Folk artisans perform walking on stilts at a scenic spot of Zhengding ancient city in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 27, 2022. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

Members of a local gong and drum troupe perform during a temple fair in Junxian County of central China's Henan Province, March 2, 2018. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Xinhua/Li An)

Children perform dragon dance at a kindergarten to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Xianju County of Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 18, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua)

Local villagers perform dragon dance to celebrate the Spring Festival in Kuangting Village of Anhua Town in Zhuji City of east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 10, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China visit Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 1, 2024. Recently 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China learns about the making techniques of decorated dough figurines, a local intangible cultural heritage, at Quanzhou intangible cultural heritage museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 1, 2024. Recently 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China take a self-driving bus at Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Nov. 30, 2024. 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian recently. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Cheng Guo glazes on artworks at her art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

This photo taken on Dec. 3, 2024 shows two tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking artworks by Cheng Guo in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo (R) glazes an artwork under the instruction of her father Cheng Yongsheng at their art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo (R) discusses with her father Cheng Yongsheng on the selection of glaze colors at their art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo makes a sketch of an artwork at her art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo makes a tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking artwork at her art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo (R) and her colleagues make cultural and creative Sancai mural products at their art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Cheng Guo (front) and her colleague check on cultural and creative Sancai mural products at their art ceramics studio in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2024. The tri-colored glazed pottery printmaking, or Sancai murals, is an intangible cultural heritage in Luoyang.

Cheng Guo, a 27-year-old inheritor of Sancai murals, began making this kind of pottery artworks with her father Cheng Yongsheng at the age of 16. After years of practice, Cheng Guo has now mastered key techniques in making Sancai murals like sketching, glazing and pottery firing.

Compared with works of her father, the artworks of Cheng Guo are more creative and better received by young generation. Cheng said young inheritors like her should produce artworks which could keep abreast of the times as well as defend the traditions. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Editor: JYZ
German blogger Robert Adolf (2nd R, front) and his mother Anna Adolf (1st R, front) attend a Dong New Year celebration at Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Xuanni)

GUIYANG, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Anna Bei, a 38-year-old German member of a Shanghai-based choir, described performing during the Dong New Year celebrations in Liping County in southwest China's Guizhou Province as challenging and exhilarating.

"It's definitely a rare opportunity to communicate and exchange with local music culture," said Bei. A music major, she noted that she instinctively seeks out local music communities whenever she visits a new place.

"Liping is very different from Shanghai and Germany. This place not only has unique ethnic culture but also warm and friendly people, breathtaking scenery and delicious food," she added.

The Dong people, primarily residing in Guizhou and Hunan provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are celebrating their traditional New Year festival. A grand event, held in Liping from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, drew Dong communities from other regions as well as numerous international visitors.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2010, the Dong New Year is a vibrant festival that celebrates ancestral blessings, family reunions and the harvest.

Yang Pingzhen, 63, joined a parade to showcase freshly harvested edible fungi. "I'm thrilled to present our Dong culture and Guizhou's unique specialties to tourists during this grand event. More than 30 people from my community are taking part in this parade, all dressed in our colorful ethnic costumes," Yang said proudly.

For German blogger Robert Adolf, this is his third visit to the Dong New Year festivities in Liping, where he continues to document the rich culture of China's southwestern mountainous areas. Although he lives with his mother Anna Adolf in south China's island province of Hainan, Robert often travels to Guizhou on weekends to capture its landscapes and ethnic culture in short videos.

He noted that escaping the hustle and bustle of city life to experience the warmth and authenticity of the Dong New Year in Liping brings him immense joy.

As he wandered through Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping, he captured the enchanting melodies of traditional Dong singing and the lively ambiance of long-table banquets.

"This year's celebration is particularly lively. The streets and alleys of the Dong Village are packed with tourists, creating a fantastic atmosphere. I don't usually experience such a vibrant ethnic culture and festive spirit in the city," Robert Adolf said.

Sharing her thoughts, Anna Adolf added, "These special dishes have local flavors and are very delicious. This trip has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of Chinese ethnic culture and has made me feel at home in this place." 

Dong people dressed in colorful ethnic costumes take part in a parade in Liping County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Dec. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Xuanni)

Editor: JYZ
Ivan Geliukh, Chairman of the Management Board at D.Trading

The war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia compelled European countries to reconsider their gas supplies.

Europe is now focusing on diversifying supply sources and reducing consumption. Efforts to decrease reliance on Russian gas while ensuring energy security remain the primary challenge.

How gas supply sources changed since the full-scale invasion

Prior to 2022, Europe relied heavily on Russian gas, which accounted for approximately 35-45% of the EU's natural gas supply, delivered via pipelines like Nord Stream and the Ukrainian transit route.

In addition to Russia, major suppliers included Norway (approximately 25% of European imports), Algeria, and Qatar, which provided gas both via pipelines and in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Following Russian aggression and corresponding sanctions, Russias share of European gas imports dropped significantly, to 15% in 2023. European countries have shifted to LNG, notably from the United States and other nations, which now makes up about 43% of the EU's total gas imports. Norway and Qatar remain key suppliers, and Europe is investing in LNG infrastructure by building terminals for storage and processing.

These changes enabled EU countries to maintain stable gas reserves, even during the winter season. In 2023, Europe exited winter with reserves at 45-50%, significantly above the five-year average.

Ukraines role in stabilizing the European market

Ukraine plays a crucial role in stabilizing the European natural gas market, especially through its underground storage facilities. In the first quarter of 2024, more than 160 international energy companies from 32 countries stored gas in Ukraines facilities, which helped maintain high storage levels across Europe, reduced price volatility, and minimized the risk of sharp price spikes.

Despite challenges due to infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, Ukraines storage facilities continue to be used by international companies, reducing natural gas price volatility in Europe and decreasing dependency on traditional suppliers.

Future supply sources

Europe is intensifying efforts to diversify energy sources to further reduce dependence on Russian gas. The main strategy is to increase LNG imports from the United States, with the share of LNG in Europes supply expected to rise as new U.S. export terminals come into use in late 2024. More than half of new LNG export capacity in 2024 will come from the U.S.

Additionally, Europe is securing new long-term contracts with Qatar and Norway to ensure stable future energy supplies. Agreements with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Israel and Egypt, are also significant, as these countries continue to develop their gas fields.

EU countries are also investing in renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency to reduce overall natural gas demand. This includes investments in solar and wind power and developing new energy storage technologies.

The EU is actively pursuing energy-saving policies, especially under the REPowerEU plan, which sets ambitious targets to reduce gas consumption by 2030. European countries are heavily investing in modernization and energy efficiency measures to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and support the long-term stability of the energy system.

Market outlook

With gas storage levels high and market stability improving, Europes outlook for the second half of 2024 is optimistic. Analysts anticipate lower demand for LNG compared to the previous year.

A key factor in this stability is the resumption of operations at the Balticconnector pipeline between Finland and the Baltic countries. After a service interruption in October 2023, the pipelines reopening is expected to normalize gas flows, enhance supply balance in the region, and bring added stability to the European gas market. Going forward, European countries aim to maximize gas storage levels to prepare for potential challenges in the upcoming heating season.

This also includes the continued use of Ukrainian storage facilities, which will help stabilize the European market and reduce the risk of abrupt price hikes. These measures, along with lower gas demand, should ensure market stability in the coming months and readiness for winter challenges.
Oleh Gorokhovsky, co-owner of the virtual monobank, accused state-owned PrivatBank (Kyiv) of disclosing clients' banking information during the process of opening cards under the government's National Cashback program. PrivatBank has denied these allegations and hinted at possible legal action to defend its reputation.

"If you opened a National Cashback card at PrivatBank, you might want to check what you agreed to... Show this to others. It's not too late to fix it  no other banks do this," Gorokhovsky wrote on his Telegram channel on Wednesday, attaching an excerpt from the agreement.

In response, PrivatBank stated that the agreement was drafted based on government resolution No. 952, which regulates the cashback initiative. The resolution requires clients to authorize the transfer of information about payment transactions from specified accounts to enable reimbursements for purchasing domestic goods. The bank argued that Gorokhovsky had misrepresented the conditions of the National Cashback initiative, an important state program.

"We assure you, our bank operates strictly within the legal framework. The data transferred is used solely for calculating and providing cashback," PrivatBank said.

The state-owned bank emphasized that current legislation mandates written consent from each user for disclosing banking information before opening an account for the cashback program. Furthermore, PrivatBank, like all participants in the program, only transfers data related to transaction amounts spent or refunded at stores registered as sellers of Ukrainian goods.

"The bank reserves the right to seek recourse through competent authorities to protect its business reputation," PrivatBank stated.

Gorokhovsky, in turn, responded, "PrivatBank threatened me with a lawsuit for reading their agreement."

As previously reported, on October 11, the Ministry of Economy concluded beta testing of the National Cashback program and decided to launch a national advertising campaign for it.

The maximum monthly cashback is UAH 3,000, which can be spent by the 20th of the following month on healthcare, utilities, sports, cinema tickets, donations to the Armed Forces, or purchasing war bonds.

By late November, citizens had opened 4.6 million cards under the program, which involves 15 banks, including PrivatBank, monobank, Ukrgasbank, Sense Bank, FUIB, A-Bank, Bank Globus, UkrSibbank BNP Paribas Group, Oschadbank, Accordbank, Bank Credit Dnipro, Pravex Bank, Clearing House, Radabank, and Raiffeisen.
Ukraine's international reserves increased by $3.344 billion, or 9.1%, in November, reaching $39.925 billion as of December 1, 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).

"Such dynamics were driven by large inflows from international partners on the one hand, and decreased net FX sales by the NBU on the other hand," the NBU stated on its website on Thursday.

In November, the government's FX accounts at the NBU received $6.677 billion, including: $4.788 billion from the World Bank; $1.35 billion from the United States; $235 million from Japan; $192 million from the issuance of foreign currency government domestic loan bonds; $100 million from South Korea, and $13 million from other partners.

Simultaneously, $434 million was spent on servicing and repaying foreign currency public debt, including $311 million for foreign currency government bonds. Additionally, Ukraine paid $264 million to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The National Bank sold $2.712 billion on the FX market, while purchasing only $4.4 million to add to reserves.

The NBU also reported that the value of financial instruments increased by $72 million in November due to revaluation.

"International reserves are now covering 5.0 months of future imports," the NBU said.

According to the NBU's website, net international reserves grew even more significantly in November, increasing by $3.5 billion, or 15.6%, to $25.939 billion.

As previously reported, in late October, the NBU raised its forecast for international reserves at the end of 2024-2026 by $2.4-3.7 billion. The revised projections anticipate that international reserves will reach $43.6 billion by the end of 2024 before decreasing to $41 billion in 2025.
This story is part of the

Nonprofit Journal Project

, an initiative focused on nonprofit leaders and programs across Metro Detroit. This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

,

Michigan Nonprofit Association

and

Co.act Detroit

.

While the debate over immigration continues to rage in the wake of the presidential election, many Americans remain committed to welcoming refugees.One program that allows people to get involved directly helping refugees settle into their new communities and prepare for a new life is Welcome Corps . Run by the U.S. Department of State, Welcome Corps connects people who are fleeing violence or war in their home countries with everyday Americans who want to help them set down roots in their new home. Zaman International in Inkster is the main agency working with Welcome Corps in Michigan. The organization works with women who are newly arrived in America from countries all over the globe, but typically they come from the Middle East or Northern Africa. Because of that, says Joan Walton, Zaman's director of community and volunteer engagement, Zaman was asked to help by the state agency tasked with refugee resettlement.Since Zaman took on the work in October of 2023, 19 cases handled by the organization have arrived in Michigan, comprised of 58 individuals coming from Yemen, Syria, Burma, Eritrea, Sudan and Venezuela.Despite the change in administration and the expected crackdown on immigration, programs like Welcome Corps prove that Michiganders are committed to helping those who want to come here to start a better life for themselves and their families.As part of Waltons work with Welcome Corps, she encourages community groups to sponsor a person with refugee status who wants to come to America, typically to reunite with family members who are already here. Families in America often have been separated from their loved ones for years, perhaps even more than a decade, and Welcome Corps eases the process and provides families with a softer place to land after significant trauma and stress.You find that these families are really grasping at straws because they are desperate to get their families out of danger, Walton says. Getting them here is the American dream, but these families are used to waiting and these processes take a long time.Sponsor groups must be made up of at least five people, and they are required to raise $2,425 per refugee, although grants are available for 60 percent of that cost if they are sponsoring someone they dont know.Sponsors commit to working with refugees for 90 days after arrival. This allows the sponsors time to find permanent housing for the refugees if necessary, enroll children in school or daycare, connect them to services that can offer help beyond the scope of Welcome Corps, and orient them to their new community.This means familiarizing them with things like local laws, their rights and responsibilities, and figuring out transportation. Sponsors connect people with cultural resources like churches, shops where they can find foods from home, and fellow immigrants from their country.Sponsors also guide them through unfamiliar cultural practices. Imagine how the Fourth of July must feel for a survivor of war who is not expecting the barrage of neighborhood fireworks that erupt over the holiday. Or how strange commercialized religious observances like Christmas or Easter can seem if you are not from a country that celebrates them.Sponsoring a stranger requires a certain spirit of generosity and welcome, and it sometimes takes significant reflection before a group is ready to make that commitment. Sometimes churches just write checks, and I believe theres a lot more to (our) mission than that, Walton says. People need to do acts of kindness and help out.That was the case for people at Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church in Dearborn, who were looking for a more hands-on way to serve and thus connected with Zaman. Walton met with church members a few times and spoke at the churchs coffee hour. These discussions occurred before the church community made the decision to sponsor a family, said Deb Szwed, mission chair for the church.The church is sponsoring a family from Afghanistan, who had to flee the country when the Taliban came back into power when support from the United States withdrew in 2021.Its been a slow process, but the Cherry Hill group has been in contact with the family and the State Department, and they are using this time to prepare. Welcoming the stranger is a central tenet of Christianity, and committing to this project bears that out.We just got a note saying to have faith. It may be a couple of months, and it could be years, Szwed said.Resettling refugees can be a slow process and requires willingness to take on work, but its very rewarding, Walton says.The happiest moments are when families are reunited -- those airport moments when the whole family is there with signs and they see that person come through baggage claim, Walton says. Ive never been so happy to pay $40 an hour for parking.
A historic but long-vacant building in downtown New Baltimore will once again become a point of pride for Lake St. Clairs Anchor Bay community. A recently announced $1.2 million grant from the state will help make it happen.The New Baltimore Historical Society writes that the "Baker Building was built by Peter Schaars in 1868. Peter Schaars sold dry goods, clothing, medicine, and groceries from his store. Schaars also served as the local postmaster from 1867 to 1870, when he sold the building to William Baker Sr. for $4,000." The Baker family would operate their business from the New Baltimore storefront for more than a century, leaving the building in 1979. Other businesses would occupy the space in the next few decades, though the building has been vacant for the past several years.A $2.95 million redevelopment will preserve and restore the 9,316 sq. fr. building and its historic features while transforming it into a mixed-use space with street-level commercial space and three residential units in the floors above.Project stakeholders secured a $1,238,924 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and its Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program . The RAP program first launched in 2022 in support of Michigan communities as they sought to revitalize commercial centers hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program seeks projects that reinvigorate communities through the rehabilitation and development of vacant and blighted properties, place-based infrastructure projects, and public space improvements.The revitalization of this historic Baker Building marks an exciting new chapter for the New Baltimore community, says state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). Together with funds secured in the 2025 budget to repair the citys breakwalls, this grant provides us the opportunity to strengthen our collective work with local leaders to create a more vibrant downtown where people want to live, work, and play, while enjoying all that Lake St. Clair has to offer.The Baker Building is located at 51005 Washington St. in downtown New Baltimore.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Air defense shoots down 30 of 44 enemy drones, 12 lost in location

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

As of 8:30, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 30 of 44 unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Russian occupiers on the territory of Ukraine.

As the Air Force reported on Telegram on Thursday morning, 12 drones were lost in location, one left the controlled airspace in the direction of Belarus.

Enemy drones were shot down in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytsky and Odesa regions.
Air particles are down and concentration levels are up at the Sterling Heights Public Library these days. The SHPL received six free air filters (and replacement filters) this past November thanks to a statewide program intended to help Michiganders breathe a little easier when indoors.The librarys new air filters support improved air quality by removing 99.9 percent of particles, and some as small as 0.1 microns, that would otherwise be floating in the air, through our nostrils, and into our lungs.The SHPL obtained the air filters through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and its MI Indoor Air Ventilation Program. That program was launched in December 2022 by MDHHS, partnering with an equipment supplier to provide free air filters to K-12 schools throughout Michigan. The partnership has since expanded its reach , offering free air filters to public and community spaces like libraries, long-term care facilities, community centers, and more.Indoor air quality might not be top of mind when it comes to a persons everyday concerns  though it is for many with respiratory and other illnesses. Still, poor indoor air quality carries with it serious short- and long-term health effects, and whether you know it or not. In their Reference Guide for Indoor Air Quality in Schools , the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency writes, In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.This partnership with MDHHS brings invaluable support to our library, says Tammy Turgeon, Director of the Sterling Heights Public Library. Clean, healthy air is vital for our community, especially as our library continues to be a hub for residents of all ages. Were grateful for MDHHSs efforts in providing these air filters, which will help keep our library a safe space for all.The Sterling Heights Public Library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Rd. in Sterling Heights.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Scenes form last year's Winter Wanderland

Kellogg Arena

Scenes form last year's Winter Wanderland

Scenes from last year's Winter Wanderland
Artist: Daniel Kibezi

Compass Health Center

Samantha Devries, world history teacher at Loy Norrix High School

Artist: Daniel Kibezi

Loy Norrix student Tommy Lepley

Rosemary Goldstein, a Loy Norrix student

Jocelyn Wright-Newman, Loy Norrix High School Counselor

Vicky Kettner Edith Whalen











Edith Whalen, the writer,

Vicky Kettner Daniel Kibezi

Daniel Kibezi, the artist, is 13 years old and is an 8th grader at Milwood Middle School. Daniel strives to do well in schoo l. l.

Artist Statement:

My project is about how mental health affects students in school. I thought about different ways the topic can impact us negatively, but I focused on how we can help each other. My art shows how a helping hand can sometimes be all that people need. I used dye and clothing provided by my mentor to create this piece. I also used bleach to paint words on the hoodie.



I love how impactful art can be to show problems and opportunities for growth in society. I feel that wearable artwork is a great way to bring out the power and meaning in my artwork. Growing up, I felt like words in artwork were underrated, but showing the power in this would fulfill one of my goals.

This story was reported by Edith Whalen and the accompanying artworkwas created by Daniel Kibezi as part of the Fall 2024 Kalamazoo Voices of Youth Program. The program is a collaboration between Southwest Michigan Second Wave and KYD Network in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, funded by the Stryker Johnston Foundation. The Voices of Youth Program is led by Earlene McMichael. VOY mentors for this project were Jane Parikh (writing) and Casey Grooten (art).KALAMAZOO, MI  Teacher Samantha DeVries classroom at Kalamazoos Loy Norrix High School is covered in pillows,bookshelves line the walls, and 23 fun action figures sit on the long windowsill for students to play with. The welcoming environment doesnt stop there. She has an area she calls her Cozy Corner. DeVries says it is the crowning achievement of her room.It is not just an idea for an elementary- or middle-school classroom but is something that should be available at all levels for self-regulation of emotions and stress, says DeVries, who teaches world history.Educators like DeVries say it is not uncommon for students to come to class with things on their minds that worry them and it can impede their ability to focus on their studies. So, some teachers like her have taken action through the idea of a cozy corner in their own classrooms.Twenty percent of teens will experience depression by age 17, and 83% of teens will experience at least one traumatic event in adolescence, according to, a multi-state provider of mental health services on an outpatient and partial hospitalization basis.DeVries is utilizing the cozy corner concept commonly found in early educational circles, which provides a physical space for students to take a break. In DeVries classroom, her special space consists of an inviting, highly cushioned chair parked at a desk, next to which are colorful pillows, some with inspirational sayings.More pillows are scattered below on the blue and white soft area rug. Nearby, on a window ledge, are action figures, including Thor, Harry Potter, Stitch, Frog, and Cactus, among others.DeVries tells her students they can go to the Cozy Corner at any time they need to center themselves  no questions asked. Some students will put their heads down on the desk while others quietly sit on the rug and lean their heads against the wall. A few students play with the figurines while seated in the chair.They are able to be more at ease and comfortable as well as reduce their anxiety, DeVries says.DeVries got the idea for a cozy corner from when she was in seventh grade. My teacher had a place that she called Egypt with a map of Egypt and a comfy spot to sit in. And, if we were feeling anxious, we could go to Egypt, DeVries says.Years later when she became a teacher herself, DeVries started a cozy corner at Chester High School in Chester, South Carolina.DeVries says she understands what it is like to have challenges in ones life.In fact, the reason she moved to Kalamazoo was so that she could be with her dying sister.Ive even told my students, DeVries says of her late sisters illness. Its been a struggle.DeVries says her experience with grief caused by the death of her sister has made it easier for her to connect with students. She says her mental health struggles have made it easier to relate to what her students may be going through.A cozy corner is just one answer for a student who is having a rough day, or ongoing challenges.Loy Norrix freshman Rosemary Goldstein says she listens to music to help her focus more on the things she has to do, while Loy Norrix freshman Tommy Lepsy goes to his siblings to talk. Neither of them says they feel as if they can talk to a teacher about what they're dealing with or how they could solve it.But Goldstein says she thinks having a teacher with a cozy corner who knew what she was going through would help and give her someone else to talk to. Lepsy agrees.Yeah, I think that would help a lot, Lepsy says. It would be a better alternative than just freaking out in my mind like I usually do.In addition to the cozy corners available in some classrooms, Loy Norrix also has another space in the school for students to take a break. It is located near the main office and is called The Quiet Room.We put a lot of pressure on students to be perfect academically, says Loy Norrix counselor Jocelyn Wright-Newman.Wright-Newman says she is all for things like the Cozy Corner, or the Quiet Room, and says she thinks that they can help students as long as we give them the proper resources they need.Wright-Newman says, Part of it is just making it okay to talk about, making it safe to talk about, how people are feeling, to make sure that we all know how to be good listeners for other people when they are sharing concerns.This school, it's a lot of people in one place, and rough days can feel kind of overwhelming, so I think that It can be nice to have a place for people to take a break, whether that's in a classroom or somewhere else, Wright-Newman says.is a freshman at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Whalen likes to read, watch movies, and hang out with friends.
Politics

Spotlight

Reelected Chan traveled unlikely journey to SF politics

Craig Lee/The Examiner Connie Chan beat out Marjan Philhour for the District 1 supervisorial seat in a pair of close elections in 2020 and 2024.

Reelected District 1 San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan said she never planned to be a politician.

Chan said her mother, Irene Tam, whom she frequently cites as her biggest inspiration, discouraged her from even paying attention to government affairs, let alone making it her living.

But Chan said her life has been defined by stepping through doors and seeing where they take her.

I just sort of never look back, Chan told The Examiner.

Now, that circuitous journey has placed her not just in San Francisco politics, but at the center of it. Last month, Chan won a second term representing a swath of San Franciscos west-side residential corridors, including the Richmond, Sea Cliff and parts of Golden Gate Park. She will be sworn in Jan. 8.

District 1 once again featured an incredibly tight  and incredibly expensive  supervisorial race between Chan and moderate challenger Marjan Philhour.

In 2020, Chan defeated Philhour by 134 votes. The sequel was not quite as close as the original, but it still contained plenty of tension  Chan beat Philhour by 1,301 votes in the 2024 rematch, but the fourth round of tallied ballots, each candidate had exactly 11,001 counted votes.

Now, that was some real drama, Chan said.

But the celebration over the victory has been short-lived, Chan said.

Weve been back to work, she said. San Francisco has a lot of tough decisions to make.

Chan will be at the forefront of sorting through those decisions when her next term starts in the new year, as a second-term supervisor and the outgoing chair of the Board of Supervisors budget committee. She said addressing San Franciscos historic budget shortfall is her top priority.

But for most of her life, Chan said, she never envisioned she would be in the middle of these types of critical citywide choices.

I never thought about politics growing up, Chan said. My mom wanted me to be as far away from politics as possible.

Craig Lee/The Examiner Supervisor Connie Chan during the Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Chan was born in Hong Kong and spent her childhood in Taiwan. Her parents divorced when she was in grade school, leaving her mother alone to raise Chan and her younger brother.

She grew up in a time of political uncertainty, Chan said. The United Kingdom had just agreed to hand over the territory of Hong Kong back to China. Taiwan was in the midst of transitioning from a one-party state under martial law to a democracy.

In 1989, when Chan was 13, her mother, seeking a stable and democratic environment in which to raise her kids, moved the family to San Francisco, where her sister had taken root. They arrived in San Franciscos Chinatown without many resources and with few connections.

There were some tough years during the teenage years, Chan said. But I look back, and I always appreciate those years growing up in San Francisco.

Chans mother took computer and English classes at San Francisco City College, which put her in a position to land her first job as an insurance-claims processor at the Chinese Hospital. With her new income, Chans mother moved the family into a rent-controlled one-bedroom apartment on the border between Chinatown and North Beach. The family slept on bunk beds; Chan and her mother on the bottom and her brother on the top.

As they settled in the neighborhood, Chan said, she and her family increasingly became ingrained in it. While Chans mother distanced the family from politics, she encouraged them to be involved in the community.

For the rest of her life  until she died in 2021, shortly after Chan was sworn into office  Chans mother was a social worker in Chinatown. Tam mainly worked at the nonprofit On Lok, where she helped many Chinese-speaking seniors and families acclimate to America.

Robyn Burke, Chans legislative aide, said visits to Chinatown inevitably lead to strangers approaching Chan to say they either knew her mother or she helped their family in some way.

Its really amazing, because her mom was just so active in the community, said Burke, a longtime friend and colleague of Chan. She helped so many people. Its always a really touching moment.

Chan said her mother was acting just as the Chinatown residents did for Chans family when they first arrived in the U.S.

I wasnt just one person  it was the entire Chinatown village at every turn and corner, she said. We didnt know anybody, but everywhere we went like theres always a person willing to extend their hand to help you. It was just amazing, how this tiny little area had so much resources and love and care for an immigrant family.

Craig Lee/The Examiner Born in Hong Kong and raised for a time in Taiwan, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan moved to San Francisco with her family in 1989.

After graduating from Galileo High School and UC Davis, Chan said the first steps of her professional journey involved bouncing around to different odd jobs, working the latest and earliest of shifts. She was a waitress at TGI Fridays, a Starbucks barista, a shelf-stocker at KB Toys in Hayward and a baker at Cafe Roma in Davis.

Chan said she was determined to learn every intricate detail of where she worked, no matter how temporary the position. How do you make coffee? How do you do inventory? How do you schedule staffing? How does this business make a profit?

Chan said she carried that mindset with her as she transitioned into the political world.

Her entry into civic life was as a community organizer at the Community Youth Center in Chinatown. She eventually became an aide for Supervisors Sophie Maxwell and Aaron Peskin and then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, for whom she also served as an interpreter. Chan also had stints as a spokesperson for several city agencies.

I got a job that motivates me to wake up every morning, Chan said. Its an obsession to problem-solve, in that the reward is to see that the problems are solved.

Even then, Chan said, she did not consider being a legislator until former San Francisco Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer announced she was retiring after one term on the board.

Fewer personally asked Chan if she would be interested in running for the seat.

I looked around. She looked around. We looked around to see if anyone else would step up to the plate, Chan said. Thats how I ended up running for office.

Sean Kim, owner of Joes Ice Cream in the Richmond, said Chan stood out in her first term because she prioritized livelihood over politics.

He cited her opposition to Proposition K  the November ballot measure that passed and will permanently close part of the Great Highway to car traffic  as an example of her putting the needs of her community above her political ideology. Many of her progressive colleagues supported the measure, while the majority of voters in her district who weighed in on the measure cast ballots against it.

Even though shes known for her political progressiveness, we know she cares more about the neighborhood, Kim said.

And even though the neighborhood is not in her district, those close to her say Chan is dedicated to carrying on her mothers legacy in Chinatown.

Malcolm Yeung, executive director of the Chinatown Community Development Center, called Chan a woman warrior, referencing Chinese American author Maxine Hong Kingstons award-winning memoir of the same name, exploring the cultural dynamics of a Chinese American girl growing up in California.

To me that that moniker is really critical, because being a warrior isnt just about being a woman and being fierce, Yeung said. Its about being an immigrant woman, a Chinese American woman, and wading through all of the layers of challenge, opportunity and beauty that entails, and emerging from that as as a warrior, somebody who fights for what they believe in, fights for their community and places the burdens of communities on their shoulder.

Ive seen Connie do that over and over and over again, he said.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2024/12/05/

MP, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko, while in Washington at the Forum of the International Democracy Union, met with candidate for the post of U.S. National Security Advisor, Congressman Michael Waltz, the website of the political force reports.

"I received assurances of the readiness of the new American Administration to demonstrate leadership in the matter of repelling Russian aggression and establishing a just peace in Ukraine. It is pleasant that Donald Trump's team remembers well our cooperation with him during my presidency. Michael Waltz noted the fact that Ukraine was provided with the first lethal weapon during Trump's term," Poroshenko wrote on his Facebook page.

"I am sure that Putin can be stopped precisely thanks to the principle of 'peace through strength.' We agreed to maintain dialogue," Petro Poroshenko writes.

Republican Congressman Michael Waltz is a National Guard colonel who chairs the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee that oversees military logistics and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. After his election victory, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Waltz to be his National Security Advisor.

As reported earlier, Poroshenko met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Energy Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt in Washington and discussed the urgent energy needs of our country. The leader of European Solidarity also met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Chris Smith.
Greeting card and gift retailer Card Factory said on Thursday that it had entered the US market after acquiring Garven for $25m (19.6m).

Based in Minnesota, Garven is a wholesaler of gifts and celebration essentials trading as Garven Design and Cadence Packaging.

Card Factory said the deal is in line with its growth plan, accelerating its partnerships strategy in one of its key international target markets.

It marks the company's physical entry into the US gifts and celebration essentials market, which represents the biggest market globally at around 70bn.

Card Factory said Garven has an established customer base of general and speciality retailers which will allow the group "to further explore design and buying synergies, alongside opportunities to introduce its own ranges into the US wholesale market".

Chief operating officer Anne Schulze and chief financial Officer Walter Jungbauer will continue to manage the Garven business.

The company also said on Thursday that trading in the second half to date has been in line with its expectations and it has been "encouraged" by the start of the Christmas season. Its expectations for the full year are unchanged, albeit it has yet to trade through the peak Christmas trading period.

Chief executive Darcy Willson-Rymer said: "The acquisition of Garven is an important strategic milestone in our partnerships strategy. Together with our separate wholesale supply agreement covering over 1,100 stores across the US, it establishes a physical presence in the US market.

"Over a number of years, Garven has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for its quality products and impressive design capabilities, with Anne and Walter building an excellent customer proposition. We are excited to welcome the Garven team to Card factory and look forward to building upon their existing commercial relationships, as well as forging new ones.

"International partnerships are a key component of our growth strategy. This acquisition is a key step in delivering the growth from partnerships as we guided at our capital markets update in May last year. Garven represents an exciting opportunity for Card Factory to build scale in the world's biggest celebration occasions market."

At 1000 GMT, the shares were up 8% at 97.60p.

Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: "Its the next step in Card Factorys efforts to diversify its income stream beyond the sale of cheap greetings cards.

"Its UK stores have slowly given more shelf space to items like balloons and teddy bears, and now there is an opportunity to learn more about this market from an established US player. It will also open doors to potential design and buying synergies across the group."
The Competition and Markets Authority has cleared the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three on the proviso that the companies promise to invest billions to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK.

The competition regulator also said that the telecoms companies, which first announced their tie-up 18 months ago, should also cap certain mobile tariffs and data plans for three years, protecting customers from short-term price rises.

Vodafone said in a statement that it welcomed the decision and expects the merger to complete in the first half of 2025, after which it will own 51% of the combined entity with the option to acquire the remaining stake from Three owner CK Hutchison after three years.

Since September, the CMA has been conducting an in-depth phase-two investigation into the merger and provisionally found that it could lead to higher prices for customers and less advantageous terms for virtual network providers (which depend on such networks to supply their own retail customers).

As a result, the CMA's approval is subject to a number of legally binding commitments, including network upgrade, integration and improvements over the next eight years, price caps for customers, and the offer of pre-set prices and contract terms for wholesale services to ensure virtual network provides obtain competitive terms.

"Its crucial this merger doesnt harm competition, which is why weve spent time considering how it could impact the telecoms market," said Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group leading the investigation.

"Having carefully considered the evidence, as well as the extensive feedback we have received, we believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed  but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures."

Vodafone and Three have committed to invests 11bn to upgrade their 5G network, which they say will reach 99% of the UK population and benefit more than 50m customers.

"Today's decision creates a new force in the UK's telecoms market and unlocks the investment needed to build the network infrastructure the country deserves," said Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle.

"Today's approval releases the handbrake on the UK's telecoms industry, and the increased investment will power the UK to the forefront of European telecommunications."
Admiral was the top gainer on the index after an upgrade to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank, which said it was becoming more positive on the wider UK motor insurance space, particularly for those that are larger players such as Admiral, and those that are more disciplined.

"With tailwinds to come through to earnings over 2024-2026 from UK pricing of 2023, along with improvements in the groups international businesses and the addition of the RSA policies in home and pet, we view the group as strongly positioned to keep growing the top and bottom lines," it said.

"Trading on a 2025 price-to-earnings of circa 13x versus a historic average closer to the circa 16x, we see re-rating potential."

Diageo also fizzed higher as Jefferies upgraded shares of the drinks maker to buy from hold and lifted the price target to 2,800p from 2,300p.

"Companies do not change overnight; however, we think that Diageo will start to look different as confidence in spirits growth increases and under a new, heavyweight CFO, where we see a renewed focus on growth, profit and cash," it said.

Jefferies said FY25 should be a trough year with recovery from FY26 onwards.

Vistry gained after saying it had agreed to build nearly 950 new homes near Londons Olympic Park as part of a 50:50 joint venture with the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Frasers Group was under the cosh as it lowered the upper end of its full-year profit forecasts, citing weaker consumer confidence leading up to and after the government's recent Budget and a tougher trading environment.

The company now expects adjusted pre-tax profit for the 2024/25 fiscal year of 550m to 600m down from prior guidance of 575m to 625m. Interim profits were down 1.5% to 299.1m on the same basis.

DS Smith was also in the red as it posted a slide in half-year earnings, hit by "challenging" market conditions, including weaker prices and higher costs.

The paper and packaging firm said revenues in the six months to 31 October fell 4% to 3.4bn, while adjusted operating profits slumped 39% to 221m. Like-for-like box volumes grew by 2%, however.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Admiral Group (ADM) 2,698.00p 2.82%

Diageo (DGE) 2,407.50p 2.82%

Whitbread (WTB) 2,943.00p 2.54%

Hiscox Limited (DI) (HSX) 1,109.00p 2.12%

BT Group (BT.A) 158.45p 1.96%

Vistry Group (VTY) 670.00p 1.75%

Intertek Group (ITRK) 4,832.00p 1.60%

Centrica (CNA) 130.40p 1.52%

Barclays (BARC) 266.05p 1.51%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 279.20p 1.49%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Frasers Group (FRAS) 667.00p -9.99%

British Land Company (BLND) 371.00p -4.43%

Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,245.00p -2.56%

Melrose Industries (MRO) 573.20p -2.38%

SEGRO (SGRO) 758.20p -2.14%

LondonMetric Property (LMP) 188.80p -1.92%

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) 2,158.00p -1.91%

Diploma (DPLM) 4,508.00p -1.83%

Smith (DS) (SMDS) 567.00p -1.73%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 585.00p -1.65%
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and 19 other people.

"I have just signed a decree that enforces the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on sanctions. These are sanctions against that part of the government in Georgia that is giving Georgia up to Putin right now," Zelenskyy said in a video address on Thursday morning.

The President emphasized that this is what the protests in Georgia are about now. In addition, Zelenskyy noted the importance of "partners also now speaking about their position, honestly stating what is happening. And we must act."

"This is what happens in international affairs: if you do not react in time or if you do not react in a fundamental way, then what follows are lost decades, and countries are deprived of their freedom," the President explained.

He stressed that "we cannot lose anyone in this region - neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine. We must defend ourselves against Moscow together."

According to him, Ukraine has imposed sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and his accomplices - 19 people, those "who are selling out the interests of Georgia and people."

Ukraine also calls on Europe, the United States, and everyone in the world to act in the same fundamental way.

Relevant decree on the application of sanctions No. 816/2024 has been published on the website of the head of the Ukrainian state.

The annex to the document states that the sanctions have been applied to 19 Georgian citizens, including Ivanishvili, for a period of 10 years.
Some 32 authors have been longlisted for the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Prize, which honors "a mid-career author of fiction in the midst of a burgeoning career, a distinguished writer who has emerged and is still emerging," and is sponsored by New Literary Project. The winner receives $50,000 and will have a week-long residency at the University of California, Berkeley. Finalists will be named in March, the winner in April. See the longlisted authors here.

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A 16-title shortlist in four categories has been released for Nero Book Awards, which recognizes authors in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland and celebrates "the craft of great writing and the joy of reading, and point readers of all ages and interests in the direction of the most outstanding books and writers of the year." Check out the complete shortlist here.

Category winners (fiction, nonfiction, debut fiction, and children's) will be named January 14, and those selected as the overall winner--the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year--will be announced March 5. Each of the category winners receives 5,000 (about $6,360), with the Book of the Year winner getting an additional 30,000 (about $38,160).
The Department of Financial Services(DFS) organized a 'Coordination Meeting on Vigilance Matters of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)' in New Delhi. It was directed toward strengthening inter-departmental coordination among the Government and its departments, along with the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), for PSBs to enable speedier investigation into such fraud cases of banks.

The meeting witnessed participation from Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary of DFS; Shri Praveen Sood, Director of CBI; Chairman of the Advisory Board for Banking and Financial Frauds (ABBFF); Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI); MDs & CEOs of PSBs; Chief Vigilance Officers from PSBs; along with representatives from DFS, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Managing Director of the Central Registry of Securitization Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI).

It was discussed that bank related fraud cases are a major area of concern, and the Government has taken various measures such as Insolvency and Bankruptcy code (IBC) and creation of National asset reconstruction company (NARCL) for resolution of stress in banking assets leading to an improvement in asset quality and performance of PSBs.

The meeting focused on expeditious and effective investigation in bank fraud cases that will have salutary deterrent effect and is likely to further catalyse resolution of stressed banking assets; and all measures were discussed for expeditious investigation in bank fraud cases.

For facilitating this, various areas of cooperation between CBI and PSBs were discussed, with detailed presentations made by DFS and CBI to highlight the progress made in investigation of bank fraud cases and other operational issues.

It was noted during the meeting that amendments made to Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, to prevent investigation and prosecution of bankers for bonafide decisions has had a positive impact. Requests made by CBI are examined by bankers and honest decisions remain protected. It was also agreed that platforms will be created for regular discussion between bankers and CBI.

Other operational issues related to filing of complaints with CBI in bank fraud cases, regular review of investigation and support required by CBI during investigation process was also discussed. It was observed that regular discussion between bankers and CBI will bring in operational efficiencies in the investigation of bank fraud cases.

PSB Alliance a company set up by PSBs to jointly offer important customer-oriented services made a presentation about asset tracing IT application. The application will provide detailed information to PSBs about the assets taken as security for extending a credit facility. Various features of IT application were discussed during the course of meeting. It was decided that all PSBs will independently evaluate the requirement of such an application for their organisation.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the collective efforts by all stakeholders to prevent fraud and to prosecute the guilty in a timely manner.
The Indian Navy put up an operational display of its capabilities on Navy Day in Odisha, staging a spectacular 'Operational Demonstration.' The event was being hosted by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of the President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security, essential to enable our rise to a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With 63 ships being built in India, the Navys single-minded focus to be an Aatmanirbhar force by 2047 provides inspiration to all of us to pursue innovation in Mission Mode, said the President.

She added that the Navys pioneering efforts in providing appropriate growth avenues to Nari Shakti are especially praiseworthy.

The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate 'Operation Trident' the audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pak War in 1971.

Over the past year, several achievements have elevated the Indian Navy's stature as we have deployed across the oceans, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, including the INSV Tarini which is transiting the Southern Ocean, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi.

He added that on the one hand, Indian Navy units have maintained an increased tempo of operations and a high state of combat readiness.

On the other hand, our bilateral and multilateral engagements have enhanced cooperation with our partners and reinforced India's image as a responsible partner towards ensuring 'Security And Growth for All in the Region' in lines with the vision of Prime Minister, he further added.

He said that todays Operational Demonstration has attempted to capture a slice of What we Do at Sea demonstrating the Navys professionalism and our sense of purpose.

On Navy Day, we continue to draw inspiration from our illustrious predecessors who forged history in 1971 through their bold and decisive action both in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal to assure India of a glorious victory. We take a moment today to acknowledge our shipmates who have made the supreme sacrifice while we express our gratitude to our veterans who donned the white uniform with pride for many years and today continue to serve the nation post their retirement, he said.

Other major attractions included performances by the Naval Band, Continuity Drill, and Horn Pipe Dance by SCC Cadets. The event culminated with the illumination of ships at anchorage followed by a Laser and Drone show at the beach. This was the second time that the Indian Navy had organised a mega event at a location other than a major Naval Station. Blue Flag Beach, Puri, is about 500 km from Visakhapatnam and about 200 km from the nearest Naval Station at INS Chilka.
The Indian Rubber Institute(IRI) is organizing the prestigious RUBBERCON 2024, International Rubber Conference, at Le Meridien, Kochi, Kerala, from 5th to 7th December 2024. This year's theme of the conference, 'Sustainable Development in the Rubber Industry: Challenges and Opportunities', aims to discuss critical issues related to sustainability in the rubber sector from the viewpoints of global experts.

RUBBERCON 2024 is the officially sponsored conference of the International Rubber Conference Organization, located in London, UK. IRCO is the global association of rubber societies that guarantee all conferences, which its member societies are organizing, are at high standards. RUBBERCON is a niche event first launched in 2011 and it follows those high standards that allow thought leaders and experts to examine new trends and technological innovations in the rubber industry.

The main organizing professional body to event is IRI, who's a well-known professional society with the Indian rubber industry and has over 4,000 members from across India into its eight branches, located across places like Chennai, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai and Rajasthan. Through its training classes, exhibitions, and publications, IRI has contributed to the growth of the rubber industry in India, producing over 3,500 Chartered Rubber Technologists.

Along with RUBBERCON 2024, IRI aims to drive the education in rubber technology through the D. Banerjee Centre of Excellence (DBCOE) located in JSS Science and Technology University in Mysore, Karnataka. It specializes in research, training, and skill development in the area of the rubber industry especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises sectors which is on the technologies in the development, design products, and formulating compounding.

The institute traces its roots back to 1946 when the Indian Advisory Committee of the Institute of Rubber Industry, UK, was first formed. Through the years, the organization has grown and now carries an impressive legacy of technical education and industrial development.

On behalf of the organizing committee, IRI invites industry professionals, researchers, and technologists to participate in RUBBERCON 2024 and contribute to the success of this vital conference. The event promises to be a significant gathering, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative solutions for the rubber industry, and will provide a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Because she thought there were no other options, Cristina Orlando, 32, took her first born daughter to a local retail shop to have her ears pierced when she was a baby.

It was impersonal and inadequate as staff rushed to accommodate the growing line behind us. This was not the ideal situation for a nervous mother and overstimulated baby. Later, I learned there are no formal training requirements to pierce ears in New York state, said the Randall Manor resident.

With this in mind, Orlando, a registered nurse who has worked at Brooklyn Veterans Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton, searched for something better, when it came time to pierce her second daughters ears.

I traveled 90 minutes from home to have her ears pierced by a registered nurse in a more controlled setting. The experience was much better and safer; however, taking this journey with a baby who hates the car was still a challenge, said the mother of daughters who are now ages 1 and 3.

Thats why she recently launched Pierced by Cristina Orlando RN, Inc.

My daughters inspired me to leave the hospital setting and start Pierced by Cristina Orlando RN, Inc. Both of their ear piercing experiences lacked the delicate patient-centered approach I had hoped a baby would receive. So I decided to fill that role for my community, added Orlando.

Cristina Orlando, a registered nurse who has worked at Brooklyn Veterans Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center, searched for something better, when it came time to piece her second daughters ears. Thats why she recently launched Pierced by Cristina Orlando RN, Inc.Courtesy of Dina Profeta

I want to provide my community with everything necessary for a trauma-free ear piercing experience in the comfort of your home, added Orlando, who holds two bachelors degrees in biology and nursing from Wagner College, Grymes Hill.

Why She Opened Now

Having worked as a nurse through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Orlando said she honed her skills in wound care and infection control.

Working as a registered nurse during the pandemic shined a light on the importance of infection prevention and control. More and more people were opting for services that could be provided in-home, and businesses were following suit, she said. Then, becoming a mother and connecting with other moms opened my eyes to the need for this type of service in my community. So, when I finally felt ready, after having my two children, I opened my business.

Services offered

Orlando said she currently offers in-home ear piercing for individuals ages 2 months and up, nose piercing for ages 15+ with guardian consent, and she even hosts piercing parties. Orlando said she plans to offer in-home body piercing in the future.

In fact, Orlando said she caters to anyone and everyone who would like to be pierced in the comfort and privacy of their home.

And her nursing skills come in handy in her piercing business.

I am flexible and patient. I know things come up, especially with babies, said Orlando. I block out ample time for each appointment to account for diaper changes, bottles, crankiness, etc... I encourage people to reach out directly to schedule an appointment if they do not see a time that works for them on my website.

And Orlando loves every minute of her new business.

My favorite part of the job is all of it. I love meeting new people. I love that I get to be a safe haven for parents who choose to pierce their babys ears. I love learning that theyve come to this decision for traditional, cultural or personal reasons, she said.

I love seeing the relief on everyones faces because it wasnt as scary as they expected. I love sending my follow-up messages and hearing that all the piercings are healing nicely. And I especially love when parents post pictures of their babies looking adorable with their new bling, Orlando.

Pierced by Cristina Orlando RN, Inc. at a Glance

Website: pierced.glossgenius.com

Instagram: @Piercedby_RN

New Businesses in Focus is a column that relates the stories of new Staten Island business owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed that a record number of clean energy jobs were created through the end of 2023.

New York state employed 178,000 energy workers, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authoritys (NYSERDA) 2024 New York Clean Energy Industry Report said  according to a written statement  accumulating 7,700 additional jobs.

This report showcases the value of the clean energy transition and the tangible impact a thriving clean energy economy has on peoples livelihoods, Hochul said. Through a combination of comprehensive workforce development initiatives and programs that are increasing clean energy deployment and reducing emissions from buildings, transportation, and the electric grid, we are fostering more prosperous communities with access to good-paying jobs statewide.

The report depicts New Yorks clean energy economy grew 5 percent from 2022 to 2023, which is more than double the statewide economic growth rate, and added more than 32,000 jobs since 2016, when NYSERDA first began tracking clean energy jobs.

The written statement detailed extra conclusions from the report, which are written as follows:

Clean and alternative transportation jobs grew the fastest at 16%, expanding by 2,100 jobs in just 12 months.

Electric vehicle charging jobs surged by 27%over the last year, representing one of the fastest growing segments in clean energy.

The building decarbonization and energy efficiency sector rose by 3%, exceeding its pre-pandemic high, adding nearly 4,000 jobs. It remains the largest source of clean energy jobs, employing more than half of all clean energy workers.

Grid modernization and energy storage jobs increased by 7%.

Renewable electric power generation jobs grew by 6%, with more than 1,400 new jobs.

Roughly one-third of clean energy jobs were in disadvantaged communities, including 2,200 jobs added in 2023.

Clean energy workers expressed higher job satisfaction than other New York energy workers, with 65% of clean energy workers reporting being very satisfied with their career. 93% of clean energy workers anticipated career advancement in the next 12 months. Entry-level clean energy jobs on average paid 12 percent more; and mid-level clean energy jobs paid 7% higher, compared to that same job outside the clean energy industry. Nine in 10 clean energy employers offer healthcare benefits.



The growth we are seeing in New Yorks clean energy job market is reflective of our momentum and unwavering commitment to reducing emissions and protecting the environment in New York state. As the Clean Energy Industry Report details, buildings and transportation added the most jobs last year, furthering the impact of our keen focus on addressing these two sectors that contribute the most to poor air quality statewide, NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 92-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on a busy stretch of Hylan Boulevard in New Dorp Wednesday night.

According to a preliminary investigation, the woman was crossing the street at approximately 8:30 p.m. when she was struck by a Honda Pilot traveling toward Tottenville, a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said.

Police cordoned off Hylan from Lindbergh to Allison avenues as members of the NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Squad surveyed the scene.

A 92-year-old female pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Hylan Boulevard on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

The driver, who remained at the scene, told the Advance/SILive.com that another vehicle swerved to avoid hitting the woman before she walked into the path of his vehicle, the hood of which appeared to be severely crumpled.

I tried to stop, the man said.

The victim was rushed in critical condition to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, police said.

There have been no charges and the investigation remains ongoing, the NYPD spokesman said.

This is a developing story and more information will be posted as it becomes available.

A 92-year-old female pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Hylan Boulevard on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod
Gov. Kathy Hochul is reportedly eyeing a cell phone restriction in New York state classrooms for next school year, according to Newsday.

Teachers union and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leaders told the media outlet that the governor recently met with education advocates to discuss a proposal that would prohibit the use of cell phones among students during the school day.

The move would likely be announced at Hochuls State of the State address in January, according to Newsday.

The ban, if passed, would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, Newsday reported. Union and PTA officials told Newsday they spoke with the governor about giving districts local control on how to implement the prohibition. Some options could include special lockers or cell phone pouches.

It isnt the first time that there are rumblings of Hochul issuing cell phone restrictions in schools.

In May, Hochul said in an interview with The Guardian that she planned to introduce a bill this year that would ban smart phones in schools. If passed, it means kids would be allowed to carry cell phones  not smart phones  that cant access the internet but can send text messages.

It comes as several state officials aim to keep children safe online from social media platforms and their impact on youth mental health.

Hochul pointed to the addiction of social media that is plaguing children and young adults in the state and country during an interview with MSNBC.

Im saying, leave our kids alone, said Hochul during the MSNBC interview. Let them socialize. They can talk to their friends, but stop doing this. Stop selling our kids personal data for your financial gain. And also, parents should be able to turn it off at midnight, let the kids get some rest till 6 a.m. because otherwise, theyre going to this place all night long and theyre exhausted.

Hochul said that students could still have a flip phone that allows text messages for parents to communicate with their children  but would prevent the inevitable clicks to social media platforms.

But I think talking to the parents I have already, this is something they would welcome, Hochul added. They want their kids to be kids again and not be held captive to this force. Just be a kid again.

New York City has also been eyeing a potential cell phone ban in public schools. In July, several public school principals were briefed on the possible policy that could go into effect starting in February, according to Chalkbeat.

Schools would have to come up with their own mandates, such as if students hand over their phone at the start of the school day or if they carry their device in a pouch from morning to dismissal, according to Chalkbeat.
New York City has extended the deadline for the high school admissions cycle after a technical glitch, according to a report by Chalkbeat.

The deadline to apply for high school in New York City public schools was initially set to close on Wednesday, Dec. 4. That deadline was extended to Monday, Dec. 9 after education officials discovered a glitch in a new tool that informs students about their admissions chances, according to Chalkbeat.

Earlier this year, the city announced new changes to high school applications  including access to a new feature in MySchools that helps them better understand their chance of getting an offer to a program.

For each program, students see an icon indicating whether they have a high, medium, or low chance of receiving an offer, based on the applicants admissions characteristics like district or borough, grades, priority group, and the schools admissions method, such as whether the admission is open or screened.

That new tool showed incorrect odds for families looking at two Manhattan high schools  Millennium and NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies  based on incorrect information about the number of open seats, the media outlet reported.

The error was corrected on Tuesday evening, but the city emailed about 1,600 families who either applied to one of the two affected schools, or selected either as a favorite in the MySchools portal, about the mistake. Those 1,600 families will also have an even longer deadline extension -- until Jan. 10, Chalkbeat reported.

Education Department spokesperson Jenna Lyle told Chalkbeat in a statement that the glitch was an initial implementation issue, and that families are finding the tool helpful.

The new tool was incorporated into the admissions process to open up options for students who may not have otherwise applied to a program.

There are some programs in which a students chances of receiving an offer are unknown, because the program has additional requirements that determine how offers are made, such as an audition or an assessment. In these cases, families will see a different icon and an explanation of why their chances cannot be shown for that program.

The new tool is meant to be a guide and resource for families as they navigate the admissions process, and should not be considered a pre-determined outcome, according to the DOE.

If you havent submitted your high school application just yet, read our guide on tips to know before applying.
Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak meets with reps of Trump's team  media

The Ukrainian delegation met on Wednesday with senior representatives of President-elect Donald Trump, Reuters reports, citing a source familiar with the meeting.

"The Ukrainian delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The group met in Washington with Trump's choice for White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and his Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, the source said, without providing details," the report states.

It is noted that Trump's transition team did not respond to a request to comment on the meeting.
LONDON  A British chefs appeal for thieves to return 2,500 pies that were in a stolen van ended in disappointment Tuesday when police found the vehicle abandoned, with its savory cargo too damaged to eat.

Tommy Banks, who owns two Michelin-starred restaurants and a pub in the northern English county of Yorkshire, said a member of staff discovered the van was missing, along with its cargo of steak and ale, turkey and butternut squash pies intended for a Christmas market in the city of York. The food has been valued at 25,000 pounds ($32,000).

Banks said the van was insured, but he implored the vehicle thieves not to let the food go to waste. In an Instagram video, he suggested they do the right thing and drop the pies at a community center or other venue.

In an update, Banks said police had found the van, badly damaged and with stolen license plates, in Middlesbrough, about 30 miles from where it was taken. He said the pies were still inside but were damaged and would have to be discarded.

Its just so much waste. Its just rubbish, Banks said in a video on Instagram. Sorry, its not a happier ending to this story.

The pie heist is the latest theft of artisanal edibles to rock the U.K. food trade. In October, nearly 1,000 wheels of cloth-wrapped artisanal cheddar weighing 22 metric tons and valued at 300,000 pounds were swiped from Londons Neals Yard Dairy by a con artist posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer.

Despite a hunt by British and international police  and an appeal by TV chef Jamie Oliver  the cheese has not been found. A 63-year-old man was arrested and questioned by police, but has not been charged.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When battery energy storage systems (BESS) began popping up in several NYC neighborhoods in 2022, developers touted the lithium-ion structures as quiet neighbors that were a necessary agent for renewable change -- one that would remove pressure from the citys stressed grid and help the state meet some ambitious environmental goals.

But as several Staten Island homes were razed to make room for colonies of solar-powered pods, and utility-scale energy facilities were dropped in next to gas stations and proposed for school zones, borough residents voiced their concerns. Community Boards voted against their proximity to bakeries and storefronts; elected officials issued a moratorium on BESS applications filed within residential districts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot.

Still, plans for the structures persisted and dozens of plots of borough land were earmarked for BESS sites. And while most project opponents agree that NYC needs a green energy solution, theyre also petitioning for the answer to be built farther away from their backyard.

Now two years into this controversial endeavor, more than a dozen energy storage sites are currently in the pipeline for Staten Island, several of them set to receive more than $1.5 million in incentive awards from the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Heres a look at a few of the major BESS milestones that occurred in 2024 and an update on how battery energy storage is developing on both the North and South shores:

Gov. Kathy Hochul releases safety recommendations for battery energy storage sites

In February, Gov. Kathy Hochul released initial recommendations from the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, which was formed following fires at battery energy storages systems in Jefferson, Orange and Suffolk counties. The groups suggested changes included a peer review for each project, the removal of a fire code exemption for sites owned or operated by electrical utilities and mandated first responder training for every BESS installation.

FDNY cites need to have a seat at the table when controversial battery sites are built in NYC

During a sustainability forum hosted by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) in February, the FDNY cited a need to better prepared for BESS emergencies during a battery awareness panel discussion.

We need to be aware of where they are installed  our units need to know what theyre walking into, because it may impact the way we fight these fires, New York City Fire Department Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn during the panel discussion. Give us a seat at the table when the discussion occurs because we need to review how this will impact the fire service.

Developer announces plans for a new $40M battery energy storage site near Outerbridge Crossing

The developers of five new NYC BESS systems -- one of which is slated for development on a 15,910-square-foot parcel in Tottenville, located in the shadow of the Outerbridge Crossing -- requested funding from the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) for their projects.

Officials fume over battery site planned for Victory Boulevard

Borough President Vito Fossella and Councilman David Carr denounced plans for another lithium-ion battery energy storage site -- this one reportedly slated for construction near a strip of businesses and adjacent to several residential homes in a vacant lot at 1963 Victory Blvd. Located on the border of Westerleigh and Castleton Corners, developers in March filed plans to build a 10,000-square-foot facility that will house four lithium-ion battery megapacks at the site.

NYC deemed exempt from new BESS safety standards

In March, NYSERDA admitted that the enhanced safety standards recommended by Hochuls Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group will not apply to BESS projects located within the borders of NYC.

NYC approves funding for 2 new battery storage sites on Staten Island

NYCIDA announced its approval of financial assistance for four NYC battery energy storage systems in April. The organization noted that two of the four projects approved for funding will be placed on Staten Island: One near the Outerbriddge, located at 4838 Arthur Kill Rd., the site of the former Country Estate Kennels; the other at 4401 Victory Blvd. in Travis -- where an existing 15.1MW gas turbine at the Arthur Kill Generating Station will be retired.

New data shows that 13 more BESS sites are being planned for Staten Island

After examining a new NYSERDA dataset in May, the Advance/SILive determined that 13 more lithium-ion battery energy storage sites are currently in the pipeline for Staten Island, each one set to receive more than $1.5 million in incentive awards and be operational within the next few years. Spread out among eight different communities, some clustered on the South Shore and others scattered in the North Shore neighborhoods of Mariners Harbor, Concord and West Brighton, these newest BESS sites are slated for construction in a mix of industrial, commercial and residential zones -- several located less than a half mile away from each other.

Developer announces it will soon construct NYCs largest battery storage site in Travis

The Arthur Kill re-development project will install the latest energy storage technology on the site of a former power generation plant, Eric Cherniss, head of development at Elevate Renewables, announced in June, detailing his companys intentions to construct a 15 MW/60 MWh battery storage infrastructure project at the Arthur Kill Generating Station in Travis.

The project, located at 4401 Victory Blvd., will replace the existing generation plant which is planned to retire in 2025. Once completed, the facility will be able to power more than 10,000 households during peak demand periods, according to the developer.

Governor announces plans to double the states energy storage initiative

Hochul announced in June that the New York State Public Service Commission has approved a new framework for the state to achieve six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030 -- a move that will double New Yorks original energy storage goal, and likely add a multitude of new lithium-ion charged projects throughout New York City and state.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An independent Staten Island pharmacist joined Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) Wednesday in Washington D.C. to push for a crackdown on healthcare giants they say are killing businesses like his.

Robert Annicharico , owner of Delco Drugs in Eltingville, said he wants to see the passage of legislation that advocates say would rein in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are the businesses that manage prescription drug plans.

He said the billion-dollar corporations have led to higher out-of-pocket costs for his patients and dismal reimbursement rates for the services his pharmacy provides.

As a pharmacist in an independent practice, I observe directly how patients and PBMs interact, he said. These practices threaten not only the viability of my community pharmacy but also the health of my patients. And thats why Im asking for reform.

Annicharico, Malliotakis and a host of other Staten Island independent pharmacists have pushed government reform of PBMs for years, but the companies have gone largely unchecked.

In September, the congresswoman convened an independent pharmacists roundtable in Eltingville to discuss how to keep their businesses afloat. The main issue the group focused on was the impact of PBMs.

The biggest of those chain pharmacies, CVS, is demonstrative of the broader problems with PBMs and the impact theyre having on prescription healthcare.

Originally designed as a way to increase efficiency in prescription drug distribution, PBMs have grown into billion-dollar corporations that Malliotakis and the business owners gathered Thursday say are unfairly impacting the healthcare industry.

The congresswoman has said the main issue with PBMs is their vertical integration into larger healthcare companies.

For example, CVS Caremark  the largest PBM with 34% market share, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  is part of the CVS Health Corporation, which also includes the companys retail pharmacies, health care providers and the insurance giant, Aetna.

The CVS PBM along with others including  Express Scripts, part of Cigna and Optum Rx, part of UnitedHelath Group  can impact drug prices and steer customers away from local pharmacies.

The congresswoman has sponsored or signed onto several bills that she says would help to rein in PBMs.

When it comes to PBMs, theres little to no transparency on their pricing practices, and theyre raking in a lot of money by dictating what their competitors are able to make, Malliotakis said. Because of this, Mom & Pop pharmacies across America, including in my district, are being crushed, and the costs are being passed down to consumers. Weve passed bipartisan legislation out of the Ways and Means Committee to end these predatory practices, increase transparency and lower prescription drug costs, and the time is now for Congress to take it up so we can protect our local pharmacies and support patients who are struggling to afford their life-saving medications.

The first bill, the Protecting Patients from Middlemen Act, would prohibit drug plans and PBMs in Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage from charging patients more in cost-sharing than the net price of the drug. That bill made it out of the Ways and Means Committee.

The next, the Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act, would limit the compensation collected by PBMs under contract with Medicare prescription drug benefits or Medicare Advantage, and would require more transparency from the healthcare companies.

The Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act, like the PBM Abuses Act, would limit some of the most unfair practices from PBMs, including their higher payments to affiliated pharmacies versus independent pharmacies.

The Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act would install further pricing regulations on PBMs operating under Medicaid, increase funding for pharmacy surveys and make survey participation publicly available.

Lastly, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act would extend some of the COVID-era Medicare payments to pharmacies for things like pharmacist-administered COVID tests and vaccines.

All five of those bills are at various stages of the legislative process in the House and would require approval by the Senate and President Joseph Biden.

While the problem has impacted Staten Island pharmacies, it has been seen across the country. About one independent pharmacy closes each day in the U.S., an estimate provided by Katie Krell of the National Community Pharmacists Association, an industry lobbying group.
Editors Note: The author of this article is a Susan Wagner High School student who participates in the Advance/SILive.com High School Journalism Immersion program. The initiative is designed to help young people explore the world of community journalism.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Japanese culture has been a prominent force throughout the United States for decades, spreading through media, cuisine and fashion. JAPAN Fes continues this trend by celebrating Japanese culture through food and music via special events in both New York City and Paris. The fairs, which expose people to Japanese culture and create a place where people can freely participate, offer various volunteering opportunities, where people can help set up the event and make friends.

This year was monumental for JAPAN Fes, as the movement expanded beyond New York City, with events in New Jersey and Paris this past fall. In celebration of the year, a Winter Market is planned for Saturday, Dec. 7, in Midtown Manhattan. The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., aims to be a celebration of all the people who have made JAPAN Fes possible, said Mariam Ali Mohsin, a project manager for JAPAN Fes, who added that the market will feature over 30 of JAPAN Fes classic vendors.

The market will take place on East 45th Street, between Third and Lexington avenues.

The Winter Market will be the first event of its kind being hosted in December, and will feature nighttime festival vibes and lights to photograph , said Mayumi Tiffany Tomita, director of marketing and operations at JAPAN Fes. Come make merry with us on Saturday, December 7!

This May 2023 file photo shows a JAPAN Fes event on the streets of New York City. (Courtesy of Mayumi Tiffany Tomita)Courtesy of Mayumi Tiffany Tomita

JAPAN Fes began in 2016, and since then, it has become a staple in NYCs street festival scene, drawing crowds eager to experience authentic Japanese culture.

Tomita stated that JAPAN Fes plays an important role in her staying connected with Japanese culture. She likened the event to a California roll, offering both an authentic and unique take on Japanese culture, bringing vendors from Japan serving authentic Japanese cuisine, and other vendors combining aspects of Japanese culture with their unique offerings.

JAPAN Fes also hosts a Discord server, which is a virtual community space and serves both as a hub to communicate with volunteers and as a place to interact with other people interested in Japanese culture from around the world.

In addition, J-Kuru, a group of Japanese language and culture enthusiasts in NYC that was created by Dragon Yamamoto, founder and CEO of JAPAN Fes, creates a platform for people interested in learning Japanese to come together.

Through the efforts of the events dedicated team, a thriving community has formed, uniting people through shared appreciation and participation in Japanese culture.

JAPAN Fes has become a staple in NYC, offering a taste of Japan, and creating a place where fans of Japanese culture can interact and bond. For more information on the market, visit the JAPAN Fes website at www.japanfes.com.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman

American interviewer Lex Fridman, known for his podcast with world businessmen and politicians, is going to interview Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in January 2025, as well as Vladimir Putin.

"I hope to interview both Zelenskyy and Putin, likely in January. For this, I will travel to both Kyiv and Moscow. My hope is to do my small part to understand their perspectives and to find the path to peace. I understand the risks," Fridman wrote on the social media X.

Friedman noted that he "speaks fluent Russian and some Ukrainian."

Earlier, the podcaster expressed a desire to record an interview with Zelenskyy, to which the Ukrainian president responded with his consent.

Fridman began his podcast in 2018, as part of a course on artificial general intelligence. The podcast's first name was Artificial Intelligence Podcast, which was later changed to Lex Fridman Podcast to reflect the broader range of topics it was intended to cover. The podcast is produced using the extended interview model. All interviews are conducted in person and typically last between two and four hours.

Fridman's podcast has featured businessman Elon Musk, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Argentine President Javier Milei.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Fridman said he considered Russians, Ukrainians, and Americans equally his people and would promote their cultures without giving in to pressure from any side.
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The Verkhovna Rada called on the United Nations, parliaments and governments of foreign states, and international organizations to develop specific mechanisms to guarantee Ukraine's security.

A total of 287 MPs voted for corresponding resolution No. 12277 on the Verkhovna Rada's appeal to parliaments and governments of foreign states, the UN, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its parliamentary assembly on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum on Security Assurances in Connection with Ukraine's Accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (Budapest Memorandum) at a plenary session of parliament on Thursday, Holos faction member Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported on Telegram.

In the appeal, the MPs also ask to consider the issue of the legal grounds for the Russian Federation to be a member of the UN.

The Verkhovna Rada also proposed "initiating a global dialogue aimed at developing a new system of universal, unconditional security guarantees based on existing mechanisms and at the same time increasing the responsibility of states possessing nuclear weapons, which would reduce the likelihood of states seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and would contribute to strengthening trust and strengthening the global regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons."
And then, in the encore, the bit we all knew was coming. This particular song I just so happened to write in this room, 20-something years ago, he says. It is, of course, Seven Nation Army, the most muscular riff of the century, which, the story goes, he wrote right here at the Corner during a soundcheck in 2002 (Its OK, White remembers his friend and label co-founder saying). The drummer four-to-the-floors it, the (mostly male) audience shout themselves raw, the lights strobe. The screaming simplicity of it. Its more than just OK.

Reviewed by Will Cox MUSIC

Grace Cummings 

Athenaeum Theatre, December 5 Grace Cummings casually walks on stage barefoot, taking a seat at the piano. She says dryly: I wrote this song the other day. I played it the other day in Sydney, but Ill play it now. Its self-explanatory, I suppose. The audience laughs. Grace Cummings performs at Melbournes Athenaeum Theatre on Thursday night. Credit: Richard Clifford

After touring the UK, US and Europe, Melbourne-based Cummings returned to Australia for a national tour, and her Athenaeum Theatre show was her last of 2024. She played songs from her third album, Ramona, its title a nod to Bob Dylans 1964 track To Ramona. The singer-songwriter exudes just as much power performing solo on stage, playing the piano or guitar, as when she is accompanied by her band. The floor vibrates when the guitars, drums and backing vocals come into full effect, creating an electrifying ambience in the theatre. A theremin brings a piercing, haunting sharpness that complements Cummings gravelly vocals and the Irish folk and blues nodes in her performance. Cummings is as captivating whether she is performing solo or with her band. Credit: Richard Clifford Theres an earthy vulnerability to her onstage demeanour. Cummings takes a swig of her glass bottle between songs while carrying on a dialogue with the crowd about the inspiration behind her music. She describes Work Today (and Tomorrow) as a song about gambling, and doesnt hold back in explaining how Everybodys Somebody is about a person who has done her wrong. Cummings also performed Something Going Round with the band and Help Is On Its Way solo on the piano, staying faithful to its Ramona version.

Peering wide-eyed into the darkened room, Cummings tries to draw a connection with her fans by meeting their gaze, and retorts, Ill claim that to an audience member who calls her sexy. Loading The warmth and appreciation Cummings has for her band is obvious, as she often looks over her shoulder and smiles at them while playing piano. This extends to her opening act, Gareth Liddiard. She performs a duet with Liddiard, and describes him as a a big inspiration to me, and Im extremely happy hes here. Its clear she believes in the deeply profound impact music can have, saying its for future generations. Music is a way we pass on our stories, pass on our feelings, pass on the history of the world. After her final song, Cummings stands before the crowd. They rise, whistling and cheering, for a standing ovation.

Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar

THEATRE

Ilarun: The Cutting Comb 

Amarantha Robinson, fortyfivedownstairs, until December 15 Naturalism never seems enough to refocus the lens when it comes to the nightmare of history. Ilarun: The Cutting Comb invents novel dramaturgy, and forms part of a much larger cultural project from black artists of African descent to interrogate colonial narratives and stage counter-stories of ongoing resistance. Amarantha Robinson in Ilarun: The Cutting Comb at fortyfivedownstairs. Credit: Dre Chez The play joins other eminent recent works in throwing a spotlight on black women relegated to the historical margins. Here, Amarantha Robinson invokes Queen Nanny, a legendary guerrilla leader (now celebrated as a national hero in Jamaica) who led escaped slaves in a successful revolt against colonial authorities during the First Maroon War. She was said to possess mystical Obeah powers, and the mythology and magic of West Africa underpins Robinsons entire theatre trilogy. Ilarun: The Cutting Comb is the second of three works inspired by orishas  West African nature deities  following her solo show Oshun (named for the Yoruba goddess of rivers) at La Mama in 2022.

In this story, Oya  goddess of the weather  makes her tempestuous powers felt. Enslaved on sugar plantations in Jamaica, Juicy (Robinson) and her sister Hetty (Rufaro Zimbudzi) face different ordeals. Juicy has been spared her sisters back-breaking labour harvesting sugarcane  but only because she has been selected as a milk slave and gets sexually abused by the plantation owner. Ilarun, with Rufaro Zimbudzi (left) and Amarantha Robinson, is charged with mysticism and surrealism. Credit: Dre Chez Ilarun begins as lively period costume drama on the streets of colonial Jamaica, where the sisters and another slave Jabari (Alpha Kargbo) strain under the yoke of colonial authorities (played by a periwigged David John Watton and Will Hall). We soon descend from the foyer into the bowels of fortyfivedownstairs to go behind the curtain of oppression and resistance. What follows is a quest charged with mysticism and surreal moments. Juicy becomes invested with power after finding an African hair pin (the ilarun of the title), reconnecting with ancestral knowledge through her sister, facing betrayal from fellow slaves, meeting the eccentric Nanny, and reclaiming agency over her body and sexuality.

Director Effie Nkrumah wrestles some eclectic theatre magic into the cauldron. Colonial exploitation and horror are often portrayed through inane pantomime. Scenes in Jamaican creole can swing from deeply felt agonies into exaggerated comedy that plays with anachronistic mischief; there are bewitching eruptions of choreography, drumming (Kwame Tosuma) and masked performance as Juicy reconnects with West African culture. Anchored by research and liberated by experience lived and imagined, this is probing, propulsive and rebellious theatre, charismatically performed.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead MUSIC

Air play Moon Safari 

Always Live, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, December 4 The atmosphere is impeccable: the members of Air (the core duo of Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin, plus touring drummer Louis Delorme) stand equidistant in white, amid banks of synthesisers. Air perform at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Wednesday night. Credit: Richard Clifford

A simple but effective light show turns them into silhouettes coiled with smoke, at least some of which isnt weed from the audience. Its the after-dark bits of Pink Floyds 1972 Live at Pompeii, but with the controls set for the silvery moon, and full in-flight drinks service. Tonight Air play their debut album, Moon Safari, in full, in a show billed as an Australian exclusive (though they did it at the Sydney Opera House in May). The loungey tones of the French bands influential, otherworldly 1998 album are much imitated  the whole chill-out genre seems to be built on doing just this  but are impossible to match. While imitators were designed to sink into the background, Moon Safari delved into the sublime. A simple but effective light show turns the musicians into silhouettes, coiled with smoke. Credit: Richard Clifford The show hinges on fidelity to the original. Key tracks like Sexy Boy and Remember retain their eerie space-age drama, and original vocalist Beth Hirsch, who performed and co-wrote All I Need, is represented by a few dubby samples. The mellotron and vocoder of New Star in the Sky sum up the sound of the whole record  expressive but confined, intimate but expansive. Its beautiful.

The staging perfectly captures the albums, well, airy sound. Its a cut-down touring version of the set design by Antoine Jorel and Pierre Claude for other legs of the tour, where the band performs in a box that contains and diffuses the lights and projections, James Turrell-style, which look phenomenal. I suppose it was impractical to mount for a single Australian show. A shame. The second half of the set is given over to Airs post-Moon Safari career. They open up songs such as Venus, Dont Be Light and Electronic Performers, letting them flow lava-like into prog-rock jams. Its a joy. But its the perfect symphony of Moon Safari, that stoned, vivid voyage dans la lune, that Ill treasure.

Reviewed by Will Cox CIRCUS

Muse 

National Institute of Circus Arts, until December 7 Playing with precarity is part of what makes circus such an appealing and popular form, but you need security to put your body on the line for art. Muse, this years graduate showcase at the National Institute of Circus Arts, proves once again that the institution is a reliable incubator for nurturing uncanny skill and imagination. Third-year student Taylor Vogt performs in Muse. Credit: Cameron Grant

Many in the arts community were shocked when NICA paused its 2024 intake for the only dedicated tertiary degree in circus in the southern hemisphere. Our best and brightest aspiring circus artists suddenly had the tight wire pulled from under them; Australias global reputation as a leader in contemporary circus looked set for a fall. Events have swung back, trapeze-like, since. A partnership with the Australian College of the Arts restored the 2025 intake in July, and if this showcase is representative, the competitive course will continue to attract the cream of our circus talent. Merlene Hutt on the cyr wheel in Muse. Credit: Cameron Grant Muse channels inspiration through freestyle individual acts. Each performer has chosen an apparatus and built a routine that explores possibilities for physical expression and theatrical spectacle. Each creates a unique mood and is delivered in sometimes quite idiosyncratic style. Theres some ultra-casual hoop diving (Jesse Holden)  themed around building a modular frame from an instructional manual  that would make for a fun impromptu performance at any IKEA store.

Other ground-based routines include the scintillations of Gemma Jacksons golden hula-hoop, charismatic diablo from Ty Wallent with mesmeric use of light and shadow, Jasmine Poniris flexible contortion handstands, and Merlene Hutts momentous and strange sci-fi encounter with the Cyr wheel. Aerialists take flight into fancies all their own. Three distinctive approaches to straps (Anais Stewart, Rose Symons and Luca Trimboli) show how versatile and characterful the apparatus can be while launching an ugly duckling, creating mid-air gremlin mischief, or falling to earth with the grace of a flower petal spinning in the wind. Zaelea Nolte dangles enigmatically in Muse. Credit: Cameron Grant Gabriel Walker sets sail for a nautical adventure on Chinese pole, and Taylor Vogt takes an elegant and aesthetically spare approach to aerial rope. A grapevine lifts Jasmin Tait to intoxicating heights on swinging trapeze, and Zaelea Nolte dangles enigmatically on the static version (following an opening tight wire act suspended over pebbles thrown onstage by the audience).

Spliced throughout are short grabs from interviews with the artists talking about their creative processes  some fascinating, some boilerplate, some amusingly inarticulate, with a few that sound as if theyre unpaid advertising for NICA. The last is annoying because it is unnecessary: the acrobatic and circus talent on display does a far better job on that score.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead DANCE

Project B 

Kensington Town Hall, until December 6 Kensington Town Hall has one outstanding feature as a performing arts venue: west-facing clerestory windows. On the opening night of Project B, the airy hall was filled with soft evening sunlight. No other lighting was needed. The Darling by Tim Harbour as part of Project B. Credit: Dominic Steele And its typical of the enterprising M.Collective, led by the Italian-born Arianna Marchiori, to find this out-of-the-way venue. The company works with a host of talented collaborators but operates outside the usual networks for independent dance.

The core ensemble comprises Marchiori, Chimene Steele-Prior and former Australian Ballet dancers Stephanie Petersen and Jessica Thompson. Its a quartet with an impressive range of professional experience. The companys latest double bill opens with The Darling by former Australian Ballet resident choreographer Tim Harbour, a free-flowing piece building from quiet beginnings into something fierce and focused, culminating in vigorous unison. Tanz der Sehnsucht by Lucas Jervies. Credit: Dominic Steele In its middle parts, the work contrasts bumbling, almost mime-like material  dancers in socks nudging and knocking into one another  with more intricate partnering: arabesques and complex, almost courtly arm work. The dancers spend a lot of time gazing about with affected looks of wide-eyed wonderment. This thematic realisation of what Harbour calls a search for the inner child feels too literal, but the piece nonetheless has an appealing spontaneity.

The second work, Tanz der Sehnsucht by Lucas Jervies, is inspired by the expressive physical theatre of the great Pina Bausch. Oliver Northam provides a rollicking piano accompaniment, full of surging improvisations and crushing dissonances. Sehnsucht, that untranslatable German word for something like longing, informs the pieces overwrought mood. While it flirts with parody  anguished women in white slips, escapees from Bauschs Cafe Muller  its hard not to be carried along the storm and strife. Like Harbours piece, Tanz der Sehnsucht, though a little rough and ready, has the charm of immediacy  swift and undistracted.

Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann MUSIC

Joshua Bell in Recital 

Melbourne Recital Centre, December 4 American violinist Joshua Bell may no longer be a boy wonder, but as a master at the height of his powers, wonder is a quality his playing so often imparts.

In an adroitly programmed recital, Bell, superbly partnered by pianist Peter Dugan, produced a chameleonic range of expression that testified not only to a prodigious technique but to a consummate musicality. In Mozarts two-movement Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 21, K. 304, the audience had its first taste of the admirable synergy between the two players, who wove the exchange of melodic material into a seamless whole. Joshua Bell imparts wonder through his music. Credit: Sebastian Madej From its tremulous beginnings, Schuberts wide-ranging Fantasie in C major for Violin and Piano, D. 934 was an excellent vehicle for the well-projected tone of Bells 1713 Stradivarius. Its golden tone invested the third movement theme and variations with superb lyricism. In the dying days of the Faure centenary year, it was a special pleasure to encounter his rarely heard Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 13. Brimming over with explosive passion and tender reverie, Bell gave a thoroughly immersive account, highlighting the composers beguiling melodic and harmonic turns of phrase. Bell dispatched the technically demanding whiplash scherzo with appropriate nonchalance, before plunging into the dramatic finale, ably supported by Dugans empathetic handling of the monumental piano part.

Following these three advertised works, Bell further intensified the mood by delivering a scorching reading of the Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3, Ballade by 19th-century virtuoso Eugene Ysaye. After witnessing this utterly assured account of this fiendishly difficult work, it is easy to understand why previous generations thought of virtuosos as being possessed. Loading After such extraordinary intensity, Bells arrangement of Chopins beloved Nocturne in E-flat major and Wieniawskis popular Scherzo Tarantelle provided a lighter, but no less wondrous, conclusion to this profoundly memorable evening.

Reviewed by Tony Way THEATRE

Love Actually? The Musical Parody 

Athenaeum Theatre, until December 23 No surprise Love Actually didnt make a list of the 10 Best Christmas movies in this masthead recently. The rom-com was a star-studded Christmas turkey when it was released 21 years ago. Its slathered festive seasons in senseless sentimentality ever since, and you might wonder if the films simply too sopping for casual roasting to work by now.

This musical parody gives it a red-hot go, with mixed results. Assuming your tolerance for low comedy is high, youll be carried along by at least some of the merriment. The show has the same rollicking ridiculousness as recent musical parodies (such as the one based on the 90s sitcom Friends) and combines revolving door farce with university revue humour and a few original songs. Love Actually? The Musical Parody might tickle those after some cheap and cheerful Christmas laughs. Credit: Nicole Cleary A couple of songs are quite amusing, while remaining more cabaret-style than full-dress musical theatre numbers, and the silliness is easy enough to take. Ian Andrews unflattering Hugh Grant impersonation sings Hes the prime minister of rom-coms. Its one highlight, and the women in the cast, Belinda Jenkin and Sophie Loughran, have fun mocking underdrawn roles that fail the Bechdel test. (Theres a song about Keira Knightley admiring herself for being Keira Knightley, and another from Laura Linney wondering what the hell shes doing in this film.)

Jeremy Harland plays Alan Rickmans character as Professor Snape from the Harry Potter franchise, and Massimo Zuccara and Mitchell Groves round out the ensemble. Its such inane fluff, however, that the running time drags, and I dont think you can hammer every nail into the coffin of something as annoying as Love Actually without exposing audiences to the irritations of the original. The show has the same rollicking ridiculousness as recent musical parodies. Credit: Nicole Cleary Perhaps a parody of such a roundabout and anti-climactic source needed to depart more decisively from it, to confect some kind of hare-brained denouement, rather than losing tone and trailing off. Certainly, the pace slackens, the energy and wit tire and running jokes are repeated to the point of tedium  all of which could have been avoided by shaving off 20 minutes or so. This shows unlikely to satisfy musical theatre tragics  the vocal and musical quality is too patchy; lyrics and dialogue are occasionally inaudible  but its still diverting and might tickle comedy fans who just want some cheap and cheerful Christmas laughs.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead

THEATRE

Skating in the Clouds 

Theatre Works, until December 14 Before giving the thumbs down to Skating in the Clouds, it would be remiss of me not to praise the revolution at Theatre Works under Dianne Toulsons leadership. Her energy and vision over the past few years have transformed the place from an underutilised venue into a thriving indie theatre hub. Katrina Mathers (left) and Rebecca Morton in a scene from Skating in the Clouds. Credit: Anna Moloney-Heath Not everythings good, and Skating in the Clouds is quite frankly excruciating, but giving theatre makers a chance is crucial to a healthy performing arts scene. Why is this play so bad? Lets start with the writing. This work wants to be a queer magical realist romance between Summer (Katrina Mathers) and Autumn (Rebecca Morton), two women in their 50s. Alas, its singularly unimaginative, the whimsy reducing conflict and complexity, and feeding the emotional and psychological shallowness of two queer stereotypes.

Summer is a dreamy free spirit. A Pilates instructor who wafts around doing the salsa while the world burns, shes planning a 70th birthday party for 2040 and she dons roller skates  to the title track from Xanadu, no less  as she composes a guest list of prominent female leaders. Loading Autumn is the practical one, an agricultural climate scientist. Spanner in hand, she keeps hallucinating a tap dripping, and could put her gifts to better use, if her ambition wasnt trammelled by Summers quixotic charms. Will their relationship survive? Will the world survive? (The world keeps gatecrashing the queer romantasy in satirical news items, or through the plaints of Gen Z youth enraged by the inaction of the generation before them.) These disruptions are underdeveloped, though the talented Shamita Sivabalan and El Kiley make the most of them. Its hard to get too invested. The drama is shapeless and the dialogue often vapid, tame and laced with cliche.
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 Resisting offers from developers who just kept knocking, the late artist Ellen Waugh OAM agreed decades ago that Randwick City Council would be given the first right of refusal to buy her home in South Coogee after she died. Razing her home would give the public access to the coast she loved and bring the dream of a continuous coastal pathway along Sydneys southern beaches from Bondi to Malabar, about 650 metres and one steep, hot walk closer. Until then, though, she wasnt leaving her home. I love it here  It is my home, and I could last another 20 years, she said in 1997. Asked by this masthead in 2013 about the arrangement to sell to the council, Waugh declined to be identified. I just dont want people knocking on my door, waiting for me to die, so it can go ahead. Ellen Waugh at home, aged 94. She died in January, aged 99. Credit: James Alcock The artist and teacher lived longer than even she expected, dying six weeks before she turned 100 in January this year. As a result of the agreement with the council, the sale of the property at 49 Cuzco Street, South Coogee, for $4.9 million was finalised in November. The home was blocking access to Seaside Parade, and the walk from Coogee to Lurline Bay required a 10-minute detour up a hill to Malabar Road.

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The land was rezoned from residential to recreational in 2012. Waughs parents built the house in the 1930s, and she lived there ever since. It was unimproved, except they added an indoor toilet. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said a walkway connection named in honour of Waugh would improve access to the coastline for millions of people every year. By connecting the walk between South Coogee and Lurline Bay, were progressing our goal of uninterrupted public access to the coastal walk, he said. Parker said Waugh was a luminary of the art scene who cared deeply for her local community. Naming this iconic walkway after her is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary legacy. Nephew Joseph Waugh said his aunt loved the coastline and had been critical of previous councils that had allowed concrete and glass homes to be built on the cliffs.

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We have photos in albums of her standing on cliffs that have been turned into concrete swimming pools. She loved the rock pools, and sketched them. She had an interest in conservation and all sorts of things, like going on weeding expeditions and bush regeneration. Waugh was eccentric, a pioneer, and involved in education. She photographed the US artist Christo wrapping the cliffs of Little Bay in 1969. The house at 49 Cuzco Street, South Coogee, has long blocked the coastal walk. Credit: Nick Moir A photographer from an early age, she also took along her camera to document progress and produced a series of colour slides. They are among the very few colour images of Wrapped Coast that exist, and until a few years ago, had never been published. Waugh travelled extensively, including going on an archeological dig in Uzbekistan.

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Everyone needs a crazy aunt, said Joseph Waugh. His fitted the bill. As a teacher, she spotted the talent of a young Brett Whiteley. After a lifetime of interest in Aboriginal art and culture, Waugh bequeathed shares of about $1 million to Bangarra Dance Company and of the same value to AIME Mentoring. A collection of 279 works of art and interesting objects she had collected was recently auctioned by Theodore Bruce. She gave Grace Cossington Smiths The Bridge in Building to the National Gallery of Australia in 2005. Little Bay was wrapped with more than 90,000 square metres of fabric for Christo and Jeanne-Claudes Wrapped Coast of 1969. Credit: Ellen Waugh Joseph Waugh said his aunt stayed active until the last six months of her life. She kept a diary ... And there wasnt a day when she wasnt doing something. Sketching groups and life drawing classes  She took up Chinese brush painting, took up drums.

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She took her sketchbook everywhere, he said. Right to the last couple of years, she was dragging carers down to walk with her. According to bank statements, she was having coffee with them at Wylies Baths. She defied expectations of ageing. People would jump to conclusions thinking she couldnt do things. She refused to accept her limitations. When Waugh visited China in 2011, she was bemused by airport porters pushing wheelchairs at her. They told her she walked like a 60-year-old. Loading After an operation, she was sent to an aged care facility for rehabilitation. She discharged herself, walking out the door and returning home. As she wished, Waugh died at home in the room next to the one where her mother had died. The Ellen Waugh walkway will take Sydney a little closer to realising the dream of an uninterrupted coastal walk from Bondi to Malabar.

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A widening of coercive control laws to cover groups such as cults and changes to the tax breaks afforded to religious organisations are among reforms proposed after the exposure of extreme teachings at a secretive Australian church.

Former members of the hardline Geelong Revival Centre want criminal coercive control laws, which predominantly target domestic violence, expanded to include extreme religious sects and high-demand groups.

The Geelong Revival Centre. Credit: Simon Schluter

The GRC has been active since the late 1950s and has a network of more than 20 assemblies across Australia and overseas. Pastors in the church have the power to expel members and demand families cut loose any loved ones who decide to leave.

Tore Klevjer, president of volunteer group Cult and Family Information Support, said coercive control was a common feature of cult abuse and states needed to protect vulnerable people.
At a small gathering in Melbourne on Friday, former senator Nova Peris will evoke the legacy of Aboriginal rights activist William Cooper to call for greater solidarity among Indigenous people towards Jewish Australians.

It is one of a series of planned commemorations of Cooper, whose 1938 protest against the persecution of Jews by Nazi Germany has in recent years gained totemic status among Australian Jewry. The commemorations will take place against the backdrop on ongoing war in Gaza and surging levels of antisemitism.

Michael McDonogh, a descendent of Aboriginal activist William Cooper, with former senator Nova Peris in Melbourne. Credit: Eddie Jim

The culmination of the Melbourne event will see one of Coopers great, great-grandsons, Michael McDonogh, present a Victorian government representative with a statement of unity calling for an end to racism and greater social cohesion.

A sharper message is expected to be delivered by Peris. Her support for Israel since the October 7 atrocities has put her at odds with Aboriginal activists such as Gary Foley  a student of Coopers life and now a prominent figure with the pro-Palestine protest movement  and Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, who regularly attends pro-Palestine rallies and has drawn parallels between the experience of Indigenous Australians and Palestinians.
It seems probable that the annual epicentre for LGBTIQA+ pride, Sydneys Mardi Gras, is about to terminate its long-standing invitation to police. A bitter debate exploded into the mainstream earlier in the year. This Saturday, Mardi Gras members will gather for the AGM and consider a total police ban.

Who is and isnt marching in a pride parade might seem a little marginal to justify this controversy, so why has the idea captured such attention?

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (centre) marches with colleagues in the 2023 Mardi Gras parade. Credit: AP / Mark Baker

The Mardi Gras was born in police brutality, our queer history interwoven with police oppression. But even more motivating for many, is that exclusion of any person or group goes to the heart of disagreements on how to win outcomes for equality. These are strategic questions about allies, priorities and pressure. They connect to efforts to address suffering endured by people known to us. To make even a small political misjudgment is personal.

Recent high-profile scandals involving NSW Police have hidden an unrelated agenda that sits behind this saga. Secretive and adversarial behaviour in dealing with an inquiry into gay-hate crimes, misconduct and revelations of a toxic culture have resulted in headlines and an external review. But bad police behaviour is not why this debate started. For queer people, its nothing new or surprising. Police have been a menace to many minority groups since colonisation.
Billionaire apartment builder Harry Triguboff says the slow approval of new developments from local councils is partly responsible for Sydneys housing crisis and has called for council staff to receive bonuses if they approve more development applications.

In a 90-minute conversation on the Straight Talk with Mark Bouris podcast, the prolific Meriton developer, 91, also said Australia should significantly increase its immigration rate before saying Chinese migrants may take over the country.

Billionaire property developer Harry Triguboff began working in Sydney property in his late 20s. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

Councils  along with banks refusing to lend to potential buyers  were the biggest inhibitor to his developments, Triguboff said.

The councils dont approve anything fast. I have a lot of money, I would love to build more, but I cant get approval, he told Bouris, the founder of Wizard Home Loans.
Special envoy for social cohesion Peter Khalil said he joined the prime minister in unequivocally condemning the attack.

Attacks based on a persons ethnicity or faith, or on our many places of worship, are utterly unacceptable, and they are an attack on all of us, said the federal Labor MP for the seat of Wills, which included suburbs in Melbournes inner-north.

MP Peter Khalil. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Places of worship like synagogues are places of peace, faith, learning and community. All of us must continually call out any hatred and violence every time they occur.

We also call on all the necessary law enforcement and legal measures necessary to stamp out these vile attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.

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Every society has its differences. We all have our differing views  many of them deeply held  but above all else, the key to the ongoing success of our harmonious multifaith, multicultural society is that we must navigate any division or difference respectfully and peacefully.

Khalil said the synagogue attack was a hate crime.

There should be no place for violence, hate speech or intimidation. And it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that is the case, he said.

I know that this horrific attack will be felt deeply within Australias Jewish community, and my thoughts are with the community during what will be a distressing time.

Khalils office in Melbournes north was vandalised with red paint and a Hamas-linked inverted red triangle in October, a few months after vandals targeted the office of Jewish federal MP Josh Burns, whose seat of Macnamara includes the suburb of Ripponlea, where the Adass synagogue is located.
A former bishop in the states north-west has been charged with five more historical sex offences dating back to 2016.

Christopher Saunders, 74, was already charged with two counts of sexual penetration without consent, 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault and three counts of indecently dealing with a child as a person of authority.

Former Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders.

Those assaults allegedly occurred in Broome and Kununurra between 2008 and 2013. Saunders has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has always denied any wrongdoing.

On Thursday, WA Police said the former bishop faced five new charges of unlawful and indecent assault as a result of further investigations.
Opposition parties have decided to continue daily protests against the policy of the Georgian authorities, which may evolve into civil disobedience and a general strike, opposition co-leader Giorgi Vashadze said.

"Our task is to start general disobedience and a general strike in the country," Vashadze told the press.

Representatives of all opposition parties made the decision on Wednesday, he said.

It is crucial at the current stage to start the protests nationwide, Vashadze said.

Protests in Georgia stem from the Georgian Dream ruling party's decision to postpone the EU accession talks until 2028. They have been on in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities since the end of November.
Tanya Plibersek is one of the federal Labor Partys brightest stars. Elected at the age of 28 and already the longest-serving woman in the federal parliament, she marked her 55th birthday on Monday.

With just one more trip around the sun, the senior Labor woman  who had all three of her children while in parliament  will have spent half her life in federal parliament.

Illustration by Simon Letch

Over the past week, Pliberseks relationship with Anthony Albanese has been back under the spotlight after the prime minister went over the environment ministers head to scuttle a deal she was poised to strike with the Greens (or had struck, depending on who you talk to) to create an Environmental Protection Agency.

While the federal government managed to strike deals to pass 45 pieces of legislation in the final week of parliament and 31 on the final day alone, the failure to pass the EPA bill  and the manner of its shelving  has left Plibersek looking damaged and Albanese looking spiteful.
The Five Eyes multinational intelligence sharing network has sounded an unprecedented alarm about the threat of young people being radicalised by extremist online content, as authorities warn Australian children as young as 12 are at risk of becoming terrorists.

In a first-of-its-kind intervention, security and law enforcement authorities from Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand said in a joint paper that they were battling to combat an alarming rise in young people who support extremist causes or plan terrorist attacks.

Twenty per cent of ASIOs priority counter-terrorism cases now involve people under the age of 25. Credit: Matt Davidson

Mike Burgess, the director-general of domestic spy agency ASIO, said that around one in five of ASIOs priority counter-terrorism cases now involve young people.

In every one of the terrorist attacks, disruptions and suspected terrorist incidents in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person, Burgess said.
One of the consequences of allowing a group of experts and tub thumpers to gather and discuss a polarising social issue is the creation of expectations. Having boldly agreed to a wide-ranging drug summit, Premier Chris Minns must live with its results.

This weeks summit was looking for change, especially on decriminalisation of drug possession, but ran into an obdurate Minns who set the tone by ruling out such a reform before the election. The status quo was further enhanced by the appearance of Portland mayor Ted Wheeler, who told the summit the 2020 wholesale decriminalisation of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs in the US state of Oregon had overwhelmed emergency services and led to high-level dealers acting with impunity.

Portland mayor Ted Wheeler addresses the first day of the NSW drug summit. Credit: AAP/Bianca De Marchi

Many were unimpressed. A coalition of MPs, the powerful Health Services Union, nurses and GPs issued the NSW government with a list of demands before the summits final day, in a public intervention designed to force Labor into backing significant reform.

They want drug testing before the summers festival season, legislation to allow extra safe injection centres beyond Kings Cross, a more inclusive drug diversion program, a strategy to prevent prescription drug dependence and treating medicinal cannabis like any other prescription drug in driving laws.
Premier Chris Minns has urged members of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras not to exclude NSW Police from next years parade, saying it would be a slap in the face and hypocritical to disinvite officers while relying on them to keep attendees safe.

Two resolutions about barring police  one from the events board and another by activist group Pride in Protest  will be among 12 motions voted on at the organisations annual general meeting on Saturday. Other motions include telling federal MPs they will not be welcome until religious exemptions to discriminations were curtailed and the entire LGBTQ community was included in the census.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (centre) marches with colleagues in the 2023 Mardi Gras parade. Credit: AP

The critical AGM comes less than a year after NSW Police were initially barred by the events board following the alleged double murder of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird in Paddington by an officer using a service weapon. The officer, Beau Lamarre-Condon, had an on-and-off-again relationship with Baird. The alleged incident is being treated as case of domestic violence.

An eleventh-hour scramble this year ensured NSW Police could march in the parade without uniforms.
Peter Santiago, director of small and medium business at PayPal.

As one of the most trusted and established payments platforms, PayPals fraud detection tools operate with advanced data analytics and machine learning, identifying transaction anomalies and monitoring user behaviour in real time.

Santiago says the company has had some of these systems in place for the better part of a decade  long before AI became the tech buzzword it is today  allowing the payment platform to grow in sophistication alongside the threats it identifies.

This is particularly valuable for businesses facing common threats like phishing, card testing, and chargeback fraud, allowing the platform to automatically block suspicious transactions while minimising impact on legitimate customers.

For Echidna Sewing, an Australian family business dealing in high-value sewing and embroidery machines, security in online transactions is paramount. By transitioning to Complete Payments, the company not only streamlined its payment processing, but also gained critical protection through the platforms built-in risk management tools.

With machines priced as high as $20,000, this added security has helped Echidna Sewing safeguard its online sales and focus on building customer relationships.

Our focus is increasingly on fraud mitigation. Were lucky to have fraud rates well below industry averages, but even a small amount can have a significant impact on our bottom line, says Erik Merkley, general manager at Echidna Sewing.

Moving to PayPal for our credit card processing gave us access to 3D Secure, which shifts the liability for chargebacks onto the banks. Without 3DS, small businesses are left to bear the full cost of fraud. We got tired of always being the ones to lose out.

Keeping it safe, but at the same time keeping customers, is what a successful payments platform is all about, Merkley says.

Payments are the kind of thing you only hear about when they break! Customers want a quick and streamlined checkout experience, and they want total trust when theyre entering their card details. The PayPal platforms card processing integrates seamlessly into our website checkout keeping roadblocks to purchase to a minimum.

PayPals Complete Payments platform helps SMBs reach consumers by providing secure, convenient checkout processes, supporting merchants in managing risk and reducing friction.

By automating these protections, it enables businesses to focus on growth rather than managing every risk independently, says Santiago.

AI has been an area that we have been historically invested in, not just in terms of payments, but in ancillary kinds of capabilities such as fraud and risk, he says.

Its also been very critical in terms of personalisation  a very hot topic in our industry at the moment  which is all about offering relevant choices to our customers. Its all about rethinking and re-energising what the path to purchase might look like.

Ultimately, payment platforms offer not only security, but opportunities to grow. One example of this is buy now, pay later.

With current cost of living pressures, consumers are looking for flexibility in how they pay. One way businesses can offer consumers more choice is through providing a buy now, pay later (BNPL) solution, which can also help drive conversion for businesses, says Santiago.

PayPals BNPL solution is fairly unique as it has no consumer fees  and by that, I mean no late fees, no interest, no sign up or account keeping fees for consumers. This has led to it becoming popular with Australian consumers. Whats more, there is no additional cost to merchants beyond their existing PayPal rates.

In a market where many BNPL services charge merchants up to 6 per cent as a service fee, providing a BNPL solution thats included at no additional cost is an attractive alternative.

To find out more, please visit https://www.paypal.com/au/business
Jakarta/Bali: A senior Indonesian minister says the Philippines has agreed to the same prisoner transfer proposal submitted to Australia, setting an international precedent for how the remaining members of the Bali Nine may get home after almost 20 years in jail.

The purported agreement announced on Thursday means high-profile death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso will soon be transferred to the Philippines. She was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 and was supposed to be executed on the same day in 2015 as Bali Nine Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran but, unlike them, was granted a late reprieve.

The five remaining incarcerated members of the Bali Nine (from left) Martin Stephens, Si-Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman and Scott Rush. Credit: Composite: Nathan Perri

Speaking after a law conference in Bali on Thursday night (AEDT), Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said it was President Prabowo Subiantos hope the five Australian Bali Nine members still serving life sentences could be home before Christmas.

But it was first up to Australia to respond to the draft proposal  the details of which remained secret  that was given to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at or before a meeting with Yusril in Jakarta on Tuesday. Yusril on Thursday said the document agreed to by the Philippines was the same that was given to Australia. It was not clear when the Philippines received it.
The manhunt led police to at least two hostels on Manhattans Upper West Side based on a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the ongoing search. Two detectives arrived at the Kama Central Park hostel with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognised the man, an employee told the AP. Staff did not, the employee said, and the detectives left. A worker at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police visited, but declined to provide further information. Investigators also now believe the suspect may have travelled to New York last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta, one of the law enforcement officials said. Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, the official said.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference that while a motive had not yet been established, the shooting was no random act of violence. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target, she said. Investigators believe, judging from surveillance video and evidence collected from the scene, that the gunman had at least some prior firearms training and experience with guns. The weapon was equipped with a silencer, a law enforcement official told the AP. Investigators are also looking at whether the suspect had pre-positioned the bike he used to escape into Central Park, the official said. The casings found on the pavement were inscribed with words. Credit: AP Authorities were running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found nearby, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded, the official said.

Security camera video showed the killer approaching Thompson from behind, levelling his pistol and firing several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the health executive tumbled to the pavement. Other cameras captured the initial stages of the suspects escape. He fled the block across a pedestrian plaza and then escaped on the bicycle. Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intensive search, but the killers whereabouts remained unknown. Brian Thompsons business generated $US281 billion ($437 billion) in revenue last year. Credit: AP Police issued several other surveillance images of the man, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and wouldnt have attracted attention on a frigid day. Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting. Police have offered a reward of up to $US10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years.

The insurers Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, was holding its annual investor meeting in New York to update Wall Street on its direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early after Thompsons death. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Loading Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her there were some people that had been threatening him. She didnt have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. In Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Thompson lived, police administrator Theresa Keehn told Reuters there were no reports of threats to Thompson, but there was one reported incident of suspicious activity at his home in June 2018.
Kushners son, we barely need mention, is Jared Kushner  husband of Ivanka and Trumps son-in-law. Loading US presidents have always had the constitutional right to pardon or otherwise offer clemency. The Founding Fathers borrowed it from ancient English practice. Known as the royal prerogative of mercy, it originally permitted the monarch to discontinue or provide alternatives to death sentences. I was cogitating on this very matter recently while researching, with the help of a relative, the fate of one of my great-great-grandfathers.

A street pickpocket in one of the grim industrial cities of Yorkshire, he was convicted, aged 17, with a fellow thief, of stealing a gold sovereign to the value of 1, and two metal purses, both valued at sixpence, and separately, a silver watch and  good lord  a pair of trousers. Grand larceny, defined as stealing goods to the combined value of more than 12 pennies, had been a capital offence  one of about 200 crimes deemed suitable for execution  for more than a century under Englands Bloody Code. The prerogative of mercy was regularly applied, however, and 14 years transportation  first to America, and since 1788 to Australia  was the routine alternative to execution. In 1832, just a few months before my great-great-grandfather was convicted, the death penalty for stealing was abolished in England under the curiously titled Punishment of Death, etc. Act. It was slow to be implemented, and the judge in Yorkshire handed my great-great-grandfather the full alternative to execution: 14 years transportation to Van Diemens Land.

Not terribly merciful. Still, it meant Id eventually be able to write this column. Loading All these years later, the prerogative of mercy has devolved into a corruption of the term as Trump prepares for his second run as president. Trumps MAGA army is currently all but losing its collective mind  could such a thing exist?  over Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter, for incorrectly filling in a form during a gun purchase and failing to pay taxes. Its most awkward because Biden had previously declared there would be no such pardon.

He now says political forces (read: MAGA uglies) worked to unravel a run-of-mill plea bargain, and that Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. Sounds like Trump when he was facing the law. Pardon, you. Credit: Matt Golding And yet, how many of us, given the power to pardon, would have allowed our own child to be fed into the merciless US prison system, particularly if he were our only surviving son? (Hunter Bidens brother, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015, and his sister, Naomi  known as Amy  died in the same car crash that killed their mother, Joe Bidens first wife Neilia, in 1972.) Trump and his legions of devotees dont have much to yelp about, really. Trumps pardoning behaviour, even before he starts a second term, has been toxic. During his first term, he pardoned 144 individuals charged with or convicted of federal criminal offences, and all up, granted 237 acts of executive clemency: pardons, amnesty (a pardon for a group), commutation (a reduction in sentence) and reprieve (delaying a sentence or punishment).

This, to be clear, is not a particularly high number for a US president. Loading Lyndon Johnson handed out 1187 executive clemencies, Richard Nixon gave 926, Jimmy Carter issued 566, and Gerald Fords score was 409  including a full pre-emptive pardon for the crooked former president Richard Nixon, in case he ended up actually charged with a crime. Barack Obama issued 212 pardons and 1715 commutations during his two terms, most for those serving sentences judged to be unduly harsh or delivered under outdated laws and for non-violent drug offences. What is extremely unusual about Trumps acts of clemency is that most of them were for his political and business cronies, or wealthy individuals who paid his advisers for their get-out-of-jail favours.

And of course, his son-in-laws creepo father. No less than five of Trumps former campaign staff members and political advisers (who presumably knew where all sorts of skeletons were buried) were pardoned for various offences: Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon and George Papadopoulos. Steve Bannon was on federal fraud charges awaiting trial when he was pardoned by Donald Trump. He is still facing state charges. Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images Worse, the vast majority of Trumps pardons were issued without  or against  the advice of the Office of the Pardon Attorney, long-established to administer the clemency process. Trump simply bypassed the office, choosing his own dubious favourites, ignoring even defence chiefs by pardoning soldiers convicted of war crimes.

Loading And now, with his new term as president looming, Trump is giving every indication hell look kindly on those convicted of violently storming the Capitol following his false claim he won the 2020 election. Meanwhile, Trump wants Kash Patel as the head of the FBI, among other bizarre picks for his executive team. Patel is a conspiracy theorist who wants to close FBI headquarters and turn it into a deep state museum while taking revenge on those Trump perceives as his enemies, including journalists. The prerogative of mercy? Trump couldnt spell it.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament, the Honourable Francisco A. Lacroes has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina's persistent silence on the hazardous mould conditions plaguing the Government Administration Building. In two separate letters sent on September 25 and October 29, MP Lacroes raised urgent concerns about the health risks faced by civil servants working in the Government Administration Building, yet he has received no response.

"How is it acceptable for the Prime Minister of this country, a medical professional, to remain silent while our civil servants breathe in dangerous mould spores daily? This isn't just negligence. It is a blatant disregard for the health and safety of the people who keep this government running," said MP Lacroes. MP Lacroes's statement came on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, after what he said was "a long enough wait for a response from the Prime Minister."

In his initial letter dated September 25th, MP Lacroes outlined the growing health issues reported by civil servants, including respiratory complications. He requested answers to critical questions about the maintenance of the building, such as the upkeep of the building's ventilation system. He also asked about past and current efforts to remediate the mould problem and whether ongoing financial disputes with SZV, the building's owner, are hampering maintenance. Yet, despite the gravity of these questions, the MP says, "The Prime Minister has failed to provide even a basic acknowledgement of receipt of my request."

Frustrated by the lack of action, MP Lacroes sent a follow-up letter on October 29th, reiterating the dire need for immediate attention. With no response to date, he is now going public with his concerns. "Every additional day of inaction places civil servants at greater risk of chronic health problems. This is not just a mould issue but a health crisis that requires urgent intervention," MP Lacroes emphasized. The MP said he had first opted to write the letters as he wanted to ensure that there was nothing to suggest politics was being played, but the silence from the PM is deafening. In the meantime, police and immigration workers have also asked about the mould in the police station and the building in Simpson Bay by the bridge.

He questioned whether the Prime Minister's inaction stemmed from ignorance or indifference. "I truly hope Dr Mercelina's silence does not reflect a lack of regard for the people who work tirelessly to serve this nation," he stated.

As a medical professional, the Prime Minister's silence is particularly damning, according to MP Lacroes. "Dr Mercelina's background as a physician should compel him to take charge of health-related issues, not ignore them. His inaction is both shocking and unacceptable."

MP Lacroes condemned the administration for failing to communicate with civil servants or the public on this pressing issue. "These workers deserve better than this deafening silence. Where is the leadership? Where is the compassion, he asked?.

"The time for silence is over. The Prime Minister must answer these questions now. Civil servants cannot wait another day to have their health and safety prioritized." MP Lacroes also called on the broader government and relevant agencies to step up and address the issue. "If the Prime Minister does not act, then others in the government Coalition must take the reins. Our civil servants deserve to work in an environment that does not threaten their well-being." MP Lacroes said it was not just about mould but also about the lack of respect for our workers, accountability from our leaders.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili thanked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the sanctions imposed against a number of Georgian politicians.

I could not say it better. Thank you Volodymyr! Russia is trying to get back the control over the Black Sea! Zourabichvili wrote on the social network X, commenting on Zelenskyy's statement.

As reported, on Thursday, December 5, Zelenskyy signed a decree on the imposition of sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and 19 other people.

He noted the importance so that "the partners also now talk about their position, honestly stating what is happening. And we must act."

"This is what happens in international affairs: if you do not react in time or if you do not react in a fundamental way, then what follows are lost decades, and countries are deprived of their freedom," the President explained.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) presented a plaque of appreciation to the multimedia artist and designer Henry Michel for his exceptional work in creating the institution's 35th-anniversary logo. The presentation, held on Friday, November 29, was led by USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez, who also awarded Michel a small prize as a token of gratitude.

The unique logo, which creatively integrates the numbers 3 and 5 with the official USM insignia, was unveiled in January and has since become a defining emblem of the university's year-long celebrations. Michel, who proudly embraces his Haitian roots, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to USMs milestone and to the country.

Throughout 2024, the anniversary logo symbolized USMs recommitment to the community, showcased through lectures, public events, and collaborative initiatives with local and regional organizations. USMs expanding influence in the Caribbean was highlighted during the celebrations, with partnerships secured with the University of Aruba, Instituto Pedagogico Arubano, University of Curacao, and institutions in Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba. Additionally, the university continues to play a vital role in training educators from the sister islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius.

Dr. Carmona praised Michels artistic talent, stating, St. Martin should feel proud of the diverse talent within our community. Designers like Henry Michel not only enrich USM locally but help bring the name of the University of St. Martin to other shores as well.

The University of St. Martin extends its heartfelt thanks to Henry Michel for his exceptional contribution, marking a year of achievement and unity for the institution and the wider St. Martin community.
OpenAI chief 'believes' Musk will not abuse government power



New York, Dec 4 (AFP) Dec 04, 2024



OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed confidence Wednesday that Elon Musk would not use his proximity to Donald Trump to harm business rivals, calling such actions "profoundly un-American."

Speaking at the New York Times DealBook conference, Altman addressed concerns about Musk's announced role heading a new Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Donald Trump administration, and whether he might use it to favor his own companies.

"I may turn out to be wrong, but I believe pretty strongly that Elon will do the right thing," Altman said. "It would be profoundly un-American to use political power to hurt your competitors and advantage your own businesses."

Even if there are "lots of things not to like about him... it would go so deeply against the values I believe he holds very dear to himself that I'm not that worried about it."

Musk, an OpenAI co-founder who later departed the company, is currently suing Altman's firm and Microsoft, claiming they shifted from the project's original nonprofit mission.

He has since launched xAI, reportedly valued at $50 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable startups.

Altman said that the court battle was "tremendously sad" and that he once saw Musk as "a mega hero."

Musk became a close ally of Trump during his campaign, spending over $100 million to boost his presidential bid and joining him at rallies.

Since the election victory, he has been a frequent presence in the Trump transition and was reportedly on the line when Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the president-elect to congratulate him on winning the election.

The tycoon's businesses have deep connections with governments -- both in the United States and elsewhere -- and his new position has raised concerns about conflict of interest.

During the interview, Altman also lowered expectations for the importance of OpenAI's models achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), a benchmark of human-level intelligence the company has long set as the goal for its technology.

"My guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think, and it will matter much less," he said.

"A lot of the safety concerns that we and others expressed actually don't come at the AGI moment... AGI can get built. The world goes on mostly the same way," he said.

arp/aha

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MICROSOFT
Trump names billionaire private astronaut as next NASA chief



Washington, Dec 4 (AFP) Dec 04, 2024



US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire online payments entrepreneur and the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, as the next head of NASA.

The nod raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Isaacman's financial ties to SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who is set to co-lead a government efficiency commission and is one of Trump's closest advisors.

Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has emerged as a leading figure in commercial spaceflight through his high-profile collaborations with SpaceX.

He made history in September by stepping out of a Crew Dragon to gaze at Earth from the void of space while gripping the spacecraft's exterior, during the first-ever spacewalk carried out by non-professional astronauts.

"I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration."



- SpaceX ties -



The groundbreaking spacewalk was part of the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX that is set to include three missions in total, culminating in the first crewed test of the next-generation Starship.

Financial terms of the initiative remain under wraps, though the matter is likely to come up during Isaacman's Senate hearings.

Isaacman reportedly poured $200 million of his own money into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission, his first foray into space.

A staunch supporter of SpaceX and Musk, Isaacman frequently praises the company and its vision on social media platform X.

"There will inevitably be a thriving space economy -- one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space," Isaacman said in an X post after Trump's announcement. "At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities."

Isaacman, a Pennsylvania native, founded the business that became Shift4 Payments from his family's basement at just 16.

A skilled aviator, he is qualified to fly military aircraft, has performed at airshows, and set a world record for an around-the-world flight.



- Future direction of NASA -



The nomination comes at a delicate juncture for the storied US space agency, with experts anticipating significant shifts in direction during Trump's second term.

The Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, may face scrutiny as Trump has repeatedly voiced a preference for prioritizing a direct mission to Mars.

Also possibly on the chopping block is the massive, NASA-owned Space Launch System (SLS) Moon rocket, which has been criticized for being exorbitantly expensive due to its lack of reusability, in contrast with SpaceX's Starship, which is designed to be reusable but remains a prototype.

If Isaacman is confirmed by the Senate, his ties to SpaceX could invite heightened scrutiny of future contracting decisions.

NASA currently has agreements with both SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin to develop lunar lander systems -- an approach Isaacman has criticized, citing budgetary constraints and SpaceX's capabilities.

"Congress is going to have to do its job here and exercise oversight," Peter Juul of the Progressive Policy Institute told AFP, urging lawmakers to mandate dual-source contracting so NASA "doesn't become a glorified contracting agency for SpaceX."

Still, as a swashbuckling entrepreneur in an era of expanding public-private partnerships in space, Isaacman's appointment has drawn praise in some quarters.

"The Planetary Society shares his vision of bold exploration in space, and, should he be confirmed, we look forward to working with him," Casey Dreier, the nonprofit's chief of space policy, told AFP.

ia/aha

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Nvidia signs deal to establish AI centre in Vietnam



Hanoi, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



US chip giant Nvidia signed a deal Thursday to establish an AI centre in Vietnam's economic hub Ho Chi Minh City.

Jensen Huang, chairman and CEO of the Silicon Valley chip titan, met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a visit to Hanoi, where the two agreed to open Nvidia Vietnam, an artificial intelligence research and development centre.

"The data of Vietnam is a national and its natural resource. The AI of Vietnam should be processed here, built here, operated here, for the people and industry of Vietnam," Huang said.

Huang said Nvidia was helping Vietnam build its "first AI cloud", as well as advancing robotics and AI-powered smart cities in the country.

Huang's Vietnam visit comes after a trip to Bangok where he said he would support AI development in Thailand and signed a parternship with Thai tech company SIAM.AI to build the country's first "sovereign cloud".

Nvidia has already invested over $250 million in Vietnam, according to Huang, and the US chip designer is working with some of Vietnam's top tech firms to deploy AI in the cloud, automotive and healthcare industries.

Huang also announced that Nvidia had acquired Vinbrain, an AI startup under Vingroup, one of Vietnam's largest technology and property conglomerates.

During a previous visit, Huang had said he wanted to set up a base in the country.

Global supply chain shocks and fears about the US reliance on China for strategic resources are boosting investment in Vietnam's growing semiconductor industry.

Across the region, governments are vying for US tech dollars, with Vietnam making a drive to move up the value chain from a hub for producing shoes, clothes and furniture.

lam-sjc/lb
Some 135 cultural figures and 93 media workers have already died due to the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications reports.

"The war claimed the lives of 135 Ukrainian cultural figures and 93 media workers. These data not only show the scale of the losses, but also remind us of the tragic pages of our history. Just as in the 20s and early 30s of the twentieth century, the Stalinist regime destroyed a generation of Ukrainian artists, so today Russia is purposefully destroying the cultural elite of Ukraine," the ministry said.

It is noted that during the war, not only Ukrainian, but also seven foreign media workers were killed, telling the world about the events in Ukraine.
Nvidia signs deal to establish AI centre in Vietnam



Hanoi, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



US chip giant Nvidia signed a deal Thursday to establish an AI centre in Vietnam.

Jensen Huang, chairman and CEO of the Silicon Valley chip titan, met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a visit to Hanoi, where the two agreed to open an artificial intelligence research and development centre.

"The data of Vietnam is a national and its natural resource. The AI of Vietnam should be processed here, built here, operated here, for the people and industry of Vietnam," Huang said.

Huang said Nvidia was helping Vietnam build its "first AI cloud", as well as advancing robotics and AI-powered smart cities in the country.

Chinh called the deal a "significant milestone for Vietnam to become a leading research and development hub in Asia".

Huang's Vietnam visit comes after a trip to Bangkok where he said he would support AI development in Thailand and signed a partnership with Thai tech company SIAM.AI to build the country's first "sovereign cloud".

Nvidia has already invested over $250 million in Vietnam, according to Huang, and the US chip designer is working with some of Vietnam's top tech firms to deploy AI in the cloud, automotive and healthcare industries.

Huang also announced that Nvidia had acquired VinBrain, an AI startup under Vingroup, one of Vietnam's largest technology and property conglomerates.

During a previous visit, Huang had said he wanted to set up a base in the country.

Global supply chain shocks and fears about the US reliance on China for strategic resources are boosting investment in Vietnam's growing semiconductor industry.

Across the region, governments are vying for US tech dollars, with Vietnam making a drive to move up the value chain from a hub for producing shoes, clothes and furniture.

lam-sjc/lb/bjt
Meta pushes zero-carbon energy strategy with solar deal



Washington, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Meta has signed contracts with renewable energy firm Invenergy for 760 megawatts of solar power capacity, the companies said on Thursday.

The deal is part of the Facebook-owner's search for cleaner power sources, including nuclear, as its power needs expand, namely because of the adoption of artificial intelligence.

The project involves solar facilities in four US states and pushes Meta's total renewable energy agreements with Chicago-based Invenergy beyond 1 gigawatt. Operations are expected to begin between 2024 and 2027.

The electricity will supply local power grids while Meta receives clean energy credits, supporting its goal of powering all operations with renewable energy.

"Energy demand is soaring," said Invenergy Executive Vice President Ted Romaine, noting the projects will create jobs and generate "millions in local economic benefits."

Meta's Head of Global Energy Urvi Parekh said the agreement helps match the company's growing power needs with clean energy sources.

Invenergy, the largest privately held clean energy developer in the US, said it has developed over 32,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Meta announced plans on Tuesday to seek proposals for 1-4 gigawatts of new nuclear generation capacity in the US, targeting operations in the early 2030s.

The nuclear initiative aims to support Meta's growing artificial intelligence operations and data centers while contributing to grid reliability.

Building AI consumes a tremendous amount of electricity because it involves intensive computing operations. It also emits a lot of CO2 when using power generated by coal or natural gas.

As tech companies seek energy sources to meet these demands while maintaining their zero-carbon emission commitments, the chase for nuclear, wind and solar power has intensified.

Meta's push into nuclear power follows similar initiatives by Microsoft and Amazon that are also scrambling to find enough power to needs of their AI ambitions, while also meeting zero-carbon targets.
Biden aide says US would run out of munition in China war



Washington, Dec 4 (AFP) Dec 04, 2024



President Joe Biden's national security advisor warned Wednesday that the United States could quickly run out of munitions in a war with China as he called for more sustained defense production.

Jake Sullivan appealed to the incoming administration of Donald Trump to sustain the ramp-up of the domestic defense industry spurred by the war in Ukraine.

"God forbid we end up in a full-scale war with the PRC," Sullivan said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"But any war with a country like the PRC, a military like the PRC, is going to involve the exhaustion of munition stockpiles very rapidly," he said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"A big part of the answer to a healthy defense industrial base over time is the ability to regenerate, to surge, to build during a conflict -- not just to build before, or to prepare for a conflict," he said.

Sullivan called for Congress and the Trump administration to keep working on a Biden proposal to create a revolving fund of munitions.

The fund, which was proposed at $500 million a year, would let the Pentagon procure critical munitions even as they run out due to wars such as Ukraine.

Sullivan acknowledged there would be debate in the next administration on the size of the defense budget but said it was critical to keep up efforts to boost a military-industrial base which atrophied after the end of the Cold War when then United States saw no close competitor.

"First and most fundamentally, we've got to keep ramping up and accelerating production and procurement of the things that we need most," he said.

He pointed to efforts to build 155-millimeter artillery rounds for Ukraine.

He said that the United States will produce 55,000 such rounds per month by the time the Biden administration leaves office next month, a 400 percent increase from before, with a goal of reaching 100,000 per month by early 2026.

Sullivan also pointed to the need to counter cooperation among US adversaries -- China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Trump's team has made clear it is unenthusiastic about the billions of dollars in US weapons for Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement with Russia.

Trump's advisors, notably Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, have said that US resources would be better spent countering China.
North Korea, Russia defence treaty comes into force



Seoul, Dec 4 (AFP) Dec 04, 2024



A landmark defence pact between North Korea and Russia, signed by its leaders in June, has gone into effect after the two sides exchanged ratification documents, North Korea's official KCNA news agency said Thursday.

The formalization of the treaty comes as the United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine.

Experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is keen to acquire advanced technology from Moscow and battle experience for his troops in return.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the strategic partnership deal during the Kremlin chief's visit to Pyongyang.

It obligates both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other, and to jointly oppose Western sanctions.

It came into effect from Wednesday, when the ratification documents were exchanged in Moscow by the countries' vice foreign ministers Kim Jong Gyu and Andrei Rudenko, KCNA reported.

Lawmakers in Moscow last month voted unanimously for the deal and it was later signed by Putin. Pyongyang said it was ratified by a decree from Kim.

The treaty will serve "as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony," KCNA said.

Analysts have suggested Pyongyang could be using Ukraine as a means of realigning its foreign policy.

By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labour - potentially even bypassing traditional ally, neighbour and main trading partner China, they say.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Both countries are under rafts of UN sanctions -- the former for its nuclear weapons programme and the latter for the Ukraine conflict.

Kim said last week during a visit to Pyongyang by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov that his government, army and people would "invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Putin hailed the deal in June as a "breakthrough document".
The government calls on farmers in Kharkiv region to take advantage of the humanitarian demining market, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said.

"One of the programs that require additional attention is demining. Kharkiv region is one of the most mine-contaminated areas. Now about 320 sappers from various government organizations are working on demining here with the use of 24 mechanical demining machines," he said at an off-site government meeting in Kharkiv region on Thursday.

In addition, he said, there are about 400 deminers from non-governmental and international organizations in the region.

"We also call on farmers in Kharkiv region to take advantage of the humanitarian demining market, thanks to which they can receive 100 percent compensation for demining their plots," Shmyhal said.
12 Vietnamese soldiers killed in accidental explosion



Hanoi, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Twelve Vietnamese soldiers were killed in an accidental explosion during a military training exercise in southern Vietnam, state media said Thursday.

Authorities believed that a lightning strike during a severe storm triggered an electric detonator as the group was transporting explosives, the report from a local military newspaper said.

The explosion occurred on Monday night at a military shooting range of the 7th Military Region in Dong Nai, an industrial hub in southern Vietnam.

Authorities were still searching for several bodies of the victims, according to the report in the 7th Military Newspaper.

Fatal accidents during military training are rare in the communist country.

The accident came a day after Defence Minister Phan Van Giang delivered a speech to mark the start of the combat exercise, according to state newspaper Nhan Dan.

The ministry of defence has ordered an urgent investigation into the incident, the official Vietnam News Agency said.
South Korean president clings to power after martial law U-turn



Seoul, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was still clinging to power Thursday, with his party announcing they will oppose an impeachment motion after his short-lived imposition of martial law stunned the world.

Yoon suspended civilian rule late Tuesday and deployed troops and helicopters to parliament only for lawmakers to vote down the measure and force him into a U-turn in a night of protests and drama.

Seoul's allies were alarmed -- Washington said it found out via television -- and the opposition quickly filed an impeachment motion saying Yoon "gravely violated the constitution and the law". A vote is set for Saturday at around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT).

South Korean police also announced Thursday they were investigating Yoon for "insurrection" -- a crime that transcends presidential immunity and can carry the death penalty -- after the opposition filed a complaint against him and other key figures involved.

The opposition holds a large majority in the 300-member legislature and require only a handful of defections from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) to secure the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment.

But on Thursday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said that while he had demanded Yoon leave the party over his "unconstitutional martial law", he would block the impeachment motion.

"All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the president's impeachment," party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said.

According to a new poll issued Thursday by Realmeter, 73.6 percent of respondents supported the impeachment. More protests were expected later Thursday.

If the motion passes, Yoon will be suspended pending a verdict by the Constitutional Court. If the judges give the nod, Yoon will be impeached and new elections must take place within 60 days.



- Bad memories -



Yoon, who has lurched from crisis to crisis since taking office in 2022, has not been seen in public since his televised address in the early hours of Wednesday.

Local media quoted his office as saying he would not make any statement on Thursday.

On Thursday, his office said that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun had resigned, but other key allies including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min remain in office.

Prosecutors have also banned Kim from leaving the country, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, were grilling senior figures, including army chief of staff General Park An-su, who acted as Yoon's martial law commander.

Park said Thursday that he was kept in the dark until after the president had announced the imposition of martial law on live television late Tuesday.

It was the first such declaration in more than four decades in South Korea and brought back painful memories of its autocratic past.

The move was to "safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness," Yoon said.

A six-point decree from the army chief banned political activities and parties, "false propaganda", strikes and "gatherings that incite social unrest".

Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and almost 300 soldiers tried to lock down the building, seemingly to prevent lawmakers from entering.

But as parliamentary staffers blocked the soldiers with sofas and fire extinguishers, enough MPs -- some leaping over barriers -- got inside and voted down Yoon's move.

This brought cheers from the hundreds of protesters braving bitter temperatures outside, many waving national flags and chanting for Yoon to be arrested.

Lawmakers formally presented the impeachment motion in the early hours of Thursday, saying Yoon's decision to impose martial law was intended to "evade imminent investigations... into alleged illegal acts involving himself and his family".

"This is an unforgivable crime -- one that cannot, should not, and will not be pardoned," MP Kim Seung-won said.

In a show of public anger, thousands of protesters converged around Yoon's office in Seoul late Wednesday after staging a rally in Gwanghwamun Square, demanding his resignation.



- 'Robust and resilient' -



The United States has around 30,000 troops stationed in South Korea to help protect its ally against the nuclear-armed North.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday that Yoon's imposition of martial law had "raised deep concern for us" while praising the National Assembly for operating "according to constitutional processes and procedures" to rescind it.

China, a key ally of nuclear-armed North Korea, urged its citizens to exercise caution, while Russia -- increasingly close to Pyongyang -- called the situation "alarming".

In Japan, whose historically prickly relations with Seoul have thawed under Yoon, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the situation with key ministers and the national security advisor, Tokyo said Thursday.

"Japan and South Korea are important neighbours that should tackle, as partners, various issues facing the international community," government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

burs-oho/cwl
Japan grants Philippines funding to boost naval capabilities



Manila, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Japan on Thursday granted the Philippines 1.6 billion yen ($10.6 million) aimed at beefing up its naval capabilities, a day after Manila said the China Coast Guard had "harassed" its government vessels.

The funds, part of a Japanese regional security assistance programme, will provide more rigid-hulled inflatable boats, coastal radar systems and automatic identification systems to the Philippine Navy, the two sides said.

The package will "contribute to maintaining and strengthening regional security" and "enhance the security of vital sea lanes," Japan's embassy said after a meeting between Ambassador Kazuya Endo and Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo.

The amount announced Thursday more than doubled the 600 million yen Manila received when the Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme launched in 2023.

The Philippines has been upgrading its maritime security assets and boosting ties with allies to counteract Beijing's aggressive assertion of its claims in the South China Sea, including areas disputed by the two neighbours.

On Thursday, the foreign ministry said the OSA deal would improve Manila's ability "to deter threats to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region".

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims from other countries and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

On Wednesday, Manila said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon and "sideswiped" a government vessel near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

On the same day, another Chinese "intentionally rammed" a fisheries department vessel near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, the Philippines added.

Manalo said the Philippines would be submitting a diplomatic protest over the two incidents.

"It's very clear, I mean we were within our legal rights," Manalo told reporters after the signing of the security aid agreement with Japan.

"We don't understand why China again is repeating these actions which are clearly illegal."

On Wednesday, Japan expressed serious concern over the recent sea confrontations between the Philippines and China.
Russian ship's crew fired signal flares toward German helicopter



Berlin, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Germany's defence minister voiced concern Thursday about a Russian cargo ship firing a signal flare towards a German military helicopter in the Baltic Sea.

The incident, which comes as the Ukraine war has sharply heightened regional tensions, evokes the "classic provocative behaviour that we know from the time of the Cold War", said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

AFP understands the incident last week involved the crew of a Russian cargo ship firing red signal flares at a German helicopter without hitting it.

Pistorius did not go into detail about the incident but said "in this case no one was hurt and no one was in danger".

"We have repeatedly had incidents in the Baltic where it turned out that Russian ships were firing warning shots into the air or into the water," Pistorius told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

While Germany "can never exclude" the possibility that such incidents would lead to direct escalation, Pistorius said that German vessels "and those of our allies are behaving prudently and with foresight".

"They report these incidents, they respond with de-escalatory measures and don't let themselves get taken in" by such behaviour, he said.

Worries about sabotage in the Baltic Sea were recently heightened after undersea data cables were cut, with suspicion falling on a Chinese vessel.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also hinted at the most recent incident in comments on Wednesday in which she referred to "helicopters from Germany suddenly being fired upon by tankers".

Germany is Ukraine's second-biggest supplier of military aid and German officials have repeatedly raised the alarm in recent months about Russian "hybrid warfare", including acts of sabotage.
Iraq PM denies wiretapping allegations as 'lie of the century'



Baghdad, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday denied allegations that members of his office were responsible for wiretapping the phones of MPs and other politicians -- accusations that have sparked months of uproar.

Corruption scandals frequently grip Iraq, with smear and disinformation campaigns often used to settle political scores.

Sudani said the accusations were levelled at the government "in an immoral manner", adding the allegations "are baseless and I can say with absolute certainty that it is the lie of the century".

He was publicly addressing the allegations for the first time, in remarks reported by the state news agency INA.

The accusations first emerged in August, and subsequent reports by Iraqi and Arab media outlets suggested that among the victims of the alleged wiretapping were powerful members of the political class.

In particular, they pointed to members of the Coordination Framework, a pro-Iran Shiite parliamentary bloc that brought Sudani to power.

Iraq's judiciary has opened an investigation into the accusations, but has not publicly commented on them or revealed who is implicated.

The only individual named in the case is Mohamed al-Jouhi, a former official in Sudani's office.

The first official to publicly comment on the accusations was MP Mustafa Sanad, who alleged in August that he himself had been a victim of the wiretapping and said a network had been arrested, including officers and officials, notably Jouhi.

And in September, former speaker of parliament Mohammed al-Halbussi also claimed in a televised interview that his movements have been subject to "surveillance".

In September, the Supreme Council of the Judiciary denounced "the inaccuracy of information" circulating in the media over an investigation into the "Mohamed al-Jouhi network".

It described as "false" reports "circulating in the media and on social media regarding attempts to eavesdrop on the president" of the council, Faiq Zidan.
China's Xi urges military to 'combat corruption'



Beijing, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



President Xi Jinping said the military should "combat corruption" and focus on its capacity to "win wars", state media reported Thursday, as Beijing reinforces its clampdown on graft in the armed forces.

Xi has overseen a wide-ranging campaign against official corruption since coming to power just over a decade ago, with critics saying it also serves as a way to purge political rivals.

Recent efforts appear to have focused on the People's Liberation Army (PLA), with top official Miao Hua last month joining a host of high-ranking figures to be removed from their positions in just over a year.

Speaking to troops from the PLA's Information Support Force on Wednesday, Xi said the military should "rigorously enforce discipline", according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The military should "combat corruption to ensure the absolute loyalty, purity, and reliability of the force", Xi told the soldiers.

The creation of the Information Support Force was announced in April, with analysts seeing it as a reform of the PLA's running of its cyber, information, logistics and space operations.

Xi told the troops on Wednesday that it had to "focus on capabilities to fight and win wars".

His message came as simmering flashpoints in the wider region flared up this week, particularly in regards to Taiwan.

Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control one day.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has been on a Pacific tour this week, and his inclusion of Hawaii and the American territory of Guam has angered China.

Beijing on Thursday warned the United States it should "clearly recognise the serious danger that separatist acts of Taiwan independence pose to peace and security across the Taiwan Strait", after Republican US House Speaker Mike Johnson held a call with Lai.

And on Wednesday the Philippines said the China Coast Guard fired water cannon and "sideswiped" a government vessel during a maritime patrol in the disputed South China Sea after Beijing said it had "exercised control" over the ship.
Russia's Lavrov says West ignoring Putin's warnings over sending troops to Ukraine



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Russia's foreign minister on Thursday accused the West of failing to heed the Kremlin's warnings over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine.

Asked about Western media reports on the topic, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "All these fantasies are only exacerbating the situation, and show that the people who hold such ideas, prefer not to hear the very clear warnings that President Putin has repeatedly given."
Russia says West ignoring warnings over sending troops to Ukraine



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Russia on Thursday accused the West of failing to heed the Kremlin's warnings over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine.

Speculation over possible Western deployments, potentially as a peacekeeping force in the event of a ceasefire, has ratched up amid an escalation in the near three-year war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that the talk of boots on the ground showed the West was not listening to Moscow's concerns.

"All these fantasies are only exacerbating the situation, and show that the people who hold such ideas, prefer not to hear the very clear warnings that President Putin has repeatedly given," he told reporters.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said last month that there were no "red lines" when it came to Paris's support for Ukraine.

Asked whether this included a French troop deployment, he said: "We do not discard any option."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday it was too early and "inappropriate" to discuss whether Berlin would in future send troops to a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Lavrov was speaking after an OSCE summit in Malta, his first trip to an EU country since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
'Can't leave them to it': ex-child soldier urges help for Sudan kids



Nairobi, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



A former child soldier has urged the world to do more to help children devastated by Sudan's brutal civil war, telling AFP on Thursday that "we can't just leave them to it".

Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed tens of thousands, and displaced almost 11 million -- among them five million children.

The United Nations warned earlier this year that "an entire generation could be destroyed", with millions facing disease and malnutrition.

During a visit this week to the eastern city of Port Sudan, UNICEF goodwill ambassador Ishmael Beah -- who was himself forcibly recruited into a Sierra Leone militia aged just 13 -- met with displaced children and families.

"This collapse has really devastated a lot of their lives," he told AFP in Nairobi shortly after the visit.

"It's been difficult to constantly see what I experienced so many years ago is still happening to people."

Beah described the plight of one woman he met, whose cousin and his wife were shot and killed after trying to defend themselves, leaving their child an orphan.

"So she took that child and basically ran with that child," he said, describing it as just one case of remarkable resilience that he encountered.

"There are a lot of stories of rape and people being killed and constant bombardment, and people just running," he added.

"It's that restlessness and constant travel, the walking, and particularly for the girls, also then encountering checkpoints," he said.

"There is a lot of rape."

Beah said he had expected people's spirits to be broken, but that was not what he found.

He said many of the young people he met were tough and, armed with the internet, keen to share their own stories with the world.

"The message that all of them repeated over and over again was: 'Can the world please help to end the war?'

"'We don't care how they do it, but let it stop.'"
Europe's oldest nuclear power plant to shut in 2033: Swiss operator



Geneva, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Switzerland's Beznau nuclear plant, one of the oldest in the world, will keep running until 2033, its operator announced on Thursday, as environmentalists argued it should be shut down "immediately".

Energy company Axpo, which runs the plant in northern Switzerland that first began operating in 1969, said in a statement that it had decided "to secure the operation of the Beznau nuclear power plant until 2033".

When it is finally taken offline, the installation will be 64 years old, the company said in a statement.

Switzerland has placed no maximum life span on its nuclear power plants.

The four currently in service, which provide around a third of Switzerland's total electricity production, can run for as long as they are considered safe.

Axpo said it had conducted "a comprehensive review" before determining the cut-off time for Beznau, and that "safety was the top priority in all considerations".

It said it would keep one of the two units on the grid until 2032, with the other unit staying on until 2033, adding that it planned to invest an additional 350 million Swiss francs ($396 million) in the plant.

Since the start, it said it had invested more than 2.5 billion francs in upgrading and modernising the two units.

The Swiss Energy Foundation (SES) said setting the cut-off date was "logical", after Swiss voters in June approved a law accelerating the development of renewable energies as part of efforts to attain carbon neutrality by 2050.

The country's Green Party described the scheduled shutdown as "an important step towards Switzerland's definitive exit from nuclear", according to the domestic Keystone-ATS news agency.

The Swiss approved the gradual phase-out of nuclear power in a referendum in 2017, by banning the construction of new power plants.

That law was the result of a long process initiated after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, triggered by a tsunami.

Greenpeace, which has been calling for Axpo to swiftly shut down the two reactors at Beznau, slammed Thursday's announcement.

It warned that keeping the ageing installation alive was dangerous, and insisted that swelling renewable energy production had rendered Beznau's output "redundant".

"Maintaining the activity of the oldest installation in the world is a risky and useless experiment," Georg Klingler of Greenpeace Switzerland said in a statement.

"Beznau must be shut down immediately."

nl/rjm/bc
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put into effect a decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), which, in particular, provides for a ban on the appointment of military doctors without their desire to positions unrelated to medical practice, and undertakes to work out a mechanism for booking civilian doctors.

Corresponding decree No. 817/2024 on the enactment of the NSDC decision on countering threats to national security of Ukraine in the field of healthcare in a special period dated December 5, 2024 was published on the website of the head of state.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has been instructed to develop, within a month, a legal regulation prohibiting "the appointment of persons with medical education to military service positions not directly related to medical practice (service), except in cases when this appointment occurs at the individual's own request."

At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers should review the booking conditions for "military-bound medical workers, rehabilitation specialists and other healthcare workers in relation to the lifting of restrictions on the number (as a percentage) of military-bound employees of public and municipal health institutions, public health institutions, institutions engaged in forensic medical and forensic psychiatric examinations, blood centers for which work in the relevant institutions is the main place of work, regardless of the military accounting specialty."

The Cabinet of Ministers should also establish obligations for the regional, Kyiv and Sevastopol city state administrations to coordinate with the relevant central executive authorities the criteria by which enterprises, institutions and organizations are identified that "are critically important for the functioning of the economy and ensuring the livelihoods of the population during a special period, as well as critically important for meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations in a special period."
Syrian rebel leader calls on Iraqi PM to distance country from Syria war



Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Syrian rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, whose fighters have launched a lightning offensive, on Thursday urged Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of neighbouring Iraq to keep his country distant from Syria's war.

"We urge him (Sudani) to distance Iraq from entering the new furnace of what is happening in Syria," said Jolani, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in a video message posted on the opposition faction leadership's Telegram channel.

Iraq's powerful Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah armed group on Monday called on Baghdad to send troops to Syria to support the Damascus government. Kataeb Hezbollah is part of Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance of Iran-backed former paramilitary groups now integrated in Iraq's regular armed forces.

Jolani urged Sudani to "prevent the Iraqi Hashed al-Shaabi from interfering in what is happening in Syria".

He added: "There are many fears and illusions -- that some Iraqi politicians believe -- that what is happening in Syria will extend to Iraq. I say firmly that this is 100 percent wrong."

The Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, is under the Iraqi prime minister's command and denies involvement outside Iraq's borders.

Kataeb Hezbollah has previously fought in Syria alongside forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

On Monday, Iraq said it had sent armoured vehicles to bolster security along its 600-kilometre (370-mile) border with Syria.

Sudani told Assad on Saturday that his country's security is "closely linked to Iraq's national security" while playing a "crucial role in regional security and efforts to establish stability in the Middle East," Sudani's office said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, earlier this week reported about 200 pro-Iranian Iraqi fighters entered Syria to back government forces.

Iraq remains scarred by the rise of the Islamic State group in 2014, which saw the jihadists capture nearly a third of the country before local forces backed by a US-led coalition defeated them in 2017.
Influential Shiite cleric Sadr urges Iraq to keep out of Syria fighting



Baghdad, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Influential Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr urged his country Thursday to stay out of the fighting in neighbouring Syria triggered by a lightning rebel offensive launched last week.

Sadr stressed in a post on X the "necessity of Iraq's government, people, parties, militias and security forces not getting involved in the Syrian issue", urging the government to "punish all those who violate... security".

Syrian Islamist rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani had earlier called on Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to keep his country distant from Syria's war.

Iraq's powerful Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah armed group on Monday called on Baghdad to send troops to Syria to support the Damascus government.

Kataeb Hezbollah is part of the so-called "axis of resistance" backed by Iran and opposed to Israel and the US presence in the region.

In Iraq, it is part of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of former paramilitary forces now integrated into the regular armed forces.

On Thursday, Jolani urged Sudani to "prevent the Iraqi Hashed al-Shaabi from interfering in what is happening in Syria".

"There are many fears and illusions -- that some Iraqi politicians believe -- that what is happening in Syria will extend to Iraq. I say firmly that this is 100 percent wrong."

An Iraqi government official told AFP that Baghdad's "red line" would be crossed if the rebels advanced towards eastern Syria, near the border with Iraq, or towards the capital Damascus and the Shiite shrine of Sayeda Zeinab in its sosuthern suburbs.

An official from a leading Iran-backed Iraqi armed group meanwhile acknowledged that involvement in Syria would be "difficult", citing the fear of Israeli or US strikes.

"We have our own secure routes if we want to reach the front, but until now this decision has not been taken," the official said on condition of anonymity.

cbg/jsa/kir
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said that Kharkiv region is among the regions provided with major financing from the government in 2024.

"This year, Kharkiv region is among the regions provided with major financing. About UAH 16 billion has already been allocated as a subvention. UAH 6 billion was additionally provided for the construction of fortifications," he said at an off-site meeting of the government in Kharkiv region on Thursday.

According to Shmyhal, the government allocated UAH 2.4 billion to Kharkiv region in order to qualitatively prepare and overcome the heating season, as well as about UAH 2 billion was allocated directly to Kharkiv.

Also, more than UAH 500 million was allocated to Centrenergo to restore and protect energy facilities in the region.

"For Kharkiv, a record amount of funds has been allocated for the construction and arrangement of bomb shelters in educational institutions. We are talking about UAH 2.7 billion. The work continues," the Prime Minister said.

Among other things, Shmyhal noted that the government provided funds for housing repairs under the eRestoration program for more than 26,000 families in Kharkiv region, as well as more than UAH 600 million was allocated for repairs of apartment buildings in the region.

"Medicine is another area of special attention. More than UAH 200 million has been allocated for Kharkiv region to equip bomb shelters and safe conditions in hospitals. Another direction of our work is the support of the Ukrainian manufacturer. This year UAH 1.5 billion is provided to support the business of Kharkiv region," the head of the government said.
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
The partnership is not brand new. Waight Keller began talks with the company three years ago, and in September 2023 launched the first of three Uniqlo: C capsule collections, which fashion editors swooned over. As I became more involved, and spent a lot more time in Tokyo, I ended up crossing over a lot of the meetings that were happening with the main line, she says. One fan of Waight Kellers affordable offering was her friend Meghan Markle, who presented her with designer of the year at the Fashion Awards in 2018. The pair are definitely in touch today, six years after Waight Keller created the open-boat neckline gown Markle wore to wed Prince Harry. There are certain key items which I know she always loves: the trench coat, fluid skirts and dresses, says Waight Keller. As a Brit, being able to be a part of the royal wedding was incredible. Weve always maintained a great friendship and hope that it continues.
At a hearing in London, lawyers for Ratcliffe, who is now 17 and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism, said the sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Yip, had failed to take into account his immaturity and that the minimum term was far too high.
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The court previously heard he berated Mrs Hogg for not being fun after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent her more than 200 text messages in the space of a few hours which led her to have a panic attack.
Roberts said: I would like the court to consider this was not done out of malice  I have no agenda against Edinburgh Castle or the Stone of Destiny. When I took this action 24% of Scotland experienced food insecurity in the last year. Parents were criminalised for trying to feed their children and baby formula was in security cases.
He added: The delay in the works has caused unnecessary anxiety and stress to the occupiers and lessees. This is not only the risk to their safety. It also includes their uncertainty about their future, the fact that they are unable to sell their flats and that their flats are unmortgageable. There has also been a lack of transparency.
Finland will deliver its 26th materiel assistance package to Ukraine, according to a press release of the Finnish Ministry of Defense.

"The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 5 December 2024 on the proposal of the Government. [] The defense administration is already preparing the next assistance package to be delivered early next year," it said.

According to the ministry, for operational reasons and to ensure that the delivery reaches its destination, more detailed information on the content of the assistance, manner of delivery or schedule will not be provided. Both Ukraine's needs and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces have been taken into account when deciding on the additional assistance.

"Finland has now delivered defense materiel to Ukraine to a total value of EUR 2.3 billion. This time the package contains winter equipment for Ukrainian troops, for example. Finland is one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, and we have no plans to change that," Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen said.
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More than eight thousand servicemen, who voluntarily left the military unit, have already returned to service, said Sevak Saiyan, head of the department of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense of the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO).

"To date, more than 8,000 servicemen have voluntarily applied and returned to military service. Of these, if we distinguish: more than 5,000 servicemen were returned in accordance with the law of exemption from criminal liability and more than 3,000 under the second law," he was quoted as saying in a message on the department's Telegram channel on Thursday.

On September 7, Law No. 3902-IX came into force, regulating the procedure for releasing military personnel from criminal liability for committing crimes and desertion.

On November 28, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed bill No. 12095 on voluntary return to service for those who voluntarily left military units or deserted for the first time.
The resignation of the French government on Wednesday and the non-adoption of the budget may make it difficult for Paris to increase support for Ukraine, despite President Emmanuel Macron's repeated promises to help Kyiv "as long as it takes," Reuters reported on Thursday.

The resignation of the government may lead to a situation in which the budget of the current year will be postponed to the next one. Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, speaking before the no-confidence vote on Wednesday, said it would affect France's support for Ukraine.

"Most of the Ukrainian support is the transfer of old equipment from the French army, which is then replaced by a new one. If we slow down the order of new equipment, it will lead to a slowdown in supplies for Ukraine," Lecornu told Le Parisien ezine.

According to Lecornu, this will also lead to the fact that the defense budget will not reach the target of EUR 50 billion and the army will lose EUR 3.3 billion.

France has already reduced the pace of assistance to Ukraine. Lecornu said in October that France would not fulfil the promised programs worth EUR 3 billion for 2024, although this figure would be higher than EUR 2 billion.

In November, France completed training for about 2,000 Ukrainians, including the provision of armored vehicles for troop movement and reconnaissance, Caesar howitzers, anti-tank missile launchers, surface-to-air missiles and battlefield radars.

In recent weeks, it has also shipped new missiles using funds from frozen Russian assets, and plans to provide Mirage fighter jets in the first quarter of 2025.

As previously reported, deputies of the lower house of the French parliament, the National Assembly, voted on Wednesday evening for a vote of no confidence in the government of Michel Barnier. Some 331 deputies voted for no confidence. Some 288 votes were needed for the vote.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua

Some 106 military clashes have been recorded on the entire front line since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00, in particular, the occupiers carried out 35 attacks in Kurakhove direction, and 26 in Pokrovsk direction, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"The situation on the line of contact remains tense. Ukrainian defenders continue to actively counteract the Russian aggressor, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment. A total of 106 military clashes have occurred since the beginning of the day," the General Staff said on Telegram on Thursday.

It is reported that in Lymany direction, the Russian Army stormed Ukrainian positions 12 times a day: at Hrekivka, Tverdokhlibove, Yampolivka, Terny, Zarechne, Torske and in Serebryansk Forestry, four battles continue.

The battle near the Chasiv Yar in Kramatorsk direction continues. The defense forces repelled one attack at Toretsk.

"In Pokrovsk direction, since the beginning of the day, the occupiers have made 26 attempts to oust our defenders in the areas of the settlements of Myroliubivka, Luch, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zhovte, Pushkyne, Novotroyitske, Shevchenko, Novopustynka. The defense forces are holding back the onslaught and have repelled 18 enemy attacks, eight clashes are still ongoing," the General Staff informs.

In Kurakhove direction, the occupiers carried out 35 attacks near Berestky, Stari Terny, Zoria, Sontsivka, Kurakhove, Dalne, Yelyzavetivka, Hanivka, Romanivka and Uspenivka, 10 clashes are still ongoing.

The AFU repelled enemy attacks 15 times in Vremiyivske direction near Kostiantynopilske, Rozlyv, Sukhi Yaly, Makarivka and Novodarivka, 10 of them are still ongoing.

In addition, in Kharkiv direction, the Russian occupiers carried out an airstrike by UAB in Kruhle district. In Kupyansk direction, the AFU reflects three enemy attacks in the direction of Nova Kruhliakivka and Lozova, one attack has already been repelled. Petropavlivsk and Lozova were subjected to airstrikes on the streets. The attack of the Russians in the direction of Novodanylivka was reflected in Orikhove direction.

The enemy did not conduct active operations in Siversk, Huliai-Pole and Prydniprovske directions.

"In Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven enemy attacks, and fighting continues in four more locations," the General Staff added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijan has been awarded a certificate for the nomination "Tandir craftsmanship and bread culture" included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Trend reports citing National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO.

"Azerbaijan's rich cultural history was showcased at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural history, which was held in Asuncion, Paraguay. The certificate for the nomination "Tandir craftsmanship and bread culture in Azerbaijan," which has just been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was officially presented to our country during a special ceremony. This achievement is a testament to the international recognition of the Azerbaijani people's centuries-old traditions and the global promotion of our cultural heritage," the statement reads.
Representatives of the Education Ministry have warned that all social networks must comply with the rules for the protection of minors in the online space, and any content that could result in harm to the physical or psychological safety of children must be filtered on these social networks.

"All social platforms must comply with the rules for the protection of minors in the online space. Any content that could result in harm to the physical or psychological safety of children must be filtered on these social networks. Online interaction must respect the legislation regarding children's rights, as long as it is accessible to minors," ministry representatives told AGERPRES.

These statements come in the context of an increasing number of children who have been admitted to "Grigore Alexandrescu" Hospital after being injured in a TikTok challenge this week.

The Education Ministry has recently signed a protocol with the Centre for Independent Journalism, aimed at carrying out activities on media education and online safety, which will involve both students and teachers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) says that it has informed the allied states about attempts of external interference in the electoral campaign in Romania and assures that the country will take action in this context.

"The Romanian authorities are investigating this ongoing influence attempt. We have informed our allies about this external interference attempt and will take all necessary measures to protect democracy, national security, and sovereignty," reads a MAE press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

The Romanian Ministry points out that Romania remains firmly committed to protecting its democratic institutions and processes against "unprecedented foreign interference and manipulation."

Thus, the MAE explains, the Romanian authorities decided to declassify and make public reports that contain "relevant information regarding malignant external operations, including illegal funding, synthetic amplification of digital campaigns, and large-scale cyberattacks targeting the presidential elections in Romania."

The declassified reports, the ministry stresses, show "unprecedented and significant foreign interference directed against democratic institutions and processes."

These actions are part of an ongoing and persistent attempt to undermine Romania's firm commitment to Euro-Atlantic values and our membership in the EU and NATO, says the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The information presented by the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) during the meeting of the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) on November 28, which were declassified on Wednesday by President Klaus Iohannis, indicate that the funding of independent candidate Calin Georgescu's campaign on TikTok amounted to one million euro, that there were actions by a state-sponsored cyber actor targeting IT&C infrastructures supporting the electoral process, and that Romania is a target for aggressive Russian hybrid actions.
Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu believes that the war in Ukraine must be stopped urgently, and he calls for peace.

"The system's desire is to drag Romania into the war. I have only the strategy of peace, only the interest for the Romanian people to live in peace, to have stability and security in everything they do. I can guarantee (...) that if I am voted by the Romanian people, peace will be the first priority and not a single hair will move from the head of any Romanian citizen. We have no reason to get involved in a conflict that is not ours, but we can campaign for peace. (...) Behind any war are the bankers and the financial system. (...) In my view, the war in Ukraine must be stopped urgently. There is no other discussion, (...) by annihilating me they want to annihilate the Romanian people," Georgescu said on Realitatea Plus on Wednesday.

He emphasised that he identifies with the "thinking for peace" of US President Donald Trump.

Regarding a possible disbanding of political parties, Georgescu denied.

In his opinion, "lasting peace means having a strong, strong army".

Asked about the accusations of neo-legionarism, Georgescu replied, "I can only smile at such a thing, considering what I have done and the Romanian people have done. (...) Our young people are dying because of drugs, and they are saying that I am an extremist or a legionary." He added that "he was not and is not anti-Semitic".

The independent presidential candidate also said that he knows Aleksandr Dugin, the ideologue of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Save Romania Union (USR) candidate for the presidential elections, Elena Lasconi, said on Wednesday that the talks between Social Democratic Party (PSD), National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR), Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) and representatives of national minorities in Parliament were aimed at achieving a pro-European democratic majority and that they are not discussing about positions.

"We will make a pro-European democratic majority and also a democratic, pro-European government. We are not discussing positions. We are not discussing anything. We are in a crucial situation for Romania and now we all have to put our shoulders to the wheel to win these elections," Lasconi told Digi 24.

She added that a joint election campaign team has been formed.

Asked if it is not strange to sit at the same table with Social Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu and to cooperate with PSD, Elena Lasconi said that this is a moment when there is no room for pride.

She also spoke about Marcel Ciolacu's statement on supporting her candidacy.

"A simple declaration is not enough because elections are won if you go on the field and I would ask the mayors PSD, PNL, UDMR, whatever colour they are at the moment, to think that they can lose all the projects on European funds. People should think that on the street where a sewerage project started, that project, that sewerage extension or an energy efficiency of the blocks or hospitals or school facilities might stop. It is extremely important to realize the seriousness of the moment, and mayors should talk to the people in the community," said Elena Lasconi.

She thanked Dorin Cioaba - the self-styled king of Roma everywhere and pastor - for his support. Lasconi said she had held talks with the President of the Republic of Moldova and the President of Georgia.

The USR candidate also commented on the information about the people who are around his opponent, Calin Georgescu, stressing the danger of going backwards, to the thirties.
Foreign Affairs Minister Luminita Odobescu participated on Thursday in the informal meeting, in a restricted format, which preceded the meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Malta, where she reiterated Romania's firm support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law, informs Agerpres.

According to a MAE press release sent to AGERPRES, the meeting focused on the OSCE's support to Ukraine in the context of the Russian Federation's war of aggression.

In her address, the Romanian minister referred to the implications of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine and the role of the OSCE in this context, reconfirming Romania's principled position of condemning this illegal aggression.

The head of the Romanian diplomacy condemned the drone attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, which affect the global transit of food, as well as Russia's encroachment on the airspace of countries in the vicinity of the war, including Romania. She also evoked the effects of the war in the wider Black Sea region, condemning the Russian Federation's hybrid attacks and malign interference in democratic processes and democratic societies.

She highlighted the OSCE's work in support of Ukraine in dealing with the consequences of the war and strengthening democratic institutions, also emphasizing the need for this activity to continue. She also reaffirmed our country's strengthened and multidimensional support to Ukraine.

Luminita Odobescu also referred to the organization's contribution to the process of holding the Russian Federation responsible for breaches of the International Humanitarian Law and human rights committed in Ukraine and the need for the OSCE to continue the documentation process.

At the same time, the Romanian Foreign minister reiterated the need for the organization and the autonomous institutions to be able to fulfil their mandate, the appointment of the future OSCE Chairmanship and the leadership team being essential, as well as the approval of the organization's budget. She gave assurances that Romania will continue to actively support the organization in order to ensure its proper functioning. In context, Luminita Odobescu welcomed Finland taking over the chairmanship-in-office of the OSCE in 2025.
The Romanian mountain rescuers helped three Ukrainian citizens who crossed the Romanian border through the Maramuresului Mountains, the head of the Maramures County Mountain Rescue Service, Dan Benga, told Agerpres on Wednesday evening.

According to him, one of the three Ukrainian citizens managed to come down from the mountains alone, while the mountain rescuers reached the other two and granted them medical assistance as they suffered from hypothermia and frostbite.

"The mountain rescuers reached the Ukrainians just now. One of the three managed to come down alone and is now in the custody of the authorities. The other two are still up there, one of them suffering from frostbite, with both his hands and feet being affected, while both suffer from hypothermia, which forces the mountain rescuers to try to reach an abandoned shepfold a few metres down, where they can make a fire for the two Ukrainians to warm up. Then, depending on the evolution of the two health condition, the mountain rescuers will decide whether to come down from the mountain or stay at the shepfold for the night," said the representative of the Maramures Mountain Rescue Service.

According to the same source, the three Ukrainians have been in the mountains for a few days already, with the snow layer reaching 40 centimetres in this period and the temperatures coming down to minus 10 degrees Celsius during the night.
General Mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, believes that Elena Lasconi is the only "sensible" option in the second round of the presidential election, informs Agerpres.

According to him, Calin Georgescu is "a poor impostor", having behind him Russia and some "clever guys", who paid for his campaign.

"The Romanian political class deserves a lesson. Except that the experiment we have been living for two weeks risks to take us out of the European Union and NATO and to lead us into the clutches of Russia and some clever guys. Because this is not about Calin Georgescu. He is a poor impostor, he falsified his biography. Today he says one thing, tomorrow he says another. But behind him is Russia and behind him there are some smart guys, those who paid for the campaign that we saw. Under the circumstances, the only sane choice is Elena Lasconi. And I am convinced that there are enough rational people in Romania to take this country in the right direction," said Nicusor Dan, in a video message posted on Facebook on Thursday.
The chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Iasi, deputy Alexandru Muraru, declared during a press conference on Thursday, that he discussed with the 51 liberal mayors within the county in order to support the Save Romania Union (USR) candidate to Romania's presidency, Elena Lasconi, during the second round of voting, informs Agerpres.

"The National Liberal Party in Iasi is completely involved in this electoral campaign as if (Elena Lasconi - ed.n were our candidate for the presidential elections. I had discussions with the PNL mayors today. All 51 support this (Elena's) candidacy in unison Lasconi ed.n) and this direction of a pro-European candidate. We appeal to the other political forces in Iasi, who did not have a candidate in the second round of the presidential elections, should support in the same firm manner and give messages, as the PNL does, for the pro-European candidate Elena Lasconi. We call on these political forces not to give an ambiguous message , truncated, not to give a message relative to Mrs. Lasconi's support, because any other message conditioned by other things, functions or positions in the future Executive endangers the honesty of this message of unconditional, clear, firm and categorical support for Elena Lasconi," said deputy Alexandru Muraru.

The leader of PNL Iasi also explained why he does not prefer the independent Calin Georgescu.

"(...) being helped by the Russian Federation, his election as president of Romania would completely endanger this country, it would bring isolationism and extremism, it would bring economic instability, national instability and negatively affect our international relations," deputy Alexandru Muraru also said.
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The Romanian Information Service stated on Thursday that, although the TikTok network became available outside of China only in 2017, respectively in Europe in 2018, it was possible to create accounts and use the platform since 2016, including people from outside the People's Republic of China, by using Virtual Private Network anonymization services.

"The social network TikTok was launched in China, under the name "A.me" in September 2016, and since then has been available for the creation of accounts from the territory of the People's Republic of China. Although it became available outside of China only in 2017, respectively in Europe in 2018, it was possible to create accounts and use the platform since 2016, including people from outside the People's Republic Chinese through the use of Virtual Private Network anonymization services," SRI says.

According to the cited source, "in November 2017, the company acquired the start-up Musical.ly from Shanghai, a video sharing application created in July 2014 (having at the time of the acquisition over 70 million downloads, respectively over 200 million accounts), existing accounts at its level being taken over and integrated at the level of the TikTok application".

"Most of the accounts taken over by TikTok from Musical.ly were given usernames followed by random numbers (e.g. "user472350"). Also, the marketing of already created accounts on social media platforms is a very common practice" , explained the Romanian Information Service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as with other institutions of the Romanian state and in coordination with the dedicated structures of the European Commission, participated on Wednesday in the evacuation from the Gaza Strip of eight children and 25 of their family members, informs Agerpres.

According to the MAE, among them are five pediatric patients, accompanied by 13 family members, who will be transported to the Kingdom of Belgium, where they will receive support and specialized assistance.

They are joined by two pediatric patients and six family members, who will be transported to the Kingdom of Spain, for treatment in specialized medical units.

Also, a Palestinian minor was medically evacuated from the Gaza Strip, seriously affected by the lack of access to adequate medical treatment, along with six family members, who will benefit from the support of the competent Romanian institutions and some non-governmental organizations to ensure assistance medical and psychological necessary for recovery.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Romania will continue to contribute to the effort to mitigate the effects of the humanitarian crisis on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, acting in close coordination with its international partners.

The operation was financially and operationally supported by the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Commission, in close coordination with the World Health Organization and the relevant Israeli authorities.
Volunteering is a 'school of values' that develops leaders, strengthens communities and shapes responsible citizens, Education Minister Ligia Deca said on Thursday.

Thursday is International Volunteer Day.

"Today we celebrate all those who, through volunteer work, make our communities better places. Volunteering is a 'school of values' that teaches us selflessness, courage and the desire to change the world for the better. I want school to be a place where young people also learn the power of civic engagement," the minister wrote on Facebook.

Deca thanked all the volunteers in Education - teachers, students and parents, who show every day that through solidarity you can contribute to a better world.

"Now, more than ever, is the time to turn civic engagement into action. A simple gesture, but so important for our European future, is to go out and vote. Through solidarity and by electing a leader who will promote European values, we can continue to build a strong, open Romania with a clear voice in Europe," said Ligia Deca.
A man has died while serving a life sentence for the 1993 kidnapping, rape and murder of 9-year-old Angie Housman in St. Ann.

Earl Cox, 67, died of apparent natural causes Monday night at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, said Missouri DOC spokeswoman Karen Pojmann.

Cox pleaded guilty in August 2020 to picking up Angie, a stranger to Cox, from her school bus stop in November 1993 in St. Ann and driving her against her will to his rental home in Wentzville where he held her captive and sexually abused her. He then tied the fourth grader to a tree in a secluded part of Busch Wildlife Area in St. Charles County and left her to die.

A deer hunter found her body nine days after she disappeared. She had been starved, bound, sexually assaulted, and her eyes and mouth were covered with duct tape. Authorities believe she died from exposure within about a day of the hunter finding her body.

Angies killing set off panic in the St. Louis area as one of three murders of young girls that year and led to one of the regions biggest police investigations.

It wasnt until more than 25 years later that advances in technology allowed investigators to extract DNA from a scrap of Angies underwear. The DNA was matched to a sample from Cox in a national database in March 2019.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar told reporters after the sentencing in Angies case that he regretted that the death penalty was not an option, but said he decided to enter the plea deal to avoid the uncertainty of trial and secure from Cox a confession and some explanation of what happened to Angie.

In March 2021, Cox admitted in court that there was enough evidence to convict him of molesting a 7-year-old girl in St. Louis County about four years before Angie vanished.

The girl had reported the abuse, which led to charges against Cox that were ultimately dropped, authorities said. But police tracked down the victim while investigating Cox in 2019 for Angies rape and murder, and she agreed to testify against him.

Cox entered Alford pleas to four counts of sodomy for molesting the 7-year-old in 1988 and 1989 at his home on Wismer Road in St. Ann and in a car at a park in Overland. An Alford plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but agrees prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Pojmann said Cox was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m. Monday. He had been serving his time at Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston, Missouri.
ST. LOUIS  The citys sheriff-elect notified several of the current sheriffs top brass on Wednesday that theyll be out of a job when he takes over next month, outgoing Sheriff Vernon Betts said.

Alfred Montgomery, a former deputy who unseated Betts in a contentious Democratic primary, handed letters to several of Betts lieutenants, captains and majors saying theyll be terminated when hes sworn in Jan. 1.

Hes got my entire shop in an uproar today, Betts said.

Montgomery did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday.

The notifications mark the latest dust-up between the two political opponents over an office in charge of transporting prisoners from jail to and from court, providing courthouse security and serving legal papers, including eviction notices and protection orders.

Throughout the campaign, the two men blasted each other as being unprofessional. Montgomery accused Betts of squandering millions in taxpayer money. Betts called him a lying sack.

Tensions did not cool once Montgomery won the election by 221 votes. Montgomery accused Betts of blocking his transition into office. Betts said Montgomery should just wait his turn.

This aint the White House, Betts said. Theres no such thing as a transition.

Meanwhile, Montgomery recently told KTVI-FOX2 he planned to rebuild the administration from the ground up with a new team of administrators.

And he told St. Louis Public Radio that more cuts were coming.

Betts, though, said his preemptive notices were making an understaffing problem even worse. Six deputies had recently resigned from the department, Betts said, putting him down to 155 people out of the 170 for which his office is budgeted.

He said he didnt know how hed get his leadership team to stick around knowing theyd be gone in a few weeks.

This guy is really giving me the blues, Betts said.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A lawyer on Wednesday said that an E. coli outbreak here has been traced back to lettuce grown by a California farm that also supplied McDonalds with contaminated yellow onions.

Health officials have said that the leafy greens suspected to have sickened over 100 people in St. Louis County were served by Andres Banquets & Catering, a local chain with 31 locations. The caterer bought the greens from Taylor Farms, said Texas-based food poisoning attorney Jory Lange in several amended lawsuits filed Wednesday.

We shouldnt be seeing E. coli in lettuce, something is going wrong, Lange told the Post-Dispatch. The problem with seeing E. coli in onions, and especially in lettuce, is no one is cooking their salad. I think thats why we are seeing so many E. coli cases.

Langes suits say that Taylor Farms grows and distributes leafy greens throughout the country, including in Missouri.

The farm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Tuesday, the federal government said it had closed its investigation into the E. coli outbreak tied to McDonalds Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

The outbreak, which was first reported Oct. 22, killed one person and sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA, which conducted the investigation along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments, linked the outbreak to yellow onions distributed by Taylor and served raw on Quarter Pounders at McDonalds restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming and other states.

Another food poisoning lawyer representing St. Louis County residents in their E. coli lawsuits against Andres said on Wednesday that more time is needed to pinpoint the source of the contaminated food.

Frankly, I think it is too early to point the finger at the lettuce supplier for sure, Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler said. I think you just need to let the public health department do their work.

Lange said Andres told him where it got its salad mix, and he felt like that was definitive. He said his firm was also investigating who handled the produce between Taylor Farms and Andres.

Sara Dayley, spokeswoman for the county health department, said she could not confirm Taylor Farms was Andres salad provider.

Langes amended complaints came a day after county officials said E. coli cases with matching whole genome sequencing profiles have been reported in Kansas, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Indiana.

The county has reported 115 cases of E. coli, 13 hospitalizations and three cases of a serious condition that can damage kidneys. As of Tuesday, two of those three people were still hospitalized.

Twenty-five local cases, they said, have been genetically linked to Andres Banquets & Catering, the company that officials said provided food to multiple events in question.

County investigators called the outbreak the largest of its kind identified in the area.

Escherichia coli bacteria live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. When shared, most types are relatively harmless. But 0157, the strain in the St. Louis County outbreak, produces a toxin that can cause severe diarrhea and lead to kidney failure, especially in young children or older adults.

And while the source of the outbreak has now been traced to a supplier, legal experts have said Andres can still be held legally liable for serving the tainted food under the states strict product liability law.

John Armengol Jr., the second-generation owner of Andres, repeatedly, adamantly denied the outbreak was tied to his restaurant.

The bottom line is we still dont know the source of the outbreak in our region, Andres spokesman Ed Rhode said Wednesday. We reiterate  as we have from the onset  that its been unfair to name our company without this investigation being complete.

The catering company is now facing eight lawsuits; at least three now list Taylor Farms as a co-defendant. Several were filed by parents on behalf of their minor children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Experts split on fault in E. coli outbreak. Suits against St. Louis caterer pile up. With almost 100 E. coli cases recorded and at least four lawsuits filed as of Wednesday, a local catering company has found itself in legal hot water.

St. Louis caterers lettuce tests negative for E. coli. Bad for Andres, lawyer says State health officials collected samples from Andre's Banquet and Catering, and on Friday a spokeswoman confirmed that the unopened package of iceberg lettuce collected was not infected with the bacteria.

More cases of E. coli recorded in St. Louis County as 2 hospitalized with kidney disease County health officials have now recorded 106 cases of E. coli connected to five different events all catered by Andres Banquet and Catering earlier this month.

Officials connect E. coli outbreak to 5 events, including Oakville High banquet The student who fell ill after the Oakville High banquet was hospitalized but has since been released.

Mom sues caterer after daughter falls ill in E. coli outbreak in St. Louis County; cases climb to 94 A Fenton mother sued a local catering business after an E. coli outbreak sickened her child. Health authorities say the number of confirmed and suspected cases has increased to 94.

About 12 hospitalized in E. coli outbreak tied to Rockwood Summit High-related events St. Louis County health officials say current details suggest salad was the source of the illness but a specific ingredient has yet to be identified.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas within the framework of participation in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the meeting discussed the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU, energy security, transportation, and communications, as well as opportunities for cooperation in environmental protection, and regional and international security issues. Azerbaijan's role in ensuring Europe's energy security was brought to attention. Within the framework of our country's chairmanship of COP29, the importance of historical agreements that can change the situation in combating climate change, including raising financial targets, as well as the importance of cooperation in the green energy field was emphasized.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, the large-scale reconstruction and construction works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, the mine threat hindering these activities, as well as the agenda of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was noted that the continuing territorial claims of Armenia towards our country are an obstacle for the peace process.

Touching upon the activities of the European Union mission in Armenia, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that it is of concern that the mission has become an instrument of propaganda campaign against our country despite its declared goals.

At the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other topics of mutual interest.
JEFFERSON CITY  After facing criticism over a plan to limit coverage of anesthesia, one of Missouris largest health insurers backtracked from the policy Thursday.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement it was dropping the plan, citing widespread misinformation about how the change would work.

As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change, said Anthem spokeswoman Emily Snooks.

The decision came after Missouri lawmakers and groups representing anesthesiologists raised alarm bells, concerned that the change would force patients to pay out-of-pocket for anesthesia if a medical procedure goes longer than expected.

House Speaker-elect Jon Patterson, a physician, heard the rumblings of outrage earlier this week and began making calls to Anthem Thursday in an attempt to gain clarity on the controversial policy.

Its actually kind of unbelievable, the Lees Summit Republican said. As a surgeon, my initial impression is that this will be harmful to patients by now putting artificial time limits on procedures.

The insurer, which provides health coverage to an estimated 2.1 million Missourians, announced last month it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if a surgery goes beyond a specific time limit. The policy was set to go into effect in Missouri Feb. 1.

The new billing scheme would not have applied to patients under the age of 22 or maternity-related care, according to Anthem.

Snooks said the plan is off the table for now.

To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines, she said in an email.

The insurance giants initial decision drew scorn from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, which called the now-scrubbed policy a cynical money grab.

With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual or because a complication arises, the organization said in a statement.

The Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists also strongly opposed the change, saying it posed a significant threat to the safety of Missouri patients and undermined the critical role anesthesiologists play in surgical care.

Our anesthesiologists are committed to providing safe, effective and individualized care to every patient, said Dr. Todd Glenski, president of Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists.

Rep. David Tyson Smith, D-Columbia, said on social media Thursday that he planned to take action if the policy was not reversed.

This is dangerous, egregious and appalling. Im going to file legislation to prevent Blue Cross from doing this to Missourians, Tyson Smith wrote.

Before the company backtracked, Patterson said he hoped the policy would be scuttled before lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.

I hope this gets resolved far before legislation is required. But I would not rule out a legislative solution because this really is a patient safety issue, Patterson said. Im very concerned by the way this was rolled out.

The dispute comes just days after Blue Cross and Mercy, one of the St. Louis regions largest health systems, announced they had reached a new contract agreement allowing Anthem customers to have medical care with Mercy providers fully covered.

The agreement includes all Missourians covered by Anthems employer-based Medicare Advantage, the Affordable Act Marketplace and Healthy Blue Medicaid plans.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Abortion-rights advocates on Wednesday asked a judge to overturn Missouris near-total ban on the procedure, less than a month after voters backed an abortion-rights constitutional amendment.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang did not immediately rule after the hearing. Planned Parenthood and other plaintiffs had asked her to issue a temporary order blocking enforcement of Missouris numerous abortion laws.

Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said abortions could begin Friday in clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis if the judge issues the order.

Every single day that they cannot access abortion rights they are being denied critical care, Wales said of Missouri residents.

Several anti-abortion protesters knelt on the ground as they prayed outside the courthouse during the hearing. They covered their mouths with a red piece of tape that read life.

Missouri is one of five states where voters approved ballot measures this year to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but theyll need to pass it again in 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of pregnancy outcomes prevailed in New York.

Reproductive rights advocates in Arizona on Tuesday sued to undo a 15-week abortion ban that conflicts with that state's new constitutional amendment expanding access up to fetal viability.

The Missouri amendment does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an abortion opponent, last week issued an opinion agreeing that most abortions will be legal when the amendment takes effect Thursday.

But Baileys office is still fighting for a ban on most abortions after viability, along with a number of regulations that Planned Parenthood argues made it nearly impossible to offer abortions in the state even before abortion was almost completely banned in 2022.

Missouris constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability, with exceptions to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.

The term viability is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though theres no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the 21st week of pregnancy.

Other abortion laws that Bailey is defending include a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed; bans on abortions based on race, sex or a possible Down syndrome diagnosis; and a requirement that medical facilities that provide abortions be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers.

Missouri Solicitor General Josh Divine argued in court that the right to reproductive freedom includes the right to childbirth, which he said supports laws such as the state's 72-hour waiting period.

Those laws are enabling childbirth, he said. They are giving time to choose childbirth.

But Planned Parenthood Federation of America attorney Ella Spottswood during the hearing told the judge that by 2019, the slew of Missouri laws regulating abortion had effectively limited access to a single St. Louis clinic.

The voters have changed all that, she said. The questions should begin and end with the amendment.

It is unclear when Zhang will rule on the request for a preliminary injunction.

Associated Press reporter Nick Ingram contributed to this report. Ballentine reported from Columbia, Missouri.
ST. LOUIS  Sam Fox, who rose from humble beginnings in rural Missouri to found a billion-dollar investment firm, bankroll Republican political campaigns and serve as U.S. ambassador to Belgium, died Monday. He was 95.

He was born in 1929 in Desloge, about an hour south of St. Louis, as the youngest of five children of immigrants from Belgium and Ukraine. The house had no indoor bathrooms until he was 8. But he would later look back fondly on his Lead Belt hometown as idyllic, close-knit and tolerant.

He spent his high school summers in Illinois in pea- and corn-canning factories, earning money he would later use to make his way to St. Louis and Washington University, a place he said opened his eyes to the world as if someone had pulled back a curtain.

He graduated with a business degree in 1951 and got a job with a chemical company shortly after. In 1953, he married Marilyn Widman, a fellow Washington U. student and his wife for the next 70 years.

In the 1970s, he went into business for himself, founding Harbour Group, which grew into a holding company of diverse manufacturing businesses, with billions of dollars in annual revenue.

As his business took off, Fox took an active role in numerous civic institutions, such as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Art Museum. He also served as a trustee at his alma mater and joined Civic Progress, the group of local corporate chiefs that once wielded significant political power.

Fox was modest about his success, though.

We like to think that were smart enough to have made that happen, Fox told the Post-Dispatch in 2003. But the fact of the matter is that being in the right place at the right time and being lucky has a heck of a lot to do with it.

He and his wife also gave generously to numerous causes and established a family foundation to help people with the basic needs of food and shelter.

Fox credited his parents with teaching him the importance of giving back, recalling the traditional Jewish tzedakah box they had in their home. Whenever Fox got a few nickels and dimes, he dropped them in the box.

We never had much money, but there was always something for people in need, Fox said. Thats just the way it was.

In 2005, Washington U. named the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts in his honor. He also chaired the universitys capital fundraising campaign for six years.

Sam was one of WashUs most loyal alumni, Chancellor Andrew Martin said in a statement Wednesday. We benefited greatly from his savvy leadership and decades of transformational support.

Over the years, Fox became a prolific donor to Republicans locally and on the national stage.

He gave generously to Missouri Republican figures, from Gov. Mike Parson to former Gov. and Sen. John Ashcroft, as well as President George W. Bush, who made Fox his ambassador to Belgium from 2007-2009.

During Bushs tenure, Fox was known in the White House as Foxy, a nickname the president himself would often use. Fox also was an occasional hunting partner of then-Vice President Dick Cheney.

In 2006, Fox and his wife hosted First Lady Laura Bush at their Clayton home for a Republican fundraising event.

Sam was a massive and generous figure for every Republican candidate in this state for many decades, said John Hancock, a former state Republican Party chairman. He was kind, insightful, highly regarded and respected by all.

He also had some friends on the other side of the aisle, at least locally. Former St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, who enjoyed Foxs support in at least one of his City Hall campaigns, called Fox a phenomenal St. Louisan.

Hes going to be greatly missed, Slay said.

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis said in a statement that Foxs dedication to philanthropy and his impact on local organizations have left an indelible mark on our Jewish community and beyond.

The federation said Fox and his wife, who died last February, were committed to the principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. The federation also cited the Fox Family Foundation, which the couple established in 1986.

Among Foxs survivors are three children and 15 grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Sunday at Congregation Temple Israel in Creve Coeur.
The U.S.-Japan Friendship Memorial, unveiled Nov. 29, 2024, on Yakushima Islands Tashiro Beach, overlooks the waters where a CV-22 Osprey went down a year earlier. (Alexis Redin/U.S. Air Force)

Family members, comrades and locals gathered recently to dedicate a memorial to eight U.S. airmen who perished a year ago when their CV-22 Osprey crashed off the coast of southern Japan.

The U.S.-Japan Friendship Memorial, unveiled Nov. 29 on Yakushima Islands Tashiro Beach, overlooks waters where the Osprey went down on Nov. 29, 2023.

The monument, composed of three large stones, bears the images and names of the fallen airmen, along with inscriptions in Japanese and English offering comfort to their spirits, according to a Yakushima disaster prevention official. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

The crash prompted an extensive search-and-recovery effort and led to the grounding of the U.S. militarys fleet of about 400 Ospreys from Dec. 6, 2023, to March 8, while investigators worked to determine the cause.

Family members, comrades and locals gathered recently to dedicate a memorial to eight U.S. airmen who perished a year ago when their CV-22 Osprey crashed off the coast of southern Japan. (Alexis Redin/U.S. Air Force)

Family members of two of the fallen  Maj. Terrell Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, N.Y., and Staff Sgt. Jake Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Ga.  attended the dedication ceremony at Yakushima Town Hall. Col. Shawn Young, commander of the 353rd Special Operations Wing, addressed them.

We are so very honored by you being here as we honor your loved ones and commission this lasting monument to their memory, she said, according to remarks provided by the Air Force.

The Osprey  call sign Gundam 22  was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo. It crashed about 1  miles off Yakushimas coast.

Young called on those at the ceremony to remember the families of the other fallen crew members:

 Maj. Jeffrey Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minn.

 Maj. Luke Unrath, 34, of Riverside, Calif.

 Maj. Eric Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah

 Tech. Sgt. Zachary Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Fla.

 Staff Sgt. Jacob Jake Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Mass.

 Senior Airman Brian Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

They are all still mourned, Young said.

In the minutes, hours, days and weeks that followed, teams from five military branches, alongside our Japanese allies, supported intense search, rescue, and recovery operations, she said.

More than 1,000 military and law enforcement personnel, joined by about 100 local civilians, carried out a 43-day search for the airmen.

The people of Yakushima were right there with us, every step of the way, Young said. Just minutes after the crash, fishermen from Anbo port recovered and respectfully stood vigil over the remains of Sergeant Jake Galliher.

During the search-and-recovery effort, Yakushima town officials provided space for a command center and advocated for transporting crucial equipment. Local police secured the area, and fishermens families prepared home-cooked meals for airmen during the holidays.

My hope is that this (memorial) can now be a place of healing for two communities  American and Japanese together  who experienced and endured this loss not just as allies, but as family, Young said.

Following the ceremony, attendees placed flowers at the memorial and offered prayers, according to a Yakushima town official.

Yakushima Mayor Koji Araki, speaking to reporters before the ceremony, said he hopes Ospreys avoid flying near the island. However, if they do, he urged strict safety measures to prevent another tragedy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Baku has hosted the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia", Trend reports.

A short film about the West Azerbaijan Community was shown at the opening of the conference.

Then, the head of the Department for Relations with Political Parties and Legislative Authority Adalat Valiyev read out the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the conference participants.

Over 100 representatives from 51 nations have participated in the conference.

The event addressed the historical context of the coerced displacement of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the foundation of their right to return, the preservation of cultural legacy, and diplomatic initiatives in this domain.

Chairman of the board of the Western Azerbaijan Community, and a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Aziz Alakbarov said that Armenia does not allow UNESCO to send its mission to study the state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage on its territory.

According to him, Armenia's policy of creating a mono-ethnic society contrasts with the rich traditions and history of ethnic and religious diversity of the region.

He stated that Armenia evicted all Azerbaijanis from its territory and that there are currently no Azerbaijanis there.

Armenia has dealt a serious blow to our tangible and intangible cultural heritage by purposefully destroying our cemeteries and cultural and religious monuments. Our traditions, social ties, and way of life have suffered greatly.

Our aim in recounting these historical facts is not to continue the strife but to explain the starting point of our struggle for justice, peace, and reconciliation. We are committed to the goal of a peaceful return to our ancestral lands and respect the norms and principles of international law. The Concept of Return adopted by our community last year is an important document calling on the international community to support the right of return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. We continue to defend these rights in the framework of dialogue with the UN, UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other authoritative international organizations, he said.

Alakbarov emphasized that recognizing and ensuring the right of return for Western Azerbaijanis is the only way to restore justice and establish lasting peace in the region.

The support of the international community in this process is invaluable. Unfortunately, the Armenian government's lack of readiness for constructive dialog complicates this issue. Nevertheless, we are determined to continue our work based on the principles of peace and dialog.

Despite having one of the highest rates of refugees and IDPs in the world, Azerbaijan has always followed its humanitarian values and helped solve resettlement issues in world migration through humanitarian initiatives.

I would like to note that our community does not stand aside from these processes, and at the beginning of this year we made a financial contribution to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees through donations from our members.

We are confident that ensuring the right to return, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is not only a basic condition for the protection of human rights but also the most effective way to promote coexistence between peoples and a sustainable solution to the problem of resettlement. Therefore, we will continue our efforts in raising awareness, supporting scientific research and policy initiatives, and promoting the right to return by holding such events regularly, he added.

Turkiye's former Foreign Minister, MP, head of the delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Mevlut Cavusoglu noted that the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus will pave the path for prosperity, which is particularly necessary for Armenia.

The MP pointed out that the occupation of Azerbaijan's Karabakh by Armenia caused a great deal of suffering.

"People who were displaced from their homeland had their homes taken away, along with their hopes for the future. Unfortunately, the international community remained silent in the face of the injustice suffered by Azerbaijan and supported those who carried out this oppression. However, Azerbaijan liberated its land after 30 years of occupation. The Azerbaijani flag waving over the lands of Karabakh is a source of pride.

We are very pleased with the speed of reconstruction and development work being carried out by Azerbaijan in the liberated territories," he mentioned.

Cavusoglu also pointed out that the restoration of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, destroyed in Armenia, is of great importance.

"It's regrettable that Armenia does not allow a UNESCO mission to carry out work on this issue. Azerbaijans patient and peace-loving behavior deserves the highest praise," he added.

Secretary of Pakistan's Law and Justice Commission Riffat Inam Butt stressed that the expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from their native lands is a violation of human rights.

Inam Butt noted that international law should be the remedy that will bring real change.

It's not just the land loss. It's about trying to eradicate cultural and ethnic identity. Every person has the right to leave their country and come back.

There must be an international commission on these issues. The establishment of a Truth Commission can play an important role in preserving the collective memory of people. International organizations can organize this process, ensuring objectivity in this matter," Riffat Inam Butt said.

December 5 is designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. An analogous international conference titled "Ensuring the Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution" occurred on this date last year, featuring over 100 participants from 44 nations.

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Day care workers at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., are accused of phycially abusing children enrolled at the facility, according to the five separate lawsuits. The Marine Corps families are each requesting damages that range between $900,000 and $5 million. (iStock)

Negligence in hiring, training and supervising day care workers at a Marine Corps base in Arizona laid the groundwork for children to be abused physically by employees at the military facility, according to federal lawsuits filed by five families.

Children between 1 and 2 years old were forcefully placed in chairs and shoved into tables, forced to use their own hands to hit themselves, hit with toys, and carried by just an arm or a leg and then left alone when they cried in pain, according to the five separate lawsuits filed last month in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The families are each requesting damages that range between $900,000 and $5 million.

Each family had a toddler who attended the child development center at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and was physically abused by up to three caregivers at the facility, according to the lawsuits.

Had [day care] staff had proper precautions in place to identify, address and report the behavior to law enforcement and family members at an earlier time, A.H. likely would not have suffered the same level of trauma he and his family are now left to deal with, according to the lawsuit filed by Cpl. Caleb and Katelyn Hitchcock.

Their son, identified in the lawsuit as A.H., was physically abused at least 110 times within 90 days, according to the lawsuit. He has suffered permanent behavioral issues and delayed emotional and behavioral development from the experience.

Other parents who filed lawsuits were Master Sgt. Joseph and Hannah Lucero, Master Sgt. David and Brittany Crosby, Staff Sgt. Zackery and London Johnson, and Sgt. Mariah and Caleb Wilson.

We are aware of the lawsuit regarding incidents that occurred at the child development center aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The health, safety and well-being of children is our priority, said Capt. Owen VanWyck, spokesman for the base. We have cooperated fully with local authorities over the course of their investigation and will continue to do so as necessary. Currently, we are unable to share additional information.

Each family filed administrative complaints in February 2023 with the Navy, which were denied.

The federal lawsuits are bolstered by evidence collected in criminal cases associated with the abuse. Two of the three caregivers identified by the Yuma Police Department were convicted last year in Yuma County court. Valerie McKinstry, 30, served a nearly two-week jail sentence and probation, and Katherine McCombs, 30, received probation. A third woman named in court documents, Maria Mendez, did not face criminal charges.

The physical abuse occurred between December 2020 and March 2021, according to court documents. If abuse occurred in the months prior to December 2020, it wasnt documented because the facility only kept video surveillance footage for 90 days.

In addition to video surveillance  a standard practice at Defense Department child development centers  the Tiny Tots classroom where the abuse occurred had windows open to the facilitys management office and required more than one person always be in the room with the young children. However, supervisors and outside staff did not observe the abuse for months, according to the lawsuit.

By the time that the facilitys director Laura Frank called police March 2, 2021, police used the 90 days of video footage to document hundreds of instances of abuse and 15 child victims, according to court documents and reports from police.

You had these people who were repeatedly abusing these 1- to 2-year-old children, said Glen Sturtevant, an attorney for the families. Clearly you have a situation where it was a systemic failure to train, supervise and manage these people, as well as, its a pretty good indicator that these were not people who should have been hired to be performing child care of little babies.
A bronze cannon was found underground in Arizona about 500 years after researchers said it was made. (Deni Seymour)

After archaeologist Deni Seymour found the rarest artifact of her career, her excitement turned to worry that she would be investigated by police.

She had unearthed a 3-foot bronze cannon in Nogales, Ariz., near the U.S.-Mexico border. Seymour and her colleagues placed it atop a beige bedsheet and carried into the back seat of her Jeep Wrangler. She had to pass a Border Patrol station on her drive home, she said, and she didnt know how she would start to explain why she had a 500-year-old firearm.

If that thing got taken, Seymour said, I might not ever see it again.

Seymour escaped with the roughly 40-pound cannon, which she said was probably built in the early 1500s and was carried by Spanish explorers to North America a few decades later. Seymour, who published her findings in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology last month, said the cannon is the oldest firearm thats been found in the continental United States.

The cannon, also referred to as a wall gun, often was placed on a large wooden tripod and was operated by two people. It could fire buckshot  which researchers said sprayed opponents like a swarm of hornets  and lead balls, which were used to destroy thin walls. Gunmen placed priming powder on a flat ledge near the touch hole, and the cannon ignited with a slow-burning match cord.

Firearms are now more deadly than ever and can be purchased without a license in many U.S. states. Ghost guns can even be built by anyone. But the cannon Seymour discovered is believed to be among the first portable firearms.

An artifact like this can connect people to the past, to history, and really stirs their imagination, Seymour, 66, told The Washington Post.

Researchers recently found this bronze cannon. (Deni Seymour)

Seymour began searching for 500-year-old artifacts in Southern Arizona in July 2020. She hoped to find items from the expedition of Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer who traveled north in the mid-1500s from what is now Mexico in search of mythical cities and a route to Asia. He traveled with hundreds of soldiers and enslaved people and established one of the first European settlements, which explorers called San Geronimo III, located near the modern day Santa Cruz River.

Vazquez de Coronados team reached as far north as Kansas before returning to Mexico  probably after losing in battle to Native Americans who lived on the land. Seymours research could help fill in the missing pieces of that ill-fated expedition, including whether they made camp in Arizona - and what happened to the Spaniards there.

Items believed to stem from their expedition  caret-headed nails from horses, the head of crossbow bolts and musket balls  had been found in New Mexico and Texas, but Seymour wanted to learn if the explorers also traveled through Arizona.

Using metal detectors near the Santa Cruz River, Seymour and her team dug up equipment they believed belonged to the Spanish explorers  a rowel spur, European pottery, and fragments of olive jars, which Spanish colonies used as storage and shipping containers. She said she believed she was in San Geronimo III.

In September 2020, Seymour was digging in Nogales when she said she struck something that looked like bronze or copper. She thought it mightve been a bell.

What in the world is there? she asked a colleague, according to a video Seymour took of the discovery.

As she kept digging through dirt, Seymour said it became clear that the item was wider than a bell. Then she saw parts of a firearm  a touch hole and a barrel. After uncovering it, Seymour said she and a colleague marveled at their discovery for a few minutes.

I was in shock, she said. It was just an odd feeling that I rarely get.

While historians havent agreed on an exact date that firearms came to the United States, some researchers had believed that guns first came to the area in the early 1600s, when European colonizers traveled to the Americas in force. A metallurgical analysis found that the cannons materials were from the early 1500s, Seymour said.

There was no black residue in the cannons barrel, Seymour said, so it was probably never fired. By the mid-1500s, some soldiers no longer used portable cannons, instead carrying lighter weapons such as wheellocks, muskets and matchlocks, Seymour said. But the cannon was still light enough for people, horses and mules to carry, according to researchers.

Explorers might not have had time to collect the cannon before retreating from attacks from Native Americans, Seymour said. Her team also found lead shot, parts of chain mail and plate armor and pieces of broken swords and daggers near the cannon, supporting the theory that a battle occurred there.

Matthew Schmader, an adjunct archaeology professor at the University of New Mexico who wasnt involved in the study, said there are still unknown parts of the Spanish expedition that Seymours research could help answer.

It may help to fill out some of the missing details of, not only some of the material and the weaponry, but also that area, Schmader said. Because that particular area, that portion of the expeditionary route, is really pretty unknown.

Seymour said the cannon is in a secure area but will eventually be displayed at a museum. She has continued searching southern Arizona for materials, and in March, she said she found another cannon thats designed similarly to her first discovery. She still hopes to find skeletons, animal bones and more parts of adobe-and-stone buildings that Spanish explorers often built.

The cannon is pretty darn wonderful, but each artifact we find and the context of them has the potential to convey a really interesting part of the story, she said. And thats whats fun about it. Thats whats interesting, and thats what keeps me going.
Visitors to Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? check out the works by Dutch masters. The exhibit at Frankfurts esteemed Stadel Museum runs until March 23, 2025. In the center is Nicolas Pietersz Berchems Allegory on the expansion of Amsterdam. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam grew from a sleepy fishing town to a vibrant city in the 17th century, ushering in a golden age for the Netherlands.

Trade to what was then known as the East and West Indies provided employment and unbelievable wealth. The citys religious tolerance attracted many. The arts flourished.

Adrian van Nieulandts Leper procession on Koppertjesmaandag show lepers collecting alms on Dam square. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

But was this the case for everyone? That question explains the punctuation in Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden times? as a new exhibition at Frankfurts esteemed Stadel art museum is titled.

It looks at the many layers of Amsterdam life in the world-famous artists day, presenting about 100 works by the master himself and other contemporaries.

A closeup of Bartholomeus van der Helsts The Wardens of the Kloveniersdoelen, from 1655. It is one of around 100 works on display in the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel in Frankfurt. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Rembrandts etching Self-portrait, leaning on a stone sill, from 1639, is one of the works on display at Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

The Dutch had defeated their Spanish Catholic rulers and driven them from the country, which became predominantly Protestant. Catholic monasteries across the land were turned into orphanages and almshouses for the poor.

And there are plenty of poor people depicted in the exhibition, along with the disabled, the mentally ill and prostitutes.

While these Amsterdam denizens are present in the art, however, the reason usually was that the paintings were about the people responsible for running the institutions.

A detail photo of the warden an almshouse distributing clothing to the poor. The painting by an unknown artist, but possibly David Vinkboons, is on display at the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel in Frankfurt. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

The regents, superintendents and wardens commissioned artists to paint group portraits, often being depicted in their institutions so the viewer sees the downtrodden of Amsterdam in the paintings.

A good example of this in the exhibit is The Registration of Paupers and Orphans at the Aalmoezeniershuis, possibly by David Vinckboons.

The group portraits here are an extension  or expansion, if you will  of the ones done for Amsterdams shooting associations and militias. The most famous example of these is Rembrandts The Night Watch, which hangs in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

A visitor takes a closer look at The registration of paupers and orphans at the Aalmoezeniershuis, by an unknown artist. The work, possibly painted by David Vinckboons in 1626, is on display in the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel in Frankfurt. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Squad F of the Arquebusiers (Kloeveniers), by an unknown artist, is on display in the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel in Frankfurt. Many of the works on display depict shooting associations and professional guilds. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

An early example on display in the Frankfurt exhibition is Squad F of the Arquebusiers (Kloeveniers), from 1557, about 50 years before Rembrandts birth.

In the head-to-shoulder portraits grouped at two rows of tables, one can see the evolution in style in the large paintings by Nicholas Eliasz Pickenoy and Govaert Flinck  contemporaries of Rembrandts  that depict companies of crossbowmen.

Dierk Blekers The sentient Maria Magdalene (alias Maria de la Motte), seen here at the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? was once evidence in a divorce proceeding. The wife of merchant Bartholomew Blijdenburgh accused her husband, who commissioned the painting, of having an affair with the model, whose real name was Maria Jonas. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Most of the works are on loan from the Amsterdam Museum, which is undergoing a major renovation. Other pieces come from, among others, the Rijksmuseum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Stadels own collection.

Rembrandt and his contemporaries were also commissioned to paint group portraits of the citys guilds, one of which was made up of surgeons.

From that commission, two works on display in Frankfurt stood out to me.

The Osteology Lesson of Dr. Sebastiaen Egberts shows the skeleton of an English sailor executed for piracy, surrounded by a group of surgeons.

A fragment of Rembrandts Anatomy lesson of Dr. Jan Deijman, from 1656, is on display with the artists sketch of the whole painting in the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? at the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Although most of the works on display at the Stadels exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? are paintings, these items from the guild of crossbowmen can also be seen. The drinking horn, right, and chain on the wall are made of silver, partly gilt, while the scepter is made of mahogany. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Its joined by Rembrandts Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Jan Deijman, a rather gruesome scene of a cadaver dissection. Only a fragment has survived, but the artists working sketch of the complete painting is displayed with it.

While the exhibition is remarkably interesting, it is decidedly not cheerful. One poignant example of its somber atmosphere is the mesmerizing portrait of Barend Jansz Bode.

A visitor to Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? looks at a portrait of Barend Jansz Bode, also known as Malle Baandje. He was a resident of an Amsterdam orphanage. Usually orphans left the institutions between the ages of 20-25. Because of mental illness, Bode remained his whole life. Who painted the picture and why it was commissioned is unknown. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Also known as Malle Baandje, he was a resident of an Amsterdam orphanage. Usually orphans left the institutions between the ages of 20 and 25, but because of mental illness, Bode remained his whole life.

Who painted the portrait, who commissioned it and why are unknown.

By the time the visit ends, its clear that for all the wealth and success of this dynamic 17th century city, not all that glittered was gold.

Visitors check out some of the monumental paintings in the exhibit Rembrandts Amsterdam. Golden Times? The paintings by Nicholas Eliasz Pickenoy, left, and Govaert Flinck, depict companies of crossbowmen. The exhibit at the Stadel in Frankfurt runs until March 23, 2025. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

On the QT

Address: Schaumainkai 63, Frankfurt

Times: Exhibition runs until March 23, 2025. Open hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays.

Prices: 18 euros for adults; 16 euros for kids 12 to 17; free for kids under 12. Special offers available online.

Food: There is a cafeteria in the museum shop for drinks and sandwiches; Holbeins restaurant offers fine food and is open until midnight.

Information: https://www.staedelmuseum.de/de/
Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Rodriguezmelendez, a builder with Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East, Public Works Department, refills gas cans for base generators during the Black Start exercise at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, Nov. 20, 2024. (Sophia Bumps/U.S. Navy)

Sasebo Naval Base recently became the first Navy base in Japan to successfully test its ability to maintain electrical power through backup generators in case its cut off from the local grid, the service said.

The exercise, dubbed Black Start, was a resounding success, Sasebo commander Capt. Michael Fontaine told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday.

Energy resilience is critical to an installation and the exercise successfully tested [Sasebo Naval Bases] backup power sources and our ability to sustain operations during a power interruption, he said. It also highlighted our synergy with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the local Japanese community when dealing with contingencies.

Black Start, an exercise mandated by Congress, focuses on the ability of the backup systems to start independently and transfer and maintain the electrical load until energy from off the installation is restored, according to the Nov. 20 news release.

Sasebo was the first base in Japan to complete the exercise, Fontaine said in the release. That meant working carefully with local utility Kyushu Electric Power Co. to ensure the exercise did not affect the power grid, he said.

Sasebo had to carry out the exercise only once, base spokesman Aki Nichols said by email Wednesday.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. Nov. 20, the Public Works Department cut power to the main base, No. 2 Dry Dock facility, Dragon Vale and Fiddlers Green housing areas and Nimitz Park, according to the release.

Black Start began with no notice at those five sites and lasted 12 hours, Sasebo Public Works Officer Lt. Cmdr. Tyson Baca said by email Wednesday.

Following the power loss, mission-essential facilities, such as the naval base and Forward Deployed Naval Forces headquarters, mission-critical functions and emergency services, shifted to backup generators and resumed normal operations, the release said.

The exercise involved more than flipping a switch. Balancing 66,000 volts while ensuring backup power is available for the base comes with a high risk, but our team was able to safely and successfully assess the installations energy infrastructure and policies and identify ways to improve them in the future, Baca said.

Black Start identifies vulnerabilities and potential risks to the installation during real-world scenarios, and potential risks to the commercial energy grid if a black start event ever occurs, according to the Navy release.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stands alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as the South's national anthem is played outside the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., April 27, 2023. (Alexander Kubitza/U.S. Navy)

The possible impeachment and forced ouster of South Koreas president over his failed imposition of martial law this week could hamper the burgeoning trilateral security cooperation among the U.S., Japan and South Korea, a pair of East Asian experts say.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the nation Tuesday evening by declaring martial law as a means of breaking political gridlock with opposition lawmakers.

Troops attempted to cordon off the National Assembly building, but a quorum of lawmakers overcame the blockade and voted to rescind the order for military control.

The opposition party on Wednesday moved to impeach Yoon, who is in the third year of a five-year term.

Impeachment would have a negative impact on trilateral cooperation that Yoon has helped usher in, according to Lami Kim, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu.

Because if hes impeached, then the odds are that the opposition party will take the presidency next time, she said by phone Wednesday. The progressives  the opposition party  tend to be less interested in collaborating with Japan because they believe that Japan needs to do more. They believe that South Korea has made too many concessions without getting much in return from Japan.

Still, the affair is not likely to greatly impact day-to-day military cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., Kim said.

I mean, still, their mutual goal is to defend South Korea from North Koreas threats, and thats going to continue, she said.

Yoons forced resignation could lead to a rocky period in the U.S.-South Korea alliance and the nascent trilateral partnership, according to Denny Roy, a senior fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu who focuses on Pacific security and East Asia.

We could soon simultaneously have a liberal president in South Korea, who is less pro-US and less [anti-North Korea], and a new US president who is an alliance skeptic and admirer of Kim Jong-un, he said in an email Wednesday.

President-elect Donald Trump displayed little support for American alliances during his first term, and he has promised to resume transactional foreign policy when he takes office in January.

Kim sees a rough road ahead even if Yoon successfully fends off impeachment.

I think that if Yoon Suk Yeol stays in power, then its going to weaken South Koreas alliance with the United States, she said. One of the strengths of the Republic of Korea as the U.S.s ally is that the two countries share values in democracy.

South Korea has been considered as a sort of a bulwark against autocracy in the region, but South Koreas value as an ally would be diminished, Kim said.

It will still be a strategically important relationship, but with Yoon in place, I think all the rhetoric that we have used and all the talking points would become useless, she said.

Already Western leaders are canceling events and meetings with him, Kim said. It is particularly shocking because Yoon Suk Yeol has portrayed himself as the supporter of democracy and liberalism around the world.

I think that his diplomatic capital is pretty much gone, she said.
Banners outside the National Assembly building call for the ouster of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Dec. 5, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas parliament in Seoul is scheduled to vote Saturday on whether to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed, six-hour attempt to impose martial law on the country this week.

The National Assembly early Thursday approved a motion to impeach Yoon, setting the stage for a final vote at 7 p.m. Saturday. Votes must be cast within 24 to 72 hours of the motions approval.

Impeaching Yoon requires 200 votes from the 300-member assembly. The ruling People Power Party holds 108 seats in parliament; the main opposition Democratic Party and third parties have a combined 192 seats.

South Koreans protest President Yoon Suk Yeol outside his office in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) South Koreans protest President Yoon Suk Yeol outside his office in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

The parliaments early-morning session Thursday came hours after National Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun submitted his resignation over the martial law declaration.

Kim, in a statement Wednesday, said he was responsible for causing confusion and concern to the public. The soldiers who stormed the National Assembly building late Tuesday and early Wednesday were merely performing their duties, he said.

All responsibility lies with me, Kim said.

Kim in August replaced Shin Won-sik at the Ministry of National Defense after Shin became Yoons national security adviser.

Yoon accepted Kims resignation and appointed retired four-star army Gen. Choi Byung Hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as the new defense minister.

Other members of Yoons Cabinet have offered to resign since the martial law declaration, including Shin and chief of staff Chung Jin-suk.

Yoon declared martial law during a televised address Tuesday night, accusing the Democratic Party of railroading budget bills and knee-capping his administration with 22 impeachment filings against government officials, including chairman Choe Jae-hae of the Board of Audit and Inspection, Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office chief Lee Chang-soo and two prosecutors.

The impeachment motions against Choe and the three prosecutors passed in the National Assembly after a vote Thursday afternoon.

U.S. military officials and diplomats expressed relief on Yoon lifting martial law and said they were continuing to monitor the situation.

We were concerned about the events of last night, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg said Wednesday during an interview with Yonhap News. At the same time, were encouraged by the resilience of Korean democracy.

U.S. Forces Korea, the command responsible for the 28,500 American troops on the peninsula, on Wednesday released a statement from its commander, Army Gen. Paul LaCamera.

He advised service members, civilian employees and family members to exercise individual vigilance about where, how, when, and with whom you will travel throughout Korea.

The events of last night are not over as the government of the [South Korea] is working through their democratic processes to address the concerns of its citizens and resolve their disagreements in accordance with the rule of law, LaCamera wrote. We are guests in [South Korea], and I ask all individuals affiliated with the Department of Defense mission to give time and space to our host country and its citizens, as they work to resolve their differences.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul, in an alert on its website Wednesday, said the situation remains fluid and recommended citizens avoid places where demonstrations are being held.
An Air Force fire truck is lined up with others in front of a cordon at Bruchwiesenstrasse and Brauereistrasse in Landstuhl, Germany, following an early morning industrial fire on Dec. 5, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

LANDSTUHL, Germany  Firefighters extinguished a fire Thursday at an industrial laundry facility that blazed for nearly eight hours and spurred air quality warnings in a town near the U.S. militarys largest overseas hospital.

An evacuation order affecting buildings nearby the Elis industrial laundromat in Landstuhl and an advisory to keep windows and doors shut within a 1.25-mile radius were lifted Thursday afternoon, Landstuhl fire department spokesman Hans-Jurgen Denzer said.

An analysis of smoke samples sent to a lab in Ludwigshafen detected no significant pollutants, a Kaiserslautern district statement said.

The fire destroyed the facilitys laundry production hall but didnt reach the warehouse containing chemicals, district officials said.

The fire was contained so that it could not spread to surrounding buildings, the district statement said. Analysis of the drone images shows that the main hall is completely destroyed.

Smoke rises as a firefighter sprays water from a fire truck's elevated bucket, as seen from a parking area near Bruchwiesenstrasse in Landstuhl, Germany, Dec. 5, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) Air Force and German firefighters set up their trucks in a cordoned area at Bruchwiesenstrasse and Brauereistrasse in Landstuhl, Germany, following an early morning industrial fire on Dec. 5, 2024. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes) A German firefighter contains a fire in the industrial area of Landstuhl, Germany, Dec. 5, 2024. The fire started at a laundry facility on Bruchwiesenstrasse. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

The immediate area around the site on Bruchwiesenstrasse, about a half-mile from the towns train station, remained cordoned off for safety Thursday afternoon.

Most emergency had left the scene except for Landstuhls fire brigade, which is keeping watch. No injuries have been reported so far due to the fire.

Nearby residents reported waking up to an early morning bang. Emergency responders received the alarm at 3:56 a.m., Kaiserslautern district officials said.

No one was inside the building as the fire spread quickly throughout the structure, the district statement said.

It remains unclear what started the fire.

About 200 emergency personnel were at the scene and the area was cordoned off, district officials said Thursday morning. The responders included police and fire personnel from nearby municipalities and the U.S. military.

The laundry facility is about 1.5 miles north of the cardiac hill gate at the U.S. militarys Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

The Elis industrial laundromat does business with LRMC. It also contracts with the largest hospital in Luxembourg and is one of the largest companies in Landstuhl, according to SWR Kaiserslautern.

Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks to the press at the White House on Oct. 1, 2024. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

WASHINGTON  National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday that the war in Ukraine has revealed the U.S. needs to stockpile more munitions and invest more in producing low-cost weapons.

This challenge is not one that can be met in a single term in office. There is still so much work to do. This has to be a generational project, Sullivan said during an event held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has committed to providing the embattled country approximately $61.4 billion in military aid to help Ukrainian forces fight off Russian invaders. The most recent aid package, totaling $725 million, was announced Monday. It included air-defense weapons, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.

Doing so means pulling weapons and munitions from U.S. shelves and stockpiles must be replenished each time military aid is provided to Ukraine.

In a matter of eight weeks of war in 2022, Ukraine burned through a years worth of U.S. 155mm artillery production, said Sullivan, whose office holds daily meetings on Russia and Ukraine. In those early months in the daily meetings, we reviewed Ukraines run rate in excruciating detail. We confronted a startling reality: the American Arsenal of Democracy was fundamentally underequipped for the task at hand.

At the time, the U.S. was producing 14,000 artillery rounds per month and could only immediately boost production by about 400 rounds  enough for Ukraine to defend itself for a few extra hours, he said.

To offset the munition shortage, Ukraine began using off-the-shelf technology and cheap, mass-produced platforms to build an army of drones. But the U.S. was also behind the curve in that technology.

Our industrial capacity simply wasnt there, Sullivan said. We had to dig ourselves out of a deep hole.

Insufficient stockpiles were also highlighted by a Rand Corp. study released in November as one of the most urgent matters for NATO countries in a potential long-term war.

Russias war in Ukraine has demonstrated a notable lag in the buildup of production capacity in Europe and the United States, exposing vulnerabilities when it comes to replenishing munitions at the speed that they are expended, the report said.

A Patriot surface-to-air missile system fires during an exercise with the Dutch military at McGregor Range, N.M., on May 11, 2024. (David Rincon/U.S. Army)

Additionally, conflicts around the world  including the Israel-Hamas war and attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on merchant shipping in the Middle East  are eating into U.S. inventory of high-end weapons, such as Patriot air-defense missiles.

Meanwhile, China put the U.S. on notice when it indicated its forces would be ready for conflict by 2027. In November, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command raised an alarm over the U.S. arsenal, saying war in Ukraine and in the Middle East is chipping away at weapons and munitions also needed in the Pacific.

Inherently, it imposes costs on the readiness of America to respond in the Indo-Pacific region, which is the most stressing theater for the quantity and quality of munitions because the [Peoples Republic of China] is the most capable potential adversary in the world, Adm. Sam Paparo said during an event at the Brookings Institution, another Washington think tank.

Sullivan highlighted three major efforts taken by President Joe Bidens administration to build up the defense industrial base: tearing down obstacles that prevent the U.S. from sharing defense technology with allies, working with commercial industry leaders to develop innovative weapons systems, and ramping up production of weapons and munitions.

In line with this, the U.S. is working with the Ukrainian defense industry, as well as commercial companies, to focus on developing low-cost drones to be used by the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. is also now building more tanks, armored vehicles, rockets, long-range rocket launcher systems and anti-tank missiles, Sullivan said.

We have made progress over the last four years, but frankly, we need progress over the next 40, he said.

By January, Sullivan estimated the U.S. defense industrial base will be producing 55,000 155mm artillery rounds per month  a 400% increase. It is on track to reach 100,000 per month by 2026.

Im not here to report that the job is finished. Im here to report the job has started, and now it needs to continue in a big and sustained and bipartisan way, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The establishment of peace in the South Caucasus will pave the path for prosperity, which is particularly necessary for Armenia., Turkiye's former Foreign Minister, MP, head of the delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Mevlut Cavusoglu said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia" today.

The MP pointed out that the occupation of Azerbaijan's Karabakh by Armenia caused a great deal of suffering.

"People who were displaced from their homeland had their homes taken away, along with their hopes for the future. Unfortunately, the international community remained silent in the face of the injustice suffered by Azerbaijan and supported those who carried out this oppression. However, Azerbaijan liberated its land after 30 years of occupation. The Azerbaijani flag waving over the lands of Karabakh is a source of pride.

We are very pleased with the speed of reconstruction and development work being carried out by Azerbaijan in the liberated territories," he mentioned.

Cavusoglu also pointed out that the restoration of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, destroyed in Armenia, is of great importance.

"It's regrettable that Armenia does not allow a UNESCO mission to carry out work on this issue. Azerbaijans patient and peace-loving behavior deserves the highest praise," he added.

To note, Baku is hosting the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia," Trend reports.

Over 100 representatives from 51 nations are participating in the conference.

The event will address the historical context of the coerced displacement of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the foundation of their right to return, the preservation of cultural legacy, and diplomatic initiatives in this domain.

December 5 is designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. An analogous international conference titled "Ensuring the Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution" occurred on this date last year, featuring over 100 participants from 44 nations.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., attends a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 11, 2023. (Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is asking President-elect Donald Trump to use his influence among Republicans to back legislation that would expand insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization for military personnel.

The Army veteran made the request in a letter to Trump on Wednesday, writing she feared Republican leaders could strike provisions providing Tricare coverage of IVF from the final version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Senate and House versions of the annual defense policy bill remove restrictions on IVF treatments for service members and provide them with the same level of coverage as members of Congress and federal employees.

But a compromise bill is still being negotiated and Duckworth warned resistance from some conservatives could jeopardize the inclusion of IVF provisions in the final legislation.

Two Republicans, Reps. Matt Rosendale of Montana and Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, urged leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees last month to drop the measures because IVF leads to destruction of innocent human life.

Trump has expressed support for the fertility treatment, declaring himself the father of IVF in October.

He promised in August that if he was elected, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment.

Duckworth reminded Trump of that vow on Wednesday, calling on him to act now to keep your clear and explicit promise to the American people.

As the leader of the Republican Party, it would be appropriate for you to exercise your influence to prevent congressional Republicans from undermining your ability to govern by your own promises made, promises kept motto before your second term even begins, she wrote.

A single cycle of IVF can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The treatment became a contentious issue on Capitol Hill this year after Alabamas Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos, which are sometimes used in IVF, should be considered children.

For Duckworth, expanding access to IVF is personal. She gave birth to two daughters via IVF after losing her legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq and struggling with infertility for more than a decade.

Lawmakers and advocates have said service members have more trouble conceiving than the general population due to hazardous conditions during service and significant time away from their partners.

Congress is expected to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act in the coming weeks. The legislation specifies the defense budget and sets priorities for the Pentagon.
Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division participate in the Tumak 24 exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Nov. 20, 2024. The annual Reagan National Defense Survey revealed a 15 percentage point increase in American support for increased military spending. (Trevor Wilson/U.S. Army)

Americans support increased military spending even while many overestimate how much is already being spent, according to an annual survey that also found broad support for U.S. leadership in world affairs.

The findings of the Reagan National Defense Survey show rising confidence in the military after years of decline, though public opinion remains divided on key issues, including military aid to Ukraine and Israel.

The survey, sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Institute, a conservative think tank, polled 2,510 Americans after last months presidential election.

It revealed a growing belief in the need for U.S. global engagement, with 57% of respondents favoring a more active leadership role in international affairs  up 15 percentage points from last year.

Americans who cast their votes for different candidates share an unshakable core set of beliefs: the United States must lead on the world stage, backed by a strong military that can secure the peace through its strength, the report said.

Nearly 8 in 10 Americans support increased military spending, according to the survey, which found that 89% of President-elect Donald Trumps voters shared this sentiment. The level of support for military spending was the highest recorded in the surveys seven-year history.

This support was particularly notable given that many respondents overestimated current defense spending.

Over 30% of those questioned thought the U.S. spent somewhere between one-quarter and one-half of the federal budget to defend itself, and 16% believed the amount was more than half of the budget.

In fact, 13% of 2024 federal spending was allocated for defense, according to data from the Office of Management and Budget.

The survey didnt ask respondents how the U.S. should fund a boost in defense spending.

However, it did reveal concerns about the impact of the national debt on the countrys ability to defend itself, with 69% of respondents expressing fears that rising debt could force cuts to the defense budget.

The U.S. budget deficit grew to over $1.8 trillion for fiscal year 2024, the highest outside of the pandemic era, as interest on the federal debt exceeded $1 trillion for the first time.

Meanwhile, public confidence in the military has risen, with 51% of respondents expressing a great deal of trust, up 5 percentage points from last year. Also, 31% said they had some trust and confidence in the U.S. military.

The figure is still well below the 70% recorded in 2018 who said they had a great deal of trust in the armed forces.

The militarys ability to handle global threats remains a concern for many Americans. Polling showed that 52% believe the U.S. would win a war against China, compared with 64% who are confident in a potential conflict with Russia.

A majority, 61%, also believe the military should be large enough to fight two wars simultaneously.

The survey highlighted partisan divisions over U.S. military aid to Ukraine. While 55% of Americans overall support sending weapons to the beleaguered country, this includes 74% of voters for Vice President Kamala Harris and just 42% of Trump voters.

A majority, 59%, across party lines favor a negotiated settlement to end the war, even if it requires Ukraine to concede territory to Russia.

Regarding the Middle East, 61% of respondents said freeing American hostages held by Hamas should be a top priority.

Support for military aid to Israel stands at 54%, with significant partisan differences: 67% of Trump voters back such aid compared with 46% of Harris voters. Americans are evenly divided on whether Israel should continue military operations in Gaza or pursue a cease-fire.

The survey also found bipartisan support for maintaining U.S. military bases worldwide, with 62% of respondents agreeing they are essential for deterrence and rapid response.

The U.S. militarys presence was seen as most important in the Asia-Pacific, followed by the Middle East and then Europe to confront threats from China, Russia and other adversaries.

The Institute selected Beacon Research and Shaw & Co. to conduct the survey, which was carried out from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, through a mix of telephone and online interviews.
Saint Jovite Youngblood, 52, was convicted in April by a federal jury in Texas of four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, according to the Justice Department. He will spend 40 years in prison after falsely claiming service in the Armys Delta Force. (Joshua Jospeh Magbanu/U.S. Air Force)

AUSTIN, Texas  A Texas man will spend 40 years in prison after falsely claiming service in the Armys elite Delta Force as part of a scheme to convince his victims to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars in return for protecting their children from being abducted by Mexican drug cartels.

Saint Jovite Youngblood, aka Kota Youngblood, 52, was convicted in April by a federal jury in Austin of four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, according to the Justice Department. He defrauded 32 victims for more than $12 million, which he spent on trips to gamble in Las Vegas.

In addition to the prison sentence, Youngblood was ordered to pay full restitution.

This fraudster developed close relationships with dozens of individuals, building an immense amount of trust seemingly just to destroy their lives financially through elaborate, deceitful misrepresentations, said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.

Youngblood told the people, who are not named in court documents, that he was able to provide protection for them against drug cartels because of his past military experience and the contacts he had within the National Security Agency. He also claimed he freelanced for the Department of Defense to solve problems throughout the country.

Youngblood, who lived in Manor, a town about 15 miles northeast of Austin, claimed to have served 22 years in the Armys 82nd Airborne Division and Delta Force, which is primarily devoted to counterterrorism operations, such as capturing and killing a high-value target, breaking up terrorist cells or conducting hostage rescues.

Yet FBI investigators found no military service records for him.

With one of Youngbloods victims, he would post negative reviews online that claimed criminal behavior about the victims businesses. Youngblood told the victim that it was the cartels way of threatening him and payments would make the online harassment stop.

Youngblood had his victims pay with checks through a business associate he described as an antique dealer who commonly deposited large checks, according to court records. The payments to protect their families would double as business investments and give returns, Youngblood told them.

Many of Youngbloods victims were terrorized thinking their families were in danger, others lost their livelihoods to his schemes, said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBIs San Antonio Field Office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. President Ilham Aliyev has sent an address to the participants of the VI All-Republican Forum of Azerbaijani Children, Trend reports.

"Dear Forum participants!

Dear children!

I sincerely congratulate you on the start of the Sixth All-Republican Forum of Azerbaijani Children and wish you all good health and happiness.

Children are the future of society. Our primary responsibility is to provide them with a secure future under a clear sky. Thanks to the unparalleled contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, comprehensive care for children forms an integral part of the state policy in our country. Significant progress has already been made in this area, and this work continues to evolve. Our children have every opportunity to receive high-quality education, develop their skills and unlock their talent. The fact that your forum has become a tradition is also a manifestation of the importance Azerbaijan places on children's rights.

This year's Forum is held within the framework of the Green World Solidarity Year. The topic of children and ecology, which the forum is dedicated to, is highly relevant and represents special significance in ensuring that our children live in a safe environment. Azerbaijan recently hosted a large-scale international event  the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference extensively addressed the impact of environmental factors on children's health and the need to strengthen climate action for the sake of our children. Because all children on Earth need and deserve a healthy and clean world, a green future.

Dear participants!

You represent the newest generation that has witnessed the glorious chapters in the history of our independence. Through you, I address all Azerbaijani children: You are fortunate to be the descendants of an ancient and great people who have created a brilliant culture. You are also the guarantors of our future. We will entrust the mighty Azerbaijan to you. You are very valuable to us.

I do believe that the comprehensive exchange of views and decisions you will make as part of the Forum will contribute to the continued successful implementation of our state policy concerning children," the address reads.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kamila Henrique Lopes (28), who lives in Geriba, Brazil, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine at Dublin Airport on June 5, 2024. She has no previous convictions

Preliminary tests carried out on the substance have indicated the presence of cocaine valued at up to 3,000. Credit: Getty images (stock image)

A Brazilian woman who attempted to smuggle over 83,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kamila Henrique Lopes (28), who lives in Geriba, Brazil, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine at Dublin Airport on June 5, 2024. She has no previous convictions.

Passing sentence today, Judge Elva Duffy said Lopes had an initial debt of the equivalent of 163, which escalated due to punitive penalties. She noted a governor's report before the court, which highlighted that Lopes was on an enhanced regime.

Judge Duffy said it had been accepted by Garda OByrne that Lopes was at the lowest rung of this operation. She also accepted that Lopes was under significant pressure and was a vulnerable person.

Judge Duffy set a headline sentence of five and a half years, but after considering the mitigating factors, she reduced this sentence to three years and nine months and backdated to when Lopes was detained on June 5, 2024.

Garda Emmet OByrne told Simon Donagh BL, prosecuting, that Lopes arrived at Dublin Airport on June 5, 2024, on a flight from Brazil. Customs officials questioned Lopes, and a search took place. Lopes admitted to having swallowed 102 pellets of cocaine. Three other pellets were found inside a condom in her vagina.

The court heard that Lopes was taken to Beaumont Hospital as she had admitted to ingesting the pellets. She was kept in for four days, and during this time, she passed the 102 pellets. The court heard that the entire value of the drugs was 83,510.

Gda OByrne said that during interview Lopes said she had borrowed the equivalent of 163 from a street lender in Brazil. Penalties were added to her debt, which increased to approximately 580.

Gda OByrne agreed with James Dwyer SC, defending, that Lopes co-operated with gardai and told them that her trip to Ireland was organised by the person she owed her debt to.

The garda agreed with counsel that Lopes had been brought to a hotel room in Brazil and instructed to swallow the pellets. She told gardai that she found it physically hard to swallow the pellets. He further agreed that Lopes was acting as a courier and had no signs of wealth.

Mr Dwyer said his client has been in custody since June 10, 2024. While she has been in custody, she has taken educational courses.

Counsel said Lopes had given an early valuable plea and referred to her as the lowest cog in this operation.

He said that Lopes is in custody abroad with little to no English and only has six minutes per day to speak to her mother and daughter.
Arthur Gent appeared at Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incident at Market Square, Letterkenny, on July 13, 2024

A man who shouted aggressively at a preacher in a Co Donegal town has been fined 250.

Arthur Gent appeared at Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incident at Market Square, Letterkenny, on July 13, 2024.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that Gardai, who received a report of an incident, made their way to Market Square and ascertained that no offence was being committed.

However, as Gardai were about to leave, they saw the defendant approach the preacher and act aggressively.

The court heard that Gent was shouting loudly, what the fuck are you talking about?

A large number of members of the public were present, Sergeant Dalton said, adding that Gent was given numerous chances to leave the area.

Gent, 64, of Lui na Greine, Oldtown, Letterkenny, was charged that he did use or engage in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

The charge is contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Actual 1994 as amended by section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.

Gent was also charged with failing to comply with the direction given by Garda Patrick McHugh to leave the vicinity of the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner, a charge contrary to section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian said the incident represented an argument more than a public order matter.

Mr Dorrian said his client, who has two previous convictions for road traffic offences, was objecting to the presentation.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham said that did not condone aggressively approaching anyone on the street.

Judge Cunningham convicted Gent and fined him 250, allowing six months to pay.
Clayton Lynch (23) has been ordered to stay out of Finglas for the duration of the court case

A young man has appeared in court charged with possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Clayton Lynch (23) has been ordered to stay out of Finglas in north Dublin for the duration of the court case.

He is facing trial in the circuit court in relation to the allegations.

Judge David McHugh adjourned the case to a date in February for the service of the book of evidence.

The accused, with an address at Moatview Court in Coolock, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with possession of a Walther PPQ semi-automatic weapon, devoid of a serial number, as well as 11 rounds of 9mm parabellum ammunition.

It is further alleged that he had the pistol and the ammunition with intent to endanger life.

The offences allegedly took place at Mellowes Park in Finglas on July 3, 2021.

Gardai said Mr Lynch was arrested and, after caution, he made no reply to the charges.

Gardai said they had no objection to bail, subject to a number of conditions.

As part of his bail condition, Mr Lynch has been ordered to stay out of Finglas, abide by a curfew and surrender his passport.

He is also to reside at an agreed address, provide a mobile number to gardai and be contactable at all times, and sign on three times a week at his local garda station.

The court heard Mr Lynch was unemployed and defence solicitor Ciaran Mulholland was assigned on free legal aid.

Mr Lynch has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.
Darren Henderson (34) was not in court for the hearing of his case, but he had instructed his legal team to plead guilty to the offences

A former prisoner caught with cocaine and a mobile phone following a cell search has since moved abroad as there is an active threat on his life, a court heard.

Darren Henderson (34) was not in court for the hearing of his case, but he had instructed his legal team to plead guilty to the offences.

Judge David McHugh said he would accept the guilty plea in the defendants absence.

The judge convicted and fined Henderson 200.

The defendant, with an address at Cleggan Avenue in Ballyfermot, admitted possession of cocaine with a street value of 40.

He also admitted having a mobile phone without permission of the governor.

The cocaine and phone were discovered following a search by prison officers at Wheatfield Prison in Clondalkin on December 8, last year.

Garda Mark Grant told Blanchardstown District Court that Henderson did not have previous convictions for similar matters.

Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said that Henderson was not in court, but he had instructed his lawyer to enter a guilty plea to the charges.

Mr MacLoughlin said Henderson was currently living in the UK, and there was an active threat on his life.
Judge Keenan Johnson described the offences, which involved touching the girl's bare breasts and the woman's vagina area outside her clothing, as a gross intrusion of privacy

A HEALTHCARE worker sexually assaulted a teenage girl and a woman while taking their blood samples in an accident and emergency department in the midlands, a court has heard.

Eldhose Yohannan, 38, originally from India but with an address at Milltown, Dromcliff, Co. Sligo, initially denied the sexual assaults on the two patients on separate dates in 2022 at Mullingar Regional Hospital in Co. Westmeath.

However, after the trial commenced before a jury, he changed his plea and admitted the offences before the victims faced cross-examination.

Judge Keenan Johnson described the offences, which involved touching the girl's bare breasts and the woman's vagina area outside her clothing, as a gross intrusion of privacy, an attack on their bodily integrity, and he added that there was an element of premeditation.

Sentencing was adjourned.

Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court heard today that the accused was a phlebotomist, a medical professional trained to take blood samples.

Detective Garda Aidan Hynes agreed with prosecutor Cathal O Braonain BL that one complainant, then aged 15, attended the emergency department with her mother on August 8, 2022, after she had a breast infection.

The teen was seen by a triage nurse and was in the waiting area with her mother when the accused called her name.

He told them he had to take the girl's blood and that the mother could "sit back down" and beckoned her back to the waiting area before leading her daughter to another room.

Detective Garda Hynes said the girl lay on a bed, and Yohannan, who has no prior convictions, explained that he was going to draw blood from her arm to do tests.

He asked her if she had an abscess, but she told him it was on the inside.

The court heard Yohannan, who was wearing gloves, instructed her to lift her top, and he "pushed down on her breasts". The girl thought he was a doctor.

Detective Garda Hynes said the accused then went out, put some paper in a bin, and returned with his gloves off. At this point, the teenager was sitting up, thinking the procedure was complete, but "Mr Yohannan asked her to lie down again and asked if he could see her breasts."

She lifted her top, and Yohannan, who had taken off his gloves, "squeezed both her breasts" and asked if it was sore.

The girl answered that it was sore, but he told her it was not, and she replied, "I just told you it is".

She pulled down her top and left, and a mother immediately noticed a "confused look on her face". Her daughter told her what happened, and they informed a nurse.

A staff manager spoke to the accused and told him his only role was to take blood and not to carry out examinations, and he should only have touched patients' hands or elbows.

He was asked if he knew about the Children First policy whereby a parent must chaperone under-16s, "but he did not really reply".

He was dismissed from his job that day and has not worked since.

The girl and her mother waited outside and saw him again, and he walked over and told them, "I'm a nurse; I was trying to help you".

The court heard he qualified in India and previously worked as an ambulance nurse in Kuwait but was not a registered nurse in Ireland.

He married his wife in 2018 and later came to Ireland with him, starting work with an agency in January 2022, his first job here, and he had been thought of as polite and productive.

The second incident involved a woman in her early 20s who came to the department because she had stomach pains and the accused brought her to a room and asked her for her phone number. She thought he was flirting, and he told her he was joking and that he could get her number from her file. His leg was close to her body, and it felt awkward.

The court heard as she lay down, he put his "pinky" finger on her vagina outside her clothing with enough pressure for her to realise it was not inadvertent. It lasted a minute to 90 seconds but felt like forever to the woman.

The teenage victim addressed the court to deliver a victim impact statement and outlined how she did not leave her room for weeks afterwards. She opened up about having feelings of anger and guilt and how she suffered panic attacks and flashbacks.

She said she was afraid to go to the hospital or doctors, and there were periods where she had wanted to harm herself.

Judge Johnson told her she could be proud of how she dealt with it and that she had created a pathway and prevented other victims from being assaulted.

The second complainant said the incident left her in fear and made her afraid to go to hospitals.

In court, the accused wept as he begged for forgiveness, and the judge heard he brought 10,500 to court to demonstrate his remorse.

The court heard his and his wife's family were tenant farmers in Kerala, India, and depended on their support: his wife told the court she had no one else.

Dara Foynes SC, defending, agreed that the accused had lost his career and would be on the sex offender register.

Judge Johnson said that there could have been cultural issues involved.

Ms Foynes said the accused had also been referred to consent counselling and "will do whatever the court directs or orders him to do" and was pleading for mercy.

Judge Johnson adjourned sentencing Yohannan, who is on bail, until March for reports from the Probation Service and his counselling service to address his risk of reoffending. He directed that the money brought to court go to the victims, with 8,000 going to the younger complainant.
Neighbours have complained for several years about all-night sex parties.

Playboy fraudster 'Fast Eddie' Davenport secured a stunning court victory after he stopped police shutting down his 15m London mansion.

The self-styled lord, 58, gained notoriety for hosting debauched sex parties at his lavish mansion in Marylebone, which was issued a closure notice by the Met Police.

Dublin-born Davenport was jailed for nearly eight years for a 4.5m 'advance fee' fraud in 2011.

He served just three years of his sentence before falling ill and undergoing two kidney transplants.

Edward Davenport

Davenport had tried to claim that he had been too busy living it up in Monaco to run a sophisticated fraud.

The fraudster was notorious for organising sex parties at 33 Portland Place, Marylebone.

Davenport sold the 24-bedroom mansion, built in 1775 by Robert Adam, for 27m in 2015 to settle a court order to pay the Serious Fraud Office 14m.

He owns the freehold across the road at No 32 Portland Place where he hosted a 300-guest sex party called Passing Fancies in 2022.

Neighbours have complained for several years about all-night sex parties at No 32.

They claim they have suffered years of extremely loud music, revellers taking drugs and vomiting in the street.

Police had been called 63 times to incidents involving his property following parties.

But Davenport flew back from Thailand to successfully challenge the order at City of London Magistrates' Court.

He denied late night parties have been held at the property, which has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and large reception areas.

Davenport said: I have got quite a high social profile, I like going out and people would come back to the property with me.

Davenport hosts art shows every month which welcome around 100 people but he told the court that they would not go on beyond midnight.

"In October, I am in London and I use the property quite extensively for entertaining friends at that time of year, Davenport added.

I am very anti-drugs, I dont drink, I have had two kidney transplants.

Nobody would be smoking marijuana in my house.

I smell marijuana on the street corner occasionally but definitely not in my house.

I am so very, very anti-marijuana.

Davenport claims security staff at his parties are all SIA (Security Industry Authority) registered.
He said that the UFC fighter was a very rich man and can afford to pay a fine.

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is facing a legal bill of around 1m after a judge ruled he must pay Nikita Hands legal costs following her successful civil rape claim against him.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens also indicated he was considering bringing contempt proceedings against Mr McGregor over a social media post in which he described the court as a kangaroo court.

He further ruled that the mother of one would not be penalised with a costs order for losing her action against Mr McGregors friend James Lawrence, who she also sued for allegedly raping her.

Conor McGregor leaves High Court with partner Dee Devlin

It would be completely inappropriate to award Mr Lawrence any of his legal costs, even though he succeeded in his case, the judge said.

Although a jury last month dismissed her claim against Mr Lawrence, the judge found that they had not believed Mr Lawrences claim that he and Ms Hand had consensual sex.

Mr Lawrence was entirely successful in defending the claim but not for the reason advanced in his defence, the judge said.

Mr Justice Owens said the verdict of the jury was, in his view, on the basis no sex took place between Mr Lawrence and Ms Hand, rather than his claim that they had consensual sex.

James Lawrence. Photo: PA: Brian Lawless

He said that for this reason he would depart from the normal rule that the losing side pays the costs of the winning side.

The judge said he would make no costs order in relation Mr Lawrence, which means he must pay his own costs. The court has previously heard Mr Lawrence is a man of limited means and Mr McGregor was covering his legal fees.

Ms Hand, Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence were not present in court for the ruling.

The decision will come as a huge relief to Ms Hand as there was speculation she could be hit with a costs order dwarfing the 248,603 in damages awarded to her by the jury.

Mr McGregors lawyers will seek a stay on the costs order against him next month. His counsel Remy Farrell SC said the case would likely be the subject of an appeal.

While the costs of the case have not been disclosed, legal observers believe Ms Hands costs are likely to be in the region of 550,000 to 600,000 and the joint costs of Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence are around 400,000 to 450,000.

While Ms Hands lawyers had urged the judge to award the highest level of costs, known as solicitor and client costs, against McGregor, he opted for a lower level, known as party and party costs.

Nikita Hand. Photo: PA

This means Mr McGregor will end up having to pay around 80pc of her total legal costs as opposed to around 90pc.

Giving his ruling, Mr Justice Owens said it was the most singular and peculiar case in which he had to decide on costs.

He said he had yet to decide what to do about Mr McGregors social media posts in the wake of the trial.

I can if I want to begin to institute a proceeding on my own bat against Mr McGregor, he said, adding that the UFC fighter was a very rich man and can afford to pay a fine.

The judge said there was a tendency to allow such remarks to go unresponded to, but he did not believe that should happen in this instance.

Mr McGregors text was to say the least of it something highly irresponsible to do, he said.

The ruling came just under a fortnight after a jury found Mr McGregor assaulted Ms Hand in the penthouse of a Dublin hotel six years ago and concluded Mr Lawrence had not assaulted her.

Conor McGregor

Lawyers for Ms Hand had earlier argued the court had discretion to make an order for the highest level of costs possible against Mr McGregor.

He urged the judge to have regard to the post-trial social media posts, which he said were a direct insult to the jury and could be regarded as scandalising the court.

Mr Farrell had argued that his client should have to pay the normal level of costs and not the higher rate pushed for by Ms Hands lawyers.

John Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, had argued his client was entitled to have his costs paid by Ms Hand as the jury made no finding against him.

Ms Hand (35), a hair colourist from Drimnagh in Dublin, sued Mr McGregor (36) and Mr Lawrence (35), claiming both men raped her in a penthouse suite at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford on December 9, 2018.

Mr McGregor was at the height of his fame at the time. He remains one of the worlds most high-profile sportsmen, despite not having fought since 2021.

In recent years he has become involved in property development, the drinks industry and film acting.

But the outcome of the case has significantly damaged his business interests, with several retailers in Ireland and the UK deciding to no longer stock stout and whiskey brands associated with him.

Proximo Spirits dropped him as the face of Proper No. 12 whiskey and a major video games company removed a character based on Mr McGregor from one of its Hitman game.

Today, Mr Gordon argued that during his testimony Mr McGregor advanced an alternative story he had not earlier pleaded in his defence.

This included his testimony that Ms Hand may have suffered bruising after swan-diving into a bath and that she did not have a tampon in situ when they had sex.

Mr Gordon said Mr McGregor had been vocally abusive towards Ms Hand, that he used vitriol to intimidate her, causing the court to stop in its tracks.

He said that after the trial, both defendants used social media to disparage the court.

He made reference to a now deleted tweet by Mr McGregor in which he described the court as not a court of hard evidence and truth but a kangaroo court of opinions and feelings.

Mr Justice Owens said there was no doubt this was an unsatisfactory situation that a jury would be accused of not respecting their oath to determine the case on the evidence.

Mr Gordon claimed Mr Lawrence also diverted from the defence filed in the case, repeating verbatim new evidence given by Mr McGregor.

He said the only rational interpretation of the jurys verdicts is that they didnt believe either Mr McGregor or Mr Lawrence.

Mr Justice Owens said he would not additionally penalise Mr McGregor for his occasional sallies into theorising or the interjection complained of by Mr Gordon.

He said the imposition of costs orders on a solicitor and client basis was a jurisdiction that should be used sparingly.

Earlier, Mr Farrell had claimed Mr Gordon was grossly overstating the position but suggesting Mr Gregor abused Ms Hand from the witness box.

Mr Farrell also argued that post-trial social media posts had nothing to do with the issue of costs and should not be considered.

Mr Fitzgerald, for Mr Lawrence, said the fact the jury did not award punitive or exemplary damages in the case suggested his clients account that he had consensual sex with her was believed by the jury.

He said Ms Hand had pleaded a case that she had no memory of being raped by Mr Lawrence but that it happened and it exacerbated her injuries.

She turned up in court and said it didnt happen and she never believed it happened, he said.

Mr Fitzgerald said Mr Lawrence should be awarded his costs. An action was brought against him that failed, and that is what should follow, he said.

Ultimately, the judge did not side with him.

Ms Hand took the civil action after the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to press criminal charges.

Both Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence denied raping Ms Hand, insisting they both had consensual sex with her.

During the trial, Ms Hand testified she had been brutally raped and battered by Mr McGregor and at one point thought she was going to die and never see her young daughter again.

Ms Hand and her work colleague Danielle Kealey had been out all night at an alcohol and cocaine-fuelled Christmas party and wanted to continue partying into the next day.

Mr McGregor, who had also been out socialising all night, had picked them up from the salon where they worked around 10am that morning after an exchange of messages with Ms Hand on Instagram.

They knew each other as they were both from the same part of Dublin and moved in the same social circles. She had shared a photo of herself in a red jump suit. Mr McGregor said it was a nice picture and slightly provocative.

Ms Hand alleged Mr McGregor raped her at the hotel some time between 12.30pm and 6pm.

The jury heard evidence that a tampon was wedged so far inside her vagina it needed to be removed with a forceps at a sexual assault treatment unit.

There was also evidence Ms Hand suffered extensive bruising all over her body.

Ms Hand said she had no recollection of having sex with Mr Lawrence after Mr McGregor and Ms Kealey later left the hotel. She described Mr Lawrences account as a made-up story.

Mr Lawrence denied he had come forward to act as a a fall guy or patsy for Mr McGregor.

Mr McGregor denied they had been in cahoots but accepted he paid for Mr Lawrences lawyers.

He claimed the sex between him and Ms Hand had been.

Lawyers for both men pointed to CCTV from the hotel that evening, in which Ms Hand was shown behaving affectionately towards the two men and Mr Lawrence in particular. They suggested her behaviour was not consistent with someone who had just been raped.

Ms Hands side countered that Ms Hand had been full of drink and drugs and in a state of elation or delayed shock at the time.

The defence in the case also zeroed in on lies told by Ms Hand to her then partner about her whereabouts and who she was with, inviting the jury to consider why she had lied to him.

They also highlighted inconsistencies in her story, including how she had told a friend she had fled fearing she would be gang-raped by McGregors security detail.

Ms Kealey appeared as a defence witness. She said Ms Hand and Mr McGregor went into the penthouse bedroom and that when they emerged later everything was fine.

She said she was surprised when Ms Hand told her the next day that she had been raped in the bedroom as she hadnt seen anything.
37-year-old Shane Frane was jailed in 2014 after he admitted the manslaughter of Const. Philippa Reynolds

A so-called joyrider who caused the death of a serving PSNI officer when he crashed into her car today admitted being unlawfully at large from prison.

Standing in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court, 37-year-old Shane Frane entered a guilty plea to the single charge against him that he was unlawfully at large on 17 January this year.

Prosecuting counsel Joseph Murphy said there was agreement between the PPS and defence that as Frane is subject to an indeterminant custodial sentencewe dont think that a pre-sentence report is necessary.

Judge Patrick McGurgen agreed and reading Frane back into custody, he adjourned the case for a week for sentence.

Frane, originally from Limerick, was jailed in 2014 after he admitted the manslaughter of Const. Philippa Reynolds following a fatal car crash in Derry in February 2013.

The so-called joyrider was ordered to serve at least six years of his indeterminant sentence but the self-confessed killer had been on the run since January after breaching the conditions of a temporary release from jail.

Frane was arrested in the Republic of Ireland on 1 February 2024 and following proceedings in the south, extradited to Northern Ireland.

Const Reynolds (27) died following a road traffic collision in February 2013 when a stolen Toyota Landcruiser being driven by Frane crashed into her unmarked police car in the Waterside area of Derry.
The accused has been in custody for the past four months following his initial arrest

Guo Zhong Chen is to stand trial accused of arson and criminal damage in the new year.

A Chinese restaurateur is to stand trial accused of causing several millions of euro worth of damage by deliberately setting fire to a commercial premises in a midlands town.

Guo Zhong Chen (55), of Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court on Tuesday charged with arson and criminal damage at Grafton Court in Longford town during the early hours of July 28.

The accused has been in custody for the past four months following his initial arrest on August 8 and subsequent appearance in court some 24 hours later.

The blaze caused over a dozen businesses to temporarily close their doors and forced up to 60 workers to sit at home.

Chen, the court heard, had been arrested in his underwear after jumping up to 16ft from a balcony when gardai called to his home in Mullingar.

Gardai initially charged Chen with arson under Section 2 (4) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. The court was told the accused replied: They are going to blame all those offences on me, when the charge was put to him after caution.

Chen, who was remanded in custody following contested District Court and High Court bail hearings, received a further charge of criminal damage to a black Land Rover at Townparks, Longford on July 7.

On that occasion, Chen replied after caution: I didnt do it. How do you know its me? The guy was wearing a hoodie and how do you know it was me?

During a contested bail hearing, CCTV footage showed a black Ford SX-Max car that the accused had told gardai he had driven to Longford from his Mullingar home.

A compilation of over 100 clips of camera footage taken from various vantage points across the midlands town showed a hooded figure exit the car which had been parked up at Tashinny Lodge and remove a number of items from the vehicles boot.

The same individual was spotted moments later returning to the car with a trolley, filling it full of rubbish before walking back towards the scene of the incident where flames from the fire could be seen flickering in the background.

The court was told how a crucial part of the States case against the accused rested on a cigarette lighter and glove which were found in the days following the fire, items which the State contend matched Chens DNA.

The States evidence, Det Garda Shane OConnor said, will be that the motive for the attack had been made against Chens ex-partner and her brothers new sushi business which the accused allegedly vowed wont last long.

Sgt Aisling Flynn gave evidence of having served the book of evidence on Chen prior to Tuesdays court proceedings.

Sgt Enda Daly said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented for the accused to be sent forward for trial on the two charges contained in the book.

Defence counsel, Christina Burke BL, said her client, who had been the leaseholder of a restaurant in Mullingar, would not be making an application for bail upon the servicing of the book of evidence.

She did, however apply for her clients legal aid to extend to cover the cost of the books translation into audio format owing to Chens inability to read or write,

Ms Burke added how extensive time had already been taken up in her instructing solicitor, John Shanleys office in Dublin, painstakingly deciphering large chunks of the States evidence already.

The court was told the States case and resulting book of evidence contained in the region of 50 statements and up to 60 hours of CCTV footage.

In making an application for two senior counsel, Ms Burke said that application was made on the gravity of the charges which, upon conviction, can carry a maximum term of life in prison.

Judge Bernadette Owens, in granting that order, gave Chen the alibi warning, advising him of his obligation to notify the State within 14 days to notify the State should he wish to rely on alibi evidence during the course of his trial.

Mr Chen was consequently remanded in custody to a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on January 14.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Armenia does not allow UNESCO to send its mission to study the state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage on its territory, Chairman of the board of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Aziz Alakbarov, a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

According to him, Armenia's policy of creating a mono-ethnic society contrasts with the rich traditions and history of ethnic and religious diversity of the region.

He stated that Armenia evicted all Azerbaijanis from its territory and that there are currently no Azerbaijanis there.

Armenia has dealt a serious blow to our tangible and intangible cultural heritage by purposefully destroying our cemeteries and cultural and religious monuments. Our traditions, social ties, and way of life have suffered greatly.

Our aim in recounting these historical facts is not to continue the strife but to explain the starting point of our struggle for justice, peace, and reconciliation. We are committed to the goal of a peaceful return to our ancestral lands and respect the norms and principles of international law. The Concept of Return adopted by our community last year is an important document calling on the international community to support the right of return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. We continue to defend these rights in the framework of dialogue with the UN, UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other authoritative international organizations, he said.

Alakbarov emphasized that recognizing and ensuring the right of return for Western Azerbaijanis is the only way to restore justice and establish lasting peace in the region.

The support of the international community in this process is invaluable. Unfortunately, the Armenian government's lack of readiness for constructive dialog complicates this issue. Nevertheless, we are determined to continue our work based on the principles of peace and dialog.

Despite having one of the highest rates of refugees and IDPs in the world, Azerbaijan has always followed its humanitarian values and helped solve resettlement issues in world migration through humanitarian initiatives.

I would like to note that our community does not stand aside from these processes, and at the beginning of this year we made a financial contribution to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees through donations from our members.

We are confident that ensuring the right to return, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is not only a basic condition for the protection of human rights but also the most effective way to promote coexistence between peoples and a sustainable solution to the problem of resettlement. Therefore, we will continue our efforts in raising awareness, supporting scientific research and policy initiatives, and promoting the right to return by holding such events regularly, he added.

Baku hosts the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

More than 100 delegates from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced eviction of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, December 5 is the Day of Remembrance of the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. On this day last year, more than 100 representatives from 44 countries attended a similar international conference on "Ensuring Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution".

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The court has previously heard that in garda interviews, Mr Andrecut referred to Hennessy Sr as "Daddy J", and described him as a father figure who he loved and who loved him like a son.

A young man whose "father figure" was shot dead "in cold blood" during a Christmas Eve party could have been provoked into a total loss of control when he is alleged to have kicked, stamped, stabbed and used various weapons to inflict blows on the gunman, a lawyer has told the Special Criminal Court.

Dominic McGinn SC, for Michael Andrecut (23), applied this morning to the three-judge, non-jury court for permission to argue provocation as a partial defence to the murder charge against his client.

If the court consents, Mr McGinn will be able to argue that even if the grounds for murder are made out, Mr Andrecut should be found guilty of manslaughter. The defence case would be that Mr Andrecut was so provoked by the gunman Tristan Sherry's "cold-blooded and deliberate" assassination of Jason Hennessy Snr that he was unable to control his actions.

The court has previously heard that in garda interviews, Mr Andrecut referred to Hennessy Sr as "Daddy J", and described him as a father figure who he loved and who loved him like a son.

The court has heard that Hennessy Sr and a group of about 30 people had gathered in Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown last December 24 for a party when Sherry and a second gunman arrived with their faces covered and hoods up.

Sherry scuffled with Hennessy Sr and fatally wounded him before the gunman was himself disarmed and beaten to death.

Jason Hennessy Sr

Three men are currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder while three others, including Jason Hennessy Sr's son Brandon Hennessy, are on trial accused of violent disorder. They all deny the charges.

Mr McGinn today told the court that for it to consider provocation as a partial defence to a murder charge, they must be satisfied there is evidence of a "genuinely serious act of provocation" that caused the accused to suffer a total loss of self-control.

Counsel said it would be difficult to imagine a more provocative act than Sherry shooting "in cold blood someone who was a father figure to Mr Andrecut" while they celebrated a Christmas party.

Mr McGinn said the prosecution's case is that Mr Andrecut carried out "extreme and continuous" acts of violence that included kicks, stamps, stabs and other blows along with the use of an "array of randomly acquired weapons". Mr McGinn said all those alleged actions are "indicative of a loss of control."

Counsel suggested it would be difficult to know how anyone would react to "something as dramatic as the assassination of someone who is close to us," and he added: "It would be difficult to argue that an ordinary person would have been able to exercise self-restraint in the face of that provocation."

He reminded the court that in his interviews, Mr Andrecut said he reacted "instinctively" to the shooting, which Mr McGinn said suggests he had no control over his actions.

Lawyers for the other two men accused of Sherry's murder indicated that they will make similar applications when the trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge James Faughnan.

The three men currently on trial accused of Sherry's murder are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (23), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown.

Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown and 18-year-old Diarmuid O'Brien of Corduff Place, Blanchardstown, and Brandon Hennessy (21) of Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15 - the son of Jason Hennessy Sr - are charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date.
Key State's witness April Collins had told the court that she heard John Dundon order gunman Barry Doyle to kill a gang rival less than 48 hours before Mr Geoghegans death.

Over 16 years after innocent rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity, the notorious Limerick gangster who ordered the hit, John Dundon, has failed in a bid to overturn his murder conviction.

The Court of Appeal today rejected Dundon's claims that evidence which "fell through the cracks" could have called the credibility of witnesses into question.

Dundon (41) formerly of Hyde Road in Limerick, was convicted at the Special Criminal Court in 2013 of ordering the hit that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Mr Geoghegan near the victim's home at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Dooradoyle on November 9, 2008. He is serving a life sentence.

Key State's witness April Collins had told the court that she heard John Dundon order gunman Barry Doyle to kill a gang rival less than 48 hours before Mr Geoghegans death.

The court heard that April Collins was previously in a relationship with Johns brother, Gerard Dundon, for eight years and had three children by him.

Mr Geoghegan played rugby for Garryowen in Limerick and had been watching an Ireland international game at a friend's house before heading home shortly before 1am.

He had just texted his girlfriend Jenna Barry to say he was on his way when Ms Barry heard shots fired outside. Mr Geoghan was shot five times with a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The fatal shot was to the back of the head.

It was the States case that Mr Geoghegan was the unintended victim of a shooting that was meant for another man and was ordered by John Dundon.

Launching an appeal against the conviction in April last, counsel for Dundon, Dominic McGinn SC argued that the court should hear fresh evidence of a phone conversation between witnesses Lisa Collins and Christopher McCarthy that did not emerge at Dundon's trial in 2013.

Mr McGinn said that during the conversation, which was recorded by the Irish Prison Service while Mr McCarthy was in jail, Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy discussed "how long was long enough" for Dundon to be imprisoned.

Counsel said there was a reference to Dundon receiving ten years for a particular offence but that "wouldn't be sufficient". Mr McGinn said the conversation suggested that Ms Collins and Mr McCarthy had a motive to ensure that Dundon was convicted of an offence carrying a greater penalty, such as murder.

If Dundon's legal team at the time had known about the conversation, Mr McGinn said they undoubtedly would have used it to undermine the credibility of Mr McCarthy, Lisa Collins and her sister April Collins. Those three gave evidence detailing how John Dundon ordered and organised the hit that resulted in Mr Geoghegan being shot in a case of mistaken identity. The Special Criminal Court, where Dundon was tried in 2013, found that their evidence was credible.

Mr McGinn said Dundon's original legal team was aware of the phone call but the evidence later "fell through the cracks" after Dundon sacked his lawyers on the day his trial was due to begin. His second legal team, Mr McGinn said, had to deal with a huge amount of disclosure in a short amount of time.

The absence of the phone call evidence was enough to raise a concern about the fairness of Dundon's trial, Mr McGinn said.

In delivering the Court of Appeals ruling today, Mr Justice John Edwards noted that senior counsel for the appellant had asked the court to accept that the material at issue was relevant and its absence gave rise to a concern that the appellant did not have a fair trial or that his conviction might not be safe.

Mr Justice Edwards said that this matter was not pursued by the appellants new legal team at trial, who claimed that they had limited time to prepare. However, Mr Justice Edwards said that there was no evidence that this was the reason for their failure to pursue the issue, adding that there was no basis for drawing any inference as to their reasons.

He said that at the time disclosure of the telephone transcripts was sought, the material was not in the possession or procurement of the DPP, who was not under any obligation to provide it by way of disclosure. The judge said there was no breach of the duty of disclosure owed by the DPP to the appellant.

There was a great deal of evidence of fear of the Dundons, including of the appellant, and of grounds for resentment towards them, on the part of the three controversial witnesses whose conversations were captured, said Mr Justice Edwards.

The judge went on to say that the court did not see how the defence having the transcripts in time for the trial would have further assisted them in undermining the witnesses.

He pointed out that the Special Criminal Court approached the testimony of these witnesses with great caution and warned itself of relying on their uncorroborated testimony, even though there was a good deal of evidence to corroborate their testimony.

Finding the court was not persuaded that the appellants trial was unsatisfactory or his verdict unsafe, the judge said it would dismiss the appeal.

In April this year, Dundon was accused of engaging in a "cynical ploy" after he sacked his lawyers and asked for an adjournment of his appeal against the conviction.

Dundon told the Court of Appeal that he discharged his lawyers after discovering that they were unable to advance a ground of appeal that the appellant said had been identified in recent months. The three judges of the court granted an application for Dundon's then lawyers to withdraw from the case.

New lawyers came on the record for Dundon, who was granted free legal aid and whose appeal eventually went ahead later that month.

Both the Special Criminal Court and the High Court had previously rejected bids by Dundon to have his 2013 murder trial adjourned. However in June 2013, the Special Criminal Court ruled the murder trial should not proceed until the adjournment application came before the Supreme Court.

On that occasion, Dundon had appeared in the Special Criminal Court wearing only a pair of dark-coloured shorts, having been admitted to hospital after going on hunger strike for at least a week and refusing fluids for a number of days.

The trial was delayed until July 2, 2013, when the opening day saw a gaunt, wheelchair-using Dundon taken to hospital for a head injury. He had earlier informed the court that he was illiterate in response to evidence that he had sacked his legal team and elected to represent himself. The trial eventually opened the next day.

Barry Doyle (38) admitted during Garda interviews that he shot Mr Geoghegan in a case of mistaken identity.

However, Doyle, of Portland Row in Dublin 1, later pleaded not guilty at trial to the murder of Mr Geoghegan. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on February 16, 2012.
Peter OMalley was convicted of possession and distribution of child pornography

A former HSE manager set up a business offering orthotics services to the public while he was suspended for distributing images of children being abused.

Peter OMalley (47) was convicted last Monday of possession and distribution of horrific images of children that amounted to extreme depravity.

A senior orthotics manager with the HSE, OMalley was suspended from his job in 2022 as the garda investigation into his suspected involvement in an online paedophile ring gathered pace.

Despite his suspension, OMalley went on to set up his own private orthotics firm offering online sales and consultations on orthotic products to the public. Orthotics focuses on the design and application of medical devices such as braces, calipers or splints.

He registered the business, Gait Right Labs, in June 2023 specialising in the sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores, according to documents registered with the Companies Registration Office.

At the time, he was under active investigation by gardai and was still under contract to the HSE.

OMalley worked in orthotics for several years in the UK and later returned to Ireland. He joined the HSE in 2015, as a senior orthotics manager in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

He was also involved in his local GAA club in the Neale. As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded in early 2020, OMalley was redeployed to manage the Covid-19 test centre in MacHale Park in Castlebar.

He was later photographed showing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly around the test centre.

In an interview with the The Mayo News, he described his new role as Applied Services Manager. I oversee the logistics and make sure we get the PPE we need, and link in with staff, he said.

However, OMalley had a secret life. He was by then fixated with Kik, a livestreaming app through which he communicated with other paedophiles.

The offences he was later convicted of spanned from December 2019 to the spring of 2021, when he was caught by the FBI.

The FBI identified him as the administrator of the online group that shared depraved and shocking images of children being abused.

As administrator, OMalley demanded that entrants submit child abuse images to gain admittance to what Judge Eoin Garavan called a type of paedophile ring.

Gardai acted on FBI intelligence to search OMalleys house in Ballinrobe, seizing a computer and three phones, including his HSE work phone.

OMalley discussed having sex with underage children, including babies and toddlers, with other users

Subsequent court hearings were told that OMalley had more than 128,000 images on his phone, most of which were pornographic. Some were images of children as young as three years of age being sexually abused; they included images of children who were screaming and crying as they were being abused, and others being assaulted by multiple adult abusers.

OMalley discussed having sex with underage children, including babies and toddlers, with other users. Evidence was also given that OMalley had engaged in five online conversations with children under the age of 18 from Cork and Kilkenny.

OMalley was suspended from his job in May 2022 when the HSE was notified of the investigation.

The HSE said this weekend it removed OMalleys access and devices and started a disciplinary investigation.

He resigned in June this year, before the disciplinary process had concluded.

The HSE said this weekend that even though the subject of the investigation had resigned, the investigation was completed, and a finding of gross misconduct recorded.

A risk assessment was also carried out on the services and no issues of concern were brought to light, a statement said.

According to local sources, OMalley had consistently denied any wrongdoing.

However, when his case came before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court in October, he pleaded guilty to 10 sample charges of distributing and possessing child pornography.

He was sentenced last Monday to six years in prison and must attend counselling and receive supervision for three years after his release

He was sentenced last Monday to six years in prison and must attend counselling and receive supervision for three years after his release.

His legal team had argued that OMalley was working from home at the time of the offences, that he had been drinking excessively and feeling isolated, and that he turned to adult pornography for distraction.

At his sentencing last week, Judge Eoin Garavan said OMalley had shared images of children being abused in a way that amounts to torture.

The HSE said every staff member has a responsibility and duty of care to ensure that children and young people availing of, or attending a HSE service, are safe and protected from harm, and the Children First Act 2015 places legal obligations on certain staff, known as mandated persons.
The victim, understood to be aged in her mid 20s, was found by a passer-by at St Conleth's Car Park on the main street in Newbridge on Wednesday morning.

A young woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being discovered with suspected stab wounds in a Kildare car park.

The victim, understood to be aged in her mid 20s, was found by a passer-by at St Conleth's Car Park on the main street in Newbridge on Wednesday morning.

Gardai investigating the serious assault suspect she was attacked some stage overnight and are appealing for witnesses who were in the area between 11pm on Tuesday and 8.15am yesterday to come forward.

Sources said the victim was bloodied and unresponsive when discovered by a worker in the area who immediately notified emergency services.

The woman was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

No arrests have yet been made and gardai are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to establish the woman's movements and identify any potential suspects.

"Gardai are still in the process of establishing exactly what happened here. The woman suffered serious suspected stab wounds, a source told The Irish Independent.

"The circumstances surrounding this incident and what led to it are also yet to be definitively determined".

Read more Woman seriously injured after assault in Newbridge, Co Kildare

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the inquiry and an incident room has been established at Newbridge garda station.

In a statement gardai said they are "appealing for information following an incident of assault that occurred in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, between 11pm on Tuesday 3rd and approximately 8.15am on Wednesday 4th December 2024.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene at St Conleth's Car Park, of main street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, on the morning of Wednesday 4th December 2024 shortly after 8am, and found a woman who was unresponsive.

She was conveyed to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries."

"No arrests have been made at this time.

"Investigating Gardai are appealing to the public for information. Anyone present in the area of St Conleth's Car Park, of main street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, between 11pm on Tuesday 3rd and 8.15am on Wednesday 4th December 2024, and who may have information regarding this incident, should make contact with the Gardai. Persons with mobile phone or dash cam footage are asked to make this available.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Newbridge Garda Station on 045 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111, or any Garda Station.

"Investigations are ongoing."
Ammunition discovered at scene engraved with words deny, defend and depose

Police are still searching for the gunman, who was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and mask, which covered most of his face (New York City Police Department via AP)

Members of the New York police crime scene unit photograph bullet casings lying on the sidewalk as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Brian Thompson was heading to a conference at the Hilton in Manhattan when he was shot from behind by a masked gunman (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

This combination of images provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson (New York City Police Department via AP)

The NYPD has released unmasked images of the suspect in the killing of the CEO of one of the largest US health insurance companies with a manhunt underway in New York City.

It comes as ammunition discovered at the scene where Brian Thompson was killed was emblazoned with the words "deny", "defend" and "depose", a law enforcement official said on Thursday.

The official was not authorised to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

In a statement released today, the NYPD said:

"Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.

The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the publics helpif you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush on Wednesday as he walked to the company's annual investor conference at a Hilton in Midtown, blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson was shot several times. Photo: AP

The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims.

The killing, and the gunman's movements in the minutes before and afterwards, were captured on the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city.

NYPD on X

Based on surveillance video and evidence from the scene, investigators believe that the gunman had some prior firearms training and experience with guns at least, and the weapon was equipped with a silencer, the official said.

Investigators are also looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan.

The suspect fled on a bike and he was last seen riding into Central Park.

Authorities were running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found nearby, including a water bottle that they believe the suspect may have discarded, the official said.

Security camera video showed the gunman approach Mr Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam while the health executive tumbled to the pavement.

Other security cameras captured the initial stages of the gunman's escape.

He was seen fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza, then escaping on a bicycle into Central Park, where he vanished.

Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killer's whereabouts remained unknown late into the night.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence.

Members of the New York police crime scene unit investigate bullets lying on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

"Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target," Ms Tisch said at a news conference on Wednesday.

NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny said: "From watching the video, it does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly."

Police have issued several surveillance images of the man. He wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face, which wouldn't have attracted attention on a cold winter day.

Some of the photos were taken at a Starbucks coffee shop shortly before the shooting.

The police department offered a reward of up to 10,000 dollars (7,832) for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The insurer's parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, said in a statement: "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.

"We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time."

Mr Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband told her "there were some people that had been threatening him".

She didn't have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Mr Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

Members of the New York police crime scene unit investigate the scene where Brian Thompson was killed (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Investigators recovered several 9mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a mobile phone from the alleyway through which the gunman fled.

They were also searching Mr Thompson's hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Mr Kenny said.

Police initially said the gunman rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the city's bike-share programme, CitiBike.

However, a spokesperson for the programme's operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company on Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet.

Healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year.

The company ended the conference early in the wake of Mr Thompson's death.

Mr Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare advantage plans in the US and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is "sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team".

"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," he wrote.
Ekaterina Zhdanova is currently in custody in France as international police forces continue to investigate the network she is accused of managing.

MEET the Russian socialite who is accused of running a multi-billion euro money laundering ring for the Kinahan Cartel and other international narco gangs.

Ekaterina Zhdanova is the opposite of most peoples idea of what an organised crime kingpin would look like.

Zhdanova, who owned a series of luxury hotels in Russia, courted a reputation as a new need breed of businesswoman who mixed glamour and high-finance.

Unlike many of Russias older publicity-shy oligarchs, Zhdanova used social media to promote both her businesses and her personal brand.

In interviews with the Russian media, she spoke about how her profile on social media  where she could be seen mixing with popstars and celebrities  helped raise the profile of her businesses.

When quizzed by the Russian magazine N Style if she was a risk taker, she said: It all depends on the mood...I'm probably a chameleon.

She earned a huge following on social media where she showed off her luxurious lifestyle, including posing with designer watches and taking expensive trips abroad.

However, her days of mixing with high-society look like they have come to an end after UK police yesterday detailed her role in one of the worlds biggest ever money laundering schemes.

She was described as a key figure in an international crime network who used crypto currency to launder cash for international narco traffickers  including the Kinahan Cartel.

In their statement to the press, the UKs National Crime Agency yesterday named the Kinahan Cartel as a key client of Zhdanova and her associates.

Zhdanova (38) is currently in custody in France as international police forces continue to investigate the network she is accused of managing.

According to police, the Russian criminals ran their cash-washing operation out of a base in London and it enabled Russian spies and European drug traffickers to evade sanctions using cryptocurrency.

The NCA said its Operation Destabilise centred on two companies Smart and TGR, which acted as a bank for cash-rich criminals relying on cryptocurrency outside the official banking system.

Smart was run by Zhdanova who had built up a web of contacts in Moscows financial sector during her career.

Police say she laundered 2.3m (2.8m) for the Ryuk ransomware group in 2021 and moved $100m (95m) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a sanctioned Russian oligarch.

Zhdanova is also said to have had extensive contacts in the UAE where she was able to provide clients with tax residency, identification cards and bank accounts and then launder funds through those accounts.

From late 2022 to summer 2023 the Smart network was used to fund Russian espionage operations, according to the NCA.

Ekaterina Zhdanova

NCA-coordinated activity has so far led to 84 arrests, with many already serving prison sentences, as well as the seizure of over 20m in cash and cryptocurrency

The other network, TGR, was run by George Rossi, who is either a Russian or Ukrainian national, who was also well-known for attending social events.,

Officials claim the networks are separate but often work together.

In a statement, the NCA claimed the Kinahans were key clients of the Russian networks.

As well as enabling UK-based criminals, Smart and TGR used their global reach to launder money for transnational crime groups such as the Kinahans.

The notorious family-run crime syndicate, responsible for trafficking drugs and firearms into the UK and around the world, were sanctioned by the US in 2022, said an NCA spokesperson.

The money-laundering scheme allowed criminals to swap dirty money for cryptocurrency. They were then able to use the cryptocurrency to buy cocaine from South American cartels. It also allowed Russian cybercriminals to buy assets such as properties abroad, including in Dubai.

Yesterday, the NCA also claimed the money laundering funded Russian espionage. However, officers refused to provide any more information.

The Russian criminal networks have also carried out direct operations on Irish soil.

Zhdanovas close associates, Nikita Krasnov (28) and Semen Kuksov (24), the son of an oil executive, coordinated money laundering in the UK and washed over 12.5m in just over a year. They also collected a total of 168,950 in Ireland.

They managed couriers to launder over st12 million in the UK in a two-and-a-half month period, as well as coordinating similar operations across Europe.

Ekaterina Zhdanova

Kuksov has also been connected to high-turnover crypto-currency wallets. He and Dzektsa were sentenced to five years seven months and five years in prison respectively.

One courier linked to Kuksovs network, Igor Logvinov, was arrested by An Garda Siochana in Ireland and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The Sunday World previously reported he had more than 50,000 in cash at a house he was renting when gardai raided it.

Detectives made the seizure days after seeing Logvinov (61) in an alleged money handover outside a south Dublin petrol station, it was heard in court.

According to gardai, he came to Ireland from the UK to help store and distribute large amounts of cash for an OCG.

The Lithuanian was a UK resident who had travelled to Ireland in a black Range Rover in June 2023 and rented a property in Stepaside short-term.

At a bail hearing a garda said he also had a visa for Russia and she feared he would flee the jurisdiction if granted bail.

Last year, the Sunday World revealed how intelligence experts believe Russian secret service agents are increasingly using organised criminal figures as a covert tool for the dark aspects of its foreign policy.

Christopher Kinahan Sr attending a conference in Egypts Sharm El Sheikh resort in 2019.

According to a report on the Russia Matters news site, Russian involvement in drug trafficking allows the GRU  Russias FBI - to generate chernaya kassa (black cash) with no provable connection to the Russian state, but helpful in paying for some of its projects.

Criminal money-laundering networks can also be used to clean intelligence agencies operational funds to allow them to operate in Western countries.

It was claimed the Kinahan organisation has been participating in drug deliveries with the GRU since at least 2019 and was recently linked to 9.5 tons of cocaine found by the Cape Verdean police on a ship manned by Russian sailors.

Artem Kruglov, editor of the website putinism.wordpress.com, has claimed that the Kinahans personal bodyguards are veterans of the Russian special forces.

"Currently, GRU as a service earns, among others participating in drug deliveries with the Irish drug cartel Kinahan," Kruglov states.

"The Kinahan cartel was established in the early 2000s and is a joint 'business project' of the Colombians, GRU and Irish. Its founder is Christy Kinahan, a repeatedly convicted Irish criminal aided by his son Dan Kinahan.

"The two have lived in Marbella in the south of Spain for a long time, and have moved their headquarters to Dubai in recent years. Their personal protection comes from GRU special forces veterans.

"According to the Western press, Christy Kinahan even learned Russian to facilitate contacts with the GRU, which, in addition to ensuring the personal safety of the cartel bosses, deals with the supply of weapons for him and aids them in money laundering."

The Sunday World reported how Kinahan purchases the drugs in South America on behalf of Russian operatives and ships them to Europe, while they in turn help him launder money and also supply him with weapons.

A wanted poster of Christopher Kinahan Jnr , Daniel Kinahan and Christopher Vincent Kinahan

Rob Jones, Director General of Operations at the National Crime Agency, said: Operation Destabilise has exposed billion-dollar money laundering networks operating in a way previously unknown to international law enforcement or regulators.

For the first time, we have been able to map out a link between Russian elites, crypto-rich cyber criminals, and drugs gangs on the streets of the UK. The thread that tied them together  the combined force of Smart and TGR  was invisible until now.

The NCA and partners have disrupted this criminal service at every level. We have identified and acted against the Russians pulling the strings at the very top, removing the air of legitimacy that enabled them to weave illicit funds into our economy.

We also took out the key coordinators that enabled the cash-based element of their operation in the UK, making it extremely difficult for them to operate here and sending a clear message that this is not a safe haven for money laundering.
Chupi is donating 100 from every sale to the Irish Heart Foundation.

Irish jewellery designer Chupi is partnering with the Irish Heart Foundation for the launch of a new limited-edition ring with a special meaning.

The Dublin jewellery store, which is based in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, has created a limited run of just 100 solid gold I Carry Your Heart Rings and is donating 100 from every sale to the Irish Heart Foundation.

Described as a timeless symbol of love, the piece is inspired by poet E.E. Cummings words I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.

Each ring features a custom engraving of the words that have inspired this piece, along with the issue number of each handmade item.

The I Carry Your Heart ring (989)

Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation, said: One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke. The good news is that 80pc of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable.

The Irish Heart Foundations Her Heart Matters campaign supports and empowers women to look after their hearts.

The support of Chupi is not only helping us keep the conversation about womens heart health going, but their generous donation from the sale of their beautiful limited edition I Carry Your Heart ring will help us in the fight against cardiovascular disease  one of Irelands biggest killers.

CEO of Chupi, Chupi Sweetman, added: "I am thrilled to partner with the Irish Heart Foundation. Love is at the heart of what we do at Chupi, for ourselves & for our families."

The I Carry Your Heart ring is available now to shop from chupi.com or from their Clarendon Street flagship while stock lasts, retailing at 989.
Chloe Barrys mum Cathy was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer that affects around five in every million adults, in 2022.

The sister of a young girl whose mum and sister were both diagnosed with cancer within months of each other is hoping to spread some awareness by sharing her familys story online.

Chloe Barrys mum Cathy was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer that affects around five in every million adults, in 2022.

She had been suffering with headaches, which were originally believed to be a symptom of long Covid, but an eye test in Specsavers revealed that there was a bigger issue at hand.

Following her diagnosis, Cathy underwent a week of severe radiation, which included the removal of her eye to put radiation on the tumor and then to reinsert her eye.

She continues to have regular scans, blood tests, and checkup appointments to monitor the incurable disease.

Cathy Barry during her recovery

Chloe said that her family "were just coming to terms with her diagnosis when her younger sister Ava was diagnosed very suddenly with B-cell ALL leukaemia in January this year.

The 14-year-old, who has Down syndrome left school early one day as she hadnt been feeling well and three days later suffered an extreme nosebleed.

She was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) by ambulance where she was then diagnosed with leukaemia.

According to Chloe, Avas future is now unknown as she is sensitive to treatments while their mum has more or less lived between CUH and CHI at Crumlin while also undergoing her own hospital visits.

Chloe set up a GoFundMe page this week on behalf of her little sister, whose dream is to go to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and have tea and a croissant there.

I wanted to set up this GoFundMe to make this possible, the Cork native wrote.

To date, almost 9,000 of the fundraisers 10,000 goal has been raised following generous donations from more than 270 people.

To find out more or to make a donation, visit the Help Ava to fulfill her dream GoFundMe page here.
The 24-year-old died in the early hours of Sunday morning at Lux nightclub in the city centre as she celebrated her birthday.

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The funeral of Chloe Ferris took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Mourners at the funeral of Chloe Ferris have been told to cherish every day, live their lives to the full and use their gifts and talents in her name so she will always be remembered.

The 24-year-old died in the early hours of Sunday morning at Lux nightclub in the city centre as she celebrated her birthday.

In an address to mourners  read by Fr Darren Brennan  parents Declan and Sharon wished their first born child a happy 25th birthday.

Fr Brennan told those gathered for funeral mass at St Pauls Church on the Falls Road how none of those present would wish to be there, and shouldnt be there.

Its like even the heavens are in tears as we remember Chloe, a beautiful, special, blossoming young woman, he said.

We will not pretend we are not heartbroken because we are.

But were not going to pretend with that Chloes life wasnt an amazing one, She achieved so very very much in a life filled to the brim in love, a love which flowed both ways.

Memories you all will cherish forever and that she has left behind.

Anyone who have been to the house on the Whitewell Road will know just know welcoming a place it is, how warm and how beautiful a place it is. Not just a house, truly a home. Thats thanks to Sharon and Declan and to their family and the love that is palpable in that place, he said as he continued by reading a tribute from Chloes parents.

Where do we start with our Miss Chloe girl? they said. She was our first born, and was spoilt by her soft touched dad who she continued to prey on all of her life!

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

They spoke of the love Chloe was shown by all her aunts uncles and cousins and how that love was returned and of the group of friends she had made at school who continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

The sister squad, a group of fine, well mannered young women we were all proud of, they said. They had a great influence on Chloes attitude to life.

She loved holidaying, she never blooming stopped holidaying! they said, in Bundoran, in America, partying in Ibiza with her sister squad.

They spoke too of how she had been to Africa, her involvement with cross community youth group R City.

But, they said, all those holidays had to be paid for. And dads pockets were only so deep. Chloes little business had to flourish. And it did. It flourished and flourished. She was so proud of it, and we were of her. We actually think she named it wrong. It should have been Agony Aunt Chloes Therapy for she listened to all her clients stories and problems all day long. Not only did she never say a bad word about them, she just loved them all. Her clients will remember her eating her favourite salted chilli chicken and chips. The love they had for each other was immeasurable.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Chloes other love was her nephews, the ginger mingers she called them. She loved to play with them, until it came to dirty nappy time when the call went out for granny Sharon.

We could talk about all the love she gave out to everyone, but it worked both ways, and when we see the amount of people paying respect to her short life we can only say thank you so much.

Chloes parents ended their tribute: How could we forget, happy 25th birthday Chloe girl. We love you.

Fr Brennan added: Words dont come close to summing up Chloes life, short as it might have been. It was absolutely filled to the brim with activity, with using her gifts and talents, sharing them generously with everyone she met. But above all it has been filled with love.

The funeral of Chloe took place at St Pauls Church in Belfast for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Chloe, much as she would have emptied her pockets and her daddys pockets, was a very, very wealthy young woman because when all is said and all is done all that remains is the love that has been shared. She is gone and what we will all be judged on is how well we have loved. Love filled her life, and will remain in our hearts for many many years to come and were grateful for that.

To the sister squad, and all who knew Chloe, today is a sad day, a day of tears, a day of mourning, but lets make sure her life means something. In honour of Chloe each one of us today should make a firm commitment to live the life we have to the full, fill it with love, use our girfts a talents, take risks and go the extra mile in reaching out to those in need, and do it in her name. That way her legacy will shine like a bright torch in a dark world for many, many years to come.

The funeral of Chloe Ferris. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Police are still investigating the circumstances of Chloes death after the incident at Lux nightclubs last weekend which left another of her friends in hospital.

Two men in their 20s arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences following the incident have since been released on bail.

Requiem Mass for Chloe Ferris was followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.
The 80-year-old chairman of the Waihi Beach Community Board claims he was forced to step down because hes too old.

But the boards new chairwoman says they never said he was too old for the role and there were concerns about his leadership and behaviour.

Ross Goudie resigned from his chairman position at a tense community board meeting on Monday but he will remain as a board member.

He is in his second term on the board and previously spent 12 years as a Western Bay of Plenty District councillor.

He said he was stepping down as board chairman because if he didnt, he would be forced to at a special meeting next week.

This has become very personal, with ageist statements made about me and my ability to lead, he told the meeting.

Questioning someones ability to lead based on age is never acceptable, and the narrative that I am the problem is misguided.

In a letter seen by Local Democracy Reporting, five board members wrote to Western Bay of Plenty District Council chief executive John Holyoake on November 19.



Around a dozen people from the public forum spoke in support of Ross Goudie. Photo / Alisha Evans

The board members requested a meeting on December 12 to remove Goudie as the chairman.

A dozen people from the community spoke in support of Goudie at Mondays meeting.

Bob Hulme, who was on the community board with Goudie from 2019-2022, said it was ludicrous the board was attempting to make changes almost two-thirds of the way through the term.

[It] is an affront to Ross and all the work that hes put into the community for years and years.

He said it was a slap in the face for voters who elected Goudie.

Councillor Anne Henry responded that it was up to the board members  not voters  to choose the chairman, and Goudie would remain on the board.

Nothing has changed in terms of what the community voted for.



Otawhiwhi Marae representative Reon Tuanau. Photo / Alisha Evans

Otawhiwhi Marae representative Reon Tuanau said the relationship between the whole board and the marae was pretty strong and he had weekly catch-ups with Goudie.

I tautoko [support] what Ive heard throughout this evenings korero from the community.

It was a heavy kaupapa and he implored the board to find the best outcome for everyone.

Tuanau said it wasnt long until the next election in 2025 and he hoped the board would make a pragmatic decision after hearing from the community.

Niki Moat, of Waihi Beach Community Events and Promotions, said what had happened was really concerning and pretty dirty.

Dani Simpson, who the board later picked as the new chairwoman, said there was a lot the board couldnt share, and it was not the appropriate forum to do so.



New chairwoman Dani Simpson and board member Wayne Stevenson. Photo / Alisha Evans

Board member Wayne Stevenson asked Goudie for a point of order because it was inappropriate to allow people to insult us.

Just before the meeting ended the board voted unanimously for Simpson to become the chairwoman and Heather Guptill to be deputy chairwoman. Goudie abstained from voting.

Guptill said Goudie was still going to be an integral part of the community board.

Were all grateful for having Ross in our lives, but hes not going anywhere.

Speaking after the meeting, Goudie said he was immensely proud of the community for supporting him.

I was not going willingly; I was forced to go. I was to go quietly and not make a noise because I was too old.

In his view: Its ageism. I should just do a Biden and go away.

The age of political leaders was a major theme of the recent US presidential election, where President Joe Biden, who turned 82 last month, withdrew from the race against eventual winner, former President Donald Trump, 78.

In New Zealand, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier was due to retire when he turned 72 in March because of a requirement in the Ombudsmen Act 1975. But he will stay in the role until Parliament find a replacement.

Goudie said he trusted and mentored his fellow board members.

I introduced them to all sorts of things that were going on at council level and now Ive been told I shouldnt [be the chairman].

In August and September, Goudie had pneumonia and said he was not coping well, but once he got back on his feet, he was fine.



Dani Simpson was elected the new chairwoman of the Waihi Beach Community Board. Photo / Alisha Evans

Speaking after the meeting, Simpson said after the 2022 election the board agreed Goudie would be chairman for 18 months then the deputy chairman would take over.

Goudie said this was a suggestion between himself and the former deputy chair Alan Kurtovich, not an agreement.

It was not brought up again when Kurtovich resigned, and Simpson took on the deputy role, he said.

Simpson said discussions with Goudie about stepping down had been ongoing since the middle of the year.

We never asked him to leave the board and have appreciated his knowledge and guidance over the past two years.

At no time have we said that he is too old for this role or any other.

In her view: This is about leadership and behaviour that led to the whole community board having lost confidence in his ability to be an effective, inclusive leader.



The Waihi Beach Community Board meeting on Monday evening. Photo / Alisha Evans

The board had tried to work through it in a dignified, respectful and considered way, she said.

Members of the public had approached board members with concerns about Goudies health, behaviour and ability to lead effectively, Simpson claimed.

The board had exhausted all preferred avenues so therefore planned to hold a meeting on December 12 to remove Goudie as chairman, she said.

The boards intent was to approach the matter with empathy, respect and understanding in the best interests of the board and community, Simpson said.

It was disappointing that Monday nights meeting was conducted in the way it was.

Leadership transitions are a natural part of any organisation or board and they offer opportunities for growth and new perspectives.

Council chief executive John Holyoake said several comments made at the meeting should have remained confidential.

Its disappointing that they have been shared publicly and I wont contribute to that conversation.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from their native lands is a violation of human rights, Secretary of Pakistan's Law and Justice Commission Riffat Inam Butt said, Trend reports.

She made the remark at the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

Inam Butt noted that international law should be the remedy that will bring real change.

It's not just the land loss. It's about trying to eradicate cultural and ethnic identity. Every person has the right to leave their country and come back.

There must be an international commission on these issues. The establishment of a Truth Commission can play an important role in preserving the collective memory of people. International organizations can organize this process, ensuring objectivity in this matter," Riffat Inam Butt said.

Baku hosts the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

More than 100 delegates from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced eviction of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, December 5 is the Day of Remembrance of the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. On this day last year, more than 100 representatives from 44 countries attended a similar international conference on "Ensuring Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution."

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Catering business Montana Group took over the 42-year-old business and its staff of about 20 on Thursday.

A liquidator says there were a number of interested parties for the iconic Kiwi brand.

Maketu Pies is now in its third life, having been bought two weeks into a liquidation process.

There is excitement and cautious optimism in Maketu after news one of the coastal Bay of Plenty villages biggest employers has been saved from closing  again.

Maketu Foods Ltd was placed into voluntary solvent liquidation by its previous owner, Te Arawa Management Ltd, at the end of November.

Te Arawa bought the company in a receivership process five years ago.

New buyer Montana Group employs about 1000 people and has 30 kitchens across Tamaki Makaurau and Waikato.

The companys website described it as New Zealands largest privately-owned caterer, with brands catering to events, university halls of residents and schools.

Montana Group representatives met with the Maketu Pies team this week to make introductions and start the transition process.

In a statement, Montana Group chief operating officer Lizzi Pearson said they received the warmest possible welcome and could not wait to work with the team to build on their successes and explore new opportunities.

Our immediate focus is on ensuring a seamless handover, looking after the existing team and maintaining the high standards that Maketu Pies is known for.

Joint liquidators Thomas Rodewald and Paul Manning from BDO Tauranga traded the business while a buyer was sought.

Manning confirmed the sale to Local Democracy Reporting on Thursday.

There were a number of interested parties.

Maketu Pies is an iconic Kiwi brand.

Further details will be released by the purchaser early next week.

The sale would be detailed in the next liquidators report in six months.

The liquidators are now concentrating on establishing the liabilities and collecting outstanding debtor monies.

Their first report said they expected all creditors would be paid in full within a year.

Maketu Health and Social Services chief executive Susan (Huhana) Smith said the organisation dropped off care packages to workers this week.

These included food and essential items ahead of Christmas.

Maketu Pies, as of December 5, has a new owner. Photo / Laura Smith

We understand its been a very stressful time for them.

Smith said she was cautiously optimistic about the future of the brand and those it employed.

Were very happy and hoping for the best.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said the town is special to many from Rotorua, including her family.

Maketu is where the Te Arawa waka landed.

Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo / Laura Smith

Tapsell said community and worker feedback was that they were happy to still have the 20 jobs in their hometown.

Its incredibly exciting news for the region and exciting Maketu Pies will still have a future under such a well-established company.

The unofficial mayor of Maketu - as Shane Beech is known to some - was also excited by the news.

Its great for the community.

Job security, particularly ahead of Christmas, was a good thing, he said.

Beech said it was pretty difficult to find other employment in the village, which had a population of 1311 in the 2023 Census.

He said his favourite pie from the iconic brand was a steak and mushroom.

The company website states it has 50 different product lines on offer.

Te Arawa Management Ltd bought the national pie supplier in 2019 during a receivership process.

The company, a subsidiary of the Rotorua-based Te Arawa Lakes Trust, previously said the pie business had operated at a loss since.

Interim chief executive Tina Kilmister-Blue said in November the difficult decision to put the business into liquidation was made after much deliberation.

The company was previously owned for about 36 years by couple Grant and Karen Wilson.
New Zealands top lifeguards enhanced their lifesaving skills at the National Lifeguard Schools intensive training event in Mount Maunganui.

The 19 lifeguards participated in advanced rock rescue training, specialised inflatable rescue boat (IRB) driving skills and the latest critical care first aid techniques.

They used simulated search and rescue scenarios to practise their training and skills in a controlled setting.

Lily Tongue, a candidate from United North Piha, used her skills to save a life at Piha Beach while on duty, just after returning home from school.

Instructor Dan Short was off duty and on the beach relaxing and saw the rescue kick off and jumped into action to support the team.

When he got into the patrol tower, he saw the patients head disappear under the water while the team were on their way.

Lily and her team got there just in time and a persons life was saved. Had the team gotten to the patient any later, there could have been a very different outcome, Short said.

National education manager Belinda Slement said most lifeguards would be patrolling beaches in senior roles this summer and would undoubtedly contribute to saving and preserving lives in their communities.

We know 100% that the skills and techniques the candidates are taught in this training school directly contribute to saving lives around New Zealand, Selment said.

Mount Maunganui turned on some great weather for the event, with the perfect mix of sunny days and calm waters for the first few days so the candidates could take time to practise their new skills and techniques, Event manager Poppy Crouch said.

The surf, swell and wind ramped up midway into the school, which provided some extremely challenging conditions that were perfect for practising our advanced rock rescues and IRB driving around rocks in big-swell conditions, she said.

The candidates performed extremely well; every attendee learned and refined new skills. They will return these to their home beaches to make a difference this summer.

Ben Isles, of Sumner SLSC in Christchurch, was the top candidate. Over the weekend he showcased a huge amount of skill and knowledge, earning him the top spot.

Isles said he was stoked to receive the recognition.

The weekend was epic. I learnt so much and look forward to returning to Sumner and developing my new skills further during training and while on patrol over the summer.

Head instructor Kate Suter, also from Sumner, said she was proud to see Ben in action.

I look forward to watching him develop his new skills further on our home beach over the summer and into the future, she said.

The candidates from the Eastern Region clubs were all supported by the sponsor, Zespri, in attending the school.

The support of sponsors and partners had enabled Surf Life Saving New Zealand to provide training and development opportunities to our lifeguards, the organisations national lifesaving manager, Andy Kent, said.

We are thoroughly grateful for the support from Zespri and the other partners who help our organisation to save and preserve lives, Kent said.
Four Bay of Plenty police officers involved in a shootout that killed a Tauranga man linked to three homicides have been recognised in the New Zealand Bravery Awards.

Anthony Fane died in a hail of 49 police bullets after shooting at them and fleeing through residential Tauranga streets on February 13, 2020.

An Independent Police Conduct Authority report in 2021, which found the police actions were justified, said Fane was also believed to have killed his partner on February 9, 2020 and, with his brother Samuel, killed two people at Omanawa Falls.

The citation, which does not name Fane or the officers involved, stated that on the evening of February 13, 2020, four Armed Offenders Squad members were on patrol in two police vehicles when they were alerted to a vehicle in the Tauranga City area linked to an offender being sought for a recent double homicide.

The AOS team located the vehicle, following it to attempt to stop it.

The citation said the offender began shooting at the AOS team as he drove, hitting the windscreen of the lead patrol vehicle driven by team leader Officer B, with Officer C in the passenger seat.

Police at the scene of the double murder in Omanawa. Photo: Daniel Hines/SunLive

Officer A drove the second patrol car, with Officer D in the passenger seat.

With traffic and pedestrians using the roads at the time, the AOS team determined the offender posed a significant risk to the public and needed to be apprehended.

They decided to follow the vehicle until it reached an area where risk to the public would be minimised.

As they followed, the offender drove at a normal speed in his lane and aimed deliberate shots at the AOS team over several minutes, with rounds hitting and ricocheting off the lead patrol vehicle.

The citation said the AOS team warned other police personnel in the area that they were following the offender, to avoid other police encountering the vehicle and becoming targets.

At one point, the offender stopped in a residential area to open his door and take aimed shots from around 20 metres away at Officer C and Officer B in their vehicle.

The officers allowed the offender to continue given the proximity of the public, said the statement.

Officer B kept his patrol car close to the offenders vehicle while pursuing to minimise attention on civilian vehicles, while Officer A kept the second patrol car close behind to provide immediate support.

When the offender stopped again on southbound State Highway 2, the AOS team decided that the location was sufficiently isolated to attempt to apprehend the offender.



Takitimu Drive was closed while police conducted a scene examination. Photo / Daniel Hines, SunLive

Officer B stopped the lead patrol vehicle around 10 metres from the offenders vehicle and Officer A stopped his patrol vehicle a further five metres behind.

The officers saw the offender moving in his vehicle and expected he would begin shooting again.

Officer A had positioned himself to use his patrol car to immobilise the offenders vehicle if required.

From the passenger seat of the lead car, Officer C fired his rifle at the offenders vehicle.

Officer D exited the second patrol car and moved into the open, between his car and the offenders, firing through the offenders back windshield.

Officer C and Officer D ceased firing and saw the offender slump in his seat and the offenders vehicle begin rolling off the road onto the grass.



One person died following a shootout with police on February 13, 2020. Photo / Daniel Hines, SunLive

At this time, Officer B had exited the lead vehicle to assist, while Officer C and Officer D ran alongside to take the offender into custody, though the offender had been killed during this engagement.

The officers demonstrated bravery in pursuing a motivated offender, who continually took deliberate aimed shots at the AOS team over an extended encounter in proximity to the general public, said the citation.

They made a key contribution to the AOS team stopping the offender, thereby removing the risk to the public and to other police personnel.

In a statement this morning, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has congratulated 14 serving and two former police staff, recognised as recipients of the New Zealand Bravery Awards which acknowledge the actions of those who save or attempt to save the life of another person while putting their own life at risk.

He said the 16 staff were acknowledged today with the award of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and New Zealand Bravery Medal.

The NZBD, presented for an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger, is awarded posthumously to Constable Matthew Hunt, who was murdered on duty in West Auckland in June 2020.

Also receiving the NZBD is a former officer who risked his own life in an attempt to rescue a driver from a burning car.

The NZBM, recognising an act of bravery, is awarded to Constable Dave Goldfinch, who was with Constable Hunt; two off-duty officers who arrested a knife attacker in a Dunedin supermarket; and four officers from the Bay of Plenty for their bravery under gunfire from a man sought for a double homicide.



The scene of the fatal shooting. Photo / Daniel Hines, SunLive

Acts of bravery arising from last years extreme weather events are acknowledged with the NZBM.

These acknowledge two officers who stayed with a grievously injured firefighter at huge personal risk; a constable honoured for two rescues during the Auckland floods; and four Eastern staff honoured for their lifesaving actions during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Commissioner Richard Chambers congratulated all the recipients.

I am incredibly proud when I hear about the actions of our people in responding to these dangerous situations, he said.

Again and again we see police officers putting themselves in harms way to help others and keep our communities safe.

Its heartwarming to see our people recognised at such a high level but we also remember the high price sometimes paid by our staff in terms of physical or emotional trauma.

- SunLive
UNL BEEF -

Nebraska Extension will offer a comprehensive three-part webinar series, Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season. The live webinar will be offered January 8, 13, 15, from 7:30  8:45 pm CST and will conclude with interactive in-person workshops offered in four different locations Jan. 21-23, 2025. This engaging event will provide invaluable information for farmers, ranchers and veterinary professionals involved in the calving process.

Webinar Series Topics:

 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025:

Understanding Normal:

Discussion includes stages of labor, what happens to the cow and c...
Sidney and Potter, NE]  The Sidney and Greater Area (SAGA) Fund is proud to announce a $5,000 grant awarded to the Potter Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (PVFD) to help replace a vital air compressor used in the safety equipment of the department's firefighters. The compressor, originally manufactured in 1942, plays a critical role in filling air tanks for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides clean air to firefighters during emergency response in hazardous environments.

The Potter Volunteer Fire Department, which has been serving Potter and surrounding areas since 1918...
Fintan O'Toole, a writer for "The New York Review of Books," wrote in his July 18, 2024 column, that, "Being close to Trump was like being friends with a hurricane." O'Toole lists a series of people's names who worked for Trump, believed him, and then faced legal troubles.

Rudy Giuliani appeared in court in New York City, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, because he failed to turn over all his assets to the court.

His crime: he defamed two election workers in the state of Georgia, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, accusing them of election fraud in the 2020 election in that state. The pair took Giulia...
A popular restaurant chain is making a comeback 20 years after closing its last U.S. location.

Chi-Chis is set to open the first of its new locations in 2025, according to Michael McDermott, the son of the Mexican restaurant chains co-founder Marno McDermott. Locations are already slated to open in Minnesota, where the first location opened in 1975 with former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee as co-owner.

Chi-Chis had more than 200 locations nationwide at the height of its popularity, including multiple locations in Upstate New York. According to the Buffalo News, the Albany Business Review, Active Diner and The Post-Standard archives, Chi-Chi-s restaurants were located in the Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse (on Erie Boulevard) areas during the 1980s and 90s.

Its like a fancy Taco Bell, the Young Sheldon character Georgie once joked.

Chi-Chis struggled with a series of ownership changes over the years, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Oct. 2003, according to the New York Post. A hepatitis A outbreak at a Pennsylvania location that same month led to 660 illnesses and four deaths.

In 2004, the company closed its remaining 74 restaurants, which were reportedly acquired by Outback Steakhouse in a $42.5 million deal and converted to Outback, Carrabbas Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill restaurants. The Chi-Chis brand was kept alive internationally and in grocery stores under Hormel Foods, which uses the name on packaged salsas, tortilla chips and seasonings in supermarkets.

Michael McDermott, whose experience in the restaurant industry includes the brands Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill, said Tuesday hes reached an agreement with Hormel to open new Chi-Chis restaurants. He plans to bring back its original feel with a modern twist.

I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chis restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry, he said in a statement.

We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with todays consumer  an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor.

Chi-Chis has not yet said if it will open any new locations in New York state.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Armenia consistently denies the centuries-long presence of the Azerbaijani people on their ancestral lands and their creation of a rich cultural heritage. This includes the destruction of historical monuments, cemeteries, mosques, and ancient settlements in Western Azerbaijan, as well as significant damage to Azerbaijani ashug art, recognized by UNESCO as a universal cultural treasure, said President Ilham Aliyev in his letter to participants of the second international conference titled "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia", Trend reports.

President Aliyev highlighted that among the historical-cultural monuments, only the Blue Mosquea shining example of Azerbaijani architecture and Islamic cultureremains intact. However, Armenia has deliberately altered the mosques original architectural style in an attempt to present it under a different identity.

These destructive actions, aimed at distorting and rewriting the regions history and cultural landscape, reflect nothing but intolerance and racism, the President emphasized.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man admitted Thursday to possessing and distributing child pornography files, federal prosecutors said.

Paul Mignacca, 45, possessed more than 1,700 images and around 1,000 videos depicting children in sexual situations, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Northern District of New York.

Between September 2023 and February 2024, he uploaded multiple videos to a social media chat room dedicated to sharing child pornography.
Dead & Company, the celebrated rock band formed by members of the Grateful Dead, will return to Las Vegas in 2025 for another residency at the renowned Sphere venue.

The 18-show run, dubbed Dead & Company: Dead Forever  Live at Sphere, will kick off on March 20 and run through May 17, 2025.

Dead & Company Sphere residency dates and tickets

An artist presale begins December 10 at 10 a.m. PT. Fans can register for early access on Dead & Companys website.

The presale will be followed by a general public sale, beginning on December 13 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster.

Tickets are also available on secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub, which offer verified tickets with buyer guarantees. These platforms may offer below-face-value pricing and availability for sold-out shows.

The 18-show run will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with the following dates:

March 20, 21, 22

March 27, 28, 29

April 17, 18, 19

April 24, 25, 26

May 9, 10, 11

May 15, 16, 17

Dead & Company was formed in 2015 by original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, along with guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Jay Lane (who replaced Kreutzmann in 2023). The band performs primarily Grateful Dead songs and has gained a large following, especially among younger audiences.

Despite their 2023 farewell tour, which was touted as their last, the band has since completed a 30-show residency at the Sphere in 2024.
Salina, N. Y.  When the sale of CBD oils and other cannabis products derived from hemp became legal in New York in 2018, Jim Charon jumped at the chance to get into the business.

His retail shop, Syracuse Hemporium, opened June 1, 2018 as a stall at the Central New York Regional Market. He then opened its current storefront location in Salinas Northern Lights plaza in 2019.

That put Charon at the forefront of the wave of shops that began to sell lower potency hemp-cannabis products well before the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2021.

Now Charon has decided to close his shop. The last day of business will be Dec. 31.

Charon said the new landlord at the Northern Lights plaza, the Raymour & Flanigan furniture chain, declined to renew his lease and hes having trouble finding a new location. He also said his primary product supplier, NuLeaf Naturals, suddenly moved this month into an online-only business model and is no longer selling to retailers.

Unfortunately, the universe is speaking, he said in a thread on his Facebook page. ... With no location and no product it makes it difficult to continue operating but I do appreciate all the customers and support Ive received since I started in 2018. Thank you!!

The closing comes as the state continues to ramp up the licensing of recreational marijuana dispensaries. There are now more than 10 licensed dispensaries in Onondaga County and 258 across the state.

The licensed dispensaries sell products derived from marijuana, not hemp. They contain a higher level of THC, the psychoactive compound that provides the marijuana high.

Stores like Syracuse Hemporium sell CBD (cannabidiol) and similar hemp-based products that contain less than .3% THC. Those became legal after Congress loosened restrictions on hemp-based cannabis in the 2018 federal farm bill.

Charon, an Air Force veteran, has claimed that when his shop opened it was the first and only store in Syracuse, NY specializing in hemp products.

Syracuse Hemporium sells products like CBD oils, edibles (gummies), low THC beverages and even dog biscuits.

New York, meanwhile, is still trying to crack down on the many outlets operating across the state selling marijuana without licenses. That effort has been criticized for being ineffective, putting a strain on the legal dispensaries.

It all makes things difficult for the CBD / hemp retailers, Charon told syracuse.com today.

Its a tough business, Charon said. You have to sell CBD, whereas THC sells itself.

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Syracuse, N.Y.  State and local officials are criticizing a Syracuse judge who refused to marry a same-sex couple.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh issued statements after a Syracuse.com | Post Standard article revealed that City Court Judge Felicia Pitts Davis refused to officiate a wedding of two women.

The article reported that on Nov. 16 Pitts-Davis declined to marry the couple on the same day she married a heterosexual couple. The judge cited her religious beliefs as the reason she would not perform the marriage, two sources told Syracuse.com.

Another city court judge, Mary Anne Doherty, came into court to officiate the womens marriage.

Related article: Syracuse judge refuses to perform marriage for same-sex couple: It was real weird

Hochul said on X that marriage equality is a fundamental right in New York. She said judges do not get to pick and choose who they will and wont marry.

No one should be subject to hate or discrimination simply because of who they love. Any judge willing to officiate a wedding in their courtroom cannot pick and choose who deserves a wedding, Hochul said in a post on X.

The governor linked to the Syracuse.com article.

Mayor Ben Walsh said Syracuse is a growing city that embraces diversity and creates opportunity for all.

Judge Pitts-Davis refusal to perform a wedding ceremony for a same-sex couple doesnt align with this vision and, importantly, doesnt comply with state law, the mayor said in a statement.

The mayor called on the state Commission on Judicial Conduct to review the matter expeditiously.

Onondaga County Democratic Chairperson Max Ruckdeschel said in a statement that the judges behavior is contrary to the values of the Democratic Party and that the judge should resign.

It is the role of every judge to provide equal justice under the law to every American, no matter their race, creed, or sexual orientation, Ruckdeschel said. A judge literally turning her back on two people looking to be married is an outrage and Judge Pitts Davis should face repercussions for her actions.

The Democratic Party committee had previously declined to endorse Pitts Davis for city court judge, according to Ruckdeschel. And her refusing to fulfill her judicial oath disqualifies her from any future consideration for our endorsement, he said.

Pitts Davis won a primary to run on the Democratic line in the general election and was elected to office in 2020.

The Syracuse Republican Committee issued a statement Thursday calling for Pitts Davis to resign or be removed.

Judge Davis refusal to perform a same-sex marriage is not only inexcusable and reprehensible, but is ground for immediate removal from the bench, the statement said. If Judge Davis has any shred of integrity or respect for the law and the people of the city of Syracuse, she should step down.

If Pitts Davis doesnt step down, the state Office of Court Administration should swiftly remove her from the bench before any further damage can be done to our sacred judicial system, the statement said.

CNY Pride, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, and City Auditor Alexander Marion put out statements Wednesday calling for Pitts Davis to resign.

CNY Pride said her actions were a disgrace to her position as an elected judge. They also called for a full ethical investigation into Pitts-Davis conduct since she took the bench in 2020.

Judge Pitts Daviss refusal to marry same-sex citizens of Syracuse and Onondaga County is despicable and contrary to her judicial oath, CNY Pride said in the statement.

Marion, an LGBTQ+ elected citywide official in Syracuse government, is also calling for Pitts Davis to resign. He put out a statement saying the judge should quit or be suspended by the state Office of Court Administration.

Saying he was deeply disturbed by the Syracuse.com article, Marion said Pitts Davis was violating judicial guidelines that guard against discrimination.

State Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Hoylman-Sigal also called on Pitts Davis to resign.

If a judge cant follow the law and do her job as directed by the New York state constitution and the United States Supreme Court, she should step down, the senator told the New York Post. I find it appalling that someone who professes to work on behalf of the public takes a piecemeal approach to their responsibility.

Davis for nearly two weeks has not responded to repeated inquiries from Syracuse.com.

Under state law, judges may not unlawfully discriminate by officiating a marriage for a male-female couple, but refuse to do the same for a same-sex couple, according to a state court spokesperson, Al Baker.

The state court system is aware of the allegation and referred the matter to a state disciplinary commission, Baker told Syracuse.com.

For nearly two weeks, local and state court officials would not answer questions from Syracuse.com about what happened in court that day. They would not even acknowledge that any weddings happened in court that day.

On Tuesday, Baker responded with a one-sentence email: We are aware of the allegation and have referred the matter to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. He again did not respond to questions about that statement.

Earlier, Baker emailed to Syracuse.com the judicial standard Pitts Davis appears to have violated but would not confirm she had refused to marry the same sex couple or that another judge had to step in:

Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated by the UCS. Under New York Law, Judges are authorized, but not obligated, to perform marriages. Judges who choose to perform marriages may not unlawfully discriminate when deciding which couples they will marry.

In 2011, the Marriage Equality Act was passed in the state of New York, granting same-sex couples the ability to enter into civil marriages. The act declared that marriage is a fundamental human right. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.

Shawntay Davis, 33, and Niccora Davis, 29, on Tuesday confirmed to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard they were the same-sex couple ditched by Pitts Davis and instead married by Doherty on Nov. 16.

Shawntay Davis and Niccora Davis are married by Judge Mary Ann Doherty in Syracuse City Court on Nov. 16, 2024. The judge is behind the two women.Provided photograph

Editors note: This article updated on Thursday with a statement by the Syracuse Republican Committee.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Syracuse, N.Y.  The 92-year-old annual Old Newsboys campaign to raise money for kids and families in need at Christmas kicks off Friday.

Hope for the Holidays  originally known as the Old Newsboys campaign  will begin with around 200 volunteers hitting the streets to collect money for the Christmas Bureau to buy toys, books and food for its annual giveaway to needy local families.

Tom Brown, who has helped organize the campaigns for years, said that the fundraiser has become a holiday tradition in its own right. The money raised accounts for around a third of the total money raised for the Hope for the Holidays campaign, he said.

Related article: Let your hearts be light: Give them Hope for the Holidays (Editorial Board Opinion)

Each year, employees of Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard and volunteers from around the community hawk papers across Syracuse and surrounding suburbs, collecting donations from people for the annual campaign.

The tradition began during the Great Depression when the money was raised to buy coal to help heat homes of families down on their luck. That first year, volunteers raised around $1,800, or more than $41,000 in todays dollars.

The special edition papers will be given away for donations this year on Friday and Saturday. Volunteers will be on street corners or outside local businesses and shops across Central New York. Donations of any size will be accepted.

Last year, the fundraiser collected $35,000. With that money, the Christmas Bureau  a joint project of the Salvation Army and the United Way  served over 2,000 families and nearly 5,000 children received gifts.

This year, the project aims to raise $50,0000.

Brown said that while 200 volunteers seem like a lot, there are still many people who wont see anyone hawking papers on Friday and Saturday. He said that is why online donations have become a crucial part of the campaign meeting its goals.

If you miss the volunteers

The campaign accepts online donations through Dec. 31.

Donations can also be made by texting HFTH2024 to 31333.

Checks made out to The Old Newsboys Sale can be mailed to Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, N.Y., 13202.

Joe Schiltz, of Onondaga Hill, holds this year's special edition of The Post-Standard that is helping to raise money for the Old Newsboys Hope for the Holidays campaign. He was selling papers outside the Walmart in Camillus Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. Schiltz is one of many volunteers from the Ancient Order of the Hibernians out hawking papers this weekend. Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.comLauren Long | llong@syracuse.com

Anne Hayes writes for syracuse.com and The Post Standard. You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
A longtime fixture of Central New York television and radio is hanging up his proverbial microphone.

NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) News Director Jim Campagna announced his retirement Wednesday, according to the Syracuse TV station. He joined NewsChannel 9 as a producer and reporter in 1990, eventually becoming news director in 2015.

Its been an honor to work with and lead a team of professionals that take pride in the stories they share each day and the community they serve, Campagna said in a statement.

Campagnas last day at the local ABC affiliate will be Wednesday, Dec. 11. Current assistant news director Rob Taylor, who joined NewsChannel 9 in August after previously serving as news director in Burlington, Vermont, will succeed Campagna.

I want to thank Jim for all his hard work and contributions to NewsChannel 9 these past 34-plus years. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement, said NewsChannel 9s VP and General Manager Bill Evans. I am also excited to have Rob step in as News Director, where he will build on our success and our commitment to the viewers and community.

Campagna, also lovingly known as Spags, is a lifelong Central New Yorker who grew up in Lyncourt and graduated from North Syracuse High School. He spent nearly 50 years in media, beginning in 1977 as a student broadcaster at Onondaga Community Colleges campus radio station WOCC. He went on to receive a bachelors degree in journalism from SUNY Oswego in 1981.

He spent most of the 1980s at 62 WHEN Radio, including as a reporter, weekday news anchor and news director, before moving to television at WIXT-TV (now known as NewsChannel 9 WSYR-TV).

Its easy to come to work, when you work for good people. Jim is as kind as they come, NewsChannel 9 anchor Ryan Dean wrote on Facebook. When I accepted the job to return home, his first concern was for my familys move. His leadership style was always family first. Im glad he can spend more time with his. Well miss you, Jim!
An 18-year-old man from Long Island set out on Nov. 30 to hike Indian Head Mountain, a popular 1,675-ft peak in the Catskills, when he became discouraged by the wintry conditions.

The hikers parents called New York Department of Environmental Conservation dispatch to express their concern. Forest rangers then called the hiker on his cellphone. He reported that he was on a snowy trail that had not been packed down and was tired, wet, and cold.

The 6.1-mile Indian Head loop trail is considered a challenging route, according to the hiking website AllTrails.com, and takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete.

The young hikers trek was made all the more difficult by three feet of snow and his lack of snowshoes. He also was not wearing winter boots, a hat, gloves, or moisture-wicking layers.

Rangers convinced the hiker to turn around and head back to the trailhead rather than attempting the summit. His pants were frozen to his legs when rangers found him. They treated him for mild hypothermia and guided him to the trailhead.

DEC reminds hikers to check weather and trail conditions and to always be prepared with the proper equipment before heading out. More information about winter hiking safety essentials can be found at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/winter-safety.

Rangers cut and removed a tree blocking the roadway in South Bradford State Forest on Nov. 22.NYS DEC

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

A driver in South Bradford State Forest was blocked by a downed tree on Nov. 22. Two rangers cut and removed the tree from the roadway.

An 80-year-old man overturned his canoe on the southeast shore of Tupper Lake on Nov. 28, setting off an SOS alert from his satellite navigation device. Three rangers brought the man to DECs Tupper Lake headquarters at Mount Whitney and warmed him.

On the evening of Nov. 30, a man lost track of his wife and friend while hiking Street and Nye mountains. Three rangers found the lost pair and assisted them back to their vehicle.

A 79-year-old hunter from Lake Placid lost his way on the trail in the Adirondacks on the morning of Nov. 21. Rangers located the missing hunter and helped him back to the trailhead

The 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers recently finished a 28-week academy training in Newcomb. After graduation, recruits will complete 12 weeks of field training in permanent regional assignments.NYS DEC

The 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers recently finished a 28-week academy training in Newcomb on the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Huntington Wildlife Forest campus. After graduation, recruits will complete 12 weeks of field training in permanent regional assignments.

On the evening of Nov. 23, a ranger on foot patrol got word of a hiker from Connecticut who was struggling to descend Phelps Mountain due to a knee injury. Others in the hikers party were helping him down the trail. The ranger drove a UTV on the truck trail, reached the injured hiker, and gave him a ride to his vehicle.

Two 58- and 60-year-old hikers from New Jersey were overdue from a hike up Big Slide Mountain on Nov. 24. A member of the pairs party who had made it back to the trailhead on schedule returned to find the pair after midnight and found them in good condition, then left. But by 2:31 a.m., the overdue hikers still had not returned. Rangers found the missing duo, warmed them, and helped them back to their vehicle.



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Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors.
Washington  The U.S. Senate on Wednesday approved President Joe Bidens nomination of a trailblazing federal prosecutor to serve as a U.S. District Court judge in Syracuse.

The Senate voted 52-45 to confirm Elizabeth Coombe for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench in the Northern District of New York.

Two Republicans  Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine  joined a united Democratic caucus in voting to confirm Coombes nomination.

Coombe, 57, has served as the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Syracuse-based Northern District.

Coombe made history in 2014 when she became the first woman appointed as chief of the criminal division in the Northern Districts office.

She was the second of Bidens judicial picks for Central New York to be confirmed Wednesday.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Senate voted 50-49 to confirm former Rep. Anthony Brindisi, 46, to serve as a U.S. District Court judge in Utica.

Brindisi, who served one term in Congress and several terms in the state Assembly, will succeed retiring U.S. District Judge David Hurd in Utica.

Coombe will succeed U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby in Syracuse.

Before Wednesday vote, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., gave a speech on the Senate floor in which he touted Coombes qualifications to serve as a federal judge.

Beth Coombe has also been a trailblazing prosecutor for her entire career in Albany and Syracuse, the first woman to become a federal criminal chief for the Northern District, Schumer said. I am proud to see her ascend to the federal bench.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., recommended Coombes appointment to Biden earlier this year.

Coombe gained notoriety as a federal prosecutor for her case against New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who was convicted of fraud in 2009. Bruno appealed and was acquitted by a second jury in 2014. He died in 2020.

Coombe has worked as a federal prosecutor in Upstate New York since 2003. She is a 1989 graduate of Hamilton College in Central New York. She received her law degree from the University of Michigan in 1992.

She has also worked as a staff attorney at the federal Securities and Exchange Commissions enforcement division, and as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justices Civil Division from 1996 to 1997.

Coombe later worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia from 1998 to 2003 before moving back to Upstate New York.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York spans 32 counties in Upstate New York. The courts judges are paid an annual salary of $243,300.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Baku Initiative Group is gearing up to host an international conference on December 6, focusing on the state of affairs on the island of Saint-Martin, which finds itself under the thumb of colonial rule by France and the Netherlands, Trend reports.

Representatives of the populace of Saint-Martin, engaged in the fight against colonialism and advocating for independence, alongside leaders of anti-colonial organizations, parliamentarians, human rights advocates, heads of non-governmental organizations, decolonization specialists, and researchers, will participate in the conference titled Colonial Rule of France and the Netherlands in Saint-Martin: One Island, One People, One Destiny.

The conference will address the plight of the inhabitants of Saint-Martin, a bicolonial island subjected to French and Dutch domination, in their quest for liberation from colonization, with efforts to elevate the topic within pertinent international institutions and legal frameworks.

St. Maarten was distinguished from other colonies by its unique characteristics during and after colonization. The island was colonized by both France and the Netherlands and has been divided between the two states since 1648. The French part of the island is called St. Maarten, and the Dutch part is called Sint Maarten. These two empires made the island's governance, cultural, and legal systems dependent on themselves.

The history of colonialism on the island continually impacts the economic and political domains. The significant influence of France and the Netherlands hinders the self-determination ambitions of the St. Maarten populace.

The upcoming event will serve as a platform to discuss the importance of international support for the people of St. Maarten to determine their future.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The people of Azerbaijan never came to terms with this injustice and tried to convey their voice of truth to the world, said President Ilham Aliyev in his letter to participants of the second international conference titled "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia", Trend reports.

"The Patriotic War, which culminated in Azerbaijans glorious victory in 2020, created the opportunity for our compatriots expelled from Karabakh and East Zangezur to return to their homeland. Azerbaijans war of justice stands as a triumph of the rule of international law and an enormous contribution to the solution of the problem of forced displacement on a global scale. The implementation of the State Program on the Great Return is progressing successfully in the liberated territories," President Ilham Aliyev said.
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Indigo Airlines sues Mahindra for its BE 6e model name EDIT: Mahindra renames it to BE 6!



Indigo says 6E is an integral part of its identity since the past 18 years and has been recognised globally. Indigo wants to protect its intellectual property and brand identity. Mahindra says 6e and 6E are very different and 6e is not the IndiGo's standalone 6E.



Mahindra has fought quite a few "infringement" court battles with Chrysler. But this fight on the Indian turf by both Indian companies will be interesting to watch.



The newslink:-

https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/busin...ource=inshorts A petition was filed by IndiGo Airlines alleging infringement of its IATA assigned call sign "6E", which has lately become a synonym for the airline. The suit targets Mahindra which after adequate usage of "O's" has switched over to the model name BE6e for its new EV. The petition came up for hearing before a Single Judge Bench of the Delhi High Court. The news was that the judge recused from hearing the writ petition. The next date of hearing is 9.12.24. Mahindra's counsel said that it has reached out to the airline already, for an amicable solution. The BE6e was unveiled with the XEV 9e (again "O" is missing) by Mahindra on 26.11.24. The Registrar of Trade Marks has accepted the two new Mahindra model name registrations as such on 25.11.24.Indigo says 6E is an integral part of its identity since the past 18 years and has been recognised globally. Indigo wants to protect its intellectual property and brand identity. Mahindra says 6e and 6E are very different and 6e is not the IndiGo's standalone 6E.Mahindra has fought quite a few "infringement" court battles with Chrysler. But this fight on the Indian turf by both Indian companies will be interesting to watch.The newslink:- Last edited by anjan_c2007 : 3rd December 2024 at 21:53 .
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A Short Pilgrimage in the rains | Thiruvidaimarudur, AvudaiyarKoil & more A Short Pilgrimage in rains



Planning:



Last year wife had given me a list of temples she would like to visit in future based locations visited by 4 of the Saiva devotees namely Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikka Vaasagar (Paadal Petra Thalangal). Actually, there are 276 such temples but she listed only a few (probably the first list). Though I had lost the list, I had already marked those locations in GMaps. Out of that we had finished few near Chennai, Seerkazhi and Villupuram. Only 2 were remaining namely Abhimuktheeswarar Temple, Manakkaal (near Thiruvarur) and Athmanatha Samy temple, AvudaiyarKovil (near Arandhangi). She had got 2 days off on Nov 14th and 15th ( Actually 3 days but the first day was Pradosham which is always reserved for Paadaleeswarar Temple in Cuddalore as a routine).

Initially we had planned these 2 temples along with our Rameswaram/Kanyakumari trip which is due for long time now. Then I thought that trip might take some time so better to finish these 2 temples when holidays were available. In these two, Manakkaal comes first for which there are 2 major routes. One via Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai and Thiruvarur. Other one is via Vadalur and Anaikarai. I wanted to take second route as we needed to come back using first route anyway. Then from there visit AvudaiyarKovil and overnight stay somewhere nearby and move to Thiruvarur next day and return to Pondy in the afternoon.

Then wife had 2 requests. One is a dip in Thiruvarur temple pond on Full Moon day and second one was being Aippasi (Thulaam)month a holy dip in Cauvery river is considered to be auspicious but it needs to be at the beginning of the journey before visiting any temple. First condition would be fulfilled automatically as we would be in Thiruvarur on 15th which was full moon day. For second condition I had to search for places where we can cross Cauvery River which was also suitable to take holy dip.

Srirangam, Thiruparaithurai, Sangameswarar Temple Padithurai, Thiruvaiyaru, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Phoombukar, Mayiladuthurai Thulakattam, Bhavani, Kumbakonam, Gunaseelam, Thalaikaviri, Trichy Mukkombu are considered to be holy places to take this holy dip. Funny thing is from Thalai Kaviri (in Kodagu, Karnataka) up to Trichy, Cauvery River flows together with its tributaries (Kabini, Amaravati, Bhavani etc.,) and from Trichy it divides into various rivers (distributaries) in which Kollidam takes major junk. Here Cauvery River becomes a small river (like Arasalaru, Vennaru etc.,) before it discharges in Bay of Bengal. Only dip in this Cavery River is considered holy not in Kollidam.

As per our route, Mayiladuthurai is best suited for the holy dip as it has separate Thulaam building but after enquiry it was found that the building is situated among a congested market area and parking could be difficult (as we cannot reach there very early to avoid market crowd) also I had to change my initial plan. So checked along Vadalur route and found that Thiruvidaimaruthur is best suited which wife also agreed.

Next came the trouble in the form of NE monsoon rains. Just few days before news started coming that Low-pressure area was formed on east coast and whole coastal TN would have rains (heavy to very heavy). We were in confusion what to do if it rains and we were unable to travel. But on 13th trip to Cuddalore had full day drizzling but it was drivable which gave confidence that we needed to proceed as per plan rain or no rain. Also, the forecast came that rains would be intermittent only.



The Trip:

14.11.2024 (Thursday):

Thiruvidaimarudhur: (Timing -6 am to 12 Noon and 4.30 pm to 9 pm)

Started around 6 AM and since there was no traffic reached Vadalur at around 7.30Am. Faced intermittent rains but nothing serious. Took breakfast at Krishna Bhavan which was the only decent restaurant I could find from G Maps in this route. Tiffen was ok and had good restrooms also. Last time I came in this direction was in June last year and after nearly one and half year could see lot of improvements in road conditions. Vadalur to Sethiathoppu section has been re-laid and afterwards the new highway (36) takes over nearly up to Anaikarai. Already the new bridge (for highway 36) on Kollidam was under construction. Crossed the one-way Upper and Lower dams of Kollidam (This dam was built by British in 1904 and even after 100 years it remains same without making two-way traffic).





Vadalur Road



Senthiathopppu Road ( Except for few patches overall road was ok)



Anaikarai



Interior Roads



In Thiruvidaimarudhur reached the Cauvery River among drizzles. Heard that the dip is safe in Veppanur side than the town side. We went down to the river (always carry umbrella in car) on Thiruvidaimarudhur side as we had crossed the bridge already and since there no facility for taking bath (meaning changing clothes after bath) wife sprinkled some water on her head. There were people bathing on the opposite bank (probably not as holy dip but local people from nearby houses) which is supposed to be little shallow. Until that time wife was concentrating about only Cauvery dip not Thiruvidaimarudhur. After the first target was over, her concentration turned towards local temple.





Cavery River



Local temple is Mahalingeswarar temple with Mookambika as consort which is one of the Paadal Petra Thalam (but not in wifes original list). The name actually should be Thiru+Idai+Marudhur. Marudhur is derived from the name of the holy tree, namely Marudham (Terminalia) which is the temple tree. This temple is called Idai Maruthu meaning centre Marudhur (In Tamil Idai means middle which is also the name for hip as it forms middle part of the body). The Mallikarjuna swamy temple at Srisailam is called Thalai Maruthu (meaning top Marudhur) and Tirupudaimaruthur temple at Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district is called Kadai Maruthu (meaning lower Marudhur).

We reached the temple around 10Am and had finished by 10.30 as there not much crowd (as usual in Lord Siva temples). Here there was a separate place all 27 stars and depending on our birthday stars of family members and friends one can light lamps individually. The priest informed that there would noon prayers at 11.30 AM which gave wife a chance to fulfil her normal protocol (Her temple visits cannot be for short duration as her protocol has chanting hymns according to the deity like Srirudhram for Lord Siva, Vishnu Sahasaranamam for Perumal (Lord Vishnu), Lalitha Sahasaranamam for Ambal (Amman) and KandhaShasti Kavasam in for Lord Muruga, etc.,). I accepted to wait for the noon prayers as there was no point in going to Manakkaal (which might take another hour) and hurrying prayers there which turned out to be best decision which we found next day. While wife was in spiritual state in chanting hymns, I replanned the trip and decided to proceed to AvudaiyarKovil directly.





Temple



Temple Interior



Sidewall



Interior



Pond





AvudaiyarKovil (Tirupperunthurai): (6am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm)



At 12 PM noon prayers ended and we proceeded towards AvudaiyarKovil. There are many routes and I selected Mannargudi, Athiramapattanam route. Reached Mannargudi via Thirunageswaram and finished lunch at Hotel Ariya bhavan in Mela Raja Street (there is one more called Aryaas in the same street I think). Frankly speaking that was the best lunch I had for a long time (Rs 100) on trips. Started again and on the way had some stomach upset (not because of lunch as I had problems from morning itself), had to look for petrol pump with rest rooms. Found one Nayara pump and as courtesy just to use rest rooms filled for 500/- (not required actually as we had observed many times in previous trips, rest rooms are allowed without filling) as I had to fill somewhere anyway since one full tank might not be sufficient up to the return to Pondy as Spresso has only 27 litre tank. Rate was 102/-/Ltre which was almost similar to IOCL. Crossed Athiramapattanam and at Kattumavadi took right turn on Arandhangi Road. At Nakkudi took left turn and reached AvudaiyarKovil at around 5 PM. Initial plan was to visit the temple and stay locally (if accommodation was available) otherwise proceed to Arandhangi for overnight stay. But as usual wife did not want to visit in hurry and immediately had to look for place to stay. As that was a small place no hotels or even lodges were available. But found a place called Manikka Vaasagar Thirupani Mandram in front of the temple which offered place to stay (100\- per person). This place was actually a big hall (like marriage hall with lots of ceiling fans) with separate bathrooms and toilets at one end. We booked immediately as staying in such places is nothing new to us. Also, on the onset of winter and rains the climate was mild only and fans were working properly. Only worry was about mosquitos but we had repellent ointment always with us. Since we were the only occupants, we were offered foldable cots also.







Nayara Pump



Driving in the Rains



AvudaiyarKovil



Our Accomodation



Inside



At 6 PM visited the temple (normally I drive with half pant / Bermuda and have a vetti /mundu as addon setup for temple visits though many small temples dont bother about dress codes). As usual in Siva temples, there not much crowd. It is said that in this temple, Manikka Vaasagar, one of the saints of Saivism (refer first line) and a minister under Pandiyan King Varaguna II during 9th Century CE, sung his collection of songs called Thiruvaasagam (Sacred Sayings). Deity is called here as Athmanathar(formless) and since the lingam has only the pedestal, which called Avudaiyar, the name became AvudaiyarKovil. Consort is Sivayoganayagi. There is no Nandhi, which is a must in Siva temples, here.









temple inside



I returned back to the accommodation and wife stayed there for some time (as per her protocol). At dinner time around 9 pm, she returned with temple offerings. This is the only temple where parboiled rice is used for offerings instead of raw rice (with bitter guard and green leaves) which tasted very good. Then went for dinner at a nearby restaurant (as per local recommendation) which was typical setup for a small location and Idlies and Dosais were good. People willing to have decent hotel/Restaurant better to plan to stay in Arandhangi / Pudukkottai. Though had some mosquito trouble, had a good sleep (I think), got ready to leave by 6 AM. Observed few people had occupied during night (were sleeping on the floor).



15.11.2024 (Friday):

Abhimuktheeswarar Temple, Manakkaal, Ayyampettai. 8 am to 12 Noon and 5 pm to 8.30 Pm



Previous day while coming inside AvudaiyarKovil, I had taken the bypass and then Arandhangi Road. While return tried the interior road and found the road was generally ok, except for one for place had to cross mud road for a few meters but Spresso took everything with ease. Reached Mannargudi for breakfast (same Arya Bhavan) and then proceeded. This time went through some interior roads via Hanumanthapuram, Koththavasal, Karaiyappalaiyur and Arasavanankadu. Reached Manakkaal around 9AM. (there is one more Manakkal near Lalgudi: both are pronounced Manakkaal but mentioned as Manakkal).

There was nobody(including the priest) in the temple though temple was open. Upon enquiry it was found there was only one priest officiating in 3/4 temples in the same locality and were asked to check in nearby Vaikunda Narayana Perumal temple which was walkable. But there also nobody was available. But the priests mobile no was mentioned in both temples. Wife called him and initially he said he could be in the temple only at around 12 Noon. So, wife decided to chant Vishnusahasaranamam in Perumal temple as this temple was more suitable for waiting. Again, priest called and informed he will in Abhimuktheeswarar temple within 5 minutes (wife had already explained that we were from out of station etc.,). So, we retuned back and in few minutes the priest arrived. He explained the was busy on that day due to the arrangements for the Anna abhishekam (Anointation of Food over the idol) also complained that he was the only priest available for many temples in the same vicinity. We finished there in few minutes and the priest left. Female deity is Abinambigai. Then wife decided to complete her Vishnusahasaranamam in a Perumal Sannidhi (Shrine) in the same complex. Legend says Lord Vishnu Prayed to Lord Siva to shed his/her Mohini form (as per Hindu mythology during Churning of Milk Sea for Nectar and thus Lord Ayyappa was born but that was different story). Then we started for Thiruvarur around 12 Noon which is about 8 kms from there.







Interior Roads











Temple Views



Thyagarajar Temple, Thiruvarur (5.30 am to 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 9 pm):



While searching for hotels, found one Lakshmi Mahal near the temple pond would be more suitable as it was walkable distance from the temple and also first hotel on our way to the temple. It was raining much of the time and reached Lakshmi Mahal quickly and also got the room. For 2500\-, this hotel was decent and with good parking facility. Only problem was food need to be taken outside for which decent options were available around the temple. Took lunch at Ganesh Bhavan and found that the food was ok (except the sambar which was spicier for wifes liking). Took rest for some time at around 6 Pm moved around the temple and returned back to room for rest leaving wife for her addon protocols. This is one of the largest temples in Indian covering area of 8.1 hectares (20 acres) and also this has the largest processional chariot in Asia. This temple holds the record of having a maximum number of shrines in India. Some of the major shrines in the temple are Aananthiswarar, Nilotpalambika, Asaleswarar, Adageswarar, Varuneswarar, Annamalieswarar and Kamalambika. The unique feature of the temple is the standing Nandi facing the presiding deity. Main deities are Thiyaagarajasamy (Shiva) and Neelotpalambika (Parvati). This remple was supposed to have built by Pallavas in 7th Century CE.











Thiruvarur Temple Views



She came back at around 9 pm and dinner was taken at nearby Hotel Alangar which was good. Had a good night sleep and started towards Pondy at around 6 AM as we had to be in Pondy before 11 am. I thought, from previous experiences, it might take nearly 5 hours including time for breakfast. But it was a bit surprise as I was able to reach Cuddalore by 8 AM and so decided to reach home without breakfast break which we did at around 8 45 am. This was possible due to road repair or widening between Thiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai and Seerkazhi. From Seerkazhi, ECR road took over which was smooth 4 lane up to Cuddalore. New Toll between Chidambaram and Cuddalore was yet to be operational. Vaitheeswaran Koil, Seerkazhi, Chidambaram all bypasses were operational.





Mayiladuthurai Road



Vaidheeswaran Koil Road



V.Koil Bypass



Seerkazhi Bypass



Next trip probably to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari in Feb 2025. Last year wife had given me a list of temples she would like to visit in future based locations visited by 4 of the Saiva devotees namely Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikka Vaasagar (Paadal Petra Thalangal). Actually, there are 276 such temples but she listed only a few (probably the first list). Though I had lost the list, I had already marked those locations in GMaps. Out of that we had finished few near Chennai, Seerkazhi and Villupuram. Only 2 were remaining namely Abhimuktheeswarar Temple, Manakkaal (near Thiruvarur) and Athmanatha Samy temple, AvudaiyarKovil (near Arandhangi). She had got 2 days off on Nov 14th and 15th ( Actually 3 days but the first day was Pradosham which is always reserved for Paadaleeswarar Temple in Cuddalore as a routine).Initially we had planned these 2 temples along with our Rameswaram/Kanyakumari trip which is due for long time now. Then I thought that trip might take some time so better to finish these 2 temples when holidays were available. In these two, Manakkaal comes first for which there are 2 major routes. One via Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai and Thiruvarur. Other one is via Vadalur and Anaikarai. I wanted to take second route as we needed to come back using first route anyway. Then from there visit AvudaiyarKovil and overnight stay somewhere nearby and move to Thiruvarur next day and return to Pondy in the afternoon.Then wife had 2 requests. One is a dip in Thiruvarur temple pond on Full Moon day and second one was being Aippasi (Thulaam)month a holy dip in Cauvery river is considered to be auspicious but it needs to be at the beginning of the journey before visiting any temple. First condition would be fulfilled automatically as we would be in Thiruvarur on 15th which was full moon day. For second condition I had to search for places where we can cross Cauvery River which was also suitable to take holy dip.Srirangam, Thiruparaithurai, Sangameswarar Temple Padithurai, Thiruvaiyaru, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Phoombukar, Mayiladuthurai Thulakattam, Bhavani, Kumbakonam, Gunaseelam, Thalaikaviri, Trichy Mukkombu are considered to be holy places to take this holy dip. Funny thing is from Thalai Kaviri (in Kodagu, Karnataka) up to Trichy, Cauvery River flows together with its tributaries (Kabini, Amaravati, Bhavani etc.,) and from Trichy it divides into various rivers (distributaries) in which Kollidam takes major junk. Here Cauvery River becomes a small river (like Arasalaru, Vennaru etc.,) before it discharges in Bay of Bengal. Only dip in this Cavery River is considered holy not in Kollidam.As per our route, Mayiladuthurai is best suited for the holy dip as it has separate Thulaam building but after enquiry it was found that the building is situated among a congested market area and parking could be difficult (as we cannot reach there very early to avoid market crowd) also I had to change my initial plan. So checked along Vadalur route and found that Thiruvidaimaruthur is best suited which wife also agreed.Next came the trouble in the form of NE monsoon rains. Just few days before news started coming that Low-pressure area was formed on east coast and whole coastal TN would have rains (heavy to very heavy). We were in confusion what to do if it rains and we were unable to travel. But on 13th trip to Cuddalore had full day drizzling but it was drivable which gave confidence that we needed to proceed as per plan rain or no rain. Also, the forecast came that rains would be intermittent only.Started around 6 AM and since there was no traffic reached Vadalur at around 7.30Am. Faced intermittent rains but nothing serious. Took breakfast at Krishna Bhavan which was the only decent restaurant I could find from G Maps in this route. Tiffen was ok and had good restrooms also. Last time I came in this direction was in June last year and after nearly one and half year could see lot of improvements in road conditions. Vadalur to Sethiathoppu section has been re-laid and afterwards the new highway (36) takes over nearly up to Anaikarai. Already the new bridge (for highway 36) on Kollidam was under construction. Crossed the one-way Upper and Lower dams of Kollidam (This dam was built by British in 1904 and even after 100 years it remains same without making two-way traffic).Vadalur RoadSenthiathopppu Road ( Except for few patches overall road was ok)AnaikaraiInterior RoadsIn Thiruvidaimarudhur reached the Cauvery River among drizzles. Heard that the dip is safe in Veppanur side than the town side. We went down to the river (always carry umbrella in car) on Thiruvidaimarudhur side as we had crossed the bridge already and since there no facility for taking bath (meaning changing clothes after bath) wife sprinkled some water on her head. There were people bathing on the opposite bank (probably not as holy dip but local people from nearby houses) which is supposed to be little shallow. Until that time wife was concentrating about only Cauvery dip not Thiruvidaimarudhur. After the first target was over, her concentration turned towards local temple.Cavery RiverLocal temple is Mahalingeswarar temple with Mookambika as consort which is one of the Paadal Petra Thalam (but not in wifes original list). The name actually should be Thiru+Idai+Marudhur. Marudhur is derived from the name of the holy tree, namely Marudham (Terminalia) which is the temple tree. This temple is called Idai Maruthu meaning centre Marudhur (In Tamil Idai means middle which is also the name for hip as it forms middle part of the body). The Mallikarjuna swamy temple at Srisailam is called Thalai Maruthu (meaning top Marudhur) and Tirupudaimaruthur temple at Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district is called Kadai Maruthu (meaning lower Marudhur).We reached the temple around 10Am and had finished by 10.30 as there not much crowd (as usual in Lord Siva temples). Here there was a separate place all 27 stars and depending on our birthday stars of family members and friends one can light lamps individually. The priest informed that there would noon prayers at 11.30 AM which gave wife a chance to fulfil her normal protocol (Her temple visits cannot be for short duration as her protocol has chanting hymns according to the deity like Srirudhram for Lord Siva, Vishnu Sahasaranamam for Perumal (Lord Vishnu), Lalitha Sahasaranamam for Ambal (Amman) and KandhaShasti Kavasam in for Lord Muruga, etc.,). I accepted to wait for the noon prayers as there was no point in going to Manakkaal (which might take another hour) and hurrying prayers there which turned out to be best decision which we found next day. While wife was in spiritual state in chanting hymns, I replanned the trip and decided to proceed to AvudaiyarKovil directly.TempleTemple InteriorSidewallInteriorPondAt 12 PM noon prayers ended and we proceeded towards AvudaiyarKovil. There are many routes and I selected Mannargudi, Athiramapattanam route. Reached Mannargudi via Thirunageswaram and finished lunch at Hotel Ariya bhavan in Mela Raja Street (there is one more called Aryaas in the same street I think). Frankly speaking that was the best lunch I had for a long time (Rs 100) on trips. Started again and on the way had some stomach upset (not because of lunch as I had problems from morning itself), had to look for petrol pump with rest rooms. Found one Nayara pump and as courtesy just to use rest rooms filled for 500/- (not required actually as we had observed many times in previous trips, rest rooms are allowed without filling) as I had to fill somewhere anyway since one full tank might not be sufficient up to the return to Pondy as Spresso has only 27 litre tank. Rate was 102/-/Ltre which was almost similar to IOCL. Crossed Athiramapattanam and at Kattumavadi took right turn on Arandhangi Road. At Nakkudi took left turn and reached AvudaiyarKovil at around 5 PM. Initial plan was to visit the temple and stay locally (if accommodation was available) otherwise proceed to Arandhangi for overnight stay. But as usual wife did not want to visit in hurry and immediately had to look for place to stay. As that was a small place no hotels or even lodges were available. But found a place called Manikka Vaasagar Thirupani Mandram in front of the temple which offered place to stay (100\- per person). This place was actually a big hall (like marriage hall with lots of ceiling fans) with separate bathrooms and toilets at one end. We booked immediately as staying in such places is nothing new to us. Also, on the onset of winter and rains the climate was mild only and fans were working properly. Only worry was about mosquitos but we had repellent ointment always with us. Since we were the only occupants, we were offered foldable cots also.Nayara PumpDriving in the RainsAvudaiyarKovilOur AccomodationInsideAt 6 PM visited the temple (normally I drive with half pant / Bermuda and have a vetti /mundu as addon setup for temple visits though many small temples dont bother about dress codes). As usual in Siva temples, there not much crowd. It is said that in this temple, Manikka Vaasagar, one of the saints of Saivism (refer first line) and a minister under Pandiyan King Varaguna II during 9th Century CE, sung his collection of songs called Thiruvaasagam (Sacred Sayings). Deity is called here as Athmanathar(formless) and since the lingam has only the pedestal, which called Avudaiyar, the name became AvudaiyarKovil. Consort is Sivayoganayagi. There is no Nandhi, which is a must in Siva temples, here.temple insideI returned back to the accommodation and wife stayed there for some time (as per her protocol). At dinner time around 9 pm, she returned with temple offerings. This is the only temple where parboiled rice is used for offerings instead of raw rice (with bitter guard and green leaves) which tasted very good. Then went for dinner at a nearby restaurant (as per local recommendation) which was typical setup for a small location and Idlies and Dosais were good. People willing to have decent hotel/Restaurant better to plan to stay in Arandhangi / Pudukkottai. Though had some mosquito trouble, had a good sleep (I think), got ready to leave by 6 AM. Observed few people had occupied during night (were sleeping on the floor).Previous day while coming inside AvudaiyarKovil, I had taken the bypass and then Arandhangi Road. While return tried the interior road and found the road was generally ok, except for one for place had to cross mud road for a few meters but Spresso took everything with ease. Reached Mannargudi for breakfast (same Arya Bhavan) and then proceeded. This time went through some interior roads via Hanumanthapuram, Koththavasal, Karaiyappalaiyur and Arasavanankadu. Reached Manakkaal around 9AM. (there is one more Manakkal near Lalgudi: both are pronounced Manakkaal but mentioned as Manakkal).There was nobody(including the priest) in the temple though temple was open. Upon enquiry it was found there was only one priest officiating in 3/4 temples in the same locality and were asked to check in nearby Vaikunda Narayana Perumal temple which was walkable. But there also nobody was available. But the priests mobile no was mentioned in both temples. Wife called him and initially he said he could be in the temple only at around 12 Noon. So, wife decided to chant Vishnusahasaranamam in Perumal temple as this temple was more suitable for waiting. Again, priest called and informed he will in Abhimuktheeswarar temple within 5 minutes (wife had already explained that we were from out of station etc.,). So, we retuned back and in few minutes the priest arrived. He explained the was busy on that day due to the arrangements for the Anna abhishekam (Anointation of Food over the idol) also complained that he was the only priest available for many temples in the same vicinity. We finished there in few minutes and the priest left. Female deity is Abinambigai. Then wife decided to complete her Vishnusahasaranamam in a Perumal Sannidhi (Shrine) in the same complex. Legend says Lord Vishnu Prayed to Lord Siva to shed his/her Mohini form (as per Hindu mythology during Churning of Milk Sea for Nectar and thus Lord Ayyappa was born but that was different story). Then we started for Thiruvarur around 12 Noon which is about 8 kms from there.Interior RoadsTemple ViewsWhile searching for hotels, found one Lakshmi Mahal near the temple pond would be more suitable as it was walkable distance from the temple and also first hotel on our way to the temple. It was raining much of the time and reached Lakshmi Mahal quickly and also got the room. For 2500\-, this hotel was decent and with good parking facility. Only problem was food need to be taken outside for which decent options were available around the temple. Took lunch at Ganesh Bhavan and found that the food was ok (except the sambar which was spicier for wifes liking). Took rest for some time at around 6 Pm moved around the temple and returned back to room for rest leaving wife for her addon protocols. This is one of the largest temples in Indian covering area of 8.1 hectares (20 acres) and also this has the largest processional chariot in Asia. This temple holds the record of having a maximum number of shrines in India. Some of the major shrines in the temple are Aananthiswarar, Nilotpalambika, Asaleswarar, Adageswarar, Varuneswarar, Annamalieswarar and Kamalambika. The unique feature of the temple is the standing Nandi facing the presiding deity. Main deities are Thiyaagarajasamy (Shiva) and Neelotpalambika (Parvati). This remple was supposed to have built by Pallavas in 7th Century CE.Thiruvarur Temple ViewsShe came back at around 9 pm and dinner was taken at nearby Hotel Alangar which was good. Had a good night sleep and started towards Pondy at around 6 AM as we had to be in Pondy before 11 am. I thought, from previous experiences, it might take nearly 5 hours including time for breakfast. But it was a bit surprise as I was able to reach Cuddalore by 8 AM and so decided to reach home without breakfast break which we did at around 8 45 am. This was possible due to road repair or widening between Thiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai and Seerkazhi. From Seerkazhi, ECR road took over which was smooth 4 lane up to Cuddalore. New Toll between Chidambaram and Cuddalore was yet to be operational. Vaitheeswaran Koil, Seerkazhi, Chidambaram all bypasses were operational.Mayiladuthurai RoadVaidheeswaran Koil RoadV.Koil BypassSeerkazhi BypassNext trip probably to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari in Feb 2025.
A hot potato: The Trusted Platform Module standard describes a dedicated cryptography chip designed to manage many security-related tasks in a computer. The standard was introduced in 2009, but Microsoft recently decided to enforce a TPM requirement on every Windows 11 PC, which has seen heavy pushback since launch.

While announcing Windows 11, Microsoft made a very controversial move to change hardware requirements significantly. The latest edition of the most popular PC operating system cannot run or even be installed under normal conditions if the CPU is a few years old or the motherboard doesn't include a specialized piece of crypto-hardware (or related firmware emulation) known as Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

Senior Product Manager Steven Hosking recently revealed that Microsoft is reinforcing the idea that the TPM requirement is here to stay, and there will be no compromises even after the end of mainstream support for Windows 10. Redmond believes TPM technology is crucial to safeguarding Windows security and is even more essential when considering the future of the Windows ecosystem.

Hosking explained that TPM's primary role is to offer hardware-level security features for a compatible computing device. The chip can securely store encryption keys and certificates. It can also shield passwords and sensitive data against misuse and unauthorized access. The TPM chip can also provide a random number generation engine, encrypt or decrypt data, and verify digital signatures.

Windows 10 users will not receive security updates after October 2025 unless they pay for them. Microsoft concedes that the almost aging operating system is approaching the end of support. Still, the company is unwilling to remove or weaken the TPM 2.0 requirement from Windows 11 hardware specs to facilitate the upgrade from Windows 10.

Hosking said that a TPM 2.0 chip addresses many security challenges in a constantly evolving digital world, providing improved support for industry-standard cryptographic algorithms and increased isolation for security processes. Furthermore, TPM 2.0 offers a "seamless" integration with Windows 11 security capabilities, including encryption key storage, Secure Boot, and multifactor authentication.

"By instituting TPM 2.0 as a non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows, we elevate the security benchmark," Hosking stated.

The TPM chip is essential for the present, especially future Windows platforms, providing enterprise customers with additional management options. Pardon the sarcasm, but this must be why people are still flocking to Windows 10 in droves, regardless of the operating system's waning lifecycle.
A hot potato: Like all big tech firms, Amazon gets sued often and for a variety of reasons. However, the suit filed by the District of Columbia against the retail giant isn't the kind of legal challenge it often faces. Amazon is alleged to have stopped providing paying customers of two low-income areas its fastest Prime delivery service without informing them of the changes.

The civil lawsuit states that Amazon stopped providing its fastest delivery service to the Prime members who live in the ZIP code 20019 and 20020 areas of east D.C. in June 2022. Instead of using its own delivery system to ensure expedited deliveries, it started relying on third-party services such as UPS and the US Postal Service, resulting in slower deliveries.

Amazon admits that it did make changes to its delivery services in these ZIP codes, but it was a decision made to protect drivers' safety.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said "There have been specific and targeted acts against drivers delivering Amazon packages" in the two ZIP codes and the company made the change to "put the safety of delivery drivers first."

The District of Columbia's attorney general's office claims that Amazon never told any of the Prime members in the ZIP codes about the change even though their package delivery times slowed down. The suit also alleges that Amazon never informed customers in these areas about the exclusions when they signed up for Prime memberships.

It's noted that the areas where Amazon refuses to deliver items itself are predominantly black neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher levels of unemployment.

The suit states that nearly 50,000 Prime customers live in the ZIP codes, about half their population  and have ordered more than 4.5 million Prime-eligible items over the last four years.

"Amazon is charging tens of thousands of hard-working Ward 7 and 8 residents for an expedited delivery service it promises but does not provide," District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb said in a statement.

"While Amazon has every right to make operational changes, it cannot covertly decide that a dollar in one ZIP code is worth less than a dollar in another."

In 2021, before it made the change, more than 72% of Amazon packages in the ZIP codes were delivered within two days. That figure was down to just 24% last year. This is despite two-day delivery rates in Washington, D.C. continuing to improve in recent years.

When some customers noticed that their delivery times had slowed down and complained to Amazon, the company "deceptively implied" that the delays "were simply due to natural fluctuations in shipping circumstances, rather than an affirmative decision by Amazon," the lawsuit says.

Amazon's refusal to deliver to these areas to keep their drivers safe isn't the suit's issue. It's that the company never informed customers about the change and they still pay the full price of an Amazon subscription while not receiving the same service as other Prime members.

"The claims made by the attorney general, that our business practices are somehow discriminatory or deceptive, are categorically false," Nantel added. "We're always transparent with customers during the shopping journey and checkout process about when, exactly, they can expect their orders to arrive."

The suit accuses Amazon of violating the District's Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). It asks for a jury trial and wants Amazon to pay restitution or damages to affected Prime members, as well as civil penalties.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

A hot potato: State-sponsored hackers linked to Beijing recently breached American telecom providers in a big way. The gravity of the situation has prompted the FBI and CISA officials to advise users to adopt encryption as a safeguard for private communications.

A state-sponsored hacking group known as "Salt Typhoon" recently managed to compromise surveillance systems used by law enforcement agencies. This massive breach highlights the growing privacy risks associated with phone usage and communication, a concern that all users should take seriously.

Salt Typhoon's attack targeted major U.S. telecom providers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Lumen Technologies. According to an unnamed FBI agent, the hackers accessed vast amounts of sensitive data, including details such as phone call recipients, call times, and, in some cases, the actual content of live calls. Additionally, they may have obtained unencrypted text messages, further exposing users to significant privacy vulnerabilities.

The situation is unprecedented, prompting U.S. officials to make some unexpected recommendations. "Encryption is your friend," said Jeff Greene of CISA.

Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, described the attack as both massive and alarmingly successful, noting that authorities are still uncertain when the hackers will be fully "evicted" from US networks.

Records indicate that the most sensitive targets were located in the Washington, D.C., area. However, the FBI reportedly has no plans to notify individuals whose phone metadata may have been compromised.

The situation is unprecedented, prompting U.S. officials to make some unexpected recommendations. "Encryption is your friend," said Jeff Greene of CISA. The agency, which has been promoting this message internally, is now urging the American public to adopt encrypted communication methods. Encrypted data, even if intercepted, is far less useful to hackers due to the complexities involved in decryption.

Side note: The following platforms provide end-to-end encryption by default for all direct messages and calls (outside of groups): WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage (between Apple devices), Telegram (secret chats only), Viber, Element, Threema.

An unnamed FBI official reinforced this advice, recommending the use of encrypted messaging apps to reduce the risk of hackers wiretapping communications. Additionally, mobile phone users can strengthen their security by keeping their operating systems up to date and enabling multi-factor authentication for email, social media accounts, and collaboration tools.

The FBI's stance on encryption has never been straightforward until now. While the agency publicly claims it does not oppose encryption and stresses the importance of algorithms remaining robust against adversarial attacks like those carried out by Salt Typhoon, its history tells a different story.

Notably, the FBI spent years pressuring Apple for "exclusive" access to unlock suspects' phones  an approach that starkly contradicts with its current recommendations to prioritize security and privacy.
Forward-looking: LG G series and C series OLED televisions have long been praised as being excellent for both TV viewing and big-screen gaming. Next year's LG G5 set could be even better for gamers, having just been certified for a 165 Hz refresh rate at a 4K resolution.

Both the LG C5 and G5 have been certified for sale in South Korea ahead of their official announcement at CES 2025, writes FlatpanelsHD. The world's largest consumer electronics event takes place in just a few weeks (January 7 to January 11) in Las Vegas.

The entry in Korea's Institute of Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Testing's database confirms LG is sticking with its naming scheme for its next generation of OLED televisions.

There are also photos of the two sets in the database. While there do not appear to be any major design changes, it seems that the G5 will still use the brighter MLA OLED panel with a different anti-reflective solution.

What's especially interesting is that the LG OLED65G5 model has been certified for a 165Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution.

The LG OLED TVs are popular with gamers for their features, including VRR compatibility, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Game Optimizer and Dashboard, Dolby Vision Gaming, and low input lag. They also offer 120Hz refresh rates, which was updated to 144Hz in the 2024 models.

There's always the chance that this could be a typo, but it seems unlikely as the model in question has achieved a ClearMR score of 10,000, up from 9,000 on the 2024 models with 144Hz refresh rate. As a reminder, a ClearMR score is calculated as the ratio of clear pixels to blurry pixels during motion.

We named the LG C2 and C3 the best 4K HDR large displays for gaming in this 2023 feature. We noted that the C3 offers unparalleled dimming and the ability to show bright and dark objects close together with no blooming or haloing issues.

The TV gets extremely dark for shadow detail, shows true zero level blacks, and is capable of bright highlights over 700 nits in real world content. It also has a glossy screen with great reflection handling which makes colors pop and HDR shine.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

In a nutshell: Intel's ambitious 18A node is grappling with two significant hurdles as it approaches production: yield rates languishing below 10 percent and a critical SRAM density disadvantage compared to TSMC's competing N2 process. These challenges could impede the node's deployment across Intel's next-generation CPU, AI, and custom chip portfolios.

Recent reports indicate that Intel is facing significant yield challenges with its 18A node, potentially delaying its mass production timeline. According to the South Korean newspaper Chosun, current yield rates are below 10 percent, meaning that nearly nine out of every 10 chips manufactured are defective.

This is a major issue, particularly as Intel has already canceled its 20A (2nm class) process node for Foundry customers and shifted resources to the 18A (1.8nm class) node. If the sub-10 percent yield rate proves accurate, it could render the node unsuitable for commercial production, at least until significant improvements are made.

The challenge of packing transistors into increasingly dense layouts at these cutting-edge nodes is a formidable engineering hurdle affecting the entire semiconductor industry. Samsung's foundry yield for processes below 3nm is currently below 50 percent, with its Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology yield reportedly as low as 10 to 20 percent.

There is, however, reason for optimism regarding Intel's 18A node, as the company still has several months to refine the process ahead of its projected 2025 production ramp. The potential payoff is significant, with 18A slated to power high-profile products such as Intel's Clearwater Forest server chips, Panther Lake mobile CPUs, and custom AI silicon.

If Intel can rapidly improve 18A's yields to respectable levels  above 60 percent in the coming months  the stage could still be set for this node to drive the next generation of products from the company.

That said, yield issues aren't the only challenge Intel faces with 18A. TSMC has reportedly gained an edge in another critical area: SRAM density.

According to the ISSCC 2025 Advance Program, TSMC's N2 (2nm class) node shrinks high-density SRAM bit cells down to around 0.0175 m, achieving a density of 38Mb/mm. In contrast, Intel's 18A node achieves 0.021 m and 31.8Mb/mm, which is closer to TSMC's previous-generation N3E and N5 nodes  a noticeable difference.

As chip designs demand more SRAM, increasing the density of these tiny memory cells is vital for maintaining compact, efficient designs. This is where gate-all-around (GAA) transistors come into play.

By controlling the channel on all sides, GAA transistors allow for tighter scaling compared to traditional finFETs. This tight control reduces leakage at small dimensions, enabling higher-density SRAM. Both Intel and TSMC are using GAA to shrink their SRAM bit cells, but TSMC has managed to pack them even more densely with its N2 node.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Unfortunately, the deep-rooted hatred towards our people in Armenian society, the myths of a greater Armenia, the territorial claims against Azerbaijan still embedded in the Armenian constitution, and the rapid armament of this country hinder the lasting peace between the two countries, said President Ilham Aliyev in his letter to participants of the second international conference titled "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia", Trend reports.

"Armenia is trying to deliberately portray the activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community as a threat to its territorial integrity. However, the goal of the Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The fact that Armenia labels the Communitys activities as a threat represents an attempt to distort the true essence of the issue and deny the right of return enshrined in international law," President Ilham Aliyev said.
One of the largest AI companies in the world, OpenAI, has recently signed a deal with a company that Palmer Luckey owns, Anduril Industries, and the pair are set to develop a new military artificial intelligence. The main goal of this new military AI from Anduril Industries which OpenAI would help in creating, is to defend against weaponized drone attacks for the United States Pentagon.

It is known that OpenAI previously claimed that it is against the use of its technology for military use, but the company has since gone back on its word to open up various businesses coming its way.

OpenAI to Develop Military AI with Palmer Luckey's Anduril

According to the latest announcement by Anduril Industries, the company recently completed a deal with OpenAI that will have its renowned large-language models be part of a development that will help detect drone attacks. With OpenAI signing this deal, both companies will now work together to supply the US Department of Defense with advanced AI solutions for national security.

It was revealed that OpenAI will deliver its GPT-4o and its OpenAI o1 models and combine them with Anduril's defense systems and the Lattice software platform for use by the United States military.

This is part of the massive developments by the Pentagon to help against the rise of 'aerial threats' looming around, centering on both unmanned and piloted platforms that may bring significant destruction to the country and its allies.

OpenAI, Anduril to Fight Against Weaponized Drone Attacks

This strategic partnership between Anduril and OpenAI will help focus on upgrading the US counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS). The artificial intelligence from OpenAI and Anduril's systems will enhance the CUAS' ability to detect, assess, and respond to weaponized drone attacks that are potentially lethal to infrastructure and lives in real time.

"Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects U.S. military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free," said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

The Washington Post shared a statement from an OpenAI spokesperson saying that this deal does not go against its policies as it will help develop a system against unmanned aerial threats.

OpenAI's Technology for Military and Warfare

Sam Altman's OpenAI previously denounced the use of their technology for "military and warfare" use which joins the many companies who are against its use in these situations like Boston Dynamics. However, earlier this year, OpenAI silently modified its policies which are explicitly against any kind of military use to allow certain kinds of technology that will use its AI developments.

However, while these changed, the company still maintains its defiance against companies or entities using their renowned GPT models and other AI for creating weapons, particularly for those that can bring "harm." That being said,this was shortly followed by a new collaborative deal with the United States military under the Department of Defense's focus on improving its cybersecurity measures.

Through this policy change, the sought-after technology developed by OpenAI started seeing contracts and deals for its use on specific developments, with the company still maintaining its policies against weapons. Now, OpenAI is yet again tapped by a defense contractor in the form of Anduril Industries to create a new military AI that can detect drone attacks while still upholding their beliefs.
A shocking expose by Russian software developer Kirill Parubets reveals how Moscow's Federal Security Service (FSB) infects computers with spyware.

The developer, who is an active Ukrainian activist, claims he was arrested in the capital where FSB officers installed spyware on his Android mobile phone. This is one of those sad stories which remind us that even with physical access, the authorities are taking advantage to monitor and intimidate people.

Detained, Threatened, and Coerced

Six armed FSB agents in April 2024 stormed Parubets' apartment in Moscow, where they questioned him about the financial assistance he had sent to Ukraine and forced him to open his Android. Threatening with imprisonment, the agents compelled Parubets to unlock the device, according to TechCrunch.

The FSB detained Parubets and his wife afterward, supposedly threatening and beating him. The programmer said it's a "terrifying and traumatic ordeal."

Parubets claimed that the FSB required him to spy on a friend, code-named "Ivan Ivanov," whom they suspected of having connections with Ukraine's Special Services. He was afraid for his life and his wife's so he pretended to agree but made plans to escape.

Detection of the Spyware

After being released on May 3, 2024, Parubets collected his belongings, which included his Android phone. Shortly thereafter, he noticed a strange notification: "Arm cortex vx3 synchronization."

The phone rebooted. With his expertise in cybersecurity, he quickly detected a suspicious application masquerading as the authentic Cube Call Recorder application.

Seeking aid, Parubets approached the First Department, a legal aid service, which in turn commissioned Citizen Lab, a cyber watchdog.

They analyzed the app and established that it was indeed sophisticated spyware that could access all personal data, record video, read messages, and trace locationall permissions the original Cube Call Recorder does not demand.

A New Version of Monokle Spyware

Citizen Lab traced the spyware back to an updated variant of Monokle, a malware developed by Russia's Special Technology Centre, previously sanctioned for aiding government surveillance. It is an example of high-end spyware developed for years with professionalism and underlines the danger of physical access to the device.

As pointed out by researcher Cooper Quintin, spyware reminds us that threats to device security are not only in remote hacking. Physical confiscation and coercion, as happened in the case of Parubets, are equally powerful methods.

Implications for High-Risk Individuals

First Department member Dmitry Zair-Bek warned that such tactics would become even more widespread. "The scale of repression is terrifying," he said, referring to the heightened risks for Ukrainians and Western visitors in Russia. He advised not to trust devices confiscated by security services.

Parubets and his wife successfully escaped Russia, leaving behind the compromised phone as a measure to delay their escape. His experience shows that even an established programmer can get hijacked by the government if it wants to.

Protect Yourself from Spyware

Do these things to protect yourself from spyware:

Make unauthorized access as difficult as possible. Review the permissions that each app requires regularly and delete any that are no longer necessary. Refrain from giving out devices, especially to high-risk areas. Check for signs of tampering in the form of unexplained reboots or unwanted apps.

Parubets's story is a hard slap in realityonly goes to show that the extreme measures oppressive regimes are willing to take to monitor and suppress dissent. As technology advances, so must vigilance against misuse.
A video started making rounds in November 2023 that left millions scratching their heads. It's all about an Australian man who left the world agog as he pulled out from a supermarket shelf a bottle of "Clear Tomato Ketchup".

The product seemed too good (or strange) to be truetransparent ketchup, a seemingly innovative take on the classic condiment. But in an unexpected plot twist, the product didn't exist. All this is part of a sophisticated trick orchestrated by the genius behind the popular Instagram account UK Snack Attack by Benji.

What is Snackfishing?

Snackfishing, a word that Benji coined, refers to the art of creating fake snacks, making them look real enough to scam those food lovers. It is more or less like catfishing; one creates a false online personality and makes wild food concepts appear as if they are launched by well-known brands. The aim is to create a buzz, confuse people, and leave them in disbelief, all for fun, Wired reports.

Benji's Snackfish concept started innocently enough with his fascination for unusual, rare snacks. As a student, he and his housemates would seek out rare Fanta flavors and enjoy them in a "ceremonial" fashion. But as the pandemic changed the way people interacted, Benji's creative outlet evolved.

He started crafting his own bizarre snack ideas and posted them under his account, which initially featured photos of new foods he found in stores. However, it wasn't until he began photoshopping and creating fake snack labels that things took a more mischievous turn.

From Photoshopped Snacks to Viral Sensations

Benji's approach to snackfishing (catfishing's food counterpart) became more refined over time. The company, after trying samples of his chocolate spreads and making pretend labels for them, called him in and asked him via a message to clarify that his items were not real.

This further inspired Benji to don the snackfishing persona as he continued to release some pretty wild concepts of snacks to the people who were following him, such as mint Coca-Cola and butter Oreos. It garnered massive traction on Instagram as more and more people witnessed how bizarre and amusing his new audience's feelings were.

Benji has brought upon the world Clear Ketchupthe most viral creation in life. His video in his hold as he held a Heinz ketchup bottle so that it was transparent began roaming rapidly, and people spoke much, debated, and enjoyed jokes on all available surfaces.

Despite its viral fame, Clear Ketchup was never a real product, but simply a bottle filled with hair gel. The hoax went so far that Heinz employees received many questions on whether the product was true.

The popularity Benji received for this prank was sensational, with over 113 million views on Instagram of the video.

The Side-Splitting World of Snackfishing

Benji's snackfishing antics aren't just about fooling peoplethey're a fun hobby that lets him express creativity outside of his day job as a data analyst. He dreams of one day seeing one of his bizarre snack ideas come to life in the real world. His followers, while initially confused by his creations, now eagerly anticipate his next fake food idea.

Though Benji hasn't made a profit from his snackfishing venture, he continues to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He posts disclaimers on every creation so his audience knows that the product is simply fictional.

Snackfishing: A Loaf of Real Bread?

Snackfishing has certainly been an innovation, whether clear ketchup or other bizarre creations such as lemon Nutella ever make it to the supermarket shelves.

Benji's creations have become cultural phenomena, inspiring others to think outside the box (or bottle) when it comes to food innovation. If one of his snack ideas were ever brought to life by a company, he would consider it a monumental success.

For now, he's content to keep crafting snackfish for fun, fueling the imagination of millions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives, said President Ilham Aliyev in his letter to participants of the second international conference titled "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia", Trend reports.

"Armenia has to embark on negotiations with the Community and take tangible steps to restore the fundamental rights of Western Azerbaijanis. In addition, Armenia has to allow a UNESCO fact-finding mission to monitor the situation regarding the destruction and distortion of the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people and be open to cooperation in this area.

It is extremely important that the international community should support the peaceful initiatives of members of the Western Azerbaijan Community in accordance with international law to ensure their right of return to their native lands. Initiatives based on the successful implementation of the Concept of Return will make a great contribution to the peaceful, safe and dignified return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands," President Ilham Aliyev said.
Google says AI weather model masters 15-day forecast



San Francisco, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



A new artificial intelligence-based weather model can deliver 15-day forecasts with unrivalled accuracy and speed, a Google lab said, with potentially life-saving applications as climate change ramps up.

GenCast, invented by London-based AI research laboratory Google DeepMind, "showed better forecasting skill" than the current world-leading model, the company said Wednesday.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts produces predictions for 35 countries and is considered the global benchmark for meteorological accuracy.

But DeepMind said GenCast surpassed the precision of the centre's forecasts in more than 97 percent of the 1,320 real-world scenarios from 2019 which they were both tested on.

The model was trained on four decades of temperature, wind speed and air pressure data from 1979 to 2018 and can produce a 15-day forecast in just eight minutes -- compared to the hours it currently takes.

"GenCast provides better forecasts of both day-to-day weather and extreme events than the top operational system... up to 15 days in advance," a DeepMind statement said.

Scientists have warned extreme weather is becoming more common and more severe as a result of man made climate change.

Last August, a series of wildfires in Hawaii killed around 100 people. Authorities were criticised by locals who said they were given no warning of the impending blaze.

This summer, a sudden heatwave in Morocco killed at least 21 people over a 24-hour period. And in September, Hurricane Helene killed 237 people in Florida and other southeastern US states.

DeepMind said GenCast "consistently outperformed" the current leading forecast model when predicting extreme heat, extreme cold and high wind speeds.

"More accurate forecasts of risks of extreme weather can help officials safeguard more lives, avert damage, and save money," DeepMind said.

jts/lb
Ukraine, Russian diplomats trade barbs at Malta summit



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Ukraine's foreign minister called Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov a "war criminal" Thursday as they both attended an international summit in Malta, the latter's first visit to an EU member since the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiga also accused Moscow of being "the biggest threat to our common security" as the two foreign ministers sat on the same huge table at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also in Ta'Qali, near Valetta, for the talks, though officials said he had no plans to meet Lavrov.

"Russia is not a partner; it is the biggest threat to our common security. Russia's participation in the OSCE is a threat to cooperation in Europe," Sybiga told ministers from the 57-member body.

"When Russians say they want peace they lie," he said, adding: "Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist.

"And the Russian war criminal at this table must know: Ukraine will win this right and justice will prevail."



- 'Destabilising' -



Lavrov, who has been sanctioned by the European Union, had not visited an EU country since a December 2021 trip to Stockholm, again for an OSCE meeting, Russian media reported.

Sitting between the representatives of San Marino and Romania, he railed against the EU, NATO and in particular the United States.

He said the West was behind a "reincarnation of the Cold War, only now with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one", according to a transcript of his remarks from RIA Navosti.

He also accused Washington of military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region that sought to "destabilise the entire Eurasian continent".

The OSCE was founded in 1975 to ease tensions between the East and the West during the Cold War, and now counts 57 members from Turkey to Mongolia, including Britain and Canada as well as the United States.

It helps its members coordinate issues such as human rights and arms control, but Lavrov at the last ministerial summit a year ago in North Macedonia accused the OSCE of becoming an "appendage" of NATO and the EU.

Ukraine has called for Russia to be excluded from the organisation, and boycotted the Skopje summit over Lavrov's attendance.

Summit host Ian Borg, Malta's foreign minister, opened proceedings Thursday with a call for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.

Blinken also accused Lavrov -- who at that point was no longer in the room -- of spreading a "tsunami of misinformation" and blamed Moscow for an escalation in Ukraine.

Many other participants railed against Moscow's aggression at a delicate time for Kyiv.

US president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to press for a quick deal to end the war, leaving Kyiv scrambling to obtain security guarantees from Western allies and supplies of key weaponry before the January inauguration.



- 'Channels of communication' -



In 2022, OSCE host Poland refused to let Lavrov attend their summit, and Poland's minister questioned why Moscow was still allowed to be part of the organisation.

A spokesman for Malta told AFP on Wednesday that while he faces an EU asset freeze, there was no travel ban on Lavrov, and he was invited to "keep some channels of communication open".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday that a number of Western countries were "using this platform for their own interests", arguing that the body had been "Ukrainianised".

But German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters in Malta that the OSCE "stands for security and freedom and we will defend it".

The OSCE has been paralysed since the Ukraine invasion, as Russia has vetoed several major decisions, which require consensus.

The posts of secretary general and three other top officials have been vacant since September because of a lack of agreement over their successors.

Ambassadors have reached agreement on Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu as new secretary general to replace Germany's Helga Maria Schmid, a diplomatic source told AFP.

The ministers in Malta will also be seeking to agree which country will chair the OSCE in 2026 and 2027.

Russia had blocked NATO member Estonia from holding the chairmanship this year. Finland, which joined NATO last year, is up for the post in 2025.

The OSCE sends observers to conflicts as well as elections around the world. It also runs programmes that aim to combat human trafficking and ensure media freedom.

But its efforts have been hampered by an inability to agree a budget since 2021.
Blinken blasts Lavrov for Russian escalation in Ukraine



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday accused Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of spreading a "tsunami of misinformation" and blamed Moscow for escalating the war in Ukraine.

The two men were in Malta for the annual ministerial meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Lavrov's first visit to a European Union country since Russia's 2022 invasion of its neighbour.

"Now I regret that our colleague, Mr. Lavrov, has left the room, not giving me the courtesy to listen to us as we listen to him. And of course, our Russian colleague is very adept in drowning listeners with a tsunami of misinformation," Blinken said.

"But let's not fool ourselves and let's not allow him or anyone else to fool us. This is not about and has never been about Russia's security. This is about Mr. Putin's imperial project to erase Ukraine from the map."

He added: "One of our colleagues talked about escalation. He's exactly right. Let's talk about escalation."

He referenced North Korea sending troops to fight in the war with Ukraine, as well as "the ongoing assault on Ukraine's energy, including its nuclear transmission group, which poses a great threat to every single country in this room".

Blinken and Lavrov were not due to meet face-to-face in Malta.
Accusations and walkouts as Ukraine, Russia ministers clash at Malta meeting



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Ukraine's foreign minister called Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov a "war criminal" Thursday as they both attended an international meeting in Malta, the latter's first visit to an EU country since the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiga also accused Moscow of being "the biggest threat to our common security" as both ministers sat at the same huge table for a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The ministers from Poland and Latvia and half a dozen other delegates walked out when Lavrov addressed the meeting in Ta'Qali, near Malta, according to a diplomatic source.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier Thursday he refused to "listen to those lies", and then repeated a call for Russia to be suspended from the OSCE.

The 57-nation body was formed in the midst of the Cold War, but has been largely paralysed since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, with Russia vetoing major decisions that require unanimous consent.

Lavrov, sitting between the representatives of San Marino and Romania, accused NATO and the EU of politicising the OSCE and making it irrelevant.

He said the West was behind a "reincarnation of the Cold War, only now with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one", according to Russia's RIA Novosti agency.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Lavrov also accused the West of failing to heed Moscow's "very clear warnings" over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine, amid speculation over possible deployments.

When it was his turn to speak, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for an "imperial project to erase Ukraine from the map".

He also accused Lavrov -- who by that point had left the room -- of "drowning listeners with a tsunami of misinformation".

Blinken left Malta without meeting his Russian counterpart.



- 'Channels of communication' -



Ukraine has also previously called for Russia to be excluded from the OSCE, and last year boycotted the organisation's annual ministerial summit in North Macedonia over Lavrov's attendance.

But Sybiga attended this year, at a delicate time for Kyiv.

US president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to press for a quick deal to end the war, leaving Kyiv scrambling to obtain security guarantees from Western allies and supplies of key weaponry before the January inauguration.

Sybiga told the OSCE ministers that Russia's participation in the organisation was "a threat to cooperation in Europe" and "the biggest threat to our common security".

"Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table must know: Ukraine will win this right and justice will prevail," he said.

The OSCE, founded in 1975, is made up of members from Turkey to Mongolia, and also includes Britain, Canada and the United States.

It helps its members coordinate issues such as human rights and arms control, but it has been increasingly unable to operate, its budget frozen since 2021 and the post of secretary general vacant since September.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters that the OSCE "stands for security and freedom and we will defend it".

In 2022, OSCE host Poland refused to let Lavrov attend their summit, and Poland's minister questioned why Moscow was still allowed to be part of the organisation.

A spokesman for Malta's chairmanship of the OSCE told AFP Wednesday that while Lavrov faced an EU asset freeze, there was no travel ban on him. He had been invited to "keep some channels of communication open".



- Top appointments -



The summit runs until Friday, and host Ian Borg, Malta's foreign minister, told AFP he was "cautiously optimistic" they would agree on a new secretary general.

Ambassadors have already agreed on Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu to replace Germany's Helga Maria Schmid, a diplomatic source told AFP, but this must be confirmed by the ministers.

Organisers also hope to decide which country will chair the OSCE in 2026 and 2027.

Russia blocked NATO member Estonia from holding the chairmanship this year. Finland, which joined NATO last year, is up for the post in 2025.

The OSCE sends observers to conflicts and to elections around the world. It also runs programmes aimed at combatting human trafficking and ensuring press freedom.
Brazil's beef industry: key to EU-Mercosur trade deal



Rio de Janeiro, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



A central component of the drama around the trade deal South American countries want to seal with the European Union is the Brazilian beef industry and its practices.

Of particular concern to some European countries -- and protesting farmers -- is traceability in Brazil's meat chain and how it relates to ensuring beef does not come from cattle grazing on deforested land in the Amazon.



- Brazil, a beef giant -



Brazil, Latin America's agricultural titan, is the world's biggest exporter of beef and the second-biggest producer. Those rankings put it in the sights of European detractors who want to block the Mercosur trade deal.

Although Brazil affirms that its beef production is of the highest quality and environmentally respectful, shortcomings in its tracking system and the links to deforestation are mobilizing critics, who fear European farmers would face unfair competition.

Much of the wariness comes from France and Poland, but farmers in Belgium and Italy have also protested against the trade pact.

Last month indignation flared in Brazil when the boss of France's Carrefour supermarket group said his French outlets would no longer sell Mercosur-origin meat because it did not meet national standards.

Brazilian meat suppliers halted deliveries to Carrefour-run supermarkets in Brazil, forcing him to apologize.



- Tracing system -



Brazil does not have a national, comprehensive and individualized tracking system for its beef industry, which in 2023 counted 238.6 million heads of cattle.

The only individualized traceability system is one that is optional, unless for exports to certain markets such as Europe.

It does not necessarily track an animal at birth and focuses mainly on health standards without including environmental data.

That is a problem in the Amazon, where nearly half of Brazil's cattle is raised, and where beef production has been the main cause of extensive deforestation.

Between 1985 and 2022, some 77 percent of the deforested land in the Amazon was made into grazing pastures, according to the organization MapBiomas.

Brazil's current government, under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has made strides in reducing the pace of deforestation in that vast rainforest region, which plays a crucial role in the fight against global warming.

But squatters, loggers and ranchers continue to illegally take over parcels of land there, cutting into natural reserves and territory belonging to indigenous communities.



- Stepped-up measures -



An EU law prohibiting imports of products derived from deforestation is due to come into force from the end of December 2025, which has spurred Brazil to step up its traceability regime.

In May, the agriculture ministry announced a working group of businesses in the sector that would develop a system able to verify the exact origin of each animal and to have checks through the entire chain.

Authorities are eyeing a launch in 2027, with the system being fully operational in 2032.



- Cattle 'laundering' -



Under pressure from NGOs and the courts, Brazil's biggest agri-food companies in 2009 pledged to stop buying beef coming from deforested Amazon land.

That has resulted in direct suppliers being monitored by packaging companies.

But "there are two or three other links in the chain" where oversight is lacking, such as "with calves that are sold to breeding farms and then fattening farms," Andre Guimaraes, director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM) NGO, told AFP.

Such practices make checks difficult and encourage the "laundering" of cattle, he said.



- Ear tags -



The big Brazilian companies in the sector stress the progress made. But they admit they face challenges when it comes to indirect suppliers.

Contacted by AFP, major groups JBS, Minerva Foods and FriGol said they have implemented technology to address that and have united behind initiatives to identify animals with electronic ear tags.

But, according to Cristiane Mazzetti, spokeswoman for Greenpeace Brazil, "the sector is still behind," since, while the tools existed, "there was a lack of political will and investment."

mje/tmo/rmb/bjt
Macron tells EU chief Mercosur deal is 'unacceptable'



Paris, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



President Emmanuel Macron told European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen that France still considers an EU trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc "unacceptable", his office said Thursday.

France strongly opposes the EU signing off on the deal with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, saying French farmers would face unfair competition.

"The project of an agreement between the EU and Mercosur is unacceptable in its current state," Macron told von der Leyen, according to a post on the X account of the French presidency.

"We continue to tirelessly defend our agricultural sovereignty," the Elysee said.

EU trade pacts are negotiated by the European Commission, not individual members. And Von der Leyen earlier said the "finish line" for the deal was "in sight" as she headed to a summit in Montevideo.

Macron, with the backing of French parliament, has argued that the trade deal would hurt French farmers, who have held demonstrations against the pact.

Farmers say they are tied by restrictions on certain insecticides, herbicides, GMO seeds and other products that the South American competition is free to use.

A French diplomatic source told AFP that von der Leyen was "taking a risk" if she attempted to conclude the deal in Montevideo.

The Commission chief, the source said, would need the approval of the European Council -- the leaders of the 27 EU member states -- to sign an agreement.

"So this is not over," the source said, adding that French objections were also motivated by considerations about climate change, deforestation, environmental protection and the respect for EU food safety norms.

"France is not alone" in its opposition to the current treaty, the source said.

France has been supported by Poland, but other key states, including Germany and Spain, favour of the agreement. Under EU rules France needs to form an alliance of at least four countries to block the move.

The confrontation between Macron and von der Leyen comes with the French president under increasing pressure at home following the ousting of the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote.
Accusations and walkouts as Ukraine, Russia ministers clash at Malta meeting



Ta'Qali, Malta, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Ukraine's foreign minister called Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov a "war criminal" Thursday as they both attended an international meeting in Malta, the latter's first visit to an EU country since the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiga also accused Moscow of being "the biggest threat to our common security" as both ministers sat at the same huge table for a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The ministers from Poland and Latvia and half a dozen other delegates walked out when Lavrov addressed the meeting in Ta'Qali, near Malta, according to a diplomatic source.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said earlier Thursday he refused to "listen to those lies", and then repeated a call for Russia to be suspended from the OSCE.

The 57-nation body was formed in the midst of the Cold War, but has been largely paralysed since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, with Russia vetoing major decisions that require unanimous consent.



- Cold War 'reincarnation' -



Lavrov, sitting between the representatives of San Marino and Romania, accused NATO and the EU of politicising the OSCE and making it irrelevant.

He said the West was behind a "reincarnation of the Cold War, only now with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one", according to Russia's RIA Novosti agency.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Lavrov also accused the West of failing to heed Moscow's "very clear warnings" over the dangers of dispatching troops to support Ukraine, amid speculation over possible deployments.

When it was his turn to speak, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for an "imperial project to erase Ukraine from the map".

He also accused Lavrov -- who by that point had left the room -- of "drowning listeners with a tsunami of misinformation".

Blinken left Malta without meeting his Russian counterpart.



- 'Channels of communication' -



Ukraine has also previously called for Russia to be excluded from the OSCE. Last year, he boycotted the organisation's annual ministerial summit in North Macedonia over Lavrov's attendance.

But he was there this year, at a delicate time for Kyiv.

US president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to press for a quick deal to end the war, leaving Kyiv scrambling to obtain security guarantees from Western allies and supplies of key weaponry before the January inauguration.

Sybiga told the OSCE ministers that Russia's participation in the organisation was "a threat to cooperation in Europe" and "the biggest threat to our common security".

"Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table must know: Ukraine will win this right and justice will prevail," he said.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters that the OSCE "stands for security and freedom and we will defend it".



- OSCE stalled -



The OSCE, founded in 1975, is made up of members from Turkey to Mongolia, and also includes Britain, Canada and the United States.

It helps its members coordinate issues such as human rights and arms control, but it has been increasingly unable to operate, its budget frozen since 2021 and the post of secretary general vacant since September.

In 2022, OSCE host Poland refused to let Lavrov attend their summit, and Poland's minister questioned why Moscow was still allowed to be part of the organisation.

A spokesman for Malta's chairmanship of the OSCE told AFP Wednesday that while Lavrov faced an EU asset freeze, there was no travel ban on him. He had been invited to "keep some channels of communication open".

Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym, RSF, criticised Lavrov's presence at the summit, despite the March 2023 arrest warrant issued against Putin by the International Criminal Court.

"This cannot be 'business as usual," it said. "The Kremlin must be held accountable."



- Top appointments -



The summit runs until Friday, and host Ian Borg, Malta's foreign minister, told AFP he was "cautiously optimistic" they would agree on a new secretary general.

Ambassadors have already agreed on Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu to replace Germany's Helga Maria Schmid, a diplomatic source told AFP, but this must be confirmed by the ministers.

Organisers also hope to decide which country will chair the OSCE in 2026 and 2027.

Russia blocked NATO member Estonia from holding the chairmanship this year. Finland, which joined NATO last year, is up for the post in 2025.

The OSCE sends observers to conflicts and to elections around the world. It also runs programmes aimed at combatting human trafficking and ensuring press freedom.
Iceland authorises whale hunting until 2029



Reykjavik, Dec 5 (AFP) Dec 05, 2024



Iceland, one of only three countries still allowing whale hunting, on Thursday issued permits to two whaling companies for the next five years, until 2029, the outgoing government announced.

The decision was denounced by animal rights activists and environmental groups, who criticised the fact that it had been taken by a caretaker government.

The permits allow for annual catches of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales during each year's whaling season, which runs from mid-June to September, said the government, which lost Saturday's elections.

Whaling permits are normally delivered for five-year periods, but the last ones had expired in 2023. The only remaining active whaling ship, the Hvalur, was asking for and receiving renewals to its permit every year.

Thursday's decision was slammed in a joint statement by Iceland's environment association and its youth wing.

"Democracy is not respected and the issuing of permits violates the interests of the climate, of nature and of the well-being of animals," they said.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity also denounced the permits.

"We are disgusted by the decision," they said in a statement, in which they also argued that it was "highly unethical" for a caretaker government to make such a decision.

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation took a similar view, criticising what it called a "shocking abuse of power".

The foundation's founder, Paul Watson, is currently being held by the Greenland authorities, after being arrested in July in Nuuk, capital of the Danish autonomous territory.

He was detained on a 2012 Japanese arrest warrant, which accuses him of causing damage to a whaling ship in the Antarctic in 2010 and injuring a whaler.



- Critical report -



Last year, the country suspended whaling for two months after a government-commissioned inquiry concluded the methods used did not comply with animal welfare laws.

Monitoring by the government's veterinary agency showed that the hunters' explosive harpoons were causing the whales prolonged agony, with the hunt lasting up to five hours after they had been harpooned.

The shortened 2023 season, which lasted only three weeks, ended with 24 fin whales killed. The quota was for a total of 209 whales.

Another company hung up its harpoons for good in 2020, saying that whaling was no longer profitable.

Iceland, Norway and Japan are the only three countries that allow commercial whaling.

They face fierce opposition from animal rights activists.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. During a visit to Azerbaijan held within the "15th NATO Days," a NATO delegation led by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Partnerships Directorate at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruasdal, visited military educational institutions and one of the military units, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

First, the NATO delegation visited the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev. The guests were briefed on the military institutes activities, education programs, and work done in the international cooperation field.

Then the War Games Center of the Military Administration Institute of the National Defense University was visited.

Here, the guests observed a training course conducted by the Mobile Training Team of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum as part of the Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme for 2024.

Then the NATO delegation visited one of the military units of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces.

The guests were presented with a briefing on the military units establishment history and activities.

The meeting discussed the successful development of Azerbaijan-NATO relations, the reforms carried out in the Azerbaijan Army, and a number of issues of interest.

In the end, the delegation watched combat training sessions of the Maritime Interdiction Operations Boarding Party declared into the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Programme.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The panel session Reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions was held within the framework of the international conference organized in Baku by the Western Azerbaijan Community Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, Trend reports.

According to the information, the panel was attended by a member of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the School of Economic Management of the Autonomous University of Madrid Uriarte Sanchez Carlos, representative of the Institute for Development and Diplomacy of the ADA University Damjan Krnjevic Miskovic, founder of the non-governmental organization Peaceful Planet in the UK Lord Arnold Duncan McNair and General Director of the American Center for Religious Freedom Jannah Scott.

The panel discussion highlighted the imperative for Azerbaijanis and Armenians to foster harmonious coexistence, emphasizing the importance of peacebuilding and collaborative engagement.

Furthermore, it was underscored that laying the groundwork for peace in the region is a matter of utmost importance. The international community must exhibit greater sensitivity towards the right of return for Azerbaijanis forcefully displaced from their ancestral lands and advocate for the actualization of this right to foster enduring peace in the area.

The conference is attended by more than one hundred delegates representing 51 nations.

The event will address the historical context of the coerced expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the justification for their right to return, the preservation of cultural legacy, and diplomatic initiatives in this regard.

To note, December 5 is the Day of Remembrance of the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. Last year on this day, a similar international conference on Ensuring safe and dignified return of displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: global context and just solution was also held on this day, which was attended by more than 100 representatives from 44 countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. President Ilham Aliyev has sent an address to the participants of the VII Solidarity Forum of Azerbaijani Volunteers, Trend reports.

"Dear young people!

I welcome you to the Seventh Solidarity Forum of Azerbaijani Volunteers and congratulate you on International Volunteer Day.

With the blessing of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the volunteer movement, which began gaining momentum in Azerbaijan in the 1990s, has now become an exemplary expression of commitment to national and spiritual values and service to the Motherland. It embodies the successful endeavors of Azerbaijani youth toward a common goal. Thanks to the states comprehensive support, the ranks of the movement are constantly expanding. It has grown steadily, achieved its current level of development, and established a presence in all spheres of public life.

The organization of your forum within the framework of the Green World Solidarity Year holds particular significance. Our volunteers, who have consistently exemplified qualities such as kindness, dedication, and selflessness, are making tremendous contributions to raising awareness among our citizens about protecting nature and the environment. They also successfully fulfilled their duties during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, one of the worlds largest and most significant recent events, held in our country.

Following the complete restoration of our state sovereignty and territorial integrity, we have entered a new stage in our history of independence. Unprecedented constructive efforts are underway to accelerate the revival of life in our liberated territories. In line with the key principles of youth policy, our volunteers are supporting the sustainable progress of our country through innovative social initiatives and actively participating in the Great Return process.

I am convinced that your unwavering dedication to national statehood will remain the guiding principle of your lives and that you will not spare your knowledge and skills in strengthening the power of our Motherland. I wish each of you success in your future endeavors," the address reads.
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 After earning degrees from Paris to Massachusetts, the artist now known as ELLE found her work consigned to an all-too-common fate. Everything was getting rolled up and put under my bed and just dying. It was like this graveyard of paintings. She quit art and moved to New York. Bartending kept her afloat, but the citys street art scene pulled her back in. She began painting on paper and pasting it on walls. A few years later she had a line of Reebok sportswear, was fielding calls from Samsung and Toyota, and became a fixture on streets from Miami to Melbourne. One of her latest pieces will span the entire hull  more than 320 metres  of a Norwegian cruise liner. Have spray can, will travel. ELLEs work is among more than 100 pieces of street art featuring in The Outsiders Melbourne, an exhibition built from the collection of Melbourne couple Sandra Powell and Andrew King. The power couple  Sandrew to their friends  have spent more than 15 years throwing serious bucks at street artists worldwide. Youre going to have a hard time finding an artist who has anything bad to say about Sandrew, says ELLE. Theyre like the parents of the street art scene in Australia. ELLE with one of her works (left) and her Paradox collaboration in Berlin. Credit: Shannyn Higgins Among the thousands of works theyve purchased, Powell and King have the biggest collection of Banksy works in Australia. Theres a whole room dedicated to the British street artist in the exhibition, including a new piece that hasnt been seen before. The show will also feature works perhaps less familiar to local audiences that merit the kind of serious attention street art demands today. Caledonia Curry, aka Swoon: I personally love the impermanence of those works. Credit: Mathew Eller Caledonia Curry grew up in a chaotic household at the end of a dirt road in Floridas Daytona Beach. In this dumpy little backwater, she learnt about art the old-fashioned way. You went to the library and got books. My version of what art could be was really circumscribed. So when I got to New York it was like the lid came off, she says.

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Today shes better known as Swoon, one of the most respected street artists of her generation, ranked alongside Banksy and JR. Shes spent decades pouring her heart into work that has mostly been scrubbed from the walls. When I started it was very scrappy and very illegal. Very street level, get it done and get out. And I personally love the impermanence of those works, and that wildness. When Swoon and her peers were finding their feet, street art hadnt accrued much respect in the broader art world. Powell and King were ahead of the trend. It was such a young movement, everyone was in their 20s and travelling the world and no one knew what was happening, and Sandra and Andrew were kind of there, like family for everyone, says Swoon. Works by Swoon, Sabnha (left) and Alixa and Naima. Loading Street artists travel a lot to stay at the forefront of the scene, and Powell and King have long offered lodgings for travellers looking for a new canvas. Sandra and Andrew have this amazing guest house, and now they have a penthouse as well that they put artists up in, ELLE says. The same can be said of Everfresh, the Melbourne studio founded in 2004 and home to some of Melbournes most prominent street artists. Everfresh always had a bedroom, so any artist that came in could stay there, ELLE says. One of Everfreshs current residents is Drez, whose striking chromatic pulse paintings have been hailed as pushing street art in a bold new direction closer to the traditions of op art and cubism.

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Drez began doing graffiti with friends in his teens, but admits that scene at that age can be dangerous. Theres a lot of young boys around trying to one-up each other and be the toughest person in a stupid, overly masculine way, he says. I was not interested in that, Im very opposed to violence, so never got into the more macho stuff. I definitely had friends that sat in that lane and heard stories, but personally, I was interested in painting and developing my style. Drez with one of his works inside his Melbourne studio. Credit: Eddie Jim By the time he was in his 20s hed studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and was earning a living creating art within the music industry, so he didnt need to think about the commercial appeal of his street output. At the same time, he says, I didnt like how there was a very broad demographic of people that didnt take street art seriously at all. I wanted to put work into graf-oriented locations that really spoke to a different audience. Now Drezs art sells for four- and five-figure sums. Hes just completed a commission spanning two square kilometres on the Princes Freeway near Laverton. Loading Theres an irony to the title The Outsiders, given how broadly street art has been embraced over the past decade or so. Institutions add works to their permanent collections, while individuals and businesses commission original art for their walls. We might well be at a tipping point where the line between street art and public art is erased entirely. But street art has always been public art, in a sense  the only difference is who pays for the paint. Its fitting that the city that spawned democracy is also one of the most heavily graffitied: Athens is plastered with political statements that are then answered by others, and as the responses build, you cant help but feel as though entire debates are taking place in public. Which, to some, is the point of art.

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Eating outFood An intimate, club-like Japanese bar is unveiled in West End Its the first of two game-changing venues. Inside, a star bartender is using innovative techniques (and Japanese ice) to push the boundaries of cocktail making. Matt Shea December 5, 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

Imagine a Tokyo-style members-only restaurant and bar, but not in Tokyo. Imagine it instead on Montague Road in West End. Thats how Tony Huang, Alexander Lotersztain and Herve Dudognon shorthand +81 and Aizome. +81 is a 12-seat kappo restaurant that will open in the new year. But first comes Aizome, its neighbouring bar, which served its first guests this week. And this ultra-intimate boozer is much more than a holding pen for its sister venue. Nine-seat bar Aizome opened this week in West End. Markus Ravik Knowing the direction we want to go, and the level of experience to provide  if you want that in Japan, you have to go into those private restaurants, or members restaurants, which I was very lucky to go to, says Dudognon, general manager of both venues. Its ambitious stuff, but owner Hisatake Kamori, who has a bunch of business interests in Japan and Australia, has seemingly spared little expense on the two venues.

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The one rice cooker you need at home? Its not a rice cooker, says this top chef Also, theres a crack squad in charge of their delivery: French-trained Dudognons CV includes lengthy stints in management positions with Merivale and Howard Smith Wharves; Lotersztain is one of Brisbanes most respected designers (Morning After, Ping Pong and Yolk are all highlights of his portfolio); and Huang has spent the past 10 years in Melbourne building an impressive reputation at bars such as Par, Lui Bar, Valhalla and Cloakroom Bar. Aizome is named after the traditional Japanese practice of indigo dyeing and Lotersztain has delivered a corner venue of blue tiling, leather stools and curtains, with rich timber accents. The eye-catching element is a circular back bar, which Huang rotates to present different categories of spirits. Aizomes Tony Huang is pushing boundaries with his innovative cocktail making. Markus Ravik I lived in Japan for two years back in the 2000s, Lotersztain says. Im very passionate about their culture  we wanted to capture moments or experiences of things that are identifiably Japanese, but not the normal cliched things that people associate with Japan.

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This is meant to be a local bar for the community. Its inspired by the small bars in Tokyo where a local guy mightve finished his office shift and will come and have a drink and develop a relationship with the bartender. Its about creating something intimate. A White Tea Century cocktail being poured at Aizome. Markus Ravik Cocktails are key here, with Huang serving many of them in ultra-fine Japanese glassware, using specially imported Japanese ice. The list is split into two sections, Fresh and Neo. Summer tartlet with manchego, sunflower praline and caviar. Markus Ravik

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Fresh presents modern interpretations of classic cocktails made with Japanese tea and fresh seasonal fruit. You might order the Watermelon Colada (Arette suave tequila blanco, Mirai Wakocha black tea, soy agave and Roper watermelon), the Botrytis Old Fashioned (Toki whisky with botrytis semillon, organic hojicha and banana), and the Dirty Mango Martini (Haku vodka with Denshin Junmai Daiginjyo sake, Condimento Bianco, organic sencha asatsuyu tea and Kensington Pride mango). The Neo section presents specially aged cocktails that are intended to mimic the experience of drinking wine. Its a multi-day process and involves freezing botanicals and fruit down to minus-20 degrees Celsius to break down their cell walls before cold infusing them into alcohol at minus-one degree Celsius over 48 hours. The drinks are then strained and bottled. Aizomes standout feature is its innovative rotating back bar. Markus Ravik The ethos behind it is when you pour a wine, and then it slowly moves towards room temperature as you drink it  if its a nice wine, it will still be good, Huang says. But if you pour, say, a classic Margarita, its only really good when its cold. With this technique, we wanted to create cocktails that really open up like a good wine. Neo cocktails include the Cacao Riesling (Roku gin, Saep Scarp riesling, creme de cacao, hachimanjyu white tea, white peppercorn and lemon) and the Tomato Rose (Tantakatan shiso shochu, rose wine, organic sencha saemidori tea, spiced tare, dill, strawberry and tomato, with chilli skin contact).

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Tony Huang and Herve Dudognon. Markus Ravik Away from the signatures, Huang will happily make the classics, and guests can tap the restaurants 200-bottle wine list. Theres also Heads of Noosas Japanese rice lager on tap, along with a short menu of Japanese of Australian craft beer. For food, expect snacks such as Appellation oysters, a summer tartlet with manchego, sunflower praline and caviar, and prawn shinjo-age where a fried prawn head emulsion is served with yuzu kosho. I think Brisbane is ready for something like this, Dudognon says. When you see a chef or a bartender working like this, its not so much a restaurant any more but an art. I get goosebumps every time I think about it because we are trying to push things that far. Open Tue-Wed 5pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 5pm-12am

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259 Montague Road, West End, 0473 958 399 plus81.com.au

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Review Eating outBelgrave Discover fluffy souffle near Puffing Billy at this local favourite in the hills Cognoscenti, a bistro from an ex-Donovans trio, is worth building into a day trip or a Dandenong Ranges weekend. Dani Valent December 6, 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 .

1 / 7 Go-to dish: Goats cheese souffle. Bonnie Savage 2 / 7 Prawn and saffron risotto. Bonnie Savage 3 / 7 Tuna tostada with buttered leeks and pickled daikon. Bonnie Savage 4 / 7 Cognoscenti is a favourite of the Belgrave cognoscenti. Bonnie Savage 5 / 7 Charred asparagus, roasted and pickled mushrooms and tofu cream. Bonnie Savage 6 / 7 Basque cheesecake. Bonnie Savage 7 / 7 There are plans to renovate the bistro and expand the menu. Bonnie Savage Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score European$$$$ The saffron-scented risotto ($35) is prawn-and-rice perfection, my glass of fiano is vibrant and crisp, and I can hear the car chase playing out in Cinema 1. Thats the multidimensional joy of being at Cognoscenti, a bistro next door to an independent cinema in hilly, outer-suburban Belgrave. I love restaurants that look after their community  and there are so many signs of that here. A couple with young children comes in for Golden Hour half-price oysters and a quick spag bol ($12). Moviegoers pause on the pavement to read the sandwich board: this weeks Sunday roast is chicken with Yorkshire pud and sides ($35): Ooh, doesnt that sound good? A table of triple-daters leans into the weekend with the assistance of barrel-aged negronis ($25). Friends sort out life once and for all over shared cold cuts ($24) and a slab of kohlrabi ($31), a vegan version of steak. Cognoscenti is a favourite of the Belgrave cognoscenti. Bonnie Savage

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And me? Ive driven an hour from the city to be here, which isnt really the way genuine cognoscenti play Cognoscenti. Those in the know walk here and, many hours later, wend their way home. In between, theyre looked after by a team that works this 60-seat room with professionalism and enthusiasm. Co-owners Adrien Gomes (hell welcome you) and Kevin Cerquiglini (hell cook for you) met when they were 14, attending the same hospitality high school in south-eastern France. Over there, aspiring young cooks and waiters study both disciplines before specialising. That overlapping training develops empathy between kitchen and floor teams, resulting in a dining experience that feels synergistic and smooth, which is definitely the case here. Gomes and Cerquiglini moved to Australia together in 2012 and worked at St Kilda beachfront institution Donovans. There, Cerquiglini met his now-wife Emma DAlessandro, who was head chef at the hatted stalwart for 16 years. In 2022, it was time to do their own thing and the trio took on this restaurant in a place that needed it. These first-time restaurateurs will be annoyed if I call Cognoscenti Donovans in the hills, but its not hard to draw parallels. Belgrave is a hinterland precinct, part of the suburban rail system but also the terminus for the steam-powered Puffing Billy. The heritage train winds its way through hills that are a drawcard for city escapees, both tree-changers and day-trippers.

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These first-time restaurateurs will be annoyed if I call their baby Donovans in the hills, but its not hard to draw parallels between the restaurants classic, broadly Mediterranean approach: charcuterie, charcoal-fired meat and fish, a braise or two. One thing thats definitely different is the pricing. Lamb shoulder to share is $86 in Belgrave and $140 by the bay. Cognoscenti is necessarily cheaper than the foreshore favourite and offers some excellent eating and drinking at keen prices. Basque cheesecake. Bonnie Savage Is it a strategic error or stroke of genius to order two fluffy, cheesy dishes in one meal? Whether it was blunder or brilliance, I can easily confess to enjoying both the savoury goats cheese souffle ($25) and the baked Basque cheesecake ($16), both of which are signatures. The souffle is twice-baked to a deep-golden colour and lists jauntily, almost lazily, in a pool of parmesan cream.

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Im hard to impress with a cheesecake, but this one is a paragon  air held together by cream cheese and smiles  which I somehow demolish even though Im already stuffed. Also good are the charred flatbread ($8) for swiping through ricotta and herb oil, and a tuna tostada ($22) that suits gluten-free diners and includes buttered leeks and pickled daikon, a smart counterpoint between the rich and the frisky. Charred asparagus, roasted and pickled mushrooms and tofu cream. Bonnie Savage Charred asparagus is the nominal hero of a vegan entree ($21), but the roasted and pickled mushroom medley is just as impressive, especially when swept through the accompanying tofu cream. Beef rib ($44) is more affordable than steak and this version is arguably more delicious, with marbled fat beautifully rendered through tender meat and the exterior caramelised over charcoal. Its served with parsnip puree and greens (chard on my visit), but the generic term on the menu means the chef can choose the days best and most reasonably priced veg.

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A tiny, 10-square-metre kitchen restricts the menu  theres not enough stove-top to make a range of pasta dishes, for example  but there are plans to renovate. Physical tweaks will allow for an expanded offering, bigger cuts of meat, maybe some linguine, more wine to boost an already-strong list, and a dining area set aside for groups. Im confident the Cognoscenti cognoscenti will find even more reasons to fall in love with their local after the changes, but this is already a very appealing restaurant, one worth building into a Puffing Billy day trip or a Dandenong Ranges weekend. The low-down Vibe: Smooth, flexible and warm Go-to dish: Cheese souffle ($25) Drinks: A well-judged list, reasonably priced and offering safety and adventure. A good selection of non-alcoholic beverages, cool house cocktails and more than 200 wines. Thirty oft-changing wines by the glass, including premium pours. Cost: About $140 for two, excluding drinks This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine

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Eating outSpecials board Group catch-up before Christmas? 11 top dining deals that wont break the bank From $15 burgers at Good Foods Pub of the Year, and great-value set menus at hatted restaurants, to happy hours at delicious new bars, these are the spots for end-of-year catch-ups. Tomas Telegramma December 6, 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

Frugal and festive dont often go hand in hand. But its possible to tick off all those end-of-year catch-ups without blowing your Christmas budget. Read on for a dozen of the best dining deals suitable for groups  at reborn pubs, hatted neighbourhood restaurants, hot new rooftop bars and more. Alta Trattoria owner James Tait, where you can find a great lunch deal for $55. Joe Armao $55 set-menu lunch at Alta Trattoria, Fitzroy You can splash out at hatted Fitzroy trattoria Alta. But you dont have to. The lunchtime lure  from Thursday to Sunday  is a multi-course set menu, with your choice of antipasto and pasta, for a ridiculously affordable $55 a head. Bonus: you can BYO. Ground floor rear, 274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, altatrattoria.com

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Bar Carolina is doing $20 carbonara specials. Chris Hopkins $20 carbonara and $14 garibaldis at Bar Carolina, South Yarra If you and your mates like to go big on cheesy plates of pasta and bittersweet cocktails  without spending big  mark Bar Carolinas La Bella Vita offer in your diary. Before 2pm at weekends, there are big bowls of spaghetti carbonara for $20 and garibaldis (Campari and freshly squeezed orange juice) for $14. Boozy brunch? Hair of the dog? You decide. 44 Toorak Road, South Yarra, barcarolina.com.au The $25 chicken at Firebird. Supplied

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$25 chicken night at Firebird, Prahran Behold: a winning dinner deal worth crossing the road  or even the city  for. Every Wednesday from 5.30pm, Prahrans flame-throwing Vietnamese restaurant Firebird is dishing up its signature wood-fired free-range chicken with burnt-chilli nuoc mam and your choice of two sides (wok-tossed greens, papaya salad, grilled corn, rice) for $25. 223 High Street, Prahran, firebirdmelbourne.com.au Its $15 cheeseburgers on Monday nights at Punters Club. Jason South $15 burgers, negronis and margaritas at the Punters Club, Fitzroy

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Recently crowned the inaugural Pub of the Year in The Age Good Food Guide 2025, the Punters Club has something great going on every night of the week. On Mondays, that means $15 burgers (with fries, of course), as well as $15 negronis and Tommys Margs, $10 pints of Punters Draught, and free live gigs. Our weekends end on Mondays!



376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, puntersclubfitzroy.com Heres cheers to Kata Kita. Supplied $18 noodle bar nights at Kata Kita, CBD



Two city diners  the Indonesian Kata Kita and the Malaysian Jojo Little Kitchen  have teamed up for a new late-night dining series, running from 8.30pm every Thursday until December 12. Expect $18 noodles bowls, including dry-aged duck with vermicelli, garlic oil and spring onion; fun, fruity specialty cocktails; and live DJ sets all night long.



266 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, katakita.com.au $29 steak night at the North Fitzroy Arms, Fitzroy North



Steaks usually start about $42 at rebooted backstreet boozer, the North Fitzroy Arms. But thanks to its brand-new Monday special, you get steak au poivre, swimming in peppercorn sauce, for $29, with a handful of hot chips and a tangle of leafy greens.



296 Rae Street, Fitzroy North, northfitzroyarms.com.au



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Bar Lourinha is a Melbourne classic thats great for groups. Joe Armao $35 paella and cocktail at Bar Lourinha, CBD



The hatted Bar Lourinha is a temple of tapas, but Sundays are all about paella, cooked at the bar from 1pm and almost impossible not to order as its scent fills the room. Its $35 with a tinto de verano cocktail, combining rose with Spains fruit-forward Licor 43, lemonade and fresh fruit. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended if youre going with a group.



37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, barlourinha.com.au Omnia is doing a $49 set lunch. Supplied $49 two-course set menu at Omnia, South Yarra



A lunchtime booking is your ticket to experience south-side bistro Omnia for less. Thursday to Saturday  from noon to 2.30pm  $49 gets you a two-course seasonal set menu that could include McIvor Farm pork cotoletta or confit marlin with charred peas. And if you dont mind pushing the boat out a little more, theres a three-course set menu for $64.



625 Chapel Street, South Yarra, omniabistro.com.au

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$15 margheritas and $14 margaritas at Wolf & Swill, Thornbury



If you can coax the group chat into an early dinner at Thornbury pizza palace Wolf & Swill, youll save some cash. Thursday to Monday, 4pm to 6pm, the happy-hour promise is $15 margherita pizzas, $14 margarita cocktails (classic or blood orange) and $8 pints.



826 High Street, Thornbury, wolfandswill.com Happy hour and snacks at Barra is a great group option. Diana Carniato Photography $8-$14 happy hour at Barra, CBD



Chef Alejandro Saravias new restaurant Morena and its sibling Barra are ushering in a new era for Melbournes Latin American dining scene. The latter recently launched a happy hour, so you can treat yourself to cheap drinks ($8 Estrella Damm, $10 pineapple spritzes, $14 palomas) before hitting the signature ox tongue anticuchos (skewers).



73 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, morenarestaurant.com.au/barra $20 Detroit-style pizza at Square Slice, Windsor



Detroit-style, deep-pan pizza is the point of difference at the souths new Square Slice. And Tuesday is the most economical day to visit, when two of the most popular slices  the margherita and the Buzzbomb, with pepperoni and hot honey  are $20 a pop.



242 High Street, Windsor, squareslicewindsor.com.au

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea as a shocking incident and an attack on Australian values.

It should be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this. To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an attack of antisemitism, is an attack on the right all Australians should have to practise their faith in peace.

Speaking at a news conference in Perth, Albanese said he spoke to the president of the synagogue personally this morning.

Congregants comfort each other outside the synagogue on Friday morning. Credit: Simon Schluter

He told me, as has the local MP Josh Burns, they engage in peaceful activity and provide support for each other. This is the heartland of the community.

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He noted Victoria Police are leading the investigation. We know two people were seen spreading some sort of fluid to encourage a fire, and spreading it with brooms. There is CCTV footage that will be examined, the police will do their job.

Ive spoken with the head of the [Australian Federal Police]. All resources that are requested  will be available because it is important these people be held to account for what is a shocking crime.

The prime minister was then asked if he believed there had been a rise in antisemitism.

Antisemitism is something that has been around for a long period of time. It has been on the rise, we call it out whereever we see it, he said

He had spoken to the governments antisemitism envoy this morning, he said. Weve provided increased support, security, funding, for Jewish organisations.
Still, youre doing what most musicians dream of, which is living off your work. Any advice as to how to make that work? Well, Ive also been making a slow but steady inroad into film, TV and narrative storytelling for eight years now. Ive scored other shows as a composer. A lot of Australian musicians have other jobs. For some people, theres a sense that if youre not living off your music, then youve not really made it. I challenge that idea. If youve got something that enables you to have a regular, healthy and boring practice  well, thats rocknroll, in my opinion.

Tell me about your relationship with religion. I grew up not Catholic but Cathol-ish. I was confirmed when I was young, but I dont really remember it: it was more about the outfit for me. But then, when I was 14, I had a really real spiritual experience on a Christian youth camp and became a born-again Christian. It was pretty cool.

What was cool about it? The first rock concert I went to was a Christian one when I was 15. The church that I went to was really musical, and it was the first time Id experienced worship in music, which was a really positive experience. I felt that I was able to look at the world with a lot of love and at myself, too, with a lot of love, which was meaningful to me. In grade 12, we went on a missionary trip to Vanuatu and rebuilt a high school that had been damaged by a hurricane. Another time, we went to Borneo and built a community centre in the jungle for a month. It was really amazing, and I thought I was going to live my life in that space. But then 

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What happened? I realised that that feeling  that transcendental feeling that I got  I could find it in other places. I went to uni and I got that same feeling listening to John Coltrane. I started to realise that bliss was available through lots of different avenues. It doesnt just belong to organised religion: it belongs to everybody. But I also think that singing with other people is a very powerful human experience and we dont really get to do it very much any more. Weve outsourced it to the experts and everybodys just an audience member. But humans have been doing it for millennia. So thats another thing that I would change if I could: Id enforce community choirs.

You know, I sang in a choir for the first time in a long time recently and came out thinking, Wow, that should be a weekly practice. [Nods] It releases something. It does something to the soul and connects you to your humanity beyond this prism of capitalism.
When Christine Taylor became principal at St Ives North Public eight years ago, she was told by several teachers that the schools students were already reaching their full potential.

They thought the school was doing well enough. They said things like weve got a good cohort, but we cant get a lot more academic growth. I thought it was nonsense, recalled Taylor, a public education veteran and one-time schools inspector for the Board of Studies.

Not content with the status quo, Taylor embarked on a mission which steadily raised the schools NAPLAN results from above to well-above average scores in almost all domains tested. Our kids deserve a years growth at least, she said.

Taylor said the changes introduced at the 900-student school and were based on a 2014 NSW Education Department study, titled What Works Best, which outlined patterns of higher academic performance in schools when they focus on the basics.
LNP members of a committee considering proposed laws to enact the Queensland governments hardline youth justice changes have rubber-stamped the bill for passage by parliament next week.

In a report published on Friday afternoon, justice integrity and community safety committee chair Marty Hunt noted the brief one-week scrutiny period had surfaced concerns, but said the bill should pass.

The committee considers that the rights and concerns of victims are paramount and that action needs to be taken to address the growing numbers of serious crimes being perpetrated by young offenders, he wrote.

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One recommendation was made: that the bill be passed by parliament. This is now set to occur next week when MPs return for the last of two post-election sittings before the summer break.

Of the six-person committee, three of which  including Hunt as the chair with a casting vote  are LNP members, the two Labor MPs wrote a statement of reservation criticising the time for scrutiny and LNPs transparency around the bills detail before the election.

In his dissenting report, Greens MP Michael Berkman called for the bill  which the government concedes forgoes global approaches to youth justice and will lead to more kids, likely First Nations, being jailed  to be abandoned.
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 the Morrison government hiked arts degree fees in 2021, it was labelled by critics as an ideological attack on the humanities. If the aim was to discourage young people from studying arts, it did not seem to work  immediately at least. Students flocked to arts degrees during the pandemic, seemingly unfazed by the idea of a $40,000 HECS debt. But almost four years on, alarm bells are ringing. Enrolments have fallen dramatically to a 10-year low, humanities departments have faced brutal cuts and scholars harbour deep concerns for the future of once-thriving faculties. Whether the humanities in Australia are the victim of an anti-woke culture war  or, as conservative critics contend, suffering from self-inflicted irrelevance  remains contested. Arts students Layla Wang and Tanisha Kurlekar at the University of Sydney. Credit: Janie Barrett In common with many of her fellow arts students, 20-year-old Layla Wang has been on the receiving end of more than a few diminishing remarks about her choice of degree. You see so many jokes on TikTok like, Oh, you do an arts degree, have fun being a barista, she says. That sort of stigma has been around for decades. But Wang, president of Sydney Universitys Arts Students Society, has no regrets about her choice, saying her studies so far have sharpened her critical thinking and allowed her to see and understand the world in a more nuanced way. And the study body is diverse with a range of political views and perspectives, despite stereotypes that suggest otherwise. I think its really important to be respectful, but saying that arts degrees are merely a form of woke indoctrination is an extremely poor perspective, Wang says.

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Professor Simon Marginson, a former Melbourne University academic and now higher education expert at Oxford University, says the anti-humanities line is getting tougher and more critical. He says there is a clear student flight away from the humanities in Britain and Australia, a trend that is also emerging in the US. In the face of falling demand and as universities face funding pressures, humanities and some social sciences faculties have been first in the firing line. But the evidence that comes through is there are a bunch of students who are really passionate and committed to humanities, he says. And they defy their families and their friends and do it anyway. And they actually do OK in the labour market. Job-ready degrees When the Coalition passed its controversial Job-ready Graduates legislation in 2020, then Education Minister Dan Tehan said students should be encouraged to do degrees that had clear vocational outcomes and were in areas of key skills shortages. In practice, the legislation meant students wanting to study classical subjects such as history, politics and philosophy as well as communications faced fee increases of 113 per cent. It immediately increased the price of standard three-year arts degrees to above $40,000; next year, the cost will exceed $50,000. But not all humanities subjects were penalised. English and languages subjects, for example, moved to the cheapest category because they were seen as areas of skills shortages. At the time, the reforms were slammed by a chorus of academics who saw it as punitive, and an ideological attack. [The] proposals threaten to turn the study of history, politics, anthropology and philosophy into a vanity practice, Clare Wright, a professor of history at La Trobe University, said after the announcement. Despite the fee hikes intent of diverting students into STEM and more vocational degrees such as engineering, teaching and nursing, there was no immediate drop in demand. In fact, demand for society and culture courses  which include arts and communication degrees but also law  peaked during the pandemic, with 121,293 new domestic enrolments in society and culture courses in 2020 and 116,823 in 2021.

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The most recent federal Education Department data tells a different story, revealing a dramatic decline in society and culture subjects since the pandemic. Just 97,313 new students started the courses in 2023, the lowest number in 10 years and a 20 per cent decrease on 2020. Overall demand for university has softened since 2020, but at a slower rate than the decline of society and culture enrolments. The reasons for the decline in humanities students, Marginson suspects, are many. On the one hand, tabloids and governments are pushing an ever more vicious anti-humanities narrative. Its part of the culture wars, the perception that humanities students are more left wing and critical and so on, he says. Those who are bearing down on the universities are saying they are too liberal, which is very much the Republican line in the US and coming through in the UK now on the critical right. He says there is also a broader cultural shift towards more utilitarian and vocationally focused degrees. As the world emerged from the pandemic and cost of living pressures began to bite, people became more focused on immediate employability and cost-of-living pressures. Marginson believes larger and established universities  among them Sydney and Melbourne universities and, in Britain, Oxford and Cambridge  will retain strong humanities programs. He says the big cuts have begun at mid-tier universities and will continue. Australian National University higher education academic Professor Andrew Norton says humanities enrolments were declining before Job-ready Graduates. I think its probably partly to do with the fact that students just dont read as much any more, he says. He says any rise in arts enrolments that occurred during the pandemic was likely linked to the job market and the countercyclical nature of the university sector. If there are fewer jobs, people study, Norton says. And, if anything, the recent decline in arts may be more precipitous than the data suggests. Norton says law subjects, which are included in society and culture cluster, are more resilient due to their more clearly vocational nature and may to some extent be masking the downward trend in the arts. Law has had some volatility but [has] never entered a major decline like humanities subjects.

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Faculties cut Last month, staff at Wollongong University were shocked by the scope of proposed cuts: 90 full-time academic roles in 25 disciplines were being made redundant as part of a major overhaul of degrees. History, foreign languages, geography and mathematics are among departments facing major cuts. For foreign languages, the proposal was brutal. The university wants to wipe out its foreign language and linguistics department altogether. Languages and linguistics discipline leader at the university, Dr Rowena Ward, says the university regards the department as unviable because of declining enrolment trends  a claim she rejects. Ward says the study of languages in Australia is generally not valued as it should be, and some people even believe apps like Duolingo are interchangeable with a university-level course. Loading Languages are labour-intensive and require a lot more face-to-face learning time than other subjects, she says. They are funded at a high rate by the federal government, which makes them among the cheapest subjects for students to take. Recent upper management is so focused on dollar signs theyre not really looking at things in a broader sense, she says. University of Wollongong interim vice chancellor and president John Dewar says the draft proposal is necessary for the long-term viability of the university and to address a $35 million drop in revenue this year. A spokesman said the proposed closure of the languages department came despite significant efforts to improve viability, for example through a compulsory language minor in the bachelor of international studies.

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The National Tertiary Education Union says the degree overhauls will massively reduce subject choices and flexibility, with students forced to take eight generic subjects and to limit choices within majors. Wollongong University humanities academic and branch president Fiona Probyn-Rapsey cites cutting Languages, cutting the only subject at [the university] that focuses on feminism, cutting history and areas of environmental humanities, climate change and sustainability. These are all the areas that empower students and enact the social licence that university managements so desperately seek, the professor says. The outcomes are perverse, but they reflect a general hollowing out of education as a political good and community right. Australian Catholic University, under former vice chancellor Greg Craven, embarked on a bold plan to strengthen its humanities research. Between 2016 and 2020, it set up Melbourne-based specialised research institutions and programs in philosophy, theology and history. It headhunted top academics from Oxford and Yale and quickly became a powerhouse of humanities scholarship. But in 2023, the university announced it wanted close one of the new programs as well as one whole institute, causing outrage among philosophy, theology and medieval studies academics around the world. Australian Historical Association president Professor Michelle Arrow, a Macquarie University academic, says the ACU cuts were a turning point for humanities in Australia. She says the current mood among history academics is bleak, with a general feeling that the sector is in decline. Its pretty tragic, she says. Theres long been a sense among university management that humanities research doesnt bring in as much money as science research does. And we dont frame humanities discoveries in the same way as we would STEM.

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Tucker said of particular concern was that during an earlier release on bail, police allege the teen went on to buy further chemicals before he was rearrested in September. The notes hes made in prison  surround attacks against police and transgender people, along with antisemitic Nazi-type documentation, the detective said. Loading There is also a report from Corrections Victoria about behaviour in custody thats concerning to police. Defence lawyer Julia Kretzenbacher suggested some of the notes seized by police already this year included fantasy-like notes, regarding things like Minecraft and the accuracy of VCE textbooks.

But the prosecution said they also included threatening material. Police have also seized further parcels connected to the accused teen, which contained womens clothing and a fake mobile phone, the court heard. When asked about the familys observations of his behaviour at home, the teens father said his son had a long-time habit of fermenting things in his cupboard, which they believed was fruit and had attempted to clean up. We tried to clear lots of them, but it created conflicts, he told the court. In supporting the accuseds release on bail, the father said his son had recently been granted a fresh $150,000 NDIS plan, largely for a support worker and future career planning prospects.

Previously, the teen, who lives with autism, was granted only $10,000, the father said. He said he was hopeful the expanded package could better support his son. During an earlier hearing, the court was read excerpts from notes allegedly written by the 19-year-old, in which he was said to describe his weapons research as infallible and expressed frustration at being laughed at behind his back. Loading It disgusts me when I see the lower mindsets climb the ladder with laughable ease, while I cannot even step foot upon [it]. Sickening sight when mixed with growing thoughts of future vengeance. May be too much to bear. Achievement unlocked plagueeth be unto thee, one read. I made a vow to myself. Before I commit suicide, I will take someone elses life, and that person will die horrifically, not by a quick cut to the main artery, but brutally by bleeding to death. And then, if I have enough time, Ill kill someone else. Ill decapitate them and cut out their innards. Ill dangle them all over the place until the whole room is bloodied, and then its my turn, another read.

On Thursday, magistrate Malcolm Thomas raised concerns that the accused was continuing to express ideations right until his most recent application for bail, with the FBI also involved. Those ideations earlier expressed, he said, included school shootings, massacres or mass killings of some kind. The teen was also found with 500 rounds of ammunition, gun parts, attack gear and videos of the Christchurch massacre when arrested, he said. The consequences of the risk eventuality are about as extreme as you can get. [And] the risk is far from hypothetical ... but for intervention, Thomas said. This is an application where theres a risk of killing people. There is still, as I understand it, chemicals that are unaccounted for.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Nakhchivan Industrial Park will be established in the Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Trend reports.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree in this regard.

The full text of the decree can be accessed through the provided link.

Will be updated
Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association secretary Craig McGregor described the proposals as a backdoor way of achieving hospital mergers. Loading Instead of merging the hospitals, they are just merging parts of the hospital services, he said. McGregor said he was concerned that consolidating radiology services would lead to job losses, particularly among chief radiographers with local knowledge of the workforce and patient needs. It is potentially going to be a disaster, he said.

The document said there may be some flexibility to tailor initiatives to local contexts. A hospital executive, who did not want to be identified because it could jeopardise their employment, hit out at moves to centralise HR, radiology and pharmacy services. By consolidating all these services, it is an unofficial merger, they said. So many services will be provided centrally that it will impact small health services through loss of jobs and visibility of staff. The executive said that while the workforce bank was nice in theory, it would not work because of the distances between hospitals.

There are huge distances of up to two hours between health services in these proposed networks. Are people prepared to drive those distances to pick up those roster shortfalls? But two other hospital leaders, who also spoke to The Age on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said they supported the reforms. Some things can be shared, one said. Association of Hospital Pharmacists secretary Matt Hammond said there was merit in a shared pharmacy network.

Using purchasing power to provide value for the taxpayer is not unreasonable when we are talking about medication, he said. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said she was worried some patients would end up having to travel further to get basic care. It is extremely concerning that basic services such as radiology are being lost to local health services, she said. A Department of Health spokesperson said consultation with health services would begin next year and stressed that no final decisions had been made. A key driver in forming the networks is that it will enable health services to better utilise resources and support our workforce to deliver more seamless care for patients, they said.

An Allan government spokesperson said residents would also be consulted. We have made it clear that we will not force services to amalgamate involuntarily because we believe that locals know their communitys health needs best and  together with their health service leaders  their voices will be listened to in the delivery of local healthcare, the spokesperson said. Australian Medical Association Victoria president Jill Tomlinson criticised the health department for not consulting unions. We call for greater transparency and clarity, she said. Tomlinson said while consolidating radiology services may deliver efficiencies, the government needed to ensure it did not impact patients access to imaging services.

She said hospital beds were rarely underutilised, and that bed capacity limitations were often due to staffing shortages. While the May budget tipped a record $13 billion into Victorias health system, hospitals were told to shore up their budgets  for the first time since the pandemic and to not expect any top-up funding. Loading At the time, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said hospitals needed to reduce their marketing and travel spending. However, health insiders warned the belt-tightening could lead to bed closures and even the end of some kidney dialysis services. One health service encouraged employees to turn off the lights when they exited a room to save money. The state government dropped its initial plan to end future hospital bailouts in August after a sustained backlash, instead pouring an extra $1.5 billion into the system.
MPs are so mindful of offending or having their words or predictions haunt them, that they have become incapable of communicating with any authenticity. This is not a dig at Allan. Its part of a broader problem, where politicians have become trained not to say anything controversial, qualifying every point and stick to the safety of engineered answers to the point the electorate has given up listening. This trend has coincided with a demonisation of political imagination. Where candidates and ministers are selected for being a safe pair of hands rather than inspiring or interesting. For Labor, this has resulted in a generation of politicians who have never spent any substantive time in blue-collar jobs but rather worked in offices for the right law firms, trade unions or ministers. The Liberals are no longer dominated by small-business owners and working professionals but with former political staffers who dutifully serve time working for MPs in between stints at a suitable think tank or lobby group.

None of this should disqualify a candidate from being elected  it can be a great training ground  but nor should it be the only measure. Loading This penchant for blandness and false authenticity goes some way to explaining the current woes facing the two major parties in Victoria, where voters are turning away from major parties. The Allan government is down in the polls with voters apparently cottoning on to the fact that Labor is running out of ideas. The language and promises have become focused on delivery, not inspiration or ideology. Unfortunately for the premier, she took over an already weary government, challenged by rising debt and a dwindling pool of talent. After a decade in power, the cabinet seems to lack any credible solution or understanding of Victorias woes.

Instead, Labor MPs are trying to blame any issues on the four short years Victoria was under Coalition rule and hoping they can win a fourth term by simply promising to be better than the other lot. As for the opposition, the Victorian Liberals risk spending a second decade out of government unless the party finds a way to unite its warring factions and convinces voters they are a viable alternative. The polls may have tightened, but most of that can be attributed to voters drifting from Labor, not rushing to the opposition. This is no great surprise given a large portion of the party room is still playing petty factional politics, with many MPs better at landing a blow on an internal rival than one on the opposite side of the chamber. This internal focus has meant the Liberals wasted time fighting culture wars the public simply dont care about, when they should be offering bold policies, and returning to guiding principles such as aspiration and greater personal freedom that might inspire voters to seek change.

As leader, John Pesutto promised to unify the party room. But his early decision to dump Moira Deeming squandered any goodwill and the issue has hung over the party like a dark cloud for two years, despite his best efforts to move forward. Loading It has meant his decisions have been influenced more by caution, than courage. The Deeming debacle has acted as a handbrake, leaving him reluctant to make more enemies or say the wrong thing. I offer this assessment after more than a decade observing politicians in both the state and federal press galleries. Friday will be my final day on Spring Street before I take parental leave and return as Victorian affairs editor in the second half of 2025. While prudent politicians arent always a bad thing, particularly when the alternative is populism, the current contempt for ideology and political courage from both major parties is only pushing voters further towards fringe movements and issues.
The government agencies in charge of the nations cyberdefences - the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre  have issued a joint warning alongside their counterparts in the US, Canada and New Zealand about Salt Typhoon, a Chinese hacking group.

The warning said state-sponsored hackers had compromised networks of major global telecommunications providers to conduct a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign and urged telecommunication providers to harden their infrastructure. It came after the US government announced that a large amount of Americans metadata had been stolen by Salt Typhoon, over a period of months and potentially years.

What is Salt Typhoon?

Salt Typhoon has been active since 2020. Credit: Getty

Salt Typhoon  given its name by Microsoft  is a Chinese state-linked hacking group that has been active since 2020. It has breached telecommunications companies in dozens of countries, President Joe Bidens deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger told journalists overnight, burrowing its way into valuable broadband and telecommunication networks.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. A panel session titled "Role of International Advocacy and Diplomacy" was held as part of the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia" in Baku, Trend reports.

The panel featured prominent figures, including Professor Susana Mangana from the University of Deusto, Vice-Chairman of the Justice and Development Party and member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Zafar Sirakaya; Senior Associate at the Institute for Development and International Relations Krsevan Antun Dujmovic; journalist Klaus Peter Ralph Jurgens; and Marat Terterov, the General Representative of the Brussels Energy Club.

Professor Susana Mangana pointed out that migration-related issues are among the major challenges currently facing the world. "International organizations must address these issues. The justice mechanism must rectify historical injustices. Scholars and civil society also play an important role in this process," she added.

Zafar Sirakaya, Vice-Chairman of Turkiye's Justice and Development Party, emphasized that as a result of Armenia's occupation of Karabakh, over one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"Azerbaijan itself restored its rights, liberated its lands from occupation, and ended the injustice. Thus, conditions for peace and stability were created in the region. The right of return is a principle fully recognized in international law," he stated.

Marat Terterov, General Representative of the Brussels Energy Club, noted that by liberating its lands from occupation, Azerbaijan had restored its rights. "This was an extraordinary achievement. Azerbaijan has many such high accomplishments. A good example is COP29," he remarked.

More than 100 delegates from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced eviction of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, December 5 is the Day of Remembrance of the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 through 1991. On this day last year, more than 100 representatives from 44 countries attended a similar international conference on "Ensuring Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has briefed his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen on the agenda of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, a source in the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The issue was discussed on the sidelines of the 31st Ministerial Council of the OSCE in Malta.

Furthermore, the discussion covered prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Finland, issues related to Finland's chairmanship of the OSCE next year, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period.

Bayramov highlighted the historically significant agreements reached in the area of climate change during Azerbaijan's presidency at COP29, as well as the country's efforts to advance its climate agenda.

He also thoroughly briefed the Finnish side on the current situation and realities in the region during the post-conflict period, including the fight against the mine threat and the agenda for the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The minister pointed out that while many provisions of the peace treaty have already been agreed upon, and progress has been made in border delimitation, the ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenia's constitution and other legislative acts continue to hinder the peace process.

Moreover, he wished Finland success in its upcoming year of presidency at the OSCE, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is always ready to support efforts to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the organization.

In this regard, Bayramov highlighted the importance of abolishing OSCE institutions that are remnants of the former Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and have already lost their relevance in terms of the organization's effectiveness.

Additionally, the parties exchanged views on other regional issues of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. It is necessary to convey the history of the Western Azerbaijani community to the international community, Head of the Turkiye-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group Samil Ayrim said at the Second International Conference on "Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia," Trend reports.

We have to convey the history of the Western Azerbaijani community to the international community. Recently, statements have been voiced as if Azerbaijan is allegedly making territorial claims against Armenia. This does not correspond to reality. Negotiations are currently underway within the framework of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ayrim said.

He noted that Azerbaijan, which has restored its territorial integrity, seeks long-term peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, some countries, such as France, which has lost its position in Africa, are trying to support Armenia with arms and sow discord.

Baku hosts the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia.

The conference is attended by more than 100 delegates from 51 countries.

The event covers the following topics: the history of the expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, every year on December 5, the anniversary of the deportation of Western Azerbaijanis, which took place in 1987-1991, is marked. A similar international conference was held last year. More than 100 delegates from 44 countries participated in the international conference dedicated to Ensuring the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia: global context and just solution.
Badal escapes unhurt in assassination bid Khalistan sympathiser opens fire at entrance of Golden Temple





AMRITSAR :

A KHALISTAN sympathiser associated with the radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsa on Wednesday opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar when the former Deputy CM of Punjab was sitting on punishment guard duty. The assailant was overpowered by three police personnel in civic dress who were positioned there for the security of the Akali leader. In a video, wheelchair-bound Sukhbir Badal was seen in a blue sewadar uniform holding a spear and at point-blank range as the shooter whipped out the gun. However, the policemen were swift to react and overpowered the assailant. The shooter has been identified as Narain Singh Chaura, allegedly a former militant, who faces many cases and was accused in the sensational Burail jailbreak case in Chandigarh in 2004, where four undertrials, three of them assassins of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, escaped from the jail by digging a tunnel.

At the time of the crime, Chaura slowly approached Sukhbir Badal, donning a blue sewadar uniform and sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a plaque card around his neck as part of the tankhah (religious punishment), and opened fire at Badal. However, a police official in plainclothes standing near Badal quickly grabbed the attackers hands and pushed him away. In the melee, a bullet hit the shrines entrance wall behind Badal, who escaped unhurt. Soon other security personnel and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force members also intervened. The former Deputy Chief Minister is a Z+ protectee. Police official Rashpal Singh noticed Chaura first as he is a former terrorist and has a criminal history.

When Chaura whipped out his weapon, Assistant Sub-Inspector Jasbir Singh and another police official, Parminder Singh, held Chauras hands and as a result, the bullet went upwards, said the commissioner. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh told the media that proper security arrangements were in place and he was himself present on site. Chaura was present in the temple yesterday also. On Wednesday morning, he came to the temple as usual and paid obeisance before opening fire at Badal, he told media. Responding to the incident, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami said, We will investigate this through our sources well. I think he (the attacker) has been nabbed and taken away by the police...Guru Ram Das saved Sukhbir Badal...We are looking into the security arrangements.
CM presents rollout of invitation to invest letters of Rs 32,225 cr





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

A stakeholder connect workshop on Chhattisgarhs New Industrial Development Policy 2024-30 and Export Promotion was held at CG-04 Restro, Nava Raipur in Atal Nagar on Wednesday. The workshop was organised by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog. During the workshop, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo presented the rollout of invitation to invest letters of Rs 32,225 crore to 27 different industries with the proposal for new capital investment in the workshop. Investment will be made in the core sectors of the state as well as in new investment areas like IT, AI, Data Centre, Ethanol, Electronics, Electrical, Compressed Bio Gas and other sectors. Sai said that there is vast potential for setting up new industries in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is rich in minerals resources and there is, favorable industrial environment, and the states new industrial development policy 2024-30 has been prepared after discussing with the representatives of industry and business world. The process of setting up industries has been simplified and several provisions have been included to encourage the setting up of industries in the new industrial development policy. Red carpet is open for investors in Chhattisgarh .

The complexities of investment no longer exist in Chhattisgarh. Single window system has made everything very simple, said Sai. Chief Minister Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the target of developed India by 2047. For this, the people of the state will have to build a developed Chhattisgarh. The industry of Chhattisgarh will also have an important contribution in building a developed India. Employment opportunities will be provided to more and more people of Chhattisgarh by promoting industrial investment in various sectors, said he. Commerce and Industries Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan in his address said that the new industrial development policy was prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and Senior Advisor of the NITI Aayog also spoke. Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department Rajat Kumar gave the welcome address.

Three panel discussions were held in the workshop. In the first penal discussion, Managing Director of NR Group of Industries, President of Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Amar Parwani, President of Laghu Udyog Bharti O P Singhaniya and Partner and Industries Leader, Deloitte South Asia Easwaran Subramanian shared their views in the panel discussion. Director of the Commerce and Industries Department Prabhat Malik was the moderator. Second panel discussion was held on Export Potential and its Economic Impact: Strategies, Opportunities and Challenges. Senior Advisor of the NITI Aayog Sanjeet Singh was the moderator of the panel discussion. The panel discussion was also held on Export Potential and its Economic Impact: Strategies, Opportunities and Challenges. Managing Director of Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Corporation Vishwesh Kumar, Chief Finance Officer of Reliance Industries Ltd Vikas Rathi, State Coordinating Officer of Reliance Chhattisgarh Surendra Jain, other industrialists and officials were present.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) aims to further strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan, Director of the Department of Social and Human Sciences ISESCO Ramata Almamy Mbaye said, Trend reports.

She made the remark at the Second International Conference on "Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia" today.

ICESCO greatly values partnership with Azerbaijan and looks forward to enhancing it. This conference reminds us of our deep appreciation and the critical need to protect cultural heritage, especially in times of conflict.

Cultural heritage is more than just buildings and artifacts. This is the history and identity of our peoples, heritage, well-being, the stability of each person, and social cohesion. This is joint creation and living together, said the department director.

According to her, ICESCO always prioritized the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.

She explained that cultural heritage connects the past and the future, helping to understand shared history and build mutual respect.

Protecting this heritage, especially in conflict zones, requires teamwork, responsibility, and collective effort, and that is why we are here today. I want to reaffirm ICESCOs commitment to working with Azerbaijan and all member states to protect, promote, and disseminate our cultural heritage, Mbaye added.

Baku hosts the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia.

The conference is attended by more than 100 delegates from 51 countries.

The event covers the following topics: the history of the expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, every year on December 5, the anniversary of the deportation of Western Azerbaijanis, which took place in 1987-1991, is marked. A similar international conference was held last year. More than 100 delegates from 44 countries participated in the international conference dedicated to Ensuring the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia: global context and just solution.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Fadnavis returns To take oath as Mah CM today





BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis along with NCP leader Ajit Pawar, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and BJP Central Observers Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani meets Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan to stake claim for formation of the new Government in Mumbai on Wednesday. (PTI)

MUMBAI :

AFTER over two weeks of intense negotiations, BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to be sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday at a grand ceremony in Azad Maidan here, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. In addition to Fadnavis, two Deputy Chief Ministers, including NCP leader Ajit Pawar, will also take their oaths during the event in south Mumbai. While the formation of the Government under Fadnavis is confirmed, uncertainty remains regarding whether outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will be included in the new ministry. Fadnavis, 54, emerged as the front-runner for the coveted post following the BJPs strong showing in the recent Assembly elections, securing 132 seats in the 288-member house.

On Wednesday, Fadnavis, joined by Shinde and Pawar, met with State Governor CP Radhakrishnan to formally stake claim to form the Government, presenting letters of support from coalition partners, including the Shiv Sena and the NCP. Following this meeting, the Governor extended an invitation for Fadnavis to lead the new Government. This is for the third time that the BJP leader, an MLA from Nagpur, will be sworn-in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Fadnavis expressed his hope for Shindes participation, stating he had requested that Shinde join the Government. However, Shinde indicated that updates on his role would be provided to the media later on Wednesday. In a bid to reassure Shinde, Fadnavis told reporters after meeting the Governor, The Chief Ministers post is a technical arrangement. All three of us will work together unitedly.

He also recounted details from a recent meeting with Shinde at the Chief Ministers official residence, emphasising that both the Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members wish for Shindes involvement in the new Government. I have full faith that he will be with us, he added. Shinde had been staying in Thane citing health issues, which had fuelled speculation about potential discord within the Mahayuti alliance. However, he returned to Mumbai on Tuesday, indicating a possible resolution to the concerns surrounding his role in the new Government. At the legislature party meeting held in Vidhan Bhawan earlier in the day, former Gujarat CM and BJPs Central Observer Vijay Rupani announced that Fadnavis has been unanimously elected the BJP legislature party leader. Speaking at the meeting, BJPs central observer and Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the double engine Government in the State and the Centre will boost development. Fadnavis thanked the BJP legislators for reposing trust in him, adding that the thumping victory of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the November 20 Assembly elections was due to the mantra of Ek hai toh safe hai given by PM Modi. At the Vidhan Bhawan meeting, senior State BJP leader Chandrakant Patil proposed the name of Fadnavis as the legislature party leader.

Speaking to reporters at Raj Bhavan, Fadnavis said, I met Eknath Shinde yesterday and told him that it is the wish of both the Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members that he should be with us in this Government. I have full faith that he will be with us. At the Raj Bhavan press conference on Wednesday, when a reporter asked Shinde if he and Ajit Pawar would be sworn in as deputy CMs at Azad Maidan, Shinde replied, Lets wait till evening. The oath ceremony is tomorrow (Thursday). Pawar butted in, quipping, Inka to shaam tak pata chalega. Main to shapath le raha hoon. He (Shinde) will figure it out by this evening. Im the one taking the oath.

I am happy that at this place around two and a half years ago, Fadnavis had recommended my name that I should become the CM. Now, we have given a letter of recommendation from Shiv Sena for Fadnavis to become CM. This Government is being formed in a healthy atmosphere. I congratulate Devendra ji and wish him the best, Shinde said. The BJP achieved remarkable success in the November 20 Maharashtra elections, securing 132 out of the 288 Assembly seats in the State, marking its best performance in the State so far.
Fadnavis to return as CM; city rejoices





Staff Reporter :

Members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) City and District units along with citizens celebrated Devendra Fadnavis appointment as the group leader of BJP Legislature Party of Maharashtra. With this, it has been confirmed that Fadnavis would return to the Chief Ministers post for another term. The invitation to the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtras new Government, to be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was circulated on the social media since Wednesday afternoon. Fadnavis name on the invitation card as the Chief Minister made citizens rejoice. As the suspense over the post of Chief Minister ended, people took to the streets to celebrate the development in the State politics. The celebrations will continue as a jubilant programme has been organised at Laxminagar Square on Thursday. Former Mayor Sandip Joshi has appealed to citizens to reach the square at 5 pm to celebrate the glorious moment. Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as the Chief Minister at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

To let Nagpurians witness this historic moment, the swearing-in ceremony will be broadcast live on a big screen at Laxminagar Square from 5 pm onwards on Thursday. The celebrations will continue with distribution of sweets amidst fireworks and dhol-tasha performance. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has welcomed the announcement of the name of Devendra Fadnavis as the leader of State Legislature. He congratulated Fadnavis for his selection. In his tweet, Gadkari said, I am confident that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtras growth will get a new direction. The BJP, at its Dhantoli office, celebrated the event. All the office-bearers of the party joined the celebrations that was held under the leadership of Bunty Kukde, President of city unit.

The sweets were distributed, all workers raised slogans in praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis. Party State Vice-President Sanjay Bhende, Vidarbha Organising Secretary Dr Upendra Kothekar, General Secretary Sandip Gavai, Vishnu Changde, Ashwini Jichkar, BJYM President Badal Raut, Womens Wing President Pragati Patil, State Spokesperson Chandan Goswami and others also were present on the occasion. On Wednesday, the celebrations that began in the afternoon continued till night. People from all strata participated in the celebrations and rejoiced the announcement about Nagpurs son becoming Chief Minister of the State again.

The move of BJP Central leadership was hailed by the people from other parties too. Some people expressed their feeling that the allegations and foul words used by the Opposition did not deter him and he emerged as a leader who not only steered the party, but MahaYuti to a grand victory. Adv Parineeta Fuke, wife of Dr Parinay Fuke, said, His sacrifice in 2022 when he accepted Deputy Chief Ministership gracefully and his hard work bore the fruits. Fadnavis fulfilled the promises made to the citizens, he fulfilled. He was targeted by the Opposition but he came out with flying colours, added Fuke.
KC Overseas Educations USA Admissions Day on December 7







Business Reporter :

KC OVERSEAS Education will conduct KCs USA Admissions Day, an exclusive event on December 7 for aspirants keen to apply for summer / fall 2025 intakes. The students can meet the university delegates at KCs IT Park office in Nagpur from 11 am to 2 pm or 3 pm to 5 pm at KC Sadar office.

The participant scan meet and interactwithdelegatesof 30+ top participating US universities and check their chance of getting a free profile evaluation done for an admitin Masters or Bachelors programme in the university of their choice. Participating universities are University of Massachusetts, Amherst, The University of Arizona, The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; University of Oregon,Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Kent State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Florida Atlantic University, The Catholic University of America, andmany more.

Some of the popular programs are Computer Science, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Business Administration, Public Health, Data Science, FineArts,Business Analytics, Robotics and Construction Management, Film making and Animation.

For details, visit KC Overseas Education Head Office at Plot No. 10/2, I.T. Park, Opp. VNIT, behind Infotech Tower, Parsodi, Nagpur, on December 7 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or KC Overseas Education Sadar Branch on 2nd Floor, Block No. 112, Shriram Tower, Kingsway, Sadar, on the same day, from3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Quagmire





THE attack on Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and President of Shiromani Akali Dal, gives enough indication that terrorism refuses to die down in Punjab. Besides religious fanaticism in a small minority, vested interests of some political elements that stand in contrast to the national interest appears to be aiding the Khalistani terrorism in Punjab. Many thought that Khalistani terrorism had come to an end years ago. But, as indicated by various incidents over the years, the terrorists have been operating under the radar and some of their leaders started operating from other countries. Indias immediate neighbour Pakistan, which has its foundation in religious secessionism, continued extending cross-border support to the extremists in Punjab.

Over the past few years, these extremists have become more active. May it be farmers protests that later acquired insurrectionary colours, or the gangster-narcotics-terrorist nexus, or the cross-border smuggling of arms and drugs, or the deployment of drones from across the border, or the election of self-styled preacher and pro-Khalistan separatist Mr. Amritpal Singh as Member of Parliament... Punjab is being driven towards the dark era. Only a few Sikhs are sympathetic to the secessionist cause of the Khalistanis. Most have been opposing the nefarious designs of a few to radicalise the youths of the great state of Punjab. Most are truly disturbed over the turn of events in the past some time. Most are bound to be concerned over the brazenness with which a former Khalistani militant Mr. Narayan Singh Chaura made a bid to assassinate Mr. Badal in the premises of the holy shrine Golden Temple in Amritsar. Though the alertness of the people around Mr. Badal foiled Mr. Chauras attempts, the fact that the latter with several cases registered against him could procure a gun and take it in the Golden Temple, raises eyebrows. If Punjab is to be saved from the revival of militancy, gun culture in Punjab needs to be stemmed in right earnest. Besides, narcotics business flourishing with cross-border support and foreign connections need deeper vigil.

This time, the assassination bid was foiled, but such attempts have been made on previous occasions too on the life of eminent persons. The terrorists, whether operating in group or on lone wolf basis, need just one successful attempt to throw Punjab in a quagmire of instability, which may revive militancy. Punjab in particular, and India in general, cannot afford this at this stage when the country is making rapid progress in economy, diplomacy, international relations, and larger unity. The further path to progress requires India to be stable domestically, with different social groupings sharing the common sentiment of integrity and fraternity. Unfortunately, some political vested interests have been acting in an irresponsible manner for their own narrow political agendas. Their only goal is to remove Mr. Narendra Modi from the coveted position of the Prime Minister of India. But, their actions to achieve the goal are nothing but anarchist.

They do not mind if their actions are widening the faultlines in Indian society. They do not mind if their baseless allegations run the risk of shaking the faith in the democratic institutions. They do not mind if their false narratives disturb social harmony and also subvert the spirit of -- fraternity, unity, and integrity -- enshrined in the Constitution of India. These elements are systematically fomenting trouble in Punjab, despite their local political leaders are striking a discordant note. One just hopes that Punjabis do not fall to these trouble-mongers. For, Punjab is a land of agricultural prosperity and not of the harvest of hate. Farmers there know how to remove weeds peacefully and protect the crop of harmony.
Rahul, Priyanka stopped on way to Sambhal





GHAZIABAD (UP) :

A DELEGATION of Congress leaders led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was stopped by the Uttar Pradesh Police at the Ghazipur border here on Wednesday on his way to Sambhal. The Opposition party leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, returned to Delhi after staying at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border for about two hours. A massive traffic jam was witnessed at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway in the morning as Congress workers gathered there defying heavy barricading. With the carriageway from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh heavily congested, commuters faced a harrowing time in reaching their destination. Congress legislative party leader in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Aradhana Mishra Mona claimed in Lucknow that she was supposed to be a part of the Congress delegation but has been put under house arrest. I am under house arrest.

This is hooliganism and anarchy by the government. Rahul ji, the Congress party and I will visit Sambhal today, tomorrow or whenever we can, she said. Prohibitory orders are in place in Sambhal where violence erupted on November 24 over a court-ordered mosque survey, killing four people and injuring several others. After being stopped at the Ghazipur border, Rahul Gandhi said he was ready to go alone to Sambhal with police but was not allowed. BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh decried the Congress move as a drama aimed at appeasing its Muslim vote bank. Holding up a copy of the Constitution in his hands amid heavy security at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border, Rahul Gandhi said the polices decision was against democracy. We want to go to Sambhal and see what happened there. We want to meet the people but Im not being allowed my constitutional right.

This is India where attempts are on to end the Constitution. But we will keep fighting, he added. Priyanka Vadra said what happened in Sambhal was wrong and as the LoP, Rahul Gandhi has the constitutional right to visit it. He is different from other people. He cannot be stopped. He has the constitutional right to go and meet the victims, he should be allowed, the Wayanad Lok Sabha MP added. Curbs under Section 163 (power to issue an order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which were set to expire on Sunday, have now been extended till December 31 in Sambhal.
S Koreas Oppn submits motion to impeach President Yoon over sudden martial law





SEOUL (South Korea) :

SOUTH Koreas Opposition parties on Wednesday submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing pressure to leave office hours after he ended a short-lived martial law that prompted troops to encircle Parliament before lawmakers voted to lift it. Impeaching Yoon would require the support of two-thirds of Parliament for the motion and then the backing of at least six Constitutional Court justices.

The motion, submitted jointly by the main Opposition Democratic Party and five smaller Opposition parties, could be put to a vote as early as Friday. Yoons senior advisers and secretaries offered to resign collectively and his Cabinet members, including Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun, were also facing calls to step down, as the nation struggled to make sense of what appeared to be a poorly-thought-out stunt. In the capital, tourists and residents walked around, traffic and construction were heard, and other than crowds of police holding shields, it seemed like a normal sunny, cold December morning.
Sanatan Chetna Manch Dindori take out Aakrosh Rally against atrocities on minorities in Bdesh





Our Correspondent :

Dindori,

Sanatan Chetna Manch, Dindori took out Aakrosh Rally at Dindori and submitted memorandum addressed to President of India in protest of the atrocities being done on minority Hindu, Boudh and Christian communities. Then public meeting was held at Bus Stand. The protestors expressed their deep concern on atrocities being done in the minority community the attack on Hindu minority in Bangladesh is violation of Human Rights. The present state in Bangaldesh is also hurting the mutual cultural, religious values between both countries.

The protestors claimed that since the new government came to power in Bangladesh, more than 6,000 cases on attack on Hindus has been done. They protestors condemned the arrest of ISCKON office bearer Chinmay Krishandas Brahmachari Prabhu. The protestors in their memorandum stated many demanded Govt of India should pressurise Bangladesh government for ensuring safety of the minority community. Immediate release of Swami Chinmay Prabhu. International community should be informed about the real condition of Minority in Bangaldesh. Hindus families should be given back their native land and properties. Hundreds of people attended the rally and supported the demands.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia is under threat, Professor of the Hashemite University of Jordan Muhammad Waheeb Ali Hussain said at the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia," Trend reports.

There are many archaeological and cultural heritages of Azerbaijan in Armenia, including mosques, cemeteries, and historical sites, but many of them have been destroyed or forgotten as a result of political conflicts. As a result, this heritage is under threat, he said.

He claims that the systematic efforts to wipe out, scrub clean, obliterate, and erase Azerbaijani identity have been in the works for many years and are still very much alive and kicking.

We are here at this conference to urge the world to pay attention to this problem. This is our common, global responsibility. All countries should realize that this is the heritage of all humanity, not just the people of Azerbaijan or any particular group of people. This is the heritage of all mankind. Of course, there are many challenges in the current situation, but it is also important to preserve national identity, and we must take care of it, he added.

Baku hosts the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

More than 100 delegates from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced eviction of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, December 5 is the Day of Remembrance of the Deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from 1987 to 1991. On this day last year, more than 100 representatives from 44 countries attended a similar international conference on "Ensuring Safe and Dignified Return of Displaced Azerbaijanis from Armenia: Global Context and Just Solution."

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The conference underlines a collective effort to advance justice for Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia, said Jakub Koreiba, a Polish political analyst and PhD in political science, Trend reports.

While summarizing the results of the Second International Conference on "Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia," Koreiba emphasized that the core message of the conference was that the forced displacement of people should never be accepted as a legitimate political tool.

He stressed that the conference participants strongly condemned forced displacement as one of the most severe human rights violations and noted that the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia remains an unresolved injustice. Participants also expressed deep concern over Armenia's failure to ensure the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis. Furthermore, they raised alarm about the systematic destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage in Armenia, including mosques, cemeteries, and historical monuments, which is viewed as an attempt to erase Azerbaijani identity. In conclusion, they highlighted the importance of advancing justice for Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia and fostering peace and security in the region.

"This brief summary reflects the key points raised at the conference and emphasizes the collective effort to promote justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia and to contribute to peace and security in the region," he said.

It is worth noting that Baku hosted the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on the topic "Right of Return  Ensuring Justice for Azerbaijanis Forcibly Expelled from Armenia."

Baku hosts the Second International Conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia."

The conference is attended by more than 100 delegates from 51 countries.

The event covers the following topics: the history of the expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right of return, the restoration of cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this field.

To note, every year on December 5, the anniversary of the deportation of Western Azerbaijanis, which took place in 1987-1991, is marked. A similar international conference was held last year. More than 100 delegates from 44 countries participated in the international conference dedicated to Ensuring the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia: global context and just solution.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Significant progress has been achieved in region in the context of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, said Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the minister noted that today's meeting of the Ministerial Council comes at a particularly challenging time.

"Violations of international law and misinterpretation and selective application of international commitments lie at the heart of the erosion of trust and confidence and the continued crisis of multilateralism. In the meantime, security and stability are under threat due to growing transnational challenges that know no borders and dictate multilateral solutions.

Rising ethnic and religious intolerance and discrimination, such as Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Europe, is alarming. It is urgent for respective OSCE participating states to honor their relevant OSCE commitments and international obligations.

Respect and adherence to the fundamental norms, principles, and commitments enshrined in the OSCE documents, starting from the Helsinki Final Act, in particular respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders of states, must remain the bedrock of security and peace, as well as the basis for dialogue and cooperation.

Azerbaijan remains a strong proponent of effective multilateralism, including through the OSCE, and calls for constructive engagement in finding a settlement to issues pertinent to OSCEs functionality, such as the earliest adoption of the budget and settlement of the deadlock around the issue of appointment of the Secretary General and heads of executive structures," the minister said.

The foreign minister stated that the organization's limited resources should be allocated to areas of greatest need, prioritizing program activities with current consensus, in full compliance with OSCE Financial Regulations.

"OSCE structures related to the former Minsk process have become obsolete and irrelevant. Retaining these structures on paper violates financial regulations of the organization. Accordingly, this situation needs to be rectified within the budget process.

While OSCE is held hostage to malicious ambitions, significant strides have been taken on the ground in the Armenia-Azerbaijan context. Finally, peace has essentially been established with the elimination of illegal military deployment and restoration of Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. This has created substantially new conditions to pave the way for interstate normalization.

Since the last Ministerial Council meeting, Azerbaijan and Armenia completed delimitation and demarcation of some portion of their borders through direct bilateral dialogue. With its recent entry into force, the regulation regarding the joint activities of the respective border commissions will guide efforts to carry out the next phases of the delimitation work. On a separate track, significant progress was also registered with respect to the text of the draft bilateral agreement.

These achievements vividly demonstrate that direct bilateral negotiations are the best and the only viable way for moving forward in the normalization process, which has been consistently advocated for by Azerbaijan.

Notwithstanding the progress, there are persistent challenges on the path of normalization. Its finalization depends on implementing in action Armenias declared commitment to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, including by removing territorial claims still embedded in its Constitution and other legislative acts.

Establishment of peace and good-neighborly relations cannot be sustainable and irreversible if recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan continues to be questioned in Armenias Constitution, and implementation of the bilateral agreement by Armenia remains contingent on domestic legal or political scenarios.

At this critical juncture, when there is a historic opportunity for Azerbaijan and Armenia to turn the page of confrontation and establish good-neighborly relations, all efforts must be directed at finalizing the normalization process on the basis of mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Azerbaijans determination in this respect is intact, and we expect reciprocal political will and responsibility on the part of Armenia.

In the meantime, the wider international community also bears responsibility not to harm the ongoing process by refraining from provocative actions and fueling tension, including here in the OSCE.

Before concluding, I reiterate the readiness of Azerbaijan for constructive engagement within the OSCE in overcoming the existing challenges to its functionality and efficiency," the minister concluded.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The dissolution of the Minsk Group will ensure the effective operation of the OSCE, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said in a statement, Trend reports.

The statement was shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan on its official X page, citing the ministers speech at the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The minister emphasized that Azerbaijan adheres to the core norms, principles, and commitments outlined in OSCE documents, including the Helsinki Final Act, which serves as the foundation for peace, security, dialogue, and cooperation worldwide.

In his address, Bayramov highlighted violations of international law and the presence of ethnic and religious intolerance in Europe, including Islamophobia.

Bayramov also discussed the issue of abolishing the OSCE Minsk Group, stating that this step would ensure the organizations effectiveness.

The foreign minister also touched on the ongoing direct dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting its successful outcomes. He also pointed out that territorial claims against Azerbaijan still remain in Armenia's constitution.

In conclusion, Bayramov urged the international community to refrain from provocative actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Significant progress has been made in the work on the draft text of the bilateral agreement with Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said in his address at the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Trend reports.

"Since the last Ministerial Council meeting, Azerbaijan and Armenia have completed the delimitation and demarcation of part of their borders through direct bilateral dialogue. The recently adopted regulations on the joint activities of the relevant border commissions will ensure the implementation of the next stages of the delimitation process.

In addition, substantial progress has been achieved in drafting the bilateral agreement. These accomplishments demonstrate that direct bilateral negotiations are the best and only available path to advance the normalization process, a position consistently supported by Azerbaijan.

Despite the progress made, unresolved issues remain on the path to normalization. Its successful conclusion depends on Armenia fulfilling its commitment to respect Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty and eliminating territorial claims still enshrined in its constitution and other legal acts.

Relations based on peace and good neighborliness cannot be stable and irreversible if Armenias constitution continues to question Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the minister said.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijan expects political will and responsibility from Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said in his address at the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Trend reports.

At this crucial moment, when Azerbaijan and Armenia have a historic opportunity to turn the page on the conflict and establish good-neighborly relations, all efforts should be focused on completing the normalization process based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Azerbaijan's determination on this issue remains unchanged, and we expect Armenia to demonstrate political will and responsibility on their part.

The international community, including within the OSCE framework, shares responsibility for safeguarding the ongoing process, avoiding provocative actions, and escalating tensions.

Before concluding, I reiterate Azerbaijan's readiness to engage in constructive cooperation to address the challenges hindering functionality and efficiency within the OSCE framework," the minister said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Direct bilateral talks with Armenia clearly demonstrate that they are the best and only viable path to advance the normalization process, which Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said in his address at the 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Trend reports.

"Despite the progress made, unresolved issues still remain on the path to normalization. Its completion depends on Armenia fulfilling its commitment to respect Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty and eliminating territorial claims that are still enshrined in its constitution and other legislative acts," the minister added.
China's top legislator meets with Cambodian senate president

Xinhua) 08:22, December 05, 2024

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future has entered a new era of high quality, high level and high standard.

He said China stands ready to work with Cambodia to firmly support each other, deepen practical cooperation and expand people-to-people exchanges in accordance with the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties.

The NPC of China is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Cambodia's Senate and National Assembly to contribute to the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future, Zhao added.

Hun Sen said that Cambodia-China cooperation is of great significance to Cambodia's economic development and poverty alleviation. Cambodia will deepen all-round friendly cooperation with China and firmly push forward the building of a Cambodia-China community with a shared future, he added.

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The sides discussed strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia, important decisions taken within the framework of COP29, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period.

The meeting of the leaders of the two countries within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was noted with satisfaction. In this regard, the importance of high-level mutual visits and continuation of political consultations for the development of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Slovakia based on friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation was emphasized. It was noted that there are broad prospects for the development of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and energy and the need to use the existing opportunities.

Jeyhun Bayramov provided detailed information on the current situation and realities in the region, reconstruction work, as well as peacebuilding efforts in the post-conflict period. Along with the progress noted towards delimitation and a peace agreement, attention was drawn to the obstacles created by territorial claims existing in the Constitution and legislative acts of Armenia. Joint efforts of the two countries in the field of rehabilitation and reconstruction, as well as demining were considered.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. On December 5, as part of his participation in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia, as well as regional and international issues were discussed at the meeting.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan attaches importance to the development of bilateral and multilateral relations with Slovenia based on friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. It was emphasized that mutual visits and ongoing political dialogue are important for the further development of our relations.

Attention was drawn to the existence of important opportunities for the development of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, in particular green energy.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also informed about the situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, large-scale restoration and construction work carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, as well as the latest situation on the agenda of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

During the meeting, an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest also took place.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. On December 5, as part of participation in the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Foreign Minister of Georgia Maka Botchorishvili, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The meeting discussed various aspects of strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries, as well as regional security issues.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between our countries, based on friendship, norms and principles of international law, in particular, mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The possible contribution of using the mechanism of political consultations to the development of cooperation within the framework of regional and international platforms was noted.

The importance of developing the economic, legal, humanitarian and energy aspects of bilateral relations was emphasized, and the importance of joint strategic projects was brought to attention. The importance of the activities of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia was also noted.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed his colleague about the results of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which was held for the first time in our region and chaired by our country. It was emphasized that international efforts in the field of green energy development at the national level will continue, and the importance of further developing joint cooperation with Georgia in this direction was brought to attention.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. On December 5, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of the Swiss Confederation Alexander Fasel, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The meeting discussed the prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, issues of cooperation within the OSCE, as well as regional and international security issues.

The Swiss side was also informed about the situation in the region in the post-conflict period, the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was brought to the attention that despite the progress achieved towards concluding a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Armenia's continuing territorial claims against Azerbaijan hinder the peace process.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The VI Nationwide Forum of Azerbaijan's Children has been held in collaboration between the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children's Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The event, which has rolled out the red carpet for representatives from pertinent government bodies and international organizations, brings together 300 children from every nook and cranny of Azerbaijan, along with children from Turkiye joining the mix.

The opening ceremony of the forum took place in the form of a dialogue between the children and official representatives.

As organization rules are set, the children will then be grouped into seven topics listed below, where they will conduct discussions and present corresponding proposals:

Children's rights: Let's unite for developmentenvironmental law;

New standards in education: challenges and equal opportunities; environmental education and upbringing;

Children's safety on the internetGreen ICT;

Health preservation, healthy lifestyle, and environmental protectiona healthy world;

Effective organization and evaluation of leisure: On guard for nature;

The role and responsibility of family and society in shaping children as personalitiesa healthy climate;

Love for the homeland, being worthy of itprotecting nature.

At the end of the day, information will be presented about the results of the discussions, and a statement will be made by the forum participants addressing the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

To note, nationwide children's forums are important in terms of ensuring children's participation in decision-making on issues related to their rights, providing them with opportunities to propose initiatives and solutions to their problems, and directing public attention to the protection of children's rights.

The primary attribute and defining quality of these forums is that they are predominantly overseen by the youngsters themselves.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan Julien de Fraipont, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Health.

Welcoming the guests, Health Minister Teymur Musayev pointed out the availability of conditions for the exchange of modern methodological and scientific-practical information in the field of continuous professional training of medical specialists of our countries.

Teymur Musayev also emphasized the possibility of organizing training for medical workers to exchange experience and improve their skills.

According to the minister, there is a potential for cooperation in the field of the pharmaceutical industry.

In turn, Julien de Fraipont expressed interest in developing cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan.

At the meeting the sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest, the information says.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, December 5. Participants of the "Shusha  OIC Youth Capital 2024" international program have made a tour of Shusha and Khankendi cities after the program's closure ceremony, Trend reports.

The guests visited Karabakh University and the Khankendi city square.

Then the foreign guests got acquainted with the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque and the Shusha Fortress.

About 300 official representatives of member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and observers, youth, and volunteers took part in the three-day event in Shusha.

To note, in October 2023, the 11th session of the OIC Youth Forum Executive Board declared Shusha, the pearl of Karabakh, as the OIC Youth Capital for 2024.

Moreover, on April 17, 2024, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree On measures connected with the election of Shusha city as the youth capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for 2024.

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Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the government is open to the idea of an alternate financing model to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) as well as earmark areas to MSMEs in the 20 townships being built across the nation.

The minister urged the industry to share specific issues they are facing in accessing bank credit, Goyal and said, If we get that more specific feedback then we will be able to take it up with the bankers.

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ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation) is looking at factor services also but my own personal view is that being costlier, people will still prefer to go to the bank and take a loan but we are open to the idea of alternate financing models, he added.

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Stating that MSMEs are pivotal to supporting large industries in their ecosystem, the Minister noted that he would speak to States to look at providing areas to MSMEs for developing their businesses in townships and industrial parks.

He also added that MSMEs can be provided land at concessional rates to develop their businesses in the townships.

Further speaking on their financial issues, he said Give me specific details as to what kinds of problems MSMEs face. Is too much collateral being asked? Suppose an ECGC cover is available, do banks still ask for collateral, what kind of interest they charge when a 90% guarantee is taken by ECGC in the event of any failure of export credit?

On setting aside areas for MSMEs in industrial townships, he said: I am happy to commit to a particular area earmarked for MSMEs because without MSMEs no large industries will survive. If Toyota is investing Rs 20,000 crore in one of our industrial cities at Shendra-Bidkin at Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra), clearly they will need 100s of MSMEs in their support ecosystem.

On rising consumption patterns of the country, the Minister highlighted that India must become a developed nation on the back of sustainability. We cant encourage waste, he said.

Piyush Goyal was speaking at the Assocham: Bharat @100 Summit on the theme of Fuelling Bharats Global Rise.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a 12-year-old boy from a private school in Vasant Vihar, South West Delhi, on December 3.

Atishi has asked for a preliminary report to be submitted within 3 days in this regard.

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The Chief Minister has noted that this is an extremely serious incident that raises questions regarding the safety and security of students who study in schools across Delhi.

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In her direction to the officials concerned, she mentioned, In light of these concerns, it is hereby directed that a magisterial inquiry, under Section 196 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, be conducted in this matter.

Meanwhile, the parents of the deceased have alleged that the 12-year-old was assaulted at the school which resulted in his death.

The police have detained a boy who was allegedly seen in a scuffle with the deceased in CCTV footage.

An examination of the deceased confirmed that the body bore no visible injuries, a police official said.

The investigation is underway, with school students and teachers being questioned.
Amid the ongoing efforts to curb organised crime in the city, the crime branch unit of the Delhi Police apprehended two sharpshooters of the Neeraj Bawania gang and seized three country-made pistols from their possession.

Acting on a tip-off, the police nabbed Rakesh and Akhil while they were about to execute a well-planned crime in the Chanakya Palace area of Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, an official said.

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The cops have also dismantled an illegal arms racket with their arrest, he added.

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An official said during interrogation, they revealed that Akhil was involved in a recent robbery case in the Raj Park area, where he and his associates robbed a businessman of scooty at gunpoint.

The duo had procured illegal weapons to settle personal scores and eliminate Akhils rivals, with whom he has a longstanding enmity. The stolen scooty and recovered weapons were intended to be used in the execution of this murder plot, he said.

Akhil is a well-known associate of the Neeraj Bawania Gang and was involved in 12 cases, including murder, robbery, assault on public servants, and Arms Act violations. He was previously lodged in Tihar Jail and during this time, he became closely associated with Neeraj Bawania and his gang members, including Naveen.

Similarly, Rakesh has a criminal history of violent crimes, including murder, robbery, extortion, and illegal possession of firearms. He once ran a furniture shop in MangolPuri but turned to crime for personal revenge and financial gain.
Shuchi Talatis critically acclaimed film Girls Will Be Girls is all set to make its Indian debut on Prime Video on December 18.

The film, which has already garnered international recognition, first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has since graced prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Cannes 2024. It also marked its Indian premiere at the MAMI Film Festival, where it received widespread praise.

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An Indo-French co-production, Girls Will Be Girls is produced by Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne, and Shuchi Talati, with Ali Fazal serving as the executive producer.

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The film stars Kani Kusruti in a leading role, alongside debutants Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron. Written and directed by Shuchi Talati, the film is a poignant exploration of adolescence, rebellion, and the struggles of growing up.

Co-producer Richa Chadha shared her excitement about the films Indian release, emphasizing its universal appeal.

Girls Will Be Girls captures the raw and authentic experiences of young adulthood, delving into themes of independence, generational conflicts, and the emotional challenges of transitioning into adulthood. The films resonance with audiences globally has been overwhelming, and were happy that it will now be available to viewers in India. We hope people will connect with Miras story and see parts of themselves reflected in it.

Ali Fazal also expressed his pride in the films success. This film is incredibly special to Richa and me, as it marks our first project as producers. Its been a journey of learning, growth, and immense passion. The response from international audiences has been deeply motivating, and were excited that Girls Will Be Girls will be available exclusively on Prime Video, a platform that feels like home to us both, he said.

The film follows the story of 18-year-old Mira, who embarks on a path of self-discovery while navigating the emotional turbulence of adolescence. As she grapples with her own rebellious awakening, Mira also confronts the unresolved struggles of her mother, adding depth to the intergenerational themes of the film.

With its release on Prime Video, the film is ready to connect with audiences in India, offering a thought-provoking and relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by young women today.
The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GTAP) restrictions in Delhi-NCR to GRAP stage II in view of the downward trend and betterment in the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Permitting the authorities to relax stage IV restrictions, bringing it to GRAP stage II, a bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih asked the CAQM to consider adding certain measures from GRAP Stage III.

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Having permitted the relaxation of restriction under GRAP IV to GRAP II, the bench however, said that If the AQI crosses 350, GRAP III should be imposed and if it crosses 400, restrictions under GRAP IV must be brought back.

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The top court also allowed the dilution of restrictions under GRAP IV to GRAP II after the bench was informed by the Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that the average AQI levels have been below the 300 marks since November 30.

 It is true that at some stage the court will have to leave it to the Commission to decide about GRAP applicability. Considering the data placed before us, we do not think that it will be appropriate at this stage to allow the Commission to go below Stage 2, the court said in its order.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh, assisting the court in the air pollution matter, said the bench may permit moving out of GRAP IV. The hearing today witnessed the top court pulling up the Delhi Chief Secretary (CS) for failing to fully compensate the construction workers rendered without work due to the GRAP IV restrictions on construction activities.

Questioning the CS as to why full compensation amount have not been paid to the construction workers, the bench said, Why? When will you pay the balance amount? They are verified that is why they were paid 2000. You want workers to starve? The court recorded in its order that payment of Rs 2,000 has been made to 90,693 workers and rest will be paid immediately.

In the last hearing of the matter on December 2, the top court had taken a serious view of the failure of the five state governments including Delhi to compensate the construction workers for the loss of their livelihood due to halt to the construction activity in the wake of alarming level of air pollution.

The top court had directed the presence of the Chief secretaries of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan in the hearing today to answer for the lackadaisical approach in disbursement of funds collected under the Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act 1996 and the 1998 rules.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will arrive in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit and hold meetings with the Indian leadership to review bilateral relations.

The Bhutan King will be accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

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The high-level visit, which concludes on Friday, signifies the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect between the two neighbouring nations, said an official press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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During the two-day visit, the King will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another chapter in the ongoing high-level engagements between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials from the Indian government are set to call on His Majesty. These meetings aim to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation, the press statement said.

India and Bhutan share an extraordinary and exemplary relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.

The foundation of these ties dates back to 1949, when the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in February 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1968, further solidifying this enduring partnership.

One of the unique aspects of the bilateral relationship is the economic interdependence between the two nations. Nearly 50,000 Indian citizens work in Bhutan in sectors such as construction, education, and infrastructure projects, with some daily workers crossing the border to work in Bhutans border towns.

This integration demonstrates the depth of cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.

The scope of collaboration has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional areas like hydropower to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, and space technology.

Bhutan became the second country to adopt the BHIM App, facilitating financial linkages, and India has supported Bhutans Digital Drukyul initiative, which aims to build a robust optical fibre network across all 20 districts.

Space cooperation is another promising area of collaboration.

Following the 2019 visit of Indias Prime Minister to Bhutan, the jointly developed India-Bhutan SAT was launched in November 2022.

This initiative, along with other technological partnerships, underscores the progressive nature of the bilateral relationship.

In education, India continues to support Bhutan in addressing shortages of STEM teachers, enhancing the countrys human resource capabilities.

The Kings visit provides an opportunity to review and advance these initiatives, further cementing the long-standing friendship and exploring new frontiers of collaboration between India and Bhutan.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, December 5. Participants of the event in Shusha have enjoyed a good experience, Adan Mohamud Ahmad from Somalia, who attended the "Shusha  Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth Capital 2024" international program, told Trend.

Both the Azerbaijanis and other guests were friendly and hospitable. This event brought us a good experience, he noted.

The visitor from Somalia expressed a strong appreciation for Azerbaijani cuisine.

The food was incredible, and it was nice to try new flavors, he added.

To note, in October 2023, the 11th session of the OIC Youth Forum Executive Board declared Shusha, the pearl of Karabakh, as the OIC Youth Capital for 2024.

Moreover, on April 17, 2024, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree On measures connected with the election of Shusha city as the youth capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for 2024.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 12 crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir in the North Arabian Sea during a late-night operation on Wednesday. This high-stakes humanitarian mission exemplified seamless coordination between the ICG and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), with both nations Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining constant communication throughout the effort.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence stated that the mechanised sailing vessel (dhow) Al Piranpir, which had set sail from Porbandar, India, and was headed to Bandar Abbas, Iran, sank in the early hours of 4 December due to rough seas and flooding. Upon receiving a distress call, ICGs MRCC Mumbai alerted its Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar, which immediately deployed ICGS Sarthak to the area. Simultaneously, MRCC Pakistan was contacted to mobilise assistance in the region.

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ICGS Sarthak, engaged in forward area patrolling, raced to the site approximately 270 kilometres west of Dwarka, located within Pakistans Search and Rescue Region. After an extensive search, the 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a dinghy, were located and rescued. The search effort was bolstered by the Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant vessel MV Cosco Glory.

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The rescued crew members were given immediate medical attention aboard ICGS Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They are being transported back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat.
Hours before the Maharashtra governments swearing-in ceremony, a group of Shiv Sena leaders met party chief Eknath Shinde on Thursday to reportedly persuade him to accept the deputy chief ministers post.

The swearing-in ceremony of Devendra Fadnavis as the new Maharashtra chief minister, along with his two deputies, is scheduled for 5:30 PM at Mumbais Azad Maidan. However, Shinde is yet to confirm whether he will take the oath as deputy CM.

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Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat, along with other party leaders, expressed confidence that Shinde would heed their request and agree to take the oath.

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Speaking to reporters, Shirsat said, Eknath Shinde will listen to our request and take oath as Deputy CM, we believe that he is our leader, and we want him to take the oath as Deputy CM.

He also made it clear that if Shinde refuses, none of the Shiv Sena MLAs would take the oath. If Eknath Shinde does not take the oath as Deputy CM, none of us will take the oath of office because he is our leader, he added.

While Ajit Pawar of the NCP has confirmed his readiness to take the oath as Deputy CM, Shindes decision remains uncertain. According to sources, he is demanding the home department as compensation for stepping down from the chief ministers post.

Shinde is also expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah before the ceremony to finalise his decision.
The Centre and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed a USD 50 million loan aimed at enhancing water security in Meghalaya.

Under the arrangement, a water-harvesting system will be constructed to improve access to water and reduce community vulnerability against climate change impacts.

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The project will support the construction of 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts. These facilities will incorporate climate-resilient designs to capture and manage heavy rainfall and flash floods during monsoon season.

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As per the agreement, the project will develop 3,000 hectares of command area to provide reliable irrigation areas for farmers. It will establish 50 weather stations for climate data gathering and monitoring, and micro-irrigation systems in Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi regions.

It will also pilot-test renewable energy micro-hydropower in three WHSs.

The project will help develop a state-wide WHS master plan considering micro catchment areas and disaster risk management. This will guide the creation of water security plans at the village level to be managed by the village employment councils, watershed management committees and water users associations.

Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, who was also the signing authority from Government of India, said that the project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which seeks to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilisation of the states water resources through a participatory approach, reduce vulnerability, and promote integrated water resource management.

Mio Oka, Country Director of ADBs India Resident Mission, for ADB said, Beyond financing, ADBs value addition will involve assisting the state in implementing the MSWP and providing guidance on integrating climate adaptation measures into water security plans.

This includes designing water harvesting systems (WHS) to support agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, water supply, and other productive livelihoods for economic development, Mio Oka added.
Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Thursday criticised the state cabinets decision to end the Smart City project, describing it as a strange move made without any prior discussion.

Addressing a press conference here, Satheesan alleged that the LDF governments decision covert move to hand over 246 acres of prime land in Kochi to real estate giants close to the CPI-M leadership. He further said that the government has a responsibility to explain to the people of Kerala why the project failed.

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Calling the move mysterious, Satheesan questioned the basis for the governments decision to provide compensation to Tecom after eight years.

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There are ambiguities in this matter. The 246 acres of land involved are worth crores of rupees. Is this a covert move to hand over this land to private interests and allies? This appears to be a land deal, he alleged.

He said a venture that promised to provide employment to 9,000 youths is being scuttled. He questioned the governments decision to compensate the company that failed to execute the project.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of corruption behind the decision. Instead of paying compensation, the state government should take action against Tecom for failing to utilise the 246 acres of land allocated for the project, he said. He also demanded the cancellation of the cabinet decision.

Joseph C Mathew, former IT adviser in the VS Achuthanandan government, said as per the terms of the agreement, the government should have sought compensation from Tecom. He added that the contract signed by the Oommen Chandy government was rewritten during VS Achuthanandans tenure.

Meanwhile, state Industries Minister P Rajeeve refuted these allegations, assuring the public that the land would remain designated for development by IT companies, with a government committee overseeing the compensation assessment for Tecom.

The state government has decided to exclude the Dubai-based Tecom company from the Smart City Kochi project. The state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday approved a plan for the exit of Dubai-based Tecom Investments Group from the Smart City Kochi IT project.

The government approved the recommendations submitted by a committee led by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, which included a mutually agreed-upon exit proposal between the Kerala government and the promoters. Tecom Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings, has 84% share while the government holds 16%.

The government has decided to reclaim the 246 acres of land allotted to the Dubai-based Tecom Investments Group for the development of the Smart City Kochi IT project, once projected as a major initiative to put Kerala on the global IT map.

The project was touted as one that would bring global investment to Kerala. The first phase of the project, signed in 2011, became a reality in 2016. However, even after 13 years, the second phase didnt materialise and the project deepened in a crisis, unable to meet any of the stated goals. Thus, the decision was made to exclude the Dubai-based Tecom company.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Shiv Kumar, on Thursday conducted joint patrolling at the Indo-Pakistan border along the River Chenab in the Jammu district.

He was accompanied by Jammus senior superintendent of police Joginder Singh, SP Rural Brijesh, SDPO Domana Mudassir and BSF personnel.

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Security and Border Management Grid of various villages along the Chicken Neck Border in Gardkhal , Malabella and Sohan Kanachak was reviewed.They met the local people for better police-public coordination and timely information sharing with Police.

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Security at other water bodies was also reviewed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reiterated Indias strong commitment to the economic development in Bhutan, highlighting the doubling of New Delhis development support to the Himalayan nation for its 13th Five Year Plan period.

PM Modi this morning received King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck in New Delhi. He extended his greetings to the guests from Bhutan and fondly recalled the exceptionally warm hospitality accorded by the government and the people of Bhutan during his state visit in March.

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The PM and the Bhutan king expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, encompassing development cooperation, clean energy partnership, trade and investment, space and technology cooperation, and people-to-people ties. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening this exemplary partnership across all sectors.

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The leaders reviewed the progress in enhancing economic connectivity between the two countries, and exchanged ideas on the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a visionary project spearheaded by the Bhutan king to catalyse Bhutans development and strengthen linkages with adjoining border areas in India.

The Bhutan king expressed gratitude to the PM and the people of India for steadfast support of Bhutans aspirations for happiness, progress and prosperity.

The meeting underscored the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, reflecting the spirit of mutual trust, cooperation and profound understanding that underpins the bilateral relations between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Rajasthan is gearing up to earn an annual revenue income of Rs 1 lakh crore and generate 10 million jobs in the mines and minerals sector by 2046.

This optimistic assurance was given in the states new mineral policy unveiled by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and his two deputies, Diya Kumari and Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, along with policies of eight other industrial sectors here on Wednesday.

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The mineral policy will also promote an integrated cluster development scheme, focusing on cluster-based development for small industries, offering access to raw materials and training facilities.

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Aiming to attract the maximum possible investments and accelerate economic growth, the nine policies approved by the state cabinet at its meeting last weekend were unveiled ahead of the ambitious Rising Rajasthan Global Investors Summit, scheduled to be held here between December 9 and 11.

Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Sharma said, All policies are aimed at simplifying procedures and extending maximum benefits to the stakeholders. Deputy CM Diya Kumari and Bairwa expressed hope that the new policies, being launched ahead of the mega event for global investments, will position Rajasthan as a potential hub for industrial and economic activities.

The deputy CMs said the tourism policy also has the potential to generate significant employment in the eco-tourism and heritage tourism sectors.

Likewise, the new integrated clean energy policy promises to make the desert state a renewable energy leader by targeting the generation of solar, wind, and green hydrogen energy projects.
In a veiled attack at the ruling BJP, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that our (Muslim) mosques and shrines are being targeted across the country as part of a well-planned conspiracy.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 42nd foundation day function of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, he said; Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, irrespective of ones religion or even if one chooses not to follow any religion. This fundamental principle of secularism must be upheld. However, a systematic effort seems to be underway to target our mosques and religious institutions. This is unacceptable.

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We (Muslims) dont want appeasement. But dont target us. By attacking our mosques, shrines and the way we practice our religion, you are victimising us and this is not the India that J&K was a part of. This is not the India our founding fathers envisioned, he said.

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In an obvious reference to BJP, Omar said through the Parliament you should get the word Secular deleted from the Constitution if you dont want India to continue as a secular country.

He said restoring the autonomy of SKIMS was his governments top priority.

Responding to questions about yesterdays assassination attempt at Punjabs former deputy CM and Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Omar said that he spoke to Badal after the attack. It is a matter of concern if in daylight a former deputy CM can be attacked like this. This needs to be looked into. How did this happen and to ensure that it doesnt happen in the future.

Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and CM Omar Abdullah earlier in the morning, visited Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal, to pay tributes to the founder of NC and former J&K Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 119th birth anniversary.

Popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is remembered for his visionary leadership and his enduring contributions to Jammu and Kashmir. He was the father of NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the grandfather of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.They also offered Fateha (special prayers) at his grave to honour his legacy and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals he stood for.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar reflected on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs enduring impact on Jammu and Kashmir, stating, Sher-e-Kashmirs vision continues to inspire us to work tirelessly for the betterment of our people. Today, we remember his sacrifices and reaffirm our dedication to his ideals of justice, equality, and communal harmony.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah also expressed his deep respect for his fathers contributions, calling him a guiding light whose principles will always lead us forward.
The presidential pardon, a constitutional power designed to temper justice with mercy, has always carried a delicate weight. When wielded, it is meant to affirm fairness, correct injustices, or express clemency. However, when applied to a family member, it inevitably raises questions of integrity, ethics, and accountability. President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, from gun and tax convictions he faces along with any crime committed since 2014, underscores this tension, drawing sharp criticism and deep introspection about the role of presidential powers in a democracy.

This decision, coming after Mr Bidens explicit promises not to extend such relief, shakes public confidence in his earlier assertions about respecting judicial independence. The timing ~ mere weeks before sentencing and just before the transition to a new administration ~ adds layers of complexity. For a president who campaigned on restoring norms and rebuilding trust in government institutions, the move risks tarnishing his legacy. Critics argue that the pardon erodes the ethical foundations Mr Biden sought to champion. The sweeping nature of the pardon, which covers a decade of potential offenses, leaves an impression of shielding his son from broader scrutiny. Public scepticism is further fuelled by years of partisan debate over Mr Hunter Bidens business dealings and legal troubles.

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This pardon, regardless of its merits, gives fodder to political opponents and raises doubts about the administrations commitment to transparency and fairness. However, the decision is not without nuance. Mr Hunter Bidens legal cases have unfolded under a highly politicised lens, with his personal struggles and missteps often weaponised against his father. The president, in his statement, cited concerns about political motivations behind the investigations, suggesting that his son was unfairly targeted. This perspective resonates with some who see the pardon as a corrective measure against perceived partisan injustice. The move also highlights a broader issue: the use and perception of presidential pardons. History is replete with controversial examples of presidents granting clemency to allies or associates. While these acts are legally permissible, they often face public backlash for appearing self-serving.

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Mr Bidens case is particularly sensitive because it touches on a universal theme ~ the tension between personal loyalty and public duty. For many, this decision strikes at the heart of democracy. Is justice really blind, or does power tilt its scales? While President Bidens actions may stem from compassion for his son and a belief in the unfairness of the process, the optics do not reconcile with his promises of ethical governance. Ultimately, this episode underscores the need for reform in how pardons are issued, particularly when they intersect with personal connections. Transparency, clear guidelines, and perhaps even an independent review mechanism could help ensure that this powerful tool remains a symbol of justice rather than privilege. In the court of public opinion, this pardon will undoubtedly shape how both the Biden presidency and the broader concept of justice are remembered
Scientific evidence, long-term economic projections, and moral imperatives, for example, all provide compelling reasons for urgent effort toward climate mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage. Scores of international agreements, the Paris Agreement of 2015 chief among them, commit nations to take certain steps. Yet these actions are still to be implemented sufficiently as is evident from various Conference of Parties annual meetings, the latest one at Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November.

Although scores of articles have already been published addressing various vantage points of success and failure of COP29, the most recent summit meeting still sent a clear message: The shape of the future is set, and it will be green. Despite controversies and broader geopolitical tensions, the conference brought together leaders from around the world. In my perspective, there are five takeaways. First, transition is happening it is only a matter of speed: The transition of hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement was in the spotlight at COP29. For many of these high-emitting industries, the transition to net zero is now a matter of finance and will power.

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I believe that a transition to net zero this decade is very much possible. However, a key area for transition is the agriculture sector, which accounts for over one third of global emissions. Despite its complexity, agriculture remains a key sector for climate. Investors will have to come forward and support the industrys transition to net zero and ensure continued prosperity and security in the decades to come. Second, development Banks can connect capital with impact: By most estimates, global climate finance needs to increase from USD 1.3 trillion to around USD 4 to 7 trillion by 2030 in order to maintain a 1.50C pathway.

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As per the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) the developed Global North raised financial commitment from the previous commitment of $100 billion annually to $300 billion by 2035. Third, ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) present a huge opportunity for prosperity. Brazil and the UK set a positive tone with their week one NDC announcements, which represent the level of ambition that is needed to bring each country into a net-zero future. Fourth was a welcome focus on resilience: COP29 was dubbed the Finance COP, which perhaps glosses over the relevant events and discussions concerning finance at previous editions of COP. Baku, however, demonstrated a renewed surge in prioritising how to finance climate resilience in particular.

Fifth, the financial sector can facilitate the global transition: COP29 saw many discussions of creative solutions to finance the immense challenges our planet is facing. From the role of insurance as an enabler of finance for transition and resilience, to bringing in smaller development banks and national development banks as emerging key players in enabling transition, the financial sector can facilitate the global transition and build a resilient and prosperous future. This transition in not simply a requirement-it is a tremendous opportunity. Just two months earlier, world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly had adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.

This Pact was the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. On the other side of this semblance of positivity are intensifying wars and conflicts, not to mention trade wars and sanctions. Billions of dollars have been spent on supply of weapons, movement of troops and to a lesser extent providing relief for populations impacted, and devastation of the physical infrastructure. To a concerned global citizen, sometimes it appears that no one understands the gravity of the burning issues related to global warming, biodiversity loss, and a host of related crises.

The contradiction between aspiration and action is a common feature of the international arena, whether in the domain of peace and security, poverty alleviation, or the advancement of women, among others. The tendency towards scepticism and caution that prevents meaningful and enduring action is understandable when set against a painful history of countless breaches of trust. But the state of the world and humanitys growing interconnectedness demand movement from words to deeds. The role of leadership, then, goes beyond asserting what should be done, to creating an enabling environment where the necessary actions can be taken.

Leaders must overcome this paralysis of will, ultimately rooted in a narrow understanding of individual and collective purpose. To counteract the inertia of the status quo, individual leaders will need to employ new forms of statecraft founded on greater degrees of unity. When considering any proposed policy or action on the international stage, leaders, then, are called to ask: will this decision advance the good of humankind in its entirety? While such a path requires courage, it is a matter of pragmatic necessity that will, no doubt, yield countless benefits. The peoples of the world yearn for leaders who, and institutions that, will act to address their most pressing concerns. Those leaders will be met with even greater support if they are also able to exhibit integrity and trustworthiness, uphold commitments, act with impartiality, and direct political and economic affairs with wisdom and justice.

In reality, history has demonstrated that humanity will ultimately rally around and honour those who arise to prioritize its collective well-being. One thing is clear, the present-day order of separate blocks of nations, divided by political entities but endeavouring to trade together, cannot last long. The end result would be World War III after which if a section of humanity survives, it would have to begin anew. Therefore, let man, woman, youth and child, urgently act and understand that this is not the time-as seen in the COP29 and other summit meetings-for triumphalism of this nation or that nation, this community or that community, this religion or that religion. All must unitedly and nobly play their part for the positive march of civilization, and save the planet, this pale blue dot, our only home!

(The writer is a social worker, independent researcher and member of the Bahai community of India. Views expressed are personal.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is intensifying its commitment to green financing, with over 50 percent of its portfolio dedicated to projects that align with climate goals, said Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, Regional Head of the Caucasus for the EBRD, in an interview with Trend.

"We are positioning ourselves, and we already have a few achievements in stating that we are becoming, or we are, a green bank," Drakinos noted. "This is a commitment we made for Paris Agreement alignment a few years ago, and we have stepped up our efforts. Since 2022 and 2023, we have achieved our goal, and this year, we are doing even more".

The EBRD is collaborating with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) to amplify investment in climate-related projects. "We have a joint ambition to get it right in terms of how much investment will be necessary to achieve our collective goals," Drakinos explained. Together, MDBs are committing to invest 120 billion euros annually in climate projects until 2030.

However, this amount represents only a fraction of the estimated 2.4 trillion euros needed annually to combat climate change effectively. "120 billion euros is only a small percentage - just 5 percent - of the total investment that we are talking about," Drakinos emphasized. "The remaining 95 percent needs to come from the private sector and governments".

Drakinos highlighted the critical role of governments in mobilizing private sector investment by creating favorable regulatory conditions and market opportunities. "What governments need to do is help the private sector by establishing the regulatory conditions and creating market opportunities to mobilize private investment. This is where we as MDBs, and the EBRD in particular, have a role to play," he said.

The EBRD is focused on working with governments to establish a regulatory framework conducive to private investment. "We must join forces with governments and advise on how to create a regulatory regime that is conducive to private sector investment. Then, as a result, we can mobilize the private sector to participate because otherwise, we will be unable to do it," Drakinos added.

EBRD's renewable energy impact in Azerbaijan

Further, the regional director spoke about the significant financial support the bank is providing to Azerbaijans renewable energy sector through the development of two major solar parks in Bilasuvar and Neftchala.

"These two solar parks in Bilasuvar and Neftchala will be delivered and constructed by a joint venture between Masdar (75 percent) and SOCAR Green, showing Azerbaijan's commitment to supporting the green agenda and the country's green ambitions," he noted.

The projects, which represent an investment of 160 million euros, are being co-financed by the EBRD, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). "AIIB, ADB, and EBRD are joining forces to finance this project and make it a reality," Drakinos emphasized.

These solar parks are part of a broader renewable energy strategy supported by the EBRD in Azerbaijan. Following the Alat solar project in 2022 and the Absheron Khizi wind project in 2023, the EBRD has facilitated the development of 1.2 GW of renewable energy capacity in Azerbaijan over the last three years.

"We are fully aware that Azerbaijan is an oil-rich country and that the economy is still largely dominated by the fossil fuel sector," Drakinos said. "However, we see strong political will and growing awareness of the global challenge, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a country committed to renewable energy. Azerbaijan is set to be a strong player and partner in addressing the global challenge of climate change".

The EBRDs commitment to Azerbaijan extends beyond renewable energy. The bank is also advancing initiatives such as the Green Cities program, which integrates sustainable practices into urban development projects, including water management systems.

EBRD tracks progress of new green corridor

The EBRD is closely monitoring key regional developments in the Caucasus, particularly the recent agreement between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to establish a green corridor, the regional director pointed out.

"We are involved across the entire Caucasus and are closely monitoring new regional developments," Drakinos said. "Recently, the leadership of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an agreement for a green corridor. Its still early to discuss the specifics of the project since we need feasibility studies and other assessments. However, the political will for collaboration among these three countries, combined with the potential to channel the renewable energy of Central Asia and the Caucasus not only for domestic use but also for the European market, is very promising".

He added that if the project proves viable and bankable, EBRD is ready to support it. "All three countries are operational members of the bank, so we are well-positioned to assist. I am looking forward to further updates on this," Drakinos noted.

The EBRD is also paying close attention to the Black Sea cable project, which is part of the regions green energy corridor. "This is a major project that is starting to become more understandable as the feasibility study is almost ready," Drakinos said. "Once it is shared with us, we will be reviewing it. We know that this energy corridor project can lay the infrastructure to transfer renewable energy from the Caucasus to Europe".

EBRD supports key Middle Corridor projects in Azerbaijan and Georgia

Underscoring the banks active engagement in projects related to the Middle Corridor, a vital trade route connecting Central Asia, Europe, and beyond, Drakinos emphasized the EBRDs commitment to ensuring all financed projects align with the Paris Agreement.

"Whatever we finance in this sector will always include a green element," Drakinos noted. "We do not finance projects that are not compatible with the Paris Agreements conditionalities. Therefore, every project we support is aligned with the Agreement, and we incorporate relevant conditions to ensure compliance".

Drakinos highlighted several ongoing and potential projects under the Middle Corridor framework. In Azerbaijan, the EBRD has been actively financing the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) to acquire vessels and cargo ships, aiming to facilitate trade along the route. "This is helping meet the demand for transporting goods between Central Asia, Europe, and beyond, both ways," he explained.

In Georgia, the EBRD is working on projects to enhance the efficiency of the transport sector, including support for the railway system and the development of the Port Community System, a digitalization initiative to streamline port operations. "This project will link the ports of Georgia, making the transfer and trading of goods between countries smoother and faster. It is also part of the Middle Corridor concept," said Drakinos.

The EBRD has also expressed interest in supporting the expansion of the Port of Baku in Azerbaijan. "We conveyed our interest to the Azerbaijani authorities regarding the expansion of the capacity of the Port of Baku, which is part of the Middle Corridor. We expressed our willingness to look into this when they are ready," Drakinos stated.

EBRDs private sector investment model drives climate financing

Last year, we invested over 6.5 billion euros in climate, mobilizing around 25 billion euros from the private sector, Drakinos pointed out.

"We have been successful so far in mobilizing a lot of investment from the private sector," Drakinos stated. "For every euro we have invested, we have mobilized more than three".

Drakinos attributed this success to careful project selection and maintaining strong relationships with the countries where the EBRD operates. "Every project that we finance is in countries that are interested, as these countries are our shareholders. As a result, the risk surrounding our projects is low. The projects we finance are supported, which helps reassure private-sector financial investors. They can then focus on the merits of the project itself".

He emphasized the importance of working with high-quality project sponsors. "The people we are financing have proven track records in delivering projects. They are known for meeting timelines and staying within budgets. There are no cost overruns, unless there are unexpected surprises, but these are rare," Drakinos explained.

The EBRDs model of securing financing from both the bank and its partners, along with ensuring tariffs and other financial elements align with market conditions, has been a cornerstone of its success. "The bankability of the projects is also guaranteed because of the tariffs and other factors. We work in countries that can afford to purchase at the prices we have secured. Its a proven model, and we will continue to use it in the future," Alkis Vryenios Drakinos concluded.
Rajdeep Sardesais book is a convincing analysis of the national election in India this year, replete with relevant interviews and penetrating comment rising above the heat and dust and unrestrained, often vulgar, rhetoric of the contestants for parliamentary office and far more often than not, the spoils thereof. Sardesai reviews the process of elections themselves, and their overview and monitoring, apart from the outcome which is known to every reader. Therefore, the views and conclusions of the author are more valuable than the narrative itself of the election as it unfolded, and in this respect Sardesai leaves nothing unsaid.

He notes that the result gave the lie to those, even in his journalistic profession, who thought the result would be a foregone victory by a wide margin for the BJP under Narendra Modi. He writes, Those of us who called the 2024 election even before the campaign kicked off were guilty of forgetting a cardinal principle of life and politics; the future is unpredictable. The biggest shift in voter preference was due to Dalit voters who consolidated with Muslims and which led to a significant drop of five percent in BJP support. The Dalit-Muslim alliance had a major effect on the election outcome.

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As to the election supervision by the Election Commission, Sardesai bewails that Never before, not even in the days when the ECI was a relatively unknown entity, has the election umpire been so feeble, opaque and biased in its functioning. As for the media, he laments that Large sections of the media have abandoned even the pretence of objectivity in their craven, sycophantic fawning before the Modi-led regime.

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Sardesai reflects in some detail on the role of government-dominated agencies, of whom the most notorious is the Enforcement Directorate led by the ruling partys yes-men who use the unrestrained power given to them under law to levy such pressure that the victims defect to the ruling BJP to avoid harassment, and he cites numerous cases in point. A Supreme Court lawyer is quoted as saying The essence of tyranny is the ability to use a harsh law selectively against your enemies. In such a milieu, asks the author rhetorically, what chance did the opposition have?

Looking into the future with due caution, Sardesai nevertheless offers some candid opinions. The swagger of a polarising strongman will be increasingly tested by his opponents, but the fierce determination to cling to power has not been shaken by verdict 2024. Therefore the brutish and thuggishly transactional politics practiced by Team Modi/Shah will continue, especially since there is no visible challenger to Modi yet. In a striking and memorable passage, Sardesai finds numerous aspects of Indian democracy extremely troubling. He summarises them thus; The rampant use of money power, the merciless trampling upon of institutions, the weaponization of enforcement agencies, the hollowing out of ideology, caste and religion as divisive markers of identity, the pettiness, corruption and at times, sheer venality of those meant to serve the citizen, the increasingly autocratic behaviour of leaders, the persecution of dissenting voices in society and the pathetic failure of large sections of the media to speak truth to power. On the other hand, Sardesai remains agathist though there is no room for complacency. Indias core diversity can still resist heavy-handed attempts to undermine our uniquely plural ethos If constitutional responsibilities are abandoned, then the Indian public will have to, once again, show their resolve in holding their leaders to greater accountability and forcing them to shed their arrogance.

This book is a fine exegesis of the Indian political scene today and a necessary read for those interested in this topic.

The reviewer is a former foreign secretary

Spotlight

2024

By Rajdeep Sardesai

HarperCollins India, 2024

529 pages, Rs 799/-
Modernist Transitions: Cultural Encounters between British and Bangla Modernist Fiction from 1910s and 1950s, edited by Subhadeep Ray and Goutam Karmakar, published by Bloomsbury Academic India, is a collection of twelve scholarly essays. A foreword by Pramod K Nayar and a detailed introduction by the editors precede the three parts of the book volume, each containing four essays/chapters.

Modernism, an innovative and pragmatic approach to art and aesthetics in the wake of the twentieth century, began a transnational interaction while permeating the colonial boundaries. Indian modernism, primarily shaped in and around the British Empires second and Eastern capital, Calcutta, contrasted and complemented the European and particularly British modernist frameworks. Since Indian and British modernism of the first half of the twentieth century shared colonial/postcolonial history, this book is essential to serious engagements in modernist literature vis-a-vis comparative literature. Modernist Transitions can be called a postcolonial deconstruction of the Western models of modernism, which succinctly spurs the controversy that is inherently present in any and every Eurocentric critical ideology.

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Modernist Transitions critically highlights modernisms to and fro transitions between Britain and Bengal through an analogous reading of British-Bangla modernist fiction. It does essential work, i.e., it focuses on intersecting issues like imperialism, consumerism, social history, medicine and psychology, war and violencea plethora of colonial influences that Western modernist ideologues are oblivious to. The well-crafted volume divides into three parts, each introducing the contributing aspects of modernity. Each part begins with a brief editors introduction, ensuring a theoretical and thematic continuity throughout. Each essay pokes at a self-contradictory aspect of homogenised modernism and provokes controversies.

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The first part, Setting the Paradigms: Nations and Narrations, evaluates the relationship between nations and different forms of modernist narrations. Especially in the first segment, where the essayists take radical standpoints and challenge the reification of Western modernist models. French-Canadian scholar Amar Acheraious essay probes into British canons literary-biographical engagements, aesthetics and politics, culminating in ethical dilemmas. Acheraiou reads the British modernists as the products of their times and cultureimperialism, industrialisation, anti-colonial struggles, fascism and the two World Wars being at the backdrop. In the following essay, Ritwick Bhattacharjee points out the ambivalences of Indian modernity through a close reading of Nehrus Discovery of India, which, as the editors explore, bears a strong connection with the modernist movement in Bangla. In the third essay, Angshuman Kar dwells on the politics of canon formation, which often leads to unethical standardisation. He insists on the distinct development of Bangla modernism despite the impact of hegemonic ideologies, examining how school/college curricula, advertisements, and propaganda influence the canons and vice versa. In the final essay of the first part, Santanu Banerjee follows the Western critical trajectories on hero worship in reframing a glorified Indian nationalist identity through DL Roys memoirs on Indian-global heroes like Tagore, Gandhi, Netaji, Rolland and Russell.

The essayists of the first section address mutual influences on cultural traditions, personal lives, education, democracy, individual ethics and institutional morality, among several interim issues. Subsequently, it illustrates the complex nature of home-spun Indian modernity by reappropriating the subjectivities and ethical dilemmas of the British modernist writers, the reactionary inception of postcolonial India, the subversion of the trends in the canonisation of the Bangla modernist fiction and hero-worshipping at the backdrop of the two World Wars.

The second part of the bookEverything is the Proper Stuff of Fiction: Intersections of Modernism and Realism in Narratives of Corporeality, Subjectively, Alienation andWarlinks the readers directly to Virginia Woolfs concept of close reading. Projecting elements of reality and subjectivity in British and Bangla modernist texts, the section unveils the conventional binary between modernism and realism as two distinct objects. On the contrary, as the chapters of this part unravel, the experimental aesthetics of modernism derive much of their elements from realism, and in the case of the vernacular writers of the colony, socio-political engagements with reality are a part of their declaration of a new artistic self. For example, essayist Supriti Debnath compares modernist-romantic writer DH Lawrences medical narratives on health, illness, and death with those of Bengali doctor-author Bonophul. Jemima Nasrins essay on Manada Devis fictional autobiography An Educated Woman in Prostitution (1929) and Katherine Mansfields short autobiographical fiction The Singing Lesson (1922) explores the intricate maze of feminism and modernism. Bipranarayan Bhattacharyya uses a modernist alienist framework when reading James Joyces Ulysses and Satinath Bhaduris Dhorai Charit Manas. At the same time, Partha Sarathi Nandi examines Banglas late-modernist war literature, the labyrinthine relations of culturally and historically rooted modernity, and the incumbent violence. This part of the book interrogates the impetus of social realism, from health humanities to feminist readings to Marxist-psychoanalytical readings of war literature.

The third part, Interplay Between Traditions and Genres of Modernist and Late-Modernist Fiction, deals with multiple aspects, i.e., childrens literature, domestic writings, working-class narratives, and detective fiction. This book section deciphers the highly composite spatio-temporal journey from modernity towards postmodernitychildrens, domestic, working-class, and detective fiction. Stella Chitralekha Biswas contrasts and compares British and Bangla childrens literature as a distinct modernist genre in their historical contexts and, hence, takes a postcolonial departure from the Western models. The next essay by Nilanjana Chatterjee, Nibedita Mukherjee, and Anindita Chatterjee focuses on the works of Virginia Woolf and Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, which helps the readers to understand the culturally nuanced domestic space of the nineteenth century and shows that womens writings remain critical in restoring authentic female voices. In the following essay, Aratrika Ganguly attempts a Marxist reading of the coalmine fiction of D.H. Lawrence and Sailajananda Mukhopadhyay, unveiling the dehumanised face of capitalist exploitations, death, insanity and complicated/tragic romantic relationshipsa dimension where Lawrencian passion meets Mukhopadhyaian realism. Essayist Animesh Bag focuses on the genealogy of modernist Bangla vis-a-vis English detective tales, from Edgar Allan Poe to Arthur Conan Doyle, and Priyonath Daroga to Byomkesh Bakshi. Since detective fiction manifests a modernist nostalgia for an orderly and idealised past through its narratives, the crime stories, murders, and mysteries in twentieth-century Calcutta provide a panoramic view of the psychoanalytic/social transitions and the fragmented selves within their conflicts and ambivalences.

Apart from the fact that Modernist Transitions highlights an absence of records on mutual influences in British and Bangla novelists, it contributes significantly to a cross-textual and intertextual reading of British and Bangla literature. Moreover, it foregrounds the distinctive traits of Bangla modernism and the intersections of the colonies and the colonisers literature. As a counterfeit to Western modernist models, noncanonical Indian writers are placed next to canonical Western writers like James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.

Modernist Transitions questions any homogenised concept of modernity that can be studied monolithically. Dedicated To Democracy and Cosmopolitanism, the volume foregrounds the significance of understanding the contemporary power struggles across the globe. Furthermore, it advocates for rationality, cultural inclusiveness, and empathy for the colonial other in todays tumultuous world. Overall, this volume is fundamental to studying the intersecting subjectivities of British modernism and the cultural interactions between Britain and Bengal that led to simultaneous modernities.

The reviewer is assistant professor of English, Bidhan Chandra College, Asansol

Spotlight

Modernist Transitions: Cultural Encounters between British and Bangla Modernist Fiction from 1910s to 1950s

Edited by Subhadeep Ray and Goutam Karmakar

Bloomsbury, 2023

260 pages, Rs 1,599/-
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh discussed in a phone call on Wednesday the latest developments in Syria and their impact on the security and stability of Syria and the wider region.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypts unwavering and supportive stand for the unity, safety, and sovereignty of Syria, reiterating the importance of protecting civilians, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Xinhua news agency reported.

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The two top diplomats also discussed the Arab backing for Syria within the framework of the Arab League amid the ongoing developments.

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A surprise offensive launched by a coalition of rebel terror groups last week in Syrias Aleppo province has extended further across the country reeling from the effects of a 13-year civil war.

After seizing most of Aleppo over the weekend, rebel forces are now pushing southward, clashing with government troops for control of territories in Syria.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday that Japan was carefully watching the situation in South Korea with particular and grave concerns.

We have been monitoring (developments) since the overnight declaration of martial law with particular and grave concerns, Ishiba told reporters, adding that he is not in a position to comment on South Koreas domestic affairs, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Kyodo News.

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We dont know the exact details of what happened, but declaring martial law is a serious matter, Kyodo News cited a source from Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying.

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The situation in South Korea might be chaotic, and Japan will monitor how the situation unfolds, the source added.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared an emergency martial law on Tuesday night and lifted it early on Wednesday following the National Assemblys vote against it.

In accordance with the Constitution, the President should lift martial law when the 300-member parliament demands the lifting with a majority of lawmakers voting in favour.
Calling India a very important partner, Kuwaits Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Wednesday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the West Asian nation believes that the Indian leader is one of the wisest persons in the world.

I would like to thank you for the invitation and also for the opportunity of meeting Prime Minister Modi, who we believe is one of the wisest persons worldwide. I am sure that the Prime Minister puts India on a better level, and I am sure that he will continue that India is a very important partner and we count on our relationship, the visiting Foreign Minister said in his opening remarks at the delegation-level meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

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Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya arrived in India late Tuesday night for an official visit that aims at further strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

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In the afternoon, he made a courtesy call on PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence before holding a meeting with EAM Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House.

Glad to receive Foreign Minister of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of the Indian nationals. India is committed to advance our deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region, PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

India and Kuwait share a historically strong bilateral relationship that has stood the test of time. Rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange, the partnership predates Kuwaits independence in 1961, during which the Indian Rupee served as its legal tender.

I think the Joint Committee will solve many issues between Kuwait and India. I think we can draw a roadmap between Kuwait and India and proceed as fast as we can, said Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

Kuwaits economy, before the discovery of oil, thrived on maritime activities, including shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trading goods like Arabian horses, dates, and pearls with India in exchange for wood, spices, and textiles.

This legacy of cooperation was commemorated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021-22.

The Indian community, estimated to be one million strong, forms the largest expatriate group in Kuwait. Known for their diverse contributions, Indians hold roles across various fields, from engineering, medicine, and IT to business and trade.

The robust Indian business community in Kuwait, comprising retailers, distributors, and professionals, has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties.

Prominent Indian brands like Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point have become integral to the Kuwaiti market.

Cultural and social engagement also thrives through more than 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. These groups actively organise programs to promote cultural exchange and community welfare, further solidifying the people-to-people connection between the nations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis India-First policy and the Make in India initiative , emphasising how these policies have contributed to Indias development.

Speaking at the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum, he acknowledged Indias efforts to foster a stable environment for growth. His remarks came days after the Kremlin announced that President Putin will visit India next year for the annual India-Russia Summit with PM Modi.

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The Make in India initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing and attracting foreign investment, has played a key role in strengthening Indias position in the global economy, the Russian leader stressed.

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He lauded the Indian government and its efforts in creating stable conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly highlighting the economic initiatives spearheaded by PM Modi, with a special focus on the Make in India program.

President Putin drew parallels between Russias import substitution program and Indias Make in India initiative, expressing Moscows willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India. Investments in India are profitable, he added. He also emphasised that Indias leadership has focused on prioritising its national interests.

Prime Minister Modi has a similar program called Make in India. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Ministers leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable, stated the Russian President.

He also said that Russian company Rosneft invested USD 20 billion in the country recently.

President Putin also highlighted the significance of Russias import substitution program in the context of BRICSs evolution, focusing on the growth of SMEs and the necessity for a rapid dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate smooth business transactions for SMEs in BRICS countries.

He pointed out the rise of new Russian brands that are replacing Western brands that have exited the market, noting the success of local Russian manufacturers in sectors such as consumer goods, IT, high-tech, and agriculture.

President Putin also urged for greater cooperation among BRICS nations to support the growth of SMEs and encouraged member countries to identify key areas for collaboration at the upcoming summit in Brazil next year. Referring to the investment platform Russia is developing with BRICS, he said it has the potential to benefit all partner countries and is expected to become an important instrument for supporting the economies of BRICS nations and providing financial resources to the countries of the Global South and East.

I urge my BRICS colleagues to evaluate the current situation in key areas of cooperation, and we will certainly bring this to the attention of our Brazilian counterparts, who will be leading BRICS next year, he added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 5. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has reviewed the Eurasian Economic Commission's (EEC) activities and Eurasian Economic Union's (EAEU) plans ahead of key summit, Trend reports

On that account, President Tokayev, met with the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Bakytzhan Sagintayev.

In the meeting, the President received a briefing on the EEC's priority areas of activity. The present condition and future possibilities for the advancement of the Eurasian Economic Union were also examined. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was apprised on the preparations for the forthcoming meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, scheduled for December 26 in St. Petersburg.

The EEC is the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union, responsible for implementing decisions, upholding EEU treaties, and managing the day-to-day business of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an international organization for regional economic integration with international legal personality, established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union. The union includes five countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

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Job Title: HR and Administration Officer

Organisation: Internews Network

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About Organisation:

Internews Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA, and Washington, DC, whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard.

Job Summary: Internews Networks is seeking an HR and Administration Officer for an anticipated USAID-funded media project in Uganda. The HR and Administration Officer will support and advise the country program on the various HR processes and systems. Key responsibilities include providing support and guidance in establishing or improving processes for recruitment and selection, employee orientation and onboarding, performance management, benefits administration, and personnel recordkeeping. Additionally, this position will support a range of administrative functions, including procurement and event planning.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Human Resources

Assist in the development and review of Human Resource (HR) policies and procedures that comply with Internews standards and local labor laws.

Organize recruitment activities, including placing advertisements and arranging interviews.

Prepare and deliver orientation programs for newly hired staff.

Ensure all staff understand, sign, and adhere to Internews ethics policies.

Maintain electronic and hardcopy HR personnel file for all staff.

Maintain an accurate and up-to-date tracking system for employee leave balances.

Maintain appropriate records while ensuring the confidentiality of personnel data activities.

Provide technical support to Country Director/COP in matters related to staffing, terminations, employee relations, grievance, and disciplinary actions.

Ensure timely completion and submission of monthly timesheets by staff.

Assists managers in setting goals and performance objectives to enhance staff motivation and provide performance feedback.

Alert the Finance and Administration Manager (FAM) at least three months before staff contracts end.

Communicate vacation accruals to the Country Director/Chief of Party (COP) and FAM.

Administration, Procurement and Logistic

Maintain an updated list of all vendors, lease agreements, and service contracts.

Ensure compliance with procurement policies and support the procurement of office supplies.

Assist in training and event planning, including the scheduling of travel and securing venues.

Review vehicle log sheets and reconcile fuel allocations against reported mileage.

Ensure organizational assets are adequately insured with reputable insurance providers.

Review office security arrangements and advise the FAM and Country Director/COP on necessary changes.

Maintain the organizational asset register and conduct regular spot checks and counts.

Maintain accurate records of all office consumables purchased and ensure proper documentation

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Values and Flexibility

In all duties, uphold Internews Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.







Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Required

A university degree or equivalent lived/professional experience.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in human resource and administration management or related relevant experience.

Familiarity with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

Experience working with donor-funded organizations such as USAID, EU, DFID, or CIDA.

Knowledge of labor legislation.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, internet applications, Adobe Reader, and email protocols.

Strong English language skills, both written and oral.

Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills

Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines

Meticulous attention to detail

Proven ability to lead and coordinate a team with strong communication and diplomatic skills.

Sensitivity to cross-cultural workplace dynamics

Must be self-reliant, resourceful, good problem-solver, good-humored, and flexible.

This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Networks offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our Benefits page.

How to Apply:

All candidates should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

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 2024-12-05T16:00 Valid Through 2024-12-21T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Internews Network Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda

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Kerala, for long, has been among the top tourist destinations in India. The state government has, in recent years, rolled out various initiatives as it also looks to become an attractive destination for businesses and investors, especially in the technology space.

Speaking with THE WEEK, Kerala's law and industries minister P. Rajeeve stated that the southern state has received Rs 46,000 crore worth of investment in the last three years. Of this investment, Rs 23,000 crore has come in from micro, small and medium enterprises alone as a part of the state government's efforts to channel local savings into investments and, in turn, boost employment and entrepreneurship.

"We had decided to observe 2022-23 as a year of enterprises. Within 2.5 years, we could establish more than 3.18 lakh small enterprises in the state. At times, gold ornaments transformed into industrial capital. Sometimes, deposits in banks transformed into industrial capital... More than 7 lakh new employment opportunities have been created in new small enterprises," said Rajeeve.

Kerala, for long, has been associated with militant trade unionism. However, the LDF government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has, over the last few years, taken several proactive steps and reforms in order to attract new investments.

"Anybody can start an industry in the state of Kerala if the investment is up to Rs 50 crore, that is an MSME category, within a minute. The principal approval can be obtained online. And for big companies, there is a composite license that includes all licenses from different departments. The composite license should be given within 7 days after submitting the application along with all relevant documents," Rajeeve pointed out.

He further added that there is also a statutory grievance address mechanism. Grievances related to establishing or running any industry can be submitted online, and officials can even be penalised if the complaints are not addressed within a stipulated time. Land allotment policies have been simplified too.

Such measures are bearing fruit. Kerala emerged as the number one state in terms of ease of doing business reforms according to the rankings of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries released earlier this year. Just three years back, it was in the 28th position.

Kerala has identified 22 priority sectors under its industrial policy, which includes aerospace and defence, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence and robotics, ayurveda, food technology, life sciences, medical devices, logistics, renewable energy, rubber products, and tourism, among other things.

Kerala, a land of highly skilled workforce

Rajeeve notes that Kerala's biggest advantage is its highly skilled workforce. However, the state is also constrained due to the limited availability of land resources. It also faces climate-related challenges. Rajeeve stresses that the government will always bat for responsible investment. Emerging technology will be a big focus area.

"Vertical constructions for big global capability centres (GCC), and global technological centres (GTC)...These are the best options for Kerala. AI, machine learning, big data analysis, robotics, blockchain technology and graphenethese are the emerging areas. Cutting-edge technology is suitable for the state. Many big players have started their operations," he said.

Tech giant IBM, for instance, recently opened its biggest Gen-AI innovation centre in the country at Kochi. US-based NOV has opened its digital technology entre in Kochi too. In October, Irish semiconductor company Trasna opened its centre in Thiruvananthapuram's Technopark. Earlier in 2023, French defence major Safran Group had opened a unit in Kerala.

"Within 10-15 years, Kerala can be the destination of high-tech and knowledge industries," said Rajeeve.

The state is also expecting big investments in the green hydrogen space, and discussions in this regard have been ongoing with big companies, he noted. Earlier this year, Kerala received proposals worth some Rs 72,000 crore for setting up green hydrogen and green ammonia facilities in the state.

For decades, many people in Kerala have migrated to other parts of the country or abroad, particularly to the Gulf countries, for jobs. Rajeeve says the priority is to ensure employment opportunities for today's youth in the state.
China has imposed sanctions on 13 US defence firms, including drone and artificial intelligence companies, and six executives, over the sale of arms to Taiwan.

The US is the main overseas supplier of arms for Taiwan's defence. China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, opposes any official interaction between the island's government and the US.

The latest arms sales deal, announced by the US in November, is worth $385 million. As per the deal, the US is likely to deliver the military equipment, including spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems, in 2025.

READ MORE: Understanding 'Project 33', the US Navy's ambitious plan to outpace China by 2027

The sanctions imposed on these companies and executives include a ban on entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao. The executives on whom the ban was imposed include the president and vice president of Naval Power strategic business unit of prominent American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate Raytheon Technologies, Barbara Borgonovi and Gerard Huebe.

The announcement of the ban comes on a day when Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visited Guam, a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the sanctions were due to repeated announcement of arms sales to Taiwan.

We urge the United States to clearly recognise the serious danger that separatist acts of Taiwan independence pose to peace and security across the Taiwan Strait... and to stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces," he was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 5. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic have joined forces to ink an agreement aimed at lending a helping hand for the construction of the Bishkek-Kuntuu-Belogorka-Suusamyr highway project, Trend reports

According to the information, within the framework of the technical assistance project, a pre-feasibility study will be developed for the construction of an alternative highway that will connect Bishkek with the southern and western regions of the country. Funding of up to $200,000 will be provided from the bank's Technical Assistance Fund (TAF).

"Implementing its Development Strategy and the Bank's country strategy in the Kyrgyz Republic, the EDB finances the development of a pre-feasibility study for the project "Construction of the Bishkek-Kuntuu-Belogorka-Suusamyr highway" at the expense of the FCS. The project is a part of the key investment megaproject "Eurasian transport framework," which aims to strengthen the transport connectivity of the Kyrgyz Republic's economic centers and increase the transit potential of road transportation through Kyrgyzstan between neighboring countries. To develop the Eurasian transport framework, the Bank uses all the tools of a modern development institution. This agreement is a vivid example of initiating and nurturing projects throughout the entire life cyclefrom the stage of idea inception and development of project initiatives to project implementation, emphasized Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Board.

The new highway route is of immense strategic, economic, and social importance for Kyrgyzstan. In addition to its impact on the development of transportation infrastructure, it will affect the accessibility of mineral deposits and create new jobs both during the construction and operation of the highway.

The existing Bishkek-Osh highway is the main road artery of the republic. The intensity of vehicular traffic on it averages 5,00018,000 vehicles per day, and it can no longer cope with the growing flow. The PPP project aims to alleviate traffic congestion between Bishkek and Osh, the country's two largest cities. Furthermore, the project holds strategic significance for the economic and social development of the Kyrgyz Republic, as it will shorten the current route by 164 kilometers and provide an alternative route to the southern regions, thereby enhancing the accessibility of transportation in developed areas. So, the construction of the road will contribute to the development of international and domestic tourism and trade; bus service can be launched along the new route, and new jobs will appear both during the construction of the road and during its operation, commented the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic Bekzhan Rysmendeyev.

The project is an important element of the EDB's large-scale initiative Eurasian Transport Framework, aimed at developing a network of international transport corridors in the Eurasian space along the East-West and North-South axes.

The Eurasian Development Bank is an international development finance agency that invests in the economic development, commercial relations, and integration of Eurasian countries. The EDB was established in 2006 and is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

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The Indian Navy's state-of-the-art warships and aircraft, including MiG 29K and MH 60R, participated in the 'Operational Demonstration' conducted as part of the Navy Day celebrations at Blue Flag Beach in Puri of Odisha on Wednesday.

The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate Operation Trident, the audacious naval offensive conducted by the forces during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, specifically targeting the port city of Karachi.

The Navy displayed its operational prowess and capabilities, covering many aspects of naval operations by ships, submarines, aircraft, marine commandos, and Indian Army personnel at the operational demonstration.

ALSO READ: On Indian Navy Day, PM Modi hails courage, dedication of the force

The valour and courage of its personnel and their resolve to safeguard national maritime interests Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow was showcased at the event, which also highlighted the Navy's rich maritime history.

Other major attractions at the event included performances by the naval band, continuity drill, and hornpipe dance by SCC Cadets. The event culminated with the illumination of ships at anchorage followed by a laser and drone show at the beach.

Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces President Droupadi Murmu was the chief guest of the event, hosted by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and attended by senior Central and state government officials, military dignitaries, and the local populace.
On December 3, comedian Sunil Pal was reported missing by his wife Sarita, when he did not return home hours after he was supposed to. Unable to contact him, Sarita filed a missing persons report to the Santacruz police station in Mumbai, and several hours later, the comedian returned home, alive and well.

Now, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Pal has revealed that he was infact kidnapped and held for ransom, while he was heading for an event in Haridwar. It was a full-fledged kidnapping, and it started when I got an invite for an event on December 2 in Haridwar.

Sunil said he fell into the trap when he got an invite to perform a comedy show at a birthday party. They paid 50 per cent in advance. They sent a car for pick up at the airport. I was shifted to another vehicle after one hour. That was the point when my nightmare started. I was told that they had kidnapped me, blindfolded me and taken me to a place. They said they had weapons, stressing that my life was in danger. There were 7-8 people, some drunk, shouting at me, the Phir Hera Pheri actor recalled.

They asked for the comedian for a ransom of Rs 20 lakh in exchange for his freedom. I told them that I didnt have that amount of money, following which they agreed to Rs 10 lakh. I called up many friends in Mumbai to collect the money and gave them Rs 7.5-8 lakh for my freedom.

The comedian revealed that, on receiving the ransom, they left him on the Delhi-Meerut road, after which he found his way back home.

ALSO READ | Comedian Sunil Pal reported 'missing' contacts family hours later

Pal reiterated the entire incident to the Mumbai police but is unsure whether to file a case, as he fears for his family's safety. Police have asked me to file a case. But I am under so much trauma. I dont know whether I will file the case or not. They didnt even give threats to me, but said they would cause harm to my family if I took any action against them.

"I need time to think about it. I am still recovering from what happened to me. I am scared and battered. It was the worst 24 hours of my life. I need time and space to come out of it, Pal added.
Despatch, a crime thriller helmed by actor Manoj Bajpayee will soon stream on ZEE5. The trailer which dropped two days back offers nothing short of a gripping, edge-of-the-seat drama that will give us much to talk about for days after.

Directed by Kanu Behl, Despatch is about a no-nonsense, crime journalist's perilous journey to uncover the sinister 2G spectrum scam, despite the risk to his life and family. Navigating through a maze of corruption and power battles, the film is about how the protagonist goes all out to expose the maximum city's dark underbelly which is fed on the thick but dangerous nexus between filmstars, politicians and those in positions of authority. In the role of a true blue journalist, Bajpayee is flawless.

His previous works stand testament to his immense prowess as an actor who can keep you hooked to the screen, effortlessly. In a previous interview with THE WEEK, ahead of the release of his immensely popular Zee5 offering, Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, based on the role played by an advocate in bagging conviction of Asaram Bapu in a rape case, Bajpayee for the first time, acknowledged that he had found contentment with the way his acting career's shaping up.

"With age comes a certain fearlessness to essay any role, he says. I am feeling so blessed. I am a better actor now," he had said. Almost two and a half decades ago, Bajpayee had decided that he "wouldn't ever settle as an actor. The year was 1998; Satya was released to rave reviews and unprecedented box-office success, and Bajpayee had become an overnight sensation.

At the time, the Khans were ruling the industry and Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar were making their mark. There was definitely no place for an outsider, not for an average Joe, anyway. And Bajpayee was a National School of Drama reject, a theatre veteran from Bihar with dreams of making it as an actor. Nobody had imagined that Bhiku Mhatre, Bajpayee's character from Satya, would become so popular and even win a national award. However, it brought him a flood of negative characters. But he was against being typecast as a "villain". The son of a farmer, who was staying in a rented flat in Mumbai, was bold enough to reject multiple offers, and the big money that came with it.

Then on, Bajpayee had made a mental note of the kind of roles he would say yes to: Those which bring out both the positive and the negative sides of human character." The goal was to highlight the multilayered greyscale that is present in each one of us, from the gentlest civilian to the hardened criminal. Bajpayee followed the brief decade after decade, immortalising each character with his nuanced and expressive portrayal.

From Raghavan in Aks (2001), who had a twisted philosophical reasoning of life even when he was the embodiment of evil, to the heinous politician Veerendra Pratap in Raajneeti (2010), Bajpayee made the audience fall in love with his characters for their style, quirks and idiosyncrasies. Along came a few roles with an underlying social message such as Hansal Mehta's Aligarh, a hard-hitting film on gay rights. Credited with three national awardsSatya (1998), Pinjar (2003) and Bhonsle (2018) and more than 60 critically acclaimed films, Bajpayee has aced the art of selecting films and never doing a role for the "heck of it.

While last year was terrific for the actor with some very powerful releases including Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Gulmohar, and Joram, this year has also been equally promising with popular releases including Bhaiyaji, Silence 2 and now, Despatch.

The ace actor has now reached a space where the bigwigs of Bollywood like Neeraj Pandey and Anurag Kashyap are keen to work with him. It remains to be seen if with Despatch, his filmography continues to soar...

The film premieres on the platform on December 13.
The widespread use of social media among teenagers has become a pressing concern in recent years. While social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat offer unparalleled opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also pose significant risks to the mental and emotional well-being of teenagers.

A recent study, including the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, found that teenagers in India had an average of 1.2 electronic devices in the bedroom and 0.5 personal electronic devices.

While in Denmark, the teenagers had an average of 4.2 electronic devices in the bedroom and 2.3 personal electronic devices.

The study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, also noted that poor access to parks could be discouraging teens from being active in countries including India and Bangladesh.

In India, fewer than 30 per cent of adolescents reported having a personal social media account, compared to countries of higher socio-economic status.

Accelerometer data from nearly 4,000 adolescents aged 11 to 19 years were used for the study. The survey data on sedentary behaviour from over 6,300 participants from across 14 geographically and culturally diverse countries were also analysed.

Those teens categorised under the less screen time lived in walkable neighbourhoods and had a better understanding of the world and surviving skills.

The study found that concerns related to traffic and crime too were found to influence a teenager's chances of being active.

"Both home and neighbourhood environment features were related to sedentary time and sedentary behaviour. Having social media accounts emerged as a major contributor towards sedentarism in adolescents," the authors wrote.

The authors also noted that teenagers around the world are spending eight to ten hours a day performing sedentary activities, such as watching television and playing video games, an excess of which is linked to multiple disorders, including obesity, diabetes and mental ones.

Crime and traffic were other parameters considered which prevent teens from being less active and resorting to indoors.
A recent study revealed that getting eight hours of sleep can have linguistic benefits and it helped adults speak a new language.

It is said that when one sleeps, the brain is known to integrate all the information learnt during the day with previous knowledge to file it for long-term storage.

The researchers at the University of South Australia monitored the brain activity in 35 native English-speaking adults as they were learning 'Mini Pinyin', a miniature language for studying language learning and incremental sentence processing. The language has grammatical rules similar to that of English.

In the study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, half of the participants learnt 'Mini Pinyin' in the morning and later in the evening returned to have their memory tested.

The other half learnt the miniature language in the evening and then slept at the lab overnight, while their brain activity got recorded. The progress of the research was tested in the morning.

Those who slept were found to perform significantly better, compared to those who remained awake before having their memory tested.

"We found that sleep relative to wake was associated with superior performance for rules that followed a sequence-based word order," the authors wrote.

Lead researcher Zachariah Cross, a PhD holder from the University of South Australia told media that improvements in memory because of sleep were related to the linking of slow oscillations and sleep spindles, which are brainwave patterns that synchronise during the non-REM phase of sleep.

While explaining the non-REM phase, Cross said that non-rapid eye movement (REM) is the restful phase of sleep when eyes stop moving and during which muscles relax, and brain activity, breathing and heart rate slow down.

"This coupling (linking) likely reflects the transfer of learned information from the hippocampus to the cortex, enhancing long-term memory storage," said Cross.

According to the researchers, the findings could potentially inform treatments for individuals with language-related impairments, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aphasia, who experience greater sleep disturbances than other adults.

Increasing slow oscillations could accelerate aphasia-based speech and language therapy, Cross said.
Police in Srinagar are continuing their efforts to combat drug dealers. On Wednesday, they seized properties worth more than three crore rupees under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The first property taken was a three-story residential house owned by Abdul Ahad Bhat from Banpora Batamaloo. This house, valued at Rs 65 lakh, was reportedly bought with money made from the drug trade. Police say Bhat is a well-known drug dealer who has been selling drugs to young people, which led to a case being filed against him under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Shaheed Gunj. A large amount of drugs was also found during the investigation.

In another case, police took possession of a three-story house at H.No.18, Umer Lane Azad Basti, Natipora, which is valued at Rs 2.5 crore. This house belongs to Manzoor Ahmad Bhat and is connected to his son, Jan Manzoor Bhat. The property was also acquired through drug dealing, according to police. Jan is accused of selling drugs to local youth and faces charges under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Chanapora.

Both properties were seized according to Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act, pending confirmation from the relevant authority. The police stated that these properties could not be sold or transferred without prior approval.

In separate incidents, Srinagar Police arrested two drug dealers and found illegal substances. A police team from the MR Gunj station stopped a vehicle at Syed Mansoor Bridge, Zaldagar. After searching the car, they found 11 grams of brown sugar hidden in the dashboard and arrested the driver, Rakib Ahmad Dar from Rajouri Kadal.

In another case, a police team from the Noorbagh post arrested a drug dealer named Muhummad Irfan Sheikh from Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh. They recovered 2.51 grams of heroin and are currently investigating to find out more about his connections.
Several BJP leaders led by Suvendu Adhikari participated in a protest rally on Thursday in Kolkata's Esplanade area condemning the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and denouncing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The event drew a large gathering of Hindu protesters.

The rally witnessed a significant turnout of saffron-robed saints and monks, including Swami Paramatmananda, president of the Bengal chapter of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, and Swami Pradiptananda, the head of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha's branch in Murshidabad's Beldanga, widely recognised as Kartik Maharaj.

Sayan Ghosh, the 22-year-old Kolkata resident who was allegedly assaulted in Dhaka on November 26 while visiting a friend, also attended the rally. Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, and others on stage were seen showing their respect by bowing to him.

The event was filled with saffron flags adorned with the "Jai Shree Ram" slogan, as well as images of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Demonstrators were observed blowing conch shells and raising all sorts of religious slogans.

The rally became a platform for many frantic demands and threats. While LoP Adhikari has been calling for a ban on export of goods to Bangladesh, Kartik Maharaj threatened to close Indias border with the neighbouring countries.

Under the leadership of Suvendu [Adhikari] da, we had stopped goods vehicles in Petrapole [border in North 24 Parganas district], he said. In coming days, if the Indian government doesnt listen to our demands and stand in support of Bengali Hindus, we will seal the border with Bangladesh, he added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denounced the situation in Bangladesh during an assembly session, pledging state and party backing for any decision by the Centre on this external affairs matter. However, LoP Adhikari intertwined regional electoral politics, drawing comparisons between her and Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government.

Jaha Yunus, tahai Mamata [Mamata is what Yunus is, he said to a thunderous response from the crowd.

The Nandigram MLA also demanded the immediate release of three persons who have been arrested for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag in North 24 Parganas districts Barasat.

Workers and various trade unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), organised a march from Esplanade to College Square. In addition to protesting the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, they expressed their concerns about violence against minorities in India and other regions.
Nearly two weeks after the Mahayuti alliance pulled off a resounding victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister on Thursday.

Former chief minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar were sworn in as the deputy CMs at a grand ceremony held at the sprawling Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office to Fadnavis and his deputies. This is the third time that Fadnavis, an MLA from Nagpur, has been sworn-in as the states chief minister.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra



Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and CMs & Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, Union pic.twitter.com/NrjXGk4BYF  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Other members of the cabinet will likely take oath before the winter session of the assembly starts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president J.P. Nadda and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goel, Nirmala Sitharaman and Shivraj Singh Chouhan were present at the swearing-in which came after days-long speculations about the power-sharing formula among the ruling allies.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Azad Maidan in Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra government



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/FltCL8llht  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Chief ministers of various NDA-ruled statesincluding Yogi Adityanath, Nitish Kumar, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mohan Yadav and Pramod Sawantattended the ceremony.

Several business leaders, Bollywood actors and sports-persons were also present at the star-studded event.

#WATCH | Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar arrive at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for the swearing-in ceremony



(Video source: ANI/ DG-IPR) pic.twitter.com/w9j3bEpl41  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

Police made special arrangements to accommodate the more than 40,000 party supporters who attended the oath taking ceremony. At least 3,500 police personnel and 520 officers were deployed for security arrangements.

The BJP became the single largest party, pocketing 132 seats in the 288-member house, while its allies, the Shiv Sena and the NCP, bagged 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

Suspense continued till the last minute on whether Shinde, who was reportedly upset over the proposed allocation of portfolios, would take up the deputy chief ministers post. According to reports, the Shiv Sena has been demanding some important portfolios, including Home.

Fadnavis was elected the BJP Legislature Party leader at a meeting of the newly elected MLAs on Wednesday, though the party had informally announced that he was the front-runner to the top post.
In his first order after assuming charge as the Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis approved a monetary assistance of Rs 5 lakh for a patient awaiting bone marrow transplant.

The assistance from the chief ministers relief fund was sanctioned for Chandrkant Shankar Kurhade, a resident of Pune.

Kurhade's wife had sought help from the chief minister's relief fund for her husband's treatment. According to reports, Fadnavis put his signature on the file before he chaired the first cabinet meeting.

In another order, the newly sworn-in CM directed the administration to expedite work processes and operate with increased vigour. He also directed officials to prioritise sustainable development while making key decisions.

"The first decision I signed today was to allocate Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for a bone marrow transplant. The overwhelming mandate we've received carries a weight of expectations and a significant challenge to meet them. Fiscal discipline will be crucial as we implement our ambitious plans," Fadnavis said in his maiden press conference after taking oath as CM.

Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as deputy CMs at a grand ceremony held at the sprawling Azad Maidan in Mumbai this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, NDA chief ministers, and party leaders attended the event besides thousands of supporters.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary asserted on Thursday that the Omar Abdullah-led government is not operating without authority but is actively exercising its powers, as evident in its decision to suspend employees for neglecting their duties.



Speaking at a press conference in Jammu, Choudhary said the government doesnt want to act harshly against employees, but they must understand their responsibilities just as the government is fulfilling its duties.

He said the decision to suspend employees was not taken lightly but was necessary to enforce accountability in public administration.

He dismissed claims of the government being powerless. There is a clear distribution of power. Everything is well-defined, Choudhary said.

Who says the Omar Abdullah-led government doesnt have powers? Its because of this authority that employees were suspended. Choudhary highlighted the importance of governance reforms as part of the administrations broader strategy to rebuild public trust after years of political turmoil in the Union Territory.

The deputy chief minister also stressed that the government aims to balance accountability with fairness. We are not against employees. For us, voters and government employees are equally important, he said.

However, we expect accountability from them, and we are determined to ensure people get their rights.

This move comes amidst efforts by the government to streamline the bureaucracy and address concerns of inefficiency in public service delivery.

Abdullah-led government, the first in a decade, has felt constrained in making decisions to its liking as Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a Union Territory. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha enjoys more powers than the elected government and controls key levers of the power inducting top bureaucracy including those from the IAS and IPS.

The elected government wants to make some popular decisions to come good on the election promises200 watts of electricity without charge, 12 gas cylinders for cooking, increased rations etc. However, a decision on such freebies is pending even after the government completed six weeks in office.
Photo: Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. Made in Italy will play a crucial role in raising Azerbaijan's export potential, the Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Yusif Abdullayev said, Trend reports.

He made this statement during a discussion session to present the curriculum of the double degree Global Management and Politics (GMAP) master's program, which is jointly implemented by the ADA University Business School and the Italian LUISS University today.

Representatives from several government agencies attended the session, which focused on opportunities for international promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand.

Abdullayev spoke about the global efforts to promote the brand.

"The educational program we're implementing in partnership with ADA University will significantly boost Azerbaijan's export potential," he stated.

The Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of ADA University Elkin Nurmammadov emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing the global competitiveness of Azerbaijani products.

Professor Marco Mazzu of LUISS University, specializing in marketing practices, and Professor Carlo Fei, an expert in luxury management, shared their experience of Made in Italy.

It was emphasized that the knowledge gained through the Made in Azerbaijan program will be crucial for the development of the country's export potential.

AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Is there a power-sharing pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar in Karnataka?

Amid speculations over a change of guard in the state unit of the Congress party and an intensified probe by the Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate into the MUDA site allotment scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC chief, has hinted that there is a secret pact that would elevate him to the CMs post at an appropriate time.

In May 2023, when the Congress party captured power in the state with 135 seats, Siddaramaiah emerged as the winner in the race for the CM, pushing behind at least half a dozen CM aspirants. But the partys thumping victory was attributed to Siddaramaiahs mass appeal especially among the Ahinda voters and equally to the able leadership of Shivakumar as the party chief.

After long deliberations, the party high command had anointed Siddaramaiah as the CM and Shivakumar had to be content with the deputys post. However, there were rumours of a secret pact  a 50:50 power-sharing formula mooted by the party leadership to placate Shivakumar.

Interestingly, Shivakumar had restrained from making any such claim, even though Siddaramaiah and his followers had been declaring a full term for Siddaramaiah. But two days back, Shivakumar revealed that there was a power-sharing pact in place.

During an interview with a national TV channel, when asked if he would be a deputy CM forever despite his huge contribution to the party, Shivakumar shot back saying, Not forever. We have had some understandingand I dont want to discuss it in the media. I am waiting for that day.

His statement has created a political furore among his partymen and given the opposition parties a new whip to flog the ruling party.

Siddaramaiah categorically denied there was a pact. There is no pact. We all will abide by the party high commands diktat, said Siddaramaiah while speaking to reporters.

Former MLA and son of Siddaramaiah, Dr Yathindra said, There is no discussion on replacing the CM. Our government has given good programmes under his leadership and there is no question of replacing him.

Home minister G. Parameshwara, who is one of the CM aspirants said, If there is any such pact, why should we be here? Let those two do politics and let them do everything. I have not heard about any pact even from people in Delhi. Such things are not possible. We will follow the high commands orders.

When asked about the CMs response, Shivakumar said, Whatever the chief minister says it is final. No more discussion. I am loyal to the party and its decision.

On Thursday, Shivakumar, while addressing the Hassan rally in the presence of the CM and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala noticed the crowd cheering for Siddaramaiah and said, Dont worry. I have assured you in Mysuru that this bande (Shivakumar) will stand with Siddaramaiah. I will stand with him today, tomorrow and till the day I die. This is the reputation of this Kanakapura Bande (Kanakapuras rock  a nickname given to D.K. Shivakumar by the media). I will work sincerely as it is my duty.

According to insiders, Shivakumar chose to send a strong message and a reminder to the party high command through the interview that, in case of a change of guard in the state, he should be the only choice. The Vokkaliga strongman is sure to walk the tight rope as the rival faction, in the past, has made several attempts to discredit him within the party by making a demand for multiple DCMs and a Dalit CM as Siddaramaiahs successor.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday renewed his demand for the restoration of statehood, saying the promises made to the people must be fulfilled.

Speaking to reporters during the 42nd Foundation Day celebration of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS) in Srinagar, Abdullah highlighted the strong voter turnout in recent elections.

The people of J&K participated in large numbers in the elections, showing their commitment to democracy. That commitment must be honoured, he said.

Acknowledging the busy schedule of national leaders, he said, The prime minister and the home minister were understandably occupied with elections in Maharashtra and elsewhere.

He said now they talk to them again and expect them to fulfil their commitment to the people of J&K and restore its statehood without delay.

About declaring a holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, he linked it to the broader issue of statehood.

We have a significant battle aheadto ensure Jammu and Kashmir regains its status as a state, he said. This is not just about us but about the promises made by the prime minister to the people of J&K during parliamentary and assembly elections.

He said the people participated in those elections with full enthusiasm, hoping their trust would be honoured.

Addressing the ongoing surveys in mosques and shrines across the country, he stressed upholding Indias secular values.

Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, irrespective of ones religion or even if one chooses not to follow any religion, he said. This fundamental principle of secularism must be upheld.

Abdullah said there seems to be a systematic effort to target mosques and religious institutions. This is unacceptable, he said. We are not asking for appeasement, but not seeking appeasement doesnt mean we should be targeted.

He further said that communities shouldnt be victimised under the guise of opposing appeasement. Jammu and Kashmir has always been integral to Indias foundation, and its secular ethos must be preserved, he added.
The Hassan convention, the Jana Kalyana Samavesha hosted by the ruling Congress on Thursday, saw the warring factions led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar once again put up a united face.

The two leaders were at loggerheads over the event that was initially conceived as a show of strength of Siddaramaiah by his loyalists, but later turned into a party event after a nudge from the party leadership in Delhi. Shivakumar managed to put brakes on the Siddaramaiah-centric event and transformed it into a party event and also renamed it.

The event named Sri Siddaramaiah Swabhimanigala Samavesha (rally for self-respect) was planned by Siddaramaiah faction to redeem his image as a popular Ahinda leader after he was embattled in the MUDA land allotment scam. However, the event was renamed as Jana Kalyana Samavesha (peoples welfare convention) after Shivakumar complained to the party high command, which intervened and brokered peace between the warring factions.

During the massive rally held in the JDS bastion, the duo stuck to the brief and launched a joint attack on the opposition BJP and the JDS, exhorting the party workers to ensure a clean sweep in Hassan in the next Assembly elections.

We have won all seats in Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Kodagu, Chikmagalur, and in the future, we hope to sweep Hassan district too. I seek your cooperation. I feel pained to see the history of Hassan. I pray to Haasanambe to protect the women. We organised a Swabhimana Samavesha to save the dignity of the women here, said Shivakumar.

The Hassan rally marks a new chapter in the history of Hassan, which is a stronghold of the regional party. I hope the Congress wins all seven Assembly seats in the next polls and also retain the MP seat, said Siddaramaiah, reiterating the sentiment of Shivakumar.

Stating that the Congress party had a long history of bringing a revolution to better the lives of people, Shivakumar recalled that the Manmohan Singh government had brought food security, right to education and employment guarantee schemes. Today, Siddaramaiah, who took oath on Basavannas birth anniversary, announced Anna Bhagya (free rice scheme) and Ksheera Schemes and a total of 14 schemes. If Veerappa Moily introduced CET, SM Krishna brought mid-day meal in schools, Stree Shakti Sangha and elevated Bengaluru to a global city with the IT-BT revolution. Then, the Congress party came to power under the leadership of both Siddaramaiah and myself. We gave five guarantees, he added.

While Shivakumar emphasised on the Congresss long tradition of framing pro-people schemes and policies, Siddaramaiah seconded his deputy and assured the people that the guarantee schemes would not stop as long as his party would be in power.

The guarantee schemes will not be stopped as long as we are in power and even after May 2028 as we will come back to power, Siddaramaiah, adding that the party would sweep Hassan and also the Old Mysore region.

This rally is to thank the voters as the Congress won all three seats. In the history of Karnataka, only Congress party has given a stable government as neither JDS or BJP has come to power on their own. Kumaraswamy became CM with help from the BJP and Congress. BJP came to power through the backdoor in 2008 by spending crores of money. Yediyurappa, Jagadish Shettar and Sadananda Gowda became the chief ministers too. In 2018, they won only 104 seats and not 113 seats (majority). We offered the chief ministership to Kumaraswamy. But he could not save the government and as many as 17 of our MLAs joined the BJP and helped Yediyurappa and later Bommai become chief minister, said Siddaramaiah, adding that contrary to the opposition parties claim, the state government had money to fund the guarantee schemes and also the development work.

Slamming the opposition parties, Saiddaramaiah said the BJP and JDS have no moral right to speak about the poor.

We announced five guarantee schemes and also implemented them. We have allocated Rs 56,000 crore for the schemes  Shakti, Anna Bhagya, Griha Lakshmi, Griha Jyoti and Yuva Nidhi. The BJP had claimed that our state would go bankrupt. They are anti-poor. We wanted to give 10 kilos of rice. But the Modi government did not provide rice for the (Anna Bhagya) scheme. So, we were forced to give Rs 170 per person instead of five kilo rice. If BJP can show at least one state where they are giving 10 kilo rice to each BPL cardholder, I will retire from politics, dared Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah demanded to know if Devegowda or Kumaraswamy had fought for the states rights.

We need approval for Mekedatu project to provide drinking water to Bengaluru city and environmental clearance for Mahadayi project. The NABARD has reduced the farmers short-term loans to Rs 2,340 crore from Rs 5,600 crore. But the BJP MPs have no voice. The Karnataka government avails NABARD loans at 4.5 per cent interest and lends (upto Rs five lakh) to farmers for zero per cent interest and lend upto 10 lakh at three per cent interest. The silence of BJP and JDS MPs is a betrayal of the people of Karnataka, said the chief minister.

Devegowda expelled me from JDS

Venting out his ire against JDS patriarch for vowing to uproot the Congress government during the bypoll campaign, Siddaramaiah said he did not expect such words from Devegowda.

Your time in Hassan is over. You can do politics till your last breath as you wish. But I urge you not to indulge in politics of hate or say that you will finish our government, said Siddaramaiah.

Earlier Shivakumar had said that no one could uproot the Congress government as it was neither a potato or a peanut plant. This is a government which has the support of 138 MLAs and the people. It is not in your destiny to eliminate us, he asserted.

Siddaramaiah seized the opportunity to hit back at Devegowda for taking credit for his rise in politics. I did not quit the JDS, but was expelled from the party. Forget developing me, Devegowda did not nurture even Vokkaliga leaders  be it Channegowda, Puttegowda, Byregowda, Bachche Gowda, Krishnappa, Nagegowda, YK Ramaiah or BL Shankar. In fact, HD Krishnappa from KR Pete had written  Devegowda who scripted our political exile will see a tragic end. Devegowda claims to have developed me as a leader. But I would like to remind him that, if not for me and Jalappa, he would not have become the chief minister in 1994. Ramakrishna Hegde would have become the CM. We all built the party and he expelled me from the party for organising an Ahinda convention at Hubballi.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday emphasised unity within the ruling Mahayuti alliance and said his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar stand firmly with him.

In his maiden press conference after taking the oath as the chief minister, Fadnavis asserted that the government would make thoughtful decisions aimed at the betterment of Maharashtra.

"In the past two and a half years, we have worked for Maharashtra's development, and we will continue to do so. We will not stop now. The direction and speed remain unchanged, but our roles have shifted. Every decision we make will prioritise Maharashtra's progress, he said.

Fadnavis dismissed criticism over the delay in government formation, saying in a coalition setup, decisions require widespread consultations. "I don't see this as a delay in forming the government. Even in 2004, the process took 12-13 days, and in 2009, it took about nine days, he noted.

The chief minister said he will provide a stable government over the next five years, adding that there will be politics of change and not revenge". He said he had invited NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan for the swearing-in. None of these leaders attended the event, but they congratulated him and wished him the best.

The swearing-in of Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar was held at the sprawling Azad Maidan in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, NDA chief ministers, and party leaders, besides thousands of supporters.

Several industry bigwigs, Bollywood actors, and sports-persons were also present at the star-studded event.

Fadnavis said the new assembly speaker will be elected on December 9 during a three-day special session of the house beginning on December 7. The cabinet will be expanded before the winter session of the state legislature, which will be held in Nagpur later this month, he added.

The chief minister evaded questions on who will get the key portfolios like Home and Finance and said, "They will be with our government".

In his first order after assuming office, the chief minister approved Rs 5 lakh in monetary assistance for a bone marrow transplant patient. "The first decision I signed today was to allocate Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for a bone marrow transplant. The overwhelming mandate we've received carries a weight of expectations and a significant challenge to meet them. Fiscal discipline will be crucial as we implement our ambitious plans," he said.
It was the second time in the recent history of the Golden Temple that shots were fired outside its gate and that too at the same spot. The latest incident where militant activist Narain Singh Chaura fired at former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, while he sat at the gate to do sewa as part of the religious punishment.

The policemen in civvies were able to foil the attempt and catch Chaura with a 9mm pistol before any harm could be done to Badal. In the first instance, DIG Avtar Singh Atwal was shot dead outside the Gurudwara in 1983, which set off a chain of events that culminated in the infamous Operation Bluestar.

Chauras act sparked off a huge political slugfest in Punjab where various side hurling accusations at other. The Akali Dal leader and Sukbirs brother-in-law, Birkramjit Singh Majithia, termed it as failure on the part of the police to prevent an attack and even showed videos where Chaura was at the sites several days ago also.

Amritsar CP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the police were looking at all angles, even the one that it could have been done to gain sympathy.

Highly radicalised Chaura has been active in the militancy for the last over four decades. With a double masters degree, he has written six books, and the latest being as a counter to former Raw officer GBS Sidhus book Khalistan Conspiracy. Chaura rubbished Sidhus book, alleging conspiracy against Khalistan. The 68-year-old was trained as religious teacher and was also a preacher for some time. He was associated with Akal Federation and Khalistan Liberation Army.

Chaura had hit headlines in 2004 when he was actively involved in assisting in sensational jail break by convicted killers of former Punjab CM Beant Singh in 2004. Chaura was the mastermind in the escape of Babbar Khalsa International terrorists Jagtar Singh Hawara, Paramjit Singh Bheora along with their two accomplices Jagtar Singh Tara and Devi Singh from the high security Chandigarh jail.

At that time police had claimed that he arranged the getaway vehicle and even cut off the power supply to the jail by throwing an iron chain on the overhead wires on a rainy night. The terrorists escaped from the jail by digging tunnel from their cell which opened in the fields of the jail complex. They then climbed the barbed wire to escape in the car. Chaura was arrested and finally acquitted in the case in 2015. The terror accused in the jail break case were caught, while another inmate, Devi Singh, who was in the prison along with terror accused, was never traced.

Chaura was caught after the escape. He had done several stints in jail. He has over 21 cases registered against him, but acquitted in most of them. Police had said that he had travelled to Pakistan in the 1980s to receive training and even published books on guerilla warfare.

Chaura was reportedly agitated that Badals have been let off lightly in the sacrilege cases. The police are investigating if Chaura was a lone ranger or part of a conspiracy. Some believe that he could have acted on his own volition to bring attention to Badals. Whether it will impact the Sikh politics in the time to come, it is yet to be seen.
The Mahayuti coalition will take oath on Thursday, December 5, with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister and ally leaders Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as his deputy chief ministers. This comes after Fadnavis met Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday to stake claim to form government.

However, all eyes are on the home portfolio, which was held by Fadnavis in the previous government. With Shinde giving up the CM post and initially hesitating to join the new government, there are speculations whether his Shiv Sena will try to bag the home ministry.

Official invitation card of swearing-in ceremony with Devendra Fadnavis mentioned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra released by state government.



(Pic: Team of Devendra Fadnavis) pic.twitter.com/WPCtLIjJye  ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024

However, local reports suggest that BJP might retain the coveted portfolio. It is not clear whether Fadnavis will hold the home ministry along with his CM post. BJP has reportedly finalised its Cabinet ministers and portfolio while Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP were yet to release a list.

The portfolios were reportedly allocated when the three parties held a meeting with the BJP top brass in Delhi earlier.

Eknath Shinde congratulated Maharashtra CM designate Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the BJP Legislative Party leader and extended his best wishes, at Varsha Bungalow.



Source: Office of Devendra Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/Lfwa7vhgY4  ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024

BJP is expected to get 21 cabinet positions, including the posts of Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman. Shiv Sena will have to settle for 12 ministries while NCP is eyeing 10 ministries.

Fadnavis will swear in as Maharashtra CM for a second time on Thursday at 5.30 pm at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The oath-taking ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Ten Union ministers, 19 chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, former Maharashtra CMs and Bollywood actors will also be present.

#WATCH | Posters of Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar cover the area around Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister-BJP chief JP Nadda also seen.



Devendra Fadnavis will pic.twitter.com/N5YkhTVIUw  ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024

In total, around 42,000 people, including 2,000 VVIPs, are expected to attend the ceremony. Security has been beefed up in the area with around 4,000 police personnel deployed at the venue.

Speaking about Shinde, Fadnavis said that he requested the Shiv Sena chief to remain in the cabinet. He added that chief minister's post is just a technical agreement and that the allies have been working together while taking decisions.

Responding to Fadnavis, Shinde said that two-and-a-half years ago, The BJP leader recommended him as the CM and now he is backing him for the same.

This comes after two weeks of suspense regarding the chief minister post. The Mahayuti alliance bagged 230 seats out of 288 in Maharashtra, with BJP winning 132, Shiv Sena 57 and NCP 41. They also have support of six other MLAs, including the Jan Surajya Shakti led by Vinay Kore, Yuva Janashakti led by Ravi Rana, the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha Mahadev Jankar and two independents.
The potential trajectory of American foreign policy in West Asia under President Donald Trumps second term. It is often reiterated that there will be a complex interplay of isolationist and activist impulses within the administration and there will be possible implications for regional stability and the focus will remain on the Iran-Israel confrontation, resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the American military presence in the region.

Iran-Israel Confrontation: A Fragile Balance of Power

The escalating tension between Iran and Israel is the most critical issue shaping West Asian political dynamics. This commentary underscores how the conflict, fuelled by events such as the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and subsequent retaliatory measures by Israel, with the potential risks of it spiralling into a full-scale multi-front war. Israels strategic initiative, demonstrated by its unprecedented direct strikes on Iranian soil, has significantly altered the calculus in the region. Further, Irans reactive measures have become an advantageous option for Israel in terms of deciding the scope and timing of further escalation. In this scenario, President-elect Trumps second term would likely amplify this tension. It is often argued that Trump has a history of withdrawing from the nuclear deal and issuing rigid demands against Iran with the potential for a similarly uncompromising approach. The demands posed by the previous Trump administration which included restricting Irans nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program, and regional proxy activities, positions Tehran in a precarious dilemma. There is a possible chance that these demands could force Iran into a corner. There are chances that Trumps re-election can make the situation a little more challenging for the new government in Iran too. At the same time, the personal dynamics, such as Trumps antagonism towards Iran can further exacerbate tensions between Israel and Iran.

The potential expansion of the Abraham Accords with the prospect of Saudi-Israeli normalisation seems plausible. This is framed as a cornerstone of Trumps second-term agenda for West Asia, with the possibility of cementing his legacy through a historic agreement. However, there are some stumbling blocks, such as the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the lack of progress on the Palestinian question, which complicate Saudi Arabias willingness to formalise ties with Israel. At the same time, it should be noted that Riyadhs approach remains tethered to its role as a leader in the Islamic world and custodian of Islams holiest sites, necessitating a cautious stance on Palestinian issues. While Israels compartmentalised approach seeks to separate Gulf relations from the Palestinian question. Trumps close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman can play a significant role in Trumps second innings in the White House. These factors could increase the likelihood of an agreement, however, Israeli inflexibility on Palestinian statehood can prove to be a hurdle.

US Military Presence in Syria and Iraq: A Strategic Tug-of-War

The US military involvement in Syria and Iraq is poised to become a contentious issue within the Trump administrations foreign policy during the second term. A faction within the administration may advocate for troop withdrawals, reflecting Trumps isolationist rhetoric and focus on ending endless wars, while the activist camp will likely argue for maintaining a presence to protect US interests in West Asia. In Syria, the strong presence of Iran, coupled with the involvement of other major actors like Russia, Turkey, and Kurdish forces, complicates the landscape. Trumps 2019 partial withdrawal, which enabled Turkish incursions into Kurdish-held areas, serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destabilising effects of hasty disengagement and the risks of creating a power vacuum.

In Iraq, US-Iraq relations are defined by the growing influence of Iran and frequent attacks on US forces by Iran-backed militias. A potential US withdrawal aligns with Trumps broader goals but risks ceding strategic ground to Tehran. Maintaining a military footprint in Iraq and Syria is not just about countering Iranian influence but also about preventing the resurgence of ISIS, protecting Kurdish allies, and safeguarding regional stability. Striking a balance between short-term political expediency and long-term strategic priorities will be critical for a sustainable policy.

West Asia and US-China Rivalry

Trumps foreign policy in his second term is likely to frame Americas West Asia strategy within the broader context of US-China strategic competition, highlighting the regions importance in global power dynamics. While Washington has repeatedly emphasised its intent to pivot toward Asia, West Asias critical energy resources, strategic trade routes, and geopolitical centrality ensure it remains a focal point of US interests. The regions stability directly impacts global markets and security, making disengagement an impractical option despite domestic political pressures.

Chinas growing footprint in West Asia, exemplified by its diplomatic role in mediating the Iran-Saudi rapprochement, presents a direct challenge to US dominance. Beijings economic initiatives, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have strengthened its partnerships with key regional actors, including Israel and Gulf states. Through strategic investments, infrastructure projects, and security collaborations, China has positioned itself as an increasingly influential power, reshaping the regions dynamics.

Conclusion

The potential trajectory of American foreign policy in West Asia under President Donald Trumps second term is poised to be a defining chapter in the regions evolving dynamics. Trumps administration, marked by a blend of isolationist rhetoric and activist impulses, is likely to emphasise strategic priorities that both reinforce US influence and deepen its alliances while addressing pressing regional issues. Trumps second-term foreign policy in West Asia will likely oscillate between continuity and disruption. The administrations approach to key issuesranging from the Iran-Israel conflict to the Abraham Accords and US-China competitionwill shape the regions trajectory for years to come. Navigating these challenges requires a careful balance of assertive diplomacy, strategic engagement, and pragmatic decision-making to ensure that US interests align with regional stability and global security. The interplay of these factors will not only define Trumps legacy but also determine the future of Americas role in West Asia.

(The author is assistant professor at the Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Amity University, Noida. She specialises in West Asian studies and has authored the book 'Through the Looking Glass: Iran and its Foreign Relations.)
Federal authorities on Tuesday urged telecommunication companies to boost network security following a sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans.

The guidance issued by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. Officials who briefed reporters on the recommendations said the U.S. still doesnt know the true scope of Chinas attack or the extent to which Chinese hackers still have access to U.S. networks.

In one sign of the global reach of Chinas hacking efforts, the governments warning was issued jointly with security agencies in New Zealand, Australia and Canada, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the U.S. and Britain.

Dubbed Salt Typhoon by analysts, the wide-ranging cyberespionage campaign emerged earlier this year after hackers sought to penetrate the networks of multiple telecommunications companies.

The hackers used their access to telecom networks to target the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts.

The hackers succeeded in retrieving the actual audio files of calls and content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. The FBI has contacted victims in this group, many of whom work in government or politics, but officials said it is up to telecom companies to notify customers included in the first, larger group.

Despite months of investigation, the true scale of Chinas operation, including the total number of victims or whether the hackers still have some access to information, is currently unknown.

The FBI has said some of the information targeted by the hackers relates to U.S. law enforcement investigations and court orders, suggesting the hackers may have been trying to access programs subject to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. The law grants American spy agencies sweeping powers to surveil the communications of people suspected of being agents of a foreign power.

But on Tuesday, officials said they think the hackers were more broadly motivated, hoping to burrow deeply into the nations telecommunications systems to gain wide access to Americans information.

The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the Salt Typhoon operation and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, said Jeff Greene, CISAs executive assistant director for cybersecurity and one of the officials who briefed reporters Tuesday.

We dont have any illusion that once we kick off these actors theyre not going to come back, Greene said.

Several recent high-profile hacking incidents have been linked to China and what officials say is Beijings effort to steal technical and government secrets while also gaining access to critical infrastructure such as the electrical grid.

In September, the FBI announced that it had disrupted a vast Chinese hacking operation that involved the installation of malicious software on more than 200,000 consumer devices, including cameras, video recorders and home and office routers. The devices were then used to create a massive network of infected computers, or botnet, that could then be used to carry out other cyber crimes.

In October, officials said hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.

China has rejected accusations from U.S. officials that it engages in cyberespionage directed against Americans. A message left with Chinas embassy in Washington was not immediately returned Tuesday.

(AP)
U.S. authorities made about 46,700 arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico in November, down about 17% from October to a new low for Joe Bidens presidency, an official said Tuesday.

The arrest tally marked a decline of more than 80% from an all-time high of nearly 250,000 in December and casts doubt on predictions of an increase ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration Jan. 20.

U.S. authorities made about 700 arrests on the Canadian border in November, down from 1,283 in October, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the figures are preliminary and not made public.

Last week, Trump promised sweeping new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as China, as soon as he takes office as part of his effort to combat illegal immigration and drugs. He railed against an influx of migrants entering the U.S. illegally, eliciting a sharp response from President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, who highlighted the steep drop this year.

U.S. arrests on the Mexican border fell by about half after Mexican authorities increased enforcement within their own borders in December, then plunged by about half again after the Biden administration introduced severe restrictions on seeking asylum at the border.

The November tally was down 16% from 56,530 in October and the lowest mark since July 2020, when there were 38,536 arrests. It was also below each month from October 2018 to August 2019, during Trumps first term as president.

(AP)
President Joe Biden on his visit to sub-Saharan Africa pledged another $600 million for a cross-continent rail corridor project Wednesday, telling regional leaders that Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.

Biden used the third and final day of his visit to Angola to showcase the Lobito Corridor railway, where the U.S. and allies are investing heavily to refurbish 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of train lines in Zambia, Congo and Angola.

The project aims to advance the U.S. presence in a region rich in cobalt, copper and other critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies. By the end of the decade, the rail line could even go a long way toward linking southern Africas west and east coasts.

Its a game changer, Biden said, and cited the transformational effect of building the transcontinental railroad in the United States. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the United States  usually involving trucks to South Africa  will now take less than 45 hours, he said. He also predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter.

Altogether, Biden said the U.S. has invested $4 billion along the Lobito Corridor.

He was joined by the presidents of Angola, Congo and Zambia. Congos President Felix Tshisekedi said the project could create tens of millions of jobs in his country, saying it will change the trajectory of our region for good. Zambias President Hakainde Hichilema called the project a huge, huge, huge opportunity.

Biden said the Lobito Corridor constituted the largest U.S. investment in a train project outside the country.

On Wednesday, he flew from the Angolan capital of Luanda to Lobito on Africas western coast to tour port facilities linked to the corridor and meet with representatives from companies that stand to benefit from the project.

The U.S. is promoting the Lobito Atlantic Railway upgrade as a catalyst that it hopes will spark a new era of Western private sector investment in this part of Africa. The corridor has also drawn financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks.

Biden announced that Congo had also committed a new $553 million direct loan to the railway to upgrade and operate more than 1000 kilometers (621 miles) of line from Lobito to the Congo border.

The Biden administration also hopes to counter Chinas growing influence in Africa. His long-awaited first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president came in a week where trade tensions between the U.S. and China over rare minerals needed in new technologies went up a notch.

China already has heavy investments in mining and processing African minerals and has used its Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure strategy to promote its economic and political influence.

In September, China said it had signed a deal with Tanzania and Zambia to revamp a separate railway line going east from Zambia to Tanzanias commercial hub of Dar es Salaam on Africas east coast.

The countries had previously worked together to build the railway line in the 1970s, but it fell into disrepair. Chinas move to renovate it  announced on the sidelines of this years China-Africa forum  is seen by some analysts as the Chinese response to the Lobito Corridor.

A senior U.S. administration official called the Lobito Corridor the heart of competing with China, not as a political adversary but from a business standpoint.

The idea is rather than pumping in aid, Washington will attempt to grow U.S. influence by promoting projects that can spark investment and help countries over the long haul. The U.S. is looking to replicate the Lobito Corridor project in other parts of the world, said the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity to offer details that hadnt yet been made public.

The corridor wont be completed for years, meaning much of the work would come during the administration of Donald Trump, who takes office Jan. 20. The Biden White House says Republicans in Congress have supported past efforts to promote African business interests through targeted investments and that such initiatives have appealed to Trump and his key advisers in the past.

I want to come back and ride the whole thing, Biden told the African leaders, before leaving the continent.

(AP)
A tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musks SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to lead NASA.

Jared Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of a card-processing company, has been a close collaborator with Musk ever since buying his first chartered flight with SpaceX. He took along contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceXs new spacewalking suits.

If confirmed, Isaacman will replace Bill Nelson, 82, a former Democratic senator from Florida who was nominated by President Joe Biden. Nelson flew aboard space shuttle Columbia in 1986  on the flight right before the Challenger disaster  while a congressman.

Isaacman said he was honored to be nominated and would be grateful to serve. Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, he said via X.

During Nelsons tenure, NASA picked up steam in its effort to return astronauts to the moon. This next-generation Apollo program  named after Apollos mythological twin sister Artemis  plans to send four astronauts around the moon as soon as next year. The first moon landing in more than half a century would follow.

NASA is counting on SpaceX to get astronauts to the lunar surface via Starship, the mega rocket launching out of Texas on test flights.

The space agency already relies on SpaceX to fly astronauts to and from the International Space Station along with supply runs. Boeing launched its first crew for NASA in June, but the Starliner capsule encountered so many problems that the two test pilots ended up stuck at the space station. Theyll catch a ride home with SpaceX in February, after more than eight months in orbit. Their mission should have lasted eight days.

Also on NASAs plate right now: exploring the solar system. Robotic missions to the moon and beyond continues with a NASA spacecraft en route to Jupiters watery moon Europa and the Mars rover Perseverance collecting more rock and dirt samples.

Facing tight budgets, NASA is seeking a quicker, cheaper way of getting these Martian samples to Earth than the original plan, which had swollen to $11 billion with nothing arriving before 2040. As with human spaceflight, NASA has turned to industry and others for ideas and help.

The fighter jet-piloting Isaacman, whose call name is Rookie, has described himself as a space geek since kindergarten. He dropped out of high school when he was 16, got a GED certificate and started a business in his parents basement that became the genesis for Shift4. His business is based in eastern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and their two young daughters.

He set a speed record flying around the world in 2009 while raising money for the Make-A-Wish program, and later established Draken International, the worlds largest private fleet of fighter jets.

Isaacman has reserved two more flights with SpaceX, including a trip leading Starships first crew into orbit around Earth.

(AP)
President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro, a former adviser who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, back to the White House for his second administration.

Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump announced on Truth Social, his social media website.

Trump wrote that the position leverages Peters broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.

Navarro, a trade adviser during Trumps first term, was held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated Jan. 6. Sentenced to four months in prison, he described his conviction as the partisan weaponization of the judicial system.

Shortly after being released, Navarro spoke on stage at the Republican National Convention in July, where he told the crowd that I went to prison so you wont have to.

Navarro, 75, has been a longtime critic of trade arrangements with China. After earning an economics doctorate from Harvard University, he worked as an economics and public policy professor at the University of California, Irvine. He ran for mayor of San Diego in 1992 and lost, only to launch other unsuccessful campaign efforts including a 1996 race for Congress as the Democratic nominee.

During Trumps initial term, Navarro pushed aggressively for tariffs, while also playing down the risks of triggering a broader trade war. He also focused on counterfeited imports and even helped to assemble an infrastructure plan for Trump that never came to fruition.

Navarro often used fiery language that upset U.S. allies. In 2018, after a dispute between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Navarro said theres a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door.

Canadians were outraged, and Navarro later apologized.

Trump also announced that he asked Michael Whatley to serve as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Whatley ran the committee during the election along with Lara Trump, the wife of Trumps son Eric.

Trump chose Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

Isaacson, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musks SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk.

He has also reserved two more flights with SpaceX, including as the commander of the first crew that will ride SpaceXs mega rocket Starship, still in test flights out of Texas.

Isaacman said he was honored to be nominated.

Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, he said via X.

NASAs current administrator, Bill Nelson, 82, a former U.S. Senator from Florida, also has spaceflight experience. He was on the space shuttle flight right before the Challenger accident in January 1986, flying as a congressman. President Joe Biden appointed Nelson to the space agencys top job in 2021.

(AP)
Airline executives were relentlessly grilled by furious senators on Wednesday over skyrocketing fees for luggage, seat assignments, and other money-grabbing practices. During a scathing hearing led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, lawmakers accused the airlines of treating passengers like walking ATMs.

Blumenthal didnt mince words, declaring, Airlines these days view their customers as little more than walking piggy banks to be shaken down for every possible dime. He tore into executives from American, Delta, United, Spirit, and Frontier, armed with a report showing these airlines raked in a staggering $12.4 billion in seat fees between 2018 and 2023.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley unleashed his own fury, describing the fees as Russian roulette. Nobody enjoys flying on your airlines. Its a disaster. Its terrible. Absolutely terrible! he thundered.

Blumenthals year-long investigation exposed how airlines increasingly use algorithms to target passengers with customized fees, exploiting those willing to pay more. Frontier and Spirit were especially scorched for paying gate agents bonuses to bust passengers trying to dodge bag fees. This isnt enforcementthis is shoplifting from your own customers, Blumenthal fumed.

Airline execs scrambled to defend themselves. Deltas Peter Carter insisted their fees offer options and value, while Uniteds Andrew Nocella claimed ending family seating fees would cost them hundreds of millions. Frontier CEO Barry Biffle went so far as to justify targeting passengers at gates, calling it necessary to stop cheaters.

Despite their excuses, senators made it clear theyre tired of airlines bleeding passengers dry. This is exploitation, plain and simple, Blumenthal roared. The flying public deserves better.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named a health care executive to serve as his administrations lead hostage negotiator at a time when the U.S. is trying to secure the release of prisoners in Gaza and other regions around the world.

Adam Boehler will serve as the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. That role has been held since 2020 by Roger Carstens, who was appointed by Trump and remained in the job for the duration of the Biden administration.

During that period, the U.S. has brought home several dozen Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained in countries including Russia  among them, WNBA star Brittney Griner and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich  Iran, China, Venezuela and Afghanistan.

Boehler is the founder and CEO of Rubicon Founders, a healthcare investment firm, and also served as the first CEO of the International Development Finance Corporation. In a statement announcing the appointment, Trump described Boehler as the lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team that strove to win broader recognition of Israel in the Arab world.

He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is its Leader. Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

(AP)
President-elect Donald Trump is trying to get the Georgia election interference case against him dismissed, asserting that the states courts will not have jurisdiction over him once he returns to the White House next month.

The Georgia case against Trump and others is mostly on hold pending a pretrial appeal of an order allowing prosecutor Fani Willis to remain on the case despite what defense attorneys say is a conflict of interest. Trumps attorneys on Wednesday filed a notice with the Georgia Court of Appeals saying a sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal.

The filing asks the appeals court to consider before he becomes president next month whether it has jurisdiction to continue to hear the case. It says the court should conclude that it and the trial court lack jurisdiction as the continued indictment and prosecution of President Trump by the State of Georgia are unconstitutional.

Trumps lawyers ask that the appeals court dismiss his appeal for lack of jurisdiction and instruct the trial court to immediately dismiss the indictment against him.

Also Wednesday, former Trump campaign lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in the case, asked the trial court judge to invalidate that plea. Chesebro was one of four people to plead guilty in the case in the months following the indictment.

Representatives for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis declined to comment on Trumps and Chesebros requests.

The Georgia case, which originally included 19 defendants and dozens of charges, was the most sprawling of four criminal cases against the once-and-future president.

U.S. Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith last week told judges he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. One of those cases charged him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate. The other accused him of scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost.

Trump on Monday asked a Manhattan judge to throw out his conviction in his hush money case, saying that continuing to pursue it would present unconstitutional disruptions to the institution of the Presidency. The New York case was the only one of Trumps four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime.

In the Georgia case, Trump and some of the other remaining defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, were already seeking to have Willis removed from the prosecution or to have the indictment dismissed. They cited a romantic relationship she had with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she appointed to lead the case.

Willis and Wade have acknowledged that they had a relationship but have said it began after he was hired and ended before the indictment against Trump was filed.

Trump and other defendants argued that the relationship created a conflict of interest that should disqualify Willis and her office from continuing with her prosecution of the case. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis actions showed a tremendous lapse in judgment, but he did not find a conflict of interest that would disqualify Willis. He said she could continue her prosecution as long as Wade stepped aside, which he did.

The appeal of that ruling remains pending but must be decided by March.

Chesebro was charged in August 2023, alongside Trump and 17 others, in the sprawling indictment accusing them of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to overturn Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. He pleaded guilty to a single conspiracy count a few months later after reaching a deal with prosecutors just before he was to go to trial.

His lawyer on Wednesday asked Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee to invalidate the plea after McAfee in September tossed out the charge to which he had pleaded guilty.

In Georgia, a defendant cannot plead guilty to a charge that does not constitute a crime, defense attorney Manny Arora wrote, adding that a failure to invalidate his plea would violate Chesebros constitutional right to due process.

Prosecutors have said Chesebro was part of a plot to have a group of 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate falsely saying that Trump had won Georgia and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents related to the the filing of that document with the federal court in Atlanta.

In a September ruling, McAfee wrote that punishing someone for filing certain documents with a federal court would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal to police its own proceedings. He concluded that the count must be quashed as beyond the jurisdiction of this State.

(AP)
Two children were wounded Wednesday in a shooting at a tiny religious K-8 school in Northern California and deputies arrived to find the gunman on the ground near the playground, dead after apparently shooting himself, sheriffs officials said.

The children, boys aged 5 and 6, were hospitalized in extremely critical condition, officials said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private school in Palermo with fewer than three dozen students. Palermo has about 5,500 people and is about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento.

It was the the latest among dozens of school shootings across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas. The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms.

But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws. Firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021, according to KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues.

My heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy, Assemblyman James Gallagher, whose area includes Palermo, said in a statement. As a community, well all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless.

Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said they had received information that the shooter was in a meeting with the principal about enrolling a child at the school, though the meeting wasnt yet verified by investigators. Shortly after, shots rang out, Honea said. Earlier, officials had said they did not believe the shooter had any connection to the school.

The motive was not immediately known. Honea said they were trying to contact the shooters family before releasing his name.

Near the schools slide and other playground equipment was the shooters body, covered in a blue tarp, as officers stood nearby to secure the scene. The school abuts ranchland where cattle graze.

Authorities rushed students initially to a gymnasium where they stayed until a bus arrived to take them off the grounds and to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, Honea said.

Sixth grader Jocelyn Orlando described what happened to CBS News Sacramento.

We were going in for lunch recess and basically everybody in my classroom heard shooting and most people were screaming, she said. We all went into the office, we closed the curtains, locked the doors, basically did what we would do in a school shooting, and then one of the teachers came and we all ran into the gym.

Rev. Travis Marshall, the senior pastor for the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, called the reunification between parents and their children very moving.

Some of the children were incredibly emotional, he said. One woman was raising her hands up, praising the Lord when she found her child.

Representatives for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists could not immediately be reached for comment.

The school has been open since 1965, according to its website.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

It is always important to broaden our understanding of the Avodah of the Beis HaMikdash, may it soon be rebuilt. This broadening of our understanding will also help us understand the nature of our prayers as well. It may even be a fulfillment of the Mitzvah of Hoping for the Geulah, So lets take a second look at Shabbos Mussaf.

THE DINOVER

The Dinover Rebbe, Rav Tzvi Elimelech Spira zatzal (1783-1841), is more famously known asthe Bnei Yisaschar for his popular sefer on Chumash. This article refers to another sefer that he wrote on Meseches Brachos called the, Maggid Taaluma. It is a remarkable sefer filled with wonderful insights.

A DIFFERENT TITLE

Rav Spira notes that the Mishna in Brachos 26a mentions Tefilas HaShachar, Tefilas HaErev, Tefilas Mincha, but refers to Mussaf differently. The Mishna refers to Mussaf with the language of VeShel Mussafin. It has a different title in the Mishna!

Why might this be? asks the Dinover.

INHERENTLY DIFFERENT

He answers that it must be a proof to the words of the Rif that we do not add Mussaf as a Tefilas Nedavah a voluntary extra Tefillah like we do for the other three. The Talmid (ei?) Rabbeinu Yonah, provides an explanation. He writes that Mussaf is inherently different than the other three types of prayers.

The other three are Tefilos and beseechments, where we beg of Hashem to grant us something. Mussaf stands apart. Mussaf exists actually as a replacement, a substitute for the bringing of the Mussaf Korbanos of Shabbos.

OTHERS WHO AGREE

This also is the view of the Daas Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfos on BaMidbar 25. He writes that it replaces the Korban Mussaf. Rashi on Avodah Zarah 4b writes that the other Mussaf prayers (for Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov) are praises and a retelling of things. The clear indication of Rashi is that the Shabbos Mussaf is something else entirely.

ANOTHER QUESTION AND ANOTHER INSIGHT

The Dinover then poses a question to which he provides an answer. The Mussaf prayers do have requests! We say, May it be Your Will that you bring us back to our country in joy, etc..!

The Dinover answers that the Talmid Rabbeinu Yonah must be teaching us that if we accidentally left this part out  we have still fulfilled our obligation of the Mussaf prayer and that this request is merely a statement that when the Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt we will offer the Korbanos.

LETS GET TO KNOW WHAT IT IS

So now that we have established that the Mussaf prayer is inherently different, lets look at what it is substituting for: The Korban Mussaf of Shabbos is different than the other Korban Mussafs.

It is comprised of only two sheep that are brought as a completely burnt offering  a Korban Olah. Other Musafs are comprised of many Korbanos from three species  from cows, from rams, and from sheep.

Every other Musaf includes a Korban Chatas of a goat along with it. On Shabbos there is no Korban Chatas.

There are two Korban Tamids that are brought on Shabbos and there a re two pans of incense of the Lechem HaPanim  but nothing else that is brought on the Mishkan. Every other day the Mishkan is, non-stop busy.

WHO PAID FOR THE KORBAN MUSSAFS?

The money for the purchasing of the Korban Mussafs came from the Shkalim that Klal Yisroel gave. This fact may have repercussions now in our days. How so? Women were exempt from paying the Shkalim. True, if they wished to offer Shkalim, it was accepted from them (see the Mishna in Shkalim 1:5), but they were not obligated to do so.

WOMEN AND THE PRAYER OF MUSSAF

Because of this fact, some of our great Rabbis have put forth their opinion that Mussaf on Shabbos for women is voluntary but not necessarily obligatory! This, in fact, was the view of Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837) in his Responsum (#9). He argued that since they were exempt from paying the Shkalim, they were exempted from the obligation of Mussaf.

Others have argued that Mussaf is indeed obligatory for women, as they did receive atonement from the public offerings! They write that since after the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah enacted the Tefilos  they were all-inclusive and did not distinguish between one Tefilah from the other.

THE ACT OF THE ANSHEI KNESSES HAGEDOLAH EXPLAINED BY THE ABUDRAHAM

To best appreciate that decisive act and moment of the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah it pays to carefully look at the words of the Abudraham (1340-ish) in his introduction. He lists no less than 9 repercussions of our sins and what the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah did:

And now, because of our sins:

the Holy Beis HaMikdah was destroyed,

and our splendor was taken away,

and we were exiled from our land,

and our sacrificial offerings were nullified,

and we are no longer able to offer our burnt offerings according to His commandments  the daily offerings in their proper order and the additional offerings according to their laws.

And there is no sin offering,

and no guilt offering,

and no burnt offering,

and there is no service to atone for the congregation of the exile,

..Until each one of the Men of the Great Assembly [did seven things]

[they] searched and interpreted,

[they] found in the Book of the Law of Hashem explicitly, And you shall serve Hashem your G-d (Shmos 23:25),

and furthermore, [they found] to serve Him with all your heart (Dvarim 11:13), and [reflecting their understanding of this second pasuk] it is said (Taanis 2:1) What is the service of the heart? This is prayer.

[and they enacted] With love and compassion, to make us acceptable in our land, that we may fulfill (based on the Pasuk in Hoshea 14:3) and let us offer in place of cows  the offering of our lips.

Every day [they enacted] three arranged prayers  two corresponding to the two daily offerings that are remembered, and one corresponding to the limbs and parts (of the sacrifices), in a language that is worthy of the most eloquent of speakers.

And on Shabbosim and Rosh Chodesh and Yomim Tovim, they added a fourth prayer corresponding to the additional offerings that were sacrificed.

And they further added a fifth prayer on the Day of Atonement, in order to add supplication and petition because of the fast of repentance. And they further established other blessings to be recited each and every day, and to proclaim, morning and evening, to the awesome and mighty Hashem.

THE ACT OF THE ANSHEI KNESSES HAGEDOLAH AS EXPLAINED BY THE RAMBAM

The Rambam (1138-1204) in his Mishna Torah (Hilchos Tefillah 1:4) adds further insight [with these seven thoughts]:

When Klal Yisroel was exiled in the time of the wicked Nebuchadnezzar, they became interspersed in Persia and Greece and other nations. Children were born to them in these foreign countries and those childrens language was confused.

The speech of each and every one was a hodgepodge of many languages . No one was able to express himself coherently in any one language, but rather in a mixture [of languages], as Nechemiah (13:24) states: And their children spoke half in Ashdodis and did not know how to speak the Hebrew language. Rather, they would speak according to the language of various other peoples.

. No one was able to express himself coherently in any one language, but rather in a mixture [of languages], as Nechemiah (13:24) states: And their children spoke half in Ashdodis and did not know how to speak the Hebrew language. Rather, they would speak according to the language of various other peoples. Because of this, when someone would daven, he would be limited in his ability to request his needs or to praise Hashem in Hebrew, unless other languages were mixed in with it.

When Ezra and his court saw this, they established eighteen brachos in order  the Shmoneh Esreh.

The first three [brachos] are praises of Hashem and the last three are thanking Him. The middle brachos contain requests for all those things that serve as general categories for the desires of each and every person and the needs of the whole community.

Thus, the prayers could be set in the mouths of everyone. They could learn them quickly and the prayers of those unable to express themselves would be as complete as the prayers of the most eloquent.

It was because of this matter that they established all the blessings and prayers so that they would be ordered in the mouths of all of Klal Yisroel, so that each blessing would be set in the mouth of each person who was unable to express himself.

BACK TO SHABBOS MUSSAF

So getting back to our original point, the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah went above and beyond what they did for the other Tefillos. They enacted that Shabbos Mussaf would, for the time being in our Galus, actually be a substitute for the Korbanos of Shabbos. With all this we can greater appreciate two things: the Musaf prayer of Shabbos andwhat the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah did for us.

The author can be reached at [email protected]

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The Syrian army has withdrawn from the central city of Hama after insurgents broke through its defenses, the military said Thursday, in another setback for President Bashar Assad.

The announcement came hours after opposition fighters said they had entered the city and were marching toward the center.

The Syrian army said it redeployed from Hama and took positions outside the city to protect the lives of civilians.

The capture of Hama, Syrias fourth largest city, is another blow for Assad days after insurgents captured much of the northern city of Aleppo, the countrys largest city.

On Thursday morning, Syrian insurgents said they entered Hama after three days of intense clashes with government forces on its outskirts, part of an ongoing offensive.

The Syrian army said in a statement later that a number of troops were killed after resisting the insurgents for days. It accused the attackers of relying on suicide attacks to break through the defenses of the city.

Hama is one of the few cities that remained under full government control during Syrias conflict, which broke out in March 2011 following a popular uprising. Its capture would be a major setback for President Bashar Assad.

The offensive is being led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Their sudden capture of the northern city of Aleppo, an ancient business hub, was a stunning prize for Assads opponents and reignited the conflict which had been largely stalemated for the past few years.

The next target of the insurgents is likely to be the central city of Homs, the countrys third largest. Homs is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Hama.

Aleppos takeover marked the first opposition attack on the city since 2016, when a brutal Russian air campaign retook it for Assad after rebel forces had initially seized it. Intervention by Russia, Iran and Iranian-allied Hezbollah and other militant groups has allowed Assad to remain in power.

The latest flare-up in Syrias long civil war comes as Assads main regional and international backers are preoccupied with their own wars.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the renewed fighting, which began with the surprise opposition offensive Nov. 27.

The insurgents claimed on their Military Operations Department channel on the Telegram app Thursday that they have entered Hama and are marching toward its center.

Our forces are taking positions inside the city of Hama, the channel quoted a local commander identified as Maj. Hassan Abdul-Ghani as saying.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said fierce battles were fought inside Hama.

If Hama falls, it means that the beginning of the regimes fall has started, the Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, told The Associated Press before the citys capture.

Hama is a major intersection point in Syria that links that countrys center with the north as well the east and the west. It is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the capital, Damascus, Assads seat of power. Hama province also borders the coastal province of Latakia, a main base of popular support for Assad.

The citys name is known for the 1982 massacre of Hama, one of the most notorious in the modern Middle East, when security forces under Assads late father, Hafez Assad, killed thousands to crush a Muslim Brotherhood uprising.

(AP)
As President Joe Biden uses his final days in office to boost Ukraines defenses, Russia is playing a different game: spreading disinformation aimed at eroding U.S. support for Ukraine before Donald Trumps return to the White House next month.

Since the U.S. election on Nov. 5, the Kremlin has used state-run media and its networks of fake news sites and social media accounts to push divisive narratives about the war and Americas Republican president-elect. Analysts say the content, translated into English for American audiences, is intended to turn sentiment against Ukraine at a pivotal time, with the hope of reducing U.S. military assistance and ensuring a Russian victory.

Recent examples include fake videos supposedly showing Ukrainian soldiers burning effigies of Trump or his supporters. One clip depicts soldiers saying Trump must not be allowed to take office and should never be president again. Multiple researchers have debunked the video, noting telltale signs of digital manipulation.

A different video claims to show Ukrainian soldiers firing at a mannequin wearing a red Make America Great Again hat and a Trump campaign shirt. That video was analyzed and determined to be fake by private analysts and Ukraines Center for Countering Disinformation, a government agency that tracks Kremlin propaganda.

Other versions  just as fake  depict Ukrainian soldiers burning Trumps books or calling him a coward. In the weeks after the election, the clips spread far beyond Ukraine and Russia, circulating among Trump supporters and believers in QAnon, the conspiracy theory that claims Trump is fighting a war against a Satanic cabal of powerful world leaders.

Its part of Russias continued push to divide Americans over the nearly 3-year war in Ukraine and paint Ukrainians as unreliable, dishonest allies, according to analysts who have tracked Russian disinformation and propaganda since the war began. By discouraging American support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is hoping to cut off the most vital source of military assistance that has kept Ukrainian hopes alive since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Early in the war, Russian propagandists portrayed Ukrainian leaders as corrupt and self-serving. Russian state media claimed Ukraines leaders held Nazi sympathies  even though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish  or were involved in clandestine bioweapons research that Moscow sought to tie to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each false claim was used to justify Russias invasion.

Its planted by the Russians, this idea that Ukraine is so corrupt it shouldnt even be a state, and we are the right people to be running this place, said Rupert Smith, a retired British general and former NATO deputy supreme commander who now leads a Brussels-based consulting firm called Solvo Partners. Now this is being used as an excuse for not supporting Ukraine.

The fake video claiming to show Ukrainian soldiers firing on the Trump mannequin spread on platforms such as X, Telegram and YouTube, getting an early boost from pro-Kremlin news sites before migrating to ones popular with Americans, according to an analysis by researchers at NewsGuard, a firm that tracks disinformation.

Some versions of the video were created long before the election but were passed off as more recent. Within days, the video was receiving hundreds of thousands of views and had been translated into several languages besides Russian and English, including German, Chinese and Polish, NewsGuard found.

According to U.S. intelligence, Russia sought to support Trump in the presidential election, believing he would reduce American backing for Ukraine and perhaps the NATO alliance. The incoming president has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and NATO and promised to end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory now occupied by Russia.

In response to questions about Russias role in spreading disinformation about Ukraine, a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Washington referred to past statements rejecting any involvement.

In the time it has left, the Biden administration has urged Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and has stepped upweapons shipments while forgiving billions in loans provided to Kyiv. So far, the White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, 2025.

Its easy to understand Russias motives in trying to cut off that supply of aid, said Joshua Tucker, a New York University professor and Russia expert who studies online disinformation. Whats harder to gauge, he said, is the effectiveness of Russian disinformation, especially on social media platforms already crowded with false, bizarre and debunked claims.

One reason that Russia may persist with disinformation targeting Americans is the relative ease and affordability of such operations compared with diplomatic or military alternatives.

Russia likely sees disinformation as part of a long-term effort to undermine Americas global leadership by dividing its people and undermining support for its institutions, Tucker said. Whether the topic is immigration, the government, the U.S. economy or the war in Ukraine, he said, the goal remains the same and goes beyond one election cycle or one candidate.

I think what they were really hoping for is a contested result with lots of people out in the streets, arguing the election wasnt legitimate, Tucker said.

If they couldnt have that, however, Russias disinformation agencies will keep pushing narratives that they believe will inflame Americans and boost their chances in Ukraine, Tucker said.

(AP)
In light of the investigations against senior officials in the Israel Prison Service (IPS) and the police by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and the State Prosecutors Office, Likud MK Moshe Saada, who served for a year as acting head of the Police Investigations Department and for about seven years as deputy head of the department, claims that ministers from Likud are afraid to vote for the dismissal of the Attorney-General due to concerns that an investigation will be opened against them.

Speaking on Radio Galey Israel, Saada said: Im telling you from personal knowledge  following the investigation of Israel Prison Service Chief Kobi Yaakobi yesterday, the investigators told him that he must not return to the IPS right now, but why? They didnt take him to court for that, as is done when a person receives restrictions after an investigation and is not willing to comply. Why didnt they take him? Because he is courageous and knew they had nothing.

So he did return to the meeting that was held yesterday  and they didnt take him to court! Is it not clear to anyone that theyre persecuting him? They arrested him in a reckless and dangerous manner; his bodyguards approached the civilian vehicle that came to arrest him with their guns drawn. The detectives who arrested him didnt even wear hats identifying themselves.

Its time for the ministers to honor themselves, and instead of expressing themselves in the media  they should start to initiate a move to dismiss the Attorney-General. The ministers are afraid to vote in favor because they know they will be the next ones investigated. Im telling you there are ministers in the government who are afraid to vote for the dismissal of the Attorney General because they fear her and the system.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Rabbanim, Roshei Yeshivos, and the Degel Hatorah MKs on Tuesday evening gathered for an emergency meeting regarding the status of bnei yeshivos in the wake of the Attorney-Generals and Supreme Courts war against Torah.

The meeting was held at the home of HaGaon Harav Dov Landau in Bnei Brak and attended by the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah: HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, HaGaon HaRav Shraga Shteinman, HaGaon HaRav Aviezer Piltz, along with the Roshei Yeshivos of leading yeshivos in Eretz Yisrael.

HaGaon HaRav Landau said: Everyone is aware of the severe situation were in after the judicial authorities revoked the status of bnei yeshivos. For all these years, they exempted the bnei yeshivos and avreichei kollelim from the draft and recently theyre attempting to change this accepted norm. Therefore the order was given not to report at all to the draft centers, not to respond to any summons and not to cooperate with them at all.

Its clear to all of us that bnei yeshivos will not enlist in any shape or form but the unclear situation we are in causes legitimate fear and tension for Roshei Yeshivos and their talmidim, as well as for families whose sons have received some order or another. Unfortunately, the number of bnei yeshivos receiving orders is increasing.

And therefore, we have gathered here to make the situation as clear as possible for the Roshei Yeshivos so they can guide their talmidim based on what will be discussed here. First, it is important to know that the Chareidi MKs are working hard to find a permanent solution for this whole situation, and everything is being carried out with serious consultation and consideration. We all daven and hope that a solution will be found soon, that the Olam Ha Torah can be immersed in Limmud without interruptions. However, for the time being, until a solution is found, everyone must operate in coordination and unity, and it is forbidden for anyone to act independently, as this could create a situation where harm is caused to individuals and the community.

I personally know that the askanim working on this matter, which is of utmost importance to the Chareidi sector, are handling it with great responsibility, dedicating hours upon hours, and closely monitoring every change and development, all to ensure that no bochur, chalilah, is harmed. Later, general information will be presented to the Roshei Yeshivos regarding the situation and the practical implications for anyone receiving such orders, along with guidance on what to do and what not to do, and later they will inform the Roshei Yeshivos and yeshiva administrators where to turn when a talmid receives a call from the army or, chalilah, faces a threat of arrest, and so on.

The Roshei Yeshivos will guide their talmidim accordingly, and it is imperative to adhere to the guidelines so that we can preserve the Olam HaTorah. May Hashem Yisbarach save us and grant us the opportunity to engage in Torah day and night without any interruptions, and may we merit complete redemption speedily in our days, Amen.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Former Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Yosef Yitzchak, member of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, instructed bnei yeshivos to tear up any draft orders they receive and flush them down the toilet.

During a sichah the Rav delivered to bnei yeshivos at the beginning of the week, he said: Youre Baruch Hashem sitting and learning. If you have problems with the army, they sent you a draft order, listen to the Gedolei Yisrael.

Last Adar, I was still in office and I announced that if they dont let us learn Torah here, well go abroad. We need to learn Torah. Why did we return to Eretz Yisrael? To be secular?

I said this clearly and they filed a petition against me to the Supreme Court, ordering to remove me from my position as a Dayan in the Beis Din HaGadol. They didnt succeed, we stood firm.    . The Roshei Yeshivos  mainly the Ashkenazim  joined us and also stood firm.

I say that if a draft notice comes  tear it upthrow it in the toilet, and flush it.

HaRav Yosef added: Be careful not to run a red light, dont commit traffic violations. Why am I saying this? There was a bachur who committed traffic violations, he was stopped  they saw he was a draft dodger and took him into custody.

Dont be afraid, HaRav Yosef added. Hakadosh Baruch Hu is with you. Lets hope it will pass, this is a very difficult time for the Olam HaYeshivos, there are decrees. be strong.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The coalitions proposal to hold a hearing on the dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara was defeated in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday due to a planned ambush by the opposition.

Members of the opposition waited outside the plenum, and at the instruction of opposition leader Yair Lapid, they all entered together to vote against the proposal  surprising the coalition.

41 Knesset members voted against the proposal submitted by Knesset members Avichai Boaron (Likud), Yitzchak Pindrus (UTJ), Ohad Tal (Religious Zionism), Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), while only 40 Knesset members voted in favor.

Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, in coordination with all of the opposition parties, agreed that the discussion in the plenum would be conducted calmly, without opposition or shouting, with the aim of putting the coalition to sleep  so they wouldnt gather all the Knesset members to vote.

And so, when Justice Minister Yariv Levin finished his arguments in favor of the proposal, many Knesset members from the opposition joined the vote  and defeated it.

Yair Lapid celebrated on Twitter: We wont let them destroy the country.

The defeat is merely symbolic and does not affect practical moves to dismiss the Attorney-General.

A senior coalition official told Channel 12 journalist Amit Segal: In an unprecedented manner that has never happened in the Knesset, the opposition blatantly violated Knesset protocol. Breaking a years-long practice in the Knesset and calling it a maneuver is disgraceful, and its the only reason the vote failed. Next week, the vote will be brought up again and will pass.

During the plenum discussion concerning the disagreements between the government and the Attorney-General, Justice Minister Yariv Levin attacked Baharav-Mirara and said she is confrontational towards the government. He referred to her as the ruling governor and claimed that she has misled even those who appointed her.

Levin said: The Attorney-General has many rolesone of her main roles is to advise the government and help it implement its policy in accordance with the law. It needs to be said in the clearest terms  a move for replacement or dismissal is a last resort. It is always right to make every effort to find a way to avoid it, and I must say I have no doubt that all patience has run out. This cannot continue.

The Attorney-General as she operates today does not work to assist the government in advancing its policies but works to thwart the government and ensure it cannot advance its policies. This is an unprecedented and widespread problem. This is not about specific disagreements on a particular issue. It is an ongoing event since the establishment of the government on a long series of issues.

The Attorney-General repeatedly avoids doing the minimal expected thing  standing against inciters, against refusals [to serve in the IDF]. She does nothing, neither in action nor even in statement. What does she do? Every opportunity she has to make public remarks, she dedicates her words to an unrestrained attack on the government.

I tell my fellow ministers  there is no place to come to the public and say, give me a mandate and then say Im afraid. Whoever is afraid should say that to the public. Whoever has decided to engage in public service should stand firm and not give up, within the law. If he thinks what I think about the Attorney-General, he should come and stand at the podium and say things as I am saying them. If all coalition members acted this way, we would change the situation and achieve justice because many in the opposition also know we are right. I call on my fellow ministers  face the public and tell the truth.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
In July 2024, Israel conducted an airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, targeting Mohammed Deif, the elusive military commander of Hamas. The IDF later confirmed Deifs death, describing it as a major step toward dismantling Hamass military capabilities.

Following the strike, Hamas reportedly recovered Deifs body and interred it at a clandestine location to prevent Israel from using it as leverage in ongoing hostage negotiations. Initially, Hamas did not publicly acknowledge Deifs death. However, by early November, reports indicated that Hamas had privately accepted his demise, having lost contact with him after the July attack. The group detained two individuals, including a courier, on suspicion of aiding Israel in locating Deif.

Mohammed Deif, often referred to as The Guest, was instrumental in orchestrating numerous attacks against Israel, including the October 7 massacre that resulted in over 1,200 deaths.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has initiated high-level diplomatic efforts in Qatar and Israel to secure a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages before Trump takes office on January 20, 2025. According to a source familiar with the talks who spoke to Reuters, Witkoff met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in late November.

The meetings signal Qatars reentry as a key mediator after suspending its role last month, citing a lack of progress in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Qatar, alongside the U.S. and Egypt, had previously facilitated discussions that failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire or the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

A U.S. official confirmed Trumps team has engaged with Middle East leaders, expressing strong support for a ceasefire deal. They are supportive of a Gaza ceasefire deal, the official told Reuters. Trump warned earlier this week of hell to pay if hostages are not released before his inauguration.

Witkoff, a real estate investor with business ties in the Gulf region but no prior diplomatic experience, met Sheikh Mohammed in Doha on November 22. Both agreed that resolving the Gaza conflict before Trump assumes office would pave the way for broader regional stabilization efforts.

The following day, Witkoff met with Netanyahu in Israel, where he also spoke with families of Israeli hostages. An Israeli official confirmed the discussions focused on the Trump teams efforts to broker a deal before the inauguration.

Sheikh Mohammed subsequently traveled to Vienna on November 24 to meet with David Barnea, the director of Israels Mossad, who has led Israels negotiations with Qatar over the past year. According to the source, plans for renewed indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha are in motion, though a specific date has not been set.

Qatars foreign ministry and Netanyahus office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trumps transition team has similarly remained silent on Witkoffs diplomatic outreach. However, the meetings underscore Trumps intent to address the Gaza crisis swiftly as part of his incoming administrations Middle East agenda.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
US intelligence officials say that the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, which was significantly compromised militarily by Israel in the recent war, is already engaged in rehabilitating its forces and replenishing its weapons caches, Reuters reported.

The officials said that Hezbollah still poses a long-term threat to the US and its regional allies.

Four sources updated on US intelligence told Reuters that even while the war between Israel and Lebanon was still ongoing, Hezbollah began to recruit new members and was assessing ways to rearm through domestic production and by smuggling materials through Syria.

Israel has been trying to halt Hezbollahs capabilities to rebuild, carrying out strikes on rocket launchers in Lebanon, bombing border crossings with Syria, and even forcing a suspected Iranian arms plane to fly back over Syria.

US intelligence agencies assess that Hezbollah has lost over half of its weapons stockpiles and thousands of terrorists in the war in Israel, decreasing Irans overall military capabilities to its lowest point in decades.

But the sources said that Hezbollah still has thousands of short-range rockets in Lebanon and will try to rebuild via weapons factories in neighboring countries.

US officials are especially concerned about Hezbollahs access to Syria, where the civil war was recently rekindled. For many years, Syria served as a haven and transport hub for Hezbollah, with military equipment and weapons passing from Iran to Iraq, through Syria and into Lebanon.

The US is applying pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to thwart Hezbollah operations on Syrian soil. The US and UAE have even discussed removing sanctions on Assad if he unravels his ties to Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Hezbollah.

However, for now, US officials believe that Hezbollahs breakdown indicates a growing weakness in Irans military capacities and raises questions about its ability to use its proxies to attack Israel in the short term.

In the past, if Israel considered attacking Iran, one of the deterrents was the likelihood of Hezbollah in Lebanon retaliating, a US official said. But now, with Hezbollah on its knees, Israel can attack Iran directly without the same threat.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who according to Forbes is worth about $102 billion dollars, announced that he will donate 100 million shekels, about $27.8 million, to the reconstruction of the areas in Israels north that were damaged by the war with Hezbollah

The heads of northern cities and towns estimate that the donation is only an initial investment.

James Anderson, a senior official at the Bloomberg Foundation, wrote in a letter to the heads of the northern municipal authorities: We ask to stand by you, the heads of the authorities in the north and the south, and help with the challenges of reconstruction and growth. It is clear to us that the challenges you are facing will require an overall strategic vision, with critical local needs, to bring a comprehensive regional development boom.

In order to succeed in creating a common story together with the residents, a shared destiny is needed, not only in disaster, but also in growth and redevelopment.

Bloombergs plan for restoration has already been put into effect, Ynet reported. The Bloomberg Sagol Center has recruited over 60 professionals who are experts in the fields of project management, some of whom will be physically placed among the 40 municipalities selected to participate in the program, and some of whom will be accompanied and trained by the professionals who work in the municipalities themselves.

The real war of the residents of the entire country and the residents of the north in particular, is the fight for its resurrection and not as a slogan of politicians. This war proved the strength of the citizens and Diaspora Jewry, in places where institutions have failed. Thanks to Michael Bloomberg and other amazing donors who have opened their hearts and pockets, I am convinced that we will not only rehabilitate the North, but lead it to a prosperity that it has never seen, said the head of the Meta Asher Regional Council regional council Moshe Davidovich on Thursday morning.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
I tasted some chicken soup  do I have to wait six hours before I have my coffee with milk?

I cut onions with a milky knife and fried them in a meaty pan  what do I do now?

I cooked a potato in my meaty microwave  can I eat it with cheese?

Numerous Kashrus questions are impossible to answer without a thorough knowledge of the laws. Questions involving Kashrus constantly arise, so if a person is not well-versed in its intricacies, then it is inevitable that either transgressions will take place or that he will be overly strict.

The many books of basic laws are wonderful, but to really understand the halachos and to apply them, it is essential to learn and remember hilchos Kashrus with the background discussion. What is the challenge we face? It takes several years for a full-time advanced Torah learner to cover the laws of Kashrus in depth.

Issur VHeter for men offered a solution. World famous Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel, HaRav Hagaon Yitzchak Berkovits shlita used his vast knowledge to arrange all the important sources with the commentators on each area of hilchos Kashrus, and presented it in the form of source sheets that cover material from the original sources through practical halacha. This enables one to cover the main opinions in each topic and gain a deep understanding of the halacha without being overwhelmed with a lot of information.

Rabbi Dr. Yakov Pesah, a close talmid of Rav Berkovits who spent many years learning in Rav Berkovitss famous Jerusalem Kollel, with the Ravs endorsement, took on the monumental task of adapting the Hebrew sheets into English to make the program available for busy professionals.

After successfully running the Hilchos Shabbos program for several years, Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen, also a musmach of Rabbi Berkovits, joined forces with Rabbi Pesah, and together they cofounded the Hilchos Issur VHeter program for men and launched it online. It became an instant success worldwide.

During the launches of the Hilchos Kashrus course for men, it became crystal clear that a course especially tailored for Jewish women was necessary. The program received many emails asking for a womens cohort of this important and highly relevant series. Women, perhaps even more than men, require practical knowledge on how to keep the myriad halachos of Kashrus. Indeed, they may even be faced with more scenarios than men since they are more often busy in the kitchen. Therefore, Rabbi Gefen, in consultation with Rabbi Berkovits, helped Rabbi Pesah adapt the curriculum to be uniquely tailored to Torah-observant women as an online program in Hilchos Kashrus accessible to motivated women worldwide (www.HilchosIssurvHeterforWomen.com). The program empowers women to know the laws of Kashrus that are so relevant to their lives.

Participants in each online chabura receive source sheets with explanations in English. In addition to his weekly online Zoom shiur, Rabbi Gefen is available for questions by email and phone. There are tests in each section, and the option of a signed certificate of completion from Rav Berkovits.

While this is the first Hilchos Kashrus course for women, Rabbi Gefen has also launched another online program for women in Hilchos Bein Adam LChaveiro. This program is based on a curriculum of Kollel Linas Hatzedek/Center for Jewish Values, a premier international Bein Adam LChaveiro resource, whom we thank for their permission. The Bein Adam LChaveiro online program for women taught by Rabbi Gefen became very successful and received very positive feedback.

As women, we are required to learn halacha in order to fulfill it properly, says Dr. Shoshana Snyder from Los Angeles. Rabbi Gefens course  provides women with a level of knowledge and understanding of the halacha from the primary sources to the halacha lmaaseh. The depth of the learning is gratifying. Participating in this program has raised my awareness of the need to apply the halacha in situations that would have escaped my notice in the past. The shiurim are clear and there is plenty of opportunity for questions. Rabbi Gefen is available for questions via email in between shiurim as well. I am not aware of any other opportunity available for women to learn halacha at this level. I look forward to receiving the sources and hearing the shiur every week!

Its been a real pleasure to be part of the  program. I look forward to the source sheets and shiur every week. I have an increased appreciation of the halachos and how to apply them in daily life. The material has abundant sources, with varying opinions and a halacha lmaaseh section  I highly recommend the program! says Basya Gutmann from Clifton, New Jersey.

Over two thousand past and present participants in our programs come from six continents and range in skill level from beginner to advanced, adds Rabbi Dr. Pesah, the director of the program. Our vision is to enable everyone to learn halacha in a structured way and make it doable for every motivated person.

Mrs. Batya Eshel from Safed in Israel shares her experience: The shiur is well focused in general, and of course the more prepared I am the more I get out of it. Questions from the participants are handled well, and we all get a lot out of the shiur. Using Zoom allows us access to a shiur that we wouldnt be able to access in person.

The new cycle of womens Hilchos Kashrus program begins on Monday, December 23rd.

For more information, tuition, and to apply, visit:

www.HilchosIssurvHeterforWomen.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 3. Halyk Bank today announces that it successfully placed its debut green bond on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) on December 3, 2024, becoming the countrys first commercial bank to issue the sustainability-linked fixed income debt instruments, Trend reports.

The notes, issued in the amount of 20 billion tenge (KZT) for a period of three years, signal the Bank's ongoing commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable projects and mark a significant step in Kazakhstan's transition to a green economy.

Proceeds from the placement will be used to finance projects that help to foster more efficient use of natural resources, to reduce environmental impact, to mitigate the effects of climate change and for climate adaptation, all contributing to achieving the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. In accordance with the Bank's Green Finance Policy, the categories of eligible projects will be based on the Taxonomy of Green Projects of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international taxonomies for climate-aligned projects, and the Green Bond Principles (GBP) of the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA).

Halyk Bank CEO Umut Shayakhmetova commented: For our bank, this green bond issue is not just a financial instrument, but an opportunity to make a real contribution to the development of a more sustainable economy in Kazakhstan. We are pleased to be able to support projects that have a positive impact on the environment and promote more responsible use of natural resources. It is widely known that our bank was the first Kazakhstani financial institution to publish an annual ESG report in accordance with international GRI standards. In 2022, Halyk was again first among Kazakhstani banks to join the UN Global Compact, and in July 2023, first to publish its sustainability report in accordance with the TCFD recommendations. Continuing in this pioneering tradition of actively implementing best ESG practices, Halyk has now become the first commercial bank in Kazakhstan to issue green bonds. We will continue to expand our participation in environmental initiatives to contribute to building a greener and more sustainable nation.

Halyk Finance JSC acted as the lead manager and bookrunner for the green bond issue. Green Investment Group carried out an independent assessment (second party opinion) of the issuer's internal documents and policies for compliance with the criteria of ICMAs Green Bond Principles. More detailed information about these securities is available on the KASE website.

This is not Halyk's first initiative in the field of sustainable development. Since 2020, the Bank has sponsored a project to gasify the private homes of socially vulnerable members of the population in order to reduce toxic emissions. Halyk is also a partner in implementing the Qaryzsyz Qogam project, which aims to improve financial literacy among the rural population and reached more than 65 thousand people over the past year. Halyks ESG rating from MSCI ESG Research, which rose to BBB in March 2024, confirms that the Bank is moving in the right direction by making sustainable development a central part of its business strategy.
Green landscapes replaced by scorched earth: Farmers in Northern Israel need immediate assistance



For over a year, residents in Northern Israel have been displaced from their homes, and the regions farmers have lost their primary source of income. With no end in sight, these communities are in desperate need of support. In response, the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation has dedicated a significant portion of proceeds from its annual luxury apartment lottery in Jerusalem to provide immediate aid for Northern Israels farmers and residents. Each ticket sold contributes directly to saving lives.

Since the evacuation of Netua, the settlements homes, chicken coops, and orchards remain deserted. Residents have been scattered across the country; some have been living in hotels for over a year, while others have found temporary accommodations. All are yearning to return to their homes.

When we were told to evacuate, we packed only a weeks worth of clothes. We never imagined that a year later, wed still be waiting to go back, says Rabbi Ofer Kashani, the rabbi of Netua. A vast area in Israel remains desolate, and we still see no resolution.

Shmuel Sackett, head of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation, has been supporting various Israeli communities based on urgent needs, including farmers and northern residents affected by the war. Over a year has passed since the evacuation began, and the north remains under constant bombardment. What were once green landscapes are now scorched earth. Its clear we need to help the residents of the north rebuild their lives.

Yoav Cohen, chairman of Moshav Netua, shares the hardships facing the settlement: Most residents of Netua rely on agriculture, from fruit orchards to chicken coops. Since October 7, weve been forced to leave our homes and our livelihoods behind. Some residents risked returning under fire to tend to their land, only to face disaster.

One of these residents, Eyal Ozan, a 54-year-old farmer and father of three from Moshav Netua, lost his life when Hezbollah fired an anti-aircraft missile from Lebanon. Eyal was working in his apple orchards at the time. Eyal was committed to his land and couldnt bear to leave it untended, says Yoav Cohen. Farming was in his blood; this was his lifes work.

Now in its seventh year, the Dream Raffle offers a chance to win a luxury apartment in Jerusalem, valued at $1 million, with panoramic views from the 9th floor. This year, a large portion of the proceeds will go directly to supporting northern settlements, residents, and businesses.
The UK's biggest mobile operator will form next year, as the competition regulator has cleared the 15billion merger of Three UK and Vodafone.

The Competition and Markets Authority said the Three and Vodafone deal can go ahead in 2025 if the two firms spend billions investing in 5G infrastructure.

The merger would also see the price of some mobile deals capped for three years - a distinct bonus in a mobile landscape that has seen huge year-on-year bill increases.

It would see 27 million customers brought together under one roof, and was first mooted in 2023.

But experts are divided on whether the deal would see prices rise or fall, and what it means for mobile phone competition in the UK.

This is everything you need to know about how the merger would affect you.

Big deal: A merger of Vodafone and Three creates one of the biggest mobile firms in the world

Will Three and Vodafone continue to exist?

Yes, as separate brands. If you are a customer of either firm, there are no announced changes to how your mobile contract will work.

After three years, Vodafone will be allowed to buy out the rest of Three, which is currently owned by CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings.

Is the deal certain?

Not yet, as the CMA has certain requirements it wants the firms to meet first.

These include Three and Vodafone investing billions in 5G infrastructure over eight years and capping the price of certain deals for three years. If the firms don't, then the deal is off.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the CMA investigation, said: 'Its crucial this merger doesnt harm competition, which is why weve spent time considering how it could impact the telecoms market.

'Having carefully considered the evidence, as well as the extensive feedback we have received, we believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed  but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures.'

Which deals will have prices capped?

This has not yet been announced, and details will come in a further report from the CMA.

The CMA has not outlined which specific price plans would be protected. It is understood this detail will be in a full report into the merger, which has not been published yet.

When will the deal complete?

In the first half of 2025.

What are the benefits of the merger?

The CMA thinks more widespread 5G services could be a perk of the Vodafone/Three merger.

This is because the combined scale of the merger could 'improve the quality of mobile services and bring forward next generation 5G networks and services', the CMA said.

But some experts think the merger could mean higher prices.

The CMA initially thought the merger could mean larger bills for customers, before changing its mind.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: 'The two companies are currently close competitors so the merger is likely to reduce competitive pressure in the market which could lead to higher prices and lower quality for consumers, at least in the short term.'

However, the prospect of higher prices was shot down by Vodafone's chief executive, Margherita Della Valle.

She told the BBC Today programme that the deal would mean 'no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers'.

How many mobile operators are left?

Once the deal goes through there will be just four mobile network operators in the UK - Vodafone UK, Three UK, BTEE and Virgin Media O2.

A mobile operator owns and operates a network that allows mobile phones to communicate.

Many other firms rent part of this network to provide their own services, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Smarty and more. These firms are called 'mobile virtual network operators' (MVNOs) and there are 18 of them, seven of which use the services of Vodafone and Three.

What happens if my mobile firm runs on the Vodafone/Three network?

Seven mobile phone firms are MVNOs using either Vodafone or Three networks.

These are Asda Mobile, iD Mobile, Lebara, Smarty, Superdrug Mobile, Talkmobile and Voxi.

Customers of these firms should not see price rises for three years - at least, not price rises linked to the merger.

This is because the CMA has said these firms will get prices and contract terms locked for three years as part of the merger deal.
Police are investigating reports of stalking made by executives at fast fashion firm Boohoo.

There have also reportedly been claims of corporate espionage.

Forces in Greater Manchester and Kent are probing reports of stalking offences, said to involve serious alarm or distress.

Chief executive Dan Finley, former boss John Lyttle and co-founder Mahmud Kamani are alleged to have been followed by men on public transport and in public in Kent, London and Manchester, according to The Times.

Lyttle, who quit as chief executive in October, is alleged to have had trespassers on his property, while Kamani was reportedly assaulted.

Kent Police and Greater Manchester police confirmed probes had been launched. No arrests have been made.

Inquiries: Greater Manchester and Kent police are investigating reports of stalking made by executives at fast fashion firm Boohoo

The identity of the alleged perpetrators or anyone or any organisation that may be behind the alleged activities is not known.

The Times said that Boohoo allegedly found surveillance equipment outside its Manchester HQ last month. This was reported to the police, Greater Manchester council and the data watchdog.

Over the years, Boohoo has been the subject of much controversy such as the showdown it faces with major shareholder Mike Ashley, who has demanded Kamani step aside.

Ashley will seek to install himself as chief executive at a meeting of investors on December 20.

Boohoo has also faced controversy over reports of mistreatment of workers at its suppliers.
The sell-off in French assets eased marginally on Thursday as investors held their breath ahead of Prime Minister Michel Barniers resignation.

French government bond yields moved lower as the euro strengthened and the countrys banking stocks inched higher, with all three having come under pressure in the wake of the governments collapse.

Barnier was forced to resign following a vote of no confidence, as lawmakers dismissed his attempts to rein in France's budget deficit, which is set to top 6 per cent of GDP this year.

The closely-watched gap  or risk premium - between yields on French and German 10-year government bonds known as the OAT-Bund spread is trading slightly below 80 basis points.

It touched 90bps at the end of the last week  the highest since the 2012 eurozone debt crisis.

Meanwhile, the euro was up 0.6 per cent for the day against the US dollar to $1.06.

Michel Barnier was forced to resign after a row over his budget led to a vote of note confidence.

The CAC 40  an index of the top 40 French companies  inched 0.2 per cent higher by midafternoon, with top banks BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale up between 1.4 and 2.5 per cent each.

Head of European government bond trading at Mizuho,.Amedeo Scippacercola told the Reuters news agency the movements likely showed investors either hedging their risks or taking profits.

More pain to come for French assets

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has refused to resign, must now appoint a Prime Minister capable of passing a Budget that both appeases French lawmakers and tackles the countrys economic issues.

Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter Investors, said: The French economy is facing significant challenges.

Unemployment is at 7.4 per cent, the fiscal deficit is twice the EU's acceptable limit, and there is no agreed plan to close the gap.

Alex Everett, investment manager in the rates team at asset manager Abrdn, predicted OAT-Bund spreads would reach 100bps by the end of the year, suggesting there is more pain to come for French assets.

He added: President Macron must now try again to elect a consensus building prime minister.

This vote of no confidence brings an uncertain future, with little prospect of short or even medium-term budget remediation.

OAT-Bund spreads dipped below 80bps on Thursday as Barnier resigned

Analysts at UBS predict rating agencies will derate France by one notch over the next 12 months, and cautioned clients on the outlook for French assets.

They wrote in a note: As volatility will likely stay high on the long end of the French yield curve until a stable government is in place, we keep our preference for shorter tenors. up to four years.

French large caps (CAC 40) have underperformed European peers by almost 12 per cent since the beginning of the year.

The exposure to China, concerns about US tariffs on consumer-related stocks, and political instability have all weighed on the CAC 40.

While we see valuation becoming attractive, we would caution investors against buying companies exposed to the country's growth. While France should avoid a large fiscal tightening, it will likely be hit by another large uncertainty shock.
Marks & Spencer has won the battle to raze its flagship Oxford Street store.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has approved the proposal after a three-year planning row.

It is a big victory for chief executive Stuart Machin, who said the group would move as fast as we can to redevelop the site.

M&S will now knock down its 1929 art deco flagship near Marble Arch in Central London and build a larger retail and office block in its place.

The High Street stalwart says a new site  which will include a cafe and gym  will support 2,000 jobs.

The decision had been seen as a test for Labours promises to support economic growth  which many businesses already feel were broken in Octobers 40billion tax-raising Budget.

Landmark: M&S's flagship Art Deco store on Oxford Street will be replaced by a combined retail space and office blocks

And experts hope it will help Oxford Street turn a corner and vanquish the tacky sweet shops that now line the road.

Machin said: I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst under the previous Government, our plans for Marble Arch, the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street, have been approved.

We can now get on with the job of helping to rejuvenate the UKs premier shopping street through a flagship M&S store and office space, which will support 2,000 jobs and act as a global standard-bearer for sustainability.

Machin, who has partnered with actress Sienna Miller to launch new ranges, added: We share the Governments ambition to breathe the life back into our cities and towns, and are pleased to see they are serious about getting Britain building and growing. We will now move as fast as we can.

Former Housing Secretary Michael Gove blocked the plans last year.

The retailer won a High Court battle for an appeal in March  but this was then delayed by the General Election.

Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company, said the redevelopment will help cement the West Ends status as a global destination for shoppers and office workers alike.

But heritage campaigners dubbed it a missed opportunity to rejuvenate the current building in a similar fashion to the Tate Modern or the great Pennine textile mills.

Style icon: M&S chief exec Stuart Machin with actress Sienna Miller whose collections for the High Street chain have been flying off the shelves

It is wilfully myopic not to see that the elegant M&S building could play a similar role in the story of Oxford Street, whose fortunes are already on the up, said Henrietta Billings, director Save Britains Heritage.

Some of Britains leading architects, including Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud, also opposed the plan.

Last year, Machin dubbed Goves decision utterly pathetic and senseless. He accused the minister of taking an anti-business approach, choking off growth and denying Oxford Street hundreds of thousands of new quality jobs.

M&S even threatened to abandon the shopping street in protest.

In her 144-page report, Rayner cited the verdict of the independent planning inspector, who warned that the loss of M&S would be likely to have a severe harmful impact on the vitality and viability of the area.

And she said there were inescapable structural issues that would make refurbishing the old store deeply problematic.

Property lawyers said this decision would set the scene for future decisions over planning.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The start of natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Slovakia is a significant development that further strengthens Azerbaijan's position in the international energy market. These gas deliveries are crucial for Azerbaijan's energy security and for enhancing strategic ties with European countries. They also provide Azerbaijan with an opportunity to diversify its gas exports and access new markets, contributing to the sustainable development of the economy. The growing role of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in the international gas market is key to long-term economic benefits for Azerbaijan's energy sector and boosting energy security in Europe.

Notably, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) started gas deliveries to Slovakias SPP, the countrys largest state-owned energy supplier, starting in December.

The gas deliveries are part of the Solidarity Ring initiative (STRING). In May of this year, Richard Kvasnovsky, Executive Director of the Slovak Gas and Oil Association (SGOA), stated that, under the STRING initiative, Azerbaijani gas supplies to Europe could initially reach 5 billion cubic meters.annually

As part of this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Sofia on April 25, 2023, between Bulgartransgaz (Bulgaria), Transgaz (Romania), FGSZ (Hungary), EURSTREAM (Slovakia), and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

The total gas consumption in Slovakia last year was 45,537 terawatt-hours (about 4.23 billion cubic meters).

Economist and expert Eldeniz Amirov told Trend that the gas deliveries from Azerbaijan to Slovakia would bring dividends to both countries.

"This will be seen in political, economic, and other aspects. Gas supply is crucial for Slovakia's and Europe's energy security. The challenges faced by Europe in energy security after the Russia-Ukraine conflict have made Azerbaijan's potential even more relevant. Today, Azerbaijan's role in diversifying Europe's alternative energy sources is significant. At the same time, gas exports strengthen Azerbaijan's position in international trade, elevate the country's standing in the energy market, and contribute to financial inflows. These gas supplies will undoubtedly foster further expansion of infrastructure projects in the country and make it more resilient in this sector," the expert said.

To note, SOCAR highlighted that these deliveries are part of its ongoing efforts to diversify its export markets.

With this development, Slovakia becomes the twelfth country to import Azerbaijani gas, joining Turkiye, Georgia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and North Macedonia.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) and Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan) have signed a memorandum of understanding, Trend reports.

According to SOCAR, the MoU was signed by the companys President Rovshan Najaf and the President of Yokogawa Europe B.V. and Vice President of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Seita Hagihara.

The memorandum aims to expand the existing cooperation between the two companies.

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on production optimization, energy efficiency, decarbonization efforts, emission reduction, and areas related to digitalization, among other fields. The possibility of joint project implementation will also be explored.

Notably, the parties discussed potential cooperation opportunities in production digitalization, processing, energy transition, and decarbonization in October of this year.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 5. U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum will be resigning from his post effective January 20, 2025, and will retire after nearly 28 years of distinguished service with the U.S. Department of State, Trend reports.

Ambassador Rosenblum has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022. After much reflection, he decided to step down following a distinguished career spanning five U.S. Presidential administrations and eight Secretaries of State.

"Serving as Ambassador to Kazakhstan has been the honor of a lifetime, said Ambassador Rosenblum. "I am especially pleased to have gotten to know the Kazakh people better, to have visited every region of the country and learned so much about Kazakhstans unique history. I have gained a deep respect for Kazakh culture and traditions during my time living here".

Ambassador Rosenblum expressed his complete confidence in the continued success of the U.S. Mission under the leadership of Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Robinson, who will serve as Charge dAffaires until a new Ambassador is nominated and confirmed and of U.S. Consul General Michelle Yerkin in Almaty. The Ambassador also highlighted the invaluable contributions of his Astana and Almaty teams, who have worked tirelessly to further the Missions goals during his tenure.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, December 5. Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Eurasian Logistics Park Limited Liability Partnership signed a loan agreement on the project of construction of an industrial and logistics complex of class A in the Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

According to the information, the amount of the loan is 16.6 billion tenge ($31.6 million).

On the eve of the Second EDB conference for international financial organizations, we signed the agreement in Almaty.

Sergey Ignatov, Senior Managing Director of the Bank, and Adam Mestoev, Director of Eurasian Logistics Park LLP, signed the loan agreement on behalf of the borrower.

The project involves the construction of two modern warehouse buildings with a total area of 50,000 square meters near the Big Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD). Commissioning of the complex is scheduled for the end of 2025. The total cost of the project will amount to 22.1 billion tenge ($42.1 million).

The project of building a Class A logistics center in Kazakhstan reflects our bank's strategy to develop key Eurasian infrastructure. In addition to strengthening the logistics distribution capabilities of consumer goods in Almaty, the logistics center under construction has the potential to become a major hub. This will be an important step toward increasing trade volumes, optimizing supply chains, and building a unified economic space, given that the EDB estimates that all modern trade formats are expected to grow significantly in the region, with online commerce expected to grow at an annual rate of 12 percent by 2028, with a total of 91.4 million users. Participation in this project strengthens the EDB's position as a reliable partner contributing to economic growth and sustainable development of the entire region, EDB's Chairman of the Board Nikolay Podguzov noted.

The warehouse logistics sector in the post-pandemic period demonstrates rapid growth worldwide. According to forecasts, by 2025, inclusive in the Eurasian region, demand for quality warehousing facilities may exceed 1 million square meters, with Kazakhstan accounting for about 40 percent of the volume. The construction of logistics centers both at the border and in major cities will help reduce costs and improve the efficiency of supply chains.

The EDB already has significant experience in supporting transportation and logistics projects. The bank actively promotes initiatives that contribute to economic growth and integration among member countries by providing financing for infrastructure construction.

To note, the Eurasian Development Bank is an international development finance agency that invests in the economic development, commercial relations, and integration of Eurasian countries. The EDB was established in 2006 and is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. A telephone conversation took place between the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President-elect of the United States Donald Trump, Trend reports.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States of America.

The politicians confirmed their mutual commitment to the intensive development of strategic partnership in trade, investment and nuclear non-proliferation.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan's position on the most pressing issues on the international agenda.

The presidents agreed on regular contacts in order to maintain the high dynamics of bilateral cooperation.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 5. Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce prison terms for corruption offenses instead of fines, Trend reports via Kyrgyzstan's parliament.

According to information, the deputies of the country have rolled up their sleeves and taken the bull by the horns, giving the green light to the first reading of the bill On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Sphere of Countering Corruption.

This bill is designed to tighten the screws on corruption within state bodies and pave the way for a cleaner legislative landscape.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) Kamchybek Tashiev noted that the bill envisages the complete elimination of fines for corruption offenses.

Such persons will receive real terms. There will not be any fines and no possibility to avoid criminal liability, Tashiev emphasized.

The bill puts the kibosh on fines for corruption offenses, requiring those whove danced with the devil to strike a plea deal and fully make amends for any material damage, serving no less than half the minimum stretch behind bars.

Moreover, the bill stipulates stringent measures, including the disqualification of candidates for military service, law enforcement agencies, or bailiff units if their spouse or close relatives have been convicted of a serious or particularly serious crime, or if a criminal case against the candidate has been dismissed on non-rehabilitative grounds.

Additionally suggested is an obligatory, lifetime ban on occupying municipal and state offices for those found guilty of corruption violations.

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In the aftermath of his shocking exit from court proceedings this week . . . Question about his treatment by authorities compared to other suspects have become increasingly relevant.



Accordingly . . .

This passage stands out . . .



Golubskis accusers believe he had too much freedom under house arrest. Some of them were especially angry after they saw video of him at a Culvers restaurant following a medical appointment in January. Schwartz tightened conditions on Golubskis house arrest after that, but didnt order him detained.



The perception of people, rightly or wrongly, and regardless of the law, is that had they been in front of the court under similar circumstances, they probably would have been detained, Cheryl Pilate, an attorney for some of Golubskis accusers, said Tuesday.



Barry Grissom, who served as the top federal prosecutor in Kansas from 2010 to 2016, said Golubskis longtime ties to the Kansas City area  something cited by the magistrate  argued against detention. Schwartz ordered Golubski to stay at home except for religious services and medical care. He was not allowed to get a passport.



He hadnt been found guilty  you know, it hadnt been proved  so he still, like anybody, was presumed innocent, Grissom said.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

An ex-officer who died in an apparent suicide before his federal trial was barred from having a gun A former Kansas police detective who died in an apparent suicide as he was about to stand trial for allegedly violating the civil rights of women prosecutors say he sexually assaulted wasn't supposed to have a gun under his house arrest.

Why the Kansas City Detective Who Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Black Women For Years Will Never Stand Trial Just before facing trial on federal charges of sexual assaulting women on duty, Golubski was found dead in his home.

Developing . . .
Weather Alert

Rain and strong winds are possible on Sunday. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. What: Total rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 mm. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h. When: Sunday morning through Sunday night. Additional information: The rain is expected to begin Sunday morning and move out of the area by Sunday night. Strong southerly wind gusts are possible late Sunday morning or afternoon. Localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads are possible. 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 5. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave a practical cry of the soul without any quotation marks during his recent speech in the parliament. The Prime Minister lamented the fashion of historical Armenia. Where one of its inhabitants, 30 years old, says he is from Sasun, another says he is from Van, and so on. Then he would ask, Very well, I understand very well, but people, I want to understand who is from Dilijan in this country and who is from Yerevan in this country? As Pashinyan assured, We don't understand the simple thing that when we live in Dilijan, we say, I am from Van, we lose Dilijan. We lose Dilijan; we open a corridor for them to say: come on, there are no Indigenous people there; they came from here, from there; it's an old Turkish town; it's an old Azerbaijani town; it's because they listen; yes, what are we talking about from the pulpit? So we're losing our state. We have lost our state. Translating into Russian, Pashinyan asks not to play along with the Azerbaijanis, who rightly call these lands Western Azerbaijan.

Now, that's interesting.

Another thing is important. People in Armenia are careful to plug their ears when they are reminded of this, but the fact remains that there was no Armenian presence in the South Caucasus before the Russian troops captured the Irevan fortress. Except for church employees of the Echmiadzin Church, who moved here at the beginning of the 15th century, as documents of Matenadaran tell us. Later, in the 19th century, the resettlement policy of the Russian Empire started, and ethnic Armenians, mainly from the Osman Empire and Persia, began to move to the lands of Irevan, Nakhchivan, and the Karabakh Khanate. Yes, there were some Armenian quasi-states throughout history, but none of them were located where today's Armenia is located. Even later, a large-scale, pardonable, twisting of history began, when the city of Irevan, founded by order of Shah Ismail Khatai, suddenly turned into ancient Armenian Erebuni, Sardarabad became Sardarapat, Istisu - Jermuk, Hamamli - Spitak...

Now, the whole story invented for Armenia is a tough roll with the family memories of the majority of local residents. Who continue to live, without feeling the land beneath them. And it comes as a complete shock to them when historical Azerbaijani names of towns and villages of Armenia suddenly appear in school history textbooks, when excavations started in the main square of Yerevan and artifacts of obviously Muslim origin are discovered there, when, finally, Azerbaijan recalls those pages of the history of neighboring Armenia, which local nationalists wanted to destroy so much.

Indeed, it is possible to invent a new Armenianized history for Armenia, which was created on the historical Azerbaijani lands of the Erivan Khanate. It is possible to declare that the capital Yerevan is not the fortress Revangala founded by Shah Ismail Khatai but ancient Armenian Erebuni. You can erase Azerbaijani names from the map. It is possible to wipe off the face of the earth fortresses, mosques, dams, bridges... But it will not be possible to invent a fake story for every single family in Armenia! And every such family will say that their great-grandfather once moved here from Van or Bitlis, Erzerum, or Diyarbakir.

About the fact that family genealogy in Armenia does not coincide with the official history, four years before Pashinyan's speech, the Yerevan newspaper lragir wrote: The center of Yerevan has been a lodge of one of the castes, which calls itself the aborigines of Yerevan for more than a century. The aborigines all have tragic family histories that go back to Van, Bitlis, and Constantinople. Their ancestors found in Yerevan salvation from death and exodus and were able to realize themselvesto become academicians, doctors, and architects in their native countrybut sacralization of fear and salvation gave rise to a lot of complexes. The song Aragil begins with the words I am no longer a wanderer, and I already have shelter. Home and neighborhood become homeland without growing into a sense of a larger homelandthe state. The non-institutionalized casteism spills over into snobbery and does not allow the state to be glued together from different parts.

Once it is already clear. Building Armenia as a state is impossible without reconciliation with its own history. There are plenty of quite successful states in the world, created, in general, by immigrants, starting from the US and ending with New Zealand. However, first of all, in the same Mexico, they do not assure that Spaniards lived here before the Aztecs and Incas. Secondly, the states built on fakes are really doomed to disaster. This means that the citizens of Armenia simply need to open access to the true history of their country. Otherwiseand here Pashinyan is really rightthe chance to build their statehood will be hopelessly lost.

Fuad Akhundov

Political scientist
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Fake image circulated to claim Sheikh Hasina has converted to Hinduism

An image of Hindu priest applying tilak on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's forehead has been edited to falsely claim former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been converted to Hinduism

Friday December 6, 2024 0:26 AM , Fact Check by Logically Facts

[Screenshots of viral social media posts. (Source: X/Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)]

What is the claim?

An image of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina standing with a group of people has been shared online to criticize her, with claims that it shows a Hindu priest in saffron attire applying a tilak (a religious mark worn by Hindus) on her forehead in India.

The insinuation is that she has converted to Hinduism.

Social media users captioned the image with statements like:

"Elder sister is a Muslim while in Bangla (Bangladesh) and a Hindu in Hindustan (translated from Bangla)."

The image also contains inlaid Bangla text stating:

"Elder sister is Muslim in Bangladesh, what is a Muslim's identity?"

Archived versions of such posts on Facebook and X can be found here, here, and here.

However, our investigation found that this image is digitally altered. The original photograph is from September 2022 and features a Hindu priest applying a tilak on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Kerala.

What did we find?

A reverse image search led to a post by Indian news agency ANI on September 14, 2022 (archived here). The post contains four photos of Gandhi meeting Hindu priests.

A comparison reveals that Rahul Gandhi has been replaced by Hasina in the altered image, as the background and visual elements remain identical.

The ANI post explained that the photos were taken during Gandhis visit to the Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage center in Varkala, Kerala.

Kerala | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, to pay obeisance at the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, ANI stated.

The Congress party also shared these images on its official X account (archived here).

Sree Narayana Guru dedicated his life to reject casteism, promote social equality & spiritual enlightenment. The revered Sivagiri mutt has been visited by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Ji & Rajeev Gandhi in the past. His teachings will always inspire the humankind.#BharatJodoYatrapic.twitter.com/3XbPyGobs0  Congress (@INCIndia) September 14, 2022

Several news outlets, including The Times of India, reported that Rahul Gandhi visited Sivagiri Mutt on September 14, 2022, to pay homage to Sree Narayana Guru, a Hindu spiritual leader, and social reformer, before resuming the eighth day of the Congress partys Bharat Jodo Yatra from Navayikkulam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

What about Sheikh Hasina's photo?

The image of Hasina used in the altered photo is from October 2019. According to an Asia Times' report dated July 16, 2023, the original photo  credited to Prakash Singh of AFP, shows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shaking hands with Hasina before a meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.

A comparison reveals that the viral image was cropped and flipped to insert Hasina into the scene. The original photo is also available on AFP.

[Comparison of the viral image and AFP photo. (Source: Facebook/X/Modified by Logically Facts)]

During her four-day official visit to India in October 2019, Hasina held wide-ranging talks with Modi on bilateral ties.

This evidence conclusively demonstrates that a photo of Rahul Gandhi visiting a religious site was edited to insert an image of Hasina, falsely claiming that the ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister is having a tilak applied in India.

Verdict [Fake]

Social media users have shared a digitally altered image to falsely claim that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was applying a tilak in India.

The original photo shows Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his visit to a religious site in Kerala, with Hasinas image digitally inserted.

[This story was originally published by Logically Facts , and republished by ummid.com as part of the Shakti Collective.]

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Photo: National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan accused the ruling "Civil Contract" party member, Ovik Agazaryan, of disclosing state secrets leading to failure of negotiations and the increased tension in relations with Azerbaijan, Trend reports via Armenian media.

According to Simonyan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had revealed secret details of his meetings with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to members of his party, but Agazaryan published this information.

The parliament speaker noted that the leak source had been searched for over a year.

"Even if Agazaryan resigns from his mandate at Pashinyan's request, he will not be able to avoid responsibility," Simonyan added.

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Now Love Education in Chinese universities to check population decline

The Chinese universities and colleges have been asked to introduce Love Education as a subject as the country fights the declining population

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:43 PM , ummid.com News Network

[AI generated image used here for representation]

The Chinese universities and colleges have been asked to introduce Love Education as a subject as the country fights the declining population.

China one child policy

China was once proud of having a small family and forcibly enforced one child policy. The country however asked couples to have more children, even announcing sops for families having two children and announcing in 2021 that the government will support couples if they wish to have a third child.

The change of policy was intended to balance population development and address the challenge of an ageing population.

Despite this the Chinese couples refused to lure into having more children. Despite the government putting too much emphasis on the issue, China's marriage rate is plummeting as its youth increasingly reject the idea of tying the knot.

In fact, a recent poll by China Population News revealed that around 57% of college students reported are not wanting to fall in love, as reported by Reuters citing the Jiangsu Xingua newspaper group.

According to the research, the number of marriage registrations fell from a record high of 13.47 million in 2013 to 8.13 million in 2020. The report also highlighted regional variations in marriage rates, which were negatively correlated with GDPindicating that more prosperous cities tend to have lower marriage rates.

Why Love Education?

Alarmed by this trend, Beijing has been promoting various measures to try to make having children more attractive to young couples  the latest being introduction of Love Education in schools and colleges.

Colleges and universities should assume the responsibility of providing marriage and love education to college students by offering marriage and love education courses, China Population News, an official publication, said.

Also Read: Jain sect announces cash reward for couples having more children

The aim of the initiative is to foster a healthy and positive marriage and childbearing atmosphere, according to Reuters.

The plan suggests that universities should educate junior college students about population trends and national conditions, as well as new concepts surrounding marriage and childbearing.

China was the most populous country till 2023 when it fell behind India. The country's population declined for the first time since 1961 in 2022 when the national birth rate fell to a record low of 6.77 births for every 1,000 people.

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Searching Shivling Under Every Mosque

Seeking the survey of mosques in various places of the country, the communal forces found a new tool to instill hate by misusing the history related to our ancient holy places

Thursday December 5, 2024 5:44 PM , Ram Puniyani

[AI generated image for representation]

The decade of the 1980s saw a drastic downturn in the direction of peace and progress. The communal forces found a new tool to instill hate by misusing the history related to our ancient holy places. There was a Rath Yatra led by Lal Krishna Advani for building a Grand temple for lord Ram, precisely at the spot where Babri Mosque stood for over five centuries. In the light of rising tempo of this divisive issue, the Parliament passed an act as per which the places of worships nature and character could not be changed as it existed on 15th August 1947.

The Supreme Court judgment on the Babri Masjid dispute case appreciated this law, as the basic part of Indias Constitution, as an important step in maintaining peace in future. The act of demolition of Babri was declared as a crime and also judgment opined that there was no evidence of a temple below the mosque. An article in Sabrang says:

A top-notch archeologist, Prof Supriya Varma, who served as an observer during the excavation of the Babri Masjid site in early 2000s along with another archeologist, Jaya Menon, has controversially stated that not only was there no temple under the Babri Masjid, if one goes beyond the 12th century to 4th to 6th century, i.e. the Gupta period, there seems to be a Buddhist stupa.

At the time of demolition led by Hindu Right wing, they shouted that Yeh to kewal Jhanki hai, Kashi Mathura Baaki Hai (This is just the beginning, Kashi; Mathura will be next). Couple of years ago the issue of Kashi Mathura was brought to the fore for surveying, despite the Places of religious worship act 1991 being in place. Justice Chandrachud opened the floodgates by opining that the act does not cover the survey and Hindus have right to know the ancestry of the place. This came as a big boost for using the distorted history, using the make believe history to further their agenda.

The forces, which had stated that if Ajodhya, Kashi and Mathura are given to them, they will close their demands for other places of Hindu worship lying under mosques. Currently over 12 cases for survey are pending in the courts. The other issues like Kamaal Maula Masjid , Baba Budan Giri Dargah, Haji Malang Dargah and many more mosques are being pursued for claims by Hindus. There is a long list. As Sambhal Jama Masjid came under hammer, the centuries old Ajmer Dargah is also being claimed by Hindu Sena, which has sprung up to claim more and more sites to be given over to Hindus.

In these cases some doubtful documents are highlighted. In many of these the role of British officials is notorious, for example Mrs. Beevridge in translation of Babarnama,puts a footnote stating without any evidence that there might have been a temple underneath the mosque.

There have been numerous examples of distorting history and multiple reasons for destroying temples, plundering wealth, humiliating the rival king being the main.

If we go a bit back in history the major cause of destroying Buddhist Vihars was religion. Swami Vivekananda shared the fact that:

The temple of Jagannath is an old Buddhistic temple. We took this and others over and re-Hinduised them.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati while describing the contribution of Shankaracharya in his tome,Satyarth Prakash wrote:

For ten years he toured all over the country, refuted Jainism and advocated the Vedic religion. All the broken images that are now-a-days dug out of the earth were broken in the time of Shankar, whilst those that are found whole here and there under the ground had been buried by the Jainis for fear of their being broken.

According to the Buddhist narrative of ancient Indian history the last of Maurya dynastys Buddhist king (Ashoka being one), Brihadratha was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin in 184 BCE thus ending the rule of a renowned Buddhist dynasty and establishing the rule of Shunga dynasty.

DN Jha, outstanding ancient Indian historian, referred to Divyavadana, a Buddhist Sanskrit work from the early centuries which described how Buddhist and Jain religious places were destroyed by Pushyamitra Shunga, a great persecutor of Buddhists.

He is said to have marched out with a large army, destroying stupas, burning monasteries and killing monks as far as Sakala, now known as Sialkot, where he announced a prize of one hundred dinars for every head of a Shramana (opposed to Vedas).

Jha tells us that at Mathura, a flourishing town in western Uttar Pradesh during the Kushana period, some present-day Brahminical temples, such as those of Bhuteshwar and Gokarneshwar, were Buddhist sites in the ancient period.

The history which has been made the part of popular common sense is the one propagated by Hindu nationalist forces. The roots of this lie in the British policy of divide and rule which promoted Communal Historiography. In this the kings are presented as representatives of their religion. The focus is mainly on the medieval period where many Muslim kings ruled. During this period many temples were plundered for wealth and many others were demolished to humiliate the defeated kings.

What is forgotten and erased from memory is that even Aurangzeb gave donations to Hindu temples (Kamakhaya Devi temple and Mahakal temple in Ujjain, being few of them) and Hindu Kings like Raja Harshdev appointed a special officer (Devottapatan Nayak) to plunder the wealth of temples (Kalhan, Rajtarangini).

Maratha kings destroying a temple in Srirangpanam are put under the carpet. During this period religion had very little role to play unlike the post Mauryan Period when to wipe out Buddhism the Buddha Viharas were destroyed.

Indian polity and judiciary have opened a Pandoras Box which is deepening the religious divides in the society. What is the need of the hour?

To search for temple underneath every mosque or to build the temples of Modern India as defined by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, while starting the construction of the Bhakra Nangal Dam to describe scientific research institutes, steel plants, power plants, dams being launched in India after independence to jumpstart scientific and industrial progress.

Which direction India will choose will define its destiny.

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Urdu School Teacher attacked by students in Andhra, dies

A teacher at the Zilla Parishad Urdu High School at Kothapalle village of Rayachoti Mandal in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh Wednesday December 04, 2024 died after he was allegedly assaulted by students in classroom

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:35 PM , ummid.com News Network

Amaravati: A teacher at the Zilla Parishad Urdu High School at Kothapalle village of Rayachoti Mandal in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh Wednesday December 04, 2024 died after he was allegedly assaulted by students in classroom.

Two of the three students who reportedly attacked the Mathematics teacher are siblings.

According to reports, Ejaz Ahmed (42) went to Class 9 as per his daily routine when he found three students disturbing the classroom.

The students got angry and attacked the teacher when he asked them to maintain order in the class.

Eyewitnesses claim the students struck him on the chest, face, and back, and broke his glasses during the altercation.

Fellow teachers took Ejaz Ahmad to hospital where he died during treatment.

Meanwhile, the school head, Shabbir Ahmed, said that the teacher died from heart attack, while he was being taken to the hospital.

Local Police however has registered a case following the compliant launched by his wife, who is also a teacher and probing the matter.

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Why Bangladesh want Sheikh Hasina trial at The Hague, not Dhaka

Bangladeshs Interim Government is preparing to initiate legal action against Hasina at The Hague, awaiting the final report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:55 AM , Saleem Samad

[Dr. Muhammad Yunus with ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan]

The time has come to acknowledge that Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, will not face trial in Dhaka. Instead, the international community will hold her accountable for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladeshs Interim Government is preparing to initiate legal action against Hasina, awaiting the final report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

This investigation focuses on the tragic deaths of over a thousand students and protesters during the Monsoon Revolution of July and August. Once the OHCHR report is finalised, the Interim Government plans to file a case with the ICC, starting the long process of holding Hasina accountable for her actions.

The idea to pursue international legal action was set into motion in September when Dr. Yunus attended the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. During the summit, he engaged with Volker Turk, the Head of OHCHR, and Chief Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan. The decision to prosecute Hasina in an international court was made to avoid the controversy of bringing legal proceedings within Bangladesh itself, where political pressures might undermine the pursuit of justice.

Hasina fled Bangladesh just hours before protesters stormed Gono Bhaban, the official Prime Ministers residence, on August 5 . She boarded a Bangladesh Air Force transport aircraft and reached Delhi, where she has been living in exile ever since, in a secured military base near the Indian capital with her sister, Sheikh Rehana.

It was reported that Hasina has applied for asylum in a couple of Western countries. Unfortunately, no country has granted permission. Her choices were London (UK) and Washington DC (US).

She attempted to flee to London, where her sister owns a house, or to Washington DC, where her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy resides. Unfortunately, both the countries denied her entry. The US swiftly revoked her 10-year multiple-entry visa, and the British government did not respond to her request. European nations were equally unyielding in offering asylum.

Hasina has lately become an outspoken critic of the U.S., accusing Washington of attempting to secure a military base in Bangladesh in exchange for political support. Washington scoffed off the allegation and said no such proposal was ever given to Dhaka.

India, too, has remained quiet on the matter of Hasinas asylum. Yet, despite the embarrassment it causes the Indian administration has no choice but to provide her with accommodation and security, allowing her to stay. It is a rare instance for India to offer political asylum, and it is clear that Hasinas stay in India will be a prolonged one.

As the ICC proceedings unfold, the court will eventually seek her extradition to the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity. India, is not a signatory of the ICC, but will have no legal grounds to resist the extradition once the court issues a request.

Additionally, India cannot dispute the legitimacy of the OHCHRs probe, as the ICC will be responsible for carrying out the trial.

Should Hasina be found guilty, she could face a lengthy prison sentence or even life imprisonment in a European jail.

Bangladesh is expected to bring serious charges against her, including widespread human rights abuses, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the illegal detention of dissidents in secret prisons. However, the ICC is unlikely to pursue charges related to her extensive corruption, nepotism, and favouritism during her autocratic rule.

Despite the impending trial, Hasina will likely go down in history for other reasons. She will be remembered for being the longest-serving female prime minister, as well as for overseeing the deaths of countless students and protesters during the Monsoon Revolution.

The journey of justice is long and uncertain, but it is clear that the international community is determined to hold Hasina accountable for her actions. In the end, it will be at The Hague, not Dhaka, where she will finally face the consequences of her rule.

[The writer, Saleem Samad, is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. A media rights defender with the Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_inter). Recipient of Ashoka Fellowship and Hellman-Hammett Award. He could be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com; Twitter: @saleemsamad. The above article is first published in the Northeast News, Guwahati, India on 2 December 2024.]

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In an effort to reverse its declining birth rate, China has asked universities to offer "love education" courses focusing on positive attitudes toward marriage, love, fertility, and family.

China's birth rate had just declined for the second year in succession in 2023. Since the population is aging and stands at 1.4 billion, China is under economic and social pressure as fewer youngsters join the workforce and birth rates decline.

US News stated that the Chinese government believes that universities could help redefine youth's perceptions about marriage. The Chinese news on population states that a majority of college-going youth have shifted away from their long-held views on marriage and family. A recent study discovered that 57% of the students avoid relationships because it creates a conflict between the relationship and studies. This trend is further encouraged by a lack of structured education in matters concerning emotional relationships and marriage.

China's Love Education to Boost Birth Rate

With these "love education" courses, the government hopes to educate junior students about trends on population and cultivate cultural attitude toward childbearing and marriage. To desensitize them from the stigma linked to these concepts, senior students could discuss or engage in activities to manage relationships to facilitate a healthy attitude toward love and family.

In November, Reuters shared that China's state council instructed local governments to promote the importance of childbearing and marriage "at the right age." Experts, however, are skeptical about the impact of these efforts on young people, who are increasingly prioritizing personal goals over traditional family expectations.

While these courses may better enable students to manage their relationships, effectiveness depends on how relevant they are for the young generation. Until today, the program points to the increasing concern about China's demographic challenges and their overall impact on the future of the nation.
December 5 2024

Five practices have been shortlisted in a footbridge of the future design competition organised by National Highways, the government agency responsible for the upkeep of England's road network.

Among over 30 entrants the veteran bridge-building team of COWI and Moxon were shortlisted for their slender timber design resting on a stainless steel V-shape pier to keep span lengths to a minimum.

They will go head-to-head with rivals from Arup & Sean Harrington Associates; Davies Maguire; Useful Studio Architects and Expedition Engineering and Webb Yates Engineers to secure the commission for a new Lower Thames Crossing. Each team will be judged on their success in minimising carbon emissions through their choice of materials and construction methods with the winner to be revealed in the spring.

The Lower Thames Crossing, billed as Britain's 'greenest road', will connect Kent and Essex via a network of roads and tunnels and is the first project to lock in legally binding carbon commitments as a condition of its planning consent. It also includes 40 miles of new and improved walking routes.

More than just a local solution this bridge could form a mass production template for motorways and major A roads across the country, with National Highways alone managing 600 such structures.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Thursday reemphasized the need for inclusive growth, highlighting the importance of bringing everyone into the mainstream to contribute constructively to the economy.

Speaking at the launch of ESG Sustain Pakistan's premier Sustainability centric online platform, the minister praised the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for its efforts in promoting digitization and data sharing.

He noted that digital channels and avenues are the way forward, enabling the scaling up of initiatives and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.

The minister said the ESG platform was aimed at encouraging companies and institutions to share their success stories and best practices.

This initiative is expected to serve as an equalizer, allowing all institutions, regardless of size, to showcase their achievements and learn from each other.

Aurangzeb reiterated the importance of private sector leadership in driving Pakistan's growth, with the government providing a policy framework and enabling environment. He emphasized that the government has no business being in business, citing the significant losses of around Rs6 trillion incurred by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) over the past decade.

The minister also highlighted the need to address Pakistan's two existential problems including population growth and climate change.

He emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, leveraging digitization and data sharing to drive progress.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Another 35 Sri Lankan students have reached Pakistan to study in Pakistani universities at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels under the Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students, an initiative of Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.

According to the Programme, the students arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly work in multiple developmental areas, including the higher education sector. It includes 1,000 scholarships to Sri Lankan nationals. Of whom, 418 are already studying in Pakistan while 42 have graduated.

These scholarships are part of the comprehensive educational programme entitled Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme (HEC).

The Sri Lankan students will pursue their BS, MS, and PhD studies in public sector universities of Pakistan.

The scholarships are being offered in all major disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, business Studies, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, etc.

The students were selected through a competitive selection process keeping in view their basic eligibility criteria for enrolment in Pakistani public sector universities. The incoming Sri Lankan scholars were given a warm welcome at the airport.
The Security Forces on Thursday killed eight Khwarij militants including a ring leader Khan Muhammad @Khoryay with fixed head money of Rs1 million in two separate intelligence based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) The Security Forces on Thursday killed eight Khwarij militants including a ring leader Khan Muhammad @Khoryay with fixed head money of Rs1 million in two separate intelligence based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

An intelligence based operation was conducted in general area Sararogha, South Waziristan District on reported presence of Khwarij. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location as a result of which two Khwarij, including Kharji ring leader Khan Muhammad @Khoryay, were killed, while two khwarij were apprehended, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release.

The killed kharji Khan Muhammad @Khoryay was involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including target killing & extortion. He was highly wanted by the Law Enforcement Agencies and Government had fixed head money of Rs 1 million on him, it further said.

Another intelligence based operation was conducted in Lakki Marwat District and after an intense fire exchange, six Khwarij were successfully neutralised by the security forces.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country, the news release said.
Prince Harry has dispelled rumors of divorce and deteriorating relations with his wife Meghan Markle, with whom he has been married for 6 years. This happened against the backdrop of the fact that the couple has been traveling separately on business trips for the past few months.

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This happened during Prince Harry's interview with New York Times journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, People magazine reports. The reporter suggested that the couple travels separately to different invitations to create more publicity and draw more attention to themselves.

"Is this normal for you? As soon as an article appears  she's in California, you're in New York-they (journalists  Ed.) say: "Well, something is going on with these two, right?" Is it good for you, in a sense, that there is so much interest in you?" Sorkin asked.

Then Prince Harry replied that excessive attention "is not good" and ironically said that the media had already "separated" him from Meghan Markle more than 10 times. "No, it's definitely not good. We must have bought or moved 10-12 times. We've probably broken up 10-12 times. So it's just like, what?" he said with a laugh.

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The Prince of Sussex added that he feels most sorry for the haters who have vain hopes that the couple will break up. "Their hopes build and build, and then it doesn't happen. That's why I feel sorry for them," Harry said.

Moreover, the prince has no doubt that his interview with Andrew Sorkin will also be "distorted," and even the journalist will become a target of haters. "I can only apologize for that, but you invited me, so it's not my fault," he added jokingly.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on Thursday, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sarrio and other officials, conducted a visit to several areas of Lyari and District South to address traffic and civic concerns

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on Thursday, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sarrio and other officials, conducted a visit to several areas of Lyari and District South to address traffic and civic concerns.

The inspection covered Burns Road, urdu Bazaar, Lee Market, Joan Market, Pan Mandi, Napier Road, Shah Waliullah Road, Daryabad, Maripur Road, and nearby locations.

The commissioner reviewed the problem of soft encroachments hindering traffic flow, according to a news release.

Hassan Naqvi directed authorities to take immediate action to remove encroachments and enhance sanitation efforts around garbage dumping points on footpaths and roads.

He stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent inconvenience for residents.

During his visit to Urdu Bazaar and Burns Road, the commissioner highlighted the poor condition of footpaths, roads, and sanitation. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner to work with the Solid Waste Management board to improve garbage collection points.

In Lyari, Hassan Naqvi also visited the Street Library at Ath Chowk, emphasizing its potential to encourage reading habits, especially among youth. He urged the town administration to help restore the library for the benefit of the community.
Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at the Workplace (FOSPAH), Fauzia Viqar, welcomed a delegation from the Australian High Commission to FOSPAHs Head Office on Thursday, including Australias Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell AM

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at the Workplace (FOSPAH), Fauzia Viqar, welcomed a delegation from the Australian High Commission to FOSPAHs Head Office on Thursday, including Australias Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell AM.

During the meeting, the Australian High Commission assured its unwavering support for the Ombudspersons Office, recognizing its pivotal role in combating workplace harassment and fostering a culture of gender equality and respect in Pakistan, said a Press Release.

Viqar apprised the delegation of FOSPAHs initiatives, achievements, and ongoing campaigns, including its participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She highlighted the Government of Pakistans steadfast commitment to supporting FOSPAH in its mission to provide accessible justice and uphold the rights of women and vulnerable groups.

The Australian High Commission expressed its admiration for the Ombudspersons efforts and reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at eradicating workplace harassment and promoting gender equity. Discussions also included avenues for future partnerships, particularly in capacity building, awareness programs, and knowledge exchange.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to enhance cooperation and further the shared objective of ensuring safe and respectful workplaces in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday said that the government is committed to equip youth with latest digital skills:

The minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of InnoVista Pvt Ltd (IT Company) led by its CEO Hisham Sarwar.

Matters related to promoting information technology and equipping youth with IT skills were discussed in detail said a news release.

The delegation briefed the Minister of State for IT about the working and objectives of InnoVista.

They apprised Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima that InnoVista Pvt Ltd is an initiative of Special Investment Facilitation (SIFC) to contribute to national IT sector through large scale IT skills development programs, technology development, investment facilitation and innovations.

The delegation said that InnoVista wanted to initiate training program to equip and upskill country's youth in IT skills.

Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima appreciated InnoVista for its working and future plans. She said that government is committed to equip country's youth with latest digital skills to enable them to get jobs.

She said that it is vital that all the trainings must be result in enabling trained people to easily get job in the market.

She said that Ministry of IT and Telecom will fully support InnoVista in its endeavour to equip country's youth in trending IT skills.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain inaugurated a residential complex for Hindu pilgrims at the Katas Raj temple, under the management of Evacuee Trust Property board (ETPB), here on Thursday.

Addressing the ceremony, he said that minorities had been living here since before the creation of Pakistan. "We will work for the beautification of the holy places of not only Hindus but also other religions. The minorities living in Pakistan are our own people. We will give a good message to the world regarding the minority community," he said adding that Katas Raj was a great cultural heritage consisting of different religions. He said that according to modern requirements, a 36-room building adjacent to the Katas Raj temples had been constructed at a cost of Rs 190 million. It would accommodate the Hindu pilgrims coming from inside the country as well as abroad.

ETPB Chairman Syed Atta-ur-Rehman thanked the federal minister and said "we have the full support of the Government of Pakistan and the district governments to serve the minorities in Pakistan and to provide hospitality to the pilgrims coming from abroad". He said that there was a significant change in the historic Katas Raj Temple by adding 36 residential rooms and sub-modern facilities.

In addition to improved facilities, 6,000 plants of different species have been planted for the health of the temple environment and conservation of the heritage has been ensured with modern infrastructure and environmental awareness. The ETPB has installed a 40-kW solar system and spacious parking facilities at the Katas Raj Temple so that Hindu pilgrims and tourists from Pakistan and around the world could enjoy complete facilities.

President of the Pakistan Hindu Mainder Management Committee (PHMMC) Krishan Sharma specially thanked Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chairman ETPB for the construction and renovation of the Katas Raj Complex and said that Hindu religious places of worship in Pakistan are safe. He said that Pakistan is a minority-friendly country and I want to send a message to the Hindu community around the world that they should come to Pakistan and visit their religious places of worship.

The ceremony was attended by Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider, Secretary ETPB Farid Iqbal, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary Admin Sanaullah Khan, Chief Engineer Haq Nawaz.Shahid Bashir,Deputy Commissioner, DPO, Chakwal Ahmad Mohayudin and a large number of representatives of the Hindu and Sikh community.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) joined the global community in commemorating International Volunteer Day under the theme of "Protect Humanity."

The day served as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by volunteers worldwide and the urgent need to safeguard those who dedicate their lives to serving humanity.

Chairman of PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari said that volunteers embody the spirit of humanity, selflessly serving in the most challenging circumstances.

"Today, we honour their sacrifices and reiterate our call to safeguard humanitarian workers everywhere."

He said PRCS volunteers were at the forefront of delivering essential services, from health care to disaster response in communities across Pakistan. Their steadfast dedication, compassion, and service were the backbone of the National Society.

To strengthen its volunteer base, the PRCS Youth and Volunteering Development Program was actively engaged in fostering a well-trained and motivated corps of youth and volunteers, he said and added that this program ensures inclusive participation from all segments of society, enhancing PRCSs capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and humanitarian needs.

On this International Volunteer Day, "We not only pay tribute to those we have lost but also celebrate the resilience and spirit of the countless volunteers who continue to protect and serve communities, embodying the essence of Protect Humanity."

If anyone is interested in registering as a volunteer, visit prcs.rpm.molnix.com to sign up and join the Pakistan Red Crescent Society's mission to make a difference.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight Khawarij in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight Khawarij in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The president and the prime minister, in separate statements, lauded the security forces for conducting successful operations in district South Waziristan and district Lakki Marwat.

President Zardari said the entire nation stood behind the brave security forces. He expressed the national resolve to uproot the menace of terrorism in the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the "Security forces have always stood like a solid wall in front of the enemy to protect our beloved country". He also expressed the determination to eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appreciated the performance of the Ministry of Commerce for its prompt compliance for his instructions issued and directed to convene a meeting of the National Export Development Board next week to increase Pakistani exports

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appreciated the performance of the Ministry of Commerce for its prompt compliance for his instructions issued and directed to convene a meeting of the National Export Development board next week to increase Pakistani exports.

The prime minister made these remarks while chairing a review meeting on Commerce Ministry's performance, a PM office news release said.

The prime minister directed to take immediate steps to create sustainable employment opportunities for the border districts of Balochistan and step up measures to further increase Pakistani rice exports to Malaysia.

During Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Pakistan, it was agreed to increase rice exports from Pakistan to Malaysia, he added.

The PM underscored that the existing special economic zones in Pakistan would be activated along with proper facilities of hotels, hospitals, business schools and other services to increase domestic exports.

The prime minister directed to form a special cabinet committee to increase the production of wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, edible oil and other major crops.

He added that the Cabinet Committee would submit recommendations based on expert opinions to increase production of major crops.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed about measures to increase agricultural exports. He was briefed that two MoUs were signed with Russia for trade in agricultural commodities under barter trade.

The PM was apprised that the Tajik government had expressed interest in cooperation with Pakistan in the textile sector.

The meeting was attended by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Prime Minister's Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal and officers of relevant institutions
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) The Career Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Sargodha organised an drugs awareness seminar, titled 'Together We Fight', to stress the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and wellbeing).

Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Faisalabad Assistant Director Muhammad Salman Hundal participated as the chief guest, while Officer CDC Masooma Zahra, faculty members, and a large number of students attended the event.

Salman Hundal said that drug abuse was a critical issue that not only destroyed individual health and lives but also pushed society toward dangerous threats.

He encouraged youth to focus on their life goals and the hard work required achieving them.

He highlighted that educational institutions serve as excellent platforms for raising awareness against drug abuse. I urge young people to build self-confidence, and take responsibility to safeguard themselves from negative influences, he concluded.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Soil expert, Dr Rabia Khalid, on Thursday, emphasized the need for important nutrients for yield, as the soil was the most important resource for sustainability of life.

While talking to the media on the eve of World Soil Day (WSD), she said, we need to take care of the soil for our next generation, adding that the use of chemicals carelessly for better yield definitely harmed the structure of the soil and that crops could also be unfavorable to the humans.

Commenting on the theme of WSD, Dr. Rabia said that its theme in 2024 was Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, and Manage. She added that in order to get better production from the soil, firstly measure the capacity of the soil and then monitor all nutrients present in the soil for the production of specific crops and manage it accordingly.

We are deteriorating the structure of the soil in the pursuit of extra production, while on the contrary, it is needed to get production according to the capacity of the soil, and necessary steps should be taken to take care of it, Rabia said.

Speaking about the condition of the soil of Pakistan, she said, The soil of Pakistan is blessed with all necessary nutrients and far better than other regions, but due to adverse practices, it is losing its high fertility capacity".

Talking about other reasons for deteriorating the structure of the soil, she blamed pollution and waste materials as the most common for the degradation of the soil surface.
Kinshasa, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Dec, 2024) The Democratic Republic of Congo said Thursday it was on "maximum alert" over a mystery disease that has killed dozens of people in just over a month.

The illness causes flu-like symptoms -- fever, cough and headaches -- and has been described by Congolese authorities as "an unknown public health event".

First detected in late October, cases have so far been limited to the Panzi region, around 700 kilometres (435 miles) southeast of the capital, Kinshasa.

"We are on maximum alert, we consider this to be a level of epidemic that we need to monitor," Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters in Kinshasa.

"In the health centres, we have counted 27 dead," he said.

He added that another 44 deaths had been reported in the community but "other possible causes" could be involved in these.

Access to the region is difficult by road and health infrastructure is lacking. Residents also face a shortage of drinking water and medicine.

Just over 60 percent of people in the region suffer from malnutrition, especially children, making it one of the highest rates in the country, Kamba said.

He recalled that the region had already suffered a serious typhoid fever epidemic two years ago.

According to initial data, the unidentified disease particularly affects younger people, with 40 percent of cases among under fives.

Epidemiologists have been sent to Panzi to take samples.

Specialists have ruled out coronavirus but have concluded it is a disease that affects the respiratory system, the minister said.

"We don't know if we are dealing with a viral disease or a bacterial disease," Dieudonne Mwamba, director general of the National Public Health Institute, said during an online press briefing by the African Union's health watchdog, Africa CDC.

"We don't even know the mode of transmission," Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya said.

Among the 27 deaths in health centres, 17 people died after suffering respiratory distress, the minister said.

Ten died from a lack of transfusion due to a state of severe anaemia.

The DRC, one of the world's poorest countries, has in recent months been at the epicentre of an outbreak of mpox, with more than 1,000 deaths.
Princess Diana's nieces, Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer appeared at the British Fashion Awards 2024 in dresses that looked as much as possible like the "revenge dress" that Lady Dee wore after she found out about her husband Charles III's infidelity. The sisters chose black sheath dresses with bare shoulders, but with different necklines and accessories.

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The twins, the daughters of Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer, repeated the infamous "revenge dress," but their looks had an important difference in length. Princess Diana broke the protocol for her outfit and chose a dress above the knees, while the sisters decided to opt for an evening style - to the floor. OBOZ.UA will tell you more about their looks and what makes Lady Dee's "revenge dress" special.

British Fashion Awards 2024 took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Amelia Spencer's dress had a V-neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves. She complemented her look with a sparkling diamond necklace, bracelet, rings and drop earrings with precious stones - a complete set of accessories.

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Meanwhile, Eliza Spencer wore a very similar black dress, but with a different, straighter neckline and wide, lowered straps. She, like her twin sister, decided to use a full set of diamond jewelry. Both girls gathered their blonde hair in a bun at the back of their heads to emphasize the beauty of their shoulders and neck.

What is the peculiarity of Princess Diana's "revenge dress"

On June 29, 1994, the ITV channel aired the documentary Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role. It was the first time the future king admitted that he had been cheating on his wife, Princess Diana. Lady Dee responded by preparing a reaction for the press and, having accepted an invitation to a charity dinner organized by Vanity Fair magazine at the Serpentine Gallery in London, she appeared in public in an outfit with bare shoulders, a deep neckline and a length above the knees.

The princess bought this outfit back in 1991 for a "special occasion". Back then, she asked the dressmakers to make something very special for her, and it had to be black. Thus, the "revenge dress" remained untouched in Lady Dee's wardrobe for three years.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about the 7 most unfortunate outfits of royals. Although they have personal stylists, they are unfortunately not immune to fashion mistakes.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
(@FahadShabbir)

Brussels, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) The European Commission on Thursday said that it has stepped up its monitoring of TikTok in the context of Romania's elections, after receiving information about possible Russian interference.

Romanian authorities alleged that there has been Russian interference and "preferential treatment" of far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu by TikTok -- a claim the social network has denied.

Without commenting on any possible breach of rules by the platform, the Commission is demanding that TikTok "freeze and preserve data related to actual or foreseeable systemic risks its service could pose on electoral processes and civic discourse in the EU", according to a statement.

The Commission acts as the EU's digital watchdog, under the Digital Services Regulation (DSA), which came fully into force on February 17.

TikTok must also preserve internal documents and information regarding the design and functioning of its recommendation systems, the Commission said.

The platform has also been told to retain information on the way it addresses the risk of "intentional manipulation", the Commission's statement added.

Romania holds its presidential run-off election on Sunday, a key vote for the EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine.

Georgescu's nationalist discourse imbued with mysticism has hit the mark on social networks, particularly on TikTok, where his videos have been viewed millions of times.

Georgescu, a former senior civil servant, shocked the eastern European nation when he topped the first round of the presidential elections on November 24.

Fears are rife that under Georgescu the country, whose strategic importance has increased since Russia invaded Ukraine, will join the EU's far-right bloc and undermine European unity in the face of Russia, at which Bucharest pointed the finger amid claims of interference in the first round vote.
President Emmanuel Macron has reminded European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen that France still considers an EU trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc "unacceptable", his office said Thursday

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) President Emmanuel Macron has reminded European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen that France still considers an EU trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc "unacceptable", his office said Thursday.

France is strongly opposed to the EU signing off on the deal with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, saying French farmers would face unfair competition undercutting their livelihoods.

"The project of an agreement between the EU and Mercosur is unacceptable in its current state," Macron told von der Leyen, according to a post on X.

"We continue to tirelessly defend our agricultural sovereignty," the Elysee said.

Von der Leyen had earlier said the "finish line" for the deal was "in sight" as she headed to a summit in Montevideo.

Macron, with the backing of French parliament, has argued that the Mercosur trade deal would hurt French farmers, who have held nationwide demonstrations against the pact.

Farmers say they are tied by restrictions on certain insecticides, herbicides, GMO seeds and other products that the South American competition is free to use.

France's stance has support from Poland, but other key EU members, including Germany and Spain, are in favour of the agreement.

EU trade pacts are negotiated by the European Commission, not individual members.

But France is seeking to form a blocking minority against the deal -- an alliance that, under EU rules, would require at least four member states to succeed.
Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) A landmark defence pact between North Korea and Russia, signed by its leaders in June, has gone into effect after the two sides exchanged ratification documents, North Korea's official KCNA news agency said Thursday.

The formalization of the treaty comes as the United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine.

Experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is keen to acquire advanced technology from Moscow and battle experience for his troops in return.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the strategic partnership deal during the Kremlin chief's visit to Pyongyang.

It obligates both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other, and to jointly oppose Western sanctions.

It came into effect from Wednesday, when the ratification documents were exchanged in Moscow by the countries' vice foreign ministers Kim Jong Gyu and Andrei Rudenko, KCNA reported.

Lawmakers in Moscow last month voted unanimously for the deal and it was later signed by Putin. Pyongyang said it was ratified by a decree from Kim.
Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Dozens of Red Cross staff and volunteers gathered Wednesday for a candlelight vigil for more than 30 of their colleagues killed in 2024, during the deadliest year on record for humanitarians.

More than 100 people crowded outside the headquarters of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva, most donning red vests and carrying candles.

The tribute came as a Palestine Red Crescent volunteer was killed Wednesday in the Gaza Strip, which "brings the total number of IFRC network members killed worldwide this year to 32", the group said in a statement.

"Alaa Al-Derawi, a member of PRCS's emergency medical team, was fatally shot in the Khan Younis area of Gaza, shortly after transporting patients for treatment. He was returning to base when the incident occurred," it said.

In Geneva, standing in the stinging cold in front of a banner emblazoned with the words "Protect Humanity", some held up pictures of the staff and volunteers killed this year while performing their humanitarian duties.

"We are shocked. We are appalled," Nena Stoiljkovic, the IFRC's Under Secretary-General for Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation, told the gathering.

"We are not a target," added IFRC official Frank Mohrhauer.

- 'Grim milestone' -

Following a minute of silence, an IFRC staff member solemnly read out the Names of those killed.

They were among a record number of aid workers who have perished around the world this year.

Already last month, the United Nations said the record number of 280 humanitarians killed in 2023 had been surpassed, and the number has kept climbing.

Israel's devastating war in Gaza has especially been driving up the numbers, but aid workers were also subject to violence and killings in a range of countries including Sudan and Ukraine.

"2024 is now the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, especially for local staff and volunteers worldwide," Stoiljkovic said.

"This grim milestone has not spared the IFRC network," she said, pointing to more "heartbreaking news" just last week when another Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer was killed, and eight others injured in an attack.

"They were rescuing people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance," she said.

Stoiljkovic told AFP that the event, which came before International Volunteers' Day on Thursday, provided "a moment to reflect" on the towering losses with "sadness and compassion".
Hanoi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Shopping app Temu has been forced to suspend its services in Vietnam after it failed to register with authorities, state media said on Thursday.

Goods ordered on Temu were no longer being cleared through customs in Vietnam, state media reported, after the company missed an end-of-November deadline to register with the ministry of industry and trade.

It was not clear when or if Temu, which is owned by Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings, would be able to resume business.

Separately, online fashion retailer Shein said that the Vietnamese version of its website was "temporarily unavailable", adding that it was working with the ministry of industry and trade "to register our e-commerce services".

Shein, which was founded in China but is now headquartered in Singapore, had faced the same deadline as Temu to register, but there was no reference to the company in state media Thursday.

Neither Shein nor Vietnamese authorities immediately responded to a request for comment from AFP.

On Temu's app, Vietnamese has been removed as an interface language. Users now have the option to select from English, Chinese and French.

The announcement comes after the ministry raised concerns in October over the stunningly low prices on the online marketplace and their impact on Vietnamese producers.

A spokesperson for Temu told AFP that they were working with Vietnamese authorities to register their business.

"We have submitted all required documents for the registration," the spokesperson said.

Temu has sucked in consumers across the world with its low prices and all-powerful algorithms.

Since it began operations in Vietnam in October, it has caught the eye of Vietnamese consumers with discounts of up to 90 percent and free shipping, according to state media.

But the month of its launch, the ministry raised concerns about the "unusually low prices of its goods, which may impact domestically produced products", according to the official Vietnam news Agency.

"It is unclear whether they (the goods) are authentic," VNA cited the ministry as saying.

After launching in 2022, online shopping app Temu surged to become one of the most popular online shopping sites in the United States.

It is also one of the fastest-growing apps in Europe, but the EU has hit the shopping platform with a probe over concerns the site is doing too little to stop the sale of illegal products.

In April, regulators in South Korea opened an investigation into Temu on suspicion of unfair practices including false advertising and poor product quality.
Johannesburg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Six bodies have been extracted over the past two days from an abandoned mine in the town of Stilfontein in South Africa, where hundreds of clandestine miners are still underground, a community leader told AFP Wednesday.

"Six bodies were retrieved in two days, four today and two yesterday," said Johannes Qankase, a spokesman for the nearby township of Khuma, where most of the miners live.

The abandoned gold mines some 150 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of the economic capital Johannesburg have been encircled over the past four weeks by police seeking to dislodge "zama zamas" ("those who try" in the Zulu language) who are working there illegally.

A total of seven bodies have been found since the beginning of November, according to regional police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone.

It is unclear exactly how many miners are still underground. A local man said he was told there were around 4,000, though police said the figure was probably in the hundreds.

Authorities have been limiting water and food provisions in an attempt to make them leave the mine.

Thousands of "zama zamas", many from neighbouring Mozambique and Lesotho, endure difficult conditions to work and live in mineral-rich South Africa.

Some locals associate their presence with a rise in criminality, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called them a "menace" to the country's economy and security.
Hong Kong, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Equities extended losses in Seoul on Thursday, while the won stabilised as South Korea entered a period of uncertainty with President Yoon Suk Yeol clinging to power after his brief imposition of martial law this week.

And Bitcoin broke past the $100,000 mark for the first time Thursday on hopes US President-elect Donald Trump will push through measures to deregulate cryptocurrencies when he takes office next month.

The digital unit hit $100,010 in early Asian trade, having enjoyed a blistering rally since the November 5 election of Trump, who pledged on the campaign trail to make the United States the "bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world".

On Wednesday, the crisis in East Asia kicked off a day of high drama, as hours later the three-month-old government of French Prime Minister Michel Barnier was brought down in a no-confidence vote linked to a controversial budget proposal.

The news out of the eurozone's number-two economy had been expected and the euro saw no major impact, but the move injected fresh uncertainty into an already fraught political situation in France after divisive elections earlier this year.

All eyes in Asia are on Seoul, where the opposition has pushed for Yoon's impeachment, accusing him of declaring martial law to stop criminal investigations into himself and his family.

But while the leader of Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) called for the president to resign from the party and stressed he was "not trying to defend the president's unconstitutional martial law", a key PPP member vowed all its lawmakers would "stay united" to reject the impeachment motion.

Also Thursday, it emerged that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun had resigned over the issue.

- Key figures around 0230 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 39,488.51 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.1 percent at 19,521.29

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,362.65

Seoul - Kospi Index: DOWN 0.3 percent at 2,457.60

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0513 from $1.0510 on Wednesday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2698 from $1.2702

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 150.26 Yen from 150.56 yen

Euro/pound: UP at 82.79 from 82.71 pence

West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.2 percent at $68.70 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.2 percent at $72.42 per barrel

New York - Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 45,014.04 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.3 percent at 8,335.81 (close)

S&P Global Ratings

Dow
Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) Syrian government forces were locked in heavy fighting around the central city of Hama on Thursday, trying to halt an advance of rebels, a war monitor said.

The fighting around Hama follows a rapid offensive by the rebels, who in just days captured large chunks of territory, including Syria's second city Aleppo, from President Bashar al-Assad's control.

Strategically located in central Syria, Hama is crucial for the army's efforts to protect the capital, Damascus.

By late Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said rebel fighters had "surrounded Hama city from three sides".

"Violent clashes took place during the night between the rebels and the regime forces", particularly in the Jabal Zayn al-Abidin area, just north of Hama, said the Britain-based monitor.

The head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said government troops were engaged in "fierce resistance and trying to stop the rebels' advance".

Syrian state media quoted a military source late Wednesday as saying Russian and Syrian air forces, alongside artillery units, had conducted "concentrated strikes on the... terrorists" in the Hama area.

Maya, a 22-year-old student who gave her first name only for security concerns, said she and her family were staying at home as the fighting rages outside.

"We have been hearing non-stop the sounds of explosions and shelling," she told AFP by telephone from Hama.

"We don't know what's going on outside."
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2024) The United States will "speak out" to South Korea to safeguard democracy after President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday.

"South Korea's democracy is robust and resilient, and we're going to continue to speak out publicly and engage privately with South Korean counterparts to reinforce the importance of that continuing," Sullivan said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He said that Yoon's imposition of martial law "raised deep concern for us" and he praised the National Assembly for operating "according to constitutional processes and procedures" to rescind it.

"What we want to see is just the proper functioning of the democratic institutions of the ROK," he said, referring to the South by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

Sullivan said that President Joe Biden's administration first learned of Yoon's declaration of martial law via television, repeating that the United States was not consulted by its close ally.

His remarks follow a posting from the National Security Council that praised South Korea's "democratic resilience."
Russian propagandists are demanding that actress Liya Ahedzhakova, who is known for her roles in the Soviet films Irony of Fate and Office Romance, be recognized as a foreign agent. The Putinists came to such a "harsh" decision after the actress said the slogan "Glory to Ukraine!" after a performance in Los Angeles, USA.

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At first, this made the Russians so angry online that they threw mud at the 86-year-old celebrity. Later, the propaganda media reported that Liya Ahedzhakova was going to be recognized as a foreign agent.

Another punishment for her would be the deprivation of all state awards, including the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation. The initiative was expressed by the "activists" of the "Sorok sorokov" movement.

According to them, Liya Ahedzhakova "defames the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation, so she should be deprived of it." All because of the phrase "Glory to Ukraine!", which makes Russians shiver.

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However, they decided to recognize her as a foreign agent not because of the slogan, but because of the inability of "poor and unhappy" citizens of the terrorist country to see the play "My Grandson Veniamin", because the actress only travels abroad with it. The "activists" sent their appeal to the Ministry of Justice, but the response of the state institution is still unknown.

It should be noted that Liya Ahedzhakova has long supported Ukraine in the war against the terrorist Russian Federation. She has also spoken out against the Kremlin regime.

At one of her concerts, the actress raised a blue and yellow flag and thus supported our country. OBOZ.UA wrote about why she was not punished with foreign agent status or other sanctions.

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Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie demonstrated an elegant way to wear a cardigan in winter. She reaffirmed her status as a style icon by combining basic warm knitwear with classic minimalism.

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Instead of traditional black dresses, the actress chose a different approach, appearing in New York in a cozy gray cardigan and wide black pants. Her look once again reminds us that comfort can be stylish and sophisticated.

This time, Jolie chose a cardigan by Ryan Roche, which she paired with wide-leg trousers, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Instead of jeans, which are usually associated with such knitwear, she relied on elegance, complementing the outfit with platform shoes by Celine.

The choice of high heels not only lengthened the actress's silhouette but also added a touch of glamor to the look.

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A wrist bag and oversized black sunglasses completed this low-key yet luxurious look. Jolie managed to avoid being too casual and turned her cardigan into a sophisticated wardrobe piece for a city outing. This look is a reminder that even the simplest things can look spectacular with the right combination.

What makes this outfit special is the actress's ability to optimize simple things, adding sophistication with details and accessories. Jolie doesn't just wear comfortable clothes  she skillfully adapts them to current fashion trends. It's important to note that her choice reflects the trend of combining comfort and chic, which is becoming more and more relevant.

This stylish winter look will be the perfect inspiration for those who want to look elegant without sacrificing comfort. Fashion lovers can find similar cardigans that can be easily integrated into their wardrobe by adding a little experimentation with accessories or shoes.

Jolie demonstrated how even a simple cardigan can become the center of attention in a fashionable look. Her decision to add height with heels and play with contrasts of dark shades emphasizes her natural sense of style. This proves that basic items in the wardrobe can be as expressive as the most sophisticated designer dresses.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.


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In a landmark hearing Wednesday at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the United States argued that human rights law is not relevant to nation states' legal obligations over climate change.

Margaret Taylor, a U.S. State Department legal adviser representing the U.S., argued Wednesday that the ICJ was the wrong forum for addressing climate justice.

"An advisory proceeding is not the means to litigate whether individual states or groups of states have violated obligations pertaining to climate change in the past or bear responsibility for reparations, as some participants have suggested," Taylor told the court.

"The U.N. climate change regime with the Paris Agreement at its core is the only international legal regime specifically designed by states to address climate change," she said. "International human rights law  does not obligate states to mitigate anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, nor does it currently provide for a human right to a healthy environment."

The United Nations General Assembly asked the ICJ last year to offer its legal opinion on whether major polluting nations can be held accountable for causing climate change and the harm it causes.

The 15 ICJ judges will consider not only legally binding climate agreements but also international human rights law and other relevant legislation.

Nearly 100 countries and more than a dozen intergovernmental organizations are set to give evidence across two weeks of legal proceedings that began on Monday and ends December 13. The judges are expected to give their legal opinion sometime next year.

Island states

Small island nation states have argued that rising sea levels due to climate change place their very existence at stake. Arnold Kiel Loughman, attorney general of the South Pacific island state of Vanuatu, argued that human rights law is applicable.

"I have come to ask you to uphold the rule of law," Loughman told the ICJ judges on Monday.

"Under international law, states have obligations ... to act with due diligence to prevent significant harm to the environment, to reduce the emissions and provide support to countries like mine, to protect the human rights of present and future generations, to protect and preserve marine environment, and to respect the fundamental rights of my people to self-determination in our own land.

"The failure by a small number of large emitting states to fulfill these obligations constitutes an internationally wrongful act, triggering legal consequences under the international law of state responsibility," he said.

Paris Agreement

The Paris climate agreement, which came into force in 2016, was signed by 195 countries, setting targets to reduce emissions and limit global warming to no more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Many big polluters are reluctant to consider other legislation in relation to climate change, according to Nikki Reisch, director of the climate and energy program at the Center for International Environmental Law.

"We effectively heard them argue that the only relevant law from which any legal obligations can be sourced is the Paris Agreement. And when you actually look at the text of that agreement, it doesn't require very much," Reisch told VOA.

"We heard the U.S. really trying to encourage the court and others to ignore history, to sweep the historical conduct of many decades under the rug and saying what happened before the climate agreement was adopted doesn't really matter from a legal perspective, and that the knowledge for many decades of the causes and consequences of climate change isn't relevant," she said.

The judges' opinion is advisory and won't be legally binding. Nevertheless, it will have implications for all nation states, Reisch said.

"This advisory opinion will be an authoritative interpretation of what binding international law requires. So, it will carry weight as a kind of legal blueprint for accountability, or a guide for courts and advocates around the world to understand what international law requires and what we should be holding states to in terms of their climate action and their measures to remedy climate harm," she said.
Israel says a new report by Amnesty International accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza is entirely false and based on lies, while denouncing the human rights watchdog as a deplorable and fanatical organization.

The London-based group released a report Thursday in which it concluded that Israel and its military have violated the 1948 United Nations-backed Genocide Convention, which defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

The nearly 300-page report covered a nine-month period beginning in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants that ended with 1,200 people killed and 250 others taken hostage. Israel launched a massive ground and aerial campaign on the Palestinian enclave in response.

Amnesty said it came to its conclusion based on hundreds of dehumanizing and genocidal statements by Israeli officials, as well as ground reports from Gaza. The report said 15 Israeli airstrikes carried out between October 2023 through April 2024 killed 334 civilians, including 141 children, but Amnesty said there was no evidence that any of the strikes were directed at military objectives.

The group said Israels actions, including mass evacuation orders that have displaced most of Gazas 2.3 million people and the restriction of humanitarian aid deliveries, are deliberately bringing about the destruction of the Palestinians through a slow, calculated death.

The United States, Israels main arms supplier, said it disagreed with the Amnesty International conclusions, with the State Department declaring, We have said previously and continue to find that the allegations of genocide are unfounded."

Agnes Callamard, Amnestys secretary-general, said in the report that the groups findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. Callamard said the United States, Israels major international ally, and other nations who provide Israel with weapons are at risk of being complicit with genocide.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Israels Foreign Ministry slammed the report as fabricated and said it was Hamas that carried out a genocidal massacre on October 7. The statement said since then, Israel has been defending itself against daily attacks from seven different fronts while fully in accordance with international law.

The Washington Post said it received a statement from the Israeli military calling Amnestys allegations of genocide and intentional harm are not only unfounded but also ignore Hamas violations of international law, including its use of civilians as human shields and its deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians.

Amnestys branch in Israel also disputed the accusations levied by its parent group, saying there was no solid evidence of genocide taking place.

The Israeli office said it did not take part in the research for the report, but also said an investigation needs to be conducted into possible crimes against humanity committed by Israel.

Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians, more than half those of women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel says that the death toll includes thousands of militants it has killed.

Israel says the Hamas militants frequently use residential buildings, schools and hospitals for operational cover. Hamas denies this, accusing Israeli forces of indiscriminate attacks.

Amnestys report joins a growing chorus of voices across the international community accusing Israel of human rights violations in its war on Gaza.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare.

South Africa has brought charges of genocide against Israel in the U.N.-backed International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that while fighting rages in Gaza, the fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon is holding, even as the warring parties have continued to periodically target each other with new strikes in recent days, and Israel launching new strikes in Lebanon Wednesday.

Blinken told journalists on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels, "The ceasefire is holding, and we're using the mechanism that was established when any concerns have arisen about any alleged or purported violations."

Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the week-old truce to end 14 months of fighting that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon and sparked mass displacement of residents on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Israel stepped up its campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges by Hezbollah in support of its ally Hamas, following the Palestinian group's October 2023 attack on Israel.

There are still about 100 hostages held in Gaza, with about one-third believed to be dead.

Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated as terror groups by the United States, United Kingdom and other Western countries.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Offers from two armed resistance groups in Myanmar to participate in Chinese-brokered peace talks with the ruling junta are seen by analysts as the result of mounting pressure from Beijing and unlikely to end the wider insurgency.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) credited China's mediation efforts when it announced its readiness for peace talks on November 25, shortly after junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Beijing.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) made a similar announcement on Tuesday. Both groups are members of the Brotherhood Alliance, which has been involved in a broad offensive against the junta since October 2023.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that Beijing welcomed the MNDAA's "positive remarks," but he emphasized the need to protect Chinese interests.

"Relevant parties must avoid endangering the security of China's border areas, Chinese nationals and projects in Myanmar," Lin said, adding that China will continue supporting the peace process.

China's approach to Myanmar's crisis

China maintains close ties with Myanmar's military and the rebel groups near its border. The MNDAA represents a Mandarin-speaking Han Chinese ethnic group native to the region and known as Kokang.

Recent reports indicate Beijing is exerting greater control over the rebel groups, known as ethnic armed organizations, or EAOs. Allegations surfaced that the leader of the MNDAA had been placed under house arrest in China  a claim Chinese officials deny.

Myanmar-based political analyst Than Soe Naing attributed China's evolving stance to its concern over resistance forces' recent victories.

"The fall of the Northeastern Command of the Myanmar military exposed the junta's vulnerability," he said. "This realization pushed China to prevent a potential collapse of the regime."

Than Soe Naing added: "The military council agrees to everything China demands, guaranteeing Beijing access to its goals."

Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-based expert on China-Myanmar relations, said Beijing is pressuring both the junta and EAOs to negotiate.

"Beijing's goal is to bring all parties to the table," she said, noting that a recent call for "eternal peace" from the junta leader notably lacked his usual demand that the rebels lay down their arms. She said that likely reflected Chinese influence.

The MNDAA's and TNLA's willingness to negotiate comes as China blocks critical supply routes for items such as food and medicine. According to various observers, this has weakened the rebels both militarily and politically, making them more likely to comply with Beijing's demands.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies noted in a July report that China had restricted cross-border trade in response to EAO offensives.

A Myanmar doctoral candidate and researcher specializing in regional conflict studies, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described China's current pressure on the EAOs as "the most formidable in recent times." The pressure "is particularly intense on groups near the Chinese border, such as the TNLA and MNDAA," the researcher said.

Economic and political stakes

China's economic interests, particularly its investments in the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Initiative projects in Rakhine State in western Myanmar, are key drivers of its peace initiatives.

However, analysts say Beijing's influence on EAOs is not absolute.

Than Soe Naing and Hla Kyaw Zaw both noted that the Rakhine-based Arakan Army (AA) is less vulnerable to Chinese pressure than the border groups because of its location, control over key interests, and strategic ties with India and Bangladesh.

"This combination of geographical distance  about 2,000 kilometers  and its autonomous military and economic stance makes China approach the AA with significant caution," said Than Soe Naing.

Hla Kyaw Zaw also noted that the AA's resilience stems from strong local support.

"Unlike border groups, the AA isn't shielded by China, making it vulnerable to military aerial attacks, but its backing from the Rakhine people gives it legitimacy," she said.

The AA continues its offensive in western Myanmar, claiming control of 10 townships and fighting to secure seven more, including four largely under its control.

According to the Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar, an independent think tank, the AA had gained partial control over nine out of 11 Chinese projects in Rakhine State as of August 18.

Hla Kyaw Zaw and Than Soe Naing also pointed out that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), another major EAO in northern Myanmar, continues its offensive against the junta and has taken control of key border crossings to China. Although China exerts the same pressure on the KIA, the Kachin group retains leverage due to its economic independence and stronghold in resource-rich regions.

Both analysts remain unconvinced that peace can be achieved under external pressure.

"The truce calls by the EAOs address immediate survival needs but fail to tackle long-term aspirations like federalism," said Than Soe Naing.

Hla Kyaw Zaw echoed these doubts. "The junta's refusal to share power remains the primary obstacle," she said. "Peace brought about by pressure cannot last long."

"The KIA's control over jade mining in Kachin and the AA's position in Rakhine give them leverage to resist Chinese demands," said Than Soe Naing. "These groups are not entirely dependent on Beijing."
Amid widespread protests in Kenya this summer over a controversial finance bill, the country's Communications Authority announced it did not intend to shut down internet access. The next day, however, Kenya experienced a countrywide loss in internet connectivity.

The main internet service providers said the outage on June 25 was caused by an issue with undersea cables. But the incident caught the attention of digital rights groups, who said the timing of the outage "strongly suggests" an intentional action. Various governments have used such shutdowns to maintain control, these groups say.

Many governments justify the shutdowns as moves to promote public order and safety, Nompilo Simanje, Africa advocacy and partnerships lead at the International Press Institute, told VOA.

"The key reasons really are to restrict communication, restrict free expression, restrict online mobilization, restrict online freedom of assembly and association, and also restrict access to information," she said.

Access 'could be about life and death'

Digital watchdogs have documented several cases across the African continent in recent months where access to the internet or social media was blocked or cut off at crucial moments. It isn't always clear if the cases are the result of a direct order, but the timing often suggests it is, analysts say.

Within the past year, digital rights group Access Now has documented shutdowns in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius and Equatorial Guinea. Nearly all take place alongside events such as protests or elections.

But these shutdowns can be harmful to the country's residents, Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager at Access Now, told VOA.

"It not only disrupts the flow of information, it also makes it impossible for people to access information in a timely manner," Anthonio said. "When we are talking about crisis situations, information can be like a lifeline, and so, disrupting access could be about life and death in conflict situations."

Governments that restrict internet access in one instance are likely to do so again, Anthonio said.

Before the June incident in Kenya, access to the messaging app Telegram was blocked in November 2023 during national examinations. At the time, the move was presented as a way to prevent cheating during exams.

Access to Telegram was stifled again last month during national examinations, which lasted over three weeks and extended into the week after examinations finished, according to James Wamathai, advocacy director for the Bloggers Association of Kenya.

"It was really a huge inconvenience," Wamathai, who lives in the capital, Nairobi, told VOA.

Local media reported that Kenya's Communications Authority had ordered the block to prevent cheating.

Many people were unable to contact friends or relatives who lived in countries that had banned WhatsApp.

Kenyans do not have a lot of experience with internet shutdowns, Wamathai told VOA, and many residents do not know how to install workarounds like virtual private networks or VPNs. The current government under President William Ruto is the first to enact such restrictions, he said.

Kenya is a part of the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of 42 countries that advocate for online freedom around the world. Anthonio said it is "depressing and sad" to see a member of the coalition engage in such practices.

The Kenyan Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.

Anthonio said democratic and repressive regimes alike have enforced restrictions similar to those experienced in Kenya.

"It's really hard to tell what the motivation is, aside from the fact that the government just wants to exert control to show that they are in authority and can restrict people's rights when they please," Anthonio said.

Mauritius for example, planned to impose an internet shutdown for 10 days ahead of its November election.

Authorities said the block was an effort to control illegal publications that may "threaten national security and public safety," Anthonio said. She added that this rationale is just "jargon" that governments use to justify shutdowns.

The shutdown in Mauritius came as a direct order from the government. After protests from media and opposition parties, the ban was lifted after 24 hours.

The ban was troubling to rights groups. Simanje of IPI said Mauritius "has generally had a very good track record of internet access, online safety and promotion of digital rights."

Periodic outages

Other African countries have experienced shutdowns on several occasions.

In Tanzania, Access Now has documented several internet and social media outages or blocks. Access to the social media platform X was blocked in late August, around the same time that online activists began a campaign highlighting murders, kidnappings and disappearances within the country. This suggested the block was an official order, Access Now reported at the time.

Tanzania's embassy in Washington refutes that claim.

"We would like to assure you that this information is false," a spokesperson told VOA via email.

In July and August, the island of Annobon in Equatorial Guinea experienced a total internet shutdown, leaving its residents "completely cut off from the world," according to Access Now. This came as a response to protests against the deterioration of the country's environment due to mining activities, Anthonio said.

Similarly in late October, Mozambique experienced internet connectivity problems after national election results were announced. These shutdowns took place in the middle of violent protests against the reelection of the party in power, which left at least 11 people dead, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Mauritius embassies in Washington did not respond to VOA's requests for comment.
The new 2025 Honda Amaze budget sedan will be an alternative to the Renault Logan on the market. At the same time, the Japanese car turned out to be much cheaper. The novelty has already been declassified in official photos.

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Details are available on the company's website. The new 3rd generation Honda Amaze is ready to replace its predecessor. The car is primarily designed for emerging markets.

The design of the new Honda Amaze is made according to modern trends and corresponds to the current style of the Japanese brand. Straight lines and elements of simple shapes attract attention.

The Honda Amaze 2025 is well equipped with an 8-inch monitor, climate control, keyless entry, surround view cameras, wireless charging for a smartphone, emergency automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist.

There is only one engine for the Amaze 2025 so far. It is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 90 hp. The price of the Honda Amaze starts at $ 9,400.
Members of the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN are planning to hold a ministerial meeting in Thailand later this month to discuss the crisis in member-nation Myanmar, Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat told reporters Thursday.

At the invitation of current ASEAN host Laos, the meeting will talk about ways to approach the crisis which has gripped Myanmar since a 2021 military coup, including on the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus plan, he said.

The consensus has made scant progress since its unveiling in April 2021, just months after Myanmar's military unseated the elected government.

The junta has been battling a rebellion that erupted after it seized power. The military government the past two years largely has ignored calls by its Southeast Asian neighbors to cease hostilities and enter into dialogue with its opponents.

During an ASEAN summit in October, the bloc called for "an immediate cessation" of violence and the creation of a "conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue" that is "Myanmar-owned and led."

The meeting is expected to start on December 20, Roy said, and Indonesia's foreign minister is expected to attend.
In the blistering midday heat at Angolas largest port, U.S. President Joe Biden beamed Wednesday as he shook hands, one by one, with nine smiling hard-hatted workers. He had journeyed all the way from Washington to meet them at the terminus of an ambitious 1,300-kilometer, U.S.-financed rail line that brings critical minerals out of Africas remote interior.

On this December afternoon, there wasnt much activity: The usually bustling port of Lobito had been cleared of most workers for his visit. A nearby black and red rail engine was still shiny and new, as were the long chains of blue half-containers that stretched behind it.

Still, said a smiling Biden, this is Africas future.

"When I launched this project with our G7 partners last year, I said our goal was to build a better future, Biden said. And folks, the future is here. It's now. The future is here.

The U.S. has invested about $4 billion to refurbish the dilapidated cross-continental Lobito Corridor track, which runs from copper-rich Zambia, through mineral-rich Congo and then to the port. Once the full route is completed  which officials say will happen by the end of this decade  the system will cut a road journey of some 45 days to a rail trip of 45 hours.

On Wednesday, Biden announced the United States will invest $600 million more to upgrade the rail, develop the corridor and expand agriculture. And while this project is small compared to Chinas sprawling Belt and Road Initiative, Biden emphasized that the U.S. seeks true partnership with African nations.

"The United States understands that how we invest in Africa is just as important as how much we invest in Africa, he said, flanked by the leaders of Angola, Congo, Zambia and the vice president of Tanzania, who met with Biden to tout the project and plot a path forward.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco said: "This will be a linchpin for the economic development that will provide the participation of small and medium enterprises in the business value chain, mainly in agriculture, industry and mining in order to increase trade and economic growth of SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] region and the Eastern African region.

And from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, whose massive, mineral-rich nation has much to gain: "The corridor is way more than just a transportation access, he said. It is a unique opportunity for regional integration, economic transformation, and to improve the living conditions of our fellow citizens."

Analysts are quick to note that this is no charity.

"From the U.S. and an EU point of view, it's like if we don't have access to the critical minerals for the green economy, we'll lag behind in terms of greening the global economy, said E.D. Wala Chabala, an independent economic policy and strategy consultant.

A top Angolan agricultural official told VOA that Angola hopes to use this boost to one day export higher-value items duty free to the U.S. through the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act.

We are also very focused on promoting internal production, effectively solving our need to feed and as the process allows us to effectively evolve towards opportunities such as AGOA, said Anderson Jeronimo, who heads the Planning Statistics Studies Office of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mayra Fernandes contributed to this report.
Bitcoin catapulted above $100,000 for the first time on Thursday, a milestone hailed even by skeptics as a coming-of-age for digital assets as investors bet on a friendly U.S. administration to cement the place of cryptocurrencies in financial markets.

Once it broke $100,000 in Thursday's Asian morning, boosted by U.S. President-elect Trump's nomination of pro-crypto Paul Atkins to run the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was soon at an all-time high of $103,619, a surge of about 6% on the day. It was last fetching $102,650.

The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record just shy of $3.8 trillion, according to data provider CoinGecko. By comparison, Apple AAPL.O alone is worth about $3.7 trillion.

Bitcoin's march from the libertarian fringe to Wall Street has minted millionaires, a new asset class and popularized the concept of "decentralized finance" in a volatile and often controversial period since its creation 16 years ago.

Bitcoin has more than doubled in value this year and is up more than 50% in the four weeks since Donald Trump's sweeping election victory, which also saw a slew of pro-crypto lawmakers being elected to Congress.

"We're witnessing a paradigm shift," said Mike Novogratz, founder and CEO of U.S. crypto firm Galaxy Digital.

"Bitcoin and the entire digital asset ecosystem are on the brink of entering the financial mainstream - this momentum is fueled by institutional adoption, advancements in tokenisation and payments, and a clearer regulatory path."

Trump embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the United States the "crypto capital of the planet" and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin.

"We were trading basically sideways for about seven months, then immediately after Nov. 5, U.S. investors resumed buying hand-over-fist," said Joe McCann, CEO and founder of Asymmetric, a Miami digital assets hedge fund.

Bitcoin's proponents cheered Trump's nomination of Atkins to the SEC.

A former SEC commissioner, Atkins has been involved in crypto policy as co-chair of the Token Alliance, which works to "develop best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms," and the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

"Atkins will offer a new perspective, anchored by a deep understanding of the digital asset ecosystem," said Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith.

"We look forward to working with him ... and ushering in  together  a new wave of American crypto innovation."

A slew of crypto companies including Ripple, Kraken and Circle are also jostling for a seat on Trump's promised crypto advisory council.

Part of the landscape

Bitcoin has proven a survivor through precipitous downturns.

Its move into six-figure territory is a remarkable comeback from a dip below $16,000 in 2022 when the industry was reeling from the collapse of the FTX exchange. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried was subsequently jailed.

Analysts say the growing embrace of bitcoin by big investors this year has been a driving force behind the record-breaking rally.

U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds were approved in January and have been a conduit for large-scale buying, with more than $4 billion streaming into these funds since the election.

"Roughly 3% of the total supply of bitcoins that will ever exist have been purchased in 2024 by institutional money," said Geoff Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered.

"Digital assets, as an asset class, is becoming normalized," he said. "If you fast forward a number of years on trading floors you'll have a sales and trading desk... which will sit alongside FX and rates and commodities."

It is already becoming increasingly financialized, with the launch of bitcoin futures BTCc1 in 2017 and a strong debut for options on BlackRock's ETF IBIT.O in November.

Crypto-related stocks have soared along with the bitcoin price, with shares in bitcoin miner MARA Holdings MARA.O and exchange operator Coinbase COIN.O each up around 65% in November.

Software firm Microstrategy MSTO.O, which has repeatedly raised funds to buy bitcoin and held an aggregate of about 402,100 bitcoins as of Dec. 1, has gained around 540% this year.

Trump himself unveiled a new crypto business, World Liberty Financial, in September, although details have been scarce and billionaire Elon Musk, a major Trump ally, is also a proponent of cryptocurrencies.

'Who can prohibit it'

The cryptocurrency industry has been criticized for its massive energy usage, while crypto crime remains a concern, and the underlying technology is yet to deliver a major revolution in the way money moves around the globe.

The U.S. and Britain announced on Wednesday they had disrupted what they described as a global money laundering ring which used cryptocurrency to help rich Russians to evade sanction and launder cash for drug traffickers.

Still, as Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out at an investment conference on Wednesday: "Who can prohibit it? No one." And its longevity is perhaps testament to a degree of resilience.

"As time goes by it's proving itself as part of the financial landscape," said Shane Oliver, chief economist and head of investment strategy at AMP in Sydney.

"I find it very hard to value it ... it's anyone's guess. But it does have a momentum aspect to it and at the moment the momentum is up."
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Special session of the state Legislature met this week to prepare for expected legal clashes with the new administration
The subpar quality of sanitary pads has triggered a heated debate in China recently, with women speaking out online and raising concerns about what they say are loose government regulations and subpar manufacturing of the product that is a necessity for hundreds of millions of women in the massive country.

On social media platforms some have dubbed the uproar Sanitary Pad Chaos as they have focused on alleged false advertising about the size of pads, as well as concerns that a contaminated material known as "black cotton" is being used in sanitary napkins.

Lax regulatory standards

On Chinas microblogging social media platform Weibo, the topic "Sanitary Pad Scandal" was one of many to go viral in recent weeks, with the topic garnering upwards of 170 million views.

One microblogger on Weibo from the southeastern province of Fujian pointed to the problem of lax business regulations.

The business environment for womens products in China has become excessively lenient, leading to unchecked practices in product development, quality, and public relations, the post said.

Another from Jilin, in Chinas northeast, argued that the sanitary pad industry is a lucrative industry with low costs and high demand. In many cases, products are often marketed under the guise of promoting female independence, the microblogger said.

Amid the controversy, a customer service representative for the well-known sanitary pad brand ABC drew backlash for suggesting dissatisfied customers should simply stop buying the products. In response, the founder of ABC, Deng Jingheng, later issued a public apology on November 22.

Insect infestations

When reports about concerns with sanitary pads began circulating on social media earlier last month, many female consumers in China began examining the products they use more closely and posting their findings online.

Concerns that surfaced online ranged from the use of substandard cotton to health-threatening levels of chemical contamination. Chinese media reports have highlighted cases where consumers have found foreign objects like needles and insect eggs in sanitary pads, further raising public anxiety.

The Chinese government has not responded to the controversy. Some state media outlets have reported on the topic, noting the need to update national standards and condemning manufacturers.

Sanitary pads sold in the Chinese market are regulated by two standards.

The first one is the Recommended National Standard issued on July 1, 2019, which covers product specifications such as length deviations, absorption capacity, and pH levels.

It also includes guidelines for packaging and labeling requirements.

Another regulation standard is the Mandatory National Standard issued on Sept. 1, 2002. This standard focuses on hygiene conditions during production, including sterilization requirements. Toxicological testing also is carried out to ensure product safety.

Despite the standards, critics argue that their leniency allows room for non-compliance, fueling distrust among consumers and highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.

For example, the recommended national standard allows sanitary pads to deviate in length by 4%.

State-backed online news site The Paper tested 24 different brands and found that 21 of them were at least a centimeter shorter than advertised. That is still within the permitted range but surprising that so many were smaller than advertised.

Suppression of feminism

The uproar over sanitary pads is but the latest in recent years to highlight concern among women over their status in society and the suppression of feminism in China, some argue.

The sanitary pad incident and the strong reactions from women largely reflect the profound oppression and gender inequality faced by women under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party, said Mengxing Ren, a young female member of the China Democracy Party, who relocated from China last year to Los Angeles.

Through years of governance, the regime has systematically neglected women's basic needs and rights, embedding gender discrimination deeply within the social and economic structures.

Fang, a 35-year-old office worker from Shanghai who was unwilling to disclose her full name citing security concerns, said she doesnt expect authorities to do much in response to the uproar.

Fang said that when public discontent reaches a certain level, local government agencies typically issue statements in white text with a blue background to highlight the seriousness of the issue and then claim they are "conducting thorough investigations" or promising "punishments after verification."

When asked whether she believed that sanitary pad manufacturers should bear responsibility, another woman surnamed Chen, a 30-year-old who lives in Hangzhou, also voiced her frustration.

Its only when public opinion grows louder that brands, distributors, or even government regulatory agencies will come forward to apologize, she said.

When asked by VOA whether there are connections or ironies drawn between this latest sanitary pad controversy and China's attempt to encourage women to have more children, Ren said many women face not only economic pressures and barriers to career advancement but are often forced to make difficult choices between childbirth and personal development.

The sanitary pad issue is a microcosm of this predicament, reflecting the status of women within the nation's population, she said. It highlights a dual policy dilemma: on the one hand, women are expected to bear children, yet on the other, they encounter unfair treatment even in meeting basic living needs.
China on Thursday urged the United States to "stop sending wrong signals" over Taiwan, after the announcement that Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson held a call with the self-ruled island's President Lai Ching-te.

Lai is currently visiting the American territory Guam during a Pacific tour that has angered China.

Taiwan's Presidential Office confirmed to AFP Thursday that the call had taken place, without elaborating on the discussion.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the self-governed island under its control one day.

Beijing's foreign ministry on Thursday urged Washington to "deliver on the promises of American leaders not to support Taiwan independence, to stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and to stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces."

Spokesperson Lin Jian said the U.S. should "clearly recognize the serious danger that separatist acts of Taiwan independence pose to peace and security across the Taiwan Strait."

"The Taiwan issue is the very core of China's core interests," he said at the regular press briefing, adding that China would take "resolute and effective measures" to defend its sovereignty.

The United States does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has an arrangement to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

In a separate statement on Thursday, China's foreign ministry announced sanctions on U.S. companies and individuals for selling arms to Taiwan.

The sanctions target 13 firms engaged in the production of drones, unmanned aerial systems, and other military products.

They also cover six top executives at companies including Raytheon and BAE Systems.

The sanctioned companies will have their assets in China frozen and be banned from trading with Chinese firms, while the executives will also be banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau, the statement said.
With Syrias second largest city of Aleppo now under control of rebel forces and militants, officials in neighboring Iraq are expressing concerns about potential spillover effects in their already unstable country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Tuesday during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Iraq will not be a mere spectator regarding the grave developments in Syria, adding that his country will make all efforts to preserve its security and that of Syria.

Other senior Iraqi officials have voiced support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assads government since it faced swift advances by rebel forces in the northwestern part of the country last week.

Reports have emerged of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, mostly with the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces, or the PMF, moving into Syria in support of the Damascus government.

Rasha al Aqeedi, research associate at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said official statements and verified footage indicate Iraqi forces have moved en masse to the borders, but nothing yet shows that any factions have actually entered Syria.

Watch related report by Kawa Omar:

PMF leaders and other Iraqi officials have denied that any Iraqi armed groups have entered Syria.

Iraq, which shares a roughly 600-kilometer border with Syria, has maintained close ties with the Syrian government throughout 13 years of civil conflict. Baghdad is also a close ally of Iran, itself a key backer of the Syrian government.

Islamic State

Foremost among Iraqi concerns is a resurgent Islamic State, which once controlled vast swaths of territory in both Iraq and Syria.

That group, which also goes by IS, ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, could be motivated to reassert its presence, to show the world it still exists as its rival factions are active, said Aqeedi.

However, Aqeedi also told VOA that Iraq would be unwise to move security forces to the Syrian border because that could create a vacuum for IS to exploit in places like Nineveh and Kirkuk, which could become vulnerable to hit-and-run attacks.

According to Mohammed Kakai, member of the Nineveh Provincial Councils Security Committee, Iraqi military officials in Mosul and its Nineveh Province have already expanded security measures along the Syrian border to prevent violence from spilling over.

Thermal security cameras have been installed on the entire border of Nineveh Province with Syria, he told VOA, adding that Iraqi border guards are ready for any threat on Mosul and Iraq as a whole.

Kakai added that Iraqi authorities have stepped up coordination efforts with Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, who control part of the Syrian side of the border.

There is a joint operation room between our forces and the SDF. We share intelligence on any threat, he said.

Saif al-Saadi, a Baghdad-based Iraqi affairs analyst, says there are legal limitations to Iraqs engagement in the Syrian conflict.

According to Article 8 of the Iraqi constitution, Iraq must adhere to neighborly relations and not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and seek to resolve conflicts peacefully, he told VOA.

He added that the prime minister of Iraq, who is the head of the armed forces, is required by law to protect the border and prevent armed groups such as the PMF from going to Syria, because this could have adverse effects on Iraq.

Kawa Omar in Mosul, Iraq, and Balen Salih in Washington contributed to this story, which originated in VOAs Kurdish Service.
Public health officials in Africa urged caution Thursday as Congo's health minister said the government was on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.

Jean Kaseya, the head of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters that more details about the disease should be known in the next 48 hours as experts receive results from laboratory samples of infected people.

"First diagnostics are leading us to think it is a respiratory disease," Kaseya said. "But we need to wait for the laboratory results." He added that there are many things that are still unknown about the disease  including whether it is infectious and how it is transmitted.

Authorities in Congo have so far confirmed 71 deaths, including 27 people who died in hospitals and 44 in the community in the southern Kwango province, Health Minister Roger Kamba said.

"The Congolese government is on general alert regarding this disease," Kamba said, without providing more details.

Of the victims at the hospitals, 10 died due to lack of blood transfusion and 17 because of respiratory problems, he said.

The deaths were recorded between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. There were around 380 cases, almost half of which were children under the age of 5, according to the minister.

The Africa CDC recorded slightly different numbers, with 376 cases and 79 deaths. The discrepancy was caused by problems with surveillance and case definition, Kaseya said.

Authorities have said that symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia. Epidemiological experts are in the region to take samples and investigate the disease, the minister said.

The Panzi health zone, located around 700 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa, is a remote area of the Kwango province, making it hard to access.

The epidemiological experts took two days to arrive there, the minister said. Because of the lack of testing capacity, samples had to be taken to Kikwit, more than 500 kilometers away, said Dieudonne Mwamba, the head of the National Institute for Public Health.

"The health system is quite weak in our rural areas, but for certain types of care, the ministry has all the provisions, and we are waiting for the first results of the sample analysis to properly calibrate things," Kaseya said.

Mwamba said that Panzi was already a "fragile" zone, with 40% of its residents experiencing malnutrition. It was also hit by an epidemic of typhoid fever two years ago, and there is currently a resurgence of seasonal flu across the country.

"We need to take into account all this as context," Mwamba said.

A Panzi resident, Claude Niongo, said his wife and 7-year-old daughter died from the disease.

"We do not know the cause, but I only noticed high fevers, vomiting ... and then death," Niongo told The Associated Press over the phone. "Now, the authorities are talking to us about an epidemic, but in the meantime, there is a problem of care [and] people are dying."
Humanitarian aid efforts are underway for tens of thousands of Syrians displaced by a surge in fighting between rebels and the government in northwest Syria.

Many of the internally displaced persons, or IDPs, come from the Aleppo, Afrin and Shahba regions and are fleeing to Raqqa and Tabqa in the north and east of Syria.

Resources are stretched thin, though, according to an official from the Kurdish Red Crescent in the region and an official from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, or AANES.

The IDPs, who are mostly Kurds, are at risk not only from the fighting and airstrikes but also reported death threats. Syrian opposition groups launched their campaign hoping to take over Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city, which had been under the control of the Syrian army.

A member of the Kurdish Red Crescent Refugee Council in Tabqa, Ahmed Ibrahim, says that, so far more than 100,000 IDPs have taken very dangerous routes to reach Raqqa and Tabqa.

"Due to the threat of massacre by jihadists, the fleeing of civilians to Raqqa and Tabqa continues. According to our initial data, the number of people who have arrived has exceeded 100,000, most of whom are women and children," he told VOA.

Ibrahim stressed that his group is expecting the number of fleeing civilians to increase in the coming days. He explained that his organization, Red Crescent, is mobilizing all of its resources to meet the most urgent and vital needs of IDPs.

"We have mobilized our health teams to provide basic health services even with very limited resources, because people are arriving after a very tough journey, in freezing weather, under harsh and unsafe conditions, " he said.

Ibrahim stated that most of the IDPs have been placed in local schools by AANES, while Kurdish Red Crescent has set up more than 150 tents.

He said his organization provides food, clean water, winter clothes and blankets for the IDPs. But the combination of limited resources, freezing temperatures and high numbers of arrivals means current assistance is far below what is needed.

"Most of them remain outside or in cars for 48 to 72 hours, including children and the elderly. There is no room for them, until a shelter has been set up or we can arrange for a family to host them," Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim urges international humanitarian aid organizations to help meet the immediate needs of the IDPs.

Several armed insurgency groups are involved in the latest offensive in northwest Syria. Leading the effort is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, formerly a branch of the al-Nusra Front Syria, until 2017, when it was designated as a terrorist organization globally and changed its name.

The Syrian National Army, or SNA, is the second main group in the offensive, an umbrella organization of several Turkish-backed groups.

The Rojava Information Center, or RIC, is an independent, volunteer-staffed organization based in northeast Syria. It issued a report Wednesday announcing that the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods remain under siege by HTS, facing imminent assault.

More than 100,000 civilians live in these areas, which are primarily Kurdish.

Sheikhmous Ahmad, co-chair of the Office of IDPs and Refugees Affairs of the AANES, said Wednesday that his group had received more than 30,000 IDP families, totaling more than 120,000 people, from the town Shahba region and northern Aleppo.

Autonomous Administration has suspended education in Raqqa and Tabqa to provide temporary shelters to host our people who sought safe refuge. Also, two reception centers have been set up, in addition to the tent camps, and gymnasium, Ahmad told VOA.

He highlighted that all institutions of AANES are working with all of their resources to meet the IDPs vital needs, such as health services, beds, clean water, stoves and gas, but he said their current resources are not sufficient.

The international community should pay more attention to gravity of the situation, he said.

The ANNES official criticized the lack of adequate support from international aid organizations and issued a reminder about an "urgent humanitarian appeal" that his administration announced on Tuesday.

Quoting from that appeal, he said, Providing emergency aid is crucial to saving lives and alleviating human suffering. So, we urge on all relevant parties to urgently support our humanitarian work on the ground.

David Carden, the U.N. deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, visited Idlib this week to assess the situation.

"More than 115,000 people have now been newly displaced across Idlib and northern Aleppo," he told Agence France-Presse afterward.

The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria Chairman Paulo Pinheiro urged all parties involved in the war to uphold the protection of civilians, human rights and the Geneva Conventions.

U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen also announced that he would soon go to the region to speak with senior officials and seek a de-escalation.

This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service.
Washington's most dangerous adversaries may be working together more closely than ever before, but U.S. intelligence analysts think that for now, they are falling short of forming a tight-knit alliance that could more effectively counter the United States.

Concerns among the United States and its allies about growing cooperation among Russia, China, Iran and North Korea have been increasing steadily since Moscow launched its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine  sustained by intelligence showing Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang providing Russia with technology, missiles, drones and even troops for the war effort.

The former commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific earlier this year went as far as to describe the growing ties between the four U.S. adversaries as a nascent "axis of evil."

Yet U.S. intelligence officials believe the axis, in some ways, has been bogged down by its own shortcomings.

"They're not acting as a bloc," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, speaking Thursday in Washington at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"We don't see them as a sort of four-part alliance or something along those lines," she said. "We don't see them likely as becoming allies in the same way that we are allies with our NATO partners, for example  that kind of level of interoperability and military collaboration."

U.S. intelligence analysts, however, still see the axis as a concern on several fronts.

Haines said the increased cooperation among Russia, China, Iran and North Korea has contributed to a further erosion of international norms around weapons of mass destruction.

Where Russia and China were once more willing to cooperate with the United States and the West on nuclear counterproliferation, Moscow and Beijing now seem more inclined to give Iran and North Korea additional leeway.

"In large part, that's because Russia is now beholden to some extent to both the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] and to Iran for advanced weapons, for ammunition, for things that they need in the context of their fight with Ukraine," Haines said.

"They're less likely to push back," she said. "And of course, we've been watching the degree to which they actually, for example, accept DPRK as a nuclear weapon power."

Haines said the increased cooperation among Russia, China, Iran and North Korea has helped all four countries to evade sanctions.

And she said there are even some indications that Russia is willing to take action that would allow Beijing to surpass the U.S. in critical areas.

"They're willing to potentially put more on the table with China to give them things that could actually make China sort of leapfrog in certain technology areas or in other spaces that are of concern to us," Haines said.

Washington's NATO allies have sounded similar alarms in recent months, with some NATO officials telling VOA the axis has already sparked the beginnings of a new global arms race.

Russian sabotage

There are also ongoing concerns about the willingness of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea to engage in so-called gray zone activity.

A declassified U.S. National Intelligence Estimate issued in July warned that the next five to six years are "likely to feature more frequent, diverse and damaging acts of coercion and subversion  particularly by China, Iran, Russia and North Korea  below what constitutes armed conflict but outside the bounds of historically legitimate statecraft."

Haines on Thursday said Russian gray zone activities  including efforts at sabotage in Europe  have been "increasing across the board."

"Russia has just invested money, personnel, just an extraordinary amount of effort in this area and just will continue to do so," she said. "And even though we are getting a little better at disrupting some of this activity, we're certainly not, I think, where it makes anybody really comfortable."

US presidential transition

U.S. intelligence analysts are keeping a close watch on how other countries are behaving as Washington prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office in January.

"There are certain actors that are trying to pre-position themselves for a next administration," Haines said.

She said intelligence analysts are preparing reports on the activity to share with the incoming Trump administration, as well as keeping an eye out for the potential that some countries may seek to escalate tensions during the transition period.

"Typically, for example, the DPRK engages in some provocative action during transitions," Haines said. "This is sort of one of the classic things we're constantly looking at."
Italy has banned tourists from checking into rented apartments on their own. From now on, guests for short-term rentals must be met personally by property owners or managers.

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This innovation came into force after the signing of a government decree on November 18. The main reason is to increase security measures and maintain public order, especially on the eve of important events such as the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, Euronews reports.

The Italian government explains that automated check-in systems pose a risk to society. The use of key boxes or combination locks makes it impossible to identify guests, which can contribute to the spread of crime or terrorism. Of particular concern is the fact that persons checking in in this way may remain unknown to law enforcement.

Local authorities have launched an active information campaign among property owners and rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking. Currently, all short-term landlords are required to personally meet guests, check their documents, and register them with the police within 24 hours.

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The decision has received positive feedback from local authorities. In particular, Rome Mayor Roberto Gaulieri called it "good news" and supported the fight against uncontrolled placement of rental apartments. He also announced his intention to dismantle all existing key boxes in the city.

Residents of large cities such as Rome and Milan have long opposed the uncontrolled growth of short-term rentals. They were outraged by the noise, rising housing prices, and a decline in quality of life due to the influx of tourists. At the beginning of the year, protesters even damaged key boxes on the streets.

Italian media emphasize that the main purpose of this decision is to ensure public safety during the numerous events that will take place in the coming years. Particular emphasis is placed on preventing crime and terrorist threats.

For travelers, this means that they need to make appointments with homeowners in advance. Self-check-ins through combination locks or lockboxes are now prohibited, which may affect the comfort of tourists, but will also help to enhance security.

The Italian government expects that the innovation will improve control over short-term rentals and increase the level of protection for both local residents and tourists.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Ethiopias former state minister for peace was released from jail Thursday, a day after he was rearrested by security forces just minutes after a court cleared him to be freed on bail.

Taye Dendea was taken by security forces wearing police uniforms shortly after he walked out of prison Wednesday, according to his family.

Tayes wife, Sintayehu Alemayehu, told VOAs Horn of Africa Service that he was released a second time Thursday. She said he was taken to a federal police facility where she met him and gave him food this morning.

"We visited him at the facility in the morning hours and no one explained to us why they took him after the court granted him bail," she added.

Sintayehu says after she left him at the station, her husband called her on the phone and asked to be picked up.

He is at home now, she said.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission also has confirmed his release.

The family and politicians expressed concern for Tayes safety after his rearrest as he stepped out of the Kilinto Prison Center in Addis Ababa at about 4:30 p.m. local time Wednesday.

Before he could reunite with his family, they intercepted him right at the gate, with his personal belongings still in his hands, Sintayehu said in a phone interview. It happened so abruptly that it's difficult to say he was truly released.

Taye was arrested in December last year after he posted comments criticizing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government. Following the post, he was initially charged with collaborating with groups aiming to destabilize Ethiopia. He also was charged with using social media platforms to endorse violence.

A judge later dropped those charges without requiring him to present a defense but ordered him to defend against a third charge concerning the illegal possession of firearms.

Ethiopias Supreme Court rejected his request for bail but after a lengthy hearing, the Federal Appeals Court on Monday ruled Taye was to be released on bail of 20,000 birr (about $158) pending his gun charge case.

He is to appear at the Lideta Federal High Court on December 10 on the firearm charge.

Prominent Ethiopian politician and activist Jawar Mohammed welcomed the release.

Taye Dendeas release is good news for the family and friends after he was abducted yesterday by security forces while leaving prison after he was granted bail, he wrote on social media platform X.

The lawless act of abducting people after they are released by the court of law has become a common pattern of intimidation and violence by security forces. We all must fight back to end is to allow a meaningful exercise of the rule of law by the judiciary.

Ethiopian communications officials did not immediately respond to VOA requests for comment.

Rebel defections

Tayes original criticism included blaming the government for the failure of peace talks with the Oromo Liberation Army, or OLA, in Tanzania last year.

On Sunday, authorities in Ethiopias Oromia region announced signing a peace deal with a commander belonging to the OLA.

Shimelis Abdisa, president of the Oromia regional state, announced the agreement with Jaal Segni Nagassa, a former member of the OLA executive committee and former commander of the group in the central region.

The details of the agreement have not been released but the state media outlets described the deal as one of the steppingstones to solve the ongoing insecurity crisis across Oromia.

In his televised speech on state-run outlets, Shimelis said the region appreciated the step taken by Segni to take such measures to bring normalcy to the region.

Segni said he decided to take the peace deal after seeing the suffering of the people of Oromo.

It was in late September that Segni announced during a teleconference arranged by the Ethiopian military officials that he was ready to resolve the conflict in the Oromia region peacefully, and had broken ties with overall OLA commander Jaal Marroo, who also is known as Kumsa Diriba.

An official with the OLA, Jiregna Gudeta, dismissed the peace agreement as a meme. Jiregna said the government entered an agreement with individuals expelled from the organization.

On Monday, federal communications minister Legesse Tulu was among officials who shared photos of reported defection of OLA fighters following the peace agreement with Segni.

Bravery means understanding the current needs of the people and taking a peaceful stand and standing firm for peace, Legesse posted on Facebook.

Girma Lelo, a local administrator for Kelbe Kebele, in Jeldu Wereda of West Shewa Zone, says OLA fighters are gathering in small towns and entering designated areas set aside for them.

This is good for our area where recently over 19 militiamen were killed after fighting with OLA forces, Girma said.

It is a relief for the residents, people are being killed day in and day out, and no one is held accountable due to this crisis, said another resident, Jaleta Bekele.

This story originated in VOAs Horn of Africa Service.
The Biden administration issued what is likely its final set of export control rules against Beijing earlier this week. The rules forbid companies from exporting an important chip component crucial for training artificial intelligence to China. Experts say it will further constrain the Chinese supply chain for AI. They also expect the next Trump administration to further expand Washingtons strategic tech blockade against China in a more assertive way.

See the full story here.
Following the temporary medical furlough of Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi from Evin prison, the Nobel Committee has called for her permanent release.

See the full story here.
An operation by Ukraine launched on August 6 captured dozens of towns and villages and gained control of about 1,000 square kilometers in Russias Kursk region. Gradually, Russia has pushed Ukrainian forces out of about half of the territory they captured.

Our correspondent spoke to experts about how the military situation in the region could affect the initial positions taken in future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

See the full story here.
Despite an uptick in gang violence, the United States on Tuesday deported 70 Haitians to Cap Haitien, in Haiti's north. The migrants returned to a chaotic situation as armed gangs continued to launch targeted attacks in their bid to control the capital, Port-au-Prince, forcing residents northward in search of security. This has created outcry in Cap Haitien as migrants diminish city resources.

See the full story here.
The young man has been handcuffed to the ceiling, beaten until his buttocks turned purple, and received electric shocks to his feet. Thats how his captors treat him inside a scam compound in Myanmar where he has been trapped since October, according to his mother, who showed VOA a photograph sent by her sons captors of what she says is his beaten body.

The mother, who asked that her name and that of her son not be published for fear of retaliation by the captors, says her 24-year-old Malaysian son traveled to Thailand for a vacation. She doesnt know how he ended up in neighboring Myanmar.

However, a few weeks ago, his family expected his release after they paid about $16,000 in ransom, but his mother said that they were tricked by the criminal syndicate and that theres no end in sight for this ordeal.

I lost all my money and still did not get him back, the mother said. Its very heartbreaking. I have been crying for many days.

In parts of Southeast Asia, this story has become all too common.

Over the last several years, hundreds of thousands of people have been brought to the region, many of them via various forms of coercion, deception and human trafficking, to be involved in a very lucrative global industry of organized cybercrime, said Jake Sims, a visiting expert at the Washington-based United States Institute of Peace.

The main hubs for these scam compounds are in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos because of corruption, governance gaps and an absence of effective rule of law, he said.

The governments of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have not replied to VOA requests for comments.

Sims said the trafficking victims come from around the world, but most are from East Asia and Southeast Asia. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has described Southeast Asia as ground zero for the global scamming industry.

Last year, the United Nations estimated that more than 200,000 people were forced to work in scam centers in Cambodia and Myanmar alone.

According to the U.N.s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the scam centers generate revenue amounting to billions of U.S. dollars each year. And despite warnings by human rights advocates as well as reports in local and international media, the problem is worsening, according to Sims.

This industry is growing and will likely continue to grow for some time, Sims said. This industry is defrauding the world to the tune of tens of billions of dollars per year. So, theres a lot of incentive for these criminal organizations to keep operating.

Victims are often lured by a false promise of a good job opportunity, only to find themselves trapped inside a guarded compound where theyre forced to work 15 hours a day, seven days a week, befriending people on social media and dating apps and persuading them to invest their money in cryptocurrency scams. Those who refuse risk violence.

There are widespread reports of torture, mysterious deaths  all kinds of issues that are emerging for people who either fail to comply or fail to succeed at the tasks that have been given to them, Sims said.

He added that some victims are completely unaware of the scam syndicates until theyre trapped. In other cases, Sims said, victims understand the risks but are so financially desperate that theyre willing to take them.

One Malaysian father, who insisted on anonymity, has a 27-year-old son trapped in a compound in Myanmar. The parent told VOA he received videos of his son being tortured. The family is now paying almost $1,000 a month in ransom to prevent further violence to him.

Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, a Bangkok-based consultancy, said other countries in the region are not putting enough pressure on the governments of Cambodia and Laos and the junta in Myanmar.

They need to find levers that really bring pain to these governments and force them to have another approach, Robertson said. Without that, these criminal networks in these countries will continue to have impunity.

Zsombor Peter contributed to this report.
Naomi Kolian recounts the ordeal at her parents' house at the age of 13. Kolian, now a mother of five, said her parents arranged for her genital mutilation during a school break. She had just taken her national examination.

''They stripped off my clothes, poured cold water on me. I passed out," she said. "When I recovered, I realized that a certain woman was already cutting me, out of pain I tried to jump so they tied both of my legs with ropes.''

As of 2021, at least 14.8% of Kenyan women like Kolian had undergone female genital mutilation, or FGM, according to the Britain-based FGM/C Research Initiative; 45.6% are cut between 5 and 9 years of age. It is seen as a rite of passage for girls and considered a compulsory step before marriage.

Now men are stepping up to end the practice. Through a movement called "MenEndFGM," they are educating others on the dangers of FGM and sensitizing communities where cultural norms and traditions such as FGM run deep.

The movement's executive director, Tony Mwebia, said most men in the communities that support FGM are ignorant of what the cut entails and are always providing resources and guarding the FGM ceremonies.

''As MenEndFGM, what we do is we go and have conversations with men," said Mwebia. "We show the visual materials, we use a lot of chats, we use videos, photos of complications in labor wards.''

At least 600 men like Noah Sampeke, a senior chief in Kenya's Kajiado County, have joined the movement that started as an online campaign. Sampeke said he regrets keeping the tradition of marrying only women that have undergone the cut.

Sampeke said he comes from a community where "it was compulsory for women to get the cut and if she got pregnant without the cut, she was considered an outcast. But now I will not force my girls to get the cut.''

In November, Kenyan women's rights activists began 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence, among which female genital mutilation is the most egregious violation, according to advocates. They said a collective movement for change is crucial.

Ajra Mohamed is country representative for Nguvu Collective, a women's advocacy group.

''They might [say] that because we have very strict regulations, people will avoid FGM, while on the ground, people are actually hiding it and community leaders are supporting that," said Mohamed. "So, if you have connected them with grassroots activists, they will be able to inform them to be the whistleblowers.''

Kenya ratified the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act in 2011 and established an anti-FGM board, an agency that spearheads campaigns to eradicate FGM. The agency's CEO, Bernadette Loloju, told VOA that the board is promoting alternative rites of passage such as training girls into adulthood without a cut.

FGM rates slightly declined from 21% to 15% in a 2022 demographic health survey. Officials believe that the approach of incorporating men will help eradicate FGM.
Residents and authorities in the Iraqi city of Mosul are concerned that a recent offensive by rebel groups in northwestern Syria could spill across the border and reignite fighting in Northwestern Iraq, an area controlled by Islamic State militants from 2014 to 2017. VOAs Kawa Omar reports from Mosul. Bezhan Hamdard narrates the story.
Its tough to gain admission to Yale University, and its getting even tougher for international students as standout students from around the world set their sights on Yale.

The Yale Dale News, the campus newspaper, takes a look at the situation here.

Read the full story here.
Thirty years ago, leaders of the United States, Britain, Russia and Ukraine met in Budapest, Hungary, and signed a memorandum that provided security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for it giving up its nuclear arsenal, then the world's third largest.

Today, nearly three years after Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials are calling the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances "a monument to short-sightedness in strategic security decision-making" and seek NATO membership for their country.

Presidents Leonid Kravchuk of Ukraine, Boris Yeltsin of Russia and Bill Clinton of the U.S., along with British Prime Minister John Major, signed the memorandum on December 5, 1994.

Steven Pifer, a veteran diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from 1998 to 2000, helped negotiate the memorandum.

"In that document, basically, the United States, Britain and Russia committed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and existing borders, and committed not to use force or threaten to use force against Ukraine, Pifer told VOAs Ukrainian Service.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited the world`s third-largest nuclear arsenal and agreed to transfer all the nuclear munitions on its territory to Russia for dismantlement, and to decommission nuclear missile launch silos.

All parties to the memorandum agreed to "refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of the signatories to the memorandum."

However, in 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and fueled a separatist movement in eastern Ukraine. In February 2022, it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In a December 3 statement marking the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraines Foreign Ministry called the agreement "a monument to short-sightedness in strategic security decision-making."

Clutching a copy of the memorandum after arriving in Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha called the pact a reminder that any long-term decisions made at the cost of Ukrainian security are inappropriate and unacceptable.

This document, this paper, failed to secure Ukrainian security and transatlantic security, Sybiha said. So, we must avoid repeating such mistakes. That's, of course, why we will discuss with my partners the concept of peace through strength, and we have a clear understanding which steps we need from our friends."

In its December 3 statement, Ukraines Foreign Ministry said, The only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent to further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine's full membership in NATO.

That view was echoed by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, now an opposition leader, in an interview with VOA.

"Please consider the signature on [an] invitation to [join] NATO as a continuing obligation of our partners, including the United States, on the Budapest Memorandum, Poroshenko said.

This is the precondition when Ukraine voluntarily gives up the third-biggest nuclear arsenal in the world, and everybody said that if Ukraine now [had] this nuclear arsenal, there would be no war and no occupation, he told VOA.

Russian officials accuse Ukraine and its partners of having violated the Budapest Memorandum by expanding NATO  which, they say, threatens Russias security interests.

Pifer recalled that in the early 1990s, Ukrainian officials asked what the U.S. would do if Russia violated the Budapest Memorandum.

"We said the United States will do things; we will take an interest, Pifer told VOA. However, we were clear: We said, Were telling you now  that does not mean we'll send American military force to defend Ukraine. That's why the document is the memorandum on security assurances, not security guarantees."

Mariana Budjeryn, an author and senior research associate with the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, believes that Ukraine and its Western partners failed to fully recognize the Russian threat. Those were different times, she said.

"There was this narrative that Ukraine is a peaceful country and it's not really threatening anyone, and it was to join the international community on good terms, she told VOA. The Cold War was over, the Soviet Union fell apart, and the whole issue of weapons, including nuclear weapons, became passe, became a thing of the past."

After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Pifer and others called on the Obama administration to provide defense assistance to Ukraine to fulfill its obligations under the Budapest Memorandum.

"I thought the Obama administration should have done more in terms of providing defense assistance to Ukraine, Pifer said. But if you look at the last two and a half years, the Biden administration has provided well over a hundred billion dollars in military and financial assistance to Ukraine. That's certainly consistent with what we were saying 30 years ago."

Budjeryn noted that the nuclear weapons Ukraine inherited in 1991 did not amount to a fully fledged nuclear deterrent that it could just grab and use to deter Russia.

It was a chunk of a nuclear arsenal developed by a different country, the Soviet Union, for the strategic purposes of that country. And the strategic kind of aim of the Soviet Union was to deter NATO and the United States, she said.

But ultimately, to have a credible nuclear deterrent, Ukraine would have needed to invest a lot more into an independent nuclear program, which it did not have, Budjeryn said.

Budjeryn said Ukraine could have invested more in its conventional military capabilities after it signed the memorandum. In the end, the main lesson for any country is that no single document, no matter how legally binding or well written and robust, is a sufficient basis for national security. You have to be able to really invest in your own defense and national security," she said.

The Budapest Memorandum is not the only document Russia signed and violated, which raises questions about future agreements with Moscow, Pifer said: "It was also in the 1997 Russian-Ukrainian Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Peace. It was several other documents where the Russian government clearly said, We recognize Ukraine in the borders of 1991. We will recognize and accept Ukrainian sovereignty and independence."

According to Budjeryn, there is a larger lesson for the global community.

"It's a story about just how fragile our system of international law  of international agreements  is, and that its credibility, its existence, a continued existence, and its workings are as much dependent on states observing voluntarily, but also on states reacting adequately and sufficiently to violations," she said.
Strolling through Vienna, enjoying a croissant in Paris, and exploring the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is the perfect travel plan. But sometimes you want something special and unusual. For example, to admire one of the most beautiful celestial spectacles on the planet. So if you've been wanting to watch this fabulous phenomenon for a long time, it's time to make your dreams come true. Read below to find out when and where to go.

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Finland

In Lapland, especially in the regions of Rovaniemi, Kilpisjarvi, and Sodankyla, the northern lights can be seen almost every night. Most often, the lights appear in spring and fall, not in winter.

Interesting fact: the locals call the northern lights "Fox Fire."

We also recommend a trip to Levi. The resort is located at a considerable distance from the Arctic Circle, about 170 kilometers away. It is one of the best places to observe the phenomenon. It is known that the higher the latitude, the more likely you are to see a natural spectacle. However, it is difficult to predict exactly when it will appear.

We recommend choosing open plains or lakes covered with ice.

There are also a few nuances to consider:

Cloudless sky and no precipitation.

No artificial light.

Sub-zero temperature.

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Norway

The aurora is best seen in the northern part of the country. We recommend going to Tromso. Many excursions are organized here.

During the polar night, when it is completely dark, you can see killer whales and humpback whales in Tromso. Be sure to take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. You can also admire the magical lights from it.

If you dream of a vacation surrounded by unspoiled nature and without the hustle and bustle, head to Bude. Rago National Park is located nearby. It is home to several waterfalls and lakes.

Canada

We recommend going to Yellowknife. The fabulous phenomenon can be observed here 240 days a year. By the way, the city is considered the "capital" of the northern lights in the country.

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Despite the harsh winter, there are many hotels and campsites here. Tourists are given special clothes that keep them warm in the most severe frosts. It is said that the probability of seeing the "lights" is 95%.

And, of course, visit Churchill, Manitoba. Bright rays appear here as many as 300 nights a year. By the way, a research station has been built in the town.

United States of America

Start your trip in Fairbanks, Alaska. The location is on the banks of the Tanana River. Winters here are long and cold.

It is home to the Geophysical Institute, which publishes forecasts of when the phenomenon can be seen. Mostly the sky is illuminated four days a week. Here, tourists can go to the Arctic Circle, snowshoe, and ride the Alaska Winter Train.

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Greenland

Believe it or not, the best place to admire the lights is near the country's largest airport  Qangerlussuaq.

The island has preserved its pristine beauty, as most of the center is remote and uninhabited. The fabulous spectacle can be observed 300 days a year.

By the way, tourists often pitch tents on the neighboring ice glacier and stay overnight.

Iceland

With the onset of autumn, the day in these parts becomes very short, and darkness begins in the early evening and lasts until late morning.

Bright rays can be seen in Reykjavik. Here you can rent a car and travel to remote places. Be sure to take a walk along the Laugavegur trail. The hiking trail stretches for 55 kilometers. There are special mountain huts along the route where you can stay overnight.

Want to admire the "neon" sky with your own eyes? Do not hesitate, to choose a destination and go on a trip!

Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Pacific Island nations are arguing before the International Court of Justice, calling for an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of countries to fight climate change. This comes after COP29, where richer nations pledged $300 billion in annual climate finance by 2035, a figure critics say is insufficient. As VOAs Jessica Stone reports, the cost of climate inaction is most acute for Pacific Islanders. Camera: Daniel Veitata
New York City police investigators continue to search for the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was attacked by a gunman who apparently was waiting for him on a New York sidewalk early Wednesday.

Police say multiple surveillance cameras captured the shooting and the moments after. In one video taken closest to the shooting at about 6:45 a.m., Thompson, 50, can be seen walking on a sidewalk to UnitedHealthcares annual investor conference at a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan.

A moment later, a figure wearing a hooded jacket, dark glasses and a backpack steps out from behind a parked vehicle and raises a handgun that appears to have a noise suppressor, or silencer, attached and fires several shots.

Thompson was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Other cameras caught the gunman mounting an e-bike and heading into the citys Central Park. Police are now investigating whether the vehicle was an unmarked e-bike or one that is part of the citys Citi Bike share system, as initially reported.

Police on Thursday revealed the words Deny, Defend and Depose" were printed on the 9-millimeter shell casings found at the scene. Some analysts believe the words may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to avoid paying claims.

At an initial news conference on Wednesday, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while it was clear the attack on Thompson was premeditated, the motive is unclear.

She said the cameras showed that the suspect waited for several minutes for Thompson, and that he had at least some prior firearms training.

Thompson had been with Minneapolis-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. The New York Times reported that the company, which offers insurance to companies and individuals, has a market valuation of $560 billion, making it one of the countrys largest publicly traded companies.

The Times also reported the company has come under scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, who accused it of systematically refusing to authorize health care procedures and treatments.

The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a report in October documenting insurance companies' refusal to pay for the care of older people who had suffered strokes or medical emergencies.

UnitedHealthcare in particular was cited for a surge in denials in post-acute care when it increased to 22.7% in 2022 from 10.9% in 2020.

Thompsons wife, Paulette, told U.S. broadcaster NBC News that he had received death threats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier will resign on Thursday after far-right and leftist lawmakers voted to topple his government, plunging the euro zone's second-largest economy deeper into political crisis.

Barnier, a veteran politician who was formerly the European Union's Brexit negotiator, will be the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history after he hands in his resignation at around 10 a.m. No French government had lost a confidence vote since Georges Pompidou's in 1962.

The political turmoil further weakens a European Union already reeling from the implosion of Germany's coalition government, and comes weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The hard left and far right punished Barnier in a no-confidence vote on Wednesday evening for trying to push an unpopular budget through an unruly hung parliament without a vote. The draft budget had sought $63 billion in savings in a drive to shrink a gaping deficit.

Barnier's resignation caps weeks of tensions over the budget, which Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally said was too harsh on working people.

It also further weakens the standing of President Emmanuel Macron, who precipitated the ongoing crisis with an ill-fated decision to call a snap election in June.

Macron, who faces growing calls to resign, has a mandate until 2027 and cannot be pushed out.

Still, the long-running political debacle has left him a diminished figure. An online poll carried out just after the no-confidence motion showed 64% of voters want Macron to resign.

"The main culprit for the current situation is Emmanuel Macron," Le Pen told TF1 TV late on Wednesday. "The dissolution (of parliament in June) and censorship (of the government) are the consequence of his policies and of the considerable divide which exists today between him and the French."

A small majority of voters approved parliament bringing down Barnier, but many were still worried about its economic and political consequence, the Toluna Harris Interactive poll for RTL broadcaster showed.

France now risks ending the year without a stable government or a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows special measures that would avert a U.S.-style government shutdown.

Three sources told Reuters that Macron aimed to install a new prime minister swiftly, with one saying he wanted to name a premier before a ceremony to reopen the Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday, which Trump is due to attend.

But any new prime minister will face the same challenges as Barnier in getting bills, including the 2025 budget, adopted by a divided parliament. There can be no new parliamentary election before July.

"Until potential new elections, ongoing political uncertainty is likely to keep the risk premium on French assets elevated," SocGen analysts said in a note. "Political uncertainty is likely to dampen both investment and consumer spending."

The political uncertainty has already been unnerving investors in French sovereign bonds and stocks for weeks.

French conservative politician Xavier Bertrand said he felt a mix of anger and shame over the no-confidence vote.

"It's as if the two extremes, (the hard left) France Unbowed and the National Rally, have become the center of political life," he told BFM TV.
Leaders of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols political party say they will not back a motion by the opposition party to impeach the embattled president over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law.

Han Dong-hun, the leader of the conservative People Power Party, called Yoons shock decision this week unconstitutional when speaking to reporters Thursday, and said he had asked the president to leave the party.

But both he and Choo Kyung-ho, the PPPs parliamentary floor leaders, said none of the partys 108 members will vote on the resolution brought by the Democratic Party.

The impeachment resolution is expected to come up for a vote Saturday. The Democratic Party and its allies hold a huge majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, and need only a few defectors from the PPP to pass the resolution. Eighteen PPP lawmakers who are part of an internal anti-Yoon faction were among the 190 lawmakers who voted to rescind the presidents martial law decree early Wednesday morning, just hours after the announcement.

If Yoon is impeached, he will be suspended from office and replaced by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The case will then go to the Constitutional Court, which will decide on whether or not Yoon should remain in office. If he is convicted, new elections will be held within 60 days to replace him.

In a late Tuesday address, Yoon justified his decree by citing the need to eradicate "anti-state forces" and "protect the constitutional democratic order."

Less than six hours later, after the country's parliament overturned the martial law decree, Yoon backed down saying the decree would be lifted and martial law forces withdrawn.

The developments stunned political observers in South Korea, a U.S. ally accustomed to political gridlock but unaccustomed to such drastic measures. It marked the first declaration of martial law in South Korea since the country made the transition to democracy in the 1980s.

The decree  which sought to ban political activities and place media under military control  triggered a frantic response at the unicameral National Assembly.

Shortly after his address, South Korean military forces descended on the legislative compound, with some reportedly arriving by helicopter, according to a VOA reporter on the scene. Security forces attempted to bar entry to lawmakers and others.

Despite minor scuffles at the main gate, opposition lawmakers eventually forced their way inside, with some livestreaming on social media as they climbed over gates and through windows to reach the legislative chambers.

Less than three hours after Yoon's declaration, the lawmakers voted to lift the decree. Under South Korea's constitution, the president is required to comply when a majority of lawmakers vote to overturn martial law.

The presidential office said Thursday that Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly proposed the idea of martial law to President Yoon, had resigned and would be replaced by retired general Choi Byung Hyuk, who is currently serving as South Koreas ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho, who is currently serving as acting defense minister, told a parliamentary committee Thursday that Kim Yong-hyun also made the decision to deploy troops to the National Assembly. The Democratic Party has also submitted a resolution to impeach Kim Yong-hyun.

South Koreas national police said Thursday they were investigating Yoon and Kim Yong-hyun on charges of treason for their roles in the martial law decree. Also under investigation are Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. Prosecutors have imposed a travel ban on Kim Yong-hyun.

Since taking office in May 2022, Yoon, a former chief prosecutor known for his blunt rhetoric, has faced fierce political battles with the opposition and suffered from persistently low approval ratings.

His critics have seized on corruption allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee, and accused him of mistreating the media. In turn, Yoon has frequently portrayed his critics as North Korea sympathizers and "anti-state" forces.

Yoon's position in the legislature was further weakened in April when the PPP suffered a major defeat in legislative by-elections.

A poll released on Thursday by Realmeter, a Seoul-based public opinion research organization, suggested that 74% of South Koreans support impeaching Yoon over the martial law incident. However, crucially, 50% of conservatives oppose the impeachment, suggesting that Yoon still holds the support of many conservatives.

Protests that began almost immediately after Yoons declaration are continuing to expand. A series of activist and civil society groups have called for nightly "candlelight protests" until Yoon resigns. The protests are expected to be biggest on the weekend.
Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, faces impeachment after declaring martial law on Tuesday in an effort quell political opposition. Ukrainian diplomats are traveling the globe, trying to secure support before president-elect Donald Trump takes office. Namibia has elected its first woman president, and in the U.S., President Joe Biden faces political fallout for pardoning his son.
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Turkish-backed Syrian rebels lightning victories are threatening to stoke tensions among Turkey, Iran and Russia  the main outside players in Syrias 13-year-long civil war. But some analysts predict diplomacy could prevail, as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Syrias military said it has withdrawn its forces from the central city of Hama after intense fighting with insurgent forces, marking another major defeat for President Bashar al-Assad in the countrys ongoing civil war.

The army issued a statement Thursday that it was redeploying its troops outside Hama to protect the citys civilian population.

The rebels said earlier Thursday they had entered the city and seized its prison, freeing detainees.

The capture of Hama comes days after the rebels seized the main northern city of Aleppo, the largest in Syria. It was the first major attack on Aleppo since 2016, when Syrian government forces, supported by Iranian-backed militias and the Russian air force, pushed out rebel factions from the eastern parts of the city during the height of Syrias civil war.

The insurgents are made up of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. Their capture of Aleppo and Hama has reignited the civil war that broke out in 2011 following a popular uprising and comes as Assads allies are preoccupied with their own wars  Russia with its invasion of Ukraine, and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Hama is strategically located about 200 kilometers north of the capital, Damascus, between Aleppo and Damascus. The city was the scene of an Islamist uprising in 1982 against then-President Hafez al-Assad, the current presidents father and predecessor, which ended with a brutal crackdown by Syrian security forces that left thousands of people dead.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
The top Russian and U.S. diplomats, Sergey Lavrov and Antony Blinken, traded sharp words Thursday at an international security conference over Moscows nearly three-year war in Ukraine, with each blaming the others country for escalating the conflict.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, accused the West of reviving the Cold War with its arms support for Kyivs forces and provoking a confrontation with Russia "with a far greater risk of its escalation into a hot phase."

Lavrov, speaking at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ministerial meeting in Malta, said U.S. support for Ukraine was driven by a desire to "return NATO to the political spotlight," claiming that after the Afghan disgrace, there was a need for a new common enemy.

Lavrov, in his first visit to a European Union country since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, also accused Washington of military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region that sought to "destabilize the entire Eurasian continent."

Lavrov then left the meeting before waiting to hear a response from Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, and other speakers.

"Let's talk about escalation,'' Blinken said, citing the deployment of about 10,000 North Korean forces to fight alongside Russian troops, the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile to attack Ukraine, Russia's move to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, and attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"Mr. Lavrov spoke about the sovereign right of every member-state to make their own choices,'' Blinken said. "That's exactly what this is about: the sovereign right of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to make their own choices about the future, not to have those choices made in and by Moscow."

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who had been the first to address the meeting, walked out as Lavrov took the podium, along with the foreign ministers of Poland and Estonia

Sybiha, in his comments, called Lavrov a "war criminal."

Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table [Lavrov] should know this: Ukraine will succeed, and justice will prevail, Sybiha said.

"Russia is not a partner; it is the biggest threat to our common security. Russia's participation in the OSCE is a threat to cooperation in Europe," Sybiga told OSCE ministers.

"When Russians say they want peace, they lie," he said.

Officials said Blinken had no intention of meeting with Lavrov at the conference.

The OSCE was founded in 1975 to ease tensions between the East and the West during the Cold War, and now counts 57 members from Turkey to Mongolia, including Britain and Canada as well as the United States.

It helps its members coordinate issues such as human rights and arms control, but Lavrov at the last ministerial summit a year ago in North Macedonia accused the OSCE of becoming an "appendage" of NATO, the Wests main military alliance, and the EU.

Ukraine has called for Russia to be excluded from the organization and boycotted a previous summit over Lavrov's attendance.

Summit host Ian Borg, Malta's foreign minister, opened proceedings Thursday with a call for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. Many other participants also assailed Moscow's aggression in Ukraine.

While the U.S. has continued to ship arms to Ukraine, President-elect Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about continued support. He has said he will resolve the war before his January 20 inauguration but has not said how.

Amid that uncertainty, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced Thursday that it plans to supply its armed forces with more than 30,000 long-range attack drones in 2025.

"These next-generation drones can operate autonomously over long distances and strike enemy targets with high precision," the ministry said in a post on the social media platform X.

International partners helped fund the production, the ministry added.

Also on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had not received sufficient help from the United Nations or Red Cross in bringing back Ukrainians held in Russia.

"Do we currently receive much assistance from organizations such as the U.N. or the International Committee of the Red Cross in protecting and securing the return of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia? In fact, we do not," Zelenskyy said at a human rights conference in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian government says Russia is holding thousands of civilians in captivity, including politicians and journalists.

"We all see, in particular, how weak the world's response is to what Russia is doing to Ukrainian prisoners," Zelenskyy said.

Kyiv also says Moscow has abducted about 20,000 Ukrainian children since the war began. The Russian government denies wrongdoing.

Some information is from Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that developments in Syria over the last week are grave and dramatic, and it is high time for all parties in the country to engage seriously to resolve the nearly 14-year-long conflict.

Tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire, Guterres told reporters. We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions. This must change.

On November 27, multiple rebel groups aligned under the leadership of U.N.-designated terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, launched their biggest challenge in years to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

They swept into Aleppo, which the government had held since 2016, stunning the Syrian army and capturing the airport, a military academy and much of the city. They also took towns and villages in Idlib governorate, and on Thursday were reported to be inside the central city of Hama.

The United Nations says that tens of thousands of people have been displaced in northwest Syria in the latest fighting.

Guterres said he had just spoken by telephone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey backs the rebel Syrian National Army, or SNA, and also has taken in millions of Syrian refugees since the war began in 2011.

I emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need, and a return to the U.N.-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed, Guterres said he told the Turkish leader.

The secretary-general told reporters it is time to chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to ending the war.

In other words, restoring Syrias sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity  and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, he said.

Guterres urged the parties to recommit to a nearly 10-year-old Security Council resolution that calls for U.N.-facilitated dialogue and to engage seriously with his Special Envoy Geir Pedersen.

Pedersen warned in a briefing to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that without de-escalation and a swift move to talks, Syria will be in grave danger of further division, deterioration and destruction.

Syrias civil war grew out of peaceful anti-government protests that the Assad regime brutally sought to put down. It has spawned a massive humanitarian crisis, with some 7 million Syrians internally displaced and more than 5 million living as refugees outside the country.

The U.N. humanitarian office said that 16.7 million Syrians this year are expected to require assistance  the largest number since the beginning of the crisis in 2011.
A U.S. judge on Thursday rejected Boeing's agreement to plead guilty to fraud in the wake of two fatal 737 MAX crashes, faulting a diversity and inclusion provision in the deal.

Boeing did not immediately comment. The U.S. Department of Justice, which brokered the plea bargain with Boeing, is reviewing the opinion, a spokesperson said. Boeing and the DOJ's options could include appealing the judge's rejection of the plea deal or presenting a renegotiated agreement for court approval.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, seized on a single sentence in the plea agreement mentioning the DOJ's diversity policy regarding the selection of an independent monitor to audit the plane maker's compliance practices.

Boeing and the DOJ now have 30 days to update the court on how they plan to proceed in the case, O'Connor ruled.

Judges weighing plea deals typically do not upend them over issues that the parties to the agreement have not disputed. In the rare cases that they do, it is usually because the judge wants to impose a different punishment than prosecutors have agreed to.

The plea bargain also marginalizes the judge in the selection and oversight of the independent monitor, and it forbids imposing a probation condition requiring Boeing to comply with the monitor's anti-fraud recommendations, O'Connor said in his decision. He said the agreement was "not in the public interest."

Relatives of the victims of the two 737 MAX crashes, which occurred in 2018 and 2019 and killed 346 people, have called the plea agreement a "sweetheart" deal that failed to adequately hold Boeing accountable for the deaths of their loved ones.

The two plane crashes occurred in Indonesia and Ethiopia over a five-month period. The families had briefly referenced the DOJ diversity and inclusion policy in court filings opposing the plea agreement, but did not detail concerns about it.

"Judge OConnor has recognized that this was a cozy deal between" the government and Boeing "that failed to focus on the overriding concerns: holding Boeing accountable for its deadly crime and ensuring that nothing like this happens again in the future," said Paul Cassell, a lawyer representing the families.

Cassell said he hoped the decision would result in the agreement being renegotiated to specifically address the passengers and crew who perished in the plane crashes.

An accepted plea deal would have branded Boeing a convicted felon for conspiring to defraud the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration about problematic software affecting the flight control systems in the planes that crashed.

Boeing had agreed to pay a fine of up to $487.2 million and spend $455 million to improve safety and compliance practices over three years of court-supervised probation as part of the deal.

Victims' relatives want Boeing and its executives charged with crimes holding them responsible for the deaths of their loved ones and any evidence of wrongdoing presented in a public trial. They have also argued Boeing should have to pay up to $24.78 billion in connection with the crashes.
HBO, which is working on the Harry Potter series, is in talks with a candidate for the role of Professor Severus Snape. The creators of the series see the British actor Paapa Essiedu as the best candidate to play the mysterious wizard on screen.

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This was reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Sources claim that the star has already been offered the role. Snape is a sinisterly intelligent and casually cruel potions master from Hogwarts, who is the main antagonist of the story in the first season of the series, based on the debut novel by J. K . Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published in 1997. The late Alan Rickman played this role in eight Warner Bros. films.

No actor has been officially invited to join the new HBO project, which is scheduled to premiere in 2026. Nevertheless, speculation among fans of the Harry Potter universe continues about who could play the familiar characters. In particular, Potter fans would like to see Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy in the role of Voldemort, but the fans' wishes are currently unrealistic, the sources added.

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If Essiedu gets the role of Snape, it will mean that HBO will fulfill its promise that the series will have a diverse cast. Previously, the films have been criticized for having few black actors in the lead roles. In a statement about Essiedu's casting, the show's creators said: "We realize that such a high-profile series will generate a lot of rumors and speculation. As we are going through pre-production, we will only confirm details when we finalize deals."

Paapa Essiedu, 34, began his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he played the title role in productions of "Hamlet" and "King Lear." He has since gone on to play roles in the films "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Men," as well as the TV series "Gangs of London," "The Lazarus Project," and the Black Mirror episode "Demon 79." His breakthrough role was in the HBO miniseries "I May Destroy You," for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and a British Television Academy Award.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
U.S. government agencies held a classified briefing for all senators on Wednesday on China's alleged efforts known as Salt Typhoon to burrow deep into American telecommunications companies and steal data about U.S. calls.

The FBI, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the National Security Council and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency were among the participants in the closed-door briefing, officials told Reuters.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden told reporters after the briefing he was working to draft legislation on this issue, while Senator Bob Casey said he had "great concern" about the breach and added it may not be until next year before Congress can address the issue.

Republican Senator Rick Scott expressed frustration with the briefing.

"They have not told us why they didn't catch it; what they could have done to prevent it," he said.

Chinese officials have previously described the allegations as disinformation and said Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyberattacks and cyber theft in all forms."

Separately, a Senate Commerce subcommittee will hold a December 11 hearing on Salt Typhoon and how "security threats pose risks to our communications networks and review best practices." The hearing will include Competitive Carriers Association CEO Tim Donovan.

There is growing concern about the size and scope of the reported Chinese hacking into U.S. telecommunications networks and questions about when companies and the government can assure Americans over the matter.

A U.S. official told reporters a large number of Americans' metadata has been stolen in the sweeping cyber espionage campaign, adding that dozens of companies across the world had been hit by the hackers, including at least eight telecommunications and telecom infrastructure firms in the United States.

"The extent and depth and breadth of Chinese hacking is absolutely mind-boggling  that we would permit as much as has happened in just the last year is terrifying," Senator Richard Blumenthal said.

Incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr said Wednesday he will work "with national security agencies through the transition and next year in an effort to root out the threat and secure our networks."

U.S. officials have previously alleged the hackers targeted Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Lumen and others and stole phone audio intercepts along with a large tranche of call record data.

T-Mobile said it does not believe hackers got access to its customer information. Lumen said there is no evidence customer data was accessed on its network.

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, AT&T CEO John Stankey, Lumen CEO Kate Johnson and T-Mobile took part in a November 22 White House meeting on the issue.

Verizon said "several weeks ago, we became aware that a highly sophisticated, nation-state actor accessed several of the nations telecom company networks, including Verizon" adding the incident was focused on a very small subset of individuals in government and politics.

AT&T said it is "working in close coordination with federal law enforcement, industry peers and cyber security experts to identify and remediate any impact on our networks."

CISA told reporters on Tuesday that it could not offer a timetable for ridding America's telecom networks of all hackers.

"It would be impossible for us to predict when we'll have full eviction," CISA official Jeff Greene said.
Vivian Barbosa lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has worked as a registered nurse for more than 20 years.

She is applying for a visa to work in the United States as a nurse.

"There are many reasons why I want to leave, but the main one you'll hear from most Brazilians is the lack of professional recognition and the undervaluation of nursing professionals in Brazil," Barbosa told VOA.

The United States is facing a growing shortage of registered nurses as the baby boomer generation ages, increasing the demand for health care.

Many hospitals and nursing homes have recruited nurses from outside the U.S. to help fill vacancies estimated at nearly 200,000 a year, as burned-out nurses leave the field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And because of high demand, the State Department stopped taking applications for employment-based visas, known as EB-3, which included nurses and other skilled workers for the remainder of the fiscal year that ended in September. Each year, about 40,000 of these visas are available, a cap unchanged since the category's creation in 1990.

In its latest update, the U.S. government said the annual visa limits on EB-3 would reset with the fiscal year that began October 1. That would allow embassies and consulates to resume taking applications for these visas.

The number of visas issued in October is not available. In September, no EB-3 visas were issued.

In a statement, Patty Jeffrey, president of the American Association of International Healthcare, said freezing visa applications is exacerbating staffing shortages across the U.S. health care system.

She said part of the problem is not enough U.S.-educated nurses.

"Until we can correct capacity issues that force [U.S.] nursing schools to reject thousands of qualified applicants annually, international nurses will remain essential to safe nurse staffing," she said in a statement to the media. "This latest visa freeze halts the flow of qualified international nurses when American hospitals need them most, and the only way to correct it is through congressional action."

For Barbosa, it means she does not know how long it will take to receive authorization to work in the U.S. as a nurse.

Foreign nurses

In Brazil, where Barbosa lives, there is a high number of nursing graduates.

According to Semesp, an organization representing higher education institutions in Brazil, nursing ranks fifth on the latest list of unemployed graduates, with nearly 1 in 4 graduates unable to find paid employment.

The International Council of Nurses, or ICN, has raised the alarm over countries losing their nursing workforce because of low pay and poor working conditions.

Howard Catton, CEO of ICN, also called for a global recruitment code to stop predatory recruitment.

"We are told that recruiters are [showing] up on graduation day to recruit nurses, but there isn't a return for the countries that are losing them.  If you're going to recruit nurses from a low-income country that's already challenged in terms of its health care, one of the real meaningful ways to give back is to say, 'We'll commit to build a nursing school so that the country can educate more nurses and meet its own needs,'" he said.

At the recent G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, the ICN urged world leaders to commit to long-term investments in nursing education, improved working conditions and better pay. The outcome was a summit declaration that officially addressed recruitment practices that lure skilled professionals from vulnerable nations, aligning with the ICN's call for ethical workforce management.

"We support strengthening health workforce training, including through the WHO Academy," the declaration said, adding there is a need for better working conditions, education, and gender equity in health care professions.

At the G20 in Rio, the president of Brazil's national health council, Fernando Zasso Pigatto, recognized the need for improvement and said it is important that countries keep their workforce.

"Because ideally, countries should train professionals to address their local realities," he said. "These individuals live in those contexts and understand the specific needs of their communities."

Pigatto agrees that people should be allowed to move to other countries to work as nurses if they wish to do so, but he emphasized the need to address the root causes of nurse shortages and better pay.

"We know there are countries that do not invest [enough]," he said.

Catton of the ICN said that until nations address poor pay, working conditions, and lack of investment in education, the flow of health care professionals across borders will continue, with long-term consequences for both sending and receiving countries.

"Nobody stands in the way of the right of individual nurses to move and migrate.  That's a freedom we absolutely support.  But when they move, as well as the loss of the nurse to provide care, there's an investment that those counties have made, which they are also losing," he said.

Barbosa's situation highlights a broader challenge faced by health care systems worldwide.

But she won't wait any longer.

"It gets to a point, and it happens to every nurse practitioner here in Brazil, that we just get tired," Barbosa said.

Yan Boechat contributed to this report.
The United States has dismissed Chinese objections to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific tour, reaffirming that transits through the U.S. by Taiwans democratically elected leaders are routine and consistent with long-standing bipartisan U.S. policy.

Amid Chinas criticism, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi each spoke separately with Lai, underscoring steadfast U.S. support for Taiwan.

Johnson held a call Wednesday afternoon with Lai, who had recently arrived in Guam following a visit to Taiwans Pacific ally, Tuvalu, according to sources who spoke with VOA on the condition of anonymity.

First call

The call marked the first direct conversation between the House speaker and Lai since the latter assumed office in May. Johnson had previously congratulated Lai upon his election in January and renewed the United States commitment to the security and democracy of its Indo-Pacific partners.

Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday night for a brief layover and is set to depart Thursday afternoon for Palau, the final stop on his weeklong Pacific tour. The trip, which began on November 30, also included stops in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. This marks Lai's first overseas trip as president.

VOA has reached out to Johnsons office for comment.

Bipartisan US policy

Every democratically elected Taiwan president has transited the United States, a State Department spokesperson told VOA this week.

Guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, the spokesperson added that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has remained consistent across administrations for 45 years.

Senior U.S. officials have also noted that these documents  the foundations of Washingtons One China policy  contain no language explicitly prohibiting a Taiwan president from stopping over in a U.S. city.

Beijing opposition

Beijing, however, accused Washington of interfering in what it calls its internal affairs.

Chinese officials said they firmly oppose any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province.

Nothing will deter China from upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters this week.

Taiwan has said China's threats over Lais visit are counterproductive.

Garnering US support

Lai's transits through Hawaii and Guam come as he seeks to garner support from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has said Taiwan should pay for U.S. protection.

In a closed-door address at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Lai expressed Taiwans commitment to deepening cooperation with the U.S. and contributing to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Trumps nominee for secretary of state, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a prominent China hawk, has sponsored legislation supporting high-level visits by Taiwanese officials to the U.S. and advocating stronger U.S. policy toward Taiwan amid mounting Chinese military and diplomatic pressure.

When asked by VOA if he would maintain his support for Taiwan, Rubio said, The president sets foreign policy, and our job at the State [Department] will be to execute it.

Despite facing sanctions from China, Rubio expressed confidence in finding solutions to engage with Beijing if confirmed.

Restrictions on Washington

Under long-standing, self-imposed restrictions by the State Department, a stopover in the capital by a sitting Taiwanese president is considered highly provocative to Beijing.

No sitting Taiwan president, vice president, premier or ministers of foreign affairs and defense has visited Washington for formal meetings while in office.

I know there's some diplomatic rules related to leaders of Taiwan coming to the United States, Republican Representative Andy Barr, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told VOA.

I think we need to remove any of those impediments. I think President Lai should be able to come to the United States, and we should welcome him.

The Communist Party-led Peoples Republic of China has never governed Taiwan but claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy.

The U.S. has acknowledged but never endorsed Chinas sovereignty claim over Taiwan.

Washington maintains a One China policy distinct from Beijings One China principle, taking no official position on Taiwans sovereignty and not supporting Taiwan independence.

VOAs congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson and Mandarin Service reporter Yihua Lee contributed to this report.
French President Emmanuel Macron told his nation Thursday night that he intends to serve out his term and will name a new prime minister soon. Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned Thursday, a day after losing a no-confidence vote, the first in more than 60 years.

It didnt take long for Barniers three-month-old government to become the shortest in the history of Frances Fifth Republic. On Wednesday, National Assembly lawmakers from the far left and far right passed a no-confidence measure. Its left France without a functioning government for the second time this year.

The move came after Barnier used a constitutional tool to force through an unpopular budget proposal that he said was key to addressing Frances sizable economic troubles.

Far right leader Marine Le Pen told French TV that Barniers proposed spending cuts and tax increases were profoundly unjust for ordinary people  expressing optimism a better budget could be passed under a new government.

Mathilde Panot from the far-left France Unbowed (La France Insoumise) party said it was time for Macron himself to leave office.

Macron said hes not going anywhere. But after losing legislative and European elections earlier this year, hes a weakened president. France is struggling with a high debt and budget deficit, and stagnant growth.

Public sector workers went on strike Thursday over salaries and working conditions, disrupting schools, city halls, hospitals and transportation. A rail workers strike is expected next week.

Frances turmoil comes at a challenging time for Europe. Another European Union heavyweight, Germany, is also struggling economically and politically. The bloc faces internal divisions, an emboldened Russia, a struggling Ukraine and an incoming Trump administration in the U.S., which Europeans fear will be less inclined to support Kyiv, free trade and the transatlantic alliance.
By Jocelyn Mintz

WASHINGTON  Amid widespread protests in Kenya this summer over a controversial finance bill, the country's Communications Authority announced it did not intend to shut down internet access. The next day, however, Kenya experienced a countrywide loss in internet connectivity.

The main internet service providers said the outage on June 25 was caused by an issue with undersea cables. But the incident caught the attention of digital rights groups, who said the timing of the outage "strongly suggests" an intentional action. Various governments have used such shutdowns to maintain control, these groups say.

Many governments justify the shutdowns as moves to promote public order and safety, Nompilo Simanje, Africa advocacy and partnerships lead at the International Press Institute, told VOA.

"The key reasons really are to restrict communication, restrict free expression, restrict online mobilization, restrict online freedom of assembly and association, and also restrict access to information," she said.

Access 'could be about life and death'

Digital watchdogs have documented several cases across the African continent in recent months where access to the internet or social media was blocked or cut off at crucial moments. It isn't always clear if the cases are the result of a direct order, but the timing often suggests it is, analysts say.

Within the past year, digital rights group Access Now has documented shutdowns in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius and Equatorial Guinea. Nearly all take place alongside events such as protests or elections.

But these shutdowns can be harmful to the country's residents, Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager at Access Now, told VOA.

"It not only disrupts the flow of information, it also makes it impossible for people to access information in a timely manner," Anthonio said. "When we are talking about crisis situations, information can be like a lifeline, and so, disrupting access could be about life and death in conflict situations."

Governments that restrict internet access in one instance are likely to do so again, Anthonio said.

Before the June incident in Kenya, access to the messaging app Telegram was blocked in November 2023 during national examinations. At the time, the move was presented as a way to prevent cheating during exams.

Access to Telegram was stifled again last month during national examinations, which lasted over three weeks and extended into the week after examinations finished, according to James Wamathai, advocacy director for the Bloggers Association of Kenya.

"It was really a huge inconvenience," Wamathai, who lives in the capital, Nairobi, told VOA.

Local media reported that Kenya's Communications Authority had ordered the block to prevent cheating.

Many people were unable to contact friends or relatives who lived in countries that had banned WhatsApp.

Kenyans do not have a lot of experience with internet shutdowns, Wamathai told VOA, and many residents do not know how to install workarounds like virtual private networks or VPNs. The current government under President William Ruto is the first to enact such restrictions, he said.

Kenya is a part of the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of 42 countries that advocate for online freedom around the world. Anthonio said it is "depressing and sad" to see a member of the coalition engage in such practices.

The Kenyan Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.

Anthonio said democratic and repressive regimes alike have enforced restrictions similar to those experienced in Kenya.

"It's really hard to tell what the motivation is, aside from the fact that the government just wants to exert control to show that they are in authority and can restrict people's rights when they please," Anthonio said.

Mauritius for example, planned to impose an internet shutdown for 10 days ahead of its November election.

Authorities said the block was an effort to control illegal publications that may "threaten national security and public safety," Anthonio said. She added that this rationale is just "jargon" that governments use to justify shutdowns.

The shutdown in Mauritius came as a direct order from the government. After protests from media and opposition parties, the ban was lifted after 24 hours.

The ban was troubling to rights groups. Simanje of IPI said Mauritius "has generally had a very good track record of internet access, online safety and promotion of digital rights."

Periodic outages

Other African countries have experienced shutdowns on several occasions.

In Tanzania, Access Now has documented several internet and social media outages or blocks. Access to the social media platform X was blocked in late August, around the same time that online activists began a campaign highlighting murders, kidnappings and disappearances within the country. This suggested the block was an official order, Access Now reported at the time.

Tanzania's embassy in Washington refutes that claim.

"We would like to assure you that this information is false," a spokesperson told VOA via email.

In July and August, the island of Annobon in Equatorial Guinea experienced a total internet shutdown, leaving its residents "completely cut off from the world," according to Access Now. This came as a response to protests against the deterioration of the country's environment due to mining activities, Anthonio said.

Similarly in late October, Mozambique experienced internet connectivity problems after national election results were announced. These shutdowns took place in the middle of violent protests against the reelection of the party in power, which left at least 11 people dead, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Mauritius embassies in Washington did not respond to VOA's requests for comment.
The long-awaited low-cost Kia Tasman SUV has been fully declassified with all the details. It is natural to expect a similar car from the related Hyundai brand, which would be the most practical model.

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The car is shown by Theottle. The artist used Hyundai's corporate identity to fantasize about a possible version of the Tasman pickup under a different brand. It is not yet known whether the manufacturer plans to release something similar.

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The engines of the Kia Tasman 2025 are represented by a powerful 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 281 hp and a 2.2-liter diesel engine with 210 hp. The car will be offered with a transmission with different driving modes, and all-wheel drive can be locked forcibly.

Hyundai has recently put on sale a modernized Santa Cruz passenger pickup truck based on the Hyundai Tucson crossover.
Barry Jenkins in his office during the production of Disneys photorealistic animated movie, Mufasa. Photo: Atsushi Nishijima

Barry Jenkins knows what youre thinking: On what planet do I, Mr. Moonlight, make a prequel to The Lion King? The 45-year old director of an Oscar-winning film is having lunch at Manuela, a restaurant near a production facility on Alameda Boulevard where the Disney movie in question, Mufasa, has been in the works since 2020. By October 2024, the photorealist animated project is nearing its pencils-down phase. Jenkins has spent much of the past week approving final renderings from colleagues and asking for tweaks  small ones because the whole thing has to be locked by November. Hes feeling good about the progress, but self-assurance wont stop the reply guys.

I cant tweet about the Super Bowl without somebody reminding me that Im making this fucking film, Jenkins says. I cant!

The barrage of criticism began in September 2020 when Disney confirmed that it planned to make Mufasa with Jenkins attached to direct, and it increased when Jenkins previewed footage at Disneys fan convention in August 2024. Sentiments included Just make real movies again instead of these stupid money grabs holy fuck and Lets not pretend Disney being able to write a check that sounds like an anvil when it hits the table isnt the lions share (pun intended) of the reason hes doing it.

Jenkins defended himself. But did he need to? Theres no shortage of respected filmmakers who have helmed nine-figure-budgeted, IP-driven franchise movies for big studios, though some have bailed, perhaps after learning they would be the Hollywood-filmmaker equivalent of a kid in the back seat of a car holding a toy steering wheel and making vroom-vroom noises. Jenkins is frank in conceding that Mufasa was work for hire. The studio owned every aspect, from the screenplay and character designs to the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Disney had final cut and expected a crowd-pleaser that would justify corporate investment in new theme-park rides, put stuffed animals in childrens hands, and sell more tickets in its first weekend than Moonlight did in a year. Add to that list of challenges the fact that Jenkins had never directed a CGI-heavy film.

When I took this job, the idea was What does Barry Jenkins know about visual effects? Why the hell would he do this movie? In addition to Why would he be making The Lion King? he recalls. I think part of that I found very invigorating. People make these things, you know, with computers. So anybody should be able to do this. Anybody, right? Theres nothing physically that says I am incapable of doing this.

But in many ways, Jenkinss aesthetic is antithetical to Disneys animated films  and not just because every other movie he made before Mufasa has been rated R. His style is shaped by whats physically in front of him; he goes into a shooting environment with a camera and a plan, then remakes everything on the fly, working in the tradition of John Cassavetes, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Wong Kar-wai, and other directors whose films he treats as sacred texts. His choices are informed not just by the performances he gets from his actors but by the streets, buildings, oceans, mountains, sunlight, and moonlight surrounding them. He gave up this kind of improvisational shooting method when he decided to direct Mufasa, which was shot on a barren motion-capture stage. Then he spent the next few years figuring out ways to bring it back.

A still from Barry Jenkinss Mufasa. Photo: Disney

Jenkinss motion-capture stage is not elevated like a platform in a theater; its a flat expanse in a high-ceilinged room the size of a high-school gymnasium, with lighting crossbars overhead and a raggedy, paper-taped grid on the floor. I wasnt allowed to read a script prior to being invited here. Even now, having seen only 30 out-of-sequence minutes of Mufasa, I cant speculate on what the movies story might be because I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement. But a Disney-approved summary describes it as an epic journey built around the burgeoning friendship between the young, orphaned Mufasa and a lion named Taka, heir to a royal bloodline. Its told in flashback to Simba and Nalas daughter, Kiara, by the soothsaying mandrill Rafiki, with the meerkat Timon and the warthog Pumbaa goofing on the sidelines.

I point to the ceiling overhead and ask when the movie lights were taken down. Jenkins says there were never any movie lights, just the regular bulbs that were in the fixtures when they moved in November 2021. I ask when the sets were torn down. Jenkins says there were no sets over the course of the 147 scattered days he, a team of animators, and his regular cinematographer, James Laxton  who, like most of Jenkinss core group, met at Florida State Universitys film school in the 1990s  shot the film. (Production ended in August 2023.) There werent even fragments of sets like youd see in behind-the-scenes clips of effects-driven franchises like Marvel or DC, or for that matter, previous live-action animation Disney movies like Jon Favreaus The Jungle Book, which kicked off Disneys craze for remaking its 2-D library in 2016. No pieces of Pride Rock, no fiberglass miniature of a canyon. Nothing.

But both Jenkinss office and the workspace of his editor and close friend Joi McMillon were stocked with visual reference materials, including color reproductions of paintings by Sungi Mlengeya and Calida Rawles, photos by Jeremy Snell and Jalan and Jibril Durimel, and critic John Powerss book about Wong Kar-wai, WKW. A wall of Mufasa concept art includes a first-person close-up of Rafiki seeming to make eye contact with the spectator. This kind of shot appears in all of Jenkinss work: Think of the alternating close-ups of the young Chiron and his mother in Moonlight when she tells him shes worried about him, or the moment in If Beale Street Could Talk when Tish stares beseechingly at the back of her mother Sharons head in their small kitchen and her mother seems to sense the power of the gaze and turns around to return the look.

Ill spend the next two days in an editing suite and a medium-size screening room with Jenkins, McMillon, and their collaborators. The sequences they show me include several large-scale action scenes, a dream that involves an ice cave (which Im told was later cut from the movie), a walk and talk with young Mufasa and Rafiki, and a scene with the same characters set at a watering hole. At first glance, they seem like variations on Favreaus 2019 remake of the original Lion King, which had a more observational tone reminiscent of a wildlife documentary rather than Disneys mostly hand-drawn 90s hits. The animals and their environments in Mufasa are similarly photorealistic, save for the slight anthropomorphizing body language and, of course, the human voices and lip movements.

But there are subtle surrealistic touches here that I dont recall seeing in Mufasas predecessor, like a cloud formation that takes the shape of a lions head and a water reflection that briefly pictures Mufasas family and himself as a cub. There are also many long, gliding, unbroken takes that float gracefully toward and around the characters, evoking not the typical Disney-cartoon visual grammar but techniques perfected by so-called slow-cinema masters like Bela Tarr, Jia Zhangke and Gus Van Sant. Jenkins got a note from the parent company worrying that one of the long takes played a little slow, but there was no indication that he was required to implement it.

We were trying to do these scenes in as few shots as possible, Jenkins explains, even though we didnt have to think that way.

Will future generations of cinephiles watch Satantango and wonder why it reminds them of their childhood? Probably not, but this is the first Disney animal picture to spark such a thought.

Barry Jenkins at his Mufasa production facility in Los Angeles. Photo: Atsushi Nishijima

Long before Jenkins set foot in his Alameda Boulevard facility, he received Jeff Nathansons script from Disney. It was July 2020, shortly before he was scheduled to go on vacation with his partner, Lulu Wang, director of The Farewell. My thought was, Oh, Ill just give this a few days and Ill call my agent and tell them Ive read it and Im not going to do this project, Jenkins says. He and Wang drove up the coast to wine country. All the while, the script was sitting in the back of his head. When he got home, he says, he remembered, Okay, shit, thats right! I have to call my agents tomorrow and remind them that Im not going to do this project. Thats when Wang asked, Are you afraid to read it? He told himself he would read five pages but ended up reading 50: I turn to Lulu and go, Holy shit, this is good.

After expressing his bated interest to Disney, Jenkins learned Mufasa would require at least three exclusively committed years of his life. That was a daunting temporal price tag, especially for Jenkinss team  including Laxton, McMillon, producers Mark Ceryak and Adele Romanski, and production designer Mark Friedberg  all of whom had predictable concerns about photorealistically rendered Disney animal movies. In the abstract, Romanski says, Mufasa just didnt feel like our kind of filmmaking, so there was a large forum for talking about the ways we were gonna push it forward if we were going to do it.

It wasnt necessarily the chance to affect a new medium that tipped the crew in favor of Mufasa, though that increasingly became a draw: Jenkins says they were all at a point in their lives where they were willing to trade chaos for control. They had just ground their way through postproduction on The Underground Railroad, a project so complex, expensive, and freighted with behind-the-scenes drama that, had a few more things gone wrong, it couldve ended up being Jenkinss own Heavens Gate. Jenkins tells me that eight weeks before he and his team had shot a frame  after having built all the titular railroad sets first  we realized we were tens of millions of dollars over budget, and it was our own doing. The Underground Railroad was ultimately completed in a manner befitting Jenkinss original vision but not without ruthless triage (including filming the entire series in Georgia rather than across multiple states), plus oversight from a new line producer hired by Amazon who was tasked with helping them make the show with the money they had left. (Amazon MGM Studios did not respond to a request for comment.)

After all that anxiety, the idea of doing an entirely digital movie didnt sound so bad. Jenkins also thought it would be good for his personal life to work in Los Angeles, where he shares a house with Wang, because even though hed been in the relationship for two years at that point, they were often geographically separated, with me in Georgia and Lulu in Hong Kong or wherever. In short: I needed to slow  the fuck  down.

So in late 2020 and early 2021, Jenkins and his team joined forces with Disney artists, including visual effects supervisor Adam Valdez and animation director Daniel Fotheringham (both of whom had worked on Favreaus The Lion King), to make a test sequence. The first test piece that we did for our own education was a scene under a shade tree, producer Romanski says. That was for us to understand how to build, from start to finish, one scene from the movie. They used a garage band version of the technology they would end up using on the movie, says Valdez. We kind of kit-bashed it together.

What Do You Call This Type of Movie, Anyway? Photo: Disney It has been described as live action by Disney CEO Bob Iger, and is released by Walt Disney Pictures, the division of the company that distributes live-action movies. But the label is a bit misleading when you consider how much of the movies are made up of ones and zeroes. Theres no denying that recent remakes like The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Dumbo, and Aladdin are largely animated via CGI, and that, in this sense, Mufasa is an animated movie from top-to-bottom. Producer Adele Romanski calls the genre photoreal animation. animation director Daniel Fotheringham accepts that and live-action animation but prefers virtual production because, he says, whats being done on movies like Mufasa isnt really animation anymore but a new, iterative form of visual storytelling.

The scene was set in a virtual space created by Friedberg and his art department using Unreal Engine, a 3-D image-creation system thats used in multiplayer video games like Fortnite that had been adapted by the special-effects company Industrial Light & Magic for use on effects-heavy films and TV series, including the 2019 Lion King, The Mandalorian, and Westworld. Jenkins & Co. explored Friedbergs sets while wearing VR goggles. Meanwhile, Disney gave Laxton an Unreal VCam, a virtual camera that translates traditional cinematography into a virtual setting. Imagine a first-person video game except that youre recording the environment rather than playing a game and that the equivalence between your movements in the physical world and your cameras movements in the virtual grasslands are more responsive and precise.

Laxton learned to use the camera in his house. He could stroll through the virtual environment a step at a time or, with the push of a button, cover 100 meters in one step or even fly. If you want to be a helicopter thats circling something and youre walking in a ten-foot circle, says Valdez, you can decide thats a 100-foot circle and stabilize the movements so you arent bouncing up and down as you walk. A small team assembled for the actual shoot in the same Alameda space, resulting in what Jenkins calls a rough-draft version timed to voice recordings from a placeholder cast of nonprofessionals. Then, over a span of months, a team of animators and special-effects artists in London completed the sequence, fragments of which were actually used in the finished film.

The test sequence, Romanski says, was so hard to wrap your head around, until you went through it and thought, Oh, its just moviemaking, but its virtual. Jenkins says he acclimated relatively quickly to the demands of the process, perhaps because hed been playing video games all his life. It helped that he consulted other filmmakers who were old hands at this type of production, including Favreau, Matt Reeves (The Batman, War for the Planet of the Apes), and his old Florida State film-school classmate Wes Ball (the Maze Runner films, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), and visited the set of James Camerons Avatar: The Way of Water.

Had any of us done a virtual film, a franchise film, a Disney film, a Disney legacy film? Romanski asks. No! But isnt it kind of boring to do the same thing over and over again?

Close-ups of characters in Barry Jenkins's Mufasa. Disney. Close-ups of characters in Barry Jenkins's Mufasa. Disney.

Landscapes in Mufasa. Disney. Landscapes in Mufasa. Disney.

From there, Jenkinss team was off to the races, at first following in the footsteps of forerunner Favreau, whose 2016 Jungle Book featured a live-action star, Neel Sethi, and utilized fragments of sets to orient the young Mowgli  a bit of river-carved rock here, a patch of artificial jungle there. But the directors next foray into the process, the 2019 remake of The Lion King, had no humans in it at all and, therefore, no physical sets. It was shot like the Mufasa test sequence: on virtual terrain that had been created with 3-D imaging software, which crew members (including cinematographer Caleb Deschanel) traversed while wearing VR goggles or looking at the monitor of a handheld VCam. Filmmakers would scout locations this way and plan blocking as if they were moving through a real place.

This aspect of the process was intriguing to Jenkins, who has an interest and inclination to discover things, often on set, says producer Ceryak, and lets the space speak to him. It was common for Jenkins to be exploring Friedbergs virtual grasslands and excitedly shout for his team to come over and see the incredible thing he had just stumbled upon. We would be focusing on an area for a scene, a specific passageway or valley or whatever, where these characters are walking and talking, says Ceryak, and then suddenly hes off in the corner, underwater, behind a rock  like, calling out to James to fly over and see this thing hes found that Friedberg had built, but not with any intention of it ever being onscreen or in the movie.

In early 2021, the official cast  including Beyonce, Aaron Pierre, Mads Mikkelsen, Keith David, and Thandiwe Newton  delivered their lines into microphones under Jenkinss direction in studios across the United States and internationally. Video cameras recorded the actors facial expressions and body language to create visual references for the animators down the line. Editor McMillon then cut the best audio takes together to create what Jenkins calls the radio play version of Mufasa, which was fused with roughly animated storyboards (12 frames per second or fewer; Jenkins calls it the flip-book version) to produce an animatic. The animatic gives the filmmakers an idea of how the different scenes and sequences fit together and a sense of whether there are any pacing issues.

The part of Mufasas production that veered from the path  and made it possible for Jenkins and his team to make a Barry Jenkins film with talking animals  was the inclusion of quadcapping, short for quadruped capture. This process records the movements of bipedal animators in black bodysuits marked with sensor dots as they move around a motion-capture stage and instantly translates them into four-legged creatures on the movies virtual set. The Mufasa crew calls this part of the process staging, like the part of a theatrical production when a director decides how onstage action will be choreographed in relation to the proscenium arch. It was tough to stage Favreaus The Lion King, because the four-legged characters were created in a multistep process that has been the standard on digital movies dating back to the Star Wars prequels. From animatics, these productions progressed to 3-D wire frames or geometric, blocky figures, then to densely rendered creatures with fur, feathers, or scales whose movements and textures drew on data from nature. There were never any stand-ins for animals during the shoot for Favreaus Lion King, just digital placeholder versions  so crude that, as Fotheringham puts it, they looked more like sliding chess pieces.

Early on in his shoots, Jenkins found himself hampered by having no way to work spontaneously on set. James was pointing the camera at literally nothing, says Romanski. No people, nothing. Luckily, they worked on the movie for so long that, eventually, the tech caught up with our process. About halfway through production, quadcapping entered the picture with its ability to translate the movements of animators in bodysuits (a rotating group, Jenkins says, though Fotheringham was in suits the most) into virtual animals moving through Friedbergs virtual Africa. You could tell when a lion was nervous, embarrassed, excited, or upset simply by the way it moved, and the camera in turn could respond to movement, anticipate movement, and integrate into the scene, Fotheringham explains. If a character in anger storms toward the camera, the camera operator reacts to this movement and you can feel the tension immediately through the lens.

During quadcap shoots, a PA system would blast the radio play version of the scenes to inspire the animators in bodysuits and give them a sense of how their actions should be timed as they moved across the floor. Jenkins would give instructions and feedback on what he saw in the real and virtual spaces. The motion-capture stage was laid out with large grid lines with coordinates like A7 and G5, says Fotheringham. This grid was then projected in the virtual world where everyone could see the performers as lions. For scenes involving bigger obstacles, like Pride Rock or a tree, their system would adaptively place the lions at different heights or translate animators walking in a circle around the stage to make them walk in a straight line over a series of hills. Think of a tartan blanket that is laid over pillows, Fotheringham says. It will distort over the pillows, but the tartan grid remains. Our virtual lions would follow this distorted grid similarly. Animators at workstations surrounding the stage could see the results in their monitors, finesse movements, make real-time corrections, and add missing information. Valdez calls them the rapid-response team.

As he directed it all, Jenkins had a realization: With computer animation, we assume the animators are writing with code. But with quadcapping, the animators are getting the first draft of the animation when theyre wearing the suits, so its like theyre writing with their bodies. (Alas, for large-scale action sequences involving lots of animals, such as a flood that occurs at a key moment in Mufasa, the team had to embrace the 2019 methods of animation because it was impossible to shoot more than four animators in bodysuits on the stage simultaneously: Neither the space nor the technology had expanded enough for that.)

The resultant quadcapped imagery is nowhere good enough to show in a theater to paying customers. Jenkins calls it the PS3 footage, and he was irritated when some of it leaked earlier this year. It hadnt yet been handed off to McMillon, who would edit the PS3 footage and pass it to the animators and visual-effects artists supervised by Fotheringham and Valdez, then to an army of colorists, texture painters, virtual-lighting designers, and other specialists tasked with whipping every shot into exhibitable shape. Valdez says this part of the process takes about six weeks per scene, not including revisions and tweaks. After that, there might still be more notes from Jenkins asking for a small change or adjustment. A shot might go back to McMillon to be recut and then to the army to be further altered. In some cases, Jenkins and Laxton might go back onto the stage to reshoot all or part of a scene if they felt the previous version wasnt working and no amount of postproduction buffing would fix it.

I think stacked is a really interesting way to describe it, Jenkins says of the production in its entirety, because any part of the film could be either in preproduction, production, postproduction, or finishing at any moment. Any scene can be in any one of those different phases.

The magic trick of Mufasa, as Fotheringham puts it, was its ability to create a stacked animation world that a filmmaker from any walk of life could just come into  like, someone who hadnt done animation before  and just basically get in there and make a film.

More lions from Mufasa. Photo: Disney

My last day at Mufasa headquarters is spent sitting between Jenkins and McMillon in the screening room where final-stage shots are being presented for the directors approval. Jenkins is talking simultaneously with the projectionist, two department heads on Zoom, and a half-dozen people in the room. He is generous with praise, though he likes to bust chops. (When he introduces me to Fotheringham, he warns him, This man has seen you in a bodysuit. And his team responds in kind: When Jenkins asks visual-effects producer Barry St. John to tell me his job title, St. John replies Doormat and the room erupts in laughter.) Over the next three hours, Jenkins moves swiftly through all the footage presented to him. The one-word response Approved means a sequence is ready, and this is the word he uses more than any other. But for one scene, he asks that a slightly shorter lens be applied to a shot of a lion to exaggerate the perspective. For another, he requests a surrealistic sound touch be toned down because he wants to make the audience work for meaning rather than hand it to them.

Jenkinss mantra throughout the making of Mufasa was Imperfection is your friend. He and Laxton relished unforced touches that made the work feel more physical, such as a violent camera shake that happened when Laxton jumped to follow a lion leaping down a series of tree branches. They had to push back against the Disney reflex to make things immaculate. Early on, Laxton stumbled while shooting another action scene: There was this great moment where the lion kids are racing and the one kid catches up, and just because of where the camera is and where the kid is, he runs this puddle and the sun just catches it and everything goes bright white, like he runs through a flare, Jenkins recalls. It looks like the camera operator is on the back of a pickup truck thats going 70 miles an hour through a muddy field and is really struggling to hold the focus. Laxton and Jenkins loved the mistake because it sold the illusion that the audience was watching an actual event being recorded under pressure. When the footage animators removed the momentary loss of control, Jenkins says he asked that the mistake be put back in: Dont smooth the shit out. Right?

We want just something that has texture, something that feels organic, he says. And sometimes that can be the hardest thing to dial in because every single blade of grass has to be created by someone. But you ultimately dont want everything to feel like its been created by anyone. You want it to feel like it naturally arose.

When I ask Jenkins to name the biggest skill set he picked up on Mufasa, he deadpans, Math. Id seen evidence of this when Jenkins explained that the budget of Mufasa had been calculated on how much labor was required to make a shot good enough to show on a large theater screen. To demonstrate the calculus, he takes out an old-school gray plastic calculator and breaks down the budget by cost per shot, cost per minute of screen time, and cost per frame, fingers clickety-clacking on the keys. He admitted to craving control postThe Underground Railroad, and hed seemingly found it.

When I ask members of Jenkinss inner circle whether they want to make a movie like this again, the response is a measured expression of reluctance. It seems clear that, as much as they appreciate having conquered a novel filmmaking experience and acquired new abilities, theyre likely not doing another all-digital movie next, nor another with a nine-figure budget. Romanski says theres a possibility that Jenkins will direct a biopic about choreographer Alvin Ailey for Fox Searchlight and that its not going to be a $250 million movie, right? So were going to have to go back to embracing a much more limited tool set on that film.

It is not my thing, Jenkins says of all-digital filmmaking, then repeats more emphatically, It is not my thing. I want to work the other way again, where I want to physically get everything there. I always believe that what is here is enough, and let me just figure out what is the chemistry to make alchemy? How can these people, this light, this environment, come together to create an image that is moving, that is beautiful, that creates a text that is deep enough, dense enough, rich enough to speak to someone? He cant do that in a studio. Even now.

But at the same time, Jenkins doesnt rule out the possibility of using Mufasa methods to figure out new ways to make Barry Jenkins movies. Somehow, we land on the subject of the Muppets and suddenly hes imagining how he could direct puppet performers and transpose them onto virtual sets. You know, a Muppet movie done in this style would be awesome. Awesome. In the same way we generate our PlayStation version of a scene, you could have a set thats just the actual physical puppeteers, and Muppets are blocking the scene but just in a black box, you know? he says. Or, lets say, a green box. Youre capturing their performances and then youre putting them all into virtual sets. I can see how that could work.
Photo: Paul Kooiker for New York Magazine

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From his earliest credited movie appearance in Kathryn Bigelows 1982 biker drama, The Loveless, through his current role in Robert Eggerss horror epic, Nosferatu, Willem Dafoe has never been one of those I know that guy! character actors whose name you have to look up. His slender, angular face is unmistakable. Ditto his gravelly tenor voice, one hes applied to everything from the enveloping kindness of Jesus and the existential self-awareness of a Vietnam War soldier to the tormented genius of Vincent van Gogh and the chaotic evil of the Green Goblin.

Born in Wisconsin and schooled mainly on the stages of experimental theaters in Milwaukee and then New York City, Dafoe has been a major American screen actor since his performance as a ruthless counterfeiter in William Friedkins To Live and Die in L.A. Now 69 and with four Oscar nominations under his belt, hes probably the closest thing modern cinema has to what his Mississippi Burning co-star Gene Hackman was back in the day. Dafoe is also an actors actor, respected for the mix of diligence and curiosity that drives his career choices. He takes pride in his public identity as an artist, constantly feeds his imagination with music, literature, and visual art, and goes to new movies not just for the pleasure of immersing himself in other ways of seeing life but to scout new talent (he volunteered himself to Eggers after seeing the filmmakers debut The Witch in a theater). Calling from Rome, where he lives part time, Dafoe spoke extemporaneously about the theory and practice of creative work with a plainspoken eloquence thats rare.

Youre in a unique position, having played a version of Nosferatu in one film, E. Elias Merhiges Shadow of the Vampire, and the man hunting him in Nosferatu. How would you compare the experiences?

Youre dealing broadly with the same source material, but the impulses are very different. And the nature of being an actor is you do one thing and then you clean it out of your system and get ready to do another, so I have a lot of difficulty putting those two things together. Im a little in denial! Doing projects, the worlds got to fall away. Its like falling in love. You cant be with someone and still be all about your past relationships.

2024: Nosferatu. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/Focus Features

Whats the attraction to Eggerss work for you? Youve also been in The Northman and The Lighthouse.

He builds this world thats so complete, and hes so committed. He believes we can express whats going on in this world by reworking the stories of the past. He doesnt see period films as museum pieces. He doesnt remind you, This is such and such a time. Youre in it. That has a lot to do with his facility with bringing different elements of filmmaking together in a unified way. A lot of directors, to my mind, are a little lopsided in that theyre interested in certain aspects of filmmaking but delegate others. Roberts hand is in everything. Not that hes a dictator, but he gets collaborators with whom he has some sort of sympathy and understanding, and they all work together to make this world, so nothing feels uninvested. Everything has a purpose. That means its easy for actors to be present in that world, too.

When youre playing, say, a motel manager in The Florida Project or a drug dealer in Light Sleeper, the characters are earthbound with feelings and needs and circumstances that can easily translate to most viewers. But when youre playing a vampire or a guy who hunts vampires, what do you do to make the characters feel concrete, plausible?

Theres so much. A great example is any kind of extreme makeup, like I had in Shadow of the Vampire or Poor Things. That was a huge invitation into a world of pretending because you look different, you feel different. If its the right mask, its liberating. You sit in a chair, and youre looking in the mirror, and you see your physical appearance change. Sometimes youre sitting there for hours. At first, it becomes a meditation on what you look like, but that goes away and then all of a sudden youre looking at someone else you dont normally see in the mirror, and that allows you permission to inhabit a whole other set of impulses and thoughts. I understood that a little bit when I put in the teeth of Bobby Peru in Wild at Heart and I couldnt close my mouth.

Speaking of fake teeth, what was the logic in the Spider-Man movies of giving Norman Osborn, a.k.a. the Green Goblin, prosthetic teeth for the real world part of the performance but then letting you have your actual teeth for the dreams or hallucinations?

I have spaces in my teeth. They arent perfect. They havent been fixed. Theyre a little funky. I dont mind them. One of the producers on Spider-Man said, Well, arent we going to do something with the teeth? Its not credible that a CEO would have teeth like that, which I thought was very funny. The compromise was we decided to put these caps on my teeth so I would look like a guy who was groomed to be a CEO and then when I was the Green Goblin, which is kind of the true self, I had my regular teeth.

Photo: Paul Kooiker for New York Magazine

Have you ever been urged to Hollywood-ify your face, do Botox, get veneers or anything like that for career reasons?

Not at all. They arent looking for Hollywood smiles when they cast me. Thats never been an issue. Ive got an expressive face, so leave it alone.

Are you familiar with the Willem Dafoe memes circulating around the internet? The Lighthouse Keeper shows up a lot, and of course Norman Osborne saying Im a bit of a scientist myself, but with scientist swapped out for some other job or specialty.

I try to avoid these things, but some of them catch up with me. Usually Im pretty amused by it. I had a wonderful time being in The Lighthouse. It is probably not wise to say you like your movies, but I like that movie.

Why is it not wise to say that you like your movies?

In the same way that its not wise to say you dont like your movies. Leave yourself out of it! Im doing press right now. Im talking to you. In a perfect world, you wouldnt know anything about me. You wouldnt know where I live. You wouldnt know where I come from. Id just be this guy that becomes these other people. All this extra information about the actors, about the production, about the cost, about the expectations in relation to budget  all that stuff doesnt really help the way I see cinema.

I feel like the relationship of the audience to movies has changed in the past ten or 15 years. They expect the movie to come to them.

Absolutely. Theyd rather go home and turn on their TV and see a film that way. And lets face it, a certain kind of corruption comes in because people go home and they shop around on these streaming platforms. Theres some good things about the platforms. They create a lot of movies. They create a lot of jobs. But theres so many distractions that you cant enter the stuff. People watch five minutes of something and they say, Im not really into it and they go to another thing. Im not really into it. Then another thing. Im not really into it. Then they go to bed.

If you dont put in the effort, youre not going to receive much. And the discourse gets lowered, and everything gets a little more dumbed down and then thats when the ruffians come in, and theyre the ones with energy and stupidity and then they can crush all the thoughtful people. Thats not good for culture, and thats not good for humanity. We see the results of that all the time.

Who were the actors who spoke to you when you were coming up?

I went through a period where I liked actors who I thought werent actors.

Like who?

Oh, people like Warren Oates and Harry Dean Stanton. When I found out they studied to be actors, I was like, Damn. Theyre good. Those guys didnt have that stink of being an actor. Not even a little bit. When I was really little, I grew up on horror films. I thought Boris Karloff was fantastic. I thought Vincent Price was a hoot. I never had that kind of Monty CliftMarlon Brando thing.

Marlon Brando was always interesting, often so interesting that he was sometimes not quite in the movie that he was in, if that makes any sense.

Very true. Something to posit: Is it possible for there to be a good performance in a bad movie? Because, well, what are you cutting up responsibility for? The film is a whole thing. So how can it be a good performance if it doesnt serve the movie?

Ive seen lots of good performances in bad movies, though. One cant know what happened on set to allow such a thing. And I wonder, Did that one actor who was good just have the willpower to stand against whatever bad notes everyone else was getting?

Okay, okay, okay: You realize that notes are, like, a myth? Practically.

What do you mean?

People think directors pull actors aside and have little conferences and then they say, Go again. Its not like that. Or not in my experience. We have little conferences about the psychological aspects. Its much more practical. But maybe thats me. Maybe they just let me go!

Youre telling me youve never had an experience where you were being strongly pushed to give a particular type of performance, and you drew a line in the sand and said, Nope. Im doing this other thing?

Never. I dont think ever. Ive been annoyed sometimes when someone pushes me in a direction I dont feel comfortable with. But  not to make it sound like I dont have a will  I generally try to find a different way to satisfy them, one that also satisfies me. Then I get there and I try to give myself over to the actions. And something happens. Thats the beautiful thing about making movies. They have their own life. They come alive or they die, but they shift. And you have to be sensitive to that.

You surrender to the process.

Yes. I think its the only way. Surrender means forgetting yourself and trying to see another point of view, or trying to see another way, or trying to have different impulses and feelings and experiences.

You have been in a lot of films that are like that: gateways to experiencing an alternative way of seeing things.

Which is the best a culture can do.

Do you seek out filmmakers who try to do that?

Projects find you, and you find projects. I sought Wes Anderson out. I invited him to a theater performance of the Wooster Group. He came. We had a beautiful dinner. He said, Id love to do something with you, but Im going off to Italy to do this film, and its already cast. So maybe Ill see you in five years. About three months later, I got a call. Wes said, Someone dropped out, and theres a role Id like you to do. So I went and I did that movie, The Life Aquatic, and not only was it great fun and my introduction to Wes, its how I met my wife.

For Wes Anderson, youve played a lot of what I would call commando supporting roles, where you kind of parachute in and make a strong impression in a few scenes, like the dancing rat with the switchblade in The Fantastic Mr. Fox, the bookkeeper in The French Dispatch, and the assassin in The Grand Budapest Hotel. What itch does that scratch for you?

I just like being in his company. Hes such a master at what he does; he gets more articulate and powerful with each film. Its fun to be in his world because the sensibility is very precise.

Klaus in The Life Aquatic is one of my favorite roles of yours, because if I were going to predict what character Willem Dafoe would play in that movie, based solely on reading a summary, it wouldnt have been that guy.

I loved that he was a blowhard German. Klaus exposed the myth of German efficiency and strength. Now Im going to get hate mail from German people!

Well, we wouldnt want that! But I know what you mean.

Weve got to debunk these myths. Thats what will make us all kumbaya together.

2000: Shadow of the Vampire. 2023: Poor Things. Photo: Alamy, Searchlight Pictures. 2000: Shadow of the Vampire. 2023: Poor Things. Photo: Alamy, Searchlight Pictures.

2002: The Wooster Group. 2019: The Lighthouse. Photo: Richard Hartog/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, A24. 2002: The Wooster Group. 2019: The Lighthouse. Photo: Richard Hartog/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, A24.

You started your career in experimental theater at the Wooster Group, which you co-founded in 1980. How did that inform your approach to your craft, and to what extent has that experience continued to resonate?

It was everything. It formed me in many ways. The most basic thing is it reminded me that the technicians and the actors are almost interchangeable. The technicians would also do acting functions, and the actors would do technical functions.

How did your relationship with Elizabeth LeCompte, the Wooster Groups director and your former partner, shape you as an artist?

Liz is a great director. She is very idiosyncratic, but I always had great admiration for her commitment and her patience and tenacity. Characters were revealed through actions, not so much through an interpretation of literature or designing a psychology that would convey to the audience something about human nature. It always felt closer to dance for me. It was about doing things, and as you did them, things would happen to you. I am not really a director type of personality. I didnt want to watch things. I wanted to be things.

Ive been to Japan quite a few times, and when I go to the theater there, particularly the Noh theater, I get terribly moved by those performers because theres a whole life, a history, a commitment to the gesture, to a kind of tradition. That might sound rigid, but its not, because what I see is a human being living and dying onstage. You see that in dance. You see a body out there moving in time, and I like being there for that. Whether Im an audience member or Im an actor, I like to find that sweet spot that is free of a transactional or egotistical kind of thing.

Man, youre speaking right to my heart here.

Well, take care of it because Im sticking my neck out!

Commitment to the gesture is a great phrase.

Im not Catholic, and Im not totally down with organized religion, but I respect and am interested in the spiritual impulse in the human being and how it forms. When Im at Santa Maria Maggiore and I see all these old people participating in these rituals that theyve done over and over again, I get moved, because I feel like Ive got my finger on the beauty and tragedy of our lives.

You left the University of WisconsinMilwaukee after two years and joined an experimental theater troupe in Milwaukee, then went to New York soon after that. Why didnt you finish your degree?

I had ants in my pants. I was a young man and I wanted to get out in the world. I came from the Midwest in a town of 50,000 people. A perfectly good way to grow up, but I felt like there was something out there that I needed to see and become. I just wanted to start doing. Thats something you could do in a time when a kind of amateur aesthetic was being embraced. When I came to New York, there wasnt so much emphasis put on professionalism as it was the sincerity and the will of this person to get up and perform. Were they trained for that? No. Was it a career aspiration? It was an extension of their lives. Being around these artists was infectious. And when I was young, particularly, I flirted with this idea of being an artist rather than thinking about a career and making money.

Having said that, Ive never been interested in exposing myself in the way a lot of them did, because if you make it about you, youre limited. You have to make it about other people and go toward that. That broadens you and makes you more alive and in tune with the audience, rather than getting in front of people and dazzling them with a skill. I would go home for the holidays when I was young with all my brothers and sisters, and they were far more talented than me. Im not being falsely modest or anything. I had a different intention from them. They could sing, dance, they could all do all these things, and I could do some of that, but the thing I was really interested in was trying to give myself to something and lose myself in it.

You stuck with the Wooster Group all the way through the early aughts. Why did you part ways?

As I started doing movies, I started being away more. Since we were making original work at Wooster Group, there was a real tension. Id be gone, and they would either have to minimize my involvement or theyd have to wait for me. Neither was a healthy solution for the company. And then there were some changes in personal things.

You made your film debut in 1980 in Heavens Gate, but what put you on the map was William Friedkins 1985 film, To Live and Die in L.A. You played a counterfeiter named Rick Masters who is being chased by Secret Service agents. What was that like?

It was fantastic because William was on fire. He wanted to make a movie that was down and dirty. When he first met me, he said, Listen, I want to get a bunch of unknown actors to make this thing. He was game. And every day there was some big surprise. Sometimes youd get to the set and he was like, Were not doing that at all. Were going to do this. You always had to be on your feet.

Did you know that after it came out, he was using the prop money you used on set to buy things? Because late in his life, he admitted that he had done that.

What do you mean? [Laughs] I made the counterfeit money! You see it in the movie! If you think people didnt maybe put one in their pocket to see if they could pass it  But, dont get me arrested! That was a long time ago.

I hear so many wild stories about Friedkin. Is it true that he would roll film without telling the actors he was rolling?

Im sure, but a lot of people do that.

What does that accomplish?

It gets something thats not premeditated. If theater is about conjuring and cinema is about capturing a performance, you can catch some interesting things working that way.

Is it true that you were considered for the Joker in Tim Burtons version of Batman?

All I know is at one point, one of the people who was involved with the comics suggested that I might be good for the Joker, and somehow that got into the press. But no, I was never offered it. But at that point, I was on some kind of list to play Batman. Dont fucking make that face!

No! [Laughs.] Im just reacting to not having heard that before. I love the idea. I was reading The Dark Knight and The Killing Joke and all those kinds of harder interpretations of Batman that came out in the 80s, and I think you wouldve been a great Batman in a story like that.

Yeah? Okay. Well, thank you. But thats just not the way it goes.

I want to talk to you about what I think of as your Jesus trilogy. In 1986, you played a saintly martyr in Platoon for Oliver Stone, then Jesus for Martin Scorsese in 1988s The Last Temptation of Christ. A year later, youre in Stones Born on the Fourth of July mentoring another martyr, Tom Cruises Ron Kovic. Youre on the poster for Platoon: a crucifixion on a Vietnam battlefield.

Platoon was an actors dream in the sense that it was a very simple action scene. So my body is rigged with squibs, these little explosive hits they used in the old days. Now, they tend to do these effects more in postproduction, but I had actual wires going around my body, anchored in the ground. There are all these explosions. I know where they are. Im at the edge of a clearing in the jungle, and there are hundreds of extras behind me. The camera crew is up in the air in helicopters, and theyve got some cameras running remotely in the ground, and my action is the simplest one in the world: Run for your life. Its so emblematic of the tragedy of the personal, bodily destruction of war. Oliver gets credit for that because he puts all those elements together, but I wont be shy: Im there for it. My cheekbone, my body, the way I raise my hands, the uniform, the extras behind me, the green, the explosions: Its a big soup, and Im just trying to be the best carrot I can be in that soup.

1985: To Live and Die in L.A. 1986: Platoon. Photos: Alamy, Orion Pictures. 1985: To Live and Die in L.A. 1986: Platoon. Photos: Alamy, Orion Pictures.

2002: Spider-Man. 2009: Antichrist. Photos: Alamy. 2002: Spider-Man. 2009: Antichrist. Photos: Alamy.

Its an interesting progression for you during that period because you had made such a big splash as the bad guy in To Live and Die in L.A. and then youre in three major films focusing on martyrdom.

Masters, my character in To Live and Die in L.A., was not a good guy, but he had his code. I want to remind you, also, that To Live and Die in L.A. was only successful in retrospect, and it was made successful by cinephiles. But it was the first film I did that really got seen internationally. Ive been told secondhand that something in that performance was responsible for me getting the role in Platoon and also in Last Temptation.

Its nice to play a martyr. Its nice to have strong actions. Its nice to be against the current. But were talking about things that happened 30 years ago. I am much more interested in recent things. You can tell when people stopped or started watching movies orIm not pointing at youthe movies theyre interested in. Ive been doing this long enough that I can always tell when people talk to me what part of their lives they were watching movies in. When people want to talk about the movies of the 80s and they dont get to some of the really interesting ones later, I feel funny.

Yes. But youre one of the greats. I dont know if you are willing to accept that description, but youve been around forever and a day, and the early work is as meaningful to people as the good work youve done recently.

Ill take a compliment because it gives you energy, it doesnt make you cynical. Thats one of the reasons I like working with young actors, with people who arent cynical. They think theyre having the time of their life! Whats hard sometimes is when you work with people who think the good times are over and everythings a grind now. Some people my age that have been at it for a while lack a certain kind of energy, a kind of a belief. But okay, lets talk about whatever you guide us to.

You bring yourself to every role you play, but I wonder if you bring more of yourself to roles in smaller-scale films? Does that seem fair?

I think thats fair. For bigger movies, because theres more financial investment, people have to be a little more sure, so theres a tendency to have you do that thing they know you can do or to work that persona or that perception of who you are. Whereas in a smaller movie, sometimes youre encouraged to do just the opposite, to shake that and create a new self. But if you said all that to a studio executive, they might break into a sweat.

I appreciate the sensitivity and intelligence you bring to everything you do, even if its material thats dismissed as bubblegum. The Green Goblin is an example. You play that role like its Macbeth.

It is! You have to remember weve gotten used to these Marvel movies and comic-book movies because there are a lot of them. But when we did the original Spider-Man, it was new territory. So for me, it was exciting, and for Sam Raimi to be so passionate about it made a huge difference. I got to do a lot of fun things. Its fun to fly around. Its fun to fight. Its fun to careen from comedy to drama in a second. Thats fertile territory when youre dealing with questions of morality and good and bad. You can bait and switch. You can play and then get serious. You can turn it on its head.

Has there ever been a performance you gave where you saw the finished film and you were surprised by what you were doing?

Not so much. Because when I see a film, I have strong associations with the making of the movie. And I like movies best when they look like they felt when I was making them. Sometimes youre surprised by the finished movie if you worked with a lot of variation in the scenes or different takes  if that was encouraged. Its a little dangerous sometimes to give lots of variations. [Pauses.] Sometimes youll be surprised by the editing: by the selection, by what modes they went with. Its an editors medium. You got to give em the stuff to work with. Thats why the most important thing for an actor is everything should be played for keeps. So no matter how it gets put on its head, colored, cut, what musics on it, it has an integrity. Thats when I can live with anything, because Ive given myself to it in a way thats not anticipating the result.

Lars von Trier. What about him synced up with you?

He knows how to speak about the unspeakable. The opening and ending of Antichrist, thats great cinema. He has his missteps, but I find him very engaging, and hes a guy whos committed to searching. Everybody thinks hes just a wise guy. Its funny that people sometimes talk about his films being misogynist. He identifies with the women characters, and hes telling their stories because hes trying to figure something out. In Antichrist, hes dealing with themes that some people cant even go near: mens fear of women, womens sexuality, womens power. All these things that are scary stuff. Thats the whole point  to take away the fear, to get us away from being so blocked, because we try to protect ourselves from these existential fears.

Youre living in Rome these days, right?

Outside of Rome, yes. Ive bumped around a lot, and I keep the place in New York. But I started having a place here 20 years ago. I tend to split my time between Rome and New York. Theyre complimentary cities, in a funny way.

Does your friendship and collaboration with Abel Ferrara, who moved to Rome over 20 years ago, play into your fondness for the city? Youve done six movies with him over a 24-year period.

Sure, sure. Thats not why Im here, but thats one of the benefits of being here. Have you seen a lot of the times weve worked together?



Yes. Tommaso is my favorite, about an actor and filmmaker whos in recovery and fighting different kinds of temptations. I guess youre playing a hybrid of yourself and Abel?

That was an engaging movie to do because it was really improvised. Sometimes thats a nightmare because actors have to become writers on their feet. But this was a case of inventing things while not really inventing things. Abel would tell me something that happened, or something he wanted to see, and then wed do the scene without any rehearsal and shoot it very quickly. They were all things that I was familiar with and he was familiar with. So we had a kind of authority in the pretending, and while the result has some rough elements to it, it was quite unselfconscious.

Both the character of Tommaso and the filmmaker hes partly based on have been in recovery for a long time. What is the difference between working with Abel Ferrara sober versus not sober?

Well, the joke is not much. I dont want to not encourage people to get clean. I think its a good thing to do. But personalitywise, Abel is very similar to how he used to be, but because he doesnt have that devotion to something thats not on set, it makes him more concentrated.

The movies seem to have a different energy. Theyre more contemplative and focused.

Not only has Abel become clean, hes also taken refuge: Hes a Buddhist. I dont mean to be glib by saying he hasnt changed. My point is he still has the same manic energy. Sometimes he encourages a kind of chaos that hes able to funnel into creativity. And often were working with very minimal budgets, so you have to really be light on your feet. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!

You always seem to be having so much fun, whether youre acting in a scene or sitting for an interview. Even when I see you on a red carpet answering some pretty light or silly questions, you have a smile on your face. I wonder: Is he that happy all the time, or is he just a good actor?Listen, Im social. I like people. I see things sometimes as a game, in a beautiful way. If you think about where we come from and think about where were going, thats the reality: All this part, this life part, has got to be, on some level, a game. Dont get me wrong: Im disciplined. Im conscientious, probably to a fault. I could probably even be looser. Im a worker. But on some level, when Im in the middle of it, I have these pinch-myself moments that put me in kind of a giddy mood. I cant help it. You hate to hear people brag about how much they love what they do, but it is that old thing: Love many things, and the more you do things with love, the more beautiful theyre going to be.

Thats nicely put.

I mean, thats a clumsy rip-off of a beautiful van Gogh quote that I dont have up my sleeve right now.

Ive done a lot of interviews with actors in which they seem to denigrate their profession to some degree. Ive never seen you do that.

Acting can be stupid. It can be selfish; it can be narcissistic. It can be all kinds of things. But it also can be a very fine way to learn how to live and to try to be useful and to put yourself in a situation that other people may relate to.

When do you just sit at home? When do you just relax?

Something I got from my parents is there was a very thin line between their personal life and what they did. One rolls into the other for me. Being with the Wooster Group for all those years, there was a thin line between the personal and the work life. I like that I dont separate it out. And obviously I like what I do, so Im always preparing for things or imagining things or trying to set up things. I do many things besides movies.

Do you meditate?

Yes, but thats not my main thing. I do physical practice every day.

Is it yoga? When I saw you doing yoga in Tommaso, I thought, This is a man who really does yoga.

Ive been doing yoga for 35 years. Its a spiritual practice as well as a physical one.

Do you paint or do any kind of visual art?

Ive always liked to draw, and while Im not a painter, I enjoy painting. In the case of Eternitys Gate, I had a very good painting teacher in Julian Schnabel, the director. When we started, he had me look at a tree, and he said, Paint the light, dont think of rushing to paint the tree. Paint what you see. You make a mark and then you make another mark, and you see them turn into something. Its not a representation of the tree. Its an expression of what you see. That keys you into the interplay of things. And when you become sensitive to that, it makes you more flexible in your thinking, so youre not always going for that pure utility of things. Right now, Im looking at a bag of walnuts, and if I apply what I just told you to looking at that bag of walnuts, Id have a different appreciation of them. Walnuts are not just something that you eat. I can see the whole world in those walnuts.

Does the word realism have any meaning to you as an actor?

No. When you say realism, I think of naturalism, and I think about natural acting. And when I think about natural acting, I think about natural behavior. And I think sometimes that destroys movies, you know? Because we dont just want to see imitations of life. We want to see something that is beyond that. Cinema is not just about telling stories. Everybody clings to this. Telling stories, telling stories, telling stories! Its about light. Its about space. Its about tone. Its about color. Its about people having experiences in front of you, where, if its transparent enough, they can experience it with you. You become them. They become you. Thats the communion. Thats the experience.

Wow. Youve just summarized my entire philosophy of what cinema is. I dont really care much about plot.

I dont either! But were all different. My wife is always going, Dont tell me what happens. I couldnt care less. Tell me the whole story! When I watch it, Im going to forget about where it goes anyway. Its not about what happens. Its about how things happen. Because theres nothing new under the sun.

Youre remarkably consistent in everything that you describe about yourself in relation to art.

That doesnt necessarily sound good to me. Consistent?

You have a philosophy that informs why you do what you do.

Good. But you understand that sounds half good and half bad, because once you have a philosophy, then youve got a method and then youve got to be careful of all kinds of levels of corruption. Thats always the tension. Youve got to find the sweet spot between control and abandon. And when youre in the groove  and Im not always in the groove, nobodys in the groove all the time  but when you are, you have a real sense of that. And that is a beautiful feeling.

What is the most useful thing youve learned in the decades youve been doing this?

Theres only going toward things. Dont do this to get that. Do it for the pleasure of doing it.

Production Credits Photographs by Paul Kooiker

Styling by Claudia Sinclair

Grooming by Sara Clark

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Are you ready to plunge into the past and go hiking along Ivan Franko's trails? Today we are going to tell you about the locations that inspired the famous poet. Here, masterpieces were created, the future of Ukrainian literature was shaped, and the life of the publicist was in full swing. Read below to find out where to start your journey.

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Nahuyevychi

A village in the Drohobych district of Lviv region. The location where the novelist was born and spent his childhood. Later, he often came here with his family on vacation.

We recommend visiting the Literary Memorial Museum. It was opened in 1981. It houses exhibits from the life of Franko's family: a baby cradle, a mirror, and a bowl. You can also take a stroll through the forest alley, which is located nearby. There are wooden sculptures, the Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and the Summer Theater.

You can also visit the estate of the writer's parents.

Drohobych

A town in the Drohobych district of Lviv region. It is considered the poet's small hometown. Ivan studied at the main school at the Holy Trinity Church, and then at the Franz Josef Higher Gymnasium. We recommend going to the wooden church of St. George from the late XV - early XVI centuries. Franko described it as a real relic.

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Boryslav

The town is located in the south of the central part of Drohobych district on the Tysmenytsia River. The writer mentions the town in his world-famous novel Boryslav Laughs. In the work, he describes the difficult fate of the mine workers.

Be sure to visit the historical and local history museum. There are several "rooms" here. In the room, tourists will see paintings by famous artists. In particular, by teacher Mykola Mohylat and Honored Artist of Ukraine Iryna Hresyk. In the natural history room, travelers will learn about the flora and fauna of the region. The historical hall features mammoth remains, tools and household items.

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Urych

A village in the Stryi district of Lviv region. Ivan Franko made his first trip when he was a high school student in 1869. Together with his classmates and teacher Ivan Verkhratsky, he went on a scientific expedition. The researchers set out to collect a collection of mountain beetles.

At the time, the poet had an eye disease. Every morning he would go to a local spring and wash his face. The novelist believed that the ritual would help him cope with the disease.

Skhidnytsia

A village in Drohobych district, Lviv region. It is famous for its healing mineral waters.

The Skhidnytsia Castle, which has served as a defensive structure for centuries, became the prototype of the fortress in Kamenyar's story "Tatar Attacks on Pidhiria".

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By the way, the writer often came here to rest.

Vovkiv

A village in the Lviv region. It was first mentioned in 1398.

In 1887, the novelist was invited here by his good friend, Czech ethnographer Frantisek Rzegorz. It was here, among the picturesque nature, that Kamenyar rested, fished, and drew inspiration for his work.

Ivan's wife, Olha Franko, spent almost the entire summer in Vovkiv. Their eldest son Andrii was born here.

We recommend visiting the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. The shrine was built in 1924-1930 in the Art Deco style by architect Bronislav Viktor.

By the way, in Soviet times it served as a mineral fertilizer warehouse. Later, the church became the location for the filming of the first Ukrainian detective story, A Crime with Many Unknowns. The mini-series was based on Ivan Franko's philosophical work The Foundations of Society.

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Pidhirki

A district of the city of Kalush. It was first mentioned in 1408. In 1903, the writer and his brother Onufriy sold their farm in Nahuyevychi.

After that, they moved to a more spacious estate in Pidhirki, where they used to spend their summer vacations as children. The stonemason and his sons and daughter loved to relax by the Limnytsia River and spend the night in the barn.

We recommend visiting the local house museum. It was initiated by his granddaughter Oksana. Here tourists will learn about the life and work of Franko, see his photos and family tree.

By the way, the publicist's brother is buried here.

Kryvorivnia

A village in the Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region. In the early 1900s, the attraction was considered the most popular place for intellectuals to spend their leisure time.

In 1906, the poet rented a house here from the carver Vasyl Yakibiuk. The hut was located on the slopes of Mount Ihrets.

The novelist often liked to bring dried mushrooms, jam, honey, and traditional sheep's milk cheeses, such as budz and brynza, from here.

Don't miss the chance to touch history and feel part of the great literary heritage!

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Royal couple set to stay in Rome during Italy visit.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are planning to visit Italy in 2025 as part of a major royal tour, according to news reports in the British media.

No official details have been announced for the visit to Rome which could include an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, according to The Mirror.

The visit will see the royal couple represent the UK on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to boost post-Brexit relations with Italy, The Daily Mail reports.

Charles, 76, is still undergoing cancer treatment however he is said to have felt "lifted" by a royal tour of Australia and Samoa in October, sources told The Mirror, with the monarch reportedly keen to "make up for lost time" following his recent health issues.

In October 2019, as Prince of Wales, Charles travelled to Rome to attend the canonisation ceremony of Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman at the Vatican.

In April 2017 the then Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall paid an official visit to Italy during which they met then prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, president Sergio Mattarella, and Pope Francis.

The royal couple also visited Naples and Florence during that trip, with Charles travelling to Amatrice, the Lazio town devastated by an earthquake the previous year.

Photo credit: Michael Tubi / Shutterstock.com.
The ritual washing and burial of Malika Al Katib, who tragically died after a stabbing incident in New Ross on Sunday, is due to take place at Kilbarry Cemetery in Waterford City.

It was initially reported that the ceremony would take place on Wednesday, December 4, however, Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Islamic Centre confirmed to Waterford News & Star that the ritual washing and burial has not yet taken place as the body has not been received.

A lot of state departments are involved in this and they have to do their procedures and paperwork. Once they are done, they will hand over the body and we will do our ritual and the burial inshallah he said.

Gardai are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death the 8-year-old school girl, following an alleged assault in New Ross, Co Wexford.

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, at a residence near the town centre.

A post-mortem examination was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis, on Monday, December 2, however, the results of that post-mortem have not been released for operational reasons.

The childs mother was injured in the attack and brought to University Hospital Waterford.

Imam Munir said that he spent a number of hours with Malikas mother at the hospital last night.

He added that she is slowly recovering from her injuries.

Emotionally, that will take some time and its not easy for her," he said.

Its the loss of a beautiful child, a beautiful girl, full of life, smiles, laughter. It is a big loss for the community, and obviously the community are all feeling very down emotionally. Not only the Muslim community, but people from New Ross who are local Irish Christians are of course also not in a good shape at the moment.

The whole neighborhood are feeling this pain.

Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault 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.

This investigation is ongoing.
The Russian occupation army is using Ukrainian civilians as "targets " to train UAV operators. This terrorist practice of the Russians leads to a large number of civilian casualties and injuries.

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At the same time, the invaders are targeting cars, bicycles, and even pedestrians. This is stated in the Financial Times article.

Residents of Kherson suffer the most from enemy drone attacks. Since mid-summer, the population of the regional center has reportedly been the target of an experiment that has no precedent in modern European warfare. Russia is trying to devastate the city by harassing its residents with attack drones. At the same time, Putin's troops are honing the skills of UAV operators by using civilians as targets.

In just six months, Kherson and neighboring villages along the right bank of the Dnipro River have been subjected to more than 9,500 attacks using small drones, killing at least 37 people and injuring hundreds.

The Eyes on Russia project of the Center for Information Resilience (CIR), a London-based nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing human rights abuses and war crimes, has analyzed and confirmed 90 such attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

The analysts found that the vast majority of attacks were directed at moving or stationary vehicles, targets that are "difficult to replicate in a test environment." Russian drones mostly target vulnerable everyday places: crowded markets, gas stations, cafes, post offices, and humanitarian aid centers.

As a reminder, on December 1, the Russian occupiers attacked public transportation in Kherson from a drone. In the afternoon, they dropped explosives on a bus in the regional center.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Taobh na Mara Live, December 13, Dungarvan Town Hall, 20

The Dungarvan based Taobh na Mara Ceili Band will be performing at Dungarvan Town Hall this month.

The group was formed in 2017 by a group of friends, who down through the years have played together at fleadhanna and festivals throughout the country.

Although based in Dungarvan, County Waterford, the bands members also come from the neighbouring counties of Cork, Clare and Kerry, each contributing their own unique sound and style to the group.

Notably, Taobh na Mara has the distinction of being the first Waterford group to win first place in the Ceili Band competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in 2022, and as the annual support act for Danu at TuneFest. Their concerts are a must-see for traditional Irish music enthusiasts.

Tickets cost 20 and are available at Eventbrite.ie

Mack Fleetwood Concert, January 31, Lawlors Hotel Dungarvan

The Mack Fleetwood Tribute Band at Lawlor's Hotel Dungarvan will be jamming out to all the classic hits of Fleetwood Mac in a live performance that will transport guests back in time.

Tickets available at Eventbrite.ie

Christmas Craft Fair, November 22 to December 22, Garter Lane Arts Centre

Waterford Crafts are back in Garter Lane Arts Centre for their 39th annual Christmas Craft Fair, taking place in the main gallery space.

Here you will see a superb range of high-quality, handmade crafts at affordable prices, ranging from all types of jewellery, soaps, hand-knitting, ceramics, candles, wood-turning, silk scarves, resin art, to list just a few.

Every beautiful handmade item tells a story, with many hours of dedication, creativity and passion, so join us and support local craftsmanship while finding one-of-a-kind treasures for everybody on your festive shopping list.

Christmas Appeal Concert, December 15, St Mary's Church of Ireland, Dungarvan

Concert Sunday, December 15, at 4pm at St. Marys Church of Ireland, Dungarvan raising funds to support the Lions Club Christmas appeal.

The concert will feature the very popular Lismore Choir, alongside special guests Hooks & Crookes and Leo Rikard.

There will be seasonal mulled wine and pies.

Tickets at eventbrite.ie
On the same day Richard White stepped down as chief executive of WiseTech Global after weeks of pressure, the billionaire found time for another important change  quietly appointing his new wife, Zena Nasser, to the board of his private investment company.

A week later on November 2, Nasser, a former criminal lawyer, became a 50 per cent owner of the enterprise, which includes assets such as an anti-money laundering start-up and the company that financed a controversial multimillion-dollar property previously owned by her ex-husband.

Zena Nasser is now a director and shareholder of Richard Whites personal investment vehicle. Credit: TikTok

The corporate restructure puts the spotlight on the blurred lines between Whites personal and business interests. Before removing her LinkedIn profile, Nasser listed the Richard and Zena White Family Office among her job titles. White and Nasser married in July in Austin, Texas, where they welcomed a daughter born via an American surrogate.

Nasser became a director of RealWise Group Holdings DT Pty Ltd, the parent company for many of Whites investments, on October 24. This is different to RealWise Holdings Pty Ltd, which holds Whites 37.4 per cent stake in WiseTech Global. He now owns RealWise Holdings outright after WiseTech co-founder Maree Isaacs sold her 8 per cent stake in it to him last week.
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 The first thing we see in Viggo Mortensens The Dead Dont Hurt is a knight in shining armour riding on horseback through lush green woods. And that, more or less, was the first thing Viggo Mortensen saw before setting out to write what would become his second film as director. Usually, as Im writing, I start with an image, he says from Madrid, where he spends much of his time. He also has a home in Los Angeles and family in Denmark. In this case, it was an image of this little girl running around in the forest, big imagination, a stubbornly independent little girl. I thought, Well, whos this person going to become. The little girl  who encounters the knight of her imagination more than once over the course of the story  becomes Vivienne (Vicky Krieps, of Phantom Thread fame), the unconventional woman at the heart of this most unconventional western. The story that began to take shape was inspired in part by Mortensens mother. And making it a western  a genre he has always loved  felt like a good way of upping the stakes. Vivienne (Vicky Krieps) and Olsen (Mortensen) ride with their son through the frontier land theyve settled in. Credit: Marcel Zyskind For a woman whos free-spirited and independent-minded, very much her own person, itll be that much harder for her to be in a place thats lawless and dominated by a few corrupt men who arent averse to using violence to achieve their goals, he says. Itll be harder for her to be herself. I just wanted to tell a story about this woman.

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Young Vivienne, the daughter of French immigrants to the New World, is obsessed with the idea of chivalry and the story of Joan of Arc. And therein lies a clue to her arc: she starts off seeking a knight in shining armour  a need that becomes more acute once her father rides off to fight the English in the northern frontier, never to return  but ends up becoming her own saviour. Vicky is such a great actress, with or without words, she gets across so much, says Mortensen, who also plays the male lead, a fellow immigrant called Olsen, and composed the score. Vivienne and Olsen meet on the waterfront after shes walked out on her blowhard wealthy lover, and in the blink of an eye they are in bed together. Soon after that, shes riding off to a new life with him, only to find when she gets to his little patch of paradise that its a lot more hard-scrabble than shed anticipated. Vicky Krieps stars as Vivienne, an uncommonly resourceful (in westerns, if not in real life) frontierwoman. Credit: Marcel Zyskin When Olsens sense of chivalry kicks in, and he rides off to join the Union side in the Civil War, Vivienne is left to fend for herself. Its years before he returns, to a much-changed woman and world. Generally, in the history of westerns, almost never is a woman the main character, Mortensen says, and if they are, they are extraordinary women  extremely beautiful, rich landowners, powerful. Or sometimes in exploitation-type westerns, a woman will act like a violent man and grab a weapon and shoot all the bad guys, or something like that. But if youre talking about a traditional, classic western, its very unusual to have a woman be the lead, and its even more unusual  to the point, I would say, that never do you see it  that a man goes off to war, and you stay with her.

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Were doing those things. They are quite different. But the look and feel of the movie is, hopefully, like a classic, old-fashioned western. It is that. But it also looks fresh, in no small part because of where it was shot, in Durango, Mexico. Though the state had been used for westerns back in the 1960s and 70s, its landscapes are likely to strike most viewers as both fresh and remarkable. The movies climactic scene, in particular, looks like it could have been shot on another planet, so unusual are the rock formations that frame the action. Theres one other sense in which Mortensens movie differs from the standard western: its main characters are immigrants. The Mexican state of Durango provided many of the remarkable landscapes in the movie. Credit: Marcel Zyskin I wasnt trying to make any political point, he insists. I was just saying, Well, thats just the way it was. Sure. But whether you were trying to make a political statement or not, given the current climate, it cant help but do so. Yeah, and thats OK, Mortensen says. People read lots of things, some intended, some not, into what they see. And I think thats great.

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I make the movie I want to see, and then when you or someone else sees it, its a different movie because theyre bringing their associations, their upbringing, their movie-going experience, everything that has happened in their lives to it, and it becomes a different story. Its a strange alchemy, and I like that it becomes someone elses movie. Sometimes the comments are very pointed  Oh, this is obviously a reflection of whats happening in politics in the United States, or political corruption, economic disparities, racism, misogyny, etc. Yeah, maybe. Thats all valid. Honestly, no matter what your intentions are, if the characters are well acted, the story is more or less well written, and the situations youre seeing involve real obstacles, conflicts, points of view that sometimes clash, sometimes connect, no matter what time period its set in, youre going to connect it to your family or your town, your society. Its just a natural thing when you believe what youre seeing on screen. Mortensen started writing the film during lockdown, but hes been beavering away on screenplays since his 20s. The first time I tried to get a movie made that I would direct was from a script I wrote in the early 1990s, he says. I found some financing. It was a story set in Scandinavia, it was a silent movie, about 1000 years ago. He chuckles at the memory. He had some of the finance in place, but not enough, and back then his name meant nothing when it came to convincing people to invest. And then I started working more as an actor, so I kind of put it to one side. But I kept writing other scripts, I wanted to direct, but it took me another 25 years before I ended up directing Falling.

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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 The new leader of a secretive Australian church described Adolf Hitler as a brilliant thinker and expelled a long-term member weeks before his death from cancer. Brian Griggs became the head pastor of the Geelong Revival Centre and its network of churches across Australia in April, after the death of founder Noel Hollins. Like Hollins, Griggs preaches that the end of the world is fast approaching. In an audio recording obtained by this masthead, Griggs warned members to prepare for a war and praised Hitler. Geelong Revival Centre leader Brian Griggs. He never got over the fact that Germany had lost the [First World] war. He was disturbed. So there was unrest. But Adolf Hitler was a brilliant thinker and he was an industrialist [who] rebuilt Germany after the war [and] formed a dictatorship of the Nazi party, he says on the recording of a sermon distributed to church members. Were going to war. And the lawlessness of our society. We are going on to Armageddon. The teachings and practices of the extreme Pentecostal group have been put under the spotlight by new investigative podcast LiSTNRs Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder and this mastheads reporting.

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Steve Mills, a pastor for the GRC until 2020, said it was a sad reality that some of the men leading the churches in the GRC network often acted cruelly towards their members. They behave as a law unto themselves and it leads to some unimaginably harmful outcomes to people under their control, he said. They want to control the minutiae of everyones lives. Griggs expulsion of the dying church man meant the man went to his grave in 2020 believing he had lost his salvation, according to the GRC networks teachings. Four people connected to the church with knowledge of this incident alleged Griggs expelled the man for not seeking his permission to have his daughter and son-in-law stay to nurse him. He then allegedly refused to conduct a funeral service for the man, a member of the church for more than 30 years, and forbade any other church member from attending the funeral. Griggs then allegedly kept the mans widow out of fellowship for a further nine months. Leaked audio recordings reveal another senior figure in the church, Sydney pastor Mick Brydon, denigrating a dead former female member for bringing the might of Satan into his church, imploring fathers to be tyrants and declaring it Gods will that young women be married off to bear children.

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Former members of the church have detailed shocking experiences during the late Hollins 65-year leadership of the church. These include alleged child sex abuse cover-ups, violent punishment of children and families torn apart when a person is expelled or chooses to leave. This masthead is not accusing Griggs or other current church leaders of perpetrating any abuse or failing to report any abuse. Although Hollins died earlier this year aged 93, his actions as the GRCs leader were scrutinised at the Victorian County Court last week during the plea hearing of a church member, Todd Hubers van Assenraad. Hubers van Assenraad has pleaded guilty to serious child sex offending against nine boys from the Geelong area aged between six and 12 at the time of their abuse. He will be sentenced in January. The court heard how the 38-year-old IT expert confessed to Hollins in January last year. Hollins did not alert police to Hubers van Assenraads admissions for two days. During that time, Hubers van Assenraad erased terabytes of pornographic material featuring children from telephones and other devices.

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When Hollins died earlier this year, he left no clear successor. But when hundreds of church members filed into its headquarters for Hollins memorial service, with many more watching online, they saw a familiar face at the podium: the long-serving pastor of Toowoombas Bible Truth Fellowship, Brian Griggs. Griggs, 68, grew up in Geelong. Three former GRC-affiliated pastors described him as Hollins enforcer, who would be dispatched to assemblies in Australia and abroad to quell unrest. A picture of Geelong Revival Centre founder Noel Hollins from church material. Griggs has now replaced Hollins as director of the Geelong Revival Centre Pty Ltd, which owns a multimillion-dollar property portfolio, and as a trustee of The Revival Trust, the churchs registered and tax-exempt charity. In an indication of how the church network sees itself as separate from society, seven past and present church members said that, as a pastor in the regional Queensland city of Toowoomba, Griggs also baptised a teenager against the wishes of the childs father, who was recently excommunicated from the church. A childrens hymn book highlights the churchs hardline and militaristic views.

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One song, The Hallelujah Train, has children raising their fists in the air and singing we need no fare, were travelling on a path, tis the blood of sinners slain. Another has children singing: Im too young to march with the infantry, ride with the cavalry, shoot with the artillery. Hymn for children from inside the Geelong Revival Centre church Ryan Carey, who spent the first 40 years of his life in the GRC, said listening to talks about the impending end of the world and singing hymns about war and death led to young children being brainwashed. I was a zealot. I couldnt really fit in [with] society, he said. You go into a school environment with that aspect, with that mindset that everyones going to burn and everyone needs to be saved. Sorry, I sound crazy talking about it now. In 1992, Sharon Kovac, a member of Sydneys Gospel Truth Fellowship, died in what the NSW Coroners Court heard was an agonising death. Suffering a chronic illness, Kovac joined the church two years earlier hoping that prayer would make her healthy.

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WA Premier Roger Cook has commented on the guilty verdict handed down to Perth grandmother Donna Nelson, who has been convicted of drug smuggling in Japan.

Asked about the case on Thursday morning, Cook said the verdict must have come as a huge kick in the guts to Nelson and her family.

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The premier said he met with the Australian ambassador to Japan during a trade mission last year, who detailed the very extensive contact the federal government had with Nelson.

But it is Japans judicial system, and we have to respect that, but Im sure the federal government doing everything they can to support Donna and her family, Cook said.

Asked whether Nelson, having allegedly been tricked into smuggling the drugs as part of a love scam, deserved more diplomatic help than other Australians locked up abroad such as the Bali Nine, Cook said there were avenues of appeal open to the grandmother.

And in due course, I hope we may see a situation where Donna Nelson is brought home sooner rather than later, he said.
Diving, fishing, snorkelling, sea kayaking and surfing are popular visitor activities. Most make the pilgrimage to Villa Vailima, the house built by writer Robert Louis Stevenson at the foot of Upolus Mount Vaea, where he dressed his Samoan servants in Stuart tartan. Buses are a fun way to get around but unless you want to stay in a resort youre better off hiring a car, which gives you the freedom to explore. Roads are generally slow and traffic is light.

The coast of Upolu is ringed with fale-guesthouses. Simple, basic and mostly open to the elements, the guesthouses are a natural extension of Faa Samoa. If youre looking for an intimate experience of village life at a bargain price, fale accommodation is the way to go.

We are a couple looking at travelling to Paris for a few days. We would also like to base ourselves there and do day trips to Lille, Brussels, Dijon and Reims. Where would be a good location to stay close to the station, and how to book train tickets? To break up our flights, can you suggest two different stopovers each for a day and not in the Middle East?

S. Murnane, Rosanna VIC

Using Paris as a base for day trips to these cities is problematic. Accommodation in Paris is expensive, about double what you would pay for a hotel or pension of the same standard in most of the other cities on your list. Even if you use the TGV to travel around, youre going to spend a lot of time watching the scenery rush past at the expense of experiencing some wonderful cities. Also, travelling by train back and forth to these cities in a single day is quite costly, and exhausting. It will be more satisfying as well as more cost-effective if you spend at least three nights in each city. For checking timetables and booking train tickets, use the Rail Europe website.

Excluding the Middle East cities from your two-stop flight itinerary is difficult since any flight from Australia to Europe is going to be via the major hubs, several of which are located in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. One route that would work would be to fly to Singapore and then to India, and Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar in the northern Punjab region all offer non-stop flights to Paris. However, these are great cities and deserve more than just a one-night stop.
On Wednesday, December 4, 156 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian occupation forces took place in all sectors of the frontline. The situation was the most tense in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove sectors, and the enemy is also active in the Kupyansk, Lyman and Vremivsk sectors.

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This is stated in the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 22:00. It was noted that during the day, the enemy conducted 25 air strikes on the territory of Ukraine using 29 anti-aircraft gunships and used 654 kamikaze drones to destroy them.

In total, the enemy fired almost 4,000 times at the positions of our troops and populated areas using various types of weapons.

In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy attacked five times near Vovchansk and Hlyboke. One firefight is still ongoing. Veterinary came under an air strike.

In the Kupyansk direction, the aggressor tried to advance to our positions near Kucherivka, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Pershotravneve, Zelenyi Hai and Lozova 15 times during the day. All enemy attacks were repelled by the Defense Forces. The occupiers' aviation also struck Dvorichna with KABs, while Lozova and Petropavlivka were attacked with unguided aircraft missiles.

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In the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked 13 times in the areas of Hrekivka, Druzhelyubivka, Makiivka, Terny and Zarichne. Ukrainian troops stopped 11 enemy attempts to advance. Two firefights are still ongoing.

In the Toretsk direction, the enemy conducted four offensives against the positions of our troops in the Toretsk area. Two attacks have already been repelled by Ukrainian troops, others are ongoing. Konstantinovka was subjected to air strikes by Ukrainian military aircraft.

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In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, the enemy has tried to break into our defense 39 times in the areas of Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zhovte, Shevchenko, Pushkine and Novopustyanka. Our troops repelled 36 attacks, while other battles are ongoing.

According to the information available at the moment, the occupants' losses in this area amounted to more than 300 people killed and wounded over the day. Two armored combat vehicles, four cars were also destroyed, and three cannons, one armored combat vehicle and one piece of automotive equipment were damaged.

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In the Kurakhove direction, the enemy attacked our positions 38 times. The enemy was most active in the area of Sontsivka, Berestky, Zorya, Novodmytrivka, Kurakhove, Dalne, Dachne, Romanivka, Yelizavetivka and Uspenivka, where Ukrainian troops repelled 31 attacks, seven engagements are still ongoing. The village of Ulakly was hit by a KAB airstrike.

In the Vremivsk direction, our troops repelled 10 enemy attacks near Zelene Pole, Novodarivka, Kostiantynopolske and Sukhi Yaly, two more engagements are still ongoing.

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In the Gulyaypole and Orikhiv directions, the enemy conducted air strikes on the areas of Gulyaypole and Novoandriivka.

In the Prydniprovsky direction , the enemy continues to try to drive our units from their positions, launching two unsuccessful assaults over the last day.

Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 enemy attacks in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, fighting continues in six other locations.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the head of the Kherson regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, said that the Russian invaders are planning a new offensive on Kherson. According to him, the invaders are actively preparing and have gathered 300 boats to cross the Dnipro.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
At the invitation of the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Chairperson of the WCO Council, Edward Kieswetter, the heads of 30 of the 31 Customs administrations that form the WCO Policy Commission gathered in Cape Town from 3 to 5 December 2024 to discuss key issues and set the way forward for the Organization over the coming months.

In his opening address, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders welcomed delegates and thanked the Government of South Africa, and SARS in particular, for the kind hospitality and careful preparation of the meeting, which would undoubtedly be conducive to fruitful discussions. Secretary General Saunders went on to remind delegates that the Policy Commission was responsible for driving key decisions that would impact the future work of the WCO and thus influence the manner in which Customs administrations around the world come together to make the vision of trade facilitation, supply chain security, economic prosperity, and protection of society a reality.

The Chairperson of the WCO Council, Edward Kieswetter, then took the floor, highlighting in his welcoming remarks the active participation of SARS in the work of the WCO since South Africa joined the Organization in 1964, as well as his commitment as Chairperson of the WCO Council since 2023. He explained that SARS was committed not only to aligning with Customs best practice and standards, but also to helping shape the Customs community reform agenda and to positioning itself as a benchmark for other Customs administrations.

Ashor Sarupen, South Africas Deputy Minister of Finance, also welcomed participants to Cape Town, explaining that the city was the legislative capital of South Africa, where many of the laws implemented by SARS were first created. He expressed his satisfaction to see the Policy Commission back in his country after more than 20 years, while noting that sizeable changes had taken place since then, changes that had significantly transformed the Customs community. During this period, he said that the WCO had shown steadfast support to Customs administrations as they faced increasingly complex demands, and he congratulated the Organization for its resilience. While commending the WCO for the excellent work so far, he challenged participants not to become complacent or turn too quickly to the latest trend when defining priorities.

During the three-day meeting, delegates discussed a wide range of topics, including Performance Measurement, Fragile Borders and Trade-Based Money Laundering, as well as considering proposals to enhance the Harmonized System. The Policy Commission also deliberated on important governance topics, including the implementation of the WCO Modernization Plan and the update of the organizational structure. Delegates took an in-depth look at prospective content for the next WCO Strategic Plan, a key document that will guide the Organization and determine its work priorities for the next three years.

As is customary, a detailed report on the session will be published in late December, on the WCO website, and will be available for the Organizations Members to consult.
Under the frameworks of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and the WCO-JICA Joint Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a four-day regional workshop on rules of origin for West and Central Africa (WCA) Customs Administrations. The workshop was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 26 to 29 November 2024 with the objective of assisting Customs Administrations in enhancing their knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Comptroller General, Tariff and Trade, Madame C. K. NIAGWANFSI, representing the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs. In her opening remarks, the Deputy Comptroller General took note that discussions on the Rules of Origin have become more critical than ever, particularly with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has immense potential to boost economic prosperity of its Members by boosting intra-African trade. In this regard, Customs has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the objectives of the AfCFTA are realised thus the need for continual capacity building. Lastly, she appreciated the EU and the WCO for their continued partnership to enhance technical expertise of Customs Administrations in Africa on rules of origin. Also in attendance was a representative from the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), Madame Yolande Josephine SANGOU.

During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management, including advance ruling. The participants also exchanged country best practices as well as discussed country-specific challenges on application and implementation of rules of origin, which included political interference, low levels of rules of origin prioritisation, need for extensive training of Customs officials and private sector, manual origin systems, inadequate administrative cooperation, and proper administration of advance rulings. Considering the identified challenges, participants proposed mitigation measures that respective Customs Administrations could implement for effective and efficient implementation and management of rules of origin both at national and regional level.

The participants actively engaged in discussions and practical activities throughout the workshop and in the wrap up session expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to interact with Customs colleagues from the region and to exchange valuable knowledge, experiences, and best practices, which would contribute to enhanced trade facilitation as well as fair and efficient revenue collection.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme together with the WCO-JICA joint Programme, and in collaboration with the WCA WCO ROCB, will continue its work in the region and looks forward to holding an advanced level training to deepen the knowledge of the Customs officials for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin.

For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org
Amnesty International (AI) presented a report in The Hague on Wednesday in which it claims to have found sufficient evidence to conclude that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian population of Gaza after 7 October, 2023. On that day, Hamas-led militias attacked Israeli territory, killing 1,200 people and taking a further 250 hostage. For the NGO, the greatest of the crimes of the conflict that broke out following the attacks are still being perpetrated in the Strip, and it is therefore calling on the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to include genocide among the crimes they are investigating. This is the first time that Amnesty has pointed this out in the context of an armed conflict, and is also calling for collective action so that political leaders know that it must be stopped.

Over the past 14 months, AI consultants have collected testimonies and medical reports, taken photos on the ground and studied satellite images, in order to produce a legal analysis of the situation. They have done so in the context of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the jurisprudence of courts such as those of the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The NGO thus concludes that Israel has committed three acts prohibited by the Convention: killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing serious bodily or mental harm to them, and intentionally subjecting the population to conditions of existence that would lead to their physical destruction, in whole or in part. Taking into account the pre-existing context of dispossession, apartheid and unlawful military occupation in which these acts have been committed, we could find only one reasonable conclusion: Israels intent is the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, said Agnes Callamard, AI Secretary General, during the presentation of the report.

We have eyes in Gaza that have worked under our standards of rigor and objectivity, and we do not give an opinion, explained Erika Guevara Rosas, AIs global director of research, advocacy and campaigns, in an interview with this newspaper prior to the publication of the report. It is a legal analysis of the acts committed by Israel in light of the Convention. Genocidal intent  which is very difficult to prove  is essential for the prosecution of this crime and Israel has at times relaxed the pressure on the Palestinian people. It did so, for example, to allow vaccination against polio.

It is clear that Israel could have done things differently, but it did not, said the human rights lawyer. While it is difficult to determine the existence of genocide in an armed conflict with military objectives considered legitimate, it is essential to insist that war can never justify it. Hence, she describes AIs analysis as a legal blow to the State of Israel, which has used the historical suffering of its people to justify the commission of crimes.

Thousands dead and displaced

AI experts have investigated, among other things, 15 Israeli airstrikes carried out in a nine-month period between 2023 and 2024, which they consider to have been directed against civilians or indiscriminate. Of the 40,717 deaths recorded by the Gaza Ministry of Health as of 7 October 2024, just under 69% were children, women and the elderly, the report said. The remaining 30% were men under 60, of whom no independent source has been able to determine how many were [Hamas] fighters and how many were civilians.

The NGO also says in its 300-page report that 90% of Gazas 2.2 million inhabitants have been forcibly displaced, often multiple times. In addition, provisional estimates by the World Bank, the European Union, and the UN indicate that by January 2024, 84% of health facilities and 57% of water supply infrastructure in Gaza had already been damaged or destroyed. Palestinians have been forced to concentrate in ever smaller areas without resources, in camps, schools, or health centers. Guevara Rosas stresses that this shows how the intention of genocide is an act of intentionally subjecting the population to conditions of existence that can lead to its total or partial destruction.

And to illustrate the dehumanization of the Palestinian population in the war in Gaza, experts have examined the use of dehumanizing, racist and derogatory rhetoric against Palestinians by the Israeli authorities during the military offensive.

After October 7, Israels unlawful acts were frequently announced, promoted and encouraged by members of the war and security cabinets. In 22 specific cases, Amnesty writes, the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza was called for. Among those of this opinion were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC has requested arrest warrants for both for their alleged responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Illegal occupation

The document denounces that the genocide is taking place in a historical context of illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel, as declared by the ICJ in July and with the UN General Assembly giving Israel a 12-month deadline to end it, the jurist continues. She says that the occupation has reached a level of apartheid where Palestinians are treated as a subgroup, and their human rights are not valued as those of Israeli citizens. And she warns of the danger that this genocide could lead to Israel annexing these territories illegally and contrary to all international agreements that seek to generate conditions for [the creation of] the two states.

Speaking in The Hague, Callamard said that Israel had convinced its allies that it was legitimate to seek out members of the fundamentalist militia among civilians: The military objective of destroying Hamas cannot justify or allow the genocide in Gaza. AI also denounced Hamas atrocities and documented its presence among civilians. It also called for the release of Israeli hostages, describing the October 7 attack as the deadliest ever perpetrated in Israels history in a single day.

The NGO is currently finalizing an investigation into these crimes, which it hopes to publish in the coming weeks. Guevara Rosas says: For AI there is no hierarchy of crimes, but we have given priority to genocide because it is being committed and we must do everything possible to put an end to it. What we are seeking, she asserts, is to contribute to accountability and justice.

During its investigations, AI has sought to compare the evidence collected with the Israeli authorities. There has been no response. We raise our voice against the use of anti-Semitism to try to evade criticism of the actions of the State [of Israel], warns Guevara Rosas. In the West Bank, which she visited last February, the level of violence was very high, with territorial dispossession and more than 3,500 arrests since October 7, the vast majority in situations of arbitrariness.

Both the jurist and the AI Secretary General stressed the symbolism of presenting the report in The Hague, home of both the UN International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Both recalled the role that the international community must play in putting an end to this genocide, which not only violates the life and dignity of the Palestinian people, but that of all peoples, in the words of Guevara Rosas.

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If there were a First Amendment Hall of Shame, one notorious inductee would be the West Virginia Board of Education, which expelled the daughters of Walter Barnette from their public school for refusing, on religious grounds, to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In an impassioned 1943 ruling, the Supreme Court reproached the state for suppressing the girls' freedom of expression.

"If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation," the court declared, "it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein."

Another exhibit in a gallery of First Amendment villains would feature the school officials in Des Moines who in 1965 suspended 13-year-old Mary Beth Tinker and other students for wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. Once again the Supreme Court sharply admonished school officials for their censorship. Students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate," the high court proclaimed, and "they may not be confined to the expression of those sentiments that are officially approved."

Now the Supreme Court is being asked to take up the case of Liam Morrison, a student at the Nichols Middle School in Middleborough who was barred from class last year for wearing a T-shirt with the message "There Are Only Two Genders." If the justices agree to hear the case, the Middleborough School Committee and the principal of Nichols can expect to find themselves added to the First Amendment rogues' gallery for having suppressed Morrison's speech instead of protecting it.

The school claimed the boy's "only two genders" shirt violated the school's dress code, which forbids students to wear anything that "target[s] groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other classification." Morrison's parents sued the town for violating their son's constitutional rights, but the US district court in Boston dismissed the complaint. The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision, ruling in June that officials were entitled to suppress Morrison's opinion on the grounds that "the shirt demeaned the gender identities of other students" and would likely have a "disruptive impact on the learning environment."

Yet even the First Circuit acknowledged that Morrison, a seventh-grader at the time, expressed himself "passively, silently, and without mentioning any specific students." The words on his T-shirt criticized no one, targeted no one, and certainly "demeaned" no one. What it did do was challenge a contrary viewpoint  one that Middleborough officials openly endorse.

At Nichols, students are not only permitted but encouraged to embrace the belief that there are more than two genders. Middleborough teaches "that sex and gender have no biological foundation, are limitless, and are based on personal identity," court filings showed. Pride flags are displayed in Morrison's school, as are posters with messages like "Rise Up to Protect Trans and GNC [gender non-conforming] Students" and "Proud friend/ally of LGBTQ+." During June, Nichols students are exhorted to "wear your Pride gear to celebrate Pride Month."

What this case is about, in other words, is whether a public school can come down firmly on one side of a hotly debated topic while silencing a student who expresses a contrary view. Under the First Amendment, the answer is no. Just as the government had no right to force dissenting West Virginia schoolgirls to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, just as Des Moines had no right to retaliate against Mary Beth Tinker for opposing the Vietnam War, so too Middleborough had no right to prohibit 12-year-old Liam Morrison from quietly and politely disagreeing with his school's position on gender.

The Supreme Court is being asked to review this case in part because the First Circuit's decision to uphold Middleborough's censorship is in conflict with most of the other circuits. The attorneys general of 18 states make that point in a friend-of-the-court brief urging the justices to take up the case.

But their argument goes further. They emphasize that a core function of public schools is to "prepare pupils for citizenship in the Republic" by inculcating values critical in a democracy  including "the ability to respectfully engage in public debate about the big questions facing society." By letting Middleborough discriminate against one student's viewpoint, the AGs write, the First Circuit "undercuts one of the most important purposes of public education: forming civic virtues by pursuing truth  even when uncomfortable."

The First Amendment does not allow public schools to prohibit courteous dissent. It does not authorize the government to stifle opinions because some find them unwelcome. Officials may believe they have good reason "to coerce uniformity of sentiment," as the Supreme Court has written, but good intentions do not override the Constitution. Since the court of appeals failed to say so, the nation's highest court must.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




Mexican authorities announced the largest seizure of fentanyl in history at a critical time for the countrys security. An operation led by the Navy resulted in the seizure of a ton and a half of synthetic drug pills, the equivalent of 20 million doses and worth $400 million. The latest blow to organized crime took place in the state of Sinaloa, the historic epicenter of drug trafficking in Mexico, and just on the verge of crossing the threshold of 500 murders after three months of uninterrupted violence as a result of the greatest fracture suffered in over a decade by the cartel founded by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Ismael El Mayo Zambada. President Claudia Sheinbaum took pride in the haul and announced on Wednesday that Omar Garcia Harfuch, Secretary of Security and architect of her policy against the violence crisis, had traveled to Sinaloa to personally coordinate the strategy on the ground. The president declared that there will be zero tolerance, a direct response to the criticism she has received since the start of her administration, and to pressure from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who is demanding more forceful action in the fight against criminal groups.

The drug seizure is a breath of fresh air for Sheinbaums administration and a calling card for Garcia Harfuch, the man the president trusts to pacify the country. The president asked for a new vote of confidence for her new security strategy, which shows a renewed commitment to the National Guard  a military body created during the administration of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with a reported force power of 130,000 troops  while giving added weight to intelligence, coordination, and investigation tasks. It is not about [insecurity] decreasing drastically in a short time. It will decrease in the time that it takes, because the important thing is to coordinate all the actions and the strategy, she said.

It is an investigation that has been going on for a long time, and yesterday it yielded these results. It is the largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever made, Sheinbaum stressed. Garcia Harfuch, an official who feels comfortable under the spotlight and who survived an attack by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in 2020, was in charge of announcing the news on Tuesday night. These actions will continue until the violence in Sinaloa decreases, he said. A week after Sheinbaum took office, the secretary was seen walking the streets of Culiacan, the capital of the state in northwestern Mexico, to send the message to the disputing groups about the change in the governments strategy to confront the war for control of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Bags of fentanyl seized by the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico. REUTERS

Hours before the announcement of the raid, Culiacan woke up to the sound of gunfire and a loud explosion, which caused panic among the population and led to people thinking it was a car bomb attack, which was later ruled out by federal authorities. The incident left no injuries, but increased the questions against the governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moya, a member of Morena, the party of Sheinbaum and Lopez Obrador.

The government was in need of a success story like the fentanyl haul to counter the terror that drug traffickers have imposed on the civilian population in several states, as well as the narrative that the authorities have lost control of parts of the country, a message that has resonated in Washington, especially among the most conservative sectors. In the first weeks of Sheinbaums presidency, beginning on October 1, there was the decapitation of a mayor in Guerrero, the explosion of two car bombs in Guanajuato, and massacres such as the one at the Los Cantaritos bar in Queretaro, a state that is not usually among the countrys hot spots.

The raid in Sinaloa took place in two separate operations, in coordination with elements of the National Guard, the Army, the Secretariat of Public Security and the Attorney Generals Office. In addition to the seizure of weapons and tactical equipment, two criminal leaders were also captured, Elier Jassiel Esquerra Felix and Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez, linked to the Beltran Leyva Cartel, former allies and later enemies of the Sinaloa Cartel during the days of El Chapo. The arrests took place in Guasave, in the north of the state, which was plunged into violence after the capture of El Mayo last July in the United States. Amid accusations of treason, the two factions that led the cartel, Los Mayos and Los Chapitos, have been waging an all-out war since September 9.

Elier Jassiel Esquerra Felix and Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez. Secretaria de Defensa.

At the start of her term, Sheinbaum placed the blame for the Sinaloa crisis on Washington, accusing the Biden administration of stirring up the drug hornets nest and capturing Zambada without previously notifying the Mexican government. But it is a message that she will not be able to maintain against Trump, who is much more volatile and impulsive than his predecessor. The Republican has threatened a tariff war and has made the renegotiation of the USMCA free trade agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada conditional on his partners cracking down on key fronts such as migration and the trafficking of fentanyl, a drug that causes tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year and is at the center of the latest crusade against Mexican cartels. Sheinbaum said this week that her team is seeking a meeting with the next president of the United States in the near future.

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Newest solar lot will help WSU save money, strengthen sustainability

December 5, 2024

OGDEN, Utah  Weber State University continues to expand its green energy production capabilities with the completion of a second solar array covered parking lot on the Ogden campus.

More than 1,000 solar panels were installed on top of the new covered structure over the existing public pay lot. Construction on the lot began in late spring and will finish in mid-December. The pay lot is centrally located near the Student Services Center, Shepherd Union and Val A. Browning Center.

Were hoping in the next five to 10 years to do a couple more of these, said Jacob Cain, interim associate vice president for facilities and campus planning. Theyve been very successful, and people are very happy with them.

WSU opened its first solar covered parking lot, W10 on the northwest side of campus, in 2020. While W10s solar array generates 550 kilowatts of power, the pay lots larger array is expected to generate up to 900 kilowatts, Cain said. That power will be used to feed the nearby Student Services Center and Kimball Visual Arts Center.

In addition to providing power to campus, W10 has also served as an outdoor events space on campus, hosting the annual Pioneer Day picnic, among others. Cain said the facilities team has already received inquiries about hosting events in the pay lot when its finished.

The public pay lot isnt the only new solar structure in the works at Weber State. Construction began this fall on the solar-powered Flaming W on the mountainside above campus and is expected to be finished in May 2025. Power generated from that array will feed into the Dee Events Center.

The solar arrays are part of Weber States continued work to become a sustainable, carbon-neutral campus by 2040. Between the Ogden and Davis campuses, Weber State now has 9,527 solar panels and approximately 25% of its power is solar.

WSU is thrilled to be more than doubling its Ogden campus solar PV (photovoltaic) capacity with the completion of this project, said Jennifer Bodine, WSUs energy and sustainability manager. In 2007, WSU made a commitment to become a carbon-neutral university, and we are rapidly making progress toward that goal.

Through its sustainability efforts, Weber State has reduced electricity consumption by 25%, natural gas consumption by 46% and has saved $27.3 million in utility costs since 2007.
History, which is accustomed to beginning its great stories at the end, will now remember 73-year-old Michel Barnier as the oldest prime minister of Frances Fifth Republic, and also its most fleeting. It is a sad and clear metaphor for the new politics, a cruel centrifugation machine that cares not for identity documents or service records. But Barnier, who has just been swallowed up by a no-confidence vote whose sole purpose was to hurt the president, Emmanuel Macron, is not just any politician.

The man who organized the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, in his native Savoy, was above all the person who had defeated British diplomacy: the great negotiator who, through a calm demeanor and a large dose of phlegm, managed to unhinge his interlocutors on the other side of the English Channel and reach a good agreement for the European Union partners after the United Kingdom quit the bloc. But the upright, Gaullist and deeply pro-European Barnier, who could have retired quietly with that victory imprinted in the collective memory of Europe, was overcome by ambition and, who knows, perhaps also by a certain sense of patriotism. He accepted, perhaps imprudently, a devilishly tough assignment given to him by Macron last September, with instructions to try to mend the irreconcilable.

Barnier underestimated the hatred, anger and thirst for revenge that had accumulated in the French parliament in recent years. He ignored the months of protests by farmers, yellow vests, unions. Perhaps he had not analyzed, as he did do during his last televised interview on Tuesday evening, that these elements did not bode well, and he showed up in Matignon, the seat of government, feeling overconfident. His first appearance, alongside his predecessor, Gabriel Attal, was full of moments that bordered on mockery of the young ex-prime minister: I am sure you can teach me many things, even though you have only been in office for eight months, he said in his handover speech while Attal displayed a forced smile.

Inside the mind of Barnier, who never missed an opportunity to invoke Charles de Gaulle and a certain idea of France (the phrase with which the general began his memoirs), a sequence was taking place in which he alone, with his negotiating skills on the left and the right, would sort out the mess that the President of the Republic had created, not only by thoughtlessly dissolving the Assembly last June after losing the European elections and calling a snap parliamentary election, but also by refusing to allow the left-wing alliance, victorious after two rounds, to nominate a candidate for prime minister (the person they had proposed was the technocrat Lucie Castets). Barnier did not understand that his end was written.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier leaves after the result of the no-confidence vote against the French government. Sarah Meyssonnier (REUTERS)

Barnier was never there, in fact. Because by then, the French government was already in the hands of the far-right Marine Le Pen and her party, the National Rally (RN). The fragmentation of the Assembly into three large blocs and the fact that the victory of the left had been ignored and disregarded placed any of his major decisions in the hands of the 143 RN lawmakers. That is why, from the get-go, Barnier dedicated his time to courting ultra-populism with a string of concessions  from the appointment of an extremely conservative and tough Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, to receiving Le Pen as many times as necessary in Matignon to listen to her demands, to announcing a severe immigration law. The concessions did not end until Wednesday morning, when he was still willing to negotiate whatever was necessary in order to close the budget deal and remain in office.

The problem is that Barnier was no longer a valid interlocutor for the signatories of the no-confidence motion. He was not even the real target of the far right and the left. During these three months, the prime minister (and French citizens) have been living through a kind of government simulation, with officials introducing important measures and working hard on a budget that had to be slashed by 60 billion to prevent the deficit from soaring further. But the expiry date, we now know, was written on the calendar: the first time Barnier invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution, enabling him to approve a major measure without backing from the lower house of parliament, he triggered the no-confidence vote. One might say that the measure activated on Wednesday in parliament has been a kick to Macron, but in Barniers butt.

On Thursday morning Barnier walked into the presidents office, where he was expected to tender his resignation. Some speak of his ambition to return as a candidate for the 2027 presidential elections. But it does not seem likely that his age or the memory of this period that will remain in the collective memory are going to work in his favor.

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Javier Milei  flanked by leaders from various Latin American and European countries and his ardent supporter  presented himself as the figure he most aspires to embody: a leader of the global far-right.

We must put an end to the garbage of socialism once and for all, said Milei, as he launched pointed attacks against several prominent leaders, including Spains Pedro Sanchez, Brazils Lula da Silva, and Colombias Gustavo Petro, among others. Optimistic about the political climate following Donald Trumps win in the U.S. election, Milei proclaimed: New winds of freedom are sweeping through the world.

The Argentine president called this moment a historic opportunity to change the world, and emphasized the importance of the cultural battle, urging the far-right to unify and coordinate internationally to prevent leftists from gaining ground anywhere.

The stage for Mileis rhetoric was set by the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a forum originally established in the United States that has been empowered by Trumps election. For the first time, CPAC convened in Buenos Aires, with Milei as its star speaker, closing the event on Wednesday.

Held at the Hilton Hotel in the upscale Puerto Madero neighborhood, the conference drew hundreds of attendees who paid between $100 and $5,000 to participate. Officials, legislators, and activists from Mileis party, La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances), packed the auditorium. The crowd, predominantly young men in jackets, shirts, and ties, embodied the hopes invested in Mileis vision of dismantling the state, implementing fiscal austerity, and deregulating the economy.

The tone of the gathering was established early on by American hosts Matt and Mercedes Schlapp. Mercedes, speaking in Spanish, called for unity to defeat communism in Latin America and around the world. She lauded Milei as a lion but stressed the need for more leaders like him. She placed Milei among a cohort of far-right figures, including Trump, Italys Giorgia Meloni, Hungarys Viktor Orban, and El Salvadors Nayib Bukele.

In the speeches that followed, speakers alternated between praising Milei and advocating for free-market ideals, while launching vehement attacks on socialism, gender policies, and abortion. Many emphasized that the success or failure of Mileis government would be pivotal not only for the region but for the world.

Milei began by highlighting CPACs role in the cultural battle, asserting that socialism, in his view, has always failed economically but succeeded in spreading its ideas. They managed to impose the politically correct agenda, he declared, referencing leaders such as Uruguays Jose Pepe Mujica, Venezuelas Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro, and Cubas Fidel Castro. Renewing his criticism of Spains government, which had already sparked a diplomatic row earlier in May, Milei accused Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Pedro Sanchez, and others members of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) of tormenting the Spanish people.

Today, the world, led by Donald Trump, Bukele, and us, breathes new winds of freedom, Milei said to resounding applause and cheers. He stressed that transforming the world requires more than effective governance or political organization  it requires fighting the cultural battle.

Departing from his usual script, the Argentine president shared a detailed political strategy during the event, emboldened by the celebratory atmosphere that seemed to be designed to praise him and Trump. He outlined what could be called a Millenian Decalogue of power, even referencing Vladimir Lenin as an authoritative source. Milei began by insisting on the importance of truth: Its better to tell an uncomfortable truth than a comfortable lie. If the outcome is unpleasant, its best to get over the bad experience as soon as possible. He dismissed concerns about political opinions, stating he cared little for what politicians think on almost any issue.

Milei then outlined his pragmatic approach: One must not shy away from wielding power decisively. You must use the enemys weapons, he urged, explaining that politics is not a zero-sum game. Any space of power we dont occupy will be taken by the adversary  the left. He emphasized party unity and defended his aggressive style, stating, Fire is fought with fire. If they accuse us of violence, I remind them that were the reaction to 100 years of abuse [...] If you approach things with niceties, what will happen? Theyll run you over. This rhetoric included a sharp critique of moderates and the lukewarm, which seemed directed at his ally Mauricio Macri and his party, the PRO.

Patriotic forces

The event featured several prominent speakers, including Lara Trump, a television producer and Donald Trumps daughter-in-law; Santiago Abascal, leader of Spains Vox party; Brazilian deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro; and conservative activists Eduardo Verastegui and Ben Shapiro. Two Argentine ministers  Luis Caputo (Economy) and Patricia Bullrich (Security)  also delivered speeches.

Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil, and Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor, were unable to attend due to legal restrictions preventing them from leaving their respective countries, but they contributed via video messages.

Outside the conference hall, attendees mingled during lunch, browsed a bookstand targeting libertarian activists, and snapped photos with the CPAC logo in the background  many posing with Mileis signature thumbs-up gesture. Smiles and casual conversations conveyed a collective confidence in the far-right governments direction.

The CPAC meeting solidified the alliance between Mileis administration and Trumpism. Bannons remarks encapsulated the sentiment: Argentina is the key in this global fight. The fate of South America is in Mileis hands The implication was clear  the success of Mileis presidency would determine the future of far-right ideals.

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After two years of classroom study and practical testing, the first cohort of students has graduated as Irelands latest heavy goods vehicle (HGV0 drivers  the first to complete the nationally recognised Commercial Driver Apprenticeship, which started in September 2022.

Aidan Flynn, Chairperson of the Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship and Chief Executive of Freight Transport Association (FTA) Ireland, the group that represents all sectors of the logistics industry, says the new apprenticeship makes a huge difference to recruitment.

This apprenticeship serves as a catalyst to attract young people, particularly women, into our industry to support business growth at a time when demand for their skills has never been higher, he explains. This academic qualification offers credibility and value to the profession of driving and supports career progression opportunities within the workforce.

"The first graduates of the programme, who have attained a Higher Certificate in Transport Operations and Commercial Driving as well as their CE Driving Licence and Driver CPC, are trailblazers and their families and employers should be justifiably proud of their achievements.

Apprenticeships give students the opportunity to earn while they learn, undertaking practical as well as classroom sessions to ensure they are set fair for the world of work from their graduation.

"This group of graduates has excelled in demonstrating how great the opportunities are in our industry and will be in high demand from employers who have experienced a shortage of skilled drivers over many years.

This apprenticeship programme supports Irelands ambitions to be leaders in supply chain and logistics. We hope that the graduates of today thrive in their chosen profession and continue to promote the highest standards of professionalism and road safety.

"With influences from decarbonisation to technology affecting our industry every day, the graduates are great ambassadors for our sector and have an exciting future in commercial driving.

For more information about the apprenticeship standard, and how to apply for a place in the next group of students, please visit www.cdap.ie or email info@cdap.ie.
The Ballina branch of Soroptimist International hosted an Orange Cafe event last week as part of its contribution to the Orange the World campaign, a movement which aims to raise awareness and combat violence against women and girls.

Soroptimist International Ballina is one of the 15 Soroptimist clubs around Ireland participating in a series of events from November 25 to December 10.

The Soroptimist organisations support aligns with the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence programme.

The Orange the World campaign, part of the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative, uses the colour orange to symbolise a brighter future free from violence. This annual campaign calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations.

Events across Ireland include activities such as educational workshops, speaker events and community outreach programmes designed to empower women and girls, educate the public and foster community engagement.

The Ballina Soroptimist group launched its campaign with an Orange Cafe held in Mams Cafe of Cathedral Road on Tuesday last, November 25, and the members of the club have expressed their thanks to Jean Hanafin and staff for hosting them.

Minister of State Dara Calleary showed his support for the initiative by attending and donning an orange vest.

Anne O'Sullivan, National President of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland, emphasised the importance of collective action:

"Violence against women and girls is a pervasive issue that requires a unified response. Through the Orange the World campaign, we aim to shine a light on this critical issue and mobilise communities across Ireland to take a stand."

Members of the community are invited to participate in the campaign's events and join the movement to end violence against women and girls. For more information on local events and how to get involved, please visit Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland's website at www.soroptimistireland.com.
Primary Education graduate, Lynsey Lynn, from Ballina, had double cause for celebration after achieving top of her class status at the annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony which was held at Dublins Convention Centre recently.

In addition to receiving her Masters qualification, Lynsey was honoured with the overall Student of the Year Award  presented by the College to the student in each cohort with the highest grade across the Primary programme.

This year, Lynsey was one of over 930 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify with Masters in Primary and Post-Primary teaching, or with a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education.

Congratulating her, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said all graduating will help shape futures, inspire change, and contribute to the betterment of society in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
The team at Higgins Pharmacy  which is owned by Mayo twins Deirdre and Ann Butler  is celebrating after it took gold in the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Award at the Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The award is recognition for the pharmacys community outreach efforts, including its work with charities and volunteers who support international protection applicants in Sligo. The honour also recognises the teams support for programmes to help new mothers and the pharmacys commitment to development and training.

Deirdre Butler, co-owner of the business with twin sister Ann, collected the Gold medal award at a ceremony in the Mansion House in Dublin on Saturday (November 30). Both sisters are from Ballina where Deirdre still lives with her family. They own the two Higgins Pharmacies in Sligo Town  on Teeling Street and at Market Cross.

Deirdre and Ann took over the Higgins Pharmacy outlets in Sligo town in 2016. The pair have since overseen a period of innovation for the business through the introduction of a platform for online sales, information and appointment booking for many pharmacy services. They have also introduced services for vaccinations and blood testing, along with a popular Pharmacy app.

One reason for the award win was the fact that the pharmacy has a relationship with Diversity, a charity that receives HSE funding for pharmaceutical products like vitamins, ointments, creams and childrens medical products to be used by residents of Globe House, an international protection centre in Sligo town.

Higgins Pharmacy has become a key supplier of health and sanitary products to Globe House and the business has since developed a reputation as an understanding and compassionate place for international protection applicants with limited English to come in search of advice.

Award judges also took account of Higgins Pharmacys mentorship of a pharmacist qualified in her native Sudan who approached Deirdre hoping to get a work placement as part of her bid to become registered in Ireland. Deirdre committed to the project by undertaking an Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIoP) training programme to become an accredited mentor and helping her prepare for the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) registration exams. She is now registered as a pharmacist in Ireland.

Also recognised by the awards judges was the pharmacys support for a new breastfeeding initiative, which now comes recommended by lactation consultants from Sligo University Hospital. Their commitment to upskilling and training was also a factor.

Higgins Pharmacy Co-owner Deirdre Butler says she was delighted that their efforts to instil a culture of empathy and compassion for staff and customers had been recognised. She said:

Im delighted to collect the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Award on behalf of the team at Higgins Pharmacy. We have a reputation for care  regardless of your background, religion or ethnicity. Everyone needs our empathy and support and we go to great lengths to instil that culture of understanding in our team.

I take great pride in seeing the potential in people I employ. We have supported a number of employees progression to technician to qualified pharmacist and manager. This award is due recognition for those efforts and we look forward to celebrating this victory with our charity partners, volunteers, and team in the near future.
A new heritage centre in Westport should tell the story of the town and provide an all-season year-round tourist attraction for visitors, a local councillor has said.

Welcoming a proposal from the Clew Bay Heritage Centre to move to a new location at the old Westport Courthouse at the junction of Castlebar Road and Distillery Road, Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn said it was "great to see the courthouse finally coming back into action".

"We certainly dont need another derelict building at a key entrance point to our town and the move will take their current premises away from the Quay and the constant flooding out there, which would have taken it away in a matter of time anyway.

Westport as a town needs a strong heritage centre and I do think we need to look at it as a heritage centre that also tells the story of Westport. It would also be a welcome tourist asset on days when the weather is not nice enough for a walk out to the quay.

Cllr Flynn urged that the development would not include the small car park adjacent to the courthouse, stating this element should be retained in council ownership for other purposes.

The carpark to the east of the building is a lovely walled carpark. I am hoping that will remain in the ownership of the council and that we can develop it by including it in the public realm around Westport. At the moment, many people drive here and do not even see the building because it is so covered with trees and bushes.

Cllr Gerry Coyle said the redevelopment of the lighthouse in Blacksod had been a game-changer for tourism in the area.

This is a similar project and our experience is that people will go to see it because if you build it they will come. The same thing has happened with our Sonas OPW centre - 24,000 people have been in it already and that only happened because Mayo County Council had the foresight to lease the lighthouse from Irish Lights and bring it to the community. So I think what you are doing in supporting this project is a great development for Westport.

Head of the district, Seamus O Mongain, clarified that while the carpark ownership remains with the council, it does form part of the lease agreement with the Heritage Centre.

Cllr Flynn urged again that it be kept separate as it is a lovely little area and I do think we should retain control of it".

Director of Services Joanne Grehan said she would liaise with the tenderer on this issue. Members approved the proposed development subject to agreement on the car park.
By Claudia Savage, PA

The head of PSNI has said he has a clear plan to begin releasing images of people convicted of crimes in Northern Ireland from next year.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also issued a stark warning that dangerously low PSNI resources would have a serious impact on the forces operational ability to tackle crime.

The PSNI does not issue mugshots of serious offenders after sentencing, unlike many police forces in other parts of the UK.

Following rioting that occurred in Belfast in August, some mugshots were released and the NI police chief has previously signalled he wants to make it a more routine policy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher during a visit to PSNI College at Garnerville in Belfast (Charles McQuillan/PA)

Mr Boutcher told the Policing Board: I have a very clear plan next year  we have to cross all the ts and dot the is but  to publish convicted photographs of people who committed these heinous crimes and their sentences as a deterrence.

To actually show that if you commit these crimes, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you, we will convict you, and we will make it clear that you committed these crimes.

And we took something of that approach with regards to the rioting that occurred in the summer, and by putting images out of those who are suspected of those offences.

It was my intention, we changed our internal processes around publication of photographs of people convicted to show those people responsible for that disorder publicly through convicted photographs.

We have not reached that point yet. You know, our justice process is slower than in England and Wales, weve not had that opportunity but its something I think we all share in.

Mr Boutcher has been vocal about budget pressures facing the service, previously stating the organisation was facing a 37 million-a-year funding gap.

The chief constable also issued a stark warning that dangerously low PSNI resources would have a serious impact on the forces operational ability to tackle crime.

Mr Boutcher said crime levels in Northern Ireland remain significantly lower than in England and Wales but this has not manifested itself in reduced demand as crime types have changed.

He said: We now have levels of demand regarding calls for concern and mental health related issues that quite simply overwhelm us.

Im incredibly concerned about those serious, high harm offenses, some of which have been reported in the media and weve spoken about at this board.

I wish to be crystal clear that with our dangerously low resources, this means that people will come to harm who otherwise would not, and we will not be able to do what we need to do to prevent people from getting involved in crime, because simply, we have a lack of numbers of police officers in our communities.

This is a stark warning for this board and everybody in Northern Ireland.

Im of the view that our effectiveness to tackle violence against women and girls has  and continues to  suffer significantly through a lack of police numbers. I am especially concerned about the impact on monitoring dangerous offenders.

We need more resources, or there will be high harm crimes committed that could otherwise be prevented.

Mr Boutcher welcomed the 36.7 million of funding for the PSNI announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.

This provides us with the ability to balance the books for at least this year. Im particularly pleased that this announcement will enable progress to be made on this years outstanding officer pay awards.

I thank the minister for her decision to prioritise support for policing during this monitoring round. I am really grateful for this.

But, as welcome as the additional funding is, a recent budget planning exercise has highlighted that we face a pressure of over 100 million next year.

A future budget that accounts for these pressures will provide us with financial stability and end the cycle of uncertainty that comes with having to rely on in-year funding. This is just not sustainable.

Unless we are funded properly, staff morale, which has returned, will decline. Communities will be less safe, and we will not be able to target fully those high harm crimes that change peoples lives forever, such as violence against women and girls and hate crime.

The chief constable also welcomed three new Assistant Chief Constables (ACCs), Davy Beck, Ryan Henderson and Melanie Jones to the PSNIs leadership team.

He said: Each one brings significant experience to the role. These substantive appointments provide leadership, certainty and clarity to everyone in the organisation, and for all of those people that we are actually here to serve.
Celebrated Galway artist Joe Boske and local poet Michael Quinn have published Rathgar Odyssey, a limited-edition booklet pairing Boskes iconic prints with Quinns evocative poem about a journey through Rathgar and memories of Galway.

Available exclusively at Charlie Byrnes Bookshop in Galway, the booklet showcases a dozen of Boskes beloved Galway-themed line drawings, alongside Quinns poetic musings on work, pints at Dublins 108 pub, and sundry other topics.

A renowned figure in Galways arts scene, Boskes surreal, nostalgic prints have become cherished pieces of local culture, especially for those who have experienced the Galway Arts Festival or visited Tigh Neachtain, where his work decorates the walls. Quinns poem brings an intimate narrative to Boskes illustrations, leading readers through reflections of daily life and homecoming.

Ballinrobe author Liam Horan said: This production is a delightful celebration of James Joyces Ulysses, reimagined through the lens of a modern poem that places the individuals world at its centre. Mike Quinns voice as writer is entertaining and reflective. The result is a poem that is both mischievous and knowing. It invites readers to explore their own inner landscapes with fresh eyes.

He added: Equally impressive is Joe Boskes artwork that accompanies the poem. Quirky and humorous, it complements the poem perfectly and brings the themes to life in unexpected ways. The interplay between the words and images is dynamic and engaging.

The publication, limited to 1,000 signed copies, has already seen strong demand, with over 250 copies pre-ordered. Interested readers are encouraged to reserve a copy through Charlie Byrnes Bookshop in-store or online at www.charliebyrne.ie.

Joe Boske has spent over 40 years shaping the visual landscape of Irelands arts scene with his whimsical, surreal designs for events like the Galway Arts Festival, Kinvaras Cuckoo Fleadh, and more. His posters have become collectors items and are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Michael Quinn, retired and based in Galway, penned Rathgar Odyssey as part of a workshop led by the late Galway poet Kevin Higgins. Currently working on his debut poetry collection, set to release through Little Gull Publishing in 2025, Quinns collaboration with Boske marks a new chapter in Connemara-based publishing.
A bitter cold has already pushed the temperature below zero in Ukraine, which is preparing for its third winter of war. In its strategy of trying to freeze the country and plunge it into darkness, Russia has intensified its attacks on the energy sector with 11 offensives so far this year. In the most recent one a week ago, it used 91 missiles and 97 drone bombs and left a million consumers without electricity. Kyiv is strengthening the defense of critical infrastructure with the help of its partners as the most difficult months approach.

In a message to Western allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week stressed the urgent need for anti-aircraft defense systems, crucial to protecting key infrastructure in electricity distribution. In parallel, Ukraine is defending its energy grid with passive systems  concrete and defensive frames  while working to repair the damage and putting in place contingency plans with equipment, systems, and personnel. The need for spare equipment, turbines, cables, and other components is constant.

Kyivs allies pledged Wednesday to prioritize aid to Ukraine in this area. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said there was a clear agreement at the table that helping Ukraine, particularly with its infrastructure, has to be a priority [...] We have to make sure that whatever air defense we can give them is being supplied to Ukraine, he stressed.

The daily routine of Ukrainian citizens includes checking the power cut times in the morning to organize basic activities such as putting on a washing machine, cooking, or taking an elevator. Camping gas has become a regular feature in many homes in the country that do not have piped gas installed. The sidewalks are full of generators that provide light to shops and restaurants, and those who can afford it invest in electric accumulators that cost no less than $1,000. Solar panels are also beginning to sprout on some roofs, driven by legislative changes to simplify the purchase and import of renewable energy equipment.

The media publishes service information, such as which rechargeable lamps to buy or how power outages affect household appliances. Ukrainians are very conscious of every light they turn on. They save every watt possible to endure another winter in the dark.

Valerii Pyndyk, head of a housing association board, on the roof of an apartment building where solar panels were installed in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 14, 2024. Alina Smutko (REUTERS)

Zelenskiy said in mid-November that the country is in a better position to face this winter than the previous two. Psychologically, the country is better prepared than in the first year of war, but last year we had more energy reserves than this year, explained Olena Pavlenko, president of the Dixi Group think tank, at a conference on energy security on Wednesday in Kyiv. Whether the winter ends up being more or less harsh will depend on temperatures, attacks on infrastructure, and the ability to stop them with anti-aircraft defenses and how quickly the damage can be repaired. In the worst-case scenario, Dixi Group estimates that the blackouts could last between 15 and 16 hours a day, compared to the current average of four to six hours.

The United Nations estimates that Ukraine has lost 60% of its electricity-generating capacity. Russian attacks have destroyed or damaged all of the countrys thermal and hydroelectric plants. Adding up all energy sources, the country manages to generate about 13 gigawatts (GW), but when temperatures plummet, consumption can soar to around 18-19 GW. This week, consumption is already rising as the grid has yet to recover from the latest attack and outages are spreading across all regions.

Increase in imports

Since last Sunday, the EU has increased its capacity to export energy to Ukraine (from 1.7 GW to 2.1 GW) through connections with the infrastructure of neighboring countries. But synchronization with the European infrastructure is primarily intended to solve emergencies. Excessive exports can destabilize the rest of the network. We have to be careful, explained Frank Reyer, vice-president of the Operating Committee of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, at the Kyiv conference. The energy that Ukraine can import from the EU can cover the needs of 2.1 million consumers. Unfortunately, that is all we can do, said Reyer. For her part, Pavlenko stressed that the high cost limits this possibility, which is only within the reach of large companies such as the Gulliver shopping mall in Kyiv.

The Kremlins attacks, which have recently targeted high-voltage power substations, have raised fears of a winter of darkness and cold. From January 1, moreover, everything indicates that Gazprom will cut off the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine, according to Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak. Putin justified last weeks strikes as retaliation for the Ukrainian armys use of long-range missiles from the United States and the United Kingdom against targets on Russian soil. Russia had been stockpiling more advanced missiles for such bombings for months. On November 17, Russia also launched a massive attack with 120 missiles and 90 drones, targeting a precarious energy system that was hit by another attack of similar magnitude in August. The Ukrainian army is focusing on attacking the Russian gas and oil industry.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that the United States had pledged $825 million to help Ukraines energy sector. This amount, which is in addition to a similar package of aid announced in the summer, will be used to restore critical infrastructure while working to reform the energy sector and promote a transition to a greener economy. On Wednesday, Denmark announced a $6.3 million aid package, according to local media.

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Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mainly cloudy, mild, and mainly dry after some morning fog and drizzle taper off. .

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, a bit breezy, and mild; perhaps a spotty shower.
When early humans domesticated animals and began living alongside them, they could not have foreseen that, in addition to providing meat and skins, these animals would also bring devastating epidemics. Coexistence with animals facilitated the transmission of pathogens between species, and the cities that flourished due to agriculture and livestock were periodically decimated by outbreaks. These epidemics changed the course of history. The Cyprian plague of the third century spurred the rise of Christianity, the Justinian plague weakened the empires of the Near East and contributed to the rapid expansion of Islam, and the Mexican empire fell to a small group of Spaniards who were immune to smallpox.

As the global population has surged in the last century, the frequency of outbreaks has increased. A paper published in Science on Thursday warns that a single mutation in the H5N1 avian flu virus, which currently infects cows, could alter its affinity from animal cells to human cells. Although human-to-human transmission has not yet been reported, the virus has already been detected in at least 282 dairy herds in the U.S. The study suggests that a small change in the hemagglutinin (the H in H5N1) could mark the beginning of a more dangerous situation.

The influenza virus infects its host by attaching to cell receptors via hemagglutinin. This protein normally binds to receptors on bird cells, but not typically on human cells. However, viruses have spread globally on migratory birds, jumping between animals, and sometimes mutating to infect new hosts. This occurred when the H5N1 avian influenza, first identified in 1996, reached cows, becoming a bovine disease. In January 2024, the first known case of a human infected with cow flu was reported in Texas.

Until now, it was thought that at least three mutations were required for a bird flu virus to infect humans and spread between them. However, in the Texas case, a single mutation in an amino acid of the hemagglutinin allowed the virus to bind to human cell receptors.

Researchers at Scripps Research in San Diego tested the virus in the lab, introducing mutations that could occur naturally. One mutation, Q226L, enhanced the viruss ability to infect human cells, particularly in the respiratory tract. This discovery demonstrates how easily the virus can evolve to recognize human receptors, says Ting-Hui Lin, co-author of the study. However, Lin adds a reassuring note: Our study does not suggest that this evolution has happened, nor that the current H5N1 virus would be transmissible between humans with this mutation alone.

Rafael Toledo, a professor of Parasitology at the University of Valencia in Spain, agrees that the mutation marks only the first step in the viruss potential to infect humans. This mutation might have other effects on the viruss biology that, overall, could make it less effective, he explains. Or while the virus may access human cells, it might not be able to replicate afterward.

Toledo continues: The problem is not so much that the virus reaches humans, but that it multiplies and is transmitted effectively. This involves many parameters that are not included in this study. Nonetheless, he considers the research crucial for understanding the virus, aiding in epidemiological surveillance, and preparing vaccines or treatments in case of a pandemic.

Pandemic viruses often thrive in environments where multiple species of animals interact, facilitating the exchange of genetic material. Random mutations can create the ideal conditions for a virus to spread among humans. Angela Vazquez, a researcher at the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center of Spains CSIC research center, highlights a noteworthy finding from the study: The udders and respiratory tracts of cows have the typical receptors found in both birds and humans. This dual receptor presence could allow cows to act as a mixing vessel, where viral strains from different species combine and mutate, potentially creating a more dangerous form of the virus.

The authors of the Science paper acknowledge the limitations of their study and the complexities of real-world infections. However, they emphasize that the growing number of H5N1 cases in humans with direct animal contact necessitates close monitoring of the viruss evolution. As history has shown, such changes can lead to dramatic consequences.

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The great Saudi university farce is coming to an end. The number of highly cited scientists who claim to work in Saudi Arabia has plummeted by 76% since April last year, when EL PAIS revealed the existence of a scheme in which foreign researchers were being paid up to 70,000 (nearly $74,000) a year to lie about their place of employment, in order to artificially pump up Saudi institutions in international academic rankings. The chemist Damia Barcelo, for example, falsely declared from 2016 to 2022 that his primary affiliation was King Saud University in Riyadh, when in reality he was the director of the Catalan Institute for Water Research in Girona, in northeastern Spain.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia boasted 109 professors on the prestigious List of Highly Cited Researchers, compiled by the multinational Clarivate with the 7,000 researchers in the world whose studies are most cited by other colleagues. The more members of this list a university has, the higher it will appear in the Shanghai Ranking, the most influential ranking of world universities. Some Saudi institutions chose to bribe highly cited foreign scientists to lie in the Clarivate database, a trick that went unnoticed for years. Following the scandal uncovered by this newspaper, the number was reduced from 109 to 76 by the end of 2023. In the new list, published on November 19, only 26 remain, including the Spanish ecologists Carlos Duarte and Fernando Maestre, who did indeed move and work at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in the Saudi town of Thuwal.

The List of Highly Cited Researchers had attracted all kinds of cheating in recent years, as some scientists got on the list using tricks such as citing themselves on an industrial scale, publishing insubstantial studies every week, or colluding with other researchers to cite each other. David Pendlebury, an analyst at Clarivate, explained in a statement that his company has tightened its filters this year, to identify researchers and their co-authors involved in misconduct of many kinds, especially those who manipulate citations of their work. Clarivate excluded only 300 scientists from its 2021 list for fraudulent practices. In 2022, there were 500. In 2023, a thousand. And this year, there has been a record of 2,000 exclusions: practically one in three apparently highly cited researchers has been caught engaging in bad practices.

Swiss analyst Yoran Beldengrun has revealed the global dimension of the Saudi deception. In just a decade, 210 highly cited scientists from other countries declared that their main place of work was a university in Saudi Arabia. Most of them were from China (44), Spain (19), the United States (16) and Turkey (14), according to a report by Beldengrun prepared for the specialized consultancy SIRIS Academic, based in Barcelona. For this analyst, the huge drop in the number of highly cited scientists who claim to work in Saudi Arabia is a good step towards research integrity.

The University of Cordoba, in southern Spain, suspended the chemist Rafael Luque without pay for 13 years after discovering that he had falsely declared that his main place of work was King Saud University. His case, revealed by EL PAIS, was the most read news article in this newspaper in 2023, and it caused international astonishment. Because of this lie, the Cordoba institution fell about 150 spots in the Shanghai Ranking, dropping out of the top 800, according to calculations by SIRIS Academic. Nature magazine, a reference for world science, picked up on Luques case and the subsequent investigation of the Saudi fake affiliation scheme conducted by this newspaper. For the mathematician Domingo Docampo, who has been denouncing for years the tricks used to climb the academic rankings, this global repercussion has been crucial.

It would appear that international coverage of bad practices in connection with academic affiliation, and the fact that top-level scientific journals have picked up on it and commented, is bearing fruit, says Docampo, who was rector of the University of Vigo, in northwestern Spain. It seems that Clarivate has taken note and includes this behavior, together with the high levels of self-citations, suspicions of collusion (cartels) and the cases reported by Retraction Watch [a U.S. organization specialising in scientific fraud], adds the mathematician.

The disappearance of the fake Saudi professors is a blow to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is considered by the United States to be responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Bin Salman has set a goal of having at least five Saudi universities among the top 200 in the world by 2030. Without this trick, his institutions will collapse in the rankings. King Saud University, falsely declared the primary affiliation of Spanish chemists Damia Barcelo and Rafael Luque, has gone from boasting 38 highly cited scientists to having just a dozen in one year.

King Abdulaziz University, in the Saudi city of Jeddah, was one of the most active institutions in recruiting Spanish researchers willing to lie, partly thanks to the mathematician Juan Luis Garcia Guirao, a professor at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena who acted as an intermediary between the university and at least a dozen national scientists, according to the EL PAIS investigation. King Abdulaziz University claimed to have 12 highly cited researchers last year. The new list does not include any.

The proportion of highly cited researchers in Saudi Arabia  almost one in 200 professors  was so high that it was five or even 10 times higher than the percentages observed in Germany, Spain and France, according to data from SIRIS Academic. Another of the Saudi institutions involved was the University of Taif, an hours drive from Mecca. The food technologist Francisco Tomas Barberan declared that he worked there in 2020, although in reality he was doing research at the Segura Center for Soil Science and Applied Biology, in the eastern Spanish region of Murcia. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), which oversees the center, opened disciplinary proceedings a year ago against five members involved in the Saudi plot to boost its university rankings.

The 2024 List of Highly Cited Researchers includes some 6,600 individuals, 36% of them from the United States, compared to 43% in 2018. This loss of American representation is explained by the growth of China, which has gone from 8% in 2018 to 20% today. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, which includes more than 100 institutes, is the world organization with the greatest number of highly cited researchers, reaching a total of 308. The American universities of Harvard (231) and Stanford (133) occupy the second and third places. Spain was in 2021 the ninth country in the world with the most scientists on this list, with 1.7%, but now occupies the 13th spot with 1.5% (99).

Clarivate analyst David Pendlebury explains that his team has introduced new filters after detecting citation exchanges between researchers, who agree to cite each other in order to climb the rankings. In October, the publisher Springer Nature suddenly withdrew 75 studies by Juan Manuel Corchado, rector of the University of Salamanca, and his collaborators for this type of fraudulent practice.

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Much has been written about the Cueva de los Murcielagos (the Bat Cave, in Albunol, on the coast of Granada province). For a few years in the 19th century, it was Spains main source of natural nitrogen as a fertilizer (due to the guano of the bats that hung from its ceilings). Inside the miners thought they saw galena, a mineral rich in lead, in some reddish veins in the rock and went in to extract it. But above all, it was a cemetery, a necropolis that was later found to be very old. They removed almost everything: the 70 bodies that were there, the funerary objects and the offerings that accompanied them, most of which ended up sliding further down the cave, littering the path to the cavity, or as souvenirs in the homes of local residents. In 1867, a lawyer and archaeologist from Almeria, Manuel Gongora y Martinez, who was also a professor at the University of Granada, went to the town, recovering everything he could by buying it from the locals or extracting it from the cave itself. Most of that material ended up in the National Archaeological Museum, but not all of it. Now, a century and a half later, a team of archaeologists has found the oldest-known remnants of archery in Europe in the waste dumps of the failed mine. According to a paper published in Scientific Reports, they found arrows still with their feathered fletching and tips made of olive wood or braided tendon strings, a technique modern archers still employ.

We found one of the ropes between the rocks, where most of the bodies were thrown, says Ingrid Bertin, a researcher from the Department of Prehistory at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). The other was one of those kept in the Archaeological Museum. At first glance, they appear to be made of plant fiber, esparto grass, like many other objects found, adds the French archaeologist. But after a more detailed analysis (with sophisticated techniques such as mass spectrometry or Fourier transform spectrophotometry) the researchers discovered that they were essentially collagen, of animal origin. They were able to refine it even further, seeing that one was made of ligaments from two different types of animals and the other from a third. Some probably came from a roe deer, others were from the goat genus, and the third tendons were from a domestic pig or a wild boar.

They also saw that the two bowstrings are from different periods. The Cueva de los Murcielagos was used for more than 3,000 years and always as a burial site. Those who arrived would place their dead on the ground, probably with their funerary offerings, and leave them there without burying them. The analyzed bowstrings are not so far apart chronologically, but it was striking that they were made with the same twisting technique, despite being made from different species and at different times. Raquel Pique, the senior author of the research and also from the UAB, notes the fact that the manufacturing technique is the same, although the raw material is different, shows a continuity in the way of making these objects that, on the other hand, are very similar to other strings that we find even now. And she adds: This technique of twisting the fibers is the same one that we use today, although with other materials. The fact that they were made of tendons is something that we did not have in European prehistory.

Although the bowstrings appeared to be of vegetable fiber, they turned out to be made from the sinews of three different animal species and braided using a technique still employed today in traditional archery. Proyecto MUTREMUR

In addition to the strings, the scientists also found arrowheads and shafts, with the feathers to give them balance still attached. Their dating by carbon-14 testing indicates that they are between 7,200 and 6,900 years old. The discovery of arrowheads is not new. In the Paleolithic, some 54,000 years ago, hundreds of carved stones were found for this purpose. The discovery then pointed to the idea that the technological superiority of Homo sapiens was decisive in the outcome of their encounter with the Neanderthals. Indeed, archery already existed in the Upper Paleolithic, but only the points are preserved, recalls Pique. Hence the relevance of what was found in the Bat Cave. The shafts are made of cane, which means that the arrows are very light. The use of reeds for making arrows in prehistoric Europe, a hypothesis considered by researchers for decades, is finally confirmed.

Among the arrowheads found were those made of wood, specifically wild olive, a hard and dense wood like few others. To join the different parts, the researchers analyzed the ends of the shafts and arrowheads that still had the blackish remains of a material that turned out to be birch tar, a natural adhesive. Bertin says that they obtained it by cooking the tree bark over a slow fire. They did not do this with the fragile remains found, but they confirmed that they were good arrows when comparing them with the performance of other more recent ones, such as replicas of the arrows of some Native American Indians, such as the Apache. We have the experimental work pending, because we want to replicate them and check their effectiveness, she explains. They also have another task that could be groundbreaking if successful: to make this glue, which they also used to decorate the arrows, the prehistoric archers had to manipulate the tar and the researchers hope to find ancient DNA from those who did so.

What were the arrows used for? We dont know, admits Francisco Martinez Sevilla, an archaeologist at the University of Alcala, head of the Murcielagos Project (MUTERMUR) and also co-author of the research. Those who left their dead in the cave were Neolithic, living from agriculture and livestock. Although they still hunted, it was no longer the basis of their subsistence. So in life, they could have been used for hunting, but the researchers do not rule out that they were also used for war. In the Levant, although they are somewhat older, there are cave paintings of interpersonal violence, says Pique. The oldest warlike use of arrows has also been found on the Iberian Peninsula, so they could well have had a dual use.

But the cave was also used for another purpose, probably symbolic. There is no sediment there, so those who were arriving saw what others had left, adding their things, more dead, more offerings or whatever, says Pique. Unfortunately, the discovery of a gold tiara by the miners caused greed and poverty to destroy that place. They used what was inside the cave, including the bones, to fill in the paths to it, recalls Martinez Sevilla. Even so, the researchers have managed to recover more items from paths and dumps that shed new light on the first Neolithic people of the Iberian Peninsula. But this part of the history of the Bat Cave is still being written.

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On Monday, 12 lions, including nine cubs aged between three and five months, an 18-year-old male, and two females aged 10 and 12, arrived in Villena in the Spanish province of Alicante after a 20-hour road trip from a circus in western France. They are now resting and recovering at the facilities of AAP Primadomus, an animal shelter specializing in the rehabilitation of primates and big cats, where they will eventually be given suitable homes.

The cubs were born this summer in the circus, despite the fact that French legislation has prohibited the breeding, acquisition, or sale of wild animals in circus performances since December 2023. While circus acts with animals are still permitted in France until 2028, the owners of this particular circus had ceased using the lions in performances and were unable to care for them. According to AAP Primadomus, there was a high risk that the cubs would be sold to cover the maintenance costs of other animals in the circus.

The lions ended up here because there are no such shelters in France, and we are a European organization committed to offering a better future for the animals, explains Berta Alzaga, head of communications. When the lions arrived in Villena, they were covered in filth. Azaga explains that the animals had probably been kept in trailers at the circus for at least the last month, since they could not be taken out. And as it is complicated to clean the trailer with the lions inside it, they had been living in dirty conditions for several weeks.

The animals were initially very nervous upon arrival, especially the cubs, but once reunited with their mothers, they calmed down, says Pablo Delgado, director of AAP Primadomus Spain and head of big cats.

One of the rescued lionesses. AAP Primadomus

Now is the time to let the lions rest, recover, and undergo health checks. The cubs seem quite thin, and we know they havent received veterinary care at the circus, says Delgado. They also did not have the mandatory identification microchip, which was added during their transfer. The animals will undergo a quarantine period of at least one month at the rescue center, during which time they will remain confined and not allowed access to the larger 4,000-square-meter facilities. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to keep them like this until we are sure that they are in good health, that they do not have any nutritional deficiencies, that they are free of parasites..., Delgado explains.

The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the French authorities, who aimed to confiscate the animals, as well as with Code Animal, an AAP partner organization. The process was not without difficulty. A first attempt in October failed due to a lack of cooperation from the circus, which led to a very tense situation. After a month of negotiations, the circus owners agreed to hand over the animals voluntarily, thus avoiding the need for confiscation. Once the veterinarians deem the lions rehabilitated both physically and socially, they will be placed in permanent homes. These could be animal sanctuaries, reserves, or accredited zoos. If we cant find a suitable home, they will remain with us, Alzaga explains.

AAP aims to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of using wild animals as circus performers. A study conducted by the foundation, titled The Darkness Behind the Spotlight, found that 89% of exotic animals rescued from such performances suffer mental or physical after-effects. The organization is working to improve animal welfare laws and is calling for a complete ban on animal circuses across Europe. This would prevent more animals from being forced to perform, traveling between countries and suffering the same terrible fate that these cubs were destined for. It would also address the current regulatory disparities between regions where such practices have been banned and those where they are still permitted.

In Spain, circuses with animals were banned last year with the approval of Law 07/2023 on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals. Prior to this, various municipalities, towns, and autonomous communities had gradually joined the ban. When the law came into effect, 12 Spanish regions had already abolished the practice, which meant that 75% of Spaniards lived in areas free from circuses with animals inside or outside.

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Along the vast southern border, in the deserts and on the banks of the winding river, there are well-known armed men who look like soldiers or members of the Border Patrol, but are not. They are vigilantes. Organized in numerous groups with slightly different characteristics, from veterans of the armed forces to sympathizers of QAnon conspiracy theories, they are united by a far-right ideology and the conviction that they are protecting the integrity of the country against an invasion of migrants. Militias are at the center of the founding myth of the nation, and modern versions have existed for more than four decades, but in recent years and in the heat of Trumpism, their activity has increased notably: although there is no clear figure, it is estimated that there are at least around 200 such groups. And now, with Donald Trumps second term and his plan for mass deportation looming large  the president-elect claims he will expel all illegal immigrants, who number 11 million according to official figures, although Trump says without evidence that there could be as many as 25 million  the militias have offered to help with this operation in any way necessary.

Good patriots, the border czar Tom Homan calls them. There are thousands of retired agents, retired border patrol agents, retired military that want to come in and volunteer to help this president secure the border and conduct deportation operations, he said in an interview on Fox News a few days after being appointed to his new post by the president-elect. There are many questions about the viability and legality of cooperation between armed civilian groups and federal immigration forces, but given the scale of the task that the president-elect has promised  which initially includes declaring a state of emergency to be able to use military funds and deploy soldiers, as well as the difficult-to-fulfill pledge to hire 10,000 new border patrol agents, among other measures  the willingness of both parties seems clear. Were in talks with a few different people. We have a better lay of the land than the federal agents do, Tim Foley, the leader of Arizona Border Recon, a civilian patrol group that, like several other groups, reportedly has dozens of members skilled in tracking as well as sophisticated camera and drone equipment, told Wired magazine.

Tom Homan meets with state troopers and National Guardsmen participating in Operation Lone Star at a facility on the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Nov. 26, 2024. Eric Gay (AP)

Beginning to emerge from the shadows now  although in the recesses of the internet their activities are no secret, and videos of them detaining migrants to hand them over to the Border Patrol are relatively common  border militias may be beginning to write the next chapter in their history. Already in the first decade of the 21st century, these groups, which formed in the 1980s motivated by deep suspicions about the federal government, set their sights on the nearly 2,000-mile border that separates the United States from Mexico. Since then, they have sporadically featured in news stories that remind us of their presence and sinister potential: in 2009, three members of a vigilante group called Minuteman Civil Defense Corps killed a nine-year-old girl and her father in Arizona  two of them were sentenced to death and another to life behind bars. Ten years later, in 2019, the head of the United Constitutional Patriots was arrested on gun charges after a video circulated showing the group holding 200 migrants at gunpoint; and just weeks ago, two militia members were convicted of conspiring to kill Border Patrol agents they accused of failing to secure the border.

Despite this, in many instances the militias operate with the tacit consent of local authorities. Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County, Arizona, for example, is a well-known voice in favor of border vigilante activities. His son, Cade Lamb, is the founder of Sonoran Asset Group, another militia that nevertheless describes itself as a political consulting firm, according to an investigation by the Texas Observer. Some videos in which Cade Lamb harasses and threatens humanitarian groups that help migrants, accusing them of colluding with fake asylum seekers, were used by his father in his failed campaign for the Senate this summer.

Lamb is a constitutional sheriff, meaning he believes sheriffs have ultimate authority and are accountable only to God, not the federal government. And there are dozens of other officers who share much of Lambs thinking, many of whom personally know border czar Homan, who for years was a border agent and who says he has been inundated with messages of support from former colleagues who are now sheriffs, troopers, or retired officers but eager to return to help patrol the border.

Tim Donnelly, an organizer with the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC), tests new night vision equipment in search of illegal immigrants and drug dealers in Jacumba, California, on October 7, 2006. David McNew (Getty Images)

Against this backdrop and with Trumps inauguration looming ever closer, the militiamen are confident that they will receive the governments blessing to continue and expand their border surveillance activity. According to Wired, a closed Telegram group that brings together members who identify themselves as members of different militias has exploded with conversations about Trumps plans. Im going to be extremely happy if they would deputize civilians in the war on invasion from the borders, one wrote. Yes sir, Ive been inquiring into that [with] some close to this admin, another replied. Something has to be done as [the] issue is massive and manpower needed will be huge.

When another person suggested that militia members suspend operations and let official forces do their job, he was accused of being a federal or a victim of stand down psyops. Anyone caught discouraging Patriots from uniting Constitutionally on a massive scale is suspect, they wrote.

These types of messages have spread across other social media as well. The unconstitutional, illegal, intentional border invasion is the true insurrection, therefore the insurrection act should be used and the Militia/Military should be called up to put it down immediately, one person wrote on Truth Social last week. Godspeed MAGA Militia!! And the Proud Boys of South Texas reposted a meme showing a group of soldiers riding on the back of a truck, with the caption: The boys and I when were deputized as ICE under Trumps second term.

Proud Boys members march in Washington, D.C., on December 12, 2020. Stephanie Keith (Getty Images)

The Proud Boys are probably the best-known militia, thanks to their role in the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when the then-president directly addressed the members of this group and gave them the order to stand back and stand by. Many of them, including several of their leaders, such as Enrique Tarrio, are now in prison along with members of other groups, such as the Oath Keepers, convicted of insurrection and sedition for their actions that day.

President-elect Trump considers them unfairly imprisoned and there is much expectation about whether he will pardon them, especially after Joe Bidens pardon of his son Hunter a few days ago. 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 his social network, leaving the door open to his own pardon for the imprisoned insurgents. His relationship with these groups may become official and even closer if he accepts their collaboration in the plan to carry out the largest deportation in history. Judging by the words that have been said in this regard, it is likely that at least an attempt will be made. The question is what legal barriers can be raised to prevent it.

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The News in Brief Thursday, December 5, 2024

Irakli Kobakhidze has defended the recent police raids on opposition party offices, describing the actions as "preventions" rather than repressions. Speaking to journalists on December 4, Kobakhidze accused opposition parties of systematically supplying protest participants with pyrotechnics and other materials, contributing to what he described as "systemic gross violence."Kobakhidze claimed that the raids by the Ministry of Internal Affairs uncovered evidence of these supplies within the party offices. According to Kobakhidze, such actions demonstrate that opposition parties are using their resources to incite unrest."The fact is, one thing is confirmed: people were systematically supplied with pyrotechnics and other means by the relevant political forces. This is absolutely clear, and it lies in the palm of your hand," he said.He further accused these parties of attempting to "change the government through violence."Kobakhidze also targeted the online activist group Daitove, which has been active in mobilizing support for the protests. He characterized the group's leadership as politically motivated, claiming that its administrator has ties to the opposition party United National Movement (UNM) and former president Mikheil Saakashvili.The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on December 4 the arrest of seven individuals as part of an investigation into group violence and public incitement to violence. The operation, based on a judge's ruling, involved searches in Tbilisi and various regions of the country.According to the Ministry, the investigation is being conducted under Articles 225 and 239 of Georgia's Criminal Code. These articles pertain to organizing or participating in group violence and inciting public violence, with penalties of up to nine years of imprisonment.Law enforcement officials stated that searches were conducted in the personal residences and houses of six individuals as part of the operation.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 11:58 | All, Japan

Traditional Japanese knowledge and skills used in the production of sake and "shochu" distilled spirits were approved on Wednesday for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a committee of the U.N. cultural body said.

Traditional sake-brewing is an ancient technique for fermenting rice and other ingredients using "koji" mold. It is a unique production method in which multiple fermentation progresses simultaneously in one vessel.

The approval marks Japan's 23rd entry on the list after an advisory panel to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recommended its listing in November, citing its important cultural presence in Japanese society.

The panel said that sake-brewing is essential for traditional Japanese events, such as rituals and weddings, contributing to the unity of local communities.

With the listing, sake brewers are aiming to expand exports, revitalize local economies and pass down traditional skills to the next generations amid shrinking domestic consumption.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also welcomed the move, saying in a statement that sake-brewing is a "technique that we can boast to the world."

"We will hand it down to the next generation and use this chance to promote regional revitalization and expand the business overseas," he added.

The listing was eagerly anticipated by the industry, with around 20 people from the Kumamoto Sake and Shochu Makers Association gathering to watch the announcement in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan.

As the crowd clapped and cheered at the news, Masaharu Honda, the 70-year-old director of the association, gave a toast to celebrate with locally brewed sake.

"This is a cup of sheer joy," said Honda.

Marika Tazawa, president of a travel agency that provides a tour of a brewery in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, to experience sake-making with overnight stays, said, "This will be a strong encouragement for the industry. I hope it leads to more recognition and improvement in status."

Among alcohol produced with traditional brewing are sake, shochu, awamori, as well as mirin sweet cooking rice wine.

Awamori, produced in Okinawa Prefecture, is regarded as Japan's oldest distilled spirit, dating back around 600 years with its traditional production method inherited from the Ryukyu Kingdom that was annexed by Japan in 1879.

The formal approval at UNESCO's intergovernmental committee session in Asuncion, Paraguay, came after the Japanese government nominated sake-making in 2022 for listing.

Among the already-listed Japanese intangible heritage are the performing arts of Noh and Kabuki and "washoku" traditional cuisine.

Tokyo is also seeking to have "shodo" calligraphy listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026 when the U.N. body holds its biennial screening of nominations.

Related coverage:

Dam fine vintage: Japan sake brewers take novel approach to storage

FEATURE: Hokkaido's food film goes global in gourmet town of Spain

FEATURE: London school opens to train chefs in authentic 'washoku' cuisine
KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Japan sake-brewing added to UNESCO intangible heritage

ASUNCION - Traditional Japanese knowledge and skills used in the production of sake and "shochu" distilled spirits were approved on Wednesday for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a committee of the U.N. cultural body said.

Traditional sake-brewing is an ancient technique for fermenting rice and other ingredients using "koji" mold. It is a unique production method in which multiple fermentation progresses simultaneously in one vessel.

----------

South Korea ruling party vows to block impeachment motion against Yoon

SEOUL - The chief of South Korea's ruling People Power Party said Thursday it will do its utmost to prevent the passage of an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his short-lived declaration of martial law.

But Han Dong Hoon demanded that Yoon quit the party and said the president and others responsible for the martial law declaration, which lasted only six hours from late Tuesday before being rescinded, must be held accountable for causing public anxiety.

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Taiwan's Lai speaks with U.S. House Speaker Johnson: report

TAIPEI - Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te held a phone call Wednesday with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson during his Pacific tour, which has been opposed by mainland China, according to U.S. media.

The first direct conversation between Lai and Johnson since the Taiwanese leader took office in May followed telephone talks earlier this week between Lai and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, underscoring Washington's steadfast support for Taiwan, the U.S. government-funded Voice of America said.

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Japan protests as China ships try to approach fish boat near Senkakus

TOKYO - Japan said Thursday it has lodged a strong protest with China after Chinese coast guard ships entered Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and tried to approach a Japanese fishing boat operating there.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the Chinese action violated international law, describing the ships' intrusion into Japanese waters as "unacceptable."

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A-bomb survivor to bring origami peace cranes to Oslo in Nobel week

HIROSHIMA - A member of Nihon Hidankyo plans to give metal origami cranes symbolizing peace to dignitaries in Oslo when the leading atomic bomb survivors' group in Japan travels there to receive the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize next week.

Toshiyuki Mimaki, 82, a representative of the group also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, said he plans to give the cranes to Norway's King Harald V and Nobel committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes, among others.

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Dovish BOJ official says not against rate hike, will study more data

TOKYO - A Bank of Japan board member, who is seen as a monetary policy dove, said Thursday that he is "not against rate hikes" and will monitor various data to see if the bank needs to raise rates at its policy meeting later this month.

The BOJ's monetary policy "should be adjusted according to how economic recovery proceeds," Toyoaki Nakamura said at a press conference. The BOJ official voted against ending negative rates in March and a rate hike to around 0.25 percent from the range of zero to 0.1 percent in July.

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Japan to supply radar to Philippines amid S. China Sea tensions

MANILA - Japan signed an agreement on Thursday to supply coastal surveillance radar to the Philippine Navy as the two nations ramp up defense collaboration amid China's military activities in the South China Sea.

With the 1.6 billion yen ($10.7 million) project, part of Tokyo's "official security assistance" to support like-minded partners with defense equipment, Japan aims to safeguard a key maritime trade route.

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N. Korea-Russia mutual defense cooperation treaty takes effect

BEIJING - North Korea said Thursday its defense cooperation treaty with Russia took effect the previous day, state-run media reported, amid fears the pact will accelerate Pyongyang's military support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty, which includes a provision for mutual assistance if either country comes under attack, was signed in June by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Video: "Stove train" in northeastern Japan starts this year's operations






KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 13:17 | Sports, All

Defending women's champion Kaori Sakamoto and other members of the Japanese contingent hit the ice Wednesday for their last practice before figure skating's Grand Prix Final gets underway in Grenoble, France.

The Beijing Winter Olympic bronze medalist is one of five Japanese entrants in the women's competition featuring the top six performers on the Grand Prix circuit this season.

Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato will represent Japan in the men's event, while Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara will fly the flag in the pairs.

While she stumbled at times during the practice, a cheerful Sakamoto expressed confidence about the women's event that opens with the short program on Thursday.

"I'm starting to get a good feel for it," Sakamoto said. "I think I'll be fine for the real thing."

Hana Yoshida will aim for the podium again after taking bronze at last year's Grand Prix Final, while Wakaba Higuchi is returning for the first time in seven years. Mone Chiba and Rino Matsuike will both contest the event for the first time.

The men's short program will be held Friday, with last year's bronze medalist Kagiyama the top hope for Japan in a field headlined by the defending champion, Ilia Malinin of the United States.

Related coverage:

Figure skating: Kaori Sakamoto leads Japanese podium sweep at Skate Canada

Figure skating: Japan's Sato, Chiba earn spots in Grand Prix Final

Figure skating: Hana Yoshida wins Finlandia Trophy, into Grand Prix Final
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...
KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 09:24 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

The Japanese government is making arrangements to ease its visa issuance requirements for Chinese visitors, a government source said Wednesday, in the latest sign of improving bilateral ties.

Late last month, Beijing restarted its unilateral visa-free arrangement for short-term Japanese visitors, allowing stays of up to 30 days, apparently to promote tourism and trade amid a downturn in the world's second-largest economy. The preferential treatment had been suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Possible options floated within the Japanese government include relaxing the criteria for issuing multiple-entry visas valid for a specific period.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is considering a trip to China later this month to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Iwaya may raise the visa issue with Wang if a decision has been reached by that time.

Details are expected to be finalized through discussions among Japan's foreign, justice and other ministries, according to the source.

Currently, Chinese nationals are required to submit documents such as proof of annual income and assets when applying for a visa to visit Japan for tourism purposes.

Related coverage:

China resumes visa-free scheme for short-term Japan visitors

30% of tourists to Japan experienced overtourism problems in 2024

Japan to revise duty-free rules, refund consumption tax on return


Nitinun Chomchuen, who uses a Chinese name, Huang Keying, is a Thai teacher working with Tianjin Bohai Vocational Technical College (TBVTC), based in Beichen District of north China's Tianjin Municipality. During a recent interview, she told Women of China: "China impresses me as a very 'big' country, because it has a huge territory, and a large population. Chinese have great moral virtues. They compose a great power once their strength is harnessed, especially during occasions when China is hosting grand events. Besides, China is a country of high efficiency. Chinese tend to do their business quickly, and timely."

Chomchuen comes from Nonthaburi, a city north of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. "I developed my passion for Chinese culture when I was a child, and I was determined to study Chinese at senior school." Chomchuen believes she is "a typical example of China-Thailand kinship."

Nitinun Chomchuen introduces the Luban Workshop to visitors during the Seventh World Intelligence Congress, in Tianjin.

Nitinun Chomchuen and her husband Sun Jianpeng attend the Seventh World Intelligence Congress.

From Student to Teacher

Chomchuen completed a three-year master's degree at Tianjin University between 2013 and 2016. She received a scholarship from the Chinese Government. Following her graduation, in 2016, she began working at TBVTC  under the Luban Workshop program  as a Chinese-language teacher to Thai students.

In collaboration with Ayutthaya Technical College, in Thailand, TBVTC's Luban Workshop became the first Luban Workshop, launched by China and another country, to provide technological and vocational training. Since 2016, the program has benefitted over 1,000 Thai students, by providing them China-based educational resources, including technology, equipment and scholarships.

To date, China has launched Luban Workshops in 29 countries. Named after Lu Ban, an ancient Chinese woodcraft master, the workshops have become a centerpiece of China's drive to promote international cooperation on vocational education.

Nitinun Chomchuen with her Thai students, at Tianjin Bohai Vocational Technical College.



"At the very beginning, I did not know what the Luban Workshop program was about. When I was preparing to graduate, from Tianjin University, I learned TBVTC would work with Ayutthaya Technical College on a long-term, talent-exchange program, entitled 'Luban Workshop.' Through this program, students from Thailand would be provided with scholarships to study in China. I came to China for studies also with a scholarship, so I thought it would be great if I could take part in this program, as a teacher, and if I could help students participate in such an educational-exchange program," Chomchuen says.

In addition to teaching Chinese-language courses to Thai students, Chomchuen has been involved in liaison and interpretation work, thanks to her excellent Chinese skills. To date, more than 100 Thai students have received basic Chinese-language instruction from Chomchuen.

"The Thai students in our program generally study for six semesters. They study the first semester in Thailand, and during semesters 2-5, they study in China. They will spend the last semester on an internship, again in Thailand. During their stay in China, they concentrate on Chinese-language training during the second semester, and then they will spend semesters 3-5 learning techniques at TBVTC," Chomchuen explains.

As the students receive a foundation in both the Chinese language and professional techniques, and as they receive graduation certificates from both a Chinese college and a Thai college, they tend to have better chances of being employed by a Chinese-funded company after they return to Thailand.

"I had a young woman student, whose Chinese name was Ai Meili. She has run her own international-trade business since she completed her studies in Tianjin. Given the language and skills she learned, she has been able to earn a better living for her family in Thailand," Chomchuen adds.

Nitinun Chomchuen and her students on TBVTC's campus.



Joint Contributions, Shared Benefits

In Chomchuen's opinion, the "beauty" of the Luban Workshop is that it brings benefits to both Chinese and Thai people. "I think this cooperative project provides a platform, through which not only Thailand can receive support from China, such as teaching resources, teaching tools, scholarships and so on, but Thai students can also bring China-based technologies back to their home," she says.

The Luban Workshop at TBVTC offers four majors: Mechatronics Technology, Mechanical Manufacture and Automation, Internet of Things (IoT) Application Technology, and New Energy Vehicle Technology. "These majors are in demand in Thailand. Students of our project surely have a promising future, and better labor market prospects," Chomchuen says.

Chomchuen and her work are appreciated by her students and colleagues. Since she began working at the college, she met and fell in love with another teacher, Sun Jianpeng, an instructor with the Engineering, Practice and Innovation Project (EPIP), a training model that is part of the Luban Workshop. Sun and Chomchuen married in Tianjin in 2022.

Nitinun Chomchuen and Sun Jianpeng hold a ceremony in Thailand to celebrate their wedding.



As Chomchuen has lived in Tianjin for a decade, she has been able to continuously enhance her connection with the city. "The city of Tianjin has become more and more beautiful. Its public transportation has become more convenient. When I first arrived in Tianjin, there were four metro lines. Now, several new metro lines are in service. The city's environment is better protected, through the increased use of wind power. This will help make the environment greener. In both life and work, I feel comfortable here," she says. Tianjin has no doubt become a "home away from home" for Chomchuen.

"I hope China will achieve greater progress in the country's infrastructure development and the building of a better living environment. I also hope people of different cultural backgrounds will live here with mutual respect, and in harmony," Chomchuen says. She is proud when she learns that many graduates of the Luban Workshop have found jobs in the nearly saturated market in Thailand.

Thanyarut Plaisuntea, who graduated from the program in 2017, says: "The Luban Workshop has had a positive influence on me, and the studies and experience were unforgettable."

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly November 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Weather Alert

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 AM CDT FOR CENTRAL PULASKI...MASSAC...CENTRAL POPE...SOUTHEASTERN JOHNSON...NORTHERN BALLARD AND NORTHWESTERN MCCRACKEN COUNTIES... At 155 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles northeast of La Center, moving northeast at 45 mph. Spotters report a funnel cloud rapidly developing with this storm. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This dangerous storm will be near... Metropolis around 200 AM CDT. New Columbia around 205 AM CDT. Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include New Grand Chain, Joppa, Olmsted, and Kevil. This includes the following highways... Interstate 24 in Illinois between Mile Markers 21 and 36. Interstate 57 in Illinois between Mile Markers 10 and 12. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. && TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED; MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT... Several dangerous tornado producing storms continue at 1200 am. These storms extend from southeast of Poplar Bluff to Stoaddard County to eastern Perry County Missouri and into western Jackson County, Missouri. Significant damage has been reported with tornadoes associated with these storms. The atmosphere remains highly favorable for tornadoes and is expected to for at least the next few hours. There are some indications the tornado potential may decrease slightly by 2 to 3 am. On the current tracks these storms will approach Carbondale by around 12:30 am Cape Giradeau by around 12:30 am Cairo around 1 am If you receive a Tornado Warning for your area act quickly. The threat will continue through at least Midnight as the activity moves east, northeast.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 36 IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CDT /4 AM EDT/ SATURDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 19 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS EDWARDS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ALEXANDER FRANKLIN GALLATIN HAMILTON HARDIN JACKSON JEFFERSON JOHNSON MASSAC PERRY POPE PULASKI SALINE UNION WABASH WAYNE WHITE WILLIAMSON IN INDIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST INDIANA POSEY IN SOUTHWEST INDIANA GIBSON PIKE SPENCER VANDERBURGH WARRICK IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 22 COUNTIES IN WESTERN KENTUCKY BALLARD CALDWELL CALLOWAY CARLISLE CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN DAVIESS FULTON GRAVES HENDERSON HICKMAN HOPKINS LIVINGSTON LYON MARSHALL MCCRACKEN MCLEAN MUHLENBERG TODD TRIGG UNION WEBSTER IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI BOLLINGER BUTLER CAPE GIRARDEAU CARTER MISSISSIPPI NEW MADRID PERRY RIPLEY SCOTT STODDARD WAYNE THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBION, BARDWELL, BENTON, BLOOMFIELD, BOONVILLE, CADIZ, CAIRO, CALHOUN, CAPE GIRARDEAU, CARBONDALE, CARMI, CHARLESTON, CLINTON, DIXON, DONIPHAN, EDDYVILLE, ELIZABETHTOWN, ELKTON, EVANSVILLE, FAIRFIELD, FORT BRANCH, GOLCONDA, GRAYVILLE, GREENVILLE, HARRISBURG, HENDERSON, HERRIN, HICKMAN, HOPKINSVILLE, JACKSON, JONESBORO, MADISONVILLE, MARBLE HILL, MARION, MAYFIELD, MCLEANSBORO, METROPOLIS, MORGANFIELD, MOUND CITY, MOUNT CARMEL, MOUNT VERNON, MURPHYSBORO, MURRAY, NEW MADRID, OWENSBORO, PADUCAH, PERRYVILLE, PETERSBURG, PIEDMONT, PINCKNEYVILLE, POPLAR BLUFF, POSEYVILLE, PRINCETON, ROCKPORT, SHAWNEETOWN, SIKESTON, SMITHLAND, VAN BUREN, VIENNA, WEST FRANKFORT, WEST SALEM, AND WICKLIFFE.

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT /5 AM EDT/ SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT /5 AM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. &&
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers greeted Donald Trumps return to the US presidency with whoops of joy. They are crowing over what they view as the green light for their genocide of the Palestinians to be crowned with the full annexation of the West Bank and building of settlements in Gaza--both occupied illegally since their capture in the 1967 Arab Israeli war.

It is not as though Netanyahus gang of fascists have been on a tight leash. US President Joe Biden has backed Israel to the hilt. His $17.9 billion military aid to Israel in the last year has financed Netanyahus criminal war aimed at driving out and/or starving the Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli far-right lawmaker and the head of "Jewish Power" party, Itamar Ben-Gvir, gestures after first exit poll results for the Israeli Parliamentary election at his party's headquarters in Jerusalem. November 2, 2022. [AP Photo/Oren Ziv]

Moshe Yaalon, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff during the second Palestinian intifada and defence minister under Netanyahu (2013-16), has taken to the TV channels to accuse Israel of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. He said, The path theyre dragging us down is to occupy, annex, and ethnically cleanselook at the northern strip and settlement building in Gaza.

The arch Zionist, himself having committed war crimes, made his comments following the International Criminal Court (ICC) charging Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant with the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts, issuing warrants for their arrests.

Yet both the Biden administration and now the incoming Trump administration have condemned the ICC decision, vowing to defend Israel and its war criminals. And Trumps nominees for the key foreign policy posts have gone further. They are open and fervent backers of Israels Jewish Supremacist and expansionist policies, including the annexation of the West Bank, the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and the West Bank, and the lifting of the few US sanctions on settlers.

They include:

Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, having long opposed Palestinian statehood, even denying Palestinian identity, has supported settlement expansion and suggested that annexation could of course be feasible under the new administration.

Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defence. The Fox News presenter and former army officer, who has denounced the United Nations and supported Israels sovereignty over the West Bank, has called for the building of a third Jewish temple on the Al Aqsa Mosque compound and publicly endorsed Israels wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. He also opposes a two-state solution, has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and when asked if Hamas could be stopped without causing massive civilian casualties in Gaza, replied that Israel cannot coexist with these savages. They have to be eradicated.

Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations. She infamously denounced university presidents for their insufficient efforts to suppress protests against the Gaza genocide, and helped spark a wave of repression on university campuses, including suspensions, expulsions and the arrest of thousands of pro-Palestinian students and supporters. Stefanik has dismissed the UN as a cesspool of antisemitism for condemning the killings of Palestinian in Gaza.

As for Trump himself, on Monday, the Israeli military said an Israeli-American soldier Omer Neutra, believed to be a captive, had in fact been killed last October. Trump responded on his Truth Social account with the declaration, Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire world, in the Middle Eastbut its all talk, and no action!

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's social media posting reading ""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,..." [Photo: Donald J. Trump/Truth Social]

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, Finance Minister and de facto ruler of the occupied West Bank, has declared that 2025 will be the year of [Israeli] sovereignty in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]. He has pushed for Israel to occupy Gaza and encourage half of the 2.2 million Palestinians to emigrate within two years, saying it wont cost too much money and occupying Gaza is not a dirty word.

He and his support base, the ultra-nationalist settlers, have vowed to bring down the coalition if Israel withdraws. They have been pushing for the re-establishment of settlements in Gaza. Last October, some 500 settlers set up a camp near the border demanding the occupation of Gaza and the expulsion of its Palestinian residents.

Haaretz reported satellite images of the Gaza Strip showing that the military has demolished hundreds of buildings, widened roads, built substantial outposts and set up cellular antennas, water, sewage and electricity networks. It quoted one officer serving in Gaza as saying The IDF wont withdraw before 2026.

Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of Jewish Power and National Security Minister, has declared, This is the time for sovereignty in the West Bank. This last year has seen a marked ramping up of the IDFs campaign of raids and mass arrests in the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza war, while armed settler gangs have carried out near daily attacks on Palestinians, their homes and farms under the protection of the military.

The IDF has, according to the United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), demolished more than 1,500 Palestinian buildings in the occupied West Bank since the start of the year, displacing 3,637 people and affecting nearly 164,000 others. The worst affected areas were the Tulkarm, Nur Shams and Jenin Refugee Camps and Jericho.

In the last month, Ben Gvir has ordered home demolitions in East Jerusalem and the destruction of a Bedouin village in the southern Negev desert to make way for an Orthodox Jewish community. This was in defiance of last Julys landmark ruling by the UNs International Court of Justice declaring Israels decades-long occupation of Palestinian land unlawful and calling for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

A report by the Israeli human rights organization BTselem focuses on one facet of this violenceincidents of severe abuse of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers in Hebron throughout the summer of 2024. It cites 25 testimonies describing acts of violence, humiliation, and abuse directed by soldiers at men, women, teenagers and children that included beatings, whipping, burning with cigarettes, blows to their genitals, injection of an unidentified substance, prolonged binding and blindfolding, threats, insults and more. The violence was carried out openly and, in some cases, filmed by the soldiers. None of the victims were suspected of any offense or prosecuted but were selected arbitrarily.

Within Israel, Netanyahu has used the US-financed and directed war of extermination on Gaza to silence his critics, bolster his governments powers and curb dissent, taking aim at the media, the legal system and elections.

Last week, the Knesset introduced a bill to privatise the radio and TV channels of Israels public broadcaster, Kan. This follows the governments decision to boycott the liberal daily Haaretz and impose economic sanctions and ban the use of public funds for advertising or subscription.

Other bills seek to grant politicians the power to shut down media outlets that endanger the security of the State of Israel. Netanyahu has already closed all Al Jazeeras offices in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Associated Presss live feed broadcast on Gaza because Al Jazeera used its footage.

Netanyahu and his cronies brand TV channels that offer even the mildest of criticism of his government as Al Jazeera or poison channels. His supporters have attacked journalists and TV crews physically and on social media when they reported on: a right-wing invasion of the Sde Teiman military base where soldiers had tortured and sexually abused Palestinian prisoners; Haredi demonstrations against being drafted into the IDF; anti-government demonstrations calling for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal; and Netanyahus ongoing criminal trial for well-documented cases of corruption involving attempts to manipulate media coverage in his favour.

The Knesset has introduced a law requiring political parties to demonstrate patriotism and nationalism, widening the criteria for disqualifying Arab candidates from municipal elections if they support, via statements or actions, armed action by an enemy state or terrorist entity against Israel. A few weeks ago, the Knesset votedafter failing to impeach him by four votesto suspend Ofer Cassif, a member of the Stalinist Communist Party Hadash and an opponent of Zionism, for six months for describing the war in Gaza as genocide and supporting South Africas case against Israel at the ICJ.
The seventh migrant caravan in recent weeks departed southern Mexico on Sunday night amid a surge of migrant workers trying to reach the United States before the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20.

A caravan of migrants, mostly from Central America, heads north along a coastal highway just outside of Huehuetan, Chiapas State, Mexico, on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Between 800 and 1,200 people have been crossing the Suchiate River between Guatemala and Mexico daily since Trumps election victory, compared to around 300 migrants in previous months.

As a form of protection against the state forces and criminal bands, which often work together, many migrants have been departing in groups of several hundred from the town of Tapachula near the Guatemalan border.

Some joining these caravans have been waiting for months within Mexico for an asylum hearing in the United States through the CBP One mobile appthe only legal option to apply for a visa. This new lottery system implemented by the Biden administration has effectively ended the right to asylum as enshrined in US and international law.

For many it is not their first attempt to move north. One of the nearly 1,500 migrants in the latest caravan told La Jornada, Every time we try to move forward they send us back, every time we try to go north they send us back, they take us supposedly to the immigration office to give us a permit, but it is a trick. They leave us here as prisoners and don't let us continue, we don't want to be here.

The nominally left-wing government of President Claudia Sheinbaum is now working to disperse the caravans.

She assured Trump during a call last Wednesday that the caravans will simply not reach the northern border, according to her account. The call followed threats by the fascist US president-elect of devastating trade tariffs unless Mexico and Canada stem the flow of migrants and drugs.

Trump then boasted on social media that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. The Mexican President immediately denied this, crying out in a press conference, we would never and could never propose shutting down the border in the north.

But, in the words of El Pais, which is friendly toward Sheinbaum, Although the outlook under the new Trump administration is one of a totally closed border, as he himself has announced, the reality is that at the moment it is practically already closed.

Sheinbaum herself suggested that Trumps threats were because he has not fully appreciated this fact, saying Perhaps he is not fully aware of everything that has been done in the last year and that we are already strengthening these measures, so it is important that we make known the efforts by Mexico and many others.

Her administration apprised Trump that, although irregular migration into Mexico has increased 193 percent since December 2023to record levels this yearthe number of migrants reaching the US-Mexico border has dropped 76 percent.

This has been achieved through the deployment of tens of thousands of combat-ready soldiers, who continue to receive US training, and thousands of migration agents to detain migrants or otherwise make their journey a nightmare that often ends in extortion, torture, death or disappearances.

Regarding the caravans, the Mexican authorities have let them get exhausted, hungry and sick before compelling them to get on buses to be sent back south or east, in some cases after promising a ride north.

The Mexican Supreme Court ordered the government last week to begin keeping a record of migrants detained after a lawsuit launched by the Servicio Jesuita de Ayuda al Migrante, which documented that, out of 1,280 cases investigated of migrants that have gone missing, 75 percent were staying at migrant detention centers.

In March 2023, 40 migrants were killed in a fire at a detention center in Ciudad Juarez that acted as an extortion center, where migrants were detained and threatened with deportation merely to extract bribes.

On October 1, 2024, the day of Sheinbaums inauguration, the National Guard opened fire on a truck carrying over 30 migrants, killing six and injuring twelve in southern Chiapas.

A month later, on November 2, less than 10 miles from the US-Mexico border, near Rumorosa, Baja California, National Guard soldiers opened fire on two trucks carrying seven migrants, killing two Colombians (Yuli Vanessa Herrera Marulanda, 37, and Ronaldo Andres Quintero Penuelas, 20) and injuring the rest, including an eight-year-old. In each case, Sheinbaums Defense Ministry has claimed that the troops were shot at first, only to have testimony of the survivors and inconsistencies explode the official narrative.

In total, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) documented that 61,620 migrants have been killed or disappeared crossing the American continent between 2014 and 2023, about 80 percent of them between Mexico and the United States. This is undoubtedly a massive undercount.

Sheinbaum has also assured Trump that her administration plans to receive Mexicans subjected to his mass deportations. Like her predecessor and mentor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum will likely take back deportees from other nationalities.

In this context, the promise to strengthen such repressive measures can only mean a further brutalization and expansion of the network of detention centers and military surveillance against migrant workers, turning Mexico into a vast concentration camp.

Sheinbaum has at the same time promised a human rights approach to migration and to deal with the root causes, Similarly, Lopez Obrador declared shortly after taking office that the right of asylum is sacred for all Mexicans... We will always attend to migrants and give them protection.

There is a deep pride among Mexican workers of the countrys long history of accepting political asylees, including Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky and masses of Spanish and other Europeans escaping fascist regimes. A large percentage of Mexicans have personally migrated at some point and/or rely on remittances from the 40 million people of Mexican origin living in the United States.

Meanwhile, Sheinbaum, Lopez Obrador and their party Morena have proven to be a reactionary cabal willing to make any concessions and to abandon whatever sovereign and democratic concerns to secure the profits of the Mexican ruling class and its major partners in Wall Street through the exploitation of the working class.

From the perspective of the Mexican ruling class, there is no barrier between using the military against migrant workers and Mexican workers to meet the demands of the American oligarchy, or for that matter against workers in other countries as part of US-NATO imperialist wars.

In the last period, it has been the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden that has demanded the Mexican governments use of anti-immigrant policies to effectively shut down the border, and laid the groundwork for the fascist onslaught planned by Trump.

Virtually all who arrive to the US-Mexico border without appointments through the CBP One App are returned, and most cases heard by judges are being rejected.

Since June, the percentage of accelerated expulsions from the US has tripled, and the number of those liberated within the United States waiting for appointments dropped 80 percent. US immigration judges granted asylum to just 35.8 percent of applicants in October, compared to a high of 52.6 percent in September 2023. In fiscal year 2024, deportations from the US reached 700,000, the highest since 2010.

A public letter issued on November 15 by migrant rights organizations, led by Detention Watch Network, asked Biden to shut down the more than 200 migrant detention centers before Trumps accession, noting that ICE expanded massively its network of detention centers in the past year despite the documented histories of inhumane and abusive conditions.

Instead, Bidens Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has held meetings with ICE since Trumps election to prepare for an upsurge of migrants by expanding detention and deportation capacity.
Yesterday, a 332-seat majority of the National Assemblys 577 deputies voted to censure the Social Security budget (PLFSS) proposed by French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bringing down his government. The vote was strictly along party lines: deputies of Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN) and the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition led by Jean-Luc Melenchon voted against Barnier. President Macron announced last night that he would begin a rapid search for a new prime minister.

The French National Assembly [AP Photo/Thibault Camus]

It is a shattering defeat for President Emmanuel Macron. He dissolved the Assembly and called the July 7 snap elections, but they produced a hung parliament. Refusing to form a government with the NFP, which had received the most votes, he nominated a minority government of his supporters, led by Barnier, and obtained a pledge from the RN to support its policies in the Assembly. But as Barniers budget came under criticism from financial markets and the press last week for not going far enough with austerity, the RN changed course.

The NFP had long threatened Barnier with censure motions, as he refused to include them in his government. However, the RN brought down Barnier by announcing last week that it would vote for the NFPs censure motion yesterday.

Workers justifably despised the Barnier government, and the critical question facing workers is how to develop a political offensive after its collapse. It brought an unpopular budget imposing 60 billion in spending cuts, largely targeting social programs, while increasing military and police budgets as Paris threatened to send ground troops to Ukraine in defiance of popular opposition. Polls showed 52 percent of the French public wanted Barnier to fall, and 63 percent wanted Macron to resign.

A movement must be prepared and built in the working class to bring down Macron and halt his widely despised policies: plans for NATO war escalation against Russia, austerity policies like his massive pension cuts, police violence and support for the Gaza genocide. This cannot be left to the French capitalist establishment. The progressive way forward is building a movement from below, in the rank and file, basing itself on the class struggle.

As all the major NATO powers escalate war threats against Russia, and financial markets demand austerity not only in France but across Europe, it is clear that workers face not a national but an international struggle. This takes the most naked expression in the election of the fascist Donald Trump as US president. Pledging a staggering $2 trillion in austerity measures, police round-ups of millions of immigrants, and escalation of war in the Middle East, he is set to massively expand class war on the workers.

Bourgeois politics internationally is being rapidly reshaped since Trumps elections: First the German government and now the French government have fallen in Europe, and on Tuesday there was a failed attempt to impose martial law in South Korea.

After the fall of Barnier, the French bourgeoisie is more and more overtly bringing forward the neo-fascist RN. Indeed, the first politician to give a prime-time television interview was RN leader Marine Le Pen; Macron and Melenchon are to appear tonight. Appearing on TF1 evening news, Le Pen postured as a defender of the French people, an opponent of pension cuts and increases in costs of medicine, and a friend of the little man.

The sharpest warnings must be made about the political posturing of Macrons rivals in the ruling elite, including both the RN and the NFP. Le Pens politics are determined not by her populist demagogy but, like Trump, by the escalating global war and economic breakdown of the world capitalist system. Absent a struggle by the working class against austerity and war, the next government will divert funds to servicing Frances 3 trillion debt and escalating war against Russia in Ukraine and war in the Middle East, entailing massive austerity attacks on the workers.

Le Pen postured, however, as a friend of the people, stating: I believe we had a choice to make, and the choice we made was to protect the French people. Mr. Barnier had made three promises: tax justice but he gave us a budget with 40 billion more in taxes; controlling public spending, but his budget increased the deficit; and building the budget with the opposition parties, but he ignored the opposition parties when he designed it. So this budget was toxic for the French people, and the only appropriate solution for those elected to protect them was to oppose this budget.

Asked if she aimed to compel the president to present his resignation after Barniers collapse, she replied: I do not demand Emmanuel Macrons resignation. I say that if there arrives a time when he does not take the path of respect of political parties and elections, the pressure on the president will obviously be ever stronger. But it is his decision.

In reality, it is clear that in ruling circles there is mounting discussion of Macrons removal due to the economic crisis caused by the failure to adopt a budget. Frances borrowing costs have risen above those of Greece, as financial markets speculate on its sovereign debt. There are rising fears that, without a budget next year, financing of the healthcare system, of pensions, and of the public services may grind to a halt.

The budget negotiations will be explosive, as the Assembly is a hung parliament and legally cannot be dissolved for a year after Macron dissolved it last June. The budget will have to be negotiated in the hung parliament, which may deadlock again on budget votes.

Asked by Le Monde about whether she would press Macron to resign in such a scenario, to break the deadlock, Le Pen replied: We will follow the normal functioning of the institutions. But if there is one government that falls, then a second, and a third, we will have to ask the question.

In the meantime, the RN is opening a press campaign calling for Macrons head. Vice President Sebastien Chenu said: I think Emmanuel Macron would do his country a favor if he left his office and allowed for a reshaping of a political line to serve France.

RN Europarliamentarian and Le Pen adviser Philippe Olivier commented, Macron is a disgraced Republican monarch, advancing with his shirt open and a rope around his neck. ... We are not getting overexcited. We will discuss this once the demand for resignation, which is beginning to rise in our ranks and beyond, becomes massive. For the time being, Macron has to pick up the hot potato and deal with the problems.

The working class must mobilize and take up its own fight against Macron. Opposition to Macron cannot be left in the hands of the reactionaries in the RN or the NFP, whose program for the July 7 elections included reactionary calls to send ground troops to Ukraine and to increase funding for the police and intelligence services.

Neither NFP officials nor their affiliated union bureaucracies are calling to mobilize the working class in struggle against both Macron and the neofascists. Last night, the parliamentary fraction leader of Melenchons party, Mathilde Panot, briefly attacked Macron in vague populist terms after the NFP censure motion was adopted. The only sovereign, in a Republic, is the people, Panot said. Denouncing the governments dishonorable attempt to cut deals with the RN, Panot said: The government ultimately received both dishonor and censure.

The working class cannot, however, stop the policies of war, austerity and attacks on democratic rights that made Barnier and Macron so unpopular if its struggles are politically controlled by forces like Panot and Melenchon. The critical question is the construction, in the working class in France and internationally, of a socialist movement against imperialist war and far-right reaction.
China has delivered a quick-fire response to the decision of the outgoing Biden administration to further extend bans on high-tech equipment and computer chips. On Tuesday, it announced it would not permit the export of a series of critical minerals to the US.

A worker assembles electronic devices at an Alco Electronics factory in Houjie Town, Dongguan City, in the Guangdong province of China. [AP Photo/Ng Han Guan]

It will ban the supply of gallium, germanium, antimony and various compounds known as superhard materials, as well as tightening controls on the export of graphite, which is a key component in the manufacture of computer chips.

Announcing the decision, the Chinese commerce ministry hit back in a strong statement against the US bans which were announced on Sunday on national security grounds.

The US has broadened the concept of national security, politicising and weaponising trade and technology issues, and abused export control measures, it said.

The Chinese retaliatory bans to safeguard national security would be effective immediately.

The latest US bans, announced by Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo, followed two previous packages of bans enacted in October 2022 and October 2023. Raimondo said they were groundbreaking and sweeping.

Theyre the strongest controls ever enacted by the US to degrade the Peoples Republic of Chinas ability to make the most advanced chips that theyre using in their military modernisation.

The department also added 140 Chinese companies to its entity list, which requires that US firms apply for export licences to sell them goods that are all but impossible to obtain.

As with the previous bans, the latest US measures were introduced on national security grounds in line with the claim by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that it is pursuing a high defence, small yard policythat is, the measures are aimed only at military developments and not the broader economy.

But this piece of fiction has been widely exposed by analysis which shows that the bans are aimed at trying to supress Chinas technological development, which the US regards as the greatest existential threat to its dominance of the global economy.

The new bans are aimed at an area which the US had not previously targetedChinas chip making capacity. The US was shocked when the communications giant Huawei, which was nearly put out of business by previous bans launched by Trump, was able to recently release a new phone which, while not top of the range, contained a chip designed and made in China, representing a considerable advance.

Pointing to the need to target chip making capacities directly, Meghan Harris, an export control expert at Beacon Global Strategies, told the Financial Times it was an area the Biden administration had previously underestimated.

Trying to impede Chinas advanced semiconductor industry without addressing their accelerating domestic toolmaking capabilities is like trying to prevent a fisherman from catching bigger fish simply by denying him bigger fishing poles. Hell get there in the end, she said.

The new regulations restrict access to 24 types of chip making tools not previously included. In some cases, the US will have to seek the support of other countries to make the bans effective. It can do this by demanding that chips which have US-made components are banned. Companies that refuse run the risk of having US bans being imposed on them as well.

But given the complexity of chip making, which is a highly integrated global operation involving components emanating from many different countries, the US has had difficulty in drawing up the new regulations.

Gregory Allen, a technology analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the New York Times that the complexity of the new rulesthe document setting them out runs to more than 200 pagesreflected the intensity of the negotiations that had gone into drawing them up.

US firms are concerned that if the controls only apply to US firms, and not their international competitors, then this will hit them without effectively restraining China.

Nevertheless, Allen said some parts of the new rules were a really remarkable expansion of authority for the US.

His remarks underscore the fact that if the US wants to deny China access to high-tech development, then, because of the globally integrated character of high-tech development, it must impose its domination over the entire supply chain and enforce its demands against every countryfriend and foe alike. In other words, it must establish itself as an effective global dictator over the entire high-tech industry.

China has powerful weapons with which to hit back, and Beijing is demonstrating an increasing willingness to use them. Its response to the first round of Trump tariffs was limited and had little effect, and it has been relatively restrained in response to the Biden administrations measures.

But over the past four years it has been preparing its response. As a Times report noted last week, during the first Trump presidency the Chinese government took mostly symbolic and equivalent measures after US tariffs and restrictions. But this time China is posed to escalate its responses and could aim aggressive and targeted countermeasures at American companies.

Jude Blanchette, also from the CSIS, told the Times China was capable of dishing out pain.

Its clear for political reasons that Beijing is not willing to stand by and watch as significant new waves of tariffs come in, he said.

China is the main supplier for the critical minerals necessary for chip production. It produces 98 percent of the worlds supply of gallium and 60 percent of germanium. In a report last month, cited by Bloomberg, the US Geological Survey said a total export ban by China on gallium and germanium would deliver a $3.4 billion hit to the US economy.

Export bans have been under discussion for some time in China as part of a warning to the US. Speaking to Bloomberg, Joe Mazur, a senior analyst at the consulting firm Trivium China, said their imposition was a clear signal that China is preparing to strike back more forcefully against US economic pressure than it has in the past few years.
Japanese and Philippine government officials met in Manila on December 3 to discuss arrangements for the basing of Japanese forces in the Philippines and to prepare for an upcoming trilateral maritime defence meeting to be held with the United States in Tokyo later this month. All of the discussions and preparations treat China as a hostile party and are in preparation for war.

Philippine Navy ships BRP Davao Del Sur (centre) and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (back) conduct a maritime cooperative activity with HMAS Toowoomba on November 25 [Photo: Australian Department of Defence]

Washington is constructing a network of alliances and military arrangements for war with China over Taiwan. On the frontlines of these arrangements are the Philippines and Japan. The bilateral negotiations in Manila are the product of Washingtons machinations.

Earlier this year, the United States deployed medium-range missile systems to the northern Philippines with a range capable of targeting the entire coast of China and much of its interior, reaching as far as Beijing. In late November, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the US had set up Task Force Ayungin in the Philippines, integrating US forces directly into Philippine maritime missions confronting China in the disputed South China Sea, including the deployment of US aerial and marine drones, piloted by American troops.

The same week as Austins announcement, it was revealed that Washington and Tokyo were completing plans this month for the deployment by the US of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to the Ryukyu islands, with the explicit intention to use these against China in the event of a war over Taiwan. The Ryukyus stretch southwest from the main islands of Japan toward Taiwan. With missile systems deployed to the northern Philippines and southern Japan, Washington flanks both ends of Taiwan with the machines of war.

The war plans of Washington involve the return of Japanese militarism to the Philippines, a country it occupied and ravaged during World War II. It was for this purpose that the meeting in Manila on Monday was convened. Representatives of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Coast Guard were present from both countries.

Japan announced that it would be supplying the Philippines with a coastal surveillance radar system under the auspices of the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. This radar system, in conjunction with US drones and other apparatuses of surveillance, will be used not only to monitor Chinese vessels but to coordinate confrontations with them. Japan also announced that it would be easing export controls on weaponry, and was planning the sale of armed Coast Guard vessels to the Philippines.

Like many such meetings before it, the meeting in Manila was presented to the press using certain watchwords: interoperability, a rules-based order and freedom of navigation. They are drawn from the phrasebook of US imperialism. Interoperability means integrated war preparations and the basing of troops; rules-based order and freedom of navigation mean an Asia-Pacific maritime region subordinate to the dictates of Washington.

Washington already bases its troops in the Philippines under the auspices of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). EDCA is an unconstitutional executive agreement concluded in 2014 between the defence departments of Manila and Washington. It was rubber stamped by a Supreme Court that had been disciplined by the executive branch with impeachment and corruption charges. EDCA circumvented the Philippine constitutional prohibition on the basing of foreign troops in the country except by treaty ratified by the Senate.

EDCA provides the legal architecture for the implementation of a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Tokyo and Manila for the basing of Japanese forces in the country. The RAA was signed in July and is undergoing review in the Philippine Senate. Not only does the deal violate the Philippine constitution, it is at the same time a flagrant breach of the so-called pacifist clause, article nine of the post-war Japanese constitution, that bans the country from maintaining a military or waging war overseas.

Philippine Senate President Francis Escudero pledged that the RAA deal would be ratified by the end of 2024, or at the latest in time for the 2025 Balikatan war games, the massive joint military operations staged each year by Washington in the Philippines. Imee Marcos, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said that the committee was still trying to iron out issues about jurisdiction and privileges to be extended to the Japanese visiting forces as well as civilian components.

The deal, if it is approved as drafted, fully integrates Japan into the US EDCA apparatus of basing and war triggers. The possibility of armed conflict between the Philippines and China is very real, and the ties crafted with Washington and Tokyo mean that such a conflict could rapidly turn into a far wider war.

On Wednesday, yet another confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels erupted in the South China Sea, this time around the Scarborough Shoal. A Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel confronted each other on patrol. The Philippine media reported that the Chinese vessel rammed the Philippine ship and attacked it with water cannons. The reports featured images taken by surveillance drones conveniently deployed to capture the confrontation and supplied by the Philippine Coast Guard to the media. Within hours, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, had issued a statement denouncing China for its unlawful and dangerous activity.

In the Philippines, the media presents the return of the troops of the two former colonial powersthe United States and Japanin the language of nationalism, as if these things were somehow about the West Philippine Sea, Philippine national sovereignty and the rights of poor Filipino fishermen. These are but the pretexts. Washingtons eyes are fixed above all on Taiwan and a war with China that is increasingly imminent.

The Japanese occupation of the Philippines remains yet a living memory in the country. The oldest still remember a childhood under the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Japanese troops raped comfort women, conducted forced death marches, organised concentration camps, starved Manila, policed and brutalised the population and staged mass executions. Fifty years earlier, a memory nearly eradicated by US propaganda, Washington conquered the Philippines in a colonial war that led to the death of over 200,000 Filipinos, conducted torture, turned villages into concentration camps, executed prisoners, and all in the name of democracy.

China has engaged in no war of conquest against the Philippines, has never taken an inch of its soil. Yet it is in preparation for war with China that US imperialism and Japanese militarism return to the scenes of their crimes.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 22:06 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

The average amount spent per person for domestic travel in Japan during the New Year vacation period is expected to rise 4.9 percent from a year earlier to a record 43,000 yen ($290) due to an increase in accommodation costs, a travel agency said Thursday.

The expected amount is up 2,000 yen from the 2023/2024 holiday period in part because travelers are likely to take a longer holiday, as Dec. 28 and 29, and Jan. 4 and 5 fall on the weekend, JTB Corp. said.

While the major Japanese travel agency projects the number of domestic travelers to remain unchanged from a year earlier at 28 million people, the number is around 4 percent lower than the 2019/2020 pre-pandemic level.

The number of holidaymakers traveling abroad is expected to rise by 60,000 people to 520,000 but that is down approximately 37 percent from the 2019/2020 holiday period.

JTB's annual New Year holiday forecast is based on surveys and hotel reservations.
More than 1,500 artists and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling on the Tate Britain, the major art museum in London, to sever its connections with organisations that are deeply complicit with the Israeli regime and to take a clear stance against the artwashing of genocide and apartheid.

Furthermore, Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur took the opportunity of receiving the prestigious Turner Prizeawarded annually to a British visual artistin a ceremony held at the Tate on December 3 to denounce the Israeli crimes and call for a Free Palestine.

The extensive list of signatories includes, according to Artists for Palestine UK, more than 60 artists closely associated with Tate (including three out of four of this years Turner Prize nominees, two of its judges, and many former prize winners and nominees).

In addition to Kaur, Turner Prize winners who added their names to the protest include Charlotte Prodger, Helen Cammock and Lawrence Abu Hamdan. Well-known figures such as Jumana Manna, Sophia al-Maria, Gala Porras-Kim, Evan Ifekoya and Dala Nasser were also among the signers.

The letter begins:

For over a year, Israel has subjected the Palestinians of Gaza to a brutal onslaught of killing, maiming, displacement, and the near-total eradication of cultural heritage, homes, hospitals, universities, schools, roads, and food and water infrastructure. During this time, we, the undersigned artists, artworkers, and audiences, have been acting collectively to demand our institutions end their complicity.

The signatories point to the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel is committing what amounts to plausible genocide and to the finding by a UN special committee in November that Israeli policies and practices in Gaza are consistent with the characteristics of genocide, using starvation as a weapon of war and running an apartheid system in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The open letter appeals to the Tate officialdom to break all connections with Outset Contemporary Art Fund, the Zabludowicz Art Trust and Zabludowicz Art Projects, including their founders and directors Candida Gertler and Anita and Poju Zabludowicz.

The Zabludowicz Art Trust and Zabludowicz Art Projects are subsidiaries of Tamares, which has well-documented economic and ideological links to Israels oppressive regime.  In 2022, Tamares Telecom announced a long term partnership with Partner Communications worth $12.6 million. This company has a track record of providing telecoms infrastructure to illegal Israeli settlements, including several on privately owned Palestinian land. In this partnership, Tamares Telecom is commissioning Partner Communications to build new cable infrastructure, which will involve building new connections with Maaleh Adumim in the occupied West Bank, a major illegal Israeli settlement where Tamares previously held real estate investments.

As for Outset Contemporary Art Fund, it

maintains problematic ties to the Israeli state through its governance, programming and funding, including its Israeli and UK chapters. Outset has worked with Leviev as a corporate partner; a diamond company implicated in human rights abuses whose founder has profited from illegal settlements in the West Bank.

The letter points to the Tates brazen and transparent hypocrisy, noting that divestment

is a tactic we know Tate is already familiar with: the galleries cut ties with Russian billionaire donors and Tate International Council members Viktor Vekselberg and Petr Aven in 2022, as a response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Your Statement of Solidarity with Ukraine released on 7 March 2022 stated We will not work with or maintain relationships with anyone associated with the Russian government. After a year of genocide in Palestine, however, you have chosen to maintain relationships with donors and organisations associated with the Israeli government and remained silent on Israels total destruction of Gaza and its escalations in the West Bank and Lebanon.

Tate Britain [Photo by Tony Hisgett / CC BY 2.0

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Turner Prize ceremony at the Tate on Tuesday, echoing the calls for divestment. In her remarks, Glasgow-born Jasleen Kaur dedicated her prize to

the artists, the poets, the parents, the students who show me the slow and meticulous work of organising and world building, the folk who orient their lives towards freedom in practice not theory who advocate for life, not death.

She went on to explain that from where she now stood, on the podium,

I want to echo the calls of the protesters outside, [Applause] a protest made up of artists, culture workers, staff, students who I stand firmly with.

Kaur, wearing a Palestinian flag, expressed support for the open letter to the Tate and concluded

Ive been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery but when that dream meets life we are shut down. I want the separation between the expression of politics in the gallery and the practice of politics in life to disappear. I want the institution to understand that if you want us inside you need to listen to us outside. We needed a ceasefire a very long time ago. We need a proper ceasefire now, arms embargo now. Free Palestine.

The sincerity of the signatories and protesters cannot be called into question. They are making common cause with the tens of millions around the globe horrified anew on an almost daily basis by the crimes of the monstrous Netanyahu regime and its US, British, French and German co-conspirators. No atrocity is too great for these governments, no act of mass murder unthinkable.

However, more than a year of mass protests must surely lead to serious thinking about politics and perspective.

Officials at the Tate, deeply embedded in the British establishment, will not be shaken by protests and open letters, even if they carry 100,000 signatures. The turn by outraged artists and others has to be to more serious, conscious, socialist opposition to the entire capitalist social order and to the only force that can bring about radical change, the working class.
After a lengthy delay, on Monday US Attorney Joshua Rothstein delivered his opening arguments in the trial of former D.C. Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Shane Lamond.

Washington Metropolitan Police Lt. Shane Lamond departs federal court after pleading not guilty to obstruction of justice and other charges on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Washington. [AP Photo/Patrick Semansky]

Lamond, an over 20-year-long police officer and former supervisor of the Intelligence Branch in the D.C. Metropolitan Police Departments Homeland Security Bureau, was arrested last year on one charge of obstruction and three counts of providing false information concerning an investigation into Proud Boy leader and prolific FBI informant Henry Enrique Tarrio.

Enrique Tarrio symbolically raising a lighter to the US Capitol in September 2021, prior to beginning a five-month jail sentence for burning a "Black Lives Matter" banner in December 2020. [Photo: US Department of Justice]

The Proud Boys, above all of the other human dust gathered in D.C. on January 6, played a central role in the days events. The violent anti-communist group, riddled with informants, was personally called to Washington by then-President Donald Trump during a September 30, 2020 debate with Joe Biden.



Asked by moderator Chris Wallace to condemn white supremacists and militia groups and to say that they need to stand down, Trump asked Wallace who he would like me to condemn? to which Biden responded, The Proud Boys.



Trump did the opposite, declaring, Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. Ecstatic Proud Boys, including Tarrio, immediately began selling merchandise online with the phrase, as they organized in private and on social media for the attack.

In Mondays opening statement, Rothstein said Lamond had leaked sensitive police information to a criminal suspect, and lied about it to investigators, the Washington Post reported. Rothstein told US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson that the evidence will show that the defendant was a Proud Boys sympathizer, who was providing information to a right-wing hate group.

Lamond began a relationship with Tarrio in 2019, by which point the Proud Boys had already garnered a reputation for engaging in violent street brawls with Trumps political enemies, as well as with anti-police violence protesters and students on college campuses.



The face of the heavily infiltrated organization in the lead-up to Trumps coup was Tarrio, a rabid anti-communist of Cuban descent from Miami and associate of longtime Republican operative Roger Stone. Tarrio is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of several felonies, including seditious conspiracy for his leading role in rallying hundreds of Proud Boy foot soldiers to spearhead the assault on Congress on January 6, 2021.

The current trial is narrowly focused on Lamonds actions in obstructing an investigation into Tarrios burning of a Black Lives Matter banner on December 12, 2020. Prosecutors have accused Lamond of acting as a double agent for the fascist organization, providing intelligence to Tarrio on upcoming police actions against him, including potential charges, in the lead-up to Tarrios arrest on January 4, 2021.



In their arguments Monday and Tuesday, prosecutors largely repeated what was previously reported in their indictment. They alleged that between November 2020 and January 2021, Lamond and Tarrio shared hundreds of text messages and phone calls, many of which were destroyed after Lamond urged Tarrio to set his messages on Telegram to self-destruct.

Following Trumps electoral defeat on November 7, 2020, Lamond reached out to Tarrio to bond over their shared loss, saying, Hey brother, sad, sad news today. You all planning anything? Tarrio responded, Yep, after which Lamond urged him to switch to encrypted and continued: Alerts are being sent out to law enforcement that [social media website] accounts belonging to your people are talking about mobilizing and taking back the country. Getting people spun up. Just giving you a heads up.



Lamond added, Please keep this between you and me.



Always, Tarrio replied.

After the violent December 12, 2020 Stop the Steal rally in Washington D.C., Lamond is alleged to have tipped off Tarrio that police were considering hate crime charges over the burning of the banner, but that he argued against it on behalf of the group, telling fellow police that the Proud Boys were not racist because some of their members were Latino and some were black.

In one text exchange shared in the seditious conspiracy trial of Tarrio, Lamond is alleged to have given locations of alleged Antifa protesters and then asked Tarrio if he wanted Lamond to keep that information between the two of them or share it with other uniformed officers.



Even after Tarrios arrest on January 4, 2021, Lamond and the fascist continued to exchange friendly messages. Prosecutors allege that two days after the attack on Congress, about which Tarrio gloated on social media, he asked Lamond his opinion of the group. Lamond replied, Of course I cant say it officially, but personally I support you all and dont want to see your groups reputation dragged through the mud.

The close relationship between Lamond and Tarrio is indicative of the relationship of police to fascist militia groups. That the violent group was able to penetrate the Capitol at all testifies to the free pass they, and many other right-wing groups, were given by law enforcement across the country. Despite a history of assault, in the period between the election and January 6, Proud Boys, including Tarrio, participated in Stop the Steal protests and rallies with their Republican handlers and other Trump fanatics, some of which turned violent.



Members of the group appeared on right-wing online programs, such as Alex Jones Infowars, to advance Trumps stolen election lies and gin up support for overturning the election. On the day of the attack itself, hundreds of Proud Boys led Trumps mob in overrunning the deliberately undermanned Capitol Police. In a tactic repeated several times, Proud Boys incited the crowd to storm police lines until the mob reached the Capitol, at which point Proud Boys such as Dominic Pezzola brought the mob into the Capitol by breaking through a window and opening the door from the inside.



The leading and violent role the organization played in the attack is reflected in the prosecutions. Out of over 1,500 people charged with a crime for participating in Trumps coup, at least 100 have been Proud Boy leaders, members and associates, according to Just Security. As of October 9, 2024, at least 73 Proud Boys had been charged with one or more felonies.

This weeks trial was delayed in large part due to questions over Tarrios willingness to testify on behalf of Lamond. On Monday, Judge Jackson revealed that Tarrio was willing to testify now that the election has been held with Trump returning to the White House. The Hill reported that Tarrio is expected to take the stand on Thursday.

At his election rallies and on social media, Trump has repeatedly promised to pardon his fascist foot soldiers. Following Bidens pardon of his son Hunter on December 1, Trump posted on social media, 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!
At Stellantiss Opel plant in Russelsheim, production will be reduced to just one shift starting December 9. Hundreds of contract workers will lose their jobs. The jobs of the technicians at the development center are also in acute danger.

The Opel Insignia was produced in Russelsheim until the end of 2022 [Photo by GM Company / CC BY-NC 2.0

The assembly lines have been at a standstill all week, after production was halted for several days in the first and third weeks of October. The main Opel plant was originally designed for three-shift operation and at its peak employed over 40,000 autoworkers. Today, just 1,600 work in production, and for months now only one and a half shifts have been running. Soon there will only be one shift.

For several hundred contract workers, the change means the end of their jobs, and many will also lose their jobs at the contract staffing agencies. In October, 130 contract workers at Opel were forced out. The works council and IG Metall trade union refused to even seriously protest their sacking.

As the company explicitly stated in its reports, all measures are implemented in consultation with IG Metall and the Opel works council. In fact, some of the job-cutting measures are based directly on their initiative. The works council does not represent the affected workers but acts as an extension of management, which is in constant communication with the works council, as the company boasts.

Management and union officials are dividing the workforce to prevent an effective united struggle against the attacks. While the contract workers are being sacked, the permanent workers are to receive their wages this week despite the stoppagenot out of concern for their income, but to prevent them from showing solidarity with the dismissed workers.

The works council representatives have responded to the announcements from Stellantis with the hypocritical demand for immediate permanent contracts for all colleagues with temporary contracts. They have also demanded another vehicle be built in Russelsheim. At present, the Astra and the DS4 are being manufactured at the plant, although the DS4 in particular is having sales difficulties. The Opel board has not responded to these demands in any way. There is a risk that Opel will instead lay off the majority of temporary employees whose contracts expire at the end of the year.

The cuts also affect the International Technical Development Centre ITEC Russelsheim, where every second technician there still at Stellantis is to lose his or her job. Right after Stellantis was formed, a large part of ITEC was outsourced, handed over to service provider Segula or dismantled.

Opel now employs only around 9,000 in Russelsheim; another 1,000 or so will be cut. There used to be a saying that when Opel coughs, Russelsheim gets the flu. But with the takeover by the PSA Group and shortly afterwards the merger with Fiat Chrysler to form Stellantis, the sweeping cuts continued. From 2019 to 2022, the number of employees fell from just under 14,000 to below 12,000, and since then, more and more jobs have been systematically destroyed.

At Opel in Eisenach, too, well over 500 employees, or about 40 percent, are only hired as temporary workers. Of more than 2,000 workers, only about 1,300 are still employed there, building the Grandland SUV in a two-shift operation. The agency workers could be made redundant at any time. The promised construction of a battery plant employing 2,000 workers in Kaiserslautern has also been halted and will not take place. Another Opel plant in Aspern, near Vienna, Austria, was closed in July.

The Stellantis management board and supervisory board have only one answer to the challenges posed by global competition and the transition to e-mobility: intensifying the exploitation of the workforce to further increase profits. This has led to sharp conflicts in the clique of billionaires at the top of the company.

CEO Carlos Tavares, one of the worlds best-paid managers at 36 million, has fallen out with John Elkann of the Italian Agnelli clan and the wealthy Peugeot family in France. Tavares had already announced in October that he would step down from his executive position after 2026. On Monday, he resigned with immediate effect.

The job cuts in Russelsheim are part of a massive cull at Stellantis and other auto companies around the world. The fourth-largest automaker (in terms of sales) is also attacking wages and jobs in the US, Britain, Italy and France. In all these countries, the national autoworker unions are helping to enforce the attacks against the workers in the name of competitiveness.

In the US, the company, with the complicity of the United Auto Workers bureaucracy, dismissed 2,400 at the Stellantis truck plant in Warren, near Detroit, in October. Another 1,100 workers will be indefinitely laid off at the Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, next month. In Italy, up to 12,000 jobs are to be cut at Fiat, which is also part of Stellantis. Thousands of Italian car workers have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against this and the threat to a further 13,000 jobs in the Italian supply industry, but so far, they have been held back by FIOM, the metalworkers union.

In the UK, the Vauxhall plant in Luton is being closed and 1,100 jobs destroyed. Vauxhall is the longest-standing brand associated with Opel, since 1925 when General Motors first took over the group.

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) has taken up the fight at Stellantis in the US and Vauxhall in the UK to build action committees independent of the union apparatus. This is the only way to conduct a principled defense of all jobs and fight for better wages and secure conditions. This is an international fight, directed against the global corporation and its billionaire shareholders, as well as their lackeys in government and the trade unions.

This is also the way the fight for jobs at Opel must be taken up. An action committee must be formed independently of the IG Metall bureaucracy and the Opel works councils. This will take up the fight for jobs, working conditions and wages together with Stellantis workers around the world. It will also play an important role in the fight against the threat of war. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees will support it.

The action committee is reaching out to all workers, whether temporary, on short-term contracts or permanent, to mobilise them together. Autoworkers of the world, unite! the Vauxhall-Luton statement reads.

Any sacrifices demanded by the IG Metall and works council in the name of the future of the production site at Opel-Russelsheim must be rejected! There is no reason to make concessions to the millionaire executives and shareholders and their highly paid union lackeys.

Why, for example, should technological advances such as e-mobility, digitally controlled driving and artificial intelligence serve to increase stock market prices or finance devastating wars? Instead, every advance must be used to shorten the working day, to finally improve wages and to serve society as a whole. To achieve this, the auto companies must be placed under the direct democratic control of the employees.
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The abortive attempt by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to impose martial law on the night of December 34 has stripped the veil off what is routinely described as a flourishing Asian democracy, revealing the autocratic foundations of the South Korean state.

People demanding that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol step down gather in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. [AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]

The attempted military coup is a warning, not only to workers in South Korea but internationally, that the ruling classes around the world are driven to dictatorial methods to impose their agenda of war and austerity.

Yoon issued the martial law decree late Tuesday night, denouncing the opposition Democratic Party as North Korean sympathisers and agents for emasculating his budget and driving the country into the abyss of national ruin. The military regime overseen by army general Park An-soo immediately banned all political activities and strikes, imposed blanket censorship, authorised arrests without warrants, and ordered striking doctors back to work.

Thousands gathered around the National Assembly building in Seoul, where troops and police attempted and failed to prevent the convening of the parliament and arrest the speaker, the leaders of the opposition Democratic Party (DP) and Yoons own People Power Party (PPP). The assembly, where the DP holds a majority of seats, met and with the support of PPP members present unanimously agreed to demand the lifting of martial law.

For hours, Yoon prevaricated. To proceed meant to breach the constitutional requirement to lift martial law on a majority vote by the National Assembly. The overriding consideration, however, was the fear in ruling circles that the military coup would provoke mass opposition and strikes. Yoon pulled back, announcing on national TV that the martial law decree would be withdrawn and troops returned to barracks.

Nothing is resolved, however. The political standoff between the president and the Democrat-controlled National Assembly continues. Efforts are being made by the Democrats to impeach Yoon. Their trade union allies in the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) have called limited strikes and protests to demand the president step down. But the feebleness of the political response will only encourage a further attempt to resolve the political crisis through dictatorial means.

The coup attempt in South Korea is not simply the product of the individual Yoon, but reflects international processes fuelled by the breakdown of global capitalism and the resort to war and austerity that is provoking mass opposition, strikes and a broad political radicalisation of workers and youth.

In the United States, the centre of world imperialism, the fascist Donald Trump, who has openly declared he will rule as a dictator, is about to come to power to slash trillions in social programs, deploy the military to round up and expel millions of immigrants and use police state measures against political opponents and the working class. As well as prosecuting the wars against Russia in Ukraine and the Middle East, Trump will drastically intensify economic warfare, against China in particular, plunging the world towards a nuclear holocaust.

Europe is no exception. Far-right and openly fascist forces are either in power, as is the case in Italy, or play an increasingly dominant political role, as in Germany and France, where the government is on the point of collapse. All the European imperialist powers are boosting their militaries and aggressively intervening in the war against Russia as the means to advance their strategic and economic interests, and compelling the working class to pay the price. This agenda cannot be imposed democratically.

The Washington Post has seized on the failed coup in South Korea to trumpet the strength of bourgeois democracy, declaring: Fortunately, South Korea weathered the test, and its democracy emerged not only intact but also strengthened. At a time when democracy appears to be in retreat globallyand many Americans worry about its future in the United Statesthese events should reinvigorate faith that democratic institutions are resilient and peoples desire for freedom is universal.

The Post, however, made very similar comments in the wake of Trumps violent attempt to seize power on January 6, 2021 through the storming of the Capitol. While the coup failed, Trump plotted a more carefully prepared repetition in 2024, which in the event proved unnecessary as the political bankruptcy of the Democrats handed him the election. The Biden administration has now pledged a smooth transition to the fascistic Trump regime.

The prospect of a Trump administration may well have encouraged Yoon to make his own bid for dictatorship. Indeed, Yoons fascistic anti-communist rant against North Korean agents recalls Trumps demagogic denunciations of the enemy withinabove all, the working class.

It is undoubtedly the case that the Biden administration knew of the coup preparations in South Korea and, at the very least, turned a blind eye. The command structures of the 28,500 US troops in South Korea are closely integrated with the South Korean military. After Yoon pulled back, so did the White House, claiming it had not been officially informed of the coup in advance.

Yoon has been instrumental for the Biden administration in its preparations for war against China in formalising close military relations with Japan and in its backing for the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine.

The coup attempt in South Korea exposes the myth propagated by Washington, as it intensifies its confrontation with Beijing, that it is defending from autocratic China the vibrant democracies of Asia that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. The military dictatorships throughout the region that US imperialism backed to the hilt in the Cold War were only endedwith Washingtons supportwhen they became a barrier to integrating their tiger economies into globalised production chains.

South Korea is a case in point. The division of the Korean Peninsula by US imperialism in the wake of World War II was only possible through the installation of the puppet regime of Syngman Rhee and the violent suppression of opposition, and maintained through the bloody Korean War that cost the lives of millions. While elections and the veneer of democracy was established in 1987 after mass strikes and protests, the state apparatus of the dictatorship remains largely intact. Yoons People Power Party is a direct descendant of the party of the South Korean dictatorship and its vicious, anti-communist ideology.

A similar pattern finds expression throughout Asia, where the US-backed and installed dictatorships were nominally replaced by democracies that are now under huge strains or have collapsed. In Indonesia, the son-in-law of the dictator Suharto, Prabowo Subianto, is now the president and embraced by Washington, despite his numerous human rights atrocities. In the Philippines, the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is in power and functioning as a political attack dog for the US against China. In Thailand, the military regime established in the 2014 coup has been replaced by a nominally elected government in which the military holds the whip hand.

In every case, the so-called bourgeois democratic oppositionwhether in the US, Europe or Asiahas facilitated the turn to fascism and dictatorship, underscoring one of the fundamentals of Leon Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution. In the epoch of imperialism, the bourgeoisie as a whole is organically incapable of defending basic democratic rights. It fears the proletariat and its threat to the capitalist system far more than it fears the prospect of dictatorship.

The only means for defending democratic rights is the independent mobilisation of the working class, as part of the struggle for socialism internationally, to halt the plunge towards world war and the deepening social crisis facing humanity.
Canadas Liberal government is expected to unveil a new Arctic policy by the end of the year. The document, following hot on the heels of the aggressive new Arctic strategy the United States adopted earlier this year, will aim to strengthen Canadas influence and military capabilities in the energy-rich and geostrategically critical region.

Although the details of the new policy are yet to be made public, all of the discussion surrounding it makes clear that the Arctic is increasingly viewed as a key front in a rapidly escalating third world war between the major powers. Economic, military, geostrategic, and energy policy considerations are propelling the imperialist powers to more aggressively pursue their interests at the expense of their great-power rivals and each other.

Canadas strategic reorientation is set to involve increased collaboration with other NATO powersin particular the United States, and Sweden and Finland, both of which are newly admitted members of the organization.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has made clear the policy update is being crafted to both respond to the deepening of the US-led NATO war against Russia, as well as to prevent China from strengthening its economic and military influence in the Arctic. In addition to closer military collaboration with allies and stepped up plans to expand Canadas military capabilities in the far north, the policy is expected to create an ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs.

The announcement by Joly of Canadas intentions to dramatically revise its foreign policy approach in the Far North is the latest of a series of developments aimed at the swift militarization of the Arctic.

We need to assess the fact that we are no longer in a High North, low tension reality, which has been the foreign policy of Canada for a long time and of the Arctic Council, Joly stated in a June interview with Bloomberg. This is about the security of North America. This is about the security also of our Arctic allies, including the transatlantic ones. And I think this is a pivotal decision for our own country that people in 20, 30 years will look back and say, That was the right decision to make.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers plying northern waters [Photo: Government of Canada]

In the weeks following Jolys announcement, Canada, the United States, and Finland announced a trilateral agreement to build new fleets of icebreakers. In mid-November, ministers from all three governments met in Washington to sign a memorandum of understanding that outlines the practical terms for the implementation of the agreement, which aims to drastically ramp up icebreaker construction so that the US and Canada can catch up with Russia and avoid falling behind China in this domain.

Washington escalates its Arctic military presence

Canadas foreign policy revision comes on the heels of a revamped US Department of Defense (DoD) Arctic military strategy, as well as an updated military strategy for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Both military strategies outline plans to procure a vast array of new weapons to ensure that both US and Canadian imperialism have the means to wage war around the world. Central to both policy updates is the modernization of NORADthe joint Canada-US aerospace and maritime defence command established at the height of the Cold Warand the further militarization of the Arctic.

The unveiling of the new US DoD Arctic military strategy has undoubtedly put additional pressure on Canadian imperialism to increase the pace of its Arctic militarization efforts. This strategy, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arctic & Global Resilience Iris Ferguson said, is very action oriented, which distinguishes it from previous Arctic Strategies.

The new DoD strategy adopts a monitor-and-respond approach to the Arctic, emboldened by the deterrent value of the DoDs ability to deploy its Joint Force globally at the time and place of its choosing. A central aspect of the new US strategy involves improving space-based capabilities critical to build integrated deterrence by expanding communication and surveillance techniques and more efficiently coordinating joint military operationsin particular, with Canadian forces in the North American Arctic.

Political map of the Arctic Ocean region [Photo: GRID Arendal]

Establishing continuous GPS and real-time communication and data processing is vital for advanced combat aircraft, which are expected to be increasingly deployed in the Arctic. Effectively, the DoD strategy calls for the Pentagon to be able to rapidly scramble aircraft and swiftly strike enemy targets while preventing the enemy from jamming their communications systems. Such infrastructure is critical to the NATO powers in the event that they carry out a bloody nose strike against Russian and Chinese targets.

Canadas former approach to Arctic foreign policy was based on Arctic exceptionalism, which placed emphasis on calm relations and cooperation between the eight members of the Arctic Council, which includes Russia and what were until the recent northern expansion of NATO two neutral powers, Sweden and Finland. The new policy, whose crafting is currently underway, will adopt a directly bellicose approach toward Russia and China. At the same time, Canadian imperialism will attempt to cleave itself further still to its US ally, and deepen its engagement with the other five Arctic NATO membersNorway, Denmark (and Greenland), Iceland, Sweden and Finland.

This approach contains major difficulties for the Canadian bourgeoisie, not least incoming President Donald Trumps America First policies. Trump has already announced his intention to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico from Day One, underscoring that although Washington and Ottawa enjoy arguably the closest military-strategic partnership between two imperialist powers, they have competing and even rival interests in some areas. One example is the Northwest Passage, an important sea lane that Ottawa asserts is an internal Canadian waterway, a claim that Washington rejects and on occasion has demonstratively challenged.

Canadian imperialism has historically been reluctant to formalize a NATO presence in the Arctic, preferring to jointly manage what foreign policy circles call NATOs western flank with the US under NORAD. But under conditions of NATO and Canadas ongoing war against Russia, and the highly provocative entry of Sweden and Finland into the Western alliance, Ottawa has changed course. It now welcomes greater NATO involvement, a shift that was underscored by a joint 2022 visit by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to NORAD facilities in Cold Lake, Alberta and at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

The Arctic foreign policy updates emphasis on increased collaboration with Finland represents a significant development in itself. A recent article published in Foreign Policy, an influential military and strategic policy journal based in Washington, provided an in-depth analysis of the strategic importance of Finlands admission into the organization. According to military experts and security officials, the article notes, Finlands presence in NATO brings to the club a sort of Arctic Sparta, a highly trained force that will move the alliances center of gravity to the north.

The article begins by explaining plans already underway to station US forces at Finnish bases, in particular at Ivalo and Sodankyla, both of which are located near to the countrys northern borders with Russia. It notes Ivalos proximity to Russias powerful forces nearby, which include its crown jewels: the Northern Fleet and its nuclear submarines, held in and around the Russian port of Murmansk. The strategic harbor is so close that road signs point to it in Ivalos icy streets. It is likely that a central portion of Canadas revised Arctic foreign policy will involve following the lead of the US in enhancing military ties with Finland. Following Finlands April 2023 accession to NATO, Washington signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement with Finland that gives the US military access to 15 Finnish military bases, as well as the right to station troops there for training and preposition war materiel.

Finland is one of few EU countries where military service is mandatory, with 285,000 soldiers ready to be armed and deployed. Some 900,000 of Finlands total population of 5.5 million have had military training. In November 2023, Finland completely closed off its 800-mile border with Russia and is currently constructing a 124-mile fence along its eastern frontier.

Of particular importance to Finlands Border Guard is the Jaeger Brigade, an elite Arctic military formation with a viciously reactionary history. The origin of its name dates back to a unit of Finnish nationalists created in Germany during World War I, when the Grand Duchy of Finland was still a part of the Russian Empire. At the outbreak of the Finnish Civil War in 1918, the Jaeger Brigade provided the White Army with its officers and NCOs, and played a decisive role in strangling the Finnish socialist revolution in its cradle.

For Finlands NATO allies, the Jaegers and the winter combat course that they organize have become the go-to guys when it comes to Arctic warfare, and Western countriesincluding the United Stateshave been sending their troops there to train for years. Since Finlands accession to NATO, those requests have increased, Foreign Policy notes.

A region of immense economic and geostrategic importance

The competition between the great powers in the Arctic is being exacerbated by the impact of climate change. The melting of sea ice both opens up Arctic sea lanes as viable trade routes, significantly reducing intercontinental transit times, and makes the exploitation of the regions vast natural resources possible. This is the background to a series of bitter territorial disputes between states with claims in the Arctic, including Canada, the US, Russia, Denmark, and Norway.

The Arctic could therefore quickly emerge as a new northern front in the rapidly escalating third world war. Strengthened Arctic capabilities will present the opportunity for the US, Canada and its NATO allies to intensify its war on Russia, which erupted following the US-instigated Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Another front in the emerging global conflagration is the Middle East, with the imperialist powers unconditionally backing Israels genocidal onslaught on the Palestinians. They view this as a critical component of preparations for a region-wide war with Iran in order to consolidate US hegemony. Both of these wars are inextricably bound up, as even President Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have forthrightly stated, with the ever-intensifying economic, diplomatic and military pressure that Washington and its allies are placing on China in the Asia-Pacific.

The Arctic plays an increasingly important role in the imperialist powers drive to redivide the world for several reasons. First, it is a region rich in key raw materials, including oil and gas, and rare earths that are crucial for the rapidly expanding clean energy economy. Territorial claims to the Arctic Ocean floor are decisive in determining which power can lay claim to these natural resources. Secondly, the Northwest Passage on Canadas northern coast and the Northern Sea Route along Russias Arctic coast are quickly becoming viable trade routes that would massively reduce freight transport times and costs between Europe and Asia. Thirdly, control over the Arctic and its approaches would offer crucial military advantages during a third world war. Missiles fired by North Americas imperialist powers against Russia and China could swiftly reach their targets by traversing the Arctic.

In order to achieve its predatory aims, Canadian imperialism aims to enlist the support of the Far Norths tiny indigenous elite. Joly announced that a substantial portion of the new Arctic foreign policy update will build on a 2019 framework aimed at further integrating the indigenous elite into the machinery of the state and military apparatus. She participated in a consultation session with Inuit leaders in Ottawa on November 8 to finalize the policy. [W]ere sending a message to the world that this is our territory, that these lands and waters are ours and those of Indigenous peoples, Joly proclaimed.

The militarization drive in the Arctic will most certainly involve the continuation of the brutal oppression of the already marginalized populationthe violation of land rights, the ramping up of the exploitation of indigenous workers, widespread environmental pollution, not to mention placing the entire population in the line of fire. The Liberal governments indigenous engagement means the use of the regions tiny elite, promoted through the cynical use of identity politics, as a battering ram against the general population, the vast majority of which will oppose the militarization of the region.

The only force within society capable of halting a global conflagrationwhich now poses an existential threat to the survival of humanity itselfis the international working class united around a genuine socialist program. The struggle against the militarization of the Arctic must be combined with opposition to imperialist war around the world, from the US-led war to subjugate Russia to the ongoing horrific imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza. This requires the building of an international anti-war movement led by the working class to fight imperialist aggression and all forms of oppression.
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality at George Mason University denounces the anti-democratic measures taken against the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at GMU in Northern Virginia. We demand that the university lift its ban on the two leading members of the student club and that the SJP be allowed their official club status again, with full rights granted as such.

A pro-Palestinian protester interrupts President Joe Biden during an event on the campus of George Mason University in Manassas, Va., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

On November 7, Fairfax County and university police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted a Gestapo-like raid of the off-campus home of the two students, one of whom is co-president of the SJP at George Mason and the other is a former president of the same chapter.

The extreme reaction by the university and police stemmed from an event on August 28 where several people spray-painted pro-Palestine messages on the campus sidewalk. No charges or formal accusations have been brought upon the two students who were raided nor is there any indication that the SJP or anyone associated with the SJP did the vandalism.

According to The Intercept, more than 12 police officers showed up outside at an address in Springfield, Virginia, knocked, broke down the door, and raided the family home of two Palestinian American students at George Mason University.

The FBI and police forced the family to gather in the living room while they searched the house.  Some family members were eventually released to attend work, but the rest remained while police conducted their six-hour search. It adds, Police seized electronics from the residence, including phones and laptops, but made no arrests.

Despite this fact, GMU has issued a criminal trespass notice and barred the students from campus for four years, effectively expelling them, according to a petition opposing the ban that has been signed by over 3,400 people.

To add insult to injury, the club ban was never issued to anyone outside of the two students, now without phones and laptops, essentially keeping the student group in the dark about its own status until later that month.

A statement signed by George Mason faculty asks, scathingly:

Do universities such as GMU routinely send phalanxes of police officers in military fatigues and armored vehicles, and carrying assault rifles, to break down the front door and raid the homes of students during the pre-dawn hours over an allegation of spray painting? Do administrators routinely rush to judgment and issue criminal trespass orders, the kind used to exclude serial sexual predators and stalkers from campus-against students who have been accused of graffiti?

Since the genocide in Gaza began last year and mass protests broke out opposing the criminal actions of the Israeli government, carried out with full support from the United States, universities around the world have been transformed into garrison states.

Student clubs associated with the defense of the Palestinian people have been suspended, banned and criminalized. Brandeis University and Columbia University both banned their chapters of the SJP. Authorities have allowed peaceful solidarity encampments to be physically attacked by fascist organizations and police. A chapter of the SJP at the University of Michigan has had its activities suspended based on a complaint by an outside consultant hired by the university.

At Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, tenured professor of anthropology Maura Finkelstein, who is Jewish, was fired earlier this year for her openness regarding her support for Palestine.

Internationally, administrators at Condell Park High School in Australia banned a 17-year-old student from attending school after he wore a keffiyeh to a graduation event in September. In Germany, the IYSSE was listed as an anti-constitutional organization by the Verfassungsschutz (Office for the Protection of the Constitution) for its anti-war stance and strong opposition to German militarism.

In the US, the Democratic Biden administration has been at the forefront of efforts to silence dissent, collaborating with far right and fascist forces in singling out campuses to enforce crackdowns, firings and the abuse of democratic rights.

It must be made clear: The coming weeks and months will see an even larger attack on democratic rights as the fascist Donald Trump returns to the White House. The attack on the SJP at GMU came in the immediate aftermath of the 2024 election.

Following the Democratic Partys loss and the election of Trump, the Biden administration has continued to escalate war abroad in Ukraine and Gaza. Since the election, American-made missiles have been authorized to fire into Russia and the recent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon is being used to bide time for a massive escalation against Iran even as the genocide in Gaza rages and Trump promises all hell to pay.

Trump has met with Biden at the White House in order to pledge his support to the US wars abroad. He is staffing his incoming administration with fascist thugs, avowed enemies of social spending and billionaires committed to cutting social spending and funneling it to fund wars abroad.

Students and youth need a perspective to guide a struggle against the attacks on democratic rights. In doing this, they must draw the political lessons of 14 months of protests against the US-backed genocide in Gaza.

As the IYSSE stated at the beginning of the 2024 fall school semester that while not lacking in commitment and courage: The protests of the past 10 months have failed to bring about either an end to the genocide or the attack on democratic rights

This is because, so far, they have been dominated by middle class forces like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which functions as a left faction of the Democratic Party, and the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL).

These forces, while appealing to the anti-imperialist sentiments of youth with radical rhetoric  have advanced a perspective that threatens to derail and demoralize the protests by limiting them to attempts to pressure the Democratic Party and various school administrations, who are tied by a thousand threads to Wall Street and the war machine.

Likewise, they have attempted to separate the genocide in Gaza from the war in Ukraine and the history of decades of wars by US imperialism. This has led to a failure to understand that the root cause of the Gaza genocide lies not in the choice of individual governments or politicians, but in the objective crisis of world capitalism and the emergence of an imperialist redivision of the world.

Most critically, these forces have sought to preempt students and youth from directing their protests  toward the principal revolutionary force in society that can stop the genocide: the international working class.

A turn to the working class, as the only social force capable of liberating society from the stranglehold of the capitalist financial oligarchy, genocide and war, is the only way possible to ensure the defense of democratic rights as well.

Students wanting to fight for this should make the decision to join the IYSSE!
The UK Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is continuing to ramp up its brutal assault on migrants and asylum seekers, escalating from where its Conservative predecessor left off.

On December 1, the Observer reported that over 600 Brazilians had been deported by the Home Office on secret flights. According to Freedom of Information requests, three flights in August and September removed 629 people, including 109 children. Never before have such numbers of a single nationality been deported on charter flights.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper delivers keynote speech that unveils a major policing overhaul at the 9th Annual Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Partnership Summit, November 19, 2024 [Photo by Andy Taylor/Home Office/Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Those deported, some of whom were falsely classified as voluntary on the basis that they were to be given a pittance stored on a cash card that activated after removal, included whole families. The deported children would likely have spent their whole lives in the UK. One woman, despite being a victim of domestic violencewith two sons, one of whom is disabledand who had been hustled from one hostel to another was refused right to remain and had no choice but to return to Brazil.

The removals appear to have been carried out without any public knowledge. The Coalition of Latin Americans in the UK noted, Brazilians face significant barriers to accessing high-quality information and accredited legal advice, particularly in their own language. Many Brazilians arrived in the UK from the European Union (EU), but post Brexit rule changes have left hundreds of individuals and families at risk.

In total, the Labour government deported around 9,400 people in the first three months since coming to power, a 16 percent increase on figures from the previous year under the Tories. Brazilians account for 12 percent of removals from the UK.

This points to complicity from the Brazilian administration of, nominally left, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A statement from the Brazilian foreign ministry maintained the UK governments fiction of voluntary removals, claiming to the Guardian this is not a case of deportation, but rather a voluntary decision by participants to join the British initiative. Besides, the flights were not secret.

In total, more than 25 return flights have taken place, deporting people to countries including Albania, Brazil, Poland, Romania, Vietnam, East Timor, Nigeria, Ghana, and China.

The Guardian also reported, December 5, on a clampdown in ports and airports in Northern Ireland and in the UK airports and ports of Manchester, Liverpool, Holyhead and Cairnryan. For three days, immigration officers carried out multiple arrests of individuals travelling from Belfast to the UK, under the pretext of every anti-immigrant clampdown worldwide of cracking down on people smugglers.

The arrests were reported as part of Home Office led Operation Comby designed to impose immigration controls on travelers moving within the Common Travel Area, which covers both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Launched last April, and given priority by the incoming Labour government, Comby complemented a similar operation by the Irish government targeting people moving in the opposite direction, from the UK to Ireland. In total, the Guardian reported, hundreds of people had been arrested.

Post Brexit, with the UK outside of the EU, under the terms of the agreement between the UK, Ireland and the EU, both the British and Irish governments are obliged to avoid border controls between the six counties of Northern Ireland and the 26 counties of the Republic. Both countries, however, are seeking to witch-hunt and demonise migrants and asylum seekers and normalise ever more repressive controls. Both countries blame the other for allowing migrants and asylum seekers to enter across the Irish Sea.

On Wednesday, there was a huge sweep of pre-dawn raids in Germany, at the behest of the French and likely the British authorities, seeking to disrupt migrants efforts to reach the UK. Ostensibly targeting people smuggling and criminal gangs, over 500 officers searched locations across Germany in operations coordinated with Europol, the EUs police agency, and French security services. Houses and storage were raided in Gelsenkirchen, Grevenbroich, Bochum and other cities, including a refugee home in Essen.

One of the Starmer governments first acts was to establish a Border Security Command (BSC) in the Home Office, targeting those organising small boats for dangerous crossing across the English Channel. In the intervening months, the new body, on top of the existing massive and complex Border Force and UK Visas and Immigrationalso part of the Home Officehas recruited hundreds of staff tasked with creating a vast new spying apparatus with state of the art monitoring, improved intelligence collection across UK police forces.

Migrants disembark from a British Border Force patrol boat after being picked up from a dinghy in the English Channel in Dover harbour, England, September 16, 2021. [AP Photo/Alastair Grant]

The raids in Germany come days after Home Secretary Cooper signed a pact with the government of Iraq tackling people smuggling and to bolster border security. Cooper, along with the BSC head, Martin Hewitt, also visited the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The pact intends a propaganda campaign to deter people considering the dangerous and lengthy attempt to reach the UK, citing the terrible experiences of those whose loved ones have perished in small boats in the Channel.

The campaign will not, of course, blame the systematic brutality of the immigration policy but will, once again, clamp down on the arrangements desperate and fleeing people have been forced to make.

Labour is also targeting workplaces. A December 2 Home Office statement cited Cooper as hailing a 34 percent increase in workplace raids and a 25 percent increase in arrests compared with last year. In total, since the election, 3,188 employers were raided and 2,299 arrests made. The raids focused on nail bars, supermarkets and other relevant industries including car washes and construction. One single operation, Operation Tornado, carried out in November, raided 235 nail bars and convenience stores and arrested 154 people of 19 nationalities. 50 businesses were issued with fixed penalty notices, making them liable to fines of up to 60,000 if they failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.

The Labour governments frenzied attack on migrants and asylum seekers, fleeing poverty, war, climate change, underscores the fact that US President-elect Donald Trumps policy of mass deportations is setting the bar for governments everywhere. Labours raids and deportation flights also make clear that the attack on migrants is an attack on the entire working class, one in which Labour is systematically adopting policies demanded by the far-right.

Responding to Coopers statement in the House of Commons, Nigel Faragethe far-right leader of the Reform UK partywelcomed Coopers criticisms of the previous governments Rwanda plan for not going far enough. Farage asked where did the 69 percent of the 84,000 asylum seekers arriving in the UK last year, who did not come across the Channel in boats, come from? Cooper took the bait readily, promising a review to get to the bottom of what is happening and why. The government is preparing a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill with fast track deportation decisions and further surveillance measures.
A law enforcement manhunt is underway in New York City for the person who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on the sidewalk outside of a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning.

A reward poster hangs on a light pole outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot ,Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York [AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah]

The New York Police Department (NYPD) called the shooting a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack. The shooter fired several shots and struck Thompson, 50, in the back and leg at around 6:45 a.m. The health insurance executive was shot as he prepared to enter the Hilton Midtown hotel for a company investor conference.

Thompson was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital and pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and then on an e-bicycle. He remains at large and was last seen in Central Park. Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information in the case.

Nearby surveillance video released on social media shows Thompson walking south on 6th Avenue toward the entrance to the hotel as the shooter, who had been waiting for the CEO, steps onto the sidewalk from the street side.

The shooter is seen raising and then firing his silencer-equipped handgun, hitting Thompson in the back. Thomson briefly turns to see who shot him as he stumbles to the ground. The shooter walks toward him and continues to fire his weapon, even though his gun apparently jammed at least three times.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the shooter arrived at the scene about five minutes before the shooting. It appears that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again, he said.

Police recovered three live 9 mm rounds and three discharged 9 mm shell casings from the scene, Kenny said. A cellphone and an empty water bottle were also recovered along the route the suspect used to flee the scene.

The NYPD subsequently released several images from other surveillance cameras in the city of an individual wearing a dark hooded jacket and a gray backpack that match the appearance of the suspect from the video of the shooting.

Kenny described the suspect as a light-skinned male wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a very distinctive gray backpack.

Stopping short of calling the shooter a professional, investigators have noted the planned character of the attack and the fact that the suspect is proficient in using firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly.

Brian Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the health insurance and managed care division of UnitedHealth Group, in 2021. He joined the company in 2004 and worked in its mergers and acquisitions department.

United Healthcare provides health insurance for 49 million people in the US. It is also the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the US government's Medicare program for people aged 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers coverage for thousands of employer insurance programs.

Thompson has overseen a significant growth of the UnitedHealthcare over the past three years. The insurance company brought in $74 billion in revenue in the most recent quarter. Thompson had a $10.2 million annual compensation package, made up of salary, bonus and stock options awards, and he was one of the highest-paid executives within the UnitedHealth Group.

UnitedHealth Group has been at the center of capitalist profiteering through the healthcare system in the US, especially following the passage of the misnamed Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, by the Obama administration in 2010.

Through a series of mergers and acquisitions UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries have grown into a massive entity with tentacles reaching into every aspect of healthcareinsurance, pharmacy, healthcare services, healthcare providersand extracting enormous profits for its Wall Street investors.

In 2023, UnitedHealth Group generated $23.1 billion in net income on $371.6 billion in revenue. UnitedHealth Group has a stock market value of $474.3 billion as of July 15, 2024. The giant health care conglomerate is ranked 8th on the 2024 Forbes Fortune Global 500 list, and it is the 5th largest corporation by revenue.

UnitedHealth Group was holding an annual investor conference on Wednesday in New York City which was abruptly cancelled after the shooting. The company said in a statement that it was deeply saddened and shocked.

No motive has yet been established for Thompsons murder. CBS News reported that investigators and security at UnitedHealthcare are going through company files and records looking for possible previous threats, and disgruntled or recently fired workers, a law enforcement source said. The company said it is cooperating with the investigation. Police are also looking at social media and interviewing employees, family members and others who knew Thompson.

Speaking to NBC News in a phone call, Thompsons wife Paulette said her husband had been receiving threats. There had been some threats, she said. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Law enforcement officials were aware of the threats, according the New York Times, which reported, The police are still investigating the source and exact nature of those threats, the official said. Chief executive officers of health care companies often receive threats because of the nature of their work. However, Thompson was not traveling with any security.

Another report in the New York Post said that Thompson was one of several UnitedHealthcare senior executives who were under investigation by the Department of Justice for insider trading.

The Post said Thompson exercised stock options and sold shares worth $15.1 million on Feb. 16, less than two weeks before news of the federal antitrust probe went public, according to a Crains New York Business report from April.

The stock price dropped sharply after the revelation that the DOJ was investigating whether the company had made acquisitions that consolidated its market position in violation of antitrust laws, a source familiar with the probe told the outlet.

The Post continued that the Crains report indicated that Thompson, along with UnitedHealth Group chairman Stephen Helmsley, Chief People Officer Erin McSweeney and Chief Accounting Officer Tom Roos, sold a combined $101.5 million in shares, with Helmsley personally netting just shy of $85 million.

The public response to the shooting of Thompson on social media reflects the widespread hatred of the health insurance giants such as UnitedHealthcare. As noted by Rolling Stone, Americans expressed virtually no sympathy for the apparently targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO by mystery gunman in New York.

UnitedHealthcare has notoriously used its enormous power to deny coverage of specific health conditions, especially mental health services. According to a report in Modern Healthcare by Annie Waldman of ProPublica,

For years, it was a mystery: Seemingly out of the blue, therapists would feel like theyd tripped some invisible wire and become a target of UnitedHealth Group. A company representative with the Orwellian title care advocate would call and grill them about why theyd seen a patient twice a week or weekly for six months. In case after case, United would refuse to cover care, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket or go without it. The severity of their issues seemed not to matter.
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, centre, his son Hunter Biden, left, and his sister Valerie Biden Owens, right [AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu]

President Joe Bidens pardon of his son, Hunter, has evoked widespread anger and disgust. Aside from the hypocrisy and dishonesty of the move, just days before Hunter Bidens scheduled sentencing for gun law and tax evasion convictions and after countless pledges by the White House not to interfere in the legal process, the move is a political gift to the incoming fascistic administration of Donald Trump.

More fundamentally, it highlights the grotesque chasm that separates justice for the working class in capitalist America from the application of lawor lack of itfor the political and corporate elite.

Phrases such as a government of laws, not men, and equality before the law stand exposed as cynical fictions designed to conceal the brutal reality of the so-called justice system.

There is no question that Joe Biden used his political offices to boost the fortunes of his son, including helping secure a lucrative position for Hunter on the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma in 2014, when, as vice president, Joe Biden was in charge of US policy toward Ukraine.

Nor is there any doubt that Bidens Republican enemies, led by Trump, used the courts to carry out a politically driven prosecution of Hunter Biden in order to undermine the position of his father.

Trump led this effort, and he has since designated top-level officials for his incoming government who have pledged to go after politicians and even journalists who have opposed him and his dictatorial agenda. These officials include Tom Homan as his border czar, who has threatened to jail mayors who interfere with Trumps plans to deport millions of immigrants. It also includes Pam Bondi for attorney general, who made a name for herself leading chants of lock her up! against Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election campaign.

And there is Kash Patel, Trumps pick to take over the FBI, who has repeatedly called for the prosecution and jailing of scores of lawmakers, government officials and journalists who opposed Trumps attempted coup of 2021 and do not support his current plans for dictatorship.

And yet Biden has promised the smoothest transition in Trumps takeover of the White House and Republican control of both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court. The pardoning of his son goes hand in hand with the prostration and complicity of Biden and the Democrats with the government of billionaires, fascists and quacks being assembled by Trump.

There are no pardons for the immigrant workers and students who are about to be rounded up, placed in concentration camps and deported, or for the opponents of police rule, war and genocide who are targeted by Trump as the enemy within.

Predictably, Trump seized on the pardon of Hunter Biden to justify his plans to pardon the hundreds of imprisoned fascist insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He wrote on his Truth Social platform Sunday night: 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 fascist Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) wrote on X: Democrats can spare us the lectures about the rule of law when, say, President Trump nominates Pam Bondi and Kash Patel to clean up this corruption.

The American prison gulag

There is one justice for the ruling class and something entirely different for workers and poor people. The chasm separating the two has grown in line with the obscene growth of social inequality. In a country where 800 billionaires control over $6.2 trillion in wealth, and the top one percent owns 35 percent of all personal wealth while the bottom 50 percent owns just one percent, the so-called justice system reflects and enforces this stark class reality.

There is a vast prison gulag in the United States populated overwhelmingly by working class and poor people.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, in 2024 some 1.9 million were locked up in the US, with an incarceration rate of 583 per 100,000 residents. This included 448,000 people who had not been convicted but were locked up in local jails. The World Population Review reported in October 2021 that the US had the most incarcerated people of any country in the world and accounted for roughly 25 percent of the worlds total prison population. It pointed out that the US prison population had exploded since 1972, when it totaled 200,000.

The systemic brutality to which inmates are subjected is indicated by the situation at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia. On November 26, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement declaring that since September 15, at least 12 black men incarcerated at the supermax facility had set themselves on fire in response to the degrading and inhumane conditions at the prison. The statement went on to say that people who have been locked up in Red Onion described being regularly subjected to racial and physical abuse from correctional officers, medical neglect, including the withholding of medicine, excessive stays in solitary confinement with one report of 600 consecutive days, inedible food having been covered with maggots and officers spit, and violent dog attacks.

Capital punishment continues to take its toll in the United States, one of only 30 percent of countries worldwide that continue the barbaric practice.

The death penalty is banned by all member states of the European Union. According to figures published by the Death Penalty Information Center, 75 US prisoners have been executed under the Biden administration. This includes 22 who have been put to death this year, as of November 21.

The reality of state repression under the rule of the American corporate oligarchy and its two reactionary parties is reflected in the horrific and unending toll of police killings.

As of October 22, 2024, the number of people killed by police in the US during the Biden administration totaled 4,264, according to figures published by Statista, including 956 so far this year.

Just last week, on Thanksgiving night, Akron, Ohio police shot and killed Jazmir Tucker, a 15-year-old who was out walking. The police claim they heard shots in the area where they saw the ninth-grade high school student, who, they claim, was armed. Body-worn camera footage is due to be released to the public by Thursday.

There is no doubt that this carnage will increase under the second Trump administration, as savage social cuts and mass repression fuel convulsive class struggles. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has declared her wish for the new governments success, and Bernie Sanders has offered to work with the incoming administration.
By Toma Mochizuki, KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 11:50 | All, Japan, World

Nihon Hidankyo's decades-long campaign to draw attention to the horrors of nuclear warfare won recognition with its receipt of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, with the award committee praising the role its efforts have played in making the resort to nuclear weapons a global taboo.

But the accolade for the survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is also a sign of how urgent the issue has become amid heightened global tensions, and comes as experts worry about what will happen when the voices of the group's aging members finally fall silent.

Ongoing conflicts around the world have raised the nuclear specter again in recent years. Russia has made threats to use nuclear weapons in its war against Ukraine, while a fringe member of the Israeli government last year suggested using nuclear weapons in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Akira Kawasaki, a campaigner for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, said he believes the award always goes to those who are seen to be working on the most urgent issues facing the world.

"We must find a way to stop this current situation we're in, in which nuclear weapons may be used at any moment," he said. "The question is how the next generation will act."

The average age of A-bomb survivors, or hibakusha, now exceeds 85, and Hidankyo, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, founded in 1956, has seen some branches close their doors or suspend activities due to the aging of their members.

Terumi Tanaka, the 92-year-old cochair of the group, echoed the call for a new generation to step forward. While he vowed at a press conference in Tokyo after the award was announced to keep sharing his experiences as a hibakusha, he said the survivors "want the younger generation to lead the efforts" from now on to abolish nuclear weapons.

"It would have been better to shine a light on their voices before the threat of nuclear weapons got to this point," Kawasaki said of the hibakusha. "They also played a large role in creating the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It could have been a joint win (with ICAN) seven years ago."

Hidankyo's Nobel Peace Prize win is not the first for Japan, with late former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato receiving it in 1974 for signing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He is also known for introducing Japan's three non-nuclear principles of not possessing, producing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory.

However, Japan is neither a signatory nor an observer to the nuclear weapons ban treaty, as it questions the pact's effectiveness, given that no nuclear-armed states have signed on.

It instead remains under the nuclear umbrella of the United States while continuing to support the NPT.

For Keiko Nakamura, an associate professor at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition at Nagasaki University, Japan's reliance on the nuclear umbrella prevents it from taking full advantage of its "unique position in the world to be persuasive" about nuclear abolition as the only country to have experienced a nuclear attack.

Its policy of sheltering under the nuclear umbrella "essentially legitimizes" the use of nuclear weapons "when push comes to shove," she said.

She also expressed pessimism about the impact of the prize on policy, and whether it would prod Japan towards seeking the status of observer to the nuclear weapons ban treaty.

The government would only take such a step under pressure, but domestic voices questioning why Japan has not sought observer status are still "overwhelmingly small," she said.

Ishiba said in October after the group won the award that Japan would seriously consider joining as an observer but later appeared to back down, telling parliament this month that since no nuclear state is participating in the ban treaty, there is no clear path toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

ICAN's Kawasaki, however, says that events in the last decade or so have only bolstered the argument of antinuclear campaigners that possessing nuclear weapons does not make a country safer.

The United States, a nuclear state, was devastated by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2011, while Hamas launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7 last year on Israel, also a de facto nuclear power, he said. Meanwhile, Russia has used the threat of resorting to its own nuclear arsenal as it continues its aggression against Ukraine.

Nakamura agreed, noting that while the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the weapons has been highlighted in calling for abolition, more attention needs to be paid to "how unreliable and dangerous nuclear weapons are as a security means."

"To believe that (nuclear deterrence) can ensure safety is a fantasy," she said. "It leads to endless hostility and pushes solutions further and further away."

Masako Wada, an 81-year-old Hidankyo representative and a Nagasaki survivor, called the Nobel Peace Prize an "alarm bell" for the world.

By recalling their painful memories of the atomic bomb attacks, the hibakusha were able to fill a void in the dialogue on nuclear abolition about what happens "to people, to the environment, to society," Nakamura said.

"We are in a critical phase where we must put a stop in any way we can to a world that is reliant on and supports nuclear weapons," she said.

Photo shows the World Heritage-listed Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima on Aug. 5, 2023, a day ahead of the 78th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 18:34 | All, World

Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te held a phone call Wednesday with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson during his Pacific tour including stopovers in the United States, which has been opposed by mainland China, according to U.S. media.

The first direct conversation between Lai and Johnson since the Taiwanese leader took office in May followed telephone talks earlier this week between Lai and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, underscoring Washington's steadfast support for Taiwan, the U.S. government-funded Voice of America said.

Taiwan's presidential office said it has yet to receive any information on the telephone talks between Lai and Johnson.

Following Lai's victory in the presidential election in January, Johnson offered his congratulations and expressed hope that Washington and Taipei will together to "continue promoting the principles of liberty, opportunity and security for all freedom-loving countries and our partners in the Indo-Pacific."

China on Thursday urged the United States to stop interfering with the Asian country's internal affairs and "sending wrong signals" to Taiwan independence separatist forces.

"The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed" in Sino-U.S. relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference in Beijing. He added the mainland will "take resolute measures to firmly defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Lai arrived in the U.S. territory of Guam on Wednesday night on a stopover following visits to Taiwan's Pacific allies the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.

Earlier in his tour, Lai discussed with Pelosi the threat of Chinese military action against the self-ruled island during a call Sunday, after his arrival in Hawaii for a layover. He will wrap up the weeklong trip Friday after visiting Palau.

Beijing condemns Lai, head of Taiwan's ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, as a separatist and firmly opposes official interactions between Taiwan, which it claims, and countries that have official diplomatic ties with China.

In August last year, China's military conducted exercises near Taiwan in response to then Vice President Lai's U.S. stopover while traveling to and from Paraguay.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2024 - 13:29 | All, Japan, World

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday expressed hope that the recent thaw in ties between Japan and South Korea will continue despite his counterpart facing a backlash at home for his temporary declaration of martial law.

President Yoon Suk Yeol "has been striving to improve ties with Japan based on his conviction that doing so would serve the interests of South Korea," Ishiba said. "We believe such efforts by President Yoon should not be undermined no matter what."

Yoon faces growing pressure to resign after his short-lived martial law declaration Tuesday night caused domestic turmoil and sent shockwaves beyond democratic South Korea. Opposition parties in the country are seeking to impeach the president, who took office in 2022.

Bilateral ties have been improving since Yoon became president, after sinking to their lowest point in years over issues related to Japan's wartime rule of the Korean Peninsula and a territorial dispute.

Building on the momentum seen when his predecessor was in office, Ishiba has already met with Yoon twice since becoming prime minister in October.

Ishiba's remarks at a parliamentary session came in response to a question by former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who leads the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Noda stressed the importance of cooperation between the Asian neighbors, and trilaterally with their common ally the United States, to cope with threats posed by North Korea.

Pyongyang has been pursuing nuclear and missile development while deepening military cooperation with Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan and South Korea are "important neighbors" who can jointly tackle global challenges as partners.

"We are closely monitoring developments in South Korea with particular and grave concerns," Hayashi, who is chief Cabinet secretary, told a regular press conference.

Japan will decide on how to proceed with relations with South Korea "appropriately" depending on how the situation develops, he said.

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Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2024 shows the city of Hama, central Syria. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree on Wednesday granting a 50-percent salary increase to military personnel, as government forces engage in major battles with rebel forces on several fronts in northern and central Syria.

According to the decree, the pay raise applies to all military personnel and will be added to their basic salaries effective on the date of the decree's issuance.

The salary boost comes as Syrian government troops intensify operations against rebel forces in key regions, including Hama, Aleppo, and Idlib provinces.

Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. 

Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2024 shows the city of Hama, central Syria. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. (Str/Xinhua)

People shop for fruit and vegetables at a market in the city of Hama, central Syria, on Dec. 4, 2024. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. (Str/Xinhua)

People shop for potatoes at a market in the city of Hama, central Syria, on Dec. 4, 2024. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. (Str/Xinhua)

People shop for fruit and vegetables at a market in the city of Hama, central Syria, on Dec. 4, 2024. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on northern Syria since last week, capturing Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. On Tuesday, the Syrian military announced it had sent significant reinforcements to the central province of Hama to bolster front-line defenses as rebel factions advance in western-central Syria. (Str/Xinhua)
The News in Brief Friday, December 6, 2024

Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia will wait for each country to recognize the legitimacy of the elections, after which "this will allow us to activate bilateral relations." This was Kobakhidze's response when asked if members of the Georgian Dream government had communicated with their European partners following the elections."Communication continues on a regular basis. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs is currently in Malta, where ongoing meetings are held in the OSCE format, and we will continue these discussions. There has also been some confidential telephone communication, including with European Union representatives," Kobakhidze explained."At this stage, our consultations are primarily in multilateral formats, such as with the OSCE and the European Union. We will wait for each country to recognize the legitimacy of the elections, and once that happens, we will activate bilateral relations. It is crucial that everyone accepts the OSCE/ODIHR's conclusions. Once we receive this recognition, we will engage actively with any country," Kobakhidze added.Public Defender Levan Ioseliani has reported widespread allegations of police misconduct against detainees arrested during ongoing protests."My office continues visiting arrested and injured individuals. So far, my trustees have visited 260 people, and it is regrettable that 188 of them report improper treatment by the police," Ioseliani stated.Representatives of the Public Defender's office have conducted visits to temporary detention centers and civil clinics across multiple locations, including Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other cities. Many detainees have alleged beatings and mistreatment during their detention.
SHANGHAI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A significant majority of German companies plan to maintain their operations in China, with many intending to increase investment within the next two years, according to a survey released by the German Chamber of Commerce in China on Wednesday.

The Business Confidence Survey Report for 2024/25, conducted between Sept. 3 and Oct. 8, gathered insights from 546 member companies, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the German business community's outlook in China.

The survey revealed that 92 percent of German firms intend to continue their operations in the country, with only 0.4 percent considering an exit, despite market challenges.

Notably, 51 percent of respondents plan to boost their investment in the next two years, and 87 percent of them cite the need to remain competitive as their primary motivation. These companies are increasingly adopting an approach of being in China for China, and being in China for the world.

Clas Neumann, chairperson of the board of the German Chamber of Commerce in east China, highlighted the importance of localization, noting that "German companies are addressing current market challenges and mitigating risks while positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunities at hand."

The survey also revealed growing recognition of Chinese firms as innovation leaders. Though just 8 percent of respondents believe this is already the case, 55 percent expect it to become a reality within five years.

When ranking business opportunities in China, the internationalization of Chinese companies and the development of the green economy emerged as the top priorities for German businesses.

More than 5,000 German enterprises have taken root in China, and the Chinese market is of great significance to them, said Maximilian Butek, chief representative of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce Shanghai.

A report from the German Economic Institute shows that the total direct investment made by German companies in China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros (about 12.49 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The figure accounted for over 10 percent of Germany's total overseas investment that year -- the highest level since 2014.

Oliver Oehms, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China (north China), expressed optimism about the Chinese market in an interview with Xinhua.

Noting that the German business community is always optimistic, he said, "Although the consumer confidence is relatively low right now, this can change very quickly. We need to remain confident." 
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. As a landmark in Macao, the Ruins of St. Paul's has witnessed the development of Macao during the past years.




Out of hundreds of symphony concerts I attended or listened to online this year, performances of three symphonies meant the most. Shostakovichs Fifth, Schuberts Ninth and Sibelius Second may be old chestnuts but not for players who were mostly under 25 and as young as 10.

Any youth or training ensemble has obvious allure. Whatever their level, the young musicians are never indifferent. They keep music alive. Music-making produces happiness, and they arent afraid to show it.

These werent, however, just any youth or training orchestras. These were orchestras with a big mission.

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Read more: Best of 2024: Eleven bright spots in classical music during a dark, complicated year

In late July, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonics YOLA National Festival program hosted an appearance of the National Childrens Symphony of Venezuela, the pride of the countrys vaunted public music education program known as El Sistema. Dudamel had arranged for the orchestra, whose members are 10 to 17, to begin a U.S. tour at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Unlike the formal next stop at Carnegie Hall, where every move Dudamel  as the incoming music director of the New York Philharmonic  makes is scrutinized, this Disney performance was an outright lovefest and, more important, a people-fest.

The concert was free. The audience was full of Youth Orchestra Los Angeles students and kids from nearly every state who were participating in the event, titled Citizens of the World: An International Youth Festival. Along with their parents and friends. And the rest of us.

Musicians in the Children's Symphony of Venezuela play under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in July. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)

Shostakovichs Fifth was extraordinary. The players knew the score so well, their eyes remained glued on Dudamel. Their bodies, 180 of them crammed onto the stage risers, seemed glued together. In famous Sistema fashion, they moved as a single organism, exalting in their oneness.

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Dudamel led children into the depths of a symphony in which Shostakovich sought a symphonic road map for surviving Joseph Stalins political oppression. Well beyond their years, the kids expressed a suffering that doesn't dispense with beauty. They reveled in their technical and spiritual ability to trumpet triumph over adversity.

What made these young people even more inspiring was that they are from Caracas' exclusive gated communities as well as from its shocking favelas. These are children of politicians in government and of their opposition. For an hour, Dudamel was their president, and these courageous kids showed us what an idealistic society feels like.

Dudamel smiles after conducting John Adams' "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" during the first U.S. appearance of the Children's Symphony of Venezuela in Disney Hall. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)

Three weeks later, Daniel Barenboim was taking his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, made up of young players from Israel and Arab countries, on tour. I caught them at this summers Salzburg Festival, where they played Schuberts last completed and most ambitious symphony, known as "the Great.

The only performance I can compare to what Barenboim conveyed in this great work would be a recording of a live performance of Schubert's symphony given by Wilhelm Furtwangler and the Berlin Philharmonic shortly after the end of World War II. Furtwangler seemed to be superhumanly trying to restore not just the culture but the humanity that Germany had disregarded in its horrendous war. The road back for the conductor was in revealing the ultimate goodness and power of art.

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Read more: Review: L.A. Phil's 'Noon to Midnight' marathon evokes the sounds of our city, grumbles and all

Furtwanglers conducting has long been a powerful musical inspiration for Barenboim. Another inspiration was the late Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, with whom Barenboim began West-Eastern Divan as an experiment two decades ago. With the war in Gaza and Lebanon, this year proved the most difficult by far for the organization, which also includes an academy in Berlin. Whatever camaraderie the musicians may have discovered could evaporate with a phone call home. On top of that, Barenboim has been suffering from a debilitating neurological disease that has sapped much of his strength.

Yet all of that only created a Great greater than any other. The musicians devotion to their mentor was palpable in the way they sent energy to Barenboim through their playing. His every weak gesture resulted in a response of incomparable intensity. The performance, for all its forcefulness and sheer brute, was also full of delicacy and individuality. Players, Arab and Jew, listened intently to one another, responded in solos as though part of a personal dialogue  a search for what brings them together, not what keeps them apart.

At the curtain call, they looked exhausted but, yes, happy. They lingered onstage. They hugged. They spoke to one another. It was impossible to tell where they might have come from. They all acted like winners.

Two months later in Disney Hall, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted the Colburn Orchestra in a fiery yet eloquent performance of Sibelius Second Symphony, which was written at the beginning of the 20th century, when Finland was seeking cultural independence from Russia. While the Colburn Conservatory is as highly competitive as the Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Bard College and other elite music conservatories, all Colburn students receive full scholarships and housing, allowing for a considered national, cultural and economic diversity.

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What Salonen got from these gifted players was adrenaline. They didnt hold back. They didnt think about reserving their fingers or lips for a performance tomorrow and the next day. They met challenges. Once again here was the best of youth, with a single purpose along with the skill and will to overcome all difficulties.

Read more: San Diego's renovated symphony hall looks great, but how does it sound?

Has it been a good year, 2024? Will 2025 be a little better or even worse? The world is full of worry. Our crises are existential. Death, destruction and despair top the news. Politicians everywhere have emptied words like hope and unity of any meaning.

Dudamel, Barenboim and Salonen are not alone. Hope and unity can be found in youth orchestras with galvanizing conductors around the world. And with the evidence of these three incredible symphony performances in 2024, one word we get to keep for at least a little while longer is utopia.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
While working in the beer industry, I often heard people claim to dislike beer. If I'm being completely honest, when I became old enough to drink alcohol legally, I didn't particularly love beer either. This started to change when the Dutch beer giant, Heineken, hired me as a sales representative. Beer still wasn't my beverage of choice but I started to gain a new appreciation for its nuances. However, what really transformed my opinion was when I set out to travel the world, finding consistent work as an international bartender.

I soon realized just how many different types of beer there are, and how many incredible breweries there are all over the planet. It wasn't that I didn't love beer, I'd just been limited by middle-of-the-road brews created for mass appeal. By the time I'd worked my way up to managing a 28-tap craft brewpub, I found I could almost always find something for any customer to enjoy, even if they proclaimed to hate beer. Below, I've curated a list of some of my favorite imported beers from around the world which I feel are often overlooked and underrated. The styles range from extremely traditional to uniquely innovative, and while you may not love every single one, I guarantee there'll be something in there that you'll want to try again.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier - Germany

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier bottle and pint - Weihenstephan USA / Instagram

When most people start exploring new beer styles, it's usually not long before they dabble in wheat beers. Adding malted wheat to the mash bill typically results in a smooth-drinking beer with a creamy mouthfeel, low bitterness, and a light, bready malt profile. Unfortunately, I've always found the most popular wheat beers to be pretty underwhelming.

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However, that changed when I learned about Germany's Wiehenstephaner, the world's oldest brewery. Bavarian wheat beers aren't like their American or Belgian counterparts. They have a unique, bold yeast character that contributes fragrant aromas of clove, banana, bubblegum, and light citrus which perfectly complement the beer's soft, doughy malt profile. I've sampled plenty of German wheat beers over the years and I've found Wiehenstephaner's Hefe Weissbier to be the perfect embodiment of the style. That's not surprising, considering the brewery has been perfecting the art of making beer for nearly a thousand years.

Pilsner Urquell - Czech Republic

Four cans of Pilsner Urquell - Beer Club Store / Facebook

When we think of Europe's beer-loving nations, it's usually Belgium and Germany that spring to mind. However, nobody loves beer quite as much as the Czech Republic, whose citizens quaff more beer per capita than any nation on the planet.

We can also thank the Czechs for giving us one of the world's most beloved beer styles -- pilsner. Named after the Czech city of Plzen, pilsners are a type of lager exemplified by their hoppy profile and crisp mouthfeel. The style was invented by Pilsner Urquell back in 1842 when Bavarian brewer Josef Groll used spicy noble hops and a unique yeast strain to craft a lager that was full-flavored yet refreshingly smooth. It's a beer category well worth exploring, especially if you're a fan of lagers, and there's no better place to start than with its inventor. Pilsner Urquell employs traditional brewing methods to get as much flavor out of its beer as possible, offering a balanced bitterness, spicy hop profile, and remarkably clean character.

Kirin Ichiban - Japan

Kirin Ichiban beer bottles and pint - Kirin Ichiban Malaysia / Instagram

We don't often associate Japan with world-class beer, although brands like Asahi Super Dry and Sapporo Premium have become increasingly popular in recent years. Although Asahi and Sapporo are both great dry lagers, I don't find them nearly as tasty as Kirin Ichiban.

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While the Kirin brand was first launched back in 1888, its flagship Ichiban brew is a relatively recent addition. Created in 1990, Ichiban is a love letter of sorts to the European pilsner style. Saaz hops from the Czech Republic give the lager a deeply flavorful, floral hop profile but the magic is in the malt. Kirin Ichiban is the only mass-market beer in the world to employ the "first press" method, using only the first extraction of its malt in the brewing process. Similar to the technique used to create extra virgin olive oil, the result is a full-bodied beer of peerless purity. Kirin Ichiban has a superb malt flavor yet remains extraordinarily crisp and clean, so while it's delicious on its own, it's also the perfect accompaniment to complex and spicy foods.

Coopers Original Pale Ale - Australia

Cans of Coopers Pale Ale at beach - The Cellar Bottle Shops / Instagram

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Out of all the interesting tidbits I learned working for Heineken, the most surprising was that Foster's isn't actually an Australian beer. Sure, it was technically invented there, but it was the brainchild of a couple of Americans. Plus, Australians rarely touch the stuff.

In 2015, I moved to Australia for a year and got to find out what they really drink down under. Beer-wise, there are plenty of local favorites, some better than others. Out of the non-craft options, there was one delicious beer that stood out. Coopers Original Pale Ale is enjoyed by Aussies up and down the country and it's remarkably versatile.

Made by a family-owned brewery since 1862, Coopers is the perfect refreshment under the scorching sun but it's got a depth of flavor that makes it equally enjoyable when the weather turns. Yes, despite the stereotypes, Australia gets terrible weather too. It has a rich malt profile with mild bitterness but it also makes great use of bottle conditioning which creates a fruity bouquet of yeast esters. Just remember to give the bottle a gentle roll before opening to redistribute the residual yeast.

Yeastie Boys Gunnamatta - New Zealand

A can of Yeastie Boys Gunnamatta IPA - The Shrine Taipei / Instagram

After my year-long stint in Australia, I hopped over to New Zealand to continue my exploration of Antipodean hospitality. I was genuinely surprised at how much incredible craft beer there was to be found  it seemed like everywhere I looked in Wellington, there was another microbrewery churning out some of the best brews I'd ever tasted.

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I could easily fill this article with New Zealand beers but, unfortunately, it's unlikely that you'll find them outside of New Zealand (or perhaps, Australia). Luckily, one of my favorite brewers -- Yeastie Boys -- also brews its beers in the UK, making it much easier to find them. I highly recommend seeking out the Gunnamatta IPA, a beautifully complex ale with a unique Earl Grey twist. The moderate hop bitterness and bright grapefruit citrus flavors are wonderfully balanced with floral bergamot. It also features the delectably juicy tropical and stone fruit notes offered by New Zealand-grown hops, making it hard to guess that this beer clocks in at a relatively weighty 6.5% ABV.

Westmalle Tripel - Belgium

Westmalle Tripel beer bottle and glass - Beercosm / Facebook

It's impossible to write about incredible international beers without looking at what Belgium has to offer. The nation's relationship with brewing runs so deep that it's made UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and it's hard to overstate the contributions Belgium has made to the beer world.

While Belgium offers many superb modern beers, some of its best brews can be attributed to Catholic monks. Monastic breweries date back to the Middle Ages but those run by the historic Trappist order are arguably the most accomplished. While Westmalle's Tripel is a comparatively new style, invented by the abbey's monks in 1934, it became the template for one of the world's most rich and complex beers. The beer has a massive aroma of fruit and spice that also features some of the dried fruit and clove-like notes of a German hefe. The velvety mouthfeel is wonderfully effervescent and delivers the floral hop notes and honeyed, caramel-like malt flavors with aplomb. However, this beer is one to enjoy with caution -- it boasts a powerfully strong ABV of 9.5% which is well hidden beneath its medley of flavors.

Delirium Tremens - Belgium

Person holding bottle of Delirium Tremens beer - Beer Hawk Leeds / Facebook

As mentioned above, Belgium's superb beer offering isn't limited to centuries-old recipes. Many brewers have deftly combined traditional techniques with modern tastes to create world-class beers, and Delirium Tremens is a prime example.

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Brouwerij Huyghe has been around since 1925, operating at a site used for brewing since the mid-17th century. However, its most notable contribution to the beer world didn't appear until 1988, which is remarkably recent by Belgian standards. Delirium Tremens is what's known as a Belgian Strong Ale, a suitable description based on the beer's alcohol strength -- 8.5% ABV -- and robust flavor profile. The fruity yeast notes offer oodles of banana, clove, honey, and pepper, while its malt character works wonders when it comes to balancing the higher alcohol content. Although the booze shines through, it's pleasantly spicy and warming. Delirium Tremens has won numerous international beer awards. While that may counter the idea that this beer is underrated, I'm consistently surprised by how many people haven't tried it.

Singha - Thailand

Person holding two bottles of Singha beer - Singha Beer / Instagram

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Out of all the countries I've been fortunate enough to temporarily call home, I've spent more time in Thailand than anywhere else. Until very recently, the country's rules around craft brewing have been frustratingly strict, so beer options have been limited to a handful of mass-produced lagers and a handful of ales.

Fortunately, the beers that Thailand does make are remarkably tasty -- perfect for sipping on a tropical beach or washing down a spicy curry. My favorite of these ubiquitous brews is Singha, a pale lager produced by the country's oldest brewery, Boon Rawd, since 1933. Pronounced "sing" and named after a mythical Thai lion, Singha stands out because it's the only Thai beer to use 100% premium barley malt. It's common practice for Southeast Asian brewers to include rice as an adjunct in their beer. This approach makes for a more affordable product but comes at the cost of flavor. By using only barley malt in conjunction with noble hops, Singha has a grassy, herbal complexity and a depth of flavor on par with many premium European beers.

Pacifico Clara - Mexico

An ice bucket full of Pacifico Clara beer bottles - El Catrin Restaurant & Bar / Instagram

On a hot day, there are few beer styles more refreshing than a crisp Mexican lager. The addition of corn in the malt bill provides a gentle sweetness that makes the style infinitely quaffable and it's the perfect pick for those who like their beer fuss-free and uncomplex.

For years, Corona has dominated the Mexican lager market, a fact I've always found a little confusing. The puzzling use of clear glass bottles means Corona is often at risk of "skunking," a reaction caused by beer's exposure to UV light. In my opinion, Pacifico Clara is a far superior Mexican lager. The pilsner-inspired beer was invented by three German expats in 1900 but didn't find much popularity until it became a staple of the US surf scene in the 1970s. It has the gentle malt character and nuanced corn sweetness that you want from a Mexican lager without the off-flavors. It's a fantastic choice for pairing with all kinds of Mexican food, from lighter bites like ceviche to richer dishes like birria stew.

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout - England

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout beer - Penn Beer Company / Facebook

When I started working for Heineken in the UK, part of its onboarding process included a trip up north to the market town of Tadcaster in Yorkshire. The purpose of the visit was to experience the glory of John Smith's brewery, a site that's been used for beer-making since 1758.

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However, while Heineken took over operations of the John Smith's brewery in 2008, the Smith family's other local operation has remained fiercely independent. Samuel Smith's has been producing beer in its historic brewery since the late 19th century, but arguably its most significant contributions to the industry came to light in the 1970s and '80s. American craft brewers began looking to Samuel Smith's beers for inspiration, and its revival of the oatmeal stout helped repopularize the delicious beer style. The addition of oats results in an incredibly creamy mouthfeel and velvety body, while slightly softening the bitterness of the heavily toasted malts. The rich notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel are still very much present, but it's overall a much more luxurious take on the classic stout style.

Smithwick's Red Ale - Ireland

Cans of Smithwick's red ale - McKinleys Irish Pub

Based in Kilkenny, Ireland, Smithwick's is another institution that holds the distinct honor of being the oldest brewery in the country. The site was once home to an abbey of beer-brewing monks before John Smithwick built his brewery in 1710. Nowadays, the brand is owned by beverage conglomerate Diageo, so its beer production has shifted to the Guinness brewery in Dublin.

Although Smithwick's is no longer independent, it's still responsible for producing one of Ireland's favorite beers, an Irish red ale that typifies the style. Smithwick's Red Ale has a beautifully rich and biscuity malt character with touches of sweet caramel. There's a nice nuttiness, too, and the floral, earthy hop profile is balanced, resulting in a pleasantly bitter finish. Despite the incredible depth of flavor, Smithwick's Red Ale has a medium-light body and subtle carbonation that makes it a wonderfully easy-drinking session beer. While it's delicious on its own, the flavor profile makes it a superb choice for pairing with hearty Irish dishes, like stews or homemade shepherd's pie.

Innis & Gunn The Original - Scotland

Innis & Gunn The Original beer - Innis & Gunn Dundee

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Scotland and Ireland share many cultural similarities that extend to the types of alcohol they produce. Although both nations are more well-known for their whiskies, their beer styles are often overlooked abroad. While the Irish have their red ale, the Scots produce what's known as scotch ale, also affectionately known as a "wee heavy."

Scotch ales also highlight the character of toasted malts, although with much more gusto than their Celtic counterparts across the Irish Sea. They're typically stronger and have more intense flavors of toffee, dark fruits, and molasses. The hops also take a backseat, resulting in a slightly sweeter brew. While The Original from Innis & Gunn isn't the original scotch ale, it earns the moniker thanks to its unique barrel-aging method. By maturing The Original in ex-single malt scotch whisky casks, the beer is infused with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. With unparalleled smoothness, it's the perfect tipple for scotch whisky fans who like their beer with a bit of a kick and bold flavors.

Lindemans Framboise - Belgium

Bottles of Lindmans fruit lambic beers - The Brew Shoppe / Instagram

I know I've already mentioned a couple of Belgian beers but I couldn't exclude this one. Although lambic beers aren't to everyone's taste, it's a style that I've found consistently surprises people who claim to dislike beer.

Most beers are made using specially cultivated strains of yeast, whereas lambics employ a technique called spontaneous fermentation. This essentially means leaving the beer out in the open air, exposed to wild yeasts that impart tart, earthy, and sour characteristics. Some lambic beers, like Lindemans Framboise, are refermented with fruit which makes them extraordinarily palatable and a far cry from your everyday beer styles.

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Lindemans has been making fruit lambics since 1822 and its raspberry-infused Framboise is the perfect gateway to the style. Its salivatingly tart character is extremely well-balanced with sweet, fresh berry notes, and it has a beautifully effervescent mouthfeel. The best part is that it's only 2.5% ABV, meaning you can enjoy more than a couple without worrying about a headache the next day. Although it's delicious on its own, it's also worth pairing Framboise with food, particularly creamy cheeses, dark chocolate, or fruity desserts.

Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen - Germany

Bottles of Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen - Weltbier Haus Bar / Facebook

The final beer on this list is a strange one, and I won't blame you if it's not your cup of tea. The first oddity to note about Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen is that it straddles two different beer styles. On one hand, it's considered a Marzen -- a rich, toasty German lager style that's traditionally brewed in March in preparation for the famous Oktoberfest festival. However, it's also a Rauchbier, a type of smoked lager made using barley malt that's been dried over an open fire.

The first thing you'll notice when taking a sip of Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen is an overwhelmingly smoky, bacon-like flavor. You'll also experience subtle, balancing touches of berries and dark fruit. The finish is moderately bitter and slightly sour, although it's not as tart as a Belgian lambic. Personally, I'm a huge fan of this bizarre beer but I adore intense and unique flavors. I've seen some folks try Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen and proclaim it one of the best beers they've ever tasted, and I've also seen people spit their first mouthful back in the glass. However, if you enjoy trying lesser-known beers and are up for tasting something truly original, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Methodology

Two people toasting with beer steins - Random.graphy/Shutterstock

As a bonafide beer nerd, narrowing down this list was no mean feat. However, I relied on a few key factors to curate the most suitable options. While I hope it goes without saying, it's important to note that these are all products that I have personally taste-tested under optimal tasting conditions.

As I mentioned at the top of this article, I also wanted to include a spectrum of beers to cover as many taste preferences as possible. While they may not be widely available, every beer listed can be found in the US, either online or from specialty beer retailers. I consider them underrated because although many of these beers are beloved in their country of origin, they're typically less well-known in other regions. Many of these beers are also overlooked due to high-profile competitors that dominate the market despite, in my opinion, being the less enjoyable option.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Dec. 4Toy drives long have been a fixture of the holiday season, but Becca Jones, the president of the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive, believes the effort mounted by her organization is distinctly different from the others.

"We take specific requests," she said, explaining how representatives of the agencies with which her organization partners are tasked with asking their recipient children what kind of gift they would like to receive.

Jones and the other organizers of the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive adopted that personal approach a couple of years ago in an attempt to avoid situations in which they were forced to give some children age-inappropriate gifts  a Matchbox car for a 15-year-old boy, for instance  because that was the only donated gift that was available.

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"That didn't feel right," she said. "That felt terrible."

The goal is to ensure each child who receives a gift from the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive feels as if their wish has been heard, Jones said.

"It's really important that that kid doesn't feel like they're getting a leftover," she said. "We work really hard at that."

Jones, a broker with Los Alamos-based Exit Realty Advantage NM, has worked on toy drives for nearly two decades. But it wasn't until 2020  when her company took over the annual holiday toy drive mounted by the Santa Fe Fire Department  that she threw herself headlong into the effort.

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A year later, the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive secured nonprofit status, allowing the organization to achieve tax-exempt status and apply for grant funding. The drive's profile and fundraising capability were raised considerably, but so was demand for its services.

"We started with tens of kids," Jones said, referring to the handful of recipients the drive served when it began under the direction of the fire department. These days, the recipients number in the thousands.

In 2021, the drive provided gifts for 2,500 children in the area, she said. By last year, that number had swelled to 5,000. This year, Jones has 7,200 kids on her spreadsheet, thanks to the drive's decision to partner with 40 organizations that serve local children.

A pair of fundraising events benefiting the drive are planned this weekend. The annual Ugly Sweater Party will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Ave. in Los Alamos. Jones said the event features live music by Katy P and The Business, as well as a silent auction, two food trucks, a cash bar and prizes for the best ugly sweater. Tickets are $25, and partygoers are encouraged to bring toys and cash donations.

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The second event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Sam's Club, 4201 Rodeo Road in Santa Fe, as drive officials will be on hand to collect toys and cash donations. They also will have a list of needed items that shoppers can purchase and donate at the site.

Jones said $30,000 in cash had been donated to the drive as of Dec. 4  enough to purchase approximately 1,100 toys at an average value of $27. And 2,000 toys had been donated, meaning this year's drive is a little shy of halfway toward its goal.

Jones said giving typically increases as the donation deadline approaches. It's set for Dec. 20 this year.

"We tend to see a big influx [of giving] after this weekend," she said, noting donations typically don't start to roll in until after Thanksgiving.

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There are several ways to donate to the drive through its website at exittoydrive.com. Cash donations can be made online via PayPal, Venmo and credit or debit cards, while it's also possible to shop for a designated item online and have it delivered to the drive through Amazon. The website features a list of the drive's 50 most-requested items.

"We've tried to make it super easy," Jones said, adding the website also includes a list of toy drive drop-off locations scattered around Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Albuquerque.

Jones said it is likely the toy drive will continue to grow, providing gifts for even more children in the future. But she acknowledged it will be a challenge to meet the needs of the 7,200 kids who already are on the organization's list this year.

"We don't see an endpoint for us," she said. "But we do have to be good stewards of what's given us before we can add more."
A woman flew from Australia to meet with Louis Vuitton master perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud in the South of France. A lover of fragrance, she wanted a made-to-measure perfume. But more than having it just for herself, the client hoped the scent would ultimately be passed down to her granddaughters, to stir up memories of her.

Its so powerful, says Cavallier-Belletrud. We designed something really exceptional.

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A small selection of perfumers are offering bespoke services to people from the world over. Just dont ask who the clients are.

Confidentiality is key, says perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

Prices are also carefully guarded, but industry sources say they can start anywhere from 45,000 euros and go up to 100,000 euros-plus. Among major cost contributors are the olfactive ingredients used.

Yet still there are often waiting lists for those women and men wanting their own fragrance, since perfumers generally can only accommodate a handful of clients annually. The rarified process takes anywhere from several months to over a year to complete.

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Here, a look at what that goes on behind-the-scenes.

Guerlain

Guerlains bespoke fragrance and trunk.

Guerlain has been in the bespoke fragrance trade for more than 170 years. In 1853, Eau de Cologne Imperiale was created as a special order for the Empress Eugenie for her marriage to Napoleon III by Pierre Francois Pascal Guerlain, founder of the perfume house. In 1933, his grandson Jacques Guerlain developed Sous le Vent for Josephine Baker and six years later conceived Coque dOr for Sergei Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes  to name a few of the made-to-measure creations.

How it works today is that Thierry Wasser, Guerlains master perfumer, first has a formal appointment with a client. That can take place in the boutique, laboratory or hotel.

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There, we talk, he says. Its very human to be on your guard, and fragrance is about emotion.

With an iPad, the client peruses colors and textures. I try to figure out the interest of the person, says Wasser. I have a little toolbox with accords, like ambery, chypre, floral. Raw materials are contained in the toolbox, as well.

Very often, the first meeting has nothing to do with scents. You play it by ear, he says. You have to deal with every single individual. Some are shy.

People like to be rational. Usually, they think too much, continues Wasser. A lot of people hide behind rationality.

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He works with fragrance evaluator Peggy Ploix, and in the next gathering they show the client three to four initial fragrance possibilities. Wasser prefers meetings to be in person, so he can read expressions.

Strangely enough, it is a real human journey, says Wasser. Its a very personal encounter, and we have to build up a sort of a relationship.

At the start, people need to be clear what they do  and dont  like.

If theyre not engaged, they are not going to be able to enjoy the end result, says Wasser. Its difficult, though, to engage people and try to talk about something theyre not used to, because fragrance is a language. A lot of people hear that language, but very few speak that language. I want to have a common ground and common vocabulary with the customer to be able to communicate efficiently.

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More back-and-forth ensues, and the whole process takes 18 months, including busy clients and time needed to clear regulatory requirements and testing, which are stringent for perfume.

If you design a fragrance for one person or you do a fragrance with millions of bottles, the process is exactly the same, says Wasser.

Thierry Wasser

The Guerlain bespoke fragrance comes in a Moynat trunk, with a 1-liter golden bee-spangled bottle, six 100-ml. sprays and four 30-ml. travel sprays. Refills can be ordered, and formulas are owned for a lifetime  and beyond for family members.

Everythings possible, says Wasser.

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He recalls one client who wanted a rose fragrance. The person said: Can you make it a little more naughty? says Wasser. You have to figure out what naughty is for that person. Whether its animalic or fruity-sugary.

Another had chosen two scents: one a bright chypre, the other ambery. This one is the person I envision being  thats who I want to project to be. And the other is who I am, Wasser recounts the woman as saying. Psychologically, it was interesting, he continues, adding each fragrance-making process is different.

One former client returned after a decade to create another scent. Wasser asked if she had fallen out of love with the initial bespoke perfume. The answer was no.

But 10 years ago, I was not the same person, Wasser remembers her saying. I grew, Im different and I want something new.

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He considers himself a translator of each persons idea. I give, but I receive much more love, Wasser says.

Henry Jacques

From Henry Jacques.

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Henry Jacques was founded almost a half-decade ago by Henry Jacques Cremona and his wife Yvette Cremona. Tailor-made perfumes were on offer from the start.

Without ever talking about it, because theres really this sense of secrecy and delicacy, says his daughter Anne-Lise Cremona, now chief executive officer of the house.

She began running the company 14 years ago, keeping bespoke always at the heart of Henry Jacques. The ongoing practice in the Nineties and aughts ran countercurrent to prevailing trends for more mass-produced fragrances.

Henry Jacques has an ever-growing perfumery laboratory, which today is composed of natural olfactive components  more than 1,200 altogether  conceived in the South of France and used just for the brand. There, at the domain, Henry Jacques has its own fields of rose and jasmine for use as olfactive ingredients.

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Cremona and her family are carried away by the passion for beauty, the profession and creation, she says, so Henry Jacques keeps servicing great connoisseurs, great lovers of perfume.

The Sur-Mesure process starts generally with a consultation in any one of the 10 Henry Jacques retail locations, which includes a flagship on Paris tony Avenue Montaigne.

We have questions that are quite specific, says Cremona. They also use the tray, a tool created by her with a committee of internal perfumers for blind olfactive sampling and emotion-led feedback. There is nothing harder than talking about perfume. Sometimes what we think we like is not what we really like, she says.

Clients can further sample scents from the in-house perfume collections to suss out their preferences. Next up is an exchange with the lab and then first samples are presented.

We often get it right very quickly, says Cremona.

In general, it takes the house between five months to a year to come up with a bespoke scent. Henry Jacques works with artisans, such as crystal-makers, who can design made-to-measure flacons, as well as leather artisans and trunk-makers.

Cremona deems bespoke fragrance as being at the heart of the house.

Anne-Lise Cremona, chief executive officer of Henry Jacques.

Im going to develop it even further, she says. There is not much more beautiful to offer than that. It represents a person. It is the ultimate refinement. Its a very beautiful adventure.

Henry Jacques Sur-Mesure creations can come in a variety of forms, such as essences, solids or mists. Its for the client to choose which, as well as their bottle size and count.

Special orders might include made-to-measure furniture and even rooms created around a scent, too.

As an offshoot of Sur-Mesure, Henry Jacques has launched the All Intimacy offer. For that, the brand collaborates with well-known couples to share their story through their bespoke fragrance. The individuals create their own made-to-measure perfumes, which are then available to the public. Creations for Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello came out in 2022, while those for Heron Preston and Sabrina Albarello were released in November.

We share the metier of perfume, the know-how, the time it took, says Cremona. We have so much to say around that.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuittons made-to-measure fragrance offer.

Cavallier-Belletrud started bespoke fragrances for the house in 2021.

Bespoke is in the DNA of the brand, he says of the 170-year-old leather goods label, which began with made-to-order trunks and other items.

Cavallier-Belletrud relaunched Vuitton in the fragrance market in 2016, 70 years after its last scent had been introduced. It was [obvious] to develop this activity, as it is very Vuitton, he says. And its to bring even more luxury in the perfumery business activity in the brand and in general.

It is the ultimate chic to have a perfume that you are the only one in the world to wear, adds Cavallier-Belletrud.

He develops such scents with his daughter Camille. More often than not, they meet personally with a perspective client in Grasse, France, where Cavallier-Belletrud has headquarters at Les Fontaines Parfumees.

So they can have the complete immersive experience with us around the perfume, he says. Its probably more difficult to design a perfume for one person than for a million, because you have to know the history of the person, their taste. To achieve that, we have around 30 or 35 different natural raw materials and accords that we are evaluating together.

That process takes about two to four hours.

What Im seeking is what they hate  not what they love, says Cavallier-Belletrud with a laugh. That helps him know what notes will never be used.

If I use only what they love, I can associate some notes that they hate, he says. Its always connected to the childhood and the experience of those people coming from many different cultures abroad, like the United States, Australia, China, Spain. So its very interesting to have this kind of intimacy with them.

He asks why they want their own perfume. They dine together.

We are just talking about human feelings and stories, says Cavallier-Belletrud, explaining he and his daughter pour into the creation the related emotions. Each project is unique, connected to the life of the person. Its like haute couture. We are drawing some ideas, making a selection  of course, with Camille and the team here, and then we send around six ideas to the clients.

Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud

By now the client is back home in the likes of California or Hong Kong, and a Zoom is set up to evaluate each proposal. One or two favorites surface, which then are worn.

We continue to evaluate and see what we can do further, says Cavallier-Belletrud. Some people are satisfied quickly, while others take more time.

But this is not a problem, as we guarantee a full service as a tailor-made, he says.

The client is ultimately sent their small trunk in the color and skin of their choice, like exotic leather, Damier or Monogram. The solo offer includes 10 100-ml. fragrance bottles, one 100-ml. bottle with a travel case, one 7.5-ml. travel spray and 16 travel spray refills. The duo offer includes two sets of nine 100-ml. bottles, two 100-ml. fragrances with cases, two 7.5-ml. travel sprays and two sets of eight travel spray refills. Both the trunk and bottles, filled in Grasse, can be engraved.

There is a kind of celebration here in Grasse with the client, or in their favorite store, where they made the order at the beginning, says Cavallier-Belletrud.

Many return, he shares, adding: Luxury is an experience.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

From Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Francis Kurkdjian began creating bespoke fragrances in 2001, when he was just back from the U.S. and before launching his eponymous brand in 2009. Terry de Gunzburg at the time had opened her bespoke makeup atelier in Paris. Kurkdjian thought: If theres made-to-measure makeup, clothing, shoes and cars  why not perfume?

At the time no one was talking about custom-made or bespoke in terms of fragrances, he recalls. It was more about going mass market.

By chance, Kurkdjian then met de Gunzburg waiting for her luggage to arrive after a flight, introduced himself and made a scent for her.

Terry was my first client, he says. Kurkdjian, then a full-time Quest employee, negotiated to work for himself partially on bespoke fragrances. At the time, those came in classic green bottles from old-time perfumers shelves. The exterior packaging was  and remains  handmade near Venice, Italy. The silk cord wrapped around the bottles neck is from France, and theres a shopping bag developed specifically for Kurkdjians bespoke creations.

The first meeting always takes place over the phone.

Because when you speak over the phone, you have on one side a kind of intimacy with the voice, says Kurkdjian. But you dont have the judgment of how you should dress, where it is. The visual doesnt take over.

I need my client to be engaged, he continues. Second, I need to make sure that shes happy to switch perfume.

Thats especially true when the bespoke fragrance is a gift, and sometimes in that instance the answer is no. Kurkdjian asks what scent the person wears, what their expectations are. He takes notes and tries to define an olfactive silhouette.

From his little travel perfume case that doubles as a portable mini lab  with pipettes, ingredients and a scale  together they can try out olfactive notes and combinations. Some ingredients are available in very limited quantities, but enough for a bespoke scent.

Or what you can do also is use ancient techniques, like infusions, Kurkdjian says. The only limit you have is bringing in an ingredient that is not registered.

He next offers various samples for the person to try.

Usually, I ask my client to wear it for at least a week, says Kurkdjian, who calls them after that time to get comments. Its a long process and not so easy.

On average this can take six to eight months. One client in Switzerland ordered three perfumes back-to-back  one for day, another for night and the third for special occasions.

To him, bespoke is a head-to-toe service. So basically, I am at the disposal of my client, says Kurkdjian. Where do you want me to go? When?

For follow-up visits he has flown, for instance, to Marrakesh, New York, London and Switzerland  Geneva and Gstaad  and the French Riviera. Its all about where the client feels best. So he is reachable anytime, anywhere. They have his number.

Francis Kurkdjian

Bespoke perfume is not only having your own perfume. Its also to learn about the craft and to share with someone who is passionate the experience and some knowledge, says Kurkdjian. There are a lot of questions about how it works. I try to make it very immersive.

He asks how many bottles of fragrance the customer wants and where should they be sent. Refills and ancillaries are possible, and shipments can be made to almost anywhere.

This is part, to me, of exclusivity and of custom-made, says Kurkdjian, who with bespoke pushes the boundaries of his own work.

With one client, out of Taiwan, he crafted a fragrance in order to offer 150 bottles of perfume to guests at a party in Venice. Another, in Abu Dhabi, wanted perfume, as well as scented burning paper and candles, all with the same fragrance.

I love those projects, says Kurkdjian, who has scented events with bubbles. Hes also perfumed fans and leather goods from LAtelier Renard.

For a made-to-measure fragrance, Kurkdjian provides a certificate of exclusive, endless use for the client and his or her family. The creations are celebrated with a small, confidential dinner or lunch.

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If you're looking for a charming Christmas getaway, there is no better destination than a colonial New England town.

House Beautiful released a list of the nation's 30 best Christmas towns, and one historic location in Connecticut made the list.

The interior decorating magazine crafted the list by considering the best towns for a winter getaway, hand-picking destinations based on gorgeous scenery, adorable inns and signature small-town spirit. House Beautiful's final list includes a Christmas destination for everyone, from East to West Coast, snowy to sunny and relaxed to jam-packed.

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In a competitive list of only 30 towns from across the country, Mystic made the cut. Here's what to know about the destination's holiday charm.

Mystic Christmas: Christmas shopping in Connecticut? This main street is one of the best to shop local

Holiday attractions in Mystic

New England Christmas Holiday Lighthouse with wreath at Mystic Connecticut with ship and boats and benches

During the holiday season, Mystic has too many Hallmark-worthy Christmas events to even count. (In fact, there as even as Hallmark movie called "Mystic Christmas.") Dazzling light displays can be found at the Mystic Aquarium and Seaport Museum, while Downtown Mystic hosts a lighted boat parade featuring Santa on a tug boat.

Christmas Lights Connecticut: 10 displays to make some holiday memories at in 2024

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Mystic also offers an elevated holiday shopping experience, ranging from charming boutiques on Main St. and a holiday stroll through the Downtown Mystic Shops to Olde Mistick Village, an outdoor mall modeled after a colonial village which hosts the town's Holiday Lights Spectacular and Holiday Carnival.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Get in the Christmas spirit with a trip to this highly rated CT town
One of the biggest roadblocks people have when it comes to travel is figuring out where to go. We live in a world that is more connected than ever, and the sheer amount of travel possibilities we have can be absolutely overwhelming to the point we never end up picking a destination at all. This phenomenon is called travel paralysis and affects a majority of people wanting to travel but can't seem to get past the first step.

That's where I come in!

To help you out a bit, I've compiled this list of twelve fantastic destinations that are great places to travel for each month in the year, so all you have to figure out is WHEN you want to travel. Maybe you are a teacher, a student, or someone with kids who can only travel during school breaks. Or maybe you live somewhere cold and want to escape during the winter months....or the opposite and seek refuge during summer.

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Once you pick a time to travel and destination that works best for your schedule, make sure to set a flight alert on Google Flights or Hopper (one of my favorite travel apps!) so that you can score the best flight deal possible.

Make the resolution to travel more in 2025 and visit one of these fabulous destinations!

January - The Maldives

January is the start of the new year, so why not start the year off right with some delicious R&R. The Maldives is an excellent destination for January, with the highest probability of clear skies and calm waters.

The Maldives is a notoriously pricey destination, however you can visit the Maldives on a budget using miles and points to cover flight and resort costs are definitely worth trading in for this destination. You can lower the price more by choosing a non-overwater bungalow or a more affordable resort at a local island - many are as low as $100 a night, or cheaper! And guess what? The water is just a crystal blue!

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While the Maldives makes for a stunningly romantic destination, it is also a suitable trip for families and singles as it is a popular weekend destination for nearby countries. Resorts really liven up on the weekends so mingling is made easy.

February - Brazil

With date of Brazil's new visa requirements for Americans on the horizon (April 10, 2025), there's no time like the present to start planning your trip to the colorful country. Late-February is an especially exciting time to visit to experience Brazil's incredible Carnival celebration.

When you're booking a trip to Brazil, know that different cities have their own Carnival celebrations and they're all pretty intense. Make sure to pace yourself and for sanity's sake, visiting 1-2 cities in a week should probably be your MAX.

Since Carnival can be pretty wild, be sure not to wear any flashy jewelry that might get snatched in all the fun chaos of the parades and parties.

March - Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that captures the heart of all of its visitors. While Vietnam is famously hot and humid, March is a golden balance of having moderate weather and low rainfall between both north and south ends of the county and everywhere in between.

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Depending on how long you visit, it is very popular (and easy!) to travel between different cities in Vietnam. In the north, make sure to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay for some of the most stunning natural beauties in the country. As you travel toward central Vietnam, stop by Hoi An to get a taste of Vietnam's famous tailoring and order a few custom-made items. Then get your fill of Vietnam's city life in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, and experience a mix of old and new Vietnamese culture.

April - Oman

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When it comes to traveling through the Middle East, Oman is often an overlooked destination - but there's something for everyone. To top it off, April is the perfect time to visit as there are less crowds than winter and the temperatures are just beginning to warm up for outdoor activities.

Foodies will delight in tasting the flavors of the gulf. Shopping enthusiasts can score authentic Omani items at the various souks, including frankincense, silver perfume and jewelry boxes, and even beautifully adorned clothing. But Oman is truly a treasure box for adventurers, where travelers can hike into the desert oasis landscapes, snorkel around the Daymaniyat Islands, and even tackling Oman's own Grand Canyon.

Some American travelers may be hesitant due to the Middle East generally being more conservative, but Oman is a fairly relaxed destination. Dressing modestly, as you might in a business casual office, works just fine. Feel free to don shorts and a swimsuit while swimming in the many waterholes.

May - Morocco

If you haven't been to Morocco yet, you need to change that soon! Morocco is an absolutely stunning country and May is the perfect sweet spot between low crowds yet comfortable weather.

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At the very least, spending 3-4 days in Marrakech is a must. Since Morocco also has great infrastructure, it's also a perfect destination for a road trip, so you can add on cities such as Fes, Casablana, and Chefchaouen. To make you trip extra special, definitely stay in traditional Moroccan riads for an authentic (and usually more affordable while still being luxurious) experience.

Morocco is extremely multi-cultural, with most people in the tourism industry speaking English, Spanish, Arabic, and sometimes even French!

June - Greece

With idyllic weather before the rush of summer crowds descends upon Europe, June is the perfect time to visit Greece.

Depending on how much time you have for vacation, you might have to choose between visiting mainland Greece with cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, or one of the many dazzling Greek islands. If you're lucky, you'll have time to enjoy both. You can craft an itinerary that ranges anywhere from adventurous to the ultimate relaxation.

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Though, if you want to party, Greece is also a great destination for yacht week and island hopping. You can join as a group or as a solo traveler, but either way you're leaving with a new set of friends and memories to last a lifetime.

July - Jamaica

Jamaica is amazing to visit pretty much anytime of the year - outside of hurricane season - but July is particularly special due to the annual Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

Jamaica has contributed A LOT to the world, but reggae music is especially loved all over the globe. Visiting during such an impactful festival is the cherry on top to an already amazing destination. Along with the music, you can experience authentic Jamaican food, arts, and culture by Jamaicans, WITH Jamaicans.

Be sure to book your hotels early as lodging can fill up as the date gets closer to the festival. And don't forget to stay hydrated throughout!

August - South Africa

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What's not to love about South Africa. From a tourist standpoint it has fantastic wine, powerful history, and beautiful natural wonders. From a global standpoint, South Africa is leading the conversation around modern-day apartheid and normalized genocide. 2025 is the time to visit if you haven't already been, and if you're looking to go on a safari, August is the perfect month.

For first time travelers, the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town are great starting points to the country - you can visit for a month and still not see everything, but one to two weeks will get you started. If it isn't your first visit, consider branching out to cities such as Durban or even the landlocked countries of Lesotho or Eswatini.

While planning your South Africa itinerary, remember that the country is MUCH bigger than it appears on the map. It is usually easier and faster (and sometimes cheaper) to fly between cities rather than drive.

September - Albania

Albania is slowly moving up the ranks in Europe's up-and-coming destinations, both for its affordability and its natural beauty. September offers comfortable temperatures and all of the summer crowds have dissipated.

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One of the best ways to see Albania is by car, especially since public transportation between cities is not the most convenient. As you're planning your road trip, take note of car rental insurance. Most of the time, you don't need additional rental insurance through the rental company because many travel credit cards offer their own supplemental rental insurance if you pay with that card.

That said, if you do have a major incident (accident, serious injury, etc) then there is the potential for the credit card to relay their coverage to your primary car insurance back home which could increase your rates. However, two travel credit cards offer primary insurance as an included perk, meaning anything covered by the card will not be reported to your home car insurance! These cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the American Express Platinum Card.

October - Mexico

Mexico is honestly perfect any time of the year. With such a variety of states and landscapes and cities, there is truly something for everyone in Mexico. However if you visit in October, it's an amazing time to experience Dia de los Muertos.

Dia de Los Muertos is a holiday combining Indigenous beliefs and Catholicism at the end of October into November that celebrates deceased friends, family, and pets. Mexico has a very comfortable relationship with the line between life and death, and Dia de Los Muertos is a chance for visitors to experience that mindset and have a peak into a more intimate aspect of Mexican culture.

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In terms of cities, Oaxaca and Puebla are fantastic destinations to experience Dia de Los Muertos, though you can also find celebrations in Mexico City, Aguascalientes, and Michoacan.

November - Japan

Coming out of its pandemic lockdown just a few years ago, travel to Japan has been at an all-time high. For good reason, Japan is awesome, however the BEST time to visit Japan is in November. Fall in Japan has the most comfortable temperatures, affordable prices, and the country is decorated with autumn foliage.

If you only have a few days to spare, you could spend the entire time in Tokyo alone. However if you have a week or more, be sure to check out Japan's iconic cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and you may even get a glimpse of the beautiful Mt. Fuji!

A few things to keep in mind when traveling Japan: cash is still king, so you'll want to pull out some Japanese yen for your trip. Insider tip: the ATM with the best currency exchange rate can be found in Japan's 7/11's!

December - Antarctica

Last but not least, end the year with a trip to the white continent - Antarctica. There are even cruises that plan around the holiday season so that you can celebrate amongst the icebergs and penguins!

Antarctica doesn't cross most traveler's minds because of the steep price tag, but you can travel to Antarctica on a budget and get great deals on tickets by flying first to Ushuaia and then buying last minute tickets at the cruise booths for up to 50% off! You don't get to pick your cruise, but you do get to go to Antarctica at a significantly lower price!
To viewers at home, Kendis Gibson seemed to have it all. Off-camera, he felt like he didnt.

Gibson was in 2018 the regular co-anchor of ABC News overnight program, ABC News Now, and working hard to climb the ladder, appearing 212 times on Good Morning America in his first two years at the Disney-backed outlet. Off screen, however, he was grappling with trauma  some generated by incidents from his childhood, and some the result of feeling that he was being marginalized as he tried to get his work in front of viewers and executives.

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After trying to find another path at ABC News following several years at ABC News Now, and finding one wasnt being provided to him, Gibson began to have intensifying thoughts of suicide, something that had plagued him at other times in his life. Five of his friends rushed to his New York City apartment, where an attempt to jump out the window of his high-rise Manhattan apartment was thwarted only because he had ingested alcohol and sleep medication that kept him from being able to coordinate the effort.



During a recent conversation, Gibson, whose career has taken him from CNN to ABC News to MSNBC to his current stint as a weekday anchor at Nexstars WPIX in New York, recalls an interview he once heard with longtime CNN anchor Bernard Shaw about achieving success in TV news. It will cost you, no matter what, he remembers, adding: I wasnt prepared for that.

Five Trips, Gibsons new book, which debuts Tuesday, is helping him to work it all out. The anchor details not only a troubled childhood that has continued to weigh on him, but a series of experiments he has undertaken with various drugs to help him gain control over his mental well-being. Over the course of 206 pages, Gibson tests MDMA in Hawaii and Arizona; LSD in Big Sur; psilocybin in Belize; and ayahuasca in Peru.

He has reasons to seek solace. The early parts of Gibsons memoir detail a harrowing childhood in Belize, where he is sexually assaulted repeatedly as a child. He must also grapple with the mysterious death of a childhood friend, who was a first and newfound same-sex crush. As Gibson finds success in the TV-news business, he must confront continued feelings of depression, PTSD and suicidal ideation.

To go back and relive all of it is emotional and cathartic at the same time, says Gibson.

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His recollections may also help many others in the TV-news ranks, where long hours, stressful deadlines and national exposure can play havoc with self-regard.

Gibson isnt the only person who has suffered declines in mental well-being over the course of a career in the medium. Dan Harris, a former ABC News anchor who has since moved on to launch his own mental wellness company called 10% Happier, told a oft-remembered story of having an on-air panic attack while filling in on Good Morning America in 2004. He subsequently discovered he had become depressed after a long stint covering wars in Afghanistan and Palestine, among other places, and had begun to self-medicate. He soon began to try mediation.

Gibson also has stories that will be of interest to people in the news business. He helped lead a group of journalists of color at ABC News that sought to make the units hiring practices more inclusive. Yet as the effort continued, he found his appearances on major shows such as GMA becoming severely cut. After turning up on GMA frequently during his earlier years at ABC, Gibson found his appearances cut to a mere handful.

His behind-the-scenes look at the Disney-backed unit offers new detail to a difficult episode that came to light in 2020 when a senior executive responsible for talent development was found to have made racially insensitive comments over a long period of time. His experience there contributed to the mental health decline, he said.

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As Gibson details in the book, some of his experiments helped him come to terms with things that weighed on him. After taking a psychedelic trip in Peru, he writes, I felt connected with the universe. The weight Id carried a lifetime, embarrassed by my impoverished childhood, had lifted. I realized through this journey that my escape from poverty was a badge of honor, and not something to be ashamed of.

The anchor says he isnt trying to encourage others to follow his regimen. Im not recommending people read this and say, I want to do psychedelics. Im just basically saying this was my journey, Gibson says. But he hopes readers come away with a new appreciation of some of the pressures faced by TV-news personnel. We are pretty much like anybody else, he says. We are still fighting and struggling and wrestling with personalities and with stress and dealing with anxiety.

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If you plan to cruise any time soon (or really any time), its a good idea to stay aware of the US State Departments travel advisories for the countries you plan to visit.

The State Department regularly updates their travel advisories based on current safety and security conditions in each country in order to help U.S. citizens make informed decisions when deciding to take a trip abroad. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, the lowest warning level, to Level 4, which warns U.S. citizens not to travel to the country due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

Related: Warning: 2 things to know before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise

If a significant threat to passenger and crew safety arises in a cruise port, cruise lines will often change their itineraries, but its not uncommon for cruise ships to sail to countries where the State Department recommends travelers exercise increased caution.

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While many cruise lines have altered Baltic Sea cruise itineraries and avoided sailing in the Black Sea since 2022 due to Russias ongoing war against Ukraine, certain European river cruises continue to sail to a port that could be impacted by another ongoing conflict in the region.

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Cruise ships have not been calling on Russian ports. Image source: Oceania Cruises

Travel warning reissued for river cruise destination Moldova

On Nov. 29, the State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Moldova, which has a cruise port on the Danube River. German cruise operator Phoenix Reisens river cruise ship MS Anna Katharina has planned calls to Moldovas Port Giurgiulesti on Danube River cruises in 2025.

The State Departments reissued Moldova travel advisory states:

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Exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova. This is due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government.

There have been reports of debris from airborne projectiles landing in Moldova. However, there is no indication that Moldova is being targeted in Russia's war against Ukraine. The Chisinau airport is operating normally although there are no flights available to or from Belarus, Russia or Ukraine, according to the State Dept.

While Moldova is listed as Level 2 advisory level, the breakaway region of Transnistria is listed as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. The State Department warns travelers that Transnistria is a region that is not under the control of the Moldovan government and there is also military conflict in nearby Ukraine.

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Should you visit a cruise destination with a Level 2 travel advisory?

When the State Department issues a Level 2 travel advisory, the US government isn't telling you not to travel to the destination. But it does want you to be on alert.

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Its important to read the advisory and follow the departments advice. The State Department also advises travelers to keep in the mind that conditions in any country may change at any time.

When an advisory is set at Level 3, the State Department advises U.S. citizens toreconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. Only at Level 4, the highest advisory level, does the State Department specifically say that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country.

Related: What the US governments Bahamas travel warning means for cruises

When booking a cruise or departing on one you booked months ago, its always a good idea to check the current travel advisories for the destinations your cruise will visit. You can look up the travel advisory for each destination on the State Department website, which also offers an interactive, color-coded world map view.

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Its also important to check with your cruise line for specific guidance they can provide about any ports of call they visit with Level 2 or higher travel warnings. Cruise lines actively monitor the security situations in their ports of call and a countrys travel warning doesnt always mean a cruise port in the country is unsafe.

Related: Royal Caribbean makes key decision on Labadee, Haiti port

Royal Caribbean has found this to be the case at its private destination, Labadee, Haiti. The cruise line still calls on Labadee despite Haitis Level 4 travel advisory. While technically part of Haiti, Labadee is a cruise-exclusive destination far removed from the capital city of Port-au-Prince, which has been plagued by ongoing gang violence.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities in Murfreesboro are seeking assistance from those who may have witnessed a three-car crash that resulted in the death of a woman Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD), the crash happened on NW Broad Street near I-840 at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

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Courtesy: Murfreesboro Police Department Courtesy: Murfreesboro Police Department

Officials said a preliminary investigation shows that the 24-year-old driver of a 2020 Kia Rio may have improperly changed lanes, resulting in a collision with a 2015 Kia Optima.

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Both vehicles were reportedly traveling south along NW Broad Street. However, police said the impact of the collision forced the Kia Rio to veer into the northbound lanes, where it was then hit by a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. Debris from the crash also struck a Chrysler minivan in the northbound lanes, officials added.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

According to MPD, the 24-year-old driver of the Kia Rio was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured in the crash.

Investigators reported they are working to determine whether drugs and alcohol played a role in the deadly crash, adding that drugs and an open bottle of alcohol were found in one of the vehicles involved.

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Meanwhile, the 19-year-old driver of the Kia Optima was arrested at the crash scene for two unrelated outstanding warrants for theft and criminal simulation, police said. He reportedly had a loaded AR-15 in the vehicle as well.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

NW Broad Street was closed as officials investigated the deadly collision. However, all lanes of traffic have since reopened.

Additional details about the incident were not immediately released.

 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.
Enrollment in North Carolinas new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has nearly reached the states goal of 600,000 in half of the time initially projected, Gov. Roy Cooper said on Wednesday while celebrating the first anniversary of expansion in the state.

All eligible North Carolina hospitals sign onto medical debt relief plan

As of Wednesday, 590,331 people were enrolled in Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, according to the Division of Health Benefits. At the expansions start on Dec. 1, 2023, Coopers administration had estimated the state would reach 600,000 within two years.

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Speaking in Greenville with leaders of East Carolina Universitys healthcare system and medical school, Cooper recognized expansion and other healthcare initiatives advanced during his two terms as governor. Cooper, a Democrat prevented from seeking reelection due to term limits, leaves office at the end of the month.

For the last eight years, weve worked hard to lead our state with one healthcare innovation after another that will leave lasting impacts on generations of North Carolinians to come, Cooper said in a news release.

Since taking office in early 2017, Cooper was a strong advocate for North Carolina accepting through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act full health benefits coverage for some adults ages 19-64 who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid.

Republicans in charge of the General Assembly opposed the idea for years. As Congress offered states additional financial incentives to participate, the GOP-controlled legislature and Cooper ultimately enacted an expansion law in 2023, making North Carolina one but a few Southern states to date to accept the coverage. The federal government pays 90% of the cost of expansion, with the remainder paid in North Carolina by an increased assessment of hospitals.

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Nearly 273,000 people, most of whom had been receiving Medicaid for family-planning coverage alone, were covered on the first day of North Carolina enrollment.

Over one-third of the expansion enrollees are from rural areas, Coopers office said, and expansion recipients in the past year have been able to fill 3.8 million prescriptions and have covered $58 million in dental services. Overall Medicaid enrollment statewide is now at 3 million.

Coopers office billed the event as the first in a series this month to highlight the departing governors accomplishments.

The news release mentioned a first-of-its-kind initiative this year that will give almost 100 hospitals higher Medicaid payments if the medical debt of low- and middle-income patients is relieved and they implement policies that prevent liabilities for future patients. It also cited $835 million  the result of a Medicaid expansion incentive from Washington  appropriated last year for mental health treatment and resources.








TAIPEI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan.

They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the trip.

The delegation made the trip at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation and was led by Qiu Yong, secretary of the Communist Party of China Tsinghua University Committee.

Speaking at the farewell dinner on Wednesday, Qiu commented on how the mainland students and teachers felt both the deep rapport between compatriots on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the unique charm of the island.

He called for more opportunities for young people on both sides of the Strait to learn from each other, further efforts to strengthen the spiritual bond connecting mainland and Taiwan compatriots through Chinese cultural traditions, and enhanced cross-Strait educational cooperation.

"In the course of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, compatriots on either side of the Strait cannot be absent," Qiu said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

Calling youth exchanges the foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait. 
Firearms instructors stress that a gun is the last line of defense against a home invasion. There are many things you could do to protect your home against burglaries and home invasions, whether you have a firearm or not.

Add outside lighting. Static lights that stay on and lights that are activated by motion are both excellent deterrents. Make sure all windows and doors are locked; consider using longer screws in door hinges, ensuring they reach deep into the door jamb and the structural studs. Get a deadbolt for your doors. Double-key deadbolts are the best. Landscape with thorny or spiky bushes under your windows. Get a dog. The size is not as important as the bark. Never leave a key hidden on your porch or under a flower pot. Install a camera system; consider an alarm system. Make it appear like someone is home by setting lights on a timer when you are gone. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your place and offer to watch theirs. Don't leave a ladder next to your house. That gives burglars access to try second-story windows.

Sources: Home defense experts; law enforcement agencies; and the Insurance Information Institute.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 10 tips to protect your home, whether you own a gun or not
Editors note: One of the two victims in critical condition has passed away.

EDISON, N.J. (PIX11)  A 101-year-old listed in critical condition Tuesday night has passed away, according to New Jersey officials.

Kuo-Chun Chen was one of two individuals injured after a fire broke out at the Inman Grove Senior Center around 6 p.m.

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The fire reportedly started in a residents room on the second floor in the C wing of the building, officials said. Fire crews were able to put out the fire, but over 200 senior citizens were displaced.

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Edison Mayor Sam Joshi informed PIX11 News that senior citizens were accommodated at a local hotel and received care.

Another individual remains in critical condition, officials say. A preliminary investigation determined that the fire did not appear to be suspicious.

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.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Thirteen children under the age of 14 have died in central Mexico and authorities said Thursday they suspect contaminated IV feeding bags as the culprit.

The federal Health Department ordered doctors across the country not to use IV nutrition bags made by the company Productos Hospitalarios S.A de C.V., though the exact source of the infections is still under investigation. Phone calls to numbers listed for the company and emails seeking comment went unanswered.

The outbreak appeared to be Klebsiella oxytoca, a multidrug-resistant bacteria. It was first detected in November at three government hospitals and one private one in the State of Mexico, on the outskirts of Mexico City.

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The department said the children appeared to have died from a blood infection.

So far, of 20 possible cases, the bacteria was ruled out in one case, suspected in four and confirmed in 15 cases. Of the 19 patients, 13 died and the six others are being treated at hospitals.

Asked about the cluster of cases, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that health officials "told me about a case yesterday, but let's say, it's under control.

It was the latest public blow to Mexicos tottering, underfunded health care system. Last week, the director of the countrys flagship national cardiology institute said the hospital didnt have money to buy essential supplies, calling the situation critical.

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Dr. Jorge Gaspar, the hospital's director, wrote an internal letter saying that budget cuts have affected the acquisition of supplies necessary for the institution's functioning. In a subsequent public letter the next day, he clarified that the initial message was intended for an internal audience and assured the public that we are working to solve the situation.

Mexico has been plagued by contaminated medical supply scandals for years.

In 2023, authorities arrested an anesthesiologist they blamed for an outbreak of meningitis that killed 35 patients and sickened 79.

The doctor, whose name was withheld, apparently carried his own morphine from one private hospital to another, spreading a fungal infection that contaminated the medication at the first clinic, authorities said.

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The drug may not have been stored properly. Some smaller hospitals or maternity clinics in Mexico dont have their own dispensing pharmacies or are not authorized to handle controlled medications like opiates, and thus long relied on anesthesiologists to bring their own.

In 2020, 14 people died after a hospital run by Mexicos state-owned oil company gave a drug to dialysis patients that was contaminated with bacteria. More than 69 patients were sickened in that outbreak.

Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who left office on Sept. 30, complained frequently that drug supply companies were charging too much, and so he essentially revamped the whole medical purchasing system, pledging to provide Mexicans a health care that is better than in Denmark.

However, the new system of government-run warehouses has foundered, plagued by chronic shortages of supplies and drugs, while a gargantuan government supply depot Lopez Obrador set up and called the mega drug store now sits largely empty.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
In Daviess County, Kentucky, a 14-year-old girl became the hero of her family in an extraordinary act of courage and quick thinking. Katie Harris, a single mother of four, credits her daughter, Darby Jackson, with saving her life during a terrifying medical emergency. Its a story of resilience, family bonds, and a teen rising to the challenge in the most critical of moments.

Katie had just picked up her middle child from school when she began experiencing alarming symptoms. I was blacking out, Harris recalls. I remember saying, Darby, somethings not right. Thats the last thing pretty much I remember. In an instant, the roles between mother and daughter reversed.

Harris was in the throes of ventricular tachycardia (VT), a rare and dangerous arrhythmia that caused her heart to beat uncontrollably fast. With her mother unable to act, Darby, a freshman at Daviess County High School, stepped into action with composure far beyond her years.

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I was like, If someone comes up behind us, were just going to be stuck here, Darby explained. With clarity and determination, she steered the car to safety, her instincts guiding her through the chaos. She then called 911 and stayed on the line with the dispatcher, following their instructions until paramedics arrived.

The whole time my voice was shaking, but I was trying to stay calm for her, Darby shared. Even in the midst of fear, Darbys focus never wavereda testament to her strength and love for her mom.

Harris later reflected on the gravity of the situation and her daughters heroism. If she wouldnt have been in the car, I didnt have enough physical strength to pick up the phone, so my heart wouldve stopped. Immediately, she said.

In the weeks since the incident, Harris has undergone numerous medical tests at the University of Kentucky, though doctors are still working to pinpoint the cause of her condition. Meanwhile, Darbys siblings have also stepped up, rallying around their mom to keep the household running.

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The family continues to make regular trips between Daviess County and Lexington for additional medical evaluations. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover medical expenses and support the family during this challenging time.

Theyre my world. If anything, theyre what Ive been fighting for this entire time, Harris said of her children. This familys love and resilience are what carry them through these uncertain days.

Related: From heartbreak to hope: How one mom defied medical odds to welcome a warrior baby boy

How to teach kids to respond in emergencies

Darbys heroic actions highlight the importance of teaching kids what to do in a crisis. Here are some expert-backed tips to help your child feel prepared:

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Teach them how to call 911 Show them how to dial from a cell phone or landline, even if its locked.

Explain the importance of staying calm and speaking clearly to the dispatcher.

The American Red Cross emphasizes practicing with your child, including rehearsing what to say in a 911 call. Learn more from the Red Cross.

Discuss your familys emergency plan Identify safe spots to pull over if driving, and review key steps to take in common scenarios.

Practice these situations so they feel more confident under pressure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating a communication plan and teaching children where to go and who to contact during an emergency. Visit FEMAs guide to family preparedness.

Explain basic first-aid steps Teach them to recognize serious symptoms, like trouble breathing or a racing heartbeat.

Show them how to check for responsiveness and what to say to emergency responders.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests teaching children simple first-aid skills, such as applying pressure to a wound. Explore the AAPs safety tips.

Empower them to trust their instincts Reassure them that doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

Praise their ability to remain calm and resourceful.

The American Heart Association notes that empowering children to act, even in small ways, can make a big difference. Learn more about CPR and emergency response from the AHA.

This incredible story, first reported by 14 News, isnt just about one girls bravery. Its a powerful reminder of the strength of family bonds and the importance of preparing our children for emergenciesbecause sometimes, theyll rise to the occasion in ways we never imagined.

Related: How a 9-year-old boys quick thinking saved his moms life

Sources:
CHICAGO  A 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man were shot Thursday morning in South Shore. Chicago police are actively looking for the drive-by shooter.

At around 11:15 a.m., a girl, 15, and a man, 18, were walking in the 7400 block of South Yates when a gray-colored sedan approached and someone inside fired shots.

Neighbors described hearing over a dozen shots.

Multi-vehicle crash involving stolen car in River North leaves multiple injured, including 3 children; 2 in custody

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Authorities said the girl suffered a gunshot wound to the hip. Chicago police did not provide a condition, but Chicago Fire believes the injury is non-life-threatening. The adult male shot in the leg and hand should be OK. As a result of the shooting, the teen girl and adult male are recovering at Comer Childrens Hospital and the University of Chicago Hospital, respectively.

The shooting was too close to home for Soquoia Blankenship, whose daughter lives nearby.

I keep my eyes open, Blankenship told WGN News. I dont park on the street. I park at her residence just because of that.

A resident of Chicagos southwest suburbs, Blankenship worries about her daughters safety and says she always feels nervous when traveling to the city.

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Come visit and either Im about to get side-swiped or have an accident coming or going, Blankenship said.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

No one is in custody. Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.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 WGN-TV.
Police are investigating a homicide after a 15-year-old boy was shot to death in West Seattle.

The boy was a student at Chief Sealth International High School, according to Seattle Public Schools.

At 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, patrol officers responded to reports of screaming, gunfire, and a victim shot on a residential street near High Point Commons Park.

Seattle Police Department officers found the boy, who had been shot once in the stomach.

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SPD and a crew from the Seattle Fire Department provided first aid before taking him to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.

Despite all life-saving efforts, police say the teen succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The suspect(s) ran before police arrived, and according to police, no suspect information is known and no arrests have been made yet. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation as well.

Officers cordoned off the area until Homicide and Crime Scene Unit detectives arrived, finding a single shell casing and a gun while processing the crime scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City.

168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Zackary Taylor Chavez. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Zackary Taylor Chavez, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  At first, it may not look like much: just a small tree at Clyde Elementary School and Wylie East Intermediate School. However, these trees sprouted from seeds that traveled 270,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis I mission.

The seeds orbited the Moon during a mission from November 16, 2022, to December 11, 2022. After returning from space, the seeds were planted and cultivated at the J. Herbert Stone Nursery, located in Central Point, Oregon.

An American Sweetgum Artemis I Moon Tree is planted at Clyde Elementary School

A Southern California school plants a Moon Tree grown with seeds flown in space

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The Moon Tree program is inspired by the original moon trees that NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa flew during the Apollo 14 mission. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, NASAs Office of STEM Engagement launched five species of trees on the Artemis I mission as part of a national initiative focused on STEM engagement and conservation education.

A new era of Moon trees will one day stand tall in communities across America, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. NASA is bringing the spirit of exploration back down to Earth because space belongs to everyone. The Artemis Generation will carry forth these seedlings that will be fertile ground for creativity, inspiration, and discovery for years to come.

After reviewing hundreds of applications, NASA selected Clyde Elementary School and Wylie East Intermediate School as recipients of the Moon Trees. Both schools became caretakers of the American Sweetgum Artemis I Moon Trees. Clyde Elementary received its Sweetgum tree on November 14, and Wylie East Intermediate plans to plant its tree this Saturday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Authorities believe a gunman may have targeted the California Seventh-day Adventist school where two young boys were critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday because of its church affiliation, the Butte County sheriff said.

The shooting took place around 1 p.m. on the campus of Feather River Adventist School near Palermo, after the gunman had met with the principal about enrolling a student, Sheriff Kory L. Honea said.

Shortly after concluding that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired, heard screams, and thats when they determined or found that the students had been shot, Honea said.

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The two students, boys ages 5 and 6, were in "extremely critical condition" at a hospital Wednesday night, Honea said, describing the injuries as "very, very serious."

In an update Thursday, the sheriffs office said the children are in "critical but stable condition" and continue to receive treatment at a hospital.

The shooter was dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound when law enforcement arrived, and a handgun was found next to him, he said.

The Butte County Sheriff's Office said Thursday the suspect has been positively identified, and authorities are "diligently working to establish the motive."

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The sheriff's office will host a news conference on the shooting at 3 p.m. local time Thursday (6 p.m. ET).

Honea said Wednesday the sheriff's office received information "that leads us to believe that the subject responsible for the shooting targeted this school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church," Honea said.

Feather River Adventist School in Butte County, Calif.

The shooter has no connection between the victims of the school, Honea said.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the meeting about possible enrollment of a family member was real or just a ruse to get onto campus, he said. The meeting was cordial, with nothing that concerned the administrator, he said.

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Feather River Adventist School is a K-8 school with about 35 students, Honea said. It is in Butte County, south of Oroville and near Palermo, around 60 miles north of Sacramento.

The children who were shot are kindergarten students, Honea said.

The other children at the school were sequestered in a gymnasium until authorities organized buses to reunite them with their parents at a church in Oroville.

Joselyn, a sixth grader at the school, told NBC affiliate KCRA of Sacramento that she heard the gunshots.

I also saw the shooter go across a window, like pacing back and forth. And then we were running to the gym, she told the station. I looked back and I saw a shadow with a gun, so I told most people to run even faster.

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The shooting is believed to be isolated to the school, but the sheriff's office said it notified other law enforcement agencies out of an abundance of caution.

Authorities did not reveal the gunman's identity Wednesday. Honea said the name was being withheld because possible associates were being interviewed.

He arrived at the school in an Uber ride. The driver has been identified and was being interviewed about what the shooter may have said during the ride, Honea said.

Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

Cellphone 911 calls came into the California Highway Patrol around 1:08 p.m., and it immediately responded along with sheriffs deputies, Honea said.

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A Highway Patrol officer was the first on the scene and found the gunman deceased, he said.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

"We're doing an entire work-up of the subject, to get a better understanding of his motivation, ideology  what else could help understand today's situation and incident," Sid Patel, special agent in charge of the FBI office in Sacramento, said at a news conference Wednesday night.

Honea called the shooting horrible and tragic.

"When you're talking about little kids like this, who can't defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart," he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation of the Communist Party of India (CPI) cadres led by Rama Krushna Panda, a national secretariat member of the CPI, in Beijing on Thursday.

Both sides agreed on the necessity of delivering on the latest important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, of strengthening party-to-party exchanges and dialogues, of managing differences properly, and of promoting the improvement and development of China-India relations. 
(KTXL)  Two children were injured in a shooting at a religious school in Northern California on Wednesday before the suspected gunman apparently killed himself, sheriffs officials said.

The shooting happened around 1:00 p.m. at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a small private K-8 school near Palermo, roughly 60 miles north of Sacramento.

Deputies arrived to find the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot near a playground, Butte County Sheriff Corey Honea said during a Wednesday evening press conference.

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UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack in NYC, officials say

The injured students, two boys aged 5 and 6, were taken to a hospital. Honea said both are still receiving treatment but did not provide any additional details about their conditions.

This is horribly tragic, the sheriff said. It is hard to come up with the words.  When youre talking about little kids like this, who cant defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart.

Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP)

A preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect went to the school to meet with the principal about possibly enrolling a student, Honea said.

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Shortly after concluding that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired, heard screams, and thats when they determined, or found, that the two students had been shot, Honea said, adding that deputies are still working to verify the sequence of events.

A motive is not clear, though Honea said investigators received information that the suspect may have targeted this school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. However, it does not appear that the suspect had any contact with the school until Wednesday.

Searchers dont expect to find woman in sinkhole alive: Pennsylvania police

Investigators believe the suspect was dropped off in a gray four-door sedan that may have been a rideshare. The vehicle left immediately after, Honea said.

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The sheriffs office has not released the suspects name. Honea said they are trying to contact his family before disclosing his identity.

Following the shooting, students were sequestered in a gymnasium and then transported by bus to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they could reunite with their parents.

The schools website says it has been at its current location since 1965, and an update from 2022 says it had just over 30 students. The community of Palermo has a population of nearly 9,500, according to the U.S. Census.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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NEWTON COUNTY, Ind.  Two people were hospitalized after a crash involving a train, a semi and a car in northwest Indiana on Tuesday afternoon.

According to officials from the Newton County Sheriffs Office, the crash unfolded around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of US-41 and US-24, in Kentland.

Read more: Latest news and headlines from northwest Indiana

Deputies said a preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of the semi, a 36-year-old man from Addison, Illinois, was traveling northbound when he approached a red light. Deputies said he stopped at the light but then proceeded into the intersection where a westbound train struck his truck.

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The crash pushed the semi into a passenger vehicle, which was being driven by a 17-year-old girl from Chicago, who was waiting in a nearby turn lane.

Deputies said during the crash, the semi and the car were pushed about 60 feet from the intersection.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The crash led to a seven-hour closure of the roadway, as crews cleaned up the scene.

Following the crash, the teen girl was flown to a hospital in Indianapolis while the driver of the semi was taken to a hospital in Watseka.

Authorities have not provided updates on the conditions of either driver.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Two kindergarten students, ages 5 and 6, are in "extremely critical condition" following a shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists just outside of Oroville, Calif., the Butte County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a news conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4

"I'm thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them," Sheriff Kory L. Honea told reporters of the victims

The suspect was found dead at the scene, authorities confirmed

Two kindergarten students are in "extremely critical condition" following a shooting at a school in California, authorities have confirmed.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4 at approximately 1:08 p.m. local time, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to 911 calls amid reports of an active shooter on campus at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists just outside of Oroville, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said in a press briefing shared on Facebook.

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The call was then transferred to the sheriff's office approximately a minute later and deputies were dispatched.

Upon arrival shortly afterward, a CHP officer "located an adult male" on campus. "That subject was deceased," Honea said, adding that he appeared to have a "self-inflicted gunshot wound."

The officer located a handgun near the man's body and "secured that firearm," Honea told reporters.

Google Maps A photo of the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists just outside of Oroville, Calif. A photo of the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists just outside of Oroville, Calif.

Honea confirmed two kindergarten students, both boys, ages 5 and 6, had sustained gunshot wounds in the shooting and had immediately received medical aid.

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The sheriff added that officers "began to search the campus and classrooms to ensure that there were no other individuals to pose a threat to the students or the faculty."

"They are currently in extremely critical condition, they are being treated by the medical staff" at a local hospital, the sheriff said of the victims' condition.

"I'm thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them, and I certainly hope that you'd all keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward," Honea added to reporters.

Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Emergency personnel are pictured outside the school where the shooting took place on Dec. 4, 2024 Emergency personnel are pictured outside the school where the shooting took place on Dec. 4, 2024

The Sheriff said that a school bus was eventually brought to campus and about 35 students in total were transported to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, which is where they were reunited with parents and family members.

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He added that a "complex" investigation had been launched, with help from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), adding that officers "believe [they have] identified the subject responsible for the shooting." The suspect has not yet been named.

"We have received some information that he made an appointment to come to the school and meet with an administrator. His statement to school officials was that he wanted to explore the possibility of enrolling a family member as a student at the school," Honea shared, adding that the suspect did have a "cordial" meeting and that no concerns were raised at the time.

Honea said officers are working to figure out whether the meeting was legitimate or whether it was a "ruse" to get onto the campus.

Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Emergency personnel are pictured outside the school where the shooting took place on Dec. 4, 2024 Emergency personnel are pictured outside the school where the shooting took place on Dec. 4, 2024

"After that meeting is when the shooting occurred and then subsequently it appears as though he took his own life," the sheriff continued, adding that they believe the suspect may have "targeted" the school because of its "affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventists church."

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He also said he believes that at this stage the shooting was an "isolated incident," but alerts have been sent out. Honea then told reporters that the individual had arrived in an Uber, stating that the driver was now being interviewed.

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The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has said it's been deeply saddened by the shooting in a statement shared by CNN.

Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer, the message read. We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriffs Department who acted quickly to protect our students.

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The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Butte County Sheriff's Office didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Read the original article on People
The two kindergarten students shot at a northern California elementary school Wednesday by a gunman who later killed himself remain in extremely critical condition, authorities said.

The boys, ages 5 and 6, were being treated at a Sacramento-area trauma center.

I am thankful that theyre still alive, but theyve got a long road ahead of them, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a briefing late Wednesday, hours after the gunman opened fire at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville.

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The attack unfolded at around 1 p.m. that afternoon, after the suspected shooter had a cordial meeting with the principal over enrolling a child at the school. Authorities said hed been dropped off there by an Uber driver, who police are currently interviewing.

Shortly after concluding that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired, heard screams, and thats when they determined or found that the two students had been shot, Honea told local NBC affiliate KCRA.

Students were rushed to the school gym, then later brought to nearby Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families.

One student described the chaos to local media.

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I also saw them, the shooter, go across a window, like pacing back and forth. And then we were running to the gym, sixth-grader Jocelyn Orlando told KCRA. I looked back and I saw a shadow with a gun so I told most people to run even faster.

Jocelyn helped her teacher comfort the younger students as they hunkered down, even as she feared for her own life.

I was thinking to myself, what if I get shot, what will happen to my family, what will happen to me, she told CBS affiliate KOVR. I told the kindergarteners to take deep breaths and think of something happy.

Police arrived within two minutes, finding the gunman dead in the schools playground, next to a handgun, Honea said. Authorities were withholding his identity while they tried to contact his family.

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While the man had no apparent connection to the small, private Christian school itself, he may have targeted it because of its religious affiliation, authorities said, without giving further details.

Whether or not this is a hate crime, or whether or not its part of some sort of larger scheme, at this point I dont have enough information to provide an answer to that, Honea said.

The shooting shook up the 5,500-population town of Palermo, about 65 miles north of Sacramento, and had Seventh-Day Adventist institutions on edge. Reactions reached as far as New York, where the New York Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists expressed support and sorrow.

Brethren, we want to ask for prayers for all connected with the Feather River Adventist School in California, the group said in a social media statement. Lets be vigilant, as the devil is active everywhere, and keeping ourselves connected with prayer.

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The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists said they were deeply saddened by the events and grateful to the sheriffs office for its quick action.

The One in Five Foundation, a nonprofit originally created as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids after the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas, announced Thursday it would honor Jocelyn with a National Heroism Award for her actions.

This young lady, despite the chaos of the situation and her own fears, took on a role many adults would not have, founder Daniel Chapin said in a statement. Jocelyn helped maintain calm and security for other students in the face of a situation no one is expected to understand. This young lady is an example for students and adults alike nationwide.

With News Wire Services
Two area Wendys locations have closed following a string of closures across the Miami Valley.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7 reported in early November that Wendys was planning to close 140 stores. News Center 7s Amber Jenkins talked to the community about the closures on News Center 7 at 5:00.

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The Wendys on Ripple Road in Beavercreek and on Miamisburg Centerville Road in Miami Township have closed.

A lot of people are coming through looking for Wendys, but then they just come to Tim Hortons, Anthony White, Tim Hortons crew member said.

The Tim Hortons is attached to the now-closed Wendys.

The Wendys closing was quick, and it wasnt just customers stopping by wondering what happened.

Somebody came in for an interview, White said. Just to be shocked to see its closed and has been for the last couple of days.

These locations have been removed from the companys list of locations and their Google status of these locations is permanently closed.

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Wendys has said that they will be opening new locations in areas where the company believes better business can be generated.

Although the Beavercreek location closed unexpectedly, Beavercreeks Chamber of Commerce believes the closure will make space for future developments.

Its always difficult to see those businesses go, Wendy Rodgers with the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce said. But I think its really important to note that the community continues to grow and evolve.

It is unknown if the Wendys workers will have the option to relocate.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Two more Utah rideshare drivers have been charged in Third District Court on sexual misconduct charges, bringing the total to four rideshare drivers who have been charged.

Khairullah Haidary, 37, was charged Tuesday in Third District Court on two counts of forcible sexual abuse, which are second-degree felony charges. Braden Ray Fowers, 47, was charged with attempted rape, a first-degree felony.

Its been an honor: Romney says goodbye to U.S. Senate in farewell address

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Fowers is accused of sexually assaulting a woman he drove to a hotel while he was driving for the rideshare service, Uber in November of 2018. Fowers instructed the woman to sit in the front seat and told her that she was pretty. He asked if they could hang out, which she denied.

The woman then said Fowers was making her very uncomfortable. When the woman reached her destination, Fowers ran over to her door, exposed himself, and then grabbed the womans private parts. The woman kicked Fowers, forcing him to flee behind a dumpster. The woman grabbed her things and ran into the building, locking the door behind her.

Haidary is charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse for reportedly sexually assaulting someone while he worked as a rideshare driver for Lyft in February of 2023. The victim was hanging out with a friend and began to feel ill so she ordered a Lyft home.

Haidary drove the victim to the hotel where she was staying, once they arrived, Haidary got into the back seat and reportedly started to sexually assault the woman. The woman called a friend who was at the hotel because she was worried about Haidarys intentions. Haidary was Mirandized and stated to police that he offered to give the woman a massage and said he messaged the womans head and legs.

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Neither Fowers nor Haidary have been booked on their charges.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Two kindergarteners  a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy  are in "critical but stable condition" on Thursday after they were shot a day earlier at their small Christian grammar school in Northern California, authorities said.

The suspected gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after entering the school and opening fire on the students Wednesday, according to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea.

Butte County authorities responded to reports of an active shooter at the Feather River Adventist School near Oroville shortly after 1 p.m., Honea said. A California Highway Patrol trooper was the first to arrive on the scene and found the two wounded students and the suspect's body with a handgun nearby.

PHOTO: Emergency vehicles at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists,near Oroville, in Palermo, California, Dec. 4, 2024, in this screengrab obtained from social media video. (Fallon Ortiz/tmx/Reuters)

The suspected shooter had met with a school administrator earlier in the day to discuss enrolling a student at the school, which teaches kindergarten to 8th grade and has a total of 35 students, according to Honea.

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It's unclear if the meeting was legitimate or a ruse for the suspected gunman to get inside, the sheriff said.

PHOTO: Police investigate a shooting at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024. (Justin Stohlman/Facebook )

MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting latest: Police appear to be closing in on shooter's identity, sources say

The meeting was described as "cordial" and did not set off any alarm bells with the school administrator, the sheriff said.

A few minutes after that meeting, the shots rang out, he said.

PHOTO: Police investigate a shooting at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024. (Fallon Ortiz)

The suspect has been identified and authorities are working to find a motive, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff said that he may have targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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"Out of an abundance of caution, we sent an alert out to law enforcement agencies throughout the state of California, advising them of this shooting and advising them that the subject may have targeted this school because of its affiliation with that particular religious organization," Honea said.

"Our request of those law enforcement agencies was to be vigilant and make sure that those schools are safe and the students are still safe," he added.

MORE: JonBenet Ramsey's dad hopes for answers as Netflix doc puts pressure on police to solve 1996 murder

The suspect was dropped off at the school by an Uber driver who has since been interviewed by police, authorities said.

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"We're working to essentially reconstruct this individual's activities over the course of today as well as into the past to determine why ... he did the things that he did," Honea said.

PHOTO: Police investigate a shooting at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024. (Fallon Ortiz)

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The FBI is helping to process the scene and dig into the suspect's background.

Butte County is located about 65 miles north of Sacramento.

2 kindergarteners in 'critical but stable condition' after Christian school shooting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Police are searching for two suspects in connection with a violent robbery in Santa Ana.

Surveillance cameras captured the men entering a massage parlor. One suspect attempted to access an employees back office area, but was stopped.

The suspect noticed the employee was holding a large amount of cash in her hands.

He struck her with his cell phone and continued to punch her as she fell to the ground while demanding she hand over the money.

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During the beating, a second suspect entered the business to assist in the robbery. They escaped with $1,500 in cash and fled in a dark-colored 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan with California license plate 6VRB731.

The first suspect is described as a Black man who is possibly in his mid-20s. He stands around 6 feet tall and has a thin build. He was last seen wearing a green Adidas hooded sweatshirt.

Southern California woman accused of operating brothels disguised as skin care spas

Two men are wanted by police for a violent robbery of a massage parlor in Santa Ana. (Santa Ana Police Department) Two men are wanted by police for a violent robbery of a massage parlor in Santa Ana. (Santa Ana Police Department) Two men are wanted by police for a violent robbery of a massage parlor in Santa Ana. (Santa Ana Police Department) The suspects dark-colored 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan with California license plate number 6VRB731. (Santa Ana Police Department)

The second suspect was only described as a Black man in his 20s.

Security cameras captured the first suspects face and the BMW as it sped away. The massage parlor that was targeted was not identified for the victims safety, police said.

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Authorities are asking anyone with information on the robbery to contact Detective A. Gomez at 714-245-8351 or AGomez5@santa-ana.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) announced Thursday morning that a 2005 sexual assault cold case has been solved using DNA analysis.

According to KSP, the case stemmed from a 17-year-old who reported she was kidnapped at gunpoint and raped on Jan. 11, 2005, in Jefferson County.

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DNA evidence obtained from her sexual assault kit was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, but there was no match, state police said.

According to a news release, KSP and LMPD were able to administer additional DNA testing from 47-year-old Robrico English with the help of grant money from the U.S. Department of Justice.

English was identified as a match, authorities confirmed, and he was taken into custody and charged with kidnapping and first-degree rape. Hes due to appear in court on Dec. 11 after pleading not guilty in October.

KSP and our LMPD partners never gave up on seeking justice in this case, Ben Wolcott, a KSP Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) investigator, said. Todays announcement speaks to the unending commitment to deliver justice to victims of sexual assault, even if that justice happens decades after the crime occurred. Delayed justice is still justice served.

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Read more of the latest Kentucky news

English is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted of a first-degree robbery that occurred in 2019, per KSP.

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NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV)  Natchez is famous for its spring and fall pilgrimages. The Christmas Pilgrimage is fairly new.

There are six homes on the Christmas Pilgrimage, each with a different theme and their own specialty decorations.

Choctaw Hall was built in 1836 and is decorated in the Old World tradition. Two of the features that struck me were the 16-foot Christmas tree in the center of the spiral staircase and a rotating Swiss mechanical Christmas tree that was purchased by a Cupit family member during the 1904 Worlds Fair. When you wind it up, it plays Christmas carols.

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I suppose there is one other thing that caught my attention at Choctaw Hall.

Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage: The Towers

Of course, were known for our pomanders. Those are your oranges, lemons you use and aromatic like cloves or a star anise. It puts off a scent. They are medieval, back to the medieval times, said Lee Glover, co-owner of Choctaw Hall.

They are all over the house, even on the porch. They bring out the smell of the holidays. The 16-foot tree, the rare Swiss musical tree, and the pomanders weld all of the other decorations into an Old World Christmas that Charles Dickens would feel at home in.

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In stark contrast to the opulently decorated Choctaw and the other homes is The House on Ellicots Hill. It is one of the oldest homes in Natchez. The main structure was built in 1798. That is the year this area became a territory of the United States. And as far as Christmas decorations go, 1798 is earlier than what we would consider the central feature of a modern Christmas: a Christmas tree.

Chris Bartha said they would have still celebrated Christmas, although not everyone in the nation did at that time.

In fact up in New England, the Puritans banned Christmas. It was against the law to celebrate Christmas. But we know in the Southern Colonies like South Carolina, Virginia, they went all out for Christmas. And we know also that we have a heavy Catholic influence here in Natchez. With the Spanish and the French and also we had the Episcopalian Church of England here. And they all celebrated Christmas. So, we choose to think they would have celebrated Christmas here at The House on Ellicott Hill, Bartha said.

2024 Fondren Holiday Parade

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And the people living here at the turn of the 19th century would have decorated with what was at hand. Fruits like satsumas and apples, green leaves from the Magnolia tree perhaps, and of course evergreen boughs.

On into downtown is another of the homes in the Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage: Magnolia Hall. It was the last grand old mansion built in Natchez before the Civil War. Matter of fact, Union soldiers occupied it for a short time during the war. Magnolia Hall is decorated as it might have been in the late Antebellum and early Victorian eras. Unlike the Colonial era, they would have had a Christmas tree at Magnolia Hall in those days.

The Christmas tree originally dates back to Germany. And then it caught on in England in the 1840s with Queen Victoria and her Prince Albert, who was of course German. And they started the tradition of Christmas Tree at Buckingham Palace. And then everyone wanted to imitate that. So, it caught on like wildfire here in the United States. In the 1840 and 1850, it was all the rage to have a tree.

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Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with China, Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Thursday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink in Beijing.

He said China is further deepening the reform of its financial system and steadily expanding the institutional opening up of the financial sector, providing greater convenience for foreign enterprises operating in the country.

China welcomes more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital, including BlackRock, to invest and do business in China, sharing China's development opportunities, the vice premier said.

Fink said that BlackRock is optimistic about the prospects of the development of China's economy and financial market, and is willing to continue to deepen its engagement with the Chinese market and contribute to U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation. 
DENVER (KDVR)  A 21-year-old Steamboat Springs man is facing a vehicular homicide charge in connection to a deadly crash that claimed the life of an 18-year-old in Walden.

On Sept. 21, the Colorado State Patrol said Carver Davis was driving a Chevrolet Silverado southbound on Main Street in Walden when he approached a sharp right curve. Troopers said he drove off the left side of the road into a bowling alley parking lot.

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Troopers said Davis crashed into Molly Smith and Borrero Azucena Del Pilar, who were standing outside of a vehicle in the parking lot. Azucena Del Pilar was pronounced dead on scene, and Smith was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

CSP said they secured an arrest for Davis on the following charges:

Vehicular homicide  reckless

Vehicular assault  reckless

CSP said Davis is cooperating with police. He turned himself into the Routt County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (FOX 56)  An Owensboro man was arrested on Wednesday after an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation led law enforcement to his online profiles, where multiple child sex videos were allegedly being distributed.

2005 Louisville sexual assault cold case solved, 47-year-old man accused

According to the Owensboro Police Department (OPD), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported an investigation to officers regarding child sex abuse material.

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Court documents show that the investigation stemmed from four videos containing prepubescent male juveniles in various sexual poses and activities that were reportedly uploaded on the Kik app by an account named mainstreetgold that was traced back to Cameron Braden, 24, of Owensboro.

When law enforcement searched the Kik account, investigators reportedly found messages from Braden allegedly requesting an account that belonged to a 14-year-old boy to send videos of himself in sexually explicit poses.

Cameron Braden, 24, was lodged in the Daviess county Detention Center on Wednesday. (Daviess County Detention Center)

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Authorities said Braden was arrested on Wednesday and charged with:

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Four counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12

Four counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12

Procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means

Braden was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
BRUNSON, S.C. (WSAV)  A 25-year-old Brunson man who shot and killed an acquaintance in 2022 has been found guilty of murder following trial at the Hampton County Courthouse.

Trampas Adam Prater was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison without parole. This follows his conviction of Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime in the May 26, 2022, shooting death of 26-year-old Stuart Miller of Ravenel.

Evans called 10 witnesses during the three-day jury trial. They deliberated for 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict.

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Witnesses said Prater had a crazy look in his eye and threatened to shoot Miller while the two men were in the backyard of a Varnville home. Three of the witnesses said they heard the gunfire. One stated they saw Prater aiming a gun at Miller. Prater warned the remaining nearby people that whoever snitched would be next before leaving the scene.

A neighbor later spotted Miller lying motionless in the backyard and called police. Local law enforcement and investigators with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) found a .40-caliber casing near Millers body.

This defendant brazenly and wantonly killed a man and then threatened to do the same to others, said prosecutor Reed Evans of the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office. He is done terrorizing this community. Justice was served in Hampton County.

Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen handed down Wednesdays sentence.

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Praters criminal record includes a 2021 conviction for unlawful carry of a firearm.

Family of Saudi Lee release body cam footage of fatal shooting

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A driver and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration after a traffic stop last week on Interstate 5.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 27, around 12:30 p.m. along I-5 near the Las Pulgas exit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release Wednesday.

Agents with the U.S. Border Patrols San Clemente Station pulled over a compact sedan and conducted a search of the vehicle.

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New laws going into effect in California in 2025

Authorities found 25 cellophane-wrapped packages of cocaine, weighing around 68.45 pounds, in a box inside the vehicles trunk.

Smugglers dont take the holiday season off and neither do we. We will remain vigilant and stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities, said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel.

U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle, while the driver, identified as a Mexican citizen, was taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for further investigation.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Adoptions are on hold at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter after an outbreak of a mysterious illness killed three dogs.

Officials told Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson that they are operating out of an abundance of caution while trying to figure out what the mystery illness is.

Beth Hawkes came to the shelter on Wednesday to donate supplies when she learned what happened.

Im so sad about that, she said. I hope everythings gonna be ok.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The staff says the deaths were sudden, unassisted and mysterious.

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It started last Friday and the situation forced all adoptions and intakes at the shelter to be put on pause.

They didnt elaborate on how serious it was, but they did tell me I need to go to the vet, said Darius Neal.

Neal came to the shelter to pick up his dog, Pearl, who got loose over the holiday weekend while they were out of town. He said employees told him theres a potential virus affecting dogs in the shelter, so he should have Pearl checked out.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the shelter wrote,

...These dogs were housed in separate pods with no possibility of contact, raising serious concerns about the cause. Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of our contracted veterinarian, we have taken this step to protect the animals in our care, as well as the community.

The necropsy results are not back from the Department of Agriculture yet, so its too early to declare a cause of death.

The shelter will still impound sick and injured animals, as well as take in animals that pose a safety risk.

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Three Army soldiers based at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been charged in a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented immigrants after they were caught driving noncitizens from Mexico and Guatemala at the southern border, according to the Department of Justice.

Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma and Enrique Jauregui have been charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens, with Palma and Jauregui also facing a charge of assaulting a federal agent, the U.S. attorneys office announced Wednesday.

The three men were caught as Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly were driving with one Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals in their vehicle on Nov. 27. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent stopped them in Presidio, a town that sits on the U.S.-Mexico border.

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As the agent approached the vehicle, the men fled and struck a CBP vehicle, injuring an agent inside, according to the filed criminal complaint.

Authorities eventually stopped the vehicle and apprehended four individuals  Mendoza Lopez and the three undocumented noncitizens. The driver, alleged to be Palma, fled on foot and was located the following day at a hotel in Odessa, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

The DOJ accuses Mendoza Lopez and Palma of traveling nearly 500 miles from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens.

The third individual, Jauregui, is allegedly the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy, with prosecutors pointing to messages found on Palmas phone revealing conversations between the three soldiers to collaborate on the smuggling operation.

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Palma and Jauregui were both arrested Tuesday at Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, near Killeen, Texas.

A spokesperson for III Armored Corps, based at the Texas military installation, told The Hill officials are aware of the arrest of three Fort Cavazos Soldiers, and will continue to cooperate with all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The spokesperson also confirmed that all three soldiers are assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, with Palma, of McFarland, Calif., serving as an infantryman; Jauregui, from Tacoma, Wash., serving as a Stryker systems maintainer; and Mendoza Lopez, of Bensenville, Ill., working as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.

The third-largest U.S. military base, Fort Cavazos covers 340 square miles and has nearly 60,000 direct employees, more than 38,600 of which are active-duty military personnel, according to the Texas comptroller.

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The military installation has had a troubled history of high homicide, suicide and sexual assault among its troops, most notably the case of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen. Guillen was murdered in April 2020, with her suspected killer, service member Spc. Aaron Robinson, shooting and killing himself when pursued by police.

Her death launched a sweeping probe into sexual assault and violence at the base. The investigations led to 14 leaders being relieved or suspended from their positions and several policy changes.

Updated at 1:59 p.m. EST

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Three Massachusetts bank tellers are facing criminal charges after investigators say they stole substantial sums of money from customer accounts by processing unauthorized withdrawals.

Yeimaly Moscat, 23, and Yojairis Suazo, 21, both of Boston, were arraigned Thursday morning in Middlesex Superior Court on charges of larceny over $1,200 by scheme, embezzlement by a bank employee, conspiracy to commit larceny, and attempted larceny, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. Angelica Morales, 31, also of Boston, will be summonsed for arraignment next week.

Moscat, who was employed as a bank teller at a Citizens Bank branch in Somerville, allegedly processed 12 unauthorized withdrawals totaling $40,900 from customer bank accounts between September and November of 2022, Ryan said. Suazo, who was employed as a teller at a Citizens Bank in Dorchester, is accused of processing 15 unauthorized withdrawals totaling $30,850.

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Moscat and Suazo then paid out the stolen funds in counter transactions to associates of theirs by entering the recipients as Known Customers, even though the individuals at the counter were not Citizens account holders.

While working at a Citizens Bank branch in Milton between November and December 2023, Morales allegedly processed a series of five unauthorized withdrawals from customer bank accounts, totaling $20,000, according to Ryan. Investigators said the stolen funds were also paid in counter transactions to apparent co-conspirators.

The allegations in this case are that three defendants executed a coordinated scheme to steal funds from bank customers. They used their positions of trust to invade accounts and allegedly used their coconspirators to successfully take substantial sums from the bank, Ryan said in a statement. The investigators at Citizens Bank identified the suspicious transactions and brought them to our attention, which has enabled us to seek charges to hold these defendants accountable.

Moscats bail was set at $1,000 with a condition she stay away from all Citizens Bank locations. Suazo was released on her own recognizance and ordered to stay away from all Citizens Bank locations.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for Citizens Bank told Boston 25 News, The safety and security of our customers accounts is of the upmost importance to us and we have robust security measures in place to monitor suspicious activity. As soon as we became aware of this incident we addressed the matter immediately. We take the privacy and protection of information entrusted to us seriously and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

This case is being investigated by Ryans office, the Somerville Police Department, and the United States Secret Service.

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On Dec. 5, 1994, Ukraine had signed a set of political agreements that would guarantee the country's sovereignty and independence in return for accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Signed in Budapest, the memorandum would lay grounds for Ukraine to dispose of its nuclear arsenal in return for the U.S., the U.K. and Russia to guarantee to not use economic and military means to attack the country.

Twenty years after signing the agreement, Russia launched a war against Ukraine, occupying Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. Thirty years in, Russia is actively conducting a full-scale offensive against Ukraine, burning the cities and killing the people it once promised to protect.

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The shadow of the events of 1994 haunts Ukraine today.

Despite the agreements, Ukraine did not receive the main benefit of giving up the world's third-largest nuclear potential  security. Many in Kyiv believe the country was pressured into an unequal agreement by the parties that had no intention to abide by what they had signed.

"Today, the Budapest Memorandum is a monument to short-sightedness in strategic security decision-making," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry's statement read ahead of the 30th anniversary of the agreement.

"It should serve as a reminder to the current leaders of the Euro-Atlantic community that building a European security architecture at the expense of Ukraine's interests, rather than taking them into consideration, is destined to failure."

How Ukraine lost everything

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was left with 176 intercontinental ballistic missiles, including 130 liquid-fueled SS-19 Stiletto and 46 solid-fueled SS-24 Scalpel, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). Ukraine also had between 1,514 and 2,156 strategic nuclear warheads and 2,800 to 4,200 tactical nuclear warheads in its arsenal.

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Yet, Ukraine was not destined to keep its nuclear arsenal.

The provision on non-nuclear status was enshrined in the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, adopted by the Ukrainian parliament on July 16, 1990. The provisions on the future nuclear status were also confirmed when Ukraine gained independence in 1991.

Within less than a year, Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of independent Ukraine, approved the Lisbon Protocol. The protocol supplemented the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) signed between the Soviet Union and the U.S. in 1984. The U.S., Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan also became signatories to the protocol.

According to the Lisbon Protocol, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan pledged to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), thereby renouncing their nuclear status.

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On Dec. 5, 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum. According to the document, the signatory countries  the U.K., Russia, and the U.S.  pledged to be guarantors of Ukraine's independence, as well as sovereignty, and refrained from using weapons or economic pressure against Ukraine. In exchange, Ukraine renounced its nuclear status.

Ukrainian police load a protester into a police van after arresting them in front of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Jan. 12, 1996. The demonstrators demanded the retirement of Defense Minister Valery Shmarov, whom they blame for the destruction of the Ukrainian Army and demolition of the country's nuclear weapons and silos. (Sergei Supinsky /AFP via Getty Images)

A serviceman works on the destroyed Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber at an airbase near Pryluki in central Ukraine Feb. 2, 2001. (Mikhail Chernichkin/AFP via Getty Images)

Anton Liagusha, the academic director of the master's program in Memory Studies and Public History at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), says that Ukraine agreed to a non-nuclear status under enormous pressure.

"Russia used the Budapest Memorandum very cunningly. To be more precise, it encouraged and coerced the West to pressure Ukraine to sign the memorandum. At the same time, Russia positioned it as 'a noble act of global geopolitics,'" Liagusha said.

"Russia promoted the narrative that Ukraine is a failed state, a non-existent state, and non-existent means uncontrolled. And in a non-existent uncontrolled state, nuclear weapons are the worst possible option. Unfortunately, this cunning and sneaky diplomacy and propaganda reached their goals."

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"Russia promoted the narrative that Ukraine is a failed state, a non-existent state, and non-existent means uncontrolled."

Ukraine entirely fulfilled its agreements in 1996: all nuclear warheads were transferred to Russia for destruction, and classified strategic bases were converted to non-military use. The guarantors, on the other hand, did not fulfill their obligations.

The historian described this step as a mistake because he firmly believes that today, nuclear weapons are still a guarantee of non-aggression and a certain guarantee of protecting one's sovereignty.

"At the time of signing the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine was not able to ensure its sovereignty in the event of direct military aggression by Russia or some other states," Liagusha told the Kyiv Independent.

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"This means that giving up nuclear weapons is a ridiculous story. And I am sure the politicians who signed this memorandum understood this."

Other experts interviewed by the Kyiv Independent noted that disarmament had some positive aspects.

Ukraine did not have access to the launch codes, but Russia did. Therefore, Ukraine could only store the weapons and not use them, but the storage also required a lot of resources.

"You need to keep constant security personnel at the sites, make sure that the warheads and missiles remain stable, and that there are no issues with them," Fabian Hoffmann, a defense expert and doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo, told the Kyiv Independent.

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"Ukraine would have paid substantial amounts for something it cannot use. So, it would not have been very smart (to keep the weapons)."

According to Hoffman, Ukraine also risked becoming an international pariah like Iran or North Korea if it kept its nuclear warheads. Liviu Horovitz, a nuclear deterrence specialist at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, shared the same opinion.

"Everybody wanted Ukraine to give up those nuclear weapons, including the U.S. and all Western European powers. And hence, Ukraine basically would have had to take this decision against everybody else's will," Horovitz told the Kyiv Independent.

A worker cuts the nose off the last Ukraine's Tupolev-22M3, a Soviet-made strategic aircraft able to carry nuclear weapons, on a military base in Poltava, Ukraine on Jan. 27, 2006. (Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images)

In exchange for giving up nuclear weapons, Ukraine also received economic benefits in the form of fuel for nuclear power plants. In the early 1990s, Ukraine was experiencing a financial crisis, and rolling blackouts were occurring nationwide. Thus, by giving up strategic bombers, Ukraine partially paid off its gas debts.

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However, Horovitz agreed with Liagusha, saying that in the event of a full-scale invasion, nuclear weapons could help Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

"It is not like you acquire one lonely nuclear weapon, and suddenly, all foreign threats vanish. But historically, nuclear powers have better deterred their adversaries. Given Ukraine's conflict with the Russian Federation, probably it would not have been a bad idea, from a Ukrainian perspective, to own a nuclear arsenal," Horovitz said.

However, both Horovitz and Hoffman said that they do not see any short-term solutions for Ukraine, adding that the Ukrainian nuclear arsenal is the story of the past with no prospects in the future.

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Ghost of Budapest Memorandum

This fall, President Volodymyr Zelensky stirred up a new wave of discussions around the memorandum and the fulfillment of its terms.

"Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will serve as protection, or it must be part of some kind of alliance. Apart from NATO, we do not know of such an effective alliance," he said in October.

"Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will serve as protection, or it must be part of some kind of alliance."

Following the statement, Zelensky had to justify himself amid growing concerns of partners and ensure that Kyiv had no plans to develop new nuclear weapons but expected to join the alliance in the future. Yet, he once again highlighted the numerous violations of the Budapest Memorandum.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, Hungary, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Attila Kisbenedek / AFP via Getty Images)

A protester holds a 'Budapest Memorandum 1994' placard with the colors of the Ukrainian flag during the demonstration in Trafalgar Square in London, UK on March 3, 2022. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"This means it is not a good 'umbrella' for our security. That is why I said that I have no alternative but NATO. It was my signal."

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Liagusha echoed Zelensky's stance, saying that the Budapest Memorandum turned out to be completely "empty," as there was no actual mechanism to protect Ukraine.

The Ukrainian historian argued that Ukraine should now invest in the development of nuclear weapons, while Hoffman and Horovitz remained more skeptical about this idea.

Ukraine does not have costly energy infrastructure that would be able to handle plutonium separation or uranium enrichment, the processes used to make nuclear weapons, Hoffman said. According to the expert, it can take "months, if not years," to construct the necessary facilities.

Ukraine will also not be able to do this quietly, as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducts so-called nuclear accounting, tracking all nuclear material inside any country with a nuclear power program.

"Because it could not be kept secret, you would have all those political drawbacks. This would not be very welcome abroad," Hoffman said.

"Russia would have every incentive to preempt a Ukrainian nuclear weapon If Ukraine takes this further, there might be a nuclear preemption. But it would also be dangerous from a military perspective."

Liagusha, on the other hand, saw no reason to be cautious about Ukraine's potential development of new nuclear weapons. In the historian's view, there is no point in fearing an escalation of the war at this stage.

"We are in a situation of war and social catastrophe when we have little to lose but our own lives," Liagusha said.

"And Europe is as weak as it has ever been."

Read also: Could Ukraine build a nuclear bomb? We asked an expert

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova let slip on Nov. 26 that the ministry had received 48,000 applications for DNA tests from relatives seeking information about soldiers missing in action during the war against Ukraine, opposition Telegram news channel Astra reported on Dec. 3.

At a roundtable in the Russian State Duma, Tsivilyova  Russian President Vladimir Putin's cousin once removed  revealed that relatives' DNA had been collected and stored in a database. Her comments provide rare insight into the number of missing Russian troops, as no official statistics on these figures have been released.

Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma's defense committee, responded by cautioning against publicly discussing such numbers. "This is sensitive information. When we finalize the documents, we should ensure these figures do not appear publicly," Kartapolov said.

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Tsivilyova clarified that the figure she cited referred to the number of relatives' appeals, not confirmed missing soldiers. "Many of them will be found. Therefore, this figure reflects appeals, not statistics," she added.

According to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Russia has lost 748,950 troops since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Read also: Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 2, injure 6 over past day

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
People visit the China Pavilion during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 2, 2024. Covering more than 600 square meters, the China Pavilion is the second-largest national pavilion at the event. Its exhibition, themed "Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China's Restoration in Action," showcases the nation's battle against desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, a major national initiative aimed at reversing land desertification. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit the China Pavilion during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 2, 2024. Covering more than 600 square meters, the China Pavilion is the second-largest national pavilion at the event. Its exhibition, themed "Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China's Restoration in Action," showcases the nation's battle against desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, a major national initiative aimed at reversing land desertification. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit the China Pavilion during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 4, 2024. Covering more than 600 square meters, the China Pavilion is the second-largest national pavilion at the event. Its exhibition, themed "Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China's Restoration in Action," showcases the nation's battle against desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, a major national initiative aimed at reversing land desertification. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit the China Pavilion during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 4, 2024. Covering more than 600 square meters, the China Pavilion is the second-largest national pavilion at the event. Its exhibition, themed "Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China's Restoration in Action," showcases the nation's battle against desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, a major national initiative aimed at reversing land desertification. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People taste Chinese tea at the China Pavilion during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 4, 2024. Covering more than 600 square meters, the China Pavilion is the second-largest national pavilion at the event. Its exhibition, themed "Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China's Restoration in Action," showcases the nation's battle against desertification, particularly through the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, a major national initiative aimed at reversing land desertification. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Accidental shootings are the most uncommon type of gun death in the U.S., accounting for about 1% of all shootings. Here are some facts about accidental gun deaths in the U.S. and Wisconsin:

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2018 through 2023; Wisconsin Department of Health Services data from 2004 to 2021 (the most recent available)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about accidental gun deaths in the U.S. and Wisconsin
The Hawaiian crow is finally returning to its natural habitat.

Over 20 years after being officially deemed extinct in the wild in 2002, five Hawaiian crows were released into Maui forests on Wednesday, Dec. 4, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced in a press release shared with PEOPLE.

Also called 'alala, the crows were set free after receiving care from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and Maui Bird Conservation Center.



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The Hawaiian crow previously faced predators, disease and threats to its habitat, ultimately leading to its extinction label.

Related: Bird Extinct Outside Captivity Returns to the Wild for the First Time in 40 Years

Considering the Hawaiian crow's nearly extinct status, scientists assessed nest quality and how it might relate to egg loss before their reintroduction to the wild. They also analyzed biological samples from the birds and used cameras to track breeding patterns while the Hawaiian crows were in human care.

Further research found that age  not the length of a bird's relationship  indicates breeding success and post-release feeding practices impact the success of the effort.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance The Hawaiian crow, also called 'alala The Hawaiian crow, also called 'alala

The goal behind releasing the five Hawaiian crows is to increase and stabilize the population, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said in a press release.

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It means a lot to me to care for the alala, said Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. To me, and in my culture, the alala are like our ancestorsour kupuna. The forest wouldnt be there without these birds.

From 2016 to 2020, a previous effort to release 20 Hawaiian Crows on their home island of Hawai'i saw a decrease in population. Though the birds were able to survive successfully on their own for a few years, scientists ultimately halted the initiative to reintroduce the bird.

Related: Gray Whale Extinct in the Atlantic for 200 Years Seen Near Nantucket: An Incredibly Rare Event

Now, the birds have been placed on a different island in the archipelago: Maui.

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The Maui release effort will be heavily guided by observations and lessons from the previous release in Hawai'i, according to Megan Owen, Ph.D., Vice President of Conservation Science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance The Hawaiian crow, also called 'alala The Hawaiian crow, also called 'alala

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The translocation of alala to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss, Owen said.

The return of the Hawaiian Crows to their home is credited to a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Hawai'i.

Read the original article on People
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed by a gunman in New York City on Wednesday morning.

Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare for 20 years and was named its CEO in 2021.

He grew up in Iowa and is survived by his wife and their two sons.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson died on December 4 after he was shot by a gunman in New York City in what the New York City Police Department called a "brazen, targeted attack." He was 50 years old.

The shooting took place at 6:46 a.m. outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where Thompson was scheduled to speak at the company's investor conference.

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A "person of interest" was arrested in connection with Thompson's death on Monday.

Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, was arrested on local gun charges in Altoona, Pennsylvania. NYPD officials expect the University of Pennsylvania graduate will be extradited to New York, where he'll face additional charges.

UnitedHealth Group said in a statement that the company was "deeply saddened and shocked" by Thompson's death.

Here are five things to know about Thompson's life and career, and the homicide investigation.

Early life and education

The University of Iowa. University of College/Shutterstock

Thompson attended South Hamilton High School in Jewell, Iowa, where he was named valedictorian. The school district released a statement memorializing him as "a star student, athlete, homecoming king, and a respected leader."

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Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting.

Accounting career

A PwC office. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Thompson worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, from 1997 to 2004 as a manager in the firm's audit and transaction advisory services groups, according to his LinkedIn profile.

CEO of UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare's corporate headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare for 20 years, joining as a director on UnitedHealth Group's corporate development team in 2004. He rose through the ranks, becoming the CEO of the company's Medicare and retirement business in 2017 and of its government programs in 2019.

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He was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021.

Thompson was one of four UnitedHealthcare executives named in a lawsuit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund in May regarding allegations of insider trading. The suit alleges that Thompson sold $15 million of his shares in company stock before news of the Department of Justice's antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth became public, tanking its shareholder value.

UnitedHealthcare did not respond to a request for comment.

Shooting in New York City

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in New York City, where he was set to speak at an "investor day" event. Stefan Jeremiah/AP Images

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Thompson was shot on Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in New York City, where he was scheduled to speak at UnitedHealth Group's investor conference.

New York City Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference on Wednesday that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence."

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement continued: "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

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At a press conference on Monday, the New York Police Department named Luigi Mangione as a "person of interest" in the shooting.

Mangione was arrested on firearms charges at a Pennsylvania McDonald's after an employee recognized him from surveillance images shared by authorities, police said.

Mangione was found to be in possession of a firearm and a suppressor that were "both consistent with the weapon used" in the shooting, the NYPD said.

Wife and family

Brian Thompson. Business Wire/AP

Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and their two sons. The couple lived in separate homes in Maple Grove, Minnesota, The Wall Street Journal reported.

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"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian," Paulette Thompson told Minnesota affiliate Fox 9. "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."

Paulette Thompson told NBC News that her husband had received "some threats" but that she didn't know the details.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A potent winter storm stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast is knocking out power and disrupting travel for many commuters. Meteorologists are also warning of dangerous snow squalls that can create blinding, whiteout conditions seemingly out of nowhere.

Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

1. New York manhunt

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan on Wednesday morning in a brazen, targeted attack as he walked toward the companys annual investor conference, New York police said. The gunman remains on the loose and a motive is unclear. Police shared video of the hooded suspect and urged New Yorkers to be alert as the search intensifies. Detectives said a phone found in an alley the gunman ran through may have belonged to the shooter. Police also found a bottle of water that detectives believe the gunman purchased at a Starbucks just minutes before the attack. The water bottle could yield fingerprints or DNA, and if police technicians can unlock the phone, it may provide the suspects identity.

2. California school shooting

Two kindergarten students are in critical condition after they were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a school north of Sacramento. The boys, aged 5 and 6, were being treated at local hospitals, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea told reporters, hours after a gunman opened fire at the Feather River Adventist School in the city of Oroville. A suspect was found dead at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Honea said. The man has been identified but could not be immediately named due to an ongoing investigation. Authorities believe the suspect had targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

3. Paris stowaway

A Russian woman who stowed away on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris last week was arrested after she returned to the US Wednesday night, the FBI said. She is expected to be charged with being a stowaway on a vessel or aircraft without consent and could face up to five years in prison, according to multiple law enforcement officials. The shocking breach has drawn attention to security lapses at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport that enabled an unticketed passenger to board a plane on one of the busiest travel days of the year. One aviation expert said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the airline industry. Delta Air Lines said it has reviewed its own security and insists its infrastructure is sound.

4. Transgender care

The Supreme Court appeared likely to endorse a divisive Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for minors after more than two hours of oral arguments on Wednesday. The case  US v. Skrmetti  could determine whether states can restrict puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender children and teens. A decision is expected by July 2025. During the arguments, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she was suddenly quite worried and nervous about conservatives arguments in the controversy. Republican lawmakers who support the ban say decisions about care should be made after an individual becomes an adult. Opponents argue that in addition to violating the civil rights of trans youth, the laws also run afoul of parents rights to make decisions about their childs medical care.

5. Bitcoin record

Bitcoin hit $100,000 for the first time on Wednesday, surging to a record high as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to usher in crypto-friendly policies when he takes office in January. Trump plans to nominate Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins, a crypto advocate and former SEC commissioner, is expected to regulate cryptocurrencies with a lighter touch than Gary Gensler, who leads the commission under the Biden administration. Bitcoin is up 130% for the year so far, with a post-election rally accounting for a significant portion of its gains. Its performance far outpaces the S&P 500, which is up 28% over the same period.

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President Joe Biden wraps historic Africa trip

Over the three-day trip, the first for an American president, Biden promoted US investment in a massive railway project. But his visit was overshadowed by domestic and geopolitical controversies.

TODAYS NUMBER

20 million

Thats around how many doses of fentanyl were recently seized in a record drug bust in Mexicos cartel-ridden Sinaloa state. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called it the largest seizure of fentanyl pills that has ever been made.

TODAYS QUOTE

Were going to fight like hell. Theres no reason to back down.

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 Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for defense secretary, saying Wednesday that he will fight for the Cabinet position amid some GOP doubts over his confirmation. The veteran and former Fox News host has faced scrutiny over past misconduct allegations, causing GOP senators to question his fitness to lead the Pentagon.

TODAYS WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY 

Giant cyborg cockroaches?

Researchers in Australia are putting electronic backpacks onto burrowing cockroaches to help search for victims of earthquakes and other disasters. See how insects could become the search and rescue workers of the future.

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An ancient statue of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus with a tumultuous history, including a severed head, has returned to its place of origin.

The body of the statue, which once resided in a private United States collection, was sent home to Turkey nearly two years ago.

The decapitated head was on display in Copenhagen for over 50 years.

Many years ago, the head of an ancient bronze depiction of Roman emperor Septimius Severus (who ruled from 145 A.D. to 211 A.D.) was looted from Turkey and carried away to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum in Copenhagen. Now, that head is set to finally be reunited with its body back in its country of origin, after a team of investigators deemed that it had likely been looted from Turkey in the 1960s.

The body of this statue spent some years in a private collection in the United States before being sent out on loan to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. But in April of 2023, the Met sent its portion of the statute back to Turkey as part of an effort to return art that had allegedly been looted during an archaeological dig.

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The severed head, on the other hand, was on display in the Glyptotek for more than 50 years. It was attained from a now-deceased art dealer, Robert E. Hecht, who has been linked to illegal export and sale of cultural heritage objects from Italy and Turkey, according to a museum statement.

Once Turkey received the body, it sent a formal request to Denmark in May of 2023 for the head. And after intense review, researchers concluded that the head had also likely been looted, and would be returned to Turkey. The head and body will shortly be reunited.

Al least, thats the hope. Despite the apparent certainty of Turkish officials, some experts remain unsure that the head and body are two parts of the same statue. Im not saying that they dont belong together, Rune Fredericksen, the Glyptoteks director of collections told AFP in 2023, Im just saying that we are not as sure as we perhaps were 25-30 years ago.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the museum published studies linking the head to the bronze body exhibited at the Met. In 1979, the body was loaned to the Glyptotek, and the head and body were exhibited together. But the museum said the relationship between the two has since been questioned.

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But after about 18 months of investigation, the museum released a statement that said it had decided in favor of Turkeys request to return the ancient bronze portrait.

The museum concluded, based on research it commissioned in August of 2023, that the head originated from Boubona Roman site in Asia Minor on Turkeys Mediterranean coast. Exceptionally strong arguments and scientific documentation are required to separate a work from the museums collection, Gertrud Hyidberg-Hansen, museum director, said in a statement. In the case of this object, both criteria were present.

Still, the museum wasnt ready to confirm the two pieces definitively go together, and said it is not possible to comment on the relationship between these two artifacts because the museums researchers were not able to examine them together.

That said, there seems to be little doubt from researchers and officials that the head at least came from Turkey, and should be returned. Unique archaeological finds from Boubon have been sold illegally to collectors and museums around the world, Hyidberg-Hansen said. In recent years, many of these items, especially those held in collections in the United States, have been returned. These factors have contributed to our decision to comply with the restitution request from Turkey.

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Turkish officials are understandably pleased. This development sets another precedent for institutions and collectors all over the world, including in Denmark, that all artifacts acquired with a shady provenance should be returned to their rightful owners, Hakan Tekin, ambassador of Turkey to Denmark, said in a statement. Glyptotek has done the right thing, and we celebrate them for their decision.

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Pennsylvania State Police in Washington County are offering a $5,000 reward for information that solves a cold case from 1996.

Sandra Lubbert, 36, worked as a bartender at The Crossings in Leetsdale. She closed the bar at 2 a.m. on July 16, 1996. The next morning, her personal belongings, including her license and paycheck, were found scattered near her car.

State police said 18 months later, a skull was found in Donegal Township. Forensics proved it was Lupperts and more of her remains were found 500 yards from where the skull was found.

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Any persons with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the PSP Washington Station, at 724-223-5200 or contact PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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APOLLO BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  The Florida Aquariums Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center received six endangered Kemps ridley sea turtles from Massachusetts.

The six sea turtles started their journey to Apollo Beach after they were rescued from cold waters off the Massachusetts coast.

According to the Florida Aquarium, the turtles are receiving life-saving care after becoming incapacitated by cold-stunning.

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Trooper, the dog abandoned on I-75 before Hurricane Milton finds forever home

The National Marine Life Center and New England Aquarium in Massachusetts rescued and triaged 33 turtles that were suffering from dangerously low body temperatures.

Credit: The Florida Aquarium Credit: The Florida Aquarium Credit: The Florida Aquarium

The sea turtles that have been rescued have been flown out to different facilities across the country to ensure they are getting the care they need. Some of the centers include the Florida Aquarium, centers in Georgia, and Orlando.

A nonprofit organization, Turtles Fly Too, transported the six sea turtles to Tampa International Airport, where they were given to the Florida Aquariums expert sea turtle biologists, the Florida Aquarium said.

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Cold-stunning is when sea turtles in the Northeast are exposed to cold water temperatures for a longer period of time which can lead to immobility and other life-threatening conditions, according to the Florida Aquarium.

Sea Turtles who have been exposed to cold water temperatures for a long time are often found floating or stranded on the beach and could have another medical 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 WFLA.
SALEM TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  A man was found dead after a crash Saturday, Nov. 30.

According to the Champaign County Sheriffs Office, the crash occurred around 10:25 p.m.

Sheriffs deputies, Urbana Fire Division and West Liberty Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Upper Valley Pike on report of an unresponsive male in a vehicle displaced in a field off the roadway.

At the scene, crews discovered a silver Honda Pilot.

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According to an initial investigation, the crash occurred as the vehicle went west and then east of the centerline while traveling southbound on Upper Valley Pike. The vehicle ended up veering off the roadway and striking a ditch.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Joseph Trowbridge, 67. Trowbridge was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The sheriffs office is continuing to investigate the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A magnitude 7 earthquake about 30 miles off the Humboldt County shoreline prompted a highly unusual tsunami warning for a wide swath of the Northern California coast Thursday, spurring widespread evacuations before it was canceled an hour later.

The earthquake rattled large parts of the region  from San Francisco and Monterey to as far away as Sacramento, Reno and southern Oregon  providing a stark reminder of how coastal seismic activity can threaten to produce damaging tsunamis under the right circumstances.

Many reported terrifying shaking in and around the Eureka area, with bottles of alcohol shattered behind one bar, but there were no immediate reports of major injuries, likely owing in part to the epicenter being so far away from highly populated areas. Preliminary estimates indicate the epicenter was about 55 miles southwest of Eureka and 100 miles northwest of Mendocino.

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Shaking of this strength is a reminder of the tsunami risk in California  particularly from closer-to-shore earthquakes like Thursday's that would provide far less warning time to evacuate beaches and low-lying areas. Some of the most memorable damaging, and sometimes deadly, tsunamis in the last few decades occurred from earthquakes that started much farther away from land, such as in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii.

Read more: 'It's insane.' How rattled Northern Californians weathered 7.0 earthquake and tsunami warning

The National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska said it issued a warning quickly because there was so little time to get people out of harm's way if a major tsunami did end up materializing.

Initially, there was no confirmation a tsunami was headed for the West Coast, but all the ingredients for one were present, said Dave Snider, the tsunami warning coordinator at the center.

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After issuing the warning, his team spent the next 30 minutes to an hour working to understand how the earthquake shook the earth, confirming its magnitude and monitoring buoys and coastal lookouts for signs of a developing tsunami. Once those factors were considered, the warning was canceled just before noon.

The feeling out there is, 'Nothing happened, why did I evacuate?'" Snider said. "No, you did the right thing. ... It could have moved a lot of water. Were glad it didnt."

A small tsunami  measured at 5 centimeters  did occur in Arena Cove off Mendocino County, Snider said.

Read more: Why a massive California tsunami alert was issued  then soon canceled

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Gov. Gavin Newsom said the earthquake is a reminder to be prepared.

Were concerned about damage, particularly in the northern part of the state and Del Norte, Mendocino and Humboldt County, Newsom said at an unrelated news conference Thursday. He officially proclaimed a state of emergency in those counties to support response efforts.

State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) said the hardest-hit region was the Eel River Valley in Humboldt County, which includes Rio Dell, Fortuna and Ferndale.

McGuire said he received reports of homes off their foundations in Fortuna and a gas main break at an elementary school in Rio Dell.

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The hour or so the tsunami warning was in effect was marked by intense anxiety as jurisdictions across the Northern California coast issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas.

Read more: Where would a major tsunami strike? Malibu, Venice and Long Beach get ready

BART, the commuter rail system for the San Francisco Bay Area, suspended service through the underwater Transbay Tube connecting San Francisco and Oakland. Guests at the San Francisco Zoo, near the coast, were ordered to evacuate, with animals secured and staff moved to higher ground.

Thursday's earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. "Very strong" shaking, as defined by the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, was felt in the Humboldt County communities of Petrolia and Ferndale. "Very strong" shaking is generally capable of causing considerable damage to poorly built or badly designed structures, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Residents in Petrolia, near the epicenter of the quake, reported seven to 10 seconds of shaking so intense that people found it difficult to stand up.

The USGS said "moderate" shaking was felt in Eureka, a level generally strong enough to break windows and dishes.

Even communities far from the coast took action. All schools in Davis, Calif., were ordered evacuated because of the shaking.

Read more: 'Living here isn't easy to begin with.' How an earthquake brought people together

Olivia Cobian, the innkeeper at the Gingerbread Mansion, a bed and breakfast in the historic town of Ferndale, said her 1895 building "looked like a war zone."

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"I have fireplaces flying forward." she said. "Clawfoot tubs that have been lifted off [their mounts] and scooched over. This is crazy."

Cobian said that moments before the quake struck, she had been giving a tour of the inn to a third-grade class from the local elementary school.

"They had just walked" back to school, she said, adding, "Thank God."

"It's insane," she said, walking through the inn surveying the damage. Then, in the background, a siren began to wail. Cobian said she had to go talk to firefighters who had appeared.

The shaking at the Petrolia General Store was intense and lasted for about 10 seconds, according to employee Kaitlin Graves.

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"It was a big earthquake. It was a lot of up-and-down shaking," Graves said in a phone interview. "It felt like the woozy feeling you get when you're in an elevator."

The shaking was so intense it knocked several objects off the shelves, and multiple glass items shattered, Graves said.

"It was a very long-lasting and slow-rolling quake," Humboldt Bay Fire spokesperson Talia Flores said of the shaking at the department's headquarters in Eureka. "It was quite the scare."

Thursday's earthquake was followed by more than 30 aftershocks.

Map shows approximate epicenter and intensity of Thursday's earthquake. (USGS)

Humboldt County Supervisor Rex Bohn, whose district includes the earthquake zone, said there has been no major damage reported so far.

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"I just talked to one of our local hospital providers ... and they seem to be doing OK," he said.

"It's a mess. There's a lot of stuff off the shelves," he added, but that seemed to be the extent of the damage at this point.

Thursday's earthquake occurred near the Mendocino Triple Junction  a particularly seismically active area at the northern end of the San Andreas fault where three tectonic plates meet: the Pacific plate, the North American plate and the Juan de Fuca plate, USGS seismologist Elizabeth Cochran said.

The junction routinely has large earthquakes. The last one to strike the area was a magnitude 6.4 on Dec. 20, 2022. That occurred much closer to the coast  about two miles from land. Two people died from medical emergencies that happened during or just after the earthquake, and there were 11 injuries.

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Read more: Can a tsunami happen in Southern California? What should you do about it?

The force of the shaking shattered windows, sent objects flying and damaged at least one historic bridge in the small communities south of Eureka.

Another sequence of earthquakes hit exactly a year earlier, topping out with a magnitude 6.2 earthquake on Dec. 20, 2021.

The last earthquake larger than Thursdays temblor to strike directly underneath land in Humboldt County occurred on April 25, 1992. Ninety-six people were injured in that earthquake, which caused considerable damage across southwestern Humboldt County, according to the USGS.

That earthquake triggered a tsunami with a maximum wave height  from trough to peak  of more than 3 feet to Crescent City. A magnitude 6.5 aftershock the next day sparked a fire, fueled by a broken gas main, that destroyed most of Scotias business district.

On Thursday, Steve Wells, a spokesman for the Fort Bragg Fire Department, said shaking in the coastal town was minimal and no damage had been reported. He said out of precaution, many residents were moving their boats out of the harbor in case of a sea swell.

In the community of Manila on Humboldt Bay, Jennifer Savage said she and her neighbors felt a long, rolling quake.

"People are pretty freaked out," said Savage, who works at the Surfrider Foundation.

Read more: Devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria reminds California to prepare. Here's how

When the quake hit, a crew of workers from the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. were perched high in the air, working on power lines. They swayed in the sky during the quake, she said.

At Ferndale's Valley Grocery, a worker who decline to identified herself said that the quake knocked many products off the shelves but that no major damage had occurred.

On the social media site X, Caroline Titus, former publisher and editor of the Ferndale Enterprise, uploaded a series of videos and photos showing broken bottles, food cans and boxes on the ground of a hotel and grocer. Another video showed a tall headstone leaning slightly to the side. "Not one plate glass window out. Incredible," she wrote on X. "And I was here for the three major quakes in 1992 and the last few December ones."

Ferndale Police Chief Ron Sligh said there was no severe structural damage in the town. Two water mains broke, but they were being repaired, he said.

He said the town also experienced some power outages but they lasted only for a few minutes. He said schools have canceled classes for the day.

"We came out of it well," Sligh said.

Read more: California hasn't seen a catastrophic earthquake recently. But quiet period wont last

Renee Chappelle, a 77-year-old Eureka native, has lived through 15 to 20 earthquakes in her lifetime, five of those being of the 7.0 variety.

Its pretty usual for us in Humboldt County to get earthquakes, she said.

Chappelle is the innkeeper of Hydrangea Inn, which was built by her great-aunt in the 1930s. The house was built from redwood and still has its original studs, so its sturdiness prevented it from sustaining any damage in the temblor, Chappelle said.

She said the shaking lasted at least nine seconds and while it wasn't the strongest earthquake she has felt, it was definitely the longest.

Julie Symons, owner of Mitchell Grove, a wedding venue in Eureka, felt shaking from side to side. Her husband went out to check for damage, and they had only a small leak, which is already being taken care of by a plumber.

"It was a big earthquake," she said. "It was a scary, and luckily I think a lot of people got their tsunami notices, which was amazing."

Symons received her tsunami warning from Humboldt County on her phone at 12:11 p.m. Her husband got his notice even earlier.

This was the biggest earthquake at Mitchell Grove since weve been here since 2013," she added.

In San Francisco, Ocean Beach emptied out as emergency personnel drove up and down the shoreline around 11:45 a.m., saying, "Clear the beach, tsunami warning." Fire personnel evacuated everyone off the sand portion of the beach, but dozens of people gathered along the paved waterfront to watch the waves roll in.

Dan Beniflah was walking his dog along the beach before fire personnel ordered everyone to evacuate. He said the warning felt like another tsunami scare in San Francisco that he remembers from decades ago.

He remembers sitting along the waterfront drinking beer, waiting for it to happen with scores of other people from the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods. But nothing ever happened, he said. Like back then, the water Thursday just looks normal.

Read more: Surprising tsunami triggers may lurk off California's coast, scientists say

Experts say it is critically important to evacuate low-lying coastal areas when a tsunami warning is issued  even if the tsunami doesn't materialize or is far lower than expected.

In Japan in 2011, initial predictions of tsunami height triggered from a magnitude 9 offshore earthquake underestimated the actual height. More updated revisions didn't reach everyone  because of communications failures due to the earthquake. Nearly half of residents got no tsunami warnings or evacuation orders in the areas ultimately hit by the tsunami, and 60% to 70% didn't get the revised warnings of the rising tsunami heights. Some people evacuated, but some others didn't.

About 160 miles southeast of the earthquake Thursday, there was also a report of a magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Cobb, Calif., at 10:47 a.m.

In Cobb, Armond Urbano, who runs the pro shop at Adams Springs Golf Course, said he wasn't aware of much damage.

"The chandeliers in the dining room were shaking a little bit, but that was about the extent of it," he said.

California's worst tsunami disaster in modern times occurred in 1964, when a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in Alaska spawned a tsunami that inundated Crescent City, near the Oregon border. Thirteen people died, and damage exceeded $160 million in today's dollars, the California Geological Survey said.

Read more: The Times podcast: The triple terror of tsunamis

A nightmare scenario for California would be something like the disaster that occurred in 1812, when a large earthquake in the Santa Barbara area "was followed by a tsunami that wiped out many coastal villages and destroyed ships in the harbor," according to the USGS.

Another scenario involves an earthquake in the Santa Barbara Channel that could spawn tsunamis in Carpinteria, Santa Monica and points farther south. Some neighborhoods close to the coast in other tsunami scenarios  such as Balboa Island in Newport Beach  could struggle to evacuate, especially if there are only narrow roads around to evacuate.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.

Find out what to do before, and during, an earthquake near you by signing up for our Unshaken newsletter, which breaks down emergency preparedness into bite-sized steps over six weeks. Learn more about earthquake kits, which apps you need, Lucy Jones' most important advice and more at latimes.com/Unshaken.

Times staff writers Salvador Hernandez, Summer Lin, Taryn Luna, Jasmine Mendez and Grace Toohey 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.
Seven people affiliated with Rutgers University have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug ring on the New Jersey campus, authorities said Thursday.

Former student Anudeep Revuri, 23, led the operation, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a press release.

In a 22 Jump Street-like plot, investigators said Revuri and his associates set up a private social media network for people in the Rutgers community. Once the operators verified a persons affiliation with the university, the buyer was allowed to browse from a drug menu and place orders through the network, according to police.

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Cops said they recovered a large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of U.S. currency and a firearm when they busted the operation.

Revuri was charged with leading a drug trafficking network, a first-degree felony in New Jersey, and three counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Joshua Duffy, 20; Zachary Petersen, 22; Catherine Tierney, 23; David Nudelman, 20, and Donovin Williams, 22, were all charged with varying levels of possession and distribution of controlled substances.

Nudelman was additionally charged with possessing a gun while committing a drug crime, while Duffy, Petersen and Tierney were also charged with money laundering.

Noa Lisimachio, a 21-year-old New York City resident, was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Labor Department inspected a private education provider, local media reported on Thursday.

According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, inspectors found that eight local employees could not provide written contracts while a foreign worker who was employed as a teacher, was performing administrative duties.

The department urged all employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees and to comply with the provisions of the Employment Order of Brunei, said the report. 
An investigation is underway in New Jersey after the body of an infant was discovered at a hotel in Passaic County, according to authorities.

Officers with the Wayne Police Department were called on Wednesday to investigate a possible crime scene at the Days Inn, on Route 23 near Ratzer Road, NJ.com reported. When they arrived on the scene just before 1:30 p.m., they did a quick search of the property, which ultimately turned up the remains of a baby, according to a statement from the Passaic County Prosecutors Office.

Authorities have provided few other details. They did not say for how long the baby had been dead and the infants cause of death was also unclear.

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Police additionally declined to say where exactly the baby was located inside the Days Inn.

An investigation in to the matter is ongoing. Anyone with information in the case has been asked to contact the Wayne Police Department at 973-694-060 or 877-370-PCPO. Tips can also be emailed to tips@passaiccountynj.org
WAYNE, N.J. (PIX11)  A 7-month-old was found dead in Wayne, New Jersey, Wednesday afternoon, according to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office.

The infant was located at around 1:42 p.m.

More Local News

Police were dispatched to an area near New Jersey Route 23 and Ratzer Road for a report of a dead infant, officials say. Responding officers located a possible crime scene and the infant, who was pronounced dead.

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An investigation into the infants death is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Passaic County Prosecutors Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

Tips can also be submitted to the Wayne Police Department at 973-694-0600.

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.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A metro man is facing multiple charges after investigators say he broke into the home of an 81-year-old woman on Thanksgiving Day, setting her carpet on fire, taking her gun and leaving a crucial piece of evidence at the scene of the crime  his pants.

At about 4 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day, deputies with the Clay County Sheriffs Office say they were dispatched to the Village of Oakwood, near Gladstone, on reports of a break-in and a suspect inside a home.

The Clay County Sheriffs Office confirmed that the home that was broken into sits on NE Barnes Avenue, east of North Oak.

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Clay County Sheriffs Office searching for suspected porch pirate

Deputies said the owner of the home, an 81-year-old woman, had been asleep when she smelled smoke. While searching for the source, she found an unknown bag leading her to call 911.

According to the sheriffs office, the woman grabbed a pistol and stayed on the line with dispatchers as she confronted the man, 31-year-old Jordan Blake.

Deputies said Blake had been armed with a knife and took the gun away from the woman before throwing it on the bed.

After disarming her, the woman then barricaded herself in another room as Blake tried to force his way in.

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Eventually, the woman was able to fight Blake off, the sheriffs department said, but she hurt her shoulder in the process.

By the time deputies arrived at the home, the man had run away. They reportedly found a broken window, a smoldering rug that had been set on fire, the suspects knife and the womans gun.

Deputies also said they found the suspects pants, which contained his wallet, phone, ID and a pipe with drug residue.

Pants on the floor of an 81-year-old Clay County womans home after a suspect, 31-year-old Jordan Blake, broke in on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, Thanksgiving Day. (Clay County Sheriffs Office)

IPD searching for suspect after man shot, killed at Independence apartment

Within hours, the Clay County Sheriffs Office traced the evidence back to Blake and arrested him for the crime.

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We were able to arrest him because he left his pants, more the contents of his pants, Boyd said.

His wallet was in there with his identification. It wasnt the exact address that was on his ID, but we were able to use the other items of evidence left behind to find him.

Boyd also added that she doesnt know why the man took his pants off but said deputies think he was under the influence of narcotics when he broke into the home.

Blake is being held at the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.

He is facing charges of first-degree burglary, armed criminal action, and knowingly burning and stealing a firearm.

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Blake had his first appearance in court on Dec. 2 and pleaded not guilty. He is due back in court on a bond hearing on Dec. 9 in Clay County Circuit Court.

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YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Finding a woman working on a railroad is difficult enough in an industry that is  according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  93% male.

So finding four women leaders in commercial and operational roles at one small railroad?

No one knows for sure if the Northern Central Railway of York is entirely unique in that regard, but if another railroad can match them, the ladies who run this railroad havent heard of it yet.

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Still, that wasnt the primary reason Jody Anderson Leighty, the Northern Centrals board chair and Ashley Zimmerman, the executive director, hired Jennifer Krieg  a steam and diesel locomotive engineer  to be their superintendent of operations.

She was perfect for the role, and the fact that she was a girl was just even more exciting. And we were like, You know, we could just do this a lot better with women and get more done,' Zimmerman joked.

To be clear, it wasnt always this way. Andersons father, D. Reed Anderson, co-founded the Northern Central with Bill Simpson.

And to be equally clear, although Anderson Leighty, Zimmerman, Krieg, and Vicky Lauer, the customer experience manager, are happy to inspire other women, that isnt the main point of the Northern Central, which is a tourist railroad (offering  for example  holiday-themed rides this time of year).

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Our mission is economic development for York County, Zimmerman explained.

Lauer recalled how excited her granddaughter (who now volunteers for the railroad) was to see Krieg driving a train.

A lot of people are surprised when they see a woman engineer get out of the cab, Krieg said. Ive had many people say, Whoa, youre a woman. I just look at them: yeah! Youre running that? Yeah. How do you do that? Training. Experience  just like any other engineer.

Krieg loved trains for as long as she can remember and started her career doing track work at the Stewartstown Railroad, where she then started working on trains as a fireman. (Yes, never mind that shes a woman, thats still what you call someone who shovels coal on a steam engine.)

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Not an easy job, Krieg said, but one she loved. Later, she became an engineer. So the kids  girls and boys alike  who ask to get a look at how the magic happens?

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We let them up to see whats going on in the cab, and the smile on their face is worth it to everybody, Krieg said. If you have the passion, go for it.

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Dec. 4A 94-year-old Pullman woman was hit and killed Tuesday after she turned her car into oncoming traffic on State Route 270 about 7 miles east of Pullman.

Beverly P. Gearhiser turned from Garrison Road west onto the highway when a 34-year-old Red Rock, Arizona, woman driving east in an SUV struck Gearhiser at 3 p.m., according to a Washington State Patrol news release.

Gearhiser died at the scene, troopers said. Her passenger, an 84-year-old Pullman man, and the SUV driver were uninjured.

All three people were wearing seat belts, the release said.

Troopers said Gearhiser failed to yield, causing the crash.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  In 800 communities across America, the United States Marines are collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots program. Locally, the Marines teamed up this morning with Fat Matt Roofing at Ollies on Judge Ely for a holiday purchase.

Time running out to adopt angels from Abilene Salvation Army Angel Tree

In 1991, the United States Marine Corps created the Toys for Tots program to serve economically disadvantaged children during the holidays. Fast forward to this morning, the Marines teamed up with a local business to spread Christmas joy.

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Have a great team of folks, Matt Smith with Fat Matt Roofing said. Cameron Wiley, hes been doing this for a while and came to me with the idea of, hey, lets go buy some toys and help out with Toys for Tots. Its just been an amazing opportunity to get to go through these aisles and shop and see the team out. Just get to partner with what our guys are doing to just love on people. So we were happy to be out here today.

2024 Abilene area holiday events: Festivals, plays & more

Fat Matt Roofing employee Cameron Wiley has volunteered with Toys for Tots for about six years.

One of the best things I love about this business is our owner is extremely philanthropic, has a huge heart, wants to give back, you know, very reaping so foundational principles of this company. So were just happy to be able to do this for them because we know the need is growing every year, and so were happy to be able to help with that, Wiley explained.

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Abilenes H-E-B feeds over 6,000 for the holidays

Coordinator Sergeant Cristian J Hernandez shared that they are projecting more than 9,000 kids to apply for Toys for Tots.

Honestly, it felt like Christmas for me. I dont know about the other guys, but it felt great just being able to shop for these other children. May not even know them, but hey, I hope that our choices were good for them. Last year, we had over 4,500 kids that had applied, and this year, we are projecting to probably double that by the end of December 9, whenever the application closes. So, right now, its looking pretty good, Hernandez shared.

The last day for families to sign up to receive toys is December 9. You can click here to apply. Toy donations will be accepted until December 13. The suggested drop-off is at Abilene City Hall at 555 Walnut Street.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilene became the home of the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Texas in April. Although it has not been used since then, the community is now rallying for a second box.

The box arrived in Abilene after the Texas Legislature approved it, and local resident Karen Light was inspired by the founder of the national movement. After discussing the idea with City Manager Robert Hanna, various local nonprofits, and Abilene Fire Chief Cande Flores, Light noted that the plan for the box began to come together.

I couldnt hardly believe it was happening. It just went together step by step by the people in our community stepping forward, Light said. We had Nehemiah Abilene come and say, Were going to do the pouring in the slab and the installation of the box for a donation, for free. And most of our services were donated.

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Abilene becomes 1st in Texas to host anonymous program for parents to surrender infants: Safe Haven Baby Box

Chief Flores said while the box has not been used yet, he is happy it is an option in our area.

Having this available option so that a baby could be safely dropped off to where that parent feels like they have an avenue to hand that child off and that we could take it and safely care for it, Flores said.

The choice to use the box, Flores said, is not to abandon babies but to give them a new chance at life.

People who go down this road, that doesnt mean that they dont care for that child. In fact, most of the time they do care for that child. Its just theyve come to a point where they can no longer provide for the child, and theyre looking for someone who can, Flores said.

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Local pro-life nonprofit raises $20k to install safe haven box in Abilene for anonymous infant surrender

After the positive response from the first box, Light now says the community is trying for a second.

The second box will be in South Abilene, and then we will take this idea across Texas and encourage and help other communities put in safe Haven baby boxes through Texas, Light said.

The organization, West Texas For Life, is currently fundraising for a second box.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Two Meals on Wheels volunteers are helping each other heal through giving after the loss of their husbands.

The spirit of giving can be infectious and spreads joy beyond its original intention. Debbie Daniel and Brenda Gerard deliver food for Meals on Wheels together every week, but their friendship didnt begin with their volunteer work, as Daniel explained.

My husband passed away in 2018. I met Brenda and a whole bunch of other ladies who had lost their husbands and had been looking for a way to serve the Lord in any capacity that I could. He led me to this sweet lady to help serve Meals on Wheels, Daniel explained.

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Abilene business spreads holiday joy with Toys for Tots donation

Brenda Gerard had been volunteering with Abilenes branch of Meals on Wheels for more than six years. When she started, she was usually accompanied by her husband on their donation route, but when her husband passed, it left an emptiness in her weekly deliveries. That is when she met Debbie Daniel at a support group for women who have become widowed. Since introducing Debbie to the volunteer service, the two have become known as the dream team within the Meals on Wheels delivery circle, and Gerard spoke about what makes their connection so strong.

We try to keep it fun. We laugh, and we laugh a lot. Keep it light-hearted, but we understand the seriousness of what were doing. We both share the commonality that we feel like the Lord led us to do this, Gerard shared.

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Anson Meals on Wheels program closing, Abilene to take over delivery

This year, Meals on Wheels saw some help in their outreach, with H-E-B sponsoring all of their clienteles meals for the day as part of their Feast of Sharing campaign that helped feed around 1,400 people in the community with Meals on Wheels alone. Executive Director for Meals on Wheels Abilene, Betty Bradley, explained how donations and volunteers like Debbie and Brenda are at the top of their needs list.

Its been pretty challenging this year. Theyre calling in faster than we can get out and visit them, certify them, and enroll them. So, were going ahead and serving them and have faith that the donations will come in to pay for it, Bradley said.

Whether it was intended or not, meeting the needs of the Abilene community has helped Debbie and Brenda cultivate a lasting friendship. They both said, You just feel so blessed after youve been able to have someone, and I think that it has helped our relationship grow. No doubt. And just became very solid friends. Very solid friends.







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A Jackson County judge could pave the way for abortions to take place in Missouri as soon as Friday, even as state Attorney General Andrew Baileys office fought in court on Wednesday to preserve a series of restrictions on the procedure.

Missouri voters last month passed Amendment 3, which overturned the states abortion ban and protects a right to reproductive freedom. Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains has sued over the states 72-hour abortion waiting period, provider licensing rules and other requirements currently in state law before the amendment formally takes effect on Friday.

Planned Parenthood is prepared to begin offering medication abortions on Friday, including in Kansas City, if a court halts the challenged restrictions, lawyers for the nonprofit organization told Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang. Planned Parenthood wants a preliminary injunction to stop state agencies and local prosecutors from enforcing those laws.

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The judge didnt immediately issue a decision after a three-and-a-half hour hearing at the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City.

Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine, representing Bailey and other state officials sued by Planned Parenthood, urged Zhang to keep the laws in place. He repeatedly framed them as necessary for the health and safety of women.

Theres no actual individual women in this lawsuit and thats because its not in their interest to eliminate these statutes, Divine said in court.

Divine pitched a truncated version of what Bailey argued at length in legal documents  that while Amendment 3 does end Missouris near-total abortion ban, it also protects a right to childbirth. The measure lists childbirth among the matters related to reproductive health care in which the government cannot deny or infringe on someones rights.

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Some abortion restrictions should remain because of that right to childbirth, Divine argued. A 72-hour waiting period, for instance, gives women time to choose childbirth, he contended.

Theyre forgetting these sorts of laws are enabling childbirth, Divine said, referring to Planned Parenthood.

Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine after a court hearing in Kansas City on Wednesday.

Lawyers for Planned Parenthood rejected Divines arguments. During the hearing, Eleanor Spottswood, attorney for Planned Parenthood, went law by law, describing each one as interfering with abortion access and, therefore, presumptively unconstitutional.

Amendment 3 includes a very clear standard for the court to apply, Sportswoman said. The measure requires any restrictions on abortion before fetal viability must be presumed invalid unless the government shows it has a compelling interest achieved by the least-restrictive means.

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The Missouri government has spent decades passing and enforcing laws that restrict abortions  the voters have now changed all that, Spottswood said.

Zhang, a 2021 appointee of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, avoided opining on the issues during the hours-long hearing but mostly confined her remarks to clarifying questions. She made only one decision, denying a motion by Baileys office to dismiss Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County.

Baileys office has argued that Baker doesnt plan to enforce Missouris abortion laws and because of that shouldnt be a defendant. In legal filings and in court, an attorney for Baker disputed that, saying she had made no sweeping promises of non-enforcement.

While the location of the lawsuit may seem trivial, it has potentially significant consequences for which judge hears the case and which local prosecutor is placed in a position to defend the states abortion laws. Divine said in court that Baileys office will appeal Zhangs decision.

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However Zhang rules on the abortion restrictions, the decision will only mark the first step in a legal fight thats almost certain to end up before the Missouri Supreme Court.

Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains CEO Emily Wales after the hearing urged the judge to act quickly, before Friday. Planned Parenthoods lawyers argue that every day without legal clarity after the amendment takes effect represents a day that residents are denied their constitutional rights.

For our providers to provide care and for patients to access quickly, safely, according to their constitutional rights, we need the judge to act, Wales told reporters.

Planned Parenthood in St. Louis was the last clinic licensed to perform abortions in Missouri before the state implemented a total ban on abortions moments after the Supreme court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022.

Wednesdays hearing demonstrated that some statewide elected officials, such as Bailey, think they know better than health care providers and Missourians, Wales said. She said Planned Parenthood wants providers to be able to work with patients and ensure residents have standard of care abortion access, not substandard options.

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Divine told reporters that Baileys office was seeking to affirm the rights included in Amendment 3, pointing to the right to childbirth. He said a lot of women choose childbirth after having the opportunity to view an ultrasound, for instance.

Asked what happens if Zhang issues in Planned Parenthoods favor, Divine seemed girded for a protracted fight.

Obviously, we hope to prevail at trial, Divine said. Were going to take this through appeals and fight this all the way.
Abu Dhabis ruling family has bought a 60m mansion in London as Sir Keir Starmer seeks to deepen ties with the Middle East.

The Al Nahyan family, one of the worlds wealthiest families with a fortune estimated at $305bn (239bn), is understood to have bought a mansion in Londons Holland Park.

The property includes a cinema room and swimming pool, according to Bloomberg, which reported the sale.

The transaction was brokered by Hamptons and completed in October before Rachel Reeves set out a series of tax rises in the Budget.

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Those included a 2pc increase in stamp duty on second homes and abolishing tax breaks for wealthy non-domiciled individuals.

The purchase comes ahead of Sir Keirs trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to court opportunities for trade and investment.

The Prime Minister is expected to visit both the UAE and Saudi Arabia this month to discuss the possibility of billions of investment in major national projects such as the 20bn Sizewell C nuclear power station.

UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan is the Gulf kingdoms ruler and the head of its royal family - GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images

The UAE is already a significant investor in Britain, emerging as one of the biggest backers of offshore wind.

Sir Keirs visit to the region comes as RedBird IMI, a fund backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice-president of the UAE, is in the process of selling The Telegraph.

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Rishi Sunaks administration intervened over concerns about state-ownership of the paper, forcing a sale.

It is not clear if the ongoing sale of The Telegraph will be discussed by the Prime Minister during his visit.

The Holland Park mansion sale is among the biggest home deals in Britain so far this year. The biggest deal was struck by US fashion designer Tom Ford, who spent around 80m on a property in Chelsea earlier this year.

Holland Park is one of the Londons most expensive neighbourhoods, home to celebrities such as Robbie Williams and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.

Hamptons declined to comment, while Abu Dhabis media office did not respond to requests for comment.

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SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's main liberal opposition Democratic Party said Thursday that it planned to vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday.

The party's deputy spokesperson told reporters that the vote would be held at around 7:00 p.m. local time on Saturday in a bid to allow lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party enough time to consider it.

The Democratic Party and five other minor parties submitted the motion to impeach Yoon Wednesday and reported it to the National Assembly's plenary session early Thursday as the opposition believed the president's martial law declaration was illegal and unconstitutional.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the parliament voted against it.

Under the constitution, the impeachment bill must be initiated by a majority of lawmakers and approved by at least two-thirds of National Assembly legislators.

The opposition will need eight votes from 108 lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party to pass the motion.

If passed, it will be deliberated by the constitutional court for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's constitutional powers will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will be an acting president.

If the impeachment of Yoon is upheld by the court, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days. 
Charlamagne Tha God thinks that Democrats can no longer claim any moral authority after President Joe Biden pardoned his son.

During a visit to "The View" on Wednesday, the radio host fell into a heated debate with host Whoopi Goldberg over the president's decision to clear his son of several tax and gun-related charges. In particular, Charlamagne took offense at Biden's insistence that he w

"All of the criticism is valid because, you know, Democrats stand on this moral high ground all the time, and, you know, they act so self-righteous," he shared. [President Biden] kept saying things like, 'You know, nobody is above the law, I respect the jurys decision in regards to my son.' He didnt believe that, but he didnt have to volunteer that lie to begin with."

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Goldberg countered that Biden was flipping the table of a rigged game.

"He got sick of watching everybody else get over," Goldberg shared, seemingly pointing to the vacated cases against President-elect Donald Trump.

"Why cant you say when Democrats are wrong?" Charlamagne asked in reply. "And why cant Republicans say when Republicans are wrong?

The pair then called each other "ridiculous," but made up before the end of the segment.

The president laid out his reasoning for pardoning Hunter Biden in a statement shared earlier this week. He said that his son was the victim of "raw politics" and that the cases against him were an attack from the GOP.

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"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."

Watch the entire segment below:
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After a series of investigations in the St. Helens School District forced the local high school principal to go on paid administrative leave, a new acting principal has stepped into her role.

Acting Principal Dr. Charlotte Ellis said she will focus on stabilizing campus administration, elevating student voices, and restoring trust.

I am deeply honored to serve the St. Helens community and am dedicated to listening with empathy, responding with care and compassion, and working tirelessly to rebuild the trust that is essential to our schools and community, Ellis said.

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It could be a tall order for parents still afraid to bring students back  many of them protesting for all teachers to be investigated.

Man allegedly tried to sexually assault employees at multiple Gresham spas

Meanwhile, Dr. Kathryn Wagner is facing charges for allegedly failing to report child sex abuse as the district continues an investigation into a sex abuse scandal involving a current and former teacher over the past several years.

Acting Principal Dr. Charlotte Ellis (St Helens School District) Parents continue to protest in St. Helens following ongoing investigations into alleged sex abuse in the districts schools. Dec. 3, 2024. (KOIN) Community members began protesting in front of St. Helens High School and district offices on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (KOIN) Parents and teachers of St. Helens High School pack the Village Inn Restaurant and Lounge in St. Helens to hold a watch party of an emergency district board meeting. November 15, 2024 (KOIN). Protesters outside of St. Helens High School on Nov. 14, 2024 (KOIN)

Interim police chief Joseph Hogue said it is the first time he has seen an educator face charges for allegedly sitting on records of reported abuse Prosecutors say the reports date back to 2018. And while police dont have a motive for why they were not elevated, Hogue says detectives are still working to tackle old and new reports.

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Theyll keep digging and hopefully it doesnt go back too much further, Hogue said.

Wagner is one of seven former and current district staff members now being investigated by St. Helens police or the Oregon Department of Human Services after choir teacher Eric Stearns and retired teacher Mark Collins pled not guilty to multiple charges of sex abuse last month.

Interim police chief Joseph Hogue told KOIN 6 News that more charges could be around the corner as detectives work to keep up with reports.

I do believe that we have more victims that have come forward, Hogue said. And so theyre very well could be more charges coming in the next week or two.

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Providence could face first doctors strike in Oregon state history

In the meantime, Hogue urges patience from the community as they run investigations alongside other agencies, adding that it could take weeks before the community sees an update on the investigation into a middle school teacher accused of offensive contact because the victims are still children.

Community members are still asking why police have not looked into the superintendent, who remains on leave, or the other to high school staff members being investigated by the state.

When you have other investigations that are going on, done by different agencies, the scope of the investigation could be different, and the standard of proof could be different, Hogue said. And so were looking at an actual crime, thats what we investigate. And our standard of proof is obviously beyond a reasonable doubt.

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JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11)  Even at its new, lower price point, the MTAs proposed congestion pricing isnt sitting any better with many drivers.

Its a hardship for a lot of people, said Edward Funches of Brooklyn.

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The new proposed fees, which go into effect Jan. 5, would charge E-ZPass customers $9 at peak, dropping to $2.25 in off-peak hours.

Some drivers, however, can qualify for discounts. Drivers using the Lincoln or the Holland tunnels would get a $3 crossing credit. On top of these, the MTA is offering an exemption for drivers with disabilities, and a 50% discount to qualifying low-income drivers after their first 10 trips every month.

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Funches has a disability and relies on a wheelchair when hes not driving. He said though he may be exempt, he thinks about those who are not. For New Jersey residents and New York residents, its hardship, said Funches, especially trying to make ends meet.

On Wednesday, the MTA held the first of what will be several public webinars for congestion tolling relief. The first covered the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP). To qualify, the MTA said the vehicle must be registered to someone with a disability that prevents them from using public transportation, or to that persons caregiver.

I definitely encourage individuals to attend [the webinar] because if youre not at the table, you dont know whats going on, said Funches.

On Thursday at 2 p.m., the MTA is set to host its Low-Income Discount webinar.

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Beverly Brown Ruggia is with New Jersey Citizen Action, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for low-income families. It is an additional stress on their kitchen table budgets with which theyre struggling to cover basic needs already, said Ruggia. Its very important for everyone to get as much information as they can about what discounts may be available to them in the congestion pricing plan.

To view the MTAs webinar schedule and to sign up to participate in one, click here.

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Afghanistans economy is showing modest signs of growth after two years of severe contraction, the World Bank said.

In its latest development update issued late Wednesday, the financial institution said modest GDP growth of 2.7% was driven by private consumption. The partial recovery, coupled with falling food prices, helped to gradually improve household welfare.

Before the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Afghanistans economy relied heavily on foreign aid and corruption was rife. Their takeover three years ago sent the economy into a tailspin, as billions in international funds were frozen, and tens of thousands of highly skilled Afghans fled the country and took their money with them.

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Afghans exports remained stable in 2023-24 but imports surged, creating a widening trade deficit, according to the World Bank. This deficit, exacerbated by dependence on imports for essential goods like fuel, food and machinery, could pose a risk to the countrys economic stability.

Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Banks country director for Afghanistan, said long-term growth prospects required tapping into the substantial potential of the domestic private sector and improving the overall business environment.

Key to this is increased investment, providing access to finance to small businesses, and supporting educated and skilled women entrepreneurs so their businesses can thrive, said Hadad-Zervos. Without this, the country risks prolonged stagnation with limited prospects for sustainable development.

The update comes days after media reports that the Taliban have ordered educational institutions to stop providing medical training to women and girls. The Taliban have neither confirmed the order nor responded to the reports.

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On Thursday, the head of the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF said she was deeply alarmed by the reported restrictions.

UNICEF was determining the veracity of these differing accounts and welcomed efforts to address the issue, said the agencys executive director Catherine Russell.

If confirmed, this ban was expected to immediately halt the medical education of thousands of women and jeopardize women and girls access to health care, she added.

It would not only further limit the ability of women to contribute to society and earn an income but would also have far-reaching consequences for the health of the Afghan population. Lives would be lost, she warned.
Amid a harrowing reality, where an Afghan woman dies every hour from childbirth complications, Pashtana Durrani voices the grim future awaiting them due to the Talibans latest education ban. People often say that under the Taliban women are just left to reproduce. Well, now with this new ban, women are left to reproduce and then die on that same table because there will be nobody to help them, Durrani told NPR about the Talibans new ban prohibiting the training of midwives and nurses.

Durrani is the founder of Learn Afghanistan, an organization operating secret schools in Afghanistan as well as a maternal health clinic where they trained midwives. Already one of the most dangerous places in the world for a woman to give birth, its about to get worse.

On Wednesday, news broke that the Taliban has reportedly prohibited women from studying midwifery and nursing, the last exemptions from their ban on female education. Women are prohibited from seeing a male medical provider and men are not allowed to train as midwives, leaving previously trained female health care professionals as the only providers of womens health care. The United Nations Population Fund, which tracks womens health care globally, reported in 2023 that the country needed at least 18,000 more trained midwives to ensure basic maternal care to Afghan women.

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This latest ban continues to cause deep concern in the international community. Human Rights Watch, which says the ban was ordered by Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and conveyed to the Ministry of Public Health on Monday, says that this new decree will result in unnecessary pain, misery, sickness, and death for the women forced to go without health care, as there wont be female healthcare workers to treat them.

Afghanistan has around 10 public and more than 150 private health institutes, with a total of 35,000 women students, reports France 24. These institutions offer two-year diplomas in 18 subjects ranging from midwifery to anesthesia, pharmaceuticals and dentistry.

The European Union has condemned the ban, calling it yet again another appalling violation of fundamental human rights and a unjustifiable attack on womens access to education in Afghanistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reports that it is extremely concerned about a reported directive of the de facto authorities preventing women and girls from attending classes at private medical institutions. Robert Dickson, the Charge dAffaires of the U.K. Mission to Afghanistan, posted on X that he is deeply concerned about this latest affront to womens right to education and the further restriction on access to healthcare.

The ban, not yet confirmed by the Taliban government through official channels, has been confirmed by multiple news agencies who have talked to students affected by the ban, including the BBC, NPR and The Associated Press. Posts on X show female students crying as they learn they are no longer allowed to study.

The Taliban have banned women from studying at medical institutes in Afghanistan. Yesterday, female students bid tearful goodbyes to each other and their teachers.



The ban doesnt just close classroom doors; it shut downs a healthcare system for 20 million women. pic.twitter.com/KmkTubEzA4  Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) December 4, 2024

Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban has issued more than 70 decrees restricting the freedoms of girls and women. In September 2021, the Taliban stopped girls from attending secondary school beyond sixth grade. In May 2022, women were ordered to be completely covered head to toe, with only their eyes showing. By November, women were banned from parks and gyms. On Dec. 21, they were banned from attending universities and on Dec. 24, they were banned from working with national governmental and nongovernmental organizations, a move that put millions of people at risk. In July 2023, the Taliban shut down beauty salons. As reported by The New York Times, these women-only spaces were forbidden under Shariah law and caused economic hardship for grooms families during wedding celebrations. Earlier this year, the Taliban prohibited girls aged 10 and above from attending classes below sixth grade, mandated face covering for fourth through sixth graders, reiterated that public stoning of women will continue, and prohibited women from singing, reciting, laughing or reading out loud in public.

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This week, the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor, Karim Khan , said he could announce that very considerable progress has already been made in the investigation of allegations of gender persecution in Afghanistan. I am confident that I will soon be in a position to announce concrete results, said Khan.

Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, posted a photo on X on Wednesday of women of Afghanistan at the hallways of ICC advocating for accountability for grave crimes in Afghanistan, as the prosecutor announced that he will soon request applications for arrest warrants, referencing Khans statement. Justice will prevail, she wrote.

Women of Afghanistan at the hallways of ICC advocating for accountability for grave crimes in Afghanistan, as the prosecutor announced that he will soon request applications for arrest warrants.



Justice will prevail. pic.twitter.com/8yLNv9TVRf  Fereshta Abbasi (@FereshtaAbbasi) December 4, 2024

Habib Khan, founder of Afghan Peace Watch and formerly with The Wall Street Journal, wrote, A powerful feminist movement is emerging in Afghanistan in response to the Talibans misogynistic rule, paving the way for an Afghan womens revolution that could ultimately lead to the Talibans downfall.

Rashid Khan, one of the countrys most recognizable faces in international sport, said in an online post that Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. Additionally, he said, The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs.

He concludes his post with an appeal for reconsideration of the ban. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.
As part of our yearlong reporting project on how schools are using artificial intelligence to identify students with mental health issues, The Enquirer heard from nearly 100 people in the Cincinnati community.

Here's more on who they are and how they felt.

Most were students, parents, mental health clinicians and youth workers. Close to 80 people filled out our survey, while around 20 attended our library listening session, which was open to the public, to share their thoughts.

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Cincinnatians expressed everything from cautious optimism to uncertainty and worry about having AI used to help determine whether someone is suicidal, depressed, anxious. Many said their biggest concerns about using AI this way were protecting students from privacy violations and biased results.

My concern would be that once AI said a student was a danger, they would be treated as such, shared one school administrator. But, I also see the helpful aspect of it bringing up someone who may have slipped through the cracks.

Over half think AI can help youth mental health crisis

People who thought AI would help solve the youth mental health crisis eked out a narrow majority  54%  over people who disagreed or were not sure. This larger group agreed or strongly agreed that an AI-powered app that detects signs of distress could help address the youth mental health crisis.

51% said that AI would make schools safer.

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And some clinicians who attended our listening session saw value in using AI to predict suicide attempts.

Were really, really, really bad at predicting human behavior, said Paul Crosby, a psychiatrist and the president of the Lindner Center of Hope, a mental health center in Mason. I understand why solutions like this are being sought because we havent come up with good ones ourselves.

Isaac Trice, a clinical counselor at Talbert House in Western Hills, said that algorithms are already playing a role in mental health diagnosis for his clients.

Clients come in and say, well, TikTok told me that Im a narcissist, he said. So I do think that it's important for us to be on the cutting edge and to use these tools.

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Still, every AI-related question on the survey resulted in 30% or more of respondents responding with neutral or not sure, indicating a clear uncertainty among many about using AI to help detect mental health issues.

Gharrie Hoffman, who has a master's degree in community counseling, doesnt love the idea of using AI but felt she doesnt know enough about it. She wants to see results proving it works before making a judgment call.

1 in 3 feel comfortable with AI recording therapy sessions, most people concerned about bias

The question that created the most even split among respondents asked whether respondents were OK with AI listening to their therapy sessions: 33% of respondents said they felt comfortable with it, while 27% said they didnt.

Owen Kovacic, an undergraduate at the University of Cincinnati, described having AI listen to therapy sessions as intrusive and terrible for trust.

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Recent Oak Hills High grad Quinn Merriss is worried that using AI to detect mental health issues could lead to kids being involuntarily hospitalized in cases where it's not necessary.

Merriss also wondered whether therapists using AI would discourage students from seeking help. How many kids are gonna stop talking, period, because they dont want it involved? they asked.

The question that produced the clearest majority asked about bias. Nearly 60% of respondents said that using AI to check language for mental health or safety risks might lead to biased results or unexpected issues, while 10% said it wouldnt.

When it comes to AI it can be made biased due to the information it is fed, said Awa Bolling, an undergraduate at UC, a sentiment echoed by at least two other students.

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Some people expressed doubts about using technology like AI to try to solve a mental health crisis that may have been caused by an excess of screen time in the first place.

Trice, the clinical counselor at Talbert House, put it this way: When it comes to AI, are we chasing one pill with another?

People agree we need more clinicians, disagree on how to make schools safer

Students from high school to graduate school expressed widespread agreement on the need for more accessible mental health services.

Increasing the availability of mental health clinicians, decreasing the cost of therapy, and giving students more time during the day to dedicate to their mental health, they said, were ways to get more students help. Awa Bolling, the undergraduate at UC, said that more leeway with academic success could take pressure off of stressed students.

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Respondents agreed that schools could be safer but differed in their opinions about what that should look like.

A handful of people suggested increasing the number of police officers on campus. Still others felt that security equipment such as door locks and metal detectors were important.

More than one person identified hallways as areas that need to be monitored for bullying. According to one student from Taft High School, having adults in hallways protecting students from bullies and escorting the victim to class would make a difference.

As the director of the Trauma Recovery Center at The Neighborhood House, Sheila Nared helps youth victims of violent crime process their trauma and practice resilience.

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Nared believes that giving communities most affected by violence a say in decision making is key to preventing violence in the first place.

Those closest to the problem are those closest to the solution, said Nared, but also farthest from the resources and the power.

What gives people hope? Hope Squad helps

Listening session attendees cited young people talking about their mental health as a sign that the stigma is decreasing, as well as increased access to mental health clinicians.

Carlie Yersky, a clinical counselor for Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, said she draws hope from the access that students have to trained mental health clinicians within their schools.

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When I was a kid, we did not have therapists in school, said Yersky. Now every school in Cincinnati is partnering with some mental health agency.

Other attendees emphasized the importance of human and community-centered solutions to the mental health crisis.

Create a culture of people caring about other people, suggested Olive Weaver, a senior at Mason High, rather than delegating any of the work to AI.

Weaver and other listening session attendees pointed to Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program implemented in hundreds of schools around Ohio, as one example.

At Mason High School, Hope Squad is a class with an enrollment of over 80 students. Each grade has their own Hope Squad team, led by a teacher adviser, which meets four days a week. Hope Squad members are charged with keeping an eye out for peers who are struggling and connecting them to a teacher or counselor if they need help.

Hope Squad members at Mason High School meet four times a week to check in on each other and classmates as a part of a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.

Often our kids see the issues well before the adults do, said Beth Celenza, one of the schools four Hope Squad advisers, so the class is about empowering the students to be able to do something with that information.

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Prior to the implementation of Hope Squad in 2017, the school district averaged one suicide per year, said district spokesperson Tracey Carson.

Its just one of the interventions the district established since then, said Carson, but together, the interventions seem to be working.

I havent had a suicide since.

How we did this

The Enquirer spent the past year reporting on how schools are using artificial intelligence to identify students with mental health issues. As part of our project, we took a two-pronged approach to hearing from the community.

First we released a survey that we distributed online and in person, in areas with high foot traffic such as The University of Cincinnati, Findlay Market, and The Neighborhood House, a social services organization in the West End. Next, we hosted a listening session at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library main branch downtown, open to anyone.

Enquirer health reporter Betsy Kim chats with Terana Boyd and Deseree Boyd as they fill out surveys. Both work with youth at The Neighborhood House in the West End.

The result was that we heard from a large and diverse group of Cincinnatians who ranged from teens to those over 60 years old.

University of Cincinnati students fill out The Enquirer's survey on AI and mental health.

The breakdown of survey respondents consisted of 64% students, and 23% were parents. Another 9% were mental health providers and 7% worked with kids in schools or community organizations. Most parent respondents had high school-aged kids or younger and lived in areas that stretched from Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, to Cincinnati suburbs like West Chester Township.

The racial breakdown: 37% of respondents were Black, 37% were white, and 23% were Asian. Other respondents were Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern, North African or mixed race.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Betsy Kim reported this story while participating in the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalisms 2024 National Fellowship Kristy Hammam Fund for Health Journalism and received engagement mentoring and funding.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 54% think AI can help mental health crisis, Cincinnati survey shows
The Air Force has decided to let the incoming Trump administration make its own decision on the path forward for its Next Generation Air Dominance fighter.

This summer, the Air Force paused its effort to develop and build a sixth-generation fighter amid concerns about its potential costs and began rethinking what it will need for a future war.

The review sparked by that decision includes reconsidering what the Air Force needs to maintain air superiority in a war against a major adversary such as China and redesigning NGAD to lower its costs  perhaps to lower than those of an F-35. The decision on how to proceed with NGAD was originally expected by the end of December.

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On Thursday, however, the service announced outgoing Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall will not decide how to proceed with NGAD. Instead, the Department of the Air Force will continue its analysis and keep options open for the next administration.

The Air Force also said it is extending its current contracts with firms to mature NGADs technology and reduce risk, to keep industry teams intact and allow systems and designs to further progress. The service declined to provide more details on those contracts, including their value, how long they will be extended and who they are to. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are believed to be the leading contenders to build NGAD, although Northrop Grumman may reconsider its decision to bow out of the program depending on how the Air Forces strategy shifts.

The service is also asking industry to update its schedule and milestone proposals to account for these delays.

The Air Forces highly classified NGAD program aims to replace the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fleet sometime in the 2030s. The service envisions the crewed NGAD fighter as the core of a family of systems that would also include autonomous drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft. It would also have a cutting-edge adaptive engine that could switch to the most efficient configuration, as well as advanced sensors, weaponry and data connectivity technology.

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The Air Force originally planned to award a contract for NGAD in 2024, but that effort was likewise put on hold.

But after rumors spread earlier this year that NGAD was in budgetary trouble, Kendall said in an interview with Defense News that the program needed a redesign to bring its costs under control.

In that June interview, Kendall said the original price projections for NGAD were running about three times the price of an F-35, which cost between $82 million and $109 million apiece depending on the model. At that price point, Kendall said, the Air Force would only be able to buy a small number of NGAD fighters.

The family of systems concept of Next Generation Air Dominance is alive and well, Kendall said at the time. I can tell you that we are looking at the NGAD platform design concept to see if its the right concept or not.  Were looking at whether we can do something thats less expensive and do some trade-offs there.

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At the Defense News Conference in September, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Jim Slife said the Air Force is also rethinking how it will achieve air superiority in a highly contested environment, and noted that may not be the same thing as figuring out how to build a sixth-generation fighter platform.

The Air Force also wanted the potential NGAD redesign to better incorporate recent technology advancements such as collaborative combat aircraft.

But it remains uncertain what President-elect Donald Trumps victory will mean for the militarys approach to air superiority. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump named to head a Department of Government Efficiency advisory panel, have each expressed skepticism over the value of crewed fighters in a future war.

Musk said in a series of tweets in November that manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones and called those who build crewed fighters like the F-35 idiots.

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Ramaswamy also said at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington on Wednesday that the U.S. should be investing more in drones and hypersonic missiles than new kinds of fighter jets or whatever, that arent the highest return on investment.

The Air Force told Defense News it has enough money to keep funding technology maturation and risk reduction for NGAD, and that the effort to build CCAs will continue uninterrupted.
Authorities have issued an air-raid warning in the capital and 5 northern oblasts of Ukraine due to the threat of missile attacks.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram, map of warnings

Quote from the Air Force: "Missile threat to Chernihiv, Sumy, Kyiv oblasts"

Details: Within minutes, the Air Force reported that there was a missile threat to the oblasts where the warning was issued.

Sirens are now also sounding in Cherkasy and Poltava oblasts.

At 07:32, the Air Force reported a missile fired in the direction of Chernihiv.

Updated: The all-clear was given at 07:52.

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MANILA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops killed a suspected rebel in a clash in Batangas province, south of Manila, the military said Thursday.

The military said the 20-minute gunfight between the troops and the New People's Army (NPA) broke out in Lobo town on Wednesday when the government soldiers were on patrol.

The rebels fled after one of their members was killed, while a soldier was injured, the military said, adding that the troops recovered weapons and ammunition at the encounter site.

NPA rebels have been fighting the government troops since 1969. Despite the decreasing number of fighters, NPA rebels concentrate their attacks on rural areas and have skirmishes with the military.

Military data showed that the NPA's personnel strength has declined since its peak of around 25,000 armed members in the 1980s. 
DENVER (KDVR)  An affidavit for one of the suspects in the alleged robbery and attempted murder of a man on Monday, Nov. 25, said that an Apple AirTag placed into a stolen bag by the victim was used in the investigation.

Three people were arrested and charged in connection to the incident.

Two of the suspects, Luis James and Melina Valencia, were both charged with aggravated robbery by the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office. A third suspect, Irvin Perez-Perez was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

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The affidavit was for Perez-Perez, who is accused of shooting the victim in the 300 block of West 80th Avenue just before 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.

3 facing felony charges in robbery, shooting in Adams County

According to the affidavit, the victim agreed to meet with a woman to show her some pieces of jewelry he had for sale. He was allegedly pulled into an apartment by the woman. He was shot by a man a total of two times when he tried to run away from the apartment.

He also told law enforcement that his jewelry was stolen.

During the investigation, police were informed that there was an AirTag in the stolen property. According to the affidavit, at one point two people were seen leaving the address where the AirTag was located and getting into a vehicle. They were also seen loading things into the vehicle before leaving.

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The car was eventually pulled over in a traffic stop and Valencia and James were taken into custody.

According to the affidavit, James and Valencia found the AirTag in the stolen bag after the robbery and began to panic. They disposed of the bag near their home and transferred the jewelry to a separate bag before calling for a ride from a ride-share app, during which they were pulled over and arrested.

The third suspect, Perez-Perez, was arrested at a later time. James alleged that it was Perez-Perez who escalated the situation and shot the victim.

James and Valencia were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, while Perez-Perez is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The city of Mobile, Alabama seen in an aerial shot. The Alabama Ethics Commission Wednesday said a Mobile City councilman could apply for grants distributed by the city. (Art Wager via Getty Images)

The Alabama Ethics Commission Wednesday said a member of the Mobile City Council could apply for city grants to improve a structure he owns in the city after an attorney for the commission said he did not have authority over distribution of small amounts of funds from the program.

The Mobile City Council created a tax increment finance district to finance improvements in the downtown area. A few years later, the city council voted to extend the designation in 2023. K. Paul Carbo, Jr., an attorney representing the Mobile City Council, asked the commission whether Mobile City Councilman William Carroll, who voted for the extension, could apply for a grant.

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A message was sent to Carrolls office on Wednesday seeking comment.

He has business interests that include renovating houses in various historic districts and selling them to prospective buyers, said Brian Paterson, assistant general counsel for the Alabama Ethics Commission, during Wednesdays commission meeting. Mr. Carroll has purchased a structure that is a historic property located in the district, and he does not have any decision-making authority over the distribution of small-level grants under the program.

Paterson said the states ethics laws do not prohibit public officials from applying for grants open to the public.

The commission said Carroll could apply provided that he does not use his position, including confidential information obtained from his position and equipment, facilities, time, materials, human labor, or other public property under his discretion or control, to benefit himself or his business.

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Commissioners also said that Richard Fikes of Jasper, who works as an attorney for the law firm of Jackson, Fikes & Brakefield and is seeking to be the chief clerk of the Walker County Probate Court, may perform legal services for private clients while also working as chief clerk, provided he does not use his position for personal benefit.

The commission also approved a 4% raise for Tom Albritton, the executive director of the commission.

The raise was based on a performance evaluation. Albrittons current salary was not publicly disclosed during the proceedings, but according to Alabama Checkbook, a website that tracks the salaries of public service employees, Albritton received slightly more than $214,000 in fiscal year 2024, which ended on Sept. 30.

The raise approved by the Commission increases his salary to almost $223,000 per year moving forward.

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I am grateful to the commissioners for approving it, Albritton said in an interview after the meeting. I have a very dedicated staff, and I think the Commission recognized that today. It is always great to hear from them and to have their support.

Prior to voting on the measure, commissioners expressed their gratitude for Albrittons work as well as the staff that supports him.

Having reviewed the job description of the position of executive director and based on our knowledge of the directors performance in this role, as well as our knowledge of staff performance, we conclude that the current director has satisfactorily performed the duties of the position, including the management of the staff, finances of the Commission, said Ed Crowell, chair of the Alabama Ethics Commission. We are satisfied with the work of the investigators and other staff of the Commission.

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Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, speaks in the Alabama Senate on May 2, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Coleman has refiled a bill that would make body camera footage a public record. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama state senator has refiled a bill that would make body camera footage a public record.

SB 24, sponsored by Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, would make footage from body cameras or dashboard cameras used by law enforcement public records.

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Coleman said in a phone interview Wednesday that the bill emerged from the death of Jawan Dallas, a resident of Mobile, last year. According to a federal lawsuit filed by the family, Mobile police excessively tased Dallas, 36.

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Plaintiff brings federal constitutional claims against all Defendants for committing acts under color of law that deprived Jawan of his life and his rights under the United States Constitution, the lawsuit alleges.

A grand jury last year declined to press charges against the officers involved. The Mobile Police Department declined comment on Wednesday. Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the attorneys representing Dallas family and the city of Mobile.

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According to Al.com, Dallas family reviewed body cam footage of the incident in November of last year. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said at the time that the cause of death in this case was clearly due to cardiorespiratory failure and mixed drug intoxication.



Alabama has long had poor open records laws. The Legislature earlier this year approved a law setting specific time frames for state agencies to respond to public records requests. But body cam footage was excluded from the law. The Senate Judiciary Committee last spring rejected a separate bill from Coleman to make body cam footage a public record.

Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023 signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, that allowed the disclosure of body camera footage to the personal representative of an individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording. The law does not require a law enforcement agency to share the footage, including if it would affect an ongoing investigation.

Colemans bill currently sets a deadline for release within 30 days of the written request payment of the fee not to exceed the actual cost of producing the recording. She said that they are not trying to hurt anyones investigation.

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So Im opening the door to folks that want to talk about, what are some things that we can do to compromise on to get the bill passed? she said.

The Legislature begins its 2025 session in February.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A painting by a famous artist with New Mexico roots is now on display in Albuquerque. The 1952 painting by abstract artist Richard Diebenkorn is called Untitled (Albuquerque) and now, you can see it in Albuquerque after the Albuquerque Museum acquired it.

Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll happening Friday

Diebenkorn, recognized as a prominent figure in 20th-century art, earned his masters in fine arts from the University of New Mexico in the early 1950s. According to the museum, Diebenkorn described how the colorful landscape, mountains, and blue skies of New Mexico influenced his abstract work. Untitled (Albuquerque) is now on view at the museum.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
HUNTINGDON, Pa. (WTAJ)  ALDI, a national chain for unbeatable prices on groceries and fresh produce, has officially opened in Huntingdon.

Located at 7495 Huntingdon Plaza, ALDI opened its doors Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:45 a.m. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Our stores are designed to make grocery shopping smarter, faster and easier, Kevin Ely, Saxonburg vice president for ALDI said. Were excited to open our first ALDI store in Huntingdon and introduce local customers to a new, more affordable way of shopping.

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The store gave away gift cards to the first 100 customers. Additionally, customers from Dec. 5 to Dec. 8 can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 ALDI gift card.

As part of the grand opening in Huntingdon, ALDI said its proud to be donating $1,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as part of its commitment to donating $150,000 to Feeding America and its network of affiliates. In the past year, the company donated 33 million pounds of food across the country.

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.

ALDI has been voted price leader for the past seven years by the Dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index report.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Alex Cooper, host of the raunchy yet hugely popular podcast Call Her Daddy, revealed Wednesday Donald Trump s campaign had reached out about a potential interview ahead of the election, but she decided to feature Kamala Harris instead.

During a wide-ranging interview event at the DealBook Summit in New York City, Cooper said that both major-party candidates had approached her show about being interviewed, according to Variety.

We had a Zoom call with Trumps team, she said, but added: I wasnt on it.

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In the wake of her interview with Harris, Cooper had indicated that she was open to having Trump on her show.

Though he did not appear on Call Her Daddy, the now-president-elect, ended up going on Joe Rogans show, the only podcast with a larger audience than Coopers, ahead of the election for a wide-ranging three-hour interview. Harris was also in talks for a Rogan interview, but they fell apart because he insisted that it take palace at his studio in Texas.

Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to a Daily Beast request for comment about his teams conversation with Call Her Daddy.

While Cooperwhose show deals primarily in the sexual and social lives of womensaid she didnt want to technically get into politics, she explained that she opted to have Harris on because it was a chance to have a larger conversation, per Variety.

She said that the prospect of discussing abortion with the vice president was an especially compelling reason that she did the interview.

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Its about womens right to their body, Cooper said. Why not have someone on [Call Her Daddy] who could have a big effect on the country? So I did it. And it was fun.

After the interview, which aired in October, Cooper said some people asked her why she didnt venture into other hot-button topics in politics, like the border.

I dont knowgo watch CNN, she said she would tell them. I want to talk about whats important to my audience.

Cooper also denied a report published by The Washington Examiner in November, based on an unnamed sourcethat the Harris campaign spent over $100,000 building a set for the interview at a hotel in Washington, D.C., Variety reported.

Not true, she said. My studio that is gorgeous in Los Angeles doesnt cost six figures.
PANAMA CITY  A company spokesperson has confirmed Amazon intends on constructing a facility in Panama City.

Greg Rios, a public relations specialist for Amazon, says the new facility will be a delivery station where orders are prepared for last-mile delivery.

While he couldn't share any more information, he said a lot of work is going into getting the facility operational. Rios added that he would share more details when he can.

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A delivery station is a smaller, local distribution center where orders are prepared for customers in the immediate area.

While Rios didn't comment on how many people the station would employ, reporting from Bloomberg in 2022 says a typical delivery station could employ 150 to 200 people. Glassdoor says the median total pay for a delivery station associate is $38,000.

Other outlets speculated on a location north of Panama City on Highway 231, in an industrial park owned by the Panama City Port Authority. Amazon didn't comment on the location.

WJHG captured footage of ongoing construction at the speculated site. The complex is part of the port's Intermodal Distribution Center, which was developed to facilitate cargo going between the port, highway and rail connections. The Panama City Port Authority did not comment on whether the facility will be located in its Intermodal Distribution Center.

Nearby cities such as Tallahassee, Marianna, Pensacola and Milton have Amazon warehouse facilities.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Amazon delivery station planned for Panama City
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  America will be 250 years old in 2026, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are preparing for the occasion by spreading patriot markers across the nation, including in north central West Virginia.

A marker dedication was held on Wednesday at the Interstate 79 South rest area near Clarksburg as part of an initiative by America250 through the DAR that officials said is meant to remind citizens that we had ancestors that worked hard to get our freedom.

WV DAR Central District Director Georgette Ward told 12 News that the West Virginia DAR has five districts in general, but the Central District represents Barbour, Braxton, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Roane, Tucker and Upshur counties.

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Because I-79 travels through or near all of those counties, we thought that this would be an appropriate place to put that marker, Ward said. Where the general population and public could see it and be reminded that we do have a big 250th birthday coming up.

The marker itself is made out of brass and cost approximately $2,800. Its also the second marker in the state, according to the National Vice Chairman for DAR.

Antero Resources fills truck with gifts for kids in West Virginia

We would hope that we have more markers by 2026, said Ward. But were doing really good to get the second one in here, and were very proud that we have done that and been able to accomplish that.

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Ward added that the Central District is the only district out of the West Virginia DAR to place a marker in the state with the first one being placed in Pricketts Fort State Park earlier this year. Therefore, Ward said that the organization gives credit to all 13 chapters in the Central District of the West Virginia DAR for helping make this possible.

I just hope that anybody traveling down Interstate 79, if youre going southbound, stop in this rest area and look at the marker, Ward added. Because it is a beautiful brass marker.

The markers inscription reads as follows:

Revolutionary War Patriots This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American Independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation. 1775-1783 Presented by The Central District Chapters, West Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  The average age of the American farmer is rising. As a generation edges closer to retirement, will there be enough young farmers to take over?

Winter may be arriving, but that isnt stopping farmers, like Tim Brown, from selling produce at the Edgebrook Indoor Farmers Market, at 1639 N Alpine Road.

There is a huge cultural shift going on around the country, Brown said.

An influx of new farmers is arriving in the industry, and just at the right time. The average age of American farmers has continued to rise, to 58 years old in 2022, according to U.S. Census data.

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The latest census data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows an increase in beginner farmers, like Brown, or those with 10 or fewer years of experience.

I know several first-generation farmers that have gotten into it since we started, about ten years ago, Brown said. A lot of people in my generation and the generation behind me, we recognize that the food system has some problems. People are hungry, not just for good quality food, but for community. The people want to be engaged with the community and this is a place to do just that.

Ronnie Cowgill is a young farmer, at 27 years old. He sells mushrooms at the Farmers Market.

I know that its going to other people and helping them and making them happy, Cowgill said. Theres lots of different things out there you can do. But if youre someone that likes to be up and moving and doing something and feeling like youre accomplishing something, any small degree of farming is something, and it helps benefit you and benefit other people.

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Despite challenges, Brown said he is optimistic about the future of agriculture.

Youre starting to see that momentum is picking up and it has been, for the the last 10 to 15 years. I think that we have a long way to go, but youre seeing young people getting into it, or people that are middle-aged, switching careers. Ive seen nothing but growth in the last 10 to 12 years. And I have no reason to think that anything would change, he said.

USDA data also showed that sales of local produce continue to grow, with a 3% increase in sales.

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The UnitedHealthcare corporate headquarters on Dec. 4, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. - Credit: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning was a shock to the city and the nation. But as police hunted for the missing gunman in what they called a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, social media erupted with contempt for the health insurance industry he represented  and his company in particular.

Saw mainstream news coverage about the killing of the CEO of United Healthcare on TikTok and I think political and industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them, wrote political activist Tobita Chow in a post on X, formerly Twitter. In screenshots he shared, TikTok users reacted to the story with blistering references to the costly and often unnavigable for-profit U.S. health insurance system. Sending prior authorization, denied claims, collections & prayers to his family, wrote one.

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As someone covered under UnitedHealthCare I can completely understand the actions taken, wrote an X user replying to a news link about Thompsons murder being investigated as a possible hit, according to a statement from law enforcement. Did he have a pre-existing condition? asked another. And under an ABC News TikTok on police officers efforts to find the killer, a user asked, Why are they investigating this?

Got a push notification to exercise caution because the United Healthcare shooter is still at large, noted standup comic Samantha Ruddy in her own X post. I personally do not feel like I am on the shooters radar because I am not the CEO of a highly divisive multi billion dollar insurance company.

Thompsons violent death outside a hotel where UnitedHealthcare was hosting an investor conference didnt just prompt scathing jokes but heated criticism of the insurer he had helmed since 2021. One image that made the rounds online was a chart from the personal finance website ValuePenguin, which found that UnitedHealthcare denies 32 percent of all in-network claims relating to individual health insurance plans  twice the industry average. Some pointed to headlines describing how UnitedHealthcare has used an allegedly faulty AI algorithm to assess claims and deny care for seriously ill patients on private Medicare Advantage plans, as described in an ongoing class-action lawsuit brought by the estates of two deceased people who were denied coverage for their care at an extended-care facility.

Among those who amplified that story was right-wing podcaster Tim Pool, suggesting that Americans across the political spectrum can find rare consensus when it comes to disdain for their free-market health care system. Its actually kind of touching that the one thing that can bring together our fractious and disunited country is celebrating the assassination of a health insurance CEO, wrote University of Virginia historian David Austin Walsh on X.

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Still, a few dissenters tried to shame anyone making light of the slaying. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who unsuccessfully challenged President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic Party presidential nomination, drew an odd comparison to Israels ongoing bombardment of Gaza and Lebanon. Seems like leftists opposed to killing terrorists in the Middle East support killing CEOs in Midtown Manhattan, he fumed on X, adding, Sick. Both Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, where UnitedHealthcare is based, shared statements of condolence.

While the shooters identity and motive are presently unknown, Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he had received threats and that they may have involved issues with a customers lack of coverage. The NYPD has released surveillance images of the suspect, who was masked and wearing a black jacket with a gray backpack, and have offered a $10,000 reward for information regarding the homicide.

Another ongoing lawsuit against UnitedHealthcares parent company, UnitedHealth Group, named Thompson along with two other top executives. A pension for firefighters in the city of Hollywood, Florida, filed the securities fraud class action earlier this year, accusing Thompson and his colleagues of selling $120 million of their UnitedHealth shares after learning of a U.S. Justice Department antitrust investigation of the company  but before the probe became public.

Between coverage of such alleged profiteering, UnitedHealthcares grim reputation, and disclosures of the millions the company spends on lobbying and Thompsons $10 million salary, there was hardly a shortage of material for vicious riffs. Its no surprise that gallows humor is responding to the assassination of a gallows business model CEO, observed Dr. Steven Thrasher in a post on X. A professor at Northwestern Universitys Medill School, Thrasher is the author of The Viral Underclass, a book about inequalities in health care that determine who has privileged access to medical resources. Health insurances lets ghouls decide whether live or die based upon how much your life or death will affect shareholder value.

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For once, too, it seemed that no extremist factions were quick to blame the murder on ideological opponents, as they typically have in the wake of high-profile shootings throughout the U.S. in recent years (save one Fox News commentator who suggested the NYPD hadnt yet located the shooter because they were too busy dealing with immigrant crime). Online influencers known to shape a narrative before the facts emerge instead proved willing to wait and see where the case would lead. Within the feverish climate of social media, this made for an unfamiliar sort of restraint  almost as unusual as the street homicide of an American businessman.

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DAMASCUS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Syria's air defense systems intercepted two hostile drones over the capital city of Damascus on Thursday, the Syrian Defense Ministry said.

"Our air defense units recently repelled hostile unmanned aircraft in the skies over Damascus and shot down two drones, without any human casualties or material losses," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement did not specify who was operating the drones or what their intended targets were. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Xinhua correspondents in Damascus heard sounds of gunfire and explosions, but the situation returned to normalcy shortly afterward.

The incident marks the latest in a series of aerial confrontations in Syrian airspace amid the country's ongoing conflict.

Syrian authorities have previously accused Israel of conducting airstrikes and drone attacks against targets within Syria, often aiming at Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah positions.

The incident comes amid heightened tension as the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant groups captured the city of Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, on Thursday. 
The News

The share of Americans who want to see the US more engaged in international events is on the rise, growing by 15 percentage points to 57% in the last year, according to a survey conducted after the November election.

The trend is being driven by younger Americans, found the Ronald Reagan Institute: The share of US adults under 30 who want to see more US leadership and engagement abroad surged by 32 points since 2023.

Six-in-10 Donald Trump voters share this view, despite the president-elects sometimes isolationist tendencies.

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The survey also found that confidence in the US military is recovering following a significant decline: 51% now say they have a great deal of trust and confidence in the military. And a majority  59%  support Ukraine moving toward peace negotiations even if it means giving up some territory to Russia.
The tools of his newfound trade arrayed before him, Mohammad Al-Ashqar, a jeweler for decades, prepares himself for the first of some 200 intricate repairs he performs every day. In his hand he holds neither gemstone nor gold, but a gossamer-thin 20-shekel note held together with tape.

He takes an X-Acto knife, carefully peels off the old tape, cleans the residue, then applies transparent glue in a way to ensure the bill doesnt break when its folded.

Its not easy, Al-Ashqar, 48, says of his work as a money repairman in a shop in Deir al Balah. But Ive become quite good at it.

In Deir al Balah, Mohammad al-Ashqar, a jeweler for decades, repairs worn-out Israeli shekels with simple tools like glue and an X-Acto knife, aiming to restore them as usable currency. Palestinian territories use the shekel as their primary currency. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times)

More than a year into Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, cash is king. But the destruction across the Palestinian territory, which has left few banks standing and made ATMs inaccessible, along with Israels blocking of bill and coin transfers in and out of the enclave, also means cash is scarce.

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People have been passing around the same bills for more than a year now," says Al-Ashqar, who was displaced from Gaza City. "Of course theyre tattered and fragile. Most vendors refuse to accept worn-out paper money, he explains, and coins have fared little better. The most common 10-shekel coin is particularly susceptible to rust and wear and tear, and vendors have become suspicious as rumors abound that many of those available in Gaza are counterfeits.

The result, Al-Ashqar says, is yet another indignity for Gaza residents: Even if youre lucky enough to find the item you want and have the money to afford it, you still may not be able to buy it, because no seller will take your cash.

Read more: In their own voices, Israelis and Palestinians reflect on a catastrophic year

Gaza, like other Palestinian territories, uses the shekel as its primary currency, with some transactions done in U.S. dollars or the Jordanian dinar. But since the Hamas militant group's attack on Israel launched the latest war on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has blocked the entry and exit of physical money from the enclave, Palestinian banking officials say.

In the city center of Deir al Balah, money brokers work with piles of cash. Most vendors or cashiers will not accept worn out or damaged Israeli banknotes. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times)

And counting on banks to recycle and recirculate the supply of banknotes simply isn't a possibility.

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Before the war, Gaza had 10 banks, with 56 branches and 90 ATMs, financial experts say; in July, the Norwegian Refugee Council said only 10% remained operational. Now the number of open branches ranges from a very few to, according to a Bank of Palestine manager, just one.

Although branches in northern Gaza still have money in their vaults, Israeli troops have prevented people from returning to the area and, in any case, it would require bulldozers to dig out the vaults from the rubble, said the bank employee, who was not authorized to speak to the media.

Transporting cash around the enclave presents its own difficulties, whether because of the hostilities between Hamas and the Israeli army, the presence of gangs and looters, or the lack of armored vehicles and the fuel to run them.

COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry agency handling affairs in Palestinian territories, did not respond to questions regarding cash in Gaza.

Mohammad al-Ashqar, who took up work in Deir al Balah after fleeing Gaza City, often has line of customers waiting for money repair when he opens his jewelry shop. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times)

The cash shortage has given rise not only to money fixers like Al-Ashqar, but also money brokers. In Al-Birka Square, a crowded marketplace area in Deir al Balah, a parallel money market has emerged where people flit from broker to broker trying to find the one who will cash their paychecks with the lowest commission.

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I have to hustle just to see some of my paycheck, says Mohammad Al-Tawashi, a 49-year-old civil servant with the Palestinian Authority. The bank branch nearby, he says, has iron bars in front of its doors and there are never any clerks inside; the ATM was destroyed by angry customers months ago.

So I had to go through one of those vendor cashiers  28% commission, can you believe it?" Al-Tawashi said. For every 1,000 shekels he transferred to the broker, he would receive 720 shekels in cash.

"Its like handing them a chunk of my soul every month. This isnt living, its barely surviving.

Bassam Temraz, a 67-year-old retired social worker, felt much the same.

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Its brutal. Some days, I think I have to sell whatever is left in the house to get enough to feed my grandchildren and my wife, he says.

Read more: Many in Gaza are eating just once a day, as hunger spreads amid aid issues

Every time I get my salary, it feels like I worked for nothing.

For the brokers, its a profitable business.

Its a way for anyone with cash to earn money, says Abdallah Al-Mzeiny, a 31-year-old former retail coffee seller who now works as a money broker, doing business all day in a cafe on Al-Birka Square called Actionha.

There, he meets customers who use the cafes Wi-Fi to transfer their salaries to him via a smartphone app, and  depending on the day and the condition of the bills  gives them cash minus a 28% commission. Al-Mzeiny purchases cash from local businessmen at a 24% premium. He makes roughly $100 a day, he says.

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Al-Mzeiny understands his customers' frustration. He has more than 10,000 shekels, worth more than $2,700, in 10-shekel coins that no one will accept for fear that theyre not genuine.

Though some people can use cashless banking via their smartphones, not everyone has access to the internet or the electricity needed to keep their phones charged. And amid the destruction in Gaza, street vendors are unlikely to accept anything other than cash.

After Hamas' attack in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and the militants kidnapped about 250 more, Israels campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 44,500 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, and has destroyed much of the territory, displacing the vast majority of the population.

Criminal gangs, a growing problem as the Hamas government struggles to maintain control, have taken advantage and are now getting into the cash extortion business, seizing control of ATMs and charging people for their use, the Norwegian Refugee Council said.

Israeli shekels are laid out on a table in Actionha cafe in Deir al Balah, where money brokers have set up shop. Customers must order a hot drink and a WiFi ticket for nearly $2. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times)

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Unwilling to pay the hefty commissions, either to money brokers or gangs, some Gazans have resorted to bartering, whether in makeshift stalls on the streets or using social media such as Facebook and the Telegram messaging app.

In one Facebook group, a user offers a can of peas in exchange for one of fava beans; another asks if anyone has a 5-pound chicken theyre willing to exchange for half a carton of eggs and 50 shekels. Others sell whatever goods they have in their home.

Many of those in despair turn to Al-Ashqar, the money fixer.

When he was displaced from Gaza City, he rented a shop in Deir al Balah to continue his jewelry work, with money repair as a sideline. But word got round, and now, as the day begins, he has a line of people snaking out his door, hoping he can turn their bills from waste paper to usable currency.

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Hes trained his three assistants in the jewelry shop to do the same work. Between them, they can do more than 400 repairs a day. Depending on the condition of the bill, he charges two to three shekels, the equivalent of 55-82 cents.

Al-Ashqar has even begun to enjoy the work, he says.

Ill take some notes back to my tent to fix them, and wake up early to get them done, he says, adding that it feels good to help people in some small way against the frustrations of daily life in Gaza.

A lot of people come back to thank me because I helped them fix their banknotes," he said. It's a business, but, he added, "Its become something of a hobby for me.

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Times special correspondent Shbair reported from Deir al Balah, Gaza, and Times staff writer Bulos reported from Beirut.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dec. 4WASHINGTON  Today, VA is launching a new outreach campaign to encourage all eligible veterans to enroll in VA health care  including approximately 93,400 unenrolled Texas veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This campaign will include text messages and emails directly to veterans, public service announcements, paid advertising, and events.

VA is launching this campaign after reports of concerns from veterans about health issues  including mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide  potentially related to repeated blasts and head trauma (low-level artillery blasts, IEDs, missile launches, heavy fire, and more). Since the first reporting about these concerns, VA researchers have been urgently studying this matter to learn more about the potential health impacts of blast exposure on veterans.

Veterans enrolled in VA can access specialty screenings and services to address any health issues related to blast exposure. Importantly, veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and other specific locations are eligible for VA health care based on their deployments  they do not need to have any health conditions specifically associated with their service in order to be eligible for care.

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While we continue to urgently conduct research into the impacts of blast exposure, VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration encourage these veterans  and all eligible veterans  to apply for VA care today. Veterans who use VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled veterans, VA hospitals are dramatically outperforming non-VA hospitals, and VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for veterans. Additionally, 92% of veteran patients currently report trusting VA outpatient health care  an all-time high.

"We take veteran concerns about repeated blast exposure very seriously, and we are studying this matter urgently to learn more about potential health impacts," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a news release. "While we do that, we don't want veterans to wait  they should enroll in VA health care today to get full access to primary care, mental health care, regular screenings, specialty care, and more. That's what this outreach effort is all about: getting veterans in our care, because veterans who come to VA are proven to do better."

"VA aims to be the best, most accessible, and most affordable health system in America for veterans, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve that care as science and research tells us about new concerns," said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal. "The more veterans who enroll, the more we can learn about the impact of blast exposure  and the better care we can ultimately provide those who served."

Earlier this year, VA made all veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards (and meet basic requirements) eligible to enroll directly in VA health care  years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. This included all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are also eligible to enroll. Additionally, veterans who do not meet any of the above criteria can often still access VA health care by receiving VA disability benefits or based on income.

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This new outreach effort is a part of the largest outreach campaign in VA history, which began when President Biden signed the PACT Act into law in 2022 and continues to this day. As a result of this campaign, more than 835,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care (a 37% increase over the previous period); more than 900,000 veterans have upgraded their priority groups, making them eligible for health care with fewer copays (an all-time record); and more than 4.4 million veterans and survivors have applied for disability compensation benefits (another all-time record). The campaign has been focused on bringing new veterans to VA by sending millions of texts and emails, hosting thousands of events nationwide, launching new paid advertising campaigns, working with influencers and companies, and more.

Eligible veterans can enroll today by visiting the VA website or calling 877-222-8387.
Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said Thursday she isn't ready to support Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary.

"Well, I did have a very long, lengthy discussion with Pete yesterday, and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am a combat veteran. So, we talked about a number of those issues, and we will continue with the vetting process. I think that is incredibly important," Ernst told Fox News. "So, again, all I'm saying is we had a very frank and productive discussion, and I know that we will continue to have conversations for months."

Pressed by host Bill Hemmer that it "doesn't sound in your answer that you got to a yes," Ernst replied, "I think you are right."

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Hegseth continues to make the rounds on Capitol Hill to try to convince senators that he's up to the job amid allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of finances. He denies the allegations.

PHOTO: Sen. Joni Ernst speaks to reporters as she walks to a Senate luncheons at the U.S. Capitol, on Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

He met Wednesday with Ernst, a key Republican member of the Armed Services committee and herself a survivor of sexual assault.

Upon leaving the meeting, Hegseth told reporters that he and Ernst had an "engaging and instructive conversation."

Ernst later posted, "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's service to our country, something we both share. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation."

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ABC News has previously reported Ernst to be on a growing list of candidates emerging to possibly replace Hegseth as Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense.

When asked Wednesday if there was any chance she was being considered to replace Hegseth, she merely responded, "Mr. Hegseth is the nominee." She was tight-lipped over whether their meeting alleviated any concerns she might have.

MORE: Ron DeSantis, Joni Ernst potential Trump defense secretary nominees if Hegseth drops out: Sources

Ernst is the first female combat veteran in the Senate. She also has a long record of supporting legislation aimed at addressing sexual assault and harassment in the military, and has been outspoken about her own experiences with sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence.

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Notably, Hegseth has said that women should not serve in combat roles in the military, and he continues to face his own allegations of sexual misconduct and impropriety.

PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, speaks to members of the press at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2024. (ABC News)

Hegseth has denied the sexual assault allegations. On Wednesday, he told the Megyn Kelly show "absolutely not" in regards to rape accusations, and he denied many of the claims that he mistreated women.

All eyes will be on Ernst as Hegseth's confirmation process plays out. Last month, Ernst told ABC News that an FBI background check into Hegseth would be "helpful."

MORE: Pete Hegseth says he won't 'back down' as scrutiny grows over misconduct allegations

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In an interview with Bloomberg News in 2019, Ernst first disclosed the details of her rape as a college student at Iowa State University, in which she tearfully retold being in a "physically and sexually abusive" relationship with someone who raped her.

During her college years, she volunteered at a safe house for battered and abused women and children.

While speaking to Bloomberg, Ernst also alleged that her ex-husband, Gail Ernst, had physically abused her in an incident in which he "grabbed [her] by the throat" before he "threw [her]" on the ground and "pounded [her] head." Gail Ernst declined to comment on the allegations at the time.

PHOTO: In this Feb. 9, 2022, file photo, Joni Ernst speaks during a news conference on the bipartisan modernized Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

Ernst also claimed to have endured sexual harassment in the military, which she described to Time Magazine in 2014.

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"I had comments, passes, things like that," Ernst said. "These were some things where I was able to say stop and it simply stopped but there are other circumstances both for women and for men where they don't stop and they may be afraid to report it."

"Sexual assault has no place in our military -- or anywhere else -- and it's far past time we take more steps toward preventing and reducing these heart-wrenching crimes," Ernst said in a statement after introducing a bipartisan bill in 2021 to prevent military sexual assault.

MORE: Joni Ernst: Everything You Need to Know

Ernst was a member of Iowa State University's ROTC program at 20 years old before joining the U.S. Army Reserve. She later served as a company commander of an Iowa National Guard transportation unit in Kuwait.

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She spent 23 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

PHOTO: In this Oct. 19, 2014, file photo, Iowa State Senator and Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, Joni Ernst is shown in Johnston, Iowa. (The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE)

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Ernst has been vocal about her support for Trump, despite him also having been accused of sexual assault by multiple women -- which he has repeatedly denied. Ernst was even a contender to be his running mate in the 2016 election.

"I would encourage women to stand up and say, 'You know what, I'm not going to put up with his nonsense, but I do agree with him on this policy,'" Ernst said in a 2016 interview with WHO. "Sometimes we have to look beyond certain aspects of a person and figure out do we agree."

She also told Bloomberg that it was "outrageous to suggest that anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault should therefore be a Hillary Clinton supporter."

Ernst became the first woman to represent Iowa in either house of Congress when she was elected to the Senate in 2014.

Key GOP senator says she's not ready to support Hegseth for defense secretary originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
After finalizing a sale for 56 acres of land in north Peoria, Amkor Technology Inc. is gearing up to construct its planned $2 billion facility, where it will assemble and test microchips for the semiconductor industry.

Notably, the plan will support companies like Apple Inc. and the nearby Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

When complete within the next decade, Amkors complex will be the largest of its kind in the nation and will create about 2,000 jobs in the northwest Valley.

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Heres what we know so far about Amkors plans to expand the footprint of the Silicon Desert.

What is Amkor, and what is it planning to do at its new complex?

Amkor, which is headquartered in Tempe, is an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test Company, or OSAT.

Since launching in 1968 in South Korea, its become a leading provider of testing and packaging semiconductors for major companies like TSMC and Intel.

The company employs about 30,000 people in 11 countries, including South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Portugal and Vietnam.

Semiconductor packaging for cell phones makes up half of Amkors overall revenue. Another 21% of its business comes from testing microchips for the automotive industry.

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At its new campus, Amkor will test and package microchips that TSMC is producing at its north Phoenix complex for Apple.

In July, Amkor was awarded $600 million in CHIPS Act subsidies for the project.

When is Amkor starting construction?

In November, Amkor closed on 56 acres of property that the master-planned Vistancia Development community owned off Loop 303 and Lone Mountain Parkway, according to real estate database Vizzda.

It purchased the slice of Vistancias 320-acre commercial core called Five North at Vistancia for over $4.12 million.

About 6 acres of that were sold to Amkor. It was gifted the remaining 50 as part of the three-way development agreement it entered with the city of Peoria and Vistancia in February.

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Now that Amkor owns the land, it must get construction going by the end of September 2025.

The first phase of the plant must be finished by Sept. 30, 2027. Failure to do so means Amkor will pay the city $5,000 daily until the phase one portion of the site is completed.

Amkors facility must be fully built by September 2034. Within that time frame, it also must have invested at least $700 million in site improvements and construction.

That includes $2.1 million in turn-lane improvements between Lone Mountain Parkway and Desert Cactus Lane, a requirement outlined in a subsequent three-way agreement with Peoria and Vistancia.

What types of jobs is Amkor looking to fill, and when?

As required in the initial development agreement, Amkor must meet a series of employment benchmarks throughout the facilitys construction.

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By September 2029, it must employ at least 550 full-time workers.

Heres how that must break down over the coming years:

300 employees by Sept. 30, 2027.

425 employees by Sept. 30, 2028.

550 total employees by Sept. 30, 2029.

Another 300 employees must be working at the plant when it is fully open.

Failing to hire the minimum number of employees by the milestone dates would put the company on the hook for $5,000 a month, but not to exceed $2.4 million until it reaches the agreed-upon goal.

City officials have explained that while Amkor is responsible for creating 850 total jobs, thats just the base. The company and the city have expressed confidence in surpassing that minimum as Amkor has touted the creation of about 2,000 jobs.

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When the time comes to staff the facility, Amkor will look to hire a mix of roles, including engineers, technicians, operators and support staff.

According to Amkor officials, about a third of the jobs will comprise engineers with a bachelors degree or higher.

Another third will include technicians, most of whom will need an associates degree.

High school-level graduates with a background and interest in STEM education will round out the rest of the Amkor team in Peoria.

Where will all these new Amkor workers live?

Construction is underway to create more homes near Amkors and TSMCs facilities in the north Valley.

Developers of a 6,500-home community called Saddleback broke ground last month near Loop 303 and Vistancia Boulevard. The 5,300-acre development will have 2,500 acres of open space and neighborhood parks.

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A few miles east, off 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road, a 903-square-foot mixed-use project called The Trailhead is being built. It includes a shopping center with retail and restaurant space, a renovated church, and a 336-unit apartment complex.

Other developers are eyeing land directly around TSMC.

The Minnesota-based Roers Cos. applied to rezone a five-acre site for a 147-unit affordable housing complex near 30th Avenue and Deer Valley Road.

And Georgia-based homebuilder PulteGroup submitted applications to Phoenix to rezone about 6,300 acres for a proposed development that could include nearly 20,000 housing units, plus business parks, retail, and potentially, a resort.

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Before PulteGroup can proceed with the development, it must first acquire the land through a public auction, as the state land department currently owns the property.

What are Peoria and Amkor doing to address water scarcity?

Under the initial development agreement, the city is committed to providing Amkor with a maximum of 980,000 gallons daily of reclaimed water during the projects first phase and nearly 2 million gallons daily for both phases.

Over the next decade, Amkor will pay the city 50% of the costs to treat the reclaimed water. It also must return at least 80% of its wastewater after retreating it through an industrial pretreatment program the company must build.

The city and Amkor also agreed, in principle, to collaboratively design and construct a recycled water facility.

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Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Amkor secured north Peoria land for its $2B complex. What's next?
Israel has lashed out at Amnesty International after the rights group accused the nation of committing genocide against Palestinians.

Amnesty said Israel was doing so brazenly, continuously and with total impunity in a new 300-page report documenting claims of how the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed hell on Gaza.

On Thursday, a spokesman for Israels foreign ministry responded angrily, saying the report was entire false and branding Amnesty fanatical.

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The ministry said in a statement: The deplorable and fanatical organisation Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies.

The London-based human rights organisation said its findings were based on dehumanising and genocidal statements by Israeli government and military officials, satellite images documenting devastation, fieldwork and ground reports from Gazans and health workers.

Month after month, Israel has treated Palestinians in Gaza as a subhuman group unworthy of human rights and dignity, demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them, Dr Agnes Callamard, Amnestys secretary general, said in a statement.

Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now.

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Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has rejected genocide allegations against it as an anti-Semitic blood libel.

It is challenging such allegations at the International Court of Justice, and it has rejected the International Criminal Courts accusations that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and his former defence minister committed war crimes in Gaza.

Israels military offensive in Gaza was launched in response to the attacks by Hamas terrorists inside southern Israel on Oct 7 last year.

A total of 1,208 people  mostly civilians  were killed in southern Israel during that attack by the Palestinian terror group.

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Since then, Israel has killed at least 44,532 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Most of the casualties were civilian  including 13,300 children.

Children are starving to death in Gaza, human rights groups have claimed - Reuters/Mohammed Salem

There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has military objectives. But the existence of military objectives does not negate the possibility of a genocidal intent, Ms Callamard told AFP at a press conference in The Hague.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

But Amnestys 300-page report, released on Thursday, points to direct deliberate attacks on civilian and civilian infrastructures where there was no Hamas presence or any other military objectives, the use of heavy explosive weapons with a wide radius of destruction in densely populated residential areas, the blocking of aid deliveries, and the displacement of 90 per cent of Gazas 2.4 million people.

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In the days after the Oct 7 attack, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza, with the slogan: No electricity, no water, no gas. Limited supplies have been allowed in since then.

Palestinians have been subjected to malnutrition, hunger and diseases and exposed to a slow, calculated death, Amnesty said.

Palestinians who returned briefly to the Jabalia refugee camp to check on their homes run for cover after a school was hit by an Israeli strike - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP

Other human rights groups, and the United Nations, have also repeatedly warned that children have starved to death in the besieged enclave, where people are eating leaves and animal food in a desperate attempt to stay alive.

Amnesty, which is also due to publish a report on the crimes committed by Hamas, cited 15 air strikes in Gaza between Oct 7, 2023 and April 20, which killed 334 civilians, including 141 children, for which the group found no evidence that any of these strikes were directed at a military objective.

A view of destroyed homes in Khan Younis, Gaza - Doaa Albaz/Anadolu

The Amnesty report  titled You feel like you are subhuman: Israels genocide against Palestinians in Gaza  also referenced dozens of calls by Israeli officials and soldiers for the annihilation, destruction, burning or erasure of Gaza.

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Such statements highlighted not only systemic impunity but also the creation of an environment that emboldens...such behaviour.

Ms Callamard said: Governments must stop pretending that they are powerless to terminate Israels occupation, to end apartheid and to stop the genocide in Gaza.

States that transfer arms to Israel violate their obligations to prevent genocide under the convention and are at risk of becoming complicit.

She said Amnesty had based its findings on the criteria set out in the UN Convention on the Prevention of Genocide.

In a statement, the IDF said: The claims presented in this report are entirely baseless and fail to account for the operational realities faced by the IDF. Since the unprecedented attacks by Hamas on Oct 7, 2023, the IDF is actively working to dismantle Hamas military infrastructure while adhering to its obligations under international law. The IDF takes all feasible measures to mitigate harm to civilians during operations.

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Amnesty International said Thursday that it had found evidence that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in its war in Gaza.

The accusation by the human rights group is the latest in a growing list of organizations, including numerous United Nations agencies, that allege Israel's actions during the 14-month-old conflict are consistent with genocide. It also comes as another blow to Israels contention that its conduct has been justifiable.

The Amnesty International report adds to such claims against the government from inside and outside of Israel, including a former defense minister who said his country was committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, and the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces called the report's claims "entirely baseless."

Amnesty International said Israel had committed acts prohibited by the Genocide Convention, an international treaty that criminalizes genocide, citing killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm and deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.

The organization added that Israel has done so with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians, a group protected under the Genocide Convention.

The report cites direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians, such as a strike on a market at the Jabalia refugee camp that killed at least 70 civilians on Oct. 9, 2023; the escalating dehumanization of Palestinians, such as then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallants referring to Palestinians as human animals the same day; the controlled demolitions of a dozen mosques; and the long debate over whether Israel has been allowing enough humanitarian aid into Gaza.

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The true test of whether enough was being done by Israel  to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the extent to which Palestinians living in Gaza could access adequate food, water, medicine, health services and other essentials, the report said. They overwhelmingly could not.

In researching the report, Amnesty interviewed 212 people, conducted fieldwork and analyzed statements from Israeli officials and what it called "an extensive range of visual and digital evidence, including satellite imagery."

A boy shouts near an ambulance Wednesday after an Israeli strike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza.

The report was released the morning after a round of fresh Israeli airstrikes hit a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza late Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, the head of the nearby Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis told The Associated Press.

The Amnesty International report described the period from Oct. 7, 2023  the day Hamas and other militant groups attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage  and this July. According to officials in Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed in Israels war in the enclave.

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In response to a request from NBC News, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said that the claims presented in this report are entirely baseless and fail to account for the operational realities faced by the IDF and that it is working to dismantle Hamas military infrastructure.

The spokesperson added that the IDF takes all feasible measures to mitigate harm to civilians during operations and that the report ignores Hamas violations of international law, including its use of civilians as human shields and its deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians.

While the report focuses on Israel's conduct, it notes that some of Hamas' actions "constituted war crimes under international law," and called upon Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

The strike on the al-Mawasi tent camp was one of several across Gaza on Wednesday that left scenes of burning chaos, with emergency workers recovering charred bodies, including those of women and children.

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The place was a hell, one firefighter, Mohammed Alnajar, told NBC News. It was a catastrophe everywhere: Shattered martyrs and propane tanks belonging to the displaced were exploding.

In a statement, the IDF said the strike was conducted against senior Hamas terrorists who were involved in terrorist activities in the humanitarian area in Khan Younis, adding that secondary explosions suggested the presence of weaponry in the area.

Rescuers sift through charred debris after an Israeli strike Wednesday in al-Mawasi, in southern Gaza.

While Amnesty Internationals report ended in July, it goes on to say that the IDFs human rights violations in Gaza have continued and suggested that Israels allies exert influence over the country and cease arms sales.

It also referred to the case South Africa brought against Israel in the U.N.'s International Court of Justice and recommended that Israel engage fully with any international investigations into genocide, as well as allow free movement within Gaza and the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.

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Israel has repeatedly been criticized for not allowing enough aid into Gaza, with the Biden administration  which spent almost $18 billion on military aid to Israel in the year after the Oct. 7 attack, according to Brown Universitys Costs of War Project  at times threatening to slow or withhold the sales of certain weapons as a bargaining chip.

In a post Wednesday on X, COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry unit for civilian matters in Gaza, said that 161 humanitarian aid trucks had entered Gaza that day carrying food, flour and medical aid.

Before Israel launched its offensive in Gaza, around 500 trucks entered the enclave each day, according to the British Red Cross.

While identifying genocide in armed conflict is complex and challenging, because of the multiple objectives that may exist simultaneously," Amnesty International said in Thursday's report, "it is critical to recognize genocide when it occurs in the context of armed conflict, and to insist that war can never excuse it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The rights group Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and called on the United Nations' International Criminal Court "to urgently consider adding genocide to the list of crimes it is investigating and for all states to use every legal avenue to bring perpetrators to justice."

Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, insisting that it has a right to defend itself after the Palestinian territory's Hamas rulers carried out their brutal attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Since the start of the war in Gaza, at least 44,580 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, and most of its residents have been internally displaced.

In a report published Thursday, the London-based rights group said it had found "sufficient basis" to conclude Israel had and was continuing to commit the crime of genocide in Gaza.

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Genocide consists of "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group," according to the 1948 United Nations Convention on Genocide.

"Amnesty International's report demonstrates that Israel has carried out acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention, with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza," Agnes Callamard, the group's secretary general, said in a statement. "These acts include killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm and deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction. Month after month, Israel has treated Palestinians in Gaza as a subhuman group unworthy of human rights and dignity, demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them. Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now."

The rights group said countries that supply weapons to Israel, including the United States, "must know they are violating their obligation to prevent genocide and are at risk of becoming complicit in genocide."

Amnesty said such countries "must act now to bring Israel's atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza to an immediate end."

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"The deplorable and fanatical organisation Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies," Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said on social media in response to the report.

Amnesty International's own branch inside Israel said it did not accept the main findings of the report accusing the country of genocide, but it called for an immediate end to the war and an investigation into serious violations of international law and crimes against humanity.

The report comes two weeks after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, as well as for a Hamas leader who Israel says was killed in an airstrike over the summer.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, an Israeli strike on a tent camp where many displaced people are living in southern Gaza killed at least 21 people and wounded 28, the director of Nasser Hospital located in the nearby city of Khan Younis, Atif al-Hout, said.

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The Israeli military said it had hit senior Hamas militants "involved in terrorist activities" in the area, The Associated Press reported. Earlier Israeli strikes in Gaza killed eight people, four of them children, the AP reported.

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CAIRO (AP)  Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip during its war with Hamas, saying it has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure, and preventing the delivery of food, medicine and other aid.

The human rights group released a report Thursday in the Middle East that said such actions could not be justified by Hamas October 2023 attack on Israel, which ignited the war, or the presence of militants in civilian areas. Amnesty said the United States and other allies of Israel could be complicit in genocide, and called on them to halt arms shipments.

Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now, Agnes Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, said in the report.

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Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has adamantly rejected genocide allegations against it as an antisemitic blood libel. It is challenging such allegations at the International Court of Justice, and it has rejected the International Criminal Court's accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister committed war crimes in Gaza.

The deplorable and fanatical organization Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Israel accused Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate Israel, of carrying out a genocidal massacre in the attack that triggered the war, and said it is defending itself in accordance with international law.

The U.S. said it believes Amnesty's allegations are unfounded. But it added that human rights groups play a vital role in addressing the consequences of the conflict and urged Israel to do more to improve humanitarian conditions there.

Amnesty International Israel, a local branch of the organization that was not involved in the report, also disputed the allegation of genocide, in a rare public airing of internal dissent at the rights group.

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Amnesty says Palestinians face a slow, calculated death

Amnesty's report adds an influential voice to a growing list of players that have accused Israel of committing genocide  which would put it in the company of some of the deadliest conflicts of the past 80 years, including Cambodia, Sudan and Rwanda.

The accusations have largely come from human rights groups and allies of the Palestinians. But last month, Pope Francis called for an investigation to determine if Israeli actions amounted to genocide, and Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who has signaled readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, accused it of committing genocide.

Israel says it is at war with Hamas, not the people of Gaza. And key allies, including the U.S. and Germany, have also pushed back against the genocide allegations. But Amnesty accused Israel of violating the 1951 Genocide Convention through acts it says are intended to bring about the physical destruction of Gaza's Palestinian population by exposing them to a slow, calculated death.

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Amnesty said it analyzed the overall pattern of Israels conduct in Gaza between Oct. 7, 2023, and early July. It noted that there is no casualty threshold in proving the international crime of genocide, which is defined by the United Nations as acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

To establish intent, Amnesty said it reviewed over 100 statements by Israeli government and military officials and others since the start of the war that dehumanized Palestinians, called for or justified genocidal acts or other crimes against them.

Israeli officials have previously said that such statements were taken out of context or referred to their stated goal of destroying Hamas, not Palestinian civilians.

Amnesty International Israel said the report had not proved genocidal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. The local branch said there were nevertheless suspicions that Israel had committed widespread violations of international law that may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

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The U.K.-based rights group responded by saying its Israeli branch is undergoing deep internal divisions," with a series of resignations amid accusations that Palestinians in the group had been silenced. Those accusations are unacceptable and will be handled through Amnestys international democratic processes. But the group defended its report overall, calling it the product of scrupulous legal analysis and rigorous research.

Israel says it goes to great lengths to protect civilians and comply with international law  including ordering civilians to evacuate areas ahead of airstrikes and ground offensives. It also says it has facilitated the deliveries of large quantities of food and humanitarian supplies  a claim that is disputed by the U.N. and aid organizations working inside Gaza.

On Sunday, a former top Israeli general and defense minister accused the government of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, where the army has sealed off the towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and the Jabaliya refugee camp and allowed almost no humanitarian aid to enter.

Amnesty said it found that Israel deliberately inflicted conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza intended to lead, over time, to their destruction. Those actions included the destruction of homes, farms, hospitals and water facilities; mass evacuation orders; and the restriction of humanitarian aid and other essential services.

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It also analyzed 15 airstrikes from the start of the war until April that killed at least 334 civilians, including 141 children, and wounded hundreds of other people. It said it found no evidence that any of the strikes were directed at military objectives.

It said one of the strikes destroyed the Abdelal family home in the southern city of Rafah on April 20, killing three generations of Palestinians, including 16 children, while they were sleeping. An Associated Press investigation identified at least 60 families in which at least 25 members had been killed.

Amnesty has previously angered Israel by joining other major rights groups in accusing it of the international crime of apartheid, saying that for decades it has systematically denied Palestinians basic rights in the territories under its control. Israel has also denied those allegations.

Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas, lack of aid on UN

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Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants fight in dense, residential areas and have built tunnels and other militant infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

It blames the lack of humanitarian aid on United Nations agencies, accusing them of not delivering hundreds of truckloads of aid that have been allowed in. The U.N. says it is often too dangerous to retrieve and deliver the aid. It blames Israel as the occupying power for the breakdown of law and order  which has enabled armed groups to steal aid convoys  while also accusing it of heavily restricting movement within the territory.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages, including children and older adults. Some 100 captives are still held inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israels retaliatory military campaign has killed more than 44,500 people, according to Gaza health officials, whose count doesnt distinguish between civilians and fighters, though they say more than half the dead are women and children.

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The offensive is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and has destroyed vast areas of the besieged coastal territory. It has displaced some 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. Hundreds of thousands of people have crammed into squalid tent camps with little in the way of food, water or toilets.

Aid groups say the population is at risk of disease and malnutrition, especially as winter sets in. Experts have warned of famine in northern Gaza, which Israel has almost completely sealed off since launching a major military operation there in early October. Hamas militants have repeatedly regrouped there and in other areas, and the group has faced no major internal challenge to its rule.

Amnesty says the US needs to press for an end to the war

The United States, which has provided crucial military aid to Israel and shielded it from international criticism, has repeatedly appealed to Israel to facilitate more aid, with limited results.

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The Biden administration said in May that Israels use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza at times likely violated international humanitarian law but that the evidence was incomplete.

Callamard urged the United States, Germany and other countries supplying arms to Israel to pressure Netanyahu to end the war.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Phoenix TV: The Foreign Ministry just announced on its website the decision to take countermeasures against 13 US military companies and six senior executives. Do you have further comment on this?

Lin Jian: The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests. In recent months, the US has announced multiple arms sales to Chinas Taiwan region. This gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interferes in Chinas internal affairs, and undermines Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. In accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the Peoples Republic of China, China decided to take countermeasures against relevant military companies and senior executives of the US.

Let me stress that Taiwan independence is as incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. The US attempts to assist in the Taiwan independence agenda by arming Taiwan. This will not shake our firm resolve to oppose Taiwan independence and realize national reunification, and will only push Taiwan towards military danger.

China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982, act on the US leaders commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence, stop arming Taiwan at once, and stop abetting and aiding separatists attempt to seek Taiwan independence through military buildup.

Peoples Daily: We noted that at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held yesterday in Asuncion, Paraguay, UNESCO inscribed China-nominated Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Whats your comment?

Lin Jian: Warm congratulations on the inscription of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. The Spring Festival is the oldest and the most important traditional festival in the Chinese culture. The festival is always a time for family reunion and ringing in the new year. We have many Spring Festival traditions such as writing the character Fu which means good fortune, hanging Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings and watching dragon dance and lion dance performances, which I believe many of you are familiar with.

The Spring Festival embodies peace, amity and harmony which are values cherished by the Chinese nation and civilization, which makes it a festival that is meaningful for China and can be enjoyed by the world. The festival is a public holiday in almost 20 countries and celebrated in various ways by about one-fifth of humanity. Last year, the 78th UN General Assembly decided to list the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday.

In about six weeks, we will celebrate the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake. We welcome all journalists here and friends from all over the world to come and experience the rich and wonderful Spring Festival culture. We very much hope that the festivals cultural message will contribute to a world of fewer conflicts, harmony among civilizations, and amity between peoples of the world. Hope the Spring Festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all.

EFE: The government of Venezuela announced that the countrys Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has arrived in Beijing. According to Venezuela, he is scheduled to meet with several Chinese officials. Can you share the detailed arrangements of the visit and the current situation of the China-Venezuela relations?

Lin Jian: China and Venezuela are all-weather strategic partners. In September last year, Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro paid a state visit to China, and President Xi Jinping and President Nicolas Maduro had productive talks, which charted the course for the growth of the bilateral relations.

China welcomes the visit by Vice President Rodriguez and hopes that the visit will further galvanize effort to deliver on the important common understandings between the two presidents, carry on the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in various areas, and provide new impetus for the development of the China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples. On the details of the visit, we will release information in due course.

Kyodo News: Japanese media reported that Japanese foreign minister will pay an official visit to China at the end of this month. Are the two sides having talks over the meeting between Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers and whats your expectation for the visit?

Lin Jian: China attaches importance to dialogue and communication with Japan in various fields and at various levels. We stand ready to work with Japan to jointly improve and grow bilateral relations. On the visit you mentioned, I have nothing to share at the moment.

AFP: Taiwans leader Lai Ching-te spoke with US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson over the phone yesterday. Does China have a comment on this phone call?

Lin Jian: In recent weeks, we have made clear our serious opposition more than once to the USs arranging for Lai Ching-tes stopovers and having official interactions with the Taiwan region. Let me stress once again that the Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. We urge the US to fully understand the grave damage that Taiwan independence separatist activities do to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, fully abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on the US leaders commitments, including not supporting Taiwan independence, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop sending any wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces. China will take resolute and strong measures to defend our nations sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Global Times: On December 3, BBCs so-called investigation claims that tomato purees sold by several UK supermarkets appear to contain tomatoes grown and picked in Xinjiang using forced labor. BBC also released a video clip to try to prove that so-called forced labor is used for Xinjiang tomatoes and call on Western countries to stop using Xinjiang tomato or its product. Can I have your comment on that?

Lin Jian: Again, as we have made very clear before, theres no forced labor in Xinjiang. The Chinese government stands firmly against forced labor and has taken tough measures against it. Xinjiang tomatoes, like Xinjiang cotton, are known and enjoyed throughout the world for their high quality. The farming process of tomatoes and cotton in Xinjiang has largely been mechanized alreadyover 90% of the tomatoes and over 85% of the cotton in Xinjiang are now harvested by machines. How could there be forced labor?

Journalism lives in its truthfulness. To say no to disinformation and bias is a primary ethic of journalism. This is also a basic quality for any news outlet that wants to do fair and objective reporting. In the BBC story, a lot of the so-called evidence came from what the interviewees heard or felt. The reporting is based on preconceived assumptions and jumped to the forced labor conclusion without verifying the assumptions and by taking words out of context. The reporters went to the trouble of spending months studying nearly 20 tomato purees, but would not spend even one minute learning about the reality in Xinjiang. This is typical double standard with deep bias.

In recent years, forced labor has become a convenient false narrative for some to create media hypes and attack Xinjiang. Their self-directed, well-scripted productions contain so-called testimonies and reports from dubious sources. Last week, the story was on Xinjiang cotton. This week, its on Xinjiang tomatoes. So what will it be next week? Xinjiang solar energy? Xinjiang carrots? Or Xinjiang mutton and beef? Whatever the disinformation, it will not change the high quality of Xinjiang products, nor will it make Xinjiang a less prosperous and stable place. We hope readers will see through this forced labor narrative. And we welcome people to go to Xinjiang, try the tomatoes and experience Xinjiang as it is.

AFP: Just a question on South Korea, I wonder if China has any further comments on the situation there, including the brief period of martial law and maybe more specifically how does China see the political situation in the South relating to the stability of the Korean Peninsula more broadly?

Lin Jian: China noted relevant events. We will not comment on the ROKs domestic affairs. Chinas position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged.

China News Service: The event of MFA Presenting Hainan Free Trade Port to the World was successfully held yesterday. Can you share more with us on that?

Lin Jian: Yesterday, the MFA Presenting Hainan Free Trade Port to the World event was successfully held at Lanting under the theme of Local Practices of Chinese ModernizationHainan Free Trade Port: New Era, New Mission, New Opportunities. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi addressed the event. The Foreign Ministry has released readouts on the event. I believe many of your outlets were there to cover the event.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted at the event that the Hainan Free Trade Port is a strategic initiative brought forward by President Xi Jinping personally to advance reform and opening up in the new era. Todays Hainan Free Trade Port has become a new frontier of Chinas institutional opening up, a new promising place for mutually beneficial cooperation in the region, and a new powerhouse for economic globalization. We will remain committed to open development by advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implementing the Global Development Initiative. We will remain committed to innovation-driven development and work to bring more benefit of global innovation outcomes to the Global South. We will remain committed to green development and never waver in our participation in the global response to climate change. We will remain committed to inclusive development and take active effort to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We will remain committed to peaceful development and actively deliver on the Global Security Initiative.

To choose China is to choose opportunity, and to embrace China is to embrace the future. At the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting last month, President Xi Jinping again put forward what China believes should be the way forwardpursuing open development, true multilateralism and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. The Hainan Free Trade Port is a name card of Chinas reform and opening up in the new era. We welcome you to go to Hainan to experience the robustness and dynamism of Chinas reform and opening up. And we welcome all parties to board the express train of Chinas development, partner with China for economic success, and achieve modernization aimed at peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity together.

AFP: The mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea apparently came into force yesterday. Does China have any comment on the treaty?

Lin Jian: It is a matter between Russia and the DPRK as two sovereign states.

Shenzhen TV: We noted that China officially launched the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building at the UN. Can you share more details with us?

Lin Jian: On December 3, China and Zambia jointly held the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building at the UN headquarters in New York to announce the official launch of the Group. Representatives from 80 countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, the US, France and the UK attended the meeting. As a follow-up action of the UN resolution on AI capacity-building, the Groups launch demonstrates Chinas commitment to the inclusive development of AI for the benefit of all.

The rapid AI development and iteration opens up vast opportunities for countries economic and social development. At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Xi Jinping stressed that we should step up international governance and cooperation on AI, to make sure that AI is for good and for all, not a game of the rich countries and the wealthy. This is what China stands for and an aspiration shared by the Global South.

The Group of Friends will provide a platform for international exchange and cooperation on AI capacity-building at the UN, the most universal, authoritative and representative inter-governmental international organization. We welcome countries to join and take part in activities of the Group of Friends, jointly implement the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, build international consensus, expand practical cooperation, bridge AI gaps, and provide strong impetus for the global effort towards the sustainable development goals.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 350 delegates from nearly 30 countries gathered in Beijing on Thursday to draw inspiration from the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu and his timeless masterpiece "The Art of War," the world's oldest military treatise.

The two-day International Symposium on Sun Tzu's Art of War aims to promote traditional Chinese military culture and offer a platform for global dialogue on bridging divides, resolving conflicts through mutual learning, and fostering equality in peaceful development.

Participants from China and abroad will share their insights through keynote speeches and group discussions on topics, including the contemporary significance of "The Art of War," and Sun Tzu's stratagems in the era of artificial intelligence.

Sun Tzu lived during China's Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC). His book remains one of the world's most influential works of military strategies and tactics, and has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought.

The fundamental message of this classic ancient Chinese military book is the importance of exerting all efforts to avoid war and exercising great caution if conflict becomes inevitable. In line with the Chinese nation's deep-rooted commitment to peace, the country proposed the Global Security Initiative in a call for joint efforts to maintain world peace and stability.

Hosted by China Research Society of Sun Tzu's Art of War, the symposium has served as a distinctive platform for enhancing military cultural exchanges between China and other countries. 
By Stephanie van den Berg

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Amnesty International accused the state of Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war in a report published on Thursday, an allegation Israel angrily denied.

The London-based human rights group said it reached the conclusion after months of analysing incidents and statements of Israeli officials. Amnesty said the legal threshold for the crime had been met, in its first such determination during an active armed conflict.

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The 1948 Genocide Convention, enacted in the wake of the mass murder of Jews in the Nazi Holocaust, defines genocide as "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group".

Israel has repeatedly rejected any accusation of genocide, saying it has respected international law and has a right to defend itself after the cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023 that precipitated the war.

"The deplorable and fanatical organisation Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein wrote on X.

Amnesty's own branch in Israel distanced itself from the findings of its parent group, saying it had played no part in the research and did not believe Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

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However, in a long statement, it said the killing and destruction in Gaza had reached "horrifying levels" and called for an investigation into possible crimes against humanity.

The United States disagrees with Amnesty International's conclusion that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters on Thursday, adding that Washington continues to find allegations of genocide in Gaza unfounded.

Patel said there are a number of deliberative processes about the situation on the ground in Gaza.

Israel launched its air and ground war in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border 14 months ago, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

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"The genocidal massacre on October 7, 2023, was carried out by the Hamas terrorist organisation against Israeli citizens," the foreign ministry spokesman said.

Gaza's Health Ministry says that Israel's military campaign since then has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians and injured many others.

Palestinian and U.N. officials say there are no safe areas left in Gaza, a tiny, densely populated and heavily built-up coastal territory. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been internally displaced, some as many as 10 times.

In Gaza on Thursday, some Palestinians taking part in funerals for loved ones killed by Israeli military strikes the day before were aware of the Amnesty report and said they hoped it would support efforts to bring Israeli leaders to justice.

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"We don't see anyone from the whole world standing by us or helping us in this situation," said Abu Kamal Al-Assar, a resident and witness to an Israeli bombing of a tent encampment in al-Mawasi that killed 20 people.

"We want them to stop this crazy war that is killing all the people, without having mercy on anyone, not the elderly, or the children, men or women. It is enough. People are going through incredible suffering," he added.

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of planting militants within populated neighbourhoods for operational cover, which Hamas denies, while accusing Israel of indiscriminate strikes.

ARREST WARRANTS

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Amnesty's report came just two weeks after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. They have both denied the allegations.

Presenting the report to journalists in The Hague, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the conclusion had not been taken "lightly, politically, or preferentially".

She told journalists after the presentation: "There is a genocide being committed. There is no doubt, not one doubt in our mind after six months of in-depth, focused research."

Amnesty said it concluded that Israel and the Israeli military committed at least three of the five acts banned by the 1948 Genocide Convention, namely killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about a protected group's physical destruction.

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These acts were done with the intent required by the convention, according to Amnesty, which said it reviewed over 100 statements from Israeli officials.

Callamard said Amnesty had not set out to prove genocide but after reviewing the evidence and statements collectively, she said the only conclusion was that "Israel is intending and has intended to commit genocide".

She added: "The assertion that Israel's war in Gaza aims solely to dismantle Hamas and not to physically destroy Palestinians as a national and ethnic group, that assertion simply does not stand up to scrutiny."

Amnesty urged the ICC prosecutor to investigate alleged genocide. The office of the prosecutor said in a statement that it is continuing investigations into alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories and is unable to provide further comment.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg with additional reporting by Crispian Balmer in Jerusalem, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Simon Lewis in Washington; editing by Anthony Deutsch, Mark Heinrich and Deepa Babington)
By Chris Prentice and Douglas Gillison

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - While Wall Street breathed a sigh of relief at President-elect Donald Trump's pick of respected Washington lawyer Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, critics worry his light-touch philosophy and crypto-friendly stance will hurt investors.

After a string of controversial cabinet picks considered by critics to be lacking in qualifications, financial executives had wondered whether populist Trump loyalists were headed for the financial agencies too. But the choice of Atkins, a former top SEC official and well-liked veteran of financial and Republican circles, marked a victory for establishment expertise, said industry executives.

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Several people who have worked with Atkins also described him as highly professional, principled and fun.

"Paul is a quality pick who will have credibility on both sides of the aisle," said Stephen Crimmins, who worked as an enforcement attorney at the SEC for 14 years, overlapping with Atkins for some of that time. "He knows securities regulation cold and has the people skills to get things done."

Atkins, 66, is familiar with both the complex plumbing of the markets and the inner workings of the 5,000-strong SEC, which oversees roughly 40,000 companies, as well as how Wall Street companies and other firms operate, the people said.

After leaving the SEC, Atkins in 2009 founded consultancy Patomak Global Partners, located just around the corner from the White House. The firm has represented banks, financial technology firms and crypto companies in their dealings with the SEC and other regulators, according to its website.

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A self-avowed free marketeer, Atkins will be a marked change from the current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Gensler cracked down on Wall Street and crypto firms with a hard-nosed style that upset industry executives and even some congressional Democrats.

Atkins' SEC knowledge and expertise will put him in a strong position to unpick some of Gensler's rules, especially short-sale regulations and climate disclosure rules already facing lawsuits, as well as cryptocurrency accounting restrictions.

Still, Atkins is considered unlikely to fundamentally weaken the agency, a fear stoked by Elon Musk's role as co-head of a newly created government efficiency watchdog. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has clashed with the agency and repeatedly attacked it.

"He (Atkins) grew up with the SEC and recognizes the important purposes of the agency," Richard Hong, a partner with Morrison Cohen law firm who joined the SEC as a lawyer while Atkins was a commissioner there.

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Atkins and his representatives did not immediately respond to an email on Thursday seeking comment.

'DEREGULATION ZEALOT'

But not everyone is cheering Atkins on. Pro-regulation progressive groups, as well as top Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, were quick to flag concerns over his industry ties and record championing light-touch enforcement while at the SEC.

Atkins said at the time that big corporate penalties unduly punished shareholders who had already been hurt by the original misconduct. Speaking in February 2008 just months before the subprime mortgage crisis kicked into full swing, Atkins said the SEC should offer companies more transparency and predictability over enforcement probes and penalties.

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"Atkins ... is smart, experienced, and capable. Unfortunately, he is also a deregulation zealot and industry cheerleader," said Dennis Kelleher, the CEO of Washington-based advocacy group Better Markets, who also noted that Atkins served in the Republican majority at the SEC in the years leading up to the 2008 crisis and the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scandal.

Others warned that Atkins may give free reign to the crypto industry, which donated heavily to support Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and has pushed for a new industry-friendly SEC leader who will end Gensler's crackdown. Gensler is scheduled to step down on Jan. 20, 2025.

Atkins has helped create best practices for crypto issuances and trading as co-chair of the Token Alliance, and is a member of the Chamber of Digital Commerce's advisory board. Bitcoin breached $100,000 for the first time on Wednesday on excitement over a SEC crypto policy overhaul under Atkins.

"Crypto companies' unprecedented political spending apparently just bought them control of the nation's investor protection police," said Bartlett Naylor, financial policy advocate at Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights group.

(Additional reporting by Michelle Price and Lawrence Delevingne; Writing by Michelle Price; Editing by Paul Simao)
Defense technology firm Anduril Industries announced this week it will partner with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to use the companys artificial intelligence models to improve the U.S. militarys ability to protect its bases and personnel from drone attacks.

Anduril and OpenAI will explore how leading edge AI models can be leveraged to rapidly synthesize time-sensitive data, reduce the burden on human operators and improve situational awareness, Anduril said in a statement Wednesday. These models, which will be trained on Andurils industry-leading library of data on CUAS threats and operations, will help protect U.S. and allied military personnel and ensure mission success.

The companies did not disclose whether there is funding attached to the agreement, which continues a recent trend of large AI firms partnering with the defense industry. In November, Anthropic and Palantir announced they would work with Amazon Web Services to sell Anthropics AI models to defense and intelligence agencies.

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The partnership comes amid growing concerns about weaponized drones, which have been used against U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East and Ukraine.

In June, the Defense Intelligence Agency reported that a slew of attacks by Iran-backed groups on shipping vessels in the Red Sea affected 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping firms.

The Pentagon is working to push cutting-edge counter-drone technology to the military services through the second phase of its Replicator program, created to bypass the sluggish acquisition processes that keep the Defense Department from adopting and scaling technology.

Anduril is on contract to provide hardware and software for the first iteration of Replicator, which is on track to field thousands of small drones by next summer. The firm also announced a $250 million contract to deliver 500 of its Roadrunner counter drone systems to an unnamed Defense Department customer.

And earlier this week, the Pentagons Chief Digital and AI Office awarded Anduril a $100 million contract to increase production of its Lattice Mesh networking capability. The Defense Department is already using the data distribution platform at a small scale, but the three-year CDAO contract will make it available to all services and combatant commands.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  South Korean President Yoon declared martial law in the country. However, the decision was quickly reversed and now President Yoon faces potential impeachment. A local professor from Columbus State University weighed in on the news.

Dr. Daewoo Lee is an Associate professor at the school of Policy, Justice, and Public Safety at Columbus State University. Lee moved to the United States in 2007 in pursuit of higher education.

Lee says it came as a total shock to face the declaration of martial law from a president and not a dictator.

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South Korea became a democratic nation in late 1980 after dictatorship.

This is actually not the first time South Korean people have experienced martial law, Lee says. During the last time they experienced martial law, it was a bad experience, and it was a brutal dictatorship and didnt go well.

Lee says because of the bad memory in history, the term martial law has a negative connotation to South Korean people.

They are not used to tanks around like metropolitan Seoul, Lee explained. So, it was a big moment.

Lee explained the political atmosphere in South Korea that led to the presidents decision, however he believes it was the wrong move.

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[Declaring] martial law is for many people, thats a directly linked to bad memory like dark history of South Korea and democracy. So thats that angered many, many people. I think theres a lot of pointing finger things going on and somebody has to take responsibility, and it has to be President Yoon.

 Dr. Daewoo Lee, Associate Professor at Columbus State University.

Lee says the recent events in South Korea shows the vulnerability of the countrys political situation. He says the domestic turmoil is going to dampen the momentum of the country as their economy and culture are booming.

Theres a positive side as well as a negative side for South Korean people, Lee says. A positive side is the martial law quickly rescinded from the National assembly and people supported it and that proved that even though short amount of South Korean democracy. Democracy itself is fragile, but people in South Korea is very resilient.

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Dr. Lee will be taking CSU students on a study abroad trip to South Korea in the Summer. He says this moment in history will be used to prove the resilience of South Korean democracy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
BALTIMORE  A 51-year-old man experiencing homelessness stole coffee, donuts, chips and a chicken wrap from a Wawa in Millersville one night in September and told employees that he would kill everyone in the store if they called the police, which they did.

Anne County Police officers said they confiscated a large knife from the man, who was charged with concealing a dangerous weapon, theft and making a threat of mass violence.

But authorities believed the man was experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Eventually, he met with mental health clinicians from the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System, a county organization that connects people in behavioral health crisis with resources to help them. They developed a treatment plan for him, the mans attorney said in court Wednesday.

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The mans case was one of the first called in Anne Arundel County District Courts Mental Health Court program, which started Wednesday. The docket, which resembles others in similar courts throughout the state, seeks to put people in mental health treatment, rather than prison, for the crimes they are accused of committing.

The intersection of mental health problems and the criminal justice system is an issue of great concern, said Matthew J. Fader, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the court program in Anne Arundel County.

We can no longer say, The courts arent built for it, Fader added, citing a staggering number of people with mental health and substance abuse issues caught in the criminal justice system

Marylands first mental health court began in Baltimore District Court in 2002. Since then, specialized dockets mirroring it have launched in district courts in Allegany, Baltimore, Harford, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince Georges and Worcester counties. Baltimore City and Montgomery and Worcester counties also have mental health court dockets in their circuit courts, where felony cases are handled.

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Each mental health court has its own procedures, according to the Maryland Judiciary. Some, like Baltimores, require a defendant to plead guilty to be able to participate, which usually means a probation that is conditional to a person completing an agreed-upon mental health treatment plan.

Anne Arundel County is doing things differently, county judicial officials said in interviews with The Capital and The Baltimore Sun. Defendants wont necessarily be required to plead guilty to participate in the program, though their participation depends on prosecutors willingness to divert their cases, and it will rely on Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System to play a unique role.

We are bringing it from the shadows, said District Judge Shaem C.P. Spencer, administrative judge for the Anne Arundel County District Court. We dont believe mental health, mental crises are criminal acts.

District Judge Jennifer M. Alexander will lead the countys docket, and Spencer described her as uniquely qualified to make a difference. Alexanders daughter died by suicide; Thursday would have been her 18th birthday.

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When she was a defense attorney, one of her clients, Angelina Bolan, also died by suicide while participating in the mental health court program in Baltimore District Court. Though it is unclear if anything couldve been done to prevent Bolans suicide, her relatives said Baltimores court system lacked empathy for her struggles with schizophrenia.

I understand in the criminal justice system, [regarding] mental health, theres a desperate need for recognition, for bringing it out of the shadows, for talking about it, for not being afraid of it and addressing it and providing the treatment, Alexander said. When you take those personal and professional experiences that Ive had I feel a great responsibility to help others.

The county crisis response system will evaluate defendants to see if they have a mental health issue, whether theyre amenable to treatment and if they would be a good fit for mental health court, officials said. Crisis response is also responsible for monitoring a defendants progress and reporting back to the attorneys and court, a role held in other jurisdictions by state probation agents.

Were making it person centered not system centered. I think thats where things get lost, said Lt. Steve Thomas, who leads the Anne Arundel County Police Departments Crisis Intervention Team, in an interview. I think its going to revolutionize mental health court because of how its so person-centered as a diversion.

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Defense attorneys, prosecutors, family or friends, police officers  anyone  can recommend someone for mental health court, triggering an evaluation and the potential for treatment, Alexander and Spencer said.

I think we can help a lot of people that maybe we missed through the crisis system, Jen Corbin, who leads the county Crisis Response System, said in an interview. Its really just another intercept point for us to help somebody.

Research on mental health courts nationally describes the dockets as well intentioned, but questions their premise and efficacy. The dockets are based on the fundamental idea that some people commit crimes because of their mental illness, but scholars say a limited number of offenses are attributable to symptoms of a psychiatric condition, but rather factors such as defendants socio-economic status.

The primary goal of the dockets is to prevent repeated criminal behavior, but it is unclear whether mental health courts actually reduce recidivism and, to the extent they do, what accounts for that success, wrote E. Lea Johnston, a professor at the University of Floridas Levin College of Law who studies the nexus between criminal law and mental health, in a 2012 peer reviewed article titled Theorizing Mental Health Courts.

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The Maryland Judiciarys Office of Problem Solving Courts, which oversees mental health court programs, said in its fiscal year 2024 annual report that the overarching goal of the mental health court is to decrease the frequency of participants contact with the criminal justice system by providing judicial oversight to improve their social functioning with respect to employment, housing, treatment, and support services in the community.

Johnston and her colleague, Conor Flynn, authored another study in 2017 that examined sentencing disparities for defendants between mental health courts and regular criminal dockets. The study, which examined a mental health court in Pennsylvania, found that anticipated mental health court sentences typically exceed  by years  the supervisory periods that offenders would otherwise receive in a county criminal court.

Part of what will decide the programs success is the states attorneys offices willingness to allow defendants alternatives to prosecution.

Anne Arundel County States Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said in an interview she expects the new docket to function well, as long as we can all agree and be on the same page. I think cooperation is whats going to make it successful.

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She envisions the docket handling cases like mentally ill people who repeatedly trespass at BWI Marshall Airport.

Thats an example of how this program could help, because we dont want to jail homeless people. We want them to get services, housing, said Leitess, a Democrat. Thats an example of the type of cases I expect to see in this new program, people that are committing low-level offenses that need mental health treatment  the recurring incident that occurs because someone is homeless and mentally ill.

The Office of the Public Defender, which represents the vast majority of defendants in mental health courts around the state, declined to comment.

Leitess office agreed to divert, or not prosecute for now, the case of the man who stole from the Wawa in Millersville.

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In court Wednesday, the man appeared alongside his attorney and a representative from crisis response, who said he was doing well in treatment. The agencys social workers helped him apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. He mentioned losing his wallet and living with a friend in Severna Park.

Its good. Theyre great, the man said of crisis response.

His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Tiffany Holley, asked Alexander to postpone his case until the next mental health court docket in February, to see if (he) is still complying with all recommendations.

Alexander agreed to that. It sounds like youre making good progress, the judge said before calling the next case.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC/AP)  One of the countrys largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from significant widespread misinformation about the policy.

To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services, the statement said. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used physician work time values, which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said its unclear how CMS derives those values.

The cutoff would have applied to patients in New York State, Missouri and Connecticut.

People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged.

Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the nuanced, unpredictable human element of surgery and was a clear money grab.

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Officials with BCBS previously announced the cutoff would begin with claims processed on or after Feb. 1, 2025. BCBS said at that time that it would utilize the CMS Physician Work Time values to target the number of minutes reported for anesthesia services. Claims submitted with reported time above the established number of minutes will be denied.

In this May 14, 2019, file photo a flag flies outside the corporate headquarters building of health insurance company Anthem in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

There were some exemptions, including patients under the age of 22 and patients in need of maternity-related care.

Prior to Anthems announcement of the reversal, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlan posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the company was backing down in that state. After hearing from people across the state about this concerning policy, my office reached out to Anthem, and Im pleased to share this policy will no longer be going into effect here in Connecticut.

Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul previously wrote via X, Outrageous. Im going to make sure New Yorkers are protected.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) blasted the move in a November news release discussing Anthems plans.

With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual or because a complication arises, the group said, in part.

In a statement shared by the ASA, Dr. Donald E. Arnold called the move a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete and safe anesthesia care.

This egregious policy breaks the trust between Anthem and its policyholders who expect their health insurer to pay physicians for the entirety of the care they need, Arnold added.

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Nexstars WROC reached out to Anthem BCBS for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One of the countrys largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from significant widespread misinformation about the policy.

To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services, the statement said. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used "physician work time values," which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it's unclear how CMS derives those values.

In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to reverse the proposal immediately, saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It's not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado.

People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged.

Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the nuanced, unpredictable human element of surgery and was a clear money grab.

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Its incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care, he said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, were delighted that they came to their senses.

Prior to Anthem's announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the concerning policy wouldn't affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened.

The insurance giants policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The fight to tighten Oklahoma's already strict abortion laws has resumed as one Republican lawmaker introduced the first anti-abortion bill of the 2025 legislative session.

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, filed House Bill 1008 which would classify abortion as a felony for providers and grant protections for fetuses. If passed, the bill would revive Senate Bill 612, which was signed into law in 2022 before being struck down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

More: Abortion law: Amid presidential debate, other state votes, where does Oklahoma stand?

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This comes as staunch abortion opponent Donald Trump prepares to take office in the White House next month. The president-elect has praised the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and many states have passed strict new limits on abortion since.

Oklahoma has seen several state abortion laws since the SCOTUS ruling, but so far, only one has survived scrutiny from the state Supreme Court.

Rep. Jim Olsen speaks Sept. 3 during a news conference for The Freedom Caucus at the Oklahoma Capitol.

Proposed anti-abortion bill reintroduces overturned legislation

Under SB 612, abortion was classified as a felony for medical providers who perform the procedure with a potential of 10 years in prison or fines of up to $100,000. The law, authored by former Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, only allowed abortions in cases where they're necessary to save the life of the mother in a "medical emergency."

After Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Oklahoma revived a 1910 law that was still on the books but hadnt been enforced since the landmark court decision.

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More: Education, health care, immigration, industry set for shake-up with second Trump presidency

Under the 1910 law, performing an abortion was a crime, subject to penalties ranging from two to five years in prison.

In 2023, the state Supreme Court ruled SB 612 was unconstitutional. The court decided that the Oklahoma Constitution already "protects the right of a woman to terminate her pregnancy in order to preserve her life."

Olsen told The Oklahoman that HB 1008 reintroduces SB 612 by retaining abortion's classification as a felony with the punishments set in the 2022 bill.

Anti-abortion bill creates protections for fetuses

However, Olsen rewrote SB 612's language to match the Oklahoma Supreme Court's preferences. HB 1008 nixes the definition of "medical emergency" in SB 612 and prohibits providers from performing an abortion "unless necessary to preserve the life of a pregnant woman."

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The bill also requires that the medical provider performing an abortion must prioritize "preserving both the life of the pregnant woman and the life of the baby" unless its determined that the birth of the fetus is a threat to the life of the mother.

Olsen said the intent behind including the preservation of the fetus is to "recognize the humanity of the baby."

But this language puts women at more risk by creating a lot of gray area for physicians and abortion providers, said Kensey Wright, a board member of Roe Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting Oklahomans seeking access to reproductive health care.

"If we are preserving the life of the mother, does that mean we preserve her with the use of machines until they can extract a fetus at a viable age?" Wright asked. "Preserving a life doesn't mean you're preserving a quality of life."

House Bill 1008 'muddies the water' for medical providers

Olsen said he didn't consult medical professionals or define medical situations in which the mother's life could be at risk so that those decision could be left to providers.

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"If they do perform an abortion, they will be able to defend that it was necessary to preserve the life of the mother," he said.

The bill's language is subjective, Wright said, and puts physicians at risk. HB 1008 is not a protection for providers, she added, it's a defense for their decision to perform an abortion in court.

"This muddies the water even more," Wright said. "What medical exceptions qualifies for them to be able to perform an abortion without the fear or threat of those ramifications?"

HB 1008 creates danger for pregnant women, reproductive health advocate says

Wright said HB 1008 creates dangerous situations for women, referencing a situation in 2023 when 25-year-old Jaci Statton was turned away by an Oklahoma City hospital as her nonviable pregnancy resulted in a dangerous tumor that could've caused internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure, and even a stroke.

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More: My baby's not gonna make it and neither am I; Women flee Okla. for life-saving abortions

Medical professionals told Statton that under state law, they couldn't perform an abortion so she drove to a Wichita abortion clinic that would terminate her pregnancy.

Situations like these were focal points of the 2024 presidential election when Amber Thurman, 28, died in Georgia after doctors delayed necessary care due to the state's six-week abortion ban. Deaths related to strict abortion bans have also been reported in Texas.

Olsen said these providers are "abdicating their responsibility" by not terminating fetuses out of fear of prosecution.

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"They need to step up, take their responsibility and do their job," Olsen said.

Wright hopes that if enacted, HB 1008 is overturned by the state Supreme Court as was SB 612.

"If this moves forward, it is going to be the taxpayer's expense, as well as the expense of hundreds, if not thousands, of lives of women in Oklahoma," Wright said.

(This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy. Rep. Jim Olsen is from Roland, not Sallisaw.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Anti-abortion Oklahoma bill would make procedure a felony
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Mitch Bass first bought the secretary desk around 10 years ago, in Stockton, Missouri.

I found this at the store, a buddy of mine owned an antique store, I thought it was kind of pricey, so I didnt buy it, he remembers. And he came up to me a couple weeks later and said, Im going out of business, Im selling everything, Ill sell it to you for half price, I said, Ill take it!

Longtime Royals pitcher, community leader, Al Fitzmorris, passes at 78

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It wasnt until earlier this year that they discovered most of the pictures.

We were moving it and jarred that paperwork out. It made a drawer come out that we didnt know was there. I pulled it out and it was full of all this paperwork, said Bass.

He started looking through the papers and found a little bit of everything.

Theres drivers license in here, theres tax records, their insurance papers, canceled checks, car titles, and even more.

One item he found was a leather identification holder from the US Army Air Corps, which in 1947, would become the United States Air Force. The holder had pictures of soldiers and one with a woman.

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When I saw the military pictures, I thought, I got to fund this guy, Bass continued.

Other items included a farmers ledger, where someone kept detailed records of their expenses.

Its incredible in here because theres a place here where he buys 550 gallons of gas and it was $61 and 40 cents, Bass read from the ledger.

He bought a new Nieder combine for $425. You cant even buy the tire off one for that now!

There are multiple names listed on the documents, that one says, March 1946, The Jessers.

Other documents had the last name Bowlin, with identifiers pointing to Olathe, Lawrence and other parts of eastern Kansas.

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Missouri voters affirmed Amendment 3, but stances continue to differ

The oldest item of the collection is a small notebook, which has letters and poems all addressed to the same person, Dollie.

This is February 22, 1898, Bass said as he read one of the pages.

It says Dear Dollie, strive to excel in all of your studies. Your schoolmate, forget me not, Hattie.

Other entries had rhymes and poems, all addressed to Dollie, and all from the 1800s.

Whens the last time you saw anything that said 1888 on it? Bass asked.

You know, nothing. Nothing lasts that long.

Bass is hoping to find the families of any of these people; after seeing their pictures and documents, hes interested in the story behind the photos.

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I realize how precious this is to somebody. Theres somebody out there that knew these people, or some that are out there still. And after seeing them, you almost feel like youre connected to them or something. The fact that I could give this to them, that would be a blessing both ways.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin police announced on Thursday they identified two drivers who were allegedly responsible for a hit-and-run in the spring that injured six people. One of the drivers was arrested and another is still at large, according to police.

According to the Austin Police Department, the incident happened shortly before 3 a.m. on March 24 in the 4600 block of North Interstate Highway 35 northbound.

APD said a red Hyundai was stalled in the roadway, and a black Ford F-150 stopped behind it. Shortly after, a Dodge hit the rear of the F-150, causing it to flip onto the Hyundai, according to police.

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Police said their investigation revealed that a white Tesla and blue Dodge had been racing on N. IH-35 since the 12th Street area, which led to the crash. The driver of the Tesla then helped the driver of the Dodge and both drivers fled the scene in the Tesla, according to APD.

APD said a months-long investigation led to police identifying the two drivers who were racing as Andy Saldana Rocha, 20, and Jose Huerta, 19.

Huerta was the one driving the Tesla, and Rocha was the one driving the Dodge, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

After the crash, witnesses told APD Rocha was sitting on the side of the road, and bystanders were trying to keep him from leaving. Another witness told police they believed Rocha was intoxicated, court records said.

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According to APD, in the State of Texas, any person who participates in Racing on a Highway can be charged for the offense whether they are involved in the collision or not under Texas Transportation Code, SEC 545.420.

Six victims who were injured or seriously injured because of the crash came forward, per APD.

Huerta is currently in custody, but Rocha remains at large, according to police.

Jose Huerta, 19. (Austin Police Department mugshot)

APD said Huerta faces five counts of racing on a highway involving bodily injury, and racing on a highway involving serious bodily injury.

Rocha is facing the following charges, according to APD: five counts of accident involving bodily injury, one count of accident involving serious bodily injury, five counts of racing on a highway involving bodily injury, and one count of racing on a highway involving serious bodily injury.

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Anyone with any information may submit a tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At the 2024 Understanding China Conference, participants expressed optimism about the opportunities brought by China's ongoing reform and opening up.

Themed "Carry through the Reform to the End -- Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development," this year's event brought together over 600 participants, including officials, scholars, foreign envoys and media representatives.

DEEPER REFORM, WIDER OPENING UP

Participants found the conference theme inspiring, as it reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing reform and opening up.

"China in 1976 and China today are two different worlds, and there have been tremendous changes," said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, former special envoy for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, who first came to China in 1976.

Reflecting on the various stages of China's development since the reform and opening up, Mahmood quoted a well-known Chinese saying, "Crossing the river by feeling the stones."

"The way ensured a steady, solid and continuous deepening of the reform in a comprehensive manner," he said.

As a socialist country, China has achieved rapid development through reform and opening up since 1978 and has become a modern and prosperous economy in 40 years, said Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal.

China's economy and technology are growing rapidly, which have significantly contributed to world peace and development, he said.

"China's development is unprecedented, no matter how you look at it," said former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme.

In former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's view, further reform and high-level opening up are the indispensable parts of Chinese modernization.

"Reform is an outstanding characteristic of China, and opening up is the driving force for its high-quality development," Sharaf said.

Starting Saturday, China extended its unilateral visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from nine more countries. So far, the policy has been applied to 38 countries on a trial basis since its launch a year ago.

Data from the China Tourism Academy show that inbound tourists in 2024 is expected to recover to more than 90 percent of its 2019 levels.

Unilateral visa-free policy has been an important feature of China's opening up in recent years, drawing a large number of foreign tourists, said Zheng Yongnian, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).

The opening-up policy extends beyond people-to-people exchanges, Zheng said, citing the Chinese government's recent removal of all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector as a notable example.

SHARING OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Participants at the conference noted that the move is evident of China's commitment to high-level opening up, highlighting China's commitment to sharing development opportunities with other nations.

"After decades of reform and opening up, China has not only bolstered its own economy, but also spurred the economic development of other countries," said Mahmood.

He believes that China's advancements in technology and economy enabled it to help other countries.

"The global development initiatives proposed by China, along with its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, aim to ensure that the benefits of China's progress are accessible to all," Mahmood said.

His remarks were echoed by Sharaf. "The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the global initiatives are gifts of China to the world," the former Egyptian prime minister said.

Former Chadian Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo spoke highly of China's reforms, noting that many countries, including Chad, have drawn valuable lessons from China's experience.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister of Pakistan, affirmed China's commitment to being a reliable long-term partner of developing nations.

"As China continues to evolve, it is committed to sharing its development experience and expertise with the world for inclusive development," he said. 
Police are trying to figure out what prompted a stabbing attack on a Greyhound bus that led to them killing the suspect.

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Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the knife-wielding man aggressively approached officers, leaving them no choice but to use deadly force.

This was a very dangerous situation, he said.

Chief Schierbaum extended his condolences to the 39-year-old mans family. He said his desire was for this event to end peacefully.

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This is never the outcome the Atlanta Police Department wants. We want safe and peaceful resolutions to all these encounters, Schierbaum said.

It was an encounter that started when police responded to a call someone on a Greyhound bus stabbed a passenger. The bus pulled over to the side of Interstate 75 near Cleveland Avenue around 1 a.m. on Thursday.

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Police say when they arrived on the scene the man with the knife was outside of the bus on I-75 southbound. They say he was going in and out of traffic. They say they tried to de-escalate the situation but the man refused to put the knife down.

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Officers were using verbal commands. They attempted multiple less lethal options. Including taser and pepper spray, Schierbuam said in a news conference.

Officers say none of that worked. Police were concerned the man would threaten someone in a car on the interstate.

When the individual began to move towards the officers in an aggressive manner officers discharged their weapons, Schierbaum explained.

Five officers shot the man. He was transported to the hospital where he died.

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The man who was stabbed on the bus didnt require medical attention. He continued on the bus trip to Florida.

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Chief Schierbaum said officers dont know what prompted the mans actions.

Were not clear if he was having a mental health episode or if it was substances that were influencing his behavior. It was very erratic.

The incident shut down southbound traffic on I-75 near Cleveland Avenue for four hours.

The GBI was called to investigate and will forward its findings to the Fulton County DAs office. Police say they are trying to contact his next of kin before releasing his identity.




The Austin Police Department fired Officer Christopher Taylor on Wednesday, a day after a judge sentenced him to two years in prison for the 2019 shooting death of a mentally ill man.

Department spokesperson Lisa Cortinas confirmed the termination to the American-Statesman.

The move was inevitable as Taylor's conviction meant he would lose his peace officer license, making him ineligible to work for APD after a decade with the department.

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A Travis County jury convicted Taylor in October of deadly conduct, a third-degree felony, for the shooting death of 46-year-old Mauris DeSilva. DeSilva, who was experiencing a severe mental health episode at the time, had been holding a knife to his throat in a communal area at his downtown Austin condominium and threatening his own life.

On Tuesday, the final day of Taylor's trial, State District Judge Dayna Blazey sentenced him to two years in prison.

Taylors defense attorneys immediately appealed the punishment, the first step in a process that could take years. Blazey agreed to let Taylor out on bond while the appeal plays out, meaning he wont be incarcerated anytime soon.

Despite the DeSilva shooting, Taylors pay was not rescinded until after he fatally shot another man, Michael Ramos, in 2020. After about three years on unpaid leave, Taylor returned to work  and the department payroll  where we was assigned administrative duties until his firing Wednesday. During that time, he was promoted from officer to detective, prosecutors revealed during the DeSilva trial.

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Taylor is believed to be the first law enforcement officer in Travis County to be convicted and punished for an on-duty shooting.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin cop Christopher Taylor fired following prison sentence
Controversial aquarium chain SeaQuest has filed for bankruptcy protection, though its Roseville location remains open for now.

According to ABC10 in California, SeaQuests bankruptcy records showed a drop in revenue from from $27.2 million in 2022 to $15.28 million in 2024. The station also reported that the company has unpaid rent at a California location totaling more than totaling to $83,000, along with unpaid wages for dozens of employees.

SeaQuest filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, meaning it can continue to operate its business.

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The attractions feature a number of aquatic animals as well as hands-on interactions with land animals. The chain is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.

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SeaQuest locations in Texas, Virginia, Connecticut and Colorado have reportedly closed, though five  including at the Rosedale Center mall  remain open.

The bankruptcy filing comes after an investigation by ABC10 and affiliate stations KSTP in Minnesota and KTNV in Nevada detailed allegations of neglect and unsafe conditions for both animals and people.

The controversy led a Minneapolis-based animal rights group to stage a protest outside SeaQuest in Roseville this summer.

SeaQuest has long been in the crosshairs of animal advocacy organizations like PETA, which says the business has been "plagued by animal welfare issues, animal deaths, legal violations, and injuries to employees and the public from direct contact with animals."

Related: Protest held outside controversial SeaQuest aquarium in Roseville


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In 2021, scientists discovered sets of ancient human footprintsnow known as the Koobi Fora footprintsin northwest Kenya.

A new study determined that these footprints actually contain evidence of two distinct human species: Homo erectus and Paranthropus boilei, an australopithecine.

This suggests these two species likely interacted with each other, and provides a rare snapshot into a brief moment in human history.

Homo erectusthe direct ancestor of modern humans and the longest-lived homininwalked the Earth for some two million years. But it didnt walk alone. The most stunning example of this fact is the Koobi Fora footprints found in northwest Kenya. First discovered in 2021 and dating back 1.5 million years to the Calabrian subdivision of the Pleistocene Epoch, these tracks stretch 26 feet long and contain one set of 12 footprints made by one individual and three footprints made by others (as well as the noticeably different tracks of a long-extinct giant marabou stork, Leptoptilos falconeri).

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Of course, footprints of ancient human species have been found in eastern Africa before. In 1974, for example, footprints of Australopithecus afarensiswho traipsed through wet volcanic ash one day millions of years agowere found in Tanzania, providing one of the earliest pieces of evidence for human bipedalism. Despite this watershed moment in anthropology, the Koobi Fora footprints display something altogether different: they actually contain evidence of two distinct species of humans.

In a study published last week in the journal Science, researchers announce that they discovered that the Koobi Fora footprintswhich were likely located along an ancient lake shore 1.5 million years agoactually contain a set of footfalls belonging to both H. erectus (who had a similar gait to modern humans) and Paranthropus boilei (a more broad-faced australopithecine with specialized adaptations for heavy chewing). Using 3D X-ray-based imaging, the scientists analyzed the footprints and discerned that the continuous trackthe one containing a dozen footfallsbelongs to P. boilei, while the others belonged to H. erectus.

Scientists were primarily able to discern these differences due to the position of P. boileis flatter foot and big toe, which had a greater range of motion (up to 19 degrees) than whats seen in modern humans (around 10 degrees). That may not seem like a big difference, but this subtle adaptation is what allows humans to walk and run without accruing physical foot abnormalities over time.

These fossilized footprints are as close as we are going to get to having a time machine to take us back to an eastern African lakeshore 1.5 million years ago, Bernard Wood, a co-author of the study and a paleoanthropologist from George Washington University, told Nature. We can only assume they were aware of each others presence. Exactly how they interacted, or whether they learned from each other or what, thats still a mystery.

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This paints a remarkable scene of two ancient human species possibly interacting and co-existing with each other in east Africa. Of course, evidence of hominin fraternization exists in our DNA, as many people of European and Asian descent carry at least one to two percent of Neanderthal DNA in their genome. But rarely can fossils capture such a unique moment in time.

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PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  The think tank behind Project 2025, the conservative blueprint linked to President-elect Donald Trump, is launching an effort to back Trump's imperiled selection for secretary of defense in its latest attempt to wield influence in the incoming Republican administration.

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said Thursday that his group will spend $1 million to pressure senators unwilling to back Pete Hegseth, whose nomination to lead the Pentagon has come into question due to his views on women serving in combat and reports about his personal behavior. A number of Republican senators have declined to commit to backing Hegseth or have asked for more information about his drinking and treatment of women.

Itll be messaging right now with their constituents about how out of step they are with the Trump agenda, Roberts said in an interview, who argued that criticism of Hegseth was being driven by the establishment.

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Roberts announcement that he will support Hegseth is the latest sign that Project 2025, which Trump disavowed amid Democratic criticism during his campaign, is newly ascendant as Trump returns to the White House. The president-elect has picked several of its authors and contributors to key positions.

Roberts spoke to The Associated Press during an event at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida estate, after he said he saw Trump at another event Wednesday also attended by other incoming members of the president-elects Cabinet. Roberts did not say whether he met privately or would meet privately with Trump.

Project 2025 includes proposals to reclassify thousands of federal workers so they could be fired and eliminate or curtail several government agencies. Facing Democratic criticism over the blueprint, Trump sought to distance himself from it and denied knowing who was behind it, even as the proposal was drafted by longtime allies and former officials in his administration.

The event at Mar-a-Lago was to launch an exchange-traded fund, or ETF, called Azoria U.S. Meritocracy that is looking to target companies with diversity, equity and inclusion practices by excluding them from the fund. Its CEO, James Fishback, is close to Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

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Roberts introduced himself on Thursday as someone from Project 2025, and the small crowd laughed.

He noted he is good friends with Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, another group that laid the groundwork beforehand for a second Trump administration. Rollins has been nominated to serve as Trump's agriculture secretary.

Roberts said groups like the Heritage Foundation and America First Policy Institute were close collaborators on the Trump agenda. He called the second Trump term the beginning of the golden era of Americas next chapter.

I think were in the middle of a re-founding of this country, he said.

___
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Arkansas Highway Commission named Jared D. Wiley as director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation on December 4.

Jared Wiley

According to a press release, Wiley will succeed Lorie H. Tudor, who announced her retirement effective Jan. 10.

The Department is very fortunate to have a deep pool of highly qualified talent to choose from in selecting the next director. We know that Jared will do an excellent job leading ARDOT and the entire team. The commission looks forward to working with him in this new role, said Chairman Alec Farmer.

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The release says Wiley has been serving as ARDOTs Chief Engineer for Preconstruction since April 2023.

I am humbled and honored by the trust the Commission has shown in me. I commit to building on the legacy of cooperation and collaboration that was established by my mentor, Director Tudor. She has taught me and our staff many things over her 41-year career. ARDOT is blessed with a great staff of dedicated public servants. The entire ARDOT team will continue to work diligently to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of Arkansas transportation system, said Wiley.

The release says Wiley began his career with the department as an engineering student intern in Hot Springs before being hired in December 2005 as a civil engineer in the planning and research division.

Wiley holds a bachelor of science degree in engineering with an emphasis in civil engineering from Arkansas State University. He is a registered professional engineer.

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The release says Wiley is the departments sixth person to serve in the directors role in the past 52 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 KNWA FOX24.
Recognizing it is an organization that has exceeded the limits of its name, the Hardwood Furniture Guild has rebranded with a new name, becoming the Ohio Furniture Guild (OFG).

"The Hardwood Furniture Guild has always been bigger than the market we have once a year," said OFG Executive Director Kendrick Mullet. "What started as an effort against low-quality imports has turned into a cohesive network of community businesses. We add value at every step, building a supply chain that's hard to match."

More: Chamber of Commerce honors excellence in the Holmes County community

The Hardwood Furniture Guild held its Ohio Hardwood Furniture Market April 2-3 at the Mount Hope Event Center. The event drew people to Holmes County from all over the country.

Members create not just hardwood furniture, but outdoor furniture, upholstered items, mattresses and other products.

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In an effort to continue growing, and building on the momentum gained over the years, the group of competitors and collaborators is working to accomplish bigger things in Holmes County, where the group originated, and in surrounding counties from where businesses have become part of the guild.

There are an estimated 400 area businesses in the woodworking industry, including builders, finishers and related suppliers, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy through wholesale and retail sales, according to Mullet.

Phil Tieszen, executive of marketing at The Keim Co., serves on the OFG board as marketing chairman. He spoke of the continued growth of the guild and the range of members who make it up.

"We are supported by finish shops, suppliers, marketers and designers, all adding to the industry's growth in Ohio," Tieszen said.

This is the Ohio Furniture Guild

"We see major potential for growth within the furniture industry and for increasing awareness of the guild," Mullet added. "We are committed to finding new stores that would make excellent partners for our partners."

A wide variety of premium high-quality furniture is available at Luxe Home Furnishing in Berlin.

In 2023, there were 232 Ohio Furniture Guild members from Holmes and surrounding counties, including Wayne and Tuscarawas, Stark and Knox. Membership increased by 10 in 2024.

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"Our rebranding isn't focused on increasing membership numbers, but rather on attracting more retail stores to collaborate with our builders," Mullet said. "We truly appreciate the opportunity to share more about the Ohio Furniture Guild and the work our members do."

Ohio Furniture Guild is a nonprofit organization that is a part of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce. Ir has 15 volunteer board members. They are: Marion Yoder (D. Yoder Hardwoods), Aaron Weaver (Kidron Woodcraft), Phil Tieszen (Keim), Gabe Yoder (L&J), Mark Rambach (DSI), Tom Jeffries (Rea & Assoc.), Joseph Miller (J. Miller Woodworking), Neil Gingerich (SSB Bank), Crist Miller (Farmside Wood), Matt Beachy (Troyer Furniture), Les Miller (Mullwoods), Cliff Sprang (Kaufman Realty), Paul Nisley (Penwood), Aden Hershberger (Superior Furniture) and Leon Mast (Keim).

Economic development director shares impact of furniture production

Holmes County Economic Development Executive Director Mark Leininger addressed the impact the furniture industry has had on Holmes County over the years.

"Furniture production has been a major component of the local economy for several decades," Leininger said. "Farmers first gravitated to the work 40 years ago as a way to make productive use of farms that no longer paid the bills.

Holmes County Economic Development Director Mark Leininger

"As farmers often do, fledgling furniture makers cooperated with one another in developing the new industry," he said. "The cooperation resulted in an integrated network of specialty shops that work with one another to produce an array of furniture products that are unmatched for style, quality and price."

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Leininger said as a result of that effort, a number of national restaurant and retail brands, such as Starbucks and Room and Board, choose Holmes County companies when sourcing furniture for eateries and showrooms.

"Given the prominent role it plays in our local economy, furniture production, like cheese making and Amish home cooking, have become an integral part of the communitys identity," Leininger added.

Henry Ford would be proud

Holmes County Commissioner Dave Hall said Henry Ford would be proud of the entreprenurial skills and production of the Holmes County woodworking force. He pointed out that as a network the woodworking industry has created a lot of jobs.

Holmes County Commissioner Dave Hall talked about the achievements of Holmes County in 2024 at the annual chamber awards banquet.

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"I think Henry Ford would be very proud of the way the woodworking industry in Holmes County has come together and put a good, quality product out," Hall said. "If you take a tour, you can see one entity making spindles and another makes the flat part of a table, while another group will be making chairs. Then they fit it all together to make a great product. They do really well networking and getting everyone on the same page.

"Our woodworking industry is now known nationally and internationally," the commissioner continued. "It is a quality, heirloom product that is shipped all over the world. They work together as a network, and these shows they put on bring in people from all over the country."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Hardwood Furniture Guild rebrands to expand reach beyond Holmes
Arizona is known more for its deserts than its rain and snow, but even in such a dry state, all types of precipitation are possible  especially during the winter.

From rain to snow to freezing rain, Arizona winters can bring a mixed bag of weather conditions.

A true wintery mix  well known to people from northern climes  is rare in the Phoenix area due to its warmer temperatures and lower elevation, but it has happened.

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Measurable snow has fallen a handful of times in central Phoenix since records began in 1896. In higher elevations bordering the metro area, snow, hail and sleet occur slightly more frequently.

In Flagstaff and other high-elevation areas, precipitation is a key feature in Arizona winters  and the states water supply.

You can get sleet, freezing rain, snow and rain all from the same storm system, said Erinanne Saffell, Arizonas state climatologist. Thats that wintery mix possibility, depending on what happens to those snowflakes. It depends on whats happening with the temperature closer to the ground.

Heres everything to know about Arizonas winter precipitation  whats most beneficial, whats most dangerous and whats that graupel stuff, anyway.

What kind of winter precipitation falls in Arizona?

To begin with, it rains in the winter. If temperatures reach 32 degrees and there is moisture in the atmosphere, water vapor freezes into small ice crystals as snow. But even if snow forms, it may not reach the ground.

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As ice crystals in a cloud stick together, they become snowflakes heavy enough to drop to the ground. If the temperatures stay at or below freezing as snow falls, it will remain as snow.

But as that snow is dropping from the cloud, it can land into other kinds of conditions, Saffell said.

If the snow hits a higher portion of the atmosphere where the temperature is above freezing, it will melt and turn into rain.

When rain hits ground thats frozen, it will freeze on impact and create freezing rain.

Once a snowflake melts in the air, it cant turn back into a snowflake until it returns to the clouds as water vapor. It can refreeze, but it will not form another snowflake.

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Wintry mix: Why doesn't it snow in Phoenix? It can, but you have to be fast to catch it

You know about sleet and hail, but what is graupel?

Sometimes, winter precipitation turns seemingly solid, with frozen pellets battering cars and peppering the ground. While hail, sleet and the lesser-known graupel look the same, theyre all a little different.

Sleet forms as rain that refreezes on its way to the ground, but hail takes shape within the clouds.

Graupel and hail blankets a green at Camelback Golf Club in Paradise Valley during a winter storm on Jan. 25, 2021.

Hail forms in the colder portions of clouds with strong updrafts.

Inside that cloud, its freezing, a little bit of it melting, then it goes back up and freezes until finally, its so big it breaks suspension and drops down to the ground, Saffell said.

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Hail tends to be larger and harder than sleet, though Arizona typically only gets small, pea-sized hail, according to Saffell.

Graupel begins as snow that transforms when it hits a portion of a cloud with supercooled water.

Supercooled water is liquid inside a cloud thats below freezing but remains water. When a snowflake hits supercooled water, it rimes  when the supercooled water begins to freeze around the snowflake.

It then drops down to the ground, where it will look like a pellet but isnt hail or sleet.

When you pick up a piece of graupel, you can crush it with your fingers, Saffell said. Its sometimes called soft hail.

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Graupel can fall in the Phoenix area, Saffell said, but its usually limited to January and February.

Future runoff: How crews measure snow depth and water content

What is the most beneficial type of precipitation for Arizona?

While Arizona has two rainy seasons  summer and winter  winter precipitation brings the most measurable benefits to the states water supply. The arid region cant be picky when it comes to precipitation, but one type is better than others.

We want our winter precipitation and well take it in any form, but we prefer to have it as snow because then it will melt slowly and move into our aquifers more readily, Saffell said.

Scientists and water managers measure it through the snow-water equivalent, or how much water snow will provide after it melts.

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The interesting thing about snow is that its mostly air. When we have snowflakes coming down, theyre mostly air pockets, Saffell said. On average, when we have about 10 inches of snow, that would melt down into about an inch of liquid water.

Rain can cause rapid runoff and flooding, but snow melts at higher elevations gradually and creates an extended release into rivers, streams and groundwater reserves.

Rare weather: How a Pacific hurricane flooded Phoenix and why it could happen again

What is the most dangerous kind of precipitation?

Hail may be damaging to vehicles and private property, and accumulated snow can cause travel to be a headache, but Saffell considers freezing rain to be the most dangerous type of winter precipitation.

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The dangerous precipitation that folks dont realize a lot and we dont get here in Phoenix is freezing rain, she said. You have that icing that will stick to the ground, and you cant drive, people cant move, and it can go into your roof and make it collapse.

Outlook: A weaker La Nina is expected this winter. What does that mean for Arizona?

How much winter precipitation will Arizona get this year?

Winter precipitation varies year to year due to a variety of factors like drought and climatological conditions. Some years are better than others, and Saffell expects slightly less than average this winter.

The National Weather Service has issued a La Nina watch with a 57% chance it will emerge by the end of the year. La Nina is a climatological condition that is part of a natural cycle called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO.

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La Nina events occur when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than normal, typically triggering abnormal weather events around the world.

The Southwest tends to be drier and warmer than usual during a La Nina winter, but because this years event is shaping up to be a weak one, Arizona may not be extremely dry.

There could be a good amount of precipitation up in Colorado and the northern tier of the U.S., which would be great because ultimately having snow in the Colorado Basin, even in the upper basin, is helpful to our water supply, Saffell said.

Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Winter brings rain, snow, sleet, and graupel to Arizona
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT)  The Army Materiel Command (AMC), responsible for supplying the Army, introduced its new top civilian leader on Redstone Arsenal Wednesday.

Liz Miranda is taking over as the AMC Executive Deputy to the Commanding General.

Im ready and excited to take on these responsibilities, Miranda said.

Tech billionaire with ties to Rocket City nominated to lead NASA

It is the highest-ranking civilian position at the command, a role that has been held by just seven other people.

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This assignment requires a leader with an equally tremendous level of confidence, commitment and above all, character, Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, the AMC Deputy Commanding General said. We have without a doubt found those qualities in Liz Miranda.

Miranda will manage the business side of the AMC, working with the Armys commercial partners. Mohan said this position helps provide stability during times of war and peace.

Right now we are experiencing a high degree of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity in our global security environment, Mohan said.

Some of Mirandas responsibilities will include employee development and army modernization efforts.

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Shes got a gift for seeing the correct path through complex challenges and for identifying areas where we can and should improve, Mohan said.

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Miranda is a native of Puerto Rico and began her career as an Army Civilian GS-5 accountant about 30 years ago.

My usual philosophy is to accomplish the mission with professionalism through empowered teams, with a positive attitude, character and pride, Miranda said.

Mirandas position as the executive deputy to the commanding general is the civilian equivalent of a three-star general.



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COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  An arrest has been made during a high-risk narcotics search warrant in College Station.

The Police Department says its SWAT Team was used to execute the warrant at the Dominik Apartments, located at 700 Dominik Drive, on Thursday morning. One suspect is in custody.

This is a developing story. FOX 44 News will have more information as it becomes available.

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SOFIA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian authorities have dismantled an illegal firearms production workshop, seizing over 280 pistols and rifles, and arresting two suspects, the country's Interior Ministry announced Thursday.

The operation took place Tuesday in the town of Smolyan, located 245 km southeast of Sofia. Among the confiscated firearms were 244 pistols and 30 rifles, most of which had been converted from gas-operated to combat-ready weapons.

Authorities also seized dozens of detonator caps, hundreds of barrels, various weapon mechanisms and parts, as well as several thousand cartridges, some of which had been similarly converted from gas to live ammunition.

The Interior Ministry described this as "the largest amount of illegal weapons seized by law enforcement authorities in the country ever." The investigation is ongoing. 
Two Raleigh County men have been arrested and charged with causing more than $100,000 worth of damage to Sunset Memorial Park over three nights in late October.

A third arrest is expected in connection to the vandalism.

On Tuesday, police arrested George Marshall Todorovich, 21, of Mabscott and Larry Phillip Bradley, 46, of Beckley and charged them each with destruction of property and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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Todorovich and Bradley were booked into Southern Regional Jail just after 2:15 a.m. Tuesday and each have $100,000 bonds.

According to police reports in the criminal complaints for Todorovich and Bradley, their charges were the result of numerous headstones, vehicles and the mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Park being damaged over three consecutive nights, Oct. 15-17.

On the night of Oct. 15, the three suspects went into the unlocked mausoleum and sprayed seven fire extinguishers, resulting in a hefty cleaning bill for the cemetery.

The next night, Oct. 16, the same suspects returned and pushed over or broke 92 headstones and then broke into the cemetery maintenance shop, where they vandalized and damaged two vehicles and the building.

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On the final night, Oct. 17, the suspects went back to the cemetery and smashed the windows in several buildings and also caused other damage.

West Virginia State Police investigated the vandalism that occurred on the first two nights, and the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office investigated the vandalism from the third night.

The estimated cost to clean the mausoleum, replace the fire extinguishers, repair the vehicles, repair the maintenance shop, reset the headstones and fix all other damage to cemetery buildings is around $107,000.

Days after the cemetery vandalism was reported to police, a K9 identified a potential suspect using a Red Bull can left at the scene.

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According to the criminal complaint, the dog alerted on the suspect, Timothy TJ Beckner, who has yet to be arrested.

Beckner denied any involvement in the incident to police.

Around this time police were also given the names of Bradley and Todorovich as potential suspects.

During an interview with police on Oct. 21, Bradley denied any involvement with the cemetery vandalism and stated that he never goes to the cemetery when its dark, according to the criminal complaint.

When police interviewed Todorovich on Nov. 26, the criminal complaint stated that he admitted to his involvement in the destruction at the cemetery on the three nights in October and also said that Bradley and Beckner participated in the vandalism.

The criminal complaint states that, based on the information that was gathered, police requested warrants for Beckner, Bradley and Todorovich for destruction of property and conspiracy to commit a felony.
HOLMEN, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  The Holmen Police Department has arrested two men from Houston, Minnesota, after witnessing them break into a mail drop box. According to the police department, on the morning of December 2nd, an officer saw 22-year-old Marque Jamal and 22-year-old Andrew W. Toler outside the US Post Office in Holmen. The two fled on foot but were later arrested. Law enforcement was told that there was a 3rd individual who was believed to have been a getaway driver. The police department says they are confident that all the mail in the box was recovered.

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JAKARTA (Reuters) -Members of the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN are planning to hold a ministerial meeting in Thailand later this month to discuss the crisis in member-nation Myanmar, Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat told reporters on Thursday.

At the invitation of current ASEAN host Laos, the meeting will talk about ways to approach the crisis which has gripped Myanmar since a 2021 military coup, including on the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus plan, he said.

The consensus has made scant progress since its unveiling in April 2021, just months after Myanmar's military unseated the elected government.

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The junta has been battling a rebellion that erupted after the and has largely ignored calls by its Southeast Asian neighbours to cease hostilities and enter into dialogue with its opponents.

During an ASEAN summit in October, the bloc called for "an immediate cessation" of violence and the creation of a "conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue" that is "Myanmar-owned and -led".

The meeting is expected to start on Dec. 20, Roy said, and Indonesia's foreign minister is expected to attend.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Statehouse lawmaker said Ohios public universities should be banned from asking prospective students their preferred pronouns because it could indicate political ideology.

House Bill 686 received a hearing in the Ohio House Higher Education Committee on Nov. 20, and would prohibit Ohios 14 public universities from using any application for student admission that asks for, or contains a field in which an applicant may indicate, an applicants preferred gender pronouns. Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County), the bills primary sponsor, argued asking for pronoun usage distinguishes groups based on their political ideology.

I have spoken to multiple Republican young adults, and they have told me that they would not include any answer on potential pronoun fields if asked on an application, said Pavliga during the hearing. Those who do not respond to the pronoun prompt are much more likely to lean right on a political spectrum and those who do answer the prompt are much more likely to lean left on a political spectrum.

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However, Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) argued during the hearing that such questionnaires can be helpful and noted she often receives mail addressed to her as Mr. Piccolantonio. The lawmaker said she doesnt appreciate when correspondence is addressed to me in a way that doesnt actually match my gender identity.

Pavliga said the bill is meant to rid higher education of bias and argued there is no need for a university to require this information given it provides no indication of [a students college] readiness. The lawmaker noted that the legislation allows for universities to ask applicants pronouns at any other time.

Ohio State University and a dozen other public Ohio universities allow students to apply through the Common App, an online portal students can use to apply to multiple institutions. The portal includes an optional pronoun question where applicants can pick she/her, he/him, they/them or write in their own pronouns.

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Pavliga said those universities who utilize the Common App should request for the field to be deactivated for their institution. The legislation would also ban these Ohio institutions from asking any applicant for employment their pronouns.

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Some Ohio universities, like Bowling Green State University, have added a question to their Common App application that asks a students gender identity. The University of Cincinnati asks whether the prospective student is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Pavliga said there is a strong reality applicants could be declined admission based on if they complete such questionnaires.

Should it be in the institutions purview to filter through applicants based on political belief? asked Pavliga during the hearing. I believe that is an absolute abuse of power and an abuse on state funds.

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Pavliga introduced the bill after several lawsuits have advanced in Ohio dealing with pronoun use in schools. A former Ohio middle school teacher alleged in a 2022 lawsuit she was told to resign for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio ruled in August that forcing the teacher to use students preferred names amounts to compelled speech. However, the court also decided the case must still go to trial to determine whether the First Amendment protects her unwillingness to call the trans students by their preferred names.

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Judges on the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected in July an argument by a national organization that claimed a central Ohio school district violated First Amendment rights by barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In a 2023 complaint, the nonprofit cited the districts policy against misgendering, the act of referring to another person by using pronouns that do not align with their gender identity.

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H.B. 686 could receive additional hearings in the House Higher Education Committee open for public testimony.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Assets School presented a donation of canned goods and nonperishable food to Hawaii Foodbank on Dec. 3, marking National Giving Tuesday.

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The schools trustees, parents, families, faculty, and staff have been collecting food since November to support local families in need, contributing more than 500 meals to the effort.

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Amy Miller, president and CEO of Hawaii Foodbank, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Assets School.

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Hawaii Foodbank would like to thank Assets School for all of the ways in which they support our work, Miller said. Assets not only provides donations each year through their annual food drive, but they also partner with the Foodbank to offer valuable learning opportunities through Assets Mentorship Program. We are grateful for these efforts to nourish our ohana today while also teaching students about caring for our community.

The Assets Mentorship Program, which began in the early 1990s, has partnered with the Hawaii Foodbank since 2019.

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Through the program, students gain hands-on experience with food insecurity by assisting with food donations, workshops, outreach, and educational programs.

Mentees at the Hawaii Foodbank learn about food insecurity in Hawaii, help with donation intake, and support various Foodbank functions, said Jason Wagner, Dean of Student Life and Mentorship Coordinator. Students who mentor must have compassion, dedication, and a strong commitment to the Foodbanks mission: to nourish our ohana today while we work to end hunger tomorrow.

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Assets School has supported the Hawaii Foodbank for over 25 years, with this years donation further strengthening their long-standing commitment to fighting hunger in the community.

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ATHENS, Tenn. (WATE)  The Athens Fire Department received a call just before midnight on Tuesday about a fire at the UPS facility on Lawn Street.

The fire was so large that fire crews had to connect to three different water sources. There were two employees at the facility at the time of the fire.

Our battalion chief arrived on scene first. His windshield report was heavy smoke and fire visible from all sides of the building, Athens Fire Chief Brandon Ainsworth said.

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Suspicious person apprehended near Cumberland County High School

One of those individuals did try to use a fire extinguisher, but the fire was too large, too quick, Ainsworth said. Thank goodness everybody escaped without injury.

Lee Cook told 6 News he was unloading his car at his home when he noticed what he described as a smoke and glow in the sky. He hopped in his car and went to the scene.

The first thing I though this close to Christmas theres a lot of people not getting their presents and packages, Cook said. Unfortunately, employees obviously cant return to work this close to the holidays, but a big shoutout to the first responders for doing everything.

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Western Avenue closed due to fire at Knoxville bowling alley

As for peoples packages, Ainsworth advised folks to reach out to UPS.

The good news is for the site last night they did not have a whole lot of packages on site because their trucks had not arrive yet, Ainsworth said. The one that were there, they contained it we were able to get those away from the building.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

Were very grateful that there were no injuries as the result of a fire at our facility in Athens, TN, a UPS spokesperson said in a statement to 6 News. We are putting contingency plans in place to continue service to our customers and are working with authorities to learn what happened.

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Ainsworth said the building and two dozen vehicles sustained damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Aurora Police Departments Gang Intervention Unit arrested three men last week on active felony warrants after witnessing an argument between two men, one of whom was armed during the argument.

Gang Intervention Unit officers were patrolling in the 800 block of South Havana Street on Nov. 26 at about 8:40 p.m. when they reportedly saw two men arguing, one of whom had a handgun. After the altercation, the armed man left with two other men and a woman in a white Jeep with an expired temporary registration.

Hundreds of Denver drivers cited for expired plates in November

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Officers stopped the Jeep a short way from the scene of the argument and determined in their initial investigation that all three men had active felony warrants, and arrested them. The woman, who was driving, was detained but released at the scene after she was cleared through state and national criminal databases.

After searching the vehicle, officers located three firearms: A .40-caliber handgun, a .45-caliber handgun, each with extended magazines (which are illegal across Colorado) and a 9mm handgun with a 50-round drum magazine, which is also illegal.

Aurora police Gang Intervention Unit members seized this 50-round drum magazine and associated firearm in a trio of arrests on Nov. 26. (Courtesy the Aurora Police Department) Aurora police Gang Intervention Unit members seized this extended magazine and associated firearm in a trio of arrests on Nov. 26. (Courtesy the Aurora Police Department)

One of the firearms was confirmed stolen as of Dec. 4.

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The three men were booked into the Aurora Municipal Detention Center and were identified by police alongside charges they are facing.

Isaiah Lamond Hughes, 22, of Denver, was arrested on two active felony warrants out of Denver which are for attempted second-degree strangulation and second-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft. He also faces charges related to the traffic stop: Possession of a weapon by a previous offender, possession of a prohibited large-capacity magazine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5 for a return filing of charges hearing.

Take a look: Denver PDs bomb squad has a new robot dog

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Rahiem Pure Kyser, 23, of Denver, was arrested on two active warrants. One warrant was issued for a robbery out of Douglas County and the second was issued for a parole violation out of Arapahoe County. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 9 for a status conference.

Adonai Madimba Kalala, 22, of Denver, was arrested on two active warrants out of Arapahoe County for obstructing medical personnel and obstructing a telephone service. Kalala is facing a number of upcoming court appearances, including one in Douglas County on Jan. 3, 2025, and one in Arapahoe County on Jan. 6, 2025.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin has experienced regular flooding, but the 1981 Memorial Day flood, where more than a foot of water fell in less than three hours, killing 13 people and causing extensive damage, is the most devastating in our lifetime.

Since that flood, the city of Austin has made changes to how it prepares for severe flooding  including the creation of the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS).

RELATED | 40 year anniversary of the Memorial Day Flood of 1981

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That system includes a team of experts who can alert the public and emergency responders to potential flooding.

The team includes a Program Manager, a Hydrologist Senior, two Engineers, and four IT Support Analysts. Their mission is to identify flood hazards and alert the public and emergency responders about the hazard to protect the lives and property of the public from flooding, the Watershed Protection Department wrote in a memo to city council earlier this year.

FEWS uses tools like:

Rain and stream gages

Cameras at low-water crossings

Automatic traffic gates

Flashing beacons

Theyre also the team behind ATX Floods.

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We ask residents to go look at it. Its a live program. When it rains we actually offer live updates on which crossings are closed, where there is rainfall. Its a really very good site for residents to go look at, said Ramesh Swaminathan, the assistant director of Austins Watershed Protection Department.

How to prepare for floods

Preparing for flooding includes:

Making a plan

Learning about flood insurance

Signing up for emergency alerts

We are trying to do everything we can, but the community has a role to play, so we [would] really love for them to be part of it. Go to atxfloodsafety.net. There are many useful links there to be prepared, Swaminathan said.

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The children of Dexy Amador and Dennis Rodriguez want for Christmas what many kids want: a play kitchen, a PlayStation 5 and art supplies. Those things would be out of reach in any other year. Instead, the practical things might be under the tree: underwear, pajamas, shoes and baby bottles.

The family from Honduras came to the United States when 9-year-old Antonio was a baby. He had been having seizures that his doctors in Honduras couldn't regulate. Once in Austin, doctors at Dell Children's Medical Center figured out he was on the wrong medication.

They are part of the Austin American-Statesman's Season for Caring program, which highlights the need of 12 individuals or families nominated by local nonprofits. The Amador Rodriguez children were nominated by Foundation Communities, which provides affordable housing for families.

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Itan, 16, Antonio, 9, Lidia, 7, Amy, 4, and Mary, 9 months, will soon have a Christmas tree full of presents. Students at Grisham Middle School in the Round Rock school district selected this family to organize a holiday gift drive around.

Dexy Amador Cruz reads to her children: Lidia, Amy, Antonio, Itan and Mary. More books and other gifts will be coming their way soon from the students at Grisham Middle School.

Since 2010, Grisham has partnered with Season for Caring to help one family and the nonprofit behind it. They have donated more than $92,000 worth of gifts.

Art teacher Kristin Goodman leads the effort and said that this year the students were drawn to the families who are refugees and learning another language in a new country. The school in Northwest Austin increasingly has Spanish speakers, students who have emigrated from around the world and bilingual students, Goodman said.

Season for Caring is a reminder "about empathy and community," she said, which is why she continues to encourage the students' effort.

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Grisham started participating in Season for Caring in 2010 after Goodman read a story about Nancy Knox, a mom with ovarian cancer and two little kids.

That year, Goodman asked her classes to bring an item on Knox's Season for Caring wish list instead of getting the teacher a Christmas gift. The students delivered gifts of all kinds, more than Goodman could ever have imagined.

Goodman remembered that Knox said she wanted to get better so she could be with her kids and give back because she had been helped. Knox died that May, but her story of wanting to give back and the way Goodman's students showed up for her made an impression.

This year, students have been making signs and posters. They will begin collecting gifts, gift cards and monetary donations this weekend. Before school gets out for winter break, they will hold a wrapping party, and then a few students will help deliver the presents before Christmas. In years past, they have made sure that, along with toys, each family member gets clothing, shoes and pajamas, as well as sheets, towels and kitchen items for the whole family.

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Season for Caring is "a really cool thing we do to help a family that is struggling," said student Penelope Brooksbank last year, "It's a nice thing that we do every season."

It makes a lasting impression on the students as well as the recipient. Last year, the students collected funds for Kristin Ramirez, a mom with breast cancer.

"I've never seen people come together like this before," Ramirez told the students when they delivered a living room full of gifts. "What you did is a Christmas miracle. I honestly, I don't have words."

While these kids can create miracles, there will be some things on the Amador Rodriguez family's wish list the students can't do. The family needs an immigration lawyer, a truck for Dennis Rodriguez's handyman business, nursing school for Dexy Amador and plumbing training for Dennis Rodriguez.

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To give an item on their wish list or find out more about the family, contact Foundation Communities, 737-267-5738, foundcom.org.

Statesman Season for Caring logo

About Season for Caring

The Statesman will be sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families throughout the holiday season. Find more stories and information at statesman.com/seasonforcaring.

All donations are being matched up to $500,000 by the Sheth family through Christmas Day. You can donate online or use the coupon on Page 2B and mail it to Austin Community Foundation, c/o Statesman Season for Caring, 4315 Guadalupe St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751. Make checks payable to Statesman Season for Caring.

Join us Friday at 6 p.m. at the Driskill Hotel tree lighting. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of ornaments and candles, and the Cookies for Caring tin will benefit Season for Caring.

Use the form below or click here: https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin middle school helping Season for Caring family
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand  The Australian government has shortlisted German and Japanese shipbuilders for Australias Sea 3000 frigate project, as Korean and Spanish contenders fell by the wayside.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has offered the MEKO A-200 platform, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries submitted its improved Mogami class for this estimated A$10 billion (US$6.4 billion) program.

A tender issued in May sought 11 general-purpose frigates equipped for undersea warfare and local air defense in order to secure maritime trade routes and our northern approaches. The first three warships will be built overseas, and the remainder in Western Australia.

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Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed in late November that three designs had been shortlisted. This is because TKMS has two MEKO variants: one a standard 3,700-ton A-200, and the other likely a customized 4,700-ton A-210 configuration boasting equipment more common to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

In Germanys favor, the sea services current Anzac-class frigates were based on the older MEKO 200, which should ensure familiarity with the A-200s newer, more modular design. As for Japan, while it is a novice at exporting advanced naval vessels, the government is enthusiastically backing a deal.

This graphic shows how Japans improved Mogami class and the German MEKO A-200 stack up against other Australian surface combatants. (Australian MOD)

Indeed, on Nov. 28 Japans Cabinet Office took the unusual step of publishing approval for a potential sale of 4,800-ton improved Mogami-class 06FFM frigates. Japans navy will adopt the first of these same improved warships in FY2028. They are larger and more heavily armed than 3,900-ton Mogami frigates currently under construction.

Japan rates its strategic partnership with Australia as second only to that with the United States. Based on this policy, this joint development and production project will contribute to significantly improving interoperability and compatibility with Australia, strengthen the foundation for shipbuilding and maintenance in the Indo-Pacific region, and improve the future capabilities of Japans ships, reads a statement of the Tokyo government.

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However, important questions remain over combat systems, sensors and weapons. In a rush to introduce frigates to service, the RAN is foregoing usual installation requirements for Saabs 9LV combat management system or CEA radars, for example, as used elsewhere in Australias fleet.

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy acknowledged that just one of the three frigate options utilizes Saabs 9LV, but insisted it is not problematic. Weve operated multiple combat management systems in the past. When I talk to the chief of navy, his focus is on getting more hulls in the water  more hulls with very exciting capability.

By 2026, the RAN will possess just nine surface combatants. This coincides with a period of serious security threats as China flexes its muscles.

Australian National Universitys Jennifer Parker told Defense News: Most predict an increased period of risk in the late 2020s, and thats where Australia has the capability gap.

According to Marles, a final ship selection is expected in sometime in 2025. What were seeking to do is to have the first of those general-purpose frigates actually in service in the 2020s, he said.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday expressed warm congratulation on the inscription of Spring Festival on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, saying China hopes the festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to the news that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday inscribed Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Noting that the Spring Festival is the oldest and most important traditional festival in the Chinese culture, Lin said that the festival is always a time for family reunion and ringing in the new year.

"We have many Spring Festival traditions such as writing the character Fu which means good fortune, hanging Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings and watching dragon dance and lion dance performance, which I believe many of you are familiar with," he said.

The Spring Festival embodies peace, amity and harmony which are values cherished by the Chinese nation and civilization, making it a festival that is meaningful for China and can be enjoyed by the world, Lin said.

According to Lin, the festival is a public holiday in almost 20 countries and celebrated in various ways by about one-fifth of humanity. Last year, the 78th UN General Assembly decided to list the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday.

The Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake is coming in about six weeks. Lin welcomed friends from all over the world to come and experience the rich and wonderful Spring Festival culture.

"We very much hope that the festival's cultural message will contribute to a world of fewer conflicts, harmony among civilizations, and amity among peoples of the world. Hope the Spring Festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all," the spokesperson said. 
Executions could resume in Arizona next year, ending a moratorium that began nearly two years ago.

Upon taking office in January 2023, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, both Democrats, suspended capital punishment pending a review of Arizona's death penalty process.

Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge David Duncan was hired as a commissioner to undertake that review, the scope of which was laid out in an executive order that also called for a written report.

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Last week, Hobbs ended Duncan's review, saying she had lost confidence in the effort.

Duncan, in an outline of his report, wrote that lethal injection while theoretically achievable is, in actual practice, fundamentally unreliable, unworkable and unacceptably prone to errors." He said that opinion could change after speaking with medical personnel who were going to be involved in the state's next execution and watching "a complete rehearsal" of Arizona's lethal injection process.

Hobbs cited an "execution preparedness" review the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry sent her on Nov. 22 as proof the state is ready to proceed with putting prisoners to death.

On the day of Duncan's dismissal, Mayes said she would seek a death warrant for a prisoner in the coming weeks.

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Here's what to know about capital punishment in Arizona.

How are executions carried out in Arizona?

Executions in Arizona may be carried out by lethal injection or gas chamber.

Arizona voters abolished the use of the gas chamber after a controversial execution in 1992. It took Donald Harding 11 minutes to die as he cursed and gestured at then-Attorney General Grant Woods. But Arizona law still lets inmates convicted of death penalty offenses before November 1992 choose how they want to die: gas or lethal injection.

The last inmate to opt for the gas chamber was Walter LaGrand in 1999.

In 2021, as the state prepared to resume executions, lawyers for condemned men said state officials purchased a different type of cyanide than the one called for in the state's newly published protocols for administering a gas chamber execution. Officials bought potassium cyanide instead of sodium cyanide.

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Ryan Thornell, in his letter to Hobbs summarizing the Corrections Department review of execution procedures, did not mention gas chamber protocols, focusing only on the administration of lethal injections.

Arizona previously used a mixture of drugs to carry out lethal injections but now only uses a compounded form of pentobarbital.

The state has attempted to improperly import execution drugs at least twice, first in 2010 and then again in 2015. The second time, The Republic reported the state paid nearly $27,000 to import a drug that was stopped by federal officials at the airport.

Duncan reported being shown the state's pentobarbital supply in a safe within a Department of Corrections facility but said it was being stored in unmarked jars and that he was not able to verify where it came from.

What happened during Arizona's most recent executions?

After an eight-year pause, Arizona resumed executions in 2022, killing three men: Clarence Dixon, Frank Atwood and Murray Hooper. The state struggled to administer the lethal injection in all three cases.

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Attorneys for Clarence Dixon, who was executed in May 2022, said his IV insertion process took 40 minutes. Dixon's execution team resorted to inserting an IV line into his femoral vein, which his legal team said caused him to experience pain and a media witness said resulted in a "fair amount of blood."

The execution team for the June 2022 execution of Frank Atwood also struggled to insert IVs, prompting technicians to consider the femoral vein. However, Atwood asked the team to try his arms again, eventually guiding them to successfully make the insertion into one of his hands.

During the November 2022 execution of Murray Hooper, Hooper turned and asked the viewing gallery, Can you believe this? as the execution team tried and failed repeatedly to insert IVs in his arms before inserting a catheter into his femoral vein.

The last execution before the spate in 2022 was conducted in 2014. It took two hours for the drugs to kill Joseph Wood. Witnesses reported watching Wood gasp for air hundreds of times during the execution.

How many people are on death row?

There are currently 111 people on Arizona's death row.

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Twenty-five of the people on death row have exhausted all of their appeals, and the Attorney General's Office could seek a warrant for their execution, according to the Attorney General's Office.

The Attorney General's Office said those 25 people have completed the direct appeal of their conviction, their first state post-conviction proceeding and their first federal habeas proceeding, including appeals.

Who can request a death warrant?

The Arizona Supreme Court will decide whether only the attorney general can seek death warrants after Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, a Republican, forced the issue.

Mitchell, dissatisfied with the suspension of the death penalty by Hobbs and Mayes, in June moved to seek a death warrant for prisoner Aaron Gunches. In response, Mayes said the authority to seek an execution rests solely with the attorney general.

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The Supreme Court then, on its own motion, decided to resolve the dispute.

But on the day of Duncan's dismissal, Mayes said she would soon seek a death warrant for Gunches. Now, Mayes believes the conflict before the Supreme Court is moot, according to the representative of her office.

A spokesperson for Mitchell said the county attorney was "monitoring the situation to see what the Attorney General will do."

The death warrant authority issue has been fully briefed and will be placed on a conference calendar for the justices' consideration, a representative for the Supreme Court said.

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"At that point, the justices will meet and decide any authority and mootness issues as necessary," said spokesperson Katie Fisher.

Gunches was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of Price, a former longtime boyfriend of Gunches' girlfriend. Gunches kidnapped and shot Price multiple times in a desert area off the Beeline Highway. Gunches has advocated for his execution.

Republic reporter Robert Anglen and former Republic reporter Michael Kiefer contributed.

Have a news tip? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or 812-243-5582. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JimmyJenkins.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona could soon resume executing prisoners after a 2-year hiatus
By Nailia Bagirova

BAKU (Reuters) - Azerbaijan has accused Western diplomats of unacceptable interference in its judicial system after they called for the release of jailed human rights activists.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reacted within hours of the diplomats' comments at an event on Wednesday evening where they said the country's record on rights and free speech had worsened in the past year.

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U.S. Ambassador Mark Libby reeled off a list of names of detained individuals he described as "people fighting for human rights in their beautiful homeland."

"I call on the Azerbaijani authorities to release these and all others unjustly arrested and fulfil their international human rights obligations," he said, adding his voice to similar statements by the British, Swiss and EU ambassadors.

In a late night post on X, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry responded: "These statements are an open attempt to undermine the independent judicial system in Azerbaijan."

It added: "Interference in the course of an investigation is unacceptable and interference in the judicial process contradicts the principle of the rule of law, the fundamental principle of a law-based state."

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Azerbaijan, an oil-producing country that used to be part of the Soviet Union, has seen increasing scrutiny of its rights record in the year that it hosted the U.N.'s latest climate change conference.

In the run-up to last month's conference, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev denounced as "disgusting" a letter from U.S. lawmakers criticising its rights record and calling for the release of political prisoners.

On Wednesday a veteran human rights advocate, Rufat Safarov, was placed in pre-trial detention for four months following his arrest two days earlier. His lawyer told Reuters that Safarov had pleaded not guilty in a Baku court to charges of fraud and hooliganism and intended to appeal.

Safarov, a former prosecutor, served three years in prison on bribery charges before being pardoned by Aliyev and released in 2019. Media reports said he had been due to leave within days for the United States to be presented with a human rights award.

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U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told a news briefing in Washington on Tuesday that Washington was deeply concerned by his detention.

"And we continue to urge Azerbaijan to release all of those unjustly detained and to cease its crackdown on civil society, including human rights defenders and journalists," Patel said.

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova, writing by Ron Popeski and Mark Trevelyan, editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
The News

The Bahamas said it would reject US President-elect Donald Trumps reported plans to take in deported migrants.

This matter was presented to the Government of The Bahamas but was reviewed and firmly rejected by the Prime Minister, a statement from the office Prime Minister Philip Davis said. The Bahamas simply does not have the resources to accommodate such a request.

The Trump transition team included other Caribbean islands like Turks and Caicos and Grenada as part of a list of countries where the US would deport migrants if their home countries did not accept them, NBC News reported.

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In his first term, Trump returned asylum-seekers to Guatemala as part of an agreement between the two countries, and the practice continued until 2020. Trump is also pressuring the Mexican government to accept non-Mexicans deported from the US, sources told NBC News.

Policies to deport migrants to third-party countries has gained momentum among some European countries. The UK in 2022 controversially signed an agreement with Rwanda to accept migrants while processing their asylum claims  a plan that ran into numerous legal hurdles before being scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  The Bahamas' police commissioner has resigned after a sergeant and two officers were recently indicted in the U.S. in what federal authorities describe as a case of massive drug trafficking.

The Bahamas' prime minister, Philip Brave Davis, announced on Wednesday that Clayton Fernander was stepping down, noting that he faces no charges in the case but that the police department needs a change.

We are taking important steps to restore trust and accountability, Davis told Parliament, adding that therell be more leadership changes in upcoming days.

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The resignation comes after a police sergeant, a senior police officer and a Royal Bahamas Defense Force officer, and several other suspects were indicted in the U.S. in late November.

The U.S. Justice Department called the case a massive cocaine importation conspiracy enabled by corrupt Bahamian government officials, including high-ranking members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The department noted that since May 2021, drug traffickers have smuggled tons of cocaine through the Bahamas bound for the U.S. with the help of corrupt local officials who controlled airports and disclosed information about U.S. Coast Guard movements.

The bribes that officials were promised or given ranged from $10,000 to $2 million to help with the trafficking, including the movement of 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) of cocaine through the Bahamas main international airport, according to the indictment.

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The Bahamas has not yet appointed a new police commissioner.

On Monday, Fernander said he was interviewing officials to determine when the alleged drug trafficking began and said he supported a government proposal for independent civilian oversight of the police department.

He also announced several measures, including the creation of an encrypted and anonymous whistleblower system to crack down on corruption.

This culture of corruption that has infiltrated the Royal Bahamas Police Force did not happen overnight, he said. But from today, we will redouble our efforts to stamp it out.

During Wednesdays meeting in Parliament, a scuffle erupted as a crowd outside protested that an opposition leader was not allowed to speak about the indictment.

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One lawmaker grabbed a large ceremonial staff on the table of the House speaker and threw it out a window, according to The Nassau Guardian. The newspaper said Deputy Speaker Sylvanus Petty tried to stop the lawmaker and was hit on the head. He suffered a concussion and was hospitalized.

Police then dragged out a group of opposition lawmakers who refused to leave the room, according to The Nassau Guardian.

The paper quoted Davis, the prime minister, as saying that prior to the scuffle, he had invited the opposition leader to a meeting after the session to talk about the appointment of a new police commissioner.
A bail enforcement agent has been arrested and accused of impersonating a police officer at Bristol Hospital last month, sending the facility into lockdown when he allegedly refused to remove his firearm from the Emergency Room.

Enrique Sanchez, 42, of Naugatuck was arrested Saturday on charges of illegally displaying a firearm, violation of bail enforcement agent restrictions on wearing a badge, impersonation of a police officer and second-degree breach of peace, according to the Bristol Police Department.

The warrant affidavit supporting Sanchezs arrest said police were dispatched to the hospital on Brewster Road on Nov. 2 around 2 p.m. on the report of a man carrying a gun in the Emergency Center, where signs that state No weapons allowed are posted. When officers arrived they were told the suspect was believed to have left but that security staff could not confirm he was no longer on the hospital campus, the warrant affidavit said.

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Police conducted a protective sweep of the Emergency Center and could not find the armed man. At that point, the lockdown was lifted.

As police continued to investigate they were told by hospital staff that a man arrived at the ER with his mother and was wearing a firearm that was visible on his belt, the warrant affidavit said. The man was told he would need to leave the exposed gun in his vehicle before he could stay with his mother.

The man allegedly then created a disturbance and pulled out a badge that he said was issued to him by the Bristol Police Department, the warrant affidavit said. Staff members told police he was wearing the firearm on a police duty-style belt, a chest-type rig, uniform-style clothing and a patch that said All men must die, police wrote in the warrant affidavit.

The man identified himself as a Fugitive Recovery Agent for the State of Connecticut and insisted he could have his gun on him, according to the warrant affidavit. He also allegedly belittled the nurses and security staff, telling them state laws prohibited him from leaving a firearm in his vehicle, the warrant affidavit said.

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Police were able to view surveillance footage from the hospital that showed a man wearing a police-style belt that included a firearm, three magazines, a baton, medical kit and pouches for handcuffs and O.C. spray, according to the warrant affidavit.

Investigators were able to identify Sanchez after speaking to his mother, who was cooperative with police, the warrant affidavit said.

Police then found that Sanchez had a valid pistol permit and 15 registered firearms, according to the warrant affidavit. He was found to have no affiliation with the Bristol Police Department despite his alleged claim that his badge was issued by the department, police wrote.

Police also found that Sanchez is a licensed bail enforcement agent and works as a security guard, the warrant affidavit said.

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Bristol police provided a copy of their incident report to the Connecticut State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Division to determine if Sanchezs pistol permit would be revoked.

When police spoke to Sanchez over the phone he said the only thing he told hospital staff was that he could not store his firearm in his vehicle and that they did not know the states gun laws, according to the warrant affidavit. He told police he had his gear on him because he was on his way to work, police wrote.

Investigators obtained a warrant for Sanchezs arrest on Nov. 14. He posted a $25,000 bond and is expected to be arraigned in New Britain Superior Court on Monday.
The 74th Baltimore City Council was inaugurated Thursday, with members sights set on an ambitious agenda for the next four years.

We are a city of heart, hope, chutzpah and grit, Council President Zeke Cohen said after he was sworn in at the Baltimore War Memorial. We get knocked down, but, in Baltimore, we pull each other back up.

Baltimore Comptroller Bill Henry described Cohen, who bested former City Council President Nick Mosby in the primary election, as truly councilmanic, separately defining the word council as a deliberative of legislative body and manic as showing wild, apparently deranged, excitement and energy.

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All kidding aside, I originally used that to describe a former council president who will preside in our hearts forever, Mary Pat Clarke, Henry said.

Clark, the first woman to serve as Baltimore City Council president, died in November. She was 83.

I can say with 100% confidence that she would be so proud to see you here today, Henry continued. She knew you have what it takes to lead this council and that, even if anybody felt differently, your door would still be open.

What is city council focusing on?

Setting the tone for his first term as president, Cohen said that the City Council will tackle public safety, climate change and the opioid crisis. In the next four years, he plans to improve school attendance, provide universal preschool, expand school-based health centers, grow the citys population without displacing current residents, increase oversight of city services and work with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to lower Baltimores property tax rate.

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The citys property tax rate is $2.248 per $100 of assessed value  much higher than in surrounding jurisdictions.

Scott has publicly discussed his desire to decrease Baltimores property taxes. He said during his second inauguration ceremony Tuesday that it is one of his priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which begins Jan. 8.

I dont like yes-men

While many of their goals are aligned, Scott said Thursday that he is looking forward to being challenged by council members as they navigate legislative decisions.

You all know me very well. I dont like yes-men, said the mayor. Push me  especially over policy.

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Scott, who served on the City Council  including as its president  before he was elected mayor, welcomed freshman councilmembers Mark Parker of District 1, Paris Gray of District 8, Zac Blanchard of District 11 and Jermaine Jones of District 12. He said Thursdays inauguration would be a life-changing moment for them.

Forevermore, your service to this body and on behalf of your neighbors in your district will be a part of your identity, said Scott. The oath that you are about to take is one of the most important promises that you will make in your life, and I know that each and every one of you will hold it to your heart dearly and take the responsibility that it bestows on you with the utmost sincerity.

Upon their inauguration, Cohen read a list of superlatives for council members, old and new. Among the accolades, he described Parker as a constant community builder and District 10 Councilwoman Phylicia Porter as a champion for public health.

Each one of these councilmembers is great, said Cohen. But, together as one body, we are going to write the greatest American comeback story in history.

Have a news tip? Contact Hannah Gaskill at hgaskill@baltsun.com.
A special court in Bangladesh has ordered a ban on the dissemination across media platforms and social networks of "hate speech" from ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, officials said on Thursday.

A two-judge panel of the International Crimes Tribunal, led by Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order following a prosecution request to prevent the spread of alleged hate speech by the ousted leader.

The court also directed authorities to remove any such material already broadcast, and ensure that no further dissemination occurs, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain told reporters.

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The South Asian country's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, initiated legal proceedings through the tribunal against Hasina and her aides for alleged crimes during the mass uprising that led to her forced removal from office in August.

Yunus assumed leadership after Hasina fled to neighbouring India.

The prosecution argued that hate speech circulated by Hasina on social media platforms could intimidate witnesses, harm victims, or obstruct effective investigations into authorities' crackdown of the uprisings.

The government estimates some 1,500 people were killed in violence during the unrest.

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Citing leaked speeches and phone conversations attributed to Hasina, prosecutor Hossain claimed that the language used in the communications contained threats directed at victims and witnesses.

Abdullah Al Noman, another prosecution lawyer, said that the plea focused solely on restricting hate speech, not political statements.

"We are not seeking to limit her political expressions. Our concern lies with hate speech," Noman told the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha news agency.
ST. LOUIS  Crews are planning to demolish an old pedestrian bridge for Barnes-Jewish Hospital this weekend, which will prompt some traffic shutdowns near the hospital until the demolition is complete.

The demolition process will entail removing all the glass and then dismantling the steel elements of the bridges into pieces. Demolition could begin as soon as 6 a.m. Saturday.

Access to Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza will be shut down as crews work to demolish the bridge.

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St. Louis Sheriff-elect to overhaul staff, terminate most of current administration

Detours around the medical campus to the hospital main entrance will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, while the Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza roadways are expected to reopen around 6 a.m. Monday.

The old pedestrian bridge opened in the late 1980s to connect an underground plaza garage to the lobby of the hospital. It allowed patients and visitors to enter the hospital without crossing traffic.

A new, wider pedestrian bridge to the hospital in a similar location opened in August.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Nepal have signed a framework agreement to promote Belt and Road cooperation, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said Thursday.

Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Amrit Bahadur Rai, acting foreign secretary of Nepal, signed on the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

According to this agreement, both countries will adhere to the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together," and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in key areas such as economy, finance, transportation, logistics, trade, industrial investment and customs.

The signing of the framework agreement is of great significant to deepening political mutual trust between China and Nepal and promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the NDRC said. 
By Tassilo Hummel and Ingrid Melander

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days whose top priority will be getting a 2025 budget adopted by parliament, he said on Thursday after the government was toppled by lawmakers.

Michel Barnier, a veteran conservative, became the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history when he resigned on Thursday after parliament voted him out over his fiscal plans, barely three months after he was appointed.

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In a televised address to the nation, Macron said he would name a successor to Barnier "in the coming days."

"The priority will be the budget," Macron said.

A special law to roll over the 2024 budget and avoid any gap will be put forward by mid-December. Then the new government will prepare a full budget early next year, in particular to account for inflation, for a vote by parliament.

Macron, whose ill-fated decision to call a snap ballot in June delivered a much-divided parliament, denied he was responsible for the political crisis.

The president, who represents a centrist party, said the far-right and left-wing parties united in an "anti-republican front" to create "a mess" by ousting Barnier.

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Macron has been weakened by the crisis but resisted calls by some in the opposition for him to resign. He reaffirmed that he will stay in office until his term ends in May 2027.

"The mandate you have given me is for five years and I will fulfil it until the very end," he said.

In a 10-minute speech, he added that the new government should represent a variety of parties willing to take part in it or at least agree not to censure it. He did not say which ones.

Meanwhile, Macron has asked Barnier and his government to stay in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

FISCAL DEFICIT, DIVIDED PARLIAMENT

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It was unclear if a new government will be in place before a ceremony on Saturday to reopen Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been renovated after a devastating fire. World leaders including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are expected to attend.

Macron cited the rebuilding of the Gothic cathedral and successful Paris Olympics over the summer as evidence that France can deliver.

"They are proof that we can do great things. We can do the impossible," he said. "The world admires us for that."

Macron had lunch on Thursday with Francois Bayrou, whose name has been cited by French media as a possible successor to Barnier, Le Parisien newspaper reported. An aide to Bayrou did not respond to a request for comment.

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Any new prime minister will face the same challenge of dealing with a fractured parliament that Barnier did, notably passing a budget at a time when France needs to rein in its public finances.

French bonds and stocks rallied on Thursday on what some traders said was profit-taking following the widely expected outcome of parliament's no-confidence vote that ousted Barnier. But the relief rally is unlikely to last, given the scale of political uncertainty.

"Until potential new elections, ongoing political uncertainty is likely to keep the risk premium on French assets elevated," SocGen analysts said in a note. The earliest possible date for a parliamentary election would be in July.

The fall of France's government leaves the country without a clear path towards reducing its fiscal deficit, and the most likely outcome is less belt-tightening than previously planned, credit rating agency Standard and Poor's said.

(Additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Lucien Libert, Kate Entringer, Dominique Vidalon, Zhifan Liu, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Bertrand Boucey; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Gareth Jones, Richard Lough and Cynthia Osterman)
When Syrias rebels captured Aleppo late last week, it sent tremors through the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Those tremors have now become an earthquake.

Many observers thought that capturing Hama, a city more than 130km (80 miles) south of Aleppo, would be a step too far for the jihadist-led rebels. They predicted that the Assad regime forces would be able to regroup and stop their fighters before they reached its gates.

But on Thursday, the rebels not only stormed the city  largely without a fight  but filmed themselves wandering around the governors marble-clad mansion.

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After the loss of Aleppo on Thursday, the regime scrambled to set up a perimeter defence of Hama, which serves as the crossroad for a number of strategic highways across the country. Such is the importance of the city to Assad that it was not even fought over during the civil war of 2011 to 2016: the opposition forces realised they would only waste men against the heavily-fortified defences. As such, Syrian refugees who had fled Assad during those years erupted with joy on Thursday.

Rebels not only stormed the city of Hama but largely conquered it without a fight - ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/AFP via Getty Images

In days, the rebels had delivered a harsher blow to Syrias president than many dared to dream.

With Hamas capture, the road now lies open to Homs. It was here in 2011 that protesters first called for the downfall of Assad, sparking the brutal repression that escalated into all-out war. If they head south, the next phase of the rebels military operation is likely to be the most challenging. Homs serves as the link between the capital Damascus and Assads loyalist heartland on the Mediterranean coast.

On Thursday, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the jihadist group leading the rebellion, offered an olive branch to the Alawite community from which Assad hails, promising to protect the minority and calling on its members to turn against the regime.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani mobbed in Aleppo

Credit: X / @moradabd

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It was one sign of how the group has evolved from its jihadist fighting roots to a diplomatically astute player in Syrias national politics. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the groups leader, who has a $10m US bounty on his head, has repeatedly stressed that no Kurds, Christians or other of Syrias minorities will be hurt or oppressed by his fighters advance.

He is reportedly considering dropping the name HTS to become a more inclusive, national force  and dresses in Volodymyr Zelensky-like fatigues rather than explicitly Islamist garb. In the past four years, he has also trained and equipped his soldiers to the level they now often outmatch Assads forces.

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X/ @MintelWorld

HTS has officers, special forces, night-time units and a drone force. It has manufactured home-made rockets on a large scale. Assads soldiers, meanwhile, are low on morale and lack the support they relied on from Russia and Iran. This week, Assad ordered army pay increased by 50 per cent  desperately hoping to put some steel back in its fighters.

In Damascus, the mood is tense. Elite army units from the 4th Division patrol the city, while the president and key institutions are protected by the Republican Guard. Some southern neighbourhoods are filled with Iranian-backed militias. If the rebels advance and take Homs, Assads position will become untenable  and, over time, his familys 54-year reign will surely come to an end.

Rebel fighters take pot shots at a Bashar al-Assad poster in Hama - BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Image

They might pursue other avenues first. The rebels could turn West, towards Russian military facilities like the Tartus naval port or Hmeimim airbase. They could also move east, securing the countrys vital oil and gas fields and so denying the regime key sources of revenue. Eventually, though, they will turn to Homs.

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And whatever they now decide, Assad will struggle to root the rebels out of the positions they hold. In a week the regime has lost six air bases in Idlib, Hama and Aleppo. This severely limits the range of the Russian and Syrian air forces to strike targets in the rebel-held north. It has also lost an estimated quarter to a third of all its military hardware.

Fragmented before, Syria is now well and truly split. And the momentum is all against Assad.

Thomas van Linge is a conflict reporter and researcher based in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (KRON)  All Northern California schools affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) will be closed on Thursday after a shooting at a school in Butte County, the church announced. Two kindergarteners were injured in the shooting, and the suspected shooter took his own life.

Our students, faculty, and staff at Feather River have been reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer. On Thursday, the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will close its schools to allow everyone to spend time with their families, Kevin Lampe with SDA said.

There was no police presence at Mountain View Academy Wednesday night, but Mountain View police say they will be providing extra security.

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It is one of several schools in the Bay Area operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church  just like the one where a school shooting left two young students critically injured in Butte County.

In response, Mountain View Police Chief Scott Nelson released a statement saying that in the upcoming days, there will be extra officers patrolling Mountain View schools and Mountain View Academy.

Defense frames Bob Lee murder trial as average Joe vs. tech star

Butte Countys sheriff announced that investigators believe Feather River Adventist School in Oroville may have been a targeted attack because of its affiliation with the denomination.

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We sent an alert out to law enforcement agencies throughout the state of California, Sheriff Kony Honea said.

Along with the statewide alert, Gov.Gavin Newsom put out a statement expressing his condolences.

Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence, he said in part.

There was an adult volleyball game Wednesday night at Mountain View Academy. It was not affiliated with the school, but KRON4 spoke to one man who was playing and said it was deeply disturbing to know that two kindergarteners were shot.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Administrators surprised Patronis Elementary School language assistant Eduardo Anastacio on Wednesday, naming him the support employee of the year.

Eduardo Anastacios journey into education began long before he stepped into the classroom.

Anastacio who is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese credits his multi-cultural background as the drive behind his commitment to teach children from diverse backgrounds.

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I usually help kids one-on-one, and I have 30 minutes with each kid. Sometimes I put two kids at one time so we can have different activities together and I teach them English, some of them they dont know any English, Anastacio said.

On Wednesday the district and fellow Patronis employees gathered to surprise Eduardo with the news.

Cottondale Elementary teacher creates passion for learning

Im feeling so thrilled and so happy. This is a special moment for me. And I know for sure for my mom, my dad back in Brazil. Im from Brazil, and I came looking for a better life. Here I am doing making a difference, Anastacio said.

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Anastacio has been an assistant language educator at Patronis Elementary for 2 years. He is currently in the Bay District Scholars program. The grow your own program is for paraprofessionals and other non-certified staff to become classroom teachers.

It offers college tuition assistance and support to Bay District School employees who aspire to become educators.

I love the kids, and they like me a lot. We do so many things, so many activities. We help each other. I help them. I teach them how to be a good person for the future, Anastacio continued.

This is the second year in a row that Patronis educators have won this district award. Principal Brooke Loyed says she couldnt be more proud.

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Bay District Schools release statement of child abuse allegations involving employees

Were blessed because he makes our students and our families feel welcome. And probably because hes about ELL they dont feel so isolated, you know, because I cant imagine not knowing how to speak English or to go somewhere and have to speak Spanish somewhere, Loyed said.

Now Eduardo has the opportunity to compete for the title of state support employee of the year.

The Bay District representative has won the state title twice in the last 5 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 mypanhandle.com.
In Alexander Lukashenko's Belarus, helping to defend Ukraine against Russia gets you labeled as a terrorist.

Vasil Verameichyk, a Belarusian who enlisted in Ukraine's Armed Forces just four days after Russia launched its all-out war, was detained on Nov. 13 in Vietnam in a suspected covert operation by Belarusian secret services. He was extradited to Belarus the next day.

Verameichyk had previously served in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, which is comprised of Belarusian volunteers who fight for Ukraine. For this, Belarusian state-controlled media described him as a "wanted member of a terrorist organization."

Vasil Verameichyk, a former fighter of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, was detained in Vietnam and extradited to Belarus in Minsk, Belarus, on Oct. 20, 2024. (Screenshot from ONT video)

Minsk, though not directly participating in Russia's war, has aligned itself with Moscow. At the same time, it has escalated repression against pro-democracy Belarusians, both domestically and abroad, who stand in solidarity with Kyiv.

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Verameichyk is faced with at least 20 years in prison if convicted. His Belarusian brothers-in-arms, still serving in Ukraine, are hoping to rally Kyiv to do whatever they can to secure his release  as they would for any Ukrainian soldier  before his time runs out.

"Vasil could even be punished by death for his military service in Ukraine," Andrei Kushnerau, another Belarusian-born soldier who is currently serving in the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Something needs to be done to guarantee his safety  and quickly."

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'Proactive and courageous'

Verameichyk's time in combat was curtailed by injury in April 2022, but not before the 30-year-old fought in several battles. During his military service in Ukraine, he fought to defend Irpin and Bucha in Kyiv Oblast, as well as Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast, against advancing Russian forces.

Verameichyk also received a medal from Ukraine's military intelligence for helping orchestrate the evacuation of over 60 Ukrainian soldiers from encirclement near Oleksandrivka in Mykolaiv Oblast.

"Vasil has always been proactive and courageous, never shying away from danger," Kushnerau said, who served alongside Verameichyk. "He is a promising soldier and opposition politician."

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"Vasil has always been proactive and courageous, never shying away from danger."

After returning from a trip abroad to visit family, Verameichyk was reportedly banned from reentering Ukraine in September 2022. The ban, which extends until 2025, was allegedly the result of a personal conflict with a staff officer in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment.

"But Vasil constantly tried to (find a way to) return to the front line and join a different unit," Kushernau, who is also the founder of the Association of Belarusian Volunteers, said.

He ultimately ended up traveling to Lithuania, a key refuge for many of the over 500,000 Belarusians who fled the country following the post-2020 crackdowns.

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Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Lithuanian government has grown increasingly adverse toward the number of Belarusians in the country. In 2023, a draft law that saw newly-arrived Russians prohibited from obtaining Lithuanian citizenship, owning property, applying for visas, or extending their residence permit was nearly extended to include Belarusians, narrowly averted by public opposition.

Additionally, Belarusians, like Russians, have been asked to disclose their past affiliations and their views on topics such as the annexation of Crimea to "prove" they do not pose threats to Lithuanian national security.

This policy turn has made the situation for Belarusian exiles in Lithuania increasingly difficult.

Read also: Tucker Carlson interviewed Russian FM Lavrov  heres what he said and why its not true

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The leading figures of the Belarusian exile, who have been based primarily out of Lithuania, have been forced to navigate a delicate political landscape as a result. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, in her online call to action to save Verameichyk, did not mention that Lithuania made the possibility for him to remain in Europe impossible for the immediate future.

Lithuania imposed a 30-month entry ban to the EU and Schengen Area on Verameichyk for "national security threat" in July 2023, citing Verameichyk's military service in Belarus during his youth as the reason.

Kushnerau described the decision as a "complete oversight of Verameichyk's service to defend Ukrainian sovereignty" in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

A Belarusian volunteer soldier from the Kastus Kalinouski regiment, a regiment made up of Belarusian opposition volunteers formed to defend Ukraine, fires a 120mm mortar round at a front line position near Bakhmut in the Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on April 9, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Genya Savilov / AFP via Getty Images)

The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry declined the Kyiv Independent's request for comment on the matter, citing that Verameichyk's case was "the jurisdiction of the migration department of the Interior Ministry," but acknowledged that it was following the case.

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"Supporting Belarusian democratic forces and civil society remains one of the Lithuanian government's foreign policy priorities. Lithuania had been providing shelter for those fleeing repressions," the ministry said in its statement. "This support shall be continued."

The Lithuanian Interior Ministry did not reply to the Kyiv Independent's request for comment by the time of this article's publication.

Yet, Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite told Lithuanian Media outlet LRT on Nov. 22 that the State Security Department had decided to label him a "threat to national security."

The Lithuanian State Security Department also did not reply to the Kyiv Independent's request for comment by the time of this article's publication.

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Belarusian citizens abroad face limited visa-free travel options, and their ability to secure long-term residency in a foreign country became even more challenging in September 2023 when Lukashenko's regime prohibited the renewal of passports at Belarusian embassies abroad.

Unable to remain in Lithuania or travel to any of the countries in the Schengen Area, Verameichyk eventually made his way to Vietnam, where Belarusian security services were lying in wait.

Read also: Zelensky unveils new Ukrainian new missile-drone  Peklo

In need of a solution

Belarusian soldiers fighting on the side of Ukraine are hoping Kyiv will facilitate Verameichyk's inclusion on the prisoner exchange list, according to Kushnerau, given Verameichyk's prior military service in Ukraine.

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They are also considering petitioning Kyiv to negotiate a swap with Minsk that would see Verameichyk exchanged for Yevhen Shevchenko, a Ukrainian politician ousted from President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People Party in 2021 after meeting with Lukashenko.

Shevchenko is believed to have established ties with the Belarusian regime. He was detained by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) in mid-November on suspicion of treason after negative public comments he made about the war.

"We don't have many other options (to get Verameichyk out of Belarus)," Kushnerau said.

The President's Office did not respond to the Kyiv Independent's request for comment on either potential exchange scenario.

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More than 1,300 Belarusians have fought for Ukraine, and at least 60 have been killed since 2014. Verameichyk is not the first Belarusian volunteer among them to face issues with Russia-linked authorities for his military service in Ukraine.

Servicemen of the "Volat" battalion of the Belarusian Kastus-Kalynovskyi volunteer regiment plant flags at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine on Oct. 12, 2023. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images)

Yan Dziurbeika, who also served in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, faces charges from prosecutors in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast for being a "mercenary" fighting in Ukraine between February and July 2022. Dziurbeika, along with fellow Belarusian fighter Siarhei Dzyohtseu, was captured by Russian forces in July 2022.

If convicted, Dziurbeika faces seven to 15 years in prison.

Verameichyk's extradition to Belarus is part of what appears to be a growing trend of Moscow-allied countries being ready to extradite foreigners who fought for Ukraine, putting those fighting for the country at risk not only during their military service but also after it ends.

Alexander Ante and Jose Aron Medina, two Colombian men who served in Ukraine's International Legion, were detained by Venezuelan authorities at the end of August during a layover in Caracas at the request of Russia's Security Service, the FSB.

Ante and Medina are currently being held in custody in Russia  they face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

If Belarusian state-controlled media is any indication, the security services will only continue their targeting of Belarusian soldiers fighting alongside Ukrainians against Russia.

The head of the security service's investigative department, Konstantin Bychyk, was featured in a recent propaganda film that included Verameichyk. After footage was shown of Verameichyk being taken away in cable ties on the tarmac of Minsk Airport, Bychyk declared that pro-democracy Belarusians "should live with the knowledge that Belarus will find them, no matter where they are in the world."

Read also: We cant solve war in Ukraine without solving Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya says in exclusive interview

Note from the author:



Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. The Belarusian people's struggle for a better future is ongoing, especially as the Lukashenko regime continues to target innocent individuals. We must also remember amid all this the many Belarusian soldiers risking their lives to defend Ukraine against Russian aggressionthey don't get enough coverage but deserve our recognition and support. If you found this story important please consider supporting our reporting.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BELLEVILLE, Ill.  About 330,000 Illinois homes sit on top of old abandoned mines. Some say their homes are sinking because of it.

Concerns are growing after a reported Pennsylvania sinkhole swallowed up a grandmother into an old mine shaft.

Belleville residents like Shanee Carpenter fear whats happening under them.

Water pours from an unknown source through cavernous cracks in Carpenters basement. Shes lived in the home for decades without problems. Suddenly cracks started showing up this past year, making it look like her house is going to split in half.

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When I go down there to do laundry, Im like, Oh Lord, protect me, Lord, she told us.

St. Louis Sheriff-elect to overhaul staff, terminate most of current administration

You can see inch and a half gaps in spotsenough to stick your hand into. Daylight can be seen in some areas. Its an easy entrance for creatures we saw entering her basement. You can feel where the ground is slopingeven where theres no cracking. One of her back doors will no longer latch.

Its just a matter of time before my house, God forbid, that it caves in, Carpenter said.

Shes one of about a dozen homeowners experiencing sudden foundation cracks near the site of the now-closed Ruler Foods grocery store on North Belt West.

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The store closed after reports of possible mine subsidence there in September 2023.

Fire Chief Stepanie Mills told us back then, We did evacuate three homes, but that was out of an abundance of caution.

Bellevilles mayor says the grocery store remains closed with no official plans to reopen and that the utility construction work you see is related to mine subsidence. We could see Illinois American Water installing new water lines, which the company told us are more durable and can better withstand ground movement.

Illinois DNR is monitoring whats happening in the area, according to the fire department. FOX 2 spoke to five other homeowners off camera, and only two of them described recent foundation cracking, but nothing like Carpenters.

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Its hard to imagine that looking at your house gradually falling apartand theres nothing you could do, Carpenter said.

Shes taken the right steps, like calling the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. During our interview, two inspectors were checking out how her damages have grown.

Carpenter said, His opinion is that its safe to stay here.

A spokesperson for the fund told us it can sometimes take years to track mine-related damages before theres action.

You can find out if you are at risk in Illinois by checking this website.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  New Berns oldest and most popular holiday tradition, the floatilla, is set for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Captain of the New Bern Fire Department Jackson Parker said they urge everyone to be aware of the generator placement on their boats.

One of the biggest things that we like to tell people, especially with the lights, you know, a lot of people are running generators and stuff on their boats. Just keeping in mind the generators, safety, making sure were mindful of where were running the generators, make sure theyre not you know, a lot of closed cabin boats and stuff, make sure generators are running in a well outside ventilated area, Parker said.

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The 40th-annual floatilla is taking place in Union Point Park and it features 12 unique boat designs. The winner receives a first place trophy that has been used every year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), on Thursday successfully launched a mission on the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying European Space Agency's Proba-3 satellites, the ISRO confirmed.

The launch was carried out from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the Sriharikota area in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The two satellites of Proba-3 mission onboard the PSLV rocket got separated successfully a few minutes after the launch, ISRO said in a post on X (erstwhile Twitter). 
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  In April 2023, the Craven County Sheriffs Office received information that a man was selling narcotics out of his home in New Bern.

The Sheriffs office got a search warrant and found 99.01 grams of Fentanyl laced with ANPP, 20.28 grams of Methamphetamine and $1,620.

This week, Jordan Keith Blackmon entered a guilty plea under multiple felonious drug offenses. He pled to:

Trafficking opioid by possession

Attempted trafficking of an opioid

Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl

Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver ANPP

Possession of drug paraphernalia

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He has an active sentence of five to seven years in the Department of Adult Correction followed by four consecutive sentences of two to four years, two over one year and 45 days that were suspended for 60 months of supervised probation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
A recent drill by the Russian Armed Forces in the Mediterranean has provided us with a more detailed view of the shadowy Zircon hypersonic missile, a weapon that has only been glimpsed in the past and shown up in the form of fragments after being combat tested in Ukraine. The maneuvers come as Russias position in Syria  home to its two major Mediterranean bases  increasingly looks to be under threat, as rebels continue their rapid advance south, threatening the rule of Bashar al-Assad, a key Kremlin ally. You can read more about the potential implications for Russia here.

Ru MoD released a somewhat better Zircon launch footage. pic.twitter.com/bxHa6DsFG7  krakek (@krakek1) December 3, 2024

Ru MoD released a somewhat better Zircon launch footage.  Krakek (@krakek.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:05:29.677Z

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As for the new video of the Zircon  also sometimes transliterated as Tsirkon  this was published by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the form of a video documenting the Mediterranean exercise. From several different angles, the missile is seen emerging from the 3S14 vertical launch system (VLS) on the deck of a Russian Navy Project 22350 Admiral Gorshkov class frigate. The missile is seen pulling up, stabilized by vectoring rockets, before continuing on a vertical trajectory, at which point the video ends.

Two views show the launch of a Zircon missile from the latest video. Russian Ministry of Defense capture

Russian Ministry of Defense capture

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the live-fire exercise took place in the eastern Mediterranean yesterday and involved sea-based and air-launched missiles. The frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko are said to have fired Zircon missiles, while the diesel-electric submarine Novorossiysk launched a Kalibr subsonic cruise missile. Meanwhile, on the Syrian coast, a Bastion coastal defense system launched an Oniks supersonic cruise missile. Another video showed a Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile being prepared under a MiG-31I fighter, although its unclear if this missile was also launched.

Undoubtedly, various U.S. and NATO assets will also have been closely monitoring this exercise and likely yielding much new high-quality intelligence on Zircon and other systems.

 Breathtaking launch of Onix antiship missile during Ex in Syria.

Joint RuNAVY & RuAF Ex was 1-3 Dec. The head of RuNAVY admiral A.Moiseev led the Ex

Courtesy: @rianrupic.twitter.com/ohlpdTdruy  KURYER  (@RSS_40) December 3, 2024

Several stills from a newly released Russian MoD clip showing the loading of a (live?) 9-S-7760 air-to-surface missile on a MiG-31I strike aircraft during the Dec. 1-3 VMF & VKS exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean. The missile & aircraft form the 9-A-7760 Kinzhal weapon system. pic.twitter.com/Y3QtVLktgV  Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) December 4, 2024

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Its worth noting that Russian Navy activity related to these maneuvers led to speculation that the service might be evacuating vessels from its facility at the port of Tartus in Syria, according to reports that now appear to have been premature.

We have seen an official video purporting to show a Zircon launch from close quarters before, but on that occasion, it was very difficult to see any details of the missile. This even led to some debate around whether that earlier video  released in October 2020  may have been edited by splicing together a combination of footage showing one or more other weapons, and not just the Zircon. The 2020 video claimed to show the first test launch of the Zircon against a naval target, from the Gorshkov.

A still from Russian Ministry of Defense footage shows a missile fired from the 16-cell 3S14 vertical launch system on the foredeck of the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, underway in the White Sea, in October 2020. This was the first official imagery purporting to show Zircon. Russian Ministry of Defense capture

A Russian Ministry of Defense video that claims to show the Zircon test in the White Sea on Oct. 6, 2020:

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Another video, released by the Russian Ministry of Defense in May 2022, is said to show the Gorshkov launching a Zircon, although the missile is seen only at a distance with no details visible:

Comparing the new video with the one from 2020, it seems we are looking at the same missile, but there are still some questions about how it actually operates.

Interestingly, much of the speculation around the Zircon back in 2020 focused on its potential relationship to one particular older design, the Oniks supersonic missile, which can also be fired from the 3S14 VLS.

Seen from the bow of the warship, the Zircon climbs away after launch. Russian Ministry of Defense capture

Another view of the Zircon after launch during a live-fire exercise yesterday. Russian Ministry of Defense capture

The Oniks has also been used against land targets in Ukraine and in past fighting in Syria, and the Zircon is similarly billed as a dual-use weapon.

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In the past, the Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that the Zircon has reached a speed more than Mach 8 in tests, while Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the weapon has a top speed of around Mach 9 and a range of approximately 620 miles. If true, that would put it firmly in the hypersonic category.

In contrast, the Oniks flies at a maximum speed of up to Mach 2.2, powered by a liquid-fuel ramjet motor. Its maximum range is said to be 180 miles, although this is greatly reduced when flying a low-altitude profile.

Mockup of a Yakhont missile (the export version of the Onyx). Boevaya mashina/Wikimedia Commons Boevaya_mashina

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The Zircon looks very different from the waverider-type hypersonic missile that the Russian media has used to illustrate it in the past. As in the U.S. Air Forces experimental X-51 Waverider, this type of missile uses supersonic shockwaves to maintain the flight vehicles lift and stability. It would typically use a conventional rocket motor to bring it to the required speed and altitude, before an air-breathing high-speed engine, such as a scramjet, takes over.

One of a number of graphics circulating on the internet purporting to show the Zircon. via AINOnline

In January 2023, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the Gorshkov had set out on a deployment armed, for the first time, with Zircon missiles, as you can read about here.

Officials in Russia have said in the past that they expect a number of other types of ships and submarines, including the Russian Navys advanced and extremely quiet nuclear-powered Yasen and Yasen-M class submarines, to be able to employ Zircon in the future. In October 2021, Russia claimed that it had successfully test-launched the Zircon from a submarine for the first time, as you can read about here.

However, the apparent combat debut of the Zircon appears to have made use of a ground-based launcher of some kind.

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In February this year, Ukrainian scientists claimed that Russia had, for the first time, used the Zircon in attacks on at least one target in Ukraine. Alongside these claims, the scientists showed a video of the alleged Zircon wreckage  fragments of the engine and steering mechanisms [with] specific markings.

Various alleged fragments of a Zircon missile were presented by the Kyiv Scientific-Research Institute for Forensic Examinations. via X

Most interestingly, the Kyiv Scientific-Research Institute for Forensic Examinations also provided a line drawing of a supposed Zircon missile that looks very different from previous renderings.

Instead of a waverider-type design, the drawing showed a missile with more in common with a very high-speed ramjet-powered design. The two-stage weapon features a cap over the nose that likely conceals an annular air intake, which feeds the main engine once the first-stage booster falls away. A similar approach was used in the Boeing HyFly, a demonstrator for a hypersonic ramjet-powered cruise missile.

This would also seem to broadly tally with the video of the Zircon from yesterdays exercise in the Mediterranean.

A presumed mockup of the Boeing HyFly hypersonic vehicle at the TSNII VVKO , a secretive Russian military research facility. Zvezda TV

The apparent evidence from Ukraine, combined with the latest video of the Zircon also point to a missile with similar overall dimensions to the Oniks, and, most likely, an annular air intake. Similarity with the Oniks would also make it easier to fire the Zircon from the same type of ground launcher, which appears to have been the case when it was used against Ukraine. In the video we see the missile bulbous nose cap that will separate as it transitions to forward sustained flight.

A close-up of the Zircon from the latest video shows the distinctive nose cap, apparently concealing an annular intake. Russian Ministry of Defense capture

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The U.K. Ministry of Defense assessed that, when used against Ukraine, the Zircon was likely fired from the land-based Bastion coastal defense system, which normally fires Oniks missiles.

It is likely the Russians are testing a newly operational weapon system in a live conflict environment to provide assurance and demonstrate capability, the U.K. Ministry of Defense added.

In many ways, the Zircon remains an enigmatic weapon, with precise details of its operating principle and performance still unconfirmed. The operational status of the missile is also somewhat unclear, although Russia does now seem to be more willing to show the Zircon in greater detail than was the case in the past.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
A 24-year-old East Galesburg, Ill., man was in custody Wednesday after police say he drove a stolen car in a bi-state police pursuit, according to court records.

Michael Hengl (Scott County Jail)

Michael Hengl faces a felony charge of eluding  speed over 25 mph over the limit, and an aggravated-misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle without the owners consent, court records say.

About 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Bettendorf Police initiated a traffic stop on a 2017 Chrysler 200 LX for an obvious fraudulent tag displayed on the vehicle with no valid registration plates affixed., affidavits say.

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A Bettendorf Police officer turned on the squad car emergency lights, the Chrysler began to accelerate, and a pursuit began, affidavits show. The car accelerated at more than 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, then ran a stop sign at 18th Street and Lincoln Road, and a traffic light at 18th Street and Grant Street, where another vehicle was crossing the intersection as the Chrysler sped through. police say in affiadvits.

This placed the occupants of the (other) vehicle in willful and wanton danger. The pursuit was discontinued due to the potential danger to the public, according to affidavits.

The officer saw the Chrysler run a red light at I-74 and Grant Street, then cross the I-74 bridge into Illinois, affidavits show. The officer went to the Isle of Capri casino, 1777 Isle Parkway, where the Chrysler had been seen earlier.

Affidavits say the officer saw security footage showing Hengl enter the drivers seat of the car and leave. Security staff alerted the officer that Hengl had entered the casino again.

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Officers detained Hengl on the casino floor. After he was read his Miranda Rights, Hengl admitted he was driving the car in the chase, according to affidavits.

The registered owner of the vehicle was contacted and said he had reported the car was taken without his permission, that he did not know Hengl or how Hengl came into possession of the car, and that Hengl did not have permission to drive it, affidavits show.

Hengle, who was being held on $8,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Dec. 13 in Scott County 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
A Beverly Hills teacher has been fired for posting anti-Trump content on social media, she claims.

Joanie Garratt spent more than three decades teaching for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD), most recently as a long-term AP US History substitute.

But she says she was fired on November 13, less than a month before her planned retirement on December 5.

Her lawyer claims that the cause of her termination was a Facebook post in which Garratt wrote she was disheartened by a march at Beverly Hills High School on November 6 in support of President-elect Donald Trump.

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During the demonstration, Make America Great Again supporters harassed & intimidated many other non-MAGA students and specifically targeted the class where the Black Student Union was meeting, yelling all kinds of racial slurs, she wrote, according to KTLA 5.

Some students arrived at school truly upset & even crying only to be bullied later by their classmates, Garratt continued. And dont blame the administration for this. They are dealing with it. This comes from their leader, His Majesty, King Trump.

Later, the districts superintendent called her to let her know the post led to her dismissal, citing no further explanation, her attorney announced in a news release.

Garratt never discussed Trump, the election or the pro-Trump students demonstration in her classes. Her comment was made on her own Facebook account, on her own time, and is a prime example of political speech thats protected under the First Amendment and California labor and education codes, the release stated.

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Joanies post, which criticized harassment at the rally and attributed student conduct to political rhetoric whipped up as part of Donald Trumps re-election strategy, is constitutionally protected speech, the attorney added.

However, Superintendent Michael Bregy disagreed with that characterization.

Ms Garratt retired from full-time teaching in BHUSD years ago and was serving and remains a substitute teacher in the District. No action was taken to dismiss her or any other employee in the last month, he reportedly wrote in a statement.

Our focus remains on fostering an educational environment where students and staff are respected and valued, he added. We encourage meaningful discussions that prioritize mutual understanding, respect, and accountability. BHUSD will continue to uphold its standards and policies to ensure that our schools are spaces where all voices can be expressed thoughtfully and responsibly.

We trust these facts will clarify this matter.
A Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker accused of sexually assaulting a woman has gone missing, a court heard.

Adnan Ahmed is alleged to have attacked the woman at an address in Portland, Dorset, on Aug 21.

At the time of the alleged offence, the 36-year-old was a resident on the Bibby Stockholm, the barge that housed asylum seekers at Portland Port.

A summons was sent to the barge on Nov 2, instructing Ahmed to appear at Weymouth magistrates court on Wednesday to answer the criminal charge.

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However, he failed to turn up in court and magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest after being told nobody knows where he is or how to contact him.

Since October, more than 300 residents have left the barge, which the Government announced was to close following the general election.

The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge, which arrived in Portland Port in July 2023 and held up to 500 asylum seekers - Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

Natalie Evans, the court clerk, said: Mr Ahmed is not here. He was on conditional bail to be here. We dont know where he is now that (Bibby Stockholm) has been vacated.

He was charged by the police and given conditional bail on Nov 2. He was meant to be here at 10am.

Ian Hoggart, the presiding magistrate, asked: We dont know where he is?

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Ms Evans replied: No.

Meanwhile, a second asylum seeker charged with sexual assault has also failed to turn up in court.

Moffat Konofilia, 47, who is accused of assaulting a woman on Weymouth beach, is now living in a hostel for asylum seekers in Coventry, 180 miles away.

A summons was sent to him on Oct 31 to attend Weymouth magistrates court to answer the allegation.

The court heard he notified the authorities to say he does not drive and has no money, and was struggling to attend.

He was invited to apply to change the venue of the court or to appear via a video link but he did not respond. A warrant for his arrest was also issued.

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There is still no update on the whereabouts of two other former Bibby Stockholm residents who have gone missing, having been convicted of criminal offences.

One of them is Kenson Noel, who was convicted of drug and violence offences. He claimed he had fled to England to escape drug gangs in Trinidad and Tobago.

Drug offender went missing twice

But in July he pleaded guilty to charges of possessing cannabis he took on the barge and assaulting a police officer who tried to arrest him.

The 29-year-old went on the run before he could be sentenced, and was later picked up by police after an arrest warrant was issued for him.

He was sentenced to a community service order but disappeared again having failed to turn up for the unpaid work on Aug 3 and Sept 11.

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A second known absconder is Ahmed Haffa, who was convicted of theft and assault in February but failed to appear in court for sentencing.

Haffa, 24, stole a 60 jacket from TK Maxx in Weymouth and then assaulted two security guards who chased him. A warrant for his arrest was issued by magistrates in Weymouth but Haffa has still not been located by police 10 months later.

The accommodation barge arrived in Portland Port in July 2023. It housed up to 500 migrants while their cases for asylum were dealt with by the Home Office.

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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 in less than two months, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Biden administration is said to be considering issuing preemptive presidential pardons to the likes of former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr Anthony Fauci in order to shield them from vindictive political prosecutions by Donald Trumps incoming administration.

High-ranking aides to President Joe Biden are currently engaged in a vigorous internal debate over the prospect  according to Politico, citing senior Democrats  with the president-elects decision to nominate Kash Patel as his FBI director increasing the sense of alarm in recent days.

Patel has openly promised to pursue Trumps critics, with Cheney and Fauci likely to be in the firing line.

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Former GOP Rep. Cheney chaired the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol riot and campaigned with Kamala Harris during the election. Meanwhile, the retired physician led the federal response to the Covid-19 pandemic and became a hate figure among conspiracy-minded conservatives.

Another candidate said to be under consideration for a pardon is California Democrat Adam Schiff, a long-standing enemy of Trump who led the first impeachment investigation into the former presidents notorious quid pro quo approach to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019.

The talks come after Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden over the Thanksgiving weekend, drawing accusations of hypocrisy given that he had repeatedly vowed not to do so.

Joe Bidens administration is reportedly considering pardoning a number of allies to shield them from vengeful prosecutions by Donald Trump (AP)

The White House officials now engaged in the discussions about issuing blanket pardons to Cheney, Fauci and Schiff are understood to be conscious that doing so would be an extraordinary step  given that none of them have been charged with a crime.

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The decision might also appear to the American public like an admission of impropriety, playing into the anti-establishment critiques regularly offered by Trump and his supporters.

It is possible the recipients might choose to reject them on principle.

Schiff told the outlet: I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary.

According to Politico, the talks are still ongoing and are being led by White House Counsel Ed Siskel and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients.

Biden himself has not yet been drawn into the discussions, nor have any of the potential beneficiaries.

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, whom the former pardoned over the Thanksgiving weekend (AFP/Getty)

The possibility of issuing clemency in advance has reportedly received a mixed reception among Democrats on Capitol Hill.

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Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle are among those urging Biden to act if it becomes clear before Trumps inauguration on January 20 that he is planning retribution against his political enemies, Politico reported.

This is no hypothetical threat, Boyle said in a statement.

The time for cautious restraint is over. We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power.

Presidents have commonly issued contentious pardons to allies before leaving the Oval Office, with Gerald Fords preemptive pardon of Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal one of the most famous.
(Bloomberg) -- This is the fourth story in the series Courting Injustice, which reveals how US immigration courts deny many deserving asylum seekers a fair hearing.

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President-elect Donald Trumps vow to deport millions of migrants and dramatically restrict the USs asylum program will get help from an unlikely source: President Joe Biden, the man whose immigration record Trump lambasted on his way back to the White House.

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After an unprecedented number of asylum seekers sought entry at the southern border in the second half of 2023, Biden this year stretched the use of executive power to restrict access to asylum. His administration also persuaded more countries to accept deportees, and in recent months has sought to expand immigrant detention capacity, according to federal contracting records.

Despite such efforts, Trump successfully used Bidens immigration policies to put first the president and then Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on the defensive during the campaign. Yet Trump is now expected to build on those same Biden policies to make good on his promise of mass deportations.

The Biden administration has absolutely paved the way for this, said Lisa Koop, legal director for the National Immigrant Justice Center. Theyve served up asylum seekers on a silver platter. Neither the White House nor a spokesman for the Trump campaign responded to a request for comment.

Both presidents have been hampered in their policy goals by the right to claim asylum  and both have sought creative ways to try to get around it. Enshrined in both international and US law, the program is designed to protect those persecuted in their home countries because of their race, religion, political opinions or membership in an oppressed group.

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During Covid-19, Trump used a World War II-era health regulation to deny millions of border crossers the chance to file for asylum, a policy the Biden administration extended. After the pandemic waned, Biden enacted sweeping rules that essentially froze all asylum applications during times when border crossings surge, regardless of the strength of an applicants case.

He allowed one important exception: Before arriving at the border, asylum seekers can download a smartphone app to schedule an appointment  after a waiting period that can take months  to present themselves to a border control agent and formally apply.

Experts say Trump could retain Bidens current asylum restrictions and simply get rid of the exception for those who apply through the app before they reach the border. That move would save the months it would otherwise take the incoming administration to craft an entirely new rule.

This seemingly arcane change in procedure has big implications: Asylum seekers have to use the app in order to get the exception, so eliminating it would shut down the last remaining way to seek an asylum hearing when border crossings exceed the threshold.

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Such crossings plummeted this year after implementation of the rule, which kicks in anytime encounters at the border reach a seven-day average of 2,500; that prohibition remains in place until encounters drop below 1,500 for 28 consecutive days.

They definitely could keep Bidens rules, but try to make them even more restrictive, said Jean Reisz, co-director of the Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic at the University of Southern California.

Such a move would likely be challenged in court by those who interpret it as an outright asylum ban, which only Congress can impose.

Trumps promised deportation push also could affect millions of people who have made an asylum claim already. When Trump left office, Americas immigration courts were backlogged with 1.4 million pending cases; that number has soared to about 3.7 million, about 1.5 million of which involve people requesting asylum.

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The Biden administration has increased the number of immigration judges, but it has had little effect on reducing that backlog. Whether Trump will try to deport those still waiting for a final asylum decision is unclear, but such a move likely would trigger a fierce response from immigrant advocates and human rights organizations, who argue that officially applying for asylum should protect them from deportation until their cases are adjudicated.

That is going to be litigated immediately, and there will likely be a major effort to pour legal resources into that, which could stymie what the administration is trying to do, said Doris Meissner, who in the 1990s headed the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the precursor to the Department of Homeland Security.

One of the most powerful tools Trump could use to kickstart mass deportations, experts predict, would be a change in the terms of a process known as expedited removal. Created by Congress in the 1990s, it allows officials to quickly deport border crossers who have been apprehended within 100 miles of the border and who have been in the country fewer than two weeks.

Trump could apply it to the entire US and extend the eligible time window to include any undocumented people whove been in the country for up to two years. This would make it easier to deport perhaps millions of undocumented migrants living and working in cities across the nation.

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Those rapid deportations could even apply to people who are essentially victims of a paperwork error, according to Koop, of the Immigrant Justice Center. When entering the immigration court system, migrants receive a document called a notice to appear in front of a judge. Multiple courts have ruled that specific times and dates for an initial court appearance must be listed on these documents. But many of those so-called NTAs are never actually entered on court dockets, leaving people in a legal limbo.

We see in Chicago, for example, a lot of people coming to court on the date thats on their notice to appear, only to learn the NTA wasnt actually filed with the court, Koop said. This is definitely not unique to the Biden administration, and we saw it under Trump as well. But there are people that can have an NTA for years before it ever gets filed with the court.

Another group that potentially could be targeted for deportation includes almost 300,000 asylum seekers whose cases Biden officials removed from dockets by citing prosecutorial discretion because they werent considered a threat to public safety  a tool his administration used more than previous ones.

The status of those migrants  unless they have reapplied for asylum  remains unclear. I think a lot of people whose cases were terminated are just living in the US undocumented, without any other form of immigration relief or benefits available to them, so they would definitely be at risk, Reisz said.

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Under Biden, the US has deported almost as many people as Trumps first administration did  about 1.48 million compared with 1.5 million, according to the Washington, DC-based Migration Policy Institute.

During Trumps first term, numerous countries either refused to accept deportees or slow-rolled them, requiring extensive documentation and paperwork. But Bidens team smoothed the process with countries hesitant to accept deportees, said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a lawyer and policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute.

The Biden administration deported people to 170 countries last year  the result of a concerted diplomatic push, she said. That may do a lot to help Trump.

Worried that Trump could exploit Biden policies to supercharge deportations, immigration advocates are lobbying the lame-duck administration to erect obstacles.

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Since the November election, theyve urged the Biden administration to rescind a provision passed under Trump that made asylum off-limits for certain groups, including those citing fears of domestic violence or gangs. Biden Attorney General Merrick Garland, who is in charge of the immigration courts, reversed decisions based on those restrictions. But the Trump provision remains on the books.

More than 300 civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups also have signed a series of letters to Biden officials asking that the president finally uphold a promise he made during his campaign to end the use of detention centers run by for-profit companies, which are often criticized by advocates for providing substandard care to detainees. Today, a greater share of immigrant detainees  nearly 90% of them  are held in privately run detention facilities than were during Trumps term.

Now is the time to take decisive action to prevent catastrophe for millions of people and avoid handing the keys to an expanded and inhumane detention and deportation system to the next president, stated one of the letters.

Bidens team has quietly been pushing to increase capacity in those same centers. According to federal contracting proposals and documents obtained in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Bidens Homeland Security Department this year has sought to expand existing ICE detention facilities in as many as 16 states.

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In August, ICE sought to add 850 to 950 detention beds each in El Paso, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle, according to an agency contracting proposal. Three months earlier, the agency sought proposals from private contractors to add almost 1,000 new beds serving ICE field offices in Chicago, Salt Lake City and Harlingen, Texas. A third ICE proposal revealed a plan to add 600 beds in New Jersey.

Such expansion plans would provide a boost for the incoming administration, allowing them to hold more people destined for deportation, said Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney for the ACLUs National Prison Project. In essence, the Biden administration was laying down a runway for the Trump administration to come in and support ICEs plans for mass deportation, she said.

Read next: Justice Is Beside the Point in Americas Immigration Courts

--With assistance from Sinduja Rangarajan and David Voreacos.

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President Joe Biden and his senior aides are discussing possible preemptive pardons for people who might be targeted by the incoming Trump administration, according to a source close to the president.

Possible names include current and former officials such as retired Gen. Mark Milley, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Politico was first to report the news.

The consideration comes after Biden issued a full pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on Dec. 1. The move sparked backlash from Republicans and criticism from many Democrats.

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MORE: How President Biden came to the decision to pardon his son Hunter

PHOTO: President Joe Biden, accompanied by Hunter Biden walks out of a bookstore in downtown Nantucket, Massachusetts, Nov. 29, 2024. (Craig Hudson/Reuters)

The White House said Biden did so, despite his past pledges not to pardon his son, because "it didn't seem his political opponents would let go of it."

Throughout his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to exact "retribution" on his political enemies.

Milley, who retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last year, has long been a target of Republican attacks over the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

He also stoked Trump's ire over a report that Milley secretly called his Chinese counterpart before and after the 2020 election to dispel China's fears Trump was not planning an attack. Trump accused Milley of "treason" after the report.

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Cheney and Schiff have also long been criticized by Trump over their investigation into the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6, 2021. The two were part of the House Jan. 6 committee's yearlong probe, which concluded with the recommendation of criminal charges against Trump. Schiff also was the lead House prosecutor in Trump's first Senate impeachment trial.

PHOTO: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks at a town hall with Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, Oct. 21, 2024, in Royal Oak, Mich. (Sarah Rice/Getty Images, FILE)

PHOTO: Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus, June 3, 2024, in Washington. (Allison Bailey/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Cheney lost her reelection bid in 2022 to a Trump-backed Republican challenger. Cheney endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump, and appeared with Harris several times on the campaign trail.

Schiff is now the senator-elect from California after winning the seat held by late Sen. Dianne Feinstein in November.

Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, faced intense scrutiny over the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He's been called to Capitol Hill to testify on school shutdowns, the virus' origins and more by House Republicans since retiring in 2022.

Biden considering preemptive pardons for officials Trump might target: Source originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Joe Bidens team is considering a raft of preemptive pardons to protect his allies from prosecutions by Donald Trump.

The US presidents staff are considering pardoning Anthony Fauci, the former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with Liz Cheney and Adam Schiff.

The Biden administration is concerned that some Democrats and allies will be targeted by Kash Patel, Mr Trumps choice to lead the FBI who has said he intends to pursue the president-elects critics.

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Mr Fauci, who led the CDC during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been criticised by Republicans for supporting lockdown measures and opposing the lab leak theory of coronaviruss origin.

This week, a report by a congressional committee on Covid found that a lab accident in China was the most likely cause of the outbreak, contradicting Mr Faucis view during the pandemic.

Joe Biden provoked outrage on Sunday by announcing he would pardon Hunter, his son

Pardoning allies before any charges are brought would be a highly unusual step, which some in Mr Bidens office believe is justified by Mr Trumps plans for a vengeance presidency. The suggestion was first reported by Politico.

The outlet said that others on the list of possible targets included Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman and daughter of the Republican vice-president Dick Cheney.

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Ms Cheney abandoned her party to publicly support Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race. Mr Trump has said she should go to jail for her role in a congressional investigation into his involvement in the Capitol riots on Jan 6 2021.

Adam Schiff, a Democratic politician elected as a California senator last month, has also been mooted for a possible pardon.

In response to the story, Mr Schiff said he would urge the president not to do that.

I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary, he told Politico.

Jim Clyburn, one of Mr Bidens closest allies in the House of Representatives, suggested on Thursday that the president should also look to pardon Jack Smith  the special prosecutor appointed to oversee two cases against Mr Trump.

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Jack Smiths name is on my list. Liz Cheneys name is on my list, he told CNN.

I think that they all should be preemptively pardoned, because I think there are people who Trump may bring into this government, who will go after these people in a serious way, and theres no need to subject them to that.

Jack Smith oversaw two cases against Donald Trump - SAUL LOEB/AFP

Mr Biden is not thought to have been involved in the discussions about preemptive pardons, which have been led by Ed Siskel, the White House counsel.

Biden pardons son Hunter

The president provoked outrage on Sunday by announcing he would pardon Hunter, his son, who is due to be sentenced in two federal cases for gun possession and tax evasion.

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Mr Biden said that he believed the prosecutions were politically-motivated and would not have been brought if he was not in office.

It is clear that Hunter was treated differently, 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.

While it is common for outgoing presidents to issue pardons in their final months in office, the wide-ranging pardon given to Mr Bidens son covers any criminality that took place over a 10-year period. It is the most expansive order of its kind since Richard Nixon was pardoned in 1974.

The president has the ability to issue unconditional pardons, which cannot be challenged by Congress or the courts. His decision to pardon his son has reignited debate about that power.

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BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- China is concerned about the United States' tendency to weaponize and politicize trade remedy investigations, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks while replying to a media query on proposed U.S. anti-dumping duties on photovoltaic products from four Southeast Asian countries.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced the preliminary determinations of its anti-dumping duty investigations into photovoltaic products from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

The investigations showed evident "result-oriented" intentions, the spokesperson said, urging the United States to cease its protectionist actions as soon as possible.

Global industrial and supply chains are the result of market rules and business choices, the spokesperson said, noting that ensuring the smooth, stable operations of these chains is in line with the long-term interests and mutual expectations of all parties.

He said that Chinese photovoltaic companies have invested in Southeast Asian countries in recent years, contributing to local social and economic development.

The United States should work with other countries to safeguard the free trade of photovoltaic products and other new energy products, and contribute to addressing global climate change, he said. 
Blanket precautionary pardons are being considered for some of Donald Trumps biggest political foes, according to a new report.

Biden officials have been looking at who Trump and his FBI director pick Kash Patel may go after once they take over the White House, the latest sign of concern from the Democratic Party ahead of his impending inauguration.

Some of those who are being considered for the precautionary pardon include newly-elected Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat who served on Congresss Jan 6. Committee; former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney; and Anthony Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, according to Politico.

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I would urge the president not to do that, Schiff said to Politico, who reported that the potential nominees know nothing. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary.

Both Cheney and Fauci did not respond to requests for comment from Politico, the report noted.

In the past, Trump has said on multiple occasions that his adversaries should go to jail. Schiff is a sleazebag and traitor, and should be prosecuted for the damage he has done to our Country, a January 2023 Trump statement read.

Earlier this year, Trump reposted a photo of Fauci, along with other political adversaries like Biden, Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, all wearing orange jumpsuits. The caption read: HOW TO ACTUALLY FIX THE SYSTEM.

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In regard to Cheney, Trump wrote in March: She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!

Politico wrote that multiple senior aides are in on the discussion, including chief of staff Jeff Zients. President Joe Biden has not been in the blanket pardon conversations as of yet, zeroing in on his son Hunter Bidens pardon, people familiar with the situation told Politico.

Hunters pardon seemed to have stemmed from worries of what Trumps second term could mean for the son of the president.

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 wrote in his statement.

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During his own presidency, Trump granted a number of pardons to people deemed close allies, including Charles Kushner, father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Others jockeyed for inclusion on the select list, but were ultimately rebuffed.

Those included former Trump legal adviser John Eastmanthe author of a controversial coup memo outlining the discredited legal theory that then-Vice President Mike Pence could use his powers to reject the 2020 election results.

In the days after Jan. 6, 2021, Eastman emailed former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and proclaimed, Ive decided that I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works.

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President Bidens surprise pardon of his son Hunter has prompted calls for the outgoing commander in chief to grant clemency to other Americans before he hands over the White House to President-elect Trump next month.

Some Democrats have used the Hunter Biden pardon to call on the president to give clemency to death row inmates and nonviolent offenders. Others have suggested Biden issue preemptive pardons to those Trump considers his enemies. Meanwhile, outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) said Biden should pardon his former presidential rival directly.

Here are some possible pardons Biden could issue before he leaves the White House in January.

Death row inmates

Progressive voices on Capitol Hill are pushing for Biden to give clemency to inmates facing the death penalty.

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Dont stop at Hunter Biden, outgoing Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) told a CNN panel Monday. Pardon the 40 people who are on death row right now to get them off of death row, number one.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told The Independent that its less about the fact that the president pardoned his son and more about the fact that hes only really pardoning his son when there are Americans serving life in prison and who are on death row who should be taken off death row.

Shortly before the news of Hunters pardon, the American Civil Liberties Union had issued a guide urging the president to use his final months in office to commute federal death sentences. And groups that have long been calling for death row pardons, such as the Prison Policy Initiative, are piling on in the wake of the Hunter Biden move.

Nonviolent offenders

Several Democrats openly criticized Bidens pardon, saying the move would ultimately hurt his party. But other lawmakers used it as an opportunity to call attention to other opportunities for clemency in the justice system.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is urging Biden to help nonviolent offenders in the federal system affected by unjustly aggressive prosecutions.

Biden should exercise the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life, including toward his son, and pardon on a case-by-case basis the working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses, Jeffries said in a statement.

Jeffries cited no specific names.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, has also renewed her calls for more sweeping leniency.

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Im thinking of the hundreds of thousands of people who pose no threat to society and whose lives are deteriorating due to Americas mass incarceration crisis and unjust criminal legal system, Pressley said.

She was part of a letter last month signed by more than 60 House lawmakers asking Biden to use his clemency power to set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration.

Bowman also pressed Biden to forgive the 3,000 people who are in federal jail for trumped-up marijuana charges.

Earlier this year, Biden granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, citing a commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety, after making a similar move last year. In 2022, he pardoned everyone convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law.

Donald Trump

Manchin, the Democrat-turned-Independent senator who himself is on his way out of public office, has said Biden should use his pardon power on the president-elect.

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What I would have done differently, and my recommendation as a counsel wouldve been, Why dont you go ahead and pardon Donald Trump for all his charges? Manchin told CNN over the weekend.

Things would have gone down a lot more balanced if Biden had done so, Manchin said.

Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) told CNN this week that Manchin may be on to something there and signaled hed support Biden pardoning Trump, who faced a slew of federal charges related to the mishandling of classified documents and his connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

Clyburn pointed to the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling to argue that the high court has pretty much made it very clear that he is preemptively pardoned of anything he may do as president.

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Trump faced historic legal battles as he campaigned to return to the White House this cycle. But late last month, special counsel Jack Smith moved to drop both federal cases against Trump in light of Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

Donald Trumps perceived enemies

Days before Biden pardoned his son, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) suggested the president could consider pardons to protect Trumps perceived enemies.

I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful [way his] first year  towards individuals who he believes harmed him, Markey told Boston Public Radio. I would say that, if its clear by Jan. 19 that that is his intention, then I would recommend to President Biden that he provide those preemptive pardons to people.

Clyburn echoed those calls this week, saying special counsel Jack Smith and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)  who stoked Trumps ire while in Congress and then campaigned for Vice President Harris this cycle  are on his list of those who should be preemptively pardoned.

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I think there are people who Trump may bring into this government who will go after these people in a serious way, and theres no need to subject them to that, Clyburn told CNN. Other voices have suggested pardons for Robert Mueller, Gen. Mark Milley and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.).

Julian Assange, Marilyn Mosby and others

A set of unlikely allies  Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)  urged Biden last month to pardon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who pleaded guilty this year to a felony count under the Espionage Act.

Assange could also see a pardon under Trump, whos said hes open to considering clemency in the case.

Some advocates are also calling for clemency for Marilyn Mosby, a former Baltimore City states attorney who is on house arrest after federal convictions this year.

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Biden has received more than 10,000 commutation petitions and nearly 1,300 pardon requests so far, according to statistics from the Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney. Hes granted just 25 total pardons, before Hunters was added to the list, and 132 commutations.

By comparison, Trump pardoned 144 Americans in his first term and commuted 94 sentences. Former President Obama granted 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations in his eight years.

Asked in a press briefing this week whether Biden will grant some of his outstanding clemency petitions, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said more pardons can be expected at the end of the incumbents term.

Hes thinking through that process very thoroughly, Jean-Pierre said. Theres a process in place, obviously.  But you could expect more announcements, more [pardons] and clemency  at the end of this term.

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Senior Biden White House aides, administration officials and prominent defense attorneys in Washington, DC, are discussing potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for people who might be targeted for prosecution by President-elect Donald Trump after he retakes power, multiple sources told CNN.

Reports of these conversations have captured the attention of Trumps legal advisers, who, according to a source familiar with their strategy, believe President Joe Biden would be setting a new precedent in terms of the scope of pardons that they could take advantage of, down the line, to help their own allies.

Bidens senior aides inside the White House have been deliberating for weeks about the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons, according to the sources familiar with the discussions. The move, which would cover people who havent ever been formally accused of any crimes, would be an extraordinary step and shows the grave concerns many Democrats have that Trump will prosecute a range of figures that he considers to be his enemies.

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Trump has publicly called for the jailing of people like Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as vice chair of the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack, as well as special counsel Jack Smith, who brought federal criminal cases against Trump.

One former senior White House official said aides inside the White House and across various federal agencies are intensely worried about the possibility that the incoming Trump administration will prosecute anyone deemed as having antagonized the president-elect.

Additionally, several prominent white-collar lawyers across Washington have fielded calls in recent weeks from government officials, including investigators from Smiths office, who are concerned they could be targeted by the incoming Trump administration.

Biden and his top aides view Trumps public threats  particularly against current and former government officials  as unprecedented, and some believe that it would be reckless and irresponsible for Biden to leave office without granting preemptive pardons.

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You have got (an incoming) president that has basically said hes going to go after all these people, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. Why not do it?

A White House spokesperson declined to comment.

Possible legal defense funds

According to Politico, which first reported on the internal debate, the discussions are being led by White House counsel Ed Siskel and other senior aides to the president, including chief of staff Jeff Zients.

The former White House official who spoke to CNN, who is intimately familiar with the workings of the White House counsels office, said it would be typical for Siskel and his team to first put together a detailed memo to be presented to Biden.

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In that situation, that memo would include a list of individuals that Biden might consider pardoning preemptively, the context about any prior legal precedent, and a discussion of the wide range of potential ramifications if the president does move forward with these pardons.

The calls among worried government officials and top white-collar defense lawyers in DC, appear, at this point, to be precautionary. One private attorney told CNN that theyre feeling out what they should do if something happens once Trump takes over.

A spokesman for Smiths special counsel office declined to comment on whether he would seek a preemptive pardon. CNN previously reported that Smith intends to step down before Trump takes office, instead of being fired, as the president-elect has pledged to do.

As Democrats brace for the political and legal scrutiny that could come from the new president, his administration, and the GOP-run Congress, one significant concern for many current and former administration officials is the possibility of mounting legal bills.

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Multiple sources said there have been discussions about setting up legal funds to help support those who would not be able to afford thousands of dollars in lawyers fees.

Some of the private practice bar have discussed if influential white-collar practices could work together to help career Justice Department workers  and others who are exiting the federal workforce  to possibly provide them low-cost or pro-bono representation.

And at least one progressive group is working on assembling resources  such as lawyers, security experts and communications professionals  who could help government officials placed under investigation during the Trump years, some of the people familiar with the discussions said.

Emboldening Trump?

A source familiar with Trump legal strategy says his team believes Bidens pardon of his son Hunter has set a new precedent for presidents to issue expansive pardons to their children  and this could be something Trump chooses to do before he leaves office.

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The Hunter Biden pardon was notable for not only forgiving the crimes in his tax and gun indictments, but also for protecting him from being charged with any offense he may have committed or taken part in between January 2014 and December 2024.

Theres also the presidents brother James Biden, who hasnt faced charges but whose overseas business dealings attracted intense scrutiny from congressional Republicans. Several GOP-run House committees urged the Justice Department to prosecute James Biden in connection with lying to Congress. (He denies all wrongdoing and declined to comment for this story.)

If Biden goes even further and grants preemptive pardons to an expansive list of individuals, Trumps team believes that move would also create a new precedent and give Trump political cover to do the same for his allies, according to the source.

CNN reported in 2021 that before Trump left office during his first term, he considered  but did not grant  preemptive pardons for family members, political allies, his personal attorneys, and even for himself, including in the wake of the January 6 insurrection.

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Attorneys across the political spectrum have raised concerns about blanket pardons to protect against future investigations or prosecution.

Its just such a different use of the pardon power, said Neil Eggleston, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama. You would create the beginning of a tit for tat where, when any administration is over, you just pardon everybody.

Presidential pardons protect against federal Justice Department prosecutions, but do not shield individuals from state-level criminal cases or congressional investigations.

While Trump has publicly said he wants his Justice Department to go after his perceived adversaries, the system has built-in checks against abuses of power, such as judges that can throw out charges, grand juries that can refuse to indict, juries that can return not guilty verdicts, and other safeguards to protect against purely vindictive prosecutions.

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Some prominent former Justice Department officials have said they wouldnt want a preemptive pardon from Biden, because it might imply theyre conceding there was wrongdoing during their work for the federal government, according to a source familiar with their thinking.

Trumps ever-growing enemies list

Trump has a well-documented history of pushing  both publicly and privately  for investigations and prosecutions of his political opponents, almost always based on unproven, baseless and conspiracy-tinged allegations about their supposed activities.

Many of his recent threats targeted prosecutors who charged him with crimes: Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

He has publicly called for investigations into prominent lawmakers: Cheney and the rest of the January 6 committee members (who he said should go to jail), former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (for her supposed ties to Russia), Senator-elect Adam Schiff (for his role in the Trump-Ukraine impeachment saga) and a host of other Democratic lawmakers.

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Still, members of Congress have immunity from the Constitutions speech or debate clause that offers such broad protections for their legislative work that even members of the defunct January 6 committee would be unlikely to take seriously any legal threats.

Trump also has said Vice President Kamala Harris should be  prosecuted for letting undocumented immigrants into the country. After the election, Trump called for probes of Iowa pollster Ann Selzer (for election fraud, by releasing a poll with Harris ahead), and into stock traders who spread illegal rumors about his investment in Truth Social.

During his first term, some of Trumps calls for probes were apparently heeded, leading to investigations into 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, former FBI director James Comey, and former FBI deputy director Andy McCabe, now a CNN contributor.

None of them were ever charged with crimes.

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Some of Trumps longtime foes who worked on the Russia probe around the 2016 election may not have much legal exposure now because their government service ended so long ago and statutes of limitations may have lapsed.

There are plenty of other figures that, despite Trumps calls, werent investigated during his first term, but could be scrutinized when he returns to power: former President Barack Obama (for treason), former Secretary of State John Kerry (for his contacts with Iran), and even MSNBC host Joe Scarborough (based on a conspiracy theory that he was possibly able to get away with murder after one of his interns died in 2001).

Attorneys who might defend top targets have their own fears, too. Representing Trump administration and political officials had largely gone out of fashion for large DC defense firms in recent years, with few willing to take on clients, especially after January 6.

The view at Washingtons elite firms  which tend to lean liberal  may be shifting back toward getting involved, but its still not clear how much pushback the next Trump presidency may receive from the capitals powerful law firms, several prominent attorneys told CNN this week.

There could well be a fear now by law firm leaders that if we take on those cases, could we ourselves be targeted?one white-collar lawyer who regularly represents high-profile political figures told CNN on Thursday.

Focus on political pardons angers activists

Some liberal-leaning and criminal justice reform groups are pushing Biden to focus his final clemency efforts less on family members, political allies or Trumps potential targets  and instead to help incarcerated Americans whom they believe deserve relief.

One group, FWD.us, is airing TV ads in the Washington, DC, market, pressing Biden to give people a second chance, by granting clemency to Americans with outdated prison sentences that they argue would be shorter under todays laws and policies.

Theyve pointed to Obamas record-setting commutations as a model. He reduced the punishments of more than 1,300 convicts, including 500 people serving life sentences.

The thousands of people serving disproportionately long and racially disparate sentences in federal prison have been waiting for relief long before the politics of this particular moment, Zoe Towns, executive director of FWD.us, said in an email. It is our hope that whatever comes next includes a robust clemency effort focused on them.

CNNs Kayla Tausche and Curt Devine contributed to this report.

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BIG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The City of Big Spring has announced it will be offering free smoke detectors to residents on Monday at the Water Office, located at 410 East Third Street. The City said cars will be able to drive through and receive a free smoke detector as long as supplies last, beginning at 5 p.m.

I cant stress enough how important it is for you to have functioning smoke detectors in your homes; they save lives, said Jay Holt, Big Spring Fire Department Fire Chief. We want all residents to be safe and we are happy we can provide smoke detectors to those who do not have them.

OFR emphasizing the importance of smoke alarms

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The Big Spring Fire Department is also offering these safety tips as cold weather and the holiday season grows closer:

Check your smoke detectors, ensure the batteries are fresh, and the detectors are in proper working condition.

Create a family escape plan in case of a fire. An escape plan could be the difference between life and death and is crucial to review and practice an escape plan for each member of your family. Make sure everyone knows a second route out if the first one is inaccessible.

Use care with space heaters. Never use an extension cord, Plug directly into a wall outlet. Keep the heater at a safe distance  at least three feet from kids, pets, and flammable items.

Never leave a space heater unattended and make sure it has an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions and never try to repair a broken one.

Keep all heat sources away from your Christmas trees and other flammable decorations and dont overload extension cords. Extension cords are a large factor in fires during the holidays, the fire department said.

If you have appliances or devices that use natural gas or propane, be sure to have a functioning carbon monoxide detector. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or above any attached garage.

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NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  On a sprawling 40 acres in east Norman sits the J.D. McCarty Centera growing place of hope and support for Oklahoma children with developmental disabilities.

We work with kids, both inpatient and outpatient, Sharla Bardin said. We are a state agency. So, we can serve children throughout Oklahoma.

Luther Woman Pays it Forward with Boots on the Ground

The center connects families with resources and provides therapy, recreation, special education, medical and respite care, and free therapeutic screenings.



It can take a few months. Our waiting list kind of varies, but the whole goal is to get the families in as fast as we can, Bardin said.

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The facility was named after the late state legislator J.D. McCarty, who helped pave the way for the centers expansion, but it was founded in 1946 by the Forty and Eight veterans organization.



If this place werent here, what would they do?

Thats a good question. I dont know, Joseph Steil said. That was why the Forty and Eight started this as a cerebral palsy hospital, because one of our members at the time had a grandson who had cerebral palsy, and there was nowhere for him to go.

Steil is one of three commissioners appointed by the governor to oversee the hospitals missionone he and his wife adopted many years ago.



For me, its because my wife and I had a son who had a chromosome disorder, and he only lived 12 days, Steil said. If he would have lived, we would have had to look for a place like this.

Volunteer works 8 hours a day to tend ball fields for free

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Steil thinks he is being interviewed about the 75th anniversary of the historic boxcar that has long welcomed visitors here and had no idea he was named as a recipient of the Pay It 4Ward award.



The Forty and Eight was formed in 1920 just after World War I, and many of the doughboys in World War I rode around in these French boxcars to the front, from the ports to the front and back again, and some in World War II also, he said.

The boxcar was part of the French gratitude train, and December 5 marks its 75th anniversary.



The boxcar actually arrived here in 1949. In 1947, just after World War II, America sent over 750 boxcars full of goods for France and Europe, and a couple of years later the French decided to give us boxcars full of as much as they could., Steil said. And so, the boxcar that came to Oklahoma is the one sitting out there.



The reason we are here is we have a program called Pay It 4Ward, and it honors and recognizes people in the community who serve others and go above and beyond, and Sharla has nominated you.



Sharla has nominated you, Commissioner Steil, for Pay It 4Ward, Matt Robinson of First Fidelity Bank said. Were thrilled to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the boxcar that has welcomed visitors to the J.D. McCarty Center for 75 years now. So, on behalf of First Fidelity Bank, it is my privilege to give 400 hundred dollars to Sharla to pay it forward.



Joe, for all you do and for all the 48 does, Bardin said. I wanted to let people know about how you guys have created our place and just this legacy of kindness and generosity that youve created.

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This is a big surprise, Steil said. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Weve been heavily involved for many, many years and hopefully continue to do so, and well definitely put this money to good use for this 75th-anniversary celebration.

The event will be held Thursday, December 5 at the J.D. McCarty Center located at 2002 E. Robinson St. in Norman. For more information or to donate to the centers toy drive, visit https://www.jdmc.org/.

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Women who delivered a stillborn baby or terminated a pregnancy due to medical reasons would be eligible for bereavement days under the bill. (Getty Images)

Years after an ectopic pregnancy led to surgery, Stacey Matarazzo Dinburg became pregnant again through in-vitro fertilization. But nine months later, she delivered a stillborn baby and went home broken-hearted.

She suffered from daily panic attacks and severe depression, along with the physical pain that came with recovering from a C-section. Ineligible for bereavement leave at her job, she returned to work far too soon, she said, as financial burdens added to her stress.

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As a mother of a stillborn child, I firmly believe that families who suffered as devastating a loss of a child or pregnancy should receive at least the same time off as those who bring home a healthy child, she told the Senate Labor Committee Thursday. These families require a great deal of support. Pregnancy and infant loss is a lifelong sentence.

Dinburg was one of several parents and advocates who shared their heartbreaking stories of grief before the panel advanced legislation to require employers to provide bereavement leave to grieving parents.

Under the bill, workers would be eligible for bereavement leave for the death of a child, miscarriage, or stillbirth under the Family Leave Act or Temporary Disability Benefits Law. Workers could also seek bereavement leave for an unsuccessful adoption that had been pending, a pregnancy terminated for medical reasons, a failed fertility treatment, and ectopic or molar pregnancies. Spouses or domestic partners of someone who had a miscarriage or stillbirth would be eligible for the expanded bereavement leave.

Depending on the circumstances, people could take between seven and 21 days of bereavement leave.

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New Jersey employers must provide family leave if they have 30 or more employees and the worker has been employed for at least one year and worked at least 1,000 hours in that timespan.

Sen. Vince Polistina (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Bill sponsor Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) said the measure would give people the time off to heal and grieve during some of the most traumatic experiences that people will have in their lives.

About 10 to 20% of known pregnancies end in loss before the 20th week, according to the Mayo Clinic. The actual number is likely higher because miscarriages can happen before people realize theyre pregnant.

New Jersey has a higher rate of stillbirths compared to the rest of the country, with 6.2 deaths per 1,000 births compared to the national average of 5.7 deaths, according to state data from 2021. The Department of Health estimates as many as 700 stillbirths occur each year in New Jersey.

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Yarrow Willman-Cole, workplace justice director at New Jersey Citizen Action, asked lawmakers to clarify sections of the bill that discuss whether the leave is covered by the Family Leave Act or temporary disability insurance and eliminate the different lengths of time someone can take.

She also expressed concerns about the bill creating a record of workers taking leave because of a stillbirth or abortion. She said this could have unintended consequences in a world where reproductive freedoms are increasingly under attack and even criminalized.

Jackie Mancinelli, who lost her child one hour after he was delivered via emergency C-section, said she was only granted bereavement leave at her job in a school because a secretary approved the days without getting the official OK. She recalled a year prior, when she had a miscarriage and continued to teach students despite knowing that the baby in my womb already died and I needed surgery to remove him or her.

Mancinelli runs Start Healing Together, a nonprofit supporting families across the state struggling with pregnancy loss and infertility. She wants New Jersey to become the fourth state to protect parents suffering from unexpected loss and tell mothers, fathers, and parents that their grief is valid and worth being protected.

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When we force parents to return to work while grieving, while bleeding, while breast milk is still coming in, we tell them that their experience doesnt matter. We tell them that we think so little of them that theyre not even worth bereavement leave, she said.

The bill advanced unanimously Thursday and overwhelmingly passed the Assembly in September. The measure still faces a floor vote in the Senate before it heads to the governors desk for a signature or veto.
The Colorado River is pictured near Moab on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Utahns in Congress are seeing some success during the U.S. House of Representatives lame-duck session.

On Tuesday, the House passed two bills sponsored by Rep. Celeste Maloy and two bills sponsored by Rep. John Curtis, both Republicans.

From transferring several plots of federal land to state control, to putting more federal dollars behind water quality projects in the Colorado River, heres a breakdown of what the bills do.

Curtis bill increase federal funds for water quality projects in the Colorado River

The House on Tuesday passed Curtis Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act, which will put more federal funds behind efforts to reduce salinity in the lower Colorado River basin.

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If the bill passes the Senate, the federal government will shoulder the burden of expenses for projects related to reducing salinity. Federal dollars would amount to at least 70% of funds spent on salinity mitigation and in some cases, 100% of operation and maintenance costs.

Most of the salinity in the river basin comes from existing rock formations. Precipitation breaks down the salts, carrying them into streams and eventually the Colorado River. Higher salinity levels limit what crops farmers can grow, reduces crop yields, damages riparian areas and harms the aquatic ecosystem of the river.

Congress passed the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act in 1974, which directed the U.S. Department of Interior to create a salinity control program for the entire Colorado River basin. For example, in one stretch of Colorados Dolores River along the Utah border, rock formations deposit about 150,000 tons of salt into the basin each year. A U.S. Bureau of Reclamation project works to take that salt and inject it underground.

But with Colorado River flows declining and salinity increasing, Curtis said the act needed a facelift so the federal government could chip in more for projects spearheaded by local water conservancy districts and use local or state funds.

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The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West, and its health is crucial for our communities, our economy, and our environment, Curtis said in a statement. The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act builds on decades of collaborative efforts to reduce salinity levels, which have greatly improved water quality across the Basin.

Maloy bill would put federal land parcels under Utah control

Also passed on Tuesday was a bill sponsored by Maloy, titled The Utah State Parks Adjustment Act. The bill would put several parcels of federally controlled land in and around three Utah State Parks under Utah control.

The bill would convey three parcels of land (currently under the purview of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service) to Utah to be included as part of Antelope Island State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, and Fremont Indian State Park. It would require Utah to use the lands for public purposes, including parks, campgrounds, recreation and permitted livestock grazing.

All of these parcels are either in holdings or located directly next to existing Utah State Park boundaries, according to Maloys office, which included maps of the proposed land transfers in a news release.

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Utah State Parks, managed by Utahns with a deep knowledge of the land, are well cared for and maintained, Maloy said in a prepared statement. However, having federal lands interspersed throughout these parks has made effective management more challenging. Im pleased to see the House pass the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act, returning these land parcels to state control.

The Senate has yet to consider the legislation, though Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has introduced a companion bill. He issued a statement Tuesday calling the Houses passage of Maloys bill an encouraging win for all Utahns that demonstrates what we can accomplish when local voices are at the forefront.

I look forward to advancing this bill in the Senate to return these parcels to state control, streamline land management, and empower Utahns to steward the lands they know and love, Lee said.

Linking critical minerals to health care

Another bill sponsored by Curtis passed the House on Tuesday  the Recognizing the Importance of Critical Minerals in Healthcare Act, which amends the Energy Act of 2020.

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Now, the Secretary of the Interior will be required to consult the Secretary of Health and Human Services when designating critical minerals, elements, substances and materials.

The federal government defines a critical mineral as something that has a high risk of supply chain disruption and serves an essential function in one or more energy technologies, including technologies that produce, transmit, store, and conserve energy.

Now, with the Department of Health and Human Services looped into these designations, Curtis says the countrys health care system will be better suited to avoid potential disruptions.

By including the Department of Health and Human Services in decisions about critical minerals, we can make sure essential medical technologies  like MRIs  are never at risk of shortages, he said in a statement.

House passes Maloy bill that would allow federal court to be held in Moab, Monticello

The House on Tuesday also passed a bill sponsored by Maloy and Curtis, HR 8666, which would authorize more federal case locations in Moab and Monticello, rural areas in southeastern Utah.

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Today, the Central Division of the District of Utah within the U.S. District Court has existing court locations including in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo and St. George.

Residents of Southeast Utah called to federal jury duty are regularly excused due to hardship because the travel requirement is so unwieldy, the Judicial Conference of the United States wrote in a July letter expressing support for the bill. The addition of Moab and Monticello as places of holding court will provide the district flexibility to fashion solutions to service its remote areas, including the option to adopt a jury plan that would make jury service less burdensome for residents.

The changes proposed by the bill would also come at no cost, according to the Judicial Conference, noting the district has agreements with state/county courthouses in Moab and Monticello for the use of their facilities at no cost.

Without this bill authorizing court proceedings in Moab and Monticello, southeastern Utahns must drive several hours to appear before a federal judge or serve jury duty, Maloy said in a prepared statement. Im glad the House passed this bill allowing the Central Division of the District of Utah to hold court in these rural areas, which would save Utahns time and money.

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Curtis also issued a prepared statement, saying its essential that Utahns have equal access to justice.

This bill addresses the challenges that southeastern Utah residents face, harkening back to the values of our pioneer ancestors who laid the foundation of our great state, Curtis said. Just as they built communities, we must ensure that the justice system serves all Utahns, no matter where they live. With this bills passage, we can ensure that rural Utahns have fair opportunities for a speedy trial and can fulfill their civic duties without undue burden.

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BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  A Binghamton man has been sentenced to 10 years in New York State prison for illegal weapon possession charges after being found guilty by a Broome County Court jury in August.

47-year-old Grady Hunter Jr., of Binghamton, was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision for criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree.

In May 2023, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit searched Hunters apartment and car at 11 Pine St in Binghamton where officers found a loaded .380 caliber pistol stored behind the car radio as well as 12 rounds of ammunition wrapped in tissue paper in the box that contained his mothers ashes.

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The Binghamton Police Departments crime scene unit swabbed the weapon and Hunter for DNA comparison. The New York State Police crime lab concluded the DNA on the gun matched that of Hunter Jr.

Judge Joseph Cawley handed the sentence to Hunter Jr., with the case prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Nieto representing the Broome County District Attorneys Office.

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Chickens are pictured at a poultry farm in Mexico on June 6, 2024. Credit - Ulises Ruiz/AFPGetty Images

At least 58 people in the U.S. have been infected by the H5N1 bird flu virus this year, according to federal statistics. All but two of them had been around cows or chickens, two species in which H5N1 is circulating widely. Thats reassuring to scientists because it suggests the virus is spreading primarily through close contact with infected animals, and not from person to person.

Less comforting are the results of a study published Dec. 5 in the journal Science: the H5N1 strain spreading among U.S. cows is only one specific mutation away from more easily binding to human cells, a prerequisite for transmission among humans, says study co-author James Paulson, a professor in the department of molecular medicine at Scripps Research in California.

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In its current form, the H5N1 virus is better at infecting certain animal species than humans. It has sickened millions of birds and cows from more than 700 U.S. dairy herds, but a relatively small number of people.

Most of those human cases have been among farmworkers. That suggests thateven though the bird flu virus isnt very good at infecting humansit sometimes finds a way when people are exposed to high enough concentrations of it, such as through close contact with sick animals, explains Troy Sutton, an assistant professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences at Penn State University, who wasnt involved in the new study. Because the virus isnt good at growing in the human nose and throat, however, people who get sick dont seem able to easily infect others by coughing or sneezing, as happens with the regular seasonal flu, Sutton says.

If the bird flu changes enough to effectively infect, grow in, and jump between people,thats how a pandemic starts, Paulson says.

His team focused on the first step in that process: how the virus would need to change to easily bind to human cells. In the lab, they studied a synthetic form of a gene from the viral strain that is currently circulating among cows. They made targeted mutations to see how the shifts altered its ability to attach to human cells. The surprising finding, Paulson says, was that one specific mutation seemed to be enough. Previous research on H5N1, including Paulsons, had suggested that more changes would be required.

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The emergence of a bovine H5N1 virus capable of recognizing human receptors may be closer than previously thought, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies bird flu but was not involved in the new study, wrote in an email to TIME.

Read More: Did the Pandemic Break Our Brains?

Thats a striking finding, Sutton agrees, and a good motivation to prevent further human cases to the extent possible. Already, federal health officials recommend that high-risk people, such as farmworkers, wear personal protective equipment around animals that may be sick and take flu antivirals (which also seem to work against bird flu) if they have a potential exposure.

Still, Paulson emphasizes that his study does not mean a pandemic is imminent. Despite what his team found in the lab, the virus circulating in the real world does not seem to have evolved to easily target humans. Public-health officials maintain that the virus is not spreading from person to person and currently presents a low risk to the general public.

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More changes might be necessary for the virus to present a true pandemic threat. The ability to easily bind to human cellswhich Paulsons team tested foris only the first step toward widespread person-to-person transmission, he says. Further changes might be needed for the virus to become highly contagious in the real world.

Kawaoka agrees. The fact that more than 50 people in the U.S. have gotten sick, but health officials have not seen any evidence of person-to-person spread, suggests that additional mutations are likely necessary for the virus to achieve efficient human-to-human transmission, he wrote.

Read More: Is it Time to Worry About Bird Flu?

Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, and some worrying observations have already been documented. Recently, a Canadian teenager who caught bird flu was hospitalized. When scientists analyzed the genetic sequence of the virus taken from the teen, they reportedly found that it had mutated in a way that could make it more transmissible among people, similar to the mutation Paulsons team identified in their study. (Luckily, though, the teen doesnt seem to have infected anyone else.)

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Kawaoka has also studied a viral strain taken from an infected U.S. farmworker. That strain, which was able to grow in samples of human lung cells, contained a mutation known to promote viral growth among mammals, Kawaoka and his team found. But that mutation is not seen in the viral strains spreading among cows, his team emphasized when the study was published in October.

Although there is no evidence of person-to-person spread yet, Paulson says health authorities should prepare for wider spread of bird flu as a precaution. Its worth stockpiling bird flu vaccines and making plans for how they would be rolled out if they become necessary, he says.

Its also important to keep closely monitoring the virus for any signs of change, Sutton says. But whats alarming to me is that we often realize we have a pandemic after the pandemic has started, he says. If we started to see this mutation, would it already be too late? We dont know the answer to that.

Write to Jamie Ducharme at jamie.ducharme@time.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Birmingham man was sentenced on gun and drug charges, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

Birmingham police make arrest in May homicide case

Waymon Robinson, Jr. 31, was sentenced to 140 months in prison. Robinson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl in September. He also pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie Axon.

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Court documents say on March 1, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office deputies conducted surveillance on a house in Tarrant associated with a gang. Officers then conducted a traffic stop in an alleyway behind the house. Officers approached Robinson and asked if he had weapons on him and he said that he did. Officers also found drugs in his possession, court documents say.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build a strong, modernized information support force, and to realize the leapfrog development of the Chinese military's network information system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday.

The PLA information support force is a strategic service branch established amid China's efforts to adjust and reform the structure of its military services and arms. Xi presented a flag to the force at its establishment ceremony in April.

During Wednesday's inspection, Xi said that the network information system is playing an increasingly prominent role in modern warfare, and that all relevant personnel should be fully aware that enhancing the system is extremely important.

He called on the force to accelerate its efforts to build the network information system and strengthen its capabilities in serving and supporting the military's combat readiness and capabilities.

Stressing the need for solid work in the development of the network information system, Xi said that the information services guarantee should be enhanced and great importance should be attached to the protection of network information security.

He also called for efforts to facilitate innovation in the command modes and the transformation of combat methods.

Xi demanded the information support force adhere to the fundamental principle of the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces. He called for efforts to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption, stressing that the force must be entirely loyal, pure and reliable.

He urged the Party committee of the information support force to shoulder its responsibility in developing the force, and to build a team of highly competent professionals.

Xi requested coordinated efforts from the CMC, as well as other relevant authorities and units, to promote the development of the information support force.

Senior military officials Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin attended the event. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets representatives when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
(Reuters) -Bitcoin catapulted above $100,000 for the first time on Thursday, a milestone hailed even by sceptics as a coming-of-age for digital assets as investors bet on a friendly U.S. administration to cement the place of cryptocurrencies in financial markets.

Once it broke $100,000 in Thursday's Asian morning, boosted by U.S. President-elect Trump's nomination of pro-crypto Paul Atkins to run the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was soon at an all-time high of $103,649. It last fetched $98,803, up 0.95% on the day.

The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record over $3.8 trillion, according to data provider CoinGecko. By comparison, Apple alone is worth about $3.7 trillion.

Bitcoin's march from the libertarian fringe to Wall Street has minted millionaires, a new asset class and popularised the concept of "decentralised finance" in a volatile and often controversial period since its creation 16 years ago.

Bitcoin has more than doubled in value this year and is up more than 50% in the four weeks since Donald Trump's sweeping election victory, which also saw a slew of pro-crypto lawmakers being elected to Congress.

"CONGRATULATIONS BITCOINERS!!! $100,000!!! YOURE WELCOME!!! Together, we will Make America Great Again!" Trump said on Truth Social, his social media network, on Thursday.

"We're witnessing a paradigm shift," said Mike Novogratz, founder and CEO of U.S. crypto firm Galaxy Digital.

"Bitcoin and the entire digital asset ecosystem are on the brink of entering the financial mainstream - this momentum is fuelled by institutional adoption, advancements in tokenisation and payments, and a clearer regulatory path."

Trump - who once labelled crypto a scam - embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the United States the "crypto capital of the planet" and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin.

"We were trading basically sideways for about seven months, then immediately after Nov. 5, U.S. investors resumed buying hand-over-fist," said Joe McCann, CEO and founder of Asymmetric, a Miami digital assets hedge fund.

Bitcoin's proponents cheered Trump's nomination of Atkins to the SEC.

A former SEC commissioner, Atkins has been involved in crypto policy as co-chair of the Token Alliance, which works to "develop best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms," and the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

"Atkins will offer a new perspective, anchored by a deep understanding of the digital asset ecosystem," said Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith.
(Reuters)  Bitcoin rose above $100,000 for the first time on Thursday as the election of Republican Donald Trump as president of the United States spurred expectations that his administration will create a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin has more than doubled in value this year and is up about 45% in the four weeks since Trumps sweeping election victory, which also saw a slew of pro-crypto lawmakers being elected to Congress.

It last traded at $100,027 as of 0240 GMT, up 2.2% on the previous session, after earlier rising as high as $100,277.

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No winner for Mega Millions, jackpot grows to $579M

Were witnessing a paradigm shift. After four years of political purgatory, bitcoin and the entire digital asset ecosystem are on the brink of entering the financial mainstream, said Mike Novogratz, founder and CEO of U.S. crypto firm Galaxy Digital.

This momentum is fueled by institutional adoption, advancements in tokenization and payments, and a clearer regulatory path.

More than 16 years after its creation, bitcoin appears on the cusp of mainstream acceptance, despite naysayers and a history of controversies.

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Bitcoin crossing $100,000 is more than just a milestone; its a testament to shifting tides in finance, technology, and geopolitics, said Justin DAnethan, a Hong Kong-based independent crypto analyst.

The figure not that long ago dismissed as fantasy, stands as a reality.

Trump embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the United States the crypto capital of the planet and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin.

Fast-food delivery comes with an extreme markup: Study

Crypto investors see an end to increased scrutiny under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who said last week he would step down in January when Trump takes office.

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On Wednesday, Trump said he would nominate Paul Atkins to run the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, has been involved in crypto policy as co-chair of the Token Alliance, which works to develop best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms, and the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

A slew of crypto companies including Ripple, Kraken and Circle are jostling for a seat on Trumps promised crypto advisory council, seeking a say in his planned overhaul of U.S. policy, according to several digital asset industry executives.

Trumps businesses may also have a stake in the sector. He unveiled a new crypto business, World Liberty Financial, in September. Although details about the business have been scarce, investors have taken his personal interest in the sector as a bullish signal.

Trumps social media company is in advanced talks to buy crypto trading firm Bakkt BKKT.N, the Financial Times reported last week, citing two people with knowledge of the talks.

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Trump Media and Technology Group DJT.O, which operates Truth Social, is close to an all-stock acquisition of Bakkt, according to the FT report.

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Billionaire Elon Musk, a major Trump ally, is also a proponent of cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoins rebound from a slide below $16,000 in late 2022 has been rapid, boosted by the approval of U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds in January this year.

The Securities and Exchange Commission had long attempted to block ETFs from investing in bitcoin, citing investor protection concerns, but the products have allowed more investors, including institutional investors, to gain exposure to bitcoin.

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More than $4 billion has streamed into U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds since the election.

We were trading basically sideways for about seven months, then immediately after November 5, U.S. investors resumed buying hand-over-fist, said Joe McCann, CEO and founder of Asymmetric, a Miami digital assets hedge fund.

There was a strong debut for options on BlackRocks ETF IBIT.Oin November with call options  bets on the price going up  substantially more popular than puts. McCann calculated the put to call ratio at about 22 to one.

Crypto-related stocks have soared along with the bitcoin price, with shares in bitcoin miner MARA Holdings MARA.Oup around 65% in November.

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What does the US import from Mexico, China and Canada?

Yet the rise is not without critics.

Two years ago, the industry was wracked by scandal with the collapse of the FTX crypto exchange and the jailing of its founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

The cryptocurrency industry also has been criticized for its massive energy usage, while crypto crime remains a concern, too.

Market participants are keeping a close eye on what happens now that bitcoin has broken above $100,000, with investors and speculators possibly looking to pocket some of their recent gains.

But once we flush out those sell orders, this could go higher still, and very rapidly, said Steven McClurg, founder of Canary Capital, a digital assets investment firm. He said he expects bitcoins price to hit $120,000 by Christmas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Dec. 5QUINCY  The reality of chronic hunger and food insecurity faces countless children across Washington, impacting their ability to learn and thrive. In response, Second Harvest has expanded its Bite2Go program to Quincy, providing vital meals to students in need.

The program, which originated in Spokane, received a warm welcome in Quincy this year, following a request for support from Quincy School District Superintendent Nik Bergman.

"It takes a community member to raise his or her hand and say, 'We have these kids who need help,'" said Steve Durham, vice president of child hunger programs at Second Harvest. "(Nik) gives a voice to kids who we never would have known were out there."

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Currently, four out of five elementary schools in Quincy have access to free food for students lacking regular meals at home. Each school identifies up to 60 children who receive food bags every Friday. Corporate sponsors, including Amway, Microsoft and the Grant County Public Utility District, fund the meals at Ancient Lakes, Pioneer, Mountain View and George elementary schools. Durham expressed hope that another organization will join the effort to extend support to Monument Elementary.

"The students who receive the meals, they get so excited," said Ancient Lakes Elementary Principal Whitney Gregg. "They look forward to having food over the weekend."

Durham emphasized the importance of delivering food that children can easily eat.

"Unfortunately, many of them are experiencing homelessness or are transitory, moving from relative to relative, living in a car or an RV," Durham said.

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The program prioritizes single-serving items that require minimal preparation.

Pioneer Elementary Principal Alesha Porter highlighted the program's discrete nature. With 88% of Pioneer's students coming from low-income families, the program not only provides calories but also a sense of privacy and ownership, according to the QSD release.

"On a root level, it's about ensuring that a kid is getting the calories they need," Durham said. "It's also a sense of privacy and ownership they might not otherwise experience ... they don't own a lot, some of these kids, and some of these kids might live under the fear that an adult in the household might take their food."

To learn more about the Bite2Go program and how to support its efforts, visit 2-harvest.org/bite2go.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Numbers from the Nevada Department of Education show thousands of students were caught in school fighting and with drugs and alcohol.

The data was presented on Wednesday before the Nevada Board of Education and included the figures from the Clark County School District.

Suspensions and expulsions are down, yet for black students, there is a disparity in discipline and the state has taken notice of the gap.

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If a school is having discipline disparities, what are the kind of things and interventions we need to do as a community, and as schools to work together to make sure these types of disparities stop, Christy McGill, deputy superintendent of public instruction said on Wednesday.

McGill cited the implementation of two laws passed last year that require the Nevada Department of Education to develop a framework for restorative justice practice at schools. This is intended to address the disproportionate discipline.

According to the data, the expulsion of black students in Nevada decreased five times from Sept. of 2021 to May 2024 going from 2489 to 572.

However, that isnt the case for suspensions. The states data showed 1,768 black students were suspended in the 2021-2022 school year and 2,347 in the 2023-2024 year.

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Black students represented 12% of enrollment in the state. Yet, they made up nearly a third of suspensions and expulsions in the 2022-2023 year.

Heres a breakdown:

2022-2023

12%  Enrollment

36%  Expulsions

31%  Suspensions

2023-2024

12%  Enrollment

27%  Expulsions

36%  Suspensions

This is a school and community issue that should be met with partnership, McGill said.

Nicholas Mathews co-founded King of Jewels to mentor youths of color in the Las Vegas area.

We introduce them to the people that look like them that are doing things theyre interested in. But we also provide them with the opportunity to be engaged, Mathews said.

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Mathews told 8 News Now the data on black students doesnt surprise him based on what he hears from children.

The students still feel unwelcome in most of our schools. They dont see people that look like them. They walk in the classroom and automatically feel the sense of  people dont want them to be there, Mathews said.

Bullying was the number one reason students were expelled from schools, according to the states data.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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. (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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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Dec. 5LIMA  Wendy Chappell-Dick is passionate about social justice and wants to see the best for people around the world.

She has been a regular shopper at Bluffton Ten Thousand Villages since it opened in 1974 and took over the reins at the store as manager last year.

Bluffton Ten Thousand Villages, located at 115 S. Main St., Bluffton, is the largest fair trade retailer in North America and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

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Chappell-Dick set up a pop-up shop at the Center for Peace and Reconciliation, 129 S. Pierce St., Lima, on Wednesday evening, selling and showcasing hand-made ornaments and unique items from her store made by individuals from more than 20 different countries. She also shared success stories and personal connections she made throughout her growing passion for fair trade.

Working with more than 20 developing countries, 75 artisan partner groups and 20,000 makers, 60 percent of wom are women, Ten Thousand Villages invested more than $110 million in international artisans since 2005.

According to Chappell-Dick, the shop gives nothing back to its makers.

"That's not what we do," she said. "We invest and give loans, and then we are paid back."

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One story was about a woman, Rini Dewri, and her daughter, Antera, from Bangladesh. In 2002, Antera was able to attend school as a result of Dewri receiving livable wages for her work. The average relationship between the maker and Ten Thousand Villages lasts around 20 years. The relationship remained consistent as Antera grew up, and she eventually attended nursing school.

"Through fair trade, we can try to enhance the lives of people who don't have those things (governmental regulation, minimum wage and children not working in factories)," she said.

Throughout the process of the store purchasing artifacts from around the world, the store and its employees make connections with makers to see a sample of their work and agree on a transparent price. Next, the store will pay half of the agreed price as an interest-free advance to help cover the cost of raw materials and production.

As the makers do their work, a safe and equitable working environment is ensured.

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When the product is ready to ship to the United States, the store pays the final balance before export, so artisans are not burdened with potential loss.

With a reliable place to sell their work, artisans can grow their income and lift themselves from poverty. Food is on the table and children are able to attend school. The investment model for Ten Thousand Villages empowers makers to grow their businesses, provide for their families and strengthen their communities.

"People should have a safe place to work," she said.

More information can be found at tenthousandvillages.com.

Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351

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Comptroller Brooke Lierman said a four year, $72.7 million contract with McLean, Virginia-based Guidehouse Inc. is the first major step in modernizing the state's antiquated financial systems. Lierman called the systems the spine of state government operations. File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a four-year deal Wednesday with a Virginia-based consultant to oversee the modernization of the states financial systems.

Comptroller Brooke Lierman said hiring Guidehouse Inc. is the first major step in moving the system responsible for payroll, taxes and payments to contractors from an antiquated mainframe that was in place in the 1990s, when she was in high school, to a cloud-based system.

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Every Maryland taxpayer is affected by our systems, Lierman said. Every organization or business that has ever received a payment is affected by our systems. Every employee who receives a paycheck and every agency that is trying to send out money. Id like to think of us as the spine of the state. You never see us, but were holding it all up.

The board unanimously awarded the $72.7 million contract to McLean, Virginia-based Guidehouse. The four-year deal starts Dec. 5.

Guidehouse, a global consultant company, was tapped in June by George Gov. Brian Kemp (R) to recommend reforms for his states prison system. That same month, the company won an eight-year information technology contract with the FBI.

The company also has contracts with Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Services and Oklahoma state government.

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Several of those projects bore similarities to the project we are about to embark on, meaning that Guidehouse was managing several vendors throughout the project, Deputy Comptroller Anrew Schaufele said Wednesday. There was high praise for their ability to meet project deadlines and budget targets.

Marylands current financial system runs on obsolete technologies. In 2023, the General Assembly passed legislation mandating a modernization of the states financial systems. The mandate included the comptrollers and treasurers offices. That law also requires a move to a cloud-based system.

Were one of the last states in the nation to undertake this, but better late than never, and then we will have the newest system, and all the other states will be looking at us trying to catch up, Lierman said.
A 2022 view of the Missouri River in Chamberlain, South Dakota. (Photo by John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

A South Dakota state board approved additional usage of the James River for irrigation and endorsed a future-use permit for a proposed water pipeline from the Missouri River to western South Dakota.

The South Dakota Water Management Boards decisions, made Wednesday in Pierre, finalized the James River proposal and advanced the Western Dakota Regional Water System application to the state Legislature for consideration.

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The pipeline application would reserve 20,765 acre-feet of Missouri River water annually for use in 19 western South Dakota counties. Thats nearly 7 billion gallons per year.

Ron Duvall, a state engineer with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, recommended approval of the permit based on the abundant availability of water in the river, the need for the reserved amount and the potential beneficial use of the water.

He said the request is in addition to 52,545 acre-feet already reserved by other entities involved with the pipeline proposal, potentially bringing the total amount of the projects water rights to 73,310 acre-feet.

The Western Dakota Regional Water System, established in 2021 and based in Rapid City, aims to deliver Missouri River water to communities, tribes and rural water systems. The project has received some state and local funding but has a projected cost in the billions, which would require federal funding.

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The application does not authorize immediate construction or use but would reserve the right to use the water in the future.

James River increase

The board also approved a plan to increase pumping rights on the James River.

There are currently 116 water rights or permits and two future-use permits on the eastern South Dakota waterway, appropriating or reserving 298.92 cubic feet per second of the 300 cfs limit. Demand for more agricultural water rights and an increase in the amount of water flowing down the river prompted the states Water Rights Program to reassess its James River management plan.

The river has experienced a nearly 300% increase in its annual flow since the late 1990s. A state report says increased precipitation is the cause. Other researchers have attributed widespread streamflow increases not only to higher precipitation, but also to urban development that sends rainfall running across concrete and asphalt into streams, expanding tile drainage systems under farmland that divert excess moisture into local creeks and rivers, and the conversion of grassland to cropland, which causes higher runoff.

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Acknowledging the recommendation from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to exceed the 300 cfs cap established in 1965, the board voted to approve the plan.

The plan does not include a fixed cap. Instead, it transitions the state to a system in which individual water permit applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

This story was originally published by South Dakota Searchlight, which 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.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Monongalia County officials have confirmed that the human remains found in a shallow grave last month belong to Kimberly Osborne, a woman who has been missing for seven months.

Kimberly Osborne.

According to a release from the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office, Osbornes remains were discovered on Nov. 16 on Little Indian Creek Road and sent to the West Virginia Chief Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy and identification. Osborne was last seen in May 2024 on River Road.

Man in custody after standoff in Bridgeport Thursday morning

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Osbornes identification comes after an extensive investigation including evidence obtained during the exhumation of the body, statements provided to law enforcement by individuals with knowledge of the case, as well as digital and forensic evidence. A forensic anthropology team from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. also assisted with the investigation due to their expertise in working with outdoor homicide cases.

Officials said that the investigation is still ongoing and has been ruled a homicide. Crews with the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office were assisted by the West Virginia State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, youre encouraged to contact the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office at 304-291-7260.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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YANGON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 188,000 stimulant tablets and 16 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) reported on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a house in Tachileik town of Shan state on Dec. 3 and confiscated the narcotics, the report said.

The seized narcotics had a street value of over 211.2 million kyats (about 100,571 U.S. dollars), it said.

A suspect was charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and a further investigation is ongoing, it added. 
Whether it's providing internet to storm-ravaged communities or supporting American troops at war, Craig Garriott has long believed the satellites he builds for Boeing helped protect lives.

Now, Garriott, 53, says, it's the lives of hundreds of technicians at the Boeing facility where he has worked for nearly three decades that need protecting from company management.

"They've taken the focus off quality, the focus off the people on the floor, and they've put it completely on profit and going fast," Garriott said in an exclusive interview with CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave. "I'm afraid with Boeing in the hands that it's in now down here, they're not gonna listen to me until somebody dies."

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He said efforts by Boeing executives to boost production at the company's Los Angeles-area military and commercial satellite plant have led to a "toxic culture" that has put workers there in danger. Garriott recalled how a four-ton satellite estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars crashed to the factory floor after it wasn't properly secured  an incident so catastrophic he compared it to "a plane falling out of the sky."

"One person was underneath that satellite and they barely got out," said Garriott, who also represents 600 hourly workers as the head of the local carpenters union. "It's the worst thing that can possibly happen on a site."

A Boeing spokesperson did not respond to specific questions about the incident. In a statement to CBS News, the spokesperson said, "Boeing is dedicated to the safety of its employees, and all employees are empowered and encouraged to report any safety concerns."

Garriott's allegations echo concerns raised by multiple whistleblowers who have worked on Boeing's commercial airliners, including the troubled 737 MAX. And they add to struggles already facing Boeing's space division.

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The most high-profile Boeing space failure occurred in September, when the company's Starliner spacecraft experienced a cascade of technical troubles on a manned test flight to the International Space Station. NASA considered the return flight too risky, and sent it back to Earth without the two astronauts it had planned to shuttle home. Those astronauts will instead travel back next year in a capsule built by rival SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk.

Tapped by President-elect Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, Musk is set to potentially wield enormous influence over lucrative space and defense contracts, which could put Boeing at a further disadvantage.

Boeing, the company that helped put a man on the moon, is now exploring a new course  indicating it may sell off parts of its space business, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal. During Boeing's October earnings call, new CEO Kelly Ortberg suggested he was reevaluating the company's portfolio.

"We're better off doing less and doing it well than doing more and not doing it well," Ortberg said.

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The Boeing spokesperson did not respond to questions about how the company views competition from SpaceX or about steps it is taking to prepare for the incoming administration.

Garriott estimates he's raised 300-400 safety violations over past year

Acquired by Boeing in 2000, the satellite manufacturing facility has long been considered one of Boeing's more stable business units. It relies in part on a union workforce that Garriott said is responsible for constructing and testing satellites and their component parts.

"This is perhaps the most technical group of hourly people that you'll probably find on this planet," said Garriott, who estimated he's raised between 300 and 400 safety violations over the past year. Those complaints, he said, range from obstructed fire extinguishers and fire alarms to concerns over heavy machinery blocking exits and trapping workers in certain parts of the factory.

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In October, union workers filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration that, according to Garriott, highlighted unsafe conditions on the factory floor.

Another technician at the facility, who spoke to CBS News on the condition he remain anonymous to protect his job, said safety had become "an afterthought" and quality had "degraded" over the past five to six years.

"You speak up now, you're a troublemaker"

Garriott sued Boeing in April alleging company management retaliated against him for raising safety issues. He said he's been harassed by leadership at the facility and has been the target of dozens of corporate investigations that he says turned up nothing and were only meant to intimidate him.

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"When I first started at Boeing, the guys that spoke up and said, 'Hey, this doesn't feel right,' those guys were revered," Garriott said. "You speak up now, you're a troublemaker."

In a statement, Boeing said it investigated Garriott's claims and disputed the allegations he made in his lawsuit.

'We have strict policies prohibiting retaliation toward employees who raise concerns, and Boeing did not retaliate against Mr. Garriott," the Boeing spokesperson said.

Garriott is the latest whistleblower claiming the company retaliated against him after raising safety concerns. John Barnett, a former quality manager at the company's 787 Dreamliner factory, died by suicide in March while in Charleston, South Carolina, giving testimony in his whistleblower retaliation case.

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Barnett's mother, Vicky Stokes, told CBS News in April she holds the aircraft manufacturing giant responsible for the grinding treatment that ultimately left her son despondent.

"If this hadn't gone on so long, I'd still have my son, and my sons would have their brother and we wouldn't be sitting here. So in that respect, I do," Stokes said when asked if she places some of the blame for her son's death on Boeing.

In June, former Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told lawmakers on the Senate investigations subcommittee that Boeing's culture is "far from perfect," but said the company is "committed to making sure every employee feels empowered to speak up if there is a problem." He also said Boeing is working on improving "transparency and accountability, while elevating employee engagement."

Garriott said although his family fears he will endure further reprisals from Boeing, he's now speaking out publicly in an effort to improve conditions for workers he said he took an oath as union head to protect.

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"I'm not gonna stop till I know that Boeing understands that these people mean something, they matter," Garriott said, urging company executives to open up a dialogue with workers on the factory floor. "Make 'em feel like they matter. Make 'em feel like their safety matters."

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside of New York City hotel

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in "targeted attack" outside New York City hotel
Boeing (BA) suffered a major legal setback Thursday when a federal judge struck down the plea agreement that the company had hoped would bring a major piece of litigation to a close.

Judge Reed OConnor of the Northern District of Texas rejected the plea deal Boeing had struck in the wake of fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019 because the agreement would be too deferential to Boeing and includes too many diversity-equity-and-inclusion considerations.

The plea agreement requires the parties to consider race when hiring the independent monitor, OConnor wrote in his order striking down the deal. Additionally, the plea agreement marginalizes the Court in the selection and monitoring of the independent monitor. These provisions are inappropriate and against the public interest.

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Boeing did not immediately respond to a Quartz request for comment.

The federal government settled a criminal fraud investigation into Boeing in 2021 after the fatal crashes of 737 Max 8 planes operated by Ethiopian Airlines and the Indonesian carrier Lion Air, which were caused in part by miscommunications about a pilot safety system equipped on both flights.

When a door plug fell off a 737 Max 9 mid-flight in January, the Justice Department alleged that Boeings inability to rectify its safety and quality-control practices violated that settlement. In July, Boeing pleaded guilty in a new settlement to fraud charges that had been deferred as part of its prior agreement. That deal is the one that OConnor has struck down.

Part of the reasoning for the rejection is that it doesnt have strong enough measures to ensure compliance with federal monitoring that would accompany it.

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The plea agreement provides that the retention of an independent compliance monitor is a special condition of probation, meaning if Boeing fails to retain the monitor, it will violate its probation, OConnor wrote. But the plea agreement prohibits imposing as a condition of probation a requirement for Boeing to comply with the monitors anti-fraud recommendations.

Another part of the agreement that OConnor disagreed with was the requirement to consider diversity and inclusion inthe selection of the federal monitor. The judge spent more than half his order discussing the federal governments and Boeings commitments to racial equity, specifically calling out Boeings goal of hiring more Black people.

While the Government assures the Court that the Government will consider all possible monitors (i.e., all backgrounds, etc.) but will choose a monitor solely based on merit and talent, the Court is skeptical of this assertion, he writes.

OConnor, who was appointed to the judiciary by George W. Bush in 2007, is a judge often favored by litigants seeking conservative rulings. He made headlines earlier this year because he had to recuse himself from a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against advertisers on his X social media platform when it was discovered that he owned significant amounts of Tesla (TSLA) stock, where Musk is CEO.

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A judge rejected Boeing's plea deal with US prosecutors over 737 Max crashes.

The deal involved Boeing pleading guilty to fraud and paying a $243.6 million fine.

Boeing previously agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the Department of Justice in 2021.

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a July plea deal between Boeing and US prosecutors, citing concerns with the role diversity, equity, and inclusion would play in selecting an independent monitor.

In his decision, Judge Reed O'Connor expressed doubts about Boeing's and the government's ability to select the monitor solely based on capability without consideration of race. The judge noted both groups' strong focus on DEI in their operating policies.

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"In a case of this magnitude, it is in the utmost interest of justice that the public is confident this monitor selection is done based solely on competency," the judge said in his decision. "The parties' DEI efforts only serve to undermine this confidence in the Government and Boeing's ethics and anti-fraud efforts."

The Texas judge O'Connor also criticized regulators' work overseeing Boeing's progress under the deferred prosecution agreement it signed in 2021, writing in the decision: "It is fair to say the Government's attempt to ensure compliance has failed."

The case stems from two Boeing 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people, the first with Indonesia's Lion Air in October 2018 and the second with Ethiopian Airlines in March 2019. Faulty software was found to be the culprit in both crashes.

Victims' families opposed the plea agreement, voicing displeasure with the process for selecting an independent anti-fraud monitor and the fact that Boeing's compliance with the monitor's recommendations is not a required condition of its probation, court documents noted.

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"This is an excellent decision by Judge O'Connor and an important victory for the victims' families," Erin Applebaum, a lawyer representing 34 families of victims lost on the Ethiopian Airlines flight, told Business Insider.

"We anticipate a significant renegotiation of the plea deal that incorporates terms truly commensurate with the gravity of Boeing's crimes," she added. "It's time for the DOJ to end its lenient treatment of Boeing and demand real accountability."

Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to fraud, pay a $243.6 million fine, and allow an independent monitor to oversee safety and quality control at its factories.

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However, regulators said Boeing violated that settlement after the January Alaska Airlines door plug blowout. The deal was set to expire two days after the Alaska incident.

In May, the Justice Department said Boeing had failed to "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program."

In 2021, Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Department of Justice and families of the victims in January 2021 to settle charges of fraud conspiracy related to the fatal crashes.

Boeing's former CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, was fired in December 2019 and was replaced by Dave Calhoun. Calhoun later stepped down in March 2024 after the Alaska blowout.

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New Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who started in August, has been tasked with overhauling the company culture and getting Boeing back on track with safety and its production targets.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The City of Great Bend is no longer under a boil water order. After water sample testing, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lifted the advisory early Thursday.

The boil advisory went into effect Monday after a power outage. The City says wells lost power, and emergency generators did not activate as programmed, resulting in a pressure loss. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Beloved McDonalds wraps to return in 2025, company president confirms

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On Tuesday, a city official said readings showed consistent and adequate disinfectant levels through the system, but residents were still recommended to boil their water.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Great Bends director of public

works at 620-793-4150.

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For the second time this week, a bomb threat has been placed against St. Cloud High School.

School officials posted on social media that an email threat was received early Thursday morning.

Nate Fancher, St. Cloud High Schools principal, released a statement saying law enforcement is conducting a search of the campus.

A phoned-in threat on Tuesday prompted lockdowns at St. Cloud High School and two other nearby schools.

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The threat was later called unfounded.

Read: Nothing found after phoned-in threat prompts lockdowns at 3 schools in St. Cloud, police say

Officials said arrival for students and staff will be delayed until the campus has been cleared by law enforcement.

UPDATE: Campus search is now complete, with no threat found. Lockdown to be lifted and the high school will resume normal operations.  St. Cloud Police Dept (@StCloudPD) December 5, 2024

St. Cloud police said just before 7 a.m. that the campus had been cleared and deemed safe after its security check.

Read: Orange County says students making school threats will face more severe consequences

Channel 9 has a crew headed to the school 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.




A fake bomb threat targeting the Minnesota home of Brian Thompson was sent in Wednesday, hours after the UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan.

The threatening email was received by a Maple Grove City Attorney roughly 12 hours after the 50-year-old father of two was murdered outside a Hilton hotel, according to TMZ.

A bomb squad was dispatched around 7 p.m., but found no sign of the pipe bomb mentioned in the email.

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Authorities were also reportedly dispatched to the nearby home of Thompsons estranged wife, with whom he shared his children. Police were told a woman in a Jeep Renegade was seen putting something in the homes mailbox shortly before they were called, but a search of the mailbox produced nothing suspicious.

Thompson was shot outside the Hilton Hotel on W. 54th St., where he was attending a UnitedHealthcare investors conference. Investigators are still searching for the killer, whom they believe specifically targeted Thompson.

Police later found three 9mm shell casings and live rounds at the crime scene. The words Delay, Deny, and Defend were etched onto the bullets, according to Daily News police sources. Its suspected the eerie messages referenced insurance industry practices of delaying claims and maximizing profits.

Police are keying in on a suspect, but have so far made no arrests.

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Its also not known who threatened Thompsons home. His wife reportedly said the executive had received previous threats seeming to pertain to insurance coverage issues.

While the public reacted to the brazen killing with shock, social media exploded with hostility toward the insurance industry. At least one thread on Reddit was deleted by its moderator after medical professionals torched the murdered CEO, according to the Daily Beast. Other social media platforms were inundated with content celebrating Thompsons death.
Columnist Jay Bookman writes that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has a complicated matrix of options to ponder for his political future after he leaves the Governor's Mansion. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

If you drew up a list of the two dozen people most likely to become the 48th president of the United States, Gov. Brian Kemps name would probably be on it.

So, halfway through his second and final term as governor, Kemp has decisions to make about his political future. And while the man in the Governors Mansion knows things that the rest of us cannot, from polling data and donor lists to his own mindset, there is also much that nobody knows.

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Lets join the governor in thinking through the possibilities.

Before 2028, there is 2026, when Kemps term as governor will end, as will Jon Ossoffs term as U.S. senator. If Kemp chooses to challenge Ossoff, he can do so knowing that no Republican of significance is likely to challenge him for the nomination. Given the current political climate in Georgia, he also knows he would probably be the favorite against Ossoff in the general election.

But .

Historically, mid-term elections favor the party that is out of power, which in this case would be Ossoff and the Democrats. Furthermore, anyone who claims to know what the political climate will be in 2026 is a fool or thinks his audience is. Thats true in almost any era, but its particularly true today. These next two years could prove to be one of the most volatile, unpredictable periods in American political history.

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Old coalitions are crumbling; new alliances are quietly forming. Longtime Republicans are voting for Democrats, traditional Democrats are voting for Republicans, and an influx of new voters has altered the electorate, injecting new enthusiasms and expectations.

In fact, to hear some Republican activists talk, we might be about to enter something akin to the second American Revolution, a revolution that sounds as if it might resemble the chaotic, destructive French Revolution more than the revolution of 1776. Donald Trump and his supporters proclaim grand ambitions to root out the entire establishment, and to date they dont seem shy about breaking norms, rules and even laws if thats what it takes to make their mission successful.

These people are not conservative in any real sense of the word, they are radical. They are intent on pushing boundaries, on finding out just how much they can get away with, and no one knows how the country as a whole is likely to respond to that attempt.

Its possible that two years from now, Trump and his supporters will be riding high, having squelched their opposition and looking to consolidate control over the country. If thats the situation, Kemps Senate candidacy would look even more promising than it does today.

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However, if these next two years do not go well, if Republicans prove unable or unwilling to govern, if they turn out to be quite good at destroying things but terrible at running or rebuilding them, the political climate for Kemp and other Republicans might look quite different. Under those circumstances, why would Kemp risk a defeat in 2026 that would end his presidential ambitions for 2028?

It also raises a larger question: Does Kemp need or even want a Senate seat?

Assuming that he truly does have presidential ambitions, Kemp might decide that hes better off campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire as a successful two-term former governor of a critical swing state, a man who is conservative but not crazy, than he would be as a sitting U.S. senator, with the taint of Washington on his clothes.

To add yet one more complication to an already complex matrix, a four-year Trump presidency that appears successful to voters  and heaven knows what that would look like  would probably push Kemp well down the list of potential 2028 contenders. In that circumstance, the GOP presidential nomination would probably go to someone deemed more loyal and frankly more subservient to Trump, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading the list. To a degree at least, Kemps ambitions depend upon Trumps failures.

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Again, these are all just possibilities to be weighed, plausibilities to be played out, perhaps in the mind of someone staring out a window at the terraced, late-fall landscaping at the Governors Mansion, someone perhaps wondering what the view might look like from a window at another executive mansion some 600 miles to the northeast.

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A boy in Arizona died after a concrete statue fell on him at a luxury resort.

On Nov. 27, around 9 a.m., a "school-age" child was injured during a "tragic accident" at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, according to a press release from The Phoenix Police Department.

The Phoenix Fire Department responded to the injury call.

The boy was rushed to the local hospital in critical condition. Police said he died at the hospital the following day due to the injuries sustained during the incident.

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"There are no signs of foul play at this time," police said.

Larry W. Smith/Getty Police tape hangs across a street Police tape hangs across a street

Arizona Biltmore said in a statement to PEOPLE that it is "deeply saddened to learn of the family's loss and extend our heartfelt condolences."

The statement continued, "We wish them peace and respect their right to privacy during this difficult time. Our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our guests is paramount and we continue to cooperate fully with all authorities investigating this incident."

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The fire department told NBC-affiliate KPNX that one of the resorts famous geometric "Sprite" statues fell on top of the child and caused a head injury. Phoenix fire captain Todd Keller added at the time that authorities were unsure what caused the statue to fall.

Courtesy of Arizona Biltmore Arizona Biltmore Arizona Biltmore

According to the outlet, the boy was eight years old.

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In an interview with Fox 10, Keller commended the fire departments response to the incident.

"Firefighters did an absolutely fabulous job getting this kid in the ambulance and transported to the hospital really quickly," he said.

Fox 10 reports that the towering statues are made of concrete and weigh hundreds of pounds.

The resort, operated by Hilton, has a total of 19 Sprite statues on site. They were originally designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in collaboration with artist Alfonso Ianelli to represent mythological beings, according to its website.

Read the original article on People
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 17th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum kicked off on Thursday in Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and academics from Europe and Asia.

Under the theme of "New Cooperation Architecture for Contemporary Economy," the forum addresses critical global issues such as energy, finance, infrastructure, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, food security, and environmental protection.

In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, highlighted the UAE's significant strides over recent decades.

He emphasized the nation's evolution into a hub for global economic, cultural, and tourism activities, as well as its ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a pivotal player in the global economy.

"The UAE is actively fostering a business-friendly environment to pave the way for expansive international cooperation," Sheikh Saud said.

In a congratulatory letter to the forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the theme of the forum reflects the growing need for a global economic system based on equality and justice.

Putin called for a transition to economic models free of discrimination, sanctions, and undue pressure, offering mutual benefits rather than favoring select nations.

Antonio Fallico, president of the Conoscere Eurasia Association, the forum's organizing body, pointed to the irreversible shift from a unipolar world order to multipolarity. Fallico highlighted the increasing importance of regional globalization and cross-regional markets, emphasizing the need for cooperation amid evolving geopolitical realities.

Established in 2007 in Verona, Italy, the forum aims to foster economic and cultural ties across Eurasia. This year's event, co-hosted by the Conoscere Eurasia Association, the Roscongress Foundation, and the UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, runs until Dec. 6. 
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WETM)  A Bradford County man was found guilty on Tuesday following a two-day trial for the repeated sexual assault of a child, according to information from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

Matthew Chapman, 43, of Ridgebury Township in Bradford County was found guilty in Harrisburg on Tuesday, Dec. 3, for the crimes of indecent assault and corruption of minors, the DAs office said.

Waverly man arrested on DWI charges following numerous crash reports

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Chapman was found guilty of assaulting the victim on several occasions while she was sleeping with Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry saying Chapman manipulated the relationship he had with the victims family to get access to the child.

The defendant violated the trust of a vulnerable young child to perpetrate repeated sexual assaults, Henry said. My office takes its responsibility to protect children very seriously, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect them from predators who seek to sexually exploit and abuse them, Henry said.

Chapman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2025, following an assessment by the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board.

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The bravery medal awarded to a Second World War RAF airmans dog has returned to its masters family after selling at auction for 60,000.

Antis the Alsatian was given the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for outstanding courage after flying in more than 30 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe by the side of Robert Bozdech, a Czech airman.

The dog survived both a ship sinking and being shot down over the Mediterranean by the Axis powers. It also helped save the lives of six people by finding them trapped under the rubble of a house, and gave prior warning of a devastating Luftwaffe attack on an RAF base.

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Antis was twice wounded in action: once by shrapnel over Kiel and then when a shell exploded under the plane during a raid on Hanover.

After the war, Bozdech and Antis returned to Czechoslovakia  only to flee the country amid the Communist coup of 1948 and return to Britain.

The dog died in 1953 and was buried at Ilford animal cemetery in Essex. Bozdech, who never owned another dog, died in 1980.

Robert Bozdech, who fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to fight in first the French air force, then the RAF, with his dog Antis - BNPS

The bravery medal, one of only 75 awarded by the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), left the Bozdech family when it was sold to a private collector in 1994.

But 30 years on, a descendant of the airman has bought it back at London auctioneers Morton and Eden. The buyer paid a hammer price of 50,000, with auctioneers fees taking the final figure to 60,000.

I am sure family are thrilled

David Kirk, a specialist at Morton and Eden, said after the sale: It is always pleasing to see medals returning to the original family, and I am sure that they are absolutely thrilled to be reunited with it after so many years.

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We are very proud to have offered this medal for sale. All Dickin Medals are rare, but this one has a story worthy of a Hollywood film.

Antis was a malnourished puppy when Bozdech, who was fighting with the French air force, found him in a French farmhouse in Feb 1940.

He lay at his masters feet in the rear gun turret as they took part in sorties over France in May 1940.

During a flight to Algeria, they were shot down over the sea and picked up by an Italian ship, where they were held as PoWs. But a day later, a British warship attacked the Italians, and Bozdech, with Antis in his arms, leapt into the sea.

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Against all odds, they were recovered alive by a Royal Navy longboat and taken to Gibraltar.

To get Antis back to England, Bozdech had to smuggle the animal on board in his coat. However, when that ship was attacked, all the passengers had to be transferred to another vessel, so Antis was hidden in a kit bag.

Back in Liverpool, on a squadron night out in Oct 1941, a devastating Luftwaffe bombing raid flattened buildings. Antis helped locate six survivors in the rubble before he was buried by a collapsing wall.

Alsatian twice buried under bombing rubble

Bozdech frantically dug for him with tears in his eyes before Antis emerged none the worse for wear. Later that month, the dogs keen hearing gave prior warning of a Luftwaffe attack on RAF Speke airfield. It was again buried in debris, this time for several days, before extracting itself from the rubble.

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Bozdech transferred to 311 Squadron who flew Wellington bombers, taking up a berth as forward gunner. Antis was forced to wait at the air base for Bozdechs first 10 operations, which caused it much distress.

When Bozdech suffered a serious head wound during a sortie and was rushed to hospital, he was reunited with Antis.

And when he flew his first sortie after recovery, he was shocked to look down and see that Antis had sneaked into the footwell. They were never separated again as Antis joined the crew on over 30 more operations.

The Dickin Medal bears Antiss name and the details of the dogs wartime service record - BNPS

The dog was awarded the Dickin Medal by Field-Marshal Lord Wavell in 1949.

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Lord Wavell said at the presentation: You have had many adventures by land and by air, and if you have not yet been in a naval battle it is only because you have not had the opportunity.

You have been in action a great many times, and have been wounded, and you have inspired others by your courage and steadfastness on many occasions, and have been adopted as mascot by your squadron.

Damien Lewis, a military historian, wrote about Antiss heroics in his 2014 book War Dog. He said: No greater courage or devotion was demonstrated in World War Two than by Antis, the flying dog of war, to his Bomber Command flight crew, and especially to his master and saviour, RAF airman Robert Bozdech.

Flying countless missions with Bomber Command, Antis became not only that warplanes lucky talisman, but the mascot of the entire squadron. Rightfully he was awarded the Dickin Medal at wars end, otherwise known as the animal VC.

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BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  The burn ban in Brazos County has been lifted, according to Judge Duane Peters.

An order released on Thursday morning states that the Brazos County Commissioners Court issued the burn ban on September 24, 2024 which was set to expire on December 23. The Court also granted Judge Peters the authority to terminate the order if necessary.

The Brazos County Office of Emergency Management and the fire chiefs for each of the Emergency Service District in the county all agreed that conditions improved significantly enough, along with the expectation of significant rainfall over the next several days, that lifting the burn ban was appropriate.

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Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in Manhattan Wednesday morning.

Thirteen hours later, his home and that of his wife were targeted with bomb threats, police said.

Police determined the threats were a hoax.

The homes of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and his wife in a suburb outside Minneapolis were targeted with fake bomb threats Wednesday evening, more than 13 hours after Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan, police said.

Around 7 p.m. Wednesday, city employees in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove received emails threatening to bomb Thompson's home and the home of his wife, according to incident reports released by the Maple Grove police department. Thompson and his wife lived in separate houses less than a mile apart.

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Police checked both homes and determined the threats were a hoax. In a statement, Maple Grove police called the threats a form of "swatting," a kind of harassment.

The New York Police Department said Thompson was gunned down at about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. The shooter fled the scene before police arrived, and a manhunt is ongoing.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest private insurer in the US, and Thompson was in New York for an investor meeting when he was killed.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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?
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Bright Nights at Forest Park put a special spotlight Wednesday night on those who are keeping our community safe.

Springfield police arrest suspected online child predator of victims out of state

For the 30th season of Bright Nights in Forest Park, the holiday lights shined extra bright for our local heroes behind the badge.

President Judy Matt, told 22News, We have been doing this for as long as I can remember because we feel that they deserve this special kind of treatment.

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Its important that we say thank you to all of our first responders from the military on downbecause they sacrificed and their families sacrificed, says Mayor Domenic Sarno.

This annual tradition brings in hundreds of people to the parkfrom as far as the Midwest and even Canada. Cars and buses full of families, lining up to see the thousands of lightsbut most importantly, taking a moment to appreciate the local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and servicemen and women.

Superintendent Lawrence Akers with Springfield Police added, We are just like they areand we want to do things with them, we are here to help them. At the same time, we want to stand side by side with them and make a difference in this city.

Public Safety Night is all about celebrating the people who protect and serve our community every dayand has become a great way to say thank you while also enjoying a fun holiday night.

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This brings a sense of family for all of us to come out into the community and be recognizedand not have that work mindset of I have to respond somewhere this is for me and people appreciate me, adds the Regional Director of AMR Patrick Leonardo.

Bright Night tickets are still available-and there are plenty of exciting things coming up including Zoo Night which will be held the next two upcoming Wednesdays on the 11th and 18th.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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WASHINGTON, DC (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Former New York Senator Anthony Brindisi can now add federal judge to his resume after a US Senate vote on Wednesday.

Brindisi was confirmed by the Senate in a 50-49 vote on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 4. He will be replacing Judge David Hurd, who will be accepting senior status as a federal judge. Brindisis jurisdiction will be the Northern District of New York, which covers most of Central New York, including Utica, Rome, Syracuse and Binghamton.

He was nominated by President Joe Biden on July 31 to fill the seat. He currently presides over the New York State Court of Claims in Utica and as an acting State Supreme Court Justice in Oneida County.

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He is a proud son of Utica and a former member of Congress. I worked closely with him on many issues for Upstate New York, particularly his hometown of Utica, where my dad was raised, so I have a particular affinity there. Anyway, I have a particular affinity for Utica, and Brindisi is a proud son of Utica. He is also an exceptionally qualified attorney whose legal acumen and deep care for the Mohawk Valley  and all of Central New York  will make him an excellent addition to the Northern District. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), in a statement calling for a vote on Tuesday to confirm Brindisi.

Brindisi also represented the Utica/Rome area in the New York State Assembly for eight years and served the 22nd Congressional District for two years in the House of Representatives. His race with now-24th District Representative Claudia Tenney in 2020 was one of the closest races in the nation during that election cycle. Tenney won the seat by just over 100 votes.

The next year, Brindisi also had a failed run for a spot on the New York State Supreme Court, losing the seat to Danielle Fogel. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed him to his current seat at the Court of Claims in 2022.

I am honored and grateful that the Senate has confirmed Judge Brindisi to serve on the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Judge Brindisi is an accomplished and exceptionally qualified attorney with a long and distinguished record of public service. Our legal system will be well served by his sharp legal mind and commitment to fair and equal justice. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and look forward to his tenure on the bench. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), in a statement on Brindisis confirmation

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With the confirmation by the Senate, Brindisi will serve a life term on the bench while continuing to serve in the Federal Building in the City of Utica.

Governor Kathy Hochul will also be called upon to appoint a replacement to Brindisis seat to the Court of Claims. A date has not been set for his swearing-in.

UPDATE (5:46 PM, December 4)  New York State Senator Joe Griffo has released a statement on Brindisis confirmation:

I am pleased that the Hon. Anthony Brindisi has been confirmed as a federal judge for the Northern District Court of New York by the U.S. Senate. As a result, this judgeship will remain in Utica, which I fought and advocated for despite Sen. Kirsten Gillibrands attempt to steal it from the Mohawk Valley and relocate it to the Capital District. I thank Sen. Charles Schumer for his efforts to bring this confirmation to the floor and greatly appreciate the distinguished and respected career of the Hon. David Hurd. Judge Hurd is a man of exceptional character who took a strong stand and remained committed to ensuring that his replacement lived in and was from the greater Utica area. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement. State Senator Joe Griffo, in a statement on Brindisis confirmation and Judge David Hurds retirement

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Thousands of low-income farmers face financial jeopardy as Labour continues to delay vital funding schemes, a think tank has warned.

The Environmental Land Scheme was initially set up by the Conservatives as a post-Brexit replacement for farming grants previously allocated by the European Union.

It was designed to financially support farmers and landowners who agreed to environmental changes to their land, but the scheme was put on hold by previous governments, and Labour has pushed it back until 2026.

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The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), a non-profit that advises MPs on green issues, on Thursday warned Britains poorest farmers were facing financial ruin because of the delays.

It said hill farmers, which produce much of the countrys beef and lamb and typically generate the lowest incomes, were at risk of financial jeopardy because of delays to the higher tier grants. The grants were designed to be used to maintain wood pasture, species-rich hay meadows, or grassland for breeding waders.

Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at the ECIU, said: The Countryside Stewardship higher-tier scheme, designed to support farmers to create and restore habitats like woodlands, which would help to reduce flood risk downstream, has been repeatedly delayed.

Any further delays will put hill farmers finances in jeopardy.

David Exwood, deputy president of the National Farmers Union, added: It means farmers, particularly those in the uplands, where many are in higher-tier type agreements, are unable to go that extra mile and deliver for the environment alongside their main role of producing food.

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Its a shame I have to repeat my call to the food security minister that he ensures all HLS agreement holders receive an uplifted payment to compensate for the loss of direct payment during their agreements.

Im also urging the minister to establish and meet with the Upland Working Group as soon as possible  something he promised the NFU three months ago.

In phasing out the EU grants, the Government has chosen to prioritise other initiatives, which the ECIU warned were less well-suited to upland farmers.

Neil Heseltine, an upland farmer and member of the Nature-Friendly Farming Network from Malham in North Yorkshire, said hill farmers were ready, willing and able to do more to tackle climate change, but the support has not been there for them.

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He added: I dont begrudge our lowland peers the funding theyre getting, I just want some of it to flow up the hill to allow us to do the same. If it doesnt, the climate and nature will suffer.

As the old subsidies are phased out, I dont know what hill farmers will do if we cant get into these more ambitious, higher-paying, higher-tier schemes weve long been promised.

Hill farmers tend to produce mainly beef and sheep meat due to the constraints of the harsh environment, and mostly operate in upland areas such as the Lake District, Dartmoor, and the Peak District.

They are often poorer than their lowland counterparts because profit margins on beef and sheep are very poor  even loss-making  due to the high cost and low returns.

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Their output also tends to be lower than in the lowlands, where farming is generally easier. Official figures show the average hill farm business makes just 23,500 a year.

It marks the latest in a series of battles between Labour and farmers, who this week pledged to fight the inheritance raid on farmland to the bitter end.

Last week, ministers were dragged into a row over a separate grant scheme, after it emerged Labour had abruptly paused capital grants for farmers over concerns the environment department had exceeded its budget.

A Defra spokesman said: The Governments commitment to our farmers remains steadfast, which is why we are making sure our schemes work for farmers who have too often been ignored, such as upland farms, including through the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme.

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Over 67,000 agreements for our Environmental Land Management Schemes are already live and we have committed 5bn to the farming budget over two years  the largest budget for sustainable food production and natures recovery in our countrys history.

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.
CALDWELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  State, county and local officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a new evacuation center in Caldwell County, which eventually will provide a refuge to people from all over the state during disasters.

The 45,000-square-foot evacuation center is being built in Lulling, around 15 miles south of Lockhart, and is expected to be completed by 2026. The project costs around $22 million and will be paid for by a Texas General Land Office grant.

Its really important regionally, Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden said. We do not have an evacuation center anywhere near here.

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It became apparent that we needed one during [Hurricane] Harvey, because there were so many people coming this way, seeking shelter, and there just wasnt anywhere to put them all, Hadden continued.

Hadden said once completed this will be one of Texas largest  if not the largest  evacuation centers.

Here in Caldwell County, weve had 11 federally declared disasters in the last 10 years. So theres definitely a need, Hadden said.

Itll house 360 people in an evacuation scenario, he continued. While theyre here, were going to try to make them as comfortable as we possibly can until they can go back to their homes.

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The space wont only be used during dire times, but also as a community space where the county can host large events.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, watches a performance with the attendees at a promotional event hosted by the Foreign Ministry to present the Hainan Free Trade Port to the world in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2024. Wang attended the promotional event and delivered a speech. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to development through high-level opening up and will continue to foster a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks at a promotional event hosted by the Foreign Ministry to present the Hainan Free Trade Port to the world.

Major officials of the island province of Hainan were invited to make presentations to more than 500 attendees, including diplomats and officials from over 160 countries, representatives from international organizations, central and local government officials, and representatives from enterprises, international trade associations, and domestic and foreign media.

In June 2020, China released a master plan with aims to build the whole of Hainan island into a globally influential and high-level free trade port by the middle of the century.

Wang said that the construction of the Hainan free trade port has gained momentum and the region has attracted an increasing number of regional and global enterprises to invest and operate business, presenting a new and dynamic environment of openness and progress.

The Hainan Free Trade Port has become a new frontier of China's institutional opening up, a new hot spot for regional mutually beneficial cooperation, and a new engine driving economic globalization, Wang said.

"Seeing is believing, and everyone is welcome to visit Hainan and gain firsthand experience," he added.

Wang said China will adhere to open, innovative, green, inclusive, and peaceful development.

"Choosing China means choosing opportunities, and embracing China means embracing the future," he said. 
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Rotary Club is hosting an event to raise awareness and bring fun to the Texoma community.

Building for tomorrow, one can at a time is a challenge for businesses and non-profits across the community to use food cans to create sculptures of iconic locations in Wichita Falls.

Knights of Columbus host 81st Annual Sausage Meal

All three Wichita Falls Rotary Clubs are coming together to host this event, which aims to raise awareness of the hunger issue in our communities.

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If any local business or non-profit would like to participate, they can email the Rotary Club at buildingfortomorrowonecan@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

The entire community and surrounding areas are invited to learn about the cause while seeing Wichita Falls iconic sites crafted out of canned foods that will later be disbursed to local non-profits to give out.

This event will take place at The Forum on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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OHIO (WJW)  Lake and Ashtabula Counties are reeling under the relentless weight of heavy snowfall, leading to a growing number of roof collapses that threaten everything from critical infrastructure to family homes.

The storms impact has been devastating. In both counties, the sheer weight of snow is causing structures to fail. Two salt domesone in Concord and another in Ashtabula Townshiphave already collapsed, leaving road crews scrambling to adjust.

DOJ: Charges mount against violent Cleveland street gang Fully Blooded Felons

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Walt Condo of Ashtabula described the unprecedented situation when asked if he has seen anything like this in a while.

No, and I hope to never see it again, Condo said.

For road crews, the work has been grueling.

Derrik Housel, a snowplow driver in Ashtabula Township, shared the strain his team is under.

Tired, fatigued. I think I have maybe 20 hours of sleep since Friday, he said.

Housel noted that despite losing their salt dome, the crews are pushing forward.

I stopped breathing for a while: Ohio woman wins more than $19M jackpot

You roll with the punches. You learn to adapt on the fly and as necessary, he explained.

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Its not just critical infrastructure feeling the strain. Homes and businesses are also at risk.

Families have reported carports and smaller structures collapsing under the weight of the snow.

One resident shared, We had to cancel everything. Im a deacon at my church, and I had to cancel everything at the church.

Businesses are scrambling to avoid disaster.

As crews worked to clear rooftops around Ashtabula, Lake City Plating faced the worst-case scenarioa massive portion of their roof collapsed on Friday. While the owner declined to speak on camera, they confirmed the damage and said they are doing everything possible to resume operations.

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Snow Day Calculator: Will schools be closed?

As the storm rages on, the damage is far from over. Residents and workers alike are bracing for the next wave of snow.

We havent gone nowhere. Weve been staying right here at home, Condo said.

If you see signs that your roof may be at risk, experts urge you to act quickly. Call a professional and prioritize safety.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
(Getty images photo illustration)

A majority of North Carolina registered voters are satisfied with the results of the 2024 election, according to the newest Meredith College poll released Thursday.

Sixty percent of respondents indicated they were satisfied with the outcomes despite how tight races were in the presidential, Council of State, and North Carolina Supreme Court contests.

There were major partisan differences in satisfaction levels. Almost 95 percent of Republicans were pleased with results, and more than 71 percent of Democrats were dissatisfied, according to the survey.

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For unaffiliated voters, 50 percent were satisfied with election outcomes while 43.3 percent were dissatisfied.

There were also differences in satisfaction among race and ethnicity.

Almost 70 percent of white voters expressed satisfaction with the results, but less than one third of Black voters were pleased. Hispanic voters were equally divided: 46.2 percent were satisfied and the same percentage was dissatisfied.

Among Hispanic voters, there was a clear gender gap. More than half of Hispanic males reported satisfaction with the outcomes, at 52 percent, while only 32 percent of Hispanic women did so.

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The margin in the presidential race results of the poll almost exactly mirrored the actual results in North Carolina: 50 percent of respondents said they voted for Republican Donald Trump and 48 percent for Democrat Kamala Harris. In the actual election, Trump won 50.8, beating Harris 47.7 percent in the Tar Heel State.

There was a larger gap in the governors race, where 57 percent of respondents indicated supporting Democrat Josh Stein and only 37 percent said they voted for Republican Mark Robinson. Election results show Stein winning 54.9 percent of the vote to 40.1 percent for Harris.

Some might be surprised that so many North Carolinians were satisfied with the outcome of the November 5 elections, however I feel that people are generally glad the campaigns are over, Meredith Poll director David McLennan said. For a majority of voters who dont live and breathe politics, they are ready to move on.

Almost 90 percent of survey respondents reported that they very closely or somewhat closely followed the news of the 2024 presidential campaign. There were no major differences in partisan or demographic groups.

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Meredith pollsters also asked voters for their views on a trio of substantive policy issues on which President-elect Donald Trump has promised aggressive and controversial action: immigration, tariffs, and higher education. Among the findings:

Almost 70 percent of North Carolinians believe that the immigration system in the United

States needs major changes or a complete overhaul.

While large majorities supported tougher border control policies and deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crime, voters were divided on how to deal with those who have not committed a crime or who are seeking asylum.

A majority of respondents indicated support for allowing those brought into the country as children (DACA program participants) to remain, as well as those immigrants married to an American citizen.

Relatively narrow majorities voiced support for Trumps plan to impose tariffs on imported goods.

Respondents generally opposed the idea of doing away with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs on North Carolina college campuses, but McLennan said the results also indicated a lot of confusion about what DEI is.

Meredith College conducted the poll between Nov. 24 and 30, with a sample size of 800 respondents. There is a confidence interval of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Click here to explore the poll results.
Police place bullet casing markers outside of a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City. - Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

After a manhunt that lasted several days, police arrested a suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Monday. Identified as Luigi Mangione, 26, the suspect was arrested in Pennsylvania on a local firearm charge and declared a person of interest before authorities were able to charge him with one count of murder in connection to Thompsons death, which has been called a pre-planned, targeted attack. Mangione is currently being held in Pennsylvania after fighting extradition to New York City during a hearing on Tuesday.

Heres everything we know so far as additional details continue to emerge from investigations into the incident.

More from Rolling Stone

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Murdered in NYC

Thompson, 50, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and cycled through a number of roles before being named UnitedHealthcare CEO in April 2021. He was struck in the back and leg while walking outside of a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. on Dec. 4. Video footage of the attack showed the shooter approaching Thompson from behind after lying in wait for several minutes, according to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Thompson was pronounced dead at a nearby Mount Sinai hospital. The incident occurred less than two hours before the annual UnitedHealth Group Investor Conference was scheduled to begin.

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The attack was not deemed to be a random act of violence, according to Tisch. The shooter did not engage with anyone who passed by while seemingly awaiting the CEOs arrival. Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News: Yes, there had been some threats. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him. Thompson lived in Maple Grove, a suburb in Minnesota. According to the Minneapolis news outlet KARE 11, no official reports of any received threats were filed to local police. However, TMZ obtained police records that stated a bomb threat had recently been made targeting his house, though no bomb was found on the scene.

Bullet Shell Casings Recovered at Shooting Scene Call Out UnitedHealth Group

At the scene of the shooting, law enforcement officials recovered multiple shell casings that were printed with the words deny, defend, and depose. A number of social media users connected the words to Jay M. Feinmans Delay, Deny, Defend. The book, published in 2010, explores how and why insurance companies delay payment of justified claims, deny payment altogether, and defend their actions by forcing claimants to enter litigation, according to a synopsis.

A press release for the UnitedHealth Group conference Thompson was scheduled to attend detailed: UnitedHealth Group leaders will discuss the companys long-term strategic growth priorities and its efforts to advance high-quality health care, including through a continued focus on improving the consumer experience and expanding value-based care.

In October, the Senate Homeland Security Committee published a report about UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS intentionally using prior authorization to boost profits by targeting costly yet critical stays in post-acute care facilities for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. The report stated that in April 2021, an internal committee at UnitedHealthcare approved the use of Machine Assisted Prior Authorization to review cases. It found that the implementation of these automated processes coincided with a significant increase in denial rates for prior authorization requests for post-acute care.

Murder Suspect Manhunt Begins in New York

In efforts to locate the shooter, the NYPD released photos allegedly placing the suspect in a nearby Starbucks before the attack. The attire worn in the images matched that of the video footage. Additional photos were shared via official NYPD social media accounts on Thursday, Dec. 5. The person of interest in the set of images was not wearing a mask over his face. It was unclear from the postings whether the images were captured on the same day as the shooting. The NYPD offered $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

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NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny noted that the gunman seemed to be proficient in the use of firearms, as suggested by his ability to swiftly recover when his gun seemed to jam after he fired his initial shots at Thompson. Video footage of the shooter showed him wearing a black face mask, a hooded jacket, and a backpack of a lighter color. Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, initially on foot and later on a bike.

Previous reports suggested that the shooter used a Citi Bike to escape the scene. One user on social media, who said they often scrape Citi Bike data to track the location of bikes, attempted to assist in the investigation by narrowing down bikes checked out of nearby docks. A spokesperson for Lyft, which operates Citi Bike, initially vowed to assist law enforcement in its investigation. But according to The New York Times, Lyft stated that it had been informed that Citi Bike was not involved in the escape. The NYPD shifted its focus to the potential use of an unmarked e-bike.

Central Park at the time was marked as his last known location. On Friday, Dec. 6, authorities recovered a backpack in the park believed to be linked to the murder. The backpack was found to contain a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and colorful sheets of paper used as money in the board game Monopoly.

Authorities Arrest Luigi Mangione in Pennsylvania

Mangione was detained by authorities in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Dec. 9. The arrest came after he was recognized at a McDonalds. He was reportedly found carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, according to Tisch. Officers also recovered a firearm and suppressor believed to have been used in the shooting, as well as clothing and a mask similar to the items worn by the suspect in previously released video footage and photos. Also recovered was a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching the ID our suspect used to check into his New York City hostel before the shooting incident, Tisch stated. Mangione is also said to have been carrying a handwritten manifesto that criticized the healthcare industry.

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Following his arrest, Mangione was held without bail and did not enter a plea regarding the firearm charge in his first court appearance. He was brought into a Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania courthouse for an extradition hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 10. While being brought into the courthouse, Mangione could be heard shouting: Its completely out of touch and is an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience! During the hearing, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released a statement saying it would seek a governors warrant to secure Mangiones extradition to New York. Mangione was charged in Manhattan with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree possession of a forged document, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a firearm.

Mangione Contests Extradition to New York

Mangione contested extradition to New York, where he faces multiple charges, including murder. The contested extradition process can span months. Mangiones lawyer Thomas Dickey has stated that the primary reason for fighting the extradition is a lack of evidence linking his client to the crime. We had a brief hearing yesterday, but there is one document  an arrest warrant from the state of New York  which merely referenced a statute. Weve seen no evidence, Dickey said on Good Morning America on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Thats one of the many reasons why were challenging the extradition at this point, so we can see some evidence and get a little more detailed information about the charges against Luigi.

Dickey argued that the gun found on Mangione at the time of the arrest isnt substantial enough to draw a connection, adding that plenty of guns look similar. I have not been made aware of any evidence that links the gun that was found on his person to the crime. These are things were looking to see, he said. If you brought a gun in and said, Well, it looks like that. I dont even know if it would be admissible, and if so, I would argue that it wouldnt be given much weight. The recovered weapon, being referred to by authorities as a ghost gun, is suspected to have been made out of parts and DIY kits bought online. These firearms are often assembled at home, which largely renders them untraceable. The charging documents state that both the pistol and silencer were 3D-printed.

According to The New York Times, Mangiones fingerprints were found on ballistic evidence discovered at the crime scene and items recovered nearby, including a discarded water bottle and a protein bar. Authorities also stated that his own identification documents were found on his person alongside the fraudulent documents.

Mangiones Manifesto Criticized Healthcare Companies

The three-page handwritten manifesto found on Mangiones person at the time of his arrest reportedly contained criticism of the healthcare industry, particularly the widespread practice of prioritizing profit over patients. The note was brief, only 262 words. According to CNN, it contained the quotes, These parasites had it coming and I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done. It does not mention Thompson by name but highlights that health insurance companies continue to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has allowed them to get away with it, per The Times.

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An influx of information revealed in the wake of his arrest has painted Mangione as a member of a prominent Baltimore family connected to a number of local country clubs, healthcare facilities, and real estate companies. The New York Times reported that Mangiones mother filed a missing-person report on Nov. 18. The 26-year-old had not been in contact with his family for about six months, having effectively disappeared following a spinal fusion surgery. He appeared to suffer from debilitating back pain as a result.

He does make some indication that hes frustrated with the health care system in the United States, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said on Dec. 10. Specifically, he states how we are the number-one most expensive health care system in the world, yet the life expectancy of an American is ranked 42 in the world. So he was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and, in particular, the healthcare industry. An NYPD intelligence report obtained by CNN read: He appeared to view the targeted killing of the companys highest-ranking representative as a symbolic takedown and a direct challenge to its alleged corruption and power games, asserting in his note he is the first to face it with such brutal honesty.

Mangiones prevalent digital footprint led to the uncovering of his Goodreads account, where he logged sci-fi and pop science books, as well as texts on addressing and overcoming back pain in addition to the manifesto of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasnt working with anyone, another portion of the manifesto reportedly reads. According to CNN, a spiral notebook recovered by authorities included a passage in which Mangione decided against using a bomb to carry out the attack due to concern that it could kill innocents. Kenny added: We dont think theres any specific threats to other people mentioned in that document.

This article was updated with new details and a full timeline of events

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MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  The shell casings found on the ground where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot had writing on them, sources told PIX11 News on Thursday.

Three shell casings at the scene had the words defend, depose, and deny on them, sources said. The NYPD is looking into if the words mean anything as they continue to investigate the motive of the shooting, according to sources.

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Thompson, 50, was gunned down in front of a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Midtown Wednesday morning, the NYPD said. He was heading to an investors conference there, which was cut short following the shooting.

A masked suspect was waiting for the CEO to arrive at the hotel, according to authorities. Security video showed what appeared to be a silencer on the gun that was fired into Thompsons back and leg.

Police on Thursday shared new, clear images of the suspected shooters face in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Credit: NYPD)

The gunman then fled into an alleyway between 54th and 55th streets before taking an e-bike into Central Park. A cellphone dropped in the alleyway was collected as evidence, police said.

The recovered phone is believed to be a burner phone, sources told PIX11 News on Thursday.

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The suspect was also seen at a Starbucks before the shooting, where he purchased a water bottle, according to authorities. Police are looking for DNA from the water bottle, bullets, and shell casings, sources said.

Surveillance photos also linked the suspect to a New York City hostel, according to sources.

The NYPD said there is no audio recording of the shooting, so its not known if words were exchanged. A motive for the shooting remains unclear.

Thompsons wife told NBC News there were some threats made against him before his death.

I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him, Paulette Thompson said.

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She told detectives that Thompson was receiving threats over the quality of or lack of health insurance coverage by UnitedHealthcare, sources said.

The NYPD offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the shooting.

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.
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WPIX)  The ammunition found on the ground where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot Wednesday had writing on it, police sources told Nexstars WPIX.

Three bullet casings at the scene had the words defend, depose, and deny on them, according to those sources. The New York Police Department is looking into if the words mean anything, they said.

The Associated Press reported that the words on the ammunition may have been references to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims.

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Thompson, 50, was gunned down in front of a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th avenues in Midtown, the NYPD said. He was walking to the hotel to attend the companys annual investor conference, which was cut short after the shooting.

The hotel is just blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

$10,000 reward offered for information on UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: NYPD

A masked suspect was waiting for the CEO to arrive at the hotel, according to authorities. Security video showed what appeared to be a silencer on the gun that was fired into Thompsons back and leg.

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One video showed the suspect approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam while the dying health executive tumbled to the pavement.

The NYPD offered a $10,000 reward for information in the targeted shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown on Dec. 4, 2024. (Credit: WPIX/NYPD)

The gunman then fled into an alleyway between 54th and 55th streets before taking an e-bike into Central Park. A cellphone dropped in the alleyway was collected as evidence, police said.

He was also seen at a Starbucks before the shooting, where he purchased a water bottle, according to authorities.

The NYPD said there is no audio recording of the shooting, so its not known if words were exchanged. A motive for the shooting remains unclear.

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Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killers whereabouts remained unknown late into the night Wednesday.

Thompsons wife told NBC News there had been some threats made against him.

I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him, she said.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the shooting.

This is a developing story.

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 Queen City News.
A suspected gunman who opened fire inside a Northern California school on Wednesday, wounding two kindergarten students, allegedly met with school administrators moments before the shooting to discuss the possibility of enrolling his family there, according to investigators.

Two students, ages 5 and 6, were wounded in the shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, just outside of Oroville, Calif., in Northern California. The young children were taken to a local hospital and remain in extremely critical condition, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said in a press briefing shared on Facebook on Wednesday.

"I'm thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them, and I certainly hope that you'd all keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward," Honea told reporters.

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The alleged gunman, who has not been identified, was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Honea added.

Honea told reporters that investigators are looking into whether the suspects meeting with school officials prior to the shooting was legitimate or if it was a ruse to gain access to the school grounds without raising an alarm.

"We have received some information that he made an appointment to come to the school and meet with an administrator, Honea said. His statement to school officials was that he wanted to explore the possibility of enrolling a family member as a student at the school.

Related: 2 Kindergarten Students in Extremely Critical Condition After Shooting at Calif. School: 'Long Road Ahead of Them'

Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif

The sheriff said the suspects meeting with school officials appeared to be "cordial" and that no concerns were raised at the time.

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"Shortly after concluding that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired, heard screams, and that's when they determined or found that the two students had been shot," Honea said, adding that then subsequently it appears as though [the shooter] took his own life.

Google Maps Feather River Adventist School Feather River Adventist School

The sheriff said police received a 911 call around 1 p.m. and discovered the shooter and victims upon arriving at the school. Honea said investigators believe the shooting may have been "targeted" because of the schools "affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventists church."

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My heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy, local Assemblyman James Gallagher said in a statement on social media following the shooting. We will never understand why or how someone could do a thing like this. I am grateful for the bravery of the law enforcement, fire and medical personnel who responded to this attack to stop the shooter and rescue the victims. As a community, well all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless.

Read the original article on People
Community and political leaders from California are sharing messages of support after two boys in kindergarten were shot at a religious school in Butte County on Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff Kory Honea said the boys, ages 5 and 6, were hospitalized after the shooting and that the suspected gunman died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot.

Two boys, ages 5 and 6, shot at Northern California religious school; suspect dead

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea

Many of you have come to Butte County to cover major incidents, disastersso were no stranger to those kinds of things, but when youre talking about little kids like this, who cant defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart.

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I want to talk with school administrators and find the right course of action and be willing to provide them with whatever support they think is necessary.

My heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy. We will never understand why or how someone could do a thing like this. I am grateful for the bravery of the law enforcement, fire and medical personnel who responded to this attack to stop the shooter and rescue the victims. As a community, well all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless.

BCOE is aware of the shooting incident that occurred earlier this afternoon at Feather River Adventist School near Palermo. At this time, students are actively being transported to safety. Our sympathies are with the children and families of Feather River Adventist and we are working with them to provide support however we can.

Following the tragic shooting in Butte County, @Cal_OES is on scene to support the Butte County Sheriffs Office with resources for response and investigation. Our hearts are with those affected.

Heartbreaking. Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the children, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. To the survivors of gun violence: You are never alone. California stands with you.

No community should be impacted by the senseless violence of a school shooting, especially during the holidays. Our hearts are broken for the families, employees, volunteers and responders affected by the shooting at Feather River Adventist School.

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FBI personnel remain on scene, working to support the Butte County Sheriffs Office to find answers for the victims and the community. The FBI is deeply committed to this effort, leveraging all available resources to further this investigation, support the families of injured children, and help the community heal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Northern California was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake late Thursday morning.

After the tremor struck at 10:45 a.m., just over 60 miles to the west-southwest of Humboldt Countys Ferndale, a tsunami warning was issued for a wide swath of the West Coast. The warning extended from Oregon to central California, and at least 5.3 million people in California were affected.

The warnings were canceled by the National Weather Service soon after they were issued.

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The agency estimated that more than 1.3 million people felt its impact. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but some store owners said their goods had been broken.

Californias governor signed an emergency declaration in response to the days events, activating state emergency resources.

It was very frightening, 86-year-old Carol Ruth Silver, a veteran San Francisco politician, told The Independent. It didnt say how far up [the waves] were going to go... my thoughts were: lets get out of here!

Within about ten minutes, Silver and her companions were bundling into a car and heading for a nearby hilltop  just like many San Franciscans who took the warning seriously and fled for higher ground.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of northern California

The tremor was located just over 60 miles west-southwest of Ferndale

More than 5.3 million Californians were under a tsunami warning before it was canceled

Hundreds of smaller aftershocks expected after California quake

San Francisco residents were told to move off the coast

More than 5 million California residents are under a tsunami warning

Thursday 5 December 2024 19:40 , Julia Musto

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There are at least 5.3 million people in California under a tsunami warning.

Tsunami Warning 1 for areas of OR & N. CA: See https://t.co/npoUHxX900 for alert areas. M7.3 045mi SW Eureka, California 1044PST Dec 5 pic.twitter.com/NFCbU5EaKa  NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) December 5, 2024

5 million people under tsunami warning after 7.0 quake hits off California coast

A 7.0 quake struck west-southwest of Ferndale

Thursday 5 December 2024 19:44 , Julia Musto

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.0 - 99 km WSW of Ferndale, California https://t.co/Gsvo44wKJa  USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2024

The San Francisco Zoo said it was closed due to the emergency

Thursday 5 December 2024 19:45 , Julia Musto

The Zoo has closed due to national weather emergency and tsunami warning. Guests have been evacuated, animals secured and staff have moved to higher ground.  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (@sfzoo) December 5, 2024

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San Francisco Mayor London Breed tells residents to move off the coast and 'at least one block inland

Thursday 5 December 2024 19:48 , Julia Musto

We are activating our Emergency Operations Center in response to the Tsunami Warning. Please move off the coast and at least one block inland.



Public safety personnel are deploying to the coast to warn people to move inland.



We will continue to provide updates as we have https://t.co/uSStttyM4D  London Breed (@LondonBreed) December 5, 2024

What California earthquake felt like on the ground in San Francisco

Thursday 5 December 2024 19:49 , Josh Marcus

At first, I wasnt even sure it was an earthquake. Maybe it was just a truck rumbling by my San Francisco apartment. Maybe I just hadnt had my coffee.

Then a tsunami warning came blaring out of my phone, confirming that the barely perceptible tremor I felt really was the real thing, and a serious risk at that.

A magnitude 7 earthquake had struck at a depth of 8 miles, 45 miles southwest of Eureka, a coastal city about 270 miles north of the Bay Area.

The quake itself may have passed, but forcasters suggest the waves it might generate could hit the coast within the next half hour, and advise getting to high ground.

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Check tsunami.gov for more information.

There is no longer a tsunami threat, NWS says

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:03 , Julia Musto

The National Weather Service said that there is no longer a tsunami threat from the earthquake.

The agency recommended affected residents remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea.

Otherwise, no action is required.

The tsunami Warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area. This will be the final U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center message for this event. Refer to https://t.co/npoUHxX900 for more information.  NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) December 5, 2024

An uneasy feeling: Coastal earthquake rattles San Francisco as tsunami warning in effect

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:05 , Josh Marcus

An large earthquake off the Northern California coast on Thursday morning could be felt hundreds of miles away in the San Francisco Bay area, setting nerves on edge.

First time ever felt an earthquake in [the South of Market neighborhood] San Francisco, venture capitalist Jesse Heikkila wrote on X. Not one where you scream and run, but it definitely is an uneasy feeling.

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Christopher Sherry, of the nearby Alameda County District Attorneys Office, said he also felt the quake, and posted a video on social media of his shutters swaying in his office.

The quake, and an accompanying tsunami warning, put the city on high alert.

Mayor London Breed announced on Thursday she was activating the citys emergency operations center and sending public safety staff to warn residents to get inland.

Bay Area Rapid Transit, meanwhile, announced it stopped metro service on the Transbay Tube connnecting San Francisco and Oakland.

The San Francisco Zoo has closed and evacuated guests, as well as securing animals and staff.

SF Fire Department warns people to beware of aftershocks, broken glass

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:07 , Julia Musto

Earthquake! Watch out for broken glass and fallen items. Seek shelter and be prepared for more shaking from aftershocks. Check in with family as able. Evacuate if you smell gas, see smoke or fire. pic.twitter.com/5NCOeCz72c  SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) December 5, 2024

More evacuations were ordered as a result of the earthquake

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:12 , Julia Musto

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More evacuations were ordered as a result of the earthquake, according to KRON4.

The station said Pacificas Vallemar Elementary School at 377 Reina Del Mar was evacuated.

Marin County Sheriffs Office warns coastal tides will still rise

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:15 , Julia Musto

No tsunami effect for Ca Bay Area at this time, the Marin County Sheriffs Office said. Coastal tides will rise, so it is recommended to stay away from coastal areas.

No tsunami effect for Ca Bay Area at this time. Coastal tides will rise, so it is recommended to stay away from coastal areas  Marin County Sheriff (@MarinSheriff) December 5, 2024

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USGS says an initial assessment estimates a low likelihood of shaking-related fatalities

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:18 , Julia Musto

The initial PAGER estimates a low likelihood of shaking-related fatalities. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. PAGER stands for Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response. More information available here: https://t.co/jZ1ckYO9iC https://t.co/r1eB6gDidi pic.twitter.com/QdD4ewZgLw  USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2024

Bay Area Rapid Transit tells passengers to expect major delays

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:19 , Julia Musto

BART is recovering from an earlier problem. We have resumed normal train service. Please expect systemwide major delays.  BART Alert (@SFBARTalert) December 5, 2024

California Highway Patrol advises people remain cautious while traveling throughout the rest of the day

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:23 , Julia Musto

State Senator Mike Mcguire says immediate assistance is being sent to Humboldt and Del Norte Counties

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:25 , Julia Musto

The State is sending immediate assistance to Humboldt & Del Norte Counties to assist with emergency operations.



There are reports of some homes that have come off of foundations in the greater Eel River Valley region of Humboldt.



Approx 10k customers are currently without power  Mike McGuire (@ilike_mike) December 5, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom tells Californians to heed local emergency responders

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:32 , Julia Musto

People watch the waves come in after an earthquake along San Franciscos Ocean Beach in northern California. The Thursday quake was reported as a 7.0 ((AP Photo/Haven Daley))

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California Governor Gavin Newsom said emergency officials were responding to the quake.

Californians should follow guidance from local emergency responders, he said.

USGS says the earthquake was a strike-slip

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:35 , Julia Musto

The earthquake was primarily strike-slip, meaning two tectonic plates slid past each other. These types of earthquakes are less likely to cause tsunami because their movement is primarily horizontal with minimal vertical movement of the ocean floor. https://t.co/3vWypuPqHi https://t.co/ZMAKO8djEe pic.twitter.com/1zOFxKHyEx  USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2024

The earthquake was primarily strike-slip, meaning two tectonic plates slid past each other, the U.S. Geological Survey said in a post on social media.

Strike-slips are less likely to cause tsunamis because their movement is primarily horizontal with minimal vertical movement of the ocean floor.

Photos show Californians responding to tsunami warning

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:41 , Julia Musto

A San Francisco Surf Rescue team evacuates surfers from Ocean Beach in case of a possible tsunami on Thursday. The warning was later canceled. ((Benjamin Fanjoy/San Francisco Chronicle via AP))

People sit on a bench along the beach in Santa Cruz, California, after authorities cleared the main beach. They taped off entrances ((AP Photo/Martha Mendoza))

These are the warning signs of a tsunami

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:44 , Julia Musto

For Californians who live on the coast, this is a valuable tool when an earthquake occurs. https://t.co/aJYCCOwjCp  CA Gov Ops (@CAGovOps) December 5, 2024

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What did the earthquake feel like?

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:52 , Julia Musto

Kaitlin Graves, an employee at the Petrolia General Store, said that the shaking was intense and lasted for just 10 seconds.

It was a big earthquake. It was a lot of up-and-down shaking, Graves said in a phone interview with The Los Angeles Times. It felt like the woozy feeling you get when youre in an elevator.

Social media users reported feeling it much longer than that.

Evacuation orders in Berkeley have been lifted

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:54 , Julia Musto

The Berkeley Police Department had told residents located west of Seventh Street to head inland immediately and to leave behind anything that was not essential.

Waves were forecast to reach the region at around noon, according to Berkeleyside.

The Tsunami Warning has been CANCELLED.



Evacuation orders for West Berkeley have been lifted. It is safe to return to the area.



View Berkeleys real-time emergency map: https://t.co/IC9XvJ3que https://t.co/JqpGqaoCkb  City of Berkeley (@CityofBerkeley) December 5, 2024

Breed says San Francisco Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor situation

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:58 , Julia Musto

The tsunami warning has been lifted. We will continue to operate our Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation. Be aware there still may be large swells along the coast and avoid the water because of the possibility of dangerous sneaker waves. https://t.co/xvJA1xeqLz  London Breed (@LondonBreed) December 5, 2024

Tsunami map shows how San Francisco could be devastated

Thursday 5 December 2024 20:59 , Julia Musto

Tsunami map shows how San Francisco could be devastated

California Department of Conservations tsunami map website experienced outages after warnings, report says

Thursday 5 December 2024 21:11 , Julia Musto

The California Department of Conservations tsunami map website experienced outages Thursday morning after the tsunami warnings across the California coast, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.

It displayed an error message.

USGS scientist says large earthquake was followed by smaller aftershocks

Thursday 5 December 2024 21:18 , Julia Musto

Stephen DeLong, a geologist with the USGS Earthquake Science Center, said in a news briefing that there was one large earthquake followed by several smaller aftershocks.

DeLong said it was too early to fully assess the scale of the damage, according to The New York Times.

Dozens of smaller earthquakes were reported around California on the agencys website.

This year has seen several earthquakes with magnitude 7.0 or higher

Thursday 5 December 2024 21:30 , Julia Musto

This year has seen several earthquakes with magnitude 7.0 or higher.

In August, a tremor of the same magnitude struck Russia, and a 7.1 hit Japans Hyuganada Sea.

Chile saw a 7.4 quake in July after a 7.1 shook the Philippines.

In June, a 7.2 impacted Peru.

The earlier months were relatively quiet, other than a 7.4 in Taiwan, a 7.0 in China, and a 7.5 on Japans Noto Peninsula.

San Francisco senior flees for higher ground after massive quake: It was very frightening

Thursday 5 December 2024 21:45 , Io Dodds

San Francisco resident Carol Ruth Silver, 86, quickly bundled into a car and evacuated to a nearby hilltop when she got the tsunami warning this morning, reports The Independents Io Dodds (who also lives in the city).

Silver got the alert as she was drinking her morning coffee and eating her oatmeal. While she was still absorbing it, a friend arrived and showed her the US governments official danger map  with the entire San Francisco peninsula marked in bright red.

San Francisco resident Carol Ruth Silver, 86, is seen in this selfie. Ruth quickly evacuated when she received a tsunami warning on Thursday (Carol Ruth Silver)

In fact, the actual evacuation zone was much smaller and limited to low-level coastland. But with no clear picture the tsunami was going to be, Silver, her friend, and a family member fled for higher ground.

It was very frightening, she told The Independent. It said were in danger and you need to get out of where you are. It didnt say how far up it was going to go ...My thoughts were: lets get out of here!

From her chosen roost of Corona Heights Park, just above the citys Castro LGBT+ district, the party had a good view as nothing much happened.

We were able to sit comfortably and listen to the warnings until we heard that whatever was gonna happen had happened, Silver said.

An aerial view shows the San Francisco skyline on Thursday. Silver fled to Corona Heights Park (Carol Ruth Silver)

Though her house in the Mission District was not in danger, Silver is glad that she took the situation seriously and evacuated.

It is a warning that we in California live right above cracks in the crust of the Earth, and we have to at all times be ready with our evacuation, she said.

Just make sure that you dont forget your supplies.

I have a bright red emergency backpack ... with a medical kit, and water, and things like that, says Silver. I should have taken it with me, but I did not.

BART now reports a 10-minute delay

Thursday 5 December 2024 21:48 , Julia Musto

BART is recovering from an earlier problem. There is a 10-minute delay system wide due to an ealier earthquake and tsunami warning  BART Alert (@SFBARTalert) December 5, 2024

California governor says its state protocol to issue tsunami warnings after earthquakes that are magnitude 5.0+

Thursday 5 December 2024 22:00 , Julia Musto

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, said it was the states protocol to issue tsunami warnings whenever an earthquake with a magnitude of more than 5.0 strikes a coastal region.

He said he had signed an emergency declaration for the region.

Its another reminder of the state that we live in and the state of mind that we need to bring to our day-to-day reality here, he told reporters.

More than 16K California customers are without power after the earthquake

Thursday 5 December 2024 22:15 , Julia Musto

Power outage tracker PowerOutage.US reports 16,465 customers are without power in California.

WH says Biden has been briefed on the earthquake

Thursday 5 December 2024 22:30 , Julia Musto

The President has been briefed on the 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of northern California. At his direction, Senior Administration and FEMA Regional officials are in touch with their state and local counterparts in California and Oregon, White House Spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

We stand ready to provide further support as neededat this time there are no requests for federal assistance, he said. We encourage all residents to remain vigilant and listen to local officials.

California has been hit by more than 150 tsunamis in over 200 years

Thursday 5 December 2024 23:00 , Julia Musto

The California Geological Survey says the states shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis since 1800, most of which were minor.

Previous research from the USGS identified the natural forces as signifcant threats to low-lying communities on its coast.

The 2013 study said the tsunami-inundation zone impacts hundreds of thousands of residents and land in 94 incorporate cities, 83 unincorporated communities, and 20 counties on the California coast.

In that zone, there are schools, daycares, banks, grocery stores, amusement parts, beaches, national parks, and other tourist areas.

Community exposure to tsunamis in California varies considerablysome communities may experience great losses that reflect only a small part of their community and others may experience relatively small losses that devastate them, the studys authors said.

California utility is assessing its gas and electric system after quake

Thursday 5 December 2024 23:20 , Julia Musto

In response to today's earthquakes, PG&E is assessing its gas and electric system. Avoid turning off your homes gas unless you hear gas blowing or smell a leak (there could be a delay in restoring service). If you smell gas, vacate the property, go up wind and call 911 and then pic.twitter.com/ijZFDS6zy4  Pacific Gas & Electric (@PGE4Me) December 5, 2024

USGS received more than 14K reports from people who felt the earthquake

Thursday 5 December 2024 23:40 , Julia Musto

The United States Geological Survey has received more than 14,000 reports from people who felt the earthquake.

They came from as far north as Salem, Ore., and as far south as Californias San Joaquin Valley, according to the agency.

California emergency managers have turned on ALERTCalifornias Barry Ridge camera to monitor Eureka and Humboldt Bay

00:00 , Julia Musto

A tsunami warning was issued at 10:44 on 12/5 for Northern California and Oregon and emergency managers have turned ALERTCalifornia's Barry Ridge camera to monitor Eureka and Humboldt Bay. Learn more at https://t.co/SNKbJc2o3d and see the view live at https://t.co/XFh1MJ0Q5m pic.twitter.com/qxyKkPue2i  ALERTCalifornia (@ALERTCalifornia) December 5, 2024

See it: Newsoms press briefing after the earthquake

00:20 , Julia Musto

LIVE NOW: Governor Newsom makes an announcement on transnational commerce and border security. https://t.co/fhqK0xvBQ9  Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 5, 2024

Tsunami warning was a wakeup call for Bay Area family

00:40 , Josh Marcus

Authorities ended up calling off a tsunami warning for Northern California on Thursday after an offshore earthquake, but the circumstances still left an impact on Oakland resident Nuala Bishari.

She writes in the San Francisco Chronicle that Thursdays scare prompted her family to drill down on the details of their plans for a natural disaster, like how to stay in touch and which supplies they should have on hand.

Were considering expensive, long-range walkie-talkies in case cell service goes down, she wrote. I found an old backpack I can use as a go bag. Im shoving in passports and car titles as I write this.

Theres a lot to figure out. But as stressful as Thursdays tsunami warning was, it was a wake-up call for all of us to be better prepared, she added. Next stop for me: the grocery store, to finally stock up on emergency food.

Hundreds of smaller aftershocks expected after California quake

01:00 , Josh Marcus

A series of smaller aftershocks are expected over the next week after todays 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of California.

More than a dozen have already been reported.

The aftershocks will weaken over time, though theres still about a five percent chance of an earthquake greater than 6.0 in magnitude over the next week, Christine Goulet, the director of the USGS Earthquake Science Center, told NBC News.

Following a 7, there could be fairly large aftershocks, she said. As time goes by, theyre going to be less frequent and smaller.

Several aftershocks have already occurred and will continue for the next week or so, according to the Pacific Northwest Seisemic Network. There is a 35% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than M5. There will likely be dozens to hundreds of smaller aftershocks within the next week in the magnitude 3 range.

The new risk of politicized disaster aid

01:30 , Josh Marcus

Thankfully, tsunami waves did not inundate the West Coast today.

If they had, communities in California might have had to deal with a worrying trend that cropped up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene: politicized disaster aid.

When the storm barreled through, it was right before Election Day, and Republican officials like Donald Trump and JD Vance didnt hesitate to spread false claims about the nature of the governments disaster response.

Heres reporting from Julia Musto and Kelly Rissman on this troubling phenomenon.

Trump, Vance continue to push debunked claim of FEMA money going to migrants

How Trump and his allies spread false claims about FEMA and Hurricane Helene relief

Why wasnt there a tsunami? Meteorologist explains

02:00 , Josh Marcus

Residents across California and the Pacific Northwest were alarmed on Thursday with a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occured off the coast of Northern California.

The warning, however, was quickly dropped. So what happened?

Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci had a helpful explanation why for MyRadar Weather.

Why were tsunami warnings dropped? And what does this say about the broader seismology of the area? @MatthewCappucci explains. pic.twitter.com/txlCpvaXaj  MyRadar Weather (@MyRadarWX) December 5, 2024

Life returns to normal in San Francisco

03:00 , Josh Marcus

(Josh Marcus / The Independent)

After a tsunami warning briefly put the city on edge, life in San Francisco is back to normal.

During a visit from one of our reporters to San Franciscos Baker Beach on Thursday afternoon, the dogwalkers were walking, the fishermen were fishing, and there were few obvious signs there had been the chance of a one-two punch natural disaster on the horizon earlier in the day.

How San Francisco scrambled to prepare for a tsunami that never came

03:23 , Sonal Hayat

As their phones blew up with disaster warnings, some Bay Area residents ran for the hills  while others faced death with a shrug. Io Dodds reports on the fear and the farce of the great tsunami that wasnt

You are in danger! How San Francisco scrambled to meet a tsunami that never came

Sacramento man describes moment California earthquake hit

04:30 , Josh Marcus

Things began feeling strange for Sacramento man Gabriel Porras when a 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California earlier today.

He noticed the quake when his sixth-floor office began shaking.

You feel like youre kind of rotating in a circle with these new buildings with the dampeners, he told ABC 10. You can stand still and kind of feel yourself wobbling around. It wasnt anything too intense.

Looking down to lower floors, he saw people self-evacuating from nearby buildings.

There seemed to be a lot of commotion at the ground level, he said.

ICYMI: Tsunami warning for 5 million people lifted after 7.0-magnitude quake off California coast

06:00 , Josh Marcus

A tsunami warning affecting more than 5 million people has been lifted after a major earthquake rocked Northern California.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor, with a magnitude of 7.0, hit just over 60 miles to the west-southwest of Ferndale. There were more than 30 aftershocks after the initial quake.

Residents along the coast were urged to move to higher ground after the tsunami warning was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the California and Oregon coasts.

The service has now canceled the tsunami warning. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area, the agency confirmed on social media.

Julia Musto and Rhian Lubin report.

Tsunami warning for 5 million people lifted after 7.0-quake off California coast

Local officials reminder Californians that tsunami alert was no false alarm'

07:30 , Josh Marcus

A tsunami may not have hit California on Thursday, but people should still take such alarms seriously, accoridng to local officials.

We want to make sure that folks dont classify today as a false alarm, said Justin Schorr, a rescue captain with the San Francisco Fire Department, told KQED. The alert issued today was the highest level of tsunami warning that we have. If we werent prepared today to evacuate inland or to higher ground, this gives us a great opportunity to be prepared for next time.

California spared major damage in earthquake, but Victorian-stile inn loses its door

09:00 , Josh Marcus

Many California communities were spared any serious damage in todays earthquake, but the town of Ferndale, near the quakes offshore epicenter, was not so lucky.

The quake broke glass and knocked a door off the Victorian Inn, built in 1986.

Heres the situation at the Victorian Inn. Built in 1986, damage to the doors and the bar. #ferndaleca #earthquake pic.twitter.com/4coor9z2La  Caroline Titus (@caroline95536) December 5, 2024

Homes also reportedly came off their foundation in the Eel River Valley of Humboldt.

The State is sending immediate assistance to Humboldt & Del Norte Counties to assist with emergency operations.



There are reports of some homes that have come off of foundations in the greater Eel River Valley region of Humboldt.



Approx 10k customers are currently without power  Mike McGuire (@ilike_mike) December 5, 2024

Surprisingly little structural damage in California town near earthquake epicenter

10:00 , Josh Marcus

Local officials near Eureka, California, have been pleasantly surprised by minimal structural damage in the area, despite being near the epicenter of an offshore 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck on Thursday.

Even in areas like Humboldt Countys Eel River Valley, which sustained some structural issues, Sheriff William Honsal told North Coast Journal roads remain passable.

In Ferndale, some power lines fell and homes and business saw broken dishes, but otherwise there was surprisingly little structural damage, an emergency responder told the outlet.

In Rio Dell, the citys water and wastewater systems appear functional, though a crack opened in Blue Slide Road and a local middle school reported a gas leak.

No damage has been reported in the city of Eureka itself, police chief Brian Stephens told the publication.

How one San Francisco resident rode out the tsunami warning with a hilltop view

11:30 , Io Dodds

A San Francisco software developer who climbed a hill to livestream the potential tsunami on Thursday says he has "mixed feelings" about its failure to show up.

"We were happy that there was no destruction or injuries or anything, but also we kind of wanted to see a little action," 32-year-old Danny Diekroeger told me.

Diekroeger, a former minor league professional baseball player who now runs a cryptocurrency start-up , was sitting on his patio at home in the Marina district when he felt the initial earthquake. Minutes later, he got the tsunami warning.

"I thought, wow, thats pretty awesome. Im always a fan of seeing Mother Nature doing powerful things. I wasnt worried, but I was pretty interested," he said.

Diekroeger could see police officers and firefighters going around the neighbourhoods closer to the shore and telling residents to evacuate for at least an hour before the waves projected arrival, so he felt confident that people were being "taken care of" and had enough time to get to safety.

"I really like it when theres other natural disasters and people take the time to live stream so everyone can see what is going on. I think theyre the best content because its usually just people right in the situation, raw and unfiltered."

After forwarding the alert to his family, Diekroeger walked with his dog Sky up to Fort Mason, a commanding hill overlooking the old military docks where American soldiers embarked for the Pacific campaign during the Second World War, and began to livestream.

He wasnt alone. A crowd of people had gathered to watch the incoming tsunami, most of whom seemed to be evacuees from neighbourhoods close to the shore. The vibe was "calm" and "curious" as police officers further downhill continued to usher people upwards.

Eventually the warning was revoked, and the crowd dissipated. "It made for an interesting afternoon, but Im glad there was no disruption. Im glad everyones okay," said Diekroeger.

Not everyone had such a leisurely morning. One of Diekroegers friends was worried enough that he and his fiancee rapidly packed a go-bag and took an Uber to the southern San Francisco Hills  bringing along a portable generator and the Bitcoin wallet that contains their life savings.

Recap: The Great Northern California Tsunami That Wasnt

13:30 , Josh Marcus

A tsunami warning affecting more than 5 million people has been lifted after a major earthquake rocked Northern California.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor, with a magnitude of 7.0, hit just over 60 miles to the west-southwest of Ferndale. There were more than 30 aftershocks after the initial quake.

Residents along the coast were urged to move to higher ground after the tsunami warning was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the California and Oregon coasts.

The service has now canceled the tsunami warning. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area, the agency confirmed on social media.

More details in our full story.

Tsunami warning for 5 million people lifted after 7.0-quake off California coast

National Weather Services Bay Area office says region was lucky yesterday

14:19 , Julia Musto

We were fortunate yesterday, but dont assume the next warning will play out the same way, the National Weather Services Bay Area office said in a post on social media platform X.

If you evacuated, you did the right thing. Tsunamis are rare, but can be extremely deadly, it continued. For perspective, roughly 230,000 people lost their lives in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century.

A non-destructive' tsunami wave was seen off the West Coast

14:45 , Julia Musto

A non-destructive tsunami wave was observed earlier today near Point Arena. This serves as a reminder that we do indeed have a fault capable of producing tsunamis in our vicinity. We don't deal with this often, but when we do it pays to know your zones! (see next post for link) pic.twitter.com/L3PUPu1wqM  NWS Bay Area  (@NWSBayArea) December 6, 2024

Newsom issued emergency proclamation to support earthquake response

15:15 , Julia Musto

Todays emergency proclamation will allow more resources to go where they are needed for emergency response to this mornings earthquake, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday. I am grateful for the robust system our state has in place that worked as intended today and kept people safe and informed.

Earlier today @CAgovernor issued an emergency proclamation to support response to Northern California earthquake. Learn More: https://t.co/p2pF9HBIGE pic.twitter.com/eVa0sQCHfN  California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) December 5, 2024

Live in San Francisco? These are the citys tsunami inundation zones

15:45 , Julia Musto

This time, the Tsunami Warning was cancelled. Next time, it might not be. Take it as a reminder to prepare. Coastal residents: Learn about San Franciscos tsunami inundation zones, plan your evacuation routes out of the area, and stay ready. Learn more: https://t.co/rXx380PsCv pic.twitter.com/33OoVCxA8L  San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (@SF_emergency) December 5, 2024

Photos show damage to stores from major quake

16:15 , Julia Musto

Drinks and other food items are toppled on the floor inside Hobys Market and Deli on Thursday in Scotia, California. The 7.0 earthquake largely inflicted minor damage ((Dylan McNeill/The Times-Standard via AP))

Broken bottles are scattered on the floor inside E&J Liquors on Thursday in Rio Dell, California. No one was reported injured ((Savana Robinson via AP ))

Smoking paraphernalia is strewn on the ground inside E&J Liquors on Thursday in Rio Dell, California. More than 5 million people along nearly 500 miles of the California and Oregon coasts were under a tsunami warning after the tremor ((Savana Robinson via AP))

Drinks and other food items are toppled on the floor inside Hobys Market and Deli on Thursday in Scotia, California. Multiple store owners reported products had been broken ((Dylan McNeill/The Times-Standard via AP))

Heres what to do in an earthquake and tsunami warning

16:35 , Julia Musto

Heres what to do in an earthquake and tsunami warning

More than half a million West Coast residents received earthquake alerts

17:03 , Julia Musto

Robert De Groot, with the U.S. Geological Survey, says ShakeAlert notifications were delivered as far north as central Oregon and as far south as Salinas, California.

He told NBC Los Angeles that more than half a million people received those messages.

Northern California earthquake shakes water in Devils Hole

18:00 , Julia Musto

Underwater photos show Devils Hole before and after the seiche on December 5, 2024. Scientists are evaluating potential impacts to the endangered fish that live there (NPS)

Californias Devils Hole, in Death Valley National Park, was shaken by the earthquake on Thursday.

The National Park Service says scientists are still evaluating potential impacts to the endangered Devils Hole Pupfish.

In the short term, this is bad for the pupfish, said National Park Service biologist Dr. Kevin Wilson. A lot of pupfish food just sank deeper into the cave, most likely too deep for the fish to get to it. There were likely pupfish eggs on the shelf that were destroyed. But, in the long term, this type of reset is good for the pupfish. It cleaned off any decaying organic matter that could otherwise cause pockets of low oxygen.

Earthquakes in Californias Mendocino Triple Junction region are relatively common

18:45 , Julia Musto

Earthquakes are relatively common near the Mendocino triple junction. There have been >40 earthquakes of M6 or larger in the past century within 150 miles of the 12/5/2024 earthquake. Most recently, an M6.4 occurred in December 2022 and an M6.2 in December 2021. Read more at: https://t.co/eXkRakgUMk pic.twitter.com/iB1U1etZCW  USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2024

There have been nearly 200 aftershocks since the 7.0 earthquake

19:11 , Julia Musto

A USGS map showed nearly 200 aftershocks off the coast of Northern California following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that led to a tsunami warning.

The strongest aftershock was a magnitude 4.7 about two minutes after the main earthquake hit late Thursday morning.
Thanksgiving weekend was a time for dealsand quite literallysteals.

California law enforcement groups had their hands full during the holiday shopping blowout, which brought throngs of consumers to shopping centers and malls across the Golden State.

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In a blitz that began on Black Friday and ended on Sunday, the Ventura County Organized Retail Task Force (ORCTF) arrested 20 suspects for stealing from the Camarillo Premium Outlets in Camarillo, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles. Collaboration between the Ventura Sheriffs Office, California Highway Patrol, and police officers from Camarillo, Ventura and Simi Valley, resulted in the on-site recovery of about $9,000 in stolen merchandise from stores like Nike, Calvin Klein, Old Navy, Lacoste and more.

Sergeant Baltazar Tapia of the Ventura Sheriffs Office told Sourcing Journal that the Ventura County ORCTF worked with the shopping center, which houses about 160 stores, ahead of Thanksgiving week to coordinate the sting. It was carried out by about three dozen undercover detectives and law enforcement stationed throughout the shopping center on bikes and on horseback. The effort was assisted by drones, which provided greater visibility.

When we put an operation in place, we try to reach out to all the retailers, let them know whats going to happen, whats going on, Tapia said. We get our personnel that are available, and we get with loss prevention. If theyre available, great. If not, our investigators act as loss prevention.

Security staff at Calvin Klein and Nike coordinated with officers to track suspects in the stores. We had detectives outside, and detectives inside walking around. They observed the concealment of mens and womens apparel and footwear, he added. Suspects hid items in shopping bags from other retailers as well as strollers and carts.

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Officers attempted to engage suspects rapidly after they exited the stores, though some vehicle pursuits took place. We contacted them coming out of the store or right as theyre getting into their car, and we were able to secure more property that they might have stolen before, Tapia said.

ORCTF observed several crime crews working together, each made up of two to three suspects. The 20 suspects that were arrested throughout the weekend were charged with a range of crimes, including shoplifting, organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, and possession of stolen property, as well as child endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia, incurring both misdemeanor and felony charges.

The passage of recent retail crime legislation has empowered law enforcement with more tools. Prop. 36, the ballot initiative passed by 70 percent of California voters in November, approves felony sentences for offenders who steal goods valued at under $950 if theyve already been convicted twice before.

Meanwhile, an 11-bill package signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom this fall created avenues for cross-jurisdictional prosecution, giving district attorneys the ability to aggregate crimeseven across county linesin the pursuit of a felony charge, and creating penalties for fencing stolen goods.

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With the new laws changing thats going to be a godsend for us, Tapia said. Crews that come from out of the county into our countyif theyve committed a crime in our county, it does not matter where they live, we will go and finish our investigation and arrest them.

According to the Sergeant, the new laws set much-needed limits. It seemed like a free-for-allas long as you steal under $950, it didnt matter. Now it will.

Future ORCTF operations have been planned with retailers across Ventura County over the coming weeks. Going into the holidays, a lot more people come out to shopping centerslast minute shoppers. Tapia said law enforcement always anticipates some criminal activity during this time. I think its going to continue. I dont think its going to be unique to Black Friday.

In Northern California, detectives with the Modesto Police Department Property Crimes Unit worked in concert with a number of local retailers to take down 34 suspects for organized retail theft and other property crimes over the weekend, up from 26 arrested during the same period last year.

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According to a statement from the department, the holiday sales kicked off a maximum enforcement period that will last until the end of 2024.

The Property Crimes Unit, which has been bolstered by Californias $267-million investment in localized organized retail theft squads, will work with the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office on prosecution.

The goal of these operations to hold offenders accountable for their actions, while increasing the safety to our community who want to go out and enjoy what our businesses have to offer during the holiday season, said Sergeant Mike Hicks, who supervises the Property Crimes Unit.

We will take a zero-tolerance approach during this enforcement period, ensuring those who seek to take advantage of our community are taken off of the streets. Not in Modesto.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing on Thursday.

Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends that trust each other and good partners seeking common development, Han said China is willing to work with Venezuela to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues that bear on each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen practical cooperation, promote greater progress in bilateral relations, and uphold the common interests of developing countries.

Rodriguez said that Venezuela firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports the series of major initiatives put forward by China and is willing to learn from China's successful experience in governance. Moreover, the country aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and multilateral coordination, oppose unilateral illegal sanctions, and safeguard national security and development, as well as international fairness and justice. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
Mark McAfee, the California raw milk producer who has been at the center of several bird-flu-related product recalls, says a transition team for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has encouraged him to apply for a position at the Food and Drug Administration.

McAfee, chief executive of Fresno-based Raw Farm, told The Times that he has complied with the request and applied for the position of "FDA advisor on raw milk policy and standards development."

The recent raw milk recalls were the result of positive tests for H5N1 bird flu among McAfee's cows. His farms have since been quarantined, and the state has suspended all sales of raw milk and cream. Raw Farm has voluntarily issued recalls for all remaining milk and cream products in stores.

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McAfee's farm is also involved in at least 11 lawsuits stemming from a salmonella outbreak that sickened 171 people in California, and which occurred between October 2023 and May 2024, according to Bill Marler, a Seattle-area food safety lawyer.

When asked about McAfee potentially being tapped for a federal food advisory role, Marler wrote in an email: "Clown Car."

Read more: Despite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country

Last month, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he had chosen Kennedy to lead the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and other agencies.

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Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for raw milk, and has criticized FDA policy forbidding interstate sales of the product. According to McAfee, Kennedy is also a consumer and customer of Raw Farm milk.

McAfee said he has not officially been selected for the advisory role; Kennedy's nomination as Health and Human Services secretary still requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

The Times has reached out to the Trump transition team and Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again team for comment, but has not yet received a response.

McAfee is the largest producer of raw milk in the nation and maintains 1,800 dairy cows on two farms  one in Fresno, the other outside Hanford.

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His raw milk products include whole milk, cream, kefir and cheese  all of which can be sold in stores in California, but not over state lines.

However, FDA regulations do not apply to his pet food product line, which can be sold outside California  albeit with warning labels noting that the products are not intended for human consumption.

McAfee is also president of the Raw Milk Institute, an educational and advocacy organization designed to aid dairy farmers interested in adopting standards and methods for raw milk production.

In an interview with The Times two weeks ago, McAfee said that as excited as he is for Kennedy to change the FDA's policy on raw milk, such a move needs to be carried out with deliberate care.

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"I'm dedicated to making sure that whatever happens, it is not chaotic, crazy, or just a free for all, but rather very constructive with farmer training and testing and high standards," he said. "I'm very interested in committing myself to helping raw milk emerge as a constructive, high-standards, healthy, wonderful, germinating, delicious food."

Read more: Why RFK Jr. nomination sets off alarms among many public health specialists

He noted that in 2021, Montana lawmakers passed a "food freedom" law that legalized the unregulated sale of raw milk and raw milk products. Soon after, people started to get sick.

McAfee said he flew out to meet with raw milk dairy producers and helped them establish standards that incorporated training, testing and quality control.

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For instance, he noted one dairy farmer was cleaning his milk buckets with chlorine, which McAfee said does not address fats and biofilms.

"It was filthy," he said.

Instead, he showed the farmers how to clean their equipment with hot water and soap.

"You have to have standards," he said.

McAfee's milk is highly regulated by the state of California, which performs frequent testing for food-illness pests such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella and salmonella and other bacterial illnesses in his milk.

He said unlike conventional dairies where the milk is pasteurized after it's been collected, he is required to test the cows for pathogens, and said he only milks disease-free cows.

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He has an on-farm laboratory where he tests for listeria, campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7 and salmonella in his bulk tanks and cows.

He said his cows are meticulously cleaned before they are milked. And the milk is immediately shunted into a rapid chiller that drops the milk's temperature from 100 degrees to 35 degrees in about two minutes, he said. The milk stays at that temperature until delivered to stores, he said.

Even so, experts say bacteria can still contaminate milk  even when procured from a sparkling-clean udder. The FDA, CDC and other health agencies say the public should drink only pasteurized milk.

Read more: How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food

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Since 2006, Raw Farm  formerly known as Organic Pastures Dairy Co.  has been involved in 13 recalls, including the three bird-flu-related ones from last month.

The other recalls were the result of bacterial contamination, including E. coli, listeria, campylobacter and salmonella. In some cases, people became severely ill with hemolytic uremic syndrome  kidney failure.

There was also a recent outbreak of salmonella poisoning from Raw Farm raw milk, which involved at least 171 people, "the majority of which were children," noted a report on the outbreak by the state's Center for Infectious Diseases.

McAfee said if he were selected for an advisory role at the FDA, he'd consider creating a certification program, such as those for organic farming that involve farmer education and training, for raw milk production.

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He also said he'd look into changing food liability laws, "where you can't go get a million dollars for somebody that gets diarrhea for a week."

McAfee said the government should consider raw milk and other whole food insurance programs, like the USDA's crop insurance program, which provides for farmers whose fields and crops have been affected by drought, flooding or fire  or the more recent milk insurance program that provides money for dairy farmers whose herds have been infected with bird flu.

"I would recommend strongly that all whole foods, including maybe greens, eggs, carrots  by God, poor carrots  have food liability insurance ... so people can get that food, because right now, insurance ... companies [are] saying, 'Oh, you're on the naughty list, so no more insurance for you,'" he said. "And so you're going to have stores with less and less of these whole foods that are critical to actually getting people healthy again."



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
THERESA, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa of the Northern New York Community Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations serving residents of the greater Theresa area to apply for up to $3,000 in funding.

Successful projects, programs or initiatives should have a meaningful impact and support the quality of life in Theresa and the greater Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County.

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:

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Health and wellness;

Essential needs;

Arts and culture;

Historic preservation;

Economic development;

Recreational and environmental programs;

Community revitalization and beautification;

Youth development;

Quality of life activities and projects; and

Education programs.

The fund is a component fund of the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation; it supports programs, activities and initiatives that advance the general welfare of the Theresa community and greater Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County. Theresa residents Russell I. and Mary Wilcox established this fund at the Community Foundation in 2019 to strengthen the quality of life in their community.

Awarded in 2024:

State Route 37 Historical Marker Signage project. Two historical markers were installed along NYS Route 37 to commemorate the significance of Old Military Road, which includes Hiram Beckers Red Tavern and Chauftys Corners.

Theresa Free Library to help launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children in the Village and Town of Theresa, as well as the broader Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County.

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Important things for applicants to know:

Proposals should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, for consideration;

Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) classification are required to partner with an eligible nonprofit, municipality or local agency as a fiscal sponsor;

Agencies seeking funding must confirm partnership with an eligible nonprofit or fiscal sponsor when submitting a proposal;

Requests for funding will not be considered for work starting before March 2025;

Grant recipients will have up to one year from the date of the grant award to complete the project; and

All grant applications must be completed through the Community Foundations online Grant Lifecycle Manager.

Grant awards will be, in most cases, announced no later than April 15. You can contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, at 315-782-7110, or kraig@nnycf.org, to learn more about this opportunity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP)  Canada said Thursday it is outlawing another 324 firearm varieties  guns the public safety minister said belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters.

Ottawa also said it is working with the government of Ukraine to see how the guns can be donated to support the fight against Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The move follows the May 2020 ban of 1,500 makes and models of firearms, a number that grew to more than 2,000 by November of this year as new variants were identified.

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The latest restriction, announced Thursday by Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, follows expressions of concern from gun-control advocates that many assault-style firearms were not included in the 2020 ban.

This means these firearms can no longer be used, LeBlanc said.

Defense Minister Bill Blair said Canada approached Ukrainian authorities, who expressed interest in some of the guns.

Every bit of assistance we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step toward their victory, Blair said.

The federal government says it is working with provinces, territories and police on a planned buyback of prohibited weapons from individual owners.

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Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada, but the newly announced measures come on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal shooting, where a gunman killed 14 women before killing himself. The Ruger Mini-14 used by the gunman, Marc Lepine, was among the weapons included in the 2020 ban.

Nathalie Provost, a survivor who was wounded in the attack, said Thursday she was targeted for being a woman studying engineering.

These are just killing weapons, war weapons, military weapons, so I'm proud we are doing something, Provost said.

Canada has had far fewer mass shootings than the U.S. in part because of a lack of easy access to guns, though the U.S. population also is far larger than Canadas. Officials have acknowledged guns smuggled into Canada illegally are often used by criminals.

Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called the announcement a stunt by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government that attacks licensed & law-abiding hunters and sport shooters."
(Bloomberg) -- Canada can expect to collect about C$100 million ($71.4 million) annually from its new tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum and electric vehicles, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux said in a report Thursday.

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Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the tariffs in August and they came into effect in October. Freeland justified the tariffs by saying China intentionally overproduces goods in these sectors and then undercuts Canadas domestic industry on price.

Canada added a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and 25% tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, effectively matching moves by US President Joe Biden earlier this year.

Girouxs report does not consider the effect of Chinese trade retaliation, or the possibility that US President-Elect Donald Trump may follow through on his threat to put across-the-board 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.

The electric vehicle tariff will actually cause a drop in revenue for Canada, Giroux estimated. Thats because nearly all Chinese EVs currently imported to Canada are from Tesla Inc.s factory in Shanghai, and Tesla will likely avoid the new tariffs by sourcing these cars from a factory outside China instead.

Because Chinese vehicles were previously subject to a 6.1% tariff, Canada will now lose that revenue if Tesla sources the vehicles from a tariff-free location such as the US. That would represent lost revenue of a little more than C$100 million annually, Giroux concluded.

Canadian demand for Chinese steel and aluminum will decrease by nearly 50% in response to the new tariffs, Giroux estimated. But he said the new 25% tariff will still likely bring in revenue of more than C$200 million annually.

Overall, the steel and aluminum tariffs will have a negligible impact on Canadas gross domestic product, Giroux said in the report. Domestic output of metals and utilities will increase, while manufacturing and construction output may decline due to the increased cost of businesses sourcing their metals from elsewhere or paying the new tariff, he said.

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Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Canadian authorities have fatally shot a suspect after two people were wounded in a stabbing in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

Police responded at 11:34 a.m. PST Wednesday to a call about a man armed with a knife inside a restaurant near Robson and Hamilton Street in Library Square, Vancouver Police said in a statement.

The caller, a restaurant employee, said the man had stolen alcohol.

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On arrival, police located the suspect inside a nearby 7-Eleven, where he was shot by officers.

Authorities said first responders administered aid on the suspect, who was taken to the hospital but later died.

"This has been a difficult day for many people -- the victims, the community, and first responders," Vancouver Police said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this senseless violence."

Circumstances surrounding the shooting and how the two victims were injured remain unclear.

Unverified video of the shooting shared online shows a man behind the checkout counter at the 7-Eleven acting erratically. A second man, on the other side of the counter with his hands raised, repeatedly tells the first man to stop what he is doing and take whatever he wants.

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Three police officers are then seen storming into the store. One of the officers is heard repeatedly shouting for the suspect, who is not visible, to put the knife down.

One officer then fires a taser before a second officer fires multiple rounds from their firearm. A woman is then seen running out from behind the counter.

A second video widely shared online shows the suspect being wheeled out of the convenience store on a gurney while a responder performs chest compressions.

Cnst. Tania Visintin told reporters in a Wednesday evening press conference that one victim had been stabbed. How the other victim was injured was not disclosed.

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Both suffered what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, she said, adding one person was stabbed in the hand and the other sustained injuries to their face.

"As you can imagine, this was a very dynamic incident that is still unfolding and there is an ongoing investigation that we are conducting," she said. "All I can tell you is two people have been injured."

Terry Yung, who represents Vancouver-Yaletown in British Columbia's Legislative Assembly, described the incident as having been "disturbing."

"Thank you to @VancouverPD and first responders for your fast action to get the situation under control and keep people in the area safe," he said on X.
Authorities are continuing to search for two people believed to have been in a car that swerved off the side of a mountain road in Ventura County and rolled 1,000 feet down a cliff at 2 a.m. Sunday.

A white Cadillac Escalade crashed just northwest of Malibu on Deer Creek Road about two miles from where the road meets the Pacific Coast Highway, according to Officer Ryan Ayala, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson. A day and a half after the collision, one of the passengers reported two other occupants as missing, he said.

A search of the vehicle and the surrounding area on Monday and Tuesday yielded no results, and nobody has checked themselves in to any area hospitals for injuries consistent with the vehicle crash, Ayala said. The CHP was also unable to locate either missing occupant at the addresses provided by the reporting party, he said.

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"It's a really, really weird situation," he said. "At this point, we need to verify that the other two people in the vehicle are safe."

The reporting passenger told authorities he was able to self-extricate from the crash and hike to a nearby road where he was picked up, according a CHP news release. He had been sitting in the front passenger seat and had some injuries to his right arm and abrasions from his seat belt, said Ayala, who added that it's unclear why he waited almost two days to report the missing occupants.

Read more: 'People are still dying on PCH': Malibu fights to make its iconic roadway less dangerous

The Ventura County Fire Department assisted in the on-the-ground search and said in a statement Monday evening that one of the passengers had been located safe at home.

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Ayala said that this was inaccurate information and that the CHP, which is leading the investigation, had been unable to confirm either of the two missing occupants as safe as of Wednesday afternoon.

When asked about the statement, the Fire Department referred questions to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The search took place with assistance from the county Fire Department, the Sheriff's Office, Ventura County Search and Rescue and the Oxnard Fire Department, according to the CHP. The search included drones, helicopters, police dogs and search and rescue crews on foot, Ayala said.

"We used every resource available to us at the time," he said.

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The ground search has now concluded and the CHP is continuing its investigation with the assistance of a law enforcement agency in Washington state, where the car is registered, Ayala said.

Based on preliminary evidence, it appears that the crash took place after the driver failed to turn at a bend in the road and missed the guardrail, causing the car to roll multiple times down the mountain before coming to rest on its roof, he said.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact CHP investigating Officer Tucker at 805-662-2640.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Care Initiatives Hospice will be hosting a Blue Christmas event on December 15.

Janell Norton from Care Initiatives Hospice joined Nik Wilson in the KCAU 9 studio on Wednesday to talk about the upcoming event.

Organ donation presentation held at Sioux City Career Academy

Blue Christmas is a traditional Western Christian day during the Advent season. The day marks the longest day of the year and on Blue Christmas, many organizations host services that honor people who have lost loved ones and are experiencing grief.

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This is the third year that the organization is hosting their Blue Christmas event. The event will take place at the Peirce Mansion on December 15 at 3 p.m.its

For more details on the event, watch the full interview above or visit Care Initiative Hospices social media.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  Agriculture giant Cargill announced earlier this week that it plans to lay off 5% of its workforce, around 8,000 of its 160,000 employees worldwide.

The Minnesota-based company said the cuts are part of a long-term strategy meant to strengthen its standing.

Barbara Ribbens is the Director of the International Business Institute at Illinois State University and said several external factors are impacting the agricultural industry.

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Whether its droughts or different environmental forces shifting agricultural costs and transportation costs for those commodities, companies like Cargill have to shift, she said.

Cargill lays off 5% of its workforce, with job cuts impacting thousands of employees globally

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russias invasion of Ukraine are also still being felt in the agriculture community, but Ribbens believes the layoffs are rightsizing by Cargill, and that its right for the company to restructure.

She also said she wouldnt be surprised if the layoffs are in reaction to President-elect Donald Trumps proposed tariffs, with the company seemingly adjusting to cover its finances.

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It is not known at this point what impact the layoffs will have on Cargill locations in central Illinois.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
(WKBN)  The Valley was battered Thursday by strong winds and snowy conditions, which are expected to continue into Friday. While many humans can take refuge indoors or layer up to keep warm when braving the outside, that is a luxury not all animals share.

Typical house pets like dogs and cats have a normal body temperature higher than humans, averaging just over 100F. If that body temperature drops too low, the animal could become hypothermic or even risk frostbite.

Hypothermic pets may become lethargic and less alert, possibly showing signs of shivering or trembling, but the only way to be certain of hypothermia is to take an animals temperature, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

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For dogs, mild hypothermia begins to set in when their body temperature drops below 99F, according to American Kennel Club. Severe hypothermia sets in if their temperatures drop below 82F.

To prevent hypothermia in dogs, AKC recommends dressing your pet in a warm dog jacket and accompanying it with a pair of doggy booties. Owners should also be sure a dog is completely dry before taking it out for a walk.

In the case of stray cats, The Humane Society of the United States says the best way to help is by providing shelter, food and water.

If providing an outdoor shelter for cats, knowing what not to include is vital. Outdoor shelters should not include blankets, towels, hay or anything else that may retain moisture  which could actually leave the animal damp and more at risk of freezing. Alley Cat Allies recommends filling the shelters with straw to help keep kitties warm and dry.

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With puddles and other sources of water freezing over when temperatures drop, outdoor animals are also in need of a fresh water source. People can help by putting out a heated bowl  or even placing a water bowl on a microwavable heating pad  or refreshing water often so it does not freeze. Water bowls should not be placed in any shelters, where they could potentially spill on the animal or bedding.

Any animal suspected of hypothermia should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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MOSCOW, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia will close the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg starting Jan. 10, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The move was a response to the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan on Nov. 30 by the Polish authorities, the ministry said in a statement.

It added that three diplomats of the Polish consulate have been declared "persona non grata" and ordered to leave Russia. 
CCSD trustees vote to repair, reopen Mt. Charleston elementary school

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County School District Trustees voted to reopen Mount Charlestons only school, Lundy Elementary, more than a year after damage from Tropical Storm Hilary forced it to shutter.

After several hours of discussion, the motion to make a major move on the mountain passed 5-1 Wednesday night.

It was a very exciting night, Brenda Talley said.

Talley was one of many who attended the meeting. She is a longtime Mount Charleston resident and member of the Town Advisory.

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Another testament to the resilience of the Mount Charleston community, CCSD Board of Trustees President Evelyn Garcia Morales said of those attending and voicing their concerns.

The decision is a reversal from the boards August decision to close the campus, citing rebuilding costs, which were once listed at around $7 million, along with low enrollment numbers.

Two trustees who originally voted to shutter Lundy Elementary, Lola Brooks and Katie Williams, the areas former representative, have since resigned.

Talley told 8 News Now she is grateful to Nakia Jackson-Hale, the person appointed to finish the remainder of Williams term.

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Jackson-Hale placed the Lundy Elementary vote on the boards agenda for reconsideration, saying it was in the childrens best interest on the mountain.

We have different issues and concerns than down here in the valley, Talley explained. And you need to address those if your mission is to provide each student with quality education.

Now that the community has gotten the green light to repair the school, Talley told 8 News Now many students who were originally enrolled are relieved.

I think the parents were getting worn out, she said.

She said she hopes to see much more happen in the coming months.

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Lets get this ball rolling, Talley concluded. For sure.

Students who were attending Lundy Elementary were re-zoned to Indian Springs Elementary or other schools in the Las Vegas valley when it closed.

Talley told 8 News Now some were also homeschooling their kids; she cited both these options as difficult to maintain, especially when dealing with snow in the winter months.

The district has not released an updated estimate on repair costs, but it hopes to have the school open by the fall of 2025.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A convicted felon was sentenced to over three years in prison for illegally possessing firearms.

RoDaryus Mitchell, 27 , of Center Point, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

Birmingham police make arrest in May homicide case

According to the plea agreement, on May 31, 2023, the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force was looking for Mitchell for arrest warrants for 22 counts of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, second degree theft of property, second-degree receiving stolen property, and a probation revocation warrant for violating the state firearms act.

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After searching a residence, officers found multiple weapons and ammunition. One of the guns was reported stolen to the Birmingham Police Department on May 25, 2023. A separate weapon was reported stolen to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office on May 12, 2023.

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Central Texas (FOX 44)  Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that three Central Texas schools will be receiving career training grants to help train students for high-demand, well-paying jobs after graduation.

Temple College will receive $224,450 to train 20 students as industrial machinery mechanics and technicians.

Hill College in Hillsboro will receive $260,870 to train 96 students as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.

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Academy ISD in Bell County will receive $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

These Jobs and Education for Texas, or JET grants, are awarded through the the Texas Workforce Commission and will help public junior, state, and technical colleges; school districts; and open-enrollment charter schools buy equipment for career and technical education programs that help students across the state go into high-demand industries.

As Texas economy continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in our future workforce, said Governor Abbott.

As the Texas economy grows, so does the demand for a skilled workforce, said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel. The JET grant program helps meet that demand by providing opportunities for Texans to gain valuable, hands-on experience that will prepare them to step into those high-demand careers.

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Latvia's airBaltic has been heavily impacted by the war in Ukraine, its CEO Martin Gauss said.

He told Business Insider it plans to be the first airline back into Ukraine when the conflict ends.

Gauss led airBaltic out of bankruptcy and has spearheaded plans for an IPO next year.

AirBaltic plans to be the first airline to restart flights to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement, CEO Martin Gauss told Business Insider.

The Latvian flag carrier also has bases in Estonia and Lithuania. All three countries border Russia and are NATO and the European Union members.

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"What I think is an upside now is a potential peace because that's not priced in for us," Gauss said in a Monday interview in London.

"That would be a huge upside as we were the last airline out of Ukraine and would be the first one in," he added.

Gauss told BI that the start of the war impacted airBaltic "very heavily" due to missing passenger flows from Ukraine and Russia.

However, he added that tourism to the Baltic countries was no longer suffering as fears had eased about them being invaded by Russia, too.

AirBaltic has still been hampered by airspace restrictions.

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"The overflying restrictions are still there and everything which goes southeast is, for us, a detour  circumnavigating the airspace," Gauss said.

The airline has more than 70 destinations  including Cyprus, Turkey, and Dubai  where the fastest route from Latvia would involve flying over Ukraine.

Finding alternative routes isn't simple. Gauss explained how flying south from the Baltics, there's only a "small corridor" between Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

"Once that is too busy, we need to fly over Sweden into the south," Gauss added. "So there's an impact on the cost side."

AirBaltic's turnaround

Gauss started his career as a pilot in 1992 with Deutsche BA, then a low-cost subsidiary of British Airways. He then entered management training with the airline and worked his way up.

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After developing a reputation for turning around airlines, he was headhunted for airBaltic in 2011. The airline had gone bankrupt, but the Latvian government agreed to invest more capital.

"I had to come up, in a couple of weeks, with suggestions of what you could do with a technically bankrupt airline," Gauss told BI.

"What makes it so special was that in 2012 [] we had to make a decision for the future aircraft fleet," he added. "And we took a decision to go for an aircraft type which didn't exist at the time  an A220."

In 2016, AirBaltic became the launch operator of the Airbus A220. It's a smaller jet with a capacity of 150, but it can still fly farther than the regional aircraft it competes with, such as the Embraer E195.

AirBaltic is the largest operator of the Airbus A220. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Today, airBaltic is the largest operator of the type with 48 A220s  with plans to double that by 2030. Based on order books, Gauss said, "We are the only airline which can double in size in Europe in the next five years."

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Gauss has also promoted new technologies in his time at the helm. AirBaltic accepted bitcoin as payment back in 2014 and has minted NFTs that generate airline loyalty points.

It's also set to be the first airline in Europe to use Elon Musk's Starlink internet as soon as it's certified by the continent's aviation regulators.

Gauss is pleased with the success of his business model, with preparations underway for an IPO.

"It was intended to do it earliest in the second half of this year, which we canceled because of the market situation, so we said, first opportunity is first half of 2025 for an IPO."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Breaking News. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, spoke on the Senate floor late today to renew his calls on President Biden to pardon Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted of murder in 1977 following a controversial investigation and trial, which many civil rights leaders and legal experts have called unjust, including the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case.

Since 2022, Schatz has repeatedly led colleagues in calling on the president to grant Peltier clemency.

Leonard Peltier (Photo/File)

Earlier this week, December 1, President Biden pardoned his own son, Hunter Biden who faced sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions after stating previously he would not. This comes as Bidens presidential term quickly comes to an end. Now, activists continue the call for Biden to do the same for Peltier.

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Schatz addressed the U.S. Senate floor to argue Peltier's case for clemency, saying he deserves grace and mercy, and his conviction was made with little evidence.

Peltier is now 80 years old and has been in prison for 50 years. He is in declining health, experiencing vision loss and other illnessesAnd so even if you believe that he did in fact commit the crime, surely now the time is to let him spend whatever remaining days he has at home to die with his family. He's done his time. He's of old age and in poor health. This is what clemency is for. This is what mercy is for. He poses little threat to society. If there was ever a case that merited compassionate release, Leonard Peltiers is it.

Peltier was arrested in 1975 for his alleged involvement in the murder of two FBI agents in a shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. One witness whose statements were used at trial, said she was told to lie and say she was in a relationship with Peltier and that she had witnessed him shoot the agents. She later recanted that statement, saying, I was forced into this, and I feel very awful. I just wish that Leonard Peltier would get out of prison.

Schatz explained that according to reporting, a juror who on day two of the trial professed her prejudice against Native Americans, was allowed to remain on the panel and later went on to find Peltier guilty.

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The US attorney who prosecuted the case, James Reynolds, wrote in a letter that Peltier had served his sentence on the basis of minimal evidence, a result that I strongly doubt would be upheld in any court today.

In the same letter, Reynolds said I write today from a position rare for a former prosecutor to beseech you to commute the sentence of a man who I helped put behind bars with time and the benefit of hindsight, I've realized that the prosecution and continue to incarceration of Mr. Peltier was and is unjust. We were not able to prove that Mr. Peltier personally committed any offense on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

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About the Author: "Neely Bardwell (descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian) is a staff reporter for Native News Online. Bardwell is also a student at Michigan State University where she is majoring in policy and minoring in Native American studies. "

Contact: neely@nativenewsonline.net
Gwinnett County is moving forward with plans to ease congestion along Highway 316, starting with a major improvement at the often-clogged intersection of Hi-Hope Road.

The intersection will be replaced with an overpass to eliminate the stop and improve flow. The project is part of a broader plan to reduce traffic stops on the highway leading to Athens.

Its real crazy sometimes, said Keith Easton, a driver in the area. If youre not careful, you can get trapped in there.

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On Tuesday, Gwinnett County Commissioners approved a plan to begin relocating utilities in preparation for Georgia Department of Transportation construction next year.

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Rebecca Shelton, who leads Gwinnetts Department of Water Resources, said crews will start moving water mains and sewer lines ahead of construction.

It takes a while to get started, so while theyre getting started, well be getting our relocations completed next year, said Shelton.

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The improvements will include more interchanges and frontage roads along Highway 316, aiming to alleviate congestion in other areas like Fence Road and Cedars Road. Drivers say the upgrades cannot come soon enough.

Were going to need it, said Easton, because of all these commuters coming back and forth every day.

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Ohio could soon become an easier place to adopt a child.

More than 3,000 Ohio foster children are eligible for adoption, but outdated rules and bureaucracy can slow down those proceedings. The last major update to Ohio's adoption procedures was in 1996.

That's why Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, who was adopted, and Rep. Rachel Baker, D-Cincinnati, who has three children via adoption, championed a slew of changes in a bill now headed to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.

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Most of the proposals were recommended by the Ohio Association of Probate Judges, whose members oversee adoptions. The lawmakers also received input from the Ohio Adoption Roundtable and the Ohio Judicial Conference.

Among the changes, House Bill 5 would:

Make it easier to obtain a birth certificate for a child adopted from a foreign country. Foreign adoption decrees would be automatically accepted in Ohio as long as certain conditions are met.

Increase the amount a birth mother can receive for living expenses from $3,000 to $6,000.

Allow time spent with relatives who plan to adopt a child to count toward a required six-month waiting period before adoption.

Permit adults with developmental disabilities (not only intellectual disabilities) to be adopted.

Allow children to be adopted without their parent's consent if the parent had not provided "meaningful and regular maintenance" for one year before the adoption petition is filed.

Let judges revisit and vacate adoption orders if the child was a victim of trafficking  even if no one has been convicted.

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House Bill 5 is a critical step forward for Ohios children who are the future of our state," Baker told House lawmakers Wednesday. Ray called the bill essential to streamline and modernize adoption in Ohio.

The proposed legislation passed the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate unanimously.

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: New changes would make it easier to adopt in Ohio
Prosecutors are dropping charges against half a dozen defendants in the gang and racketeering case against the alleged criminal street gang, Young Slime Life.

In motions filed Wednesday night, the District Attorneys Office submitted nolle prosequi orders for six of the men who had their cases severed from the main trial, meaning they will not prosecute the charges against them.

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The orders dismiss the charges against Kahlieff Adams, Damone Blalock, Javoris Bradford, Justin Cobb, Jevon Fleetwood and Jayden Myrick.

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All six of them were indicted in May 2022 alongside hip-hop superstar Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, on violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Jury selection for the trial began in January 2023, making the nearly-two-year-long trial the longest criminal trial in the State of Georgias history.

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Before being severed, Adams was accused of sliding Young Thug a Percocet pill in the courtroom. The pill was confiscated and an officer escorted Adams out of the courtroom where he was searched.

Adams attorney, claims that the officer searching him Tased and assaulted him. Adams had to be taken to the hospital, his attorney said.

This comes after the final two defendants standing trial, Deamonte Kendrick, also known as rapper Yak Gotti, and Shannon Stillwell, were found not guilty on murder, gang and racketeering charges.

There are still six defendants who had their cases severed. Several others, including Williams, accepted non-negotiated plea deals.

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A warrant has been issued for the arrest of prominent racehorse owner Barry Butzow, who is accused of drugging and then sexually assaulting a woman in May.

Barry Butzow, 78, of Eden Prairie, was charged with 3rd-degree sexual assault in Hennepin County District Court on Wednesday. According to the complaint, a woman who was working as a bartender at the time says Butzow drugged and assaulted her a few days after she worked at a cocktail party he was hosting.

The complaint states that on May 18, the victim went to Butzow's home on the 9700 block of Brassie Circle in Eden Prairie because he hired her to serve drinks at a party he was hosting that night.

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The two met a year prior while she worked as a bartender in Shakopee because he was a regular at her bar. A couple of days after the party, Butzow asked her to return home to help him pack and clean up some leftover food.

She told authorities she went after her shift at around 7 p.m., and said she drank wine with Butzow at his home, at which point Butzow tried kissing her multiple times despite her pushing him away.

After a while, the victim told Butzow she had to leave, but he said no and that she should not be driving. According to the complaint, the victim stated that was the last thing she remembered before losing consciousness.

When she woke up, the victim was lying on a bed in one of the bedrooms while Butzow assaulted her. She repeatedly told him to stop and tried to escape but could not.

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She finally managed to flee from the house and called her boyfriend for help before the two went to a hospital and had DNA samples taken. According to the complaint, she felt "fuzzy and disoriented" and believed she was drugged because she only had three glasses of wine that night and did not feel very intoxicated before passing out.

Butzow spoke with police regarding the allegations in June and confirmed that he hired the victim as a bartender for a cocktail party in May but that he never assaulted her. According to the complaint, he claims he was rubbing her back while she was on the bed and that she left at around 1 a.m. that night.

Swabs taken from the victim at the hospital, however, indicated DNA was found mixed with the victim's and the probability of it being Butzow's was 100 billion times more likely than any other unrelated individual, according to the complaint.

A nationwide warrant for his arrest has been issued, and his bail is set at $100,000. If convicted, Butzow faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

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The Star Tribune reports that Butzow is a former senior vice president with Fortune 500 company C.H. Robinson worldwide, and is a regular at Shakopee's Canterbury Park racetrack.

Zozos, the horse owned by Butzow and his wife Joni, competed in the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build a strong and modernized information support force and to realize leapfrog development of the Chinese military's network information system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on Wednesday. 
Charity shops could be forced to close because of Rachel Reevess employers National Insurance raid, bosses have said.

More than a quarter said they were considering permanent closures, while a third warned of redundancies because of higher overheads. Others said opening hours would likely be reduced from next year.

Employers are bracing for higher tax bills after the Chancellor announced National Insurance changes from April.

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In the Budget, Ms Reeves raised the rate of employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8pc to 15pc. The wage threshold at which it kicks in will also fall from 9,100 per year to 5,000 in a 25bn raid.

Bosses warned vital services would be severely hit without an exemption for charities.

Two thirds also said that customers would see higher prices as a result, in a survey of 52 charity retailers by the Charity Retail Association. The body, which represents charities with physical locations, said that the average shops wage bill would increase by 1,000 a year.

The shops, which are a key fixture of all British high streets, typically employ one or two full-time staff, who work alongside volunteers. There are more than 11,200 across the UK, with charities including Mind, Crisis, and Age UK among those with the most.

Chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, Robin Osterley, said: We are of course aware that the Government is facing some extremely difficult choices, but it seems a shame that raising money by impacting charities, and specifically charity shops, should be part of their thinking.

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The National Insurance contributions increase will cost a typical charity shop around 1,000 each year  some of this cost will be recouped through higher prices but ultimately the result will be less money raised to support charitable services.

Some of the charities with the most shops in the UK said that increasing National Insurance contributions would have a dreadful impact, and asked the Government to reconsider and introduce an exemption for charities.

It comes on top of the national living wage increase of 6.7pc to 12.21 from April, putting additional pressure on industries which pay lower wages, including the charity sector.

Matt Downie, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: Increasing employers National Insurance contributions will have a dreadful impact on charities at a time when we are seeing unprecedented demand for our services.

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We urge the Chancellor to reconsider the increase in employers National Insurance for charities so that we can continue to provide vital help to people who need us most.

Andrew Vale, managing director of commercial income at Mind, said: We are deeply concerned about the impact that the increase in employers National Insurance contributions will have on our retail network.

The implications of the National Insurance contributions rise is eye-watering, at a time when we are trying to direct every penny towards delivering the best support. As not-for-profit organisations we are asking for the Government to reconsider the implications for us, and ultimately our ability to support our populations mental health.

We need the Government to recognise this huge investment and not destabilise it further by mounting costs we simply cannot continue to subsidise. We need a fair funding settlement, not another hefty bill.

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Age UK, said the tax increase would put pressure on its high street stores. Nick Smith, retail director at the charity, said: As a member of the Charity Retail Association we, like our fellow workers across the sector, are disappointed by the decision to increase NIC alongside NLW next year.

Age UKs charity shops help raise vital funds for our work supporting the needs of older people across the country and these increases will put pressure on our ability to do that.

Sue Ryder, which supports grieving families and patients in palliative care, said the changes would affect the vital care that we provide.

A spokesman said: An increase in employers National Insurance contributions would add another financial pressure to us, as a charity, and therefore to the vital care that we provide.

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We urge the Government to consider this impact on the voluntary sector as a whole, and to consider using the vital funds the move will create to support the hospice care sector with more sustainable funding.

An Treasury spokesman said: Our tax regime for charities, including exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over 6bn for the tax year to April 2024.

We have protected small charities and businesses by more than doubling the employment allowance to 10,500, meaning more than half of them with National Insurance contributions liabilities either gain or see no change next year. Charities will still be able to claim employer National Insurance contributions reliefs including where eligible and are still exempt from business rates.

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Charles Spencer's girlfriend Dr. Cat Jarman has revealed that she has been living with multiple sclerosis, and is sharing this news publicly to address speculation surrounding her legal action against Charles estranged wife, Countess Karen Spencer. Jarman alleges in a high court claim that the Countess disclosed her diagnosis without permission, which she claims is central to the lawsuit she has filed for the unauthorized release of private information.

In an interview with Daily Mail on Dec. 4, Jarman, 48, spoke for the first time about her MS diagnosis and explained why she chose to go public now. The Norwegian archaeologist alleges that Karen Spencer informed Charles and others about her condition, prompting her to take legal action against the Countess for breaching her privacy.

Countess Spencer, whose defense has not yet been made public, did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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Jarman shared that she was diagnosed with MS in 2016 while completing her PhD and described the news as "utterly devastating." MS is a chronic neurological and autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, affecting individuals in varying ways, according to the National Institute of Health.

Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Cat Jarman at the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on March 10, 2022. Cat Jarman at the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on March 10, 2022.

Related: Charles Spencer, 60, Breaks Silence on Romance with Woman 18 Years His Junior amid Divorce Drama: 'I Don't Have to Pretend'

"I thought I would be discriminated against because of it, because it is a disability. I thought it would affect my career, destroy my livelihood, affect the way people regarded me. I did not want to be defined by it, or my career limited by it," Jarman told the outlet about why she chose to keep her diagnosis private, until now.

"Since then I have worked very hard indeed to keep my MS hidden, as should be my prerogative. So only a handful of people have known  and Charles wasnt one of them. Id been seeing him, romantically, for only two months or three months, and still hadnt told him," she said. "Its hard, isnt it, knowing when you reveal something like that. Some people do from the off, but I chose not to. And I stress that it was my choice. Your medical history is the most private thing."

Charles Spencer/Instagram Charles Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman in June 2023. Charles Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman in June 2023.

The Viking Age specialist claims that Karen, 52, found out that she has MS "from someone close to me" during a conversation around whether Jarman and Charles (who co-host a podcast) were having an affair (which Jarman insists didn't happen), and that Karen then told Charles.

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"But in the course of a conversation about whether I had been having an affair with her husband  which I can categorically say I had not been, we were very much just friends and colleagues until after the marriage had ended  Karen learned that I have MS. It was also confirmed to her that this was not something that was widely known. And yet she then went to Charles and said: 'You do know she has MS, dont you?' " Jarman alleged to the Daily Mail.

Chris Jackson/Getty Charles Spencer and Karen Spencer arrive for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. Charles Spencer and Karen Spencer arrive for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.

Related: Who Is Cat Jarman? All About Charles Spencers Girlfriend and Podcast Cohost

Jarman further claimed that the Countess shared the news of her MS diagnosis with "a number of people," exacerbating her distress. According to court documents obtained by Daily Mail, reported by the Telegraph and confirmed by Jarman, these individuals included staff at Althorp, the Spencer family estate, as well as the Countesss personal trainer. The court papers also indicate that Jarman believes the Countess disclosed her condition to teachers at the private school attended by the Countesss daughter, as well as at least one of Jarmans colleagues.

"Im still not entirely sure who else she shared this private and sensitive information with, which is the point of this legal action," she told the Mail. She praised her partner Charles as "incredible" for his support throughout, saying that he learned about her condition in May.

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"It has been the most stressful time, and with MS you are told that it is most important to avoid stress," she said.

Jarman claimed she then spent the next five months trying to learn who Karen had told, which led to her lawyers sending letters (which she claims were ignored) before raising it to a lawsuit. On Oct. 10, The Telegraph reported that Jarman filed a lawsuit against Karen, alleging private misuse of information.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty(2); Marta Perez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (Left) Karen Spencer in June 2018; (Middle) Charles Spencer in February 2020; (Right) Cat Jarman in March 2022. (Left) Karen Spencer in June 2018; (Middle) Charles Spencer in February 2020; (Right) Cat Jarman in March 2022.

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Speaking out now, the Earl Spencer's girlfriend explained that she felt compelled to share her side of the story after details from publicly available court documents were published in a widely-read newspaper. This prompted her to consult with one of her children and ultimately decide to go on the record to clarify the situation. Jarman has two teenage sons with her husband, from whom she is separated.

"I am told that no newspaper would be able to publish details of private medical information, but with social media, I cannot stop speculation. And Im now in a position where people are asking what dirt in my background I am trying to keep quiet. Its horrific," Jarman said.

"One of the most difficult things in all this has been the sense of a loss of control of your own life, but given the circumstances maybe it is time to just get this out there. I did chat to one of my sons about it, and he said: Mum, you must, because actually, as things have panned out, I am a good example of how you can still go on to have a successful life with MS," she continued.

Jarman met Charles, an author, historian and younger brother of the late Princess Diana, in 2021 when an archaeological investigation brought her to Althorp House, the Spencer family's ancestral home in Northamptonshire, England. They later launched the historical The Rabbit Hole Detectives podcast with Rev. Richard Coles in 2023, and published a book of the same name this fall.

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In June, the 9th Earl Spencer announced that he and Karen were divorcing after nearly 13 years of marriage. The former couple wed at Althorp in 2011 and share 12-year-old daughter Charlotte Diana, whose middle name honors her late aunt. Both were previously married. Charles, 60, shares four children with his first wife, Victoria Lockwood, and two children with his second wife, Caroline Freud. Karen shares two daughters from her first marriage to Hollywood producer Mark Gordon.

In a twist, Charles reportedly retained the same attorney that King Charles did when he and Princess Diana divorced in 1996.

Chris Jackson/Getty Charles Spencer arrives for the Invictus Games Foundation's tenth anniversary service at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8, 2024 in London. Charles Spencer arrives for the Invictus Games Foundation's tenth anniversary service at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8, 2024 in London.

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"It is immensely sad," Charles told The Mail on Sunday in the statement announcing that he and the Countess were divorcing. "I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future."



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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The Charleston County Emergency Management Department has named its next leader.

Justin Pierce, who previously served as director of emergency management for Los Angeles World Airports, was selected to serve as Charleston Countys emergency management director and brings more than 20 years of experience in the homeland security and emergency management field.

While at the airport, officials say Pierce helped guide its response and recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, led the planning effort for the Super Bowl LVI team arrivals, revamped LAX terminal evacuation and repopulation procedures, modernized its alert and warning capabilities, and initiated a $70 million renovation of its emergency operations center.

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He also served as Deputy Chief of the Preparedness Division for the District of Columbias Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, where he led numerous planning efforts and EOC activations in response to emergencies, National Special Security Events, and other planned events including Presidential Inaugurations, State of the Union Addresses, and a Papal Visit.

Charleston County added that he has also deployed to numerous Presidentially declared disasters under the Robert T. Stafford Act.

Charleston County is proud to welcome Justin Pierce as its new director of Emergency Management, said Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert R. Sass, III. His years of decisive leadership, experience navigating complex emergency scenarios, and proven ability to foster cross-sector collaboration make him the ideal candidate for this critical role. As our community continues to face evolving challenges, we are confident that Justin will enhance our preparedness and resilience, ensuring the safety and security of all who call Charleston County home.

Charleston Countys previous emergency management director, Joe Coates, passed away in May 2024 following a cancer battle. Deputy Director Ben Webster was named interim director.

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Pierce said he was honored to have been chosen to lead the Charleston County Emergency Management Department.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Charleston County Government for entrusting me with this important role. The work of Charleston County Emergency Management is essential for the Countys resilience against flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters. It also plays a vital part in educating and empowering our residents, visitors, and businesses with the information and resources necessary to stay safe, he said.

Pierce said he looks forward to embracing the Charleston way of life while strengthening relationships with the business community, schools, hospitals, places of worship, nonprofits and other partners.

Together, we will ensure that Charleston County remains a leader in disaster preparedness, he said.

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Pierce assumed the office on December 2.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)A new charter school focused on liberal arts education will open next year in West Ashley.

Ashley River Classical Academy will be located at 2025 Bees Ferry Road in Charleston when it opens in the fall of 2025, school officials said.

The facility is in excellent condition and requires minimal renovations to be ready for students this coming academic year. It features a full gym and multiple play areas for students, said Alexandria Spry  Head of School for Ashley River Classical Academy. The building has tremendous potential, and Im thrilled for it to become our home for many years to come as we serve our young scholars and their families.

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The tuition-free school is backed by Hillsdale Colleges K-12 program and is part of the American Classical Education schools. Initially, the school plans to serve children in kindergarten through grade 5.

Officials said they will add a grade each year until children up to 12th grade are served. Enrollment is now open for the 2025-26 school year.

The mission of Ashley River Classical Academy is to train the minds and hearts of our students through a content-rich classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with a focus on fostering moral character and civic virtue, ARCA said.

To learn more, visit the Ashley River Classical Academy website.

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James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, one of the few American sushi masters on the planet, has announced he will open the eighth location of his splashy, upscale Uchi restaurant in tony Newport Beach next year.

His thriving West Hollywood location has been buzzing in the culinary world since December 2023, but he has had his sites set on the O.C. since arriving in Southern California.

"We are excited to be expanding in Southern California and I love the vibrant fine dining scene in Orange County, Cole said. "Securing a highly visible spot in the center of the countys Gold Coast region is very difficult, and we are excited to be able to partner with a local developer who has spent several years entitling and permitting a unique spot for our new restaurant. Newport Beach is a dream destination for Uchi, and we're incredibly honored to bring our unique culinary experience to this remarkable community."

Uchi Omakase in West Hollywood Uchi

The word Uchi is Japanese for "house," which is exactly where Cole opened his first location  in a refurbished bungalow in Austin, after spending years learning the delicate craft of sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura, and a changing omakase that is dependent on local farmers markets.

Chef Tyson Cole puts his own spin on traditional Japanese fine dining (Courtesy of Uchi)

Uchi Newport Beach will be a cornerstone location in Hai Hospitality's ever-expanding portfolio. After opening in Austin in 2003, his signature sushi dishes led to Uchi locations in Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, West Hollywood, Scottsdale and Charlotte. Uchi Newport Beach will be located at 2510 West Coast Highway and is expected to open its doors in 2026.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The South Carolina Department of Transportation will temporarily close a road in Cherokee County as part of the I-85 Widening Project.

Officials said Windslow Avenue will be closed beginning on Monday, Dec. 9.

According to the SCDOT, a detour route has been set up utilizing Hyatt Street, Overbrook Drive and West Rutledge Avenue. A map of the detour can be found below:

The road is expected to reopen by January 9.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Authorities have arrested a Cherokee County teacher for allegedly having inappropriate conduct with a minor.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In a release sent to parents and guardians of Etowah High School students, the Cherokee County School District shared information regarding one of its teachers.

Eric Burton, an employee at the school was arrested in connection to allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a minor in Pennsylvania.

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While no other details were released, the school said Burton has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and police investigations.

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Maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated, the district said.

The high schools website says Burton is a social studies teacher.

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The district says anyone with questions or concerns can speak to an administrator or the CCSD School Police Department at 770-704-4346.

Channel 2 Action News is working to learn more details about Burtons arrest. The investigation is ongoing.

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The son of the founder of the Chi-Chi's Mexican-American restaurant chain announced this week that he has purchased the brand from owner Hormel Foods and plans to open new locations in 2025.

"Nearly 20 years after closing the last Chi-Chi's restaurant location, the popular Mexican restaurant chain is set to make a comeback thanks to a new agreement with Hormel Foods, owner of Chi-Chi's trademarks," Chi-Chi's said in a Tuesday press release.

Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi's founder Marno McDermott, hopes to "honor his family's legacy by combining the classic Chi-Chi's restaurant experience with modern influences," the release said.

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"I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi's restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry," Michael McDermott, founder of Chi-Chi's Restaurants LLC, the new company formed to revive Chi-Chi's Restaurants, said in the release.

Since the last Chi-Chi's restaurant closed in 2004, southern Minnesota-based Hormel has produced Chi-Chi's-branded salsas, dips, seasonings and tortilla chips sold in grocery stores throughout the U.S.

Here's what you should know about Chi-Chi's

Who started Chi-Chi's?

Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee founded the original company in 1975.

How many Chi Chi's restaurants were there?

The restaurant chain, which had numerous locations throughout Michigan, had more than 200 outlets nationwide at its peak.

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A series of ownership changes eventually led to the chain's closure in 2004.

In 2004, Outback Steakhouse Inc. acquired the remaining 76 Chi-Chis restaurants for $42.5 million and converted most of them into its own brands, which at the time included Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Bonefish Grills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars, Roy's, and Cheeseburger in Paradise, Nation's Restaurant News reported.

Who is Michael McDermott?

McDermott built his career in the restaurant industry with brands like Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill, the release said.

Rojo Mexican Grill and Kona Grill have locations nationwide.

What else does Hormel own?

The Austin, Minnesota, company has more than $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries. Its brands include Planters, Skippy, Spam, Hormel, Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Black Label, Columbus and Jennie-O.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Chi-Chi's brand purchased, new owner plans to open restaurants
Chi-Chis is making a comeback.

The Mexican chain said this week that it plans to open some new restaurants next year. The locations would be the first since Chi-Chis filed for bankruptcy protection in 2003.

Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chis founder, said he struck an agreement with Hormel Foods to open the restaurants. Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel owns the Chi-Chis trademark and produces Chi-Chis-branded chips and salsas.

"The Chi-Chi's brand is one of the most beloved, respected, and well-known names in the Mexican food category," Hormel said Thursday in a statement. The legacy and spirit of the brand remain strong, and were excited about the upcoming relaunch of Chi-Chi's restaurant locations.

McDermott, a restauranteur who also founded Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill, didnt say how many locations he planned to open or where. McDermott said the restaurants would be an updated version of the classic Chi-Chi's.

We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with todays consumer, McDermott said in a statement.

Chi-Chis was founded in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee. It grew rapidly in the 1990s, reaching more than 200 locations nationwide. But by 2003 it had filed for bankruptcy after going through a series of ownership changes and struggling with increasing competition.

Around the time of its bankruptcy filing, Chi-Chis reputation was also married by a hepatitis A outbreak at one of its restaurants in Pennsylvania. The outbreak, linked to the green onions it used as a garnish and in its salsas, killed four people and sickened 660.

The last Chi-Chis closed its doors in 2004.
The 1990s really are back. A Mexican restaurant chain that peaked in popularity back when "Friends" was airing new episodes plans to return in 2025.

Will it come back to Ohio?

Chi-Chi's restaurant announced an agreement on Tuesday with Hormel Foods, an Austin, Minnesota, based global food company that owns Chi-Chi's trademarks, the release said.

The agreement will grant Michael McDermott, son of the Chi-Chi's founder Marno McDermott, use of the Chi-Chi's name on restaurant locations expected to open in 2025, the restaurant chain said.

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"I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi's restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry," Michael McDermott, founder of Chi-Chi's Restaurants, said in a statement. "We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with today's consumeran updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor."

McDermott added that he is determined to keep his familys legacy alive by combining the classic Chi-Chi's restaurant experience with modern influences."

Here is what we know about Chi-Chis restaurant return.

Chi-Chi's restaurant plans to open first new locations in Minnesota

The full details of the Chi-Chi restaurants that will open in 2025 are still pending. However, the restaurant chains owner did confirm that two locations are set to open next year.

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While we are currently in the early stages of planning by securing funding, we can say the first two stores will be opened in Minnesota in 2025, Michael McDermott said in a statement. Our goal is to explore the original development path Chi Chis took, through both company and franchised opportunities within the Midwest and East Coast.

Will new Chi-Chi's restaurants open in Ohio?

While Chi-Chi's plan includes location in the Midwest, it isn't known if those plans include Ohio.

How many Chi-Chi's were in Ohio?

If a list posted on Fandom.com is accurate, Chi-Chi's operated 28 restaurants in Ohio during its heyday. The website allows users to create Wikipedia-style articles on whatever interests themfilm, television, video games or, in this case, Chi-Chi's restaurants.

Ohio locations listed include:

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Akron: 1770 Brittain Road

Akron: 4000 W Market St.

Ashtabula: 2911 N. Ridge Road E

Bowling Green: 1616 E. Wooster St.

Canton: 5075 Dressler Road NW

Cincinnati: 380 Glensprings Dr.

Cincinnati: 509 Ohio Pike

Cleveland: 6150 Rockside Place

Columbus: 2455 Brice Road

Columbus: 2200 E. Dublin Granville Road

Columbus: 4357 Westland Mall (closed 2004)

Dayton: 2925 Miamisburg Centerville Road

Dublin: 5105 Post Road

Fairborn: 2794 Colonel Glenn Dr.

Fairview Park: 3030 Westgate Mall

Findlay: 1739 Tiffin Ave.

Lancaster: 1421 River Valley Blvd.

Lorain: Centre of Sheffield, N. Ridge Road

Mansfield: 2284 W 4th St.

Maumee: 1566 Reynolds Road

Mentor: 7834 Reynolds Road

Niles: 5789 Mines Road

North Olmsted: 26410 Great Northern Shopping Center

Sandusky: 4307 Milan Road

Springfield: 1616 Upper Valley Pike

Steubenville: Fort Steuben Mall

Toledo: 4038 Talmadge Road

Youngstown: 1320 Boardman-Poland Road

Chi-Chi's restaurant history

Founded by restaurateur Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee in 1975, the restaurant grew to over 200 locations across the country, Chi-Chi's said.

After years of success, the company announced it would stop its operations in 2004. The decision was made after a series of ownership changes, the restaurant said.

Although there has not been a Chi-Chi's restaurant in the United States in 20 years, McDermott believes the brand holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember its heyday and remains popular among consumers nationwide who enjoy its packaged salsas, tortillas, and seasonings, which will continue to be available as new restaurant locations open," Chi-Chi's said.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Will Ohio see new Chi-Chi's restaurants as chain returns? What we know
This photo taken on Dec. 4, 2024 shows exhibits at China Plastics Industry (Turkiye) Brand Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkiye. The four-day-long exhibition opened here on Wednesday and is held in parallel with the Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

A visitor talks with exhibitors at China Plastics Industry (Turkiye) Brand Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkiye, Dec. 4, 2024. The four-day-long exhibition opened here on Wednesday and is held in parallel with the Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

A visitor talks with a Chinese exhibitor at China Plastics Industry (Turkiye) Brand Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkiye, Dec. 4, 2024. The four-day-long exhibition opened here on Wednesday and is held in parallel with the Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

A staff member organizes exhibits at China Plastics Industry (Turkiye) Brand Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkiye, Dec. 4, 2024. The four-day-long exhibition opened here on Wednesday and is held in parallel with the Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
A Chicago biomedical research hub backed by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, has produced its first published research  on discovering a way to monitor inflammation in real time using sensors implanted under the skin.

The study, co-led by Northwestern University researchers at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, was published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Science.

The sensors were implanted in diabetic rats to track changes in certain proteins that can indicate inflammation. While its already possible to measure changes in the proteins through periodic blood or urine tests, the sensors could provide a way for doctors and scientists to continuously measure the changes as they occur.

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We hope that this is work that provides a foundation for us being able to track inflammation in the human body, which is important to do because many, many diseases really start as inflammation, where you have damaged tissue caused by the immune system, said Shana Kelley, a senior author of the paper, president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago and a professor of chemistry and engineering at Northwestern.

More than half of all deaths in the world are caused by inflammation-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to research. Inflammation is the bodys response to illness or injury and can help the body heal. But inflammation can also be harmful if it goes on for too long or occurs when theres no danger, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

If we could see inflammation kind of rising in the human body, we could intervene at a much earlier point and then hopefully the disease does not become as advanced, or, one day we prevent it all together, Kelley said.

She said the idea to use a sensor to monitor inflammation in real time was inspired by continuous glucose monitors, which are sensors people with diabetes often affix to their arms or stomachs to continuously monitor their glucose levels.

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This first published research comes less than two years after the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative announced plans to establish the biohub in Chicago. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has committed $250 million over 10 years to fund the project. Gov. JB Pritzker has also committed $25 million in state dollars to support it.

Scientists from Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign work together at the biohub, located in Fulton Market. The three Illinois universities beat out proposals from about 60 other teams across the country to win the funding. The Chicago biohub will continue to focus its research on inflammation, Kelley said.

The Chicago biohub is one of four institutes across the country in the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network.
CHICAGO  Cook County coroners have identified the third victim slain in Mondays mass shooting in Chicago Lawn.

The Southwest Side shooting, which occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 3500 block of W. 59th Street, claimed the life of 32-year-old Osmer Angel Ferrer Oria. Five other people were wounded, police added. Concerning the shooting, no one is in custody as of Wednesday night.

Earlier this week, the Medical Examiner identified the two deceased victims as 26-year-old Hector Sajo and 28-year-old Jon Carlos.

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Person of interest linked to deadly Thanksgiving Eve shooting in Lincoln Park in custody

All told, police say gunfire struck eight people, four males and four females, ranging from age 20 to 35, all of Hispanic descent. Police found six people inside the home, and two others arrived at a nearby hospital on their own accord.

A shooting motive remains unclear.

People who live near the residence told WGN News that a party was ongoing before shots rang. Loud parties and gatherings have been a regular occurrence at the home over the last couple of months, and the residence was known to police.

Were going to solve this crime and find the individuals that are responsible for this heinous, terrible incident, CPD Chief of Patrol Jon Hein said Monday.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The investigation remains active.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO  Published reports suggest that Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez has hired a law firm to help avoid the citys alleged attempts to fire him.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the citys Teachers Union reportedly want Martinez gone, and the standoff continues in the midst of contentious contract negotiations.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Martinez has retained attorney Willian J. Quinlan. The news comes after current school board members hired their outside counsel, setting the scene for an apparent power struggle between Johnson and Martinez that will likely extend into the new year.

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Disrupt the status quo: Chicagos progressive mayor gets fiery in City Club visit

Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th Ward) described his concerns at Wednesdays Board of Education meeting.

I am also concerned about the media frenzy that this is creating, he said. To discuss personnel matters in newspapers, it is unacceptable.

News of potential legal battles lingered over Wednesdays proceedings.

WGN News has confirmed that the CPS board made a buyout offer earlier this week, but Martinez declined it.

Support for Martinez remained on display, however, as others at Wednesdays hearing, including a group of aldermen via Zoom, expressed continued support for the embattled school chief overseeing the countrys fourth-largest school system.

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Martinez declined an on-camera interview for this WGN News report.

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Bringing bird poop to school is usually frowned upon, but middle schoolers in Chicago are being celebrated as "bonafide biomedical scientists" after one student delivered some special goose droppings to their science club.

With the supervision of researchers from the University of Illinois, this student carefully isolated a bacterium from the goose poop that showed antibiotic activity.

A natural compound produced by the bacterium is wholly new to science, and in the lab, it shows cancer-fighting properties.

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Touching bird poop with bare hands is not safe because of all these pathogens, especially during a national outbreak of bird flu, but in this particular case, the student was on a mission for science.

They were part of a 14-week educational outreach program to promote scientific careers with hands-on experience.

The initiative was designed to involve young learners in the search for new antibiotics, and as part of the project, students were asked to explore their neighborhood for new bioactive compounds.

The kids were then taught how to safely grow bacteria and select colonies for further evaluation by university scientists.

Middle schoolers learning how to grow and culture bacteria. (Tan et al., ACS Omega, 2024)

The student that brought in the goose feces was able to isolate a species of gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas idahonensis. In the lab, researchers found this bacterium could inhibit more than 90 percent of the growth of a gram-positive bacteria species that can cause skin infections.

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"Efforts are underway to determine the compound(s) responsible for the original antibiotic activity observed," the team writes in a published and peer-reviewed paper on the discovery.

The middle schooler who found the bird poop is listed as a co-author.

The Pseudomonas bacterium not only showed antibiotic properties, it also produced a novel natural product, called orfamide N, which has not been seen by scientists before. Previously discovered orfamides are known to have useful medical properties, so the team investigated this one further.

In the lab, orfamide N slowed the growth of melanoma and ovarian cancer cells.

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As dangerous bacteria around the world grow resistant to today's arsenal of antibiotics, scientists are desperately searching for new medicine, and the natural world is one of the best places to go searching for antibacterial compounds.

The discovery of natural product antibiotics peaked in the mid-1950s, but since then, there has been a dangerous decline in this type of drug development.

Luckily, the natural world is still full of secrets, and some of these unknowns could help us in our battle against major health issues, such as bacterial infections and cancer.

Finding new antibiotics, however, takes years of testing and the failure rate is high. Out of all 14 environmental samples collected in Chicago, just one showed evidence of antibiotic activity, and this may not stand up to future research.

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Getting the next generation excited about antibiotic discoveries is a long game, but scientists at the University of Illinois say their recent success story just goes to show that "it is possible to integrate educational outreach programs with high-end natural product discovery."

The study was published in ACS Omega.

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WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD)  More than a dozen children who experienced loss from a highway tragedy this year gathered at a West Ashley retailer to shop with state troopers.

Troopers and officers from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, with support from the SC Troopers Association and Walmart, hosted Shop with a Cop on Wednesday. Each child was given a $150 Walmart gift card to spend on whatever they wished.

Troopers shopped with 15 children at the Walmart in West Ashley to bring them joy amid their first holiday season without a loved one. They hope to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and youth.

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I think just building the respect and trust for them we werent there when they were passed but I think for my kids in their community being supported by those people and showing my kids theyre not just here for the tragic times too or the bad times, said Carly Williamson, a Shop with a Cop attendee.



Parents say while this is a great event for the holiday spirit, it also highlights another important message of road safety. One mom hopes her story will stop teenagers from drinking and driving.

We are here because my daughter was in an accident in Walterboro that seriously injured her and took the life of her best friend, so I am speaking out against drunk driving and I am speaking out against parents who know their kids are doing it, said Jennifer Wiggins, a Shop with a Cop attendee.



Cpl. Nick Pye with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the event is special for the troopers to get a break during the holiday season.

It gives them a chance to relax, let their hair down a bit, encounter these kids, and build that special bond with them, he said.



Some children picked out all their gifts quickly while others took the full two hours.

Its the most amazing thing to watch these kids just be so happy and their faces light up when they realize they get to get whatever they want and its really important to us to be able to give whatever they want whatever this holiday season, said Amy Osborne, Senior Manager Community Relations Walmart



Seven Walmart stores across the state and more than 140 children participated in this years event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
New research has found that the most significant violation of civic freedoms in 2024 occurred in occupied Palestinian territories or was perpetrated against those in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In its annual global report, People Power Under Attack 2024, CIVICUS Monitor, a global research partnership that assesses the state of civic space worldwide, identified the most common forms of repression against the right to protest, the right to free speech and the defense of human rights and the environment in 198 different countries. It found a widespread assault on democratic freedoms, with 70% the worlds population living in countries where their civic freedoms are now heavily restricted.

"It's quite shocking that the majority of the world's population are living in countries where they are denied agency to shape the decisions impacting their lives," Mandeep Tiwana, co-secretary general of CIVICUS, said in an interview with Salon. Many of these restrictions on the right to peaceful protest or the right to protest in solidarity with Palestinian people have happened in countries with very strong democratic traditions."

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Civic space," he added, "is a bedrock of democratic societies and without [it] people are not able to have the agency to shape the decisions that impact their lives."

Nearly 10% of so-called civic space violations documented worldwide occurred in occupied Palestinian territories or against those protesting Israels actions. In the United States, 3,200 students were arrested or detained by police for peacefully protesting Israels invasion of Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack, the report found. In the Netherlands, police deployed batons and tear gas on pro-Palestinian protestors, while in Canada it is now forbidden to wear a keffiyeh in Ontarios legislative assembly.

In Israel, the government has severely restricted the right to protest its occupation of Palestine through the disproportionate use of force and arbitrary arrests, the report found. The country moved from repressed to closed on CIVICUS scale, marking a complete closure of civic space both legally and in practice.

The civic space in the occupied Palestinian territory is passing through an unprecedented time. It is subjected simultaneously to the Israeli occupation, to apartheid policies, and to continued occupation and genocide, Amjad Al Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network, said in a statement. But it's also under constant surveillance by the Israeli legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, and abandoned by the silence of the international community."

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The CIVICUS report labels the civic spaces of 198 countries with one of five categories: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed or closed. That's based on examining policies related to freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly and the states duty to protect these fundamental freedoms."

Only 40 out of 198 countries scored an "open" civic space rating, meaning there is little to no restriction on civic participation and freedom. Some 81 countries were ranked in the worst two categories, with over 30% of the population living in nations where civic space is entirely closed. These countries include Russia, Palestine, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Afghanistan and China,.

The most prevalent violation of civic freedom was the widespread detention of protestors, the report found.

When people are denied the ability to speak out against policies that harm them, Tiwana said, it "means that people are unable to seek transformative changes in societies whether it's for gender justice or to advance the rights of excluded minorities, or they are unable to uncover corruption."

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In Bangladesh, more than 1,000 people were killed in anti-government demonstrations last July that did eventually result in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In Kenya, police abducted, arrested and tortured those who protested the anti-finance bill, which would raise taxes on essential goods and services to meet revenue targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Human Rights Watch. In February alone, over 1,300 Extinction Rebellion protestors were arrested in the Netherlands for blocking roads in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Attacks on journalists and repression of media was the second most prevalent violation of civic freedom, CIVICUS found. At least 49 countries saw attacks on journalists from both state and non-state actors, many of which were on journalists covering elections.

Governments used a range of tactics to silence critical and dissenting voices, including arbitrary detention, threats, and physical assaults. In many instances, these actions created a chilling effect, discouraging free speech and independent journalism, the report found.

Journalists were detained in at least 58 countries and killed in Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Lesotho, Mexico, Myanmar. Over 137 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel in the last year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

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The report also found that violence against environmental protestors and land defenders was rampant in 2024 as calls for climate action increased worldwide. Latin America remains the most dangerous region in the world to defend land and the environment, particularly Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru.

The violent repression of land defenders has become a prominent issue in the last decade. From 2012 to 2023, more than 2,100 environmental defenders were killed, with 196 of those killings occurring in 2023 alone, according to Global Witness. Indigenous peoples and people of African descent are disproportionately targeted and account for nearly half of total murders.

While it may be on a less extreme scale, climate protestors in Europe and North America also faced state repression this year, the report found. Activists have been targeted in Austria, France and Italy; in the U.K., five Just Stop Oil activists received lengthy prison sentences for planning to block a roadway. In Canada, Indigenous land defenders were convicted for protesting against the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

Despite the grim tally, Tiwana said some countries did take steps forward in protecting civic freedom and human rights this year. Japan, Slovenia, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago all moved from narrowed to open on CIVICUS rating scale, while Bangladesh moved from closed to repressed.

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There have been particular advances when it comes to gender-based violence and LGBTQ+ rights, Tiwana explained. In Poland, civil organizing helped reverse a law that required prescription for birth control. Greece became the first Christian orthodox country to legalize same sex marriage and Thailand passed a monumental marriage equality bill.

Such steady progress should be the standard, Tiwana said.

"What we really expect governments to do, especially democratic governments, is to champion democratic values and ensure that civic space is protected," he said.
China is working with Russia to increase its presence in the Arctic and could pose a threat to the US from the north, the Pentagon has warned.

A senior Department of Defense official said on Thursday that new military cooperation between Russia and China north of Alaska could see the US hold more military drills as a deterrent.

Iris Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense, raised the alarm over increased cooperation between Russia and Chinas coastguards and a joint bomber patrol off the coast of Alaska in July.

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She told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington that China was one of the newer entrants on the scene but was likely to expand its presence in the coming years.

Over time, the strategic interests that they have in the region are  giving us pause, she said.

Weve long had exercises that operate in the region, but were really looking at how we can use those as a deterrent effect, working alongside our allies and partners.

The US has always been concerned about the proximity of Alaska to Russia, with just 55 miles separating the two territories at the narrowest point of the Bering Strait.

In September, the US Army increased the size of its deployment on the Aleuthian islands, which span the Bering Sea, and sent a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) unit.

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Officials said the move was a force projection operation to deter increased military activity from Russia and China near US territory.

Ms Ferguson said the US was aware of new military cooperation between Russia and China in the region, spurred by the war in Ukraine and also climate change, which has opened up more of the Arctic for military deployments.

Protecting interests

This kind of increasing level of military cooperation is new, she said. Certainly, its new within and around Alaska.

We really just need to be clear-eyed about some of their intentions and how we can be like thinking about their long-term interests and how we can best protect ours.

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Although China does not neighbour the Arctic, rising temperatures in the region have opened up economic opportunities for Beijing, including new shipping routes.

The US and Nato allies conduct regular joint operations in the Arctic, known to the alliance as the High North to practise operating in cold conditions and to deter Russian aggression.

The Pentagons Arctic strategy, published earlier this year, warned that the Arctic was becoming a venue for strategic competition, arguing that the US must stand ready to meet the challenge.

It warned that China operates three icebreakers in the region, which serve a dual civil-military purpose and have been used to test underwater drones and aircraft that can operate in Arctic conditions.

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Chinese Navy vessels have also conducted exercises with the Russian fleet over the last several years, it said.

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A Chinese hacking campaign that has spied on the texts and calls of U.S. citizens by hacking telecommunications companies is significantly larger than previously known to the public, a top White House official said Wednesday.

At least eight American telecommunications companies have been compromised, Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology at the National Security Council, said in a press call Wednesday. U.S. officials had named three of the companies to NBC News: AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies. The names of the other five companies are not known.

Neuberger said that dozens of countries around the world had been affected, and another official on the call said that hackers had accessed a large number of Americans phone data, though not everyone in the country, as part of an effort to identify people who could be likely targets for more invasive spying.

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Advanced hacking teams can be persistent and lurk in remote corners of vast computer networks. The U.S. does not believe any of the U.S. telecoms have fully booted the hackers, Neuberger said.

There is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps. The Chinese are likely to maintain their access, she said.

China frequently denies responsibility when accused of using its vast cyberespionage teams to hack into Western targets. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington said, China firmly opposes the USs smear attacks against China without any factual basis.

While cybersecurity companies have for years warned of China targeting telecommunications systems around the world, the U.S. views this campaign, referred to by Microsofts nickname, Salt Typhoon, as beginning within the past two years.

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On Tuesday, agencies in the U.S., as well as in key allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, released a public guide for telecommunications companies to protect themselves from Chinas hackers.

The cyberespionage campaign has given the hackers access to multiple types of information, including vast reams of call records, access to some specific phone calls, and systems where telecoms partner with law enforcement and intelligence agencies with a court order to access targets information.

On a press call Tuesday about Salt Typhoon, an FBI official said the hackers were primarily interested in the call records of people in the Washington, D.C., area.

The FBI is in the process of notifying all Americans whose calls it believes were compromised. The Harris and Trump presidential campaigns had told NBC News they were compromised, as was the office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The agency does not plan to notify all the Americans whose call records were accessed, however, the FBI official said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CHIPPEWA FALLS  Plans for a new hospital that would be built along the U.S. 53 corridor in Lake Hallie are moving forward.

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative announced Wednesday it is constructing a full-service, independent, locally-governed, nonprofit hospital in Lake Hallie, with a goal to open in fall 2027. The decision came after exhaustive research to determine the optimal configuration, healthcare service offering, location, and long-term sustainability requirements for a new independent hospital in the Chippewa Valley.

The Cooperatives new 144,000-square-foot state-of-the-art hospital will be a flexible facility including 48 hospital beds, with a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an emergency department, medical-surgical services, labor & delivery, critical care units, a comprehensive cancer center, and comprehensive diagnostic services, including laboratory, radiology, and cardiology services, the press release states.

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The new hospital would also have a comprehensive therapy unit to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapies. The projected cost for the new hospital is $120 million, with a total project cost of $158 million, including start-up costs, substantially less than initial estimates.

The Cooperative evaluated many different locations throughout Eau Claire and Chippewa counties for the new hospital, ultimately choosing a 20-acre parcel in Lake Hallie on the west side of U.S. 53, with access to both Highway 29 and Highway 12. The Cooperative has entered into an agreement with Dave and John Markquart to purchase the land.

This ideal location is optimally situated for easy access to the hospital for patients and emergency services from the entire region, said Peter Hoeft, member of the Cooperatives Board of Organizers.

The decision was based on extensive and detailed modeling of traffic flow, demographics, and projected growth patterns for the area. Importantly, this location is easily accessible for emergency services, the press release states.

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The Cooperative is also exploring ways to bring behavioral health services to the community.

Our community and our research have made it abundantly clear that our growing region needs access to more local, effective, and affordable healthcare services in many critical areas, said Robert Krause, chair of the board of organizers for the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative. The Cooperatives new full-service hospital will provide a wide range of healthcare services here, not a long ambulance or helicopter ride away.

The hospital will employ more than 410 full-time employees, not including medical staff. The medical staff will include qualified and accredited physicians from throughout the region. The OakLeaf Medical Network, the largest independent network of physicians and clinics in Western Wisconsin, has pledged to support the new hospital. OakLeaf Medical Network clinics care for over 55,000 local primary care patients.

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative, a 501(3) non-profit organization, was formed on February 29, just six weeks after HSHS announced it was exiting western Wisconsin.

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With the goal of transforming the healthcare landscape in the Chippewa Valley and ensuring the local community is not solely dependent on hospital services owned by and accountable to organizations outside our region, the Cooperative has moved quickly to be able to help close the significant healthcare gaps the community is experiencing today, the press release states.

We have moved as fast as we could without cutting corners with due diligence to determine the size, location, and range of healthcare services we need to put in place to ensure that our community has access to exceptional, local, cost-effective healthcare for generations to come, Krause said. No longer will out-of-town hospital systems control the destiny of all hospital services for our community.

The Cooperative conducted a wide range of research, working with University of Wisconsin Extension specialists, in cooperative formation and governance, trauma care, emergency medical services, and public facilities financing, and contracted with Wipfli, a nationally recognized expert in healthcare, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the new hospital.

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is a nonprofit organization and independent, accountable to, and governed by its members, who are residents from the 18-county greater Chippewa Valley region, as well as physicians and other medical professionals who are accredited and licensed to practice in Wisconsin. Independent hospitals are not owned by health systems or integrated delivery networks, both of which prioritize caring for patients in their own ecosystems of clinics and physicians, the press release states.

There are over 1,500 independent hospitals in the United States.

More information is available at chippewavalleyhealthcooperative.org.
TEHRAN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty Wednesday exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria.

The two sides discussed the situation in the West Asia region in a phone call and agreed to maintain contact and bilateral consultations, said a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Araghchi briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the outcomes of his talks with Syrian and Turkish officials during his visits to the two countries, underscoring Iran's policy of supporting the Syrian government, army and people in their fight against terrorist groups.

Araghchi said continuing diplomatic efforts and consultations among regional players was necessary.

The Egyptian foreign minister, for his part, referred to his phone calls with his foreign counterparts over the past few days and said that his country's policy was to support Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and legal institutions.

Since Nov. 27, Syrian rebel groups, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched a major offensive in northern Syria, aiming to penetrate government-held territories. 
HONOLULU (KHON2)  After years of development, the first resident Cirque du Soleil show created specifically for Hawaii has arrived.

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Cirque du Soleil Auana combines the rich traditions of Hawaiian culture with the thrilling acrobatics and innovation that the world-renowned circus company is known for.

The show is set to debut at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where a media preview offered a glimpse of what audiences can expect from this groundbreaking production.

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Cirque du Soleil Auana is the result of a creative collaboration between cultural experts Dr. Aaron Sala, designer Manaola Yap, Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, and linguist Keao NeSmith.

Together, they celebrate Native Hawaiian culture through eight acts inspired by moolelo (Hawaiian stories).

The performance integrates hula, Hawaiian language, and breathtaking acrobatics, offering a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry.

Tons of trash washing up on Hawaiian Islands

During the preview, Neil Dorward, co-creator and director of the show, shared the vision behind the production.

It really is a celebration of the spirit of Hawaii through the lens of Cirque du Soleil, Dorward said. Weve created these fantastical worlds for the audience to enjoy, but most importantly, its a show that the community will be proud of.

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Dr. Aaron Sala, the cultural creative producer, explained the significance of the shows title. Auana, as we all know, is related to hula, often seen as hula Auana, Sala said. It represents the integration of modern western instruments with the Hawaiian tradition, allowing for movement in a particular way.

He added that Auana literally means to wander, symbolizing a journey that is both grounded in Hawaiian culture and open to exploration beyond traditional boundaries.

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Cirque du Soleil Auana is set to become a cultural milestone, blending the beauty and spirit of Hawaii with the wonder of Cirque du Soleils signature acrobatics.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Minneapolis' Labor Standards Board debate will continue after Minneapolis City Council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto in a vote held on Thursday.

The ordinance would have created a board comprised of workers, employers, and community stakeholders who could offer recommendations  but not binding measures  on pay, safety, and equity to the city council.

The initial proposal was passed by a 9-3 vote, enough to override a veto. However, council members Jamal Osman and Andrea Jenkins voted against the proposal on Thursday after voting in favor of it on Nov. 14.

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"By sustaining the veto, I'm not only amplifying community voices; I am both pro-worker and pro-small business," Osman said in a statement, adding that the current proposal creates "an unfair and unbalanced board after limiting public engagement with elected officials."

He called for a public comment period to be opened before another proposal for the board is crafted.

Matt/Flickr

Mayor Frey, who initially supported the creation of a Labor Standards Board, vetoed the current proposal, asking the city council for one that would have an equal number of workers and employers, as well as an equal number of mayoral and council appointments to the board. He further requested that the board require a two-thirds supermajority to move proposals to city council rather than a simple majority.

Opponents note that a two-thirds vote and an equal split between workers and employers would effectively make it impossible to move through recommendations that are opposed by business groups.

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"This is not over," reads part of a statement from Mayor Frey. "Im committed to going back to the table to get this right by bringing all sides together around a unified vision."

The Labor Standards Board has drawn significant pushback from national and local industry groups, some of which have financed media campaigns against the advisory board, which would not have the power to write or enact laws.

Locally, a group calling itself the Minneapolis Works Together Coalition has vowed not to participate in the board. The group includes the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Minneapolis Downtown Council, Hospitality Minnesota, Minnesota Retailers, and the Minnesota License Beverage Association.

The group did not respond to a request for comment from Bring Me The News about whether it would participate in a Labor Standards Board as proposed by Mayor Frey.

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Labor groups have argued the advisory board would create better working conditions for workers in Minneapolis. "We have no interest in and will not accept any future board process that is further watered down by even more misinformation and fear from corporate-funded PR firms," SEIU Local 26 president Greg Nammacher said in a statement responding to Thursday's vote, per the Star Tribune.

Related: Emails show Timberwolves pushing back against unionization efforts
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  The City of Decatur recently passed a new levy that will increase property taxes. But  City officials said this wont have as big an impact as you might think.

The City Council decided to raise the property tax earlier this week. The 6% increase will only apply to 16% of your total property taxes. The other 84% will not be impacted.

Former DACC presidents wife asks city council to investigate mayor amid ongoing dispute

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WCIA spoke to City Manager Tim Gleason to break down what this will look like for the average homeowner.

Lets say you have a last year, it was a total property tax bill of $1,000. In that example, its only 6% of the $160 that belongs to the city of Decatur in that example, Gleason said. And then for that amount, thats roughly $10 increase for this year for that average home valued at $135,000.

The raise will take effect next month. Gleason said the money raised will go to services like pensions for city workers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
City leaders in Tavares, Lake County, decided to postpone a decision that would remove fluoride from the citys water supply. The debate brought different opinions to city hall on Wednesday.

Its a conversation that sparked some controversy - should fluoride be removed from drinking water? Absolutely, 100%. should be removed from the earth, said Suzan Shalla, who lives in Tavares. I dont think so. my way of thinking is that - in Mexico they have fluoride in the water. and my father just came from there and his teeth are really strong, said Raquel Heis, another Tavares resident.

The debate taking center stage at City Hall in Tavares. Leaders were discussing if the city should remove the substance from its water supply. I would like to bring this back at the very next council meeting, said vice mayor of Tavares, Lory Pfister.

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I see someone comment, ok lets take it out. Then I see another person, ok well leave it in, said council member Bob Grenier. I still want more data, I want more information, I want to hear more, I want workshops. there are 23,000 people in Tavares. I want to hear more.

Read: Operation Night Cap busts dozens for late night sales permit violations, drugs in downtown Orlando

Back in November, the states health department released new guidance regarding the use of fluoride in the water, citing neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure.

However, both CDC and the American Dental Association point to many studies showing low levels of fluoride in water reduces tooth decay by at least 25%. The CDC going as far as calling it one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. According to the agency, there was a massive decline in cavities since water fluoridation started back 1945. I dont think its a great idea just because its going to its an easy way for the population to get the fluoride not having to spend any more money than what the city already offers, said Marilisa Gonzalez, Dental Assistant. Its hard enough to get people to floss!

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Tavares has been adding fluoride to the water since 1995, so almost 30 years. The debate will be back on the agenda on December 18th.

Read: 4-year-old & 1-year-old missing out of Volusia County, FDLE issue alert

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Voting Rights advocates gathered in Downtown Lansing on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2024, to call on lawmakers to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act before the end of this legislative session. | Kyle Davidson

Almost 24 hours after members of the Michigan House Elections Committee voted to refer four bills known as the Michigan Voting Rights Act to the House floor, civil rights advocates met in Lansing, stressing an urgent need for action on the bills.

The Michigan Voting Rights Act  Senate Bills 401404 was introduced in June of 2023, with state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) previously telling Michigan Advance the bills began as a discussion with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on how to protect voting rights at the state level.



Proponents of the bills have repeatedly raised concerns about the erosion of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 due to U.S. Supreme Court decisions like Shelby County V. Holder and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee.

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This erosion will not likely disappear anytime soon, folks, and as we continue to see the rulings by federal judges who oppose civil rights who dont seem to regard legal precedent, weve got to pay attention, and we also, believe me, have no reason to expect that this incoming Congress will pass the federal John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in any coming years now, said Demetria McCain, director of policy at the Legal Defense Fund.

Demetria McCain, policy director for the Legal Defense Fund, joined other voting rights advocates at a Dec. 4, 2024 press conference calling on the Legislature to send the Michigan Voting Rights Act to the governors desk before the end of the year. | Kyle Davidson

With Michigan Democrats set to lose their trifecta in January after Republicans won a 58-52 majority in the Michigan House, multiple speakers at the Wednesday press conference warned that time to act is running out to pass these additional voting rights protections within the state.

While Michigan citizens previously approved ballot measures greatly expanding access to the ballot and enshrining a right to vote in the state constitution, supporters say the bill would fill key gaps in the federal law, including measures for individuals with disabilities or who do not speak English as their first language.

Under Senate Bill 401, local governments and state agencies would be barred from imposing any laws or policies that would impair the ability of a protected class to participate in the political process alongside establishing a process to arbitrate alleged violations of the act, including submissions directly to the Michigan Secretary of State.

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Senate Bill 402 would require the secretary of state to partner with one or more public state universities to create the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, which would house election data from the previous 12 years, accessible at no cost to the public.

Senate Bill 403 expands language access requirements and instructs the secretary of state to post a list of local governments required to provide language assistance alongside the languages required. It also allows an individual affected by a violation of the language access requirements to take legal action if discussion fails. The attorney general can also file action to compel a local government to comply with the law and seek an appropriate remedy.

Senate Bill 404 requires local governments to provide timely notice about changes to election methods and creates a process for providing voting assistance, including language assistance and voting assistance for voters who are unable to enter a polling place.

A Michigan Voting Rights Act would strengthen the legal tools available to challenge discriminatory voting practices. It would ensure greater transparency and changes made to voting changes and encourage consistent best practices. Importantly, it would improve access for eligible voters who currently face hurdles to casting their ballot because of limited English proficiency and accessibility in voting places and processes, said Loren Khogali, the executive director of the ACLU of Michigan.

Eric Welsby, advocacy director for Detroit Disability Power, discussed how the Michigan Voting Rights Act would assist disabled voters during a Dec. 4, 2024 press conference. | Kyle Davidson

Eric Welsby, the advocacy director for Detroit Disability Power noted the Michigan Voting Rights Act would standardize the process for curbside voting, and provides an alternative for voters who cannot access a polling place, or a back up plan if things in more accessible voting spaces like elevators break down.

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What does a polling place do if they dont have a backup plan? This is that backup plan. Passing the [Michigan Voting Rights Act] is essential to make sure everyone in our community, every disabled voter who shows up on election day, is able to cast their ballot, Welsby said.

According to McCain, the Legal Defense commissioned a study which found 73% of Michigan voters wanted their representatives to prioritize passing the Michigan Voting Rights Act.

However, some local clerks have remained trepidacious, expressing concerns at the viability of the bills at their current scope.

Alongside the press conference, Melinda Billingsley, the communication manager for Voters Not Politicians, said 150 volunteers from her organization and other grassroots voting rights groups were working to meet with their lawmakers at the Capitol to make two things clear.

Melinda Billingsley, the communication manager for Voters Not Politicians, speaks at a Dec. 4, 2024 press conference calling on lawmakers to pass the Michigan Voting Rights act before the end of the year. | Kyle Davidson

Number one, that voters want to see this pro-democracy legislature finish the work they started this session. And number two, that voters are paying attention right now, and we are going to make sure this legislature fulfills its obligations to the people of Michigan: voters, not politicians, Billingsley said.
A viral image circulating on social media claims that billionaire Elon Musk does not have U.S. citizenship. Elon Musk is NOT a Citizen of the United States and has NO Place anywhere near our government, it reads. The image has appeared widely on sites like Threads, and Facebook.

The claim is false: While Musk was born and raised in South Africa, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.

While an individuals citizenship status is not public record, Musk has discussed the challenges of becoming a citizen and his own naturalization ceremony many times.

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In a November 2012 interview with Esquire, Musk spoke about the naturalization ceremony where he became a U.S. citizen. Ten years ago  ten years after his arrival in the New World  Elon Musk took the oath of American citizenship with thirty-five hundred other immigrants at the Pomona Fairplex, in a ceremony he calls actually very moving, the profile reads. In his 2023 biography of Musk, Walter Isaacson tells a similar story, writing that Musk became a citizen in early 2002 at an oath-taking ceremony with thirty-five hundred other immigrants at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. In February, in an X post, Musk described that the citizenship process took him more than a decade.

Musk was born in South Africa in 1971, and he lived there until he moved to Canada in 1989. After studying for two years at Queens University in Ontario, in 1992 Musk transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. Musk initially planned on pursuing a doctoral degree in material science at Stanford University upon graduation, but in 1995 he deferred his enrollment in order to pursue his idea of an online interactive version of the Yellow Pages.

While Musk is a U.S. citizen today, his legal working status during these early years is questionable. According to an October story in the Washington Post, Musk did not have the legal right to remain in the U.S. after he deferred his enrollment at Stanford in 1995. In a 2013 interview, Musks brother Kimbal admitted that the two were illegal immigrants when they were first approached by venture capitalists in 1996. In fact, when they did fund us, they realized that we were illegal immigrants, Kimbal said. Well, Id say it was a grey area, Elon replied. According to a funding agreement from the time obtained by the Washington Post, the two brothers were made to obtain legal work status within 45 days of the investment, which they apparently achieved.

Tesla, X, and Musks personal lawyer, Alex Spiro, did not respond to requests for comment from The Dispatch Fact Check.

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If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  The main goal of every superintendent, principal, and teacher is to make sure their students are healthy and safe while traveling to and from school.

Clark County Superintendent Dr. Dustin Howard said, Its a very coordinated effort with a lot of moving parts. Ultimately, I feel like the best places, if safe for our students, are in our buildings. We can feed them. Couple times. Great meals. We could live on that. On them. Smile at them and educate them.

How to ensure Kentucky homes stay warm during the cold winter season

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Clark County school leaders said a lot goes on behind the scenes before deciding to cancel or delay classes.

For Clark County Superintendent Dustin Howardthese decisions dont come lightly.

Here, in Clark County, we really try to be proactive. So, were constantly working with the National Weather Service. both out of Jackson and Louisville. So anytime theres weather coming in, were not only actively getting their updates, but we log on to their conference calls to really get real-time information from weather experts, said Howard.

Many parents worry about their children standing outside in the freezing temperatures for long periods while waiting for the bus.

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Dr. Howard states Clark County has already taken that into consideration by providing tools in which parents can track their students buses.

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Some things that weve put in place to combat that a little bit or a lot. is that every parent has access to a bus app. so they can actually track where their bus is on the trip so that, the days of waiting outside for 30 minutes, even though your bus might be delayed, should be gone, said Howard.

Dr. Howard said many factors go into canceling or delaying school, but their number one priority is student safety.

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The 11-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, established in 2005, is the countrys first regional cap-and-invest system for reducing carbon emissions from power generation. (Scott Olson | Getty Images))

A trailblazing regional greenhouse gas partnership on the East Coast is considering possible changes or expansion that would allow it to keep building on its success  and the stakes grew higher last month with the reelection of Donald Trump.

The 11-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, established in 2005, is the countrys first regional cap-and-invest system for reducing carbon emissions from power generation. Since 2021, administrators have been conducting a program review, analyzing its performance since the last review in 2017 and weighing potential adjustments to make sure it continues to deliver benefits to member states.

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The role of such programs is more crucial as Trumps pledges to roll back federal climate action leaves it up to cities, states, and the private sector to maintain the countrys momentum on clean energy over the next four years. In RGGI, as the regional initiative is known, states have a potential model for scaling their impact through collaboration.

RGGI has not only been an effective climate policy, its been an extraordinary example of how states can work together on common goals, said Daniel Sosland, president of climate and energy nonprofit Acadia Center. It is a major vehicle for climate policy now in the states, more than it might have seemed before the election.

How RGGI works

RGGI sets a cap for total power plant carbon emissions among member states. Individual generators must then buy allowances from the state, up to the total cap, for each ton of carbon dioxide they produce in a year. The cap lowers over time, forcing power plants to either reduce emissions or pay more to buy allowances from a shrinking pool.

States then reinvest the proceeds from these auctions into programs that further reduce emissions and help energy customers, including energy efficiency initiatives, direct bill assistance, and renewable energy projects. Since 2008, RGGI has generated $8.3 billion for participating states, and carbon dioxide emissions from power generation in the nine states that have consistently participated fell by about half between 2008 and 2021, a considerably faster rate than the rest of the country.

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It has really thrived and been really effective across multiple administrations, said Jackson Morris, state power sector director with the Natural Resources Defense Council. RGGI is a winning model. Its not theoretical  weve got numbers.

Currently, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont are part of the program. Virginia joined RGGI in 2021, but in 2023 Gov. Glenn Youngkin repealed the states participation, a move immediately challenged in court; a judge ruled last month that the governor lacked the authority to withdraw the state from initiative, though a spokesman for the governor has declared the states intention to appeal.

There is widespread agreement that RGGI will endure despite likely federal hostility to climate measures. There was no attempt to take direct action against it during Trumps first term, nor has there been any concerted industry opposition, said Conservation Law Foundation president Bradley Campbell, who was involved in the founding of RGGI when he was commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Supporters also note that the program has historically had broad bipartisan support: Participating states have been led through the years by both Republican and Democratic governors and legislatures.

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Politics has had some influence over the years, though only at the margins. New Jersey, a founding member of RGGI, left in 2011 when Chris Christie was governor, but returned in 2020 following an executive order from his successor. Pennsylvania joined in 2022 through an executive order from the governor, but its participation is now being challenged in court.

Still, RGGIs foundations are solid and will remain so, experts said.

The basic infrastructure has weathered the political winds over the decades, Campbell said.

Looking forward

Nonetheless, RGGI will need to make some carefully thought-out program design decisions during its current review to make an impact in the face of falling federal support for decarbonization.

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One question under consideration is whether to maintain the existing trajectory for the overall emissions cap for the program  a reduction of 30 percent between 2020 and 2030, then holding steady thereafter  or to continue lowering the limit after 2030.

The RGGI states are also contemplating a possible change to the compliance schedule that would require power generators to acquire allowances worth 100 percent of their carbon emissions each year, and certify compliance annually. The current system calls for certification every three years, and only mandates allowances equivalent to half of carbon emissions for the first two years of each period.

The program is looking for ways to appeal to potential new participant states that have less aggressive decarbonization goals than current member states without watering down the programs overall impact on decarbonization, said Acadia Center policy analyst Paola Tamayo. Acadia suggested possible program mechanisms such as giving proportionately more allowances to states with more stringent emissions targets to incentivize tighter limits.

At this point it is critical for states to maintain a high level of ambition when it comes to programs like RGGI, Tamayo said. There are different mechanisms that they can implement to accommodate other states.

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The program review is expected to yield a model rule some time over the winter, though updates may be made into the spring as the RGGI states receive and consider feedback on how to accommodate potential new participants.

States will also need to maintain and strengthen their own climate policies to magnify the impact of RGGI, Campbell said. He pointed to Massachusetts, where Gov. Maura Healey needs to show bolder leadership, he said, and Maine and Vermont, where the Conservation Law Foundation has filed lawsuits in an attempt to compel the states to meet their own carbon reduction deadlines.

Its especially important that the states that have strong emissions reduction mandates speed up the implementation of their climate laws, he said. State leadership on these issues is going to be more important than ever.

This article first appeared on Energy News Network and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
HOUSTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Meta, Facebook's parent company, is planning to spend 10 billion U.S. dollars to build its largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana, the company said Wednesday.

Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center, covering 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters) in the Richland parish, a rural part of northeast Louisiana, will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, the company's director of data center strategy.

Meta plans to invest 200 million dollars into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage, according to a report of The Associated Press.

The facility is expected to be completed in 2030, said the report.

The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren't enough data centers in the country to meet rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by nine percent each year through 2030, citing industry reports. 
Dec. 4MITCHELL  The holiday season is both a busy and relaxing time for residents of South Dakota. But even though the 2024 corn and soybean harvest season is officially in the rearview mirror, farmers still have plenty on their plates as the year comes to a close.

There are always chores to perform, equipment to maintain and repair and planning to do for the upcoming spring.

For farmers in the Davison County region, winter wheat is in the ground with a harvest target of July and August. David Klingberg, executive director for the Farm Service Agency office in Mitchell, said the crop is a less prominent field crop than some others in South Dakota, but provides a cold-weather rotation option.

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"We are definitely corn and beans country, but there are a handful, maybe more than a handful, of guys that do like to have a rotation of some small grains in there once in a while to help with the erosion control and for the nutrient management side of things," Klingberg told the Mitchell Republic. "So it can be a profitable crop to raise, it just takes a little bit of a different management than our corn and beans."

Winter wheat can withstand freezing temperatures for extended periods of time during the early vegetative state and requires exposure to freezing or near-freezing temperatures to trigger its reproductive stage.

It's a useful if less common crop than corn and soybeans. According to the 2023 South Dakota state agriculture overview from the United States Department of Agriculture, corn and soybeans are king in the state with 854,240,000 bushels and 223,080,000 bushels produced that year respectively. Winter wheat comes in well below that, with 31,490,000 bushels produced that same year.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicates that the 2024 winter wheat planted area, at 33.8 million acres, is down 8% from last year and down 1% from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 24.1 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.14 million acres are Soft Red Winter and 3.59 million acres are White Winter.

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As hardy as winter wheat is, it is as sensitive as any crop to environmental changes.

The last USDA crop progress and condition report of the 2024 season shows winter wheat conditions at 3% very poor, 29% poor, 44% fair, 21% good and 3% excellent. The report also indicates that winter wheat was 86% emerged, which is behind the 99% at this time last year and the 98% five-year average.

Klingberg said those numbers jibed with what he has heard from area farmers.

"I agree with that wholeheartedly, just because guys were putting wheat seed in the ground when it was so dry, and it just sat there for a while and did not germinate, so it didn't grow like it should have," Klingberg said. "I think that the ground was warm enough when we did get some moisture and that many of the guys' wheat seeds did germinate, and I have heard some reports of it coming up, so that's a good thing."

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Winter wheat planting generally comes between September and October, during what was considered a relatively dry fall in the area this year. The latest USDA crop progress and condition report indicates that topsoil moisture supplies as of Nov. 25 were rated at 26% very short, 46% short, 28% adequate and 0% surplus.

It was similar for subsoil moisture, which came in rated at 27% very short, 46% short, 27% adequate and 0% surplus.

It will be a wait-and-see process going forward, Klingberg said. Winter wheat goes dormant in the winter before awakening again in the spring. Every crop has its challenges, but moisture is one that affects all types of crops, and that will be the biggest thing to watch this year, as well.

"There are always challenges when it comes to winter wheat, but this year I would say the main challenge was to get enough moisture for it to start germinating and take off on them," Klingberg said.

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As farmers wait to see how their winter wheat does, there are other tasks to tackle.

Klingberg said the cleanup process after corn and soybean harvest can go on for an extended period. Repair and maintenance work on combines and grain carts is a must, and with 2024 coming to a close, many are starting to look forward to next year's financials.

Those with livestock also don't get much of a break when the snow flies, and when the snow does eventually come down,

snow removal around the yard will be needed.

"They're starting to look at their financial picture for the year and their taxes, doing some pre-tax planning so that they know if they need to buy or sell something," Klingberg said. "Guys are getting into feeding cattle, and there are still cattle out on the stocks right now."

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Klingberg said the weather outlook for the winter suggests a colder and wetter winter than normal, which can be a double-edged sword. Moisture is good, but when the ground is still frozen it isn't as efficient at absorbing that moisture.

Moisture from snow is helpful, but even deep snow melting results in less moisture than a heavy rain.

"Obviously we need the moisture, but winter moisture doesn't do real great for the soil. It piles up in the form of snow, and then when it melts, it's good. But a lot of times it runs off when the ground is frozen and doesn't sink in," Klingberg said. "Winter moisture is not usually appreciated by everybody, but it can be a necessary part of what we need to replenish."

It will be a few months before farmers climb back on the tractor to start corn and soybean planting, but farming is a year-round endeavor, even when planters and combines aren't running around the clock. There is always something to be done, to be repaired or to be planned for, and the leadup to 2025 should be no different, Klingberg said.

"Chores are never, never done," Klingberg said.
A 34-year-old Colombian man has been arrested in Romania for allegedly planning to sabotage critical infrastructure under the direction of a Russian citizen.

The suspect, who was detained on Nov. 13 and is now in pre-trial detention, is accused of targeting sites that could jeopardize national security, according to local media outlet Adevarul.

The case is being heard by the Bucharest Court of Appeal, and if convicted, the man faces 10 to 20 years in prison under Article 403 of Romanias Penal Code, which covers acts of destruction endangering national security.

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Prosecutors allege that in July 2024, the man acted on instructions from a Russian citizen residing in Russia to prepare an attack on strategic Romanian infrastructure. The suspect reportedly carried out reconnaissance missions, photographing and recording potential targets he intended to destroy with explosives or fire. Authorities intervened before the plan could be finalized, according to the outlet.

The suspect, described as having military training and expertise in intelligence-gathering from his home country, was arrested in a coordinated operation involving the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Romanian police, and local intelligence service. Investigators believe his actions were part of a broader effort to destabilize Romanian security interests.

The arrest took place during a period of heightened concerns over Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Romania. Around the same time, the Ministry of National Defense reported multiple attempts by Russian entities to spread false information about similar acts of sabotage, exacerbating regional tensions.

Read also: Romanias Defense Ministry proposes downing drones violating its airspace

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Attorney Generals Office said a man who pled guilty to felony Medicaid fraud in October was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

According to the Attorney Generals Office, 57-year-old Gulong Craft defrauded Medicaid for $122,441 through falsified medical billing between 2020 and 2023.

In 2023, Medicaid fraud investigators got a case referral related to Craft from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), which administers the states Medicaid program. HCPF made the Attorney Generals Office aware of alleged illegal Medicaid billing by Crafts company, Craft Care, LLC. which was enrolled with HCPF to provide care for Medicaid patients who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

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The investigation found the company had little to no footprint online and neither Craft nor his spouse claimed any wages from the company, and a deeper look found Crafts billing claims showed a suspicious number of denied claims, and because the denied claims continued for years, investigators found this was likely due to intentional fraud rather than unintentional errors.

An analysis of billing claims, along with interviews with caretakers for Medicaid clients, Crafts own family members and Craft himself, it was discovered that he billed for services long after he stopped providing care for the clients, in one case for years.

The biggest victims of Medicaid fraud are usually low-income patients who lean on Medicaid for critical health care services, Attorney General Phil Weiser said. In this case, the defendants crimes exploited people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will remain vigilant in our commitment to protecting Medicaid patients and taxpayers, holding providers who break the law accountable, and recovering fraudulent payments.

Craft was sentenced to eight years of probation and ordered to pay the defrauded amount of $122,441 as restitution.

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Coloradans who suspect or have direct knowledge of Medicaid fraud, or other types of fraud or scams, are encouraged to file a complaint at StopFraudColorado.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A day after the Columbus City School board set a Dec. 17 date to vote on closing or merging nine schools, people in the community who have experienced school closings firsthand are speaking out about the effects it can have on a neighborhood, for better or for worse.

Schools being shut down or sitting vacant is nothing new to the city of Columbus, and some residents who have witnessed it happen, like Ronald Burk, understand the impact of making certain schools close their doors for good.

Facility that would turn manure, food waste into natural gas causes stink among neighbors

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I think they could have done something to deal with the changing times with the new neighbors out here because theyre having kids, too, and kept the pride tradition of the Douglas elementary school alive, Burk said.

Burk has been living in Olde Town East his whole life, and even attended Douglas Elementary School in the 1970s. The school was closed in 2013 and is now being transformed into a new recreation center  something he feels has been a loss to the fabric of the surrounding community.

It kind of takes away from that whole neighborhood feel, Burk said. Well, you used to kind of go across the street to see your friends right down the street. You know, now were living just in virtually all kinds of neighborhoods. I would see my friends after school up the street, two doors down, next block over. So, you know, we built more social skills that way.

But another longtime Olde Town East resident, Robert Motley, notes there are benefits to transforming vacant or less populated schools to impact the neighborhood in a positive way, through community centers or other programs.

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I mean, closed school is basically a blight, Motley said. So any time you can bring a new building into the community like that, its kind of like bringing life back into the community.

With the fate of nine schools in the CCS district looming, some current CCS parents like Eldridge Law are bracing for the fact that their childrens school may be the one to go, but they still hold hope for the future.

Its definitely going to hurt, Law said. I think it was a great opportunity for him, and I wish that school could flourish even more. I hope with their final decision, they also bring something thats promising for the neighborhoods that theyre going to be taking away from. Thats what I hope for.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Local repercussions are being felt as a result of the unrest in South Korea. According to Associated Press, the president declared marshal law, and then overturned it several hours later.

The news affected Columbus State University as many of their international students call the country home.

The schools Center of Global Engagement provides students with cultural transition support services and assistance with other needs. In an interview, Dr. Eric Spears, the Executive Director for the Center of Global Engagement, told WRBL when news broke about South Korea, they jumped into action.

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What we have been doing is reaching out to our South Korean students, Spears says. Many of whom are exchange students who are actually returning home this week.

The schools outreach efforts ensured students would be able to fly home, and if their itineraries changed, that they have temporary housing. The school could also house students for a longer period if needed.

This summer, the school will have three study abroad trips to South Korea. Currently, the center of Global engagement has not received any concerns regarding the planned trips and the school is not planning to cancel them.

However, Spears says the school has protocols in place and is prepared to bring study abroad students back to America if the situation is called for as they did during the pandemic.

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We have an internal process that includes a communication tree and how we communicate with one another with our students and faculty overseas, Spears says. Columbus State University is actually contracted with an international security company as well as have a very thorough, comprehensive international travel insurance plan.

Spears says these plans and emergency reserve funds allow for students to come home without a financial burden.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
The Navy has relieved the commanding officer of its reserve center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a statement announced Tuesday.

Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Bourque was removed as commander of Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne by Capt. Christopher Peppel, the commander of Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Everett in Washington state.

The Navy maintains 122 reserve centers around the country, and they typically serve as the first and primary point of contact between reservist sailors and the service for anything from administrative tasks to drill days.

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Read Next: USS George Washington's Arrival in Japan Marred by 2 Sailor Deaths, Alcohol Ban

Bourque's relief, which was officially over a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," marks at least the 13th firing of a commanding officer this year for the Navy.

Loss of confidence is the boilerplate reason provided for firings by the military services, including the Navy, that can encompass anything from consistent poor performance by a command on key evaluations to personal actions like sexual assault or drunk driving.

Just this year alone, the sea service fired three commanders -- two submarine skippers and one Navy SEAL commodore -- for drunk driving incidents.

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A military official told Military.com that Bourque was relieved over a matter of personal conduct, which did not involve allegations that impacted any other sailors, and that an investigation was involved.

Navy officials have previously said the sea service relieved 15 commanding officers over loss of confidence in 2023. However, Navy officials have said that commanders can also be relieved for medical reasons or ask to be relieved themselves, and those removals are not made public.

There are currently around 1,600 commanding officers in the active-duty Navy across all communities.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Bourque joined the Navy in 2009 after graduating from George Washington University. He served as a surface warfare officer aboard the destroyer USS Ramage and the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

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In 2017, Borque completed his department head course and proceeded to serve aboard the cruiser USS Princeton and the destroyer USS McFaul as a plans and tactics officer, according to the profile.

He assumed command of NRC Cheyenne in December 2023 after having been assigned to the office that oversees deployments of individual reservists.

According to the Navy's statement, Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Nichols has been temporarily assigned as NRC Cheyenne's commanding officer while Bourque has been temporarily reassigned to Navy Reserve Forces Command.

Related: Another Navy Firing: Commander of Information Warfare School in San Diego Removed
If you didnt know any better, you might have thought Syrias 13-year-old civil war was largely over. The conflict, sparked by a peaceful rebellion against dictator Bashar Assad in 2011, only to descend into factional infighting and intervention from numerous foreign powers, was arguably the Middle Easts deadliest since Lebanons own civil war in the 1970s and 80s, which carved up that small Arab state into competing fiefdoms.

Assad, whose family has ruled Syria since the early 1970s, came out on top thanks to sheer brutality and the valuable assistance of Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, his biggest backers.

Last week, however, the civil war everybody thought was over reignited in the blink of an eye. The remaining rebel battalions in the northwest, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTC), a former al-Qaida affiliate, shocked Assads government with a blitzkrieg offensive the Syrian army wasnt prepared for.

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HTC, with the aid of several Turkish-backed Syrian factions, made a beeline toward Aleppo, the city Assad recaptured in 2016 after four years of intense airstrikes and ground combat. Yet the rebels retook the city in days. The Syrian army and pro-government forces melted away like a chocolate bar in the dog days of summer. The entire episode seemed like a dream. As I entered Aleppo, I kept telling myself this is impossible. How did this happen? one Syrian who fled Aleppo eight years earlier asked.

Its the same question Assad was probably asking as he reportedly fled Syria for Russia. The answer, though, is relatively easy to find. The Syrian governments main foreign backers, who saved Assad from exile or worse when his position looked even wobblier than it does today, are busy dealing with their own problems. And the corrupt, rapacious, dictatorial kleptocracy theyve bailed out for well over a decade was thought to be stronger than it really was.

Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, otherwise known as Assads lifelines, have bigger fish to fry at the moment. Although the Russian military retains a presence in several Syrian air bases along the Mediterranean coast, the vast bulk of Russias combat power is tied up in Ukraine, where Russian troops are inching forward in the Donbas at considerable cost. Western intelligence services assess that Russia has lost somewhere between 600,000 to 700,000 men to death or injury since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022; last month, the U.K. alleged that 1,500 Russian troops are being taken off the battlefield every day.

Thousands of pieces of Russian military equipment, from fighter jets and tanks to artillery pieces and armored personnel carriers, have been destroyed. Russia, that big military machine that Western military analysts thought could take the Baltics in days, is instead a clunky old mess that is preoccupied with throwing more soldiers into the meat-grinder for the sake of a few more meters of Ukrainian land.

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Hezbollah, which signed a cease-fire deal with Israel last week, is licking its wounds from the last several months of ferocious Israeli bombing. While Hezbollah is still one of the worlds biggest non-state actors, its military capability has been significantly diminished. Southern Lebanon, the groups main support base, is effectively razed. Its senior leadership is wiped out, its leader Hassan Nasrallah is dead, and if Israeli military calculations are anything to go by, only 20% of its rocket and missile arsenal is left standing.

Hezbollah will need time to regroup and restock its supplies, which bodes terribly for Assad, who relied on the Lebanese militia to serve as shock troops to reinforce his dilapidated Syrian army. Indeed, if it werent for Hezbollah, its unlikely that Assad would have regained as much ground in the past.

Iran, meanwhile, isnt exactly enthralled with expending more resources on Assads behalf at this particular time. The last thing the Iranians needed was another challenge to its regional strategy, which has gone up in smoke over the last year courtesy of Israels military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon as well as Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets in April and October. Assads Syria has proven to be a reliable weapons corridor to Hezbollah, so the Iranians will no doubt aid the Syrian government in the days and weeks ahead. How much aid Iran will offer is another question; this is a country, after all, now looking down the barrel of another Trump presidency. Another Iranian bailout of Assad wouldnt jive well with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkians attempts to explore a diplomatic rapprochement with Washington.

Will Assad survive, or is he on his last legs? Western officials, analysts and commentators have projected the despots fall from power many times before. When she was secretary of state, Hillary Clinton confidently boasted that Assads days were numbered. The State Department reiterated the same projection two years later, despite Assad having strengthened his position.

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Yet time and again, the strongman has defied expectations. Through a combination of stubbornness and inhumanity, Assad has outlasted two (soon to be three) U.S. presidents. His strategy: bomb and starve your armed opposition into submission, jail and kill anybody who dares oppose you, refuse any political compromise and wait for your foreign backers to ride to the rescue. This is precisely what is occurring now, as Russian jets accelerate airstrikes against Assads jihadist foes and Iranian-backed Shia militias begin deploying into Syria. Assads forces are picking their spots, solidifying defensive lines in cities south of Aleppo before preparing what will surely be a counteroffensive as indiscriminate as it was when Syrian forces re-captured the northern city eight years ago.

For the United States, there isnt much to do other than monitor how it all plays out.

____

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Mahoning Countys general fund budget for government services in the New Year will be larger than what was spent in 2024.

Mahoning County Commissioners voted Thursday to approve both the budget allocations for 2025. The General Fund covers mostly county offices and will total almost $48 million.

The fund covering the county sheriffs office, jail, prosecutor and coroner will be close to $40 million.

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Last month, commissioners sat down with elected officeholders and department heads to review their budget requests.

When you start crunching numbers, youre talking positions, youre talking employees, youre talking health care, so were very happy with how our budget came out this year. We are very strong fiscally, said Commissioner Anthony Traficanti.

While several revenue sources cover the costs of local government, the county anticipates close to $52 million from anticipated local sales tax collections.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) voted to put a pause on land lease rates for families living on leased land in the Shawnee Twin Lakes area on Wednesday.

The families received a letter in the mail in November that stated their three-year lease rate would jump more than 500 percentfrom $2,700 to $18,000 each year. Some had even higher rates at as much as $22,000.

Many of the effected families lined the wall inside the Governors Conference Room for the meeting, waiting to learn the fate of their homes and pocketbooks.



Listen I feel for you, said Stitt, during the meeting.

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CLO asked the commissioners to consider pausing the price increase until impacted families could figure out what to do next. The listed options for families if the pause was approved: contest the appraisal value of the land, work with the CLO to purchase the property, or sell/assign the lease rights to a third party.

Stitt, one of the commissioners to vote on the request, had questions for some of the families leasing the land.

Families face financial ruin with state land lease increase

When you built your house you knew this was a leased piece of land, right? said Stitt.

Josh Clark, who has lived on the property since 2018, responded.



A 567% increase is unprecedented. Its egregious what were asking for. Just keep it linear. Give us some time, said Clark.



But you realize that our job is to maximize the value of the assets, said Stitt. So when I wear my hat here for CLO, Im trying to maximize the value for the state.

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CLO Secretary Dan Whitmarsh sent KFOR a statement following the unanimous vote to hold off on raising the rates for one year.

This will give CLO staff valuable time to complete a commercial exchange where ownership can be transferred to current tenants. While this is just a first step, it is an important step in the right direction. Impacted families that KFOR spoke with after the meeting said they must figure out if they can afford to stay or move.



Thatll help us to hopefully get new appraisals completed and or assign or land and move on down the road, said Clark.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Dec. 4MORGANTOWN  Monongalia County Commissioners Tom Bloom, Sean Sikora and Jeff Arnett, as well as Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer, have been named as defendants in a lawsuit challenging the county's Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety Ordinance.

The class action suit was filed Wednesday in United States District Court by nonprofit legal advocacy group Mountain State Justice on behalf of plaintiffs Chris Peterson, Becky Rodd "and others similarly situated."

The suit claims the law  passed by the commission on Oct. 25, 2023  violates the plaintiffs' First Amendment right to freedom of speech "because it prohibits them and others like them from asking for donations or giving donations in public areas where those protected activities were common before its passage."

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The Dominion Post reached out to Bloom, who said the commission has yet to receive notice.

"It would be improper to respond without seeing the information, " he said.

The lawsuit points to the origins of the law, which began in May 2023, when Bloom convened a meeting of county and municipal officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss the possibility of a countywide law addressing the growing issue of individuals using medians to ask motorists for money.

By late June it was clear that in order to pass muster constitutionally, any resulting law should avoid targeting specific activity or speech, and instead focus on where it's being conducted.

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The commission explained prior to passage that the law doesn't outlaw panhandling or curtail speech, but prohibits anyone from doing anything while standing in the road.

Penalties include a warning for a first offense and a fine up to $100 for each subsequent offense.

"Regardless of the perception, or even the reality of how the ordinance was born, it's completely morphed into something that doesn't attack panhandling or outlaw panhandling, " Commissioner Jeff Arnett said at the time.

Opponents, including MSJ and ACLU West Virginia, said that regardless of marketing, the intent of the law was clear and the end result would be legal action.

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The complaint alleges that in the year since the law's passage, "it has only ever been used to threaten, harass, and prosecute individuals engaged in panhandling, an activity the United States Supreme Court, the federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, and a multitude of federal district courts have agreed is protected by the First Amendment."

On April 22, Mountain State Justice sued the city of Morgantown regarding the city's panhandling ordinance, ultimately prompting Morgantown City Council to repeal the law.

"As we feared, the county has used this ordinance as a tool to punish the most marginalized members of our community, " said staff attorney Lesley Nash, one of the lawyers representing the Plaintiffs. "Mountain State Justice is proud to work with and represent Chris and Becky as they defend their rights and ours."
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Almost every visitor to New York City schedules a stop at Central Park. This lush haven, right in the heart of one of the world's busiest megacities, offers a world apart from the city's high-rises and fast-paced hustle.

In the bustling heart of Guangzhou, the capital city of southern China's Guangdong Province -- a pioneer in leading China's charge into modernization -- also lies a vast green space that's even more impressive. It's called Haizhu Wetland and is three times as large as Central Park. On my recent trip to Guangzhou, I got to learn some of the stories behind it.

Nestled in China's economic powerhouse the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou has witnessed the region's meteoric rise. But with this rapid economic boom came a heavy environmental toll. The early encounter with environmental issues like air and water pollution was a wake-up call for local government, pushing them to shift to a green and sustainable development path.

The Haizhu Wetland was originally a fruit orchard. In 2012, faced with the choice between huge profits from commercial land development and ecological protection, local authorities rather far-sightedly opted for the latter, turning the orchard into a wetland park that's now under permanent protection.

By far the world's largest urban central wetland park in a first-tier city, the Haizhu Wetland is now a living, breathing example of how nature can coexist with urban development. It's not just a park. It's a vital green lung for the city, improving air quality, moderating the urban climate, and offering a habitat for wildlife within a concrete jungle.

After over a decade of restoration, the biodiversity in the wetland has flourished, with 835 types of plant and 187 species of bird now calling it home. Two new beetle species were also discovered here, which is an important indicator of the local ecosystem.

What was once considered a costly decision has proven to be an investment in long-term, healthy development. The choice to prioritize ecology has paid off, boosting the area's appeal and fostering a sustainable and vibrant business ecosystem that continues to thrive.

The wetland area is now a hub for AI and digital businesses. Big names like Tencent and Alibaba have settled in the nearby Pazhou Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Experimental Zone, which has pulled in a whopping 86.7 billion yuan (about 12 billion U.S. dollars) in total investment.

Old factories and workshops around the wetland have also gotten a makeover, transforming into cool, creative art spaces. On the weekends, it's like a mini-vacation spot, as residents enjoy a relaxing time paddling canoes and kayaks on Haizhu Lake.

Di Bo, the Party secretary of Haizhu District's forestry and wetland administration, shared with me that they are exploring ways to further tap into the economic value behind the ecological data of the wetland and surrounding areas, hoping to create a batch of tradable data products to further unleash the economic potential of the wetland.

In Haizhu Wetland, I see how Guangzhou is sowing the seeds of sustainability through its Beautiful Guangzhou Initiative, a local implementation of a Beautiful China, a top-level development blueprint detailing specific targets for a wide range of sectors for the nation's green and high-quality growth.

In January, the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued guidelines to comprehensively promote the development of a Beautiful China. The guidelines called for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to become a pilot zone for the construction of a Beautiful China.

To fulfill the goal, Guangzhou, home to more than 18 million permanent residents, has been on a quest to pioneer innovative solutions for pollution control and green transformation in megacities.

Take the Fushan Circular Economy Industrial Park for instance, which handles an average of 5,000 tonnes of household waste daily. It's the first of its kind to repurpose a waste-to-energy power plant into a national 3A scenic area. Here, visitors can savor their coffee atop a chimney tower, taking in the panoramic views of the verdant hillsides, with no trace of waste odors in the air.

The Canton Fair, considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade, achieved carbon neutrality in 2024. And the emissions from coal-fired power plants in the city have been reduced to levels that are even lower than those of natural gas.

"We aspire to lead with the vision of a Beautiful Guangzhou, pioneering the way for building a Beautiful China in megacities, and ultimately fostering an economic model that aligns with this national initiative," Wang Baosen, head of the Guangzhou municipal ecology and environment bureau, shared with me. 
Hector Torres wishes he had not waited so long to start college.

Thats not the weighty middle-aged regret of lost dreams. Its the lament of an Indianapolis high school senior who waited until late into his sophomore year  Gasp!  to take advantage of the college classes Indiana offers high schoolers for free or little cost.

Indiana is one of the few states where starting college as a high school sophomore makes you a late bloomer. The state ranks just behind Idaho in leading an early college credit movement, as states increasingly encourage high school students to take college classes, most often at community colleges.

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In Idaho and Indiana, high school students make up more than half the students in community college classes, according to a report issued this summer by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Iowa and Montana follow, with high schoolers representing more than 40% of community college enrollment, and eight other states comprising more than 30% of enrollment.

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On the other end, states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut havent joined the push, with high schoolers making up just 6% and 10% of community college students, respectively.

Columbia University researched mapped the rates of community college enrollment made up of high school students this August. Idaho and Indiana leap out with over half of community students still in high school. Map by Community College Research Center at Columbia University.

High school students have long been able to get a head start on college credits, traditionally by taking accelerated Advanced Placement classes and accompanying national Advanced Placement tests that started in the 1950s. Colleges then decide which credits to award based on the test scores. The College Board still offers 39 AP course guidelines and tests each year.

But earning early college credit has become more urgent the last few decades, as college costs have exploded and employers increasingly require study beyond high school. So states have seen dramatic increases in early college, dual enrollment or dual credit where high school students take classes on college campuses or high school teachers offer college classes.

Those approaches have allowed the number of high school students earning college credit to more than double since 2011 to 1.5 million a year, according to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. About 75% are enrolled in community colleges and the rest in four-year schools. Columbia researchers also estimate that more than a third of high schoolers take at least one college class before graduating.

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The pitch to communities and families and students isget your first year of college out of the way in high school, or get it done in high school, said researcher John Fink. Thats a very compelling affordability pitch to students and families and obviously thats an important issue on everybodys mind.

In a state as aggressive as Indiana, its normal for students like Torres, a student at l Believe Circle City High School, to be taking quantitative reasoning at Ivy Tech Community College this fall after taking psychology and introduction to criminology as a junior.

High School senior Hector Torres has already taken several classes at Ivy Tech Community College, but wishes he had started earlier. (Patrick ODonnell)

I was kind of just in trouble all the time, Torres said of himself as a freshman. I didnt really care about school stuff. It wasnt until last year where I started actually doing my work and decided to take dual enrollment seriously.

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Now Im kind of trying to rush things, said Torres, who wants to earn a degree before starting a career as a police officer. I kind of wish I started early when they had given me the opportunity.

Fink and other Columbia researchers reported in October that students taking college classes early are more likely to enroll in college right after high school and are more likely to earn technical certificates, associates and bachelors degrees.

Taking classes directly through a college allows students to receive credits automatically, which is often more attractive to students than AP classes that rely on test scores to turn into credits, said Julie Edmunds, director of the Early College Resource Center at the University of North Carolina -Greensboro.

When all the college credit relies on passing a single exam on a single day, there are students who arent going to be successful in that kind of environment, and the proportion of AP takers that actually receive credit is much lower, Edmunds said.

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Other factors make taking college classes attractive to some students, including letting students intimidated by college test it out or colleges offering classes like advanced physics or foreign languages that their high schools cant provide.

Still, though almost all states allow high schoolers to take college classes, theres no consensus on how much to encourage and how to pay for it. A 2022 report by the Education Commission of the States found a wide variation in the training teachers need to teach college classes, which students can take them and who pays for them.

Twenty-six states required high school students to meet a colleges entrance requirements first, the study found, while others do not. Nineteen states required students to have a recommendation from a school official, while others require students to pass tests or just let students decide on their own.

States also differ on which community college classes automatically count toward four-year degrees.

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And states are divided on who pays for early credits, the study found, with states like Alabama and South Carolina requiring high school students to pay full tuition rates and states like Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington, D.C. covering the entire cost of the classes.

The Idaho State Board of Education attributes its high rate of community college enrollment on the states Advanced Opportunities program, which gives students up to $4,625 to pay for college classes.

And there are big differences too between students who just enroll in some college classes and those in so-called early college high schools, where college credit is prioritized and schools offer more specialized counseling and specific courses to help students succeed.

If youre expanding access to college,you cant just throw everybody in college courses without giving them some level of support, Edmunds said.

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In Indiana, where officials boast of being a national leader in early credits, having one single community college, Ivy Tech, with 45 campuses around the state under one umbrella, makes coordinating between schools easier.

The state also made course credits more valuable starting in 2013 by creating the Indiana College Core, a collection of 30 college credits  some math, some English, some science, some social studies  guaranteed to transfer to any public institution in the state. That lets students know classes they take in high school will count at any public, and some private, school they choose.

The state also encourages high schools to offer classes in that core to students, so that some will complete it by graduation.

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Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery said high schools slowly started making these classes available, with 84 of about 500 offering it three years ago. He said he and state education superintendent Katie Jenner, have pressed other schools to add it, growing that number to 275.

That often means having teachers like Brooklyn Raines, an English teacher at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, teach Ivy Tech classes at the school. Though an employee of Indianapolis Public Schools, Raines had to apply to Ivy Tech as an instructor, attend early college training over the summer and have her curriculum for Introduction to Creative Writing approved by the community colleges English department.

She now teaches that class at Crispus Attucks three days a week on behalf of Ivy Tech. Though there can be worries that college level work is too much for high school students who are younger and havent learned as much as older students, Raines said her students are capable.

Despite the stigma that they arent traditional college students, so they cant retain the information, or they cant keep up with the information, they prove time and time and again that they can, Raines said.

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Other times, students take Ivy Tech classes online. Thats how Layla Kpotufe, a fellow senior at the same high school as Torres, took a world politics class last year that has her debating whether to continue on a political science path or follow a previous interest in neuroscience.

Kpotufe, who has already earned an associates degree in general studies, said the Ivy Tech classes could cut her costs for her bachelors degree nearly in half.

It would definitely take a lot of money off, she said. Thats why I think Ivy Tech is a really good opportunity for people, especially if you want to stay in state.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined 12 News at 4 on Wednesday to discuss projects and issues facing the capital city.

Providence Place mall

Smiley addressed the tax treaty for the Providence Place mall, which recently went into receivership, saying the city is open to renewing the shopping centers tax treaty if the new owners can present a plan that will sustain the mall for the next 25 years.

READ MORE: New leadership at Providence Place ups spending on security, cleaning, parking

Vacant buildings

Smiley also shared the latest on the Superman Building, which has been vacant for about 10 years.

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We cant afford for it to be vacant for another decade, Smiley told 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian, adding that he has been working closely with the developer to help bridge the funding gap that has grown since the project received its last subsidy package.

Providences Eastside Marketplace, which closed on Oct. 31, is also in development, Smiley said. The plaza owner is conducting much-needed renovations, the mayor said, but he is optimistic that neighbors will see a new market in the space by late 2025.

BACKGROUND: Eastside Marketplace Stop & Shop closes its doors for good

Property taxes

While Smiley expects the citys $15 million settlement with the Providence Public School District will force a tax increase, he said he is not yet sure what that increase will be.

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This happens to be a [revaluation] year for Providence, Smiley said. Were going to wait to see those reval numbers come in to know how much additional tax revenue will be generated naturally.

Smiley said hell then present the necessary tax increase to the Providence City Council, and with their support, plans to ask the Rhode Island General Assembly for permission to exceed the 4% limit for tax hikes in the first quarter of 2025.

SEE ALSO: How Providence is paying for the $15 million school funding settlement

School board appointments

The Providence City Council voted earlier this year to establish a five-region map for the citys 10-member school board, five of whom were elected in November for the first time in decades. As mayor, Smiley is tasked with selecting the five remaining members  one from each region.

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Interested candidates can apply online through next Friday, Dec. 13.

APPLY HERE: Providence School Board application

Echo Village pallet shelters

While Smiley stopped short of promising that Providences pallet shelters would be ready in time for the coldest months, he said hes confident that everyone involved is working as hard as they can.

He added that the City of Providence will be ready to perform a final inspection on the shelters with as little as 24 hours notice.

These things need to open, Smiley stressed.

LATEST UPDATES: Providence pallet shelters remain empty, work continues

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis stopped by the Local Five studio Thursday morning to discuss holiday shopping safety tips, protecting oneself from package delivery theft, text message scams, and a Salvation Army bell ringing competition.

With the holiday season now here, people are out shopping for gifts to give to friends and loved ones and Chief Davis has given the following tips to stay safe as shoppers come across deals and more both online and in person.

Avoid putting stuff into the car and heading back into a store There are people just watch parking lots for folks who do that and unfortunately that can invite someone to try and break into your car. If something has to be left in a vehicle, make sure it is out of sight



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Along with holiday shopping dangers, the holiday season can also see an increase in packages being delivered to homes and being stolen.

Chief Davis says this is a huge problem every year. He suggests that those who use Amazon for shopping look into an Amazon locker. For other shopping methods, he says to get things off the porch as soon as possible and take the option if the option to require a signature for a package is available.

Along with package theft this ear, community members need to be on the lookout for package text scams which is something Chief Davis says hes had to deal with personally.

This is something were seeing a lot. Ive gotten like five of these text messages myself where youll get a text message saying its from the postal service and saying you have to go through a bunch of online steps because your package has been held up in customs or theres a problem with the address or something like that.

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Chief Davis says that this is always a scam and the postal service will not call or text an individual if there is a problem.

He adds that should there be a problem with an expected package, the postal service will come to that persons house and leave a note and a peach-colored form.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center hosting Breakfast at the North Pole

Another way to know or realize that these texts are a scam is to check the messages spelling and grammar for mistakes or the country code. The United States country code is +1 so if it is anything else, for example, a +63, then it is likely a scam.

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The last thing Chief Davis touched on while in the Local Five studio is the friendly competition between the Green Bay Police Department an the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

On Monday, December 16, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., both the Police Department and the Fire Department will be at separate Festival Foods locations to see which department can raise the most funds for the Salvation Armys Red Kettle Campaign.

Theres two locations, but really the only one you need is the Festival Foods over on (2430) University, thats where Ill be with one of our K9 officers, K9 Roco. But if you cant get over to the east side you can go to the west side (2250 West Mason Street) and visit Chief Knott.

Chief Davis adds that while his goal is to beat the Fire Department, the main point is to raise as much money as possible for the Salvation Army.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The Carnegie community is coming together to put on a fundraiser for Riley Pour House after the restaurant was destroyed in a fire last month.

PHOTOS: Flames rip through restaurant in Carnegie

The fundraiser will be on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Carnegie. It will be cash-only, organizers said.

With the amount of people expected to attend, 2nd Street between Barrett Way and Third Avenue will be closed from Friday to Monday.

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Rileys Pour House said the only legitimate fundraiser is through the Fraternal Order of Eagles and that there are several fake fundraisers out there.

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Death row inmate Kevin Ray Underwood is seeking a stay of his execution because of a shake-up at the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

Underwood 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.

He sued the Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday in Oklahoma City federal court over its plans to move forward with his clemency hearing.

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The hearing was called off after the board's acting chairman resigned abruptly Friday. It was rescheduled for Monday morning after Attorney General Gentner Drummond complained.

H. Calvin Prince III stepped down hours after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation seized his cellphone, a desktop computer and a laptop computer from his home in Stonewall. An OSBI agent told a judge in the search warrant affidavit that Prince is suspected of bribery by a public officer.

His new attorney, Mark Myles, said Prince had a lapse in judgment but committed no crime.

The parole board is made up of five members. Prince's departure left it with only three members because the last chairman, Ed Konieczny, stepped down Nov. 6.

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In the lawsuit, Underwood told U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin that he is guaranteed under the Oklahoma Constitution "a meaningful opportunity to present his case for clemency to an impartial, five-member parole board."

He also told the judge his due process rights under the U.S. Constitution would be violated if only three members hear his request for mercy. "A man's life is on the line," his attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.

He is asking the judge to block the state from executing him "until the completion of clemency proceedings that comply with state and federal laws and procedures." The judge scheduled a hearing for Friday on the stay request.

All three board members would have to recommend clemency for Gov. Kevin Stitt to consider it. Stitt could change the death sentence to life without the possibility of parole. He has done so only once.

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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. He confessed in graphic detail after the FBI found the girl's body in a plastic tub in his bedroom closet two days later.

He said his original plan was to cut off his victim's head and put it on his desk "so it could like watch me." He also said he wanted to sleep and have sex with the corpse for a day or two and then cook and "pretty much eat everything."

His attorneys contend Underwood, now 44, is mentally ill. They complained in the lawsuit their expert psychologist can no longer travel to Oklahoma to appear in person at the clemency hearing because of the rescheduling.

The psychologist is an "expert in autism spectrum disorder, one of Mr. Underwood's disabilities," they told the judge.

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Jurors at a 2008 trial quickly found Underwood 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.

After learning the clemency hearing had been canceled, the attorney general asked the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to order the board to go forward with it.

"Jamies family has already waited 18 agonizing years to see justice served, Drummond said in a news release. Adding further delay is needless and unconscionable. Kevin Underwood is a deeply evil monster whose execution absolutely should be carried out without further setback."

The AG's request became moot once the clemency hearing was rescheduled.

Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board members Cathy Stocker, Ed Konieczny and Calvin Prince listen at a clemency hearing in 2023. All three are no longer on the board..

Why is Calvin Prince under investigation?

The investigation of Prince centers around his text messages with a woman who was a convicted felon. The OSBI reported in a search warrant affidavit he was counseling her. He had been on the Pardon and Parole Board since January 2023.

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On Nov. 22, 2023, the two were texting about career choices, her personal grooming habits and a pardon, according to court records.

"A pardon is absolutely possible for you!!! I'm looking up your record now," Prince wrote. "I'm here at my office alone you should stop by."

The woman "made up an excuse of not being able to stop by Prince's office because she knew if she did, he would have expected to see her naked or have sex with her," the OSBI agent reported in the affidavit.

Prince in later messages "apologized to the woman for any actions that may have made her feel uncomfortable," his attorney said.

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"There was no quid pro quo, no bribery involved here," the attorney said. "There was no inappropriate sexual contact and no other parties involved. ... There was a lapse of judgment involved.

"At no time did his private actions have any bearing on his leadership or his decisions at the Pardon and Parole Board."

Prince is married, the attorney confirmed.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Death row inmate seeks execution stay, 'meaningful' clemency hearing
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A local elementary school is garnering national attention for its recent test scores.

The U.S. News and World Report listed Congerville Elementary School as the No. 22 school in Illinois due to its reading scores. The report shows 75% of students tested at or above proficiency.

The schools Principal, Cindy Wondercheck, said they restructured its literacy curriculum back in 2018  utilizing the Fountas and Pinnell program, curriculum maps and a balanced literacy approach to language arts.

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Which local schools topped the list of the best in Illinois?

Changes made to the curriculum emphasize different levels of teaching reading. Students can study on different levels: whole group, small group, and then a one-on-one or one-on-two session.

This and its small class sizes have been the key to success, according to Wondercheck. The elementary school hosts about 97 students; with class sizes around 14 to 25.

Teachers are able to see what level students are at and instruct those students based on their level. Wondercheck said, Students are given more one-on-one instruction. The teachers can put them into smaller groups, and that helps. Really grab those skills, teach to those skills that the students may be struggling in or excelling in.

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Abby Bauman and her family have been at the school for 3 generations. She said the school has not changed much since she was there in the mid-90s. She said the small, tight-knit community makes the school feel like a big family. Furthermore, Bauman also added that she is grateful for the schools educators.

Im just really excited that they have been able to accomplish this because the teachers here, they love the students. And a lot of the teachers have been in the community, Bauman said.

According to Wondercheck, students and teachers want to keep pushing to the #1 spot on the list.

The ranking  it shows the community support, the parent support, how hard our teachers work, and how hard our students work throughout the year, not just at state assessment time, she said.

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Six men dressed in sheepskins, bird feathers and masks took to the streets of the north-western German island of Borkum on Thursday for the beginning of a controversial festival to celebrate St Nicholas.

The festival, which takes place the day before the Feast of St Nicholas, celebrated by Western Christians on December 6, traditionally involved six costumed men staging a symbolic fight before proceeding through the city beating women who came too close with cow horns.

The beating was abolished this year after the German magazine Panorama reported violent assaults on women during the festival.

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Before the festivities began, the Borkum police stated that they would be on duty with a strong presence.

The symbolic fight and procession took place in the early evening as planned.

Families and children accompanied the men on their procession, with many people carrying cow horns, a dpa correspondent reported from then scene, adding that the atmosphere was exuberant.

The police estimated that around 500 people were on the streets.

A police spokeswoman said that "everything had gone without a hitch."
Dec. 5Kale, an endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle and beloved attraction at Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, died last week after a lengthy battle with infection.

"My son absolutely loved Kale, and after Kale left the museum, my son has asked every trip when he'd return," Decatur resident Emilee Mansell said. She and her family first visited Kale in 2020 and purchased a membership the following year. "We are absolutely heartbroken to hear of his passing."

A young Kale was hooked by a fisherman in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia in 2019, and a team from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center came to his rescue. Due to the size of the hook, Kale underwent several surgeries, but the wound did not fully heal and left a fistula where debris and food could get trapped and cause infection, according to Cook Museum.

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Because the wound required regular medical attention to keep the area clean, Kale could not be released back into the wild. Instead, Kale came to live in Cook Museum's 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in 2020.

"He was kind of a surprise pickup, because we got word that we were receiving him right there at the beginning of COVID when we were closed," said Scott Mayo, executive director of the museum. "That was the grand, big reopening surprise. As you can imagine, it was just, you know, crowd favorite from day one.

"Far and away Kale just checked the box for everybody. He was cute, he was unique, he was endangered. He showed a lot of personality. There was nothing about him that wasn't charismatic. People just were attracted to him."

Casey Livingston worked for the museum at the time and remembers fondly the tireless efforts of Debbie Moore to organize a "Welcome Home Kale" event.

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"I felt like the anticipation centered around welcoming Kale to his forever home brought our family of employees closer together," Livingston said. "I frequently visited Kale in the Oceans gallery after closing for the evenings. There was something so peaceful about watching him swim after I finished a long day at work. Knowing that he had been rescued, and what the animal care team had done to ensure he was comfortable in his new home was so comforting. The Oceans gallery became an overnight obsession for my now 8-year-old daughter, as she would head straight to visit her buddy Kale any time she came to see me at work."

Athens resident Danielle Ledford frequently visited the museum with her then-10-years-old son, who thought Kale was "amazing."

"He (Kale) was very aware of his visitors and would often swim over to check us out," she said. "We always joked that we could stand there all day watching Kale swim and nap, and occasionally we caught tank feeding time. Having such a unique sea turtle in our area was a privilege, and I don't think anyone who met Kale took that for granted."

Kale received constant attention from the museum's animal care staff and visits from consulting veterinarian Dr. Chris Keller, who serves as the veterinarian for the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Mayo said it became apparent Kale was "carrying some issues with him," and the turtle was removed from display in January 2022 to Cook Museum's off-site facility to be more closely monitored.

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"The number of folks that were just invested in his ongoing recovery and the kind of things we did  that warmed everybody's heart," Mayo said. "You know, you kind of feel like everybody's pulling for him."

Diagnostic testing there revealed Kale was fighting a significant bacterial infection and exhibiting signs of osteomyelitis, or bone infection, by way of lesions in his shell. Keller reached out to a nationwide network of sea turtle experts, and Cook Museum's team spent "countless hours doing everything possible to give Kale the best chance to recover fully," according to the museum.

Kale had several lesions dangerously close to his spinal column, so the museum brought the turtle to Decatur Morgan Hospital for the first of several CT scans in July 2023 to get a better picture. Most of the lesions healed, according to the museum, and the scans showed that damage to Kale's internal tissues appeared to be shrinking.

Images and video of the CT scan quickly went viral. "It got picked up by a television network in India and went just, I mean, 13 million views," Mayo said.

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Kale's appetite decreased in late fall of this year, and he showed apparent signs of new areas of infection. He was then transported to the Tennessee Aquarium for a biopsy, and experts determined that emergency surgery wasn't needed. However, his appetite never returned, and as plans for intravenous feeding were discussed, Kale was found unresponsive just before Thanksgiving, according to Cook Museum.

"Internally, the animal care staff  they dealt with him on a daily basis  they're all choked up," Mayo said. "We told them in person, and then the next step was telling the museum staff. Because we all got attached to him.

"We were obviously deeply sad, but we're proud to have been able to play a part in just giving him the best possible environment while he was here."

During a necropsy performed by Keller, the shell lesion nearest Kale's spine appeared to have compromised the vertebral bodies around the spinal cord. Tissue samples were sent to a lab, with results still pending.

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"We will probably make another release eventually when we get some closure from the pathogen reports, because there are going to be people that want to know," Mayo said.

Visiting Kale at the museum was a unique experience for schoolchildren who came on field trips from 19 Alabama counties.

"There are a lot of those kids that aren't going to make it down to Dauphin Island, they're not going to make it over to the Chattanooga Aquarium, so we are uniquely situated to provide them with an eye-opening experience, a world-broadening experience, especially when you start talking about things from the ocean," Mayo said. "There's so many of us that take that for granted, but we see these school kids come in and their eyes just light up. And the aquarium and Kale were always a giant part of that."

There was a large outpouring of love for Kale on social media after the museum announced his death on Tuesday.

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"There's going to come a time when people will come to the museum  a new little crop of fourth graders will get off that bus years from now  and there are going to be ways that we want to still continue to tell his story, because it's a great story," Mayo said.

 david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
After two days of excavation, Pennsylvania state police say the grandmother believed to have fallen into a 30-foot sinkhole probably didnt survive.

Unless its a miracle, mostly likely this is recovery, Trooper Steve Limani, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police, said at a press conference on Wednesday night, according to The New York Times.

64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard was out looking for her cat on Monday evening and parked her car at a restaurant adjacent a concealed mine that had been abandoned for 75 years.

Limani told journalists that the sinkhole likely opened up during the time while, unfortunately, Ms. Pollard was walking around. Police subsequently found her vehiclewith her five-year-old granddaughter seated insidenext to a deep, manhole-sized pit.

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Rescue crews have been digging since Tuesday morning, trying to find Pollard, but have had no signs of any form of life or anything to indicate that they should continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, Limani said, per the Associated Press.

As the mine becomes increasingly unstable, conditions are getting too dangerous for the crews, the AP reports; the mines roof has caved in at several points and oxygen levels are low under ground.

Workers come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted, Limani said. And while they were getting pulled up, the next groups getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next.

The odds of Pollards survival were low from the start, but rescuers got to work immediately. Now, they plan to substantially expand the sinkhole so that they can uncover and stabilize more of the mine, with severe winter weather threatening the region.

Were hoping everyone keeps the family in their prayers, that this ends up being a rescue mission, Limani said. Thats how were going to continue to conduct ourselves.
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

If youre an avid reader and a frequent Costco shopper, then your upcoming trips to the warehouse club might look a little different. Starting in 2025, you wont be able to rely on Costcos famous table of books to find your next read, depending on when you go to the store.

The Costco book table has been a staple for shoppers who want to buy everything from a Reese Witherspoon book club pick to an exciting cookbook during a regular grocery run. But in the coming weeks, this section is likely to disappear.

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Costco reportedly made a few publishing executives aware of the companys plans to stop selling books in all stores year-round in January 2025, according to The New York Times. The outlet also reported that Costco would bring books back to stores during the holiday months, from September to December.

A few months to buy books isnt enough for Costco fans who shared their major disappointment in the news in the comments section of a December 3 TikTok from ABC News about the change. No!! I love the table of books, one TikTok user wrote. What a horrible decision, said another commenter. One person mentioned that the books were always great as gifts.

Shoppers in the comments added that they liked buying their books at Costco because the store had the cheapest prices.

Costs and labor were apparently a factor in the chains decision to get rid of the books. According to The New York Times, the publishing execs with whom Costco shared the news said that the company reportedly cited continual turnaround that requires stocking the books by hand as a sticking point.

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Its not only shoppers who are upset with the news. Robert Gottlieb, a literary agent and chairman at Trident Media Group, detailed the impact for publishers in an interview with The New York Times. Costco across the country was a big outlet for books, Gottlieb said. There are now fewer and fewer places to buy books in a retail environment, he added.

Publishers Weekly reported in November 2024 that sources say Costco has apparently decided to keep year-round books in 100 of its more than 600 stores. The chain hasnt commented on the report, but if true, hundreds of Costco stores will still lose their regular book tables.



So, if you spot a few novels or cookbooks while shopping at the warehouse store, buy them while you still can.

Further Reading

Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study

The Beautiful $3 Flower Tumblers at Walmart People Are Buying 2 at a Time

The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Cant Stop Talking About

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BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to avoid the abuse of trade remedy measures to safeguard the overall economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.

So far this year, the EU has launched 15 trade remedy investigations targeting China, about which China is highly concerned, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said Thursday at a press conference when asked to comment on the EU's planned anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide originating from China.

China hopes the EU side will conduct these investigations in strict accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, he said.

China always advocates resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and does not want an escalation of trade frictions with the EU, he noted.

China will pay close attention to the follow-up moves of the EU and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, He said. 
Many affordable housing developers in Washington state layer multiple types of funding to get projects built. (Dan Reynolds Photography/Getty Images)

Many affordable housing projects in Washington are funded in part by the states Housing Trust Fund.

A new report from the Department of Commerce looked at the cost of building more than 1,200 new affordable units with money from the fund last year. It shows project costs dipped but remained up overall statewide.

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Many affordable housing developers layer multiple types of funding to get projects built, including the Housing Trust Fund and the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit. About 81% of projects included in the report had both these types of funding.

The new report included projects that submitted final development cost data to Commerce between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Other multifamily housing projects not covered in the report received Housing Trust Fund dollars during this time but had not submitted cost certification documents.

Here are three takeaways from the report.

Costs are down, but still high compared to earlier years.

The median cost per unit for multifamily housing that received Housing Trust Fund support in 2023 was $301,744. Thats down from 2022 when the median was $316,097.

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From 2019 to 2021, the cost per unit was well below $300,000 but rising. In 2019, it was $207,496, and in 2021, it was $262,331.

These costs include everything a developer paid for land, infrastructure and any financial reserves.

The most expensive units are in King County where the median cost per unit was $356,813, and the least expensive units are in rural areas where the median cost is $221,784.

Meanwhile, the median cost per square foot was $494 last year  thats up $102 from the previous year. Projects in King County also had the most expensive costs per square foot, with a median of $551. Thats compared to $452 in other urban areas and $299 in rural areas.

Fewer projects submitted cost data in 2023 than previous years.

According to the data, the Housing Trust Fund helped build 21 multifamily projects across the state in 2023.

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Thats a drop from 32 the year before and way down from 2019 when there were 51.

King County had the most projects with five. It also had some of the largest projects with most having close to 100 units.

There were more projects in urban areas than rural areas with nine built in urban counties like Snohomish and Spokane compared to seven in rural counties like Yakima and Whitman.

Projects yielded less housing.

The number of housing units in multifamily projects was down compared to past years. In 2019, multifamily projects covered in the report had a median of 114 units. Last year, the median was 56. In 2022 it was 99.

Rural projects had the least units, with only 46 per project. Thats compared to about 65 units in urban areas.

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The size of the projects varied significantly. A project in King County in the Bitter Lake neighborhood had the most units with 100, but many projects had fewer than 30 units, including the smallest one, in Kennewick, with 16 units.

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Washington State Standard, like Oregon Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com. Follow Washington State Standard on Facebook and X.
NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Could North Carolina have a new U.S. Senator in 2026?

Experts say it is possible as questions swirl around Senator Thom Tillis chances of winning re-election. New polls out this week show a close race in a potential Republican primary.

A poll conducted by Florida-based firm Victory Insights showed Lara Trump, the current GOP Chair and President-elects daughter-in-law, as the strong favorite. Pollsters found that among surveyed Republican voters, 65 percent preferred Trump, while only 11 percent would back Tillis.

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Western Carolina Professor Chris Cooper said Tillis first fell out of favor among the GOP when the state party censured him in 2023 over support for bills dealing with LGBTQ protections and policies on immigration and gun violence.

Partial recount the next step to determine NC Supreme Court race

Very unusual action against a sitting United States Senator and from then on, I think theres been a lot of speculation about whether he could win the primary election or whether he would get primaried out, said Cooper.

Trump isnt the only name that has been floated as a potential challenger to Tillis. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who recently lost a race for Governor, asked his followers on X if Tillis should be the nominee in 2026.

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https://twitter.com/markrobinsonNC/status/1863288226875658653

Duke Professor Mac McCorkle said the primary will likely be Tillis biggest concern and that a General election would be far easier to win.

Tillis is an interesting case that he has the right general election formula for a Republican which I say is a dont rock the boat conservative, somewhat independent from Trump, I think a lot of people in the general election like that, McCorkle said.

Both Cooper and McCorkle said to take any poll with a grain of salt. Polls could suggest potential opponents, but actual results of an election are difficult to predict two years out.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Pentagon has released a summary of a new classified strategy to guide efforts to protect American forces abroad and across the U.S. homeland from growing drone threats. This comes as the dangers posed by uncrewed aerial systems have become a national cause celebre due to a number of high-profile incidents. This includes still-unexplained drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia last year, as well as more recent incidents in New Jersey and over multiple U.S. facilities in the United Kingdom, all of which The War Zone was first to report on.

The new counter-drone strategy is said to build upon a number of existing efforts, including the establishment of the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) in 2020. It is also set to tie into a new Pentagon initiative to help speed up the acquisition and fielding of new counter-drone capabilities dubbed Replicator 2. The first Replicator effort has been focused on getting more uncrewed systems into the hands of U.S. warfighters. In addition, the heads of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) have been given new synchronizer roles to help coordinate counter-drone preparedness (including the training and equipping of relevant forces) and actual responses to incidents.

Counter-drone systems on display at the Falcon Peak 2025 demonstration event earlier this year. DOD

Enabled by growing commercial innovation and the increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and networking technology, unmanned systems are fundamentally changing how militaries of all sizes, capacities, and capabilities  as well as non-state actors  achieve their objectives, the fact sheet on the new counter-drone strategy explains. From the Middle East to Ukraine and across the globe  including in the U.S. homeland  unmanned systems are reshaping tactics, techniques, and procedures; challenging established operational principles; and condensing military innovation cycles.

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At the operational level, these systems are making it more difficult for forces to hide, concentrate, communicate, and maneuver. They allow adversaries to more easily surveil, disrupt, or attack our forces, assets, and installations, potentially without attribution. At the strategic level, unmanned systems provide aggressors with the ability to reduce the initial human, financial, and reputational costs of conflict. The relatively low-cost, widely available nature of these systems has, in effect, democratized precision strike.

These are all points The War Zone has been highlighting for years. In February, we published a feature specifically on how AI looks set to enable major new evolution, if not revolution in lower-end uncrewed aerial capabilities.

A Ukrainian drone, with its operator seen in the foreground, drops a payload during training. The heavy use of drones, including weaponized types, on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine has help fully drive the threats posed by uncrewed aerial systems into the public consciousness. Scott Peterson/Getty Images

The Department is mitigating the potential negative effects of unmanned systems on U.S. forces, assets, and installations  at home and abroad. A critical portion of our efforts, particularly in the near-term, comes from improving our defenses, with an emphasis on detection as well as active and passive defenses, the fact sheet continues. The Department will ensure our forces and priority installations have protection. To stay ahead of advances in unmanned systems  and their growing prevalence  the Department will prepare for more advanced challenges, pacing our future capabilities to more stressing cases (e.g., larger numbers of increasingly capable and autonomous systems). Over the mid- and long-term, the Department will also develop and design our future force to reduce their vulnerability and increase their resilience to these threats. Taken together, these approaches will allow the Department to maintain our advances and our ability to fight and win our Nations wars, if called upon.

To this end, the fact sheet lays out five specific strategic ways that are central to how the Pentagon will seek to address drone threats through its new strategy, which are as follows:

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Deepen our Understanding and Awareness of Unmanned Systems Trends and Threats. The Department will sense and make sense of threats that unmanned systems pose, including by gaining a greater understanding of unmanned systems threats and by improving the ability of our operational forces to detect, track, and characterize these threats.

Disrupt & Degrade Unmanned Systems Threat Networks. The Department will address the threat networks that drive the development and proliferation of unmanned systems whenever possible, including by launching and executing deliberate campaigns to counter these networks, in partnership with other U.S. departments and agencies.

Defend Against Unmanned Systems Threats to U.S. Interests. The Department will adapt fully to defending against unmanned systems as a core element of warfighting, including by: improving our active and passive defenses; clarifying, streamlining, and delegating authorities, as needed; and institutionalizing approaches across doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and policy.

Deliver Solutions with Greater Speed, Adaptability, and Scale. The Department will deliver robust counter-unmanned systems at speed and scale, including by leveraging rapid acquisition approaches; prioritizing integrated, open, modular solutions; employing systems engineering and predictive analytics; reducing the cost imbalance between unmanned systems and countermeasures; expanded budget agility; increasing experimentation; creating conditions for rapid and realistic testing; and maximizing exportability, co-development, and co-production of capabilities with our closest allies and partners.

Develop & Design the Future Joint Force for Unmanned Systems-Driven Ways of War. The Department will make countering unmanned systems a key element of our thinking about future force development and design, including by pursuing changes to our force structure, employing our forces differently, and seeking technologies that could enable us to offset adversary advantages.

The full fact sheet can be seen below.

DOD

I think the real sort of emphasis of the strategy is to say, you know, as were taking on the effect of unmanned systems, we need to think about this temporally, a senior U.S. official told The War Zone and a small group of other media outlets ahead of todays announcement. So, in the near term, a lot of what were doing is improving our defenses.

As we think about more advanced challenges, as we think about the more stressing cases we could face, we also are thinking in a strategy perspective of making sure that were developing and designing our future forces to reduce vulnerabilities and increase resilience to threats, they added.

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When we think about how we defend against this  its really a layered defense with a variety of sensing  everything from RF to active and passive radars, another senior U.S. official said during todays press call when asked for more details about existing counter-drone capabilities and future plans. And then  theres a variety of defeat systems, kinetic and non-kinetic.

When we talk about this threat, you have to consider  the size of the threat. A small UAS [uncrewed aerial system] is a little bit different threat than the larger UAS threats that you tend to see going on with events in Ukraine and Israel, they added. So theres a different set of options that you have to have, but we are looking at the span of everything from non-kinetic to kinetic to new capabilities such as directed energy.

The senior U.S. official specifically highlighted Raytheons Coyote, Andurils Roadrunner, and systems that use BAE Systems laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) rockets as effectors as examples of current kinetic counter-drone capabilities. They also mentioned work to better optimize other existing weapon systems, such as radar-guided Hellfire missiles and traditional surface-to-air interceptors, for use against uncrewed aerial systems. Multiple branches of the U.S. military are known to be actively developing and working to field laser and high-power microwave-directed energy weapons as additional options for physically destroying drone threats. Non-kinetic defeat capabilities primarily consist of various electronic warfare systems.

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That individual also acknowledged that the counter-drone capabilities that can be employed in a conflict zone are very different from the ones that would be usable, at least under current authorities, domestically within the United States. The aforementioned drone incidents in the United Kingdom have highlighted how similar rules and regulations are at play when it comes to domestic drone defense in other countries.

At a counter-drone demonstration event called Falcon Peak 2025 in October, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Deputy Test Director Jason Mayes explicitly told The War Zone and others that kinetic and directed energy capabilities are not currently on the table for defending military bases and other critical infrastructure within the U.S. homeland. A mix of often convoluted legal, regulatory, and other challenges are central to all of this, as you can read more about here.

A system designed to detect drones via the radio frequency signals they put out and hijack the control link between them and their operators, on display at Falcon Peak 2025. Howard Altman

The homeland is a very different environment in that we have a lot of hobbyist drones here that are no threat at all, that are sort of congesting the environment. At the same time, we have, from a statutory perspective and from an intelligence perspective, quite rightly, [a] more constrained environment in terms of our ability to act, a third senior U.S. official on todays call elaborated. When we think about the [new counter-drone] strategy,  its really trying to make sure that we are making a conscious effort to mitigate the threat in the homeland today, and the unique ways in which it manifests in the homeland, but also looking forward in time.

And so, were doing things like making sure that our people have the right training. So its not just about the equipment, but its about are we organizing and training the way that we need to ensure that our commanders on the ground understand how to make a great risk calculus in the homeland for the unique risks that we have here, they continued. We have a lot of installations that are in  areas where we have to be very careful about collateral effects. And do we have the organization that we need to be able to rapidly respond, given the capabilities that were building today and [that] well continue to build to meet the threat of all for the future?

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That official used the drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base last year as a specific of what the new counter-drone strategy, as well as NORTHCOMs new synchronizer role, are meant to address.

An F-22 Raptor stealth fighter under a shelter on the flight line at Langley Air Force Base. USAF

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What we had before this was  a not necessarily in the operational chain ability to talk to each other, to find out who had what systems that might be able to be brought to bear, they explained. And so I think that would be a huge  new organizational ability to be able to drive action.

As time moves on, we will have more standardized, coordinated education and training so that commanders will all have a baseline knowledge of what their authorities are and how theyre able to engage, they added. Its also going to mean that for facilities that may not currently be covered by 130(i), but are eligible, that were going to have somebody whos really looking to make sure everyones getting covered.

130(i) here refers to that subsection of Title 10 of the U.S. Code (10 USC 130i), which covers current authorities for the protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft, including through the use of kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities. It contains a number of specific stipulations and where and when those authorities can actually be employed, which you can read more about here.

A full list of the kinds of action authorized under 10 USC 130i. Cornell Law School

The strategy notably does not explicitly call for an expansion to 130(i) or ask for any other new authorities. Members of Congress have been separately pushing to expand the authorities available to the U.S. military and other government agencies to tackle drone threats, particularly within the U.S. homeland.

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I think our view is that we are using those authorities to their fullest, but were working to improve the collaboration that we have with our interagency partners, one of the senior U.S. officials said today. Thats an important part of how those authorities are [employed].

In the U.S. homeland context, even incidents that occur in relatively confined areas can easily span multiple federal, state, local, and other law enforcement jurisdictions outside of the purview of the Department of Defense. There is also the potential for an international component, especially in instances that involve the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

As the recent incidents in the United Kingdom have underscored, drone threats to U.S. interests that are removed from traditional war zones exist well outside of the confines of the homeland, as well.

A stock picture of a No Drone Zone sign and other warnings along the perimeter of RAF Lakenheath, one of the bases in the United Kingdom that hosts U.S. forces and was recently the site of still unexplained drone incursions. Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

Altogether, the new counter-drone strategy the Pentagon has rolled out today is an important acknowledgment of the growing uncrewed aerial threat ecosystem, especially as it exists outside of conflict zones. It lays out equally important steps forward for addressing these issues.

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At the same time, drone threats, including to the U.S. homeland, are not new and this is not the first time the U.S. government has laid new policies and/or broad strategies for addressing them. It is particularly glaring that the U.S. military is apparently taking key steps just now to better coordinate action within existing authorities. This is all despite years of increasingly worrisome incidents in and around the United States, many of which The War Zone has been the first to report on. As we have pointed out repeatedly in the past, the U.S. military was slow on the uptake and continues to very much play catchup when it comes to addressing the growing threats posed by drones, even on traditional battlefields.

As The War Zone also regularly highlights, there is substantial evidence that many sightings of what are now called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and are also still commonly referred to as unidentified flying objects (UFO), are likely drones, as well as high-altitude balloons and other uncrewed aerial assets. U.S. military efforts to gain more insight into UAP sightings often overlap with counter-drone discussions.

With the Pentagons newest counter-drone strategy in hand, it will be more important now to see how its lines of effort are actually implemented.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 13: People walk together during a Rally to Stop the Six-Week Abortion Ban held at Lake Eola Park on April 13, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. The rally organized by the Yes On 4 campaign is in response to the Florida Supreme Court's recent ruling that the State Constitutions privacy protections do not extend to abortion, effectively allowing Florida to ban the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. The justices will allow Florida voters to decide in the November election if they want to expand abortion access. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Originally published by The 19th

People across the country cast votes to restore abortion access while also siding with President-elect Donald Trump at the top of the ticket. In the first presidential election since Roe v. Wade was overturned, many counties across the country saw a significant red shift this year. Nearly every demographic was more supportive of Trump than in 2020, despite widespread support for reproductive rights and Vice President Kamala Harris centering the issue in her campaign.

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Abortion ballot measures succeeded in 7 of the 10 states that had one this November. Examining the results of those initiatives in several states where Trump won shows that Democrats were not able to convince large swaths of the electorate that protecting abortion rights rested on electing Harris.

More people voted for the ballot measures than Harris in every county in Nevada, and all save one in Florida. Efforts to secure reproductive rights in Nevada succeeded, while Amendment 4 in Florida fell just short of the states 60 percent threshold to pass.

In Florida and Nevada, the counties where a majority of people voted in favor of abortion ballot measures moved further toward Trump this year than those that voted against them. Compared with 2020, Trump gained an average of 4 points in Florida counties where the majority voted to pass Amendment 4, while counties opposed moved an average of 3 points.

One of the values we really held true to this cycle was not making it a partisan conversation and making it about health care access, said Lauren Brenzel, who ran Floridas Yes on 4 campaign. It isnt partisan on the individual level.

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Nevada counties that voted to pass the states abortion ballot measure also moved more towards Trump this year than those that did not. In Clark and Washoe, the largest counties in the state, the measure won handily with over 60 percent of the vote in each. While Harris is leading both counties at the time of publication, Trumps margins have increased since 2020.

Polling has shown that voters do not see their support for Trump at odds with their support of abortion rights. The September 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll found 37 percent of registered voters who planned to vote for Trump supported abortion access at least most of the time, including 41 percent of women.

Though most people who favored abortion rights voted for Harris, Trump also boasted relatively strong support from those voters  40 percent of those who said abortion should be legal in most cases and 15 percent of those who support legality in all cases  per an analysis of AP VoteCast data by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research, journalism and polling organization. The data suggests that Trumps claims he would not sign a national abortion ban that anti-abortion leaders have asked for persuaded at least some voters, said KFF pollster Ashley Kirzinger.

For those voters that wanted abortion access, its not their most important voting issue and they trust former President Trump on his word that he will leave it up to the states, Kirzinger said. In miraculous form, Trump was able to stay on message on abortion  and where he stood on abortion and his message about leaving it up to the states was really effective.

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Since Roe v. Wade fell in 2022, abortion rights consistently won when voters got the chance to weigh in directly  a pattern that only ended this Election Day, with losses in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota. Kirzinger said those earlier wins could have convinced voters who support abortion legality that leaving the question up to the states would mean access was secure  and that voting for Trump wouldnt threaten abortion rights.

Abortion wasnt the top issue for much of the electorate, despite Harris staking her campaign on reproductive rights. It was a chief concern for many women and LGBTQ+ people, but polling consistently showed the economy ranked as the highest concern for voters overall. Only 12 percent of Trump supporters in favor of abortion access ranked it as one of the top five issues driving their vote, per a national survey fielded in April by nonpartisan public opinion research firm PerryUndem. Eighty-two percent cited the economy and cost of living as a factor.

Remember, Trump said hed veto any abortion ban. His supporters trust him and believe hell follow through on what he says, wrote Tresa Undem, co-founder of PerryUndem, in a post-election analysis.

Trumps stance on abortion is not as clear as his messaging suggested. Former advisers to Trump have voiced support for using federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration to limit abortion nationally, and even for reviving an 1800s anti-obscenity law known as the Comstock Act to ban the procedure. But many voters havent connected that to Trump personally.

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The lack of understanding around abortion care in general is so hard, Brenzel said. Part of what we saw this election is people really feel like the Democrats  Im not speaking to ballot initiatives  that the Democrats are hyperbolic, and that nothings going to be that bad.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A 39-year-old man told police he had no remorse after he was accused of killing another man in north Austin last week, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

APD: Man arrested, accused of murder in north Austin shooting

Steven Rippley was arrested on a first-degree murder charge on Nov. 25, according to the Austin Police Department. He was booked into jail on a $1 million bond, according to online court records.

Steven Rippley, 39 (Courtesy Austin Police Department)

KXAN has reached out to Rippleys attorney for a statement. We will update this if one is received.

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APD officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1200 block of West Parmer Lane around 1:40 p.m. after Rippley called 911 and said he shot someone under the bridge, according to the affidavit.

When Rippley spoke with police, he initially said he shot the man several times, though it was not immediately clear how many times, court records said.

Rippley said he lived under the bridge and that the other man lived approximately 75 feet away from his camp. Rippley told police he and the man had past disturbances with each other, according to the affidavit.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a man in his 40s dead with gunshot wounds, according to police.

Police are investigating a north Austin homicide where one man died Monday near Parmer Lane. (KXAN Photo/Jordan Belt)

After the shooting, Rippley went to a nearby parking lot, flagged down another person and told them to call 911 because he had just shot someone, court records said.

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When the officer asked Rippley if he felt bad for shooting the man, he said not at all, court records said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Dec. 4Allyson Faehl has had cancer three times.

She had surgery earlier this year to remove a segment of her lung after doctors discovered a cancerous nodule.

She is now in good health and chalks it up to more than luck.

"There's a reason why I'm still here," said Faehl, who believes everyone is here "to make a difference."

Faehl, 77, was the project manager for Christ Lutheran Church's application to host Santa Fe's first Pallet shelter village for the homeless  a community of small, individual housing units  as part of a city initiative.

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The village  initially known as a "safe outdoor space" but now called a "micro community"  opened in April through a partnership between Christ Lutheran, the city and The Life Link, which provides case management services to residents. The city is now taking steps to create more micro communities in Santa Fe.

Because of Faehl's efforts on the project, she has been named one of The New Mexican's 10 Who Made a Difference for 2024.

Faehl was nominated by Christ Lutheran's the Rev. Joene Herr, who said she was crucial to the pilot project's success.

"Without her, the safe outdoor space would not have happened," Herr said.

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Herr learned about the opportunity for a Pallet shelter village at a December 2022 community forum, and Faehl was one of the first people she reached out to about the possibility of Christ Lutheran becoming a host site. Faehl, who had a long-standing dream to build a tiny home community on church property, jumped at the opportunity.

"I think that as human beings, we have a responsibility to care for each other," Faehl said.

One of five siblings, she grew up in rural Ohio and attended college at Capital University in Columbus.

She and her husband, Rickey J. Faehl, moved to Santa Fe in 1977, when he got a job as a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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After receiving a master's degree in public policy from the University of New Mexico, Faehl had a long career working as a project manager for the state in various agencies, including the Department of Finance and Administration, the General Services Department and the former Human Services Department.

"I made a conscious decision that I wanted to work in the social services area because social justice is one of my drivers, and that's one of the reasons that I'm a member of Christ Lutheran Church," said Faehl, who has been a parishioner at the church for about 40 years.

Faehl's government roles were mostly in administrative positions. She said she learned a valuable lesson from working in bureaucracy: "Persistence pays off."

That served her in good stead while working on the application for the Pallet shelter village, which involved wading through a lot of red tape.

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Faehl "is not easily put off by having to jump through many hoops," said church member Susan Rathjen. Others who know Faehl echoed that sentiment.

"She's a very driven, very determined person," Faehl's younger brother, Tom Barcroft, said. "She sets her mind on something, and she will see that it gets done."

Bancroft, a city councilor in Coshocton, Ohio, said he thought the award was "very well-deserved."

He said he and Faehl's commitment to public service was instilled at an early age by their parents, who had a strong work ethic and were heavily involved in their rural community. Their father was on the local school board for several years and active in the Lutheran church they attended, and their mother mentored a developmentally disabled young woman through a local child welfare organization.

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"We just kind of followed along," Bancroft said.

Rathjen has known Faehl for more than 30 years and said she's "amazed at her energy and her devotion to any cause she takes up."

Along with volunteering at Christ Lutheran, where she is president of the church council, Faehl spent a number of years as a literacy volunteer at Santa Fe Community College, a program coordinated by Rathjen.

She said Faehl was friendly and engaging when working with the students as a tutor and helped draw some of them out of their shell.

"She always tries to put herself in someone else's shoes to get a feel for what they are experiencing," Rathjen said.

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Herr said Faehl is one of the first people to greet visitors at church and has a genuine care for others. That extended to her work on the Pallet shelter village, where Herr said Faehl brought coffee to the architects and made sure the contractors and subcontractors were publicly thanked at a grand opening.

"She knows that the most important thing is to get to know people, to hear their stories, and to work face to face," Herr said. "And that really made all the difference."

Faehl said she was "shocked" when she learned she was selected as one of this year's 10 Who Made a Difference recipients. She was quick to emphasize the project was a team effort involving the work of dozens of people.

Others involved, however, said she is fully deserving of the accolade.

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"She'll go, 'No, it wasn't my project'  but yeah, it was," Herr said.

The pastor added, "Part of making it her project is the number of people she was able to bring along."
SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WATE)  Crews fought multiple brush fires overnight Thursday in Sevier County. One of the wildfires grew to more than 81 acres in size; however, as of Thursday afternoon, all three were 100% contained.

According to the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency, emergency crews have worked and continue to work several brushfires throughout the County due to high winds. Sevier County shared that no injures or structural damage were caused by the fires.

Two former Monroe County Sheriffs Office employees accused of official misconduct

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Sevier County Fire & Rescue shared the following information about each fire once they were contained.

Waldens Creek near Shagbark: 81 acres

Creswell Road/East Union Valley: 8.5 acres

Flat Branch Road/Spur: 5 acres

We are deeply grateful for the bravery and dedication of the emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain these fires under extremely challenging conditions. Their professionalism and commitment to protecting our community are truly commendable, said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters.

Seymour Fire crews respond to the scene of a brush fire late Wednesday night.(Photo: WATE 6 News) (Photo: WATE 6 News) (Photo: WATE 6 News) This picture is from the brushfire in the Creswell Road/East Union Valley Road area. (Photo: Sevier County Fire & Rescue) Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture Forestry Division Wildland Fire Map shows at least three wildfires in Sevier County on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Photo: Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department) (Photo: Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department) (Photo: Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department) (Photo: Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department)

Sevier County EMA also said Thursday morning that the National Weather Service has advised there is an Elevated Fire Danger for Sevier County today, Thursday, December 5th, 2024. Due to the elevated risk, no Burn Permits will be issued within Sevier County.

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Please refrain from burning debris today, Sevier County EMA stated. Low humidity and increased winds can cause fires to spread quickly, even under controlled conditions.

No injuries reported after fire at Rockwood Walmart garden center

Several agencies, including the Tennessee Division of Forestry and Cocke County Fire Chief, assisting in containing the fires. Emergency crews are remaining the area as they continue to monitor the scenes.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

According to Cocke County Emergency Management Agency, Cocke County Fire Chief, Cody Keys has been coordinating a response effort from Cocke County since 3 a.m.

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Due to the fire, a section of Foothills Parkway West between Walland and Wears Valley was closed until 2:30 p.m.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
NASA is working with multiple U.S. companies to deliver science and technology to the moons surface as part of its Artemis mission.

The next moon mission could launch from Floridas Space Coast in January.

Crews plan to use Firefly Aerospaces Blue Ghost lander to deliver 10 NASA science and technology instruments to a vast basin on the moons near side.

Read: NASAs stuck astronauts hit 6 months in space. Just 2 more to go

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The mission will study lunar dust, test radiation-tolerant computing, and explore sub-surface drilling.

So theyre under contract to NASA to develop cargo delivery services and science delivery services to the surface of the moon and its all in support of project Artemis, said Dr. Ken Kremer with Space UpClose.

Read: Billionaire who performed the first private spacewalk is Trumps pick to lead NASA

These experiments will help NASA prepare for future human missions to the moon and beyond as part of its moon-to-mars exploration strategy.

A six-day launch window for the lunar lander opens in mid-January.

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Read: NASA testing new X-59 aircraft engines, designed to fly supersonic speeds without the sonic booms

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday expelled a Japanese fishing vessel that had unlawfully entered China's territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao, according to a spokesperson for the CCG.

The Japanese ship entered the waters of Diaoyu Dao on Thursday. The CCG ships lawfully enforced control measures against it and issued warnings, driving the vessel out of the area, said spokesperson Liu Dejun.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory," Liu said. "We urge the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters."

Liu also reaffirmed China's commitment to conducting regular law enforcement activities in the Diaoyu Dao territorial waters and safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. 
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Emergency crews are on scene of what they referred to as a multi-dwelling fire in Lebanon County, and a road is closed off.

First responders rushed to the 300 block of South 10th Street after getting a report of smoke filling a basement, Lebanon Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1952 posted on Facebook.

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People are urged to avoid the area as the crews work to extinguish the fire.

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This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A more-than-100-page report has been turned over to the Memphis City Council detailing what it would take to build and operate a forensic crime lab in Memphis.

A consulting firm spoke to council members Tuesday. They said they visited various crime labs, including Jackson and Nashville, and spoke to local and state stakeholders and private lab administrators.

Numbers we focused on were the numbers we received and average turnaround and days, Project Director Dr. James McCutcheon said.

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The report explained that the Memphis Police Department processes some evidence like latent prints. Last year, it reported more than 15,000 lifts that resulted in 650 identifications.

MPD also processes digital forensics and performs a significant portion of ballistics testing in-house, particularly the triaging of spent shell casings.

Forensic evidence, like analyzing DNA linked to homicides and sexual assaults, is all conducted at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab in Jackson, Tennessee, which is 85 miles away.

MPD carts the evidence there weekly.

Ideally, it would be great to have it all in-house, MPD Interim Chief C.J. Davis said to council members. When we talk to detectives about the return on evidence, how cumbersome it is or if theres an issue in processing cases, they all say, Not really.'

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The idea of MPD establishing its own forensic crime lab has been ongoing since 1997.

It was brought up again when TBI closed its Memphis lab and opened a new one in Jackson in 2021.

It was brought up again in 2022 when a backlog at the state lab kept a rape kit on a shelf for nearly a year before it was tested. It allowed the attacker to walk free, abduct and kill Memphis mother Eliza Fletcher.

I think it would be a game changer in terms of increasing our solve rate, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy stated in a February press conference.

While he and many others support the idea, the cost could get in the way.

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Total cost about $52-66 million dollars. Thats your range for the first year. That does not include search for personnel, training, utilities, and other unexpected expenditures, McCutcheon said.

Then add another estimated $8 to 10 million every year to keep it open.

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The report did offer less expensive ways to improve forensic needs, like utilizing RapidDNA technology when someone is booked.

I think its something along the lines of $30,000-$50,000 now. You put it at a booking station, McCutcheon said. We would have someone come in, do a buccal swab to determine that they have a violent history or connected to other violent crimes to make a determination before bail. That would be helpful for us.

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The report also suggested hiring more personnel. It stated the MPDs Crime Scene Unit is currently operating at around half capacity and is working in an aging facility thats created logistical challenges related to the facilitys structural limitations and environmental issues.

It went on to state that personnel believe increased communication would enhance operations, and raised concern that high-value evidence, as identified by the CSI Unit, is sometimes not submitted for testing.

It didnt go into further detail. We are trying to find out more.

The report also addressed various options on ways to operate and control the lab, concerns about crime labs nationwide facing staffing shortages due to inadequate compensation and other costs to consider.

We reached out to MPD just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, but have yet to hear back.

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The Shelby County DAs office said no one from the office has seen the study just yet. The DA anticipates getting it at some point Wednesday.

 DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? WREG Investigators want to hear from you! Call our tip line at 901-543-2378. You can also send an email to wreginvestigators@nexstar.tv.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  This week on Crime Stoppers, law enforcement needs your help identifying a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run and identifying someone who stole a walker.

If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive up to a $1,000 award.

Fatal Hit-and-Run

(Ingham County Sheriffs Office) (Ingham County Sheriffs Office) (Ingham County Sheriffs Office) A stock image of the type of car involved

On Oct. 31, the Ingham County Sheriffs Department responded to the area of Cedar Street and College Road for a fatal hit-and-run. The suspect fled the scene in a blue 2019 Ford Edge which continued southbound into the Mason area after the accident. The Ford Edge in question should have sustained front-end damage from the accident.

Stolen Walker

(LPD) (LPD) (LPD) (LPD) (LPD) (LPD) (LPD)

The Lansing Police Department is asking for any information that could identify someone who stole a walker from a store patron while they were shopping. The incident occurred on the 900 block of West Holmes Road on Nov.29.

(WLNS)

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded to a car vs. building crash on Wednesday, Dec. 4, on Montebello Square Drive, where a car had backed into a storefront.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Fire Department Courtesy: Colorado Springs Fire Department Courtesy: Colorado Springs Fire Department

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), the crash was determined to be an accident and no medical condition or criminal activity was involved.

CSFD said no injuries were reported by anyone in the car or store, and the fire crew verified the building was structurally stable before turning the building back to the owner. CSPD cited the driver for careless driving.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Two Connecticut residents have each been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison in connection with the sexual abuse of a young girl over the course of multiple years.

Shaylyn Smith, 33, and Zabian Bailey, 41, faced sentencing Tuesday in Bridgeport Superior Court, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

Smith was sentenced to 45 years in prison, suspended after 34 years, followed by 30 years of probation, judicial officials said. Bailey was sentenced to 40 years in prison followed by 30 years of special parole, according to officials.

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Smith and Bailey were both convicted in July following a trial. The jury deliberated for about a day before returning a guilty verdict against the couple.

Smith was convicted of three counts of risk of injury to a minor and a single count each of accessory to first-degree sexual assault and accessory to risk of injury to a minor, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

Bailey was convicted of seven counts of risk of injury to a minor, two counts of first-degree sexual assault and a single count each of attempted first-degree sexual assault, attempted risk of injury to a minor and fourth-degree sexual assault.

According to criminal justice officials, the charges stem from the abuse of a child who was between 5 and 7 years old from December 2017 to January 2020. The victim disclosed the allegations when she was 8 years old.

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Superior Court Judge Robin Pavia addressed Bailey at sentencing, noting that his continued course of conduct in this case was concerning and that his lengthy and substantial criminal history suggests an inability to follow through, judicial officials said in a statement.

Pavia also addressed Smith, saying she was the one who put into motion the sexual assault.

While speaking to the victim, Pavia remarked about her growth since 2020 saying, It is incredible to see the distinctions before and after . . . you cant change the past, but you can change the future. Keep doing what youre doing.

It took a lot of strength to testify, Pavia said, according to officials.

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In a statement issued Thursday by the DCJ, Bridgeport Judicial District States Attorney Joseph T. Corradino thanked the Bridgeport Police Department for its investigative efforts. The case was prosecuted by Assistant States Attorney Candace Solis with assistance from Inspector Edward Zack.

This office, as shown by the efforts of Assistant States Attorney Solis and others, will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who commit horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of our society, especially our children, Corradino said.
A New Britain man allegedly drove nearly twice the speed limit and weaved in and out of traffic when he eluded a state trooper on Route 5/15 and fled onto Interstate 91 in Meriden on Tuesday.

A trooper was conducting speed enforcement shortly after 3:30 p.m. when they allegedly spotted a Nissan Versa being driven more than 109 mph in a 65 mph zone on Route 5/15 South, according to Connecticut State Police.

The trooper flipped on their lights and siren in an attempt to pull the driver over near Exit 67S. State police alleged that the driver slowed down and put his right turn signal on, indicating he would pull over, before abruptly cutting across four lanes and using the exit ramp to get onto I-91 South.

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According to state police, the Versa driver then weaved in and out of heavy traffic, nearly colliding with other drivers, and allegedly went more than 120 mph. The trooper did not pursue the driver and abandoned the motor vehicle stop.

State police said the trooper used the vehicles license plate information to learn that the Versa was a rental car. When the trooper reached the renter by phone, the individual identified the driver as 55-year-old Jose Luis Medero of New Britain, according to state police. The individual also said they would bring Medero to Troop H in Hartford to turn him in.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Medero turned himself in and was arrested. State police said they found that his drivers license was suspended.

Medero faces charges of illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, reckless driving, disobeying a signal of an officer, engaging police in pursuit, improper passing-unsafe distance, failure to drive in proper lane, second-degree reckless endangerment and interfering with an officer/resisting.

According to state police, Medero allegedly told troopers he did not stop because he believed he had a warrant out for his arrest. He was held on a $5,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned in Meriden Superior Court on Wednesday.
A man was arrested Wednesday on attempted murder and other charges after allegedly shooting a woman in the head in Bridgeport.

Jerome Smith, 42, was taken into custody around 3:45 p.m. just minutes after a 39-year-old woman reported being shot on Arctic Street, according to Tiadora Josef, director of public information and emergency management for the city of Bridgeport.

Smith was apprehended in front of his East Washington Avenue residence after the woman gave police a detailed description of the man who shot her, according to Josef. Smith allegedly had a semiautomatic handgun as well as narcotics on him when he was arrested, Josef said.

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The woman was taken to Bridgeport Hospital where she was treated for a wound not considered life-threatening, according to Josef. At the hospital, she alleged that she was involved in several altercations with Smith in the days leading up to the shooting.

Members of the Bridgeport Police Department Patrol Division and the Detective Bureau responded to the scene and collected evidence.

Authorities found that Smith is a previously convicted felon whose criminal history dates back a decade and included multiple gun and narcotics arrests.

He was charged Wednesday with attempted murder and first-degree assault in addition to numerous firearm and drug charges, according to Josef. Smith was held on a $500,000 bond and was expected to face a judge on Thursday.
ILLINOIS (WCIA)  With the incoming Trump administration and Republicans set to take control of Congress, Medicaid expansion could be on the chopping block, affecting millions of people across the country, including Illinois.

If cut, more than $3 million people across nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their healthcare coverage, including Illinois and Indiana.

Meet the medical contrarians picked to lead health agencies under Trump and Kennedy

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Expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act uses federal funding to enable states, like Illinois, to widen healthcare coverage for people with lower incomes. And the states have trigger or threshold laws that would abruptly end their Medicaid expansion if those federal dollars fall.

Director of Champaign County Healthcare Consumers Claudia Lennhoff said any cuts to the program could have a ripple effect, impacting people right here in Central Illinois.

Its really frightening that, you know, progress that has been made towards health security for many, many Americans could be on the chopping block, Lennhoff said. And its just really important for people to understand that when we make progress, we have to fight to keep those programs. We cant take anything for granted. And thats a shame, because part of what people need is a sense of security. They need a sense of security and stability. And healthcare is so incredibly basic.

She said the expanded programs are cost-saving in the long term, as more people have access to precautionary healthcare. She also said its her expectation the expansion programs would be targeted first.

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As of last month, there were 934,000 people covered by Medicaid expansion in Illinois.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NICOSIA (Reuters) - Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties appealed to their respective leaderships on Thursday to open more crossings to facilitate better communication between the island's rival communities.

Ethnically divided Cyprus has nine crossings along the 180 km (116 mile) ceasefire line that separates Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Thousands use them daily with long queues and traffic jams a regular occurrence.

The two sides are now engaged in discussions on opening up more crossing points.

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Thirteen Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties attending an event organised by the Slovak embassy in Nicosia endorsed a call to their communities' political leaders to move forward.

"This is a must in order to preserve our common cultural heritage, and to make people's life much easier," said Mehmet Harmanci, mayor of the Turkish sector of Nicosia.

His Greek Cypriot counterpart Charalambos Prountzos concurred.

"The opening of crossings is not an objective by itself, but it's a necessary move pending the resolution of the Cyprus issue, to ensure that the two communities meet, the two communities increase their understanding and their empathy towards each other," he said.

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Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. The ceasefire line was completely sealed until April 2003, when Turkish Cypriot authorities opened one crossing, triggering a surge of tens of thousands of Cypriots to areas off-limits to them for decades.

(Reporting by Michele Kambas; Editing by Gareth Jones)
NICOSIA (Reuters) -Cyprus has taken delivery of an Israeli air defence system, local media reported on Thursday, as the east Mediterranean island taps new markets to upgrade its defence capabilities after the loss of key supplier Russia.

TV station Sigma said the first deliveries were made on Tuesday. Cypriot officials declined to comment on the specifics of the report.

"The only thing I can say is we will, and are doing everything necessary to bolster the deterrence force of Cyprus, not only because we are a country under occupation, but an EU member state in a region of particular geo-strategic importance," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters on Thursday.

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Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion after a brief Greek inspired coup in 1974, with the internationally recognised government controlling the south, and a breakaway heavily militarised Turkish Cypriot state the north.

The Barak MX anti-aircraft system will complement and eventually replace the older Russian made Tor M1. Russia has been a leading supplier of military hardware to Cyprus for decades, but deals tapered off even before a blanket ban on exports in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Those sanctions have left Cyprus's existing defence systems short of spare parts and they cannot be upgraded, a senior Cypriot source told Reuters.

"That is why Cyprus is turning to other countries of the European Union, as well as Israel. As part of that, efforts are underway to upgrade our anti-aircraft umbrella," the source said.

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Cypriot officials never openly disclose procurement programmes because of ongoing tensions with Turkey.

An attempt by Cyprus to upgrade its anti-aircraft umbrella in 1998 with surface to air S-300 missiles from Russia culminated in a military standoff with Turkey, and Nicosia hurriedly diverting the system to Crete.

That acquisition was not supported by either Britain or the U.S. at the time, though relations with Washington have improved markedly in recent years as geostrategically-positioned Cyprus has anchored its policies firmly to the west.

Christodoulides spoke by phone with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday. "(Christodoulides) underscored his intention to cooperate closely for the further strengthening of ties between the two countries," a spokesperson for the Cypriot president said.

(Reporting by Michele KambasEditing by Mark Potter and Toby Chopra)
TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bank of Japan (BOJ) Policy Board Member Toyoaki Nakamura on Thursday stressed that the country's monetary policy should adapt to the pace of economic recovery and decisions of rate adjustments must be based on published data.

In a speech delivered in Hiroshima, Nakamura noted that while there are signs of weakness in some areas, Japan's economy is recovering moderately, public broadcaster NHK reported.

"It is important to carefully adjust the degree of monetary easing in accordance with the state of economic recovery, based on a thorough review of data," he said regarding the monetary policy.

The BOJ ended its negative rate policy in March this year with the first rate hike in 17 years, followed by another increase in July. It kept its policy rate unchanged at September and October meetings.

Market observers have speculated that the BOJ might announce another rate hike at its meetings this month or next.

Regarding a rate hike this year, Nakamura pointed out that many data points are still forthcoming and he plans to review them carefully before making any judgment, reiterating the importance of data-driven policy decisions moving forward. 
Dec. 5The Electoral Board for Danville Area Community College voted Wednesday to postpone their decision on whether to remove Dr. Stephen Nacco from the ballot for the Spring 2025 Board of Trustees election.

The decision came after U of I professor and Danville resident Lynn McLinden presented his objection to Nacco's candidacy, all of which relate to semantics regarding the paperwork Nacco submitted to be added to the ballot.

Some pages of the nine-page document are missing the designation "#507" in the heading, which identifies the college district signatories live in. Another page is missing the word "Illinois" in a notarized portion of the sheet  something McLinden argues calls for those entire pages of signatures to be thrown out.

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McLinden claims that 23 of the 72 signatures on Nacco's petition were invalid. Some of those signatures, he said, are because he believes they were signed by someone other than the named voter  according to the interpretation of an unnamed person whom he says assisted him in his investigation by examining Nacco's petition  and others because he said those people do not live at the address they included alongside their signature, per local voter registration records.

"(There is) no room for interpretation. The law is the law. And there is a purpose. The law is to be taken exactly, and it is used exactly in court proceedings," McLinden said in his closing remarks. He called on DACC to "honor the letter of the law," especially when it comes to "citizens running for offices of public trust," of which DACC is one, McLinden said.

When it came time for Nacco to offer his rebuttal, he shared what he called "background" for his rebuttal, arguing that the entire case against him was orchestrated by someone other than McLinden.

"I have come to learn that I am the only one of the six candidates for the DACC Board who has had copies of his petitions requested from local election official Kerri Thurman," Nacco said. "The one who requested these copies was not the objector, Lynn McLinden. It was former DACC employee and competing candidate Laura Williams," Nacco said, adding that Thurman required Williams to submit a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to receive the petitions.

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The Commercial-News reached out to Williams, but she declined to comment at this time.

A point Nacco made again and again in responding to each of McLinden's accusations was that the signatory in question was dealing with physical ailments or disabilities that prevented them from signing their signatures in a way that matched the signature on their voter registration card.

McLinden later argued in his response to Nacco's rebuttal that it's not the responsibility of the objector to be made aware of the health conditions of all signatories, as some in much larger cities must contend with thousands of signatures, not dozens.

"I suggest that it's inappropriate for him to try to appeal to emotions in the way he obviously is," McLinden said, referring to Nacco's point about signatories' health issues. He called on the Board to "apply the facts and the law to this situation" and not be swayed by emotion.

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Throughout his rebuttal, Nacco also referenced conversations he had with both Thurman and County Elections Supervisor Carrie Wilson as evidence that McLinden's objections are based on what he called "unprecedented, undefined, and Draconian" objections to "nullify the will" of the voters who signed his petition.

Nacco also asserted that Thurman, being the election official, was the one responsible for ensuring that all information was filled out correctly before accepting his paperwork and issuing him a receipt, which she did on Nov. 12.

McLinden argued that Nacco was unfairly blaming Thurman for work he says Nacco should have checked himself, stating that there is no law on the books which requires election officials to do so.

The Board  made up of Sandra Finch, Greg Wolfe, and Tracy Cherry  asked questions of both men, with Finch offering the most pushback.

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Regarding McLinden, Finch asked how he could have known the signatures did not match those on the voter registration cards, to which McLinden responded that he "had help" without naming who assisted him.

Later, Finch asked Nacco several questions regarding the addresses of some signatories, arguing that perhaps those signatures should be thrown out because if the signatory moved, they were required to include their new address on the petition, not their old one  something Nacco said was the case with two of the signatories who were unsure which address the County had on file.

McLinden advised the Board several times that should they side with Nacco and decide to allow him to remain on the ballot, he had every intention to appeal to a Court of Law.

The Board decided to postpone their decision in order to consult with Thurman and Wilson further and to look into the matter further by consulting with legal counsel Jerry Davis, who was also in attendance.

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"We're not experts in handwriting so to me that's something we can't even look at," Finch said, regarding the question of the validity of the signatures McLinden called into question. "But what we can look at is whether or not a person is a registered voter at the address provided on the petition. That's what we can look at as evidence."

No official date has been set for the continuance of the hearing.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Thursday on the Daily 8, were looking at road conditions, a new addition to downtown Holland, nonprofits helping out grocery shoppers and more.

You can watch the full Daily 8 for Dec. 5, 2024, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below:

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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 Friday 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.
Keir Starmer has delivered his plan for change in a key speech at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, setting out what he called milestones for his government. It comes after a challenging five months in office for Labour, but they have denied it was an emergency relaunch, despite their plummeting approval rates.



Camilla and Ben Riley-Smith are at Pinewood to react to the Governments new plans and ask the current Cabinet - including Lisa Nandy, Yvetter Cooper, and Ed Miliband - what it all means.



And as France falls into political turmoil after their Prime Minister resigns following a vote of no confidence, Kamal speaks to our Europe Editor James Crisp about what this means for the countrys future.

Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The so-called dancing doctor no longer treats patients at the medical facility where a Channel 2 Action News investigation tracked her down.

Dancing videos posted on social media made Dr. Windell Boutte famous. She now goes by the name Catherine Davis, but has no active medical license under either name.

After our November Channel 2 Action News investigation uncovered her new identity, Davis is no longer on the website of the medical facility where she was previously listed as owner.

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Eden Med Spa in Austin, Texas emailed patients this week, saying, Catherine is having some difficulties outside of Eden and is not currently injecting at Eden.

She was successfully flying under the radar, said attorney Susan Witt. She represented many of Bouttes former patients in court.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Im grateful that you all were able to expose what she was doing and so that she at least has stopped and is not subjecting patients to risk of harm, Witt told Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Justin Gray.

In November, Channel 2 Action News sent a producer into Eden Medical Spa undercover to speak with Davis.

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How long have you been doing this? the producer asked.

Ive been doing injections since 1997, answered Dr. Catherine Davis, M.D.

She was listed as the owner of Eden Medical Spa on the website which touted her experience at UCLA Cedar Sinai and Emory.

Hi, Dr. Davis or is it Dr. Boutte? Its Justin Gray from Channel 2. Do you have a Texas medical license? asked Gray in the spas parking lot.

Dr. Davis started laughing at that very serious question. But there is nothing funny about the memories that flooded back when Ojay Liburd got a Facebook friend suggestion for Catherine Davis.

Once I saw it on Facebook, I clicked on it and realized that thats Dr. Boutte, said Liburd.

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The dancing doctor videos from the operating table Dr. Windell Boutte once posted on social media got viral attention after our 2018 Channel 2 Action News investigation.

But Liburd was thinking about his mother Icilma Cornelius, who was about to be married and earn her Ph.D. in nursing when a cosmetic surgery by Dr. Boutte went very wrong. Cornelius suffered permanent brain damage.

In my 20s, I was now the parent, said Liburd.

He became his mothers caretaker every day for seven years until his mother passed away last July from complications of those injuries.

His was one of more than a dozen malpractice settlements and rulings with Dr. Boutte that resulted in millions of dollars in judgments. The state medical board ultimately suspended Bouttes license.

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Catherine Davis is Bouttes middle and maiden names. Nothing about Bouttes troubling legal and professional history comes up with a Google search of that new identity.

I want somebody who knows what theyre doing. Theyre working on me, said the producer.

Exactly. Exactly, said Davis.

RELATED STORIES:

We sent in our Channel 2 Action News producer to see what Davis tells patients. We switched off the undercover camera in the exam room.

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Davis let our producer record the consultation on her phone.

As a physician, youre trained, OK, whats the worst-case scenario? said Davis during the consultation.

According to Texas law, it is illegal to advertise or promote yourself as a doctor without a Texas medical license, said Gray to Davis.

There is no license listed for her as Catherine Davis or Windell Boutte in Texas. A consent order in Georgia also bars Ms. Boutte from using the titles physician, doctor, or M.D. But she has been.

Do you know its illegal to advertise yourself as a doctor in Texas without a medical license? Gray asked Davis.

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In her consultation with our undercover producer, Davis repeatedly referenced her medical experience as a dermatologist and plastic surgeon.

Ive done a lot of abdominoplasties, tummy tucks, breast implants, said Davis.

I would like her to be truthful to her patients, said Liburd.

Do your patients know you have a suspended license? Do you tell anybody on your consultations about Windell Boutte? Gray asked Davis.

You guys are harassing someone, said Amber Larsen, the other owner of Eden Medical Spa.

She seemed surprised when we called Davis Dr. Boutte.

Doctor who? asked Larsen.

Dr. Boutte. Her name is Dr. Windell Boutte, said Gray.

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Uh, no its not, said Larsen.

Yes, it actually is, said Gray.

After we sent questions to Eden Medical Spa, the language on their website started changing and references to the doctor and owner started disappearing. We even watched it happening in real-time each time we clicked refresh on our browser.

Im just doing injections. So, this is my happy place. This is 58 years old. Im just kind of like, riding it out, Davis laughed to our undercover producer.

By Texas law, a licensed doctor has to be one of the owners of a medical spa. We could not find an active business license for Eden Medical Spa.

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We alerted the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Secretary of States office about our investigation.

The Texas Medical Board told us it cannot confirm complaints and/or investigations because they are by law confidential.

The Texas of Secretary of States office did not reply to our emails and calls. Eden Medical Spa did not respond to our emailed questions.

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The father of Jordan Neely, a homeless man who died after being placed in a chokehold by subway rider Daniel Penny, filed a civil lawsuit against Penny on Wednesday for negligent contact, assault and battery that led to Neelys death.

Penny, a 25-year-old former Marine, put Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, in a six-minute-long chokehold after Neely boarded a subway car acting erratically, according to police. Witnesses described Neely yelling and moving erratically, with Penny's attorneys calling Neely "insanely threatening," when Penny put Neely in a chokehold.

The city's medical examiner concluded Penny's chokehold killed Neely.

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The aforesaid incident, injuries, and death were caused by reason of defendant Daniel Pennys negligence, the lawsuit alleged.

Neelys father, Andre Zachery, requested damages in such sum as a jury may find reasonable, fair, and just.

MORE: Clubhouses offer potential solutions for those with severe mental illness

Penny is currently on trial for manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in Neely's May 2023 death. Penny, 25, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The jury is currently deliberating the criminal trial.

MORE: Daniel Penny's subway chokehold trial: The key takeaways

Zachery is present in court this morning, seated alone in the courtroom gallery a few rows back from the jury box.

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Our legal team remains focused on seeing Mr. Pennys criminal case through to acquittal," Penny's attorneys told ABC News in a statement. "We have yet to be served with any civil action, but will respond accordingly in due course.

Daniel Penny hit with new civil lawsuit from Jordan Neely's father amid criminal trial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Dec. 5Thirty-one year-old Trevon McClyde, formerly of Danville, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony, in November and was sentenced recently to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Following his imprisonment, McClyde will serve 12 months of mandatory supervised release.

Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that on July 10, just before 7 p.m., Danville Police Officers conducted a traffic stop for a violation of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code on a red, four door, Cadillac sedan in the area of East Williams Street. Upon approach of the vehicle, officers observed a large knife and an opened package of cannabis edibles in the backseat. The driver, McClyde, stated the knife was used for fishing and the edibles did not belong to him, police said.

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Upon further investigation, officers determined McClyde was a convicted felon. They then searched the rest of the vehicle and located a soft guitar case. Inside the case, officers located five live 12-gauge shotgun shells and a drum magazine. While being placed under arrest, police said, McClyde stated there was a rifle in the vehicle. A police search of the vehicle located an AK-47 platform rifle, a 30 round AK-47 magazine, an additional stock for the AK-47 platform rifle, a slide rail and 19 live rounds of ammunition.

"I would like to thank the Danville Police Department for their work to remove repeat offenders with illegal firearms from the streets of our community," State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said. "Together, we continue to make progress in protecting the citizens of Danville and holding violent criminals accountable."
A Dartmouth fraternity is being suspended after an a pledging member reported in September, 2024 that he was hazed back in August and September of this year.

The victim reported that he was struck multiple times with a wooden paddle during pledge events. Alongside that, the victim was also forced to eat an onion which made him puke, and then was pressured to eat the regurgitated onion.

The suspected individuals have been issued warrants and have been identified as:

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Alexisius Q. Jones, Dartmouth student, 22, of Fountain, CO, and member of Theta Beta Beta Fraternity. Summons was issued.

Milan Williams, Dartmouth Alumnus, 37, of Los Angeles CA. Graduate member of Omega Psi Phi. Warrant outstanding.

Gregory Dominique, 38, of Boston, MA, graduate member of Omega Psi Phi. Warrant Outstanding.

All are being charged with violation of RSA 631:7 Student Hazing a Class B misdemeanor.

Dartmouth has issued a statement:

Upon learning of these serious allegations, Dartmouth immediately alerted the Hanover Police Department and suspended the Greek organization Omega Psi Phi. This suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP)  Richard Andre Newman thought he would live the rest of his life in his quiet, leafy neighborhood in suburban Virginia. He was born and raised in Bren Mar Park, where children ride their bikes and neighbors wave hello.

But now, as hes approaching 60, hes considering selling his Fairfax County home and moving away. Thats because hes getting a new neighbor: Plaza 500, a 466,000-square-foot data center and an adjacent electrical substation to be built a few hundred feet from townhomes, playgrounds and a community center.

Newman feels helpless to stop it.

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I planned on staying here until I died, he said, until this came up.

The sprawling, windowless warehouses that hold rows of high-speed servers powering almost everything the world does on phones and computers are increasingly becoming fixtures of the American landscape, popping up in towns, cities and suburbs across the United States.

Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to move into more densely populated areas, abutting homes and schools, parks and recreation centers, some residents are pushing back against the worlds most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities.

Tyler Ray, a vocal critic of data centers and leader in the fight against the Virginia project, said the incentives offered are not enough to counteract the consequences of building a facility so close to homes.

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All that we are asking for is, as the county is trying to bring in this data center income, that they are doing it in a way that doesnt run residents away from their homes, he said.

Dotting the hills in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, more than 300 data centers dot the rolling hills of the areas westernmost counties. Cyclists who ride the popular Washington & Old Dominion trail are at times flanked by data centers, and the thousands of commuters who head into the nations capital each day can see them in the distance from the Metro.

Plaza 500, one of the latest proposals in the area, is encroaching on neighborhoods like never before, said Newman, who heads a homeowners association in the community.

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The pitch from Starwood Capital Group, the private investment firm founded by billionaire Barry Sternlicht, to Fairfax County officials promised a significant property tax boost and, in addition to permanent positions in the data center itself, hundreds of temporary construction and electrical jobs to build the facility.

Tyler Ray and his husband moved to the Bren Pointe community in 2022, hoping to balance proximity to Washington with a desire for green space.

But shortly after the couple moved in, Starwood Capital began scoping out a commercial property near their new home as a possible location for the Plaza 500 project.

When Ray and his neighbors learned of the proposal, they held protests, attended regular county meetings and drew media attention to their concerns to try and stop the development. But their efforts were largely unsuccessful: the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in September said all newly proposed data centers must adhere to stricter zoning rules, but the Plaza 500 project would be grandfathered in under the old rules.

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Ray worries that more data centers in the area could compromise the already stressed power grid: Over 25% of all power produced in Virginia in 2023 went to data centers, a figure that could rise as high as 46% by 2030 if data center growth continues at its current pace. Some estimates also show a mid-sized data center commands the same water usage every day as 1,000 households, prompting concerns over the cost of water. Ray also frets over air quality, as the massive diesel generators that help power the data centers hardware send plumes of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.

A spokesman for the firm declined to respond to questions for this story.

I dont know how a general resident, even someone who has been engaging intently on an issue, Ray said, has any chance to go up against the data center industry.

Local leaders say data centers provide a financial boon

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For local governments, attracting data centers to their municipalities means a financial boon: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in 2024 that Virginias existing data centers brought in $1 billion in tax revenue, more than the $750 million in tax breaks given to the tech companies that own them in 2023.

For average-sized facilities, data centers offer a small number of direct jobs  often fewer than 100 positions. Google announced recently that its two data centers in Loudoun County, which has about 440,000 residents, created only around 150 direct jobs. But data center advocates argue that the number of indirect jobs like construction, technology support and electrical work make the projects worthwhile. In that same announcement, Google said their investment spurred 2,730 indirect jobs.

Kathy Smith, the vice chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, voted in favor of the Plaza 500 proposal because, in her estimation, data center growth is inevitable in the region, and Fairfax County should reap the benefits.

I have a responsibility to step back from what we do and look at the big picture, Smith said. Data centers are not going away.

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Amazon data centers welcomed by some in Oregon county

On the other side of the country, in Morrow County, Oregon, Amazon Web Services has built at least five data centers surrounding the 4,200-person town of Boardman, nestled among vast stretches of farmland flecked with mint patches and wind turbines, next to the Columbia river.

Last year, AWS, which is owned by Amazon, paid roughly $34 million in property taxes and fees stipulated in the agreements after receiving a $66 million tax break. The company also paid out $10 million total in two, one-time payments to a community development fund and spent another $1.7 million in charitable donations in the community in 2023.

That money has been instrumental in updating infrastructure and bolstering services for the roughly 12,000-person county, going toward a new ladder fire engine, a school resource officer, police body cameras, and $5,000 grants for homebuyers among other things.

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Still, some residents are skeptical of the scale of tax break deals. Suspicions started years ago, when three formerly elected officials allegedly helped approve data center deals while owning a stake in a company that contracted with AWS to provide fiber optic cables for the data centers. In June, they each paid $2,000 to settle an ethics complaint against them.

Those officials are no longer in office. But some remain wary of the relationships between the company and local officials, and raised eyebrows at one of the latest data center deals which gives AWS an estimated $1 billion in tax breaks spread over the 15 years to build five new data centers.

Former county commissioner Jim Doherty described a meeting with AWS officials soon after he was elected to office at an upscale restaurant in Boardman, where large windows opened onto the Columbia River.

The AWS representatives asked what Doherty wanted to accomplish as a commissioner. They said, Tell us what your dreams are. Tell us what you need. Tell us what we can do for you, Doherty recalled. Other former officials have described similar interactions. Doherty said AWS didnt ask for anything in return, but the exchange left him uneasy.

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We engage with stakeholders in every community where we operate around the world, and part of that outreach is to better understand a communitys goals, said Kevin Miller, AWS' Vice President of global data centers. This helps AWS be a catalyst for communities to achieve those goals, and reflects our ongoing commitment to being good neighbors.

Doherty and another former county commissioner Melissa Lindsay said they pushed unsuccessfully in 2022 for AWS to pay more in taxes in new data center negotiations. They also lobbied to hire outside counsel to negotiate on their behalf, feeling outgunned by the phalanx of AWS-suited lawyers.

We didnt want to blow it up. We didnt want to run them off," said Lindsay. But there were better deals to be made.

Boardman Mayor Paul Keefer and Police Chief Rick Stokoe say their direct line to AWS allows them to get the most out of the company.

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This road right here? Wouldnt happen if it wasnt for AWS, said Keefer, riding in the passenger seat of Stokoes cruiser, pointing out the window at construction workers shifting dirt and laying pavement. Both Keefer and Stokoe have been in positions to vote on whether to authorize tax breaks for AWS.

These companies would not be here if they werent getting some kind of incentive, Stokoe said. There wouldnt be any money to talk about.

___ The Associated Press receives financial assistance from the Omidyar Network to support coverage of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. 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
* Evidence suggests that the Lobito Corridor project, though presented as an economic initiative, may primarily be a U.S. "rubber check" to African countries.

* Many African nations refer to cooperation with the West as "toxic aid," as it often comes with political strings attached, which can harm their economies, or even lead to regime change in extreme cases.

* For many on the continent, the pressing need is for partnerships that prioritize African development, not agendas shaped by external powers. As CNBC, an American news outlet, observed in a report on U.S. policy in Africa, "'America First' may put Africa last."

LUANDA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden visited oil-rich Angola from Monday to Wednesday, fulfilling a two-year-old promise to visit Africa, just as his term draws to a close.

The trip marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has traveled to sub-Saharan Africa since 2015, when then U.S. President Barack Obama visited Kenya and Ethiopia. It is also the first time an American head-of-state has visited Angola.

During the visit, Biden pledged another 600 million U.S. dollars for the Lobito Corridor, an infrastructure project led by Western enterprises and backed by the White House.

The Lobito Corridor refers to a railway network spanning over 2,000 km and connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Zambia. It includes the 1,344-km Benguela Railway, and a new greenfield railway planned as a branch line from Angola's existing network into northern Zambia.

The corridor aims to link Africa's resource-rich Copperbelt to the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting U.S. efforts to seek dominance in critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt, key components of green technology where Washington lags behind global competitors.

However, analysts caution that the project's future remains uncertain, particularly with a leadership change on the horizon in the United States. Moreover, given that past U.S. promises to African nations often lacked follow-through, many fear the initiative could become yet another empty commitment.

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a speech at Angola's National Museum of Slavery during his state visit to Angola in Luanda, Angola on Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua)





RUBBER CHECK

In September 2021, the Angolan government launched a public tender for the concession of the Lobito Corridor railway, including the operation, maintenance, and restoration of both the railway and the ore port. By July 2022, Angola announced that a Western consortium had secured the bid, leading to the establishment of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) company to oversee the project.

The United States and its European allies pledged funding for the project, which marks Washington's largest railway investment in Africa in decades, according to the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank.

A source familiar with the tender process revealed that the Western consortium won the concession by promising to build the greenfield railway. "Economically, their promise seems unfeasible," the source said anonymously.

A March report by Africa Intelligence, a Paris-based publication focusing on African affairs, raised concerns about the U.S. commitment. It noted that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a state agency financing the Lobito Corridor project, doubted the viability of the greenfield railway.

"The DFC has been studying the commercial interest of the Angola-Zambia segment since last July but is not convinced of its relevance. It would require the construction of an entirely new railway line in both countries, which would be much more expensive than rehabilitating the existing Angolan and Congolese lines," the report said.

The stretch from the Angolan-DRC border to the DRC's mining regions, which is the railway network's primary purpose to transfer minerals, remains defunct and requires extensive renovation. Mining companies in the DRC pointed out that the LAR has yet no plans to refurbish or construct this critical portion. Consequently, the Lobito Corridor risks becoming a "dead-end line" that fails to deliver the anticipated economic benefits.

The evidence suggests that the Lobito Corridor project, though presented as an economic initiative, may primarily be a U.S. "rubber check" to African countries.

"Angola is therefore only a platform for Biden to project U.S. global economic visibility, rather than a desire to drive inclusive development in Africa in a manner that can safeguard security and safety of ordinary people in Africa," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar.

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured during his state visit to Angola in Luanda, Angola, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua)

It also explains why the LAR delayed paying the concession fees long after winning the bid, prompting concerns within the Angolan government. Fearing the LAR might abandon the project, Angolan officials reportedly approached other bidders, offering them the opportunity to take over the project if they could pay the required fees.

A representative from one of the companies that had initially bid for the project told Xinhua: "The project originally had profit potential, allowing regional countries and companies to benefit together. However, after governments from Western countries like the United States intervened, the project was unnecessarily politicized. When Angolan officials privately asked if we could take over the project in case the Western consortium withdrew, we refused due to the political risks involved."

Over two years have passed since the Western consortium won the bid, yet no progress has been made on its construction. Instead, the consortium's management team has undergone frequent changes.

"The involvement of the United States and its European allies in the Lobito Corridor project indicates Washington's increasing willingness to use great power competition as an organizing framework for foreign policy. That, in turn, raises many questions about the efficacy and viability of the 'equal partnership' the Biden administration has articulated as part of its much-touted 'reset' of relations with African countries," said a report published by the Stimson Center, titled "The Empty Promises of the U.S.-EU Lobito Infrastructure Project."





TOXIC AID

The Lobito Corridor is not the first "empty promise" Washington has made in Africa, and it will not be the last.

Earlier this year, Biden pledged to continue supporting Kenya in building a 440-km highway connecting the capital Nairobi to the port city of Mombasa, with a projected investment of 3.6 billion dollars. However, a similar project which was agreed upon between Kenya and the United States back in 2017 and expected to be completed in 2024 had never broken ground.

In recent years, the DRC and Zambia signed separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the United States and the EU, aiming to establish special economic zones to process raw minerals into battery components and other preliminary products.

But progress remains elusive. As Harvard International Review noted in an article, "If these good intentions never advance beyond the MoU stage, they are worth as much as toilet paper."

However, "empty promises" are not the worst-case scenario for such cooperation or aid initiatives in Africa. Many African nations refer to cooperation with the West as "toxic aid," as it often comes with political strings attached, which can harm their economies, or even lead to regime change in extreme cases.

People participate in a rally in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dec. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

The United States, besides exerting pressure on African countries through multilateral institutions, also seeks to dominate African trade through bilateral agreements, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). While AGOA allows African goods to enter the U.S. market, it has evolved into a diplomatic "weapon" for interfering in African countries' internal affairs.

In 2023, the Biden administration excluded Niger, Gabon, Uganda, and the Central African Republic from AGOA for alleged "gross violations" of human rights or failure to establish "political pluralism and the rule of law."

Susan Muhwezi, Uganda's Senior Presidential Advisor on AGOA & Trade, warned that this decision would severely harm Ugandan exporters, which would amount to a "violation of human rights." Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni criticized Washington for manipulating and lecturing countries with different values, saying "Stop manipulations and lectures to the societies that are different from yours."

The Institute for Security Studies Africa, Africa's leading think tank on security policy, said that for many African nations, "the biggest bugbear of AGOA is that they feel the U.S. wields it like the 'sword of Damocles,' undermining their political autonomy on the global stage and imposing the U.S. ideology on their sovereignty."





AFRICA LEFT LAST

Whether it is the Lobito Corridor project or AGOA, the shadow of economic sanctions looms behind the U.S. foreign policy in Africa. Despite Washington's pledge to establish equal partnerships with African countries, its hegemonic practices, marked by interference and sanctions, persist.

Africa remains one of the regions most heavily affected by sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western nations. Among these, Zimbabwe has borne the brunt, enduring prolonged and severe sanctions.

In 2001, the United States enacted its sanctions on Zimbabwe, which have over two decades significantly hindered Zimbabwe's economy, industrial growth, and public welfare. The sanctions were widely regarded as a primary factor in the country's prolonged economic stagnation and declining living conditions.

In 2023, Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga estimated that these sanctions had cost the country 150 billion dollars in economic losses, highlighting the severe impact of U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe's poverty and instability.

Rutendo Matinyarare, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement, has called these sanctions "a tool of neo-colonialism," emphasizing that they come from "the same toolbox of coercion used to enslave and colonize Africans."

Protesters attend a demonstration near the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Oct. 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

Zimbabwe is not an isolated case. The United States has imposed sanctions on several other African countries, including the Central African Republic, the DRC, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, causing significant harm to their social, economic, and human rights development.

"The key is the perception that America perpetuates hegemonic relations with Africa, reeking of neocolonial tendencies where the United States is all-powerful. Africa desires development, like investments, trade, infrastructure development, and technology transfer, but these are not coming from the U.S.," said Adhere.

At the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022, Biden said "I'm looking forward to hearing more from all of you about the issues and priorities that matter most to Africa and how we can deepen our cooperation. And I emphasize 'cooperation'."

However, many critics argue that the so-called "cooperation" from the United States is not rooted in mutual benefit or win-win outcomes, but rather serves as a vehicle for advancing its own global political and economic interests.

"The United States operates under political motives rather than genuine economic partnerships," said Francisco Viana, president of the Luanda Business Association. "We want a different approach, one similar to China's proposal."

For many on the continent, the pressing need is for partnerships that prioritize African development, not agendas shaped by external powers. As CNBC, an American news outlet, observed in a report on U.S. policy in Africa, "'America First' may put Africa last."

(Video reporters: Zeng Tao, Dai He, James; video editors: Li Ziwei, Zheng Qingbin)
To investigate unintentional shootings involving children in Wisconsin, we had some simple goals: We wanted to be as complete as possible and we wanted to reveal something new that readers may not know.

We would like to think we accomplished both. Here is how we did it:

Data was key as we set out to figure out how often children are hurt or killed in accidental shootings and how those cases are handled in the criminal justice system.

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We analyzed unintentional gun death data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over roughly 20 years. (It is important to note the CDC uses the term unintentional not accidental when referring to such cases to underscore the preventability of these incidents, a CDC spokeswoman said.)

Mike Desisti, a visual journalist with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, photographs a family in April for an investigation into unintentional shootings involving children.

We also searched media accounts using online search tools and the publicly available databases of two gun safety groups, Gun Violence Archive and Everytown for Gun Safety.

To learn how such cases are handled in the criminal justice system, we analyzed data from Wisconsins Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) with the assistance of Journal Sentinel data reporter Eva Wen and Branden DuPont, deputy director of analytics at Loyola Universitys Center for Criminal Justice in Chicago.

From CCAP, we extracted every case charged over the past 20 years under a 1991 statute created specifically to address accidental shootings.

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Reporter John Diedrich and former intern Ben Schultz collected every criminal complaint for about 50 cases and coded them for factors such as the defendants relationship to the victim, how the gun was stored and why the gun was purchased.

Theron Rogers, a CCW instructor and director of sales and purchasing for Prolific Arms LLC, work with Savana Pettis, of Milwaukee, in safely loading and unloading a firearm as her boyfriend, Joel Santa Maria, of Milwaukee, looks on during a CCW firearm safety training course at Prolific Arms LLC on South 60th Street in West Allis on Monday, March 11, 2024.

After Diedrich requested records from the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office and the Milwaukee Police Department, it became clear that unintentional shootings involving children are charged in different ways in different counties. In Milwaukee, the team found such cases are almost always charged as felonies under a different state law.

The team sought to find every accidental shooting case through this layered approach. However, because the cases are charged differently, some cases were likely missed.

All told, the team examined roughly 130 criminal cases statewide dating back nearly 20 years, but results are based on data from 2016 to 2024 as that data is more complete. Through media accounts, the team also examined nearly 200 incidents, charged and uncharged, going back to 2005.

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The team also examined unintentional shootings during gun hunting seasons, analyzing data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and assembled by Wen.

Diedrich attended more than a dozen court hearings and interviewed dozens of people including defendants, victims, firearms instructors, prosecutors, defense lawyers, public health researchers, elected officials and law enforcement officers. He and visual journalist Mike De Sisti attended gun training classes, a home safety tour and talked with families affected by charging decisions.

Reporter John Diedrich can be reached at jdiedrich@gannett.com.

About this project

The O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism sponsored this work.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter John Diedrich examined the full extent of gun deaths in Wisconsin during a nine-month OBrien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University.

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The project reveals the full picture of gun deaths in the state and tells the stories of people affected by gun deaths and those trying to find solutions.

Marquette University and administrators of the program played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Data, sources behind our Wisconsin accidental shootings investigation
(WHTM)  Another set of allegations was lodged at a Dauphin County Commission meeting.

This time, Commissioner Justin Douglas asserts that the process to award a bridge inspection contract appears tainted. He said email discussions with engineers included former commissioner Jeff Haste and consultant Mike Musser, even though Haste and Musser had no official involvement. Douglas wants to restart the whole process with better guardrails in place.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

I dont think it does the public good when we dont have a transparent, clear process, that is without external influence, Douglas said. So thats going to be my position on everything moving forward.

The other two commissioners, George Hartwig and Mike Pries said they share some of Douglass concerns, but they dont want to start the process over to avoid the risk of losing federal and state funding.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Political commentator David Frum joined MSNBCs Morning Joe Wednesday to discuss allegations of heavy drinking against Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. Frum introduced the story with a joke about Fox News, which then prompted MSNBC to issue an apology. In a written response in the Atlantic, Frum warned such an act is a very ominous thing ahead of Trumps return to the White House.

NBC published a report Tuesday that revealed former colleagues of Hegseths at Fox News were deeply concerned about his drinking habits. Two people interviewed said they smelled alcohol on Hegseth before he went on the air, with one person noting that they noticed the smell as recently as November.

The report was a follow-up to a New Yorker piece published Sunday that revealed there were similar concerns about Hegseth when he was head of Concerned Veterans for America from 2013-2016.

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When Frum began the segment Wednesday, he joked, If youre too drunk for Fox News, youre very, very drunk indeed. During the commercial break that followed, he wrote in the Atlantic, a producer objected to my comments about Fox and warned me not to repeat them. The topic didnt come back up and Frum departed the set.

Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski then read an apology for Frums comments. Brzezinski and her husband co-host Joe Scarborough came under fire in November after a visit the pair paid to Trump at Mar-a-Lago was made public.

A little bit earlier in this block there was a comment made about Fox News, in our coverage about Pete Hegseth and the growing number of allegations about his behavior over the years and possible addiction to alcohol or issues with alcohol, Brzezinski said on Morning Joe.

The comment was a little too flippant for this moment that were in. We just want to make that comment as well. We want to make that clear. We have differences in coverage with Fox News, and thats a good debate that we should have often, but right now I just want to say theres a lot of good people who work at Fox News who care about Pete Hegseth, and we will want to leave it at that.

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In his follow-up piece, Frum agreed there are good people at Fox News but added that if the report from NBC is to be believed, many of those same good people have failed to report publicly that their former colleague, appointed to lead the armed forces of the United States, was notorious in their own building for his drinking.

Frum also expressed empathy for the fact that the popularity of Morning Joe has in turn exposed the hosts and producers to extraordinary pressures and threats in the Trump era, especially due to the President-elects own claims that he will retaliate against those in the media he feels have spoken badly about him.

He took responsibility for the comment (my face was on the screen, my name was on the chyron, and anyone who took offense knows whom to blame, Frum writes) but added a chill warning: It is a very ominous thing if our leading forums for discussion of public affairs are already feeling the chill of intimidation and responding with efforts to appease.

I do not write to scold anyone; I write because fear is infectious. Let it spread, and it will paralyze us all, Frum continued. The only antidote is courage. And thats infectious, too.

Joe and Mika have consistently expressed their strong reservations and perspectives regarding Pete Hegseths nomination from the very beginning, and that stance remains unchanged.



We would have responded in the same manner regardless of when these comments were made or what news  Richard Hudock (@richardhudock) December 4, 2024

Frum was invited back to Morning Joe Thursday morning by NBCs VP of communications, Richard Hudock. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter, We would have responded in the same manner regardless of when these comments were made or what news organization was referenced.

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We have great respect for @davidfrum and his contributions; he is a valued member of the @Morning_Joe family. We invite him to join us tomorrow to discuss this topic and other pressing news stories of the day.

The post David Frum Says MSNBCs Efforts to Appease Trump by Apologizing for His Joke About Pete Hegsesths Drinking Are Very Ominous appeared first on TheWrap.
UPDATE: Authorities said the FWC Dive Team has located the body of Benjamin Godwin. This is an active investigation and no further information has been provided at this time.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The search continues in the Choctawhatchee Bay for a missing boater in Walton County.

According to officials, the young man has been missing since Tuesday night after he had trouble with his vessel.

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The Walton County Sheriffs Office said the missing boater is 35-year-old Benjamin Lee Godwin. The search began late Tuesday night after deputies said he called his wife and told her his boat was taking on water.

Multi-agency effort assists in search for missing boater in Choctawhatchee Bay

Crews found his boat Wednesday, but no sign of Godwin, officials confirmed.

This Thursday is day 3 of the search in the Choctowhatchee Bay. Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and Walton County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit, are exhausting all search efforts in hopes of finding him.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  On this day eight years ago, a North Carolina man fired a gun in a D.C. pizzeria while investigating an election-related conspiracy theory.

On Dec. 4, 2016, D.C. police detained 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch of North Carolina.

Evidence presented during the subsequent court case said that Welch brought three loaded weapons  including an AR-15 assault rifle  to D.C. and drove directly to the Comet Ping Pong restaurant in Northwest.

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He was carrying the AR-15 openly, with one hand on the pistol grip, and the other hand on the hand guard around the barrel, such that anyone with an unobstructed view could see the gun, a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said.

13-year-old girl sentenced in killing of 64-year-old DC man

Welch told police that he was investigating unfounded internet rumors about prominent Democrats harboring child sex slaves at the restaurant  a conspiracy later dubbed pizzagate, the Associated Press reported.

Customers and employees were able to flee safely, and Welch started his solo investigation of the restaurant, according to the USAO. At one point, he fired a gun at a locked door to gain access.

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The USAO said that shortly after this, an unaware employee walked into the restaurant carrying pizza dough. Welch turned toward the employee with his assault rifle still out, and the employee was able to escape.

After he spent over 20 minutes alone in the restaurant and realized that there were no children being held in Comet Ping Pong, Welch surrendered to D.C. police.

In June of 2017, Welch was sentenced to four years in prison and was directed to pay over $5,700 to cover property damage he caused.

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On the same day they informed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's family of his murder in New York City, police in Maple Grove, Minn., also investigated a bomb scare at the slain executive's home.

Thompson was fatally shot just before 6:45 a.m. ET of Wednesday, Dec. 4, by a masked man outside the New York Hilton Midtown.

A Maple Grove police computer-aided dispatch (CAD) report obtained by PEOPLE notes that a New York Police Department called the Minnesota department just before 8:15 a.m. CT requesting that they notify Thompson's next-of-kin, his wife, Paulette Thompson.

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Hours later, Maple Grove police say that a bomb threat was received at around 7 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson's residence. No suspicious devices or items were found. Police said the incident appears to have been a hoax and they are investigating.

A CAD report of the incident reveals that Maple Grove's city attorney received the threat in an email. The email claimed that a pipe bomb had been dropped off.

A bomb squad was deployed to the location but did not find any explosives. Police interviewed several people at the scene, including family members, all of whom said they hadn't seen anything suspicious.

Related: UnitedHealthcare CEO Was Separated from Wife at Time of Midtown Manhattan Fatal Shooting: Report

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The Wall Street Journal reported that Brian and Paulette Thompson had been separated for years before his murder and that the UnitedHealthcare CEO lived in a separate residence close to the home where his wife and two sons live.

Paulette spoke to NBC News on Wednesday and said that prior to his death, Brian had been receiving threats.

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.

Yes, there had been some threats basically I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, Paulette told the outlet. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

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The NYPD is still searching for the man who killed Thompson, who fled the scene on a bicycle. On Thursday, Dec. 4, the department released pictures of an unidentified "person of interest" wanted for questioning.

Read the original article on People
Dec. 4A Dayton man is facing dozens of charges after a task force told local police that his accounts had child sexual abuse material on them.

Jeffrey Ryan Dennis, 36, was indicted in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on 31 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and 42 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.

Dennis is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 19, according to court documents. At the time of writing, he was not in the Montgomery County Jail, but a warrant was issued for his arrest.

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According to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office, Dennis was charged after the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force told the Dayton Police Department that his accounts had child sexual abuse material on them.

None of the images were believed to be local children, the prosecutor's office said.
Washington D.C.s attorney general sued Amazon Wednesday, alleging that the e-commerce giant secretly excluded residents of two ZIP codes from accessing expedited delivery provided by its Amazon Prime service.

Attorney general Brian Schwalb accuses the tech titan of relying exclusively on third-party services such as UPS and USPS to conduct last-mile deliveries in ZIP codes 20019 and 20020, impacting roughly 48,000 Prime members across both areas.

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As a result, the AG argues that Amazon has collectively charged the residents millions of dollars for a service they do not receive, as the decision led to a significant decrease in the speed and quality of Prime deliveries compared to those in neighboring D.C. ZIP codes.

Amazon began instituting the alleged delivery exclusions in June 2022, the lawsuit says. Both allegedly impacted counties are low income compared to the rest of Washington D.C., with the lawsuit indicating that 20019 residents have a median household income of $53,394 and 20020 residents have a median household income of $48,106.

The resulting harm of Amazons secret exclusion on Prime members in the excluded ZIP codes is more pronounced than it would be on consumers elsewhere in the District, the complaint read. Residents in 20019 and 20020 live in an area of the District east of the Anacostia River that has fewer services and retail establishments nearby. Accordingly, these consumers turn to companies like Amazon to fill the gap to quickly deliver essential goods that they cannot easily find locally.

The 24-page complaint illustrates a substantial divide between the timing of deliveries both before and after the June 2022 exclusions took place.

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In 2021, more than 72 percent of Prime packages in 20019 and 20020 were delivered within two days of checkout, higher than the 67 percent rate for packages delivered districtwide.

However, the numbers the next year see a major decline across the impacted ZIP codes, with only 48 percent of Prime packages making it to their destination within the two-day timeframe. This is significantly lower than the 69 percent two-day delivery rate across D.C.

The gap grew wider in 2023, the first full year after Amazon allegedly implemented the changes. While only 24 percent of Prime packages across both ZIP codes delivered within two days of checkout, more than 74 percent were delivered in that same stint districtwide.

Amazon fiercely denied any allegations of discriminatory or deceptive business practices, calling them categorically false in a statement.

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We want to be able to deliver as fast as we possibly can to every zip code across the country, however, at the same time we must put the safety of delivery drivers first, said Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel in a statement. In the ZIP codes in question, there have been specific and targeted acts against drivers delivering Amazon packages. We made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers.

The company said Amazon drivers in these ZIP codes have endured repeated instances of carjacking, vehicle theft, armed robbery, assault and other forms of gun violence. According to Nantel, Amazon offered to work with AG Schwalb to reduce crime and improve safety in these areas.

And were always transparent with customers during the shopping journey and checkout process about when, exactly, they can expect their orders to arrive, Nantel said. Nevertheless, we will proceed in the process and demonstrate that providing fast and accurate delivery times and prioritizing the safety of customers and delivery partners are not mutually exclusive.

A search on Amazon when using the 20019 and 20020 ZIP codes as a delivery destination still shows the free Prime delivery option with the expected date of arrival. Searches for products on Dec. 5 showed a delivery date of Dec. 7 at the earliest, with many ranging through Dec. 9-10, indicating that Prime members ordering from the area are made aware at the point of purchase when they are expected to receive their package.

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And although Amazons Prime membership benefits officially include both free one- and two-day delivery, the company points out in its eligibility messaging: Delivery benefits and speeds vary from item to item, and not all benefits and speeds are available in all areas.

Schwalbs complaint acknowledges that Amazon has an internal policy in which the company may choose to limit or suspend delivery to a single address, block, community or an entire ZIP code when its own drivers are presented with an incident of violence, intimidation or harassment.

Exclusions are part of that policy. If an area gets imposed with an exclusion, Amazon will suspend the use of its own delivery vehicles and only use USPS and UPS for last-mile delivery in the excluded area, the suit points out.

However, the lawsuit contends that Amazon doesnt disclose these policies to customers, and doesnt publicly acknowledge that entire ZIP codes may be excluded and relegated to slower delivery speeds.

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While Amazon has every right to make operational changes, it cannot covertly decide that a dollar in one ZIP code is worth less than a dollar in another, said Attorney General Schwalb in a statement. Were suing to stop this deceptive conduct and make sure District residents get what theyre paying for.

Schwalb also accused the online marketplace of failing to notify consumers in both ZIP codes that their addresses are excluded from Amazons delivery service, and omitting the fact that consumers will therefore receive slower shipping speeds despite paying the same Prime membership fee as those in neighboring ZIP codes.

Citing a customer exchange on Twitter in December 2022, the suit identified that the @AmazonHelp account said a late delivery to 20020 is never on purpose or out of malice, even though the delay would stem from Amazons decision to have third parties deliver in the ZIP code.

With the complaint, the office wants to stop Amazon from engaging in the alleged unfair and deceptive practices. It also seeks to obtain restitution and damages for affected Prime members in the two ZIP codes, as well as civil penalties and costs.
GILES COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Middle Tennessee sheriff said a dangerous man connected to a murder inside a religious group is off the streets.

According to Giles County Sheriff Joseph Purvis, the suspect  identified as Adam Rosenthal  recently joined the Twelve Tribes community and killed one of its members.

Adam Rosenthal is a dangerous man, said Purvis. I am glad hes in jail. The community is safer because of it.

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PREVIOUS: Man facing multiple charges after body found by Giles County barn

The Giles County Sheriffs Office reported Rosenthal stabbed Darren Gambrel to death in November. Investigators added both men were part of the Twelve Tribes community.

[Gambrel] was stabbed multiple times, Purvis told News 2. His body was under a piece of farm equipment, looked like it had been placed there in an effort to conceal it.

Rosenthal is believed to have recently joined the community after experiencing homelessness. Both men reportedly worked at the Yellow Deli in Pulaski.

That doesnt happen here: Witnesses recall high-speed chase involving box truck in Columbia

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They took him in, gave him shelter, and gave him work. Hed been with them for around six months, so the victim and Mr. Rosenthal knew each other through that, Purvis said.

In April, Rosenthal was reported missing from Gainesville, Florida. Officials added that he is wanted for questioning for violent crimes that occurred there.

Additionally, Rosenthal is accused of being involved in a Georgia murder that happened six months ago.

According to officials, its likely that he will face a judge in Tennessee first and remain in Giles County Jail.

Its a tragedy that Mr. Gambrel lost his life, but I expect that Adam Rosenthal is responsible for some other major crimes in the Southeast, Purvis expressed.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

News 2 reached out to Gambrels family, who, were told, are not part of the Twelve Tribes community. As of publication, we have not heard back.

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Deputies in Giles County said they havent had a run in with Rosenthal before the deadly stabbing occurred. He was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault resulting in death, and tampering with evidence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Imagine a hospital where you're greeted by an intelligent robot, and artificial intelligence (AI) technology ensures you receive detailed diagnostic notes swiftly.

In Wuzhen, a small town in east China's Zhejiang Province, an AI-empowered hospital has served thousands of patients since it opened last year. With fewer than ten human doctors and a team of intelligent triage robots, the hospital is at the forefront of integrating technology into healthcare.

Applying AI technology, this hospital has upgraded services such as medical examinations, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation.

Local resident Zhu Weibin recently underwent an AI-based liver function test at the hospital. An automatically generated report diagnosed him with a fatty liver, with AI helping to make the diagnostic indicator of fatty liver accurate to five percent from 30 percent.

"It enables me to intervene in the disease process at an earlier stage," Zhu said.

With the rapid advancement of AI technology, its applications in medical diagnosis and treatment are becoming increasingly widespread in China.

An "AI hospital" model, powered by a large-scale AI system developed at a research institution, is capable of "reading" medical literature and "treating" virtual patients. This cutting-edge system evolves through self-learning and could potentially assist human doctors in real-world medical scenarios in the future.

Another AI medical model developed by a team in Shanghai has successfully "passed" the national medical licensing examination.

By inputting patient complaints, medical history, and physical examination results, the model can provide diagnostic support and recommendations for further treatment.

Large models can process thousands of medical textbooks, enabling them to compare CT images with precision. They utilize smart monitoring beds equipped with vision and tactile sensors to issue early warnings and quickly retrieve medical records to aid in decision-making.

As China looks for new solutions to the challenges posed by an aging population, growing cases of chronic illnesses, and disparities in access to medical resources, more hospitals are incorporating AI technology, benefiting both patients and medical professionals.

A doctor shared a real-life case in which a child was hospitalized twice over nearly a year before experts diagnosed a rare autoimmune disease. AI, however, reached the same conclusion in just a few minutes.

Despite AI's ability to significantly improve the efficiency of image analysis, prescription review, and diagnosis, the final decision remains in the hands of the human doctor.

In November, China's National Health Commission (NHC) and other departments jointly issued the guidelines for AI application scenarios in the health sector.

Covering 84 specific scenarios across categories including medical service management, primary public health services, health industry development, and medical education and research, the guidelines aim to fully leverage AI's advantages.

In this document, from assisting diagnosis and decision-making to treatment planning and surgery -- the keyword "assistance" dominates AI healthcare, as AI serves to support human professionals.

While this medical innovation is advancing rapidly, China has also taken steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI medical applications.

The National Medical Products Administration has released a set of guiding principles for the classification of AI medical software products, clarifying the criteria for managing AI medical software products.

Most of the research related to AI medical devices in China focuses on medical imaging while research in decision-making algorithms remains largely undeveloped, according to You Mao, deputy director of the China National Health Development Research Center under the NHC.

There is still a lack of high-quality data, and a mechanism for real-world data application also needs to be established, You suggested.

Liu Hui, director of the institute of medical information at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, highlighted the importance of establishing and refining scientific, reasonable regulatory policies and technical systems.

These measures can ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI technology in healthcare, providing a better experience and higher-quality medical services for both patients and healthcare professionals, Liu said. 
A death investigation is underway in Maine after a hunter found a man dead in Edgecomb, state police said Wednesday.

At around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call from a hunter who discovered an adult man dead near the Schmid Land Preserve on Old County Road in Edgecomb.

Detectives with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mans death.

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The body was taken to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death and to positively identify the man.

Edgecomb is a small town along the Maine coast, south of Augusta. The towns population was 1,188 at the 2020 census.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The defeat of Kamala Harris in the presidential election had a dual effect on her supporters, including those in DC tied to the issue-based groups that support the party.

On one hand, it effected a kind of malaise across a city now resigned to the return of Donald Trump and the likely erasure of many Democratic policy gains  meager as they were  made under four years of Bidens presidency. Feelings of anger and despair are palpable as various factions of the party issue their respective postmortems, coming up with differing reasons for the partys losses.

Another result of Harriss defeat is a sudden push by those issue advocacy groups to solidify what progress can be made permanent within the next few weeks. The judiciary is one arena where this push is pronounced, as the Senate rushes to confirm judges before the Republican majority takes power in January.

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The real focus for many, however, is on not the judges but those already within the federal prison system. Advocates of criminal justice reform who pushed (unsuccessfully) for the Biden administration to fully decriminalize possession of marijuana at the federal level are now holding out hope that the White House will commute the sentences of more nonviolent drug offenders before January 20. Theyre especially hopeful in the wake of the president issuing a pardon for his son Hunter  despite promising repeatedly that he wouldnt.

On death row, another more desperate argument is being made. The ACLU and other supporters of progressive reforms to the US justice system, remembering the effort by Trump to speed up federal executions in 2020 before he left office, are encouraging Biden to take the opposite approach and commute the sentences of some or all of those awaiting execution.

Cassy Stubbs, who directs the ACLUs Capital Punishment Project, is clear: The most important thing that we can all do...is calling on President Biden to commute the Row. The most important thing we can do is make it impossible for Donald Trump to carry out that kind of execution rate again.

Were we more hopeful that Biden would have been bold early in his administration? Yes, she adds, in an interview with The Independent. He did immediately  or under the DoJ, Merrick Garland did immediately  suspend executions. So that was a big change from Donald Trumps term. But other than that, you know, we did not see the kind of bold action that his campaign had contemplated working to end the death penalty.

Avocates say the death penalty is an issue on which Biden promised in 2020 to push to change in Congress  but never did. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Many supporters of criminal justice reform say that the death penalty is an issue on which Biden has betrayed his own 2020 campaign promises, pointing to his low commutation rate as proof that the White House did not do all it could to move the issue.

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His 2020 campaign website addressed the issue, according to records from Politifact: "Because we cannot ensure we get death penalty cases right every time, Biden will work to pass legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level, and incentivize states to follow the federal government's example."

But the incumbent president never used the White Houses bully pulpit to advocate for legislation in Congress to end the federal death penalty, even during his short-lived simultaneous Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. Legislation introduced under his term that would have done so died without floor votes in either chamber.

On Capitol Hill, the push for him to act in his final weeks is now winning support.

The presidents pardon of his son Hunter, despite explicit promises not to do so, have thrown his pardon and commutation records in new light. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Its less about the fact that the president pardoned his son and more about the fact that he's only really pardoning his son when there are, in fact, many people, including Leonard Peltier, as well as several other cases... who should be taken off death row, and who are facing the end of their lives if this president does not act, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent on Tuesday.

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I hope that we see far, far, far more commutations and clemencies that are provided because the current administration has issued a record-low number, the New York congresswoman continued. And what I would hate to see is President Biden leaving office with less commutations and clemency issuances than even President Trump provided.

Biden has commuted the sentences of 131 people and pardoned 26 since taking office. His predecessor issued clemency to 237 people during his first presidency, including 143 pardons and 94 sentences commuted. A number of Trumps pardons were political allies of his, including Steve Bannon, his former White House chief strategist. Bidens most famous pardon was political, too  his own son had been charged with lying about his history of drug abuse on a form submitted while purchasing a firearm.

Yasmin Cader, director of the ACLUs Trone Center for Justice and Equality, said in a statement: The death penalty is a morally bankrupt and inescapably racist institution. President Biden came into office committing to abolishing the federal death penalty because of its fundamental flaws. Commuting the federal row is the way he can honor that commitment, and prevent irreversible miscarriages of justice.
Before their names became etched on tombstones, Porsha Ngumezi and Nevaeh Crain were excited mothers-to-be. Ngumezi, a charter school finance manager in the Houston area, hoped to give her two sons a baby sister. Crain, a recent high school graduate who lived in East Texas, was expecting her first child.

But these women had the deadly misfortune of suffering miscarriages in 2023, after Texas strict abortion bans went into effect and doctors and hospitals became hesitant to provide standard miscarriage care.

Ngumezis heart stopped in June 2023 after hours of heavy bleeding that wasnt properly treated. Crain, ravaged by infection, died of organ failure that October, despite pleading for help in three trips to hospital emergency rooms over a 20-hour period.

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Recent reporting by ProPublica brought their stories to light. Yet their cases  and who knows how many others from 2022 and 2023  will never appear in the official review by Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, the state panel tasked with studying serious complications and pregnancy-related deaths in order to inform lawmakers.

The stated reasons are frustratingly bureaucratic. Buried in a years-long backlog, the committee decided to drop all 2022 and 2023 cases. Its next report, slated to be published by September 2026, will contain the 2021 cases already under review, then jump ahead to 2024 cases.

We just need to move forward, to have the most recent, the most actionable information that the review committee can make, Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, told me after the Washington Post first reported the committee's decision last week.

He noted the report published by the committee this year covered cases from 2019 and 2020, providing data that now feels out-of-date. We can't be as far behind as we have been, Van Deusen said.

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The backlog is real, but this solution is deeply troubling. Skipping over 2022 and 2023 erases an essential study of the earliest years under Texas abortion bans.

At best, it deprives lawmakers of a key review to help them improve their policies. At worst, it quietly absolves those who championed Texas abortion bans by keeping two years worth of the collateral damage out of view.

Van Deusen said skipping over 2022 and 2023 had nothing to do with the abortion issue, or trying to hide that or suppress that in any way.

But you can see why others are skeptical.

We just have to read all the stories out there about women who have not received all the necessary treatment for complications in pregnancy, state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, who chairs the Texas Womens Health Caucus in the Texas House, told me this week. Its clear there is politically damaging information that would be discovered if those cases were analyzed.

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Even if you take the committee at its word, this is the wrong approach. If Texas has so many dangerous and deadly pregnancies that researchers are struggling to keep up, we should be studying more of this problem, not less of it.

Instead, as my colleague Bayliss Wagner reported earlier this year, Texas law prohibits the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee from examining any deaths involving a person who recently had an abortion.

And now, in skipping all other cases from 2022 and 2023, the committee is looking away from Ngumezi, Crain and who knows how many others like them  women who were carrying much-wanted pregnancies, only to suffer complications or die because they couldnt get the miscarriage care they needed.

Plus, going forward, the committee will no longer review all cases of maternal complications and deaths, but a representative sample. Other states use this approach, handling annual reviews swiftly so the committee doesnt get backlogged again.

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Had the new sampling methodology been in place for the last report, epidemiologist Savannah Larimore told the committee in September, it would have taken only nine months (instead of 27) to review 2019 cases, and only 12 months (instead of 32) to review 2020 cases.

But we sacrifice the full picture  a study of all cases  in the process.

Each legislative session brings new laws that reach further into the lives of pregnant Texans, sometimes fatefully so. Yet instead of finding ways to examine the full impact  by bringing more researchers on board, for instance  Texas is paring back its reviews.

A deadly problem grows, and our official documentation of it shrinks.

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Grumet is the Statesmans Metro columnist. Her column, ATX in Context, contains her opinions. Share yours via email at bgrumet@statesman.com, or via X or Bluesky at @bgrumet. Find her previous work at statesman.com/opinion/columns.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Maternal mortality in first years of TX abortion ban should be studied
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised female members of the armed forces, while his potential replacement, Pete Hegsethwho has said women have no place in combattries to shore up confirmation support among Republican senators.

In a West Point address Wednesday, Austin recalled one experience while serving in Iraq in 2003, in which he positioned his command post near the action.

I told my team, Look, we need to win this fight, so I need to be at the front, Austin told the audience. I know what will happen to me if Im captured. I have no intention of being captured, and I will fight to the last bullet. But the risks are serious. I am enormously proud of all of you, and that wont ever change. So, if anyone here thinks that they cant deploy forward, I fully understand, and no one will ever think any less of you."

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Austin continued: The women and men of that incredible team looked at me, and finally one of the women popped up and said, Sir, what are you talking about?

The women of the U.S. military face the same dangers, show the same courage, and deliver the same excellence as their male counterparts. Any military that turns away talent makes itself weaker. pic.twitter.com/31Kxgr0anQ  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) December 5, 2024

The women on his team didnt flinch, he said, even though the risks to them in some ways were greater than to the men.

That is who the women of the United States military are. Everywhere Ive gone on a battlefield, Ive seen women fighting for America. They are incredibly capable, incredibly accomplished, and incredibly brave.

On his official social media account, Austin posted a similar message.

The women of the U.S. military face the same dangers, show the same courage, and deliver the same excellence as their male counterparts, he wrote on X. Any military that turns away talent makes itself weaker.

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Austin didnt mention Hegseth directly in this address, but the context was obvious.

Just last month, before Donald Trump nominated him as defense secretary, Hegseth told a podcaster, Im straight-up just saying we should not have women in combat roles.

Weve all served with women, and theyre great, he argued. Its just our institutions dont have to incentivize that in places where traditionallynot traditionally, over human historymen in those positions are more capable.

Women were banned from combat roles until 2013. By the end of 2022, they comprised 17.5 percent of the active duty force, according to the Defense Department.

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Austin said that reinstating such a ban would be moving backwards.

If I get a little fired up about this, its just because this isnt 1950. It isnt 1948, he said, alluding to the desegregation of the military. It is 2024, and we need each and every citizen who steps up to wear the cloth of our nation.
On December 3, Chi-Chi's Restaurants LLC and Hormel Foods Corporation made an announcement that few people would have expected: Chi-Chi's restaurants are back. Michael McDermott, founder of Chi-Chi's Restaurants LLC and son of original Chi-Chi's co-founder Marno McDermott, will spearhead the relaunch with the first restaurants opening in 2025. According to McDermott, the new restaurants will keep the "same great taste and Mexican flavor" as the original Chi-Chi's while offering an updated approach that will appeal to today's restaurant customers.

CNN reports that McDermott brings not only his family's long association with Chi-Chi's but also years of restaurant industry expertise to this comeback effort. McDermott founded the Kona Grill restaurant chain, selling it to The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc., parent company of STK steakhouses, in 2019. McDermott is also the founder of Rojo Mexican Grill, which currently has two locations in Minnesota.

Prandium, Inc., the parent company of the original Chi-Chi's restaurant chain, filed for bankruptcy in 2002. The last surviving Chi-Chi's restaurant, located in Vienna, Austria, closed in 2024.

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[Image by Tauralbus via Flickr | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-2.0]

Read more: 29 Popular Bottled Water Brands, Ranked Worst To Best

Chi-Chi's Closure Happened Under A Cloud Of Controversy

Chi-Chi's in Brussels, Belgium - Sarah Stierch/Flickr

Michael McDermott is facing some obstacles as he works to revive the Chi-Chi's restaurant brand. While many people are familiar with Chi-Chi's salsa and other Mexican food products, which can be found at many grocery stores, they may still associate the Chi-Chi's restaurant experience with pinatas, serapes, and giant sombreros  definitely not typical Mexican restaurant decor today. McDermott's plans to update the new Chi-Chi's restaurants while keeping its Tex-Mex flavors will help resolve this issue.

What some people remember best about Chi-Chi's, however, might take longer to overcome. In 2003, after its parent company had filed for bankruptcy, a hepatitis A outbreak was traced to green onions served at a Chi-Chi's restaurant in Monaca, Pennsylvania. Over 650 people came down with hepatitis A, with four people dying. Even though Prandium was already in bankruptcy proceedings, people could file claims against Chi-Chi's over the hepatitis A outbreak, thanks to a bankruptcy court ruling. The company eventually settled with the 9,489 people who had to get immune globulin shots to protect against hepatitis A, according to the Marler Clark food safety law firm.

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The Chi-Chi's bankruptcy case and the hepatitis A outbreak are intertwined in many people's minds, even though Prandium had filed for bankruptcy before anyone got sick. McDermott will need to revive diners' memories of good times and great food at Chi-Chi's, like its salsa and Mexican fried ice cream, to make the chain's comeback a success.

[Image by Sarah Stierch via Flickr | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-2.0]

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
JAY, Okla.  Delaware County Sheriff James Beck resigned as the countys top law enforcement officer.

In a social media post, Beck announced his resignation on Monday, saying, It has been an honor serving as your sheriff. His resignation comes three weeks after the death of his wife, Chasity, following her battle with Huntingtons Disease.

Family of Delaware County Sheriffs wife hope to bring awareness to fatal disease

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Undersheriff Capt. James Morgan is acting sheriff, said Delaware County Commissioner chairman David Poindexter.

James Beck

Poindexter said newly elected sheriff Ray Thomas was not appointed at Tuesdays regular commissioner meeting because the appointment of an acting sheriff was not on the commissioners agenda. He said a special meeting is set for Monday at 8:30 a.m. to appoint Thomas to fill Becks remaining term.

Poindexter said Oklahoma statute allows Morgan to be acting sheriff.

Thomas garnered 1,898 votes in the June election, compared to Becks 1,339 votes to unseat the sitting sheriff.

Beck assumed the countys top law enforcement spot on Dec. 1, 2021, when then-sheriff Mark Berry resigned. Beck served the remainder of Berrys term and was elected sheriff in June 2022.

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In that race, Beck defeated Thomas with 2,553 votes and 2,374 votes.

Becks post stated that he was leaving the sheriffs department in great shape monetarily. The total in all accounts is $2,529,160.13, he said.

Beck also highlighted in his post, No money (was)paid out for any lawsuit involving my administration, and no lawsuits are pending against the county for anything involving my administration.

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Many Democrats aren't interested in Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's DOGE initiative.

A handful of them are signaling an openness to working with DOGE on specific issues.

"A broken clock is right twice a day," said one DOGE-curious House Democrat.

As Republicans rush to embrace Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency, many Democrats have taken a dismissive, even adversarial approach to the new initiative.

"I don't have my hopes up that Elon Musk is going to do anything other than really awful, stupid, self-serving stuff," said Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas.

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A representative for Musk did not return a request for comment.

Ramaswamy was one of the more right-wing 2024 GOP presidential candidates, while Musk  who just spent an immense sum of his own money to get Donald Trump elected  has emerged in recent years as a Democratic bogeyman. And while the contours of DOGE's agenda remain vague, there are already signs that progressive priorities could fall victim to Musk and Ramaswamy's proposals for deep spending cuts.

Yet a handful of Democratic lawmakers have signaled a willingness to engage, eyeing DOGE as an unlikely opportunity to push their own long-standing policy goals.

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, see tackling wasteful military spending as a potential point of common cause with DOGE.

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Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida on Tuesday became the first Democrat to join the House's DOGE caucus. He told BI that his "singular focus" would be restructuring the Department of Homeland Security by making the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Secret Service report directly to the president.

"If this is where that conversation is going to happen, I'm happy to be at the table," Moskowitz said. "And if they want to do stupid stuff, I'll call it out and I'll vote against it."

The three lawmakers' DOGE-curious posturing also offers an early look at how some Democrats, fresh off of a defeat in the 2024 election, plan to cautiously engage with a Trump administration that's set to pursue a more radical transformation of the country than the first time around.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz is joining the DOGE caucus  but he has no interest in serving on the DOGE subcommittee. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Khanna, a Silicon Valley-based progressive who remains cordial with Musk, appears to be taking the billionaire businessman seriously when he says he wants to examine the Pentagon's budget, citing Musk's past criticism of bloated defense contracts. The congressman has also suggested that Democrats have unduly alienated Musk in recent years.

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"If Musk is going to help bring accountability to defense contractors, that's something that Democrats should welcome," Khanna said.

Other progressives who want military spending cuts are much more suspicious.

"I highly doubt that one of the largest defense contractors in the United States  and by that I mean Elon Musk  is going to opt for the federal government to cut the money that he is receiving directly from them," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. "He relies on the federal government to give him money."

Sanders, who argued on X that Musk "is right" about bloated military spending, may be using the unexpected synergy to highlight an issue he's long cared about. The Vermont senator told BI that he hadn't directly engaged with Musk and that it remains to be seen how seriously the SpaceX founder should be taken on the issue.

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"I would hope that he is serious," Sanders said. "If you want to save taxpayer dollars, you do it not by cutting programs for hungry children but by getting rid of the waste and fraud in the military."

Despite these small areas of potential agreement, much of what Musk and Ramaswamy have floated so far is likely to be anathema to the average Democratic lawmaker. There's a reason that Republicans and not Democrats are set to meet with the duo at the Capitol on Thursday.

Last week, Musk said that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency established by President Barack Obama that regulates financial services, should be eliminated. And Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said Musk and Ramaswamy wanted to "defund Planned Parenthood," as the duo described the organization as a recipient of "federal expenditures that are unauthorized by Congress or being used in ways that Congress never intended."

That's not deterring lawmakers like Khanna and Moskowitz just yet.

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"Obviously, if they're targeting areas that are going to lead to less education funding or less consumer protection, we need to speak up passionately, vociferously, and oppose it," Khanna said. "But our opposition will be much more effective and reasonable if we're willing to work with them on areas where there is government fraud and abuse."

"Some of these recommendations, I'm sure, will be horrible," Moskowitz said. "But a broken clock is right twice a day, so if there are things that they find that we can improve, shouldn't we give it a chance?"

While Khanna could end up serving on a new DOGE subcommittee set to be chaired by Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Moskowitz says he's steering clear.

"I'm not interested in doing anything Marjorie Taylor Greene touches," Moskowitz said. "She's not a serious member."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(NewsNation)  The person who killed the head of one of Americas biggest insurance companies left behind shell casings and a discarded cell phone that are now being tested, the New York Police Department said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a Hilton in NYC while walking to the companys annual investor conference. According to law enforcement, the killer shot Thompson in the back and leg before fleeing on a bike and disappearing into Central Park. At one point, the shooters gun jammed, but they were able to clear it and fire again before taking off.

The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)

This was a premeditated attack, police said. They called it brazen and targeted.

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The words deny, depose and defend were written on the shell casings found at the scene of the shooting, police sources said to NewsNation local affiliate WPIX.

Some people are speculating that the words are connected to a book published in 2010 about health insurance claims. The book, called Delay, Deny, Defend, talks about the methods insurance companies use to reject requests for medical coverage. It is described on Amazon as an expose of insurance injustice.

Former ballerina, Ashley Benefield, sentenced to decades in prison

An official motive for the killing has not been revealed. The books author declined to comment.

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A massive manhunt for the suspect is ongoing but New York City Mayor Eric Adams said law enforcement authorities were on the right path in their search for the masked gunman during an interview with MSNBC. We feel were moving at a steady pace.

NBC News reports Thompsons wife said he was threatened in the past, alluding to possible issues with health insurance coverage.

Surveillance photos released by police show the suspect at a Starbucks just minutes before the shooting.

He may have left a water bottle and candy bar wrapper there, police said. Forensic tests are being run on both.

Police posted a picture of someone they said is a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the attack.

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The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, the NYPD said on X.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson, 50, was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 and oversaw its insurance division. In 2023, he helped the company bring in $281 billion in revenue. Between his base pay, bonuses and stock option, Thompson is said to have made over $10 million last year.

This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Family members said in a statement that Thompson was a loving father to two boys and a talented man who lived life to the fullest.

Earlier this year, Thompson was sued by the Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund for insider trading and fraud. Executives at United Healthcare were being investigated by the Department of Justice over allegedly running a monopoly and unfairly blocking out competitors.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday condemned the Philippines for its recent provocative behavior in the South China Sea, urging Manila to immediately stop all forms of infringement and inflammatory actions.

On Wednesday, the Philippines deployed multiple vessels in an act of intrusion into Chinese territorial waters, including around Huangyan Dao and Xianbin Jiao, part of Nansha Qundao, said Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesperson.

"These actions severely violated China's territorial sovereignty, went against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined regional peace and stability," Liu said. 
Dec. 4The Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with an exchange of property in Latah Valley. But what might happen to some of Spokane's last undeveloped land is still up in the air.

Redmond, Washington-based Blue Fern Development would build as many as 1,000 homes on a wooded area near Thorpe Road at the western edge of city limits. The 160-acre property is owned by the state Department of Natural Resources. But as the agency tries to unload the land, it's facing resistance from conservation activists and nearby residents who do not want to see development.

At a public meeting Thursday evening, DNR told concerned Spokanites the Thorpe Road property is not making money. The state agency manages its more than 6 million acres of land to bring in funds to different areas of the government. The Spokane property is meant to fund the construction of schools through the harvest of timber. DNR has not been able to harvest lumber from the area since 2009.

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"This property is an expense to your schools. It doesn't generate revenue. And your schools are in crisis, not just in Spokane, but throughout the state of Washington," Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said at the meeting. "It is actually costing us money to have this land in our portfolio. We are trying to remove it from our portfolio, but do it in a way that the community and the city are engaged and have a voice in it."

Blue Fern Development's current proposal would exchange the property for a Haggen grocery store in Bellingham. But four other options were presented to local residents  some that would keep the Thorpe land undeveloped.

* DNR exchanges the properties with Blue Fern, and the City of Spokane transfers development rights from the Thorpe property to another property not in Latah Valley. Blue Fern deeds the Thorpe property to the city for a park or other purpose.

* Same as above, but Blue Fern deeds the property to the Spokane Tribe.

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* DNR directly transfers the property to the city or Spokane Tribe for full market value.

* DNR auctions off the property to the highest bidder.

According to Franz, Blue Fern is open to developing another property in Spokane, rather than the one in Latah Valley.

Many at the meeting were not encouraged by the presentation. Phil Larkin said he was "disappointed" DNR had not provided this information earlier.

"Spokane will be losing out on precious public spaces and habitats. Just to liquidate the land that isn't making money," Larkin said.

Larkin said he was supportive of transferring the land to the Spokane Tribe.

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Kirsten Angel said conservation cannot compete when "generating revenue is the priority."

"This land is highly valued by this community. Not as housing. We don't refer to it as undeveloped or underperforming," she said.

Others were concerned by the heightened traffic of developing the land. Resident Laura Ackerman called the proposal "reckless development" that would make it difficult to evacuate during fires.

During public comment, Spokane City Councilwoman Lili Navarrete said a majority of council is requesting a delay on the transfer.

Public comment remains open through Dec. 19. Comments can be emailed to DNR at exchanges@dnr.wa.gov.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  Detectives are asking for information about a fire that officials believe to be arson.

The fire occurred at The Yard on Cole Road in Weaverville, at around 8 p.m. on November 30.

Officials said two trucks were exploding into flames.

According to the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, the person featured in the video called 911 and is not considered a suspect.

Deputies said the fire is the second arson to occur at The Yard in 2024.

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Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Burns at (828) 250-4460.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Flag at half staff. Credit: Creative Commons

Florida state flags will fly at half-staff Friday in memory of three servicemembers killed in a fatal shooting attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola by a member of the Saudi Arabian Air Force on Dec. 6, 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Thursday.

On December 6, 2019, a terrorist at Naval Air Station Pensacola took the lives of three U.S. Navy sailors and injured others. As a mark of respect for the victims, I signed the attached Proclamation directing the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida from sunrise to sunset on Friday, December 6, 2024, the governor said in a written statement.

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The dead were identified as Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Cameron Scott Walters, and Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, ages reportedly ranging between 19 and 23. Eight other people were wounded.

The facility is home to the Naval Aviation Schools Command, which provides flight training to U.S. personnel plus members of allied armed forces. A U.S. Navy investigation concluded that Saudi Royal Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani had undergone self-radicalization while training there.

His supervisors reportedly were unaware that hed purchased the Glock-45 handgun he used in the shootings.
The health insurance CEO gunned down in front of a busy New York City hotel on Wednesday didn't travel with any personal security detail, officials said, despite known threats against him.

A masked gunman fatally shot UnitedHealthcare chief Brian Thompson, 50, in a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, police said.

Thompson was staying at another nearby hotel before heading solo to the Hilton, on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Groups investor conference, when he was confronted by his killer.

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"Speaking to other employees that traveled with him to New York, it doesn't seem like he had a security detail," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters. "He left the hotel by himself, was walking, didn't seem like he had any issues at at all."

Police place bullet casing markers outside a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan where United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday.

The killer targeted Thompson, police said, as he waited for other pedestrians to pass before opening fire on the CEO.

"Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "The suspect fled first on foot, then on an e-bike and was last seen in Central Park."

The slain CEO had been receiving recent threats but hadn't been altering his travel routine, according to wife Paulette Thompson.

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"Yes, there had been some threats," Thompson told NBC News on Wednesday. "Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Brian Thompson was named chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

No current or former executives of UnitedHealth Group receive regular company-funded personal security service, according to the insurance giant's two most recent proxy statements. Companies have to report security expenses for directors or corporate officers if the value exceeds $10,000 per year.

Two of UnitedHealthcare's peers, Humana and Cigna, both said in their most recent proxy statements that they provide personal security to executives. SEC records, though, did not disclose which executives received this protection or how much was being spent.

CVS Health, another major player in health insurance, requires its CEO to use corporate aircraft and a corporate driver as part of a disclosed executive security program, according to regulatory filings.

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Former FBI supervisor Rob DAmico said Thompson's slaying has all the makings of a personal vendetta tied to the victim's company.

While a layman might initially believe finding the whereabouts of a high-ranking business figure would be difficult, a few quick Google searches could easily yield such information, according to DAmico.

UnitedHealthcare's website listed that an investor conference was set for Wednesday, but it did not mention a meeting site.

Images released by the New York Police Department show what they say is a man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting on Wednesday.

"Even a layman can find there's so much on the internet now and people put so much out there," said DAmico, now a security consultant.

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Thompson lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, but police there hadn't been notified of any threats against him, Commander Jonathan Wetternach said Wednesday.

The only call for service to Thompson's home came on June 5, 2018, when his wife contacted police believing the residence's deadbolt was being opened by a stranger outside, according to police records.

But responding officers found no one there and the family eventually concluded that a contractor, with keys to the house, might have been the harmless source of that lock being jostled, Wetternach added.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Thompson family during this difficult time," Maple Grove police said in a statement. "Maple Grove investigators are in contact with the NYPD, who is leading the investigation. Further assistance will be provided if requested."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NBC News has exclusive reporting that the incoming Trump administration plans to deport some migrants to countries other than their own. This, while in Mexico, views of migration are hardening as Trump plans mass deportations. NBC News homeland security correspondent Julia Ainsley and USA Today national reporter Lauren Villagran join Jose Diaz-Balart to discuss.
Dec. 4Col. Christopher Meeker, former commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, will face a general court martial on charges of extramarital sexual conduct and fraternization.

He is scheduled to be tried at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois on June 9, 2025.

Meeker was removed from command at Wright-Patterson nearly a year ago by Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, also at Wright-Patterson. At the time, the reason given for the change was boilerplate military language expressing a loss of confidence in Meeker's ability to lead.

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Meeker had been the first 88th Air Base Wing commander who had been so removed. The wing was formed in October 1994, responsible for security and infrastructure on the 8.100-acre base that is home to some 38,000 military and civilian employees.

On Wednesday, the Air Force Materiel Command (also based at Wright-Patterson) said that since there is potential for Shipton to be a material witness in the case, she transferred the case to another convening authority, Maj. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, 18th Air Force commander, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Following an investigation, Meeker was charged on Oct. 25, 2024 with three violations of Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, AFMC said.

The referred charges include one charge and one specification under Article 90, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer; and one charge and two specifications under Article 134, extramarital sexual conduct and fraternization.

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Meeker waived his Article 32 preliminary hearing and charges were referred to a general court-martial by Bolton, AFMC said.

Col. Dustin Richards assumed command of the 88th in April 2024.

Wright-Patterson is home to global units responsible for equipping and sustaining the Air Force and its personnel, the Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, among others. The installation is the largest single-site concentration of employment in Ohio. In a fact sheet, the wing put the base's annual payroll at $3.3 billion, with a total economic impact of $6.5 billion.
Dec. 5A 15-year-old girl arrested following a stabbing Wednesday afternoon at a Huber Heights park was caught with a bloody knife and had blood on her hands, police said.

Officers responded around 1:05 p.m. to Herbert C. Huber Community Park at 5400 Chambersburg Road for a stabbing involving two teen girls, the Huber Heights Police Division reported.

A Wayne High School freshman is accused of stabbing a 16-year-old girl, also a Wayne High School student, during an argument. She is facing a felonious assault charge in Montgomery County Juvenile Court, according to a police report.

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"My friend just got stabbed with a knife," a teen girl reported to Huber Heights Communication Center. "We need you'll to hurry up."

The stabbing victim was found conscious in the parking lot suffering from multiple stab wounds. According to the 911 call, the teen was stabbed in her chest, side and arm. She was taken to Dayton Children's Hospital in critical condition, police said. The Dayton Daily News is awaiting an update from the hospital on her condition.

The teen suspect described as wearing a brown coat and black hat ran north through the park and was quickly taken into custody by responding officers in the 5900 block of Longford Road after she left the park and headed back toward the high school.

Footage from a Huber Heights officer's body-worn camera shows that police recovered a knife and pepper spray from the 15-year-old girl's pockets. An officer on the video said the knife was bloody and that there was blood on the girl's hands, which were photographed by an evidence technician.

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The knife in the video appeared to be a filet knife with a 4- to 5-inch blade that also had a ventilated sheath.

The stabbing appears to be an isolated incident between the two teens, police said, and remains under investigation.

Huber Heights City Schools released a statement Wednesday to Wayne High School families regarding the stabbing:

"We want to inform you about an incident that occurred between two students today after school hours at Community Park. Following the altercation, one student was transported to the hospital with injuries.

"Law enforcement is investigating and we will fully cooperate to support as needed.

"If you or your student have any information about this incident, please contact the Huber Heights Police Division.

"Thank you for your support and understanding."
Weeks after he was charged in a cross-country murder-for-hire plot, a lawyer for Chicago rapper Lil Durk said the allegations brought by federal prosecutors are false and lacking in the most basic due diligence.

Lil Durk  32, born Durk Davontay Banks  was charged by the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles last month. Hes accused of paying five associates of his South Side rap consortium, Only the Family, to kill a rival artist in 2022.

Prosecutors allege Banks also offered lucrative music opportunities to those who were accused of taking part in the shooting. He pleaded not guilty in November and is due back in court later this month for a detention hearing.

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In a statement Thursday, Banks attorneys blasted the prosecutions focus on Lil Durks music and noted his yearslong record of philanthropy in Chicago.

When you see an artists rap lyrics quoted as evidence against them, it is a glaring indication that there is no real evidence against that person, Banks attorneys said in a statement to the Tribune.

The real truth is that Durk Banks is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dedicated father and a loving husband, Banks attorneys added. Mr. Banks has been intensely committed to giving back to the Chicago community he loves through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and has put on more than a dozen charitable events over the last few years. He is looking forward to fighting against these false allegations in court.

In mid-October, federal authorities charged five others in a plot to kill rapper Quando Rondo  born Tyquian Terrel Bowman  in retaliation for the November 2020 shooting death of King Von, another Chicago drill rap artist and Banks close friend.

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Banks is accused of bankrolling the effort to kill Bowman and is due in court in California later this month for a detention hearing.

Bowman, his sister and his cousin, Saviaya Robinson, 24, were riding in Bowmans black Cadillac Escalade near a gas station in West Hollywood in August 2022 when gunmen opened fire, according to the federal charges. Bowman and his sister were not injured, but Robinson was struck multiple times and killed.
CHICAGO  Weeks after he was charged in a cross-country murder-for-hire plot, a lawyer for Chicago rapper Lil Durk said the allegations brought by federal prosecutors are false and lacking in the most basic due diligence.

Lil Durk  32, born Durk Davontay Banks  was charged by the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles last month. Hes accused of paying five associates of his South Side rap consortium, Only the Family, to kill a rival artist in 2022.

Prosecutors allege Banks also offered lucrative music opportunities to those who were accused of taking part in the shooting. He pleaded not guilty in November and is due back in court later this month for a detention hearing.

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In a statement Thursday, Banks attorneys blasted the prosecutions focus on Lil Durks music and noted his yearslong record of philanthropy in Chicago.

When you see an artists rap lyrics quoted as evidence against them, it is a glaring indication that there is no real evidence against that person, Banks attorneys said in a statement to the Tribune.

The real truth is that Durk Banks is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dedicated father and a loving husband, Banks attorneys added. Mr. Banks has been intensely committed to giving back to the Chicago community he loves through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and has put on more than a dozen charitable events over the last few years. He is looking forward to fighting against these false allegations in court.

In mid-October, federal authorities charged five others in a plot to kill rapper Quando Rondo  born Tyquian Terrel Bowman  in retaliation for the November 2020 shooting death of King Von, another Chicago drill rap artist and Banks close friend.

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Banks is accused of bankrolling the effort to kill Bowman and is due in court in California later this month for a detention hearing.

Bowman, his sister and his cousin, Saviaya Robinson, 24, were riding in Bowmans black Cadillac Escalade near a gas station in West Hollywood in August 2022 when gunmen opened fire, according to the federal charges. Bowman and his sister were not injured, but Robinson was struck multiple times and killed.

____
Miles Morrisseau

ICT

When Eva Thomas first got to Hollywood, her agent had a specific question for her.

Can you ride a horse?

Thomas, Ojibway of the Walpole Island First Nation, was offended. She had studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, the oldest acting school in the country whose alumni includes Lauren Bacall, Robert Redford and Anne Hathaway. She also studied Shakespeare at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

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But he was also right, because everything that I went out for was the leather-and-the-feather gigs. They wanted to put me on a horse, Thomas told ICT. I worked every October for the Thanksgiving commercials in November, and it was about that time that I was like, Oh, this is not going to change until someone starts to write something different, and I better start to learn how to write.

Thomas called to talk from the road as she scouted locations in and around Toronto prepping for her feature film solo directing debut, Nika and Madison, which she describes as an Indigenous Thelma and Louise. The film is an expansion of her short film, Redlights.

The film features Ellyn Jade, Whitesand First Nation in Ontario, and Star Slade, who is of mixed Cree ancestry, and uses storytelling tropes that are both universal and uniquely Indigenous.

A little bit of City Mouse, Country Rez Mouse happening, she said. One's really comfortable in the city and not comfortable in the bush, and one's really comfortable on the land and not so comfortable in an urban environment.

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The film features two female leads, she said.

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One lives on the Rez and one has gone to the city to go to school, she said. Theyre old friends, grew up together with family and one of them gets in trouble. The other one sort of gets rid of the trouble and then they both go on the run.

The film follows up her first feature, Aberdeen, which she co-wrote and co-directed with Ryan Cooper, and which is still making the festival circuit. Most recently, Aberdeen screened at the Forest City Film Festival in London, Ontario, and on Dec. 4-8 at the Whistler Film Festival in Whistler, British Columbia.In Aberdeen, the title character is an Indigenous climate refugee forced to relocate to Winnipeg. Aberdeen is played by Gail Maurice, Metis. Her friend, Albert, is played by Billy Merasty, Cree, and his younger lover Raven is played by Liam Stewart-Kanigan. The trio take on the quest of getting Aberdeens grandkids out of the foster care system.

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The film is shot on Winnipegs Main Street and takes on the historical and contemporary traumas of Indigenous life and the insidious web of bureaucracy that continues to entangle them.

Merasty is dynamite once again, playing fabulous and pathos sometimes in the same scene; he is a Canadian national treasure.

The film is carried by Maurice, with close-up shots of her defiant face expressing all the hard and weary miles of her journey. She is not a likeable character, and the film doesnt give Aberdeen or the audience the easy way out. There is no Hollywood ending, but the ending is real and hopeful and is journey well worth taking.

Seeing the obvious

Since deciding not to focus on acting, Thomas has taken on all the jobs and nailed them. In addition to writing and directing films, she is an accomplished story editor, producer, executive producer and television director.

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At the Canadian Screen Awards in May, she took home the award for Best Direction in a Factual series for her work on Still Standing, a show that features stand-up comedian Jonny Harris visiting small town Canada and doing a set about the town and people. Thomas directed episodes for seasons 8 and 9 of the popular CBC series, which is now in its 10th season.

Filmmaker Eva Thomas Ojibway of the Walpole Island First Nation, steps into the limelight in 2024 with new feature films, "Aberdeen," and an upcoming film she says will be an "Indigenous Thelma and Louise." (Photo courtesy of Eva Thomas)

She was also executive story editor for Shelved, a series that chronicled hijinks at the Toronto Public Library. It received four nominations at the screen awards, including Best Comedy.

She has written two episodes of Acting Good, the top-rated show on CTV Comedy Channel that is also available in Canada on APTN.

And she is executive story editor for the coming-of-age series, Dont Even, currently available on Crave in Canada.

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I'm more of a drama person, but I had an opportunity to work on Shelved, which is a CTV comedy, and I worked on Zarqa, which is a CBC gem comedy, she said. I think I am just really good in the room and I really listen. I'm taking notes and people say something funny, I'm like, Oh, that's really funny, and I'll write it down. But what I've come to learn about comedy is you just have to really pay attention. Comedy, a lot of time, is you're paying attention and seeing the obvious.

Building her credits

She is now directing her first solo feature film and it builds around the universe she launched with Redlights, the story of two old friends who go out for a drink and at the end of the night, one gets taken by the police out of town.

The short showed that Thomas could create a realistic and compelling world with Indigenous characters living in daily and then dangerous situations.

The story is based around the infamous Starlight Tours, in which police would take Indigenous men and women far out of town and drop them off, sometimes without shoes in cold and freezing conditions.

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In the upcoming Nika and Madison, Jade returns to the project but not in the role she played in the short film. She also takes on the role of producer in the full-length version. Kaniehtiio Horn, Mohawk, who co-starred in Redlights, will be executive producer for the film. Jennifer Podemski, the well known Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi actor/director/producer, is another executive producer, and played a supporting role in Aberdeen.

In 1991s Thelma and Louise, the characters are on the run to Mexico and are soon pursued by dozens of police and other authorities. Thomas realized when re-watching the movie that the stakes are raised when the women are Indigenous.

These two White women couldn't go to the police, she said. What if it was two Indigenous women and they really couldn't go to the police? And that was sort of the spark of what I wanted to explore, Indigenous Thelma and Louise, and tease out all of these issues  I know a lot of people think the police are a safe place. They're not often a safe place for us. In fact, when I see police, I get all anxious. I don't get involved with the police. I dont have a history; but I still feel afraid of them.

Going home

Thomas returned home to Canada when she saw that things were beginning to happen in the film industry and that there were more opportunities for Indigenous creatives in film and television.

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A game changer, certainly in the industry, also for my career, is the Indigenous Screen Office, having the Indigenous dedicated funding and Indigenous people running it, Thomas said. That was the funding that allowed me to be associate producer on Night Raiders. That was the funding that allowed me to be assistant director for Darlene Naponse. That was the funding that allowed me to make my short film.

In addition to the Indigenous Screen Office helping to build a healthy ecosystem for Indigenous creatives, Thomas credits her strong network with other Indigenous filmmakers for building a support system.

A lot of the work that I've been able to get is because I helped that writer or creative along the way, like Amber-Sekowan Daniels, my friend who created [Don't Even]. I read that idea when it was a feature film script, Thomas said, about the buzzy new series focused on two teenage Indigenous characters growing up in the city.

When the film script developed into a TV series, Daniels brought Thomas on to the project.

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Even with Seeds, which is a film that I executive produced, I helped Kaniehtiio Horn on that script for about two years, and she was like, I want you to produce it, she said.

In addition to the screen office support, there is recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards as well as a growing number of films by Indigenous filmmakers being screened at the Toronto International Film Festivals.

Thomas believes mainstream Canadian audiences are embracing Indigenous storytelling and it makes her glad she decided to come back home.

I was in Los Angeles a few years ago, and I was like, there's something really interesting happening in Canada, and I should go up there and be a part of it, she said. And I'm really glad that I did, because it did open up my career. I just also think Canada, kind of like mainstream Canadians, were ready to support Indigenous storytelling and see they're part of our stories, in a way that they haven't in the past.

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*Corrections: The article has been updated to correct the spelling of Ellyn Jade's name and her character in the film, and to clarify details of Eva Thomas's work in "Still Standing." Star Slade is of mixed Cree ancestry.

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BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build a strong, modernized information support force, and to realize the leapfrog development of the Chinese military's network information system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday.

The PLA information support force is a strategic service branch established amid China's efforts to adjust and reform the structure of its military services and arms. Xi presented a flag to the force at its establishment ceremony in April.

During Wednesday's inspection, Xi said that the network information system is playing an increasingly prominent role in modern warfare, and that all relevant personnel should be fully aware that enhancing the system is extremely important.

He called on the force to accelerate its efforts to build the network information system and strengthen its capabilities in serving and supporting the military's combat readiness and capabilities.

Stressing the need for solid work in the development of the network information system, Xi said that the information services guarantee should be enhanced and great importance should be attached to the protection of network information security.

He also called for efforts to facilitate innovation in the command modes and the transformation of combat methods.

Xi demanded the information support force adhere to the fundamental principle of the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces. He called for efforts to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption, stressing that the force must be entirely loyal, pure and reliable.

He urged the Party committee of the information support force to shoulder its responsibility in developing the force, and to build a team of highly competent professionals.

Xi requested coordinated efforts from the CMC, as well as other relevant authorities and units, to promote the development of the information support force.

Senior military officials Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin attended the event. 
In all the arguments over whether President-elect Donald Trump's choice for director of national intelligence is fit for the job, it's easy to lose sight of why it matters.

It matters a lot. To speak of telling truth to power seems terribly old-fashioned these days, but as a veteran of White House intelligence operations, I know that is the essence of the job.

The director of national intelligence is the president's principal adviser on intelligence, though the CIA director has remained somewhat co-equal in that role. The director of national intelligence is responsible for both the President's Daily Brief, where the most crucial and sophisticated intelligence is presented, and for the work of the National Intelligence Council. Most of the President's Daily Brief items are still done by the CIA, but the director of national intelligence or their deputy briefs the president, daily in most administrations but one or two times a week in the first Trump administration.

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The issues in those briefings lean toward the immediate and tactical: What is the situation on the ground in the Ukraine war? If action X is taken, how will Russian President Vladimir Putin respond? But intelligence strives to push presidents and their colleagues to think more strategically: What are the implications of hypersonic missiles? What is the trajectory of the relationship between Russia and China? What are China's geostrategic objectives, and what is the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in that vision?

9/11 led to intelligence changes

The current director of national intelligence is Avril Haines, who is my friend and former colleague from when she was the deputy national security adviser in charge of the National Security Council policy committees and I was chair of the National Intelligence Council, providing the intelligence support to those committees.

As director of national intelligence, Haines sits atop the 17 agencies that make up what is called the U.S. intelligence community. She does not run those agencies. Nor does she have full control of their budgets.

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Rather, the director of national intelligence coordinates them, which sometimes seems like the proverbial herding of cats. She assembles a combined budget for intelligence, but many of the big agencies, such as the National Security Agency, which makes and breaks codes and intercepts signals of interest, belong to the Pentagon.

The creation of the director of national intelligence position was a direct result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The report of the 9/11 Commission was vividly damning about the failures of communication between agencies in the run-up to 9/11. In meetings in New York that summer, CIA and FBI officers were literally unsure what they could tell each other: The former wondered whether the FBI people were really cleared to hear this, while the latter feared that talking might blow a case they were working on. That lack of coordination played a role in letting the plotters slip through intelligence, often in plain sight.

The result of the commission's work was the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which created the director of national intelligence position.

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Before that, the director of central intelligence wore two hats, as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and loose coordinator of the broader intelligence community. Hardly surprisingly, directors of central intelligence spent most of their time running the CIA, for that was the source of their troops -- and their troubles when they arose. A score of blue-ribbon panels over 50 years had recommended breaking the director of central intelligence's conflict of interest -- coordinating agencies and their budgets while running one of them -- and creating a director of national intelligence position.

James Clapper, the director of national intelligence for whom I worked as chair of the National Intelligence Council, constantly emphasized "integration." Across agencies, integration mostly means talking to each other and sharing information. This works against the natural tendency to scoop your colleagues.

Across disciplines, integration means better aligning what information intelligence agencies collect with what analysts need.

How integration works

If presidents want to know what the CIA thinks about a particular issue, they can simply ask. Usually, though, the question is what does the intelligence community think, and then the question goes to the National Intelligence Council, the director of national intelligence's interagency group for intelligence analysis.

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The National Intelligence Council is organized like the State Department, with officers for regions and functions. Once a question has been presented, the relevant national intelligence officer will convene his or her council colleagues from the other agencies. They will argue about the answer to the question, a process sweetly called "coordination," then agree on the answer. If need be, the process can be done in a few hours. Major strategic analyses -- national intelligence estimates -- like one done in 2022 on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic out to 2026, may take months. In all cases, though, the analysis carefully records where there are differences of view in the intelligence community.

In my last year chairing the National Intelligence Council, of the 700 or so analyses we did, about 400 were responses to questions -- called "taskings" in governmentese -- from the national security adviser or one of the deputies.

National intelligence officers are national experts from inside or outside federal government, and their deputies -- the heart and soul of the NIC -- are all assigned from intelligence agencies. The largest number come from the CIA, but I worked with a cyber analyst from the Secret Service and a wonderful analyst from the New York Police Department.

Resolutely nonpolitical stance

What was striking then and has struck me both times I've had the privilege of running a U.S. intelligence agency is the dedication of the officers. They work for the nation, not for a political party or ideology. As chair of the NIC, I had no idea of the politics of my people, save for the several closest to me. For them, telling truth to power is not a slogan. It is what they do. They are always worried about "politicizing" -- producing an assessment to suit a policymaker's preference or, worse, being pressured to do so.

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The president's daily briefers, for instance, give up a year of their lives to come to work at 4 a.m., learn their briefs and then fan out across Washington to brief senior officials. They like being "on the team" of the person they brief, but they become uncomfortable if the conversation turns political. The director of national intelligence sets the tone for that resolutely nonpolitical stance and polices it through principles articulated in the agency's analytic integrity and standards. As chair of the NIC, for instance, I'd receive regular assessments of both the quality of our analyses and whether we risked becoming "politicized."

For their part, do politicians and agency leaders like it when their pet projects are assessed by intelligence as unwise or infeasible? Of course not. I've been on that side of the intelligence-policy divide as well. But the United States is much the better for it.

Gregory F. Treverton is a professor of practice in international relations at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz said on Dec. 4 that any speculations about deploying German troops to ensure a ceasefire are irresponsible at this time.

The CDU/CSU alliance's chancellor candidate was reacting to recent comments by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who said that a deployment of German troops in Ukraine in case of a ceasefire should not be ruled out.

"The war in Ukraine continues, Russia continues to act cruelly against the civilian population," Merz said, speaking at an ARD program.

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"We are all thinking about how to end this war. The question is how to achieve this," he added, saying nobody is asking a question about a peacekeeper deployment.

The comments come amid an escalating election campaign as Germany approaches a snap vote in February.

While Merz has criticized Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his supposed hesitance in supporting Ukraine  particularly concerning the provision of Taurus missiles  his views on troop deployment appear to be closer to those of the incumbent chancellor.

Speaking in Germany's parliament, Scholz ruled out the possibility of deploying German troops to Ukraine at this stage. He stressed that there is an agreement with Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on the matter, adding that the Green Party's foreign minister was giving a "diplomatic answer" about a future hypothetical situation.

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The chancellor avoided a question about deploying peacekeepers after a possible ceasefire. Pistorius, Scholz's fellow Social Democrat, said there are still too many unknowns but did not rule out the possibility.

"If there is a ceasefire and if it then comes to the point where someone  whoever it is  plans to use military means to ensure peace, that would depend on the type of mandate, the scope, the requirements, and the acceptance by the warring parties," Pistorius said, as quoted by German media.

The comments follow unconfirmed media reports about the U.K. and France discussing sending its soldiers to monitor a ceasefire in Ukraine. European troops overseeing a peaceful post-war situation in the country were reportedly also included in a peace plan of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team.

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.
Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong presides over the first day of hearings in a case related to medical cannabis ballot petitions. Sept. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A Lancaster County District Court judge has overruled two final attempts to amend legal challenges against Nebraskas two medical cannabis petitions.

In a five-page order Thursday morning, District Judge Susan Strong denied requests from John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member who brought the initial lawsuit, and Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen to amend their complaints.

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Strong said the amendments would not affect the outcome of the lawsuit that she had already dismissed last week, and for which she had already anticipated the legal arguments.

The dismissal upheld the ballot certification of two measures from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign to legalize and regulate the drug. Voters passed the two measures, and state constitutional officers certified those election results Monday, including Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers, whose office defended Evnen in the Kuehn-led lawsuit.

The medical cannabis laws to legalize and regulate the drug are set to take effect by Dec. 12.

Getting ready for appeal

Deputy Solicitor General Zach Viglianco, representing Evnen, told Strong on Tuesday that the state was not asking her to alter her judgment.

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Its simply asking the court to allow for a modification of the pleading to conform to the evidence in order to properly preserve and prepare this case for the appellate court, Viglianco said Tuesday.

Viglianco said he realized Strongs dismissal last week wasnt based on technicalities, and he acknowledged that the amendment wasnt needed, though he argued it could be wise for appeal.

Were just setting up this record for appeal, Viglianco said, telling Strong the deadline for an appeal is the end of the week.

Another bite at the apple

Attorney Daniel Gutman, representing the ballot sponsors, said the requests were not simple and were instead a form of error correction, which was obviously very frustrating.

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They pushed and they pushed and they pushed for an impossible progression order, and they got it, and they made mistakes along the way, Gutman said.

If the requests were granted, Gutman argued Tuesday, the case would have changed from whether there were enough petition signatures for ballot access to whether there was a pervasiveness of fraud or malfeasance, regardless of how many signatures were valid.

Gutman said the request had nothing to do with trial evidence and was an attempt to get another bite at the apple and to fundamentally change the nature of the case on appeal.

Strong already rejected arguments

Kuehns attorneys asked to clearly add circulator malfeasance to Kuehns case, a phrase that Strong said Thursday was never once used at trial.

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The AGs Office asked to add two arguments to Evnens complaint: that the entire list of signatures from another paid petition circulator, Jennifer Henning, should be thrown out and that it didnt matter how many signatures were collected because of widespread, pervasive fraud.

Strong said Henning didnt collect enough signatures to invalidate the petitions when combined with other signatures that Strong said lost their presumption of validity. She described the latter argument  rooted in a 2006 case from Oklahoma  as Evnens numbers-optional theory.

Strong had already rejected both arguments in her Nov. 26 opinion.

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Viglianco told Strong that it was not a completely out-of-left-field theory but agreed it was not presented to the court until closing arguments and post-trial briefs. He said that was because the extent of the alleged conduct wasnt fully apparent until the trial began.

Strong said Thursday that the end-of-trial addition was much too late.

It was not my intention to imply that anyone would wait until they rested at trial, gave closing arguments, filed post-trial briefs and a judgment was entered before filing to amend the pleadings, Strong told the attorneys Tuesday. That was not something that I was contemplating at that time.

Strong again said the Oklahoma claim and the circulator fraud arguments were not enough.

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The Oklahoma claim is also futile because the Court found that the evidence did not show an established pattern of fraud, Strong wrote Thursday. Relatedly, many of the Secretarys proposed changes simply do not conform to the evidence actually presented at trial.

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WASHINGTON (WJHL)  Documents shared with a congressional committee by the Department of Veterans Affairs show that sexual misconduct took place at the Mountain Home VA, according to the committee chairman.

House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (RIll.) provided an update Wednesday on the committees investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and inappropriate relations at Mountain Home, also known as the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

House Committee on Veterans Affairs discusses alleged misconduct at Mountain Home

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In the update, Bost said that the Department of Veterans Affairs provided the committee with certain documents related to the departments own investigation into the allegations. He also said the information shared with the committee revealed that sexual relationships and misconduct did occur on VA property at Mountain Home.

The sexual misconduct, harassment, and inappropriate interpersonal relationships that were allowed to persist at the Mountain Home VA facility are disturbing and disgusting, Bost said in a release. If these allegations are verified, without question, these men and women have no business serving veterans in East Tennessee, and this should have never happened.

Bost said that to the committees knowledge, senior leaders at Mountain Home who were aware of sexually explicit activity are still employed by the VA, but noted that the VA investigation is still ongoing. He also said the committee is awaiting documents that show whether senior leaders at Mountain Home and those who participated in sexual activity at work will be appropriately disciplined.

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs has been investigating the Mountain Home allegations since July.

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That same month, two Mountain Home leaders  director Dean Borsos and associate director Colleen Noe  were temporarily reassigned to other posts amid the VAs own investigation.

Borsos later resigned from the position he was temporarily reassigned to.

Congressional committee investigating alleged sexual harassment, assault at Mountain Home VA

In a July 25 letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, Chairman Bost wrote about allegations of an inappropriate relationship and sexual harassment between a supervisor and subordinate employee that allegedly were initially dismissed by Borsos and Noe.

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Bost sent two more letters to the VA secretary but after months of little to no information, the chairman sent an oversight team to Mountain Home to investigate the allegations firsthand.

A VA spokesperson provided a statement to News Channel 11:

VA has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, and we take any allegations extremely seriously. The employees involved in any wrongdoing are no longer with the VA. As soon as allegations of misconduct at this facility were uncovered, VA reported the matter to the proper authorities, began our own investigation, and informed Congress. We continue to fully cooperate with all proper authorities in this matter, and we hold our employees accountable to the highest standards of care and respect. Whenever employees fail to live up to those standards, we take immediate action  as we have done in this case. Dept. of Veterans Affairs spokesperson

Northeast Tennessee Congresswoman Diana Harshbargers office provided a statement regarding the investigations:

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I fully support the ongoing investigations to uncover the full extent of the misconduct and to hold those responsible accountable. My top priority remains ensuring that every veteran in our community receives the high-quality care and respect they deserve. As always, my office remains open to any whistleblowers who wish to share information confidentially about misconduct or abuses within any federal agency. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Trotwood man will now spend 29 years to life behind bars after a jury found him guilty of a fatal shooting at a DMAX facility in 2023.

Frederick Cox arrived in a Montgomery County courtroom Wednesday to learn his sentencing after killing one man and injuring another.

PRIOR COVERAGE: Trotwood man found guilty of all charges in 2023 DMAX shooting

Before Judge Gerald Parker announced the sentence, he stated that this entire case made no sense, saying that the self defense excuse that Cox and his lawyer presented was not accepted by the jurors nor him.

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Prosecutors say Cox fatally wounded Jeffrey Allen on May 16, 2023 at the DMAX facility in Moraine, along with injuring another.

A jury found him guilty on all counts, which include murder and felonious assault.

The hearing Wednesday started with Coxs lawyer, who said he does not believe his client should face consecutive sentences, saying that fellow employees were not being targeted.

I dont think there was any intent to terrorize any fellow employees at this facility, said Clyde Bennett II, Coxs attorney.

The family of Jeffrey Allen addressed the courtroom and the defendant, stating that Allen was kind, and served as a beacon of hope for them. Allens younger brother even said that Jeffrey would have been a friend to Cox if given the chance.

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There are not enough people that I wish could have known him and Mr. Cox, you truly missed out, said Jiger Allen, Jeffreys brother. He would have honestly been your friend, and took you under his wing because he was a leader. And the intimidation you felt was of a leader. You took a very proud father, son, and brother.

As Judge Parker handed down the sentence, he expressed his own frustrations with the case.

And you hid behind a gun, because you are weak. People who do are soft, said Parker.

Cox was sentenced to 29 years to life in prison.

Cox declined to comment when asked if he would like to address the court. Coxs lawyer stated that he objected to the consecutive sentence that was handed down.

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Parker concluded with details that were shared in court of how Allen died.

You fired 13 shots, 13 bullets into another young man. You stood over him and stated, yes, I am the one,' Parker said. Well, I am the one who is going to be sentencing you to prison for the rest of your life.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The producers of a documentary about the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival are accusing the International Documentary Association of anti-Israel bias after they pulled paid awards season ads ahead of voting for the Oscars Best Documentary shortlist.

The organization denied the charge on Wednesday in a letter from their lawyer sent to TheWrap, calling the accusation fictional.

Ads for We Will Dance Again, a documentary streaming on Paramount+ from director Yariv Mozer, began to run Nov. 18 and were suddenly pulled ahead of the first round of Academy Award voting to determine the shortlist for the Best Documentary Feature category.

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Producer Michael Schmidt accused Zaferhan Yumru, IDAs director of marketing and communications, of pulling the ads over their opposition to Israel.

Zaferhan Yumrus sudden and arbitrary cancellation of all our ad contracts with the IDA is simply the result of their own personal animosity, Schmidt wrote in a statement to TheWrap. We know the IDA is better than this. The IDAs very mission is to share the stories that matter  one persons personal bias should not stand in the way of that. Our focus remains where it belongs, however: sharing with audiences a non-partisan, intimate, yet horrifying story about the loss we all suffer in tragedy.

TheWrap reached out to Yumru who did not respond to a request for comment. The spokesman said that the ads were pulled because the IDA overbooked its advertising inventory and needed the space for films that had higher priority.

Yumru is a signatory to Film Workers for Palestine, a call by and for filmmakers and cinema workers to stand for an end to genocide, and for a free Palestine, according to its website.

A photo of Zaferhan Yumru posted to their private Instagram, provided to TheWrap

A legal letter sent on Dec. 4 from Singh and Trauben noted the IDA rejected at least twelve (12) other inquiries for eBlasts and other related marketing. We mention this as, unfortunately, it appears your client has chosen to unilaterally ascribe a fictional anti-Israel bias to IDA as the motivation for these cancellations of space reservations.

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The IDA also called on Sipur to immediately cease and desist from any public statements ascribing an alleged anti-Israel or antisemitic or other political bias to IDA or to IDAs decision to cancel these space reservations.

The fast-moving controversy highlights the tension inside Hollywood between progressives  including many activists in the documentary community  who are pro-Palestinian and oppose Israels response to the Oct. 7 attacks, which were the basis of a highly critical Amnesty International report on Wednesday, and those who support Israel in the wake of hostage-taking and a deadly massacre.

Lawyers representing Sipur Studios wrote on Nov. 26 that Sipur signed a $21,000 contract for a series of eBlast ads  ads that appear in email newsletters  sent directly to IDA members, many of whom are also Academy voters.

Released on Paramount+ in August, We Will Dance Again reconstructs the Oct. 7 attacks on the Nova music festival through video footage and interviews with more than two dozen survivors. The film opens with text noting, The human cost of the Hamas massacre in Israel and the war that followed in Gaza has been catastrophic for both Israelis and Palestinians, adding that, This film cannot tell everyones story.

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At some point between Nov. 13, 2024, and the date hereof, IDA improperly decided to abandon its obligations to Sipur and is refusing to distribute the eBlast(s) as set forth in the Agreement. IDA ostensibly abandoned its obligations because of operational reasons though we are not aware of any other clients of IDA who were impacted by this operational issue nor did IDA disclose the nature of the operational issue, the letter reads.

A spokesperson for We Will Dance Again told TheWrap on Wednesday that he has previously worked with the IDA on eBlast ad buys for other films in past awards cycles and has never been notified about overbooking. The spokesperson said his team could not find any other films that had ad space pulled, nor did the IDA identify other films that were affected.



In reality, there is significant concern that IDAs decision is driven by non-operational reasons given that Sipur is an Israel-based studio and the Project sheds light on the atrocities committed on the Israeli people on Oct. 7, 2023 which has garnered much public attention, the Sipur letter continues.

In a statement, Schmidt said that after they were notified of the ad pull on Nov. 21, the producers had several email exchanges with the IDA in which they were promised replacement ads, but no longer received replies on Nov. 25, leading to the Nov. 26 email from legal counsel.

They said it was a mistake, that they need the [advertising] inventory for themselves. Well, we have a binding contract, Schmidt said. And if you really have an issue with your inventory, why not reduce the inventory across your clients by one post instead of deleting all the inventory of one client?

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Schmidt believes that the cancellation stemmed from one of the production companies involved in the project being Israeli. Our film is not even political but follows young kids (not even all Israeli or even Jewish) at a music concert on Oct. 7 getting slaughtered by terrorists, he said.

In a statement to TheWrap, former IDA President Richard Propper expressed his support for Sipur.

Why would the IDA, a champion of independent filmmakers, renege on its commitment to promote We Will Dance Again? The IDA has a distinguished history of promoting films from all faiths, cultures and nationalities. Sabotaging the qualification of any documentary because staff disagrees with its content is a gross violation of trust with the membership, trustees and sponsors of IDA, he said.

In a response from its attorneys sent Wednesday (available in full here), the IDA rejected claims that We Will Dance  was singled out for ad pulls because of its content, claiming that the organization had received an influx of inquiries from films nominated for the IDA Documentary Awards, which will be held this Thursday.

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Advertising space in IDA publications, particularly in newsletters to members, is sought after by documentaries not just for the IDA Awards, but to raise awareness of films ahead of the voting period for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar shortlist, which the Film Academy will open Dec. 9.

The IDA declined further comment beyond the letter from its attorneys.

The post Doc Association Rejects Fictional Anti-Israel Bias After Pulling Ads for Oct. 7 Film We Will Dance Again | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap.
Pontotoc County, Okla. (KFOR)  Calvin Prince, the former Acting Chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board stepped down from his position last Friday. He is currently under criminal investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation.

Calvin Prince, courtesy Oklahoma.gov

Court records obtained by News 4 detail alleged sexting with a woman he was counseling.

The affidavit states the counseling started after the woman attended a court-mandated class on divorce.

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Allegations such as these completely call into question not only everything that this particular board member has done, but to a certain extent it can call into question the decision of the board as a whole, said legal expert Ed Blau.

Authorities seek to identify quick change scammer, police say

In the paperwork, authorities say they found messages between Prince and the woman.

Prince was allegedly asking and suggesting sexual favors in exchange for a pardon.

He allegedly asked the woman questions about the appearance of her body with no clothes on and requested she stop by his office after hours while he was alone.

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The document says, Prince stated he had a different approach and out of the box ideas. Prince asked [the woman] to get undressed so that he could point out areas of her body that he liked in order to build [the womans] confidence.

Legal expert and attorney Ed Blau said, This board member could be facing charges of extortion. He could be facing charges of possibly some sort of sexual battery.

Prince was appointed for the position by Governor Kevin Stitt last year in January.

I reached out to OSBI about the investigation, and they told News 4:

We were requested by the Pontotoc County DAs Office to investigate possible misconduct. Its still an ongoing investigation at this time. Hunter McKee, OSBI

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News 4 also reached out to Princes attorney, Larry Balcerak, and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

Both declined to comment.

As of now, there are no charges filed against Calvin Prince.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This article was updated to include the commissary agencys estimate of the number of newly eligible shoppers.

Department of Defense civilian employees can shop at 16 commissaries during a pilot program for the next 120 days.

The select stores, all located in the continental United States, will be open to all DOD civilian employees, both appropriated fund and nonappropriated fund employees. The DOD pilot program is testing the feasibility of expanding the commissary benefit to DOD civilians at all stateside commissaries, Defense Commissary Agency officials said in an announcement of the test, which begins Thursday.

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Commissary agency officials estimate that about 61,740 DoD civilians will be newly eligible to shop at these 16 stores during the test.

Defense officials have directed the commissary agency to monitor any effects of the increased customers on the pilot stores operations and report those findings.

Family members of DOD civilian employees and former or retired DOD civilian employees are excluded from the test. DOD civilian employees wont be able to purchase tobacco or alcohol products and wont have commissary Click2Go online shopping privileges.

For 157 years, military commissaries have offered the benefit of discounted groceries on installations, with the current authorized customers including active, reserve or retired service members; veterans with service-connected disabilities; Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients; and authorized family members, among other eligible patrons.

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The 16 stores are located in seven states:

Alaska: Eielson Air Force Base

California: Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Fort Irwin

Georgia: Marine Corps Logistical Base Albany and Robins Air Force Base

Maryland: Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Oklahoma: Altus Air Force Base

Texas: Laughlin Air Force Base

Virginia: Naval Support Facility Dahlgren; Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base commissaries); Fort Gregg-Adams; Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (Little Creek Commissary); Naval Base Norfolk; Naval Air Station Oceana; and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth).

Officials selected the test stores based on criteria such as the size of the store, from small to large, and the stores ability to accommodate extra customers. They also selected some stores with high concentrations of DOD civilians in the area to test the commissary agencys ability to handle large increases in customers.

Ultimately, allowing DOD civilians to shop in the commissaries is expected to increase [the commissary agencys] sales volume, generating additional savings for all patrons through lower wholesale pricing and increased promotions by suppliers, commissary officials stated.

In May 2021, defense officials expanded shopping privileges for DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees at military exchange stores in the U.S. and the U.S. territories and possessions.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-leads of DOGE, visited Capitol Hill on Thursday.

GOP lawmakers were generally upbeat about the duo's plan to cut spending.

But the details of how they'll do it remain vague.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy paid a visit to Capitol Hill on Thursday, meeting with GOP lawmakers in both the House and Senate to discuss their much-anticipated "Department of Government Efficiency," otherwise known as DOGE.

But while their visit generated all of the buzz that one might expect from an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the world's richest man, it left little clarity about what, exactly, President-elect Donald Trump's new government-efficiency effort would actually do.

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"There won't be a lot of detail for the press today, and that's by design," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters. "This is a brainstorming session."

Musk and Ramaswamy had spent their mornings meeting separately with an array of GOP senators to discuss government efficiency. With Johnson in tow, they were now meeting with members of the House and Senate's newly formed DOGE caucus in the Capitol basement. After that, they would speak with a larger group of Republicans in a nearby auditorium. Democrats were apparently not invited to any of those meetings, despite a handful of them expressing interest in the new project. "I would have liked to attend the meeting," Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York wrote on X, calling the one-party nature of the affair "unfortunate."

With all of the attention that DOGE is generating (at least 100 reporters and staff members had assembled outside the basement meeting room to catch a glimpse of Musk, who was carrying his son X--12 on his shoulders) it still remains unclear how the initiative will achieve Musk's goal of $2 trillion in spending cuts  and which programs might end up on the chopping block.

That's despite the best efforts of the Capitol Hill press corps, who peppered Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina with several such questions as he left a meeting with Ramaswamy on Thursday morning.

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How would DOGE succeed when so many previous government reform initiatives have failed? "You're way too ahead, that question is way too early for this process," Tillis replied.

Does Musk have too many conflicts of interest to run DOGE, given some of his companies' reliance on government largesse? "You're way too early, you're already anticipating what the priorities are going to be," Tillis replied.

Were there any specific departments discussed in the meeting? "Way too early," Tillis replied.

Despite the lack of broad clarity, Musk and Ramaswamy have laid out some initial plans for DOGE, including using recent Supreme Court rulings to challenge and roll back existing regulations, reevaluate federal government's contracts, shrink the federal workforce, and going after taxpayer funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood. Musk has also indicated an interest in addressing wasteful spending in the military, drawing the interest of progressives.

Johnson speaking to reporters before Musk and Ramaswamy meet with DOGE caucus members. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Republicans also have their own long-standing pet projects that they're eager to see DOGE take up. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, the chair of the Senate DOGE caucus, has already identified $2 trillion in cuts that she'd like to see. More broadly, Republicans are generally eager to shrink government expenditures at any chance they might get.

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Rep. David Schweikert, a debt-obsessed Republican from Arizona, told BI that his initial skepticism about Musk and Ramaswamy was assuaged after attending the DOGE caucus meeting with the duo, which he said focused more on the mechanics of how cuts might be pursued than specific line items to be targeted.

"There seemed to be a much deeper understanding of the structural issues and structural barriers than I expected," said Schweikert. "I left genuinely impressed."

Johnson told reporters that Thursday's meeting were the "beginning of a journey" for lawmakers, and he's probably right.

It's hard to see DOGE coming anywhere close to $2 trillion in cuts without touching entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare, which would likely become a major political headache for Republicans if pursued.

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And the organization that Musk and Ramaswamy are set to run will only be able to make recommendations. While Trump may seek to veer into legally treacherous terrain by asserting his authority to simply refuse to spend congressionally approved funds, any major reform proposals will likely need the approval of majorities in both chambers  itself a treacherous task, given their slim majorities.

But as long as DOGE remains a collection of platitudes, everyone involved will be on the same page  and is eager to snap a selfie with Musk.

"This is sort of the opening bell, I think, of something that's going to be really great," said Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Vikings have been having an extended moment in pop culture for the past decade or so. There was Michael Hirsts creatively titled drama, Vikings, and its sequel, Vikings: Valhalla. There are dopey neo-pagans and Amon Amarth fans out there rowing in the mosh pit and stacks of silly fantasy novels, fashion, grooming productsthe works.

Strange thing: There were no Vikings. Vikings were not a thing.

The barbaric alien pagans raiding the English coastline in their horned helmets? Mostly an invention of 19th century Romantic literature. The English had a word for the pirates and settlers from Denmark who gave them so much grief over a couple of centuries before conquering them for goodthey called these Danes  Danes, and we still have words such as Danegeld (a tribute payment to a foreign adversary) and Danelaw (an early English exercise in multiculturalism) to attest to that. As late as 1911, Rudyard Kipling was writing about Danes, not Vikings, saying of the custom of paying for peace:

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That is called paying the Dane-geld; But weve proved it again and again, That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld You never get rid of the Dane.



Not all of the raiders were Danesthere were sundry bands of men from the north known in England as north men, or Norsemen or Normans, as we call the ones who settled in France before returning to England to conquer the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings.

Some of them were pagans, but Christianity was in the picture pretty early, too, with the king of Denmark (and, for a time, Sweden) Harald Bluetooth Gormsson (yes, the wireless technology is named after him; the Bluetooth logo is a runic version of his initials) officially converting his kingdom to the new faith in the 10th century. They do not seem to have worn horned battle helmets; the few horned helmets associated with that time and place seem to have been religious items rather than martial ones. (Bull-oriented fertility rituals were spread about as far across the ancient world as bulls were, and you can still watch such rituals performed in Madrid or Mexico City to Aire-sur-lAdour.) They werent exotic foreigners, either: The Scandinavians, the Anglo-Saxons, and the Slavs all were fairly well acquainted with one another, and it was a more cosmopolitan world than you might imagine: Cnut the Great, the king of Norway, Denmark, and England, was the grandson of Mieszko I of Poland, founder of the first unified Polish state and father-in-law to the first (more or less) king of the Swedes, Eric the Victorious. There is some suggestion that the people we call Vikings traveled, traded, and settled as far as Baghdad. They were a sophisticated people, both economically and politically.

The howl-at-the-moon barbarians of popular culture, like the modern English word Viking itself, are a relatively recent invention. The origins of the word Viking are disputed, but what is not in dispute is that the evocative name played an important rolea central role, in factin transforming the collection of pirates, traders, slavers, settlers, squabbling potentates, and colonizers of historical fact into the Vikings of legend. A good, simple name gives us a way of simplifying a complex set of facts and making them into something more useful to our busy little brains: a story.

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Which brings me, briefly, to my subject: the so-called Deep State.

There is no such thing. As with the Vikings, it is a name invented to make sense of a bunch of different people with different ambitions in different places in different times. There are long-term, unelected government functionaries who naturally develop their own sets of economic and political interests after decades in the same agency or in the same general administrative realm. That employers and employees often have different and fundamentally rivalrous interests is a fact of life known to anyone who ever has had the responsibility of managing people in an organization. But the notion of a unified set of interests acting in concert across dozens of agencies over the course of years or decades is, simply put, preposterous. For one thing, the agencies and the factions within them have rival interests rather than shared intereststhe FBI and the CIA famously do not get along, but youll also find petty turf battles and political maneuvering placing Defense (to take one example) at odds with Energy, or Agriculture (to take another) at odds with Health and Human Services.

Bureaucratic self-interest is a real thingthe Deep State is an imaginary cabal.

But it is easier and simpler to talk about the Deep State, and Donald Trump and the people around him are nothing if not simple and in search of the easier way. Boot-licking T-shirt peddler, professional sycophant, and (if Trump is permitted to have his way) future FBI Director Kash Patel promises to smash the Deep State, but what he actually has proposed is working to create, for his own ends and those of his masters, something like the imaginary Deep State he rails against: a fully weaponized federal bureaucracy that will be put to political purposes in a simple, brutal, andinevitablystupid way.

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They are ready to do a lot of damage, but probably not in the way many of their critics expect and fear. The last time around, the Rotten Apple Dumpling Gang and its boss spent the first two years trying to figure out where the keys to the executive toilet were and the next two years promising that they were three weeks away from releasing a health care plan. Trump 2.0 basically has seven quarters to get something done before Washington turns its attention to the midterms, after which it may be difficult or impossible to get anything done at all, particularly if the midterms go badly for Republicans. And Trump has decided to forfeit one or two quarters in order to spend his time rage-tweeting his way through the indefensibly stupid nominations of such bottom-shelf grifters and goofballs as K$H Patel, Dr. Oz, Pete Hegseth (Dead man walking!), Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who stands ready to make history as the first felon to serve as HHS secretary, having been nominated by the first felon to be elected president. If the Trump administration gets to September 2026 without having gotten much done, the presidents imbecilic nominations probably will be a big part of thatirrespective of whether they ultimately are confirmed or rejected.

Thats a high price to pay forat besta symbolic victory over an imaginary enemy.

Read more at The Dispatch

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SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party of Korea said Thursday that it will push for a vote Saturday for an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol over his shocking yet short-lived imposition of martial law.

Cho Seung-rae, the main opposition's senior spokesperson, said it plans to hold a vote on the motion at around 7 p.m. local time Saturday to give ruling party lawmakers enough time to deliberate over their decision on Yoon's actions, Yonhap news agency reported.

The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, has submitted the impeachment motion with the backing of five smaller opposition parties, arguing Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the constitution and other laws.

The vote on the impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority to pass, which would need eight of the 108 ruling party lawmakers to vote with opposition parties. If it passes, the Constitutional Court would then decide whether to uphold the motion, with a decision required within 180 days.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, said at a party meeting on Thursday that the unconstitutional martial law order cannot be justified, urging Yoon to leave the party. But he pledged his party will rally efforts to block the motion's passage to avoid confusion.

The floor leader of the People Power party Choo Kyung-ho also vowed Thursday that its lawmakers would "unite" to defeat the opposition-led impeachment motion, which would immediately suspend Yoon's presidential duties.

"President Yoon will not make any statements today," a presidential official told reporters Thursday.

During a meeting on Wednesday with key political figures, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Yoon said there was "no wrongdoing" in the declaration of martial law and dismissed allegations of any impropriety, emphasizing that it was solely intended to prevent what he described as the Democratic Party's "reckless impeachment actions," local media reported.

Several high-profile cabinet ministers have expressed their intention to step down. Earlier on Thursday, Yoon accepted the resignation of his defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement, the presidential office said.

Kim, who reportedly proposed to the president declaring martial law, tendered his resignation on Wednesday evening, shortly after the Democratic Party submitted an impeachment motion against him.

The outgoing defense chief said he offered to step down in a bid to take full responsibility for all events related to Tuesday's martial law declaration and apologized to the South Korean people for causing disruption and confusion.

In a further development on Thursday, South Korean prosecutors banned Kim from leaving the country, Yonhap news agency said.

Meanwhile, South Korean police launched an investigation into a case of Yoon's treason charge, a senior police officer said Thursday.

Police have begun investigating the president for alleged "insurrection" following his declaration of martial law and subsequent lifting, which has sparked widespread political turmoil. Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency, confirmed that "the case has been assigned."

Yoon shocked the country by declaring emergency martial law Tuesday night, claiming to eradicate "anti-state" forces, only to lift the order six hours later after being rejected by 190 lawmakers in parliament.

On Wednesday night, demonstrators in downtown Seoul held a candlelight vigil and marched towards the presidential office against Yoon, demanding that he step down. 
(NewsNation)  Donald Trumps incoming team is holding talks with Ukrainian officials about ending the war with Russia, all in a bid to help resolve the conflict prior to the president-elect taking office.

Several people in Trumps future administration, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have met with leaders from Ukraine in Washington and Florida, reported The Wall Street Journal.

Keith Kellogg, Trumps pick as a special envoy for the conflict, and his soon-to-be national security adviser, Mike Waltz, were also part of the meetings.

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Trump has been clear about wanting to end the nearly three-year-long war both while campaigning and after securing the presidential win.

Putin lowers the threshold for using his nuclear arsenal after Bidens arms decision for Ukraine

A key strategy to wind down the war appears to be getting both sides to the negotiating table as quickly as possible, potentially through diplomatic coercion.

This would involve siphoning off aid to Ukraine if they refuse to come to the table, and if Russia refuses, assistance could be ramped up.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Trump soon after his electoral victory and has said that he would consider effectively ceding some territory to Russia in exchange for NATO protection of parts of the country Ukraine controls.

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The issue will be the biggest hurdle in resolving the conflict, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been adamantly against Ukraines inclusion into NATO and has used the possibility to justify the war in Ukraine.

Trump set to inherit ongoing conflicts in Israel, Ukraine

Trumps team has not been open to committing to NATO membership for the Ukrainians, which may further complicate negotiations.

Last month, Putin approved budget plans raising 2025 military spending to record levels as Moscow seeks to prevail in the war in Ukraine.

Nuclear fears are also growing after Putin confirmed the use of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in Ukraine, warning the West that U.S. air defenses would be powerless against it.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Donald Trump spent a very large portion of his Wednesday announcing various nominees to serve in his second administration, ending with his pick for Social Security Administration commissioner, Frank Bisignano.

Frank is a business leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations, Trump wrote on Truth Social. He will be responsible to deliver on the Agencys commitment to the American People for generations to come!

Frank Bisignano currently serves as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Fiserv Corporation, the Worlds largest payments and financial technology company that touches almost every American household each day. He has a long career leading financial services institutions through great transformation, he continued. Frank previously served as Co-Chief Operating Officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Prior to JPMorgan Chase & Co., he held senior positions at Citigroup, including Chief Administrative Officer during 9/11, where he had responsibility for 16,000 employees in Lower Manhattan.

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Frank later became the CEO of the Global Transaction Services business, which was the Worlds largest cash management and treasury services business, Trumps message concluded. He serves as a founding Board Member of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, a founding Board Member of the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Mount Sinai Health System.

Bisignano wasnt alone in receiving a political nod from the president-elect on Wednesday, either.

Other new administration selections included Kelly Loeffler as Small Business Administration administrator, Billy Long as Internal Revenue Service commissioner, David A. Warrington as the White Houses top attorney, William Joseph McGinley as DOGEs legal counsel, Monica Elizabeth Crowley as assistant Secretary of State, Paul Atkins as chairman of the Securities & Exchange Commission, Gail Slater as Assistant Attorney General for DOJ antitrust and Michael William Faulkender as Deputy Treasury Secretary.

These updates also came as Trumps initial Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth was forced to defend himself amid reports he may be replaced by Ron DeSantis.

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Trump is set to be inaugurated for the second time on Jan. 20, 2025.

The post Donald Trump Nominates Former JPMorgan Chase COO to Be Social Security Administration Commissioner appeared first on TheWrap.
Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for to be on the ballot in the Missouri GOP Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).

Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long was tapped on Wednesday evening by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Internal Revenue Service.

Trump called Long  who served six terms representing a Southwest Missouri district  a consummate people person, adding taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.

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The current IRS commissioners term doesnt expire until 2027.

Long was one of the first elected officials to jump on the Trump train, a phrase he claims to have coined. When most considered Trumps candidacy a joke or publicity stunt, Long said he was all in, touting Trump to foreign leaders and GOP insiders who snickered at the notion that the real estate mogul and reality TV star would be the next president.

Trump, I saw it early on, Long told The Independent in 2022, he has the it factor.

After a long career as an auctioneer, and a few years as a conservative talk radio host, Long decided to jump into the 2010 race for the Congressional seat being vacated when Roy Blunt decided to run for U.S. Senate.

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Long said no one took him seriously.

It was an eight-way race, Long said, and I was supposed to come in ninth. I was the Donald Trump of the race.

He was pegged as a candidate who was only in the race for publicity, Long said, to help my business and blah, blah, blah, the same things they said about Trump.

His own campaign consultants told him he was too fat to put on TV, he said. And you can put that in the newspaper. They said, Youre too fat. You cant go on TV. Youll scare people.

Billy Long shows off his tie that was signed by former President Donald Trump shortly before filing to run for the U.S. Senate on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).

In the end, Long won the primary by around 7.5 percentage points. He cruised to victory that fall, joining a massive class of freshmen Republicans who swept into office in the Tea Party wave.

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He says the key to his victory was authenticity.

I may not look the part, Long said. But I guaranteed to voters that I would be the part, that I would do the right thing for the right reason every day. And that resonated with people.

His first year in Congress, according to The Lever, Long signed a letter urging the IRS to launch a probe of the tax-exempt status of the Humane Society of the United States, a nonprofit that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal cruelty. The letter followed the Humane Societys support of a successful Missouri ballot measure strengthening regulations on dog breeders.

In 2022, Long gave up his congressional seat to run for U.S. Senate, finishing fourth in the GOP primary behind the eventual winner, Eric Schmitt.

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According to Trumps Wednesday announcement, since leaving Congress Long has worked as a business and tax advisor, helping small businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.

I have known Billy since 2011, Trump said. He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress Congratulations Billy!
In the years before Prohibition, antialcohol activists made two sweeping arguments for making liquor sales illegal. First, doing so was necessary to uphold public morals. Second, alcohol bans were necessary for public health.

Sound familiar?

From pandemic lockdowns to vaping bans to transparently silly soda size limits, so much of American politics today can be understood as a long-tail outgrowth of the Prohibitionist movement, a joint project of self-certain moralists and public health nannies who believe that the surest way to improve the character and vitality of a nation is by telling other people what to door not do.

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And in far too many cases, "telling other people what to do or not do" turns out to mean "legally restricting them from doing it." In the prohibitionist mindset, that's a distinction without a difference.

Here at Reason, we oppose prohibition in all its forms. Not only because we support individual choice in just about everythingthough we dobut because legal prohibitions turn out to be inefficient, ineffective, or even flat-out counterproductive, with unintended consequences that make the world worse for everyone.

When you donate to Reason, you help us stand athwart prohibitionist movements, yelling, "Hey! That was demonstrably stupid! We have the evidence to prove it! Please, please, please, don't do that again!"

Something else happens when you donate to Reason right now:Your donations will be matched!

We're still working on that generous matching grant from Reason Foundation Chair Gerry Ohrstrom. It's like ordering a double shot and getting it for the price of one.

Prohibition gave rise to violent gangs, corrupt public officials, and black market control of the liquor industry.

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It also had less obvious consequences, like reducing patent innovation, since closing saloons made it more difficult for thinkers, scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs to gather and share ideas.

Even seemingly modest restrictions had unintended consequences: When a New York state law restricted certain alcohol sales to hotel bars in the name of public morality, saloons rushed to turn old storage spaces into hastily renovated "hotel rooms." To pay for the conversions, many of those rooms were used as brothelsnot exactly what the restrictionists were hoping for.

Today's alcohol prohibitionists are less likely to try to ban alcohol. But they do want to increase taxes on liquor and require more onerous paperwork for brewers and distillers.

Beyond spirits, the nanny state is always on the hunt for enjoyable activities and tasty treats to regulate and restrict, from restaurant drive-thrus to home kitchens to cherries. Yes, cherries, which the federal nudgeniks at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have deemed unhealthy.

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Why in the world is the federal government worried about the health effects of cherries? Because nannies and neo-prohibitionists are always looking for a new target.

Don't tell anyone in authority, but sometimes I like to combine cherries with alcohol. A sweet brandied cherry in a Manhattan? Perfectionno matter what the FDA says.

Your donations help Reason keep the neo-prohibitionists at bay. Give us your money so we can all keep drinking booze with cherries!

The good news is that, in at least some ways, the tide is turning. Over the past 15 years, marijuana legalization proponents have won the argument, and changed the laws, in states across the country, with Nebraska becoming the latest. Psychedelics are becoming mainstream, and some states have moved toward legalization. Even raw milk is having a moment.

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But there are still more battles to be wonin the arena of public opinion and at the voting booth. Drugs won't legalize themselves.

Support Reason to keep up the fight against the forces of prohibition. We can't let the nanny state win. Take advantage of that incredible matching grant! Click here to donate now!

The post Donate to <i>Reason</i> To Keep the New Prohibitionists at Bay appeared first on Reason.com.
HOLLAND, Mass. (WWLP)  A portion of Alexander Road in Holland is closed on Thursday due to down wires in the road, causing a fire.

Portion of Mass. Pike in Ludlow shut down due to crash

The Holland Police Department says that a tree fell on wires, causing smoke and catching fire. The fire is contained at this time and is not a hazard to the public.

Alexander Road is closed between East Brimfield Road and Allen Hill Road. If you need to use Allen Hill Road, it is accessible by using the Sturbridge Road side.

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There is no word on when the road will reopen on Thursday.

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DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN)  Gwen Varnes said a few days after Thanksgiving she woke up to a disheartening text from her neighbor.

My neighbor said, Hey, my 4Runners missing. Did you hear anything last night? Varnes recalled. I had just walked out to let my dogs out front, and I looked over and my [Ford] Bronco was also missing.

Varnes lives with her son on eight acres of gated land in Dripping Springs. She said her neighbor lives on a similarly large piece of property.

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In order to get my car out, they actually had to run my car through my gate. So my gate was bent totally in half, she said.

Frustrated, Im really frustrated. Ive got a lot on my plate, Varnes continued. This just really is one of the many opportunities I get to work to overcome  but one I could have not dealt with.

Vernes and the neighbors auto thefts were two of several to occur in Dripping Springs during November and December.

Its no secret Dripping Springs is experiencing a lot of growth. While the Hays County Sheriffs Office said vehicle thefts have not exploded, they are increasing commensurately with the population growth.

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Theres a lot of movement coming out U.S. 290 through Dripping Springs, which means more houses, more neighborhoods, more opportunity for criminals, said Lieutenant Clint Pulpan with the Hays County Sheriffs Office.

[Vehicle thefts] probably happen more now than eight years ago. But I dont know if it happens more now than it has in the past three or four years, Pulpan continued.

As parts of Dripping Springs are more rural, many residents dont lock their car doors at night. Pulpan urged people in the city, even in rural neighborhoods, to lock their doors at night.

We cannot stress enough, youve got to lock your car doors, Pulpa said. A good number of times if that door is locked, [thieves] will just check the handle and go to the one thats unlocked because its less noise than breaking a window.

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Pulpan said if your car is burglarized to report it to HCSO. He said sometimes deputies can collect fingerprints from vehicles and connect the crime to others.

With her property being fairly rural, Varnes did not keep her car locked on the night of the theft. While she still feels safe in the city, she is aware of the towns transformation.

Just because this happened does not mean that this community is going down the drain, or that we need to walk around being terrified, Varnes said. I feel like its time for me to be a little bit more conscious of my surroundings.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced 10 new driving simulators in Springfield.

He and the people in Springfield have expressed concern for the growing Haitian-American immigrant communitys adjustment to American driving.

The laws and the norms of Haiti are just fundamentally different, as far as driving than they are here, DeWine said.

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Translators and trained teachers will be available at each simulator.

TRENDING STORIES:

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We actually have people who are trained to teach people to drive, so you dont do this and automatically go in and get your license, Andy Wilson, director of Ohio Department of Public Safety said.

The locations of the simulators are also a strategic decision.

Places like churches that have built a rich, Haitian community.

We know that those folks are coming in here on a steady stream. So we worked with the church, and we set up the simulator here, Wilson said.

Theres one thing DeWine said he wants to make clear.

These are all going to be available to anybody. I mean, this is not just targeted to one population. We know we have people in the community who need drivers training period, he said.

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He said this also highlights an issue with state law.

People 18 and older only have to pass a test to get a license.

Whatever age you are if youre getting your license for the first time, you need to take drivers training, and to say that once you turn 18, you dont have training just does not make, frankly, make any sense at all, DeWine said.

He said he is working with the state legislature to change that.

We will continue to follow this story.

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Luxury properties are in high demand in Dubai. KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

Dubai is a haven for rich expats seeking business opportunities and low tax.

Its real estate market is struggling to keep up with demand for luxury housing.

Property prices keep rising as Dubai scrambles to build thousands more villas to meet demand.

Dubai is hot with the rich. The emirate has become an economic hub for entrepreneurship, business, and networking, while its lack of income tax is also a lure for many international ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Geopolitical instability and tax policy changes in other hubs have only made Dubai more of a haven for the superrich. The influx of wealthy folk is causing a problem, however: there aren't enough houses to meet demand.

The Palm Jumeirah is one of the hottest neighborhoods for wealthy expats. Stefan Tomic/Getty Images

In its latest Dubai Market Review, property company Knight Frank found listings of luxury properties valued at more than $10 million plummeted by about two-thirds to 460 this year.

To meet surging demand, Dubai is scrambling to build more homes. Almost 9,000 villas will be completed by the end of the year, and another 19,700 are expected to be built in 2025.

Developers will have to build even more upmarket properties to meet demand. Knight Frank suggests that Dubai will need between 37,600 and 87,700 houses by 2040 to help accommodate a population set to reach about 5.8 million by then.

At the same time, prices in Dubai prime neighborhoods such as the Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills have soared, rising by 20% in the most recent quarter compared to the same period last year.

"Last year, we had 37 homes available for over $50 million," Faisal Durrani, Knight Frank's head of research for the Middle East and North Africa, told Business Insider. "This year, it's dropped to nine."

"We're talking quite small numbers here, but it's helping to paint this picture of a shortage of homes at the top end of the market."

Dubai is popular with wealthy globetrotters. Lu ShaoJi/Getty Images

Although Dubai's real estate market is buoyant, Durrani said the housing bubble could burst if the global economy slows or oil prices falter.

A global recession would mean "a very real risk of job losses, population reduction, and therefore reduction in demand for housing," he said.

Prices are expected to rise by 8% in 2025, yet luxury property in Dubai is still a relative bargain. Knight Frank found that $1 million buys 91 square meters of prime property there, compared with 33 square meters in London and 34 square meters in New York.

"When you put Dubai on the global stage and you're looking at relative affordability and affordable luxury, it's still reasonably priced compared to elsewhere in the world," Durrani said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A northern Minnesota man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to sexually assaulting two young girls over a decade ago.

Clint Franklin Massie, 49, of Duluth, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal sexual conduct for assaults on two girls between 2008 and 2009. The jury trial for his case was set to start on Thursday, but he took a last-minute plea deal that saw one of the charges was dropped.

Charges stemming from these two victims were filed in February 2023. However, Massie was arrested again in October 2023 following an investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriffs Office in which more victims came forward with abuse claims.

Douglas County Jail

According to the victim's allegations, Massie sexually abused the victims, who ranged in age from six to 13, at his farm in Lakewood Township, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, and at family gatherings.

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Massie knew the victims through family or through friendships made at the church.

According to the sheriff's office, victims have also come forward from other states where Massie had previously lived. In total, Massie has been accused of abusing five people, four of whom were children at the time, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

Massie has been out of jail on a $300,000 bail and will be out until his sentencing date.

A sentencing hearing has been set for March 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Sentencing guidelines recommend a prison sentence of up to 109 months.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has given a grim assessment of the situation in the war zone in Ukraine during a debate on the defence budget in parliament, saying that Russia retains the upper hand and that the US elections are making the situation even more uncertain.

Source: European Pravda, citing Dutch newspaper Trouw

Quote: "We can even say that Ukraine is [currently] losing the war. And we're dealing with the [US] election results, which are turning everything upside down quite a bit because we know that the new president, Donald Trump, has made statements about how he feels about Ukraine and how he'll force the parties to the negotiating table."

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Details: At the beginning of his speech, Brekelmans discussed further military assistance to Ukraine and stated that "Russia has the advantage" on the battlefield.

"The risk is that Ukraine will have to make big concessions because it'll negotiate from a position of weakness. This will mean that aggression in Europe will win. Then we'll really be living together on a different continent than the one we all grew up on," Brekelmans said.

The minister also noted that the previous Dutch government had determined the amount of aid to Ukraine for 2025, and the current government sees no reason to revise it.

"Even if I had a much bigger budget for Ukraine right now, it would not lead to immediate deliveries. There are simply no Patriot [air defence] missiles [in the warehouses available for delivery to Ukraine]," the defence minister explained.

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Background:

In recent weeks, after Trump's election as US president, the West has begun to discuss a certain version of the "settlement" of the Russo-Ukrainian war more actively.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that with Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election, the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war "has never seemed so close".

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BUCHAREST, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Several pro-European political parties in Romania have agreed to form a coalition, including the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), the Save Romania Union (USR), and representatives of national minorities, according to PNL interim chair Ilie Bolojan on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Palace of Parliament, Bolojan stated that the coalition's primary goal is to ensure governmental stability and implement key reforms to advance Romania's modernization.

The coalition partners affirmed their commitment to Romania's European and Euro-Atlantic values, focusing on strengthening national security, economic growth, and the country's European trajectory. Among their priorities are increasing the absorption of European funds, advancing reforms under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and pushing for Romania's accession to the Schengen Area and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"We urge Romanian citizens to vote on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, for a pro-European, democratic, and secure Romania, rejecting isolationism, extremism, and populism," Bolojan said.

Independent candidate Calin Georgescu and Elena Lasconi, leader of the USR, will face off in the second round of Romania's 2024 presidential election on Dec. 8.

On the same day, the Central Electoral Bureau revealed that seven political parties have crossed the electoral threshold to enter Parliament.

The PSD led with 22.4 percent of the Senate vote and 21.96 percent for the Chamber, followed by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) with 18.3 percent and 18.01 percent, respectively. The PNL ranked third with 14.28 percent in the Senate and 13.2 percent in the Chamber.

Other parties meeting the threshold include the USR, the S.O.S. Romania, the Party of Young People, and the UDMR. 
PARIS  The Netherlands wont be able to spend 750 million (US$790 million) of military aid planned for Ukraine this year because of the tight global market for defense equipment, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.

Military aid for Ukraine has shifted from equipment supplied from stockpiles at the start of the countrys fight against invading Russian forces, to newly produced equipment now, Brekelmans said in a letter to the Dutch parliament on Tuesday. The international defense industry is doubly burdened by demand from countries that seek to bolster their own militaries as well as provide support Ukraine, which is impacting delivery schedules, the minister said.

The Netherlands pays for equipment upon delivery, and is no longer able to realize 750 million euros of planned military aid this year, Brekelmans said. The unspent funds will be transferred to the 2025 defense budget, and will remain destined to providing support for Ukraine.

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The funds are thus not lost and the planned destination remains unchanged, Brekelmans said.

The Ukrainian defense industry faces the same tight market, according to the Dutch minister. While local defense firms would benefit from significant investments, which is something the Netherlands is working on, Ukraine doesnt have significant amounts of equipment available that can be delivered this year, he said.

The Netherlands has pledged 10.4 billion in military support to Ukraine, of which 9.5 billion has either been realized, legally committed, or is being negotiated with partners and suppliers in preparation of an agreement, Brekelmans said.

The country has plans for the remaining 970 million, aimed at fulfilling urgent needs of Ukraine, mainly in the short term, he said.

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Incidentally, a significant portion of this remaining budget will be used to purchase equipment directly from the Ukrainian defense industry, Brekelmans told parliament. While these plans are not yet in the execution phase, new changes would delay the delivery of urgent military support.

The Dutch government coalition has agreed to continue to actively support Ukraine politically, militarily, financially and morally.

Countries across Europe have been boosting their defense budgets following Russias aggression against Ukraine, and spending by European Union countries on equipment is forecast to climb to 90 billion this year from 61 billion in 2023, according to the European Defence Agency.

EU countries are buying more weapons to replenish stocks depleted by providing military aid to Ukraine, address capability gaps and increase preparedness for high-intensity conflict, the EDA said in a report on Wednesday. European suppliers of military hardware such as KNDS, Rheinmetall, Saab and MBDA have all reported record order books.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. severely lags behind China in shipbuilding capacity, lawmakers and experts have warned, as the Biden administration tries to build up the country's ability to develop and produce weapons and other defense supplies to fend off war.

Speaking at a congressional hearing Thursday, Rep. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said the country lacks the capacity to deter and win a fight with China and called for action.

Bold policy changes and significant resources are now needed to restore deterrence and prevent a fight with China, Moolenaar said.

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Chinas navy is already the worlds largest, and its shipbuilding capacity, estimated to be 230 times larger, dwarfs that of the U.S.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the ranking Democratic member of the committee, told Fox News last week that for every one oceangoing vessel that we can produce, China can produce 359 in one single year."

The U.S. government has come to see China as its pacing challenge," and officials have warned that Beijing is pursuing the largest peacetime military buildup in history, raising concerns about how the U.S. would respond and ensure victory in case of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions are high in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

Krishnamoorthi on Thursday warned that a weak military industrial base could invite aggression and argued that strengthening it is necessary to avoid war with China.

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History tells us we need a healthy defense industrial base now to deter aggression and make sure the worlds dictators think again before dragging the U.S. and the world into yet another disastrous conflict, Krishnamoorthi said.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan called it a generational project to fix the problem after the American shipbuilding industry had its bottom fell out in the early 1980s.

Part of it is we don't have the backbone of a healthy commercial shipbuilding base to rest our naval shipbuilding on top of, Sullivan said Wednesday at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington. And that's part of the fragility of what we're contending with and why this is going to be such a generational project to fix.

The challenge in shipbuilding has been especially immense, stemming from the hollowing-out of the U.S. manufacturing base where its workforce shrank and suppliers left, Sullivan said.

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And it is part of the broader problem of a weakened U.S. military industrial base, as manifested in the weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, Sullivan said, when Kyiv in eight weeks burned through a year's worth of U.S. 155-millimeter artillery production."

Decades of underinvestments and consolidation had seriously eroded our defense industrial base, and there was no way around it, Sullivan said.

The head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, warned last month that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East were eating away at critical U.S. weapons stockpiles and could hamper the militarys ability to respond to China should a conflict arise.

He said providing or selling billions of dollars worth of air defenses to both Ukraine and Israel were hampering U.S. ability to respond to threats in the Indo-Pacific.

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Its now eating into stocks, and to say otherwise would be dishonest, he told an audience at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Nov . 19.

Several researchers at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said Chinas rapid military buildup could allow the country to prevail over the U.S., especially in case of a prolonged conflict.

Chinas massive shipbuilding industry would provide a strategic advantage in a war that stretches beyond a few weeks, allowing it to repair damaged vessels or construct replacements much faster than the United States, the researchers wrote in June.

On Thursday, the congressional panel heard suggestions from experts who said it would take time to rebuild the defense industrial base, but for quicker fixes, the U.S. could innovate to make low-cost and autonomous systems and tap resources of its allies.

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We need to look at co-production of whether it's munitions in Australia or shipbuilding in Korea, said William Greenwalt, a non-resident senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank American Enterprise Institute.

We need to get numbers as fast as we can," he said.
MISSOURI  A man convicted of first-degree murder and sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl has died in prison, according to a spokesperson from the Southeast Correctional Center in Missouri.

Earl Cox was sentenced to life without parole in 2020 over the death of Angie Houseman in 1993. A plea deal spared him from the death penalty.

Houseman was kidnapped from her school bus stop in St. Ann, Missouri, in 1993. Her body was found nine days later at the Busch Wildlife Area.

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In court, Cox would only say that Houseman got into his car and did not elaborate further.

During his guilty plea, the judge said not even a parents worst nightmare could imagine what Cox did to Houseman.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Election results are available here.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  On Dec. 7, voters in East Baton Rouge Parish decided on three key propositions affecting the City of St. George and two neighborhood districts.

The City of St. George Proposition involves a 2% sales tax set to begin in April 2025, replacing the existing sales tax collected by the Baton Rouge government. This tax would apply to retail sales, services, rentals and consumables in the city.

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Result: Passed with 79% of 27,355 votes.

In the Tara Subdivision, the Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement District Proposition seeks voter approval to continue an annual property fee. This fee supports safety enhancements and neighborhood improvement projects.

Result: Passed with 75% of 670 votes.

The Villa del Rey Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement District Proposition also proposes renewing a parcel fee for 10 years to fund crime prevention efforts, security patrols, and other neighborhood enhancements.

Result: Passed with 58% of 722 votes.

Polls were open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Louisiana. In addition to local propositions, voters statewide considered four proposed constitutional amendments and various municipal elections.

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East Baton Rouge voters OK all tax proposals, shoot down home rule charter changes

December 2024 Election | Featured Coverage

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
Dec. 4EAST GRAND FORKS  The East Grand Forks City Council approved setting the city's 2025 property tax levy at a 3% increase during its meeting Tuesday night.

The council held its truth and taxation hearing as part of its annual budgeting process. In September,

the city set its preliminary property tax levy with a 7% increase,

but even at that time stated that the goal was to get the property tax levy increase to 3%. In total, the city will levy $7,137,985 in property taxes for its 2025 budget.

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The city did not approve the 2025 final budget as the city is

still negotiating with employee unions and finalizing specific costs for health care.

The city will have to have a final budget passed by the end of the month and plans to bring it up at its next meeting on Dec. 17.

Setting the levy at that $7.1 million mark also ensures that the city remains within Minnesota State Auditor guidelines and its reserves. For the 2025 budget, the city will use some of its reserves to cover expenses, a regular occurrence many governments do to keep property tax increases lower. The 2025 balance is projected to be 52% of revenue and 50% of expenditures, well within the guidelines of being between 35% and 50% of revenue and at least five months of expenditures.

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Property owners will see a variety of impacts on their property tax statements with a 3% levy increase. According to the property tax examples shown to the council, property owners in East Grand Forks saw anywhere between an over 18% decrease in their city property taxes to a 7% increase, mainly depending on whether their market value went up or down. The average property will have a 2.7% increase in its property taxes with the average home price going up $7,100.

Across Minnesota, cities proposed increasing their levies by 8.8% on average. In 2024, cities increased their levies by 7.5% in their final budgets.

The East Grand Forks School District is proposing a 5.97% increase in its property tax levy; the Minnesota School District average is a 4.4% increase. Polk County has a 5% increase in their property tax levy in their preliminary budget; the Minnesota county average is a 6.4% increase.

The levy increase is less than it was in the 2024 budget

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when the city passed a 5% levy increase.

This year, there was little discussion about setting the final levy, but there had been a lot of discussion in September when the preliminary budget was passed.

"I'd like to be at 3% (levy increase) and I always like to be at 50% in the reserves," City Council President Mark Olstad said in September. "Beginning in 2026, we're going to have the Family Medical Leave Act coming forward and we don't know right now what our health insurance is going to be."

In other news, the council:

* Approved several memorandums of understanding with the city's employee unions for city health insurance contributions for 2025. Three of the four unions have finalized negotiations for the changes stemming from the city changing health insurance plans in the new year.

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* Gave the final approval to code changes for cannabis zoning and business regulations. Following the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, municipalities across the state have been tasked with creating provisions and rules within their codes to allow business to occur.

East Grand Forks will allow for up to two retail establishments, more than their minimum.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  An East Providence cafe will close its doors for good later this month after two years in business.

All Seasons Cafe announced in a social media post Sunday evening that it will officially shutter on Dec. 29.

It saddens me, because owning this business was a dream I never thought would come true, but it did, the owner explained. In the midst of owning the cafe, I found a true passion for creating flavorful food and desserts.

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The owner did not explain why the cafe is closing permanently, but said she plans to continue to grow her catering business.

I do wish things were different, but we take our losses and move on, she wrote, adding that the decision was not made lightly.

The cafe first opened in fall 2022 as a coffee shop and later expanded to serve empanadas, sandwiches, pastries and ice cream.

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  An eastern Kentucky man has been arrested after allegedly shooting someone in the face and fleeing the scene.

The Laurel County Sheriffs Office said on Facebook that 40-year-old Timothy James Robinson, from Branch Road East, was arrested around 12:59 p.m. on Tuesday outside London.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The office said Robinson allegedly went to a home in northern Laurel County and shot the victim in the face with a handgun, causing serious physical injury.

Robinson then allegedly fled the scene and was later located after investigators developed their information.

Timothy James Robinson (Laurel County Correctional Center | Laurel County Sheriffs Office)

Court documents show Robinson was charged with first-degree assault and attempted murder.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
The first step in a city-wide development moratorium passed in Edgewater. This comes after repeated flooding issues from recent rain events and hurricanes.

While the water has mostly dried up, Mayor Diezel Depew said the problem is far from being resolved.

We need to pump the brakes, we need to figure out whats going on, we need to figure out what the stormwater master plan is going to say and where our watershed is going, said Depew.

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A plan is in place to find the answers to all of those questions, but Depew doesnt believe development can continue while thats happening.

The major concern is elevation. You know youve got these new subdivisions coming in 12 feet higher around Florida Shores in particular. It just cant continue to happen, said Depew.

Read: Operation Night Cap busts dozens for late night sales permit violations, drugs in downtown Orlando

City leaders passed a series of ordinances that place a citywide residential moratorium on things like rezonings, site plans and building permits. Industrial and commercial projects will not be impacted.

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We still have to continue and grow and the city council is not anti-development. We just really have to figure out whats going on with the flooding concern, said Depew.

The moratorium still needs a second reading to become official. That will happen on Jan 6. If it passes, it will be implemented immediately and will be in effect for a year. The Volusia County Council is also looking to move forward with a county-wide moratorium. That discussion is also happening in January.

Read: 4-year-old & 1-year-old missing out of Volusia County, FDLE issue alert

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Presidents have broad and unchecked power to issue pardons. And when they make self-serving decisions that mock the ideal of equal justice, they must be roundly condemned. So it is with President Joe Biden wiping the slate clean of consequences for his convicted-felon son Hunter.

It wasnt very long ago that this page excoriated Donald Trumps 2020 pardons as an unpardonable abuse of power. Some clemencies are indeed warranted  but again and again, Trump served himself and his allies, flying in the face of the crucial principle that those who break the law, whether or not theyre well connected, should pay the consequences.

The same can be said of Trumps plans to exonerate those he calls J-6 Hostages, who were in fact violent rioters who breached the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

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Should that Trump clemency come to some or all of the more than 1,200 people criminally charged, the argument against it has been hollowed out by Biden. For a man who knows how dangerous Trump can be, the outgoing president just basically gave the incoming president a hall pass.

Now the man who styled himself as the anti-Trump has fallen into the Trumpian trap of putting family before country.

Biden has also broken his word. In June, after Hunter was convicted by a jury of three felony crimes related to lying on federal gun-check forms, the president  who earlier had insisted on allowing his Justice Department to pursue the case against his son, as a matter of fairness  said I abide by the jury's decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.

That didnt change when Biden dropped out of the race the next month. And it didnt change in September, when Hunter pleaded guilty to nine more federal crimes, three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses.

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Days after Trump won the White House again, Bidens press secretary was asked again about the pardon possibility, and again repeated the line: Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.

Sunday, as he served up a clean slate on a silver plate, 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  and that is wrong.

If the president had this concern, why didnt he express it when charges were being brought? After the conviction? Any other time?

And if the concern is that a Trump Justice Department led by Pam Bondi  with Kash Patel the FBI director  is going to weaponize indictments and prosecutions and go after Hunter again, well, we wouldnt be entirely surprised. Trump has made no secret of his plans to go after his political opponents, who he considers enemies.

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Yes, it is true that not many Americans are routinely prosecuted for making false representations to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Still, in the fiscal year that Hunter Biden bought his gun, 478 people were referred for lying on that form. Federal prosecutors pursued 298 of those individuals.

No doubt those include plenty of people with parents and children and spouses and sympathetic cases. But the laws the law  and background checks are, according to Joe Biden himself, absolutely essential laws without which America cant be kept safe from gun violence.

On Saturday, Hunters lawyers published a 52-page document, The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden, arguing that he was targeted only because of his father. That is a fine point to make before the courts and perhaps Hunter would have prevailed and had the convictions thrown out. But dad short-circuited that the next day, at the end of the family Thanksgiving holiday on Nantucket, even bypassing the DOJs pardon attorneys office.

Biden has been historically stingy in handing out pardons and commutations despite hundreds if not thousands of worthy candidates. That makes his singling out of his son for mercy especially glaring.

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As Biden departs the scene his pardon is also a body blow to the Democratic Party when it is already leaderless and reeling. If Trumps argument, however false, is that the Justice Department was rigged against him and others  this becomes proof the playing field is not even. Biden, who left the party flailing with his disastrous debate performance, has done it again.

Principles all went out the window when push came to shove. Shame on you, Joe.

_____
At some point over turkey and mashed potatoes, it seems, President Joe Biden decided to jettison months of definitively, unambiguously, absolutely answering no to the repeated question of whether he planned to pardon his son, Hunter, and put the freedom of his troubled, law-breaking son above the rule of law in the United States.

That action, which made his political defenders, his press secretary and the numerous MSNBC and CNN commentators who had blathered on about how Biden lived the rule of law look like sycophantic fools, was an astonishing event, coming as it did as many families drove or flew home after the Thanksgiving holiday, or drove their adult children back to the airport.

It was as if Biden, embittered and angry at how his party  indeed America writ large  had treated him, had a thought process that went somewhere along these lines: I was old so you cast me aside. You still lost. I was reminded at Thanksgiving how my family still loves me the best and it is my duty as a father to care first for them.

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Deal with it, suckers.

Had Joe Biden expressed his decision in those terms, he might have enjoyed more credibility than his new argument about how Hunter Biden had been prosecuted simply because of his relationship to him, which is, of course, precisely the same argument made by President-elect Donald Trump, who also said he had been selectively prosecuted for political reasons and whom Joe Biden called a liar and a felon and a criminal and a hypocrite more times than we can count.

Both Trump and Joe Biden, of course, had good reason not to refer to the actual crimes themselves, even though the crimes are what actually matter here. When you choose to enter the political fray, or are born into its privileges, you can reasonably expect more scrutiny than the average American. If you want to avoid so-called selective prosecution, pursued by your political enemies, the best strategy is to follow the law. Thats what the rest of us have to do.

Granted, most loving American parents, given the chance to rub out the legal troubles of their now seemingly reformed offspring, would probably do what Biden did Sunday, if they could.

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But the point here is that they cannot.

Most American parents are not president of the United States, a job description that comes with such useful perks as the ability to offer presidential pardons but also includes the moral imperative of the office. Presidents are supposed to uphold the integrity of institutions and the rule of law, whatever the personal cost.

One useful analogy to this situation is a parent sending a child in the military to a wartime combat zone: they and their children are taking a mutual risk, making a sacrifice, for a cause they believe to be greater than their own familial affections. If they followed the Biden logic here, theyd demand their children come home.

The president is commander in chief. Biden has to know that some in the armed forces will not salute him in the future with the same enthusiasm.

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Some made the argument Monday that Biden is no different from others. Before he left office, former President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton Jr., from a 1985 cocaine possession and drug-trafficking conviction. Trump not only pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, from his tax evasion and illegal campaign donations convictions but has said he wants Kushner to serve as ambassador to France. And, of course, we have yet to learn what future pardons Trump might issue since he hasnt taken office.

It seems to us likely that Joe Biden read up on the new Trump appointees, including the track record of Kash Patel, Trumps famously aggressive choice as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and reached the conclusion that there would be further politicized hell to pay for Hunter and himself if he did not act while he had the power.

Thats all important context, although its worth noting that both Charles Kushner and Roger Clinton served time in jail. Unlike Hunter. And its further worth noting that Joe Biden issued a blanket pardon for all crimes that were or even might have been committed since 2014, meaning that Hunter receives a get-out-of-jail-free card not just for what he appears to have done but also for what has yet to come to light, if anything does. And given his years of addiction and the records of his behavior, that is no small distinction, as the elder Biden surely knows. Some of Joe Bidens fiercest detractors have also argued that the pardon likely will accrue benefits not just to Hunter but to his father.

Aside from all that, there can be no question that the pardon will have consequences beyond whatever Hunter Biden manages to achieve for the rest of his life.

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Its a stain on Bidens legacy, which had already taken a precipitous dive with his refusal to leave the presidential race after the effects of his aging had become clear. It will make it more difficult for Democrats to fight against any future Trumpian corruption with any moral authority, especially as it pertains to the Department of Justice.

It will make it near impossible for the Democrats to argue they are the sole defenders of normalcy, democracy and the rule of law against an administration that may well imperil all three. Biden has now revealed himself to be as transactional as those he has criticized. He also has left himself open to the charge that he is a dissembler, saying one thing while he was running for office and doing another after he loses. Plainly stated, he lied to the American people.

That might sound harsh to some readers: Biden is an old man who loves his son and chose to protect him above all else from a world he no doubt thought was amassed against them both. Thats true and a cue for more sadness than anger among those of us who value the integrity of American institutions such as the justice system and hope to protect their essential neutrality and fairness for all Americans.

Bidens actions are a further blow to their credibility and to the moral authority of an assembling Democratic opposition likely to be called upon in 2025 to stand up for the rule of law and against acts of personal benefit or vengeance.

That job will be harder now. Pardoned or not, Hunter still has a lot for which to answer. So too does his father.

_____
A Chinese delegate gives a red envelope to a delegate who sends congratulations to them after the inscription of Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two months ahead of the coming Chinese Year of the Snake, the east Chinese city of Yiwu -- often referred to as "the world's supermarket" -- is flooded with an abundant array of festival commodities in bright shades of red.

In the Yiwu International Trade Market, store owner Chen Meiyun told Xinhua that red couplets and posters with auspicious words, as well as craft gifts related to the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, are currently the most popular products in the store.

"Foreign orders are generally placed as early as June and July. The delivery time for the festival commodities is November and December, which are our busiest months," said Chen.

She said that all exporters of the festival commodities in Yiwu were encouraged by the Chinese New Year's successful inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) list of intangible cultural heritage.

The Year of the Snake will start on Jan. 29, 2025, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals including the ox, tiger and rabbit, which record the years and reflect people's attributes.

Chen believes the exporters will benefit from the Spring Festival's world-heritage recognition, as it will further boost the growing international awareness of the Chinese culture.

"Rituals, customs and auspicious prayers surrounding the Chinese New Year all convey positive energy, which earns it a growing global influence," Chen said.

Huo Qingshun, 74, has been drafting a new picture design for the Year of the Snake, to be used in woodblock printing. The inheritor of the centuries-old craft, known as Yangliuqing woodblock printing, said he was thrilled by the recognition of the festival's importance.

Yangliuqing woodblock images, which flourish in north China's Tianjin Municipality, are one of the most popular forms of New Year decorations in China.

Huo said that many foreign visitors to his workshop have taken an interest in the craft, enjoying the pictures of traditional Chinese folklore in the paintings. With the aid of some translation, they can appreciate the Chinese virtues of filial piety, harmony, benevolence and other good wishes that are conveyed in the images.

The Chinese Lunar New Year involves a variety of social practices to usher in the new year, pray for good fortune, celebrate family reunions and promote community harmony.

CULTURAL INCLUSION

According to UNESCO's documentation, the traditional knowledge and customs associated with the Spring Festival are passed down informally within families and communities, as well as formally through the education system. Craftsmanship and artistic skills related to the festival are transmitted through apprenticeships, promoting family values, social cohesion and peace, while providing a sense of cultural identity.

Wayne Ngonidzashe Musiyiwa, a Zimbabwean student at the Hunan Institute of Engineering in central China's Hunan Province, said he has spent every Spring Festival for the past five years in China. What impressed him most is the emphasis the Chinese people place on family reunions during the festival, a practice that brings warmth to people's hearts.

"Spending the festival together with my Chinese classmates and teachers, I learned that the festival is the most important traditional festival for Chinese people. I think it is a window to learn about Chinese culture," he said, adding that his interest in China started with watching Spring Festival performances on social media in Zimbabwe.

Southwest China's Guizhou, where Musiyiwa studied the Chinese language for three years, is known for its ethnic diversity. Preserving their own ethnic customs, many ethnic groups celebrate the Spring Festival in their own ways.

Lan Qifeng is an inheritor of the Miao batik craft from Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou. During the Spring Festival, said Lan, the locals wear traditional Miao costumes as they take part in performances of singing and dancing. The music is played on a woodwind instrument called a "lusheng" and the rhythm is kept with copper drums, while people sit at long tables to enjoy the festival banquets.

WORLDWIDE INFLUENCE

The UN General Assembly, in a resolution passed in December 2023, officially listed the Spring Festival as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings, starting from 2024, acknowledging the significance of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Luo Pengwei of the China Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday that the Spring Festival has become a global phenomenon. Wherever there are Chinese people, there are Spring Festival celebrations, acting as a cultural bond and symbol of the Chinese people around the world, and reflecting the inheritance of Chinese culture.

"In foreign countries, the first thing they know about China is the Spring Festival. Some countries and regions have designated the Spring Festival as a local public holiday, which reflects the profound cultural charisma of the Chinese culture," said Luo.

Chen Yifang, president of Hua Xing Arts Group Rome, has been involved in preparations for the "2025 Spring Festival Fair Rome" celebrations.

The Italian capital hosts grand Spring Festival parades every year. Chen said that with the Chinese festival's UNESCO heritage status, the scale of the event in the Year of the Snake will be even bigger than before, attracting more international participants.

She said the fair will last from Feb. 7 to 9, 2025, with a wide variety of cultural performance showcasing the diversity of Chinese culture.

Last year, Chen organized a Hanfu (Chinese traditional robes) parade, which turned out to be a highlight of the Chinese New Year celebration in Rome, with around 100 participants. She said that volunteers are being recruited for the upcoming event.

Spring Festival is celebrated in various ways by about one-fifth of humanity, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

"We very much hope that the festival's cultural message will contribute to a world of fewer conflicts, harmony among civilizations, and amity among peoples of the world. Hope the Spring Festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all," Lin said. 
During the presidential campaign, Democrats argued that the so-called Deep State, the term many Republicans have given overreaching federal bureaucrats, was a myth. But some of the protective efforts being made to forestall the incoming Donald Trump administration suggest otherwise.

The latest eyebrow-raiser, as reported by Bloomberg, is the deal made with the American Federation of Government Employees, a union representing some 42,000 Social Security Administration workers, that was signed by an exiting Biden administration commissioner, Martin OMalley. Simply put, the bargain enshrined the ability to work some or all days at home, as per the workers current deals, through 2029.

Whatever you may think of the new Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy effort to stem government waste, to be known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, heres an early window into how difficult their task is likely to be, given the forces favoring the status quo. Musk and Ramaswamy have said they plan to force more federal employees back into the office and let any attrition save the taxpayers money.

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Its also revealing when it comes to one of the biggest problems with public-sector unions: the lack of motivation on the part of managers on the other side of the table to do anything but accede to their demands. We are, of course, seeing this play out in Chicago when it comes to Mayor Brandon Johnson, so far unwilling to buck or even push back on any of the absurd wants of the Chicago Teachers Union.

Were not against working from home, per se. Many jobs can be done from a computer in the kitchen, and we support employer flexibility, not least as a way to both reduce costs and retain talented employees. But jobs beholden to the public purse merit more scrutiny and are more ripe for abuse. And we think even Democrats should see the fundamental unfairness of hobbling a new, democratically elected administration in this way, for its entire duration. Imagine if the shoe were on the other foot; Democrats would be howling.

No doubt other unions are pushing for the same treatment.

Representing the desires of their workers is a unions job. Fine. But its also the job of commissioners and the like to represent taxpayers interests and the will of the American people. They just elected a president who campaigned on reining in excessive government spending. To bake in every cost for reasons as flimsy as in this particular case represents a kind of advance sabotage.

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Surely those who take over the Social Security Administration deserve a modicum of flexibility. A chance to improve things that, yes, might include asking some folks to come into the office more. Or not. This is like an outgoing CEO preventing a successor from making any changes. For their entire tenure.

Outgoing Biden officials should not sign long-term deals deliberately targeting a new administration that has yet to have the chance to do anything. Thats unethical and, frankly, undemocratic from a party that claims to be the great defender of democracy.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, already under fire from revelations about his scant qualifications, is facing the heat of an in-depth New Yorker magazine piece detailing his drunken mismanagement of the organizations Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America.

The detailed evidence doesnt just disqualify Hegseth, but disqualify him many times over along various tracks. America cannot have a drunken defense secretary who is incompetent and more interested in chasing women who do not want to be chased.

From the perspective of pure managerial ability over what is by far the governments largest department by budget and headcount, Hegseth is worse than merely unqualified. While some of his fellow cabinet picks simply lack much management experience, Hegseth has some, and its been dismal.

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Not one but both right-wing veterans organizations  one with a tiny staff of fewer than 10 people  forced him out over the same series of management and financial impropriety concerns, several years apart, with employees giving consistent accounts of the same types of boorish and devil-may-care approach to management and spending.

If this was the case then, we shudder to imagine the man let loose on a department with close to 3 million employees and a budget exceeding $800 billion a year.

Then theres the matter of the specifics of this mismanagement and his response to it. It wasnt merely that Hegseth was terrible at organizing events or managing staff. He seems to have actively sought to use these positions for his personal gain, particularly to pursue women, including some who worked for him.

In fact, every sexual assault and harassment allegation that has so far emerged against him involves him being sloshed on the job, sometimes to the point of totally passing out, when he was supposed to be representing his organization.

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In response to the most serious such allegation, that he sexually assaulted a woman after an event at a hotel in late 2017, Hegseths lawyer told the New Yorkers Jane Mayer that the investigation had not been followed up by local law enforcement because the woman ostensibly had a prior instance making a false claim against someone. When Mayer checked this out, she quickly discovered that it wasnt true.

Even Sen. Lindsey Graham, a loyal Trump doormat if there ever was one, has acknowledged that Hegseth would face a steep confirmation fight in the Senate. Hegseth should avoid himself the additional embarrassment and go the way of Matt Gaetz, who abandoned his hope of being attorney general.

One good thing to have come out of the bizarreness of some of Trumps nominations thus far is the sense that the incoming president has overplayed his hand and even his own party isnt going to give him carte blanche in the way he seems to have expected. The checks and balances are still here and should protect the Pentagon from a Secretary Hegseth.

If Hegseth chooses to stick it out, we hope that Senate Republicans and their Democratic counterparts prove that theyre not a subservient branch by really holding his and Trumps nominees feet to the fire and engaging in their constitutionally-protected right to say no thanks, for the good of the country.

_____
Dec. 4When the CHIPS and Science Act was passed in 2022 and signed into law by President Joe Biden, it was hailed as a major win for Ohio, authorizing about $280 billion in federal funds to boost research and development of semiconductors in the United States.

Although it was passed primarily through Democratic support, with the party controlling both houses of Congress at the time, and every Senate Democrat voted for it, it was also a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored with Republicans and earning the support of 17 members of that party in the chamber.

A bipartisan group of governors also announced their support of the legislation, including, notably Ohio's Republican chief executive, Mike DeWine, who touted the benefits of the package for plans by Intel to build a major manufacturing plant in the Buckeye State.

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In the House, the vote was more polarized, with the Republicans' minority leader at the time, Kevin McCarthy, being one of its harshest critics. Still, the bill received considerable Republican support, particularly from those who hailed from states that would see its benefits, such as Ohio's Rep. Bill Johnson, whose district included Lawrence County at the time.

However, with the Republican takeover of Congress in following years and the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the package could be in danger.

Trump has been a critic of the legislation, though offering few specifics and simply calling it "a bad deal." (The fact that it was championed by his Democratic predecessor seems to be a major factor his animus toward it). While Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has gone as far as to say the House may repeal it. Johnson quickly walked back those comments after hearing from a number of Republicans from states impacted CHIPS.

Ohio stands to gain much from leaving the legislation in place and we hoped that DeWine and congressional Republicans from the state remain outspoken on the matter, as their party will be far more likely to have the ear of Trump and Johnson in coming years.

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While things can always be improved on and revisiting and evaluating progress is always welcome, to simply repeal a law and have no alternative plan in place (as was the case with many of the Republican attempts to undo the Affordable Care Act) would be ill advised.

Ohio's leaders need to stay vigilant on any attempts to repeal CHIPS and quickly and loudly speak up for the interests of their constituents in the state.
EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Residents in El Cajon are still dealing with the aftermath of a gasoline spill two months after the incident.

The intersection at Fletcher Parkway and Navajo Road has been out of commission since a tanker truck rolled over, spilling nearly 8,600 gallons of gasoline.

While crews have been working to clean up the mess for the past eight weeks, getting around the area has been the biggest challenge for people.

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Why is it taking them so long? Whats going on down there because weve been told nothing, said Jason Neely, owner of Jasons Water Store.

Neelys business is not far from where a gasoline spill disrupted the day-to-day in the area.

A fence surrounds a huge trench where crews are working to remove contaminated dirt right where a truck tipped over, spilling gasoline on Oct. 9.

Several large metal containers are packed with the tainted dirt, but its not all of it.

Robert Wise with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says he expects cleanup to be done by Friday.

We were kind of shocked at how long its taking. We didnt think that there would be this much soil contamination, Wise said.

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A half a mile stretch of Fletcher Parkway is closed to traffic heading northbound to Navajo Road, causing headaches for drivers.

Aryan Arnold says he hears complaints from his clients at Learning Center Mathnasium.

Them getting here on time and all that has been kind of harder, so thats been the biggest complaint, Arnold said.

Crews have also cleared about 2,000 gallons of gas that got into the storm drain, sparking environmental concerns from the community.

There is a worry about the water tablets below and thats what keeps a store like me in business, Neely said.

But federal inspectors say theyre still monitoring for any signs of contamination.

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We still have a boom in place up and down the storm drain and in Alvarado Creek and that will be in place until after the first rain, Wise said.

For now, community members affected are running on patience until a solution is reached.

The EPA on-site coordinator says even after all of the cleanup is complete. Repairs to the street and other infrastructure will continue so the intersection isnt expected to be up and running again until at least mid-January.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What will Elon Musks DOGE mean for Americas social safety net?

That was the question on the minds of many as Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy came to the Capitol on Thursday to present their vision for the Department of Government Efficiency to Congress. Billed as a bipartisan meeting to which all senators and representatives were invited, it was in reality mostly attended by Republicans.

But the short answer to what DOGE means after Thursday: Nobody knows.

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Musk and Ramaswamy met with senior members of the House GOP as well as Marjorie Taylor Greene, chair of the to-be-formed DOGE subcommittee in Congress, ahead of the presentation Thursday afternoon. The two were tight-lipped as they passed reporters, with Musk answering just one question  turning and giving an emphatic yes! to a shouted question from the pool regarding whether he wanted to see more Democrats join the effort.

That was a general theme of the day. Republicans who talked to a large scrum of reporters gathered outside of the closed-door meetings gave little in the way of details as to how the federal budget would be reduced, instead pivoting towards expressing their excitement at the arrival of Musk, the newest member of Donald Trumps inner circle. The most frequently cited example of waste was a survey out this week reporting that the vast majority of federal workers are now in hybrid or primarily work-from-home roles.

Musk departs the office of John Thune after one meeting on Capitol Hill on Thursday (REUTERS)

Speaker Mike Johnson gave slightly more information at a scheduled presser ahead of the presentation by Musk and Ramaswamy, but even he said that there would be little in terms of real substance released to the press today.

They're innovators and they're forward thinkers, and so that's what we need right now, Johnson said of Musk and Ramaswamy. We need to make government more efficient. And that is what this whole objective is. It's what the DOGE effort will be about. You're going to see a bicameral cooperation, and it will be, by the way, bipartisan.

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He pointed to a number of Democrats he said had already come forward to join the effort. But he dodged a question regarding whether it was truly feasible to make such deep cuts to the federal budget without touching Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, the bulk of Americas medical and financial safety net for low-income and older citizens.

Other Republican committee chairs who filed in and out of both meetings similarly dodged such questions, though a few were willing to address the question of the safety net and entitlement reform directly.

Mike Johnson, GOP speaker of the House, hosts a press conference ahead of his meeting with Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, head of incoming President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency initiative. (Getty Images)

If we don't reform them, then potential retirees will not have them, said Rep. Kevin Hern, a member of the House Ways and Means Committees sub-panel on Health.

Alabama senator Katie Britt gave a quick rundown of her own frustrations with the federal government, which included failures to pay down the national debt and delays on the passage of major pieces of legislation including the Farm Bill.

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Im excited for him to be here, Britt told reporters of Musk as she entered.

Greene told reporters that she and Musk had spoken about how Congress could work to address national debt, which she called unsustainable.

To quote Elon, he said something extremely important. Every single payment that the federal government pays out, we need to be checking those payments to see if they're legitimate and thats something that hasn't been done, she said on Thursday after her meeting with the Tesla/Twitter CEO.

I am looking forward to exposing every single unelected bureaucrat, every single agency that is wasting the American people's money, and the big government departments that need to be exposed for how they're not serving the American people, she added.
Elon Musk, from left, carries his son X  A-Xii, joined by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Vivek Ramaswamy, as they convene a meeting of President-elect Donald Trump's planned Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, at the Capitol on Thursday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON  Tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy came to Capitol Hill Thursday to join Republicans in a celebration of the new initiative named the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) proclaimed it a new day in Washington and a new day in America and said Thursdays meeting marked the beginning of a journey.

Just dont ask where the journeys going or what DOGE, whose name is a nod to both a meme and a digital currency, will actually do.

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There wont be a lot of detail for the press today  and thats by design, because this is a brainstorming session, Johnson told reporters, before ducking into a meeting with Musk, Ramaswamy and a bunch of Republican lawmakers.

The two men, who have outsize influence in Trumps forthcoming White House without being in Trumps Cabinet, created a spectacle on the Hill. The Tesla CEO moved between meetings carrying one of his young children on his shoulders, flanked by an entourage. Neither he nor Ramaswamy responded to questions from reporters. (Editors note: Ramaswamy owns a stake in HuffPosts parent company, BuzzFeed.)

Earlier on Thursday, Ramaswamy met alone with GOP senators, some of whom stressed afterwards that it is still up to Congress, not Musk and Ramaswamy, to set spending levels. President-elect Donald Trump has described DOGE as a non-governmental project that would function as more of an advisory panel for ways to root out waste, rather than a traditional government agency.

Theyre more of an advisory group that works behind the scenes with the White House, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told reporters after leaving the meeting.

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Asked why DOGE would succeed when previous efforts to drive down spending with the help of an outside commission, like the 2010 deficit commission, have failed, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told reporters, That question is way too early for this process.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), whos leading the House group working with DOGE, told reporters the lawmakers talked with Musk and Ramaswamy about the national debt. Its unsustainable and our country is on a crash course, she said.

Greene also offered some insight into how DOGE would rate lawmakers: Elon and Vivek talked about having a naughty list and a nice list for members of Congress and senators, and how we vote and how were spending the American peoples money, she said.

While lawmakers await DOGE recommendations, its leaders are both in favor of dramatically slashing federal spending. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur who ran for president and then became a top surrogate for Trump, wants to eliminate 75% of the federal workforce. Musk has talked about wanting to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget  a goal that budget experts consider laughably unrealistic without reductions to Social Security and Medicare, which Trump has previously vowed not to touch.

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But Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), co-founder of the House DOGE caucus, told reporters that lawmakers would, in fact, examine cuts to mandatory spending, a category that includes these popular programs for older Americans.

I dont want to take away benefits, but we do want to look at how we give those benefits away to do it in the most efficient way possible, Bean said.

Bean and many other Republicans are excited that Musk and Ramaswamy have brought renewed interest in cutting spending. Bean mused about other ways of driving attention to the project.

I envision some type of scoreboard where we can go to a website and see exactly how many positions weve cut, agencies weve cut, he said.

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The House DOGE group includes at least one Democrat, Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who said eliminating waste and fraud shouldnt be a partisan issue. But Democrats werent invited to attend Thursdays meeting.

As he left the meeting, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) offered a pessimistic take on the DOGE mission.

If Congress doesnt have the guts to do those things theyre talking real big about, its just a waste of time, Burchett said.

Related...
Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musks pledge to slash trillions of dollars in government spending has found some helping hands from Democrats  some being the keyword.

President-elect Donald Trump handed Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy control of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an outside of government group that will recommend ways to slash federal spending. They plan to take aim at remote work for federal employees, non-government organizations, and regulations they deem burdensome.

DOGE has a historic opportunity for structural reductions in the federal government, Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. We are prepared for the onslaught from entrenched interests in Washington.

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The pair of businessmen visited Capitol Hill on Thursday for closed-door meetings with legislators after an invite from House Speaker Mike Johnson.

DOGE has been embraced by Republicans  including Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene  while Democrats are a little cooler on the idea. Some Democrats agree with the mission but have selected narrower priorities for which they think DOGE can be used. Others want to ensure that Republicans wont try to slash programs they care about, such as Medicare or Social Security, and have a voice in discussions.

Why wouldnt you want to be in the room? Why wouldnt you want to be working together? Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio said on Tuesday. And so there are opportunities where I think both parties would say, yeah, thats abuse or thats a waste of money or thats duplication.

Landsman is the second Democrat to announce he would join the Congressional DOGE Caucus, following Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida. The caucus will be led by Ernst and Sen. Rick Scott in the Senate and Republican Reps. Aaron Bean and Pete Sessions in the House. Punchbowl News reports that at least 40 members had signed up to join the caucus as of Wednesday afternoon.

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Landsman is the second Democrat to announce he would join the Congressional DOGE Caucus, following Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida. The caucus will be led by Ernst and Sen. Rick Scott in the Senate and Republican Reps. Aaron Bean and Pete Sessions in the House. Punchbowl News reports that at least 40 members had signed up to join the caucus as of Wednesday afternoon.

Its unlikely that Democrats and Republicans will agree on most ways to cut federal spending.

Ramaswamy has said he expects certain agencies to be deleted outright by DOGEs recommendations, including the Education Department. He also wants to cut funding for groups generally supported by Democrats, such as Planned Parenthood,criticized recent loans from the Biden administrations $400 billion clean-energy lending program and raised questions about federal spending that lacks current congressional authorization, including Department of Veterans Affairs medical services.

While speaking with NPR on Thursday, Moskowitz dismissed Musk and Ramaswamys calls to defund the Education Department and slash veterans benefits, stating that they wouldnt get Congressional support. Hed rather focus on moving the Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency out from under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security.

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So my singular focus is to get those two agencies out of DHS and make them direct reports to the White House, he told NPR. At the same time, if there are tens of billions, or hundreds of billions of dollars that we can save in agencies and still deliver the same services, why wouldnt we have the conversation?

Other sympathetic Democrats have their eyes trained on the Defense Department and its massive budget. More than 16% of the federal governments budget for the 2024 fiscal year was allocated to the department, or almost $2 trillion.

Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Senate Democrats, wont join the DOGE caucus but has said Musk is right about waste in the Defense Department. The Pentagon has routinely failed audits of its $824 billion budget, and Musk has specifically called out the Pentagons expensive F-35 program.

We need a strong military, but we dont need all the waste and the profiteering and the fraud that exists in the Pentagon right now, Sanders told Business Insider this week, noting that Musk is absolutely right to call for the first independent audit of the Pentagon in more than seven years.

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California Rep. Rho Khanna, who represents the district home to Teslas Fremont factory, on Thursday joined Sanders, writing on X that he was ready to work with DOGE and its leaders on ensuring Americans get their moneys worth with DOD spending. Khanna touted his work on the House Oversight Committee, which helped push defense contractor TransDigm (TDG) to return $16.1 million in excess profits to the Defense Department in 2019.

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After expanding their control over the Arizona Legislature, Republican lawmakers are feeling emboldened.

Theyre feeling tough, superior, invincible. Smug.

Given that, will they immediately go after human smugglers or fentanyl dealers? Will they join Attorney General Kris Mayes in the fight to protect Arizona water rights?

Will they take measures to make it easier for Arizonans to afford housing, bring down grocery prices, and create programs to retain and increase the number of teachers and nurses we need?

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Um, maybe.

GOP ratchets up attacks on transgender kids

Republican state Sen. John Kavanagh

For now, however, some GOP stalwarts are planning first to use their newly expanded political superpowers to take down Arizonas most vulnerable citizens: Transgender children.

Oh, the big dogs at the Capitol are pawing the ground and snarling.

Or, as state Sen. John Kavanagh, one of the GOPs barking bully boys, put it, Im hoping that the governor and some of the Democrats have now learned their lesson from this election where, amongst other things, their uber wokeness was rebutted.

Targeting innocent kids isnt entirely new. It has reared its ugly head in states all over the country.

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That includes Arizona, where more than a few attacks on transgender youngsters have found their way into the Arizona Legislature over the past couple of years.

The Arizona Republic reported on Tuesday on bills being proposed by Republican lawmakers aimed at making life even more difficult on transgender students, bills that ratchet up a notch the lack of humanity in bills from previous years.

Religious reasons to make a child more vulnerable?

For example, Senate Bill 1002, sponsored by Kavanagh, a proposal that would prohibit school employees from calling a student by a pronoun that differs from the students birth sex or by a name that isnt listed on their official school record unless a parent provides written permission.

It also allows employees to refuse to use preferred pronouns even with parental permission on the grounds of religious or moral reasons.

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Really? I am not a theological expert, but I cannot think of a single religious or moral reason to make a vulnerable child feel even more vulnerable.

Opinion: Senator handles transgender attacks with class

Particularly when you know  or should know  how much more at risk for harm transgender kids are than their classmates.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that 73% of transgender adolescents reported psychological abuse, 39% reported physical abuse, and 19% reported sexual abuse.

They make up a miniscule percentage of any schools population, making them easy to isolate, easy to harass.

Rebutting 'uber wokeness' is simply bullying kids

The National Institutes of Health has reports indicating that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with the highest percentage of suicidal thoughts, plans and gestures coming from transgender youth.

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And it doesnt get much better for them as they get older.

Studies, like one from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, found that transgender people are four times more likely than others to be victims of violence.

Gov. Katie Hobbs will veto any bills like these that cross her desk.

But theyll still get introduced and probably will get passed. Tough-guy lawmakers like Kavanagh call that rebutting uber wokeness.

I guess that sounds better than bullying children.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

For more opinions content, please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Transgender bill is not an attack on 'woke.' It harms kids | Opinion
ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP)  An East Granby paraprofessional was arrested on Wednesday during a search warrant issued by Homeland Security in connection with child pornography.

In a news release from the Enfield Police Department, 29-year-old Jason Hurrle was arrested at his home on Green Valley Drive in Enfield after a search and seizure warrant was executed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). They say that a cyber tip was received by Enfield Police and HSI regarding the possession and dissemination of child pornography.

Springfield police arrest suspected online child predator of victims out of state

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Hurrle was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in the first degree and his bond was sent at $500,000.

The investigation revealed that Hurrle was also a paraprofessional for East Granby Public Schools. East Granby Superintendent of Schools Melissa Bavaro-Grande issued a statement saying they immediately placed Hurrle on administrative leave and banned him from school grounds and contacting students, parents, or guardians in the district.

Dear East Granby Public School Community, This evening, East Granby Public Schools was notified that an employee had been arrested by the Enfield Police Department, charged with possession of child pornography, and held on $500,000 bond. In response, East Granby Public Schools immediately placed the employee, Jason Hurrle, a paraprofessional at the high school, on administrative leave and prohibited the employee from entering school grounds and contacting East Granby students and parents or guardians. This is a developing situation and East Granby Public Schools will be gathering additional information and taking appropriate action. We have not received any information that the situation involves East Granby students. Nevertheless, this news is unsettling, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students, families, and community is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all. If you would like to speak with anyone regarding this matter, please contact Superintendent of Schools Melissa Bavaro-Grande, 860-653-6486 extension 201, or School Resource Officer Scott Menard, 860-653-5385. East Granby Superintendent of Schools Melissa Bavaro-Grande

How to keep your kids safe online

The following information was provided by the Springfield Police Department working with Homeland Security Investigations on knowing the threats, how to take action, report suspected online predatory behavior, and keeping your kids safe online.

Know the Threats

Online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a horrific crime that targets some of the most vulnerable people in our communities  our children and teens. It includes a broad range of criminal acts that involve exploiting minors for sexual gratification or some other personal or financial gain.

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Online CSEA can take many forms. Predators may be a family member or family friend, someone the child knows in person or online or a complete stranger. They work to earn a childs trust (and sometimes the parent or caregivers trust, as well) to develop a relationship where a child feels comfortable doing things they wouldnt ordinarily do, such as sharing explicit images or videos of themselves. These images dont always immediately include nudity or sexual acts; sometimes they feature a child or teen in various stages of undress, and later may progress into more revealing clothing, nudity or other sexual content. This process can happen quickly, as a single interaction, or over time.

Sometimes, children and teens self-produce images or videos and share them with others. If predators get their hands on these images or videos, they can use them to exploit the child or teen.

After someone convinces a child or teen to send sexually explicit material, they usually do whatever it takes to get the child to send more. Sometimes they threaten to share the childs original images or videos with their friends and family  or with the public  to coerce them into sending more images. They can also financially sextort the child by threatening to share the images unless paid immediately with money or gift cards. In other cases, these people convince their victims that theyre in an intimate relationship together; then, they threaten to end the relationship or harm themselves to get the child or teen to send more sexually explicit material. Online predators may also encourage children or teens to engage in self-harm as a means of control or for the predators sexual gratification.

Cellphones, tablets and all connected devices give online predators access to an endless supply of potential victims, from the smallest rural areas to the largest cities. In a brief moment, photos or videos can be shared around the world.

Take Action

Understand the problem. Know the threats. Take action.

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These are the three ways you can fight online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Together, we can help prevent this crime and get victimized children and teens the support they need. The following sections explain how you can take an active role in protecting the kids you care about.

Have the Talk

Its never too early to start talking to children and teens about the risks they face online and continue talking about them at every age. Like teaching a child how to safely cross the street, continuous discussions and reminders are key to safe online habits.

For younger children:

Teach them not to click on pop-ups.

Explain that they should never share passwords, addresses or personal information with people they dont know online.

Create a series of steps they should follow if they see inappropriate content, such as looking away and telling a parent or trusted adult.

Warn them not to trust people they meet online, and tell them they should tell a trusted adult if someone makes them feel nervous, scared or uncomfortable.

Teach online etiquette and how to be respectful of others, and let them know they should tell someone if they feel disrespected.

Help them identify a trusted adult or guardian they can go to for help.

For tweens and teens:

Talk about how they should never post personal information or inappropriate content.

Discuss sexting and the permanency of online data.

Teach them how to avoid online predators by setting up privacy controls on their devices, like restricting apps location access.

Explain the warning signs that characterize online predators.

Tell them that safe adults wont ask them to keep secrets or disrespect their boundaries.

Help them identify a trusted adult or guardian they can go to for help.

Discuss steps they can take if a friend confides in them about inappropriate online interactions, such as telling a trusted adult or pointing them to Know2Protect resources.

Explain that minors shouldnt disseminate sexual abuse material because its illegal.

Explain that even if theyve already shared sexual abuse material or been involved in inappropriate online interactions, its not too late to tell an adult and get help.

Discuss cyberbullying.

Top 10 Tips2Protect

Start an open, two-way conversation with your child. Password-protect or control access to your childs app store and gaming downloads. Set time and area limits for use of devices and set device check-in times. Set all apps, games and devices to private. Turn off location data services on social media and nonessential apps. Talk about data permanency. Online data can last a lifetime. Create a contract with your child regarding online behavior. Know your childs friend lists. Remove strangers. Warn your child that they should never leave a game to chat with someone they dont know on a different platform. Do not delete messages, images or videos from predators and do not forward any sexually explicit images or videos. Save usernames, screenshots and images or videos as evidence for law enforcement to collect directly from the device.

What are Children and Teens Doing Online?

As a parent or trusted adult, its important that you know how children and teens spend their time online. According to Common Sense Media, media use in 2021 increased to more than 5 hours per day among tweens and more than 8 hours per day among teens. The top apps for teens in 2023 were YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. According to a U.S. Surgeon General report, Social media use by young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 reporting using a social media platform and more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly.

Understand How Online Exploitation Happens

The internet is the modern playground  and online predators go where children go to make initial contact and begin rapport-building. Meeting places often include the top chat apps, online games and social media platforms where children and teens spend their time. Online predators often use fake profiles to pose as similar-aged boys or girls to gain trust. Then, they attempt to move the conversation to another platform that has end-to-end encryption or meet in person.

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After meeting and building trust, grooming begins. Grooming can be as simple as giving compliments and positive attention or can take the form of money, gifts, e-gift cards or in-game credits. Over time, online predators introduce sexual conversations that become increasingly more explicit. These interactions can progress to include the exchange of illicit images or even lead to an in-person meeting.

Grooming doesnt always take place over days or weeks, though. It can happen in one sitting, over the span of minutes or hours.

Online predators typically coerce children or teens into providing sexual abuse material for one of two reasons. In some cases, they want the child or teen to meet them in person, where they can commit physical sexual abuse. In other cases, they threaten or blackmail their victim into paying them through various means, such as prepaid cards, peer-to-peer transaction apps or cryptocurrency, in exchange for keeping the victims images or videos private. However, the abuse can also take the form of harassment and not escalate to financial gain or physical assault.

Common Indicators of Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Children and Teens

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Sudden changes in mood or emotional state.

Evasiveness about online activities, such as minimizing screens, hiding accounts or hiding apps.

Withdrawing from real-world friends and becoming hyper-focused on the online environment.

Receiving random gifts from strangers.

Using inappropriate or sexual language you have not heard them use.

Giving vague answers regarding online behavior and actions.

These are common indicators, but you know your child best. Be aware of any behavior that seems out of the ordinary.

Respond Appropriately

If a child or teen becomes a victim of online CSEA, heres what you can do:

Remain calm. Children and teens are victims in these situations, and its not their fault.

Ensure that the child or teen knows they are not alone and that there is a way out. An increasing number of U.S. teen boys who were victims of online sextortion have committed suicide, so offering solidarity, empathy and hope is vital.

Stop communicating with the online predator and save all evidence in its original form, such as images, videos and messages. Do not alter, change or delete anything.

Contact law enforcement and ensure they can access the device. Visit Know2Protects How2Report page to learn more.

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Get more tips for supporting a child or teen you care about on Know2Protects Survivor Support page.

Get Involved

Armed with the right tools and information, you can be an advocate to end online CSEA in your community. Here are some ways to join the fight and offer support.

How2Report

Online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a serious crime that is never the victims fault. Stopping exploitation usually requires a victim to come forward to someone they trust  a parent, teacher, caregiver, law enforcement official or another trusted adult. This requires a lot of vulnerability from the victim. It is important to help them gather information to report the crime, choose an option with which they are comfortable and support them through this process.

To submit a report, you can do so through one of the following ways:

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Contact your local, state or tribal law enforcement officials directly. Call 911 in an emergency.

Call the Know2Protect Tipline at 833-591-KNOW (5669). All information received via the Tipline will be reviewed by appropriate personnel and referred to Homeland Security Investigations field offices for potential investigation.

Submit a CyberTipline report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

When2Report

If you suspect that someone is exploiting or abusing a child, you should notify law enforcement authorities as soon as possible, whether the person you suspect is an adult, teen or child. For a deeper understanding of the threat, visit Know the Threats. You should file a report when someone:

Harasses a child or teen or makes them feel unsafe online.

Asks or pressures a child or teen to take pictures or videos of their private parts or to show their private parts on a video call or livestream.

Threatens a child or teen by saying theyll share previous explicit images with others if the child doesnt provide more photos or money.

Creates, distributes or possesses child sexual abuse material.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and experiences may differ. If you suspect a child or teen is being exploited or abused, report it  whether it happens once or multiple times, and whether youre certain or simply suspicious.

Reporting Tips2Know

Remember that online CSEA is never the victims fault and you should encourage children and teens to speak to a trusted adult. Check out these tips you can use to help children and teens if you suspect someone is exploiting or abusing them online:

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Victims of sextortion should never pay or send more images; doing so makes things worse.

Save everything. Do not delete images, videos or texts  they will help the criminal investigators do their job. The more they know, the better they can help.

The sooner you report the crime, the better. Reporting online CSEA can help stop the perpetrator before it happens to someone else.

There is a way out for victims and support for survivors. Please visit the Survivor Support page for more information.

Law enforcement officers are mandated to report suspected exploitation and abuse to child protective services. You can find your states child welfare organization here.

What Happens After a Report

Remember: Reporting an incident helps law enforcement officials stop the harassment, arrest the offender and point the victim to support and other resources. Below is a detailed infographic of what happens when a tip is reported to the Know2Protect Tipline.

government agency or local law enforcement for potential investigation. The agent or law enforcement official contacts the person who submitted the report to gather additional information about the case and collect evidence, such as electronic devices. Forensic analysts collect the information and evidence from the relevant devices using proper protocols and techniques to ensure the integrity and preservation of the evidence during the collection process and the protection of privacy for victims. If there is enough evidence, an arrest is made. This process is separate from any reports you make to tech companies, such as social media, messaging or gaming apps.

In addition to receiving reports from victims, sometimes law enforcement receives leads from tech companies that identify accounts distributing child sexual abuse material. These tech companies share pertinent information so that law enforcement can obtain search warrants and further investigate.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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JAKARTA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is seeking partnerships with aircraft manufacturers to expand the fleet of its state-owned carriers, a minister said on Thursday.

"Ideally, we should have at least 700 aircraft. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we only have 390. Therefore, we need to collaborate with Airbus, Boeing, COMAC from China, or Russian manufacturers. As an archipelagic country, it is not viable for us if we do not have more aircraft," Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir said in Jakarta.

Thohir said that he has already initiated cooperation with Boeing and is prepared to facilitate investment opportunities for other companies interested in entering Indonesia.

"We want to ensure smooth trade operations. Export-import banks and leasing companies can negotiate directly with Garuda, Citilink, and Pelita in alignment with each airline's roadmap," he said. 
ENFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)  Enfield police arrested an East Granby Public Schools paraprofessional on a child porn charge Wednesday.

Jason Hurrle, 29, was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of child pornography. His bond was set at $500,000.

$10,000 reward offered for information on UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: NYPD

The Enfield Police Department and Department of Homeland Security investigators executed a search and seizure warrant on Green Valley Drive. Authorities said they received a cyber tip regarding the possession and dissemination of child porn.

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East Granby Superintendent of Schools Mellsa F. Bavaro-Grande issued a statement to the community Wednesday, saying they immediately placed Hurrle on administrative leave and banned him from school grounds and contacting students, parents, or guardians in the district.

Dear East Granby Public School Community, This evening, East Granby Public Schools was notified that an employee had been arrested by the Enfield Police Department, charged with possession of child pornography, and held on $500,000 bond. In response, East Granby Public Schools immediately placed the employee, Jason Hurrle, a paraprofessional at the high school, on administrative leave and prohibited the employee from entering school grounds and contacting East Granby students and parents or guardians. This is a developing situation and East Granby Public Schools will be gathering additional information and taking appropriate action. We have not received any information that the situation involves East Granby students. Nevertheless, this news is unsettling, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students, families, and community is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all. If you would like to speak with anyone regarding this matter, please contact Superintendent of Schools Melissa Bavaro-Grande, 860-653-6486 extension 201, or School Resource Officer Scott Menard, 860-653-5385. Melissa F. Bavaro-Grande, East Granby Superintendent of Schools

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When it comes to Pete Hegseths bid to be the next Pentagon chief, each senator gets a vote. But one vote matters more than others.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate and a vocal advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma, is now at the center of Hegseths troubled path to confirmation.

On Thursday, she gave the strongest indication yet that shes a potential no. Asked on Fox News whether shes not ready to vote for Hegseth amid allegations of sexual misconduct and troublesome drinking, she replied: I think you are right.

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Seen as an influential swing vote in Hegseths embattled confirmation, the decision on whether to support Hegseth pits Ernsts personal convictions and long-standing advocacy for survivors of military sexual assault against the political pressures of party loyalty  and loyalty to Donald Trump  as a reelection campaign looms.



Hegseth can afford to lose only three Republican votes in the Senate before his nomination would fall apart, assuming Democrats remain unanimously opposed. Amid the personal misconduct allegations, Hegseth has enlisted female family members to make the case for him; his wife joined him in meetings on the Hill this week and spoke up proactively to answer senators questions, according to a person familiar with the conversations who was granted anonymity to speak candidly.

But on Thursday the nomination still looked deeply imperiled, and it's unclear how many other senators would take Ernst's cue. But her status as a female combat veteran and track record on the issue of military sexual assault gives her added influence and credibility.

When Ernst met with Hegseth in her office on Wednesday, she said the conversation was frank and thorough, though the senator declined to share details and sprinted from waiting reporters afterward.

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She was similarly tepid on Fox News on Thursday. A number of our senators, they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared and that's why we have to have a very thorough vetting process, Ernst said. The vetting will continue, I am certain, through the next month or so until we approach that hearing date.



Its not hard to imagine the tension in the room when the two met: Ernst, a retired Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel with over two decades of service, confronting Hegseth, a former Army National Guard major amid allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and opposition to women in combat. For Ernst, a vocal advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma, the stakes of this nomination are deeply personal.

It wouldnt be the first time Ernst has opposed a Pentagon nominee amid sexual misconduct allegations. In 2019, Ernst was the lone Republican to vote against then-Air Force Gen. John Hytens confirmation as vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, citing his lack of leadership in addressing workplace complaints. Hyten, accused of sexual assault by a subordinate, was confirmed by a wide bipartisan margin after investigations deemed the allegations unsubstantiated.

Meanwhile, Trump has been considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Trumps pick for national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as replacement for Hegseth. However, Republican and Democratic senators have said Ernst herself, while not necessarily aligned with Trump, would be a shoo-in for the upper chamber.



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My understanding is [Trump] has been calling people about Ron, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said in a brief interview. I hear Jonis name, and that should certainly be the easiest confirmation  and shed be more than competent.

The Federalist, a conservative outlet, on Wednesday reported that unnamed Trump World sources are accusing Ernst of waging an aggressive personal jihad against Hegseth. The sources claim Ernst has called Trump, threatening to rally female senators against Hegseths nomination if it isnt withdrawn and consider her as a replacement.

Washingtons noisy rumor mill just continues churning," a spokesperson for Ernst's office said. "As part of the confirmation process, Ernst was glad to sit down with Pete Hegseth for a frank and productive conversation, appreciates his service, and will continue with the vetting process.

Ernst herself said, I am not discussing any of that. All Ive done is had a really thorough meeting with Pete Hegseth.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), when asked about claims in the report that he was back-channeling with Mar-a-Lago at Ernsts request, replied, Complete bullshit.

Trump allies, meanwhile, have made it clear that a vote against Hegseth could have significant consequences for Ernsts 2026 reelection bid. In Iowa, where Trump enjoys strong support, a perceived break with him could prove damaging.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wouldnt speculate on the political costs for Ernst in that scenario, but noted about Iowa voters: Theyre obviously aligned with him because he carried the state 13 percent and helped up and down the ticket.

Ernst has in recent days visited Mar-a-Lago and embraced a Trump effort to find ways to slash government spending, co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. She founded a Senate DOGE Caucus to work with their so-called Department of Government Efficiency to find cuts.

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Whether all that matters is unclear.

If Joni votes no, shes going to have a hard time with her reelection campaign, said one GOP senator, noting that during any floor vote Hegseth, Trump will be taking names.

Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of female combat veterans in the Senate.
Dec. 4MITCHELL  Dozens of students from Ethan High School were a blur of activity Wednesday morning at the former Muth Electric building on Kimball Street in Mitchell. Sanders and drills buzzed along with student chatter as the products they were building took shape in front of them.

That product? Beds for children in need. The demand for them is strong in South Dakota and the Mitchell area, and Ethan students were in action to see that as much of that demand was met as possible this holiday season.

"Some people are in need of a bed, and we're just so grateful that we can take part in that opportunity and help the ones in need," said Cole Hinckley, a senior at Ethan High School and president of the Ethan chapter of FFA. "It's great to see all the FFA members come together and help build these beds."

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The students were hard at work Wednesday assembling at least 20 beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering beds to children who may not have a space of their own to lay their heads at night. The mission of the national organization, which has a chapter in Mitchell, is to ensure that children have a bed, which they believe is a basic need for their physical, emotional and mental health.

When the Ethan FFA was looking for a service project for the holiday season, Sleep in Heavenly Peace came to mind. The group had the motive and desire to help, but it needed a little seed money to get the process rolling, said Susan Roudabush, industrial tech and agriculture teacher for the Ethan School District.

"We always try to do some type of major service project with our organization, and we are lucky enough that the South Dakota FFA Foundation gives us opportunities for grants," Roudabush said. "I had been approached by a community member about doing this, and I said, ok, if we can get the grant to get it started, then we will take this on."

They succeeded in securing the grant, and even though it was only for $500, it was enough to jumpstart the project. It was enough to build two beds for the organization, but Roudabush and the students were looking to do more.

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So they put out a call to the community, explaining the project and asking for additional funds. Roudabush said she wasn't sure what kind of response they would get, but soon enough individuals, businesses and churches were chipping in to assist. They had hoped to bring in around $5,000.

That hope was met easily, with roughly $10,000 in donations coming in, enough to expand their planned bed build 20-fold for a total of 40 beds.

"It was amazing to me. I never dreamed of getting to $10,000," Roudabush said.

That generosity paved the way for Ethan FFA students to roll up their sleeves and get busy building beds. They kicked off the work in the morning and were expected to work into the afternoon assembling the first 20 of the 40 beds they now planned to build.

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Sleep in Heavenly Peace has completed 160 beds so far in 2024 and around 400 in the last four years. They are distributed to families in need in communities in and around Mitchell. Roudabush said two bed deliveries were already planned in Mitchell and Parkston in the coming days.

Vince Boddicker, president of the Mitchell chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, said about 3% of children in the United States do not have a bed of their own. He said the organization is always looking for support, be it through donations or offering other help. Donations of storage space for the completed beds, like that supplied by Rocky and Melinda Niewenhuis with Farm Bureau Financial Services in Mitchell, and the workspace loaned by Muth Electric, where the students were working Wednesday, is greatly appreciated.

But it's always special seeing young people step up for a good cause, he said, and the Ethan students were coming through in a big way Wednesday.

"It warms your heart to know there are caring people out there, and it's great to get young people involved," Boddicker said. "They have a fire for it, and they've done a great job."

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It was not an insignificant number of Ethan students on hand for the project. The Ethan chapter of FFA has 55 students, and 43 of those students were on-site in Mitchell Wednesday hard at work. That's a considerable portion of the entire school, with Roudabush estimating that it accounted for approximately 60% of the school student body.

The school FCCLA chapter is also working on their own project to help supply bedding for each bed by tying quilts. Another local resident has put in a donation specifically for pillows. Roudbaush said Tim Hawkins, superintendent of the Ethan School District, had also been a big supporter of the project.

The dedication to the project is a reflection of the giving nature of Ethan and the surrounding community overall, said Hunter Dean, another senior who serves as vice president of the Ethan FFA. He said some of the students had little direct experience with construction work like this, but they are fast learners and team players, which helped the work go smoothly.

It's a great lesson in giving as well as woodworking, Dean said.

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"I've seen our community come together for other people, but not like this. I haven't seen the FFA working together on one big thing in common, and working so well together, too. Some of these kids have never touched a drill before," Dean said. "Our Ethan community shows up for us, and the experience for the kids is amazing."

They will get a chance to gain even more experience in the spring, when the chapter is expected to complete the final 20 beds they committed to build thanks to the grant and donations from generous local residents.

But hopefully that's not the end of it. Hinckley and Dean both said they would like to see the FFA chapter do even more of this kind of work. Working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace has been a great partnership, they said.

Roudabush, who helped start the Ethan FFA chapter four years ago, said everyone seemed on board to continue the partnership well into the future. It helps fill a need in the larger Mitchell area, supports a local nonprofit and gives students a chance to experience community service while also coming together as an organization. It's also a reminder to not take the amenities they have for granted.

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That's a win for everyone, she said.

"We'd love to continue this. It has sort of knitted us all together and given us something to be proud of, and sometimes that's just what we need," Roudabush said.

As Hinckley and Dean prepared to rejoin their fellow FFA members on the assembly line, they echoed Roudabush's sentiments. With Thanksgiving just a few days in the past and Christmas coming up fast, the bed-building project was a good way to remember to be thankful for what they themselves have and to be generous with their talents to help those who need it.

With their home community backing them, they suspect they are not done giving back just yet.

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"We're hoping to do another 20 beds after these are done, and we're just thankful to our community and all the support that we have behind our backs, too," Hinckley said.

Dean agreed.

"No kid deserves to sleep on the floor," Dean said.

More information on Sleep in Heavenly Peace can be found at shpbeds.org.
By Lisandra Paraguassu, Philip Blenkinsop and Lucinda Elliott

MONTEVIDEO/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen landed in Uruguay on Thursday seeking to finalize a long-delayed trade deal between the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc, even as France slammed the agreement as "unacceptable".

Von der Leyen arrived hours after President Emmanuel Macron's government collapsed following a no-confidence vote in parliament over efforts to rein in France's budget deficit, leaving Macron scrambling to name a new prime minister.

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The deal, 20 years in the making and deeply divisive in Europe where farmers and Paris have been the loudest voice in opposition, would create one of the world's largest trade partnerships and turbocharge the flow of beef and grains.

"The finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight. Let's work, let's cross it. The largest trade and investment partnership the world has ever seen. Both regions will benefit," von der Leyen said in a post on X.

Mercosur, including farming powerhouses Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, is meeting for a planned summit in Montevideo, with negotiators now expecting a trade deal to be unveiled, despite several false dawns, including a 2019-signed agreement that failed to get ratified by nations in Europe.

Four South American and European sources involved in the talks said the deal was done and would be announced on Friday by Mercosur leaders and von der Leyen now both sides had ironed out final details on environmental issues and government purchases.

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"A text of common agreement has been reached," Uruguayan foreign minister Omar Paganini told reporters on Thursday at the Mercosur summit in Montevideo. "The presence of von der Leyen shows the success of negotiations."

Von der Leyen, just days into her second term, does though face stern opposition at home to the deal, which would be the largest struck by the EU in terms of tariff reductions. EU countries as a whole and the European Parliament would have to approve any trade deal agreed.

European farmers have repeatedly protested against it, saying it will lead to cheap imports of South American commodities, notably beef, which is not subject to the same green and food safety standards as in the EU.

EU DIVIDED

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France has been the most vociferous critic of the proposed agreement.

Though distracted by a political crisis after the collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's short-lived government, Macron's office issued a statement on Thursday saying the planned EU-Mercosur deal was "unacceptable".

But other EU members such as Germany insist the EU-Mercosur deal is vital for the bloc as it looks to diversify its trade after the near-closure of the Russian market and amid discomfort about Europe's reliance on China.

"If we achieve a deal between the EU and Mercosur, it will be great news for the Union," Spain's Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said at an event in Brussels, adding it would be good for exports and show that Europe was "not shut in behind our doors".

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"In the present context we cannot be defensive."

Supporters of a deal also see Mercosur as a potentially reliable source of critical minerals such as battery metal lithium, required for Europe's green transition.

South American negotiators remain optimistic that the EU will eventually give its approval and that France will not be able to rally a blocking minority.

"The EU has had a mandate to negotiate it for the last 20 years. The ratification is another process, later, they will have to work on it themselves," one of the sources said.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Lissandra Paraguassu and Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo; Additional reporting by Aislinn Laing, Inti Landauro, Bart Meijer and Sudip Kar-Gupta; editing by Adam Jourdan, Elaine Hardcastle, Gareth Jones, Jane Merriman and Jonathan Oatis)
(Bloomberg) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Uruguay to attend the Mercosur summit as the bloc aims to conclude a long-sought trade deal with key Latin American nations.

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Technical talks have been ongoing with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay over what would be the biggest trade agreement ever concluded by the European bloc.

The finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight, von der Leyen said in a post on X. Lets work, lets cross it.

Von der Leyens decision to attend the summit in Montevideo, which opened Thursday, is a sign that negotiators may clinch a deal by Friday, according to people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive issues.

But France, one of the deals most vocal opponents, said Thursday that the draft agreement is unacceptable, with President Emmanuel Macrons office posting on X that he reiterated that stance to von der Leyen.

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The trade deal would reduce tariffs for most European Union exports to some of the largest Latin American economies, while opening the European market more to imports including agricultural products. It would also strengthen the European footprint in a region where China has made inroads in recent years.

It will be particularly important for car exporters, who will see the current 35% tariffs gradually removed over a number of years. High duties will be also eliminated for other industrial products such as car parts, machinery, chemicals, clothing and textiles.

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini told reporters in Montevideo that the countries are preparing to announce a deal Friday morning after finalizing the details.

Good news is expected tomorrow, Paganini said Thursday after a meeting between von der Leyen and Uruguayan leader Luis Lacalle Pou.

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The agreement, which would create an integrated market of 780 million consumers, still faces a very difficult process of ratification, as key member states including France and Poland have opposed the deal over environmental and regulatory concerns.

The long-delayed Mercosur trade pact was agreed to in principle in 2019 but has mainly been held up by French objections since. If a deal is reached soon, it would come at a difficult time for Macron, who is coping with the collapse of his government.

Germany, which represents around a fifth of the EU population, is a strong backer of the deal, along with Spain.

Brazil is among the Latin American nations pushing hard for a deal.

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What we want is to conclude the negotiations this year, said Mauricio Lyrio, a secretary at Brazils foreign ministry who is leading its negotiations with the EU. What I can say is that were hopeful.

--With assistance from Ken Parks.

(Updates with Uruguay foreign minister comments from eighth paragraph.)

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By Martin Coulter

LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has ordered social media firm TikTok to freeze data linked to the Romanian elections, it said in a statement on Thursday.

EU officials issued a "retention order" under the bloc's wide-sweeping Digital Services Act, which regulates how the world's biggest social media companies operate in Europe.

The move comes on the same day the United States voiced concerns over potential foreign interference in Romania's elections, after pro-Russia ultranationalist Calin Georgescu surged to victory in the first round of the presidential contest on Nov. 24.

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Far-right parties also performed well in Romania's parliamentary election last Sunday, though the ruling leftist Social Democrats emerged as the largest party and hope to cobble together a pro-EU coalition government.

Documents declassified by Romanian security officials on Wednesday showed Georgescu was massively promoted on social media platform TikTok through coordinated accounts, recommendation algorithms and paid promotion. Georgescu himself declared zero funds spent in the campaign.

The documents suggested Romania had been the target of "aggressive hybrid Russian attacks". Russia has denied any interference in Romania's election campaigns.

If Georgescu claims victory in this Sunday's runoff vote, he will likely try to isolate Romania abroad and reverse its pro-EU approach, analysts and diplomats have said.

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A Tiktok spokesperson said: "We have already been cooperating with the (European) Commission and will continue to do so. We look forward to establishing the facts in light of some of the speculation and inaccurate reports we have seen."

(Reporting by Martin Coulter and Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Jason Neely and Gareth Jones)
Polish Deputy Finance Minister Pawel Karbownik said on Dec. 4 that the European Union is prepared to compensate if the U.S. withdraws from the G7's $50 billion multilateral loan agreement for Ukraine.

The loan, agreed upon by G7 countries in October, is designed to be repaid using interest from over $300 billion in frozen Russian assets under Western control.

"There is a risk that Donald Trump will pull out of the $50 billion agreement," Karbownik warned during an event marking Poland's upcoming presidency of the EU Council, Politico reported.

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Under the agreement, the EU and the U.S. were to contribute $20 billion each, with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan funding the remainder.

Faced with the possibility of the U.S. withdrawal, Brussels signed an agreement with Kyiv to raise its potential contribution to up to 35 billion euros. The final sum provided by the EU will depend on the scale of the U.S.'s involvement.

Concerns have grown as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump ally, has resisted putting a $24 billion Ukraine aid package to a vote. Johnson previously delayed aid to Kyiv last fall by stalling a $61 billion foreign assistance bill, though he ultimately negotiated its passage.

As the Biden administration accelerates aid deliveries before Trump assumes office in January, uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine looms. Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Ukraine should receive the loan from the U.S. and the EU within the coming weeks.

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Trump has criticized military assistance for Ukraine and said he aims to push for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, potentially requiring Ukraine to cede territory and temporarily abandon its NATO aspirations.

Read also: Blinken confirms Ukraine to receive $50 billion transfer from frozen Russian assets

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
According to the president-elects critics, dark days lie ahead with Donald Trump on the world stage once more. I couldnt disagree more. In fact, Trump 2.0 may just be the catalyst needed to jolt not just America, but the UK and Europe out of their disaster trajectories.

Trumps election was an utter rejection by the public of misguided elite perceptions in America. While the swamp, Hollywood and The New York Times wring their hands and blame racism and misogyny for his landmark electoral victory, they appear oblivious to a real crisis unfolding in the West. Plagued by mass migration, economic decay, political turmoil, and an existential crisis of identity, Europe is a civilisation in freefall. Trumps ambitious vision  with its focus on strength, sovereignty, and economic dynamism  may well be the Wests last best hope.

Compare America now to Britain, where Sir Keir Starmers Labour government exemplifies everything wrong with European-style governance. Starmer has embraced a disastrous cocktail of socialist economics and appeasement-minded foreign policy. His decision to surrender the strategically vital Chagos Islands  a move that betrays British sovereignty and plays into the hands of geopolitical rivals  beggars belief: weak, short-sighted, and servile to the orthodoxy of so-called international law. Britain is no longer a beacon of strength but a cautionary tale of what happens when a nation sacrifices its interests to placate international elites.

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The troubles afflicting Europe more broadly run deep, and the continents trajectory appears increasingly grim. Mass migration, as in Bidens America, is a paralysing force, eroding social cohesion and overwhelming public services. Europe is grappling with an economic malaise that borders on catastrophic.

This is decline by design  a continent offering itself on the altar of ideological delusions. Centralised bureaucracies impose crippling regulations, monetary policies stifle growth, and the EUs corporatist economic model enriches elites while gutting industry. The result? Productivity and growth that lag behind the United States, leaving Europe a depressing case study in how not to govern.

The political landscape is equally bleak. The collapse of the French government this week is just the latest episode in a long-running drama of dysfunction. Emmanuel Macron, for all his pretensions of being Europes reformist saviour, has been reduced to a lame-duck president, thwarted by a fractured and hostile parliament. Germany, once deemed to be the economic powerhouse of the EU, finds itself in a similar bind, heading for early elections while its economy is battered by crippling energy policies. At a time when strong leadership is desperately needed, Europes elites are playing at committee politics and virtue-signalling, oblivious to the storm clouds gathering on the horizon.

Enter Trump 2.0, the antithesis of Europes managed decline. His bold, unapologetic vision for America is a direct challenge to the wrong-headedness and complacency of Europes leaders. They see his brashness as a threat, when it is precisely what the West needs  a common sense American president unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths and act decisively on the world stage.

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Consider Trumps approach to Nato. Unlike Europes feckless leaders, who have treated the alliance as a free ride on Americas dime, Trump demands accountability. By insisting that member states pay their fair share, he not only strengthens Nato but exposes the hypocrisy of Europeans who lecture on shared values while shirking their responsibilities.

On energy, the contrast is equally stark. While the UK and much of Europe cripples itself with net zero dogma, Trump is promising to unleash Americas energy sector, in an attempt to secure both economic stability and strategic autonomy. His policies, rooted in pragmatism, recognise that energy independence is achievable without sacrificing growth or security. Europes energy crisis is no accident; it is the direct result of leaders who prioritise green ideology over common sense.

To blame Trump for Europes woes, as some predictably do and will, is to miss the point entirely. If dark days are ahead, they are not the result of Trumps rise but the culmination of Europes own failures  its refusal to tackle mass migration, its suicidal economic policies, and its unwillingness to defend national sovereignty. Trumps return is not a threat but an opportunity  a chance for Europe to reverse course and embrace a bold new direction.

The choice before Europe is stark: continue down the path of ruin, or follow Trumps lead and reclaim its destiny. His vision, with its emphasis on strength, self-determination, and unflinching realism, offers a lifeline to a continent on the brink. Whether Europe seizes it or squanders it will define the future of the West.

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Trumps return is not a cause for despair but a call to action  a reminder that the West still has a chance to reclaim its greatness, if only it has the courage to act.

Lee Cohen, a senior fellow of the Bow Group and the Bruges Group, was adviser on Great Britain to the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and founded the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus

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.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two students were wounded and the suspected gunman was dead after shooting at a school in Northern California on Wednesday, authorities said.

Deputies were "on scene of an active incident involving a shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo," the Butte County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Students were being taken to a nearby church and parents were asked to respond to the church to be reunified with their children, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The office received multiple 911 calls at around 1 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) regarding an adult male firing shots at students, KRCR-TV, a local TV station, reported, citing the Sheriff's Office.

Multiple agencies immediately responded to the incident and located the shooter, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said the report.

Two students sustained gunshot wounds, one of whom was airlifted to a nearby hospital, it added.

The school, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is a K-8 school with over 30 students, according to its website.

Palermo, home to over 5,000 residents, is about 104 km north of Sacramento, the capital of the U.S. state of California. 
BENGALURU (Reuters) -The European Space Agency on Thursday launched Proba-3, a cutting-edge Sun-observing mission, aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation's flagship rocket.

The launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, originally scheduled for Wednesday, had been delayed because of a technical snag. The mission is intended to advance global efforts to understand economic and technological risks of space weather.

Proba-3, a two-satellite system developed over more than a decade, is designed to last two years.

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It lifted off aboard ISROs PSLV-XL rocket at 1034 GMT. At around 1058 GMT, PSLV mission director M. Jayakumar announced that the satellite had been injected into orbit.

For the ESA, Proba-3 strengthens its solar research capabilities, joining its Solar Orbiter in the study of the suns complex dynamics.

Thursday's launch also builds on ISRO's recent accomplishments, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and its own sun-studying Aditya-L1 solar observatory.

"The corona of the sun ... has been very poorly investigated. One of the things we really want to understand is ... how do coronal mass ejections or solar wind originate in this area," Proba-3 Systems Engineer Esther Bastida Pertegaz said in a pre-recorded video.

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The corona is a critical region for understanding solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and flares. These events can severely disrupt communications, navigation systems, and power grids on earth.

The mission enables observations of the suns inner corona for up to six hours per orbit  far surpassing the fleeting moments of natural solar eclipses that occur only around 60 times a century.

The project, costing about 200 million euros ($210 million), is supported by over 40 European companies, including SENER Aerospace, Redwire Space, and Airbus Defence and Space.

ESA has been struggling with setbacks and delays in its launch programme, with the first commercial flight of the flagship Ariane 6 heavy launcher postponed to next year and access to Russias Soyuz rockets severed by the breakdown in relations over Ukraine.

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ESA said it opted for ISROs PSLV-XL to deploy the spacecraft because of its cost efficiency and performance.

While ISRO advances its Gaganyaan program to send Indian astronauts into space and plans further explorations of the Moon, Mars, and Venus, it is also positioning itself as a global commercial launch provider.

($1 = 0.9501 euros)

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Andrew Cawthorne)
LONDON (AP)  European Union regulators ordered TikTok on Thursday to retain any information related to Romania's presidential election, after the countrys top defense body released declassified intelligence alleging that Moscow arranged an online campaign to support a candidate who emerged as a surprise front-runner.

As controversy swirls around the election, the 27-nation bloc's executive arm is using its sweeping digital rulebook to step up scrutiny of the role played by the video sharing platform.

Far-right populist Calin Georgescu emerged from obscurity to top the polls in the first round of the Romanian presidential vote on Nov. 24, plunging the European Union and NATO country into turmoil.

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In an unprecedented move, President Klaus Iohannis ordered the release on Wednesday of the intelligence files that allege a sprawling network of thousands of social media accounts across platforms like TikTok and Telegram promoted Georgescu content.

The European Commission said it issued TikTok with a retention order demanding that it freeze and preserve data related to so-called systemic risks that the video-sharing platform's service could pose to electoral processes and civic discourse in the EU. The order also applies to any national election in the EU until March 31.

TikTok has already been cooperating with the Commission and will continue to do so," the company said in a statement. "We look forward to establishing the facts in light of some of the speculation and inaccurate reports we have seen.

The commission said TikTok must hang on to internal documents and information about the design and function of its systems that recommend content to users. It also has to preserve files on how it addresses the risk that fake accounts are used in a coordinated way to manipulate users.

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Officials told a daily briefing in Brussels that the commission had received the Romanian intelligence files.

I can confirm that we have received and we are currently working on these documents now, commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said.

Henna Virkkunen, the commission's executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said in a statement that, This preservation order is a key step in helping investigators establish the facts and adds to our formal requests for information, which seek information following the declassification of secret documents yesterday.

The commission is using the Digital Services Act to scrutinize TikTok, which many observers say played a big role in Georgescu's success in the first-round vote. The DSA is a wide-ranging set of regulations that took effect last year aimed at cleaning up big online platforms and protecting internet users, under threat of hefty fines.

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We have a tool at our disposal where we make sure that the very large online platforms have their role to play and make sure that their services are not misused to influence voters and to influence people, Regnier said.

Officials in Brussels said theyre not calling Romanias electoral processes into question but are monitoring TikToks compliance with EU rules, though they have no position on whether the company has infringed them.

On Sunday, Georgescu will face pro-EU reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a final vote.

In releasing the declassified files, intelligence authorities said information they obtained revealed an aggressive promotion campaign to increase and accelerate Georgescu's popularity. According to the files, the Romanian secret services alleged one TikTok user paid $381,000 to other users to promote Georgescu content.

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The Commission has already asked TikTok twice for information on its recommendation systems related to elections, including a second request on Friday for additional information on how it manages risks from information manipulation.

Earlier this week, during questioning from a committee of European Parliament lawmakers, TikTok executives said they uncovered several Romanian influence networks including one that supported Georgescu but defended the platform's election integrity practices.

___

Associated Press writer Stephen McGrath in Bucharest contributed to this report.
By Giulia Segreti and Tim Hepher

(Reuters) -Europe's Arianespace launched the Vega-C rocket on Thursday, marking a return to space for the upgraded Italian launcher two years after it failed during a debut commercial mission.

Carrying the Sentinel-1C satellite into orbit for the European Union's flagship Copernicus Earth observation programme, Vega-C blasted off into leaden skies from its Kourou launch pad in French Guiana at 6:20 p.m. (2120 GMT), live images showed.

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"Parameters on board are normal," range operations manager Jean-Frederic Alasa said at the Guiana Space Centre control room before placing the satellite into "barbecue mode," rotating it to control the heat effect from the sun's rays about halfway to its 700-km (435-mile) orbit.

The launch of the small-to-medium-sized uncrewed rocket is the latest step in securing Europe's access to space after the Ariane 6 heavy launcher staged an inaugural test flight in July. Ariane 6's own commercial debut has been delayed to 2025.

"An important day for Italy and for Europe. Vega C is back!" said Teodoro Valente, president of Italian Space Agency ASI, which is the main contributor to the Vega programme.

Europe has faced a series of setbacks amid intense competition from Elon Musk's private U.S. SpaceX launch company.

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In December 2022, Vega rockets were grounded after the latest model failed two-and-a-half minutes into its second mission - and the first commercial flight - due to an anomaly with a motor, destroying two Earth-imaging satellites.

EARTH OBSERVATION

Built by Italy's Avio for the European Space Agency (ESA), Vega-C is due to play a key role after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine forced the bloc to stop using Russian Soyuz vehicles.

Previously, Europe relied on earlier Vega versions for small payloads, Soyuz for medium ones, and Ariane - built by Airbus-Safran venture ArianeGroup - for heavy loads.

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Valente said Thursday's launch of Vega-C was a "step forward in Europe recovering its autonomy in accessing space".

Arianespace operates all major European launches but that will change from 2025 when Avio will take over the marketing of Vega-C following a decision by Italy to take greater control.

The Sentinel-1C satellite - developed and manufactured by Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space (TAS), a joint-venture between Thales and Leonardo - was successfully dropped off at 08:04 p.m. (2304 GMT).

"With Sentinel-1C into orbit, ESA continues a legacy of steadfast Sentinels protecting the Earth ... what we send to space provides benefits to Earth," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said in a statement.

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The satellite is expected to expand radar imagery to monitor the Earth's environment in all weather conditions for several applications. It is the first satellite of the mission to be equipped to support maritime safety and traffic management, TAS said.

With 12 Sentinel satellite families, developers say Copernicus is the world's biggest Earth observation system and holds the largest store of radar data.

Reuters reported on Monday that Thales and Leonardo were looking at setting up a new joint European satellites company, together with Airbus, to try to compete with Musk's fast-growing Starlink constellation in low Earth orbit.

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti, Tim Hepher and Joey Roulette, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Mark Potter)
Pete Hegseths nomination to head the Department of Defense is in dire straits. On top of allegations of sexual assault, the former Fox News hosts confirmation prospects are being derailed by reports of alcohol abuse that affected his workplace conduct across large swaths of his career.

Records obtained by multiple news outlets, anonymous statements from current and former coworkers at Fox News, and Hegseths own past statements paint a picture of a combat veteran who struggled with his alcohol consumption following his return to civilian life.

As he works to convince dubious Republican senators to back his nomination, Hegseth publicly stated that he never had a drinking problem in a Wednesday interview with fellow former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. But even in that same interview, Hegseth questions how one deals with the demons you see on the battlefield?

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Sometimes its with a bottle, he told Kelly, adding that two Js  his wife Jennifer and Jesus  pulled me out of that.

Lawmakers weighing their votes on Hegseths confirmation have taken note of the reporting surrounding his relationship with alcohol, and Hegseth has reportedly been promising senators that he will stop drinking if they confirm him.

Much as we might be sympathetic to people with continuing alcohol problems, they shouldnt be at the top of our national-security structure, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told The New Yorker on Monday.

With his nomination in the balance, heres everything weve learned so far about the allegations of alcohol abuse surrounding the potential Secretary of Defense.

Allegations of a drunken sexual assault

Last month, a 2017 sexual assault allegation againast Hegseth resurfaced. The woman Hegseth allegedly assaulted during a conference hosted by the California Federation of Republican Women filed a police report, and Hegseth eventually settled with his accuser.

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According to the police report, a hotel worker who was called to intervene in an argument between Hegseth and the accuser told Monterey, California, law enforcement that Hegseth seemed very drunk, and grew belligerent when confronted by the employee. The alleged assault took place in the hotel later that night.

He allegedly drunkenly chanted Kill All Muslims! at a work event

According to a report from The New Yorker, Hegseths drinking sparked multiple complaints from employees at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), a nonprofit he headed between 2013 and 2016.

In 2015, a complaint letter a now-former CVA employee sent to management described Hegseth chanting Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims! at a bar in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, while on a rally tour with the organization. The complaint described Hegseth and another individual chanting in a drunk and violent manner.

He allegedly got so drunk he tried to rush the stage at strip club

That same New Yorker report included details from a separate seven-page report sent to the CVAs upper management by several former employees. The 2015 document describes Hegseth as being repeatedly intoxicated at multiple work events where he was presiding as head of the organization  sometimes to the extent that other employees had to physically carry him away.

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In one instance, Hegseth took several employees to a Louisiana strip club where he drunkenly attempted to join the dancers on stage, only to be restrained by his coworkers.

Some of his former Fox News co-workers have said they were concerned about his drinking

Ten current and former Fox News employees detailed their experiences with Hegseths drinking to NBC News earlier this week. Several recalled Hegseth smelling of alcohol or discussing being hungover before taping Fox & Friends Weekend.

Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air, one former employee said.

One current employee and two former ones told the outlet that they felt they had to babysit the host to mitigate the effects of his drinking. Wed have to call him to make sure he didnt oversleep because we knew hed be out partying the night before, one said.

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While none recalled Hegseth ever missing a show because hed been drinking, they did say that oftentimes he arrived at the studio so late that staff had to scramble to get him ready in time for the live broadcast. Morning TV is stressful, and more times than not Pete made it even more stressful, one employee said.

Fox News HR reportedly looked into his drunken conduct at a company Christmas party

According to interviews given to the The New York Times, in 2016 Hegseth got into a verbal altercation with the husband of his mistress-turned-third-wife Jennifer Rauchet, then a producer on his show.

Rauchets husband, suspecting the relationship between Hegseth and his wife, showed up to the employee-only party at a New York City bowling arcade. Sources told the Times that Hegseth, who had been drinking, caused a disturbance over Mr. Rauchets presence, one that later landed him in hot water with Fox News human resources department.

He reportedly got so drunk at a Fox News producers wedding that he struggled to stand

Sources also told The New York Times that at the 2017 wedding of a fellow Fox News host, Hegseth got so drunk he was struggling to remain standing while in the mens restroom. Guests asked a network producer who was at the event for help getting the host a ride home so he could make his 6 a.m. broadcast the next day.

He reportedly polished off a display of warm beers at 10 a.m.

In an incident described by two former Fox News colleagues to The Washington Post, during a segment celebrating St. Patricks Day, Fox & Friends Weekend staff had set up a display of beers. After the show concluded  around 10 a.m.  Hegseth reportedly drank all of the beers on the display table, which by that point had gone flat and lukewarm. The Post notes that Hegseth downing the beers was jarring to colleagues.

His own descriptions of his alcohol consumption

While Hegseth is currently denying ever having had a drinking problem, the former Fox News host in the past he has publicly discussed and written about his abuse of alcohol.

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In his 2016 memoir In the Arena, Hegseth wrote that he had carefully crafted a pious caricature, and manufactured facade of goodness, that masked his personal struggles. He added that while he publicly presented a moral front, he often fell short when it came to drinking, sex, and other vices, and was often insufferable (and hypocritical) about it.

In a 2021 interview with fellow Fox News personality Will Cain, Hegseth described his relationship with drinking after returning from a deployment in Iraq.

Id look around at 10 oclock and be like, What am I going to do today? How about I drink some beers? How about I go have some lunch and have some beers? How about I meet my one or two buddies and have some beers? he said. And one beer leads to many, leads to self-medication, leads to Ive earned this. Like, Dont tell me I cant.

He also acknowledged his drinking in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published on Wednesday. Like veterans returning from any war, we drank beers to manage the reality of what we had faced. But we never did anything improper, and we treated everyone with respect, he wrote of his time leading the group Vets for Freedom.

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Later on Wednesday, he told Megyn Kelly: I never had a drinking problem.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A not guilty plea was entered Thursday on behalf of former Delano police chief Mark DeRosia, charged with a misdemeanor alleging he engaged in an inappropriate online conversation with someone he believed was a minor.

DeRosia did not attend the hearing. His attorney, Kyle J. Humphrey, entered the not guilty plea and agreed to a pretrial conference date in April.

Baby dies after alleged abuse by father

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Judge Chad Louie granted Humphreys request that DeRosia remain free without posting bail. He also agreed the former chief  who lives in Michigan  does not have to appear unless the case is in trial or theres another proceeding necessitating his presence.

Sheriffs officials have said DeRosia, then 68, contacted a detective who was posing online as a 15-year-old as part of a sting operation earlier this year. Their conversation turned sexual, officials said, and a meeting was arranged.

Derosia was arrested March 26 in the area of Olive and Knudsen drives. Prosecutors filed the misdemeanor charge last 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 KGET 17.
By Charlotte Van Campenhout and Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Former EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders is under investigation by Belgian authorities for alleged money laundering, the spokesperson for the Brussels public prosecutor general said on Thursday.

Belgian authorities started investigating in 2023 after complaints from both the Belgian National Lottery and the Belgian Financial Intelligence processing Unit (CFI), spokesperson An Schoonjans said.

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Reynders could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Belgian National Lottery said in a statement it had notified Belgian authorities in 2022 about suspicious activity, without giving any further details. The CFI was not immediately available for comment.

The prosecutor general's office declined to give details of how much money was involved in the investigation or when the complaints related to.

Reynders, a Belgian national, served as Belgium's finance minister and later as foreign minister from 1999 to 2019.

He held the position of EU Commissioner for Justice under the previous European Commission led by President Ursula von der Leyen, from 2019 to last month.

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The investigation was first reported on Monday by Belgian daily Le Soir and Follow the Money, a Dutch investigative news website.

EU spokesperson Balazs Ujvari told reporters on Tuesday that Belgian authorities had not contacted the EU in relation to the investigation while Reynders was in office.

He said commissioners enjoyed some limited protection from legal investigations for actions taken in their official capacity. Ujvari said former commissioners retained this immunity, and any decision to lift it would require approval from the 27 current commissioners.

(Reporting by Marine Strauss, Charlotte Van Campenhout, additional reporting by Phil Blenkinsop; Editing by Alison Williams)
Its been a year for budget-breaking lawsuit and settlement payouts for the city of Los Angeles, and the hits just dont stop coming.

On Wednesday, a jury ruled in favor of former Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Timothy Colomey in his suit alleging he was retaliated against for reporting misconduct, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was awarded $3.5 million in damages.

Colomey, 55, has made allegations of unlawful killings by SWAT members and department cover-ups of the alleged misconduct, the Times reports. He claimed a cadre of senior officers, a so-called SWAT mafia, exercised god-like power over who was allowed into the elite unit and how it operated, creating a culture of violence that glorified deadly force.

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L.A. could be GOING BROKE after blowing past yearly liability budget in just 3 months, controller says

Colomey specifically cited three killings he described as unlawful, the Times added: the 2017 shooting of an unarmed man by a sniper in a circling helicopter; a nonfatal shooting the same year of a man holed up inside a shed; and the 2014 death of a mentally ill homeless man named Carlos Ocana who fell off a billboard atop a downtown building after an officer shot him with a Taser.

This latest $3.5 million verdict adds to the citys lawsuit woes, as the budget for such payments was exhausted in only three months.

During that three-month period, more than half of the payments were for the LAPD alone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A former Marlboro County deputy who in February pleaded guilty in federal court to an excessive force incident where he used a Taser on an inmate in 2020 avoided a jail sentence, the US Attorneys Office said Thursday.

David Andrew Cook was sentenced to two years of probation. Cook on Nov. 21 requested a lighter sentence in a court filing because of his cooperation.

Cook and Sheriff Charles Lemon were indicted in U.S. District Court in Florence in January. Cook pleaded guilty the next month, while Lemon was acquitted in August and returned to his office as sheriff.

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The January indictment accused Lemon of directing Cook to use a Taser on the prisoner without legal justification in an incident that resulted in bodily injury to the victim. A video of the incident showed Lemon telling his deputy to take off the victims handcuffs and then shows Cook using the Taser on the mans head as he turns around.

State authorities initially charged both men with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and misconduct in office in December 2021, and Lemon was suspended by Gov. Henry McMaster. Lemon returned to office just days after his acquittal.

Cooks sentencing hearing was set for 11 a.m. on Thursday. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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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.
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin no longer plans to travel to South Korea, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt this week to impose martial law.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning had been underway for a trip in the near term but it was determined now was not the appropriate time.

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The official said South Korea had been consulted regarding the change in travel plans.

Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

Yoon's declaration of martial law late on Tuesday sought to consolidate power, ban political activity and censor the media.

It sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea's international allies.

South Korea's defense minister, who recommended the move, has resigned.

Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement.

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Kim had recommended Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday, according to the interior minister, a senior military official and the opposition's filing to impeach Yoon.

The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

The commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, General Paul LaCamera, warned American troops in a statement on Wednesday to stay vigilant, avoid areas with protests, and tell superiors of travel plans in case "something unexpected" happens.

Austin's trip to South Korea would have come at an important geopolitical moment in the region.

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U.S. and South Korean officials say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to take part in pushing back Ukrainian forces.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russia's defense minister last month and pledged to expand ties with Moscow in all areas, including military affairs, under the comprehensive strategic partnership he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes a mutual defense agreement, North Korean state media said.

Moscow and Pyongyang have dramatically advanced ties since their leaders held a summit in September last year in Russia, and the North has since shipped more than 10,000 containers of ammunition, as well as self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers, according to South Korea's spy agency.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Daniel Wallis)
Peppers a hot commodity in Hunan

08:22, December 05, 2024 By Zou Shuo, Zhu Youfang ( China Daily

As a province famous for spicy food, a person from Hunan consumes about 50 kilograms of peppers every year, with the total yearly demand reaching millions of metric tons, according to local government figures.

The province is home to more than 1,000 pepper processing enterprises, with five of them achieving annual sales revenue of more than 1 billion yuan ($138 million).

Among the different types of peppers, the Zhangshugang pepper has won the nickname "Hermes pepper "for being rare and expensive, like the French luxury handbag brand.

Zhangshugang is a township in Xiangyin county, Hunan province. The unique weather and soil conditions make the namesake peppers crispy, tender and strong.

The Hermes pepper was listed as a national geological trademarked pepper in 2013. As it takes a long time to grow and has a low yield, it commands a high price. When it first enters the market between April and May each year, its price can reach as high as 600 yuan per kg. The high price, about 100 times that of an ordinary pepper plant, earned it the Hermes pepper nickname.

To capitalize on the high demand and price, two agricultural companies were established in the township in 2015 to help scale production of the pepper.

Zeng Liyu, president of Hunan Yangquehu Agricultural Development Co, said provincial government authorities have offered the company help to conduct standardized and scaled seedling cultivation, and the seedlings are provided to local farmers.

The company has worked closely with local farmers. Farmers grow the peppers, and the company buys them at the highest market price. Growers can net a profit of nearly 750,000 yuan per hectare, he said.

The township grew 786 hectares of peppers last year, with total output reaching 14,200 tons and total revenue reaching around 510 million yuan.

In 2022, about 163 grams of Zhangshugang pepper seeds were carried into space by the Shenzhou XIV spaceship. Under experimental cultivation, the seeds have shown high yield potential and strong disease resistance, and contain many vitamins.

The province's success in growing peppers could not have been achieved without researchers.

Since the 1980s, Zou Xuexiao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and his team have conducted countless field research and laboratory experiments and successfully cultivated more than 160 pepper breeds. They have also established the largest pepper seeding base in Asia.

Zou has worked with Changshabased Hunan Xiangyan Seed Industry Co to produce a large number of pepper breeds that have been sold to more than 30 countries and regions in the world.

Miao Wu, vice-general manager of the company, said they conducted 6,000 to 7,000 molecular groupings to select the pepper breeds with the highest quality.

Elsewhere, in Rwanda, growing spicy peppers from Hunan has become an important way for local farmers to earn extra money.

The climate in Rwanda is suitable for the growth of peppers, which can be planted two to three times each year, Miao said.

"Peppers grown in the country are very spicy and have good quality and high yield," he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
By Akbar Novruz



Today, December 5, marks the remembrance of a brutal chapter in history: the forced deportation of Western Azerbaijanis during the years 1987-1991. This tragedy was not an isolated event but part of a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing spanning over a century. For Western Azerbaijanis, the violation of their rights and displacement from their ancestral lands in present-day Armenia is a deep wound that reflects the broader challenges of cultural erasure, historical revisionism, and injustice.

The roots of this tragedy trace back to the early 19th century when Tsarist Russias annexation of the South Caucasus disrupted the demographic balance. Armenian migration to these lands was actively encouraged, which led to increased pressure on the indigenous Azerbaijani population. The first mass deportation occurred between 1905 and 1920, coinciding with the Armenian-Azerbaijani clashes. Efforts by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic to resist this displacement were thwarted by Bolshevik Russias overt support for Armenian claims.

The second wave of forced deportation took place between 1948 and 1953, driven by Stalins policies. Officially framed as resettlement, this wave was rooted in paranoia over Azerbaijani-Turkish connections. Stalin sought to sever cultural and familial ties by relocating Azerbaijanis from Armenia to Azerbaijan under harsh conditions, leading to countless deaths.

The third and most devastating deportation unfolded between 1988 and 1991 during Armenia's aggressive push for ethnic homogenization. In just a few years, more than 250,000 Western Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homeland. The armenization of Azerbaijani cultural landmarks, systematic name changes, and the destruction of historical sites intensified during this period. Tragically, many victims did not survive the journey to safety, perishing due to harsh conditions and inadequate support.

Despite the trauma of displacement, Western Azerbaijanis have sought peaceful dialogue and advocated for their right of return under international law. This stands in stark contrast to Armenia's persistent policies of exclusion and cultural erasure. For example, Azerbaijan extended multiple assurances during and after the 2020 Patriotic War, affirming that Armenians could continue to live in Garabagh peacefully. Even the same occurred during Azerbaijan's anti-terror measures back in September 2023. It is crucial to emphasize that, unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has unequivocally stated at the highest government levelsboth during and after these operationsthat Armenians are fully welcome to live in Garabagh. In stark contrast, the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly failed to demonstrate a humanitarian approach for reconciliation or dialogue regarding the return of Western Azerbaijanis since its declaration of independence. Neither the previous government nor the current one has taken responsibility.

As President Ilham Aliyev stated during his address at the Second International Conference on The Right to Return, this is purely a human rights issue:

"The goal of the [Western Azerbaijan] Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe, and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives. It is extremely important that the international community should support the peaceful initiatives of members of the Western Azerbaijan Community in accordance with international law to ensure their right of return to their native lands.

In addition, the scale of cultural destruction inflicted by Armenia is staggering. Over 2,000 place names in Western Azerbaijan were altered by Soviet and Armenian authorities. Azerbaijani cemeteries, mosques, and historical landmarks were systematically destroyed. The Blue Mosque, a prime example of Azerbaijani Islamic architecture, has been deliberately misrepresented as Persian heritage. These actions represent an attempt to rewrite history and erase the cultural identity of Western Azerbaijanis.

In his address at the Second International Conference on The Right to Return, President Ilham Aliyev provided powerful insights into the ongoing plight of Western Azerbaijanis:

"In the aftermath of particularly horrific deportations in 19181921, 19481953, and 19871991, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were driven from their ancestral homeland and sought refuge in Azerbaijan. As a result of those atrocious deportations, not a single Azerbaijani remained in Armenia, which became a mono-ethnic state. Armenia has destroyed the cultural heritage created by our people in Western Azerbaijan over thousands of years  historical sites, graveyards, mosques, and settlements  and has caused immense damage to the Art of Azerbaijani Ashiq, recognized by UNESCO as part of the universal cultural heritage. Among these historical and cultural sites, only the Blue Mosque has survived. However, Armenia is trying to deliberately alter the original historical and architectural style of the Blue Mosque and present it under a different name. Such destructive steps are nothing short of intolerance and racism."

The head of state also touched upon the issue of the return of the West Azerbaijan Community to its ancestral lands, stressing that Armenia should take decisive steps in this direction. President Ilham Aliyev also noted the sinister goals of Armenia's rapid armament in recent days. The head of state also noted that this is a direct threat to peace in the South Caucasus region.

Unfortunately, the deep-rooted hatred towards our people in Armenian society, the myths of a greater Armenia, the territorial claims against Azerbaijan still embedded in the Armenian constitution, and the rapid armament of this country hinder the lasting peace between the two countries, the President said.

According to the Azerbaijani President, Armenia is trying to deliberately portray the activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community as a threat to its territorial integrity. "However, the goal of the Community is to facilitate a peaceful, safe and dignified return of our compatriots displaced from Western Azerbaijan to their ancestral lands. This is a purely human rights issue. The fact that Armenia labels the Communitys activities as a threat represents an attempt to distort the true essence of the issue and deny the right of return enshrined in international law, the Azerbaijani President noted.

Furthermore, in his address, President Ilham Aliyev emphasised Armenia's neglecting the request of the Community for a dialogue with the Yerevan administration.

The Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly called on the Armenian government to engage in dialogue, but the opposing side has always turned down these initiatives. Armenia has to embark on negotiations with the Community and take tangible steps to restore the fundamental rights of Western Azerbaijanis. In addition, Armenia has to allow a UNESCO fact-finding mission to monitor the situation regarding the destruction and distortion of the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people and be open to cooperation in this area," the President added.

Finally, as a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Armenia bears legal responsibility for the deportations and cultural destruction it facilitated. Yet, the international community, which often voices concerns over human rights, remains largely silent on the plight of Western Azerbaijanis. The worlds selective outrageloud for some crises but muted for othersunderscores the urgent need for justice and accountability.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is now being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

How is this conference relevant and how does desertification impact our lives?

Check Xinhua Correspondent Li Ruolin's talk with Barron Joseph Orr, chief scientist of Science, Technology and Innovation at the UNCCD, to find out.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
LANSING  While Michigan's Democratic lawmakers rush to move their policy priorities to the finish line during the final days of the legislative session, one big bipartisan proposal that has stalled for years could die or fly during lame duck: Bills to subject lawmakers and the governor to public records requests.

Michigan is one of two states without public records laws that cover the state legislature and governor's office, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, would like to end Michigan's status as a national outlier.

The Michigan Senate has already passed bills to expand the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with wide bipartisan support. FOIA laws allow the public to access information about the government by obtaining a range of records, from officials' communications to police reports. State and local offices are already subject to FOIA in Michigan but state lawmakers and the governors' offices are not.

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Bills that would change that have stalled in the Michigan House. House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit  who decides which bills come to the House floor for a vote  said he's open to the legislation. But Tate declined to say whether he'd vote yes on the FOIA bills when asked in an interview with the Detroit Free Press Wednesday.

For years, Michigan lawmakers have introduced bills to improve government transparency by expanding the state's public records laws. But they went nowhere. This year, lawmakers in the state Senate advanced bills and voted on them.

Several transparency advocates testified in support of the bills during a committee hearing in February. "Openness and transparency are pillars of a strong democracy, but Michiganders are currently restricted from viewing key information that would illustrate the vital function that you serve, and that the governors office serves: How policy is shaped," Kim Murphy-Kovalick from Voters Not Politicians told lawmakers. Those supporting the legislation raised concerns about some of the exemptions for disclosing certain information but described the bills as a strong start.

Brinks said in an interview Wednesday that she'd be proud to make increasing government transparency part of the legacy lawmakers leave behind during lame duck before Republicans are set to take control of the state House next year. "I think there is bipartisan support in (the state House) maybe now that the dynamic has changed a little bit I think you might see a greater  I'm certainly hopeful that you'll see a greater  willingness on the part of the House Republicans to put votes up on things that they believe are the right things to do regardless of whether or not House Dems have every single one of their members up on the board as a yes."

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Michigan Legislature: What will Michigan's lame duck session look like? 'Everything is on the table'

Shortly after Republicans in November chose Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, to serve as House Speaker starting next year, Hall noted his support for expanding FOIA in the past. "I'm not sure how serious the Democrats are about that. We saw them talk about it for years and then they don't take action. Isn't that interesting? I will tell you this though ... what I intend to do is work with our team to reform how the budget's done. I think that's an issue of transparency. I'll say I feel more passionately about that," he told reporters last month.

When she first ran for governor, Whitmer released a transparency plan telling voters that she supported expanding FOIA to include the governor's office and legislature. She vowed to take action if lawmakers wouldn't and use her authority to extend FOIA to the lieutenant governor and governor's offices. She hasn't done so.

Whitmer press secretary Stacey LaRouche did not say whether Whitmer wants to see the FOIA bills land on the governor's desk before the end of the year. LaRouche said Whitmer has taken steps to advance government transparency in Michigan such as an executive directive signed in 2019 calling for the appointment of a transparency liaison at state agencies and encouraging livestreamed public meetings. "We will review legislation as it makes its way through the process," LaRouche said in an email.

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Whitmer told the Free Press in a June interview she'd still like to see the FOIA legislation passed. "But when the Legislature's ready to, you know, have it apply to both branches, I think we'll have something to sign," she said. "I think we've got an opportunity and a duty to get something done. I also know we're in probably the last four or five weeks of the term for quite awhile and there's a lot to do. So not that I'm saying it can't get done, it could. But you know there's a lot on the list between now and July 1," Whitmer said.

Lawmakers find themselves in a similar situation in lame duck, staring down a long list of priorities. And the clock is ticking on whether expanding FOIA will be part of the legacy the first Democratic trifecta in Michigan in 40 years will leave.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Expanding FOIA laws to Michigan governor, lawmakers could fizzle
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a rapid response team to Panzi, a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to investigate an unknown pathogen that has killed at least 79 people in the last month.

More than 400 people are thought to have been infected with the mystery disease since late October and there are fears it may be spreading rapidly.

Specialists have ruled out coronavirus, but have concluded that the disease affects the respiratory system.

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Among the 27 deaths in health centres, 17 people died after suffering respiratory distress, health minister Samuel Roger Kamba said today in a press conference.

Ten died from a lack of transfusion due to a state of severe anaemia.

Cases have so far been limited to the Panzi region, around 435 miles south-east of the capital, Kinshasa.

The specialist WHO team will be dispatched from the city to collect samples and carry out analysis in an attempt to determine the cause of the outbreak.

We are on maximum alert

Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, cough, and difficulty breathing, with additional reports of anaemia.

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Initial data suggests the disease is particularly acute in young people, with 40 per cent of cases so far in those under five.

We are on maximum alert, we consider this to be a level of epidemic that we need to monitor, Kamba told reporters in Kinshasa.

Access to the Panzi region is difficult, and road and health infrastructure is lacking. Residents also face a shortage of drinking water and medicine.

Just over 60 per cent of people in the region suffer from malnutrition, especially children, making it one of the highest rates in the country, Kamba said.

Most of the population is malnourished and very poor, so it [could] make symptoms and outcomes different to what they might otherwise, a well-placed UK government source told The Telegraph.

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The DRC is also currently battling an epidemic of a dangerous new strain of mpox, known as clade 1b. Since the beginning of the year, the virus has killed more than 650 people and infected 20,000.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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With the 2024 cycle barely in the rearview mirror, some congressional Republicans know they already need to strategize how to simultaneously please Donald Trump and win their next election, hopefully while avoiding a primary challenge.

Trumps influence among Republican voters is as strong as ever, and he did not wait to test how far Republicans would go to placate him, nominating former Rep. Matt Gaetz as his attorney general. But the president-elect found Senate Republicans had a limit, and Gaetzplagued by a generally controversial reputation and allegations of sexual misconductwas beyond it.

Now, Republicans face a new loyalty test. Over the weekend, Trump announced Kash Patel as his choice to lead the FBI, thereby ousting current FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed in 2017.

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Patel is a close Trump ally who has indicated he would use the bureau to investigate Trumps perceived enemies. In an interview with Steve Bannon last year, Patel said he would come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections, whether criminally or civilly. Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters, also contains a list of members of the executive branch deep state that includes President Joe Biden, other Democrats, and Republicans who have opposed Trump. Speaking on a YouTube show in September, Patel suggested he would turn the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., into a museum of the deep state and disperse its 7,000 employees across the country to chase down criminals.

Some Republican senators will need to make a difficult decision. Do they back Patel and risk upsetting their constituents in the general election, or do they try to block him and risk incurring Trumps wrath?

Vulnerable officeholders usually attempt to cultivate a more centrist reputation, which leaves them open to a primary challenge from the right. One senator in a difficult position on that front is Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who represents a state in which both Democrats and Republicans have won statewide, often in the same election. At the same time, the two-term senator, who is up for reelection in 2026, will not want to displease Trumpwho could endorse a copartisan challenger and make things difficult in the primaryby opposing Patels confirmation. Tillis office on Wednesday said he was working on making sure [new attorney general nominee] Pam Bondi and Kash Patel get through the Senate Judiciary Committee and get confirmed on the floor, vowing to support any nominee who makes it out of a Senate committee. Tillis sits on the Judiciary Committee before which Patel will have to testify.

But even members of the House of Representatives will need to make a similar calculation. Rep. Mike Lawler of New Yorka moderate who won a second term by 7 points, or 25,000 votes, in a race that many observers assumed would be much closerhas not closed the door on a gubernatorial run against Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026. He would need to win a primary in a state Republican Party whose members are fond of Trump, whom Lawler has criticized in the past.

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So he took some by surprise when he spoke approvingly of Patels nomination on CNNs State of the Union Sunday. 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, Lawler told anchor Kasie Hunt. President Trump has nominated, in Kash Patel, someone who served as chief of staff at the Department of Defense  someone who served as a senior staffer on the House Intelligence Committee. Lawler added that Americans were not interested in a revenge tour but said he had no reservations about Patel serving in the role.

However, other House Republicans who spoke to The Dispatch on Capitol Hill on Wednesday took a different tone. None condemned Patel, but few seemed excited about the prospect of him leading the FBI.

Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force general, won a fifth term last month in a Nebraska district that Vice President Kamala Harris carried by more than 4.5 points. Though he is rather conservative ideologically, he has not hesitated to clash with Trump and some of his allies in Congress. Trump publicly called for a primary challenge against Bacon in the 2022 cycle, though no formidable opponent joined the fray. Bacon did, however, face a primary challenge this year, winning by 24 points. In an interview with The Dispatch, he indicated he had reservations but was keeping an open mind on Patel.

I worry at times about overreach on some of the stuff, but lets hear what he has to say in the Senate, Bacon said in response to a question about some of Patels past statements. He said hed had lunch with Patel one time but did not know him well. Ill give him the benefit of the doubt. Lets listen to what he has to say in the Senate, Bacon said.

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Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, who just won a second term in a swing district by fewer than 11,000 votes, or 2.5 points, also deferred to Patels forthcoming vetting by the Senate. I dont know what hes going to do, he said. We need to wait for the process to play out, for the senators to ask the questions, and all that will come out.

On the other hand, some congressmen who, like Ciscomani, skew toward the center of the political spectrum tried to avoid commenting on Patel entirely.

This is over to the president to make the nominations, not me, said Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa, who recently won a second term by 3.5 points. Youll get more out of the Judiciary Committee. This is not my area.

Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona, who won by a similar margin to Nunn, also tried to steer the conversation away from the controversial nominee, saying he knew almost nothing about Patel. I do taxes and Medicare financing, he said. Did you have a Medicare finance question?

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Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa praised Patel but was not effusive. He seems to be qualified, and he certainly has called out the weaponization of the FBI, she said.

Miller-Meeks, who has been rated more conservative than most House Republicans but does not have a far-right reputation, pulled off a victory of fewer than 1,000 votes against her Democratic opponentafter she defeated by 12 points a primary challenger who put up a stronger than expected showing after attacking her from the right.

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Facility that would turn manure, food waste into natural gas causes stink among neighbors

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One central Ohio community is coming out against a big project.

They say people have pulled out of buying houses in the area and others may consider leaving if the project moves forward. That project: a system that will convert cow manure and food waste to renewable natural gas.

Area commissioners and townships have signed legislation against it and the project has a petition with hundreds of signatures against it. However, because of a zoning law technicality, the community may not be able to stop it and right now theres nothing to stop it in your neighborhood either.

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What is hooning? Ohios new law aimed at reckless driving

I love where I live, Nichole Henthorn said.

Nichole and her husband, Brent, have lived in the West Jefferson area for a decade. Its their safe space, but some big plans nearby might change that.

I was very much astonished, Angie Carpenter, who has lived in the area for 57 years said.

Right now, the plan is for a company to come in and build a biodigester near these neighbors.

Theyre normally on rural dairy farms and weve been here 25 years. Ive never seen one cow across the street, said Steve Dersom.

A biodigester makes renewable energy. It takes food and animal waste, breaks it down and turns it into biogas, filled with methane.

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If this were on a farm that was 400 acres, that was supported by cows, and they were out in the middle of nowhere, we would not be here right now, Carpenter said.

Vanguard Renewables is the Massachusetts company planning to build the biodigester in Madison County, just over 20 miles from Columbus.

NBC4 Investigates found that in Massachusetts, one Vanguard biodigester was fined almost $78,000 in 2022 for environmental violations that impact public health. Another was fined more than $7,000 for exceeding emission limits.

I think the location they picked, most people can immediately see its laughably bad. I mean, 50 feet from a bike path, right at the head of a trail, Madison County commissioner-elect Brendan Shea said.

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Vanguards website lists six other projects in Massachusetts and Vermont. Each one is on a farm with cows, something the Madison County site does not have. Manure would have to be trucked in. Its also a lot smaller of a space; the completed projects range from around 450 acres to 1,000 acres. The Madison County project would sit on just over 90.

It was hard to understand why they would put it in proximity to our residential homes, Henthorn said.

The zoning laws in place have let this project go ahead without weighing community input despite the Madison County board of commissioners and every single township in the area coming out against it.

I know how protective our community is over our natural resources, Carpenter said.

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The area of land in Madison County is zoned for agricultural use. The farmer who owns it leased it to Vanguard for the biodigester; however, construction has not yet started.

The county says Vanguard has two possible plans right now: installing natural gas lines to get the gas out or trucking the gas out.

If Vanguard uses gas lines, that follows the area zoning laws and the project can move ahead.

Right now, state legislation to address this is unlikely to pass before the end of the year and there are no other regulations. The neighbors want this project regulated like solar projects, which have a variety of legislation including giving local governments more power with restrictions.

My family has been in this area for 60 years and yeah, were really thinking about is this what we want to do now? Carpenter said.

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NBC4 Investigates reached out to Vanguard for an interview three and a half weeks before this story was set to air. They did not give us time for an interview, but did send a statement Wednesday morning saying:

Vanguard Renewables has a decade long history of recycling food waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) through anaerobic digestion. This is an innovative and sustainable approach to reducing landfill waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a clean, renewable energy source. By diverting organic waste from traditional disposal methods such as landfills or incineration, Vanguard Renewables is not only supporting environmental stewardship, promoting regenerative agriculture practices, but also helping communities transition to greener energy solutions. In early 2025, we plan to expand our community outreach efforts to educate and engage stakeholders further about the benefits of this approach. Through workshops, informational campaigns, and partnerships, we aim to build greater awareness and support before advancing our project in West Jefferson. It is the Companys hope that by working together with our stakeholders, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Claim:

Tech mogul Elon Musk was repeatedly kicked out of a hospital because he wore a MAGA hat, despite owning the hospital.

Rating:

Rating: False

In November 2024, videos surfaced on YouTube alleging that tech mogul Elon Musk had been repeatedly kicked out of a hospital for wearing a red MAGA hat. According to the story, which did not provide any evidence to corroborate the claim, Musk had become the majority shareholder of the hospital earlier that week. However, the claim was false.

The rumor appeared not long after 2024 U.S. presidential election. Throughout November 2024, Musk was frequently seen with President-elect Donald Trump, who used MAGA, short for "Make America Great Again," as a campaign slogan.

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The story stemmed from a YouTube channel named Storytime With Falcao, in a video with the caption, "Hospital Manager Kicks Out Elon Musk For Wearing MAGA Hat, Unaware He Is The New Owner," and a thumbnail allegedly showing Musk wearing the MAGA hat being yelled at by a woman in a suit. Artificial intelligence video-creation tools helped create the thumbnail, based on the nonsensical text in the image, and likely the video's narration, scripting, and sequencing as well, based on the automated voice-over and writing style.

Without naming a source for its information, the video's narrator recounted that a hospital manager repeatedly asked Musk to leave St. Mary's Hospital while wearing the red MAGA hat. According to the story, the manager did not allow Musk to explain that he was visiting the hospital because he had recently become its majority shareholder.

That YouTube video had been viewed more than 1.5 million times, as of this writing, since its upload on Nov. 25. Snopes found other videos on YouTube sharing similar stories, and users left YouTube comments and posts on social media sites including X spreading the rumor and implying that they believed it was true.

However, there was no evidence to support the assertion that Musk was kicked out of a hospital for wearing a MAGA hat, nor that he owned any hospital. Additionally, searching U.S. News's hospital rankings for "St. Mary's" revealed 45 different medical facilities with that name, meaning that it was unclear where the story supposedly took place.

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In short, the rumor appeared to be made up from whole cloth for the purpose of gaining views online. This was not the first misleading rumor about Musk facing repercussions for wearing a MAGA hat that captured social media users' attention. For example, we previously debunked the false claim that he was asked to leave a San Francisco coffee shop for wearing a MAGA hat, an assertion that originated with a similar YouTube channel.

Sources:

"Elon Musk May Already Be Overstaying His Welcome in Trump's Orbit." NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-trump-donald-mar-a-lago-appointment-position-rcna179826.

Ibrahim, Nur. "No, Elon Musk Wasn't Refused Service at Coffee Shop for Wearing MAGA Hat." Snopes, 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/musk-maga-hat-coffee-shop/.
Claim:

The list of U.S. presidents before Biden who pardoned family members includes George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Woodrow Wilson.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

There have been genuine instances of previous U.S. presidents pardoning family members, including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and reportedly, Abraham Lincoln ...

What's False:

... but there is no record of a pardon for Neil Bush from his father, George H.W. Bush, or for Billy Carter from his brother, Jimmy Carter. Contrary to an assertion by Ana Navarro, co-host of "The View," there is also no evidence that Woodrow Wilson pardoned an alleged brother-in-law named Hunter DeButts.

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When the White House generated controversy in December 2024 by announcing that U.S. President Joe Biden had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on federal tax and gun-related charges, some people rose to his defense, arguing that there had been several precedents of presidents pardoning family members. Alleged examples given in social media posts included former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, who were both named in this post on BlueSky on Dec. 2, 2024 (archived):

(BlueSky/Grant Stern)

Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother Billy Carter who took over $200,000 from Libya as its foreign agent. George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil Bush for his role in the S&L scandals of the 1980s. Nobody thinks those pardons defined either presidency. Joe Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden won't either.

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As of this writing, the post had garnered 9,500 likes and 2,800 reshares on the new social media platform, a competitor to X. The claim about the Bushes also appeared in a now-retracted column in Esquire (archived).

On X, Ana Navarro-Cardenas, a presenter for the show "The View" posted similar claims, this time citing Presidents Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Woodrow Wilson (archived):

(X/Ana Navarro-Cardenas)

Woodrow Wilson pardoned his brother-in-law, Hunter deButts. Bill Clinton pardoned his brother, Roger. Donald Trump pardoned his daughter's father-in-law, Charlie Kushner. And just appointed him Ambassador to France. But tell me again how Joe Biden "is setting precedent"?

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Navarro-Cardenas' post had received 3.1 million views and 55,000 likes as of this writing.

But as we will see, some of these supposed examples were not, in fact, valid precedents. While some presidents  including Clinton and Trump  had indeed pardoned family members, others, like Carter, Bush and Wilson, had not. For this reason, we rated the claims a mixture of true and false.

These Presidents Did Not Pardon Family Members

Firstly, there is no evidence that either Bush or Carter pardoned a son or brother, respectively. Looking closely at the genuine list of pardons and commutations for each of the two presidents on the website of the Department of Justice (DOJ), neither of the names Neil Bush or William Carter appear. A name search on the site for each of the two brought no results.

We also contacted the Office of the Pardon Attorney at the DOJ to confirm that they had not omitted these names from the list. Separately, we contacted the poster on BlueSky who made these claims to ask where he had found the information. We will update this report should we receive a response from one or either of the two.

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Separately, pardons and commutations on the DOJ website do not include those issued by Wilson. But several X users corrected Navarro-Cardenas' post saying that Wilson never had a brother-in-law named Hunter deButts. Navarro-Cardenas then published another post on X admitting that her source for her claims had been the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT (archived):

A X post says,

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(@ananavarro/X)

A search of the Wilson biography by Stockton Axson revealed seven mentions of the term "brother-in-law" and none for "deButts." Further, a genealogy site showed that while Wilson had a total of nine brothers-in-law in his lifetime (his two sisters' husbands, the two brothers of his first wife and the five brothers of his second wife), none of them bore the name "deButts" or any variation thereof. This suggests ChatGPT created that name  something it's been known to do.

These Presidents Did Pardon Family Members

However, it is correct that some former presidents pardoned family members.

For example, during his first term in office, Trump pardoned his son-in-law Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner. This pardon appears on the list of Trump's pardons and commutations on the DOJ website. Trump pardoned Kushner on Dec. 23, 2020, less than a month before leaving office. Kushner had been found guilty in 2005 of 16 counts of fraud and false statements, and retaliating against witness and victim, among other things. On Nov. 30, 2024, Trump, as president-elect, nominated Kushner as ambassador to France.

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Another president who pardoned a family member was Clinton. He pardoned his half brother, Roger Clinton, on the day he left office  Jan. 20, 2001. Roger had been convicted in 1985 of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine.

Lastly, Abraham Lincoln reportedly pardoned his wife Mary Todd's half-sister, Emily Pariet Todd Helm. Emily had married Benjamin Hardin Helm, a confederate general, who died in 1863 at the Battle of Chickamauga during the Civil War. According to author and lay historian Ron Soodalter, the Lincolns welcomed her at the White House and Lincoln offered her a pardon in the context of the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction.

In our message to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, we also asked whether to their knowledge, any other presidents had pardoned family members. We will update this report if and when we receive a response.

Sources:

Emilie Pariet Todd Helm (1836-1930) - Find a... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7146459/emilie_pariet-helm. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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Montague, Zack. 'Trump Names Charles Kushner as Pick for Ambassador to France'. New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/30/us/politics/trump-charles-kushner-france-ambassador.html. https://archive.is/qM2Yx.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Pardons Granted by President Donald J. Trump (2017-2021). 28 Aug. 2017, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-donald-j-trump-2017-2021.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Pardons Granted by President George H. W. Bush (1989-1993). 12 Jan. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-george-h-w-bush-1989-1993.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Pardons Granted by President Jimmy Carter (1977 - 1981). 8 Dec. 2017, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-jimmy-carter-1977-1981.

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Office of the Pardon Attorney | Pardons Granted by President William J. Clinton (1993-2001). 12 Jan. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-william-j-clinton-1993-2001.

Pierce, Charles. Hunter Biden Isn't the First Presidential Son Caught Up in Controversy. Anybody Remember Neil Bush? https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a63082689/neil-bush-george-hw-bush-presidential-sons/. https://archive.is/lZ6H6.

Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, December 8, 1863. https://www.freedmen.umd.edu/procamn.htm. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Soodalter, Ron. 'All in the Family'. Opinionator, 1387125004, https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/15/all-in-the-family/.

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) - Find a Grave... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1115/woodrow-wilson. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Claim:

President-elect Donald Trump promised to pardon rioters who were convicted after storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Trump said on many occasions he would pardon the rioters, without offering specifics. In 2023, he said he was "inclined to pardon many of them," though not all. He added he likely would not pardon a few who "got out of control."

In December 2024, when U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who had faced sentencing in two criminal cases, many people wondered whether President-elect Donald Trump would use his presidential powers in a similar way. Referring to Trump's past statements, social media posts claimed he had promised to pardon his supporters convicted of criminal charges after they rioted at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to protest what they had been told was a fraudulent election and to stop the counting of electoral votes by Congress.

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For example, a Dec. 2, 2024, X post from a pro-Trump account claimed: "BREAKING: President Trump just stated he will pardon all January 6th political prisoners on first day in office."

Another post compared Trump's expected future pardon of his supporters to Biden pardoning his son, writing: "While the pearl clutchers on the right gasp at President Biden pardoning his son Hunter, remember that Hunter NEVER stormed the Capitol, unlike the thugs that Trump promised to pardon."

(X user @CharlieKNews)

(X user @ReallyAmerican1)

Trump indeed promised on several occasions to pardon Capitol rioters, though not necessarily all of them. As such, we rate this claim as true. Below, we highlight some of his many statements on the issue.

Previous Statements by Trump

On Dec. 1, 2024, after Biden announced he had pardoned his son, Trump posted on his social media app, 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!" (By "Hostages," he meant those imprisoned after being convicted of crimes related to the attack on the Capitol.)

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At the National Association of Black Journalists convention in July 2024, when Trump was asked whether he would pardon the rioters who attacked police officers, he said, "Absolutely." He then added, "If they were innocent, I would pardon them," to which the journalist said, "They were convicted."

Trump replied, "They were convicted by a very tough system."

The exchange can be seen at the 32:40 mark of this video of the event:

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On Mar. 11, 2024, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!"

On May 11, 2023, during a CNN town hall (transcript below), Trump answered questions about pardoning the rioters, some of whom were members of the Proud Boys, a white supremacist group. Trump said he would pardon many of the rioters and would have to "look" at some of the cases because they did not get a "fair trial" (emphasis ours):

BEYER: My question to you is: Will you pardon the Jan. 6 rioters who were convicted of federal offenses? TRUMP: I am inclined to pardon many of them. I can't say for every single one because a couple of them, probably, they got out of control. But, you know, when you look at Antifa, what they've done to Portland, and if you look at Antifa, look at what they've done to Minneapolis and so many other  so many other places, look at what they did to Seattle. And BLM  BLM, many people were killed. These people  I'm not trying to justify anything, but you have two standards of justice in this country, and what they've done  and I love that question because what they've done to see many people is nothing  nothing. And then what they've done to these people, they've persecuted these people. And yeah, my answer is I am most likely  if I get in, I will most likely  I would say it will be a large portion of them. You know, they did a very  And it'll be very early on. And they're living in hell right now. [] COLLINS: Mr. President, one of the people who was convicted was a former policeman but he was convicted of attacking a police officer, I should note. But when you said you are considering pardoning a large portion of those charged with crimes on Jan. 6, does that include the four Proud Boys members who were charged and convicted of seditious conspiracy? TRUMP: I don't know. I'll have to look at their case, but I will say in Washington, D.C., you cannot get a fair trial, you cannot. Just like in New York City, you can't get a fair trial either.

Trump had spoken in support of the rioters even in 2022. During a rally that January in Conroe, Texas, before he officially announced he would be running for president again, Trump said, "Another thing we'll do, and so many people have been asking me about it, if I run and if I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly. We will treat them fairly. And if it requires pardons we will give them pardons. Because they are being treated so unfairly."

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In statements about the rioters, Trump repeatedly referred to those convicted and imprisoned as "hostages." Trump has not, however, given specifics about what criteria he would use to decide whom to pardon.

Sources:

"Capitol Rioters' Families Draw Hope from Trump's Promise of Pardons." BBC, 5 Apr. 2024. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68632188. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

"FULL VIDEO: Trump Answers Questions at Black Journalists' Convention NABJ in Chicago ." YouTube, KTVU, 31 July 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-ihCI_lApA. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Biden Repeatedly Said He Would Not Pardon His Son, Hunter." Snopes, 3 Dec. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/biden-pardons-son-hunter/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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Lee, Jessica. "Who Are the Proud Boys Trump Told To 'Stand Back and Stand By'?" Snopes, 7 Oct. 2020, https://www.snopes.com//news/2020/10/07/proud-boys-explained/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

"READ: Transcript of CNN's Town Hall with Former President Donald Trump." CNN, 11 May 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

"Trump Says He Would Pardon Jan. 6 Rioters If He Runs and Wins." Reuters, 30 Jan. 2022. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-would-pardon-jan-6-rioters-if-he-runs-wins-2022-01-30/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

"US Capitol Riots: What Happened and Who Has Been Punished?" BBC, 2 Aug. 2022. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60265900. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
(Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump in late November pledged tariffs on the United States' three largest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and China - detailing how he will implement campaign promises that could trigger trade wars.

Here are companies that may be affected (by sector, in alphabetical order):

AUTOMAKERS

AUDI

Volkswagen's Audi plant in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico, makes the Q5, employing just over 5,000 people. It produced nearly 176,000 cars in 2023, its website showed. In the first half of 2024, nearly 40,000 were exported to the U.S., according to the Mexican Automotive Manufacturers Association.

BMW

BMW's plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, produces the 3 Series, 2 Series Coupe and M2, with nearly all the output going to the U.S. and other markets worldwide, according to the carmaker. From 2027, it will produce the all-electric 'Neue Klasse' model line.

BYD

Chinese EV maker BYD has been scouting for locations to build a plant in Mexico but has said repeatedly that the factory will serve the domestic market and not produce cars to be sold in the U.S.

HONDA MOTOR

Honda Motor sends 80% of its Mexican output to the U.S. market and its chief operating officer Shinji Aoyama warned on Nov. 6 that it would have to think about shifting production if the U.S. were to impose permanent tariffs on vehicles imported from the country.

JAC MOTORS

JAC Motors has since 2017 had a joint venture in Mexico with Giant Motors to assemble JAC brand vehicles. SAIC-owned MG in August announced plans to build a plant in the country.

KIA CORP

South Korea's Kia Corp has a factory in Mexico that makes its own vehicles and a small number of Santa Fe SUVs for its affiliate Hyundai Motor for U.S. exports.

MAZDA

Mazda exported around 120,000 vehicles from Mexico to the United States in 2023. Mazda President Masahiro Moro said on Nov. 7 that the tariff issue is "not a problem that can be solved by individual companies" and it would carefully examine the details before deciding its response.

NISSAN MOTOR

Nissan Motor has two plants in Mexico where it makes the Sentra, Versa and Kicks models for the U.S. market. It produced nearly 505,000 vehicles in Mexico in the first nine months of 2024. The company does not disclose how many of those were exported to the U.S. market.

STELLANTIS

Stellantis operates two assembly plants in Mexico: Saltillo, which makes Ram pick-ups and vans, and Toluca, for the Jeep Compass mid-sized SUV. The Franco-Italian group also owns two assembly plants in Ontario, Canada: Windsor, where it makes Chrysler models, and Brampton, currently under retooling and scheduled to resume production in 2025 with a new Jeep model.
PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron searched on Thursday for a new prime minister to replace Michel Barnier, who officially resigned a day after opposition lawmakers voted to topple his government.

Here are some of the possible candidates whose names are circulating in political circles and in French media:

SEBASTIEN LECORNU

Sebastian Lecornu defected from the centre-right The Republicans party and rallied behind Macron's 2017 presidency, going on to become one of the president's staunchest allies.

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He joined Macron's government alongside Bruno Le Maire, Macron's long-serving finance minister, and former interior minister Gerald Darmanin who had also both defected from the conservatives.

Lecornu, 38, most recently served as defence minister in Barnier's outgoing government, overseeing increases in defence spending and Frances support of military aid to Ukraine.

Investigative news website Mediapart and newspaper Liberation reported that Lecornu had dined earlier in the year with Macron's arch-rival, Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally (RN), and they had discussed the war in Ukraine. Lecornu denied the encounter.

FRANCOIS BAYROU

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Francois Bayrou, 73, is a centrist veteran whose Democratic Movement (MoDem) party has been a part of Macrons ruling alliance since 2017.

Bayrou, a longtime mayor of the south-western town of Pau who has made his rural roots central to his political identity, decided against running a fourth presidential race in 2017, instead rallying behind Macron.

Macron appointed Bayrou as justice minister but he resigned only weeks later amid an investigation into his partys alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants.

He was cleared of fraud charges this year.

BERNARD CAZENEUVE

Bernard Cazeneuve was a senior member of the Socialist Party before he quit in 2022 in anger over the partys decision to form an electoral pact with the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI).

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Cazeneuve, 61, served as prime minister during the final months of socialist Francois Hollande's presidency. Before that, he was interior minister, in charge of security during the Charlie Hebdo attack and the Islamist militant assault in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.

The choice of Cazeneuve would be designed to encourage Socialist lawmakers to move away from the alliance with LFI, Greens and Communists and to expand a centrist ruling group.

His name had also circulated in the summer as Macron sought a prime minister following an inconclusive snap election that delivered the current fractured parliament. In the end, he was passed over for Barnier.

XAVIER BERTRAND

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Xavier Bertrand, 59, is a centre-right politician who heads the northern de-industrialised region of Hauts de France, where Macron has sought to develop an ecosystem around electric vehicle batteries.

Bertrand served as a minister under the conservative presidencies of Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy and took part in the Republicans' primary contest ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

Bertrand, a former insurance salesman once nicknamed "floc floc" for the sound his rubber-soled shoes made on parliament's stone floor, was also among the names Macron considered in the summer for the role of prime minister.

FRANCOIS BAROIN

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Francois Baroin, 59, is a centre-right career politician, whose father was a student friend of the late President Chirac.

He served briefly as finance minister, following a stint as budget minister, at the height of Europe's sovereign debt crisis in 2011-2012. He was named chairman of Barclays France in 2022.

Baroin has been mayor of Troyes in Champagne since 1995

(Editing by Richard Lough)
UAW President Shawn Fain speaks to a crowd in Detroit at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for president on Aug. 7, 2024. | Anna Liz Nichols

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain sent a letter to Michigan legislators Thursday encouraging Democrats to make the most of their final weeks with a trifecta in Lansing.

Republicans regained control of the Michigan House of Representatives in Novembers election, but Democrats still control the chamber, along with the state Senate and governors office, until January.

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Fain detailed several policies that the UAW is urging legislators to support or oppose, each of which fall into six categories: living wages, healthcare, retirement, family time, corporate influence over politics and fighting back against divide-and-conquer politics.

UAW Michigan Legislature Letter

The policies include bills that would allow anyone living in Michigan to access drivers licenses regardless of their immigration status, expand the federal Voting Rights Act of 1964, protect the privacy of reproductive health data, close the dark store loophole used by some big box retailers, establish an income-based water affordability program and provide protections against water shutoffs, require insurers to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments that are deemed medically necessary and reform the unemployment insurance system to increase benefit amounts and the duration of benefits.

With over 300,000 active and retired members, the UAW is Michigans largest union, Fain said. We fight for the working class, and we strongly encourage our legislators to do the same by taking urgent action to pass legislation that helps working families and our communities.

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State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) said in a series of posts on X last month that Democrats were repeatedly told to wait to address issues including housing access, mental health parity, auto insurance reform, polluter pay laws, protections against book bans, additional firearm safety measures and more.

We have a moral imperative to USE the power the people gave us while we have it esp w/Trump looming, Coffia wrote on X.

The state House currently has five session days scheduled after Thursday, while the state Senate has seven remaining.
Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China visit Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 1, 2024. Recently 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China learns about the making techniques of decorated dough figurines, a local intangible cultural heritage, at Quanzhou intangible cultural heritage museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 1, 2024. Recently 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China take a self-driving bus at Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Nov. 30, 2024. 19 ambassadors and diplomats from Arab States to China paid a visit to Fujian recently. Located at the eastern end of the maritime Silk Road, Fujian has given play to its unique strengths in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and achieved fruitful results in building the core region of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
DES MOINES, Iowa  Several residents of East Porter Avenue were left concerned after a letter claiming to be from the City of Des Moines restricted parking in the area.

Residents of East Porter Avenue say the letters started popping up during the first few days of December.

I got this letter in the mail that mentioned about, like parking on the sides of the street that you get like $1,000 fine, said Abbie Donehoo, a resident on the block. And I looked at it and I figure you know it had the City of Des Moines stamp on it, but its one of those things that kind of sounds, it was weird.

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The letter states that residents of East Porter Avenue could no longer park on the street due to snow clearing concerns. Claiming satellite, drone, and on-site surveillance would be placed to help ensure compliance, violators would be charged $500 for first offense and up to $1,000 for continued violations.

With the City of Des Moines stamp on there, and I know now days you can fake anything, but seeing that on there really made it look real, said Donehoo.

Abbie then realized that there was nothing about the parking restrictions posted anywhere and the letter didnt have the correct contact information.

So, I just threw it away. I just figured if it was something really important, they normally put, put that on the news and then email it out too.

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Pella invites public for Hallmark-style movie shoot

Several residents admit to thinking the letter was real and having made preparations for what to do with their vehicles, however a majority of the neighborhood knew the letters were fake.

It was a ridiculous letter with outrageous fines and talking about drones, said Anthony Wallace, a resident who instantly knew it was fake. Then the generic envelope, it came in.

Residents of the area then took to social media, asking neighbors what they knew about the letter and whether the city was even allowed to impose such rules.

Seeing on Facebook that someone posted that letter, Easter Lake has like their own little web page or something like that on Facebook, and someone posted so I got a kick reading the comments out of that, said Wallace.

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Earlier today the City of Des Moines released a statement addressing the fake letters, reading in part:

The City of Des Moines would like to warn residents that if information appearing to be from the City seems to be suspicious, you should look up the appropriate departments phone number at DSM.city and call the City directly to verify information instead of responding to the communication or calling the number in the communication. Any mail correspondence from the City of Des Moines will also come through certified mail with a return address and official City email addresses will end in @dmgov.org. Peter Zemansky, Communications Specialist ll City Managers Office

The city also reminds people that there are no seasonal parking bans in Des Moines, but there are parking restrictions during snow removal operations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 4Members of the Niagara Falls City Council did not approve a request Wednesday night from Mayor Robert Restaino to extend a contract with a Grand Island animal shelter that currently provides "dog control and boarding services" for the city.

Council members instead voted unanimously to table consideration of the contract extension after a parade of public speakers, including the executive director of the SPCA of Niagara, told them they had serious concerns about the operation of the shelter by Pit Chic Inc.

"I'm really sorry to be here," said Amy Lewis, the SPCA executive director, "because it means there's something wrong with your dog shelter process."

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The city had previously contracted with the SPCA to provide dog control and sheltering services, but Lewis said when she returned for a second tenure at the not-for-profit, she told city officials their contract would not be renewed. Lewis said "skyrocketing" intakes of stray dogs under municipal dog control contracts threatened the SPCA's financial viability.

She told the Falls and other Niagara County municipalities that the Lockport Road shelter was going to exit the "dog control business." Niagara Falls' contract expired in October 2023 and the last city dogs left the shelter on Dec. 31 of that year.

"I was met with criticism and mudslinging (from Falls' officials) and that's important to know," Lewis told the council members, "because it delayed the process of the city moving on with dog sheltering."

Faced with a looming deadline to move the city's stray dogs, Restaino, in July 2023, proposed that the city contract with Pit Chic for the services formerly provided by the SPCA. The contract, which runs through Dec. 31, costs the city $20,270 a month for the sheltering of up to 17 dogs.

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The city can also shelter additional dogs at a cost of $37 a day.

Under the contract, the Falls agreed to purchase 45 kennels for the shelter to house seized dogs and required the Pit Chic to make seized dogs available for adoption under New York's Agriculture & Markets Law.

The contract with the Pit Chic was awarded without a competitive bidding process, on an "emergency basis."

Critics have said that since the Pit Chic took over sheltering services for the city, the facility has operated over its capacity and has refused help from other shelters, including the SPCA.

"We have nothing against the Pit Chic," Lewis said. "But over the last week we have been taking stray dogs from the Falls and dogs that haven't been surrendered are being dumped on the (Tuscarora) reservation and the City of Lockport."

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Despite the stray dog problem in the Falls, Lewis told council members, "We can't be the option for the city."

Other speakers told the council about being turned away by the Pit Chic and Falls police while trying to find care for injured stray or missing dogs, including one struck by a car on Wednesday.

The Pit Chic shelter has also faced allegations of failing to provide proper care for the city dogs.

"It's my concern that this vendor is not the proper vendor for this contract," Anna Grabowski told the council.

Restaino asked the council to extend the Pit Chic contract until Dec. 31, 2025 or until the city completes the construction of a new $4.5 million dollar shelter in Hyde Park, scheduled to be completed by summer 2025. Once the new shelter is built, the city has said it will solicit bids for a vendor to operate it.

In voting to table the contract extension, council members said they had "questions" about the Pit Chic's services.
A Massachusetts family who was the target of a racist rant on a United Airlines bus wants to press charges against the woman who made the remarks against them.

Professional photographer Pervez Taufiq, whose work has been featured in publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, captured the now-viral incident on his cell phone. He told WBZ in an article published on Tuesday, Dec. 3, that he wants the unidentified woman to face consequences.

"I certainly would love it if someone found her, and we could press charges against her and then realistically for her to get the very loud message that she's one of very few and there are a lot more people like us," he said.



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Related: FBI Is 'Aware' of 'Offensive and Racist Text Messages' Sent Across Multiple States After Election Day

Taufiq, his wife Nicole and their three children were on a flight from Mexico to California when a woman sitting next to their 11-year-old son in business class allegedly began yelling at their younger son, who is 4.

"She's yelling at him, the 4-year-old, and says 'shut up, just shut up,' " he told WBZ. "And I snapped, and I said, 'Don't you ever speak to my son that way. You have no right.' "

The woman also allegedly called his family tandoori and stinky," Taufiq told NBC News.

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His son told him the woman "asked if I was Indian, and I said yes, I was Indian," Taufiq told WBZ.

The family and the other passengers then got on a United bus to take them to the airport.

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Once on the bus, Taufiq said the woman, who is White, allegedly made racist comments to his family, leading to a heated exchange. He posted the aftermath on his Instagram page on Nov. 24. In the clip, she is seen sticking up her middle fingers as she tells Taufiq, "Your family is from India. You have no respect," adding, "I'm American" and calling them "crazy."

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Although Taufiq tells her he and his family are also American, she replies, "No, you're not."

A staff member is heard trying to intervene and Taufiq asks for her to be removed from the bus. Although the employee says they cannot remove her, the woman voluntarily steps out of the vehicle to speak to workers standing outside the doors. A fellow passenger also speaks to staffers from inside the bus and tells them that the woman made him uncomfortable with her foul language and "racist" comments, asking that she not be let back on.

Taufiq explains at the end of his video that police onsite were looking to arrest her and that she had been placed on a no-fly list.

"This is not acceptable and if you see it, stand up, say something, be with the person that's going through this," he told WBZ.

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Related: D.C. Says Amazon Stopped Fast Deliveries to Predominantly Black Neighborhoods: Complaint

Nicole, who also works as a wedding photographer, told WBZ that their family has been to 34 countries and never had to have a conversation about racism with their children until now.

"He's dealing with it in different ways," she told the outlet of how the 11-year-old is coping. "Like, every day is a new question, a new angle. I think he's still trying to process this whole experience in his own way, and I think that's just hard to watch."

Taufiq told NBC News that United has not reached out to his family yet.

We dont really know where things are, he continued. I havent heard a peep out of United.



When reached by PEOPLE, United Airlines declined to comment.



Read the original article on People
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Two years ago, Saudi Lee was shot and killed by a former officer of the Savannah Police Department (SPD) in the Carver Village neighborhood.

Lees family released the officers body cam footage of the shooting on Wednesday. The footage shows Lees interaction with Ernest Ferguson, the man who shot Lee, and Mackenzie Randle.

The Claiborne Firm said that they released the footage to rebut the false narrative given by Former Savannah Police Officer Ernest Ferguson and his criminal defense attorneys.

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There is no other word for what happened to Saudi other than murder. Since that time, Officer Ferguson has done nothing but lie about why he shot Saudi, William R. Claiborne, Attorney for the Lee family, said.

The Chatham County District Attorneys Office has said throughout this case that the body cam footage is a critical piece of evidence in this case.

A key detail that prosecutors noted was that Lee is a legal gun owner and was running away when he fired the shot.

Saudi told Officer Ferguson, I have a gun, and I have a permit for that gun, Claiborne said.

According to Ferguson, the footage tells a different story.

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The release also included the full lawsuit against the city of Savannah and both officers, Ferguson and Randle. According to court documents from the civil case, the former officer said that Lee unholstered his pistol when he was approaching, holding it in a low ready position.

Saudi Lee was doing nothing wrong, and despite that, the officers pointed tasers and guns at him, Claiborne said. He turned and he ran, and he screamed out, you all are going to kill me. Sadly, he was right.

In the civil suit, the defense said that Lee said instead, Youre going to have to kill me.

There was no reason for him to be shot, and now the whole world can see the truth, Dorothy Lee, Lees sister, said.

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Ferguson pleaded not guilty to felony murder and seven additional charges during his arraignment on Nov. 19.

You can read the lawsuit here:

Doc-22-2-Proposed-Amended-ComplaintDownload

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Famous Daves, the national barbecue chain that turned 30 this year, abruptly closed its restaurants in Tacoma and Tukwila on Wednesday.

Bellevue-based Ascend Hospitality Group, the franchise owner of the last two remaining locations in Western Washington, announced the Dec. 4 shutter on social media Monday morning.

The company, which was also behind the short-lived Stanfords Steak on Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Its unclear how many employees were affected, but they were provided  with compensation and job seeking support, according to the posts.

For many years, weve had the honor of serving this community, sharing countless memories over plates of classic que and good company and, for that, we are grateful, the post read. To you, our loyal guests, thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebrations, your family dinners, and your everyday moments. It has been our greatest privilege to serve you.

The Tacoma restaurant, an anchor tenant of the Tacoma Place plaza with WinCo Foods at 1901 72nd St., underwent a light remodeling that included new flooring and varied repairs earlier this year. It was closed from late January through April 18 when it reopened with a country-music parking-lot party. Company founder Dave Anderson attended, according to Ascend.

The Tukwila Famous Daves, 17770 Southcenter Parkway, neighbored big-box stores like Michaels, Best Buy and Applebees.

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Both locations are listed as permanently closed on Famous Daves corporate website. A Yakima restaurant is the last one standing in Washington state, according to the map.

Dave Anderson, the son of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma parents, started his namesake restaurant after learning to smoke ribs outside his familys home in northern Wisconsin. The brand has grown to more than 100 locations in 30 states, as well as a few in Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Some are company-owned, but many are franchised.

Its parent company, BBQ Holdings, embraced other brands, including Granite City Food and Brewery, Bakers Square, Village Inn and Chammps American Grill. In September 2022, it merged with MTY Food Group, a vast collection of dozens of restaurant brands headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Other names under its purview include TacoTime, Cold Stone Creamery, TCBY Frozen Yogurt, Wetzels Pretzels and Baja Fresh.

That merger led to the closure of around a dozen Famous Daves across the country, according to Nations Restaurant News. Ascend had also operated restaurants in Everett and Seattles Northgate neighborhood, but both went dark two years ago, per Google reviews.
A Fulton County judge is deciding whether District Attorney Fani Willis has to comply with a subpoena issued by a Georgia Senate subcommittee investigating her alleged misconduct during her prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

The subpoena, issued in August, called on Willis to turn over dozens of documents related to the prosecution and to testify in front of the Senate committee, potentially impacting the election interference case that Trump is seeking to have dismissed.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura L. Ingram heard from Willis attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, and Josh Belinfante, the attorney for the Senate subcommittee, on Tuesday. She will have to address whether subcommittees  like the one investigating Willis  have the power to issue subpoenas and hold anyone defying them in contempt.

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Willis attorney, who filed the petition on her behalf, argued first that the Senate subcommittee did not have the power to issue the subpoena without a joint resolution or statute passed by both houses of the state legislature.

They had no power to issue a subpoena after the General Assembly had adjourned, Barnes told the judge.

He further clarified that since the legislative session had ended, any subpoena issued by the subcommittee did not have the compulsive power of the state, and Willis therefore could not be held in contempt.

Belinfante contended that Willis needs to show that there are no circumstances where the subpoena would be valid in order for the judge to deny it.

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It is presumed that the General Assembly can act unless the constitution prohibits it from doing so, Belinfante said.

However, Barnes also cited the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court case, Trump v. Mazars USA, where the court held that due to separation of powers, Congress as a legislative branch could not subpoena financial records belonging to the former president to conduct a criminal investigation.

In that case, the court held that Congress must have a legislative purpose and could not issue a subpoena for law enforcement purposes.

Barnes questioned why Willis was the only DA to be subpoenaed by the subcommittee when former Glynn County DA Jackie Johnson is facing criminal charges for interfering with the police investigation into the 2020 murder of Ahmaud Arbery.

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Willis challenged the subcommittees subpoena earlier this year via an injunction, which, due to three judges recusing themselves, was still pending when she skipped a hearing in September. Ingram denied Willis request for an injunction shortly afterward.

Willis also declined to turn over the large number of documents requested related to her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade  who resigned from his role as special prosecutor on the case due to a judges ruling  and her offices investigation into the allegations of election interference by Trump.

Barnes argued on Tuesday that the subcommittee was attempting to embarrass Willis by further probing into her relationship with Wade.

This is not a legitimate legislative purpose, he said. This is a charade.

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Ingram said she will deliberate and make her ruling as quickly as possible, however, because there is no legal precedent for this issue in Georgia case law, it could take weeks for a final decision.

Willis case against Trump is on hold while lawyers for the defense appeal the decision to allow Willis to remain on the case.

The post Fani Willis Challenges Subpoena Over Trump Prosecution Misconduct Claims appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Many Central Illinois farmers are asking if its too late to apply anhydrous ammonia.

From the Farm: Planning ahead to 2025

The fall was wet, so farmers fell behind in getting this job done. Now, theyre itching to apply the anhydrous ammonia this winter. Longtime Illini FS Agronomist Howard Brown talked to Stu Ellis for From the Farm, and said farmers should pump their breaks before attempting to do this.

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Dec. 4Thirty-six local charities received cash donations Wednesday when Farmers Bank and Trust held its 28th annual charity coffee, giving away $5,500.

The bank, which started in Albert, has existed for 117 years and during this giving program it has donated $147,000, said Robert Rugan, marketing president.

"We're the last chartered bank in Great Bend," he said.

Stressing the bank's commitment to the community, Rugan said employees who participate in voluntary payroll deductions gave $3,000 to United Way of Central Kansas and do a lot of volunteer work. The poinsettias that decorated the bank will go to local churches. Rugan also took a moment to recognize any veterans in attendance.

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Chelsea Kaundart is in charge of the Light Up a Child's Christmas Tree, making Christmas brighter for children in need and their families. There are still a few names on the tree if anyone wants to stop in at the bank's 1017 Harrison St. Location. Gifts need to be back at the bank by Dec. 11.

Also mentioned was Yvonne Robbins, wife of the late W.R. Robbins, former corporate president and CEO of the bank. She passed away in 2022 after years of personally giving thousands of dollars to the organizations. She left a lasting gift so the minimum gift each charity received Wednesday was doubled from $50 to $100.

A drawing determined the top financial winners. A group had to have a representative at the coffee to win the prize:

$500 was awarded to the Golden Belt Humane Society

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$400 to Prairie Godmothers

$300 to Central Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired

The group that brought the most people to the coffee was awarded $200. The winner was Central Kansas Partnership, with 22 representatives.

The drawings continued with the next three groups, Heartland Center for Spirituality, Family Crisis Center and the USD 428 Foundation each receiving $200.

The next 10 each received $150: Lasting Life Ministries, Prodigal Ministries of Kansas, United Way of Central Kansas, Central Kansas CASA, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, St. Francis Ministries, Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, Barton Arts Movement, Barton County Young Men's Organization and Housing Opportunities Inc.

The rest each received $100: Barton County Emergency Aid, Barton County Youth Care Inc., The Center for Counseling & Consultation, Central Kansas Dream Center, Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, Community Food Bank of Barton County Inc., Dominican Sisters, ElderCare Inc., Great Bend Senior Center, DARE  Great Bend Police Department, Kans 4 Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation, Kansas Children's Service League, Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, Meals on Wheels of Barton County, Quivira Council Boy Scouts of America, Rosewood Services Roots & Wings Foundation, Salvation Army, Sunflower Diversified Services Inc. and Volunteers in Action/RSVP.
Dec. 5mabscott  An investigation is underway into a fatal crash on Interstate 77 involving a Mercer County woman traveling through Raleigh County.

Lewann M. Shrewsberry, 48, of Camp Creek in Mercer County was traveling south Tuesday on Interstate 77, according to Capt. R.A. Maddy, deputy chief of staff for the West Virginia State Police.

Upon approaching the 42 mile marker entrance ramp in the Crab Orchard/Mabscott area, the vehicle Shrewsberry was operating struck a WV Parkways Authority Courtesy Patrol Vehicle, which was stationary in the left lane blocking traffic for a separate crash, Maddy said.

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The West Virginia Parkway Authority vehicle had its emergency equipment and arrow board activated at the time of the crash, Maddy said. Subsequently, Shrewsberry's vehicle went across the highway and was struck by a southbound commercial truck. Shrewsberry was found to be deceased within the vehicle.

This crash is under investigation by Cpl. M. J. Glende and is being reconstructed by F/Sgt D.M. McMillan, Maddy said. This investigation remained active and ongoing Thursday.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
The targeted killing in Midtown Manhattan of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked worry in C-suites around the globe as companies both large and small are reevaluating security for their top executives, experts said.

Surveillance video released by the New York Police Department, showed Thompson walking alone on a sidewalk as his masked killer brazenly ambushed him early Wednesday, shooting him multiple times in front of a witness.

In this threat environment with the increased attacks on public officials, its surprising that a CEO of a major corporation would walk around with no security at all," said Don Mihalek, a retired senior special agent for the U.S. Secret Service and an ABC News contributor.

PHOTO: This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Retired FBI special agent Richard Frankel, founder of RMF Crisis Management, said he received several calls from companies within hours of the shooting looking to reevaluate executive security.

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"Some already have security and so they are deciding if they need to increase it, and others who have not had security are saying, 'Do we need to have some security, or do we need to have at least a policy regarding security in place?'" said Frankel, also an ABC News contributor.

During a news conference Wednesday, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the 50-year-old Thompson had no bodyguards with him as he walked to the New York Hilton hotel for a shareholders meeting.

PHOTO: A member of the New York City police department's Crime Scene Unit at the scene where UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in in New York, Dec. 4, 2024. (Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock)

"From speaking to other employees that traveled with him to New York, it doesn't seem that he had a security detail," Kenny said.

Fortune 500 security chiefs hold video call

Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management in Seattle, told ABC News on Thursday that the fatal shooting prompted security officers at dozens of Fortune 500 companies to hold a video call to discuss boosted protection for executives.

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"Chief security officers around the globe are looking at their executive security programs either on their own or they're being asked to do so by CEOs and or their boards and making sure that they have the appropriate resources in place and capabilities in place to identify potential situations like this and then address them appropriately," said Komendat, a retired chief security officer at Boeing.

He added, "Theres a lot of, I think, stepping back and looking internally right now at what do we have in place, how well does it work, where do we feel we have gaps, what do we need to close that gap and what are our next steps?"

Komendat said the security community is interested in the facts behind this case and is keenly monitoring the progress of the NYPD investigation.

"Theres far more unknown than known at this point," Kamendat said.

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Mihalek said while CEOs with household names like Tesla's Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg all have security details, many CEOs at small companies do not.

I think theres a bit of denial in the corporate world," Mihalek said. "I think what the corporations are missing is that in this day and age with information freely available on the internet, every corporate executive is a public official. Every corporate executives name, face, and salary are out there. So, if anybody has a grievance, whether its an employee or an aggrieved customer, they know who these people are and they know where they work. So, I dont know why more corporations arent investing more in making sure their decision-makers are better protected."

Mihalek added, "But the lesson from yesterday is thats the cost if you cut security for the potential cost."

Other attacks on CEOs

Mihalek said there have been other examples over the years of executives paying the price for not having security details.

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In 1992, Exxon Co. executive Sidney Reso was kidnapped from his New Jersey home and was found dead in a storage locker as his kidnappers were demanding a ransom of more than $18 million. Husband and wife Arthur and Irene Seale were arrested and convicted in the death and sent to prison. Arthur Seale was a former police officer and Exxon security consultant who was fired in 1987, officials said at the time.

Last month, Dean Skurka, the president and CEO of WonderFi, a Toronto cryptocurrency company, was kidnapped and released after his company paid $1 million in ransom, according to the Toronto Police Service. No arrests have been made in the case.

MORE: Who was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?

In 2019, California tech company CEO and cannabis entrepreneur Tushar Atre was kidnapped and killed when he tried to escape, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office. Two of the four people arrested and awaiting trial in the case were former employees of Atre, authorities said.

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You now have a lot of these smaller companies that are million- and billion-dollar valued companies. Even though its a smaller or start-up company, youre not saying there isnt a threat issue related to these CEOs," said Frankel.

PHOTO: The gunman fled the scene on an e-bike, according to this photo released by the NYPD. (NYPD/X)

Frankel said he believes threats against CEOs and top executives at companies could escalate in the wake of the Thompson killing.

"I think it might be even worse because youre going to see copycats," Frankel said. "Now that this has been on the news ... I wouldnt be surprised if somebody said, Hey, you know what? This guy did it wrong, and were going to do it this way."

PHOTO: ABC News obtained this photo of the suspect. (Obtained by ABC News)

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Cost of protection

Frankel said that when most CEOs travel overseas their companies will obtain kidnap and ransom insurance and hire security details, including a driver.

If you think you need it in foreign countries, you know, it's possible that youll need it in the U.S.," Frankel said. "We hopefully are safer than some of the other countries, but that doesnt mean that there is no threat out there."

PHOTO: Members of the New York police crime scene unit investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

He said some companies have foregone security for executives because of the high costs, which can run from several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you have two people 24 hours a day, youre paying an hourly fee just for that," Frankel said. "The costs are definitely very high and I think that is why when you do these threat analyses the cost definitely comes into play. Part of dealing with this is letting the companies know that this is going to be a real line item in the companies."

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MORE: Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the suspect on the run

Mihalek said that even with security there are no guarantees an executive will not be attacked.

"Even if he [Thompson] was walking down a street with two protection people, two bodyguards, yesterday may have still happened," Mihalek said. "But there might have been a quicker response that could have potentially saved his life or could have made sure the intruder didnt get away."

Fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson prompts wake-up call for nation's executives: Experts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors banned former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun from leaving the country on Thursday, indicating the launch of an investigation into Kim's treason charge, according to Yonhap news agency.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office imposed an overseas travel ban on Kim, who reportedly proposed to President Yoon Suk-yeol declaring an emergency martial law and resigned later.

Yoon made the martial law declaration Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the National Assembly voted against it.

Three minor liberal opposition parties accused Yoon and Kim of treason charge on Wednesday.

Two civic groups filed complaints with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, each against Kim for treason and other charges the previous day.

The National Office of Investigation (NOI) initiated an investigation into Yoon earlier in the day as complaints were filed against the president for rebellion and other charges. 
It has been a difficult week for Windel Mackey.

Im sitting there feeling like Im going to carry this forever because I feel like I wasnt there to protect my son, he said.

PAST COVERAGE: Victims in Salisbury double-homicide shot at each other

His son, Skylar Mackey, 21, was killed in a double shooting Sunday morning on Third Street.

Im just hoping they get everybody involved and just wrap this thing up because this is senseless, he said.

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Windel Mackey spoke with Channel 9s veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts Wednesday night because he said he wanted to set the record straight about his sons involvement or lack of in the case.

The incident that took place, he never put his hands on a gun, the father said. He never fired a shot. He was a completely innocent victim, and he was basically caught in the crossfire.

Windel Mackey said his son worked for a fast-food chain and was respected at his work. He loved rap music and dreamed of a career in the industry.

This is devastating to us, he said. I just basically wanted to set the record straight: That hes not a gangbanger. He wasnt what people think he is.

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Police ruled the case a double homicide.

The other victim was 20-year-old Shamarion Hooker.

I feel bad for the other family, Windel Mackey said. I dont know the circumstances that led up to this and I feel bad for everyone involved. None of this should have ever happened.

Police sources said Sunday that the two men shot each other.

Authorities would not provide any additional details including whether they are looking for any additional suspects.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The father and son who claim they were mistakenly targeted and beaten during an island-wide manhunt on New Years Day 2024 are still waiting for their day in court. They filed a lawsuit against the city and individual officers, alleging police brutality.

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It has been nearly a year since Tavita Cadiente and his father, Vao Mataele, filed a federal civil lawsuit seeking justice for what they say was police brutality and excessive use of force by Honolulu Police Department (HPD) officers, who were closing in on suspect Sidney Tafokitau.

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Their attorney, Michael Rudy, expressed frustration with the slow pace of the investigation.

Extremely frustrated, and I think the message is that this case is bigger than just involving our clients. This really concerns the integrity of the process, Rudy said.

In the lawsuit, Cadiente and Mataele claim they were targeted while walking toward the University area after witnessing a police chase and hearing gunshots. The lawsuit alleges that Cadiente was pinned under a police van and then beaten by plainclothes officers.

Use of deadly force justified in Jan. 1 officer-involved shooting

The son is still undergoing rehab, and hes lost a lot of time at work. He wants to heal physically and mentally, and hes still in that process, Rudy said.

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Cadiente and Mataele are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. They also demand a complete retraining of HPD procedures for handling high-speed chases.

I would hope, at a minimum, there would be some training in communication for these types of events because, obviously, it was sorely lacking, Rudy said. Its lucky there werent two innocent bystanders killed, along with the public, who were going up and down University Avenue when shots were being fired.

Prosecutors said theyve received the findings from the police but are still reviewing the report.

We have received the information, but the investigation is not quite finished, said Steve Alm, Prosecuting Attorney.

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There is no word yet on when a decision about possible charges will be made. The trial has been postponed until 2026.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  For the first time in 16 years, the city of Fayetteville will be led by a new mayor, after incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan fell short to his challenger, Molly Rawn, by 2.28%.

In total, the two candidates were separated by 242 votes. Rawn says now that she has won the race, shes still grateful for Jordans leadership.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Lioneld. He has done well by our city and done a lot of really great things, Rawn said.

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Rawn expressed feelings of gratitude after she heard the news.

It feels great. Im excited. Its a lot of emotions. Im really proud of the hard work that so many of my volunteers and people that have worked on this campaign have put into it, and also really grateful for the people of Fayetteville for coming out to support me, Rawn said.

However, Rawn says she was prepared for the outcome of the election to go either way.

Runoff elections 2024: Unofficial results show Rawn defeats Jordan

I was prepared for either outcome. I feel like the support that I have gotten from my friends and family, from the wonderful people Ive met throughout this campaign, I went into today feeling like Id won. No matter what the outcome was, I knew that Fayetteville would be in good hands, but I am very excited and tremendously optimistic about the future of our city and really ready to lead, Rawn said.

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Fayetteville has not been led by a female mayor since Marilyn Johnson Heifner in 1987. Rawn says it feels as though shes standing on the shoulders of greatness.

Im not sure thats really sunk in yet. To be honest, that feels like such a huge honor. I also have the pleasure of knowing Marilyn Heifner, who was also a woman in Fayetteville, a woman mayor of Fayetteville in the 80s during a different form of government. So, I hope I get to talk to her really, really soon and let her know how proud I am to stand on her shoulders for sure, Rawn said.

Rawn also shared some concerns she hopes to address when she takes office.

Im concerned about housing. Im concerned about the lack of affordability in Fayetteville. Thats one of the key things that we need to address, we cant address that if we dont first deal with infrastructure. And so, the things that people have heard me talking about for the past 14 months, its not going to be a surprise what I talk about once Im in office, Rawn said.

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Molly Rawn is set to take office in January 2025.

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The bizarre case of Hannah Kobayashi is now on the FBI's radar after her mother, Brandi Yee, uncovered documentation that suggests she was secretly married to an Argentinian man before her disappearance this month, a spokesperson for the Bureau confirms.



"The LAPD has been leading the investigation into Kobayashi," said spokesperson for the FBI Los Angeles field office, Laura Eimeller. "While we have assisted, I have referred any requests for comment to LAPD as the lead on the missing persons case. With regard to inquiries about new allegations, we wouldn't confirm or deny the existence of an investigation."



Kobayashi's family launched a desperate search for the 30-year-old photographer after she missed a connecting flight to New York City on Nov. 8 after she arrived at LAX. She was photographed leaving the airport that night in rainbow-colored leggings and a black hoodie. She was picked up on video two days in a row sightseeing in L.A. at the Grove shopping center. That Sunday, Nov. 10, she was captured in a cell phone video taken by a shopper and posted on YouTube while attending a Lebron James popup event at the Nike store. A photo of the event was also posted on Hannah's Instagram page that same day.

Related: Did Hannah Kobayashi Secretly Marry for Money?

During her visit, she sent cryptic text messages to family members about people stealing her money, which is now being analyzed in context with the possible marriage scheme her family fears she could be involved in, which prompted them to "immediately" turn over documents to the FBI and LAPD, the family's attorney, criminal defense lawyer Sara Azari said in a statement on social media.



There were also social media posts made by the Argentinian Alan Cacace that purport to show his marriage to Kobayashi. The posts have since been deleted, and the family said they can not confirm the veracity of the cozy photos.



"The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage," the family said in the statement released by Azari. This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team. We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt."

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The family reported Kobayashi missing on Nov. 13, and the LAPD issued a missing persons' poster on Nov. 15. On Nov. 24, her father Ryan, 53, was found dead at LAX of an apparent suicide.

Law enforcement, meanwhile, classified Kobayashi as a "voluntary" missing person after investigators traveled to the Mexican border in San Diego and spotted Kobayashi on video while reviewing surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Nov. 12 alone and with the luggage she had retrieved the day before. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell says investigators do not believe she is a victim of foul play but simply wanted to "disconnect."
After weeks of delay, Donald Trump has finally agreed to let the FBI vet his Cabinet nominees. But as president, Trump can give anyone a security clearance, regardless of what the FBI turns up.

And security clearance experts say he might have no choice but to do just that, given that many of his picks for Cabinet posts and other high-level jobs have what the FBI would consider red flags in their personal backgrounds or professional records.

Take Pete Hegseth, Trumps Defense secretary pick, who has reportedly abused alcohol and paid a financial settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault.

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Or Tulsi Gabbard, his pick for national intelligence director, who has voiced sympathetic views of autocrats like Russias Vladimir Putin and took a secret trip to visit Syrias Bashar al-Assad.

Or Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps choice to lead HHS, who has embraced conspiracy theories, including that Covid-19 was ethnically targeted to avoid harming Chinese people and Ashkenazi Jews.

Kash Patel, his selection for FBI director, too, has promoted conspiracy theories, most prominently those espoused by QAnon.

Once Trump takes office, he can give all of them  and anyone else he wants  a security clearance on Day One of his administration.

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In recent years, presidential candidates have signed agreements for transition support with the existing administration before the election. They also must sign an agreement with the Justice Department to allow the FBI to conduct background checks and process security clearances for nominees and other high-level officials.

The Trump transition team spent more than a month haggling over those agreements before ultimately deciding last week to sign the White House agreement giving them access to federal agencies and, on Tuesday, reaching an agreement with DOJ on background checks.



That lag stemmed from Trumps suspicion of the FBI, according to a person familiar who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. Thats rooted in his belief, this person said, that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election grew out of the FBIs background checks of nominees and high-level appointments at the start of Trumps first term.

Despite the FBIs expected involvement in vetting nominees for his second term, however, Trump is under no obligation to deny anyone a security clearance.

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Theres nothing to stop him from giving blanket security clearances with zero vetting, said Bradley Moss, a lawyer who specializes in security clearance law.

Everything we know about how vetting is done, how clearances are granted, its all based on policy memos and customs, he said. The current president is under zero obligation to adhere to any of it.

Or as Kel McClanahan, executive director of National Security Counselors, a nonprofit law firm that specializes in national security law, put it: If it involves a security clearance, the president can do whatever he wants.

If Trump does intervene on clearances, it wouldnt be the first time. During his first term, Trump reportedly ordered officials to give his son-in-law and top adviser Jared Kushner a top-secret security clearance over the objections of intelligence officials.

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But in other cases, Trump didnt appear to step in, even when top aides saw their access restricted. Rob Porter, who resigned after domestic-violence accusations by his two ex-wives, was never granted a full clearance and Johnny McEntee had his clearance revoked after an investigation into his finances.

At one point during the first Trump administration, chief of staff John Kelly ordered an overhaulof the process for granting security clearances because of shortcomings in the system. Kellys recommendations included working with the FBI to reduce the time lag between discovery of significant derogatory information from fieldwork to the disclosure to the White House.

A traditional FBI background check would almost certainly highlight significant concerns for many of Trumps intended Cabinet nominees and high-level appointees, according to security clearance experts.

Sexual abuse allegations, substance abuse, significant debt or other financial problems, other types of addictions such as gambling, workplace misconduct and foreign contacts or foreign business are all considered worrisome to the FBI, often causing security clearances to be held up or denied.



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Several of Trumps picks have faced sexual assault or sexual misconduct allegations, including Hegseth, Kennedy and Matt Gaetz, who was Trumps intended nominee for attorney general before he withdrew from consideration.

A police report made public in recent weeks revealed that a woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in 2017 and taking her phone, refusing to let her leave a California hotel room. Hegseth has told reporters he was completely cleared.

A report in The New Yorker also raised questions about Hegseths alcohol consumption, detailing numerous instances in which he allegedly appeared heavily intoxicated, including at work functions.

Kennedy has been accused by a former family babysitter of groping her in the late 1990s when she was 23 years old. She has said he texted her an apology after she went public with her allegations in recent months, adding that he had no memory of the incident.

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Kennedy also has a history of substance abuse and went to rehab after pleading guilty to a felony charge for possessing heroin. But, Moss said, Kennedys handling of his addiction absolutely matters.

You can have been a drug user, alcohol, etc, and still get cleared, Moss said. What matters is, were you diagnosed, was treatment recommended, did you comply with that treatment? And theres been no recurrence.

Gaetz was investigated by federal prosecutors for allegedly paying for sex with underage girls, accusations he has denied. He was never charged.

Gabbard, meanwhile, poses a whole other set of issues. In 2017, while she was in Congress, she shocked congressional leaders by taking a surprise trip to Syria and Lebanon without advance notice to Democrat or Republican leadership offices. She also wouldnt say who was funding the trip, though a spokesperson said it was approved by the House Ethics Committee.

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Gabbards foreign policy positions have drawn criticism from both parties, with former Republican presidential candidate and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley calling her a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.

Gabbards foreign trips and contacts are going to be issues and shes going to have to mitigate them, said Greg Rinckey, a lawyer who specializes in security clearance representation.



Rinckey said Gabbard would likely be asked, Who did you go there to meet with, what was the purpose, do you have any foreign contacts now? When was the last time your contacts were? He said the FBI would also question her about any foreign holdings or bank accounts, as well as whether she has any ongoing contacts with high-ranking Syrian or Chinese officials. How often is she communicating with foreign nationals? How is she communicating and what is she communicating about?

McClanahan said Trumps choice to replace Gaetz as attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, would also likely face obstacles to a security clearance. McClanahan pointed to accusations that she accepted a $25,000 donation from Trumps foundation to her political election committee in 2013 before her office opted not to pursue a fraud investigation into Trump University.

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Bondi has said she was unaware of Trump University complaints at the time and that the contribution was unrelated to her offices decision not to pursue the case.

But McClanahan said the fact that she is credibility alleged to have taken a bribe to not investigate a company  that is enough to sink any normal human being.

Kennedy, Patel and Mehmet Oz, Trumps pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have all embraced fringe theories, an issue that commonly leads the FBI to question the wisdom of entrusting people with classified information.

And perhaps none of Trumps choices has alarmed security clearance experts more than Seb Gorka, whom Trump picked to be deputy assistant to the president and serve as senior director for counterterrorism, a role housed within the White House National Security Council.

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During the first Trump administration, Gorka faced persistent questions about the status of his security clearance, in part because of a January 2016 charge for carrying a weapon at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

A judge later dismissed the misdemeanor charge after Gorka entered an Alford plea, in which the defendant concedes enough evidence to convict but does not admit guilt.

Gorka, who lived in Hungary for many years, also was wanted by Hungarian police for an arrest warrant for unspecified weapons or ammunitions charges.

Gorkas run-in with law enforcement and foreign ties would almost certainly trigger a hold-up, if not denial, of his security clearance under usual circumstances, experts said. But, as Moss put it, this is all academic, because if he wants to do so, Donald Trump can just circumvent this whole process and just grant him one.
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  Drone sightings continued Tuesday night over Morris County, New Jersey, and have now been spotted in other areas of the state.

Residents have described the sightings as unnerving and creepy and want an explanation.

The fact that our police, the county, the state, no one has anything to say about it, I think is crazy, said Jane Kleb of Flanders.

The mayor of Mendham Borough said she has been in regular touch with her fellow Morris County mayors.

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I know that these drones are not new, said Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner. Theyve been going on for a while now, like well over a year. Its just increasing. Its at a much more rapid level.

Most Morris County mayors are asking the same questions as their constituents, hoping for answers from county, state, and federal counterparts.

People are unnerved about it because theres no answer to who they are, whos controlling these drones, and why theres so many, said Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.

How to report mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey to FBI

Aviation expert JP Tristani said his biggest concern is having unauthorized drones flying in an already crowded airspace that serves Newark, LaGuardia, JFK, Teterboro, and Morristown airports.

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Its like a symphony in the sky of aircraft, said Tristani. All of them have prescribed paths  You start throwing unidentified objects such as drones or UFOs into that pattern and you have a very critical problem with safety in the air.

Tristani said Air Traffic Control does not have the ability to track or spot drones because they are too small.

There is a great potential for one of these aircraft to inadvertently encounter a small drone, said Tristani. And if its ingested in the engines, youre probably gonna have an engine failure.

The FBI acknowledged it has received reports of what look to be clusters of drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft. A spokesperson from the FBIs Newark field office stated: We understand the concern, and we are doing all we can to figure out whats going on. We truly dont have much information to provide at the moment.

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Part of the concern is the drones proximity to Picatinny Arsenal.

In a statement to PIX11 News, Picatinny Arsenal Public Affairs wrote: Picatinny Arsenal authorities are aware of the numerous reports of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity over Morris County and its surrounding areas. We are working with several of our local, state, and federal partner organizations to obtain more information on the reported activity. We remind everyone that it is unlawful to fly UAVs over Picatinny Arsenal and any other federal military installation without prior authorization.

Requests for comment from the Morris County Office of Emergency Management and the Morris County Prosecutors Office were deferred to the FBI.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD)  The Federal Bureau of Investigation Springfield Field Office is warning Illinois residents on Wednesday to avoid common holiday scams.

According to an FBI news release, the types of scams do not change often, but the techniques scammers use to get your money and personal information do.

Protecting your personal information is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from scammers, FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson said. Even though it is a hectic time of year, slow down and take time to verify the source before providing any information that personally identifies you.

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According to the FBIs 2023 Internet Crimes Report, 15,783 Illinois residents reported $335.8 million in losses due to scams. Illinois is the state with the eighth-highest number of victims and ranked seventh-highest for the amount of money lost.

Dont take the bait: CEFCU warns customers about imposter scams

Some scams to look out for include:

Scammers spoofing as loved ones or authority figures and asking for payment via gift card.

Some scams are linked to quizzes or advertisements for free items online. It is always important to see if sales are available on a companys website to see if discounts are advertised there as well.

The FBI responded to about 2,600 Puppy purchase scams where scammers offer puppies for sale on social media or other websites, but never deliver. They may also ask for additional payments for fictitious veterinarian bills.

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To prevent scams the FBI also asks Illinois residents to regularly check their credit card statements, to only purchase on trusted sites and to not click on links from unsolicited emails or texts.

Anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to a scam should file a complaint with the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov and contact their local law enforcement.

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Editors note: This story has been updated with statements from West Virginias U.S. Senators.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) notified Congress of intentions to suspend operations at several federal prisons, including one in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Federal Prison Camp Morgantown (FPC Morgantown), formerly known as the Kennedy Center, is a minimum security prison camp located on Greenbag Road that houses 391 male inmates, according to the FBOP website.

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The decision was made due to critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure, and limited budgetary resources, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Once operations are suspended at FPC Morgantown, the release said that 150 people employed there will be reassigned to Federal Corrections Center Hazelton in Preston County, which is about 35 minutes away.

Hazleton, which has both a high security penitentiary and a minimum security satellite camp on its campus, has been dealing with ongoing staff shortages and other problems, although hiring pushes have helped with the situation.

FPC Morgantown inmates will be moved to other minimum security prisons operated by the FBOP.

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Judge accepts former Buckhannon mayors child porn plea

We will make every effort to place adults in custody in facilities that are within 500

miles of their intended release location, taking into account factors such as programming

needs, the release said.

Along with the Morgantown facility, the FBOP said it plans to suspend operations at other federal prisons in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Florida and completely close one in California.

These actions are part of the ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and

FBOP to address longstanding staffing shortages and maintenance and repair needs across the

Agency, the release said.

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Information about when the suspensions and closures would take place was not included in the release.

Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) shared statements about the suspension with 12 News.

Capito said she was concerned that such a large decision was made so quickly and so close to a Presidential Administration change.

Were down here in December and the administration is making a decision to close a prison camp thats going to cost 150mostly West Virginianstheir jobs. I think thats worrisome, and I dont know what the rush is. We had no indication this was coming and so were concerned about it, Sen. Capito said.

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This is a very serious decision with major implications for the public servants working at Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Morgantown, their families, and the surrounding community. A decision of this magnitude should be delayed until the incoming Administration is in place, Sen. Manchin said.

12 News is still awaiting a response from Senator-elect Jim Justice (R).

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking comments on a proposal to change the recommendations on HIV testing in doctors offices across the nation.

Public comment, in writing, will be accepted until Jan. 2, 2025. Currently, the CDC estimates 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV. The agency also estimates 13% of those living with the virus are not aware they have it.

Current HIV testing in doctors offices and other clinical settings includes at least one HIV test in the lifetime of every American ages 13-65. It was adopted in 2006. The new recommendation raises the age to 15 at the lower end and removes an upper recommendation.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor takes an HIV test in Lansing, MI. (WLNS)

The goal is to detect HIV infections earlier, allowing for treatment. Treatment allows a person living with HIV to live a lifespan similar to a person who does not have the virus. In addition, successful HIV treatment suppresses the presence of the virus in the bloodstream and reduces the potential risk of transmission to near zero for most risk behaviors.

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Those who test negative for the virus can also be assessed for prevention strategies, including implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. This is an intervention where a person receives anti-HIV medications to prevent infection with HIV. It is as much as 99% effective. The drug can be taken orally or it can be obtained as two injections in a doctors office once every two months.

To increase testing, the recommendations also include new guidance that HIV testing be ordered as part of routine medical lab testing. Officials for the CDC recommended this new guidance to reduce the burden of providing pre-test counseling to patients.

CDC-2024-0100-0002_contentDownload

CDC recommends healthcare settings streamline the HIV test ordering process by including an HIV test on any blood draws when there is no record of an HIV test in the health record for the patient, the proposed guidance concludes.

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It is unclear how this recommendation could impact current Michigan HIV testing laws. Under Michigan law, a physician must inform a patient that an HIV test is going to be ordered, answer any questions posed by the patient and provide the patient with the opportunity to refuse the test. Consent for HIV testing can be verbal or in writing. If a patient declines an HIV test, a provider is required by Michigan law to document the refusal in the patients records.

The agency is also proposing practitioners integrate routine HIV testing into their clinical practices in areas with an HIV prevalence rate of .5% or higher. Health officials recommend clinicians use HIV prevalence from their clinical practice, or, if that is not readily available, to use the baseline county-level prevalence.

HIV Prevalence Report Tables 2023 (1)Download

To see HIV prevalence rates in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services HIV data pages. In 2023, Ingham County had the fourth-highest HIV prevalence rate in the state, at 177.8. Under MDHHS models, this means for every 100,000 people living in Ingham County, 177.8 are HIV positive. Jackson County has a prevalence rate of 111, MDHHS data for 2023 reveals.

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Health officials from the CDC also recommend placing HIV testing consent into general consent forms for clinical practices. Officials report requiring counseling or additional consent reduces HIV testing in clinical settings.

The agency also recommends in this new proposal that anyone who requests HIV testing be provided the test without further questioning.

In addition, the new recommendations call for the inclusion of HIV testing as part of medical record management systems. Those systems can be programmed to provide doctors and patients with notification of upcoming vaccinations, screenings and, in this instance, HIV testing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
A federal civil rights trial began against four former troopers and a former Pennsylvania State Police commissioner for wrongfully convicting Jordan Brown, who was exonerated in the 2009 deaths of his fathers fiancee and unborn child.

Brown was 11 years old when prosecutors said he shot 26-year-old Kenzie Houk, and then went to school. Browns lawyer told jurors that the child left for school that morning and was arrested less than 24 hours later, without any credible evidence. Jordan is now suing for mental and physical damages after spending nearly half his life in juvenile detention for a murder conviction the PA Supreme Court overturned due to insufficient evidence.

The shooting happened at their home in Wampum, Lawrence County.

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A juvenile court judge later found Brown guilty of first-degree murder and homicide of an unborn child.

According to the lawsuit, former troopers Janice Wilson, Jeffrey Martin, Robert McGraw and Troy Steinhauser, as well as former commissioner Frank Pawlowski, fabricated evidence against Brown.

The lawsuit claims the only evidence against Brown was a coerced and fabricated statement of his soon-to-be stepsister, who was 7 years old at the time.

The young girl was interviewed four times in 14 hours after her mothers death, according to the lawsuit, including once after midnight. Lawyers for Brown say the first two statements did not show that Brown was guilty, and the others were built on lies that were fed to her by the investigators.

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Lawyers said the young girl said in her first two statements to police that Brown went upstairs to put on his socks and then they left for school together.

People will believe what they want to believe, but Jordan was innocent. He lost his entire youth being wrongfully convicted of a crime he didnt commit, Wright said.

In 2016, Brown was released from juvenile detention, but he and his defense team continued to argue his innocence.

In court today, retired trooper David Bayer took the stand and testified to his role in the investigation. He was assigned to interview Kenzie Houks sister, who he said spoke to her multiple times a day. He reviewed his report from that day, which said the woman suspected her sisters ex-boyfriend had something do with her murder. She said he had a bad temper when drinking. She said he was recently upset, claiming he was tricked into believing her 4-year-old daughter was his child. A recent paternity test had been given and the child was not his.

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We reached out to Pennsylvania State Police in Harrisburg and were told that they do not comment on pending litigation.

Lawyers for PSP pointed out in court today the role the District Attorney plays in investigations.

The trial is expected to take approximately 10 days.

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A suspected gunman was dead after shooting at an elementary school in Northern California on Wednesday, authorities said.

Deputies were "on scene of an active incident involving a shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo," the Butte County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Students are being taken to a nearby church and parents are asked to respond to the church to be reunified with their children, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Officials said that they will provide additional information once it's available. 
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Boeing's guilty plea to conspiracy to defraud the federal government in two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people was rejected Thursday by Judge Reed O'Connor. Families of some victims had strongly opposed the plea deal.

The rare rejection was welcomed by Paul G. Cassell, an attorney for the families of victims. The crashes occurred during a six month period between 2018 and 2019.

"Judge O'Connor's emphatic rejection of the plea deal is an important victory for the families in this case and, more broadly, for crime victims' interests in the criminal justice process," Cassell said in a statement.

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The judge's decision to toss out the plea deal will require Boeing and the government to go back to into talks to settle the case.

Mark Lindquist, another attorney representing some victim families said the judge's decision was "highly unusual."

Lindquist, representing Indonesian victim families, said, "In my opinion, the judge is sending DOJ a message. Do your job. Hold Boeing accountable."

Judge O'Connor expressed concern in his ruling that the government-appointed independent monitoring required by the tossed plea deal would include diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

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In the ruling the judge wrote, "the court is not convinced in light of the foregoing that the government will not choose a monitor without race-based considerations and, thus, will not act in a nondiscriminatory manner. In a case of this magnitude, it is in the utmost interest of justice that the public is confident this monitor selection is done based solely on competency."

Under the plea deal, Boeing was to pay a fine of $244 million, after having made prior payments in the case. The company also agreed to invest $455 million to improve safety.

Boeing agreed to plead guilty in July to a single felony count of conspiracy to defraud the government in connection to two crashes of its 737 Max jets.

Safety regulators were defrauded, the government contended, when Boeing failed to disclose information about a software system on the jets that was new at the time of the crashes.

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Called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, it caused two Max 737's to nose dive and crash.

Boeing and the Justice Department entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in 2021, but the Justice Department said in May that Boeing had violated the deal protecting the company from criminal charges in the crashes.
Federal officials are still putting together how a Tesla Cybertruck crash killed three people in Northern California last month.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokesperson confirmed that the agency is aware of the crash and is gathering information from law enforcement and the manufacturer. The NHTSA is the agency in charge of reviewing incidents involving automated driving technology.

The Cybertruck comes with Tesla's Autopilot driving feature, which includes driver-assistance technology, and the Full Self-Driving system is optional. It is unclear if the driver was using the Autopilot feature at the time of the accident.

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The California Highway Patrol, which is the agency leading the crash investigation, has seized the vehicle for their probe.

On Nov. 27 around 3:08 a.m., the Piedmont Police Department got an iPhone alert from a passenger in the Cybertruck about a crash, Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers said at a news conference. Dispatchers then got a 911 call about the crash at Hampton Road and King Avenue.

Officers arrived to find the Cybertruck engulfed in flames and another driver pulling one of the passengers out of the car, Bowers said. There were four people inside the Tesla; three were killed and the fourth was hospitalized in stable condition.

The Tesla had jumped the curb, struck a cement wall, and then wedged in between the wall and a tree," Bowers added.

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"Speed was likely a contributing factor" in the crash, he said.

Read more: U.S. agency launches investigation into Tesla's self-driving technology

It's the second fatal crash involving a Cybertruck in the U.S., with the first occurring in August near Bayton, Texas. In that crash, the Cybertruck driver veered off the road for an unknown reason and hit a concrete culvert, resulting in the vehicle going up in flames.

The 2024 Cybertruck model has garnered 21 complaints to the NHTSA for issues including broken windshield wipers and a stuck accelerator pedal.

Tesla didn't respond to a request for comment.

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The deceased in the California crash were identified as 2023 graduates of Piedmont High School who had returned from college for Thanksgiving: Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara. The fourth person hasn't been identified.

Dixon was a sophomore biological sciences major at USC.

"Soren had a boundless enthusiasm for life and was known for his infectious smile, his love of family and friends, his passion for sports, and his deep affection for all animals, especially his dog, Ruby," according to his family's statement. "Soren lit up a room, made friends easily, smiled and laughed often, and had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued."

Nelson, a sophomore at the University of Colorado, Boulder, was "an exceptional athlete and loved the outdoors, often spending his free time on adventures from the ocean to the mountains," according to his family's statement.

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Tsukahara, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, was "known for her kind and sensitive heart, love for her family and friends, and for her incredible eye for style and design," according to her family.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Federal Bureau of Prisons is deactivating a minimum security prison camp in Littleton and moving the inmates to other facilities, it announced Thursday.

FCI Englewood is a campus with a Littleton address thats located in Jefferson County near the intersection of South Kipling Street and West Quincy Avenue. According to the Bureau of Prisons website, it is a low security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp and a detention center.

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In the bureaus release, it said the goal of deactivating the satellite camp is to maximize resources and mitigate safety concerns. Employees at the camp will move to the main facility and inmates will be relocated to other facilities.

The camp is in need of significant repairs, which the bureau says will cost $26 million.

FCI Englewoods satellite camp is one of six facilities across the country being deactivated under the plan, with the addition of one that is being permanently closed.

The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and deactivate its minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities, the agency said.

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In a document obtained by the AP, the Bureau of Prisons said it was taking decisive and strategic action to address significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources. The agency said it is not downsizing and is committed to finding positions for every affected employee.

Morrison Police Department to disband at end of year

The closures are a striking coda to the Biden administrations stewardship of the Justice Departments biggest agency. After repeatedly promising to reform FCI Dublin and other troubled facilities, the Bureau of Prisons is pivoting to closures and consolidation, citing inadequate staffing and staggering costs to repair aging infrastructure.

The permanent shutdown of FCI Dublin seven months after it was temporarily closed in the wake of staff-on-inmate abuse is the clearest sign yet that the agency, which has more than 30,000 employees, 158,000 inmates and an annual budget of about $8 billion, is unable or unwilling to rehabilitate its most problematic institutions.

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The Bureau of Prisons and the union representing correctional officers have repeatedly pushed for additional federal prison funding, highlighting what they say is an inadequate amount of money to address pay increases, staff retention and a multibillion-dollar repair backlog.

In a document summarizing the closures, the Bureau of Prisons said it decided to close FCI Dublin after a security and infrastructure assessment following its temporary closure in April. At the time, it appeared the agency was set on closing the low-security prison, but officials held out the possibility that it could be repaired and reopened for a different purpose, such as housing male inmates.

The assessment identified considerable repairs necessary to reopen the FCI Dublin, the agency said. Low staffing, exacerbated by the high cost of living in the Bay Area, also contributed to the decision to close the facility, the agency said.

As the agency navigates a challenging budgetary and staffing environment, we must make incredibly difficult decisions. FCI Dublin will not reopen, the agency said.

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FCI Dublins permanent closure represents an extraordinary acknowledgment by the Bureau of Prisons that it has failed to fix the facilitys culture and environment in the wake of AP reporting that exposed rampant sexual abuse within its walls. Hundreds of people who were incarcerated at FCI Dublin are suing the agency, seeking reforms and monetary compensation for mistreatment at the facility.

Backcountry skier rescued after triggering avalanche on Berthoud Pass

The closures at FCI Dublin and across the federal prison system come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. AP reporting has disclosed rampant criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, deaths and severe staffing shortages that have hampered responses to emergencies, including inmate assaults and suicides.

In July, President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency after AP reporting shone a spotlight on its many flaws.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Federal officials want to expand the coconut rhinoceros beetle program in Hawaii  it is currently only active on Oahu.

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Some lawmakers said transparency will be key if more funds are granted since the local infestation has only gotten worse since 2014.

The United States Department of Agriculture has been working to contain the spread of CRB on Oahu since 2014, but it has been a losing battle. The beetles have overtaken Oahu and have also been found on Kauai and the Big Island since 2022.

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Mulch mishap spurs corrective action in Oahu beetle battle

For too long we keep thinking that, Oh, its not that much of a problem. Its not that much of a problem until it reaches a point where now its really a problem. And then now were in a reactive state versus being proactive, said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the State Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Federal agriculture officials released a draft environmental assessment on Monday, Dec. 2 that calls to expand Oahus CRB response program statewide, a move that would access to more funding.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said the current situation is not realistic for containing a statewide problem.

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There just isnt enough people or resources to do it. And having that stable set of funds and resources to ensure that it doesnt get any worse than it already is to me is a benefit for everyone, said HDOA branch manager Jonathan Ho.

Hawaii is the only state in the nation with a CRB infestation, which officials said could be part of the reason why a silver bullet solution has not been developed.

Paradise lost: Hawaii palm trees to be cut down due to CRB

Maybe there is going to be like an organic chemical or some kind of deterrent thats really great, just, nobodys discovered it yet. And I think thats one of the things where it takes time and we understand that it is frustrating that it cant be fixed sooner, Ho said.

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The University of Hawaii Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Department said the USDA already provides their CRB Response team with an annual budget between $1.7 million and $2.9 million per year, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources has also given them $1.5 million over the last decade.

KHON2 asked the Senate Ways and Means Committee chair how the public can check to make sure that both UH and the HDOA are accountable with their funds.

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Thats where I think many of us are trying to see if we can reorganize by statute. How we approach biosecurity and it should be consolidated in one department so that we can hold people accountable so that theres more transparency, there is more synergy, Sen. Dela Cruz said.

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We held our first of three Feed A Family events today at the Market32 in Plattsburgh, New York. Our Thursday Feed A Family drive was sponsored by SeaComm. While at Market32, our goal was to collect all sorts of donations to benefit the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity.

Those donations included sanitary products, non-perishables, other household items, and cash. Cash goes a long way this time of year as the JCEO can use it in a way that would benefit the communities they serve in northern New York. Ellie Jent, JCEOs Director of Development, says that every little bit of the donations go a long way. She mentions, the need has grown with families facing food insecurities. Were seeing different demographics than we have before including more Amish and more working class families that are having trouble making ends meet. Ellie also spoke to the fact that the JCEO has seen the need for food assistance double from 2022 to 2023, a worrisome trend that will likely continue for 2023 to 2024 as the JCEO works on crunching those end of the year numbers.

Our hosts, Market32 of Plattsburgh, made this event super simple for folks to participate in. Giving back this time of year is often something one will say they dont have time for, but Market32 took the stress out of the giving process by offering pre-bagged items that you could bring with you to checkout. Those bagged items would then go back to the Feed A Family event and the JCEO. Emily Schwartz, the Store Manager for Market32, said that its just easier to donate this way when you dont have to think much about it. Emily adds, it makes it really easy, we have a couple pre-made bags. We have a ten dollar option and a twenty dollar option with popular pantry goods. Emily also says that the whole team at Market32 in Plattsburgh is ready to do some good this holiday season. She says, were really excited to support the local community. Our team is excited and we hope to see everyone in Plattsburgh here today!

Our next Feed A Family event will take place next Thursday at the Price Chopper in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. We will be there collecting food and funds for the LISTEN Food Pantry as they look to help their communities in the Upper Valley. We hope to see you there next Thursday, December 12th. Happy holidays, and thanks for giving to our Feed A Family drives!

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Town N Country couples living room will be covered by flood insurance after all, following a call to Better Call Behnken to expose their unusual problem.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Jaime Giangrande-Holcom and her husband were told by their insurance adjuster that their living room was a basement, because of a 3-1/2-inch step-down. Nothing in the so-called basement would be covered.

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Its ridiculous, Giangrande-Holcom said when she called Better Call Behnken for help in November. Its ridiculous. To even come out and say the word basement in the state of Florida is comical. I grew up in New York, and I know what a basement looks like. I lived in basements. This is not a basement.

The couple have a policy through the national flood insurance program, administered by FEMA. At first, FEMA stood by the decision. But our story pointed out that the entrance to the house actually goes up 4 1/2 inches before the step down, meaning the living room is not below grade level.

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As a result, adjusters came back to measure and then this happened:

We found out yesterday we dont have a basement, Giangrande-Holcom said. I called mom, and then I called you. I was like Shannon, we dont have a basement. So Im so glad that we could provide this answer too and a little bit of knowledge because, like I said before, its not just me. I am one of many people who have a little step down in their house.

The new measurements showed the basement is actually above grade and not below ground, so now, the living room and everything in it will be covered by the insurance policy.

If it was not for you and if it was not for our story, I dont think we would have gotten as much traction, and people to come back out, she said.

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I am so grateful to you and to the station to tell our story because, like I said, its not just me and it is a story that a lot of us could benefit from so thank you so much and yes, Better Call Behnken.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Microplastics are a massivealbeit microscopicproblem. Thats why researchers at Scotlands Heriot-Watt University developed what they claim to be the very first visual grading system.

The projects findings, backed by a group of textile experts out of the global research-led university in the Scottish Borders, were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, titled Low-cost, high-throughput quantification of microplastics released from textile wash tests: introducing the fiber fragmentation scale.

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Visual scales are already used in the fashion industry to measure how much bobbling a material may suffer on its surface, for example or, perhaps the most well-known is the greyscale, which measures color fading or staining, but there was no such tool for fiber shedding, said Dr. Lisa Macintyre, associate professor of textiles at Heriot-Watt Universitys School of Textiles and Design in the Galashiels campus and co-author of the paper. This project aims to change that and allow manufacturers to not only make better choices in production but also to communicate to their customers in a very simple and straightforward way, the typical amount of fibers shed from a garment.

Macintyre and co-lead Sophia Murden spent four years researching and developing what came to be the maiden visual fiber fragmentation scale in an attempt to make both brands and consumers aware of what goes down when manufacturing garments. Namely, that fast fashion is a key reason why some 14 million metric tons of microplastics are lining the ocean floor, per research out of Australias national science agency.

The microplastics problem is massive. Fashion and textiles are one of the biggest sources of secondary microplastics in the environment with fragments of plastic fiberslike polyester and nylonbeing shed from clothing, Macintyre said. There are fiber fragments absolutely everywhere, from icebergs to the deepest ocean to human lungs and our food; theyre in everything.

The five-point scale asses the volume of fiber fragments shed from various materials, like polyester and nylon. Using white filters with black fiber fragments, observers visually grade each of those fragments on a scale between one (most shedding) and five (least shedding). Compared to current techniquesincluding the International Organization for Standardizations ISO 4484-1 or ISO 4484-3 methodsthis visual scale offers increased efficiency and speed when processing significant amounts of fibers. And its cheaper.

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Time is money, Macintyre said. If you want the industry to adopt, then you best make it easy and you best make it quick.

So, the team used a rotawash machine with eight separate canisters, commonly used for determining precision colorfastness and conducting accelerated laundering tests. The samples were put into said canisters and filled with water before being churned, not unlike a washing machine cycle. The team could visually grade the shed fibers against the five points by filtering the wastewater.

Our methodology is simple and cost-effective. The filters used to collect fiber fragments from laundry wastewater can be graded against our five-point scale, which surprisingly is more accurate at assessing very low levels of fragmentation than the equivalent method of weighing fibers, project co-lead and PhD student Murden said. The ultimate aim is for manufacturers to choose materials that are going to have the least impact on our environment but also allow consumers to make an informed decision when they buy their clothing.

Nearly 50 industry players, students and gen-pop volunteered, grading around 100 samples over two years.

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Helly Hansen, for one, has expressed interest in the scale. So has the Lochcarron of Scotland, a leading producer of tartan. The following steps include locking in some form of an industry agreement, per Macintyre. If that were to happen, she continued, the scale couldand shouldfunction just like a nutrition facts label.

Currently, we dont have an acceptable fragmentation rate for clothing, but thats not unusual, she said. The environment is an important issue; we want to get key industry leaders and policymakers to sit down and start agreeing [to] standardsperhaps even legislating against high-shedding materials.
Dec. 4Well over 100 people packed into a meeting room in downtown Santa Fe on Wednesday to register their opposition to a proposed solar power and battery storage development near Eldorado.

"Fellow community members, let's band together against this potential environmental disaster in what is clearly a fight for our lives," Patricia Sill, an Eldorado resident who drew a heavy round of applause, said at Wednesday's Santa Fe County land use hearing.

Virginia-based AES Corp. is proposing the high-profile and ambitious Rancho Viejo Solar project, which has drawn considerable scrutiny as concerns about fires from lithium battery storage linger. But proponents have said it could play a major role in the state's efforts to curb climate change.

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"This project can produce the equivalent of the entire residential load of Santa Fe," Joshua Mayer, a senior development manager for AES, said at the meeting. "On the broader state level, this represents 1% of getting to that 100% [clean energy] goal by 2045."

Heated hearing

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the hearing dragged on in the Santa Fe Convention Center until around 5 p.m. as a hearing officer prepares to make a recommendation to the county's Planning Commission. The project is currently moving through the county's conditional use permit process.

"We are opposed to this project on several legal grounds. Specifically it will be a detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the area. It will create a potential hazard for fire and panic," said Catherine Babbitt of the Clean Energy Coalition of Santa Fe County, a group with about 1,200 members who oppose the project.

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"The only thing green about their project is the money they hope to extract from the citizens of New Mexico," said Lee Zlotoff of the Clean Energy Coalition, calling the project "corporate profit at our expense."

Marilyn Hebert, the hearing officer assigned to the conditional use permit application, will make a written recommendation before the end of the month to the county's Planning Commission, according to a county spokesperson. The panel could then make a decision on Rancho Viejo as early as February. So the high stakes of the Wednesday hearing were obvious to all, even if no real revelations emerged about the project or the positions of locals.

Early on, tensions came to the fore when Mayer argued the development would not impact residential property values, a source of concern for those who live near the project. Cynical laughter rang out from the audience, comprised largely of older people who live in the Eldorado and San Marcos areas, as they shook their heads in indignation.

"I did request respect," said Mayer, turning to the crowd.

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During the meeting, the hearing officer urged the crowd to stop applauding speakers who slammed the project on multiple occasions.

Aiming to generate 96 megawatts of power and roughly 45 megawatts of battery storage at a site about two miles east of N.M. 14, the project would cover 680 acres of a roughly 800-acre parcel and include a solar facility, a 1-acre collector substation, a 3-acre battery storage system and a 2.3-mile generation line. The target customer would be Public Service Company of New Mexico, the state's largest utility.

Debate over fire risk

The project's most outspoken detractors, in deep blue Santa Fe County, maintain they support the transition to clean energy but have concerns about AES and the project, including about past fires at AES facilities such as in Chandler, Ariz.

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"What I think is missing in all of this is this is not a normal fire. These are chemical fires that we worry about. These batteries, they are so hot," said Patsy Welch. "They can cause a chain reaction called a thermal runaway fire, which has happened a few times in the last few years."

"Water doesn't put them out. So you can imagine in Eldorado, just full of dry vegetation everywhere, it could really be a massive nightmare," Welch added.

But AES officials have characterized the project as a "moonshot" for New Mexico, noting the state's clean energy goals. The officials have sought to assuage concerns about the project.

"This project will allow Santa Fe County to be a leader," said Mayer.

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Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Glenn Schiffbauer, 350SantaFe.org President Robert Cordingley and John Buchser, chair of the Northern Group of the Sierra Club's Rio Grande Chapter, argued in a recent op-ed published in The New Mexican there are numerous reasons to support Rancho Viejo Solar.

"This project is located in one of the lowest wildfire categories for Santa Fe County," Mayer said Wednesday, showing images that he said "exemplify the very low amount of vegetation that is in this area."

Ashton Thornhill called the project a major concern for those who live in the area in terms of insurances costs as well as property and home values.

"They are just saying this is a fire area," Thornhill said of insurance companies. "This is a big concern."

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PNM's plans

While it would seem many have views that are entrenched on the matter, not everyone's mind is made up. Mary Van Sickle, a Santa Fe resident, attended Wednesday's hearing with an open mind. Van Sickle, 77, noted it seemed as if many of the opponents of the project were around her age, with communities south of Santa Fe such as Eldorado being home to many retirees.

"I want to hear the facts," Van Sickle said. "I think what will be most interesting besides the facts are these older people getting up and being activists like they were in the '60s."

PNM is seeking approval for new renewable and gas generation projects that, the utility says, will meet projections for higher electricity demand in the years to come.

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The integrated resource plan PNM recently filed requests approval for three new solar and battery storage projects as well as an extension of a contract with a natural gas power plant for more than 10 years. The plan will require approval by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which PNM has requested by August 2025.

PNM's plan does not include mention of Rancho Viejo. Although AES initially expressed plans for the project to begin operation in 2026, the estimated date has been steadily pushed back amid a battle that has spilled into the courts.

"Past selection or non-selection is irrelevant to a future procurement," Mayer said after this was raised during public comment. "... At the end of the day, it will be PNM's choice. They may or may not select this project in the next [request for proposals]."
Advocates and lawmakers in May 2023 rallied outside the Maine State House in support of Paid Family and Medical Leave, which was signed into law later that spring. (via Maine Center for Economic Policy)

The Maine Department of Labor has adopted the final rules for the new paid family and medical leave program.

The department was required to adopt the rules by Jan. 1, which is when employers and employees will begin contributing a portion of wages to fund the program that will allow eligible public and private sector workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for reasons such as illness, to care for a loved one or the birth of a new child.

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Employees will be able to access the program starting May 2026, allowing time for funds to accumulate to cover administrative costs and benefit payouts.

Weve really taken our job, I think, seriously in listening to Mainers, both employers and workers, said Luke Monahan, director of the paid family and medical leave program for the DOL.

He added that the rule is stronger due to the integration of public feedback and the department is excited to now have a final rule in place as we continue to stand up this program that will have such positive impacts for Maines workforce.

With the contribution start date just weeks away, the department is holding a series of webinars this month to walk employers through the process. Webinars for employees who wish to apply for the benefit will be held closer to the start date, according to a news release from the department.

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The department also made an informational flyer explaining what employers need to do in preparation for the start of contributions. Earlier this week, there was a recorded information session for employers explaining the online contribution portal that they will need to use. Another session for third-party administrators will be held at noon on Dec. 10.

Public feedback

The final rules come after the department hosted two rounds of public input, receiving more than 1,600 comments, which covered a range of subjects, such as how small businesses will be affected by another tax or premium. One comment suggested the rules should be considered major substantive, which would require legislative review before final adoption.

There were more than 150 comments encouraging the department to ensure the proposed rule remains robust and supports workers in accessing the program. Without providing specifics on what should be changed in the rule, there were some comments urging the department to find ways to strengthen the law so it provides greater protections to employees.

In a written response to the totality of the second period comments, the department said it does not have authority to eliminate or broadly change the law and noted that state statute explicitly categorizes the rule as routine technical, which does not require legislative review before final adoption.

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The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, which raised several issues with the plan throughout the public comment periods, said in a statement Wednesday that it continues to have concerns. In particular, it is worried about there being less than one month between the adoption of the rules and the programs implementation in the new year.

Chamber President and CEO Patrick Woodcock argued that timeline would impact the program rollouts success. Woodcock also reiterated one of the business groups chief complaints, that employers that choose to opt in to a comparable private plan, as the rules allow, are required to contribute to a program they will never use.

Final policy details

Destie Hohman Sprague, executive director of the Maine Womens Lobby and convener of the Maine Paid Family Leave Coalition, said in a statement Wednesday that the group supports the DOLs final policy.

These rules lay the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable future where Mainers can care for themselves and their loved ones without financial hardship, Hohman Sprague said. Even as we wait for the programs launch, todays progress affirms our commitment to ensuring paid family and medical leave becomes a permanent reality for everyone in our state.

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With the high volume of feedback, the department made changes to the draft rules between each public comment period to reach the final version.

One area that got several revisions was around who, exactly, a worker could take time from work to help in times of illness. Between the first and second round of public comment, the department issued updated rules that clarified the definition of like family by removing the term affinity relationship that was added in the initial draft rules. Statute already defines like family as having a significant personal bond with someone regardless of biological or legal relationship.

The department also updated the timeline for when employers could apply to opt-out of the state program and instead choose a similar private plan. This change came after feedback from the business community in the first round of public comment that employers should be able to opt-out before paying into the state plan.

Monahan said the last round of changes were largely clarifications and language clean-ups, rather than big, substantive alterations.

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One such area had to do with the appeal process, with the DOL providing an extended timeline for someone with good cause to appeal a decision, such as a denial of benefits or an issue with the amount of benefits awarded. Under the rules, good cause is defined as a case of serious health condition or other types of physical, intellectual or linguistic limitations.

Monahan also pointed out that the final language made clarifications to how benefits are calculated and how average weekly wage will be determined.

The department also rewrote a portion of the rule that sparked some confusion around undue hardship on an employer and what constitutes reasonable notice for an employee to inform their employer about their intent to take leave. Monahan said that 30 days is the standard seen in other states, but Maines program includes an avenue for employers to claim undue hardship even if that much notice is given.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Its not a new issue, and its proven not easy to fix.

Affordable housing has been at the forefront of issues for many in Central Illinois after some municipalities, including Peoria, made public camping illegal.

The moves have put the spotlight on the homeless crisis that is plaguing the area. But looking beyond that, theres a much bigger issue, said Kate Green, who heads Home For All Continuum of Care.

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The goal, she said, is to get beyond the noise that has occurred in the past few months and focus on the real issue of the people who are living on the streets, in shelters or even staying on someones couch.

The goal is that nobody should be experiencing homeless, she said.

The issue

The Continuum is a federally mandated umbrella group that oversees all the groups that provide services and aid for the areas homeless population which, Green said, is at least 600 and likely more.

We know that number is representing the true number of people who are experiencing homelessness at this point, she said.

There have always been people on the streets in Peoria. Tent cities arent new here but the number and locations have changed. Green attributes some of this to higher cost of living in the area. People can get behind on their rent or utilities and forced out.

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Others might be trying to escape from a domestic violence situation and have no place to go.

Either way, they are out of a permanent place to live and the shelters, she said, are filled to capacity.

Mix in overcrowding, burnout by those who work in the shelters who are working tirelessly to provide services and the citys recent ban on public camping which was approved by the city council last month as a way to tackle the homeless encampments around Interstate 74 in Downtown Peoria.

Its a tough situation and one that will not likely be solved immediately. However, it has sparked a great deal of work by people within the area.

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We have an incredible, incredible group of stakeholders that have come together very quickly to focus on expedited housing for individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness right now, Green said. So we are doing very focused case conferencing, going person by person down the list to understand what their barriers are, what their housing opportunities can be, and how we can make that happen as quickly as possible.

What is affordable housing?

When the two words are put together, many might get the wrong idea. Its not just low-income housing or shelters or even public housing.

Rather, affordable housing is the concept that a person should spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing expenses which include a mortgage or rent and utilities. The amount a person makes determines what is affordable.

So whats affordable for one person might not be affordable for another. For people like Green, the idea isnt to move a person from a tent right into a market-rate house but rather to move them along the path.

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There are steps along the way and the idea to move a person compassionately down the path which might include a stop in transitional housing before a more permanent spot is found.

Being able to have your own place to call home, she said. For most people, that is an actual goal and an endpoint that they want to get to that journey to get there might look a little different and it might not be tomorrow or the next day.

It might be a year from now. But our goal as housing providers is to provide that stability and for that to be step one as people are looking towards long term success, Green said.

But there is not enough of such structures within the area. Its also hard to find ways for people to build more, given the high costs of construction, she said.

The challenges

The community will undergo two challenges in the coming weeks. One that began two weeks ago and will end in about two more weeks. The other is a 100-day challenge set to roll out later this month.

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The first one is the 30-day clock that started right after the city council passed the public camping ban. While its unlikely that City Hall will move on Dec. 18 to dismantle the camps, it is the date when the new ordinance takes effect.

The other is the 100-day challenge which is going to be facilitated by a group called Re!institute. It is an international nonprofit organization established in 2007 in order to help communities swiftly and effectively address critical social problems via a proven collaborative systems transformation strategy.

The groups goal is to find ways to help communities like Peoria end homelessness. Theyre coming into town to meet with us, Green said.

It is lending a fresh look to reimagine all the efforts already happening, to create transformational change in service delivery, Green said. So were looking specifically at unsheltered homelessness in the city of Peoria and leveraging a collective group of stakeholders to figure out how to house people more quickly and more effectively and keep them housed.

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BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- There is no so-called "forced labor" in Xinjiang, and the Chinese government has always firmly opposed and cracked down hard on "forced labor," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a query concerning a so-called investigation report by BBC, which claimed certain kinds of ketchup sold at UK supermarkets may contain tomato ingredients from China's Xinjiang, and these tomatoes may be the products of "forced labor."

Xinjiang tomatoes, just like the region's cotton, are world-renowned quality products, Lin said. From planting to harvesting, mechanization has been basically realized, with the mechanical harvesting rate exceeding 90 percent and 85 percent respectively, he added. "How could there be such a thing as 'forced labor?'" 
The European Union and four South American countries are preparing to clinch a controversial free trade deal on Thursday that has been under discussion for 25 years.

"The finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X to announce her pending arrival in Montevideo.

On Friday, in the capital city of Uruguay, at a summit of the South American trading bloc, Mercosur, the final agreement is expected to be announced.

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The EU-Mercosur deal, covering Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and the EU's 27 member states, seeks to establish one of the worlds largest free trade zones, encompassing over 700 million people.

The trade deal's primary aim is to lower tariffs and boost trade. Bolivia, a new member of Mercosur, and Venezuela, which has been suspended since 2016, are not included.

Backed by Germany and Spain, the European Commission plans to authorize the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, which would allow the South American countries to export greater quantities of beef, chicken or sugar to Europe without paying customs duties.

Following the conclusion of the negotiations, the texts for the agreement still need to be legally reviewed and translated into the languages of the signatory states before they can be signed.

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However, some EU countries have been blocking the deal, fearing the impact on their agricultural sector, with France leading the resistance. Poland recently passed a resolution opposing the current version of the deal.

To overcome entrenched resistance from EU member states, the commission may decide to split the deal into two parts, the trade pact and a political agreement. This is still undecided.

A split could prevent critical EU countries from preventing the agreement from entering into force.

According to EU treaties, trade agreements can be decided by a qualified majority vote (QMV) and the deals are not ratified nationally by all EU member states.

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National ratification procedures are only necessary if the agreements also contain political arrangements that do not fall within the exclusive legal competence of the EU.

Paris is now trying to convince other European capitals to form a blocking minority - representing at least 35% of the EU's population - and oppose the adoption of the trade deal through QMV.

France and Poland jointly account for just under 24% of the EU population, meaning they would have to bring others on board to block the commission's adoption of the deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron's office posted on X that on Thursday he had once again told von der Leyen that the trade deal was "unacceptable in its current form."

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Started in 1999 and agreed in principle in 2019 - yet never ratified - the pact is opposed by European farmers concerned by unfair competition and price dumping in favour of South American products like meat from Argentina and Brazil.

Critics of the deal also argue that it lacks adequate environmental, social and health standards in particular fearing the destruction of rainforests in South America.
Fire crews battled a blaze that roared through an Elk Grove home Wednesday afternoon.

Columns of smoke from the 2:30 p.m. fire in the 3200 block of Port Pacific Lane in the citys Maritime community could be seen for several miles as dozens of Cosumnes CSD Fire, Sacramento city and Metro Fire firefighters attacked the flames. No injuries were reported and fire did not spread to neighboring houses, but the fire caused near total damage to the Port Pacific home.

We found heavy fire on the first floor extending into the second. We want to protect as much as we can on both sides of the home, said Cosumnes Community Service District Fire Department Chief Felipe Rodriguez at the scene.

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The goal right now is to extinguish the fire and keep it from the adjoining structures on both sides. We made sure no one was inside and were making sure the fire stays contained to the structure itself.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Ken Mederios was mowing his lawn around the corner when he saw smoke. Mederios, a 25-year Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District veteran, now retired, briefly joined crews on the fire line stretching -inch hose around to the back of the home; helping an engineer with hydrant line.

It was probably tough to gain entry. You could see the flames coming up the back of the house, lapping up to the second floor, Mederios said.

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Neighbor Chris Neumann was riding his bicycle near Port Pacific when the fire broke out at the spacious two-story home. He watched from a nearby driveway as crews trained hoses at the plumes of smoke billowing from the homes second floor and attic.

I got here before the firefighters. The homeowner was already outside. It seemed to start in the back of the home where the kitchen is, Neumann said. It wasnt to the second floor yet. Once it got going, it spread pretty quickly.

I said, Thats close by, Mederios said. Its not too often you see homes go up in this neighborhood.

Crews were still working to extinguish the fire before 5 p.m., said Cosumnes Fire Department officials, with overhaul operations to extend into the evening hours.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The State Fire Marshals Office said alternative heating sources are a leading cause for fires statewide. With the coldest days so far this season quickly approaching, fire officials wanted to remind residents of safety tips for heating their homes.

Fire officials across central Ohio said they are already seeing an uptick in calls. The biggest culprit is alternative heating sources.

Facility that would turn manure, food waste into natural gas causes stink among neighbors

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I can guarantee you with a cold weekend coming up, and without people taking the proper safety precautions, those numbers will go [up].  We could easily have a 20 to 25 fire weekend with bad weather, said Chief Deputy Rick Sluder with the State Fire Marshals Office.

Fire officials said those using a space heater should use caution and follow directions. One of the most common mistakes they see is people failing to listen to instructions.

When you are hooking [a heater] up it should be about three feet away from anything really. Just have a safe distance around so it doesnt bunch up, said Jonathan Mooney with the Worthington Division of Fire.

They said to plug it directly into the wall and never into an extension cord. Experts recommend using an extension cord for no longer than 30 days, because it can overheat since the wiring is not rated for a certain temperature or longevity, wattage or voltage.

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Some space heaters have built-in safety features where it will turn off automatically when it is tipped over. Experts said its not just space heaters residents need to watch out for, but Christmas lights should be checked before they are put up.

When water gets into something, it overheats the wiring, frayed wires are a big thing, said Lt. Nicholas Davis with the Columbus Division of Fire. Then you plug it in and it overheats and then starts dangerous fires or damage to your house.

Fire officials said residents should have their chimney and fireplace inspected at least once a year. They also said to beware of burning candles tipping over and also to never use an oven or stove to warm a home.

So we see them open up the oven door and just turn the heat on or a gas oven, turn the stove on and just have an open flame. So thats dangerous. We need to be cognizant of that and there are resources available through our fire department, our social media page, our website. We can get people in connection with some good resources, Davis said.

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For residents who feel like they cant get their house warm enough during cold days, there are warming shelters open across central Ohio. The State Fire Marshals Office, Columbus Division of Fire and Worthington Division of Fire all said they are already seeing an uptick in calls.

I would say at least once a week. Uh, last month we went to one up on campus at a dormitory. It was a heating blanket, Davis said.

Mooney said not all of the calls have to do with heat.

Definitely we have different types of runs in the wintertime. So they bring different challenges for us, whether its firefighting or EMS, so they can spike for sure, Mooney said.

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Fire officials said something else to be cautious of in the winter months is warming up a car in a garage. They said to make sure the garage door is open to avoid a carbon monoxide emergency.

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Firefighters battled multiple brush fires on a windy day in Sevier County.

The county adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is under an "elevated fire danger" warning. Fires near Wears Valley, Gatlinburg and Seymour are contained.

Waldens Creek near Shagbark: Fire has grown to 81 acres. Crews asked Sevier County Electric System to temporarily pause power service to the Shagbark community to keep one fire from spreading. That fire is 100% contained, according to Waldens Creek Fire Department.

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Multiple fire departments assisted Sevier County with the fire. The scene was turned over to the State of Tennessee Forestry Division for monitoring.

Flat Branch Road/Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Fire is estimated to be 5 acres and crews are fighting hot spots. Tennessee's fire response page says the Flat Branch Road fire is 100% contained as of 11:30 a.m.

Creswell Road/East Union Valley near Seymour: Crews are extinguishing hotspots. It was 8 and a half acres and is now contained.

"Sevier County emergency officials announced that all three brushfires across the county are now 100% contained," a Sevier County Government news release said.

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Drivers are asked to stay away from the areas for safety and to let crews through.

Foothills Parkway West between Walland and Wears Valley is now open, Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The road had previously been closed due to a nearby wildfires.

East Tennessee will experience wind chills that will drop into single digits in higher elevations and in the teens in lower elevations through Dec. 10, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown. Cold, dry air is moving into the area and temperatures are expected to drop.

We are deeply grateful for the bravery and dedication of the emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain these fires under extremely challenging conditions," Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said in a news release. "Their professionalism and commitment to protecting our community are truly commendable.

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There have been no injuries or structural damages that have been reported with these three fires according to a Sevier County Government Facebook post.

Get fire warnings

Sevier County Emergency Management Agency suggests downloading the CodeRED Mobile Alert app for fire warnings:

"Due to windy and dry conditions and low humidity, the fire Danger is HIGH. No Burn permits are being issued for today," Walden Creek Volunteer Fire Department said on Facebook.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Crews battle wildfires near Gatlinburg, Seymour and Wears Valley
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  The Daviess County Fire Department head to the Edge Ice Center to train on new ice rescue equipment.

Firefighters took to the ice to train in new ice commander rescue suits.

They also tried out their new all-surface rescue boat that is said to help in cold water rescues.

Officials say the water-proof suits have a zip-in buoyancy liner that will allow firefighters to perform rescues in icy cold water.

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In their first ever call, Russias defense chief cautioned the top US general about a large-scale Russian military exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to a US official, with tensions running high between the two countries over the escalating war in Ukraine.

The call between Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov and US Ch airman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, which was initiated by Gerasimov, occurred November 27.

On Tuesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had launched hypersonic missiles and cruise missiles as part of an exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Russian frigates, Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko, fired Tsirkon hypersonic missiles as part of the exercise, which included the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces. The submarine Novorossiysk launched Kalibr cruise missiles at a naval target, according to the ministry.

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The exercise involved more than 1,000 troops; 10 ships; and 24 aircraft, including MiG-31 fighter jets armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, the ministry said.

Gerasimov did not explicitly mention the launch of hypersonic missiles in the call, according to the US official.

The US currently has two destroyers operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the USS Bulkeley and the USS Arleigh Burke, according to a spokesman for the Navy.

The New York Times was first to report on the call between Gerasimov and Brown.

This was the first call between Gerasimov and Brown since Brown became Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman more than one year ago. An official readout of the discussion normally follows calls between Brown and his military counterparts, but the Russians asked not to do so in this case.

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A spokesman for Brown confirmed the call happened but did not offer details, only saying, The leaders discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Capt. Jereal Dorsey said in a statement, At the request of Gen. Gerasimov, Gen. Brown agreed not to proactively announce the call. There was no mention in the statement of the exercises in the Mediterranean Sea.

The US official said the two also discussed US concern over the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield and Russias use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile with multiple warheads in late-November. Another topic that came up in the call, the official said, was the US giving Ukraine permission to fire long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia.

US and Russia maintain deconfliction lines in certain combat zones to avoid unintentional encounters when the two militaries operate near each other. That line has been used recently in the Middle East to prevent any friction between US and Russian forces operating in Syria, the Pentagon said.

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But since the start of the war in Ukraine nearly three years ago, the US and Russian military chiefs have rarely spoken, despite repeated outreach efforts by the US as the war began. Gerasimov spoke with former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley in March 2023 after a Russian fighter jet struck and downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Kentuckys medical cannabis program is less than a month from launch and prospective patients can take the first step to get their paperwork ready for an official medical card.

The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis website is now online for patients looking to find providers.

This website includes information such as upcoming events for cardholders and practitioners, as well as the next business license lottery date.

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The Find a Practitioner page shows providers from Owensboro, Henderson, Madisonville and more.

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Before Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became a top science adviser to Donald Trump  a once-and-future president who openly denies environmental science  the dynastic New York lawyer was such a prominent environmentalist that he literally became a waterkeeper, someone dedicated to conserving natural bodies of water from pollution. For more than 20 years, Kennedy helped lead the Waterkeeper Alliance he co-founded until leaving in 2020 to "devote himself to vaguely defined other issues. That story ended, as the world now knows, with Kennedy launching a third-party 2024 presidential bid before dropping out at a critical moment to endorse Trump.

One of Kennedys fellow waterkeepers, Diane Wilson, 76, remembers the evolution in Kennedys personality as he shifted from environmentalist to conspiracy theorist and Trump supporter. In 2019, she won a $50 million lawsuit against a Taiwanese plastics company called Formosa Plastics Corporation, Waterkeeper v. Formosa, and Kennedy reached out to congratulate her and to offer his future support.

Bobby called me a number of times when I won that, and he told me how much he liked and admired me, Wilson told Salon. As Kennedy began to move to the right, however, his personality changed. Not too long ago, but before he went over to Trump, he called me up in the middle of the night. I was asleep, it was like midnight here, and he asked me if I would be an elector [for the Electoral College] and said he needed someone he could trust. He did that twice in the middle of the night.

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Wilson said yes because she believed in Kennedys passion for the environment, and Kennedy later said he would look for a lawyer to help her in a New Jersey case where she and three others had been arrested for blocking Formosa Plastics Corporation entrance gates.

He said give him two weeks, Wilson said. He never called back. Later he endorsed Trump. (Kennedy did not respond to Salons requests for comment.)

Diane Wilson finding plastic pellets outside Formosa

Now the original so-called waterkeeper is preparing to work for a president who plans on gutting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As millions of Americans despair for Earths future, Wilson has advice for those who still want to protect the planet: If people have the confidence and work ethic to educate themselves with reliable scientific sources, and also possess faith that even the most conservative Trump supporters can change their minds, they will make a meaningful difference.

She speaks from experience. That is how Wilson held Formosa Plastics Corporation accountable for polluting the bay in her multigenerational Texas community, Calhoun County, with a population under 20,000. Unlike Kennedy, Wilson undertook her crusade without the advantages of inherited wealth. She is a fourth-generation fisherwoman, one whose skills as a shrimp boat captain were so undeniable that she became indispensable in an industry filled with casual sexism. Wilson has a track record of taking on powerful polluters and winning. In 1994, she successfully advocated for zero discharge agreements from Formosa and the aluminum manufacturer Alcoa to stop liquid effluent pollution. She was also prominently involved in protests for victims of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the 1984 Union Carbide leak.

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Even more impressively, she did all of these things with nothing but a high school education while living on $475 a month. Her most prized possessions seem to be her intellect and work ethic.

I would get information, Wilson recalled when discussing her work in Waterkeeper v. Formosa. Sometimes employees at Formosa gave her documents so she could figure out what was going on inside the plant. Other times she visited the bay and engaged in her own down-and-dirty research. Even though her obsession caused her to lose her job, her marriage, her house, her boat and many personal relationships, Wilson enthusiastically educated herself on chemistry, ecology and every other necessary branch of science. She was similarly energetic in learning about the law.

She found that plastics contain dangerous chemicals like ethylene chloride and vinyl chloride, which Formosa was leaking into the water. Plastics in general, Wilson discovered, contain toxins like phthalates and bisphenols, which can be dangerous when humans ingest them. They have been linked to diseases from cancer and respiratory diseases to infertility and yet, they are unavoidable, contaminating everything from air to water to food.

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Thanks to Wilsons ground work, in 2019 a U.S. district judge found Formosas irresponsible practices violated the Clean Water Act. Americas most powerful bench deemed that Formosa had to improve its wastewater and stormwater discharge facilities, and the State of Texas had to create a Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust to support environmental projects. The company was additionally required to pay $50 million to the community it had polluted.

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Wilson achieved all of this first by learning science from reliable sources. Her approach was best embodied by her work collecting thousands of plastic pellets in the bay that had been dumped there by Formosa. She did it one at a time, patiently, and fact-checking her work every step of the way.

I got as close to the real events that were happening as possible, Wilson said. If you're looking for scientific stuff, you go to the studies. You read the studies. You dont just take an article and read that. You go to the primary sources. Once she had all of the evidence she needed, she filed a citizens clean water suit. Between the thousands of samples and the airtight legal case, Wilson prevailed.

Formosa Plastics plant in Point Comfort, TX

Wilson was able to protect her community, but in the larger scheme, the world is overrun with pollution. These problems must be fixed on a global level, not a local one. That is daunting  but director Fax Bahr and producer C.C. Goldwater, who are in post-production on a documentary about Wilsons life called Waterkeeper, believe spreading her message will help. All three have the chops to make it happen: Wilson has already been the subject of a 2005 documentary about her early environmentalist work, Texas Gold. Bahr co-directed the acclaimed 1991 documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse about the creation of the 1979 movie Apocalypse Now. Finally Goldwater famously produced the 2006 documentary Mr. Conservative about her grandfather, Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee in 1964 and the widely acknowledged founding father of modern American conservatism.

Bahr, Goldwater and Wilson have already found people willing to help with their new project.

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We had reluctance from a lot of people when we went out for financing, so we really pulled up our boots strings and did it on our own, Goldwater said. Then we had a lot of gracious people that gave us money.

Bahr added that, because they are beholden to no one, they do not fear retaliation. They can share this story without being restrained by backers.

We're going to take this thing out into the community, Bahr promised. We're going to show this film at community screenings. We're going to have Diane speak, if she's got the bandwidth to do it. It's community organizing.

In addition to raising the films profile, however, the biggest challenge facing the makers of Waterkeeper is that millions of people deny environmental science for political reasons. But Wilson believes, based on her experience winning the Formosa lawsuit, that many of these minds can be changed. Environmental activists just have to make it clear that conservatives dont have to be environmentalists to support their causes. They simply need to share the same moral values.

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The workers that I work with, the fishermen that I work with, the ranchers that I work with, they are all Republicans, Wilson said. When I was talking to the workers who were out there helping me get the pellets out of the bay, they would say, Im no tree-hugger, but I care about the bay, or Im no tree-hugger, but I care about the children. I think the people on the bottom, there was a commonality with the bay and the children and their community.

This does not mean people changed their minds politically; Calhoun County voted overwhelmingly for Trump in all three of his campaigns. Wilson admits to being frustrated by this, but points to the objective reality that many Trump supporters still supported her efforts to protect their natural resources. Some even joke about it.

Ive got a guy who's helping me on a boat, and he takes me down the river and is checking out Dow Chemical, Wilson said. After a while he just turned around and said, Diane, you're a Democrat. Get off my boat! It's a big joke, and then he just laughs. I know there is stuff out there in DC, and I just can't even imagine it. But in the work that I do, we do the work and we have a commonality.

Extrapolated to the scale of national and international politics, Wilson anticipates the same result: People who experience hardships due to pollution will ultimately stand by their community, even if they stubbornly stick to their political convictions.

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They're living right next to that plant! Wilson said, recalling the logic of her Trump-supporting friend. They may be Republicans, but they're the ones who are suffering from all of the pollution that's coming out of there.

It wasnt just pollution that challenged Wilson. She overcame other obstacles, such as the multiple ways in which her sex was used against her. With the shrimp fishermen, she encountered sexism and was sometimes told having a woman on a boat was bad luck, but she eventually earned her colleagues respect by proving her aptitude. The misogyny she experienced when fighting Big Plastic, by contrast, was far more intense. She was called a lesbian, a whore, a bad mother, hysterical, a crazy woman.

Oh God, they would call her girl, Goldwater said, adding that class and education were also held against Wilson by her opponents. Amy Blanchett, a senior communications representative at Formosa Plastics, told Salon that the company "takes allegations of this nature very seriously, as they do not align with our values of professionalism, respect and integrity." They added that "to our knowledge, Formosa Plastics has never referred to Ms. Wilson in a derogatory manner, nor have we made any statements similar to those described in your inquiry." (Regarding the legacy of the 2019 lawsuit, Formosa Plastics referred Salon to a video claiming a commitment to environmental responsibility.)

If Wilson can defend the environment despite the odds stacked against her as an impoverished Texas fisherwoman, Goldwater and Bahr believe anyone can.

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That's really the whole reason for doing this film, Bahr said. I interviewed a bunch of Waterkeepers before choosing to go with Diane's story, and it's because with absolutely nothing, zero resources, a high school education, living on $475 bucks a month, she did it alone. She brought to account one of the largest petrochemical manufacturers on the planet.

He added, That's what people can do.

The filmmakers hope that people who see or hear Wilsons story will be inspired to be proactive in environmental issues in their own backyards. Producer C.C. Goldwater observed that Kennedy is proof of how people can evolve on these issues, albeit not always for the better. When editing a 2007 reedition of her grandfathers famous 1960 manifesto, The Conscience of a Conservative, she included a Kennedy essay in which the then-Waterkeeper argued Republicans had become too extreme. Goldwater speculated that Kennedy may still recognize the importance of environmentalism, but in order to work with Trump is deliberately setting those values aside.

I don't think that Bobby has gone away from being an environmentalist, I really don't, Goldwater said. But I think he's gotten off track a bit to go to the Republican Party with a president like we have.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misattributed the court where Wilson won her case: It was a U.S. district court, not the Supreme Court. This article has been updated.
People pose for photos during the Chinese Food Carnival in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dec. 4, 2024. The Chinese Food Carnival was held here on Wednesday night, attracting over 200 guests from both China and Sri Lanka. (Photo by Zhou Hanqiu/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Food Carnival was held here on Wednesday night, attracting over 200 guests from both China and Sri Lanka.

Ruwan Ranasinghe, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, said in his speech that the friendship between Sri Lanka and China has a long history, and the two countries have been increasingly close in political, economic and cultural exchanges.

This food festival can not only attract tourists but also enhance mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

Qi Zhenhong, Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka, said that cultural exchanges, including food culture, serve as an important bridge to enhance friendship between the peoples of China and Sri Lanka.

Both sides will continue to work hard to deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples and promote the continuous development of China-Sri Lanka relations, said Qi.

More than 10 Chinese food stalls were set up at the event, promoting China's rich tourism resources and diverse lifestyles.

Sri Lankan students performed Peking Opera, peacock dance, and Xinjiang dance at the event, participated in lectures on Chinese cuisine and the 24 solar terms, and cultural experience interactive workshops, thus gaining a firsthand experience of the rich and diverse Chinese culture.

"The culinary exchanges have deepened our cultural ties, bringing people together through the universal language of food. We look forward to more activities like this to bring the two peoples closer together," said A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka.

The event was guided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and hosted by the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka. 

A student performs traditional Chinese dance during the Chinese Food Carnival in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dec. 4, 2024. The Chinese Food Carnival was held here on Wednesday night, attracting over 200 guests from both China and Sri Lanka. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A Pee Dee resident who was also a former state senator is one of five recipients receiving the Modjeska Simkins Freedom Fighter Award.

Maggie Wallace Glover of Florence is one of the recipients. She served from the 6th Congressional District in the Pee Dee to the state House of Representatives and then the Senate, she was the first African American woman.

Glover has represented four counties in South Carolina  Florence, Dillon, Marion and Marlboro.

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From very humble beginnings to where God has allowed me to move is absolutely humbling to me, she said. God has been good to Maggie.

Glover said Lawrence Moore started the nonprofit Carolina For All and Modjeska Simkins Freedom Awards to honor people across South Carolina who exemplify social justice activism. She said Modjeska Simkims was born in 1819 and was a teacher and leader through Jim Crow and segregation. Glover wishes to be a small piece of her legacy.

Glover said she was surprised to be not just nominated but picked as a winner. She said the first piece of legislation she started working on and introduced was the removal of the Confederate flag.

We were able to make some significant changes, Glover said. We were able to get it from the top of the state house and out and out of both chambers.

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Working with the South Carolina Education Lottery during her time in General Assembly was one of her proudest accomplishments.

I introduced legislation to create the hope, life scholarship so that South Carolina students with a 3.0 GPA would be eligible for this scholarship, Glover said.

She said she also helped the top-five historically Black colleges and universities in South Carolina receive funding.

To purchase tickets for the gala, click here.

* * *

Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
In mid-May, Mandi Rokx had a 3-month-old baby and a letter from a Florida agency warning that they both would be cut from Medicaid, the health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

Under a Florida law passed in 2021, Rokx was supposed to receive 12 months of continuous coverage after giving birth. But the letter from Floridas Department of Children and Families said their coverage would end May 31.

The explanation: You failed to complete or follow through with your Medicaid renewal.

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Rokx said she didnt understand why the state was cutting coverage. She had provided everything it asked for, she said.

She worried about what losing Medicaid would mean for her daughter, Vernita. Initially after the coverage ended, Rokx said, she paid out-of-pocket for the infants checkups. She then turned to a free health fair put on once a month by a local nonprofit near her home in Melrose, near Gainesville.

I just hope she doesnt get sick, she said.

Deloitte issues

An unknown number of mothers in Florida have abruptly lost Medicaid coverage after giving birth, despite being eligible, according to an ongoing federal lawsuit filed against the state in August 2023. The issue is linked to the states computer eligibility system, run by Deloitte Consulting, according to trial testimony from state and Deloitte employees. It is yet one more example of problems states and beneficiaries have encountered with Medicaid management systems operated by Deloitte, a giant consulting firm.

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As of July, Florida had awarded the global firm contracts valued at more than $100 million to modernize, operate, and maintain the states integrated eligibility system for Medicaid and other benefits.

An unknown number of mothers in Florida have abruptly lost Medicaid coverage after giving birth, despite being eligible, according to a federal lawsuit filed against the state. The issue is linked to the states computer eligibility system, run by Deloitte Consulting.

Deloitte did not respond to requests for comment about its work in Florida.

In total, 25 states have awarded Deloitte eligibility system contracts, making the company the dominant player in this crucial slice of government business. These agreements, in which Deloitte commits to design, develop, or operate state-owned systems, are worth at least $6 billion, according to a KFF Health News analysis of state contracts.

The KFF investigation found that errors in Deloitte-run eligibility systems can cost millions and take years to fix while denying benefits like health insurance to eligible people.

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In response to the investigation, Deloitte spokesperson Karen Walsh said the firms clients  state governments  understand large system implementations are challenging due to the complexity of the programs they support and that all IT systems require ongoing maintenance, periodic enhancements and upgrades to software and hardware, and database management.

Senate Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, which is one of Deloittes state clients, sees it much differently. Lets call this what it is: a racket, he said. This isnt an occasional glitch. Its a pattern of systemic failure. And the worst part? Were paying them billions to do it.

In July, Kimber Taylor of Jacksonville and Lily Mezquita of Orlando testified in a federal courtroom in Florida that state officials removed them from Medicaid even though their pregnancies made them eligible. The class-action lawsuit alleges that Florida did not adequately explain to people with Medicaid the reason for cutting their health insurance, or explain to them that they could appeal the decision before losing coverage.

Florida has denied the allegations in court filings. But the trial revealed problems with the computer system the state uses to determine Medicaid eligibility and inform people that they are no longer eligible. Deloitte did not respond to questions about the trial, in which a judges decision is pending.

Mothers of this state deserve better

Although Deloitte is not a named defendant in the lawsuit, an employee was called to testify about the firms role in operating Floridas eligibility system. Harikumar Kallumkal, a Deloitte managing director who is responsible for Floridas system, said that a defect may have led to coverage losses for new mothers.

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William Roberts, a state worker who reviews Medicaid eligibility decisions, also testified that the agency learned about a glitch that cut postpartum coverage for eligible new mothers in April 2023  the same month Florida launched a Medicaid eligibility review process known as unwinding, which all states undertook after pandemic-era coverage protections ended in March of that year. Kallumkal testified that Deloitte fixed the problem by April or May 2024.

And yet Rokxs coverage was cut May 31.

During the unwinding, Florida disenrolled nearly 2 million people, including kids, from Medicaid, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Patient advocates say flaws in Floridas Deloitte-operated computer system prevented some of the states most vulnerable residents from getting care they were entitled to receive.

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Floridas Medicaid officials knew from the start of the unwinding period that their system was not handling pregnancy and postpartum Medicaid correctly, and proceeded full steam ahead anyway, said Lynn Hearn, an attorney with the Florida Health Justice Project, a nonprofit legal aid and advocacy group that together with the National Health Law Program represents the class-action plaintiffs. To this day, we dont know that the problems have been fully corrected. The mothers of this state deserve better from their government.

Mandi Rokx of Melrose, Florida, was cut from Medicaid three months after delivering her daughter, Vernita, in February. An unknown number of Florida mothers have been disenrolled from Medicaid despite being eligible for 12 months of continuous coverage. (David Steele for KFF Health News)

Medicaid is the largest insurance payer for childbirths in Florida, covering nearly 98,000, or 44%, of all deliveries in 2022, according to the state health department. But its unclear how many mothers have been cut from the Medicaid coverage they were entitled to receive.

Floridas Department of Children and Families on Sept. 9 cashed a check from KFF Health News to cover the processing fee for records it requested about eligible mothers who were disenrolled. As of Nov. 22, the state had not released the records.

The state did provide an estimate during the trial, but that number was not made available by the state to KFF Health News. In a court filing, the plaintiffs cited the states estimate as showing that 19,802 women were removed from pregnancy coverage as of March 2024, one year after Florida began unwinding. Its unclear how many of these women lost coverage incorrectly. The figure is probably a conservative estimate  it excludes anyone who was removed from coverage because of paperwork issues.

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Mallory McManus, deputy chief of staff for the Department of Children and Families, told KFF Health News that after identifying the problem, agency workers manually corrected cases until necessary system updates were in place. She added that the department also reviewed the system to ensure there were no gaps in coverage.

McManus said that Floridians who were disenrolled from Medicaid were properly noticed and provided with information on requesting an appeal.

Rokx, Taylor, and Mezquita ultimately regained their Medicaid coverage after seeking help from the Florida Health Justice Project. Attorneys there have said they are often able to get coverage restored for eligible people by reaching out directly to the state agencys general counsel  an avenue not known to most Floridians.

While the class-action lawsuit awaits a judgment, the problems revealed at trial echo those encountered in other states with Deloitte-run Medicaid eligibility systems, such as Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas.

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In Texas, according to a July report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, about 100,000 eligible individuals had been disenrolled due to eligibility system errors, including denial of postpartum coverage for some eligible women.

Congressional lawmakers paying attention

The error-plagued systems and widespread denials of Medicaid for eligible people have caught the attention of lawmakers on congressional committees that oversee social programs. They blame state leaders who they say arent holding vendors like Deloitte accountable.

As the errors compound, contractors are rewarded with more billing hours and higher payouts, said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas). This is an alarming and unacceptable waste of taxpayer dollars.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees Medicaid, said that too many people cant even get in through the front door due to outdated and inaccurate eligibility systems.

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And Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) said that theres such a pattern of trying to discourage and inappropriately cutting families off of Medicaid in Florida.

It appears to be intentional, she said, and I think it clearly is.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
OCALA, Fla. (WFLA)  A driver who was reportedly fleeing from Marion County deputies reached speeds of up to 115 mph before crashing into a tree.

The entire high-speed pursuit was captured on dash camera footage, which the Marion County Sheriffs Office released earlier this week.

Trump criticizes Chronister after sheriffs withdrawal, days after praising him

It was around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26 when deputies said they first spotted the suspect, 19-year-old Johnathan Brooks, speeding past them near Southeast 58th Avenue and Larch Road.

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At the time, Brooks was traveling at 71 mph in a 45-mph zone, authorities said. Deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop, but said Brooks fled at a high rate of speed.

As Brooks turned onto South Highway 441, a third deputy joined the pursuit. Officials said Brooks continued driving for several miles, reaching speeds of up to 115 mph before he failed to stop at an intersection.

He then crossed over Southeast 110th Street and struck a large tree. His vehicle became immobilized, and authorities said they could see that Brooks and a passenger were trapped inside the crushed truck.

Marion County Fire Rescue helped extricate Brooks and the passenger, who were both taken to a local hospital for treatment.

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The sheriffs office said Brooks was later arrested for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer with disregard for safely causing serious injury.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla (WFLA)  Florida officials have located the two missing children reported missing in South Daytona.

One-year-old Zhavion Watson and four-year-old Zyvel Watson were last seen in the area of the 2100 block of Oak Meadow Circle in South Daytona.

According to an alert from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the children may be accompanied by James Watson III.

The alert also noted that they may be traveling in either a 2016 white BMW X6, tag number DRS3997, or a 2005 gold Hummer H2, temporary tag number DSS9432.

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The photos being shown depict the children at ages 3 months and 3-years-old.

If located, do not approach.

Suspect James Watson III (Photos courtesy of Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these children please contact 911.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hot water in the Gulf made Hurricane Helene rapidly intensify before it made landfall in Florida, via NOAA

Saturday marked the end of our horrible 2024 hurricane season. How did you celebrate? Did you build a bonfire from the plywood you used to cover your windows? Turn your blue tarp into a party awning and invite your remaining neighbors to a soiree? Schedule a flash mob at your nearest municipal debris site?

I observed this solemn occasion by reading all the news coverage that rehashed how truly awful this season has been. My favorite line came from the Palm Beach Post, which described the 2024 season as a quirky, devastating, humbling and deadly thing.

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The three that hit us were, in a word, bad. First came Debby, then Helene, then Milton. Then came gloom, despair, and agony, as they used to sing on Hee-Haw.

But with the end of November, were finally free to think about more pleasant things, like when all the illuminated boat parades kick off, not to mention the Surfing Santas. (Why Hallmark has never made a Christmas movie set in Florida is a mystery to me.)

Except  maybe while were enjoying the holidays, we shouldnt stop thinking about the storms of tomorrow.

In fact. I would suggest that we spend the next six months planning for the 2025 hurricane season. Thats because of one very alarming thing I read in one of the end-of-season roundup stories.

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Climatologists are unsure what next year has in store for the tropics, but early signs point to a similar hurricane season to the one that is just ending, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

In other words, 2025 could be a rerun of 2024. Call it A Quirky, Devastating, Humbling, and Deadly Thing 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Thats because the ocean remains heated up like a pot of gumbo bubbling on the stove.

Why is the ocean so hot? Well, Id love to tell you, but the Legislature doesnt want us discussing that.

Youve probably heard they deleted the term from state law so nobody can bring it up. Apparently, they think its bad luck to even mention what our burning of fossil fuels is doing to the world. Its like that Disney song, We Dont Talk About Bruno.

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So instead of saying climate ch er, the forbidden words, Im just going to say Bruno. Youll know what I mean.

Banner becomes Hulk

Hurricanes have been a part of Florida life for a long, long time. One chased away Pensacolas first Spanish colonists in 1559, and theyve been trying to chase the rest of us away ever since.

A train sent to rescue 300 World War I veterans was knocked off the track by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 before it could reach its destination. (Florida State Archives)

Sure, weve had powerful storms before  the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, for instance, a Category 5 that destroyed Henry Flaglers Overseas Railway in the Keys. But now, thanks to  uhhhh  Bruno, theyre becoming stronger so much faster than they used to.

Meteorologists say that when a storms wind speed increases by at least 35 miles per hour over 24 hours, its undergoing rapid intensification. We didnt used to have storms that did that.

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Until about 2017, Gulf of Mexico hurricanes rarely intensified all the way to landfall in the northern Gulf, due mainly to cooler waters near the shoreline and less hospitable conditions in the atmosphere, Axios reported in September. Yet since then, rapidly intensifying storms have seemingly become the norm there.

For instance, between Oct. 8 and 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael went from a mere tropical storm to a powerful Category 5 when it clobbered Mexico Beach. It became the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Panhandle.

Something similar happened with Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Helene, for example, rapidly transformed from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 4 hurricane in less than a day on September 26, 2024, less than a day before landfall, NASA reported in its wake.

Imagine skinny nerd Bruce Banner is the Cat 1 and the roaring, rampaging Hulk is the Cat 4, ready to tear your house apart. What fuels the rapid changes from nice guy to destroyer isnt gamma rays, but simple heat in the ocean provided by um, er, Bruno.

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Hurricanes are not only fueled by the heat at the surface of the ocean but also by the heat that is stored at depth, below the surface, NASA reported after Helene. You can see why heat like that wouldnt fade too quickly  or at all. It will still be around next year.

The other thing such heat does to the water shouldnt be a surprise to you if you remember your seventh grade science class. Heat makes molecules expand, a process known as thermal expansion, which is also the name of my new indie rock band.

Thats why Bruno is the main driver of sea level rise. The hotter the water, the higher the rise. This is what makes the storm surges from these powerful storms so much worse now.

So, if you dodged the flooding in 2024, you might not be so lucky in 2025.

Functional paradise

Unfortunately, we humans tend to be stubborn about refusing to believe that the world has changed. We become locked into thinking its one way, then dont believe our eyes and ears when its become something very different.

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Look whats happened to the folks in Fort Myers Beach.

Fort Myers area flooded by the Hurricane Ian storm surge. (Photo via USCG)

To say Fort Myers Beach was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022 is to understate the impact, sort of like saying that the atomic bomb did a serious remodeling job on Hiroshima. The storm left almost every home and business in ruins and killed 14 people.

Few communities in the U.S. have seen the level of destruction Hurricane Ian brought to Fort Myers Beach, NPR reported a year later. A 15-foot storm surge swept away many structures and left few undamaged.

Determined to rebuild, the towns vice mayor promised that by 2024, Were going to have what I call a functional paradise once again. Instead, it was hit by a six-foot storm surge from Milton that left mud and sand in the first floor of the buildings. Paradise remained dysfunctional.

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Youd think the surviving property owners would want to build back better  raise the buildings so floods wouldnt be so destructive, for instance.

But the Federal Emergency Management Agency found Fort Myers Beach was letting everyone build the same kind of vulnerable buildings in the same vulnerable places that were wiped out in 2022.

As a result, FEMA announced last week that residents and businesses in that city will no longer be able to buy federal flood insurance at a 25% discount. That average increase works out to be about $300 per resident.

Do you see why its important to acknowledge that our world has changed? We now have storms that move faster, tend to be more powerful, and will send floodwaters into places theyve never hit before, all thanks to, you know, Bruno.

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If you dont care about your home being washed away, you might want to worry about your job disappearing in the rising waters. Lots of waterfront restaurants and hotels that are important to Floridas tourism industry were wiped out by the storms and so were the jobs there.

One recent federal study found that 116,000 jobs in Miami-Dade County are at businesses in special flood hazard areas  the highest of any U.S. county. Meanwhile, six of the 10 counties with the most jobs at risk from flooding are in Florida.

So maybe its time for us to think about the next hurricane season differently.

Prepping for 2025

I contacted several people about what we should be doing now to prepare for 2025s storms  I mean other than curling up in the fetal position, which would certainly be my first instinct.

W. Craig Fugate via archived Obama White House website

Dawn Shirreffs of Environmental Defense Fund, via EDF

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The best suggestions came from two people: former Federal Emergency Management Agency boss Craig Fugate, a Florida native, and Dawn Shirreffs, Florida director of the Environmental Defense Fund.

Fugate said the first thing everyone should do is check to see whether you still have home insurance. Then you should find a way to buy some flood insurance, too, even if you dont live in a flood zone.

Being in a flood zone just means the property is likely to flood, not that those will be the only places where flooding will be a problem, he pointed out.

Think about all the areas in Florida that flooded this year that werent in flood zones, he said.

Folks in those areas spent thousands of dollars to insure their houses but lost everything if they wound up with even an inch of saltwater washing through the place, he pointed out.

Shirreffs noted that, in thinking about the flooding, you cannot make judgments based on how things have been in the past.

A lot of people got a lot more damage than they should have because they believed in the historic record of flooding, Shirreffs said. We need to look at the data about where the flooding is now.

She recommended checking a website called FloodSmart to see what it shows for your area.

Fugate recommended everyone living close to the coast or near a waterway be prepared to evacuate and to plan now for where you want to go.

Meanwhile, for those who intend to stay put, he recommended investing in portable solar generators for when the power goes out. You run less of a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if youre not relying on gas-powered generators.

Shirreffs also recommended replacing regular windows with hurricane windows. She told me everyone should check the grade of our homes to make sure they slope toward the street and not somewhere you dont want stormwater to go.

You should also look at the landscaping choices youve made, she told me. Some of the plants now covering your yard may require so much water that the ground remains damp, which leaves the plants vulnerable to loss of support.

One big thing to consider is your means of transportation. If you dont own an electric vehicle now, you may want to consider getting one before the 2025 storm season starts, she said. That way when you evacuate, you dont have to stop anywhere for gas.

But you better act quickly, she said, because the tax credit for those could be going away soon. The next resident of the White House has vowed to end those.

In defense of Florida

Of course, all of this prep work will cost money. If youre like professional bloviator Sean Hannity, who just spent $23.5 million on a waterfront estate in Manalapan, thats no problem. I bet he can easily afford his insurance, too.

But if youre like me, money is one resource thats in short supply.

Fortunately, the My Safe Florida Home Program offers up to $10,000 toward home improvements to property owners like me who want to be ready for hurricanes. Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, the program was put on hold because the funding was exhausted.

Something similar happened with the new My Safe Florida Condo Program, which hit the maximum number of applicants in just a week.

Rumors are circulating that Gov. Ron Stop Calling Me Bootsy DeSantis is interested in becoming Trumps backup choice for defense secretary. I wish he was more interested in boosting Floridas defense against the storms.

Maybe then he could persuade the Legislature to put lots more funding into these home-prep programs instead of wasting our tax dollars on flying migrants to Massachusetts. Heck, they could fly some of the hurricane victims up there instead. Let them rebuild where theyre less likely to be hit again.

As you may have heard, were coming up on a major gift-giving occasion. I plan to ask Santa for some of this stuff for my house. Do you think that jolly old elf can stuff hurricane windows into a stocking?

Really, though, what I most want for Christmas is leaders who arent so deathly afraid to talk about whats driving these dangerous storms and then do something about it. Because frankly, Im tired of being repeatedly smacked around by, ummm, you know  Bruno.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder after Florida police say a gun deal gone wrong resulted in the death of 19-year-old Griffin Smith. According to police, the incident took place on Dec. 2, 2023, but one year later, police have finally caught their suspect.



Around 3 p.m. on the day of the shooting, Smith met then 13-year-old Kydris Jackson outside of a Dollar General to buy a gun, according to a statement by the Marion County Sheriffs Office. But New York Post reports that things quickly escalated after Jackson reportedly attempted to get more than the agreed upon price of $350.

Court documents report when Smith attempted to drive away, Jackson allegedly began firing shots at Smiths car with a separate gun. The victim was able to get away from Jackson, but not before driving his white pickup truck into the tree line behind the Marion Oaks Community Center, according to WJXT.

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Thats when police were called to the scene and discovered an injured Smith behind the wheel. The firearm Smith bought from Jackson was also recovered from Smiths vehicle, according to official reports. The 19-year-old was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead.

19-year-old Griffin Smith - Screenshot: Facebook

After the incident, Jackson fled the scene of the crime, but was later arrested by police on unrelated charges on Dec. 13, 2023, according to WCJB. During the incident, Jackson fled from authorities in a stolen vehicle but was later found with a gun.



Through the use of additional investigative techniques, information provided by witnesses, and the collection of DNA evidence, Detective Sergeant Pinder and Detective Fredette confirmed that Jackson was the person responsible for Smiths death, the police statement said.

A year later in November, detectives attempted to interview the now 13-year-old suspect, but the teen refused. Jackson was then charged with second degree murder while he was already in custody at the Marion County Regional Juvenile Detention Center, according to the New York Post. He is set to remain in jail until his court hearing.

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WASHINGTON  The Federal Maritime Commission has launched an investigation into allegations that Spain has been denying certain U.S-flagged vessels entry to its ports. Separately, Spanish authorities say a Danish-flagged ship was denied entry because it was carrying military weapons to Israel.

The FMC was informed Nov. 19 that Spain had denied entry to at least three vessels, including some that are participants in the U.S. Maritime Administrations (MarAd) Maritime Security Program (MSP), the agency stated in a notice posted Thursday.

The MSP gives a financial stipend to U.S.-flagged commercial vessels in exchange for providing military sealift to the federal government. There are currently 60 vessels participating in the program, according to MarAd, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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FMC is investigating reports that two MSP container ships, the Maersk Denver and the Maersk Seletar, operated by U.S.-based Maersk Line Ltd., were denied docking privileges in early November.





A Danish-flagged ship, the Marianne Danica, a general cargo ship, appears to have been refused docking privileges in May, FMC stated, citing a May 16 news report by The Guardian. The Guardian reported the reason for denying the Marianne Danica was related to the shipment of military weapons to Israel.

This is the first time we have done this because it is the first time we have detected a ship carrying a shipment of arms to Israel that wants to call at a Spanish port, Spains foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, told reporters in May, according to The Guardian.

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The foreign ministry will systematically reject such stopovers for one obvious reason: the Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace.

The FMC did not mention whether there was evidence that the MSP vessels also were carrying arms cargo to Israel.





The Commission is concerned that this apparent policy of denying entry to certain vessels will create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade, whether in a particular route or in commerce generally, the agency stated.

The FMC also noted that it has consistently held that its powers do not only protect United States flagged shipping, and that foreign governmental actions that are detrimental to third-flag carriers can create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the United States foreign trade.

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Remedies under U.S. law include blocking Spains vessels from docking at U.S. ports and fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage, according to the FMC.

The agency will initially focus on providing a route for interested parties, including the Government of Spain and common carriers that have been denied entry into Spanish ports, to provide information, perspectives, and proposed solutions, during a 20-day comment period.

It is also soliciting comments from container shipping interests, vessel owners and anyone else with relevant information or perspectives on this matter.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

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On this weeks episode of Taking the Hire Road, Tracy Rushing, executive director of safety and recruiting with R.E. Garrison Trucking and recipient of the Influential Woman in Trucking Award, sat down with host Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and Project 61, to discuss the importance of having the right mindset when it comes to recruiting and how staying focused on drivers is what sets the best carriers apart.

I love talking about one thing that really matters, and that is how to keep our drivers working, Rushing said.

We laugh sometimes, because our whole industry is expected to be an invisible powerhouse that brings us everything we need, and by the way, we need to do that without any interruption to the rest of the world, Rushing said. A lot of times, we lose sight of the role of the recruiter in all that.

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R.E. Garrison Trucking is known across the industry for its commitment to supporting drivers.

There are two types of people at RE Garrison  you will either drive a truck, or you will support the person driving a truck, Rushing said.

Weve spent some time this year reflecting on how that sets us apart as a destination employer for drivers and staff around the country, Rushing said. Im actually proud to say that its setting us less and less apart, because other carriers have picked up on our successes and adopted that mentality.

At R.E. Garrison Trucking, Rushing says, every position outside of the cab of the truck has to support what happens in that cab for the business to be successful.

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Ultimately, to make all the superhero moves we need to make for this industry to do what it needs to do, we have to stay focused on that end goal, which is the backbone of everything we do, Rushing said.

Im really proud to see the alignment that was born of us making that commitment, Rushing said. If Im an accountant, a custodian or executive, Im supporting the role of the driver. I love seeing how that mentality has come alive at R.E. Garrison. Everyone thinks about how what they do and dont do each day impacts the cab of the truck.

That focus has been one of Rushings primary goals in the course of her career. I always ask how we can keep all of us outside of the cab focused on improving the job in the cab, she said.

The by-product, according to Rushing, is that everyone at the company winds up with a more rewarding and more streamlined job.

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All of our jobs are improved, because were cohesively working toward that mission with a sense of purpose, and our drivers push us to make decisions about how we do our job in the supporting roles, Rushing said.

Because of the committed environment, we are a destination employer, Rushing said. When you come in with that simplified alignment of giving the truck or driver a more positive outcome, it puts all the challenges into perspective and keeps us focused.

Evidently, drivers know that, because R.E. Garrison has no trouble recruiting drivers from the best carriers around the country.

This is somewhere we all choose to be, Rushing said. We make intentional decisions that push all of us forward together. That really sets us apart, but as Ive said, Im tremendously proud to see other companies adopt our model.

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Click here to learn more about R.E. Garrison Trucking.

Sponsors: DriverReach, Lanefinder, The National Transportation Institute, Career Now Brands, Carrier Intelligence, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions, WorkHound, Asurint, Arya By Leoforce, Seiza, Drive My Way, F|Staff, Trucksafe Consulting, Seated Social, Repowr

The post Focus on drivers sets the best carriers apart  Taking the Hire Road appeared first on FreightWaves.
This file photo shows an exterior view of the Shenzhen Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Shenzhen Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology/Handout via Xinhua)

SHENZHEN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- How far does a synthetic bio-material travel from lab idea to market product? For Zhong Chao, founder of PAM2L Biotechnologies, it's a journey of just two floors.

At the 26th China High-Tech Fair held last month, PAM2L Biotechnologies unveiled a medical-grade bio-material that accelerates wound healing and has wide-ranging applications in medical aesthetics.

Zhong explained that the core ingredient of this material is mussel adhesive protein, which can effectively help cell migration and wound repair, while also possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions to maintain the health of the skin barrier.

By combining synthetic biology and artificial intelligence technology, the company uses genetically modified bacteria to produce mussel adhesive protein through fermentation, obtaining 2,000 grams in just two days. In the past, it took about 20 million mussels to extract the same amount of such protein.

"I came up with the idea of synthesizing mussel adhesive protein three years ago. After six months of lab experiments and two years of pilot testing, the protein is now gaining traction in the market," Zhong told Xinhua.

He attributes the rapid commercialization of technology in large part to an innovation hub in Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province that caters to the needs of synthetic biology startups.

The Shenzhen Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology spans eight floors, offering over 4,600 square meters of office space and more than 7,300 square meters of labs and workshop areas, designed to meet the diverse needs of startups and research institutions at every stage of development.

While pursuing his research at the Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhong envisioned turning his expertise into a business. In July 2021, he took the leap and established his company in the innovation hub.

Each morning, he would arrive at the Institute of Synthetic Biology's laboratory on the seventh floor to begin his research for the day.

In the afternoon, he would spend two hours at his company on the fifth floor addressing technical issues related to commercial production. Although the two teams operated independently, their frequent communication significantly shortened the time between research and industrial application.

Zhong said that instruments used in synthetic biology often cost at least 5 million yuan (about 690,000 U.S. dollars), which is too expensive for startups. However, companies in the innovation hub can access R&D platforms and equipment at a fraction of the market price, significantly reducing both initial costs and development time.

According to him, interaction between scientists and entrepreneurs is very important. Sometimes a chance encounter in the hallway or a casual coffee chat can spark new ideas or help solve a challenging problem.

Synthetic biology can be understood as the engineering of biology, with broad prospects in biomedicine, agriculture, food production and so on. Synthetic biology startups often go through the stages of "from 0 to 1" -- the transformation and application of research results, "from 1 to 10" -- pilot test production, and "from 10 to 100" -- mass production for the market.

Zhong's company has made rapid progress. In August 2022, it moved from the innovation hub to an industrial park, also managed by the Shenzhen Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology, located just a 20-minute drive away, where it set up a pilot test workshop.

In January 2023, the company announced that it had secured more than 100 million yuan in Pre-A financing.

In August 2024, a new cosmetic material featuring mussel adhesive protein as its key ingredient passed the review of China's National Medical Products Administration and was listed in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system by the Personal Care Products Council of the United States. With these milestones, Zhong's idea is now poised to enter the cosmetics market.

His company is just one of many success stories emerging from the innovation hub in Shenzhen. Today, the hub is home to nearly 50 biotech companies that have collectively raised almost 3 billion yuan in funding, with a total commercial valuation exceeding 30 billion yuan.

In recent years, China has continued to promote the integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial development. According to a key resolution adopted in July at the third plenum of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, the country will implement a series of measures to deepen the reform of the science and technology system, including coordinating the building of various science and innovation platforms, encouraging and regulating the development of new types of research and development institutions.

The resolution also called for promoting the integrated development of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, strengthening the principal position of enterprises in sci-tech innovation, and enhancing the deep integration of industry, university and research led by enterprises.

According to Luo Wei, director of the Shenzhen Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology, the innovation hub supports researchers in carrying out original innovation and tackling core technology challenges, and provides industrial incubation space, shared experimental platforms and think-tank support for synthetic biology startups.

This incubation mechanism supports startups, which often lack the necessary facilities and technical platforms, by integrating research, industry, funding and talent into an innovative ecosystem. This approach significantly shortens the cycle from original innovation to industrial transformation, Luo said. 
The nonprofit Focus: HOPE is looking for volunteers to deliver food to hundreds of seniors across metro Detroit on one Saturday later this month.

This year, the Detroit-based organization is expanding its annual holiday delivery efforts to include 100 more seniors, up from 1,400 the year before. On Dec. 21, volunteers will deliver holiday-themed food boxes to low-income seniors who are struggling to afford the basics in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Washtenaw counties.

"The seniors in our food program are making some extremely difficult decisions with their money every month," said Rachel Sherman, manager of the volunteer department at Focus: HOPE. "They're deciding between purchasing food or purchasing medication. They're deciding between purchasing food or paying a phone bill or their electricity bill."

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The senior holiday delivery is expanding to 1,500 recipients this year because Focus: HOPE has additional federal money for its food program, Sherman said. It's timely because the need for food assistance continues among seniors.

The nonprofit Focus: HOPE is looking for volunteers to deliver food to hundreds of seniors across metro Detroit on Dec. 21. at 8 a.m.

The senior holiday delivery is a part of Focus: HOPE's Food for Seniors program, which provides monthly food boxes to more than 42,000 seniors in nine Michigan counties, from Wayne to Huron. Those packages typically include produce, grains, milk and cheese. The upcoming special deliveries are geared toward the holidays, offering cake mix, frosting, cornbread and a frozen turkey, alongside fresh produce and shelf stable items. Recipients were randomly selected for the special deliveries from Focus: HOPE's Food for Seniors program.

"It's really nice to be able to give them this additional holiday box and use this money for that because it's something that they want. It's not something that they're just needing to survive," Sherman said.

More: Detroit kids spot themselves in vibrant new mural celebrating African-forward culture

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More: The right athletic program makes a difference for kids with special needs

Focus: HOPE is looking for about 150 more people to join the 500 volunteers needed to get the job done. Volunteers can make food deliveries, load cars or direct traffic on site. Deliveries run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Interested volunteers must sign up by going to www.bit.ly/fHshD24. For questions, call Focus: HOPE at 313-494-4270 or email volunteer@focushope.edu. The deadline to register to volunteer is Dec. 17.

Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Focus: HOPE needs volunteers to deliver food to low-income seniors
Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness and affordability of how healthcare is delivered, attendees at the 2024 Forbes Healthcare Summit in New York City were told Wednesday.

Ajay Shah, Cytovale co-founder and chief executive officer, said artificial intelligence tools are helping patients stay healthier while caregivers are lowering their healthcare delivery costs.

Cytovale is the maker of the IntelliSep AI tool that specifically diagnosis sepsis that it says is common, costly and difficult to diagnose.

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"The conversation is really about the clinical operation and financial benefits to hospitals and healthcare systems," Shah said when asked about the healthcare benefits of AI tools, like IntelliSep.

"Some of what we've been able to share over the last year is demonstrating a reduction in length of stay by over a day for every patient tested with IntelliSep," Shah said.

"That's the result of enabling the physician and the providers to see the right diagnosis from the first minute of that patient's visit and dramatically changing their care pathways," he added.

"The long-term effects of sepsis are really meaningful," Shah said. "Getting patients aggressive care quickly improves the outcome of their long-term costs."

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The healthcare summit is an annual event sponsored by Forbes and includes leaders in the nation's $4 trillion healthcare industry.

AI "is a powerful and disruptive area of computer science, with the potential to fundamentally transform the practice of medicine and the delivery of healthcare," the National Institutes of Health reported in 2021.

AI can help healthcare systems around the world to achieve the four-part goal of improving population health, patients' care, caregivers' experiences and lowering the cost of healthcare delivery.

"Aging populations, growing burden of chronic diseases and rising costs of healthcare globally are challenging governments, payers, regulators and providers to innovate and transform models of healthcare deliver," the NIH said.

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The recent COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated shortfalls in the available healthcare workforce and inequities in accessing care that the NIH says AI could help alleviate.

"The application of technology and artificial intelligence in healthcare has the potential to address some of these supply-and-demand challenges," the NIH said.

President Joe Biden agrees and last year issued an executive order requiring the federal government to "prioritize generative AI and other critical and emerging technologies" to accelerate their responsible use in the nation's healthcare systems and other industries.

"AI holds extraordinary potential for both promise and peril," Biden said in the executive order.

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"Responsible AI use has the potential to help solve urgent challenges while making our world more prosperous, productive, innovative and secure," Biden said. "At the same time, irresponsible use could exacerbate societal harms."

He said, "harnessing AI for good and realizing its myriad benefits requires mitigating its substantial risks."

Mitigating the risks requires a "society-wide effort that includes government, the private sector, academia and civil society,"Biden said.

The Healthcare Summit fits within the context of Biden's executive order.

"The AI revolution is unleashing new ways to discover drugs, personalize medicine and even manage a doctor's paperwork," Healthcare Summit organizers said.

The invitation-only annual event at Murphy Alumni Hall, NYU Langone Health, is the 13th that Forbes has held.
The Ford Bronco made its triumph return in 2020, following a nearly 25-year absence from the market. With SUVs more popular than ever before it only made sense for the automaker to bring back its most beloved off-roader. Sure enough, the car-buying public greeted the throwback model with open arms and wallets (some examples were being flipped for double the sticker price during the early months). Over 400,000 examples of the new Broncowhich is available as either a mid-size or compact SUV, the latter of which is called the Bronco Sporthave been sold since it went on sale as part of the 2021 model year class.

But five years on, is the no-longer-so-new Bronco still worth getting excited about? We recently took the Bronco Sport Big Bend on a quick road trip to upstate New York to find out.

More from Robb Report

A History That Dates Back to the 1960s

Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend

Introduced in 1965, the Bronco has the distinction of being Fords first SUV. It was conceived as a rival to the Jeep CJ and Toyota Land Cruiser and its off-roading capabilities were a selling point from the beginning. The model proved to be enough of a success that five different iterations would be offered over the next three decades, as well as a compact spin-off called the Bronco IIitself a precursor for the Bronco Sportthat was sold between 1984 and 1990.

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Its rare for a car model to remain in production for multiple decades, and by the middle of the 1990s Bronco sales were in a state of decline, thanks, at least in part, to it only being available in a two-door configuration. In 1996, Ford discontinued the vehicle. It probably didnt help that the vehicle had played a pivotal part in a certain notorious low-speed police chase that was watched by over 90 million Americans two years prior, though the automaker claimed this didnt influence its decision.

A lot changed during the Broncos quarter-century away from the market. The biggest thing was that the SUV became the dominant class of vehicle in the U.S. They had never been big sellers before the 1990s, but by 2020 47.5 percent of new cars sold in America were SUVs. And that figure has only risen in the years since the sixth-gen Bronco made its debut.

Versatility in a Smaller Package

Inside the Bronco Sport Big Bend

We live in an era where everything old is new again, so we dont imagine that many enthusiasts were all that surprised when Ford announced it was bringing the Bronco back. The Blue Ovals lineup hasnt been short of SUVs over the last few decades, but in 2020 it was missing a good old-fashioned 44. In fact, if you wanted something you could take off-road, your best option was a truck, the F-150 Raptor.

The new Bronco has filled this hole. Its a boxy bruiser that you can drive over nearly anything terrain with confidence (especially in the high-performance Raptor variant). And both the three- and five-door versions look mighty good doing that too, thanks to a retro-styled design that features several visual references to the nameplates first generation. The SUV isnt just a cynical nostalgia play, even if could have been. Its a fully modern-day update, with all the creature comforts (heated seats) and useful tech (driver assistance software) that todays drivers expect.

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But the Bronco Sport is something different. The nu Bronco II is smaller than the standard Broncothough it still has room for fivewith a length is an inch shorter than the two-door model and 16 inches shorter than the four-door. Its sleeker, with a look that still features some throwback details but with cleaner, more modern lines. It also might be the more versatile of the two Broncos, even if its the less robust off-roader.

Enough Pep for Most of Us

A rear 3/4 view of the Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend

Theres no point denying it: the Bronco Sport is less powerful than its bigger sibling, which, in its Raptor guise, makes 418 hp and 440 ft lbs of torque. It shares a platform with the Ford Escape compact SUV and Maverick pickup, although unlike those vehicles all-wheel drive comes standard. Under the hood youll find either a 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder both of which are mated to an eight-speed automatic. The former produces 180 hp and 190 ft lbs of torque, the latter 238 hp and 277 ft lbs of torque. A Bronco Sport with the three-pot can jog from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, while the more powerful version can do the same in 5.9 seconds.

Those numbers arent anything to write home about, but most of us really dont need much more. The Big Bend has the smaller of the two engines and we never found ourselves wanting for more grunt. The SUV had no problem maneuvering its way through New York City, though the jolt of its Auto Stop-Start technology did take some getting used to. This wasnt a surprise, of course. What was, though, was how much zip the car had once we were clear of the city. Even more impressive was how it handled the changes of elevations in the Catskills region. Sure, you could tell the acceleration wasnt the best, but it was more than up to the task once it got going.

Fit for Overlanding Adventures

The Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend from the front

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The Bronco Sport may not have as much grunt as the regular Bronco, but it still has four-wheel drive. That means you can leave the pavement should your journey require it. Its also got a decent payload and towing capacity for a vehicle of its size. Despite its compact classification, the vehicle itself can carry a load of 1,163 pounds and tow an additional 2,200 pounds (though that number dips to 2,000 with the three-cylinder engine). That means it should have little trouble towing pop-up (or teardrop) trailers, ATVs, and other assorted adventure gear, making it well-suited for overlanding.

When we did leave the pavement upstate, we were struck by how surprisingly smooth the drive felt. No, we wouldnt want to take the SUV rock climbing, but this is exactly the kind of all-terrain ability you want for something youre going to drive to the campground and back.

An Ideal SUV for Escaping the City

Despite its lack of power and size, the Bronco Sport is just about as capable as its bigger sibling. Unless youre looking to desert race in Baja California or scale the rocks in Moab, compact Bronco can do just about everything a drivereven one who fancies themselves an off-roaderneeds it to do, whether yourre planning on a day trip or something longer for the entire family.

The SUVs smaller footprint also makes it much easier to deal with when youre back in civilization. If youve ever tried to park a hulking vehicle on the streets of New York, you know it can be both annoying and stressful. But we had little trouble finding a spot in our crowded neighborhood once wed returned from our sojourn. Theres something to be said about a vehicle that can do a little bit of everything, with a minimum of fuss.

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The man tasked with winning senators support for embattled Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth is a Never Trumper who is also lobbying for Saudi Arabia, the Daily Beast has learned.

Norm Coleman, a former Republican senator, has been escorting Hegseth around the Capitol complex this week, bobbing and weaving through packs of reporters shouting questions about Hegseths alcohol consumption and rape allegations.

Coleman is the Trump transition teams sherpa for Hegseth. But eight years ago, he called Trump a bigot, a misogynist, a fraud, and a bully.

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There is a coarseness to Trump that degrades the political discourse, such as when he calls women fat pigs or attacks a female reporter by a not-so-subtle reference to her menstrual cycle, Coleman wrote in an opinion piece published in The Minnesota Star Tribune on March 3, 2016.

He is not to be trusted to lead our nations military in times of peace or war, Coleman wrote of Trump. Coleman, 75, was senator for Minnesota from 2002 until 2009, when he was defeated by former SNL writer and performer Al Franken by a margin of just 312 votes.

But that was then, and this is now. And Coleman is raking in millions of dollars as a registered foreign agent for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiawhere, incidentally, alcohol is prohibitedas he steers meetings between Hegseth and key senators who will decide whether the former Fox News stars drinking habits and alleged abuse of women will block him from leading the Department of Defense.

Trump on Thursday continued pushing Hegseths nomination. He railed against The Swamp fighting back because they cant continue to line their pocketseven as his transition teams designated sherpa for his DOD pick is doing just that from clients who include defense contractors.

C-Span Caller: "@petehegseth's very brave. He's gone to Harvard, Princeton. He's written several books  he's a multimillionaire. I'm not even sure he really needs this job. This is The Swamp fighting back because they can't continue to line their pockets if Pete is actually pic.twitter.com/F1P1EhZje4  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 5, 2024

Coleman, as senior counsel for the global law firm Hogan Lovells, represents countries and companies with business before the Department of Defense. And he lobbies Congress on behalf of the foreign governments that pay him handsomely, public documents show.

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This year alone, Saudi Arabia paid Colemans law firm , Hogan Lovells, $2.4 million to lobby members of Congress and other government officials on behalf of the oil-rich kingdoms interests. His firms fees were laid out in his Jan. 23 letter to Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the ambassador of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States.

The Bulwark posted its story a few hours before the Daily Beast did.

There is no indication that Coleman, a former U.S. senator from Minnesota, is shilling for Saudi Arabia or other countries and corporate clients during his many meetings with senators to win confirmation for Hegseth. But serving as sherpa to one of Trumps most high-profile and controversial nominees certainly puts the former senator squarely in front of the senators he now lobbies.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman is the Trump transition team's Senate

Coleman also represents Japan, the repressive Georgian government, and in the past he worked for Afghanistan. He also serves as chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition, the leading GOP Jewish political action committee, which gets funding from billionaire Miriam Adelson, the Israeli-American donor who gave $100 million to Trumps 2024 presidential campaign.

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Coleman, however, is an odd choice for Trumpnot just because of his previously stated hatred of the former and future president. Another hat he wears is that of chairman of the decidedly anti-MAGA American Action Network, an advocacy group that promotes center-right policies.

The Daily Beast reached out to the Trump transition team, Hogan Lovells and the Republican Jewish Coalition for comment.

But one thing Coleman does share with the Trump family is a connection to Saudi Arabia.

Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, won a $2 billion investment from the Saudi Arabian government soon after leaving the White House in 2022. And Trump has chosen Kevin Hassett, one of Kushners partners at his investment firm, Affinity Partners, to serve as head of the National Economic Council. Kushners firm has been scrutinized for potential conflicts of interests and potential counterintelligence risks by congressional Democrats.

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Eight months before the 2016 election, Norm Coleman, the man who is now shepherding the nomination of Trumps choice to lead the Pentagon in his second administration, warned, It is said that our leaders are a reflection of who we are. If we believe that, then people like Donald Trump will fall.

If not, then people like Donald Trump will rise up, and like every fascist before them, will lead a nation to its doom.

A veteran Republican sherpa for Senate confirmations who worked on the first Trump transitionwho supports Trump and his nomineesexpressed concern about the choice of Coleman to steer the Hegseth nomination, and said he suspected Trump was unaware.

The notion that Senator Coleman is indispensable to confirming Hegseth is wrong, said the former Trump transition official, who requested anonymity. I cant imagine that President Trump knew that a registered foreign agent was talking around his nominee for DoD. And if he knew about it, I am sure that he would have rejected the idea.

The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops.
Forests damaged by wildfire on the Colville Indian Reservation. (Rian Dundon/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The fires that burned down the Santiam Canyon over Labor Day weekend in 2020 were a disaster for the communities from Idanha all the way to Stayton. Recovery started right away, but rebuilding homes and public infrastructure has been tragically slow, delaying the healing of the community.

Likewise in the burned forests; healing started right away, but logging those burned forests delayed healing.

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Oregon forests  from the coast to high desert  need fire to be healthy. When those Labor Day fires swept through on the force of a hot, dry and very fast wind, the forests didnt stand a chance. Thats because forests in Oregon burn. When we tend a forest, log it or choose not to tend it, we accept (maybe unconsciously or without really thinking about it) that theres a chance it will burn. Sure, when the fire does come, it might burn bright and consume everything or it might burn with a light touch, knowing it will come back again.

We even try to stop the fires. But the forest will burn.

It is what happens in the forest afterwards thats up to us. A post-fire forest is still a forest; it still does stuff. And it can and will regrow as the forest that it needs to be, if we let the forest be. That means not logging it.

But in many Oregon forests, the fire-killed and fire-damaged trees get logged just when the forest needs them in order to heal. It is like peeling off a scab too early; we punch in roads, cut vast swathes of trees and take the root stock of a future forest just when the forest needs snags, conifers seeds, downed wood on the forest floor and trees crashing into streams. Dead trees are food for bugs, while bugs are food for woodpeckers that rely upon the fire-killed forest. Dead trees are food for the forest, too, standing as shade for emerging tree seedlings, falling as slow-rotting, moisture-holding wood for the forest floor, and tumbling into streams as homes for fish and water-living insects. There is tremendous life in a fire-killed forest.

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We log when we need to let the woodpeckers, ants, butterflies, flowers and seedlings do their work. We have to let the forest heal after fire, and that means keeping the trees. In fact, it is harder for trees themselves to grow on these denuded lands with hotter, drier soils and fewer seed trees present.

It is going to take a lot longer for Santiam Canyon forests to heal after the 2020 wildfires because fire-damaged trees were logged on private, state and federal forests. Much of Monument Peak and surrounding private forestland was mowed clean off by logging after fire. Wide swathes of forest on either side of gated roads in the Mount Hood National Forest on the north side of Oregon 22 continue to be logged after a fire in the name of safety.

The Santiam State Forest was logged by the state Department of Forestry, where snags have been replaced by blackberries and Scotch broom.

Rather than healing, those forests that have been logged too soon now adorn the underside of Portland Airports glorious new terminal, holding up the roof as Mass Plywood Panels made by Freres Lumber, plywood that was named coolest new product in Oregon in 2023. Oregonians traveling inadvertently pay for that degraded forest as we walk under that beautiful roof to and from our plane travels.

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While the federal government primarily logs wildfire-killed trees along forest roads, the Forest Service may expand this logging to more of our forests. The Northwest Forest Plan, adopted 30 years ago to protect old-growth forests for threatened animals, is in the process of being amended and the plan will likely allow post-fire logging on 5.5 million acres (the draft is set for release November 15th). That means an area of public land 50% larger than the Willamette Valley is at risk of being denuded after fires, like a scab peeled too early, delaying healing.

Wildfire on private forestland destroys investments when it kills trees. And yet, the appraised value of the land is based upon its ability to grow trees for the long term. Logging trees post-fire degrades the ability to grow trees and thus the value of the land, but it also degrades the natural resources that we all depend upon and which landowners have an obligation to not pollute, like air and water. The Oregon Board of Forestry has twice delayed adopting stronger rules for post-fire logging that would protect streams, drinking water and fish habitat.

In a hotter and drier world, every tree we log after a fire is one fewer tree to store carbon, create habitat, accelerate regrowth and clean our water.

From the Forest Service to the Port of Portland and the Department of Forestry to the Board of Forestry, decision-makers need to stop peeling the scab and end rampant post-fire logging. Our future and the future of the forests demand better.

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When Tristan Brandenburg leaves the house at 4 a.m., theres no one to see him off. His wife, Stacia, and 7-year-old daughter have moved to the familys new home in Colorado, while Brandenburg has stayed behind for work, settling into a friends spare bedroom.

The Southern California desert is dark and cold as he begins the 25-minute drive from Rosamond to Mojave. He usually listens to books on tape during the ride, but this morning he goes without. Alone in the silence, Brandenburg runs through the emergency procedures one more time.

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When he arrives at Mojave Air and Space Port, he passes the hangar that holds the Boom XB-1, the one-third-scale demonstrator model for the Overture, the first commercial supersonic jet since the Concordeat least in theory. After 10 years and at least $700 million in development, endless computer modeling and thousands of hours of simulations, neither Boom nor the XB-1 have even approached the speed of sound.

Someone has to be first.

Boom test pilot Tristan Brandenburg making a visual inspection of the XB-1.

Welcome to the life of a test pilot, says Jim Brown, a former U.S. Air Force tester whos now president of the National Test Pilot School in Mojave. You can do all the simulations and predictions you want, but until you start putting speed and altitude on it, you never know how an aircraft is going to behave. But once a test pilot is done with his job, everyone else who flies that plane doesnt have to worry. Thered be no business jet market if there were questions about safety.

Brown would know. He was around for the early days of the F-22 and witnessed a flight meant to measure vibration in the wings that called for the plane to invert, steady, then go into a roll. The procedure started fine, but the plane rolled slower than it had in the simulator, and when it came out of the maneuver, it was pointed straight at the desert floor at supersonic speed.

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The pilot wrenched the stick back and the F-22 pulled out of the dive 500 feetor two-tenths of a secondshort of impact. Those cactuses were getting awful big, awful fast, Brown says with a laugh, which he can, because he was the one behind the controls that day.

Most test pilots have close-call stories. Brandenburg has had plenty of airborne emergencies. Hes had to shut down one engine numerous timesafter ingesting a bird during takeoff, because of an oil leak, because of a cabin pressure leak.

Like most test pilots, Brandenburgs a product of the military, including the Naval Academy, Naval Flight School, aircraft carrier deployments, a stint as an adversary at Top Gun, and the Naval Test Pilot School. The Navy prepares you to keep a cool head and focus on what you have to do in those situations, he says.

For the most part, talk of those experiences only comes out if you meet us in the bar, Brown says, but theyre never far from mind, especially on an early morning drive through the desert.

Like many test pilots, Brandenburg came out of the military, landing F-18 Super Hornets on the decks of aircraft carriers.

Its 0430 when Brandenburg parks and makes his way into the Boom offices. In the simulator room, he changes into his olive-green flight suit, complete with Booms arrowhead shaped patch and another showing his call name: Geppetto.

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In the weeks leading up to the flight, he has made a series of cards with notes about each of the tests that he will perform. Its August 28 and the XB-1s second flight, but its Geppettos first behind the controls. Its been five months since that initial foray and the companys previous test pilot left for another gig. The plane has undergone significant changes in the interim, rendering this as close to a first flight as possible, especially since it will employ systems and maneuvers that have not yet been used.

At 0500 he reports to the command center for a briefing. The entire crewsome 50-plus peoplelisten as Geppetto runs through the cards, which lay out objectives, procedures, timing, fuel usage, airspace requirements, and potential emergencies, as well as how the team will respond to them.

Thousands of sensors placed throughout the XB-1 track everything from vibration and torsion to temperature and pressure. The team will monitor all of them from the control room during the flight. If something is going to fail, theyll often know before it happens.

The XB-1 is the preliminary test platform that could eventually lead to the Overture supersonic airliner.

Test pilots exist somewhere between aviator and engineer. Geppetto loved being in the field, flying the F-18 Super Hornet, but a flight-test engineering class at Annapolis had turned him onto the idea of not just piloting a plane but figuring out how it was performing and how to make it better. That drove him to Pax River, the Navys test pilot school at Patuxent River, Maryland.

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The year-long program maintains a rigorous daily schedule: four hours in the classroom, four hours in the cockpit and a written evaluation each dayor as the attendees say: A half day of class, a half day of flying and a half day of writing.

Browns private test-pilot school follows the same model and trains aviators from U.S. allies, such as Canada and Germany. A civilian could sign up, but the student loans would be backbreakingthe course costs about $1 million.

Test pilots have to be skilled aviators, but theyre also curious, Brown says. Theyre the kids who took apart the family washing machine to figure out how it worked. In movies the test pilot kicks the tires and goes, that whole romantic Chuck Yeager thing. In real life, its science and planning and preparation before the flight, then, after the flight, its bringing information back to the engineers.

When Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1, adds Brown, it was his 36th flight on that plane. He didnt just show up one day and fly.

Brandenburg, who has flown seven successful flights to date, readies himself for flight two in late August.

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The brief runs an hour, and at 0600 Geppetto steps out of the control room and, one last time, checks the weather. Jet engines produce more thrust at cooler temperatures and the Mojave air is smoothest early in the day, which is why the flights are scheduled for just after sun up. Any deviation from ideal conditions could bring the plan to a halt, and Flight 2 has already been scratched twice.

Everything looks good, and he heads for the tarmac. Over the years, Geppetto has compiled more than 2,500 hours of flight time in 30 different types of aircrafteverything from a Russian MiG to an HU-16 Albatrossand successfully stuck over 200 landings on boats moving across a tilting ocean, and yet the walk out to the XB-1 brings on the nerves.

Hes concerned in particular about a maneuver meant to test side slipthe planes reaction to an off-nose wind. Swept-wing designs like the XB-1s typically dont do well in those situations, and the aircraft also has some difficult handling characteristics, particularly in roll. Its the reason a roll-dampening system has been added for this flight and why Geppetto prepped by flying the F-104 with the stability augmentation system off, which is not something normally done.

The XB-1 taking off on its second flight.

Then theres the landing gear. This is the first time it will be retractedand, hopefully, extendedduring flight. The crew has tested it hundreds of times on the ground, but the ground is not the same as a few thousand feet in the air at a few hundred miles per hour.

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Geppetto completes his final visual inspection by flashlight and at 0615 and mounts the boarding stairs with parachute and helmet in hand. At the top, the crew chief helps him get into his gear.

Alone again, Geppetto pauses, says a short prayer and climbs into the seat.

Once hes strapped in, Geppetto falls into the routine of preflight checks. He runs through the pre-engine-start list, and at 0624, he closes the canopy. The ground crew starts the engines externally, filling the air with an urgent whine. Across the tarmac the chase plane, a T-38, fires its engines, too.

The pre-flight safety protocols continue. We work really hard to make it boring, Geppetto says.

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A phrase permeates the community: Everyone has the no vote. If anyone on the team has any doubt about any aspect of the construction or performance, they can sound the alarm, at which point the whole team will gather to assess the issue and iterate alternatives until they reach a greater comfort level.

Each successive flight tests different components. On the second flight, the landing gear was tested in the air.

When Geppetto finishes his final checks, its nearly 0700 and the sun is rising. Both jets taxi to the end of the runway in the soft light. The crew chief runs through a final inspection. Its go time.

The chase plane takes off, quickly banking into a long turn that will bring it around to the runway so it can fall in behind the XB-1 as it lifts off. Despite all the sensors and monitors, the chase pilot provides an invaluable set of eyes and ears.

Ten seconds out, the chase pilot issues a call for Geppetto to prepare for takeoff.

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Geppetto eases the throttles half way, revving the XB-1s engines. Working with the people who design and build the plane, so you know the story of how every piece was developed provides comfort, Geppetto says. Hes completed this exact flight on the simulator thousands of times, but theres a GoPro camera mounted over his shoulder and it shows him taking a deep breath as the countdown ensues.

At 0711 the chase pilot calls for a brake release. Geppetto lets the XB-1 loose while pushing the throttles to maximum afterburner. His smart watch shows his breathing rate increase as he hurtles down the runway.

In seconds, hes airborne.

Seven thousand feet over the Mojave desert.

Geppetto reaches roughly 7,000 feet as his breathing slows and begins the testing sequence, starting with a handling assessment. Next, he retracts the landing gear and it folds into the fuselage without incident. He hits the switch to extend it again, and after a really long 13 seconds it locks into place. He engages the new stabilizers, alters the angle of attack, and notes the side-slip performance. By 0723, Geppetto has finished his mental notes and turned toward home.

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The XB-1 has small wings, which are good for going fast but make landing difficult. They require a high-speed approach at a steep angle of attack thats more like touching down on an aircraft carrier than a traditional steady-glide path descent. To help, two former Navy landing signal officers, trained experts who stand on the flight deck and observe jets on approach, offering pilots critical feedbacktoo high or more power etc.wait on the runway.

Geppetto has landed on carriers, but the XB-1 offers another twist. Its long nose restricts visibility. To compensate, it has two cameras that feed into two separate displays in the cockpit. Its a tricky proposition and to prepare he has been flying the T-38s from the rear seat, which also restricts visibility.

As he approaches, the landing signal officers pipe up. As it turns out, the view on the screen in the actual XB-1 is slightly different than the simulator, causing Geppetto to come in steeper than he should. But with guidance from the crew, he sets it down gently. Time: 0726.

Fist bumps after a successful test flight.

He taxis to the hangar and shuts down the engine. As soon as hes out of the cockpit, he calls Stacia. As he does the team pours out of the control room for hugs and high fives.

A debrief follows. They talk about what worked, what could be better, what the data shows, and future plans. When theyre done, Geppetto spends a few hours writing up a report.

All the systems have been proven now and future flights will focus on pushing the boundaries by taking small bites of airspeed and altitude on the way to supersonic, Geppetto says. This is a very deliberate process, and it may seem slow and tedious, but its the safest way to expand the aircraft envelope.

At the end of the day, the team gathers at Guidos, a restaurant and bar on the grounds. Geppetto throws down some money and everyone has a good time.

Its still light out when Tristan Brandenburg starts his solo drive back to Rosamond. He has been listening to the audio version of Never Panic Early, the NASA veteran Gene Kranzs book about the near disaster of Apollo 13. As the desert closes in around him, he hits play and lets the sound fill the air.

Editors note: Flight 2, covered here, took place on Aug. 26. Brandenburg completed the eighth and most recent flight of the XB-1 on Nov. 16, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.82. The test flights will continue until well after the XB-1 goes supersonic.

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With attention focused on Moscow's grinding advances in Donbas, and Ukraine's efforts to hold onto Russian territory in Kursk Oblast, one area of the front lines continues to see daily battles but little coverage.

Ukrainian and Russian forces are locked in an ongoing fight over a series of small islands in the Dnipro River, control of which would allow Moscow's forces to intensify attacks on the embattled city of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

"Local clashes take place (for the Dnipro islands) every day," Viktor Kevliuk, a retired military officer and defense expert, told the Kyiv Independent.

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"The enemy is fighting for the islands with the 61st Marine Brigade of the Northern Fleet  Ukrainian marines are countering them."

Kevliuk adds that neither side is fully in control of the islands, though he says Ukraine "has the advantage" in an ongoing fight which sees both sides trading intense artillery fire and drone attacks.

Ukrainian infantrymen from the 126th Territorial Defense Brigade train on boats to carry out combat missions on water, crossing the river and landing on the banks of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine on April 16, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

"In the context of all combat clashes (along the front line), the southern direction is relatively the calmest, but only when compared to other situations along the battle line," he said.

But on Dec. 4, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin told the Financial Times that Russia "wants to launch another offensive" in the direction of Kherson, and had assembled "300 boats to cross the river," suggesting this relatively quiet part of the front line may be about to heat up.

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Read also: Fall of Aleppo deals blow to Russias Middle East clout, may indirectly strengthen Ukraines hand

Why are the Dnipro islands important?

"Controlling the Dnipro islands means controlling the Dnipro River and its coastline," Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesman for the "South" unit of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, a volunteer military formation, told Ukrainian Radio last month.

In the fall of 2022, a Ukrainian counteroffensive succeeded in pushing Russian forces out of the city of Kherson, and other regional settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River.

Since then, Russian and Ukrainian positions have been largely separated by the wide, swampy river dotted by numerous small islands.

The map showing a battle for the Dnipro islands. (The Kyiv Independent)

From their new positions on the east bank, Russian forces continued to shell Kherson and the surrounding villages, killing civilians in attacks which continue to this day.

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Ukraine wanted to push eastward from the river to create a buffer zone between the Russian-held east bank, and the Ukrainian-controlled west bank, making it harder for the Russian troops to launch attacks.

In February 2023, Ukrainian troops began conducting risky raids across the river, probing Russian defenses. By the summer, the first reports emerged of Ukraine holding a bridgehead on the other side of the Dnipro River near the destroyed Antonivsky Bridge.

The operation reached its zenith around October when Ukrainian troops entered Krynky, a small coastal village on the east bank, turning it into the key bridgehead for Kyiv's troops operating across the Dnipro River.

A rotation of soldiers returning from their positions in the village of Krynky after crossing the river. Ukrainian soldiers from the 126th Territorial Defense Brigade carry out combat missions to ford the Dnipro River in the Kherson frontline area near the village of Krynky in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine on April 21, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

Krynky became the focal point of intense battles but the front line remained largely static for months despite heavy losses on both sides.

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In December 2023, the Kyiv Independent reported from Dnipro River's left bank, speaking to soldiers taking part in the cross-river raids. Many said the fighting felt "hopeless."

By July of this year, Ukraine was forced to withdraw from its Krynky bridgehead.

Since then, Russian attacks on Kherson have only intensified, even incorporating the deliberate targeting of civilians with FPV drones in what has been dubbed a "drone safari."

"Currently, we can see how Russian drones are terrorizing Kherson, targeting civilian cars," Bratchuk said.

"In order to further escalate these terrorist attacks, the Russians aim to capture the (Dnipro) islands and deploy additional forces there."

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Read also: Human safari  Kherson civilians hunted down by Russian drones

What's the current situation on the Dnipro islands?

Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, said on Nov. 28 that Russian forces are constantly trying to gain footholds on and around the Dnipro islands.

"(Russian troops) are doing this to seize bridgeheads on the west bank and draw some of our forces and resources there, just as we did in Krynky," he said.

The day before, Voloshyn also said Russian troops were massing on the Tendra and Kinburn spits, in an effort to control the mouth of the Dnipro.

Voloshyn said Ukrainian forces maintained fire control over positions in the area, and were continuing to fend off the Russian attacks, a view shared by experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent.

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"(Russian forces) are trying to storm with small forces to constrain Ukraine's reserves, forcing Ukrainian troops to use artillery shells. In this way, Russia aims to weaken our defensive line," Dmytro Zhmailo, a military expert and executive director of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, told the Kyiv Independent.

"(Russian forces) are trying to storm with small forces to constrain Ukraine's reserves, forcing Ukrainian troops to use artillery shells."

"However, since our artillery and FPV drones are actively operating in this region, the front line along the Dnipro is more secure. Therefore, these provocation operations will be costly for the Russians," he added.

Zhmailo said another objective for Moscow's troops was to maintain pressure along as much of the front line as possible to stretch Ukrainian forces.

A road block is seen on the road down to the Dnipro River in central Kherson, Ukraine on Dec. 22nd 2023. (Ed Ram/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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"Through these actions, Russia also seeks to prevent Ukrainian forces from reinforcing Kursk, Kurakhove, and other key areas where the enemy is advancing," he said.

But Prokudin's comments on Dec. 4 suggest Russian forces are about to increase pressure in the area.

Voloshyn, also speaking on Dec. 4, said Russia is now training assault groups in occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, citing Ukraine's intelligence data, adding Moscow's troops are practising how to cross water obstacles and transfer landing groups.

Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), he reassured that there "has not been a single successful attempt at this assault or enemy crossing in a month."

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"The Ukrainian Defense Forces are now reliably defending the city of Kherson and Kherson Oblast, and the entire west bank," he added.

Read also: Destroying us little by little: Ukrainian troops worried about fate of Kursk operation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A former commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, will face a court-martial for adultery and fraternization, the base announced nearly one year after his removal from leadership.

Col. Christopher Meeker, the former commander of Wright-Patterson's 88th Air Base Wing, was removed from his role on Dec. 29, 2023. On Wednesday, base officials announced that he faces three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Meeker was charged Oct. 25 with three violations of the UCMJ, namely "one charge and one specification under Article 90, Willfully Disobeying Superior Commissioned Officer; and one charge and two specifications under Article 134, Extramarital Sexual Conduct and Fraternization," a news release from Air Force Materiel Command said.

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Read Next: Commander of Navy Reserve Center in Wyoming Fired over Personal Conduct

"Just as in civilian criminal proceedings, the charges are accusations, and Meeker is presumed innocent until and unless proven otherwise by competent legal authority," the command said in the news release.

Meeker waived his Article 32 hearing, the release said.

Eric Carpenter, a former military lawyer who is now a law professor at Florida International University, told Military.com that it's rare for adultery to be the sole charge for a court-martial.

"Generally, private, consensual affairs are not charged," Carpenter told Military.com. "There needs to be some significant impact on good order and discipline."

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Meeker's charges come on the heels of two high-profile court-martial cases of high-level Air Force commanders.

Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, the former commander of the 19th Air Force, faced a court-martial this past summer after being accused of sexual assault and other allegations by a subordinate.

Just before his trial was slated to start, the two-star general pleaded guilty to pursuing an unprofessional relationship with the subordinate and adultery. A panel of eight officers ultimately found Stewart not guilty of sexual assault, but he was found guilty of lesser charges.

The military judge in that case sentenced Stewart to a formal reprimand and restriction to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, for two months, and he was ordered to forfeit $10,000 worth of pay every month for six months.

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Stewart's case was the first time an Air Force general faced a court-martial jury for his alleged crimes.

In 2022, Military.com covered the court-martial of former Maj. Gen. William Cooley, previously the commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory. He was the first Air Force general ever to face a court-martial trial, but his fate was determined by a bench trial not a jury panel.

The judge in that case convicted Cooley of forcibly kissing his sister-in-law. He received a letter of reprimand and was ordered to forfeit $54,550 in pay. He was also later demoted to colonel.

Meeker's case is set to take place at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois on June 9, Air Force Materiel Command said in the news release.

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Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Commander Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, who fired Meeker from his leadership role, transferred the case from Wright-Patterson in Ohio to Scott Air Force Base "in the interest of justice" because she could "be a material witness in the case," the news release said.

Related: Jury Finds Air Force General Not Guilty of Sexual Assault, But Lesser Charges Lead to Loss of Pay, Reprimand
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  A former Baton Rouge bank manager was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in connection to a fraud scheme.

Eric Jason Schouest, 53, of Plaquemine was convicted of bank fraud and embezzlement. In addition to his sentence, he is ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $86,375.89 in restitution.

According to the Department of Justice, Schouest worked as a Regions Bank branch manager from 2010 to 2021 at the Plank Road location. Officials said he exploited his position of trust to embezzle money from customers and deposit it into his personal bank accounts.

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The scheme included sending fraudulent emails and forged documents. The DOJ said Schouest misappropriated over $250,000 from customer accounts.

A spokesperson for Regions Bank gave praise to law enforcement and the justice system for their work in the sentencing.

We appreciate the work of authorities in bringing this matter to justice. Its been well over three years since the former associate worked at one of our locations. Account reimbursement in this case took place long ago. Our company deeply values the trust people place in us. What happened here simply does not reflect the way our local Regions team is committed to serving the people and businesses of Baton Rouge. Spokesperson for Regions Bank

Former Baton Rouge pediatrician pleads guilty to child porn; faces 20 years in prison, $250K fine

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VIENNA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed Thursday to keep oil production at the current levels for the first quarter of 2025.

In a statement released on the OPEC website, eight OPEC+ countries -- Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman -- said they would extend voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million bpd, originally announced in November 2023, to the end of March 2025.

This part of voluntary production cuts will be "gradually phased out on a monthly basis until the end of September 2026 to support market stability," but the monthly increase can be paused or reversed as per market conditions, according to the statement.

The eight countries will also prolong their voluntary production cuts of 1.65 million bpd, first announced in April 2023, to the end of 2026.

Oil ministers from the eight countries talked on the sidelines of a virtual OPEC+ ministerial meeting on Thursday.

In a separate statement, OPEC said OPEC+ countries agreed at the ministerial meeting to extend the level of overall crude production to the whole year of 2026. 
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Docked at Naval Base San Diego, the USS Boxer has returned from a five-month deployment and is attracting some special visitors.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited the ship on Wednesday alongside former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to thank the sailors for their service.

What you all have done in defending our national security interests is to be respected by all Americans, Del Toro said.

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The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit trained with countries across Asia taking part in multinational exercises during the deployment to the U.S. 3rd fleet and U.S. 7th fleet areas of operation.

I am here to thank them for all the great service that theyve done, I owe it to them that I am able to be here today and to be here in America, Schwarzenegger said.

The former governor signed autographs, took selfies and profusely thanked the sailors.

New laws going into effect in California in 2025

it was pretty awesome, its one of the beautiful things we get to experience out here in the Navy, said U.S. Navy 2nd Class Petty Officer Antonio Emmanuel.

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Schwarzenegger also received some special recognition of his own.

One individual who in my humble opinion has done so much for our Navy, for our Marine Corps is Governor Schwarzenegger, Del Toro said.

Del Toro presented the former governor with the Department of the Navys Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the U.S. Navy.

He dedicated himself to actually engaging with members of our military services. Working out with them, supporting them, doing shows with them, doing all sorts of things, Del Toro said.

As Del Toro is nearing retirement, he signed off with an emotional message to the sailors.

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Until my dying day I will carry you in my heart and in my prayers always, God bless you, Del Toro added.

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Former German chancellor Angela Merkel called the country's participation in the US-led military invasion of Afghanistan the correct decision even in retrospect in testimony to a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday.

Merkel, reading from a prepared statement, said there was a "well-founded hope" that the military intervention in Afghanistan would prevent future terrorist attacks from being planned in the country.

But the former chancellor acknowledged that the international community had failed in Afghanistan on nearly every other objective, from encouraging the rule of law to women's rights issues.

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She cited a lack of cultural understanding among Western allies, nepotism and drug trafficking as reasons for the failure.

Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schroder, committed Germany in 2001 to the US-led military coalition to overthrow the hard-line Islamist Taliban government in Afghanistan. At the time, Merkel was a leader of the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

The invasion was launched in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The al-Qaeda terrorist group had prepared the attacks from Afghanistan.

The German parliamentary inquiry is looking into the 2021 withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, which quickly fell into chaos as the Western-backed Kabul government collapsed and was quickly overrun by Taliban forces.

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The investigation is also looking into decisions on whether to evacuate Afghans who had worked with German troops or agencies in the country.

Many Afghans with ties to Western military forces, aid agencies and other groups desperately sought to flee the country during the withdrawal out of fear of Taliban retribution.
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel called the country's participation in the US-led military invasion of Afghanistan the correct decision even in retrospect in testimony to a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday.

Merkel, reading from a prepared statement, said there was a "well-founded hope" that the military intervention in Afghanistan would prevent future terrorist attacks from being planned in the country.

But the former chancellor acknowledged that the international community had failed in Afghanistan on nearly every other objective, from encouraging the rule of law to women's rights issues.

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She cited a lack of cultural understanding among Western allies, nepotism and drug trafficking as reasons for the failure.

Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schroder, committed Germany in 2001 to the US-led military coalition to overthrow the hard-line Islamist Taliban government in Afghanistan. At the time, Merkel was a leader of the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

The invasion was launched in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The al-Qaeda terrorist group had prepared the attacks from Afghanistan.

The German parliamentary inquiry is looking into the 2021 withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, which quickly fell into chaos as the Western-backed Kabul government collapsed and was quickly overrun by Taliban forces.

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The investigation is also looking into decisions on whether to evacuate Afghans who had worked with German troops or agencies in the country.

Many Afghans with ties to Western military forces, aid agencies and other groups desperately sought to flee the country during the withdrawal out of fear of Taliban retribution.

Merkel on Thursday told lawmakers that everything had gone well with the withdrawal of the German military and the evacuation of Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan in 2021.

"The timetable was adhered to. I was very relieved about that," Merkel said.

In her remarks, Merkel also addressed the consequences of the so-called Doha Agreement, which the US and the Taliban signed on August 29, 2020.

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The deal regulated the withdrawal of all US troops and their allies from Afghanistan, while the Taliban pledged that Afghanistan would not again become a safe haven for terrorist groups.

The aim of the committee of inquiry is also to make recommendations for the German government's actions in future crises and conflicts.

Last year, the last commander of German forces in Afghanistan, Brigadier General Ansgar Meyer, told the committee that Merkel personally instructed him to avoid images reminiscent of Saigon, a reference to the desperate final US evacuation from the South Vietnamese capital in April 1975 at the close of the Vietnam War.

"And as far as the military part is concerned, we managed to do that," Meyer testified.

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But a few weeks later, Meyer said he saw "Saigon" on television, referring to the international evacuation from Kabul and the desperate scenes that unfolded at Kabul's airport.

"That affected me deeply," Meyer said.

Before questioning Merkel, the committee had also called her former head of the Chancellery, Helge Braun, as a witness.

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel, takes part as a witness in the public session of the Bundestag's Committee of Inquiry into Afghanistan. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI)  A former Fort Drum MP is getting the perfect Christmas gift.

Staff Sgt. Payton May, a former Fort Drum military working dog handler, was recently reunited with his battle buddy Yyacob on Nov. 25 at his home in San Antonio, Texas.

Fort Drum FMWR opens new coffeehouse inside The Peak

The MWD team separated in 2022 when May left for a new assignment at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. Yyacob, a Belgian Malinois breed, stay behind at Fort Drum until retiring from service.

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The reunion was bittersweet. He came up to me right away and started sniffing and jumping on me. It was like we picked up right where we left off. It definitely makes the holiday season that much better having him back. Staff Sgt. Payton May

According to May, he struggled leaving his military dog. May and Yyacob said they have done it all together. He initially enlisted as an infantryman, but May decided to become a MWD handler in 2019 and joined the 8th MWD Detachment, 91st Military Police Battalion.

He was paired with Yyacob in June 2020, and the duo immediately connected.

Yyacob is a dog that is easy to love, May said. Our bond grew due to our work ethic and personalities matching. He had a very high drive, and hes a little on the crazy side when it came to doing patrol work. I saw him as a challenge and took it head on.

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May said he knew all of Yyacobs quirks and capabilities, and they became an effective explosives detection team. The MWD team deployed in 2021 to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, which only solidified their bond.

May left for his new assignment shortly after returning from deployment. He said attempts were made to pair Yyacob with another handler, but to no avail. Yyacob would retire after being unable to recertify.

Get ready for Christmas with ABC50s Santa Tracker brought to you by Christmas Land

An animal care specialist with American Humane worked with Yyacob at Fort Drum to prepare him for retirement and the trip to Texas. Although Yyacob was stationed at the base much longer than his handler, May said he appreciated his time as a Mountain Guardian with the 8th Military Working Dog Detachment.

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May currently serves with D Company, 701st Military Police Battalion, as the Block II noncommissioned officer in charge for the Military Working Dog Handler Course. Having just spent Thanksgiving together, May said he looks forward to many more holidays with Yyacob as part of his family.

(Photo by Chris Saucedo/Getty Images for American Humane)

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NEW YORK  The two Georgia women who won a $148 million defamation verdict against Rudy Giuliani asked a federal judge Thursday to hold him in civil contemptand impose severe sanctions for thwarting the courts orders.

In their request, the women, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, say Giuliani has failed to turn over even a single document in response to court orders requiring him to share information about a Palm Beach condo the women are seeking to seize from him. They argue that monetary penalties would be insufficient, but dont specifically ask for jail time, writing that the court should impose whatever coercive sanction it deems appropriate in its expertise.

Mr. Giulianis existing debt to Plaintiffs vastly exceeds his existing assets, and there is no reason to believe that a monetary sanction would remedy the violation or deter such future behavior, their lawyers wrote.

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Their request comes after the women also asked a different federal judge in D.C. to hold Giuliani in contempt of courtfor repeating false claims like those that led to the defamation judgment against him, in which he accused them of committing election fraud in the 2020 election.

That judge, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, has ordered Giuliani to come to court for a hearing over the contempt motion on Dec. 12.

The New York judge, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, had already threatened to hold Giuliani in contempt after he missed a court-imposed deadline to turn over assets to the women. He has since turned over a vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible, watches and a ring to the women and is in the process of turning over his New York City apartment.

But he has resisted turning over certain items and is set to go to trial in January over his effort to shield his Palm Beach condo from creditors by deeming it his homestead, a claim Freeman and Moss say is false.

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The documents that prompted Freeman and Moss to ask Liman to hold Giuliani in contempt are largely related to his claims regarding the Palm Beach condo.

In their filing, the women asked Liman to find, based on Giulianis failure to produce the documents, that he didnt intend to live in the condo before he claimed it was his primary residence and that he didnt live there full time, conclusions that would essentially resolve the main issue set to be determined at trial.

In a court hearing late last month, Giuliani erupted at Liman after the judge questioned his efforts to turn over the required property.

In admonishing Giuliani for failing to comply with the courts requirements, Liman described him as a competent person, noting he was previously the Manhattan U.S. Attorney, and in their filing Thursday, Freeman and Moss similarly questioned why Giuliani, a once-barred attorney of 50 years, hadnt obeyed the courts orders.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A former officer for the Knoxville Police Department and the University of Tennessee Police Department was taken into custody on charges of stalking on Wednesday, the departments reported.

According to Knox County Court documents, Anthony Rizo, 34, of Knoxville, allegedly fled from Georgia to Knoxville to avoid prosecution for peeping Tom and stalking.

Anthony Rizzo (Knox County Sheriffs Office)

Crews fight multiple brush fires in Sevier County

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Rizzo worked for the UTPD for just over seven months before being terminated for alleged actions taken while off-duty and in the state of Georgia, UTPD stated. He also previously worked for the Knoxville Police Department.

Rizo worked for the KPD between March 2021 and May 2024 when he left for a different job, a KPD spokesperson reported.

Sen. Ken Yager arrested for DUI, hit-and-run in Georgia

On Wednesday, December 4, the UTPD served the active arrest warrants on him. Rizo was then turned over to Knox County Sheriffs deputies and taken to Knox County Jail to await extradition to Georgia.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated.

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LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  A former Longview ISD employee has plead guilty to charges stemming from an investigation of abuse against special education students that occurred from August 2019 to October 2021.

Former Longview ISD employee sentenced to 8 years in prison for child abuse

On Wednesday, 56-year-old Cynthia Talley pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint of a minor and three counts of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. Talley is one of six women arrested in 2022 after Longview ISD officials reportedly saw video footage of J.L. Everhart Elementary employees and campus administration mistreating special education students.

Mugshot of Cynthia Talley, courtesy of the Gregg County Jail.

Talleys sentencing hearing will be held on Jan. 1, 2025. The other former LISD employees also charged for mistreatment of students are:

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Paula Hawkins Dixon

Cassandra Renee James

Linda Kaye Brown Lister

Priscilla Johnson

Cecilia Gregg

Gregg, Dixon and Talley were released from employment from the district in October 2021 immediately upon the districts discovery of their alleged actions, according to a statement from the district. James and Lister were both working as administrators at the time, and resigned in lieu of termination, the district said.

6th woman arrested in Longview ISD abuse investigation

Since then, Dixon and Gregg were sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to their charges. James, Lister and Johnsons trial dates have been moved to next year.

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In September 2022, Longview ISD reached a $2.5 million settlement with 10 families of students abused at the school. The district said the settlement was funded equally by them and the East Texas Advanced Academies, with the districts insurance carrier, the Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund also contributing to the settlement amount.

Many of the children were among the most vulnerable of our society, diagnosed as autistic nonverbal, and the only way we know the abuse occurred is because it was caught on camera, according to a release from two East Texas attorneys representing the families.

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A former Massachusetts resident has been sentenced to 13 to 14 years in state prison on Wednesday following crimes of child rape.

Gjon Gjegji, 56, of Pelham, N.H. (formerly of Haverhill, Massachusetts) was found guilty on September 27 to three counts of both rape of a child and rape of a child with force. These indictments come from an incident that occurred back in March of 2007.

We truly admire the strength and courage demonstrated by the victim in this case throughout the court process, said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

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After Gjegji serves his prison sentence, he will be on probation for 3 years.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government's files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's pick to be national intelligence director.

The former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said they were alarmed by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.

A spokesperson for Gabbard on the Trump transition team on Thursday denounced the appeal as an unfounded and partisan attack.

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Avril Haines, the current director of national intelligence, when asked Thursday whether intelligence sharing with allies could be in jeopardy under the next administration, cited the importance of those relationships and noted the strong bipartisan support for them in Congress.

The question, at a Council on Foreign Relations talk, focused on the especially close intelligence sharing among the Five Eyes  the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It did not mention Gabbard by name.

It is hard for me to believe that anybody coming in wouldnt want to maintain those relationships, Haines said. So I wouldnt think of them as being in significant risk, she added. I certainly hope that will continue.

Among those who signed the letter to Senate leaders were former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, former national security adviser Anthony Lake, and numerous retired ambassadors and high-ranking military officers.

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They wrote to current Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming Republican Majority Leader John Thune on Wednesday to urge the closed briefings as part of the Senate's review of Trump's top appointments.

They requested that Senate committees consider in closed sessions all information available to the U.S. government when considering Ms. Gabbards qualifications to manage our countrys intelligence agencies, and more importantly, the protection of our intelligence sources and methods.

The letter singles out Gabbard's 2017 meetings in Syria with President Bashar Assad, who is supported by Russian, Iranian and Iranian-allied forces in a now 13-year war against Syrian opposition forces seeking his overthrow.

The U.S., which cut relations with Assad's government and imposed sanctions over his conduct of the war, maintains about 900 troops in opposition-controlled northeast Syria, saying they are needed to block a resurgence of extremist groups.

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Gabbard, a Democratic member of Congress from Hawaii at the time of her Syria trip, drew heavy criticism for her meetings with a U.S. adversary and brutal leader.

As the letter notes, her statements on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have aligned with Russian talking points, diverging from U.S. positions and policy.

Gabbard throughout her political career has urged the U.S. to limit military engagement abroad other than combatting Islamic extremist groups. She has defended the Syria trip by saying it is necessary to engage with U.S. enemies.

In postings on social media earlier this year she confirmed that the U.S. had for a time placed her on a secret terror watch list as a potential domestic terror threat. She blamed political retaliation. Neither she nor U.S. authorities have publicly detailed the circumstances involved.

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Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for Gabbard with the Trump team, called the letter sent to the Senate leaders a perfect example of why Trump chose Gabbard for this position.

These unfounded attacks are from the same geniuses who have blood on their hands from decades of faulty intelligence," and use classified government information as a "partisan weapon to smear and imply things about their political enemy," Henning said.

A spokesperson for Thune did not immediately respond to questions about the request.

-

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed.
Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the governments files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trumps pick to be national intelligence director.

The former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said they were alarmed by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.

A spokesperson for Gabbard on the Trump transition team on Thursday denounced the appeal as an unfounded and partisan attack.

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Avril Haines, the current director of national intelligence, when asked Thursday whether intelligence sharing with allies could be in jeopardy under the next administration, cited the importance of those relationships and noted the strong bipartisan support for them in Congress.

The question, at a Council on Foreign Relations talk, focused on the especially close intelligence sharing among the Five Eyes  the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It did not mention Gabbard by name.

It is hard for me to believe that anybody coming in wouldnt want to maintain those relationships, Haines said. So I wouldnt think of them as being in significant risk, she added. I certainly hope that will continue.

Among those who signed the letter to Senate leaders were former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, former national security adviser Anthony Lake, and numerous retired ambassadors and high-ranking military officers.

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They wrote to current Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming Republican Majority Leader John Thune on Wednesday to urge the closed briefings as part of the Senates review of Trumps top appointments.

They requested that Senate committees consider in closed sessions all information available to the U.S. government when considering Ms. Gabbards qualifications to manage our countrys intelligence agencies, and more importantly, the protection of our intelligence sources and methods.

The letter singles out Gabbards 2017 meetings in Syria with President Bashar Assad, who is supported by Russian, Iranian and Iranian-allied forces in a now 13-year war against Syrian opposition forces seeking his overthrow.

The U.S., which cut relations with Assads government and imposed sanctions over his conduct of the war, maintains about 900 troops in opposition-controlled northeast Syria, saying they are needed to block a resurgence of extremist groups.

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Gabbard, a Democratic member of Congress from Hawaii at the time of her Syria trip, drew heavy criticism for her meetings with a U.S. adversary and brutal leader.

As the letter notes, her statements on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have aligned with Russian talking points, diverging from U.S. positions and policy.

Gabbard throughout her political career has urged the U.S. to limit military engagement abroad other than combatting Islamic extremist groups. She has defended the Syria trip by saying it is necessary to engage with U.S. enemies.

In postings on social media earlier this year she confirmed that the U.S. had for a time placed her on a secret terror watch list as a potential domestic terror threat. She blamed political retaliation. Neither she nor U.S. authorities have publicly detailed the circumstances involved.

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Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for Gabbard with the Trump team, called the letter sent to the Senate leaders a perfect example of why Trump chose Gabbard for this position.

These unfounded attacks are from the same geniuses who have blood on their hands from decades of faulty intelligence, and use classified government information as a partisan weapon to smear and imply things about their political enemy, Henning said.

A spokesperson for Thune did not immediately respond to questions about the request.
PARIS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government, following its ouster by a parliamentary vote of no confidence on Wednesday.

Pending the formation of a new government, Macron has tasked Barnier with leading a caretaker administration to manage current affairs, the Elysee Palace announced in a press release.

The French National Assembly voted on Wednesday evening in favor of the no-confidence motion, compelling Barnier to resign and causing the government to collapse.

On Thursday morning, Barnier met with Macron to formally submit his resignation.

This marks a significant political crisis for France, as Barnier's government becomes the first to fall to a no-confidence vote since 1962. The government's collapse adds urgency to the task of approving the 2025 national budget, with less than a month remaining to meet the deadline.

Macron's appointment of Barnier as prime minister in June 2024, following the dissolution of the National Assembly after his party's defeat in the European Parliament elections, had been controversial. Left-wing parties criticized the move, arguing it was inconsistent with the results of the legislative elections, which favored the National Front for Progress (NFP).

Born in 1951, Barnier has had a long political career. He became France's youngest deputy in 1978, later served as president of the departmental council of Savoie, and was instrumental in bringing the 1992 Winter Olympic Games to Albertville.

Macron is expected to address the nation on Thursday evening. 
A former Nationwide Childrens Hospital nurse who treated child burn victims was sentenced to prison for downloading, exchanging and receiving child sexual abuse material.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ryan Ramos, 38, was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison, according to CBS affiliate WBNS.

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He pleaded guilty in May 2024 to one count of distributing and receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, according to United States Attorney Kenneth Parkers office.

Ramos possessed more than 42,000 images and approximately 8,500 videos of child sexual abuse material.

More than 700 victims were identified.

Ramos worked at NCH from 2018 until 2020 and then at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in the ICU burn trauma unit until 2023.

He was a registered nurse, according to the Ohio Board of Nursing.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department says they are now investigating six cases of a parasite believed to be connected to a south Charlotte pool.

Health officials say the SwimMAC Carolina club shut down the pool in the 9800 block of Providence Road on their own for a second time for 25 consecutive hours this week to hyper-chlorinate the water, and they just reopened Wednesday.

The facility is on the campus of Charlotte Latin School but officials say its actually owned and operated by the prestigious club.

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An Olympian who trained at the pool was surprised to hear about the parasite.

Third teen charged in connection to October murder in south Charlotte: Documents

Tyler Clary won gold at the 2012 Olympics.

If we look at in terms of number of years total, for half of my life has been spent in a competitive swimming pool, said Clary.

He trained for the Olympics and logged many laps years ago in the pool owned and operated by SwimMAC.

Tyler Clary used to train at the pool to prepare for the 2012 Olympics. (Photo: Associated Press)

Im fairly familiar with the facility and in my experience, theyve always done a great job at keeping the pool itself very clean, said Clary.

Mecklenburg County Public Health is investigating multiple cases of the parasite cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness. Officials believe the cases are linked to the SwimMAC pool at Charlotte Latin.

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My initial reaction was shock given I was a competitive swimmer for over 20 years, said Clary. Ive never heard of an instance where theres been a parasite coming directly from the pool.

Health experts say the parasite can survive even in a properly chlorinated pool.

Officials say while the pool was closed to clean and disinfect, swim team members may swim at different pools and sites during their winter competition season.

Theyre the premier swim team in the area, so just impacting them is huge, but this could have impacts far outside of them as well, given the lack of pool space in the area, said Clary.

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Airline announces significant expansion, new jobs, more cheap flights in the Charlotte area

Experts encourage swimmers who have stomach pain, cramps, or diarrhea not to swim. They say that will help stop the spread of the parasite.

Its better to take a day or two out and get better if youre not feeling well versus dragging it out for a couple of weeks of being sort of sick, said Clary.

The health department sent out a letter to SwimMAC leaders to give to parents of swimmers notifying them of the parasite.

Officials say theyre also sending the memo to SwimMAC for other practice pools used by the club and encouraging them to hyper-chlorinate pools.

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Brent Smith, executive director of SwimMAC sent Queen City News the following information on Wednesday:

On Monday Charlotte Latin informed us directly that one of their swimmers tested positive for cryptosporidium so we immediately called the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department to inform them that wed be shutting down programming and that our Facility Manager would be shocking the pool. The Environmental Health Supervisor visited the facility Tuesday to ensure the hyperchlorination procedures were being followed correctly and we were able to reopen the pool and resume all normally scheduled activities today. Relative to your questions about the impact to SwimMAC swimmers and their schedules, our families have been very understanding. They know that taking the necessary time to clean and follow standard health and safety protocols comes before any disruptions to their practice schedules. Brent Smith, SwimMAC Carolina

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XENIA, Ohio (WDTN)  Xenias former Ramada Inn building will soon be demolished, alongside 5 other buildings in Greene County.

The demolitions are funded by the Ohio Department of Developments Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.

A total of $330,291 was provided to Greene County on behalf of the program, which will fund the demolition of 6 residential and commercial structures including the former Inn.

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The city of Xenia, alongside the Greene County Department of Development, announced in a press release that the inn is expected to begin demolition before Christmas.

Wendys closes locations near Dayton Mall, The Greene

City Manager Brent Merriman says that removing the structure will open the door for future developments.

We are thrilled to finally see work start to bring this structure down, clearing the way for future

development opportunities in the new Market District, Merriman said in the press release.

We are glad to play a central role in helping to clear the site for future development, and look forward to the new housing, hospitality and retail opportunities this will bring to the community, said Greene County Administrator Brandon Huddleson.

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Traffic disruptions should be light to non-existent around the demolition site.

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SMITH COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Smith County woman was recently indicted after an investigation revealed she used her employers credit card to pay for personal expenses over the course of eight years, officials said.

Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said they received a request from the 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson to investigate 60-year-old Kitty Rena Smith.

We are very concerned: TBI addresses meth surge after historic amount seized in drug trafficking investigation

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While working alongside the Carthage Police Department, agents reported they learned Smith worked as a officer manager at a Carthage business.

Rhea is accused using of her employers credit card to pay for personal travel, restaurant, and other expenses over the course of at least eight years.

The Smith County Grand Jury returned an indictment on Monday, Dec. 2, charging the 60-year-old with one count of theft over $250,000.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

She reportedly surrendered to authorities at the Smith County Jail on Wednesday, Dec. 4 after posting a $10,000 bond.

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No additional details were immediately released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  President-elect Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Wednesday that he is nominating former Missouri Rep. Billy Long of Springfield to become the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Billy Long, of the Great State of Missouri, will be appointed to serve as the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Trump posted on Truth Social. Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country. He then served 12 years in Congress, because he felt it was important for his constituents to have a Representative who has signed the front of a check!'

Trial date set for Humansville employee accused of election offense

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Billy Long, a Republican, served in the United States House of Representatives for 12 years from 2011-2023 and launched an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign in 2022. Long represented Missouris 7th Congressional District, which covers southwest Missouri, including Springfield.

Trumps post states that after leaving Congress, Long spent his time as a business and tax advisor helping small businesses comply with IRS rules and regulations. Trumps post also says he is a hard worker who is well respected on both sides of the aisle.

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A former Stillwater dental assistant accused of sexually abusing teenage boys and young men while they were under anesthesia is due in Payne County District Court again on Jan. 6.

Cody Allen Stolfa, 36, faces 36 felony charges, including sexual battery, child sexual exploitation, forced oral sodomy and preparation of obscene material.

He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney declined to comment for this story.

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Court documents show Stolfa allegedly committed the crimes between June and September in 2021 while he worked at Central Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates.

Investigators say Stolfa recorded the acts and posted them online. Court documents show he was relieved from his job on Oct. 13, 2021. An attorney for his former employer could not be reached for comment.

In June this year, Stillwater police met with FBI agents who said they received a video sent on a social media and messaging platform of a man who appeared to be unconscious in a dental office being sexually assaulted by a medical professional.

Police arrested Stolfer in July.

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Among items seized during the investigation was a GoPro video recording device. A preparation of obscene material charge against Stolfa involves acts allegedly involving a dog.

Investigators discovered Stolfer created an encrypted file storage account online, which included a folder titled "naughty" with 115 files inside.

During the investigation, a Stillwater police detective interviewed 16 alleged victims.

The detective showed them nonexplicit still images of themselves in a dental office while under anesthesia after oral surgery and asked them to confirm their identities in the images.

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The detective then explained the acts Stolf allegedly performed on them without their consent.

Stolfa remains in the Payne County jail.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former Oklahoma dental assistant faces dozens of charges in sexual abuse case
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A former commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will face a general court-martial.

Col. Christopher B. Meeker has been charged with three violations of Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to a release from Air Force Materiel Command.

The referred charges include:

One charge and one specification under Article 90, Willfully Disobeying Superior Commissioned Officer

One charge and two specifications under Article 134, Extramarital Sexual Conduct and Fraternization

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Meeker has waived his Article 32 Preliminary Hearing, and charges have been referred to a general court-martial by officials.

Meeker previously assumed command of the 88th Air Base Wingin July 2022. Meeker was removed from command on Dec. 29, 2023 by Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, due to the loss of confidence in his ability to lead.

Because of Shiptons potential as a material witness in the case, she transferred the case to another convening authority, Maj. Gen. Charles Bolton,18th Air Force Commander Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

The trial is set to take place on Scott AFB on June 9, 2025.

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Dec. 4ALPINE  Three Fort Cavazos soldiers were recently arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented noncitizens.

According to court documents, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent initiated a vehicle stop in Presidio on Nov. 27. The vehicle fled as the agent approached the passenger side and struck a second USBP vehicle, injuring an agent inside, according to the filed criminal complaint. Presidio County Deputies and Presidio Police Officers eventually stopped the vehicle and apprehended four individuals, three of whom were undocumented noncitizens  one Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals. The fourth individual was Emilio Mendoza Lopez, who claimed to be the front seat passenger in the vehicle. The driver, alleged to be Angel Palma, fled on foot and was located the following day at a hotel in Odessa.

Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens. A third individual, Enrique Jauregui, is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy. Data extracted from Palma's phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation.

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Mendoza Lopez made his initial appearance Dec. 2 in Alpine before U.S. Magistrate Judge David B. Fannin. Mendoza Lopez is charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens.

Palma and Jauregui are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske for their initial appearance hearings in Waco on Dec. 6. The two codefendants are charged in a separate criminal complaint with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens and one count of assaulting a federal agent. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

HSI, USBP and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton is prosecuting the case.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo.  Students in one Jackson County high school are hoping to save lives, as drug overdoses are on the rise across the nation.

Those students from Fort Osage High School have built a series of billboards meant to tell others about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning.

Drivers in three Independence neighborhoods have enormous new reminders about the deadly capacity one tainted pill can carry. The billboards carry messages like Fake Pills Kill, a reference of caution to young people interested in acquiring street drugs that often carry fentanyl too.

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Jackson County Prosecutors Office takes over IPD shooting case

One of the billboards sits beside I-70 near Cable Dahmer Arena.

Ive not only lost friends but also peers from overdose, Natalie Holley, a senior at Fort Osage High School, said.

Holley and her classmate Julian Mackey are among the designers. The Independence Health Department asked students to come up with designs. The billboards are supported by grant dollars from Jackson County COMBAT.

Public health officials continue to warn people who might buy drugs, knowingly or otherwise, that their purchased pills may be spiked with fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

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They need to be more aware and more cautious of the things theyre doing and the choices theyre making because this can affect their lives severely, Holley added.

A pair of the billboards sit in two locations along U.S. Highway 24. Mackey hopes adults will understand that teenagers take this seriously.

I think its a very important topic. Young people are out here dying, and its not okay at all, Mackey said.

KC Pet Project may be losing contract with Kansas City

The Independence Health Department says overdose numbers are still rising. Halie Smith-Griffin, a public health specialist for that agency, said one out of every five overdoses in Jackson County involves a child below the age of 15.

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Maybe their family members have passed or some of their friends may have passed from an accidental drug overdose, so we wanted to shed light on that, Smith-Griffin said on Wednesday.

The Independence Health Department also held two events in August, where 100 boxes of Narcan were handed out. Smith-Griffin said free doses of that life-saving medicine are also available at Independences city hall.

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Dec. 4A cellphone video taken inside a Santa Fe care facility in May shows a disturbing scene: A young man who worked as a caregiver at a group home walks up behind a man in a wheelchair and slams the man's hands onto a table, saying, "Play with your toys, fool."

In another video, he slaps the man's legs and tells him, "No one is taking you to the bathroom, fool, no one."

He then pins the disabled man down to the table and speaks into his ear, although what he says cannot be made out in the video.

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Another employee of the facility  run by the national care company Community Options, Inc.  told police investigators days later the victim had been urinating himself instead of asking to go to the bathroom since the abuse occurred, according to a police affidavit filed with criminal charges against the caregiver.

The incident is one of four such cases of alleged elder and disabled care abuse in the region referred for criminal charges by the state Department of Justice this week.

It wasn't the first time the caregiver  who was identified as 20-year-old Salomon Sanchez of Santa Fe  was accused of abusing a disabled person in his care. Just months earlier, Sanchez pleaded no contest to a charge of battering a disabled child at Pojoaque Elementary School in 2023.

Exactly one year before the video was taken at the Community Options facility, Sanchez was accused of restraining a mostly nonverbal 7-year-old child with autism and forcing soap and water into the child's mouth at the Pojoaque school.

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"The treatment of our elders and residents in care facilities is a direct reflection of our values as a community," Attorney General Raul Torrez said in a news release. "When caregivers violate that trust and inflict harm, they not only hurt individuals but undermine the safety and dignity of our entire system of care. My office will use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable and to restore trust in the care these individuals deserve."

The four cases were investigated by the department's Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Division, the news release said.

Another Santa Fe man  Lee Carrizales, 64  faces two counts of "abuse of a resident" after, investigators say, he yelled and cursed at a woman in January in a memory care unit at a Pacifica Senior Living facility on Galisteo Road.

Prosecutors provided a video of that incident, in which the man yells "Stop your [expletive] crying already, stop it!" and "You're on your own now, I'm not dealing with you anymore." Another video shows the man cursing at the woman, who apparently suffers from Alzheimer's, according to a statement of probable cause filed by state agents.

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The woman told investigators the incident caused her to "be scared" of Carrizales, according to the statement of probable cause.

Pacifica has faced several lawsuits in recent years alleging substandard living conditions and care at the Santa Fe assisted living facility, and state officials have noted it has fallen out of compliance with state regulations.

Department of Justice investigators also say Linda Romero, 52, who is paid to care for her disabled adult son in Las Vegas, N.M., through the state's Developmental Disabilities Waiver, struck him multiple times in front of several witnesses outside a state Income Support Division office in Las Vegas. Romero faces two counts of abuse of a resident. Edwars D. Bonilla-Aguinada, a 34-year-old employee at a Morningstar Assisted Living facility in Rio Rancho, is accused of "aggressively forcing an 89-year-old resident with Alzheimer's to undergo a diaper change after an accident, disregarding her discomfort and condition."

Besides Sanchez, none of the others charged by the Department of Justice have faced such prior criminal charges in New Mexico, according to a search of a statewide courts database.

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Sanchez was initially charged in May with felony "criminal solicitation to commit abuse of a resident" by Santa Fe police, who alleged the incident had caused "physical harm or great psychological harm."

Santa Fe police said at the time the charge was likely to be refiled. The charge Sanchez now faces is a petty misdemeanor.

Department of Justice spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez said the previous charge was dismissed so state agents could conduct a comprehensive investigation, "including obtaining the victim's medicals records to determine the extent of any injuries they may have suffered as a result of the abuse." She said state prosecutors filed charges that are "most appropriate under New Mexico Statutes."

The four charged this week each face petty misdemeanor charges of abuse of a resident, which carries a potential sentence of up to six months' imprisonment.

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Oversight of health care facilities, including long-term care, falls on the state Health Care Authority, which took on some responsibilities from the Department of Health in a state government reorganization in July.

"As the compliance oversight authority for licensed healthcare facilities and community programs, the Division for Health Improvement takes very seriously its role in with ensuring that safe and effective health services are delivered to New Mexicans," the state agency's spokesperson Marina Pina wrote in an email Wednesday. "This includes timely investigations and oversight for instances of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals receiving health care services."

She said oversight takes the form of "regular health and wellness visits, monthly case manager and consultant check-ins, and comprehensive audits."

Providers are required to check the agency's "employee abuse registry" before hiring potential employees, Pina said.

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Bonilla-Aguinada and Carrizales have both been referred to the registry due to their pending charges, she wrote, but Romero and Sanchez have not, since their cases do not meet a "severity standard" set out in state administrative code.

In addition, the agency requires potential caregivers to consent to a nationwide and statewide criminal history screening that includes "disqualifying conditions such as crimes involving adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation that prevent employment as a caregiver," Pina wrote.

Community Options' New Mexico state director Noemi Rivera wrote in a response Wednesday the company "is committed to providing safe and supportive housing for people with disabilities and has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse or mistreatment of any kind.

"We conduct all background checks as required by the State of New Mexico," Rivera wrote. "Upon learning of the incident, the employee was immediately suspended and subsequently terminated based on the investigation. We are fully cooperating with authorities to ensure that justice is served."

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Rivera declined to answer why Sanchez was hired in spite of the 2023 battery charge.

Community Options, which receives millions in state and federal dollars to care for people with disabilities, was placed on a "performance improvement plan" by the state in November 2023 for deficiencies in areas including health tracking, incident reporting and staff skills, turnover and recruitment, a health department spokesperson said earlier this year. The company had completed 13 of 27 of the agency's identified tasks in June.

As of Wednesday, Community Options had made progress on the plan, completing 18 of 27 tasks, according to Pina.
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis (TB) in China have dropped 30 percent from the figures in 2012, according to a 2024-2030 national plan for TB prevention and treatment.

The country has successfully identified and treated around 7.85 million cases of pulmonary TB since 2012, maintaining a successful treatment rate above 90 percent and a relatively low mortality rate, said the document released on Thursday by nine departments including the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.

Despite the progress, the situation remains challenging, with approximately 10 percent of counties and urban districts across China still considered high-prevalence areas, the document said.

It highlighted an uneven distribution of prevention and control efforts, a need for improved active detection and standardized management of patients, and room for enhancing preventive measures and adopting new technologies.

China aims to keep the incidence rate of TB below 50 new cases out of a population of 100,000 in 2025, with the rate falling below 43 out of 100,000 in 2030, according to the plan.

To realize this goal, the country plans to adopt comprehensive measures in screening, treatment, prevention and awareness raising, the document said.

Efforts to intensify screening will be made, targeting close contacts of TB patients, HIV-infected individuals, previously-diagnosed TB patients, the elderly and diabetic patients.

Institutions such as schools, detention centers, social-welfare agencies, rescue-and-protection facilities for minors, psychiatric hospitals, and enterprises will include TB checks in their routine health examinations.

With prevention considered a cornerstone of TB control, the country will continue providing BCG vaccination for eligible children and will ensure vaccine efficacy.

Infection control measures will be reinforced, including regulations to ensure infectious TB patients stop working and are suspended from school. Patients will be better educated on personal protective measures and prevention of household transmission.

More specialized clinics will be established for medical intervention for people infected with TB bacteria but free of disease, and offering preventive therapies to reduce the risk of developing TB disease, according to the plan.

TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, but those who are infected but free of disease cannot transmit it.

According to the World Health Organization, a total of 1.25 million people died from TB in 2023 across the world. 
A four-day week could extend workers life expectancy, according to a new study  but the company involved in the trial has dropped the policy because it is bad for business.

The UKs first medical trial of a four-day working week, conducted by the University of Sussex, found the policy made employees happier and healthier.

Staff at tech company Thrive were subject to tests including MRI scans, blood tests, sleep tracking and weekly questionnaires under the trial, which was conducted between July to October. It found that working one fewer day a week dramatically improved employee wellbeing and productivity.

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Charlotte Rae, senior lecturer at the University of Sussex, said: The findings from this trial demonstrate significant improvements in both physical and mental wellbeing, from reduced stress levels to improved sleep quality.

These are key factors that influence long-term health outcomes with the potential to extend life expectancy.

Despite the findings, Thrive said it would no longer adopt a four-day week full-time after its business suffered during the trial.

The policy created some problems at a business level, particularly when it came to providing customer service, the study found. The trial showed working a five-day week was essential for customers.

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Thrive chief executive Cassie Gasson said although the impact on staff was fantastic, it was difficult for the business as a whole to operate on a different schedule to the companys clients.

Ms Gasson said: As a business serving hundreds of organisations, it highlighted that five-day coverage for our customers is essential when theyre operating more traditional ways of working.

While we would have loved to implement it on a full-time basis, our experiences in the trial also highlighted that the success of a four-day work week will rely on widespread cultural change across the UK business landscape.

Difficult to commit full-time

Thrive, which is a learning management system (LMS) company with 115 employees, has said it will instead implement a four-day week only on a seasonal basis rather than full-time.

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Researchers found a four-day week brought notable improvements in employee wellbeing, with participants reporting a significant improvement in their work-life balance, better sleep and less stress.

Participants reported a 14.7pc drop in emotional exhaustion and burnout, an 8.6pc reduction in perceived stress and a 5pc drop in symptoms of anxiety, as well as a 20pc reduction in sleep problems.

Employees continued to complete tasks at a consistent level despite working fewer hours, and goal attainment rose by 19.4pc, the study found. Self confidence among workers also improved.

Ms Gasson called on the Government to consider policies that could make a four-day week more widespread.

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She said: The benefits are evident through its potential to boost business productivity, increase wellbeing, and generally make the country happier and healthier and the UK has the potential to take the lead on this by pioneering the four-day work week and reaping the rewards.

Until then, its difficult for us to commit full time and will look at a more flexible seasonal approach to support the great benefits proven.

Working a four-day week but still receiving full pay is an idea that is supported by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Last year, Ms Rayner said: If you can deliver within a four-day working week, then why not?

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She told the House of Commons in October: Flexible working is no threat to business, no threat to the economy, in fact, it would boost productivity.

However, the government made clear over the summer that it would not be part of its policy plans and it was not included in Ms Rayners Employment Rights Bill.

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Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

Sahan Journal

On White Earth Reservation in northeastern Minnesota, a culturally specific treatment program helps Native parents struggling with opioid addiction. The Maternal Outreach and Mitigation Services (MOMS) program serves any pregnant or postpartum parent with substance problems. They just have to get there. Some participants come from 60 miles away.

By the time these parents arrive at MOMS, their substance use has often led to significant problems with employment, housing, and child custody.

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The program has achieved remarkable results. And, statewide experts say, it may suggest new directions and strategies for other distinct communities seeking to develop successful opioid treatment programs.

On White Earth, the MOMS participants do not take their unique experience for granted. They express gratitude to Julie Williams, who founded MOMS in 2015, and to the program that they say has saved their lives. They are willing to share their stories to spread the word that treatment, when done thoughtfully, can work.

Sahan Journal visited Williams and four of the participants last summer. As we sat down in the conference room, one of the women burned sage: a familiar cleansing practice for the groups daily gatherings. The conversation went on for hours, until hunger took over and we drove to a supper club for grilled cheese and wild rice soup.

Here are their stories.

Native Mothers Know the Generational Trauma of Losing Their Children. One White Earth Mother Describes How She Rewrote the Script.

Looking back on it, Lacy Armstrong says, a successful life path was right in front of her.

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She wears a We Recover T-shirt over a traditional blue floral ribbon skirt, earrings in the shape of flowers, and bright lipstick. Her braid reaches to her waist, and she is quick to smile.

After graduating from Bagley High School, Armstrong followed her passion for singing and music to Northland Community and Technical College, in Thief River Falls. She earned a degree in audio production from the Minnesota School of Business, in Waite Park.

But in that year after college, away from home, she floundered. She moved to St. Paul to look for a job in 2009, but instead found a boyfriend who used prescription opioids. He took her to parties where Percocet rivaled alcohol as the substance of choice.

LACY ARMSTRONG, 37 Recovery and Treatment Coordinator at White Earth Substance Abuse Program, Doula-in-training, Mother of four, Home town: Mahnomen, Tribal affiliation: Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Nine years of sobriety. Photo by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

Im book smart and street smart, she jokes. I graduated college  damn, you did the four-year college thing  but then I learned the drug trade right after that. Youre supposed to get a good job, good careerbut Im really well-rounded.

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Armstrong moved back to the White Earth Reservation at the end of 2010 and managed to stop using heroin.

That summer, her partner died from an overdose. Four months later, she discovered that she was four months pregnant.

After giving birth to a daughter, things were good for about 18 months. Then she started another relationship with someone who used hard drugs. When he, too, died of an overdose, she spiraled. Desperate to get clean, she made it only four days after the funeral before she started using again. Not knowing how to cope with her grief, she spent time in and out of jail, where she was put on suicide watch, and on and off the streets. Her parents took care of her daughter.

In 2014, Armstrong was civilly committed  a step in which the state compels someone to seek treatment  and sent to Brainerd Four Winds Lodge, a culture-based sobriety program without medication. While she was there, she received her spirit name  a tradition in which an elder confers a name that speaks to the persons character  at her first sweat lodge ceremony. It was, she says, a spiritual awakening.

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But she was home for just a few days before she ran into someone who she knew sold drugs.

And that was my relapse, she says.

After another failed drug test, she was given two options: Go back to inpatient treatment without her family, or try the new MOMS program at White Earth.

I was the No. 2 client and I was scared, she says. But the staff did not judge her; she immediately felt comfortable sharing her story.

Her partner at the time, Donovan Burnette, was one of the first men to join MOMS.

I dont think I would be here today without this program, Burnette said. (Theyve since broken up, but remain in touch.) Look at how many parents this program gave back to the kids.

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Armstrong also started learning more about the connection between historical trauma and addiction. Growing up, she hadnt known that Native Americans traditionally didnt use substances or alcohol, she says.

She grew increasingly interested in the history of trauma and Native Americans. She learned about many factors that contributed to the drug epidemic among Native people. European colonization and the disastrous introduction of alcohol into Native communities. Boarding schools that separated Native children separated from their parents. And child-welfare policies that destroyed Native families.

It wasnt just a few people here and there, it was a lot of people losing kids, Armstrong said.

I know that my journey was affected deeply by the historical trauma of our people, the loss of our life ways.

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Armstrong has been sober since Sept. 2, 2015. That same year, she regained custody of her daughter and gave birth to a son. Today, she works as the administrative assistant for the cultural program at MOMS.

I will always aim to uplift and break cycles for my children, the people that I have affected during my addiction, our ancestors, before and after, she says. I live my life in a good way to honor them and to honor my children and myself.

I help others now: A Native mother reflects on overcoming the shame of addiction.

Her kids are now school age, but A.B., who requested to be identified by her initials only, says specific memories from their early childhood still haunt her. A.B. wears a red, black and gray ribbon skirt, flip-flops, a red Under Armour T-shirt, her hair in a sleek high bun. As she tells her story, she fidgets with the lighter shes used to light the sage. Ceremonial smoke wafts through the air in the conference room.

During her addiction, A.B. says, she couldnt afford much in the way of gifts. For Christmas, she relied on Toys for Tots for her sons presents. For birthday parties, she knew her mom would help out.

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One time, her son asked her for a snack at the store. Brown had the money in her pocket, but she was also thinking about buying the drugs that would keep her from going through withdrawal.

Ill never forget it, she says. Even though I had the money to buy it, it was like that money was for me.

A.B. avoided using while she was pregnant with her daughter. But the day she left the hospital, she buckled her baby daughter into her car seat, reached under her seat, pulled out a plate and did a line of heroin.

Its bad to say, but I did, she says.

Like many people with opioid use disorder, A.B.s addiction started in the medical system. As a kid, she used to get cluster headaches so bad that all she could do was lie in a dark, quiet room. When she was 13 or 14, a doctor prescribed Vicodin for the headaches.

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Like, bottles of it, she says. And it just spiraled out of control. It seems like it just happened so fast.

A.B., 31, Alcohol and drug counselor, Mother of two, Tribal affiliation: member of White Earth Nation, Nine years of sobriety. Photo by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

She quickly needed higher doses of Vicodin to control the pain. When she saw a different doctor, who prescribed a non-narcotic medication, she bought Vicodin or Percocet on the street. When that got too expensive, she turned to heroin.

By the time she had kids, she and her significant other were desperate for help. But they didnt want to risk losing their children. That fear seemed insurmountable and turned into a barrier for seeking treatment.

How are we going to do it? Like, whos going to watch the kid? If she told her mother and signed over temporary custody of her son, shes never going to give him back, she said.

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Finally, a friend told her about the MOMS clinic and gave her director Julie Williams number. And one day, when she couldnt get the baby to stop fussing and crying, she stepped outside onto her balcony, closed the door and sobbed.

You need to do it, she told herself. You need to get help. You cant keep going on like this.

She dialed Williams number. Williams understood her fear.

With small towns its hard, Williams says. Our families know each other. So its scary for people to reach out and have to be completely vulnerable.

A.B. was especially worried that her mom  who worked near the MOMS building and didnt know about her addiction  would see her. Williams arranged for A.B. to park where her mom wouldnt notice the car and told her to sneak in through a back door.

After several months in treatment, A.B. worked up the courage to tell her mom about her disease and invite her to a six-month celebration. Not only did her mom attend, but she surprised A.B. with a congratulatory speech.

She was so supportive of me and proud: She supported me and my recovery to the fullest, A.B. said. And she is my biggest supporter to this day.

Now a counselor at MOMS, A.B. has been sober since August 29, 2015.

I help others now, she says. I never imagined I would be where Im at today.

She is still learning to forgive herself. She reminds herself of what her group counselor used to tell them: Were not bad moms; we just made bad choices. But shes not sure the guilt will ever go away completely.

Cassie Person Found her Safe Space at MOMS: The Cool Thing Here is to be Sober.

Cassie Person spent her childhood in foster care, living with several families until she found a longer-term home. As soon as she aged out of that system, though, she returned to White Earth. There, she found that her biological brother and her sister were both using drugs. Without any support system, Vicodin became her way to cope with her childhood trauma. When that became too expensive, she switched to heroin.

Person tried various treatment programs, but none stuck. She took the Suboxone she got at St. Cloud treatment center and sold or traded it to buy heroin and meth.

When Person got pregnant, she worried that the hospital would try to separate her from her baby. She knew her medical chart listed her history of drug use; providers sometimes made disparaging remarks about it, she said. With drugs in her system, she knew she would not be allowed to retain custody.

In this case, Persons mother-in-law, Grandma Nona, came to the rescue and offered to care for the baby. Eager to get home to the baby herself, Person texted a friend: Is MOMS still open?

Person asked Grandma Nona to drop her off at MOMS directly from the maternity ward. Unlike the treatments shed tried in the past, MOMS felt right, she said.

Like the other women in the room, she is wearing a ribbon skirt, a garment that can symbolize womanhood, adaptation, and survival. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a member of White Earth, wore a ribbon skirt to her swearing-in ceremony and recently sported one in Vogue.

CASSIE PERSON, 36, Alcohol and drug counselor, Mom of two biological children and two bonus children, Home town: Naytahwaush, Tribal affiliation: Member of White Earth Nation, Seven years of sobriety. Photo by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred.

The skirts the women wear were made by a member of the community. Persons is red, black and blue. Her wavy brown hair falls over a red White Earth Treaty Powwow 2022 T-shirt and beaded red, yellow and black earrings.

I wanted to be at the building all the time, Person said. It was my safe place.

And it still is. Person stayed in MOMS for two years, relapsing a couple of times until her partner agreed to join the program. When her counselors suggested it was time to move on, she agreed only when she found out she could stay with the treatment program as an employee.

The cool thing here is to be sober, she said.

Person has been sober since Dec. 27, 2016. Last April, she gave birth to her second child at the same hospital. This time, she said, the staff was much more welcoming.

A White Earth mother used opioids with her partner. The MOMS treatment program helped them get sober together.

As a teenager, Teah Lovejoy was opposed to substances: she didnt want to smoke cigarettes, or drink. The only drug she took was Tylenol.

But by the time she was 20, she couldnt get through one of her waitressing shifts without pain from rheumatoid arthritis, she says. Her eyes are warm, and shes wearing a white and pink flowered ribbon skirt. Her hair falls to her waist.

Lovejoys doctor told her about a medication called Tramadol to ease her arthritis pain. He told her how safe it was, and she took it, as prescribed, for a year. When her prescription ran out, she found she could easily order more online.

It was like I needed them, Lovejoy says. It seemed like when I didnt take them, the pain was way worse than before Id started taking them. I started taking more and more and more.

She was addicted. And in 2014, when authorities changed the classification of Tramadol to a controlled substance, she could no longer order it online.

When I couldnt get them, thats when I discovered withdrawals, she says. I was like, I feel like Im gonna die (without it).

Soon, she found her addiction problems compounding: Lovejoy discovered that her partner had started dealing heroin. And on a day when she couldnt find anything else to control her withdrawal, she put a little bit of his stash on her tongue.

The heroin immediately stopped her withdrawal symptoms.

TEAH LOVEJOY, 35, Recovery Treatment Coordinator, Mother of four, Home town: Mahnomen, Tribal affiliation: Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, Seven years of sobriety. Photo by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred.

She wasnt the only one who discovered his stash, however: Police raided their home and charged the couple with drug possession.

We almost lost everything, she says.

The couple feared Child Protection Services could send their three young children to foster care. When her partner went to court to deal with the charges, Lovejoy hid. For two and a half years, she ignored the warrants from the drug possession charge. When cops picked her up, her partner bailed her out. Eventually, he convinced Lovejoy to turn herself in.

My significant other had always said, If our using ever got CPS involved, and we were faced with the choice of losing our kids to foster care, we would be done with drugs. Wed get help and do everything we could to keep our kids out of foster care.

After 60 days in jail, she relapsed the night she got out.

A court ordered Lovejoy and her partner to MOMS in October of 2015. Julie Williams, the MOMS coordinator, says shes never understood why couples and relatives face so many barriers to seeking treatment together. All four of the women who shared their stories with Sahan Journal say that they didnt recover until their significant others joined them in the process.

My significant other and I both attended anger management, couples counseling, and individual therapy, and really started to grow together as a team and as individuals, she says.

For Lovejoy, MOMS was the first time she had tried medication-assisted treatment. If shed known about Suboxone and methadone, she says, she would have tried it earlier.

There were bumps along the way: she struggled with relapsing. One day, she returned home to find her family and all their belongings  furniture, groceries, clothes, toys  gone. Sign a contract to stop using for good, her partner told her, or he would file for full custody of the kids.

She did, and this time she also sought mental health therapy at MOMS. It turned out to be the final key to her recovery.

Success led to more success. She and her partner started their careers in 2017 and 2018 and became homeowners soon after.

We created a warm loving home for our family. Our kids have a routine, structure, and they never have to worry about anything.

Lovejoy has been sober since August 9, 2017.

The series is part of a reporting fellowship sponsored by the Association of Health Care Journalists and supported by The Commonwealth Fund.
NEW YORK (AP)  Smartmatic won't be required to give Fox News a trove of information about U.S. federal charges against the voting machine company's co-founder over alleged bribery in the Philippines, a judge ruled Thursday.

Fox News and parent Fox Corp. sought the information to help fight Smartmatic's $2.7 billion defamation suit over broadcasts about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Smartmatic says its business was gutted when Fox aired false claims that the election-tech company helped rig the voting.

Fox says it was simply reporting on newsworthy allegations made by then-President Donald Trump and his allies.

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At the same hearing, Judge David B. Cohen also turned down Smartmatic's request to question two Fox Corp. board members. The company has already questioned others.

The Aug. 8 indictment of Smartmatic co-founder Roger Pinate and two other executives concerns a geographically distant matter: Smartmatic's efforts to get work in the Philippines between 2015 and 2018.

But Fox maintains the criminal case is pertinent to Smartmatic's business prospects, and therefore to the election-tech company's claims about what it lost and stands to lose because of Fox's 2020 coverage.

As of Aug 8, governments will have to take into account the risks of doing business with a company (where some executives have been) accused of serious corruption by the U.S. Department of Justice," Fox lawyer Brad Masters told a New York court Thursday.

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He asked the court to order Smartmatic to provide any documents that it has given to the DOJ for the bribery investigation; any customer inquiries about the criminal charges; and any staff communications about the matter and its impact on the company.

The indictment accuses Pinate and two other Smartmatic executives of scheming to pay over $1 million in bribes to a Filipino election official to deploy the company's machines and pay promptly for them. Federal prosecutors say the payments were made through sham loan agreements and via a slush fund created by overcharging for the machines.

Pinate, who has served as Smartmatics president, and at least one of the other executives have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and to money laundering. Its unclear from court records whether the third executive has entered a plea or has an attorney who can comment on the charges.

Boca Raton, Florida-based Smartmatic itself isnt charged in the criminal case. The company put the executives on leave and sought to reassure voters that elections are conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency.

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Smartmatic's lawyers contend the indictment is irrelevant to the defamation suit, which is about election-fraud claims that Trump's attorneys made on Fox News programs.

The indictment is merely an allegation, Smartmatic attorney Caitlin Kovacs argued Thursday. She suggested Fox wanted to play prosecutor to the jury and accuse Smartmatic of a crime that they didnt commit.

Cohen denied two similar requests from Fox while the federal investigation was ongoing. He said Thursday that the indictment didn't change his mind.

Its a mere accusation. It raises no presumption of guilt, he said.

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Smartmatic is suing over shows in which Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell portrayed the company as part of a broad conspiracy to steal the 2020 vote from Trump, a Republican and the winner of this year's election.

Federal and state election officials, exhaustive reviews in battleground states and Trumps own then-attorney general found no widespread fraud that could have changed the outcome of the 2020 election. Nor did they uncover any credible evidence that the vote was tainted. Dozens of judges, including some whom Trump appointed, rejected his fraud claims.

Fox News ultimately aired an interview with an election technology expert who refuted the allegations against Smartmatic.

As is normal in the run-up to a civil trial, various players connected to both parties have been questioned under oath by the other side's lawyers. These out-of-court sessions are called depositions.

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Smartmatic wanted Thursday to get depositions ordered for Fox Corp. board members Chase Carey and Roland Hernandez. The two attended meetings where critical decisions were made, Smartmatic argues.

Fox lawyer Devin Anderson said there's no indication that Carey and Hernandez have any relevant information to add. Smartmatic already has questioned other board members, including Executive Chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch and former House Speaker Paul Ryan, as well as Fox founder Rupert Murdoch, the attorney said.

Depositions generally aren't made public at this stage of a case.

Smartmatic lawyer Erik Connolly said after court that the company was pursuing other information to show that Fox Corp. controlled the disinformation spread by Fox News.

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A message seeking comment was sent to Fox. The news network is countersuing Smartmatic, claiming the defamation case violates a New York law against baseless suits aimed at squelching reporting or criticism on public issues.

Smartmatic recently settled defamation suits against One America News Network and Newsmax. Fox News settled for $787 million last year with another voting-technology company, Dominion Voting Systems.
(Bloomberg) -- Emmanuel Macron is looking for another prime minister on Thursday after the far right joined forces with the left to push through a no-confidence motion against his government over a budget dispute.

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The French president needs to find a premier who can pass a 2025 budget through a deeply divided parliament. But any new leader will face the same financial squeeze that brought down Prime Minister Michel Barniers administration.

The French president is due to make a statement at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The budget bill that sank Barniers government contained 60 billion ($63 billion) in tax increases and spending cuts that aimed for a reduction in the deficit to 5% of economic output in 2025, from an estimated 6.1% this year.

This budget was toxic for the French, far-right leader Marine Le Pen said in an interview on French television after she voted to bring down the administration. Instead, she said, the country needs a budget thats acceptable to all.

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The chaos in the European Unions second-biggest economy has prompted bond investors to punish Frances sovereign debt relative to its peers and Barnier had warned of a storm in financial markets if he was ousted.

Bonds and the euro were unrattled by the vote, with the 10-year yield ticking lower and the common currency trading little changed. The extra yield investors demand to hold French debt rather than safer German notes declined to 81 basis points.

Traders had priced in Barniers ouster before the vote on Wednesday. In terms of the countrys finances, the government is in a position to pass a special fiscal-continuity law that would enable the state to collect taxes and pay salaries. Effectively, that would cap spending at 2024 levels, meaning the optics of the political theater in Paris are worse than its immediate implications.

Frances 10-year bond gained on Thursday, driving the yield over equivalent German securities to 80 basis points, the narrowest since Nov 25. The spread  a key gauge of political risk  rose to 90 basis points last week, the highest since 2012.

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Barnier, a seasoned conservative and previously the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, was only appointed in September, making his tenure the shortest for any premier since Frances Fifth Republic was founded in 1958. He is also the first French prime minister to lose a no-confidence vote in more than 60 years.

Macron has the authority to appoint a new prime minister, but he had a lengthy struggle before he managed to win limited support for Barnier from a fragmented parliament. Le Pen said that she is willing to work with another government, so long as they work with her party to draw up the budget.

Still, initial indications suggest that Macrons allies are seeking to persuade the Socialists to break away from their left-wing allies to rebuild the so-called Republican Front of mainstream parties.

We need a new prime minister, a new team, and I call on the political parties of the Republican Front to take responsibility, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, the outgoing energy and climate minister from Macrons party, said Thursday on RFI radio. We need to be able to show that were capable of moving forward, and that were capable of looking beyond political interests and posturing. Thats whats at stake.

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The roots of the current turmoil date back to June, when Macron dissolved parliament and called a snap vote as he sought to rebound from a crushing defeat for his party in the European elections.

Instead, he made Le Pens National Rally the largest party in parliament and its leader became the countrys most influential power broker as his centrist coalition crumbled.

The lower house was split into three fiercely opposed blocs: a diminished center supporting the president, the far right led by Le Pen and, crucially, a leftist alliance that includes both the mainstream Socialist Party and the far-left France Unbowed. New parliamentary elections cant be held until July at the earliest.

The outgoing administration will continue in a caretaker capacity for the time being, allowing the government to avoid a US-style shutdown. Barnier can use emergency laws to collect taxes and guarantee a minimal level of spending, but the broader impact is hard to predict.

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Finance Minister Antoine Armand warned Tuesday that stopgap legislation would raise taxes for millions of households and block planned spending increases for some priorities, including security and farming.

Le Pen has been ramping up the pressure on Macron to resign as a way to break the impasse and allow France to move forward.

Its up to his conscience to decide whether he can sacrifice public action and the fate of France to his own pride, she said during the debate on Wednesday night.

Macron has said he wont step down until his term ends in 2027 and he cant be forced out of his job. Le Pen is the frontrunner for the next presidential election, according to opinion polls.

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--With assistance from Ven Ram.

(Updates with market reaction in seventh and eighth paragraphs)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
It was a blow most saw coming but that cant have softened the sting for French President Emmanuel Macron.

Opposition lawmakers from both ends of Frances political spectrum joined forces Wednesday to vote to oust his government, which had been in office for just nine weeks, marking the first such fall in a no-confidence motion since 1962.

The minority government led by a veteran negotiator, Prime Minister Michel Barnier, whose appointment was already seen as a political compromise of sorts to sate a tricky three-way split in the national assembly, tumbled at the first hurdle.

Who comes next?

As the latest round of political head-scratching begins in France, the main question on everyones lips is: Who will Macron pick as the next prime minister?

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Barnier  a champion of the European Unions Brexit negotiations and serial compromise man  was seen as a fine balance between Macrons increasingly right-leaning centrism and the political heft of the far right.

Macron ignored the lefts previous nomination for prime minister, and no far-right candidate appeared to be in the running. (Jordan Bardella, the top disciple of far-right leader Marine Le Pen dropped out of the running after their National Rally (RN) party failed to win a parliamentary majority.)

In a polarized French parliament, few figures for the next PM seem palatable, yet fewer still appear likely to be successful. Many in the country are preparing for a surprise.

How will this happen?

Unless the next government leans heavily into a coalition with either the broad left-wing or far-right bloc, it doesnt seem possible to avoid a repeat of this weeks political dead-end.

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For Macron at least, the arithmetic doesnt add up. With the parliament pretty evenly split between left, center and far-right, he needs a friend.

Whats sure is that Macrons grand plans for domestic policy reform are dead in the water.

Both the left and far-right are violently opposed to most tax hikes and austerity measures. Barniers budget, which sparked his downfall, included 60 billion ($63 billion) worth of tax rises and spending cuts aimed at bringing the countrys budget deficit down to 5% next year, according to the governments calculations.

Yet given the policy divides between Macrons domestic ambition and both other camps, anything more than bench-warming will be almost impossible for any future PM.

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The opposition camps can smell blood in the water. The left-wing New Popular Front group has already declared it would bring down any government that doesnt have a leftwinger at the helm.

The left  who were the ostensible winners of this summers snap election, after voters banded together to deny the far-right a widely-expected victory  want their first-place ranking respected, with lawmakers coming out in force overnight to put the crosshairs firmly on Macrons back.

The Macronists lost the European (elections), they lost the legislatives. And now Emmanuel Macron plans to name a Macronist (prime minister) again. Theres a democratic problem, Manuel Bompard, national coordinator for the far-left France Unbowed party said Wednesday night.

Le Pens political tribe, riding the crest of their record-setting election results in April, still seem to have their eyes set on 2027, the next presidential election.

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However the current political impasse is resolved, it surely provides only a poisoned chalice for the next prime minister.

Le Pen has booted the blame for the crisis to Macron and offered little in the way of solutions, pointedly not calling for his resignation Wednesday night.

Needing the backing of one camp to pass his budget earlier this week, Barnier sidled to the right more than the left, appeasing Le Pens demands. She then appears to have stabbed him in the back.

Barnier accused the far-right of political blackmail after he said they demanded even more from him, setting the stage for the no-confidence vote. Conveniently for Le Pen, it was a left-wing motion that doomed Barnier (even if the far-right later proposed a similar motion), with the left copping most of the governments public ire over the move.

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The far-right party members are keeping their powder dry. Le Pen knows they can demand even more from Barniers replacement.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier delivers a speech at the National Assembly in Paris on Wednesday. - Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Why is this happening?

The political machinations on the right and left appear little more than gamesmanship.

Its wishful thinking from the left that Macron will resign. A politician who is never one to back down from a fight, hes safe in the Elysee until 2027.

The far-right dont seem willing to sully their political polling with genuine cooperation with Macron.

Deadlock and discontent currently rule supreme. Once upon a time it was other European nations wracked by political turbulence, including stalemate in Belgium and fleeting Italian governments, among others. But France cant boast of stability now.

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The next presidential election in 2027 seems far beyond the political horizon, even next summer  the next possible chance of another legislative election  appears impossibly far away. The path ahead for Frances politics is rocky and barren.

For Macron, who kicked off this whole saga by calling an election to find stability, its an ignominious state of affairs.

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The state delegation for Frederick County will host a public forum on Saturday in preparation for the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session.

The forum, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, is an opportunity for members of the public and representatives of non-governmental organizations to share ideas with their state legislators. It will be held at Winchester Hall in downtown Frederick.

Those who are interested in participating in the forum can sign up in advance by filling out the form at tinyurl.com/Dec7forum. The same form can be used to submit supporting documents for the delegation to review.

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People can also sign up to participate in person on the day of the forum.

For those who cannot attend in person, the forum will be broadcast live on FCG-TV, according to Andrew Zirkle, the legislative director for Frederick County Delegation Chair Jesse Pippy (R-4).

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater previously hosted her own legislative town hall on Oct. 7.

The Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 8 for the 2025 session.
Dec. 4NEOSHO, Mo.  Officials with Freeman Neosho Hospital gathered Wednesday to break ground on a new physical therapy building on the hospital campus.

Renee Denton, chief operating officer for Freeman Neosho Hospital, said the 8,300-square-foot building will house physical, occupational and speech therapy departments and state-of-the-art technology, including an aquatic therapy pool and strength training equipment. It will also feature five private treatment rooms and a gymnasium.

"We're very excited about this project because we're going to be able to have this located in downtown Neosho directly behind the hospital," Denton said. "We think this will be a huge convenience for our patients, and we'll be able to treat them locally. We're hopeful that many more patients who have those elective surgeries and also have a sudden need for those services come up will be able to remain right here at home to have care."

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Denton said the hospital's physical therapy office is now housed in an area that's not large enough to accommodate some of the new technology the hospital wants to introduce in Neosho.

"That facility is so very small that we do not have much room in there at all to be able to utilize the Kaiser equipment that we're going to be using," Denton said. "We also will have in our new structure a HydroWorx pool that will allow us to do aquatherapy with patients. The HydroWorx pool is a one-person pool and that allows the therapist to work right with the patients in that pool area. That will be something new that we're able to do here with the extra space. We think the higher visibility, the location and the much larger footprint and the state-of-the-art equipment that we're going to be placing will all be huge benefits to our community."

Denton said the building is expected to cost about $3.6 million. Construction will begin next week and completion is slated for September 2025.

The building will be built on a vacant lot behind Freeman Neosho's helipad and face West McKinney and South Wood streets.

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Denton said Millard Architects from Joplin designed the building and construction will be handled by Marion CSG, based in Neosho.

"It is because of the commitment from our hospital board of directors and their desire to be certain we have services available in our community that this is being made possible," Denton said. "They are working on some fundraising for this, and we're very, very thankful that has occurred because it's going to allow us to bring this dream that has been in the works for about the last 13 years to fruition. We're very excited about it, and we're thankful for their support."
(Bloomberg) -- French bonds gained as investors awaited the appointment of a new prime minister and assessed the outlook for the nations finances after Michel Barniers government collapsed.

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Markets had been expecting the ouster so the reaction was muted, with traders mostly adjusting positions and closing out wagers. The 10-year French notes extended small gains on Thursday, lowering the yield to 2.87%. The premium investors demand to hold French debt over safer German notes fell four basis points to 81 basis points, and the euro outperformed.

President Emmanuel Macron, who is due to make a statement at 8 p.m. in Paris, is looking for a new prime minister who can steer a 2025 budget through a deeply divided parliament. Investors will be waiting for the announcement before taking new positions in French debt, cognisant that an extended period of political wrangling is still on the cards.

That may calm markets near-term, but we think France is facing a toxic mix of weak economic growth, political instability that prevents debt consolidation and discourages investment, said Evelyne Gomez-Liechti, a strategist at Mizuho International Plc, adding she sees 100 basis points as the next key level for Frances spread.

The French debt office sold 4.6 billion ($4.8 billion) of 15- to 50-year bonds, slightly below the 5 billion upper end of their target. But the auction still received solid demand, another sign that latest political ructions have not deterred investors. Analysts also mentioned low trading volumes and covering of short positions as drivers supporting the bonds on Wednesday.

The outgoing administration will continue in a caretaker capacity for the time being, allowing the government to avoid a US-style shutdown that brings most service and spending to a halt. Once named, a new prime minister will propose a cabinet, appointed by the president, and then has to send a new 2025 budget bill to parliament by Dec. 21.

The successful vote of a no confidence will not close but rather will open wide a deeper political crisis in France, said Benoit Gerard, a rates strategist at Natixis SA. No coalition inside the National Assembly is able to support a government, resist removal and more importantly, put public finances on a sustainable consolidation mode.

What Bloomberg Strategists Say:

Frances securities offer considerable value even discounting all the fiscal profligacy they have come to be associated with: they yield more than several lower-rated peers, dollar-denominated investors are actually getting paid handsomely to hedge the currency risk, and with a AA- rating, OATs are still solid credit.
French lawmakers ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier with a no-confidence vote in the government Wednesday, the first time since 1962.

Parliament members on the far right and far left joined together, with 331 members citing no-confidence in the leader, surpassing the minimum requirement to oust him by 43 votes.

As this mission may soon come to an end, I can tell you that it will remain an honor for me to have served France and the French with dignity, Barnier said in a statement after the vote, marking the end his four-month tenure, according to The Associated Press.

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Barnier received pushback after trying to push through an unpopular budget proposal that aimed to reduce the countrys debt, cutting more than $60 billion in spending. Its unclear how the budget process will move forward now, with the National Assembly at an impasse entering the new year.

This no-confidence motion  will make everything more serious and more difficult. Thats what Im sure of, Barnier said.

President Emmanuel Macron said he will not resign and is rumored to be planning a swift appointment of a new prime minister as soon as Saturday, when President-elect Trump will arrive for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, according to The Associated Press.

But whoever he chooses will still have a divided parliament and tensions with the far-right National Rally party, which made major gains in a snap election called by Macron this summer.

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Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, called Barniers budget toxic for the French.

The only dignified solution for those who were given the mandate to protect them, was to oppose this budget, she said, according to the BBC.

Le Pen did not call for Macrons resignation, unlike the hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party.

With the no-confidence motion, all of the politics of Emmanuel Macron have been defeated and we demand that he goes, LFI member Mathilde Panot said, according to Reuters.

New legislative elections cant be held until July, and the next presidential elections are scheduled for 2027.

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While French law protects against a government shutdown, the threat of political instability sent the euro into a downward spiral, falling 4 percent.

Some French legislators are pushing for a stopgap-style bill that would allow spending provisions to roll over into next year, while others vehemently oppose the option.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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By Gabriel Stargardter and Elizabeth Pineau

PARIS (Reuters) -As nationalist leader Marine Le Pen orchestrated the overthrow of France's government on Wednesday, several thousand people lined up outside a Paris cafe for a chance to share a brief word or even a selfie with the rising star of France's far right.

Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old wingman, is a lawmaker in the European Parliament, so he was not at the National Assembly voting alongside his fellow National Rally (RN) party members on Wednesday to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

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Instead, he was less than five kilometres (3 miles) away, swarmed by adoring fans, signing copies of his hit debut book, "What I'm Looking For".

"It's the book they don't want you to read," said Bardella during a glitzy promotional tour that has coincided with France's second major political crisis in six months - one that has lifted his political fortunes just as those of his long-time mentor Le Pen come under threat.

Le Pen was the driving force in toppling Barnier's government over a 2025 budget bill she deemed too tough on the working classes. It is a risky strategy that may alienate the mainstream conservative voters she has long courted.

Opponents allege Le Pen really has President Emmanuel Macron in her cross-hairs, seeking to trigger an early election ahead of a March 31 graft trial that could see her barred from office for five years. A conviction would stop her running in the 2027 presidential election, a contest many believe she would win.

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"The target is Emmanuel Macron," Xavier Bertrand, a potential Barnier replacement, said on BFM TV. "She would like everything to speed up before her March verdict."

Le Pen denies embezzling EU funds.

RIVALRY?

Bardella - the RN's likely presidential candidate in 2027 if Le Pen is barred - also says she is innocent. But he raised eyebrows in a Nov. 18 TV interview when he said nobody with a criminal conviction should run as an RN candidate.

A simple gaffe or a flash of the knife at his mentor?

RN spokesman Philippe Ballard did not immediately respond to questions as to why Bardella made the comment or whether there were tensions between Le Pen and her young protege.

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Either way, Bardella's comments underlined the diverging fortunes of the RN's tag-team after years in lockstep.

Arnaud Benedetti, a political analyst who wrote a recent book on the RN's rise, said Le Pen and Bardella had more to gain by sticking together for now, banking on their complementary strengths such as youth and experience.

"I don't see the beginning of a disagreement," he told Reuters. "I'm not saying that can't happen tomorrow ... but they have no reason to split right now."

Marie Debuire, an 18-year-old beautician who had travelled from Rennes in Brittany for the book signing, said the Le Pen name carried unnecessary baggage thanks to Marine's father, Jean-Marie, the founder of a party that was once a byword for racism and antisemitism.

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Despite believing Le Pen was guilty of the graft charges, Debuire said she should run in 2027.

"But I think Bardella has a better chance of winning," she said. "The RN has a shot at being in power thanks to Bardella not being called Le Pen."

A Nov. 26 poll by Odoxa showed that 59% of RN voters prefer Bardella, with 37% favoring Le Pen.

BAD REVIEWS

Reviews of Bardella's tome have not been kind - "a marketing object ... devoid of any introspection or revelation," Le Monde declared - but sales have been robust, with nearly 60,000 copies sold since its launch on Nov. 9, according to Europe 1.

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None of the young crowd queuing round the block in the freezing cold to meet their hero on Wednesday night were concerned about sniffy reviews in Parisien broadsheets.

They were more worried about rising gang violence and immigration, issues Bardella has made a key part of his political pitch.

"We need things to change and I think Bardella is the man to do it," said 18-year-old Eric Berthelot, who hails from a rough, immigrant-heavy suburb outside Paris.

"France welcomes all the misery of the world," he said. "But those who arrive don't respect our culture and want to destroy our country. That's not acceptable and must be punished."

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Bardella has long cited his upbringing in the poor and multi-ethnic Seine-Saint-Denis department north of Paris as the crucible in which his political views were forged.

Ismael Habri, a 27-year-old janitor with a TRUMP badge on his lapel, said he grew up in a similar environment.

"I know the ghetto well so I understand Bardella," he said. "France needs hope."

(Reporting by Gabriel StargardterEditing by Bill Berkrot and Gareth Jones)
By Laman Ismayilova





A press conference has been organized on the occasion of the opening of the Italian Cuisine Week, which kicks off in Baku from December 4 to 10.

The Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Luca di Gianfrancesco, stated at the press conference that the opening of the event coincided with a remarkable occurrence.

"It is gratifying that all this is happening against the backdrop of an active process to support the candidacy of Italian cuisine for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This heralds the global recognition of Italian cuisine. The Italian Cuisine Week contributes to the further deepening of relations between the two countries," the ambassador said.

The Director of the Italian Trade Agency, Andrea Maccanico, outlined that Azerbaijan is Italy's number one partner.

"If we look at the statistics for the 10 months of imports from Italy to Azerbaijan, there is a 10 percent increase. And over the last three years, the overall growth has been more than 15 percent," he added.

The director announced that as part of the Italian Cuisine Week, a master class will be held featuring Chef Berton.

Andrea Maccanico also mentioned that next week meetings will be organized between Azerbaijani businessmen and Italian entrepreneurs.

Chef Berton said that it is a great honor for him to represent Italian cuisine in Azerbaijan.

"I had the idea to use Azerbaijani products in the culinary presentations that I will conduct during these days. As we know, Azerbaijan is a producer of high-quality saffron. In my opinion, it would be a good idea to add Azerbaijani saffron to risotto. We are also thinking of a new soup recipe. The main ingredient of the dish will be Azerbaijani caviar," the chef concluded.
GAZA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 Palestinians were killed Thursday afternoon in an Israeli airstrike on the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said.

Israeli warplanes targeted a residential house in the town of Beit Lahia, according to local sources and eyewitnesses. Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that the raid killed 15 people, including children and women.

The Israeli army has not commented on this incident.

Also on Thursday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Gaza warned of a possible suspension of services and humanitarian interventions it provides to displaced citizens residing in what was designated by the Israeli army as a "humanitarian area" in southern Gaza.

Muhammad Al-Mughair, director of supply for Civil Defense in Gaza, said in a press statement that the Civil Defense is suffering from a crisis due to fuel shortage in the "humanitarian area," warning that the continued prevention of fuel supply threatens the lives of thousands of displaced people.

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

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 44,580, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. 
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has submitted his resignation after the successful vote of no confidence against his centre-right government, according to sources in the government.

President Emmanuel Macron, who is coming under increasing pressure amid the political turmoil, asked Barnier to remain in office with his government in a caretaker role, it was reported in Paris.

Macron is due to make a statement this evening, which should shed light on the way forward.

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Barnier's resignation was expected after his administration was toppled on Wednesday in a no-confidence motion supported by left-wing and far-right opposition lawmakers following a dispute over Barnier's austerity budget.

The upheaval has plunged one of Europe's most powerful players into deeper political turmoil amid major economic challenges.

A new parliamentary election cannot be held until a year after the last vote in July, according to France's constitution.

It the first time a French government has been ousted in a no-confidence vote since 1962.

A general view of the hemycicle of the National Assembly during the discuss of the motion of censure against French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, ousted by the left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire coalition and the far-right Rassemblement National party, at the National Assembly in Paris. Telmo Pinto/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Some senior Democrats are reportedly so disappointed with President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, that they are threatening to withhold funding for Bidens presidential library.

The controversial decision, in tandem with Bidens move to drop out of the 2024 presidential election less than four months before Election Day, has left a sour taste in donors mouths, according to a recent Axios report.

As a result, Biden could be facing a financial obstacle in trying to build his presidential library  a historical tradition for presidents once they leave office.

President Joe Biden will establish a presidential library, likely in his home state of Delaware, after leaving office (REUTERS)

"If they had their s*** together, they would have been doing the work on this over the summer  right after he announced he was stepping aside," an unnamed Democrat told the news outlet. "Now, its just too late. Hopefully, they are rightsizing their expectations and budget."

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A person familiar with Bidens post-president planning told The Independent, that sentiment hasnt come up in a single donor conversation and that work is well underway.

Presidential libraries are a nationwide network of libraries, maintained by the National Archives, that include records and historical collections representing a presidents time in office.

They are typically funded by private donors and non-profit organizations.

Bidens decision to pardon his son, who was convicted on three federal gun-related charges and nine federal tax-related charges this year, led to intense backlash from Democrats and Republicans. For months, Biden had promised to not pardon his son but then suddenly reversed course.

Biden, pictured with his son Hunter Biden, issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter for any crimes committed between 2014 and 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Democrats like Senator-elect Adam Schiff, Governor Jared Polis, Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Greg Stanton all issued statements expressing disapproval of the pardon, believing it sets a bad precedent.

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One snap poll from YouGov found that more than half of U.S. adults disapproved of Bidens decision.

For some, the pardon is the nail in the coffin after a year of frustrations with the president. His poor debate performance, initial refusal to drop out of the election and palpable retreat from the public eye has ultimately left relationships frayed.

In contrast, other Democrats supported Bidens pardoning of Hunter. Overall, approximately 64 percent of Democrats approved of the decision, according to the YouGov poll.

Former president Bill Clinton, Representatives James Cylburn, Hakeem Jeffries, Eric Swalwell and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi all voiced support for the presidents decision.

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In response to the report, a spokesperson for the White House touted Bidens legacy in lowering drug costs, fighting climate change, leading the U.S. out of the pandemic, creating and passing the largest infrastructure package in 70 years, and taking on gun reform.

President Biden continues to deliver historic progress every day, and his legacy will benefit the American people for generations, the spokesperson said.
The mayor of a small Georgia town was found not guilty of leaving alcohol in a ditch for inmates to find while on work detail.

Thomson Mayor Benjamin Benji Cranford was standing trial for furnishing prohibited items to inmates and attempting to commit a felony.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

After being charged, Governor Brian Kemp suspended Cranford from office pending the outcome of the trial.

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Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys argued the fact that Cranford bought a bottle of Seagrams Extra Dry Gin that ended up in the ditch.

But defense attorneys say it fell out of the car when he was resetting his Bluetooth connection.

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During the trial, he testified that he didnt remember what happened and that he bought the gin because his friend told him that it would help prevent him from getting malaria.

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Cranford said he knew no one on the work crew from the Jefferson County Correctional Institution and had no reason to buy alcohol for people he didnt know.

Garrison Douglas, a spokesperson for the governors office, told WJBF-TV that there are no extra steps necessary for putting someone back in office after they are acquitted.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
IOWA FALLS, Iowa  If youre looking for things to do as the winter months set in, one historic theater has made a habit out of adapting with the times.

The Metropolitan Opera House in Iowa Falls first opened in 1899. The building was intended to look like a miniature version of the famous Met in New York City. While that building (also known as the Old Metropolitan Opera House) was demolished in 1967, its imitation still stands. At first, the Iowa Falls building was a one-room theater that hosted live performances. A ticket for the first show cost $2.50!

More stories: Gabe on the Go

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Through the years, the theater has adapted. Live shows were replaced with black-and-white films. Color films were later added. Today, the Metropolitan Opera House has two movie theaters with digital projectors.

The building has had several owners through the years and has required repairs and updates. The most original aspect of the building is its exterior.

In addition to the theaters, the second floor has a room that can be rented for events. The third floor of the building was a ballroom and has essentially been untouched over the years.

Now, movie tickets cost $7.50, five dollars more than in 1899 but still far less than many theaters today. The Metropolitan Opera House is open Tuesday through Sunday. You can find more details and information on current showings on their website here.

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OMAHA, Neb. (KCAU)  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started to reduce the releases at Gavins Point Dam for the winter season.

The dam dropped releases on Nov. 23 to about 12,000 cubic feet per second. Gavins Points releases before the winter season were at 32,000 cubic feet per second.

Ames company acquiring Sioux City-based construction firm

Officials say they will closely monitor river conditions and adjust releases when needed to lessen the impact of ice formation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Upon returning to power in 2021,the Taliban sharply restricted Afghan womens access to public life and their individual liberty. This was far from a surprise, given the groups track record when it previously governed Afghanistan from the mid-1990s until 2001 as well as in territory it controlled during the war against the U.S.-supported Afghan government. The situation today is so extreme that many in the international community have taken to calling it a case of gender apartheid.

While women bear the brunt of Afghanistans gender apartheid, the Taliban also recently introduced new regulations for Afghan men that include minimum beard lengths and restrictions on what they can wear. That underscores the fact that the Talibans policies arent just aimed at cloistering women. They are aimed at fundamentally rewriting what it means to be a good man as well. As a result, men who may have supported the Talibans restrictions when they only applied to women may now be surprised and dismayed to find that they struggle to live up to the Talibans ideal image of a man.

It is reductive to assume that allAfghanwomen are opposed to the Taliban, just as it is presumptive to assume that all men support the Taliban. Nevertheless, the Talibans policies of gender apartheid have negative implications for men as well. So, the fight against those policies must engage as allies men who will also be harmed under the groups system of repressive and unrealistic gender expectations, along with women who are opposed to the Talibans agenda.

What Is Gender Apartheid?

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

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Gender apartheid is not a new concept. The term was first popularized by Afghan women in the 1990s to describe the degradation of womens rights under that first iteration of Taliban rule. These activists and their allies around the world drew parallels between the treatment of women under the Taliban and racial apartheid in South Africa. Today, gender apartheid is defined by Amnesty International as a system involving the institutionalized pattern of systemic domination and oppression on the basis of gender.

Activists campaigning for the codification of gender apartheid under international law assert that [i]t is distinct from other international crimes  due to its dystopian ambition to maintain an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination, where the underclass is subjugated for the dominant groups benefit and survival, dehumanized, and cut off from the resources and access needed to overcome their choreographed oppression. These activists single out the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Iranas governments currently practicing gender apartheid.

For their part, the governments of both countries have frequently defended these policies as a reflection of their religious beliefs. For example, a Taliban spokesman asserted that criticism of the regulations was an expression of arrogance by those who do not understand Islam; as for Muslims who criticize the law, he suggested that may even lead to the decline of their faith.

The Talibans attempts to insulate themselves from international criticism about their gendered regulations underscore that domestic opposition to gender apartheid among Afghans will be critical for resisting and potentially reversing these laws. With this in mind, considering the effects of gender apartheid on both women and men can result in more effective political campaigning.

What Gender Apartheid Means for Afghan Women

Since returning to power following the U.S. military withdrawal, the Taliban have passed a series of repressive measures that combine to limit womens ability to engage in public life. The results have been profound. The United Nations organization UNWomen asserts that since the Taliban took over and announced restrictions on womens access to education and the workforce, [s]chool enrollment has plummeted, and by April 2023, a staggering 80 per cent of school-aged girls and young women were out of school.

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Under the repressive regulations governing womens access to public life that the Taliban has more recently codified into law, women are now confined to their homes and can only leave for urgent matters, though there is no clear guidance on what constitutes an urgent situation and what does not. Afghan women are prohibited from singing, speaking loudly or laughing in public. According to NPR, [e]ven if they are speaking in their home, they must not do so in a way that could be overheard by strangers. And to limit womens mobility, they can no longer catch a cab without a male guardian.

These regulations are aimed at reducing to the greatest possible extent womens presence outside of the home. Women found in violation of them can face punishments ranging from advice, warnings of divine punishment, verbal threats, confiscation of property, detention for one hour to three days in public jails, and any other punishment deemed appropriate, according to the Afghan Justice Ministry. According to government officials, in the past year they detained over 13,000 people for related violations. With the new legal heft behind these rules, those numbers are likely to soar.

There have already been protests against the enforcement of these restrictions. Some Afghan women have taken to the internet, posting videos of themselves singing and chanting, often ending them with the phrase, My voice is not immodest.

Gender Apartheid and Afghan Men

Alongside the attempts to erase womens presence from Afghan public life are efforts to make sure that Afghan men are performing the right kind of masculinity. Men without beardsdefined as boysare not eligible to serve in the military. Men are also not allowed to wear Western attire, like ties. Drugs, alcohol and gambling are all off-limits, as is playing or listening to music in public. Unrelated men and women cannot even look at one another in public. Mens private behavior is also subject to Taliban regulations, with homosexuality, premarital sex, befriending non-Muslims and celebrating non-Muslim holidays all subject to punishment.

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These regulations are all aimed at promoting a narrowly defined practice of masculinity. To move about comfortably in the public sphere, it is not enough to be a manone must be the right type of man. In the Talibans Afghanistan, a good man is one who carries visible markers of religiosity and whose behavior conforms to the Talibans interpretation of the Quran.

Some men in Afghanistan have bristled against these regulations. One anonymous man living in Kabul told The Washington Post, If men had raised their voices, we might also be in a different situation now. Instead, everyone is growing a beard because we dont want to be questioned, humiliated. Some reports note that enforcement of these rules is concentrated in Kabul and other Afghan cities, rather than in the rural areas. It remains to be seen whether the Taliban will expand the application of these measures geographicallyand if they do, how many men across Afghanistan will feel hemmed in and frustrated in the face of these reforms.

As the toll gender apartheid exacts on both women and men becomes clearer, there is an opportunity to build a broad coalition opposed to Taliban rule. Undoubtedly, the Talibans system of gender apartheid places a heavier burden on womens shoulders than mens. However, gender apartheid also foists unrealistic gender expectations on men. The Talibans construction of what it means to be a good man is producing grumbling amongst some men. Thats a good thing for critics and opponents of the Talibans gender apartheid, as shared frustrations with the gender dynamics of the Talibans rule could be a catalyst for new partnerships to counter the group.

Hilary Matfess is an assistant professor at the University of Denvers Josef Korbel School of International Studies. She is also a Council on Foreign Relations term fellow, a research fellow at the Research on International Policy Implementation Lab and a nonresident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Africa Program. In Love and at War is her second book.

The post Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan Doesnt Just Affect Women appeared first on World Politics Review.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  General Motors is giving back this holiday season by helping kids right here in Mid-Michigan.

The Lansing Delta Township Assembly (LDT) already has collected more than 180 bicycles to donate to kids in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.

Thursday, GM Lansing plants are hosting gate collections for Old Newsboys, which works to ensure children have proper footwear.

6 News anchor Megan Viecelli talked with Human Resources Director Erin Spitzer and LDTs UAW Shop Chairman Ryan Eding to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Amnesty International said in a report published Wednesday that Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians, accusing the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of treating people in Gaza as a "subhuman group unworthy of human rights and dignity" and "demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them."

In the 296-page document, the human rights group details military and political decisions by Israel that have caused mass death, injury and destruction, from the relentless bombardment of civilian populations to the imposition of a siege that has cut off humanitarian access to Gaza. The totality of Israel's actions, Amnesty said, proves that it is "deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction."

Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now," Amnesty concluded.

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Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 45,000 Palestinians, including entire multi-generational families, children and prisoners held and tortured in Israeli detention. 1.9 million more people  90% of Gaza's population  have been displaced, often multiple times, while deliberate or indiscriminate Israeli attacks have all but destroyed the civilian infrastructure, including apartments, hospitals, kitchens, schools and water plants. Much of Gaza is now uninhabitable and on the brink of famine.

Israel, which called the Amnesty report "baseless," has claimed that the war is an act of self-defense after Hamas killed 1,200 of its citizens in a surprise attack last year. But Amnesty said that Israel's stated war aims do not preclude nor justify acts of genocide, as "genocidal intent can co-exist alongside military goals and does not need to be Israels sole intent." Furthermore, the report found no evidence that Israeli strikes "designed to cause a very high number of fatalities and injuries among the civilian population" are directed at any military objective, nor that there is any military purpose to Israel's "extreme and deliberate" restrictions on humanitarian aid.

In addition to interviewing 212 people on the ground, conducting fieldwork and analyzing visual and digital evidence to compile its report, Amnesty reviewed 102 statements issued by Israeli officials and personnel that they concluded were direct evidence of genocidal intent, including calls to "erase" Gaza and instigate a "second Nakba", invocations from scripture to wreak extermination, celebrations of death and destruction, and holding the "entire nation" of Palestine responsible for the Hamas attacks.

Against findings like this, Israel has always insisted that it is scrupulously following international law. The International Criminal Court disagreed, issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, earlier this month for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

President Joe Biden has called the warrants "outrageous" and continued to provide Israel with billions of dollars' worth of weapons, despite Netanyahu repeatedly ignoring the supposed red lines set by his administration. Amnesty's report accuses the United States, Canada, Germany and other Israeli arms suppliers of being complicit in the genocide, calling on them to "act now to bring Israels atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza to an immediate end.
Welcome to The Scoop  the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. For more of the latest dish and drama, subscribe to The Scoop on NewsNations YouTube.

Update: George Stephanopoulos inked a multi-year deal Friday, according to sources. They say its similar to the last deal, adding, ABC doesnt realize its over the staff is furious. Its like a third-world country over there where the top .01 percent make all the money and the rest of the people get peanuts.

(NewsNation)  Tensions are high at Good Morning America as anchor George Stephanopoulos contract is up, and the show is looking to trim his sky-high salary.

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In 2021, Stephanopoulos signed a three-year contract extension after he threatened to go to another network when ABC World News Tonight anchor David Muir was given a larger role at the company.

At the time, Disney CEO Bob Iger had to step in  flying across the country  to broker a negotiation, which resulted in Stephanopoulos huge pay packet as well as his-and-her production companies for him and his wife, Ali Wentworth.

GMA news shaves $100M off balance sheet, moves underground

According to CNN, the deal also allowed him to create new shows for Disney-owned platforms like Hulu and National Geographic.

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But times have changed. Budgets are being slashed across all networks  even NBC, which is leading the morning wars.

Hoda Kotb reportedly left Today after it was announced shed have to take a pay cut. CNN stars like Anderson Cooper have already settled for less, and while GMA saved $100 million by ditching their Times Square studios, they now need to focus on the anchor salaries of Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan.

All the anchors are so old, one source told me. They really hurt themselves when they fired Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes  now they dont have a back bench to rely on.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA  Show coverage of Good Morning America on 5/15/24 on ABC. (ABC/Paula Lobo) MICHAEL STRAHAN, ROBIN ROBERTS, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  APRIL 20: George Stephanopoulos attends the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California on April 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) GOOD MORNING AMERICA  Show coverage of Good Morning America on 4/9/24 on ABC. (ABC/Paula Lobo) GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS

Furthermore, George did the softball interview with Kamala Harris, which went down very badly and frankly, people are fine with the big interviews going to David (Muir). Theres no reason to keep paying George so much money. Those days are over.

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The question remains: Will George accept less or call it a day?

My source said: If he doesnt want to retire, he should take whatever they offer him because wheres he going to go?

Max to begin cracking down on password sharing next week

The bigger fight for GMA comes next year when both Roberts and Strahans contracts are up. Both make upwards of $20 million a year but only work four days a week for the show while having generous vacation packages.

Robin and Michael both get around 50 paid days off a year  Robin doesnt work Fridays, and Michael doesnt work Mondays. Meanwhile, ABC just laid off a bunch of producers  you know, the people who actually do the work. Its unsustainable.

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A representative for ABC News didnt return emails.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 5, 2024. Guterres on Thursday called for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria, and a return to political process to end the bloodshed. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria, and a return to political process to end the bloodshed.

At a press meeting, Guterres said that he has just spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the latest developments in Syria.

During the phone conversation, he emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need, and a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed.

The UN chief also stressed that all parties are obligated under international law to protect civilians.

This latest offensive was launched into Syrian government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group sanctioned by the Security Council, along with a broad range of other armed opposition groups.

"It has led to significant shifts in the frontlines. Tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire," Guterres told reporters.

"We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions," he said. "These must change."

The UN chief said that after 14 years of conflict, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously with Geir Pedersen, UN special envoy for Syria, to finally chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving this crisis, in line with Security Council resolution 2254.

"It is time for serious dialogue," Guterres noted, adding, "In other words, restoring Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity -- and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people."

"It breaks my heart" to see Syrians' suffering grow, along with the threats to regional and international security, he said, urging all those with influence to do their part for the long-suffering people of Syria. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 5, 2024. Guterres on Thursday called for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria, and a return to political process to end the bloodshed. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 5, 2024. Guterres on Thursday called for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria, and a return to political process to end the bloodshed. (Xinhua/Xie E)
Georgian police detained Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change opposition group, on Dec. 4 amid government crackdowns as pro-EU protests in the country continue.

Gvaramia was dragged out by police from the party's office and shoved into a car in Tbilisi as authorities conducted searches against multiple opposition parties as well as non-governmental organizations.

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.

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Over 330 people have been arrested during the ensuing crackdown as tens of thousands have joined the demonstrations, with 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."

Gvaramia, the former head of an opposition TV channel, previously served 13 months in jail for abuse of authority, charges that Amnesty International deemed as "politically motivated." Zourabichvili granted Gvaramia a presidential pardoned in June 2023.

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.

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The prime minister previously 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.

Read also: Protests in Georgia, explained

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BERLIN  The German government has vowed to boost vital sectors of the countrys defense industry while deepening cooperation with European allies, officials announced on Wednesday.

In a new policy document, the outgoing administration of Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that the Russian attack of Ukraine had necessitated an update to Germanys defense-related industrial policy. The most recent version was from 2020, two years before Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of its western neighbor.

It is crucial for Germanys defense capability that we have innovative and efficient defense companies in our country, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This is the only way we can develop state-of-the-art weapons systems  also together with our allies  and, above all, produce them in sufficient quantities, he added.

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The paper with the catchy title of  Nationale Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustriestrategie  national security- and defense industry strategy  outlines key capabilities that Germany seeks to maintain within its national borders, like shipbuilding and artificial intelligence, while delegating others, including aviation and small arms, to the European or international levels.

It also proposes a stronger role for multinational procurement efforts and the joint development of advanced weapon systems.

Ukraine war pressure is reshaping Germanys high-tech defense industry

While German government ministries have singled out key industries in the past, the new paper names specific areas considered key national competencies that must be maintained domestically. Aside from shipbuilding, they include armored vehicles, artificial intelligence, communications, sensors, crucial IT services, and electronic warfare. Maintaining these is essential for the maintenance and strengthening of the strategic sovereignty and capacity to act of the Federal Republic, the report states.

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The German economy has been struggling through a prolonged period of stagnation, resulting in fears over whether Germany will be able to maintain its status as an industrial powerhouse. The strategy paper seeks to open a new chapter in the relations between the state and industry, in the spirit of the Zeitenwende, said the defense minister, referencing Scholzs speech shortly after the invasion of Ukraine in which he called the event a turning point in German and European history.

One of the objectives of the new strategy, which comes with a wish list of policy proposals, is to give arms companies more peace of mind when it comes to long-term contracts and opportunities for investment by government funds. It further identifies what the defense and economic ministries see as burdensome red tape that should be cut, and promises efforts to create more robust supply chains.

Specifically, the government calls for more funding for research and development, quicker budgetary processes, and purpose-fit funding and support for defense startups. Officials are also evaluating whether the military and other security services should be allowed to place longer-term, advance orders up to ten years to make industry planning more predictable. The paper further said the government was investigating the possibility of capacity retention premiums to allow for the quick upscaling of production in times of crisis.

The defense industry paper was presented by the ministers for defense and for the economy of the Scholz government. After the governing coalition broke apart last month, early elections were announced for February. Scholzs left-of-center administration, which has been in charge since before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, presided over a 180-degree turn in German defense policy, significantly increasing defense spending and becoming more assertive on the international stage.
Russia poses a growing military threat to Germany and its allies, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned in remarks to parliament on Thursday.

"Russia has completely switched to a war economy and provides the army with 1,000 to 1,500 tanks every year. That's about twice as many as the five largest European countries combined have in their inventory," said Pistorius.

"For us, one thing is certain: Russia is the greatest threat to our security, and it will remain so for the foreseeable future," he added.

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Pistorius spoke in support of several pieces of defence legislation proposed by the German government.

One bill would provide better wages for German soldiers and civilian staff stationed in Lithuania as part of Germany's new commitment to permanently deployment a brigade in the Baltic country in defence of NATO's eastern flank.

Another proposal would make it illegal for former German soldiers to work for foreign powers such as Russia or China without explicit prior approval from the Defence Ministry.

"This has not been the case so far. The law is urgently needed," Pistorius said on Thursday. "It will prevent highly specialized former members of the German armed forces from being recruited with lucrative offers for their own purposes."

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Florian Hahn, defence policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU conservative opposition bloc, accused Pistorius of lacking the courage and strength to stand up to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) on military matters.

"You have failed to order material for the new brigade in good time and are instead allowing existing units to be plundered in order to equip the brigade in Lithuania," said Hahn.

"As a result, units in Germany, and in particular the 1st Armoured Division, are materially bare - almost three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
German lawmakers on Thursday held an emotionally charged debate about an amendment of the time frame for legal abortion.

The debate was triggered by an initiative driven by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, according to which abortion up to the end of the 12th week of pregnancy should no longer be illegal in principle.

Currently, abortion is a criminal offence under Section 218 of the German Criminal Code - but it is not punishable if it takes place within the first trimester and the woman has received counselling beforehand.

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"The criminal law not only leads to the stigmatization of women and female doctors, but also has a dramatic impact on the care situation in this country," said SPD politician Carmen Wegge, explaining the reasons for the reform proposal.

Fewer and fewer doctors were prepared to perform abortions, Wegge told the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag.

Ulle Schauws from the Greens emphasized that feelings of guilt for women must finally come to an end. Section 218 symbolizes the idea "that a woman does not have the right to decide about her pregnancy and therefore her life and her body," Schauws said.

The conservative bloc made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Bavarian-based Christian Social Union (CSU), however, saw no acute need for action, but criticized the plan to rush the reform through without a broader public debate.

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"As the CDU/CSU, we stand by the current regulations," said lawmaker Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, adding that women were already free to decide whether they wanted to continue or terminate their pregnancy.

At the same time, the child's right to life is also respected. "It's a matter of life and death for the unborn child," she emphasized.
Investigators in Germany have searched the premises of the Volksbank cooperative bank for the Dusseldorf and Neuss area and the homes of suspects in the 100 million ($105 million) fraud perpetrated against the French fashion chain Kiabi.

A spokeswoman for the Dusseldorf public prosecutor's office on Thursday confirmed media reports that the probe concerns fraud, forgery of documents and breach of trust.

For tactical reasons, the investigators did not wish to disclose the number of suspects in Germany.

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At the end of September, it became known that Kiabi was the victim of a sophisticated financial fraud.

The Paris public prosecutor's office is also investigating on suspicion of massive embezzlement of funds.

This led to the arrest of a former financial officer of the company after landing on the Mediterranean island of Corsica in a private jet.

In a statement posted on its website, Volksbank said: "We would like to expressly emphasize that the investigations are not directed against Volksbank Dusseldorf Neuss eG itself. The searches only concern the bank as a third party."

The financial fraud case has already had personnel repercussions at Volksbank Dusseldorf Neuss, with the spokesman of the board of management Rainer Mellis resigning from his position.

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The bank's supervisory board said the aim was to ensure that further clarification can take place unreservedly, transparently and without regard to individuals.

According to the broadcaster France Info, the 39-year-old Mellis is said to have transferred the French company's millions to an account at the Volksbank over a year ago.

From there, the money reportedly travelled on to Turkey. Volksbank said it had been presented with a claim for over 100 million and had been affected by fraudulent behaviour in connection with an international transaction.

The justification for the claim is highly controversial, the bank stressed in the statement.

Nevertheless, provisions had been made to shield against the risk using the bank's own funds and guarantees from the Federal Association of German Cooperative Banks. The continued existence of the bank is therefore secured, it said.
BERLIN (AP)  Five sets of ancestral remains from Australia that had been in German museum collections since the 19th century were handed back at a ceremony Thursday that a community representative described as a sad but very joyful moment.

The restitution is part of ongoing efforts by German museums and authorities to return human remains and cultural artifacts that were taken during colonial times.

In this case, three sets of remains that had been in Berlin since 1880 were handed over along with two other sets of remains held in the northwestern German city of Oldenburg. Four representatives of the Ugar Island community, part of the Torres Strait Islands off the northeastern tip of Australia, traveled to Berlin to honor their ancestors and accompany their remains on their journey home.

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These ancestral remains were never meant to be here, said Hermann Parzinger, the head of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which oversees Berlin's state museums.

They're here because, during the colonial era and beyond, Europeans presumed to make other peoples and cultures the subject, or more often object, of their research  appropriating artifacts from cultures outside Europe on a scale that is almost unimaginable today and even desecrating the burial places of those communities in the process, he said.

Around the turn of the 20th century, he added, Berlin museums set up a network of scientists, travelers, traders and others who sent back cultural items from around the world, and in racing to compete with the other major European museums, they all too often disregarded the humanity and dignity of the peoples they encountered.

The restitution of the remains from Berlin's Ethnological Museum and the State Museum for Nature and Man in Oldenburg means that 162 sets of ancestral remains have now been returned to Australia from Germany, and about 1,700 from around the world, said Natasha Smith, Australia's ambassador to Germany. She said the returns are an extremely high priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the government.

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It's sad, but it's a very joyful moment, Ugar Island representative Rocky Stephen said at the ceremony honoring the ancestors. This is a process of healing that's going to happen when they return back to us.

No matter (if) it was nearly a 40-hour journey to travel here, because it's been 144 years they have been missed back at their home, he said.

Berlin's museums now aim to do everything we can to make the repatriation possible of remains whose countries and communities of origin can be identified and want to bring them home, Parzinger said.

More broadly, governments and museums in Europe and North America have increasingly sought to resolve ownership disputes over objects looted during colonial times.

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In 2022, for example, Germany and Nigeria signed an agreement paving the way for the return of hundreds of artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes taken from Africa by a British colonial expedition more than 120 years ago.

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Russia of playing a "cynical game" as she arrived in Malta for a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"Just as Russia uses bombs and drones to target peace and security in Europe, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is also taking the axe to the OSCE," said Baerbock before the start of the two-day OSCE foreign ministers' meeting, which is being attended by Russia's Sergei Lavrov.

The OSCE remains a central piece of the puzzle to ensure peace, freedom and security in Europe, Baerbock argued.

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"We will not allow Putin to bomb our common peace into dust and ashes, nor will we allow Russia to play its cynical game here without comment," Baerbock said.

Baerbock rejected the claim that Russia's isolation was being softened following a telephone conversation between Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The international community must continue to oppose Russia's "hybrid war game," the foreign minister added.
High housing costs and a lack of affordable accommodation have joined migration and the war in Ukraine as top campaign issues as German parties gear up for early elections.

Housing Minister Klara Geywitz, a member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz' Social Democrats, has held another "housing summit" with experts, while the Greens - also still in power since October's collapse of the three-party coalition - want a fair rents law.

With new elections expected in February, the populist Left Party made housing a key issue and is pushing hard for a nationwide rent cap.

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However, no quick solutions are in sight due to the current lack of clear majorities in parliament.

According to a survey commissioned by the Left Party, 73% of respondents also want a rent cap, while 40% of people across Germany feel that high housing costs are a heavy burden, whether while renting or financing home ownership.

More than half lament heating, water or electricity costs, according to the survey of 1,015 people conducted by the Verian Institute at the end of November.

The Greens say they will settle for an extension of the current rent freeze for new lettings until 2029, as well as capping rent increases for long-standing tenants.

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According to government statistics, people in Germany spend an average of 25.2% of their income on housing. Another 13% are "overburdened," spending more than 40%.

Before disputes over the 2025 budget collapsed the coalition, the government had targetted the construction 400,000 new flats per year, including 100,000 social housing units.

However, just under 300,000 homes were actually built each year, the housing minister admitted at the housing summit.

Protestors hold signs during a demonstration for affordable housing, organized by a broad alliance of initiatives and organizations in Hamburg. Christian Charisius/dpa
MOGADISHU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday appealed for 171 million U.S. dollars to support 1.8 million people, including 1.1 million children, in Somalia in 2025.

The funds will be used to scale up integrated health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, child protection and social protection interventions, UNICEF said.

"This funding appeal is 10 percent less than the 2024 appeal, due to a decrease in the target that is consistent with the downward trend in the number of people in need. This aligns with UNICEF's ongoing shift towards longer-term, more resilience-focused and high-impact interventions," UNICEF said in its latest appeal for Somalia.

The UN agency said it would enhance program integration and implementation of cross-sectoral priorities, including gender equality, disability inclusion and resilience.

Prevention of aid diversion remains a priority, it added.

UNICEF said the financial support in 2025 will enable the UN agency and its partners to deliver integrated multisectoral services and expand services to hard-to-reach locations.

The impact of climate change, disease outbreaks and poverty in Somalia is staggering, UNICEF said, warning that despite greater stability in some areas of the country, ongoing conflict continues to cause displacement and restricts access to services.

In 2025, UNICEF said 6.9 million people, including 4.3 million children, need humanitarian assistance.

Anticipated poor rainfall related to the La Nina weather pattern is likely to push the number of people facing food crisis from 3.6 million to 4.4 million by December, it said.

UNICEF said the number of children under the age of five at risk of wasting could rise to 1.6 million by July 2025, with 403,000 expected to be severely wasted.

"Combined with conflict and disease outbreaks, about 6.9 million people, including 4.3 million children, 1.1 million women and 310,000 people with disabilities, require urgent humanitarian aid in 2025. Expected rainfall shortages could worsen the food crisis, affecting up to 4.4 million people," it said. 
By Maxwell Akalaare Adombila

ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's two main presidential contenders staged rival rallies in the capital, Accra, on Thursday evening, courting voters in a final push ahead of the world's second biggest cocoa producer's legislative and presidential election set for Saturday.

Former president John Dramani Mahama, leader of the main opposition National Democratic Congress party, told hundreds of supporters in the Madina neighbourhood that the election was a decisive moment for the nation, urging voters to "reset the country".

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"This election is not just another election. It's a defining moment for our nation," Mahama said.

Pre-election polls have tipped Mahama as the favourite to win. His campaign has leveraged Ghana's worst economic crisis in a generation, framing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), as a perpetrator of the policies that led to the crisis.

A few kilometres away at the University of Ghana campus, Bawumia, a former central banker, addressed hundreds of supporters, touting Ghana's emergence from the crisis, and said despite the challenges, the economy had performed better than when Mahama was president from 2012 to 2016.

"When you come to the macro economy, it's like night and day. We've created more jobs than him," he said, citing Ghana's steady economic growth to cheering supporters clad in the party's white, blue and red colours.

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"We've kept the lights on," he said in reference to Ghana's power outages that rocked Mahama's years. "On what basis does Mahama want to come back?"

Philip Doh, 69, a previous NPP supporter in 2016, told Reuters he would be backing Mahama this time, citing Ghana's debt burden and the incumbent government's failure to tackle corruption.

While Kofi Ayensu, 39, said he will vote back the ruling NPP after it implemented a free high school policy.

(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Additional reporting by Francis Kokoroko; Writing by Bate Felix; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
The patient is submerged in an ice bath as an anesthetic for its impending surgery.

When sufficient numbness is achieved, University of Queensland student Lachlan Fitzgerald begins the procedure, carefully attaching a tiny circuit board to its back to create a part-living, part-machine biohybrid robot.

The patient is, in fact, a beetle, and the backpack-like device sends electrical pulses to its antennae, allowing Fitzgerald to control its movements, while tapping into its natural agility.

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Only when it leaves the desired path that we want it to be on do we intervene and tell it to actually go this way instead of the way it was actually heading, says Fitzgerald, who is studying mathematics and engineering.

He hopes to create an army of insect-machine search and rescue workers. We see a future where after an urban disaster like an earthquake or a bombing, where humans cant safely access the disaster site, being able to send in a bunch of cyborg beetles to navigate the disaster zone quickly and efficiently, he says.

Researchers in Australia are fusing control backpacks onto beetles and cockroaches to direct their movements. - Dan Soekov for CNN

The biorobotics lab where Fitzgerald works is putting control backpacks onto giant burrowing cockroaches, a species native to Australia which can grow up to three inches (eight centimeters) long, and darkling beetles. Species from the darkling family can be found scurrying through environments ranging from tropical savannas to arid deserts across the world.

Having to handle the bugs doesnt bother Fitzgerald: No, they definitely dont gross me out! he says.

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Cyborg insects have an edge over traditional robots, according to Fitzgerald. Insects are so adaptable compared to an artificial robotic system, which has to perform so much computation to be able to deal with all these different scenarios that might get thrown at it in the real world, he explains.

Fitzgerald says cyborg search and rescue beetles or cockroaches might be able to help in disaster situations by finding and reporting the location of survivors and delivering lifesaving drugs to them before human rescuers can get there.

But first, the Australian researchers must master the ability to direct the movements of the insects, which could take a while. Fitzgerald says that although the work might seem futuristic now, in a few decades, cyborg insects could be saving lives.

Hes not the only roboticist creating robots from living organisms. Academics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), for example, are implanting electronic pacemakers into jellyfish to control their swimming speed. They hope the bionic jellies could help collect data about the ocean far below the surface.

University of Queensland student Lachlan Fitzgerald hopes to one day use the insect-machine hybrids as search and rescue workers. - Dan Soekov for CNN

In September, Cornell University researchers released robots controlled by a king oyster mushroom. The robots, which sense and respond to the environment by harnessing electrical signals made by the fungus and its sensitivity to light, could have uses like sensing the soil chemistry near crops to decide when to add more fertilizer.

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The rise of biohybrid robots has stirred debate about the ethics of the work, and some researchers have advocated for better regulation and oversight. Caltech academics told CNN that they worked with bioethicists to ensure its interventions dont cause any type of stress response in the jellyfish they work with.

Fitzgerald says that beetles that have had backpacks attached to them have normal life expectancies. So I dont think they mind, per se, he says. The science is out on whether or not theyre actually conscious beings, he adds.

He agrees that concerns about the welfare of the creatures are valid but urges people to consider the benefits: I think the potential for this technology to save lives in an urban disaster, it really outweighs any kind of hesitancy you might have towards the field.

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GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN)  Girard police are investigating the injuries of a child, and hospital staff have enlisted the expertise of a child abuse pediatrician to help.

Read next: What happens if you try to buy a gun with an active warrant

Officers were called after a mother reported that her son was injured during a visit with his father over Thanksgiving. Police believe that the injury happened at a family members house.

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The mother reported that she got a call from the father on Nov. 29 telling her that their son had a knot on his head. The father said he didnt how it happened but that she needed to pick him up, according to a police report. When the mother arrived, the child had a huge knot on his head along with a cut on his lip and bruising on his right cheek and left eye, the report stated.

The mother immediately took the child to Akron Childrens Hospital in Boardman, and then he was transported to Akron Childrens main campus in Akron. Doctors there said that the childs injuries were not consistent with a fall and that he suffered a skull fracture, likely from blunt force trauma, the report stated. The expertise of a child abuse pediatrician was requested.

The medical reports have been turned over to a detective for further investigation.

The childs age was not listed on the police report.

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(WHTM)  A new memorial on the Pennsylvania Capitol grounds honoring Gold Star families will soon be a reality thanks to a state lawmaker who himself just returned from active duty.

Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) introduced the bill to create a memorial for Gold Star families, who are the ones left behind when a service member dies.

The monument will be comprised of four granite slabs placed east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street at no cost to taxpayers. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on Wednesday after it received bipartisan support.

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It is important these grieving families have a place to gather, reflect, pray, and share in fellowship with one another. The memorial would be a permanent fixture honoring the sacrifices of not only our fallen men and women in uniform, but also their loved ones, Kerwin said.

Suzanne Sheaffer appreciates Rep. Kerwins commitment and wishes she was not in the fraternity that will benefit. Her son, Billy, died while serving in 2013.

A monument such as this is going to cause (people) to remember, said Sheaffer.

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Kerwin recently returned from a deployment to East Africa with the Pennsylvania Army National Guards Task Force Paxton, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry. For 10 months he was gone, but not forgotten. Shapiro mentioned him in his budget address, calling Kerwin the very best of us.

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Last month, Kerwin and the 131 soldiers under his command returned home safely from Africa. Upon returning Kerwin received a house citation and, rare these days, bipartisan praise for his service.

You have our overwhelming gratitude and our thanks Joe, and Id like to say, welcome home, said Minority Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).

Representative Kerwin represents the best among us, added Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery). We are so glad hes safely back. Hes a good man a good legislator, and a good friend to many of us.

Kerwin is not one to pat himself on the back, as he prioritizes his service to the country and the Commonwealth rather than service to himself.

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Americas been really good to my family and I, said Kerwin. Its me a lot of opportunities, its given me the opportunity to serve in the Pennsylvania state legislature, and I think this is a way to pay that back.

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BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Gold Star familieswho lost a loved one serving in the militarygathered at the State House on Wednesday to place ornaments and photos of their service members on a memorial Christmas tree.

These families hail from all across the state and have one thing in common: grieving a close family member and fallen soldier during the otherwise joyful holiday season.

To kick off the ceremony, a retired Brigadier General explained why military members serve.

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A soldier doesnt fight because he hates whats in front of him. A soldier fights because he loves what, in fact, is behind him. His family, his friends, his country, his freedom. Thats why a soldier fights, said Brig. Gen. Thomas Sellars.

The holiday season is particularly difficult for families dealing with loss, making this event even more important.

A Gold Star father read a poem that he says encapsulates what it feels like to be the parent of a fallen soldier in December.

Words could not explain how very much I miss you so. And now that once again Christmas has come around, and its where the sweetest memories and thoughts of you are found, said Raymond Tourville Sr., who lost his son Raymond Tourville Jr. this fall.

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Ceremony-goers enjoyed speeches from top state officials and performances by choirs and Santa himself before a reception at the Grand Staircase. This ceremony allows fallen service members to be remembered and honored by all visitors to the State House, for the duration of the holiday season.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The U.S. Marshals Task Force is asking for the communitys help in finding the inmate who escaped the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation custody in Delano on Monday.

Cesar Moises Hernandez, 34, has a criminal history that includes murder and possession of a firearm by an ex-felon. He is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds.

Inmate on the run in Delano killed a man in 2018 after leaving LA County bar

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Marshals say Hernandez has ties to Kern, Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

Hernandez escaped from CDCR custody in Delano on Monday. After his escape, CDCR and Kern County law officials began a manhunt for Hernandez.

Since Monday, Delano schools have been closed and community Christmas events have been postponed.

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Thursday marks the fourth day of the search for Hernandez.

A cash reward is available for information leading to his arrest.

If youve seen him or have any information on his whereabouts, call or text the U.S. Marshals at 661-979-1187.

All information about Hernandez is confidential.

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A Good Samaritan trying to help two women following a fender bender received a frightening surprise. A Florida woman who allegedly crashed into one car eventually ended up pursuing the Good Samaritan and running him off the road, the Broward County Sheriffs Office reported (via Law & Crime).

Melisa Maria Parkinson, 46, allegedly fled from the initial crash on I-95 while the victim followed her off the freeway into a Wawa gas station. When the woman got out of her car to confront Parkinson, Parkinson reversed her car just as the unnamed Good Samaritan was exiting his pick-up to offer assistance. Parkinson then began to go after the man in the pickup as he drove away, rear-ending him several times. This caused the mans car to careen out of control and crash into the Wawa sign.

After causing the unnamed man to crash, Parkinson allegedly then attempted to car jack the original car involved in the melee. However, the Hyundais owner was able to fight Parkinson off and retain possession of her vehicle.

Parkinson is being held at the Broward County Jail on a $25,000 bond, facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, and leaving the scene of an accident. Police reported no serious injuries in the incident.
(Bloomberg) -- A key House Republican criticized the Biden administrations latest attempt to curtail Chinas chipmaking ambitions, saying US rules unveiled Monday leave loopholes that will let Chinese companies like Huawei Technologies Co. continue acquiring American technology.

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Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the chambers China Select Committee, expressed his concerns in a letter Wednesday to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. He said parts of the new export controls give Chinese firms leeway to avoid sanctions, citing a provision that focuses on certain production facilities of firms like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., Huaweis chipmaking partner,applying different restrictions to different parts of the company.

Moolenaar praised other measures  such as restrictions on the export of high-bandwidth memory chips, which are essential to AI  but questioned why President Joe Bidens administration took no action against ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., which is trying to develop the same AI memory chip technology. Some Biden officials had pushed to add CXMT to the so-called entity list, Bloomberg News has reported, but the latest curbs ultimately stopped short of tougher measures previously considered.

Moolenaar asked Commerce officials to preserve all documents and communications relating to the new controls, so that President-elect Donald Trumps team can can properly identify any other loopholes  signaling that Republicans could seek tougher measures when Trump returns to the White House in January.

The rules build on years of trade restrictions targeting Beijings semiconductor ambitions, including curbs on memory chips, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and leading-edge logic chips, which serve as the brains of devices. The Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security has also added 384 Chinese entities to a trade restriction list  the same number Trump did in his first term, according to a new report  including more than 100 Chinese chip tool companies added Monday. That designation bars those companies from buying American technology without a license.

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But, Moolenaar said, the specific licensing requirements applied to certain Huawei suppliers raise real questions about the culture at BIS and why BIS continues to facilitate shipments of US technology to Chinese companies. For example, while the rules effectively deny all shipments to SMICs facility in Beijing, they allow case-by-case sales of specific items to SMIC in Shanghai, he said.

The rules also differ slightly for three Huawei-linked chipmakers: Qingdao SiEn, SwaySure and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co., or PST. While sanctions against Qingdao SiEn apply a so-called presumption of denial policy for license applications, the latter two firms will undergo case-by-case review for technology not covered by broader US export controls.

There is no national security justification for these loopholes, Moolenaar wrote. A Commerce spokeperson said in a statement that the agency has received the letter and will respond through the appropriate channels.

Moolenaar earlier this year joined Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the China panel, in pushing BIS to sanction some of the firms added Monday. The pair also directly lobbied the Japanese government to strengthen its controls on semiconductor equipment. Washington has been working with Tokyo and the Hague to coordinate restrictions that affect all of the top chip toolmakers: three American companies, plus Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV.

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Krishnamoorthi, for his part, was satisfied with the Biden administrations approach. The targeted measures will not only hurt Chinas ability to produce advanced-node semiconductors that could be used in a range of military technologies, but also hinder their development of other advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, that could be used for nefarious purposes, he said in a Monday statement.

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(Bloomberg) -- Senate Republican Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and rape survivor influential with GOP colleagues on military matters, pointedly declined to support Pete Hegseths embattled defense secretary nomination, calling for further investigation of allegations against him.

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Her comments, a day after a private meeting with Hegseth, show Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee unable to turn the tide of a rising storm of criticism. More allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of two veterans organizations are surfacing. And Trump has begun to examine alternative prospects.

Hegseth was defiant Thursday, saying he is determined to carry out Trumps goals at the Pentagon, including ending politically correct approaches of how we fight and conduct wars.

As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, Im going to be standing right here in this fight, fighting to bring our Pentagon back to what it needs to be, he said after a meeting with Republican Senator Ron Johnson.

Ernst, a member of the Senate panel that will hold hearings on his nomination, said in an interview with Fox News Thursday that she and other lawmakers want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared and will demand a very thorough vetting process.

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When the interviewer observed that Ernst appeared not to have gotten to a yes on the nomination and that Hegseths performance at nomination hearings would be critical, she responded, I think you are right.

Ernst, 54, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who commanded troops in Iraq, met Hegseth at the Capitol Wednesday as he did the rounds to try to shore up his faltering chances, with Trump said to be considering replacing him with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The senator, a rape survivor, had told NBC News that Hegseth would make a very strong defense secretary before sexual misconduct allegations against the longtime Fox News host came to light. After that, Ernst said in an interview that she wanted to have a frank, face-to-face discussion with Hegseth and that she looked forward to having him vetted.

A recently-released police report revealed graphic details about a sexual encounter seven years ago that Hegseth said was consensual. The woman accused Hegseth of raping her in October 2017 at a Republican conference. The case was not prosecuted but the military veteran denies the allegation and paid the woman for her silence.

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The New Yorker also reported that Hegseth was forced to depart leadership posts at two organizations  Concerned Veterans for America and Vets for Freedom  amid allegations of financial and personal missteps.

The magazine pointed out that a whistleblower report during Hegseths time leading Concerned Veterans for America describes him as being repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacityto the point of needing to be carried out of the organizations events.

Hegseth on Thursday said he is a different man than I was years ago.

Thats a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate and I know from fellow vets that Ive spent time with, they resonate with that as well, he said.

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In an interview with Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power on Thursday evening, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said theres no question that if you have a problem with alcohol, it makes it very difficult for that individual to be able to be a leader particularly dealing with the strains of that position in a crisis moment. So that is something theyre going to have to really look at.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has repeatedly opposed women in combat. That stance puts him at odds with Ernst, whose daughter serves in the Army.

Ernst sometimes criticized Trump, including in 2017 when she opposed a plan to ban transgender members of the military, but she has generally voted for his agenda and nominees.

--With assistance from Joe Mathieu and Magan Crane.

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(Updates with Panetta, in 14th paragraph.)

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The Maricopa County Republican Committee sued to challenge the passage of Proposition 479, which was approved by voters to raise billions of dollars for the Valley's highways, roads and bus routes.

Attorney Bryan Blehm filed the complaint Nov. 30 in Maricopa County Superior Court, asserting the ballot measure only garnered 59.82% of the vote and should not stand because voters amended the Arizona Constitution in 2022 to "require all tax measures to receive at least 60% of the votes cast."

Blehm argued the courts should decertify the results because they fell short of the 60% threshold established by the passage of Proposition 132. The lawsuit names the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which played a key role in certifying the results.

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Blehm could not be immediately reached for comment.

Connect Maricopa, the campaign committee supporting Proposition 479, filed a motion to intervene on Wednesday, according to the Superior Court website. The Arizona Republic could not immediately reach a committee representative for comment.

Phoenix mayor: 'Lawsuit is deeply flawed and misguided'

Marty Shultz was a vocal advocate for the regional transportation tax and chairman of Proposition 479's original predecessor, Proposition 300, which Maricopa County voters approved in 1985. Voters extended the tax in 2004 when they passed Proposition 400. Last month, voters overwhelmingly agreed to extend funding again at the same tax rate that's been in place nearly 40 years.

Shultz said Blehm's central legal argument was faulty because the Proposition 132 burden only applies to constitutional amendments.

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"Proposition 479 is a legitimate referral by The Arizona Legislature. It is not a constitutional amendment," Shultz said.

"Having been involved in politics for four or five decades, Im not surprised by much, and Im not surprised by this lawsuit brought about by the Arizona Republican Party and the minions that have an unreasonable conservative bent to their thinking," Shultz said, adding, "Hopefully this ill-conceived action will not subject 479 to any sanctions or reversal."

When lawmakers were debating this issue in 2023, they clarified that a constitutional amendment that requires 60% approval for any tax measure applies only to statewide issues. The transportation tax extension is a Maricopa County issue, not a statewide matter.

Officials at the Maricopa Association of Governments, a quasi-governmental agency that creates the regional transportation spending plan, could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego reacted Wednesday, saying, Maricopa County voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 479 because they understand that a strong transportation system isnt political. It's critical to our future. This lawsuit is deeply flawed and misguided, and I hope the courts recognize its malignant intentions.

Proposition 479 asked voters to continue a half-cent sales tax for the next 20 years. Voters first approved it in 1985, then again in 2004. The tax provides revenue for the regional transportation plan approved by mayors across the Valley. The tax accounts for $14.9 billion of the $28.2 billion plan, so a little more than half.

It is set to fund freeways (40.5%), bus transit and bus rapid transit (33.5%), major roadways a regional transportation infrastructure (22.5%) and light rail maintenance (3.5%). But paired with other funding sources, it unlocks billions in federal funding that frees city revenue in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe to expand the light rail 11.9 miles and the streetcar 4.4 miles.

Who filed the challenge to Proposition 479?

Blehm has a history of questionable election challenges.

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He was issued a 60-day suspension by the state bar for lying while representing Republican Kari Lake in a lawsuit that sought to overturn the results of the 2022 gubernatorial election. The Arizona Supreme Court fined Blehm and another attorney $2,000 for making "unequivocally false" claims in that case.

He represented a conservative election-denial group in a legal battle with Maricopa County over public records earlier this year. He may not have been licensed to practice law during a trial in that case, because of a "fees-related issue," the county's lawyers said in open court at the time.

Shultz repeated the campaign argument that such an investment is vital to the region's economic development.

"Our economic success over the decades has been based, in part, on the development of a comprehensive transportation system," he said."What the perpetrators of this lawsuit failed to understand is that the economy, that they say they believe in, doesnt just happen," Shultz said.

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"I intend to call key Republican leaders and members of the Republican Party and 'complain like hell' over this behavior. Its inappropriate, sends the wrong signal, and it probably will fail in court."

(This story was updated with new information.)

Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.

Arizona Republic reporters Mary Jo Pitzl and Stacey Barchenger contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: GOP sues to block Proposition 479, the $15B transportation measure
SAO TOME, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sao Tome and Principe, where the prime meridian meets the equator, holds a unique position as "the center of the Earth."

This small island nation, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa, is known for its lush landscapes, rich biodiversity and a history tied to cocoa cultivation.

Once dubbed the "Chocolate Island" for being the world's largest cocoa producer, Sao Tome and Principe's economy has faltered in the past decades. However, its fertile volcanic soil, tropical climate and high-quality cocoa have been guiding the country toward recovery, with a focus on global partnerships and South-South cooperation for new opportunities.

Today, Sao Tome and Principe is focused on expanding organic cocoa production while nurturing emerging industries like tourism, which shows great potential as a key driver of economic growth.

REVIVAL OF "CHOCOLATE ISLAND"

With a land area of about 1,000 square km and located 200 km off Africa's coast, Sao Tome and Principe consists of two main islands -- Sao Tome and Principe -- along with several islets.

Back in the 15th century, Portuguese colonizers arrived and discovered the islands' fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate, perfect for cocoa cultivation, which they introduced to the region.

Large numbers of enslaved Africans were brought to work on the cocoa plantations in Sao Tome and Principe over the following centuries. By the 19th century, cocoa production expanded rapidly, and by the early 20th century, the country had become the world's leading cocoa producer, earning it the nickname "Chocolate Island."

In the 20th century, chocolate's global popularity soared, with major sales during holidays such as Valentine's Day and Christmas. However, when Sao Tome and Principe gained independence in 1975, much of the wealth from cocoa had been taken by colonizers. Combined with the dismantling of the industry's management system, this led to the collapse of its cocoa industry.

Meanwhile, as cocoa cultivation thrived in West Africa, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, with their larger cultivation areas and greater labor forces, surpassed Sao Tome and Principe to become the world's leading cocoa producers. Today, these two countries account for two-thirds of global cocoa production.

As a result, Sao Tome and Principe's economy faltered, and it is now designated as one of the world's least developed nations by the United Nations (UN).

In response to these challenges, Sao Tome and Principe sought solutions to revive the country's pillar industry. Capitalizing on the island's ideal growing conditions and its long-standing reputation for high-quality cocoa, they turned to organic cocoa production and partnered with global chocolate manufacturers, trying to secure a place for the island in the competitive global market.

Amid increasing foreign investment in cocoa production, local chocolate brands have emerged and gained popularity both at home and abroad, helping steer the nation toward a higher-value chocolate manufacturing industry.

Today, the tropical rainforests of Sao Tome and Principe remain lush and vibrant. Banana trees provide shade for young cocoa plants, while coconut trees shield the mature cocoa trees from the sun. Various fruits that fall from the rainforest provide natural nutrients to the soil for cocoa cultivation. This natural environment continues to nurture the cocoa industry, offering hope for the economic revival of the once-famous "Chocolate Island."

PROMISING FUTURE OF TOURISM

Beyond the revival of cocoa, tourism holds great potential as a key driver of Sao Tome and Principe's economic growth. The country boasts stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine coastlines, vibrant tropical rainforests and rich marine life, as well as a monument marking the center of the Earth, where the prime meridian and the equator meet, on Ilheu das Rolas island, making the country a popular tourist destination in Africa.

Millions of years ago, tectonic shifts caused islands like Sao Tome and Principe to rise from the sea, forming dramatic volcanic landscapes. Steep mountains, winding streams and deep valleys create breathtaking natural scenery. Due to its long isolation from the African mainland, the islands are home to many endemic species. In 2012, the Principe Island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Due to the absence of large-scale modernization construction, Sao Tome and Principe's beaches, rainforests and other landscapes have preserved their untouched natural beauty. From November to February, sea turtles come ashore to nest, and conservationists, working alongside local communities, develop eco-tourism initiatives that protect endangered species while offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature in harmony.

Ilheu das Rolas island, located south of Sao Tome, attracts tourists due to its proximity to the center of the Earth monument, allowing visitors to experience the rare sensation of standing in two hemispheres simultaneously.

Despite its rich tourism potential, the industry faces challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, limited facilities and health issues such as malaria. In the first half of this year, Sao Tome and Principe received only about 17,000 visitors, primarily from Portugal, France and Angola, according to local media. By comparison, the Seychelles, a much smaller island nation, attracted 358,000 tourists in 2023.

Lucio Magalhaes, Sao Tome and Principe's minister of the Presidency and Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Affairs and Sustainable Coordination, said the country needs improved infrastructure, including higher-quality roads and healthcare facilities, to enhance the tourism experience and provide a sense of security for foreign visitors and local residents alike.

"To achieve our development goals, we need to work with partners, including China, to plan a path for future growth and ensure a more prosperous life for the people of Sao Tome and Principe," he said.

SUPPORT FROM SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

In late September, a tourist group from Beijing arrived in Sao Tome and Principe for its beautiful island scenery. Lai Xiaojuan, a tourism professional with over 10 years of experience in Sao Tome, said that she had already hosted 19 Chinese tour groups this year, bringing in a total of 60 visitors.

Sao Tome and Principe is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists, with more groups and backpackers adding it to their African itineraries. Meanwhile, over 200 students from the country went to China for study, ready to return home and contribute to the country's development. A shared vision for a brighter future has deepened the mutual desire for closer ties between the two nations.

Since resuming diplomatic relations in 2016, Sao Tome and Principe and China have strengthened cooperation across a range of sectors. The Confucius Institute has established a presence at the University of Sao Tome and Principe, while Chinese medical teams and malaria experts have been providing high-quality healthcare to the local population. Chinese agricultural experts have also supported the island's efforts to improve farming techniques, establish demonstration villages for agricultural poverty reduction, and address food security challenges.

In September, Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where both countries announced the elevation of their relationship to a strategic partnership. The leaders of the two countries discussed advancing cooperation in tourism, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure, encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Sao Tome and Principe to support the country's economic diversification.

Abel da Silva Bom Jesus, Sao Tome and Principe's minister of agriculture, fisheries and rural development, said China is the country's "key partner in helping us reach the level of agricultural development we aspire to achieve."

"Opportunities have been opened for direct trade between Sao Tome and Principe and China, allowing local businesses to gain access to the vast Chinese market," said Abel Tavares da Veiga, director and founder of Tela Non, a leading newspaper in the country.

"This cooperation, which the people view as foundational, can effectively propel the country toward broader integration into the global economy," Veiga said. 
Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner speaks at the Dentons Legislative Conference on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

In his second round of leadership picks, Gov.-elect Mike Braun announced Thursday he will retain Katie Jenner as Indianas education head, and bring on former state official David Adams as commerce secretary.

The announcement came one day after Braun, a Republican, confirmed his choices for the states next budget and transportation secretaries.

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Jenner has served as Indianas secretary of education since 2021. Braun lauded her leadership thus far, including her oversight over the states largest-ever investment in literacy, as well as her work implementing a comprehensive teacher supply/demand marketplace, and increasing the statewide graduation rate.

Jenners administration additionally launched Indianas Graduates Prepared to Succeed initiative, which seeks to redefine how the state measures school performance and student achievement.

Jenner was hand-picked by Gov. Eric Holcomb to take on the role after the superintendent of public instruction position was eliminated by the General Assembly. Jennifer McCormick  who ran as a Democrat against Braun in the 2024 gubernatorial race  was the last to hold that office.

Dr. Jenners proven track record of elevating Indianas education system makes her the ideal choice to continue leading our states academic initiatives, Braun said in a Thursday news release. Her focus on literacy, STEM education, and workforce readiness aligns perfectly with our vision for Indianas future.

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The states top school official currently leads the Indiana Department of Education and chairs the State Board of Education. She previously served as Holcombs senior education advisor, vice president of K-12 initiatives and statewide partnerships at Ivy Tech Community College, and held various leadership positions at Madison Consolidated Schools, in addition to being a teacher.

Brauns transition team said Jenner will focus on college and career readiness, improved literacy and math outcomes, universal school choice, and an increase in teacher base pay  all part of his incoming administrations agenda.

I am grateful to Governor-elect Braun for the opportunity to continue serving Indianas students, educators, and families as Secretary of Education, Jenner said in a statement. Over the past several years, we have made significant strides in expanding educational opportunities and ensuring our students are prepared for success in the classroom and beyond. Working together with Governor-elect Braun, our dedicated teachers, school leaders, the General Assembly and stakeholders across the state, we will build upon this progress while addressing the evolving needs of our education system. I look forward to advancing this vital mission in the years ahead.

David Adams, Indianas former commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. (Photo from Gov. Eric Holcombs Flickr)

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Separately, Adams is slated to become Indianas next secretary of commerce. Hell be tasked with leading Indianas job creation and business growth initiatives. That entails driving economic opportunity for the state and fostering an entrepreneurial environment for innovation, Brauns transition team noted.

Adams, who previously served as the states commissioner of workforce development, brings extensive experience in economic development, innovation, and business growth, Brauns team said.

Davids proven track record of driving economic growth and innovation makes him the ideal choice to lead Indianas commerce initiatives, Braun said. His experience in workforce development to drive economic growth, combined with his successful entrepreneurial business track record and ability to attract major investments, will help accelerate Indianas economic momentum.

Adams was appointed to run the Department of Workforce Development in August 2022 but departed eight months later. The release at the time didnt say why he was leaving but said he would serve instead on the Governors Workforce Cabinet.

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Braun emphasized that, under Adams leadership as workforce development commissioner, Indianas workforce ranking in CNBCs Americas Top States for Business improved from 48th to 14th.

Earlier, under former Gov. Mitch Daniels, Adams led the turnaround and merger of Indianas nearly $50B pension systems.

He previously served as chief innovation officer at the University of Cincinnati, where he led the development of the Cincinnati Innovation District that became Ohios model for economic development, per Brauns team.

Adams was also a founding member of the leadership team for i2 Technologies, a software company that specialized in supply chain management. The company was sold in 2010. He currently serves on the Purdue Research Foundation board and is a Forbes contributing writer.

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Governor-elect Brauns vision for our states economic future is bold and one that I look forward to supporting as Secretary of Commerce, Adams said in a statement. His business career gives him a unique perspective of workforce development and economic prosperity, and while we have great momentum as a state, there is more work to be done. We have an opportunity ahead of us to recruit and build a talent pipeline, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect Braun and the General Assembly to take our state to new heights.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  Gov. Mike DeWine called on the state Legislature to require driving training for all Ohioans seeking a license, not just those under 18 years old.

Ohio law currently does not require driving training for residents over 18 years old who apply for a license.

"Whatever age you are, if you're getting your license for the first time, you need to take driver's training. To say that once you turn 18, you don't have to take any training just does not, frankly, make any sense at all," DeWine said Thursday.

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Currently, anyone younger than 18 must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school, which includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of driving time. They also must complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements.

Adults who fail the first attempt at the maneuverability or road portion of the state driving test are required to take an abbreviated adult driver training course.

Springfield getting simulators to help immigrant drivers

The governor's comments came as part of an announcement on driving simulators that will be available throughout Springfield, a central Ohio city grappling with a recent influx of Haitian immigrants that have caused traffic accidents.

Tension over immigration in Springfield escalated after Haitian immigrant Hermanio Joseph struck a school bus in 2023. 11-year-old Aiden Clark died and 20 other students were injured in the crash. Joseph was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide and sentenced to a minimum of nine years in prison.

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Clark's father pleaded with people to stop using his son's death as a political tool at a Springfield City Commission meeting in September.

DeWine said issues with driving are understandable, given that the laws and norms in Haiti are different.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the installment of ten driving simulators in Springfield.

Ten simulators will be available around Springfield, each with a translator and instructor. The simulators give residents a chance to get familiar with road signs, lane marking and other rules of the road.

DeWine stressed that the simulators are available for any residents, not only immigrants

Dom and Terri Tiberi donated five simulators. The couple started the Maria Tiberi Foundation to prevent distracted driving 11 years ago after their daughter died in a car crash.

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In addition to the simulators, there is a Creole translation of the Ohio driver's manual now available for Haitians.

DeWine noted other resources for Springfield residents, including mobile health clinics, ESL classes and a baby formula bank at a Springfield food pantry.

Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said the simulators are part of an effort to drive down some of the rhetoric associated with those crashes.

Each driving simulator in Springfield will be accompanied by an instructor and translator, DeWine said.

Where can Springfield residents find the driving simulators?

There will be 10 new simulators installed at six different locations here in Springfield:

High Street Church of the Nazarene.

Clark County Department of Job and Family Services.

Clark State College.

Springfield, Clark Career Technology Center.

First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield.

Life in Christ Community Church

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Erin Glynn is a reporter 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 The Columbus Dispatch: DeWine calls on Ohio legislature to require driver's ed after 18
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina State Leaders annually pay a tribute to the fallen service members and their loved ones during the holiday season, recognizing those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The holiday season is a time when families and friends come together, but not everyone has that luxury. At the State House on Wednesday, Governor McMaster and state leaders unveiled a tree honoring the fallen soldiers.

Hundreds of gold stars were ready to decorate the tree in honor of the soldiers who have passed. Gold star families said this gives them a sense of comfort during the holiday season.

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May this tree remind us of our strength found in the community, the power of remembrance and the light that our heroes continue to shine through us all, said Tia Jones, mother of First Lieutenant, Justice Stewart.

Jones remembers her daughter who passed away.

The annual tradition began in 2019 and Governor McMaster says he looks forward to continuing it next year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Wednesday, December 4. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

A grain elevator in Philip has caught on fire.

Philip grain elevator catches on fire

We have an update on a case involving a body found stuffed into a black bag at a Sioux Falls apartment.

Plea change in 2023 black bag murder

A pickup is destroyed after a Tuesday morning fire in Sheldon, Iowa.

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Pickup truck burns in Sheldon, Iowa

A Sioux Falls man will spend just over a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to drug charges.

Sioux Falls man headed to jail for drug charges

Winds will die down during the evening and overnight. Lows will fall to near zero in eastern KELOLAND.

Cold tomorrow but warming for the weekend

Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  For decades, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has housed an exhibit dedicated to West Michigans first inhabitants. Over the next two years, that exhibit will get an upgrade.

Museum officials announced this week that the exhibit  Anishinabek: The People of This Place  will be overhauled.

Museum staff and Native partners will complete a redesign and expansion of the space to breathe new life into the exhibit for future generations to learn and enjoy, a museum spokesperson said in a statement.

Dozens of carved figurines are part of the Anishinaabe exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The exhibit will close after Jan. 5, 2025 to be redesigned. (Courtesy GRPM) The Anishinaabe exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum will close after Jan. 5, 2025 to be redesigned. (Courtesy GRPM) The Anishinaabe exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum will close after Jan. 5, 2025 to be redesigned. (Courtesy GRPM)

The museum also announced that Katrina Furman, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will take over as the museums Anishinaabe curator.

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Furman graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelors degree in anthropology and a masters degree in nonprofit management. She has 18 years of experience working in tribal government and has been working with the museum for three years.

The other mounds: Lost history is a part of West Michigans story

I am deeply honored and excited to be selected for this position. I look forward to the exhibit redesign and continued collaboration with our partners to create something very empowering for our community, Furman stated.

The updated exhibit is expected to incorporate new technology and give visitors a chance to dig deeper into topics important to Anishinaabe communities. It will also feature art from local Anishinaabe artists and honor the cultures past, present and future.

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Paleoindians and beyond: West Michigans history goes back millennia

The Anishinaabe are a group of Indigenous people that lived across the Great Lakes region in both the United States and in Canada as early as 1200 A.D. The group is comprised of at least eight different tribes, including three that hold land in Michigan: the Ojibwe (Chippewa), the Odawa and the Potawatomi.

Those three hold a longstanding alliance called the Council of the Three Fires, each with a specialty. The Chippewa are considered the oldest tribe and were regarded as renowned hunters and fishermen, establishing a large fishing village near the rapids of the St. Marys River in what is now Sault Saint Marie. The Odawa made their mark in trade and were known for their bark canoes. The Potawatomi are considered some of Michigans earliest farmers, settling in southwestern Michigan to grow squash, corn, melons, beans and tobacco.

The exhibit will close for renovations after Sunday, Jan. 5. The museum hopes to have the exhibit ready to debut in the fall of 2026.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Dec. 5MOSES LAKE  According to the Washington Secretary of State's Office, nearly three-quarters of registered voters in Grant County participated in the Nov. 5 General Election with 36,600 of the county's 50,488 casting ballots  or 72.55%.

Several races between those seeking to retain or gain an elected position were on the ballot, as well as levy measures and state and federal offices. The election results were certified locally Nov. 25 and were certified by the Secretary of State's Office on Wednesday.

Local officials

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Grant County will see one new face on its board of commissioners starting in the spring. Republican candidate Kevin Burgess defeated fellow Republican Amador Castro in the seat which will be vacated by Commissioner Danny Stone after Stone opted not to run for another four-year term. Burgess received 60.75% of the vote to Castro's 38.43%. Burgess will be sworn in at the beginning of the year.

Commissioner Rob Jones, also a Republican, was reelected in the race against Republican candidate David Henderson. Jones received 59.16% of the vote to Henderson's 39.92%.

Grant County Public Utility District Commissioner Judy Wilson ran unopposed to retain her seat on the commission. She obtained 98.5% of the vote with 1.42% voting for write-in candidates and some not voting in the race. Wilson will serve a second six-year term after that, which starts in January and will end in December 2031. She serves the PUD's first district which includes the Eastern and Northern portions of the county.

Joining Wilson on the PUD board will be Board President Tom Flint who beat Robert Allen in the race for the at-large board position. Flint earned 63.3% of the votes in the race to Allen's 36.32%.

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State Legislature

State Reps. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, both ran unopposed for reelection and took in more than 98% of the vote in their respective races. They will each serve another two years in the Washington House of Representatives. Both serve Washington's 13th Legislative District. The next Washington Legislative Session begins Jan. 13, 2025.

In opposed races, state Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, won reelection overall with 64.49% of the districtwide vote against Democrat challenger Linda Gunshefski who pulled in 35.46% of the districtwide vote. In Grant County, Klicker received 79.5% of the vote to Gunshefski's 20.5%. Only a few hundred voters in Grant County are located in District 16.

Another seat in the 16th is that of Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, who also earned his bid for reelection with 65.83% of the districtwide vote to Democrat Craig Woodard's 34.11%. In Grant County, Rude received 78.5% to Woodard's 21.5% of the local vote.

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Rep. Perry Dozier, R-Walla Walla, earned reelection to the 16th District as well, earning 63.36% of the districtwide vote to Democrat Kari Isaacson's 36.56%. In Grant County, Dozier took 79.8% of the vote to Isaacson's 20.2%.

State execs

At the state level, voters tended to choose Democrats for office, though the local vote in Grant County leaned generally to the right in favor of Republicans.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, won his bid for the Governor's Mansion against Republican opponent Dave Reichert. Statewide, Ferguson earned 55.51% of the vote to Reichert's 44.28%. Locally, Grant County voters favored Reichert with 70.57% to Ferguson's 29.28% of the vote.

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Lt. Governor Denny Heck, a Democrat, won his bid for reelection with 55.2% of the vote statewide to Republican opponent Dan Matthews 44.16% of the vote. However, locally, Grant County voters favored Matthews by 72.14% to Heck's 27.79%.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, a Democrat, beat Dale Whitaker, a Republican, to retain his seat in Olympia. Statewide, Hobbs held onto 59.2% of the vote to Whitaker's 40.7%; however, in Grant County, Whitaker received 69.21% of the vote to Hobbs's 30.73%.

Democrat Patrice McCarthy held onto the State Auditor's Office with 57.99% of the statewide vote to Republican opponent Matt Hawkins' 41.92%. The Grant County results favored Hawkins with 69.74% to McCarthy's 30.22%.

With Ferguson running for governor, the state will see a new attorney general with Democrat Nick Brown obtaining the win with 55.58% of the vote to Republican Pete Serrano's 44.33%. Locally, Brown trailed his opponent with 27.96% of the vote to Serrano's 71.97% in Grant County.

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Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Hillary Franz, a Democrat, opted to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Franz lost in that race, but supported Emily Randall to represent Washington's sixth district. Randall won that election to represent the West side of the state. Taking over at DNR will be Democrat Dave UptheGrove with 52.62% of the vote to Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler's 47.15%. In Grant County, Herrera Beutler had the most support with 73.23% of the vote to Upthegrove's 26.56%.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal won his bid for reelection against challenger David Olson. Reykdal took home 52.77% of the statewide vote to Olson's 46.63%. Grant County voters would have preferred Olson, with 67.12% of the vote to Reykdal's 32.43% of the local vote.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler did not run for reelection and Patty Kuderer, a Democrat, will take over the office in 2025. Kuderer defeated Republican Phil Fortunato 46.62% to 43.26%, respectively. In Grant County, Fortunato took 70.12% of the vote to Kuderer's 29.82%.
See Sen. Debbie Stabenows full farewell remarks above.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Nearing the end of a 24-year term, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow on Wednesday reflected on her decades in public service and bid farewell to her colleagues and constituents.

Michigan, you will always be in my heart, she said.

She called her speech on the Senate floor bittersweet.

I am filled with so much gratitude and respect as I think back over my years of public service. And Im thinking about the incredible number of people who have supported me and contributed in so many ways to my success, from my family, my staff, my colleagues and of course, the people of Michigan who put their trust in me for over 50 years, she said, joking, I started when I was 5.

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She cited her time as an Ingham County commissioner (a job she got at age 24), in the Michigan Legislature and then her four terms in the U.S. Senate.

Stabenow, a Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 2000. As the top Democrat in the Senate Agriculture Committee, she has been key in crafting the important Farm Bill. In her farewell speech, she also discussed her efforts to advocate for maternity and mental health care, her work to protect the Great Lakes, her support of the Michigan automotive industry and more.

I like to say that I stood up every day to fight for Michigan, she said.

Acknowledging the nations stark political division, she called on her colleagues to look for points of commonality to work together, improve peoples lives and be the America we want to be.

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Debbie, we love you. Youve been a great senator. Well miss you, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in announcing Stabenow for her speech.

He and other colleagues clapped and offered hugs after she finished speaking.

In a Wednesday statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, called Stabenow a friend and praised her for always put(ting) the people of Michigan first.

Over her decades of service to our state, she got so much done. She fought for union workers and family farmers. She tackled pollution in our water and increased access to mental health services. Her impact will be felt for decades to come as we continue moving Michigan forward. Along the way, she blazed trails too. As the first woman elected to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, she was a role model for so many leaders, including me. In Washington, she always led by working across the aisle, especially as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, where she delivered strong, bipartisan farm bills. As a Michigander, I am so grateful to have called Debbie Stabenow my senator, and as a person, Ive been lucky to call her a friend. She truly is a one of a kind. I look forward to working with her through her very last day in the Senate. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

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Stabenow announced in January 2023 that she would not seek a fifth term, telling News 8 at was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. She will be replaced by current U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Holly who narrowly defeated former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican, in November. Slotkin has praised Stabenows friendship, her service, her example.

I am very cognizant of the fact that  I will be stepping into the shoes of one really amazing leader, my dear friend and mentor, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Slotkin said in November. Sen. Stabenow is pure Michigan and she has quite literally dedicated her life to public service and serving at the local, state and federal level.

Stabenow said in her farewell speech that Slotkin has the heart and the talent for this job, and will do great things for our state and our country.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Advocates behind the Oregon-Idaho border relocation movement are asking Donald Trump to help advance talks between both states when he returns to the White House next year.

In a letter on Wednesday, Greater Idaho President Mike McCarter, Vice President Sandie Gilson and Executive Director Matt McCaw told Trump they look forward to his incoming administrations promise of solving old political problems with new approaches.

Nearing a crisis point: Grand jury underscores short-staffing at Multnomah County jails

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Unlike typical politicians, you have a unique ability as a practical problem-solver to get things done, and your support can bring a peaceful resolution to Oregons longstanding east-west divide, McCarter, Gilson and McCaw wrote in the joint letter. Helping achieve this would only cement your legacy as a peacemaker and transformational president.

The letter goes on to explain Greater Idaho as a grass-roots effort to move state lines so Republican-leaning Eastern Oregonians can join the more conservative state of Idaho.

The question of whether the border should be relocated was added to several local ballots starting in 2020, toward the end of Trumps first presidential term. Voters in 13 Oregon counties have since approved the measure that seeks to further discussions around the movement.

And in 2023, Idahos House of Representatives approved a bill directing legislators to formally begin talks on the border relocation. Greater Idaho leaders also asked Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to formally join in on the talks this summer, but the organization alleged its invitation hasnt been acknowledged.

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Wells Fargo laying off hundreds of Oregon employees

Advocates hope the new administration at the federal level will help the movement become a reality. Many pro-Greater-Idaho areas cast their votes for Trump in the November election. This includes about 74% of voters in Crook County, which was the latest county to support the relocation.

The people here overwhelmingly voted for you in the hopes that your administration and second term would lead to a revival of our great country, as well as returning government to us, the people, Greater Idaho leaders added in the letter.

In addition to state approval, the movement would require approval from U.S. Congress as well.

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Almost six months after the deadly, EF 4 tornado leveled much of the town, Andy Fales returns to Greenfield to check on the progress of rebuilding homes and reopening the Adair County Hospital.

Iowa mom charged in connection to childs drowning death

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KHARTOUM, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 civilians were killed and 25 others injured in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages in the south of Gezira State, central Sudan, volunteer groups reported Thursday.

"The criminal RSF militia launched revenge campaigns yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) against defenseless citizens in the villages of Al Safa, Wad Shamaa, Al-Teleh, and Wad Hemaidan in southern Gezira," the Gezira Conference, a local non-governmental group monitoring violations in central Sudan, said in a statement.

According to the statement, four fatalities were reported in Wad Shamaa, with five more recorded in Wad Hemaidan.

Meanwhile, in separate statements, the Nidaa Al-Wasat Platform, a local volunteer group, reported two more deaths in an RSF attack on Wad Hemaidan, as well as another death and 25 injuries in Abdul-Aziz village.

The RSF has not commented on these incidents.

Meanwhile, a joint force from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan Shield Forces, led by Abu Aqla Keikel, who recently defected from the RSF and surrendered to the SAF, announced control of the Wad Al-Obeid area in Gezira State.

The state has been witnessing fierce battles between the SAF and the RSF for territorial gains. In December 2023, the RSF took control of Gezira State after the SAF withdrew from Wad Madani, the capital city of the state.

Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023.

The deadly conflict has resulted in more than 27,120 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to estimates by international organizations. 
Dec. 5I was working on a story about the region's upcoming Christmas parades when I noticed that many of them were scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 7. When I saw that date, I immediately started remembering the 1970 movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!" It's one of my favorite World War II movies; my very favorite is "A Bridge Too Far." Eighty-three years ago Saturday, the morning of Dec. 7, 1941 was a typical one for the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It was a Sunday morning and there wasn't much going beyond the usual routine. This changed when torpedo planes, dive bombers and fighters launched from six of the Imperial Japanese Navy's aircraft carriers arrived suddenly and caught the Navy ships by surprise. After years of tensions, Japan had decided to attack the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Japan's leaders hoped that knocking the Pacific Fleet out of action would allow them to expand their conquests across the Pacific Ocean and persuade the United States not to interfere, but they miscalculated. The surprise attack enraged the nation. Japanese admiral Yamamoto, who had visited the United States years earlier, understood the much larger nation's industrial potential and the willpower Americans would bring to bear. He knew Japan could not win a long war and he was proven correct. Every year we try to have something in the Daily Telegraph about the Pearl Harbor attack's anniversary. It was the action that brought us into World War II. The United States declared war on Japan the day after the attack. President Franklin Roosevelt had suspected that America would have to enter the war sometime and likely would have to face Nazi Germany first. German dictator Adolf Hitler accommodated Roosevelt by declaring war on the United States as a show of support for Japan. Historians still count this as one of his greatest mistakes. One of the battleships anchored at Pearl Harbor was the U.S.S. West Virginia. About seven Japanese torpedos hit her during the attack, but her crew's fast action kept her from capsizing. She was later raised, repaired and updated and went on to fight at the invasion of Iwo Jima and other battles. When the Japanese finally surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945 during a ceremony aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the West Virginia was anchored nearby. This year a connection to Pearl Harbor came to Mercer County when a life preserver from the U.S.S. West Virginia was displayed at the Those Who Served War Museum in Princeton. This relic was found floating in the harbor after the attack and recovered. Local students came to the museum  which displays a lot of amazing items  to see this special World War II relic and start appreciating the sacrifices made by the county's previous generations. The battleship's life preserver was later returned to its current home at West Virginia University in Morgantown, but there is always the possibility that it will be brought back in the future. I'm amazed that it still exists after all these years. Christmas is coming soon, so it's easy to lose the Pearl Harbor anniversary in the shuffle as the years go by and make that event and the lives lost distant memories, but preserving those memories is important. There are Christmas parades, parties, the Holiday of Lights in Bluefield and many other events and activities that get us into the holiday spirit, but taking a few moments Saturday to recall what happened 83 years ago would be good. I'm sure Christmas of 1941 was a sad and somber occasion for many families who lost loved ones at Pearl Harbor and the other places where American lives were being lost as the nation entered the war. Let's all have a Merry Christmas with safe travels this year, but let's also take time to remember the sacrifices made decades ago so we would have the freedom to live our lives and enjoy the holiday.

Greg Jordan is the Daily Telegraph's senior reporter. Contact him at gjordan@bdtonline.com
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department held its annual tree-lighting ceremony that honors lives lost to violence this year.

2023: CMPD tree lighting honors victims of homicides, fatal wrecks

Loved ones, including Artesia Staten, wrote messages on ornaments and hung them on the tree.

This will be her first Christmas without her husband. He was killed by a drunk driver in September.

She said events like the tree lighting help her get through difficult times.

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Unfortunately, like I said, its a love-hate relationship, Staten said. You hate that youre meeting under these circumstances, but you love that you have family and a community that could understand your loss and grief.

CMPD said there were more than 100 homicide victims this year.

VIDEO: How the Carolina Panthers Christmas Tree survived Hurricane Helene
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A local advocacy group representing the LGBTQ+ community is calling on Syracuse City Court Judge Felicia Pitts Davis to resign over accusations she refused to perform a same-sex wedding ceremony.

The concern has been referred to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a spokesperson for the State Office of Court Administration tells NewsChannel 9.

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A spokesperson for the State Office of Court Administration wrote: Judges who choose to perform marriages may not unlawfully discriminate when deciding which couples they will marry.

Shawntay and Niccora Davis say that after sitting through the wedding ceremony of a man and woman, the same judge, Felicia Pitts Davis, wasnt willing to conduct their same-sex wedding.

She looked at us with this look on her face and swished her hair, the couple told NewsChannel 9. She just walked off. Like, she was just disgusted or something.

Another judge was called to the courthouse to save the day, as Judge Pitts Davis response is being criticized.

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CNY Pride wrote: Judge Pitts Daviss refusal to marry same-sex citizens of Syracuse and Onondaga County is despicable and contrary to her judicial oath. Judges are expected to faithfully uphold and apply the law without bias, and to demonstrate the highest level of integrity, honor, and ethics. By refusing to marry same-sex couples, Judge Pitts Davis falls far short of these expectations. Her conduct is a disgrace to the position she was elected to perform.

When reached by phone Wednesday night, Dec. 4, Pitts Davis told NewsChannel 9 she had no comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The gunman who assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown wrote the words Delay, Deny, and Defend  a supposed insurance industry mantra for delaying claims and maximizing profits  on the ammunition he fired at the insurance company head, police sources said Thursday.

Meanwhile, cops on Thursday released new images of the suspect without a mask taken at an Upper West Side hostel he was staying at before the shooting in the hopes someone recognizes him. Port Authority police working with NYPD investigators believe the suspect came to Manhattan on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta on the night of Nov. 24, a source close to the case told the Daily News, adding that there is footage of him walking through the Eighth Ave. bus terminal.

Cops found three 9mm shell casings as well as a few live rounds that had been expelled from the pistol as he freed the jam. Delay, Deny, and Defend were written on the bullets, sources said  leading investigators to theorize the gunman may have been outraged at how UnitedHealthcare handled an insurance claim of his or someone close to him.

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The word Depose was on another bullet recovered at the scene, according to some reports.

That was thought out, a police source told the Daily News about the bullets unique markings.

The words on the bullets referenced the title of a 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, by Jay M. Feinman, which focuses on how insurance companies try to avoid paying off claims.

The eerie message comes as NYPD detectives continued their manhunt and zeroed in on the suspect and a motive. On Wednesday night, police executed a search warrant on an Upper West Side hostel they believe the gunman had stayed before the early morning shooting, according to multiple sources.

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They have an idea who he is, an NYPD source said about the gunman. A lot of tips are coming in.

Thompson, 50, a married father of two from Minnetonka, Minn., was walking to the Residences Hilton Club on W. 54th St. near Sixth Ave. to help set up an investor conference sponsored by the health insurance giant when the gunman opened fire from a few feet away. The CEO was expected to give a speech at the event, officials said.

The gunman, who was dressed in a black sweatshirt, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and was sporting a large gray backpack, had been laying in wait under the marquee for the Ziegfeld Theater before crossing the street, creeping up behind Thompson and shooting him, police said.

He then runs back across the street and down a pedestrian path known as 6 Ave. The suspects cellphone was recovered from the pedestrian path, police sources said.

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Investigators managed to backtrack the shooters movements and learned he had visited a Starbucks coffee shop on W. 55th St. and Sixth Ave. just before the shooting. Cops recovered a water bottle the gunman drank from and were running it for prints and DNA, a police source with knowledge of the case said.

They also tracked the suspect to the HI New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Ave. and W. 103rd St., where he stayed in a fourth-floor room before the shooting.

Surveillance pics recovered at the hostel show the suspect without his mask and smiling at workers.

Cops executed a search warrant inside his room, but didnt collect anything that could identify the suspect, police sources said.

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At the same time, cops responding to tips from the public stopped a Long Island Rail Road train on the Seaford line and visited an area airport after hearing tips that the gunman had been seen, but the suspect couldnt be found.

Images released Wednesday show the suspected gunman holding a pistol equipped with what appears to be a silencer, and another of him riding away from the scene on a bicycle.

Based on the evidence so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but we do not know why, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.

During the killing, the pistol jammed, but the gunman was able to clear the jam and kept firing before running off.

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EMS rushed the CEO to Mount Sinai West, where he died of his wounds at about 7:12 a.m., police said.

The gunman sped away on a bike and disappeared into Central Park. Cops recovered images of the gunman exiting the park on the Upper West Side in the 70s, but he didnt have his backpack with him.

Cops were scouring the park for the backpack Thursday.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the CEO had received threats before his trip to New York.

There had been some threats, she told the outlet. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

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Late Wednesday, Thompsons family released a statement saying they were shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.

Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives, Paulette wrote. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the gunmans identity.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

With Emma Seiwell
ISTANBUL (AP)  A Hamas official said Thursday that international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach.

Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a reactivation of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey.

Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media.

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Since the talks broke down, there have been significant shifts in the global and regional landscape. Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, and a ceasefire was declared last week between Israel and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump is a staunch supporter of Israel, but Naim said he believes the incoming administration could affect the situation positively given that Trump had made halting wars in the region part of his campaign platform. Trump this week called for the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, saying there would be hell to pay if that doesn't happen.

Previous rounds of negotiations focused on variations of a proposal calling for a multiphased ceasefire  beginning with a preliminary six-week halt in fighting during which female, elderly and sick hostages would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

During that time, Israel would pull back some forces, and displaced Palestinians would be allowed to return home. The sides would also begin talks on the next phase that would include the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of remaining hostages and the terms of a permanent end to the war. A third, final phase would focus on reconstruction.

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Naim said that no solid, well-formed new ceasefire proposal has yet been presented to Hamas. And even though ceasefire talks have broken down on multiple occasions throughout the war, he added: I think it is not a big challenge to reach a deal  if there are intentions on the other side."

Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage. Israels blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,500 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, whose count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

In the negotiations to end the conflict, the two sides have been at odds on some major points, including whether any halt in the fighting would be permanent or temporary and whether Israeli forces would withdraw from all of the enclave, and on what timetable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will maintain a long-term military presence in the territory and vowed to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities and ensure that the militant group never governs again.

Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met separately in recent weeks with Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss Gaza ceasefire talks, according to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

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In an interview with British broadcaster Sky News on Wednesday, the Qatari prime minister said officials in his country are aiming to reach a ceasefire before president-elect Trump takes office.

Naim said Hamas is sticking to the core demands it has held to during previous rounds of negotiations, including a permanent ceasefire, total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the right of internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes. But he also said the Palestinian militant group is ready to show flexibility on implementation, including on the timeline for withdrawal of Israeli forces from key parts of Gaza.

A previous round of talks in August reached an impasse in part because Israel demanded that it after any ceasefire it should maintain a military presence in the Philadelphi corridor, a strategic strip along the enclaves border with Egypt, and in the Netzarim corrider that cuts from east to west across the territory's midsection.

There can be a discussion about these points, but at the end, Israel has to withdraw totally from the Philadelphi corridor, and the Rafah border (with Egypt) has to be opened immediately, Naim said.

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Naim said Palestinian factions were also making progress in deciding who would rule Gaza politically after the war. He confirmed that Hamas and its rival Fatah  which dominates the Western-backed Palestinian Authority  have reached an agreement in principle on forming a temporary committee of Palestinian technocrats that would govern Gaza in the immediate aftermath of the war. Under this arrangement, Hamas would give up its political rule of the enclave, but not lay down its arms.

Originally we are a Palestinian national liberation movement. We are not a movement to govern, he said. "When it comes to the military wing ... as long as we are people under occupation, we have all the right to resist this occupation by all means, including armed resistance.

Israel says it will never let Hamas rule Gaza again, and is demanding the group disarm.

Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya had previously told AP that if an independent Palestinian state were established along 1967 borders, the group would lay down its arms. Naim said that remains the groups position.

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Resistance, including armed resistance, is a tool," he said. "It is not a goal in itself.

___

Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed to this report.
A New Hampshire man is facing charges after police say he pointed a shotgun at a woman and her four young children this past weekend,

Officers responding to a report of a shoeless, shotgun-wielding man walking in the middle of Rockingham Road near Stokes Road in Londonderry around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, learned the suspect had threatened the 911 caller and her family before running off in the direction of a nearby Mobil, according to the Londonderry Police Department.

The suspect, later identified as 62-year-old Richard Currie, of Londonderry, was found at the gas station still holding the shotgun, police said.

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He dropped his firearm, complied with our officers, and was detained, the department said in a statement.

Currie allegedly claimed that several people had broken into his home on Stokes Road, telling investigators he fired his weapon inside the house in response to the intrusion.

Police said a subsequent investigation revealed that Currie had fabricated the story.

Officers noted that the subject appeared intoxicated and had admitted to using illicit drugs, police said of Currie. Their investigation revealed that a burglary or home invasion did not occur.

Currie was arraigned Monday on charges including five counts of reckless conduct with a firearm, criminal threatening with a firearm, disorderly conduct, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

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A judge set Curries bail at $1,000 cash.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Hannah Kobayashi may have been involved in a secret marriage before her November disappearance in Los Angeles, according to new reports.

Los Angeles Magazine, citing unnamed sources, says Kobayashis family is now cooperating in an FBI investigation after her mother discovered a possible marriage-for-money scheme.

Her mother reportedly discovered the alleged marriage to an Argentinian national via immigration documents that listed the name of an immigration lawyer found in Hannahs Hawaii home.

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Los Angeles Magazine categorized the alleged marriage as an immigration scheme, one that may have scammed Kobayashi out of the money she was supposed to receive for her participation. The Argentinian man involved, Alan Cacace, was reportedly aboard the flight from Maui to LAX on Nov. 8; the same flight Kobayashis ex-boyfriend also boarded.

Where is Hannah Kobayashi? What we know

Sara Azari, the familys L.A. lawyer, said in a statement that Kobayashis mother turned over all information relating to a possible marriage to investigating authorities.

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, Azari posted on X, formerly Twitter. The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage. This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.

Family members of Hannah Kobayashi seen in downtown L.A. holding a rally and passing out flyers on Nov. 21, 2024. (KTLA)

The alleged marriage would have taken place before Nov. 12, when she was spotted crossing the border into Mexico from San Diego. She was unharmed and entered the country on her own free will, police said.

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Less than two weeks after she crossed the border into Mexico, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead in a parking lot near LAX. Police later said he died by suicide.

The LAPD was trying to balance the line between helping the family with the search and respecting Kobayashis right to privacy, stating that she appeared to be voluntarily missing and that she intended to disconnect from modern life.

In an interview with KTLA on Thursday, new LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said that the case drew to a close for the department after they learned she was safe and in Mexico.

Ryan Kobayashi is seen here at a rally on Nov. 21 held for his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Maui woman who vanished in Los Angeles in early November. (KTLA)

My ask to her, or anyone who knows her whereabouts would be to contact the family, contact law enforcement, contact us to be able to just say Im O.K. and put her family at ease, McDonnell said.

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McDonnell said detectives are aware of the potential marriage, but there was no evidence that it was tied to her disappearance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
WINDHOEK, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian government on Thursday officially unveiled a national risk profile of natural hazards and selected diseases to provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks the country faces and guide related strategic planning.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa stressed the importance of shifting from reactive disaster management to proactive risk reduction, highlighting the alignment of this initiative with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Mutorwa said through its mandate to coordinate disaster risk management activities in the country, the Office of the Prime Minister commissioned the development of the profile.

"This undertaking marks an important milestone in efforts to understand the type of risks affecting our country, and simultaneously requiring us to devise strategies to manage these risks," he said.

According to Mutorwa, the document will potentially provide a good foundation for informed decision-making, resource distribution, and effective development planning at both national and sub-national levels, including the implementation of disaster risk reduction interventions in every sector.

"Among the prominent and most recurrent hazards profiled are drought, floods, heatwave, windstorms, lightning, and earthquakes," he said.

Mutorwa expressed particular concern about the ongoing drought and the increasing frequency of heat waves due to climate change.

The Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the University of Namibia is currently busy developing a National Resilience Building Strategy, being aligned to the National Risk Profile, he noted.

"This strategy will lay cost-effective implementable adaptation and resilience measures for each of the 14 profiled hazards. I would like to urge every sector and institution to familiarize themselves with the Risk Profile, for informed decision-making, and strategic planning at all levels," he said.

Mutorwa also said that due to the dynamic and evolving nature of disaster risks, the national risk profile is a living document that will be updated as new risk information emerges. 
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."

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"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."

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."
Hannah Kobayashis family said they are investigating whether she was involved in a possible green card marriage scam but stressed that nothing has been confirmed yet.

Police said Monday that Kobayashi, 30, of Hawaii, who was the center of a missing person search in Los Angeles, had willfully crossed into Mexico and was reclassified as a voluntary missing person.

A Los Angeles Magazine report published Wednesday, citing sources, said she may have been involved in a green card marriage as part of an immigration scam for money before she disappeared.

Hannah Kobayashi.

The report said Kobayashi may have been scammed out of proceeds in the purported scheme, involving her marrying an Argentine man.

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The source said the possible scam was discovered by Kobayashis mother, who found immigration documents in her daughter's Hawaii home that listed an immigration attorney.

The Los Angeles Magazine report said the FBI was investigating the possible marriage scam. NBC News has not verified the report. The FBI's Los Angeles field office said it assisted in Kobayashi's case, but it deferred comment to Los Angeles police.

Sara Azari, an attorney for the Kobayashi family, shared a statement on behalf of the family Wednesday 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."

"The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage. This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team," the statement said, noting that the family turned over any information they had to law enforcement.

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The family asked the public to "avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified claims."

It is especially important not to perpetuate speculation that anyone is involved in a scam, as this only hinders our efforts to find Hannah and bring clarity and closure to the nightmare we are living because of her disappearance, the statement said.

"We remain focused on verifying the details and leads we have received and ask for your understanding and patience as we continue our investigation," the family said, thanking the public for its support and people involved in the search.

Concern for Kobayashi started Nov. 8, the day she landed at Los Angeles International Airport from Honolulu with plans to catch a connecting flight to New York City. She missed the connecting flight, and relatives said she used her time sightseeing in Los Angeles.

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She went to The Grove shopping center, about 12 miles north of the Los Angeles airport, the following day and the day after that and returned to the airport each time, according to a timeline posted to the private Help Us Find Hannah Facebook page by Sydni Kobayashi, her sister.

On Nov. 11, she was seen speaking with a ticketing agent at the airport. Later that day, she got on a Metro train to South Los Angeles, then to downtown Los Angeles, accompanied by an unidentified man, police said. That day, family members said, she sent messages that concerned them because their content and voice didnt seem to match hers.

Hannahs last message to us was alarming  she mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity, Kobayashis aunt Larie Pidgeon said on Facebook.

On Nov. 12, she was seen at a Greyhound bus station in downtown Los Angeles alone.

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Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Monday that she was reported missing on Nov. 13 and the police department took over the case on Nov. 15.

Police said Monday they reviewed U.S. Customs and Border Protection video showing Kobayashi crossed into Mexico on foot at a land port in San Diego on Nov. 12, leading them to conclude she was missing voluntarily.

McDonnell said theres no evidence Kobayashi is the victim of human trafficking or foul play. Police said at a news conference that detectives reviewed her social media accounts, which led them to believe she wanted to disconnect.

Kobayashi's relatives had gathered in Los Angeles to search for her, and her father, Ryan Kobayashi, 58, died by suicide on Nov. 24 near the airport. The Los Angeles County medical examiner said he died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

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Im very sorry to the family for all that theyve been through, McDonnell said Monday.

Asked to comment on the possible marriage and the familys concerns, Los Angeles police referred to Mondays news conference as the last update they will provide.

Sydni Kobayashi said the family was not satisfied with the police conclusion.

Were just as confused and just as frustrated more than anything now, Sydni Kobayashi said Tuesday on NBC News NOWs Top Story With Tom Llamas.

She urged her sister to reach out to the family.

I cant stress enough how loved you are, how supported you are, she said. Were really worried about you. No matter what situation youre in, you always have a home to come to.

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Azari said the family would deploy volunteers to look for Hannah in Mexico.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Fifty years after the crash that killed Karen Silkwood on a dark stretch of Oklahoma's Highway 74, a rekindled effort to get to the bottom of her untimely death has unearthed new clues that might help solve the mystery.

With the race against the clock on a case grown cold, ABC News has tracked down some remaining puzzle pieces -- from never-before-heard audio tapes and remnants of physical evidence from the scene to people who knew Silkwood and remain haunted by both her absence and the absence of definitive answers.

"Did my mother pass in a single car accident? Did she simply fall asleep at the wheel and nod off and take her own life? Or was she forced off of the road?" Silkwood's only son, Michael Meadows, told ABC News Studios' "IMPACT x Nightline: What Happened to Karen Silkwood? The Lost Tapes."

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ABC News Studios' "IMPACT x Nightline: What Happened to Karen Silkwood? The Lost Tapes" begins streaming on Thursday, Dec. 5, only on Hulu.

PHOTO: Michael Meadows, Karen Silkwood's only son is seen here. (ABC News)

Angry but determined, Silkwood feared she was dying from plutonium poisoning when she walked out of a diner in Crescent, Oklahoma, on Nov. 13, 1974. She was a 28-year-old mother of three, working in a factory that made the fuel to power nuclear power plants. Silkwood had become an unlikely spy for her union, trying to reveal safety and manufacturing violations that she believed could prove catastrophic. Her union handlers thought the pressure had become too much and worried Silkwood might become reluctant to proceed.

Tenacious since childhood, Silkwood wasn't one to give up. She was determined to blow the whistle on her employer, one of the nation's premier energy conglomerates, Kerr-McGee. And on the night she died, she was ready to go public. She was on her way to meet with a New York Times reporter dispatched from Washington, D.C., to dig into the story.

Shortly after 7 p.m, Silkwood left a union meeting at the Hub Cafe, getting into her '73 white Honda Civic for the roughly half-hour drive to a Holiday Inn in Oklahoma City, where she would also be joined by a union official. When she had not arrived by 9 p.m., the two men she was meeting knew something had to be wrong.

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"She should've stayed right there, in Crescent, and [the reporter] and I should've gone up there," said Steve Wodka, Silkwood's former official with the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' union. "And not have put her in the vulnerability of driving down the highway. There's no question about that."

The story of Karen Silkwood made national headlines for a time and inspired the 1983 Mike Nichols film, "Silkwood," starring Meryl Streep.

MORE: Karen Silkwood's sudden death unpacked in ABC documentary

In the early 1970s, Silkwood watched as her fellow workers at a nuclear fuel production plant took home good pay while handling plutonium -- then, as some got exposed to radiation. It was an era promising the peaceful atom as a path toward American energy independence. And Silkwood's company, Kerr-McGee, then a titan of the energy industry, held sway in the corridors of power.

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At the time, Kerr-McGee argued it complied with existing regulations. CEO Dean McGee would later testify they "tried to be responsive" to regulators' requests and any violations were "low level" and would "not present any problem with harm to the employees or to the public." But former union employees said complaining about safety concerns was difficult.

With mounting pressure to meet production demands, Silkwood noticed contamination incidents were cropping up. She decided to work with her union to expose safety concerns held by her and some of her fellow employees.

"There's always supposed to be a barrier between the worker and plutonium. And what was going on in this plant was that barrier was being breached," Wodka said.

Silkwood told Wodka that not only were undertrained young employees put at risk, but also that crucial parts of factory quality reports were being falsified. She began compiling a long list of radiation exposures, and she volunteered to pilfer proof of what she had alleged.

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"She says, 'I'll do it,'" Wodka said, adding he told her to keep a low profile. "No one should know that you're doing this," he recalled saying.

As her investigation escalated, her physical danger did too. Over the waning months of 1974, Silkwood began to get contaminated. Her urine and stool samples would eventually test so hot that, it turned out, her kits had been intentionally spiked.

By October, Wodka was urging her to get out.

"I tell you Karen, you better get the f---- outta there," he said in a phone call shared with ABC News. "That place is gonna turn into a hellhole."

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Silkwood answered, "Oh, I'll be gone.  But I'm gonna shut them down before I go."

PHOTO: Lost tapes and new discoveries in a mysterious car crash that killed Karen Silkwood, a young mother. Silkwoods story fascinated generations, inspiring an Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep. Was it an accident or something more sinister? (ABC News Illustration)

The company would later argue she contaminated herself to embarrass the company for leverage in union negotiations. Her union handlers believed someone else might have caused her contamination, and spiked her test kits, in order to sideline her and prevent her from causing trouble for Kerr-McGee -- or perhaps from jeopardizing their jobs. The Atomic Energy Commission's investigation was not conclusive.

Five days before her death, Silkwood wrote: "I have no knowledge of what happened, but I feel the contamination is coming out from my body."

The company wanted to know how she got contaminated, too, sending her to the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico for high-tech screening two days before she died. Her results would show there was plutonium in her lungs, but that her counts were within permissible levels at the time.

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Silkwood also had other worries.

"She was convinced somebody was following her," friend and fellow Kerr-McGee employee Don Gummow recalled, and she was "fearful for her safety."

ABC News Studios' "IMPACT x Nightline: What Happened to Karen Silkwood? The Lost Tapes" begins streaming on Thursday, Dec. 5, only on Hulu.

Those fears loomed on that windy night when Silkwood, seen clutching a manila folder stuffed with papers, left the diner on her way to meet with David Burnham, the Times' reporter, who had broken the stories about New York police corruption immortalized in the 1973 film "Serpico" starring Al Pacino.

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Silkwood never made it there. Seven miles into her drive, police said, her car suddenly veered left across the straight two-lane road, smashing into a concrete ditch. Her crumpled car would be whisked away from the scene. Witnesses at the scene said they saw papers strewn around the crash site. But, Wodka said, the papers she was supposed to bring to the meetup were never found.

Authorities said the tire tracks indicated that Silkwood had lost both consciousness and control of the wheel, causing the crash. After all, she had been prescribed a sedative for her anxiety, with a pill bottle found in her purse. It's the version of events that Oklahoma's Highway Patrol has maintained for years.

"I would either put her probably either totally asleep or in some state of stupor, induced by the medication she was taking," Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Larry Owen told ABC News in 1975. A DOJ investigation that year would surmise that there were "signs of turning toward the highway at the last moment," which if she had been passed out "would seem to support the theory that Ms. Silkwood had in fact fallen asleep and had just awakened a moment prior to hitting the south wingwall."

But that official narrative never sat right with those who knew her.

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"I said, 'No, wait a minute, you don't understand, she was just on the highway for a few minutes. She couldn't have fallen asleep,'" Wodka said.

Her steering wheel, bent and broken, could indicate that Silkwood braced her arms as the impact occurred -- inconsistent with someone being unconscious at the time.

"You're normally in a very relaxed state being under a depressant type drug," Owen told ABC News in 1975.

The union decided to bring in renowned crash investigator A.O. Pipkin, whose findings contradicted the official cause of the crash.

"There's enough circumstantial evidence there to indicate that somebody may have, another vehicle may have hit the car in the rear," Pipkin said at the time.

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Silkwood's saga would spur congressional inquiry, an investigation by the Atomic Energy Commission and involvement by the FBI. Her contamination would also prompt her family to sue Kerr-McGee for gross negligence, eventually settling for more than a million dollars with the company admitting no wrongdoing. It was a case that wound up before the U.S. Supreme Court -- twice.

Yet fundamental questions surrounding the car crash that killed her and how she got contaminated have gone unanswered.

MORE: 9 states poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding

In 1992, a state trooper's chance encounter prompted new probing. An attorney said he'd been told by a former Oklahoma City officer that he and three other local police officers had been working off-duty for the Kerr-McGee company and were tailing Silkwood the night she died.

"Well, he is one of the four. Said they had been drinking a little bit and they were following her and they bumped her, knocked her off the road," former Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Larry Dellinger said in an interview. "Probably with no intentions necessarily of killing her, but she runs off the road and hits this big concrete abutment and kills her instantly."

"That young lady was murdered, as far as I'm concerned," Dellinger added.

Dellinger is praised as a hero in Oklahoma law enforcement for saving victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, then serving as the investigator on the state prosecution of the bombers. Before all that, Silkwood's mystery caught his attention. Dellinger began recording his findings, in tapes shared with ABC News. He said he was warned that looking too closely into Silkwood's death could be dangerous.

"At one time, I gave my tapes to one of my troopers and said, 'If anything happens to me that's kinda strange, you need to open these up and get 'em to somebody,'" he said.

Eventually, Dellinger said, he got the names of the individual officers alleged to have been in the car that night. He and said he took them to the FBI and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. But nothing came of his investigation, and the trail went cold again.

All four officers are now deceased, Dellinger said. To date, there has been no official confirmation of these allegations.

The FBI and Oklahoma City Police Department declined to comment to ABC News. The other state agencies also declined to comment.

ABC Audio's new podcast, "Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery," hosted by Boettcher and Sands, explores the secrets Silkwood was uncovering and what some say is the mystery surrounding her death.

PHOTO: Karen Silkwood is seen in an undated file photo. (Mark Peterson/Corbis via Getty Images, FILE)

Few shards of evidence remain from the scene of Silkwood's crash. But one had been nestled atop an Albuquerque, New Mexico, garage refrigerator for decades. Following her father's deathbed request, Pipkin's daughter saved Silkwood's rear bumper, in hopes that modern science might shed new light on what happened.

Now that bumper, along with Pipkin's original notes, the official highway patrol report and other data is fueling new scrutiny. ABC News shared the evidence and case file with Steve Irwin -- one of Pipkin's proteges, and now a sought-after crash investigator in his own right -- and hired him to re-create the crash. He presented his analysis to Silkwood's family and Pipkin's daughter over Zoom.

Irwin said he believed Silkwood was likely awake -- essentially ruling out the official cause of the crash.

"There's not evidence here that would say Ms. Silkwood was asleep all the way to that head wall," Irwin said. "Quite the opposite."

What Irwin could not prove one way or the other whether there was a second vehicle that bumped Silkwood's car off the road. "That evidence just isn't available," he said.

"I'm just glad that you said that she was awake. That means a lot," Silkwood's sister Rosemary Smith responded.

"I wish the truth would come out. I wish names would come out," Dellinger told ABC. "We can't go back. We can't bring her back. But we can vindicate her."

Of course, now five decades on, reaching a definitive answer would require those who know what happened to come forward.

"In my lifetime, I would like to know what happened," Silkwood's son Meadows said. "What harm is there in telling what you know at this point, if you know something?"

ABC News' Knez Walker, Meagan Redman, Chris Donovan, Bob Sands, Michael Boettcher, Tien Bischoff and Kaitlyn Morris contributed to this report.

"Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery" is a production by ABC Audio in collaboration with Standing Bear Entertainment and the ABC News Investigative Unit. Listen to the four-part podcast series for complete coverage.

What Happened to Karen Silkwood? The Lost Tapes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Dec. 4ANDERSON  Black babies in Madison County are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies, a statistic local experts attribute to health care inequities.

The Madison County Health Department is striving to eliminate such inequities, beginning with ensuring that pregnant women have access to prenatal care. That includes making appointments with their providers, helping them find transportation and giving them their first round of prenatal vitamins.

"We've got to do better," health department Administrator Stephenie Mellinger said Wednesday during the 2024 health summit at the Jetty Center on the campus of Community Hospital Anderson.

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Local efforts are being financed with $1.5 million in Health First Indiana funds, which the local health department received as part of a statewide push to bolster countywide public health programs.

The first round of funds ($1.5 million) in 2023 helped the department establish its own infant mortality investigation team.

Mellinger said the Madison County Department of Child Services has a similar team that investigates infant deaths for criminal justice purposes, but Mellinger said her department's team would investigate for public health purposes.

The local health department has also worked with the Minority Health Coalition of Madison County to provide education and other resources.

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Madison County is one of four counties included in a community health needs assessment conducted by Aspire Indiana Health in partnership with Indiana University Bloomington. Terri Lee, senior director of health equity for Aspire, said the report should be completed in February.

The assessment will highlight barriers to quality care for populations including people of color, those formerly incarcerated and people who identify as LGBTQ, which will be addressed by the statewide Health Equity Alliance.

A countywide alliance is in the works as well. Lee hopes the alliance will provide an opportunity for state and local stakeholders to collaborate.

"You all (community members) are the subject matter experts," she said.

Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254.
Leaders in the healthcare industry were shocked by the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Healthcare leaders shared their condolences in the hours after he was killed.

"The country lost a leader committed to improving patient care," one CEO wrote.

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry.

Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the company, was fatally shot Wednesday morning on his way to an investor conference for the UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare. The meeting was called off as attendees grappled with the tragic news.

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Update: Police have arrested a person of interest in Thompson's killing, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione.

UnitedHealth Group is the largest healthcare carrier in the US, but its competitors came together Wednesday, along with countless peers of Thompson's, to reflect on the industry leader.

"I find myself at a loss for words to appropriately articulate the depth of our feelings for the loss of Brian," Antonio Toft, UnitedHealth Group's vice president of people, culture, experience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, said in a LinkedIn post. "He was not only a remarkable leader but also a cherished friend and mentor to many of us."

Toft added: "Brian was a true champion for our people and the community, and his impact will continue to inspire us all."

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Here's what other health companies and their leaders said about Thompson.

Michael J. Alkire, president and CEO of Premier

"When UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's life was tragically taken in Manhattan this morning, the country lost a leader committed to improving patient care," Michael J. Alkire wrote in a LinkedIn post. "Even more tragic, Brian's family lost a father, a son and a brother. I can't imagine their anguish.

"The entire Premier Inc. team and I offer our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Brian's loved ones and colleagues.

"To honor Brian's memory, we must continue to come together and innovate to improve patient care. That's the legacy he created over two decades in healthcare."

Maria Ghazal, president and CEO of Healthcare Leadership Council

"As a dedicated leader in our industry for over two decades, Brian worked tirelessly to advance healthcare delivery and access for millions of Americans," Maria Ghazal wrote in a LinkedIn post. "His sudden and senseless death is felt deeply by us all."

Rob Davis, CEO of Merck & Co.

"I am saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. His leadership and dedication made a meaningful impact on the health care community. My thoughts are with the Thompson family and all those who worked alongside him," Rob Davis wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Don Antonucci, president and CEO of Providence Health Plan

"Violence has no place in our society, and its presence in our healthcare community is particularly devastating," Don Antonucci wrote in a LinkedIn post. "To our colleagues at UnitedHealthcare  our entire Providence Health Plan family stands with you during this unimaginably difficult time. Our hearts are with Brian's family, friends, and the entire UnitedHealthcare team."

Justin Lake, healthcare analyst with Wolfe Research

"I can literally say that not only myself but my family is better off for having known Brian Thompson and I know from the outpouring of emotion and profound loss today from colleagues across the Wall Street and healthcare communities that there are many, many more who feel exactly the same way," a note from Justin Lake said, according to Bloomberg.

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"Most of us sit in jobs where we are fortunate to work with intelligent and thoughtful colleagues on a daily basis, but the relationships we all value and treasure most are with those where the business or investing acumen is combined with character, integrity, kindness and good humor," he also said. "These are the people you feel fortunate to simply interact with much less count as a friend and while I can say my little corner of HC Services certainly has a long list of these types, Brian sat at or near the top for everyone that knew him."

Kaiser Permanente

"Many of us have worked with and known Brian well over the years, and this devastating loss will be felt by all who knew him," a spokesperson for Kaiser Permanente told Business Insider.

Health Care Service Corp.

The company told BI in a statement that Thompson "was a respected leader focused on expanding access to critical health care."

Elevance Health

In a statement to BI, Gail Boudreaux, the president and CEO of Elevance Health, called Thompson's killing a "senseless act of violence," adding: "Leadership in healthcare is marked by dedication, compassion, and a profound commitment to improving lives, and Brian embodied these qualities and more."

David Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Co.

David Ricks was asked about Thompson's death during Wednesday's DealBook Summit. He later shared a LinkedIn post saying that Thompson "was an industry leader and a good partner to Lilly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire UnitedHealthcare team."

Humana

"We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare," Mark Taylor, director of corporate communications at Humana, said in a statement given to BI. "Brian was a visionary leader in our industry, and his loss will be felt for years to come. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time."

Read the original article on Business Insider
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Meals on Wheels of Odessa and HEB celebrated the holiday season by distributing warm holiday meals to over 800 homebound Odessa citizens. This distribution was part of the annual HEB Feast of Sharing event which serves warm holiday meals to the community every year.

On Wedensday, December 4th, MOWO volunteers, and HEB faculty members joined together to work on the major distribution of warm holiday cheer.

As part of our 22nd annual Feast of Sharingwe partnered with Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to include those members of our community who arent able to go out to that event, those who are homebound, to include them and give them a nice warm meal for Thanksgiving Day, or our feast-of-sharing celebration, Alex Ramos, Operations Leader for HEB on 42nd Street in Odessa said.

Nicole McClarity & Alex Ramos with HEB

Craig Stoker, Executive Director for MOWO, who has been involved in the Feast of Sharing for over 10 years, shared his excitement for the partnership with HEB.

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HEB, Meals on Wheels to serve 700 holiday meals to homebound families

When I was at the food bank, I was on the planning committee. Its fun to be on this side of it now, where we get to partner in a different way to serve our homebound clients. Its nice to see that partnership grow, Stoker said. Theyre always so generous to include the homebound clients that we serve in the festivities.

Nicole McClarity, the Perishable Leader at HEB on University Street in Odessa said the partnership is all part of HEBs bold promise; Giving back to the community. Its something that HEB has stood for as long as its been around, and giving back to the community is how we provide that partnership and build those relationships with all of the members of the community, McClarity said.

The 21st Annual Feast of Sharing Dinner will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at the Ector County Coliseum. This event is free and open to the public.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Pete Hegseth went on the offense in Congress and in the media Wednesday, trying to salvage a nomination to lead the Pentagon that has been pushed to the precipice by allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking.

In private meetings with lawmakers, interviews and a combative social media post, Hegseth is waging what looks like an increasingly uphill battle to be President-elect Donald Trumps secretary of Defense.

His lawyer, meanwhile, is going on defense  rejecting allegations that the military veteran and Fox News host sexually assaulted a woman, abused alcohol and other misconduct.

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He is looking forward to the FBI investigation and he wants it to start now, attorney Timothy Parlatore said in an interview with POLITICO.

It was unclear whether their joint efforts would be enough. Trump was still publicly supporting the nomination, but people close to the president-elect said he has been mulling contingency plans  including nominating his onetime rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to the post.

Hegseth met with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor whose support will be crucial for his confirmation  though there was no sign that he had won her over. It was a frank and thorough conversation, she told reporters as she exited their meeting.

The nominee, in a lengthy interview on SiriusXMs The Megyn Kelly Show, and in a post on X and elsewhere portrayed himself as a victim  a textbook manufactured media takedown, as he put it in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. He vowed to fight a blizzard of allegations, which include a womans accusation that he sexually assaulted her after a night of drinking at a Republican conference in Monterey, California, in 2017. He was never charged in the incident but reached a financial settlement with his accuser  and its unclear if he disclosed the fact of that payment to the Trump transition team.

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Parlatore defended Hegseths communication with the Trump team.

Its not something that you would necessarily be expected to disclose, the lawyer said. Were you ever falsely accused of something that the police investigated and cleared you of? Thats not a question that comes up on any background check.

He also pushed back on other allegations, including that employees at two veterans organizations where he had leadership roles claimed that he drank excessively, mismanaged funds and ignored the misconduct of other employees. Internal reports cited by The New Yorker described a drunken Hegseth having to be held back from climbing the stage at a strip club and leading a chant of Kill all Muslims! at a bar.

Parlatore insists his client wasnt involved in either incident. A group of employees, he said, did go to a strip club together, and one of them tried to climb on stage  but Hegseth wasnt on the outing.

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The only kernel of truth to the allegations involved his drinking while leading Concerned Veterans for America, Hegseths attorney said.

When you strip away all the falsities, what you have is a bunch of young combat veterans who got together, did a bunch of great work, and after work was done they went to the bar and drank too much occasionally, he said. That is not a scandal.



The rape allegation is the most damaging. Parlatore, reiterating earlier remarks, said Hegseth had a consensual sexual encounter with the accuser and that no criminal charges were ever filed in the incident.

Hegseth, in a post on X, said he would fight to stay as nominee. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I, he wrote.

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Two people close to Trump who were granted anonymity to discuss the nomination said Wednesday that they noted how Hegseth has aggressively pushed back on the claims, and that the president-elect has made clear he wants his team to fight for the nominee.

Parlatore said Hegseth looks forward to an FBI background check  a standard step for every nominee that has been delayed because the Trump team didnt sign an agreement to allow the investigations until Dec. 3.

Pete cannot wait for the FBI to investigate him because he believes that the FBI is going to do what  dont take this personally  what the media failed to do, which is to actually do a full investigation, look at everything from both sides, and not just take anonymous uncorroborated statements and run with them, he said.

While the allegations may have surprised the transition team at Mar-a-Lago, Hegseth has been aware of them  and disputed them.

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In 2018, Parlatore sent a letter to a former employee of Concerned Veterans of America, where Hegseth served as CEO, accusing her of trying to get a reporter to publish lies about his client to damage his reputation and career prospects. Parlatore said his client would sue the woman if any news story was published and would conduct intense electronic discovery efforts. He also told her to get a lawyer. The story never ran.

But now that he has been nominated for one of the most powerful jobs in the country, claims about Hegseths background are becoming public. And behind closed doors on Capitol Hill, senators are questioning the nominee about those claims.

Any questions that they have, hes answering very directly, Parlatore said.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R.-Miss.) told reporters the nominee promised to stop drinking if confirmed. And Hegseth told Megyn Kelly that his meetings with Senate Republicans had been encouraging  including discussions about his sexual history.

Youd be surprised how little that has come up, he said.

Meridith McGraw contributed to this report.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, was back on Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with Republican lawmakers as misconduct allegations continued to cloud his selection to lead the Pentagon.

Behind the scenes, Trump's political team was focused on figuring out where female Republican senators stand on Hegseth, according to two people involved in the conversations. Trump's advisers are fully aware that with such a thin GOP Senate majority, Hegseth's fate could all come down to the women in the conference.

But Trump himself has not been working the phones for Hegseth -- as he did for Matt Gaetz, his original pick for attorney general who withdrew his name from consideration amid sexual assault allegations.

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ABC News was told Trump has expressed to those close to him that Hegseth should have been more honest and forthcoming about the challenges he could face getting through the confirmation process given his history.

Still, Hegseth insisted he had the president's support.

"He is behind us all the way. I spoke to him this morning," Hegseth told ABC News' Jay O'Brien.

PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

There are nine Republican women serving in the Senate. Only one, so far, has thrown their weight behind Hegseth when pressed by ABC News on where they stand.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., was publicly supportive of Hegseth on Fox News. She called him a "perfect fit to come in and reorganize" the Department of Defense.

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The rest have reservations or are holding off on offering a formal stance until they learn more about the nominee. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she was "undecided." Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., only said she had a "good conversation" with him this week and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was "obviously" concerned about some of the allegations against him.

Sen. Joni Ernst, a key Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee that will hold his confirmation hearings, notably declined to voice support for Hegseth after meeting with him on Wednesday and then again on Thursday on Fox News, which Trump is known to watch.

MORE: Key GOP senator says she's not ready to support Hegseth for defense secretary

Ernst told Fox News host Bill Hemmer she had a "very frank" and "productive" discussion with Hegseth. When pressed by Hemmer that that didn't sound as if she had gotten to a yes on his confirmation, she replied, "I think you are right."

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The Iowa Republican is the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate and a sexual assault survivor herself. Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault (which he's denied) and previously said that women should not serve in ground combat roles in the military.

Ernst is said to be on a list of possible candidates to replace Hegseth, ABC News previously reported.

Hegseth has told senators his mother has been making calls to senators on his behalf, according to sources familiar with the matter. He has also told senators he is open to a background check, according to multiple sources.

PHOTO: Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth meets with Senator-elect Jim Banks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

During Wednesday's meetings with GOP senators, Hegseth promised some he would not drink alcohol if confirmed.

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"The allegation was made about him being intoxicated at several times and so the questions that every member will be asking him led to his statement," said Sen. Roger Wicker, current ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and expected to take over the chairmanship in January -- presiding over Hegseth's confirmation hearings.

Hegseth on Thursday sat down with Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Banks of Indiana, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

MORE: Hegseth promises to stop drinking if confirmed, GOP senators say

Hegseth stopped to answer reporter questions in the hallway as he appeared to wrap up meetings for the day.

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"I am a different man than I was years ago and that's a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate," Hegseth said. He said he thinks veterans appreciate that as well.

Hegseth said he's faced policy and personal questions from senators over the past four days.

"The conversations have been robust, candid at times. There's great questions on policy, personality, everything, so we are going to earn those votes, fighting all the way through the tape," Hegseth said.

He continued, "I am grateful to have the president's support, because his vision for this department of defense is to bring it back to its core capacity of deterring our enemies and, if necessary, defeating those enemies. And that means ultimately putting war-fighting at the middle of what the Pentagon does, no more social justice, politically correct approaches to how we fight and conduct wars."

ABC News' Lauren Peller contributed to this report.

As Hegseth's fight to head Pentagon lags, Trump not trying to save him: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
JAKARTA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, through its Denpasar office in Bali province, issued on Thursday an early warning for high waves that could reach up to four meters and would likely occur in the southern waters of the resort island.

"The high waves are expected to occur from Dec. 5 to 8 in the southern part of the Bali Strait, Badung Strait, northern part of the Lombok Strait, southern part of the Lombok Strait, and also the southern waters of Bali," the agency's official forecaster said in Denpasar as quoted by local media.

The agency warned fishing boats and ferries to be cautious of exceeded wind speeds.

Bali is Indonesia's most famous resort island that is known for its beaches and waves. The island usually welcomes increasing foreign tourists during the holiday season. 
Senate Republicans say Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trumps choice to head the Defense Department, faces a very tough path to confirmation in the Senate and his bleak prospects have been communicated directly to the Trump transition team, which is now mulling other options.

Senate sources say there is a block of likely hard nos in the Senate GOP conference and identify Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as lawmakers who view Hegseths nomination very skeptically.

I dont know that theres a real clear path, said one Republican senator, adding that colleagues are very apprehensive about Hegseths nomination.

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Its damaging to the president, the senator added. It doesnt help us in the Senate.

Hegseth waged a significant effort to salvage his nomination Wednesday, including by pledging to Republican senators that he would stop drinking if confirmed as secretary of Defense.

And some Republican senators, even those who are defense hawks, think Hegseth could be a good choice to lead the Pentagon, citing his background as a decorated combat veteran and his lack of deep connections to the Defense Departments network of generals who tend to resist big changes.

But Republicans are also hoping to be spared the headache and embarrassment of public confirmation hearings in which women who have accused Hegseth of sexual misconduct or former colleagues who have accused him of unprofessional behavior might testify.

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GOP lawmakers say they dont want to publicly call for Hegseth to resign based on anonymous allegations. They argue that a key difference between Hegseth and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who recently dropped his bid to become attorney general, is that Hegseths accusers havent testified in sworn depositions like Gaetzs accusers did.

But the accumulation of damaging allegations against the nominee is alarming Republican senators.

A second GOP senator said Hegseth appears headed for defeat in the Senate Armed Services Committee or on the Senate floor if he doesnt withdraw.

The lawmaker said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a staunch Trump ally, has floated Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as a possible alternative to Hegseth.

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Another Republican senator familiar with Trumps deliberations over what to do about Hegseths nomination said the president-elect himself floated DeSantiss name as a potential replacement to a group of people.

I think some of these articles are very disturbing, Graham told CBS News on Tuesday. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is going to be difficult.

Asked Wednesday about his conversations with Trump, Graham told The Hill: I said to him what I said to everybody else.

Graham argued Hegseth should have a chance to defend himself from allegations of sexual and financial misconduct and excessive drinking.

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Ive known him for a long time. All this stuff is new to me. Im not going to tank him because of anonymous sources. Somebodys got to come forward and make a credible allegation. He deserves a chance to defend himself. Those accusing him of something need to come forward, Graham said.

The allegations are anonymous. If theyre true, hell have a hard time, he said.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Hegseth needs to put a hard stop to his drinking.

I need to be convinced hes not going to drink anymore. I know it sounds oversimplistic, but I also think it contributes to all of his other problems, his substance abuse. Im way too familiar with it in my own family, and nobody wants a secretary of Defense thats got a drinking problem, Cramer said.

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Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the incoming chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Hegseth pledged to him at a meeting Wednesday morning that he would stop drinking if confirmed.

I think thats probably a good idea, Wicker told reporters.

Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill that Trump is weighing alternative options in the event Hegseth is forced to withdraw, though Trump has not yet signaled hes giving up on Hegseth.

Trump has spoken with DeSantis about the prospect of the top Pentagon job, and DeSantis is open to the role, one source said. The Florida governor served in the Navy and is aligned with Trumps vision to eliminate woke aspects of the military.

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Trump and DeSantis saw each other Tuesday at a memorial for fallen Florida law enforcement officers.

Other names that have been floated for the role include Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Elbridge Colby, who served in a deputy role in the Defense Department during Trumps first term.

One Senate Republican aide said Ernst has to proceed extremely carefully in how she handles Hegseths nomination if she wants to get the nod as Trumps plan B to lead the Defense Department.

The source warned that Ernst would enrage Trumps MAGA base if shes viewed as the senator responsible for sinking Hegseths nomination.

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Ernst told reporters she had a frank and thorough conversation with Hegseth after meeting with him for 45 minutes Wednesday afternoon. She declined to entertain any speculation about her leading the Defense Department if Hegseth flames out.

Pete is the nominee, she said.

Hegseth has shown no signs of backing down.

He penned a Wall Street Journal op-ed claiming he was the target of a manufactured media takedown.

He went on Megyn Kellys SiriusXM show, where he said Trump reiterated his support during a conversation earlier Wednesday and likened his situation to that of Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court justice who was confirmed after a bitter process in which he was accused of sexual assault.

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Hegseths mother, Penelope Hegseth, appeared on Fox & Friends to push back on a New York Times report about an email she sent her son in 2017 criticizing his treatment of women. She has since said she regretted sending the note.

Penelope Hegseth specifically used the appearance on Fox to appeal to female senators, whom she urged to keep an open mind about her sons nomination.

Hes a changed man. And I just hope people will get to know who Pete is today, Penelope Hegseth said. Especially our dear female senators. That you would listen to him. Listen with your heart to the truth of Pete.

One source in Trumps orbit noted the media blitz was unusual for the president-elects nominees. Not even Gaetz went on television to try to salvage his nomination as it faltered.

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While Senate GOP aide warned of the block of hard nos Hegseth will face in the conference, anpther predicted that more damaging revelations are likely to surface.

It could always get worse, the second aide said. The FBI background check is not going to be fun.

Al Weaver 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.
Pete Hegseth spent this week attempting to woo senators  and others  as he fought to remain Donald Trumps pick for secretary of Defense. He met with wary and supportive lawmakers, his lawyer tried to shoot down misconduct allegations and even his mother went on Fox to defend her son.

But his meetings with lawmakers Thursday were in many ways overshadowed by Sen. Joni Ernst, the Iowa Republican still expressing doubts over Hegseths nomination, and larger questions about his suitability to lead the nations armed forces.

Ernst has emerged as one of the key Republicans who could help sink his looming nomination. As Hegseth was in the first meeting of the day on Thursday, a Fox reporter told Ernst it sounded like she was not fully on board with supporting Hegseth.

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I think you are right, she responded.



Ernst met with Hegseth on Wednesday in her Senate office. The next day, she said she had no plans to meet with him the rest of the week. Hegseth on Thursday instead met with some of the remaining Republicans on the Senate Armed Services committee, who are mostly Trump allies and appeared supportive of his Cabinet picks: Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Hegseth also met with Sen.-elect Jim Banks (R-Ind.).

I really do see a path forward for him to be successful in being accepted by the Senate for this position, but he's got more work to do, Rounds said after his meeting with Hegseth. Rounds previously expressed concerns about former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trumps first pick for attorney general, before he withdrew.

But without Ernst, who serves on the Armed Services Committee and is a veteran and sexual assault survivor, along with other skeptical Republicans like Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, Hegseths confirmation appears in jeopardy.

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The veteran and former Fox News personality left the Capitol telling reporters he answers to only Trump, God, his family and the 100 senators voting on his confirmation, not the media.

And he reaffirmed that he is not dropping out: As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I'm going to be standing right here in this fight, he said to reporters on Thursday afternoon.

Hegseth defended himself against a slew of allegations. In 2017, he was investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman but was never formally charged. He later paid the woman an undisclosed sum to stay quiet about the incident, which he claimed was consensual. A recent story in The New Yorker reported he stepped down from two nonprofits in the face of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct.

And NBC News reported that colleagues at Fox News were concerned that he had a drinking problem.

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Trumps transition team had previously denied that Hegseth had a drinking problem, but he also said he wouldnt drink alcohol if confirmed.

On Thursday, Hegseth said he had changed and added that God, his family and his wife, who accompanied him to the Senate on Thursday, helped get him get back on track.

I'm a different man than I was years ago, and that's a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate, and I know from fellow vets that I've spent time with, they resonate with that as well, Hegseth said in response to the allegations. You fight, you go do tough things in tough places on behalf of your country, and sometimes that changes you a little bit.


Pete Hegseths bid to lead the Pentagon is stuck in limbo, as he fiercely battles allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct and cant be sure if President-elect Donald Trump really has his back.

A top Trump transition source had described Wednesday as absolutely critical for the former Fox News anchors confirmation hopes. And Hegseth threw himself into his task, meeting Republican senators, offering to quit alcohol if hes confirmed, and mounting fiery rearguards on the Megyn Kelly radio show and in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

As of now, Trump is standing by Hegseth, sources close to both men told CNNs Kristen Holmes. Trump and those around him still see a pathway for Hegseth to be confirmed and argued that the current situation was not the same as what unfolded with Trumps attorney general pick Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name after Trump told him he did not have the votes to get confirmed.

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Hegseths position seemed as tenuous Thursday morning as it was 24 hours earlier. But he was back on Capitol Hill and told CNN he had spoken with the president-elect, who told him to keep fighting. I spoke to Trump this morning just a few minutes ago. He supports us fully, Hegseth said. Im here because of Donald Trump. If he didnt want me to be here, then I wouldnt be.

Hegseth has new meetings planned with senators on Thursday, including one with Tom Cotton from Arkansas, who is a prominent Trump supporter and key Republican voice on defense matters.

The most important meeting on Hegseths schedule was with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, campaigner against sexual harassment in the military and a possible replacement pick for defense secretary if he falls short. Hegseth failed to emerge from the conversation with a public endorsement from the GOP senator. I appreciate Pete Hegseths service to our country, something we both share, she said in a post on X that was most notable for what was not said. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation.

Hegseth is due to meet two other key Republican senators, Maines Susan Collins and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, next week. Murkowski said Wednesday shed absolutely ask him about allegations about his conduct and his opposition to women serving in combat roles in the military.

Hegseth told Kelly on Sirius XM that he spoke to Trump Wednesday morning and that the president-elect had told him, Hey Pete, I got your back. Its a fight. Theyre coming after you, get after it. He added that Trump said, You go meet those senators and Ive got your back. Hegseth concluded: It means a lot to me. It tells you who that guy is.

Hegseths lawyer, Tim Parlatore, told CNNs Jake Tapper that his client cant wait to undergo an FBI background check, which he said is going to exonerate him of the vast majority of these claims.

Yet Trump did not make a public, on-the-record endorsement of Hegseth on Wednesday as his team at Mar-a-Lago closely watched the defense picks day of meetings with key senators. A source told CNN that the president-elect and Ron DeSantis have discussed the Florida governor taking the role, suggesting that Trump may already have a Plan B in mind.

Hegseths more aggressive us-versus-them strategy also came into view on Wednesday as he styled himself with the same warrior spirit that he once showed on the battlefield. He characterized his troubles as purely the result of a ridiculous narrative by legacy media. He told Kelly, Its our turn, its our time, to stand up and tell the truth, and our side.

Does Trump really want Hegseth?

But Sen. Josh Hawley summed up the doubts surrounding the Hegseth pick when he said he didnt know if the selection should be withdrawn. The Missouri Republican said hed support whomever Trump wanted in his Cabinet but added: Its not 100% clear who he wants as secretary of defense right now.

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Hegseth, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, can afford to lose no more than three Republican senators and still be confirmed in the Senate, assuming all Democrats vote against. So, his window was narrow to begin with. And its hardly being helped by uncertainty over how much political capital Trump is willing to spend to see him confirmed.

But Sen. Markwayne Mullin said Wednesday night hed spoken to both Trump and Hegseth and that the president-elect was still committed to his pick.

They are still both all in the fight, the Oklahoma Republican told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on The Source.

President Trump personally told me he wants to see Pete get confirmed and I think theres a  path to get there. It may be a little narrow, but I believe we can get him confirmed, he added.

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The reticence of some senators to throw full public support behind Hegseth may be a hint that while they would prefer not to break with the president-elect early, they might also be keen to avoid a hearing that could turn into a public circus around the time of the inauguration.

One of Hegseths meetings on Wednesday was with West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who said shed gotten into his personal issues and that their chat went well. But she said she has not yet decided whether she will vote to confirm him.

Growing talk about Ernst and DeSantis as possible replacements may also be bad news for Hegseth, because its likely that some senators will view the Iowa senator and Florida governor as potentially superior defense secretaries. A number of Republican senators have told reporters they hold Ernst in high regard. And she and DeSantis would have a far clearer path to confirmation than Hegseth. Still, its not clear whether Ernst would fit Trumps bill for an ultra-loyalist whod do whatever he wants at the Pentagon or whether the president-elect would be willing to elevate a former primary rival with whom he traded sharp words.

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal might not be a disinterested observer, but he suggested on Wednesday that the Hegseth nomination was already doomed. Ive talked to 5 to 10 Republicans who have said to me theyre just waiting for the right moment to say no to Pete Hegseth, Blumenthal, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, told reporters.

Hegseth vows to quit drinking if hes confirmed

Among the issues clouding Hegseths candidacy is a sexual assault allegation from 2017  which he has denied, claiming the encounter was consensual, and in which no charges were filed.

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The question of Hegseths alcohol use, which could be a concern given the grave responsibilities of the secretary of defense, was underscored by reporting from The New Yorker over the weekend about his tenure leading veterans advocacy groups. Other reports have also emerged about Hegseths conduct while employed at Fox News.

On Kellys radio show, he addressed reports of excessive drinking, complained that many of the allegations were made anonymously and suggested that some people in the Pentagon didnt want him to get the job. Ive never had a drinking problem. I dont - no ones ever approached me and said, Oh, you should really look at getting help, Hegseth told Kelly. He said that, like other service personnel who came home from wars, he had had some beers. You know, how do you deal with the demons youve seen on the battlefield? Sometimes its with a bottle. But he said that his wife Jennifer and embracing Christianity had saved his life and that he was now changed. Moreover, Hegseth said that he would treat serving as the secretary of defense like being sent to a war zone where alcohol was not allowed. This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there wont be a drop of alcohol on my lips while Im doing it.

Hegseths vow of temperance was welcomed by North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer, one of several Republican senators who have said that Trumps pick would have to answer questions about allegations against him. The drinking thing is a pretty significant issue  whether you have a problem or dont have a problem, or you think you have a problem, or you think you dont have a problem, Cramer said. And he said, My commitment is to not touch alcohol while Id have this position. Given that undertaking, Cramer said that he would be ready to give him the benefit of the doubt and put Hegseth before the Armed Services Committee and signaled he may be ready to eventually support his confirmation.

Hegseths chances hinge on winning over more senators like Cramer, which may require lowering the heat around his candidacy. Any fresh allegations against him might begin to throw his prospects even more into question. And while he says he has Trumps support now, theres no guarantee that he can retain it if he becomes even more of a distraction from the president-elects efforts to fill out his government.

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Ironically, any new revelations about some of Trumps other provocative choices  like Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Health and Human Services Department  could help Hegseth return to the shadows and might help his aspirations. Gabbard and Kennedy have so far largely avoided the scrutiny thats confronted Hegseth and Trumps short-lived first pick for attorney general, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

The president-elect is notoriously prone to change his mind about candidates  one reason why talk of his interest in DeSantis for the defense job should be taken with appropriate caution.

Still, sources told CNN that the Florida governor and former US military lawyer would be interested in the position if asked. On the face of it, DeSantis would be a popular choice among Republicans, and he has the experience of running a massive government in Florida that could help prepare him for the task of leading the Pentagon bureaucracy. DeSantis also has the kind of culture war credentials that Trump wants for the Pentagon; he built his political brand partly on attacking diversity and inclusion programs, for example.

Swapping Florida for the Pentagon in Virginia could make smart political sense for DeSantis, as it would give him vital national security experience that could lift any future presidential campaign. If he were chosen, it would set up a fascinating triumvirate of at least three potential future primary foes  along with Vice President-elect JD Vance and secretary of state pick Marco Rubio  in Trumps administration.

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Still, DeSantis was scathing about Trump during their primary duel and was especially acerbic about the president-elects refusal to take part in the Republican debates. He suggested that Trump had lost the zip on his fastball and said that hed be a far more effective implementor of MAGA policies. Unlike Rubio, who has had eight years to leaven his campaign trail critiques of Trump with praise, DeSantis insults may be far fresher in the president-elects mind.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  As Pete Hegseth tries to persuade senators to support him to lead the Department of Defense in the Trump administration, several lawmakers, women veterans and military advocates warn that his confirmation could be detrimental to women in the military and reverse progress in combating sexual assault in the Armed Forces.

Hegseth, a Fox News host who served in the Army National Guard, was named by President-elect Donald Trump on November 12 as his pick for defense secretary. Since then, Hegseth has been the subject of a number of allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. The most recent spate of news stories have detailed allegations, which Hegseth has denied, related to excessive alcohol consumption and appear to be the main topic of concern on Capitol Hill.

Its just been very troubling to see how unconcerned many members of Congress are with men who are accused of sexual assault, said Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. While the House does not vote to confirm Cabinet nominees, Hegseth met with Republican House members on Wednesday to shore up support.

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The issue that apparently, I heard, came up in his meetings was his alleged alcohol abuse, she said. But I guess his abuse of women doesnt seem to bother as many folks.

Credible allegations of impropriety have often been cause for withdrawal or disqualification. Hegseth is one of a number of Trumps Cabinet-level nominees who face accusations of sexual misconduct.

In 2020, Hegseth paid a confidential settlement to a woman who filed a police report accusing him of raping her in 2017 at a Republican womens conference in Monterey, California. No charges were filed against Hegseth in connection with the encounter, which he and his lawyer maintain was consensual. The New Yorker and other outlets have reported on additional allegations that Hegseth mismanaged funds and abused alcohol while leading two veteran-focused nonprofits, and that his colleagues at Fox News witnessed him drinking to excess while he was a weekend co-host at Fox and Friends. Hegseth has strenuously denied those claims, including in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, and told Megyn Kelly in an interview on her SiriusXM show that he wouldnt drink alcohol as defense secretary.

Representatives for Fox News and the Trump transition did not immediately return requests for comment. Several of Hegseths current and former Fox News colleagues, including current Fox & Friends Weekends co-host Will Cain, have spoken up in his defense.

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The press is peddling anonymous story after anonymous story, all meant to smear me and tear me down. Its a textbook manufactured media takedown, Hegseth wrote in the Journal. They provide no evidence, no names, and they ignore the legions of people who speak on my behalf. They need to create a bogeyman, because they believe I threaten their institutional insanity. That is the only thing they are right about.

Democratic women serving on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees argued that Hegseth getting confirmed would not only undercut years-long bipartisan efforts in Congress to address sexual assault and abuse in the military but also the armed services efforts to recruit more women.

This is very concerning, said Escobar, a Democrat. We have been trying to address recruitment for a long time, and women are a key component of that. This is the last thing we needed, and it is my hope that those members of the Senate who are committed to these reforms and who know how important women are in the military will have very candid conversations with him, and he will drop out.

Nearly 1 in 4 women in the military report having experienced sexual assault and more than half report harassment, according to a 2016 analysis of articles published in the peer-reviewed journal Trauma, Violence and Abuse. The vast majority of incidents go unreported, according to the RAND Corporation, which provides research to the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018 alone, about 6,000 sexual assaults were reported to the Department of Defense, but surveys suggested more than 20,000 service members were sexually assaulted. And amid a broader military recruitment crisis, a 2020 government study found that women were leaving the military at higher rates than men and citing sexual assault as a major factor.

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Michelle Simpson Tuegel, a Texas-based lawyer who does not practice in the military justice system but has represented survivors in several high-profile sex abuse cases, said Hegseths nomination marks a scary moment for women service members.

I get calls every year from women who have faced sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military, Ive represented people on the bases when I used to do criminal defense, Tuegel said. Theres a lot of violence on our military bases.

Reports of sexual assault in the military have risen by an estimated 25 percent since 2018, according to the militarys own data, which include both anonymous surveys and formal reports.

Military justice reform advocates have gained ground in recent years, particularly in regards to how military sexual assault and harassment investigations are handled. After the end of World War II, one Supreme Court ruling  known as the Feres doctrine  barred service members from suing the government over any injuries incurred while on active duty. Though typically applied to cases of medical malpractice, this ruling had expanded to include sexual assault allegations. However, the high-profile murder in 2020 of Vanessa Guillen, a soldier who was sexually harassed by a supervisor and violently murdered while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, acted as a catalyst for reform. Guillens death led to major changes in the National Defense Authorization Act, guaranteeing that certain crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence would be prosecuted outside the chain of command.

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Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a veteran, called it insane that Trump would nominate someone like Hegseth after the decades of efforts within the Armed Services.

There are simply too many reasons proving that Pete Hegseth is not the right person to lead our military men and women, and he will not have my vote, she said in a statement to The 19th. Republicans confirming him to this position wouldnt just be an insult to our men and women in uniformit would be dangerous for our national security and military readiness.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey was a student at the Naval Academy 30 years ago as part of the first class of women eligible for combat ships. She served for nearly a decade, including a stint in London when she worked for a Navy fleet commander overseeing the deployment of troops to Iraq, at a time when she said the culture was not great for women.

When young women interested in the service academies come to her office, Sherrill said, theyre not interested in going into a force as second-class citizens, and theyre not interested in being given special treatment.

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What they want is the challenge that all people that go into our military service want. What they want to do is to serve the public, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and to make sure that people here can sleep at night, said Sherrill, who is also running for governor of New Jersey. And so, why you would ever put someone in charge that didnt respect that, that didnt respect the service of about 20 percent of our armed forces, is shocking to me.

The implications stretch beyond the ranks of the Armed Forces, said Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, who served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Changes that enabled women like her, Sherrill and others to serve in the military put them on the path to public service in Congress, she said.

They served because we made some real reforms that mattered in how women are able to serve and what kind of roles theyre able to serve in, Houlahan said. And I think its not a coincidence that you then see those people, decades later, showing up in places like Congress, because theyve had equal opportunity.

The U.S. Senate vets and confirms the presidents nominees to Cabinet posts and other high-level positions. In some ways, Hegseths nomination and the scandal surrounding it are not new. The first time a new presidents initial Cabinet nominee was rejected was in 1989 when the Senate failed to confirm John Tower, former President George H.W. Bushs pick for defense secretary, after he was accused of being an alcoholic womanizer.

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Then Sen. Sam Nunn, a Democrat and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman at the time, led the charge against Towers nomination on the grounds that his character was unfit for the position.

The committee is also concerned about the personal example the secretary of defense must set for efforts of the Department of Defense to end discrimination toward, and any sexual harassment of, women.  Mr. President, leadership must be established from the top down, Nunn said during the 1989 Senate debate.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, has made it a priority of his tenure to combat sexual assault in the military, establishing a commission early on to make recommendations to the military. Meanwhile, Hegseth has signaled a different set of values and priorities when it comes to women and people of color. He wrote a book arguing that military standards have been lowered for women, that Americas white sons and daughters are walking away from the military because of ideology that is too effeminate and that diversity, inclusion and equity efforts are bad for national security.

Im straight up just saying we shouldnt have women in combat roles, Hegseth said in November during a podcast interview. It hasnt made us more effective. It hasnt made us more lethal. It has made fighting more complicated.

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On Wednesday, Hegseth mounted another lobbying blitz on Capitol Hill, meeting with several key Republican senators. GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, an Army veteran and a sexual assault survivor herself who has been outspoken against sexual assault in the military, posted on X that she had a frank and thorough conversation with Hegseth.

His mother, Penelope Hegseth, is also doing a media tour on behalf of her son after The New York Times reported on an email she sent him in 2018, in the midst of his contentious divorce from his second wife, excoriating Hegseth as an abuser of women. It is against military law to commit adultery, which could result in dishonorable discharge. Penelope Hegseth, who said she since apologized for and disavowed the contents of the email, took to Fox News with her hopes that lawmakers, especially our female senators, to not listen to the media and that you will listen to Pete.

Houlahan said shes using the influence she has as a woman veteran in Congress to register her concerns with her colleagues in the Senate about Hegseths nomination.

To the degree I can, Im trying to have conversations, and directly have conversations with my Senate companions, to do my best to explain that I am really worried about this, she said. And Im hoping that me being really worried is an indicator, a canary in the coal mine, of other people who are worried about it, who dont have the voice that I have.

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The post Hegseth is the wrong leader for women in the military, warn women veterans and lawmakers appeared first on The 19th.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Evergy specialists will work to help those who need financial assistance to keep their heat on this winter.

On Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., assistance will be offered to customers filling out the 2025 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). It will happen at Evergy Connect, 111 Ellis St. in Wichita.

LIEAP, administered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per-year benefit. Customers may use it to restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane, and other home heating fuels. The application period is open through March 31.

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DCF will also be at the Evergy Connect Wichita location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 4 and March 5 to assist with applications.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address who is responsible for the heating costs of the home. The combined gross income for all persons living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. Click here for 2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines and additional information.

Popular Mexican restaurant set to return, 20 years after closing all US locations

Community partners from Sedgwick County Health Department, United Way of the Plains, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, HealthCore Clinic and Salvation Army will also assist customers with their services.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
A Milwaukee CEO has been named to a prominent role in the incoming Trump administration.

President-elect Donald J. Trump announced Wednesday night that he has nominated Frank Bisignano  president and CEO of the Milwaukee-based financial technology company Fiserv  to be the next commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

"I am very pleased to nominate Frank Bisignano to serve as the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Frank is a business leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations," Trump wrote on social media platform Truth Social. "He will be responsible to deliver on the Agency's commitment to the American People for generations to come!"

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Bisignano, 65, will oversee the Social Security Administration, a federal agency with over 1,200 field offices and nearly 60,000 employees. The agency delivers retirement, disability and survivor benefits to around 70 million Americans each month.

Here's more about Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano:

Who is Frank Bisignano?

Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano speaks during the official opening of its new downtown Milwaukee headquarters.

Bisignano succeeded Jeffery Yabuki as Fiserv CEO in summer 2020. Bisignano is the fourth CEO in the company's four-decade history. In 2023, he was the highest-paid CEO among Wisconsins 25 largest public companies, earning close to $28 million.

Bisignano's early career included vice president roles at Shearson Lehman Brothers and First Fidelity Bank. He later held positions at Citigroup. In 2005, Bisignano joined JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he was CEO of mortgage banking and then co-chief operating officer.

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In 2013, Bisignano became chairman and CEO of First Data. After Fiserv acquired First Data in 2019, Bisignano served as president, COO and a director at Fiserv before becoming CEO.

Federal election reports show Bisignano has a history of donating to political campaigns, and his donations mainly support Republicans. He previously donated more than $125,000 to Trump's campaign in 2019 but gave $15,000 to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's presidential campaign in November 2023, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Bisignano's wife, Tracy, donated just over $931,000 to the Trump campaign this past October, the data show.

Lawrence Andrea of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's a look at Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano, who'll lead SSA for Trump
A U.S. Justice Department investigation into the Memphis Police Department after the beating death of Tyre Nichols found a pattern of unlawful use of excessive force and discrimination against the Black residents of the majority-Black city in Tennessee.

The Memphis case is one of 12 similar investigations of state and local law enforcement agencies opened by the DOJ since April 2021. Many have been in response to high-profile deaths at the hands of police, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The five other completed investigations all found patterns of illegal police practices.

George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis

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George Floyd died in May 2020 after a white officer pinned his neck to the pavement in Minneapolis for 9 1/2 minutes despite the Black mans pleas of I cant breathe. The ensuing global protests, which turned violent at times, sparked a nationwide reckoning over racism and police misconduct. Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder.

In June 2023, the DOJ issued a report saying the police department in Minneapolis engaged in a pattern of using excessive force and discrimination. The city agreed to resolve the findings through a consent decree with an independent monitor.

The aftermath of Breonna Taylor's death in Louisville, Kentucky

Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her home during a raid in March 2020. Federal and state prosecutors have said Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove were justified in returning fire after Taylors boyfriend grabbed a handgun and shot Mattingly in the leg. Taylors boyfriend said he mistook the police for an intruder breaking in after midnight.

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The two officers left the department years ago and were not charged with any crimes. Two other former Louisville officers have been accused in federal court of falsifying the Taylor warrant.

In March 2023, the DOJ issued findings that the Louisville Metro Police Department had a pattern of unlawful practices that included executing search warrants without knocking and announcing. The report acknowledged changes already made by Louisville police and identified additional remedial measures that were needed.

A spate of scandals in Phoenix, Arizona

In Phoenix, there wasn't a single episode that led to the DOJ investigation. Instead it came after many smaller scandals. A 2020 case accusing 15 protesters of being in an anti-police gang had to be dismissed for lack of credible evidence; in 2017, a challenge coin was circulated among officers depicting a gas mask-wearing demonstrator getting shot in the groin with a projectile; and in June 2019, cell phone video emerged showing officers pointing guns when they confronted an unarmed Black couple with two small children they suspected of shoplifting.

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This June, the Justice Department issued a report finding that the Phoenix Police Department had a pattern of several unlawful practices. They included unlawfully arresting homeless people and disposing of their belongings, the unjustified use of deadly force, and discrimination against Black, Hispanic and Native American people and those experiencing mental health crises.

City officials have said they are analyzing the report. They have also launched a new website describing the police department's road to reform and what they are doing to reduce the number of use of force incidents.

Civil rights violations in Lexington, Mississippi

The DOJ investigation of Lexington, Miss., followed a lawsuit by a civil rights group that accused police in this small, rural town of terrorizing Black residents by subjecting them to false arrests, excessive force and intimidation. The report, released in September, said the Lexington Police Department has created a system where officers can relentlessly violate the law."

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The department operates under an unconstitutional conflict of interest because it is partially funded by money raised through fines. Police routinely arrest people who cannot pay fines or who owe outstanding fines and people are jailed without prompt access to court and with no assessment of their ability to pay bail, the report found.

The city and police cooperated fully with the investigation and committed to working with the DOJ to address the violations.

Excessive force in Trenton, New Jersey

In Trenton, N.J. the DOJ issued a report just last month that concluded officers in the state's capital have a pattern of misconduct, including using excessive force and making unlawful stops. The report documents arrests without legal basis, officers escalating situations with aggression and unnecessary use of pepper spray.

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Officials said the city has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the DOJ. Trenton has so far disbanded two police department street units that officials said violated the constitution.

Six more still in progress

Six similar investigations are still in progress.

In Louisiana, the Justice Department announced a federal probe in 2022 following an Associated Press investigation into the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene and at least a dozen cases in which troopers or their bosses ignored or concealed evidence of beatings.

Federal authorities were asked to investigate the Mount Vernon Police Department in a suburb of New York City by the Westchester County district attorney, who suggested the department has a problem with illegal strip searches.

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The Special Victims Division of the New York City Police Department in under investigation for how it handles sexual assault crimes following years of complaints about the way investigators treat crime victims.

In Oklahoma, the DOJ is investigating whether the state, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City police discriminate against mentally ill adults, including by institutionalizing them when they could be helped in community settings.

The torture of two black men by white sheriffs officers in Mississippi led to a probe of the Rankin County Sheriffs Department. Following an Associated Press investigation, five Rankin officers and one from another department were charged and sentenced to terms of 10 to 40 years.

In Massachusetts, federal prosecutors did not point to any specific episode that triggered their investigation into a possible pattern of excessive force and discriminatory policing. The probe followed a lawsuit filed by a Black man who said he was wrongfully charged with murder based on his race and fabricated evidence.
By Timour Azhari and Maya Gebeily

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah has paid out more than $50 million in cash gifts to families affected by war with Israel, its leader Naim Qassem said on Thursday, as the Iran-backed group seeks to shore up its support base after a devastating conflict with Israel.

The payments of between $300 and $400 per person will total more than $77 million when paid out to all 233,500 families who registered, Qassem said in a recorded speech, thanking Iran for its financing of the effort alongside Hezbollah.

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Hezbollah will also provide a lump sum of $8,000 to those whose primary homes were destroyed in the war, and $6,000 for a year of rent for those living in Beirut or its suburbs and $4,000 for those living outside the capital until they can move back home, he said. The payments would be financed mainly by Iran, he said.

Israeli strikes have flattened swathes of Shi'ite majority areas Hezbollah's support base call home in Beirut's southern suburbs and southern and eastern Lebanon.

A ceasefire to the 14-month conflict took effect late last month, though Israel has been accused by U.N., French and Lebanese officials of violating it dozens of times.

Israel says it is enforcing the terms of the deal and also accuses Hezbollah of breaching it.

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With the guns mostly silent, Qassem said Hezbollah was turning its focus to reconstruction.

The World Bank says nearly 100,000 homes in Lebanon were partially or fully damaged during the conflict, amounting to $3.2 billion in damages and losses.

The conflict began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah began firing on Israel in solidarity with its ally Hamas, and then steeply escalated in September this year.

Qassem called on "Arab brothers" and the international community to participate in reconstruction and said Hezbollah would work hand in hand with the Lebanese government.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alison Williams)
Thousands of possible speeding violations are occurring across Duval Countys school zones.

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A recent study conducted by Verra Mobility recorded nearly 10,000 speeding violations across 11 school zones in a three-day period, in late November. Its raising concerns about the safety of local kids.

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The study, conducted over a three-day period, calculated the number of vehicles traveling 11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit in school zones, during enforceable hours. Eleven of Jacksonvilles 205 schools were included  with a total of 9,832 potential speeding violations observed.

Ford Elementary School had the highest number of speeding violations with more than 3,000 possible violations. More than 1,000 vehicles were clocked speeding through New Berlin Elementary Schools school zone area. Chimney Lakes Elementary captured more than 1,000 speeding vehicles as well. Payne Elementary School showed nearly 800 potential speeding violations.

We reached out to the Duval County School District for comment on the findings and asked about possible solutions. We have not heard back.

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SYDNEY, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Australian police are investigating several explosions and a building fire in north of Sydney.

The center of the city of Gosford, 50 km north of Sydney, was closed to the public on Thursday afternoon after the explosions and fire forced the evacuation of employees from two office buildings.

Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services were called to an office building on Donnison Street, Gosford at about 2:20 p.m. local time following reports of several explosions.

A short time later police were called to another building on the same street following reports of a fire.

"At the scene, police were told that a man entered the office before allegedly lighting a fire and fleeing the scene," NSW Police said.

A 54-year-old was treated by ambulances at the scene for smoke inhalation. No further injuries have been reported.

Fire and Rescue NSW said that 11 trucks and over 40 firefighters were deployed and contained the fire.

Michal Mantaj, a director of the law firm based in the building, told News Corp Australia newspapers that the fire was sparked when someone threw an incendiary device into the office.

"We ran for our lives," he said.

NSW Police said that detectives wish to speak with a man believed to be in his 60s who was seen in the area at the time of the incident. 
High school graduates walk at their commencement at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Louisiana is among the half dozen states that still require exit exams to graduate from high school. Most states have dropped exit exams, with Massachusetts being the latest. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Jill Norton, an education policy adviser in Massachusetts, has a teenage son with dyslexia and ADHD. Shelley Scruggs, an electrical engineer in the same state, also has a teenage son with ADHD. Both students go to the same technical high school.

But this fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate.

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Norton argued that without the high bar of the standard exam, kids like hers wont have an incentive to strive. But Scruggs maintained that kids with learning disorders also need different types of measurements than standardized tests to qualify for a high school diploma.

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Voters last month approved the referendum, 59% to 41%, ending the Massachusetts requirement. There and in most other states, Scruggs position against testing is carrying the day.

Just seven states now require students to pass a test to graduate, and one of those  New York  will end its Regents Exam as a requirement by the 2027-28 school year. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia still require testing to graduate, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a group that opposes such mandates.

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In Massachusetts, teachers unions favored getting rid of the exam as a graduation requirement. They argued it forced them to teach certain facts at the expense of in-depth or more practical learning. But many business leaders were in favor of keeping the test, arguing that without it, they will have no guarantee that job applicants with high school diplomas possess basic skills.

Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs.

 Jill Norton, an education policy adviser and mother of a Massachusetts high schooler

State by state, graduation tests have tumbled over the past decade. In 2012, half the states required the tests, but that number fell to 13 states in 2019, according to Education Week. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, when many school districts scrapped the tests during remote learning and some decided to permanently extend test exemptions.

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Studies have found that such graduation exams disadvantage students with learning disabilities as well as English language learners, and that they arent always a good predictor of success in careers or higher education.

An oft-cited 2010 article by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin may have ignited the trend to scrap the tests. Researchers review of 46 earlier studies found that high school exit exams produced few of the expected benefits and have been associated with costs for the most disadvantaged students.

Some states began to find other ways to assess high school competency, such as grades in mandatory courses, capstone projects or technical milestones.

Minimum competency tests in the 1980s drove the idea that we need to make sure that students who graduate from high school have the bare minimum of skills, said John Papay, an associate professor of education at Brown University. By the mid-2000s, there was a reaction against standardized testing and a movement away from these exams. They disappeared during the pandemic and that led to these tests going away.

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Despite the problems with the tests for English learners and students with learning disabilities, Papay said, the tests are strong predictors of long-term outcomes. Students who do better on the tests go on to graduate [from] college and they earn more.

Papay, who remains neutral on whether the tests should be required, pointed out that high school students usually have many opportunities to retake the tests and to appeal their scores.

Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, a think tank and advocacy group for underserved communities, noted that in many states, the testing requirements were replaced by other measures.

The schools still require some students or all students to demonstrate competency to graduate, but students have many more options on how they could do that. They can pass a dual credit [high school/college] course, pass industry recognized competency tests. 

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A lot of states still have assessments as part of their graduation requirements, but in a much broader form, she said.

Massachusetts moves

Scruggs said her son took Massachusetts required exam last spring; he passed the science and math portions but fell one point short in English.

He could do well in his classes, but if he didnt pass the three tests, he wouldnt get his regular diploma, Scruggs said. How do you go out into the working world, and you went to school every day and passed your classes, but got no diploma?

Her son has taken the English test again and is awaiting his new score, she said.

Norton, by contrast, said the exam, called the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, gave her son an incentive to work hard.

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I worry that kids like him  are going to end up graduating from high school without the skills they will need, Norton said. Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs. I need a bar set where he will get the level of education he needs.

Students in Massachusetts still will have to take the MCAS in their sophomore year of high school, and the scores will be used to assess their overall learning. But failing the test wont be a barrier to graduation beginning with the class of 2025. The state is still debating how  or whether  to replace the MCAS with other types of required courses, evaluations or measurements.

High school students in Massachusetts and most states still have to satisfy other graduation requirements, which usually include four years of English and a number of other core subjects such as mathematics, sciences and social studies. Those requirements vary widely across the country, however, as most are set by individual school districts.

In New York, the State Education Department in 2019 began a multiyear process of rethinking high school graduation requirements and the Regents Exam. The department decided last month to phase out the exit exam and replace it with something called a Portrait of a Graduate, including seven areas of study in which a student must establish proficiency. Credit options include capstone projects, work-based learning experiences and internships, as well as academic achievement. Several other states have moved recently to a similar approach.

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Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, an advocacy group that works to limit standardized testing, said course grades do a better job of assessing students abilities.

Standardized tests are poor ways of incentivizing and measuring the kinds of skills and knowledge we should have high school kids focusing on, Feder said. You get teaching to the test that doesnt bear much of a relationship to the kinds of things that kids are being asked to do when they go on to college or the workplace.

Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association union, said phrases such as teaching to the test disrespect teachers and their ability to know when students have mastered content and competency. The high school tests are first taken in the 10th grade in Massachusetts. If the kids dont pass, they can retake the exam in the 11th or 12th grade.

Educators are still evaluating students, he said. Its a mirage to say that everything that a student does in education can be measured by a standardized test in the 10th grade. Education, of course, goes through the 12th grade.

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He added that course grades are still a good predictor of how much a student knows.

Colorados menu

Several of the experts and groups on both sides of the debate point to Colorado as a blueprint for how to move away from graduation test requirements.

Colorado, which made the switch with the graduating class of 2021, now allows school districts to choose from a menu of assessment techniques, such as SAT or ACT scores, or demonstration of workforce readiness in various skill areas.

A state task force created by the legislature recently recommended some changes to the education accreditation system to better reflect diverse student needs and smaller school populations. They include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offering multilingual options, and providing quicker results to understand student progress.

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The state hopes the menu of assessment options will support local flexibility, said Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education.

Depending on what the student wants for themselves, they have the ability to show what they know, she said in an interview. In particular, she said, the menu allows for industry certificates, if a student knows what type of work they want to do. That includes areas such as computer science or quantum computing.

It allows students to better understand themselves and explain what they can do, what they are good at, and what they want to do, she said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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High school graduates walk at their commencement at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Louisiana is among the half dozen states that still require exit exams to graduate from high school. Most states have dropped exit exams, with Massachusetts being the latest. (Mario Tama | Getty Images)

Jill Norton, an education policy adviser in Massachusetts, has a teenage son with dyslexia and ADHD. Shelley Scruggs, an electrical engineer in the same state, also has a teenage son with ADHD. Both students go to the same technical high school.

But this fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Norton argued that without the high bar of the standard exam, kids like hers wont have an incentive to strive. But Scruggs maintained that kids with learning disorders also need different types of measurements than standardized tests to qualify for a high school diploma.

Voters last month approved the referendum, 59% to 41%, ending the Massachusetts requirement. There and in most other states, Scruggs position against testing is carrying the day.

Just seven states now require students to pass a test to graduate, and one of those  New York  will end its Regents Exam as a requirement by the 2027-28 school year. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia still require testing to graduate, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a group that opposes such mandates.

In Massachusetts, teachers unions favored getting rid of the exam as a graduation requirement. They argued it forced them to teach certain facts at the expense of in-depth or more practical learning. But many business leaders were in favor of keeping the test, arguing that without it, they will have no guarantee that job applicants with high school diplomas possess basic skills.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs.

 Jill Norton, an education policy adviser and mother of a Massachusetts high schooler

State by state, graduation tests have tumbled over the past decade. In 2012, half the states required the tests, but that number fell to 13 states in 2019, according to Education Week. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, when many school districts scrapped the tests during remote learning and some decided to permanently extend test exemptions.

Studies have found that such graduation exams disadvantage students with learning disabilities as well as English language learners, and that they arent always a good predictor of success in careers or higher education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An oft-cited 2010 article by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin may have ignited the trend to scrap the tests. Researchers review of 46 earlier studies found that high school exit exams produced few of the expected benefits and have been associated with costs for the most disadvantaged students.

Some states began to find other ways to assess high school competency, such as grades in mandatory courses, capstone projects or technical milestones.

Minimum competency tests in the 1980s drove the idea that we need to make sure that students who graduate from high school have the bare minimum of skills, said John Papay, an associate professor of education at Brown University. By the mid-2000s, there was a reaction against standardized testing and a movement away from these exams. They disappeared during the pandemic and that led to these tests going away.

Despite the problems with the tests for English learners and students with learning disabilities, Papay said, the tests are strong predictors of long-term outcomes. Students who do better on the tests go on to graduate [from] college and they earn more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Papay, who remains neutral on whether the tests should be required, pointed out that high school students usually have many opportunities to retake the tests and to appeal their scores.

Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, a think tank and advocacy group for underserved communities, noted that in many states, the testing requirements were replaced by other measures.

The schools still require some students or all students to demonstrate competency to graduate, but students have many more options on how they could do that. They can pass a dual credit [high school/college] course, pass industry recognized competency tests. 

A lot of states still have assessments as part of their graduation requirements, but in a much broader form, she said.

Massachusetts moves

Scruggs said her son took Massachusetts required exam last spring; he passed the science and math portions but fell 1 point short in English.

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He could do well in his classes, but if he didnt pass the three tests, he wouldnt get his regular diploma, Scruggs said. How do you go out into the working world, and you went to school every day and passed your classes, but got no diploma?

Her son has taken the English test again and is awaiting his new score, she said.

Norton, by contrast, said the exam, called the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, gave her son an incentive to work hard.

I worry that kids like him  are going to end up graduating from high school without the skills they will need, Norton said. Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs. I need a bar set where he will get the level of education he needs.

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Students in Massachusetts still will have to take the MCAS in their sophomore year of high school, and the scores will be used to assess their overall learning. But failing the test wont be a barrier to graduation beginning with the class of 2025. The state is still debating how  or whether  to replace the MCAS with other types of required courses, evaluations or measurements.

High school students in Massachusetts and most states still have to satisfy other graduation requirements, which usually include four years of English and a number of other core subjects such as mathematics, sciences and social studies. Those requirements vary widely across the country, however, as most are set by individual school districts.

In New York, the State Education Department in 2019 began a multiyear process of rethinking high school graduation requirements and the Regents Exam. The department decided last month to phase out the exit exam and replace it with something called a Portrait of a Graduate, including seven areas of study in which a student must establish proficiency. Credit options include capstone projects, work-based learning experiences and internships, as well as academic achievement. Several other states have moved recently to a similar approach.

Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, an advocacy group that works to limit standardized testing, said course grades do a better job of assessing students abilities.

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Standardized tests are poor ways of incentivizing and measuring the kinds of skills and knowledge we should have high school kids focusing on, Feder said. You get teaching to the test that doesnt bear much of a relationship to the kinds of things that kids are being asked to do when they go on to college or the workplace.

Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association union, said phrases such as teaching to the test disrespect teachers and their ability to know when students have mastered content and competency. The high school tests are first taken in the 10th grade in Massachusetts. If the kids dont pass, they can retake the exam in the 11th or 12th grade.

Educators are still evaluating students, he said. Its a mirage to say that everything that a student does in education can be measured by a standardized test in the 10th grade. Education, of course, goes through the 12th grade.

He added that course grades are still a good predictor of how much a student knows.

Colorados menu

Several of the experts and groups on both sides of the debate point to Colorado as a blueprint for how to move away from graduation test requirements.

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Colorado, which made the switch with the graduating class of 2021, now allows school districts to choose from a menu of assessment techniques, such as SAT or ACT scores, or demonstration of workforce readiness in various skill areas.

A state task force created by the legislature recently recommended some changes to the education accreditation system to better reflect diverse student needs and smaller school populations. They include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offering multilingual options, and providing quicker results to understand student progress.

The state hopes the menu of assessment options will support local flexibility, said Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education.

Depending on what the student wants for themselves, they have the ability to show what they know, she said in an interview. In particular, she said, the menu allows for industry certificates, if a student knows what type of work they want to do. That includes areas such as computer science or quantum computing.

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It allows students to better understand themselves and explain what they can do, what they are good at, and what they want to do, she said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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This article was originally published in Stateline.

Jill Norton, an education policy adviser in Massachusetts, has a teenage son with dyslexia and ADHD. Shelley Scruggs, an electrical engineer in the same state, also has a teenage son with ADHD. Both students go to the same technical high school.

But this fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate.

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Norton argued that without the high bar of the standard exam, kids like hers wont have an incentive to strive. But Scruggs maintained that kids with learning disorders also need different types of measurements than standardized tests to qualify for a high school diploma.

Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74

Voters last month approved the referendum, 59% to 41%, ending the Massachusetts requirement. There and in most other states, Scruggs position against testing is carrying the day.

Just seven states now require students to pass a test to graduate, and one of those  New York  will end its Regents Exam as a requirement by the 2027-28 school year. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Virginia still require testing to graduate, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a group that opposes such mandates.

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In Massachusetts, teachers unions favored getting rid of the exam as a graduation requirement. They argued it forced them to teach certain facts at the expense of in-depth or more practical learning. But many business leaders were in favor of keeping the test, arguing that without it, they will have no guarantee that job applicants with high school diplomas possess basic skills.

State by state, graduation tests have tumbled over the past decade. In 2012, half the states required the tests, but that number fell to 13 states in 2019, according to Education Week. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, when many school districts scrapped the tests during remote learning and some decided to permanently extend test exemptions.

Studies have found that such graduation exams disadvantage students with learning disabilities as well as English language learners, and that they arent always a good predictor of success in careers or higher education.

An oft-cited 2010 article by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin may have ignited the trend to scrap the tests. Researchers review of 46 earlier studies found that high school exit exams produced few of the expected benefits and have been associated with costs for the most disadvantaged students.

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Some states began to find other ways to assess high school competency, such as grades in mandatory courses, capstone projects or technical milestones.

Minimum competency tests in the 1980s drove the idea that we need to make sure that students who graduate from high school have the bare minimum of skills, said John Papay, an associate professor of education at Brown University. By the mid-2000s, there was a reaction against standardized testing and a movement away from these exams. They disappeared during the pandemic and that led to these tests going away.

Despite the problems with the tests for English learners and students with learning disabilities, Papay said, the tests are strong predictors of long-term outcomes. Students who do better on the tests go on to graduate [from] college and they earn more.

Papay, who remains neutral on whether the tests should be required, pointed out that high school students usually have many opportunities to retake the tests and to appeal their scores.

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Anne Hyslop, director of policy development at All4Ed, a think tank and advocacy group for underserved communities, noted that in many states, the testing requirements were replaced by other measures.

The schools still require some students or all students to demonstrate competency to graduate, but students have many more options on how they could do that. They can pass a dual credit [high school/college] course, pass industry recognized competency tests. 

A lot of states still have assessments as part of their graduation requirements, but in a much broader form, she said.

Massachusetts moves

Scruggs said her son took Massachusetts required exam last spring; he passed the science and math portions but fell 1 point short in English.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He could do well in his classes, but if he didnt pass the three tests, he wouldnt get his regular diploma, Scruggs said. How do you go out into the working world, and you went to school every day and passed your classes, but got no diploma?

Her son has taken the English test again and is awaiting his new score, she said.

Norton, by contrast, said the exam, called the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, gave her son an incentive to work hard.

I worry that kids like him  are going to end up graduating from high school without the skills they will need, Norton said. Without the test, they will just be passed along. I cant just trust that my kid is getting the basic level of what he needs. I need a bar set where he will get the level of education he needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Students in Massachusetts still will have to take the MCAS in their sophomore year of high school, and the scores will be used to assess their overall learning. But failing the test wont be a barrier to graduation beginning with the class of 2025. The state is still debating how  or whether  to replace the MCAS with other types of required courses, evaluations or measurements.

High school students in Massachusetts and most states still have to satisfy other graduation requirements, which usually include four years of English and a number of other core subjects such as mathematics, sciences and social studies. Those requirements vary widely across the country, however, as most are set by individual school districts.

In New York, the State Education Department in 2019 began a multiyear process of rethinking high school graduation requirements and the Regents Exam. The department decided last month to phase out the exit exam and replace it with something called a Portrait of a Graduate, including seven areas of study in which a student must establish proficiency. Credit options include capstone projects, work-based learning experiences and internships, as well as academic achievement. Several other states have moved recently to a similar approach.

Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, an advocacy group that works to limit standardized testing, said course grades do a better job of assessing students abilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Standardized tests are poor ways of incentivizing and measuring the kinds of skills and knowledge we should have high school kids focusing on, Feder said. You get teaching to the test that doesnt bear much of a relationship to the kinds of things that kids are being asked to do when they go on to college or the workplace.

Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association union, said phrases such as teaching to the test disrespect teachers and their ability to know when students have mastered content and competency. The high school tests are first taken in the 10th grade in Massachusetts. If the kids dont pass, they can retake the exam in the 11th or 12th grade.

Educators are still evaluating students, he said. Its a mirage to say that everything that a student does in education can be measured by a standardized test in the 10th grade. Education, of course, goes through the 12th grade.

He added that course grades are still a good predictor of how much a student knows.

Colorados menu

Several of the experts and groups on both sides of the debate point to Colorado as a blueprint for how to move away from graduation test requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Colorado, which made the switch with the graduating class of 2021, now allows school districts to choose from a menu of assessment techniques, such as SAT or ACT scores, or demonstration of workforce readiness in various skill areas.

A state task force created by the legislature recently recommended some changes to the education accreditation system to better reflect diverse student needs and smaller school populations. They include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offering multilingual options, and providing quicker results to understand student progress.

The state hopes the menu of assessment options will support local flexibility, said Danielle Ongart, assistant commissioner for student pathways and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education.

Depending on what the student wants for themselves, they have the ability to show what they know, she said in an interview. In particular, she said, the menu allows for industry certificates, if a student knows what type of work they want to do. That includes areas such as computer science or quantum computing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It allows students to better understand themselves and explain what they can do, what they are good at, and what they want to do, she said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
An attorney representing the Chicago Board of Education offered a buyout to Pedro Martinez, the embattled chief of Chicago Public Schools, according to sources close to the conversations.

The offer, made over the phone earlier this week, came after Martinez retained attorney William J. Quinlan to represent him in an ongoing power struggle with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union, which has waged a fierce campaign against the chief executive officer as the union negotiates a new contract with the district.

Martinezs contract limits the districts ability to fire him without cause and could lead to an expensive lawsuit. So far, Martinez has resisted the buyout offer, sources said.

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With pressure on Martinez ratcheting up, the current six-member school board met Wednesday at CPS administrative office in the Grand Boulevard neighborhood to decide key issues that will be addressed at the boards monthly meeting Dec. 12. Tension over the CEOs fate could be felt in the auditorium where the meeting was held, overshadowing conversations with board members.

Pedro Martinez intends to honor his contract with the Chicago Public Schools and see that the 325,305 students and parents get the benefit of what they bargained for with him, William J. Quinlan of the Quinlan Law Firm LLC, Martinezs attorney, said in a statement to the Tribune.

A spokesperson from Cozen OConnor, the firm representing the school board, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Martinez previously said he declined a request by Johnson to resign and has faced months of pressure from the mayors allies who want him to leave or be fired by the board. The point of conflict has been the CEOs refusal to take out a $300 million high-interest loan that would help pay for a new four-year teachers contract and a pension payment formerly covered by the city.

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The previous school board resigned in early October amid the conflict and Johnson appointed a new board just days later.

At Wednesdays board meeting, the new six-member board peppered speakers with an unusual amount of questions. At times, members expressed confusion about the raised policies  ranging from boundary requirements for enrollment in district schools to diversity protections and the confirmed location of Velma Thomas Early Childhood Learning Center.

The teachers union, which buoyed the mayor to power in 2023, has criticized the CEOs mishandling of the closures of several charter schools in the Acero charter network in recent weeks. The unions criticism of the CEOs handling of the Acero closures remained front and center Wednesday.

Holding back tears, parent Norma Gaeta told board members that shes enrolled her children in Aceros Sandra Cisneros Elementary School in Brighton Park for more than a decade. Gaeta criticized the charter operator for failing to hold a town hall with parents or offer support to students since announcing the closures.

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Cisneros is a second home to my family, she said, crediting the school community with spurring her fifth grade daughters academic performance and social and emotional growth. Please help us save our schools.

Despite a November board resolution that directed Acero representatives to appear, the charter operator was a no-show at Wednesdays meeting. Board members directly addressed the absence.

What does it take to get someone from Acero to show up and talk to us? asked board member Michilla Kyla Blaise.

The districts portfolio office is continuing to work on solutions, board member Frank Thomas said, addressing the multiple Acero families present.

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One of the reasons we cant get Acero to come here is because contracts make people perform.  When the contract doesnt have any teeth in it, we cant make them do much, Thomas said of CPS contract with Acero, in which the district has no legal authority to prevent the charter operator from voluntarily closing its schools.

Martinez, who remained stoic for most of the hourslong meeting, nodded his head in agreement.

In an emailed statement sent after the meeting, Acero said discussions with CPS to hold a town hall in January are underway and the charter school operator complained that the district didnt provide Acero with CPS proposed solutions before the meeting as promised.

The anticipated closure of seven Acero schools was an extremely painful choice, the charter operator said, noting it remains open to discussing any solutions with CPS.

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Teachers contract negotiations bubbled into board conversation Wednesday in a notable way when a member of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association voiced concerns with the CTUs contract proposals, adding another union voice to a fray of labor organizations currently displeased with the teachers union. A fault line between CTU and the historically allied Service Employees International Union Local 73, emerged earlier this week.

While I emphasize we respect the work done by our colleagues in CTU, there are several provisions within their contract that present significant challenges for principals and assistant principals, Kia Banks, CPAAs chief of staff, said at Wednesdays meeting.

The meeting came on the heels of CTUs release of a road map to reaching a collective bargaining agreement  and followed a directive to expedite the contract that board members appointed by Johnson sent Martinez earlier this month.

A CPS spokesperson said Tuesday that while the district remains committed to bargaining in good faith, it does not expect its projected $10 billion cost of meeting the teachers demands to substantially decrease based on CTUs updated priorities. The union criticized CPS figure as inaccurate, but its road map doesnt provide an alternative estimate, the district spokesperson said.

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As CPS faces an approximately $500 million deficit in each of the next five years, raises remain unresolved, among other key demands. Following CPS offer of 4% to 5% raises in the fall, the union recently countered with a 5% to 6% ask, down from the CTUs initial demand of 9%.

The counterproposal and other must-haves in CTUs road map represent reasonable movement to settlement, board Vice President Mary Gardner said, asking the CEO to explain how hes working toward a resolution. Martinez hinted that updates would be discussed in Wednesdays closed session.

I am cautiously optimistic theres more urgency now for us to actually get counter-proposals (that) were in the process of analyzing now, he said.

The next fact-finding stage of mediation is scheduled to occur this month, with a report anticipated at the end of January.

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CTU aims to settle the contract not in weeks, not in months, but now, the unions financial secretary, Maria Moreno, said at the meeting Wednesday. Gardner hammered that point home.

We do not want a strike. Period. We dont want that, she said, before adjourning the public portion of the meeting.

Any decision on Martinezs fate would be made in the closed session. For weeks, all current board members have refused to comment.

In mid-November, the newly appointed school board retained the outside law firm Cozen OConnor, a move that hinted at the beginnings of the process of firing Martinez.

At the time, George F. Galland, an employment lawyer at Miner, Barnhill & Galland PC, said the board was likely looking for cause to fire Martinez, because it would save the district money.

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Quinlan, Martinezs lawyer, acted as general counsel to the state of Illinois appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and has been working with the CPS chief for about two weeks, Tribune sources confirmed. Quinlans father, also a lawyer, was chief counsel for three Chicago mayors. His uncle was the Cook County Board president and prosecuted James Wright, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The board can terminate Martinezs employment contract  which expires in June 2026  in two ways.

By firing Martinez for cause, according to the contract, the board would have to cite misconduct or criminal activity, incompetence in the performance of job duties, fraud or other wrongdoing. In addition, Martinez would not be eligible for severance pay. Martinezs contract allows him the option to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit.

If the board fires Martinez without cause, the CEO can remain in his position for 180 days and will receive 20 weeks of his base salary of $340,000 in 2022, according to public records.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  With their 75th anniversary fast approaching, Hilltop Community Resources will begin remodeling the Main Street building they acquired in October.

The 52,000 square-foot building, once housed by Wells Fargo, will be giving Hilltop more room to expand.

Hilltop, with the purchase of this building is really looking to consolidate in three of our different sites, said CEO of Hilltop Mike Stahl. So, our IT spot out on Horizon Drive, our corporate office, then our Family Resource Center over on Colorado (Ave).

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The building will house over 100 Hilltop employees that are a part of their administration and support services. The building will also be home to several of their programs.

All of the community-based programs. So, our independent partner violence programming, our early childhood programming, our family programming, that will come right here to this building, said Stahl.

The expected cost of remodeling is over $4 million. They are currently in discussions with contractors to finalize the drawing and permits to get crews on site.

Work is expected to begin in January with the goal of moving in next summer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
CHIPPEWA FALLS  After 24 years of serving the Chippewa Falls community in elected office, Mayor Greg Hoffman announced Wednesday he will not seek another term, and will retire when his term ends in April.

Ive been mulling it over; I did that last time, Hoffman told the Leader-Telegram. I still enjoy it, but youve got to have that drive. I think its time to step down. Ive had a lot of fun, and Ive enjoyed working with the public. And the city staff has been outstanding. I just feel right now its time for me to leave.

Hoffman, 73, was elected to the seventh ward seat of the Chippewa Falls City Council in 2001. He was appointed to fill the mayors seat on Aug. 5, 2008, to replace Mayor Dan Hedrington, who was resigning. Hoffman is now the longest-serving mayor in city history. He has never faced competition for his seat as either council member or mayor. The previously longest-serving mayor was Virginia Smith, who held the seat from 1991 to 2003.

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Chippewa County Administrator Randy Scholz praised Hoffman for his work for the city.

Greg Hoffman has been a dedicated leader, and I have enjoyed working with him, Scholz said. His vision and commitment have left an indelible mark, and his absence will certainly be felt. I wish him the best as he steps away.

Teri Ouimette, Chippewa Falls Main Street director and a former city councilwoman alongside Hoffman, said Hoffman has given the community his best and will be missed.

We are grateful for his leadership through tough times, major projects, initiatives, and community projects, large and small, Ouimette said. I am confident the community will continue to thrive and remain a vibrant community due in large part to his legacy.

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Charlie Walker, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation executive director, said hes worked with many mayors in his career, and he said Hoffman is top-notch.

He has always been a consensus-builder, a true advocate for the city, Walker said. There is no doubt that much of Chippewa Falls business growth and success can be attributed to his passion and support for economic development.

Amy Mason, who served on the Council alongside Hoffman from 2013 to 2015, said that Hoffman had a profound impact on the citys growth.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mayor Hoffman and appreciate his ability to work with and listen to a diverse group of stakeholders, Mason said. His service to our community is deeply and sincerely appreciated.

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Rusty Volk, Northern Wisconsin State Fair director, offered similar praise for Hoffmans tenure.

Greg has been a valued Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association board member with a vision of growth for our community, Volk said.

Developing the cityWhen asked about what hes most proud of during his tenure, Hoffman said he cannot limit it to just one thing.

Theres the growth of the manufacturing, and the growth in housing, but Im probably most proud of the (Chippewa) Riverfront Park, he said.

The city purchased dilapidated and aging buildings on the north shore of the Chippewa River, tore them down, and established the park there. Perhaps the most visible change in Hoffmans tenure is the revamped entrance to downtown. Short Elliott Hendrickson built a new headquarters at the intersection of North Bridge Street and Spring Street in 2013. The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce moved into a new building across the street at that intersection in August 2015, and the city paid to tear down the old First National Bank building at 100 N. Bridge St., allowing the Cobblestone Hotel to be built on that site. The hotel opened in fall 2016.

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Hoffman also pointed to the recent growth in the Chippewa Crossing development, between the Festival Foods, Kwik Trip, hotel and several restaurants. That area also is the likely new location of an Aspirus hospital, although that has not yet been finalized.

If there is anything left to finish, it would be to finish the hospital, Hoffman said. Weve got housing going up, we have a hospital going up. Its very exciting.

Hoffman also encouraged the council to invest in a new $5 million fire station, which opened in spring 2017. The city also added the Mills Fleet Farm distribution center, which opened in December 2017 in the northeast corner of the city in the Lake Wissota business park.

In fall 2022, the public voted to approve a referendum that will increase the citys levy limit by $1.277 million annually, allowing the city to add three more firefighter/EMS positions and a police officer, along with pay increases for existing emergency staff.

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Hoffman worked in management for 38 years for Genex, a division of Shawano-based Cooperative Resources International. He retired in August 2021.

Im very proud of the community, he said. Ive lived here almost 50 years. Its a great place to raise a family, and to retire to.

The mayor earns $10,000 annually.

Anyone interested in running for the seat should contact City Clerk Bridget Givens at 715-726-2719.
The 30-foot balsam fir serving as Wisconsin's 2024 capitol tree was donated by a Rhinelander family.(Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Government employees, children in snow pants warding off the frigid early-December temperatures and Smokey the Bear gathered in the pine-smelling rotunda of the Wisconsin Capitol Thursday afternoon to light this years state holiday tree.

This year, the tree commemorates the 125th anniversary of Wisconsins state parks, which began with the opening of Interstate State Park on the St. Croix River in northwest Wisconsin in 1900. Hundreds of ornaments handmade by kids from across the state celebrate outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin is a treasure of natural beauty and wonder, Gov. Tony Evers said before the lighting of the 30-foot balsam fir, donated by a Rhinelander family.

Smokey the Bear and a seventh grader who spoke about what Wisconsins state parks mean to her flipped the switch to light the trees 10,000 multi-colored lights.

Evers says new DNR secretary has been chosen, wants to keep focus on budget

At a news conference shortly after the tree lighting, Evers said that he has selected someone to take over as secretary of the Department of Natural Resources  a position that has been vacant for more than a year after former Secretary Adam Payne resigned last October.

Evers wouldnt say who the nominee is, but said it would be a woman.

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The governor also said he wouldnt weigh in on the primary election in next springs campaign for a new Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction and that Aprils state Supreme Court race is a huge, huge election, but that the Court doesnt make the law so he wanted to focus on the branch that does so.

He told reporters that he hasnt spoken with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos since Novembers election. The relationship between Evers and Republicans in the Legislature has often been frosty, and he said he didnt think that would change. But Evers said that in the upcoming legislative session, in which the two chambers are more closely divided than in recent years, it would be necessary for the two parties to work together to find solutions.

I dont think itll be much different, Evers said. Theyre going to be huffing and puffing and Im going to be huffing and puffing so on and so forth. But I believe that the makeup of the Legislature is going to make it imperative on all of us to come to some reasonable conclusions. Well see what happens.

Well propose something, theyre going to save it or throw it out, he continued. We get five minutes together and get something accomplished. But at the end of the day, my priorities are in the budget.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Heating your home may cost more this winter.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicts prices to increase by about 10 percent from last winter. Natural gas, propane and electricity are all seeing price hikes ranging from seven to 20 percent.

Across the board, prices are increasing. Compared to last winter, the average heating cost using natural gas is expected to increase by about $40, while electricity will see the biggest jump at $225. Propane costs are also expected to rise by an average of $109.

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Pastor opens warming center in Clark County

One reason for this increase is the forecasted colder winter.

The colder it gets, the longer your systems going to run, said Greg McAfee, president and owner of McAfee Heating and Air. Regardless of how efficient it is, its still going to cost more per month.

But higher quality equipment can help curb your heating costs.

So the higher efficiency you get, we probably average right between 92 and 95 percent, said McAfee. Youre losing a lot less heat, its staying in the home. So thats going to save you a lot of money.

And regular furnace system maintenance and check-ups can save you, too.

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Nows a great time to just have it checked, because we have many months of cold weather left, said McAfee. Making sure the ignition system works great, the burners are clean. Theyre still burners on equipment. Theres high tech motors, blower motors that you have to make sure they stay clean, because if they dont, theyll eventually overheat, burn out.

Another alternative is using propane to heat your home.

Youre not relying upon the electric grid. Propane as a fuel source, coming out of the vent is going to feel like 130 to 140 degrees compared to a an electric heat pump, which produces air at about 85 to 90 degrees. So its actually going to feel cool coming out of the vent, said Brian Buschur, president of McMahans Bottle Gas.

Despite these options and alternatives, rising heating prices will impact lower-income families regardless of what system they use.

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St. Vincent de Pauls Neighborhood Ministries is working to help out this winter.

We have neighbors in our community that help other neighbors, said John King, director of mission advancement for St. Vincent de Paul. Those volunteers are able to work with you, work with maybe a landlord, or work with an energy, company to pay any outstanding bills.

St. Vincent de Paul offers their assistance to anyone in need throughout the Miami Valley this winter. To learn more about how to receive assistance, visit St. Vincent de Pauls website or call 937-222-555.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Officers with the New Orleans Police Department are investigating a homicide in the Little Woods area on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The NOPD reported that officers responded to a medical call at a home in the 7900 block of Bullard Avenue around 2:09 p.m.

Former Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office employee accused of fraud

According to the NOPD, a man was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.

NOPD officials said the death is being investigated as a homicide, and the cause of death is not known at this time.

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Kenner mother arrested after children allegedly test positive for cocaine

Additional information has not been released.

Anyone with information can call NOPD Homicide Section detectives at 504-658-5300, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than seven out of 10 South Koreans were in favor of the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol over his declaration of an emergency martial law, a poll showed Thursday.

According to the local pollster Realmeter survey, 73.6 percent of respondents approved of the impeachment of the conservative president, while 24.0 percent were against it.

The result was based on a survey of 504 voters conducted Wednesday. It had plus and minus 4.4 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level.

Even in North Gyeongsang province and the city of Daegu, regarded as a traditional home turf for the conservative bloc, 66.2 percent agreed on the impeachment.

Of the respondents who identified themselves as liberal voters, 94.6 percent were in favor of the impeachment, while 50.4 percent of conservative voters consented to the removal of Yoon from office.

Those who termed Yoon's martial law declaration as treason reached 69.5 percent, while 24.9 percent disagreed with it.

In North Gyeongsang province and Daegu, 70.5 percent said the martial law declaration was an offense of seeking to topple the country, while 45.2 percent of conservative voters considered it a rebellion.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the parliament voted against it.

The main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five other minor parties submitted a motion to impeach Yoon on Wednesday. 
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm provided details during a news conference Wednesday about the shooting death of attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau that took place on Jan. 1.

1 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm provided details during a news conference Wednesday about the shooting death of attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau that took place on Jan. 1.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An ambulance left the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on Jan. 1 after a daylong chase and shooting rampage that left police officers wounded and attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau dead.

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2 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An ambulance left the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on Jan. 1 after a daylong chase and shooting rampage that left police officers wounded and attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau dead.

HPD Sidney Tafokitau : He was killed on New Years Day after a day-long pursuit

3 /4 HPD Sidney Tafokitau :

He was killed on New Years Day after a day-long pursuit JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm showed a photo of an AR-15 from the scene during a news conference Wednesday about the New Years Day shooting death of Sidney Tafokitau.

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4 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm showed a photo of an AR-15 from the scene during a news conference Wednesday about the New Years Day shooting death of Sidney Tafokitau.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm provided details during a news conference Wednesday about the shooting death of attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau that took place on Jan. 1.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM An ambulance left the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on Jan. 1 after a daylong chase and shooting rampage that left police officers wounded and attempted murder suspect Sidney Tafokitau dead.

HPD Sidney Tafokitau : He was killed on New Years Day after a day-long pursuit

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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Prosecutor Steve Alm showed a photo of an AR-15 from the scene during a news conference Wednesday about the New Years Day shooting death of Sidney Tafokitau.

RELATED PHOTO GALLERY An shot and killed by Honolulu police officers following a New Years Day-long pursuit and shootouts was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and officers were justified to use deadly force, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm announced Wednesday.

Sidney Tafokitau, 44, told a relative he would never go back to prison and was shot 23 times and killed by police after he opened fire and wounded two officers on University Avenue.

The two injured officers are working in a light-duty capacity as they work to recover from the shooting. More than 20 officers participated in the pursuit and helped end Tafokitaus rampage.

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The shooting was justified  and no police personnel will be charged,  Alm said.

My kuleana is looking at what happened on University Avenue past Dole Street when he was shooting at them and thats when the officers shot and killed him. Was that justifiable ?  I found that it was  What they did was justified,  Alm said. Any police officer will tell you, they hope to go their career without shooting anybody. And nobody thought that day when they woke up that something like this would happen. Its a terrible shame when people commit crimes like this and then end up trying to get themselves killed  Even if they (police officers ) are totally justified, they have to live with the fact that they killed somebody and thats got to be a burden to carry. They know thats part of the job and they did it, and I applaud them for being professional and doing the right thing.

Alm said police have concluded a criminal investigation into by police officers that day that left the 25-year-old son with a facial fracture, a traumatic subconjunctival hemorrhage, a concussion, orthopedic knee injuries, cognitive impairment including memory loss and confusion, and vision loss.

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The administrative investigation into the Cadiente case is ongoing. The criminal investigation has been sent to prosecutors,  read a statement from HPD.

Tevita Cadiente, and his father, Vaokehekehe Mata ele, 49, sued the city over the incident.

Alm declined to say when HPD concluded its investigation of the officers involved and forwarded the findings to prosecutors. Alm said no determination has been made on whether to charge the officers with crimes in connection with the injuries to Cadiente and Mataele.

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Cadiente, who knew Tafokitau from the same church, attempted twice to call Tafokitau, within the same minute, to encourage him to safely surrender, according to the civil complaint.

The lawsuit describes how, as the father and son stood unarmed with their hands up, shocked and confused, a large black police van climbed the curb and ran Cadiente into a chain-link fence.

The lawsuit alleges that officers pulled Cadiente out from under the van, then began viciously beating him in the head, approximately 10-12 officers in turn using both their hands and the blunt ends of their weapons.

There is little body-worn camera footage from officers interactions with Tafokitau, including the fatal shots, because Crime Reduction Unit officers and other plain clothes police personnel are not required to wear them.

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Prosecuting Attorney Alm conducted an independent and thorough investigation, and we agree with his finding that our officers actions (involving Tafokitau ) were both legal and justified,  said Stephen Keogh, vice president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. Our officers risked their lives to apprehend a suspect who shot two of our officers, shot at a police helicopter, shot his ex-girlfriend three times, carjacked an innocent person at knifepoint, and was wanted for a stabbing just a few weeks prior. They acted to protect the public and themselves from a dangerous criminal who showed zero regard for anyones life but his own.

Speaking at the Department of the Prosecuting Attorneys Richards Street headquarters Wednesday, Alm walked reporters through a timeline of events Jan. 1.

At 7 :15 that morning, following an argument with his ex-girlfriend, Tafokitau rammed the back of her car three times on Moanalua Freeway near Aloha Stadium before shooting her three times.

The woman was taken to The Queens Medical Center and treated for gunshot wounds to her right hand, left arm, and right leg, Alm said.

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At 11 :25 a.m. on North School Street in Kalihi, Tafo kitau engaged HPD Crime Reduction Unit officers from Patrol District 3 while they pursued him in a van.

Tafokitau fired 15-30 rounds at the police van but no one was injured.

Twenty minutes later, at 11 :45 a.m. in Kaneohe, Tafo kitau was driving the wrong way on Kahekili Highway when he ran a red light and was T-boned by another vehicle.

Tafokitau crawled out  of his SUVs window, reached back inside for his AR-15, walked over to a white Scion, pointed the rifle at the driver and told her to get out,  according to the prosecuting attorney.

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The driver took a picture of Tafokitau as he left his vehicle.

At 2 p.m., Tafokitau was driving westbound on Aloha Avenue in Kapahulu when he fired one shot with the AR-15 at officers in the D8 Crime Reduction Unit SUV. No injuries were reported.

Officers continued to pursue Tafokitau at 2 :50 p.m. as he drove to the North Shore. As he was driving northbound on Kamehameha Highway toward Sunset Beach, Kahuku bound, he passed and sideswiped a motorcycle, causing it to swerve into oncoming traffic. The rider was able to swerve back into his lane.

Tafokitau kept driving in the opposite lane toward oncoming traffic.

At 2 :20 p.m., one of HPDs two MD 500E helicopters had tracked Tafokitau from 6th Avenue in Kaimuki until he got onto the H-1 freeway and headed westbound.

The helicopter followed him until near Haleiwa when they returned to the Daniel K. Inouye Airport to refuel.

Once airborne again they found Tafokitau on Kameha meha Highway near Kahu ku, now headed north and westbound.

As Tafokitau drove southbound toward Waimea Bay, the roadway traffic got very crowded.

As a result, the Scion was driving on the wrong side of the street for several miles while headed south,  according to the prosecutors finding.

At 3 :37 p.m. the HPD helicopter saw foot traffic by Laniakea Beach move toward the roadway with their cellphones pointed out, apparently trying to film the Scion.

The helicopter crew flew closer to the ground to wave the bystanders back for safety, turning into the wind, facing the Scion.

The HPD helicopter crew saw Tafokitau insert the rifle into the hole in the windshield of the Scion  and saw three distinct flashes coming from the Scion  and realized that Tafokitau was shooting at the helicopter.

The pilot took immediate evasive action to avoid being shot,  according to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.

At 4 :11 p.m. HPD Patrol District 7 CRU officers stopped their truck at the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Kalaniiki Street intersection.

Tafokitau also headed eastbound in the most makai lane shoulder, made a wide U-turn to head back westbound  on Kalanianaole Highway and stuck his rifle out the hole in the windshield of the Scion and pointed it at the officers.

One of the CRU officers fired three shots at Tafokitau as he finished the U-Turn and headed westbound toward the H-1 freeway.

An HPD captain was in his subsidized vehicle on Kalanianaole Highway headed eastbound toward that same intersection and was shot at by Tafokitau but uninjured.

An HPD sergeant and officer were in a CRU truck from Patrol District 3 approaching the same intersection when they were also fired upon by Tafokitau but not injured.

At 4 :14 p.m.Tafokitau drove the Scion westbound on H-1, and took the Kapiolani Street exit, turned right on Date Street, then right on University Avenue.

He then drove north on University Avenue toward the University of Hawaii-Manoa when an HPD corporal and another officer who had been in pursuit of Tafokitau stopped his vehicle on University Avenue right past the exit, parallel to the curb and took cover behind the front passenger wheel and while the other officer took cover on the passenger side of the vehicle.

As the Scion approached, the HPD corporal reported hearing four to six gunshots coming from the Scion and said Tafokitau shot at them as he drove by.

After Tafokitau passed, the HPD corporal heard the officer yell that he had been shot.

The corporal broadcast on the police radio that shots were fired and an officer was down  and he saw blood coming from the patrol officers abdomen.

An HPD sergeant and officer who had been shot at by the intersection on Kalanianaole Highway saw Tafokitau pass in front of him heading northbound on University Avenue and heard gunshots when he got to University Avenue and Dole Street.

The sergeant saw Tafokitau pass Dole Street and then open the drivers side door. The sergeant maneuvered his CRU truck from Patrol District 3 onto the southbound lanes of traffic on University Avenue, just north of Dole Street, while Tafokitau got out of the Scion holding the rifle.

Tafokitau opened fire at the HPD sergeants truck and the sergeant and another officer got out of the D3 CRU truck and started shooting back at (Tafokitau ) with their Glocks.

Tafokitau fell to the ground and the sergeant called for a ceasefire.

Four officers who had been in the District 7 CRU truck on Kalanianaole also had been shot at by Tafokitau.

One officer exited the D7 CRU truck and fired rounds  with his own AR-15 while two other officers got out out of the CRU truck and fired with their Glocks.

One of the CRU officers was hit by Tafokitau three times : one to his head, one to his left eye and one to his left shoulder.

Tafokitau had 14 prior felony convictions dating to 1993.

They included six counts of robbery in the first degree, one count of carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, one count of felon in possession, and six counts of robbery in the second degree.

He was sentenced in March 2002 of robbery in the first degree and sent to prison and was released from custody after maxing out his sentence on March 3, 2022,  according to the Department of Prosecuting Attorney.

Some time later, he told a relative Im not going back to prison,  Alm said.

On Nov. 24, 2023, Tafokitau was charged with numerous counts that included being a felon in possession, place to keep pistol or revolver, two counts of possession of prohibited detached ammunition magazine and place to keep ammunition.

A warrant of arrest was served on Tafokitau on the same date with bail set at $150, 000. On Dec. 1, Tafokitau posted bond and got out of jail.

Nineteen days later, a no-bail warrant of arrest was issued for Tafokitau for one count of attempted murder in the first degree, five counts of attempted murder in the second degree, six counts of carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, one count of felon in possession, and one count of assault in the second degree, triggering an HPD search.

Honolulu police Chief Arthur Joe  Logan said the department appreciates the thorough review and investigation  conducted by Alms office.

While most of us were spending New Years Day with our family and friends, HPD officers were searching for a convicted felon who had shot and injured his ex-girlfriend that morning. After a dangerous driving spree that traversed Oahu and endangered motorists, the general public and HPD officers, this individual was fatally shot by officers as he walked down University Avenue pointing and firing an AR-15 at them,  Logan said. He shot and wounded two officers who are still recovering nearly a year later. The individual who shot the officers and endangered many others had been released after serving 20 years in prison. He had expressed that he did not plan to return to prison.
Members of Plainfield Community Middle School's team present on a school bus tracker project while judges take notes at a computer science showcase held in the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Castle High School has about 2,000 students  but just five counselors, says senior Rex Iannello.

Hundreds of outgoing seniors each year must fill out a state-mandated Box Two form, justifying their employability, to graduate. A supervisor must sign off on the students 50 hours of service- project- or work-based service, even if those efforts took place years prior.

Castle High School senior Rex Iannello holds up his worn-out employability skills verification form, which Hoosier high schoolers must complete to graduate, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The schools few counselors must manage the resulting stacks of paper.

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They have to get this sheet of paper from each student.  They had to decipher kids handwriting, and then they entered it into an Excel spreadsheet, Iannello recounted.

He called it strikingly inefficient.

So he and four other classmates built a digital management system with guidance from their computer science teacher, Derick Smith.

Students can use the same school-issued credentials theyve had since sixth grade to log their progress into a website and send the completed form to their supervisors for signatures. Then, it goes into a database. In a custom desktop application, counselors can check off students whove completed the requirements, take note of those who havent, and more.

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On Wednesday, the group  plus a videographer classmate  won the high school division of the CSforGood showcase at the Indiana Statehouse, held by Nextech.

The Indianapolis-based nonprofit, which aims to boost computer science access for Hoosier K-12 students, has invited competitors to show how computer science can be used to solve problems in their schools and communities annually since 2017.

More than 100 teams with upwards of 300 students from schools across the state applied to present at the showcase. Thirteen made the cut. Three  one from each division  won.

Castle High School won the high school division of a computer science showcase held in the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The Middle School Division winner was Cold Spring School, with its safe smart home for elderly Hoosiers. The Elementary School Division winner was Clarks Creek Elementary School, with its attendance and location application.

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Each winning team won its school a $1,000 technology grant. Individual team members also earned $200.

Building computer science into schools

Students  some sporting matching tees, others decked out in suits  stood before detailed poster-boards on the Statehouses main floor while their parents watched from behind thick marble columns. Judges from industry, state agencies and beyond asked questions and took careful notes as students explained their work.

Projects ranged from robotic recess aide helper and school bus tracker to an anti-bullying resource and a teen job finder.

Whats so inspiring is: we dont give very many guardrails, Nextech President Karen Jung said.  You start to get a better sense of what are the issues that these kids are facing in their community  and theyre the best problem solvers when it comes to these issues.

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She said that all competitors must apply computer science problem-solving principles to solve chosen problems, although elementary school division participants may present prototypes, while high school division participants may actually build their solutions.

Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner encourages children competing in a computer science showcase held in the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner said the state is a leader in this space.

Since 2018, Indiana has been a national leader in computer science education, investing over $18 million in computer science (and) supporting students across all grade levels, Jenner told the crowd, before judging began.

She and Jung observed that Indiana has adopted all 10 model policies promoted by Code.org. Theyre meant to make computer science a bigger part of K-12 education, since its a foundational part of daily life, per Code.org.

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The state has K-8 standards in place, and in March, approved a new requirement: all high schoolers must take a computer science course in order to graduate, starting with the class of 2029.

Jung said Indianas made great strides, but has something left.

How do we light that spark within them  How do we get them to want to pursue that? she asked. So (that) its not just like, Aw, I gotta take my CS class. But no, its like, Oh, wow. This is amazing. And now I can see what a path forward would look like in CS.'

The Castle High School team has plans for its creation.

Iannello said he hopes his school implements the website and desktop application for the Box Two form, but noted the team could easily add other documents to the setup.

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Thats just a few more data points in our server that we can quickly, like, scale it up to that if needed, he said. We havent sold this to anybody yet, but we would love for our work to be used by schools in Indiana.

Children explain their work to adults at a computer science showcase held in the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

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Nextech Programs Vice President Stephanie Zircher thanked parents, teachers and judges in her on-stage remarks, but concluded with praise for the young competitors.

All of you students with these big, bright, beautiful minds  we literally cannot wait to see where you go as you continue to develop these skills and make a difference in the world, absolutely and truly for good, she said.

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Health care affordability and access top Hoosier concerns in the latest Ball State survey. (Getty Images)

Ball State Universitys 2024 Hoosier Survey revealed Indiana residents top three policy priorities headed into the new year: school safety, public safety and health care.

The survey is conducted annually by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. It is a non-partisan public policy study that gauges public opinion on key social and political issues.

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Notably, the study found the priorities are shared across political affiliations, according to Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center and associate dean of Ball States College of Sciences and Humanities.

The 2024 Hoosier Survey provides an essential look at the issues that matter most to Indiana residents, Smith said. As we enter the new year, its clear that Hoosiers want a focus on school safety, public safety, and healthcare  critical priorities that cross political lines. This survey serves as a valuable tool for guiding policymakers by reflecting the voices and concerns of everyday Indiana citizens.

The survey was conducted Nov. 6-7 and included responses from 615 Indiana adults.

School safety and public safety

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Nearly 70% of respondents identified school safety as a very important priority, while public safety also ranked among the top issues across all demographics and political affiliations.

School safety is a concern that resonates universally, Smith said. These findings indicate that Hoosiers want to ensure their communities and schools are secure, regardless of political differences.

The current state budget funds the Indiana Secured School Safety Fund at $24.6 million annually  an increase from the prior budget of about $5 million a year. Some items that can be covered include resource officers, electronic equipment and firearms training for personnel.

Health care access

Health care ranked as a leading issue for Hoosiers, with 68% marking it as very important. Concerns over affordability, accessibility and especially transparency were central themes.

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Only 20% of respondents reported that health care providers often or always explain the costs associated with appointments or procedures. Just one in three reported that providers explain whether their appointments or procedures are covered by insurance.

Ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare is consistently referenced as a priority, highlighting the challenges many Indiana residents face, Smith noted. This data underscores the need for bipartisan efforts to address healthcare concerns effectively.

Incoming Gov. Mike Braun has bold plans to address health care access and prices. His agenda highlights rural health, calling for new incentives to draw health care facilities to rural areas  including obstetrics access  and better telehealth coverage.

And it emphasizes continued coverage of pre-existing conditions, proposed a new primary care access revolving loan funding to support new facilities, and mental health treatment reforms intended to lift weight from the criminal justice system.

Marijuana legalization

Support for marijuana legalization remains robust, with 62% favoring full  recreational and medicinal  legalization and an additional 25% backing medicinal-only legalization.

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Support varies by education level, with 70% of those without college education favoring full legalization, compared to 51% of respondents with a four-year degree or higher.

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Republicans in the past have blocked legalization but many are now moving toward at least medical marijuana, as Indiana is an island of prohibition in the Midwest. A new GOP-backed group, Safe and Regulated Indiana, also has launched to lobby for change.

The growing support for marijuana legalization reflects national trends, Smith said.

Abortion

More than 80% of respondents believe abortion should be legal in cases involving threats to the mothers life, rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomalies. These are the exceptions currently allowed in Indianas ban.

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However, opinions diverge by trimester. Two-thirds support legal abortions in the first trimester, but most respondents opposed them in later stages of pregnancy.

The nuances in abortion views reflect Hoosiers thoughtful struggle to apply their personal values to public policy concerns, Smith explained. Hoosiers generally support exceptions, but there is growing consensus for restrictions as pregnancies progress.

Gun Policy

About 58% of respondents oppose carrying concealed firearms without a permit, and 59% support banning assault weapons. Meanwhile, 45% favor allowing teachers to carry guns in schools, compared to 36% who oppose it.

Public opinion on guns reflects both safety concerns and respect for Second Amendment rights, Smith said. Striking a balance here is a critical consideration for policymakers.

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Lawmakers in 2022 eliminated the license to carry handguns in Indiana, though there are still laws against carrying for certain reasons, such as having felony convictions.

Immigration

While 70% view undocumented immigration as a serious problem for Indiana, opinions on legal immigration are evenly split: half favor maintaining or increasing current levels, and half advocate reducing or halting it entirely. These views often align with political affiliation.

Immigration remains a divisive issue, but the survey highlights areas of potential consensus, especially regarding undocumented immigration, Smith noted.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has been active on immigration, sending civil investigative demands to companies, schools, economic development groups and refugee settlement organizations alleging labor trafficking. An influx of legal migrants to Logansport has also made national news.

2024 Hoosier Survey Results_#2

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  A Hopkins County Schools teacher has been honored to represent Kentucky in a SBO+ Magazine issue.

David Moss was selected to being featured in the magazine issue featuring 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference. The December issue was released earlier this week.

Moss teachers at West Hopkins School and Hopkins County Central High School. He is also the band director at West Hopkins and assistant at Hopkins County Central.

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Large archery tournament returning to Owensboro

I am grateful to be recognized by SBO Magazine, but the real difference makers are the students, parents, and colleagues that I get to work with on a daily basis that make my job the best in HCS, he said. I wake up every day grateful I am given the opportunity to make a difference in our part of Hopkins County.

Officials explain the award highlights music directors who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students and their communities through music.

Moss said he doesnt know who nominated him but wants to thank that person. He has previously received the award once before in 2006.

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This prestigious award comes to no surprise to me as David Moss is an exceptional band instructor who continuously strives for excellence in our school and community, said West Hopkins Principal Eric Stone. Mr. Moss is not only a role model and mentor but also a positive influence on every life he touches. This comes as no surprise to anyone at The Ridge, as Mr. Moss consistently makes a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone at West Hopkins. His unwavering commitment to our students and the community is truly unparalleled. Every student in our school, whether they are part of the band or not, knows that Mr. Moss is always there to support them and help them achieve their goals.

Mr. Moss is one of the most compassionate and caring educators that I have had the pleasure of getting to work with, Said HCCHS Principal Mike Zimmer. This mentality is why he is able to make a difference in the lives of his students.

For more information, 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A beloved Horizon High School graphic design and animation teacher who died in November after being struck by a vehicle in Juarez will be honored next week.

A memorial will be held for Mario Ruben Tafoya at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Horizon High School.

Tafoya died on Friday, Nov. 22, after he had been hospitalized in critical condition for his injuries, according to a GoFundMe made by his family.

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Clint Independent School District released a statement that read in part quote:

More than a teacher, he was a mentor and a guiding force, encouraging students to express themselves and pursue their dreams. His kindness, passion, and unwavering commitment to education made him a cherished member of our school and community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Tafoyas family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. As we grieve together, we are reminded of the profound legacy he leaves behind  a legacy of kindness, creativity, and the belief in the power of education to change lives.

Clint ISD said counseling services will be available for students and staff during this challenging time.

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In addition, Tafoyas family encourages attendees to wear Star Wars-themed shirts to honor his favorite movie series.

You can access the GoFundMe here to donate and assist with 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 KTSM 9 News.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Horry County school leaders plan to announce next week the names of the three finalists in the districts search for a new superintendent.

The finalists names will be revealed at a meeting on Monday, spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said Wednesday in a news release. The following day, the candidates will visit multiple schools and attendance areas in the county.

Each candidate will then have their own hourlong meet-and-greet session on Tuesday, giving them an opportunity to provide a brief introduction and mingle with participants. The sessions will be at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Ocean Bay Middle School at 905 International Drive.

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The candidates names will be added to the schedule Monday night after the finalists are announced. Officials will conduct a second round of interviews in executive session at a special board meeting set for 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

The new superintendent will replace Dr. Rick Maxey, who in April announced his plans to retire. Eddie Ingram took over the position of interim superintendent in July.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A local hospital needs help identifying a woman who was found injured in downtown Los Angeles the day before Thanksgiving.

The unconscious woman was discovered on Nov. 27 and was transported to the Los Angeles General Medical Center where she remains hospitalized.

No personal belongings were found at the time to help hospital staff identify her.

She is described as a Black woman in her 60s who stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 123 pounds. She has brown eyes, short dark hair and two tattoos.

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Hospital workers have released a photo of the woman in hopes someone may recognize her.

An unidentified female patient in her 60s has been hospitalized at the Los Angeles General Medical Center since Nov. 27, 2024. (Los Angeles General Medical Center)

Anyone who knows the woman or has information that may help identify her is asked to call clinical social worker Cesar Robles at 323-409-6884.

During after-hours, the public can call the L.A. General Medical Center at 323-409-6883.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In todays edition, national political reporter Bridget Bowman and senior congressional reporter Scott Wong examine the House GOP's math problem after the final race call of the 2024 elections. Plus, we dive into the latest with Pete Hegseth's embattled bid to lead the Defense Department.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

Democrats flip final House seat of the 2024 elections, narrowing Republicans majority

By Bridget Bowman and Scott Wong

The final race Washington was waiting on from last months election has officially been called: NBC News projected Wednesday morning that Democrat Adam Gray defeated GOP Rep. John Duarte in Californias 13th District after weeks of ballot counting.

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The result means Republicans will control 220 seats to Democrats 215 next year. That will leave Republicans with even less margin for error as they try to advance President-elect Donald Trumps agenda, as they can lose only two votes on legislation if Democrats are united in opposition.

Further complicating the math for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is the fact that Trump has chosen two sitting GOP members for his Cabinet: Elise Stefanik of New York to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Mike Waltz of Florida to be national security adviser.

And Republicans are already going to be down a lawmaker in the new Congress. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned from the House last month after Trump selected him to be the next attorney general. But Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration amid allegations of sexual misconduct. He has said he does not plan to join the next Congress even though he won re-election in November.

If the Stefanik and Waltz resignations happen simultaneously, Johnson could be operating with just a one-seat majority: 217 to 215.

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The special general elections in Florida to replace Gaetz and Waltz wont take place until April 1. Once Stefanik resigns from Congress, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has 10 days to declare a special election in New York, which must occur 70 to 80 days after the proclamation, according to state law.

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Pete Hegseth, Trumps embattled defense pick, vows to fight on

By Scott Wong, Frank Thorp V and Rebecca Shabad

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps embattled pick for defense secretary, brushed aside suggestions Wednesday that he would drop out and said he had spoken to Trump, who he said urged him to keep going, keep fighting.

I spoke to the president-elect this morning. He said: Keep going, keep fighting. Im behind you all the way. Hegseth told CBS News in the Capitol. Why would I back down? Ive always been a fighter. Im here for the fighters. This is personal and passionate for me.

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But his nomination appeared to be in serious jeopardy Tuesday and Wednesday after a series of news reports raised more questions about his treatment of women and his history with alcohol.

On Wednesday, Hegseths mother, Penelope Hegseth, defended her son on Fox and Friends and addressed a 2018 email she wrote amid his divorce that accused him of mistreating women for years. The New York Times published details of the email last week.

Hegseth showed no signs of calling it quits, holding a flurry of meetings with lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol and engaging in a media blitz to salvage his nomination, including writing an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled: Ive Faced Fire Before. I Wont Back Down.

In response to the allegations, Hegseth referred reporters to an interview he recorded on former Fox News host Megyn Kellys SiriusXM show earlier in the day, in which he said he does not have a drinking problem and denied that he raped a woman in Monterey, California, in 2017.

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Absolutely not. Absolutely not, he said when he was asked whether he raped the woman. Ive been honest about that encounter, starting with law enforcement. ... I may have been drinking, but I was cognizant of enough to remember every single detail.

Im not here to say that my conduct was good, he continued. Being in a hotel room with someone thats, you know, not the person youre with is not OK. I own up to that.

Hegseth also said he is not going to have a drink at all if he is confirmed as defense secretary, saying he wants Trump, senators and U.S. troops to know that he can be called 24/7 and will be fully dialed in.

NBC News reported Wednesday morning that Trump is considering replacing Hegseth amid the opposition to his nomination. Others Trump could tap to lead the Pentagon, sources familiar with the decision-making said, are Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.; and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., his current pick for national security adviser.

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The Trumpification of Joe Biden

By Chuck Todd

President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter has earned plenty of criticism  and most of it, even the harsh partisan-tinged kind of criticism, has real merit. Theres no defense of the pardon beyond this one: Hes a father, and what parents wouldnt use whatever power they had to help their children in crisis?

Im not going to pretend that, facing a similar circumstance, I wouldnt have made the same decision  do whatever it takes to protect my child even if it means destroying my own legacy.

That is what makes criticism of Bidens decision complicated. Theres a human element to this thats tragic on so many levels. It truly does meet the definition of Shakespearean, an overused description in todays world that nevertheless is a perfect fit for this event.

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Now, the question is: How much damage has Biden done under the auspices of protecting his son?

Presidential acts are permission slips. Once a president has done something unprecedented, it means theres a precedent. And once one president tries something and gets away with it, I promise you, a future one will try something similar.

Well, welcome to a new precedent. The president has now overturned a jury of fellow American citizens, not some kangaroo court, who convicted his son. And he cleared him of not just the charges he has faced, but also of any future charges he could face from anything he may have done over a 10-year period from 2014 (when Hunter first tried to do business in Ukraine) to now.

Who knows whether Donald Trump grants pardons before he leaves office that read almost identical to the Hunter Biden pardon  but that he makes the dates to June 15, 2015 (the day he rode down the escalator), to Jan. 20, 2029, his last day in office? Whatever the chances are, they have surely gone up.

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More importantly, Biden has now borrowed Trumps rhetoric to describe what he views as Hunters experience with the justice system. What kind of precedent will we have set if both parties accept the premise that whoevers elected is going to politically prosecute his or her opponents? Its part of Bidens rationale for the pardon. And it will surely be Trumps rationale for future pardons.

Whats the general public supposed to think of the justice system now? The leading Republican in the country (Trump) and the leading Democrat in the country (Biden) have both claimed the system is unjust because of politics.

Read more from Chuck 

 Related read: The judge who presided over the California tax fraud case against Hunter Biden called out the president for mischaracterizing and minimizing the charges against his son in announcing why he was pardoning him. Read more 





 Todays top stories

<strong></strong> <strong>SCOTUS on transgender rights:</strong> The Supreme Courts conservative majority Wednesday leaned toward upholding a Tennessee law that restricts gender transition treatments, appearing not to believe that the law constitutes a form of sex discrimination that would mean courts have to give it close scrutiny. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-tackles-state-bans-treatments-transgender-youth-rcna182517">Read more </a>

 <strong>The states on transgender rights:</strong> A measure to bar Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the states first transgender legislator, from using womens restrooms at the state Capitol failed to advance Tuesday, with several Republicans voting against it. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/measure-ban-trans-montana-lawmaker-zooey-zephyr-womens-bathroom-fails-rcna182733">Read more </a>

<strong> Trump transition watch, part 1:</strong> Trump announced that Peter Navarro would serve be senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. Navarro, a top White House aide during Trumps first term, went to prison this year for defying a congressional subpoena from a House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-picks-peter-navarro-went-prison-defying-jan-6-committee-subpoena-rcna182843">Read more </a>

<strong> Trump transition watch, part 2:</strong> Trump said he plans to nominate billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman has flown to space twice on commercial SpaceX missions but has not worked in the federal government. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/trump-picks-billionaire-jared-isaacman-lead-nasa-rcna182840">Read more </a>

<strong> Trump transition watch, part 3:</strong> Trump said he will select David Warrington, his longtime personal lawyer and general counsel to his campaign, to be White House counsel. Trump announced last month that William McGinley would take the job, but he said Wednesday he would instead be counsel to the "Department of Government Efficiency." <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-transition-hegseth-allegations-desantis-live-updates-rcna182862#rcrd65146">Read more </a>

<strong> Family ties:</strong> As Trump assembles a senior staff and Cabinet for his second administration, there are notable absences: his children. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trumps-children-white-house-roles-second-term-rcna181703">Read more </a>

<strong> Digging into Kash Patel:</strong> Trumps pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/trump-fbi-director-kash-patel-vaccine-detox-supplements-rcna182434">promoted a supplement line</a> this year that purports without evidence to help people detox from Covid vaccines. He also has vowed <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/kash-patel-said-come-journalists-now-hangs-fbi-candidacy-rcna182661">to "come after" the media</a> , but he later emphasized that his comments apply only if people "broke the law."

<strong> Deportation preparation:</strong> Trump transition officials are exploring building immigration detention facilities on a plot of land the state of Texas recently purchased along the Rio Grande. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/texas-offering-land-trump-mass-deportation-facilities-rcna182627">Read more </a>

 <strong>Georgia on my mind</strong> : Trumps attorneys asked a Georgia appeals court to dismiss the Fulton County racketeering case against him because a "sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal." <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-lawyers-move-dismiss-georgia-election-interference-case-rcna182910">Read more </a>

<strong> Moving on:</strong> Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said he was dropping his bid to remain the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee and endorsed Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who announced just two days ago that he would challenge Nadler for the coveted job. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/longtime-rep-nadler-drops-bid-remain-top-democrat-judiciary-panel-chal-rcna182908">Read more </a>

 <strong>On to 2026, part 1:</strong> Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, is launching an independent campaign for governor of Michigan, shaking up the early stages of the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2026. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/detroit-mayor-mike-duggan-launches-independent-run-michigan-governor-rcna182842">Read more </a> 

<strong>On to 2026, part 2:</strong> Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming announced he would challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who voted to convict Trump after his 2021 impeachment trial. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/gop-sen-bill-cassidy-draws-primary-challenger-trump-impeachment-rcna182940">Read more </a>

<strong> Mark your calendar:</strong> NBC News Kristen Welker will conduct an exclusive interview with Trump to air Sunday on Meet the Press. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-transition-hegseth-allegations-desantis-live-updates-rcna182862/rcrd65157?canonicalCard=true">Read more </a>

Thats all from the Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
House lawmakers have made quick work of passing a bill that aims to target China for its violations of U.S. trade laws.

Introduced in late July by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act passed in the lower chamber on Tuesday via a voice vote.

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The legislation will create a new framework for stopping international trade crimes, establishing a system for detecting, investigating and prosecuting trade fraud and other subversive trade actions, from duty evasion and transshipment to market flooding and the use of forced labor to create products.

Committee Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), alongside Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who introduced the bipartisan bill, said it would initiate the formation of a task force within the Department of Justices (DOJ) Criminal Division to take on trade crime.

The task force would also beef up nationwide responses through training for federal, state and local law enforcement, allowing officials to take on criminal and civil complaints in tandem. If passed, the Attorney General would be charged with compiling an annual report for Congress on the DOJs progress. The lawmakers are looking to earmark $20 million for fiscal 2025 to fund these efforts.

For decades, companies operating under the control of the Chinese Communist Party in the Peoples Republic of China have systematically violated U.S. trade laws, and those actions have allowed overseas companies to undercut American producers, Hinson said on the House floor Tuesday.

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She pointed to the Select Committee on Chinas uncovering of trade fraud perpetuated by a China-based auto manufacturer, Qingdao Sunsong, wherein the firm used transshipment to evade Section 301 duties. Hinson said the skirting of tariffs undermined an Illinois auto companys business, forcing it to lay off a quarter of its workforce.

Sunsong is far from the only Chinese company taking action to exploit our trade system to bolster Chinas non-market economy, crippling American industry and manufacturing, threatening workers wages and livelihoods, and enabling slave labor, she said.

The DOJ is currently inadequately equipped to take on the massive volume of trade-related crime across the country, and while tariffs represent one tool in our toolkit, Hinson said the DOJs trade fraud enforcement efforts must be supported by legislation.

Congress has been working with a greater sense of urgency in recent months to limit Chinas influence on the U.S. market by stripping it of long-held trade privileges.

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In mid-November, Select Committee Chairman Moolenaar introduced the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, which would revoke Chinas Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR). The movement to roll back Chinas PNTR privileges has also gained traction in the Senate, with companion legislation introduced earlier this year.

The U.S. granted China PNTR status in 2000, recognizing Chinas ascension to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Duties on China-made products were established at rates set forth in Column 1 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedulethe same rates applied to most countries across the globe (aside from American free-trade partners).

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released its yearly findings and recommendations to Congress. The non-partisan group of commissioners also recommended the removal of Chinas PNTR status, in addition to eliminating the de minimis trade provision for goods sold on online marketplaces. Doing so would help stem the heavy flow of e-commerce shipments making their way into the U.S. from China each day, the Commission said.

President-elect Donald Trumps pick for U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, is sympathetic to these objectives. The agency veteran testified in front of the Commission in May and recommended that Chinas PNTR status be repealed and its access to de minimis trade eliminated. With bipartisan momentum in Congress and a new administration on the way, a reframing of the China-U.S. trade relationship may be imminent.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Iconic San Francisco restaurant House of Prime Rib is under fire after a former employee filed a lawsuit on Monday saying employees were denied meal breaks and watched with cameras.

Owner Joe Betz told KRON4 that the lawsuit is nothing but a fabricated story.

The lawsuit was filed by a man named Shawn Hyatt, who worked for the restaurant from May 2022 to July 2024. He says the restaurants owners never implemented meal or rest breaks that complied with California law. Legally, employers must provide one 30-minute break for every five hours of work.

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Lighthouse in middle of San Francisco Bay has opening for new keeper

Bartenders, servers, bussers, barbacks, hosts, and phone receptionists are among the employees who were affected, per the lawsuit. Supervisors told them they would be disciplined if they took rest breaks, were seen sitting, or were seen not actively working, Hyatt alleges.

Employees were even told that cameras in the restaurant were monitoring them to ensure they did not take breaks or leave the premises during their shift, according to the lawsuit.

Hyatt claims that employees were told they were not able to complain about the restaurants policies. Owner Steven Betz once allegedly yelled at workers, If you dont like the way we do things here, theres the [expletive] door.

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House of Prime Rib was also sued in August 2023.

KRON4 contacted owner Joe Betz on Wednesday, who said that he and fellow owners plan to defend themselves.

Throwing mud on the wall and hoping something sticks, we are definitely going to fight, he said.

Betz also accused Hyatt of being drunk on the job multiple times, which he says led to his firing.

Hyatt is seeking $25,000 in damages.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HANOI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Health has ordered the south-central province of Binh Dinh to manage cross-infection at healthcare facilities after the province reported four deaths from influenza A/H1N1pdm, local media said Thursday.

All four deaths were patients aged 50 and older who were diagnosed with severe pneumonia and many underlying diseases upon hospital admission.

Doctors said the influenza A/H1N1pdm deaths appeared to be isolated with no identified epidemiological links.

According to the provincial Department of Health, as of Nov. 26, the province reported 842 influenza cases.

Among these, 26 cases have been diagnosed with severe pneumonia suspected to be of viral origin.

Laboratory testing identified 10 positive cases for influenza A/H1N1pdm, one positive for influenza B, nine negative cases and six cases with pending results. 
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, second from right, takes part in a panel at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators conference with, from left: Symone Sanders-Townsend, moderator; New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie; Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion; Virginia House Speaker Don L. Scott Jr.; Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton; and Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. Photo by William J. Ford.

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) was part of a historic gathering Wednesday of Black state legislators who lead their respective House or Senate chambers.

Jones, who was elected to the House in 1997, was the longest-serving of the legislative leaders gathered on stage at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators 48th annual legislative conference at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. This years conference theme was Rebuilding the American Dream.

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Del. N. Scott Phillips (D-Baltimore County), who attended the session, said Jones serves as a dean for other Black speakers across the country.

Speaker Jones being here  was very special, Phillips said. He added that her appearance shows the diversity of Maryland, which has also elected a Black governor and Black attorney general.

I think people in Maryland have really elevated African American elected officials because whats good for the African American community, in many respects, is good for all of Maryland, Phillips said.

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones gives remarks Dec. 4 at the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C. Photo by William J. Ford.

Others noted that former Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), will become the first two Black women to serve at the same time in the U.S. Senate when they are sworn in next month, after winning Senate races in November.

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Besides Jones, who became the states first Black speaker of Marylands House of Delegates in 2019, five others who joined her on stage were also first in their states.

Im so proud to be here because Im not just looking at being Black. Im looking at equity, said Virginia House Speaker Don L. Scott Jr. (D), who became the chambers leader this year. There was no affirmative action to get us here. All of us earned exactly where we are.

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D), who became that chambers second Black leader and first woman speaker last year, acknowledged the legacy of K. Leroy Irvis, the first Black speaker in the nation when he took over the Pennsylvania House in 1977.

But McClinton said there remains challenges in achieving the American dream, pointing to voters rejection last month of Vice President Kamala Harris (D) in favor of President-elect Donald Trump (R). McClinton said the nation still has a problem with sexism.

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It felt like a personal slap in the face, she said of the election outcome. It felt like I was rejected across the nation, that someone like me who does not have the same qualifications as our Madam Vice President will never have the opportunity to ascend to the White House.

Other Black leaders who joined Wednesdays plenary session included New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who became that chambers leader in 2015; Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, chosen to lead that chamber in 2021; and Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, who began leading the chamber last year. All are Democrats.

Joe Tate, speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives since last year, wasnt in attendance because the Michigan Legislature is currently in session. But he did participate for about 20 minutes via Zoom on a big screen.

Also mentioned was Rachel Talbot Ross, elected as Maines first Black speaker of the House two years ago. She ran unopposed in last months general election for the state Senate.

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Jones said she hopes the Black leaders will communicate more, which could generate ideas to benefit not only their communities, but their entire states.

We all should keep communicating with each other, she said. The left hand doesnt know what the right hand is doing, and sometimes that left hand has stuff thats going on that it may be something that you might want to do.
An excavator digs up gravel in front of pallet shelters awaiting utility hookups off Victor Street in Providence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Two excavators moved gravel into a dump truck on a 5-acre site off Route 146 in Providence Wednesday afternoon, part of utility work necessary before 45 blue and white cabins on the site are ready for occupancy.

The one-room cabins are part of ECHO Village, Rhode Islands first community of temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness. The tiny cabins, also called pallet shelters, are located within the on-ramp off Victor Street in Providences Smith Hill neighborhood  about a block away from the Foxy Lady strip club.

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Yes, the final stages of construction are happening for the $3.3 million project that was originally supposed to open in March. Permits were secured over the summer, but construction work stalled due to what the Rhode Island Department of Housing called supply chain issues.

Rhode Island Housing Secretary Deborah J. Goddard is scheduled speak before the Special Legislative Commission to Study Housing Affordability when it meets Dec. 12 for an update on ECHO Village. (Courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Housing)

Nailing down the elusive completion date for ECHO Village is on the full plate of the departments new leader, Deborah Goddard, who started her job Monday. Housing Department spokesperson Emily Marshall told Rhode Island Current Goddard was unavailable for an interview.

Her schedule is pretty booked this week, Marshall said. To obtain her schedule, please submit a formal APRA request.

Rhode Island Current submitted a request for information on Goddards work schedule Tuesday.

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Goddards first public appearance may not be until next week at the State House. She is one of 17 members of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Housing Affordability which has scheduled a hearing Dec. 12 for an update on the progress of ECHO Village.

Goddards predecessor, Stefan Pryor, served on the commission. Since his departure in July, his seat had been filled by interim Secretary Dan Connors.

The agenda for the afternoon hearing lists presentations by Connors, Deputy Fire Marshal David Pastore and House of Hope Executive Director Laura Jaworski. House of Hope, a Warwick community development corporation, is managing ECHO Village.

Connors has since returned to his position as chief of staff for the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Marshall confirmed Goddard will be speaking at the commission meeting.

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Jaworski said ECHO Village still needs the final utility hookups, fire retardant painting work, and a fire suppression system. Once final inspections are done, people can move in.

Were hopefully in our final weeks, Jaworski said Wednesday in an interview. Its been this constant dance and coordination  and its all pointing to progress forward.

Though Goddard has already started work, she must be confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate, which is scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 7. Senate spokesperson Greg Pare said no timeframe has yet been set on a confirmation hearing, but that the first stage would likely be before the chambers Committee on Housing and Municipal Government.

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Sen. Megan Kallman, a Pawtucket Democrat who was the most recent vice chair of the committee, did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Goddards salary is $238,597, the same amount Pryor made before he stepped down. She most recently worked as the executive vice president for capital projects for the New York City Housing Authority. Goddard also served as managing director for policy and program development for MassHousing from 2014 to 2016.

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Making the case for better external communication, Gene Wu defeated incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer on Thursday to become the next chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.

Until just this week, it seemed like Martinez Fischer of San Antonio would be reelected to the role. Democrats werent all happy with the direction of the caucus the last two years, but leading the minority is a hard role to play. On Monday, Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos of Richardson said the progressive caucus would be backing Rep. John Bryant of Dallas, who entered the race last week.

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But Martinez Fischers chances changed Monday evening when Wu of Houston entered the race.

Wu, a former Harris County prosecutor who will be entering his seventh term in the Legislature, has been an antagonistic critic of Republicans, both on the House floor and on social media. Hes trolled Republicans on X and posted daily video updates from the legislative session on Reddit, sometimes with a glass of whiskey on display.

An expert on family law and juvenile justice, Wu immigrated from China at a young age and has been a prominent leader for House Democrats on immigration issues. He gave a viral speech on the House floor against Texas sanctuary cities ban in 2017 and organized against a bill last year to ban agents from and government of hostile foreign nations, including China, from buying Texas land.

Wu will lead the caucus during a particularly tumultuous time for the minority party. House Democrats lost two members in the November election, and are further wounded after Republicans enjoyed widespread support up and down the ballot in Texas and nationwide. This session House Democrats will have weakened forces as they try to fend off Gov. Greg Abbotts push to pass universal school vouchers, a measure that would allow public funds to be used toward private school and homeschooling.

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When the Legislature convenes in January, Republicans will control 88 seats while Democrats will control 62, their weakest position since after the 2016 election.

During Thursday nights closed-door meeting, Bryant was eliminated first. Down to Wu and Martinez Fischer, Bryant swung his support to fellow progressive caucus member Wu, who pulled ahead 35-24, according to sources with knowledge of the vote. However, Martinez Fischer dropped out to make the vote unanimous.

I am honored to have received the support and trust of my colleagues, Wu said in a statement. I look forward to working for the members of the Texas HDC to ensure that they each have the tools and support they need to pass meaningful legislation for their districts and fight for everyday Texans who deserve a fair shot and a voice in the Legislature.

As I have stated from the beginning, I see victory only when we all win, he added. I am excited to see what Texas House Democrats can do together in the upcoming Legislative Session.

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The progressive caucus played a role in Wus victory, but during the closed-door nomination process, support from longtime House Democrats Rep. Donna Howard of Austin and Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston showed his broader appeal. Those in favor of Wu had kind words for Martinez Fischer, but wanted a change in the status quo.

Martinez Fischer was elected chair ahead of the 2023 regular session. During his tenure, Democrats made effective use of the House rules, killing several Republican priorities on technicalities. The caucus also partnered with rural Republicans to block education savings accounts, a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott.

I wish Chairman Wu all the success and I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the members of the House Democratic Caucus, Martinez Fischer said in a statement to the Tribune.

The caucus also elected its other leaders: Mihaela Plesa of Plano as first vice chair, Ron Reynolds of Missouri City as second vice chair and Christian Manuel of Beaumont as treasurer.
(WHTM)  The 35th annual Holiday Wish Program is underway across the Commonwealth.

Families in need requested items like winter coats, Christmas trees, and bikes, and then state employees and other organizations fulfilled their wishes.

Pennsylvania National Guard members will travel around the state to deliver hundreds of gifts.

Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Members of the Shapiro Administration gathered to celebrate the 35th Annual Holiday Wish Program. Representatives from Commonwealth agencies, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard gathered to distribute Christmas gifts to more than 600 people across Pennsylvania, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. Pictured here is a moment from the event.

Imagine the smiles on peoples faces when they wake up and open one of these gifts, said Auditor General Tim DeFoor. Thats something that money just cant buy.

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This year, the Holiday Wish Program will provide gifts to more than 600 people, including more than 130 families and 60 seniors. These gifts include more than 700 stuffed toys that were inspected and deemed safe for retail by staff at the Department of Labor & Industry.

Applications for public assistance programs can be submitted online. You can apply for benefits or get additional assistance at County Assistance Offices (CAOs) or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia or 1-877-395-8930 for all other counties.

Every person deserves to have a joyous holiday season, but we know that not every family has the means to make that happen in the way that they would like. The Holiday Wish program creates an easy way to give a little extra help to our neighbors who may be struggling to make ends meet during the holidays, and I want to thank the hundreds of employees from agencies across the Commonwealth who voluntarily contribute to ensure that these families have what they need to make the holiday season brighter, said Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. I encourage every Pennsylvanian who is able to consider volunteering time or donating to a favorite cause in their local community during this holiday season.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey gives an acceptance speech in Martinsburg, W.Va., after being called the winner for the gubernatorial race on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Submitted photo)

Nearly 600 people have submitted resumes to work in Governor-elect Patrick Morriseys incoming administration, according to a Thursday news release from the private nonprofit facilitating the transition.

Following his win in last months election, Morrisey asked individuals to use the West Virginia Prosperity Groups website to submit their resumes as well as policy ideas for him to explore. In addition to the hundreds of resumes, Thursdays news release said almost 500 policy ideas have also been submitted through the portal.

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It has been incredible to see the outpouring of interest and enthusiasm for improving West Virginia and fighting for our conservative values, Morrisey said in the release.

Of those who have entered their applications, about 94% were from West Virginia, according to the release. Submissions came from all 55 counties and were for all levels of government. Anyone who enters their resume for consideration through the portal would likely still have to meet state hiring requirements and apply officially for any government role through a separate process outlined by state code.

With a little over a month until the gubernatorial inauguration, Morrisey said in Thursdays release that more announcements will come in the following weeks. On Nov. 12, he shared the names of the individuals who would co-lead his transition team, though more people are expected to be announced as members of the full transition team. That day, he also outlined policies he envisioned taking on as West Virginias newest executive.

All members of the Morrisey transition team are volunteers. The transition work is being organized through the West Virginia Prosperity Group, an independent nonprofit organization focused on advocating for conservative values.

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According to the Secretary of States Office, the West Virginia Prosperity Group was formed as a 501(c)4 nonprofit on Sept. 11 and was incorporated by Scott Will, who previously worked as Morriseys campaign manager for his attorney general races. Will also worked as a senior advisor with the Black Bear PAC, a political action committee that spent more than $11 million this election supporting Morriseys bid for governor, according to Open Secrets. Will and Marisa Findlay, president of the states Federation of Republican Women, are working as consultants for the transition

Morrisey said in November that he expects to have a relatively smooth transition to power as current Gov. Jim Justice prepares to take his seat as the states newest U.S. senator. In the lead up to the start of regular session, Morrisey said he wants to hold meetings with legislative leaders to reach consensus on policy initiatives that could be considered and passed by the Republican supermajority in the sessions first few days.

On Wednesday, Morrisey posted on social media about meeting with Auditor JB McCuskey, who is preparing to succeed Morrisey as the states attorney general. Morrisey said McCuskey has his full cooperation and support for the position.
Hungary has requested the United States to provide the country with a sanctions waiver to further continue payments for Russian natural gas imports through Gazprombank, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Dec. 4.

The United States introduced new sanctions on Nov. 21, targeting dozens of Russian banks, including Gazprombank, securities registrars, and financial officials.

"Yesterday, we filed our request with the relevant American authorities that calls for Gazprombank being granted an exception from sanctions when it comes to payments for natural gas," Szijjarto said, amid a visit to Washington ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

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After the sanction were initially announced, Szijjarto said on Nov. 22 that sanctions marked an "attack on our sovereignty," deeming the implementation as a "threat to energy security."

The U.S. had previously refrained from targeting Gazprombank to allow European countries to continue paying for Russian gas supplies, as the bank is the primary channel for energy-related payments. Despite the past restraint, the U.S. Treasury Department said that the most recent sanctions "will make it harder for the Kremlin to evade U.S. sanctions and fund and equip its military."

The Financial Times noted in its reporting that Russia used Gazprombank to purchase military equipment, pay soldiers, and compensate the families of those killed in the war in Ukraine.

The new U.S. sanctions are intended to close one of Russia's few remaining avenues for international banking, barring Gazprombank from conducting transactions in dollars.

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Budapest is broadly seen as the most Moscow-friendly country within the EU and NATO, repeatedly obstructing aid to Kyiv and sanctions against Russia. Szijjarto has also repeatedly visited Russia throughout the full-scale war, a step that his European colleagues avoided.

Along with Slovakia and Austria, Hungary remains reliant on Russian gas, paid for through the now-sanctioned Gazprombank. Hungary receives roughly 4.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas on an annual basis under a 15-year deal signed in 2021.

Hungary's request comes as Turkey has been in talks with the U.S. in it effort to receive its own sanctions waiver for Gazprombank.

On Nov. 26, a source familiar with the plans told Reuters, that Gazprom, Russias state-controlled gas company, is planning for a scenario in which no natural gas will flow to Europe through Ukraine after Dec. 31, 2024.

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Read also: Turkey in talks with US over sanctions exemption for Russian natural gas payments





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President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has put the Democratic Party and many mainstream media commentators on the defensive. Numerous liberal figures took Biden at his word when he said he would never pardon Hunter, and gleefully contrasted the president's self-sacrifice and fidelity to principles with what they see as the lawlessness of President-elect Donald Trump.

A few Democrats have smartly criticized Biden for breaking his promise; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, for instance, blasted Biden for putting "family ahead of country." Others were left flailing: Rep. Dan Goldman (DN.Y.) attempted to draw a distinction between the political situation at the time Biden made his promise and the current moment. Viewers are unlikely to find themselves convinced.

That's because the pardon is unprecedented. It's true that past presidents have issued controversial pardons: Gerald Ford, for instance, pardoned his embattled predecessor, Richard Nixon. There are also examples of presidents pardoning someone close to them: Bill Clinton pardoned his half brother, Roger Clinton.

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The Hunter pardon is far more comprehensive, however, in that it covered not just his convictions for drug-related activities and tax fraud, but any other criminal behavior since 2014the year that Hunter joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. It has been alleged that Hunter's job was essentially to trade on the family name and sell his access to dad. This may not have been illegal, but it does mean that the pardon is clearly designed to offer preemptive protection not just to Hunter, but to Joe Biden himself.

These features make the pardon unprecedented, though perfectly in line with the president's executive powers.

Pardon Me?

Nevertheless, some media commentators have attempted to defend the pardon by pointing to similar actions undertaken by previous presidents. But a few individuals have actually made up entirely fictitious pardons.

Enter Charles Pierce, a liberal commentator and political blogger for Esquire magazine. Earlier this week, he wrote a column saying that people should "shut the fuck up" about the Hunter Biden pardon because George H.W. Bush did the same thinghe pardoned his son Neil for financial crimes.

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"Nobody defines Poppy Bush's presidency by his son's struggles or the pardons he issued on his way out of the White House," wrote Pierce.

There's just one problem with that: George H.W. Bush never pardoned Neil Bush. And Neil was never charged with a crimehe was sued in a civil action, and paid $50,000 to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). What on earth is Pierce talking about?

Grant Stern, executive editor of Occupy Democrats, made a similar and even more egregious mistake. He wrote on X:

Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother Billy Carter who took over $200,000 from Libya as its foreign agent. George H.W. Bush pardoned his son Neil Bush for his role in the S&L scandals of the 1980s. Nobody thinks those pardons defined either presidency. Joe Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden won't either.

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Now we're throwing not just George H.W. Bush under the bus, but Jimmy Carter as well! Quick fact-check here: Neither George H.W. Bush nor Carter issued controversial family pardons. This allegation that Carter pardoned his brother Billy is completely made up. Billy Carter was accused of influence peddling on behalf of the Libyan government, but he was never charged with any crime. Carter said at the time he was uncomfortable with his brother's activities but they had nothing to do with his own Libya policies. That was that.

As CNN's Andrew Kaczynski put it: "Neither of these examples are real! Where are people even getting this from."

Where indeed? Well, a similar error committed by The View's Ana Navarro provides a clue. Earlier this week, she wrote a post on X likening Biden's pardon of Hunter to an alleged pardon made by Woodrow Wilson on behalf of his brother-in-law, Hunter deButts.

You can probably guess where this is going: There is no evidence that such a person ever existed, nor that he was pardoned by President Wilson. Wherever did Navarro come by this notion? As it so happens, a chastened Navarro explained in a subsequent statement that she had asked ChatGPT to provide other examples of family pardons.

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That's a cautionary tale. ChatGPT is an exciting technology with great promise, but people who use it should still double-check their work. And one might expect someone like Navarro, who is consistently paranoid about the purported spread of online misinformation, to be a little bit more careful here. No ifs, ands, or Hunter deButts.

Getting Ahead of Ourselves

Meanwhile, Biden allies are reportedly discussing preemptive pardons for several political figures they expect to come under investigation during the second Trump administration. According to POLITICO, those individuals include Rep. Adam Schiff (DCalif.), Liz Cheney, andAnthony Fauci.

Biden issuing a pre-emptive pardon for Fauci would be truly, deeply awful.  Robby Soave (@robbysoave) December 4, 2024

This Week on Free Media

I am joined by Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Jill Biden, to discuss the pardon, infighting at MSNBC, tariffs, and DOGE cuts.

We'll have a new guest next week as well, and then Amber Duke will return in January. Stay tuned for some exciting news and additions to the Free Media lineup!

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Worth Watching

Unusually for me, I saw two movies in theaters last week: Gladiator II and Wicked. I'll have more to say about Wicked next week. For the time being, I must noteunfortunatelythat I really, really disliked Gladiator II. This is disappointing; I'm as fond of the original as most other people are. This unnecessary sequel is simultaneously too tied to the original film but also extremely convoluted. The performances are dull and uninspiring, and Denzel Washington's character is pointlessly unhinged. The battles look fake, and the character of Maximus, the Russel Crowe character from the first film, is posthumously ruined. It's too longI could go on.

If you're an absolute Gladiator obsessive, you might still enjoy this flick, I guessthough you are likely to be let down.

The post Hunter Biden's Pardon Is Unprecedented appeared first on Reason.com.
By Laman Ismayilova



Summit on Gaming Technologies (G-HUB) has been held in Shusha with the organization of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

The event aims at promoting collaboration and development in the field of gaming technologies in Islamic countries.

Chief of the Department on Creative Industries and Digital Development at the Culture Ministry Rashad Azizov addressed the summit.

In his speech, Rashad Azizov touched upon the opportunities of the gaming industry in the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and noted that the G-HUB initiative is an important step in this direction.

During the summit, local and foreign gaming industry specialists presented on the topic of the G-HUB platform, digital tools from Epic Games, and Local Game Jam.

The summit continued with a panel discussion dedicated to the current state and prospects for the development of the gaming industry in Islamic countries.

The participation of representatives from the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, along with leading gaming companies in the world such as Epic Games and Xsolla, as well as local firms Gamesummit and Turan Masters, demonstrates the significance of the G-HUB Summit for the ecosystem.

In conclusion, the summit participants were provided with information about Turan Masters activities.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya speaks during the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum held in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 4, 2024. Over 400 representatives from various sectors from China and Japan have gathered in Tokyo for the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum, seeking exchanges and discussions on a wide range of topics to boost bilateral cooperation. With a theme of "Restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through China-Japan cooperation," the two-day forum ending Thursday explored topics such as fostering multilateral cooperation, ensuring peace and stability, enhancing political trust, deepening economic ties, and promoting cultural exchanges. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Over 400 representatives from various sectors from China and Japan have gathered in Tokyo for the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum, seeking exchanges and discussions on a wide range of topics to boost bilateral cooperation.

With a theme of "Restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through China-Japan cooperation," the two-day forum ending Thursday explored topics such as fostering multilateral cooperation, ensuring peace and stability, enhancing political trust, deepening economic ties, and promoting cultural exchanges.

A representative from the State Council Information Office of China highlighted the recent meeting between Chinese and Japanese leaders, which underscored the importance of comprehensively advancing the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit.

The representative expressed hope for the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders, the strengthening of interactions at all levels, and the promotion of a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, in his opening remarks, praised the forum as a longstanding platform for dialogue and idea exchange between intellectuals from both countries.

He emphasized that the foundation of bilateral relations lies in public engagement and mutual understanding, adding that the forum's theme is timely and opportune for exploring critical issues as both nations bear significant responsibilities on the global stage.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, in a written address, noted the emergence of positive trends in bilateral relations, urging both nations to seize the opportunity and transform it into substantial progress.

During breakout sessions, Japanese participants welcomed China's recent visa-free policy for Japan, considering it a step forward in reinvigorating bilateral relations. Experts from both countries called for strengthened collaboration in areas such as green technology, digital transformation, and regional and global peace.

The joint "Tokyo Consensus" released on Thursday emphasized the importance of building mechanisms of mutual trust, enhancing communication to manage regional crises, and expanding dialogue channels to foster greater public interaction in light of evolving public opinion dynamics.

In a written address at the closing reception Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted that Japan and China bear significant responsibilities in Asia and the world at large, emphasizing that direct dialogue is the starting point for resolving issues and expanding cooperation.

He said the Beijing-Tokyo Forum, now in its 20th year, has played a valuable and important role in fostering mutual understanding between the two nations and expressed hope that the forum will continue to contribute to the development of Japan-China relations.

Established in 2005, the Beijing-Tokyo Forum has been held annually, alternating between Beijing and Tokyo. The 20th forum was jointly organized by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and Japan's Genron NPO, with support from China's State Council Information Office and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
A federal court has denied Idaho Attorney General Raul Labradors appeal for another District Court judge to oversee an abortion lawsuit, kicking back a decision on whether doctors can refer patients out of state down to a lower court.

The federal court also upheld an injunction barring Labrador or Idaho prosecutors from pressing charges against doctors who refer their patients to other states for the procedure.

It was the second ruling of the week issued by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Idaho abortion lawsuits. The panel Tuesday also ruled mostly in favor of Idahos law that bars adults from transporting minors out of state for the procedure.

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The lawsuit against Idaho was filed in April 2023 by two Idaho physicians and Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky. Drs. Caitlin Gustafson and Darin Weyhrich and the reproductive health care group filed the lawsuit days after Labrador sent a letter to Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, stating Idaho doctors could face prosecution for referring patients out-of-state for abortions.

U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill issued a preliminary injunction in July 2023 to prevent Labrador or county prosecutors from pursuing charges over out-of-state abortion referrals. Labrador appealed the decision  and asked the appeals court to reassign the case to a different judge  the following day.

The appeals court panel upheld Winmills injunction and sent the case back to the District Court judge for further proceedings. The opinion noted that Labrador has not come close to meeting the standard for reassigning a case, which happens only when a judges bias makes it impossible for them to hear a case fairly.

Planned Parenthood applauded the decision in a news release Friday morning but said the egregious efforts to limit Idahoans freedom wont stop here.

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Dan Estes, spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office, said in an emailed statement that the office is reviewing the details of the decision and considering our options for appeal.

The decision came days after a different panel reversed most of U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grashams ruling on Idahos so-called abortion trafficking law, banning people from helping minors obtain abortions in other states without parental approval.

Labrador withdrew, but didnt disavow, abortion referral letter

Labrador has since backpedaled on the letter he wrote to Crane. The March 2023 letter was an interpretation of Idahos near-total abortion ban after the state lawmaker requested the attorney generals opinion on the legality of referring patients to other states for abortions. Labrador wrote that an Idaho health care professional who refers a patient to an out-of-state abortion provider or writes a prescription for an abortion pill to be filled out of state would be violating state law, which bars health care providers from assisting in performing or attempting to perform an abortion.

Labrador emphasized the part of the law that forbids assisting in an abortion, putting the phrasing in italics.

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The plain meaning of assist is to give support or aid, he wrote. An Idaho health care professional who refers a woman across state lines to an abortion provider or who prescribes abortion pills for the woman across state lines has given support or aid to the woman in performing or attempting to perform an abortion and has thus violated the statute.

The punishment for violating the law includes suspension or permanent revocation of the doctors medical license as well as prison time.

According to Wednesdays opinion, Labrador told the Circuit Court judges in a brief that his correspondence with Crane was meant to be private despite being published on his offices official letterhead. Instead, the letter was obtained by a third party and published publicly.

The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit days later and argued that their First Amendment rights to free speech were violated by Labradors letter, since they no longer felt safe to provide patients with information about abortion options out of state.

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After the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit, Labrador sent a second letter to Crane that said his analysis was mischaracterized as law enforcement guidance. Labrador withdrew the letter but didnt disavow the interpretation, the opinion said.

Labrador attempted to file supplemental briefs with the District Court after withdrawing the letter, but Winmill denied them and said Labrador shouldve addressed the issues sooner rather than cause court delays. The Wednesday opinion said Winmill was well within his right to deny the filings.

Labradors office criticized Winmills ruling last year shortly after he issued the injunction.

In his 28-year career, youd be hard pressed to find a time when Judge Winmill has ruled against Planned Parenthood, so his decision is not surprising, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office told the Idaho Statesman at the time.

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The appeals court judges said they, like Winmill, believe the Idaho physicians and Planned Parenthood showed proof that there was a substantial threat of Idaho officials enforcing Labradors interpretation of the abortion ban.

The case will return to Winmill for further proceedings.
The Idaho Supreme Court building in downtown Boise. (Courtesy of the Idaho Supreme Court)

Editors note: This story has been updated to include information from the Idaho State Public Defenders Office spokesperson, Patrick Orr.

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Idaho State Public Defender Office is responsible for covering the cost of appeal transcripts for indigent defendants, resolving months of uncertainty among public agencies.

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The decision comes one month after the state public defender, state appellate public defender, Ada County prosecutor, and Canyon County prosecutor argued to the court why they should not be responsible for the cost of appeal transcripts.

Appeal transcripts are detailed records of court proceedings necessary during the appeal process. According to the court on Thursday, relevant transcripts are among the necessary services and facilities of representation that must be provided to indigent defendants at public expense.

This confusion stems from the State Public Defender Act, a 2023 law that removed the responsibility of public defense from the county and applied it to the state. The law established the Idaho State Public Defender Office, a statewide public defense system which took effect Oct. 1. Since it took effect, counties have been released from any further financial or legal obligation to provide indigent public defense, according to the law.

The Idaho Supreme Court said the new law is clear and unambiguous, and proves the Legislatures intent to transfer all legal and financial responsibility for indigent public defense services from the counties to the state.

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The court said there is nothing in the new law that indicates the State Appellate Public Defenders Office is responsible for appeal transcripts, and the language of the law indicates Idahos new public defense agency bears the responsibility.

We are cognizant of the State Public Defenders budget constraints, but whether the (agency) currently has funding to pay for appeal transcripts for indigent defendants is irrelevant to the question of whether it is statutorily obligated to do so, the court wrote in its decision.

Arguments previously presented to the Idaho Supreme Court

On Nov. 5, the parties involved in this case argued their case to the Idaho Supreme Court.

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State Public Defender Eric Fredericksen and the State Appellate Public Defender Erik Lehtinen argued that since the new law does not explicitly designate the costs of appeal transcripts as expenses no longer covered by the county, the previous laws requirement for such costs to be paid from the county treasury remains applicable.

We are unpersuaded, the court wrote in response to that argument in its decision.

In contrast, Ada and Canyon County attorneys argued the new law overrides the previous one, making the state fully responsible. Shawna Dunn, from the Ada County Prosecutors Office, previously told the court the new law was a legislative oversight.

Fredericksen previously told the Idaho Capital Sun the office is going to have a significant budget increase request in the 2025 legislative session.

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Patrick Orr, the spokesperson for the Idaho State Public Defenders Office, told the Idaho Capital Sun the office is figuring out its next steps. When the office has been billed for a transcript, it has paid it so far, he said.

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This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Dec. 5, 2024.

Editors note: This story was updated at 4:12 p.m., with comment from Raul Labrador.

The Idaho Supreme Court on Thursday threw yet another wrench into the University of Idahos $685 million bid to acquire the University of Phoenix.

The court overturned an Ada County District Court ruling from January, which said the State Board of Educations closed-door discussions of the Phoenix purchase were allowed under Idaho law.

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The district court erred in several ways, the Supreme Court said in a 4-1 ruling issued late Thursday morning.

Thursdays ruling kicks the 18-month-long legal battle back to District Court.

This latest development might  or might not  have an immediate impact on the U of Is plans to acquire Phoenix, a for-profit online giant serving some 85,000 students. The Legislature slammed the brakes on the Phoenix purchase earlier this year, although the universities, the State Board and Gov. Brad Littles office continue to discuss a possible purchase.

The parties have until June to come to terms, but Phoenix now has the option of talking to other would-be buyers.

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But Thursdays ruling represented a big win for Attorney General Raul Labrador, who filed a lawsuit in June 2023 focused on the closed meetings that marked the earliest days of the U of Is Phoenix courtship. However, the Supreme Court stopped short of declaring the closed meetings illegal; We have not concluded that the Open Meetings Law was violated by the State Board, said Justice Gregory Moeller, writing on behalf of the court.

The State Board held three executive sessions to discuss a potential Phoenix purchase, starting in March 2023. The third closed meeting took place on May 15, 2023  only three days before the State Board held a hastily announced public meeting, and gave its green light to the Phoenix purchase. The State Board justified the closed meetings under a little-used section of state law, covering preliminary negotiations on a purchase that pits a state agency against governing bodies in other states or nations.

The 45-page Supreme Court ruling sided with Labrador on three fronts, and criticized Ada County District Judge Jason Scott, who sided with the State Board in January.

Preliminary negotiations. Labrador argued that the discussions, particularly the May 15 meeting, were not preliminary at all. The State Board and the U of I said the negotiations were in flux in the days, and even hours, leading up to the boards May 18 vote.

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In considering the case, Scott said all negotiations leading to a contract could be considered preliminary. This, wrote Moeller, defies the preference for sunshine that is at the heart of the Open Meetings Law. The district courts reading  effectively cloaks all negotiations and actions taken prior to a final public vote in shadow.

Justice Colleen Zahn dissented, saying the courts majority opinion would only create more confusion. (It) leaves an agency to guess whether its negotiations are still preliminary, or whether they have developed to the point that they are final.

Competition. Labrador had long questioned whether the U of I was vying with other public bidders in its pursuit of Phoenix  especially after April 25, 2023, when the University of Arkansas board of trustees walked away from a potential purchase. In District Court testimony in January, U of I President C. Scott Green said the U of I was in competition with multiple, unnamed public bidders.

The Supreme Court rejected a centerpiece of Scotts ruling  which said State Board members had reason to believe that the U of I was competing with other bidders, a belief that would suffice under state law. This statute requires that a governing body actually be in competition with other governing bodies, not simply believe that they are or might be, Moeller wrote.

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Legal fees. Scott had awarded the State Board nearly $243,000 in attorneys fees and costs. But with the case headed back to District Court  and the outcome in jeopardy  the question of legal fees is on hold.

On Thursday, Labrador hailed the ruling as a sweeping reversal of the lower court.

After 14 months of working to ensure transparency, this is a comprehensive win for the people of Idaho and the principles of open government, he said. The Idaho Supreme Court agreed with my office on all three of the major issues raised and protected the right of the people to know exactly what their government officials are doing.

In statements Thursday, the State Board and the U of I stressed that the case is not closed.

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The Supreme Court did not conclude that the (State) Board violated the Open Meetings Law, board spokesman Mike Keckler said. Rather, the Supreme Court held that the district court applied the wrong legal standard on summary judgement due to a misinterpretation of the relevant statute.

We are reviewing the ruling and will work with our Board of Regents on next steps, U of I spokeswoman Jodi Walker said. It remains pending litigation and we do not comment on pending litigation.

And while the legal arguments centered on open meetings law, the case has taken on added importance. The legal battle essentially put financing of the Phoenix purchase on hold  delaying the purchase past the parties original deadline in May 2024. It also represented a high-stakes political showdown between two Republican adversaries: Labrador, the states elected lawyer, and Little, who appoints seven of the State Boards eight members.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Click here for exclusive, in-depth coverage from Idaho Education News of the proposed University of Phoenix purchase.

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Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Israeli military said it has recovered the body Itay Svirsky, an Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza for more than a year.

Svirsky's body was recovered in a joint operation of the Shin Bet intelligence agency and the Israel Defense Forces, the IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a video statement.

IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari's statement regarding the recovery of Israeli hostage Itai Svirski from Gaza: pic.twitter.com/pvTAIXVS6i Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 4, 2024

The 38-year-old had been among the 251 people kidnapped from Israel and brought into Gaza by Hamas during the militant group's bloody surprise assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which also killed about 1,200 people.

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He had been visiting his parents in Kibbutz Be'eri when Hamas attacked. According to an IDF report, 101 people were killed and 30 were taken hostage from that community.

In January, Hamas released a video in which the organization claimed an Israeli strike on Gaza had killed Svirsky and a second hostage, 53-year-old Yossi Sharabi.

That same month, the IDF said Svirsky had been murdered by Hamas along with Sharabi.

It was not clear when the operation that recovered Svirsky's body occurred.

"The heart breaks at the heavy loss of the Svirsky family, which also lost Itay's parents, Orit and Rafi of blessed memory, who were murdered in Hamas' deadly attack," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement.

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"We will continue to take determined and relentless action to return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased."

About 100 hostages remain Hamas captives in Gaza, though some are believed to be dead.

The Hostages Families Forum said returning Svirsky's body for proper burial in Israel provides his family closure, but there are still families waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.

"Many hostages remain alive but in grave danger, requiring immediate release for urgent medical care and rehabilitation. Others must be returned for dignified burial. The time has come to bring all 100 hostages home," it said in a statement.
IKEA is set to open its first small format store in Los Angeles County this month.

The IKEA Arcadia small-format store will feature over 1,000 products that will be refreshed each season, allowing guests to shop for the most popular items without navigating a giant warehouse.

The smaller store is part of an expansion of the IKEA Arcadia Planning Studio, where customers can get support for more complex purchases.

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Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season

Our expansion goal is simple: to be where people are, whenever and however they want to experience IKEA, Javier Quinones, CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA U.S., said in a statement. IKEA Arcadia represents a key milestone in this exciting journey towards a more connected and accessible IKEA experience for everyone.

The store, located in the Santa Anita Center in Arcadia, is set to open on Dec. 9.

The retail giant has been opening smaller versions of its warehouse locations worldwide as part of its initiative to be accessible to every type of customer.

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In addition to shopping at traditional warehouse locations, customers can shop online, at smaller stores in shopping centers, at Ikea pop-ups, or visit an IKEA Planning Studio.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (KTVI)  About 330,000 homes in Illinois sit on top of old abandoned mines. And some say their homes are sinking because of it.

Concerns in one Illinois town are growing after a news of a grandmother in Pennsylvania who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole while looking for her cat. The sinkholes in that area had formed because of an old coal mine, a police spokesperson said.

Shanee Carpenter, of Belleville, Illinois, told Nexstars KTVI she fears whats happening under her house, too. Shes lived in the home for decades without problems, but cracks suddenly started showing up this past year, making it feel like her house is going to split in half.

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In her basement, water pours from an unknown source through cavernous cracks.

When I go down there to do laundry, Im like, Oh Lord, protect me, Lord, she said.

Fire engulfs CT home worth millions after residents fry turkey in garage: Uninhabitable

Visible on walls and near windows are inch-and-a-half gaps in spots  enough to stick your hand into. Daylight can be seen in some areas. Its an easy entrance for creatures to enter her basement.

The ground is also sloping, even in areas with no cracking. One of her back doors will no longer latch because of it.

Its just a matter of time before my house, God forbid, that it caves in, Carpenter said.

A homeowner in Illinois is concerned that the cracks along the floors and walls of her basement are indicative of a sinkhole that could be caused by an underground mine. (KTVI)

Carpenter is one of about a dozen homeowners experiencing sudden foundation cracks near the site of the now-closed Ruler Foods grocery store on North Belt West. That store closed after reports of possible mine subsidence (caving in) in September 2023.

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At the time, Fire Chief Stephanie Mills told KTVI that three homes were evacuated as well out of an abundance of caution.

Bellevilles mayor says the grocery store remains closed with no official plans to reopen and that the utility construction work seen nearby is related to mine subsidence. Near the site, the Illinois American Water utility company was seen installing new water lines, which are more durable and can better withstand ground movement, the company said.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring whats happening in the area, according to the fire department. KTVI spoke to five other homeowners off camera, and only two of them described recent foundation cracking, but nothing like Carpenters.

Its hard to imagine that, looking at your house gradually falling apart  and theres nothing you could do, Carpenter said.

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Searchers dont expect to find woman in sinkhole alive: Pennsylvania police

Carpenter has taken additional steps, like calling the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. During our interview, two inspectors were checking out how her damages have grown.

His opinion is that its safe to stay here, Carpenter said an inspector told her.

A spokesperson for the fund told KTVI it can sometimes take years to track mine-related damages before theres action. Residents of Illinois, meanwhile, can use the agencys website to learn more about at-risk homes.

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MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  A 31-year-old Illinois man was sentenced to two years in federal prison on Monday for his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in Wisconsin.

Dantrell T. Stevenson pleaded guilty in September 2024 to conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson also sentenced Stevenson to four years of supervised release following his prison term.

Neenah Police arrest 17-year-old in connection to Bell Street shooting

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Court documents reveal that Stevenson was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that brought nearly nine pounds of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona.

Law enforcement began investigating the group in January 2022 after seizing two mail packages containing over two pounds of fentanyl pills, almost 20,000 pills in total. Stevenson participated in 10 of the drug sales between March and October 2022.

Car crashes into Wingstop in Wisconsin; no injuries reported

In October 2022, another mail package containing nearly four pounds of fentanyl pills was seized. At the time of the drug sales, Stevenson was on parole in Illinois following a firearms conviction.

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Five other individuals involved in the trafficking operation have already been sentenced.

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I feel betrayed, disappointed and, now, disillusioned with President Joe Biden and his pardon of his son, Hunter (Biden pardons son despite pledges not to, Dec. 2).

My president promised not to pardon his son and, now, went back on his word. Trustworthiness is a trait that I treasure. Sadly, many politicians are lacking this trait. And sadly, I trusted Biden.

Now, after many years being active in politics, this pardon is the last straw. Personally, I must step away. Trust is not present.

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Steve Bell, Milwaukee

Opinion: Biden pardons son Hunter and undermines an independent American justice system

Opinion: Wisconsin hospital safety net in danger. Two have already closed for good.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Biden promised not to pardon his son. He broke his word. | Letters
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korean police and prosecutors on Thursday opened separate insurrection investigations against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law in the key U.S. ally as his party said it opposed a planned vote to impeach him.

The timing of the vote was announced as Yoon accepted the resignation of his defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who played a key role in the chaotic six-hour period of martial law that began late Tuesday local time and ended by Wednesday morning.

Choi Byung-hyuk, a retired four-star army general who is currently the South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was named as Kims successor.

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He is a trusted member of the military and a man of principle, Chung Jin-seok, Yoons chief of staff, told reporters.

Kim Yong-hyun, who has resigned as South Korean defense minister, in Washington in October.

Kim had tendered his resignation Wednesday, saying all responsibility for the debacle lies with me alone.

All actions carried out by all military soldiers regarding the Emergency Martial Law were following my orders and directives, and so I bear the full responsibility for them, he said in a statement.

He did not directly address whether the emergency martial law was his idea, as opposition lawmakers and South Korean media have alleged.

The National Office of Investigation said Thursday that it had ordered an overseas travel ban for Kim, who might also face insurrection charges, after opposition lawmakers suggested he might try to flee the country.

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Yoons office said Wednesday that his chief of staff and all senior presidential secretaries had also tendered their resignations. But it defended his declaration of martial law, South Koreas first since 1980, as necessary in the face of an impasse with opposition lawmakers that Yoon said had paralyzed the government.

Under the martial law declaration, all political activity was banned and media was censored, drawing instant opposition from a public that lived for decades under military-authoritarian rule before South Korea transitioned into a vibrant democracy and the worlds 10th-largest economy.

Yoon, 63, who once served as the countrys chief prosecutor, rescinded the order after lawmakers defied a security cordon to enter the National Assembly in Seoul, the South Korean capital, where they voted unanimously to reject it. Protesters also arrived at the legislature, where some scuffled with security forces.

He has not made any public appearances since announcing the order in a surprise late-night TV address on Tuesday.

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Lifting the order did little to dispel public shock and anger in the country of 50 million people. On Wednesday night, protesters in downtown Seoul held a candlelight vigil and marched against Yoon, calling on him to resign.

Protests continued on Thursday, including a marine veteran and his wife who shaved their heads in protest outside the presidential office, a South Korean tradition. There were also some rallies by Yoons supporters.

Protests against Yoon, and the calls for him to step down, could grow as people get over the initial shock of the events, said Jean H. Lee, an adjunct fellow and Northeast Asia expert at the East-West Center research organization in Honolulu.

People were stunned, she said. But I think thats turning to real disappointment and anger.

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Its hard for me to see how he can come back from this, Lee added.

A South Korean marine veteran getting his head shaved in Seoul on Thursday during a protest calling for President Yoon Suk Yeols resignation.

An uncertain vote

Gen. Park Ahn-soo, who as army chief of staff was named martial law commander, told lawmakers that he learned about the order from Yoons televised announcement. He said that while he signed and issued the proclamation of martial law, he did not have the expertise to assess its legality and had suggested to the defense minister that it be further reviewed.

I have never had any intention of turning arms against the people of this nation, he said, adding that he was focused on setting up the operations room and did not issue or oversee the order to send troops to the National Assembly.

Park said he had offered his resignation on Wednesday, though Yoon did not accept it citing the need for stable management of the military.

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Kim Seon-ho, the vice minister of defense, said it was his boss, Kim Yong-hyun, who ordered the deployment of troops. The vice minister, who said he also learned about the order from the news, said he disagreed with it and had expressed his objection to mobilizing military personnel.

On Thursday, he expressed his deep regret to the public, saying he felt devastated.

As vice minister of national defense, I acknowledge that I failed to identify and prevent these actions as they unfolded. I take full responsibility and will ensure accountability moving forward, he said, adding that the soldiers at the National Assembly were not carrying live ammunition.

With the removal of his defense minister, Yoon appears to be attempting to construct a narrative that takes it out of his hands, said Rob York, director for regional affairs at Pacific Forum, a foreign policy research institute in Honolulu.

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But the declaration was ultimately his call, and the Korean public is not inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt, he said.

Yoon was already unpopular, York said  a Gallup Korea poll last week found his approval rating at 19%  and I suspect his popularity ratings are going to plummet further, possibly into the single digits.

The main opposition Democratic Party said Thursday that lawmakers would vote on the Yoon impeachment motion on Saturday around 7 p.m. (5 a.m. ET). It was unclear whether lawmakers from Yoons People Power Party, or PPP, would vote against the motion or simply not show up for the vote.

A total of 191 lawmakers representing six opposition parties, plus one independent lawmaker, submitted articles of impeachment against Yoon on Wednesday. It takes a two-thirds majority vote in the unicameral National Assembly for the motion to pass.

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Though PPP leaders repudiated Yoons martial law declaration and have asked him to leave the party, they said the party opposed the impeachment motion. The opposition bloc holds 192 seats, just under two-thirds of the 300-member legislature, meaning the motion could fail unless several PPP lawmakers break with their party and support it.

Police try to hold back people trying to enter the main gate to the National Assembly in Seoul on Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers say that if the motion fails to pass the first time, they will keep trying until Yoon is impeached. If the motion is passed, the Constitutional Court would then hold a trial to determine whether to confirm the impeachment, with a decision required within 180 days.

Though Yoon would remain at the presidential residence, his powers would be temporarily handed to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo until the court delivered its ruling.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Wednesday that Yoon had badly misjudged his decision to declare martial law.

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He said the fact that progressives and conservatives swiftly united in opposition to the order despite deep political divisions was a testament to the strength of South Korean democracy.

This is a powerful symbol of the fact that people were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process, he said at an event in Washington organized by the Aspen Strategy Forum.

Antony Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, acknowledged that the Biden administration did not know about Yoons announcement ahead of time but pushed back on the idea that there was an intelligence failure.

We are certainly not routinely informed of every decision that any partner may be making anywhere around the world at any given time, he said Wednesday in an interview with Reuters.

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Whats important now is to see this process play out peacefully and according to the constitution and the rule of law, he added.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The News

Ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January, countries in the Global South are taking their own approaches to prepare. Mexico has ramped up a crack down on drug trafficking and illegal border crossings, while some African analysts believe the continent could benefit from Trumps naked transactionalism.

For some nations in the Global South, an isolationist US could make space for developing countries to expand their influence, particularly China, however, other countries with the closest economic ties to the US, like Mexico, may be left in a more vulnerable position.

SIGNALS

Mexico attempts to appease Trump ahead of inauguration

Sources: Financial Times , Reuters

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Mexican authorities announced their biggest-ever fentanyl seizure and 5,200 migrant detentions Wednesday  a week after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened the country with sanctions unless the flow of drugs and people across the southern border was stopped. Separately, Trump has also proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican exports  almost 80% of which go to the US. The combined affect of these threats has hit the Mexican stock market, weakened the peso, and contributed to a downgrading in Mexicos credit rating  although analysts have warned that US reliance on Mexico means both countries would suffer economic consequences if Washington imposed such restrictions.

African trade could stand to benefit, analyst argues

Sources: Foreign Affairs , Wall Street Journal

Arguing in Foreign Affairs, a prominent Kenyan analyst posited that the incoming Trump administration could bolster Africas US ties, switching up Washingtons overriding focus on aid, humanitarianism, and democracy promotion, Ken Opalo wrote. US President-elect Donald Trumps naked transactionalism could see the US pursue more bilateral trade agreements with African nations, including potentially reviving deals from Trumps first term that were later deprioritized by current US President Joe Bidens administration. On the other hand, Trumps mercurial nature could lead to a waning of Africas strategic importance to Washington. The piece came as Biden visited Angola, a trip that would have been unimaginable five years ago, one African executive told The Wall Street Journal.
WELLINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand academic circles have collectively condemned the latest government move to cut humanities and social science funding and refocus it for science with economic values such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences.

The New Zealand Association of Scientists deplored key aspects of the Wednesday announcement that the Marsden Fund will eliminate its Social Sciences and Humanities Panel, and introduce measures requiring funded research to be of economic benefit, said Troy Baisden, co-president of the New Zealand Association of Scientists.

The New Zealand government has updated the Marsden Fund to focus on core scientific research that helps lift economic growth and contributes to science with a purpose, which will apply to projects funded from the 2025 round. It also announced an updated plan for the Catalyst Fund, which invests in international collaboration opportunities across the sector, with a focus on clear outcomes and priority research areas.

Baisden said international collaboration is most effective around fundamental research in areas of mutual excellence and interest. Attempting to extract economic outcomes undermines the quality of collaborations as well as their long-term benefits.

Siouxsie Wiles, microbiologist from the University of Auckland, said "science" developed new vaccines in seemingly record time but it is not scientists who understand how best to vaccinate people and what barriers might be faced.

The Marsden Fund was New Zealand's only government fund to support humanities and social sciences research. Refocusing the fund to focus on "science with a purpose" is going to have enormous negative ramifications for New Zealand, Wiles said.

Nic Rawlence, director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, University of Otago, said archaeology is by nature a multidisciplinary toolbox that spans the fields of biology to humanities and social sciences. The scrapping of the humanities and social sciences panels means there is now no funding for research into New Zealand's Maori and European history.

"If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it, which will have real economic consequences considering this supremely ill-advised decision by the government," Rawlence said. 
The prospect of an indefinite port strike in India could be getting closer to reality.

Dockworkers hosted protests at several of the countrys ports Thursday due to the lack of progress on several anticipated settlements from a new five-year contract tentatively reached in late August.

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A mass demonstration at the ports administrative buildings is scheduled to take place Dec. 10. Retired port employees who would collect pension benefits are expected to join those protests.

In late November, six federated dockworkers unions determined that they would go on strike on Dec. 17 due to the delays, impacting 12 of the countrys state-owned ports.

The labor federations first deferred a planned strike in August after the unions reached a settlement with the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and the countrys Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee. While that contract tacked on an 8.5 percent wage increase over five years, backdated to Jan. 1, 2022, the approval of the wage revisions has been delayed, thus leading the unions to resurrect the strike threat.

If the Indian government fails to enforce the IPA to implement initially agreed upon conditions including wage revisions and a productivity-based reward plan by Dec. 15, the dockworkers say they will walk off the job two days later. A work stoppage would involve roughly 18,000 workers, and cost Indian exporters nearly $15 million daily, according to The Hindu Business Line.

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The reward plan had government approval in October, but the unions said that some of the ports former employees did not receive the retroactive pay they were owed.

Ocean carrier giant Hapag-Lloyd said Wednesday its teams are working to assess any impact on operations as the situation unfolds.

The container shipping giant is in close communication with all relevant parties to notify shippers of how to handle cargo planning and minimize impacts from the strike.

Apparel and textiles businesses will be waiting over the next 10 days with bated breath if a strike takes place. After all, India is the fifth-largest apparel exporter in the world, after China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey, according to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO).

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Indias textiles and apparel exports increased by 3.8 percent to $14.7 billion between April and August 2024, according to Indias Ministry of Commerce and Trade.

Although theres plenty of uncertainty regarding the near-term future of labor at the ports, their productivity has continuously improved over the past decade.

The average turnaround time for vessels at Indias 12 major ports has declined by nearly half (48.7 percent) from 93.6 hours in 2013-2014 to 48.1 hours in 2023-2024, announced Indias minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday.

Sonowal told Indian publication The Economic Times that the government has taken various steps to improve the turnaround times, including the construction of new berths, terminals and parking plazas, the modernization of existing berths and terminals, digitization and expansion of connectivity through rail and road.

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As productivity improves, India continues to pour money into the countrywide expansion of its seaports, with the government laying the foundation for the $9 billion Vadhvan Port in September. That port is expected to be operational by 2030, and would be one of the top 10 ports by capacity in the world by completion.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), which operates a network of 13 private ports in India including the countrys largest container seaport, Mundra Port, is targeting to double its cargo handling volume to reach 1 billion metric tons of cargo by 2030.

On Wednesday, APSEZ unveiled that it completed the first phase of the Vizhinjam Port, with the gateway handling 70 cargo ships and 147,000 containers in the first few months of its trial run, which started in July.

And DP World, the UAE-based port and terminal operator giant, said it plans to expand further in India to alleviate trade bottlenecks seen across ports throughout southeast Asia due to the impacts of the Red Sea crisis, CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said in a Bloomberg Television interview Thursday morning.
The News

Indias defense procurement strategy has pivoted away from Russia and toward the West.

New Delhi and Moscows joint plans to develop helicopters and fighter jets have been shelved, and a proposal to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia is unlikely to go ahead.

The shift reflects Indias efforts to reduce reliance on Russian weapons and move closer into the US defense orbit in order to strengthen relations with Washington as Donald Trumps tariff threats loom, Bloomberg wrote.

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In 2009, 76% of Indias arms imports came from Russia, compared with 36% in 2023, while New Delhi has signed contracts worth nearly $20 billion with US manufacturers. However, India continues to buy cheap energy from Russia.

SIGNALS

India to diversify its weapons imports to boost security

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, The Economic Times

India, the worlds biggest arms importer, is attempting to diversify its supply as increasingly contentious borders with nuclear-armed neighbors China and Pakistan escalate security concerns. India has slowly shifted to Western-origin platforms because the military is increasingly comfortable with such technology, an Indian military expert told Bloomberg, after a history of US defense sales to Pakistan and reluctance to share technology and expertise with India. At the same time, Indias domestic weapons manufacturing has surged in the last decade making it one of the most successful examples of Modis Make in India economic growth program, The Economic Times wrote.

War in Ukraine shatters image of Russian military might

Sources: RAND, Nikkei Asia, Italian Institute for International Political Studies

Russian arms are one of the few finished products the country produces that are sold globally, meaning they hold huge economic importance for Moscow, US think tank RAND wrote, as well as offering wider geopolitical influence. However, following Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of Western sanctions, Moscow has had to rely on arms imports from Iran and North Korea to stay afloat and is even suspected of buying back some of its own tanks and missiles from India and Myanmar, according to Nikkei Asia. Despite this, Moscow still has cards to play, the Italian Institute for International Political Studies wrote. With 40 existing military-technical agreements with African countries, Russia remains the partner of choice for many anti-Western authoritarian regimes across the continent.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene mother and her boyfriend are accused of stuffing a deceased infant into a tool bag after death then disposing of her body at the lake days later have been indicted.

Heather Kennedy, 20, and Donald Schultz, 35, were both indicted for Tampering with Human Corpse in connection to the childs death, and Schultz was also indicted for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registry.

Court documents reveal what the couple says happened to the baby, named Peyton, who was born in February 2024.

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The documents state Peytons remains were found by a fisherman inside a tool bag on the shoreline of Lake Ft. Phantom Hill the night of August 31. She was described as severely decomposed, and detectives had to get an autopsy to determine her exact age.

September 12, the documents state detectives received a Crime Stoppers tip identifying Kennedy as Peytons mother and Schultz as Kennedys boyfriend, claiming both had been living in Texas with Peyton for a couple of months.

When detectives interviewed Kennedy, the documents state she said she left Peyton in the custody of her father in Idaho and that Peyton was never in Texas with her and Schultz. She also spoke of Peyton in past tense.

Detectives also interviewed Schultz, who told detectives Peyton was living with them in Abilene and that she had died while sleeping in her car seat inside their residence while they were asleep and that their mobile home would reach temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, according to the documents.

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The documents also reveal there was an unnamed witness who was able to corroborate the fact that Peyton died in Abilene and that her remains were stored inside a mobile home on the 6100 block of Texas avenue for 2 to 4 days before a decision was made to transport her body to Lake Ft. Phantom Hill.

Schultz was able to confirm that he and Kennedy disposed of Peytons body in a tool bag at the lake.

Suspect Schultz further described events and circumstances that led the Abilene detectives to realize that the parties acknowledged an ongoing investigation as to the missing child was imminent and that both Schultz and Kennedy felt it imperative to conceal and dispose of the body of this minor child, the documents state.

Both Kennedy and Schultz remain held in the Taylor County Jail on bonds totaling $350,000 and $500,000.

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The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

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(Bloomberg) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto plans to go ahead with raising the value-added tax rate on some goods in January, according to a lawmaker.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The government will increase the VAT to 12% from 11% in 2025 as stated by the law, though it will mainly cover luxury and imported goods, said Mukhamad Misbakhun, chairman of a parliamentary commission overseeing finance, after meeting Prabowo in Jakarta on Thursday.

The President agreed with our proposal, and it will take effect in January, Misbakhun said in a phone interview, adding that the finance minister was tasked with immediately drafting detailed regulations.

The tax hike had been met with broad public and political pushback in Southeast Asias largest economy, which is grappling with weakening consumption, slower factory activity and layoffs. However, the government needs to shore up revenues as it prepares to implement Prabowos signature programs.

The VAT made up more than 25% of the countrys total tax receipts last year. The Indonesian Employers Association estimates that the VAT hike could bring in some 80 trillion rupiah ($5 billion) to state coffers.

Indonesia set a fiscal deficit target of 2.53% of GDP for 2025, reassuring investors that it will be kept below the 3% legal cap despite Prabowos ramped-up spending. Next year, the government will begin rolling out its $30-billion free meal program, renovate schools and set up free medical check-ups across the country, among other projects.

--With assistance from Norman Harsono.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Immigration officials in Manchester arrested an Indonesian man accused of sexually assaulting a New Hampshire child.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Years before he became Kern Countys most wanted, Cesar Moises Hernandez had a girlfriend who tended bar in Lynwood. They spent a lot of time there.

One night, after arguing with her, Hernandez chased down a pickup that left the bars parking lot, forcing the truck to pull over a block away.

Then he shot the the driver in the head.

Found guilty of murder, Hernandez, 34, was serving time at Kern Valley State Prison when he escaped Monday while being transported to the Delano courthouse.

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Since then, residents have been on edge, with schools closed and law enforcement swarming the area as the search continues.

Hernandez was due in court Monday after pleading no contest to manufacturing a weapon in prison. Hell face more charges for escaping.

But it was his actions in Lynwood six years ago that  current circumstances notwithstanding  sent him to prison for the rest of his life.

A night at the bar

Hernandezs girlfriend, named only as Gabby in appellate court filings, had stopped working at Las Carinosas Bar when she and Hernandez showed up around 10 p.m. on June 24, 2018. She wanted her job back, and the owner agreed to rehire her.

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The couple stayed there the rest of the night.

Sometime between 11:45 p.m. and 1:15 a.m., however, they got into a heated argument, according to the filings.

Surveillance footage captured Gabby leaving at about 1:25 a.m. Hernandez followed her.

He moved the car they arrived in  a white Nissan Altima  from the front of the bar to the rear parking lot.

Meanwhile, Gabby ran down an alley behind the establishment. She stopped a block away, in front of Salgados Bakery at 10007 Long Beach Blvd.

Hernandez apparently lost track of her. Surveillance video shows him reentering the bar and looking around. At one point, he knocks on the door of the womens restroom.

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When a security guard asked what he was doing, Hernandez responded, F you, according to the filings.

He then said said goodbye to the owner.

(Hernandez) appeared pretty upset, the filings say.

The shooting

Edgar Vasquez, the victim, now enters the narrative.

He arrived at the bar at about 11:45 p.m. and parked his pickup in the rear lot. The filings say he had no interaction with either Hernandez or Gabby while inside the bar.

At 1:35 a.m., Vasquez got in his truck and left. Hernandez immediately followed.

Seconds later, Vasquezs truck and the white Nissan were captured driving on Long Beach Boulevard past the front entrance of Las Carinosas Bar, according to the filings. Within one block of the bar, the Nissan forced the truck to pull over in front of Salgados Bakery.

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Surveillance footage shows the Nissans driver get out and walk to the drivers side of the truck.

The video didnt capture what happened next  but a motorist driving by described what he saw.

As (the motorist) began to slow down to pull over to the side of the road, the filings say, he saw a man, who was standing next to a pickup truck, pull out a gun and shoot the driver of the truck.

The motorist said the shooter got into a white car with damage to its front bumper and drove away.

Fifteen minutes later, a deputy checked on Vasquez, who was slumped over in the truck. He had a gunshot wound to the head.

The investigation

Did Hernandez and Vasquez exchange words outside the bar? Were they involved in a fender bender in the parking lot, or a road rage incident immediately after leaving?

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Its unclear from the appellate court filings exactly what the motive was.

But authorities gathered enough evidence to arrest Hernandez on Aug. 3, 2018, in South Los Angeles.

An anonymous source contacted police and provided the names and phone numbers of Hernandez and his girlfriend. Police ran his name and discovered hed been pulled over for a traffic citation in February 2018 in Pasadena.

Hed been driving a white Nissan Altima.

Detectives examined photos of the car taken by an automated license plate reader  it had the same damage that was described by the witness.

The car was eventually discovered in an impound lot in Tijuana. A pay stub with Hernandezs name on it was in the glove compartment.

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Authorities transported the car to L.A. County for examination.

Paint chips from the white Nissan and Vasquezs truck were compared and analyzed, according to the filings. There was no chemical difference in six of the areas that were tested  suggesting the two vehicles had collided.

The motorist who witnessed the shooting testified at Hernandezs trial, but another witness  Hernandezs girlfriend  did not.

Why hasnt she reached out to law enforcement? a prosecutor asked during rebuttal argument according to the filings. Because she was an eyewitness to the murder that her boyfriend committed. Thats why. She doesnt want to be found.

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In April 2019, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a gun. He was sentenced to a total term of 80 years to life in prison, the filings say.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Prince Harry spent a memorable evening at a New York City art gallery in support of his charity, Sentebale.

On Dec. 4, the Duke of Sussex, 40, stepped out at the Ki Smith Gallery to attend an intimate cocktail reception to officially kick off its exhibit, "Friend." The display, which PEOPLE exclusively revealed earlier this week, features works by pioneers of Minimalism and Op Art and contemporary artists.

The exhibit opens to the public on Dec. 14 and runs until Jan. 19, and 100% of the gallery's proceeds from the sale of the art will be donated to Sentebale. The showcase is free to attend, and visitors have the option to make on-site donations to the organization.

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"I and we, and everybody at Sentebale, are hugely grateful for you pulling this together. You have been a joy, you and your team have been an absolute joy to work with, so we are massively grateful for that," Prince Harry said about Ki Smith, the curator behind the exhibit, to kick off a panel discussion at the event, which PEOPLE attended.

Kevin Mazur/Getty (From left) Prince Harry, Rakuko Naito, Nolan Fang, Edward Mccabe, and Ki Smith pose in front of Rakuko Naito's artwork at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. (From left) Prince Harry, Rakuko Naito, Nolan Fang, Edward Mccabe, and Ki Smith pose in front of Rakuko Naito's artwork at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

Related: Prince Harry Celebrates Relationship with Beloved African Country That Began 20 Years Ago: 'Home Away from Home'

"I already know that your grandmother is winning, when it comes to pieces sold, which considering, it isnt even open until next week, well done, this is fantastic news," he said about Rakuko Naito, Smith's grandmother and an artist whose work is on view for "Friend."

"I am slightly new to the art world, so Im not going to pretend as though I know something that I dont, but what I do know is the ability for art to be able to convene and bring people together, and that is needed more than ever in todays world," Prince Harry continued. "Everything we do at Sentebale is reflected through this art, and through you, and your values, and what I believe, the way you see the world. So again, an enormous thank you from all of us here for being you."

Kevin Mazur/Getty Prince Harry with Dana Craig and Alex Goldstein at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. Prince Harry with Dana Craig and Alex Goldstein at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

The Duke of Sussex was in good spirits at the event, forgoing a tie with his suit as he worked the room, mingling with both artists and guests. Attendees enjoyed Royal Salute cocktails and sampled charcuterie from Farm to People while taking in the stunning Op Art and Minimalist works on display, ahead of the panel discussion.

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After introducing Smith, Harry listened intently from the front row, absorbing the 20-minute discussion on the intersection of art and social impact.

Prince Harry and his friend, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, started Sentebale in 2006 in memory of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mother 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. The organization works to support young people in Lesotho and Botswana, including those living with HIV/AIDS, by offering healthcare, education, vocational training, climate resilience and life skills.

Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE at the launch party, Smith tells PEOPLE that Prince Harry's "heart is really in it."

"I think that people always make folks like him larger than life, and he's one of the sweetest, humblest, most genuine people I've ever met. His heart is really in it," the gallerist says about what it was like to spend time with the Duke of Sussex during the Sentebale-focused trip to Lesotho in October.

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"That to me was immediately something I was like, 'Wow, this is someone that really cares. This is not someone that's doing it to go say they did it.' His heart is in it. Prince Seeiso's heart was in it, and they're really fun guys, and it was an intimate circle and stuff like this. So it's a lot of joking around and just seeing the impact that they have there, which is incredible. So I think that that was to me, really inspiring."

Kevin Mazur/Getty The "Friend" exhibit benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. The "Friend" exhibit benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

Recounting a favorite memory from their time in Lesotho, Smith says, "One of the fun parts is that first night when everyone's around the campfire, we're in the middle of it and all the electricity goes off. And it was this really incredible moment because I always think the moments that are unrehearsedWe're all people, we all made it work. We're all here, we're all living under the same life circumstances. I think that's really cool. It was really humbling. And I think that that was a really great way to transition into an incredible trip."

The exclusive preview convened luminaries from the worlds of art, philanthropy and culture, including Ronan Farrow, Leslie Ma, Associate Curator of Asian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and more. Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Sentebales Board Chair, moderated a lively panel discussion featuring Smith, Naito and art collector Charlotte Matityahu, in a conversation exploring art as a force for good and how that connects to Sentebale's mission of empowering young people to thrive.

"It's amazing to work with Prince Harry because he is so authentically connected to the organization. He has a lot of energy, he has lots of ideas. He's excited about the innovative ways of doing things. And you can't ask for more," Chandauka exclusively tells PEOPLE about what it's like to work with Prince Harry at Sentebale and on the "Friend" showcase.



Kevin Mazur/Getty (From left) Hanoch Sheps, Ki Smith and Prince Harry at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. (From left) Hanoch Sheps, Ki Smith and Prince Harry at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

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"We're a very small organization. The pandemic itself had a devastating impact on community organizations in the global south. Many of them just didn't survive," she says. "We have this incredible privilege of being flanked by Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry. Prince Seeiso's authority and influence on the continent allows us to do the work. Prince Harry's capacity to amplify the organization and to bring it to the world stage attracts innovative thinkers, strategists, funders. Very few small organizations have the benefit of that. We're very privileged, and we want to use that opportunity wisely."

The charity's name means "forget-me-not" in the Sesotho language, honoring a pledge to remember the region's most vulnerable youth. Forget-me-nots were also the late Princess Diana's favorite flower. Prince Harry previously told PEOPLE of his commitment to continuing her philanthropic legacy, "I honor my mother in everything I do. I am my mother's son."



Kevin Mazur/Getty The "Friend" exhibit benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. The "Friend" exhibit benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

Related: Prince Harry Calls for Change During Fireside Chat in Lesotho for Sentebale

In a statement shared with PEOPLE about "Friend" at the Ki Smith Gallery, 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."

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"'Friend' is making art accessible to everyone  an 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," the princes continued. "Sharing art as a powerful force for connection and change is inspiring."



Kevin Mazur/Getty (From left) Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Ki Smith, Charlotte Matityahu, and Rakuko Naito speak on a panel at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. (From left) Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Ki Smith, Charlotte Matityahu, and Rakuko Naito speak on a panel at the "Friend" exhibit launch benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024.

The "Friend" display features iconic works by Frank Stella (Blyvoors, 1982, from the prestigious South African Mine series), Bridget Riley (seminal black-and-white works, pivotal to the Op Art movement) and Tadaaki Kuwayama (1980s series, displayed for the rst time in 40 years), who is Smith's grandfather. The gallerist named the charitable exhibit after his late grandfather, as Smith and his siblings affectionately called "Friend."

The welcoming moniker for the exposition was inspired by the spirit of friendship, a core theme for both the Lower East Side gallery and Sentebale's efforts, which are deeply rooted in community engagement and collaborations at the national and international levels to execute programming.

Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024. Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024.

By donating proceeds from "Friend" to Sentebale, Smith endeavors to elevate the intersection of art and impact, effortlessly connecting philanthropy and high art for good.

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A statement from the gallery about "Friend" and Sentebale said its team was "deeply moved" by the sense of optimism they saw during a previous visit to the charity's headquarters in Lesotho, making creative partnership a natural fit.

"Collaboration, building community, and empowering a rising generation have always been core tenants of Ki Smith Gallery and Friend is a result of the Sentebales parallel ethos," the statement said in part.

BRIAN OTIENO FOR GETTY Ki Smith and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho. Ki Smith and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho.

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"Friend" at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City opens on Saturday, Dec. 14 and runs until Sunday, Jan. 19. Guests can RSVP to attend at kismithgallery.com.

Prince Harry's night out at the gallery follows his appearance at the 2024 DealBook Summit from The New York Times earlier on Wednesday and ahead of his wife Meghan Markle's red carpet moment at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala in Beverly Hills. The event celebrated the career of their friend, Tyler Perry, who is a godfather to the couple's daughter, Princess Lilibet, 3.

Prince Harry and Meghan, 43, also share son Prince Archie, 5, and Perry opened his home to them when they relocated from the U.K. to her home state of California in 2020.

Read the original article on People
Researchers in Spain are scrambling to find the nest belonging to the first southern giant hornets found in Europe.

Sometimes referred to as "murder hornets" because they are known to kill off beehives, the insects grow to an average length of 2 inches. They are native to parts of Asia including India, China, Thailand and Vietnam.

In a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution, five Spanish scientists described two separate sightings of southern giant hornets, whose scientific name is Vespa soror. Both were in the northern city of Siero in Asturias province: A pair was spotted in March 2022, then another two in October 2023.

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Researchers believe the hornets have a nest that dates back at least a year.

Northern giant hornets  a closely related species originating in other parts of Asia  were first spotted in the United States in Washington state in late 2019. The northern and southern hornets are similar in behavior and appearance, though the former have shorter nesting periods and produce smaller colonies and nests.

The first northern giant hornet nest found in the U.S. was promptly destroyed in October 2020, but a live hornet was spotted in Washington the following year.

Southern giant hornets are known to send out scouting teams to find prey colonies, and the scouts rub their bodies against hives or nearby vegetation to signal others to join them, according to research published in 2021. They then enter a "slaughter phase" in which they can take out entire beehives in a matter of hours.

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Neither northern nor southern giant hornets have been found in Europe beyond the four documented in Spain. The scientists behind the recent study think the hornets likely first arrived on a cargo ship.

Omar Sanchez, the study's lead author and a zoology professor at the University of Oviedo in Spain, said he expects the hornets to impact the balance of the local ecosystem because they aggressively hunt native hornets, bees, butterflies, moths and flies. A long-term decline in the bee population can affect the availability of honey and disrupt pollination processes on which many plants and crops rely.

Here in northern Spain, we have another species of Asian hornets that is called Vespa Veluntina, and its causing serious damages to the beekeeping sector, so the presence of another Asian hornet can magnify the bad affects, he said.

Sanchez added that researchers are trying to find the nest, so they can destroy it.

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Its a little bit tricky because this species makes their nest under the ground  more than 30 meters  so it is not easy to find, he said. We are trying.

The researchers have also been canvassing for more hornet sightings, Sanchez said.

Sanchez and his study co-authors found and captured the four hornets after beekeepers in the area told them about seeing unusual-looking wasps. After trapping the hornets, the scientists extracted DNA samples and conducted genetic testing and analysis to confirm the species.

Molly Keck, an entomologist at Texas A&M University, said the genetic study confirming the species is the first step toward mitigation efforts, such as educating the public and beekeepers and alerting local authorities "so that management plans, education, mapping, distribution can be done."

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"Most of these invasive species are going to come in through a port city somewhere," she added, "so whatever quarantines and check measures are done, there are really going to be the way that theyre spotted."

Such processes across the globe may need to get beefed up as a precaution if countries want to ensure cargo is free of bugs, Keck said.

Sanchez said that the detection of southern giant hornets in Spain indicates that more are likely on the way.

Probably in the near future, this species will be detected again in other localities of Spain and probably Europe, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police Department engaged in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law, the Justice Department said Wednesday, following a 17-month investigation.

The investigation found MPD uses excessive force, conducts unlawful stops, searches and arrests and unlawfully discriminates against Black people when enforcing the law. DOJ said the City and MPD unlawfully discriminate in their response to people with behavioral health disabilities.

The Justice Department also identified serious concerns about MPDs treatment of children, and identified deficiencies in policy, training, supervision and accountability that contribute to MPDs and the Citys unlawful conduct, DOJ said in a news release.

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This process and these findings uncovered that our city has a lot of work to do, said Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee. Memphians are rightly concerned with gun violence and violent crime. They are also rightly concerned about the collective approach that we must take to tackle these issues. We hope to work with Mayor Young, Chief Davis, the Memphis Police Department and our Memphis partners to move forward.

The announcement came just as the city said in a letter that it would not enter into a consent decree with the DOJ over its policing practices.

Citys attorney says Memphis wont enter consent decree with DOJ over police reform

After evaluating the effects of these consent decrees in other cities, we believe there are better ways to reimagine policing that do not slow the process or cost the taxpayers millions of dollars, the letter from the city stated.

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Federal officials announced a pattern and practice investigation into the Memphis Police Department and the city of Memphis on July 27, 2023. The investigation aimed to determine whether there is a pattern of constitutional or civil rights violations against citizens.

Justice Department said the investigation began after allegations by citizens of excessive police force, force against people who are already restrained, and traffic enforcement that may be targeting Black drivers for minor citations.

The government stepped in after now-former Memphis officers were caught on video beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, who later died. Those officers faced state and federal charges and the city faces a $550 million lawsuit.

The Justice Department has scheduled a press conference to discuss the findings at 9 a.m. Thursday. The city has set a press conference to respond to the findings just after the DOJs press conference ends.

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SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Six hours after stunning the country by declaring emergency martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reversed his decisions and faced calls to step down.

Analysts said Yoon's actions have violated the constitution, throwing the country's political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.

SIGNS OF POLITICAL UPHEAVAL

Yoon declared martial law in a televised emergency address on Tuesday night, vowing to eradicate "anti-state forces" and uphold free constitutional order.

It marked the first martial law declaration since the country's military dictatorship ended in the late 1980s.

Yoon criticized the parliament for paralyzing state affairs by attempting to impeach government officials, launch a special prosecutor's team for investigation into scandals involving the first lady and protect the opposition leader from legal risks.

South Korea has been in a bitter political stalemate for months, with the country's liberal opposition parties winning a parliamentary majority in April. The ruling and opposition parties had been locked in a deadlock over next year's budget, which analysts said was a catalyst for Yoon's sudden move.

YOON'S POLITICAL GAMBLE

Analysts point out that Yoon's martial law declaration was not supported either by his own party or the United States.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's conservative People Power Party, called the decision to impose martial law "wrong" and vowed to "stop it with the people."

On Wednesday, the party leadership convened to discuss potential measures, including asking Yoon to leave the party and the resignation of the entire cabinet.

In the meantime, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told media that the U.S. side was not notified in advance of Yoon's announcement. The White House expressed relief that Yoon had rescinded his martial law declaration.

Analysts said Yoon's lack of prior communication with the United States raises questions about the level of support he can expect from the U.S. side.

Yoon has long been criticized for his "lack of communication" governance style. "The president not only refuses to meet with the opposition leader but also avoids the ruling party leader. He even did not attend the National Assembly opening ceremony for fear of criticism," said Lee Geon-tae, a lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party.

In the face of increasing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, Yoon's political gamble without internal or external support has led to a predictable failure, analysts said.

IMPEACHMENT

South Korea's constitution stipulates that martial law can only be declared in cases of war, unrest, or other comparable national emergency states requiring military intervention to maintain social order. Constitutional experts said Yoon's move did not meet these criteria and was unconstitutional.

Noh Hee Beom, a lawyer who worked as a research judge at the Constitutional Research Institute, said Yoon's imposition of martial law violates Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution and the Martial Law Act. He believed that Yoon's attempt to break a political deadlock had exceeded his authority under the constitution and was a grave violation of the constitution that could result in his impeachment.

On Thursday, six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, reported an impeachment motion against Yoon to the 300-member National Assembly, with a vote scheduled for Saturday.

Under the constitution, the impeachment motion must be approved by at least two-thirds of the National Assembly legislators, equating to 200 votes in favor.

Local media estimates indicate that 192 votes from opposition and independent lawmakers are already secured, requiring just eight additional votes from the ruling party for the motion to pass. If successful, Yoon would face a trial by the Constitutional Court, potentially following the path of former President Park Geun-hye.

The martial law crisis has sparked widespread public outrage in South Korea, with civic and labor groups holding protest rallies to demand Yoon's resignation.

Local media reports suggest that Yoon's failed political gamble has left him in a precarious position, and significant changes to his political career may be imminent. 
The FBI has now been pulled into the Hannah Kobayashi missing persons case after her mother discovered that she may have engaged in a secret marriage for money and turned documents over to investigators as her family desperately continues its search for her.

New information about Kobayashi's ties to a a possible immigration scam comes after after LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced his investigators tracked Kobayashi to Mexico and have her on video walking into that country alone with her luggage on Nov. 12, four day after her arrival at LAX.

Sources tell Los Angeles that Kobayashi was apparently scammed out of the proceeds of the purported immigration scheme possibly concocted by her former partner, who left Maui with Kobayashi on Nov. 8 and landed at LAX with plans to catch a connecting flight to New York City. Also on the plane, sources say, was Kobayashis secret new husband, Alan Cacace, an Argentinian man whose own girlfriend, Marianna, was reportedly on the flight with Kobayashis ex.

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The possible visa scam was uncovered, sources told Los Angeles, by Kobayashis mother, who discovered immigration documents in her daughter's home in Hawaii that listed an immigration attorney. "That attorney was not cooperative with the mom," one source close to the investigation said. Her family then "turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt," they said in a statement released by their Los Angeles attorney Sara Azari.

Statement on Behalf of #HannahKobayashi's Family Re Alleged Marriage

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  Sara Azari (@azarilaw) December 5, 2024

On Tuesday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced that Kobayashi was classified as a voluntary missing person, after investigators uncovered a video of her walking into Mexico alone with her luggage from a San Diego border crossing twelve days before her father, Ryan, 53, apparently leapt to his death from a parking structure near the airport.

According to McDonnell, Kobayashi wanted to step away from modern connectivity" and the LAPD did not believe she was a victim of foul play. But Kobayashi's family continues to demand answers from his department. Following McDonnells press conference late Tuesday afternoon, the family requested to see video evidence of Kobayashi crossing into Mexico, as they were previously unaware that the LAPD had tracked her to the border on November 12.

After her arrival in Los Angeles, a photo of which was released by California State Attorney General Rob Bonta, Kobayashi was spotted at the Grove shopping center on Nov. 9. Then on Sunday Nov. 10, she returned to the Grove and was captured in a video posted by a shopper and posted on YouTube attending a Lebron James popup event at the Nike store. A photo of the event was also posted on Hannah's Instagram page that same day. The LAPD issued a missing persons poster for Hannah on Nov. 13.

LAPD issued a poster for Hannah Kobayashi on Nov. 15



An FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the LAPD's Missing Persons Unit commander.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  An Iowa mom was arrested on Wednesday in connection to the drowning death of her child in October.

At around 7 p.m. on October 31 the West Des Moines Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS responded to a report of a drowning in the 1200 block of Office Park Road. When first responders arrived on scene they found a 20-month-old who appeared to have drowned in a bathtub. The child was transported to a hospital, but despite life-saving efforts the child died, the police department said.

Des Moines officer injured in crash, driver charged with OWI

Kayla Bevar.

According to court records, the childs mother, 21-year-old Kayla Bevar, told officers at the scene that she put her child in the tub at around 6:30 p.m. that night. Bevar told officers she typically sat in the bathroom while her child was taking a bath, but this time she had fallen asleep about 20 minutes after putting her child in the tub, a search warrant states. The search warrant goes on to say that Bevar also told officers that she fell asleep because she didnt get any sleep the night before.

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West Des Moines police said an investigation into the infants death began that same day and on Wednesday resulted in the arrest of Bevar. She has been charged with child endangerment resulting in death and neglect of a dependent person. Bevar is currently being held in the Polk County Jail.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One person is dead and another is injured after an early morning shooting at an apartment complex in Independence, Missouri.

According to the Independence Police Department, at about 2:45 a.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched to Independence Ridge Apartments near East 37th Terrace South and South Jackson Drive on reports of a shooting.

One teen killed, another in custody in rural Miami County, Kansas

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When officers arrived, they reportedly found a man dead inside the apartment with a gunshot wound.

As officers began their investigations, IPD said they were contacted by a hospital about a man who had been brought in suffering from a gunshot wound.

Investigations said that the man was involved in the shooting at the apartment complex and that his injuries were non-life-threatening.

According to IPD, the Independence Criminal Investigations Unit is handling the investigation, and they are working to gather more information about the cause of the shooting and the suspect.

Police said the public is not in danger at this time.

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Jackson County Prosecutors Office takes over IPD shooting case

If you or anyone you know has any information about the deadly shooting, IPD asks that you contact the police department directly at (816) 325-7300 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
After a short and lackluster general election campaign, Irish voters went to the polls on Nov. 29 to elect a new government. With 174 seats in parliament up for grabs, the leading center-right parties from the outgoing coalition government, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, won 48 and 38 seats respectively, while their junior coalition partner, the Green Party, lost all but one of its 12 seats. The main left-wing opposition party, Sinn Fein, narrowly beat Fine Geal into second place with 39 seats, the highest number of deputies the party has ever returned to the Oireachtas, or Irish legislature.

Three weeks earlier the coalition government had dissolved parliament with less than three months left of its five-year term. On the back of a 14 billion euro giveaway budget and faced with a disparate left-wing opposition, the Fine Gael-Fianna Fail alliance hoped to buck the anti-incumbent trend sweeping Europe. That gamble paid off, as they are now set to return to power.

They were helped by some of the unique features of Irish politics. To begin with, Ireland is the one of the few European Union member states that uses the single transferable vote, or STV, form of proportional representation in all of its elections. Often referred to as ranked choice voting in the U.S., voters rank candidates in order of preference in multi-seat constituencies. The candidate with the lowest number of first-choice votes is eliminated and their votes distributed according to the voters second-choice selections, a process repeated over multiple counts until all seats are filled. Under this system, the personality and local engagement of individual candidates takes on much greater importance, resulting in a more pronounced degree of clientelism and a higher proportion of independent MPs unaligned with any party.

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Until recently Irelands principal political cleavage was also unique. As a result of the bitter civil war it fought following its war of independence from the U.K., two otherwise identical conservative parties emerged: Fine Gael, which supported the peace treaty with the British that excluded Northern Ireland from the new Irish free state; and Fianna Fail, which opposed the treaty. The two parties dominated the countrys post-independence politics, alternating power between them and stunting the development of a traditional left-right political divide in Ireland for decades.

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That changed in 1997, when the Good Friday Agreement ended the provisional Irish Republican Armys violent campaign for Irish unification and facilitated the growth of its erstwhile political wing, Sinn Fein. Over the past 25 years, Sinn Fein has positioned itself as a new left-wing alternative to the civil war-era center-right parties, while gradually distancing itself from the IRAs legacy. That strategy eventually paid off in the 2020 general elections, when Sinn Fein won the most votes. Though that was not enough for it to lead a government, it forced Fine Geal and Fianna Fail into a formal coalition arrangement including both parties for the first time.

Until recently Sinn Fein had high hopes of consolidating its position as Irelands largest party and entering government at the head of the first left-wing government in the 100-year history of the Irish republic. With the release of the first exit polls just minutes after the polls closed on Friday, however, those dreams were comprehensively dashed. To have any chance of forming a government Sinn Fein needed to poll significantly better than either of its right-wing rivals. However, with all three parties winning around 20 percent of the vote, a putative Fianna Fail-Fine Gael alliance is just two seats short of an overall majority. They now have the option of either striking individual deals with a few like-minded independent MPs or co-opting one of the smaller parties to put them over the top. With the virtual annihilation of their erstwhile colleagues in the Green Party, the small center-left Labor Party, which has entered coalition governments with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in the past, is now the favorite to become their new junior partner.

A key factor in any election result is the prevailing mood of the electorate, and the vague but powerful desire for change that fueled Sinn Feins surge in 2020 was conspicuously absent this time round.

A return to power for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had looked rather improbable for long periods of the previous parliament. Following its unexpected surge in the 2020 general elections, Sinn Fein continued to rise in the polls amid simmering popular discontent with the governments failure to tackle the countrys dire lack of affordable housing and a chronically dysfunctional health service. Adding to the governments woes was a succession of crises largely beyond their control, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the associated effects of both on the cost of living. As a result Sinn Feins poll ratings soared into the mid-30s, heights not achieved by any party since Irelands economic boom of the mid-2000s. And though the partys popularity waned slightly as the cost-of-living crisis subsided, it remained comfortably ahead of the pack though the spring and summer of 2023.

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The pandemic and the war in Ukraine may have presented short-term challenges to the government, but they unleashed forces that would ultimately be much more damaging to Sinn Fein. The severe lockdowns imposed in 2020 and 2021 fueled far-right radicalization and distrust of state institutions, while Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine resulted in more than 80,000 Ukrainian refugees settling in Ireland in less than two years. Both developments combined to push the issue of immigration to the top of the political agenda, culminating in anti-immigrant riots incited by far-right elements in Dublin in November 2023.

Anti-immigration sentiment has been most marked in Sinn Feins working class heartlands, where local services are already stretched thin, but also where the majority of refugees and immigrants have either been placed by the authorities or ended up by economic circumstances. As the issue of migration became ever more explosive, Sinn Fein struggled to articulate a position that satisfied both its liberal and conservative wings. The partys handling of the issue, as well as its failure to articulate a clear alternative political vision for the country, saw some of its urban working class base abandon it for alternative options, both on the left and the far right. Others simply stayed home Friday, as evidenced by voter turnout that was significantly down from previous general elections, particularly in working class areas.

A key factor in any election result is the prevailing mood of the electorate, and the vague but powerful desire for change that fueled Sinn Feins surge in 2020 was conspicuously absent this time round. The perma-crises of the past five years, ongoing instability in the Middle East and the potential consequences for the Irish economy of U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House clearly blunted enthusiasm for the radical change that the first leftist-led government in Irelands history would have represented. The desire for continuity may also help explain why a widely feared far-right surge ultimately failed to materialize. In this, Irelands large cohort of rural independent MPs probably played a key role: By flirting with anti-immigration populism, they siphoned off votes that might otherwise have gone to far-right parties like Ireland First and the National Party.

Another important factor in the outgoing governments favor is the macroeconomic health of the Irish economy. Unlike many of its cash-strapped EU neighbors, Ireland has run large budget surpluses for four consecutive years on the back of record corporation tax receipts from U.S. tech giants like Apple, Google and Facebook. The government also took care to dole out several billion euros of that windfall to the public to offset the rising cost of living in the run-up to the elections.

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With all the votes cast and counted, talks on government formation are now set to begin. Though the negotiations will be characterized by the time-honored traditions of political posturing and playing hard to get, the shape of the new administration is already clear. The two center-right parties are firmly in the drivers seat, even if their roles have been reversed, with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin almost certain to take the taoiseachor prime ministerposition, with outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris landing the role of tanaiste, or deputy prime minister. As for any voters desperate for change after 100 years of conservative rule, they will likely have to wait at least five more.

John Boyce is an Irish freelance journalist with a background in international relations and Hispanic affairs. He writes for a variety of publications on Anglo-Irish, Spanish and European politics.

The post Irelands Ruling Parties Just Bucked the Anti-Incumbency Trend appeared first on World Politics Review.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Christmas trees are an important part of holiday traditions all around the world. In many places, people decorate their Christmas trees with lights, tinsel, ornaments and ribbons.

In Hawaii, however, we have the option of celebrating Christmas a little differently by using native plants and flowers to decorate our trees and homes.

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This gives Christmas in Hawaii a unique touch. So, KHON2.com decided to explore how families in Hawaii can use native plants like kukui nuts, plumeria and other tropical flora to create beautiful and meaningful holiday decorations.

The Christmas Tree tradition in Hawai  i

In Hawaii, we typically decorate Christmas trees just like in other parts of the world.

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While many people use traditional pine trees, some families prefer to decorate palm trees, Norfolk pines or other tropical plants that are more common to the islands.

These trees are often placed in the living room or outside on the lanai (patio/balcony) to be admired by family and friends.

The tradition of decorating trees with native Hawaiian plants has been growing in popularity over the years as it reflects the beauty of the islands and honors the local culture.

These plants not only make the Christmas tree look beautiful, but they also help bring a little piece of Hawaiis nature into the holiday season.

Plumeria: A fragrant touch

One of the most famous and beloved flowers in Hawaii is the plumeria. Known for its sweet fragrance and vibrant colors, plumeria flowers are often used in lei and are perfect for decorating Christmas trees.

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The flowers come in many colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, red and multi-colors. Using plumeria on a Christmas tree brings a tropical, fragrant touch to the holiday season.

Plumeria flowers can be strung together to make garlands or placed directly on the tree as ornaments.

Some families even use fresh plumeria to make wreaths or floral arrangements to hang around the home during Christmas.

Because plumeria is so colorful, it adds a cheerful and festive look to the holiday decorations.

Kukui nuts: A traditional decoration

Kukui nuts are a great choice for decorating Christmas trees in Hawaii. The kukui tree, also known as the candlenut tree, is native to Hawaii and has a long history in Native Hawaiian culture.

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The nuts from this tree were once used to make oil for lighting lamps and torches which is why the kukui nut is often referred to as the candlenut.

During the Christmas season, kukui nuts are often used to make garlands and ornaments for the tree.

The shiny, smooth nuts can be strung together and draped across the branches or used as individual ornaments.

Some families even paint the kukui nuts with gold or silver paint to give them a festive, shiny look.

The kukui nut also has symbolic meaning in Native Hawaiian culture. It is considered a symbol of light and protection and using it in Christmas decorations can add a deeper cultural meaning to the holiday season.

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The bright shine of the kukui nuts can help bring a warm and welcomes light into the home during the holidays.

Ti leaves: A symbol of strength and blessing

Ti leaves are another native plant that can be used for Christmas decorations in Hawaii. The ti plant, with its long, shiny leaves, is often associated with good luck, protection and blessings in Native Hawaiian culture.

Ti leaves are often woven into ropes or used to make wreaths to hang on doors and walls.

In addition to being used as decorations, ti leaves are also placed under Christmas trees or around the home to invite good fortune and blessings for the upcoming year.

The leaves are said to bring strength, harmony and happiness to the household which makes them a perfect addition to the holiday season.

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Ti leaves can be used fresh or dried, and their vibrant green color adds a tropical touch to Christmas decorations.

Other Native Hawaiian plants for Christmas decorations

In addition to plumeria, kukui nuts and ti leaves, there are many other native Hawaiian plants that can be used to decorate homes for Christmas.

Ohia lehua : The ohia lehua tree is known for its bright red flowers which bloom year-round. These flowers are often used in wreaths or garlands during the holiday season, adding a bright pop of color to Christmas decorations. Ohia lehua flowers are also a symbol of love and beauty in Hawaiian culture.

Hibiscus : The hibiscus flower comes in many different colors and is another popular choice for holiday decorations in Hawaii. Its large, vibrant blooms make it a perfect flower to use on Christmas trees, wreaths or centerpieces. Hibiscus flowers symbolize beauty and strength in Native Hawaiian culture.

Maile leaves : Maile is a fragrant vine that is often used in Hawaiian lei. The leaves have a sweet smell and are used to make garlands or hung around the home to bring good luck and positive energy. Maile can also be used to decorate Christmas trees as it adds both fragrance and beauty.

Mango and guava branches: Mango and guava trees are common in Hawaii and produce beautiful fruits that are often used to make wreaths and other decorations. The branches of these trees, with their rich green leaves, can also be used to decorate Christmas trees or homes.

Bringing Hawai  is beauty into the holiday season

Decorating with native Hawaiian plants brings the beauty of the islands right into the heart of the holiday season.

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By using plants like plumeria, kukui nuts and ti leaves, families can create a Christmas tree that reflects the unique beauty of Hawaii and honors the local culture.

These decorations not only make the tree look stunning; but they also bring the warmth, color and spirit of the islands to the Christmas celebration.

In Hawaii, Christmas is a time to gather with family, share meals and enjoy the company of loved ones.

By using native plants and flowers to decorate, families can create a holiday atmosphere that is filled with the natural beauty of the islands.

Whether its a Christmas tree adorned with colorful plumeria or a wreath made from fragrant ti leaves, Hawaiis options for Christmas decorations help make the holiday season feel truly special.

A unique Hawai  i Christmas

Overall, the Hawaii inspired Christmas tree is a beautiful combination of local culture, nature and holiday cheer.

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By decorating with native plants, families in Hawaii can create a festive, tropical atmosphere that celebrates both the spirit of Christmas and the beauty of the islands.

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Whether you are in Hawaii or simply want to bring a little bit of the islands into your home, decorating with native Hawaiian plants is a wonderful way to make your Christmas tree shine with island warmth and beauty.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  ISO New England controls power grid operations for 17 million people in New England. Power grid reliability is crucial during winter, as any outages could be life-threatening.

Jon Gravelin, manager of control room operations, told 22News one obstacle they deal with during this time of year.

Winter Weather Advisory for snow through Thursday morning

New England is constrained as far as natural gas supply into the region, most of it is dedicated to home heating. so our generating fleet has that challenge to face, says Gravelin. Many aspects of maintaining the grid come from months of forecasting, but real-time tracking is another crucial element.

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Weather is the largest factor when it comes to predicting the load needed at any given time, especially during the winter. The director of operations, Steven Gould, emphasized ISO New Englands preparedness for the upcoming season,  As long as we have enough to meet the load and reserve requirement, which is the case for this winter, we feel very confident and will be able to meet the challenges for the winter period.

A typical winter requires around 20,000 megawatts of energy to keep New England running, which is enough to power 20 million homes.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The devastating Israel-Hezbollah war has deepened Lebanon's education crisis, with further learning losses, resource shortages and little attention paid to quality instruction, according to a study by the University of Cambridge and the Center for Lebanese Studies released Thursday.

The study, undertaken at the end of October based on a survey and interviews with 1,151 parents and teachers, warned that children in Lebanon have already lost up to 60% of school time over the past six years.

The 62-page report is called Education Under Fire: A Rapid Study of Parents' and Teachers' Readiness for School Amidst Israeli Attacks on Lebanon.

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Schools already were under extreme pressure due to a decade of "compounded crises," it noted, citing an influx of Palestinian and Syrian refugees, the 2019 financial crisis, the Beirut port explosion a year later and the COVID-9 pandemic.

It added that students have already missed more than 760 teaching days due to strikes, disruption and closures since 2018.

Displaced Lebanese children play at the Omar Farroukh public school in the Tarik al Jadideh neighborhood of Beirut in mid-October. The school was transformed into a shelter to house displaced people, File Photo by Fadel Itani/ UPI

The conflict that broke out between Hezbollah and Israel in October 2023 and turned into a large-scale war in mid-September, "has deepened learning losses that were already near-catastrophic," said Maha Shuayb, director of the Center for Lebanese Studies.

According to the study, more than 1 million students and 45,000 teachers had been affected directly by the conflict by November. About 40% of public schools had been converted into shelters. A further 30% were in war zones, severely limiting space for schooling.

Lebanese residents prepare food for displaced families at the Omar Farroukh public school in the Tarik al Jadideh neighborhood of Beirut in mid-October. The school was transformed into a shelter to house displaced people. File Photo by Fadel Itani/ UPI

Imad Achkar, the director general of the Ministry of Education, said some 370,000 students have been forced to leave their homes and schools in Beirut's southern suburbs and four governorates in southern and eastern Lebanon. Nearly 40,000 teachers were displaced.

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Achkar said 505 schools out of total of 1,275 were turned into shelters to accommodate displaced families fleeing the targeted regions.

Displaced Lebanese families livie at the Omar Farroukh public school in the Tarik al Jadideh neighborhood of Beirut in mid-October. The school was transformed into a shelter to house displaced people. File photo by Fadel Itani/ UPI

From October 2023 to mid-September, when Israel expanded its attacks on a large scale, some 80 schools in the border area of southern Lebanon were forced to close and "families with their children moved to more secure areas where we secured online education for them," Achkar told UPI.

"We also conducted the official exams so not to lose another year of education and insisted on starting the new school year," he said.

While the war was raging, the Ministry of Education adopted a double shift in some 350 schools, at which 272,000 students were registered and 210,000 started schooling onsite.

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With a cease-fire in place since last week, Achkar said, 85% of the schools are preparing to reopen, noting that 350 were damaged and two destroyed in south Lebanon.

"We started to repair the damaged schools and in-person education while we will keep online teaching, especially [because] some 450,000 people have fled to Iraq, Syria and Jordan," he said.

The study was conducted when many of the survey participants were living in shelters or overcrowded shared accommodation and where online learning -- often the only option available -- was difficult.

With more than 1.3 million civilians displaced since Israel escalated its military operations in Lebanon, the study noted that financial pressures, exacerbated by the war, have further disrupted education.

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Some 77% of parents and 66% of teachers said the conflict reduced their incomes amid rising living costs, while only 62% of teachers and 49% of parents said they had an Internet connection.

Shuyab, the Center for Lebanese Studies director, called for urgently needed "flexible, inclusive, multi-agency strategies ... to ensure education reaches those who need it most."

"Without thorough response planning, existing inequalities will become more entrenched, leaving entire sections of the younger generation behind," she said.

According to the study, refugee children and students with disabilities have been disproportionately affected and "are among those who face the greatest risk of missing out further, even as the education system struggles to recover."

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The researchers estimated that as many as 5,000 children with disabilities could be out of school. They stressed that "the focus has largely been on resuming schooling, with little attention paid to quality of learning," thus the need for "a far more inclusive response plan."

Achkar explained that Lebanon lost up to 35% of its teachers, "the most qualified" who took jobs in the Gulf and other countries due to the financial crisis.

As for the Syrian refugees, he said some 200,000 were enrolled in Lebanon's public schools last year and have "exhausted our resources." Foreign funding to support them dropped from $600 per year per student at the beginning of the Syrian crisis to barely $20 now.

The study warned that even if the ceasefire holds and Lebanon returns to normality, challenges remain.

"We have grave reservations about the quality, consistency and accessibility of education in the medium term," said Yusuf Sayed, a professor of education at University of Cambridge, emphasizing the need for "a flexible plan and multi-agency support."
The UK's top military officer confirmed Israel used F-35s during its October strikes against Iran.

Adm. Tony Radakin said the operation demonstrated the "power" of fifth-generation aircraft.

His remarks came after Elon Musk criticized the F-35 and its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

Israel showed the "power" of the F-35 stealth fighter jet during its late October retaliatory strikes against Iran, Britain's top military officer said on Wednesday.

Adm. Tony Radakin, the UK's chief of defense staff, disclosed that Israel used its F-35s to carry out the widespread October 26 strikes against military sites across Iran, including air-defense systems and missile-manufacturing facilities.

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It appeared to mark the first confirmation from a Western government that Israel had used its fifth-generation aircraft in the operation, which came in response to a massive Iranian missile attack at the start of the month. It was reported at the time that Israel flew its F-35s and fired air-launched ballistic missiles.

"Israel used more than 100 aircraft, carrying fewer than 100 munitions, and with no aircraft getting within 100 miles of the target in the first wave, and that took down nearly the entirety of Iran's air-defense system," Radakin said during a Royal United Services Institute lecture in London.

"It has destroyed Iran's ability to produce ballistic missiles for a year and left Tehran with a strategic dilemma in how it responds. That is the power of fifth-generation aircraft, combined with exquisite targeting and extraordinary intelligence," Radakin said. "And that was all delivered from a single sortie."

An Israeli Air Force F-35 landing during an exercise in October 2021. JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

He said the operation demonstrated the "disproportionate advantage of modern ways of fighting." Business Insider contacted the Israel Defense Forces about Radakin's remarks but has yet to receive a response.

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The F-35 is a single-engine, multi-role stealth aircraft made by the US defense contractor Lockheed Martin. There are several variants of the fighter jet, which took its first flight nearly 20 years ago and is now flown by a handful of countries around the world.

Israel was the first to use the F-35 in combat in 2018. It operates just under 40 F-35I jets, a subvariant of the F-35A model, though this fleet is set to expand to 75 in the coming years.

The F-35I is Israel's only fifth-generation aircraft. It also has older, American-made F-16 and F-15 fighter jets.

Radakin's praise of the fifth-generation platform came after Elon Musk criticized the F-35, which is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program but widely considered a cornerstone of US airpower. The SpaceX CEO and advisor to President-elect Donald Trump took to social media last month to rag on the aircraft over its design and brush off its stealth capabilities. Airpower experts quickly pushed back on some of his remarks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Israeli military on Wednesday said that a February strike on Khan Younis in southern Gaza may have led Hamas militants to execute six hostages.

The bodies of those six male hostages were recovered in late August. Two days later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that all of them had been shot, but it could not definitively say whether it was the cause of death. The slain hostages were Yoram Metzger, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Chaim Peri, Nadav Popplewell, and Yagev Buchshtab.

It is highly probable that their deaths were related to the strike near the location where they were held, the military said in a Wednesday statement on the investigation.

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Speaking at a press briefing about an investigation into the hostages deaths, an IDF official said the Israeli military struck a terror target on February 14 in Khan Younis, but did not know that hostages were being held nearby. The investigation did not find anything wrong with this attack, in the planning process or the execution, the official said.

After a forensic examination and other investigations, the military now believes that the most plausible scenario is that the hostages and their guards survived the initial effects of that strike but that the strike may have led militants to shoot the six hostages. The guards themselves subsequently died, the military official said, from a secondary effect of the strike, such a lack of oxygen in the tunnel where they were living.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari later raised the possibility of the aftermath of the strike killing the hostages. He said that while the most likely way the hostages died was at the hands of militants following the February attack, with the militants then dying from secondary effects of the strike, there were also other possible explanations.

Another possibility is that the hostages were killed by secondary effects along with the terrorists and subsequently shot by other terrorists who arrived later, he said, adding, a less probable possibility is that the hostages were killed before the strike.

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Hagari said that due to the amount of time that passed from when the hostages were killed to when the forensic exams took place, it is not possible to definitively determine whether the hostages were killed by gunfire or as a result of exposure to the aftermath of the strike.

Operational lessons from this incident have been incorporated to minimize risks to hostages in the future, he said.

Top row L-R - Yoram Metzger, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, bottom row L-R Chaim Peri, Nadav Popplewell, and Yagev Buchshtab - Hostage and Missing Families Forum/Reuters

Munder, 79, Metzger, 80, and Peri, 80, were all residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Gaza border, where they were captured during Hamas October 7 attacks, according to statements from the kibbutz.

Popplewell, who was 51 when abducted, and Buchshtab, 35, were taken from Kibbutz Nirim, the kibbutz said in a statement.

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Israeli soldiers on August 31 found the bodies of another six hostages, this time in Rafah. Hamas said that it had executed them because it believed Israeli soldiers may have been closing in.

Another hostage recovered

As the six hostages families were presented with the findings of the investigation surrounding their deaths, the military announced on Wednesday that it recovered the body of yet another hostage.

Israel recovered 38-year-old dual German-Israeli citizen Itay Svirskys body from Gaza, after he was killed by his captors, the Israeli military and security agency Shin Bet announced.

In a special operation, the body of the abductee Itay Svirsky was recovered, who was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Beeri and murdered in captivity by Hamas terrorists in January 2024, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said, adding that the operation was carried out by Israels military and security agency.

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Our heart is torn by the heavy loss of the Svirsky family, who also lost Itays parents, Orit and the late Rafi, who were murdered in the murderous attack by Hamas, it added.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Svirsky was laid to rest in Israel, and on behalf of his family, requested the public not to share images of him from the Hamas video that was distributed in January.

In January, Hamas released a video showing clips of three hostages  Noa Argamani, Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi  speaking to the camera, ending with a caption saying, Tomorrow, we will inform you of their fate. The next day, another video appeared to show the dead bodies of Svirsky and Sharabi. In the video, Argamani said both men had been killed by Israeli bombing.

This brings the number of hostages currently held  dead and alive  to 100, of which 96 were taken on October 7.

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For decades, Israel has been celebrated as a global innovation hub, dubbed the Startup Nation for its groundbreaking technology and medical advancements. But the events of Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent bloody conflicts with Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran have triggered a profound shift in the psyche of many Israelis. What began as a major exodus spurred by immediate security concerns has evolved into a broader migration pattern, with waves of top Israeli talent seeking refuge and stability in Europe and beyond.

The numbers tell the story: 285% increase

In the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 there was a staggering 285% increase in Israelis leaving the country permanently, according to Israels Central Bureau of Statistics. Although this rate has since stabilized, the outflow of Israelis remains significant, underscoring deeper concerns about safety, governance, and social cohesion. The migration trend predates the war, with departures surging by 51% in the months leading up to the Oct. 7 attacks, amid widespread protests against the governments controversial judicial overhaul.

Notably, the demographic profile of those leaving reveals the departure of Israels most educated and economically mobile citizens. Data indicates that many are married professionals working in tech, medicine, academia, and businesskey sectors vital to Israels economy.

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For Jewish Israelis, ancestral passportsprimarily from Germany, Poland, and other European nationsallow for easier relocation to the European Union. Germany and Portugal have emerged as top destinations, appealing for their robust economies and political stability.

Tech talent in transit

For Israels flourishing tech sector, this migration is having ripple effects across the globe. The country has long been a hub for Fortune Global 500 giants like Google, Microsoft, and Intel, which operate thriving offices in Tel Aviv and beyond. Employees at these companies often have the advantage of transferring to international offices, allowing them to relocate swiftly to other hubs in popular destination countries like the United Kingdom.

This mobility of tech workers has been pivotal for professionals like Shlomy Green, a software engineer who says he and his family left Israel the day of the Oct. 7 attacks, so panicked by the ongoing violence that they boarded one of the last flights to Cyprus before midday. We felt like we were fleeing. We were basically just thankful that we left in time, Green told NPR. We want to feel safe and secure in our home. And were not willing to compromise on that.

The phenomenon isnt limited to Jewish Israelis. Arab Israelis, who have traditionally faced social and economic challenges, are also expressing a heightened desire to emigrate. A recent report from the Ruppin Academic Center found this sentiment has doubled to 14% of all Arab Israelis since Oct. 7. However, for Arab Israelis lacking the dual citizenship many Jewish Israelis possess, leaving is a more complex endeavor.

Silent departures

Doctors, in particular, are among the professionals quietly departing. Amid ongoing security risks and uncertainty over Israels future, many are opting to relocate to Europe, where overburdened health care systems actively recruit skilled practitioners from abroad.

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I feel that something is happening to us that didnt happen in the past, something different from what went on in the period of the judicial reform [protests in 2023], professor Gil Fire, an internist and senior administrator at one of Israels largest hospitals, said in an interview with Haaretz. People are ashamed of [leaving the country], theyre disguising it. But this time the leaving is large scale and significant. I call that quiet leaving, because most of them say they intend to return.

Cyprus: A safety valve

For Israelis unable or unwilling to leave permanently, neighboring Cyprus has become a haven. The Mediterranean island has long been a favorite for Israeli real estate investors, and the major turmoil of the past year has only accelerated interest. Limassol, a coastal city popular with Israelis, has seen property prices surge as buyers seek second homes for security and stability.

Rising property prices have sparked pushback from locals, with some Cypriots expressing frustration over being priced out of their own markets. We feel like foreigners in our city. Israelis and Russians have driven prices up, and we cant compete, a local resident told The Times of Israel.

The cost of departure

The broader implications of this migration wave are profound. Israel risks a significant brain drain and potential pressure on its tax base with some of its brightest and highest-earning citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

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The societal and political consequences could be far-reaching, as recent trends indicate secular and liberal Israelis disillusioned with the countrys direction are most likely to emigrate, potentially changing the voting bloc and extending the right wings current domination of Israeli politics.

Many Israelis dismiss the departure of their compatriots and point to the influx of people whove immigrated to the country since the Oct. 7 attacks; tens of thousands of immigrantsprimarily from Russiacontinue to move to Israel, contributing to a complex migration dynamic. Others fear that once the reservists whove been called to serve in the ongoing conflicts return home, there could be another surge in Israelis relocating to more stable countries.

Professor Karin Amit, dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the Ruppin Academic Center, contextualized this migration surge to Ynet: In times of war or threat, theres a sense of unity  We will, of course, need to examine this in the medium term and also see what will happen economically after the wara critical factor in migration decisions.

For Israel, the challenge ahead is clear: how to retain its talent and restore a sense of security for those who call it home. How and when theres a cessation to the conflicts Israel faces will be pivotal in determining whether current migration trends represent a temporary spikeor a lasting shift in the countrys future.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
VALLETTA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Government of Malta on Thursday launched a public call for the development of its first offshore renewable energy project, marking a significant step toward sustainability and energy diversification.

The designated site for the project is situated 12 nautical miles off Malta's coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone.

At a press conference, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized the project's importance for Malta's future as a Mediterranean hub for renewable energy.

"This innovative project will strengthen Malta's energy diversification and expand the use of renewable energy," Abela said, adding that the initiative represents an opportunity to tackle climate change challenges with forward-looking solutions.

Earlier in the day, the government issued an international pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), inviting private-sector participation in the floating wind turbine project.

The PQQ outlines the project's key details and allows potential participants to showcase their technical and financial capabilities. Based on this evaluation, the top five candidates will proceed to the next phase, known as the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD).

During the ITPD phase, these shortlisted candidates will submit initial proposals to form the basis for discussions. A subsequent competition for the Best and Final Offer (BAFO) will then determine the final project developer. 
MILAN (Reuters) - Italian police arrested a nun known for her prison work and 24 other people on Thursday as part of an investigation into the Ndrangheta mafia in the northern city of Brescia, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

They said Sister Anna Donelli, a volunteer in Milan's San Vittore prison, is suspected of mafia collusion and of acting as a go-between between the criminal group and its jailed gang members.

The nun, 57, is also well-known for her service in Milan's run-down districts. In February she was one of the recipients of the "Golden Panettone", an annual Milanese civic award.

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It was not immediately possible to reach the nun's lawyer for comment.

A police press release said two local politicians were also arrested, and that 1.8 million euros ($1.89 million) had been seized in the operation. The statement did not name any of the people targeted by the raid.

Suspects are accused of various crimes including mafia association, vote buying, illegal possession of weapons, money laundering, loan-sharking, drug dealing and false invoicing, the police statement added.

The alleged gang was connected to the issuance of 12 million euros worth of invoices for non-existent transactions that enabled complicit entrepreneurs to lower their income and evade taxes in return for a commission paid to mobsters.

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Originally from the poor southern region of Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta has evolved into Italy's most powerful mafia organisation, and has spread across Europe and the rest of the world, penetrating into so-called white-collar crime.

($1 = 0.9500 euros)

(Reporting by Emilio Parodi, editing by Alvise Armellini and Gareth Jones)
During a recent meeting, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban discussed the situation in the Middle East, their support for just peace in Ukraine and Ukraines postwar recovery.

Source: AP, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Meloni also congratulated Orban on his six-month rotating presidency of the European Union Council, the first phase of EU accession negotiations with Albania, and the progress made with Bulgaria and Romania in the enlargement of the Schengen area.

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Meloni and Orban also underlined the importance of tackling the problem of illegal migration, calling for greater cooperation to address the root causes and combat trafficking and smuggling.

Background:

On 4 December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with the Pope; they discussed the situation in Ukraine, among other issues.

Orban also made several trips to Russia and China during Hungarys EU presidency, where he spoke of peace in Ukraine.

Despite the barrage of criticism and the lack of any real results of his "peace efforts", the Hungarian prime minister continued to talk about the need for a "ceasefire" without explaining how it could be achieved.

Orban recently complained that the threat of war escalation "has never been greater".

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Julie Will has been appointed to serve as the new vice chancellor of academic affairs at Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle effective in January, the college said Wednesday.

She will succeed Deanna King, who plans to retire in January after a 31-year career at Ivy Tech.

Will brings more than 22 years of leadership and academic excellence to her new role, the college stated in a news release.

She has served as the campuss strategic plan lead, the dean of the School of Health Sciences and the School of Public Affairs and Social Services. Will has demonstrated a commitment to student success, workforce development, and strategic planning, the college says.

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We are thrilled to welcome Julie into this vital leadership position, said Lea Anne Crooks, chancellor of Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle.

Deanna King's accomplishments include transitioning the campus academic programs to primarily 8-week courses in the fall of 2018, enhancing flexibility and student success.

King also oversaw the shift to 100% virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring students could continue their education uninterrupted.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Jackson County Prosecutors Office is now reviewing the officer-involved shooting from last month that left a woman and her newborn dead.

The family says that they want to see charges filed against the officer who pulled the trigger. That decision is now in the hands of the Jackson Co. Prosecutor.

The shooting, which happened at Oval Springs Apartments in Independence, followed a domestic disturbance call. The Eastern Jackson County Police Involved Incident Team turned the case over to prosecutors on Wednesday morning.

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One teen killed, another in custody in rural Miami County, Kansas

Last week, the Independence Police Department released an edited portion of body camera footage and context of what they said led up to the deadly shooting.

34-year-old Maria Pike and her 11-week-old daughter Destinii died in the shooting.

There were other ways those cops or cop couldve handled the situation and saved Desitiniis life and possibly my sisters life as well, Nina Book, Marias sister, said.

Book also went on to explain that Maria was facing postpartum syndrome.

In the bodycam footage previously mentioned, you can see Pike sitting on a bed, holding her daughter. She then grabs a knife off a nightstand and lunges at officers.

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As a result, one officer fired at the woman, killing her and her daughter.

Family said that Destiniis grandmother and Pike got into a fight, which led to the police being called.

Efforts to remove Jackson County Executive Frank White begin again

Destiniis grandfather, Mitchell Holder Sr. said that the officer who fired the gun should be charged and that hed still like to see the footage in full.

Its definitely wrongful death for the baby, he said.

He cant get out of that. If he does, then we have an issue. That would be something thats an issue. We all make mistakes, he made a fatal one.

Book also said shed like to see charges filed.

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I would like some kind of meditation of charges, she said.

I dont want to see someone just walk away after taking two souls off this Earth.

Following the deadly shooting, three IPD officers, one of which was the one who fired, were put on administrative leave.

IPD says that the department will not make any additional statements until they receive a determination from the prosecutors office. The office also says they cannot answer any questions regarding a timeline on decisions or charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx joined lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday to push for more funding for the National Institute of Healths (NIH) research program on Down syndrome.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, named after Foxxs late sister who had Down syndrome, has already passed the House and been introduced to the Senate.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) worked with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and others to form and introduce the legislation, which would increase research funding up to $250 million for the NIHs Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome (INCLUDE) Project.

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When we lost DeOndra, we lost a part of our soul, Foxx said during a press briefing. We all felt it. It was gut wrenching. She had so much life.

Foxx has had an extensive partnership with GLOBAL, creating the DeOndra Dixon Fund in 2020 after her passing. DeOndra had also been appointed a global ambassador for the foundation in 2011.

GLOBAL flew in 150 members comprised of people with Down syndrome and their families for the briefing. Foxx was joined by his father, George Dixon, who was brought to tears by the support in the room.

Funding for the INCLUDE Project and Down syndrome research at the NIH currently sits at $111 million.

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The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act seeks to expand clinical trials for those with Down syndrome, increase targeted research on the extra chromosome associated with the condition and open doors for collaboration with other departments within the NIH. Those with Down syndrome are predisposed to certain conditions such as Alzheimers disease and leukemia but are less likely to experience mass tumor cancers or certain heart diseases.

McMorris Rogers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has a son with Down syndrome.

Although this is the most common chromosome abnormality, it is also the least funded at NIH, she said. And were going to change that.

She also thanked Foxx for bringing the star power to the cause, adding that his attendance increased attention on Capitol Hill.

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She taught us how to embrace the good of life, Foxx said of his sister.

She is going to be more famous than me, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MANILA (Reuters) - Japan and the Philippines signed a 1.6 billion yen ($10.65 million) security assistance deal on Thursday to boost the Southeast Asian nation's maritime security and surveillance abilities amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.

Both the Philippines and Japan, two of the United States' closest Asian allies, have taken a strong line against what they see as aggressive behaviour by Chinese vessels amid decades-old disputes over maritime sovereignty.

Japan will provide the Philippine Navy with equipment such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats and coastal radar systems under its Overseas Security Assistance programme to enhance its maritime domain awareness capabilities.

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"The project is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes, and will be of significance to Japan's security," Japan's embassy in Manila said.

The Philippine Air Force will receive equipment to support its air surveillance radar system, boosting monitoring capabilities, it added.

"The strengthened security cooperation reflects Japan and the Philippines' shared commitment to regional peace and stability," the Philippines' Department of National Defense said in a statement.

In July, the Philippines and Japan signed a landmark military pact allowing deployment of forces on each other's soil, smoothing military cooperation between the two countries.

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Japan has no claim to the South China Sea, but has a separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea.

On Wednesday, the Philippines accused Chinese coast guard vessels of firing water cannons and side-swiping a Manila fisheries bureau boat on a resupply mission in a contested shoal in the South China Sea. China has maintained that its actions were lawful and professional.

($1 = 150.3000 yen)

(Reporting by Karen Lema; editing by Mark Heinrich)
As Christmas approaches, children in many parts of the world look forward to a visit from the potbellied Santa Claus, who comes down chimneys carrying a sackful of gifts over his shoulder. In Japan, some children also wait for Hotei, a jolly Japanese god with a rotund frame who carries a similar bag full of treasures. Hoteis visit, however, coincides with the new year.

As a scholar of East Asian religions who studies deities transformations over time, Ill often explain to my students that cross-cultural encounters produce new understandings and images of gods.

You can listen to more articles from The Conversation, narrated by Noa, here.

Since the late 19th century, Japanese and Western observers have remarked on the similarities between Hotei and Santa Claus, and some writers even identify Hotei as the Japanese Santa Claus. This identification has grown even stronger in post-World War II Japan, where Christmas became a widely celebrated holiday following the American occupation that lasted until 1952.

From Zen monk to Laughing Buddha

The name Hotei is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese budai, which means cloth bag. In Japan, Hotei is also known as Hotei osho, or monk Hotei, which refers to his origin as a 10th-century Chinese monk.

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Hotei belongs to the Zen school of Buddhism, which celebrates simplicity and rejects the desire for fame and fortune. Zen texts portray Hotei as a wandering monk who is content to live a humble, simple life. He carries a large sack full of odds and ends and shares his treasures with children.

Some texts even identify Hotei as a buddha. Buddhism teaches that there were multiple buddhas in the past, and there will be more buddhas to come in the future. The most recent buddha  the buddha most Westerners think of when they hear the word  was called Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni, and lived about 2,500 years ago. The next buddha will be Maitreya, or Miroku in Japanese.

According to one 13th-century Chinese text, a friend noticed that Hotei had an eye on his back and recognized this as a sign of buddhahood. This same text suggests that Hotei is an incarnation of the future buddha Maitreya.

One of the Seven Lucky Gods

Hoteis well-fed appearance and bag of treasures represented abundance in China and Japan. As a symbol of good fortune, Hotei was included in the set of Seven Lucky Gods, which developed in Japan by the 17th century. Along with Hotei, this set brought together other Buddhist gods  Daikokuten, Bishamonten and Benzaiten  with Chinese gods of longevity and prosperity and the Shinto god Ebisu. Each god is associated with a magical object and a specific virtue. Hoteis object is his bag that magically remains full, and his virtue is generosity.

The Seven Lucky Gods do play a role in a Japanese holiday  but on New Years, not Christmas. In the first few days of the new year, the Seven Lucky Gods steer their treasure ship from the heavens to earth. On the first night of the new year, children place under their pillows a picture of the seven gods on their ship. This is supposed to bring a good dream, a sign of good luck for the year ahead.

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As one of these lucky gods, Hotei is known for being fond of food and drink, and even serves as the patron deity of bars and restaurants.

In Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods are believed to steer their treasure ship from the heavens to earth on New Years Day. Print made by Kitao Shigemasa, Tokyo, 1772/1780 via Wikimedia Commons

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The Japanese Santa Claus?

Given the many similarities between Hotei and Santa Claus, including the roles they play in the holiday season, it is not surprising that people both inside and outside Japan have conflated Hotei with Santa Claus.

American Christmas differs from its European predecessors by combining elements from multiple countries, especially Germany and England, to create a new kind of celebration. American representations of Santa Claus  including the popular image that first appeared in a Coca-Cola advertisement  also transformed the European St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Pere Noel and Sinterklaas into a distinctively American figure with his red and white suit, sleigh and reindeer.

Japanese Christmas developed its own unique customs, such as eating at KFC and buying strawberry-adorned Christmas cakes. While many Americans celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, in Japan, with its tiny Christian population, Christmas is wholly secular.

Accounts of Christmas in Japan often emphasize Hoteis role as Japanese Santa Claus, and describe Hotei with eyes on the back of his head so that he, like Santa, can constantly observe children to determine whether they truly deserve presents.

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This shows how cross-cultural encounters have changed ideas about Hotei: The eye on Hoteis back has been reimagined as eyes on the back of his head so he can determine, like Santa Claus, if kids have been naughty or nice.

However, not everyone in Japan is convinced that Hotei is the Japanese Santa Claus. In Japan it is still Santa Claus, not Hotei, who gives children presents on Dec. 25. Still, every year in December, revelers put a Santa hat and beard on the Hotei statue in Tokyos Maitreya Temple, or Mirokuden, which shows how common the identification of Hotei with Santa Claus has become.

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: Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee

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Megan Bryson 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.
JD Vance's mother wants her son's hometown to show him some recognition  a proposal that drew both support and skepticism from the city council.

Beverly Aikins, Vance's mother, addressed Middletown City Council on Tuesday night and asked the city to put up a sign to publicly recognize her son as the vice president-elect.

"I am just here because I am JD Vance's mother and as you know he is our new vice president-elect and he thinks of Middletown as his home," Aikins said during the meeting's public comment. "I still live here and his sister still lives in Middletown. He's got two nieces who live here and I just think it would be really nice if we could acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs."

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"He graduated from Middletown High School," she added. "He comes back here frequently to visit me and take me to dinner, and I humbly request that."

Beverly Aikins attended her son JD Vance's Middletown rally in July.

Some Middletown leaders want 'Hillbilly Elegy' author to be honored

Vance graduated from Middletown High School in 2003. He wrote about his upbringing in the southwestern Ohio city in "Hillbilly Elegy."

Scotty Robertson, vice president of the Middletown Area Ministerial Alliance, said he also wanted to see city recognition for Vance.

"Any time someone from our hometown is elected to such a high office, that's something to celebrate," he said.

Robertson acknowledged "there are many that have been made nervous and afraid" by Vance and Donald Trump winning the election, such as immigrants and those in the LGBTQ community, and said their "voices need to be heard," too.

JD Vance held his first solo rally as a vice presidential candidate at Middletown High School, his alma mater, in July.

What Middletown city leaders said about Vance

Council, which is made up of five nonpartisan members, was divided on the issue. Councilman Paul Lolli agreed there should be a sign or street named after Vance. He said the city's communication team should have recognized Vance weeks ago on its official social media pages.

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The city's school district made a post about Vance becoming the next vice president hours after the election results were finalized.

In response, the city's official Facebook page posted a statement congratulating Vance on Wednesday.

Councilman Steve West, who attended Vance's Middletown campaign rally in July, said it was "unacceptable" that Vance hadn't been publicly recognized by the city since Vance and Donald Trump won the election.

What if Vance and Trump create 'havoc?'

Councilwoman Jennifer Carter, who previously told The Enquirer she doesn't like Vance's polices, said the vice president-elect should have to prove himself before a sign or street is named after him, as other Middletown natives have done.

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"Why can't we wait and see what he does?" she said. "If he gets into office and creates havoc, with him and Trump sending people out of the country... all of the things they said they wanted to do. If all of these things happen, we're still saying yay?"

Councilman Paul Horn agreed with recognizing Vance as a Middletown native.

"What if he really does bad things? That's how you remove signs  when people screw up," he said.

Mayor Elizabeth Slamka acknowledged the issue is polarizing, but said plans for signs recognizing Vance are "in the works," as well as a feature on him in the city's January newsletter.

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A majority of Middletown voters, 62%, supported Vance and Trump in November.

Middletown by the numbers

(Ohio figures for comparison in parentheses)

Population: 51,478.

White: 78.4% (80.6%).

Black: 11.8% (13.4%).

Asian: 0.8% (2.8%).

Hispanic: 4.3% (4.8%).

Foreign-born: 2.9% (4.9%).

Home ownership rate: 53% (66.8%).

Median home value: $135,200 ($183,300).

Bachelor's degree or higher: 16.1% (30.4%).

Median household income: $50,457 ($66,990).

Persons in poverty: 19.2% (13.4%).

Source: US Census

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: JD Vance's mother wants a sign recognizing him in hometown
KIEV, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian army is set to receive more than 30,000 Deep Strike combat drones next year, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Thursday.

"These next-generation drones can operate autonomously over long distances and strike enemy targets with high precision," Umerov wrote on Facebook.

The delivery of the drones is a part of the "Resilience Plan" unveiled last month by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Umerov noted.

He added that a portion of these drones is funded by international partners that have invested in Ukraine's defense industry.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials outlined plans to produce in 2024 between 1 million and 2 million FPV drones, about 10,000 medium-range and more than 1,000 long-range combat drones. 
Billionaire Jeff Bezos said Wednesday he is proud The Washington Post ended its tradition of endorsing presidential nominees, suggesting it was a brave but necessary decision for the paper.

It was the right decision. I am proud of the decision we made, Bezos said during The New York Times DealBook Summit in New York. And it was far from cowardly because we knew there would be blowback, and we did the right thing anyway.

The Amazon founder announced in late October that the Post would no longer endorse presidential candidates, saying the tradition of major media outlets doing so did nothing to tip the scale of an election. Rather, he claimed, the media needed to shift to counter Americans eroding trust in the news.

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We must be accurate, and we must be believed to be accurate, Bezos wrote in an opinion piece. Its a bitter pill to swallow, but we are failing on the second requirement. Most people believe the media is biased. Anyone who doesnt see this is paying scant attention to reality, and those who fight reality lose.

Jeff Bezos offered his most extensive comments to date about Donald Trumps return to power. He praised Trumps deregulatory agenda, and the leadership of Elon Musk, who is set to be the president-elects partner in cost-cutting. https://t.co/JOIBUx92Vypic.twitter.com/tQIu7ffpgV  DealBook (@dealbook) December 5, 2024

Recent Gallup polls do show a downward trend in American trust in mass media, with just under a third of respondents saying recently they held a great deal or fair amount of confidence in an accurate free press. Those numbers are split even more dramatically on party lines, with just 12% of Republicans agreeing with that sentiment (compared with 54% of Democrats).

The Washington Post Guild said at the time of Bezos announcement that the paper had an endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris drafted before the billionaire decided to pull it, 11 days before the November election.

A statement from Post Guild leadership on the Washington Post's decision to not endorse a presidential candidate pic.twitter.com/fYU7hkr79K  Washington Post Guild (@PostGuild) October 25, 2024

The decision prompted a wave of resignations at the paper and some 250,000 readers, or about 10% of the papers paying customers, canceled their subscriptions.

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Bezos said Wednesday he wasnt concerned about the Posts reader base, adding later in the conversation that he had a bunch of ideas for the paper to put it back on a good footing again.

We knew that this was going to be perceived in a very big way, the billionaire said Wednesday. You cant do the wrong thing because youre worried about bad PR or whatever it is. This was the right decision. We made the right decision. Im very proud of the decision.

He went on to vow that the Post would continue to cover presidents from both parties with journalistic rigor.

I am very aware that the Post covers all presidents very aggressively and will continue to cover all presidents very aggressively, Bezos added.

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Bezos paid $250 million for the Post in 2013.

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POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa  A semi truck driver accused of leading law enforcement on a chase on Interstate 80 earlier this week has been charged with eluding.

At around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday troopers with the Iowa State Patrol responded to a report of a semi truck that had a chain dragging and creating sparks on I-80, about 15 miles west of Council Bluffs. Troopers located the semi near the Harlan exit and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the semi driver failed to stop, the Iowa State Patrol said.

Gabe on the Go: The evolution of Iowa Falls Metropolitan Opera House

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A pursuit ensued and lasted for 76 miles before it ended at the Dallas County Weigh Station, according to a criminal complaint. Troopers utilized multiple tire deflation devices to try and stop the semi. Court records state that the front steer tires on the semi truck were deflated and were torn to shreds from the driver continuing to drive on rims.

The driver of the semi, now identified as Joseariel Rosa Rivera from New Jersey, was taken into custody and transported to a hospital to be evaluated for a possible medical issue, the ISP said.

According to a search warrant, law enforcement on scene noted that Rosa Rivera had visible body tremors, sporadic abdominal convulsing, bloodshot and watery eyes, and constricted pupils. The search warrant also states that he was repeatedly saying Jesus Christ is coming to officers and medical personnel.

On Thursday the ISP confirmed that Rosa Rivera has now been charged with eluding in connection to the pursuit.

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Dec. 4MORGANTOWN  West Virginia Army veteran and former POW Jessica Lynch came ot WVU Tuesday night to tell the story of her ordeal and her life since  and to share her message of encouragement and perseverance.

"Any time I am faced with any kind of life struggles, it's like I just can't give up, " she said. "Don't quit now. ... Whatever it is, just never give up. Always find something good and positive that you look forward to, and just keep striving."

WVU's Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs hosted Lynch's appearance.

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West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Bill Crane was pleased to introduce her, and to finally meet her after 21 years.

He was a very young major in 2003 when Lynch was captured, he said. He was assigned the duty of having to inform her parents that she was missing in action.

This week, he and Lynch had lunch together. "I was so glad to finally get to meet her, because it had been 21 years since it had happened." He turned to her, "I'm so proud of all you do for the state of West Virginia, and our country and for our veterans."

Lynch opened her story back I 2001, after graduating from high school in May 2001, with plans to become a kindergarten teacher. That plan took an unexpected turn when she, age 18, and her younger sister and older brother were at home one day, and an Army recruiter came to their door.

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She and her brother enlisted that day and she trained as a supply clerk, she said.

Jump to 2003. She'd re-enlisted with the hope of serving in Hawaii. Instead, she was deployed to Kuwait. She chuckled, saying her commander told her, "But I'm giving you sand."

Now 19 and just shy of turning 20, she was part of the 507th Maintenance Company Air Defense Artillery. The invasion of Iraq began March 20. A convoy set out for Baghdad.

On the second day, her unit fell behind, she said. She was among 33 people in 17 vehicles who stayed behind as the rest pushed on. By that night, they realized they were lost and 19 hours behind the convoy.

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On March 23, they thought they saw the convoy lights but instead found themselves in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. Iraqis with guns started appearing, even children bearing AK-47s. It was an ambush.

She was in a four-person Humvee with five soldiers that crashed into another vehicle. The driver, Lori Piestewa, died in the crash and the three men in the Humvee were shot to death. Lynch was knocked unconscious, taken out and dragged to a nearby palace.

Her captors broke her bones, she said: They snapped her right humerus (upper arm bone), broke vertebrae in her back, her left femur, her ribs, smashed her left tibia with a metal pipe. Her right foot was broken and crushed.

She awoke in a bed in what was then called Saddam Hospital. She couldn't feel anything from waist down. She was constantly moved around the hospital and one day taken to an operating room.

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"I started to freak out, " she said. She didn't know what they were going to do. She cried and begged them to stop. They did and returned her to a room.

For a time, she was taken to an abandoned building on the outskirts of town and left alone, then returned to the hospital. She had no sense of time. Except for 4 ounces of orange juice served to her for a proof-of-life video, she had no food or water.

Her rescuers arrived on April 1. In a hospital in Germany, she learned the Iraqis has removed her femur and replaced it with an unsterilized 1940s rod designed for a man, which caused an infection. She'd been taken to the Iraqi OR to have the leg amputated.

Since then, she's had 22 surgeries and soon faces her ninth surgery on her foot. But she carries on. "I know that I am just blessed to be here." With each surgery, "I come out stronger than I went in."

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More of her story unfolded during a Q &A session.

About 10 years ago, she wa shit with PTSD. "It was just kind of like a light switch that flipped on me."

She reached a point of planning suicide and was alone in her car when she suddenly thought, "I don't want my daughter to grow up without a mom."

She won't compare her nine days to the years other veterans have suffered in captivity. But, "in the shape that I was in, I definitely would not have survived any more than that." She felt the life fading from her.

She finally did achieve her career dream. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees and she now substitute teaches in Wirt and Wood counties. And she also serves part time with the state Department of Veterans Assistance helping with claims.

And she did finally make it to Hawaii, with some friends. "We just got to relax and chill on the beach  the real sand."
JetBlue is shaking up its route network, cutting or changing a dozen less profitable flights across the world.

A number of the cuts are at its hub in New York City, with flights to Austin, Houston, Miami, and Milwaukee being cut, JetBlue confirmed to Travel + Leisure. The carrier will also not resume flights between New York and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which it previously cut earlier this year.

The airline will also end all flights to San Jose, CA, and stop serving the city, as well as end flights between Westchester and Charleston and between Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale.

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As part of our JetForward strategic plan, JetBlue is focused on building a network that best serves our customers and supports our long-term success, JetBlue said in a statement shared with T+L. Recently, we made some network adjustments in certain markets, removing some underperforming flying from our schedule, allowing us to redeploy resources, including our popular Mint service, toward high-demand markets and new opportunities.

The airline said it would announce how we will redeploy this capacity, including into our European network in the coming weeks.

In addition to ending routes, JetBlue will also plan to change how others operate. Flights between Boston and Phoenix, for example, will transition into a winter seasonal route, as will flights between New York and Tulum and between Boston and Grenada.

The airline, which reduced service in half between New York and Paris to once daily in October, will continue to fly once per day and will not plan to bring back a second daily summer seasonal flight.

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Finally, in Seattle, the airline will use Core-only aircraft on all its routes from the city.

Beyond continuing to shake up its schedule, JetBlue quietly raised baggage prices in February and changed how it charges for bags by introducing a peak and off-peak pricing structure in the spring.

The airline officially ended its planned merger with Spirit Airlines in March, weeks after a federal judge blocked the effort. Spirit has since filed for bankruptcy.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Jim Banks, Indiana's incoming U.S. senator, supports Pete Hegseth, he said Thursday after meeting with President-elect Donald Trumps embattled choice to lead the Department of Defense.

Pete Hegseth is a decorated veteran and a patriot who will always put America first, Banks said in a statement. Pete is focused on what Im focused on, which is getting wokeness out of the military and making our Department of Defense lethal again.

Trump in November nominated Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor, to lead the Department of Defense, which oversees the countrys military. Hegseth is a veteran of the Army National Guard.

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Hegseth has faced controversies over his nomination, including an allegation of sexual assault.

The role requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate, which will include Indiana Republicans Todd Young and Banks. A spokesperson for Youngs office said the senator and Hegseth have not met yet, but plan to in the near future.

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Jim Banks views on Pete Hegseth

It comes as no surprise that Banks, a fervent supporter of Trump, is publicly endorsing Hegseth. Banks also said last month he would vote to confirm Florida Republican Matt Gaetz as attorney general prior to Gaetz withdrawing from consideration following allegations of sexual misconduct between Gaetz and a minor.

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Hegseths nomination, too, has been followed by controversies. USA TODAY reported that Hegseth was involved in a sexual assault allegation in 2017, but no charges were filed. News outlets have also reported allegations of misconduct and intoxication while Hegseth led a veterans nonprofit, which his lawyer has denied.

Banks, who is also a veteran, has been publicly supportive of Hegseth since Trump announced him as his Defense pick last month.

In a statement Thursday, Banks said that Hegseth wont back down from the media, or from the bureaucracy and he wont back down from China, Iran or Russia.

Thank you for your time and support Senator @Jim_Banks. I look forward to putting lethality back at the center of DoD's mission. pic.twitter.com/DyrsUmqP9o  Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 5, 2024

Both Banks and Hegseth posted photos of their meeting on X Thursday.

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Thank you for your time and support Senator @Jim_Banks, Hegseth wrote on X. I look forward to putting lethality back at the center of DoDs mission.

What is Todd Youngs view of Pete Hegseth?

Young, who served in the Marines, has not issued any public statements about Hegseth although he has publicly supported some of Trumps other cabinet picks, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration.

IndyStar asked Youngs office in November about the senators view of Hegseth and then-Attorney General nominee Gaetz.

Senator Young has voiced his support for the nominees he has worked with and knows well, a spokesperson said then. For the nominees he doesnt know well, he looks forward to learning more about their backgrounds and vision for the office in the coming months.

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Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jim Banks supports Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's Defense nominee
Jimmy Carter's grandson says that the former president's stubbornness may be part of the reason behind his lengthy hospice care.

During an episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Politically Georgia" podcast aired on Monday, Dec. 2, the former president's grandson Jason Carter said that his sheer willpower, as well as his Christian faith, have helped him live beyond his family's initial expectations.

Related: Jimmy Carter's Youngest Son, Jeff, Has Been Quietly Living with Parkinson's Disease (Exclusive)

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We are not the ones responsible for when and how people leave this world in this kind of a way, and his faith story is one that has been important to him, and this is another part of that, Jason said Monday during the podcast episode, also noting his grandfather's time as a Sunday school teacher in Georgia after his presidency.

On a more personal level, I just think hes stubborn. I mean, hes never given up on anything in his life and hes not going to start now, Jason added.



Related: President Jimmy Carter Hits 1-Year Mark Since Entering Hospice Care: 'It's Very Powerful'

Yvonne Hemsey/Liason Agency/Getty Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1983.

Jimmy first entered hospice care in February 2023, and many members of his family shared that he may only live for days or weeks at the time. Though he has made a few public appearances since entering hospice, the most recent of which was at his late wife Rosalynn Carters funeral more than a year ago, he is "physically limited" and spends his time at home with loved ones, family previously said.

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Related: Jimmy Carter Nominated for 10th Grammy Award Nearly 21 Months After Beginning Hospice Care

Also on the podcast episode, Jason said that his grandfather has some good days and some bad days when it comes to his health, but he remains relatively "active."

Hes got big, good days where hes pretty active, hes up and active and talking and enjoying, including in politics. But most days hes not that active, hes going to sleep a lot of the time, he told AJC.

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.

The former president turned 100 on Oct. 1, and another one of his grandsons, Josh Carter, told PEOPLE that his whole family was by his side as he celebrated in private.

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"On his actual birthday we went down to see him, Josh said. It was my family, a lot of my cousins. He had a houseful of his kids, his grandkids, his great-grandkids, he said, later adding that the great-grandkids blew out Jimmys birthday cake candles for him.

The whole day, Josh said, "was a big celebration of his family and we wanted to be there and remind him, 'This is what you built.' "

Related: Rosalynn Carter's Grandson Shares His Caregiving Experience in New Film Produced by Bradley Cooper (Exclusive)

ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Former President Jimmy Carter at his wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral on Nov. 28, 2023 Former President Jimmy Carter at his wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral on Nov. 28, 2023

Those close to the 39th president have also been candid about how his wife Rosalynn's 2023 death at age 96 impacted him, as he has now spent most of his nearly two years in hospice without her.

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Hes surrounded by family and friends and love, and he misses Mrs. Carter terribly, every day, Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, recently told PEOPLE. He is still engaged in the world and interested, but he doesn't feel the weight of the world is on his shoulders because he's handed it off to The Carter Center to move forward.



Related: Jimmy Carter Fulfills Final Wish by Casting Ballot for Kamala Harris: 'It Was a Good Morning for Him'

Jimmy filled out his ballot for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Wednesday, Oct. 16, before it was placed by Chip's wife, Becky, in a dropbox at the Sumter County Courthouse, his son Chip and grandson Jason previously confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," Jimmy reportedly told one of his children, according to Jason.

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I think he feels good, Chip, 74, later said about his father completing an absentee ballot in October. It was a good morning for him and good for us that he got it done.



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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  Republican Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, a seat currently held by Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Fleming, a military veteran and former naval officer, highlighted his tenure as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the America First principles. I cannot fully express the deep sense of pride I have, having served President Trump in the West Wing of the White House as he was literally fighting for his political life, Fleming said in his statement, expressing his aims to continue advocating for these principles in the Senate.

Before his election as state treasurer in 2023, Fleming represented Louisianas 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2009 to 2017 and is a noted businessman and family physician. He co-founded the House Freedom Caucus, which opposed liberal policies during the Obama administration and what he views as the Washington establishment.

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See arguments for, against 4 proposed constitutional amendments on the Dec. 7 ballot

Fleming also criticized some Republicans for abandoning Trump during his presidency, stating, A number of Republicans walked away from President Trump in the last year of his first term, but those who turned their backs on him and America First were not committed to his fight to make America great again.

Louisiana deserves a true conservative voice in this seat in the United States Senate, Fleming continued, promising to deliver the leadership needed to ensure the state thrives. He pledged to fight against what he describes as progressive policies that undermine conservative values, including those related to federal spending, immigration, and the Second Amendment.

Fleming, who funded his education after his fathers sudden passing, resonates deeply with working-class families, emphasizing no taxes on tips, overtime pay, or Social Security. Working men and women will find a U.S. Senator in me that will fight for the things that matter most to them: better jobs, more take-home pay, and conservative values, Fleming said.

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In his announcement, Fleming took a direct swipe at his potential rival, stating, Senator Cassidy has failed the people of Louisiana, referencing Cassidys vote to convict President Trump during the impeachment trial and criticizing his subsequent comments about the former president.

Responding to Flemings candidacy, a spokesperson for Sen. Cassidy remarked, I thought he wanted to be State Treasurer? John Fleming wants to get out of Louisiana. He publicly said he wanted a job in the Trump administration, and apparently they didnt want him. So after less than a year as State Treasurer, hes looking for another job to return to Washington. Again, I thought he wanted to be State Treasurer, but apparently not.

Trumps picks for key positions in his second administration

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BALTIMORE  On his way out of office, Johnny Olszewski  who has resigned as Baltimore County executive effective Jan. 3 ahead of his transition to U.S. Congress  is making one last push for affordable housing.

In an executive order Tuesday, Olszewski said developers must set aside a certain percentage of new development units to be offered to low-income renters at a discounted rate. Ten percent of units must be for households making less than $55,000 a year (60% of the area median income), and another 10% must be for households making less than approximately $80,000 a year (80% of the area median income). That would include some residents working as teachers and police officers  or even county council members, noted County Council Chair Izzy Patoka.

Access to high quality, affordable housing should be a fundamental right, Olszewski, a Democrat, said in a statement. Leaders have an obligation to do whatever they can to create attainable housing opportunities that allow residents to put down roots and join vibrant neighborhoods.

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County Councilman Mike Ertel, a Democrat, said that though affordable housing efforts sometimes carry a negative connotation, the issue has to be addressed.

Rents have gone up dramatically in the last several years, and theres a lot of people out there who are barely making it  from teachers to restaurant workers to health care workers, Ertel said.

The executive order Tuesday was the summation of various efforts on affordable housing during Olszewskis time in office, said Terry Hickey, director of the Baltimore County Department of Housing and Community Development.

Asked why the order came so late in Olszewskis term, Hickey said its been in the works for a long time. This is just when it happened to get finalized, and we wanted to make sure that it was done right, he said.

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More than 50,000 households in Baltimore County are spending 30% of their income on rent, according to data compiled by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Community Development Network of Maryland.

But data isnt everything, said Patoka, a Democrat.

Data is good. However, I think you also need to weave in community sentiment, he said. You get into real problems if you dont engage [the] community, especially when you are changing the landscape of the communities where people have lived for 20 or 30 years.

Patoka said that community concerns raised about building affordable housing include traffic and school capacity. He added that he supports creating opportunities for affordable housing and that its also important to make sure there are adequate public facilities.

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You need to be able to take on the sewage load from additional units, he said. You need to be able to address the traffic. You need to be able to have seats in the schools where the children are going to. We dont want to overcrowd our schools.

Hickey describes the executive order as a market-based approach that also sets a bottom line.

We dont want developers to think they can get a public benefit to build pickleball courts or do other amenities on the site and not consider making some of those apartments available to people at different incomes, Hickey said.

The executive order comes as the county nears fulfilling its Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where it committed to creating 1,000 affordable rental housing units by March 2028. Hickey said more than 900 units are currently approved.

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But reaching 1,000 units is just the basement of what the department plans to achieve, Hickey said.

We dont want to get done with VCA and say, Oh, we solved our housing problem, he said. We need to send a clear message that if you want to build in Baltimore County, and if you want public financial support for your development, that you are going to be a partner in this attainable housing goal.

Housing policy may be a topic of discussion at upcoming December hearings as the County Council decides who will replace Olszewski as county executive, Patoka said. On Dec. 10, county residents can weigh in at a public hearing on what qualities they want in a county executive, followed by a public interview of candidates on Dec. 16.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Salvation Army of Johnson City received a $10,000 donation to support the construction of a new veterans wing at the shelter.

The donation, presented by The Regions Foundation of Tennessee, will help fund the 15-room addition to the shelter specifically for U.S. military veterans.

The area will have single-occupancy rooms with furnishings and an outdoor courtyard.

TDEC orders CSX to immediately cease and desist removing rock from Nolichucky

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Veterans enrolled in the program will have a private room with a bathroom, furnished with a bed, dresser, desk, chair and personal care items.

Every element of this new veterans wing has been designed with great intention, Major RC Duskin, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Johnson City, said in a news release. We aim to provide our local veterans with the privacy, dignity, and security they deserve. This generous gift from the Regions Foundation of Tennessee brings us closer to that vision, and we are truly grateful for their partnership in making a lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Additional funds for the veterans wing are still needed, according to the Salvation Army.

Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1715, Johnson City, TN 37605 with the memo line Veterans Wing.

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two kindergarten students were seriously wounded and the suspected gunman is dead after shooting at a school in Northern California on Wednesday, authorities said.

The shooting took place around 1 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, said the Butte County Sheriff's Office, adding multiple agencies had immediately responded to the incident.

An officer from California Highway Patrol was first on the scene and located the shooter, a man who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said in a news conference Wednesday evening, adding that a handgun was found next to the suspect.

Police officers found kindergarten students wounded at the scene and they were transported to a local hospital.

Honea said two boys ages 5 and 6 were in "extremely critical condition" at a local hospital and "the injuries are very, very serious."

Students were being taken to a nearby church after the shooting and parents were asked to respond to the church to be reunified with their children.

Honea said that the suspect was at the school to meet with the principal before the shooting to inquire about enrolling a family member.

Honea pointed out that the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident and the investigation is still in its early stages.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office said in a post on X that it "stands with the Butte County Sheriff's Office and Feather River Adventist School families and employees and are providing support to aid our partners and the community during this challenging time."

The K-8 school, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has a total of 35 students, officials said.

Palermo, home to over 5,000 residents, is about 104 km north of Sacramento, the capital of the U.S. state of California. 
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. is pushing back against a proposed 255-unit affordable housing complex that could bring roughly 600 new residents to the town.

The development is planned for a parcel of land between Greenville Avenue and Route 44 on George Waterman Road.

Polisena said the idea was initially presented on a smaller scale and that he has consistently advocated for single-family homes to be built the site instead.

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For a town of Johnstons size, Polisena is not on board with the project and argues it would disproportionately impact the town with a drastic increase in population.

Several residents voiced the same concerns during a public meeting Tuesday night, citing concerns about the development including the areas lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

The developer submitted a proposal to the town in October, outlining a 100% low- and moderate-income housing complex.

While the project is still in its early stages and requires approval from the Johnston Planning Board, Polisena has vowed to fight it, including challenging the states low-income housing statute in court if necessary.

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This project is so destructive to the town of Johnston that I cant, in good conscience, stay silent, Polisena wrote in a letter to the Johnston Planning Board, describing the potential influx of traffic, drainage issues and new students as a trifecta of chaos.

Polisena also detailed prior discussions with the former property owner, Sal Campagnone, where the towns preference for single-family homes was communicated. The mayor asserted that he and Johnston Town Council President Robert Russo made their objection to the proposed plan abundantly clear.

At the time, Polisena said Campagnone graciously expressed a willingness to coordinate a compromise with the town before his death in January.

The current developer, however, has not taken time to meet with the town, according to Deputy Chief of Staff Dominique Turner.

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No dialogue, no collaboration, just an apparent plan to bulldoze ahead under the protection of a state law designed to force-feed towns like ours ill-fitting developments, Polisena added.

During a phone call with 12 News, the developers attorney said they are open-minded people and are always willing to talk, but noted that the land in question is not suitable for single-family homes.

The developers lawyer also said that people tend to worry about this type of projects impact would bring to the school system, but the actual number of students would be a lot lower than anticipated.

Meanwhile, Polisena said he would use all the power of government to block the project from moving forward.

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The choice is yours, Polisena said. Bulldoze ahead with your current plan and be prepared to fight a town of 30,000 people in the process. Or, withdraw it and work with us to create something the town and will support.

The next phase of the proposal is expected to be submitted in spring 2025.

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JonBenet Ramseys father, who for some time in the 1990s was a key suspect in the sensational murder of the child beauty queen that captivated the nation, still believes that the case is solvable with new technology, he said on Tuesday.

John Ramsey spoke out about the case on News Nation, telling anchor Cecilia Vega that groundbreaking technology that allows detectives to analyze DNA evidence  which was not available in the aftermath of the Dec. 25, 1996, killing of JonBenet  will be the key to catching the murderer.

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I think they can, he said, agreeing with Vega that the case, still in the hands of the Boulder Police Department, is solvable. If they will do what we think is important and that uses the latest DNA technology, collaborate with these labs that are out there that have that capability, and then use the familial genealogy research  which is so successful in finding solutions to old cold cases  I think, if they do, theres a really good chance we get it solved.

Interest in the unsolved case has been revived after the release of a new Netflix three-part documentary, Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey, that takes a critical look at the Boulder Police Departments investigation into the 6-year-olds Christmas Day murder. Seven hours after the little blond girl was reported missing, her body was discovered in the basement of the Ramseys home; a garrote was tied around her neck and her skull was broken. JonBenets official cause of death was asphyxia by strangulation associated with craniocerebral trauma, according to her autopsy report.

While speaking with News Nation, John recounted his experience as suspicion turned to him and his wife, Patsy Ramsey, who died in 2006 after twice battling ovarian cancer. The story became a media sensation as the Boulder Police Department cast the dead girls parents as potential culprits, even though the DNA found at the scene did not match either of the girls parents or anyone in the family.

It spiraled out of control very quickly, he said. And then, of course, the police concluded, Well, its a family. Its always a family. Its got to be the mother, the father. We just turn on which one, right? And so lets bring pressure on both of them, using the media as a tool, and one of the innocent ones will confess and turn in the guilty one.'

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Earlier in the interview, John pointed out that the detective who had handled the murder probe had been an auto theft investigator, calling his qualifications questionable. He and Vega also discussed former Boulder police detective Linda Arndt, who faced a lawsuit and was ousted from the department after failing to contain the murder scene. She was the first authority at the scene of the crime and spent five hours there alone. Arndt famously told Good Morning America she knew who killed JonBenet but kept that to herself because it was an ongoing investigation. In the 1999 interview, she then went on to speak negatively of John.

She said she saw my eyes, which is a remarkable talent, John said. They decided on the first day. Well, Linda, of course, thought it was me because she saw it in my eyes, and then they focused on Patsy, and we said, OK, we understand why youre looking at us. Were in the home. Thats logical. We think its horrible, but we accept that. But dont stop there. Well, of course, they did. That was their conclusion. They just had to prove it. And that was difficult because the evidence then started coming in.

On Monday, the Boulder Police Department responded to claims that it failed to properly investigate the 1996 murder, telling The Hollywood Reporter that it is committed to following up on every lead.

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, Public Information Officer Dionne Waugh said on behalf of Chief Steve Redfearn. The assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing  to include DNA testing  is completely false.

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In response to the renewed public interest in the murder of JonBenet, the police department released its latest investigative update early. It includes a nearly six-minute video statement from Chief Redfearn that acknowledges the departments initial mishandling of the case.

So much of how law enforcement works has changed in the last 30 years. There are a number of things that people have pointed to throughout the years that could have been done better, and we acknowledge that as true, Redfearn stated. However, it is important to emphasize that while we cannot go back to that horrible day in 1996, our goal is to find JonBenet Ramseys killer.

In response to the Boulder Police Departments comments, Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey director and executive producer Joe Berlinger released a statement exclusively to THR calling on the department to communicate directly with the Ramsey family, whom he says have been kept in the dark regarding any progress on the case.

While the Boulder Police Departments 28-year-track record does not inspire confidence, we applaud any concrete effort they are taking to solve this horrible crime, he summarized in the opening to a lengthy statement on the matter. Neither we nor the Ramsey family said BPD is currently ignoring viable evidence and leads we said that we just dont know if the Boulder Police Department is pursuing viable evidence or leads because they have not given any concrete information to the family.

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The exterior of a Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center on May 28, 2019 in St Louis (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images).

Missouris trigger law banning nearly all abortions remains in place. But at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Amendment 3 will go into effect.

The constitutional amendment, which received 51.6% of the nearly 3 million votes cast, prohibits the legislature from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability  generally seen as the point at which a fetus can likely survive outside the womb without extraordinary measures.

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Planned Parenthood officials said they have providers and staff prepared to start seeing patients for walk-in medication abortion appointments at three clinics  in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia  beginning Friday, followed later by scheduled surgical abortions.

But whether that happens depends on the outcome of a lawsuit that had its first hearing before a Jackson County judge Wednesday.

What we dont have are the abilities to overcome state restrictions and hurdles that were intended to deny care, Emily Wales, President and CEO with Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said Wednesday evening.

Less than 24 hours after voters narrowly approved Amendment 3, the ACLU of Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers filed a lawsuit seeking to take down decades worth of overlapping restrictions and bans on abortion on the books in Missouri.

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There was no disagreement between Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney Generals office that Amendment 3 makes unconstitutional the trigger law that went into effect in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion.

The disagreement instead revolves around more than a dozen targeted regulation of abortion providers laws, also known as TRAP laws, that previously made abortions all but inaccessible in Missouri prior to the total ban taking effect.

Planned Parenthood is asking a Jackson County judge to grant a preliminary injunction which would immediately declare the current ban and the TRAP laws unconstitutional.

Every single day that Missourians cannot access their constitutional rights, theyre being denied critical care, Wales said.

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Solicitor General Josh Divine, who argued Wednesdays hearing on behalf of the state, characterized the lawsuit as unusually aggressive, saying it would be more appropriate for the plaintiffs to challenge each TRAP law individually rather than all together on a very short fuse.

He added that preliminary injunctions should only be granted in drastic, extraordinary circumstances. The lawsuit at hand, he contended, does not apply because Missourians are still able to access abortion in Illinois to the east and Kansas to the west.

Nobodys actually going to be materially affected by what this court does, Divine added.

A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

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By 2020, two years before the abortion ban went into effect, that number dropped to 167 as a result of the TRAP laws.

Sam Lee, a longtime Missouri anti-abortion activist and lobbyist, said hes been pleased by the attorney generals defense of Missouris anti-abortion laws.

If the TRAP laws remain in effect, as Lee is hoping, it may severely affect Planned Parenthoods ability to do abortions, because they werent doing abortions when those laws were in effect some years ago.

Judge Jerri Zhang, who is overseeing the case, did not immediately rule on the injunction when the hearing concluded late Wednesday evening.

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She did, however, deny the states request to remove Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as a defendant and move the case to Cole County. Earlier this year, a Cole County judge struck Amendment 3 from the ballot, a decision that was quickly overridden by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

The attorney generals office said they plan to appeal Zhangs decisions, arguing that Peters Baker does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors because of her previous statements in support of abortion rights.

The Missouri Attorney Generals Office also posed a court challenge to the Planned Parenthood suit. This latest lawsuit, filed last week in Cole County, questions Planned Parenthood Great Plains ability to sue the state, claiming a 2010 settlement agreement prevents them from doing so.

Missouris TRAP laws

For decades, Missouri legislators have passed laws restricting abortion access and regulating the procedure.

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The voters have now changed all of that, Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, argued before the court Wednesday.

Amendment 3 states, in part, that the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.

The litigation challenges numerous current laws, including a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the abortion procedure; requirements that abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital roughly 15 minutes away; and a requirement that the same physician who initially saw the patient also perform the abortion.

The lawsuit is also challenging the current law criminalizing physicians who perform abortions.

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Spottswood argued that a failure to immediately strike down the TRAP laws would cause irreparable harm to Missourians because patients and providers have to do twice the work to access abortion.

Meanwhile, the attorney generals office argued that striking down such laws would cause more harm.

Divine on multiple occasions cited an FDA label for mifepristone, one of two medications used to induce a medication abortion, that shows that according to two U.S. studies of about 1,00 women, up to 5% of women who took mifepristone ended up in the emergency room. It did not specify if the emergency room visits were necessary.

The same FDA label says that across three studies of more than 14,000 women who took mifepristone, fewer than 0.6% were admitted to the hospital as a result of the medication.

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Divine also noted that no individual women seeking abortions were named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, arguing thats because women dont actually want abortions once given more information. He said this is why the states requirements that those seeking abortions first be given the states informed consent booklet should remain.

Its against their moral beliefs, Divine said. But theyre being pressured, often by an abusive partner, by parents, things of that nature, so what were trying to do is were trying to create a situation where those women can in fact make the choice that they want to do, and we know most of the time thats childbirth.

About one in four women in the United States have an abortion before the age of 45, according to 2020 data. In 2021, around 94% of abortions occurred before 14 weeks gestation. Abortions later than 20 weeks account for fewer than 1% of all abortions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Divine, in his final arguments Wednesday, characterized the states TRAP laws as incidental, much like speeding laws or road construction that could delay someone getting to an abortion. But he said the TRAP laws dont fall under the strict scrutiny requirement and therefore dont require an immediate ruling.

Solicitor General Josh Divine called Planned Parenthoods lawsuit seeking to unravel Missouris abortion restrictions unusually aggressive while speaking to media Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, outside the Jackson County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

Zhang asked if delaying an abortion through the required 72-hour waiting period would infringe on a patients autonomy, especially if the patient was a day or two shy of 10 weeks gestation, when procedures switch from medication to surgical abortions.

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Divine responded that the attorney generals office believes Amendment 3 gives Missourians the right to an abortion, but doesnt give them the right to a certain abortion procedure.

He also noted that Amendment 3 doesnt specifically mention the legalization of mifepristone, alluding to future attempts by the incoming GOP administration to enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that bans mailing obscene material, including for the use of abortion.

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EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4)  A judge has dismissed the wrongful death lawsuit filed against the State of Utah by the parents of an Eagle Mountain boy who was tragically killed in a crash while playing in a stable in 2022.

Third District Court Judge Linda Jones dismissed the motion on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, after agreeing with the state that its agencies and employees cannot be held liable for the decisions of a parolee after he is released from incarceration.

Theresa and Robert Ratliff filed the lawsuit after their son Odin Ratliff, 3, and Hunter Johnson, also 3, were killed when a car lost control and crashed into the stable they were playing in. The driver of that car, Kent Cody Barlow, 28, has been charged with two counts of first-degree felony murder and misdemeanor possession or use of a controlled substance.

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Barlow is scheduled for a 15-day jury trial starting April 14, 2025, according to court documents.

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As part of their lawsuit, the Ratliffs said Barlow has a long and troubling history of disregarding the law. They claimed the state knew of his criminal history when they granted him parole less than 30 days after revoking his parole for another crime.

They alleged the Utah Department of Corrections, Board of Pardons and Parole, Wasatch Behavior Health, and Probation and Parole failed in their duty to hold Barlow accountable and supervise him during his parole.

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State attorneys agreed that the deaths of Odin and Hunter were tragic and recognized the Ratliffs grief, but said holding the State and its agencies liable is unwarranted and sets a dangerous precedent.

[It increases] the likelihood that inmates will be denied parole and a second chance at life because State Defendants fear they will be answerable for all parolees actions, the State countered in its motion to dismiss. The State then pointed to several previous lawsuits where government agencies and their employees were protected from being held liable.

Judge Jones ultimately agreed with the State of Utah saying she is required to follow the law. She dismissed the entire case with prejudice.

While Barlows trial is set for April, a hearing for oral arguments regarding evidence is scheduled for the morning of Dec. 19.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A Prince Georges County Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday that the man accused of shooting and killing a local activist would be held without bond.

According to police, 35-year-old Terrelle Bailey fatally shot 33-year-old Cornelius McDonald, a crisis hotline worker and youth advocate.

They reportedly got into an argument inside Jaspers Restaurant in Largo in the early hours of Nov. 30. Once outside, police say Bailey pulled out a gun and shot McDonald, killing him.

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In arguing for Bailey to be held without bond in court, the Assistant States Attorney emphasized the severity of the case, and that the victim was shot several times. The judge agreed with the States position and ordered the Defendant to remain held without bond, a news release on the decision stated.

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McDonald was also the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Stay Solid For Mental Health where he advocated for anti-gun violence and mental health in todays youth.

It is sad that Mr. McDonald was taken from the community he actively served, so tragically. My prayers go out to his family, States Attorney Aisha Braveboy stated in a news release. I am pleased that there was a quick arrest, that we had cooperation from witnesses on the scene and that we were able to collect significant evidence during this investigation. Now, we look forward to getting justice for Mr. McDonalds family.

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Baileys preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2025.

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Harford County Circuit Judge Yolanda L. Curtin denied Dion Guthrie's request for a temporary restraining order that would have restored him to his Harford County Council seat while he challenged the council's interpretation of a state law used to remove him. Curtin's decision backs the council's use of a 2012 amendment to the state constitution. File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

A Harford County judge refused Wednesday to temporarily block Dion Guthries removal from the Harford County Council, and appeared to back the countys interpretation of a state constitution provision that triggered his removal last month.

As part of a suit filed last week, Guthrie (D) sought a temporary restraining order that would return him to the council while he challenged the councils interpretation of the Maryland Constitution that his plea of nolo contedere to a theft charge required his automatic removal from office. Guthries suit said the nolo contendere plea was set aside by the Baltimore Count Circuit judge who sentenced him.

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But Harford County Circuit Judge Yolanda L. Curtin rejected his restraining order request in a 10-page order Wednesday.

The complete transcript of the plea hearing, along with the waiver of rights form signed by Guthrie, clearly establishes that Guthrie entered into a nolo contendere plea to a felony theft charge and the nolo contendere plea was accepted by Judge Robinson, Curtin wrote.

As a result of his plea, Guthrie was automatically removed from office by provisions in the Maryland Constitution, Curtin wrote. She added that Guthrie was not entitled to a restraining order because he would not likely prevail in his underlying lawsuit.

In balancing the harms here, Guthries harm was by his own doing and not because of any action by [Harford Council President Patrick] Vincenti, Curtin wrote. In contrast, if this Court were to grant the TRO [temporary restraining order], it would do so contrary to what the Maryland Constitution requires, and it would create significant harm to the Defendant, who is entrusted with operating the County Council in compliance with the Maryland Constitution.

Harford County Council member Dion Guthrie (D). File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Vincenti, a Republican, is the sole defendant in Guthries lawsuit. He was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

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Doug Gansler, the former Maryland attorney general who is representing Guthrie, said he and his client are reviewing the decision and considering next steps. Options include filing a motion asking Curtin to reconsider her decision, requesting a preliminary injunction or filing an appeal.

Its a preliminary step, Gansler said of Curtins order. This was the first step in a long process.

Guthrie was removed last month after entering a plea of nolo contendere to charges that he stole more than $23,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local he ran for 52 years. Hours after that plea, Vincenti and attorneys for the council announced Guthrie had vacated the seat by operation of law once he entered the plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court.

That was in reference to a 2012 amendment to the Maryland Constitution that requires the automatic removal of any elected official who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony charge or misdemeanor crimes related to the officials public duties and responsibilities.

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While attorneys representing the council said Guthrie was removed by operation of law the moment he entered his plea in court, Guthrie and his attorney disagreed. Gansler argued the plea did not trigger his automatic removal because Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Robinson Jr. set the plea aside when he sentenced Guthrie to probation before judgment.

But Curtin said the law is clear and the facts that led to the Plaintiffs automatic removal are also clear and subjected to only one interpretation. Granting Guthrie a restraining order would be contrary to the public interest, she added.

Entering a TRO, based on the facts here, would be contrary to the public interest of ensuring swift action in removing elected officials based on conduct that meets the requirements of the state constitution, Curtin wrote.

After weeks of threats and pleas and an attempt to broker his return through a secret beer summit with Vincenti, Guthrie sued the council president. Curtin rejected the argument that Vincenti was responsible for Guthries removal.

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The harm done here was not at the hands of Vincenti but rather because of the conduct of Guthrie that led to the nolo contendere plea. Any injury in the loss of Guthries elected position, was because of the plaintiffs nolo contendere plea to a felony theft charge, and not because of any conduct of Vincenti.

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In his suit, Guthrie sought to be reinstated to the council in time for its Dec. 3 meeting, claiming that he and his constituents would be harmed if he were absent from council proceedings while his legal challenge continued.

But attorneys from Rifkin Weiner Livingston, the law firm hired by the council last month to represent it in the case, wrote that Guthries absence from that very meeting went unnoticed.

He did not appear at that meeting, the lawyers wrote. Not a single citizen commented about his removal or absence during the open forum at the meeting.
A federal judge on Thursday rejected a plea deal that had been inked between Boeing and the Justice Department earlier this year alleging the planemaker had committed fraud related to 737 MAX crashes overseas more than five years ago.

The decision by Judge Reed OConnor in the Northern District of Texas effectively sends the matter back to the Justice Department to be sorted out, including potentially by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, which could elect to simply let the matter die.

In rejecting the deal, which was reached after DOJ alleged that the airplane manufacturer had violated a previous plea agreement related to two 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, OConnor said his decision was rooted in concerns about diversity policies at both Boeing and DOJ that may have influenced the governments decision in selecting an independent monitor to oversee Boeing.

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The Court is concerned with the Governments shifting and contradictory explanations of how the plea agreements diversity-and-inclusion provision will practically operate in this case, OConnor said in the 12-page decision. Overall, OConnor said the general monitor provisions are against the public interest; he also noted that victims families also objected to the oversight process (some families of crash victims have said they want to have final say over the independent monitor).

OConnors concern appears to have stemmed from a previous request from the victims families asking that they have final say on who should monitor Boeing, in keeping with the Departments commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In October, OConnor determined it was important to know how diversity policies, if a factor, still ensure safety and compliance efforts as a result of Boeings fraudulent misconduct and how the companys internal focus on diversity and equity impacts its compliance and ethics obligations.

In its response, DOJ defended its policies, repeatedly stressing that regardless of the broad pool of candidates considered for the role, it must select and does select the most qualified candidate irrespective of race or gender, or any other non-merit factor.

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In its own filing, Boeing at the time said the aerospace company does not compromise on merit or talent in pursuit of those aspirations and has a merit-based performance system with procedures aimed at encouraging an equality of opportunity, not of outcomes, adding that it strictly observes the law prohibiting discrimination and does not employ racial quotas in hiring or promotion decisions.

Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A DOJ spokesperson said it is reviewing the opinion. DOJ and Boeing have 30 days to let OConnor know how they wish to proceed.

In 2021, Boeing and DOJ reached a plea agreement that allowed the planemaker to avoid prosecution for a fraud charge related to the earlier crashes. That agreement included a probationary period during which it was to pay millions of dollars in fines and improve various internal business and manufacturing practices, among other conditions.

But in May, following a high-profile incident in January where a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet in midair, DOJ ruled that Boeing had not honored the agreement.

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Boeing first accepted DOJs terms in July, and OConnor has been considering the petition since, a process that has included petitions from victims families to reject the plea and documents submitted by Boeing whistleblowers related to the crashes.

OConnor finally heard from families, DOJ and Boeing in early October to discuss the plea.

Following the hearing, OConnor, a George W. Bush appointee, in October said before he could rule, hed need information from DOJ and Boeing on how much of a factor diversity practices would be in selecting a third-party monitor as part of the plea deal, and how diversity policies are applied in Boeings business practices.

The families have argued that Boeing long neglected its manufacturing and production lapses that could have contributed to the calamity, though investigators have concluded that faulty flight control software on the 737 MAX contributed to the crashes. In court documents related to the crashes, Boeing admitted that two of its employees had deceived the FAA about the flight control software implicated in those crashes.

Regardless of how DOJ proceeds, whether this year or under Trump, Boeing remains under a microscope from the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The wife of a prominent Atlanta attorney who was found guilty of killing her husband and burning his body will spend at least 30 years behind bars.

Last month, a jury convicted Melody Farris for the murder of her husband, Gary Farris, at their Cherokee County home in 2018. The jury deliberated for four days.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Thursday, a judge sentenced Farris to life in prison with the possibility of parole for her murder conviction.

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She wont be eligible until a minimum of 30 years in her sentence. The judge also sentenced her to five years for concealing the death of another and five years for false statements. The sentences for those counts will run concurrently.

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In 2018, Gary Farris body was found in the woods behind a house on Purcell Lane. After months of testing, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined Farris was killed by a gunshot.

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Deputies later arrested his wife, Melody Farris, in Tennessee. Detectives testified that she shot and killed her husband and then tried to dispose of his body and evidence by burning it on their property.

In July 2018, a horrific murder occurred in Cherokee County. A man was shot, then left on a burn pile, where his remains were later discovered. The victim, Gary Farris, was killed by his wife on his own property. The shocking facts of this crime will forever remain with all who were involved in this case, including first responders, prosecutors, jurors, and witnesses, said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway after the verdict.

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Dec. 4A paid time off policy that has led to hefty payouts for judiciary employees will continue to remain on hold while the Legislature is given an opportunity to remedy a legal dispute between the executive and judicial branches of state government.

That was the decision Wednesday by a panel of retired judges who heard oral arguments in a lawsuit the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts filed against the state Department of Finance and Administration after the agency stopped processing payments, arguing the judiciary's policy violates the constitutional separation of powers.

"The court has agreed, not without some discussion, but the court has agreed unanimously that the status quo at present time will remain up until the Legislature addresses this," retired Supreme Court Justice Richard Bosson, who presided over the hearing, said at the conclusion. "That means that for the present time, the PTO program is on hold."

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The retired judges heard the case on behalf of the New Mexico Supreme Court after all five of justices recused themselves. In addition to Bosson, the panel of judges included retired Supreme Court justices Edward Chavez, Petra Maes and Judith Nakamura, as well as retired Court of Appeals Judge Michael Bustamante.

Bosson urged cooperation between the two branches of government to try to resolve the situation.

"We really do encourage the Legislature and the judiciary to address this seriously, at length and with respect for each other's powers because anytime the court gets involved in addressing that and drawing a line, somebody gets hurt by that, somebody doesn't, and we try to avoid that ... out of respect for the other two branches of government," he said.

The Administrative Office of the Courts filed the lawsuit in September, arguing the department's decision to stop processing payouts "unconstitutionally [interferes] with the Judiciary's authority to decide its own personnel matters as an independent branch of government."

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The department stopped processing payouts under the leave policy after Attorney General Raul Torrez deemed it impermissible under state law. In a legal opinion, Torrez wrote "such matters are within the province of the Legislature."

The Department of Finance and Administration argues the judiciary is infringing on the "Legislature's exclusive power over expenditures of public funds."

Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst said in a statement his agency urged the Administrative Office of the Courts to work with the Legislature on this matter from the beginning, recognizing that appropriation authority rests solely with the Legislature.

"During oral arguments, the potential constitutional crisis created by AOC's actions and its impact on all three branches of government became clear," he said. "Fortunately, the Court recognized the importance of respecting the separation of the three branches of government and, in this case, ensuring that the Judiciary works with the Legislature publicly and transparently to determine whether state funds should pay for Judicial [paid time off]."

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In an interview after the hearing, AOC Director Karl Reifsteck said the suspension of the paid time off policy for months has been hard on employees.

"But we've been saying all along, this is a conversation between the judicial branch and the legislative branch," he said. "We're happy to have that conversation. We've been engaged in that conversation already, and I look forward to continuing to work with our legislators and finding our way forward."

Asked why the agency filed a lawsuit instead of trying to resolve the dispute with the Legislature, Reifsteck said he had few options.

"An aspect of this was I have employees who already were expecting to be paid," he said. "This [policy] was on the books. It was being executed for over 14 months and so our employees were expecting that these rules were being followed, and now I have a bunch of people who were saying, 'Hey, you owe me money.' So, I had to do something to try to resolve that conflict already even though we were continuing to work with the Legislature and have that conversation."

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The leave policy has resulted in generous payouts for retiring employees. For example, the agency's former director, Arthur "Artie" Pepin, is poised to receive a total payout of $80,555, or nearly double what's allowed in existing statute.

The new policy, implemented in May 2023, applies to the judiciary's 2,000 employees but not state court judges. It combines judicial employees' annual leave and sick leave into one category of paid time off.

Whereas the previous plan erased an employee's annual leave above 240 hours at the start of each new year, under the court system's current policy, all unused hours in an employee's time off account roll over from year to year.

The policy also increased paid time off compensation to an employee's full pay rate, while sick leave buybacks previously had been limited to 50% of full pay. Upon retirement, unused time off will also be paid out at the full hourly rate rather than 50%.

Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon.
It's been an extremely challenging few years for Boeing (NYSE: BA), and its recovery under new CEO Kelly Ortberg isn't going to be a quick fix. Still, there's a bullish case for the stock based on a backlog of about $428 billion at Boeing commercial airplanes (BCA), $62 billion at Boeing defense, space & security (BDS), and $20 billion at its aviation services business, Boeing global services (BGS).

The backlog is there, and Boeing continues to win orders, so what can investors expect from Boeing in 2025?

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Boeing's challenges and opportunities

On a practical level, it's obvious what Boeing needs to do in all three segments: continue expanding its margin at BGS while ramping production on the 737 MAX now that the strike is over. Boeing is in a position to stabilize production at an initial rate of 38 a month. Meanwhile, BDS must stem the flow of charges and losses on its problematic fixed-price projects.

All of these things are necessities for the bullish case. Still, there are a few other considerations that relate to how the company communicates with investors and helps build a narrative around the stock.

Meet the cash flow guidance

With consolidated debt of $57.7 billion and cash and marketable securities of $10.5 billion at the end of the third quarter, Boeing's last need is to see ongoing cash outflows. Unfortunately, that will happen this year, with Wall Street analysts estimating a $14.2 billion outflow due to losses from BCA and BDS -- and it gets worse. Boeing CFO Brian West told investors that "we expect 2025 to be another use of cash." For reference, Wall Street expects a $2.7 billion outflow next year, as the company struggles to ramp airplane production and works through loss-making defense programs. .

Still, while West's commentary on the third-quarter earnings call shouldn't be taken as formal guidance, he said, "We expect the first half to be a cash usage and the second half to turn positive and then build real momentum as we exit the year."

As such, if Boeing can achieve this aim, the narrative around the stock would change going into the second half of 2025, and investors would start penciling in more optimistic scenarios for Boeing's cash generation and debt retirement.

Image source: Getty Images.

Ortberg's portfolio evaluation

Another source of improvement in the investment narrative around the stock comes from Ortberg's evaluation of what businesses are core and non-core at Boeing. He was clear on the earnings call that he needs to streamline "the portfolio to do what we do well."
Chambers of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Courtesy Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Minnesota has become the second state in the nation to guarantee therapy services for jurors. But the private company the Minnesota Judicial Branch has partnered with to provide those services, telehealth firm BetterHelp, was last year fined millions of dollars by the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly mishandling patients data.

Jurors can be exposed to disturbing evidentiary materials during court proceedings, and some benefit from post-trial therapy sessions to help process what theyve seen and heard. Starting in 2024, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $25,000 to provide vicarious trauma services to jurors.

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Jurors are now offered up to four free therapy sessions via BetterHelp, a company which provides online therapy sessions with licensed counselors. A representative from the Judicial Branch said that about 100 Minnesota jurors had availed themselves of BetterHelps services this year.

In 2023 the company paid a $7.8 million Federal Trade Commission fine for allegedly sharing sensitive health data with advertisers, including Facebook, Pinterest and SnapChat.

When a person struggling with mental health issues reaches out for help, they do so in a moment of vulnerability and with an expectation that professional counseling services will protect their privacy, said Samuel Levine, director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection, at the time. Instead, BetterHelp betrayed consumers most personal health information for profit.

The company said it was following industry-standard practices and admitted to no wrongdoing. It now discloses, via a pop-up on its website, that we may also share [personally identifiable information] with third party advertising partners to deliver more relevant ads and with analytics partners to improve our services.

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BetterHelp, which today spends millions on podcast advertising, faced significant backlash in 2018 for not guaranteeing that the therapists on the service were qualified or properly accredited. It now mandates that therapists have a relevant academic degree in their field, at least three years of experience, at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, and have to be qualified and certified by their respective professional board.

The company typically charges subscription fees for therapy services. Those fees generated nearly all of the companys $1.1 billion in revenue in 2024. Former employees have alleged that the company focuses on growth, rather than quality care, and customers have complained that subscriptions can be difficult to cancel.

In its most recent annual financial filing, BetterHelps parent company describes how it relies on relationships with a wide variety of third parties, including Internet search providers such as Google, social networking platforms such as Facebook, internet advertising networks, co-registration partners, retailers, distributors, television advertising agencies, and direct marketers, to source new users and to promote or distribute our services and products.

BetterHelp did not respond to a request for comment.

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There is growing acknowledgement within the criminal justice system that jury duty can be psychologically burdensome, particularly in cases involving violent crime. Federal judges can allow jurors to access therapy services through the federal Employee Assistance Program, and the state of Massachusetts started providing similar services in 2021.

But a shortage of therapy providers has created the opportunity for virtual services like BetterHelp to step in. While online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling, the data privacy risks can be very different.

Jurors who choose to use these services and to provide their personal information to BetterHelp do so at their own risk, the Judicial Branch website warns.
Republican members of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform discuss a proposal during the committee's final meeting on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Republicans on the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform will have 27 bills ready for introduction in the 2025 legislative session that starts in January, several of which seek to move some power away from the judicial branch or make judicial elections partisan.

The committee wrapped up what is likely to be its final meeting Dec. 4 just hours after Democrats held a news conference alongside former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot in which they pledged to fight against the bills coming out of the committee, calling them political attacks on the judiciary. Democrats are in the minority in both chambers and chose not to participate in the committee because they did not want to legitimize its efforts, they said.

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The committees members, however, praised their work and that of their staff after seven months of meetings and bill drafting.

It was a big lift. Got a lot of work accomplished in a short amount of time. Im anxious for the bills coming out of here. We have some good legislation, Senate President and Committee Chair Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, told the oversight committee to finish its 12th meeting since April.

Sen. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork, and Sen. Barry Usher, R-Yellowstone County, discuss a bill proposal at a judicial oversight committee hearing on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The committees final act  barring signing off on a report summarizing the committees work  was to approve for drafting three more bills on top of the 24 already ready to go or which are in process. One attempts to outline in statute what the Montana Constitution says about the separation of powers among the three branches of government. The other two seek to make changes to judicial recusal and to limit the effect of an injunction only to the parties involved in the case.

While most of the committees meetings have been day-long or two-day affairs full of presentations on parts of the judicial branch and discussion over lawmakers many proposed bills, Wednesdays meeting was much shorter, and most of the discussion surrounded the bill on the separation of powers, which will be carried by Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls.

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Emrich said the bill is one of the most important bills you may see this session. Deputy Director of Legal Services Jaret Coles told the committee the version they were looking at was his seventh draft of the measure, which over 12 pages creates several new sections of law that describes the baselines of each branchs powers according to the Constitution, he said.

I think that the most important part about this entire bill is that it creates boundaries and fences that every branch can see, Emrich said. And so, theres a lot of question on where those boundaries are between the branches of government, and I think this puts some pretty good definition on it.

Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, who will be Senate majority leader come January, asked Coles if putting some of the language that involves legislative rules into statute could create legal issues for the legislature because the proposed bill directly outlines its duties.

Coles said that whether rules, which are the sole responsibility of the legislature, trump statute or vice versa has been interpreted differently by different courts and states, and that he included limited language in the bill to try and avoid legal issues.

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Theyre the legislatures rules. Theyre not supposed to be interpreted by any other branch, Coles said. So, I think youd have to get to your questions, look and see, is there any of these areas that seem like they would restrict the legislatures powers? I dont believe so, but you raise a good question. Thats always going to be, you know, a struggle.

Emrichs other bill, which aims to make injunctions apply only to the parties in a suit and not to the entire state or court system, would prevent the court from offering a blanket injunction that affects the entire state of Montana, he said.

From left to right: Sens. Tom McGillvray, Daniel Emrich, Carl Glimm and Mark Noland at a meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Emrich told the committee that he believed the bill would allow the legislature to weigh in when it believes the court is misinterpreting the state Constitution and ensure any relief granted from a bill being declared unconstitutional would be narrowly tailored. He claimed that a court enjoining a portion of a bill violates the separation of powers because a court is altering a statute.

This gives the legislature the ability to say, OK, if there is an issue with the statute, we can go back and fix it, Emrich said. And if theres not, or if we need to restate it in a different way, it gives us the ability to do that. So, it really gives the legislature a seat at the table when it comes to constitutional review.

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Ellsworth pointed out that many bills already have severability clauses built in that say that the rest of a bill can stand even if one portion of them is found unconstitutional, and wondered if the knife would cut both ways because the legislature might have to defend a bill in every district court in Montana. Moreover, he added, a district court decision still may be appealed to the Supreme Court, whose ruling would bind district courts across the state.

Emrich responded by saying he believes courts, through judicial review established by Marbury v. Madison in 1803, are abusing their authority.

I think it opens up new territory, but its also opening up old territory where the courts really never had any authority to do this for quite a long time, he said. I believe us as a nation survived just fine for quite a long time, and the state survived just fine without the courts stepping into this arena.

Sen.-elect Laura Smith, D-Helena, speaks at a news conference in opposition to bills being proposed by the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Group including Democrats says committee aiming to pass more unconstitutional bills

Earlier Wednesday, a panel of two legislative Democrats, Racicot and former First Judicial District Court Judge Jim Reynolds, who all have experience as Montana attorneys, said the committee was knowingly pushing out more unconstitutional bills as it responds to courts finding prior bills passed by the Republican-led legislature unconstitutional.

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Our constituents have a right to ensure that their taxpayer money is being used with integrity, and now what we have is a small group of individuals pointing their fingers at the court for doing its job, upholding your individual rights under the Constitution, said Sen.-elect Laura Smith, D-Helena.

Smith said she expected lawmakers regardless of party to vote against bills during the session that clearly violate Montanans constitutional rights, lest those bills also end up back in court being defended by the state.

Racicot, rebuked by the Montana GOP last year and who spoke up against what he said were attacks on Montanas Constitution during the 2023 session, said a faction of legislators was trying to exercise complete control over the judicial branch and threatening the demise of democracy and ultimately our way of life.

Rep.-elect James Reavis, D-Billings, and former First Judicial District Judge Jim Reynolds at a news conference opposing bills they say are an attack on the judiciary on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

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These proposals that have been discussed  are simply extremist measures offered for the convenience and for the ultimate satisfaction of individual groups within the legislature, he said of the oversight committees efforts.

Rep.-elect James Reavis, D-Billings, a public defender in Montana for a decade, talked mostly about the committees bills seeking  as some bills that failed did last session  to make judicial candidates declare a party. He said having nonpartisan and impartial courts is key to the principle of justice, as someone facing a judge of an opposing political party, for instance, might not feel they were afforded due process based on their politics.

Thats not a future for Montanans that I want and I dont think its a future Montanans want, he said.

While nearly every bill from last session that the group on Wednesday said attacked the judiciary failed, they said that some efforts to pick away at the Constitution take time. Smith said nonpartisan people and groups have been taking notice of the wave of bills out of the oversight committee and plan to fight them during the upcoming session, and that she believes her colleagues will take notice.

Our colleagues in the House and Senate are thoughtful people who will have conversations with us about the impact of what these laws will actually do, and so I am hopeful in that regard, she said. But at the same time, the sheer volume and content of these bills is extremely concerning.
LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11)  As jurors head into the third day of deliberations in the trial of Daniel Penny in New York City on Thursday, they made clear on Wednesday that theyre focused on specific items of evidence.

Penny, 26, is a Marine Corps veteran accused of using a chokehold to kill Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness, by using a chokehold on the 30-year-old during an incident on the subway in May of last year.

Late Wednesday morning, jurors asked the judge in the case if they could look at three items of video evidence that had been presented at trial: cellphone video of Penny holding down Jordan Neely in the May 1, 2023 incident, which was recorded by an eyewitness; video of Pennys interview with detectives at a police precinct shortly after the incident; and police body camera video from the scene in an F train subway car.

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The judge granted the jurors requests, and they continued deliberating into Wednesday afternoon.

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Around 3:20 p.m., they asked for more evidence: a read-back of testimony that had been made during the trial by Dr. Cynthia Harris, a medical examiner for the city. She and other medical examiners in her office all concluded that Jordan Neely died from asphyxiation  the result of a chokehold from Daniel Penny.

Jurors have to determine whether or not that hold constituted reckless and unjustifiable fatal action against Neely, as well as to what extent that action was carried out.

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If jurors conclude that Penny needlessly held down Neely in a reckless manner, they can convict him of manslaughter, according to instructions from the judge. The punishment for that charge is a prison term of up to 15 years. If they conclude that the act of subduing Neely was criminal, but less severe than manslaughter, they can convict Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide, a crime that has a penalty of up to four years in prison.

The read-back of testimony that jurors had requested had begun at the end of the day on Wednesday and is scheduled to continue when they return to deliberate on Thursday morning.

Pennys attorneys also said that a protester outside of the courthouse had attacked the SUV from which Penny had been dropped off on Wednesday morning. The protester was subdued by court officers. Defense attorneys also asked the judge to try and ensure that jurors could not hear protesters chants from outside while they were deliberating inside the courthouse. Judge Maxwell Wiley pledged to try and ensure that jurors had minimal outside disruptions during their deliberations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Timothy Colomey said his fellow Los Angeles police officers had a nickname for him after he transferred out of SWAT: "Top Rope."

It was a reference to a professional wrestler flinging himself from the top rope of a ring and flooring his opponent, Colomey said. A former senior SWAT sergeant, Colomey had aggressively taken down plenty of suspects during his career, but according to his testimony at a civil trial that played out in a downtown courthouse in recent weeks, the nickname insinuated he was trying to flatten his old unit by spilling its darkest secrets.

Colomey, 55, has made allegations of unlawful killings by SWAT members and department cover-ups of the alleged misconduct. He claimed a cadre of senior officers, a so-called SWAT mafia," exercised god-like power over who was allowed into the elite unit and how it operated, creating a culture of violence that glorified deadly force.

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Colomey first filed suit in 2020, alleging he was forced out of SWAT and faced retaliation for blowing the whistle, and later filed a second claim the following year.

A jury found that Colomey's claim had merit, ruling in his favor Wednesday afternoon and awarding him about $3.5 million in damages. A visibly emotional Colomey turned and kissed his wife on the forehead as the verdict was read.

In an interview afterward, Colomey said he was optimistic that the new LAPD chief would take a serious look at the SWAT unit's operations.

I'm hoping that others that are behind me, that were here, that risked a lot to show up and tell the truth, that they'll be protected," he said.

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Read more: Inside the LAPD chief search: Secretive meetings, surprise names, leaked details

During the trial, Colomey and his attorneys described how he fell into depression and even became fearful for his life after he blew the whistle on his SWAT colleagues. He said he was transferred to a less desirable post supervising bomb-sniffing dogs at LAX, which took away his overtime and stripped him of his supervisory duties.

Before his transfer, Colomey considered himself a marked man by those loyal to the SWAT mafia, he testified in court. In one incident recounted by multiple witnesses, one of the units two lieutenants, Chester Lee McMillion, convened an informal meeting of SWAT officers at the departments training academy in Elysian Park and allegedly told them that we have enemies within this platoon.

One of those present testified that McMillion also made reference to a copy of a complaint on his desk, suggesting that he had read Colomeys comments  even though statements to Internal Affairs are supposed to stay secret.

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After that meeting, he said, he was ostracized.

I am a ghost. Im ignored. Im talked about behind my back. And I know it: Im a rat. Im listed as a rat, Colomey said. No one will talk to me. Its probably very dangerous to talk to me, if you have anything to do with SWAT.

The trial pulled the curtain back on rifts within one of the LAPD's most storied  and notorious  units. The LAPD was among the first police departments to have a dedicated tactical team, forming SWAT in the wake of the 1965 Watts uprising. The unit developed such a big reputation worldwide that former Chief Daryl Gates famously boasted in 1980 that his SWAT team could rescue American hostages being held in Iran. But the unit's tactics and culture have also been the subject of numerous critical reports over the years.

Colomey first raised his concerns with Internal Affairs in 2018, he said, when an investigation was launched into an anonymous complaint alleging he and the units other supervisor, Lt. Ruben Lopez, had shown preferential treatment and submitted false paperwork in a SWAT training academy. The department's investigation concluded that the allegations were unfounded.

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In court filings, Colomey accused officers of covering up incidents in which officers were struck by friendly fire, showing up to calls drunk and participating in hazing rituals with newer members. Department higher-ups, he said, covered up such behavior.

Although the majority of the unit's operations were resolved without firing a shot, Colomey said the SWAT mafias "groupthink" occasionally led to preventable deaths. Stopping short of calling them murders, he singled out three unlawful killings by the SWAT unit, including the 2017 shooting of an unarmed man by a sniper in a circling helicopter; a nonfatal shooting the same year of a man holed up inside a shed; and the 2014 death of a mentally ill homeless man named Carlos Ocana who fell off a billboard atop a downtown building after an officer shot him with a Taser.

In his opening arguments, Colomeys attorney Greg Smith said that police leaders sought at all costs to protect the image of SWAT, which he called the crown jewel of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Christopher Cianci, an attorney hired by the city of Los Angeles to argue on its behalf, painted Colomey as a bitter and headstrong officer on a downward spiral who lashed out at former friends who tried to help him. Cianci called the former SWAT sergeant's whistleblower claim the act of a desperate man trying to take his colleagues down with him as he himself came under investigation.

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The defense argued that Colomey suspected that the anonymous complaint against him had been lodged by Wilson Wong, a former SWAT officer with whom he had a prior conflict. Cianci maintained that Colomey sought to have Wong transferred into his unit, so he could make the junior officers life a living hell, as Colomey had allegedly told another colleague.

Colomey denied the allegations about Wong from the witness stand and said he had reason to be wary of blowback.

"In order to protect the secrets, and I think Im only the tip of the iceberg here. ... They will do anything to hide 100% what I believe is happening in SWAT, Colomey testified.

Colomey said he frequently worried for his safety while taking part in often-dangerous training exercises in which his life was in his colleagues' hands, including those in which the unit would rappel down the sides of San Francisco high-rises or practicing scuba diving.

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Read more: Spirit Air, cramped hotels, In-N-Out: Police say Chicago hit men killed in L.A. on a budget

On cross-examination, Cianci pressed Colomey on why, if he felt the problems were so entrenched, he hadnt raised them with the units leadership.

It couldnt be handled within SWAT; it needed an immediate Internal Affairs investigation into this  it was getting dangerous, he responded.

Why didnt you go to the inspector general? Why didnt you go to the mayors office? Cianci said.

Colomey said that at the time he still believed in the departments resolve to investigate itself, and wasnt as concerned about effecting cultural change as he was about exposing the civil rights violations that he believed had been committed.

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By reporting the alleged misconduct outside the department, he worried about potentially painting a target on his back.

This talking about people dying is something thats very dangerous to do within any police department, within any culture related to law enforcement, he said.

Colomey was at odds with his direct bosses, Lopez and McMillion, the two SWAT lieutenants.

McMillion testified that he felt any perceived issues should've been handled in-house at SWAT. He denied that he'd made comments about "enemies" who had spoken to Internal Affairs, or that he had threatened Colomey. He said the comments were about four retirees from the unit who were chronic gripers.

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As their conflict escalated, McMillion said, Colomey became "easy to anger," and "just intolerant of opinions other than his.

Colomey said he took his frustrations all the way up to Bob Green, chief of staff to then-Chief Michel Moore. During a 2019 meeting, Colomey said, he revealed a lot of damaging information," but Green tried to talk him out of making a complaint, saying that if Chief Moore got involved in this, they would have to dismantle SWAT. And Im not going to allow that, Tim.

Green allegedly continued: Tim, I know we need to get you outta there, but we cannot allow you to blow up the place on the way out.

In his testimony, Green denied trying to intimidate Colomey into remaining silent. Instead, he said he brought up an experience from early on in his own career to show Colomey that a change of scenery might benefit him if he was feeling burned out.

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Colomey still works for the LAPD, but has been on injured leave for months and plans to retire next fall. The ordeal has taken a toll, he said. He averages about three hours of sleep a night and took anti-anxiety medication to try to keep his regular panic attacks under control, he said. I try to hide stuff from my wife, like when I cry at night, he said.

The defense cited Colomeys appearance on a department podcast, Born in Boston: A SWAT Story, in which he detailed how the majority of SWAT training emphasized de-escalation. Reading from a transcript of the episode, Cianci asked whether Colomey still stood by his comments that 99.99% of SWAT incidents are resolved peacefully.

Im more concerned about that point-1 percent that are unnecessarily dead today, Colomey said.

Among the most damning testimony was that delivered by Lt. Jennifer Grasso. The first woman in SWAT whose likeness appeared in department recruitment posters, she described Colomey as the unit's go-to sergeant, who always struck her as being calm, cool and collected.

Grasso has filed her own government claim against the city, alleging that she was denied a promotion in retaliation for her decision to testify on Colomeys behalf. From the witness stand she recounted a conversation with Lopez, the former SWAT lieutenant and a mentor of hers, in which he ordered her to keep her f mouth shut after a 2017 incident in which one SWAT officer may have accidentally shot another.

What did you take it to mean when he said 'keep your mouth shut'? Smith asked.

I took it to mean that we should not talk about what happened that day, she responded.

Read more: A top detective alleges the LAPD is toxic toward women. Will her lawsuit bring change?

Grasso testified that SWAT members mercilessly derided a fellow officer, Phillip Peery, when he chose to seek cover during the incident instead of putting himself into the line of fire. For weeks afterward, the chatter within the unit was about him being a coward and that he didnt have what it takes.

In the fall of 2019, Grasso said, she was summoned to a meeting with two department higher-ups, one of whom was Deputy Chief Pete Zarcone. She was told it would be off-campus  code for taking place away from prying eyes of headquarters downtown. They met at a small restaurant in Carson, near the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Zarcone told her at the meeting that he wanted me back in SWAT for my leadership and for my experience. She replied that she couldnt go back as long as Lopez and McMillion were in charge, saying that they had helped kind of create this culture that I was complaining about.

They enabled it, they benefited from it, and I could not possibly go back because of those two men who were still in charge of SWAT, she recalled saying.

Zarcone assured her that she could change culture with her leadership. She said she doubted it, considering that Colomey couldnt make a dent despite his efforts. The most powerful sergeant in the department, he was kicked out, Grasso said, wiping away tears.

When it was his turn on the witness stand, Lopez testified that the SWAT unit had undergone dramatic changes to the way it operated in recent years, with a heavy emphasis on de-escalating encounters. Among the changes were overhauling the selection process and maintaining a database of uses of force by officers, so that they could notice any worrying patterns.

In his closing remarks, Smith told jurors that the case was not so much about believing whether the "SWAT mafia" existed as Colomey alleged. Rather it was about how the department responded to an officer like Colomey when he came forward.

My belief is that the defense used the SWAT mafia incidents to conjure up dirt about Colomey, Smith said. We dont really care about the SWAT mafia incidents.

He thought that the [academies] were being operated in a way that created a desire to shoot as opposed to a desire to end things peacefully, Smith said. Nobody here is saying that SWAT is an organization that shouldnt exist.

The jury foreperson, Robert Elmquist, said it took less than two days of deliberations to reach a decision, with the only disagreement coming over the amount of damages they believed Colomey was owed for emotional distress. Two jurors had argued for a lower figure, said Elmquist, 60, a truck driver by trade.

He said it seemed like most of the defense witnesses "weren't giving out a lot of information, while Colomey had offered a compelling narrative about his efforts to fix the problems he saw at SWAT.

It was more about trying to change the culture, getting everybody to do it, Elmquist said.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Just Eat has cut ties with Gregg Wallace as he faces allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour.

The brand previously worked with Wallace on a one-off project but has no plans to collaborate with him again, The Telegraph understands.

The MasterChef presenter, 60, had teamed up with Just Eat in 2021 to help its restaurant partners offer healthier options.

As part of a three-month pilot project, he visited 10 restaurants in Birmingham alongside Charlotte Radcliffe, a nutritionist, where they brainstormed ideas about how to expand their menus.

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The online food delivery and ordering platform is the latest brand to distance itself from Wallace, who faces growing allegations over his behaviour after a four-month Telegraph investigation.

On Wednesday, Wallace was dropped by Loughborough University, where he was announced as an official academic research partner this year.

A spokesman told The Mirror: The university has no planned activities with Gregg Wallace while the allegations against him are investigated.

Banijay UK, the company that produces the cooking show for the BBC, is conducting a review to fully and impartially investigate claims about his conduct.

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The corporation, under pressure to hold its own investigation, pulled its two MasterChef Christmas specials after having initially resisted pressure to take content featuring Wallace off air.

Rachel Taylor, a Labour MP who sits on the Commons women and equalities committee, said licence fee payers would expect the BBC to properly investigate complaints linked to one of its programmes.

Meanwhile, Wallace has been accused of sexually harassing his ghostwriter after making her sign a non-disclosure agreement. Shannon Kyle accused him of exposing himself and groping her when she worked on his memoir, Life on a Plate, in 2012.

Wallaces lawyers told BBC Newsnight, which first reported the allegations, that he denied the claims, saying: Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behaviour, and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.

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Ms Kyle, 47, said Wallace sexually harassed her repeatedly when she worked on the book between May and August 2012. She also claimed that the presenter, whom she described as predatory, made obscene sexual remarks about her and women he had slept with.

She accused him of exposing himself to her when she visited his flat to discuss the book, and said that on another occasion he had felt her bottom after he appeared at the Good Food Show in Birmingham, and also inappropriately touched her on the thigh when changing gear in his car.

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California researchers say the world may be just one genetic tweak away from human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus  a worrisome mutation that could open the door to widespread human infections and possibly even a pandemic, according to some experts.

In a study published Thursday in the journal Science, Scripps Research Institute biologists determined that a single mutation of the hemagglutinin protein  the "H" in H5N1  could transform a virus that has so far sickened or killed mostly birds and cows into a pathogen that targets cells in human beings.

The finding comes amid a growing number of H5N1 outbreaks among California dairy cows, as well as a state-ordered recall of raw milk products. Since the virus began infecting the nation's dairy stock in March, infectious-disease experts have warned that unprotected contact between dairy workers and infected cows could enable the virus to evolve in a manner that threatens humans.

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Now, Scripps researchers suggest the path for such a genetic change may be much shorter than state and national health officers anticipated.

"This really surprised us," said study co-author James Paulson, a biochemist and molecular biologist. This one mutation "satisfies a requirement for transmission," he said.

Read more: Despite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country

Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organizations Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, said the study's finding countered prevailing thought on the virus  specifically, that it would take multiple mutations for the virus to pose a threat to humans.

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"This will likely cause a stir," said Webby, who is also a researcher in the department of infectious diseases at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and was not involved in the Scripps research.

"I think most of us thought it would probably need more than one change," Webby said.

Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo, called the Scripps teams' finding a "significant discovery" and said it was "critical because, given the mutation rate of influenza viruses, one in every 10,000 particles of the bovine H5N1 virus could carry this mutation."

That means the potential emergence of an H5N1 virus "that can recognize human receptors is closer than we may have thought," he said.

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Several months ago, Paulson and co-author Ian Wilson, a Scripps structural biologist, decided they'd investigate the current H5N1 strain, and see what it would take for it to cause a human pandemic.

Paulson is an expert in researching where and how different influenza viruses bind to cells when they enter a host. Wilson studies the structure of influenza virus proteins.

The scientists began their research by accessing a global influenza database and locating the genetic sequence for A/Texas/37/2024  the strain of H5N1 bird flu found in a Texas dairy worker.

They then examined the hemagglutinin proteins, or spikes, on the outer surface of the virus, since those enable it to latch onto the cell membrane of its host. Animals such as birds and humans have different docking stations on their cells  known as sialic acid receptors. In order for a flu virus to open a door into a cell and begin replicating, it needs just the right spike, or key.

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Read more: 'Nobody saw this coming'; California dairies scramble to guard herds against bird flu

Although more than 50 humans have been infected by H5N1, many of these cases involve dairy workers who were likely sprayed in the eyes and nose with milk from infected cows. Researchers postulate that repeated exposure of this sort allowed the virus to push into the cells  a brute force entry more than a lock-picking.

Ordinarily, person-to-person transmission of a flu virus "is mainly through the air from droplets from a sneeze or cough, which contains very little virus," Paulson said. "In this context, the virus needs to be able to recognize human-type receptors to bind to cells in the human airway in amounts sufficient to cause infection."

In order to figure out what it would take for the virus to gain the right docking equipment to unleash a human pandemic, Paulson, Wilson and their team looked at previous flu outbreaks that had jumped the bird-human divide, including the influenza outbreaks of 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009  as well as some earlier research.

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They "selected a number of positions" on the hemagglutinin protein "to mutate, one at a time" with amino acids they knew had been implicated in previous pandemics.

Then they attempted to bind these altered "H" proteins with human and bird receptor analogues.

Lo and behold, when they switched a glutamine to a leucine at position 226, it no longer bound to the bird receptors, but instead exclusively to those of humans.

Paulson said it was especially interesting because this mutation had occurred before in earlier strains of H5N1, including one from around 2010  but "at that time, that single mutation was not sufficient to change receptor specificity. So, the unexpected thing is that virus has changed in subtle ways  evolved, if you will  so that now that single mutation does change the receptor specificity."

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Although the researchers demonstrated that it was possible for the virus to become a threat to humans with just one genetic change, that does not mean nature will follow that specific path. A multitude of factors can influence the evolution of an organism, and they are not easily predicted. This may be why the virus has not yet gained the ability to widely infect humans, some say.

"Despite more than 50 human infections with bovine H5N1, we have not seen evidence of this virus adapting to humans on a larger scale," Kawaoka said. "This suggests that ... additional mutations are likely required for the virus to become fully transmissible between humans."

Paulson acknowledged that the "context of the total biological picture is extremely important."

Read more: As bird flu outbreaks rise, piles of dead cattle become shocking Central Valley tableau

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He said the research focused on just "one property that is important for the virus to be successful when adapting to a new host," but there are others that may also be important.

For instance, H5N1 in the past was known to cause severe respiratory disease. But recently, it's mostly been associated with conjunctivitis and only occasionally with mild, upper respiratory disease in people.

"Why is that? I don't think anybody knows," Paulson said.

What is known is that the virus is moving swiftly through a variety of species around the globe  with ample opportunity to mutate and adapt.

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As of Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed H5N1 infections in 58 people: 35 as a result of working with infected dairy cows, 21 from infected poultry, and in two cases, the source is unknown.

In addition, 707 dairy herds across 15 states have also been infected. And in just the last 30 days, 23 commercial poultry farms in California have come down with the virus  affecting more than 5.6 million birds.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The patience of some Erie County residents has been running thin as they await the plowing of their roads. But theres a light at the end of the tunnel in one township.

Some Harborcreek Township residents were able to leave their homes for the first time on Tuesday since Friday, Nov. 29.

To close or go remote? Local school districts grapple with decision amidst winter weather

Township officials said they couldnt have made that happen without the help of surrounding towns and state funding for private contractors.

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Its being called the largest activation of state resources in the Commonwealths history. Teams have come from as far away as Philadelphia to help with the cleanup in Erie County. But in Harborcreek Township, its been all about the locals pitching in.

Greenfield has provided equipment, Summit Township, City of Corry. Its just been unbelievable, said Tim May, a Harborcreek Township supervisor.

Washington Township, Fairview, all these townships that were relatively unaffected came to the rescue, said Brenton Davis, Erie County executive.

City of Erie residents frustrated by delay in mail delivery caused by severe weather

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Harborcreek Township was among the hardest hit when it comes to snow accumulation. Their portion of emergency snow removal funding ran out Tuesday night.

But the county executive was able to secure more state money for the hiring of private contractors.

The Brookside area of Harborcreek was the last to have its streets cleared. You see a private contractor helping with the effort here today.

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Were closing in on a smaller area every day of the township that needs heavy attention and were getting there, May said.

While the front loaders did their thing, Cheryl Thomas who has Parkinsons, waved from her window for help. In response, the county executive and town supervisors shoveled their way to her door.

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I was very concerned because I couldnt get someone to plow the end of our driveway. Im out of some medications and Im running Im running out of some food, said Cheryl Thomas, a homebound Harborcreek resident. What a miracle. It truly is because I didnt know what I was going to do.

Red Cross loaning roof rakes to Erie County residents amid historic snowfall

A reminder that elderly or disabled individuals who need help digging out should contact 211, the United Ways Resource Hotline.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Memphis' mayor pushed back Thursday against the need for a Justice Department deal to enact reforms in light of the scathing findings of an investigation into the Memphis Police Department, saying the city has already made hundreds of positive changes since the beating death of Tyre Nichols.

Although he didnt rule out eventually agreeing to a consent decree with the Justice Department, Mayor Paul Young said he thinks the city can make changes more effectively without committing to a binding pact. The 17-month federal investigation launched after Nichols death found that Memphis officers routinely use unwarranted force and disproportionately target Black people.

We believe we can make more effective and meaningful change by working together with community input and independent national experts than with a bureaucratic, costly, and complicated federal government consent decree, Young said at a news conference.

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His remarks came minutes after a top Justice Department official warned that the DOJ could sue to require reforms of Memphis police force should the city refuse to sign an agreement.

With a more police-friendly administration about to take over in Washington, the city could be biding its time in the hopes that the Justice Department under Donald Trump could let the matter drop. Neither Justice Department nor city officials were willing to delve into that issue  the mayor said he would have the same position regardless of the presidential election's outcome; and acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren said federal prosecutors will continue their work regardless of who's in the White House.

The investigation determined that police in Tennessee's second-largest city have violated citizens constitutional rights and civil rights, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke said at a Thursday news conference, describing the lengthy review as comprehensive and exhaustive.

The police department's practices violate the Constitution and federal law, and harm and demean people and they promote distrust, undermining the fundamental safety mission of a police department, Clarke said.

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The fatal beating of Nichols by officers after he ran away from a January 2023 traffic stop exposed serious problems in police department, from its use of excessive force to its mistreatment of Black people in the majority-Black city, according to the investigation report released Wednesday.

Nichols, who was kicked, punched and beaten with a baton, died three days after his encounter with police. Nichols was Black, as are the former officers involved in his beating. His death led to national protests, raised the volume on calls for police reforms in the U.S., and directed intense scrutiny towards the Memphis Police Department, more than half of whose members are Black, including Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis.

The federal probe looked at the departments pattern or practice of how it uses force and conducts stops, searches and arrests, and whether it engages in discriminatory policing.

It found that officers would punch, kick and use other force against people who were already handcuffed or restrained, which it described as unconstitutional but which were nearly always approved after the fact by supervisors. Officers resort to force likely to cause pain or injury almost immediately in response to low-level, nonviolent offenses, even when people are not aggressive, investigators determined.

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Memphis police officers regularly violate the rights of the people they are sworn to serve, according to the report.

Memphis officers cite or arrest Black people for loitering or curfew violations at 13 times the rate it does for white people, and cite or arrest Black people for disorderly conduct at 3.6 times the rate of white people, the report said.

Police video showed officers pepper-spraying Nichols and hitting him with a Taser before he ran from a traffic stop. Five officers chased down Nichols just steps from his home as he called out for his mother. The video showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled with his injuries.

The officers were fired, charged in state court with murder, and indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights and witness tampering charges. Two pleaded guilty to federal charges under plea deals. The other three were convicted at trial on split verdicts.

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Although the report mentions the Nichols case, it also describes others, including one in which officers pepper-sprayed, kicked and fired a Taser at an unarmed man with a mental illness who tried to take a $2 soda from a gas station.

The investigation cited police training that primed officers to believe that force was the most likely way to end an encounter, rather than talking to a suspect to de-escalate a situation. In one training example, officers were told that, If a fight is unavoidable, hurt them first and hurt them bad.

In a Wednesday letter to the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, the city attorney said Memphis had received the a DOJ's consent decree request but wouldn't agree to one until it had thoroughly reviewed the report.

A consent decree requires reforms overseen by an independent monitor and approved by a federal judge. The federal oversight can continue for years, and violations could result in fines paid by the city.

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Other police departments have faced federal investigations in recent years, including Minneapolis' after the killing of George Floyd, and the police force in Louisville, Kentucky, following the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.

___

Mattise reported from Nashville. Associated Press reporter Kristin M. Hall contributed from Chicago.
A scathing report from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division found the Memphis Police Department engages in a pattern of discriminatory policing, including violence against the disabled, and regularly violates the constitutional rights of its residents, particularly Black people.

Historically, similar reports by the feds have led to the overhaul of local police departments with federal monitoring agreements known as consent decrees. However, in a letter responding to the DOJs claims, the city of Memphis said its not ready to accept the findings, and the police chief said her department has made hundreds of changes in recent years to improve officer response.

The investigation found the Memphis Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, conducting unlawful stops, searches and arrests and discriminatory policing of Black people and residents with behavioral health disabilities, the DOJs Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in the report.

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In one of the most egregious examples in the report, an 8-year-old Black boy with behavioral health issues was grabbed by the responding police officer, lifted into the air and thrown onto a couch.

Memphis police officers handcuff children as young as 8-years-old even when they pose no safety risk, the report said.

The investigation into the Memphis Police Department was launched 17 months ago after motorist Tyre Nichols violent beating death. Officers repeatedly punched, kicked and dragged Nichols during his arrest after a 2023 traffic stop, video of the incident showed.

Five officers were fired, arrested on state murder charges and indicted on federal civil rights and witness tampering charges. The encounter prompted renewed national debate on justice in policing and reform and spurred protests and vigils in Memphis and other major US cities.

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Speaking at a Thursday morning news conference, Clarke said the actions of Memphis police harm and demean people and they promote distrust undermining the fundamental safety mission of a police department.

Let me be clear, these tactics do not make Memphis safer, Clarke added.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young said his administration takes the DOJ findings seriously, and well review this report with an open mind to the recommendations.

Police will continue and expand on adjustments already made, and the city can lean on community input and independent national experts, Young said Thursday at a news conference.

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We agree that our police department should always strive for improvement, Young said. However, we dont believe that the consent decree is the most effective way or efficient way to achieve the results that our community needs and deserves.

Asked at the news conference about the citys response, acting US Attorney Reagan Taylor Fondren said, We hope to work with the city to implement the necessary reforms.

With a consent decree, a judge can keep tabs on a police department to make sure its in compliance to the court-ordered agreement. The purpose is to hold police departments accused of misconduct accountable.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn C.J. Davis said her department has already worked to make changes.

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In the last three years, we have changed over 700 policies that help to direct process, help to improve officer response. Community engagement has been a significant part of the work we have been doing, Davis said during a news conference Wednesday.

The city of Memphis response to the DOJ report comes as President-elect Donald Trump is about to re-take control of the Justice Department. During the previous Trump administration these types of oversight and monitoring agreements were abandoned.

Asked about the timing, Fondren said, The mission of the Department of Justice is to protect civil rights for all people, so the career employees of the Department of Justice and federal prosecutors of the United States Attorneys Office will continue that mission through any administration.

Tyre Nichols - Provided by Ben Crump

Incidents like the one involving Nichols are addressed in the 73-page report saying, MPD officers regularly escalate encounters involving nonviolent offenses and use unreasonable force against unarmed people who pose no threat.

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Officers use disproportionate force against people who have committed, at most, minor offenses such as traffic infractions, and use force even after people are restrained, the report continues.

Those actions mirror what was seen in videos released as part of the investigation into the beating death of Nichols.

The Rev. Earle J. Fisher, senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Memphis, had a bunch of mixed emotions about the release of the report, he said.

It is hard to feel any level of vindication, Fisher told CNNs Jim Acosta Thursday morning. What you see in this report is there is a system and structure in place. And I hope that the city administration can find a way to work more directly with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and find something that they can be held accountable to.

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State Democratic Rep. Justin Jones questioned what ultimately becomes of the DOJs civil rights investigation.

Will there be any action on this report from the federal level once this new administration takes hold? Jones told CNN. Will the DOJ become complicit in these racialized systems that often violate civil rights?

In criminal court proceedings dealing with Nichols death, ex-officers Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills pleaded guilty to federal charges under deals with prosecutors, according to The Associated Press. The other three officers were convicted in October of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the beating. Ex-officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols serious injuries, AP reported.

A fifth former officer, Demetrius Haley, was acquitted of violating Nichols civil rights causing death, but he was convicted of two lesser charges of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury, according to AP. All five men face sentencing by a federal judge in the coming months.

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Martin and Mills also are expected to change their not-guilty pleas in state court, according to lawyers involved in the case, AP reported. Bean, Haley and Smith have pleaded not guilty to state charges of second-degree murder. A trial in the state case is set for April 28.

Nichols death raised many questions about policing practices in general and specifically in Tennessee.

Notably the Memphis City Council passed the Driving Equality Act in Honor of Tyre Nichols, which prohibited police stops for minor infractions.

The Memphis measure was eventually blocked when the Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature passed a bill that prohibits or limits the ability of a law enforcement agency to take all necessary steps that are lawful under state and federal law to fulfill the law enforcement agencys duties to prevent and detect crime and apprehend criminal offenders.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Ryan Young contributed to this report.

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Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch announced Wednesday that he will recuse himself from a case dealing with a western railway line after Democratic lawmakers called attention to the fact that a longtime ally of his could benefit from the courts decision.

The courts clerk notified attorneys in the case in a letter that, in light of the Supreme Courts recently approved code of conduct, Gorsuch would recuse in the case set for oral argument Tuesday. The letter did not elaborate on Gorsuchs thinking.

But the decision from the conservative Trump nominee comes weeks after a letter from Democrats on Capitol Hill argued that Denver-based billionaire Philip Anschutz  a longtime ally of Gorsuch  has a possible financial interest in the outcome of the case.

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The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for further information about Gorsuchs decision.

At issue in the case, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, is an 88-mile railway line connecting parts of Utah to Colorado. The line would be used to transport waxy crude oil to refineries.

The legal question deals with the extent of the environmental review of that project by the US Surface Transportation Board.

Anschutz owns an oil and gas company in Denver and filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case supporting more limited environmental reviews. Critics have noted that Gorsuch served as an attorney for Anschutz.

During his confirmation hearing in 2017, Democrats called attention to a Denver Post report at the time that Anschutz had lobbied the White House on Gorsuchs behalf for a judgeship on the Denver-based 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

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The connections prompted Rep. Hank Johnson, a Georgia Democrat and member of the House Judiciary Committee, to write a letter to Gorsuch last month seeking his recusal in the case.

Our nations highest court should hold itself to the highest ethical standards, Johnson and other Democrats wrote. To show the American people that the Supreme Court is impartial, you must recuse yourself from any case that directly impacts the financial fortunes of Philip Anschutz, the man who was your previous legal client.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
US stocks have led the equity market in recent years and strategists at BlackRock's Investment Institute don't see that narrative changing in 2025.

"Currently, across all the scenarios in the outlook, the platform is gravitating towards the US corporate strength scenario, which is another way of calling for US exceptionalism," BlackRock Investment Institute chief investment strategist Wei Li said during a media roundtable on Wednesday.

Li cited stronger earnings growth seen in the US this year and the expectation that earnings growth will continue to broaden outside of the "Magnificent Seven" names that have powered the stock market higher over the last two years. This view has been a common refrain from Wall Street firms offering bullish outlooks for 2025 over the last month.

"Earnings is almost everything when it comes to longer-term equity returns," Li said, adding the strongest revisions for next year have come from the US and Japan, where BlackRock is also overweight equities.

BlackRock's call for continued US exceptionalism has been echoed at other firms on Wall Street during 2025 outlook roundtables.

On Monday, Bank of America senior US economist Aditya Bhave told Yahoo Finance's Alexandra Canal the US economy will likely outperform in 2025. In October, the team at JPMorgan Asset Management said it believes the US's role in the rise of artificial intelligence will help its economy outpace others around the world.

The firm said this will result in US equities continuing to dominate globally over the next decade.

"We expect extraordinary earnings growth will settle at still-elevated levels for mega-cap tech while reaccelerating in other areas of the market," JPMorgan Asset Management's chief global strategist David Kelly wrote in his team's 2025 outlook.

"This broadening, coupled with resilient economic fundamentals, policy tailwinds, and secular trends, should support a more inclusive rally in the year ahead."

On a sector level, BlackRock noted Wednesday that Utilities (XLU) should be set to benefit from the broadening of the AI trade due to the increased power demands to operate AI servers.

All of this puts BlackRock further overweight US equities headed into 2025 and betting on a "pro-risk" environment in 2025.

"In an environment where there's spirit animals that are poignant, it's not clear exactly who's going to take away the punch bowl in this environment," said Jean Boivin, the head of BlackRock's Investment Institute.
WASHINGTON  Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch will not participate in an environmental case being argued next week after having reviewed the court's new ethics code, according to a letter sent Wednesday to lawyers involved.

The letter from Supreme Court Clerk Scott Harris did not explain why Gorsuch was recusing himself, saying only that "consistent with the code of conduct" he had decided not to participate.

Liberal groups and more than a dozen members of Congress had urged him to recuse himself over his previous links to billionaire Philip Anschutz.

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Focus on Supreme Court justices and the rules that govern whether they recuse themselves from cases have drawn scrutiny in recent years, spurred largely by revelations about Justice Clarence Thomas ties to billionaire Harlan Crow. Justices have resisted codifying rules, but last year they adopted a new code of conduct that critics say lacks an enforcement mechanism.

The case Gorsuch opted to sit out revolves around the environmental review process for a railroad in Utah that would ship crude oil out of the Uinta Basin to existing railroads.

Anschutz has an interest in the project, as shown by an amicus brief Anschutz Exploration Corp. filed in the case backing it.

In a letter last month, Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., wrote on behalf of himself and colleagues that Gorsuch has "a serious and obvious conflict of interest that demands your recusal."

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He mentioned that Gorsuch, before he became a judge, had represented Anschutz and his businesses and had close ties to him.

As an appeals court judge before he was appointed to the Supreme Court, Gorsuch usually stepped aside from cases involving Anschutz.

"I applaud Justice Gorsuch for doing the right and honorable thing," Johnson said in a statement. It is important that the court show the public that it is not in the pocket of billionaire benefactors."

But he added that the court's ethics code should have an enforcement mechanism, which he has introduced legislation to address.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN)  One minor is in custody while another has been hospitalized after a stabbing at a local park.

Around 1:30 p.m., officers were called to Community Park off of Chambersburg Road on reports of a stabbing incident between two girls  both allegedly minors.

Man found fatally stabbed in Springfield

When officers arrived on scene, one of the girls had fled further into the park and into an adjacent suburb. She was soon located and taken into custody.

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The other girl was found still conscious in the parking lot of the park with multiple stab wounds.

She was taken to Dayton Childrens Hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

Residents who frequent the park say its not uncommon to see juveniles getting into fights at this location.

We play disc golf here pretty often, and I was pretty surprised to hear about it, but definitely something to be concerned about at this park specifically, said Bryson Snider, resident.

Another adds that Wednesdays incident was a dramatic escalation of what theyre used to seeing.

Weve seen some kids getting into small fist fights, but nothing more than that usually, said Tanner Hepner, resident.

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Authorities say the two girls likely went to the park right after school, following a monthly early dismissal they have at 12:50 p.m., and a fight they had escalated.

Stay with 2 NEWS as we work to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Sweetwater Police Department has officially welcomed K9 Kaos to their team.

Courtesy of Alpha Pack K9

Kaos is a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois who was rescued from the Louisville Animal Shelter by the Fur Missile Foundation. He was chosen for his high energy and strong drive and underwent specialized training. He was then given to the Sweetwater Police Department at no cost.

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Handler Officer Jeremy Wolford and K9 Kaos completed training at Alpha Pack K9 in Ohio. They are certified in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, and criminal apprehension.

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Courtesy of Alpha Pack K9

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KANAB, Utah (ABC4)  An incident involving the Kanab City police chief is under investigation after he allegedly hit a pedestrian with his vehicle while on duty, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

On Nov. 18, Chief Tom Cram was turning into the sun on 100 east toward westbound 300 in Kanab. He allegedly did not see the pedestrian crossing northbound on 300 and struck them with his vehicle, according to UHP.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with moderate to serious injuries. Their current condition has not been released.

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UHP reports that the incident is being reviewed by the county attorney. The crash is not considered an officer-involved critical incident, therefore Cram has not been placed on administrative leave and has continued to lead the department during the county attorneys investigation.

ABC4 has reached out to the Kanab City Police Department for comment and is awaiting a response.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan.  A Walnut, Kansas man reaches a plea deal in a drunk driving hit-and-run involving patrol vehicles.

This morning in a Crawford County courtroom, Austin Lallemand, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of driving under the influence.

Austin Lallemand, 25.

Man arrested after police say he side-swiped two patrol cars

As part of the plea deal, five other counts against him were dismissed.

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Lallemand is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22.

The charges are from an incident on March 29 while Crawford County deputies were arresting two people during a traffic stop at K-126 and Westfield Road.

Lallemand came driving at them at a high rate of speed and sideswiped both patrol vehicles.

The two deputies had to jump out of the way to keep from being hit.

They arrested Lallemand 7 miles down the road about 30 minutes later.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  As if its a game of hide and seek, Great Plains Search and Rescue K9s has a team of four-legged friends who are always ready for the hunt.

They dont think theyre working. Theyre just out there having the best time of their life, playing this game, explained Nadine Conner, member and canine director with Great Plains Search and Rescue K9s.

But its not a game.

Theyre building stamina, Conner said.

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GPSK9s train dogs to help law enforcement with critical missing person cases.

We just had a search and theyve been looking for three months for this missing person. Our dog found them in less than an hour, she said.

KETCH builds skills for adults with disabilities

Volunteers with the nonprofit spend hours training with the dogs daily.

Its a commitment. It really is. You gotta be dedicated to do this and do it right, said David LeFevre, GPSK9s president.

Each session sharpens their skills to find people dead or alive. The K9s are able to uncover answers for the families.

They arent wondering anymore, and I think thats so very important, because not knowing is, I think, the most horrible thing, Conner said.

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Agencies across Kansas and in neighboring states can reach out to GPSK9s for its services.

Call us right away whenever. We can help because its between life and death, LeFevre said.

Baby Talk offers free classes for moms to deliver healthy babies

As they wait for the call, the nonprofit is doing its part to be ready.

They are focused on training the four-legged investigators for a game that delivers more than a treat.

GPSK9s does accept new members. The nonprofit is also looking for volunteers to hide for the dogs or people to offer their property for the dogs to practice searching.

If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Chief Justice Marla Luckert of the Kansas Supreme Court signed an order appointing a 15-member committee to develop pland for implementing pretrial detention reforms suggested by a task force in 2020. The central goals is to balance the need for public safety and the constitutional rights of defendants. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The Kansas Supreme Court moved to jumpstart implementation of recommendations for reforming pretrial supervision and detention practices to better balance the rights of people charged with a crime and the imperative of public safety.

The order creating a 15-member advisory committee of judges, court services officers, prosecution and defense attorneys, and law enforcement and community corrections officers was signed Wednesday by Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

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The panel was directed to advise the judicial system on advancing 19 proposals formulated by a task force in November 2020, just before the catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation.

We want to ensure defendants appear in court, but we must operate from a presumption of innocence and liberty, not from a presumption of guilt and preventive detention, Luckert said.

The original task force that issued the recommendations was created in 2018 in response to concern that more than half of local jail inmates in Kansas hadnt been convicted of a crime, but were incarcerated because they couldnt post a monetary bond. Motivation for change in the states district courts was driven by the perception pretrial practices discriminated against the poor.

The task force acknowledged pretrial detention could be devastating for defendants who risked losing jobs, homes and families. The task force said most Americans favored limits on pretrial incarceration, especially for individuals accused of nonviolent or misdemeanor offenses.

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Karen Arnold-Burger, chief justice of the Kansas Court of Appeals, chaired the task force and was appointed by Luckert to lead the newly formed advisory committee.

We must consider other options that respect defendants freedom and financial situation while also upholding public safety and ensuring they show up for court, Arnold-Burger said.

The committee was directed to devise for the Supreme Court a plan for creating a system for educating judges, lawyers and others about best practices on pretrial release. Their agenda included development of an assessment tool for guiding pretrial supervision. The committee was asked to figure out how to collect data on pretrial releases, revocation of release orders and failures to appear in court.

In addition to Arnold-Burger and Court of Appeals Judge Jacy Hurst, the committees membership included District Judges Amy Hanley and Jennifer Brunetti; District Magistrate Judges John McEntee and Ron Sylvester; and court services officers Spence Koehn, Bree Gibson, Stephanie Springer and Kevin McGuffin.

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Other members: Thomas County defense lawyer Justin Barrett; Kansas State Board of Indigents Defense Services executive director Heather Cessna; Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson; Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter; and Robert Sullivan, director of Johnson County Community Corrections.

In the report forwarded to the Supreme Court in 2020, the task force said district and municipal courts should strive to view pretrial release as the norm and detention a carefully limited exception. The report suggested Kansas law should be amended to make use of uniform notices to appear rather than arrest people for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses.

It is estimated that less than 5% of arrests made in the United States are for violent offenses, the task force said. By diverting defendants charged with nonviolent crimes from the arrest and jail process, law enforcement and courts can spend more time dealing with the defendants charged with violent offenses.

The task force report encouraged law enforcement agencies to work with community mental health organizations to identify and refer offenders with mental health or substance abuse issues. As many as 80% of defendants in the Kansas criminal justice system were there because their crime was directly or indirectly related to illegal drugs, the report said.

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State funds earmarked for drug treatment and evaluation should be available for use by persons in diversion programs for drug-related offenses, the report said.

The task force proposed Kansas increase access to appointed defense counsel after arrest. The task force said there were anecdotal reports some Kansas judicial districts kept people in jail pending the filing of formal charges longer than necessary or constitutionally allowed due to lack of adequate staff in local prosecutor offices.
A former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Mike Pence said Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the FBI, has threatened legal action against her.

Patel demanded on Wednesday that his former colleague in the White House, Olivia Troye, publicly retract defamatory statements by way of a public statement after she called him a delusional liar on MSNBC on Monday.

Kash Patel is a delusional liar. Let me just be very clear about that. And he would lie about intelligence. He would lie about making things up on operations, Troye said, adding that he put lives at risk during a Navy SEAL mission in Nigeria. And I know this because at some point I realized that I needed to double-check Kashs work to make sure that I wasnt misinforming Mike Pence by relying on his word. (Patel and Troye both worked in Trumps first administration.)

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This is a guy who openly has contempt for people in national security, for people, especially at DOJ and the FBI, Troye continued, likely pointing to his public hit list in his book Government Gangsters. And so I think, you know, there is a little bit of fear here from people, where they know that someone like Kash Patel is fully capable of just doing partisan investigations, whatever it takes.

She concluded by saying that it would be insane if Patel led the FBI.

In his letter, Patel denies the claims made by Troye, calling them complete fabrication. The letter also demands that Troye keep all correspondence relating to Patel.

Patel, a known conspiracy theorist, previously said he would come after the media.

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This aligns with his threats against the media & political opponents, revealing how he might conduct himself if confirmed in the role. I stand by my statementsmy priority remains the safety & security of the American people, Troye wrote in a post online announcing Patels letter. I am not the only one who has expressed concerns about him. So why me?...And so it begins. I always knew I was at the top of their list.

Today, Kash Patel sent a letter to my counsel @MarkSZaidEsq- threatening legal action & demanding that I retract my comments on MSNBC about his unfitness to serve as FBI Director. This aligns with his threats against the media & political opponents, revealing how he might conduct pic.twitter.com/BJU90haUhO  Olivia of Troye (@OliviaTroye) December 4, 2024

Since Trumps recent announcement of Patel for FBI Director, some critics have lambasted his fitness for the role (similar to Trumps other controversial picks for his second administration). Current FBI Director Chris Wray is only seven years into his 10-year term, which means he would have to resign or be fired before Patel is able to be confirmed.

In Trump ally Steve Bannons podcast in 2023, Patel said: Were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections...Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out.

However, a Trump spokesperson later walked the comment back, according to NBC News.

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Kash Patel is going to deliver on President Trumps mandate to restore integrity to the FBI and return the agency to its core mission of protecting America, spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer reportedly said in a statement. Kash is committed to safeguarding Americans First Amendment rights, unlike Joe Biden who weaponized the DOJ to target journalists. (There is no evidence that Biden has done so.)

Related...
NEW YORK (AP)  The inspiration for Kate Hamill's latest play came from across centuries and the planet.

The actor-playwright was honeymooning in Italy in 2020 when she walked into the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and spotted a painting by pioneering Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi created around 1620. The art immediately stirred more art.

I was standing in front of this painting, just like crying and shaking for like 20 minutes. And then I was like, Im going to write a play about this woman, she says.

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The result is The Light and the Dark"  a Primary Stages production at 59E59 Theatres  which looks at the hard but inspiring life of Gentileschi, who created bold works despite a society keen on keeping her down. Hamill calls the play a feminist primal scream.

I am disheartened by how extremely relevant this play is right now, Hamill says. Much of the same things that Artemisia Gentileschi was dealing with then are still true now.

A symbol for courageous women

Gentileschi rebelled against the male-dominated art world  even using herself as a nude model  and has lately become a symbol of courageous women for testifying in court, even while being tortured, against a prominent painter who raped her. Please dont let her give up  she is a survivor, Hamill writes in the plays notes.

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Hamill  consistently among the most produced playwrights in America  not only wrote the work, but she also stars as Gentileschi, nightly reliving the traumas and the betrayals but also the triumphs of her sister-in-art.

It was important to me as a female artist to put my own body in the line of the service of a female artist who used the power of her body to say something, she says.

I felt like if what I need to do to get survivors' stories heard is take off all my clothes and scream in the middle of off-Broadway, then thats what Im going to do.

Painting of Judith influences play's final speech

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The painting in Italy that stirred so much in Hamill was Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes, which depicts the Biblical story of Judith, who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes.

It came at a time when Hamill was disheartened by #MeToo stories at home and wondered how  or even if  she could continue as a feminist playwright.

I swear to you, I felt this woman reach through time and reach into that room and slap me up across the face and go Snap out of it! You have a voice. You have privilege. Youre going to let those guys beat you? Get louder, get bolder!

Hamills husband, actor-director Jason OConnell, recalls seeing her transfixed in front of the painting. It was like she was seized, he says, adding that her stillness and the light on her face made her look like a painting herself. I just watched her commune with it for a while and it was very moving. (Hamill soon ordered more than a dozen books about Gentileschi that were waiting for her on her return home.)

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The painting depicts Gentileschi and her maid plunging a sword into their enemy, inspiring the play's final powerful speech: Every daughter of mothers who ever sees this work/Will know she is not alone/She will see what it means/To survive, despite the hands at your throat.

The play has plenty of signature Hamill touches  strong women, humor and an encouragement to mix in modern elements despite whatever period the play is set. The Light and the Dark has actors in jeans beneath Renaissance silhouettes, and Hamill kept her piercings in.

We wanted it to feel like we are gesturing at a time that is both back then and now, because Im going to argue all of this story could happen now, she says.

Envisioning a more egalitarian future

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Hamill has built a reputation as a foremost adapter of novels to the stage, including dust-blowing-off versions of Vanity Fair, Mansfield Park, The Scarlet Letter, Little Women and Pride and Prejudice. In her Sense and Sensibility, she added a Greek chorus of gossips to represent social pressures.

I come at adaptation from a sort of a new play lens, she says. So, I think of it as a collaboration between myself and an author whos often currently dead. So, in a way, its sort of the same muscle.

OConnell, who often acts alongside his wife, has two roles in the new play  an art appraiser who testifies against Gentileschi and a court officer who tortures her. I betray her two different ways in one scene, he says, turning to his wife: The play is just so her. Her voice is so strong.

Hamill says she is tapping into the same thing Gentileschi tapped into  extreme dissatisfaction with how the world is and this feeling that the world could be different.

Feminist stories are about envisioning a future thats more egalitarian for women and men and people who do not identify on that binary. I think there is a healthy proportion of people who really want to live in that world or who want to see the ways in which our current world is not like that world.
By Jens-Henrik Thomsen, Sales Director and SSG-IDG Lead Lenovo Nordics

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Lenovo is committed to circularity and supporting our customers to achieve their net zero targets. That's why we developed and launched our Certified Refurbished Solution in Denmark.

While France is leading the way when it comes to the sale of refurbished technology, mandating the need for 20% of IT devices bought by organisations to be refurbished, my own region covering the Nordic countries is also picking up steam.

We're finding that customers want to engage with tech providers who can provide an end-to-end sustainability offering. Asset recovery services are becoming increasingly popular, as companies look to meet their own sustainability goals, with a single-source solution for the secure, documented disposal of IT hardware and data.

Lenovo's Certified Refurbished is another step when it comes to end-to-end sustainability, making a big difference to product lifecycles by giving older devices a second or third lease of life.

The difference that refurbished equipment can make

Refurbished devices are an ideal fit for plenty of organisations or departments, specifically where huge amounts of processing power are not a requirement. This could be employees in back office jobs, managing administrative tasks, or operating from warehouses, for example.

With Lenovo's Certified Refurbished we refurbish our best-in-class PCs and Servers, certify them, and extend their lifespan - all while retaining high levels of quality, security, and performance.

It's a rigorous refurbishment process, with every device securely data sanitised and tested to ensure it meets Lenovo's high standards of excellence and functionality. Once a device passes, it gets an official Lenovo Certification. This is only offered by Lenovo and accredited partners, guaranteeing that our refurbished devices can be depended on.

Devices sold through Lenovo Certified Refurbished are on average around three or four years old, but the use of original parts where necessary during the refurbishment results in an entirely new lease of life, with all our PCs being Windows-11 ready.

Lenovo Certified Refurbished devices also come with a standard one-year warranty with options to extend to up to three years, providing customers with peace of mind. This ensures reliability and access to Lenovo's support infrastructure, along with benefit of reducing waste.

Giving a new life to older devices can make a huge difference to the environment. By refurbishing equipment, we can extend the lifecycle of technology, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of that product.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) A Drakesboro man has been convicted of multiple hunting violations, including operating an illegal guide service on his property in the spring of 2024.

Game Wardens and a unit of special investigators looked into reports of an area outfitter guiding hunters without proper licensing and illegally baiting his property for turkey in Muhlenberg County, per a news release.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, after months of investigation and three search warrants, officials found Timothy Smithwick, 59, violating a compliance check completed on May 4.

Fish and Wildlife announced that Smithwick was arrested on a bench warrant for numerous charges, including:

Illegal take of turkey (eight counts)

Illegal guiding (eight counts)

Trapping violations

Resident hunting/trapping without a license

Convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Five hunters from Georgia were also cited for numerous violations, including hunting without licenses/permits, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, and illegal take or pursuit of turkey.

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Welcome to The Scoop  the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. For more of the latest dish and drama, subscribe to The Scoop on NewsNations YouTube.

(NewsNation)  Kevin Costner may have lost his wife and $100 million this year, but hes got women all over the United States willing to do almost anything to console him.

The unlikely Hunk of Hollywood, 69, is being pursued by every single woman in New York, Los Angeles, Aspen and everywhere in between, my L.A. source laughed.

Real Housewives star Kyle Richards courts Kevin Costner

Indeed, hes caught the eye of all the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, including Teddi Mellencamp and Kyle Richards, both freshly divorced and who both courted Costner openly.

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Cher wouldnt have written memoir if Sonny was alive: Source

And its similar on the East Coast. When one socialite found out Costner attended a NYC party hosted by Jason Binn last month, she wailed, Oh my god! I was supposed to go to that but bailed! Why didnt anyone tell me Kevin (expletive) Costner was going to be there?!

And Costner  whose beloved character was just killed off of Yellowstone  is a bonafide catch. While he may be $100 million short  hes worth at least twice that and has a $500 million property portfolio.

TOPSHOT  US actor Kevin Costner arrives for the screening of the film Horizon: An American Saga at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 19, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images) CANNES, FRANCE  MAY 19: Kevin Costner departs the Horizon: An American Saga Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Kevin Costner at the U.S. premiere of Horizon: An American Saga  Chapter 1 held at Regency Village Theatre on June 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

Kevin Costner a true gentleman: Former date

But beyond that, according to one woman who dated him, the actor has the biggest hands in the business and is a true gentleman. He will open every door and stand up when you enter a room.

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Another socialite in NYC confirmed this and added, He makes you feel like youre the only woman in the world when he talks to you and is always aware of where you are and if youre sitting down, he will always get your chair. I told my boyfriend to learn something from Kevin  or Id switch.

Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr.: A White (House) wedding?

But women who have full-time jobs need not apply as Costners girlfriend. As his former paramour said, he owns so many houses and likes to travel last minute. He will say Lets go to Aspen today and if you have a job you cant. The problem is, he wants a woman with her own life and a job. But his life isnt conducive to that.

A representative for Costner didnt return emails.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
(NewsNation)  Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday that Rep. Matt Gaetz lied to President-elect Donald Trump about his potential attorney general nomination in an attempt to avoid an impending ethics investigation.

In a Wednesday interview on NewsNations Dan Abrams Live, McCarthy suggested Gaetz sought a way out of Congress before a House Ethics report could be released.

McCarthy characterized Gaetzs brief consideration for attorney general as an elaborate exit strategy, stating that Gaetz wanted an excuse to resign before the ethics report became public.

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The former speaker claimed Gaetz misled Trump about his circumstances, saying he lied to the president about his potential nomination.

I blame Matt for lying to the president because Matt needed to get out of Congress before the ethics report came out on Friday. I dont believe he told President Trump that, McCarthy said.

Strange drone activity spotted in New Jersey near Trump golf course

Gaetz stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nations chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him.

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Calling for transparency, McCarthy urged the release of the ethics report, echoing Gaetzs own previous stance on government transparency.

Matts biggest bill in Congress was about stock trades transparency, McCarthy said. If he says he hasnt done this, why dont you clear his name? Put the report out there.

McCarthy cited multiple sources supporting allegations against Gaetz, including claims of inappropriate relationships with a minor. He stated that people who represent the 17-year-old had spoken to the ethics committee, and other sources alleged Gaetz supplied drugs and engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct.

The former speaker suggested the allegations were severe enough to disqualify Gaetz from future political roles.

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This country is too great for that, McCarthy said, stressing that these young women need justice.

When pressed about Trumps continued support for Gaetz, McCarthy was dismissive, simply stating, I dont know who really likes him.

Missouri lawmaker proposes bounty system to report migrants

Kevin McCarthy launches Alfa Institute to help US win technological space race

McCarthy was also on NewsNation to discuss his new Alfa Institute think tank focused on positioning the United States to win the technological space race.

He highlighted critical areas of technological competition, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and energy infrastructure.

The next war will start in space, McCarthy said, advocating for closer collaboration between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon to maintain American technological supremacy.

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Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy still doesnt much like Matt Gaetz, if his recent appearance on NewsNations Dan Abrams Live is anything to go by.

The pair have a long-running beef, stretching back to when Gaetz helped nudge McCarthy out as House speaker last October.

One-time attorney general pick Matt Gaetz, who has withdrawn his name from consideration

McCarthy fueled the flames again Wednesday night when he told Dan Abrams that Gaetz lied to President-elect Donald Trump about his potential attorney general nominationin an attempt to swerve the ethics probe.

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Stating that Gaetz wanted an excuse to resign, he elaborated on the alleged exit strategy, saying: I blame Matt for lying to the president because Matt needed to get out of Congress before the ethics report came out on Friday. I dont believe he told President Trump that.

Gaetz resigned from Congress while the House Ethics Committee probe was ongoing. It had been looking into allegations that Gaetz had sex with a minor in 2017 and that he had paid for sex. Gaetz has denied those claims, and a federal investigation didnt bring charges against him.

Matts biggest bill in Congress was about stock trades transparency, McCarthy said. If he says he hasnt done this, why dont you clear his name? Put the report out there.

McCarthy also spoke about claims that Gaetz had inappropriate relationships with a minor. He stated that people who represent the 17-year-old had spoken to the ethics committee.

Gaetz clashed with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and eventually led the efforts to remove him.

He added that other sources alleged Gaetz supplied drugs and engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct.

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McCarthy reckoned the allegations were so big that it could even be the nail in the coffin of Gaetzs political career.

This country is too great for that, McCarthy said, stressing that these young women need justice.

The host then said that Trump seems to like the Florida politician, before McCarthy gave perhaps his clearest indication yet that he himself, in fact, does not.

I dont know who really likes him, McCarthy said with a wry smile.
Donald Trump is willing to go to absurd, cruel lengths to accomplish his sweeping deportation goalseven if it means sending immigrants back to random countries.

Trump and his circle have already begun a list of countries to deport immigrants to if their home countries refuse to accept them, including Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Panama, and Grenada, among others, NBC reported Thursday.

This means that thousands of people could be permanently displaced if the president-elect is able to go through with his largest deportation operation in American history, leaving immigrants in unfamiliar countries with uncertain futures. Trump also wants Mexico to accept non-Mexican immigrants.

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Groups such as the ACLU fought Trump on this issue in his first term, and they are prepared to do so again. We sued over this type of policy during the first Trump administration because it was illegal and put asylum-seekers at grave risk, ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt told NBC.

Spokespeople for Turks and Caicos, Grenada, and Mexico did not respond to NBC, while a spokesperson for Panama told the network, The Panamanian government does not respond to assumptions and rumors. We cannot not speculate in this regard.

The Bahamas, however, has already reviewed and firmly rejected the plan, the prime ministers office said in a statement. This raises a key question: What will Trump do if none of his chosen countries agree to cooperate?

Regardless, the Trump team is determined to carry out this chaotic policy. President Trump was given a mandate by the American people to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border, and deport dangerous criminals and terrorists that make our communities less safe, said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. He will deliver.
MANILA (Reuters) - A U.S. national abducted in the southern Philippines in October has reportedly been killed, Philippine police said on Thursday, citing a witness and one of the suspects.

Elliot Eastman was forcibly taken by four unidentified suspects posing as policemen from his home in the coastal town of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte on Oct. 17, according to an initial police investigation. Their motive was unclear.

Regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan said on Thursday that a witness had told investigators that Eastman died on the night he was abducted after being shot twice while resisting his captors as they transported him on a motorboat.

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According to the witness, after Eastman succumbed to his injuries, the suspects threw his body into the sea.

Sawan said a suspect in the kidnapping who was arrested recently corroborated the witness' account, and the suspect's sworn statement had been submitted to government prosecutors.

Despite extensive search operations, authorities have not yet found Eastman's body, Sawan said.

According to Eastman's YouTube Channel, he was 26 years old and had come to the Philippines about a year and a half ago where he said he had met the love of his life.

"I will be showing you my day-to-day life as the first and only foreigner to have ever lived here in Sibuco for a long period of time. I am from the USA!" he said in his channel.

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The U.S. Embassy in Manila said it was aware of the reports and was coordinating with local authorities.

"The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families," it said in a statement.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Gareth Jones)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A gang member who was 17 when he killed a man outside a Grand Rapids liquor store had his maximum prison sentence cut in half Wednesday, the same day his victim would have celebrated a birthday.

I birthed my son today  40 years ago, a tearful Delisa Chapman told convicted killer Jamarie Bell, now 21. So, I think it is very unfair I am still dealing with this. I havent had time to heal.

Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock was sympathetic, explaining higher courts have directed him to resentence several youthful killers over the years.

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I understand the pain that you are going through, he said. Ive had to do this time and time again and Im sorry, theres nothing I can do about it.

Members of 7 gang charged with killing father of five

The killing happened in October 2020 outside Miss Tracys Liquor Store as the victim, 35-year-old Romito Jones, sat with others in a parked car.

A Kent County jury found Bell guilty of first-degree murder; he was sentenced to 40 to 120 years in prison.

Lawyers for Bell appealed the sentence, arguing Trusock failed to consider Bells youth as a mitigating factor at sentencing.

In a seven-page ruling, the three-judge panel agreed and sent the case back to Trusock for re-sentencing.

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During resentencing, the trial court must consider defendants youth as a mitigating factor, justices wrote in the Feb. 1 opinion.

The judge Wednesday addressed Bells age at the time of the killing, but didnt change Bells minimum term, just the maximum term. The original sentence of 40 to 120 years was changed to 40 to 60 years.

Just getting revenge on each other: Gang shootings contributed to the most violent year

It was a cold-blooded shooting, Trusock said. These people did nothing. You had no remorse whatsoever.

I stated at the time that society needs to be protected from you and there is just no excuse or justification for this murder, he added.

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Defense attorney Andrew Rodenhouse asked for an adjournment so he could address issues raised by the Court of Appeals. Trusock opted to proceed with the resentencing.

Trusock told the courtroom that he considered several factors during the 2022 sentencing, including the victims age, immaturity and family environment.

Although I did not articulate the fact that he was 17 at the time, I was well aware of that, Trusock said.

There was a situation where you were trying to prove yourself to a gang, Trusock said. You basically walked up to a car of four innocent people that had nothing to do with you, or any gangs or anything else and opened fire.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
There is a parking lot in Chinatown tucked under the Red Line tracks, flat, narrow and nondescript except for a big sign advertising cheap rates.

To look at it, youd never know the tiny, state-owned parcel would become ground zero in a petty but bitter political war  and a key factor in one of the biggest corruption cases in Illinois history.

But wiretapped phone calls played Thursday in the ongoing trial of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan gave jurors a detailed picture of the behind-the-scenes machinations, power plays and bruised egos in the battle over the 2-acre lot, which a group of deep-pocketed developers wanted to turn into a mixed-use high-rise.

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The dispute was fueled by many classic Illinois factors, including the icy rivalry between Madigan and then-Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, a falling out between then-state Sen. Martin Sandoval and Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis over Solis political backing of an opponent of Sandovals daughter, and a renegade freshman legislator irritated by developments being pushed in her district, according to testimony.

It all led to some of the more memorable lines in the Madigan case so far, many uttered by Madigans confidant, Michael McClain, and lobbyist Nancy Kimme, as they tried to pass a bill that would get the Chinatown lot transferred from the state to the city.

Thats what we got going on here, an exasperated-sounding Kimme told McClain in one April 2018 call the jury heard. Were in the middle of some kind of range war.

Asked on the witness stand Thursday what she meant by that remark, Kimme smiled and said, That they were all shootin at each other for different reasons.

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You mean for political reasons? asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz.

Yes.

The Chinatown parking lot matter is one of an array of allegedly corrupt schemes executed by Madigan and McClain, whose monthslong trial on racketeering charges is now entering its final phase.

Prosecutors allege Madigan agreed to help Solis, whose 25th Ward included the parking lot, get the land transferred from the state to the city so the development could be built. In exchange, Solis would introduce the developers to Madigan so the speaker could pitch his private tax firm to do their property tax appeals, according to prosecutors.

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But Madigan knew Rauner, his Republican archenemy, would never let the land transfer go through if he knew the speakers fingerprints were on it. So the speaker enlisted the help of McClain, who in turn went to Kimme, a Republican with connections in the Rauner administration, to try and seal the deal, according to evidence the jury has heard.

Meanwhile, the FBI was listening to it all unfold in real time, thanks to a wiretap on McClains phone that was secured after Solis told investigators about McClains role in the Chinatown affair. That wiretap, in turn, put the feds onto the biggest single piece of the indictment: the alleged ComEd bribery scheme.

Kimme testified Thursday that her involvement in the Chinatown negotiations started quite amicably, with a sit-down in Solis City Hall office in November 2017 with the developers to develop a legislative strategy.

But the situation soon degenerated. In early 2018, the state Department of Transportation sent a letter saying there had been multiple recent inquiries into the purchase of the parking lot parcel, and any sale would have to be done by public auction, which would be 2019 at the earliest.

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Kimme said both she and McClain knew that would take too long and probably ignite a bidding battle with buyers who had far different ideas for the property. So they set about getting it transferred by adding an amendment to an existing land bill in the spring legislative session.

That April, though, Kimme told McClain that Sandoval, a Democrat who headed the powerful Senate Transportation Committee, was putting a brick on the plan, and it appeared to be because of the bad blood with Solis. Not only that, Sandoval had apparently persuaded his colleague state Sen. Tony Munoz to oppose it as well.

Solis told me Sandoval hates him because he went against Sandovals daughter, Kimme said on the call.

Kind of makes sense whats happening, McClain responded. Um, but Sandoval, hes a small man. Right?

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A few days later, Kimme and McClain talked about ways to get Sandoval and Munoz to settle down.

Munoz, Kimme said, seemed to be consumed with becoming the next Senate president and was not gonna want to piss off Marty.

Im sure thats why he got involved (in blocking the Chinatown deal) in the first place, Kimme said. Like I told you, Sandovals so crazyHes such a bull in a china shop. He intimidates everyone  And I dont imagine there is any way for Solis to make peace now.

In response, McClain noted that Sandoval had publicly said at a recent rally that Alex Acevedo was going to replace Solis as alderman.

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McClain said suppose they got the Chinese Chamber of Commerce involved, to show Munoz there is a political consequence. Kimme said Munoz probably wouldnt care. He knows that Marty is a bad enemy to have because he reacts so much.

At the end of the call, Kimme asked who was close to Sandoval.

Victor Reyes, McClain said, referring to the longtime Democratic political consultant and fundraiser.

Who is Reyes close to?

McClain paused for several seconds. WellVictor Reyes is close to Victor Reyes, he said, But I got him, you know, a lot of business over the years. There arent that many Latino lobbyists, you know?

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A few weeks later, Kimme again asked McClain how they could solve the Sandoval issue. Maybe try and get Victor (Reyes) to go after Sandoval and quiet him down?

I think I ought to call somebody and let em know that Sandoval is blowing it up, McClain responded. So why dont you give me a day or two?

Kimme later told McClain that shed found out Munoz was angry about a city-owned property on Damen Avenue, popularly known as the Damen Silos, that hed wanted Solis to sign off on for development, but the alderman was dragging his feet. Kimme negotiated a plan with Munoz to put both properties in the same bill.

I think thats a good deal, McClain said. Thats why youre the master.

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In May 2018, with the session deadline looming, Kimme reached out to Democratic state Rep. Theresa Mah to make her a sponsor of the land transfer. But Kimme learned that Mah, who took office just a year earlier, was no fan of the idea  or of Solis.

Shes like, This is a scam cooked up by Danny Solis, you know, people in my district dont like him,' Kimme told McClain in a May 16, 2018, phone call played for the jury, saying Mah complained that Theyre trying to gentrify Chinatown and take away its identify and put some big high-rise up in the middle.

Sensing the growing boondoggle, Kimme added that Mah even told her of a different plan to turn the Damen Silos property into a driving school.

Im like, a driving school? What the (expletive) are you talking about? Kimme said on the call.

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Three days before the spring session ended, Kimme and McClain moved on to a different plan to get the land transfer through: by having state Rep. Avery Bourne, a downstate Republican, add it to a routine land bill she was carrying.

But that idea also fizzled. On May 31, 2018, the last day of session, Kimme and McClain were recorded while they were frantically trying to contact Bourne, and began lamenting about the bills dire prospects.

Theres something fishy here. Dont you think? McClain asked. I mean, Solis says Theresa Mahs all in. Then you find out Theresa Mahs not in. You know, Tony Munoz is supposed to be in charge of Sandoval, and we find out, cant do anything with Sandoval.

Im telling you what of this whole thing, nobodys disappointed me more than Tony Munoz, Kimme said. I mean, I love that guy, but now Im like, Im not sure he could even get (expletive) done.

Earlier in the trial, the jury heard another wiretapped call from that same day, where McClain told Madigan that Mah was poised to oppose the bill and Munozs support was shaky.

Weve had hurdle after hurdle, McClain said.

Madigan responded that it would be OK to put the file in the drawer for a while.

By the time the fall veto session arrived in November 2018, prospects were looking better. JB Pritzker had been elected governor, ending worries about Republican opposition. And McClain told Kimme over the phone that a friend of ours  meaning Madigan  thought it would be a good idea to have Rep. Dan Burke, a lame-duck Chicago Democrat, co-sponsor the bill.

Burke, in wiretapped phone calls, at first gladly took the assignment from McClain. But later on, he apparently realized it was much more complicated than he had thought. Burke started hearing things about silos and Theresa Mah that bewildered him.

Let me talk to Nancy and find out what the hells going on here before you get yourself in a buzzsaw, McClain told him in a November 2018 phone call.

I mean, I dont know all the details of this stuff, Burke said.

No, you dont, McClain said. You wouldnt know about these details. Good lord in heaven.

After a flurry of activity trying to get Burke in touch with Mah, Kimme learned that Mah would not be supporting the bill after all.

Its not good to have her stand opposed, McClain told Kimme, then once again used a euphemism for Madigan.  Ill tell a friend of ours that Mahs gone south on us, so he knows.

Kimme testified Thursday that she learned not long afterward that then-Secretary of State Jesse White would also oppose the land transfer bill. That appeared to be the final straw.

Was there ever any legislation passed that would transfer the land from the state? Schwartz asked.

After all that, there was not, Kimme said in a weary tone.

On cross-examination from McClains attorney, Kimme acknowledged that every action she had taken was squarely within the realm of normal lobbying activity.

And neither the developers nor Solis ever mentioned any connection between the land transfer bill and giving business to Madigans law firm, Kimme testified.

On questioning from Madigan attorney Tom Breen, Kimme said the Chinatown transfer became her Rubiks Cube  one she never solved.

Did you find it undoable? Breen asked.

I did, Kimme said.

Because of miscommunication and bad information and petty politics? Breen asked.

Prosecutors objected  but the point was made.

Madigan, 82, of Chicago, who served for decades as speaker of the Illinois House and the head of the state Democratic Party, faces racketeering charges alleging he ran his state and political operations like a criminal enterprise.

He is charged alongside his longtime confidant McClain, 77, a former ComEd contract lobbyist from downstate Quincy. Both men have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

Sandoval, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to an arrange of bribery schemes unrelated to the Chinatown parcel and was cooperating with investigators when he died of COVID-19 in December 2020.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
TAIPEI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSM, 2330.TW) is in discussions with Nvidia Corp (NVDA) to produce its Blackwell artificial intelligence chips at the contract manufacturer's new plant in Arizona, three sources familiar with the matter said.

TSMC is already making preparations to start production early next year, the sources said.

Nvidia's Blackwell chips, which the company unveiled in March, have so far been manufactured at TSMC's facilities in Taiwan. The company has seen high demand from customers involved in generative AI and accelerated computing for the chips, which it says is 30 times speedier at tasks like serving up answers from chatbots.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang present NVIDIA Blackwell platform at an event ahead of the COMPUTEX forum, in Taipei, Taiwan June 2, 2024. REUTERS/Ann Wang  REUTERS / Reuters

The agreement, if finalised, would secure another customer for TSMC's Arizona facility, which is scheduled to start volume production next year.

TSMC and Nvidia declined to comment. The sources did not want to be identified as the talks were confidential.

Two of the sources said Apple (AAPL) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are current customers at the Arizona plant. Apple and AMD did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

However, while TSMC plans to produce the front-end process of Nvidia's Blackwell chips in Arizona, the chips will still need to be shipped back to Taiwan for packaging. The Arizona facility does not have chip on wafer on substrate (CoWoS) capacity that is essential to the Blackwell chips, two of the sources said.

All of TSMC's CoWoS capacity is currently in Taiwan.

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, is investing tens of billions of dollars in building three facilities in Phoenix and the project has won significant subsidies from the U.S. government which wants to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States.

(Reporting by Wen-Yee Lee in Taipei and Fanny Potkin in Singapore; Editing by Brenda Goh and Jacqueline Wong)
Kalle Benallie

ICT

For the first-time author, Brook M. Thompson, the Klamath River feels like home.

Its presence in her life and the Klamath Dam removal inspired her to write a childrens book I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience where the younger generation can be part of the conversation.

For me it was a way I could explain to my younger cousins, what this dam removal was like, how it came to be and just thought this was a really big deal for our tribes and we should be proud of it, Thompson, Yurok and Karuk Tribes, said.

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Thompson distinctly remembers when over 34,000 fish, mostly Chinook salmon, died in the Klamath River in September 2002. It was the largest recorded salmon fish kill in U.S. history.

One of the factors that was suspected to have contributed to the disaster was the low flow from Iron Gate Dam, located in northern California. It was one of the three dams that was removed this year.

Being told that this was never going to happen and dam removal was impossible, that it was ridiculous to ask for four dams to be removed versus for just asking for one was too much and it actually happening and it being taken down is better to me, thats better than any fiction I could imagine, Thompson said.

'I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience' author Brook M. Thompson. (Photo courtesy of Blue Slip Media)

The 2002 event was also a catalyst that inspired Thompson to go to school for engineering. She currently works part-time as a restoration engineer for the Yurok Tribe, as well as being a small business owner and a P.h D. student at University of California Santa Cruz.

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Ideas for the book began 10 years ago and really kicked off in 2022. Thompson said she made sure to make a female Native American be the lead of the book to provide representation that she didnt have growing up.

Thompson hoped to have an Indigenous artist for the artwork - but being a first-time author with limited funds  she eventually found Ukrainian artist Anastasia Khmelevska on Instagram.

I was just thinking because Im writing a book about water and the Klamath River that I really wanted to do watercolor so it kind of matches that theme with the artwork itself, she said.

One of her favorite pages in the book features her family on a boat fishing. The scene holds a lot of meaning for Thompson because two of the people featured, her uncle Timmy and cousin Stormy Joy, have died.

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Those two people are some of the people Ive spent most time on the boat with, and theyre gone now, she said. The other person is my dad.

Other personal ties to Thompson in the book include: the Portland, Oregon skyline, a nod to her time at Portland State University, the letter A featured on the girls stole from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the outline of Stanford University, where she also went to school and her cat.

Additionally, in an effort to help children like herself who have dyslexia, the book is in the font OpenDyslexic. The text enlarges the bottom of the letter to help readers with dyslexia.

It just feels really nice to say despite my disability that I was able to do the thing thats directly opposed to my disability now, she said. Theres something that feels really fulfilling to be able to be like just because I have a writing and reading disability and a learning disability doesnt mean Im not able to enjoy those things..

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Ultimately, Thompson hopes that book will serve as a commemoration and a simplified explanation of how the Yurok, Karuk and Klamath tribes fought to remove the dams for more than two decades.

Even for her, its difficult to remember all the complicated details and its a topic shes known all her life.

It can be a situation where we almost take for granted how much we understand about the subject but then kids coming up, where they know its a big deal, dont necessarily get that simplified explanation of what happened, Thompson said.

The book will be released on March 4, 2025.

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.
Authorities continue to look for the gunman who targeted and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Thompson, 50, was visiting the city for his companys annual investor conference, which police say he was walking to alone when he was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel at around 6:45 a.m.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a press conference on Wednesday that the brazen, targeted attack was premeditated, and the shooter seemed to be lying in wait for several minutes before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire.

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Though the attack appears to be targeted, the police have not identified the suspect, nor the motive of the shooting.

Sharing an update on the progress of the manhunt on Saturday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters: The net is tightening, and were gonna bring this person to justice.

Here is what we know so far about the killing of Thompson and the ongoing investigation.

Police continue to share details about the shooting

According to police, the gunman was masked and arrived on foot to the scene of the crime about five minutes before the shooting took place on Wednesday, also stopping at a Starbucks nearby according to surveillance photos obtained by the authorities.

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Many people passed the gunman, dressed in a dark, hooded coat and a grey backpack, as he waited for Thompson to arrive.

Then, the suspect shot Thompson several times in the back and leg, as at least one witness stood nearby. After firing several times, the gun appeared to jam. The gunman seemed to clear the jam and continue shooting as he walked toward Thompson, according to police.

After being found at the scene by authorities, Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 7:12 a.m.

ABC News reported that bullet cases found at the scene were inscribed with the words deny, defend, and depose.

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TIME reached out to the NYPD Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information who were unable to confirm or comment on the reports of writing on the bullet casings.

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Business Wire/TNS/ABACAPRESS.COM/Reuters

A manhunt is underway

The NYPD has been pursuing a manhunt for the gunman, utilizing their vast system of cameras, both public and private, that the police can scour to locate people

Tisch, the New York City Police Commissioner, told reporters that the gunman fled first on foot into an alley a few blocks from the scene of the crime. There, the NYPD found a discarded cellphone, which they are working on identifying.

Eventually, he continued on foot then on a Citi Bike e-bike, and was last seen riding the bike into Central Park on Center Drive..

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After completing sweeps of Central Park with officers and drones in a grid search, police reportedly found a backpack, believed to be owned by the gunman, in the park, according to the New York Times.

The NYPD shared a series of images of the suspect on Wednesday, in which the unidentified males face was partially covered. On Thursday morning, the NYPD released clearer images of a person of interest wanted for questioning, and once again appealed to the public for any information.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD said: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.

They continued: The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the publics helpif you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

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These photos seem to have been taken at an Upper West Side hostel that law enforcement officials are now investigating, according to the Times.

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation. New York City Police Department/AP

On Friday night, the FBI also posted the photos of the person of interest at the hostel, offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who has information that will lead to arrest.

A senior law enforcement official is quoted as telling the Times that the person of interest photographed used a fake New Jersey identification to book a room at a hostel, checking in on Nov. 24 after arriving in the city via bus. He then checked out of the hostel on Nov. 29, before checking back in the next day.

A spokesperson for the residence in question, the HI New York Hostel, told CBS News that they are fully cooperating with the NYPD, but as this is an active investigation, cannot comment at this time.

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On Friday, Tisch and NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny sat down for an interview with CNN, in which they said they have reason to believe that the person of interest has left New York City since Wednesdays shooting, citing surveillance camera footage.

We have him in a taxi cab, and the taxi cab takes him up to 178th street and Broadway, which, as we know, is a Port Authority Bus Center. Those buses are interstate buses, thats why we believe he may have left New York City, Kenny said, stating that the department is now looking into what buses he may have taken.

NYPD officials reportedly arrived in Atlanta on Saturday, following leads in connection to the case.

On Sunday, the NYPD released two new photographs of the person of interest via social media, one of which shows him in the back of a vehicle, and the other showing him walking alongside the vehicle. In both images, the person is wearing a mask and a hood. The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, the NYPD wrote.

How Thompsons family and workplace responded to his killing

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, is quoted as having provided a statement via her sister to CBS News on Wednesday.

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"Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed, she said. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.

On Thursday morning, Paulette told NBC News that her husband had received threats previously.

Yes, there had been some threats I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

New York City Chief of Detectives Joesph Kennedy (C) and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch (L) speak to the media regarding what homicide authorities believe was a targeted attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at One Police Plaza on Dec. 4, 2024. Alex KentGetty Images

During the NYPD press conference, Kenny told reporters that Thompson did not seem to have any security.

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Speaking to other employees that traveled with him to New York, it doesn't seem like he had a security detail, he said. He left the hotel by himself, was walking, didn't seem like he had any issues at all.

Meanwhile, the UnitedHealth Group reacted to the shooting in a statement released on Wednesday, sharing that they are working closely with the NYPD as investigations continue.

We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him, the company said. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A manhunt is underway in New York for the suspect who shot the CEO of the countrys largest private health insurer Wednesday morning.

Police said UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the New York Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual investor conference.

Heres what to know:

Police say Thompson was targeted

New York police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a brazen, targeted attack.

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Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack, Tisch said during a briefing. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.

According to police, Thompson was on his way to the conference from his hotel across the street before 6:45 a.m. when he was gunned down.

Thompson, who runs UnitedHealth Groups insurance division, had arrived early to prepare for the conference, the police said.

Tisch said the attacker waited for several minutes before he saw Thompson walking to the hotel. The suspect approached Thompson from behind and fired several rounds, striking him at least once in the back and once in the right calf.

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Police recovered three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings from the scene. A cellphone was also recovered from an area where the assailant fled and was being analyzed to see if it was linked to the shooting, police said.

Thompsons wife told NBC News that he had received some threats, though she did not know any specifics.

Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? she said, according to the network. I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Suspect remains at large

The shooter appears to be a light-skinned male. Hes wearing a light brown or cream colored jacket, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a very distinctive gray backpack, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

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Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are offering a $10,000 reward.

The shooter fled on foot until he picked up an electric bike, which he rode into Central Park.

Kenny said the gunman was proficient in the use of firearms because after the gun malfunctioned, he was able to clear a jam and continue firing.

Police officials stressed that there is no danger to the general public, and said the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center will go on as planned Wednesday night despite the search for the gunman.

Rockefeller Center is about four blocks from the midtown Hilton, where Thompson was shot.

UnitedHealthcare is the nations largest health insurance company

The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company on Tuesday released its 2025 projections ahead of Wednesdays investor conference.

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The parent company, UnitedHealth Group, expects 2025 revenues of more than $450 billion. It is the nations largest private health insurer and the largest employer of physicians. Its subsidiaries are involved in almost all aspects of the health system.

The healthcare giant said it expects 2025 sales in excess of $330 billion. About 50 million Americans receive health coverage through UnitedHealthcare, according to the company.

UnitedHealthcare has put an emphasis on Medicare Advantage, the private alternative to traditional Medicare that now covers a majority of the nations older adults. It enrolls more than 9 million people, the largest share of Medicare Advantage enrollees among any company in the market.

Thompson was a key part of UnitedHealthcares growth. He had been with the company since 2004 and was appointed chief executive in 2021. According to public records, he earned more than $10 million in compensation in 2023, which includes base salary, bonuses and stock.

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In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said the company was deeply saddened and shocked by Mr. Thompsons death.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time, the company said. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.

UnitedHealth controversies

The companys size and reach have made it a target of criticism by lawmakers and scrutiny from federal regulators.

A subsidiary called Change Healthcare, a payment processing company, fell victim to a cyberattack earlier this year that compromised millions of peoples private health information and froze the payments of providers across the country. The company said a third of Americans data were potentially stolen.

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Bipartisan lawmakers in the House and Senate demanded answers from CEO Andrew Witty during a pair of hearings in May.

The Department of Justice last month sued to block UnitedHealth Groups proposed $3.3 billion acquisition of rival home health and hospice services provider Amedisys Inc., arguing it would be anticompetitive and essentially corner the market since United previously bought a rival company to Amedisys.

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NEW YORK (NewsNation)  Authorities searching for the shooter who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning called the deadly attack premeditated during a news conference later that day.

Thompson, 50, was shot just before 7 a.m. in front of a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, according to officials. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The gunman had been waiting for Thompson to arrive at the hotel for an investors meeting, police said. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, during a news conference Wednesday.

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The suspect was lying in wait for several minutes, and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf, she said.

This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to catch the shooter.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: Who was Brian Thompson?

This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual, and we will apprehend that individual, he said.

What do we know about the suspect?

The shooter appears to be a light-skinned male. Hes wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a very distinctive gray backpack, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

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Before the shots were fired, many people passed by the suspect who appeared to wait for his intended target, according to Tisch.

NYPD release photos of alleged suspect.

As Thompson arrived at the Hilton, the shooter stepped out from behind a car and fired multiple rounds, striking Thompson in the leg and back. Kenny said it appeared that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again.

The shooter then ran through an alley, hopped on an electric Citi Bike and rode through Central Park on Center Drive, police said.

$10,000 reward offered for information on UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: NYPD

I hear a shot, a witness told Nexstars WPIX. When I look around, I saw a guy with a gun. He shot three times, then he starts running.

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Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the suspect fled. They were also searching Thompsons hotel room and interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues, Kenny said.

While the shooting was targeted, police say they still dont know a motive for the attack.

A photo of the suspect was released by the NYPD.

What is happening with the manhunt?

A search for the suspect is ongoing as of 3 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Authorities have deployed police drones, helicopters, and dogs in an effort to find the shooter and have a massive presence in Manhattan following the shooting, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said.

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We have the drones up. We have aviation out. We have canine out, he said. An incident like this happens  we dont spare any expense.

NYPD shared this photo, captured from surveillance footage, of the suspected shooter. (NYPD)

The electric bike the shooter took off in has a GPS system, which authorities are tracking, they said.

The last we see with him on that bike is in Central Park, Kenny said. There are GPS on those bikes. Well be working with the company.

Police said the e-bike that the shooter used to ride into Central Park came from the citys bike-share program, CitiBike. A spokesperson for Lyft, which operates the program, told The Associated Press that the company had not yet been contacted by police.

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The NYPD is offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Nexstars WPIX and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovo's parliament speaker ejected several lawmakers of the ethnic Serb minority from the chamber Thursday because of several recent absences, a move that could spark new frictions in the tense relations with neighboring Serbia.

Speaker Glauk Konjufca accused the nine Srpska List party lawmakers of being provocative and misusing taxpayers' money by showing up only once every six months."

Konjufca accused the lawmakers of working against Kosovo and reporting regularly to Milan Radoicic, a politician and wealthy businessman with ties to Serbias ruling populist party and President Aleksandar Vucic.

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Radoicic was among 45 people charged in Kosovo in connection with a gunfight last year in which a Kosovar police officer was killed following an incursion by heavily armed Serb gunmen.

Shame on you. The session is adjourned and I ask you to leave Republic of Kosovos Assembly, Konjufca said.

The nine lawmakers then left the hall. The Srpska List party holds nine of the 10 seats that the Serb minority has in parliament.

Milan Kostic, one of the lawmakers, denounced the move, saying it showed hatred toward the Serbian population" and calling on Western countries to react. That is an attack on the entire Serbian population, not just on the Srpska List, he said.

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The parliament session resumed later on.

Tensions in Kosovo were heightened last week by a powerful explosion in a northern region populated mostly by ethnic Serbs. The blast temporarily cut water and power supplies to large swaths of the country.

Kosovo blamed the explosion on neighboring Serbia, which denied involvement.

Kosovo-Serbia relations remain tense despite efforts by the international community to normalize them.

Kosovo was a Serbian province until NATOs 78-day bombing campaign in 1999 ended a war between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, which left about 13,000 dead, mainly ethnic Albanians, and pushed Serbian forces out.

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Kosovo in 2008 proclaimed independence, which is not recognized by Belgrade.

Brussels and Washington are urging both sides to implement agreements that Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti reached in February and March last year. They include a commitment by Kosovo to establish an Association of the Serb-Majority Municipalities. Serbia is also expected to deliver on the de facto recognition of Kosovo, which Belgrade still considers its province.

The NATO-led international peacekeepers known as KFOR have increased their presence in Kosovo after last years tensions.

-

Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
Thursdays Top Stories

Thursdays Five Facts

[1] Multiple New Mexico caregivers accused of abusing residents  The New Mexico Department of Justice is bringing charges against four caregivers in elder abuse cases across the state, and cell phone video of some of that abuse, helped investigators build those cases. Three of the incidents occurred at residential facilities in Santa Fe and Rio Rancho. While the other occurred in Las Vegas. If the caregivers are convicted, they could face six months to a year in prison.

[2] MDC explains why inmate was mistakenly released  The Metropolitan Detention Center said it accidentally released another inmate. The jail says an inmate had been transferred from California in April. He was recently tried for murder but the case ended without a conviction. MDC said that led to orders to release him, but the jail was alerted the inmate should have stayed in custody to be transported back to California. The jail said the inmate is cooperating and is now heading back to California.

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[3] Some rain to the south, dry weather to the north  Calm weather will then mostly ensue late this weekend before a potent wintry storm impacts northern areas by next week with colder air for all with snow even possible along the Central Mountain Chain to the East Highlands.

[4] Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll  The annual holiday stroll through Albuquerques Old Town is just around the corner. Everyone is invited to enjoy the local shops, decorations, live music, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. The festivities kick off on Friday at 5 p.m. and last until 9 p.m.

[5] Where are the Sandhill Cranes?  Every year more than 17,000 Sandhill Cranes migrate from the San Luis Valley in Colorado to the middle Rio Grande Valley. Biologist Dan Collins says the birds might be taking longer than usual to migrate because it has not gotten cold enough to push them south yet.

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She had tried for more than a year not to think about this day. She had school to focus on, songs to record, a drivers license to earn. She didnt want to fly halfway across the country to fight for the health care that made her life better.

And so, for most of the time her lawsuit had wound its way to the Supreme Court, L.W. had willed herself to think about almost everything else. She researched colleges with aviation majors. She turned 16. She went to Japan and started collecting Pokemon cards.

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But now the day was here. The nine Supreme Court justices would hear oral arguments Wednesday about a Tennessee law that banned L.W. and other transgender young people from taking puberty blockers and hormones. L.W. would have rather been in her high school psychology class, but shed traveled from Nashville because she wanted to witness a bit of history. At 8:30 a.m., an hour and a half before the arguments would begin, she approached the courts iconic building and declared herself ready.

She and her parents had bought suits for the occasion - her dads first new one in more than a decade and her first one ever. Hers was black with a lavender tie, and shed paired it with flats topped with little bows. She adjusted the tie, then headed for a side entrance.

Out front, anti-trans groups were giving speeches and playing the patriotic country song Chicken Fried, and L.W. could hear but not see them as she waited to go in. (The Washington Post is not naming the teenager because she filed the lawsuit using only her initials.)

L.W. and her parents walked down the marble-lined halls to the courtroom and found seats three rows back from the attorneys who would argue the case. Soon after, Tennessees Republican governor, Bill Lee, took a spot two rows ahead of them.

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I want to talk to him, L.W. told her mother, Samantha Williams.

I dont think thats a good idea, Williams said. What would you say to him?

L.W. wanted to ask the governor why he thought the ban was a good idea when he signed it into law last year. She wanted to tell him he was wrong, that her life was immeasurably better than it had been before she started blockers and hormones.

I believe he is unaware of the consequences of his actions, she told her mom. I want to make him aware.

Williams considered her daughters point for a moment, then a court marshal stood and said, Welcome to the Supreme Court. Williams grabbed L.W.s hand.

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Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the court would now hear arguments. L.W. fiddled with her tie, and her father, Brian, took notes on sheets of paper hed gotten from a lumber and supply company he works with back home.

The issue before the court was whether the ban violates the 14th Amendments equal protection clause by discriminating based on sex. Tennessee officials contend the statute does not do so but instead imposes age limits and other restrictions to protect minors from risky, unproven medical interventions. The law says the state has an interest in prohibiting treatments that might encourage minors to become disdainful of their sex.

But the Biden administration and the American Civil Liberties Union - the organization representing L.W., her parents and two other families with trans children - contend the law does discriminate based on sex because an adolescent assigned female at birth, for instance, cannot receive puberty-delaying treatments or testosterone to live as a male, but an adolescent assigned male at birth can.

At times, though, the justices turned from the legal questions and debated such care itself. They talked about European countries that have implemented restrictions, and they asked about medical research. Justice Clarence Thomas said he wanted to know how hormones affect a male as opposed to a female, while the courts liberal justices said the evidence shows some adolescents need the care.

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Some children suffer incredibly with gender dysphoria, dont they? Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar.

L.W. raised her hand, too low for anyone but her parents to see. In her preteen years, before she told her family she was trans, she felt as if she were underwater. She looked around, and everyone else seemed to be a fish. They knew how to swim, how to breathe, but she did not. Every day, she felt like she was drowning.

She never felt like that anymore. Hormones had made her feel confident and at peace, even in this courtroom where several of the justices kept calling trans girls boys.

When ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio took the podium, both L.W. and her mom brightened. Strangio was the first openly trans lawyer to argue before the court. As he finished, Williams leaned over, pumped her fist, and said crushed it! L.W. nodded in agreement.

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Tennessee Solicitor General J. Matthew Rice approached the court, and L.W. shifted in her seat. Shed read that each lawyer got 15 minutes, but the justices had quizzed the solicitor general for an hour and Strangio had answered questions for nearly that long. The wooden benches werent exactly comfortable. She tried to massage some life back into her legs.

Rice was before the justices for roughly half an hour, and then, all of a sudden, the hearing was over. The adults stood. L.W. looked around, then she stood, too. Everyone left the court single file, and when L.W. made it to the lobby, her mom pulled her and her dad in for a long hug.

Later, most legal pundits would say the court appeared unlikely to strike down the ban, but L.W. didnt want to speculate. She wanted to head outside, back to the rallies. She told her mom that she wanted to talk to the people she described as the opposition. Her mom said she didnt think it was a good idea.

I just dont understand, L.W. said. Whats the worst they can say to me? Ive heard it all.

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Her mother led the family outside. The ACLU was holding a news conference on the buildings steps, but Toby Keiths Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue played so loud, L.W. couldnt hear any of the speakers. As someone official talked, she looked down the steps. The opposition was right there. If only she could walk over and ask them why they thought her health care was any of their business. If only she could tell them how good she felt these days. She caught her moms eye and motioned toward the protesters.

Please? she asked.

Williams shook her head no and put her arm around her daughter. They walked down the marble steps together. Chicken Fried played again, but after a few steps, L.W. couldnt hear the song anymore. All around her, trans people and their allies were clapping and holding up signs. They were cheering for her.

Both of her parents sobbed, but L.W. just smiled. She knew people considered her a hero. Theyd told her as much. She hardly ever let herself think that way, but as the crowd chanted trans power, she lowered her head and began to say the words with them.

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- - -

Ann E. Marimow contributed to this report.

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A new poll of rural voters, commissioned by the Country Land and Business Association, has shown a collapse in confidence in this government. 66 per cent of voters said Labour neither understands nor respects rural communities. Almost a quarter of Labour voters regret casting their vote for Sir Keir Starmers party.

It is clear to see why. Reforms to inheritance tax will see average family farms brought into this pernicious form of taxation. A 350-acre arable farm, only slightly larger than the UK average size, would find themselves paying around 99 per cent of their profit in inheritance tax every year for ten years. What business could survive such an attack?

We are already seeing the consequences  machinery orders cancelled, investment scrapped, and cash being diverted away from generating growth.

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It gets worse. The agriculture budget  the pot that pays for environmental and nature recovery  has been cut in real terms, despite false claims by government of record investment. Capital grant schemes have been delayed. The budget to promote British food exports has been halved and the budget to provide advice to farmers entering new environmental land management schemes was scrapped. Small businesses are seeing business rates relief cut and employers are facing a national insurance rise to 15 per cent.

Ministers claim they are putting the country on an even keel. I say you dont support the country by bringing the countryside to its knees.

It could all have been so different. In the run up to the election senior Labour figures promised to understand and respect the countryside. Labour candidates diligently toured farms in their clean new wellies promising that they were the true party of rural Britain.

They said that they understood. They agreed that with the right policies, such as planning reform, more affordable housing and better connectivity, rural businesses could add 40bn to the national economy, creating hundreds of thousands of good, skilled jobs. They understood that a robust and ambitious plan for rural economic growth would revitalise our communities and excite entrepreneurs, as well as help to feed the nation and restore our natural environment. They also knew that with growth would come those precious tax receipts that Rachel Reeves is determined to receive.

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Yet watching Parliament yesterday, as one grim-faced Labour MP after another was forced to defend the Treasurys attack on rural Britain, a simple reality was clear. This government has now rejected the promise of growth on which they were elected.

It was a debate that no senior Minister bothered to attend. Indeed, despite protests, marches, weeks of media coverage and the desperate pleas of our rural community, Rachel Reeves has not taken the time to engage with farmers and rural businesses at all.

It is perhaps in no small part because she now knows what her own MPs and, quite possibly her own officials, knew all along. The paltry amount of money they claim their policies will save will quickly be overshadowed by the economic downturn they will create. Indeed, if just 5 per cent of rural businesses go under, 190,000 jobs will go in parts of the country where new jobs are hard to come by. These families will have to be supported by the state at the taxpayers expense.

Rachel Reeves should face the music, and come to meet the farmers and rural businesses who, under her plans, would be forced to pay 100 per cent of their annual profits on death duties. She should face the rural businesses who now consider investment unaffordable. She should meet employers who are laying good, skilled people off.

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It has been said to us time and again by MPs  including in her own party  that the only thing stopping a U-turn is public embarrassment. That isnt the behaviour of the grown ups in the room, as Ministers are so fond of describing themselves as. It is never embarrassing to do the right thing.

The Prime Minister wants a reset, but we arent going away. We arent a problem to be managed or a narrative to be changed. We are an entire community under attack, and we will not allow him to reset this governments reputation until he resets its relationship with rural Britain, ending these needless and anti-growth attacks, replacing them with an ambitious plan to deliver prosperity in the countryside and beyond.

Victoria Vyvyan is president of the Country Land and Business Association

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A woman has been arrested for intentionally setting her house on fire in Lake City.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

On Wednesday, December 4, Lake City Police Department officers were dispatched to the Watertown area in response to a structure fire at a home.

According to the police report, officers had spoken with a witness who said that the homeowner, Connie Clack, had intentionally set her home on fire and did not want law enforcement to respond.

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With the assistance of the Lake City Fire Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Fire Marshal, officers uncovered fresh burn marks from various places within and around the property. Clark was also later found with a box of matches.

Clark was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree arson under Florida Statute 806.01.1 (Dwelling or Building with People Present).

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By Qabil Ashirov

Establishing peace in the South Caucasus will pave the way for prosperity, which is what Armenia needs most, Azernews reports, citing the former Turkish Foreign Minister and the head of the delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Mevlud Cavu?o?lu, as he said in his speech at the second international conference of the Western Azerbaijan Community on the theme "The Right to Return: Advancing Justice for Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia."

He noted that Armenia's occupation of Garabagh caused many sorrows.

"The houses of the people who were taken from their homelands, their hopes for the future were taken from their hands. All Azerbaijanis were affected by this event. Unfortunately, the international community remained silent against the injustice suffered by Azerbaijan. However, it supported those who had done this oppression. But Azerbaijan liberated its lands after 30 years of occupation. Waving the Azerbaijani flag on the lands of Garabagh is a source of our pride.

We are very pleased with the speed of the restoration and construction works carried out by Azerbaijan in the liberated territories," he said.

Cavu?o?lu noted that the restoration of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, which had been destroyed in Armenia, is of great importance:

"It is regrettable that Armenia did not allow the UNESCO mission in this regard. Azerbaijan's patient and peace-oriented behavior should be appreciated."

It should be noted that more than 100 representatives from 51 countries are participating in the conference.

The event will discuss the history of the forced removal of Western Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the basis of their right to return, the restoration of their cultural heritage, and diplomatic efforts in this area.

It is worth noting that December 5 is the day of remembrance of the deportation of Western Azerbaijanis in 1987-1991. A similar international conference was held last year on the occasion. The international conference, dedicated to the topic "Ensuring the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia: the global context and a just solution", was attended by more than 100 representatives from 44 countries.
HOUSTON (Reuters) -Exxon Mobil said on Tuesday that Dan Ammann, former president of General Motors, will take over its largest and most profitable business early next year.

Ammann, who joined Exxon two years ago to run its clean energy unit, called Low Carbon Solutions, will replace 34-year Exxon veteran Liam Mallon as president of Exxon's oil and gas pumping business, effective Feb. 1, 2025.

The appointments of Ammann and Barry Engle, another former GM executive, as president of Low Carbon Solutions, reflects the U.S. oil producer's continued reshaping of its top management with outsiders.

"It certainly is a new management model for Exxon Mobil, which really started post-activist Engine 1's board shakeup," said energy analyst Paul Sankey of Sankey Research, referring to an activist investor's 2021 proxy fight that won three Exxon board seats.

As head of Exxon's Upstream business unit, Ammann will oversee a business that has contributed more than two-thirds of Exxon's operating profit this year.

Engle, who joined the company in September as an Ammann deputy, is a long-time auto industry executive who worked at General Motors until 2020. The Low Carbon unit was designed to make a business by helping Exxon and industrial customers reduce carbon emissions from operations.

Under Ammann, Exxon has spent big on potential carbon dioxide sequestration sites, acquiring carbon dioxide pipeline firm Denbury for $4.9 billion, and creating lithium and hydrogen development partnerships.

Abu Dhabi state oil firm ADNOC recently struck a preliminary deal to acquire a 35% stake in a proposed Exxon hydrogen project if it reached a financial go-ahead. Financial terms were not disclosed.

These appointments continue the companys approach of leveraging the diverse skills and experiences of a very accomplished executive team to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to each of our exceptionally talented organizations, said Exxon CEO Darren Woods in a statement.

Exxon in 2021 named former Diageo drinks finance executive Kathryn Mikells as CFO and this year hired general counsel Jeff Taylor from Fox Corp.

(Reporting by Seher Dareen in Bengaluru, additional reporting and writing by Gary McWilliams; Editing by Shreya Biswas and Bill Berkrot)
The Toho Riverboat Adventures owner and captain had his first court appearance before an Osceola County Judge Sunday after being arrested.

Richard Lawrence was arrested on Saturday.

According to the Osceola Clerk, he is facing charges of aggravated sexual battery, cruelty towards a child, and sexual activity involving a minor.

According to the arrest affidavit, Lawrence and his fiancee, Frances Fernandez, who is listed as the manager of the Lake Toho tour boat, had sexual encounters with a 17-year-old female who lived in the home with them.

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According to St. Cloud investigators, the teen told investigators they had sex over 20 times since October when she got hiredthe affidavits also state Lawrence gave the teen alcohol on three occasions.

According to police, Lawrence also has legal custody over the teen.

The arrest affidavit stated Fernandez told police she knew Lawrence was having sex with the teen and joined from time to time.

The affidavit stated Lawrence denied everything to the police and told them he would sleep all night.

In the affidavit, Lawrence admitted to police that all three slept together in the bed once but never had sex.

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Lawrence owns Toho Riverboat Adventures and is listed as Captain Stitch of the 75-foot commercial paddle wheel replica Riverboat that sails across Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud.

According to the Riverboats website, its next sail is Friday afternoon, and with Lawrence, the captain arrested, it is unsure if the vessel will proceed with its regular schedule.

Lawrence was arrested by St. Cloud Police and, as of Sunday, being represented by a public defender.

According to the judge Sunday, Lawrence has a Pretrial Detention Hearing on December 5th at 1:30 pm.

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ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW)  Ashtabula Area City Schools say they are working to remove snow from the rooftops of all school buildings, following the partial roof collapse at Lakeside High School on Monday.

How much more snow is on the way

Earlier this week, the area had already seen several feet of snow.

Ashtabula Area City Schools held a press conference on Thursday at the junior high to talk about how to move forward.

Courtesy of Ashtabula Area City Schools Courtesy of Ashtabula Area City Schools

Right now, we cannot use any part of Lakeside High School, Superintendent Lisa Newsome told FOX 8 earlier this week. Eventually, Im hoping down the road that we will be able to. But right now, they have completely closed the high school.

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All schools in the district are closed through at least Monday, due to the inclement weather.

Thursday, Newsome announced Lakeside High School students will have remote learning from Monday, December 9, through Tuesday, December 17, when Christmas break begins.

Check school closings here

Previous coverage below.

FOX 8 WINTER STORM COVERAGE: The latest here

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge could dismiss all charges next week against Margaret Rudin, the woman dubbed The Black Widow, who was wrongfully convicted of killing her husband in the 1990s.

In 2001, a Clark County jury found Rudin, now in her early 80s, guilty of the death of her husband, Ron Rudin, a real estate investor. Ron Rudins charred body was found near Lake Mohave in 1995.

In January 2020, a parole board granted Rudins release. Then finally in 2022, a federal judge vacated her conviction, citing other potential suspects. The state and the Clark County District Attorneys Office declined to retry Rudin.

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Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus was scheduled to hear arguments from both Rudins attorneys and the district attorneys office Monday where she could formally dismiss the charges.

Respectfully, the 25+ year saga of the state of Nevada prosecuting Margaret Rudin for a crime she did not commit must come to an end, Rudins attorneys wrote in court documents. This court should finally dismiss those charges.

The case is ripe for dismissal, prosecutors said in their response, adding a request the judge include specific factual findings as to why the court is now dismissing this case should Holthus dismiss it. It is factually correct that she is no longer convicted of a crime there has never been an indication from anyone other than Rudin herself that she was wrongfully convicted and actually innocent of the crimes.

In 2022, Rudin spoke exclusively with the 8 News Now Investigators one day after the Nevada Attorney Generals Office ran out of time to appeal the federal judges decision.

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What do you think of that moniker? 8 News Now Investigator David Charns asked Rudin about the Black Widow name.

I dont think anybody would dare call me that to my face, she said.

Margaret Rudin served a 20-year to life sentence, before her release on parole in 2020. The judges order overturns Rudins conviction and releases her of any parole obligations. (AP/KLAS)

Rudin maintained her innocence throughout her trial. Prosecutors theorized she shot her husband while he was asleep in bed. Police found human blood in the room, but an expert testified the amount was less than a drop of blood from an eye dropper. An expert for the defense also testified that there was no evidence of a cleanup and there would be much more evidence had Ron Rudin been killed in the bedroom.

The federal judge who overturned her conviction wrote there was no evidence linking Rudin to the murder weapon, Ron Rudins abandoned car, or the suspected crime scene. He also said Rudins defense attorney, Michael Amador, who has since died, did not do enough to defend her.

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Rudin has since filed a civil lawsuit against the state. A separate judge previously ordered her complaint to be amended. A date in that case was not scheduled as of Wednesday.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man faces 19 charges after police said he shot at a driver who allegedly brake checked him during a road rage incident, documents said.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, at around 6:30 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the area of U.S. 95 and Durango Drive after reports that two vehicles were chasing each other.

The person reporting, who police later identified as the victim, told officers that another person shot at his vehicle. The driver said he was following the suspects vehicle, according to an arrest report.

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Officers were able to stop both vehicles. Officers then saw a handgun in plain view in the victims vehicle, the report stated. Police also located two impacts on the victims vehicle.

The suspect, identified as Deshawn Lee, 26, told police he was driving south on U.S. 95 between Craig Road and West Charleston Boulevard in the HOV lane. He said the victim was tailgating him and caused him to drive up to 120 miles per hour, according to the report.

He said the victim sped up and began to brake check him, meaning he deliberately hit his brakes in front of another vehicle.

Lee told police he was upset because his young nephews were in the back seat, so he grabbed his firearm and shot approximately 12 times into the air as warning shots. He said he believed the other vehicles driver was possibly pointing something black at him, the report stated.

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Lee said he then drove away to get away from the victim, who followed him until they were both stopped by law enforcement.

The victim told police he was driving his son to his friends house and was driving in the HOV lane. He said he passed Lees vehicle and said Lee tailgated them in anger of them passing before the victim heard gunshots, the report stated.

The victims stepson told police that the victim was speeding in the HOV lane and after they passed Lees vehicle, the victim, who the stepson described as a hothead, slammed on his breaks in front of Lee, the report stated.

During the shooting, the victim said he pulled out his firearm but did not fire it. When Lee drove away, the victim chased after him, committing several traffic infractions, according to the report.

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Police took Lee to the Clark County Detention Center where he was held on a $150,000 bail and faces the following charges:

Two counts of child abuse or neglect

Three counts of assault with the use of a deadly weapon

14 counts of discharging a gun at/into an occupied structure/vehicle

His next court appearance was scheduled for Dec. 17.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Correction: Quotes regarding the citys response to plans for the park were changed to reflect the quotes were made by Jace Radke, a Las Vegas City spokesperson, and not by Councilwoman Oliva Diaz.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The chain lock on the park fence rattled as a stark reminder of the safety concerns in the Huntridge community, however, residents said they want city officials to consider unlocking their neighborhood parks potential.

Built in 1941, Huntridge Circle Park has been caught in the middle of recent unwanted attention after closing for a few months in 2018 due to criminal activity. One year later, investors in the historic Huntridge Theater encouraged city officials to bring the park back to life.

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For nearly six years residents told 8 News Now they have seen their park open and close in reaction to safety concerns. Fernando Ruvalcaba, partner of A+ Property Management, can see the chain link fence from his office across the street and said he has appreciated the few times this year the park has opened.

They had parties here like for Mexican Independence Day, he said. So, the park closing is always kind of sad, I would like to see it open.

Fernando Ruvalcaba, partner of A+ Property Management, can see the chain link fence from his office across the street and said he has appreciated the few times this year the park has opened.(KLAS)

Ruvalcaba said the area has had its share of issues but defended the community as up-and-coming, noting the nearby historic theater.

Of course, we have a little bit of problems but more than anything, Ruvalcaba said. But you know Im very happy.

Built in 1941, Huntridge Circle Park has been caught in the middle of recent unwanted attention after closing for a few months in 2018 due to criminal activity. One year later, investors in the historic Huntridge Theater encouraged city officials to bring the park back to life. (KLAS)

Jace Radke, a City of Las Vegas spokesperson, responded via email to an 8 News Now request for comment regarding the plan for the park.

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Huntridge Circle Park was originally closed due to safety concerns and requests from surrounding neighbors to close the park, Radke said. The citys top priority is always public safety.

However, residents have not decided on the future of their park, according to Radke.

Over the years many options, including exploring potential public-private partnerships in that space have been explored, he wrote. Councilwoman Diaz looks forward to continuing the conversation about this space with [residents].

Cars honking at wrong-way drivers on Maryland Parkway, next to the park, were another indicator of the difficulties of the area, according to recent resident Lilith Lee. She said the construction on the one-way roads posed an issue to children at the park but defended its recreational potential.

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Traffic [is] never great with all this going on, but at the end of the day, I think its nice to have a park there if youre going to try to help people get one accessed, she said. I feel like the kids are going to be in the street if theyre not in the park and its kind of a double-edged sword. But I like the idea. And when it has been open, it looks like its nice, so I would like to see it function.

Lilith Lee said the construction on the one-way roads posed an issue to children at the park but defended its recreational potential. (KLAS)

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Lee said the park has been open twice for special events since she moved the area, and said she encourages city staff to explore more opportunities for the future.

I would hope that we can get, you know, the moneys worth if were going to have it there in the first place, she said. Might as well put some use to it.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police are searching for a man accused of attempted murder.

Luis Medina, 42, is wanted for attempted murder with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within or from a structure or vehicle, and domestic battery, police said.

Luis Medina, 42, is wanted for attempted murder with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within or from a structure or vehicle, and domestic battery, police said. (LVMPD) Luis Medina, 42, is wanted for attempted murder with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within or from a structure or vehicle, and domestic battery, police said. (LVMPD)

Medina is described as 56 and 170 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

If you have any information about Medina contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. Tips leading to his arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words deny, defend and depose, a law enforcement official said Thursday.

The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway.

Here's the latest:

Water bottle and protein bar wrapper may hold clues to the shooters identity

Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson.

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Theyve been sent to the citys medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing.

Tips about the shooting, many unfounded, are pouring in through a police hotline

As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline.

Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman.

Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman  though they have yet to confirm the shooters identity.

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NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department even if it seems trivial.

We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together, he said.

Anger and vitriol against health insurers filled social media in the wake of Thompsons killing

Users reactions  and in many cases jokes  populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular.

I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isnt covered under my healthcare plan, one comment read on Instagram.

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Thoughts and prior authorizations! wrote another user.

Police searched Upper West Side hostel seen in new images

Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle.

Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel whos visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening.

He said an officer wouldnt let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened, said Taranto, 24.

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He didnt connect the dots with the shooting until later.

Police in Minnesota say they believe bomb threat against Thompsons home was a hoax

In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax.

Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a suspected swatting investigation was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items.

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The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time, the police statement said.

Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats.

In Minnesota, authorities investigate reported bomb threat against Brian Thompsons home

Back in Thompsons home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ.

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City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.

Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday.

Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.

A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBIs involvement in the investigation.

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Words on ammunition were written in marker, AP source says

The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting  deny, defend and depose  were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official.

The official wasnt authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

 Jake Offenhartz

Whats known about the search

As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter.

They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle.

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An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but cant comment due to the active investigation.

According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, theyre looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan.

What is the criticism of insurers?

Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens.

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UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurers prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS.

Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs.

Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimers disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits.

How do Americans feel about insurers?

In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer.

Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular.

About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve a lot of blame for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February.

Thompsons wife said her husband had received previous threats

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her there were some people that had been threatening him. She didnt have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive.

Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend

A message left at the scene of an insurance executives fatal shooting  deny, defend and depose  echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. Theyre similar to the phrase delay, deny, defend  the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry.

Police havent officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompsons shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care.

 Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter

New photos released by the NYPD

The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the publics assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

UnitedHealthcares history of claim denials

A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims.

Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans.

The Senates Permanent Subcommittees report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022.

Whats known about the suspected shooter?

Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack.

He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind.

After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooters professionalism.

From watching the video, it does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, Kenny said.

Hunt for the shooting suspect brought New York police to at least two hostels Thursday morning

The hostels were on Manhattans Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the ongoing search.

According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information.

 Jake Offenhartz

New York Mayor Adams says hes never seen a silencer before

New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer  something hed never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer.

In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before, Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe. And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.

Deny, defend and depose: Ammunition used in CEOs killing had writing on it, AP source says

The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words deny, defend and depose, a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims.

Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier.

 Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak

Just getting up to speed? Start here

The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nations largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference.

 Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attack
As Congress weighs funding the rebuild of Francis Scott Key Bridge, the state continues to make progress in replacing the structure that collapsed into the Patapsco River after being struck by a container ship on March 26.

The design of the bridge rebuild is underway and is expected to be ready early next year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. Demolition of the remaining Key Bridge structures is anticipated to begin in spring 2025 to be followed by construction. The planned completion date is scheduled for the fall of 2028.

The design-build project to construct a new bridge across the Patapsco River is likely to cost at least $1.7 billion.

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Here are some of the latest updates on the project.

Rush to complete financing

President Joe Biden pledged the federal government would cover the costs of the bridge rebuild, and he has called on Congress to fulfill that nearly $2 billion promise.

Members of the Maryland delegation are working to secure funding before Dec. 19 when Congress begins its holiday recess.

Fully funding the Key Bridge is something all members of the delegation support.

Thats something we see eye to eye on, said U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the lone Republican who represents the state in Washington, D.C.

Rebuild to rely on proposed trestle

MDTA and Kiewit Infrastructure Co., the design-builder selected by the state to complete design and construction of the rebuild, amended the rebuild projects construction approach to include a temporary trestle over tidal waters.

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A joint permit application revision was submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for authorization.

The trestle is expected to improve construction zone safety by eliminating the temptation for boaters to thread their way through barges and construction equipment, which can result in work zone accidents, according to MDTA officials.

Trestle piles and mooring/template piles included in the joint permit application revision will increase temporary impacts to tidal waters by 0.22 acres. The trestle will have a total surface area over tidal waters of 9.18 acres.

Extending from the north and south shore, it will temporarily remove about 200 feet from the Corps of Engineers navigation channel. The proposed trestle will have an air draft of 9.32 feet above mean high water and will require all boating traffic to transit the Key Bridge area in the main navigation channel.

Museum project underway

The Baltimore Museum of Industry, in partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation, hosted an event called Labor + Innovation: Echoes From the Key Bridge on Tuesday. The focus of the event was to reflect on the collapse of the bridge and its impact on the community.

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This project ensures that the experiences and resilience of these individuals are not only memorialized, but also serve as a reminder of the strength and unity that define Baltimore, Crystal Harden-Lindsey, vice president of community impact for BCF, said in a statement.

Through initiatives like these, we aim to uphold the legacy of those who shape our city, often behind the scenes, yet always with profound impact.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Politics and government editor Candy Woodall contributed to this article.
SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  A Laurinburg man is being held on a $7.5 million bond after being accused of 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Eric Ellison Bailey, 43, was arrested on Wednesday after Scotland County authorities and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation searched his home. Deputies said authorities received cyber tips that led to a lengthy investigation and Baileys eventual arrest.

No additional information was immediately available.

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* * *

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov traveled to Malta to participate in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on its Telegram channel on Dec. 5.

This marks Lavrov's first visit to an EU country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is also visiting Malta to address the plenary session of the OSCE meeting. Ukraine's chief diplomat left the hall before the start of Lavrov's speech, calling him a "war criminal." Several other foreign ministers and diplomats joined Sybiha in the walkout.

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Lavrov last visited an EU nation in 2021 for the OSCE meeting in Stockholm. He attended the U.N. General Assembly in New York multiple times during the war.

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Despite being under EU sanctions, which include a travel ban, exceptions can be made for attendance at international meetings within EU territory.

The visit came amid controversy after Malta canceled a visa for Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, citing "circumstances beyond their control," according to Zakharova.

According to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Sybiha is set to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from partner countries, focusing on the consequences of Russian aggression and advocating for a comprehensive and just peace based on Ukraines peace formula.

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Read also: Tucker Carlson says hes back in Russia for interview with Lavrov

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The new Four Seasons resort at Hinitsa Bay will offer captivating views of the Aegean Sea, exceptional amenities, state-of-the-art design, and the brand's renowned personalized service

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ -- Four Seasons, the world's leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, in partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, announces plans for the redevelopment of a beachside property at Hinitsa Bay, Porto Heli, Greece into a luxury resort and private residences.

Four Seasons Expands Portfolio in Greece with Luxury Resort and Private Residences at Hinitsa Bay in Porto Heli

Set against the scenic backdrop of southeastern Greece, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will offer bay views of the Argolic Gulf and the nearby island of Spetses. The expansion and redevelopment will transform an existing beachfront estate, which currently spans 75 hectares (185 acres) and 3.25 kilometres (3,250 metres) of coastline, into a new Four Seasons experience with 80 guest rooms and suites and 30 bungalows, as well as Four Seasons branded residential villas. Thanks to its ideal and prime location, guests and residents will have ease of access to the beach, nearby town centre and extensive walking trails, along with the services and amenities of Four Seasons.

"As we continue expanding our exceptional portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences in Greece, Four Seasons entry into Porto Heli will create yet another dynamic resort destination for discerning guests and residents to enjoy," says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. "In partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, we look forward to continuing to build Porto Heli's profile as a premier Mediterranean destination with a new resort that embodies Four Seasons renowned commitment to service, quality, and personalized experiences."

"The transformation of this exceptional and beautiful estate at Hinitsa Bay into a luxury Four Seasons resort is an important step in the enhancement of the Porto Heli area," says Paul Coulson, Chairman of Hinitsa Bay Holdings. "We are dedicated to maintaining the ambiance and character of the area while bringing onstream the facilities and leading standards of excellence, quality, and luxury hospitality associated with Four Seasons. With their proven track record of successful projects in key resort destinations throughout the world, we are confident that this development will offer an unparalleled experience for luxury guests and villa owners."

From the Kids For All Seasons program to an extensive multi-sports centre, gym, meeting space, and pools for adults, families and kids, the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will boast amenities that cater to diverse preferences while delivering a new experience in a destination that is already celebrated by luxury travellers throughout Europe and around the world.
Tiffany Williams Brewer, chairwoman of the State Commission of Investigation, testified on Dec. 5, 2024, in support of a bill that would tighten oversight of sober-living homes. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Sober-living homes would face unannounced state inspections twice a year, more stringent reporting requirements, and stiffer fines for violations under legislation a state Senate panel unanimously advanced Thursday.

The bill would codify several changes the state Commission of Investigation recommended in a February report that documented widespread failures in regulation and oversight that investigators say enable corruption to flourish.

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Sen. Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) said he introduced the bill because the homes residents and their neighbors deserve a more professional standard.

This bill is not punitive to the sober-living residence industry or community, Moriarty said. What it is trying to do is elevate the professionalism of these types of residences to help ensure that the people that live there will actually have a shot at getting sober, but at the same time recognizing that the people living around these facilities should be protected.

Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) talked about a bill he sponsored that would tighten oversight of sober-living homes during an Assembly hearing on Dec. 5, 2024. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

The bill would amend a 1979 state law on rooming and boarding houses, which also governs sober-living homes. It would:

Raise maximum civil fines on unlicensed operators from $5,000 to $25,000.

Require at least two unannounced inspections and record reviews annually to ensure the home complies with the law.

Mandate reporting requirements for fires, floods, accidents, or any incidents that result in an evacuation, closure, or injury or death of a resident or staffer; overdoses; communicable disease outbreak; crimes; and more.

Task state officials with ensuring at least one supervisor lives on site and that the homes staff forbids alcohol or drugs on site, requires residents to undergo random testing for substance use, and encourages residents to attend self-help programs.

Require the state Department of Community Affairs to post a list of licensed sober-living homes online.

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Members of the Senates Community and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously advanced the bill Thursday. Its Assembly counterpart has not yet been heard by that chambers oversight committee.

Tiffany Williams Brewer, chairwoman of the State Commission of Investigation, told lawmakers beefing up oversight of sober-living homes is especially urgent now, when the state expects to receive $1 billion in national opioid settlement funds over the next two decades to invest in addiction recovery.

The commissions investigators began probing sober-living homes in 2022, when overdose deaths were still on the upswing in New Jersey, she said. Fatal overdoses have been declining as naloxone, an overdose-reversing drug, becomes more available.

We found that the addiction rehabilitation industry was really a vast place that was really not supervised, Brewer said. The business model for some treatment centers and rehabs in New Jersey was not focused on getting patients clean and sober. Instead, they were focused on the vast financial reward that was connected to keeping them trapped in a cycle of addiction and treatment.

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She urged lawmakers to pass the bill, saying it would implement common-sense reforms.

Several neighbors of a sober-living home in Washington Township in Gloucester County also testified in support of the bill.

Patrick Hearn told lawmakers he worried about how the home could hurt his property value and how a group of men living under stress might deal with their problems in his tightly packed neighborhood. He also complained that the home opened without community notification.

You feel discriminated, OK, that youre law-abiding, taxpaying citizens, and this is put upon you without your knowledge, Hearn said. What are you supposed to do about it?

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Helen Albright Troxell, a councilwoman in Gloucester Township, told lawmakers she felt for the residents of sober-living homes, because her late husband struggled to overcome alcoholism too. But she said shes afraid of the residents of the sober-living home she neighbors.

Helen Albright Troxell, a councilwoman in Gloucester Township, testified on Dec. 5, 2024, at an Assembly hearing in support of a bill that would tighten oversight of sober-living homes. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

I understand the value of helping these people and keeping them on the right track. Its really important, but they need to do it in a location that is proper for everyone, she said. My husband died almost four years ago on Christmas Eve, and Ive always lived alone since then, and Ive always felt safe in my home, completely safe. And even after my husband died, I felt safe in my home. Well, I dont feel safe anymore.

Troxell, Hearn, and others urged lawmakers to act on zoning, so that sober-living homes cannot open in residential neighborhoods.

Moriarty has a separate bill that would require sober-living homes to be subject to municipal land-use regulations, but it has not advanced since it was introduced in February.

This story has been updated to correct Helen Albright Troxells title.

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LANSING Mich. (WLNS)  Supporters of many bills designed to reduce gun crimes gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday, making a final push to get them passed.

Stories of gun violence were shared as people urged for the passing of these bills to address the violence.

The bills include one that would ban bump stocks, one to use Medicaid to fund hospital-based community violence intervention, and a pair of bills that would hold businesses accountable for firearm negligence like what advocate Gail Duncan said happened to her daughter after she got a PPO against her ex.

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He shot her multiple times in the chest, the abdomen, and once in the forehead. Duncan continued, It turned out he was at a gun range and was able to do some target shooting then after that he concealed it and left the building, and less than an hour later my daughter was dead.

Some lawmakers are working to get these bills to the governors desk before the session ends. Including more bills, like one to ban ghost guns and one that State Representative Sharon MacDonnell touched on that requires schools to send home safe storage information to parents.

For safe storage to live up to its potential, parents have to know about it, MacDonnell said.

Other lawmakers, like State Rep. Angela Rigas, do not think these bills address the root causes of crime. She said instead, they target law-abiding citizens, and that banning bump stocks and ghost guns creates more red tape without stopping criminals who ignore the law.

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Rigas also said if schools have to send out safe storage reminders that undermines parental authority.

People in favor of the bills said they would help keep people safe and reduce gun crime.

Another bill would solidify something that State Rep. Felicia Brabec said is already happening, requiring Michigan State police to fully destroy guns they obtain from gun buybacks, crime scenes, or old service weapons.

Rep. Rigas said this wastes resources that could be repurposed. However, Rep. Brabec disagrees.

We want a law that guarantees Michigan will not be in the business of supplying our secondary gun market, Brabec said.

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Lawmakers in support said these bills are in various stages within the legislative process. Even with limited time left they believe they can move these bills forward.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
A lawsuit filed in federal court alleges a Monongalia County ordinance aimed at panhandlers violates the Constitutions First Amendment right to free speech and the 14th Amendment. (Greenleaf123 | Getty Images)

A lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court challenges a Monongalia County ordinance aimed at panhandlers who stand in roadway medians and at intersections asking drivers for money within specific areas in the county.

The class action lawsuit was filed Wednesday in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia by plaintiffs Chris Peterson, who panhandles in the Morgantown area, and Becky Rodd, who regularly donates to panhandlers. It seeks to void the ordinance, alleging the law violates the Constitutions First Amendment right to free speech and the 14th Amendment.

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The Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety Ordinance, which the commission passed in October 2023, restricts interaction and exchanges between vehicle occupants and people standing on roadways and prohibits standing or sitting on medians, shoulders and other parts of roadways witn areas of concern in the city.

Since its passage, the city of Wheeling passed a Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety ordinance that limits panhandling. The city of Charleston is currently considering similar legislation.

Peterson is a five-year resident of the Morgantown area who continues to panhandle to support himself, despite receiving tickets, warnings and threats from sheriffs deputies enforcing the ordinance, the lawsuit says. Rodd is a retired health care administrator. They are represented by Mountain State Justice, a Morgantown-based legal advocacy organization.

The complaint lists as defendants all three members of the Monongalia County Commission as well as Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer, in their official capacities. No one at the county commission or the sheriffs office returned a message seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.

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According to the complaint, the vote passing the ordinance was the culmination of a crusade by Commissioner Tom Bloom to convince the commission and neighboring towns to work together to stop panhandling. Despite the argument that the need for safety justified the passage of the ordinance, no evidence was offered to support the argument, the lawsuit says.

As we feared, the county has used this ordinance as a tool to punish the most marginalized members of our community, Lesley Nash, staff attorney for Mountain State Justice, said in a news release Wednesday evening. Mountain State Justice is proud to work with and represent Chris and Becky as they defend their rights and ours.

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South Korea's president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law in a televised address on Tuesday.

Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party told CNN he thought it was a digital fake.

Lee went viral after livestreaming himself climbing a fence to get to the National Assembly.

Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's main opposition leader, initially thought the president's martial law declaration was a deepfake.

"I was lying in bed with my wife in our home  when my wife suddenly showed me a YouTube video and said, 'The president is declaring martial law,'" Lee Jae-myung told CNN.

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Lee said he was convinced it was a digitally manipulated video.

"I replied, 'That's a deepfake. It has to be a deepfake. There's no way that's real,'" he added.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the world on Tuesday when he announced he was imposing martial law during a late-night address.

The decree, which enabled temporary military control and the suspension of civilian government activities and civil liberties, was the first since the country's democratization in 1987.

Yoon said the declaration was necessary to prevent subversion by North Korea, South Korea's longtime enemy, but it's likely he was seeking to quash domestic opposition and bolster his power.

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He backpedaled six hours later, after the streets were filled with protesters. The decree was voted against by MPs who had to cross barricades and climb walls to make it into the National Assembly.

Lee went viral on social media for livestreaming himself climbing over a fence to the National Assembly building so he could vote against the decree. He described Yoon's move as unconstitutional.

Calls for the president's resignation are growing. According to the Yonhap news agency, all six opposition parties filed an impeachment motion on Wednesday, with a vote set for Friday or Saturday.

Yoon came to power in 2022, narrowly defeating Lee in the most closely contested presidential election in South Korean history.

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Since then, his presidency has been riddled with controversy and low approval ratings.

Several senior government figures, including the defense minister, have resigned from their posts.

In the immediate aftermath, the South Korean won plunged as much as 3% relative to the US dollar.

Read the original article on Business Insider
At least six Ukrainian mayors and community heads remain in Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 5 during an address to the human rights community.

Zelensky confirmed that Yevhenii Matvieiev, the mayor of occupied Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, died in Russian captivity. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov said that Matvieiev was tortured to death.

Matvieiev was captured in March 2022 while trying to assist residents of his community.

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"They are among thousands of Ukrainians who are innocent but have been in captivity for years. And not only since 2022, but also since 2014," Zelensky said.

The president assured that Ukraine is doing everything possible to secure the release of its citizens. Over 19,500 Ukrainian children remain in Russian captivity, while only 3,767 have been freed.

Zelensky criticized the global response, noting the lack of significant action to stop Russias crimes and punish those responsible.

"There are still few voices in the world that speak about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," Zelensky said, adding that discussions about "freezing" the war often ignore the fate of millions of Ukrainians and hundreds of thousands of children in occupied territories.

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The president expressed regret over the fading international focus on Russian war crimes.

"Even the most large-scale Russian war crimes are gradually being forgotten by many in the world and in Europe, at the political level, among those who could act to fix everything," he emphasized.

Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners have died in captivity, according to Victoria Tsymbaliuk of the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Read also: Usyk appeals to Trump to help free Azovstal defenders from Russian captivity

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At least six Ukrainian mayors and hromada heads are currently held captive by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the international community to make every effort to free those in captivity. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Zelenskyys address at a conference on human rights advocacy, as quoted by the Presidents Office

Quote: "At least six mayors and community leaders are also currently being held in Russian captivity. They are among thousands of Ukrainians, who are innocent of any crime, but have been imprisoned for years. And not only since 2022. But also, since 2014. We are doing our utmost to get them back.

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3,767 Ukrainians have already been brought back from captivity. We engage mediators for this purpose. We are looking for various negotiation, political and legal possibilities.

And we believe that the crime is not only that Russia is holding so many of our people captive and abusing them, but also that many global forces have still not made every effort to stop this crime, secure peoples release, and punish Russia for all that its war has caused."

Details: Zelenskyy reminded the audience that recently a mayor held in Russian captivity lost his life. Yevhenii Matveiev, Mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, was taken captive in March 2022.

The president highlighted the worlds restrained reaction to what Russia is doing to Ukrainian captives: "How there are still so few voices in the world that speak about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia? There is also almost no response to what the Russian presence has done to our lands, our territories that are temporarily occupied."

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Zelenskyy expressed concern that even the most significant Russian war crimes are gradually being forgotten by many globally, especially at the political level: "They are being forgotten precisely at the political level, at the level of those who could make decisions or take actions to fix everything."

He added that Ukraine has to fight for the establishment of a Special Tribunal against Russia for its crime of aggression.

Zelenskyy also criticized the actions of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross in protecting and bringing back Ukrainian captives in Russia, describing the assistance as minimal.

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Its been a year since Congress released a report detailing an FBI Richmond field office memo that proposed infiltrating the churches of radical-traditionalist Catholics for threat mitigation. The FBI was also among the federal agencies accused of pressuring social media companies to suppress dissenting voices  in a digital-age outsourcing of government censorship.

The bureau targeted pro-life activist Mark Houck, who faced an over-the-top FBI raid at his home, only for state charges to later collapse and his federal case to end in an acquittal. Meanwhile, the FBI did not hesitate to investigate parents who dared to question public school policies, opening nearly two dozen probes into individuals whose apparent offence was speaking out at school board meetings.

Conservatives concerns about the recent behaviour of the FBI  and specifically claims that it has been pursuing politically-motivated investigations  are therefore well-founded. The bureau also doesnt appear eager to reform itself, as demonstrated by cases documented by the watchdog group Empower Oversight on retaliation against whistleblowers who have flagged a politicised focus by the FBI.

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So if confirmed as FBI director, Donald Trumps nominee Kash Patel faces a dual imperative: executing justice and reforming the FBI. These are not mutually exclusive goals. What crimes are the FBI missing when it is occupied targeting concerned parents and demanding censorship of social media?

Patel faces a potentially rocky Senate confirmation process. But the question is not whether the FBI needs reform; it is whether he is the disruptor that it requires.

Patel first came to national prominence as a lawyer for the House Intelligence Committee, helping to expose the FBIs entanglement with partisan politics during its 2016 surveillance of Trump campaign aide Carter Page. This kicked off the costly Russia hoax investigation that, after two and a half years, determined there was no evidence of conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Russians. Patel was also critical of the FBIs 2022 raid of the president-elects Mar-a-Lago home.

But one could strike all the Trump investigations out of the equation and still agree with Patels assertion that the FBI has been politically weaponised.

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Most Republicans have signalled support for Patel. Not surprisingly, however, Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee responsible for the confirmation, claims that Trump has chosen an unqualified loyalist for the FBI post.

Its a profound stretch to say that Patel is not qualified. He was previously a terrorism prosecutor for the Justice Department. During Trumps first term, he was chief of staff at the Department of Defence, and before that a senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council. He was also principal deputy to the acting director of national intelligence.

So he can hardly be labelled a Washington outsider, even if his book Government Gangsters lambasts the federal swamp  including the Justice Department and the FBI.

Beyond qualifications, Durbins other gripe is that Patel is loyal to Trump. But surely officials are supposed to implement the agenda of an elected leader, not undermine it. Loyalty has been rewarded by presidents, too. Joe Biden named an old Senate aide, Antony Blinken, as secretary of state. Bill Clinton named Mack McLarty, whom he knew since childhood in Arkansas, as his first White House chief of staff.

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Durbins arguments appear to be an excuse to ignore the FBIs current trajectory  as well as Patels stated desire for radicalism in fixing its current flaws. Id shut down the FBI Hoover building on Day One and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state, Patel said in previous remarks. And Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops.

The FBI did not lose its way overnight, and no single leader could wholly right the ship in four years. Yet Patels candidacy underscores the truth that even the bureaus staunchest defenders must surely concede: an institution in crisis requires not continuity but reform.

Fred Lucas is manager of the Investigative Reporting Project at The Daily Signal. He is the author of The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Lefts Assault on Clean Elections

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When an individual in Florida undergoes a urinalysis and their doctor-prescribed medical marijuana is detected, it is deemed as a failed drug test.

Meaning, in the state of Florida, companies and corporations have the authority to determine which doctor-prescribed medications are permissible and which are not in their workplace. This grants employers the ability to influence employee medical treatments, despite lacking medical expertise themselves.

However, when individuals are denied employment due to their use of doctor-prescribed medication, they are essentially being denied employment based on the underlying conditions that require the medication. This raises concerns regarding fairness and potential violations of employee rights.

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It is also possible that the actions described may raise concerns regarding potential violations of HIPAA privacy rules, especially when medical marijuana users typically refrain from using or consuming their medication before engaging in activities such as driving, working or carrying out daily tasks.

Medical marijuana is often used on an as-needed basis for emergencies and sudden medical episodes. In contrast, stronger medications like opioids are usually taken on a scheduled basis, typically every 4 to 6 hours. Its possible, even likely, that those on prescribed opioids have a far greater chance of being under the influence of the medication while at work.

Furthermore, the state of Florida permits medical marijuana cardholders to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana per month. However, the dispensaries in Florida typically sell the medicine in the smallest available increments. Most dispensaries in the state do not offer quantities larger than 3.5 grams, which is equivalent to one-eighth of an ounce. These eighths are priced at approximately $45 to $50 each. Meaning, in the state of Florida, you are allowed to purchase up to 20 eighths per month at a cost of $50 each, resulting in a total of around $1,000 for the month.

That high cost could lead to patients going elsewhere for their medications  namely, the illegal black market, where their medication may be counterfeit or contaminated.

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As a disabled veteran who abides by Florida law and pays the high costs of medication at dispensaries (and my sales history from the Florida dispensaries can prove that), its disheartening to be limited to certain job opportunities that do not conduct drug tests (due to me failing for doctor-prescribed medicine).

All of that raises some questions that Florida lawmakers ought to answer:

Why do employers in Florida have the freedom to engage in such discriminatory practices?

Why do dispensaries in Florida have the liberty to engage in excessive pricing strategies?

Medical marijuana is legal in Florida and requires a note from a licensed physician within the state, so why are individuals failing drug tests for medication that has been legally prescribed?

Why hasnt the government of Florida implemented any specific political policies to address these concerns?

In arresting people for simple possession, isnt the state government effectively targeting its competition by arresting individuals involved in the same activities it permits through its own regulations?

How can the Florida government justify selling marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law, while simultaneously incarcerating citizens for similar actions?

In essence, what is the comprehensive scientific and legal rationale that permits individuals using legal medication to test positive for their prescribed medication and be denied emplyoment?

All of us who use legal medical marijuana in Florida deserve answers.

Steven Jenkins is a resident of Kissimmee.
MIAMI (AP)  One of Colombia's legendary drug lords and a key operator of the Medellin cocaine cartel has been released from a federal prison in the U.S. and is expected to be deported back home.

Records from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons show that Fabio Ochoa Vasquez was released Tuesday after completing 25 years of a 30-year prison sentence.

Ochoa, 67, and his older brothers amassed a fortune when cocaine started flooding the U.S. in the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to U.S. authorities, to the point that in 1987 they were included in the Forbes Magazine's list of billionaires. Living in Miami, Ochoa ran a distribution center for the cocaine cartel once headed by Pablo Escobar.

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Although somewhat faded from memory as the center of the drug trade shifted from Colombia to Mexico, he resurfaced in the hit Netflix series Narcos true to form as the youngest son of an elite Medellin family into ranching and horse breeding that cut a sharp contrast with Escobar, who came from more humble roots.

Ochoa was first indicted in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 1986 killing of Drug Enforcement Administration informant Barry Seal  whose life was popularized in in the 2017 film American Made starring Tom Cruise.

He was initially arrested in 1990 in Colombia under a government program promising drug kingpins would not be extradited to the U.S. At the time, he was on the U.S. list of the Dozen Most Wanted Colombia drug lords.

Ochoa was arrested again and extradited to the U.S. in 2001 in response to an indictment in Miami naming him and more than 40 people as part of a drug smuggling conspiracy. Of those, Ochoa was the only one who opted to go to trial, resulting in his conviction and the 30-year sentence. The other defendants got much lighter prison terms because most of them cooperated with the government.

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Richard Gregorie, a retired Assistant U.S. Attorney who was on the prosecution team that convicted Ochoa, said authorities were never able to seize all of the the Ochoa family's illicit drug proceeds and he expects that Ochoa will have a welcome return home.

He won't be retiring a poor man, that's for sure, Gregorie told The Associated Press.

Richard Klugh, a Miami-based attorney for Ochoa, declined to comment.

But in years of litigation, he argued unsuccessfully that his client deserved to be released early because his sentence far exceeded what was appropriate for the amount of seized cocaine that authorities could attribute to Ochoa.
Although skepticism about the fraud allegations had already begun to dissipate, with shares rebounding more than 80% between the lows of November 15, the final verdict came on December 2, delivering a positive outcome for Super Micro Computer investors. The special committee overseeing the investigation found no evidence of misconduct by management or the board of directors.

Notably, some senior executives involved in that scandal were later rehired, which fueled concerns about the companys internal controls and governance. As a result of the latest allegations, SMCI shareholders suffered significant losses following the release of the Hindenburg report. Despite a strong performance earlier in the year with shares up 75% before the reportSuper Micros stock plummeted by more than 60% over a two-week period.

This raised doubts about the authenticity of Super Micros reported sales and earnings, suggesting that demand might not have been organic. As a result, questions were raised about the need for a closer examination of the companys balance sheet. These accusations gained traction, partly due to the fact that Super Micro had faced similar issues in the past. In August 2020, the company settled with the SEC for $17.5 million over widespread accounting violations.

To provide some context for why I had a Hold rating on Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock, the company had recently come under scrutiny due to a report published by Hindenburg Research , a well-known short-selling firm that also held short positions in SMCI. In the report, Hindenburg accused Super Micro of accounting manipulations, among other concerns. The key allegations centered around Super Micro allegedly selling its products to businesses that were already connected to the firm in some way.

Although the stocks valuations remain attractive, even after the recent rebound, this article will outline why caution is still warranted in the short to medium term.

Super Micro Computers stock (SMCI) has been at the center of controversy in recent months due to accounting fraud allegations from a short-selling firm, which caused its stock to plunge. While the long-awaited verdict on the case came out in Super Micros favor, leading to a rebound in the stock, there are still concerns connected to its growth story that prompt me to maintain a neutral stance for now.

Story Continues

Its important to note, however, that the special committee was part of the Super Micro board, meaning it wasnt an entirely independent body. As a result, no restatement of the companys reported financials is required. This news sent SMCI shares soaring, increasing by more than 31% following the announcement. The committees key statement read, The evidence reviewed by the special committee did not raise any substantial concerns about the integrity of Super Micros senior management or audit committee.

However, its worth noting that the use of the word substantial implies there were some findings in specific processes, even if they were not deemed significant. In response, Super Micro has committed to implementing the recommendations of the investigation committee, including appointing a new Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and General Counsel.

Is It Time to Become Bullish on Super Micro Stock?

Since my neutral outlook on Super Micro Computer stock was primarily due to uncertainty surrounding the fraud allegations, and those allegations have now been largely disproven, the path to a more bullish outlook seems clear, in theory. Super Micro Computer is well-positioned in a booming niche, driven by the rise of Generative AI. The company is a leading provider of high-performance servers, with a strong focus on energy efficiencya key demand in the growing AI and data center markets.

Additionally, Super Micros growth has been impressive, with revenues increasing by 110% year-over-year and a CAGR of 61% over the past three years. The company has also delivered solid profitability growth, with operating income rising 66.29% year-over-year. What makes the stock even more attractive is the valuation, particularly after the recent pullback.

Although SMCI shares have rebounded and are currently trading higher than they were in recent weeks, the stock still trades at relatively cheap multiples, especially when considering the companys strong growth trajectory. Super Micro Computer currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.8x. When factoring in a projected EPS CAGR of 37.5% over the next three to five years, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.4x, indicating that it may be undervaluedor at least that the stock has been de-risked.

Concerns Remain for SMCI

Despite the bullish points mentioned earlier, there are still some concerns to consider. First, while the stock is arguably undervalued, Super Micro Computers preliminary Q1 results indicate a Q2 revenue guidance of $5.8 billion, which is 15% below consensus. This miss could signal potential issues with the companys supply-demand dynamics or an over-allocation of inventory.

The timing is particularly noteworthy, as Super Micro is preparing for the launch of Nvidias (NVDA) new Blackwell GPUs, which could have otherwise contributed to stronger financial results. If the company ends up overstocked with inventory, it may be forced to sell at lower prices, which could further pressure margins.

This risk is compounded by the fact that gross margins have already been on a downward trend since Fiscal 2024, falling from 17.5% to 13.3% over the past four quarters.

Is SMCI A Good Buy, According to Wall Street Analysts?

At TipRanks, the current consensus for SMCI is neutral, with a Hold rating. This is based on two bullish analysts, five neutral analysts, and two bearish analysts. In addition, the average price target is $38.57, suggesting a downside potential of 4.1% from the latest share price.

See more SMCI analyst ratings

Conclusion

With the charges cleared, Super Micros stock is, in theory, free to be valued based on its full growth potential and strong fundamentals. However, there may still be significant volatility ahead. The company will need to deal with changes in its C-suite and will likely encounter headwinds from shrinking margins and potential inventory adjustments, particularly given its soft guidance and a less-than-rosy outlook.

As a result, although the stock is undeniably cheap, I prefer to remain on the sidelines for now and wait for the dust to settle before making a more optimistic decision regarding SMCIs investment thesis.

Disclosure
LEHI, Utah (ABC4)  A Lehi school was placed on a soft lockdown when a suspicious person was reported in the area of an elementary school.

Its been an honor: Romney says goodbye to U.S. Senate in farewell address

Liberty Hills Elementary School was placed in what the Alpine School District calls secure status after police were notified of a suspicious person in the area, according to Rich Stowell, a spokesperson for the district. The doors that lead outside were locked, while students waited inside the school to be released for the day.

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Students were kept after school for an additional 20-25 minutes. The school was under secure status for about 40 minutes.

Police were able to locate the person, and students were released at about 2:40 p.m. Police did not disclose any information that would identify the person.

No further information is available

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pauly Denetclaw

ICT



Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, made a plea to President Joe Biden on behalf of Leonard Peltier on Dec. 4. In a less than four-minute speech on the Senate floor, he asked that Biden grant clemency to Peltier.



Biden on Sunday evening pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, 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, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss, according to a statement by Biden.



Schatz noted the alleged violation of Peltiers constitutional rights to a fair trial during the 1977 murder trial of two FBI agents.



The process that led to his conviction had major issues and inaccuracies from the start, Schatz said. For example, one witness whose statements were used at trial said she was told to lie and say that she was in a relationship with Peltier and that she had witnessed him shoot the agents. She later recanted that statement, saying, I was forced into this, and I feel very awful. I just wish that Leonard Peltier would get out of prison.



He also talked about one of the jurors in the case who allegedly admitted to being racist toward Native Americans, but was still allowed to remain on the jury that would convict Peltier of two first-degree murder charges.



Peltier would be sentenced to two life sentences. He has maintained his innocence.

Related: Leonard Peltier's 46 years in prison: What else do you want?

In July, the Assembly of First Nations, representing over 600 Indigenous leaders in Canada, rescinded their nearly 40 year support of Peltier because of his alleged role in the murder of Anna Mae Pictou Aquash, Mikmaq, by American Indian Movement members. Peltier denies he had any involvement.



Amnesty International, United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, three tribal nations, National Congress of American Indians, NDN Collective and the Native American Rights Fund have all urged Biden to grant Peltier clemency.



According to reporting, a juror who on day two of the trial professed her prejudice against Native Americans, was allowed to remain on the panel, Schatz said. If that wasn't enough, take it from the very U.S. attorney who tried the case. The prosecutor who tried the case, James Reynolds, who said (in a letter that) Peltier had served his sentence on the basis of minimal evidence, a result that I strongly doubt would be upheld in any court today.

Related: 'It's time' for Leonard Peltier's release

Related: WATCH: Let Leonard (Peltier) go home

Schatz read excerpts from a 2021 letter that James Reynolds sent to Biden to ask for Peltiers clemency.



Peltiers health has been declining over the last few years. He has repeatedly been denied commuted sentencing, parole, pardon, clemency, and compassionate release.



Peltier is now 80 years old and has been in prison for 50 years, he is in declining health, experiencing vision loss and other illnesses. In spite of all that, earlier this year, federal officials denied his request for compassionate release and parole, Schatz said. So even if you believe that he did in fact commit the crime, surely the time is now to let him spend whatever remaining days he has at home to die with his family. He's done his time. He's of old age and in poor health. This is what clemency is for. This is what mercy is for. He poses little threat to society.



Bidens last day in office is January 20, 2025. In his last administration, President-elect Donald Trump took no action on Peltiers request for clemency. On his last full day in office, former President Barack Obama denied clemency for Peltier.

ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization  and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
To the editor: As a strong advocate for shelter animals, I believe that nothing will change until there is effective leadership in Los Angeles. I refuse to wait for the system to fix itself because, in the meantime, innocent, friendly, healthy animals die. ("Head of troubled L.A. Animal Services steps down amid high euthanasia rates, overcrowding," Dec. 2)

Therefore, I am proposing concrete steps that members of the public can take to save more animals.



Consider adoption over purchase. You can find almost any breed at a shelter or breed-specific rescue.



Do not breed dogs, and spay or neuter your pets. We cannot work our way out of pet overpopulation with more dogs and cats being born every day.



Consider fostering from a rescue organization or a shelter. Rescues are overwhelmed and cannot pull dogs from shelters if there are no fosters. Even a few days or weeks will keep an animal alive.



Take a shelter dog out for a day hike or home for the weekend. This reduces stress and makes them more adoptable.



Volunteer at a shelter or rescue. Volunteers are the ones who walk the dogs, provide love and help get them adopted.



Contact your local council member, attend city council meetings and voice your complaints. We are all taxpayers and should not tolerate funding the mistreatment or killing of adoptable pets.

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Melissa Klaskin, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: The real cause for concern at Los Angeles Animal Services, or LAAS, isn't euthanasia. It's the nonexistent quality of life for animals who are warehoused in filthy, crowded conditions for months on end and the routine and reckless practices of turning away animals and failing to respond to emergencies.

These issues predated former LAAS General Manager Staycee Dains' tenure, and her resignation won't solve them.

Mayor Karen Bass has failed to take meaningful action despite urging and offers of help from local groups. She must now appoint a manager who will prioritize animals' quality of life (not "live-release" numbers), keep shelters' doors open to all, see that every call for help is promptly handled, ensure the moratorium on backyard dog breeding is vigorously enforced and drop the dishonest "no-kill" rhetoric that created this disaster.

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Otherwise, animals will keep suffering at the hands of the agency that should be protecting them.

Lisa Lange, Los Angeles

The writer is senior vice president of communications for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

..

To the editor: The word "euthanasia" should not be used to describe the deaths of healthy and adoptable shelter animals, as it implies a compassionate act. As a longtime shelter volunteer and dog rescuer, I believe it is more accurate to say these animals are being killed.

Years ago, it was mandatory for shelter staff and volunteers to pass an online course on how to manage and reduce the feelings of fear, anxiety and stress, or FAS, in dogs. Seasoned volunteers were often successful in helping those dogs, and many were adopted or rescued.

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But under Dains' leadership, many dogs with FAS were seen as dangerous or suffering. Dogs were unfairly classified with behavioral issues, leading to many being added to the kill list.

Dains has left, but her policies perpetuate the labeling of "rescue-only" dogs. This has dire consequences, as volunteers are prevented from helping these animals, leading to the unnecessary deaths of many young and healthy pets.

Granted, shelters struggle with more pets coming in than leaving. Consequently, the number of innocent pets being killed is on the rise, which is a tragic reality.

Sherry Brewer, Sherman Oaks

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LIBERTY, Ohio (WKBN)  A man reported that he was tied up, knocked out and robbed in his home.

Just after 5 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to a home on Warner Road, where a man reported he had been robbed.

The man told police that he had been sitting in his living room with his friend when two unknown men came in through the garage door and knocked him out. He said he heard one of the men saying, Tie him up or Tie them Up and saw a gun. He said he regained consciousness around 1:30 a.m. and was able to untie himself. He noticed his friend was gone, according to a police report.

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He said he tried to call 911, but he noticed that his cell phone was missing. He ended up calling 911 from a neighbors house just after 5 a.m.

Officers questioned the man about his friend and said he had known her for years and had spoken with her through Facebook, the report stated.

The man reported that his television, iPad, cell phone and $180 in cash were taken.

Police noticed that all of the kitchen cabinets were open when they arrived, and there were no signs of forced entry into the home. Police said there was a TV still mounted on a wall in the home, as well as a debit card on the coffee table.

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Police said the victim did not appear to have any noticeable injuries.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Dec. 4LIMA  A Lima woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of hashish, a third-degree felony, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony, and accepted a joint recommendation of a minimum seven years in prison.

The plea deal in Allen County Common Pleas Court for Myeshia Luster, 30, will also include the forfeiture of three guns and $13,425. Charges of the illegal manufacture of drugs, a first-degree felony, and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, and two one-year firearm specifications were dismissed.

The potential sentence is not mandatory, so Luster will be eligible to apply for judicial release after serving five years.

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Luster has been out of custody and was permitted to stay out until her sentencing on Jan. 3.

The indictment alleged Luster manufactured hashish and had between 50 and 250 grams of hashish as well as oxycodone.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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Republicans are scrambling to protect Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps pick for secretary of defense, by trying to keep the sexual misconduct allegations against him under wraps.

On Fox News Wednesday night, Senator Lindsey Graham attempted to brush off the allegations as baseless because they come from anonymous sources.

Im not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source. If you are not willing to raise your hand under oath to make the accusation, it doesnt count, Graham told Sean Hannity. None of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo.

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But you were there for the Kavanaugh hearings! Hannity interjected, referring to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, prompting Graham to reply with a chuckle, And Ive seen this movie before!

Graham: The allegations against Hegseth are all anonymous sources. Im not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source. If you are not willing to raise your hand under oath to make the accusation, it doesn't count. pic.twitter.com/JikSncpZXk  Acyn (@Acyn) December 5, 2024

Speaking to CNNs Jake Tapper Wednesday, Senator Rick Scott echoed Grahams complaints about anonymous sources, asking why Hegseths accuser wasnt willing to go on your show or some show and have you ask them all the questions.

Tapper called Scotts bluff, noting that Hegseth had paid the woman and she signed a nondisclosure agreement. He asked the Florida senator if Hegseth should release her from the NDA so that I can ask her the questions that you want me to.

Scott balked immediately, saying, Absolutely not. He claimed that many NDAs are signed just to eliminate something and noted that Hegseth wasnt charged with a crime.

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Scott then doubled down further, citing Trumps victory and saying, We have to make a change at the Department of Defense.

Tapper pressed Scott further, who retreated into insinuating that Hegseths military service was under attack.

Why dont people respect these people who defend our freedom? Scott complained, citing his own fathers military service to a bemused Tapper, who raised his eyebrows and concluded the interview.

Tapper: That woman Hegseth paid her money and she signed a NDA so she can't come on my show to talk about it. Do you think Pete should release her from the NDA so that I can ask her the questions that you want me to



Scott: Absolutely not. pic.twitter.com/nIKTN9PI5u  Acyn (@Acyn) December 4, 2024

Its pretty clear that Scott and Graham believe that Hegseths misconduct allegations are damaging and need to be hidden or discredited. Graham had the benefit of a friendly conservative on Fox News, but Scott was clearly caught by Tapper with his own words. With Trumps team already suggesting alternative candidates for secretary of defense, Hegseths nomination might collapse. It already happened with Matt Gaetz.


Lindsey Graham has given two wildly different takes on Pete Hegseth within 24 hours as the president-elects pick for defense secretary continues to fight for his nomination.

Graham, one of Donald Trumps most loyal allies, has weighed in on the allegations surrounding Hegseth and contradicted himself in a short space of time.

Hegseth faces ongoing scrutiny over scandals from his past, centering around his treatment of women, which have the potential to derail his upcoming confirmation to lead the Pentagon.

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And the former Fox News host also faces allegations of repeated drunken behavior at official events during his tenure as the chief of Concerned Veterans for America, which lasted from 2013 to 2016.

In one interview on Tuesday, Graham said the reports about Hegseth were very disturbing, but by Wednesday, however, Graham had changed his tune.

Lindsey Graham defended Pete Hegseth on Fox News a day after he said the allegations were disturbing (Fox News)

Some of these articles are very disturbing, the South Carolina senator told a CBS reporter on Tuesday. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here but some of this stuff is its going to be difficult.

Good order and discipline is important, leadership comes from the top and I want to make sure that every young woman who joins the military feels respected and welcomed, he added.

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But on Wednesday while speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News, Graham dismissed the allegations.

The allegations against Pete are all anonymous sources. I am not going to make any decision based on an anonymous source, Graham said. If youre not willing to raise your hand under oath and make the accusation, it doesnt count.

Ive heard everything about all of these people. None of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo, he added. Ive seen this movie before.

Hegseth met with Senators at the Capitol on December 4 (Getty Images)

Hegseths accuser in the 2017 California sexual assault case  in which no criminal charges were brought and Hegseth denies  signed a nondisclosure agreement and therefore is unlikely to be able to speak out.

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Hegseth and his lawyer Tim Parlatore told the New Yorkers Jane Mayers that sources claimed Monterrey police didnt charge Hegseth in the California case 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.

On Wednesday, Hegseth was at the Capitol meeting with senators in an attempt to salavge his nomination.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has been rumored to step into the nomination if Trumps team decide to ditch Hegseth.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) pulled off a flip-flop in near-record time Wednesday, dismissing a litany of misconduct allegations against Pete Hegseth that just a day earlier he called very disturbing.

Hegseth, who President-elect Donald Trump says he intends to nominate for defense secretary, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room in 2017, which he denies.

He was also said to have overseen a sexist workplace at a veterans organization he ran, where the top staff sexually pursued female employees, according to a whistleblower report obtained by The New Yorker. A lawyer for Hegseth called the claims outlandish and attributed them to a disgruntled former associate.

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Hegseths former Fox News colleagues have also raised concerns about his alleged drinking, though other network stars have denied the claims.

Appearing on Fox News' Hannity, Trump loyalist Graham tried to dismiss all of the allegations against Hegseth in one fell swoop.

Ive heard everything about all of these people, none of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo, he told host Sean Hannity, claiming the anonymity of Hegseths accusers renders their stories invalid.

Senator @LindseyGrahamSC: Ive known @PeteHegseth for a long time. I served with him in Afghanistan. The people over there said nothing but great things about him. The allegations against Pete are all anonymous sources. I am not going to make ANY decision based on an anonymous pic.twitter.com/1FzraUniOj  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 5, 2024

If youre not willing to raise your hand, under oath, and make the accusation, it doesnt count, Graham added.

What he and Hannity did not note is that Hegseths accuser in the 2017 casewhich did not lead to charges after a police investigationsigned a nondisclosure agreement as part of a settlement and therefore is likely prohibited from speaking out.

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For a different opinion on the seriousness of the Hegseth allegations, Graham could have consulted the Lindsey Graham of 24 hours earlier.

In an interview with a CBS reporter on Tuesday, Graham called the reports about the potential Trump nominee very disturbing.

Some of this stuff, is going to be difficult, he said, alluding to confirmation hearings that would likely touch on the allegations against Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host. Some of the things have to be addressed.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told CBS News' @MacFarlaneNews on Tuesday that some of the reported allegations of misconduct against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, are "disturbing" and will be hard to defend.



Graham, who served in the pic.twitter.com/o9OElt4SE8  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 3, 2024

In addition to the personal allegations against him, Hegseth has railed against women serving in combat roles and attacked the military for outreach to members of the LGBT community.

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These combined factors clearly weighed on Graham, a former attorney and reservist with the United States Air Force, when he spoke to CBS: I want to make sure that every young woman who joins the military feels respected and welcomed.

Those who at one time believed Hegseths treatment of women was worthy of scorn include his own mother, Penelope Hegseth. In a 2018 email, she told the thrice-married, reported serial philanderer that he was an abuser of women, according to The New York Times.

She said she regretted sending the email and retracted her claim almost immediately.

Appearing on Fox News on Wednesday, Penelope Hegseth pleaded with Trump and the American people not to listen to media reports about allegations against her son.

Trump, whose team has reportedly been taken aback by the extent of allegations that have emerged against Hegseth, is now considering Florida Governor Ron Desantis as a replacement candidate to lead the Pentagon, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Lion Electric opened a massive electric vehicle manufacturing plant in southwest suburban Joliet just over a year ago, touting it as a development that would bring 1,400 jobs to the city.

Now, the company is suspending manufacturing operations at the facility for the time being.

Lion, based in Quebec, Canada, announced this week that its temporarily laying off about 400 employees and suspending operations at the Joliet plant due to the workforce reductions.

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The company says the layoffs will affect employees across all organizations in both the United States and Canada and that it will maintain a staff of about 300 employees to focus on electric bus manufacturing, sales, delivery and customer service.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

When Lion opened its Joliet plant at 3835 Youngs Road  technically a Channahon address  in July 2023, the company said it would produce up to 20,000 electric buses and trucks a year, bringing nearly 1,500 jobs to the area.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth attended the ribbon cutting. Lawmakers called the opening of Lions Joliet plant the culmination of coordinated local, state and federal efforts focused on the future of clean energy.

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It was also the first new vehicle assembly plant to open in the Chicago area in more than 50 years.

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(Reuters) - India's Bharti Airtel on Wednesday signed a "multi-billion" dollar deal with Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson to boost its 4G and 5G coverage in the world's second-largest smartphone market.

Under the deal, which Reuters reported in October, Bharti Airtel will buy and deploy equipment from Ericsson likely in 2025. The companies did not disclose exact financial terms of the deal.

Demand from India's 5G market started to skyrocket in 2023, as Bharti Airtel and Jio, the telecom unit of Reliance Industries, started to scale up 5G services.

Ericsson, Bharti Airtel's partner of more than two decades, will deploy centralized radio access network (RAN) and Open RAN-ready solutions, Bharti Airtel said in a press release.

Open RAN allows mobile operators to mix and match equipment from various suppliers, potentially increasing flexibility.

Ericsson will also upgrade the software of its deployed 4G radios, it said.

"This deployment will enable us to further improve the speed, reliability, and coverage of our network," Bharti Airtel's Chief Technology Officer Randeep Sekhon said in the release.

The company did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The deal comes after Ericsson won part of a $3.6 billion contract to sell 5G equipment to Vodafone Idea earlier this year. It shared the contract with Nokia and Samsung.

The new deals are expected to boost Ericsson's revenue next year, after a big fall in contracts from India in the first half of the year.

Nokia also signed a "multi-billion" dollar deal with Bharti Airtel last month.

(Reporting by Nandan Mandayam and Indranil Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Varun H K)
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  As blustery winds and low temperatures continue, multiple school districts across the DMV announced schools were on a two-hour delay and some classes were canceled due to inclement weather and snow.

Maryland

Alleghany County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday due to weather.

Weather Forecast: Front brings more wind, cold, and mountain snow

Virginia

Frederick County Public Schools announced that all schools will be closed on Thursday.

Shenandoah County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay due to snow in high elevations across the county. The school district said all 12-month employees should report on time.

Warren County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay.

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Pig jokes were flying in the comment section of a post on social media Thursday afternoon after images of what looked like a dark spotted pot-bellied pig were captured in Beech Grove.

"Anyone missing a pig?" Samantha White posted. "He's chasing the poor mail lady around my neighborhood." White said the woman was working for USPS and she contacted Animal Care Services to pick the animal up.

Animal Care Services confirmed they did capture the pig at North 25th Avenue and Troy Street near Perkins Avenue in Beech Grove. It was considered a stray and if there is an owner who can come forward they have four business days to claim the animal before the pig will be sent to a rescue.

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"I hope this piggy finds his way back home," White told IndyStar.

It hasn't been confirmed if the pig was male or female.

Do we have wild pigs in Indiana? Are they wreaking havoc like everywhere else?

A pig was accused of chasing a mail carrier in Beech Grove neighborhood Dec. 5, 2024.

Beech Grove Mayor James W. Coffman commends the work of their animal patrol officer for capturing the pig.

"Whether it be a dog or a cat or a chicken or a pig, it's about ensuring the safety of everybody around and making sure those animals if they are pets can get home safely," Coffman said.

Are pigs allowed in Beech Grove?

According to the city's ordinance it's unlawful for anybody to own or harbor any swine, horses, ponies, poultry or other domestic farm animal in Beech Grove.

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The only exception is a pot-bellied pig and no more than six hens.

Beech Grove law also states no owner should fail to exercise proper care and control of his or her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.

What counts as being a public nuisance?

Excessive, continuous, or untimely barking, molesting passersby, chasing vehicles, habitually attacking other domestic animals, trespassing upon school grounds, or trespassing on private property that leads to damaged property is deemed a nuisance.

This isn't a first for Beech Grove

Back in 2018, an eight year old female 14-foot Burmese Python named "Vine" escaped from his owners in Beech Grove, causing hysteria from residents and neighbors. Vine's owner, Benny Tarplee, didn't report the snake missing for five days.

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He believes Vine left because it was too hot in the house and someone left the door cage unlocked during cleaning day.

Tarplee asked people not to kill Vine and assured that as long as Beech Grove residents didn't touch her, she wouldn't harm them.

During the search, Vine became a local legend, spawning a Twitter account and a petition to change the mascot of Beech Grove schools to pythons.

Vine was eventually found under Tarplee's shed.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pot-bellied pig chases mail carrier around Beech Grove
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Little Rock School Board proposed Optimizing LRSD 2.0, a list of recommendations for the future of the Little Rock School District.

The district says that they have seen a decrease in enrollment numbers over the past ten years, which has been a leading cause of a decrease in both state and federal funding.

Since 2015, LRSD officials said the district has seen a $25 million decrease in state funding.

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Little Rock School District board considers school consolidation, closing amid drop in state funding, parents react

Other reasons for the recommendations include a decrease in facility usage, current conditions of facilities, the average cost of educating each student in that district, expansion of charter & private school access creating more competition and the need for the district department and offices to consolidate.

Optimization 2.0 makes five recommendations:

Relocating Carver Elementary and consolidating it into Washington Elementary. Closing Brady Elementary, splitting the students between six schools, and turning the building into the districts new parent center. Campaigning for enrollment through Dunbar Middle School using a magnet school grant. Creating more seats for early childhood education in the district. Exploring a bilingual (Spanish) elementary program.

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Some parents at tonights meeting were in support while others were against it.

Little Rock School District outlines plans for federal magnet school grant

Two more meetings will be held prior to the Dec. 19 vote. One for Carver Washington consolidation will be at Washington Elementary at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and the other for the Brady closing will be at McDermott Elementary at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

District officials provided a link to a presentation as well as a Zoom recording detailing Optimizing LRSD 2.0. The password to open the recording is #8D&7u$S.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A crash has closed a portion of I-75 in Pasco County.

The Florida Highway Patrol described the incident as a fatal crash, although the exact circumstances of the casualties are not yet known.

A camera from the Florida Department of Transportation showed all the northbound lanes closed as first responders cleared the scene.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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HEMPHILL, Texas (KETK)  A Texas father has been arrested after he confessed to killing his son and cremating him, authorities said.

According to a release from the Sabine County Sheriffs Office, on Dec. 2 a deputy was contacted by Michael C. Howard who said he had accidentally shot his son, Mark Randall Howard, who he had mistaken for an intruder on his property the night before. The sheriffs office said Mark had down syndrome.

OFFICIALS: Disabled inmate abused, financially exploited inside Polk County Jail

Mugshot of Michael C. Howard, courtesy of the Sabine County Sheriffs Office.

According to the State Bar of Texas, Michael is a lawyer and had a private law practice out of Houston.

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Michael allegedly told officials he had taken his sons body in the front-loading bucket of a backhoe tractor and carried it to a remote area on his property and placed the body on a wood/trash pile which had been previously set up and then cremated his son.

When authorities arrived to the Howards property at 2505 Mount Sinai Road near Fairmount, Michael told deputies the murder was a horrible accident. He also showed deputies the shotgun that he claimed to have used.

Former Longview ISD employee pleads guilty to mistreatment of special education students

Michael also showed deputies the area where he had taken his sons body to what he called a cremation. There, officials located bones which all appeared to have been burned based on charring and the area they were found, was heavy with soot and ash. The sheriffs office was able to recover a part of the mandible containing teeth.

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Officials said it appeared that the scene of the shooting had been washed using a water hose. The bones have been sent to the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office and Michael has since been arrested for murder and tampering with evidence.

The case remains under investigation and Michaels bond has been set to $20 million.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA)  On Thursday, a jury determined the family of a teen who died after falling off an Orlando theme park ride should be paid $310 million in damages.

The family of 14-year-old Tyree Sampson sued the FreeFall drop tower ride manufacturer, Austria-based Funtime Handels, alleging negligence in his 2022 death at ICON Park.

Could DeSantis catapult his political career and join Trumps team?

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An investigation found that although Sampson was about 100 pounds heavier than the recommended weight limit for the ride, two seats were adjusted to accommodate his size, which allowed him to slip out of the restraints and fall from the ride. The recommended rider weight was not posted near the ride.

Courtesy: Yarnell Sampson/WESH

After the owner was fined and the ride was taken down, Sampsons family settled lawsuits against the owner and ICON Park. The Funtime Handels lawsuit was the final remaining case.

According to NBC affiliate WESH, Sampsons mother, Nekia Dodd, along with his father and older brother appeared in court on Thursday.

This calamity of errors, and mistakes and negligence has crossed over from Europe to Orlando, Sampson family attorney Michael Haggard said.

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A new law has also been passed by state lawmakers in Sampsons name.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month, was indicted Tuesday in New York on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, including one count of second-degree murder as an act of terrorism.

"This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a press conference announcing the indictment, which also includes a number of weapons charges.

Bragg said Mangione had arrived in New York City by bus on Nov. 24 and checked in to a hostel on the Upper West Side using the name "Mark Rosario" with a fake New Jersey ID. On the morning of Dec. 4, Bragg said Mangione left the hostel around 5:30 a.m. ET and traveled to midtown near the Hilton hotel. When Thompson showed up, "we allege [Mangione] then took out a 9mm, 3D-printed ghost gun, equipped with a 3D-printed suppressor, and shot him once in the back and once in the leg."

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Mangione was then found at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pa., with the same fake New Jersey identification and the 3D-printed ghost gun. He is currently being held without bail at a Pennsylvania state prison on weapons and other charges while contesting his extradition to New York.

Bragg noted Tuesday that Mangione is currently scheduled to appear in court in Pennsylvania on Thursday morning, first for a preliminary hearing on his Pennsylvania charges and then for an extradition hearing.

It has been reported that Mangione could waive the extradition hearing.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson was named the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, after having previously served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare's government programs, which include Medicare & Retirement and Community & State, according to his company profile. He joined the company in 2004.

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In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. ... We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he had been receiving "some threats" but didn't know the details.

A former private security leader for Thompson said he was surprised the CEO didn't have a private detail with him at the time of the shooting. "What stands out most to me is the inability to provide him security in New York City while he's going to give a speech to many mad stockholders and possibly mad clients of the health care company," Philip Klein, Klein Investigations CEO, said Friday on Fox & Friends First.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (UnitedHealth Group/AP)

"I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him," she told the news outlet. "I can't really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I'm trying to console my children."

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Sen. Amy Klobuchar, from Minnesota, said in a post on X: "This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompsons family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the news of Thompson's shooting "horrifying."

"A terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," he wrote on X. "Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team."
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Local business and non-profit leaders had a chance to share their priorities with local elected officials in a more relaxed setting this week.

The Greater Binghamton Chamber hosted its 7th annual Legislative Breakfast on Monday at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Binghamton.

Participants enjoyed a meal with local politicians including Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Assembly members Donna Lupardo and Joe Angelino and Mayors Jared Kraham and Nick Burlingame, among others.

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Chamber President and CEO Stacey Duncan says its an informal opportunity for companies and organizations to provide feedback directly to local decision-makers.

We do really make a point to build those relationships with our elected. Our members know our elected officials by first name. Theres not a lot of pretenses, when it comes down to what issues are important to them, our elected officials are at the table all the time. That means so much to us and I think thats something that our community should feel very positive about, said Duncan.

The event also featured a speech from the New York Independent System Operator who cautioned the audience about a looming power shortage in New York State.

Duncan says the Chamber is currently conducting a power capacity study for Broome County.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Local leaders responded to the latest Supreme Court case over a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

On Wednesday, justices heard oral arguments on whether states can ban puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender youth.

Tennessees Solicitor General Matthew Rice argues the state is trying to protect children.

Given the high desistance rate among minors and given the tragic regret of detransitioners that there is an interest in making sure that minors have enough time to appreciate their sex before undergoing life-altering changes, Rice said.

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Disturbing and disgusting: Committee chairman provides update on Mountain Home VA investigation

Tennessee State Representative David Hawk told News Channel 11 that he agrees.

This law, which received bipartisan support in 2023, is about protecting the health and well-being of children in Tennessee, Hawk said. These harmful, unproven and irreversible medical procedures should not involve minors who cannot fully comprehend the lifelong consequences they will have. I am hopeful the US Supreme Court will agree and rule in our favor.

The Tri-Pride Board of Directors issued the following statement:

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Policies like those in the US vs. Skrmetti case could have a devasting impact on the mental health of transgender youth, who already face higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. Restricting access to gender-affirming care risks worsening these challenges. Education is key to combating misinformation and ensuring compassionate, informed support for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. Any changes must be guided by science, not stigma, to protect the well-being of these vulnerable youth.

A decision on the case is expected by the end of June.

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The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was gunned down this morning in Manhattan. Brian Thompson, 50, was accosted outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown, and later pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West hospital.

Police say that the killing was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the shooting a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack. The shooter was captured on camera, and last seen in Central Park. They have not been apprehended. The motive for the murder is unknown, but Thompsons wife told NBC News that there were some people that had been threatening him.

Thompson was an executive vice president at UnitedHealth Group and CEO of its UnitedHealthcare division, a role he was named to in 2021, while Andrew Witty is CEO of UnitedHealth Group. Thompsons killing comes as companies have grown increasingly concerned about the security of their top executives, and it could confirm corporate Americas worst fears. More acutely, the targeting of a high-profile executive raises new questions about whether personal security, corporate aircraft travel, and trained defensive drivers should extend to roles beyond the CEO.

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We dont know the motivation. Certainly, if its a personal motivation, that changes the landscape a little bit, Glen Kucera, president of the enhanced protection services division at Allied Universal, a security services company, tells Fortune. If it was motivated by the business that theyre in, the health care business, or anything that could be related, then certainly thats a wake-up call to a lot of CEOs and executives traveling throughout the country and the world.

Increased investment in executive security

Large companies seem to be increasingly aware of safety risks for their top executives.

In a review of CEO perks between 2020 and 2023, advisory firm ISS-Corporate found that home security perquisites for CEOs of S&P 500 companies rose from 12.6% in 2020, to 15.7% in 2023. And the prevalence of personal and home security perquisites among S&P 500 companies have been on a steady rise since 2018, data from Esgauge shows. In 2018, only 13.2% of CEOs had these benefits, compared with 17.9% in 2024.

However, the trend to boost security is far less pronounced among health care companies. Among Russell 3000 health care companies, personal security costs actually trended downward from 0.8% in 2018, to 0.5% in 2024, Esgauge data reveals. And the median value of security for CEOs in general in 2023 was around $50,000, according to WTW, an insurance broker and risk management company.

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Some of the worlds most prominent executives, however, are costing their companies millions a year in protection services. The worlds richest man, Elon Musk, now travels with up to 20 security guards, the New York Times reported. Personal security for Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai costs around $6.8 million a year, according to SEC filings. And Meta Platforms increased security spending for Mark Zuckerberg from $10 million to $14 million a year in February 2023, according to public documents.

We believe that Mr. Zuckerbergs role puts him in a unique position: He is synonymous with Meta, and as a result, negative sentiment regarding our company is directly associated with, and often transferred to, Mr. Zuckerberg, the company wrote last year in disclosures.

When youre talking about somebody whos worth millions of dollars or billions of dollars, and they are in charge of an entire company, there is a real possibility of kidnapping, theres a real possibility of extortion, theres a real possibility of attempts on their lives, Bill Herzog, CEO of Arizona-based LionHeart Security Services, previously told Fortune about executive security.

However, most security focus has been at the CEO and chairman level, and not among other named executive officers. At UnitedHealth Group, the company requires CEO Andrew Witty to fly on a corporate jet for all business travel, and encourages him to fly on the jet for personal and family travel. Based on the companys most recent disclosures, Witty did not use the jet for personal travel in 2023. But the company did not disclose other personal security benefits for executives, including Thompson.

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Cardinal Health spent $445,732 on corporate jet travel, home security, and monitoring and liability for CEO Jason Hollar. The company did not disclose the same benefits for other top executives, according to the companys 2024 proxy statement.

Other companies have taken a harder stance. Meta in January and February 2021 approved new personal security services for its entire board, given the level of scrutiny at the company and the charged atmosphere following the 2020 U.S. elections and the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Meta told investors. It also disclosed that it provides personal security for other execs in response to specific threats.

Nobody ever goes to work expecting this to happen to him, right? So thats why its so important to, you know, be informed. Be aware of your surroundings. Have good security protocol in the event that this does happen, says Kucera. You have to be prepared.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A holiday giving event is ready to deliver holiday cheer, in a new way this year.

The Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce is collecting blankets  a popular item on wish lists  which will be distributed next week.

Its very sad that children have to ask for blankets for Christmas, and so we are collecting blankets. Were helping 103 families  98 children requested blankets, said Judy Noel, of the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce.

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The assistance is through Little Village Big Hearts, a collection of organizations assisting individuals and families in the 44432 zip code. They each gather different items.

Some organizations are collecting toys. Some are collecting hats and gloves. Some are collecting food vouchers, Noel said.

Over the years, each organization would individually help families. What is different this year is that the groups are holding one distribution event together.

Well, this year, we came together, and we all decided that we would help their families together so that they have one stop to make prior to the holidays, Noel said.

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Those interested in donating can do so this week and part of next week. The distribution is next Thursday and Friday.

Donations are being accepted at the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce and other locations. For more information on the donation drive, contact Little Village Big Hearts at 330-424-4013 or communitycares44432@yahoo.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
EAST ROCHESTER & GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  As gift-giving season picks up, it sometimes can include a new furry family member for those looking to make that commitment. Later this month, however, commercial sales of dogs, cats and rabbits from retail stores in New York State will become illegal.

Law banning retail pet sales in NYS to begin December 15

Under the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill, the Attorney General said it would prevent the sale of large-scale breeding operations. Those practices, according to advocates of the bill, often lead to major health issues for the animals which could cost the consumer and new pet owner thousands in veterinary care.

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There is growing concern about just how much of an impact this will have on the puppy mills, themselves, versus businesses that adhere to already-established standards.

This week, Allies Pet Corner announced it would be closing its brick and mortar store on Miracle Mile Drive and converting to an online service only. Customers will be able to put down a deposit on the pet theyve identified, and Allies will deliver.

Other stores will fight to keep their physical locations open despite what they feel is an ill-conceived law.

This bill will do exactly the opposite of what the intended affect is, said Jim Seidewand, who has been running Pet World for more than 50 years with his wife.

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There are two locations, the one in Greece at the Ridgemont Panorama Plaza sells only fish and other aquatic animals and the spot in East Rochester at the Country Club Plaza sells puppies and rabbits.

Seidewand told News 8 he also helped write legislation surrounding pet sales for 30 years to solidify better standards of care for both the animal and consumer.

As co-author of the original law in the late 90s  we did this proactively as an industry to establish regulations, warranties, inspections for pet stores that  at the time  needed some improvement, he said. The inspections are public record, inspections are unannounced, the dogs are warrantied, both again short-term veterinary problems for warrantied or present at the time of sale, and also things that are genetic up to one year. We cover those veterinary bills; under the state law we wrote.

Under the new law, retail pet stores that continue to sell pets after Dec. 15 can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. New Yorkers can still adopt pets from duly incorporated humane societies, animal rescues or licensed breeders.

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For his own operations, Seidewand said he feels mostly secure, estimating about 20% of business for the East Rochester location come from puppy sales. However, he added that the essence of what will happen is widespread and doesnt achieve getting to the root of the problem.

California passed the same regulations against pet stores selling dogs and they found out it was entirely counterproductive, he said. I feel bad for downstate dealers  there are many downstate dealers, and particularly in the NYC area  that are more than 90% of their sales are dogs and they will be out of business instantly. They cant compete in the dry-goods side as some of us struggle to do and their sales arent dry-goods based; theyre live animals. Those small businessmen have leases that they probably personally signed; they probably are not only going to be out of business but some of them bankrupt.

He also said its not fair for state agencies to be allowed to walk in and put them out of business.

I dont think its fair for the state to walk in, into a licensed NYS operator, operating responsibly under the law and put them out of business without any retribution. Worse, I think this is not only bad for the puppies, but also for the consumer. Consumers deserve a choice of what kind of animal to get and where to buy it from. Some customers need dogs that are not hypoallergenic or dont get very large, the supply of dogs from shelters is often mostly pit bulls. I certainly wish that every dog in a shelter gets adopted but not all those dogs are appropriate for every family, there needs to be choice and warranty protection for the consumers, theyre losing that with this, he said.

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At the heart of the issue, Seidewand explained to News 8 that he feels much of the reason the measure was pushed through in the first place was due to the inflated presentation of issues at kennels across the state powered by social media, along with a lack of general knowledge of how the pet sale industry works.

Im a fact-based guy  where are the facts here? Social media has fueled most of these claims  those claims are hard to support given where the dogs actually come from and how we handle them. I think we have some of the best quality dogs  some of them from the new Perdue University canine care certified programs that we supported with funding at the national level and then turned over to other organizations because people who sell dogs shouldnt be doing the research, he said. I think there needs to be some independent look at what the real situation is. LA Times just did that. Talk to some of the legislators on both sides of the aisle.

A lawsuit was recently filed out of downstate calling for an injunction on the new law taking effect, claiming it is unconstitutional.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Watching the war in Ukraine unfold has been hard for a local physicians assistant.

Mishel was born in Ukraine and says she says hearing stories of pain and suffering really hit close to home for her.

I felt very helpless and I felt like I couldnt do anything about it, she told KIRO 7 News.

Mishel says she began to research ways she could help and came across Global Care Force a nonprofit organization providing primary medical care in Ukraine.

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I got in touch and everything Id heard about previous volunteers and about the organization aligned with my goals, she told KIRO.

Mishel, along with several other volunteers, flew to the country and spent two weeks traveling with a mobile medical team to rural villages and refugee centers.

It was very rewarding to play a small part in making sure theyre still getting the medicines they need and the medical attention.

The volunteers hosted eight clinics in seven locations and treated over 300 patients.

Mishel says the experience was very eye-opening.

I think back to our first day in Kyiv when wed hear these air raid sirens and shootings in the distance, Mishel said. You could see how everyone around you was just kind of used to this and this was their new norm.

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She says she listened to horrific stories of torture, loss, and hardship endured by those who live in the country, and many continue to face immense challenges today.

Mishel told KIRO 7 about one patient who had a history of high blood pressure and strokes.

He came in with classic chest pains and we realized he needed more help, she said. He explained, I lost my home, we are refugees in the area. He knew what he needed to do but he couldnt afford it.

In some areas, ongoing infrastructure issues forced the team to work without electricity and heat, completing clinics by using the light of headlamps.

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In one city we visited, we didnt have clean drinking water because the Russians had damaged the local water supply.

Mishel says shes grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in some Ukrainians lives and she hopes to volunteer again sometime in the summer.

Since September 2022, Global Care Forces Mobile Medical Clinics have served small villages in central and eastern Ukraine left without access to medical care or medications needed for chronic illnesses. Patients not only receive free medical care but are also provided free medications to last until the next volunteer team arrives.

You can learn more about Global Care Force here.
WASHINGTON  Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said Wednesday he was dropping his bid to remain the top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee for the next two years and endorsed Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who announced just two days ago that he would challenge Nadler for the coveted job.

In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Nadler, 77, threw his support behind Raskin, 61, for the role, which will be critical in providing congressional oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department in the incoming Trump administration. Nadler's decision to bow out clears the path for Raskin, who faces no other challengers.

As our country faces the return of Donald Trump, and the renewed threats to our democracy and our way of life that he represents, I am very confident that Jamie would ably lead the Judiciary Committee as we confront this growing danger, Nadler wrote in the letter. Therefore, I have decided not to run for Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress.

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Nadler has held the top Democratic job on the Judiciary panel since 2019 and has served in Congress since 1992. He has had some health scares in recent years but was easily re-elected last month.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., had challenged Nadler for the Judiciary post.

Although I will not be Ranking Member, I will still be an active member of the Committee, and I am eager to work alongside its new leadership in the battle to protect our most vulnerable communities and our most precious democratic ideals, Nadler said.

The New York Times was first to report Nadler had dropped out of the race.

Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, was elected to Congress in 2016 and has been the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee for the past two years. His move to Judiciary opens up the race to be the top Democrat on Oversight; Gerry Connolly, of Virginia, has already announced a bid for that job, while other Oversight members, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, are testing the waters. Connolly is 74, and Ocasio-Cortez is 35.

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"To me, it's not generational. It's about experience and record and capability, that's how I got to present it," Connolly told reporters, adding that he led an Oversight subcommittee. "And she's a new talent and has a lot of promise, but I'm the only one in the race ... who, in fact, has a subcommittee. I've invested in the committee. I think that's really important."

Ocasio-Cortez, who has been talking to fellow lawmakers about a potential bid, said Wednesday she didn't have anything to announce: "I have been receiving a lot of input from my colleagues, and we'll be making a decision."

She added that she has "tremendous respect and admiration for Gerry Connolly. ... I love Gerry."

Raskin has been a rising star in the party. Then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tapped Raskin as Democrats lead prosecutor in the Trump impeachment trial after the Jan. 6 attack, then appointed him as a member of the special committee tasked with investigating the Capitol assault.

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In 2022, he wrote a book, "Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy," in which he reflected on his 25-year-old son's death by suicide on Dec. 31, 2020, and the Capitol riot six days later.

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, a two-time cancer survivor, wrote to colleagues this week announcing his bid.

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 said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lori Vallow Daybell, the Doomsday Mom, was cleared Thursday to stand trial in the 2019 death of her ex-husband following a monthslong process to evaluate her competency in Maricopa County Superior Court.

After reviewing evaluations by two mental health experts who found her competent, Commissioner Travis Marderosian issued the ruling and set a status conference hearing in her case for Friday morning.

A finding of competency means it was determined that Vallow Daybell could understand the purpose and nature of the proceedings and assist in her defense.

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Vallow Daybell was convicted in Idaho in 2023 for the murders of her two children, Joshua J.J. Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16.

Their remains were discovered buried on the property of her husband, Chad Daybell, who was sentenced to death earlier this year for his role in the murders.

Her mental fitness was also an issue during her Idaho prosecution, where she underwent almost a year of treatment before being deemed fit for trial.

In Arizona, her competency became an issue after her former defense team requested a competency evaluation. When she changed lawyers, her team tried to withdraw the request because Vallow Daybell told the court that she wanted to represent herself.

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The court has yet to decide whether Vallow Daybell will be allowed to represent herself.

Extradited to Arizona, Vallow Daybell faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the shooting death of Charles Vallow and attempted murder of her ex-husbands nephew, Brandon Boudreaux.

Charles Vallow was fatally shot by Vallow Daybells brother, Alexander Cox, in 2019, who claimed self-defense. Cox died months later of natural causes.

Reach the reporter at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lori Vallow Daybell found fit for trial in ex-husbands 2019 death
Frigid temperatures, cold and snowfall left thousands of Ohioans without power in parts of Akron, Cleveland, and other parts of Northeast Ohio Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a lake-effect snow warning this week for several Northeast Ohio counties. The forecast calls for cold temperatures, winds as high as 50 mph, and snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches. Power outages from the weather have already hit thousands of residents throughout the state. FirstEnergy, AEP and Duke Energy power outage maps all show customers without power this morning.

Here's what to do if you lose power during severe winter weather.

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Lose power? These Ohio outage maps will tell when the lights will be back. How to check

Report the power outage to your electric company

Ohio Public Utilities Commission advises residents to call your servicer if you don't have power. It's still possible to report an outage without speaking with a live person. You can also head to the electric company's website to send an online report. Some companies offer live outage maps to track when power should be restored.

AES Ohio

(937) 331-3900(800) 433-8500Report an outage onlineOutage map

American Electric Power

(800) 672-2231Report an outage onlineOutage map

Duke Energy Ohio

(800) 543-5599Report an outage onlineOutage map

FirstEnergy

(800) 589-3101 (CEI Division)(800) 633-4766 (OE Division)(800) 447-3333 (TE Division)Report an outageOutages map

Keep warm if you lose power in cold weather

During a power outage, close doors and windows, dress in layers, and bundle up with blankets to stay warm. Don't use gas stoves or ovens, kerosene space heaters, grills, or other open-flame heat sources for warmth, as it presents the risk of carbon monoxide gas, which is deadly and odorless. The Weather Channel suggests keeping certain heating elements (generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills) outdoors and used at least 20 feet from windows and doors.

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Don't leave lit candles unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Unplug major appliances, electronics during a cold weather power outage

Computers and televisions should be unplugged to avoid a power surge once power is restored. The Weather Channel says to leave one lamp on so that you know when the power comes back on.

The site also recommends preserving your cell phone battery and texting instead of calling to ensure your phone lines remain open.

Know the signs of cold weather-related medical emergencies

Knowing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia is important during a winter power outage:

Frostbite: Losing feeling and color in the fingers, earlobes and the tip of the nose.

Hypothermia: Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

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Call 911 if someone is displaying these symptoms.

The best way to handle outages in the wintertime is to stay prepared year-round. Plan for winter weather ahead of time, invest in an emergency supply kit, and inspect your home thoroughly.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cold weather power outage? Here's what to do/not do, tips to stay safe
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, a Republican and appointee of Donald Trump's during his first term as president, has announced that he will run for U.S. Senate in the hopes of unseating current member Bill Cassidy, also a Republican, who is up for reelection in 2026.

In a news release Wednesday, Fleming said that U.S. Sen. Cassidy has failed the people of Louisiana. He lambasted the lawmaker for being one of seven Republicans in Senate who joined Democrats in voting to convict Trump in the then-President's impeachment trial after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol.

A number of Republicans walked away from President Trump in the last year of his first term, Fleming, 73, said. But those who turned their backs on him and America First were not committed to his fight to make America great."

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Cassidy, who is in his second term, is up for reelection in reliably red Louisiana, where residents overwhelmingly supported Trump during the past three presidential elections. While Cassidy, 67, won his last election handily, he did not face another well-known GOP candidate.

In addition, the election occurred before Cassidy's vote to convict Trump  a move that resulted in the lawmaker being trashed on social media and censured by Louisiana Republicans.

While Cassidy has not yet formally announced that he will seek a third term, Joe Ramallo, a spokesperson for the senator, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the Republican has said multiple times that he is running for reelection." He added that when the time comes to focus on the campaign Cassidy "will see who is still in the race.

In addition, Cassidy's team touted his recent work  including meeting with Trump's pick to lead the Veterans Affairs Department, securing tax relief for victims of natural disasters and pushed (Senate Majority Leader) Chuck Schumer to hold a vote to repeal the Windfall Elimination Penalty and Government Pension Offset. The policies broadly reduce payments to two groups of Social Security recipients: people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security and surviving spouses of Social Security recipients who receive a government pension of their own.

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Fleming's bid marks an early beginning for his campaign. It is an effort return to Capitol Hill, where he served in the U.S. House for four-terms beginning in 2009. Instead of seeking reelection, Fleming unsuccessfully ran for a U.S. Senate seat, losing to then-Treasurer John Kennedy.

After Congress, Fleming spent several years serving in the Trump administration, including as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services and as assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. Last year, he was elected to the position of Louisiana Treasurer and assumed office in January 2024.
One of northwestern Pennsylvanias regional assets is Asbury Woods Nature Center.

It came to be thanks to a donation from an Erie businessman. And now, another Erie businessman is supporting it.

The man who co-founded Eries Hammermill Paper Company, Otto Behrend, is responsible for what is known as Asbury Woods in Millcreek Township.

Asbury Woods started when Otto Behred passed away in 1957 and donated his farm, his Asbury farm, to Millcreek Township School District for education and community recreation, said Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods executive director.

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The 110-acre farm has grown into a 234-acre nature preserve owned and operated by Asbury Woods partnership.

Asbury Woods is this weeks winner of Loving Giving Local

Always in need of volunteers and financial support, they got a gift this week from Auto Express and Loving Giving Local.

Donations like this help us do our environmental education program where we have students, primarily in kindergarten through eighth grade, come out to Asbury Woods and they get to do all the hands-on things theyre learning in their school science curriculum, said Farrar.

For us to be able to bring Loving Giving Local here today to learn that this money is going to go right back into environmental education for students, thats what Loving Giving Local is all about. Asbury Woods has been giving back for a long time, said Joe Askins, Auto Express Resale Center.

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Even though this place is a favorite for youngsters, make no mistake, Asbury Woods isnt just for kids.

You can come out and learn to ski, cross-country ski or snowshoe. We have these cool wreath-making classes where you can make a wreath out of evergreens, or you can just come and walk the trails on your own. If you just need to get out in nature and relax and reconnect, our trails are free and open to the public every single day of the year, Farrar added.

And every night from now until the end of the year, you can enjoy an evening stroll through Asbury Woods bright colorful winter wonderland display.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Dr. Bryant Lin, a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer despite never smoking

"I never wouldve thought that I would have this cancer, the researcher told Yahoo! Life of the diagnosis

Lin has dedicated a lot of his career to researching the disease

Stanford University School of Medicine clinical professor and researcher Dr. Bryant Lin has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer despite never smoking in his life.

The oncologist, per the Stanford Medicine blog Scope, was diagnosed with non-small cell cancer  also known as never-smoker lung cancer  in early May, around a month before his 50th birthday.

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Lin, who is the co-founder of Stanfords Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE), has dedicated a lot of his career to researching lung cancer specifically among Asian American non-smokers, The Stanford Daily reported.

"I never wouldve thought that I would have this cancer, or become the poster child for my center working on this cancer," Lin told Yahoo! Life.

Stanford University Bryant Lin Bryant Lin

Related: Mom, 40, Who Never Smoked Thought 'Mild Cough' Was Allergies  but It Was Lung Cancer (Exclusive)

Speaking with the outlet, Lin detailed his road to diagnosis. He first experienced lingering cough and a tight throat for around five or six weeks over spring.

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Asking for advice from an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician colleague, Lin was encouraged to have a chest X-ray. The X-ray "showed opacity in the lungs, indicating infection or cancer," according to Yahoo! Life. Lin then had a CT scan and a bronchoscopy to examine his lung tissue.

Less than two weeks later, Lin received a diagnosis and began treatment.

Dr. Heather Wakelee, Stanfords chief of oncology  who studies lung cancer in people who have never smoked  has been among those treating Lin. I can just call people up and say, Lets get this done,  he told Yahoo! Life.

According to Scope, 15 to 20 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers. The diagnosis "is the result of a gene mutation that disproportionately affects those of Asian descent, particularly women."

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About 50% of nonsmoker Asians [with lung cancer] have this mutation, and less than 20% of non-Hispanic whites have it, Lin told Yahoo! Life. We dont really know why Asians get this mutation more than other groups.

Getty A stock photo of a doctor inspecting an X-ray image A stock photo of a doctor inspecting an X-ray image

Related: Kathy Griffin Got Lung Cancer Despite Never Smoking  Here's What to Know About the Condition

According to the American Cancer Society, "Lung cancers in people who dont smoke are often different from those that occur in people who do. They tend to develop in younger people and often have certain gene changes that are different from those in tumors found in people who smoke. In some cases, these gene changes can be used to guide treatment."

Lin told Yahoo! Life he's taking "a relatively new daily pill, called Osimertinib, which attacks the mutated cancer cells," and targets the cancer with fewer side effects because it's so "precise."

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"I feel great, and Im lucky that Im doing so well clinically and in terms of quality of life, he said to the outlet.

The researches still has to undergo more chemotherapy every few weeks. "The downside is that eventually, the cancer can develop resistance to this targeted treatment, Lin added to the publication.

He went on to say that he's been given advice from a former colleague also diagnosed with cancer, He said, You just have to live long enough for the next treatment to work,  Lin recalled to Yahoo! Life.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Lin has been teaching a class named "MED 275: From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer."

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In the class, he told students about a letter he'd received from an elderly patient with chronic kidney disease, in which the patient thanked Lin of "taking such good care" of him. "That letter arrived two weeks after the man's death ... which means that he spent time in his final hours writing a letter for me," Lin said, per Scope.

"I'm not sure how long I have. One year? Two years? Five years?" the professor told students. "In a way, this class is part of my letter  what I'm doing to give back to my community as I go through this."

Lin didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.



Read the original article on People
DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW)  Darlington Mayor Curtis Boyd used an anti-gay slur during the public comment portion of Tuesdays city council meeting.

During public comments, a man tells Boyd he should not be the mayor of Darlington because he does not live within city limits. Boyd responds to the man, saying he could come home with him and sleep butt naked in his bed.

Youre welcome to leave with me tonight, and if you want, you can sleep in my bed butt naked with me, Boyd tells the man. Youre welcome to sleep in the bed with me.

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The comment from Boyd drew laughs before the man interjects, saying Im not gay before using the slur. A video of the exchange is below.

Im not gay. Im not a fa-, the man said. Im not a homosexual.

Im not a fa-, either, Boyd said. But youre more than welcome to come see where I stay.

In a phone call with News13, Boyd said hes always been transparent in his mayoral role. He claimed he was telling the man he was not a bundle of sticks when asked about using the slur.

The F word means, that you are referring to means a bundle of sticks, Boyd said. And he said he was not that, I said Im not that either. Whatever it is, I looked it up and it means a bundle of sticks. If you look at the dictionary.

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News13 reached out to interim city manager Gloria Pridgen, who forwarded our email request for comment to Boyd. Councilwoman Elaine Reed said Boyd should have given all the facts in compliance and not made any other comment. Reed also said they take residents concerns seriously.

He just should have simply given the facts that there is, that he is in compliance with all of the residency situation, Reed said. There shouldnt have been any other comment.

Councilmembers Angela McRavin, John Milling, Bryant Gardner and John Segars have not responded to News13s request for comment as of this writing. Councilwoman Sheila Baccus said she had no comment.

* * *

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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.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. 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.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has expressed interest in participating in the second phase of India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) project, which aims to bolster the country's energy security.

This development follows the MEA's briefing to the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, where the details of Phase II were discussed with KPC in November 2022.

The ministry said in a response tabled in parliament: "Participation of Kuwait Petroleum Company in Phase II of the SPR programme of India is one of the new areas of cooperation being explored".

The interest from KPC aligns with India's plans to expand its strategic crude oil storage under phase two.

This expansion includes the construction of caverns with capacities of four million tonnes (mt) in Chandikhol, Odisha, and 2.5mt in Padur, Karnataka.

The project will be executed under a public-private partnership model, as sanctioned by the Union Cabinet in 2021.

The MEA has indicated that ISPRL, the custodian of India's strategic reserves, is actively engaging with nations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for investments in the project's second phase.

India's dependency on energy imports from GCC countries is significant, with these nations accounting for 35% of crude oil and 70% of gas imports.

Notably, Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have been apprised of the opportunity to participate.

ISPRL manages the existing facilities, which have a combined capacity of 5.33mt across three locations: Visakhapatnam (1.33mt), Mangalore (1.5mt) and Padur (2.5mt).

These reserves act as a safeguard against supply disruptions or emergencies.

ADNOC has already stored 5.86 million barrels in Mangalore and, in 2018, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ISPRL to consider additional storage at the Padur site.

In a move to extend India's strategic oil reserves internationally, ISPRL signed an MOU with Oman Tanking Terminal Company in June 2023 to explore participation in Oman's Ras Markaz project.

The MEA also reassured the committee that India is pursuing long-term oil and gas supply contracts with key Gulf nations.

India currently has agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain and is in the process of finalising a term contract with Oman, its 12th-largest oil supplier.

The MEA said: "India is actively exploring the possibility of entering into a term contract with Oman for the sourcing of crude oil."

"Kuwait Petroleum eyes strategic oil storage in India" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Put aside partisan politics and work together.

That was the overarching theme of Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel's annual address Wednesday night on the progress of Michigan's third most populous county, with a look toward the future.

Now that the election is over, Hackel asked, "can we just set aside the blue versus the red and the Rs and the Ds? And I've said this many a times before, and I think it's starting to catch on in light of what I've been hearing recently, it's time to stop reaching across the aisle. Let's forget about reaching across the aisle. It's time to get in the aisle and get things done on behalf of the people."

Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive

Hackel's 12th State of the County address was held before about 1,000 invited guests, including countywide elected officials and judges and leaders from other metro Detroit counties, including Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, with whom Hackel celebrated the 1 millionth ride on the Detroit People Mover earlier in the day.

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Hackel said: "The way we get things done in Macomb County isn't through partisanship, it's through partnership."

Hackel, sporting a suit and tie, graced the stage alone at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township, a venue decorated with clusters of red poinsettias and a large video screen for visuals. He breezily walked and talked, reciting his approximately 45-minute speech, complete with punches of humor and upbeat music.

In an unusual move, Hackel left the stage to recognize a woman who will turn 102 on Friday. He asked friends in the crowd to gather around her as a cake with burning candle was presented. He and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" before she received a standing ovation. She's a member of the county's 100 Club, which celebrates centenarians. Hackel said the county's 100 Club has welcomed 44 members.

More: Mayor Mike Duggan aims to bridge division in gubernatorial run as independent candidate

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As in past addresses, Hackel ticked off stats on community metrics: population (more than 880,000 residents, with more than 100,000 who are foreign-born); housing (2,300 homes have been added to the inventory in the past two years); jobs (nearly 460,000 residents are in the workforce); education (61% of residents have some level of college education); income (median household is near $79,000, which is $11,000 higher than the state average), and finances (the county has had a balanced budget for 14 years, a more than $120 million fund balance, and a recent Aa1 bond rating with a positive outlook.)

"All of this tells us that the state of Macomb County is strong," he said.

Hackel cited a half-dozen areas where there have been partnerships with communities, nonprofits, businesses, schools and other entities on projects within the county, which has a $53 billion economy and 19,000 businesses, including manufacturing, and is home to 450 working farms.

More: Lake St. Clair, a destination for fun and source of life, drives $1.6 billion in impact

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For example, Hackel said, "with Ford and the village of Romeo, we are examining ways to repurpose the Ford Romeo Engine Plant." He said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., secured federal funding for a Northern Border Coordination Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township  and, Hackel added, "we will continue to fight for those fighters (jets) through the runway expansion project."

Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

And a $15 million grant at Macomb Community College, Hackel said, will launch a training program where students will learn how to build the next generation of nuclear submarines.

More: Write-in candidates in elections 'always have a chance'

Among the many highlights for the county Hackel mentioned:

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Planned redevelopment of the Lakeside Mall site in Sterling Heights, which is to demolish the 1.5 million-square-foot mall and replace it with a more than $1 billion town-square-style project of apartments, retail, restaurants, offices and public recreation space.

Plans for General Sports and Entertainment to build a new headquarters with a restaurant and corporate event space in downtown Utica, home of Jimmy John's Field and the four-team United Shore Professional Baseball League.

Plans for a $5 million reenvisioning of Cherry Street Mall in downtown Mount Clemens.

A $1 million grant for a new pedestrian bridge over the Clinton River Spillway in Harrison Township, and preserving 64 acres of land near Selfridge Air National Guard Base to create a nature preserve and monarch butterfly habitat.

The Innovate Mound road project in Warren and Sterling Heights, which last week he said was selected as one of the top 10 road projects in the country by a national roads and bridges publication.

Formation of the county's Elder Justice Alliance, which has more than 80 groups, to combat elder abuse and exploitation as well as senior scams.

New Community Impact Fund in the 2025 budget to allow the county to partner with Advancing Macomb to target grants and philanthropic dollars to invest in nonprofit development, parks, public spaces, small business innovation, senior citizen advocacy and childhood achievement.

County's Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens, which serves eight counties in the region as well as helping the state health department through a contractual relationship involving a state-run detention and treatment program.

Construction of the county's new Central Intake and Assessment Center at the jail complex in Mount Clemens, which is getting recognition for its unique approach for centralized intake and assessment for medical, mental health and pretrial services at booking as well as front-end diversion when appropriate.

A rendering of the new addition to the Macomb County jail called the Central Intake and Assessment Center that will be built and complete by mid-2027 at a cost of $228 million.

"When I look around, I see everything that's happening here because of our partners that are coming together to try to make this place more special than what it was when we first started off as kids," Hackel said of the county.

"As you can see, a lot of great things are happening here in this county. And the question sometimes is, what's behind it all? I dont know that there's a single answer to that question, but I think there's a reason that sometimes often gets overlooked. It's our values. Our way of doing things sometimes is just different.

"You see, we believe in doing things together. Not alone. We believe in bringing people in, not shutting them out. We believe in lending a hand, not pointing a finger. We also believe in giving credit where credit is due and not assigning blame. ... We truly believe in the power of a partnership. Quite simply, Macomb County is a place where collaboration turns ideas into realities. And I think you'd be hard-pressed to find that in other communities."

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To watch the entire address, go to macombgov.org.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Macomb Executive Mark Hackel gives State of the County address
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  Land Bank is collaborating with Macon County to tackle the issue of blighted properties.

The Central Illinois Land Bank Authority (CILBA) is starting its first round of demolitions in Macon County with a $337,000 Strong Communities Program grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The bank wrote the grant application and is working with the county to administer the grant for Macon County.

City of Decatur passes property tax levy

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This is one of three Strong Communities Round 2 IHDA grants, totaling over $1 million that the land bank is administering over its large geographic region. These grants benefit larger cities like Decatur and small rural villages less than 5,000 people.

CILBAs Executive Director, Mike Davis, said there are real costs to allowing properties to deteriorate over time with no action. An average individual abandoned house will:

Contribute very little in tax revenue

Decrease property values on neighboring property within 500 feet by 4-15%

Decrease quality of life for neighboring families, increasing crime and other public safety problems like fires

Discourage investment in surrounding properties

We worked with our local township officials to identify properties that needed to be demolished. We have already identified the next ten properties to spend down the remaining grant funds, said Tamara Wilcox, Macon County Administrator. These state grants are really tough to administer so this has been a learning process for the County. Its great to have the Land Banks help in administering over $300k in state funded demolitions in Macon County.

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Argenta on a boil order after pipe bursts

Nine properties in Macon County are included in the first round of demolitions. JRH Services, based in Decatur, was the lowest of four bidders at $94,220 to demolish the properties.

In order to ensure grant funds are being maximized, the land bank has separate landfill contracts for all its demolition work so actual tonnage, no estimated tonnage, is being paid using these state grants. All demolition waste will go to Waste Managements Valley View landfill in Macon County.

I have seen CILBA do over 50 demolitions in small, rural villages in Vermilion County with IHDA grant funds and Im excited to see them expand this work to Macon County, said Jon Kindseth, CILBAs Board Chair and Deputy City Manager in Decatur. Beyond this demolition work tackling blight, they are also doing roof replacements for low-income homeowners in Decatur and rehabbing abandoned homes to create affordable homeownership opportunities in Decatur. This region is lucky to have a land bank like CILBA that is taking a big picture approach to solving our regions housing challenges.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Emmanuel Macron is looking for a new prime minister after MPs ousted Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote on Wednesday.

Lawmakers from Left and Right tabled the motion after Mr Barnier forced through his budget without a vote.

Mr Barnier, a Macron ally who became prime minister barely three months ago, will become the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history when the president approves his resignation.

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Mr Macron is due to address the nation at 7pm GMT on Thursday.

Sebastien Lecornu was approached in early 2024 as a potential prime minister but Mr Macron finally handed the post to Gabriel Attal. Brigitte Macron, with whom he regularly speaks, is reportedly a fan.

However, according to LOpinion, he has three faults: hes a Macroniste, considered a traitor by his original conservative political family (Les Republicains) and is appreciated by Marine Le Pens National Rally.

Mr Lecornu had a discreet dinner meeting with Ms Le Pen earlier this year, say reports, in an apparent bid to sound out her position on any future government.

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On Thursday, Mr Lecornu insisted he was not a candidate for anything and had not even raised the subject with President Macron during their trip this week to Saudi Arabia.

But he appeared to suggest a deal could be struck with Socialist MPs, a party that had given France two presidents, to form a wider coalition.

Everything must be done to get the Socialists to detach themselves from their current alliance with the hard-Left France Unbowed party, the LFI of Jean-Luc Melenchon, he said.

A three-time presidential candidate, Francois Bayrou was named justice minister by Mr Macron when he took the presidency in 2017.

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He resigned the same year when the legal case was opened against him but has remained a key behind-the-scenes ally of the president.

He was personally acquitted of any wrongdoing earlier this year, with the judge ruling he was owed the benefit of the doubt.

A tireless self-promoter, those close to the presidents historic ally believe that the alignment of the planets may be propitious, if Mr Macron chooses a political heavyweight.

Last week, Mr Bayrou met with Alexis Kohler, the Elysee secretary general, which was seen as significant given that the pair have rarely been on speaking terms.

For his supporters, the centrist could convince at least some Socialists not to back a no-confidence vote against his future government while at the same time not being an irritant for Marine Le Pens National Rally. Bills would be negotiated on a case by case basis among willing parties.

Bernard Cazeneuve, a former member of the Socialist Party, has the advantage of being respected by both the Right and Left.

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Could he now help Emmanuel Macron navigate his second term through a crisis?, asked Le Monde.

At odds with Mr Macron since his former government colleague launched his presidential bid  Mr Macron was Hollandes economy minister before resigning to run for president in 2016.

Mr Cazeneuves appointment would confirm that Mr Macron is prepared to enter a cohabitation in which he would have even less say in the affairs of government.

However, he is seen as beyond the pale by the Socialists current parliamentary allies, Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed party, and Marine Le Pens National Rally.

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He would also need the support of some conservative Republicans MPs to survive, which is far from a given.

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Francois Baroin has been in various top governmental posts as former interior and finance minister for the Republicans and has strong links with provincial France as former president of the French mayors association. He has good relations with the Socialists and the National Rally are not averse to him either.

Hes very interested, thats for sure, and has made this plain, an Elysee source told Le Parisien.

Other possible choices

Other options are Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing hard-line interior minister, who would gain support from the National Rally but scare off any Socialists, and Roland Lescure, Mr Macrons former industry minister and the current deputy parliamentary speaker.

There is also talk of a technical government run by Pierre Moscovici, the ex-EU commissioner and the head of the French audit, or Francois Villeroy de Galhau, the head of the Bank of France.

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Emmanuel Macron has refused to take responsibility for the fall of Michel Barniers government, accusing cynical and anti-Republican opposition politicians of putting presidential ambitions before those of the nation.

In a defiant 10-minute televised address on Thursday, Mr Macron, 46, ruled out stepping down more than two years before the end of his term, saying he would carry his full mandate until 2027.

The French president pledged to appoint a new prime minister in the coming days and that early next year a new government of the willing would draft a new budget bill.

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Mr Barnier, 73, on Thursday tendered his resignation after losing a vote of no-confidence in his government the previous day, meaning Frances oldest prime minister also became its shortest-lived.

He and his ministers remain in charge of daily business until the appointment of a new government, said the Elysee.

Michel Barnier prepares to deliver a speech prior to the no-confidence vote - Alain Jocard/AFP via Getty

In his short address, Mr Macron sought to set the record straight with the opposition and the French electorate.

Thanking Mr Barnier who had risen to the occasion, as so many others have not, Mr Macron said he took full responsibility for his decision to call snap elections in June and July, which he said had been misunderstood and criticised.

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But he said French voters were responsible for electing a hung parliament and French MPs and political party leaders, meanwhile, were to blame for the current political turmoil France finds itself in.

Im well aware that some people are tempted to blame me for this situation. Its much more comfortable, he said.

I will never assume the irresponsibility of others, and in particular of the MPs who have consciously chosen to bring down Frances budget and government just a few days before Christmas.

He lashed out at Marine Le Pens National Rally that chose to vote a motion of no-confidence that said the opposite of their programme, that insulted their own voters.

Marine Le Pen said it was not the right time for Emmanuel Macron to step aside - Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg

In so doing, they simply chose the disorder that is the only project that unites them with the far Left not to do, but to undo, to create disorder, he said.

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Theyre not thinking about you... lets be honest, theyre thinking about only one thing, the presidential election.

To prepare for it, to provoke it, to precipitate it, and that with cynicism, if necessary, and a certain sense of chaos.

Ms Le Pen on Thursday said it was not the right time for the French president to step aside.

That can only take place, in my view, when a political crisis happens or an institutional crisis can no longer have any other solution than the resignation of the president of the republic, she told Bloomberg, adding that this was not the case at present.

Instead, the populist opposition figure vowed to work together with the next prime minister and insisted that a budget could be passed within weeks.

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But polls on Thursday suggest the French hold him largely responsible for bringing about the worst political crisis France has known since 1958 when Charles de Gaulle came back from retirement to form the Fifth Republic and avoid civil war.

An Odaxa Backbone survey found six out of ten now want the president to step down with a Toluna Harris Interactive poll suggesting an even higher amount, 64 per cent wanted him to go.

Mathilde Panot, head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-Left France Unbowed (LFI) party, urged early presidential elections, saying: We are now calling on Macron to go.

Mr Macron said he would not be stepping down until 2027 and under French law there could be no new legislative elections until next July.

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Squabbling French politicians would have to grow up and work together to avoid economic meltdown by passing a new budget bill in the new year.

We are now calling on Macron to go, said Mathilde Panot, head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-Left France Unbowed (LFI) party - Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Not for the first time, he urged them to take inspiration from the rebuilding of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which will be reopened on Saturday.

Its proof that we can do great things, that we can do the impossible, he said.

Well, its the same thing we need to do for the nation, he added, calling on parliament to find compromises, a sense of responsibility and respect.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife over who Mr Macron will appoint to succeed Mr Barnier.

Various sources said he wants to appoint a replacement before dozens of heads of state, including Donald Trump, the US president elect, descend on Paris for a ceremony on Saturday to reopen Notre-Dame.

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Sebastien Lecornu, the loyalist defence minister and Francois Bayrou, Mr Macrons centrist ally, have been touted as possible contenders, as has Bernard Cazeneuve, the former Socialist premier and interior minister.

The world, Europe, are moving ahead, and we need a government that can take decisions, said Mr Macron.

We cannot allow ourselves neither division nor immobility. That is why I will name a prime minister in the coming days.

08:05 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage.

08:02 PM GMT

Le Pen pushes back on Macron blaming opposition

Marine Le Pen, leader of the hard-Right National Rally party, has rejected Mr Macrons claims that irresponsible opposition forces are to blame for dooming the Barnier government.

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Gentle reminder to President Macron, she wrote in a post on X, no-confidence votes are not anti-Republican, but provided for in our constitution.

07:57 PM GMT

This is going to end badly, Greens leader reacts

Frances Greens party leader has hit out at the level of contempt which Emmanuel Macron showed in his televised address, concluding: This is going to end badly.

Marine Tondelier, leader of the Ecologists party, celebrated the good news that Mr Macron had not immediately appointed an even more Right-wing prime minister.

07:49 PM GMT

Analysis: Macron tells squabbling politicians to grow up

It was a defiant, and for Emmanuel Macron, short speech that sought to set the record straight with the opposition and the French electorate.

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The message was clear: I felt I had no choice but to call snap elections in June and July. It was misunderstood and criticised, thats my responsibility.

But you voters are responsible for electing a hung parliament.

French MPs and political party leaders, meanwhile, are responsible for the current mess France finds itself in by putting personal - presidential - ambitions above those of the nation and failing to make any compromises, as in other democracies.

Im well aware that some people are tempted to blame me for this situation. Its much more comfortable, he said.

But no, Mr Macron went on, I will not be stepping down and will carry out my full mandate until 2027 and under French law there can be no new legislative elections until next July.

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In other words, squabbling French politicians will have to grow up and work together to avoid economic meltdown by passing a new budget bill in the New Year.

Not for the first time, he urged them to take inspiration from the rebuilding or Notre-Dame, which will be reopened on Saturday.

Its proof that we can do great things, that we can do the impossible.

Well, its the same thing we need to do for the nation, he said, calling on parliament to find compromises, a sense of responsibility and respect.

This was a president who many may blame for sowing political chaos and would like to see resign but judging by tonights speech appears to have his mojo back.

07:37 PM GMT

We need to reintroduce wisdom, says Macron

Emmanuel Macron has said France needs to be rebuilt following the collapse of the government.

Where the country is vulnerable it needs to be rebuilt, he said, adding: Wherever there is poor behaviour, we need to reintroduce wisdom, and wherever there is room for anxiety and despair, we need to bring hope.

The French president likened the test ahead of France to the re-opening of Notre Dame, imploring lawmakers to work together to achieve the impossible.

Mr Macron signed off by saying: Long live the republic, long live France.

A screen inside a bar shows Emmanuel Macron delivering a televised speech in Paris on Dec 5 - TERESA SUAREZ/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

07:29 PM GMT

Macron to name next PM in coming days

Emmanuel Macron has said he will appoint Michel Barniers successor in the coming days, saying France cannot afford to remain static.

Sources close to Mr Macron previously said he intended to name a new prime minister in time for the grand re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday.

07:14 PM GMT

Easy to point finger at me says Macron

Emmanuel Macron has said it may be easier to point the finger at the French president as he instead laid the blame at the door of his opponents in parliament.

I know some people want to point the finger at me. It is a lot easier to do that. I have always accepted my responsibilities, he said, but refused to take on the responsibility for parliamentarians who have decided to bring down the government and the budget a few days before Christmas.

The mandate you have given me is for five years and I will exercise it until the very end, Macron said.

Credit: X / @EmmanuelMacron

07:07 PM GMT

Macron thanks Barnier

Emmanuel Macron has thanked the outgoing prime minister Michel Barnier.

I would like to thank him for the work he has done for the country, for his dedication and for his unwillingness to give up, he said.

Him and his ministers have been able to rise to the challenge.

06:55 PM GMT

Republicans to oppose any left-wing government

The conservative Republicans Party (LR) has vowed to oppose any government led by the Left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) alliance, a source has told Le Parisien.

Earlier, the largest part of Frances NPF vowed to table a new no-confidence motion against any prime minister that does not come from their ranks.

The National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament, is divided into three major blocs: the left-wing NPF which holds 193 seats, Macrons centrist allies which have 166, and Marine Le Pens National Rally party with 142. An outright majority requires 289 seats.

In September, Mr Macron asked Michel Barnier, a conservative, to form a government dominated by Republicans and centrists which would rely on the National Rallys goodwill to stay in power.

In the days before his ousting, Ms Le Pen accused Barnier of ignoring her demands and the Left-wing coalition denounced the austerity budget.

06:32 PM GMT

Macron resignation would be politically dangerous, says outgoing minister

Hardline outgoing interior minister Bruno Retailleau called for President Emmanuel Macron to name another Right-wing prime minister because France is a Right-wing country. He said he would be happy to keep his job under circumstances.

In an interview with Le Figaro, the conservative daily, Mr Retailleau dismissed suggestions Mr Macron should resign. Polls show a majority of French would like to see him resign though the President has ruled this out.

Thats what the architects of the chaos that we saw yesterday are looking for, said Mr Retailleau. As a Gaullist, I remain attached to the institutions of the Fifth Republic.

To think for a moment that a motion of no-confidence should lead to the resignation of the president is constitutionally absurd and politically dangerous.

We must not give in to the insurrectionist machinations of those who want to send the Fifth Republic to the scaffold.

Bruno Retailleau during questions to the government at the National Assembly in Paris, Dec 3 - BENJAMIN GIRETTE/BLOOMBERG

05:52 PM GMT

French would prefer government of apolitical experts, poll finds

Two out of three French people (66 per cent) said they would be in favour of forming a technical government made up of experts with no affiliations to a political party, according to survey conducted by Elabe for BFMTV.

The preferred potential candidates for prime minister were found to be outgoing hardline interior minister Bruno Retailleau and centre-Left ex-PM Bernard Cazeneuve, who both received 26 per cent approval from those polled.

Raphael Glucksmann, an MEP who led the Socialists European election campaign, fell just behind them on 25 per cent, while Francois Baroin, a conservative former interior and finance minister, attracted 24 per cent approval.

Gerald Darmanin, Mr Macrons former interior minister, received 23 per cent approval and Centrist Modem leader Francois Bayrou was viewed favourably by 22 per cent.

05:19 PM GMT

Marine Le Pen backs Macron

Marine Le Pen has said it is not the right time to remove the French president, amid mounting calls for his resignation from opposition leaders.

The presidents resignation is a personal decision for him and can only take place, in my view, when a political crisis happens or an institutional crisis can no longer have any other solution than the resignation of the president of the republic, she told Bloomberg, adding that this was not the case at present.

Emmanuel Macron said he does not plan to resign and will serve out his term which ends in 2027.

Instead, Marine Le Pen said her populist National Rally (RN) party would work together with the new prime minister.

On the identity of Michel Barniers successor, she said: In the end, the name doesnt matter to me, what matters is the method.

The long-time face of French right wing politics reiterated that the priority should be finding a new voting system which could deliver a majority in elections.

Ms Le Pen said a budget could be delivered within a matter of weeks, so long as the next prime minister narrows the deficit at a slower rate and refrains from asking the French people to pay the bill for the mistakes of our leaders.

She said the outgoing administrations attempt to bring the budget deficit down from 6.1 per cent to 3 per cent of economic output by 2029 would have stunted industry.

Marine Le Pen following a Bloomberg Television interview in Paris, France, on Dec 5 - CYRIL MARCILHACY/BLOOMBERG

04:43 PM GMT

Unions urge Macron to pick PM quickly

With France facing strikes in various sectors, Marylise Leon, head of the moderate CFDT, Frances biggest union, said a new government must be formed without delay.

Today, social emergencies and workers expectations cant wait for several weeks of procrastination; activities must be able to resume very quickly, and a budget must be able to be debated.

Sophie Binet, head of the hardline CGT union, said she wished to send a solemn message to Emmanuel Macron ahead of his televised speech on Thursday night: Listen to what the trade unions and employees have to say.

There will be no lasting government if it does not respond to social demands, she warned.

A child sitting on the shoulders of a demonstrator holds a placard reading Power in parliament!! during nationwide strike action - FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP

04:21 PM GMT

Rating agency issues warning over government collapse

Moodys, a ratings agency, has warned that Michel Barniers resignation deepens the countrys political stalemate and reduces the probability of a consolidation of public finances.

The agency described the toppling of the French government as negative for credit, while S&P ratings agency said the country had been left without a clear path to reducing the deficit.

Moodys downgraded the outlook on Frances credit rating from stable to negative in October.

France probably wont have a 2025 budget, said ING Economics in a note, predicting that the country is entering a new era of political instability.

03:51 PM GMT

Who will Macron pick for PM? The runners and riders

Emmanuel Macron is looking for a new prime minister after MPs ousted Michel Barnier in a no confidence vote on Wednesday.

A centre-Right mayor, the head of the centrist party and a former prime minister are amongst the frontrunners to become the presidents lieutenant.

Read the full story here.

03:29 PM GMT

Other great figures of French history would resign, Macron is told

Lucie Castets, an unknown civil servant thrust into the limelight in July when she became prime ministerial candidate for the Left-wing New Popular Front, NFP, called for a change of political direction on Thursday and a Left-wing government.

Emmanuel Macron refused to appoint Ms Castets as prime minister this summer, even though the NFP was the largest political force in parliament after snap elections, on the grounds NFP had no way of commanding a majority.

Ms Castets said: I say to the president of the republic that he must recognise the results of the elections. I invite him to use these results as a basis for appointing a government from the Left, from the New Popular Front.

However, she said she held out little hope. I dont get the impression that the president is really in a logic of construction with the Left-wing forces of this country, she said.

Asked about whether Mr Macron should resign, she said: Thats a decision for him. But whats certain is that other great figures in French history before him would probably have chosen this option.

Lucie Castets at La France Insoumise partys summer gathering in Chateauneuf-sur-Isere, France on Aug 24, 2024 - EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP VIA GETTY

03:05 PM GMT

EU powerhouses on the ropes

The political chaos in France is bad news for a country with a 6.2 per budget deficit and the worst imbalance in the eurozone.

It seems obvious that no tax or spending plans can currently pass in the fragmented National Assembly.

That was proved by the defenestration of Mr Barnier after he tried to force through social security reforms to help bring France into line with EU fiscal rules over seven years.

Emmanuel Macron cannot dissolve the parliament for new elections until next June at the earliest.

The German economy is also struggling in the face of the cost of living crisis as it struggles to come to terms with the loss of cheap Russian gas.

Germany, the EUs largest economy, is predicted by the European Commission to grow just 0.7% next year.

The economic troubles faced by the two powerhouses of the EU could get worse if Donald Trump carries out his threat of hitting the bloc with 20 per cent trade tariffs on day one of his presidency.

02:48 PM GMT

Pictured: French farmers protest in Paris

A protester bit the hand of a police officer in riot gear during strike action called by the French Farmers Confederation union.

Protests were organised to denounce the inauguration of the 64th edition of the European Commodities Exchange at the Grand Palais, in Paris.

A protester bites the hand of a police officer at the Grand Palais in Paris, on Dec 5 - THOMAS SAMSON/AFP

A protester holds a flag of the French Farmers Confederation union - THOMAS SAMSON/AFP

Police officers of the Repression of Violent Action Motorised Brigade detain a protester in Paris - THOMAS SAMSON/AFP

02:26 PM GMT

Macron must not appoint new PM tonight, says Greens leader

Frances Greens party leader warned Emmanuel Macron against rushing into announcing a new prime minister on Thursday night, saying more time was needed to find the right candidate.

Marine Tondelier, leader of the Ecologists party, said she feared that Mr Macron would announce a new PM in a hurry to corner everyone, but for her, that would be a failure.

The head of state must not appoint a prime minister this evening, she insisted.

Mr Macrons entourage says he wants to act swiftly to avoid a power vacuum ahead of the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame on Saturday.

The Greens and Socialists hope to convince Mr Macron to put a Left-winger in charge but say they are open to compromise.

We need a left-wing Prime Minister who can lead a Left-wing government open to compromise, said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure.

02:10 PM GMT

Barnier officially resigns

Michel Barnier has submitted his resignation as Frances prime minister after losing a vote of no-confidence in his government yesterday.

The former EU Brexit negotiator met with President Emmanuel Macron for an hour at the Elysee Palace this morning.

The French president has asked Mr Barnier and his government to stay on in caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is nominated, the Elysee said in a statement.

01:54 PM GMT

Diversify investments amid French political turmoil, warns Hargreaves Lansdown

Investors should consider diversified funds which can reduce exposure to certain countries, Hargreaves Lansdown has warned in response to uncertainty over Frances economic future.

Kate Marshall, senior investment analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, highlighted that France has been Europes weakest performing stock over the past 12 months, adding that the economic backdrop remains shrouded in uncertainty.

She said: Investors seeking exposure to Europe should consider diversified funds that invest across the continent and can increase or decrease the amount invested in each country depending on the fund managers views.

01:39 PM GMT

Macron lunches with frontrunner Bayrou

Francois Bayrou, a veteran centrist and possible successor to Michel Barnier, had lunch with close ally President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace this afternoon, according to Le Parisien newspaper.

Mr Bayrou is leader and founder of Modem, a centre to centre right party which has been in alliance with Mr Macrons since 2017.

Francois Bayrou delivers a speech on March 23, 2024 - SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP

01:18 PM GMT

Watch: French civil servants on strike

Protesters have taken to the streets across France as part of a nationwide day of strike action by public sector workers.

Civil servants have mobilised to denounce government reforms proposed in the budget.

A spokesman for the CGT, Frances Confederation of Labour union, said strikes would affect multiple sectors including schools, hospitals, airports and town halls.

Marches are also being planned in numerous cities, including Paris, for Thursday afternoon, said a CGT spokesman.

01:03 PM GMT

Socialist Party leaders demand meeting with Macron

French Socialist Party leaders have called on Emmanuel Macron to receive today the leaders of the parties and the presidents of the parliamentary groups of the National Assembly and Senate that took part in the Republican Front during the last legislative elections.

The republican front refers to parties that cooperated during Julys snap elections to keep Marine Le Pens National Rally from winning seats.

Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, and parliamentary and senate leaders Boris Vallaud and Patrick Kanner urged Macron to meet to compare [their] points of view on possible ways out of the crisis.

12:34 PM GMT

Notre Dame deadline looms

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has become the latest leader to announce their attendance at the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend.

Sources close to President Emmanuel Macron have said he intends to have a new prime minister in place for the grand re-opening of the landmark damaged by fire in 2019.

Around 50 heads of state and government are expected in the French capital for the ceremony on Saturday, including US president-elect Donald Trump.

Mrs von der Leyens visit also comes against a backdrop of disagreement with the French president over the free-trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc.

11:50 AM GMT

MEP calls on moderate parties to shut out Le Pen

Raphael Glucksmann, the Left-leaning MEP, has broken his silence on Frances political state to call on moderate parties that cooperated in Julys legislative elections to keep out Marine Le Pen.

He urged the parties to forge a minimal platform for government.

Mr Glucksmann, who runs the social democrat Place Publique group, led the Socialists European election campaign in March to third place. But he has kept a low profile since the group chose to join forces with Jean-Luc Melenchons hard-Left France Unbowed party.

Writing in Le Monde, he appealed to the political forces that worked on the Republican front in July to come together and finally confront their proposals to define possible convergences and persistent disagreements.

Its up to the parliamentary groups concerned to take the lead and see if they can come up with a minimal platform, as expected today by a majority of French people, on purchasing power, pensions, deficit reduction, the countrys reindustrialisation, green transition or the reform of both the voting system and the institutional architecture, he added.

11:35 AM GMT

Macron is the problem: Telegraph readers react to Frances political collapse

11:10 AM GMT

Cracks begin to emerge among the Left over new PM

Splits appear to be emerging between Frances Socialists and the hard-Left France Unbowed party, which was founded by Jean-Luc Melenchon.

MPs from the two parties are currently allied with Greens and Communists in the New Popular Front in parliament.

Boris Vallaud, the Socialist parliamentary leader, called on Emmanuel Macron to appoint a Left-wing prime minister open to compromise and said he was not against the appointment of Bernard Cazeneuve, a former prime minister under Francois Hollande.

However, the Melenchon camp have ruled out Mr Cazeneuve, suggesting a a divide between the two groups.

Mr Vallaud said: There is no majority in this hemicycle and were going to have to make compromises and find the broadest possible majorities, text by text.

He said there were no Left-wing figures he had ruled out, including both Mr Cazeneuve and Olivier Faure, the current Socialist Party leader.

11:00 AM GMT

Barniers party will not oppose new government

Michel Barniers party, the Right-wing Republican LR, has said it will not oppose any new government.

Speaking on France 2, Laurent Wauquiez, the LR parliamentary leader, said: We wont block (...) we wont bring down the government, we wont do what Marine Le Pen did.

He said his party would agree to join a future government on the condition that certain party priorities were met, without providing details.

Michel Barnier, the ousted French prime minister, at the no-confidence vote in Paris that saw him removed from power - Mustafa Yalcin/Getty Images

10:42 AM GMT

Barnier leaves Elysee following one-hour meeting with Macron

Michel Barnier, who was due to hand in his governments resignation to Emmanuel Macron, has left the Elysee Palace after a one-hour meeting with the French president.

Mr Macron escorted the prime minister to the forecourt, where he spent several minutes talking with Alexis Kohler, the Elysee General Secretary, before leaving by car.

Michel Barniers car arriving at the Elysee Palace just after 9am - Jumeau Alexis/Shutterstock

10:40 AM GMT

Macron loyalist out of the running for new PM

Sebastien Lecornu, a staunch loyalist of Emmanuel Macron and the outgoing current defence minister, has been often cited as a potential candidate to replace Michel Barnier.

However, he insisted he was not a candidate for anything on Thursday and had not even raised the subject with Mr Macron during their trip to Saudi Arabia this week.

10:32 AM GMT

Calls for Macrons resignation continue to mount from all sides

Calls for Emmanuel Macron to resign are piling up and not all are from the political extremes  though he has ruled this out.

Jean-Francois Cope, a Right-wing former minister, party leader and government spokesman, said that Mr Macron cant go on like this until 2027 and should resign by mid-March.

He added that Mr Macrons decision to dissolve parliament in July was a historic mistake for which we are paying dearly.

In reality, we wont be able to hold on like this until 2027, he said.

If the president of the Republic accepts to understand that everything is blocked and that the goal in life is not to maintain himself in power to the detriment of the countrys interest, he should resign around March 15, said Mr Cope.

This would allow for forty days of campaigning and the French would then be in a position to choose candidates, he said

10:29 AM GMT

Pictured: Protesters gather at a rally in Marseille

A protester holds a placard reading Macron, you stink, get out during a rally in Marseille - CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/Getty Images

People march in Marseille - CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP

10:24 AM GMT

NPF vow to block any prime minister not from their own ranks

The largest part of Frances Left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) alliance has vowed to table a new no-confidence motion against any prime minister that does not come from their ranks.

Mathilde Panot, the alliances parliamentary leader, made the warning ahead of speculation that Emmanuel Macron will announce the new prime minister in his televised address later today.

The rule would apply in particular to Bernard Cazeneuve, a centre-Left former prime minister regularly mooted as a potential candidate. Mr Cazeneuve left the Socialist Party to set up his own political formation.

She predicted that Mr Macron would make the prime minister announcement if only to erase yesterday.

Calling for his resignation, she said: The person responsible for the chaos today is Emmanuel Macron. He cant go on for three years with a prime minister every three months.



Mr Macron, whose term ends in 2027, has ruled out the possibility of his resignation, dismissing the idea as political fiction.

10:11 AM GMT

Macron must reassure the French in address

Yael Braun-Pivet, the president of the French National Assembly, has said Emmanuel Macron must reassure the French during his speech later today.

I recommend that he quickly appoint a prime minister, she said, as well as acknowledging a collective failure.

We havent managed to build enough together, she added, in reference to the deeply divided National Assembly split into three blocs, none of which are large enough to form a majority.

10:09 AM GMT

Pictured: Marine Le Pen on French television as Barnier resigns

Marine Le Pen, the far-Right leader, is completing an interview on French TV channel TF1 this morning as Michel Barnier hands his resignation to Mr Macron.

The main culprit for the current situation is Emmanuel Macron, she told viewers late on Wednesday.

Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader, poses prior to an interview on French TV channel TF1 - Stephane de Sakutin/AP

10:03 AM GMT

Macron blasts coalition of the irresponsible

Furious after the no-confidence motion, aides say Emmanuel Macron blasted a coalition of the irresponsible that must assume its responsibilities before the French people.

France Info has cited the president as saying: By inventing the anti-Republican front, the far-Right and the Socialist Party are playing against their country.

Gestures have been made by the government, he went on. I believe that the interests of the country are more important than those of the parties. Either were serious or were not.

My priority is stability.

Mr Macron will address the French people via TV on Thursday evening.

09:32 AM GMT

Unions call for strikes and street protests after government collapse

Unions called for strikes and street demonstrations across France following the collapse of President Emmanuel Macrons latest government.

The industrial action was announced on Thursday as the embattled head of state prepared to accept the resignation of Michel Barnier, his fifth prime minister in seven years.

A spokesman for the CGT, Frances Confederation of Labour union, said strikes would affect multiple sectors, including schools, hospitals, airports, and town halls.

Prison guards block the Villeneuve-les-Maguelones prison near Montpellier as part of the industrial action - SYLVAIN THOMAS/Getty Images

09:22 AM GMT

Barnier arrives at the Elysee Palace to submit resignation

Michel Barnier, the ousted French prime minister, has arrived at the Elysee Palace to submit his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron

Mr Barniers convoy arrived just after 9am, with the outgoing premier constitutionally obliged to offer to step down after losing the no-confidence vote.

Michel Barnier gestures upon hearing the result of the no-confidence vote on Wednesday - ALAIN JOCARD/Getty Images

09:17 AM GMT

Listen: Everyone remains shocked at the political crisis sweeping France

The atmosphere across the city is pretty flat, reports Peter Allen, who is waiting outside the Elysee Palace for Michel Barnier to hand his resignation to Mr Macron this morning.

Listen to his analysis here:

09:12 AM GMT

What happens next following the French government collapse?

Michel Barnier will act as caretaker prime minister  but potentially only for a few hours.

Mr Macron is due to address the nation via TV on Thursday night and may announce Mr Barniers successor.

Sources close to the president said he wanted to get a new lieutenant in place by the weekend, which would be in time for the grand re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019.

Some 50 world leaders are expected in Paris and a prime minister needs to be here to greet them, said one aide.

Those arriving include Donald Trump, the American president-elect who will be on his first foreign visit since his election victory last month.

Read more about what will happen next for Mr Macrons government here.

08:51 AM GMT

What happened last night?

The vote of no-confidence result was carried by 331 votes needed in the 577 seat parliament  well over the 288 needed.



It plunges France into a period of political paralysis, with many predicting economic disaster too.



French bonds and stocks are already being sold off at an alarming rate, and borrowing costs are spiralling.



With both Marine Le Pens National Rally and the Leftist New Popular Front backing Mr Barniers exit, he had no chance of survival.



Voting took place soon after Mr Macron returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia, when he ruled out resigning himself by saying: I was elected twice by the French people... my priority is stability.



Mr Barnier is not an elected MP and his downfall after only three month breaks a record previously held by Bernard Cazeneuve, the Socialist prime minister who served for five months up until May 2017.



Mr Barnier made a last gasp plea for support in the run-up to the vote, saying his departure would mean everything will be more difficult and more serious.

08:49 AM GMT

Good morning

Welcome to The Telegraphs live coverage of the political turmoil in France following the ousting of Michel Barnier, the prime minister, last night.

Follow along for the latest news and read more about what will happen next for President Macron here.

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.
A day after the fall of France's centre-right government, President Emmanuel Macron has accused the opposition of behaviour damaging to the republic.

The government collapsed "because the far right and the far left united to form an anti-republican front," Macron said in an address to the French people on Thursday evening.

Referring to the former Socialist Party, whose lawmakers also sided against the government in the vote of no confidence, Macron said: "The forces that governed France yesterday have decided to help them."

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While some now wanted to blame him for the situation, Macron said he had always acknowledged his responsibility.

But he stressed, "I will not take on the responsibility of others, especially not of parliamentarians who deliberately decided to bring down the budget and the French government just a few days before the Christmas holidays."

The left-wing camp and the right-wing nationalists led by Marine Le Pen toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government on Wednesday with the vote in the National Assembly after just three months in office.

The joint action of the two opposing blocs was an unusual step in French politics.
Following the collapse of France's centre-right government, President Emmanuel Macron has rejected calls for his resignation.

In an address to the French people on Thursday evening, Macron said: "The mandate that you have democratically entrusted to me is a five-year mandate and I will fulfil it completely until its end."

Macron said it was his responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of the institutions, the independence of the country and the protection of the population.

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The left-wing camp and right-wing nationalists led by Marine Le Pen toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government on Wednesday with a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly after just three months in office.

This was immediately followed by calls for Macron's resignation from the hard-left party La France Insoumise, or France Unbowed in English.
(Bloomberg) -- French President Emmanuel Macron is looking to join forces with the Socialist party, a strategy that would split a large left-wing coalition in the National Assembly and potentially return enough power to centrists to be able to break the countrys political gridlock.

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Outgoing Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a close ally of the president, on Thursday called for an alliance with the Socialist Party. At the moment, the Socialists are part of a large left wing group that also includes the radical far-left France Unbowed, which is fiercely opposed to any cooperation with the Macrons centrist party.

We have to do everything we can to separate the Socialists from France Unbowed, Lecornu said in an interview with RTL radio. Its a matter of urgency.

The French president is due to make a statement at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

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Macron has pushed the idea of an alliance with the left-wing group before, without any success, but the idea is gaining momentum again since Frances government collapsed on Wednesday. The problem is that there are few incentives for the Socialists to help an unpopular president  France is most likely heading for another parliamentary election next summer and Socialist officials worry that they would be punished by voters if they allied with Macron.

France has been in a political limbo since Macron called a snap national vote in June after getting trounced in European elections. That left the lower house split into three fiercely opposed blocs: a diminished center supporting the president, a leftist alliance and a strengthened National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, which is now the biggest party in parliament.

Her lawmakers, together with the left-wing New Popular Front coalition, have enough seats to bring down the government, as they did to the administration of Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Wednesday. As long as the NPF stands together and is committed to blocking Macrons policies, Le Pen and her lawmakers will have the ability to topple the government.

Macrons centrist alliance could, in theory, govern with the support of the Socialists and the Greens without needing addition backing from the center right. But so far, hes failed to drive a wedge between the Socialists and their more radical partners, despite their constant bickering.

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With Barniers ouster widely priced in, French bonds and the euro were unrattled by the vote, with the 10-year yield ticking lower and the common currency trading little changed. The extra yield investors demand to hold French debt rather than safer German notes declined to 81 basis points.

A caretaker government will be able to pass a special fiscal-continuity law that would enable the state to collect taxes and pay salaries. That would effectively cap spending at 2024 levels, offering some short term support to the public finances.

The French debt office on Thursday sold 4.6 billion of 15- to 50-year bonds, slightly below the 5 billion upper end of their target. But the auction still received solid demand, another sign that latest political ructions have not deterred investors.

Macron is in the process of finding a new prime minister who can pass a 2025 budget through the deeply divided parliament. But any new leader will face the same financial squeeze that brought down Barniers administration.

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Lecornu, who has been cited as a potential prime minister, said the decision of teaming up with the Socialists is up to Macron, and he stressed that the topic hasnt been discussed while they two were visiting Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

--With assistance from Tom Fevrier and Ania Nussbaum.

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President Joe Bidens decision to pardon Hunter Biden has, predictably, generated a significant controversy, but if some key figures in Democratic politics have their way, the next presidential pardons could be even more contentious. Politico reported:

President Joe Bidens senior aides are conducting a vigorous internal debate over whether to issue preemptive pardons to a range of current and former public officials who could be targeted with President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House, according to senior Democrats familiar with the discussions.

In case this isnt obvious, the idea behind preemptive pardons is to shield innocent people from potential  by some measures, likely  prosecutorial abuses before they happen. In other words, people close to Biden believe Trump and his loyalists, hellbent on revenge and fueled by retaliatory ambitions, will probably pursue illegitimate investigations into perceived foes  and the outgoing Democratic president can prevent that from happening by issuing a sweeping set of pardons now, before exiting the White House.

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The Politico report coincided with a lengthy and spirited written statement from Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania  the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee and Biden ally  who weighed in on the intra-party debate.

By choosing Kash Patel as his FBI Director, Trump has made it clear that he is more focused on settling personal scores than on protecting the American people or upholding the rule of law, Boyle wrote. Patel has openly published an enemies list in his book, naming individuals he and Trump plan to investigate and prosecute  targeting those who stood up to Trumps lies, abuses of power, and baseless attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This is no hypothetical threat.

The people theyre targeting include law enforcement officers, military personnel, and others who have spent their lives protecting this country, the congressman added. These patriots shouldnt have to live in fear of political retribution for doing whats right. Thats why Im urging President Biden to issue a blanket pardon for anyone unjustly targeted by this vindictive scheme.

If were serious about stopping Trumps authoritarian ambitions, we need to act decisively and use every tool at our disposal, Boyle concluded, adding, The time for cautious restraint is over. We must act with urgency to push back against these threats and prevent Trump from abusing his power.

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This is not, however, an easy call. Because theres no precedent for Trumps retaliatory ambitions, theres no precedent for an outgoing president to issue blanket pardons for those whove done nothing wrong. Indeed, such a step might leave the impression that the beneficiaries need Bidens protection, even if the facts suggest otherwise.

Whats more, its not altogether clear whether those included on such a list would even accept such a pardon.

And in case that werent quite enough, I wouldnt envy those trying to come up with such a list. Where would it end? Biden would probably want to protect Jan. 6 committee members, for example, as well as military personnel whove been on the receiving end of Trumps over-the-top condemnations. But what about the Clintons? And abortion providers? And journalists? And Anthony Fauci?

Theres a school of thought that suggests that even if Trump and his minions were to try to bring bogus charges against any or all of these people, it wouldnt matter because the cases would be thrown out of court. Thats possible. Its also possible that the cases would end up before a Trump-appointed judge who is indifferent to the merits.

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Either way, the cases would be expensive and difficult nuisances for the Republicans targets, which the retiring president is no doubt aware of.

This discussion probably wont end anytime soon, though with Jan. 20 looming on the calendar, Bidens timeframe is limited.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
On Saturday, Donald Trump announced that he intended to nominate Chad Chronister, a local sheriff in Florida, to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. On Tuesday, Chronister quit, claiming the gravity of this very important responsibility set in.

The Wall Street Journal apparently ran a headline that read, Trumps DEA Pick Pulls Out In Latest Setback. The president-elect saw this and was not at all pleased. A message published to his social media platform read in part:

[Chronister] didnt pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters. But, more importantly, whats my latest setback???

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Right off the bat, it seemed odd that the Republican thought itd be a good idea to publicly discredit his own allys official version of events. It was also amusing to see Trump effectively admit that he didnt bother to vet Chronister before choosing him to lead an important federal agency. (Two minutes on Google wouldve told the president-elect and his team about the sheriffs pandemic-era record.)

But what stood out as especially notable about Trumps online missive was his discomfort with the idea that this DEA fiasco represented his latest setback. The comment suggests that, as far as the president-elect is concerned, his transition is going quite well.

It really isnt.

The Matt Gaetz debacle looms large, of course, but its not the only evidence of a shambolic pre-inaugural process. Trumps choice for attorney general walked away after eight days, and his choice for the DEA exited after three. The Republican announced last month that William McGinley would serve as the next White House counsel, and four weeks later, Trump changed his mind, demoted McGinley and replaced him with David Warrington.

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Meanwhile, the Republican has chosen highly controversial and manifestly unqualified people for a variety of powerful positions  the Pentagon, HHS, the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), etc.  and its an open question as to whether theyll make it through the Senate confirmation process.

Whats more, the problem extends well beyond mystifying personnel failures. Since Election Day, Trump has also threatened punishing tariffs against the nations largest trading partners, only to quietly back off in response to developments that were not at all real.

And did I mention that the president-elect made some weird jokes about Canada becoming the 51st state to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? Because that happened, too.

A Semafor report summarized, Donald Trumps second transition was supposed to be different than the first, designed to be orderly by advisers who have more eager congressional Republican allies this time around. Yet the consistent chaos and confusion that defined Trumps first administration are already descending on Washington.

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Part of what makes this notable is what were learning about the president-elects tragically flawed judgment and the degree to which it has not improved since he exited the White House in defeat four years ago.

But Im also struck by the aforementioned online missive and his incredulity at the idea that his DEA failure somehow represents his latest setback. The phrasing left little doubt Trump is not only failing, he also hasnt noticed that hes failing.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Madison County school had a rough start to the week when it was realized parts of the school were without heat.

Natasha Sheltons seventh-grade daughter is among many Foley Middle School students braving the coldnot outside, but rather inside the classroom.

How to ensure Kentucky homes stay warm during the cold winter season

They need to be in a warm, safe environment to be able to learn, said Shelton. These children should not be subjected to this, honestly.

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She said with no heat, she doesnt understand why the school wont utilize an NTI day at home.

They need to honestly because this is hazardous to these children that go to school, come home, and theyll be sick from the cold. Its no better than being outside. Its 20-something degrees in the mornings, and these kids stand outside, waiting for the bus at times, added Shelton. But when they get into school and if its the same temperatures outside, I dont think they should be in the building.

Erin Stewart, the community education director for Madison County Schools, confirmed with Fox 56 that there have been heat issues and theyre working to make necessary repairs.

We have experienced heat issues at Foley Middle School this week. After returning on Monday from the long Thanksgiving weekend, we realized the heat was not working properly. Our district maintenance staff got to work identifying the issues and ordering the parts necessary to make repairs. In the meantime, the district brought in electric heaters for the classrooms and allowed students to wear their jackets, coats, or sweatshirts throughout the day. Heat was restored to the majority of the building in the overnight hours. With the exception of the library and front office areas, the heat was functioning in the building this morning. It is taking time to return the building to an optimal temperature today because of the continued cold weather we are having. Our maintenance department has stayed on the campus at Foley today to address immediately any additional issues that pop up and will continue to be there until we are certain the systems are back to 100 percent. We certainly appreciate everyones cooperation and patience. Erin Stewart, community director for Madison County Schools

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Shelton said shes worried about the kids, who dont even have coats to wear.

There are some families that cant afford these nice, extravagant coats that these kids want. They just cant deal with what they can get.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

While Stewart said heat was restored to the majority of the building overnight, Shelton thinks more should have been done to address this issue.

We should be notified first thing. Email, text, callsomething. Some of these classrooms, yes, are going to be without heat, some with heat, but they need to get on the issue as soon as possible to get it dealt with, said Shelton. If theyre going to have no heat at the school, they should at least let these children stay at home. Be NTI until they can fix the issue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
MADISON, Miss. (WJTV)  Whataburger will open its new Madison location on Monday, December 9.

The restaurant will feature a double drive-thru, a dining room, and digital menu boards inside and out to serve guests. A custom mural will also feature Mississippi iconography.

Mississippi soldiers return home in time for the holidays

According to officials with the restaurant chain, operating partner Cherry Jackson will lead the Whataburger team of 85 local employees.

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The first two guests in the drive-thru lane and the first in line for the dining room will each receive free Whataburger for a year.

The restaurant will hold an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and will be open for business at 11:00 a.m. The Madison Whataburger is located at 1863 Main Street.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
MAGA talking heads are freaking out after Pete Hegseths defense secretary bid was overlooked, in a vote of confidence for the incumbent Lloyd Austin.

President-elect Donald Trumps embattled pick has been on Capitol Hill this week trying to sway Republican senators, after a series of high profile scandals rocked his bid. I spoke to the president this morning. (Trump) supports me fully. Were not going anywhere, Hegseth told the BBC outside the Senate chamber Wednesday.

Donald Trump's has come under intense scrutiny

But one senator told The Hill anonymously the same day that the bid appeared to be dead in the water. Its damaging to the president, they said.

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Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, a key Republican member of the Armed Services Committee and a survivor of sexual assault herself, said Thursday that she was not ready to support Hegseth despite meeting with him.

Well, I did have a very long, lengthy discussion with Pete yesterday, and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am a combat veteran. So, we talked about a number of those issues, and we will continue with the vetting process. I think that is incredibly important, Ernst told Fox News. So, again, all Im saying is we had a very frank and productive discussion, and I know that we will continue to have conversations for months.

When host Bill Hemmer said it doesnt sound in your answer that you got to a yes, Ernst replied, I think you are right.

It came as all but seven Republicans in the Senate voted to confirm Austin, who is an Afghanistan and Iraq War vet.

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This, of course, caused a storm among MAGA hardliners who backed Hegseth to the hilt. What a disgrace. If youre a GOP Senator who voted for Lloyd Austin, but criticize @PeteHegseth, then maybe youre in the wrong political party! Donald Trump Jr. raged.

Incoming Secretary of Defense @PeteHegseth: I spoke to Trump this morning he supports us fully. pic.twitter.com/f5ZBu2p9QC  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 5, 2024

Georgias rep Mike Collins called on the Senate Republicans to step up.

He said: In what world should Lloyd Austin get 93 votes for confirmation, and Hegseth not get 50. Step up, Senate GOP.

Andrew Surabian, a Republican strategist, was equally as rattled. He said: All but 7 Republicans in the Senate VOTED TO CONFIRM Bidens incompetent Defense Secretary Lloyd AustinProbably the worst DOD head in American historyWho was responsible for the Afghanistan embarrassmentThink about that when you see Senate RINOs criticizing @PeteHegseth.

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The latest saga comes after reports circulated that Trump is considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The ex-Fox News host and former Army National Guard officer has come under intense scrutiny over an alleged sexual assault and reports about him being drunk at work events and other misconduct. Hegseth denies all wrongdoing.
Dec. 5William Harwood, Maine's public advocate who has represented utility ratepayers for the past three years, said Thursday he will retire at the end of January.

Harwood, 72, was an energy and utilities lawyer for 42 years and an advisor in the Governor's Energy Office before he was appointed public advocate by Gov. Janet Mills in 2022. He said he will turn his attention to family and friends.

"I've shortchanged them," Harwood said in an interview.

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His immediate task, he said, will be to work with his successor to ensure a smooth transition. The governor's office said Mills will likely announce her nominee next week. The nomination must be confirmed by the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee and Senate.

Harwood said a top priority of the Office of the Public Advocate will be to work with the Legislature in 2025 on issues related to energy and the state's electricity and gas utilities.

He also said competitive electricity providers that entered the market when Maine deregulated energy in the early 2000s must continue to be watched carefully. The Public Utilities Commission in October ordered Electricity Maine, a competitive electricity provider, to refund $6 million to about 20,000 current and former customers and pay a $315,000 penalty over practices criticized by regulators and Harwood.

Competitive electricity providers have been in Harwood's sights over high prices charged to customers. A recent state report said more than three-fourths of residential customers of competitive electricity providers paid more last year than if they had purchased standard offer service.

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"It's a frustrating area," Harwood said.

And he said the consumer advocate must watch public subsidies for renewable energy. The cost to utility customers for Maine's offshore wind research project in the Gulf of Maine is the subject of negotiations among state regulators, the project's developers and the Office of the Public Advocate.

"We've got to move ahead with it," Harwood said.

Without offshore wind, Mainers "haven't got a prayer" to meet the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

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PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (WMBD)  The stretch of Illinois Route 29 between War Memorial Drive and Gardner Lane is set to be upgraded by IDOT, and members of the public made their voices heard Wednesday night.

The public hearing was held at the Peoria Heights Grade School gymnasium, with billboards and map outlines to illustrate what the project would look like.

IDOT representatives say the 2 and 1/2 mile stretch of road is 50-75 years old and in need of updates and repairs.

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Nearly $65 million is set aside for the project according to program development engineer Karen Dvorsky, although that figure is subject to change.

She said the project will bring needed improvements to the road, from multimodal transportation to other changes.

That includes bike and pedestrian accommodations and any safety improvements. Its bringing everything up to the most current safety policies that we have, she said.

The project is part of Gov. JB Pritzkers Rebuild Illinois initiative, an infrastructure improvement program that has already been felt in the Peoria area with the Bob Michel Bridge project.

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Dvorsky said eight homes along the road will need to be bought by IDOT for the reconstruction project, and she said the organization will help residents relocate.

She described it as the worst part of the job, but a necessary step towards getting the project completed.

Its hard because some people have lived there 50 years or more. But you also have to look at what is needed for the community and the next 50-75 years, she said.

Impacted residents were unwilling to be interviewed by WMBD, but one woman expressed that she was concerned about the project.

IDOT is partnering with the Peoria Park District on two other aspects related to the project.

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The Grandview Drive pavilion will be moved 40 to 60 feet west, providing an improved foundation for the structure while also creating room for the bike path component, connecting Grandview Drive Park to Bielfeldt Park.

That coincides with the other park district related item, a pedestrian crossing into Bielfeldt Park.

Michael Friburg is the land manager for the Peoria Park District and said the district is really happy with the partnership.

The brand-new foundation sets us up for another 100 years or so. Hopefully, were going to be stimulating the economy with a good transportation network, he said.

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Phase one of the project is nearly complete, with public input being accepted until Jan. 4. Dvorsky said phase two includes coordination with utility companies and designing construction layouts.

The earliest that construction, or phase three, will begin is 2027. Dvorsky said the construction will take at least two years.

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a plan to put time limits on anesthesia coverage in certain states, but now says it will not proceed with the plan.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists is calling on the provider to reverse the proposal immediately.

The policy was set to take effect on February 1, 2025.

Surgery isnt always predictable. Complications happen. Even so, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, a health insurance provider, plans to set limits on the anesthesia time it will cover in certain states. In other words, if a procedure takes longer than expected, patients may wake up to an unexpected bill. But now, the company says the plan is no longer.

We have decided to not proceed with this policy change, a spokesperson tells Prevention. To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.

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The change was set to impact customers in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri effective February 1, 2025. In the official statements, the insurer said it planned to pre-determine the estimated number of minutes a procedure will take and that claims submitted with reported time above the established number of minutes will be denied. Exclusions include patients under the age of 22 and maternity-related care.

Since the announcement, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), which sets the standard for insurance claims submitted by professionals, publicly denounced the proposed change.

Anesthesiologists provide individualized care to every patient, the ASA said in a statement. With this new policy, the organization fears anesthesiologists will be pressured to meet an arbitrary time limit, the statement reads, which could hinder quality of care before, during, and after surgery.

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With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual, or because a complication arises, the ASA said.

This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care, Donald E. Arnold, M.D., told the ASA. Its a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete, and safe anesthesia care.

Dr. Arnold also called the policy egregious and said it breaks the trust between Anthem and its policyholders. The ASA urges people concerned about the new policy to contact their state insurance commissioner or state legislator.

In Anthems announcements, the insurer advised people who disagree with claims filed under the new policy to follow the claim dispute process as outlined in the Provider Manual.

Now, it appears the proposal will no longer take effect.

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One of the country's largest health insurance companies, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, announced that it would no longer cover anesthesia care during surgery procedures if they pass an arbitrary time limit  only to partially reverse the policy after an enraged outcry.

The change was set to be implemented in Connecticut, New York, Missouri, and possibly Colorado starting early next year. However, the decision has already been overturned in Connecticut, highlighting the sheer unpopularity of the change.

The announcement, which was met with outrage by the medical community, couldn't have come at a worse time. News of the change made its rounds in the media roughly a day after the assassination of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson this week.

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Thompson was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning, sparking a fiery debate online surrounding the notorious deficiencies of the private insurance industry in the US.

And Anthem appears to have read the room, quickly and quietly reversing the policy in Connecticut, as the Stamford Advocate reports.

"After hearing from people across the state about this concerning policy, my office reached out to Anthem, and I'm pleased to share this policy will no longer be going into effect here in Connecticut," the state's Comptroller Sean Scanlon tweeted.

It's unclear whether the new policy will still go into effect in New York, Missouri, and Colorado.

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Nonetheless, the news has reignited plenty of anger over Americans being denied care and potentially having to face skyrocketing healthcare costs.

According to the new change, Anthem will only cover the number of minutes under anesthesia "to the [Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services] amount," the company wrote.

The policy change was met with sheer outrage by experts.

"The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately," the group wrote in a strongly-worded rebuke, arguing that anesthesiologists provide individualized care, including "resolving unexpected complications that may arise and/or extend the duration of the surgery."

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"This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care," said ASA president Donald Arnold in a statement. "Its a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete and safe 'anesthesia care.'"

"A policy like this is directly dangerous to patients well-being, regarding the quality of the procedures they receive and the financial strain they could face after the fact," Connecticut senator and chair of the Public Health Committee Saud Anwar said in a separate statement.

Anthem has since claimed that the change was designed to make "health care simpler and more affordable," according to a statement to a Connecticut Fox affiliate. "One of the ways to achieve that goal is to help ensure that claims are accurately coded, and providers are reimbursed appropriately for the services they provide to members."

But whether that kind of explanation will sit well with patients is unlikely.

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Meanwhile, on social media, users traded grim jokes about the egregious new policy.

"Babe wake up your surgery isnt done yet but we cant afford any more anesthesia," toxicologist Josh Trebach tweeted.

More on health insurance: Murdered Insurance CEO Had Deployed an AI to Automatically Deny Benefits for Sick People
By Ashley Tang

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Jailed former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday mounted a fresh legal bid to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest, though court proceedings were cut short to allow prosecutors time to review new evidence.

Najib is appealing a lower court decision in July that struck out his request for a judicial review to compel the government to confirm the existence of and execute a royal order entitling him to serve the remainder of his jail term at home.

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Najib maintains that an "addendum order" was issued by Malaysia's former king alongside a pardons board decision made public in February to halve his prison sentence for graft in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal from 12 years to six.

It is unclear if the document exists and there has been no comment from former king Al-Sultan Abdullah, whose reign ended in January. Malaysia has a unique system of monarchy in which the country's nine sultans take turns to be king every five years. The king chairs the pardons board.

Najib's lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said the ex-premier's son filed an affidavit on Tuesday affirming he had received a copy of the addendum from Al-Sultan Abdullah's royal household in Pahang state.

Muhammad Shafee declined to disclose the contents of the document citing a protective order, but said it confirmed instructions for Najib to serve his sentence at home.

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"(This) additional and fresh evidence is to prove conclusively that it exists," he told reporters after Thursday's hearing.

The Court of Appeal had allowed proceedings to be postponed to a later date to allow prosecutors' time to review the affidavit.

Najib was jailed in 2022, two years after being found guilty of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power for illegally receiving funds misappropriated from a unit of state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Malaysian and U.S. investigators estimate $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB and more than $1 billion channelled to accounts linked to Najib.

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In the February statement, the pardons board said Najib was now expected to be released in August 2028. It also reduced the ex-premier's fines, sparking uproar in Malaysia.

The government last month said it would introduce a law next year allowing house arrest for some offences, but denied it was aimed at getting Najib or other politicians accused of corruption out of jail.

(Reporting by Ashley Tang; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
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Philippine Urea Import Market

Philippine Urea Import Market

Dublin, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Philippines Urea Import Research Report 2024-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Total value of urea imports to the Philippines reached USD 363 million in 2023. With even stronger market demand in 2024, the value of urea imports from January to July 2024 amounted to approximately USD 147 million, and demand is expected to continue growing in the coming years.



The primary sources of urea imports for the Philippines include Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, China, Brunei, and Saudi Arabia. Among these, Indonesia is the largest source of urea imports for the Philippines. From 2021 to 2024, the top three countries supplying urea to the Philippines were Indonesia, Malaysia, and Qatar. The publisher analyzes that the main companies exporting urea to the Philippines include PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang, and Petronas Chemicals Marketing. The key importers of urea in the Philippines during 2021-2024 include Swire Agrotech Agricultural, Yara Fertilizers Philippines Inc., and La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation.









The major urea-producing countries include China, Russia, Middle Eastern countries, and Indonesia. Among these, China is the largest urea producer and exporter in the world, holding a significant comparative advantage globally. From the perspective of overall market demand, Latin America and Asia are the primary consumption regions for urea worldwide. According to the publisher, the growing population in Southeast Asia is driving increased demand for urea in the region. As one of the key agricultural nations in Southeast Asia, the urea market in the Philippines is also experiencing continuous growth.



The Philippines is one of the world's leading rice-producing countries, and urea, as a nitrogen fertilizer, is in high demand for the cultivation of crops such as rice. In the Philippines, industrial applications like melamine production, thermal power generation, and automotive urea also create some demand for urea, although these needs are relatively small compared to agricultural demand. According to CRI's analysis, the Philippines has very limited urea production capacity, which is far from sufficient to meet domestic market demand. Due to its inadequate production capacity, the Philippines must import large quantities of urea annually.



The demand for urea in the Philippines is expected to remain high in the coming years. Given the limited production capacity in the Philippines, the country primarily imports urea from China, the Middle East, and other countries. The publisher forecasts the volume of urea imports to the Philippines will continue to rise in the future.



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A 61-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a bank robbery in Los Angeles County earlier this year, as well as a second attempted robbery and assault months later, officials announced Wednesday.

In a news release, authorities at the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said the first incident occurred on June 21 at California Bank and Trust in Acton.

The suspect, now identified as Joseph Bennett, reportedly entered the bank wearing a surgical mask and approached a teller. While simulating that he had a firearm, he demanded a bag filled with money.

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Pet shop employees in L.A. County jump for cover as truck crashes into store

Fearing the suspect was armed with a firearm, the teller complied with the suspects demands, the release noted. The suspect fled the bank with several dollars in stolen U.S. currency.

Exactly four months later, on Nov. 21, detectives say the 61-year-old approached a woman outside Northrup Gruman Credit Union in the 4100 block of Sierra Highway in Palmdale at around 9:30 a.m. after the victim was done doing business inside.

The suspect, armed with a handgun, demanded her purse, LASD said. When the victim refused to hand over her purse, the suspect physically assaulted her with his fists.

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Fortunately, the woman was able to get inside her vehicle and flee the scene without any of her property stolen. She was also able to notate a portion of the suspects license plate as he fled the area in a white-colored pickup truck and report it to investigators.

With that information, detectives with LASDs Major Crimes Bureau were able to identify Bennett as the possible suspect and take him into custody on Nov. 27.

A search of the vehicle and a nearby residence he was believed to be staying at revealed evidence believed to have been used in both robberies, the release noted.

School janitor acquitted of molesting students after 5 years in jail sues local sheriffs department

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After presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, the 61-year-old, who remains in custody on $250,000 bail, was charged with robbery and attempted robbery, both felonies.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact LASDs Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7037. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A 66-year-old man was killed Wednesday evening in a Morgan Park shooting, according to Chicago police.

Two men were inside a vehicle in the 11800 block of South Watkins Avenue just before 6:45 p.m. when they were struck by gunfire, police said.

A 50-year-old man sustained a graze wound to his flank and refused emergency services. The other man was struck in the chest and was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he later died.

Police said no suspects are in custody, and that theyre investigating the shooting.
A 77-year-old man died Tuesday from hypothermia after being found inside a Garfield Park car, marking the second Cook County resident to die this winter from frigid conditions, according to authorities.

Jimmie Murray was found unresponsive inside the vehicle in the 2700 block of West Gladys Avenue Tuesday morning and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just after 10 a.m., according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiners office. Its unclear how long Murray was inside the car, but the temperature hovered around 25 degrees that morning.

An autopsy found that Murray died from hypothermia and environmental cold exposure. He also suffered from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the medical examiners office. His death was ruled an accident.

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Murrays death is the second confirmed weather death for Cook County this winter season, according to the medical examiners office. Andrew Paul Young, 61, died Nov. 6 in Schaumburg from cold exposure. His death was also ruled an accident.

A cold front swept through the Chicago area Wednesday night, and National Weather Service officials reported below zero windchills Thursday morning. The high temperature Thursday was forecast for near 29 degrees, with gusts as high as 30 miles per hour.

City officials said they have more than 190 public facilities available for warming during the cold snap, including libraries, Park District buildings and City Colleges of Chicago facilities. Warming areas at six community service centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
HELSINKI (AP)  A man has gone on trial in Finland on charges of war crimes allegedly committed against Ukrainian forces in a Russia-backed separatist region of Ukraine in 2014.

Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for the defendant at the trial which opened Thursday at the Helsinki district court, public broadcaster YLE reported.

The suspect's name was not given when the charges were announced, but Finnish media have identified him as Russian national Yan Petrovsky, who had been living in Finland under the alias Voislav Torden.

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His lawyer, Heikki Lampela, said he would deny all the charges.

The suspect was arrested in July 2023 at Helsinki Airport as he was headed for Nice, France, with his family.

Finlands Supreme Court ruled he could not be extradited to Ukraine, where he faced an arrest warrant, due to the risk of inhumane prison conditions there. Finnish prosecutors said that the Nordic country has an obligation to try him.

Prosecutors said when they announced the charges on Oct. 31 that they are related to his alleged activities in a unit called Rusich, which fought for the Russian-backed Luhansk separatist region against Ukrainian forces. They said the defendant is accused of having participated, as the units deputy commander, in acts that violate the laws of war, in which he and the units soldiers have killed a total of 22 Ukrainian soldiers and seriously wounded four.

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He is also accused of acts contrary to the laws of war regarding the way of warfare and the treatment of wounded and killed enemy soldiers.

In March 2014, Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Separatist forces backed by Moscow later began an uprising in the eastern Ukrainian region, known as the Donbas, which grew into a long-running conflict. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Nearly four months after someone broke into Trumps campaign office in Ashburn, officials said they found the man believed to be responsible.

Toby Shane Kessler, 39, was found by the University of California San Francisco Police Department (USCSFPD) squatting in an unoccupied campus dorm.

He was arrested on Nov. 30 in connection with the Aug. 11 burglary of a Trump campaign office in the 20000 block of Ashbrook Place.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Loudoun Countys Trump Campaign HQ burglarized, sheriff still searching for suspects

At about 8:11 p.m. that night, the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) said Kessler was caught on surveillance footage forcing his way into the offices back door. He spent a brief time inside and then left.

The office also serves as the Virginia 10th District Republican Committees headquarters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A Guatemalan national accused of sexually assaulting a child in Rhode Island has been arrested, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Felix Meletz Guarcas, 45, was taken into custody by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Providence.

This comes after the R.I. Department of Corrections released him despite an active immigration detainer, which requested the agency be notified before releasing any removable noncitizen.

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We asked the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to hold Meletz Guarcas so we could take him into custody in their facility, but he was released to home confinement, Patricia Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ERO Boston, said. Unfortunately, the Department of Corrections doesnt turn over home confinement releases, so a team of our officers were forced to arrest him in a public parking lot in Cranston, rather than a controlled environment in a custodial setting.

It is unclear when or how Meletz Guarcas entered the U.S. without inspection.

He was arrested by Pawtucket police on Feb. 16, 2002, for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and felony assault of police officers. Four months later, he was convicted and sentenced to six months of probation.

On Sept. 3, 2023, Providence police arrested him again, this time on one count of first-degree child sexual assault and five counts of second-degree child sexual assault. Those charges are still pending, according to ICE.

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Meletz Guarcas remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.

NEXT: Judge denies bail for Providence teacher in sexual assault case

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who reports said led police late Wednesday afternoon on three separate charges is in the Mahoning County jail.

Nathaniel Cheatham, 34, was booked into jail on three counts of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and several traffic offenses. He is expected to be arraigned Friday in municipal court.

Reports said officers on patrol spotted an SUV driven by Cheatham about 5:15 p.m. driving north on Oak Hill Avenue going very fast. When police tried to pull the SUV over, Cheatham accelerated and led them to Glenwood Avenue, weaving in and out of traffic and passing other cars as they did.

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At Glenwood Avenue and Canfield Road, Cheatham cut through a parking lot to Canfield Road, reports said. Police stopped the chase because they lost sight of the vehicle, reports said.

Another officer found the SUV a few moments later while checking out reports of a vehicle in the area that was struck. That officer tried to pull Cheatham over but he failed to stop. That pursuit was stopped because the SUV was heading towards downtown, reports said.

The same officer spotted the SUV a few minutes later and tried to pull it over, but Cheatham drove away and the chase was called off again, reports said.

Police found the SUV in the 500 block of Lakewood Avenue and saw Cheatham get out and go to a nearby home, reports said. Reports said officers asked the homeowner if they could speak to him, and he came out a few minutes later and admitted to leading police on a chase, reports said.

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Reports said Cheatham told police he didnt stop because he was afraid.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A 35-year-old man is facing a murder charge after allegedly giving a 59-year-old man fentanyl that led to his death on Sept. 6, 2023, according to an affidavit.

The Austin Police Department identified the man it believes to be responsible as Christopher Michael McDermott, and the victim was identified as Troy Cernosek.

KXAN has reached out to McDermotts attorney for a comment regarding the case. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

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According to the affidavit, a woman who was with Cernosek the day he died told APD that Cernosek had met with McDermott at a fast food chain in the 7900 block of Burnet Road earlier that day. The two men then performed a hand-to-hand interaction that is known to be used when exchanging illegal drugs, per the affidavit.

Court records said later that day, APD officers responded to a call about a possible narcotics overdose in the 2800 block of West Anderson Lane. The same woman who was with Cernosek during the drug exchange called APD and said he had smoked the drug given to him earlier, and that after she left to visit a nearby store, she returned and found him lying on the ground unresponsive, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said an autopsy report conducted by the Travis County Medical Examiner found Cernoseks blood tested positive for fentanyl and other controlled substances.

On Dec. 2, APD was able to locate and detain McDermott without incident, per court records. Officers spoke with McDermott and asked why he met with Cernosek at the fast food chain.

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I saw him that day, and he asked me if I had fentanyl. And I had a little bit and he had $5. So I gave him some for $5, I gave him just a little bit, McDermott said to police, according to the affidavit.

In Texas, if the recipient of fentanyl dies of an overdose, the distributor faces harsher criminal penalties.

McDermott is currently in the Travis County Jail, according to online jail records.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW)  Hartsville police arrested a man on Monday who allegedly got into a womans car outside a Walmart store last month and threatened to kill her if she didnt drive him to Florence.

Rakelm Kentrell Austin was charged with kidnapping and second-degree assault and battery for his alleged actions in the Nov. 25 incident. He remains in the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center on a $55,000 bond.

According to a police report, officers were called to the Walmart store at about 7 p.m. to investigate a domestic dispute. The woman told officers she was turning into the parking lot when Austin got out of a red 4-door pickup that had pulled in front of her.

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He then got into the passenger side of her car and began yelling at her to drive to Florence, the report said. She told officers she put the vehicle in park but that Austin pushed on her leg causing her to push the gas pedal as he tried to put the car in gear.

Austin was able to place the gear [in] neutral causing the car to move recklessly through the parking lot when he tried to gain control of the steering wheel, the report said. Thats when he also allegedly said, b- if you dont drive this car to Florence, I am going to kill you.

The woman then told officers that when she stopped the car and tried to escape Austin grabbed her hair and pushed her back inside, injuring her neck, the report said. At that point, two men tried to intervene before Austin got back into his truck and fled.

The woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, the report said.

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* * *

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A 20-year-old man is accused of attempting to sexually assault employees at two Gresham health spas, and police believe there may be more victims.

Habib Habibi was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, second-degree robbery, coercion, strangulation, first-degree attempted rape and first-degree attempted sexual abuse.

Portland police discuss traffic deaths as number threatens 2023 record

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Authorities say the first of his violent attacks took place on Nov. 13.

Habibi entered a spa located in the 300 block of SE 181st Ave and attacked the lone worker in the business. Detectives began investigating the incident, collecting surveillance videos, and attempting to identify the suspect, Gresham police said.

Two weeks later, on Nov. 28, Habibi allegedly entered a different spa in the 19200 block of SE Stark St.

The employee was able to fight back, and the sound of the disturbance drew the attention of other spa employees and patrons. Surveillance video from the spa confirmed the same suspect was responsible for both attacks, police said.

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Officials say they identified Habibi as the suspect on Tuesday and arrested him.

Anyone with information about similar incidents is asked to contact Gresham police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
President-elect Donald Trump is making it clear he doesn't intend to ease up on the nation's technology giants once he is back in the Oval Office.

The latest sign came Wednesday when he said he would nominate Gail Slater, an aide to Vice President-elect JD Vance, to lead the Justice Department's antitrust division.

"Big Tech has run wild for years," Trump said in a statement announcing the appointment on his Truth Social platform, "stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!"

"I was proud to fight these abuses in my First Term, and our Department of Justices antitrust team will continue that work under Gails leadership," he added.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket, in Brownsville, Texas, on Nov. 19 . Brandon Bell/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo  Reuters / Reuters

The appointment and comments from the president-elect offer a new signal that his administration could press forward with a series of investigations and lawsuits challenging the way the biggest companies in the technology industry, including Google-parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), maintain their dominance.

It was Trumps first administration that initially sued Google over antitrust concerns, which led to a ruling by a district court judge in August that the tech giant illegally monopolized the search engine market. The DOJ has asked a judge to consider breaking up the company in a separate phase of the trial that won't wrap up until 2025.

It was also during Trumps first administration that the Federal Trade Commission sought to unwind Metas (META) acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp in a case set for trial in April. Trump's first administration also launched an antitrust investigation into Apple (APPL), leading the Biden administration to sue the iPhone maker earlier this year.

Another ominous sign for Big Tech is that last month Trump nominated Brendan Carr as Federal Communications Commission chair.

Just days before he got that chairmanship appointment, Carr sent letters to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Apple CEO Tim Cook predicting "broad ranging actions to restore Americans First Amendment rights" once Trump takes office.

Brendan Carr, Trump's pick to be FCC boss. Photo: Alex Wong/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo  Reuters / Reuters

That might include "a review of your companies activities as well as third-party organizations and groups that have acted to curtail those rights," according to a copy of the letter Carr posted to X.

The appointment of Slater to run the DOJ's antitrust division elevates a figure who was a tech policy adviser at the National Economic Council during Trumps first term. She previously spent a decade at the Federal Trade Commission, including as an adviser to former Democratic FTC commissioner Julie Brill during President Barack Obama's administration.
RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  A Raleigh County man was charged after allegedly aiming a gun at a construction crew and then a member of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office in the Glen Morgan/Beaver area of Raleigh County.

According to a post on the Raleigh County Sheriffs Offices Facebook page, 39-year-old Ricky Lee Campbell, of Beaver was arrested and charged with Wanton Endangerment and Felon in Possession of a firearm.

Members of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office received reports about a man who was brandishing a gun at a construction crew at the intersection of Violet Lane and Ritter Drive/Route 19 in the Beaver area of Raleigh County at around 12:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, according to the Facebook post.

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Once members of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office arrived at the scene, Campbell allegedly aimed a gun at a member of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office, who then shot at Campbell, according to the Facebook post made by officials of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office.

Campbell was not injured, was arrested by members of the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office, and then taken to Southern Regional Jail pending a $100,000 bond.

Lisa Danley of Raleigh County said that she was driving on Ritter Drive near Violet Lane around 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

I hear the policeman say, you know, Hands up! Get your hands up! and next thing I hear was four shots, Ms. Danley said on Wednesday, around an hour after returning from Ritter Drive. I went around to get out of there.

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She said she had witnessed a deputy with a large firearm and that four Raleigh County Sheriffs Office vehicles were parked near Violet Lane when she was present.

The post from the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office stated that all suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty, and that the West Virginia State Police and the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau are investigating the incident.

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is facing multiple charges after authorities said he showed up at Cumberland County High School Wednesday morning with a backpack full of weapons.

According to a joint statement released by Cumberland County law enforcement and school officials, a suspicious person was detained at approximately 8:33 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4 along 4th Street after being on the high school campus and saying he was looking for the driving school.

The school resource officer and local law enforcement were alerted, so they quickly apprehended the man. Due to their swift response, officials said a lockdown wasnt necessary.

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Man charged in connection with September shooting in Mt. Juliet

The District Threat Task Force  which consists of members of the Crossville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office, Cumberland County Schools, the Department of Homeland Security, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office  was reportedly activated to investigate the incident further.

While searching the suspect  identified as 33-year-old Robert Alva Sardella of Maryville  authorities said they discovered several items in a backpack he had with him, including a loaded handgun, a TASER, an expandable baton, a chemical weapon, and additional ammunition.

According to officials, Sardella has been charged with multiple offenses, including carrying weapons on school property. As of Thursday, Dec. 5, he is being held on a $55,000 bond in the Cumberland County Jail, awaiting a court date.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

District Threat Task Force commend the quick response of the SRO and the collaborative efforts of all involved in ensuring the safety of students and staff at the school. The situation was resolved without incident, the joint statement said. The Cumberland County School District remains committed to the safety and security of its students and staff and continues to work closely with law enforcement to ensure a secure learning environment and that every situation is thoroughly investigated.

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No additional details have been released about this ongoing investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A shooting investigation in York County led police to charge a man who was previously arrested for being involved in a deadly drug deal shooting in Florida, police report.

According to Southern Regional Police, Keanu Askew, 23, of Stewartstown, was charged after officers responded to a shots fired report in the first block of S Main Street. Askew allegedly fired shots to the rear of the home.

Harrisburg woman arrested after allegedly stabbing man to death

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Askew couldnt be found right away by police when they arrived, but eventually, they did find him hiding behind bushes and took him into custody.

Police made note that Askew was arrested in Florida in 2019 for his involvement in a drug deal fatal shooting.

As police were at the scene investigating, still looking for Askew, they spoke with his roommate and found out Askew had two firearms along with drug paraphernalia in his room, police said.

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A sawed-off shotgun and a revolver that were found in his apartment were reported stolen out of York City.

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Askew faces felony charges of receiving stolen property, possession with intent to distribute, and drug paraphernalia. He also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of a prohibited offensive weapon, recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct.

Askew is locked up in York County Prison with bail set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 8.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KETK)  A Texarkana driver is behind bars for leaving the scene of a pedestrian crash where two people sustained serious injuries, authorities said.

Minor injuries reported after car collides with Cushing electric pole

According to the Texarkana Police Department, a man and a woman were trying to cross at the 4800 block of Stateline Avenue on Wednesday night when they stepped into the path of a southbound vehicle.

Courtesy of the Texarkana Police Department.

The police department said both pedestrians were hit and seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene and parked behind an Arkansas business nearby.

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The driver, identified as 34-year-old Kyle Clark, returned to the crash scene after some time and was then arrested, officials said.

Texarkana PD said Clark is now facing charges that include leaving the scene of a crash. He is being held at the Miller County Jail with a pending warrant in Texas.

We dont yet have any information on the couples names or conditions, the police department said. Our thoughts are with them as we continue to investigate the incident.

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Erie police arrested a man after he threatened to shoot people over a clear parking spot on Monday.

Police told us a couple in the 600 block of West Fifth Street had been spending hours clearing out an empty spot in the street for their vehicle.

Man arrested after flashing gun at tow truck driver during argument

They moved their car to pull out more snow and thats when 47-year-old Kelly Kirsch pulled into the cleared spot.

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Police said words were exchanged, and Kirsch, who pulled into the empty spot, allegedly told the couple if they touched his truck, he would shoot them.

After he parked, he retreated into his home and came back outside with a firearm, waving it around and threatening the couple.

Police said they realize people are frustrated, but threats of violence arent acceptable.

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Were used to snow in Erie, but this is a very bad storm. Its all hands on deck at the Erie Police Department. Weve got SWAT team members pushing cars out, we have homicide detectives towing vehicles, and we have individuals here who are working towards the same goal. Our patrol officers are overloaded with calls, vehicles stuck, and accidents. So, have patience. If you dont have to go anywhere, dont go out, said Deputy Chief Rick Lorah, Erie police.

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Kirsch was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats, a person not to possess a firearm, assault and more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
MAYWOOD, Ill.  Before a room packed with officers, a judge on Thursday ordered a Chicago man charged with gunning down an Oak Park police detective held until trial.

Judge Elizabeth Ciaccia-Lezza called the allegations against Jerell Thomas the worst of its kind.

Theres no words that can ever fully ever express the gravity of what has occurred, she said, adding that the death of Det. Allan Reddins has forever changed the lives of his family, his colleagues, and the community he was sworn to protect.

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Asst. Public Defender Christa Petty, representing the 37-year-old Thomas as he sat without emotion in a wheelchair with a bandage on his head, said the number of officers in the room at the time of the hearing was oppressive and violated her clients rights. She argued it was unfair hearing.

Ciaccia-Lezza said the argument could be made that the officers are family.

They may not be blood, but its family, she said.

Vigil to be held for fallen Oak Park detective

Habitual criminal charged with felony murder in Oak Park detectives shooting death

Reddins, 40, was shot Nov. 29 after responding to a call of a person with a gun leaving the Chase Bank in the 1000 block of Lake Street.

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According to authorities, Thomas was in the bank for about 15 minutes before being approached by a branch manager who found him suspicious. Bank security alerted Oak Park police after Thomas walked out with a visible handgun.

Reddins and another sergeant responded to the area and found Thomas near the library, according to court documents. Body-worn camera footage is said to show the suspect reaching toward the inside of his unzipped jacket, then keeping his hands at his waist, as both officers to keep his hands up and not reach.

It was then Thomas allegedly opened fire. Reddins was struck on his right side as he turned to run toward his squad car. He collapsed and attempted to use his radio but was physically unable to do so, the prosecutor, Asst. States Attorney Eugene Wood, told the court.

Additional officers arrived within seconds and tried to save Reddins life in the middle of the street. Thomas was taken into custody after being shot in the leg by another officer who found him with the gun still in his hands.

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Reddins was pronounced dead at Loyola Medical Center.

Wood said the .40 caliber pistol used in Reddins death had been reported stolen just three days earlier by Thomas sister. The weapon has been recovered, Wood said.

Thomas does not have a valid Firearm Owners Identification card nor a conceal carry license.

Jerell Thomas Det. Allan Reddins

An Oak Park spokesperson previously described Thomas as a habitual criminal with a previous history of multiple arrests for aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, battery and resisting a police officer.

The defendant has a violent criminal history as well as a history of failing to appear, Ciaccia-Lezza said in handing down her order.

New mugshot of the suspect taken from his hospital bed. pic.twitter.com/nSLbSIukAx  Courtney Spinelli (@CourtSpinelliTV) December 5, 2024

A candlelight vigil will be held for Reddins on Friday in the courtyard at the Oak Park Village Hall, located at 123 Madison Street  marking one-week of his death. It will begin at 5:30 p.m.

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Visitation is scheduled for Dec. 11 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chicago. Reddins funeral is Dec. 12 at the Apostolic Church of God. Reddins will be laid to rest is a private burial service.

Thomas was scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 20.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP)  A Texas jury on Wednesday sentenced a man to death for killing and dismembering three people whose bodies were found in a burning dumpster in Fort Worth in 2021.

The Tarrant County jury found Jason Thornburg, 44, guilty of capital murder last month in the deaths of David Lueras, 42, Lauren Phillips, 34, and Maricruz Mathis, 33. According to his arrest warrant, Thornburg confessed to police about the killings.

He is evil," prosecutor Amy Allin told jurors.

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According to Thornburg's arrest warrant, he also told police he had killed his roommate and girlfriend.

The roommate, Mark Jewell, 61, was found dead in a house fire earlier that year. Thornburg's girlfriend, Tanya Begay, a Navajo woman from Gallup, New Mexico, went missing after taking a trip to Arizona with Thornburg in 2017.

He told officers he had in-depth knowledge of the Bible and believed he was being called to commit sacrifices, according to the arrest warrant.

Thornburg's attorneys had argued that he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  A man from Georgia was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, after having served prison time on similar charges.

According to the United States Department of Justice, evidence showed that on February 22, 2023, 54-year-old Jeffrey Michael Wilson was stopped by deputies with the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office. Deputies found more than 5,800 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded, semi-automatic pistol with 19 rounds.

The investigation showed that Wilson was responsible for trafficking over 89 kilograms of methamphetamine, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

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Wilson was sentenced to 235 months in prison, followed by 120 months of supervised released. He was also ordered a forfeiture judgement of $311,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a Cecil County home killed one man and hospitalized a woman and child Wednesday night, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Officials said relatives arrived at the home in the 800 block of South Main Street in North East on Wednesday and found the 34-year-old man unresponsive in the living room and the woman and child disoriented. Fire, police and paramedics responded to the residence.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials, and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the 43-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

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The woman and child are listed in stable condition.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not officially determined the cause of death of the man. However, investigators contend carbon monoxide caused by the incomplete combustion of the homes oil furnace was a contributing factor.

This tragic event is a reminder to reflect on your own familys safety during difficult times due to weather, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said in a statement. Routine maintenance and safe operation of heating equipment, combined with properly installed and operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and practicing your home escape plans are a life-saving combination for all Marylanders.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal released guidelines to the public to avoid similar events:

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Have a qualified technician regularly service your furnace, boiler and water heater.

Replace your carbon monoxide alarm every five to six years or as the manufacturer specifies.

Make sure your air vents are clear and not blocked.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
The Middlesex District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday they are investigating a deadly pedestrian crash that occurred last month.

Harlan Cuklanz, 85 of Arlington, was crossing Massachusetts Avenue when he was struck by the driver of a Toyota Prius traveling eastbound around 6:00 p.m. on November 26, according to the DAs office.

Cuklanz was rushed to Lahey Hospital where he later died.

The driver of the Prius, a 47-year-old Lexington man, remained on scene.

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The Middlesex District Attorneys Office, Arlington Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Reconstruction and Analysis Section are continuing to investigate the crash.

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of 15 years of empowering traders, Vantage Markets ("Vantage") is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its latest copy trading video campaign, Join the Move, Mirror the Trade . The campaign, creatively blending dance and copy trading, has taken social media by storm with top influencers from India and Vietnam enthusiastically dueting with the video and amplifying its reach across the region.

With each influencer's unique dance style syncing seamlessly with the video's playful choreography, Join the Move, Mirror the Trade has achieved a widespread impact, inspiring a new wave of traders to explore the possibilities of copy trading. Featuring influencers such as Nguyen Pham from Vietnam and R Raj Sharma from India, the video campaign has created a vibrant, accessible way for new traders to learn about copy trading. This surge of influencer participation has helped Vantage spark a meaningful dialogue about financial empowerment, connecting with the next generation of traders in a fresh, dynamic way.

Join the Move, Mirror the Trade: Making Trading Accessible for All

At the heart of Vantage's campaign is its Copy Trading feature, which allows users to mirror the strategies of experienced traders through an intuitive, user-friendly interface. This approach empowers new traders to build confidence and learn from seasoned experts in a simplified format  much like following dance moves in a duet. Through expanded multi-currency support, multi-account compatibility, and a low minimum deposit of $50, Vantage ensures that copy trading is within reach for traders of all levels.

Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy and Trading Officer at Vantage Markets, commented, "Over the last 15 years, our commitment to trading excellence and innovation has only strengthened. The success of this campaign underscores our mission to empower and inspire the new generation of traders. Join the Move, Mirror the Trade truly captures the spirit of learning through connection, and we are thrilled to see how influencers and their audiences have embraced it."

A Celebration of 15 Years of Innovation

This campaign marks an important milestone in Vantage's 15-year journey of advancing financial inclusion and innovation in trading. Vantage's vision of trading excellence continues to resonate globally, with this video campaign as a testament to its powerful, positive impact on a new generation of traders.
A man was killed and a woman was hospitalized with serious injuries early Thursday during an attempted murder-suicide in upper Manhattan, police said.

Cops were called to an apartment at W. 228th St. and Broadway in Marble Hill at about 12:10 a.m., where they found a 41-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

Responding officers also found a 43-year-old woman who had been shot repeatedly in the chest and upper body.

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EMS rushed the woman to St. Barnabas Hospital, where shes expected to recover.

The man died at the scene, police said. His name was not immediately released.

Cops are investigating the theory that the man shot the woman during some domestic dispute, then turned the gun on himself.

No other injuries were reported.

In another recent New York City murder-suicide, on Oct. 30, a man shot his parents to death in their Bronx apartment, then stepped outside the building and fatally turned the gun on himself, police said.

Cops responded to the three-story apartment building on Southern Blvd. near Avenue St. John in the South Bronx after receiving multiple 911 calls for shots fired at about 9:30 p.m.

They found the victims 34-year-old son slumped over in a pool of blood on the steps outside the building with a handgun next to his body. He had shot himself in the torso and head, cops said.
DENVER (KDVR)  A 27-year-old Denver resident is under arrest and facing five counts of attempted first-degree murder after he reportedly shot at another car on Interstate 25 while driving aggressively.

The incident was reported at about 6:52 a.m. on Tuesday near County Line Road on southbound I-25. The caller, who was another driver threatened in the encounter, told police that he and four others were traveling on the interstate when they saw a black sedan driving aggressively.

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The sedan pulled up next to the victims vehicle and displayed a handgun, the caller told police. The suspect at that point shot a round into the front passenger side bumper of the victims vehicle while speeding at about 80 mph. No injuries were caused by the shots fired.

The victim was able to record the suspect vehicle and obtained a license plate number for the suspect vehicle. Detectives began looking for the vehicle through area cameras.

At about 1:30 p.m., Lone Tree detectives found the vehicle in Parker near Main Street and South Chambers Road. Lone Tree police and Parker police officers worked together to arrest the suspect safely.

They identified the suspect as Oscar Lozoya-Borrego, 27, of Denver. He is facing five counts of attempted first-degree murder and is currently being held in the Douglas County Justice Center on a $500,000 bond, according to Lone Tree police.

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Police later searched the vehicle and found a firearm. The agency said that this shooting appears to be an isolated incident and said there is no danger to the public.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in the District were investigating after a man was shot and killed in Southwest D.C. on Wednesday evening.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a shooting in the 200 block of I Street SW. There, officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds.

Woman dies in Bladensburg fire

He was unconscious and not breathing.

Homicide Unit crews were called to respond to the scene.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN)  A business owner in East Palestine is frustrated after he says hes being fined $18,000 for owning vacant buildings in the village.

Don Elzer has owned property in and around East Palestine for 20 years. Currently, he owns 10 properties in the village.

We recently received $18,000 in fines for having vacant property. This isnt property thats distressed or unsafe. Its just empty, Elzer said.



Some of his properties like the former bank building on North Market are empty. Elzer was fined over $2,000 for that property alone. Its all because of a vacant property ordinance that went into effect in January of 2023 right before the train derailment.

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This morning I found out the village had liened our properties making it hard to sell, Elzer said.

A few of Elzers properties are for sale but if they dont sell after a year, he must pay the $400 registration fee again. That fee doubles every year the buildings sit empty, or unsold for up to five years.

Elzer, who spent eight years on the village council and six as the president of the chamber of commerce, calls the ordinance anti-business.

Its punishing people that are here and trying to do things. The people that have vacant property have vacant property because theyre investing here and trying to do things and thats punishing those people. And just the whole approach, we tried repeatedly to talk to the village about this. They wont talk to us. My attorney sent them a letter asking them to talk. They wont talk, Elzer said.

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East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway issued a statement saying, Don Elzer was fined $2,442 for having a vacant building under our vacant building ordinance and we did put a tax lien on the property to collect the fine. Some people like that were going after the owners of vacant buildings and some people dont. Were just trying to clean the village up.

Elzer said it breaks his heart.

That theres so much potential here and we have so much invested here that to turn the page and sell everything and leave. Its against what weve worked for for 20 years, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A man was found dead after a Southeast Oklahoma City home went up in flames early Wednesday morning.

I would have never expected this to happen, said Angel Charqueno who lives nearby.

Charqueno told KFOR he woke up to the sound of sirens blaring outside his home.

I saw a bunch of fire trucks outside and I saw a lot of smoke, said Charqueno. Ive never seen one that bad.

ORIGINAL STORY: Firefighters battle deadly house fire in SE Oklahoma City

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Fire crews said they rushed to the home on SE 34th Street around 6 a.m. and found it fully engulfed in flames. They also discovered downed power lines in the backyard.

We had a lot of heat. We had a lot of fire, said OKCFD Battalion Chief Greg Lindsay.

The house is now a total loss. It was home to six people.

Theyre all kind of, you know, in middle adulthood and they all look to be about the same age, said Lindsay.

It was initially thought everyone safely escaped, however, one man was later found dead.

Once we were able to get inside the structure, crews were in there hitting hot spots and kind of pulling some of the debris back to make sure the fire was out, said Lindsay. And they did, unfortunately, find someone inside that was deceased.

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LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma City Police investigating fatal stabbing

The victims identity has not been released yet.

This incident marks the second deadly fire in Oklahoma City in the last week where there were no working smoke alarms installed.

To help protect your home and keep everyone in the residence safe, call the OKCFD at (405) 316-BEEP to have a free smoke alarm installed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 46-year-old man who was fatally shot in Southcrest the night before Thanksgiving has been identified by authorities.

The victim, a Hispanic man named Manual Correa, was found lying on the ground with at least one gunshot wound in an alley in the 3700 block of National Avenue on Nov. 27, 2024. Despite first-aid from bystanders and life-saving measures by paramedics, the man, who was a nearby resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.

25 packages of cocaine seized after I-5 traffic stop

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San Diego Homicide Detectives were called to the scene and are currently investigating the shooting. Based on evidence and witness testimony gathered so far, authorities say it appears the victim got into a verbal altercation with a group of people standing in a nearby parking lot. Both the victim and a male in the group reportedly pulled out handguns and began shooting at each other.

Thats when the victim was fatally struck by gunfire. Its unknown at this time if the other male was hit, police said. The group was reported to have fled the scene after the shooting, with some of them leaving in a white Lexus. Detectives worked to identify that vehicle and placed it in the alert system for the automated license plate reader (ALPR) system.

Later on Dec. 4, 2024, the ALPR system alerted that the vehicle was in the Ridgeview/Webster neighborhood, police explained. Patrol officers located the vehicle in the driveway of a residence in the 1700 block of 49th Street. Several people at the residence were detained and the Lexus

was impounded as evidence. The residence was then searched following a search warrant.

According to the department, a male was detained was ultimately arrested for firearms and narcotics charges following the raid, though hes not believed to be a suspect in this homicide.

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The nature of the initial altercation and motive for this shooting is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

No further information the suspect is available a this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred late Wednesday night on the east side of the city.

Police responded to a 911 call at 11:18 p.m. Wednesday on reports of a man lying unresponsive on the ground at the intersection of Cole Street and Rhoads Avenue, just north of Interstate 70, in the South of Main neighborhood.

Unsolved Ohio: Loved ones push for justice in young womans 1998 homicide

Medics arrived and found a man shot before taking him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Police do not currently have any suspect information or know what led up to the shooting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A man was shot and killed at Point Fermin in San Pedro late Wednesday night.

The man, believed to be between 30 and 35 years old, was found under a staircase near Paseo Del Mar and Meyeler Street just before midnight, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

He had sustained a gunshot wound and was declared dead at the scene.

He was not homeless, and its unclear if the shooting was gang-related, police said.

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No information about the shooter has been released.

Alexis Lewis contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A guilty plea in Monroe County Court Thursday for a man charged in a Greece shooting back in May.

Around 3 a.m. on May 17, police responded to a home on Denise Road where they found a 24-year-old man shot twice int he upper body. He survived and is working toward a full recovery.

Greece Police eventually arrested two men, with Kyle Ashford, 20, identified as being the shooter.

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According to the Monroe County District Attorneys Office, Ashford pleaded guilty to attempted murder (2nd), Robbery (1st), Assault (1st) and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon (2nd).

Ashford will be sentenced on January 16, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
By Qabil Ashirov



The Baku Initiative Group will hold an international conference dedicated to Saint Martin Island, under French and Dutch colonial rule in Baku, on December 6.

Azernews reports that the conference titled "French and Dutch Colonialism in Saint Martin  One Island, One People, One Destiny" will feature representatives from the Saint Martin community, who are fighting against colonialism and striving for freedom, as well as leaders of anti-colonial organizations, members of parliament, human rights defenders, NGO leaders, and experts and researchers on decolonization.

The conference will discuss the struggle of the Saint Martin people against colonialism under French and Dutch rule, as well as the work being done to bring this issue to the agenda of relevant international organizations and the international legal mechanisms involved.

It is worth noting that the island of Saint Martin is unique compared to other colonies both during and after the colonial period. The island has been colonized by both France and the Netherlands and has been divided between these two states since 1648. The French part of the island is called Saint-Martin, while the Dutch part is known as Sint Maarten. These two empires have controlled the island's governance, culture, and legal systems.

The colonial legacy on the island continues to impact the economic and political spheres significantly. The strong influence of France and the Netherlands hinders the Saint Martin people's efforts to determine their own destiny.

This event will serve as a platform to call for international support for the Saint Martin people to independently determine their future.
A man who was arrested in Broward County in August has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a Lyft driver in Texas and forcing her to drive to South Florida, where he said he intended to kidnap a social media influencer in order to demand a multi-million dollar ransom.

Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, 24, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to kidnapping, carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He faces up to life in prison, federal prosecutors said in a news release Thursday afternoon.

It was shortly before 10:30 p.m. Aug. 16 when the victim, a woman working as a Lyft driver, picked up Pastran Hernandez in the Arlington, Texas, area, according to a factual proffer, the facts of the case agreed on by the defense and prosecutors. Pastran Hernandez had entered his drop-off location as a gas station that looked closed when they arrived.

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Soon afterward, the woman said she heard a click and saw Pastran Hernandez holding what she thought was a gun. Investigators later determined it was an airsoft or BB gun, the factual proffer said.

She offered up her belongings, but Pastran Hernandez told her he would tie her up and put her in the back of her Honda. He told her to start driving to Florida and allowed her to drive as long as she went the speed limit and followed his orders, the factual proffer said.

During the trip to Florida, Pastran Hernandez found that the woman had an unloaded gun in her car. He found her ammunition, which she kept separately, loaded it and kept the gun on him throughout the kidnapping, the factual proffer said. They stopped at multiple gas stations, and he would take the car keys to prevent her from escaping.

Rideshare driver kidnapped at gunpoint in Texas and forced to drive to South Florida

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He forced the woman to call her family about 11 a.m. the next day to tell them she was taking a long work trip so they would not question why she was gone. Pastran Hernandez himself drove the car sometimes, keeping the womans gun on him while she rested, the factual proffer said.

Pastran Hernandez and the woman arrived in Miami Beach on Aug. 18, where he surveilled the home of a social media influencer, who he told the woman he planned to also kidnap, or a relative of the influencer, for a $3 million ransom, according to the factual proffer.

On Aug. 19, Pastran Hernandez forced the Lyft driver to go to a dollar store in Hialeah in Miami-Dade County to buy supplies, the factual proffer said. The woman was in the bathroom when police officers arrived and Pastran Hernandez ran.

Officers found him a few hours later at a park in Hollywood with the womans loaded handgun in his bag, the factual proffer said. He had a backpack inside the victims car that had airsoft or BB guns, knives and kidnapping supplies.

Pastran Hernandez will be sentenced on Feb. 20, court records show.
Charles Merrival, front, pictured during a 2019 march in Rapid City. (Courtesy of Charles Merrival family)

A man whose photograph was used by Gov. Kristi Noem as alleged proof of rampant drug cartel activity on tribal lands has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Rapid City, but prosecutors said the case was not connected to cartels.

Charles Cain Merrival, 32, has spent most of the past four years in the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City, awaiting trial on federal drug conspiracy and firearms charges and a state-level robbery charge.

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Merrivals photo was shown to reporters at a spring news conference in Pierre, at which Gov. Kristi Noem doubled down on earlier comments about the prevalence and influence of Mexican drug cartels on South Dakotas reservations.

His name was not shown in the photo, but Noem showed it and a handful of other photos showing men who appeared to be Native American, wearing leather biker jackets, as the governor referenced drug activity on reservations. Merrivals face was the clearest of any of the men who appeared in the photos.

Merrival is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, but was living in Rapid City when the criminal activity occurred. When contacted at the Pennington County Jail, Merrival said he hadnt been to the reservation for years and that the photo Noem used was snapped inside a shopping mall in Rapid City.

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Shortly after the election of Donald Trump to a second presidential term last month, Noem was announced as Trumps choice to direct the Department of Homeland Security. That position would put her in charge of the U.S. southern border, across which most of the illicit methamphetamine and fentanyl flow.

Noems comments on drug cartel influence  which contributed to votes by leadership in all nine South Dakota tribal governments to ban her from their lands  pointed the finger at drugs brought to the U.S. by people crossing the border illegally.

Merrival told Searchlight that Noems use of his image to make those points hindered his right to a fair trial by unfairly painting him with the broad brush of drug cartels  international crime syndicates to which Merrival insists he has no ties.

Kristi Noem herself falsely labeled me a gang member that is affiliated with Mexican drug cartels and the commission of murders, Merrival said in a phone interview last spring. Because of Kristi Noems decision to personally intervene, any presumption of innocence that I had is gone forever.

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Merrival took a plea deal over the summer and admitted guilt for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in exchange for a cap of eight years in prison.

A press release on his sentencing from U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell said Merrival was involved in the conspiracy from July of 2021 through January of 2022, the month he was arrested after officers watched him pass a backpack containing methamphetamine and weapons to a co-conspirator. A search of Merrival turned up additional ammunition, the release said.

During the investigation, multiple sources confirmed Merrivals history of violence and firearm possession. Merrival is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions, the release said.

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The U.S. Attorneys Office press release also noted that Merrival had served as sergeant-at-arms for the Ghost Dance Motorcycle Club, a support group for the Bandidos. Merrival told Searchlight over the summer that the Ghost Dance group ceased to exist as a club in mid-2021. Merrival was released from the Pennington County Jail around that time after spending more than a year there awaiting trial on state-level robbery charges. He also has pending state cases for drug possession and harassing phone calls, the latter of which came during his time in jail. He returned to the Pennington County Jail in early 2022 and remained there until his sentencing late last month.

Shortly after his sentencing hearing, Merrival sent a text to South Dakota Searchlight saying the subject of the governors cartel allegations came up at his sentencing. He did not respond to a follow-up text.

Ace Crawford, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office, confirmed that the topic was broached at the sentencing and addressed by an assistant U.S. attorney (AUSA) in the courtroom.

In response to a question by Judge Schreier, our AUSA did confirm in open court that Merrivals case was not connected to Mexican drug cartels, Crawford said via email.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man accused of leaving a dead dog in a dumpster in Campbell received his sentence for cruelty to animals.

Read next: Strong winds expose part of Lake Erie lakebed

Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Judge Maureen Sweeney sentenced Zyquan Robinson to 10 days in jail and five years of probation. He will also have to perform 50 hours of community service each year for five years.

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Robinson pleaded guilty Oct. 23 to fifth-degree felony and first-degree misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals, according to court records.

Prosecutors say police found a dead dog left in a roll-off dumpster across the street from Robinsons home in July 2023.

Reports say the animal appeared to be underweight and malnourished.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who U.S. Marshals arrested on warrants in October received his sentence in his gun case on Thursday.

Read next: Photos show suspected killers face after shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

Majed Ali, 37, was sentenced to probation and fines after he was found guilty of a charge of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle/failure to inform, according to court records.

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Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force arrested Ali at a home on W. Indianola Avenue on Oct. 18. Ali had warrants for his arrest on charges of aggravated menacing, a fourth-degree felony, and violation of a protection order, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Ali was found in the office area of the home and told police there was a gun, reports said. Reports said police found a loaded .38-caliber revolver on a desk as well as a case of 9mm ammunition that had 1,000 rounds.

The gun and ammunition were also seized because of the protection order against Ali, reports said.

According to court records, Ali was found guilty of violating a protection order in his Mahoning County case, while the menacing charge was dismissed. He was sentenced to probation in that case as well and was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to attend an anger management class.

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There was also a note in his case file that Ali would take down his social media accounts.

Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 50-year-old man was stabbed multiple times while at Teralta Park Thursday morning, authorities said.

According to the San Diego Police Department, a witness to the incident recalled seeing several individuals surround the victim and appear to start punching him around 5:20 a.m. The witness could not provide additional details due to foggy weather conditions in the area.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for six stab wounds to the back, one to the right foreman and another to the leg. Police said he was also unable to provide any suspect descriptions.

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At this time, no arrests have been made in connection to this incident. The events leading up to the stabbing, as well as a possible motive, remain under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Manchester Airport has refuted claims that a UFO was spotted in its airspace and floating on its runways after theories spread across social media.

Apparent images of a spherical shape at Manchester Airport started appearing on social media back in June, but have recently resurfaced, sending users into a frenzy over what the object could be.

Some users on X have called it a strange UAP/UFO with apparent videos and images showing the object touching down on the airport tarmac and also floating high in the air.

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One user claimed that security personnel approached, after which the object abruptly took off, displaying flight characteristics unlike any conventional aircraft.

 NEWS: Strange UAP/UFO seen from Manchester Airport's cockpit!

It was reported that a mysterious spherical object briefly touched down on the tarmac before quickly taking off as a security vehicle drew closer. 

 Is this a drone, or something out of this world? Strange pic.twitter.com/TvR0yyti1n  Dilojan (@umadilojan) November 29, 2024

Other users described what they said was an orb, a metallic sphere, or questioned if it was a drone.

A British ufologist, Mark Christopher Lee, spoke to outlets such as the Daily Express, asserting that the mysterious orb drew parallels to other incidents such as when the Australian government apparently captured an alien sphere in 1957.

However, Manchester Airport has spoken out about the UFO theories and debunked the claims.

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The airport told The Independent that they believed the images to be fake, and even though the object could be a balloon or something similar, they saw nothing that proved the images were genuine unaltered footage.

A spokesperson further added to the Express: We have systems that pick up anything that could be a threat to aviation.

Anything that gives off a signal we would know about.

He added that if there was anything on the airfield at the airport, as is depicted in the imagery, it would be treated as a major incident, and no such disruption event has occurred.

The Manchester Airport theories come weeks after the Pentagon released a report revealing hundreds of incidents they have encountered with unidentified and unexplained aerial phenomena  however, there are no indications suggesting any extraterrestrial origin.

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The Pentagons review covered 757 cases from around the world reported to US authorities between 1 May 2023 to 1 June 2024.

They found explanations for nearly 300 incidents, including unknown objects revealing to be balloons, birds, aircraft, drones or satellites.

The report also said that Elon Musks Starlink satellite system has become an increasingly common source of people mistaking the chains of satellites for UFOs.

However, there are hundreds of other cases which remain unexplained, though the report stressed that is often because there isnt enough information available to draw firm conclusions.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
The Manhattan prosecutor who pressed jurors this week to convict Daniel Penny in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely once used a restorative justice program to secure a reduced sentence for a brute who killed an elderly professor during a mugging on the Upper West Side six years ago.

Matthew Lee, 57, was originally facing a 25 year-to-life sentence on murder charges when he attacked beloved Lehman College instructor Young Kun Kim, 87, from behind and snatched money the victim had withdrawn from an ATM on May 13, 2018.

Kim resisted and, during an ensuing struggle, fell and hit his head  dying days later from bleeding in his brain as Lee fled with $300 before he was captured.

Matthew Lee, 57, received a reduced sentence of 10 years in a fatal Upper West Side mugging after participating in a restorative justice program. Steven Hirsch

Prosecutor Dafna Yoran, who handled Lees case, negotiated to reduce the possible life sentence to a mere 10 years behind bars after the assailant participated in a restorative justice program initiated by then-Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.

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It was the first time the Manhattan DAs office had used the program  designed to encourage victims and their families to engage directly with the person who wronged them  for a homicide case.

As part of his plea agreement, Lee had a face-to-face meeting with the victims son in the presence of a mediator ahead of his December 2019 sentencing.

Lehman College professor Young Kun Kim, 87, died after he fell and hit his dead when Lee attacked him from behind.

Penny  a Marine veteran from Long Island  faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter in the death of Neely, a troubled homeless man, on a crowded F train subway car in May 2023.

Daniel Penny, 26, is on trial accused of placing Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold for several minutes. Juan Vazquez

The 12 jurors  seven women and five men  heard from more than 40 witnesses during the four-week trial, including straphangers who witnessed Neelys erratic outburst before Penny placed him in a chokehold for several minutes.

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During closing arguments in Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, Yoran implored jurors to convict Penny, 26, for acting recklessly when he used too much force, for way too long when he kept an unarmed, mentally ill man in the chokehold  long after he could reasonably have been considered a deadly threat.

Prosecutor Dafna Yoran, who secured the reduced sentence for Lee, is prosecuting Daniel Penny. X

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Whats so tragic about this case is that even though the defendant started out trying to do the right thing, as the chokehold progressed, the defendant knew that Jordan Neely was in great distress and dying, and he needlessly continued, Yoran told jurors in her closing statement.

The defendant was given all the signs that he needed to stop. He ignored them and kept going until a man died. He must be held accountable for that.

Daniel Penny faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter. Gregory P. Mango

Pennys attorneys have argued that his actions were fully justified to protect people on the subway from Neely, 30, who witnesses said was menacing passengers and making threats before Penny took him down.

If the jury finds Penny not guilty of manslaughter but convicts him of criminally negligent homicide, he faces up to four years behind bars.

Jordan Neely, was filmed on the subway in a chokehold that eventually led to his death. Provided by Carolyn Neely

Theres no minimum on either charge, meaning that he could also be sentenced to probation.

Jurors began deliberations Tuesday.
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  The NYPD is continuing its manhunt for the gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in front of a Midtown hotel on Wednesday.

Thompson was gunned down in the targeted attack around 6:45 a.m. near a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th avenues, according to authorities. The suspect had been waiting for him before pulling the trigger, shooting Thompson in the back and leg.

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A security camera caught the shooting, which showed what appeared to be a silencer on the gun used to shoot Thompson.

Thompson was heading to the hotel to speak at an investors conference, which was cut short.

Authorities are searching for the suspect accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in a targeted shooting on Dec. 4, 2024, police said. (credit: NYPD)

The gunman was then seen running through a dark alleyway next to Ziegfeld Theatre between 54th and 55th streets in a video obtained by PIX11 News.

He then got on an e-bike and rode into Central Park, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

The suspect was seen at Starbucks before the shooting and also talking on a cellphone while walking to 54th Street and 6th Avenue. Police collected the cellphone, which was dropped in the alleyway, and a water bottle the gunman purchased at Starbucks as evidence.

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I hear a shot, Amar, a livery driver who witnessed the shooting, told PIX11 News. When I look around, I saw a guy with a gun. He shot three times, then he starts running.

The NYPD said there is no audio recording of the shooting, so its not known if words were exchanged. A motive for the shooting remains unclear.

Thompsons wife told NBC News there were some threats against him.

I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him, she said.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the shooting.

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.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK -- Newly released surveillance photos show a person who police say they want to question in connection to Wednesday's fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Police sources say the photos were taken at 891 Amsterdam Ave., a hostel on the Upper West Side, before the shooting.

Investigators believe the man wanted for questioning may have arrived in New York City by bus as many as 10 days before the shooting. According to police sources, that man used a fake New Jersey ID with a fake name to check into the hostel.

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And, it seems, that person of interest let his guard -- and his mask -- down as he talked to a woman working at the front desk.

"They were having a flirtatious moment and he pulls it down and he gives a big smile and that one informal moment between two human beings remains at this moment the most significant clue to date in this whole case," former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said.

Newly released surveillance photos show a person who police say they want to question after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. / Credit: NYPD

The photo will next be put into facial recognition technology databases, and could lead to a hit.

"You can run it against their employee databases, there are databases of criminals, there are military databases, there are many places there are pictures," CBS News law enforcement contributor Rich Esposito said.

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Esposito said getting those photos out could lead to someone recognizing him from the most casual contact.

"'Hey, I ride the bus with him. Hey, I've shot at the range with him. I work with that guy. It's my neighbor.' Those are the kinds of things that start to happen," Esposito said.

Intense scrutiny of guests at Upper West Side hostel

A tourist staying at Hi New York Hostel told CBS News New York two police officers showed up there overnight and questioned several people.

The NYPD has found surveillance footage of the suspect from approximately 5 a.m. Wednesday near the Frederick Douglass Houses, a NYCHA complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The hostel is located near there.

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Guest Matheus Taranto said police were standing outside his door on the fourth floor.

"I saw two more guys dressed like detectives. Then I went to my room on the fourth floor. I went to brush to my teeth. When I got to the corner that goes to the bathroom, there was another detective, and he was like, no, you can't go past here," Taranto said.

"They just asked me questions like 'Did you see anyone who was there and did you notice anything?'" one person staying at the hostel said.

Visitor John Nielsen, from Denmark, said people he met stayed in the shared room.

"They were pretty shocked, because they shared the room with a person who could be pretty bad," Nielsen said.

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"We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, cannot comment at this time," said a spokesperson for Hi New York Hostel.

Gunman may have dropped other vital clues

More than 24 hours after Thompson was gunned down in what police are calling a targeted shooting, a citywide manhunt continues for his killer. Detectives are combing through Thompson's electronics to see if he faced any threats, and they say the gunman may have dropped vital clues.

Investigators are searching Central Park for a missing backpack that could possibly contain the gun used in the attack, which authorities believe is a B&T Station SIX, a gun that has a built-in silencer, sources say.

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"It's a covert-type weapon. It is not sold widely," Esposito said. "They'll go to the dealers of that gun and try to establish if they know who this person is... they know almost everything, and they're now just trying to get an identity."

"In all of my years of law enforcement, I have never seen a silencer before. And so that was really something that was shocking to us all," Mayor Eric Adams said.

Police have executed a search warrant at the victim's hotel room at the Marriott, down the block and across from the shooting scene, but nothing was found that gives any theory into the motive. His personal effects were found but nothing that pushes the investigation or the motive forward, police sources said.

CBS News has confirmed law enforcement officials say the words "deny" and "delay" were meticulously written in Sharpie on shell casings that were recovered at the scene.

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Read more: "Delay" and "Deny" written on bullets found at the scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder. Here's what they may mean.

Police have received numerous anonymous tips, including one which resulted in officers stopping an LIRR train to Seaford at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to search for the suspect, sources told CBS News New York. They also conducted a search at an airport. Neither search turned up the suspect.

"We feel that we're moving at a steady pace, and we're going to have someone apprehended," Adams said.

"This is a nationwide search. This is not something that maybe just germane towards New York City. This may be something that touches other parts of the country. Listen, this may come back to some type of potential problem or personal beef with Mr. Thompson that happened in Minnesota," former NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison said.

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Video shows brazen shooting outside Hilton Midtown

Surveillance video captured the brazen and targeted attack early Wednesday morning.

A masked shooter using a silencer approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the back and the leg. The weapon appeared to jam, but the suspect cleared it and kept shooting.

The gunman then jogged across the street, in plain view of witnesses.

"I was looking at my phone, then I hear the shot. And when I looked, the guy was with a gun, like a silent gun," one witness said.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was heading to the Hilton Midtown to address investors at a UnitedHealthcare conference.

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The NYPD is now working with authorities in Minnesota, where he is from, to identify any specific threats against him. Police sources say detectives uncovered rantings directed at the company, but no threats to his personal safety.

"Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Wednesday. "Every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack."

Manhunt leads police to Central Park

A map shows where UnitedHealtcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and the escape route used by the gunman, who got away on a bike, according to police. / Credit: CBS News New York

From the Hilton, investigators believe the suspect hopped on a bike and rode to Central Park. Video obtained by CBS News appears to show him in the park wearing the distinct grey backpack he was wearing in the video when he was captured at the shoot scene in Midtown. He is then seen leaving the park on West 85th Street about 15 minutes after the shooting without the backpack.

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"What we're looking at is a gunman who was thoughtful and prepared, staked out the scene, began by shooting the person in the back," said Esposito.

Police said the suspect planned carefully, but not perfectly. He went to a nearby Starbucks before the shooting, where sources say surveillance images may have captured enough of his face to run through facial recognition.

"The full investigative efforts of the New York City Police Department are well underway, and we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case," Tisch said.

Police sources say investigators are running forensic tests on a water bottle and candy bar wrapper they believe the suspect left at the Starbucks, as well as a discarded cellphone found near the scene. They also believe they have recovered a coffee cup the gunman may have used, and have dusted it for fingerprints, a high-ranking police source said.

A law enforcement source said he paid with cash at 6:17 a.m., roughly 30 minutes before the shooting. This all happened after the suspect was spotted at around 5 a.m. near where the hostel is located.

"A wonderful person with a big heart"

Thompson arrived in the city Monday from Minnesota and was scheduled to address investors at the company's annual investor relations conference. Top executives quickly canceled the shareholders meeting.

"The company is just distraught, his colleagues are distraught," said Taylor Smith, who was staying at the Hilton.

Investigators are now probing every aspect of Thompson's life to try to find a motive.

"They're going to look at the business end, you have a company that's laid people off. They're going to look at the personal stories, and they're going to focus on letters, desperate people who were denied care or tests or something that could've saved a life or who blame the company," Miller said.

The 50-year-old was married with two sons. His wife, Paulette, spoke about the family's loss.

"Brian was a wonderful person with a big heart and who lived life to the fullest," she said. "He will be greatly missed by everybody. Our hearts are broken and we are completely devastated by this news."

The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward in the case, asking the public to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.

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NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A Manor man must serve 40 years in prison and pay more than $12 million in restitution for wire fraud and money laundering charges.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Saint Jovite Youngblood, aka Kota Youngblood, 52, was convicted in April of four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

Youngblood was also ordered to pay a full restitution of $12,766,384.

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The DOJ said in a press release that court documents showed Youngblood committed wire fraud against his victims by claiming Mexican drug cartel members were planning to commit violence against them, and falsely claiming he was part of the U.S. Armys Delta Force special operations unit and could protect his victims in from the cartels in exchange for money.

Youngblood also said funds obtained from his victim investors would be paid back with a return on the money, but he instead spent most of it on trips to Las Vegas to gamble in casinos, according to the DOJ.

According to the DOJ, Youngblood defrauded 32 victims for more than $12 million. He was arrested on July 31, 2023, and convicted by a federal jury April 23, 2024.

The FBI investigated the case and assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Guess and Matt Harding prosecuted the case.

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Many of Youngbloods victims were terrorized thinking their families were in danger; others lost their livelihoods to his schemes. This sentence reflects the despicable nature of Mr. Youngbloods lies and criminal actions, said Special Agent Aaron Tapp with the FBIs San Antonio Field Office. The FBI is committed to identifying scams such as this  and ensuring anyone who endeavors to financially fleece innocent Americans is held to account. We want to thank the U.S. Attorneys Office for their work on this case  and their continued assistance in gaining justice for victims of financial crimes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New York  The suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan was arrested Monday in Pennsylvania and is now charged with Thompson's murder.

The arrest came hours after NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said 26-year-old Luigi Mangione had been identified as a person of interest in the case.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was in New York City for an investors' conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4, when he was shot outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel on Sixth Avenue.

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Chilling surveillance video shows the suspect lying in wait for Thompson before shooting him in the back and the leg, using a gun with a silencer. Police said the suspect fled the scene, riding a bike up to Central Park and the Upper West Side, where he was spotted by additional security cameras.

Joseph Kenny, the Police Department's chief of detectives, said the gunman is believed to have arrived in New York on Nov. 24 on a bus that originated in Atlanta, and police believe he left the city on a bus after the shooting.

The FBI, which is also assisting the NYPD with the investigation, announced a $50,000 reward Friday night for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Here's everything we know about when and where the masked gunman was seen.

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CEO shot outside Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed on Dec. 4, 2024 outside the Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. / Credit: CBS News New York

The Hilton's Midtown Hotel is located on Sixth Avenue between West 54th and 55th streets.

"We are deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy," a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.

UnitedHealthcare told CBS News the shooting took place during the company's annual investor relations conference. It was scheduled to be livestreamed starting at 8 a.m. local time, roughly an hour and 15 minutes after Thompson was shot.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

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Timeline of UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting

Map shows all the whereabouts of the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. / Credit: CBS News Confirmed

Nov. 24, 2024 - 10 days before the shooting

At 10:11 p.m. the suspect arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street after taking a Greyhound bus that originated in Atlanta, Georgia. He took a cab to the area of the New York Hilton Midtown and spent about half an hour walking in the area of the hotel until around 11 p.m.The man then checked into the Hi New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side. He used fake identification and lowered his mask to speak to the clerk, police say, the only time he lowered his mask in the hostel. After this, he avoided conversation and hid his face. The FBI on Friday described the man pictured as the "unknown suspect" wanted for the killing of Thompson.

Surveillance photos show a person who police say they want to question in connection to Wednesday's fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. / Credit: NYPD

Nov. 29, 2024 - 5 days before the shooting

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The man was checked out of the hostel, but police say they believe it was an administrative checkout because the suspect did not appear at the required time. The man checked back in. Police said he didn't leave the hostel in the days before the shooting. He did not speak to anyone. He had two roommates.

Dec. 2, 2024 - 2 days before the shooting

Thompson arrived in New York City from Minnesota, where he lived. He was scheduled to speak at the investors' conference Wednesday morning.

Dec. 4, 2024 - day of the shooting

Police say the gunman was seen on surveillance video around 5 a.m. local time near the Frederick Douglass Houses, a NYCHA complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.At 5:41 a.m., the man arrived at the New York Hilton Midtown and began walking around the area. Police say it's possible he biked down because it took around 10 minutes. At 6:17 a.m., the suspect was seen at a Starbucks near the hotel, where a law enforcement source says he paid cash. Sources say surveillance images may have captured enough of his face to run through facial recognition, and investigators are running forensic tests on a water bottle and candy bar wrapper they believe the suspect left behind.

The NYPD says this is the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. / Credit: NYPD

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Surveillance video obtained by The New York Times shows the suspect talking on a cellphone around 6:30 a.m. while walking toward the hotel. At 6:39 a.m., police say the gunman arrived outside the hotel on foot.At 6:44 a.m., Thompson walked from his hotel across the street to the Hilton.UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot at 6:46 a.m. Police say the suspect ran into the alley between West 54th and 5th streets, then rode a bike up Sixth Avenue to Central Park.Police say the suspect was last seen riding the bike on Center Drive at 6:48 a.m.

A map shows where UnitedHealtcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and the escape route used by a gunman, who got away on a bike, according to police. / Credit: CBS News New York

Video obtained by CBS News appears to show the suspect riding out of the park just before 7 a.m. and turning onto West 85th Street.At 7:04 a.m. the suspect then took a cab northbound from 86th and Amsterdam to a Port Authority bus station near the George Washington Bridge.At 7:12 a.m., Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.

Dec. 5, 2024 - 2 days after the shooting

Investigators believe a person of interest boarded a bus at the George Washington Bridge bus terminal, a person familiar with the matter told CBS News. Joseph Kenny, the NYPD's chief of detectives, told reporters that investigators don't know what bus the man may have taken.The New York Police Department found a backpack in Central Park believed to have been the one carried by the suspect at the time of the shooting. Police said the backpack was being analyzed to determine if it belonged to the suspect.

A backpack found in New York City's Central Park on Dec. 6, 2024, that investigators believe may have belonged to the suspected gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. / Credit: CBS News

Dec. 9, 2024  5 days after the shooting

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Police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, went to a McDonald's restaurant in response to reports of a male matching the description of the suspect, according to a police spokesman. The person, identified as Luigi Mangione, was arrested on firearms charges, Tisch said. Police said he had a fake New Jersey ID card that matched the one used to check in at the New York City hostel.Mangione was charged with murder and several other counts in New York.

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Maricopa County will ask the courts to dismiss the local Republican Party's lawsuit challenging the passage of Proposition 479, officials said.

Voters approved the measure last month to raise billions of dollars for the Valley's highways, roads and bus route.

Tom Liddy, chief of the civil division of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, said the county's response is due Saturday and the county will seek dismissal of the complaint.

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The request comes after the Maricopa County Republican Committee sued to challenge the certification of Proposition 479.

Attorney Bryan Blehm filed the complaint Nov. 30 in Maricopa County Superior Court, asserting the ballot measure only garnered 59.82% of the vote and should not stand because voters amended the Arizona Constitution in 2022 to "require all tax measures to receive at least 60% of the votes cast."

Blehm argued the courts should decertify the results because they fell short of the 60% threshold established by the passage of Proposition 132, which voters passed in 2022. The lawsuit names the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which played a key role in certifying the results.

Blehm could not be reached for comment.

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The court scheduled oral argument for Dec. 13.

Connect Maricopa, the campaign committee supporting Proposition 479, filed a motion to intervene on Wednesday, according to the Superior Court website. In it, the group rejects Blehm's claims that Proposition 479 was required to hit Proposition 132's 60% threshold.

Supporters of the regional transportation tax called the lawsuit misguided, arguing an overwhelming majority of voters passed the measure and that challenging it would be detrimental to the Valley's economy.

Marty Shultz, a chairman of Proposition 479's original predecessor, Proposition 300, said Blehm's central legal argument was faulty because the Proposition 132 burden only applies to constitutional amendments.

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When lawmakers were debating this issue in 2023, they clarified that the requirement that tax measures need 60% voter approval applies only to constitutional matters. The transportation tax extension does not amend the constitution.

MAG: Transportation plan 'will be implemented on schedule'

Ed Zuercher, executive director of Maricopa Association of Governments, the quasi-governmental agency that creates the regional transportation spending plan, said the projects would continue as scheduled.

The lawsuit is without merit. The regional transportation plan that was unanimously approved by MAGs mayors, tribal and county leaders, and supported by business leaders and the voters, will be implemented on schedule. We have a 40-year track record of success, and were squarely focused on delivering the next generation of transportation investments.

Proposition 479 asked voters to continue a half-cent sales tax for the next 20 years. Voters first approved it in 1985, then again in 2004. The tax provides revenue for the regional transportation plan approved by mayors across the Valley. The tax accounts for $14.9 billion of the $28.2 billion plan, so a little more than half.

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It is set to fund freeways (40.5%), bus transit and bus rapid transit (33.5%), major roadways and regional transportation infrastructure (22.5%) and light rail maintenance (3.5%). But paired with other funding sources, it unlocks billions in federal matching funds that frees city revenue in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe to expand the light rail 11.9 miles and the streetcar 4.4 miles.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego reacted Wednesday, saying, Maricopa County voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 479 because they understand that a strong transportation system isnt political. It's critical to our future. This lawsuit is deeply flawed and misguided, and I hope the courts recognize its malignant intentions.

'The economy ... doesn't just happen'

Shultz, a former APS lobbyist with decades of experience in politics, said he wasn't surprised by the GOP lawsuit but worried about ramifications.

"Hopefully this ill-conceived action will not subject 479 to any sanctions or reversal," Shultz said.

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He repeated the campaign argument that such an investment is vital to the region's economic development.

"Our economic success over the decades has been based, in part, on the development of a comprehensive transportation system," he said."What the perpetrators of this lawsuit failed to understand is that the economy, that they say they believe in, doesnt just happen," Shultz said.

"I intend to call key Republican leaders and members of the Republican Party and 'complain like hell' over this behavior. Its inappropriate, sends the wrong signal, and it probably will fail in court."

Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by call or text at 480-476-6116.

Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County to ask for dismissal of Proposition 479 challenge
The Marine Corps newest formation now has the services key weapon in its armory: a ship-killing missile.

The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii recently announced the unit had received the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS.

The NMESIS serves as a critical weapon for Marines as they have spent recent years restructuring the service to better assist the U.S. Navy in gaining access to maritime territory defended by adversary missiles and warning systems.

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3rd MLR has an enhanced sea denial capability and is positioned at the forefront of strategic transformation, Lt. Col. Timothy Love, 3rd Littoral Combat Team commander, said in a Nov. 26 release.

In China's backyard: The new Marine regiments changing the fight

The weapon provides coverage for Navy and partner vessels from coastal positions and gives joint forces combined land and sea targeting options, according to Love.

The system combines a joint light tactical vehicle with remote controls and mounts a Naval Strike Missile on the frame, giving users a mobile missile system in a single package. This aligns with the stated role of the Marines: to island hop and destroy enemy ships and targets ahead of U.S. Navy ships arrival.

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The NMESIS, which will function as the Corps primary ground-launched anti-ship capability, is being field to the services littoral regiments as part of its Force Design modernization effort, Maj. Kevin Stephensen, Marine spokesman, previously told Defense News.

The 3rd MLR was the Corps first littoral regiment, a new concept that combines a slimmer infantry battalion, improved radar and sensors with a variety of force and reconnaissance packages to assist joint commanders. The Hawaii-based unit emerged in 2021 and since then the service has established another MLR on Okinawa with plans for a third rotational regiment on Guam.

The regiments Medium-Range Missile Battery will operate the NMESIS within the regiments infantry battalion.

The fire support coordination center within the regiment will integrate the missile along with other kinetic and nonkinetic fires as they conduct maritime dynamic targeting process tasks, a rapid way to identify and hit targets from multiple platforms.

The NMESIS serves as a critical weapon for Marines as the service has worked to restructure the service to better assist the U.S. Navy in gaining access to maritime territory defended by adversary missiles and warning systems. (Cpl. Eric Huynh/Marine Corps)

Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg won a five-year, $900 million contract in November from the Navy  the firms biggest missile contract ever  to provide the NMESIS and the Naval Strike Missile which the service uses on its littoral combat ships and Constellation-class frigates, Defense News previously reported.

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The Marine Corps procured 97 NMESIS in fiscal 2023 and another 24 in fiscal 2024, according to the services fiscal 2025 budget request.

Those procurements filled the services initial capability needs for the missile. Procurement is on pause for fiscal 2025, Defense News previously reported.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Marjorie (Green) Reniff died in the early hours on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

She was born on March 21, 1926 to Violet (Braden) Green and Leroy Green.

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She graduated from Struthers High School.

She remained in Struthers until she married the love of her life, Paul Reniff, on March 8, 1946. They moved to Fort Myers, Florida for a few years, then came back and made their home in Brownlee Woods. They were married 50 years until Paul died in 1997.

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She spent the last 50 years of her life in Boardman with much traveling to visit her grandchildren, Courtney and Christopher (Cortney) Rundell. They were her greatest gift. She also loved to travel back to Fort Myers to visit her best friends, Richard (deceased), Ruthie and Michael Haskins.

Her favorite times were going out to eat with family and friends or gathering around the table for holiday dinners. She always loved Struthers and no matter where she was, always considered it home.

She was a faithful church goer and was a member of Struthers Parkside Church.

Her life was centered around family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Reniff and Becky (William) Rundell; her grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Violet, Ella, Emmy and Ensley; 14 nieces and nephews who meant so much to her, along with many extended family members including her brother-in-law, Carl Beighley.

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She loved her sisters who preceded her in death, Donna (Raymond) Tusinac and Barbara Beighley and her sister-in-law, Jeanne Feaster, whom she also loved getting together with.

The family would like to thank Assumption Nursing Home and Hospice of the Valley for keeping Marjorie comfortable during her last month of life.

There are no calling hours or services.

The best way to remember Marjorie would be a donation to Animal Charity or Angels for Animals. She was a big animal lover, especially her cats Toffee and Lucy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

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To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marjorie Reniff, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Friday, December 6 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Mayor Adams will meet with President-elect Donald Trumps controversial new border czar, Tom Homan, next week, the mayor said on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Thursday morning.

The mayor said on the show he was looking forward to strategizing with the incoming border czar on how New York City and the federal governments could work together to deport migrants with violent rap sheets.

I want to hear the actual plan, how were going to actually operationalize this plan, Adams said, in response to a question about Trumps mass deportations.

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The meeting is set for next Thursday, the mayor said.

Adams said Tuesday he wanted to meet with Homan, telling reporters he would be working, not warring, with the incoming administration.

Speaking on NewsNation, in response to the mayor, Homan said, I certainly will meet with him. Im looking for partnerships. Im not looking for enemies.

Adams said he wants to work with ICE to deport migrants who have committed violent crimes.

Were not talking about those who steal an apple, Adams said. Were talking about those who are shooting at police officers, raping individuals, and I would like to hear the border czars plan on addressing that.

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In the wake of Trumps victory, the mayor has emphasized finding common ground with the incoming Trump administration. This week, that has meant praising Fox News and Elon Musk  who under Trump is expected to lead the planned Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE  and challenging the left to cancel Adams over his stance on walking back aspects of New Yorks sanctuary city status.

Far-right activists like Charlie Kirk and even Musk himself have promoted Adams recent comments on social media.

During the TV appearance, Adams also repeated a claim that he was indicted because he criticized President Bidens immigration policies.

What Im going through right now, no Americans should go through that, Adams said. And not only did I state that we politicize our DOJ, but also President Biden stated that. President Trump stated that.
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday maintained that he was in the dark about his former communications directors alleged misconduct until seeing public records requests for his personnel file, despite having sent urgent text messages about Ronnie Reese days before his termination.

At an unrelated news conference in Englewood, the mayor again told reporters that like everybody else, he learned about the sexual harassment, misogyny, racism, antisemitism and homophobic complaints against Reese after a Freedom of Information Act request was made. The Tribune filed a FOIA request for those records on Oct. 25, after news broke that the mayors longtime friend and former press secretary for his mayoral campaign and for the Chicago Teachers Union was being fired.

But Oct. 19 texts that the Tribune also obtained via FOIA show the mayor making an apparent reference to Reese while messaging CTU President Stacy Davis Gates just four days before Reese was given notice of his termination.

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Ronnie! he wrote. Call me. Message from the Elders.

Davis Gates responded to the apparent reference to Reese, who previously worked with her and Johnson at the teachers union, with only an exclamation reaction, according to a copy of the text exchange. She said this week that she did not engage further nor know about the accusations surrounding Reese until the Tribune reported on them.

Johnson on Thursday addressed his October texts by saying, I have conversations and text messages with a variety of people, and Ive communicated to Stacy on a number of occasions of where there are opportunities for us to continue to grow our city through the lens of public education.

Asked why he couldnt elaborate on what he wanted to discuss with Davis Gates concerning Reese, the mayor merely said, Im actually saying more than more.  Ive said repeatedly that when the FOIA requests came through and it was made public, thats when I found out.

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The mayor also claimed he did not have specific information on earlier accusations made against Reese in 2023, which the Tribune reported on back in January.

If youre referring to individuals that were dismissed from the department, thats a personnel matter, right? Johnson said when asked whether he was aware of the first batch of complaints. And as Ive said repeatedly, we dont discuss personnel matters. But when those individuals who were dismissed from the city of Chicago as employees, there was no discussion around or information around their specific interactions with their supervisor at that time.

In August 2023, three of Reeses staffers were fired after complaining about how Reese and Johnson senior adviser Jason Lee treated them. They were then placed on the citys do not hire list, with two of them only getting removed last week after the new allegations against Reese became public.

The Tribune story from January notes that Reeses employees had complained to Mondine Harding with the mayors office about his treatment of women, including allegedly telling female staffers they laugh too much while in contrast, Ronnie would joke with male colleagues.

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The mayor on Thursday also hinted at future, unspecified changes to City Halls reporting mechanism for personnel complaints.

There is a break within that system where information was not made readily available until the FOIA request, Johnson said. Now that is something that we certainly should explore and look into. But make no mistake about it, the most important thing here is that I have no tolerance for sexism, racism, antisemitism, anti-Blackness, anti LGBTQ-plus.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The proposed sale of two major Rhode Island healthcare centers is progressing after clearing another regulatory hurdle, but local leaders warn the deal could create significant financial challenges for their communities.

Last week, RIDOH approved a change in effective control application for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

Now, the prospective sale has received all the state-level regulatory approvals following a separate set of approvals from last June.

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Target 12: AG, Health Dept. approve sale of Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals  with conditions

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi expressed concerns about the potential loss of tax revenue if Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital transition from for-profit to nonprofit status.

The change would end existing tax agreements with their respective municipalities, leaving them scrambling to make up for millions in lost revenue.

We are not going to get pushed around, Lombardi emphasized. Whatever agreement is put in place, I want to make sure the communities are included.

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Lombardi said the deal could cost North Providence $3.5 million, shifting the burden onto local taxpayers.

For the town of North Providence taxpayers to have to foot the bill, Im not in favor of that, and Im going to do whatever I can to make sure our town is made whole, Lombardi added.

Smiley echoed similar concerns, estimating the financial hit to Providence at $5 million, which he said would exacerbate the citys ongoing budget challenges.

Its a hard decision because we want these hospitals to be successful, but at the same time they consume services, and they take more property off the tax rolls, Smiley said.

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Both mayors are advocating for payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreements from the hospitals prospective new owner, The Centurion Foundation. Smiley said representatives from the owners have expressed willingness to discuss their proposal.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Back-to-back decisions in RI are Prospect Medicals latest financial headache

Its a long way between open to sit down and a signed agreement, so weve got some work left to do, Smiley noted.

The sale remains under regulatory review, with the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation weighing approval of a loan to finance the transaction. The group is set to meet later this month.

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A manager at McCormick Place and an associate were arrested Wednesday morning on federal fraud charges alleging they collected kickbacks they referred to in coded communications as bottles of wine from inflated bills for snow removal projects at the Chicago convention center.

Dominick Gironda, 54, of Bloomingdale, and his associate James Sansone, 38, of Batavia, were each charged in a three-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court with mail fraud and honest services fraud. Each of the counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Both men were arrested early Wednesday and pleaded not guilty during arraignments before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila Finnegan, who ordered them released on their own recognizance.

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According to the indictment, Gironda signed off on payment for the false invoices on items including compensation for equipment that hadnt been used or people who hadnt worked on a project. Sansone, who acted as an intermediary with the snowplow companies, received the money and passed some of it back to Gironda, the charges alleged.

In all, the two collected about $26,700 in kickbacks from 2022 to earlier this year, the indictment alleged.

Sansone, Gironda and an unnamed company president discussed the kickbacks in coded text messages that referred to the payments as bottles of wine, according to the indictment. Sansone was related to the president of one of the plowing companies, referred to as Individual A in the indictment.

The president of another contractor, referred to in the charges as Individual B, was also involved in the scheme, the indictment alleged. Three checks totaling more than $90,000 were sent to a Tinley Park post office box for Individual Bs company, the indictment said.

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The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the owner of McCormick Place, said in a statement that the company is aware of the charges against Gironda and is cooperating fully with the authorities.

Gironda appeared in court Wednesday and entered his not guilty plea through his attorney, Mark Sutter. Sansone appeared right after Gironda and also pleaded not guilty.

Among the conditions for Girondas release were to avoid contact with anyone involved with snowplowing at McCormick Place, and to notify his employer of the charges within 10 days.

Sutter initially objected to the last requirement, saying there was a significant rumor mill around McCormick Place and he didnt want the news about his client to be blasted all over the McCormick Place bulletin and turn him into something hes not.

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Finnegan said Gironda could just notify his direct supervisor, OVG360, which the McPier Authority contracts to run services at McCormick Place.

It may be in the news, no? the judge said.

Reached by phone after the hearing, Sutter declined to comment on the case, saying he needed time to examine the governments evidence.

McCormick Place, one of the largest convention centers in the world with over 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, has over the years been a hotbed of fraud, ghost payrolling and bid-rigging, much of it related to organized crime.

A decade ago, reputed Chicago Outfit enforcer Rudy Fratto was sentenced to federal prison for using confidential pricing information about competitors bids to undercut the competition and come in with the low bid on forklift contracts for two trade expositions at the convention center.
By Doina Chiacu and Luc Cohen

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -McKinsey and Company Africa Ltd, a subsidiary of McKinsey & Company, will pay more than $122 million to resolve a U.S. investigation into a bribery scheme in South Africa, the Justice Department said on Thursday.

Privately owned McKinsey Africa was charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for agreeing to pay bribes to officials at state-owned energy company Eskom and port and freight rail operator Transnet in exchange for non-public information about consulting contracts.

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McKinsey Africa entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.

"McKinsey Africa bribed South African officials in order to obtain lucrative consulting business that generated tens of millions of dollars in profits," said Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Departments Criminal Division.

Vikas Sagar, a senior former partner at McKinsey, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the act. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a statement, McKinsey said Sagar had concealed his conduct from the company, and that it fired him soon after it learned about the issues.

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McKinsey and McKinsey Africa earned around $85 million in profits through the bribery scheme, the Justice Department said. Eskom had hired McKinsey to help it execute a "turnaround plan."

Inefficiencies at Eskom and Transnet have constrained growth in Africa's most industrialized economy for more than a decade.

The Justice Department said McKinsey Africa had received credit for cooperating with its investigation and conducting anti-corruption training for employees. The $122,850,000 McKinsey has agreed to fork up includes a penalty it will pay in South Africa.

McKinsey is also in talks with the Justice Department to pay more than $600 million to resolve a separate investigation into the consulting firm's work helping opioid manufacturers boost sales that allegedly contributed to a deadly addiction epidemic, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Ismail Shakil; additional reporting by Nate Raymond; Writing by Luc Cohen; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Jonathan Oatis)
Doctors in one of the Internets top medical communities have turned on the murdered UnitedHealthcare (UHC) CEO Brian Thompson in such brutal fashion that Reddit moderators deleted a thread on the killing.

The moderators of r/medicine closed the thread, posted Wednesday after news broke that Thompson was shot dead outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, after it racked up over 500 replies.

The commenters overwhelmingly criticizedand satirizedthe insurers alleged denial of coverage to sick and dying Americans in order to juice profits.

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The top comment, which received hundreds of supporting upvotes from other users, mocked UHCs notorious track record for refusing to pay out insurance claims and is written as a lengthy, spoof rejection letter from the company.

Addressed to an unnamed applicantfollowing a careful review of the claim submitted for emergency services on December 4, 2024it informs them they are being rejected for coverage because you failed to obtain prior authorization before seeking care for the gunshot wound to your chest.

If you would like to appeal the fatal gunshot, please call 1-800-555-1234 with case # 123456789P to initiate a peer to peer within 48 hours of the fatal gun shot, wrote one user.

Another paraphrased the early 20th Century trade union lawyer Clarence Darrow: Ive never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure."

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Dozens and dozens more expressed similar sentiment.

That original thread may have been deleted but criticism of Thompson on Reddit has not died down. Roughly 16 hours after the deleted post was made in r/medicine, another user made a separate post soliciting thoughts on the murder. It has remained up.

As with the previous thread, some comments contain humor or outrage expressed at UHC.

But othersincluding from doctors and medical professionalsoffer incisive and unsparing critiques of Thompsons business practices.

One medical doctor, whose identity the Daily Beast confirmed, commented with sympathy for Thompsons family and said the killer should be charged with murder, but then wondered about the damage the CEO had done.

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I cannot even guess how many person-years UHC has taken from patients and their families through denials, they wrote. It has to be on the order of millions. His death wont make that better, but its hard for me to sympathize when so many people have suffered because of his company.

What has bothered me the most is people that put fiduciary responsibility (eg profits) above human lives, none more so than this company as run by him," wrote another medical doctor, who also spoke to the Daily Beast to confirm their identity. When others human lives are deemed worthless, it is not surprising to have others view your life of no value as well.

The moderators of the subreddit told the Daily Beast, in a message, that they removed the original post because it was unproductive, a time suck for the mods, without a good source, being brigaded, arguably against Reddits [terms of service] and [featured] too many inappropriate comments.

The sites communities are moderated by teams of volunteers.

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It wasnt because of criticism of business practices, the statement added. We criticize insurance business practices frequently here.

Under Thompsons leadership, UHC faced intense criticism for being one of Americas most ruthlessly profit-minded moneymaking healthcare firms.

According to research by ValuePenguin citing in-network claim data, it is the worst insurance company for paying claims with about one-third of claims denied.

In September, a Senate report excoriated UHC and two other large insurers, Humana and CVS, for allegedly denying patients access to post-acute care in order to increase profits.

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UHC is a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, the countrys largest healthcare conglomerate, which made $371 billion in revenue last year, when Thompsons compensation was $10 million.

Police have yet to attribute a motive to the masked killer who shot Thompson outside an investor meeting in what NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch said was likely a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.

Law enforcement officials found the words deny, defend and depose on shell casings recovered from the crime scene and are reportedly examining whether they can be connected to a motive involving insurance companies.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Medina man was arrested after a domestic situation escalated and became physical in a school parking lot.

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office reports that around 6 p.m. Wednesday, they received a call for a man assaulting a woman in the Alexander School Parking Lot. When school staff attempted to intervene, deputies said Tyler Bull, 22, pulled out what appeared to be a handgun. Police arrived and took him into custody without further incident.

The weapon turned out to be a CO2 air pistol. Bull was arrested and is facing several unspecified charges.

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The woman was brought to Strong Memorial Hospital for her injuries, which are not considered life-threatening.

In addition to Genesee County Sherriffs Office, New York State Troopers as well as Batavia and Attica Police are investigating.

Deputies emphasize this was an isolated incident and there are no safety concerns involving the school.

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Jared Isaacman is President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead NASA.

Isaacman has led and flown on two SpaceX missions, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

Isaacman is a billionaire CEO who dropped out of high school and founded two companies.

Jared Isaacman isn't just a billionaire CEO. He's also a SpaceX astronaut, and now he's poised to lead NASA under the new Trump administration.

President-elect Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that he was nominating Isaacman to be the new NASA Administrator.

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Isaacman has flown to space twice aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, on flights he commissioned, funded, and commanded  including a mission where he conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk in September.

So who is Jared Isaacman, and how did the entrepreneur end up as Trump's NASA pick? Read on to learn about his career rise.

Isaacman decided to drop out of high school at the age of 15.

Isaacman chose to drop out of high school at 15. Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post/Getty

At the age of 15, Isaacman decided to drop out of high school and take the GED, according to the Netflix docuseries "Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space."

"I was a horrible student," Isaacman said in the series. "And I wasn't, like, happy in school, either."

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He described his younger self as independent and said he didn't understand things like raising your hand to go to the bathroom.

At 16, he founded a multibillion-dollar payment-processing company in his parents' basement.

Isaacman founded Shift4 in 1999. SOPA Images/Getty

Isaacman founded United Bank Card in 1999.

The company, now called Shift4, offers mobile-payment software, point-of-sale solutions, and online payments for various businesses.

Isaacman said in the Netflix docuseries that when he started the company, he would wake up every day at 7:30 a.m. and fall asleep on the keyboard at 2 or 3 in the morning.

By 2020, he took the company public. Today, Shift4 processes over $260 billion annually and serves over 200,000 customers, according to its website.

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Isaacman has a wife and two kids.

Isaacman lives with his wife and two daughters in New Jersey. Joe Raedle/Getty

Isaacman has known his wife, Monica Isaacman, for most of his life. The two come from the same town and got married in 2012. They now live in New Jersey with their two daughters.

"I want my kids to see humans walking on the moon and Mars," Isaacman told BI.

His wife said in the docuseries that she had good and bad dreams leading up to his first SpaceX mission, Inspiration4, which launched in 2021.

She said while she wouldn't want him to compromise on his dreams of going to space, she worried about what could happen if something went wrong.

Isaacman told BI in the interview that his family and wife were much more enthusiastic about the Polaris Dawn mission this time around, thanks to a successful first mission.

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While there are still risks, he told BI his family is aware and accepts them.

He also founded Draken International.

Isaacman sold Draken International to Blackstone in 2019. The Washington Post/Getty

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Isaacman founded Draken International in 2012. The company is a private aircraft provider that also trains pilots for the US military, the UK, and NATO countries.

In 2019, Isaacman sold the company to Blackstone.

Isaacman became a billionaire in 2019.

Isaacman at SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. SpaceX/Business Wire via AP Photo

Isaacman hit billionaire status in 2020 after selling Draken International and taking Shift4 public. His net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion, according to Forbes.

He always had a passion for flying planes.

Isaacman said he took an interest in flying early on in life. Patrick T. Fallon

Isaacman said in the Netflix docuseries that he took an early interest in flying and went to flight school at a local airport in 2004.

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At the time, he was feeling burned out from starting his company and described flying as "therapeutic." Isaacman also set a world speed record for flying around the globe in 2009.

"I do believe you only get one crack at life," Isaacman said in the docuseries. "To the extent you have the means to do so, you have this obligation to live life to the fullest. You never know when it's going to be your last day."

He added in the docuseries that this philosophy had taken him to fly in air shows as part of a seven-ship formation aerobatic team and on mountain-climbing expeditions in Antarctica.

He's involved with philanthropy.

Isaacman and his family are involved in a number of philanthropic causes. Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Isaacman has been involved in several charitable causes and organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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His first SpaceX mission raised over $240 million for St. Jude and was named Inspiration4 to inspire support and raise awareness for the research hospital.

Isaacman and his wife have also committed to The Giving Pledge, a charitable campaign founded by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett in 2010.

The Giving Pledge serves as a commitment from wealthy people to donate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

Isaacman's first mission to space took place in 2021.

The Inspiration4 crew members in their SpaceX space suits. Inspiration4/John Kraus

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In 2021, Isaacman funded and led the first civilian mission to space, called Inspiration4. The mission was carried out by SpaceX 's Dragon capsule.

Isaacman previously told Business Insider that the prep for the mission was extensive and involved a lot of studying and physical tests.

"The academics were pretty intense," Isaacman said, adding that there were thousands of pages across a hundred manuals to learn about SpaceX's Falcon and Dragon aircraft.

It also involved crew members drawing blood from each other and learning how to take skin samples to prepare for increased radiation levels on the trip.

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Isaacman commanded the first-ever privately funded spacewalk

The Crew of the next SpaceX private astronaut flight called Polaris Dawn. The Washington Post/Getty Images

On September 10, Isaacman and three other crew members successfully took off on their way into orbit for the first-ever privately funded spacewalk.

The spacewalk featured SpaceX's new EVA suits.

During the spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn crew will wear the new SpaceX EVA suits  https://t.co/LRl5pPlAC9 pic.twitter.com/MVHzNwiWZU  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024

Polaris Dawn lifted off from Launch Complex-39A at NASA's KSC, which also saw the launches of other historic missions, such as the Apollo 11 moon landing. Dragon and the Polaris Dawn crew safely arrived back on the coast of Florida on September 15.

Trump nominated Isaacman to lead NASA

SpaceX CEO with President-Elect Donald Trump. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

In an X post on Wednesday, Isaacman called the nomination "the honor of a lifetime" and suggested that human space exploration would be a top priority.

Space-industry experts told BI that Isaacman is not a traditional pick for NASA Administrator, but his background in commercial spaceflight would benefit the agency.

"They need someone who is not afraid to try something new if the old ways aren't working," George Nield, a former head of the FAA's office of commercial space transportation, told BI.

Michelle Hanlon, executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law, called Isaacman "an inspired pick," in part due to his "stellar" managerial skills.

"He has shown a real commitment to increasing access to space, and I think he is going to be a great person to promote space to the general public," she said.

This story was originally published on September 11, 2024, and most recently updated on December 4, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider
This will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

A Long Island man with Down syndrome has proved that nothing can stop his dreams  as he has built and runs the worlds largest online sock company and has been able to hire a staff filled with others who face similar challenges.

John Cronin, 28, co-founded the Farmingdale-based Johns Crazy Socks in 2016 with his family because of his love of wacky socks and has since become a hosiery mogul, selling upward of two million orders with 4,000 designs and donating nearly $800,000 to charities.

Long Island man John Cronin co-founded Johns Crazy Socks, a successful online retailer that hires many differently abled individuals. He is holding pairs of socks in honor of Down syndrome (left) and autism awareness. Stefano Giovannini

Ive got a very meaningful job here, the 28-year-old, told The Post.

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Since hitting it big in the stocking market, Cronin has had many honors, such as being invited to speak to Congress and the United Nations on behalf of those with differing abilities.

John Cronins success story has turned him into a public figure and motivational icon. Stefano Giovannini

The local entrepreneur, who often travels for speaking engagements, even developed a friendship with the late President George HW Bush. The two would send each other socks.

Cronin, a Huntington resident and former Special Olympian, began his enterprise after struggling to find a job after high school, he said.

The young man approached his family and insisted they start a sock company because he would collect wacky ones while on vacation.

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I know how fun it is, and I wanted to share that. I couldnt be the only one who wanted to buy them, Cronin said. He now runs the business with his parents, Mark and Carol, and his older brother, Jamie.

Orders range from prints that raise awareness for causes such as Down syndrome and autism to socks that celebrate different holidays and snacks. They also sell crowd favorites with Harry Potter and SpongeBob themes.

Cronin wears many hats in his role and does whatever the company needs. He also created a special Down syndrome awareness sock, among other designs.

Early success came as he stole the show and hearts of customers. Initially, Cronin would often hand-deliver socks.

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John would walk up to a house and be invited in for ten minutes, his mother Carol, 66, who handles bulk orders, told The Post. One time, he even came back with a $10 tip.

John Cronin runs the company along with his mother Carol and older brother Jamie in addition to his father Mark, who is not pictured. Stefano Giovannini

John Cronin gives customers candy and a special note with each order. Stefano Giovannini

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Now servicing 89 nations, each fulfillment still gets a personal touch by being packed with a special note and candy. Cronin is known professionally as the brands chief happiness officer.

The fun-loving co-founder  he recently wrote Lets Go Mets to a Pennsylvania customer who ordered Phillies socks  boasted that Jeff Bezos isnt doing that.

A chance to shine

John Cronin felt it was important to hire differently abled employees. His brother Jamie commends their staffs work ethic. Stefano Giovannini

As the business grew, so did Cronins mission. He made it a pillar objective to give employment opportunities to others with differing abilities. Cronin personally knows how hard it can be to land a job.

I couldnt do it without them, Cronin said. They work so hard, and they make it possible to show [what people like us can do].

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Cronins brother Jamie, 31, oversees the warehouse personnel. It is currently at 35 for the busy holiday season.

He quickly recognized that staff is held to the same standard and task intensity as anyone else.

At work, John holds several different roles. He still packs orders himself at times. Stefano Giovannini

Given the high order volume, Jamie also stressed the need for efficiency and worker independence.

We are a for-profit business at the end of the day, he told The Post.

Carol added that their hard-working employees error margin is well below 1%.

The numbers relay a mighty sentiment from Jamies second in command,  Gary Rottkamp, 57, who has autism. He strongly believes those with differing abilities deserve a fair shot at work.

John Cronin works closely with his mother, Carol, as they run parts of the family business together. Stefano Giovannini

They should give people a chance to see if they can do the job correctly, Rottkamp told The Post. Its best for business.

Rottkamp has worked at Johns Crazy Socks for seven years. The reason is simple.

Its fulfilling to me, he said. The people here are wonderful.
Fans of Melania Trump can have a private dinner with her and the president-elect  if they are willing to shell out up to $2 million for the honor.

The incoming first lady is likely to spend most of her time away from the White House during Donald Trumps second term, according to a report last month, but she is making an appearance at a candlelit dinner donors can attend if their price is right.

A Trump Vance Inaugural Committee flier obtained by the New York Times and prospectus seen by Axios reports that donors can enjoy an elegant and intimate dinner with President Donald J. Trump and Mrs Melania Trump on January 19 if they cut a personal check for $1 million or raise $2 million.

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The dinner with the Trumps is described as the pinnacle event of the inauguration.

The top tier inauguration package  seen by Axios  for donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million also includes a dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha, tickets to the glitzy black-tie Starlight Ball on January 20, a cabinet reception with Trumps hopeful nominees, four hotel rooms, and six tickets to the swearing-in ceremony.

Donors can enjoy a candlelit dinner with Melania and the president-elect if they pay (AFP via Getty Images)

Other packages are available with varying levels of access to the above events, though the dinner with Vance and his wife is only for donors of the highest tier. The lowest priced package is between $50,000 and $100,000.

The invite noted that there are no limits on the donations made to the inaugural committee, the Times reports, but gifts over $200 are disclosed to the Federal Election Commission.

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The taxpayer funds inaugural events at the Capitol, including the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural luncheon. But the president-elect must raise money from private donors for the inaugural parade, concerts and the ball.

In 2012, Barack Obamas inaugural committee offered corporations who gave $1 million access to an array of inaugural festivities, the Times reported. And during Obamas first inauguration, his committee raised at least $53 million from donors.

Donald Trump at his first inauguration on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, President Joe Bidens inaugural committee was accepting $500,000 in donations from individuals and $1 million from corporations for his virtual ceremony in 2021, CNN reported at the time.

While it appears that Melania will be attending the inauguration, the returning first lady has made it clear that this time is different as she prepares to carve out her role as FLOTUS with four years of experience under her belt.

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Kate Bennett, former CNN White House correspondent and author of Free, Melania: The Unauthorized Biography, noted that Melania can be as active in the East Wing or as inactive as she cares to be.

Melania will spend most of her time between New York City, where her 18-year-old son Barron is studying at NYU, and Palm Beach, Florida, sources familiar with her plans told CNN.
By Brad Brooks

(Reuters) -The Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people, the U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday following an investigation, calling on the Tennessee city's police to undertake significant reforms.

The federal investigation began in July 2023, in the wake of the beating death of Black motorist Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis officers.

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Memphis police conduct unlawful stops, searches and arrests, discriminate in responses to people with behavioral health disabilities and in its treatment of children "who have experienced aggressive and frightening encounters with officers," the report said.

A spokesperson for the Memphis Police Department directed inquiries for comment on the investigation to City Hall. A spokesperson for City Hall said they plan to hold a press conference on Thursday.

Memphis City Attorney Tannera Gibson wrote in a letter to the Justice Department on Wednesday that city officials were not yet ready to negotiate reforms with the department, saying that they needed time to review the report's findings.

Gibson wrote that the investigation "only took 17 months to complete, compared to an average of 2-3 years in almost every other instance, implying a rush to judgment."

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The city, Gibson added, could not yet agree with the Justice Department to "work toward or enter into a consent decree" - a court-approved settlement that typically commits police departments to systemic reforms and often involves oversight by an independent monitor for a number of years.

In October a federal jury found three former Memphis officers guilty of witness tampering in relation to their trial for Nichols' death. The officers were cleared of the most serious charges that could have resulted in life in prison. Two other former officers had already pleaded guilty to federal charges and testified against their former colleagues in the trial.

Three of the officers still face a murder trial in Tennessee state court in April.

The Justice Department acknowledged in a statement that the police had undergone some reforms but said more changes were needed to correct the issues it found.

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"The people of Memphis deserve a police department and city that protects their civil and constitutional rights, garners trust and keeps them safe," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

The Justice Department statement said the Memphis Police Department and the city government had cooperated fully with the investigation. Federal officials "will be conducting outreach to members of the Memphis community for input on remedies to address the department's findings," it said.

(Reporting by Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by William Mallard)
Memphis will not agree to negotiate federal oversight of its police department until it can review and challenge results of a yet-to-be-released Department of Justice investigation into how its officers use force and treat minorities, according to a letter released by the city on Wednesday.

In the letter to the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, Memphis City Attorney Tannera George Gibson said the city has received a request from the DOJ to enter into an agreement that would require it to negotiate a consent decree aimed at institutional police and emergency services.

In July 2023, the Justice Department announced an investigation into the Memphis Police Department, looking at the departments pattern or practice of how it uses force and conducts stops, searches and arrests, and whether it engages in discriminatory policing. The findings of the investigation, which was announced six months after the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols by police, have not been released.

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A consent decree is an agreement requiring reforms that are overseen by an independent monitor and are approved by a federal judge. The federal oversight can continue for years, and violations could result in fines paid by the city.

It remains to be seen what will happen to attempts to reach such agreements between cities and the Justice Department once President-elect Donald Trump returns to office and installs new department leadership. The Justice Department under the first Trump administration curtailed the use of consent decrees, and the Republican president-elect is expected to again radically reshape the departments priorities around civil rights.

The citys letter said a legal finding supporting the contention that the Citys patterns and practices violate the Constitution requires a legal process, which includes the citys ability to challenge the DOJs methods of evaluating information and the credibility of witnesses.

Until the City has had the opportunity to review, analyze, and challenge the specific allegations that support your forthcoming findings report, the City cannot  and will not  agree to work toward or enter into a consent decree that will likely be in place for years to come and will cost the residents of Memphis hundreds of millions of dollars, the letter said.

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The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Police video showed officers pepper spraying Nichols and hitting him with a Taser before he ran away from a traffic stop. Five officers chased down Nichols and kicked, punched and hit him with a police baton just steps from his home as he called out for his mother. The video showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled with his injuries.

Nichols died on January 10, 2023, three days after the beating. The five officers  Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith  were fired, charged in state court with murder, and indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights and witness tampering charges.

Nichols was Black, as are the former officers. His death led to national protests, raised the volume on calls for police reforms in the US, and directed intense scrutiny towards the Memphis Police Department.

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The officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit, which was disbanded after Nichols death. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders, with the goal of amassing arrest numbers, while sometimes using force against unarmed people.

Martin and Mills pleaded guilty to the federal charges under deals with prosecutors. The other three officers were convicted in early October of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the beating. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols serious injuries.

Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols civil rights causing death, but he was convicted of two lesser charges of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury. The five men face sentencing by a federal judge in the coming months.

Martin and Mills also are expected to change their not guilty pleas in state court, according to lawyers involved in the case. Bean, Haley and Smith have also pleaded not guilty to state charges of second-degree murder. A trial in the state case has been set for April 28.

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Justice Department investigators have targeted other cities with similar probes in recent years.

On November 21, the department said police in New Jerseys capital of Trenton have shown a pattern of misconduct, including using excessive force and making unlawful stops. The DOJs report documented arrests without legal basis, officers escalating situations with aggression and unnecessary use of pepper spray.

In June 2023, another Justice Department probe alleged that Minneapolis police systematically discriminated against racial minorities, violated constitutional rights and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before George Floyd was killed.

In March 2023, the department found police in Louisville, Kentucky, engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.

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In its letter, the city of Memphis said the DOJs investigation only took 17 months to complete, compared to an average of 2-3 years in almost every other instance, implying a rush to judgment.

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MercyOne Genesis held a groundbreaking Wednesday for the expansion of MercyOne Genesis Eldridge Family Medicine at 301 N. 4th Ave., Eldridge.

The Eldridge location, which includes MercyOne Genesis Eldridge Family Medicine, Convenient Care, Imaging & Laboratory, has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years and is projected to continue growing, according to a news release.

(Shive-Hattery)

The expansion will provide the opportunity to grow primary care services with four additional providers. We are pleased to share that two physicians have signed and will begin in the next one to two years. The construction is expected to begin immediately and be complete in the summer of 2025, said Beau Dexter, regional vice president of operations, MercyOne Medical Group.



In the fiscal year 2024, MercyOne Genesis Eldridge Family Medicine cared for more than 10,000 patients, which included 39,080 family practice visits and 7,860 Convenient Care visits.



The City of Eldridge values our long-time partnership with MercyOne Genesis. We are very fortunate to have them here to provide vital health care services to our residents and surrounding areas. We are thrilled about this expansion and supporting the growth of our community by increasing available services to all our current and future citizens, said Frank King, Eldridge mayor.

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Speakers included King, Dexter, and Jordan Voigt, president, Eastern Iowa Division, MercyOne.

The additional 7,669 square feet of space will allow an expansion of 13 new exam rooms, new offices, two procedure rooms, an expanded laboratory and a larger Convenient Care.







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Meta announced Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, it plans to build a $10 billion data center in Richland Parish at the state-owned Franklin Farms site. (Louisiana Economic Development)

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, intends to build a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana and hire more than 500 employees at the site, Gov. Jeff Landry and state economic development officials announced Wednesday.

They have labeled the project as having the potential to reverse course in the states poorest, most economically beleaguered region, though it could come at the expense of incentives worth tens of millions of dollars in state revenue.

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Metas development is planned for a state-owned, 2,250-acre site known as Franklin Farms, 30 miles northeast of Monroe in Richland Parish. It will be the biggest of Metas 20 data centers around the world, according to the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) agency.

Data center development is exploding globally to meet the demands of companies to store, distribute and process digital information. There are more than 8,000 such facilities worldwide, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission, with 13 in Louisiana.

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Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office, Landry said in a statement. Metas investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisianas rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our states beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future.

Landry, who traveled to northeast Louisiana to announce the project, credited the recent state tax overhaul the Legislature approved for convincing Meta to build its data center here. Records from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) indicate the development has been in the works well prior to Novembers special legislative session.

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Entergy filed documents Oct. 30 with the PSC for approval of a $3.2 billion power plant to support a new data center, Floodlight reported last month. Natural gas will be used to generate the electricity, which environmentalists have raised concerns over. The proliferation of data centers is driving higher electricity demand, leading to greater dependence on fossil fuels to generate that power, they say.

According to Louisiana Economic Development, Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid. State officials and PSC records Floodlight reviewed did not detail how Meta or Entergy would match its power use, whether through construction of a solar farm, for example, or buying power from another source.

An LED statement said the project could become one of the largest private capital investments in the states history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested.

Kevin Janda, Metas director of data center strategy, called Richland Parish an outstanding location for Meta.

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It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward, Janda said in a statement. Were thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.

Richland Parish had an unemployment rate of 5.3% as of October, according to Louisiana Workforce Commission data that pegged the statewide rate at 4.5%. Richlands population is just over 19,000, but state figures place its civilian workforce, the number of people in the parish with or without jobs, at more than 54,000.

The Franklin Farms site is adjacent to four other parishes with the states highest jobless rates: West Carroll (7.4%), East Carroll (9.5%), Madison (6.9%) and Tensas (7.2%).

Poverty rates in the area range from nearly 20% in Richland to 32% in West Carroll, based on federal figures covering 2018-22. Louisianas statewide poverty rate was nearly 14% over the period, above the 8.8% national average. The federal poverty line in 2022 was $13,590 for a one-person household and $4,720 for each additional person.

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The Louisiana Community and Technical College System will provide $250,000 to Delta Community College, which has a campus in Monroe, to scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs. LED projects the data center buildout will require 5,000 construction workers at its peak.

Delta Community College will aso partner with other schools to develop curricula for students seeking jobs in data center operations, according to state officials.

Meta said site work at Franklin Farms is slated to begin in September with construction lasting through 2030. Officials said the company intends to claim state tax rebates through a program the Legislature approved this past spring for data center equipment purchases.

At the state level, the incentive overall  beyond just Metas rebates  could cost tens of millions of dollars in revenue annually for at least 20 years, the Legislatures fiscal staff wrote in its estimate of the proposals impact. Unknown elements that could affect that amount include the rapid advancement of technology, growing data center demand, the wide array of equipment that qualifies for a rebate and the absence of program or recipient cost constraints, they said.

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These factors make quantifying the exact impact of the proposed law difficult to predict but could serve to restrict the state and local sales tax base for many years, the laws fiscal note reads.

Last month, state lawmakers approved an increase in the state sales tax to 5%, effective Jan. 1. Richland Parish does not collect a sales tax.

Meta is also expected to take part in the states Quality Jobs program that offers a break on company payroll taxes, the LED statement said.

Lawmakers and the governor agreed last month to end the program and stop taking applications after June 30, 2025, as part of the states tax system revamp. LED chief communications officer Mark Lorando said in an email the state will honor advance notifications and applications filed before the sunset date of any incentive program affected in the recently approved tax legislation. Meta has not filed advance notification yet but has until June 30 next year to do so, he added.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Metro is cracking down on people who walk past the pay station on their busses and hitch a ride without paying.

The transit agency said its losing tons of money because most passengers who take the bus dont pay.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) CEO Randy Clarke said at a Wednesday press conference the agency is about $50 million short in revenue because of fare evasion on its busses. Clarke said the new efforts are not about citations or arrests, but making sure people pay their fare share to ride.

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Metro installs more secure faregates in effort to prevent fare evasion

Clarke told reporters about 70% of bus riders dont pay their fare  far above the roughly 27% before the pandemic.

That is just unacceptable, he said.

The new efforts on buses come about a year-and-a-half after the fare evasion prevention program on Metrorail.

The bus program involves Metro Transit Police Department officers, both uniformed and undercover.

We may have officers ride busses in plain clothes radio  or text  another officer, Clarke said. Then when that bus gets to, say, a larger stop, the uniformed officers walk on and say, you, you, you [get off].

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Metro police to intensify fare evasion citations after passage of Secure DC bill

One rider who spoke with DC News Now said she could understand the apprehension to pay, especially for students.

Sometimes the fee kind of gets a little bit too expensive, said Dunamis Daodu, who rides the bust most days to college.

Other riders said they hope the crackdown will help the transit agency improve busses and route efficiencies, something Clarke echoed.

[The bus] made me late a couple of times, rider Eddie Williams said. So, try to get more people to come along Metro, put more job posters up and stuff like that.

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Paying their fare share: DC leaders look to crack down on Metro fare jumping

This is collecting fares from customers to deliver the service that they and other members of our community actually need, right? Clarke added.

WMATA will station its enforcement using data of stops that have higher amounts of bus fare evasion.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A proposition to give Metro Police access to private security cameras fails by just one vote.

Still, some Metro Council members and city leaders say the conversation will continue. Fusus, a surveillance program requested by Metro Nashville Police and supported by Mayor Freddie OConnell to add more resources for law enforcement, failed Tuesday night.

There is really no need to expand this kind of system, District 16 Metro Council Member Ginny Welsch said. Again, the argument is that it makes it easier to solve crimes. But crimes have been going down, so obviously, we are doing something right.

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The vote only added to the larger conversation for license plate readers (LPRs).

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Fusus is an integrated camera system and a platform to host other cameras such as LPRs, District 14 Metro Council Member Jordan Huffman said. Weve really got to implement Fuses number one before we can facilitate an LPR system because those cameras have to live somewhere.

Metro approved LPRs in August 2023, but no contract has passed since then, meaning no cameras.

Tuesday nights debate was reminiscent of fears about LPRs.

My district in particular, we have a huge percentage of the immigrant population and people of color who feel very threatened by the Fusus system and other systems, including LPRs, because historically they have been used as a weapon against them, Welsch said.

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The vote extended concerns for LPRs future.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

It does raise concerns about whether or not LPRs will face the same kind of opposition, District 27 Metro Council Member Bob Nash said.

What might happen because of last nights Fusus vote is the realization that the Metro Council isnt just gonna take and rubberstamp whatever contract comes from the administration or MNPD, Welsch expressed.

Whatever is decided has to come before council, so if there are problems, we will make sure we address those and amend if we have to or go back to the drawing board if we have to, Welsch explained.

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In response to the decision, Chief John Drake of Metro Police and OConnell affirmed their continued efforts to bring more resources to Metro Police.

We dont want to deal with immigration, Drake said. I know people have concerns with the federal government. That is not what we want to do in Nashville, what we want to do in Nashville is keep our community safe.

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I think this conversation is going to have to continue about how we simultaneously keep residents of Nashville safe and also protect vulnerable Nashvillians, OConnell concluded.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The New Mexico Reentry Center is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to assisting men and women as they transition back into society after incarceration. To celebrate and highlight their success, the organization is holding its 3rd annual Holiday Gala on December 7, at Embassy Suites by Hilton.

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The Gala benefits the New Mexico Reentry Center and celebrates is achievements. The organization works with clients who are preparing to be released from incarceration and help them navigate services and prepare for their release. After being released the Reentry Center continues to work with clients and provide support through a number of services. Peer Support Specialist, Eileen Sandoval says organization helped her get an ID, social security card, birth certificate and a job.

For more information on the New Mexico Reentry Center and to support the organization through donations, click here.

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The silhouette of a drill head, backlit by a vibrant sunset, is visible from Route 550 just outside Farmington, N.M., on Oct. 26, 2021. Oil and gas drove revenues on drilling on state land to more than $2.5 billion in 2024. (Photo by Isabel Koyama / Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

Oil and gas revenue earned New Mexico more than $2.5 billion last fiscal year, state officials announced Thursday. It was the third straight year the state broke the $2 billion threshold from its land, and its second-biggest windfall of that type ever.

With record production, New Mexico has risen to become the second-highest producer of oil and gas in the U.S., just behind Texas. The states revenue from its 9 million acres of land and 13 million acres of below-ground holdings goes to its Land Grant Permanent Fund. The fund holds money in trust for public schools, universities and a handful of other beneficiaries. This year, it paid out more than $1 billion.

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Nonpartisan analysts from the Legislative Finance Committee warned lawmakers earlier this year that the state is becoming increasingly reliant on the money generated by unparalleled oil and gas production, but that it is unrealistic to expect it to continue. Projections are showing that revenues are still growing, but slowing.

New Mexico land uses beyond oil and gas  think everything from grazing fees to leases for businesses like Netflixs studios  made more than $214 million in revenues from the state, the highest amount ever, according to the State Land Office. That money flows into the separate Land Maintenance Fund, a catch-all fund which first pays for the State Land Office expenses, and then can generate revenue.

In years past, it typically amounted to just over 2.5% of the revenue, this year, it was more than 8%.

State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard credited the growth to seeking more diverse opportunities, such as leasing lands for renewable energy. But she predicted the state will need to address some budget gaps in the 2025 legislative session.

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I will continue working to make as much money for our schools as possible, including pushing the Legislature to raise the states inadequate oil and gas royalty rate, Garcia Richard said in a statement.

Even as the oil boom is boosting New Mexico budgets  quadrupling revenues in five years  the state is also increasingly paying more for impacts of manmade climate change linked to fossil fuels such as damaging wildfires, increased flooding and continued drought.

While its hard to always track how much disasters cost, the state approved loans of $46 million for the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fires and more than $100 million in relief for fires and floods in Ruidoso earlier this year. Federal data tracking billion-dollar disaster events show New Mexico is suffering from hundreds of millions to billions in damages from storms, drought and fires.

Both the executive branch and the legislative finance committee will release their budget requests in the coming weeks.

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Reverend Chris Yaw of St. Davids Episcopal Church in Southfield speaks at a news conference in the Michigan State Capitol Building for legislative efforts to curb gun violence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Time is running out on a handful of gun safety bills in the Michigan legislature as the session nears its end this month.

Democratic lawmakers, joined by gun violence survivors and advocates, gathered in the Michigan Capitol Wednesday to call on the Democratic-led legislature to prioritize bills to ban ghost guns and bump stocks, as well as implementing other gun safety measures.

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Gun violence can come for anyone, Denise Wieck said. No one expects to get a phone call at 3:30 a.m. saying their 17-year-old son has been shot, but Wieck said three and a half years ago it happened to her.

Her son, Guy Boyd, was with a longtime friend, Wieck said, when the friend, another 17-year-old, accidentally shot Boyd in the head with a ghost gun, a homemade firearm with no serial number. The friend had built the gun from a kit he was able to purchase online and assemble in 30 minutes.

Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) (right) applauds gun violence prevention advocate Denise Wieck at a news conference discussing legislative efforts to curb gun violence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

No other family should go through what our family went through, Wieck said, sharing that she and her family, along with doctors, did not believe her son was going to survive his injury. But after a lengthy stay in the hospital, he lived, losing an eye and navigating life with a traumatic brain injury and epileptic episodes.

Do not sit back idly and think this did not happen to me. This could not happen to me because thats what I thought. This couldnt happen to me, Wieck cationed attendees Wednesday. Please fight. Do whatever you can. Speak up.

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Senate bills 1149 and 1150 would ban the purchase, possession or distribution of any firearm that is not imprinted with a valid serial number. Currently ghost guns can be purchased without background checks and without serial numbers, creating difficulty connecting such weapons to crimes. A person who violates the ban on unserialized firearms could face up to five years in prison for repeated offenses.

Advocates for gun safety policy at the Capitol gathering called for lawmakers to keep up momentum on passing gun reforms while Democrats hold the majority in both chambers. Republicans in the state House won back control in November and will assume leadership of the chamber in January.

Soon after the mass shooting on Michigan State Universitys East Lansing campus where three students were killed and several others were injured on Feb. 13, 2023, lawmakers got to work on several gun reforms which went into effect in state law this year, exactly one year after the tragedy.

New policies include background checks on all gun sales in the state, requirements to safely store any firearms and ammunition when minors are present and implementing extreme risk protection orders which allow courts to order the confiscation of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.

Gun violence advocates listen to speaks at a news conference in the Michigan State Capitol Building for legislative efforts to curb gun violence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

These are legislators who are tired of being afraid that our kids wont come home from school, Reverend Chris Yaw of St. Davids Episcopal Church in Southfield said, thanking the lawmakers present at the event. They understand when I speak for many clergy who are tired of burying children, they know that we are tired of burying children. So today we are here [from] all across the state, to celebrate and support new legislation that will stop the killing because now is not the time to slow down.

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Lawmakers are also interested in advancing legislation to ban bump stocks, devices that enhance semi-automatic firearms to fire at a faster rate, elevating the speed to effectively make it a fully automatic weapon.

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on bump stocks that had been put in place under president-elect Donald Trumps previous administration after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas where a gunman utilized bump stocks to open fire at a concert killing 60 people and injuring hundreds others.

The shooting in Las Vegas lasted for 11 minutes, with more than 1,000 bullets being discharged. Bump stocks make it possible for rifles to fire up to 800 rounds in a minute, according to the gun violence prevention group Everytowns research arm.

Senate Bill 942 would ban the manufacture, sale, and possession of bump stocks in Michigan. The bill, which sits in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee, was introduced by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) shortly after the U.S. Supreme Courts decision.

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Here in Michigan, its a life-or-death matter that we join the 16 other states with policies that ban deadly bump stocks and keep these dangerous devices out of the hands of Michigan residents, Polehanki said in a news release this summer introducing the bill. Bump stocks that can turn firearms into illegal, destructive weapons of war should never have a place in our communities.

And Michigan knows all too well the cost of gun violence, Yaw said, pointing to the deaths of the three students at MSU, Alexandria Verner, 20; Brian Fraser, 20; and Arielle Anderson, 19, as well as the students killed in the Nov. 30, 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School, Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Justin Shilling, 17, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17.

Its not enough that Democrats got safe storage bills across the finish line, Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) told attendees Wednesday, parents need to be empowered to know the best ways they can protect their children while having firearms in the home.

Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) speaks at a news conference in the Michigan State Capitol Building for legislative efforts to curb gun violence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

House Bills 5450 and 5451 call on the state health department to create materials to be distributed by public schools educating on safe storage laws in Michigan and resources on how to access low cost or free trigger locks.

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The Oxford High School shooting was enacted by a 15-year-old student, who was sentenced last year to life in prison without parole. In cases against the shooters parents for their roles in making the killings possible, the prosecution on the case argued that though a gun safe and a gun lock came with the purchase of the firearm, the lock sat in plastic and the safe had the factory all zeros combination, suggesting neither was ever used to secure the firearm from the child.

The bills cleared the House along party lines last month and will be heard in the Senate Education Committee next week, MacDonell said, reminding the crowd that many police stations and community buildings distribute free gun locks, as well as state health department county offices and local health departments.

Other bills expected to progress next week include legislation to codify Michigan State Polices current gun disposal practices into law.

After a New York Times investigation in 2023 found that the out-of-state company Michigan State Police used to dispose of firearms the agency received in buyback programs was repurposing pieces of weapons for resale in kits, the agency started using an in-state scrap metal processing facility to dispose of firearms.

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House bills 61446146 eliminate allowances for Michigan State Police to sell or otherwise dispose of firearms without destroying them.

We want a law that guarantees that Michigan will not be in the business of supplying for the secondary gun market, bill sponsor on the package Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) said. Im committed to all of you that we will work to make Michigan safer and more and more address the terrible violence that impacts each and every one of us in so many awful, traumatic and tragic ways.

Lawmakers praised advocates present for their work in applying pressure to systems of power in Michigan, with Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.) asking for support for her bill, HB 6064, which would allow Medicaid dollars to go towards Community Violence Intervention (CVI) services around the state.

Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.) speaks at a news conference in the Michigan State Capitol Building for legislative efforts to curb gun violence on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

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One package of bills, which arent showing signs of movement, concern changing Michigans laws to that individuals can file civil lawsuits against gun industry professionals if they knowingly or recklessly create, maintain, or contribute to a public nuisance through the sale, manufacture, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product.

House Bills 6183  6185 mandate manufacturers to establish and implement reasonable controls for the sale and distribution of firearm products or risk civil action. Actions that could warrant legal action include reasonable attempts to prevent firearms being outfitted with illegal enhancements and failing to prevent a third party purchasing a firearm for someone who would otherwise not be eligible to purchase a firearm.

These bills are especially necessary to hold gun ranges and stores accountable to existing laws, Gail Duncan of Charlotte said, recalling the 2018 killing of her 25-year-old daughter Rachel.

A gun store in Mason rented out firearms in March of 2018 to Rachels ex-boyfriend despite her successfully filing a personal protection order against the man which barred him possessing a firearm. He walked out of the store with the gun, going to Rachels work, killing her and then himself.

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He left that building and less than an hour later my daughter was dead, Duncan said.

No family should have to endure the pain of losing a daughter, Duncan said, and no family should face barriers in seeking justice for a loved one when gun industry stakeholders fail to uphold the law.

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Voters casting ballots. (Mario Tama/Getty Images.)

While pundits, politicians, and political scientists debate the meanings of the 2024 elections, one thing seems fairly clear: Michigan and Ohio are continuing their electoral divergence. We see this with the states presidential and Senate votes, as well as with overall voter turnout. Results suggest that Michigan will remain a competitive state, while much would have to change for Ohio to regain its swing state status.

Both Michigan and Ohio voted to give all of their electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2024, but by very different margins. Official results show Trump carrying Michigan by 1.4 percentage points. In 2020 the difference in Michigan was 2.78 points for Joe Biden. Ohio, on the other hand, went for Trump in 2024 by a margin of 11.2 percentage points. In 2020 the margin in Ohio for Trump was just 8.03 points.

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While Michigan moved more toward Trump than Ohio did (4.18 points v. 3.17), and in fact flipped from Democratic to Republican in the presidential election, Trumps winning margin was sufficiently small there that national campaigns are very likely to continue to consider Michigan a swing state. Ohio now is so far in the Republican camp it is unlikely presidential campaigns will be investing here anytime soon.

In terms of Michigans and Ohios Senate elections, the results appear to have diverged substantially. In Michigan, Democrat Elisa Slotkin came out victorious by 0.3 percentage points, thereby outperforming the Democratic presidential ticket by 1.7 percentage points.

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Meanwhile, in Ohio, Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was defeated by Republican challenger Bernie Moreno by 3.6 percentage points. Brown significantly over-performed compared with the Democratic presidential ticket, yet it was not enough to stave off defeat. It is unclear if there is another Democrat who could have performed so well against such strong headwinds in the state, which bodes ill for the partys future here. The Democratic Partys bench in Ohio does not appear to be very deep, but candidates can emerge from statewide obscurity to success, especially if the electorate is in a mood for change. The 2026 special U.S. Senate election will certainly be interesting.

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Something interesting also happened with regard to overall turnout. Lets look at the total number of votes for president in each state. There were 5,664,186 total presidential votes cast in Michigan, whereas in Ohio the total was 5,767,788. That these numbers are very close is important, given that Ohio has 1.7 million more people than Michigan does.

While Michigan was considered a swing state and both presidential campaigns spent a ton of money there, Ohio was not a focus of the presidential campaigns. On the other hand, both states had extremely competitive U.S. Senate elections, with Ohios Senate election being the most expensive in the country.

There are plausible explanations for these turnout differences. Michigan has election day voter registration. In Ohio, you have to be registered to vote 30 days before an election. Michigan has a citizens redistricting commission to draw state legislative and Congressional district boundaries. Ohio uses a partisan redistricting commission. Political scientists know that competitive elections matter when it comes to turnout.

Ohio voters had the opportunity to adopt through initiated constitutional amendment a redistricting plan similar to Michigans but it failed 54% to 46%. Full analysis of why it failed will take some time, but the complexity of the ballot language is likely one of the culprits. The fact that for the foreseeable future Ohio is unlikely to have very many competitive legislative elections does not bode well for turnout or the development of a bench of Democratic candidates who can successfully compete statewide.

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The divergence between Ohio and Michigan is most evident when looking at voters candidate preferences. While the two states have diverged in their support for parties and candidates, this does not mean that the two states have diverged as much on the issues. The arguably confusing redistricting initiative aside, both states have voted in favor of initiatives protecting reproductive rights and legalizing recreational marijuana.

While Ohio and Michigan each voted to give all of their electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2024, the states electoral divergence has continued. Michigan is competitive, and Ohio is not, and the things that Michigan did that make them more competitive remain elusive in Ohio.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Michigan professor has been indicted on two counts of sexual abuse in Salt Lake City after reportedly assaulting a student in May of 2022.

Dale Lee Sanders, 59, was charged in the Third District Court with two counts of forcible sexual abuse, which are second-degree felony charges.

SR-73 in Eagle Mountain re-opens following six car crash

A statement given to police by the victim in May of 2022 outlined that the victim, a male student, went with some other students to get ice cream, which was discussed with Sanders. The group of students stopped to look at a river, according to the victim, this was not discussed with Sanders.

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Sanders said that he would be staying in the victims room as punishment. The professor made the victim serve drinks in the buff.' Sanders was accused of doing several other unwanted sexual acts with the victim in the statement of probable cause which was included in charging documents.

Sanders told [the victim] that if he wanted to get into grad school or get a new laptop, he had to keep his head level, the probable cause statement said. The professor also told the victim they would be sleeping together, Sanders allegedly cuddled the victim and held his hand.

Sanders has not been booked in Utah at the time of writing.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) awarded $50 million in grant funding to 612 public school districts and 122 childcare centers in Michigan to ensure students can access clean, lead-free drinking water.

The grant will reimburse schools for any purchases made to comply with the Michigan Filter First law, which requires licensed childcare centers and K-12 schools to filter childrens drinking water for lead. Childcare centers must comply with the new law by October 2025, and schools by June 2026.

To do so, schools and childcare centers would have to purchase and install things such as bottle-filling stations, faucet-mount filters, filtered water pitchers, and replacement cartridges.

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Facilities here in the Mid-Michigan received hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding, such as:

East Lansing Public Schools $173,840.00 Eaton Rapids Public Schools $24,881.60 Grand Ledge Public Schools $149,179.51 Hillsdale Community Schools $48,301.31 Jackson Public Schools $52,287.68 Lansing School District $614,069.16 Potterville Public Schools $41,378.00 St. Johns Public Schools $6,399.00 Waverly Community Schools $49,563.23 Okemos Public Schools $93,441.00 Northwest Community Schools $149,685.00

Dont see your school district or daycare listed? You can search the list below, and find more information about Michigans lead testing requirements and strategies at this link:

Awards-2024-Filter-First-Grant-SchoolsDownload

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers in a Michigan Senate committee reviewed bills designed to clean up the process of election petitions and encourage former inmates to vote.

Those in support of Senate Bill 494 say theres an incorrect idea among some that former inmates cant vote.

They want to make it clear that this isnt trueIn fact, even former felons automatically regain their right to vote when they are either released or on parole.

The other 3 bills would change the way officials deal with people who sign petitions more than once. These bills would require people who collect those signatures to be paid by the hour rather than per signature so they wont be encouraged to cheat on the process.

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People circulating the petition would also have to make sure someone hears or reads the petitions summary before they sign it.

As of right now, if you accidentally sign a petition more than once, none of your votes count.

However, 6 News talked to State Sen. Jeff Irwin who said this shouldnt be the case.

I think its almost always an innocent mistake. sometimes they get asked by multiple people. sometimes these petition campaigns can go for 180 days, and if they go longer than that they have to then go and get signatures again from the people who signed them at the beginning, that can be very confusing for citizens, said Irwin.

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These bills were introduced after last months election during the legislatures lame-duck session.

The sponsors hope these bills will pass by the end of the calendar year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Susan J. Demas

Michigan could increase the value of payments and allow individuals to be eligible for longer under legislation that cleared the state Senate with bipartisan support Thursday.

Its been more than 20 years since the maximum weekly benefit rate cap has been increased, and sponsor of Senate Bill 40, Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), told reporters Thursday that the legislation to give unemployment benefits a bump helps keep skilled workers in Michigan when they fall on temporary hard times.

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Ultimately, this helps make sure we have a stable population. That money goes straight back into the economy and its really a buffer for folks who need it, Cherry said.

If the bill, which cleared the Michigan Senate 21-15 Thursday with two lawmakers excused, makes the cut before the legislative session ends this month, the weekly maximum on unemployment benefits will shoot up from $362 to $614 over the course of three years starting with $446 a week in January of 2025. Additional funds for dependents would increase over the course of three years as well, from $6 to $26.

Michigan is the lowest in the Great Lakes region for unemployment benefits and offers the shortest length of benefits at 20 weeks, Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) said earlier Thursday morning in the Senate Labor committee.

Michigan lawmakers are charged with making the lives of hardworking Michiganders better by promoting policies that establish livable wages and offer dignity to workers in health care, time with loved ones and retirement, President of the United Autoworkers Union Shawn Fain said in a letter to Michigan lawmakers Thursday morning.

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There is ample opportunity to pass legislation that helps working families and our communities before the end of 2024, Fain wrote. Reforms to the unemployment insurance system are desperately neededThe eligibility requirements in Michigan are some of the most restrictive in the country.

There are many members of the business community that oppose such a steep increase in weekly caps in unemployment benefits, Amanda Fisher, state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses told lawmakers in the Senate Labor committee Thursday.

I think there is room for discussion on an increaseI think that is reasonable, Fisher said in considering the decades that have passed without an increase. I think the problem you have, especially with my members, is when they cant find people to work, that it makes it very difficult to say, Okay, well, we need to increase unemployment, because there are jobs available.

When people receive unemployment payments, they spend them in the states economy, Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) said, reasoning that businesses benefit when families are able to participate in the economy.

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But the unemployment system is getting exploited by those whod rather receive benefits the way they are, Fisher said and increasing the duration and value of payments isnt conducive to a stronger economy as businesses struggle to find workers.

If they have lost their job through no fault of their own, I know my members want those folks to have benefits, but there are other issues too, Fisher said, relaying that business groups have said theyve gone to interview prospective workers who only apply to be able to present proof of search in order to keep getting unemployment benefits.

If the bill becomes law, it would have a significant fiscal impact on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, where benefits are paid out from, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency. About a third of claimants reach 20 weeks of receiving benefits and increasing the maximum to 26 weeks would likely increase the amount of time claimants stay on unemployment benefits.

There are few states that offer less time to collect unemployment benefits than Michigan as most states offer 26 weeks. In fact, Michigan used to offer 26 weeks until the Republican-led state legislature and GOP Gov. Rick Snyder reduced the duration from 26 weeks to 20 weeks in 2011.

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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer temporarily raised unemployment benefits to 26 weeks maximum through an executive order in order to combat the economic insecurity many Michiganders faced during the pandemic.

Several Republicans in the Senate joined the Democratic majority in voting through the expansions to unemployment benefits. Now the bill must be considered in the flurry of bills going through House committees this month in order to receive a vote to get to the governors desk in time before session ends.

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The federal appeals court based in Denver declined on Tuesday to order a Colorado Springs-based athletic organization to bar a transgender woman from participating on her college's volleyball team and alter the record of wins and losses among schools immediately before a tournament is set to begin on Wednesday.
Here, plaintiffs have not cited any record evidence demonstrating that MSU affirmatively promised and committed itself to providing only in-person instruction under all circumstances for the entire semester in exchange for tuition. Plaintiffs also have not cited any evidence in the record demonstrating that MSU affirmed its promise and commitment to providing any particular type of service on campus in exchange for fees. Plaintiffs have not shown any evidence that MSU expressly manifested, in writing or orally, an intent to provide only in-person instruction or particular types of services on campus for the entire semester under all circumstances.

The record evidence shows that MSU reserved its right to make these changes. The MSU catalog states, The University reserves the right to make changes in its programs, policies, rules, regulations, procedures, fees, tuition, housing rates, organizational structure, and faculty and staff through the appropriate University processes.

Here, the record indicates that MSU encouraged students living on campus to return to their permanent residences if possible. MSU also informed students that they could remain in on[1]campus housing if MSU was the students permanent residence or if leaving was not possible. MSU also offered a $1,120 credit to students who chose to move out of on-campus housing. Allen admitted that he moved out of on-campus housing in March 2020 and appeared to concede that he received the $1,120 credit. MSU stated below that this credit was consistent with what a student could obtain under the buyout provision of the contract, and the defendant does not dispute this contention.
LANSING  As Democrats return to Lansing for the final month with their party controlling both chambers of the state Legislature, their agenda remains elusive.

House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said his legislative wish list includes increasing Michigan's unemployment benefits, creating a new fund to support public safety and violence prevention measures and water affordability, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday. He described those as personal priorities  not yet ones that are part of some consensus lame duck plan with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

"Obviously there's going to be a lot of overlap there," he said. But, he said, there are "three legs of the stool," referring to the governor and Democratic legislative leaders who are about to lose their governing trifecta with Republicans set to take control of the state House next year.

House speaker Rep. Joe Tate looks on during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.

Brinks, for her part, described the lame duck possibilities as somewhat endless. "Everything is on the table at this point," she said in an interview.

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But Brinks specifically said she'd like to see the Senate bills that have stalled in the state House cross the finish line before the end of the year. For instance, Senate Democrats passed legislation last year to create a prescription drug affordability board but the House hasn't taken it up. Whitmer previously called on lawmakers to create a board that would be empowered to set an upper payment limit for specific drugs. Tate said it's not clear from looking at other states that a board would lower prescription drug costs. "I think the jury's still out on that one," he said.

Brinks also said she wants to see the House pass legislation subjecting the state Legislature and the governor's office to public records requests. The Senate already approved bills expanding Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Brinks said she'd be proud to make increasing government transparency part of the legacy lawmakers leave behind during lame duck. Tate said he's open to supporting the FOIA legislation. But when asked during Wednesday's interview whether he'd back the FOIA bills if they were up for a vote later that day, Tate declined to say whether he'd vote yes.

Senate majority leader Winnie Brinks looks on during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.

Whitmer press secretary Stacey LaRouche did not respond to a request for comment on how the governor has worked with Democratic legislative leaders on the lame duck agenda and what's going to be on it. LaRouche said in a previous statement last month that economic development remains a focus of Whitmer's.

Musing on the lame duck uncertainty, Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service  a Lansing-based Michigan politics media outlet  recently wrote, "If Whitmer, Tate and ... Brinks assembled a list of what they want to get done, it must be under lock and key and hidden under the catalpa tree on the Capitol lawn because no one seems to have seen it."

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A lame-duck legislative session gives retiring and defeated lawmakers one final chance to wield their power. Since their election losses, the 76 Democratic lawmakers still serving  56 in the state House and 20 in the state Senate  have essentially operated their own mini lame ducks, shepherding their priorities with a flurry of last-minute bill introductions and a frenzy of committee votes to advance legislation to the floor for a vote.

But what will actually muster enough support to make its way across the finish line? No one knows.

"I don't know. I mean we're looking into a black box," state Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton Township, told reporters Tuesday when asked how many pieces of legislation realistically have the 56 Democratic votes in the state House needed to pass bills over unified GOP opposition. Puri serves as majority caucus whip and was chosen by House Democrats to serve as minority leader next term.

Michigan Legislature: The Democratic lame duck is a rare species in Michigan

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Whether Democrats can stick together to vote on bills may not be their main challenge. Instead, it's unclear they'll show up to session to vote at all. In the state House, the support of every Democratic lawmaker is needed to pass legislation that doesn't have a yes vote from any GOP lawmaker. State Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township, has been out this week with a health issue, according to House Democratic caucus spokesperson Jess Travers. And state Rep. Rachel Hood, D-Grand Rapids, who previously threatened to stay home if she doesn't see movement on her priorities, didn't show up to either Tuesday's or Wednesday's House sessions.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a media event at Detroit Fire Department Engine House 52 in Detroit to sign a bipartisan general budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

"I'm here in Lansing writing and testifying on my bills, rallying with stakeholders, meeting with lobbyists," said Hood in a text message Wednesday. "All around me people are sharing their astonishment at the days wasting away to move vital legislation. My team and I were brought to tears today by parents advocating for their daughter, an auto victim, whose care has been cut. The people I serve here have thanked me for taking a stand. I'm ready to vote on vital bills anytime I'm called. In the meantime, I'm putting my last days here in Lansing to the best and highest use. I'm not needed on the floor if we are passing non-controversial bills. My constituents do need me to write good bills while I can, get them introduced and if possible, heard. I am doing what I can to avert the worst outcomes of the state's extended infrastructure crisis unfolding, to avert the economic disruption and high costs that will be caused if Michigan's immigrants are deported, and to prepare the state for the deadlock split of state government."

Brinks criticized Hood's approach. "I think it's important for people to do the job that they were elected to do, and that they owe it to their constituents to finish strong. This is a unique opportunity to complete some things that need to be done that require only Democratic votes, and it's a team sport so we work with each other to see what we can do to accomplish each other's priorities," Brinks said.

Michigan Democrats haven't had much lame duck experience. The last time Democrats had a trifecta during lame duck was 1934. Since that year, there have been nine lame-duck sessions in Michigan when Republicans had a trifecta. This year's lame-duck agenda is still taking shape and it's not clear how Democrats will ultimately end this chapter. It's also not clear when they can write the next one.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Democrats' lame-duck agenda remains unknown
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland teen has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2022 deadly shooting of 19-year-old Jayshun Anders. 17-year-old Aaron Olivares Duran was only 15 at the time of the murder, but was tried as an adult, and pleaded guilty to the crime last Thursday.

The evidence presented in the case showed that in the morning hours of June 26, 2022, the defendant, as well as three other juveniles, arrived at Anders apartment. Two of the juveniles approached the door while two juveniles, one being Duran, stayed out of eyesight. As soon as Anders opened the door, the juveniles opened fire.

The Midland Police Department collected sixteen shell casings and photographs of the bullet holes in the windows, walls, and doors of the apartment were presented to the judge as evidence during the sentencing phase of the trial. Throughout the investigation, detective Doroteo Arguijo reviewed and presented over 9000 pages of Instagram and Facebook records of Duran and another juvenile planning the robbery and/or murder of Anders, beginning in February of 2022.

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After the murder, Duran and his family moved to Arizona before he was apprehended in the fall of 2022 and detained at Culver Detention Center in Midland. He was transferred to Midland County Detention Center in May of 2024 after his seventeenth birthday.

Previous Coverage: MPD searching for shooting suspects

In Texas, a juvenile between the ages of fourteen and sixteen may be certified as an adult, for the purposes of prosecution, if certain criteria are met. The level of offense must be severe enough, the maturity and intellect level of the juvenile must be high enough, and evidence must be presented that the charge warrants certification. When a juvenile is certified, the case is prosecuted as though the juvenile is an adult, with the same punishment ranges and consequences as someone who is seventeen or older.

Investigators said the other juvenile involved in the messages and plot to kill Anders was killed in a different shooting in July of 2022.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  With about a month until his inauguration, Governor-elect Mike Braun describes his vision for Indiana and how the southern side benefits.

I want to make sure we continue to be a business friendly state, says Braun. But in places like southern Indiana where we dont have near the infrastructure that other parts of the state would have, I want to make sure thats balanced too.

Also within a month, Indiana will be surrounded by states that have at least legalized marijuana medicinally. While anticipating medical marijuana will be legal nationwide soon, Braun quotes 70% of Hoosiers are in favor or legalizing medicinal marijuana.

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To me thats probably a sign that we need to do whatever the smartest method has been among the other 30 that have done it, says Braun. And its probably time for it to have found its way to Indiana on the medical side.

Believing that public opinion should be taken into account, Braun believes a discussion with law enforcement is necessary before Indiana legalizes marijuana recreationally.

Eyewitness News has reached out to providers for our Kentucky areas in regards to medical marijuana licensing. Owensboro Health provided a statement saying they will have more information on their plans in the coming weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
"Like most people, Mike Duggan's best thing and his worst thing are the same thing. For Detroit's mayor, it's that he's the guy who gets stuff done."

I wrote that back in 2019, after the Detroit City Council delivered a short-lived rebuke to Duggan over a bond sale to fund a new round of neighborhood demolitions. (Later that year, he got it done.) Thats always been Duggans calling card: Hes the guy who isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves or break a few eggs to make an omelet. And even if you actually wanted scrambled, hey, it's still breakfast.

This week, Duggan, who cut his political teeth as the lieutenant of legendary Democratic party boss Ed McNamara, announced that he's running for governor in 2026 ... as an independent.

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If you follow Michigan politics, that first part was old news two years ago, but the last part was a real plot twist.

Explaining his decision to run as an independent, Duggan said that he never fit comfortably into the dogma of either party, which is surprising, because Duggan has been one of the most powerful Democrats in southeast Michigan for almost 40 years. He surely would have entered the Democratic race with significant advantages, instead of the uphill climb hes now facing as a third-party candidate in a state where that sort of thing has never really caught on.

But Duggan likes improbable odds, and he usually beats them. With this, he hopes to replicate the up-from-behind nature of his 2013 mayoral primary victory, when he mounted a successful write-in campaign after failing to meet the term of residency required to make the ballot.

There are a dozen ways to understand this maneuver  just today, I've oscillated from "good for Duggan, bad for Democrats?" to "weird for Duggan, definitely bad for Democrats"  and just as many questions to ask, some of which even have answers. So, let's get to it.

Mayor Mike Duggan sits for an interview inside Full View Productions in Detroit on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

More from Freep Opinion: Its time to let go of the past, Detroit. Let the Boblo Boat sink.

Why?

There is really only one answer to this question.

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Duggan told me Wednesday that his decision "seemed to me like the obvious thing to do," although he acknowledges that this was not the universal assessment.

Gallup polls show 63% of people don't connect with either major party, the mayor explained, but you don't need a poll to know that. Americans  Michiganders  are at each other's throats. Politicians don't tell us what they stand for, Duggan said, they tell us the other side is evil.

"I've dealt with Lansing for 30 years, and I've never seen it this toxic," he said. "You've got to have people from both sides working together, and I just don't see that happening in this environment."

By eschewing party, Duggan believes he can cut through the fray.

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Duggan said he wants to run a people-focused campaign, replicating the Detroit house parties that buoyed him into the mayor's office from Flint to Alpena. He wants to understand what Michiganders need, and how to make it happen.

These are the sorts of things a gubernatorial candidate should say, but come on.

Duggan hasn't just been active in Democratic politics for four decades, he's been good at it. He was the guy McNamara sent to broker tough deals, like stadium taxes or a new airport terminal. He's the white guy from Livonia who won Detroiters' votes on a write-in ballot. Whatever you think of him, it is, historically, a bad idea to bet against Mike Duggan.

For Duggan to run as an independent, the answer to why? has to be because he sees it as the best path to victory.

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And thats the part, despite the last 40 years, thats puzzling.

Duggan, 66, would have entered a Democratic gubernatorial primary with name recognition and a healthy campaign warchest, but also significant challenges: A white male boomer asking for votes from a primary electorate that has tended to favor women and people of color, against a field of strong opponents. He's the mayor of Detroit, and to a lot of folks outstate, or even in the city's suburbs, that still means crime and dysfunction. He's the status quo, and if there's one way to interpret the last 14 years of Michigan election results, it's that voters are neg on the status quo.

Running as an independent gives Duggan control, former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard told me this week.

Duggan won't have to duke it out in a Democratic primary with other potential contenders, like Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak. A tough primary leaves scars, Blanchard said. Duggan will be able to conserve his fundraising dollars for the general election.

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When you get into a primary with a bunch of people, you dont know what can happen, Blanchard said. The dynamic changes.

He'll be required to collect fewer nominating petitions  12,000 valid signatures compared to 15,000 for party-affiliated candidates  and can file in July, months after his Democratic and Republican opponents.

And, I imagine, Duggan would like to be free of the baggage Democrats have acquired.

More from Freep Opinion: As GM prepares to move out, let's be honest: The RenCen is an embarrassment.

A middle finger to Democrats?

But that part is a real gamble.

Duggan is not wrong about Americans' distaste for party dysfunction. Democrats have struggled to define the party's objectives, or to explain what it has delivered for its constituents. Consequently, Democrats lost badly in this year's elections, including declining vote share in Detroit and other heavily Democratic areas, as Republicans won the presidency, the U.S. Senate, the state House and expanded their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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But this is the sort of moment in which a Mike Duggan might have been exactly what the Democrats need: A proven leader who has defined and executed policy with specificity, who could have made the case for pragmatic, Democratic politics with tangible benefits for working- and middle-class families.

For critics, its confirmation that the Democratic brand has become unpalatable. But if that were Duggans angle, it doesn't track: Dems may have gotten pasted last month, but American politics are cyclical, and the party that voters couldnt stand in 2024 will look a lot better by 2026.

In two years, were likely to have a major pushback on Donald Trump, said Blanchard, a Democrat. We had that in 2018, where we swept everything, and all these new governors  including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer  got elected. If theres a pushback on Trump, I believe well gain the House back, and gain some new governors, and that could cut against someone who said, Theyre not good enough, Im better.

Now were just spitballing

Where does Duggan's defection leave the party? Nowhere good, and some of the Democrats Ive spoken to this week are pretty angry about it.

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Because one really likely outcome in a three-way, Democrat-GOP-independent general election gubernatorial contest is a split Democratic electorate, and a Republican governor. Another likely outcome: a drop-off in straight-ticket Democratic voters, hurting candidates from the U.S. Senate to downballot races like the state Legislature and state Board of Education.

Everyone is going to aim at Duggan, said Andrea Bitely, the founder and principal of Lansing-based Bitely Communications, a Lansing-based public affairs firm (and, full disclosure, a Free Press conservative contributing columnist). It gives an opportunity, if its, say, Duggan vs. Benson vs. a generic Republican, that Democrats could split the vote, giving a less well-known Republican an opportunity to skooch in there and win.

(If you're wondering, the Republicans who come up conversations about 2026 include state Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township and former gubernatorial candidate and media personality Tudor Dixon, who lost by 10 points to Whitmer in 2022.)

Duggan may woo some GOP voters, but it's hard to imagine the party's MAGA base crossing the aisle to vote for southeast Michigan's foremost Democratic powerbroker, even if now he says he's an independent.

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Traditionally conservative Republicans simply don't exist in numbers sufficient to sway elections  or at least havent been willing to break ranks with their party to do so. Still, Blanchard notes, Republicans who aren't Trump loyalists populate Michigan's business community, and they like Mike Duggan. Those Republicans also tend be the folks who bankroll political campaigns. Ford Motor Co. Chairman Bill Ford has already endorsed Duggan, and other members of the billionaire class will certainly follow.

Will Democrats back an independent? Your guess is as good as mine, but it largely depends on whom the Democrats nominate. All of the likely candidates have strong resumes and popular appeal, and represent the party's future, not its past.

Will Detroiters back an independent?

As a popular mayor, support from Detroit voters ought to be one advantage Duggan brings to 2026. But Detroit is a straight-party kind of town, where more than 95% of voters routinely cast ballots for Democratic candidates.

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Duggan pointed to his conventional-wisdom-bucking 2013 write-in primary and general election victories ("I had all the people who told me that voters wouldnt vote for me because of my skin color, and they turned out to be dramatically wrong"). But the counterpoint is former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who briefly ran for governor in 2022, and whose announcement that he had secretly been a long-time Republican did not play well in the city.

But how important is Detroit to a statewide win? In the 2021 municipal election, when turnout is notoriously low, 69,329 Detroit voters, or 75%, cast ballots for Duggan. In 2022, When Benson (who is also a Detroiter) ran for re-election in 2022, she won 161,947 votes, or 94%, of ballots cast in the city.

All of this underscores the risk that Duggan would be a spoiler, sandbagging the eventual Democratic candidate without pulling sufficient votes from the GOP candidate to get across the finish line.

How would an independent governor govern?

Duggan believes this isnt a big deal.

Youve had five states elect independent governors since 1990, and my approach is going to be that I dont care whether youre a Democrat or a Republican, Im going to build a coalition in the middle, he said. I know the far left and far right are going to oppose me. They always have. The far left and the far right have always opposed me as mayor. (Theres a far right in Detroit? I asked. Theres a few, he replied.)

But Whitmer, who spent years in the state Legislature before winning her seat, approached the office with a similar playbook: She focused on common sense, dinner table issues, like fixing roads and schools, and pledged to work with anyone whod work with her.

Instead, she got legislative stalemate during her first term, when the GOP controlled the state Legislature, and two years of stop-start after Democrats won the majority in 2022.

Onward to 2026

Mike Duggan has always been the guy who gets things done. Detroit is a different city than it was when Duggan took office a decade ago, and by nearly all objective metrics, its a better city.

Thats his best thing.

But sometimes, results come at a cost. Like too many Detroiters who still feel left out or left behind, or a demolitions program that took down thousands of blighted structures, but sometimes released toxic chemicals into residential neighborhoods, or left vacant lots that may never be rebuilt. Or turning a blind eye to police reform protesters who begged the city to see their pain  and then dedicating significant resources to prosecuting those protesters in court. Or backing a slate of state House candidates who pledged to reform no-fault auto insurance, a policy Duggan later acknowledged hadn't resulted in sufficient savings.

The most direct path forward isnt always the best path forward. And thats Duggans worst thing.

With one announcement, Duggan has changed the 2026 gubernatorial race. He's dominated the news cycle, and crafted a pitch that sounds no-nonsense and common sense, even if there's little evidence that third-party (or no party) candidacy is a viable path to victory.

Still, Duggan is the guy who gets things done, for best or worst. Which is it this time? Well find out.

Nancy Kaffer is the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact: nkaffer@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mike Duggan's independent Michigan run for governor is risky | Opinion
House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to cut 75 percent of all federal agencies with the help of Elon Musks outside commission known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

We certainly hope to slash the number of federal agencies from 428 to 99, as Musk has vowed, Johnson said in response to a question from Fox News host Martha McCallum in an interview Wednesday night. We want to be willing partners in that, he added.

He noted he aims to cut all funding for PBS and Planned Parenthood. I would like to, thats for sure, said Johnson.

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As for dismantling agencies, We have the opportunity to go in and really take back control from the administrative state, he said.

For a long time theyve been acting as judge, jury and executioner on the rules that they make on industries and small business owners and the rest, he added. We have the ingredients, we have the conditions right now to actually be ablemake really dramatic change.

Johnson said dismantling the goverment will be part of the playbook to unleash and unroll in January.

Johnson added on X on Wednesday night: Under President Trump, we will take a blowtorch to the administrative state and reduce the size and scope of government,

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He conceded in the Fox interview: We got to build consensus to have the votes to do that. Where Congress is involved, thats where it takes the hard work of legislating and getting everybody on the same page.

But he emphasized that some of the work can be accomplished by executive order. President-elect Donald Trump has a broad authority to do a lot of that, he noted

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill earlier this week. (Getty Images)

Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur and former GOP presidential candidate who will head up DOGE (the name of Musks bitcoin), are meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

The two billionaires have been tasked with firing federal workers and cutting government programs and federal regulations. Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is set to chair a new House Oversight subcommittee to oversee DOGE.

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Attempts to slash the federal government have been resisted in the past as Americans grapple with cuts to programs they know and trust. Millions of Americans depend on these programs for jobs, health care, security, and other needs.

Trump has appointed people to his administration hellbent on slashing the size of the federal government, such as Russ Vought, the former and next head of the Office of Management and Budget.

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed published on November 20, Ramaswamy and Musk cited a key Supreme Court case mentioned by Johnson on Fox News that they view as authorization for the draconian cuts.

In West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (2022), the justices held that agencies cant impose regulations dealing with major economic or policy questions unless Congress specifically authorizes them to do so, they wrote.

In Loper Bright v. Raimondo (2024), the court overturned the Chevron doctrine and held that federal courts should no longer defer to federal agencies interpretations of the law or their own rulemaking authority. Together, these cases suggest that a plethora of current federal regulations exceed the authority Congress has granted under the law, the duo added.
China's latest drone, which has the flying speed of airplanes and can take off and land similar to helicopters, is triggering a debate over its potential use in combat.



Called Lanying R6000, the unmanned aerial vehicle was unveiled weeks back for nonmilitary uses. However, the logo of the Chinese military displayed on the 6-ton tiltrotor's wings and body raises concerns over its possible use in military surveillance, reconnaissance, or attacks.

Developed by United Aircraft, the tiltrotor with the fast cruising speed of fixed-wing aircraft sets a new benchmark for long-distance, point-to-point efficient transport.

Exceptional speed

The company claims that the tiltrotor has an exceptional speed, range, and payload capacity, it is able to perform diverse tasks effortlessly in challenging terrains and narrow urban spaces to lead urban air traffic into a new era.



The manufacturer claims that the tiltrotor is capable of carrying 2 tons of payload over a maximum range of 2485 miles (4,000 km). With a cruising speed of 340 miles (550 kilometers) per hour, the drone has a maximum take-off weight of 6,100 kilograms.



Displayed at the Zhuhai air show in November, Lanying R6000's major advantage is its fast speed and capability of operating in severe emergency situations.

Use in a possible military conflict

It's also being claimed that the capabilities of the tiltrotor make it a suitable candidate for use in a possible military conflict with Taiwan in the near future.



"If there is fighting in the Taiwan Strait, because its speed is 550 [kilometers per hour], it can deliver the materials to the battlefield in about half an hour," Yao Cheng, a former lieutenant colonel staff officer of the Chinese Navy Command who is now based in Los Angeles, told VoA.



The Lanying R6000 could make more than 10 round trips from China to Taiwan before refueling as Taiwan is located 180 kilometers from China, according to Yao.



The extensive range of the tiltrotor gives it a capability to easily reach U.S. military bases in Japan and South Korea.

Significant role in military transportation

Lanying R6000 could play a significant role in military transportation during a possible conflict in the future.



The small size of the unmanned tiltrotor offers its wide range of applications. Anti-icing and lightning protection with level 8 wind resistance; the drone is capable of flight continuity under moderate rain and ongoing flight for 1-2 hours under heavy rain.



The company claims that the drone is capable of accommodating 6 to 12 people for inter-regional air travel. It's capable of completing fast point-to-point and long-distance flights executing all-terrain and all-weather flight operations.



Vertical take-off and landing capabilities give it a major edge to operate during emergency situations. With less dependence on infrastructure, runways are not needed and it is highly suitable for special terrains such as mountains and islands, according to the company.

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The tiltrotor has low stealth capabilities given that helicopters and other similar aircraft that make use of tiltrotors tend to be noisy and produce radar signatures.

The size of the Chinese army's helicopter force, coupled with the limitations of Lanying system's stealth capabilities, makes it unrealistic for the drone to be considered as an ideal option in high-risk military operations, according to Su Tzu-yun director of the Institute of National Defense Strategy and Resources at the Taipei-based National Defense Security Research Institute.
More than 4 million Americans gouged by credit repair companies including Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com will soon collectively receive $1.8 billion in refund checks, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Thursday.

The payments make up the biggest distribution yet from the CFPB's victims relief fund, financed by civil penalties paid by companies that violate consumer protection laws, the agency said.

Checks will be mailed in coming weeks to 4.3 million consumers who were charged illegal advance fees or subjected to allegedly deceptive bait-and-switch advertising by Lexington Law, CreditRepair.com and their parent companies, according to the federal agency.

The CFPB in August 2023 obtained a legal judgment against the credit repair businesses, with a district court ruling the companies had violated a law that prohibits such companies from collecting fees until at least six months after their promised results.

The companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after the court ruling, shutting about 80% of their business operations, including telemarketing call centers.

"Exploited vulnerable consumers"

"Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com exploited vulnerable consumers who were trying to rebuild their credit, charging them illegal junk fees for results they hadn't delivered," CFPB Director Rohit Chopra stated in a news release. "This historic distribution of $1.8 billion demonstrates the CFPB's commitment to making consumers whole, even when the companies that harm them shut down or declare bankruptcy."

Since its launch in 2011, the CFPB has distributed more than $3.3 billion to consumers harmed by a range of illegal practices, such as student loan and mortgage relief scams and predatory lending. The victims relief fund allows the CFPB to provide financial relief in cases where direction compensation from the violating company is not possible.

The brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, the CFPB was established after the 2008 financial crisis. Funded by the Federal Reserve, the agency has weathered several legal challenges from opponents. The Supreme Court in May upheld its funding structure, which had been challenged by the payday lending industry.

Still, the agency's efforts could prove short-lived amid calls from some Republicans to weaken the agency or get rid of it entirely. On Wednesday, billionaire Elon Musk  among those designated by President-elect Donald Trump to front an effort to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash regulations and cut government spending  called for deleting the CFPB, arguing in a post on social media that there are "too many duplicative regulatory agencies."
With a folder and pen in hand, Jieire Vance stepped to the front door of the bungalow on Milwaukees north side. He looked like a remodeling contractor or maybe the cable guy.

But Vance was there for what could be a matter of life and death.

Vance, a firearms instructor, was helping a family develop a plan for what to do if an intruder breaks into their home and deadly force is needed.

It was the home of Mikieya Williams, who recently had taken a gun safety class. She already owned a gun but wanted better training and, most of all, guidance on how to create a home defense plan.

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The free home evaluation is part of what Vance and his partner, Theron Rogers, offer to those who take their classes. The two are both former law enforcement officers and know its one thing to talk about gun safety and home defense in a classroom setting; its another in the home.

Over the past several years, the pair has taught thousands of new gun owners in Milwaukee, the majority of whom are Black women, through their company, Guaranteed Protection Services.

Students tell them they are getting guns for many reasons: because of an abusive ex-husband or partner, for protection because of crime in their neighborhood or a concern that police are busy and may be slow to respond when called.

Vance said female students tend to be very open to instruction. Most are deeply concerned about their childrens safety; thats why, in part, they are buying the gun.

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At the class Williams attended, Vance and the other instructors highlighted whats at stake when guns are not secured. They showed a slide of a boy who had been shot and is now forced to use a colostomy bag.

Could you imagine being 7 years old and being attached to that? For the rest of your life? said firearms instructor Eddie Silas, who works with the two and co-owns Prolific Arms gun shop in West Allis with Rogers.

Kids have a natural curiosity about things they don't understand. That same curiosity can lead to disaster. It can happen to any one of us if were being negligent.

Instructors make it clear: A loaded gun can be kept readily available for home protection and at the same time be inaccessible to children. That is a must.

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I want people to be thinking about this in our community: How am I storing my gun? It is critical, Silas said.

Williams, 34, said she got a gun in the past year because there is more violence in her neighborhood and the broader community. She is also keenly aware of protecting her children from the very gun she intends to protect them with. This may be in the form of an accidental shooting but also suicide and others risks from unsecured guns.

Gun safety is essential to me, especially because I have children, she said.

Eddie Silas, owner and operations manager of Prolific Arms LLC, works with Mikieya Williams of Milwaukee on how to safely load and unload a firearm during a CCW firearm safety training course at the shop on South 60th Street in West Allis on March 11, 2024.

Make a home defense plan and practice it

On the day of his visit in May, Vance stands in the living room of Williams home and quickly assesses key factors:

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A two-story home. Lines of sight to the front and back door from a hallway in the center of the home. Two parents live here along with a grandparent and three children  12-year-old twins Tremiya and Trevante, and 3-year-old Timothy.

The family lives on the northwest side of Milwaukee where burglaries, robberies and aggravated assaults have been climbing over the past three years, according to Milwaukee Police Department crime data.

Vances first questions are quickly answered: Do the children know there is a gun in the house? Yes. And will they be part of the home defense plan? Yes, in part.

Security experts stress that a gun is not the first line of home defense; it is the final line.

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Developing a home security plan starts with keeping doors and windows locked and reinforced, adding outside lighting, coordinating with neighbors to keep an eye out for each other, and considering cameras, an alarm system and a dog.

Mikieya Williams and her children, 11-year-old twins Tremiya and Trevante (right) and 3-year-old Timothy, listen to Jieire Vance, owner and instructor of Guaranteed Protection Services LLC, during a gun safety and home defense assessment at her home in Milwaukee on April 24, 2024.

Vance is preparing this family for an event where those precautions fail.

He explains to the 12-year-old twins that if there is a break-in their parents will be the only ones with guns. The children will have the vital job of calling 911.

Vance walks through the house to identify a hiding place where the children would go in an emergency. Then they role-play calling 911. He explains that if police officers come into the house, they will announce themselves.

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Whenever there are shots fired, all the police know is that there's a gun involved and a bad guy, Vance said to the children. If you do not give a description of who you are, what you have on, and where you are, you can be easily mistaken.

The home safety evaluations were welcome news to Milwaukee County Deputy District Attorney Matthew Torbenson when he learned about them from a reporter. Torbenson sees the gruesome results of what happens to children when guns are not stored securely.

That's fantastic, Torbenson said of the tours. Its proactive.

Across the country, an estimated 1% of homes are burglarized each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the risk varies based on geography. For instance, the burglary rate in the city of Milwaukee is, on average, double the national average and three times the rate across Wisconsin, according to FBI data. Still, home invasions are not a common event statistically.

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Even as burglaries dropped with more people at home during the early stages of COVID, there was a surge in gun buying. An estimated 3% of U.S. adults, or 7.5 million people, became new gun owners between 2019 and late April 2021, according to research.

Williams said she has seen guns handled in an unsafe way, whether by young men at a nearby gas station or in a tragic case close by last year. A 3-year-old girl shot herself in the hand when the parents left a loaded gun on the floor of a bedroom closet.

Williams said there have been no break-ins at their home but she hears gunshots in the neighborhood fairly regularly.

I would say it is 85% safe here, but that might be pushing it.

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Williams said she would get a safe, like the ones she learned about in Vance's class, to ensure her children can't get the gun.

I want something that is secure and easily accessible.

Gun storage invention comes from tragedy

California-born tech inventor Timmy Oh began his journey toward making gun storage safer a decade ago, when he heard his mother at the breakfast table mention a toddler shot himself after getting his parent's gun in Los Angeles.

As a 17-year-old, Oh thought, "How can this be happening with all the new technology in society today?"

With an uncle on the Los Angeles Police Department, Oh already liked firearms and was determined to find a solution to stop children from getting access to loaded guns.

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Oh's first attempt, as a student at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York, was a flop.

He developed a device he thought would stop the gun from firing  unless by the owner. The idea was to stop a bullet from exiting the firearm. But when gun owners reviewed the concept, they told Oh with this device the firearm would likely explode in the owners hand.

Timmy Oh designed a biometric safe to allow fast access to a firearm but ensure only the owner can get it. He owns the company Vera Safety in Troy, NY.

Oh didnt give up. He vowed to spend enough time with gun owners to learn what would work and what they would use.

Oh created a biometric safe that looks a bit like a holster. It is called "Reach." The butt of the firearm is visible but the gun itself cannot be removed without the owner's fingerprint.

Oh said his product uses more advanced fingerprint technology that can progressively learn the owners print over time, making it more reliable. There would be the first impression and then further impressions, said Oh, whose company is called Vara Safety.

Oh, 28, is seeing an increased willingness by gun owners to spend more on safes, but there also remains skepticism.

Some gun owners are like I don't need safe storage. I just keep it on my nightstand or under my pillow, he said. But I believe that is changing.

Mallory OBrien, an epidemiologist who has studied firearms injuries and deaths for decades in Milwaukee and now works at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions in Baltimore, said inventions like Ohs show how technology is racing ahead to improve safety.

If you're investing in a firearm for personal safety, invest in the additional protection of storing it safely in one of those new devices, she said. Today, there are solutions.

Mallory O'Brien is executive director of the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission.

Chance to reframe guns in Black Milwaukee

As Vance wraps up the tour, he sits down with the family to talk about how the practice went and how stressful it was. One of the twins, Trevante, plays over in his mind how he wished he had done better. He promises he will next time. His mother says there will be more practice and they will involve their father next time.

Well drill this, said Williams, the mother of three. Im the type of person, if I teach you something, I want to make sure you got it.

Vance, who is Black, turns the discussion to guns and the view of them in the Black community in Milwaukee. He asks what they think of when they hear the words guns and kids. Is it negative? The twins both nod their heads.

A lot of that negativity comes from what we see, and what's happening in our city and especially in our community, Vance said. A lot of it is negative, nobody's being safe and then there's a lot of heinous crime going on.

Mikieya Williams explains the proper way to hold a firearm using a plastic training gun as her 11-year-old twins Tremiya (left) and Trevante look on during a gun safety and home defense assessment conducted by Jieire Vance (not pictured), owner and instructor of Guaranteed Protection Services LLC, at their home in Milwaukee on April 24, 2024.

Vance tells them that children their age elsewhere in Wisconsin routinely learn firearms safety through hunting and other activities. That is not happening as often in Milwaukee, but Vance and fellow trainers in the Black community would like to change that.

His simple request to them: Forget what they have learned and seen about guns. They have been getting an education on television and movies, on music videos and even at the corner gas station, he said, but it was a bad education.

Erase all of that today, Vance said. Everything moving forward is going to be either what your mom teaches you or what we teach you in class.

As the hour-long visit wraps up, Williams is pleased she accepted the offer to get a safety tour. She said she always had the determination to defend her children; now she will have the knowledge.

By myself, I have played it out all the time, she said. But I never actually sat down to come up with a plan, which is so essential. This is awesome.

Reporter John Diedrich can be reached at jdiedrich@gannett.com.

Jieire Vance, right, owner and instructor of Guaranteed Protection Services LLC, works with Mikieya Williams and her children, 11-year-old twins Trevante (left) and Tremiya and 3-year-old Timothy, during a gun safety and home defense assessment at her home in Milwaukee on April 24, 2024.

The O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism sponsored this work.

About this project

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter John Diedrich examined the full extent of gun deaths in Wisconsin during a nine-month OBrien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University.

The project reveals the full picture of gun deaths in the state and tells the stories of people affected by gun deaths and those trying to find solutions.

Marquette University and administrators of the program played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee firearms instructor offers tips on home defense, gun storage
The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday it will decide whether a recent change to the state's child neglect law requires more than speculation that a parent's drug use will cause future, negative effects on a newborn.
Milwaukee officials are set to accept federal funding for 50 new police officers.

The $6.25 million federal grant would fund officers for three years and due to a 58% city match requirement, will partially count towards state requirements on department staffing. Between the city and the feds, the funding will be about $15 million total for new officers.

"(The grant) gives us continued flexibility to evaluate whether we would be able to use these resources to strengthen our staffing," said Laura Engan, the police department's budget leader.

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The COPS grant is a program through the U.S. Department of Justice that provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire officers. The city was awarded money under the program in prior years but had issues with the grant in 2023 when it missed a deadline to apply for the grant, which prompted an internal investigation.

The grant runs between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2029, and allow "re-deployment of veteran officers to focus on community-oriented policing strategies," according to a city document on the grant.

Grant funding like this has been the subject of some scrutiny in previous years from city officials due to the way it interacts with state law requirements.

Officials have said Wisconsin Act 12  a state funding law with stipulations on police and fire department staffing numbers  creates a disincentive to accept grant funding, as it does not allow for grant funded officers to account for its police staffing requirements.

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The city however is able to count them proportionally  meaning the city could count 58% of these officers towards the requirements. Engan said. That means about 21 of the 50 funded police officers will count towards the law's requirements.

Act 12 requires Milwaukee to maintain the number of police officers and the daily staffing level in the fire department minimally at the numbers from the previous year  excluding any who are in state- or grant-funded positions. The law also requires that, within 10 years, the city must employ at least 1,725 officers.

Act 12 allows the city to use "any reasonable method" to estimate its staffing level.

If it does not meet the requirements, the city loses 15% of its shared revenue from the state. City officials and alders said at a November committee meeting that $37 million in shared funding is on the line with the requirements.

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The city has undertaken several efforts to meet these requirements in recent years, including overhauling how officers are recruited and a recently announced temporary program to pay a $10,000 sign-on bonus for officers from other departments who transfer to Milwaukee.

City budgets in recent years have funded what officials say is the maximum number of recruits  three classes of 65 recruits.

At Thursdays meeting, officials also moved forward an additional federal grant for $965,000 to continue updating its radio system. That grant and the hiring grant require final approval by the city's full Common Council.

David Clarey is a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee in line to accept grant funding for 50 new police officer
A Milwaukee woman charged in a shooting that took place outside of Incredi-Roll Skate and Family Fun Center in West Allis has been sentenced to six years in prison.

On Dec. 2, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Katie Kegel sentenced Ashley Jones, 33, to six years in prison and three years extended supervision, according to online court records.

Jones originally faced a total of five charges, but on Sept. 30 changed her plea to guilty for two counts of first-degree reckless injury in exchange for having the remaining three charges dismissed, records show.

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On Feb. 24, Jones shot and injured two people after returning to the parking lot of the skating rink at 10928 W. Oklahoma Ave. after a physical altercation that took place earlier inside the building, according to the criminal complaint.

A 44-year-old security guard and a 13-year-old boy both received gunshot wounds to the leg and were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the shooting, Incredi-Roll's owner Cory Hundley told the Journal Sentinel that the skating rink was forced to close in June due to low business.

Hundley spoke to the Journal Sentinel about Jones' sentence and said he feels like it was a slap on the wrist.

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"(Monday) I was so angry about everything," Hundley said. "They're going to have to carry the people who were shot and their families are going to have to carry this  and that's where my biggest concern is at this point. It kills me that they get six years (in prison)."

Hundley also noted that as a result of the shooting, 30 people at the roller rink lost their jobs.

Some of the conditions of Jones' extended supervision include completion of an anger management program, maintaining absolute sobriety, not owning any guns or weapons and writing letters of apology to the victims.

Contact Adrienne Davis at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Woman sentenced to six years for West Allis skating rink shooting
Its been nearly 200 years since the famous California gold rush of the late 1840s, but mining property is hot once again, at least in one area of Southern California.

Record-high gold prices have driven demand for mines in the Mojave Desert, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Its a modern day gold rush, entrepreneur Sean Tucker told the Times. People are snapping up claims as quickly as possible.

The physical dangers of mining remain, as do financial concerns, though real estate agents offer tempting promises like You only need to find about 18 ounces to make this property pay for itself!

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As the Times notes, plenty of gold is still being found, but as one truck driver-turned-miner noted, nothing is simple  or guaranteed.

Its not easy, Rudy Salazar said. But I hope it pans out.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the former superintendent of a St. Paul charter school who lost the school $4.3 million after illegally investing in a hedge fund in 2019.

Christianna M. Hang started Hmong College Prep Academy (HCPA) in 2003. According to the lawsuit, Hang committed the school to become a limited partner in Woodstock Capital Partners LP, a hedge fund, against the advice of the schools legal and accounting advisors.

Because the school operates as a nonprofit, its investment policy and Minnesota law prohibit charter schools from investing with hedge funds.

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The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County District Court on Wednesday, states that Hang breached her fiduciary duty of care to HCPA under Minnesota law governing nonprofit corporations.

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According to the suit, Hang wired $5 million of the schools money into the hedge fund without the prior knowledge of HCPAs board of directors and against the advice of HCPAs attorney and accountants. As a result of this investment, the school lost around $4.3 million.

Once details of the failed deal became public, Hang resigned as the school's superintendent in 2021. The Office of the Minnesota State Auditor sharply criticized the school in a report, and the charities division of the Attorney Generals Office initiated an independent civil investigation.

Ellison's office is seeking the return of the funds, injunctive relief to help prevent similar actions in the future, and civil penalties for each separate violation of the law.

I am frankly stunned by the recklessness HCPAs former superintendent displayed when she took millions of dollars meant to educate children and instead wired them into some obscure hedge fund, Ellison said.

This illegal use of HCPAs resources and subsequent loss of over $4 million is an astonishing disservice to students and their families, teachers and administrators, and Minnesota taxpayers. Today, I am suing to recover these funds, protect the educations of young Minnesotans attending HCPA, and hold Ms. Hang accountable.
CUSHING, Texas (KETK)  Authorities worked to restore power and clear roads Wednesday night after a car crashed into an electric pole at the intersection of FM 225 and CR 854 in Cushing.

According to the Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department, shortly before 7 p.m. first responders were called to a one-vehicle crash involving an electric pole.

OFFICIALS: Disabled inmate abused, financially exploited inside Polk County Jail

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The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

Due to low hanging power lines, FM 255 was shut down for some time. Customers with Oncor and Cherokee County ECA were affected while officials worked to place a new pole, Lilbert-Looneyville VFD said.

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Fire fighters were relieved at around 1 a.m. when TxDOT arrived and the fire department said Oncor officials estimated power would be restored and roads reopened at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Technically speaking, the criminal offence of blasphemy was abolished in Great Britain by the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act of 2008. Yet a growing number of incidents suggest that a shadow blasphemy law has crept into our national psyche, enforced not by statute but by a toxic cocktail of political correctness, identity politics, and institutional cowardice. This is not merely a misunderstanding of law and liberty; it is an existential threat to free speech and the fabric of British society.

Eighteen months ago, Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield became the stage for a surreal and troubling drama. An autistic boy accidentally scuffed a copy of the Quran. What should have been a simple matter of pastoral care spiralled into a public reckoning. The headteacher summoned the police. A meeting akin to a Sharia tribunal unfolded in a local mosque, where the boys mother was compelled to apologise to an all-male audience, her sons actions deemed so serious that the police recorded a Non-Crime Hate Incident. Such Orwellian absurdity should belong to fiction, yet it is reality in 21st-century multicultural Britain.

This is no isolated case. From the Rushdie fatwa to the Batley teacher forced into hiding for using a cartoon of Mohammed as part of a lesson on free speech, a pattern is clear. The Prime Minister, far from defending the British principle of robust and open debate, appears to tacitly endorse this trend. When asked in Parliament whether he would consider banning the desecration of religious texts, Sir Keir Starmer promised to tackle Islamophobia in all its forms. What does this mean? In practice, it sounds dangerously close to endorsing a blasphemy law, privileging Islam above other religions.

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Lets be clear: Britain is a Christian country. Yet there is no law protecting Christianity from mockery or insult, nor should there be. The principle extends to all faiths  or at least it should. Why is it acceptable to ridicule Hinduism but not Islam? Why are insults to Jewish symbols waved off, while a scuffed Quran becomes a police matter? How can Christians be arrested for silent prayer, while mobs cancel films deemed offensive to Muslims? Such double standards are untenable. They breed resentment, division, and ultimately the erosion of the liberties that define us.

It is worth remembering that free speech does not come with a guarantee of comfort. It includes the right to question, critique, and yes, offend. To enshrine the sensitivities of one group above all others is to undermine the very pluralism that allows our society to thrive.

This isnt about Muslims as a whole. The vast majority are tolerant, peaceable, and keen to integrate. But within that community, a vocal minority demand special treatment for Islam  protection that no other faith enjoys. That demand, left unchecked, risks becoming policy. It already exerts a chilling effect on law enforcement and public debate.

Consider the child sexual abuse scandals in Rotherham and Rochdale. Authorities turned a blind eye for years, paralysed by fear of being accused of racism or Islamophobia. More recently, Sir William Shawcrosss review of the Prevent programme revealed that fears of appearing anti-Muslim stymied efforts to tackle Islamist extremism. These failures are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a broader cultural malaise.

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Our institutions, from the police to the press, are increasingly cowed by identity politics. They see criticism of Islam not as a legitimate part of public discourse but as a threat to social harmony. This is not just wrong; it is dangerous. Without the freedom to critique and question, society becomes brittle, unable to address its flaws or adapt to change.

The challenge is not to suppress difficult conversations but to have them openly and honestly. We must be able to discuss radical imams, gender inequality, and cultural practices within Muslim communities with the same vigour that we investigate historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. To do otherwise is not just hypocritical; it is harmful to the very people we claim to protect.

The rejection of free debate in favour of enforced orthodoxy is tearing Britain apart. We cannot allow our cherished freedoms to be smothered by the twin threats of militant sensitivity and institutional cowardice. Our patriotism, our shared commitment to liberty, demands that we push back.

The stakes are high. If we do not use our freedom to speak, we will lose it. And when that happens, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

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.
DADE CITY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Missing Child Alert was issued Thursday for a teenage girl who reportedly vanished from Pasco County.

Mileydi Sargento-Ramirez, 13, was last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the Oak Street area of Dade City, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

I just need to know why: 15-year-old charged in Tampa teens murder, police say

At the time, the teen was wearing a white jacket, red pajama pants and grey slippers.

Mileydi Sargento-Ramirez (Credit: Pasco County Sheriffs Office)

Officials believe she may be in the company of a man in his 20s. The FDLE said the mans name is unknown. Its possible that they are traveling to Georgia.

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Sargento-Ramirez is 5 feet tall, weighs around 110 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who has any information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Pasco County Sheriffs Office at 727-847-8102 or 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
CHICAGO  Chicago police say an elderly man who went missing this week has been located.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Authorities did not say where the man was found or what led to his disppearance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi may have been involved in a green card marriage scam before her disappearanceand the FBI is involved in the case, Los Angeles Magazine has revealed.

Kobayashi was reported missing from Los Angeles on Nov. 11, three days after she left her native Maui to travel to New York via L.A. That sparked a weeks-long search that ended when the police said on Tuesday that she had actually crossed the border to Mexico on Nov. 12.

But Los Angeles Magazine revealed that Kobayahis mom has uncovered evidence that she may have been part of a bogus green card marriage and was scammed out of the proceeds of it by her own ex-boyfriend before she vanished.

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Her mom, Brandi Yee, has handed documents to the FBI, the magazine reported. The agency declined to comment.

The magazine said that Kobayashi was accompanied on the flight to L.A. by three people: an Argentinian man called Alan Cacace; his girlfriend, known only as Marianne; and Kobayashis unnamed former boyfriend.

The ex-boyfriend connected to New York while Kobayashi stayed in Los Angeles.

But Cacace, according to Los Angeles Magazine, was married to Kobayashi in a bogus ceremony to get him a green card, while her ex-boyfriend appears to have set it up and then scammed her out of the payment for it. Documents uncovered by Kobayashis mother, Brandi Yee, show that Kobayashi was working with an immigration attorney, who Yee tried to contact.

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That attorney was not cooperative with the mom, a source said.

After news broke of the possible visa scam, the Kobayashi family attorney took to X to address the allegations.

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, attorney Sara Azari said.

She added that Yee turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.

Before she cut contact with friends and family, Kobayashi sent a series of cryptic messages, some of which possibly alluded to the alleged scam.

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I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. From someone I thought I loved, she texted a friend on Nov. 11.

Los Angeles, California November 21, 2024-Volunteers put up flyers of missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

On Tuesday, the LAPD reclassified Kobayashi as a voluntary missing person after uncovered surveillance footage showed her crossing the border to Mexico unharmed.

The discovery came a week after Kobayashis father, Ryan, died by suicide at Los Angeles International Airport while searching for Kobayashi.

The Kobayashi family said in a statement to NBC News that they would continue to search for her.

Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search, the statement read. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely.
A missing man with dementia has been reunited with his wife after she spotted him on the news over 200 miles away from their Wyoming home.

Michael Black, 91, found his way to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake homeless shelter after hitchhiking to Salt Lake City from their home in the town of Afton, the Associated Press reported.

Michael's wife Avril, 77, discovered her husband's whereabouts after watching a Thanksgiving segment on KSL-TV on how the homeless shelter helps feed those in need over the holidays.

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Michael, who had been missing for nearly three days, was seen in the background of the news, much to his wife's relief, KSL-TV reported.

I put the 10 p.m. [local time] news on, Avril told the outlet of turning on the television on Wednesday, Nov. 27; the day before Thanksgiving.

I didnt know where he was, she said of her husband, who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago.

Google Maps A photo outside the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake homeless shelter A photo outside the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake homeless shelter

Related: Two Hero Dogs Help Save Woman with Dementia Who Spent Over 24 Hours Lost in the Utah Heat

You were just filming around and I thought, Well wait a minute. Im sure I saw Michael. So I paused the TV, set it back and yeah, sure enough there he was! Avril told the station of seeing her husband on the screen.

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I mean it was so unreal, I saw the picture! she added to the outlet. I was so relieved, I actually slept that night knowing he was safe.

Im speechless. It just blows me away that that happened. Boy does he have some guardian angel looking after him. And you guys, thank goodness that you were there, Avril continued, thanking the Afton Police Department and the team at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake for looking after her husband.

The police have been wonderful to us, she told the outlet. And the rescue home, they gave him warm clothes and a blanket and really took care of him.

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.

Per the AP, Avril had reported Michael missing on Nov. 25 and police managed to "map his journey through southern Idaho and into northern Utah, where the trail went cold," the news agency reported.

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Chapel Lead at the Rescue Mission, Jay Rouse, told KSL-TV he'd gotten a call from a good Samaritan who had picked up an elderly man at a bus station on Nov. 26.

"It was about 8:30-9:00 p.m. [local time] and normally, were closed at that time but I said, Bring him by. Turned out he was 91 years old, a Korean War Vet. He was a really sweet guy, Rouse told the outlet.

I realized the sweet old man was in need of some help, he added.

Afton Police Chief, Jason Romberg, told the station Michael "is a very, very congenial and a jovial person when you talk to him," adding, He warms his way and you think, What can we do to help you? 

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This is not the first time, the officer said of him going missing, per the outlet. But weve previously found him within a few hours close to home.

Romberg and the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.



Read the original article on People
Initiative 157 is a measure that would create a $1 million death benefit for the families of Colorado officers killed in the line of duty. Backers of the measure submitted 199,067 signatures to the office of the Secretary of State in hopes of garnering a place on the November ballot.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Lexington Police Department is searching for a missing Michigan woman who might be in the Lexington area.

According to the police, a vehicle belonging to Julie Eddy, 60, was seen near Athens Boonesboro Road and Doe Run Trail on Dec. 3.

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She was reported missing from Battle Creek, Michigan, and police said she stands 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and weighs around 165 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

Julie Eddy (Lexington Police Department)

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lexington Police Department at (859) 258-3600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020, online at bluegrasscrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 Tips available app at p3tips.com.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Nashville teacher who was last seen nearly three weeks ago has been found dead, authorities announced Thursday.

Gerardo Behori, 64, was last seen Nov. 15 in the area of Brick Church Pike, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

PREVIOUS | TBI: Silver Alert issued for man last seen in mid-November in Nashville

A Silver Alert was issued for the 64-year-old on Nov. 22. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) added that Behori was last seen at Republic High School, which was his place of employment, and his phone was last detected in the Opryland area but had been turned off.

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News 2 spoke with Behoris children on Nov. 27. According to them, their dad left the high school on Nov. 15 in a Lyft. They added that it was unlike him to not have contact with anyone in the family, friends, or girlfriend.

The TBI announced on Thursday, Dec. 5 that the 64-year-old was found dead in Nashville, saying, Our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him.

According to MNPD, Behori was found lying in the backseat of a vehicle where he had apparently been living, adding that there were no signs of trauma. The vehicle was found parked on Music Valley Drive.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

In statement sent to News 2, Behoris children said they are heart broken following their fathers death.

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We are heart broken to say that our father  Gerardo Behori Sipi Botau  is no longer with us but we are heartened to say that he has found peace. Born in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa  our father was a man of many talents. He was a musician, coach, teacher, scholar and poet. He was part of the band in our church and loved playing guitar and African drums. He coached many kids on the soccer field and taught generations of students Spanish. His love of higher education led him to earn a masters in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and his published book of poetry entitled Suenos y Realidad showed his depth and understanding of life. Therefore, on behalf of our father, we want to thank everyone for their love and support. In the end, thats all that truly matters. Behori Family

The Medical Examiner will determine his cause of death, officials said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
THURSDAY 12/5/2024 5:52 a.m.

(AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.)  The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) reported Beitelman was located on Wednesday night, Dec. 4.

ORIGINAL TITLE: Missing teen last seen at Air Academy High School

WEDNESDAY 12/4/2024 7:26 p.m.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) is asking for the communitys help in looking for a missing 17-year-old, who was last seen at Air Academy High School.

According to EPSO, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 17-year-old Brock Beitelman left Air Academy High School around 2 p.m.

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Beitelman is 511 and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, green pants, and a black backpack.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
FLOWOOD, Miss. (WJTV)  Dozens of soldiers with the Mississippi Air National Guard were welcomed home on Wednesday.

Family and friends waited more than 11 months for this day to come as the wheels touched down at the Air National Guard base in Flowood. Families were reunited with their loved ones just in time for the holidays.

Jaxson Dart wins 2024 C Spire Conerly Trophy

I was on this deployment, just returned nine months ago. This is the second rotation that came in behind us to relieve us, the last remaining of the Mississippi soldiers there. I know theyre excited, said Lt. Col. Frank Querns, with the Mississippi Army National Guard.

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The soldiers returned after spending several months overseas. They were supporting Operation Spartan Shield, which helped maintain military posture and strengthen defense relationships with partner nations.

It feels fantastic. Im very happy to be home. A little overwhelming, but nothing but excitement for everybody here. It was, it was pretty difficult. Theres a lot of ups and downs to it, sacrifice a lot of time away from your family. But I mean, you have a lot of things given to you, and its just pretty simple over there, said Peyton Page, with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.

The soldiers said theyre looking forward to enjoying time at home.

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This article was originally published in Missouri Independent.

Missouri educators will no longer need a 3.0 grade-point average in their subject area to teach in public schools beginning in July, the State Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday.

The threshold to be qualified to teach in the state is now a 2.5 grade-point average in the teachers content area. The only exception will be special-education teachers, who will still be required to meet the 3.0 mark.

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Officials with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations say the change is intended to increase the number of certificated teachers coming into public schools. Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said in a statement that the change would remove unnecessary barriers to the teaching profession.

Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74

There is no evidence tying a particular GPA in the content area to more effective teaching, Daryl Fridley, the departments education preparation coordinator, told the board on Tuesday. Most of the non-teaching professional options in sciences, math and history do not require such a high GPA.

A 3.0 GPA requirement most impacts teachers in STEM subjects, he said. When the department looked at teacher candidates who met other requirements but didnt meet the GPA standard, nearly a quarter of those disqualified were in STEM.

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Hey, Students: Want a Good Job? Become a Teacher

Teacher candidates still must pass a performance assessment, with a test of subject knowledge, to be certified. Of those who didnt meet the GPA requirements, 90% passed the performance assessment, Fridley said.

The department hopes the new requirements will bring more teachers into the profession. Currently, almost 44% of first-year teachers are certified in Missouri. Over a quarter are serving as a substitute teacher, 6% have no certification and the rest have alternative certifications.

Discussions about this issue often include the question, Isnt this a case of lowering standards? Fridley said. We maintain that with a third of the states first year teachers having no more than a substitute teacher certificate and some with even less, any action that leads to a higher proportion of first-year teachers completing the preparation program is actually a net gain for the overall quality of teachers.

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In the midst of low teacher retention rates and poor recruitment, the change is welcome, the department reiterated.

Both quantity and quality of teachers are really important to the learning of students, Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner of educator quality, said during Tuesdays meeting.

The department reiterated that it doesnt believe the lower GPA threshold will affect teacher quality.

A 2019 study out of Texas showed that there was no improvement in achievement outcomes between a 2.5 GPA and 2.75 GPA requirement. Increasing the threshold to 3.0 excluded 44% of education students and brought a small increase on teachers evaluations. The study concludes a higher GPA criteria would also have minimal impact on the quality of our nations teachers.

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Carol Hallquist, vice president of the State Board of Education, said she was initially wary of lowering the GPA standard but is now totally supportive.

When I reached out to principals and people who are in teacher preparation programs, they said there was no correlation and were very supportive, she said. They also said that you have to pass licensing tests, and that is really what we want to look at.

Doug Hayter, executive director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators, told The Independent he has been speaking to the department about the GPA requirements and is optimistic.

There is a balance where we need to have requirements that mean something, but the research that they have seems to indicate that this change would not have a substantial impact on teacher effectiveness, he said. As long as thats the case, we want to give educators as many options as possible in a world where theres still a lot of open positions in regard to public education.

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Further helping open doors for new teachers is the reinstatement of a general science certification for high school educators. The department has required science teachers to specialize in an area, like chemistry or biology, but now will bring back a certification for generalists with a broader knowledge base.

The reinstatement of this general science certificate will create opportunities for more students to choose to be science teachers, not by lowering standards, but instead by creating a path in which the standards are more aligned with the needs of schools, Fridley said.

Hayter expects the change to impact districts statewide, saying that every little bit helps to recruit teachers.

This is one small part of a bigger picture of making sure that we have very effective educators in our classrooms moving forward, he said.

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The bigger picture, Hayter said, includes boosting teacher pay and making schools welcoming for educators.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X.
JOPLIN, Mo.  With topics ranging from domestic violence and guns to abortion, Missouri lawmakers are already setting their sights on potential laws for 2025.

With a month to go until the new session, Missouri lawmakers are starting to build the list of bills to consider in 2025.

In the six years Ive been there, the number of bills filed will range from, say, 1800 to maybe as much as 2500, said MO Rep. Lane Roberts, (R).

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State Rep. Lane Roberts of Joplin has filed five bills.

That includes one targeting organized retail theft, and another with a DUI diversion option.

Allows people who are charged with DUI, the court can divert them out of the criminal justice system. And if they, if they perform according to the agreement, then they have no criminal record, but they only do that once, said Roberts.

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Hes also looking at controls for vaping products.

Theyre flavored or packaged to attract young people, and a significant portion, if not the majority of it, is a product smuggled in, primarily by China, who wont allow the same products to be sold in their country, said Roberts.

For State Rep. Ben Baker of Neosho, parental rights in education will be a focus, along with a TikTok ban for government devices. He has also expressed interest in election integrity.

Thats something that Ill probably be looking at again as well. It may not be just regulated to TikTok, probably more broad than that, but anything thats connected to the CCP and then collecting data on our citizens, and so those are several kind of in that space dealing with things, with concerns with the CCP and connections to them, said MO Rep. Ben Baker, (R).

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Hes also interested in measures dealing with election integrity.

Other locally sponsored bills range from expanding A+ funding and teacher training to state pensions.

State Rep. Ann Kelley has expressed an interest in A+ funds for career and technical degrees and certificates, local oversight of teacher training requirements, and expanding city taxing options.

State Rep. Dirk Deaton has expressed interest in addressing state budget appropriation bills, and banning state pension funds from making political donations.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  St. Louis County Republican Sen.-elect David Gregory is facing major pushback after his plan was publicized Tuesday, which proposes to pay people a $1,000 bounty for turning in undocumented migrants in Missouri.

Gregory campaigned heavily on border issues. Not the Missouri-Illinois or Missouri-Arkansas border, but the U.S. border with Mexico.

Back in March, he shared a campaign video of his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. He then shared his proposal to create the criminal offense of what he called trespass by an illegal alien, punishable by life in prison.

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Lets do this right to protect our people because immigration is good, Gregoy said. Illegal immigration is bad.

He has now pre-filed Senate Bill 72, establishing what the bill calls an Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which would certify Missouri residents who apply to be bounty hunters to find and detain what the bill calls illegal aliens with a state-paid reward of $1,000.

Democrat State Sen. Brian Williams of north St. Louis County pointed out the bill was only one of more 700 pre-filed for consideration for the 2025 legislative session, set to start in January.

See the car theft hot spots St. Louis thieves regularly target

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Williams said Gregorys new bill seemed to be gaslighting, do-nothing, and a piece of legislation designed to grab headlines but one with potentially devastating consequences for law-abiding Missourians.

Right now, it sounds like the public is going to not only get finger-pointing but potentially be subject to various situations of discrimination, Williams said. Missourians expect us to find solutions and not point fingers and not point people out of a public lineup.

A spokeswoman for the International Institute of St. Louis, which helps migrants and refugees re-settle here, said the immigrants and refugees we work with have made our country more welcoming, healthy, and prosperous for all.

That would continue, she said, regardless of any immigration proposals from the legislature.

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I dont know how you do something like this without just stopping every brown person and demanding to see their papers,' civil rights attorney Javad Khazaeli, of the Khazaeli/Wyrsch firm, said.

He called Gregorys bill un-American and said it would open the state up to a great deal of costly litigation.

For someone like me whos a civil rights attorney, this is going to be a boon, he said. Youre going to have a Puerto Rican walking down the street, gets tackled, and people are going to be like, We caught one, and they dont know Puerto Ricans are Americans.

We reached out to Gregory, who said he was out of town and would get back to us later this week. He did not address his bill.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Nearly 30 days after Missourians across the state voted to affirm reproductive rights into the states constitution the issue still seems to be up for debate.

In a hearing Wednesday, pro-abortion groups stood toe to toe with the state attorney generals office as both sides tried to interrupt what voters decided on election night.

First up in the hearing, the state challenged Jean Peters Bakers stance. The state AGs Office wants to move this to Cole County, Missouri.

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Then, they got to the arguments that are central to the case.

The truth scared him: Accuser alleges Golubski didnt want to face victims in court

Those arguments started with the planned parenthood attorney, who was clear about what they believed Amendment Three stands for and what must happen.

The judge must rule in a way that Missourians with the preliminary injunction that, in fact, abortions are now legal starting this Friday, December 6.

We functionally saw the same things happen throughout the coalition fight to get on the ballot and then of course to win it, said President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Great Plains, Emily Wales.

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The state is trying to delay, distract and ultimately deny Missourians from accessing abortion care, but Missourians have been heard, they were loud, they were clear.

Jackson County Prosecutors Office takes over IPD shooting case

But the Solicitor General made several arguments throughout his hour-long presentation, claiming that planned parenthood ignores facts.

Under the amendment that passed in early November, there is an affirmative right to childbirth and planned parenthood is ignoring half of that amendment, Josh Divine, Missouris Solicitor General, said.

Divine said that it is all about the right to childbirth and this move is about revenue instead of what the voters decided on that this is about reproductive rights.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  As Sen. Mitt Romney delivered his final Senate speech Wednesday, a group of his colleagues gathered to offer thanks for Romneys service and friendship.

Senators from both parties requested floor time Wednesday to recognize Romney for his work on bipartisan legislation, his unifying leadership and his character.

Romney, for his part, spent much of his speech crediting his Senate colleagues. My biggest surprise in the Senate has been how much I enjoy the other senators, on both sides of the aisle, Romney said.

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke just before Romney, praising the outgoing senator for a long and honorable career on the national political stage.

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On the bingo cards of American politics, the governor of Massachusetts, senator from Utah combination isnt known to be hit very often, McConnell said. But Mitt Romneys repeated success in public office is attested to the transcendent appeal of his character.

McConnell said Romney possesses uncompromising honesty, earnest humility and evident devotion to faith and family. He said Romneys lone term in the Senate was a fitting capstone to a life in public service.

With the wisdom to discern where to devote his attention, he managed to cram more into six years, and many colleagues fit in 12 or 18, McConnell said.

McConnell credited Romney for his role in securing major bipartisan victories on infrastructure and for diving into worthy fights on issues like American global leadership and competition with China.

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Observers might have wondered what more a distinguished public servant like Mitt Romney had to prove in coming to Washington and putting up with the demands of this (Senate) body, McConnell said. But that would be misunderstanding the way our friend has ordered his life. It wasnt about what he had left to prove, but what he had left to give.

McConnell said that Romney showed when you ground yourself in firm beliefs, the winds of politics are easier to weather. He closed by quoting a particularly moving hymn from Mitts church: Do what is right, let the consequence follow; battle for freedom and spirit and might; and with stout heart, look ye forth til tomorrow; God will protect you, then do what is right.

Sen. Joe Manchin

Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democrat-turned-independent from West Virginia, said he watched Romneys career from afar for a long time. He praised Romneys business pursuits; his role in steering the 2002 Winter Olympics; and his work as governor of Massachusetts.

When Romney entered the Senate, Manchin said, he was involved from day one. He hit the ground running.

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Manchin said Romneys main commitment throughout the bipartisan negotiations on infrastructure was to move the ball forward, even if Romney had to compromise on things he wanted included. That, to me, is the clarity of purpose, Manchin said. The clarity of what he came for is to move the ball forward, make it better, try to make a more perfect union.

Manchin said the country is much better off due to Romneys service in the Senate.

Most importantly, Im a better person, Manchin said. I know that Gail and I are much more enriched because of your and Anns friendship, and we appreciate that more than you know.

Sen. Susan Collins

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, praised Romneys intelligence, imagination and most of all, his integrity.

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Its a day of sadness, because I cant imagine the Senate without Mitt Romney, Collins said.

Collins recounted working with Romney as part of the group of 10 senators that delivered bipartisan legislation on infrastructure, gun safety, electoral reform and marriage rights. She noted that Romney drafted the religious liberty provisions in the Respect for Marriage Act.

He is always focused on getting to yes, on using common sense and on achieving a result, Collins said.

Collins suggested that Romneys next project should be to oversee a commission on fiscal responsibility.

Sen. Cory Booker

Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, humorously rose to object to Romneys exit, and asked for unanimous consent to force him to stay in the Senate.

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Romney laughed. I object to that, he responded.

Booker noted the many ways in which he and Romney are different. But the reality is, the more I served with Mitt Romney, the more I found myself hoping to have more in common with him, Booker said.

Booker said he saw Romney give a master class in what I believe America needs most. ... I watched time and time again from this seat, a person that put aside the desires for partisan adoration, for a deeper conviction to stand up for our nation. I watched a man not confuse tribal celebrity with leadership significance.

He pointed to Romneys 2012 statement that Russia is the U.S.s greatest geopolitical threat. At the time, many people made fun of him, Booker said. A decade later, Booker said, Romneys wisdom in perceiving a threat was not only appreciated, but cheered: Booker said he has sat in classified national security briefings where Romneys assessment was applauded.

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But Booker said he does not fully agree with Romneys assessment. I think the greatest threat to America is our inability to come together as a country, Booker said.

Romney, Booker said, is a great American patriot for his work in trying to unite the country.

Ive sat here for years now, and Ive watched perhaps someone show with clarity of purpose that I have got to be what his faith and mine called for: Blessed are the peacemakers, Booker said.

Sen. Thom Tillis

Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said he and Romney were battle buddies in passing bipartisan legislation. Quite honestly, without his support, the support of a handful of others, stuff that has enduring, generational value would never happen, Tilis said.

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Tills suggested that his fellow senators should ask ourselves, over the next two or four years, What would Mitt Romney do?

Were going to have one less person, in Mitt, here, but I believe its in all of us to emulate what Mitt has done, Tillis said.

Sen. Jon Tester

Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana who recently lost reelection, noted that were losing some good ones this time around, but (Romney is) at the top of the list.

Tester said that his father was born and raised in Utah and was a lifelong Democrat. But Im going to tell you that they would have loved Mitt Romney, Tester said. And the reason they would have loved Mitt Romney is because Mitt Romney is a realist, not an idealist; somebody who looks at issues and tries to solve them; tries to get to yes, not to get to no, without giving up his principles.

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Tester credited Romney for talking realism to the bipartisan group of senators who worked on infrastructure and other legislative victories.

Tester, who was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a child but does not consider himself a member, told Romney there is not a soul in the U.S. Senate who doesnt know youre a man of faith.

I appreciate that, because you exhibit that faith, he said. You dont preach. You walk the walk. ... The United States Senate will be diminished because of your absence.

Sen.-elect John Curtis

Sen.-elect John Curtis, who will fill Romneys seat in the U.S. Senate in January, attended Romneys speech Wednesday. In a statement to the Deseret News, he said he has a deep respect for Romney.

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On election night, I spoke about a season of service and I have a deep respect for Senator Romney and for all who have served a season  however brief or long  in public office, Curtis wrote. I was pleased to be in the Senate chamber today, along with many of my future colleagues, to hear Senator Romneys final floor speech. Today was about listening and learning. It has been noted that most speeches in the U.S. Senate are delivered to an empty chamber. Perhaps that is why it isnt the great deliberative body it once was. I intend to spend more time in the Senate chamber listening to and learning from all of my colleagues beginning in January.

Sen. Mike Lee

Romneys colleague from Utah, Sen. Mike Lee, did not attend Romneys speech Wednesday, but his office sent a written statement to the Deseret News afterward.

I thank Sen. Romney for his many years of public service, Lee wrote. I wish him the very best of success in his future endeavors, and I know that his family will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with him.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, another Democrat-turned-independent, also worked closely with Romney throughout his six years in the Senate. She also chose not to run for reelection so will exit the Senate at the end of the term.

In a statement to the Deseret News, Sinema said, Mitt Romney is a true statesman who exemplifies integrity, honesty, and humility  qualities that are increasingly rare in todays politics. It has been an honor to partner with him in delivering meaningful results for our country and our states, and I am especially proud to call him my friend.

This story has been updated to include a statement from Rep. John Curtis.
After pleading guilty to felony Medicaid fraud in October, 57-year-old Gulong Craft of Colorado Springs was sentenced to eight years of probation Wednesday.

Craft allegedly falsified medical bills to steal $122,441 between 2020 and 2023. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay the full amount in restitution.

Craft's case started in 2023 when fraud investigators were referred to him after other agencies discovered illegal Medicaid billing by Crafts company, Craft Care, LLC. The company was enrolled with Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to provide care for Medicaid patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Upon further investigation, there was "little to no footprint" of the company online. Neither Craft nor his spouse claimed any wages from the company.

A deeper investigation into Crafts billing claims showed a higher-than-normal number of denied claims over several years, hinting at intentional fraud rather than errors.

A thorough dive into Craft's billing claims uncovered that he billed for services even after care was discontinued, for years in one case. Craft also failed to keep records as required under his agreement with HCPF, according to a news release Wednesday afternoon.

The biggest victims of Medicaid fraud are usually low-income patients who lean on Medicaid for critical health care services, Attorney General Phil Weiser stated in Wednesday's release. In this case, the defendants crimes exploited people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will remain vigilant in our commitment to protecting Medicaid patients and taxpayers, holding providers who break the law accountable, and recovering fraudulent payments.
Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against a former St. Paul charter school superintendent over a 2019 investment with a hedge fund that lost the school $4.3 million.

Christianna M. Hang, superintendent and founder of Hmong College Prep Academy, committed the school to become a limited partner in Woodstock Capital Partners LP, a hedge fund, against the advice of the schools legal and accounting advisors, and despite the schools investment policy according to a news release on the lawsuit.

Hang then wired $5 million of the schools money to the hedge fund created by Woodstock without the knowledge of the schools board of directors or meaningful research into the hedge fund, according to the attorney general.

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Minnesota law prohibits schools from investing in hedge funds, which often use risky investment strategies.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Ramsey County District Court, says Hang breached the fiduciary duty of care she had to the school under state law governing nonprofit corporations, meaning she had a responsibility to act in the best interest of the organization. In the civil suit, Ellison is seeking a return of the funds.

Eighteen months after sending the money, all that was left of the schools investment was $700,000, the Pioneer Press reported in 2022.

According to the schools 2021 year-end audit, the value of the investment had fallen to $684,762. School officials at the time didnt know what happened to the rest of the money.

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The school sued Woodstock in federal court in 2021, alleging the hedge fund either stole or badly mismanaged the money. Woodstock at the time said the $4.3 million loss was a matter of bad timing.

The school was criticized in a report by the Office of the Minnesota State Auditor, and the Charities Division of the Attorney Generals Office eventually began an independent civil investigation under the states nonprofit corporation, charitable-solicitation, and charitable-trust laws. Hmong College Prep is considered a charitable trust.

Hang and her husband, chief operating officer Pao Yang, resigned from the school at the end of 2021, leaving with a total of $350,000 in separation payments.

The couple eventually sold their Hugo home, and Hang no longer lives in the state, according to the lawsuit.

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Hang could not be reached for comment Thursday.

This illegal use of HCPAs resources and subsequent loss of over $4 million is an astonishing disservice to students and their families, teachers and administrators, and Minnesota taxpayers. Today, I am suing to recover these funds, protect the educations of young Minnesotans attending HCPA, and hold Ms. Hang accountable, Ellison said in a statement.

Ellison also filed an Assurance of Discontinuance in a separate action with Hmong College Prep Academy, which places reforms on the schools governance and investment practices.

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EARLY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Multiple crews were sent to a house fire on Tuesday, December 3, at around 5:46 p.m.

The Early FD requested aid from Brownwood, Zephyr, May, and Blanket Fire Departments.

The fire occurred at a mobile home on Bluebonnet Hills Lane in Early. The Early Fire Department (FD) arrived at the scene at 5:52 p.m. and found the house with heavy fire from three sides.

Early FD confirmed no injuries, and the fire was quickly extinguished, although the house resulted in a total loss.

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The Brown County Fire Marshal Buddy Preston is currently investigating the fire.

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(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party will appoint one of its senior leaders to head the government in Maharashtra, reclaiming control of the state that houses Indias financial hub of Mumbai.

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The BJPs key ally in the state, the Shiv Sena party, has given a letter of support to BJPs nominee for CM position, which is Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde said at a press conference on Wednesday. The oath-taking is scheduled for Thursday evening in Mumbai, with Modi in attendance.

The BJP and Shiv Sena have been swapping places as senior partner in their coalition over the past decade, with Modis party taking the back-seat of late as it needed to placate its allies to keep the opposition at bay. However a sweeping victory for the BJP in provincial elections in November now puts Fadnavis back in control of a state where billions of dollars are being invested in infrastructure, global companies are looking to list, and which Asias richest man calls home.

BJP won 132 of the 288 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra, a gain of 27 seats from the previous election. The Shiv Sena won 57 seats and Nationalist Congress Party held 41, giving Modis alliance a thumping majority to form the government.

Maharashtra contributes over 10% of Indias gross domestic product, largely because Mumbai is home to the countrys top conglomerates such as Reliance Industries Ltd. and the Tata Group, the countrys biggest stock exchanges, and Bollywood  the Hindi film industry. Gautam Adanis empire is building a new airport near Mumbai and has won a bid to overhaul the sprawling Dharavi slum.

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The broader state of Maharashtra, however, is struggling due to a high unemployment rate and farmers distress.

In the run up to the elections, Modi and his allies have promised a multitude of social welfare programs, including a monthly cash handout of $18 for women. The scale of the win demonstrated that despite a weaker-than-expected win in national polls earlier this year, the BJP and its leaders continue to enjoy widespread support in India.

The opposition alliance, which was routed in Maharashtra, managed to eke out a win in the minerals-rich state of Jharkhand in eastern India.

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By Alexander Tanas

CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldova's president on Thursday sacked Energy Minister Victor Parlicov and the prime minister called for two other senior energy officials to resign for failing to tackle an energy crisis in the small former Soviet republic.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean also said he would ask parliament to impose a state of emergency in the energy sector.

Ukraine has repeatedly said it would not extend its gas transit agreement with Russia after it expires on Dec. 31, raising the risk of a cut-off of Russian gas to several eastern European countries, including Moldova.

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Moldova's Moscow-backed breakaway Transdniestria region is particularly dependent on Russian gas.

"The resignations are the first stage of correcting the crisis situation. I had full confidence in Minister Parlicov. But he did not ensure the purchase of gas," Recean said at a press conference. The presidential decree sacking Parlicov followed.

Parlicov, who had held talks on gas supplies last week in Russia with the head of gas giant Gazprom, said he knew his position was temporary and he was leading the ministry "as long as I was trusted."

He told a press conference that the importance of gas was overstated in Moldova compared to electricity, but said he did "not want to make a scandal" out of his dismissal.

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He had been told of his dismissal minutes before the prime minister spoke, though he had anticipated his departure.

"I am no victim. I will now have plenty of free time while others will be subject to stress," he said.

Recean also called for the resignation of state energy company Energocom head Victor Binzari and Moldovagaz supervisory board member Sergiu Tofilat for failing to buy and store enough volumes of gas at favourable prices.

STATE OF EMERGENCY

The government plans to ask parliament to impose a preventative state of emergency starting Dec. 16, he added.

"A state of energy emergency is necessary to manage the risks of energy supply disruptions, at least partially, and to allow the government to impose certain actions, including restricting energy exports," Recean added, citing uncertainty over gas supplies.

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Moldova has received about 2 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia through Ukraine and since 2022, Transdniestria and Chisinau have agreed that all Russian gas received by Moldova will go to the breakaway region.

Transdniestria also has a large power plant fueled by Russian gas and Chisinau, in turn, buys electricity from the region at a relatively low fixed price.

Recean urged state bodies responsible for energy to prepare for various scenarios, including cuts of power supply from the power plant in Transdniestria.

Moldova has previously said that cutting off supplies through Ukraine is a "very realistic" scenario, and that if Kyiv stops such transit, gas could be delivered via the TurkStream pipeline to Turkey and then via Bulgaria and Romania to Moldova.

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas, writing by Yuliia Dysa and Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Toby Chopra, Gareth Jones, Barbara Lewis, Ron Popeski and Mark Porter)
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  An Horry County woman is suing the owner of a Little River bar after her son was shot multiple times in a New Years Eve fight that left two people dead.

Kenyatta Crawford on Tuesday filed a negligence lawsuit in Horry County Common Pleas Court against Drinking Class Bar and Grill, its parent company, owner Chester Wheeler and two unnamed employees who were working there on the night of Dec. 31.

James Myron Bellamy, 20, and Kron Fox, 19, died in the shooting, which also injured two other people. Witnesses told police they heard as many as 60 gunshots, which they initially thought were fireworks.

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Horry County police said at the time two other people were hurt in the shooting, but didnt disclose the extent of their injuries.

State officials suspended the bars liquor license in January.

Crawfords lawsuit offers new details about prior alleged safety lapses at the Highway 9 establishment, which was housed inside a strip mall as its only late-night business.

About three weeks before the shooting, bar management met with Horry County police to discuss concerns about gang members who were seen on site. Authorities responded to Drinking Class 37 times in 2023, according to the lawsuit.

On the night of the deadly shooting, Crawfords son was hit four times.

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* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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Rebel insurgents in Syria have cut off roads connecting the besieged western city of Hama with other parts of the country, a war monitor said on Thursday.

The alliance led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) organization has cut off roads between Hama and the cities of Aleppo and al-Raqqa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Rebel fighters have also taken three further villages east of Hama, the monitor added.

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The latest developments come one week after the alliance launched a surprise offensive against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, reigniting the country's civil war after years of stalemate.

The Syrian government has deployed troops to strengthen its position in Hama, which is reportedly encircled on three sides, in an effort to halt the rebels' advance.

Government troops have reportedly succeeded in regaining full control of the Zain al-Abidin mountain north of Hama.

According to the news channel Al-Arabiya, there was heavy fighting around Hama.

The Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported, citing military circles, that the situation in Hama was "normal and safe" and denied that rebels had advanced into the city.

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According to the London-based monitoring centre, which is following the war with a network of informants on the ground, more than 570 people have been killed in the fighting, including almost 100 civilians.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Nearly every seat was filled at 11 a.m., Wednesday at the Montrose Pavillion Event Center.

Business owners, entrepreneurs, citizens and government officials came together to talk economics.

Montrose Mayor David Reed shared some of the citys accomplishments in 2024, like the near completion of the new town hall facade and celebrated the opening of the Rathbone Hotel, which was an old historic building downtown.

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Reed says the old City Hall building will be turned into a new hotel.

The main attraction at least to Amanda Waltrip with the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium was Nathan Perry, a CMU professor, who talked about population projections.

He predicts Montrose County will grow to roughly 53,000 in 2050. Mesa and Delta County will also grow substantially.

While most of the event was positive, there was one thing Perry says he worries about  the demographic cliff of Millenials having far fewer babies than previous generations; something Tonya Maddox with Our Town Matters, the organizers of the event, isnt that worried about.

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With full bellies and full minds, the Pavillion cleared at 1 p.m.

Mayor Reed hopes everyone left knowing the event, at its core, is really a celebration of citizens and what theyve accomplished to make Montrose what it is.

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MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX)  The Montrose Police Department officially sworn in five new officers during a city council meeting on Tuesday.

Officers Christian Cardena, Ryan Hess, Scott Joy, Clint Swope and Scott Walker were all welcomed to the department. The five officers come with several years of law enforcement experience in Colorado ranging from five to 25 years.

The Montrose Police Department and I are proud to welcome these officers into our department and community, Police Chief Blaine Hall said in a press release. The officers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our agency.  The hiring of these officers is a great example of our commitment to improving overall public safety within the Montrose community. Please take a moment to say, Hello, if you see them out working.

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The world faces the dawn of a "third nuclear age" in which Western democracies are threatened by "authoritarian states seeking to challenge the global rules," the head of the U.K.'s armed forces said on Dec. 4.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said "wild threats of tactical nuclear use" by Russia were one of the gravest concerns, along with its deepening alliances with North Korea and Iran.

"This years most extraordinary development was the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on the border of Ukraine," he said.

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"Add to this the use of Iranian-supplied drones by Russian forces, and Russias threats to arm the Houthis in direct retaliation for Western support to Ukraine, and we are witnessing the world aligning into three groups."

Radakin said the first of these is the "authoritarian states" of Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea that sought to challenge and disrupt the global order.

The second is "the responsible nations of the world," while the third consists of countries such as India and Brazil who are "hedging and ducking between the two for maximum advantage."

Radakin added the third nuclear age  after the escalation of the Cold War, and then the disarmament efforts and counter-proliferation that followed  would be characterized by "proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies, and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before."

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"From Russia we have seen wild threats of tactical nuclear use, large-scale nuclear exercises and simulated attacks against NATO countries, all designed to coerce us from taking the action required to maintain stability," he added.

Despite the dire warning, Radakin insisted there was only a "remote chance" Russia would directly attack or invade a NATO country due to the alliance's nuclear umbrella.

"Russia knows the response would be overwhelming, whether conventional or nuclear," he said, adding: "The strategy of deterrence by NATO works and is working.

"But it has to be kept strong and strengthened against a more dangerous Russia."

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Read also: Fall of Aleppo deals blow to Russias Middle East clout, may indirectly strengthen Ukraines hand

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One member of Colorado's second-highest court told attorneys on Wednesday that state law and the principles of the legal profession require them to be respectful of others' gender identities, notwithstanding the inevitable mistakes that are made in good faith.

"I will be the first to tell you the legal system has a long way to go to catch up on this. We have inmates in the Department of Corrections who go by names different than what they were convicted under," said Judge Ted C. Tow III of the Court of Appeals. In those instances, however, Tow said he has to issue an opinion under the legal name, otherwise the person will never receive it.

"We have a lot of areas to grow and to learn how to deal with these issues as a system," he added.

Tow delivered an online presentation with Hayden DePorter, an employment attorney and former Court of Appeals clerk. They walked through the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity and the protections Colorado law affords those characteristics.

"In your practice, this is gonna come up at some point almost for sure for you: You are representing someone or you are cross-examining someone who uses a particular pronoun that you might not have expected or is different from your initial thought," said Tow. "If you learn someone uses a pronoun, you have to use it. If you intentionally misuse it  if you refuse to acknowledge their identity  that is a violation of CADA," meaning the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.

He elaborated that lawyers in a courtroom setting may avoid using a person's chosen name or their pronouns for a variety of reasons. But such behavior, he said, could run afoul of the rules of professional conduct, meaning judges should intervene.

"The concepts of equity, diversity and inclusivity are not new. They are part of your oath when you became a lawyer," Tow said.

The presentation occurred on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case questioning whether states may bar transgender children from receiving gender-affirming treatments. The first openly trans attorney to appear in front of the nation's highest court argued for the challengers.

DePorter noted anti-trans sentiment has also endangered "cisgender" women, meaning those whose biological sex is the same as the gender they identify with.

"There's been quite a few articles coming out about cisgender women being attacked in the bathroom because they dont look 'woman enough' and they look like 'a man,'" DePorter said.

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Tow said that when it comes to gender identity, neither language nor customs are fixed forever. In the Founding era, for example, male attire included "makeup, boots with heels, frilly shirts and wigs," Tow said.

Similarly, legal language has evolved, with "his" giving way to "his or hers." Tow said even that development is "underinclusive."

"You will see numerous Court of Appeals decisions that use 'they' as a generic singular. We dont drop a footnote and call attention to it. We just do it," he said.

"Not all of the judges are comfortable doing it yet," Tow continued. To the extent that using "they" could cause confusion for the reader, "you write around that. You figure out how to make it clear. It just isnt something to be scared of."

The presenters recommended making a practice of asking for others' pronouns, and not doing so only when a person's gender identity appears ambiguous. They said mistakes will happen and the best remedy is to apologize and promise to do better.

"Im not perfect either. I misgender people, too," said DePorter. "This current group of youth is growing up where it is common to use they/them pronouns."

Tow raised the scenario of an attorney representing a client in a family law case who may wish to refer to their child differently than how the child identifies. In that instance, Tow said, honoring the parent's beliefs  as far as the law is concerned  would be discriminatory.

"When I started my practice in Chicago, I was a labor lawyer," he said. "I represented a lot of clients throughout the mid- and Deep South. I cannot count the number of Bubbas that I had contact with. I guarantee you, for only a very small handful of them that was their given name. I never questioned calling them 'Bubba' because thats how they introduced themselves."

Tow said even he encounters people who try to call him by something other than his given name  Ted.

"I will never understand the resistance to just meeting someone where they are," he said. "To addressing them the way they wish to be addressed."

The presentation was sponsored by the Faculty of Federal Advocates.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)New details are emerging around the abrupt closure of a D.C. public charter school over the summer.

Eagle Academy Charter School shuttered its doors on August 20 just days before the start of the 2024-2025 school year leaving roughly 370 students without a place to go to school.

Families were forced to find new schooling options for their children, in mere days. And staff were left without jobs.

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Somewhere along the lines the DC Public Charter School Board the Eagle Academy School Board dropped the ball, said Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White, during a council oversight hearing on the closure Thursday.

According to district leaders several red flags were missed or ignored.

Enrollment was declining at the school, Eagle Academy was struggling with having enough cash on hand and the schools CEO, Joe Smith, was also serving as the CFO.

When did we know the LEA board was derelict in their duties? When did we know one person was serving as CEO and CFO? Im writing the checks and cashing the checks. When did the PSCB know funds had dropped below the required amount, said Jacque Patterson, who is the Vice President of the State Board of Education.

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DC parents frantically search for new schools after Eagle Academy Public Charter School closes

Patterson spoke at the hearing and said trust has been broken with the community.

Eagle Academy has relinquished its charter and no longer exists. So, who is going to be held accountable?

According to the D.C. Public Charter School Board, Eagle Academy was put on a financial monitoring list in June of 2023, due to several concerning metrics. Thats when it began monthly reviews of Eagles finances.

By July of 2024, Eagle Academy was put on a Financial Correction Action Plan.

The FCAP made clear to Eagle that our oversight of, and investigation into their financial situation was ongoing, and outline aggressive measures, deadlines, and expectations for the school to improve its internal controls and management practices, while also immediately improving its solvency, said PCSB Executive Director Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis.

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In August of 2024, Eagle Academy was in discussions with Friendship Public Charter School and other schools that also interested in acquiring Eagle Academy.

However, on August 20, the Eagle Academy School Board voted to relinquish the schools charter, shuttering the school. The PCSB said this was done without any advanced notice.

At this point, there was no action DC PCSB could take to stop this vote or reverse Eagles action. I want to acknowledge that the way the school was closed was not ideal or what we intended, said Walker-Davis.

Parent Sharnetta Boone-Ruffin said she wishes the Public Charter School Board wouldve stepped in sooner.

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Were going into month five and my daughter is still asking for her school, asking for their teachers, asking for her principal. It should not have been this way, she said. It was extremely stressful to look for a school for my child that has special needs in just mere days.

The PCSB said it has taken steps to provide greater financial oversight of charter schools, including the following:

We will adjust our criteria for when schools get placed on an FCAP.

Increase visibility of the FAR which is an important financial monitoring and assessment tool.

Communicate with school board members in addition to the school staff when a school is added to the Monitoring List to ensure full transparency of the financial health of the school to all relevant parties.

And, we will publish our Financial Oversight Overview, a resource that encompasses what we do and how we do it. Publishing it will provide complete transparency at every step of the process.

Public speakers also noted the over saturation of schools in the district, with 11 schools located within a one-mile radius of Eagle Academy. They noted this over saturation is leading to issues with enrollment at many schools in DC.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  For the first time in state history, there are more women in New Mexicos legislature than men. With the legislative session nearly a month away, KRQE News 13 has learned how this milestone will affect future policies. Many of these women that took the leap and stuck their neck out and got elected, said Senator Mimi Stewart, President Pro Tempore.

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After this last election cycle, the majority of our legislature on the house side are female. Thats the first time in state history thats happened, said Gabriel Sanchez, KRQE Political Analyst.

Women make up 53% of New Mexicos legislature, making it second in the nation trailing Nevada which has 60%.

KRQE News 13s political analyst Gabriel Sanchez said its been a long road getting here. The gradual increase started with a big shift in 2018 which Sanchez referred to as the MeToo election. He also credited Emerge New Mexico, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic female candidates.

Long-time State Representative and Senator Mimi Stewart also attributed the shift to the work already being done by women. Are very pleased with what weve done the last six years under our female governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. We have just done more for working families. Weve done more for children, said Stewart.

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One thing Sanchez said to pay attention to in the upcoming session is how a female-led legislature might prioritize family-centered laws. The number one thing thats consistent in the literature, women tend to support policies that are more supportive of both women and families than men do, said Sanchez.

Stewart said theres a positive outlook for bipartisan legislation focused on families. She highlighted achievements including passing the childcare tax credit and the increase in the low-income and working families tax credits.

She also voiced her excitement for the seven incoming women senators. Those women coming in are ready to get to work, and Im looking forward to getting to know them more and seeing how they can help us move the needle forward for families and children in New Mexico, said Stewart.

I feel like women should take the lead on all the work thats been done before us and assure that we can grow on that, starting with reforming education, CYFD, and ensuring that our neighborhoods and communities are safe enough for our children to go outside, said Republican Representative-elect Rebecca Dow.

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Dow said shell fight to bolster protections for female spaces. I think that begins with defining what a woman is and protecting spaces that are single-sex spaces for women. I hope we can amend the bills that have been taking that away. I dont think we should go backwards, we should go forward, said Dow.

Both legislators said they are committed to reaching across the aisle. There is hard work to be done, and the need is urgent. The time is now, and I hope that women will look past one-party rule and do what is expected of us, said Dow.

The next legislative session starts on January 21.

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Dec. 4MORGANTOWN  The city of Morgantown announced Wednesday that City Manager Kim Haws will end his tenure with the city on Dec. 20, concluding a nearly 40-year career in city government.

"We wish Kim and his family the best as he welcomes this new chapter of his life, " Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam said in the city's press release. "Being a city manager isn't for the faint of heart. It's hard work and he has done an excellent job. Together, we were able to overcome significant obstacles and difficult situations with Kim's help. His outstanding leadership has set Morgantown on a path to success, and for that, we are grateful."

Haws made the city aware of his plans to retire in September. He last attended a meeting of Morgantown City Council on Nov. 5.

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The Dominion Post reached out to the city earlier this week to inquire about the details of his departure and was told they were still being finalized.

On Tuesday, Morgantown City Council approved a contract with North Carolina-based Raftelis to conduct a months-long national recruitment effort to fill the opening.

As reported, Haws' retirement comes as Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli prepares for an extended leave, meaning council will need to select "a qualified city administrative officer " to serve as interim manager.

This appointment is expected to be made at the council's Dec. 17 regular meeting.

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By process of elimination, it would appear the choice is between Engineering and Public Works Director Damien Davis, the city's longest-tenured director, and Director of Development Services Rickie Yeager.

Both were involved in an executive session as part of Tuesday's city council meeting.

"As always, we have unwavering confidence in our department heads' leadership and the exceptional service quality of our staff, " Muzzarelli said. "Even through transitions in leadership, we are committed to providing the highest quality of service possible. I think this is a direct reflection of Kim's legacy."

Haws came to Morgantown in December of 2020, about two years after he ended a 20-year stint as the city manager in Bridgeport.

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His four-year tenure makes him Morgantown's longest serving city manager since Dan Boroff spent just under 18 years in the role (1992-2010).

The city touts Haws' efforts to increase revenue, strengthen partnerships and implement a comprehensive approach to completing capital improvement projects.

"Kim has certainly served our community well over the years, " Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin is quoted as saying. "We are thankful for his steadfast leadership and commitment to moving our city forward. Kim's positive influence will be noticed for years to come."

Haws said he looks forward to seeing what's next for Morgantown.

"I have been honored to serve the wonderful people of Morgantown and the various communities throughout my career. Being a city manager has always been a labor of love, " he said. "I appreciate our citizens, council, staff, and community partners who added so much value to the end of my career. I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines our city. I look forward to seeing Morgantown continue to grow and prosper."
MSNBCs Joe Scarborough launched into an extraordinary rant on Thursdays Morning Joe in which he angrily hit back at criticisms made about his post-election meeting with Donald Trump.

The 20-minute screed started as a response to a column from The Atlantics David Frum in which Frum described the unsettling experience he had during his appearance on the show Wednesday. The article addressed the shows response to a joke hed made on air about the alleged drinking of Pete HegsethTrumps pick for secretary of defensefrom Hegseths former colleagues at Fox News.

An NBC News report said Hegseths former colleagues concerns about his purported drinking included him smelling of alcohol before going on air as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend (a Trump transition team spokesperson said the claims were completely unfounded and false).

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If youre too drunk for Fox News, youre very, very drunk indeed, Frum said on Morning Joe Wednesday. Later in the show, co-host Mika Brzezinski said the comment had been a little too flippant for this moment that were in and noted theres a lot of good people who work at Fox News who care about Pete Hegseth, and we will want to leave it at that.

It is a very ominous thing if our leading forums for discussion of public affairs are already feeling the chill of intimidation and responding with efforts to appease, Frum wrote in his column under the headline The Sound of Fear on Air, which also noted that Scarborough and Brzezinski visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month to mend fences with the president-elect. I do not write to scold anyone; I write because fear is infectious, he added.

On Thursdays Morning Joe, Scarborough said the Brzezinskis comments werent the sound of fear, but rather the sound of civility and claimed she hadnt apologized for Frums comment as he suggested she had in his article. She simply said it was too flippant, he added.

Just because some people have said that were fearful, let me tell you something, Scarborough went on. You can talk to anybody that has worked in the front office of NBC and MSNBC over the past 22 years. I tell you: Im not fearful. If you talk to anybody who served with me in congress, they will tell you, not fearful of leadership. Now? Not fearful.

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He went on to say that hed tried to get Frum back on the show to talk through this. Scarborough also continued to defend the decision to address Frums comment on air. He said hed even asked an unspecified editor at The Atlantic if they would let him write in a column If you are too drunk for The New York Times you are very, very drunk indeed? If youre too drunk for the New York Post you are very, very drunk indeed?

The sound of fear. The apology? None of that is true, Scarborough said. But guess what, this is whats been going on now for several weeks, he added, referring to the backlash to the Mar-a-Lago meeting.

We went down to talk to the president-elect and people wrote articles that were just false, Scarborough said. But you know what we did? We did the corporate thing. Corporate said: Dont say anything, just keep your head down.

He said the main complaint theyd faced was that we called Donald Trumps rhetoric fascist during the campaign and then went down to have an off-the-record comment with him.

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Guess who else does that? Scarborough said, prompting Brzezinski to say: Let me see, from The New York Times, The Washington Postyou know what? I even think folks from The Atlantic.

Picking up steam, Scarborough went on to say hed been speaking to sources on background for yearsincluding a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron last summer. I did that but I didnt report it, he said. The only difference between what we did on that visit [with Trump] and what The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and everybody else is doing is we were transparent, we actually told you.

Later, he returned to Frum, apologizing to him for making him feel uncomfortable and saying he hopes Frum comes back on the show.

Ive got to say, Mika, at this point, Im sick and tired of the nonsense, he added. And I wish wed all just get to work doing the things we need to do, which is our job, which is talking to people who are going to determine where this country goes over the next four years.

Scarborough closed out the rant by saying that other news organizations are meeting with Trump as they did. Do we judge CNN for doing it? No, he said. You know why? Its their jobs! Grow up! Its their jobs. The only thing we did that caused this Twitter storm is we told you. Now, if youd prefer that we dont tell you everything that we do thats fine. But we just thought in this case that transparency was best.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Morrison Police Department is disbanding, a spokesperson confirmed with FOX31 on Wednesday.

The decision was made Monday during a town board meeting. The town said in a press release that the board of trustees was in the process of adopting its 2025 budget.

Due to various financial concerns, the adopted budget results in a reduction in the Towns Police Department. The Town anticipates that police services in the Town will be provided by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office beginning in January 2025, the release stated. The Town is working expeditiously to ensure a smooth transition.

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According to board documents, the police department cost $1.47 million in 2023 and cost an estimated $1.73 million in 2024. The town only budgeted for $1.57 million for the department.

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The police budget also took up around 41% of the towns total predicted budget for 2025. The proposed police department budget for 2025 was $1.67 million  far exceeding all other major expenditures, including capital projects, administration and street repairs.

The agency brought in total revenue (through traffic control fees and court fines) of just over $568,000 in 2023, and town documents estimate that the department will have collected $510,000 in 2024. The town was planning on about $930,000 in revenue generated by the department.

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The agency will be disbanded effective Jan. 1, 2025. The department was deputized by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office in June.

Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Mark Techmeyer told FOX31s Gabby Easterwood that there are still some details to work out, but the agency has agreed to patrol the area after the first of the year.

Its going to be a new contract, but really its an amendment to an existing contract because weve been doing overnight law enforcement services for the town of Morrison for the past four years, Techmeyer explained.

He said the area is near Jefferson Countys south precinct, and told FOX31s Nicole Fierro on Thursday that there are still details to work out, such as what services the agency will provide, and what effect that might have on the budget.

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So thats why we could respond overnight, Techmeyer told Easterwood. We have to figure out what the call for service history has been in the past and make a determination and what Morrisons call for service have been during the day.

One business owner, who did not want to be identified, told Easterwood that he is not upset about the disbanded department. He said the high number of parking and speeding tickets drove business away from the Red Rocks town.

Were still working out all the levels of enforcement that well be providing for them, Techmeyer said. One thing we know, like we wont be enforcing municipal codes for the town of Morrison. I dont anticipate us running traffic through the town of Morrison like it has been done in the past. We will be responding to calls for service, that will be our priority.

The Morrison department has previously been criticized for the high number of tickets issued in the town.

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Well bring the same professional law enforcement services that we have always provided to residents of Morrison and they should not be concerned about anything regarding the safety or the security of their town, Techmeyer said.

The town said questions can be directed to the Morrison town manager at mnassau@morrisonco.us. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said details of the contract could be released as early as next week.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The same week that winds would again stoke up flames in the mountains of East Tennessee, lawyers were still wrangling over who is to blame for the handling of the Gatlinburg wildfires 8 years ago.

The lawsuits stemming from the 2016 wildfires have bounced around federal courts with decisions combining or splitting off the legal theories and parties involved.

Tuesday, the attorney representing the estate of a Canadian couple killed in the fires, John and Marilyn Tegler, filed a motion asking a federal court judge to reattach a hypothetical arm of the legal argument made by those who suffered personal losses of life or property. Attorney Gordon Ball wants Judge Ronnie Greer of the Eastern District of Tennessees Greenville division to restore what his motion describes as the command structure alternate theory of liability to the complaint.

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Leading up to this move, there has been of a legal maze in a case that defies easy explanation.

Crews fight multiple brush fires in Sevier County

First, it needs to be pointed out that the lawsuit which is so often referenced following the fires is actually a bundle of now-conjoined lawsuits left with two essential distinctions: individual plaintiffs and insurance plaintiffs.

Insurance companies are suing for losses from their payouts to policyholders whose homes and businesses burned. Individual plaintiffs are survivors and the relatives of the 14 people killed who have decided to sue the federal government under their own banners.

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The second guiding principle to understand the legal paths followed so far is that each bundle of plaintiffs have been operating under slightly different accounts of what was lost, who is to blame and why.

Those accounts share a common enemies in the outdoorsy workers of the U.S. governments departments of Agriculture, Interior, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service, but the variations between their strategies have shaped the courtroom wrangling thus far.

Each offered up four essential theories: on the individual side, attorneys argued that government representatives failed to monitor the fire, failed to follow a specific command structure, failed to stick with a mandatory set of fire management procedures and failed to sufficiently warn neighboring communities of the fires imminent spread beyond the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Earlier decisions had knocked out three of the four parts from the individual plaintiffs arsenal and threatened to scuttle their lawsuit altogether over a dispute about early paperwork. That was until an August 2023 ruling by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the decision to dismiss the individual plaintiffs.

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Previous Coverage: Motion seeks to continue Gatlinburg wildfire lawsuits against national park

Then a further 2024 decision by that appellate panel let the failure-to-warn component and the command structure components go forward via the insurance company plaintiffs.

Ball, in his December 3, 2024 motion, cites a bit of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure which establishes that court decisions which whittle down claims, rights or liabilities before the very last judgment can be revised. He further points to the decision by judges in the insurance company appeal case that the federal policy calling for the use of a specified command structure was not optional.

The concept of which policies are mandatory versus those that can be left up to the team on the ground commanding the effort is a central pillar of this lawsuit. Broadly, the federal government cannot be sued for damages as it is covered by the concept of sovereign immunity.

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But exemptions exist, including one that shields the government from the results of workers making judgment calls that are part of their everyday duties and getting it wrong. That is, when the decision in question is up to the worker and was made based on some sort of established policy.

Vacation condos destroyed during Gatlinburg wildfires in 2016 reopen

Judges looking at the insurance plaintiffs case found that putting in place a specific command structure, known as Incident Command Center, for leading the firefighting effort was not a judgment call, writing discretionary fire suppression strategies, techniques, and decisions are distinct from the mandatory command structure that must be used when responding to a fire.

Combined, Ball argues that the command structures mandatory nature means it must be allowed back into the individual plaintiffs lawsuit as a theory for assigning liability.

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The decision on the way forward is in the hands of Judge Greer at the district level. Attorneys in November were ordered to finish depositions by early March of 2025.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson lived with his wife and two children in a quiet suburb of Minneapolis. Why someone would gun him down on a New York City street remains a mystery.

Thompson, 50, was shot and killed in front of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel at 1335 Sixth Ave. in Manhattan around 6:45 a.m., according to the NYPD.

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Thompson was headed to the New York Hilton Midtown hotel where he was to speak at an investor conference when the gunman approached him from behind and fatally shot him, police said.

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It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.

NYPD officials said investigators are working to determine the motive for the killing.

The motive for this murder currently is unknown, but based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifially targeted. But at this point, we do not know why, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 after joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004. Before being named CEO, he led government programs for UnitedHealthcare, including Medicare.

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In the wake of Thompsons death, many people on social media have questioned his recent sale of personal stock in UnitedHealthcare. Thompson sold almost half of his stock, netting him roughly $12 million.

Experts said Thompsons insider stock selling was not illegal, but it generally doesnt sit well with shareholders.

Besides questions about his stock sales, UnitedHealthcare under Thompsons watch was also facing lawsuits about upcoding Medicare to charge extra for reimbursements.

Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that there were some people that had been threatening her husband.

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Thompsons wife said she didnt know the exact details but suggested it may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

Police shared images of the suspected shooter in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) Police are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) Authorities are searching for the suspect accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in a targeted shooting on Dec. 4, 2024, police said. (credit: NYPD) Authorities are searching for the suspect accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in a targeted shooting on Dec. 4, 2024, police said. (credit: NYPD)

The suspect fled after the shooting and hasnt been caught, police said. The NYPD released multiple surveillance images of the suspected shooter.

Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the gunman.

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).

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 62-year-old man was identified as the person who died in a motorcycle crash last Friday, Nov. 29, in Northeast El Paso, according to El Paso Police.

One person dead after crash involving motorcycle in Northeast El Paso

Police say they responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle at 2:30 p.m. that Friday at the intersection of Deer Avenue and Dyer Street.

Police say Mark Alan Rasmussen, 62, was traveling on a motorcycle going south on Dyer Street, approaching the intersection of Deer Avenue. A woman who was traveling in a Dodge Charger was traveling north on Dyer Street, and was also approaching the intersection.

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After they both approached the intersection, the woman turned left in front of Rasmussen which resulted in the crash, police said.

Rasmussen was then transported to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries, police said.

Police did not say if the woman will be facing any charges. This is the 63rd fatality this year compared to 75 last year.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The return of a once-popular Pizza chain to Texoma is gaining momentum, with another opening tomorrow and the Wichita Falls location one week later.

The new Mr Gattis Pizza will open tomorrow in Lawton in the Walmart on Quanah Parker Trailway. For this and other new locations, customers are offered free delivery and buy one and get 50% off the second for carry out orders through December.

Non-profits join forces to help homeless in Texoma

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The Wichita Falls Mr Gattis opening will be next Thursday, Dec. 12, inside the Lawrence Road Walmart, with carryout, dine-in, or delivery.

Mr Gattis partnership with Walmart will eventually bring almost 100 new locations around Texas, with around a dozen in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.

Mr Gattis in Graham opened last month, as did one in Stephenville, where founder James Eure opened his first pizza place in 1964 and later named the new locations after his wifes maiden name.

Wichita Falls once had three Mr Gattis, in Sikes Senter, on Southwest Parkway in the Highland Village center, and on Enterprise.

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The company has been surging and capturing ever bigger slices of the market since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019. Mr Gattis now has around 140 locations in 20 states in the Southeast and Southwest, with plans for 230 by 2026.

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has abandoned a plan to cap payouts on anesthesia claims in certain states.

Critics including lawmakers and physicians had accused the company, one of the nations largest insurers, of potentially degrading care and saddling customers with thousands of dollars in unexpected bills.

There has been significant widespread misinformation about an update to our anesthesia policy. As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change, the company told The Independent in a statement. To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.

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Under the policy at issue, Anthem was set to use estimates for the length of procedures established by the government Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to evaluate anesthesia claims. In a note to providers about the now-abandoned plan, the company said it would only pay up to the CMS established amount for anesthesia services. Patients under 22 and those receiving maternity care were exempted from the policy.

State officials celebrated the reversal.

We pushed Anthem to reverse course on their decision to strip anesthesia coverage away from New Yorkers and today they will be announcing a full reversal of this misguided policy, New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X on Thursday. Dont mess with the health and well-being of New Yorkers  not on my watch.

After hearing from people across the state about this concerning policy, my office reached out to Anthem, and Im pleased to share this policy will no longer be going into effect here in Connecticut, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon wrote on X.

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The policy was set to take effect Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Notes to providers suggested the change would take effect in spring of 2025. The society accused Anthem of seeking to unilaterally limit coverage based on an arbitrary time limit.

This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care, Dr. Donald E. Arnold, president of the group, said in a November statement. Its a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete and safe anesthesia care.

Governor Hochul had criticized the Anthem policy as outrageous, while Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut branded it appalling in a post on X and warned it would result in saddling patients with thousands of dollars in surprise additional medical debt.

And for what? Just to boost corporate profits? he continued. Reverse this decision immediately.

Policy would limit anesthesia coverage for procedures that run over standard time limit (AFP via Getty Images)

Doctors, meanwhile, warned that the policy could impact care and doesnt account for the many reasons a surgery or procedure might take longer than a general pre-set formula.

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There are many real-world examples that I can provide as a medical doctor that illustrate how a predetermined time limit for anesthesiology coverage is not reasonable because there are many other medical factors at play, Jeff Gordon, a Republican state senator and physician for Connecticut, wrote in a statement last month. Each patient is different. Each surgery is different.

The average price of anesthesia in outpatient visits rose 20 percent between 2018 and 2022, to $989, according to the Health Care Cost Institute.

Anthem had previously framed the anesthesia plan as a way to actually reduce costs on patients by standardizing claims.

We at Anthem strive to make health care simpler and more affordable, the company told CNN. One of the ways to achieve that goal is to help ensure that claims are accurately coded, and providers are reimbursed appropriately for the services they provide to members. Improper coding drives healthcare costs higher than they otherwise would be.

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Eric Levitz, a correspondent at the progressive news outlet Vox, argues that there could be an upside to the policy change, noting in a post on X that the alternative to capping pay rates to doctors who make $400,00+ a year is to have everyone pay higher premiums to support their extortionary billing.

The heated public discussion around healthcare costs follows the Wednesday shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel, in what police suspect was a targeted attack.
WAYNESBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Lincoln County man faces several charges after a domestic violence call led deputies to find multiple animal carcasses at his home.

The incident began at 11 a.m. on Sunday when 37-year-old Shawn Rector reportedly slapped his common law wife in the face. An arrest citation states that she told deputies that his actions made her fear for her safety and the children in the residence.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Sometime later, deputies were called to the Kentucky Highway 1247 home after Rector allegedly threatened to kill his 17-year-old daughter and kick her teeth out. Court documents state that he reportedly hid under a bed in the back of the home.

While searching for Rector, deputies found syringes, needles, 10 glass meth pipes, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and a drug smoking bong. An arrest citation states that when deputies went into a building on the property, they found a black and white goat that was reportedly starved to death. Deputies described that the goat was chained up and unable to reach food or water.

Authorities also found the carcasses of four deer carcasses, none of which had been reported to Fish and Wildlife, and were killed without a license, per court documents.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

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Rector was subsequently arrested and charged with the following, per the detention center:

Possession of marijuana

Two counts of drug paraphernalia: buy/possess

Third-degree terroristic threatening

First-degree fleeing or evading police

Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)

Second-degree cruelty to animals

Fourth-degree assault

He was booked and lodged at the Pulaski County Detention Center on Sunday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Investigators discovered the words "deny", "defend" and "depose" written on shell casings found at the scene where Brian Thompson, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed by a masked gunman Wednesday, according to media reports.

NBC News reported the chilling development Thursday, citing a "senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation."

According to CBS News, a source said the words were written, not etched, onto the casings.

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A manhunt continues Thursday for the suspect, who police said killed Thompson in what appears to be a "brazen, targeted attack," with new images released of a person wanted by police for questioning.

It's unclear if the latest images were captured before or after the shooting, however, what appears to be a pulled-down, black face mask is shown in the photos.

UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.



The full investigative efforts of pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024

The moment the gunman opened fire and shot Thompson in the back was captured on video footage, which has since circulated widely online.

While police have not indicated a motive, the murder has unleashed a torrent of anger on social media over coverage denials and other practices by health insurers.

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The words written on the shell casings are suspected to be a reference to the "three D's of insurance", which is often cited by opponents of the industry, according to BBC News.

UnitedHealthcare has long faced intense criticism over allegations the private health insurer denies patients coverage of needed treatments.

As many of those critical of the company amplified their grievances in light of Thompson's apparent assassination, others were quick to condemn the discourse on social media.

In a post on Twitter, KARE 11 anchor Julie Nelson wrote that Thompson, a 50-year-old father-of-two who resided in Maple Grove, "was a human being with a family."

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"So many of the comments on his murder are despicable," she wrote.

Thompson, a graduate of the University of Iowa, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.

He worked on the corporate development team conducting mergers and acquisitions before moving to UnitedHealthcare, where he was named CEO in 2021.
A Florida man was finally captured by authorities after a years-long manhunt for the shooter behind the death of an innocent mother.The bombshell tip was that brought the cops to their suspect...? Just a very popular Chinese social media app.

The video posted by popular crime sleuth @/therealbiggdracco back in December of 2021 with news clippings discussing the alleged murder of 27-year-old Joana Peca. Police say Pecas boyfriend, Benjamin Bambi Williams, met her at a cemetery so he could see his infant son. However, police claim he shot her multiple times in the face while she sat in her car. Police also said the shooting happened while Peca held her 4-month-old baby in her arms and while a 4-year-old sat in the backseat of the vehicle. Police said neither child was harmed.

Authorities launched a manhunt for Williams, describing him as armed and dangerous. He was also connected to a series of unrelated killings. The cops offered a $25,000 reward for any information on Willams and his whereabouts.

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Tuesday, the St. Petersburg Police Department announced they finally got a tip that brought the three-year search to an end. The department said in a statement they were contacted by a person who came across the TikTok video and recognized Williams, saying he was currently living in Mexico. Detectives then contacted the U.S. Marshals Service and Williams was extradited to the United States.

Williams is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse. Hes currently being held in Pinellas County Jail without bond.

Thanks to the dedication of St. Petersburg Police detectives and the invaluable support of the U.S. Marshals and the ATF, a dangerous criminal was captured, bringing justice to the victims family. While nothing can restore the life of a beloved daughter and mother to two young children, we hope this offers them some long-overdue peace and closure, said Anthony Holloway, Chief of St. Petersburg Police.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The murder trial of Timothy Herrington Jr., the man accused of killing University of Mississippi student Jimmie Jay Lee continued on Thursday.

Testimony centered on how Oxford Police tracked Jimmie Jay Lees vehicle the morning of July 8, 2022. Prosecutors attempting to establish a connection with the accused, Timothy Herrington Jr.

Oxford Police Detective Mark Hodges testified that around 7:25 that morning, security camera footage showed Lees distinctive Ford Fusion entering Molly Barr Trails apartments, and a subject leaving less than 10 minutes later.

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Minutes later youll see Mr. Herrington run, he said, but Herringtons attorney objected, saying it had not been established that the subject was Herrington.

Judge John Kelly Luther disallowed that reference, but prosecutors have contended that person is Herrington.

Video shows a subject leaving Molly Barr Trails apartments.

Wednesday trial coverage

Testimony begins in trial for man accused of killing Univ. of Miss. student

Fireworks then started flying when the prosecution referenced a map Oxford Police prepared showing the route Lees car took that morning, referencing Herringtons residence in Lafayette Place Apartments.

They showed Jay Lees apartment, leaving in his car and car going to Molly Barr, said Kevin Horan, Herringtons defense attorney. That is the evidence right now and Im going to object to anything else on top of that. Theres nothing whatsoever that Lafayette Place and my clients apartment has anything to do at this point in time, or a car leaving from Lafayette Place, that Jay Lees car ever left from Lafayette Place at this point in time. They dont have any video from Lafayette Place to say he left from that location.

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The jury was not present during the objection and a map was redrawn removing Lafayette Place from the route.

Jurors were also shown a number of security camera photos, allegedly of Lees car at various locations that morning.

20-year-old Jimmie Jay Lee, who disappeared in July of 2022, was believed to have been 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.

Herrington is the man accused of Lees death and could face the death penalty if found guilty of the crime. Lees body has never been found.

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Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are racing to try to identify the cause of a mysterious, flu-like illness that has sickened 376 people and left 79 dead in that country.

In a alert posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday, the Congo's Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security said the origin of the disease, first detected in Kwango province in southwestern Congo, remains unknown.

Symptoms reported by infected people include fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough, difficulty breathing and anemia, the notice added.

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Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease physician at Stanford Medicine, told NBC News that the Congo outbreak "does raise alarm bells" because of its location. Humans and wildlife interact to a high degree in that country, and that could raise the risk of a pathogen moving from animals to humans, he explained.

"Many animal infections that transmit from animal to human can cause pretty severe disease," Karan added.

To try to pinpoint what pathogen is causing the illnesses, local health officials will start screening for common infections like flu or malaria, before testing for less common germs, he explained. If those tests are negative, officials may genetically sequence tissue, blood, mucus or bone marrow from infected people.

But Anne Rimoin, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who has worked in Congo since 2002, said such efforts may be complicated by a weak health care infrastructure and underlying health issues in some Congo residents, including malaria and malnutrition.

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"I think it's really important to be aware of what's happening, and I think it's also really important not to panic until we have more information," she told NBC News.

"It could be anything," she added. "It could be influenza, it could be Ebola, it could be Marburg, it could be meningitis, it could be measles. At this point, we really just don't know."

Other health authorities have said they are working with Congo officials to try to identify the disease causing the outbreak.

World Health Organization spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told NBC News that "we have dispatched a team to the remote area to collect samples for lab investigations."

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Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has an office in Congo, told NBC News that it is providing technical assistance to a rapid response team dispatched by a local emergency operations center.

International teams on the ground will also collect information about what risk factors sick people have had in common and who they've been in contact with, Amira Albert Roess, a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University in Virginia, told NBC News.

"I think pretty quickly we'll start to have an answer as to what this is," Roess said, noting there have been "a lot of deaths, especially in such a short amount of time, with the same types of symptoms."

More information

The National Institutes of Health has more on pandemics.

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Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th) speaks to reporters after a 2022 hearing by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.

A senior New York congressman said Wednesday he wont seek another term as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, likely paving the way for Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th) to fill the position.

Raskin announced Monday that he wanted to move from the top Democratic slot on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to become the ranking member on the powerful Judiciary panel. By doing so, he was effectively challenging Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), who had been the top Democrat on Judiciary, as both chair and ranking member, for the past seven years.

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But Nadler, 77, ended the anticipated generational showdown Wednesday, announcing in a letter to colleagues that he would not seek another term as the top Democrat as he had originally planned, and was instead endorsing Raskins bid. He called Raskin, 61, one of several talented rising stars in the Democratic caucus who have been given a platform during Nadlers leadership of Judiciary.

Raskin was elected to Congress in 2016; Nadler entered the House in 1992, after winning a special election.

As our country faces the return of Donald Trump, and the renewed threats to our democracy and our way of life that he represents, I am very confident that Jamie would ably lead the Judiciary Committee as we confront this growing danger, Nadler wrote.

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Raskin, who was careful to emphasize his respect for Nadler,. even as he launched his bid to challenge him for the leadership post, offered another laudatory statement Wednesday in the aftermath of his colleagues endorsement.

Jerry Nadler is an extraordinary lawyer, patriot and public servant, Raskin wrote on social media. His dogged defense of civil rights and civil liberties is a great inspiration to our people. I am honored and humbled to have his support in the battles ahead.

Nadlers endorsement isnt a guarantee that Raskin will win the position, but his withdrawal from the race removes the Marylanders biggest roadblock. The full Democratic Caucus will make the choice, after the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, a panel of caucus leaders, issues a recommendation.

Although seniority has long been a cherished commodity on Capitol Hill, especially among House Democrats, some caucus leaders quietly believed the erudite and media-savvy Raskin would be a more suitable choice than Nadler for the ranking member slot on Judiciary under the present political circumstances. The top Democrat on the panel will regularly have to do battle with the chair, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a voluble and pugilistic conservative closely aligned with President-elect Donald Trump.

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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, Raskin wrote in his own letter to colleagues earlier this week.

Raskin became the top Democrat on the Oversight panel in the current Congress, after the longtime committee chair, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), was defeated in a Democratic primary in 2022  losing, ironically, to Nadler in a rare member-vs.-member contest necessitated by New Yorks diminishing number of congressional seats. Already U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who lost the caucus vote to Raskin to become top Democrat on the Oversight committee, has announced that he will try again to win the job.
While unpleasant processes are unfolding in Georgia under Armenia's nose, related to dreams of European integration that have not materialized, hopes of "The West will help us" continue to persist in Armenia. Armenia expects help from the West not in establishing a normal life, getting rid of stagnation and poverty, or in establishing an economy, but in realizing painful fantasies about foreign lands. We dont know what else needs to happen for Armenian society to wake up and open its eyes to the real world. Neighbors have repeatedly been convinced by their own sad example that justice eventually prevails, no matter how many powerful guardians are on your side. But they continue to deliberately follow the same destructive path.

The ideas voiced by Western figures about the possibility of Ukraines integration into the EU and NATO without the annexed territories greatly inspired Armenian revanchists. A person from Nikol Pashinyans entourage, Tigran Khzmalyan, shared his special opinion on this issue on social media. Khzmalyan holds high-profile positions  Chairman of the European Party of Armenia and head of the Board of Governors of the Armenian branch of the Pan-European Union. Armenias main European intriguer shared an idea: why should Armenia not adopt the scheme proposed by Ukraine  "membership in NATO and the EU in exchange for the temporary annexation of Crimea"? Khzmalyan believes Armenia can offer itself to these structures in the same way, replacing Crimea with Karabakh in the scheme.

It is clear that no one in the EU or NATO will disgrace themselves by equating the issues of Crimea and Karabakh. Its not that anyone can seriously consider such nonsense. Even in Armenia itself, bloggers laugh at the "intellectual abilities of supporters of the West" after Khzmalyans tweet. The question is that Khzmalyan is from the inner circle of the "European" Prime Minister of Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan is already not very reasonable in his fantasies, which often lead him into unknown territories. Therefore, the delusional idea of integration into NATO and the EU in exchange for, lets say, a "temporary abandonment" of Karabakh may well take root in his mind.

Yes, Pashinyan has repeatedly declared recognition of Azerbaijans territorial integrity, called on society to forget about the territories, and build a real Armenia. But the same Pashinyan refuses to remove territorial claims to neighbors from the basic law of his country, twisting and turning, demonstrating a clear reluctance to deprive Armenians of this loophole for future manipulations. It has already been said and retold a hundred times that, according to the same Constitution, it will always stand above any international treaties. Therefore, Khzmalyans frankness leads to certain conclusions. Namely, Armenia is not going to give up its claims to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan but simply postpones the issue until, with the help of the EU and NATO, it strengthens and starts again as a member of these organizations.

Nonsense...

The idea, of course, is crazy, but our neighbors didnt come up with this on their own. How can we explain the increased militarization of Armenia? Increasingly, locations and satellite images of strongholds and military units growing like mushrooms after rain on the conditional border are being published on social media. These are not fakes, but real facts that show the Armenian side, hiding behind the backs of the Europeans, is actively preparing for a new war. While they think they are distracting our attention with their binoculars and blue vests, Armenia is making serious preparations. Yerevan seems to have grandiose plans. In 2025, the cost of war has been increased in the state budget by 20 percent to $1.713 billion. Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan solemnly reported that military spending in 2025 will amount to 6 percent of GDP, which is 0.7 percent more than in 2024. 55.8 percent of the capital budget expenditures will be directed to militarization. Hovhannisyan spoke about it with pride, but in fact, it is a harbinger of the coming collapse of Armenian statehood.

The Armenian expert community is cheering like fans at a stadium, waiting for the country to begin closing the gap with Azerbaijan. Despite the growth of the military budget, Armenia is still inferior to Baku, military expert Leonid Nersesyan tells Armenian journalists with regret. But, according to him, Armenia sets a new record in military spending every year. In 2024, the amount of military spending was the highest in the countrys history. But... Baku has not caught up with Yerevan yet, Nersesyan laments.

All hope is in the West. And the West does not fail  it helps Armenia arm itself and covers its militaristic aspirations. I remember that the press secretary of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, stood up for Armenian honor in response to accusations from Baku. "Armenia has the sovereign right to work on its defense potential, as well as to choose its partners, including in the field of security and defense," Stano said, offended on behalf of the Armenians. And he added: the support of Armenia from the European Peace Facility does not include the provision of weapons, especially offensive ones.

And no one says that the fund will allocate money to Armenians for tanks and drones. This money will be spent on other purposes in the interests of Armenia  on espionage, provocations, sabotage, various undercover operations. By the way, the EU observation mission is already engaged in this, which does not see the military preparations of the Armenian side. Armenians are very lucky in general  they are like ghosts and invisibles. At one time, the digging of trenches and the creation of fortifications by Armenian separatists in Karabakh were "not noticed" by Russian peacekeepers, and now the Europeans have miraculously "gone blind."

Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Armenia. We know about it, the Armenians know, their guardians know, Peter Stano and others know. Everyone, including Armenia and its patrons, is well aware of Bakus lack of occupation plans. Four years ago, Azerbaijan could have regained Zangezur and other territories illegally transferred to the Armenians, and no one in the world could have prevented this. They would have shouted, made noise, and then resigned themselves. But Azerbaijan has never set such a goal. The goal was to liberate its internationally recognized territories, and it achieved it.

Armenia wants to somehow raise its self-esteem by winning at least some small victory, by seizing at least something and putting its flag there. Its very funny to make such plans, even if the powers are behind you. The powers have always stood behind Armenia in all its criminal plans, but it has been left with nothing. It will be left with even less than nothing if it tries to repeat the aggression. You dont need to be a military expert to understand that, in this case, there will be no trace left of its artificially created statehood. Let the neighbors open their eyes and take a closer look at what is happening in the world. They expect to take advantage of the situation. And they do not understand that the situation will take advantage of them.
A sea of red-shirt clad union members flooded in and out of Colorado Springs School District 11s administration building for its regular Board of Education meeting Wednesday night.

About 300 members of the Colorado Springs Education Association, accompanied by parents, fellow union representatives and community members, attended the meeting to express concerns over the future of their collective bargaining agreement.

Surrounding parking lots were full as teachers chanted, passing cars honked their horns and the overflow of attendees were redirected to D-11s neighboring administration building to watch a broadcast of the board meeting.

Current Tesla Educational Opportunity School teacher Reed Carlson was among those standing outside the administration building and said he came to D-11 in 2010 following the dissolution of Harrison D-2s teachers' union.

And I dont want that to happen here, too, he said.

The agreement, which has been in place since 1968, added a clause over the past year that stated the contract would be renewed unless the Board of Education or the teachers' union gives a notice against doing so.

Although the current master agreement ends June 30, both parties have until the third Wednesday in January to provide their notice.

CSEA members became concerned that this would open the door to them potentially losing their ability to bargain and possibly the entire agreement.

Then board policies take precedence, said Pueblo County Education Association President Allison Balas, who was in attendance in solidarity with CSEA.

CSEA President Kevin Coughlin said that this evergreen clause" was put into the latest agreement as a compromise to ensure other benefits to teachers like wage increases and additional resources and bonuses were guaranteed.

This is new ground for us, he said. We havent had a one-year contract. Usually, we had bargained for a multiyear contract, so this is a beginning to this process.

In the months since the latest agreement, the union has begun communicating with teachers, local PTAs and other community members to share their concerns and desire to continue the master agreement. They are currently gathering signatures for a petition that outlines their 11-point plan to improve education in the district.

Specific items include smaller class sizes, increased special education services and educators, teachers are provided sufficient planning time for their classes, health care access and the continuation of the master agreement.

Other concerns expressed by D-11 teachers included a lack of communication from the board regarding their intentions for the agreement since the clause was added. Coughlin noted the executive sessions during both the boards regular meetings or special meetings in recent months to seek legal advice for the Colorado Springs Education Association, Educational Support Professionals, and Executive Professional employee group handbooks and contracts.

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Gazette news partner KOAA previously reported that the board had not discussed the master plan specifically as of October, but they would let concerned parties know if they would consider submitting a notice.

D-11 board President Parth Melpakam did not respond to The Gazettes request for comment Wednesday.

The meeting also was attended by many in favor of losing the master agreement, who often wore blue shirts in solidarity with each other and in opposition to CSEAs red attire. Among the reasons they felt the agreement should end included a perceived partisan slant of union views.

Former Mitchell High School teacher James Sayler said he is in favor of education reform and told the board to let the master agreement expire, calling CSEA a non-elected private corporation. He said that their bargaining over the years resulted in decisions that took precedence over elected board members and, by extension, the will of local voters.

This violates a foundational principle of American public government which says that a private interest should not have authority over public government, he said.

The master agreement has been in place since 1968 and marks the only case of collective bargaining in public education in El Paso County. The nearest school district with a union and master agreement is Canon City RE-1.

For the 2023-24 school year, D-11 ranked second in the region behind only Fountain Fort-Carson School District 8 in starting teacher salaries at $50,000. For the current year, this figure increased to $50,500.

If the board does give notice to dissolve the agreement, Coughlin said that nothings off the table as far as measures to continue the agreement and did not rule out a teachers strike.

Is that out of the question? I wouldnt say so, he said. But is that guaranteed? I wouldnt say that, either.

He added that everything in the current agreement is the result of teacher concerns ranging from desks for teachers in their classrooms to leave days to insurance costs, and that teachers often choose to work in D-11 because of the workplace rights and regulations in place.

The last time such a strike occurred in Colorado was in 2018, when Pueblo School District 60 teachers struck for higher salaries. Members of CSEA joined 10,000 teachers at the state Capitol to advocate for higher public education funding that year. The union had previously gone on strike in 1974; it lasted for 14 days.

A meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, in which the union and board will exchange two issues so that bargaining issues are known ahead of the process starting in the new year. The scheduling will then get set Dec. 15.

There are a lot of things that are unknown right now, but our interest is to focus on whats best for kids, and we believe that the workplace rights and the working conditions in our master agreement give recognition to the professionalism that teachers deserve and the voice that kids need for the best success in the district, Coughlin said.
Less than a year after announcing major delays for the next two Artemis moon missions, NASA managers said Thursday the projected flight dates are slipping once again, with the first piloted voyage around the moon now expected in the April 2026 timeframe, and the first lunar landing in mid 2027.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the delays are needed to revise the Orion crew capsule's re-entry trajectory to reduce stress and prevent the sort of unexpected heat shield damage seen after an unpiloted 2022 test flight  and to complete extensive testing of the capsule's environmental control and life support systems.

The heat shield used by the unpiloted Artemis 1 Orion capsule shows pitting where charred pieces broke away during re-entry. Charring was expected, but the material was supposed to stay in place to help provide insulation. The piloted Artemis 2 mission is being delayed, in part to implement a new re-entry trajectory to reduce heating. / Credit: NASA

"Based on the data, we have decided, unanimously, to move forward with the current Artemis 2/Orion capsule and heat shield with a modified entry trajectory...to lessen the heat coming back into the Earth's atmosphere," Nelson said.

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"Additionally, we need to complete our updates to the Orion environmental controls and the life support systems that were identified earlier this year."

Future heat shields for the Artemis 3 moon landing mission and subsequent flights will use essentially the same materials but with modifications to improve their performance during re-entry.

In the meantime, Nelson said, "We are planning for Artemis 2 to launch in April of '26 and we're going to do all in our power, with our commercial partners, to launch earlier."

The Artemis program aims to send astronauts to the moon's south polar region where ice deposits may allow crews to one day extract oxygen and hydrogen to produce air, water and rocket propellants that would not have to be carried up, at great expense, from Earth.

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Following the launch of Artemis 2, Nelson said NASA is going "to make (any) adjustments that are necessary, and we plan to launch Artemis 3, the first landing on the moon in over a half century. Assuming the SpaceX lander is ready, we plan to launch Artemis 3 in mid-2027. That will be well ahead of the Chinese government's announced intention (of sending taikonauts to the moon in) 2030...We need to get this Artemis 2 test flight right to ensure the success of our return to the moon."

NASA launched the Artemis program's first test flight, Artemis 1, in November 2022, using the agency's new Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket to send an unpiloted Lockheed Martin-built Orion capsule on a looping flight around the moon and back.

NASA had planned to launch the Artemis 2 mission at the end of this year to carry a three-man one-woman crew around the moon to thoroughly test the spacecraft's life support, propulsion and other systems.

The unpiloted Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft passing by the moon during its initial test flight in 2022. / Credit: NASA

But after the Artemis 1 flight, engineers discovered the Orion capsule's 16-foot-wide heat shield suffered unexpected damage during it's high-speed return from the moon using a technique called a "skip entry."

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In a skip entry, the capsule dips into the atmosphere, slows and rises back up before dropping back into the atmosphere for the final descent. The idea is similar to how a flat rock can skip across a still pond. Skip entries provide a number of benefits, including a wider range of splashdown targets.

The Orion heat shield is designed to ablate, or char, during re-entry when the spacecraft enters Earth's atmosphere at more than 25,000 mph. But the charred material is intended to stay in place, providing a layer of insulation. During the Artemis 1 re-entry, more charred material separated from the heat shield than computer models predicted.

While the unexpected "liberation" had no impact on the spacecraft  NASA said astronauts would not have even noticed had any been on board  engineers wanted to make sure they understood the underlying cause so they could update computer models to accurately predict re-entry effects across multiple trajectories.

After hundreds of tests and an exhaustive engineering analysis, NASA has "since determined that while the capsule was dipping in and out of the atmosphere as part of that planned skip entry, heat accumulated inside the heat shield's outer layer," said Pam Melroy, a former shuttle commander and now deputy administrator of NASA.

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That heat build up led to "gases forming and becoming trapped inside the heat shield," she said. "This caused internal pressure to build up and led to cracking and uneven shedding of that outer layer."

While the same type of heat shield will be used for the Artemis 2 mission in April 2026, the crew will use a modified re-entry trajectory to reduce the sort of heating that damaged the Artemis 1 heat shield.

An artist's impression of the SpaceX's moon lander, a variant of the company's Starship rocket, on the lunar surface. / Credit: NASA

As for the Artemis 3 lunar landing flight, the new mid-2027 target launch date assumes SpaceX's lunar lander, a variant of the upper stage used by the company's new Super Heavy-Starship rocket, completes multiple test flights in Earth orbit, along with at least one unpiloted lunar landing.

On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he was selecting billionaire Jared Isaacman, a space veteran with strong ties to SpaceX founder Elon Musk, to serve as NASA's next administrator.

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During the news conference Thursday, Nelson was asked whether he was concerned that the next administration might make major changes to the Artemis program given SpaceX's development of the new Super Heavy-Starship rocket.

"First of all, there is one human-rated spacecraft that is flying and that has already flown beyond the moon, and that's the SLS (Space Launch System) combined with Orion," Nelson said. "Secondly, this is a partnership. It's a commercial partnership. It's an international partnership.

"I think what is going to happen over time is you're going to have a number of years that we're going to have the partners flying with NASA, and then whatever the technologies that are developed later on will dictate what is going to be the system that's flying."

He concluded by saying, "I don't see the concern that your question raises, although it's a legitimate question, that you're suddenly going to have Starship take over everything."

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NASAs Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon this decade amid a renewed international push for lunar exploration, is facing more delays. The agency said Thursday that a planned mission to land on the moon in 2026 will now take place no earlier than mid-2027.

Additionally, a pathfinder mission that was slated to fly astronauts around the moon in September 2025 will now take place no earlier than April 2026.

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That delay is linked in part to issues with the Orion crew capsule that will be home to the astronauts during both lunar missions. NASA previously disclosed that the spacecrafts heat shield, which keeps Orion from burning up as the vehicle reenters the Earths atmosphere, became charred and eroded in an unexpected way during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022.

The space agency has done extensive testing to understand the risk that our astronauts will have while accomplishing the goals of landing back on the moon, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said Thursday, adding that that testing was able to identify the root cause of the heat shield issues.

The issue relates to how the Orion capsule reenters Earths atmosphere upon returning from deep space, said NASA deputy administrator Pam Melroy. The vehicle uses what NASA calls a skip reentry  acting like a rock skipping across the surface of a pond to slow its descent.

Orion makes use of the maneuver because the velocity of the spacecraft and the energy that it has to dissipate is much greater than the energy that you dissipate just coming back from low Earth orbit, Melroy said.

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However, the problem arose when, as the Orion capsule was dipping in and out of the atmosphere during Artemis Is return, heat accumulated inside the heat shields outer layer  causing the unexpected wear, according to Melroy.

NASA plans to address the issue by flying Artemis II with a modified trajectory. That will include reducing the amount of time that Orion spends skipping across the atmospshere, officials said.

The announcement marks only the latest in a string of delays for the space agencys cornerstone Artemis Program.

NASA has sporadically announced various timeline shifts as the agency works to gear up for Artemis II, a mission that will send astronauts into deep space. So far, the agency has only launched one uncrewed test flight of the rocket slated to fly astronauts to the moon: The Space Launch System. That test flight, called Artemis I, took flight in 2022.

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The delays are moving the target landing date for Artemis III, the mission that will carry astronauts to the lunar surface, closer to the timeframe NASA had targeted before President-elect Donald Trumps first term.

Prior to Trump taking office, NASA had targeted 2028 for the first moon landing. But in 2019, then-Vice President Mike Pence made the stunning declaration that the administration would direct NASA to drastically accelerate that timeline, aiming to conduct a crewed moon landing by 2024.

Pence in part announced the decision to try to accelerate a US moon landing as part of a space race against China. Officials on Capitol Hill have routinely raised alarm bells about the possibility of losing US dominance in space.

During a press event in April this year, officials from China announced they planned to put astronauts on the moon by 2030.

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On Thursday, Nelson also highlighted NASAs intention to land astronauts on the moons south pole, which is believed to be home to valuable stores of water ice that could be converted into rocket fuel or even drinking water.

It is vital for us to land on the south pole, so that we do not cede portions of that lunar south pole to the Chinese, Nelson said.

The delay announcement comes as NASA is headed for another period of transition, with the next Trump administration moving in. On Wednesday, Trump revealed his intention to nominate Jared Isaacman, a billionaire tech entrepreneur with deep ties to Elon Musk and SpaceX, as NASA administrator.

NASA could face additional schedule change directives under the incoming leadership. Isaacman has also publicly expressed his distaste for certain elements of NASAs current Artemis program, including how the space agency handed out multiple contracts for the development of a lunar lander that will ferry astronauts from Orion down to the lunar surface.

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NASA announced Thursday that the next Artemis mission, which will send four astronauts on a flight around the moon, will be delayed until 2026  yet another postponement in a program that is already years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget.

In January, NASA said it would launch the Artemis II mission in September 2025 instead of late 2024. Now, the space agency says it is targeting a launch in April 2026 to allow more time to address issues with its next-generation Orion space capsule. The problems were detected during the uncrewed Artemis test flight in 2022.

The delay also pushes back the Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts near the moons south pole; instead of launching in September 2026, that mission is planned for mid-2027.

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NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the adjusted timeline should still keep the United States on track to return astronauts to the moon before China puts its own astronauts on the lunar surface.

Nelson said the mid-2027 goal will be well ahead of the Chinese governments announced intention of landing Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030.

Chinas interest in lunar exploration has ignited a kind of new space race, with some U.S. experts and officials increasingly concerned that if China reaches the lunar surface before the U.S., there could be competition over resources in space, including valuable water-ice that is thought to be locked up in permanently shadowed craters at the lunar south pole. Water on the moon, the thinking goes, could be used to make rocket fuel to propel missions deeper into space.

It is vital for us to land on the south pole so that we do not cede portions of that lunar south pole to the Chinese, Nelson said.

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NASA officials attributed the need to delay the Artemis missions to flaws in the heat shield on the Orion spacecraft that they detected during the capsules uncrewed flight. They noticed, for instance, that the heat shield was worn down in places, and that a buildup of internal pressure caused parts of the outer layer to crack and shed, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said.

Orions heat shield covers the bottom of the capsule and plays a crucial role in protecting the spacecraft  and potential astronauts onboard  from the extreme temperatures of re-entering the Earths atmosphere.

Extensive testing revealed that the heat shield likely eroded because of the specific way that the Orion capsule returned to Earth. The spacecraft was designed to execute what is known as a skip entry, which involves ducking in and out of the atmosphere to dissipate energy and slow the vehicle down.

But Melroy said this method of re-entry caused heat to build inside the outer layer of the heat shield, which ultimately caused it to crack and wear away in some spots.

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Delaying the next two Artemis flights will give engineers time to address those heat shield issues and prepare for what Nelson said will be a modified entry trajectory.

The safety of our astronauts is always first in our decisions. It is our North Star, Nelson said. We do not fly until we are confident that we have made the flight as safe as possible for the humans onboard.

With Donald Trump's new administration set to take control of the White House in January, some space industry experts have speculated that parts of the Artemis program could be overhauled or even scrapped.

But Melroy said the decision to move forward with the Artemis program was pretty clear and should not be held up during the transition as the next administration establishes its goals and priorities.

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To the greatest extent possible, we certainly want to defer any decisions about starting or ending programs, Melroy said. Major decisions need to be deferred for a new team, and we have not yet received the transition team, so we didnt have an opportunity to brief anybody.

NASA has spent more than $42 billion over more than a decade on the development of its new Space Launch System mega-rocket and Orion spacecraft, which are designed to take astronauts back to the moon. As part of the initiative, NASA envisions launching regular missions to establish a base camp on the lunar surface before it eventually ventures on to Mars.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Expect Delays

NASA's efforts to return astronauts to the Moon are facing even more delays.

The space agency's outgoing administrator Bill Nelson announced today that the upcoming crewed Artemis II mission around the Moon and back won't take place until April 2026. Meanwhile, Artemis III  the first scheduled return to the lunar surface  has been delayed from 2026 to mid-2027.

It's only the latest in a long series of delays for NASA's Artemis Moon program, which was established during president-elect Donald Trump's first administration, and shows yet again that the agency is facing considerable headwinds.

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It's also a somewhat anti-climatic development, given that Nelson is set to leave the agency when Trump returns to the White House in just over a month's time.

Nelson will be replaced by billionaire tech founder and SpaceX space tourist Jared Isaacman, who was appointed to the job earlier this week. Isaacman will now be in charge of picking up the pieces, and presumably ensuring that NASA's grand plans to return to the Moon stay on track.

Crack at It

NASA's Artemis II mission will be the first involving a crew boarding its Orion capsule, which is currently slated to be launched into space with the help of the agency's enormous and extremely expensive Space Launch System rocket.

The agency has already successfully sent the capsule around the Moon and back without a crew on board during its inaugural Artemis mission in 2022. However, its return left major scars in its heat shield, triggering a lengthy investigation.

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During its announcement today, NASA singled out these concerns as one of the reasons behind the most recent delays. The heat shield in particular has already been the source of several delays for NASA's Artemis II mission.

In response, Nelson announced today that the design of the heat shield will remain the same for Artemis II, but its trajectory will change to ensure it won't crack due to excessive heat during reentry, a unanimous decision among NASA officials.

But whether NASA's plans for its mission will remain the same over the next couple of months remains uncertain, especially with Isaacman in charge.

Most chaotically, there's chatter at the space agency about abandoning the troubled Space Launch System entirely  which, given Elon Musk's newly chummy relationship with Trump, could open up the possibility of launching entire Artemis missions using SpaceX's yet-unfinished Starship.

More on Artemis: NASA Keeping Issue With Moon Rocket a Secret
NATO is planning to launch a fleet of uncrewed naval ships, a military commander said.

Pierre Vandier told Defense News they will monitor and protect critical underwater infrastructure.

Gas pipelines and undersea cables have been damaged in recent years, with some suspecting sabotage.

NATO is planning to roll out a fleet of uncrewed naval ships to protect critical underwater infrastructure.

Adm. Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, shared the development with Defense News on Tuesday.

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He told the outlet his team was in the early stages of establishing the drone fleet, but aimed to launch it before a NATO summit next June.

Vandier compared the concept to police CCTV cameras that are mounted on streetlights in high-crime areas to capture evidence of criminal activity.

"The technology is there to make this streetlighting with USVs," he said, using the acronym for uncrewed surface vessels.

Vandier added that the goal was that "NATO can see and monitor its environment daily," especially across the Baltic and Mediterranean seas.

The development comes after several incidents of critical underwater infrastructure being damaged or severed over the last three years, with Russia sometimes suspected of being behind it.

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In September 2022, a series of underwater explosions in the Baltic Sea rendered two Nord Stream gas pipelines, designed to transport gas from Russia to Germany, inoperable.

Danish, Swedish, and German authorities launched investigations and concluded that the incident was an act of sabotage. Denmark and Sweden closed their investigations due to a lack of evidence or jurisdiction, while Germany is continuing its probe and says it has identified two suspects.

Last month, two undersea fiber-optic communication cables were also damaged in the Baltic Sea, in a suspected act of sabotage.

The cables included a 135-mile internet link between Lithuania and Sweden's Gotland Island, and a 730-mile cable carrying data between Germany and Finland.

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A NATO official told Business Insider in September that threats to subsea infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines and data cables, had increased since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

NATO has since taken steps to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and prepare for any disruptions.

It created a NATO-EU task force on the resilience of critical infrastructure in January 2023, established an infrastructure coordination cell in February 2023 to map vulnerabilities, and set up the Maritime Center for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure this May.

NATO is also "stepping up patrols," Commander Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesperson for NATO's Allied Maritime Command, told Reuters this month.

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Regarding the drone fleet, Vandier didn't specify the types of USVs or their overall number, but said that the US is already using a similar concept.

The US Navy established Task Group 59.1 in January to test and deploy uncrewed systems to improve maritime security in the Middle East.

"So somehow it's not very risky," Vandier said, adding that "everything is known and sold, so it is much more a matter of adoption than technology."

NATO's Allied Command Transformation's Public Affairs Office didn't respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Photo by simpson33 via iStock / Getty Images Plus)

A company that operates a natural gas pipeline in Howard County is suing an Iowa farmer for allegedly intruding on the companys easement across his land.

The Northern Natural Gas Company is suing Kenneth and Debra Moellers and the couples KDS Family Farms in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. The company, which has owned and operated an active underground natural gas pipeline in Howard County since the 1960s, alleges it obtained an easement on Kenneth Moellers property near Cresco in 1960 when the land was owned by Mathias and Mary Riha.

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In 1992, Kenneth Moellers acquired the property and, according to the lawsuit, he has repeatedly attempted multiple unlawful encroachments on the easement since that time. Most recently, Moellers allegedly constructed a concrete manure run from an animal confinement. The manure run allegedly sits directly on top of Northern Natural Gas pipeline.

The company alleges the manure run violates its easement rights and also endangers safe and uninterrupted natural gas service to Moellers and other customers.

According to the company, Northern Natural Gas officials first met with Moellers on his farm in June 2023 to discuss the encroachment issue and Moellers asserted he intended to build a large manure pit on the southeast edge of their property within the companys easement. The company claims it warned Moellers about the easement, but that he proceeded with construction in late 2023, resulting in a cease-and-desist letter from the company.

Then, in October 2024, the company used aerial surveillance and allegedly confirmed the construction of a second, larger concrete structure, believed to be another manure run, in the easement area.

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The lawsuit alleges that although Moellers provided the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with copies of the manure runs overall design, those designs are substantially different than what was actually built on the site. The company claims it has reported the matter to the Iowa Attorney Generals Office and that the Iowa Utilities Commission has opened an investigation.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction that would require Moellers to remove, at his expense, the concrete structures that now intrude on the easement and would prohibit any further attempts to build in that area.

Moellers has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach him for comment.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren highlighted the importance of Navajo language and history during a visit to his alma mater, the University of Southern California, where he participated in a childrens book reading event.

Joined by First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, President Nygren attended the USC Rossier School of Educations monthly book club as part of Novembers Native American Heritage Month. The event focused on the role of education in preserving Navajo culture and language.

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The book club featured Dzani Yazhi Naazbaa': Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home, an emotional historical childrens novel by the late Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie. The story recounts the harrowing journey of a young Navajo girl and her family, who were forcibly marched 450 miles from Black Mesa to the Bosque Redondo internment camp during the Long Walk of 1864. Written for children in grades 16, the book has resonated with audiences of all ages for its powerful storytelling.

Its intense, President Nygren said of the book. It might even be better for an older audience, but its a story everyone should know.

He said hearing the story in Navajo made it more meaningful for him, accentuating the importance of preserving the Navajo language.

The people who signed the Treaty of 1868 knew no English, he said. Sharing this story in our language honors their resilience and ensures our ancestors' experiences are remembered.

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The President and First Lady were welcomed by USC Rossier School of Education Dean Pedro Noguera. Both are avid readers of Navajo language childrens books to their two pre-school daughters.

Language is not just about culture, Dean Noguera said. Its about knowledge. When we lose a language, we lose a way of understanding the world.

First Lady Blackwater-Nygren echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role of Navajo language immersion programs. She acknowledged the historical traumas faced by Navajo people, such as the boarding school era, where children were often punished for speaking their native language.

While its important to share these stories, we also need to teach resilience and pride in our heritage, she said.

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President Nygren expressed deep concern about the declining use of the Navajo language, noting that while nearly half of Navajo people speak it, the number is decreasing with each generation. His administration has made language preservation a priority. To illustrate its significance, he read excerpts from Little Woman Warrior in Navajo, connecting the audience to the language and its historical roots.

He also emphasized the importance of creating resources like Native American centers at universities to support Indigenous students academically and culturally.

The featured author, Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie, was a longtime professor of Navajo language at Northern Arizona University and an acclaimed writer dedicated to preserving Navajo heritage. Her textbook Rediscovering the Navajo Language was the first American Indian language book adopted by a state education department and remains a cornerstone of Navajo language education.

Dr. Yazzies literary contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the International Reading Association Childrens Choices Book Award and the Independent Publisher Book Awards for Non-fiction. Her work continues to inspire efforts to maintain and celebrate Navajo culture and language.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  North Carolina education leaders are discussing possible restrictions on cell phones in public schools.

South Carolina already has regulations to limit phone access during the school day. Now, more Tar Heel state educators and parents are calling for rules to manage the usage.

State education leaders are meeting in Raleigh this week to work on how to handle technology in the classroom. Its a discussion both teachers and parents are weighing in on.

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I cant think of any good reason for an elementary school student to have a phone that would counteract the real problems that are created if children are bringing cell phones to schools, said one parent.

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Many districts already implemented measures because of the problems theyve faced with devices, including some Union County Public Schools.

The teachers were trying to handle it in the classroom, said Dr. Kim Fisenne, the principal at Porter Ridge High School. Kids, when you try to take away something theyre addicted to, you do not have very good reactions, and so it was escalating. So we had a full staff meeting, all 100ish of us, and we talked through the issue and we came to the consensus that we had to do something.

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Some of the options state leaders are considering are automatic confiscation of phones taken out during class or exploring options for grant money to buy pouches for students to put their phones in while learning.

School should really be a place where children can build relationships with each other and with their teachers and phones just get in the way of that, said the parent.

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Many parents are on board and would like to see a statewide approach to the issue.

Weve got to take this collective action together with our children instead of allowing it to be an individual approach, said Nicole Stewart, a mother.

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But the states outgoing Superintendent Catherine Truitt said the General Assemblys role should be to make sure each district has its own policy. For some parents, its a relief because they want to be able to contact their child in case of an emergency.

I literally answer every text message during the day in case its him texting me from a code red, said Kira Kroboth, a parent.

Some legislators are making it clear they arent interested in a total ban of phones, but they do see a need for regulations.

If all theyre ever doing is looking at a screen, thats not real world and theyre missing so much, said N.C. Senator Jim Burgin.

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Burgin and some of his colleagues are planning to reintroduce a bill, calling for a study to find out how the effects of cell phone usage and restrictions on learning, safety, and cyberbullying.

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Imagine being stuck on a rural highway in freezing temperatures, snow piling up around your car, with limited help in sight. That's precisely what happened to around 100 drivers in New Mexico this week during an early-season winter storm that took many by surprise.

What's happening?

The storm, which struck northern New Mexico and Colorado on Thursday, created near-blizzard conditions with snowdrifts reaching 8 feet high and wind gusts up to 40 mph, according to CNN.

In Union County, a jackknifed semitruck blocked traffic on U.S. Highway 64/87, leading to a backup that trapped dozens of drivers in temperatures well below freezing.

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"Most everybody that's out here is in some sort of a small car, and (it is) almost impossible without moving major snow amounts to get them broke free, but we are trying," said Kristopher Lawrence, Union County's emergency manager.

Why is this early-season snowstorm concerning?

While winter storms are typical in this region, the intensity of this early-season system signals a broader pattern of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather.

Las Vegas, New Mexico, has already tied its November snowfall record with 24 inches, and some areas in Colorado have received up to 36 inches in just three days.

These intense storms can pose severe risks to community safety and infrastructure. More than 30,000 New Mexico residents have lost power, and emergency services are stretched thin trying to assist stranded motorists. The combination of snow and winds has created hazardous travel conditions across the region.

What's being done to help affected communities?

Emergency responders and the New Mexico National Guard are working tirelessly to reach stranded drivers and provide assistance. Local emergency management has implemented smart strategies to help people conserve fuel and stay safe, including advising drivers to run their vehicles for 10-15 minutes at a time to prevent carbon monoxide buildup while staying warm.

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Communities are coming together to support one another during this challenging time. Emergency managers are providing crucial guidance to help people stay safe, and road crews are working around the clock to clear highways and rescue stranded motorists.

For those in areas prone to winter storms, this event highlights the importance of preparing an emergency kit for your vehicle. Essential items include warm blankets, extra food and water, a flashlight with spare batteries, and a fully charged portable phone battery. Being prepared helps keep you and your family safe and supports emergency responders by reducing the number of urgent rescues needed during severe weather events.

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LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner)  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, Nebraska Examiner reports.

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.

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.

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Its just a post-trial motion, Hilgers said Monday. We want to make sure our case is fully prepared for an appeal.

Nebraska DOT expanding online vehicle registration

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.

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The petitions fulfill all constitutional and statutory requirements and are thus, legally sufficient under Nebraska law, Strong wrote.

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.

Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and X.

This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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In one magical moment on Wednesday, Santa Claus worked with Princess Elsa of "Frozen" films to deliver a glorious wish to 8-year-old Genevieve Carach.

Visions of twister rides, cotton candy and Magic Kingdom parades that await at Disney World next week danced in Genevieves head, chasing away any bad thoughts about being sick from the leukemia that invaded her body and now is in remission.

At a celebratory sendoff to Disney World from Make-A-Wish Colorado at the Chapel Hills Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews restaurant in Colorado Springs, Disney-themed decorations and balloons reminiscent of "Frozen" movie scenery enveloped the Carach family of Highlands Ranch.

Genevieve called it awesome, and said shes really excited to leave for Florida in a few days with her parents, Bridget and Jason, and her three older sisters and one older brother.

She ordered her favorite Red Robin dish, macaroni and cheese, and decided to try something new, a milkshake. Genevieve also opened swag gifts from the restaurant and smiled widely when two princess dresses from Make a Wish Colorado appeared at the table.

Genevieve endured two and a half years of cancer treatment, which began with a diagnosis of the blood cancer on Dec. 28, 2021, and ended seven months ago, on May 6.

Over the course of that time, she spent 100 days in the hospital, had 25 blood transfusions and 16 platelet transfusions, lost all of her hair twice and caught two bad infections that led to a port in her chest needing to be replaced.

That was the worst part for Genevieve, who nonetheless proved to be a trouper throughout the surreal ordeal, her family said.

She smiled the whole time, said Bridget. And Genevieve got to know the night shift staff at Children's Hospital Colorado in Highlands Ranch because her mom said she was up all night ready to party.

With her sunny nature, Genevieve performed Irish dance while undergoing chemo and requested to eat at Red Robin whenever possible.

Also, her mom made good on a promise at the onset of treatment to get her a kitty at the end of the grueling administrations. Genevieve named her fur baby Marie, after her favorite Disney character who appears in "The Aristocats" movie.

Red Robin was the first stop for the family after Genevieve rang the brass bell at Childrens Hospital Colorado in the spring, a tradition that marks the end of cancer treatments. Genevieves accomplishment drew a crowd of more than 100 people who stood outside the hospital with signs and cheered for her, Bridget said.

Childhood cancer is traumatic for children who endure treatment and also for their families, and although the treatments worked, Bridget said her youngest daughter gets scared anytime she gets sick now.

Shes nervous its going to happen again, her mom said.

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The oldest Carach sibling, Isabelle, was 15 when the baby of the family received the news. Isabelle said she had to try to be strong for her younger siblings, which wasnt always easy because cancer is never anyones friend.

Because Genevieve's treatments started under pandemic rules, the kids couldnt visit their sick sister in the hospital.

Isabelle recently joined the Make-A-Wish Colorado youth council, which is made up of children who either have received wishes or have siblings who did.

I had to always think the positive, which was really difficult  but its transferred to my everyday life now, Isabelle said.

Wednesdays event kicked off Red Robins new campaign to benefit Make-A-Wish Colorado.

For the first time, during the massive online Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 10, all 21 Red Robin restaurants in Colorado will donate 20% of eligible net dine-in and to-go orders to the organization.

When placing an order, diners or to-go requesters must mention Make-A-Wish to their server or note it on their online order checkout to activate the donation.

There are 435 kids in Colorado who have qualified for wishes and are waiting for them to be fulfilled, said Sarah Grosh, director of community development for Make-A-Wish Colorado, which helps critically ill children realize a dream with their loved ones.

Of those, 68 kids live in El Paso County, and 50 are from Colorado Springs.

A Disney trip  to either the Florida or California locations  is the most requested wish, she said.

Last year, the Colorado chapter of the international nonprofit that operates in 50 countries granted 250 travel wishes, she said.

Other popular wishes include backyard makeovers, bedroom makeovers and shopping sprees, according to Grosh. The organization does not grant wishes for vehicles, homes, firearms or cash.

Making childrens wishes come true helps relieve stress, gives hope, creates joy, provides normalcy and empowers children to follow their dreams, according to the organization, which estimates that 70% of children who receive wishes live to adulthood.

In a 2022 Wish Impact Study, 91% of parents reported the wish gave their child a better chance of surviving their illness and consider the wish to have been a necessary part of their child's medical treatment.
The Netherlands will contribute an additional $23 million to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems and cyber resilience, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced on X on Dec. 4.

The announcement followed Veldkamp's meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting.

Veldkamp emphasized the need for NATO and its allies to address third countries aiding Russias war effort. "This demands a more robust and coordinated response from NATO and its Allies," he wrote.

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This support comes amid increased Western efforts to strengthen Ukraines defenses. On Dec. 2, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, which includes Stinger missiles, ammunition for HIMARS, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells, drones, and landmines.

The Biden administration, approaching the end of its term, is prioritizing Kyivs defense capabilities before the January transition of power. These measures aim to reinforce Ukraines resilience as it continues to face Russian aggression.

The Netherlands previously supplied Ukraine with several Patriot air defense launchers, most recently delivering three in November. The country also pledged to provide a full battery in cooperation with another unnamed partner, but the plan was never completed as the partner backed out.

Read also: US announces $725 million military aid package for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A Newburgh man was arrested on Friday and charged with rape and two counts of domestic battery.

Authorities say 35-year-old Justin Eoff injured the victim with a hammer and threatened to kill her with a pair of scissors, before allegedly forcing her to have sexual intercourse with him.

Following a search of Eoffs home, police found 2 hammers as well as a pair of scissors under his bed.

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During this investigation, police discovered Eoff was on probation out of Posey County for Domestic Battery, where they say he has two prior convictions.

Eoff was taken into custody and charged with the following:

Rape

Criminal Confinement

Domestic Battery with Prior Convictions

Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Eoff is currently booked in the Warrick County Jail.

Justin Eoff (Courtesy: Warrick County Jail)

Eyewitness News. Everywhere You Are.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Apprenticeships are the new avenue to the middle class, advocates say. (Jetta Productions Inc./Getty Images)

As Gov.-elect Mike Braun steps up to lead Indiana, he faces the challenge of revitalizing the states economy, which ranks 29th nationally. He has promised to make Indiana a place  where our kids and grandkids want to move back to. How to start? One way is by ensuring Indianas graduates can find good jobs at home with employers committed to investing in local talent.

Right now, thats a challenge. The conventional wisdom that a college degree is the only pathway to the middle class has led to unprecedented student debt and steep competition for good, entry-level jobs. But theres another route to the American Dream  and its one that Braun supported as a senator.

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Registered Apprenticeships let young people and adults earn and learn, combining hands-on training with coursework  and they are paid to do it. Unlike college students, taking on student debt, apprentices are paid from day one. The pay off? The average apprenticeship grad earns $80,000 annually, far above the states median household income. My colleagues at the Urban Institute found that apprentices take-home pay increased by 49% upon completion.

Indiana also has an ambitious plan to add work-based learning like apprenticeships to diploma requirements.

Personal history

My familys own journey to the middle-class story began with an apprenticeship.

After briefly attending college at age 21, my dad landed an apprenticeship as an electric meterman at Northern Indianas utility, NIPSCO. When I asked him about that time, he told me it gave him a sense of pride and his biggest jump in pay. He worked at NIPSCO until he retired, after 46 years.

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My parents bought a house on Banning Lake in Leesburg, Indiana, and raised my sister and me on my dads union wage, health insurance, and pension. We were comfortable, and money or paying the mortgage rarely crossed my parents minds.

This isnt nostalgia  its reality: apprenticeships offer a debt-free path to good, middle-class lives. Though traditionally associated with trades like electrical and plumbing, apprenticeships are growing in the healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors. Indiana-based companies Eli Lilly and Cummins offer Research and Development and engineering technician apprenticeships. Ball State provides apprenticeship opportunities in education for aspiring teachers. Today, over 20,000 Hoosiers are in Registered Apprenticeship programsnearly double the number a decade ago.

Good for business

Employers do not just provide apprenticeships out of sheer goodwill  they see a positive return on investment, with gains in productivity and reduced turnover. For every dollar invested, employers see a $1.44 return.

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Even with all these benefits, many families, workers, and companies dont know apprenticeships exist  perhaps because federal, state and local governments combined spend 1,000 times more on college than apprenticeships.

We know Indiana can do thisjust look at Iowas apprenticeship initiativeswhere apprenticeship grads out-earn their peers by 25 percent. Indiana can expand apprenticeships in new, emerging industries by leveraging federal funds and recent state philanthropic investments by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.

Its time to give more Hoosiers careers  and futures  that start with an apprenticeship contract, not a student loan.

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About 400 local families received meals kits, hygiene products and other items Wednesday during a special event hosted by Niagara Cares and several anti-hunger organizations in south Oklahoma City.

Niagara Cares, the charitable division of Niagara Bottling LLC, joined forces with Feed the Children and the Latino Community Development Agency for a Resource Rally at the Latino Community Development Agency, 420 SW 10.

Volunteers move boxes as Niagara Cares, Feed the Children and the Latino Community Development Agency hold a Resource Rally giving out food and toys on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Distribution efforts began about 10 a.m., but not before several city, state and community leaders spoke to the crowd, along with Gus Hawkins, director of the Niagara Oklahoma City plant.

Volunteers prepare to distribute cases of water, along with food and toys to families during a Resource Rally hosted on Wednesday by Niagara Cares, in partnership with Feed the Children and the Latino Community Development Agency in south Oklahoma City.

Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, D-Oklahoma City, shared comments, along with other leaders, including Joe Allegro, senior director of corporate partnerships for Feed the Children; Edurne Pineda, head consul for the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City; Christy Gillenwater, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber president and chief executive officer; and Steffi Silvera, Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer.

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Brooks-Jimenez said he was honored to attend the rally in his Senate district.

"Christmas time is always a time to try to help those who are less fortunate, so the collaboration between Feed the Children, Niagara and the Latino Community Development Agency was a good and kind thing," he said.

Volunteers from Niagara and Latino Community Development Agency executives distributed to each family a five-day supply of family meal kits designed to feed a family of four, a case of water, 15-pound boxes of hygiene items like shampoo, razors, toothpaste and other products. Toys and books also were among other resources distributed.

Gus Hawkins, Niagara Bottling Oklahoma City plant director, speaks as Niagara Cares, Feed the Children and the Latino Community Development Agency host a Resource Rally on Wednesday in south Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Food and toys were distributed at a south Oklahoma City resource rally
Dec. 4Nikki Otero Lockwood will remain at the helm of Spokane Public Schools' board, the board voted as they decided internal leadership Wednesday night.

At their regular meeting, the school board selected Lockwood as board president for the second year, as is typical in the two-year presidential cycle, Lockwood said at the meeting.

The board also voted in Mike Wiser as the vice president, a role previously held by Jenny Slagle.

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Freshly appointed Nicole Bishop will hold the role of parliamentarian on the board, ensuring the board follows the procedural rules in its meetings.

Hilary Kozel will serve as citizen correspondent, responsible for replying to emails from district residents on behalf of the board.

At the November general assembly of the Washington State School Director's Association, Lockwood was elected to be vice president of the statewide organization of school board members.

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.
BELLEVILLE, NJ  Several high-profile elected officials are calling for New Jerseys largest health care provider to reach a fair agreement with hundreds of frustrated nurses at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville.

In the summer of 2022, more than 500 registered nurses at the hospital voted to form a union with 1199SEIU. Spokespeople said that safe staffing, job security, pay and benefits at the RWJBarnabas Health-affiliated facility were among the most important issues.

The newly unionized health care workers have been trying to land their first work contract ever since, but talks with hospital administrators have been hitting a brick wall  with each side blaming the other for the stalemate (learn more about their positions below).

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Over the past year, the nurses and their supporters have launched repeated rallies outside the hospital in an attempt to raise awareness about their campaign.

This week, the nurses got messages of encouragement from three U.S. Congress members and a state lawmaker who represents the area: U.S. Reps. Andy Kim, Mikie Sherrill and LaMonica McIver, and New Jersey Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales.

Kim  who will soon take office as the states newest U.S. senator  said that as the son of a nurse himself, he has seen the work that they do for patients and the toll it takes on their bodies and minds.

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Nurses are not asking for the moon, Kim said, taking part in a virtual press conference with the union earlier this week. They are being asked to be treated with fairness and to be treated with respect.

These heroes served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to keep our healthcare system running day in and day out, and they deserve a fair contract that provides strong staffing levels, good wages, and protections from unfair labor practices, said Sherrill, who is running for governor in 2025.

At a time when our medical centers are facing staffing shortages across the state, I strongly urge 1199SEIU and RWJBarnabas Health to reach a contract agreement that works for our nurses, patients, and businesses as quickly as possible, Sherrill said.

According to McIver, its time for all parties to come to the bargaining table and make sure that the nurses get a fair agreement without any more delay.

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Ensuring that the nurses who sacrifice for our community have the support they need to do their jobs well is whats best for workers, patients and our health system as a whole, the recently elected congresswoman said.

As someone who calls Belleville home, I know Clara Maass is more than just a hospital; its a lifeline for our residents in Belleville, Newark, Bloomfield and beyond, Morales said. Thats why Im calling on RWJBarnabas and Clara Maass Medical Center to come together to reach a fair agreement.

Now is the time to come together  not to point fingers, but to find solutions, the state lawmaker added.

Hospital administrators have fought back against the allegations that theyve been dragging their feet during negotiations, however. And the nurses have already been offered a fair deal, they counter. Read More: Clara Maass Offered Nurses Pay Raises Last October, Administrators Say

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Clara Maass Medical Center remains committed to negotiating in good faith with the goal of reaching a fair and equitable resolution that supports both our nurses and patients, hospital spokesperson Cristina Allen told Patch on Thursday.

CMMC has already agreed to and paid salary increases in excess of 17.3 percent to its nurses and to 26 articles for a new collective bargaining agreement, Allen said. We are confident that, when all the facts are heard, Clara Maass Medical Center will be vindicated of these baseless claims and shown to have prioritized patient care and safety while bargaining in good faith.

NURSES: HEALTH CARE HEROES DESERVE BETTER

Elizabeth Mendez-Corbin, a registered nurse at Clara Maass, has been in the profession for 38 years, working through the coronavirus pandemic that taxed so many of her peers to their limits.

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Although we go above and beyond the call of duty, it doesnt reflect in how we are treated by management or how we are paid, Mendez-Corbin said. As a result, nurse retention is very poor. We are demanding that management respect our rights and bargain in good faith.

The union has lodged a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that hospital administrators have insisted on retaining total control over virtually every significant aspect of the employment relationship since contract negotiations began. That includes the ability to subcontract nursing duties, change nurses wages, hours and health/retirement benefits, and eliminate paid time off, the union claims.

The NLRB complaint also alleges that Clara Maass unlawfully fired a nurse and disciplined others for supporting the union  accusations that hospital administrators deny (see below).

Management went from putting up banners at the hospital thanking their nurses for being health care heroes during the pandemic, to launching a hostile anti-union campaign once nurses decided to organize, 1199SEIU stated.

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Despite agreeing to clear, enforceable staffing guidelines in nurse contracts at other RWJBH-affiliated hospitals, management is refusing the same for Clara nurses, the union says. And Clara nurses are also being denied a 3.5% annual wage increase that other workers at the hospital received, and that nurses received at other RWJBH hospitals.

We went from being health care heroes, who battled on the front-lines of the worst health crisis in a century, to being targeted by management, disciplined, and even fired for standing up for our rights, alleged Tanya Howard, a registered nurse at the hospital.

CLARA MAASS: GOOD FAITH NEGOTIATIONS

Hospital administrators havent taken the unions accusations lying down, countering that they have indeed been negotiating in good faith  and continue to do so.

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According to Clara Maass spokespeople, the union campaigning that has been taking place at the hospital is not a protected activity under law  its a complete disregard for patients:

SEIU is contending that a group of nurses should be permitted to march into a patient-occupied intensive care unit, led by a professional union representative, to intimidate a supervisor and object to discipline issued to a nurse who engaged in serious, inappropriate conduct in violation of all hospital patient safety protocols and industry standards. SEIU also insists that nurses be permitted to walk into patient rooms displaying a button reading in bold letters STRIKE without any regard to the adverse impact on patients or the healing environment necessary in a hospital setting.

In June, Clara Maass president and CEO Mary Ellen Clyne penned a message to the community that gave an update on the dispute from the hospitals perspective  including a timeline of events since August 2022 (read the full letter here).

Clara Maass Medical Center has attempted to negotiate with 1199SEIU in good faith for almost two years, Clyne wrote. We have held more than 30 negotiation sessions and the parties have agreed to more than 20 economic and non-economic articles for a new contract.

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We respect the rights of our nurses to organize and express their concerns, including through peaceful picketing, Clyne continued. We have approached these negotiations in good faith, as we always do.

Clyne shared the following details about negotiations in her June 17 letter:

Annual Market Wage Review/Increase  At Clara Maass, we conduct an annual market wage review to ensure that we fairly compensate our nurses. This practice ensures their salaries remain competitive and reflect their skills, experience, and the local job market. When other registered nurses in our system received market wage adjustment increases in 2022, 1199SEIU would not agree to these wage increases for our nurses at Clara Maass until September 2023. Our full-time nurses rightfully deserved these increases but lost on average approximately $7,000 because of 1199SEIUs delay in agreeing to this. Only through the medical centers persistence in negotiations have we been able to realize any progress for our nurses  including an average 12.3% increase of nurses salaries during the past year along with significant increases in shift, preceptor and charge differentials.

Employee Benefits  Despite what you may have seen in 1199SEIU materials or in recent media reports, Clara Maass Medical Center has not proposed any reductions in employee benefits, paid time off, or other concessions since collective bargaining began in 2022. CMMC has proposed the continuation of the same policies providing health, retirement and paid time off that have been in existence for years at CMMC.

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As we continue to work towards a first contract with our nurses, please know that the ongoing negotiations have not, nor will we allow it to affect our ability to deliver the highest quality patient care to our community  our number one priority at Clara Maass, Clyne said.

Our doors remain open, and our nurses remain dedicated to our patients, Clyne concluded.

UNION DISSENT

While many nurses at Clara Maass continue to support the union, others have questioned whether it is acting in their best interest.

In October, some nurses at the hospital filed a petition to remove United Healthcare Workers East (1199SEIU) as their representative. That petition has been held up after the NLRB took action to block a potential vote at the request of the union.

My fellow nurses and I are not pleased with the performance of 1199SEIU union officials and simply want to exercise our right to vote out this union, said registered nurse Nancy Bombaro, who filed the decertification petition with legal aid from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

The foundations involvement drew a sharp rebuke from 1199SEIU, which called the organization a billionaire and corporate-sponsored organization whose mission is to weaken labor laws.

This month, the group provided the lawyers to try to remove our union through a decertification process, the union criticized. But, because Clara Maass has so many pending charges against it for its unlawful anti-union activity, the NLRB has postponed this indefinitely.

Recently, the National Right to Work Foundation tried and failed to do the same with Starbucks workers who are organizing nationwide, the union added.

Clara Maass administrators say the dissenting nurses demand for a vote should be heard out, however.

Clara Maass Medical Center was notified last month by the National Labor Relations Board that it decided  at SEIUs request  to block a vote by its nurses to determine whether they still want to be represented by SEIU. Although this is a matter between the nurses and SEIU, we believe every nurse should have the right to expeditiously vote as to whether they are represented by a union or not, hospital spokespeople said.

And the NLRB complaint? Its bunk, hospital administrators told Patch:

The frivolous charges filed by SEIU are without merit and being used by the union to deny nurses their right to vote. For 17 months, these unfounded claims sat with the NLRB without any action until the nurses at Clara Maass Medical Center filed a petition to decertify SEIU as their union, which is their right.

OTHER NURSING LABOR DISPUTES IN NJ

Clara Maass/RWJBarnabas Health isnt the only hospital in New Jersey that has recently gone through a prolonged labor dispute with its nurses.

Last year, 1,700 nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick went on strike, demanding pay raises, a cap on health insurance costs and for the hospital to hire more nurses. The work stoppage lasted for five months  making it the longest nursing strike in New Jersey history.

In October, nurses at University Hospital in Newark voted to approve a new work contract after threatening to strike. One of the biggest sticking points included a demand that other health care workers in New Jersey have been making: assigning less patients per nurse.

According to the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5089, some major gains have been made on that front at University Hospital, which is owned by the state of New Jersey and is the states only public hospital.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Dont forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.

NJ Lawmakers Back Nurses In Labor Battle At Clara Maass Hospital originally appeared on the Belleville-Nutley Patch
Taylor Lorenzs exit from The Washington Post has raised questions, with some wondering if she was fired. However, Lorenzs decision to leave was entirely her own, marking a significant shift in her career. Now, many are wondering what happened.

Here is everything you need to know about the same.

Was Taylor Lorenz fired from The Washington Post?

No, Taylor Lorenz was not fired from The Washington Post. The journalist decided to leave on her own, citing her desire to break away from traditional media.

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In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lorenz explained that legacy institutions often restrict interactive and audience-focused reporting. Her departure followed a period of internal scrutiny. This included an investigation into a controversial Instagram post in which Lorenz shared a selfie with a caption about President Biden that some considered inappropriate. This incident reportedly strained her relationship with the newsrooms leadership. Despite these tensions, Lorenz maintained that leaving the Post had been part of her plan for some time.

Why did Taylor Lorenz leave The Washington Post?

Taylor Lorenz is leaving The Washington Post to launch her own independent venture, User Magazine, on Substack. In her announcement, Lorenz revealed that she wants to cover technology from the users perspective. She expressed, I write about the attention economy, and I write about the content creator industry, and I just want complete autonomy to write and do and say whatever I want, and engage a little bit more directly with my readers, with the public when it comes to my work. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

While User Magazine will start with Lorenz as the sole contributor, she plans to grow the platform by adding writers and expanding into multimedia. Lorenz also sees herself as a content creator working outside traditional media. She chose Substack for its ease of use and large established audience, which allowed her to build her own space and share her voice quickly.

The post No, Taylor Lorenz Was Not Fired  Heres Why She Left The Washington Post appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting in Malta on Dec. 5, strongly opposed any agreements resembling past Yalta or Minsk deals that could legitimize Russian aggression.

The comments come as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump pledged to put a swift end to the war in Ukraine and bring both sides to the negotiating table.

"Russia wants a second Yalta or at least a third Minsk. It wants a world of zones of influence where power dictates the rules, changes borders, and deprives people of their right to freedom. But we are clear: there will be no Yalta-2 or Minsk-3," Sybiha said during a closed-door meeting.

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This referenced the 1945 Yalta conference on dividing post-World War II spheres of power in Europe between the USSR and Western powers and the unsuccessful 2014-15 Minsk I and II agreements on ending the war in Donbas.

The minister accused Russia of using "peace plans" as a pretext to continue its aggression.

"We have seen what Russian peace means in Bucha, Mariupol, Izium. For them, it means mass graves, ruins of cities, and killed Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainian children are abducted, their names are changed, and they are forcibly assimilated into Russian culture," he said.

Sybiha added that Russia is not genuinely interested in negotiations, urging the international community to focus on Moscows actions rather than its words. "Russia continues to expand the war," he warned.

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The OSCE meeting in Malta was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marking his first visit to the EU since the start of the full-scale war. Sybiha called Lavrov a war criminal and left the OSCE plenary hall in protest ahead of Lavrovs address. Several other foreign ministers and diplomats followed suit in a coordinated walkout.

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.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Desmonds Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever abandoned a small white dog in New Haven.

The dog was found on Wednesday at a dumpster near Monterey Place, officials at the nonprofit announced in a Facebook post.

Suspicious death in New Haven now being investigated as a homicide

When the dog was discovered, he was found in a crate with all his belongings, nonprofit officials said.

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The offer for the $5,000 reward will expire in 90 days from Dec. 5.

If anyone has any information on this or recognizes him, contact the New Haven Animal Shelter at 203-946-8110.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Should the incoming Stratton Park be aimed at the people who live close to it, or draw in visitors from across Colorado Springs?

Dozens of Cheyenne Canyon neighborhood residents filled the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center Tuesday night to discuss what they wanted to see in their new neighborhood park. It was the first major meeting to shape the Stratton Park master plan since the city Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department purchased the land in 2021.

The 8.48-acre site runs along Cheyenne Canyon Road between The Broadmoor and the entrance to North Cheyenne Canon Park. Two bridges cross Cheyenne Creek to get vehicles into the park. One end of the park has a cluster of buildings from its long-time use as housing for the Philanthropic Educational Organization but it also has natural acres with deer, bears and other wildlife.

Connie Schmeisser, the city's lead designer for Stratton Park, said the biggest question for the master plan was finding a balance between the site's educational potential and the goals for a local neighborhood park. The master plan would also determine how much funding the city would need to put into readying the park to reopen.

"What is your tolerance for having people on the site?" Schmeisser asked the crowd. "We could keep it as a local public park that only you generally use. Or we could have programs with broader access for structured and unstructured uses."

Stratton Park, also known as Stratton Neighborhood Park, was dedicated in 1902 after being purchased by William Scott Stratton. The 20-acre park was a stop on Strattons Colorado Springs & Interurban Railway and included a depot stop, bandstand and other attractions for visitors traveling the trolley line through the city.

The park began shrinking in the 1920s as portions of the land were sold off to developers. Matt Mayberry, cultural services manager and director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, said that in 1925, city residents had petitioned for the city to purchase the land and preserve it as a park.

The area was bought by the Philanthropic Educational Organization in 1966 and used as a house for members for decades. In 2021 the Colorado Springs City Council voted to purchase the 8.48 acres of land for $2.3 million to turn it back into a neighborhood park. The city has used the PEO buildings as a base for two ranger teams to keep the land occupied until it was reopened as a public park.

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The nonprofit Golden Lotus Foundation had also bid to purchase the Stratton Park area in 2021. As part of the final land sale, the city agreed to let Golden Lotus move ahead with its goal to turn some of the existing buildings into an Asian heritage center and tea house.

Parks Director Britt Haley said the Golden Lotus had been slow to fundraise for its portion over the past few years. By starting the master plan process now, Hayes said it would give goals and funding details on the city side that could help accelerate the project.

The main non-city speaker at Tuesday's meeting was David Eick.

Eick retired over the summer as a teacher at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School and is the founder of the school's Cheyenne Creek Conservation Club, which has taken water samples and measurements along the creek for more than 20 years.

Eick said the public park access would make Stratton Park a great option for students to keep studying and learning about the creek at a spot near but not directly behind the middle school.

"I've always approached it with students that if they can learn to care for nature and learn science in their own backyard, they will carry that forward," Eick said.

Early sentiment from neighbors tended to prefer the smaller versions of the park. Former El Paso County Commissioner Jim Bensberg, who lives near the northwest end of the park, said he hoped the western end would stay undeveloped to preserve as much of the local nature as possible.

"I think it should be returned to Stratton's original vision of a neighborhood park for the people," said Sue Spengler, who lives near the visitor center. Spengler liked the idea of having educational aspects at the park for students but said she didn't want it to become as much of a tourist draw as North Cheyenne Canon.

Schmeisser said a second meeting was being considered to gather more ideas from neighbors. The city website said the goal was to have the park's master plan approved by the end of the spring.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  An investigation is underway after a New Orleans Police Department officer reportedly fired his weapon at a suspect on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

According to the NOPD, around 6:30 p.m., officers found a silver Hyundai Santa Fe, with Georgia license plates, that matched one that had been reported stolen. Officers say they followed the vehicle, without lights, sirens or any increase in speed, to the intersection of Basin and Saint Louis streets.

Once the suspected stolen vehicle stopped and the NOPD officer both stopped. that when the driver then allegedly backed into the police unit.

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Officials say an officer proceeded to shoot at the suspected vehicle before it drove away, crashing into a white Volkswagen SUV, and continuing to flee.

Homicide investigation underway after man found dead in Little Woods area

An NOPD Public Integrity Bureaus Force Investigation Team will investigate the part of the case involving the officers weapon discharge.

The Federal Consent Decree Monitor and the Office of the Independent Police Monitor were also on scene to oversee the investigation.

No injuries have been reported and no arrests have yet been made.

Anyone with information that can help in the ongoing investigation is asked to contact NOPD First District detectives at 504-658-6010, NOPD Public Integrity Bureau Force Investigation Team detectives at 504-678-6800, Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Discussion of a future cell phone ban in the classroom was a part of the Norfolk School Boards work session Wednesday.

The school division, along with others in Virginia, must adhere to Executive Order 33 issued by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to ban cell phones in the classroom, bell-to-bell, starting next year.

In a video released by Norfolk Public Schools Monday, the school division outlined the policy that will bring cell phone-free education to the school system.

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The policy states all of Norfolk Public Schools will be cell phone-free from bell-to-bell beginning on January 1, 2025. Students who bring a cell phone to school must power it off and store it in their bags at all times during the school day, including during lunch and in-between classes.

A personal electronic device is considered any personal device capable of making calls, transmitting pictures or video and sending messages through electronic means, Dr. Mike Cataldo, from the Office of Student Support and Safety, said during the video.

On Wednesday, a work session for the school board included a discussion about the topic.

Im just making sure that [we] as a board, as a school, [have] done the right thing to get as many people involved as possible, said school board member Ken Paulson.

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Chief Academic Officer Dr. James Pohl explained that the school division has been sending surveys to families for weeks asking them what they think about the policy. So far, he said theyve gotten more than 600 responses and are hoping for more.

There were five categories, [including] safety and emergency concerns, which had 61 of the comments; distraction and academic focus, with 98 of the comments; compromise and moderation, with 265 of the comments, which shows you a lot, Pohl said. And really, in that area, the majority of the comments were Totally get it, dont want it during the classroom, but really want it during hall changes, in the cafeteria.'

Pohl added that, before students head home for the holiday break, theyll get information about the policy.

He also explained how the enforcement process will work to the board.

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The first offense is a verbal warning [and] communicat[ing] it with the parent or the guardian and entered into Synergy, Pohl said.

The second offense is a written warning, something sent home, communicated with parent or guardian and again entered into Synergy. On the third offense, the cell phones confiscated, or the device is confiscated, and it can be returned to the parent or to the student at the end of the school day, [also] entered into Synergy. Fourth offense confiscated, and then its entered into Synergy, but a parent has to pick it up.

Some board members expressed their appreciation for how things have looked so far.

Im really a supporter of this policy and the bell-to-bell, said school board member Dr. Adale Martin. We talked about the educational component, that being on their phones being distracted, but theres also the mental health and physical health component.

Other board members expressed concerns.

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Is our infrastructure strong enough to do all the things that some of our students are using their phones for instructional purposes, before we start putting this in place, said school board member Tanya Bhasin.

The board is expected to vote on the measure at their Dec. 18 meeting.

VBCPS holds 1st of 3 no-phone policy sessions at Kempsville High School

WAVY also confirmed the Virginia Beach City Public Schools will hold a vote on its cell phone policy on December 10, 2025.

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Former state Sen. Dave Nething, R-Jamestown, pictured in 2011, died Dec. 2, 2024, at age 91. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)

The North Dakota Senate this week honored a former Jamestown lawmaker who at one time was the longest serving Republican state legislator in the country.

Former state Sen. Dave Nething, 91, died Monday. He represented the Jamestown area for 46 years in the state Senate from 1967 to 2012. He served as North Dakotas Senate majority leader from 1974 to 1986 and was a past president of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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Sen. Nething set a very high bar in the North Dakota Senate, Sen. Cole Conley, R-Jamestown, said Wednesday during the legislative organizational session. And he will be missed by all that knew him.

Sen. Cole Conley, R-Jamestown, speaks on the Senate floor during the organizational session on Dec. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

At the time of Nethings retirement, he held the distinction of being the longest serving Republican state lawmaker in the U.S., Conley said.

Nething was proud of the work he did as a lawyer, lawmaker and through various community organizations, such as the North Dakota Elks Association and its national organization, the Grand Lodge, said Scot Nething, Daves son. He also wanted to share his life with his grandchildren.

He wrote four books about his history, not with the intent of publishing  but leaving the story for his grandkids, Scot Nething said.

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Nething said one thing he took away from his fathers life was a deep commitment to anything he chose to focus on.

When he took on a project, he took on a project and worked it hard, he said. And he was also really open to listen, I think. He didnt make up his mind right now. He would listen to people and wanted to help.

Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich credited Nething for spearheading a fundraising effort to prevent the Elks Camp Grassick, a summer camp for children and adults with disabilities, from closing in the 1980s.

In my honest opinion, it saved the camp from closure, he said.

Nething, a Republican, represented a predominantly Democratic-NPL district for a majority of his legislative career.

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He did a remarkable job of going to Bismarck and fighting for Jamestown, Heinrich said. He was reelected then, not because necessarily that he was a Republican, but because people respected him and respected the job that he did in Bismarck.

A memorial service for Nething will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A North Las Vegas gym teacher allegedly fondled a six-year-old while she sat on his lap in class, documents said.

Christopher Greer, 49, faces one charge of lewdness with a child under the age of 14, records said. Greer was most recently employed as a gym teacher at Cahlan Elementary School in North Las Vegas, police said.

A staff member at the school told the childs mother that an investigation was underway after another parent reported their concerns to school staff about inappropriate touching involving the physical education teacher and his students, documents said.

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Clark County School District police said their investigation involved allegations of touching [involving] penetration by Greer with his fingers while students sat on the teachers lap, documents said.

The child told her mother Greer placed his hands underneath her clothing near her genitalia but described that she was not hurt during the interactions, police said. The six-year-old also alleged that Greer would call her to an isolated area, which was outside of direct view of children.

A child told police Greer kept snacks in a smaller storage area and that Greer allegedly whispered bad words into her ear while she was seated on his lap and told her not to tell anyone about what was occurring, documents said.

It was unclear if one or more children spoke to police as their names are redacted in court documents.

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As part of their investigation, police collected a childs clothing for testing.

A school investigation found four students who sat on Greers lap, documents said, but none were asked about touching. School leaders allowed Greer to return to teaching, adding it was not appropriate for children to sit on his lap and he needed to set better boundaries.

Police arrested Greer at the school on Monday, Dec. 2. He initially denied having any student sit on his lap, but later admitted the needy kids want affection they do not get at home, so they may crowd around his lap area, but not sit on his lap, documents said. He later admitted children had sat on his lap, but it was not frequent.

On Tuesday, North Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Belinda Harris set bail at $100,000, which Greer posted. He was due to be arraigned on the charge on Thursday.

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The criminal complaint prosecutors filed Wednesday against Greer uses the words touching, rubbing and fondling.

The schools principal sent this message to parents on Monday:

Cahlan Elementary School prioritizes the safety of its students. As always, we want to inform you of important matters in our school community. We are informing you that an employee assigned to our school was arrested on charges related to lewdness with a minor. They have been placed on leave per the negotiated agreement with the employees bargaining unit and will not be allowed on campus. Because this is a police investigation, we do not have additional information to share. The North Las Vegas Police Department is the lead investigative agency. We assure you we are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation. We are committed to providing quality instruction, ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education in a safe environment, and minimizing any disruption in our learning environment. Robert Rava, Principal

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NORTH MANHEIM TWP  The township supervisors agreed to release the proposed Enterprise Opportunity Overlay District ordinance at Tuesdays meeting in the township building.

Following an executive session, the supervisors voted unanimously to release the document  against the advice of the townships attorney.

Mark Koch, solicitor, has steadfastly maintained the document is in draft form and not subject to provisions of Pennsylvanias right-to-know law.

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The supervisors action negates a planned meeting on a right-to-know request submitted by a vocal opponent of the ordinance, which had been scheduled for Thursday.

The boards decision came after an occasionally contentious public comment period that lasted nearly two hours.

For the third month in a row, opponents of the ordinance packed the meeting in an effort to pressure the supervisors to reject the proposed ordinance out of hand.

In June, Crossroads Commercial Development Corp., a Cumberland County warehouse developer, submitted the ordinance at a township meeting, officials said.

If approved, it would establish an overlay district, a defined area that would allow warehouses to be built on land zoned agricultural/residential.

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The move is a tactic often used by developers when they believe the township zoning ordinance does not have sufficient space on which to locate a warehouse.

Supervisor chairman Wayne Bowen said, in general, the area that could be impacted by the ordinance is south of Route 61 and north of Adamsdale Road.

It is his understanding, Bowen said, that the developer has agreements of sale on some of the land in the area, subject to the approval of the ordinance.

The developer has probably been working on this for years, he said, and already has a significant amount of money invested.

Responding to requests from opponents, the supervisors agreed to request the developer, William A. Aiello, to attend a public session and explain his plans for the area that would be included in the overlay district.

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A man who said he recently spoke to him told the supervisors Aiello was not interested in attending a public meeting in the township.

Crossroads Commercial Development Corporation is listed as an active corporation in Pennsylvania in state records. It is located in Lemoyne, Cumberland County.

During the public comment session, a woman predicted the township could expect to be flooded with right-to-know requests. A man inquired about how many of the townships 4,400 residents were registered voters, suggesting political consequences. And a woman said she used to shop at a store owned by one of the supervisors.

The supervisors assured skeptical residents that no decision on the proposed ordinance would be made without notice of a public meeting being advertised in a published legal notice. No timetable was set for a decision.

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In other business, the supervisors adopted a $4.9 million budget with no tax increase for 2025.

The supervisors turned down an opportunity to raise their compensation to $3,145 a year under the provisions of Act 94, a new state law. Instead, they kept it at the current $1,875.

The board approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F-600 dump truck equipped for plowing at about $130,000 for the township road crew.
(FOX40.COM)  The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists is speaking out following a shooting at Feather River Adventist School that left two of its students in extremely critical condition.

We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred today at our Feather River school, The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists wrote. Our students, faculty, and staff have been reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer.

The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists oversees several churches, schools and ministries connected to the church.

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Timeline of the Butte County religious school shooting

The conference also thanked local law enforcement for their quick response and said they will continue to work closely with Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea as the investigation into the shooting continues.

Wednesdays shooting ended with the death of the suspected shooter who appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the hospitalization of two kindergarteners, ages 5 and 6.

The students were taken to UC Davis Medical Center in what Honea described as extremely critical condition. No further details were provided on the nature and severity of the boys injuries.

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Heidi Beguin

Flatwater Free Press

Gerry Robinson knows his peoples painful story all too well. The Northern Cheyenne historian and tribal member wrote a book on it  chapters detailing one atrocity after another.

Robinson also knows how far the tribe has come in the face of generations of trauma.

Despite that, we have doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, teachers, and we have a tribal college, he said. We are gaining our history, our culture, our traditions, our songs. Were becoming vibrant again.

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Its the history, though, that the tribe hopes to preserve by creating the Northern Cheyenne Healing Trail near Crawford in the Nebraska Panhandle. The 4-mile path will lead to an existing monument commemorating the escape of 130 Northern Cheyenne from Fort Robinson roughly 145 years ago.

The escape is a defining chapter in the tribes history, a tragic illustration of their desire to return to their homeland after years of deception by the U.S. government. Tribal members hope the new trail, which is in the design and development phase, will help preserve their voice.

These stories must be told, said Judi gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, which has helped the Northern Cheyenne with the project. Our nations strength lies not only in celebrating its triumphs but in facing its failures and striving to do better as we learn from our history.

The Northern Cheyenne also hope the trail will offer some healing.

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There are many still who actually refuse to go down to Fort Robinson because it is such a hard story, Robinson said. Thats part of the reason why were building the trail too. Not only for those people who havent heard the story, but for the Northern Cheyenne who have heard the story and are unable to get past their grief and trauma.

****

They cut the heat and the food. Then they stopped giving them water. This was the U.S. governments way of strong-arming captive tribe members to return south to Oklahoma and out of the way of gold miners in the winter of 1878-79.

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The Northern Cheyenne once called South Dakotas Black Hills area home. But the discovery of gold in 1874 influenced the governments view of the tribes traditional homeland.

After a series of clashes and attacks by U.S. soldiers, a band of Northern Cheyenne surrendered near Fort Robinson in 1877. Army officials pressured the tribe to move south.

Against tribal tradition and opposition from several leaders, one member decided to speak on behalf of the tribe. He said they would agree to relocate to Oklahoma. The government assured them that if they didnt like it after a year, they could return to their homeland. More than 900 Northern Cheyenne headed south, according to an article Robinson wrote for the Wyoming Historical Society.

Measles, malaria and starvation tore through the tribe in Oklahoma. The promised government rations never materialized. Nearly 50 Northern Cheyenne died within a year. The tribe made the decision: It was time to return home.

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On Sep. 9, 1878, they left their lodges standing and fires burning, gathered what they could on their backs and headed north.

They had sent some young men ahead who stole horses, guns and supplies in preparation for the tribes departure. Soldiers were on their trail within a day.

The Northern Cheyenne crossed into Kansas, raiding through the state, gathering supplies and battling with the chasing soldiers. After one attack, the tribe lost all the supplies they had stolen. Then they came across a couple settlements, Robinson said. Tribal members  primarily young men  raided, killed and raped.

Its a dark part of the story, but its also one of the very real parts, Robinson said.

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A great line I learned is desperation has no morality, or desperation knows no bounds, something like that. Thats the state that they were in, he added.

Morning Star, known by the Lakota name Dull Knife. Photo via National Archives

The tribe moved into Nebraska, separating into two bands. One went with Morning Star, known by the Lakota name Dull Knife.

Morning Stars group was captured, taken to Fort Robinson and imprisoned in old cavalry barracks.

Then on Jan. 3, 1879, two and a half months after their capture, the government informed the tribe it was sending them back south. They refused.

Capt. Henry W. Wessells, the commander of the fort, decided to pressure them. First, he imprisoned the leaders. The tribe didnt budge.

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Wessells cut off their heat and their food. They still refused to go south, so he cut off their water.

The prisoners scraped the frozen condensation off the windows so their children could have water. Two-thirds of the roughly 130 people left in the barracks were women and children  around 40 were men of fighting age, Robinson said.

The Cheyenne werent dressed for winter  military communications describe them as being in rags. The government requested winter provisions but delayed the delivery, fearing it would reveal the governments plan and trigger an uprising.

The plan was to put them in stock cars and ship them back south once the clothing came through.

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Theres a paper trail thats just sickening.  They had just strung them along knowing full well they were going to eventually admit they were going south, Robinson said.

On Jan. 9, 1879, the young men left in control after the leaders had been imprisoned finally reached their breaking point.

Replicas of historic Fort Robinson structures, including the barracks where the Army imprisoned the Northern Cheyenne, stand at Fort Robinson State Park in Nebraska. Photo by Heidi Beguin for the Flatwater Free Press

They had smuggled in guns when they were captured. Children wore pieces of weapons  a trigger around one girls neck, a hammer on her wrist, and a spring in her hair, according to the book The Dull Knifes of Pine Ridge: A Lakota Odyssey by Joe Starita. They reassembled the guns and prepared.

They broke through the windows, killed a couple guards and ran upstream along the White River. A full moon hung in the sky and snow sat on the ground, Robinson said. Two dozen soldiers raced into the 10-degree night in pursuit.

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The soldiers basically fired at anything that moved. They say in their reports that they were kind and considerate, that they were only firing at combatants, but half of them were women and children, Robinson said.

The chase led to a 500-foot sandstone bluff. Only 37 Northern Cheyenne made it over the top.

Many were captured and killed in the foothills  not far from where a monument now stands.

Their bodies, especially women, were desecrated, Robinson said. There were witnesses who spoke to this.

On Jan. 22, soldiers finally surrounded the surviving Northern Cheyenne. They refused to surrender. The four companies moved in and just slaughtered them in a wallow  Robinson said.

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Of the 130 who broke out of the barracks, 64 were killed, including 19 women and seven children. Most of the 66 who were captured were sent to the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota.

The band of Northern Cheyenne that had separated from the others in 1878 made it to Montana, where they surrendered. A reservation eventually sprouted up in southeastern Montana, where the tribe reassembled.

****

Fort Robinson became a Nebraska state park in 1962, roughly 80 years after the Northern Cheyenne escaped. Today it offers a mix of activities which helped draw 757,000 visitors in 2023, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

But for many members of the Northern Cheyenne, it represents something different.

Fort Robinson is very important to all Northern Cheyenne tribal members because there was obviously a significant event that happened there, said Major Robinson, Gerrys brother and a tribal project manager. But its also a hard place for Northern Cheyennes to visit because it can be so sorrowful.

Two tribal elders, Edna Seminole and Rosie Eaglefeathers, finally brought themselves to visit in 2001. The sight that caused the most pain and spurred the most anger came into view outside of the park.

A roadside sign incorrectly relayed the history of whats been called the Cheyenne outbreak. The sign was riddled with bullet holes.

It sent a message to them that not only did people back in the 1800s want to see Native people, Indigenous people, gone from the Earth, but theres still people who had that anger toward us, Major Robinson said.

The pair couldnt find any other acknowledgements of the Northern Cheyennes history at Fort Robinson. They committed to returning the next year with a mission: to build a monument honoring their ancestors, Major Robinson said. And they did.

A local rancher named T.R. Hughes had donated some land to Chief Dull Knife College, a community college serving the reservation and surrounding communities. Gerry Robinson said Hughes wanted the Northern Cheyenne to use it as they saw fit.

When Seminole and Eaglefeathers returned the following year, they brought stones from the reservation and placed them on the Hughes land. The monument would be built where the stones sat.

It took 15 years, but the Northern Cheyenne officially unveiled a monument commemorating the escape in 2016.

It was a very emotional day in 2016, Major Robinson said. The vision of these Cheyenne women was pretty powerful.

After the monument was built, Seminole made it clear that the work was not done, Major Robinson said. Now we need to build a trail from the barracks out to this monument, he recalled her saying. Both Seminole and Eaglefeathers are now deceased.

Once completed, the healing trail will serve as part of the Great American Rail-Trail, a planned nation-spanning trail running from Washington, D.C. to the Pacific coast in Washington state.

The healing trail isnt meant to be rushed through, though. It will be an area where people  Northern Cheyenne Tribe members, calvary ancestors and anyone else  can pause, reflect and learn about the tribes journey to reclaim a piece of their homeland.

Through creating this trail, we remember the struggles and the sacrifices of our ancestors, but its also to heal ourselves and as we heal ourselves, we heal our ancestors too, Major Robinson said.

A tribal committee continues to fundraise. It has partnered with multiple groups to help bring the trail to fruition, including the national Rails to Trails Conservancy, Nebraska Community Foundation, Fort Robinson State Park, Friends of the White River, the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, the Nebraska Land Trust and the Mari Sandoz Society.

This trail will not only educate but also stand as a testament to the resilience of our First Peoples, said gaiashkibos with the state Commission on Indian Affairs. Healing can only begin with the acknowledgment of difficult truths, such as the Cheyenne Breakout. The trail is a pathway to truth, and with truth, healing is possible.

In January, the Northern Cheyenne will gather at the monument for an annual ceremony to remember their ancestors and what they went through on Jan. 9, 1879. It is a heavy occasion. And it is important for remembering, for keeping alive the Northern Cheyenne perspective, and for healing.

Im convinced that when they broke out of that barracks, they had myself and every person living in this generation in their hearts because they knew that they had to settle on the Cheyenne homeland, Gerry Robinson said. They were determined to either live in it or die in it. There was no other choice.
OSLO, Norway (AP)  A Norwegian court has rejected a second bid for parole by mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage in 2011.

The Ringerike, Asker and Brum district court last month held a parole hearing for the 45-year-old far-right extremist, who is serving a 21-year sentence. In a written verdict dated Wednesday, it said that Breivik's request was denied and that it considered it clear that continued detention was necessary in the interest of public safety.

It said it was positive that Breivik had embarked on programs that could have a rehabilitating effect, but that has not yet progressed far enough to have a significant impact on assessments of the risk of him reoffending.

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Breivik was convicted in 2012 of mass murder and terrorism for a bombing that killed eight people at a government building in Oslo, and a shooting massacre on Utya island where he gunned down 69 people at a holiday camp for youth activists from the center-left Labor Party.

Breivik's parole application was heard in a makeshift courtroom in the gymnasium at the Ringerike prison, outside Oslo, where a similar hearing was held in January 2022.

Authorities in Norway have insisted Breivik has the same rights as any other prisoner and argue that treating him differently would undermine the principles that underpin Norwegian society, including the rule of law and freedom of speech.

He has been held in isolation since he began serving his prison sentence in 2012 and has argued several times that his treatment amounts to inhumane punishment under the European Convention on Human Rights. Each time courts have rejected his claims.

At the Ringerike prison, he is held in a two-story complex with a kitchen, dining room and TV room with an Xbox, several armchairs and black and white pictures of the Eiffel Tower on the wall. He also has a fitness room with weights, a treadmill and a rowing machine.
RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV)  A woman and her family of eight have been evicted from a home just a few weeks before Christmas.

Susie Shipman is the caretaker of a big family, and she says she was just trying to find a place affordable and safe for her kids and grandkids. But in September, her world turned upside down when she says she was scammed out of the home on Parker Lane.

Its not a game. Its not nothing to play with. You know, losing your home is not an easy thing, Shipman said.

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She said she didnt realize it was a fraud until a representative from American Homes 4 Rent, the actual owner of the home, according to a police report, stopped by to check on the house.

Shipman was paying half the estimated rent price, close to $2,100. She says she got the code to the home from the scammer.

Hotel and commercial district coming to Heartwood Community of Richmond Hill

The Richmond Hill Police Department is still investigating this incident, and an officer tells News 3 that no warrants have been issued.

Shipman has a message for the scammer: You are destroying families while youre scamming folks. And it would have been different if it was just me. Im okay, you know? But I have children. I have grandkids.

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She says this has taken a toll on everyone, and she wants to warn others of scams, especially on social media platforms.

Its an open opportunity for people to try to scam a lot of folks out of sometimes vehicles, sometimes houses and sometimes out of their personal items, she said. So, just do as much research as you can.

For now, Shipman and her family are spending nights with loved ones until they find something permanent, hopefully before the holidays.

If you would like to support them, visit here.

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Nearly 10 months after a double homicide at the Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado, an independent legal review of the Feb. 16 shooting that killed two one student and one guest concludes that several policies and procedures should be improved and existing trainings enhanced.

UCCS student Sam Knopp, 24, of Parker, and Pueblo resident Celie Rain Montgomery, 26, were fatally shot Feb. 16 allegedly by Knopps roommate, Nicholas Jordan, 25, in their dorm room at the Crestone building on the west side of campus.

The Office of the University Counsel, which provides legal services to the university, retained the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to conduct the review, which was initiated in March. The Brownstein team was led by Jason Dunn, a former U.S. attorney and Colorado deputy attorney general, and John Suthers, most recently the former Colorado Springs mayor as well as a former U.S. attorney, Colorado attorney general and 4th Judicial district attorney.

Originally, only an executive summary of the findings was to be published, but UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said she felt the need to release the report in its entirety Thursday for the sake of transparency.

Many of the recommendations from the full report have been implemented or are being implemented, according to school officials.

Sobanet stated in the report that there was no finding that any individual at the university was responsible for a violation of policy or that anyone knowingly contributed to this tragic outcome.

The report, which Sobanet requested be done to help the campus understand the facts leading up to and through the incident, also highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between routine, persistent roommate conflicts and issues of a more dangerous nature, Sobanet stated in the report.

According to the affidavit, another roommate told police Jordan threatened Knopps life over a disagreement about trash in the apartment in January. UCCS police and housing staff had three documented complaints about Jordan filed by Knopp before his death, the affidavit said.

Roommate conflicts are not unusual on a college campus and are regularly resolved through education and mediation, Sobanet says in the report.

During the Thursday news conference, Sobanet said alternative housing options were offered to the roommates multiple times.

The roommates, for each of their own various different decisions at different times, chose not to take advantage of those alternative housing options, Sobanet said.

Jordan pleaded not guilty to the double-murder charges Nov. 22 in 4th Judicial District Court. Questions over the state of his mental competency delayed court proceedings, but at an August hearing Judge David Shakes declared him mentally competent to continue with the case.

Some students on campus have since raised concerns about the universitys policies and security. A student-created petition on change.org received nearly 900 signatures calling for increased safety measures on campus, including more surveillance around on-campus housing and parking lots.

In the aftermath of the shootings, one student, Josie Gimmestad, transferred to another Colorado university. After initially moving off campus due to safety concerns, she said transferring was a morality/values decision.

It felt immoral to continue giving the school tens of thousands each year, Gimmestad said. Ive pretty much given up on seeing UCCS officials/administration held accountable at all.

Gimmestad told The Gazette she has former roommates who still attend UCCS, but they have since moved off campus as well.

In March, the university systems Board of Regents discussed the possibility of removing a concealed-carry exception to the systemwide campus gun ban. Over the summer, the state passed a law prohibiting carrying firearms in sensitive spaces, which includes college campuses. As of July 1, no concealed weapons are permitted on campus, said Christopher Valentine, a UCCS spokesman.

The following is a list of recommendations provided to UCCS after the report and the corresponding steps being taken by campus officials.

 UCCS should improve tracking of multiple reports of behaviors of concern from a single student.

Sobanet says this process is implemented and ongoing, as the campus was migrating to a better software system before the February homicides. This new system has been in place since August.

 UCCS should review its threat assessment protocol to ensure it is comprehensive and includes follow-up with students.

During a news conference Thursday, Sobanet said this review will be completed during the spring 2025 semester.

 A representative from UCCS University Counsel office should be added to the CARE Team. The CARE Team addresses concerns related to students safety and well-being, according to the universitys website.

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This action has been completed as a member of university counsel has been added as a core member whose duties were not specified by Sobanet. In the full report, it is stated that this addition will bring an additional and important perspective to discussions.

 The CARE Team should document its discussions thoroughly, particularly where multiple behaviors of a single student are noted.

The new system implemented at the start of the fall semester was designed with this intent.

 After an increase in demands for the critical function of the CARE Team, the college should guarantee ongoing and appropriate support, which includes additional staff members.

Sobanet says this is completed and ongoing with two staff members added. Evaluations will take place regularly to monitor the need for additional resources and staff.

 UCCS should redouble training efforts connected to reporting behaviors of concern. In addition, the college should expand and broaden the groups trained in reporting concerns.

This is in process with a video in the making that will explain the process more thoroughly to students and staff. Additionally, trainings on the new software system for reporting will be implemented in the spring for staff working with it.

 Immediately, the university should review polices related to residence life and housing overall. This review should focus on ensuring serious incompatibility issues between roommates be identified and resolved in a quicker manner.

Similar to other recommendations, this process is completed and ongoing. An external consultant to the university reviewed all policies regarding housing and provided recommendations to university leaders. A few of these recommendations address conflict response and the universitys process for handling complaints, according to Sobanet.

 Training should be increased for resident assistants, or RAs.

Conflict management training has been provided during the fall 2024 semester to all RAs on campus, among other safety trainings, Sobanet says.

 Training for housing staff should be reviewed and enhanced to confirm staff members have the tools to track and report student behaviors of concern, as well as resolve them.

This has been completed with additional trainings for resident life employees, according to Sobanet.

 UCCS should review its Emergency Operations Plan.

This is in process as the university hired Kristopher Parsons as its emergency operations manager. Parsons has started the review. Each department that had a role in the 2016 plan is reviewing its contributions. A new plan will be presented to Sobanet in the spring for approval.

 The college should ensure effective communication with local law enforcement through continued open channels of communication.

This recommendation has also been completed, university leaders said. Reviews are being completed by the new chief of police on campus, Diana Cooley, who started at the beginning of October.

 More frequent emergency exercises should be implemented to test emergency operations and responses.

This is in process with campus officials increasing the frequency of exercises since February. The goal is to get up to once per quarter, according to Sobanet.

 Trainings on terminology regarding emergency situations should be implemented campus wide.

This is ongoing with plans in place to provide greater details to students when alerts are sent out.

Gazette reporters Zachary Dupont and Debbie Kelley contributed to this report.
The Budapest Memorandum, signed on Dec. 5, 1994, did not work for "a single day," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on the 30th anniversary of the document's signing.

"Today marks 30 years of the Budapest Memorandum. Ten years of war. Not a single day did this document work," Zelensky said.

"And because of this, everyone in the world will now know that a mere signature  by any state  or any assurances or promises are not enough for security."

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According to the Budapest Memorandum, the signatory countries  the U.K., Russia, and the U.S.  pledged to be guarantors of Ukraine's independence, as well as sovereignty, and refrained from using weapons or economic pressure against Ukraine. In exchange, Ukraine renounced its nuclear status.

Zelensky added that effective guarantees are currently needed for Ukraine's security, namely "real alliances and a real security foundation within the country," as well as "weapons that enable defense and deterrence of the enemy."

The president also called for unity, saying it helps to overcome "even the most challenging moments."

Anton Liagusha, the academic director of the master's program in Memory Studies and Public History at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine agreed to a non-nuclear status under enormous pressure.

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"Russia used the Budapest Memorandum very cunningly. To be more precise, it encouraged and coerced the West to pressure Ukraine to sign the memorandum. At the same time, Russia positioned it as 'a noble act of global geopolitics,'" Liagusha said.

"Russia promoted the narrative that Ukraine is a failed state, a non-existent state, and non-existent means uncontrolled. And in a non-existent uncontrolled state, nuclear weapons are the worst possible option. Unfortunately, this cunning and sneaky diplomacy and propaganda reached their goals."

According to the historian, giving up nuclear weapons was a mistake, and now Ukraine must try to restore its nuclear capabilities to be able to defend itself.

Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Oct. 17 that the country is not planning to develop weapons of mass destruction and remains committed to nuclear non-proliferation.

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Read also: 30 years ago today, Ukraine traded nuclear arms for security assurances, a decision that still haunts Kyiv today

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
November saw Russia hit a new daily average high for its casualties in the war, per the UK MOD.

It said the losses were "likely reflective of the higher tempo of Russian operations" against Ukraine.

It was the third month in a row that Russia suffered record-breaking daily losses, it said.

November saw Russia suffer a record daily average for the number of soldiers injured or killed since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to UK intelligence.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Thursday morning that "the average daily Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached a new monthly war high during November 2024."

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Citing the Ukrainian General Staff, it said that Russia suffered 45,680 casualties in November, up from 41,980 in October, with a daily average of 1,523.

It was the third month in a row that Russian forces suffered record-breaking daily average losses, it said, and the fifth straight month that it had seen its total losses rise.

The increased casualty figures, the UK MOD said, are "likely reflective of the higher tempo of Russian operations and offensives."

According to the MOD, Russia is trying to increase pressure on Ukraine's lines as it tries to push it back on several fronts, notably in Kupiansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka, as well as in the Russian region of Kursk, which Ukraine partially occupied in August.

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The losses likely made it the most costly month of the war for Russia in terms of personnel, it said.

The MOD added that Russia's casualties "will likely continue to average above 1,000 a day in December 2024 despite the onset of winter," with continued attacks on multiple fronts.

Russia has been relentlessly trying to push forward on multiple fronts in Ukraine over the past few months, slowly gaining territory, but in a way that warfare experts say is not proportionate to its losses.

Washington DC-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War said in an update on Tuesday that Russia suffered significant losses of people and armored vehicles last month as it "attempted to maintain intensified offensive operations in eastern Ukraine."

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It also pointed to Russia's losses in September and October and said the country "cannot sustain such significant loss rates indefinitely in return for gradual, creeping battlefield gains."

George Barros, a Russia analyst at the ISW, told BI in September that Russia's death toll was rising because it had been running a high tempo of operations without really taking a substantial pause since October 2023.

"What we have seen here is a really active Russian military, which has been just sort of sprinting for a very long time and continuing to sprint," he said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in late October that over 600,000 Russian troops had been killed or wounded in the conflict.

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Russia doesn't release its own figures.

Rajan Menon, a senior research scholar at Columbia University's Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, told BI that "the kind of fight the Russians have been doing is to say: 'To hell with losses, we are just going to push forward wave after wave after wave.'"

Russia's plan for victory in Ukraine, according to many warfare experts, has been to keep pushing forward with the expectation that Western support for Ukraine will fade and that Ukraine's military will become increasingly fatigued.

Such a scenario could result in Ukraine not having the weaponry it needs to fight, or for it to be pushed into a peace deal that would involve it giving territory and other concessions to Russia.

Read the original article on Business Insider
New York Mayor Eric Adams now says he wants to deport those who are charged with a crime, even before they are convicted.

Thats clearly a move to thwart Donald Trumps wrath.

I suspect other Democratic governors and mayors will do the same once Trump returns to the White House, where he can withhold federal funding to so-called sanctuary or immigrant-friendly states and cities.

Why havent authorities like Adams gone after criminals before? Are they letting violent criminals off the hook just because theyre here illegally?

Even Adams is using migrants for political gain

Thats what Trump and MAGA want Americans to believe, and it worked to get him elected again.

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Immigration reality is something entirely different and much more complex. But most dont want to deal with it and prefer the soundbites fed to them to spark fear and hate toward this population.

Adams flip underscores politicians eagerness to use migrants as pawns for their personal political gains  just as Trump has done.

The Democratic mayor has complained about the financial strain that undocumented migrants put on his city. Yet he kept spending billions to house and feed them.

Why didnt he at least target criminals for deportation then?

Why the newfound courage to ignore due process and simply kick them out of the country?

Trump sees all undocumented immigrants the same

Because of Trump, of course, and Adams own legal problems that include charges of bribery, wire fraud and secretly soliciting campaign contributions from overseas donors.

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Thats what I abhor about some politicians of both parties. Theyre transactional and always use the most vulnerable to get their way  and not necessarily for the benefit of the country.

Violent criminals  accused killers, rapists and thieves, for instance  are fair game for deportation. In Trumps view, though, everyone is the same type of criminal just for crossing the border, including children.

Studies have consistently shown that migrants are less likely to commit crimes than those born in the U.S., but that doesnt matter to Trump.

We cant ignore those who commit crimes, of course.

But Trump has thrown every undocumented immigrant currently in the United States in the same dumpster fire and wants to round up every single one of them  including doctors, lawyers, teachers, farmworkers and others doing essential jobs.

He's using the 'Operation Wetback' playbook

Trump is using President Dwight D. Eisenhowers deportation playbook, offensively called Operation Wetback.

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Just like Eisenhower, Trump plans to carry out military-style immigration sweeps to round up migrants. What he does with them after the migrants are detained is not entirely clear.

You look back in the 1950s, you look back at the Eisenhower administration, take a look at what they did, and it worked, Trump told 60 Minutes in 2015 during his first presidential bid.

No, it didnt work. If it did, we wouldnt be talking about another mass deportation operation, right?

The immigration challenges of the 1950s arent the same as those in todays messy and dysfunctional immigration system.

Opinion: Why Trump must deport everyone at once

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After World War II, the United States had strict immigration quotas, but farmers needed workers. As a result, the U.S. created the Bracero program for agricultural guest workers from Mexico.

But farmers preferred to hire undocumented workers because they entailed fewer regulations and were cheaper labor. Sound familiar?

To deal with that, Eisenhower carried out his Operation Wetback, sending migrants deep into Mexico because most of them were Mexican.

To what extent will cities, states help Trump?

But fewer Mexicans are crossing the border illegally today. Most now come from all over the world, including Latin America, Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba, Ukraine and other war-torn countries.

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Thats a logistical nightmare for Trumps mass deportation plan  unless border states like Texas and Arizona help.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has spent billions targeting migrants, is itching to lend a hand, reportedly with anything Trump may need, including manpower and land to build detention centers.

Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has said shell work with Trump on border security but will oppose him on policies that hurt families, whatever that means.

And now, were beginning to see to what extent Democrat-run states and municipalities like New York City are willing to do to appease Trump.

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It looks like they might not need much arm-twisting to go after criminals. But what about everyone else?

Migrants can't count on politicians for protection

Legally, Trump doesnt need local authorities to round up migrants because immigration is a federal responsibility.

However, Trump knows he cant do it alone and will try to force governors and mayors to do his bidding. How much they resist will depend on individual political vulnerabilities.

There will be plenty of time to write about ways to fix the broken immigration system to benefit America and the law-abiding migrants already here.

For now, hard-working, law-abiding migrants shouldnt count on politicians for protection.

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Theyre on their own.

Theyll have to rely on each other, on civil rights groups and a few good souls who still see the financial and cultural benefit of a melting pot America.

Elvia Diaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, (formerly Twitter), @elviadiaz1.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Eric Adams joins deportation bandwagon. Others will follow | Opinion
A man in Fort Severn, Ontario, is recovering from injuries he received Tuesday morning, when he fought off a polar bear that was attacking his wife in their driveway. Authorities with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service released the basic details around the incident later that same day.

Around 5 p.m., the press release states, the couple walked outside their home in Fort Severn, which is a First Nations community on the remote coastline of Hudson Bay. The husband and wife had gone out to check on their dogs when a polar bear lunged at the woman.

The woman slipped to the ground as her husband leapt onto the animal to prevent its attack. The bear then attacked the male, causing serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs, reads the NAPS press release. During the attack, a neighbor arrived with a firearm and shot the bear several times.

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NAPS media relations coordinator Scott Paradis confirms with Outdoor Life that a local patrol was dispatched to the scene shortly after the attack. They found the polar bear dead nearby. Paradis says patrollers then searched the community and found no other polar bears in the area.

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There have been no major updates since then, Paradis says. But we believe the male involved is going to make a full recovery. His injuries were significant but not life-threatening.

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Read Next: Attacked on the Nushagak: When a Moose Hunter Gets Pinned by a Brown Bear, Its Up to His Hunting Partner to Save His Life

Paradis adds that because the mans injuries werent life-threatening, he was taken to the community nursing station for treatment instead of being transported to a hospital elsewhere. The nursing station could not be reached for comment Thursday, and its unlikely they would be able to provide information about a patient due to the provinces privacy laws.

Paradis was likewise unable to share the identities of the man, woman, neighbor, or any witnesses to the attack.

However, a Facebook user named Elaine Crowe shared a post on Dec. 3 claiming that she and her husband, Kirk, were the ones attacked by the bear. These claims are unconfirmed. Crowe details in the post how the polar bear charged her near their truck, which caused her to slip and fall.

A screenshot showing part of the Dec. 3 Facebook post made by user Elaine Crow. Photo via Facebook

I thought Kirk was going to [run] around the truck but the bear jumped on him. Kirk was wrestling with the bear yelling [and] my heart dropped, she wrote around 4 a.m. Wednesday. Now I know my husband would die for me.

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Crowes post also details how their neighbor, Hector, came running with the gun and shot the bear while it was still on Kirk attacking him. Its unclear what kind of firearm the neighbor used (Crowes post mentions a .270), but an investigation by NAPS revealed that he hit the bear several times.

Read Next: Revolver Versus Semi-Auto: Which Is Best for Bear Defense?

Outdoor Life reached out to Crowe Thursday to confirm these details, but she did not immediately respond to the request for comment. She also made a follow-up post Wednesday afternoon.

I wouldnt want to do an interview so soon, she wrote. Im still in shock and I keep seeing the bear on top of my husband.

Polar bear attacks on humans are exceedingly rare, especially compared to grizzlies and black bears. There have, however, been at least two fatal attacks confirmed in the last two years. In January 2023, a polar bear killed a woman and young boy in the Inupiaq village of Wales, Alaska. And in August of this year, a Nunavut man was attacked and killed by two polar bears while working for the Nasittuq Corporation on Brevoort Island.
LONDON  The world is entering a third nuclear age, the head of the British armed forces has warned, with world-ending weapons once again spreading globally and international agreements to control them collapsing.

Adm. Tony Radakin, chief of the defense staff in the United Kingdom, on Wednesday accused Russia of issuing wild threats of tactical nuclear use and simulated attacks against NATO countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened the United States and the West with nuclear retaliation over its support for Ukraine, where his forces have been fighting since their invasion almost three years ago.

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But Kremlin saber-rattling was not the only reason for Radakins words of caution at a lecture at the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London.

He also cited Chinas rapid development to become the worlds second fully-fledged nuclear competitor to the United States, alongside Russia. North Korea and Iran, meanwhile, are upping the ante, all set to the backdrop of collapsing nonproliferation agreements, which sought to reduce the risk posed by nuclear weapons after the Cold War, he said.

The world has changed. Global power is shifting and a third nuclear age is upon us, Radakin said. Describing this new era as altogether more complex than before, he said it is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies, and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.

A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher at the Victory Day military parade in Moscow last year.

As Radakin defined it, the first nuclear age was during the Cold War, when the U.S. and Soviet Union amassed colossal arsenals and were governed by the risk of uncontrollable escalation and the logic of deterrence. The second age started after the fall of the Berlin Wall and was an era of disarmament efforts and counter-proliferation, as these nuclear powers expressed willingness to row back from this apocalyptic face-off, he said.

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That era is over, he said, replaced by growing arsenals among established powers, development by newcomer upstarts and a backsliding of international agreements.

To be clear, the admiral said that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia against NATO countries.

Alex Younger, former head of Britains MI6 foreign intelligence agency, expressed a similar opinion on The World podcast with NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim, lead world news presenter at NBC News British partner Sky News.

I dont think Putin is intent on firing a nuclear weapon at us, Younger said, although he added it did not mean nuclear watchdogs are not alarmed at the current direction of travel.

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The total number of nuclear weapons continues to gradually decline from the current number of around 12,000 worldwide, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a leading organization tracking armaments around the world. But that is only because the U.S. and Russia have been dismantling retired warheads, it said.

There are 2,100 warheads kept in a state of high operational alert  around 100 more than last year, SIPRI said in its 2024 yearbook. As well as Chinas significant modernization and expansion, arsenals are also growing or set to grow in India, Pakistan, North Korea and the U.K. itself, SIPRI said.

Meanwhile, the entire six decade-long nuclear arms control enterprise is at risk of terminating, it said.

Last year, Russia suspended its participation from New START, an agreement that sought to put verifiable limits on Washingtons and Moscows nuclear arsenals.

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And in 2019, then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, or INF, Treaty, accusing Russia of violating the agreement. And a year earlier, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, which many experts say makes it easier for the theocratic state to build such a weapon.

Radakin, the British admiral, said he hoped the world would not have to witness the horrors of nuclear war and do whats necessary to avoid it, namely stiffen its resolve.

We need to sense the risk of tragedy to ensure we avoid it, he said. And that risk of tragedy is growing. The world is more dangerous. The challenges are greater.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
New York Citys public school system is loosening the requirements of its ambitious literacy push, providing schools with more discretion to tweak curriculum and move at the pace of their students.

Under a plan set in motion by the former schools head, David Banks, all districts had to pick between three reading curriculums for elementary schools, which emphasize phonics and other research-backed practices. His replacement, Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, promised to continue requirements but had signaled she was open to changes.

The changes, outlined in a memo on Wednesday night, give teachers permission to modify instruction as needed while still maintaining the curriculums integrity. It also allows for up to two weeks of flexibility on pacing guides to adjust to the speed of a given class.

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Other updates will limit the number of student assessments, while adding trainings for district superintendents, principals and teachers. Going forward, instructors will be spared manual data entry, which education officials described as duplicative of tools baked into the reading programs.

These updates are designed to address challenges shared by educators and offer some reprieve while reinforcing our shared goal: to ensure all students graduate from NYCPS as proficient readers and learners, read the memo, signed by Aviles-Ramos and the heads of the principals and teachers unions.

The key to this effort is providing districts, leaders and educators with clarity as needed to enact this seismic change.

By this fall, all elementary schools had to adopt one of the three programs: Into Reading from the company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Wit & Wisdom and EL Education. The choices were grounded in a movement known as known as the science of reading, shifting away from lessons that encouraged students to use pictures and other context clues to guess words.

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We value the feedback of our educators on the ground as we continue into year two of NYC Reads implementation, the New York City Department of Education said in a statement. We are pleased we were able to collaborate with our partners in UFT and CSA on this letter clarifying policies and addressing the challenges that weve heard from teachers and leaders. We will continue to listen to educators in the field as we refine implementation of NYC Reads and NYC Solves, said Nicole Brownstein, a spokeswoman for the public schools.

Just under half of third through eighth graders scored proficient in English last school year on state exams, a slight decrease from the year before. Schools that had already implemented the overhauled approach fared worse than those yet to make the change, which Banks chalked up to schools adjusting to new methods.

It was not clear how much of an impact the changes, first reported by Politico on Thursday, would have inside classrooms. A Manhattan elementary school principal predicted the flexibility would carry more weight with new administrators afraid of modifying the curriculum, or in districts that were strict about enforcement.

Everything that is spelled out  that we now have permission to do  is just general good practice, said the school leader, who was not authorized to speak to the press.

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Martina Meijer, a Brooklyn elementary school teacher, said she was glad the school system was responding to teacher concerns but felt more needs to be done.

My biggest concern is the nature of the mandate itself, Meijer said. We should be provided curriculum, of course. And we want it to be high quality. But ultimately we need to be trusted to do what is best for our students with a variety of resources and curricula (and) materials that respond to their needs and interests.

Officials would not disclose if similar flexibility is coming soon for math curriculum requirements, which have also faced pushback from teachers. In an email to members, the United Federation of Teachers, which has been a vocal critic of the Algebra push, cheered the increased autonomy for teachers.

This is a step in the right direction of the DOEs respecting your time and expertise while providing you with the support you need, wrote UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

Nicole Brownstein, a spokeswoman for the public schools, declared that we value the feedback of our educators on the ground as we continue into year two of NYC Reads implementation, adding: We will continue to listen to educators in the field as we refine implementation of NYC Reads and NYC Solves.
The NYPD has released new photos of the assassin suspected of the cold-blooded execution of Brian Thompson, the CEO of the nation's largest insurer, UnitedHealthcare.



"This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premeditated, targeted attack," the NYPD said in a statement. "The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the publics help."

UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.



The full investigative efforts of pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024

Thompson was shot multiple times in the back by a man Wednesday morning outside a Hilton Hotel where he was attending a conference. NYPD sources confirm that bullet casings found at the crime scene had the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" written on them. Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was named CEO for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.



The New York Times reported Thompson received a total compensation package last year of $10.2 million, a combination of $1 million in base pay and cash and stock grants. He was also the subject of multiple lawsuits and embroiled in a Department of Justice investigation into executives from the sprawling insurer selling stocks before a major acquisition, which could have led to charges of insider trading. United Health was notified that the DOJ had launched a non-public antitrust investigation into the company, according to a civil lawsuit.



Last summer, Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Markey and Ed Markey introduced legislation titled the "Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act of 2024" in response, in part, to the investigation into UnitedHealthcare. Because UnitedHealth has bought up every link in the healthcare chain, its in a position to jack up prices, squeeze competitors, hide revenues, and pressure doctors to put profits ahead of patients. UnitedHealth is a monopoly on steroids, Warren said in a statement.

NYPD sources say the killer may have been staying at the HI New York City Hostel at West 103rd Street on the Upper West Side, which sent NYPD detectives to the neighborhood to canvas with the newly released photos Thursday.





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The killing has ignited a nationwide debate about health insurance companies prioritizing profits over patient care. On the same day, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that starting February 2025, it will deny claims for anesthesia services exceeding newly established time limits for surgeries and procedures. The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately.

"In an unprecedented move, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have unilaterally declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit."

Watch the recently released video of the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO below or here.
MASSENA, N.Y. (WWTI)  The New York State Police have released the names of the two men that died in a shooting after being found dead in a Massena residence earlier this week.

State police said that 67-year-old Anthony Truax and 60-year-old Danny Truax were found dead in a home at 128 Beach Street.

NYSP investigating two deaths in Massena

A preliminary investigation determined a shooting occurred between two males.

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At the request of the Massena Police Department, the investigation was turned over to the State Police. Troopers executed multiple search warrants and processed the scene to gather evidence.

An autopsy performed at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Tuesday afternoon found that Anthony Truax died as a result of a gunshot wound through the torso and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Danny Truaxs death was ruled to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest and the manner of death was ruled suicide.

Massena Police were called Monday afternoon to the home and called upon State Police to assist in the investigation.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
Veteran news anchor Bill OReilly believes President-elect Trump is aware that certain Cabinet picks  including Pete Hegseth, his choice to lead Defense  are unlikely to succeed.

Still, OReilly said, Trump wants to send a message to MAGA supporters about his intent to blow the swamp up.

Hegseth will not be the next secretary of defense, he told NewsNations CUOMO on Wednesday. Trump knows that.

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OReilly argued that the president-elect intentionally nominates figures who are unlikely to be confirmed, calling it part of the former presidents strategic messaging.

The former Fox News host compared Hegseths nomination to picks like former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary. Though, Gaetz has since withdrawn his name from consideration and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi instead.

Trump is a genius at messaging, and thats why he won the election, OReilly said.

The president-elect is reportedly considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) or Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), according to sources familiar with the transition.

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Republican senators also seemingly have concerns about sexual assault allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News personality. A source told NewsNation that discussions with DeSantis have been ongoing since last week and that the governor is interested.

A separate source added that Hegseth has been on shaky ground for a few days, and this is a critical period in his confirmation process, if it is going to succeed.

Hegseth posted on social platform X Wednesday morning, vowing that he will not withdraw his candidacy despite the growing scrutiny.

Im doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers, he wrote. The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents.

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They are afraid of @realDonaldTrump  and me. So they smear w/ fake, anonymous sources & BS stories. They dont want truth, Hegseth added. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I.

NewsNations The Hill contributed to this report.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who has mostly stayed quiet in the weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris' election loss, on Thursday urged a new generation of American leaders to talk with people they disagree with.

In a speech at a "Democracy Forum" sponsored by his foundation, the former president said he was convinced that a renewed commitment to pluralist principles was essential to ensure the survival of democracy.

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"The alternative is what we've seen here in the United States and in many democracies around the globe - not just more gridlock, not just public cynicism, but an increased willingness on the part of politicians and their followers to violate democratic norms, to do anything they can to get their way."

Obama discussed the "power of pluralism" with thousands of live and online attendees at a deeply divided time in U.S. history and an unsettling one for Democrats as Republican Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Building lasting majorities that supported justice required "framing our issues, our causes, what we believe in, in terms of 'we' and not just 'us and them,'" he said.

But that did not mean rolling over when opponents abused power, he said. "That's a problem. And when that happens, we fight for what we believe in."

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While Obama, 63, remains in high demand to campaign for his fellow Democrats, some in the party are calling for a crop of younger leaders to take the baton after Harris lost every battleground state and the popular vote and Democrats lost control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"I think he'd be the first to agree," David Axelrod, former senior adviser to Obama, told Reuters. "I think he would say he's run his race and we need others to step up."

"Time marches on, and I think that he would say ... we need a whole array of leaders, and there are young leaders in the Democratic Party who are dynamic and very much in touch with the times who can step up and play a big role."

November's disappointing results for Democrats, including support eroding among working-class and Latino voters, sparked an angry blame game inside the party and an effort by some to push for fresh talent.

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"I've always been an advocate for a new generation of leadership in the party and I think that people are yearning for that," Representative Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, told Reuters.

"It doesn't mean that the Obama magic is totally gone, but Obama's not going to be a future president. Obama's not running for Senate. We need to hear from newer voices that can better represent the fears and struggles that Americans face today."

Obama and his wife Michelle campaigned around the country and remain enormously popular within the party base, wielding influence behind the scenes through fundraising and a deep network of allies and former staff.

But despite fundraising success and resonant speeches, Obama was unable to help propel Harris to victory this year. Democratic nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also failed to win the presidency in 2016 despite his backing.

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Advisers from his one-time inner circle who joined Harris' campaign after President Joe Biden stepped aside are drawing fire for failing to admit any mistakes in how they handled the 2024 cycle.

A day after the Nov. 5 election, the Obamas issued a statement congratulating Trump and saying "progress requires us to extend good faith and grace - even to people with whom we deeply disagree."

Obama made history as the first Black president of the United States and racked up comfortable margins of victory over his Republican opponents when he ran: more than seven percentage points in 2008 and nearly four in 2012.

But American politics has changed since then, some strategists say.

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"His two wins do seem that much more remarkable in retrospect, given how much of the coalition that Republicans have built around Trump has been around racial politics," said Jeff Timmer, chief operating officer of the Lincoln Project, a political consulting group of former Republicans opposed to Trump who worked to elect Harris and Biden before her.

Obama campaigned heavily for Biden, who won in 2020, but his words on the campaign trail this year backfired at least once. At a stop in Pennsylvania, he seemed to lecture Black men over their reluctance to vote for a woman, drawing criticism from some Black activists.

Down-ballot demand for the former president this year was high, though. Democratic congressional candidates such as Senator-elect Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Senator-elect Ruben Gallego of Arizona sought Obama's help, got it, and won.

"Is this the ultimate turning the page on the Obama years? Maybe," said Michael Feldman, a communications consultant and former adviser to Al Gore, reflecting on the 2024 election. "Will he still be and will she (Mrs. Obama) still be the two most popular figures within the party for the foreseeable future? The answer is absolutely."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal; additional reporting by Heather Timmons; Editing by Heather Timmons, Deepa Babington and Diane Craft)
A gatecrasher has offered to double investment in The Observer in a bid to scupper its controversial sale to a loss-making startup.

A consortium represented by London law firm GSC has said it would create an investment fund of up to 50m to transform The Observer. The figure is twice the 25m Tortoise Media has promised to spend on the title over the next five years.

It comes as hundreds of Observer and Guardian journalists spend their second day on strike over the planned sale.

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Figures seen by The Telegraph show that on Wednesday the Guardian website attracted more than three million fewer hits than on Tuesday. The dip represents less than 9pc of the total, however. Compared with the same day last week, there were only 3pc fewer page visits. The number of individual visitors actually increased by 21,000 versus last Wednesday.

News that a more generous backing has been floated is likely to stoke staff opposition to the Tortoise deal, much of which is based on fears for the financial future of The Observer under start-up ownership.

In a letter to the Scott Trust  the 1.3bn fund that owns The Guardian and The Observer  lawyers for the rival consortium also said they would pay an agreed significant and fair consideration for the Sunday newspaper.

While terms of the deal with Tortoise have not been disclosed, the startup is thought to have proposed to pay a nominal sum.

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Meanwhile, a second consortium of suitors said it would consider an alternative ownership model that would hand a significant stake in The Observer to journalists and staff.

Lawyers at London law firm Greenwoods wrote: We represent a consortium of investors and others with extensive media and editorial experience, as well as access to substantial investment funds, who are convinced that they can make a more attractive financial offer for the Observer, combined with a stronger and more solidly based investment plan, than they understand has been made by Tortoise Media.

The suggestion highlights last-ditch efforts to derail the planned sale to Tortoise, which is run by James Harding, a former BBC News boss.

Katharine Viner, the under-fire Guardian editor, has told staff the company has not received any credible alternative proposals to the Tortoise deal.

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While they have given the green light to the sale, any deal must be approved by the 12-member board of the Scott Trust. The board previously delayed a decision on the sale next week, but is understood to be meeting again tonight.

The identities of the individuals in the two groups has not been disclosed, but one consortium confirmed that none of its investors were state or state-backed entities or affiliated to any political party.

Dale Vince, a green energy tycoon and top Labour donor, has separately confirmed his interest in buying The Observer. Sources said he had met with Charles Gurassa, chairman of Guardian Media Group, to discuss a possible approach.

The Scott Trust has said it cannot engage with any other bidders while it remains in exclusive negotiations with Tortoise. This period is expected to run for another fortnight.

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A source close to The Guardian said: These letters were anonymous and leaked to the press, so its hard to take them at face value. Despite repeatedly asking who they were from, it has never been revealed.

The Telegraph can also reveal that Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, has written to Anna Bateson, Guardian Media Group chief executive, to express concerns about the sale.

Alongside his 25m investment pledge, Mr Harding has vowed to retain all 70 Observer staff members. However, Guardian bosses have since offered voluntary redundancy to any journalists who do not want to make the move.

He plans to put The Observer behind a paywall and create a new digital identity for the Sunday newspaper similar to the model employed by The Atlantic and The Spectator.

Responsible and liberal journalism

In a Q&A published on its website on Wednesday, Tortoise said: For the first time in decades, we have brought together a group of people looking to invest in responsible, liberal journalism.

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We want to revive The Observer as a strong, independent voice in liberal journalism. We believe the paper has huge potential to produce agenda-setting, public interest journalism across the week.

The overtures come as journalists at The Guardian enter their second day of strikes in protest against the sale.

Staff were joined on the picket line by well-known figures including artists Grayson Perry and Anne Robinson, the former The Weakest Link presenter, outside the newspapers offices in Kings Cross on Wednesday.

Guardian staff were joined on the picket line by well-known figures, including Grayson Perry - Heathcliff O'Malley for the Telegraph

However, the picket was packed up early to avoid a separate protest organised by pro-Palestine campaigners railing against the newspapers Middle East coverage.

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The Guardian has rolled out contingency measures to continue publishing online and in print, including offering anonymous bylines to journalists who chose not to strike.

A spokesman for Guardian Media Group said: As stated previously, we have not received any bids containing any substantive detail from any party other than Tortoise Media.

GSC and Greenwoods have been contacted for comment.

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To create accurate climate models, scientists need to understand how long conditions persist in the ocean.

A new study led by scientists from the University of Liverpool analyzed the memory of the North Atlantic and created a new framework for understanding ocean memory.

They discovered that temperature fluctuations persist for a full 10 to 20 years, which is much longer than current models predict.

Memory can be a flighty thing. The past can be recalled with rose-colored glasses, and many of our memories dim as we agetheres a reason eyewitness testimony is considered one of the most unreliable forms of evidence in a judicial proceeding. However, the ocean doesnt have these same failings when it comes to memory. While this doesnt indicate some form of neurological oceanic hive mind, this aquatic form of memory refers to the ability of oceans to retain certain ecological conditions. Climate scientists are eager to understand the strength of this memory, as an inaccurate representation could throw off current models and predictions for the future as the world warms.

However, determining ocean memory isnt easy, as the continual alteration of atmospheric forcinghow changes in the atmosphere impact land and sea modelingmasks the more long-term effects of ocean circulation. To help clear up this oceanic misunderstanding, scientists from the University of Liverpool set out to answer a simple question: How long does the ocean remember? The results, which were published earlier this year in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, indicate that the North Atlantics memory lasts anywhere for one to two decades, which is far longer than current estimates of only a handful of years.

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The study addresses a fundamental question of what ocean memory truly is, University of Liverpools Hemant Khatri, a lead author of the study, said in a press statement. The new ocean memory framework reveals physical mechanisms responsible for multi-year ocean memory and paves the way for new methods for evaluating climate models.

The study focused on how the North Atlantic Oscillation influences subpolar North Atlantic Ocean temperatures. This new ocean memory framework accounted for short-term local effects involving air-sea heat fluxes, as well as long-term impacts created by ocean circulation. These long term effects include gyre circulationsthe largest systems of rotating ocean currentsand meridional overturning, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) that brings warm water north and cool water south (and has been slowing in intensity since the 90s). The results of the teams various models showed that temperature anomalies in the ocean persisted for a full 10 to 20 years before fully dissipating, though the team notes that variability can occur from region to region due to differences in background circulation and basin size.



Ocean memory in the subpolar North Atlantic is estimated to be approximately 18 years based on observations, while climate models suggest a range of 812 years, the authors wrote. The significant discrepancy between ocean memory in observations and climate models suggests that climate models may be too dissipative in terms of ocean memorypotentially underestimating multi-decadal climate variability.

This underestimation of natures memory only highlights the existential need to lower emissions. The World Economic Forum reported in 2022 that if the world magically went to zero emissions overnight, thered still be a 42 percent change in temperatures, exceeding safe limits. Because of this memory, its vital that humans end this self-inflicting greenhouse trauma as soon as possible, so that the healingand the forgettingcan begin.



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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  An off-duty New York City employee was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn, according to the NYPD.

Wilfred Guzman, 44, was taken into custody around 1:39 p.m.

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Guzman is an NYPD Police Officer, officials say. He was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and assault.

Police say the incident was domestic in nature. No other information was immediately available.

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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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The Office of the President of Ukraine has responded to a question about how many advisers its head Andrii Yermak has, but kept silent about their salaries, stating that Yermak has nine advisers, four of whom are full-time and five freelance.

Source: response of the Office of the President to a request from Ukrainska Pravda

Quote from the response: "Currently, the Office of the President... has nine advisers to the Head of the Office, including four full-time advisers... and five freelance advisers."

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Details: Yermak's full-time advisers are:

Oleksandr Bevz,

Liliia Pashynna,

Viktoriia Romanova,

Tetiana Haiduchenko.

Dariia Zarivna, Mykhailo Podoliak, Elina Elianova, Oleksandr Rodnianskyi and Serhii Leshchenko are Yermak's freelance advisers.

The Office of the President declined to answer questions about the advisers' salaries.

"The remuneration conditions for full-time advisers are determined by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1112 of 24 December 2019 On remuneration conditions for employees of state bodies which are not covered by the law of Ukraine on civil service," they said.

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As for freelance advisers, the Office of the President stressed that they do not receive a salary.

Ukrainska Pravda also asked the Office to specify which issues each adviser is responsible for and the number of Yermaks advisers in 2023. The Office did not answer these questions, stating that it did not have the requested information.

Background: Ukrainska Pravda has waited for more than a month for a response to its request on the total number of advisers to Yermak. The first request was sent on 17 October.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man who was killed in a Northeast Portland shooting in November has been identified by law enforcement officials, authorities said.

Kimo A. Henriques, 43, of Vancouver died on the morning of Nov. 20 at a Northeast Portland hotel, the Portland Police Bureau said in a release.

Henriques family has been notified of his death, authorities said.

Small plane makes emergency landing in Clackamas Co.

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One person was detained following the shooting.

The shooting happened at the Quality Inn on Northeast Sandy Boulevard. When officers responded shortly before 7 a.m., they found a man  later identified as Henriques  in the parking lot with a gunshot wound.

The man was transported to a hospital but he died shortly after, officials said.

PPB deployed a tactical search at the hotel later that afternoon and detained one person for further investigation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Ohio Secretary of Stte Frank LaRose speaking during an Ohio Ballot Board meeting. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.)

A proposed Ohio constitutional amendment that would end qualified immunity that protects government employees such as police officers from lawsuits can start gathering signatures to get on next years November ballot.

The Ohio Ballot Board advanced the proposed amendment one step further by ruling during Wednesdays meeting that the amendment contains only one single issue.

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We are pleased with the Ballot Boards determination that this is one single issue and it can proceed to the signature collection phase, Executive Director of Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity Kyle Pierce said after the meeting.

The Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity will need to collect roughly 420,000 signatures by the first week of July 2025 in order to get on the November ballot. Then the signatures would need to be verified.

The signature gathering process has been a recent stumbling block for some proposed constitutional amendment. One Fair Wage tried to get a constitutional amendment on last years ballot, but failed to get enough signatures.

Qualified immunity is a legal shield the United States Supreme Court created that protects government officials, such as police officers and teachers, from lawsuits if they are charged with violating someones rights while working in their official capacity. Even though this judicial doctrine has been around for a while, it has been used in recent years to shield police officers in excessive force cases.

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The Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunitys amendment was originally filed in 2022, but the state attorney general rejected several iterations of their amendment. Their most recent proposal submitted in July had no title and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost initially rejected it, but the Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled Yost couldnt reject the Ohio Voters Bill of Rights based solely on the title, so Yost went back and approved the qualified immunity amendment to go forward with the Ballot Board.

Every component of this amendment achieves the goal of that one single question: hold our government accountable when it violates your constitutional rights, Pierce said in his testimony to the Ballot Board. If you have immunities, youre unable to hold your government accountable. If you cant get damages, youre able to hold your government accountable. If nothing changes, youre not holding your government accountable.

If this constitutional amendment was to get on the November ballot and voters were to pass it, Ohio would be the first state in the nation to end qualified immunity by the peoples vote.

Colorado, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico have banned police officers from using qualified immunity as a defense in state court, according to the Institute for Justice.

William Morgan

Ohio Ballot Board member William N. Morgan died Nov. 30. He was 89 years old.

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose swore in new member Steven Cuckler during Wednesdays meeting. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, recommended Cuckler to the Board.

Cuckler is an attorney who currently serves as the Vice President of Legal and Development of Schottenstein Real Estate Group, according to his LinkedIn profile, and is a Republican member of the Delaware County Board of Elections.

Morgans term as Ballot Board member was set to end Feb. 1.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X.

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(WKBN)  A bill that would address expulsion in Ohios schools and how those students return to class has passed the House of Representatives.

House Bill 206 establishes a policy that allows superintendents to expel a student for no longer than 180 days for posing an imminent and severe danger to other students and employees.

State Rep. Monica Blasdel (R-Columbiana), a co-sponsor of the bill, said that she was prompted to look for solutions after a constituent told her about a student who had been expelled but was set to return without any type of assessment.

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This bill will combat that, providing greater flexibility and more control to school administrators when dealing with the most difficult and stressful cases they encounter, Blasdel said.

The bill will require superintendents to develop conditions for a students reinstatement to include an assessment by a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.

If the returning student does not meet the assessment criteria, the superintendent could extend the expulsion by 90 more days before another assessment, and there is no limit on the number of times that can be done.

The bill defines imminent and severe endangerment as one of the following four threats:

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Bringing a firearm or a knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to school, a property owned or controlled by the school board, or to an interscholastic competition, extracurricular event, or other program or activity sponsored by the school district or in which the district is a participant;

Committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that results in serious physical harm to persons or property while at any of the above locations;

Making a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat; or

Making an articulated or verbalized threat, including a hit list, threatening manifesto, or social media post, that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the student poses a serious threat.

The bills next stop is the Ohio 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 WKBN.com.
State Rep. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, talks with people gathered for the Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom rally for Issue 1, October 8, 2023, outside the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

Ohio Democratic lawmakers are asking the state legislature to undo laws on the books that they say conflict with the reproductive rights amendment passed by voters in 2023 thats now part of the Ohio Constitution.

Several of those laws have been struck down by judges, either temporarily as a lawsuit continues or in official court rulings, but the laws remain part of the Ohio Revised Code.

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Sponsors of the bills say the constitutional amendment passed last year negates these laws, therefore necessitating the repeal of regulations that require 24-hour waiting periods for abortions and transfer agreements of certain distances for physicians and hospitals who work with abortion clinics, for example.

We, the legislature, should not be making choices for all women in the state, said state Rep. Beth Liston, D-Dublin. The people of Ohio have said they want these decisions for themselves.

Republicans hold a 67-32 majority in the Ohio House and a 25-7 majority in the Ohio Senate, and state Republican leaders opposed the amendment.

State Rep. Beth Liston, D-Dublin, speaks at a rally to protect abortion rights. (Photo from General Assembly website.)

Liston and fellow state Rep. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, both of whom are physicians, brought House Bill 343 to the House Public Health Policy Committee in hopes of simply ensuring that all of our state laws are now in agreement with that amendment.

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Removing these barriers to care will reduce delays in care and actually allow health care providers to serve their patients properly, Somani told the committee on Wednesday. We have a health care access problem in Ohio and restrictive laws like these are part of the problem.

H.B. 343 wasnt the only bill Somani presented to the Public Health Policy Committee in an effort to protect reproductive rights.

House Bill 502, which also saw its first hearing in the committee on Wednesday, would protect access to assistive reproductive technology, which includes in-vitro fertilization. Fertility treatments were also listed as one of the rights covered by the constitutional amendment approved by 57% of Ohio voters last year.

But an Alabama Supreme Court case from this year has caused nationwide concerns about the future of IVF and embryos saved by individuals going through fertility treatments. State supreme court justices in that case ruled that frozen embryos could still be considered children, an issue that has come to be known as personhood as federal and state-level entities debate fetal viability and regulation as a whole.

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The personhood issue is not foreign to Ohio, which saw a 2022 bill in which state Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, said the unborn is a class of people who have erroneously been denied their constitutional rights.

Click said his legislation would consider a zygote, embryo or whichever depersonalizing term you choose a human with potential from the moment of fertilization.

That bill died in the previous General Assembly, though Click has not ruled out bringing the idea back in a future GA.

Back in March, after the Alabama decision came about, Senate President Matt Huffman, who will soon become Ohios House Speaker, said there hadnt been any discussion by any member of my caucus or anybody else as far as in the state of Ohio as far as I know regarding personhood or IVF regulations.

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But Somani said protection of the technology around IVF should be explicitly stated in state law so that there is no confusion about the legality of the practice.

We dont want to make the same mistakes as other states, she told the committee on Wednesday. Equating embryos with people confuses those who practice evidence-based medicine and the reproductive care that they can provide.

The sponsors cited CDC statistics which showed 2,226 births in Ohio in which IVF was used in 2021. In that same year, more than 86,000 births nationally were attributed to IVF, with 42% of adults saying they have used fertility treatments or know someone who has, according to the CDC.

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Experiencing infertility can be a mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting journey and we as lawmakers should not be doing anything to increase that stress, Somani said.

H.B. 502 would also prevent health care providers from being compelled to release patient records to third parties, including out-of-state entities or law enforcement, and allow lawsuits from individuals who feel their privacy rights are violate with regard to medical information.

The bills co-sponsor, state Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D-Gahanna, acknowledged the tight timeline the bill is now under with less than a month before the current General Assembly ends, and all unapproved bills must be reintroduced in the new year. But, she said she hoped the committee would allow supporters of the bill to speak on IVFs importance, especially with the possible impact of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling.

This decision has significant implications for reproductive rights and the legal status of embryos, influencing legislation and public policy across multiple states, including Ohio, Piccolantonio said.

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Children in child care. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)

A state agency and an Ohio State University research center have received a $2 million grant to study child care quality as part of a federal initiative.

The Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy at OSU and Ohios Department of Children and Youth announced the award, the first of its kind for the state, as part of a federal Child Care Policy Research Partnerships (CCPRP) initiative to study child care quality, access and child outcomes, according to a press release on the funding.

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Our project enables us to provide real-time information to our partners at DCY, and to learn from research partners in other states who have similar goals of improving child care quality and access, said Dr. Kelly Purtell, co-principal investigator on the project and Crane Center faculty associate.

The project will run for five years, during which researchers plan to analyze recent changes to Ohios child care quality rating and improvement system (called Step Up to Quality), along with subsidies for child care providers in the Publicly Funded Child Care system.

There is much to learn in Ohio and nationally about how states can best support, regulate and incentivize quality so that more young children are in quality learning environments, said DCY Director Kara Wente in the press release.

Kindergarten outcomes will also be studied, the entities stated.

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The grant is funded through the federal Administration for Children and Families, and the CCPRP grants support new research and evaluation occurring through cooperative partnerships between research organizations and Child Care and Development Fund lead agencies.

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The funding comes as several bills that aim to address the child care system in Ohio are awaiting committee and chamber consideration in the Ohio General Assembly.

The Senate Finance Committee has the bipartisan Strong Foundations Act, House Bill 7, which would appropriate $34 million over two fiscal years to fund pregnancy resources, child care costs, child poverty and homelessness, and other issues that directly impact infant and maternal outcomes.

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During a November hearing on the bill, committee member Sen. Louis Blessing III, R-Colerain Twp., suggested a provision be added to the bill to increase eligibility for Ohios Publicly Funded Child Care program to 200% of the federal poverty line, something the sponsors of the bill agreed would be beneficial.

Studies and child care advocates have consistently expressed concern over the rising costs of child care and the struggling system of child care providers, rife with understaffing and underpayment. The lack of affordability and access in the state system could do significant damage to the economy, according to experts.

A second bill, the Thriving Families Tax Credit, would create a credit of up to $1,000 per child aged 0 to 5 and up to $500 for children age 6 to 17, with full benefits for households making annual incomes up to $65,000. The House Ways and Means Committee has that bill, but the GOP supermajority means trouble for a bill with only Democratic sponsors.

Another Democrat-led bill, House Bill 570, seeks to give publicly-funded child care to the staff members who work at those child care facilities, regardless of family income. Eligible Ohioans would include employees of child care centers and some family child care homes, but would exclude child day camp workers and child care facility owners.

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Sponsors introduced the bill in May, but it only saw its first hearing in the House Finance Committee Tuesday.

One bill that hasnt seen much action despite being a GOP-led bill is Senate Bill 273, which seeks to establish a employer-employee partnership, splitting child care costs between employees, employers and the DCY.

It has become clear that urgent legislative action is needed to address the affordability and availability of child care in Ohio, S.B. 273 sponsor state Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester, said in a press conference on the bill back in May when it was introduced.

The bill had its second hearing in mid-November in the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee.

Because the GA is reaching its final month, should the measures not receive approval before the end of December, they would have to be reintroduced next year.

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Dec. 4Ohio police and firefighters took one step closer to bolstering their pension Wednesday following the Ohio House's passage of a bill that would significantly raise local government's contributions to the public Ohio Police and Fire Pension fund over the next six years.

Wednesday's 66-25 vote on House Bill 296 in the Ohio House is a thorn for Dayton, Springfield and local governments across the region and state who will have to foot the bill.

On the other hand, it's a celebrated victory for police and fire unions who have been advocating additional pension security following a series of cost-cutting measures in the past decade or so shouldered by the pension's more-than 50,000 members.

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H.B. 296 now heads to the Ohio Senate, which is set to further consider the measure. Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters Wednesday that it would be "extraordinarily difficult" to get done before the legislative term ends, and all unfinished business expires, at the end of this year.

Today, local governments contribute amounts equal to 24% of the pay of their firefighters and 19.5% of the pay of their police force. If H.B. 296 goes into effect, it would raise local governments' contributions for police to 24%, matching that of firefighters and theoretically increasing the pension's solvency.

It would be the first time Ohio has raised employer contributions to the fund since 1986.

Shortly after the vote, the Ohio Mayors Alliance released a statement reiterating the bipartisan organization's concerns with the fiscal implications of the bill.

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"Unless local governments raise taxes, and absent any state support to offset this significant unfunded mandate, communities across Ohio will have $81.9 million less each year to hire more police officers, increase wages for first responders, and support the current public safety needs of our cities," the statement read.

Locally, Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims told this outlet that it would cost the city at least $2.6 million a year to uphold their end of the mandate. Mims said the city would have to look at cuts elsewhere in the budget in order to afford the obligation unless the state pitched in.

Democrats tried to strike a balance between pension members and local governments by offering an amendments to both partially restore Ohio's local government fund  a pot of funds distributed to cities and townships based on need  to prior levels, and a proposal to have the state kick in half of the increase local governments expect to face.

Toledo-area Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, proposed an amendment to take 15% of state revenue raised from recreational marijuana sales to help local governments fund the initiative.

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Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, argued on the House floor that the state ought not to get into the business of partially funding public pensions and that, by approving any of the amendments, the state would set a precedent that would eventually lead other pensions to seek state funds to bolster their pensions.

All three amendments were turned down, though Williams' garnered the most support.

H.B. 296, if passed by the Senate, would also slightly raise pension members' own contribution rate from 12.25% of their pay to 12.5% beginning in 2030.

David Graham, communications director for the Ohio Police and Fire Pension fund, told the Dayton Daily News that the fund could pay off all its liabilities within 29.8 years, but he said that figure inched closer to the state's maximum 30-year limit over the past year. In 2023, the fund could pay off its liabilities within 26.7 years.

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Members of the pension become eligible for standard retirement once they hit 25 years of service and are at least 48 years of age, though the retirement age for younger pension members was raised to 52 years old. Pension members at a maximum can receive pension payments equaling of 72% of their average annual salary.

Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Dec. 5Ohio police and firefighters took one step closer to bolstering their pension Wednesday following the Ohio House's passage of a bill that would significantly raise local government's contributions to the public Ohio Police and Fire Pension fund over the next six years.

Wednesday's 66-to-25 vote  both Republicans and Democrats were split on the issue  on House Bill 296 in the Ohio House is a thorn for Dayton, Springfield and local governments across the region and state who will cumulatively have to fork over additional tens of millions of dollars per year if the bill becomes law.

On the other hand, it's a celebrated victory for police and fire unions who have been advocating additional pension security following a series of cost-cutting measures in the past decade or so shouldered by the pension's more-than 50,000 members.

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H.B. 296 now heads to the Ohio Senate, which is set to further consider the measure. However, Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters Wednesday that it would be "extraordinarily difficult" to get done before the legislative term ends, and all unfinished business expires, at the end of this year.

Today, local governments contribute amounts equal to 24% of the pay of their firefighters and 19.5% of the pay of their police force. If H.B. 296 goes into effect, it would raise local governments' contributions for police to 24%, matching that of firefighters and theoretically increasing the pension's solvency.

It would be the first time Ohio has raised employer contributions to the fund since 1986.

The bill was ultimately passed on the back of Democratic support. Republicans, despite having a supermajority, couldn't muster enough votes in favor of the bill to pass it on their own, giving Democrats a relatively rare power over a bill that many in the caucus had reservations with. In the end, 42 Republicans voted in favor and 19 voted against while 22 Democrats voted in favor and six voted against.

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Shortly after the vote, the Ohio Mayors Alliance released a statement reiterating the bipartisan organization's concerns with the fiscal implications of the bill.

"Unless local governments raise taxes, and absent any state support to offset this significant unfunded mandate, communities across Ohio will have $81.9 million less each year to hire more police officers, increase wages for first responders, and support the current public safety needs of our cities," the statement read.

Locally, Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims told this outlet that it would cost the city at least $2.6 million a year to uphold their end of the mandate. Mims said the city would have to look at cuts elsewhere in the budget in order to afford the obligation unless the state pitched in.

Democrats tried to strike a balance between pension members and local governments by offering amendments to both partially restore Ohio's local government fund  a pot of funds distributed to cities and townships based on need  to prior levels, and a proposal to have the state kick in half of the increase local governments expect to face.

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Toledo-area Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, proposed an amendment to take 15% of state revenue from recreational marijuana sales to temporarily help local governments fund the increase.

Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, argued vehemently against the amendments on the House floor. He warned that the state ought not to get into the business of partially funding public pensions and that, by approving any of the amendments to help local governments in connection to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension fund, the state would set a precedent that would eventually lead to other pensions turning to the legislature for financial support.

All three amendments were turned down, though Williams' garnered the most support, including from the bill's secondary sponsor Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Twp., a firefighter in Butler County.

Earlier in its legislative journey, H.B. 296s proposed phase-in period was expanded from four years to six, giving local governments added time to sort out their budgets and making the bill easier to support for some lawmakers like Montgomery County state Rep. Tom Young, R-Washington Twp., who helped vet and amend the bill in committee.

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Other House Republicans weren't so soothed. Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, posted on social media shortly after the vote showing that the bill will eventually cumulatively cost local governments more than $80 million per year.

"Here's the unfunded mandates the House just voted to pass onto every city, village, and township that has a police force in the State of Ohio. Once again  passed with Democrat votes after it couldn't muster 50 Republican votes," Stewart wrote. "When these local governments push new levies to raise your income & property taxes in the years ahead, this will be why. I voted no."

If H.B. 296 does manage to make it into law, pension members' own contribution rate would raise slightly from 12.25% of their pay to 12.5% beginning in 2030.

David Graham, communications director for the Ohio Police and Fire Pension fund, told the Dayton Daily News that the fund could pay off all its liabilities within 29.8 years, but he said that figure inched closer to the state's maximum 30-year limit over the past year. In 2023, the fund could pay off its liabilities within 26.7 years.

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Members of the pension become eligible for standard retirement once they hit 25 years of service and are at least 48 years of age, though the retirement age for younger pension members was raised to 52 years old. Pension members at a maximum can receive pension payments equaling of 72% of their average annual salary.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio officially passed House Bill 56, and the new law aimed at curbing reckless driving and hooning is now in effect.

Hooning, according to the dictionary, is a term that originated in Australia and New Zealand and is used to describe dangerous vehicular stunts like burnouts, donuts, and illegal street racing. In Ohio, the anti-hooning law covers street takeovers, stunt driving, evading police, and police chase policies, and it toughens penalties for those involved.

The legislation comes as central Ohio communities have expressed mounting frustration over hazardous driving practices and loud traffic disturbances. A recent post on Nextdoor sparked a significant discussion about reckless driving and traffic concerns in Columbus, pointing to activity on highways like State Route 315, Interstate 71, I-670, and I-270. The original poster expressed frustration with speeding drivers, aggressive lane changes, and general disregard for traffic laws, citing unsafe conditions for families and daily accidents.

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Most Costco stores will reportedly lose a section next month

I see cars every day with no plates, broken headlight and taillights, bumper held on with who knows what, kids not improper car seats or wearing restraining belts  and dont even get me started on the texting and driving, the poster added. Its becoming ridiculous. Theyre [sic] at least 1-2 accidents on these roads every day that causes hours of delay. Its got to stop.

Yesterday driving home on 70, I had 2 cars racing each other, one commenter wrote. Weaving in and out of traffic. They came so close to hitting a semi.  I literally try to find any backroads to avoid the highways in Columbus.

The law increases penalties for stunt driving and street racing, classifying them as first-degree misdemeanors punishable by license suspensions of up to three years and hefty fines. It also allows for the seizure of vehicles involved in these activities. Those who render assistance in such events can now face the same charges as participants.

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You have situations where communities have several hundred people gathering at intersections, and multiple cars doing very dangerous stunt driving in the center of major intersections, and then all of the sudden multiple parties fleeing police, people are getting hurt, lives are being lost, property damaged, said Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering), who co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton).

The law also makes fleeing from the police a fourth-degree felony, up from a first-degree misdemeanor.

Typically, fifth-degree felons dont go to prison  they get probation  so we try to take it to fourth-degree, where we may get some prison time out of the judge, Plummer said. Weve got to draw the line in the sand and tell these people, if you run from the police and put people at risk, were going to hold you accountable. Theres going to be a consequence.

Trooper, the dog abandoned on I-75 before Hurricane Milton, finds forever home

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In addition to the new Ohio law, the Columbus City Council recently amended local ordinances to combat street racing and stunt driving. City Attorney Zach Klein emphasized the life-threatening nature of these activities, noting that reckless driving incidents often escalate to violence or result in severe accidents.

You could lose control of the vehicle at any moment, Klein said. You could run over a kid playing at a playground. It really does threaten public safety from a vehicle standpoint. But unfortunately, weve also seen a lot of these street takeovers especially escalate to gun violence.

For residents who want to report instances of dangerous driving in Columbus, Sgt. Joe Albert of Columbus police offered in a previous story that people should call the nonemergency number, 614-645-4545, when racing is actively taking place. He also suggested calling 311 to make a complaint with as much information as possible (hours it is occurring, days of the week, etc.), which would alert the officers who work in the area to look out for it.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Following low profits for Q3 2024, oil giant BP has divested investments from 18 of its early-stage hydrogen projects, as TechCrunch reported. Despite the gas' versatility and clean-energy potential, hydrogen projects are costly to execute and have been slow to turn profits at this time.

With downcast company earnings, falling stock prices, and worried shareholders, BP is prioritizing higher-value projects that generate value sooner rather than later.

What's happening?

According to BP's Q3 2024 Financial Results presentation, BP's profits this past quarter (July to September) netted only $2.3 billion. These earnings were 30% lower than Q3 profits in 2023. BP shares fell over 18% in Q3 2024, according to the company's share price history tool, while Reuters reported its annual debt rose by 9%.

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Shareholders are rightfully concerned, wondering how BP will improve its profits and standing.

Per the financial results presentation, 75% of its hydrogen projects are now ending to cut costs.

BP's strategy shift is expected to save at least $200 million in the renewable and hydrogen segments, Chief Financial Officer Kate Thomson shared.

"We are continuing to prioritize businesses that deliver earnings today with returns that compete across our portfolio," BP CEO Murray Auchincloss explained in the same presentation.

Why is hydrogen important?

Hydrogen is a relatively young industry, but its potential to shift the world from dirty energy sources to a cleaner one is largely understated.

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When used for energy in a fuel cell, hydrogen produces only water vapor. This specific process does not emit harmful pollution like fossil fuels do when burned, helping to keep the planet's atmosphere clear of heat-trapping gases.

Methods of producing hydrogen may generate emissions. However, hydrogen projects  including at least some of BP projects  create the technology to keep harmful emissions to a minimum.

Hydrogen can also support energy infrastructures, including communities powered by solar, by storing excess energy for future use.

As a versatile energy source, hydrogen's impact reaches across large and essential industries. Ships, cranes, and even garbage trucks have been powered by hydrogen, all thanks to hydrogen research, design, and innovation.

What's being done about hydrogen projects?

Although BP is retracting its financial backing on important hydrogen projects, the fight for this cleaner energy source continues. Recently, the EU Innovation Fund awarded 4.8 billion to fund nearly 30 hydrogen projects, Hydrogen Europe reported. The U.S. Department of Energy devoted $750 million to funding 52 clean hydrogen projects across 24 states.

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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An Oklahoma City Police officer has been charged by the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office after an elderly man was hospitalized following a use-of-force incident in October.

OKCPD Sgt. Joseph Gibson is facing one count of aggravated assault and battery stemming from an incident on October 27.

News 4 obtained body cam footage of the incident that shows Gibson responding to a non-injury accident involving 71-year-old Lich Vu. The situation escalated after Gibson asked Vu to sign for a traffic ticket, and resulted in Vu being slammed to the ground and handcuffed.

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Vu was taken to the hospital for injuries including an orbital fracture, neck fracture and brain bleed.

If convicted by a jury, Gibson could face zero to five years in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections or zero to one year in the Oklahoma County Detention Center and/or a fine of up to $500.

The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement on Thursday afternoon regarding the charges filed against Gibson.

The OKC FOP stands behind Sgt. Gibson, who handled this call for service with professionalism. It is very disappointing to see a police officer face felony charges for actions taken in good faith while serving in the line of duty. Sgt. Gibson followed his de-escalation training and protocol when assaulted. We recognize the injuries that Mr. Vu sustained, and we are sympathetic to him and his family. However, we believe strongly that every detail of this incident matters and needs to be considered. We are deeply concerned about the impact this charging decision will have on the ability of officers to rely on their training and professional judgment to preserve order and protect the public. Mark Nelson, President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An Oklahoma City homicide has been solved after nearly 50 years.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, on May 14, 1976, the body of 68-year-old Lela Johnston was found by a neighbor in her home in the 3600 block of N Robinson Ave. She had been raped and strangled.

LOCAL NEWS: Traumatic experience: Man accused of attacking woman with baseball bat

At the time of her murder, DNA technology was unavailable and the case went cold until 2004.

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Based on the evidence found during the original homicide investigation, a DNA profile of the suspect was developed. That profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, also known as CODIS.

Officials say CODIS is a national database that keeps DNA profiles of convicted offenders, evidence from crime scenes, and missing persons. Unfortunately, there wasnt a match for Johnstons killer in the database, and the case went cold once again.

LOCAL NEWS: OSBI looking for more information in Latimer County homicide

In May 2023, investigators used DNA Labs International (DLI), which can look at the genetic profiles of people who voluntarily submit samples to genealogy sites. DLI genealogist Allison Martin-Krensky was able to find a match to a relative of the suspect. She worked alongside Oklahoma City Police Cold Case investigators for more than a year searching the family tree until they identified Charles O. Droke as the killer.

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Rachel Oefelein is the Chief Scientific Officer of DNA Labs International, based in Florida. She said their office built a family tree using DNA submitted to sites like 23 and Me and Ancestry. On these sites, families can choose to opt in and allow law enforcement to use their DNA if needed.

In this case, Oefelein said, It was two very distant relatives that were unrelated. So youd build out the trees of those unrelated individuals, and then you try to figure out where those two trees connect.

According to OKCPD, investigators determined that Droke broke into Johnstons home in May of 1976, where he later raped and murdered her. Around 13 years after Johnstons murder, Droke was killed by his own brother who was recently released from prison.

Johnstons murder is the first case solved by OKCPD using DNA from a genealogy site.

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Oefelein says when you opt in, allowing law enforcement to use your DNA from testing companies, your DNA could help find the missing piece to an unsolved murder mystery.

As individuals go in and decide to opt in for law enforcement, even if its not in Oklahoma, it could be on the other side of the country. You might be able to help solve a case somewhere else, said Oefelein.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Incumbent Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education Chair Paula Lewis drew a challenger in her bid for another term, but two other board members up for reelection did not.

Election filing for school board offices in Oklahoma County ended Wednesday.

Lewis, 54, is seeking a third term as the board chair, having held the role since 2017. Before that, she was the elected representative for District 4, starting in 2016. On her campaign website, she lists 19 endorsements, including three from current board members Dana Meister, Juan Lecona and Mike Shelton and two from former board members, new state Sen. Mark Mann and Gloria Torres. She also lists Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt among those endorsing her.

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Lewis challenger is 50-year-old Niah Spriggs, who says on her campaign website she attended Oklahoma City Public Schools before graduating from Millwood High School, which is in a separate district. She worked in finance, eventually becoming an auditor on Wall Street, before starting businesses in Oklahoma City. Shes also taught in the Oklahoma City and Millwood school districts as well as in a Houston-area district.

Because only two candidates filed for the board chair position, the election will be held April 1.

OKCPS official: Opening of Belle Isle high school building to be delayed by nearly a year

The Oklahoma City boards vice chair, 49-year-old Lori Bowman, was the only person to file for the District 2 seat, while incumbent Carole Thompson, 67, drew no opponent for the District 1 seat. Both automatically will serve a second four-year term, as they both initially were elected in 2021. Their districts cover portions of northwest Oklahoma City.

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The Oklahoma City school district is the states second-largest, with about 33,000 students for the 2023-24 academic year.

Two other local districts also will have races for school-board seats. In Edmond, incumbent Marcus Jones, 41, will face retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jim Putnam, 75, for the District 5 seat. Jones first was elected to the board in 2022.

In the Millwood Public Schools district in northeast Oklahoma City, incumbent Marvin Provo, 84, will face Andre Coleman, 51, for the District 5 seat. Coleman also filed to run for a seat on the Millwood board in 2022, but another candidate contested his candidacy with the Oklahoma County Election Board and Coleman subsequently withdrew from that race.

Only one person filed for school board seats for Jones Public Schools (Julie Baker), Luther Public Schools (Kevin Boydston), Oakdale Public Schools (Kimber Shoop) and Putnam City Schools (Collette Sue Shepard-McIntire).

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKCPS board elections: 2 incumbents set to serve another term
H. Calvin Prince III, pictured second from the right, listens during a recent Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board clemency hearing. (Photo by Kennedy Thomason/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  An inmate facing execution later this month has asked a federal judge to force the state to have a full contingent of the five-member Pardon and Parole Board hear his clemency request or issue a stay.

Kevin Ray Underwood is set to die Dec. 19 for the 2006 suffocation of Jamie Rose Bolin, 10.

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Her partially decapitated body was found in a plastic tub in his Purcell apartment.

He had planned to rape her and cannibalize her body, according to public documents.

A Wednesday clemency was initially postponed indefinitely after two members appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to the Pardon and Parole Board resigned.

It was then reset for 9 a.m. Monday after Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond objected and demanded that the three remaining board members hold the hearing.

Underwoods attorneys filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District. A hearing is set for Friday.

H. Calvin Prince III recently resigned from the Pardon and Parole Board after an investigation began into allegations of bribery, The Oklahoman reported.

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Princes attorney, Mark Myles, said Thursday that bribery was not involved, but the incident was a lapse in judgement involving a woman going through a divorce. Prince later apologized to the woman, Myles said.

Prince on Thursday resigned as administrator of the Pontotoc Specialty Courts.

He recognizes that his continued employment would only serve as an unnecessary distraction to the detriment of the program, Myles said.

The second board member, Edward Konieczny, stepped down because hes moving out of state, The Oklahoman reported.

In a brief, Underwoods attorneys said his expert psychologist and one of his experienced attorneys could not attend the clemency hearing in person due to the scheduling change.

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They argue that state law requires two members on the panel must have mental health training and experience. One of those members was Prince, the brief said.

The Boards lack of two members trained in mental health is especially damaging to Underwood because his clemency case is fundamentally about his serious mental health problems, the brief said.

Underwood must obtain three of the five members vote for a clemency recommendation to proceed to Stitts desk.

With five members, he needs 60%, but with three members, he needs 66% of the vote, the brief said.

Rescheduling Underwoods clemency hearing is a minimal inconvenience to the Board, but it is life or death for Underwood, the brief said.

Drummonds office had no comment.

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Thirty-two Oklahoma law enforcement officials, including the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, issued a letter Tuesday warning about a threat from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, which those officials say is undermining their ability to hold criminals accountable and keep communities safe.

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The law enforcement officials who signed the letter include law enforcement agencies across the reservation, including 13 county sheriffs and 18 municipal police departments. In the letter, they allege the United Keetoowah Bands Lighthorse Police are patrolling the entire 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Nation Reserve, though they lack jurisdictional authority to do so.

Absent any legal rights or authority, the UKB (United Keetoowah Band) is running their Lighthorse outside of their jurisdiction, the letter reads. Their rogue Police forces illegal actions puts the public safety of all Oklahomans at risk.

The law enforcement officials allege that the United Keetoowah Bands police force has made traffic stops and investigated crimes on the Cherokee Nation Reserve, disregarding the joint agreements between local sheriffs, municipalities and prosecutors that have provided public safety and accountability for generations.

Cherokee Nation is committed to protecting our community and preserving our tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, Reservation, and citizens. We must stand together to protect our rights, said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a news release. Cherokee Nation is the sole holder of our treaties with the United States, and we possess exclusive tribal jurisdiction over our Reservation.

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The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians did not respond to requests for comment in time to include their statements in this article. In a Facebook post on Oct. 31, the tribe defended its right to make arrests within "Cherokee Territory," along with the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service and other law enforcement agencies located on the Cherokee Nation Reserve.

"This has sparked a broader question regarding whether the two Tribes share jurisdiction within the Cherokee Territory, an issue that will ultimately be addressed by the Federal Courts. But as a precursor to that court case, both Tribes await Interiors answer to the question," the tribe stated.

"If you are sick of reading statements defending our well-documented legitimacy, imagine how sick of writing them we are. And imagine how awful it is to read misinformation attempt after misinformation attempt put out by another federally recognized Cherokee Tribe. As we have done in the past we will do so again, inviting the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma to the table, to work directly with each other to ensure the safety, wellbeing and property for the whole of the Cherokee people in Oklahoma."

The letter published Tuesday by the 32 law enforcement officials described a specific case involving a person alleged to have been driving while intoxicated who was stopped and arrested by a Lighthorse police officer. Later, after the driver had been charged with a DUI, his attorney requested that all evidence related to the traffic stop be suppressed because the arresting officer lacked jurisdictional authority to conduct the stop. The case was eventually dismissed because the lack of jurisdictional authority by the arresting Lighthorse police officer.

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This DUI case in Tahlequah underscores the threats to public safety across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, the law enforcement officials said in the letter.

The officials offered several possible scenarios in which the Lighthorse police forces actions could result in violations of peoples civil rights. By arresting alleged perpetrators without authority to do so, the Lighthorse officers are illegally detaining those individuals, the law enforcement officials said.

In addition, other arriving law enforcement authorities will have to address the actions of Lighthorse officers who are pretending to be legally authorized to arrest and detain people, in addition to investigating the original alleged crime, the officials said.

As you all know, public safety stops, or alleged crimes can be charged environments and introducing fake, armed police can only serve to ratchet up the temperature of those situations, the officials said in the letter.

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The officials added that by investigating alleged crimes without authority to do so the Lighthorse police department is creating legal roadblocks to ensuring criminals are held accountable

Whether a crime was committed by your constituent or not, the evidence and interaction between the person impersonating an officer and your constituent will be rightfully questioned in whatever court any alleged charge is filed, the officials said in the letter. These jurisdictional issues could easily put criminals back on the streets, jeopardizing public safety.

Cherokee Nation Marshal Shannon Buhl (Photo courtesy of Cherokee Nation)

The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service plans to order any Lighthorse officers who attempt to exercise legal authority in places where the marshal service holds sole jurisdictional authority to leave the scene or risk possible criminal prosecution under Cherokee Nation law, the letter states.

The non-Cherokee Nation law enforcement officials who signed the letter stated they also will ask Lighthorse police officers to leave the scene of any incidents where they hold sole or joint jurisdiction with the Cherokee Nation.

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Failure to immediately vacate the scene will subject the UKB (United Keetoowah Band) Lighthorse to potential criminal prosecution under Cherokee Nation law and potentially Oklahoma law, those officials stated in the letter.

To prevent further jurisdictional problems, the Cherokee Nation launched a website, CherokeeFacts.com, that shares the definitive history of Cherokee Nation.



Cherokee Nation Marshal Shannon Buhl recently wrote an editorial about the problems with the United Keetoowah Bands Lighthorse Police department. In addition, Hoskin and Cherokee Nation Attorney General Chad Harsha sent a letter to federal officials echoing the law enforcement officials concerns about the Lighthorse Police department.

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A bill to put the Ten Commandments into public school classrooms has been revived for another year.

State Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, pre-filed the legislation this week and its an exact copy of the previous legislation entered in the 2024 session. The only change is the effective date of the law and start of the school year, 2025-2026. A senate author has not signed on yet, but Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, signed onto last years bill.

Last year, the bill made it to the Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee, but wasnt picked up on the agenda and was effectively killed by former committee chair Rep. Mark McBride, who was term limited. McBride has been a staunch critic of mixing religion into public schools.

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Not every kid in that classroom is the same faith as I am, McBride said last year. All of these people keep talking about the founders. Our founders (wrote) the First Amendment of the Constitution. It basically forbids Congress from choosing one religion over another.

Olsen said the purpose is to give young people a more accurate and thorough presentation of the nations history. He said displaying the Ten Commandments is one way to accurately represent the spiritual heritage of the Founding Fathers, but most of the Christian foundations of the U.S. have faded or been wiped away.

[They are] widely regarded and leaned upon by the founders and most of the leaders of early America, so I wanted them to have that accurate history. That this is how they relied upon things, he told The Oklahoman.

Along with the Ten Commandments, Olsen said the Bible should also be in school because it is a certain, definite part of our history as a nation.

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Weve always been a Christian nation with freedom of religion for all, he said. Any student is welcome to look at that history and say, Hey, in my opinion, we would have been, rather than a biblical foundation, we would have been better off with something else. Everybody else, of course, is free to make that judgment.

Olsen added that the U.S.s legal structure and cultural background had strong biblical foundations. He gave an example of laws about stealing.

Well, I cant do that because thou shalt not steal, which comes from the Bible and which made it into our statutes, he said. Thats good for everybody, whatever their personal religious belief might be.

The bill does not require an allocation of taxpayer money to pay for the posters but instead relies on private donations. Olsen said he believed groups would donate enough copies classrooms, and that taxpayer money wouldnt have to be used to supply schools with the copies.

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With new legislators sworn in, some arguably more conservative than the ones they replaced, and facing down a new legislative session that is likely to include many conversations about religion in public schools and separation of church and state, Olsen hopes the bill will have a bigger chance at advancing through both chambers to the governors desk.

Olsen didnt know if there would be enough influence to pass the bill this year, but he said he hoped new leadership and freshman legislators would be more receptive.

Last years leadership, over the last several years, ran a lot of good conservative bills, but for whatever reason, they werent real big on this one, he said.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has been calling for the Ten Commandments and other such religiously affiliated documents to be displayed or used in public school classrooms for at least two years, saying it would promote Christianity and Western heritage.

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The bill once again calls for a 16 wide by 20 tall durable poster or framed copy.

A long fight for Ten Commandments, other documents to be in classrooms

Efforts in Oklahoma to get this document and others into public school classrooms have been ongoing for at least 10 years.

In 2016, Oklahoma voters  by more than 200,000 votes  rejected State Question 790, which would have removed Section 5, Article 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which states: No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied, donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion, or for the use, benefit, or support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such.

The state question was placed on the ballot by the state Legislature as a response to a 2015 Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling. The court ordered a privately funded Ten Commandments monument to be removed from the grounds of the state Capitol, ending a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

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That monument now sits on the grounds of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs  a conservative lobbying group  located a few blocks south of the Capitol.

In 2017, House Bill 2177, which would have allowed the Ten Commandments  along with the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions  to be "displayed proudly and resolutely in public buildings and on public grounds failed to earn a hearing in the state Senate. During its three years on the Capitol grounds, the Ten Commandments monument led to requests from others to build a monument there, including a Satanic group, a Hindu leader, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Louisiana became the first state to require schools to display the Ten Commandments this year, along with contextual paragraphs, according to NPR. Lawmakers there also argued the document is significant to U.S. history.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1980 in Stone v. Graham that posting the Ten Commandments had no secular legislative purpose and was plainly religious in nature, and that the Commandments did not confine themselves to arguably secular matters, but concerned matters such as the worship of God and the observance of the Sabbath Day, according to an analysis by Oyez, a free law project from Cornells Legal Information Institute, Justia and Chicago-Kent College of Law that is "a multimedia archive devoted to making the Supreme Court of the United States accessible to everyone."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ten Commandments bill reintroduced for new Oklahoma legislative session
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)  Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc has pleaded not guilty to charges related to a shooting in December 2023 involving him, his wife and a former Opelousas Police Officer.

LeBlanc was indicted in October on charges of obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office, in connection with the shooting of LeBlanc and his wife, Crystal allegedly by Savannah Butler, another Opelousas police officer.

LeBlanc has admitted that the incident was the result of infidelity on his part with Butler.

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Butler, who is also accused of malfeasance in office and obstruction of justice, as well as attempted manslaughter, aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated battery, also pleaded not guilty.

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Opelousas Police officer Tyrone Abrams is charged with principal to obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office. Abrams is accused of tampering with evidence at the scene immediately after the incident. Abrams also pleaded not guilty.

None of the three appeared in court Thursday. LeBlanc and Butler notified the judge of their not guilty plea through their attorneys, and Abrams submitted a written not guilty plea.

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The Louisiana Department of Justice is prosecuting the case. No trial date has been set.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and high-tech defense startup Anduril Industries will collaborate to develop artificial intelligence-inflected technologies for military applications, the companies announced.

U.S. and allied forces face a rapidly evolving set of aerial threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms that can wreak havoc, damage infrastructure and take lives, the companies wrote in a Wednesday statement.

The Anduril and OpenAI strategic partnership will focus on improving the nations counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) and their ability to detect, assess and respond to potentially lethal aerial threats in real-time.

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The companies framed the alliance as a way to secure American technical supremacy during a pivotal moment in the AI race against China. They did not disclose financial terms.

The partnership brings together the worlds most valuable AI company, and Anduril, one of the most prominent firms in a new crop of defense startups. It makes drones, military software, and sensor towers that detect incoming drones.

OpenAI had previously barred its technology from military use but changed its guidelines in January to allow some collaborations. OpenAi toldThe Wall Street Journal in a statement the technology developed with Anduril will only be used in defensive applications, and CEO Sam Altman said his company seeks to ensure the technology upholds democratic values.

The deal also signals the tech worlds growing interest in working with the Pentagon. While the military-industrial complex was highly involved historically in the development of the internet and computer technology, and tech giants have large computing contracts with defense agencies, Silicon Valley majors and startups alike had previously shown a wariness to work directly with the military on battlefield technology.

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And to a degree, it remains controversial inside the tech world. In 2018, Google employees were highly critical of Project Maven, an effort to help the Pentagon identify people in drone videos, and the tech company declined to continue the partnership the following year. Earlier this year, scores of Google workers were fired after employees staged sit-ins in offices in New York and California to protest the companys cloud contract with Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Partnership will focus on drone-defense systems (AP)

AI seems to have changed the calculus.

In November, OpenAI competitor Anthropic announced it would partner with Amazon and Palantir to give AI algorithms to the Defense Department.

The deals also highlight the increasing nexus between conservative politics, big tech, and military technology.

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Palmer Lucky, co-founder of Anduril, was an early, vocal supporter of Donald Trump in the tech world, and is close with Elon Musk.

Musk co-founded OpenAI, but stepped away in 2018 and founded an AI lab of his own. Musk has also publicly feuded with Altman and sued OpenAI, and has become one of Donald Trumps most influential and public allies, overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency advisory commission aimed at directing trillions in government spending.

Vice-president-elect JD Vance, meanwhile, is a protege of investor Peter Thiel, who co-founded Palantir, another of the companies involved in military AI.
Its always dangerous business to read too much into Supreme Court justices questions at oral arguments, but in United States v. Skrmetti, the case of a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for minors, a majority of the court didnt appear willing to agree that the ban violates the 14th Amendments equal protection clause.

Thats what the justices were being asked to decide Wednesday: whether Tennessees banning the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors seeking gender-affirming care, but not for minors prescribed the drugs to arrest early puberty, violates the equal protection clause.

The plaintiffs argue that the law creates a sex-based classification, most likely a violation of the equal protection clause, because Tennessees law allows a cisgender boy to be prescribed puberty blockers to stop early puberty but denies a transgender boys being prescribed the same blockers to treat gender dysphoria.

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Whether the law creates a sex-based classification matters a great deal. If Tennessees law creates a classification on the basis of sex, then under the Supreme Courts case law, it is subject to a type of heightened scrutiny called intermediate scrutiny, and the law is more likely to be struck down. If, instead, the law creates a classification on the basis of age, it is subject to a much lower level of review, and it is almost certain to be upheld. I didnt hear anything Wednesday to suggest that five justices will accept the challengers argument that Tennessee created a sex-based classification.

That doesnt necessarily mean all hope is lost for those seeking to challenge this law. Challengers may have more success citing a different part of the 14th Amendment, the due process clause. A challenge under this part of the 14th Amendment would focus on parents right to make choices about their childrens medical care, and it would follow a line of cases supporting parents rights to direct their childrens upbringing. To be clear, this would require challengers to bring a new challenge to the Supreme Court.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, one of the most gifted Supreme Court advocates ever to argue before the court, may know this. She kicked off her challenge to the state law by saying that, under Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care, it doesnt matter what parents decide is best for their children. This was, in fact, the fourth sentence she uttered.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett picked up on Prelogars remark and said, Even if we decided that this wasnt a sex-based classification that triggered intermediate scrutiny, that would not prevent parents from still asserting the substantive due process [claim], right?

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In 1923, the Supreme Court struck down a Nebraska law that prevented teachers in public or private schools from teaching any modern language, other than English. The court concluded that the law unconstitutionally interfered with a parents liberty interest in raising their children. Two years later, in 1925, the court struck down an Oregon law that required parents of young children to send them to public schools only. Here again, the court concluded that the law infringed on parents liberty to choose which schools to send their children to and, more generally, to direct their upbringing.

Why, then, wasnt Wednesdays challenge focused on parental rights? Because Wednesdays challengers included both private plaintiffs (including minors seeking gender affirming care) and the Justice Department. The Supreme Court granted the Justice Departments petition for certification, which focused solely on equal protection arguments. The Biden administration was confined to challenging this law based only on equal protection, not due process, grounds because the Justice Department joined this case under a law that applies only to challenges seeking relief from the denial of equal protection of the laws.

Again, a majority of the justices didnt appear to buy the argument that Tennessees law is a sex-based classification. Tennessee argued that the law doesnt create a sex-based classification because there is no difference in treatment for a boy who wants to use puberty blockers to treat early puberty and a girl who wishes to do the same. Justice Clarence Thomas and his conservative colleagues appeared amenable to this argument, and he suggested that, instead, the law created an age classification because only minors, not adults, are prohibited from receiving gender-affirming care.

The conservative justices each probed whether the classification is actually on the basis of transgender status, not sex. The challengers understandably resisted this classification, because it isnt clear under the Supreme Courts case law whether classifications on the basis of transgender status would get heightened scrutiny.

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There was also a lot of discussion by the conservative members of the court about wanting to leave these questions to the democratic process, and specifically to elected lawmakers, not unelected federal judges. This can present a very slippery slope, however. As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson forcefully argued, the court has long acknowledged that judges have a role to play in protecting individual rights, particularly when they are trampled on by the majority via the legislative process. There is simply no one else to protect those rights when the elected branches go too far.

The argument that judges must step in because Tennessees law draws constitutionally invalid lines based on sex appears to be lost. The court may be more likely to take action and protect these individual rights under an argument that this state law violates parents rights to make decisions about their childrens medical care.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Once upon a time, when Tesla CEO Elon Musk was just another Silicon Valley founder looking for attention, he happened upon a novel approach to the art of self-branding. In a master stroke of image crafting, Musk positioned himself as the good billionaire, whose noble missions to save the planet and bring life to new ones separated him from the rapacious self-interest people rightly ascribe to the fabulously wealthy.

Now, having ridden that branding to a previously unimaginable level of wealth and power, Musk is shedding its inconvenient burdens. Perhaps most dramatically, he is locked in a battle with the Delaware Chancery Court over a stunning $56 billion pay package. After court Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick overturned Teslas attempts to approve the package for a second time, Musks subsequent online outbursts at the ruling and McCormick herself make it clear that he really does care about the money after all. But his fury also reveals something deeply personal.

For more casual observers, Musks turn from environmental hero to election-buying oligarch roughly coincided with his 2022 purchase of Twitter. But his 2018 compensation package was its genesis, marking Teslas turn from automotive innovator to stock-pumping hype factory. Beyond its sheer size  dwarfing any corporate compensation plan up to that point  its structure also doubled down on Musks stock-pumping instead of incentivizing more balanced leadership. Tellingly, the proposal coincided with Musks first unambiguously villainous episodes on Twitter, in which he called a hero of the Thai cave rescue operation a pedo and later announced a private buyout of Tesla so entirely imagined that he had to settle fraud charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Musk has always been more of a promoter and fundraiser than the heads-down engineer he likes to pretend to be, but the 2018 CEO Award was one of the first times this was made unambiguously clear in public. Already Teslas largest shareholder, Musk had more than enough incentive to pump the stock as it was. What he needed to spend more time on was shoring up Teslas shaky fundamentals in boring operational areas like manufacturing, supply chain and service  challenges that have always haunted Teslas sparkling public image. But the Tesla boards proposal tied 20 of Musks 28 targets to increases in either stock price or revenue, a clear endorsement of his hype-happy leadership.

In traditional market theory, strong operations and the prospect of reliably growing cash flow should take care of themselves, but Musk and his boards decision to cut out the middle step and make stock price the end in itself has been consequential. The companys core business was rescued by a perfect storm of tail winds during Covid: Tesla launched its most mass-market car, the Model Y, at the peak of EV hype and in the first period of sustained undersupply in the auto industry since World War II. Yet its market share, profit margin and pipeline of new products were showing few signs of the hypergrowth Musk has promised.

In the place of real, tangible business results, a carnival of increasingly absurd hype has grown up in its place. Musk promised a self-driving car in every driveway long before the 2018 award, but in the years since then he has moved from misleading demonstrations on public roads to outright fantastical performances of self-driving theater on Hollywood studio sets. And despite failing to deliver on nearly a decade of self-driving promises, he has doubled down with the only technological promise that could be more fantastical: a race of humanoid robots that will replace all human labor and usher in an end to scarcity writ large.

These blatant fantasies have delivered all that the Tesla board hoped for in 2018, and more, as Teslas market valuation is on its way toward doubling the $650 billion valuation it incentivized. But, in pushing Musk, already possessed of a ruthless and fanatical online fandom, who gleefully attacked anyone who took his words as less than gospel, toward highly lucrative science fiction, they also pushed him over the edge. His mandate to turn perception into reality has had a horrible cost. Musks increasingly round-the-clock posts on Twitter in 2018 show an increasingly toxic relationship with social media, pulling him  and, increasingly, everyone else on the site  into the self-serving parallel reality he has built for himself online.

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At this point Musk has sucked so much of the world into his online ego trip that theres reason to believe its not just about money for him anymore. Indeed, McCormick and the Chancery Court make no argument with the staggering size of the compensation award, instead voiding it on the grounds that Musk failed to properly inform shareholders and generally live up to basic governance, accountability and procedural rules. In short, Musks eye-watering wealth is only the fuel for the real problem: the fact that he acts as if he is above not just the law but the basic constraints of reality.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The federal governments debt has exploded: approaching nearly 100 percent of GDP. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an independent commission set to begin in President-elect Trumps second term, promises to cut the government down to size. But in the conversations surrounding reducing spending, people have overlooked a key point: aligning government workers interests with cutting costs. The government should give bonuses to departments that spend less than budgeted and employees who flag government waste.

Last year, the federal government both budgeted and spent around $1.7 trillion on discretionary spending. The way Congress currently budgets motivates government workers to spend every last penny of that amount. If a department has money left over at the end of the year, it means Congress may cut its budget next year. That risks fewer employees and less power for the higher-ups. So at the end of every year, there is a use-it-or-lose-it spending frenzy to exhaust any remaining part of the budget.

It need not be this way. The federal government should encourage its workers to find waste in the budget and spend less than Congress has budgeted. Two easy solutions: Give a percentage of any savings as a bonus to the employees in the respective department and give awards to employees that flag government waste.

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Start with the employee bonus. The government should give out an annual bonus to all employees in a department that spends less than Congress budgeted for that year  say 5 percent of all savings. That way, workers have an interest in cutting useless spending.

Employees will think twice about buying a new (and not needed) copier at the end of the year just to use up the budget. And if it means smaller bonuses, maybe a department will think more carefully before funding useless workshops. By handing out bonuses to all workers, the government will create a system in which all employees have an incentive to work together to cut government spending.

What about the negative incentives that this bonus program could create? It could, for instance, encourage workers to spend money only on things in their own personal interest while cutting spending on necessary long-term projects or items that benefit the public.

An easy solution is to tie spending discretion to the significance of each budgeted item. Congress could first create a minimum required spending floor. This floor would fluctuate based on the importance of the department and the minimum spending needed to achieve the departments goals.

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Congress could also require spending thresholds for particular programs or items within each department. It could, for example, require the Department of Defense to spend a high percentage of the budgeted amount to develop a sixth-generation fighter, or it could require the IRS to use a particular percentage to upgrade its filing system. In short, Congress could give more or less spending discretion for budgeted items based on the respective importance of each item.

Consider next money awards to workers that find waste. While giving out department-wide bonuses does encourage workers to spend less, theres still the collective action problem of finding which areas to slice. To solve that problem, the government should hand out special money awards to the workers who find areas to cut. This could include awards for both identifying ways to spend less money that year and flagging for Congress areas to decrease spending in future years.

Statutory schemes using monetary awards have worked well in other places. In the private sector, Congress has used them to disturb the norm of employee silence. Called whistleblower lawsuits, Congress has created a far-reaching regime that financially rewards employees who report poor behavior in the private sector.

And on the public side, the False Claims Act rewards whistleblowers who help the government recover losses from fraud. Congress should adopt these whistleblower principles and apply them to government spending. But instead of lawsuits, Congress should create a reporting regime in which employees flag government waste each year and draft ideas on ways to reduce spending in future years.

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Cutting government spending never comes easy. But Congress should not make its job harder by incentivizing government workers to spend every dollar that they can. Create a system in which government workers prosper when the American people prosper  reward them financially when they save taxpayers money.

Eric Dement is a lawyer and graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He lives in Colorado.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Journalist-source confidentiality doesnt usually make headlines, but last month was an exception. President-elect Trump told Republicans to kill the PRESS Act  a bipartisan shield bill to protect reporters sources that passed the House unanimously. Journalists and press freedom advocates across the political spectrum hope he will reconsider.

Journalist Catherine Herridges case  the months other big source protection story  shows why. A federal appellate court in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 18 was alarmingly skeptical of the highly respected investigative journalists appeal of an order holding her in contempt of court for not burning sources. Whats worse, much of the hearing was held behind closed doors, outside the view of the very journalists whose rights the case threatens.

Herridges appeal arises from her refusal to reveal sources for reporting about a federal investigation into possible connections between the Chinese government and a university that received taxpayer funding. The president of the university, Yanping Chen, sued the FBI under the federal Privacy Act and subpoenaed Herridge for alleged communications with the FBI.

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That means that in addition to the First Amendment reasons to protect Herridges sources, there are national security ones. Letting people suspected of connections to U.S. adversaries pry through American reporters notebooks sure seems like a bad idea. With Herridges case unfolding in the nations capital, its outcome will have an outsized impact on the confidentiality of communications with national security reporters.

Skeptics of reporters privileges often dream up convoluted national security threats that sound like cutting room floor material from Hollywood: A journalist holds the keys to stopping the next 9/11 in their notepad but refuses to spill, while the timebomb ticks. Thats never happened and never will (the PRESS Act contains exceptions for such scenarios anyway).

But what has happened, and will happen more if Herridges appeal goes the wrong way, is potential foreign agents abusing the court system to take discovery of reporters sensitive communications with alleged intelligence sources.

Thats why Herridges case is a big deal. Its of great concern to everyone, not just journalists. But we only have half the story of last months hearing, because it was partially held in secret.

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Earlier in the case, the court sealed documents about the investigation of Chen. That should have never happened. The records arent classified and the investigation is over. Theres no constitutionally valid reason for secrecy. Sure, the records mightve embarrassed Chen, but when you choose to have your rights adjudicated in a taxpayer-funded courtroom, you opt in to the transparency that comes with the venue.

Plus, the facts of the investigation are central to the publics interest in the case. Chen claims her damages (the government ended its relationship with her university) were caused by government employees allegedly talking to Herridge. But were they, or did the governments decision result from its own findings?

If the answer is the latter, then Chens lawsuit would appear baseless  you cant prevail in a civil lawsuit if you cant prove the conduct youre suing over caused you harm. The public deserves to know if our federal courts are putting the First Amendment and, potentially, national security at risk, all over a defective case that ultimately isnt even going anywhere.

But once the documents were sealed, Chen demanded that any discussion of them at the appellate hearing had to also be closed to avoid revealing their substance. Herridge opposed that motion, arguing that It would be incongruous if the press were barred from an oral argument that will set the bounds of press protections under the First Amendment.

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The appellate court punted the issue, saying it would consider closure requests at the hearing itself rather than deciding beforehand. That was bad enough  the press and public are entitled to challenge closure orders, and should have time to consider courts reasoning so they can put forth their best arguments for openness.

But the appellate court didnt even do that  rather than deciding whether to close certain arguments as they arose, the court announced as soon as the hearing started that there would be an open session followed by a closed one. It offered no explanation of its reasoning or opportunity to object. It was an anti-transparency ambush.

So whats next? In Herridges case, the appellate court needs to release transcripts of the hearing. Its not as good as real-time transparency, but that ship has sailed. And it needs to reconsider its seeming position  at least based on the public part of the hearing  that the First Amendment doesnt protect journalists against lawfare under the Privacy Act.

Even if Herridge wins, though, journalists will still be faced with a confusing patchwork of reporters privilege laws across federal jurisdictions. When sources ask them will the law protect me if I come forward?, theyll have to answer it depends on factors I cant control, like where some future litigant decides to subpoena them and under what legal theory.

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That means fewer sources will come forward. And getting back to Trump, that includes sources for stories he wants told, like Herridges reporting poking holes in the Russia collusion narrative and journalist Matt Taibbis Twitter Files reporting on the governments role in social media censorship. The kinds of citizen and independent journalists who helped get Trump elected are the ones that need the PRESS Act the most. They often cant afford legal fees and contempt fines.

Trump should rethink his opposition to the PRESS Act. The bill would help not only Herridge but all Americans who rely on  and want to see more of  her brand of intrepid investigative journalism. A strong Fourth Estate is needed to expose government malfeasance, including by Trumps adversaries.

Seth Stern is the director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation and a First Amendment lawyer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On Wednesday, South Koreans woke up to the unbelievable news that, overnight, President Yoon Suk-yeol had declared martial law. The act was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly. Once again, institutional guardrails against authoritarianism held firm and democracy prevailed, at least for now.

Nevertheless, this quasi-coup attempt has baffled most experts. Despite some early warnings, this had been widely considered unthinkable in South Korea. The opposition parties hold an absolute majority in parliament, and citizens  though often leaning conservative  are known for their staunch resistance to authoritarian rule. There are still details to untangle, but trying to understand this unexpected political upheaval may offer some valuable implications for other countries with a presidential system, including the United States.

One clear factor in this weeks events is Yoons deep unpopularity. The president has been mired in a series of corruption and abuse-of-power allegations since he was narrowly elected in 2022. Calls for special prosecutors have been widespread, both to investigate Yoon and his wife, first lady Kim Keon-hee.

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Combined with catastrophic economic conditions and numerous diplomatic missteps, these allegations have steadily eroded his support. In recent months, his approval ratings have generally hovered around 20 percent. By early 2024, talks of impeachment had already begun simmering in political podcasts frequented by opposition lawmakers.

A more immediate blow to Yoons presidency came with the revelation that a broker working behind the scenes had allegedly tampered with various public opinion polls, possibly influencing the outcomes of primaries leading up to the latest parliamentary elections and calling into question the very foundation of the Yoon governments legitimacy. Many Koreans also drew a parallel between Yoon and former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached for  ironically  corruption and abuses of power involving the undue influence of a confidante.

It seems reasonable to assume  though far from certain  that a politically cornered Yoon decided to gamble on declaring martial law. A long shot, such a move also carried enormous risks. Indeed, 190 members of the National Assembly  including 18 from Yoons own ruling Peoples Power Party  convened almost immediately after the announcement to unanimously pass a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, precisely as inscribed in the Constitution. Thus the power grab lasted barely three hours before democratic institutions crushed it, functioning as they were designed.

Thankfully, both the military and the protesters demonstrated remarkable self-restraint. Troops were dispatched to the National Assembly, reportedly to prevent the vote and arrest key lawmakers. Yet, opposition party members and groups of citizens effectively resisted these efforts by physically blocking soldiers from entering the building. Any bloodshed could have escalated the crisis uncontrollably. Instead, the most notable act of violence involved spraying troops with fire extinguishers. In some video footage, soldiers appeared to apologize to the protesters.

Reports suggest that many of the rank-and-file officers on the ground were not even fully aware of the specifics of the orders. Most in the presidential office were kept in the dark. Few real coups are mounted with this level of preparedness and competence.

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The fallout is sure to continue. The presidents interference in the partys operations during the latest election fractured its cohesion, marginalizing several high-profile figures, including party leader Han Dong Hoon. These members openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Yoon following the election. To be clear, the opposition Democratic Party, with its absolute majority, could have annulled the martial law on its own. But instead, the ruling party joined forces with the opposition. At that point, the writing was very clearly on the wall. And in the likely event of an impeachment vote  which requires 200 to pass  these anti-Yoon members within the ruling party will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

U.S. politicians should be following along closely. No matter how unlikely it might seem, a politically cornered president can resort to martial law with surprisingly little initial resistance. Presidents have broad discretion over military matters, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and a swift and decisive course of correction action. Bipartisan initiatives  especially those led by the presidents own party  can serve as a catalyst for this preparedness.

At the same time, institutional arrangements are no panacea. The professionalism and political neutrality of the military are indispensable in safeguarding against such abuses of power. South Koreas experience this week highlights the importance of preserving this independence at all levels. Finally, self-restraint is not limited to the military. While organized citizens have acted as the ultimate bulwark against autocratizing governments, their effectiveness often hinges on their own discipline in avoiding violence.

South Koreas ability to overcome this unprecedented attempt represents its democratic resilience. But the details reveal that it was a terrifyingly close call  and multiple factors had to go right. The event serves as a powerful reminder that democracy is never guaranteed, and why it demands unwavering vigilance and deliberate efforts to preserve it.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Starbucks' U.S. sales in the latest quarter were down 6% compared with a year earlier. (SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images)

Ive always had an ambivalent relationship with Starbucks. But especially post-pandemic, the java juggernaut has become my coffee shop of last resort. And Im not alone  U.S. sales in the latest quarter were down 6% compared with a year earlier .

The companys new chief executive recently sketched out a rescue plan that includes eliminating upcharges for nondairy milk, simplifying menu options to speed up orders and a return to writing customers names on cups. But its going to take a whole lot more than markers to win back customers like me, who see the stores where we get our lattes as third places  locations such as libraries and, yes, coffee shops, where we form connections with others in our communities.

Starbucks stores used to fill this need. I wrote parts of my upcoming book in three of them and thanked them in the acknowledgments. But many things have changed in the years since.

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Read more: Opinion: My business won't flee California like SpaceX or Chevron. But we do want some changes

Lets start with the overworked staff  witnessing the tireless employees valiantly plow through countless orders with robot-like efficiency doesnt give a cozy vibe. I dont expect to be best friends with my barista, but if the chain hired more workers and quit union busting , workers might be less harried and Id be more inclined to spend there. I want my coffee dollars to contribute to the companys staff. Right now it seems like Im just lining the pockets of wealthy executives and shareholders.

These days when I purchase a cup of coffee, what Im really buying is access to a place  one where I can work, pause, people-watch, read a book or simply zone out. My cups contents are often beside the point: When contemplating its purchase, Im really wondering how consuming it in this place will make me feel.

In his discussion of how we transform space into special places, sociologist Thomas Gieryn emphasizes that place is  doubly constructed  in the minds of people who imbue its physicality with meaning. That meaning is how a spare retail space with a few tables and chairs gets elevated to a home away from home. The pandemic raised both my expectations and my needs, and I make every effort to spend my money at these meaningful places. As a professor, I enjoy the solitude and autonomy that comes with my job, but even I get sick of myself, and walking to my favorite local coffee shops helps ward off the creep of afternoon depression.

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Read more: Supreme Court rules for Starbucks, limits power of judges to protect fired union organizers

Starbucks profit-maximizing strategies abandoned customers like me long ago. A wave of store closures in the Bay Area, where I live, dislodged any remaining shred of brand loyalty. Many that remained removed significant portions of their seating or eliminated it altogether. And at the locations that do have it, good luck getting a chair or a coveted bathroom code before making your purchase.

So why go there when theres the Bean Bag Cafe on Divisadero Street, where I often see the evening counter person hug regular customers? Theres no time for hugs at Starbucks, which doesnt have a store anywhere close to my home in East Oakland. Thankfully, small businesses like Cafe Cordoba fill this community need, serving as an oasis in this former cafe desert. Immaculately clean and lovingly decorated, this quaint coffee shop serves a diverse clientele that includes older adults, families with children, club members from the local Hells Angels chapter and Oakland police officers. When sipping their cinnamon-infused cafe de olla from a hand-painted mug, its easy to wonder: Who needs Starbucks anyway?

But in these times of increasing loneliness, distrust and political polarization, we desperately need places for neighboring. I could offer a slate of ideas to help Starbucks strengthen local connections. But my greater concern is supporting those small businesses that contribute to our social infrastructure without a corporation's financial backing. One important step is to expand retail tax credits and increase grants to small businesses, especially those that resurrect formerly vacant storefronts, planting the seeds for neighborhood revival.

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Im not worried about Starbucks future. The chains clearly not worried about me. But we can take some lessons from its corporate identity crisis to think about the public-private partnerships we want to nurture independently and collectively with our local businesses, big and small, so that we all feel welcomed with a seat at the table.

Stacy Torres , author of the forthcoming  At Home in the City: Growing Old in Urban America , is an assistant professor of sociology at UC San Francisco.

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.
South Koreas President Yoon Suk-yeol may give Donald Trump some bright ideas.

Why not shut up the critics, in Congress and the media, by declaring martial law when the going gets tough?

Trump is making so many zany appointments that hes likely to bump into his first real obstacles when a few Republicans in the Senate have the guts to defy him and insist on full-dress hearings before approving all his picks. Trump, of course, would prefer the gimmick of recess appointments, enabling him to sneak his favorites into top jobs while the Senate is in recess. Thus, he would avoid the embarrassing, agonizing process of hearings by a Senate committee eager to show why many of them are thoroughly unqualified.

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But with a bare majority in the House and not much of one in the Senate, Trump should not have a lot to worry about until the next mid-terms, in 2026, when he faces the prospect of losing his hold over both houses of Congress.

This is when things could turn southand he could channel Yoon in declaring the equivalent of martial law if Congress refuses to do his bidding.

The U.S. Constitution allows for the suspension of habeas corpus which is in effect martial law, David Maxwell, a retired U.S. army special forces colonel, reminds the Daily Beast. That is a presidential decision and one which he will make based on his assessment of the threat to the Constitution and the nation.

Having shown zero tolerance for the most well-meaning of critics, Trump would no doubt be more than happy to resort to that strategy if the next Congress were dominated by Democrats.

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Trump, though, might face one seemingly intractable problemthe armed forces over which the president is commander-in-chief. In South Korea, after the National Assembly voted down Yoons martial law decree, the armed forces withdrew.

When the peoples representatives spoke, the military sided with the legislature and the people, not with the executive, Maxwell notes. The Korean and U.S. constitutions are constructed with the express purpose of preventing a dictator. That is what republican government is all aboutthat is, republican with a small r.

Not to worry, though. Trump is not burdened by such atavistic precepts. He did not hesitate to fire his first defense secretary, the retired marine general Jim Mattis, and pillory the chairman of the armed forces chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, one of his strongest critics. We can be sure he will name friends and allies to those posts despite the embarrassment of his first choice for defense secretary, the alleged womanizer and Fox News host, Pete Hegseth.

Then-President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un talk before a meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019.

Trump has long since shown his disrespect for the principles of balance of power, much less republican government. He survived two impeachments at the close of his first term, confident his foes would never summon the two-thirds vote needed in the Senate for a conviction. He would not hesitate to risk another impeachment by a Democratic-controlled lower house, confident the Senate would again not convict him, regardless of which party had the majority.

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Trumps offenses, moreover, are sure to be far more serious than anything Yoon imagined before incurring the wrath of the Korean assembly, where 200 of its 300 members must vote to impeach him. The vote then goes to the countrys constitutional court, six of whose nine members need to uphold the impeachment motion before he loses his job.

Trump, having weathered most of the felony charges that might have jailed him, is sure as president to betray Americas commitments to its allies while sucking up to Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping, and even North Koreas Kim Jong Un, with whom he kindled a bromance when they met in 2018 and 2019. Could he not face charges of treason, of betrayal of trust, of yielding to Americas worst enemies undermining, betraying, American commitments from Ukraine to Taiwan to Korea?

For Trump, a coup against subordinate elements in the American government, and the American system, would fulfil a dream on the way to de facto dictatorship. Yoon set an example by suddenly imposing martial law, without discussing the idea with his closest associates, but he failed by withdrawing the decree six hours later after the National Assembly rejected it. Had he had truly dictatorial instincts, he would have made sure the soldiers surrounding the assembly building captured the dissident legislators and stopped the voting.

Then-President Donald Trump, right, meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the first day of the 2019 G20 summit.

Trump might learn from Yoons mistakes.

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Id guess the disastrous blowback from Yoons unwise impulsive move will be a pretty strong cautionary, Nicholas Eberstadt, long-time author and expert on Asian issues at the American Enterprise Institute, told the Daily Beast. That is, he adds, if Trump were tempted to do something like this in the first place.

For Trump, the temptation will be overwhelming. He has already broken laws by attempting to subvert the stolen 2000 election with false claims of corruption. The next step would be to control all three branches of government, staging a coup d'etat against Congress as needed to rule as the first true U.S. dictator.

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Donald Trumps nominees are without an iota of doubt the most appalling collection of choices any president has made to lead federal government departments. Multiple Trump picks have already withdrawn, and more may soon follow. Yet the response from Senate Democrats  who will have votes and a voice in the confirmation process  has been remarkably muted. Ask a Senate Democrat about the nominees, and youre more likely to hear I have some serious concerns than the far more appropriate My God, is Trump insane? These are the worst nominees in history!

Many of these Democrats would consider such a response uncivil and undignified; if Trump wont adhere to norms of propriety, at least they will. Worse, they believe that it is politically clever for them to show voters that they seek bipartisanship, even if that desire turns out to be unrequited. As I have long said, our preference is to secure bipartisan solutions wherever possible and look for ways to collaborate with our Republican colleagues to help working families, Chuck Schumer, leader of Senate Democrats, said on social media. However, our Republican colleagues should make no mistake about it, we will always stand up for our values.

Republicans are no doubt quivering in the face of such a blistering assault.

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This is a miscalculation born of a misunderstanding. Democrats need to grasp that during Trumps second term, the electorate wont be evaluating them either as individuals or as a party, based on whether they acted in good faith and sought areas of agreement with the GOP. The truth is: Voters dont care about bipartisanship. They might tell pollsters theyd prefer it if everyone in Washington got along, and they may sincerely mean it. But when it comes time to vote, thats not how they act.

Opposition isnt about how voters judge the opposition party; its about how they judge the party in power. The only evaluation from voters that matters for the next four years (and especially the next two years until the midterm elections) is that of Trump, his government and the Republicans who run Congress. In this situation, Democrats are not the alternative; their role is to oppose, loudly and unceasingly, and call attention to Republicans worst excesses. They need to disseminate the most cutting and critical messages and force the news media to address stories of the administrations worst misdeeds.

Lets consider some relevant recent history. In the 2008 election, Democrats won 365 electoral votes, 251 House seats and 59 Senate seats  the most sweeping victory for one party in decades. Republicans could have decided that they needed to show the public they were committed to moderation and bipartisanship. They did just the opposite. On the very night of Barack Obamas inauguration, GOP leaders gathered for dinner and planned to show united and unyielding opposition to the new president and his policies. A week later, House Republicans held a retreat where they committed themselves to all-out war against Obama; they cheered their recent unified vote against Obamas recovery bill, and then-Rep. Mike Pence played a clip from the movie Patton of George C. Scott, as Gen. George S. Patton, rallying troops to fight the Nazis.

In the Senate, Republican leader Mitch McConnell believed that bipartisanship had to be avoided at all costs, since it might legitimate Obamas actions. Any tactic was justified in pursuit of opposition, up to and including refusing to allow a vote on the presidents Supreme Court nominee.

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The strategy was an extraordinary success: Republicans flipped 63 seats to take back the House in 2010  the biggest switch in over 60 years. The Senate went to the GOP in 2014 and the White House in 2016, after which Republicans also secured a majority on the Supreme Court. The voters never punished them for being too partisan.

Its not that Democrats havent been capable of united and vigorous resistance. They implemented a similar strategy of opposition after George W. Bush was re-elected in 2004, and as a result, they took control of both houses of Congress in the 2006 midterms. Their leaders at the time  Harry Reid in the Senate and Nancy Pelosi in the House  understood that their job was not to look for areas of agreement but to fight with every tool at their disposal. Which they did, and it worked.

Yet somehow, today too many Democrats in Congress retain a conviction that it is important to get caught trying, to demonstrate over and over that they are making an effort to reach out and seek agreement. Ask President Joe Biden how politically effective the search for bipartisanship is. Few presidents have ever worked as hard, both in private and in public, to win opposition support, especially from his old colleagues in the Senate. On a few occasions he did succeed, winning some Republican votes for the infrastructure law he signed in 2021 and the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022. But Republicans never stopped attacking him in the most intense, personal and ugly ways they could, and voters never rewarded Biden for his efforts at bipartisanship  if they even knew about them.

The confirmation hearings for Trumps picks present a terrific opportunity for Democrats to define the Trump administration as both extremist and reckless, but it might be a mistake to get your hopes up. One example: The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which will be hearing the nomination for defense secretary, is Jack Reed of Rhode Island. The 75-year-old Reed is well-respected, conscientious and a former Army Ranger. But watch him talking about the disastrous choice of Pete Hegseth to run the Pentagon and you wont hear a powerful case against Trump, Hegseth or the risk they pose to American security. Other Democrats on the committee have offered similarly weak comments about Hegseth.

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That could be a harbinger of what the confirmation hearings for Trumps Cabinet will look like. Democrats should carefully plan their questioning of the nominees to demonstrate how repugnant so many of them are and how dangerous their confirmations would be  not because they might persuade a few Republican senators to vote no, but because its a chance to send a strong message to the public about Trump and his cronies. Unfortunately, it may wind up being one more missed opportunity.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
For years, experts argued that President Bashar al-Assad had won the Syrian Civil War. Yet that couldnt be further from the truth. Assad only survived the war, thanks to Russian airpower and Iranian mercenaries.

Now that his allies are distracted, the Assad dynasty is more fragile than ever. This is why a Turkish-backed militia launched its offensive last week.

So how did we get here? Years ago, Russia, Iran and Turkey aimed to end the Syrian Civil War through the Astana Process instead of enforcing United Nations Security Council 2254. Though three of the four main power brokers in Syria (the U.S. being the fourth) participated in at least twenty rounds of talks in Kazakhstan, the interests of ordinary Syrians  who suffered and sacrificed most to reform their country  were mostly an afterthought.

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Why were Russia, Iran and Turkey involved in the Syrian Civil War?

Put simply, Moscow wanted to secure its naval facilities in Tartus and its air base in Latakia  to project power in the East Mediterranean and supply its mercenaries in Africa. Tehran sought strategic depth by arming its proxies to insulate itself from regional rivals, including Turkey and Israel. Ankara sought regime change in Damascus, then to stop the flow of Syrian refugees into Turkey, and finally, to prevent the formation of a Kurdish state in northeast Syria.

In May 2017, this troika agreed to establish four de-escalation zones to end the fighting in the non-Syrian Democratic Forces and then-Islamic State-held territory. In typical Russian fashion, this so-called de-escalation was one-sided.

Assad, Iran and Russia repeatedly violated the agreement, seizing three of the four zones and parts of the fourth. This eventually left most of the armed opposition and nearly 3 million Syrians  including some 2 million civilians displaced by Assad, Moscow and Tehran  besieged in tiny Idlib along Syrias northwestern border with Turkey.

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The most powerful faction, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, designated as a terrorist entity by the U.S., formed the Syrian Salvation Government. Despite its roots as an international jihadist organization, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham spent the last few years embracing pragmatism by compromising ideologically, building a broad coalition, dismantling ISIL and al Qaeda cells, investing in military development and moderating its social agenda to align more closely with Turkey. Meanwhile, the corrupt and repressive Assad regime, drunk on victory, became the Middle Easts leading narco-state.

Then, two geopolitical earthquakes shifted the balance of power in Syria.

First, Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Moscow initially reduced its military footprint in Syria, from Wagner mercenaries to air defense systems. Russia is militarily exhausted, losing up to 2,000 soldiers per day in Ukraine this past November.

It cant stop the bleeding in Ukraine, let alone in Syria. Negotiations to end this phase of its war against Ukraine are likely to begin in 2025. Moscow needs all the munitions and men it can muster to make gains on the battlefield and improve its bargaining position before this happens.

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Assad read his geopolitical predicament correctly. To reduce his dependence on an over-extended Moscow and a domineering Iran, Assad sought normalization with the Arab League. He banked on the misconception that he won the Syrian Civil War and was welcomed back by his Arab counterparts after 12 years as a regional pariah in 2023.

Though I argued this process would go nowhere because Tehrans influence in Syria was institutionalized, Assads overtures to Irans rivals mightve rehabilitated his murderous regime.

All of that changed when Tehran-backed Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7. For years, Jerusalem had targeted weapons shipments destined for Irans militias in Syria (and Lebanon) with ease and impunity. That was a headache Tehran and its mercenaries tolerated as the cost of doing business.

After Oct. 7, however, that headache turned into an aneurysm as Jerusalem assassinated no less than five Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps generals  Panah Taghizadeh, Mohammad Ali Ataei, Sadegh Omidzadeh, Mohammed Reza Zahedi, Mohammad Hadi Haji Raheemi  in Syria.

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Despite abiding by its deconfliction mechanism with nuclear-armed Moscow, Jerusalem spent more than a year degrading both Assads and Irans military infrastructure while decimating Hezbollah in Syria (and in Lebanon). All Assad (and Moscow) did to help Tehran was to bomb besieged Idlib, driving more Syrian refugees to the border with Turkey.

With Israels year-long shaping operation, Russias overextension and Irans exhaustion, the Turkish-backed and Hayat Tahrir Al Sham-led coalition likely calculated that this was the best time to launch an offensive against a weakened Assad.

Though Turkeys feud with Israel over the war in Gaza is well-known, their shared interest in weakening Assad while playing Iran and Russia against each other in Syria has remained unchanged for nearly a decade.

Ankara, to negotiate refugee resettlement with Assad  an issue he has refused to budge on  from a position of strength. Jerusalem, to maintain its freedom of action against Iran and its mercenaries inside of Syria. Both have scores to settle with Russia and Iran, revenge is a dish best served cold, and the enemy of my enemy is still my friend in geopolitics.

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Which brings us to last weeks offensive. It took years for Assad to conquer Aleppo, and only after Iran and Russia intervened to help him. Now, the Turkish-backed coalition seems to have liberated the city and reached as far as Hama in less than four days.

Even the brightest experts with the best contacts didnt see such a decisive military maneuver coming nearly 14 years into the Syrian Civil War. Only time will tell where it goes from here.

George Monastiriakos is a part-time professor of law at the University of Ottawa.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President-elect Donald Trump has picked his former trade adviser, Peter Navarro, to join his next administration as his Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing. Compared to some of Trumps other choices  like Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Matt Gaetz (who has since withdrawn) for attorney general  Navarro appears at first blush to be a tame choice. He is not dogged by personal sex scandals. And he has substantial formal qualifications for the job  he is a Harvard-trained economist and was a tenured professor at the University of California.

But his policy knowledge and more buttoned-up appearance shouldnt obscure the reality that he is very much a stick of Trumpian dynamite. The president-elect chose Navarro for his fanatical devotion to two causes: economic nationalism and Trump himself. Navarro can serve as a relatively competent lieutenant  at least by Trumps standards  while the president pursues his promised radical agenda on tariffs and China. He can also be trusted to help Trump undermine democratic institutions and sit in on top conversations with Trump that could potentially be legally incriminating  and not flip on his boss.

The Navarro pick comes just months after he was released from a four-month prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress. Navarro refused to comply with a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. As Politico explained at the time of his sentencing, Navarro had a significant role in Trumps efforts to deny the results of the 2020 election:

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The Jan. 6 committee had planned to interview Navarro about his work in the aftermath of the 2020 election to stoke discredited claims of election fraud and to strategize with members of Congress on a plan to block or delay the certification of Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Navarro and Bannon pushed a plan that they dubbed the Green Bay Sweep to encourage members of Congress to mount prolonged challenges to Bidens victory on Jan. 6, when lawmakers met to certify the results.

Navarro defied the subpoena, claiming he could not be compelled to provide documents or testimony due to executive privilege. That is the concept that, as CNN explains, presidents can shield their aides from having to share internal communications with Congress when it is conducting oversight. But a federal judge ruled that Navarro failed to prove that Trump had blocked him from testifying to the select committee. Navarro became the first former White House official to be imprisoned for a contempt of Congress conviction.

In other words, even though Trump didnt come to Navarros rescue, Navarro went to jail refusing to say anything that might strengthen the case against Trump. What explains his extreme devotion? It doesnt hurt that they have similar personality traits, such as grandstanding and a tenuous relationship with the truth. I still have some principles. But not as many as you might think because I dont have any concern at all about making stuff up about my opponent that isnt exactly true, Navarro wrote in 1998 while reflecting on his many failed efforts to win public office.

But their main link is a shared interest in fierce economic nationalism, protectionist views on trade and outright paranoia about China. Navarro is formally trained as an economist, but he stands on the fringe of his field in his hostility toward free trade and his views on how tariffs work. That position made him appealing to Trump long before Trumps presidential run. Trump even wrote a blurb endorsing Navarros 2012 alarmist documentary Death by China, a film adapted from his book by the same name. Navarro described that book as a survival guide to outmaneuvering the planets most efficient assassin, cautioning against ever buying products made in China and prescribing a trade war to generate new jobs in the U.S. His antipathy toward Beijing goes well beyond economics: Navarro also likened Chinas growing military to Nazi Germany and counseled an aggressive defense posture toward China.

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Navarro played a key role in shaping Trumps trade strategy during his first term, and his return signals Trump is as serious as ever about pursuing an aggressive tariff strategy, unraveling free trade norms and agreements, and potentially escalating trade wars with China, as well as U.S. allies. To the extent that Navarro influences high-level conversations on China policy, hes likely to have a high threshold for risk when it comes to destabilizing the complicated and competitive U.S.-Chinese relationship.

Perhaps the best illustration of the kind of figure Navarro is in Trump World  industrious, wonky, obedient  is that even when he was in prison this year for refusing to comply with an inquiry into his involvement in efforts to overturn the election, he was still working on detailed policy proposals for a future Trump administration. While incarcerated he also mocked his former globalist rivals within the first Trump administration in correspondence with Semafor. And in August, just hours after being released from prison, he offered the audience classically Trumpian sounding rhetoric at the Republican National Convention: If they can come for me, if they can come for Donald Trump, be careful. They will come for you. Does he believe it? Who knows. But Navarro knows that his political window is open for a little longer.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)Roughly a week before key changes are scheduled to take effect, anti-homelessness advocates rallied outside Gov. Maura Healeys office on Tuesday, saying the planned family shelter rules will put more and more families on the street as the weather gets colder and colder.

Starting Dec. 10, the Healey administration will overhaul the strained family shelter system to create a new two-track system to place families in emergency housing. Its part of a broader push that the administration hopes will make family shelter stays brief, rare and non-recurring and bring costs under control in a program that the governor says is increasingly unsustainable.

Healey plan limits family shelter stays to six months

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Families with less needs will be placed on a Rapid Shelter Track, and allowed to stay in overflow shelters for up to 30 days, up from the existing five-day limit. Families will receive intensive support at the overflow shelters to find stable housing, plus help with work authorizations, job placements and English classes.

Families who are considered more high-risk with more complex needs will fall under the Bridge Shelter Track, including women who have late-term pregnancies and families with members who are immunocompromised or have complex medical needs. Pending legislative approval, they will be eligible to stay in a shelter for up to six months, with the ultimate goal of also finding stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Advocates associated with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Homes for All Massachusetts, UU Mass Action, City Life/Vida Urbana, Lynn United for Change, and Greater Boston Legal Services protested the new approach Tuesday.

Liz Alfred from Greater Boston Legal Services said the majority of families deemed eligible for the Emergency Assistance shelter program will now instead be steered into short-term shelters.

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You will be found eligible for shelter, and then you will never be offered shelter. This is many, many families. Just so that people are clear  this is a lot of people. This is the majority of people who are found eligible for shelter. They will never be offered shelter under this program that they are currently talking about, Alfred said.

Families placed on the rapid track will still receive shelter for 30 days under the new regulations, but it is a significant reduction from the options afforded to families in need a year ago, who could stay in state-funded shelters for as long as they needed to get back on their feet.

Before the Healey administration began restricting access to shelter, families were staying in the emergency housing for over a year, on average.

While we agree that shelter stays should be as short as possible, they should match the realities of the needs families have; the realities of the job and housing market, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Associate Director Kelly Turley told the News Service on Wednesday.

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The governor also announced last month that she plans to propose changes to the HomeBASE rental assistance program, making families eligible for up to $25,000 of aid annually for two years. Families can currently receive up to $30,000 over two years or $45,000 over three years.

That change will require legislative approval, which could occur after she files a supplemental budget in the new legislative session that also includes a potential $400 million request to continue funding the system for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Healey has said that proposal will also include another major policy change  shortening the length of time families can stay in bridge track shelter from nine months to six months. That nine-month cap was a new policy that the governor implemented earlier this year.

Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues recently called the administrations new rules a movement in the right direction, and predicted a robust conversation among lawmakers when the administration seeks more money for the program.

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The administration is trying to wrestle costs of the EA program from roughly $1 billion down to about $400 million. That $1 billion estimate includes the costs of providing shelter, services for shelter residents, activating the National Guard, municipal payments, and other related costs.

The only changes going into effect this month are the reorganization of EA into the two-track system. The infusion of new funds into the system, shortening the length of stay and changing HomeBASE will all need legislative approval.

There is no reason, there is no reason why this needs to go into effect in a week, Alfred said. This is just the Healey administration deciding that theyre going to do this, thats the only reason.

Carolyn Chou, executive director of Homes for All Massachusetts, pointed to the below-freezing temperatures outside.

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Its going to put more and more families on the street as the weather gets colder and colder. In August we had families sleeping at train stations, and that was unsafe, but it was possible in August. That is not possible tonight. And so we cannot stand by and let this happen, Chou said.

Though providers and the state will provide assist families while in the 30-day overflow shelters, Turley said it is not enough time for a family to find a permanent housing in the current market.

Given the housing market and how quickly they can process HomeBASE applications, even 30 days is not realistic. Most families, even if theyre doing everything possible to exit the temporary respite centers, they wont have a place to go, Turley said.  Most of the language seems like its blaming families if theyre not able to exit in those short time frames.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is made up of 16 colleges across Kentucky. Its headquarters, above, is in Versailles. (KCTCS photo)

VERSAILLES  The Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents on Thursday approved 11 recommendations for changes to the system in response to a directive earlier this year from the state legislature.

Ryan Quarles (KCTCS photo)

The recommendations include changes to KCTCSs governance, making the system the sole provider of dual credit courses in Kentucky and evaluating areas for possible mergers and consolidations.

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Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, directed KCTCS to review and report findings on ways to improve the functionally of the two-year college system. The legislature set a Dec. 10 deadline for the report. The 11 recommendations will be presented to lawmakers on the Interim Joint Committee on Education next week.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles described the meeting to discuss the recommendations as an opportunity for the college system to redefine ourselves.

The 11 recommendations are:

Strengthen academic training and program offerings.

Establish a comprehensive KCTCS workforce plan that may include financial and academic supports, career counseling and experiential learning elements.

Evaluate KCTCS geographical footprint, including the need for merger and consolidations.

Preserve college-level accreditation and focus on shared services and integration across KCTCS.

Reform KCTCS governance, including the makeup of the Board of Regents.

Recommend a 100% outcomes-based funding model for KCTCS if the legislature will set KCTCS state appropriations at or above the average rate of comparable states.

Expand credential eligibility and funding for the Work Ready Scholarship.

Make no changes to the KCTCS personnel system.

KCTCS should be the sole provider of dual credit in Kentucky. Dual credit allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit.

Address transferability of associate degrees to four-year institutions.

Repeal outdated language and statutes in state law.

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Quarles became president of KCTCS in January amid concerns raised by several reviews, audits and studies. KCTCS released findings from a forensic audit in November, which found no fraud or criminal behavior but a need to improve internal policies and procedures.

Findings from a Huron Consulting Group study and audits were part of the foundation for the General Assemblys resolution calling on KCTCS to examine itself. That legislation was carried by Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester.

While presenting the recommendations to the board, Quarles, a former Kentucky agriculture commissioner and Republican state representative, recalled his own legislative experience. He emphasized that the 11 points were merely recommendations.

It is rare to have a piece of legislation where you agree with 100% of whats in it, Quarles said. So, Im asking you to do something that can transform this organization.

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Before the board voted on the recommendations, board Secretary Brianna Sanders Whitten made a motion to vote separately on the recommended changes to KCTCS governance, but the motion failed. The full recommendation includes changing the terms of appointed board members to four years instead of six with the chance to be reappointed.

All board members present Thursday ultimately voted in favor of the 11 recommendations.

KCTCS has more than 100,000 students across 16 colleges in Kentucky.

The system is currently facing a whistleblower lawsuit from a former chief of staff, Hannah Rivera, who alleges she faced retaliation for making numerous good faith reports of waste, mismanagement, and violations of the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In her complaint, Rivera said she wrote the legislation that became SJR 179. A motion hour will be held in the case next week  after the legislatures education committee meeting.

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The board went behind closed doors during Thursdays meeting for a 45-minute executive session to discuss proposed or pending litigation.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Clackamas County District Attorneys Office is asking the Oregon Department of Justice to take over the case of a former West Linn doctor accused of sexually abusing hundreds of patients under the guise of medical care.

Clackamas County DA John Wentworth said a new law passed in Oregon would make it easier to issue criminal penalties to doctors who sexually abuse patients. Senate Bill 974, spearheaded by Wentworth, was passed in 2023.

Pedestrian death 67th traffic fatality in Portland

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In 2022, former West Linn doctor David Farley was the subject of a criminal investigation for the alleged sexual abuse but a grand jury ultimately issued a not true bill against him, meaning there wasnt enough evidence to indict him.

Though Farley did not see a criminal conviction, he still might be held liable in a civil court as there has now been a lawsuit leveled against him and his former employers to the tune of nearly $1 billion.

Attorney Tom DAmore of DAmore Law Group is representing 170 women and underage girls who have accused Farley of sexual abuse. The lawsuit also accuses his former employers  including Family Health, Legacy Meridian Park Hospital and Providence Health and Services  of allowing the abuse to continue for decades.

Some of Farleys accusors have conducted public interviews on CNN. His alleged victims have accused him of grooming and committing sexually abusive acts on minors as young as 10 years old, the lawsuit said.

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Though Farley wasnt criminally convicted, his career as a medical professional has effectively ended. Following the accusations, the Oregon Medical Board revoked Farleys medical license in 2020.

Regardless of the outcome of the civil case against Farley, DA Wentworth said the introduction of the new law to hold accountable sex abusers who work in the medical field could still leave room for a criminal conviction  if the state of Oregon intervenes.

On Wednesday, Wentworth sent a letter to Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, urging her to take over the sex abuse case against Farley.

 (T)he allegations brought forth by these patients are deeply troubling and warrant a second review I believe a comprehensive review by your office, coupled with the trust you have developed with the plaintiffs attorneys and their clients, may provide the opportunity needed to move forward, Wentworth wrote in part.

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So far, SB 974 has been used in at least two criminal prosecutions in Oregon, the DAs office said.

Though it remains to be seen if Farley will be held liable  monetarily  in the lawsuit against him, the current lack of a criminal conviction means he wont face any jail time for the alleged crimes.

We had grave concerns about how the case was presented to the grand jury, what evidence was presented and frankly about the integrity of the entire process, said Courtney Thom, a partner with Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. Wentworth should have sought out the state Justice Departments assistance from the start of the investigation and not waited two years. We are hopeful the Attorney General will do what the Clackamas County DAs office and West Linn police department failed to do and get Farley into custody.

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Russian General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, held a rare phone call with U.S. General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Nov. 27, The New York Times reported on Dec. 4.

The conversation occurred just six days after Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, at Dnipro in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the strike was in response to Ukraine's use of American and British weapons to target deeper within Russia.

During the call, Gerasimov told Brown that the missile launch had been planned well before the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for deeper strikes into Russian territory, undisclosed official sources told the New York Times.

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Captain Jereal Dorsey, a spokesperson for Brown, confirmed the call, noting that it was conducted at Gerasimov's request and that Brown agreed not to announce it proactively.

The Nov. 21 Oreshnik missile strike on Dnipro prompted a media blitz in Russia. The Moscow Times on Dec. 3 described it as a carefully staged effort to intimidate Western allies.

Four Russian official sources reportedly indicated that the strike was primarily meant to display strength rather than escalation.

This undermines Putin's subsequent threats to use the Oreshnik missile to target "decision-making centers" in Kyiv, which appear increasingly aimed at sowing fear rather than signaling imminent action.

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Read also: Almost 40% of Russians think nuclear strike on Ukraine is justified, Russian sociologist says

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Students at the Sioux City Career Academy learned Wednesday how a simple yes can end up saving dozens of lives.

With the help of the Iowa Donor Network, students planning to go into the medical field were taught the life span of organs once they are removed and how being an organ donor can save someones life.

Ames company acquiring Sioux City-based construction firm

I know that impacts those that are receiving that gift, but also for the donor families that this tragedy has occurred and they cant change that, and so to find out somebody else whos living with that legacy of the loved one who gave that gift is just a tremendous gift, John Jorgensen with the Iowa Donor Network said.

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The presentation was for kids in the Career Academys medical and emergency services pathway, One student that wants to be a nurse told KCAU 9 what she thought about the presentation

I have always wanted to go into the medical field, and I feel like this is a very important process that deals with afterlife, Bishop Heelan senior Alexia Prieto said. Its very important to know about, especially going into this field.

According to the Iowa Donor Network, organ donations have decreased in the past year, but tissue donations are at a record high in Iowa.

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(Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that Honda would recall about 205,760 SUVs in the United States over a fuel leak issue.

The recall includes some Passport and Pilot vehicles from model years 2023-2025.

The filler neck tube and pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak on impacted models, the U.S. auto safety regulator said.

The NHTSA added that dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary for free.

(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Parents of students at Owensboro middle school are learning about the dangers of teen vaping. Health officials talked about the consequences of the trend this afternoon.

Depending on a childs substance use pattern, studies show a childs depression and anxiety levels can double. Nicotine increases chances of fight or flight response, withdrawal and increases heart rate.

The Green River District Health Departments Health Educator says some vaping products can house the equivalent of 90 cigarettes. Officials say thats the equivalent of 90 mg of nicotine.

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Nicotine is just one of the substances that lives inside the battery powered devices.

They contain aerosol. Aerosol is a liquid that when heated produces new chemical compounds that can head to shelves without being tested for safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says each month nearly half a million middle schoolers inhale those mystery chemicals.

Experts say companies reel in the youth with vibrant packaging and a variety of sweet flavors.

Officials say signs of use can include frequent trips to the bathroom during class time to use the devices, impulsive and unusual behaviors, and low attention span.

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Experts say tobacco companies also target the African-American and LGBTQ community.

They are more anxious and more nervous just because of maybe a lack of acceptance in the community. If things are promoted as a way to cope with anxiety, then theyll try it out and theyll do that, says Gary Hall of the Green River District Health Department.

One students grandmother attended to educate herself as a mental health professional.

Theyve been in homes where theyve been through different types of abuse. Theyll pick up the wrong coping skills. Im just trying to educate them and get them in a better direction, says Malinda Bettinger.

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Officials say the series of lunch and learns is a part of the Pritchard Committees community schools grant. Over the course of 5 years, school officials say the grant will distribute $47,000,000 through the state education system.

Every school district will get over $1,000,000 t o bring community resources to schools.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
It took a few years, but a real-estate firm representing a Lakewood landowner recently announced the sale of remaining parcels among nearly 30 acquired over the years with an eye toward multifamily development.

Commercial property broker Berkadia said the five separate transactions of bundled parcels to different owners generated more than $9.1 million in sales.

The seller represented by Berkadia is an LLC affiliated with Steve Borman, CEO of Keystone Masonry, Inc.

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The properties are all close to Lakewood Station and had been purchased through the years as prime sites for apartments and townhomes.

Even though the development market has been slow the last few years, we see that well-located sites near transit stations continue to drive a premium in the marketplace, said Mitchell Belcher, managing director at Berkadia, in a statement.

This aerial shows the parcel bundles in a nearly 30-parcel collection that have been marketed/sold in Lakewood since 2022, with the last ones sold recently.

As a result, the separate sites are set to see hundreds of units across 8.8 acres, according to available project details from Berkadia and the City of Lakewood. They are:

 Lakewood Station Apartments: 11419 Kendrick St. SW. Site sold in July 2022 for just over half-million dollars to an LLC affiliated with private developers. Project includes 15 units  a mix ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.

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 Lakewood Apartments (formerly known as Kendrick Landing): 4610 114th St. SW. The more-than 4-acre property sold in November 2023 for $5 million to LLC affiliated with Devco Residential, based in Washington, D.C. The project calls for 245 units with 100% rent-restricted at 60% AMI; currently under development.

 Kendrick Townhomes: 11110 Kline St. SW. Site sold in June 2024 for $1.6 million. The owner LLC is affiliated with the same development team that has announced plans for new townhomes in Tacomas West End (Harman Construction in partnership with Fulcrum Development). Project includes 44 market-rate townhome units in a campus-style development across nine separate buildings. The project in October was approved for an 8-year multifamily tax exemption.

 Kendrick Street Apartments: 11014 Kendrick St. SW (as indicated in county sales records). Site sold in May 2022 for $829,000 to a local builders LLC. Berkadia says the proposed project would include 11 townhome-style units across two three-story buildings and is undergoing a design review. No formal application has been filed, according to the city.

The final set of four parcels, 4400 111th Street SW., was recorded being sold at the end of October for $1.2 million to a local investor/developer. According to Berkadias project details, no pre-applications have been submitted for the site, though zoning does allow for development of more than 50 units. The property currently is home to existing multifamily properties, according to Berkadia.

Collection of sites took decades

In statements sent to The News Tribune accompanying Berkadias portfolio information sheet, Borman explained that his business first set up shop in 1992 on a leased parcel at Kendrick Street Southwest in Lakewood.

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He further explained that he eventually purchased the property with a vision of the Lakewood Station being across the tracks on Pacific Highway south, which would create the opportunity for a new residential development on Kendrick Street.

He added that for the past 27 years, he purchased a total of 28 parcels within several blocks of Kendrick Street, all with the idea of developing it into a multifamily community.

Ultimately, Borman said, he decided to sell when the time was right and to move his business to Puyallup.

The Berkadia team, led by Belcher, Jay Timpani and Brandon Lawler, handled the Lakewood portfolio and broke the parcels into smaller groups to help maximize the total value and make a bigger impact on the neighborhood, Borman stated.

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I am excited to see the long-term transformation near the Lakewood transit center in the years to come, he added.

Lawler, Berkadia senior director, was optimistic about the number of new units.

We expect over 300 units to be delivered to the market in the form of apartments, townhomes, and affordable multifamily units, he stated.
The beneficial owners and top managers of one of the most popular online casinos in Ukraine, Pin-Up, are suspected of collaborating with Russia, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) and the Prosecutor General's Office announced on Dec. 5.

The casino's owners, who are Russian citizens, allegedly collected personal data and information about the location of their users, including military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations.

The law enforcement agencies did not mention the name of the company in their statements. Olena Duma, the head of Ukraine's Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), said the suspects are the representatives of Pin-Up.

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Individuals associated with the casino operate in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast, contributing to the Russian state budget as well as financing the military-industrial complex and armed aggression against Ukraine, according to the DBR.

One of the unnamed accused individuals, who "controls the online casino's work," has been financing an organization that helped Russian veterans who fought in Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war.

In May, the Pecherskyi Court in Kyiv seized the accounts of Pin-Up's online casino. It later approved the transfer of over Hr 2.6 billion ($62.5 million) of the company's seized assets to the ARMA. The state agency in turn used those funds to purchase military bonds.

Pin-Up continues to operate in Russia and on Russian websites, the law enforcement agencies reported.

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Gambling was officially banned in Ukraine in 2009 until its legalization in 2020.

The negative impacts of gambling, especially on the Ukrainian soldiers, became a topic of public discussion in the spring of 2024 as a petition demanding restrictions on online gambling reached the president's table in March.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 approving restrictions on online gambling and banning it for the military while martial law remains in effect.

Read also: Prosecutors Office: 600 illegal online casino websites blocked in Ukraine since start of 2024

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Another apparent sickness outbreak has occurred aboard P&O Cruises Ventura ship, following a string of incidents throughout the year, according to reports.

A passenger aboard the vessel told the Daily Echo that cruise passengers had been advised not to gather in large groups via a ship-wide announcement.

The anonymous passenger claimed that people had been warned the sickness was gastroenteritis, and were advised that those feeling unwell should stay in their cabin.

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Gastroenteritis is a common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and is usually caused by norovirus or bacterial food poisoning.

It is unclear when exactly the outbreak on the ship occurred. According to CruiseMapper, Ventura is currently docked in Southampton dock after a round trip to Portugal and Spain.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson told The Independent: We work closely with relevant global and regional health authorities and we have approved, recognised and proven protocols that are in place throughout every cruise to uphold the health and wellbeing of all guests and crew onboard."

As a result of these measures, guests who are boarding the ship for sailing on Venturas itinerary today from Southampton will begin slightly later than scheduled.

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Ventura was subject to a deep clean in May after a norovirus outbreak onboard that led to passengers being asked to isolate in their cabins.

It was later revealed that the outbreak affected over 500 passengers and crew during a voyage from Southampton to the Canary Islands.

However, in May, P&O Cruises said that only 0.64 per cent of passengers were symptomatic on Wednesday 22 May, but failed to confirm how many suffered at the virus peak.

Last month, over 100 holidaymakers put forward claims for compensation via a solicitor company after the norovirus outbreak left passengers ill and isolated in their cabins.

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Claims for compensation have been submitted on behalf of 115 passengers who booked a holiday aboard P&O Cruises Ventura and were taken ill on various separate cruise holidays, mainly between April and June 2024.

Carnival, the parent company of P&O, was urged by London-based Hudgell Solicitors to take a sensible approach to resolving the claims over repeated outbreaks onboard over consecutive months.

Ventura has a capacity for 3,078 passengers, but it is currently unclear how many were most recently onboard and how many people had fallen ill.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  While fashion trends may come and go, one trend from the 80s may be making a comeback: Salmon hats.

On October 25, a viral photo of a Southern Resident orca at Point No Point, Washington, was spotted with a salmon on its head  also known as a salmon hat.

According to the Orca Network  a Washington nonprofit  the salmon hat phenomenon was first spotted in the late 80s among the endangered Southern Resident population.

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Portlands Arctic fox stricken with salmon poisoning; zoo asks for donations

This particular group of orcas was observed to engage in a short-lived trend of wearing dead salmon on their heads. More recently, a single photo of an adult male orca with a salmon perched on his head has sparked a firestorm of memes and media attention about the retro trend returning, Orca Network Program Manager Stephanie Raymond told KOIN 6 News.

The orca in the photo was identified by researchers as J27 Blackberry, which isnt the most social orca in the pod, according to Raymond, noting the orca in the photo was initially mistaken for another orca named Mike.

That particular whale [in the photo] actually was mistaken for another individual when the photo first came out. These whales all have personalities, and those of us who spend time with them, we kind of know what to expect. It was actually the original whale, J26 Mike, that was who they first thought it was. And I thought, Well, of course, if anybody was going to do that, it would be him. So, I was actually a little bit surprised to learn it was Blackberry. He seems to be a little bit more stoic than Mike, Raymond said.

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Blackberry is an interesting guy. He travels, usually with his sister, and hes not the most gregarious of the Southern Residents, Ramond added. With Blackberry, I can think of a couple times when hes made a close pass to shore, or a close pass to a boat that I was onbut hes not one thats just going to come right up and be your friend.

While some orcas have been seen wearing salmon hats, experts are not sure why they engage in the behavior.

Within each group, they have a lot of different social behaviors, and one of the things that we have observed in multiple different groups are these sort of cultural trends or social trends, just like we have fads of one year, scarves are in season, and one year pointed toes versus box toes or something like that, Raymond said.

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In the late 80s, one of these trends was observed where members of the endangered Southern Resident orca population  that is seen in Puget Sound and southern British Columbia, along the Pacific Northwest coast, and down as far south as Monterey Bay, California  this population was witnessed for a brief time to be carrying dead salmon on their heads. And so, this was referred to as the salmon hat trend, and it lasted for a few weeks in the summer, and that was it. Why do they do that? We really have no idea. Why does any trend exist that humans do, right? Raymond explained.

Portland International Airport detours foot traffic in December amid ongoing renovations

When they find them, we typically see them in kelp beds, where theyre kind of stretching the kelp with their tails or carrying it on their dorsal fins or their rostrums. They like to interact with what they find in their environment, and [the October salmon hat sighting] might have just been an extension of that activity, Raymond said, noting theres been an instance where an orca was spotted with kelp on its head.

My understanding from the photographer is it was just the single frame. In the next frame, [the salmon] wasnt there. So, it was one of those once-in-a-million shots. And in all likelihood, what happened is that Blackberry was chasing a salmon, and maybe chased it up to the surface and missed when he went to eat it, and maybe it just kind of rolled back on its head, or something like that. Its hard to know exactly what the circumstances were, but it does seem like it was purely a coincidence that this photo showed a salmon on this whales head, Raymond said.

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While salmon hats are a former trend, experts say there isnt enough evidence after the October sighting to call it a revival.

These whales have a paparazzi following. So, anytime theyre around, there are literally hundreds of people on the shores watching with cameras. And if this was actually a trend happening again, we would have lots and lots of evidence to support that, and were just not seeing it, Raymond said.

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According to the Orca Network program director, the possible salmon hat sighting could be a sign of a growing chum salmon population in Puget Sound.

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Southern Residents have spent a lot of time in Puget Sound this fall. Theyve already spent more time there this fall than they have in all of last winter combined, which is usually when they come in following the chum salmon runs. And we have had record-breaking chum salmon runs in Puget Sound this year. So, if nothing else, the salmon have been really abundant, and the whales have been taking advantage of that, Ramond said. So, whether it was a deliberate act on Blackberrys part, or the one that got away, or who knows, there were plenty of fish out there this fall, and thats been really, really good news for them.

Dr. Deborah Giles  a science and research director with the Wild Orca nonprofit and a resident scientist at the University of Washington  told KOIN 6 News she is unsure when the salmon hat trend fell out of use after the 80s, noting whales could have still been wearing them even though humans didnt observe it.

I kind of think that it probably has something to do with a behavior that they may engage at times of higher prey abundance, meaning theyre not having to forage as much in order to get their basic metabolic needs met, Giles said. We see a tremendous amount of foraging these days.

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Right now, down in South Sound, theres a lot of chum salmon, so thats why we have had large numbers of whales down there for longer periods of time than we normally see them. And theyre staying for longer periods of time because theyre foraging on those fish, Giles explained, It may just be that theyre getting enough to eat at that day, so they could be hanging on to that fish in order to kind of retain it to share with another pod member.

According to Giles, witnessing the salmon hat behavior could be at risk. The Southern Resident population was listed as an endangered species in 2005, when there were 88 orcas in the world. Now, theres around 73 and they are among the top eight imperiled species, Giles said.

These whales are not getting enough to eat throughout their entire range, throughout the entire year. We need to be making sure that were increasing and recovering wild salmon stocksif we do a better job of making sure that these whales have enough to eat every day throughout their entire range, we may be rewarded with getting to see some of these behaviors like whales wearing salmon hats, Giles said.

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We know from our analysis of [whale fecal samples] that 69.8% of the females in this population who are getting pregnant, who we have gotten samples from, are not able to bring their calf to bear. Theyre getting pregnant, but they lose their calf, and 33% of those pregnancies are lost in the latter part of the of a 17-month pregnancy. So, this is very bad news, Giles said.

Blackberry is a 33-year-old male and one of the oldest in the pod, which Giles calls a shocking statistic given male orcas can live into their 60s but researchers are seeing them die prematurely as they enter their breeding age.

While the population is at risk, Giles said there is hope to restore the species, noting, We need to be doing a lot more to recover this population, so that hopefully we can continue to be the observers of these fun activities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Chris Sununu swears in House lawmakers for the 2025 to 2026 legislative biennium on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Two Londonderry Republicans will lead the New Hampshire House and Senate for the next two years, after being formally voted in by their peers Wednesday.

Sherman Packard was reelected House speaker, beginning his third term in the job with a much more comfortable legislative majority than the last term.

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And Sen. Sharon Carson was chosen to be Senate president, overseeing a 16-8 Republican-controlled chamber and succeeding longtime Sen. Jeb Bradley, who is retiring this year.

The elections were part of Organization Day, when newly elected senators and representatives are sworn into office, and the House and Senate choose the secretary of state and state treasurer.

Heres what you need to know.

House Speaker Sherman Packard (left) and Senate President Sharon Carson, (right) on the House dais shortly after both were elected to their leadership posts on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Packard, Carson call for civility

Introducing Packard before voting began, Rep. Lisa Mazur, a Goffstown Republican, praised Packards legislative priorities.

With his extensive experience, he has championed legislation that supports parental rights, strengthens our economy, safeguards personal freedoms, and ensures that every tax dollar is spent wisely, she said.

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Rep. Ted Gorski, a Bedford Republican, drew attention to what he said were Packards evenhanded temperament and skills at conflict resolution.

Recently, Sherm and I had a difference of opinion on an issue, and after the issue played out, we were emailing back and forth, and I decided to call Sherm, but Sherm beat me to the punch, he said. He actually called me, and we had a great conversation. As the call ended, it was evident to me that Sherm would not harbor any bad feelings, but his goal was to maintain the relationship.

In his own speech, Packard called for civility between members of both parties.

Weve got two tough years ahead of us, he said. Philosophically, in many cases, we are going to have different opinions on subject matter.  But by God, that doesnt mean we cant be civil and friendly and cooperate with each other when we are on the same page.

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Packard urged special caution around social media practices, saying he wished Facebook and Twitter  now called X  didnt exist. And, he said, my door is open.

Democrats nominated Rep. Alexis Simpson, of Exeter, as speaker. She lost that bid but will be the House Democratic leader, succeeding Rep. Matt Wilhelm, of Manchester, who is continuing to serve as a representative.

Whatever it is, whatever bill you want to pass and send to the governors desk, you cannot do it alone, Simpson said in her own election speech. None of us can. We need to work together in this body to make the changes that we envision.

Following House rules, the speaker was elected via a secret ballot. With 388 representatives casting votes, 202 votes went to Packard, 162 went to Simpson, 17 were scattered votes for other candidates, and 7 ballots were left blank.

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Carson, who won by unanimous vote in the Senate, promised to work to preserve and expand the New Hampshire advantage, ensuring that our state remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and communities flourish.

I am energized by the work ahead together. We have an opportunity to build on the traditions of civility and collaboration that makes this chamber truly unique, she said.

Sen. Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka, a Portsmouth Democrat and the Senate minority leader, seconded the motion to elect Carson.

I hope there will be things we can work together on this session, she said. Such as: We all know our residents need housing. We all know our businesses need workforce. And we all know our families need child care.

Secretary of State Dave Scanlan and New Hampshire Treasurer Monica Mezzapelle are sworn in by House Speaker Sherman Packard for the 2025-2026 term after being elected by the House and Senate on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Scanlan, Mezzapelle stay on as secretary of state and state treasurer

The House and Senate reelected Dave Scanlan as secretary of state and Monica Mezzapelle as state treasurer. Neither were contested.

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Accepting his election, Scanlan said the past two years had been busy.

We have had a lot of successes, but the largest one is in preserving the first-in-the-nation presidential primary, which is something that everybody in this room gets behind, Scanlan said. We faced the largest challenge to the primary in the primarys history, and I think the aftermath is still as relevant as it ever has been.

In a nomination speech for Mezzapelle, Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, a Nashua Democrat, praised her sound professional judgement on borrowing, which she said had contributed to New Hampshires S&P Global Ratings increase from AA to AA+ in March, which will save the state millions.

Shes been incredibly successful here with interest coming in $85 million ahead of plan for last fiscal year and $46 million ahead of plan for the current year today, Rosenwald added.

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Mezzapelle, who has served in the role since 2020, said the pandemic had provided economic challenges and opportunities for the state.

One of the key takeaways for me is the importance of being prepared, Mezzapelle said. The need to assess risks and develop policies and plans that can guide us during good and also not-so-good times.

The first lawmaker resignation

The 2025 session has not yet begun, but there is already a special election needed.

Rep. Dawn Evans, a Democrat from Somersworth, has resigned her seat because she has moved out of her district. Her resignation letter was read by House Clerk Paul Smith Wednesday.

The resignation changes the balance of the House to 221 Republicans, 177 Democrats, and one independent; Somersworth officials will need to schedule a special election to fill the seat soon.

New permanent legislative committees

As the housing shortage continues unabated, the New Hampshire House now has a permanent committee dedicated to housing bills. That came about as part of a rule change, and is a response to what Deputy Speaker Steven Smith called a growing need.

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I think both sides want this, he said. I know the public wants us to do it.

The House also moved to divide a longstanding committee  the Education Committee  into two separate committees. Those will be the Committee on Education Policy and Administration and the Committee on Education Funding. Smith argued the change was needed because there are so many education-related bills that lawmakers on the Education Committee are being inundated.

And the Senate has created a new permanent committee, too: the Committee on Children and Family Law. The body did not detail the reasons for the creation of its committee.

Tightening ethics rules

On Wednesday, the House and the Senate both adopted a set of ethics rules proposed by the Legislative Ethics Committee that will require lawmakers to recuse themselves from far more votes than before.

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Spurred by a law passed by the Legislature in 2024, House Bill 1388, the new ethics rules prevent lawmakers from voting on bills if they have a personal conflict of interest or if they or a family member could expect to benefit  or suffer  financially if the bill were to pass or fail.

A lawmaker who requires recusal is someone who founded the company or organization, is a substantial contributor, is paid based on the revenues of the organization, has control over the organizations expenses or budget, or who owns a controlling interest in that organization.

While the Senate passed the new rules easily, the House had some hiccups. Some Republican lawmakers requested that the vote be postponed by a month  or tabled  because they said they had not had enough time to read and review the final ethics changes. But those lawmakers failed to achieve the votes necessary to do so and the ethics rules moved ahead.
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A Pakistani court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, in a graft case, local TV ARY News said, a move that could lead to her rearrest two months after she was freed from jail on bail.

Bushra Khan, known more commonly as Bushra Bibi, a term that denotes respect, was released from prison in October after being detained for nine months over an ongoing case involving the illegal sale of state gifts during her husband's tenure in office from 2018 to 2022.

Both she and Khan, who is currently imprisoned pending other trials, are accused of allegedly selling gifts worth more than 140 million rupees that Khan received during his premiership and which belonged in state possession. They both deny the charges.

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Bibi, 50, who mobilised thousands of supporters from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to demand his release during massive protests last month, was forced to escape to the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is ruled by the party, after a paramilitary force broke up the rally in Islamabad.

The court in Islamabad issued a fresh warrant in her name in the same case on Thursday, ARY News reported, potentially allowing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan's anti-graft agency, which enjoys jurisdiction across the country, to arrest her.

The protests turned violent and Khan's party alleged, without immediately providing evidence, that hundreds of its supporters had suffered gunshot wounds, leaving nearly a dozen dead.

The government has denied it, saying no protesters were killed.

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid; Writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar and Asif Shahzad; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistans state-run airline is preparing to resume direct flights to European countries early next month, officials said Thursday, days after the European Unions aviation safety agency lifted a ban on Pakistan International Airlines flying to Europe over compliance with its safety standards.

The ban on PIA by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency had been in place since 2020 after 97 people died when a PIA plane crashed in Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province.

The ban was causing a loss of nearly $150 million a year in revenue to PIA, officials say.

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Airline spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said after more than four years the first direct flight from the capital Islamabad to Paris will resume in early January.

He told The Associated Press that EASA has expressed complete satisfaction over the safety standards of PIA and that arrangements are underway to resume PIA's flights to other cities in the European countries.

The EU agency had said it was concerned about the validity of the Pakistani pilot licenses" when it imposed the ban in 2020. It said it was concerned about Pakistan's capability in certifying and overseeing its operators and aircraft in accordance with applicable international standards.

The Airbus A320 plane carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members from Lahore crashed in a residential area in May 22, 2020 while trying to land at Karachi airport. There were only two survivors.

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Pakistan's then aviation minister said during investigations that nearly a third of Pakistani pilots had cheated on their pilots exams. PIA at the time grounded 150 pilots.

A government probe later concluded that the crash was caused by a pilots error.

Travel agents on Thursday said customers were making calls to inquire about the new flights.

Hafeez, the PIA spokesman, said the airline will soon announce the schedule of flights to other destinations in Europe.

If you have your breakfast in Pakistan, you will be having your lunch in Paris, he said.
Alexandria Diaz remembered her father, Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, for his tenacity and determination to never accept failure as an option.

Deputy Tim McCarthy described Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller's ability to cheer up a colleague with a quirky joke and a charm "that made you feel like you were the most important person in the world."

And PBSO Cpl. Thomas Dague recalled his friend Cpl. Luis Paez's perseverance, describing a time when Paez overcame a shoulder injury to pass a motorcycle class on his way to becoming a decorated officer.

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Those were some of the memories and stories shared as thousands gathered Tuesday for a memorial service to honor Waller, Paez and Diaz, who each suffered fatal injuries on the morning of Nov. 21, when an SUV struck them along the side of Southern Boulevard west of Wellington.

Paez and Waller died at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach within hours of the crash. Diaz died there four days later. All three men were members of the sheriff's motorcycle patrol team.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Memorial for three fallen deputies
The race is on for Palm Beach County students to finish the semester strong and prepare for the holidays: Those attending district-run school have just three weeks of classes between Thanksgiving break and the break for the winter holidays this year.

Students will be out of school from Monday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. They'll return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

That's the last long stretch of time off until spring break, when school will be out from Monday, March 25 through Monday, March 31.

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As students and parents prepare for this year's holiday celebrations, their eyes may be turning to next school year to plan holiday trips, graduation parties and family vacations.

Luckily, the calendars for the 2025-26 and the 2026-27 school years have already been set by Palm Beach County's school board. Here are important dates for next school year and beyond:

2025 school calendar: When is the first day of school, Thanksgiving break, holiday break?

Here are the important dates for the 2025-26 school year:

Monday, Aug. 11: First day of school for students

Monday, Nov. 24 through Friday, Nov. 28: Students off school for Thanksgiving (the holiday is Thursday, Nov. 27)

Monday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 5: Students off school for winter break (they return Tuesday, Jan. 6)

Monday, March 16 through Monday, March 23: Spring break (students return Tuesday, March 24)

Friday, May 29: Last day of school for students

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In addition to these breaks, students also have sporadic days off school throughout the year for holidays. Parents can find the full 2025-26 school year calendar on the district's website.

Delray Beach resident Kattly Nelson crosses Northwest Third Terrace with her twin 8-year-old boys, Bryan, left, and Ryan Nelson, as crossing guard Oscar Saturno holds up a stop sign to traffic during the first day of school at S.D. Spady Elementary School in Delray Beach, FL., on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

2026 school calendar: When is the first day of school, Thanksgiving break, holiday break?

Here are the important dates for the 2026-27 school year:

Monday, Aug. 10: First day of school for students

Monday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Nov. 27: Students off school for Thanksgiving (the holiday falls on Thursday, Nov. 26)

Monday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan. 4: Students off school for winter break (they return Tuesday, Jan. 5)

Monday, March 22 through Monday, March 29: Spring break (students return Tuesday, March 30)

Thursday, May 27: Last day of school for students

Parents can find the full 2026-27 school year calendar, including days off for holidays, on the district's website.

Students line up in the cafeteria before heading to class on the first day of school at Grove Park Elementary School on August 12, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

What about school start times? What are the options?

While the schedule for the school year remains consistent, middle school students will be required by law to start classes after 8 a.m. and high schoolers after 8:30 a.m. beginning in 2026.

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The school district is considering three plans to rearrange start times, asking parents, teachers and community members to weigh in now on how to make it happen.

Currently, most district-operated high schools begin about 7:30 a.m., elementary schools begin about 8 a.m. and middle schools begin about 9:30 a.m.

Here are the three options:

Option one: Elementary school would start first and run from 7:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m., high school would go from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and middle school would run from 10:15 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

Option two: Middle school would start first at 8 a.m. and go until 2:35 p.m., high school would start at 9:15 a.m. and run to 4:35 p.m. and elementary school would start last at 9:45 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m.

Option three: High school would start first at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m., elementary school would begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:05 p.m., and middle school would start at 10:20 a.m. and last until 4:55 p.m.

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Earlier this year, the district launched an online survey to collect comments on the three plans. The survey closed last month.

School board members have discussed trying to ask the Florida Legislature for an exemption to the new start times because Palm Beach County's complex busing system covers 2,300 square miles.

The school board will set its legislative priorities later this year. The legislative session begins March 4.

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Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When are Palm Beach County students off for 2024 winter holidays?
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP)  Paraguay on Thursday kicked out a Chinese envoy for allegedly interfering in its domestic affairs and urging the South American nation to break off ties and long friendship with Taiwan. The Chinese diplomat was given 24 hours to leave the country.

In a curt statement, Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had revoked the visa of Xu Wei, a senior Chinese envoy to Latin America who was in Paraguay for an annual UNESCO meeting, declaring him persona non grata over interference in internal affairs."

The day before, Xu skipped the UNESCO session and instead turned up at Congress in Paraguay's capital of Asuncion, where he caused a diplomatic stir by calling on Paraguay to ditch Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island of 23 million people that China claims as its territory.

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Paraguay is the only nation in South America and one of just 12 worldwide that recognizes Taiwan as a country. The Paraguayan government has stayed firm in its commitment  even as Beijing ramps up its lobbying of foreign counterparts to stop recognizing the island.

In recent years, four countries in Latin America  Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador  cut ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing, whose one-China principle forces countries to choose between having full diplomatic relations with China or Taiwan.

From the halls of the futuristic Congress building in Asuncion that Taiwan helped fund, Xu stressed Beijings interest in establishing relations with Paraguay, but said the onus was on officials in Paraguay to make the first move.

It is either China or Taiwan," he said. "I recommend that the government of Paraguay make a correct decision as soon as possible.

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Addressing lawmakers, Xu dangled the prospect of expanded trade with Beijing among thousands of other advantages. Some members of the Paraguayan Congress, citing farmers' struggles to export soybeans and beef to China, have argued that the nation stands to benefit from a diplomatic flip in the long run.

Chinas trade with South America has grown exponentially in recent years, reaching nearly $500 billion as of 2023, according to data from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

On Wednesday, the Taiwanese Embassy in Paraguay lashed out at China on social media platform X, calling Xu an infiltrator who seeks to undermine the firm friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan" that dates back to 1957.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Two parents have petitioned the state Supreme Court to restore state-funded scholarships to attend private schools under South Carolinas Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program.

Back in September, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the ESTF could not be used to provide funds for school tuition. They cited the Blaine Amendment, which was originally designed to restrict funds to religious schools. The Institute for Justice, which is helping the parents with the petition, stated that South Carolina and multiple states used the amendment as a basis for removing funds from being spent on any private school. This meant that families could not use the funds to transfer their children to private schools.

South Carolinas ESTF program was originally created in 2023, and gave low-income families a $6,000 scholarship that parents could use to purchase educational expenses. When the program was created, expenses included tuition and fees at public and private schools, textbooks and curriculum for homeschooling, tutoring, school supplies, therapies, exams, and extracurricular activities, as well as any other educational expense approved by the Department of Education.

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The petition argues that the states application of its Blaine Amendment is unconstitutional.

You can read the petition here.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Parkland Public Safety responded to reports of a threat that happened near the college on Wednesday.

Troy Daniels, Chief of Police at Parkland said there was a phone call that was threatening violence to a nearby facility.

Death of missing Champaign man Jaylyon Rucker being investigated as homicide

It happened at the Illinois workNet Center on Mattis Avenue near the College. There are some Parkland classes in the area, and students were put on lockdown out of caution, according to Parkland Police.

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According to authorities, the suspect was arrested off campus. Hes facing a misdemeanor charge.

The Champaign Police Department assisted Parkland College in the police response.

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Two Georgia parents who prosecutors say were known to host underage drinking parties were indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday for their alleged role in a car crash that killed their daughters friend earlier this year.

Sumanth Rao, 50, and Anindita Rao, 49, were charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and maintaining a disorderly household in connection to the death of 18-year-old Sophia Lekiachvili, the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office announced in a press release.

Prosecutors say that on the night of Feb. 23, the Raos allowed their daughter, her friend Lekiachvili, and another friend, 18-year-old Hannah Hackemeyer, to drink at their home before knowingly allowing them to get inside a vehicle, according to the press release.

Sophia Lekiachvili, 18, was killed following a drunk driving incident in Georgia in February. VSCO

District Attorney Sherry Boston told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday that the teens were openly drinking a bottle of wine in front of the Raos, and at around 11:45 p.m., they told the father they wanted to go for a drive.

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Boston told reporters the parents allowed the teens to leave the house and take the open bottle of wine with them in the front seat. Less than 30 minutes later, DeKalb County Police Department responded to a 911 call about a single-vehicle crash and found Hackemeyers blue Mazda CX-5 flipped upside down in the roadway.

Hackemeyer and the Raos daughter were able to crawl out of the vehicle, but Lekiachvili was trapped in the front passenger seat, according to the DAs press release. She later died from her injuries at a nearby hospital.

Data recovered from the cars airbag control module showed Hackemeyer was going 98 mph at the time of the incident and never tapped on the brakes, according to the press release. Her blood alcohol concentration came back 0.046, which is about twice Georgias legal limit for someone under the age of 21.

An attorney representing Hackemeyer did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Court records show the teen posted bond at $25,500.

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Hackemeyer was indicted on charges including three counts of homicide by vehicle, three counts of serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol under the age of 21, driving under the influence of alcohol less safe, reckless driving, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a passenger area.

Boston called the crash a foreseeable consequence of the nights events in a statement attached to the press release.

At the press conference, the district attorney said the incident was not an anomaly and that the Raos have a repeated pattern of allowing teens to drink in their home.

Halloween, Homecoming, the last day of school. The Raos home was the party house where teens could freely consume alcohol without interference from the adults who lived there, Boston said.

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According to data cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 32 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving crashes daily. In 2020, vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers accounted for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the nation.

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Screenshot of Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco (taken from a video on the Pasco County Sheriff Office's Facebook page)

The Pasco County Sheriffs Office has admitted in a settlement agreement made public on Wednesday that its policy of keeping a list of people considered likely to commit future crimes and sending deputies to their homes violated the U.S. Constitution.

As part of the settlement, the office will pay $105,000 to four Pasco County residents who were targeted by the law enforcement agency and is barred from implementing any similar program in the future.

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The program, dubbed Intelligent Led Policing by the Sheriffs Office and predictive policing by its critics, first came to light in a series of reports by the Tampa Bay Times in 2020. The paper reported that after Sheriff Chris Nocco took office in 2011, he created a cutting-edge intelligence program designed to stop crime before it happened, which led to the harassment of children and their families.

The Times found that Pasco County residents who got caught in the agencys sights were placed on a list as potential criminals and subjected to harassment, often having deputies show up at odd hours. More than 12,500 times, the reporters found, deputies checked on the people identified by a departmental algorithm as targets.

Those targeted were cited for violations such as missing mailbox numbers or overgrown grass. The paper reported that one of the goals of the program was to encourage those who made it onto the agencys list to move away.

The Institute for Justice (IJ) filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of four Pasco residents in 2021. But just as the trial was set to begin, the Sheriffs Office and the plaintiffs reached the settlement. The agency agreed that the program had interfered with the plaintiffs First, Fourth, and Fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Glorified Excel spreadsheet

For years, the Pasco Sheriff ran an unconstitutional program, harassing kids and their parents because a glorified Excel spreadsheet predicted they would commit future crimes, said IJ Senior Attorney Rob Johnson in a statement. Today the Sheriff acknowledged that dystopian program violated the Constitution and agreed never to bring it back.

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For years, the Pasco Sheriffs Office treated me like it could do anything it wanted, said Darlene Deegan, one of the four Pasco residents who filed the lawsuit. But today proves that when ordinary people stand up for themselves, the Constitution still means what it says.

Dalanea Taylor, Tammy Heilman, and Robert A. Jones III are the other plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

In 2023, the Sheriffs Office denied in a statement given to Spectrum News that they had ever engaged in predictive policing.

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As Pasco Sheriffs Office has consistently maintained, we do not, and have never, engaged in any programs or techniques that are, in any way, shape or form, predictive policing, it read.

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We appreciate that the Dept. of Justices Bureau of Justice Assistance requested an independent third party review of the Focused Deterrence program which concluded, to directly quote the final assessment by the BJA third party review, that there was no identified disproportionate impact on people of color and that the program showed a promising body of evidence suggesting that the strategy may be effective.'

The statement went on to say that [w]e welcome a review of any of our programs and are confident the results would be the same as the review of the Focused Deterrence program, specifically that media accounts of our operations are wildly different than our actual operations.

Pulitzer Prize

According to the Tampa Bay Times, which received a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2021 for a series of articles exposing the initiative, about 1,000 people were monitored under the program, including children.

Pasco Countys prolific offender program turned the criminal-justice system on its head, said IJ Senior Attorney Ari Bargil. In America, we deal with crime by convicting criminals in court, not by punishing people we think might be criminals in the future. It took three years to teach the Pasco Sheriffs Office that lesson, but we expect todays settlement will help other jurisdictions learn a little quicker.

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The Pasco Sheriffs Office sent the Phoenix a statement this afternoon:

The Pasco Sheriffs Office will never apologize for keeping our community safe and holding those who victimize our community accountable for their actions.

It is important to note that this is the final case tied to the false reporting alleged by former members of the Sheriffs Office who were held accountable and disciplined for their actions. In all previous cases, courts ruled in favor of the Sheriffs Office and, in this case, a court also found that the Sheriffs Office written policies were constitutional.

To be clear, this activist group from outside our community represented four individuals and this is related to these four individuals only.

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As a steward of taxpayer dollars, the Sheriff must adhere to that responsibility and, when presented with a financially minimal settlement agreement of $105,000, which is significantly lower than anticipated attorney costs for trial which could have reached millions of dollars, accepting the settlement was the best decision for the taxpayers of Pasco County. This was strictly a financial decision that was best for the taxpayers who fund our operations and will be paid for by the Florida Sheriffs Association Risk Management Fund.

We continue to protect and serve our community and will continue to be tough on crime and make sure those who victimize our community will be held accountable. We will, again, never apologize for keeping our community safe.

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The Hawaii Department of Agriculture today confirmed that another backyard flock of birds infected with avian influenza was discovered in the Pearl Harbor area.

A family had adopted two ducks from Susies Duck Sanctuary in Wahiawa before the was confirmed and reported there in mid-November.

These two ducks tested positive for H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza. The two were quarantined at a private veterinary hospital and euthanized, according to HDOA.

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Seven other ducks on the familys property were also euthanized due to possible exposure to the two infected ducks from the sanctuary.

The property was sanitized, and no further infections have been detected, HDOA said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists two infected backyard flocks on Oahu on its dashboardone involving 70 birds on Nov. 15, and another involving nine birds on Nov. 18.

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A wild duck at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku tested positive for H5N1 last month, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was randomly tested as part of another project, and exhibited no symptoms at the time.

HDOA said tests following a report of more than a dozen dead zebra doves at a Kaimuki property last month, meanwhile, yielded negative results for H5N1.

Hawaii residents may report sick or dead birds, particularly multiple birds, to HDOA at 808-483-7102 (during business hours ) or 808-837-8092 (after business hours ).

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Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) indicated support for President Bidens controversial move to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.

Pelosi told The Hill on Wednesday when asked for her thoughts about the Hunter Biden pardon: I support the president.

Asked if she supports the pardon specifically, Pelosi added: The pardon, yes.

The former Speakers comments stand in contrast to those from a wave of Democrats on Capitol Hill and beyond who have criticized President Bidens move.

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Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) posted that the pardon was wrong, while Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) said it puts personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, on Wednesday said he understood the impulse as a father, but as someone who has spent a lot of time at this podium talking about the importance of respecting the rule of law, its disappointing.

The president announced a full and unconditional pardon for his son on Sunday night, sending shock waves throughout Washington. It marked a major reversal for the White House, which for months insisted the president would not pardon Hunter Biden or commute his sentence.

Hunter Biden, who was the subject of intense scrutiny from Republicans who at times pushed unproven claims about him, was facing sentencing this month on tax and gun charges.

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Pelosis stance is also notable given the circumstances of President Biden dropping his reelection bid this summer. The Hill reported at the time that Pelosi was one of the Democrats working behind the scenes to urge Biden to drop his presidential bid.

She later publicly said in a New York Times interview after the election that she wished Biden would have gotten out of the race sooner so there could have been an open primary process to choose his replacement.

The current leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), responded to Bidens pardon on Tuesday by calling for more pardons for nonviolent offenses.

During his final weeks in office, President Biden should exercise the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life, including toward his son, and pardon on a case-by-case basis the working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses, Jeffries said in a statement.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  At least one South Dakota county and possibly others this fall didnt comply with a state law on absentee voting.

South Dakota Board of Elections member Scott McGregor of Rapid City says he went to vote on Friday, September 30, but the Pennington County auditors office was closed.

McGregor brought the situation to the attention of other state election board members, including South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, during a meeting on Wednesday.

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State law sets a 46-day period for absentee voting.

The Pennington County Courthouse operates on a four-day week, 7 a.m. MT to 6 p.m. MT, Monday through Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.

That does clearly violate the 46-day rule of current law, McGregor said.

McGregor told of his experience during consideration of changes to South Dakota election laws that the secretary of state might seek in the 2025 legislative session that opens January 14.

He suggested that state law should be amended so that the person in charge of an election in a county shall nonetheless make arrangements for the office to be open for the limited purpose of accepting absentee ballots or applications.

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SDPB says Noems cut would put programming at risk

Pennington County Auditor Cindy Mohler was among the half-dozen people in the audience.

Staff is there 44 hours, she said in defense of when the Pennington County Courthouse is open.

Mohler noted that auditor offices in some other South Dakota counties routinely were closed on Friday afternoons.

A new member of the state board, Kent Alberty of Sioux Falls, suggested that days could be changed to hours, so that counties would have more flexibility.

Mohler said that any change made to the 46-day law would need to include when the county auditor office must be open.

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There are variable hours across the state for counties, she said.

Harding County Auditor Kathy Glines said some county auditor offices were open on Saturday afternoons so that they could receive absentee ballots from college students.

Mohler didnt support McGregors proposal.

We would have to modify what we do on Fridays and have security, Mohler said.

McGregor replied, I think everybody in the state should have the same opportunity.

McGregor said he had spoken with five other Pennington County residents who told him they wanted to vote on that Friday, too.

If we dont do anything, we have a law being violated, he said.

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(Getty Images)

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphias free newsletter to keep up with the citys public school system.

The Pennsylvania Department of Educations recent decision to rescind guidelines about culturally relevant teaching practices has some Black educators in Philadelphia worried about the impact on teacher recruitment in a district where the student body is already far more diverse than its mostly white teaching force.

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In November, the state settled a lawsuit with a conservative advocacy group by agreeing that prospective and practicing teachers will no longer be required to adhere to guidelines that included developing awareness of how their own unconscious biases could affect their approach to teaching and their expectations of students.

The settlement didnt ban cultural competence training, and the department promptly issued new  albeit optional  guidelines that preserve much of what existed before. The new guidelines also expand the recommended training for teachers to include trauma awareness and technological competencies.

But Black educators in Philadelphia say the settlement agreement has them concerned their state is moving backwards even as members of the incoming Trump administration have threatened to withhold federal aid from districts that engage in any initiatives that could be construed as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, known as DEI, which is a frequent target of the right.

Crystal Edwards, principal of the W.D. Kelley Elementary School in North Philadelphia, sees the states move as yet another attack on learning about and appreciating the history of African Americans  a situation that is only likely to get worse during a Trump administration, she said.

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Teachers dont have to learn to respect Black children, and America voted for that, she said.

Aliya Catanch-Bradley, principal of Bethune Elementary School, said that educators must make sure the history and cultures of students we serve are in the literature and books they read and in the media that surrounds them so they can see themselves in the educational context.

Leaving culturally-responsive teaching practices up to individual districts is unfortunate in a state that has so many small districts and a high incidence of book banning of international and multicultural texts, Catanch-Bradley said.

Sharif El-Mekki, head of the Center for Black Educator Development, said the Pennsylvania settlement could be an unfortunate harbinger of what to expect during a second Trump administration.

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Its the same playbook they use all around the country, he said, they try to erase progress.

However, districts such as Philadelphia say they will continue to build culturally relevant practices into their professional development programs. Monique Braxton, a spokesperson for the district. said in a statement the old guidelines were never officially released to school districts to implement.

Despite the settlement, Braxton said our curriculum and professional learning will continue to be focused on the implementation of high quality instructional resources to accelerate student achievement  and being inclusive of the students that we serve in Philadelphia.

Conservative group calls settlement a triumph

The settlement was a result of an April 2023 lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society on behalf of three school districts and several parents and students. The suit challenged the states Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education Program Framework Guidelines, known as CS-RE, which were adopted in November 2022 after a long campaign by the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium.

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CS-RE was meant to require school districts to actively consider what does it mean for underrepresented groups in the state to feel more included in educator systems, El-Mekki said.

But the lawsuit alleged that the mandated guidelines were part of a woke curriculum and violated teacher First Amendment rights. In its complaint, the plaintiffs said that making teachers aware of their unconscious biases was a highly ideological belief and represented compelled speech.

The Thomas More Society described the settlement as a triumph.

Conservative groups have often gone to court to force changes in education policy, including a campaign to ban any explicit DEI initiatives in school districts and to limit affirmative action in college admission.

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The settlement agreement also comes as Philadelphia  and the rest of the country  struggles with a teacher shortage crisis. Philly schools have hundreds of positions still unfilled on a permanent basis months into the school year and another 1,100 teachers with emergency certifications, meaning they are not fully qualified in the subjects or grade levels they are teaching.

One of the drivers of this crisis has been a steady decline in the number and proportion of teachers in Philadelphia who are Black. More than 50% of city students are Black, but less than a quarter of teachers are, and just 4% are Black men  although that number is twice the national figure of 2%.

El-Mekki said that among Black males who go to college, education is among the most popular majors. The problem is that inequities in K-12 education have impacted Black males to a greater degree than other segments of the population. A recent study by the Schott foundation found that while more Black students are graduating from high school, fewer are attending college, especially males.

That, he said, is due in part to how they feel they are treated during their own education.

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There is a reason that more African Americans dont go into teaching, El-Mekki said. What they experience during their own schooling makes them less likely to enter the teaching profession themselves. And the attrition rate among Black teachers is higher than for other groups, he said.

That speaks to how educators of color experience their colleagues and supervisors, he said. We all have to take collective responsibility, and not just assume people of color arent interested. There are reasons, and we have to be mindful of how we listen and how we act.

Culturally-responsive teaching is valuable for everyone, Black educators say

Training about cultural differences is valuable for all teachers, not just those who are white. Makiah Burroughs, who is Black, grew up in Philadelphia and attended mostly charters; El-Mekki was her principal at Mastery-Shoemaker. Burroughs said shes seen the need for culturally responsive teaching firsthand.

During her own schooling in Philadelphia, she said, most of her teachers were white. A lot of the teachers quit, she said. They were overwhelmed. They couldnt understand the kids.

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Fortunately, she said, her own teacher education at the University of Virginia included training on being culturally aware, which she said was invaluable in helping me be the best teacher I could be. Most of the children she worked with during her student teaching were white and from rural areas.

It was a big process for me, putting all that effort to align with those students in Virginia and being able to understand them culturally, socially, and emotionally, she said.

Now, Burroughs is a freshly-minted educator, teaching literacy skills to second graders at Mastery Mann Elementary School in West Philadelphia. To come back to Philadelphia and for culturally relevant training to not be a requirement my state of Pennsylvania seems crazy to me, she said.

She and other Black educators are wary of what may happen during the second Trump administration.

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Ismael Jimenez, the director of Philadelphias social studies curriculum, said he feared the Trump administration and Republican majorities in Congress could try to use a threat to withhold federal education aid as a cudgel on districts that maintain DEI initiatives or continue to promote culturally relevant teaching

The Pennsylvania case making culturally relevant teaching optional, along with a newly emboldened federal government might create an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among educators here, he said.

The culturally relevant piece, even the symbolism of that history being taught, is a threat to many within the society, Jimenez said. The triumph here, he said referring to the Thomas More societys statement, seemed to be the right for teachers to avoid being self-aware.

While promoting equitable teaching practices is part of the Philadelphia Board of Educations Goals and Guardrails, Jimenez noted, the city is still venturing into the waters of culturally relevant education.

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It did so after discovering that one of the major concerns of parents and community members was a lack of cultural sensitivity on the part of some people who work in the districts schools.

In a city like Philadelphia half the demographic is Black students, said Nyshawana Francis-Thompson, Philadelphias chief of curriculum. We can never not teach about who they are. Its going to make it difficult if there are no spaces to learn about the students you are responsible for educating,

Edwards, the Kelley principal, did hit on a note of optimism: We have a long way to go, and weve come a long way, and its important to acknowledge how many victories we have won.

Dale Mezzacappa is a senior writer for Chalkbeat Philadelphia, where she covers K-12 schools and early childhood education in Philadelphia. Contact Dale at dmezzacappa@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM)  Two Pennsylvania men will spend life in a federal prison for their role in a violent drug trafficking organization.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said Dewayne Quinones, 30, and Mayco Alvarez-Jackson, 27, both of Reading, were sentenced to life in prison for murder, kidnapping, and drug crimes, among others.

The two were members of the Trinidad drug trafficking organizations, a group authorities say was responsible for numerous homicides, kidnapping, and more, including a quadruple homicide in January 2018.

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The Trinidad organization thoroughly terrorized the Reading area for years, said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. Through remorseless violence they controlled their turf, to keep pushing their poison and making their money. As this case shows, my office, the FBI, and our local law enforcement partners will never cede control of our communities to violent drug gangs. Well continue to work on the publics behalf to lock up these dangerous offenders who shatter folks sense of security and quality of life.

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The two men, plus ringleader Jesus Feliciano-Trinidad, were convicted in a federal trial last December.

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In total, fifteen men were charged in connection with the organization.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Little Rock charity The Van has been helping the homeless community since 2010.

Just recently, founder Aaron Reddin was ready to take it to the next level by purchasing a building that would be an overnight shelter for the homeless population.

City of Little Rock and The Van partner to provide emergency shelter

But then, seemingly out of nowhere, everything crashed.

The price was right and everything was right for us; it was lining up to be a perfect deal, but at the last minute our bank unfortunately pulled out, Reddin said.

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Feeling defeated, Reddin did something he said he rarely does: He took to Facebook and asked the community for help with funding.

I went to bed pretty deflated but excited because giving was picking up from a Facebook post, Reddin said.

Little Rock city officials appoint new chief homelessness officer

Like many others, Kim Kitchens was one of the donors who felt moved by that post.

That was overwhelming to me to know that the bank turned them down and that they were at a loss, Kitchens said. You could tell in his wording.

When Reddin woke up, it was like a Christmas dream come true.

Donations from across the nation totaled nearly $50,000, on top of $20,000 already put aside.

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Arkansas homeless advocates react as more cities adopt ordinances against public camping

Because of the money raised, Reddin has requested an extension to buy the building until Monday.

As of Friday, The Van has raised $118,000. Those interested in donating can do so at TheVan.org.

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A person of interest is in custody Thursday after a deadly shooting in Chicagos Lincoln Park neighborhood last week, according to Chicago police.

No charges have been filed, and police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Alexander Nesteruk, 34, approached people near the sidewalk in the 2400 block of North Clark Street, leading to an altercation just before 4 p.m. Nov. 27, police said. A man pulled out a gun and shot Nesteruk in the chest before fleeing in an unknown direction, police said.

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Nesteruk, of Wheaton, was taken in critical condition to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he died Monday afternoon, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy on Thursday confirmed that Nesteruk died from a gunshot wound to the chest and was ruled a homicide.

Police released photos and videos Tuesday of the alleged gunman to help identify him. The video shows a man dressed all in black.

rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  A person of interest sought by Chicago police in connection with a deadly Thanksgiving Eve shooting in Lincoln Park is now in custody, authorities said Wednesday night.

The news comes one day after CPD released images of the person of interest, who police linked to the Wednesday, Nov. 27 shooting death in the 2400 block of N. Clark Street near the Lincoln Park Zoo.

CPD said 34-year-old Alexander Nesteruk, of Wheaton, approached a group of people on the sidewalk in the area and an altercation broke out among them.

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During the altercation, an unknown male pulled out a gun and opened fire on Nesteruk, striking him in the chest. Emergency crews rushed Nesteruk to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He died days later on Monday, Dec. 2.

The alleged gunman fled the scene, police added.

According to Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward), Nesteruk was exhibiting erratic and dangerous behavior at the time of the shooting and engaged with the offender aggressively prior to the incident.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Police said their investigation remains ongoing.

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PERU  A Peru man recently acquitted of murder but convicted of burglary and robbery in the death of another man in November 2021 was sentenced to 35 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

That sentence handed down last week against defendant Deandre Sneed Jr. will be executed in prison, according to court documents.

Sneed is the last of the co-defendants to be sentenced in the Nov. 28, 2021, death of 23-year-old Converse resident Anthony Leadford.

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Back in September, Converse resident Benjamin Jones was sentenced to 45 years in relation to the case after he pled guilty to a single charge of murder.

Then in October, Marion resident Donuia Harris was sentenced to 10 years in the IDOC after pleading guilty to a level 4 felony charge of burglary.

Several other charges, including murder, were dismissed per terms of Harris plea agreement.

And last month, 22-year-old Aryan Vandiver-Stone, of Indianapolis, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison after he pled guilty to robbery resulting in serious bodily injury in connection to Leadfords death.

Investigators say it was Nov. 28, 2021, when officers with the Indiana State Police were dispatched to an apartment in the 100 block of West Wabash Street in Converse in reference to a possible shooting, according to initial police reports.

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When officers arrived on scene, they located Leadfords body, and police say he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

An autopsy conducted on Leadfords body determined the mans death was a homicide, police stated at the time.

Upon further investigation, authorities pointed to a drug debt as a possible motive.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed through the Miami County Prosecutors Office, Leadfords girlfriend  who was in the apartment with her two children when the shooting occurred  told authorities that Leadford had been receiving threats from Jones concerning a drug debt, and Jones came to the apartment a couple hours before the incident to confront Leadford about it in person.

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At that time, Leadford reportedly told Jones he didnt have the money to pay him and he needed to leave, Leadfords girlfriend told investigators, and thats when Jones told Leadford they would be back.

Leadfords girlfriend also told investigators that earlier in the day, Jones had contacted her phone and messaged her numerous times on Facebook to state he was going to get Leadford, noting Leadford allegedly owed Jones $200.

When she wrote Jones back to say the money wasnt her problem, Jones reportedly told her it was her problem because she was dating Leadford, court documents noted.

Then, around 10 p.m. Nov. 28, 2021, Leadfords girlfriend reported Leadford and she were awakened by three armed individuals when they kicked open their apartment door and entered their bedroom. The affidavit also noted a fourth individual might have been in the living room where her two small children were sleeping.

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Leadford then told the men  later identified as the defendants in the case  he didnt have money but was allegedly shot as he tried to get out of bed, Leadfords girlfriend told police.

After the shooting occurred, the men reportedly fled the apartment with a cellphone and car keys, court documents stated.

During the course of the investigation, police spoke with the four defendants in the case, with each denying they pulled the trigger, court documents indicated.

Jones told authorities during his interview that Vandiver-Stone and one of the juveniles went into Leadfords bedroom, though he also told investigators he thought Vandiver-Stone was getting ready to shoot so he looked away, reportedly putting him in the bedroom during the shooting, the affidavit indicated.

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During his own interview with police, Vandiver-Stone stated he was busy looking for items of value to take from the residence, when he heard shots fired in the bedroom, court documents note.

And when police interviewed one of the other defendants involved, not publicly named as Harris or Sneed in the affidavit due to their juvenile statuses at the time, he reported he didnt know Vandiver-Stone and the others were going to Leadfords residence, rather that they were going somewhere to party or link up with girls, the affidavit stated.

He also added he stayed behind in the car and heard five or six gunshots before Vandiver-Stone returned to the vehicle and drove away, per court records.

Police later discovered a green 9mm Taurus inside one of the juvenile defendants underwear, and a search of an apartment belonging to a relative of that same juvenile ended up in the seizure of two more 9mm handguns as well, police stated in the affidavit.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Trump transition team may be looking to swap out another key Cabinet nominee.

Trump is considering selecting Florida Gov. Ron Desantis as his new pick for defense secretary, potentially replacing embattled Fox News host Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth continues to fight for his defense secretary nomination.

We had great meetings with senators today, Hegseth said.

President-elect Donald Trump is considering a plan to possibly replace the controversial Fox News host with Gov. Desantis.

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Hegseth has faced allegations of past sexual and workplace misconduct.

He previously denied those and didnt address them on Wednesday, but he says his meetings with senators are going well.

Our founders are brilliant in this process of advise and consent. Its been edifying, Hegseth said.

Despite the allegations, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) says he wants to give him a chance.

If the president wants him to be secretary of defense, then people ought to give him a shot, Hawley said.

Not only are the allegations against Hegseth concerning for Democrats, but his qualifications are also being called into question.

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I dont see much in his background that qualifies him to run, what is perhaps the biggest enterprise, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said.

When it comes to Desantis as a possible replacement, Sen. Kelly says hes at least qualified.

I think he has what you would look at on paper as the requisite kind of experience you would want in the secretary of defense, Kelly said.

In a post on X, Hegseth shared a photo from his Army days and said he wont back down.

He plans to meet with more senators this week.

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Pete Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill Thursday in hopes of saving his troubled nomination for defense secretary as a key senator signaled shes still not sold on his bid.

The controversial Fox News host was set to meet with a few of the senators who will determine his fate and sounded a confident note about what he claims is President-elect Trumps continued support.

Maybe its time for a (defense secretary) who has led in combat, tweeted Hegseth, a veteran who has faced allegations of excessive alcohol use and sexual harassment.

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Hegseth failed to immediately win over Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is considered a key vote because she is a decorated veteran who survived sex assault in the military.

A number of our senators, they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared and thats why we have to have a very thorough vetting process, said Ernst, a day after a closed-doors Wednesday meeting with Hegseth. The vetting will continue, I am certain, through the next month or so until we approach that hearing date.

Hegseth Thursday was expected to meet with five more GOP senators including Rick Scott of Florida, Jim Banks of Indiana, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, all staunch pro-Trump loyalists, as well as Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), a figure from the partys establishment wing.

Vote-counters say Hegseth is still well short of winning over 50 of the 53 available Republican votes he needs to win confirmation in hearings that will take place in the new year.

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Although Hegseth has said he retains Trumps strong support, the president-elect has reportedly not been actively working to twist arms on his behalf.

Team Trump also confirmed reports that the once and future commander-in-chief has spoken directly to one-time bitter rival Ron DeSantis about potentially taking Hegseths spot if his nomination goes down in flames.

Hegseths nomination was controversial from the start because of his lack of extensive management or high-level command experience along with his statements opposing women serving in combat roles.

Hes since been rocked by a string of revelations about sexual harassment and even a rape allegation along with many claims of excessive alcohol use.

He has denied ever having a drinking problem and has promised senators that he will not drink if he wins confirmation.
(MONUMENT, Colo.)  A new petition calling for the stop of the expansion of Buc-ees has surfaced online after hundreds gathered on Tuesday, Dec. 3 to voice their opinions over the proposed gas station.

The petition lists various reasons for the Monument Town Board to shut down the development. One of them points out that the gas station would threaten the quiet and low-density lifestyle of Woodmoor/Colorado Estates, which would be within 1000 feet of homes.

Palmer Lake Buc-ees site developer holds public meeting

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The petitions organizer, Travis Dezellem, also wrote other Buc-ees in Colorado are around a mile away from the nearest neighborhoods.

Our Woodmoor neighborhood is more than just a collection of houses; the petition said. It is a community and a lifestyle that we wish to preserve for all our current and future residents.

Other reasons the petition lists include traffic issues as Buc-ees sees 7,000 to 12,000 cars daily, disruption of the towns water sources, and criminal activity. If approved, Buc-ees would be located west of I-25 and east of Beacon Lite Road near the County Line exit.

These concerns are not just theoretical. Studies show that such developments can decrease nearby property values and alter the character of communities. The project contradicts Palmer Lakes Community Master Plan, which aims to discourage big-box or large franchise businesses.

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Per the 2022 Palmer Lake Community Master Plan, a survey performed showed that respondents did in fact not favor franchise businesses, nor want it close. Guiding Objective ED-1.2 also discourages the development of any of these businesses as they are available directly outside of Town limits.

The respondents do not favor franchise businesses and care about the appearance of commercial and industrial development. They also do not want commercial or industrial development close to neighborhoods, the plan states.

Buc-ees developers answered questions from individuals who attended the meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and said they would pay for any of the improvements CDOT would require.

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.

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As for the water concerns, the town of Palmer Park has a third party evaluating the water to ensure there is enough. At the moment, over 2,000 have signed the petition to stop the expansion.

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees is scheduled to establish whether Buc-ees is eligible to annex the land for the site on Thursday, Dec. 12.

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Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A 100-year-old man and a 102-year-old woman who met at their senior living home in Philadelphia ended up falling in love and getting married, earning them a Guinness World Record as the world's oldest newlyweds.

Guinness World Records confirmed Bernie Littman and Marjorie Fiterman broke the record for the oldest couple to marry (aggregate age) when they tied the knot at the senior living facility where they both reside on May 19.

Littman and Fiterman met at a costume party at the facility and later discovered they had both attended the University of Philadelphia at the same time, but never crossed paths as students.

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Sarah Sicherman, Littman's granddaughter, told the Jewish Chronicle the pair were "so lucky to have found each other and be a support to each other, especially during the pandemic."

She wrote on social media that Littman and Fiterman "both had 60-plus years of marriage to their first spouses and found love again at 100 years old!"

Rabbi Adam Wohlberg, who officiated the ceremony, told Fox News the couple had "eventually reached the point where being not just close friends -- but husband and wife -- felt like the right step to take."

Littman credited his long life to reading and staying up-to-date on world events, while Fiterman attributed her longevity to buttermilk.

"They both love each other's humor and intellect," Sicherman told Guinness World Records, "they keep each other young."
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine police officials said Thursday they are checking reports that a kidnapped American died after being shot twice while resisting his Oct. 17 abduction by gunmen in the countrys south.

Elliot Onil Eastman, 26, from Vermont, was shot twice with an M16 rifle while trying to fight off his four kidnappers, who posed as police officers, in the coastal town of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte province, police said.

The kidnappers dragged him to a motorboat and sped off, according to earlier police reports.

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A massive search for Eastman and his abductors led to the arrest of a number of suspects, but he has not been found. Three suspects were killed in a gunbattle with police in the south last month.

Regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan said investigators received information from a relative of one of the suspects that Eastman died due to gunshot wounds in the thigh and abdomen while being taken away by his abductors.

The kidnappers decided to throw his body into the sea after he died, the relative said. The information about Eastmans death was later corroborated by a key suspect in the kidnapping who was arrested recently, and his sworn statement has been submitted to government prosecutors, Sawan said.

Criminal complaints of kidnapping have been filed against several suspects, he said.

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We are constrained to believe that he has died. All of the information that we have points to that, Sawan said. But he added that without the victim's body, were still leaving a little bit of hope that it may not be the case" and police would continue their investigation.

Philippine police have informed Eastmans Filipino wife and the U.S. Embassy in Manila about his reported death, Sawan said.

The embassy said it's aware of the police report and is coordinating with Philippine authorities, but did not comment further due to privacy considerations.

Eastman traveled out of the Philippines and returned to Sibuco to attend his wife's graduation when he was kidnapped. He had been posting Facebook videos of his life in Sibuco, a poor, remote coastal town, where the suspects spotted him, police earlier said.

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They said the suspects appeared to be common criminals who did not belong to any Muslim rebel groups which have been accused of ransom kidnappings in the past.

Security problems have long hounded the southern Philippines, the homeland of a Muslim minority in the largely Roman Catholic nation.

The southern third of the Philippines has bountiful resources but has long been hamstrung by poverty, insurgencies and outlaws.

A 2014 peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest of several Muslim separatist groups, has considerably eased widespread fighting in the south. Relentless military offensives have weakened smaller armed groups such as the Abu Sayyaf, reducing kidnappings, bombings and other violence.

The Abu Sayyaf has targeted Americans and other Western tourists and missionaries, most of whom were freed after ransoms were paid. A few were killed, including American Guillermo Sobero, who was beheaded on the southern island of Basilan, and a U.S. missionary, Martin Burnham, who was killed while Philippine army forces were trying to rescue him and his wife, Gracia Burnham, in 2002 in a rainforest near Sibuco.
(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing on Thursday, a government official said, following fresh encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

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The latest complaint brings to 60 the number of protests Manila has filed against Beijing this year, said Teresita Daza, spokesperson for Manilas Department of Foreign Affairs. The total comes to 193 since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in July 2022, she said.

Philippine vessels encountered aggressive actions from Chinese vessels in the contested waters on Wednesday, including ramming and firing of water cannon, in the disputed Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal, according to the government. China said it implemented control measure after Philippine ships dangerously approached its patrol vessels.

Read: China-Philippines Tensions Flare Again With New Skirmishes

Marcos government has been pushing back against Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea  a key global trade route thats also rich in energy resources  citing a 2016 international tribunal decision that dismissed those claims in favor of Manila.

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Before Wednesdays encounter, the Philippines accused China of using a Navy chopper to harass Filipino fishing boats around Iroquois Reef, another contested area. China has disputed the Philippines allegations saying its actions are reasonable and lawful.

They add to previous skirmishes between ships of the two nations this year. Philippine and Chinese diplomats agreed to ease hostilities over Manilas resupply missions to its military outpost in Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea after meeting in July. That took place weeks after one of the most serious maritime clashes between them, where a Filipino sailor lost his finger.

(Updates with confirmation of filing and adds details throughout.)

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Gov. Jared Polis approved Senate Bill 24-065 June 5.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Sherri Mendez tells WesternSlopeNow on Jan. 1, this new law will crack down on distracted driving and make it illegal to have your cell phone in your hand at all while behind the wheel.

She says phone mounts on the windshield or dashboard are still allowed, otherwise folks should use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

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If you do break the new law, first-time offenders receive a $75 fine and they are given two drivers license suspension points. Mendez also states that $75 fine can be waived upon proof of purchase of a hands-free system like a window or dash mount. Fines will increase for recurring offenders.

Another vehicle-related law, House Bill 24-1055, also takes effect Jan. 1.

The bill increases the age at which children are required to use a child restraint system from under 8 years of age to under 9 years of age.

It also means kids 2 years old and 40 pounds and under must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat.

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In other news, House Bill 20-1343 has two phases, the first of which went into effect January 2023.

Colorado Department of Agricultures Dan Zangari tells WesternSlopeNow the next phase goes into effect this January.

The final phase moves to requiring a fully cage-free facility for all egg-laying hens for those that are going to be sold and distributed throughout Colorado.

Zangari says this will only apply to farms with three thousand or more birds.

Owner of Green Junction Farmstead Dawn Adams is happy to see this step in the right direction, though she says cage-free and free-range are two very different things.

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Adams suspects the prices of eggs will rise a little since the major producers might have to invest in some new infrastructure to meet the new guidelines.

However, in her eyes, this could be an incentive for residents to shop local.

Several more laws will take effect on the first  if you want to find out more information, they are available on the Colorado General Assemblys website.

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A Syrian photographer working for the German press agency DPA has been killed in an airstrike in the Hama countryside, where the government forces of Bashar al-Assad are involved in fierce fighting with an advancing rebel opposition group.

DPA, or Deutsche Presse-Agentur, said its photographer Anas Alkharboutli was killed while accompanying and reporting on the advance of the revel alliance, in a story published on its website Wednesday.

A local journalist who witnessed the strike told CNN the 32-year-old photojournalist had been near the town of Morek, about 17 miles (27 km) north of Hama, at the time.

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The northern countryside of Hama is currently the site of fierce fighting between government troops and a rebel coalition whose recent taking of Aleppo, the countrys second-biggest city, has reignited the countrys long-running civil war.

The Syrian defense ministry said Wednesday it was attacking the rebels on all their axes of movement and that airstrikes were being carried out by warplanes from both Syria and Russia, which backs the Assad regime.

DPA said Alkharboutli had been waiting at a bridge with journalists from other media outlets when their position was bombed twice, presumably by Syrian government warplanes.

He died at the scene and was buried in Idlib Wednesday, DPA said.

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DPAs editor-in-chief Sven Gosmann paid tribute to the award-winning Alkharboutli, saying With his pictures, he not only documented the horrors of war, but always worked for the truth.

Mourners and colleagues surround the body Syrian photojournalist Anas Alkharboutli, during his funeral in Syria's northern city of Idlib on December 4, 2024. - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images

Rebel advance

The news of the photographers death came as the commander of one of the rebel groups claimed to have surrounded from three directions the city of Muhradah, about 16 miles northwest of Hama.

Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, of the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group, said in a statement aimed at the civilians of the predominantly Christian area that he had urged his fighters to protect them.

We have treated the sons of the Christian faith well in Idlib (another city under rebel control) and Aleppo, and we will also be keen to protect you and preserve your property, so I call on you to be reassured and ask you to reject the psychological warfare practiced by the criminal regime, so do not leave your homes and villages, al-Jolani said in a statement.

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HTS, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, is one of several well-established armed Islamist factions who, despite their differences, are united in fighting Assad, ISIS and Iran-backed militias as part of the so-called Military Operations Command coalition.

Also part of the coalition is the Syrian National Army  an umbrella group of factions with various ideologies that receive funding and arms from Turkey.

Following its taking of Aleppo just days ago, the rebel coalition appears to be focusing its efforts on Hama, a strategic city about 85 miles south.

Taking it would bring them closer to Syrias Mediterranean coast.

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In a statement Wednesday, HTS urged Hamas Alawites  the minority group to which President Assad belongs  to detach themselves from this regime.

Hama, Syrias fourth-largest city, is considered the regimes first line of defense for a group of Mediterranean coastal towns and villages with large Alawite communities.

In what many interpreted as a sign of the growing pressures facing Assad, the Syrian president issued a decree Wednesday increasing the fixed salary of government military personnel by 50%.

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Boston Police Department have released new surveillance photos of the alleged jewelry thief that is accused of stealing over $250k worth of items from a high-end Boston spa.

The incident occurred on November 19, when Boston police were dispatched to the G2O Spa and Salon for a reported robbery.

Police have described the suspect as a white female, possibly in her 20s, standing around 54 tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds, with blonde hair and dark roots.

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The owners of the stolen jewelry are offering a $20,000 cash reward for any information leading to the return of the stolen jewelry. The couple asked anyone with information to reach out to reward20kcash@gmail.com.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened late Wednesday night.

According to a press release, troopers responded to a crash just after 10 p.m. on Mapleton Street SE south of US 30 in Osnaburg Township in Stark County.

Threat closes local school district

According to the initial investigation, troopers say the driver of a pickup truck failed to negotiate a curve, went off the road and hit two trees.

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Erich Law, 27, of East Rochester was pronounced dead at the scene, OSHP reports.

A passenger in the vehicle was taken to the hospital for treatment.

OSHP reports alcohol use is suspected to be a factor in the crash.

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A Pittsburgh man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted murder and assault of a federal officer agent about three months after police say he fired multiple shots at a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in Carrick.

On August, 30, Drew Gordon, 22, assaulted and attempted to murder the agent while he was working on an unrelated investigation, a five-count indictment filed on Tuesday said. The agent was not shot, but his vehicle was hit multiple times.

Drew Gordon allegedly fired as many as 18 shots at a DEA agent, striking the agents vehicle multiple times, while the agent was simply doing his job: keeping our streets safe, said U.S. Attorney Olshan in a press release. Violent assaults on law enforcement, whether federal, state, or local, pose a major threat to the safety of our communities.

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The U.S. Attorneys Office of Western Pennsylvania said the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other law enforcement agencies, gathered evidence linking Gordon to the shooting, including cell phone location records, cell phone data, surveillance video, and vehicle records and data. Investigators found 10 spent 9mm casings on the scene, and five additional shell casings from the vehicle were allegedly used during the shooting.

Later that evening, authorities executed a search warrant on Gordons home, where agents said they found over 100 bricks of fentanyl, approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine, approximately four ounces of powder cocaine, and approximately $10,000 in cash. Agents also seized a 9mm Glock pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, an empty 9mm Glock magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine.

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The Democrats have won back the House. Rahm Emanuel, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), nearly tripped over himself on the way to the microphone to claim the credit. In fact, while the tidal wave in the House looks like a bit of strategic genius by Emanueland pundits are starting to call it that way (Howard Fineman on MSNBC noted that the Democrats even picked up a seat in Kentucky, where the 3rd District candidate was John YarmuthEmanuels fourth choice! Fineman exclaimed, as if in awe of the power possessed by Emanuels mere table scraps)in race after race, it actually represents the apotheosis of forces Emanuel has doubted all long: the netroots.



In two competitive House races in the Bluegrass State, Emanuels first choices lost by 9 and 12 points. In the 2nd District it was Colonel Mike Weaver, the cofounder of Commonwealth Democrats, a group of conservative Democratic state legislators. In the 4th, it was Ken Lucas, a former congressman whom Robert Novak recently called moderate conservative in a column Emanuels recruiting coup in coaxing Lucas out of retirement. Both were the kind of candidates Emanuel has favored in his famous nationwide recruiting drive. Yarmuth, meanwhile, was founder of the states first alternative newspaper, said things on the campaign trail things like the No Child Left Behind Act ... is a plan deliberately constructed to create failing schools, and called for a universal health care system in which every citizen has health insurance independent of his or her employment.



It was a pattern repeated across the country. New Hampshires 1st District delivered carol Shea-Porter, a former social worker who got kicked out of a 2005 Presidential appearance for wearing a T-shirt that said turn your back on bush. That might have been her fifteen minutes of fameif, last night, she hadnt defeated two-term Republican incumbent Jeb Bradley. For the chance to face him, however, she had to win a primary against the DCCCs preferred candidate, Jim Craigwhom Rahm Emanuel liked to much he had the unusual move of contributing $5,000 to his primary campaign. Shea-Porter dominated Craig by 20 pointsand then was shut out by the DCCC for general election funds.



Not all Emanuels losing recruits were beaten in primaries. Some were beaten in the general election. Christine Jennings, a banker and former Republican gunning for Katherine Harriss former House seat lost in a squeaker to conservative Republican Vern Buchanan. Dan Seals, a black moderate in the Barack Obama mold who criticized the Democratic Party even in speeches to Democratic crowds, lost to the Republican incumbent in Emanuels backyard, Illinoiss 10th Districtas did the DCCCs most talked-about recruit, Tammy Duckworth of Illinoiss 6th. Emanuel poured as astonishing $3 million into her campaign. It bought her a four-point defeat. Activists say the money would have been better spent on all the promising candidates to whom Rahm wouldnt give the time of day.



Many of them won anyway. John Hall is poised to become the Democrats version of Sonny Bonoa former environmental and anti-nuclear activist and co-author of the hit 1970s hit Still the One, he just won New Yorks 19th District House seat. Chris Carney, now heading to Washington to represent Pennsylvanias 10th, beat beleaguered incumbent (and alleged strangler) Don Sherwood. Until Carney was ahead by double digits, complained Howie Klein of DownWithTyranny, a blog that backed his candidacy, Rahm wouldnt take his phone calls. Larry Kissell, a high school social studies teacher, is, as of this writing, in a statistical dead heat with an incumbent Republican from of all places, North Carolina. Says Klein: If Rahm had a little bit of foresight to see this guy was for real, and to see that he was a candidate who could have won, a little bit of money would have made all the difference for him.



Still, Kissell didnt go into battle unarmed. The thing all these successful candidates share in common is backing by the same dirty-necked bloggers and netroots activists that pundits have been calling the political kiss of death. Yarmuth, Shea-Porter, Hall, and Kisselin addition to Democratic pickups Jerry McNerney in California, Joseph Sestak and Lois Murphy in Pennsylvania, Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota, Bruce Braley in Iowa, Kristin Gillibrand in New York, and Senators-elect John Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohiowere all beneficiaries of a PAC called Blue America, a joint project of the blogs Firedoglake, DownWithTyranny, and Crooks & Liars. Most of the candidates we support come directly from our readers, Klein says.



Some of their chosen beneficiaries were hopeless and remained so. The bloggers say thats the risk you take when youre trying to build a party infrastructure for the long term. Others were hopeless, however, only until the netroots-types got their mitts on them. When Klein decided that all Larry Kissell needed was a boost, he remembered how radio guys used to use long gas lines as promotional opportunities. Together, they arrived at an idea: Kissell would subsidize the sale gas at a filling station in his North Carolina district at the price it sold for when the incumbent had entered office$1.22 a gallon. A line of cars soon stretched down the thoroughfare. The unknown Democrat was suddenly all over TV, shaking hands and pitching a hard Democratic message. He started inching up in the polls.



By the end of October, he was doing so well that Emanuel, finally smelling the pickup opportunity, added Kissell to DCCCs Red to Blue fund-raising program. Emanuel had been too preoccupied to notice Kissell, Howie Klein complains: He already had a darling North Carolina candidate: Heath Shuler (who also won his election last night). But Shuler wont even commit to voting for Pelosi, Klein groused. He probably tossed a coin to decide if he was going to run as a Republican in Tennessee or a Democratic in North Carolina.



The bloggers, blunt as they may be, think they have a better plan for building a lasting Democratic majority. Last nights results suggest the rest of us should start taking it seriously.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  On Wednesday, Sedgwick County commissioners considered a new plan to control property tax spending by using sales tax revenue to fund some quality-of-life services.

It came as commissioners were hearing many complaints about high property taxes. The county mailed property tax bills last week.

Ive already started getting phone calls. I can always tell when they go out because I do receive phone calls, Commissioner David Dennis said. Yes, taxes have gone up, but the cost of government has gone up also, and this board has worked diligently trying to keep the property tax for the Sedgwick County portion as low as possible.

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Commissioners Jim Howell and Ryan Baty believe the county should only use property tax money to pay for core government services, like the sheriffs office, the fire department, 911, and roads and bridges.

Howell proposed funding quality-of-life services, like the Sedgwick County Zoo and Exploration Place, through the sales tax.

Why some people did not get their Sedgwick County property tax bill

We gave $2 million to CAC (Child Advocacy Center)  I voted for it. $2.5 million to EP (Exploration Place), which I supported. We just earmarked $2.5 million to the elephant exhibit, which I supported, he said. We can still do those things with sales tax.

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He said it would help the county convince state lawmakers that Sedgwick County is careful with its money. Currently, when the county goes to the Kansas Statehouse and asks for property tax relief, the legislators argue that Sedgwick County is known for being wasteful with its property tax funds.

Howell said it would also help convince taxpayers that the county uses the money wisely.

If I say to them, 100% of your property taxes goes to pay for really important parts of government, things like roads and bridges and public safety and human services, if I tell them all your taxes are going to these things specifically, you know what? Theyre like, Well, I understand that, and theyre satisfied, he said.

Baty agreed.

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Sales tax dollars should go to things that we deem are not core functions, he said. It does not mean we dont value them. It does not mean were not proud of them. It does not mean we wont support them. It just means we dont take property tax dollars to use those, and thats a first principle that many of us said that we live by.

But Commissioner Dennis was against the plan.

What this does is it handcuffs all future commissioners so that they dont have a choice, he said. Im arguing that this board should not be the one to make decisions for future boards.

I understand you think this is handcuffing a future commission, Howell said. Weve been handcuffed on all kinds of things that former commissioners have voted for. I dont want to start listing them here, but you know what Im talking about. I dont think this is handcuffing. This is a principle to live by.

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Ultimately, only Howell and Baty voted for the resolution to pay for quality-of-life services with sales tax money. Dennis and Commissioners Pete Meitzner and Sarah Lopez voted against the plan.

Howell said he would not let a no-vote stop him from pursuing the matter.

Ill try this again in January. Ill try it again two years from now, as long as it takes, he said. This is going to continue to come up. I believe theres going to be support for this at some point, and it does matter.

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PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron's office said on Thursday a draft agreement clinched between the European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc was "unacceptable".

The Elysee issued the statement as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Uruguay with the aim of finalising the deal between the EU and Mercosur, which includes farming powerhouses Brazil and Argentina.

Macron has told von der Leyen that France cannot accept the deal in its current state, the Elysee said in its statement, posted on social media platform X.

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The deal, supported by most South American countries and strongly pushed by Germany and Spain within the EU, has met stiff opposition from Paris due to fears that cheaper agricultural imports will harm France's farming sector.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Jason Neely and Gareth Jones)
High local demand for self-storage is driving an Extra Space Storage facility in Naperville to seek an expansion, and the city  so far  is supportive of the idea.

The Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday night voted to endorse plans for the proposed facility expansion. The matter is now on to the City Council for final consideration at a future meeting.

On the Planning and Zoning agenda Wednesday was a proposal to add 169 new self-storage units to an existing Extra Space Storage facility at 1432 W. Ogden Ave. New units would be split among five new, one-story self-storage buildings.

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Extra Space is looking to expand so it can meet a rise in area demand for self-storage, city staff said in an agenda report. The average occupancy of its Ogden Avenue facility is around 97%, according to Brendan Penny, an attorney representing Extra Space.

A core motivator for the proposed project  is the demand and really the use that this site experiences within the city of Naperville and how it services the surrounding municipalities, Penny said to commissioners Wednesday, adding that the existing sites occupancy was extraordinary.

The proposed expansion, however, requires city approval of several entitlements. Those include: A major change to the planned unit development previously approved for the subject property, a conditional use permit to allow Extra Space to construct new storage units and five deviations from municipal code.

The original PUD that allowed for Extra Space Storage units off Ogden Avenue dates back to 2006. The PUD covered three lots. Approvals included the development of a three-story, self-storage building and two, one-story self-storage buildings  totaling around 90,000 gross square feet  on one of the subdivisions three lots. However, the original PUD did not include any proposed improvements for remaining lots.

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Extra Space needs a major change to pursue those additional lot improvements. The five new self-storage buildings Extra Storage wants to build would be located on one of the subdivisions two other lots. On the other, Extra Space has plans to construct a stormwater detention facility.

As for deviations, requested allowances include relief from setback, landscaping and density requirements.

Commissioners gave all requests a favorable recommendation without question.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
EAU CLAIRE  A plea agreement has been reached in the case of a Seymour man accused by authorities of bouncing an $18,500 check for livestock.

Jordan Leisgang, 27, Seymour, faces charges of theft of movable property with a value between $10,000 and $100,000, and issuing a worthless check. The case was filed in September 2023.

During an October hearing, the defense asked for an adjournment so Leisgang could meet with the local coordinator for DAGP  deferred acceptance of guilty plea  cases. That resolution involves the defendant pleading guilty, but the court does not immediately accept the plea. Instead, the defendant is placed under specific conditions for a length of time. Successful completion usually sees the prosecution ended.

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Leisgang signed a DAGP agreement in November. Wednesdays hearing shed a little more light on it. Records show the two sides have an agreement to a felony plea. That doesnt necessarily mean either of the current charges in Eau Claire County, though, since its not uncommon for charges to change in plea agreements.

According to the criminal complaint, Leisgang sold sheep and goats to a buyer, but expressed an interest in repurchasing them once they were ready for slaughter. The two reached an agreement and, when the time came, Leisgang wrote a check for $18,560.

The check bounced. Efforts by the other party to get Leisgang to pay the money failed. After the incident was reported to police, investigators found the account for Jordan Leisgang Livestock had a negative balance of nearly $18,000. It was eventually closed due to the ongoing negative balance.

The case was delayed repeatedly when Leisgang failed to attend hearings. He missed his initial appearance in October 2023. It was rescheduled for January and he missed it, too. He eventually made an initial appearance in court by video from the Eau Claire County Jail.

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Leisgang then missed an April hearing. It took place the following month, this time with Leisgang attending from the Outagamie County Jail.

Leisgang faces charges in Missouri as well. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Rural Crimes Unit accuses Leisgang of purchasing 450 cattle from an Arkansas sale barn in November 2023. After taking delivery, Leisgang failed to pay and wouldnt respond to attempts to get payment made.

Missouris online courts database shows Leisgang is charged with receiving stolen property. The most recent activity in the case was an October motion for discovery.
The words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were reportedly discovered by detectives on shell casings found at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot, police sources told ABC News.

The chilling detail emerged as the shooting suspect remains at large after what NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a brazen, targeted attack" during a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4.



Thompson, 50, was shot just before 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. The masked gunman was lying in wait outside the building according to Tisch. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added that the gunman appeared to be "proficient" in the use of firearms.

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According to ABC News, NYPD detectives are working to establish whether the words found on the casing were meant as a message from the shooting suspect and a hint at their motive. The words are similar to "Deny, delay, defend," a phrase about the insurance industry to describe a strategy of rejecting claims.

NYPD Brian Thompson shooting suspect Brian Thompson shooting suspect

Thompson was in New York City for an investors' conference taking place at the hotel, NYPD officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

Police have said the partially-masked suspect fled towards Central Park on an electric Citi Bike after firing at least three shots at the healthcare executive and hitting him from behind in the back and leg. NYPD officials confirmed Thompson was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

UnitedHealth Group Brian Thompson Brian Thompson

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The suspect remains at large as of Wednesday afternoon. He is described as a light-skinned male wearing a brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a "very distinctive grey backpack," Kenny said. Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Related: Newly-Released Photos Show Face of Brian Thompson Shooting Suspect, as Killer Remains at Large

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In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the NYPD shared three photos of the partially-masked suspect, urging anyone with information to contact police at 1-800-577-TIPS. Although police did not reveal the location where the images were taken, a law enforcement source told the New York Times that the gunman had visited a Starbucks located about two blocks away from the scene of the shooting.

Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg/Getty New York Hilton Midtown in New York City New York Hilton Midtown in New York City

Thompson's wife Paulette told NBC News that her husband had been the subject of threats before he embarked on his trip to New York. Thompson, who joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and became CEO in 2021, lived in Minnesota with his wife and their two children, according to Local Channel2 Now.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, said in a statement it is "deeply saddened and shocked" by the passing of their "highly respected colleague."

Read the original article on People
Akia Winters, a police recruit with the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police Department, practices a hand-to-hand technique on Ashaun Roach-Valandra, a recruit from the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police, during a basic law enforcement certification course in 2024. The 13-week course was taking place at the George S. Mickelson Law Enforcement Center in Pierre. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Complaints about law enforcement have steadily risen over the past few years, owing in part to an online portal that simplifies the process of making a complaint to the state Division of Criminal Investigation about alleged police misconduct.

Even with the rise, though, fewer than 1% of certified officers in South Dakota were disciplined for their behavior in 2024.

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I know we get mired down sometimes in the misconduct, the complaints, the investigations. Its easy for us to see or be of the perspective that theres a lot of things going on in the state that are concerning, Law Enforcement Training Director Hank Prim said Wednesday at a meeting of the states Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission in Pierre. But the perspective in that stat I think really shows us where reality is.

Prim presented the figures in a summary of what he called an Integrity Report, which lays out complaints against officers and their disposition. Prim pulled it together at the urging of commission member Neil Fulton, who is the dean of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. Fulton said the State Bar of South Dakota produces a similar report for the edification of that groups board members.

In Prims one-page rundown, he noted that complaints against officers are up again this year, continuing a trend in increased complaints thats held for the past three years. There have been 142 complaints filed in 2024 thus far, a 24% increase over this point in 2023.

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The commission also reviews applications for possible certification and entry into the states basic law enforcement training course. In 2024, the commission denied 13 total applications: eight from law enforcement hopefuls, four for people hoping to become 911 dispatchers, and one from a person whod hoped to be a school sentinel. Sentinels are non-law enforcement personnel allowed to carry weapons in schools, in theory to retaliate against safety threats.

Another 13 students were dismissed from basic law enforcement training, five for disciplinary reasons, one for failure to prove their skills proficiency and seven for academic failure.

There were 16 officers who voluntarily gave up their certification after a misconduct complaint: 13 law enforcement officers, two 911 dispatchers and one person who was certified in both areas.

The commission held seven contested case hearings, and twice offered settlement agreements to officers, which typically require some measure of remedial training and a suspension but do not result in a loss of certification.

Request for victim notification

The commission voted Wednesday to certify a handful of K-9 units, to reinstate eligibility for an officer with lapsed certification and to allow a student rejected for basic training several years ago for failure to disclose his full educational history another shot at joining the academy.

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Before the integrity report or certification votes, however, Rapid City lawyer Jim Leach appeared briefly to suggest a change to commission protocol with regard to contested case hearings.

In those hearings, the commission serves as judge and jury in cases where an officer contests allegations of misconduct.

In October 2023, excessive force resulted in a suspended certification for a Brookings officer named Damian Weets. At the commissions most recent meeting, commissioners voted to allow Weets to return to duty without a second psychological examination.

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Weets roughed up an intoxicated man  a client of Leach  at the Brookings County Jail. Leach appeared at Weets hearing, but wasnt given any notice about it.

The only way that I learned that there would be a contested case hearing was because I got a call two days before the hearing from a member of the news media, Leach said.

Leach suggested that the commission consider adopting a rule under which the alleged victim of an officer facing a misconduct hearing  and their lawyer, if applicable  be notified of the hearing.

In criminal proceedings, the South Dakota Constitution requires the notification of victims of upcoming hearings involving the person who victimized them, should they choose to be notified.

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Adopting a similar approach to notification by the commission, Leach said, would have no downside for you folks, but would reassure citizens who struggle to trust police that the overseers of ethics in the state take misconduct seriously.

Just in terms of greater transparency in government, I think thats a good thing, Leach said. I understand that some processes in government need to be in private, but this is not one of them.

Dan Satterlee, director of the Division of Criminal Investigation, told Leach the commission will take the matter under advisement the next time it reviews its policies.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with a correction to reflect that fewer than 1% of certified officers in South Dakota were disciplined for their actions in 2024.

CY23Integrity Report

The full integrity report, with summaries of complaints against officers in 2024.
NEW YORK (AP)  New clues emerged Thursday in the hunt for the masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including possible leads about his travel before the shooting and a message scrawled on ammunition found at the crime scene.

The words deny, defend and depose were found emblazoned on the ammunition, echoing a phrase used by insurance industry critics, two law enforcement officials said Thursday.

The words were written in permanent marker, according to one of the two officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

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Investigators also now believe the suspect may have traveled to New York last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta, one of the law enforcement officials said.

Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, the official said.

Police also released new photos Thursday of a person wanted for questioning in connection with Thompson's killing.

The images, showing an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of a Manhattan hostel, add to a collection of photos and video that have circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack itself, as well as still frames of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand.

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Thompson, the head of one of the largest U.S. health insurers, died in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked from his midtown hotel to the companys annual investor conference at a Hilton across the street. The reason for the killing remained unknown, but New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack.

The messages on the 9 mm ammunition found at the scene of the shooting mimic the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims.

It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for denying claims or complicating access to care.

Investigators also recovered a cellphone from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. Inside a nearby trash can, they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they say the gunman purchased from Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The city's crime lab is examining those items for DNA and fingerprints.

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Investigators were still trying to obtain additional information from the phone Thursday, the law enforcement official said.

A tip that the shooter may have stayed at a hostel brought police Thursday morning to at least two such establishments on Manhattans Upper West Side, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos made public Thursday were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel.

We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time, hostel spokesperson Danielle Brumfitt said in an emailed statement.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake New Jersey identification card when he checked in at the hostel, said one of the officials who spoke with the AP.

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Employees who work at the hostel told investigators they remembered a man who almost always wore a mask when interacting with them or passing by the front desk. That person wore a jacket that looked like the one worn by the man pictured in surveillance images released after the shooting, the official said.

After the shooting, police said the gunman fled on a bicycle and was last seen riding into Central Park.

Members of the public have flooded police with tips  many unfounded. Police searched a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday night after a commuter claimed to have spotted the shooter, but they found no sign of the gunman.

Were following up on every single tip that comes in, said Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson. That little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together.

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Based on surveillance video and evidence from the scene, investigators believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns and that the weapon was equipped with a silencer, one of the law enforcement officials told the AP.

Investigators were also looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan, the official said.

Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, leveling his pistol and firing several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the executive tumbled to the sidewalk. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle.

Police released several images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face  a look that would not have attracted attention on a chilly morning.

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Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

His wife, Paulette, told NBC News on Wednesday that he told her there were some people that had been threatening him. She didnt have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York to update investors on its direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference after Thompsons death.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in more than $281 billion in revenue last year. It is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

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In October, UnitedHealthcare was named along with Humana and CVS in a Senate report detailing how its denial rate for prior authorizations for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years.

___

Balsamo reported from Washington.
Update: LVMPD said the officers involved in this shooting were identified as Justin Lee, 38, and Victor Robinson, 36.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is in critical condition after being shot by Las Vegas police early Thursday morning in the east valley.

During a news briefing, Metro Capt. Kurt McKenzie said police received a call around 2:30 a.m. that a man wrapped in a blanket was swinging a metal baton at people and vehicles in the 1500 block of Cobb Lane, near Eastern and Owen avenues.

LVMPD investigates a shooting involving police on Cobb Lane, near Eastern and Owens avenues on Dec. 5, 2024.

McKenzie said when officers arrived at the scene, the man used the baton to break into a nearby business and entered the business while ignoring officers commands to drop the baton. The man then walked out of the business and attempted to break into another business.

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At which time  in attempts to escalate this whole entire situation  officers utilized less lethal options striking the subject. The subject then turned and charged at officers with the baton raised above his head. This caused two officers to discharge their duty weapon striking the subject, McKenzie said.

After the man fell to the ground, he pulled out a knife and began to stand up while ignoring officers commands and used less lethal options causing the man to drop the knife and be taken into custody, McKenzie said.

The man was transported to University Medical Center where police said he was in critical condition.

This is the 15th officer-involved shooting of 2024.

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A vehicle was vandalized in South Manheim Twp. after someone threw rocks in its direction on Nov. 3, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.

Police received a call for an unknown person or persons throwing rocks at vehicles on Deiberts Valley Road at its intersection with Berne Drive.

A 34-year-old Auburn man had his 2023 Chevrolet Silverado damaged in the attack, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-754-4600.

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Pine Grove man suffers injuries in 1-vehicle crash

A 59-year-old Pine Grove man suffered injuries after he struck a tree while driving in Pine Grove Twp., state police at Schuylkill Haven said.

Police said Troy A. Schneck was driving a Jaguar XE on Pleasant Valley Road (Route 443) on Nov. 18 when he lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway, striking a tree.

Schneck was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East for suspected serious injuries and was taken into custody for a DUI, police said.

Woman charged in domestic violence incident

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged a 39-year-old Westbury, New York, woman in connection with a domestic disturbance on Wynonah Drive in South Manheim Twp.

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Police said Ewelina Bazydlo struck a 38-year-old Westbury man in the head with a wine bottle on Nov. 29.

Bazydlo was taken into custody, and charges were filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Andrew J. Serina, Orwigsburg, according to police.

Man charged with drug possession

A 38-year-old Tamaqua man was charged with drug possession after a traffic stop in Rush Twp., state police at Frackville said.

Police said Anthony Pascoe was pulled over for numerous vehicle code violations Nov. 29 on the 300 block of Claremont Avenue. Police searched his vehicle and found he was in possession of an illegal substance.

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Criminal charges against Pascoe are pending, police said.

Police investigating identity theft

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a report of an identity theft and fraudulent purchase made in the name of a 44-year-old Pine Grove man.

Police said an unknown person purchased five virtual reality headsets, totaling over $1,000, in the victims name.

The incident was reported Nov. 20 on the 100 block of Mexico Road, according to police.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  Authorities were called to a school Thursday morning in Montgomery County.

According to a message sent to Vandalia-Butler parents, an unknown man called Smith Intermediate School to conduct a tour of the building, but staff declined. The man then is accused of showing up at the school with a box of doughnuts.

The unknown individual was not let into the building, so he reportedly proceeded to leave the box outside. Due to the highly suspicious incident, school leaders took quick action to lock down the building and alert authorities.

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Around the time students were being placed in lockdown, they were taken to a safe space inside of the school.

Because the situation was highly suspicious we immediately went into a lock down, called police, and they arrived and controlled the scene, said the message. Because we did not know what was in the box of donuts, and the suspicious nature of the situation, the police determined they would call the bomb squad to scan the package out of an abundance of caution.

After an inspection of the box by the bomb squad, it was confirmed the box did contain doughnuts.

At 12:52 p.m., officials gave the school an all-clear message.

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Words written on ammunition. A smiling surveillance photo. A discarded water bottle. A burner cell phone.

These are among the key pieces of evidence providing clues for police more than 24 hours into a hunt for the man who gunned down a healthcare executive Wednesday before seemingly disappearing into the city.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on a busy Midtown Manhattan street in a targeted early morning attack.

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Video from a nearby Starbucks shows the assailant buying a bottle of water and two energy bars roughly 30 minutes before the shooting, a senior police official said.

Investigators are developing clues from a burner phone and water bottle believed to have been dropped by the suspect when he fled the shooting scene.

A fingerprint was lifted from the water bottle, a law enforcement official tells CNN. The print, however, is smudged making it less conclusive, the official said.

The phone could yield fingerprints, DNA and  if police technicians can unlock the phone  other clues to the suspects identity, investigators said. Even a disposable burner phone might yield clues about communications and searches before the shooting. As of Thursday afternoon, police are still trying to access that phone, a law enforcement official said.

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Authorities have been searching the area but have not found the gunmans bike or weapon. A shell casing recovered from one of the bullets fired at Thompson had the word depose written on it, while delay was written on a live round that was ejected when the shooter appeared to be clearing a jam.

Police are exploring whether the words found indicate a motive, pointing to a popular phrase in the insurance industry: delay, deny, defend.

Theyre also examining the suspects travels, including a bus trip to New York before the shooting and a stay at a hostel, law enforcement sources say.

A key moment of flirting between a person of interest in the case and a female hostel employee has yielded what experts say could be the most significant clue in authorities attempts to track him down: a maskless photo released by police Thursday.

Surveillance video trail

Investigators who are also piecing together a timeline of the shooters movements told CNN that after the shooting, the assailant crossed the street, fled through an alleyway, and got on an electric bike on 55th Street before heading north on 6th Avenue toward Central Park, where he was last seen at 6:48 a.m.

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Surveillance video appears to show the suspect leaving the 57th Street F train station before the shooting. CNN has confirmed the timestamp at 6:15 a.m.

An extensive video canvass led police to the area of a hostel on New Yorks Upper West Side, a police official told CNN.

The suspected gunman used a fake New Jersey drivers license when checking into the hostel, according to a law enforcement official. The identification was used to check in on November 30, multiple law enforcement officials told CNN.

One man appeared to wear a mask most of the time that he was staying at the hostel, multiple law enforcement sources told CNN. Hostel employees remember a man who wore a hooded jacket identical to the shooters, and who almost never lowered his mask or the hood.

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The NYPD on Thursday released photos of a smiling man standing at the front desk of the hostel who police say is wanted for questioning. Its unclear when the photos were taken.

NYPD on Thursday released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide. NYPD

Police are calling this man a person of interest until they can identify him and confirm or eliminate him as a possible suspect.

A female hostel employee told authorities that at one point, she asked a then-masked man to lower his mask while flirting with him, which is when the photos released by authorities on Thursday were captured, a law enforcement official told CNN.

Officials are also looking into whether the getaway bike was prepositioned, because they think the suspect may have taken the subway from the Upper West Side to Midtown, according to law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.

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Investigators also have video of the suspect on the Upper West Side, carrying what appears to be an electric bicycle battery, the sources said.

Police believe that the shooter is a light-skinned male who was last seen wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a very distinctive gray backpack.

Police deployed mobile field forces to conduct a grid search, looking through garbage cans, dumpsters and bushes in an extensive search for the missing backpack, a senior law enforcement official told CNN.

Police initiated the search after detectives reviewed security footage of the man they believe is the suspect no longer wearing the backpack after leaving the park through the West 77th street exit.

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Investigators have not located the backpack, according to the official.

Authorities are offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

What video of the incident shows

The masked gunman was lying in wait for Thompson outside the Hilton Midtown shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, as Thompson made his way to the hotel to attend his companys annual investor conference.

When Thompson approached the building, a dark-hooded figure with a gray backpack appeared several feet behind the executive and shot him in the back, surveillance video obtained by CNN shows.

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Thompson then stumbled forward before turning to face the assailant and falling to the ground. The gunman calmly walked toward the CEO and continued to shoot  appearing to clear a jam with the firearm momentarily before shooting again, video shows.

Thompson was pronounced dead less than half an hour after the incident.

NYPD on Wednesday released this image they say is of the suspect sought in connection to the shooting. - NYPD

Suspect traveled to New York City via bus, police say

The suspect had traveled to New York via Greyhound bus before the shooting, multiple law enforcement sources told CNN.

That bus started its route in Atlanta, the sources said. Authorities do not know whether the suspect boarded in Atlanta or elsewhere, the sources said.

One law enforcement official told CNN that police believe the suspect arrived in New York City on November 24  10 days before the shooting. The suspect was seen on surveillance video getting off the bus around 9 p.m. that day and walking through the Port Authority bus terminal in Manhattan, according to a law enforcement source briefed on the investigation.

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He then went to a hostel, and afterward appeared to have moved around the city, the source said.

The suspect checked out of the hostel on November 29, the law enforcement official said. He checked back into the hostel on November 30, multiple law enforcement sources previously told CNN.

Shooter appears to be an experienced marksman who used a silencer, experts say

While a weapon has not yet been identified, detectives believe the suspect operated slowly, deliberately, and in a way that suggested he was experienced marksman, according to police officials speaking to CNN on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

Firearm experts who have studied the video say that though it appears the gun malfunctioned with each shot, the assailant reacted and cleared the jam in the weapon with confidence  as if the suspect were someone with firearms training from law enforcement or the military.

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It does seem that hes proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said at a news conference Wednesday.

The gun also appeared to be fitted with a silencer, which can cause weapons to malfunction and jam unless they are installed with specific modifications, according to a law enforcement official and firearm experts.

Jamming refers to the gun not loading another bullet into the chamber after its fired. The gunman was seen racking the slide back to clear the jam and load another round.

The shooting was a brazen, targeted attack, said NYPD commissioner Tisch, describing the gunman to have waited for several minutes, stepping onto the sidewalk from behind a car and aiming at Thompson despite being in full view of other people and cars that passed by.

We will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case, Tisch said.

CEO received threats, wife says

While police havent announced a motive in Thompsons shooting, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that UnitedHealthcares parent company UnitedHealth Group  Americas largest insurance company  was aware of concerning threats against its high-level executives.

Thompsons name was not specifically mentioned, but the threats did talk about going after high-level executives at the company, the source said.

In an interview with NBC, Thompsons widow, Paulette told the network that there had been some threats against her husband.

Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, she said. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Paulette Thompson declined to comment to CNN on the threats she described to NBC.

UnitedHealth Group leadership is supported by an in-house security team, including at the New York conference, a source familiar with the companys security said. Thompsons security detail was not with him when the shooting happened.

Company shocked by loss

Brian Thompson - UnitedHealth Group

Thompsons widow said that their family is shattered by the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.

Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives, Paulette Thompson told CNN Wednesday. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was appointed chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 and had been at the company since 2004. Prior to being named chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, Thompson worked as CEO of the companys government programs business, which includes its Medicare and retirement businesses.

The 50-year-old graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a bachelors degree in business administration with a major in accounting. He graduated as valedictorian, according to his LinkedIn. He was a Collegiate Scholar, Carver Scholar, State of Iowa Scholar and Faculty Scholar. Thompson graduated from South Hamilton High School in Jewell, Iowa, in 1993.

We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a public statement from the company said.

Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brians family and all who were close to him.

Thompson in May was sued for alleged fraud and illegal insider trading. The Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group, CEO Andrew Witty, Executive Chairman Stephen Hemsley and Thompson, alleging the executives schemed to inflate the companys stock by failing to disclose a US Justice Department antitrust investigation into the company.

The Southern District of New York declined to comment. UnitedHealthcare did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

CNNs David Goldman, John Towfighi, Amanda Musa, Rebekah Riess, Meg Tirrell, Kara Scannell, Taylor Galgano, Steve Almasy and Ashley R. Williams contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The New York Police Department on Thursday released two images of a person of interest they believe may be connected to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The images offer views of the face of the person, who police say is wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide, which occurred early Wednesday outside a hotel.

The images show the person wearing a hooded jacket and carrying what seems to be a dark-colored backpack. Authorities on Wednesday had said that the shooter appears to be a light-skinned male ... wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a very distinctive gray backpack.

An image released Thursday by police shows a "person of interest" in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. NYPD

A second image released Thursday by police shows the same person of interest sought for questioning in Thompson's death. NYPD

Authorities also said Wednesday that Thompsons shooting was believed to be a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.

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Shell casings found near the 50-year-old CEOs body reportedly had deny and other words inscribed on them, in what could potentially be a reference to health insurance companies tactics in denying patients claims, though this has not been confirmed.

Related...
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  A man working for a Luzerne County culinary company is facing criminal charges after a bag of drugs was reportedly found in the Westmont Hilltop Elementary School cafeteria.

Michael Barry, 32, was terminated from his post by his employer, Metz Culinary, after the baggie was discovered last month, Westmont Hilltop school officials said in a press release.

According to a criminal complaint, Westmont Hilltop School police Officer Dean West reviewed surveillance video that showed the bag falling from Barrys pocket after he removed a charging cord from his pants.

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Police later learned the bag contained crack cocaine, according to West.

The bag, which appeared to be a piece of trash at first glance, remained on the floor untouched for several minutes as children, as young as 5 years old, walked past, he wrote.

At direct view of the item, I recognized it as being packaged as drug contraband, West wrote, saying it was secured as evidence.

In a letter to parents, school Superintendent Thomas Mitchell said no students touched the bag or reported symptoms from exposure.

While this is deeply concerning, I want to emphasize that our students remained safe, and our school police officer quickly identified and secured the substance, Mitchell said, noting that two other officers were also in the building at the time.

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Barry faces two drug-related charges, both misdemeanors, court documents show.

In the criminal complaint filed against him Tuesday, police said Barry spoke to West and his Metz company supervisor about the incident. After being informed that video evidence showed him dropping the drugs, Barry admitted having the contraband in his possession that day, West added.

Following the interview, Barry was escorted from the school, he said.

Metz officials described the incident as rare, but concerning.

The company took a zero-tolerance stance, Metz Culinary representative Brian Bufalino said.

We worked closely with the school police officer to address the matter and we will continue to enforce rigorous policies that prohibit illegal substances in the workplace.

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Mitchell said Metz already had detailed procedures in place aiming to prevent such issues, including background checks and pre-employment drug testing.

In Pennsylvania, certain clearances are mandated, including a federal criminal history check.

School and Metz officials indicated that protocols will be reviewed to look for other possible measures that can be implemented to ensure the incident doesnt occur again.

We want to assure our community that the safety of our students is a top priority, Mitchell said. We commend the rapid response of our school police officer, administration and the cooperation of Metz Culinary personnel in addressing this incident.

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Barry was not reached for comment.

A telephone number was not listed and court documents did not list an attorney as of Wednesday.

A preliminary hearing before District Judge Susan Gindlesperger, of Upper Yoder Township, is scheduled for Jan. 22, online court records show.
O.J. Simpsons former bodyguard claims that police in Minnesota seized a thumb drive with a taped recording of the late gridiron star confessing to the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman  but the department says the claim has no merit.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, TMZ reported that Simpsons former bodyguard Iroc Avelli said he was trying to retrieve his belongings from police in Bloomington, Minn., which were confiscated when he was arrested in 2022 in an unrelated case.

One of the belongings was a thumb drive containing what he claimed was Simpsons confession of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife and Goldman. What followed was the media-fueled Trial of the Century in 1995, when Simpson was acquitted of the murders.

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Related: The O.J. Nobody Knew  Read PEOPLE's July 4, 1994 Cover Story

But suspicions about whether he actually killed them lingered, especially when he was found liable for their wrongful deaths in a 1997 civil trial and ordered to pay more than $33.5 million to their families.

Hours after the report, the Bloomington Police Department issued a statement refuting the bombshell claim.

When Avelli was arrested for an alleged assault in March 2022, Bloomington police executed a search warrant and confiscated his backpack, which contained six thumb drives, the Star Tribune reports.

In June, just months after Simpson's April death at age 76, the Los Angeles Police Department said Avelli and his attorney said the drives featured a recording of O.J. Simpson confessing to the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman, according to WCCO.

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Related: O.J. Simpson Dead at 76 From Cancer, Family Announces

In July, Bloomington police detectives obtained a search warrant and searched the thumb drives. In a statement the BPD issued on Tuesday, Dec. 3, it wrote that the detectives did not locate any information of evidentiary value for the (Los) Angeles Police Department, KARE 11 reports.

The BPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



Read the original article on People
GROTON, Conn. (WTNH)  Groton police seek help identifying the suspect and car connected to a package theft thats being investigated.

The package was stolen from a home at around 2:20 p.m. in the area of Long Point Road on Wednesday, police said.

We live with the nightmare every day: Aunt of missing Ansonia child Vanessa Morales reflects on 5 year anniversary of her disappearance

Police ask people to be vigilant of package deliveries during the holiday season.

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Here are some safety tips as you await your deliveries:

Track and schedule deliveries

Require a signature on delivery

Request assistance from neighbors

Deliver to your place of employment, if possible

Report suspicious activity

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Two people are in custody, including one who was injured by gunfire, after Portage Police said a drug deal meet-up early Tuesday at Founders Square went awry; a second person was shot as well.

Officers responded around 12:15 a.m. on Dec. 3 to the 600 block of East Main Street after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired in the area, according to a release from Capt. Rob Maynard, public information officer for the Portage Police Department.

Police found spent 9 mm shell casings in the parking lot behind an apartment complex. In another area of the parking lot, police found several spent .40 caliber shell casings, along with a plastic bag containing approximately 1 ounce of marijuana.

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Officers spoke with residents in the area who offered witness statements and video surveillance footage, which provided a suspect and suspect vehicle description, police said.

Police used the Flock Safety license plate reader system to identify a suspect vehicle leaving the city minutes after the shooting. That information was shared with surrounding police agencies and a short time later, the Merrillville Police Department located the suspect vehicle unoccupied in the 5700 block of Grant Street.

Merrillville Police conducted surveillance of the vehicle until a male subject matching the description of the shooter returned, according to the release. Police detained the male and found a 9 mm handgun in his possession.

Police identified the suspect as David K. Johnson Jr., 28, of Gary. Portage Police took custody of Johnson and impounded the vehicle until a search warrant could be obtained.

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Meanwhile, operators at the Porter County 911 Communications Center checked with area hospitals to find out if anyone had recently come in claiming gunshot wound injuries. Officers learned that two males had been dropped off at Community Hospital in Munster with gunshot wounds after the shooting was reported.

Portage detectives responded to the hospital and confirmed the two injured men were involved in the shooting at Founders Square.

Police said a Portage woman, 21, arranged to purchase an amount of marijuana from Johnson and agreed to meet him by Founders Square to complete the transaction, even though none of the parties had any connection to the area.

Jontae D. Common, 19, of Chicago, and a second male, 20, also of Chicago, accompanied the woman. During the meet-up, the purchasers failed to pay the agreed-upon amount and fled with the marijuana, prompting Johnson to open fire on them, police said.

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Common returned fire with a handgun he had. Common and the other man were both struck by gunfire and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Johnson has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, a Level 1 felony; two counts of aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony; and three counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, according to online court records.

He is being held at the Porter County Jail without bond.

Common was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment and has been charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm, a Level 6 felony, and is being held at the Porter County Jail on a $1,500 bond.

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Both are scheduled for initial hearings at 9 a.m. Friday before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer.

The other man required emergency surgery and remains hospitalized. Additional charges and arrests are possible as the investigation continues, police said.

Nobody else was injured. Officers did locate two bullet impacts to nearby apartment buildings but neither penetrated the outer walls into the living spaces.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Association released a statement Wednesday, the day after a judge sentenced Christopher Taylor to two years in prison on a deadly conduct charge, calling on officers to stop responding to mental health calls.

Chief Lisa Davis said in a statement Thursday that the department will continue to respond to community calls for police service, including calls involving people experiencing behavior and mental health crises.

Davis added that she understands concerns expressed by the Austin Police Association. We must prevent harm to all Austin community members, including our responding officers. Moving forward, we will be working hard to develop a holistic response to persons experiencing a mental health crisis.

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Austin police officer sentenced to 2 years in prison

Taylors sentence stems from the 2019 police shooting of Mauris DeSilva. Police responded to 911 calls reporting DeSilva walking around his downtown condo complex with a knife to his throat. When police confronted DeSilva outside of an elevator in a common area of the complex, they told him to drop the knife, and Taylor and another officer ultimately shot and killed him.

View body camera video of the shooting here.

As of Wednesday, Taylor is no longer employed by APD. Hes out of jail on an appellate bond.

Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association (APA), released a video statement following the outcome of the trial. You can watch the video in the player at the top of this story.

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In light of all of this, I believe the Austin Police Department must stop responding to mental health calls, he said. We have never claimed to be mental health experts, yet we are continually scrutinized for our handling of these situations. Now that were left with the options of being stabbed or going to prison, Travis County and the District Attorneys Office should be the ones to incur the risk.

KXAN has reached out to APD and the Travis County District Attorneys Office about these sentiments and will update this article when we receive a response.

I am saddened by the fact that so many have been impacted by this tragic event. This is a tragedy for the Austin community and the Austin Police Department, Chief Lisa Davis said in a statement Tuesday evening, prior to the release of the aforementioned statement from the APA.

Davis, who just assumed the role in September, did not publicly address her thoughts on Taylors actions that day, but said she is proud to lead this department and that APD is continually re-evaluating its training and practices.

APD policy on mental health calls

According to APDs latest general orders, if a call meets certain criteria or a 911 caller and/or community member requests a mental health officer, a mental health officer will respond.

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However, if one isnt available, a patrol officer will respond first, and a mental health officer will get there as soon as possible. Per previous KXAN reporting, a mental health officer was on the way to DeSilvas condo when the shooting happened.

As a mental health officer, I went through about 120 hours of training, Bullock said. Which for us is a lot, but youre talking about three weeks of training compared to medical professionals, and weve never claimed to be mental health experts.

Bullock added that hes been working to pass a bill that would give groups like paramedics and mental health staff with Integral Care more power when responding to mental health calls, noting that if a weapon is involved, those agencies ask police to respond. Peace officers are currently the only personnel in Texas who can detain people experiencing a mental health crisis who are a danger to themselves or others, Bullock said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The suspect believed to have shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson likely used a fake New Jersey ID to purchase space at a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side where he stayed prior to the killing, the NYPD said Thursday night. Earlier in the day, police released two new photos of what they called a person of interest in the New York City murder.

The photos posted on X appear to be screenshots grabbed from security camera footage.

"Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4," the NYPD X post said. "This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premeditated, targeted attack. The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public's help."

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The NYPD is asking anyone with any information about the case to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477.

Police are seeking a search warrant for a facility in the city where the gunman may have been staying. The new photos are apparently from when the gunman stayed at the HI New York City Hostel on the Upper West Side.

A person of interest in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is pictured in one of two new photos released Thursday by the NYPD. Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-8477. Photo courtesy NYPD

Police sources cited by ABC News said it appears that the suspect shared a room there with two other men.

Another video released Thursday also shows the suspect cycling out of Central Park just before 7 a.m. Wednesday.

As the manhunt for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson continued Thursday, law enforcement said the words "deny," "defend,"and "depose" were found on shell casings left at the scene of Thompson's midtown Manhattan murder. NYPD police officers investigate the crime scene around the New York Midtown Hilton following Thompson's murder in New York City on Wednesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Law enforcement earlier Thursday said that words were found on shell casings left at the scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO BrianThompson's midtown Manhattan killing as a manhunt for the suspect continued.

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The words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were found on the cases, ABC News, NBC News and CNN reported, citing law enforcement sources.

NYPD police officers investigate the crime scene around the New York Midtown Hilton after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City Wednesday. Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in an apparent targeted attack as he was about to attend the company's annual investor conference. The gunman remains at large. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The words may be a message from the gunman and police investigators are looking at whether they may indicate a motive in the killing.

The similar words " "delay, deny, defend" are commonly known as the three D's of the insurance industry.

As police search for the killer and investigate to determine the motive, bounty hunter and liaison to the U.S. Marshals Zeke Unger told CNN the killer didn't appear to be a professional hitman.

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"I believe that the individual, by looking at the footage, had some psychological issues. That this is a revenge shooting," Unger said. "This is not a professional killer, a contract killer by his mannerisms and by the failure of the weapon."

Unger was referring to the gun appearing to jam temporarily during the shooting.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Thompson was targeted in a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.

Security video of the killing showed Thompson walking toward the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning when a hooded and masked gunman walked up behind him, pointed a silenced pistol at Thompson and fired multiple times before fleeing on a bike.

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CBS News, citing a police source, said "forensic evidence" was found at the Starbucks the gunman visited before the shooting. A cellphone was also recovered in an alleyway near the shooting site that police said had investigative value.

Paulette Thompson, wife of the slain CEO, told NBC News Wednesday there had been threats against her husband.

"Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know details. I just know there were some people that had been threatening him," she said.

The killer was described as a 6'1" tall skinny White man dressed in all black with a hoodie and a mask.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction.
A newly released poll of German voters has found Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) making gains with voters, less than three months ahead of expected early elections.

The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), slipped slightly in the same poll, although the bloc continues to hold a wide lead.

The YouGov poll found 18% of German voters favoured Scholz's SPD, a three-point increase from YouGov's earlier survey in November, while support for the CDU/CSU stood at 30%, down three percentage points.

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Scholz's squabbling three-party coalition collapsed in early November after the chancellor fired former finance minister Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP).

The chancellor has announced plans to hold a vote of confidence later this month, which is widely expected to lead to early elections on February 23.

The YouGov poll found support for the FDP at just 4%, down slightly and below the 5% threshold generally needed for parties to win seats in German elections.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), meanwhile, held steady at 19%. The AfD has campaigned particularly against immigration, although the party's eurosceptic platform also calls for Germany to quit the European Union and ditch the euro.

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The Greens, Scholz's remaining coalition partner, polled at 13% - one percentage point more than in November.

The populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a self-described "left-conservative" faction that split from The Left party earlier this year, remains at 7%.

For the survey, YouGov interviewed 2,415 people between November 29 and December 3, with a total of 1,879 people answering questions about their voting intentions.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Officials are letting travelers know that if theyre passing through the Portland International Airport this month, they may be rerouted to an on-foot detour amid ongoing construction and renovations.

Earlier this year, PDX Airport debuted its Phase 1 reopening. The unveiling of the new main terminal included the addition of 72 live trees, the re-introduction of pre-security shopping and dining, stadium seats and a slatted wood ceiling made from locally sourced trees.

Portland police address rising traffic deaths

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Phase 2 construction began on Aug. 15, the day after the first portion of the new main terminal re-opened. It is slated to continue until at least early 2026.

While Phase 1 represented 60% of the total square footage of the new main terminal, Phase 2 accounts for the remaining 40%.

Port of Portland officials said they are implementing intermittent on-foot reroutes this month to accommodate the constructions. Specifically, travelers arriving in Concourse B between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. can expect to encounter detours from Dec. 5-23.

Portland International Airports Phase 2 construction reroutes foot traffic this winter. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Port of Portland). Portland International Airports Phase 2 construction reroutes foot traffic this winter. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Port of Portland). Portland International Airports Phase 2 construction reroutes foot traffic this winter. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Port of Portland).

The detour includes a shortcut taking them straight to the arrivals curb, a shorter route than usual made via what would normally be an emergency exit door. Airport officials advise travelers to arrange for pickups at the arrivals curb or baggage claim, rather than meeting their party inside the new main terminal.

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For those needing to make a connecting flight, people arriving at the B gates during the detour hours will have to re-enter through security. However, they will be granted an express pass to be placed at the front of the TSA line.

PDX Airport workers wearing blue vests will also be available to assist travelers on where they need to go.

Providence workers authorize strike at 13 hospitals, clinics

Phase 2 renovations, expected to be completed in early 2026, will bring the addition of more local shops, restaurants, art, permanent exit lanes, designated meet and greet areas, a VIP airline lounge and extra room, in general, airport officials said.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
MONSON, Mass. (WWLP)  Several residents across the Commonwealth lost power due to the current weather conditions.

There are about 3,100 customers without power in the Monson and Palmer areas Thursday morning, the National Grid outage map indicates. 22News Reporter Julia OKeefe is traveling to Monson and will update this story as soon as new information is released.

ISO New England prepares grid for winter energy demand

National Grid Outage Map  Massachusetts

Scattered snow showers and flurries are possible at any time on Thursday. The best chance for snow showers is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. with winds at 15 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

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The Hampden Police Department reports North Monson Road is closed from Glendale Road /North Monson Road to Bennett Road due to a downed tree. The fire department is reminding residents not to approach down wires and call 911 if you see any wires that have fallen.

Hampden Police Department

Vinton Road in Holland is impassible in the area of #119 due to a downed tree and electrical wires, according to the Holland Police Department. The closure is between the intersection of Butterworth Road and the Sturbridge Town line.

National Grid has been called. There is no word on when the road will reopen or when power will be restored.

Holland Police Department

Power outage safety tips

Mass.gov has provided a list of safety tips to keep in mind during a power outage.

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Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices. If you smell gas, call 911 right away.

Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.

Use generators and grills outside because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as it is a silent, odorless, killer.

During cold weather, keep food cold outside in a secure location safe from animals.

If phone lines are down, use social media or texting to let others know you are okay.

Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid power surges when power is restored.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
While negotiations on a new East Coast longshore contract remain at a standstill, online bettors arent convinced a January strike is inevitable.

Users of crypto predictions platform Polymarket on Thursday rated odds of a work stoppage at 43%, down from a high of 64% Nov. 13 but up 28% in intraday betting.

The International Longshoremens Association broke off talks with the United States Maritime Alliance Nov. 13 over what the union said were efforts by employers to replace workers by forcing automation technology into a new contract. USMX countered that its goal wasnt to reduce the workforce but to make container handling more efficient and increase throughput  and create more jobs in the process.

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After Biden administration officials helped broker an end to the ILAs three-day strike in early October, the sides agreed to extend the current contract and resume negotiations through Jan. 15.

The ILA represents 45,000 workers in container and vehicle handling at 36 maritime centers on the East and Gulf coasts. The October job action imperiled billions of dollars in daily trade ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to apparel and auto parts.

The union in a statement Monday for the first time zeroed in on rail-mounted gantry cranes as the source of its automation anxiety. The ILA added that remote-operated cranes like those now in use at ports in Asia and Europe present a security risk to U.S. maritime operations  echoing a recent warning issued to container hubs by the Coast Guard.

While President Joe Biden refused to force longshore employees back to work, its far from clear what approach the incoming Trump administration will take in the event of another strike.

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One clue: ILA President Harold Daggett recently posted a photo of himself with a smiling Donald Trump taken during a meeting with the then-presidential candidate.

Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Related coverage:

Chicago intermodal no longer a bridge too far for Indiana port

Union, employers resume war of words in East Coast port contract dispute

Container rates buoyed by tariff, strike threats

The post Predictions platform says longshore strike not a sure bet appeared first on FreightWaves.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The snowfall Wednesday night could be dangerous if you dont take the proper precautions.

This would be the first noticeable snow accumulation for many people, especially in the lower Pioneer Valley. So youll need to grab some supplies to keep your driveway clear and snow off of your car.

Salting your driveway is a necessity before the snow hits. while there are different types of driveway salt, sodium chloride should do the trick for this evening as temperatures should stay in the double digits.

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Winter Weather Advisory for snow through Thursday morning

We spoke with one Agawam resident who described his routine to stay safe during winter weather. I just make sure I got my chemicals for my pre-treat so that way when I clean up its easier to clean up and I keep an eye on the news, says Leo Chenevert.

December of 2023 only saw two days with over an inch of snow according to Westover Air Reserve Base. The National Weather Service is expecting above precipitation in the next six to ten days.

If you have a snowblower, Id suggest making sure its in working order, especially if you live in the northern part of the state.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
President Joe Bidens pardon for Hunter, his sole surviving son, was a symphony missing a crucial note: I changed my mind.

The pardon was a moment of paternal grace that took me aback  not because of the act itself but rather what was left unsaid. Presidential history boasts far more contentious pardons: George H. W. Bush pardoned former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and five others for secretly selling arms to Iran during an embargo. Bill Clinton pardoned disgraced financier Marc Rich. Donald Trump pardoned political allies who might be called to testify against him.

The framers didnt envision the pardon as a familial bailout, but recent precedents exist: Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger, and Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-laws father, after they had served time. The real surprise was Biden, nearing the twilight of his political career and facing a brutal reframing of his legacy, missing a clear opportunity to tackle the inevitable scrutiny head-on.

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He answered it very clearly, very forthright, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured the media repeatedly, echoing Bidens promise not to pardon Hunter. As Biden reversed this position, headlines readily seized upon the contradictions: Six times Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden wouldnt pardon his son Hunter, Fox News sneered, adding that the White House press secretary came away with egg on her face. Just one of the New York Posts stories on it: All the times Joe Biden and the White House said he wouldnt pardon Hunter. And at Vanity Fair: Joe Bidens Pardon Is a Stunning Act of Hypocrisy.

An explicit acknowledgment of his about-face might have altered the narrative, shifting focus from predictable critiques to a bold display of transparency. Instead, he echoed criticisms commonly leveled by Trump against the Justice Department during Bidens tenure  and revealed what he really thought about a case he had remained relatively silent about.

Presidents have historically revised stances, often conveyed with dignity, as Barack Obama exemplified when he transitioned from opposing to supporting same-sex marriage in 2012  a position maintained through campaigning. Its no secret the President has gone through some soul-searching on this issue, noted the White House, revealing introspective dialogues with people who swayed his thinking: the first lady; staff members; daughters Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. A few months ago, I told the Americans I did not trade arms for hostages, Ronald Reagan said in a speech from the Oval Office during the Iran-Contra scandal, taking full responsibility. My heart and my best intentions still tell me thats true, but the facts and the evidence tells me its not. These declarations were examples Biden might have emulated.

Biden could have avoided inadvertently endorsing Trumps critiques of the Justice Department by revealing what may have been the final straw: the eve prior, president-elect Trump announced plans for Kash Patel to lead the FBI amid rhetoric targeting both political and media circles. We will go out and find the conspirators, Patel proclaimed on Steve Bannons podcast, intimating a sweeping agenda of retaliatory justice. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But, yeah, were putting you all on notice. Biden could have reminded Americans that in a normal partisan environment, matters involving first sons like Neil Bush, son of H. W. Bush, are often settled out of court. He could have noted a blanket pardon was necessary  even Richard Nixons amnesty offered a shorter period  because in this charged environment, the so-called Biden crime family appeared especially exposed, adding layered complexity to Bidens consequential move the very next day.

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This context, apparently glaring to many on platforms like X and Bluesky, may not be so apparent to the broader public. As a presidential historian, this latest addition by Biden only adds to the cynicism Im often subjected to.

Hunters pardon doesnt define Bidens presidency, but it reshapes the story of the integrity he aspired to restore. Its complexities arent obvious amid todays scrutiny, and given his delivery, may never be.

Alexis Coe is an American presidential historian, senior fellow at New America, and the author of, most recently, the New York Times bestselling You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington.

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Rachel Hurt pleaded guilty in 2018 to charges that resulted in her classification as a sex offender which is complicating efforts to find a suitable place for her to live. (Kentucky State Police photo)

At age 35, she still sucks her thumb.

During a psychologists interview, Rachel Hurt  who has an IQ of 67  asked for her doll babies and Minnie Mouse and began banging crayons on the table in response to questions about her mental capacity.

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She also suffers from serious mental illness, including bipolar disorder and effects of a brain injury.

Yet more than five years after an assault case from Elizabethtown landed her in jail for a one-year sentence, Hurt remains in prison, for the last year held in isolation at Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women, with multiple state agencies unable to find a more suitable placement.

Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women in Pewee Valley, Shelby County. (Kentucky Department of Corrections)

Her offense? Leaving a shelter and becoming homeless, thus violating conditions of her parole  which a judge found Hurt lacks the capacity to understand, much less comply with.

For the past year, Hurt has been in isolation, alone in a cell at the Shelby County prison because of threats of self-harm, according to the extensive court records of her case.

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She literally falls between the bureaucratic cracks, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said in a recent order directing state officials to get her out of prison and into a suitable setting where Hurt can receive treatment for her mental illness and intellectual disabilities.

All state agencies involved appear to recognize that Ms. Hurts situation is untenable and that she has severe mental health problems, and that it is wrong to be held in a prison setting in segregated confinement, Shepherd wrote in his Nov. 14 order. Unfortunately, each agency claims it is not within their jurisdiction or power to address Ms. Hurts dilemma.

Still, Shepherds order says that all parties recognized the need for an alternative mental health placement for Ms. Hurt and the court believes that the parties tried their best and worked in good faith to find such a placement.

Despite those efforts, Hurt remains at the prison in isolation  confinement the judge said would be damaging for anyone, let alone someone with intellectual disabilities and mental illness.

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The type of supervision she is receiving now  alone in a prison cell  is undoubtedly causing her more harm than good, Shepherds order said.

Her lawyer, Bailey Brown, with the state Department of Public Advocacy, who has been fighting in court to get Hurt out of prison, agrees.

It is such a sad case and its frustrating, Brown said. Weve criminalized certain aspects of mental health and this case is a glaring example of that.

Finding the right place

Repeated efforts to locate a placement have failed, because Hurt is listed as a sex offender for grabbing a caregivers breast and genital area during the assault that landed her in jail, and also because of her complex mental health and intellectual deficits, according to the court records of her case.

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Each one of those things just compounds finding the right place for that person, said Steve Shannon, a longtime mental health advocate and former state behavioral health official.

Advocates say that too often in Kentucky, people with mental illness cycle through jails and prison as a default for proper treatment.

But Shannon said Hurts case appears to be unusually complicated.

The more complex a person is, the more difficult it is to find someplace in the community, he said.

Kungu Njuguna, policy strategist with the American Civil Liberties of Kentucky, said it comes down to resources.

We arent doing enough to fund mental health services in Kentucky, he said, noting that the matter has attracted the interest of federal authorities.

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The U.S. Justice Department office of Civil Rights has notified Kentucky officials they may be violating the rights of persons in Louisville with mental illness by overuse of confinement in psychiatric hospitals or jails and prisons.

In a letter to Gov. Andy Beshear in August, federal officials warned they could file a lawsuit seeking to force changes if conditions dont improve.

Hurts parole was revoked after a Louisville shelter where she had been placed after her release from jail asked her to leave and, unable to find another spot, she became homeless.

Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd (Kentucky Court of Justice)

Meanwhile, Shepherd  clearly frustrated with the lack of action in Hurts case  has scheduled a hearing Friday, Dec. 6, to further discuss where things stand with officials from agencies that include the Justice Cabinet, the Parole Board, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Corrections Department.

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He noted that if another placement for Hurt isnt found soon, she will be released from prison in April 2025 when her five-year mandatory supervision period ends.

Her current conditions of confinement serve only to ensure Ms. Hurt walks out of prison more mentally fragile and unstable than when she walked into it, and such mental deterioration is evident by the relatively recent threats of self-harm, the judges order said. She will be a greater threat to public safety upon release than she was before her parole was revoked if immediate steps are not taken to place her in an appropriate treatment program.

Hurt has no immediate family to look after her interests, her lawyer said, and has had a state-appointed guardian to manage her affairs all her adult life. Court records indicate she also had a state guardian as a child, but provide no further details.

Jail and hospitals

Court records indicate Hurt has been in and out of jail and hospitalized countless times.

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She has a history of outbursts and aggressive, sometimes violent behavior in recent years that included police being called repeatedly to an Elizabethtown apartment where she lived under supervision by Communicare, the community mental health agency that serves the Hardin County region.

Police citations report Hurt has grabbed, scratched, bitten, pushed, punched and threatened caregivers. She once kicked a nurse at a local hospital in the stomach, causing her to vomit, a citation said.

Charges included harassment, assault and terroristic threatening, most resolved through guilty pleas and short or suspended jail sentences.

But things took a more serious turn in October 2018 when Hurt was charged with sexual abuse and assault after an altercation with a caregiver.

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Hurt grabbed the worker around the breasts, genital area and buttocks and threatened to attack her sexually, saying I am going to make you my b    -, an Elizabethtown police citation said. She also spit on the worker. When other staff tried to intervene, Hurt bit one on the arm, the citation said.

That resulted in felony charges of sexual abuse and assault to which Hurt pleaded guilty in early 2020. She was sentenced to a year in jail, but was released with credit for more than a year served in jail after her arrest.

But her official status as a sex offender posed a new problem in finding a placement for her. And it also imposed a mandatory five-year parole period in which Hurt was required to find a place to live and report regularly to her parole officer.

Any violation could result in revocation  which happened just a few months after her release, according to court records.

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Initially placed at the Salvation Army shelter in Louisville, Hurt was asked to leave and wound up in several spots including University of Louisville psychiatric services before becoming homeless. She also failed to report her whereabouts to her parole officer and call him daily, court records show.

Eventually, she ended up before the state Parole Board, which revoked her parole in August 2020, requiring her to serve five years in prison.

Malingering?

Hurt was not capable of understanding her guilty plea to the sexual assault charge nor the consequences of her parole violation  going to prison for five years, her lawyer argued in a filing in Hardin Circuit Court, asking that her guilty plea be vacated.

Judge Kelly Mark Easton was elected to the state Court of Appeals in 2022. He had been a circuit judge in Hardin County. (Kentucky Court of Justice)

That also would have given Hurt the potential to avoid classification as a sex offender, a major barrier to finding a placement outside prison.

But in 2022, Hardin Circuit Judge Kelly Mark Easton refused, saying Hurt entered a knowing, intelligent and voluntary guilty plea after causing injury and trauma to her victim.

In his order, Easton cited a victims statement that Rachel knows how to play people and does well to portray the person that she wants you to like/feel sorry for. Rachel is also aware of her mental health diagnosis and plays that to her advantage.

The judge added that the description of Rachel suggested malingering, or feigning illness or disability, saying she may argue about her limitations when it suits her.

In July 2024, Dr. Eric Drogin, a clinical and forensic psychologist, submitted a report after examining Hurt that rejected the possibility Hurt was malingering.

Her score for impairment should alleviate any concerns she might be attempting to feign a functional disability in this regard, his report said. It said Hurt was aware of charges against her but was unable to define the terms guilty or convicted.

Overall, she lacks the capacity to appreciate the nature of the proceedings against her  or to participate rationally in her own defense, the report said.

Hurt also is incapable of complying with requirements of the states sex offender program upon release from prison, Drogins report said.

The report followed an interview where the psychologist reported behaviors such as thumb-sucking and non-responsive replies to questions about her mental health such as I gotta eat my cupcakes.

She also said she wanted her doll babies and Minnie Mouse doll back and was unable to be brought back to the topic at hand, the report said.

Whats the plan?

Judge Shepherd, in his order, is pushing state authorities to work together to come up with a better placement for Hurt, where she can get appropriate supervision and treatment without incarceration prior to her release date of April 2025.

Otherwise, the state is setting Hurt up for a continuous cycle of recidivism, his order said

As Shannon, the mental health advocate noted, The clock is ticking,

Id say, Whats the plan, he asked. To where will she be released? If she does this again, where do they place her?

Brown, her lawyer, hopes Fridays hearing yields some possible solutions.

I do hope somehow we can find a way forward thats somewhat positive for Rachel, she said. We have to do better.

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Prince Harry recently opened up to address rumors spreading online that he and Meghan Markle are getting divorced.

People who pay attention to these things apparently noticed that Harry and Markle weren't showing up to professional engagements together, and suggested they were undergoing a "professional separation" in hopes of overhauling their images.

Markle was on the other side of the country on the day of the summit, acccording to the New York Post.

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Harry, 40, discussed the rumors during the New York Times' 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on Wednesday.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, the founder of the DealBook Summit and a New York Times columnist, asked Harry to elaborate about what was actually happening in his life.

Prince Harry addressed rumors that he and Meghan Markle are getting divorced during the 2024 DealBook Summit in New York on December 4, 2024 (Archewell Foundation)

I Google News-ed you, and there were people fascinated by everything youre doing, all the time. Theyre fascinated by Meghan is in California right now, and youre here, Sorkin said. And theres articles left and right about, you know, Why are you making, doing independent events? Why arent you doing them together?

He joked that he was in New York because Sorkin invited him and not Markle, but then explained that the divorce rumblings were the latest in a long line of rumors about him and his wife.

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Apparently weve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. Weve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So its just like, what?' Harry said, laughing.

He said it didn't bother him too much, but it did make him feel bad for the "trolls" who create and spread the rumors.

Its hard to keep up with, but thats why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls, he said. Their hopes are just built and built, and its like, Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and then it doesnt happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.

The prince predicted that even chatting with Sorkin would be twisted and used against him by his critics in the press and the public, and issued the columnist a preemptive apology.

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"For that, I can only apologize, but you did invite me, so it's not my fault," Harry said.

Harry said later that he and Markle have been focusing on their Archewell Foundation work and other charitable endeavors, and that he personally is determined to be the "best husband and dad that I can be."
Originally appeared on E! Online

Prince Harry is putting split rumors to rest.

The Duke of Sussex shut down speculation that he and wife of six years, Meghan Markle, are headed for divorce due to the couple attending several recent public engagements separately.

Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times, the 40-year-old said at the New York Times' 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City Dec. 4, according to People. We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?

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He added, It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it.

Although navigating tabloid gossip is nothing new for the royalwho is fifth in line to the British thronehe did reveal what he really thinks of those who fuel the negative rumors surrounding his personal life.

The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls, Harry continued. Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.

For a closer look at Prince Harrys life in the public eye, keep scrolling.

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But for Harrywho shares kids Archie Harrison, 5, and Lilibet Diana, 3, with Meghan, 43ignoring negativity doesnt mean tuning it out completely. In fact, he previously revealed hes reluctant to travel back to his home country with the Duchess of Sussex due to the British tabloid medias coverage of the couple.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for The New York Times

It's still dangerous, Harry said in an interview with ITV in July, and all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read.

Whether it's a knife or acid, he continued, whatever it is, and these are things that are of genuine concern for me. It's one of the reasons why I wont bring my wife back to this country.

For a closer look at Prince Harrys life in the public eye, keep scrolling.

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Prince Harry is remembering his late mother Princess Dianas commitment to young people.



The Duke of Sussex, 40, shared a heartfelt video message during a special ceremony recognizing the latest group of young changemakers celebrated in his mothers name.

This year, The Diana Award is honoring 200 young people from 45 countries, with a record-breaking 34 recipients from the U.S. The virtual ceremony took place on December 5.



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The Diana Award is rewarding 200 young people from 45 countries with, in a record-breaking year, 34 coming from the U.S.  at a virtual ceremony on Dec. 5. The Diana Award is the only charity established in memory of Diana. Its mission is to empower young people to create positive change in the world, inspired by Princess Dianas belief in the power of youth to shape a better future.

In a meaningful interaction with Legacy Award recipients Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaicawhom he met in New York City in SeptemberHarry spoke of his mothers lasting influence.

My mothers belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me. No matter the challenges we face, whether its climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope," he said.

The ceremony was live-streamed on YouTube starting at 10 a.m. EST on December 5.



Eugene Gologursky/Getty Prince Harry talking in New York on Dec. 4, 2024 Prince Harry talking in New York on Dec. 4, 2024

Harry also pointed out the power of working together and how daunting some of the issues facing young people can be. Sometimes the worlds problems can seem too big for any one person to tackle, but your efforts are a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to contribute to a fairer world, Harry said.

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Related: Prince William Praises Young Leaders Compassion as He and Prince Harry Support Charity in Princess Dianas Name

No one is ever a conduit for change alone and the award recipients were honoring today are testament to that," Harry said, adding that he's especially honored to have had the chance to listen to your impressive stories and the positive impact you continue to have on young peoples lives.



On Dec. 4, the charity released a letter from Harrys brother Prince William, 42, who praised the winners that they have shown "kindness and compassion" as they make unique contributions to their respective communities.

Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William addressing Diana Award recipients in London in March, 2024 Prince William addressing Diana Award recipients in London in March, 2024

Thanking them for their dedication, William called them extraordinary: I am so proud of the impact every one of you has had on your communities and beyond," he wrote.

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At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place, and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change. Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve," the Prince of Wales added.

The royal brothers may be estranged, but they have both made a point of contributing to the support for the Diana Award. This year, William was guest of honor and made the main speech at the Legacy Awards dinner, meeting the 20 recipients in person at a special evening in London earlier this year. Harry, meanwhile, spoke to them via video link afterwards.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Prince William and Prince Harry (left) when they unveiled the statue to their late mother at Kensington Palace in July 2021 Prince William and Prince Harry (left) when they unveiled the statue to their late mother at Kensington Palace in July 2021

The charity is coming to the end of its landmark 25th year anniversary. It was set up in 1999 and is the only non-profit to carry Dianas name and both her sons take pride in supporting it.

As he introduced some more recipients, Harry summed up their collective achievements. Our Award recipients this year are advocates for social action projects that focus on sustainable development goals, including: Promoting good health and wellbeing to create healthy lives for everyone.

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Working towards creating inclusive and quality education to make lifelong learning opportunities more accessible. Reducing inequalities within communities. And combatting climate change to minimize the impacts for future generations.

The 2023 Diana Awards Ceremony/Youtube Prince William and Prince Harry as they addressed the ceremony in 2023 Prince William and Prince Harry as they addressed the ceremony in 2023

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Among the 34 American young people being given Diana Awards this year was Lila Rousso, who founded Dress UP, which is a non-profit dedicated to providing formalwear for young people of all identities and orientations who may lack access to dresses for school dances. Lila forged partnerships with dressmakers to help donate more 300 dresses across the country, including 200 prom dresses to Florida teens impacted by Hurricane Ian, helping them experience a rite of passage they would otherwise have missed.

Another of the 34-strong cohort was Titilope Olotu, who founded 'PERIOD PADI,' to provide pads and education to over 10,000 Nigerian girls. She has raised $12,350 through initiatives like a digital guidebook and has earned recognition from Vice President Kamala Harris. Growing up in Nigeria and the United States, Titilope gained insight into global inequalities, especially in womens health and her experiences with FGM and menstrual stigma fuelled her passion for change, the charity says.



Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE, chief executive of the Diana Award, said in a statement that she warmly congratulated the new recipients.

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This event is special, as it marks our 25th anniversary year and our most competitive year yet with record nominations," she said. "This new cohort of Diana Award recipients demonstrate that young people have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Diana, Princess of Wales.



Read the original article on People
Prince Harry addressed rumors about his relationship with Meghan Markle during the DealBook Summit in New York, dismissing claims of marital trouble and expressing pity for online trolls.

He also emphasized his family's decision to remain in the U.S. for their children's safety and his ongoing legal battle in the UK over security.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle dazzled at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills, supporting Tyler Perry while stunning in a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown, as Harry fulfilled commitments in New York.

Prince Harry Dismisses Divorce Rumors And Slams Trolls

MEGA

Harry recently attended the DealBook Summit in New York as a keynote speaker, while his wife Meghan Markle Meghan attended a gala in Los Angeles alongside Tyler Perry.

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Speaking to Harry, event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin raised the public's obsession with their relationship.

According to the Daily Mail, Sorkin brought up the speculation surrounding their separate appearances, stating, "They're fascinated Meghan is in California right now, and you're here. There are articles left and right about: 'Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren't you doing them together?"

However, the Duke of Sussex dismissed the rumors, joking, "Apparently, we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We've apparently divorced maybe 10 or 12 times as well. So it's just like, 'what?.'"

The prince went on to address online trolls, saying he feels "genuinely sorry" for those who eagerly spread false rumors, adding, "Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,' and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do."

Prince Harry Says He Has Seen Stories About Himself That Aren't 'Based In Reality'

MEGA

When Sorkin asked Harry why he was in New York instead of Los Angeles with Meghan, Harry joked: "Because you invited meyou should have known."

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The conversation then shifted to the public's intense interest in their relationship. Sorkin remarked on how quickly speculation arises when the couple is seen apart.

"Is that normal for you?" he asked. "The second there's an article  she's in California, you're in New York  they say, 'Well, what is happening with these two, right?' Is that a good thing for you, in a way, that there's so much interest in you."

However, Harry brushed off the persistent divorce rumors and reflected on the impact of media scrutiny.

"I've had a lived experience since I was a kid. I've seen stories written about myself that aren't exactly based on reality. I've seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people," he said.

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"And I think when you grow up within that environment, you do find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people are thinking of that as well, and how dangerous it can be over time," Harry added.

Prince Harry Discusses Family Life In The U.S. And Legal Battle Over Security At DealBook Summit

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Speaking at the DealBook Summit, Harry emphasized that he and Meghan have no intention of returning to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, sharing that the decision to stay in the U.S. was deeply rooted in ensuring his children's safety.

"I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here," The prince said, highlighting the activities he enjoys with Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, that he "undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK."

He added that his focus remains on "being the best husband and dad I can be."

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Harry remains in a legal battle with the UK Home Office over the removal of his police protection when the couple stepped back from royal duties.

Although Harry lost the initial case, he plans to appeal in April, maintaining that his security "should never have been removed."

Meghan Markle Stuns In Oscar de la Renta Gown At Paley Honors Gala Supporting Tyler Perry

Meghan Markle walks the carpet and embraces honoree Tyler Perry at the Paley Honors Fall Gala pic.twitter.com/dmiPuXa1ks  The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 5, 2024

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On the other hand, Meghan stunned during a solo appearance at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, as she turned heads in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown featuring a dramatic front slit paired with strappy Celine heels.

The Duchess of Sussex completed the look with a diamond Logan Hollowell necklace, rings by Lorraine Schwartz and Engender, and a gold Cartier Love bracelet.

Meghan, who is part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs alongside Harry, attended the event to support Tyler Perry, a close friend and longtime ally of the Sussexes, as he received the prestigious Paley Honors Award for his remarkable career in directing, acting, and philanthropy.

Harry, who was initially listed as part of the Paley Honors event, was in New York on the same evening.

The Sussexes Are Planning A 'Joyful' Christmas Together

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Despite their solo outings, Harry and Meghan are said to be preparing to celebrate Christmas in their Montecito home, along with their children and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, after being excluded from the royal family's traditional festivities at Sandringham.

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An insider shared with Closer Magazine that the couple is focused on creating a magical and memorable holiday for their little ones.

"Meghan's mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they'll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family," the source said, adding that the absence of an invitation to join the royals was no surprise to the Sussexes.
Colorado Springs police have identified the victim in a Nov. 26 homicide that occurred in southeastern part of the city, according to a news release Wednesday from police.

The victim was identified only as a 17-year-old male, according to the release. Colorado law prohibits law enforcement from further identifying the victim because of their status as a minor.

The release states that the victim suffered at least one gunshot wound and died on the scene in the 1900 block of South Chelton Road.

No arrest has been announced.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 719-444-4000. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867 or 1-800-222-8477.

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The unnamed juvenile was the third minor killed by gun violence this year in the city: A 7-year-old was killed in a murder-suicide in April, and a 17-year-old male was shot and killed near Sand Creek High School in February.

This was the 38th homicide in 2024 in Colorado Springs. At that time last year, there were 30 homicides.
Prince Harry is putting down roots in the United States.

On Dec. 4, the Duke of Sussex, 40, opened up about raising his two kids with wife, Meghan Markle, in the U.S. while in conversation with columnist and Dealbook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit in New York City.

When Sorkin, 47, asked whether he wants to stay in the U.S., especially amid the concerns for his safety in the United Kingdom, Prince Harry said, "I do."

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He continued, "I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. Its a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live."

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City

The Duke of Sussex added, "I feel as though it's the life that my mom wanted for me. To be able to do the things I'm able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the U.K.  it's huge. That is a fantastic opportunity and I'm hugely grateful for that."

Prince Harry and Meghan, 43, share two children, son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 3, whom they are raising in Montecito, Calif.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Prince Harry on Dec. 4, 2024; Princess Diana Prince Harry on Dec. 4, 2024; Princess Diana

PEOPLE previously reported that Prince Harry officially changed his listed country of residence on paperwork from the U.K. to the U.S. in 2023 after having moved to California with his wife in 2020.

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Around the same time, the Keeper of the Privy Purse announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had "vacated" their Frogmore Cottage in the U.K. in Windsor after being asked to leave the residence.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, Calif. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, Calif.

During the summit, Prince Harry also spoke about disinformation in the media and related it to his late mother's past experience. "I've seen stories written about myself not exactly based in reality, he said at the event. "When you grow up with that environment, you find yourself questioning the validity of the information, but also what other people are thinking as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time."

Related: Prince Harry Delivers Emotional Message About His Mothers Belief in Young People at Diana Award Ceremony

"I think again, when you are kind of trapped within this bubble, it kind of feels like there's no way out," he added. "What happened to my mom and the fact that I was a kid and felt helpless, there comes the inner turmoil. I felt helpless. One of my biggest weaknesses is feeling helpless."

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City

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Prince Harry continued to express fear that the culture would affect his family, saying, "What worried me most was worrying that would happen to me, or to my wife, or to my kids."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The event had a starry lineup with other mainstage interviews including Jeff Bezos, Bill Clinton, Alex Cooper, Serena Williams, Open AI co-founder Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Related: Meghan Markle Hits the Red Carpet to Support Princess Lilibets Godfather Tyler Perry at Glam Gala

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Meghan previously participated in the summit in November 2021.

The Duchess of Sussex recently opened up about her love for spending the holidays with her family in an interview with Marie Claire, during which she noted that "every year it gets better."

"At first, I think as a mom with children youre just enjoying having them there, but theyre not understanding everything thats happening yet," she said. "But now were at the age where I just cant wait to see it through their lens every year."

Read the original article on People
NEW YORK  Prince Harry is speaking out regarding recent rumors that he and Meghan Markle are headed for divorce.

The 40-year-old Duke of Sussex broke his silence on the speculation Wednesday during The New York Times DealBook Summit, hosted at Jazz at Lincoln Centers Appel Room on Columbus Circle.

Apparently weve bought or moved house maybe 10, 12 times, the reluctant royal deadpanned. Weve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well [laughs]. So its just like, what? Its hard to keep up with. But thats why you just sort of ignore it.

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Harry got some chuckles from the crowd when he said he genuinely feels sorry for the internet trolls, whose hopes are just built and built ... and then it doesnt happen.

The latest chatter about trouble in paradise for the polarizing couple comes following multiple occasions in which Harry and the Suits alum have made public appearances without one another.

When asked by moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin how he feels about the inordinate amount of interest in his life, Harry said its definitely not a good thing.

Harry and Meghans relationship, which began on a 2016 blind date, has long been a contentious headline fixture. They wed in 2018 and the following year welcomed son Archie the following year.

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In early 2020, they announced theyd be stepping back from their senior royal duties and decamping to Markles native California. There, they welcomed daughter Lilibet in June 2021.

In recent years, Harry and Meghan have put the spotlight on their marriage with an eponymous Netflix docuseries and Harrys bombshell memoir, Spare, released in early 2023.
The assassination of an insurance executive on the streets of New York has prompted hundreds of companies to seek private security for their staff.

Security firms were inundated with calls from concerned firms after Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead on his way to his companys annual investor conference in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

Pete Flintoff, who owns Flint Security Agency in New York, said his company had received an inquiry from someone he believes was at the UnitedHealthcare Groups event and requested an armed escort to the airport.

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Meanwhile, Glen Kucera, president of Enhanced Protection Services at Allied Universal, said hundreds of companies had called to inquire about private security for their bosses in the wake of the murder.

The firms protection services are currently used by more than 400 of Fortune500 companies. This includes many hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Every time theres an incident in the US, it kind of raises awareness and people start looking at their own protocols, Mr Kucera told The Telegraph, adding: Its definitely a wake up call.

Brian Thompson was shot in the back outside the Hilton Hotel in New York on Wednesday morning

After the attack, he said his company received a lot of calls [about] executives that were going to travel, they didnt have any executive protection planned, we met them at locations and, you know, did what we do.

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Mr Flintoff, a retired New York Police Department officer, said he had received three calls on Wednesday in the hours after Mr Thompsons shooting, a rare uptick for his small company.

One, he said, was for someone who was leaving New York.

They were in a bit of a bind, and they wanted somebody this evening to get out of the city.... They may have actually been at the conference that he was supposed to speak at, and were leaving immediately, immediately changing their plans, and they wanted an armed driver to Newark Airport, he said.

The other ones, I assume, were high net worth individuals that were looking for sort of either armed drivers or security at their residency.

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We also, on our website, weve had a little uptick, not huge, but there was definitely more traffic to the website today.

More bookings depends on killers motive

He said most chief executives of large corporations have security details because it is often a requirement of the companys insurance policy.

Some firms have their own in-house protection services, but if you are armed you cannot travel over state lines with that firearm, Mr Kucera said.

He said whether more executives decide to book protection will likely come down to the motive of the killer, which at this point is unknown.

Paulette Thompson, Mr Thompsons wife, said her husband had received threats before, which she suggested were to do with a lack of [medical] coverage.

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If there was a personal motive, then the executives will say: ok, I dont have that issue in my life. I dont have to deal with that, Mr Kucera said.

If its tied to a business event or a business decision or a customer or a client, then clearly that rings true to every executive here in the United States... being a CEO is high risk.

He added: Healthcare is an emotional issue... Somebody whos denied service, somebody was given service. You know, somebody passed away at the hospital, somebody got shot and had to go to a hospital, somebody was denied insurance protection.

As companies get bigger and their staff have larger media profiles they are more likely to want private protection, he added.

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MADISON  For the second time this year, pro-Palestinian protesters briefly disrupted a University of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting, continuing their efforts to demand universities cut ties with Israel.

Several dozen protesters disrupted the board's business committee meeting shortly after 8:15 a.m. Thursday. They shouted "Free Palestine" before police escorted them out of the Gordon Dining and Event Center meeting room on the UW-Madison campus.

UW-Madison Police said officers and Student Affairs staff warned roughly 50 protesters to stop and cleared the room after they refused. Nineteen people were arrested and released. No citations were issued Thursday but may be issued after each case is investigated.

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Audari Tamayo said he was among those arrested. Tamayo is a member of the Students for a Democratic Society, one of the student organizations involved in the encampment at UW-Milwaukee last spring. He said about 15 UWM students came to Madison for the Thursday protest.

"We went up there and pressured them and asked them, it's been a year of this genocide, more and more people die every day that we don't take action," he said. "And for that, they punished us."

The scene was chaotic as police escorted students out of the meeting room. Police officers refused to let the public and even some UW officials into the meeting, despite the committee continuing its discussion inside the room. A UW-Madison police officer on scene said the lack of access was because the situation represented a "safety issue." A livestream of the meeting was available online.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reminded police the meeting is required to be open to the public under state law and there didn't appear to be enough of a safety issue for the meeting to be halted. A reporter was eventually let inside about half an hour later.

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In June, about a dozen protesters briefly boycotted a UW Regents meeting held on the UW-Milwaukee campus. The disruption lasted about a minute. Officers arrested and cited seven people with disorderly conduct, which comes with a fine.

(This story was updated to add a video and new information.)

Kelly Meyerhofer covers higher education in Wisconsin. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt UW Board of Regents meeting at UW-Madison
For Floridians, whose average property insurance bills are the highest in the country, it might be hard to believe that the formula determining their costs depends on more than bad luck.

Although individual factors  such as proximity to hazards (like living in a hurricane-prone state), the age of your home and your credit history  go into your premium, what you end up paying must face state scrutiny.

Companies are required to file what they plan to charge  their rates  with the Office of Insurance Regulation every year. And any time a company wants to increase their average premium by 15% or more, it must undergo a public hearing before a panel from the states Office of Insurance Regulation, justify the increases with historical claims and future risk assessments and then hope for the regulatory bodys stamp of approval.

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The rates that are charged are not pulled out of the air, said Caple Howden, who runs an Orlando insurance agency that bears his name. They have to be justified.

There is also a cap on profits. Insurers' proposals can show a maximum of 4.2% profit, according to state statutes.

Biggest chunk of a bill is to insure against wind damage

The biggest chunk of a bill, usually about 50% of the cost, is built around wind insurance, according to Zack Lansat, an Allstate agent who owns Lansat Liability Insurance Group in Lake Worth Beach. And a big part of that is driven by what the financial markets are charging insurance companies to help them shoulder the risk of catastrophic losses  called reinsurance.

Lansat says it only seems random.

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People call and say, My family member's policy didnt go up. Why did my policy go up?  Lansat said. Its a variety of reasons.

More: Have property damage after Florida hurricanes Helene, Milton? Homeowners insurance facts

Lansat said hes seen many companies come in with low rates and then be forced to adjust upward as they realize their exposure to claims.

When the storms come in, they have to increase their pricing, Lansat said. Obviously storms dont help to keep pricing down.

Temporary reprieve?

For the upcoming round of base premiums, the state insurance regulators are reporting that as of mid-November, 24 rate filings show a rate decrease and 46 rate filings show a zero rate increase. And no company is showing an increase of 15% that would trigger a public hearing.

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Its a dramatic difference from 2021 when state regulators routinely held hearings on proposed increases of 30%. The relatively flat outlook for premiums in the upcoming year is largely a result of the reinsurance markets confidence that companies exposure to legal fees has been dramatically decreased because of new state laws that took away much of the incentive for policyholders to sue insurers in a settlement dispute, industry observers say.

But dont expect your own bill to decrease or stay the same, even if your company filed a rate that shows no increase, cautions Robert Norberg, president of Arden Insurance Associates in Lantana.

Most people will likely see a small increase rather than a decrease, Norberg said. It's because of the increased value of the (home) replacement cost.

Due to its unusual state-backed finances, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. had a public hearing Aug. 1 on its proposal for a 14% average premium increase. A ruling has not yet been issued on that rate change for the states insurer of last resort, which has more policyholders than any other property insurance company.

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The Office of Insurance Regulation keeps a searchable database of the filings here: https://irfssearch.fldfs.com/.

Anne Geggis is the insurance reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at ageggis@gannett.com.Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida property insurance: What goes into bill and how cost is decided
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The rideshare company Uber and some businesses want to lower the amount Nevada attorneys can charge for a contingency fee in civil cases. The issue went before the Nevada Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Attorneys generally charge a fee of 33% to 40% of an award or settlement. The ballot initiative calls for capping the attorney fees at 20%. However, those challenging it say it would affect the ability of people to find attorneys to take their cases.

The Uber-backed political action committee, Nevadans for Fair Recovery, filed the ballot initiative petition with the state to put the proposal before voters in the Nov. 2026 election.

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According to a New York Times article, Uber is pushing the proposal at the same time that the company faces a torrent of lawsuits in Nevada and elsewhere from customers who have accused it of failing to protect them from being sexually assaulted or harassed by drivers.

A group called, Uber Sexual Assault Survivors for Legal Accountability, is fighting against the lower cap amount because they believe it would discourage attorneys from taking their cases. A lawsuit was filed to keep the measure from making it to the ballot, but a state judge dismissed it and now its before the Nevada Supreme Court.

It could take months for the court to announce a decision. If the case moves forward and gets enough valid signatures, it go before voters in the Nov. 2026 election.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
If passed, a Texas bill could ban the sale of all THC products in the state, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Wednesday.

Patrick is launching an effort to pass Senate Bill 3, which would ban all forms of consumable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from being sold, according to a news release from his office. As president of the Senate, Patrick has strong influence over which legislation is heard. The bill's low number suggests it will be among the first to be debated in the next legislative session.

The commercialization of hemp products with trace amount of non-intoxicating Delta 9 THC was legalized by House Bill 1325, with the intention of strengthening Texas agriculture. The law allows the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas, granted that they stay at 0.3% or less delta-9 THC level. This also includes products for consumable hemp products that contain cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other edible parts of the hemp plant.

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People are also reading: Marijuana laws in Texas are confusing. Here's a guide to know what is and isn't legal

Patrick now argues retailers used a loophole to sell dangerous products to adults and children alike.

"Dangerously, retailers exploited the agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public and made them easily accessible. These stores not only sold to adults, but they targeted Texas children and exposed them to dangerous levels of THC," Patrick's statement says. "Since 2023, thousands of stores selling hazardous THC products have popped up in communities across the state, and many sell products, including beverages, that have three to four times the THC content which might be found in marijuana purchased from a drug dealer."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks at the 2024 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio on May 23. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune

Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, will sponsor the bill to "keep these unsafe products off our streets."

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"We are not going to allow these retailers to circumvent the law and put Texans lives in danger," Patrick continues in his statement. "This bill will have broad bipartisan support in the Senate, and I trust the House will also see the danger of these products and pass this bill with overwhelming support so it can become law immediately."

The Texas Department of State Health Services lists the following examples of consumable hemp products (CHP):

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil

CBD gummy bears

Food and drinks infused with CBD

Over-the-counter drugs containing CBD

Topical lotions and cosmetics that contain CBD

What does Texas law say about cannabis?

The Lone Star State has not broadly legalized cannabis in any form. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, medical marijuana is permissible in certain circumstances.

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In 2015, Texas passed the Compassionate-Use Act, which allowed the first legal use of low-THC cannabis products in the state for patients with intractable epilepsy. It was expanded in 2019 and 2021 to include other conditions.

Chapter 169 of the Texas Occupations Code states that patients suffering from the following are allowed to use low-THC cannabis products:

epilepsy

seizure disorders

multiple sclerosis

spasticity

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

autism

cancer

post-traumatic stress disorder

an incurable neurodegenerative disease

Marijuana remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). It is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance, under strict regulations by the federal government, and has "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse."

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Read more: These 2 marijuana stocks could surge under Trump's second term

Texas AG sues cities over cannabis decriminalization

Patrick's announcement of Senate Bill 3 comes amid other disputes over Texas cannabis regulations. At the end of November, Dallas joined a list of cities being sued by Attorney General Ken Paxton over the decriminalization of cannabis.

The lawsuit, filed just weeks after 67% of Dallas voters approved Proposition R, also known as the "Dallas Freedom Act," challenges the city's move to amend its charter and prevent police from arresting or citing individuals for possessing up to 4 ounces of cannabis, except in cases involving felony investigations tied to violence or narcotics.

The measure would also prohibit officers from using the smell of cannabis as probable cause for searches or seizures and restrict city funds and resources from being used to test cannabis-related substances to determine whether they meet the legal definition of cannabis.

Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference at the Price Daniel State Office Building on Friday May 26, 2023.

Paxton's lawsuit argues that the decriminalization is unconstitutional, as the state of Texas enforces harsher penalties for cannabis possession. THC is classified under Penalty Group 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act, and the possession and distribution of cannabis are criminal offenses under Sections 81.120 and 481.121.

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"Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow," Paxton said in a statement. "The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them."

Recreational cannabis use has been legalized in 24 U.S. states, and 38 states allow it for medical use.

 The Texas Tribune contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Proposed Texas bill would ban sale of all THC products. What to know
Former Cook County Assistant States Attorney Nicholas Trutenko called the prosecution that he won in 1989 against Jackie Wilson the crown jewel of his career, according to prosecutors.

But the conviction didnt stick, and Wilson, whose high-profile case was integral to unveiling systemic practices of torture at the Chicago Police Department, was tried again, this time by special prosecutors because of conflicts with the states attorneys office.

Thus, three decades later, the matter came back to haunt Trutenko, prosecutors alleged, and he sought to conceal a longtime friendship with a key witness in the case.

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After about eight days of trial that spanned more than a year, attorneys on Wednesday delivered closing arguments in the case against Trutenko and a second former Cook County assistant states attorney accused of wrongdoing, capping off a long and sometimes contentious trial.

Closely watched by Chicagos legal community, the case is unusual for its accusations against former assistant states attorneys in connection with a wrongful conviction case and shed a light on a tumultuous period for the Cook County states attorneys office.

The actions of these two defendants tainted and warped the integrity of the system and the administration of justice, special prosecutor David Hoffman said. These appalling actions are the true opposite of the integrity that the laws and system demand.

Lake County Judge Daniel Shanes, who has said throughout the trial that some aspects of the indictment are unprecedented, will issue a decision at a later date.

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Trutenko, 69, and Andrew Horvat, 49, have been standing trial before Shanes, with Trutenko charged with perjury, official misconduct, obstruction of justice and violating a local records act in relation to his testimony as a witness at Wilsons 2020 trial. Horvat, who represented Trutenko in that proceeding when he was an attorney with the offices Civil Actions Bureau, is accused of official misconduct.

The trial ends at a transition point for the states attorneys office. Shortly before she left office, former States Attorney Kim Foxx told the Tribune the explosive events that led to the criminal charges were jarring for the office and prompted them to review training and policies. Her successor, Eileen ONeill Burke, took her oath of office in a ceremony Monday.

Attorneys made their final arguments to the judge in a courtroom at a branch courthouse in northwest suburban Rolling Meadows, following years of investigation and subsequent trial, spawned by a series events in 2020 that led to prosecutors dropping all charges against Wilson, who stood accused in the murders of Chicago police Officers William Fahey and Richard OBrien.

In this situation, the law required them to act with integrity, with honesty to fulfill their legal duties, Hoffman said. They did not act with integrity. They violated the law.

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Defense attorneys, though, railed against the proceedings, accusing the special prosecutors of having a mandate to collect scalps from the states attorneys office after a public embarrassment. They suggested that under the prosecutions theory of the law, the prosecutors and their witnesses perhaps could be at risk of criminal investigation.

I cant think of a case Ive defended which bothers me more than this case, said Horvats defense attorney Terry Ekl. I do not believe this is a good-faith prosecution and do not make that comment lightly.

The allegations hinge around a decades-long friendship between Trutentko and a key witness who testified against Wilson in his second trial, which was prosecuted by Trutenko. The career prosecutor even flew to London to serve as godfather to one of William Colemans children.

In 1982, Jackie Wilson, then 21, was behind the wheel of a car with his brother Andrew Wilson, who shot and killed the two officers. Wilson has said he did not know his brother would shoot the officers, but in 1989, at his second trial, Coleman, a jailhouse snitch, testified that Wilson had admitted his role in the crime while they were locked up together in the county jail.

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So Coleman was a critical witness sought by the special prosecutors trying Wilson in 2020, but they testified they could not locate him and believed him dead.

The special prosecutors in this case, Hoffman and Lawrence Oliver, have accused Trutenko of concealing his friendship with Coleman, an international con man with a long rap sheet, and then lying on the witness stand about whether Coleman came up in pretrial prep sessions with the prosecutors who were trying to find him. The prosecutors contended that the concealment violated Wilsons rights because it meant his attorneys would not be able to confront an accuser, a fundamental constitutional right.

He has a long, ongoing relationship with Coleman  that has to be considered one of the most unusual friendships between Trutenko and a convicted felon that one can imagine, Hoffman said.

The prosecutors also alleged that Horvat furthered the concealment when he was assigned to represent Trutenko. Hoffman said that when he learned of the relationship, he instructed prosecutors on the case to not ask about it, stating that its nothing illegal, its nothing unethical, but its just weird.

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This is outrageous that this experienced lawyer who has heard this disclosure  not only sits on but goes up to the special prosecutor and asks him not to act on it, Hoffman said.

But the defense lawyers have argued that Trutenko simply misspoke on the stand, and Horvat was bound by attorney-client privilege.

Nick made a mistake and his mistake was more innocent than the under-oath lies by the witnesses in this courtroom, Trutenkos attorney Jim McKay argued.

Ekl further argued that no lawyer should be prosecuted because he was trying to protect his clients confidentiality.

During the trial  which was previously delayed for about a year due to a rare, mid-trial appeal filed by the special prosecutors  nearly all the witnesses called were attorneys themselves. The questioning at times veered into the territory of personal insults and accusations of wrongdoing by attorneys not charged in the indictment.

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After the state rested its case last month, defense attorneys on Tuesday presented two witnesses, Trutenkos son Joseph Trutenko and Colemans former public defender.

Joseph Trutenko, who lives with his dad, testified that he helped his father do a factory reset on his work phone because his father wanted to remove personal photos and contacts before turning in the phone. He recalled his dad coming home angry and upset the night he was fired.

He asked for my assistance. He is not too technically sound, Joseph Trutenko testified. At that point I proposed the idea of factory resetting his iPhone. It would just be quicker essentially.

Prosecutors had accused Trutenko of wiping his iPhone to further conceal the nature of his relationship with Coleman.
BOSTON (SHNS)  A trio of organizations is urging Massachusetts health care providers to help get more patients vaccinated against the flu after the country last year logged a record number of pediatric deaths.

The Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Families Fighting Flu national organization issued their call for providers to protect patients during National Influenza Vaccination Week, which spans Dec. 2-6. Everyone ages six months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot, the organizations said.

The initiative that both MAIC and the MCAAP are taking to assist Massachusetts healthcare providers for successful conversations with patients about the importance of immunizations should be a model for other states, said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of Families Fighting Flu, which was created by parents who lost their children to the flu. Our families have suffered unimaginable losses. We hope that sharing our stories with providers, who can then pass the information on to patients, will prove to be a powerful resource to increase vaccination confidence and rates across the state.

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There were more than 200 flu-related pediatric deaths nationally during the 2023-2024 flu season, the groups said, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, state data showed that only two in five Bay Staters were vaccinated against the flu.

Healthcare providers are among the most trusted messengers about the value of vaccines, and we want to arm providers across the state with the most up to date and science-based materials to ensure they can have informed conversations with their patients, Cynthia McReynolds, program manager of the immunization initiative at MCAAP, 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 WWLP.
A general view of a Verizon store on August 23, 2024 in Oceanside, New York. (Bruce Bennett | Getty Images)

As Verizon and Frontier are requesting approval for the former to take over the latters services in West Virginia, the state Public Service Commission last week noted some concerns regarding the potential merger and how it could affect customers in the Mountain State.

According to a memo issued by PSC staff, the commission is seeking further information on how Verizon would address some long standing issues that have occurred with Frontier customers in West Virginia.

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Those include issues arising from a lack of maintenance to copper infrastructure while fiber networks are being expanded in the state, unreliable connections to the states E911 network, complications retiring DSL connections in areas without other options and ongoing challenges with the company missing appointments or giving extended appointment times to customers, among other things.

Verizon and Frontier initially filed their joint application with the PSC to transfer control of the latter company to the former on Oct. 31. That application follows an agreement made between the two companies on Sept. 4. Under that agreement, if finalized and approved by all necessary entities, Verizon will acquire all of Frontier and its subsidiaries, including those in West Virginia.

According to the Oct. 31 application with the PSC, the acquisition would be seamless for customers in the Mountain State as it is occurring between the holding companies. If finalized, Frontier  which will become a subsidiary of Verizon  will still be bound by all contractual obligations made before the acquisition and Verizon, as the parent company, will honor any and all agreements between the company, its customers and other stakeholders.

Frontiers potential acquisition by Verizon comes as the former company, according to the joint filing from October, is facing obstacles to its continued growth and long-term competitiveness.

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Frontier emerged from bankruptcy in 2021 and since has committed to a fiber-first strategy, installing and extending fiber optic cables throughout its service regions.

In West Virginia specifically, the company has already met its goal of deploying fiber connectivity in 150,000 locations across the state and investing more than $200 million for broadband expansion as of December 2023, according to the acquisition application.

Frontier has made similar commitments nationwide, promising to offer fiber in at least 10 million homes across the country  many in rural areas where internet connectivity is still scarce  by 2026. The company, according to filings, is well on its way to meet that goal, but not without cost.

According to the filings, Frontier does not have funding in place to expand or invest further in those services past its current obligations. If acquired by Verizon, however, the larger company  which garnered about $134 billion in revenue last year compared to the $5.8 billion earned by Frontier  would be better positioned to both meet the goals set by Frontier and ensure more long term investments, including for future maintenance to lines that are installed.

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As of June 30, Frontier was about $12 billion in debt for the work it has taken on nationally to expand fiber. That debt is expected to grow by several billion each coming year, according to filings, and on top of principal payments, the company incurs an interest of around $800 million annually.

These debt obligations may place a significant strain on Frontiers ability to make additional investments in its network going forward. Specifically, its current debt level will impact Frontiers ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, the October joint filing reads. This will make it harder for Frontier to keep investing in fiber at the level necessary to compete and meet the needs of its customers.

At the local customer-level, while the companies assert in their joint application that West Virginia will greatly benefit from the potential acquisition, its unclear what exactly the impacts will be on service quality or cost.

Verizon, according to the joint application, offers low-income pricing options to assist customers who may struggle to afford its services. The PSC filings, however, do not detail what changes in pricing could occur if the larger company acquires Frontiers services in West Virginia. Its likely those details will come in future filings with the PSC as the joint application process unfolds.

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To date, no parties have filed to intervene in the ongoing case. Two individuals so far have submitted comments on the ongoing case, with one in support and one against the proposed acquisition. As the process moves forward, representatives for Frontier and Verizon will need to respond to the issues raised by PSC staff in last weeks memo, which will bring more details about what the acquisition could mean for local customers.

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(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado said that a man from Pueblo was convicted of drug possession after police found over a hundred grams of methamphetamine in his hotel room.

According to the facts established at trial, on May 23, 2023, 51-year-old Dominick Jesus Salazar was arrested outside a Pueblo area hotel room he was staying in after being observed by Pueblo Police Officers interacting with multiple people in a manner consistent with hand-to-hand drug sales.

When law enforcement arrested Salazar, he had a loaded pistol in his pocket along with drug proceeds. Inside his hotel room, law enforcement found 184 grams of 98% pure meth.

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We will do our best to send convicted felons who continue to repeat their criminal behavior back to prison, said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. Our communities are safer with one more repeat offender off the streets.

The FBI Denver Field Office handled the investigation and is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New format at KI Insights  Q&A with experts! The first one is already next week.



Join our exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Edward Howell to gain unique insights into Koreas' growing role in the Russo-Ukrainian War. This closed-door event is tailored for subscribers seeking an in-depth understanding of the implications of Korean involvement in the war.

Event details:

Topic: The Koreas Growing Role in the Russo-Ukrainian War

Speaker: Dr. Edward Howell, Lecturer in Politics at Christ Church, University of Oxford.

Date: December 12, Thursday

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Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche became friends while playing lovers in Wuthering Heights. A few years later, they would share the screen again in Anthony Minghellas The English Patient, that historical epic that would take them all the way to the Oscars.

Theyve kept in touch in the years since, fused by those early experiences and their admiration for one anothers minds and processes. There were dinners and phone calls and trips to catch one another on the stage. Binoche went to see him in Macbeth. He went to see her in Antigone.

But they hadnt managed to work together again until now. And, appropriate for the occasion, the story is an epic: the reunion of Odysseus and Penelope.

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Were very, very, very good friends, Fiennes said. Theres a trust, theres a bond, theres a respect. Theres the love of friends and we celebrate each others work."

The Return, in theaters Friday, has been a passion project for director and co-writer Uberto Pasolini, who worked on it on and off for some 30 years (longer than Odysseus entire journey, he noted).

I thought I was too old, Fiennes said. He said, No, no, no, no, youre there. This is your last year.

Binoche and Fiennes spoke to The Associated Press about the enduring appeal of Homers story, their process and the value of fighting for provocative cinema. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

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AP: What was the allure of taking this on at this stage?

FIENNES: Ive been fascinated by Odysseus since I was a young boy and my mother read me the Greek myths. I think its something about coming home and having the courage and the sort of sense of destiny to take what is yours, to clarify what you have. There are great symbols at work in this piece.

Uberto had shared this with me for some time and we got to the point of, well, when are we going to do this? And who should play Penelope? And I said, It must be Juliette Binoche. And he said, Dont you think it should be Juliette Binoche? And I said, Thats just what I said. Uberto, it has to be Juliette Binoche.

BINOCHE: On another interview, he didnt want to say that he chose me. And I said, Why dont you say it? So now hes saying that three times. Im so happy.

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FIENNES: It wasnt long before Juliette Binoche was the only person on the planet who could play Penelope.

BINOCHE: I didnt ask that much.

FIENNES: Im saying that. You cant say that. I can.

AP: Its on the record forever now. How do you prepare to embody these iconic characters?

BINOCHE: You prepared more than I did. Ralph was really training like crazy for it. As for me, you want to be present and allow truth in the moment and make these figures, these big myths, these archetypes real. Uberto was quite controlling because he wanted to succeed so much with this film, he wanted it to be so close to his dream. We had to relax him in a way so we would have space to engage in this acting moment between us. We wanted to give something special to the film so people would experience as a spectator something ancient and yet very truthful and modern.

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FIENNES: We felt strongly that once we were going to do it, we were on this shared road. You have the baggage of these two archetypes, symbols that are heightened, mythical. Our job is to make them human. We felt the pressure of that all the time and we were hungry to do it and wanted it. It was a conversation: Please dont over-define every second of how youre going to shoot this because we will get to a place where our combined energies will hopefully send you messages about how you want to shoot it.

AP: Youre both working a lot and playing really rich roles, The Taste of Things and Conclave just from releases this year. People tend to be very dark about the state of the industry and yet there are still wonderful films being made. Are you optimistic? Inspired?

FIENNES: The industry is challenged. And I know for a fact that the independent film finance world is very challenged. I think Im a bit of a dinosaur. The days of the independent film that was going to be in cinemas, I think they may be past. The hunger to go to the cinema is something that might be dwindling, and we are always grateful when we hear about films where people have left their homes for the cinema experience.

So that begs the question about what is the cinema experience? Everything is changing and shifting. But there are determined writers, producers, actors, directors who believe in making provocative adult dramas. I read about this film, The Brutalist. Im dying to see it. It sounds extraordinary. It sounds like exactly what Im trying to describe. A brave filmmaker who is determined to go out there and push the boundaries with a piece of work. There are those people who are determined to keep giving us this expression in cinema. But its very tough.

BINOCHE: As an audience, you have to observe what stays in you. Because, of course, youre going to have a wonderful time while youre watching and thinking, wow, youre doing this and that and this color and this pace and the editing is exciting but at the end of the day, what do you bring with you? What stays in you? I think thats the key question because otherwise you spent hours and hours of watching things and you dont think about it the next day or the next hour. Its ridiculous, in my opinion, because it needs to nourish something in your life. I believe that an art form can change your life. And were doing it for that purpose.
Prior to President-elect Donald Trumps ill-fated choice of Matt Gaetz as his first pick for U.S. attorney general, Trump and his team had been getting advice for several years from a group of Republican state attorneys general that includes South Dakotas Marty Jackley.

Jackley said the America First Attorney General Advisory Council has convened through calls and meetings, including gatherings at Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida with various Trump transition staff members.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley speaks during a rally featuring former President Donald Trump on Sept. 8, 2023, at The Monument in Rapid City.

In a recent interview with South Dakota Searchlight, Jackley, whos also a former U.S. attorney for South Dakota, had little to say about Gaetz.

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At the time of that announcement, I had not met Congressman Gaetz, so I didnt really have an opinion formulated, Jackley said. I want to be fair to him. I never had the opportunity at the time of that announcement to meet him.

Gaetzs tenure as the expected nominee lasted eight days. During that time, he resigned his seat as a Republican congressman from Florida. All the while, debate swirled about investigations into his alleged drug use and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. Gaetz ultimately withdrew himself from consideration as Trumps nominee.

Trump has since said hell nominate Republican former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Jackley said hes known her since 2009.

Im happy that the president has looked to the state attorney general community and Attorney General Bondi, he said. Somebody that has the prosecutorial experience to lead the Department of Justice in a different direction.

SD Attorney General Marty Jackley on Trump role

Following are excerpts from Searchlights interview with Jackley, edited for length and clarity.

How did you find yourself in this advisory role with the Trump team?

Well, a couple of years ago, through America First [America First Policy Institute], a group of us attorney generals were put together on what I would call the America First Attorney General Advisory Council.

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That includes occasional calls. It includes occasional meetings together. Most recently, several of us gathered at Mar-A-Lago. And really, the focus is not on politics, but the rule of law and providing advice, like several other advisory groups do.

That focus, at least for me, has always been, what is the rule of law? What relationships can be better established between federal, state and local prosecutors? What is the role of the Department of Justice?

I openly talk about having been a U.S. attorney. I care deeply about the Department of Justice. I left being a partner in a law firm to be a part of that. And Ive seen it go away from a direction that I would hope that it is brought back to. And I believe that Attorney General Bondi is the right person for that, to have it more focused on the rule of law, public safety and protecting relationships between all prosecutors.

What do you mean when you say youve seen the Department of Justice go a direction you dont like?

Ill use an example. Recently, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland came to South Dakota. He never reached out to the attorney general. He never reached out. I was the outgoing chairman of the attorney generals. There was no discussion about the things that you and I just talked about: How can there be stronger federal partnerships?

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The type of conversation that you would expect is, How are federal and state relations? Theyre good in South Dakota. I feel that my relationship with the U.S. attorney is very strong. We are one of the few states that Im aware of that our attorney general forensic lab in Pierre does some of the evidence forensic testing for the FBI.

How popular is Gov. Kristi Noem? Poll assesses top lawmakers as South Dakota looks to 2026

Certainly, Ive built and maintained strong relationships with our tribes. I would have liked to see a conversation about how can federal, state and tribal authorities work together and what can we do to partner?

And so, thats an example.

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Another example is, there seems to be a lot of special prosecutors.

I think if you look from my approach as attorney general, you dont see me doing that. Sometimes when youre the attorney general, you have to make the hard decisions, and the danger of a special prosecutor is they can get political, they dont have proper oversight at times, and I think Jack Smith demonstrated that. There were concerns about things that he brought, and then right after an election he dismissed them. [Smith prosecuted Trump for election interference and mishandling classified documents, and recently dropped the cases for the time being, saying it would be unconstitutional for his office to continue prosecuting the incoming president.]

If you look at me as an example, I once as attorney general had to indict a Republican United States Senate candidate [Annette Bosworth, convicted of a dozen felony counts of election law violations in 2015]. I did not do that at election time, despite some criticism from the public and from the media. I waited until after the election to bring that indictment. It resulted in a conviction, but I didnt want to affect an election.

And so, those types of examples are what many of us attorney generals want to see the Department of Justice get back to: working with local, state and other federal prosecutors, U.S. attorneys, to bring public safety, and to protect basic freedoms, and to not be overly political.

What happened during your trips to Mar-A-Lago?

Ive gone the last two years, and as part of that trip, using an example, we had an opportunity to gather and talk with several of us and leadership of what I would call the Trump transition about these various topics  the rule of law, what we as attorney generals would advise and like to see. I think that location is just generally where a lot of the transition is taking place.

Why do you like the choice of Pam Bondi as nominee for U.S. attorney general?

Ive had the opportunity to serve with Attorney General Bondi. She came to South Dakota for the Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner in 2017.

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Federal education: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds introduces legislation to eliminate Department of Education

I want to speak for myself: Im happy that the president has looked to the state attorney general community and Attorney General Bondi, somebody that has the prosecutorial experience to lead the Department of Justice in a different direction.

What do you think picking Gaetz and then Bondi says about the president-elects judgment?

I feel strongly that he made the right choice in Attorney General Pam Bondi. And I look forward to the support that I foresee the attorney general community giving her during the confirmation process, and I look forward to serving with her once again in her now role, once confirmed, as attorney general of the United States.

Whats next for the state attorney general group advising Trump?

I dont know that this advisory role will change. I believe in the Department of Justice and what it stands for, and I hope and I believe that the direction will focus more on those things Ive talked about: the relationships with the prosecutors in the field, the rule of law, not having politics play such a role in the actions of the Department of Justice.

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Shaping South Dakota: How will the 2024 election impact business and family moves?

I, first and foremost, am the attorney general of South Dakota, and that is my utmost interest, and to the extent we can be advisers on other issues, to me, the border is exceptionally important. Every day I come to work, I witness what an open border does with methamphetamine, fentanyl, the illegal gun trade and the other dangers that affect almost every household in South Dakota. I think the attorney general plays a very important role in that nationally.

I would say human trafficking is another area Attorney General Bondi was strong on. That along with opioids.

And so those are the points that I will advocate that, I believe, affect us here in South Dakota that the Department of Justice and the presidential administration should focus on.

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South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: South Dakota attorney general talks on advising Trump transition team
QUAY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  Water in eastern New Mexico is running out and a decades-old project to address it is facing a new wave of rough waters.

Story continues below

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Quay County, the Village of Logan, and some residents are suing the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority over the massive, 130-mile pipeline to bring water from Ute Reservoir to their area. In the civil suit, plaintiffs are asking for the project to be temporarily stopped. It comes after Quay County first sent a letter to ENMWUA in August asking for a pause on the project.

We reached out to the eastern New Mexico pipeline group on several occasions and basically they refuse to discuss the possibility of postponing the northern part of the pipeline, said Warren Frost, Quay County Attorney and attorney for the plaintiffs in the suit. We felt like they left us with no choice but to pursue this lawsuit.

ENMWUA plans to break ground on the stretch of pipeline in Quay County in early 2025 but plaintiffs want it halted now. Theyre concerned about funding, claiming millions of dollars are still needed for the project. If they get their money and they get their act together, fine. Well cooperate with them, said Frost.  We dont want them to be tearing up our area and hurting our residents unless they know the pipeline is going to be completed and that the finance is going to be there.

Our friends and neighbors in Quay County must know what a ludicrous suggestion that is, said Mayor Mike Morris, mayor of Clovis and chairman of the ENMWUA.

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While the plaintiffs said they dont want a piecemeal approach, the water authority explained a project like this has to be done in phases. According to ENMWUAs website, the total project costs over $547 million. The federal government is committed to funding 75% of the project, the state is committed to 15% of the project, and ENMWUA will cover the remaining 10%. ENMWUA has paid nearly $80 million so far according to its website.

As we make progress, our project is funded annually at the federal level and the state level, said Mayor Morris. At this point in time, the Ute pipeline is under construction. We are over 70% complete with pipeline installation. We are in design or in construction of all the remaining phases of the project.

He said the need to complete the project by 2031 is urgent as water scarcity intensifies. Anyone seeking to interfere with or delay our project is threatening the livelihoods of 70 or 80,000 New Mexicans, said Mayor Morris. Our fellow New Mexicans in Quay County wish to deprive us of drinking water and wish to deprive us of a water-secured future. And thats an ugly message coming from fellow New Mexicans.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rachel Reeves is ignoring questions about whether she lied on her CV in the hope it will go quietly away, a Tory MP has claimed.

Richard Holden, the former Conservative chairman, wrote to the Chancellor more than two weeks ago to answer six questions about her edited CV amid accusations she exaggerated her previous experience as an economist.

Ms Reeves has so far refused to respond to the letter, with Mr Holden claiming anything less than a full explanation will confirm to the country that they cannot trust a word this government says.

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Government guidance suggests ministers should respond to such correspondence within 20 working days  giving her over a week to still respond.

The Chancellor was accused of breaching the ministerial code last month after it emerged she had quietly edited her online CV following reports she lied about her job prior to becoming an MP.

Rather than working as an economist at the Bank of Scotland between 2006 and 2009, she updated her LinkedIn profile to show that she had instead worked in retail banking at Halifax, the Bank of Scotlands parent company.

A Treasury source said Ms Reevess online CV was updated to reflect her retail banking experience as this had drawn on her background as an economist.

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Ms Reeves has also been accused of repeatedly exaggerating how long she spent working at the Bank of England. Speaking to Stylist magazine in 2021, the Chancellor said she had spent a decade working as an economist at the Bank and loved it.

But her LinkedIn profile showed she only worked for the Bank for six years, leaving in December 2006 after joining on its graduate scheme in September 2000.

Amid further accusations she also exaggerated her seniority while working at the Bank, Mr Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay, wrote to Ms Reeves on November 18 asking her to clarify her employment history.

He wrote: The allegations raised, including that you misrepresented your role at HBOS (Halifax Bank of Scotland), and then edited your CV after this being discovered, are not trivial matters  and leave serious questions.

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As you know standards in public life are upheld by rigorous accountability and transparency  which is why I write to you seeking clarity.

Mr Holden then asked the following six questions: Between what years were you employed by the Bank of England? What was your job title at the Bank of England? Between what years were you employed by HBOS? What was your job title at HBOS? What was the reason you left HBOS? Will you now publish a full, unedited CV?

Despite asking for a prompt reply, the Chancellor has still not responded to the letter more than two weeks later, and has dodged questions about her CV in broadcast interviews.

Mr Holden told The Telegraph: Rachel Reeves still has serious questions to answer.

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The allegations that she has misled the public with her CV are not trivial  and it is why I have written to her to ask for simple clarifications on the matter. Thus far she has been unable to provide any, ignoring them in the hope that this will go quietly away.

But the British publics trust in Labour is already paper thin, and anything less than a full explanation will confirm to the country that they cannot trust a word this government says.

It comes after Ms Reeves faced fresh embarrassment last week after unearthed leaflets showed how she made protecting the winter fuel allowance central to her early election campaigns.

Ms Reeves  who stripped the benefit from millions of elderly Britons this year  made more help for pensioners a key pillar of her policies when she stood for MP in Bromley and Chislehurst in 2005.

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The Treasury was approached for comment.

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Spotty showers will move into southern New Mexico Thursday and Friday afternoons. A winter storm will bring much colder air and snow next week.

Its another very mild day for early December across New Mexico with temperatures above average for most of the state. Overnight, clouds will begin building into southeast New Mexico while the rest of the state will be clear. This will keep temperatures slightly warmer tonight. A few spotty showers develop in southern New Mexico Thursday afternoon, with a few flurries across the peaks of the Sacramentos and Gila. Little to no accumulation is expected out of this moisture. More rain will move into southern New Mexico starting Friday morning. These showers will have a better chance at bringing light rainfall accumulations. Again, some snow will be possible as low as 8,000. Temperatures across the state will also be slightly cooler Thursday and Friday.

Drier weather returns this weekend with just a couple lingering showers near the Texas state line Saturday. Warmer weather will also return, with Sunday being the warmest day. Winds will increase Sunday afternoon ahead of our next winter storm that will move into New Mexico early next week.

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There is still a lot of uncertainty with next weeks winter storm that will move through New Mexico Monday and Tuesday. What we know for sure is that winds will pick up for parts of New Mexico Monday afternoon and that much colder air will move in on Tuesday. This storm is also likely to bring some precipitation with it. With the cold air, most of this precipitation will fall in the form of snow. The big question is still where and how much. Right now, the highest confidence is for areas in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with more uncertainty for areas in eastern New Mexico.,

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Northwest Arkansas initiative aims to increase the impact of non-profits in the area by expanding and training more organizations in its 2025 program.

Raise NWA is a joint initiative between GoodmakerU, The Walmart Foundation and the Jones Center, whose goal is to equip non-profits in NWA that demonstrate a commitment to growth and sustainability.

With over 2000 non-profits in northwest Arkansas, supporting the community through food banks, recovery centers, support groups and more, GoodmakerU founder Jesse Lane said that fundraising is one of the most difficult challenges for these organizations.

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U.S. Supreme Court hearing on gender-affirming care expected to have major impact in Arkansas

Were coming alongside local non-profits in Benton and Washington County to help a cohort of organizations learn to fundraise with individuals in our community to get their story out and market themselves so that they can have sustainable, healthy organizations that last longer in the future and have a greater impact on our community, Lane said.

The program started in the beginning of 2024, accepting 10 non-profits. One of those organizations was Pearl, a non-profit educating and supporting the specialty courts and recovering community of Arkansas.

Kyra Moss is the executive director of Pearl and a graduate from the organizations recovery housing program.

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I was court ordered to pearls sober living home. and its really the first thing that stuck for me. it changed my entire life, said Moss.

Knowing first-hand the impact a non-profit can have, Moss also knows the impact isnt possible without funds.

Lane says the Raise NWA offers training courses, both online and in person, teaching non-profits about fundraising, marketing and communication. During Novembers session, the cohort played a game to teach the organizations leaders about fundraising and campaigning.

We actually challenged everybody to this game where they started communicating, calling, texting, emailing donors and board members and inviting them to give, said Lane.

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Lane recalls Moss going down the hall to make phone calls which the non-profit leader noticed was worth the most points.

UAFS, University of the Ozarks form partnership to address nursing shortage

With her competitive spirit, it only took two calls.

The first one, Lane recalls a rejection. But the second call changed everything.

That phone call ended up in $100,000 donation to Pearl. Our goal for our end of year campaign was $20,00. And for us, this was like a really lofty goal, remembers Moss.

With the final weeks of 2024, Pearl is at $132,000. Around this time last year, the organization was at $2,000.

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Moss said the classes with Raise NWA taught the leaders that they dont need to live in scarcity. Its just a matter of using the resources in front of them.

GoodmakerU founder Lane says that he wants to see every non-profit in NWA have access to world-class training and to continue being a part of supporting the groups that are serving the community.

Raise NWA is accepting applications now for their 2025 program, expanding from 10 to 18 non-profits and adding on another cohort.

For more information, visit GoodmakerUs website or email hi@goodmakeru.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 KNWA FOX24.
Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties all are seeking property tax levy increases this year as they grapple with higher costs in areas such as construction, labor and healthcare and federal pandemic money runs dry.

Homeowners and other property owners in the east metro have already seen the proposed hikes on their property tax statements. Elected officials are urging property owners to consider the distinction between the levies imposed by counties and those from their city, school district and other special taxing jurisdictions. Up to a dozen different taxing authorities  including mosquito control districts  contribute to the total payment due at the bottom of a tax statement.

Theyre looking at a tax statement that comes from us, but it includes the city, the school district, said Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, who said he, too, has shouldered years of sizable property tax increases.

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Ortega noted home prices have soared in recent years in higher-end neighborhoods like St. Pauls Highland Park, while many long-undervalued properties in poorer neighborhoods are effectively playing catch-up as their estimated market values spike. Values also have shifted, leveled off or dropped for commercial office buildings, apartment buildings, industrial properties and small businesses in St. Paul while rising for St. Paul homeowners.

Ive been paying 15% increases on both mine and my mothers properties for the last five years, Ortega said. You take a place like the East Side that has such low values, but their taxes jump higher because of the increase in assessed value. Theyve been undervalued for so long.

Beyond growing home values, Ramsey and several other counties experienced deep cuts to state County Program Aid over time, and between 2006 and 2018 in particular.

Increased costs

Construction costs that soared during the pandemic as prices rose for materials and equipment have yet to abate, and a labor shortage continues. Meanwhile, counties are facing rising costs for everyday labor and healthcare. In surveys conducted by the Association of Minnesota Counties, one county reported its health insurance costs ballooning by almost 18% next year.

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Thats a 6.8% tax levy increase alone, said Matt Hilgart, the government relations manager for the association.

For most counties, the amount of their budget that is financed with property taxes has grown, Hilgart said. There isnt one single reason why. While some state local government aid has grown very recently after decades of lack of funding or incremental increases, general expenditure spending has also grown.

Counties carry out the majority of core social services delivery for most of Minnesota, and I think its fair to say some of those mandates have grown over time, Hilgart added. Counties across the state, and including Ramsey County, are having to hire more social workers, case managers, and more child protection workers to fulfill both new mandates and increased community needs. These costs show up as wage increases, but in reality, its driven by the state mandate to provide certain services.

Heres a round-up of proposed property tax levy increases in Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties as well as how their budgets have grown in the past 10 years.

Ramsey County

In St. Paul, a median-value single-family home had an estimated market value of $267,400 for taxes payable this year. That value will go up 3% to $275,300 for taxes payable in 2025. That owner would see overall property taxes  city, county, school district, Met Council and more  go up $337, an 8.8% increase.

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Nearly 46% of the countys proposed 2025 budget is funded by property tax. The rest comes from intergovernmental revenues, charges for services and other sources. The proposed county budget for 2025 is $848.6 million.

Ramsey Countys public truth-in-taxation hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St. in St. Paul. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and interpreters will be available. County commissioners plan to approve the 2025 supplemental budget and property tax levy at their Dec. 17 board meeting.

The Ramsey County Board set next years maximum tax levy increase at 4.75% in September, though it could be altered up to the final vote.

Ramsey County budget

 2015: $622.8 million.

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 2016: $645 million.

 2017: $660.8 million.

 2018: $714 million.

 2019: $738 million.

 2020: $741.7 million.

 2021: $763.1 million.

 2022: $774 million.

 2023: $785.7 million.

 2024: $808.5 million.

 2025: $848.6 million (proposed).

Washington County

Washington Countys 2025 budget is $361.6 million, or $9.65 million less than in 2024. The proposed tax levy increase is 5.9%.

Of the total county budget, property taxes cover $140.48 million, or 38.8%.

There was a decrease in Washington County in the estimated median-value single-family homes market value from $422,400 in 2024 to $411,400 in 2025. The median increase from 2024 to 2025 for the county portion of taxes is approximately $24, or 2.6%.

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The countys truth-in-taxation hearing was Nov. 26. The county board will vote on the final tax levy and budget at the Dec. 17 board meeting at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.

Washington County budget

 2015: $228.7 million.

 2016: $219.2 million.

 2017: $211.2 million.

 2018: $224.3 million.

 2019: $288.1 million.

 2020: $282.2 million.

 2021: $288.5 million.

 2022: $316 million.

 2023: $378.9 million.

 2024: $371.3 million.

 2025: $361.6 million (proposed).

Dakota County

The recommended 2025 maximum levy of $167.7 million for Dakota County represents a 9.9% increase from the amount levied in 2024, according to officials with Dakota County Finance.

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A median-value single-family home in Dakota County carried an estimated market value of $372,000 in 2025 and 2024. Per the proposed levy, the owner would see their taxes go up 5.87%, or $39.62, to total $714.35 next year as compared to $675 in 2024.

In 2024, the county maintained the lowest levy per capita in the state of Minnesota and the lowest property tax rate among the seven metropolitan counties, reads the staff report in county budget documents.

Nearly 30% of the countys 2024 budget was funded by property tax, which according to the county, is the largest and most stable source of funding. The proposed budget for 2025 is $532.9 million, with an operating budget of $377.5 million.

The countys truth-in-taxation hearing was Tuesday night. The county board is expected to vote Dec. 17 on the final budget and levy.

Dakota County budget

 2015: $245 million.

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 2016: $269 million.

 2017: $246 million.

 2018: $249 million.

 2019: $262 million.

 2020: $278 million.

 2021: $294 million.

 2022: $290 million.

 2023: $306 million.

 2024: $336 million.

 2025 $377.5 million (proposed).

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Lil Durk's legal team recently called out prosecutors for grasping at straws in the rapper's felony case.

The "Viral Moment" hitmaker was arrested by federal authorities on a conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire charge in October. The case against him intensified last month with additional charges naming him as the mastermind behind the murder plot.

However, Lil Durk's attorneys slammed prosecutors for using the lyrics to one of his songs as evidence. They argued that the feds had little to nothing to hold against the rapper if they were using his music to push their murder-for-hire case.

Lil Durk's Lawyers Claim Prosecutors Lack Evidence To Use Against Him

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Durk's legal reps  Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg, Jonathan Brayman, and Christy O'Connor of The Findling Law Firm  responded to prosecutors' use of their client's "Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy" song as evidence in the murder-for-hire case.

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The rapper, born Durk Devontay Banks, was featured on the Babyface Ray song, which was released in December 2022, four months after the murder of Quando Rondo's cousin, Saviay'a Robinson. The feds believed Durk detailed the steps that led up to the August incident with the lyrics:

"Told me they got an addy (gooo) / Got location (gooo) Green light (go, go, go, go, go) / Look on the news and see your son, You screamin', 'No, no' (py!!!)."

However, Durk's attorneys slammed the claim as a classic grasping-at-straws move, telling TMZ, "When you see an artist's rap lyrics quoted as 'evidence' against them, it is a glaring indication that there is no real evidence against that person."

The Hip-Hop Star's Reps Double Down On His Innocence

Durk's lawyers stressed that prosecutors did not have a case against their client because they lacked proper evidence, and he was also innocent. "The claims in the indictment against Mr. Banks are false and lacking in the most basic due diligence," they claimed.

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"The real truth is that Durk Banks is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dedicated father, and a loving husband," the attorneys' statement continued. They hailed Durk as a model Chicago citizen, adding:

"Mr. Banks has been intensely committed to giving back to the Chicago community he loves through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and has put on more than a dozen charitable events over the last few years."

Lil Durk Received Support From Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

Durk's reps concluded their statement, noting: "He is looking forward to fighting against these false allegations in court." Their response to prosecutors comes a month after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson seemingly defended the rapper.

The Mayor stood in Durk's corner after numerous citizens pushed for the entertainer to be canceled. However, other Chicago politicians did not share Johnson's sentiments, as Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson immediately cut ties with the rapper after his arrest.

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Although she acknowledged the U.S. law's innocent-until-proven-guilty practice, Mayor Thompson withdrew the village of Broadview's honorary "key to the village" that was bestowed on Durk. She also terminated her village's partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation.

The Rapper Was Slammed With Additional Charges

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Last month, The Blast reported that Durk's case had intensified with additional charges against him. He received two extra felony counts on Friday, November 8, accusing him of conspiracy and using interstate facilities to assist in the assassination of Rondo's cousin.

The feds were reportedly treating the rapper as the "kingpin" of the assassination plot in a superseding federal grand jury indictment. They claimed Durk funded his Only The Family gang's trip to California in August 2022 to carry out the murder scheme.

The gang affiliates allegedly stayed in a hotel room and stalked Rondo's car before opening fire outside a Los Angeles gas station close to the Beverly Center shopping mall. The shooting saw Durk and five other co-defendants getting pinned for the crime.

Lil Durk Allegedly Funded The Murder Plot To Avenge His Pal's Death

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Federal investigators believed Durk and his gang associates attacked Rondo's cousin in retaliation for King Von's death. The late rapper, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was fatally shot on November 6, 2020, outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta.

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The tragic shooting had six victims, three of whom died from their injuries. Durk and Von were close friends and collaborators, with the latter's demise causing him to deactivate his Instagram account.

At the time, many believed he took a social media hiatus to mourn his pal's death, but another report begged to differ.

According to sources, Durk might have deactivated his social media account because he was doing an Instagram Live when he learned about Von's death. He eventually returned to the platform to honor his friend, lamenting:

"MY TWIN GONE I LOVE YOU BABY BRO - D ROY !!!!!"

Will Lil Durk escape the murder-for-hire case?
Dec. 5The smell of raw marijuana alone is enough probable cause for an officer to search a vehicle, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday, reversing the decision of a Whiteside County judge and upholding the appellate court's ruling.

The case stems from a traffic stop in December 2020 on Interstate 88 in Whiteside County where the car was pulled over for speeding and the Illinois State trooper initiated a search of the vehicle after smelling raw marijuana.

The trooper found Vincent E. Molina, 38, of Moline, who was a passenger in the car, had several joints of marijuana, court records show.

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Molina was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana by a passenger. State law requires marijuana be in a sealed, odorless container while in a vehicle.

Molina's attorney, James Mertes of Sterling, argued in a Whiteside County court filing that in the wake of Illinois' legalization of marijuana, the trooper had no probable cause to search the vehicle because there are many lawful reasons person might smell like marijuana.

Mertes likened the situation to an officer smelling alcohol during a traffic stop.

"The smell of alcohol alone has never been found to justify a warrantless search of a vehicle," he said in his brief.

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While Rock Island County Associate Judge Daniel P. Dalton agreed with Mertes, the appellate court did not.

The appellate ruling recognized that changes in state law legalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, but there remained "(1) illegal ways to transport it, (2) illegal places to consume it, and (3) illegal amounts of it to possess."

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed, noting that because the law requires marijuana to be in an odorless container, the trooper's ability to smell raw marijuana "would create at least a reasonable belief or fair probability that raw cannabis was in the vehicle stored in a container that was not odor-proof," Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. wrote in the decision.

The decision was signed on to by three other justices. Justice Mary K. O'Brien dissented and Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis dissented. Justice Lisa Holder White did not participate in the decision.

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Thursday's ruling follows another decision in September by the high court that the smell of burnt cannabis, by contrast, is not enough probable cause to search a vehicle.

"In doing so, we compared the odor of burnt cannabis to the odor of alcohol because the possession of both cannabis and alcohol is lawful under some circumstances and unlawful under other circumstances," Neville wrote.

The smell of raw marijuana, in contrast, "reliably points to when, where, and how the cannabis is possessednamely, currently, in the vehicle, and not in an odor-proof container," and thus in violation of the law, Neville continued.

Neville noted the trooper in this case was trained in how to distinguish the smells of raw and burnt marijuana.

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The decision also notes legislation filed in the Illinois Senate in January 2023 that, if passed, would have explicitly ruled out the smell of burnt or raw cannabis as probable cause for searching a vehicle or person, as well as another bill in the Illinois House that would have eliminated the odor-proof container requirement.

O'Brien, who wrote the dissent, said she disagreed that the smell of raw marijuana should be treated differently than burnt marijuana or alcohol.

"I dissent from the majority opinion simply to point out the absurdity of this inconsistency," she said.

She said it "makes no sense" to conclude that raw cannabis is higher proof that a crime is taking place than burnt cannabis, which may suggest recent use.

"If the crime suggested by the odor of burnt cannabis is not sufficient for probable cause, then certainly the crime suggested by the odor of raw cannabis cannot be either," she wrote in her dissent.
Marks & Spencer has won a years-long battle to bulldoze and rebuild its Oxford Street department store after Angela Rayner approved the scheme on appeal.

The Housing Secretary on Thursday greenlit the renovation of M&Ss Marble Arch shop after taking into account all of the evidence in the case. It comes after the proposal was initially blocked by Michael Gove, the former housing secretary, provoking anger from the retailer.

The approval is likely to bring an end to years of wrangling over the project, which became a flashpoint between M&S and the Conservative government. It will also be seen as an early attempt by Labour to start soothing relations with business leaders following months of simmering tensions over looming tax increases.

M&S last month said it could not rule out increasing prices following Rachel Reevess tax raid in the Budget. Chief executive Stuart Machin was among the executives to sign a letter to the Chancellor last month warning over the sheer scale of costs facing retailers.

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Mr Machin said on Thursday that Ms Rayners backing was a sign that Labour was serious about getting Britain building and growing.

He said: I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing at its worst, under the previous government, our plans for Marble Arch  the only retail-led regeneration proposal on Oxford Street  have finally been approved.

Mr Machin said the retailer could now get on with the job of helping to rejuvenate the UKs premier shopping street through a flagship M&S store and office space, which will support 2,000 jobs and act as a global standard-bearer for sustainability.

The retailer has argued that it needs to knock down and rebuild the site to bring it up to modern standards - Marks & Spencer/Artist's impression

Claire Fallows, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said: A green light from Rayner is a strong political move: it seeks to frame Labour as a pro-business party willing to make controversial decisions to support retailers and rejuvenate the high street, amidst tough economic conditions for businesses.

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The decision comes almost five years after M&S first submitted plans to demolish the art deco building near Marble Arch and replace it with a new 10-storey complex.

The retail giant argued it needed to knock down the building to bring it up to modern standards because the current structure, which was built in 1929, was riddled with asbestos and could not be revamped.

The development scheme was supported by Westminster Council, the Mayor of London and an independent inspector.

However, Mr Gove intervened to block the project in July 2023 on the grounds that it would fail to support the transition to a low carbon future, and would overall fail to encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings.

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He claimed he also had concerns that rebuilding the structure would harm the areas heritage.

M&S accused the Tories of being anti-business after Mr Gove blocked the scheme and warned his decision would have a chilling effect on investment across the country.

In a 144-page ruling, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said Ms Rayner disagreed with Mr Gove.

M&S has occupied the site on Oxford Street since the 1930s - Charles Hewitt/PICTURE POST

It said the Housing Secretary had taken other factors into account beyond net zero, including the risk that M&S would leave the Oxford Street store. The ruling stated: The likely loss of M&S in the event of a refusal of permission would cause significant harm to the vitality and viability of the west of Oxford Street.

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Ms Rayner ruled on the development after M&S challenged Mr Goves decision in the High Court. Earlier this year a judge ruled in favour of M&S, saying Mr Goves decision-making had been unlawful. The ruling obligated the Housing Secretary to look again at the application.

Campaigners at Save Britains Heritage, who had opposed the scheme, said the Labour Government had chosen the easy option when it had a real chance to show leadership and ambition on this urgent issue.

Henrietta Billings, director at the group, said: Our old, wasteful knock-it-down-and-start-again model is broken. There is a real appetite in the construction sector for change. Theyre crying out for clarity from Government.

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Rebel forces entered the Syrian city of Hama and forced out government troops Thursday in a development that may have significant consequences in the country's 14-year-long civil war.

Both the Syrian Defense Ministry and an official from the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, said that insurgents had gained access to the countrys fourth-biggest city and that despite fierce fighting, the troops of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had left the city.

Hassan Abdul-Ghani, senior commander of the HTS-led forces, told NBC News that tanks had been used during the incursion and that fighters had entered the Hama Central Prison and freed hundreds of unjustly imprisoned individuals.

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In a statement on Facebook, the Syrian Defense Ministry said that rebel groups managed to penetrate several positions within the city and enter it and that to safeguard the lives of the civilian population in Hama and to avoid involving them in urban combat, the military units stationed there have redeployed and repositioned outside the city.

Armed groups opposing Bashar al-Assad's regime in the western province of Hama on Thursday.

NBC News was unable to independently confirm claims by either side because independent journalism is very difficult in Syria, owing to the rapid changes in territory held by different groups and the repression of media by the official government.

Syrias civil war has dragged on for almost 14 years but had died down since 2020, when battle lines between Assad's forces and a patchwork of insurgent groups became solidified.

But that all changed last week, with HTS  which grew out of the former Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations among others  seizing the countrys most-populous city of Aleppo in a surprise offensive.

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It was really surprising that they managed to make it into Aleppo, said Samuel Ramani, an associate fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute think tank. This is certainly beyond anyones expectations  Hamas a critical logistical area between Aleppo and Damascus.

The taking the city of Hama by HTS-led forces could prove pivotal in shifting the balance of the civil war. The city has never before been in rebel hands and has been the site of more than one bloody crackdown by both Assad's regime and that of his father, Hafez al-Assad.

Its a huge humiliation for Assad, and it comes at a time when he was confident in his long-term position, focusing on doing a deal with the Trump administration and guarding from spillovers from the Gaza and Lebanon wars  neither Damascus nor Moscow expected a second Syrian civil war, added Ramani, who is also an international relations lecturer at the University of Oxford.

Military reinforcements being moved from Idlib to control Hama, Syria, on Wednesday.

Charles Lister, the director of the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said in an interview that if Hama were to fall to the rebels, their next target will be the strategically important and central city of Homs, which is around 30 miles south of Hama.

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One feature of the battle for Hama  and the broader Syrian civil war  has been fierce aerial attacks from government forces.

The air superiority of Assads forces  which have long received heavy backing from Russia and Iran  was on display Thursday before government forces left Hama. Helicopter gunships carried out aerial bombardments with barrel bombs, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Despite Moscows depleted presence, a return to the heavy Russian-led bombing of civilian infrastructure not seen since 2018 looks likely, said Ramani, of RUSI.

Its really unclear whats next for the Assad government and how they turn back the tide. The Russians have said theyre all in on Assad, but theyve redeployed jets and air defenses to Ukraine, he said. It doesnt mean that Damascus is going to fall, but it also doesnt mean Assad will be able to restore authoritarian stability any time soon.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Daren Butler and Birsen Altayli

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Doctor Mehdi Davut smiles as he describes his planned return to his homeland Syria for the first time in eight years to see how his aid association can help in Aleppo, a major city seized by rebels last week.

"The liberation of Aleppo brought us such joy because Aleppo was a source of pain," he told Reuters in Istanbul, where some half a million Syrians live.

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Syrian rebels captured Aleppo from President Bashar al-Assad's forces, bringing hopes of return among hundreds of thousands exiled from the city, which has been under Assad's control since 2016. The rebels said on Thursday they had started a push further south into the city of Hama.

Hundreds of thousands have died in the Syrian war since it erupted out of a 2011 Arab Spring uprising against Assad's rule. More than half the pre-war population of 23 million were forced from their homes, with millions fleeing abroad, including across the frontier to Turkey.

Many of those who settled learned Turkish, put their children in local schools and some acquired Turkish nationality, but they remained geographically close to their homeland, hoping they could someday return.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has said more than 40% of 3 million Syrians in Turkey are from Aleppo, once the country's biggest city. But much of it was laid waste when Syrian forces backed by Russia and Iran besieged and took control of rebel-held areas eight years ago.

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Davut, who runs an association helping Syrians in Turkey, was heading to Aleppo on Thursday to see what food and medical supplies are needed. But he was sceptical about the prospect of Syrians returning from Turkey any time soon.

"We are afraid of another attack," he said, referring to military action by Assad-backed forces. "He will not give up that seat easily."

"I think even those who want to return or those who think of returning will wait at least six months or a year," he said.

SYRIANS TOLD TO WAIT

President Tayyip Erdogan had offered in July to meet Assad amid reconciliation efforts. He said at the time that 670,000 people had returned to Syria from Turkey and forecast another million would return.

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But Yerlikaya advised caution. "Right now, to those (from Aleppo) who tell us 'I want to go now', we tell them to wait. Once the region is identified as safe, it will be announced," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The situation in northwest Syria had stabilised since 2020 under a deal between NATO-member Turkey, which backs the political and armed opposition, and Russia, a key ally of Assad.

Ankara has said it gave no permission or support to the latest rebel operation but that Assad needed to reconcile with his people and the opposition. Moscow said it strongly backs efforts by Damascus to counter what it called terrorist groups receiving support from outside the country.

The head of Syria's main opposition abroad, Hadi al-Bahra, told Reuters the rebel operation was meant in part to reopen Aleppo to those displaced on both sides of the border, including up to 600,000 from Turkey, if the city is stabilised.

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The insurgents are a coalition of Turkey-backed mainstream secular armed groups but spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, an Islamist group that has been designated a terrorist outfit by Turkey, the United States, Russia and other states.

Despite fears of instability, the news from Aleppo stirred excitement in the health clinic run by Davut in Istanbul's Fatih district, with staff handing out sweets to celebrate.

"God willing, we can go to Aleppo as we are far from our family and beloved," said nurse Intisar Ashour, 50, who left the city a decade ago. "It's a joy from deep inside our hearts and I pray to go back."

She left Aleppo with her brothers and sisters when one brother was killed in a barrel bombing, she said.

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Elsewhere in Fatih, Syrian shopkeeper Mahir, 60, said all those he spoke to were happy about the news from Aleppo and some were thinking of going back.

But he was uneasy about what lay ahead, after spending a year in jail in Damascus.

"We have spent 50 years under the Assad regime, father then son. It's horrible. You cannot imagine how Syrians suffered," he said. "I hope those who are fighting now succeed. They will create for the new generation a new life, a new country."

(Reporting by Daren Butler and Birsen Altayli; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Janet Lawrence)
We might be approaching a moment that resembles the end of Reconstruction in the 1870s, historians and legal experts say. In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, big-name companies, some Democrats, and their allies have been pumping the brakes on the push for equality, prioritizing achieving peace with President-elect Donald Trump over protecting vulnerable communities.

Why the focus on the end of Reconstruction? Because it was a period marked by widespread acquiescence. The South and the North agreed that the country would be better off if it stopped fighting over Black equality, that it could get on with post-Civil War rebuilding if it buried the bloody flag of the Confederacy for good. Theres a reason Black Americans referred to the Compromise of 1877, which quashed Reconstruction, as the Great Betrayal.

It wouldnt have happened  we wouldnt have lost seven decades of an ability to integrate ourselves into society politically, economically, and socially  if it hadnt been for an agreement between the parties, Kimberle Crenshaw, the co-founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, told Capital B, nodding to the surge of Jim Crow laws that would disenfranchise and impoverish Black Americans from the 1890s until the 1960s.

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She added, It wasnt just one party that came and overtook the dogged efforts of those who wanted to make sure that we werent set aside  there was an agreement.

Reconstruction was our countrys first attempt at multiracial democracy. It was an era when Black men gained the right to vote and were elected to the U.S. Congress and to state legislatures, and when all Black Americans secured equal protection of the law.

The parallels between our past and our present are hard to ignore.

Consider a recent turn in the struggle for racial equality. Shortly after Trumps win, Walmart, which was enthusiastic about advocating for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, announced that it was terminating some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion work, as it braces for an administration hostile to DEI. For instance, the company doesnt plan on renewing its philanthropic initiative, the Center for Racial Equity. This reversal illuminates the fickleness of companies, which tend to go wherever the wind blows.

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As a New York Times article laid out, this announcement is essentially Walmart picking a side. The company trusts that the Trump administration will protect its friends and go after its enemies, and, with this assessment in mind, has decided that it wants to be a friend.

Similarly, the senior minister of one of the most progressive churches in North Carolina was recently ousted for allegedly wanting too much social justice, per a deacon who resigned in protest. The actions of the church, seen as a haven for vulnerable communities in a state pursuing an authoritarian power grab, have observers wondering if its trying to position itself to get along with an anti-DEI movement that will only intensify under the next administration. (The church denies that it was engaging in retaliation.)

Whats taking place is really a fight for the soul of Reconstruction, Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, told Capital B, explaining that were witnessing a clash between efforts to expand rights and efforts to contract rights, as some maintain that the country should be more exclusionary. I think that were in a dark period of contraction right now.

A demonstrator holds up a sign that reads We Never Left Jim Crow during a protest sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Transgender Americans also are being hung out to dry. On the campaign trail, Trump pilloried transgender inclusion, insisting that Vice President Kamala Harris was for they/them while he was for us. He also inundated voters in swing states with ads painting his rival as an extremist because she vowed to uphold the law and support gender-affirming medical care for incarcerated people, and he lied that the transgender thing allows kids to go to school and return home just a few days later with an operation.

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New findings snap into focus how marginalized this group is. According to data released in February, 35 homicides were committed against transgender or gender-expansive Americans in 2023. Of these, 80% involved a gun. Black transgender women suffered most of this violence  50% of those gun homicides were Black transgender women.

Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a high-profile challenge to a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The case, a decision for which is expected by the end of June, could have major implications for transgender youth in Tennessee and in the more than 20 other states with similar prohibitions. The court seemed likely to uphold the Tennessee ban.

And yet, rather than give a full-throated defense of a constituency thats so terrified of the forthcoming administration that its members are disseminating to-do lists to help people stay safe, some Democrats are backing away. Theyre arguing that Trump won because Democrats took far-left positions when it came to gender and sexuality  never mind that Harris rarely broached the subject  and suggesting that the party ought to tamp down its messaging on transgender rights if this means that it could widen its tent.

(Likewise, after John Kerry lost to George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential race, some Democrats blamed their colleagues support for gay marriage and reproductive justice, making it appear as if securing human dignity and safety was secondary to winning.)

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This is the precise kind of behavior that unsettles Crenshaw  whos also a law professor at Columbia University and the University of California, Los Angeles  and makes her feel as if shes stuck in a time machine thats taking her back to the 1870s.

When I look around and Im not hearing what I want to hear about a rededication to inclusion and racial justice  when Im not hearing a clear, vocal demand that we recover the values of a multiracial society, that we fight for those ideas and the policies that got us this far  I get really worried that were looking at a period that isnt dissimilar to the period right after Reconstruction, she said.

Steven Hahn, a historian at New York University whose research focuses on slavery, emancipation, and race, echoed some of Crenshaws sentiments. He said that this tension, so prominent over the past few weeks as many scramble to prepare for the Trump administration, is part of the ongoing crisis of U.S. democracy.

Its one thing to be inclusive in terms of who can vote or who can run for office. Its another thing to be inclusive in terms of whose rights and safety set the agenda for policy or get broader public attention and support, Hahn told Capital B. He added that theres a lot of blame going around for Trumps win: Kamala Harris is getting blamed. [President] Joe Biden is getting blamed. Progressives are getting blamed. Voters of color are getting blamed.

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But pointing the finger or throwing vulnerable communities under the bus  communities that have long been the backbone of U.S. democracy  isnt the way forward, according to analysts. The way forward lies in solidarity, in forging coalitions across various identity categories. Thats because the attacks likely coming under the next administration will be best fought by these groups together, rather than by each on its own.

If theres a period we ought to revisit to get lessons on what not to do, its the end of Reconstruction, Crenshaw said. We know now what people didnt know then. We have an opportunity to learn from the past.

The post What Reconstruction Still Has to Teach Us appeared first on Capital B News.
A record number of unaccompanied migrant minors have traveled through Latin America and the Caribbean this year, according to estimates from UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency.

Some 3,800 children migrated alone through the Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle route between Colombia and Panama in just the first 10 months of 2024. That's compared with 3,300 in all of 2023. Children represent a quarter of migrants in the region, according to UNICEF.

Of the migrants that traveled to the United States last year, the Office of Refugee Resettlement handled over 118,000 unaccompanied minors.

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U.N. officials are concerned about the increase in the number of children traveling alone through the region, said Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF's deputy regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Travelling alone, they experience a higher proportion of violence, including sexual violence, abuse and exploitation, with detrimental effects on their physical and mental health and well-being," Dufay said.

Armed violence facing populations in the region not only triggers migration, according to UNICEF, but deprives children of their rights and access to vital services like education and healthcare.

The U.N. estimates that 16 million children in the region will need education, health, and protective services in 2025 as a result of internal conflict, violence and climate-related disasters  which could cost $819.8 million.

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Providing support to Haitian children alone would cost $271.2 million, UNICEF estimates. Ongoing political turmoil and gang violence in Haiti has displaced tens of thousands from the nation's capital in recent months, and armed gangs have increasingly recruited children, who according to UNICEF now make up half those gangs' members.

UNICEF is appealing to world governments and charitable organizations for a total of over $9 billion next year to support the needs of 109 million children impacted by wars and various crises around the world.

Damage reported after California earthquake, evacuations prompted by tsunami warnings

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in "targeted attack" outside New York City hotel
The heavy snowfall is wreaking havoc on local roofs, and the Red Cross is offering Erie County residents help in the form of roof rakes.

The Red Cross Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter is loaning roof rakes to residents so they can clear their roofs of dangerous snow accumulation. There were half a dozen roof collapses in Erie County this week due to the heavy snow.

Heavy flames shoot from abandoned house fire in east Erie

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Residents who are concerned that their roof is at risk of collapse can call the Red Cross to request a roof rake. However, they must return the rake within 24 hours so it can be passed on to another resident in need.

Anything that doesnt have a high pitch. But you know with this much snow and this much weight, if you have a lot of snow on your roof, you really need to be paying attention to the weight of that snow and whats gonna happen when it warms up, said Mary Rogers, executive director of the Red Cross Northwest PA Chapter.

Roofs collapsing from snow around Erie prompts warning from local experts

If youre interested in borrowing a rake, call 814-240-7601 and leave a message with your name and phone number.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
STOW, Mass. (WWLP)  Fire officials are reminding residents to have their chimneys and flues inspected after two recent fires in Holland and Holyoke.

Holyoke crews put out Thanksgiving Day fire

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services states that the fires took place in Holland on Island Road on November 24th and Lynch Drive in Holyoke on November 28th. Voids or gaps allowed flames or embers to escape the homes chimneys.

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No injuries were reported at either of the fires, however, the fire in Holyoke caused damage to the area around the homes fireplace, and the Holland fire caused serious damage to the building.

There were 1,351 reported heating equipment fires last year, and around 500 of them involved chimneys and flues. These reported fires caused five firefighter injuries, one civilian injury, and over $3.3 million in damages.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has provided some safety tips when it comes to different types of stove use.

Tips to safely use wood, coal, and pellet stoves

You need a building permit before installing fireplaces, wood, pellet, or coal-burning stoves. The local building inspector must inspect new fireplaces, and wood, pellet, or coal-burning stoves before they are used as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code.

Allow for at least 36 inches of clearance around the appliance to prevent combustibles from coming into contact with a heat source. This is the three-foot circle of safety.

Solid fuel heating appliances cannot share a common flue with chimney flues used by another solid fuel, fossil fuel, or gas fire appliance.

A qualified mason should inspect the chimney and flue before the stove is used and annually. Cracks in the flue or mortar joints can allow flames and heated gases to get into living spaces.

Read a brochure about chimney and woodstove safety in English or Spanish.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  ABC News reports a weapon of the same type to one used in the fatal shooting of a United Healthcare CEO was purchased in Connecticut.

Police are still searching for the gunman accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown, Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

Ammunition from UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting had writing on them: sources

Thompson, 50, from Minnesota, was in New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investors conference.

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On Thursday, ABC News reported the weapon used in the shooting was one not easily attainable, so authorities have been searching all recent purchases of its type.

Police believe the gun was a B&T Station Six-9. It has that long barrel, essentially a built-in suppressor.

Sources told ABC News that New York Police Department detectives were at a gun shop in Connecticut Thursday, where a weapon of the same type was sold.

Five new details in search for UnitedHealthcare CEOs shooter

Police think his killer may have had a grudge against him, his company, or the health insurance industry in general.

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Written on shell casing recovered at the scene were the words deny, defend, depose. A book about insurance companies not paying claims was titled Delay, Deny, Defend.

Earlier this year, activists accused United HealthCare and Thompson of greed at a protest in Minnesota.

Police have recovered a water bottle and snack wrappers the killer bought at a Starbucks near the murder scene. They are hoping to identify him using DNA.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW)  Coker University in Hartsville was locked down for more than an hour Wednesday night while authorities investigated reports of an armed person on campus, school officials said in a Facebook post.

The university implemented the precautionary lockdown at about 10:30 p.m., the post said. It ended at 11:49 p.m. after Hartsville police found the person and took them into custody.

News13 reached out to Hartsville police Thursday morning to get more information about the incident, but a spokesperson referred all questions to the university, which did not release any details about the arrest.

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The lockdown alert was issued via the Cobra Alert system, which sends out texts, emails and phone calls to students, faculty, and staff members.

The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority, the post said. Coker University followed its emergency protocols to ensure the well-being of our campus community. Coker University remains committed to fostering a safe learning environment and will continue working closely with local law enforcement to uphold that commitment.

The incident remains under investigation.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Tennessee state Sen. Ken Yager wet himself during a traffic arrest in Georgia on Tuesday, according to an incident report, with video appearing to show the politician wearing stained pants as he staggers in a sobriety test.

Yager, who chairs the Senate Republican Caucus in his state, was charged with hit-and-run, failure to stop at a stop sign and DUI (less safe driver), a spokesperson for the Glynn County Sheriffs Office told HuffPost on Thursday.

An unfortunate incident happened last night, the politician said in a statement to various media outlets. On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion.

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Troopers were investigating a hit-and-run involving a Ford Edge and reportedly tracked it to a grocery store parking lot on Jekyll Island. An individual there, identified as Yager, was already being treated for injuries by emergency personnel when they arrived, WKRN reported.

Officers noticed alcohol on his breath and put Yager, who admitted to drinking wine earlier in the day, through sobriety tests, according to the arresting troopers incident report from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, which was cited by The Tennessean.

The incident report also said that at some point during the stop, Yager urinated on himself and registered 0.14% on a Breathalyzer-type device. Tennessees NewsChannel 5 said it obtained video from the sobriety tests, with the footage appearing to show Yager with a large stain on his pants as he struggles to walk a straight line.

Watch the video shared by NewsChannel 5 here.

The conservative legislator has voted against gender-affirming care for minors and voted to allow marriage clerks to refuse to wed couples if they object to the union based on their beliefs. Hes also supported measures to ban transgender girls from playing on a private schools female teams and to allow teachers and others to refuse to call students by their preferred pronouns.

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HuffPost has reached out to Yagers office for comment.

Ken Yager is pictured on the Senate floor and in his booking photo. Associated Press/Glynn County Detention Center

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By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, said on Thursday she is not yet ready to back Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense, dimming the confirmation hopes of President-elect Donald Trump's embattled nominee.

Ernst, a senior Armed Services Committee member, said she had not yet gotten to "yes" on the nomination and wanted more investigation of allegations against him, after a lengthy discussion with Hegseth during their meeting on Wednesday.

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"I think you are right," Ernst said in an interview on Fox News, when asked whether she had got to "yes" yet. "I think for a number of our senators, they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared. And that's why we have to have a very thorough vetting process."

Another Republican committee member, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, praised Hegseth after their meeting on Thursday but told reporters he has more to do. "I want him to be able to answer, in front of everybody else, the questions that are there," Rounds said.

Republicans will hold a 53-47 Senate majority next year, meaning Hegseth could afford to lose the support of just three Republicans and still be confirmed if Democrats unite against him as expected.

Hegseth insisted he would keep fighting for the position as he faced continuing concerns about allegations of misconduct in his professional and personal life.

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"I will answer all of these senators' questions, but this will not be a process tried in media. I don't answer to anyone in this group. None of you. Not to that camera, at all," the former Fox News host told reporters at a Senate office building where he was meeting with Republican lawmakers.

He said he is in the running as long as Trump wants him.

COMBAT VETERAN

Hegseth, 44, is an Army National Guard veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and has two Bronze Stars. He has been criticized for lacking management experience needed to lead 1.3 million active-duty service members and the nearly 1 million civilians who work for the military.

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A person familiar with the confirmation process said the meeting between Ernst and Hegseth had been productive, with the discussion focused on issues including readiness and eliminating waste.

Hegseth has the strong support of many of Trump's fellow Republicans, who will control the Senate starting in January.

"Pete is focused on what Im focused on which is getting wokeness out of the military and making our Department of Defense lethal again," Senator-elect Jim Banks said in a statement after their meeting on Thursday.

A wave of media reports has raised questions about Hegseth, including allegations of heavy drinking and allegations made in a police report that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2017 at a conference in California.

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No charges were filed, and he entered into a private settlement with the alleged victim.

Hegseth's past statements also have worried some lawmakers. He has expressed disdain for so-called "woke" policies of Pentagon leaders, opposed women in combat roles and questioned whether the top American general was in his position because of his skin color.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Additional reporting by Mike Stone; Editing by Scott Malone and Daniel Wallis)
WASHINGTON  Republicans in Congress have enthusiastically started groups celebrating the new Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

But even as they embrace the DOGE brand, many of the lawmakers dont know its backstory.

HuffPost asked Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), co-founder of a new DOGE caucus, if he was familiar with the internet meme that started it all.

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Uh, vaguely, he said. The dog?

The dog.

Musk pitched a Department of Government Efficiency this summer, in a social media post, after President-elect Donald Trump suggested he could give Musk, Trumps biggest campaign funder, a Cabinet position. The proposed name was a joking reference to doge (pronounced dodje), an internet meme that inspired Musks favorite cryptocurrency token.

During a 2021 appearance on Saturday Night Live, Musk admitted dogecoin was a hustle, tanking its value. After all, the token was created as a joke, a satire of meaningless cryptocurrency speculation.

The underlying internet meme, started in 2010, typically shows a Shiba Inu dog with superimposed text representing the dogs thoughts, such as wow. Its more a celebration of the dog than a satire, though it sometimes conveys a knowing, false amazement.

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As senators came and went from the inaugural Senate DOGE caucus meeting with Ramaswamy in a Capitol office building on Thursday, several said they were unaware of the meme.

I did read it somewhere, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said. I didnt know much about it, though.

Ramaswamy himself declined to comment. Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) wouldnt say a word. And Senate DOGE caucus founder Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is under intense pressure to say whether she supports Trumps controversial pick for defense secretary, said she wasnt taking any questions.

Other senators were willing to talk about doge and to look at the meme.

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Is that Elons dog? Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) joked when a reporter showed him some doge images.

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said he was unfamiliar with the meme, but when he saw the pictures, he laughed and said he actually had seen it before. He was happy.

Ive got a dog myself, Schmitt said. Im a big fan of the canines.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, one of DOGEs biggest backers, was unfamiliar with the doge meme. Until now. @delaneyrules.bsky.social showed it to him just now, after Schmitt left a DOGE meeting with Vivek Ramaswamy.  Jacob Bogage (@jacobbogage.bsky.social)2024-12-05T16:01:13.486Z

Of the dozen DOGE-enthusiast lawmakers HuffPost queried, only Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) definitely knew the meme. He even knew that the dog in the original images, Kabosu, died earlier this year.

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God rest her soul, Budd said.

Its not clear whether the Department of Government Efficiency, which isnt actually part of the government, will ever be anything more than just another advisory panel that makes recommendations lawmakers ignore. Ramaswamy and Musk have made dubious claims that they could easily slash trillions of dollars from the federal budget and that they could even suggest executive actions Trump could take to make it happen without Congress approval.

Republicans seem to be embracing DOGE as a fun rebranding of their own long-standing desire to slash federal spending. Still, some have expressed skepticism that DOGE can cut spending without Congress, which has constitutional authority to control taxes and spending.

Theyre more of an advisory group that works behind the scenes with the White House, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told reporters Thursday.

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On the other side of the Capitol, ahead of another event with Musk and Ramaswamy, House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) talked up DOGE and the virtues of government efficiency in a live TV interview just off the House floor. Afterward, he told HuffPost he wasnt familiar with the meme.

I havent had time to be on social media, Smith said. Ive been working for the American people.

An example of the doge meme. Illustration by Arthur Delaney

Related...
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A move by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to enter Oklahoma into a partnership with the country of Denmark encouraging collaboration on renewable energy has several members of Stitts own party criticizing his decision.

This week, Stitt signed a memorandum of understanding between the State of Oklahoma and country of Denmark, aiming at increasing cooperation between Denmark and Oklahoma by collaborating on concrete renewable energy projects.

A world first: Gassy cows and pigs prompt carbon tax in this country

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Specifically, the memorandum partners the state with Danish-owned energy company, EE-North America, with goals of building a state of the art power-to-x facility in the state that would produce green methanol from renewable energy sources.

Denmark-MOUDownload

Not everyones happy about it.

Im going to beg to differ with him on this particular issue, said State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland)

Olsen is one of several Oklahoma Republicans who publicly questioned the governors move this week.

Olsen says the state shouldnt subsidize an industry that he believes can support itself without help.

Our best role as state government is just to get out of the way of those that produce and, you know, keep their taxes reasonably low, keep the regulation low and just get out of their way and let them do business as best they can, Olsen said. Im not opposed to green energy. If someone wants to produce energy from wind or sun, thats great. And there ought to absolutely be freedom for those companies that want to do that, to do that. But I hate it when government jumps in and tries to pick winners and losers.

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A landmark climate change case will open at the top UN court as island nations fear rising seas

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, also blasted Stitts move to sign the memorandum.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this week, Drummonda Republicanwrote, I am severely disappointed to see Gov. Stitt joining radical leftists in perpetuating the green energy scam. Oklahomans deserve better.

Denmark is well-known for its stance on climate change, with a goal to reduce 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Denmarks Ministry of Foreign Affairs says on its website, we will work to influence states and non-state actors to commit to ambitious objectives to help achieve that goal.

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Innovation is a great thing, and we are a nation of innovators, and we need to bolster that for sure. We need innovative innovators in every industry, including energy, said State Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin).

But for Deeverswho, like Olsen, is a member of the conservative Oklahoma Freedom Caucushis concern also comes over a difference in values.

The big issue with much of the so-called green energy innovation is the trillions of taxpayer dollars that the federal government and other states have wasted based on climate hysteria. And so weve got to be vigilant that this doesnt happen in Oklahoma, Deevers said. If green energy companies can produce reliable and affordable energy for Oklahomans without taxpayer subsidies and foreign land ownership and woke, globalist, ESG, DEI initiatives, then thats great, Deevers said.

Renewables grew rapidly in 2023, but must grow faster still to meet climate change target, IEA says

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As it stands right now, the memorandum of understanding Stitt signed this week is just that: a memorandum.

The legislature would need to pass a bill allocating funds toward the memorandums objectives, or Governor Stitt could sign an executive order doing soin order for the state to actually put any money toward it.

News 4 reached out to Governor Stitts office to get his response to the criticisms coming from within his own party.

Nobody responded.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
ATHENS (Reuters) -The crew of Panama-flagged cargo ship MV ISA STAR have been rescued in the Red Sea after sending a distress signal, the EU's Aspides naval mission said.

"All crew members aboard the MV ISA STAR have been rescued and will be transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port of call," Aspides said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The vessel had reported flooding in the engine room and the master requested assistance, it said, as its crew of 20 were forced to abandon it.

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One maritime security source told Reuters that the ship experienced engine problems and another source said that it had reported an internal explosion. Details on the current condition of the vessel were not immediately available.

The ship was about 100 nautical miles off the port of Hodeidah, Yemen, when it called for assistance, the sources said.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war between Hamas and Israel.

It was not clear if this incident was linked to Houthi activity.

(Reporting by Jonathan Saul and Yannis Souliotis; Writing by Renee Maltezou; editing by Saad Sayeed and Jason Neely)
An off-duty Los Angeles firefighter is confirmed missing after a group of four men departed from Long Beach on Wednesday evening to go diving but only three returned, prompting a large multiagency search that continued into Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

While Los Angeles Fire Department officials did not name the missing diver, they confirmed that the individual was from their ranks Thursday afternoon. All four men on the excursion were in their 20s, authorities said.

Divers from the Long Beach and L.A. city and county fire departments, along with personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, Long Beach Police and Los Angeles Port Police, are involved in search efforts off Pier J, confirmed Long Beach Fire spokesperson Brian Fisk.

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One of the men was believed to be the driver of a small vessel while the other three were free diving, Fisk said.

Free diving involves a person holding their breath for as long as possible while diving and swimming without the use of equipment such as scuba gear.

Read more: 5 more rescued after tourist yacht sank in Egypt's Red Sea

Eventually, two men returned from free diving while a third did not, Fisk said.

The men called for emergency assistance at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday and Long Beach Fire responded with divers and marine assets at 10:17, Fisk said.

Rescue crews mobilize and continue their search for a missing free diver near Pier J in Long Beach. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Long Beach Fire eventually asked Los Angeles County Fire for assistance, while other agencies also offered help.

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We presume that they were fishing but we dont actually know what was the purpose of the trip, Fisk said of the men. We are continuing to look, however, and expanding the grid search area.

Read more: This L.A. marine mammal rescue center is at max capacity. Here's how you can help

Fisk said conditions hampered the search efforts.

He said once the silty sea bottom is disturbed, the waters easily become murky.

Los Angeles Port Police are trying to combat that issue with use of a side scan sonar, which is specifically used for detecting objects on the seafloor, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Updates:

12:44 p.m. Dec. 5, 2024: Los Angeles City firefighting authorities confirmed the missing man was an off-duty firefighter.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BEIJING (AP)  Rescuers in southern China were searching Thursday for 13 workers missing after a railroad construction site caved in in the business center of Shenzhen.

An emergency management bureau's statement said the collapse occurred at about 11 p.m. Wednesday at a construction site on a section of the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway in Baoan district. The line will link Shenzhen, a tech hub, and Jiangmen, both cities in Guangdong province neighboring Hong Kong.

Residents living nearby have been evacuated. An investigation into the cause was underway.

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State broadcaster CCTV reported some roads were closed during the operation.

China has seen collapses of a highway and a bridge that killed dozens of people earlier this year. The collapses have raised questions about the safety of Chinas road and bridge infrastructure, which was built rapidly in recent decades.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  NOAA Fisheries is celebrating the return of the Bold Horizon, a 170-foot oceanographic research vessel thats owned by Eclipse Group Inc. The vessel arrived back to the area Thursday after a four-month survey collecting marine mammal sightings and data.

NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is responsible for the stewardship of U.S. national marine resources.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Secretary of Navy visit USS Boxer

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The Bold Horizon left with a crew of researchers and chief scientist Jeff Moore back in July. Ever since, they have covered 4,000 nautical miles. They essentially surveyed the whole West Coast from Mexico to Canada and then 200 miles out.

Some issues of concern during this voyage were the effects of trash, plastic and microfibers on marine life. Despite what human life is doing to the conditions of the ocean, a spokesperson with the research crew said they still surveyed huge pods of whales and dolphins, along with sea birds. This signals that some protection efforts may be working.

Whales and dolphins are top predators in the sea; a lot of sea birds are top predators of the sea as well. By studying, sort of, these highly visible and charismatic and abundant animals we can learn a lot about the biodiversity of the oceans and how its changing, how animals are using different places, how populations are growing in relation to ocean health, Moore explained.

Based on their raw data, Moore said they can notice a shift in distributions and the number of species that are farther north than they used to be. He also said that the data shows increasing occurrences of what they call marine heatwaves, or warm water masses that come toward the coast in the summer and fall months.

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According to the researchers, one this is for sure: the oceans are warming. A full report of their findings will come out in the coming weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
QTS Data Centers in Hillsboro on Oct. 11, 2024. (Rian Dundon/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.

Oregons largest investor-owned electric utility has enjoyed a 34% rise in power demand from industrial customers such as semiconductor manufacturers and data centers in the last five years, requiring the company to buy more, and more expensive, energy and build more infrastructure.

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But rather than recouping the bulk of those costs from the customers driving them up, it appears that Portland General Electric, or PGE, is spreading some of the added cost across its entire customer base, according to data presented by its leader.

CEO Maria Pope told Oregons U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden in a letter on Nov. 27 that the reasons behind its residential rate hikes  which have increased by over 40% since 2020  have to do with the rising cost of buying power  which has tripled in the last five years  and increased demand from industrial customers.

These customer price changes over the last five years have primarily been driven by the rising costs to purchase necessary power from the open energy market to serve customers, she wrote. Like utilities nationwide, PGE is experiencing a surge in requests for new, substantial amounts of electricity load, including from advanced manufacturing, data centers and AI-related companies.

Popes letter came in response to questions from Wyden about its rate hikes in recent years. On Nov. 25, Wyden asked Pope for documentation on electricity demand, customer shutoffs for nonpayment and details about how the company has spent federal subsidies meant to reduce ratepayer fees. The same day, Wyden said in a news conference that rising electricity prices is among the top concerns he hears from Oregonians.

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PGE, which serves about 900,000 customers, has requested an average 7.3% rate hike for 2025. If granted, that would make residential rates next year more than 45% higher than they were in 2020.

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission is likely to make a decision on the increase by Dec. 20, according to Kandi Young, a spokesperson for the commission.

Wyden has reviewed Popes letter and will follow up with PGE to keep pressing the case for fair rates that Oregon consumers can afford, according to Hank Stern, a Wyden spokesperson.

Rising rates

Popes data shows that since 2020 residential customer rates have increased more than industrial customers  nearly 43% compared with nearly 38%. But over that time, the cost of buying or generating power for PGEs industrial customers has been 16% higher than that for its residential customers.

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In 2022 and 2024 the cost of power bought or generated by PGE for industrial customers was two to three times higher than the cost of power generated or bought for residential customers. Yet rate increases for residential customers were nearly double those of industrial customers during those years.

PGE officials said residential rates are often higher than industrial rates because its more expensive to get power to residential customers.

Rates reflect cost-based prices  which include many factors such as necessary investments in system maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure, and reliability and resiliency upgrades, Drew Hanson, a spokesperson for the company, said in an email. Residential customers rely on a larger portion of distribution assets  such as power poles and transformers  compared to large customers, these investments and maintenance costs have a more pronounced impact on residential rates.

The percentage of rate increases attributed to such costs for residential rate payers has been four times that of the industrial rate payers in the last five years. In terms of the cost per unit of power, residential rates today are more than three times higher than they are for industrial customers, such as semiconductor manufacturers like Intel and large data centers owned by tech companies such as Meta, Google and Apple, according to the Citizens Utility Board, a watchdog group established by Oregon voters in 1984 to represent the interests of utility consumers. Between 2015 and 2024, residential customers saw rates go up about 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the board, while industrial rates increased about 2 cents per kilowatt hour. In that same time, demand from PGEs largest industrial customers went up more than 100%, according to the board.

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My primary takeaway is that PGE is refusing to take any responsibility for unaffordable rates, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the board.

Shouldering costs

Jenks said PGE is not assigning rising costs to customers based on which customers are incurring the costs associated with higher demand. When PGE has to increase industrial energy storage, install new transmission lines and create more energy by building a solar or wind facility, for example, it charges all customers for the infrastructure, despite increased demand coming from industrial users who need the electricity. New data centers, which can be built in as little as 18 months, are far outpacing the growth in new electrical energy supply and transmission, according to regional transmission experts.

Demand for electricity for Hillsboros data centers now outpaces demand from nearly every residential customer in Washington County combined, according to Jenks analysis.

In her letter, Pope said that the question of assigning more of the costs of these investments to data centers and other industrial customers would be up to the Oregons Public Utilities Commission.

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Existing regulatory frameworks will need to evolve to appropriately reflect how investments serve different customers and how costs are allocated given the changes in the new large load demands, she wrote to Wyden.

Pope also said the utility largely needs to raise rates by 7.3% next year to pay for long-term capital investments. These include adding energy storage systems, renewable energy sources and grid expansion and reliability. These costs are borne by all customers equally, not proportionally, across all customers.

Young, the commission spokesperson, said this is something its three members are looking into.

The PUC is actively analyzing the issues and reviewing proposals to introduce new planning and cost allocation mechanisms related to large customer load, she said in an email.

Shutoffs

Wyden also asked pope for information about PGE shutoffs in the last five years due to customer nonpayment. In April, three months after a cold snap in January, PGE shut off power to a record number of households  4,700 in one month alone  due to nonpayment, according to the Citizens Utility Board.

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Pope said most PGE customers arent left without power for long.

Like other regulated utilities, PGE disconnects a customer as a last resort and most customers are reconnected quickly. In Q3 2024, 80% of residential customers disconnected for nonpayment were reconnected within one day and an additional 6% were reconnected within seven days. These rates have been consistent year to date, she said.

Jenks, of the Citizens Utilities Board, said those statistics are still worrisome.

PGE says 86% of shutoffs were reconnected within a week. This means that 14% are living without electricity for an extended period of time, he said.

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Despite pausing many shutoffs during COVID, PGE disconnected about 32,292 customers at some point in 2024  4,800 more than in 2023. PGEs residential electricity rates went up nearly 21% in 2024.

Meanwhile, PGEs stock (POR), is up more than 10% in the last year, while Popes compensation has doubled in the last four years. She went from receiving more than $3.5 million in base salary and other compensation in 2020 to about $7 million in 2023, according to data from the Securities and Exchange Commission and The Oregonian/Oregon Live.

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Residents living near the site of a proposed solar facility in the Rocky Ridge area near Thurmont voiced their opposition to the project during a public hearing Tuesday evening, with some imploring the developer to shrink the facility size.

Chaberton Energy, a renewable energy company based in Rockville, plans to construct a five-megawatt solar facility called Chaberton Solar Wild Turkey at 12949 Old Frederick Road, southeast of Thurmont, near Md. 550.

The project would occupy about 49 acres of a 112-acre property, according to information the Chaberton Energy staff provided on Tuesday. The company will have to pay for a lease on the land to the property owners.

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In October 2023, the company applied to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which allows applicants to construct an energy-generating station or high-voltage transmission line.

As part of the PSCs process for determining whether to grant Chaberton Energy the certificate, the commission has held multiple public hearings to receive public feedback.

More than a dozen residents attended Tuesdays hearing, most of them living in the Rocky Ridge area. Almost every person who spoke said they are against the project.

The concerns revolved around the solar projects impact to the landscapes visuals, nearby property values potentially dropping and the facility taking up agricultural land.

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Power Plant Research Program recommends that the PSC approve the projects certificate application, so long as the project meets certain licensed conditions the department recommended.

The PSCs technical staff also recommends approving the application. A representative for the Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel, which represents the states residential utility customers, said the office has not yet filed its official stance.

SUBSCRIBER MODEL

Chaberton Solar Wild Turkey is a community solar project.

Through community solar projects, once a solar facility is built, local residents, businesses and organizations can choose to subscribe to a portion of the facilitys output, according to Chaberton Energys website.

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Subscribers receive credits for their share of the energy the facility generates. Chaberton Energys website says most subscribers save at least 10% on energy costs.

Some residents were frustrated at the prospect that if they subscribed, they would essentially be paying the property owners whose land is being leased for the Wild Turkey project.

But Ryan Boswell, vice president of development for Chaberton Energy, said that any revenue from subscriptions wont directly pay for the companys lease of the land.

[It] does provide some revenue with which we can pay the lease, but its not like youre directly paying your neighbor, he said.

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One resident, Anthony Woodie, runs a farm in the Rocky Ridge area and was concerned about the potential impact of trees and bushes as visual buffers between his property and the project site on his animals.

Youre creating a habitat for coyotes, wolves, deer, bears, he said. ... Now, I gotta worry more about my calving season. I gotta worry more about my animals.

Other neighbors who said they live near Woodies farm also said they dont want trees or bushes as a visual buffer.

The Chaberton Energy representatives said they would be happy to work with residents on those requests, but Frederick County would still need to approve those adjustments.

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Kristen Trump was one of the several residents who voiced their opposition to the project.

Its putting the area in a commercial state. The trucks coming down the road [for the project] are a danger to the neighbors, she said. The environmental impact is just based on money and any profit that you all want to make, and its decreasing the value of our farm.

Tyler Wolf said the solar facility goes against state goals to preserve large tracts of farmland, and he believes the project will decrease other properties values.

He also brought up another solar facility in Frederick County, Baker Point Solar, which is a nine-megawatt facility on about 60 acres.

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That facility is producing about 150 kilowatts per acre. Wolf said that if Chaberton Energy used that same math, the Wild Turkey project would only have to be about 33 acres to put out five megawatts of power.

I believe that if it was shrunk, there would be a lot less pushback, Wolf said. Im opposed to it 100% in any way because of the reduction in farmland, but ... I believe that a relocation and a resizing on the property would be a lot more favorable to the community.

An evidentiary hearing for the Wild Turkey project is scheduled for Dec. 16. The deadline for people to submit public comments is Dec. 12.

Individuals can submit comments electronically or mail them to the PSCs chief clerk, Jamie Bergin, at William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.

How to submit public comment on Chaberton Solar WIld Turkey Written comments can also be sent by Dec. 12 electronically at www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment or mailed to the PSCs chief clerk, Jamie Bergin, at William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. {related_content_uuid}d3357f27-ac74-49fb-b920-b73fa02e2a35{/related_content_uuid}
A Catholic nun was among a group of 25 people arrested by Italian police on Thursday on suspicion of being part of a mafia network engaged in extortion and drug trafficking.

Prosecutors alleged that Sister Anna Donelli took advantage of her role as a prison volunteer to act as a contact between jailed members of the Ndrangheta mafia and gang members on the outside.

The 57-year-old volunteered at San Vittore prison in Milan, and earlier won a civic award for her work in jails and some of the more deprived areas of the city earlier this year.

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On many occasions, she acted as an intermediary, taking advantage of her religious work, which allowed her full access to prisons, investigators alleged.

In an intercepted phone call, one of the arrested people allegedly told a contact: If you need something inside, shes one of ours.

The arrests were the result of an intensive operation by Italian police - Il Messaggero/CEDS Visual

Police allege that the 25 arrested people were part of an attempt by the Ndrangheta to spread their criminal activities to the city of Brescia in the north, the wealthiest part of the country. They confiscated assets worth more than 1.8 million (1.5 million).

The Ndrangheta is based in Calabria, in the far south of Italy, but over the past few decades has established a presence not only in other parts of Italy but also across the world, from South America to Australia. Much of its power and wealth is based on cocaine trafficking.

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The arrests and asset seizures were the culmination of a complex operation that began in 2020.

Police launched an investigation into an alleged Ndrangheta clan that was originally from SantEufemia dAspromonte, a village in the Aspromonte mountains of Calabria, but had become established in Brescia.

A police officer prepares to raid an address linked to a mafia suspect - Il Messaggero/CEDS Visual

Those under arrest are accused of a range of crimes including mafia association, vote buying, illegal possession of weapons, money laundering, loan sharking, drug dealing and false invoicing, according to police.

They include two politicians, one of them a former councillor for Brothers of Italy, the Right-wing party led by Giorgia Meloni, who is the prime minister.

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The other is a former member of the League, a party that is part of the national coalition government and led by Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister.

The alleged gang was connected to the issuance of 12 million worth of invoices for non-existent transactions that enabled complicit businesses to lower their income and thus evade taxes. In return, they allegedly paid a commission to the gang.

In November last year, more than 200 members of the mafia gang were sentenced to a total of 2,200 years in prison at the culmination of the countrys biggest trial for more than 30 years.

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The revamped Hotel Petersburg opened Dec. 5, 2024, after being vacant since the 1970s. The seven story boutique establishment features 64 rooms, over 2,000 square feet of meeting space, a rooftop bar and a restaurant, and is located in a historic district of the city. (Laura Visioni)

Vacant since the 1970s, Hotel Petersburg is about to make the comeback of the year when it reopens its doors on December 5. Its the latest sign of progress for a city long beleaguered by economic woes and government dysfunction but that has in recent years mounted a rebound campaign aided by state funds and buoyed by lawmakers and residents efforts towards Petersburgs revival.

First opened in 1904 as the Shirley Hotel before it expanded and became The Hotel Petersburg in 1916, the building was once a social centerpiece in the city  holding dances, entertaining traveling businessmen, and hosting luncheons for womens clubs. Evidence of the buildings storied past is laid out via photos and newspaper clippings on the hotels website and depict it as a great hub for the community.

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This was the place to be, said Paul Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Retro Hospitality, the management company running the hotel. His group was also behind Richmonds Quirk Hotel. These buildings have a great story and a history.

But starting in the late 1960s and through the early 70s, a series of fires permanently closed the hotel. The city attempted to purchase the building in 1975 with a goal of renovating it into a new city hall, but the hotel remained closed until Dr. Nat Cuthbert, a native who works as a diagnostic radiologist, bought it in 2017.

I thought that it had potential as apartments, and that would have been far, far easier than a boutique hotel, said Cuthbert. But the city didnt really want to go in that direction. The mayor convinced me that a hotel would be a good use.

Mayor Sam Parham said a boutique hotel is long overdue in the city.

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It took over $23 million to get that old Petersburg Hotel renovated and back open, said Parham. Its part of us growing our tourism base here and having a place for people to come and visit and spend the weekend in Petersburg.

The lobby of the Hotel Petersburg. (Laura Visioni)

The hotel boasts 64 rooms, over 2,000 feet of meeting space, a rooftop lounge and full-scale restaurant. It has been deemed a member of the Historic Hotels of America program, overseen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Boosting tourism is one of Petersburgs big goals. Rich with Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields, and with an upcoming focus on highlighting the contributions of Black residents by transforming the McKenney Library into an African American history museum, plus the upcoming multi-use Fall Line Trail and a future casino in the works, Petersburg is positioning itself to rake in more tourism dollars.

Petersburg probably owns more tourist attractions than most localities, says Joanne Williams, the citys director of communications, tourism, marketing and government relations. We actually own Blandford Church, which is our number one historic attraction, Williams said, in reference to an 18th century house of worship that became a prominent Civil War-era landmark. We own Center Hill Museum, Williams added, a historic mansion that hosted three American presidents and was featured in Steven Spielbergs 2012 feature film Lincoln, much of which was shot in Petersburg.

The interior of Blandford Church in Petersburg, built in 1735, which became a Civil War-era landmark. (Courtesy City of Petersburg)

The city also owns the Exchange Building, Union Station and the Southside Depot, which is undergoing a $3 million renovation and will become the localitys main visitor center. Citing a 2009 study by the National Park Service, Williams said the depot transformation could attract about 40,000 visitors to the city.

Hotel renovation funding, Partnership for Petersburg contribution

The hotel renovation project received a total capital investment of $23 million through the Commonwealth of Virginias Tourism Development Financing Program, which helps finance large scale programs, according to a Governors press release. Another $2.2 million in gap financing is also coming through the Virginia Tourism Corporation as well as a loan through the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. The hotel is expected to net a $675,000 tax benefit in its first full year of operation.

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That financing was made possible by Gov. Glenn Youngkins Partnership for Petersburg, an unusual and extensive collaboration between the state and local governments that has been a major catalyst of the citys renewal.

Parham said Youngkins administration helped the city secure the Virginia Tourism Corporation grants, which city leaders had tried and failed to receive previously.

For so many years, the VTC would tell us, Were not sure if Petersburg is a sound investment. Were not sure if it will work, said Parham.

The Partnership for Petersburg initiative, which started two years ago, sought to bring what the governor called a holistic approach to helping reinvigorate the city by focusing on improving schools, healthcare and getting major businesses to open. The Partnership also helped the city win a variety of grants and private funds.

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They have given us so many of the necessary resources for us to push the city of Petersburg out of a lot of the challenges that weve been having to get development started, said Parham. [The] Hotel Petersburg lay dormant for 50 years and for so long, we werent able to get the necessary funding to pull off a development of this magnitude.

The program has helped the city land roughly $81 million dollars total, according to the Governors press secretary Christian Martinez. That figure does not include a private commitment of $100 million for the new Sycamore Grove development, which will be a mixed-use development featuring the citys first full-line grocery store.

Ive never seen a governor try to do as much to help Petersburg help itself as this administration has, said hotel owner Cuthbert.

The rebirth of the hotel comes at a time when the entire city is also experiencing a renewal and an influx of growth. Many pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses, such as the recently opened Phlow, have made the city home.

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Other advances the city is seeing include a bump in access to healthcare for residents, with a mobile healthcare unit, a maternal health hub, and a planned medical treatment center. Plus, a recent multimodal transit center has opened and the citys financing possibilities were just improved with a boost in its bond rating on the S&P Global Ratings scale, which allows the city to seek more government bonds because they are now being seen as reliable when paying them back.

Renewed vision for the city

More than 33,000 people call Petersburg home, with the majority identifying as Black or African American, according to the most recent United States Census. Poverty has been a persistent challenge, with a poverty rate hovering at 22.2%, more than double Virginias poverty rate of 10.2%. And income levels arent as high as the rest of the state: While Virginias median income level is $89,931, Petersburgs comes in at $46,930.

Downtown Petersburg, Virginia (courtesy city of Petersburg)

Petersburg also recently ranked as one the least healthy cities in the state and nation, according to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. The city has been associated with high rates of violent crime, according to statistics by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but overall, violent crime has decreased over the last decade.

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For the past several years, developer Dave McCormick  a former Richmond resident  has bought and redeveloped old buildings in the downtown area, turning them into loft apartments, opening Demolition Coffee and starting Trapezium Brewery. He acknowledged Petersburgs checkered past but said it shouldnt define its future.

Every city has these issues. But in my experience, none of that is true. Its a beautiful, amazing place to be downtown, McCormick said. The revival of the citys namesake hotel aids Petersburgs evolution, he said.

The brand of Petersburg will start to change and itll stop being that narrative about all the bad things happening. Itll start to really be about all the good things happening.

All the growth and focus on Petersburg has given longtime resident James C. Davenport more hope for an area of Virginia that he says isnt always shown in a positive light. He lives in the citys historic district and served as president of the Historic Petersburg Foundation in 1986.

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The hotel is a beautiful success indicator, Davenport said, adding that he hopes Petersburgs momentum will attract new residents.

We have gone through a lot of things that other cities (have) recently gone through. We should be a champion on telling people how to survive with very little. Because we did it.

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As Richard Grenell made a bid after the election to be Donald Trumps secretary of State, a flurry of social media posts from MAGA influencers started popping up, advocating for the president-elect to pick him.

Around the same time, an associate of Grenell had approached conservative social media influencers, according to two people with knowledge of the situation, offering paid contracts of as much as five figures to post favorably about Grenell.

One such contract, obtained by POLITICO and not previously reported, outlined that the influencer would do so during peak posting times, that content must appear genuine, and it could not appear as an overt advertisement or promotional message.

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The proposed paid social media campaign, which the organizers told POLITICO never took off, illustrates the lengths to which people close to Grenell went to ensure he got the job. And Grenell, who typically goes by Ric, had made no secret in private conversations over the last three years that he wanted to serve as Trumps next secretary of State. He told people in Trumps orbit that it was secretary of State or bust, as one person close to the president-elect said.

Grenell, Trumps former ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence  who Trump had been known to call his wild man, according to a former administration official  had been one of the president-elects most loyal foot soldiers throughout the 2024 campaign.

But Trump ultimately chose Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for the coveted State job, rewarding one of his top vice presidential contenders, though outwardly less MAGA-aligned, with a key seat in his cabinet and leaving Grenell without his preferred post.

Grenell was offered other posts in Trumps administration, including director of national intelligence, which he turned down, according to two people familiar with the conversations. Most recently, he has been vocal about helping his friend, Kash Patel, land as FBI director. And multiple people with knowledge of the transition did not rule out the possibility Grenell will still get some kind of important role.



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There is no evidence directly linking the influencer campaign to Grenell. In response to a request for comment, Grenell referred to the POLITICO reporter making the inquiry as an unserious gossip reporter, and said none of this is true.

Grenell had put in the work to demonstrate his loyalty to Trump, championing the president-elects policies in public and private, traveling the country to campaign for him and raising campaign cash. He is close with Melania Trump, whose only public political activities this year were with the conservative LGBT group Log Cabin Republicans, with which Grenell is affiliated. Some senators close to the president-elect, like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), praised Grenell as a standout option for secretary of State, and Grenell even appeared alongside Trump during a meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September.

At Trumps final rally of the election  a midnight event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Grenell also spoke  Trump praised Grenell as a man whos very special, with a great talent.

Ill never forget, when I took him out (of the ambassador role), the happiest person in the world was Angela Merkel, Trump said of the former German chancellor. When Ric Grenell was taken out, this was the best day in Angelas life. He was not your typical ambassador.

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Trump said of German officials that they really loved him, but Grenell was wise to what they were doing.

In addition to ambassador to Germany, Trump had entrusted Grenell with another top diplomatic role during his time in the White House as a special envoy for Serbia-Kosovo relations. At the end of Trumps term with Grenells diplomatic push, Serbia and Kosovo agreed to restore flights between their capitals in a step toward normalization.

In the period after, Grenell continued to meet with foreign leaders to promote Trump and his foreign policy as a kind of shadow secretary of State.

But other factors weighed against him.

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If Grenell was tapped for a Senate-confirmed role, his business dealings in foreign countries  among them plans to build a $500 million hotel project with Trumps son in law Jared Kushner in Belgrade  would have been scrutinized.

The former Trump officials bid for the top State job also ruffled feathers, and his open lobbying for the position had grated on people in Trumps orbit. There were concerns that his prickly personality earned him a reputation among people close to Trump for being difficult and less than diplomatic.

"People assume the president wants a big personality who is pushing the envelope. Thats not always the case. I think there were a lot of questions about whether Ric was diplomatic enough to be secretary of state, said a person familiar with the transition.

The person added, Ric was offered several positions that he turned down, its not like he was shut out.After it was leaked that Rubio was Trumps pick for State, there was an outpouring of support for Grenell from top MAGA voices, who cast doubt that any decision had been made. When one person urged fellow supporters not to give up the fight because a decision wasnt final, Grenell responded,  BS. Stop grifting. Not true .

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Allies of Grenell who advocated for him at all costs may not have helped his cause, either.

Rick Loughery, the former chair of the political youth association Young Republicans, who is an associate of Grenell, had contacted conservative influencers after the election offering payments in exchange for positive posts about Grenell on X and Instagram.

The contract outlined that the influencers must also engage in their comment section, quote tweet, share, add to stories and reply in relevant threads and posts. The money, which was to be paid by Magnify Media Partners LLC, a political consulting firm run by Taylor Strand, would be issued in several installments between November and January, the contract stated.

Strand said in an email that the initiative in question was a project about defending Trump loyalists against mainstream media attacks, but that this project never moved forward, and Ric Grenell nor any other MAGA leaders were involved.

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She did not respond to a follow-up question about influencers being asked to post positively about Grenells bid for secretary of State. Neither Loughery nor the influencer for whom the contract was created commented for the story. A spokesperson for the Trump transition did not comment.

Its not inconceivable that Grenell could eventually secure his dream job of secretary of State, should Rubio leave the post over the next four years, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.

If hes not doing something or accepting something, its because he decided not to, said one ally of Grenell, speaking on condition of anonymity, explaining that he still was being given options to work for Trump, but noting Grenells proclivity to play the long game and wait for a job he really wants.

The round of appointments that has played out over the past several weeks showcased how some people have been more successful than others at maneuvering Trump world and finding a landing place. Trump made loyalty a key criteria when picking his cabinet, and was turned off by any whiff of inconstancy, like rumors of presidential ambitions, or past criticisms of his behavior. And he was irritated to learn if anyone felt entitled to a role, presumed it was theirs, or tried to buy his favor, according to multiple advisers.

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Still, Trump has rewarded strategic persistence from contenders for top-level positions who got passed over for their first choice of position. Matt Whitaker, Trumps former acting attorney general who was vying for the top Department of Justice job, ultimately wasnt tapped for attorney general. But after Trump chose Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general  who later withdrew from consideration and was replaced by Pam Bondi  Whitaker worked to remain in contention for other high-level jobs, and was named U.S. ambassador to NATO.

And Patel, a top Trump ally who was tapped in recent days for FBI director, fought for the job even after it appeared his chances were dim, and after some Trump advisers expressed concern about his likelihood of being confirmed by the Senate.

I think there is a need and a desire to keep these people close, said a person with knowledge of Grenells situation, referencing others like Trumps former trade representative Robert Lighthizer, who also hasnt landed an administration job. They are loyalists who have been really successful at getting Trump elected. Where does Trump park these people?
Rick Scott, with Pete Hegseth and Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5, 2024. (Photo from Rick Scott's X page)

While some Republican senators say they arent ready to just yet commit to supporting Pete Hegseth as damaging stories about his drinking and leadership continue to surface, Rick Scott is not one of them.

Hegseth continued to make the rounds with senators in Washington on Thursday and, after his visit with Scott, the Florida Republican went to social media to say hed had a great discussion about Hegseths vision for the Defense Department if he is confirmed by the Senate.

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I respect people like Pete whove put on the uniform, served our country, held people accountable and successfully led teams when their life and the lives of others were on the line  thats who Pete is, and why he has my full support, Scott said on X.

On Wednesday, Scott took aim at some of the anonymous voices that have spoken critically about Hegseth, lamenting to CNNs Jake Tapper about how these people are trying to disparage somebody.

This is a great nominee, and Im disgusted that these anonymous sources say these things without willing to go on your show or some show and have you ask them all the questions, Scott said to Tapper.

Tapper replied that the woman who has alleged that Hegseth sexually assaulted her in 2017 (an incident that resulted in no charges against Hegseth) could not speak to him because Hegseth paid her an unknown amount of money in exchange for a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). Tapper asked Scott whether Hegseth should release her from that NDA.

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Absolutely not, Scott replied, adding, Some of these things [NDAs] are done for a variety of reasons, but 

Tapper interrupted. How am I supposed to interview her and have her not be anonymous anymore if he wont release her from the nondisclosure agreement?

First off, there was an investigation, he wasnt charged, Scott replied. Why dont people respect these people who defend our freedom?

I dont know what youre talking about, Tapper replied, before later saying that he respected veterans and soldiers, but thats not really the point. Millions of Americans have served in the military, but that doesnt mean that they should be in charge of the military.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) stumbled through an interview Wednesday night trying to talk up President-elect Donald Trumps defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth.

Scott appeared on CNN with host Jake Tapper to defend Hegseth, a former Fox News host, against a sexual assault allegation from 2017 and other claims about his alcohol abuse while working at the network and at two veterans groups.

When Tapper questioned why Scott was already ready to vote to confirm Hegseth, before the Senate could further probe those concerns, Scott more or less said Trumps word on nominees is gospel.

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Well, first off, No. 1, Donald Trump won the election. No. 2, this is his nominee, Scott said, before praising Hegseths military service.

Sen. Rick Scott defends Hegseth amid confirmation doubts

Watch the full video here: https://t.co/a9ER45pA6apic.twitter.com/IK92Fy8MfL  The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) December 4, 2024

Tapper quickly called him out. President Biden won in 2020 and you voted against several of his nominees, he said. Just because somebody wins the presidency doesnt mean that everybody in the U.S. Senate should just ignore the advice and consent clause of the Constitution and vote for the persons nominees. Right?

Scott agreed but continued saying Hegseth should be confirmed, saying he will do an unbelievable job and that people are going to enlist in the military just because hes in charge.

The senator dug himself in deeper when he demanded Hegseths accusers, such as the woman who in 2017 accused him of raping her at a conference, speak out publicly.

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These are anonymous accusations. If these people are credible, Jake, ask them to come on your show. Ask him explain these things, Scott said.

Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images

Tapper pointed out that the woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault signed a non-disclosure agreement and is not allowed to speak publicly, even though police have confirmed Hegseth was involved in their investigation into the assault.

Do you think Pete should release her from the NDA so that I can ask her the questions that you want me to? Tapper asked Scott.

Scott quickly reversed course.

Absolutely not, he said, arguing that people agree to NDAs all the time. Im not going to suggest to somebody change a contract that they signed.

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Then he circled back to his original argument: that Trumps nominees cannot be questioned. This is Trumps nominee. He won. A lot of people dont like the fact that he won. He won.

Scott also tried to make the concerns about Hegseth a matter of disparaging veterans. Why dont people respect these people that defend our freedom? he asked Tapper.

I respect veterans and soldiers all the time, Tapper said, but thats not really the point. I mean, millions of Americans have served in the military. That doesnt mean that they should be in charge of the military.

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MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Those who drive onto Old Railroad Bed Road to get to their destination may need to reroute.

Huntsville Utilities wastes no time in the new year, closing a portion of Old Railroad Bed Road on Jan. 2 from Highway 72 to Capshaw Road. This is all in the name of improving power circuits, adding a tie point in the area and reducing the time it takes to get power up and running following an outage.

Credit card expert offers tips on reining in holiday spending

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This particular infrastructure upgrade will increase reliability service to customers in that area, Gary Whitley, a spokesperson with Huntsville Utilities, told News 19. This particular tie that were making will allow us to reroute power in the event of an outage to prevent the length of the outage.

The plan works in two phases over six months. The first aspect of the phase is the closure of Old Railroad Bed Road in said designated area. The second phase is closing Capshaw Road from Balch Road to Old Railroad Bed Road.

The roads will be relatively inaccessible from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. For business owners who call these roads home, this is their worst nightmare.

Well, we have supplies that come on 18-wheelers every week, Dustin Stanley, owner of Alabama Pool Kings, said. We got rent to pay, employees to pay.

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Over 150 Huntsville employees lose job during Boeing layoff

Stanley is in the first six months of opening his store right in the middle of Old Railroad Bed Road. Some may wonder, what was his reason for choosing that location? He says it was all about the traffic.

The amount of people that we get by here on a daily basis in Madison, Stanley said. I mean, its, you know, its unreal.

The amount of traffic he sees in January could be significantly lower. But hes not only worried about his own business; he fears for others who also call the road home.

We got U-Haul right here, Stanley said. We got, you know, the post office across the street. I mean, weve still got other businesses around here thats not going to be doing well either.

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For an area thats plagued by plenty of construction and bumper-to-bumper traffic, a chance for more congestion is the last thing many want to hear.

Its gonna be a problem because its gonna hold traffic up, screw traffic as well, Harvest Resident Janet Snead said. It will make me drive out of my way to get where I need to go.

Huntsville Utilities says the primary reason for the road closures is to protect the workers but that those who need to get through will be able to.

Local traffic as well as emergency responders, first responders will still be able to get through those roads, Whitley said. So its not a full exact closure. Its more of a traffic management.

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Drivers are asked to take alternate routes to get to a destination to avoid further delays and congestion.

The project is expected to take six months to finish both phases.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The Florida Highway Patrol said they are on-scene at a fatal crash in Lake County.

Troopers said the fatal crash happened around 3:04 p.m. on County Road 42 at the intersection of Penley Lane in Altoona.

Investigators said the crash involved a 2018 Honda Accord and a 2021 GMC Sierra.

Read: Operation Night Cap busts dozens for late night sales permit violations, drugs in downtown Orlando

A 45-year-old man from Umatilla was taken to the hospital and pronounced deceased, troopers said.

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Troopers said the road is currently blocked at the intersection of County Road 42 and Penley Lane.

FHP said the crash remains under investigation.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Two people have died and another person has been seriously hurt following a shooting at a smoke shop Wednesday night.

Just before 9:45 p.m., the Rock Hill Police Department responded to a shots fired call at Budimans Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Road.

As officers drove to the scene, officers were told the possible suspect in this case was a man driving a silver Dodge truck.

As officers pulled up to the smoke shop, they saw the man enter the truck with a gun and drive off. He drove north on Cherry Road before crashing at the bridge over the Catawba River, according to police.

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The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Zachary East Elias, was then confronted by officers. During the confrontation, officers fired at Elias but did not hit him.

After a brief struggle, Elias was eventually subdued and taken into custody, according to police.

Police said a man and woman were found dead from gunshot wounds at the original scene. Another woman was also found with gunshot wounds and taken to an area hospital for treatment.

According to Rock Hill police, 27-year-old Celci Johnson of Rock Hill was the employee killed, and 49-year-old Emad Thabet Saadalla of Rock Hill was the customer in the store who was shot.

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A second woman inside the store was not injured as she ran from the store during the incident, according to police.

ALSO READ: Third person arrested in deadly shooting in south Charlotte

Channel 9 spoke with a customer who said they entered the smoke shop just after the shooting.

One of them said he saw Elias leave the building with an assault rifle, so he went inside to see what happened.

They said they found the three victims and immediately started trying to help one of them.

She was trying to lay back and relax. I said, No, you need to keep adrenaline pumping. She wanted me to help put pressure on her wound, so what I did was I got a clean cloth and I put it on her chest. I grabbed her hand and told her to apply her own pressure. Thats gonna keep you up, keep your adrenaline pumping, the customer said.

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Elias has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was taken to the Rock Hill jail, according to police.

The Rock Hill Police Department said it is still investigating this incident. An internal review is also being completed by the Rock Hill Police Department Professional Standards Unit.

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division will be conducting an independent investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

(VIDEO: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: New images of person of interest released)
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Winnebago County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Anthony Nava, 20, for allegedly delivering nearly a pound of cannabis.

On December 3rd deputies witnessed Nava getting in and out of two cars, according to court records. Officials said they followed Navas vehicle until it came to a stop on Ohio Parkway.

Authorities searched the vehicle and found nearly one pound of cannabis and a large amount of loose cash.

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The suspect told deputies he primarily sells cannabis to his friends.

Nava is charged with delivering cannabis.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Romanian authorities on Dec. 4 declassified evidence of what they described as a "highly organized" social media campaign backed by a "state actor" to boost pro-Russian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu in a recent vote.

The Romanian foreign intelligence agency (SIE) pointed to "aggressive Russian hybrid attacks, including cyberattacks, information leaks, and sabotage" targeting Romania.

Largely unknown ultranationalist Georgescu unexpectedly surged to first place with almost 23% on Nov. 24 and is set to face pro-EU reformist Elena Lasconi in the runoff on Dec. 8.

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An independent candidate and a former member of the far-right AUR party, Georgescu has voiced admiration for Russia and its President Vladimir Putin and lambasted NATO and military aid for Ukraine.

One of the reports, declassified by outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, says that Georgescu was boosted by a state actor-coordinated campaign on the Chinese-owned TikTok platform. The campaign was initially formed around 25,000 accounts that became highly active in the run-up to the elections.

While the candidate claimed he spent no money from the campaign budget, intelligence identified one TikTok account that paid $381,000 to users promoting Georgescu. The agencies also reported 85,000 cyberattacks aimed at accessing and tampering with election data, with advanced methods indicative of "state-sponsored actors."

The campaign also used social media influencers, with a combined following of over 8 million, to influence public opinion in a similar fashion to the Russian information campaign in Ukraine before Moscow's aggression, the Romanian Interior Ministry said.

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"Romanians must decide with their vote whether they want to hand over Romania to Russia as a gift," Lasconi said in light of the revelations.

"We have a choice between Russia and the EU."

Read also: Russia-friendly candidates surge in Romanias elections, a worrying signal for Ukraine

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Russia is suspected of conducting an aggressive TikTok propaganda campaign in Romania that helped a pro-Kremlin candidate come from nowhere to win the first round of voting in last months presidential election.

Declassified intelligence documents released on Wednesday showed Calin Georgescus surge in popularity was due to a highly organised and guerrilla messaging strategy coordinated by a state actor.

The papers included an assessment that Russia was carrying out hybrid attacks on Romania.

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Mr Georgescu, a staunch critic of Nato, scored a shock win in the first round of the election last month with 22.9 per cent of the vote. He will face a centre-Right reformist in the final round of the election on Dec 8.

On Thursday, he told the BBC he would end all aid to Ukraine if he was elected and brushed off the allegations against his campaign as fearmongering.

It came as the EU ordered TikTok to freeze data linked to the Romanian election, using powers under the blocs wide-sweeping Digital Services Act.

The European Parliament had summoned the companys chief executive last Tuesday to answer questions relating to its activities during the Romanian election.

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The platform denied interfering in the election and said it had dismantled 66,000 fake accounts and banned 10 million fake followers.

But in interviews with Romanian authorities released on Wednesday, TikTok admitted that a Romanian citizen called Bogdan Peschir donated 1 million (829,185) to promote Mr Georgescu.

Of the sum, 360,000 was paid to other TikTok users to push pro-Georgescu content, a violation of both electoral law and the companys policies.

Some Romanian TikTok influencers have admitted to receiving payments for promoting Georgescu-related hashtags, such as #Presidency2024.

Marius Catlain, who has more than 800,000 followers, said he was paid based on follower count through an app called Fame Up.

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Mr Georgescu declared that his campaign had spent no money at all and was run entirely by volunteers.

On Thursday, he brushed the evidence of illegal donations for his campaign away in an interview with the BBC.

They are afraid, he said, while denying he was Moscows man.

He praised Vladimir Putin as a patriot and a leader but added I am not a fan.

When asked if he would continue sending aid to Ukraine, he said: Everything stops. I have to take care just about my people. We have a lot of problems ourselves.

Romanian officials on Thursday reported over 85,000 cyberattacks targeting the electoral process, calling the situation an example of aggressive Russian hybrid actions.

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The attacks continued intensively, including on election day and the night after elections, said one of the declassified documents from Romanias national security council.

Calin Georgescu saw a huge surge in popularity after an aggressive state-actor TikTok campaign - AP/Vadim Ghirda

These attacks were considered sophisticated using the latest anonymisation technology and coordinated from 33 countries.

The operating mode and the amplitude of the campaign leads us to conclude the attacker has considerable resources specific to an attacking state, said the Romanian declassified documents.

As attention centres on Mr Georgescus potential links to Russia, a 2016 article in Russian media resurfaced that claimed Mr Georgescu would be the future prime minister of Romania.

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An investigation by journalists at Context, a Romanian news site, also traced Mr Georgescus online support to Russia-linked accounts that spread anti-Western messages and pro-Russian narratives across various social media platforms including TikTok, X, Telegram and Facebook.

Adding to the speculation, prominent Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin declared that Romania will be part of Russia soon on X earlier this week. He later deleted the post.

Mr Georgescu has backed conspiracy theories on his social media accounts, such as denying the moon landings.

He has also made ultra-traditional comments about women, on one occasion saying that caesarean sections break the divine thread between mother and child.

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Romanian politicians usually at odds with one another have formed coalitions in response to the threat from what they see as Russian interference.

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) led by Romanias current prime minister Marcel Ciolacu has thrown its support behind Eleana Lasconi, who is standing for the centre-Right Save Romania Union (USR).

The PSDs backing of Ms Lasconi significantly bolsters her chances of defeating Mr Georgescu in Sundays final election round.

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Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher speaks at a virtual news conference Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, regarding new student performance data for the 2022-23 school year. (Screenshot by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A majority of Nebraska school districts continue to be classified as excellent or great, though a greater percentage  about a third  are now classified as good or needs support to improve.

According to annual data from the Nebraska Department of Education, the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who tested proficient in English language arts rose by 1%, to having 59% on track or at an advanced level. The percentage of students proficient in math fell 4%, to 58% of students in grades 3-8. The math test is based on new state standards approved in 2022.

Dig into the data

View more of Nebraskas 2023-24 test scores here, with information at the district and individual school levels.

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Students who were tested in science in grades 5 and 8 continue to score high, rising to 74% proficiency. This is the second straight year that the science scores have risen by 4%.

Test scores are again above pre-pandemic levels, higher than in 2022, when proficiency scores in English language arts fell to 47% and math fell to 46% during the 2021-22 school year.

We need to continue to work together as a state to provide the best possible opportunities for every student to succeed and be prepared for life after school, Brian Maher, state education commissioner, said at a news conference last week.

High school juniors, who all take the ACT, were 45% proficient in English language arts, 42% in math and 49% in science. Maher cautioned the ACT scores are based on national standards but do offer opportunities to compare how Nebraska students are doing next to other states.

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Maher noted improvements among many student groups but said achievement gaps persist based on race, ethnicity, special education, low-income and English language learners.

State classifications

State and federal law requires the Nebraska Department of Education to classify schools and school districts in one of four ways to signal which ones may need specific support, including state funding.

Nebraskas Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow model, or AQuESTT, measures schools and districts on various factors, including proficiency scores in English language arts and math, chronic absenteeism and graduation rates.

The most recent classifications:

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323 schools are excellent (29%).

359 schools are great (40%).

330 schools are good (30%)

89 schools are need support to improve (8%).

The classifications of the 244 school districts for last year mirror the same pattern, with a greater percentage of schools  34%  at the good and needs support to improve levels, compared to 18.5% in the 2023 report.

In total, 138 school districts maintained the same classification between 2023 and 2024, while 71 school districts decreased in classification and 35 improved. Six districts rose by two classifications and six others dropped two classifications.

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About 70% of school districts improved or held steady in English and science proficiency scores in grades 3-8, while the new cut scores in math led to lower proficiency for 57% of districts.

Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher. March 8, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Thirteen districts were labeled needs support to improve: Bayard Public Schools, Columbus Public Schools, Elba Public Schools, Lewiston Consolidated Schools, Lexington Public Schools, Madison Public Schools, Nebraska City Public Schools, Niobrara Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, South Platte Public Schools, Southern School District 1, Walthill Public Schools and Winnebago Public Schools.

Of those, Elba, Omaha, Walthill and Winnebago Public Schools remained at needs support to improve from last year.

Two other districts listed at that classification level last year improved. Isanti Community School rose two spots to great, and Harvard Public Schools rose one level to good.

Data can guide resources

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a member of the Legislatures Education Committee, said she appreciates the data for showing whats going well and where adjustments or improvements might be needed, but acknowledged it is a lot of information to digest.

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Conrad said many districts and schools are showing growth and pointed out that many are holding the line as excellent or good.

She noted, however, that the needs support to improve category is a measure of needing additional support, noting that her daughter attends a Lincoln school rated in that category. She said she knows the school has a tremendous environment, with talented and dedicated teachers.

On paper, it seems really scary, Conrad said. What I know in practice is that one data point doesnt tell the full story, but what I do hope comes forward from the assessment is that we really do pour time, energy, support and resources into our schools who need the most help.

State Sens. George Dungan of Lincoln, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Lynne Walz of Fremont and Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, from left. Aug. 16, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, who chairs the Education Committee, said he appreciates that the Nebraska Department of Education has a goal to increase third-grade reading proficiency to 75% by 2030.

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In the most recent tests, students in grades 4-8 increased English language arts proficiency, while grade 3 scores fell slightly, from 62% to 59%.

Literacy continues to be a priority for the Nebraska Department of Education, Maher said in a statement. We will continue to focus resources on statewide improvement.

Murman said focusing on third-grade reading proficiency is a proper focus because it can set up a foundation for all education. He said the goal doesnt preclude striving for improvement in all grade levels or subjects, including math and science.

The better we can use our English skills, the better well do for the other subjects, Murman told the Nebraska Examiner.

Prioritizing room for improvement

Murman suggested penalties for schools repeatedly listed as additional targeted support and improvement, defined as a school where one or more student groups are performing at or below the performance level of students in the states lowest-performing public schools.

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Perhaps stronger supports should be provided from the state level such as replacing administrators and/or teachers, Murman said in a text. Students and families that lack the resources to leave continually underperforming schools truly miss out on equal opportunity.

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil speaks during a hearing of the Nebraska Legislature on Sept. 8, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Murman also highlighted past legislative accomplishments to increase school funding, provide scholarships and stipends for new or prospective teachers, and streamline teacher certification.

Murman and Conrad said they are looking for legislative ways to improve education.

Murman noted goals to reduce truancy and form a solid Education Committee after a number of members depart because of term limits, while Conrad pointed to strengthening school funding in partnership with Gov. Jim Pillen.

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I appreciate what schools across the state do and the teachers and the parents to educate our kids, Murman said. Ive said it several times before: Nebraska does have great schools, compared to the rest of the nation especially, but that doesnt mean theres not room for improvement.

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The roommate and suspected partner of an LGBTQ+ activist in Kenya has been convicted of his murder.

Photographer Jacktone Odhiambo was found guilty of killing 25-year-old Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, better known as Edwin Chiloba, nearly two years after the activist's body was found discarded in a metal box near where he attended university in January, 2023.

Chiloba was found with socks stuffed into his mouth and a piece of denim fabric covering his mouth and nose. The metal box his body was concealed in was seen being tossed from a vehicle on Kipenyo-Kaptinga road in Mokombet in the western city of Eldoret. There were also signs Chiloba was sexually assaulted before his death.



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"This was not a death that was excusable, this wasn't a death that was justifiable. This was malice aforethought," Justice Reuben Nyambati Nyakundi said, via the BBC. "He was a young man whom you strangled until he lost his life at the peak of his life. You were close friends, and you should have protected his life."

Odhiambo, who was reportedly in a sexual relationship with Chiloba, has been scheduled for sentencing December 16, and potentially faces life in prison. While the sentence for murder in Kenya is death, and the country has not abolished the death penalty, capital punishment has not been used in the nation since 1987.

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Kenya under colonial laws from the British, and are punishable by up to 14 years in prison, though there is no available data on convictions.



The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said in a statement that it is "affirmed" by the court's "landmark ruling," which it dubbed a "significant step toward justice for Edwin and all LGBTQ+ residents of Kenya, Africa, and beyond."

"Edwin Chiloba, a fondly celebrated vibrant young queer activist, budding fashion model, and beloved LGBTQ+ Kenya was subjected to unspeakable violence  an act that not only robbed him of his promising future but sent a chilling message of fear and injustice to marginalized residents of Kenya," it wrote. "This verdict marks a long-awaited moment of accountability, offering a glimmer of justice for Edwin and a reminder that no act of violence against any LGBTQ+ resident of Kenya will go unchallenged or unchecked."


The legal woes continue for America's Mayor.

Former New York City mayor and Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has missed the deadline for responding to a motion arguing that he should be held in contempt of court.

Last month, attorneys representing Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss  who Giuliani defamed in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election  asked a federal judge in Washington, DC to hold him contempt for breaching a court order that prohibits him from falsely claiming that they manipulated election results.

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Judge Beryl Howell said his lack of response will be treated as conceding that motion.

He had until December 2 to reply. He didnt.

Rudy Giuliani appears in federal court in New York on November 26 (REUTERS)

On Wednesday, attorneys for the women urged the judge to hold him in contempt, noting that he was fully aware of the charge against him at a related federal court hearing in New York, where a federal judge is overseeing the transfer of his property to the women in the wake of last years massive $148 million defamation verdict.

Judge Howell offered to extend his deadline to respond by 2 p.m. on Friday.

Giuliani himself then sent a letter to the judge  two days after blowing the initial deadline  asking for a 30-day extension, because he needs more time to find an attorney.

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He says four attorneys have turned him down.

Giuliani told the judge that his prospective attorneys believe she is unreasonable and biased against Trump, and that an outcome is a foregone conclusion and a no-win proposition.

Howell wasnt buying it.

She also dinged him for filing his letter without a signature, and for failure to comply with applicable procedural rules, since even defendants without any legal training and proceeding pro se are required to comply with procedural rules, and this defendant, though pro se, has previously been a practicing attorney with a history of significant government legal positions.

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On recent livestreams, Giuliani accused the women of quadruple counting the ballots and passing hard drives that we maintain were used to fix the machine during the 2020 presidential election  claims that landed him in a trial court for defamation last year.

His statements repeat the exact same lies for which [he] has already been held liable, and which he agreed to be bound by court order to stop repeating, attorney Michael Gottlieb wrote in a court filing in Washington, DC on November 20.

A court order in the wake of his defamation verdict prohibits Giuliani from publishing, causing others to publish, and/or assisting in others publication of  any statements that suggest that Plaintiffs, whether mentioned directly, indirectly, or by implication, engaged in wrong-doing in connection with the 2020 presidential election, including the same statements that were found to be defamatory.

He is also prohibited from making other statements conveying the same defamatory meaning, according to Judge Howells order from December 2023.

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Giuliani is now brazenly violating those terms, according to Gottlieb.

He will have until 2 p.m. Friday to explain why he believes he should not be held in contempt.

His next in-person court appearance stemming from the defamation case is scheduled for December 12.

The Independent has requested comment from a spokesperson for Giuliani.
Rudolph Giuliani is facing more legal action from two Georgia election workers who successfully sued him for defamation in December last year.

Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss asked a New York federal judge Thursday to impose severe sanctions and hold the former Donald Trump lawyer and exNew York City mayor in civil contempt after Giuliani failed to turn over discovery documents related to the seizure of his property to settle the defamation ruling against him.

Giuliani ignored an October 28 court order to turn over the documents within 14 days and then disregarded a November 22 court order specifying a mandatory four-day window to produce the documents. After the November 26 deadline came and went with no action from Giuliani, Freeman and Mosss attorneys told the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that the time has come for Court to hold Mr. Giuliani in contempt for violating both the October 28 and November 22 Orders, and enter a contempt sanction it finds appropriate.

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The MAGA gadfly has desperately tried to delay and disregard the legal proceedings against him for falsely accusing Freeman and Moss of manipulating ballots during the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, resulting in Trump supporters sending the pair death threats, engaging in harassment, and protesting at their homes.

Last month, Giuliani even cited Trumps upcoming inauguration in a motion to delay his trial, only to be denied by the judge, sending him into a pathetic rant.

Its punishment for being the one who revealed first Joe Bidens 30-year criminality, Giuliani whined at the time. Hes been trying to torture me, stop me, take everything away from me since then. It wasnt clear if he was complaining about Biden or the judge in the case, Lewis J. Liman.

Its unclear if Trump will bail out his former lawyer with a pardon, as the president-elect has already stiffed Giuliani on unpaid legal fees. Giuliani has already had to give up some of his prized possessions to Freeman and Moss, including luxury watches, a diamond ring, and a 1980 Mercedes-Benz. He also blew off another legal deadline in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. If Giuliani is held in contempt, the next penalty he faces could be prison.
A new ruling in the Karen Read murder case focuses on recordings from two local media outlets.

Boston 25 News has been ordered to turn over un-aired footage of an interview 25 Investigates conducted with Karen Reads parents by Judge Beverly Cannone

25 Investigates aired this five-minute and 40-second report from the interview investigative reporter Ted Daniel conducted with Bill and Janet Read, and Reads brother Nathan on August 1, 2023. Prosecutors in Karen Reads case argued for the records from Boston 25 News to be turned over by arguing that unaired statements made by the Reads are relevant and material to put the relevant aired statement, some of which will be introduced at trial, in context.

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In the filing, the Norfolk DAs Office states William Read claimed that an unnamed, unidentified, and uncertain culprit somehow caused John OKeefes injuries. William Read sponsored the baseless claim that John OKeefe entered that house [34 Fairview Road, Canton, MA], was suckered punched, a fight ensued, and OKeefe was overwhelmed.

The filing specifically seeks Bill Reads statements to Daniel after he was asked if Karen believed she may have hit John. In the segment that aired on Boston 25, Bill Read said, No, no, no. She felt she struck something. She said, Dad, I think I struck something.

In a separate ruling, Boston Magazine was also ordered to turn over audio recordings from an interview Karen Read gave to one of its reporters.

In her decision, Judge Cannone wrote that there is no privilege for news reporters under Massachusetts law.

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Massachusetts is one of only a few states in the country that does not have special protections for journalists.

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Like many other locals who make it through brutal Wisconsin winters, the Borgwardt family looked forward to summer and spending time outdoors.

In the summer months, Ryan Borgwardt, 44, who owns a woodworking company, his wife Emily Borgwardt, 44, a first-grade teacher, and their three teenaged children, Jeremiah, Levi and Norah, enjoyed themselves: They swam in the pool in the backyard of their Watertown home, they hung out together at barbecues and they kayaked in the state's many pristine lakes.

On Aug. 11, Ryan left home and drove an hour north to go kayaking in Green Lake, the deepest body of water in Wisconsin. At 10:45 p.m., he texted Emily to let her know he was headed back to shore.

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That was the last time she ever heard from him.

Worried, Emily called 911 the next morning to report her husband of 22 years missing. Green Lake County Sheriffs deputies quickly found Ryans vehicle and trailer parked near Dodge Memorial Park on the southwest side of the lake.

They also found Ryans capsized kayak in a part of the lake that was 220-feet deep. A lake visitor found Ryans life jacket and tackle box with his keys and wallet still inside.

For more about Ryan Borgwardts mysterious disappearance, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday.

When a massive search and rescue operation failed to locate Ryan, he was presumed dead, leaving his wife and children grieving.

facebook Ryan Borgwardt and family Ryan Borgwardt and family

"While I will never understand why God had to take Ryan home way sooner than I would have liked, I will be forever at peace knowing that hes enjoying heaven with his Savior," Emily wrote in a heartfelt post on social media.

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Related: Missing Father of 3 Faked His Disappearance in Kayak Accident and Fled to Europe: Authorities

Authorities searched for Ryans remains until a shocking twist came that no one saw coming: On Nov. 8, Green Lake County Sheriff Mike Podoll announced at a press conference that Ryan was very much alive.

Podoll said he'd called off the search for Ryan in early October after he and his team learned that Canadian law enforcement had checked Ryans passport on Aug. 13  the day after he vanished. That was something we didnt expect, Podoll said.

Green Lake County Sheriff's Office Sonar photo showing the search area for missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt. Sonar photo showing the search area for missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt.

On Aug. 11, Podoll said, Borgwardt took photos of his passport, changed his email, moved money to a foreign bank  and had been communicating with a woman from Uzbekistan.

Green Lake County sheriff's office Green Lake County Sheriff Mike Podoll leading a Nov. 8 press conference about missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt Green Lake County Sheriff Mike Podoll leading a Nov. 8 press conference about missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt

Authorities now say Ryan began plotting his disappearance as far back as January, when he took out a $375,000 insurance policy  possibly to take care of his family in his absence  and bought airline gift cards.

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Podoll ended his remarks on Nov. 8 with an emotional plea to the runaway dad. "Ryan, if you're viewing this, I plead that you contact us or contact your family," he said. "We understand that things can happen, but there's a family that wants their daddy back."

Then came another bombshell. At a second press conference on Nov. 21, Podoll revealed that his department had gotten in touch with Ryan on Nov. 11, with the help of a Russian-speaking woman, possibly the woman from Uzbekistan and that he is believed to be living in Eastern Europe.

Reaching Ryan was a big turning point and our concern was that he was safe and well, Podell said.

To prove to them this was actually him, the sheriffs office asked him to provide a proof of life video, which the sheriff showed at the press conference. In the 24-second video Ryan appears to have filmed on his phone, he can be seen standing in front of a gray front door with a peephole and deadbolt, saying in hushed tones, Good evening. Its Ryan Borgwardt. Today is Nov. 11. Its approximately 10 a.m. by you guys. Im in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem.

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Ryan also told the sheriffs office how he pulled off his plan to disappear, Podoll said. After stashing an e-bike near the boat lodge, Ryan paddled his kayak and a child-sized inflatable boat out into the lake and overturned the kayak, the sheriff said.

Related: Dad Accused of Faking Death in Staged Kayak Accident Sends Video Confirming He's Alive

He paddled the inflatable boat to shore and got on, got on his e-bike and rode through the night to Madison. There, he boarded a bus to Detroit and then to the Canadian border. He continued on the bus to an airport and got on a plane, Podoll said.



As for why Ryan chose to disappear so mysteriously, all the sheriff said was, He just had personal matters going on, and he felt this was the right thing do.

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.

Ryan could face criminal charges and pay restitution of at least $40,000 if he returns to the U.S., Podoll noted.

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Podoll said he admires Emily's grace and strength throughout the bizarre ordeal. That is one strong lady, he said. "Whenever we called on her, she always responded and she gave everything that she could for us."

As for the entire family, he said, "I cannot imagine what ... they're going through.' Noting how supportive they are of each other, he added, "They continue to grow.



Read the original article on People
Russia decided to close the Consulate General of Poland in St. Petersburg in response to the closure of its consulate in Poznan.

Source: Russian Foreign Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 5 December, a note was sent by the Russian Foreign Ministry informing the Polish side that, in response to the Polish authorities' closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan on 30 November, the Russian side is withdrawing its consent to the operation of the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg beginning 10 January 2025.

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Quote: "Guided by the principle of reciprocity, three diplomatic workers of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in St. Petersburg were named persona non grata, and now must leave the territory of Russia before the specified date," the report states.

The Russian Foreign Ministry added that in recent years, Polish authorities have implemented an "openly hostile policy towards Russia, almost completely dismantled the architecture of Russian-Polish relations built over many decades, and openly declared the need to inflict a "strategic defeat" on our country.

"The Polish side was made to understand that Moscow will react to any unfriendly steps against Russia and will continue to take tough retaliatory measures," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Background:

In October, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of one of Russias three consulates in Poland  in Poznan  in response to Russian acts of sabotage.

Commenting on this decision, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow would respond to this step.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukraine would like to take over the building of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan and had already sent a request to Poland.

The majority of Poles feel that Poland should expel the Russian ambassador, according to a United Surveys poll.

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Nearly 5,500 residents of Russian-occupied Crimea were mobilized into the Russian army in 2024, according to the report of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea, published on Dec. 4.

Russian forces have experienced record personnel losses in 2024 amid ramped-up offensive operations in Ukraine's east. The Kremlin has avoided instituting likely unpopular full-scale mobilization, seeking instead to find recruits among volunteers, migrant workers, residents of poorer regions, and occupied territories in Ukraine.

Russia has been illegally mobilizing residents of Crimea since the peninsula's occupation in 2014 in violation of the norms and customs of international humanitarian law. A total of nearly 50,000 residents of occupied Crimea have been mobilized into the Russian army through illegal conscription campaigns since 2014, according to the report.

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Russian-installed authorities have been persecuting and detaining residents of the occupied peninsula due to their political views, ethnicity, or religion.

Those who refuse to serve in the Russian Armed Forces also face punishment, including criminal charges.

According to the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea, Russian prosecutors have started 553 criminal proceedings under the article "evasion of military service," 244 of which were initiated after Feb. 24, 2022, when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

Crimean residents were found guilty in over 497 of these cases.

During the nearly 11 years of occupation, Russia has been in particular targeting the peninsula's indigenous Crimean Tatar population, which has been particularly vocal in resisting the occupation.

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As of Nov. 26, 2024, 218 people are illegally detained in Russian prisons, including 132 Crimean Tatars. Most of them are activists, human rights defenders, and journalists who remain patriots of Ukraine, the report read.

Read also: Who are the Crimean Tatars?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Dec. 5 that Russia has significantly increased its naval and civilian presence in the Baltic Sea, highlighting its strategic importance for Moscow.

The comments came shortly after a Russian warship fired a warning shot at a German military helicopter patrolling the Baltic Sea.

Speaking to Deutschlandfunk, Pistorius noted that the Chinese fleet has also appeared periodically in the region. "This demonstrates the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea for many, especially for Russia and China, including circumventing sanctions," he said.

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Pistorius criticized Russia's provocative behavior, likening it to tactics used during the Cold War.

"We have repeatedly had incidents in the Baltic Sea that led to warning shots in the air, warning shots in the water," he said, referencing incidents where Russian fighter jets flew over Baltic states without identification markings to test NATOs response.

Meanwhile, Swedish authorities are investigating damage to two communication cables in the Baltic Sea, with suspicions involving the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3. On Nov. 20, the Financial Times reported that the ships movements near the damaged cables were under scrutiny, citing undisclosed sources.

The growing tensions and increased activity underscore the Baltic Seas critical role in security and geopolitics amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Read also: As the Baltics raise the alarm about Russia, Washington still not listening

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North Korean soldiers have been stationed at observation posts and checkpoints in Russia's Kursk Oblast as a "second echelon" not involved in direct combat, the Ukrainian military-run National Resistance Center reported on Dec. 4.

Pyongyang has dispatched between 10,000-12,000 troops to boost Russia's war in a sign of deepening cooperation between the two countries, deploying the soldiers to the embattled Kursk Oblast.

Subordinated to Russias 11th Airborne Assault Brigade, the North Korean forces guard areas where Russian troops are concentrated, the center said. Their deployment has reportedly allowed the Kremlin to reassign more Russian soldiers to front-line positions.

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Speaking to Kyodo News, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is treating the first batch of North Korean soldiers well to attract tens of thousands more. At the same time, Zelensky revealed that the first North Korean troops had been killed in the war without revealing the number.

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."

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Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also said on Nov. 27 that North Korean forces are "actively supporting" Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure.

While Umerov did not provide specifics, North Korea supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery shells throughout the full-scale invasion, bolstering Moscows military capabilities.

Moscow and Pyongyang signed a strategic partnership agreement in June, pledging to provide military support to one another if either country comes under attack.

Read also: Some North Korean troops fighting on Russias side killed, Zelensky says

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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks at a Service Employees International Union forum on labor issues during his presidential campaign in 2019 in Las Vegas.
As Ukraine continues to lose territory in the eastern region of its country and struggles to hold on to the salient its carved out in Russias Kursk Oblast, it is facing increasing pressure in the south.

Russian troops are constantly conducting assaults in the Kherson direction, Vladislav Voloshin, a spokesman for Ukraines Southern Command, told the Suspline media outlet on Wednesday. Over the past day, there were seven of them. They tried to gain a foothold in the [Dnipro River] island zone.

 BREAKING  Russian forces prepare a massive river crossing near my hometown #Kherson, amassing 300 boats in a desperate bid to secure a foothold on strategic islands. Despite suffering heavy losses in repeated assaults, they persist. Intelligence warns of storm group training pic.twitter.com/zKyzwiJDMV  Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) December 4, 2024

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Russia is increasing its efforts on the Dnipro to draw Ukrainian troops from other regions, the spokesman suggested.

They have the goal of capturing a certain bridgehead, holding it, and bringing them there as much of our strength and means as possible, Voloshin said.

Russia wants to launch another offensive here, Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional military administration, told the Financial Times.

Russian forces, he added, had assembled 300 boats to cross the river for that effort.

The control map of the region has remained largely unchanged since Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson City in November 2022. Ukraine has mounted furtive attempts at establishing a bridgehead in Kyrynky on the Russian side of the river. It has also tried to advance east from the mouth of the Dnipro by attacking through the Kinburn Spit. However, neither of these attempts succeeded and this part of the battlefield has seen no real territorial gains by either side.

Ukraines attacks across the Dnipro River have been bloody and futile. (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky)

Ahead of any potential river crossing, Russia has been softening the Ukrainian side with a massive drone barrage, according to the Financial Times.

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Since mid-July, Kherson and its neighboring villages along the western side of the Dnipro River have suffered more than 9,500 attacks with small drones, killing at least 37 people and injuring hundreds more, according to Prokudin, along with regional prosecutors and police.

Russia had deployed some of its best drone units across the Dnipro River, Prokudin told the Financial Times.

From the opposite bank of the river bisecting Kherson Oblast, Russians were launching advanced drone models, refining combat techniques and training new operators for their intensifying invasion.

Ukrainian officials say Russia may be preparing an attack across the Dnipro River. (Google Earth image)

This Russian push is happening ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the White House, Ukrainian officials suggest, according to Financial Times. Trump has repeatedly said he can end the war within his first 24 hours of taking office, however, he has presented no definitive plans. You can read more about this later in our story.

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Ukrainian officials suspect the assault is part of Russias plan to ratchet up pressure on Kyiv before Donald Trump returns to the White House, accelerating battlefield gains and preparing for a potential push across the Dnipro River, the publication explained. The push to gain as much territory as possible ahead of a potential freeze of the front lines as part of a peace deal has been expected.

How successful that would be is a big question given the challenges of fording a major river, especially with major bridges down. Russian forces experienced the difficulty of such maneuvers as they unsuccessfully tried to cross the Seym River in Kursk and were pushed back yesterday from an attempted advance across the Oskil River in Kharkiv Oblast.

Vessels crossing the Dnipro would be quickly targeted by drones, anti-tank guided missiles and direct-fire weapons. Artillery could also be a problem for those trying to cross. Any central massing of Russian troops can be hit with artillery, GMLRS rockets, and stand-off aviation strike munitions liked winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs, GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) and AASM-250 Hammer rocket-assisted bombs.

So far, the Russian attempts to cross the Dnipro have failed, the Southern Command spokesman claimed.

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All these assaults end in nothing, said Voloshin. They are all fruitless. The enemy only bears losses.

Russia, however, can afford more losses than Ukraine. Forcing Kyiv to redeploy troops or weapons to the once stable Kherson region would only add to its battlefield woes as its defenses in the east continue to degrade.

The Latest

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Russian forces continued gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donetsk region. Another area of growing concern for Ukraine is a potential new Russian push in the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia border area.

Here are some key takeaways from the latest assessment from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

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Kursk Oblast: Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the main Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast on Dec. 3. Geolocated footage published on December 2 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in southern Darino (southeast of Korenevo), ISW stated.

Kharkiv Oblast: Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the international border north of Kharkiv City towards Kozacha Lopan, north of Kharkiv City near Hlyboke, and northeast of Kharkiv City near Starytsya and Vovchansk on Dec. 2 and 3 but did not make any confirmed advances.

Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces continued offensive operations northeast of Siversk near Bilohorivka and in the Chasiv Yar direction on Dec. 3 but did not make any confirmed advances. However, they recently advanced south of Toretsk and south of Pokrovsk.

Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia border area: Russian forces recently advanced north of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk. Geolocated footage published on Dec. 3 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in northern Novyi Komar (north of Velyka Novosilka), ISW stated. Russian advances into Novyi Komar support multiple courses of action (COAs) that ISW recently forecasted the Russian military command might pursue, including enveloping or bypassing Velyka Novosilka to interdict the T0518 Velyka Novosilka-Bahatyr highway and advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and advancing to Andriivka (west of Kurakhove) from the south.

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Zaporihzhzhia: Russian forces continued offensive operations near Robotyne, Novoandriivka (northwest of Robotyne), and Novodanylivka (north of Robotyne), on Dec. 2 and 3 but did not make any advances.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and regained lost positions near Kupyansk. (1/2) https://t.co/rGcfBv7hvX pic.twitter.com/TjvTsYBgJR  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 4, 2024

There are mounting claims that Ukraine is helping Syrian rebels fight against Russia, a mutual enemy.

On Tuesday, Vassily Nebenzia, Russias U.N. ambassador, accused Ukrainian intelligence of supporting anti-regime forces opposing Syrias Bashar Assad. He alleged that some fighters were openly displaying their connections.

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Anti-regime forces fighting with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have not only not concealed the fact that they are supported by Ukraine, but they are also openly flaunting this, Nebenzia told the Security Council.

There was an identifiable trail showing Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) providing weapons to fighters in northwest Syria.

Ukrainian military instructors from the GUR are present  training HTS fighters for combat operations, including against Russian troops in Syria, Nebenzia alleged.

Abu Bakr, leader of a Syrian opposition drone team, reached out to Ukrainian military intelligence for guidance, the Clash report claims.

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Ukrainians supplied 3D printing files for key components like bomb carriers, tails, and warheads. This allowed the opposition to produce, assemble, and adapt their drones independently.

He and another Syrian drone operator stated that GUR is providing only training and guidance in conducting drone operations.

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian opposition drone operators reveal collaboration with Ukraine to Clash Report.



Abu Bakr, leader of a Syrian opposition drone team, reached out to Ukrainian military intelligence for guidance.



Ukrainians supplied 3D printing files for key components like bomb pic.twitter.com/KO2V78ydng  Clash Report (@clashreport) December 4, 2024

While GUR has not commented on these claims, it has gone after Russians in Syria before, reportedly striking one of its bases in the war-torn country back in July.

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Last year, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov vowed to us that his directorate would kill Russian military criminals wherever they are.

anywhere across the world we will be seeking and hunting down Russian military criminals, and sooner or later that time will come whenever they are, he told us in an exclusive interview. That is why we shouldnt be surprised when in any territory, something happens to Russian military criminals.

Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), told us Ukraine will hunt Russian military personnel anywhere in the world. (Howard Altman) Howard Altman

Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the alliance is finalizing plans to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in frozen Russian assets.

Making sure that it has the resources it needs to sustain its economy and to sustain its defense  weve now managedto get $50 billion to Ukraine that will be going out the door in the coming weeks, both from the United States and Europe, he said. And that will carry Ukraine for some time into next year.

 BREAKING: Ukraine to Receive $50 Billion from Frozen Russian Assets in Coming Weeks  U.S. Secretary of State Blinken



"We are currently preparing to allocate $50 billion from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. These funds will be distributed by us and Europe in the coming pic.twitter.com/9kslc6PxRx  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 4, 2024

On Tuesday, Zelensky called for major reinforcement of sectors in eastern Ukraine of the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line, where Russian forces have made consistent gains in recent months, Reuters reported.

Zelensky issued his appeal as Russias Defence Ministry said its troops had captured frontline villages in the east and south.

NEW: Zelenskiy calls for strengthening of eastern front against Russian advances



Ukrainian President Viktor Zelenskiy has called for a major reinforcement of the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made steady gains in recent months. pic.twitter.com/20rci12aa9  Clash Report (@clashreport) December 4, 2024

Zelenskys plea for reinforcements comes amid a record-breaking number of Ukrainian troop desertions.

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, the Financial Times reported. 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, demanding more weapons and training

"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.



In a standout case in late October, hundreds pic.twitter.com/r2gcf5RaZO  Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Russia is cracking down on military-aged men.

Moscow residents failing to show up at military registration and enlistment offices after receiving summonses are getting SMS notifications telling them they are banned from leaving Russia among other restrictions, according to the independent investigative website Important Stories. The messages say that temporary measures have been imposed on conscripts according to amendments to Russias law on military duty. A ban on driving and registering vehicles, registering and selling real estate, receiving loans, and registering as a self-employed individual or entrepreneurs are other potential penalties.

 Mass raids on conscripts in Moscow



 Men are being detained to a single recruitment point, and they are also being sent SMS messages threatening to block their exit from the country. pic.twitter.com/SS1CLJcoZ0  MAKS 24   (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) November 30, 2024

While President-elect Donald Trump has yet to reveal details of his oft-repeated plan to quickly end the war, his advisors are publicly and privately floating proposals that would cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future, according to a Reuters analysis of their statements and interviews with several people close to the U.S. president-elect.

The proposals by three key advisers, including Trumps incoming Russia-Ukraine envoy, retired Army Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg, share some elements, including taking NATO membership for Ukraine off the table, Reuters explained. Trumps advisers would try forcing Moscow and Kyiv into negotiations with carrots and sticks, including halting military aid to Kyiv unless it agrees to talk but boosting assistance if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses.

Such plans, however, may be difficult to achieve given headwinds it will face from both sides.

  Trump's Ukraine plan is becoming clear  territorial concessions, NATO is out of the question,  Reuters



 Trump is advised to freeze the current front line;

 Kellogg's proposals suggest excluding Ukraine from NATO membership in the near future;

 Trump's advisers will try pic.twitter.com/cfxw8PnGBK  The Ukrainian Review (@UkrReview) December 4, 2024

In order to suss out Trumps plans and pitch Ukraines own interests, one of Zelenskys top advisors is in the U.S. to visit members of Trumps team, according to Ukrainian media, citing the countrys foreign minister on Wednesday.

Ukraines presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak was already in the U.S., Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha told reporters in Brussels, news agency Interfax Ukraine reported, according to Reuters.

This contact at the level of the head of the (presidents) office is very important for establishing, among other things, relations with representatives of the new administration, Sybiha said.

Yermak will be accompanied by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, the New Voice of Ukraine media outlet reported.

The primary goal of this trip is to meet with Trump associates, individuals from the entourage of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, a source told the publication.

A source told us that Yermak is expected to meet with Keith Kellogg, who has been nominated by Trump as a special U.S. envoy on Ukraine matters, to discuss Trump's forthcoming policy of pushing for peace in the Russo-Ukrainian war.https://t.co/tUBoz5U9Q7  The New Voice of Ukraine (@NewVoiceUkraine) December 4, 2024

NATOs top leader is also urging Trump to stick with Ukraine.

In an interview with the Financial Times, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned Trump of the serious threat posed by China, Iran, and North Korea if Ukraine is forced to sign a peace agreement on Russias terms.

Rutte emphasized that deepening ties between U.S. adversaries endangered America as he made a pitch to the president-elect to stick with NATO and continue to support Ukraine, the publication reported.

Rutte noted the risks from Russia supplying missile technology to North Korea and cash to Iran. In an apparent reference to Taiwan, he said that Chinese President Xi Jinping might get thoughts about something else in the future if there is not a good deal [for Ukraine].

We cannot have a situation where we have [North Korean leader] 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, because long-term that will be a dire security threat not only to Europe but also to the U.S., Rutte told the FT in his first interview as head of the western military alliance.

NATO head warns that the US will be under enormous threat if Ukraine is forced into a "peace" on the terms of Russia, Iran and North Korea.https://t.co/2VTnjX6NoN  KyivPost (@KyivPost) December 4, 2024

During a conference ahead of NATOs foreign ministers meeting this week, Rutte argued that Ukraine needs to be put in a position of strength instead of being pushed toward peace talks.

I would argue, lets not have all these discussions step by step on what a peace process might look like, Rutte said at the first full gathering of the group since Trumps victory.

NATO chief wants less talk of peace process in Ukraine, more arms https://t.co/T6Z1TXgABj  The Hill (@thehill) December 3, 2024

A good indicator of Putins intentions for the ongoing war is the budget he just signed into law. It includes record-breaking defense allocation, setting aside almost a third of his governments total spending as the nearly three-year-old war in Ukraine drains resources from both sides.

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, according to CNN.

The defense budget is about $28 billion (three trillion rubles) higher than the previous record set this year.

RECORD: Russia will allocate 32.5% of government spending to national defense next year, up from 28.3% in 2024. pic.twitter.com/QEANcAGW0D  Clash Report (@clashreport) December 2, 2024

Even as the war rages on, Putin is at least eyeing an endgame.

The Kremlin has begun constructing a narrative of victory in Ukraine with Russias regional officials ahead of legislative elections next year, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

Any outcome of the so-called special military operation should be considered a victory, the officials were reportedly told.

The presidential administration proceeds from the assumption that the special military operation will end and we should be ready, Kommersant quoted one of its sources who spoke after a four-day seminar with deputy governors last week.

 Kremlin is preparing officials to end the war in Ukraine,  Kommersant, citing sources



 Putin's administration has begun to form an "image of victory", which they should convey to the population.



It is expected that the future results of the war will represent both a pic.twitter.com/fBCxJI6fpL  MAKS 24   (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) December 2, 2024

The increasing pro-Russian leaning of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the ongoing tumult there is not just bad for Ukraine, Zelensky said.

What is happening in Georgia is not just a challenge for one nation or our region, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly message. The current Georgian government is pushing the country into clear dependence on Russia. Its disgraceful to see the steps they are taking against their own people.

What is happening in Georgia is not just a challenge for one nation or our region. The current Georgian government is pushing the country into clear dependence on Russia. Its disgraceful to see the steps they are taking against their own people.



When Moscow praises the pic.twitter.com/FE1PvEJF5A  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 4, 2024

Ukraines recently developed Palianytsia long-range jet-powered drone has entered serial production, Umerov announced in an op-ed on Dec. 4.

A new start-up implemented the Palianytsia missile project, which has already entered serial production thanks to the support of the Defense Ministry, Umerov wrote in the LB.UA outlet.

That drone was used against a military target Crimea for the first time in October, Ukrainian Pravda reported.

Umerov also noted that the serial production of R-360 Neptune ground-launched cruise missiles was restored and scaled. Modified missiles are now capable of hitting targets at a greater range.

The defense minister did not specify the new range.

"The Palianytsia missile project has entered mass production."  Umerov says.



According to the defense minister, mass production of R-360 cruise missiles of the Neptune complex has also been resumed and scaled up. The modified missiles are now capable of hitting targets at a pic.twitter.com/0I5n05RVxN  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) December 4, 2024

Ukraine will need tens of thousands of uncrewed robotic ground vehicles in 2025 to shuttle ammunition and supplies to infantry in the trenches and evacuate wounded soldiers, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told Reuters. 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.

Ukraine will need tens of thousands of uncrewed robotic ground vehicles in 2025 to shuttle ammunition and supplies to infantry in the trenches and evacuate wounded soldiers, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told Reuters. The buggy-like vehicles, an example of how technology https://t.co/D1QtK8ERtq pic.twitter.com/uo9F0tMHTc  Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) December 2, 2024

A Ukrainian defense company has unveiled the large-scale production of its Ratel S unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), robotic platforms designed for tactical operations against Russian forces, the Ukrainian Defense Blog reported.

The UGVs are being used for a variety of purposes, including remote mining and kamikaze strike missions.

The Ratel S kamikaze variant can carry up to 35 kilograms of payload, while the mine-laying model is equipped to deliver two anti-tank mines, Defense Blog explained. Both versions are designed for tactical efficiency, with a top speed of 22 km/h and a range of up to 6 kilometers.

Mass production of Ukrainian Ratel S ground drones designed for remote mining of territory. pic.twitter.com/UK0A78IzNx  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) December 2, 2024

The Ukrainian Peaky Blinders drone unit repelled a Russian attack on the village of Maksymivka, south of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians tried to encircle the Ukrainian forces. The convoy, led by a turtle tank with an excavator blade clearing the path, was destroyed. The Russians reportedly lost two tanks, two IFVs and many troops in the battle.

'Peaky Blinders' UAV unit repelled a powerful assault attempt on the village of Maksymivka, south of Kurakhove, this morning. The goal was to encircle the Ukrainian forces in that area using four tanks and six IFVs with dismounts. The convoy was destroyed, including 2 tanks, 2 pic.twitter.com/Awe7Lky82g  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) December 3, 2024

You can watch the moment the crew of a Ukrainian mobile air defense unit shot down a Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone at near point-blank range with a twin-barrel 23mm ZU-23-2 autocannon.

 The moment when the Geran-2 kamikaze drone was shot down at point-blank range by fire from a gun truck with a ZU-23-2 of the Ukrainian mobile air defense group. pic.twitter.com/fd6CjUVa1w  War Monitor (@WarMonitors) December 1, 2024

Russia too is suffering from manpower shortages.

According to ex-Wagner commander and milblogger Andrey Medvedev, an officer serving with the Russian Armys Central Military district complained about having to turn untrained troops into front-line motorized assault units.

Our division command decided to take extreme measures that defy common sense, the officer wrote. Namely, to form assault groups and reserves from among specialists from other units that do not belong to motorized rifle and assault units It is impossible to retrain personnel as stormtroopers at a training ground in a week, with subsequent use of hastily formed units, and to liberate (occupy) strategically important heights in the area of responsibility.

4/ "It is impossible to retrain personnel as stormtroopers at a training ground in a week, with subsequent use of hastily formed units, and to liberate (occupy) strategically important heights in the area of responsibility."  ChrisO_wiki (@ChrisO_wiki) December 2, 2024

As part of a major effort to stop Ukraines failed 2023 counteroffensive, the Russians built a massive series of trenches, bunkers, and mine fields around the country, especially in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. It was known as the Surovikin Line and named for Russian Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who developed that defensive plan. He was since fired after news broke that he was aware of the late Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhins putative pitch ahead of time. You can see one of the dugouts built for that effort in the following video.

Russian dugouts on the Surovikin line in the Zaporozhye region. pic.twitter.com/3hVGMbtc3w  Vijesti (@Vijesti11111) November 27, 2024

There are unconfirmed claims that Ukrainian drones attacked the Dyagilevo Airbase in Russias Ryazan region, about 300 miles from the border.

The Russian Astra news channel posted a video it claimed showed the moment of impact of an attack at or near the base. It looks like it came from a security camera and shows a bright flash at the end, making it hard to confirm what was actually seen.

Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov claimed on Telegram that a drone was downed over the region by Russian defense forces.

At the crash site of the downed UAV in the Korablinsky district, windows in four nearby houses were damaged, he stated. There were no casualties.

The Korablinsky district lies roughly 60 kilometers (around 40 miles) south of the regional center, Ryazan, the Kyiv Independent noted.

The Dyagilevo airbase reportedly hosts the 43rd Center for Combat Training with Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS, Tu-134UBL, and An-26 aircraft, as well as Il-78 tanker planes and a repair plant, the publication explained.

A Ukrainian drone is said to have struck the airbase in December 2022, killing and injuring several soldiers. The military facility was allegedly targeted again in July 2024.

      "".    Telegram- Astra pic.twitter.com/Wc0wGohxxt     (@ukrpravda_news) December 4, 2024

Russians displayed one of their fiber-optic-controlled first-person view (FPV) drones with a 10.5 km (6.5 miles) coil. Both sides are now using these drones. They are incapable of having their signal to operators jammed by electronic warfare equipment or degraded by terrain because their datalink is hardwired.

Screenshot of a Russian fiber optic cable FPV with a 10.5 km coil. https://t.co/pnFE5vji39 pic.twitter.com/KZyvqjECSQ  Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 3, 2024

North Korean troops sent to Russia to help fight Ukraine are experiencing such severe food shortages that one of Moscows generals was dispatched to the Kursk front, GUR claimed.

Among the servicemen of the North Korean army stationed in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, dissatisfaction has grown due to the insufficient amount of food provided, GUR suggested on Telegram. To solve the problem with hungry North Koreans, Russia sent Major General Mevlyutov, the deputy commander for resource provision of the Leningrad Military District, to the Kursk fields.

Mevlyutov immediately ordered the issuance of individual rations from the food reserves of the 11th Separate Airborne Assault Brigades to the North Korean troops, according to GUR.

The head of that directorate, Budanov, told us that Pyongyang has sent 12,000 troops, who are fighting in Kursk.

Military personnel from the 92nd and 94th Special Forces Brigades of the North Korean Army are transferred to the operational subordination of the units of the Russian Army participating in hostilities in the Kursk Region, GUR stated on Wednesday. In particular  the 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment, the 810th Separate Marine Infantry Brigade, and the above-mentioned 11th Infantry Division.

North Korean soldiers currently deployed by russia in the Kursk region are suffering from food shortages,  GUR.



Intelligence reports indicate that to address the situation, North Korean troops have been issued rations from the food supplies of russia's 11th Separate Air Assault pic.twitter.com/nNnnAyAo1w  Ukraine Front Line (@EuromaidanPR) December 4, 2024

Zelensky this week confirmed that 12,000 North Koreans are in Kursk, adding that some have been killed and injured.

Putin doesnt want to lose the support of society, he said. So, instead of using Russians as cannon fodder, it will be North Korean soldiers as cannon fodder.

 Zelensky about North Korean troops:



"We have a number around 12,000. There are killed and injured. Putin doesnt want to lose the support of society. So, instead of using Russians as cannon fodder, it will be North Korean soldiers as cannon fodder." pic.twitter.com/HUVBdcjDaN  MAKS 24   (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) December 2, 2024

Dniprorudne City Mayor Yevgeny Matveev  kidnapped by Russians in March 2022  died in captivity, according to Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov.

The Russians captured Dniprorudne in the Zaporizhzhia region at the end of February 2022, Federov said on Telegram. And later, they also captured the mayor  Yevgeny Matveev. He was held captive by the occupiers for two years and eight months and was tortured. During the last exchange, the body was returned to Ukraine.

 The mayor of Dniprorudny city, Yevhen Matveyev, who was kidnapped by the occupiers in March 2022, died in Russian captivity His body was returned during the last exchange. pic.twitter.com/mSs9vFfqCO  MAKS 24   (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) December 4, 2024

And finally, you can watch a real-life version of The Hurt Locker in the following video, which shows Ukrainian sappers trying to disarm an unexploded warhead from Kh-101 cruise missile stuck inside a crater.

Ukrainian soldier attempting to disarm an unexploded warhead from Kh-101 cruise missile. pic.twitter.com/WW0hVuH9vI  Clash Report (@clashreport) December 4, 2024

Thats it for now.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Defence Intelligence of the United Kingdom reports that the daily average losses of the Russians in Ukraine, both killed and wounded, hit a new record high in November.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 5 December, as reported by European Pravda

A report citing data from Ukraine's General Staff revealed that in November, Russian occupation forces suffered an average daily loss of 1,523 personnel, both killed and wounded.

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Quote: "This is the third straight month that Russian Forces have sustained new war high average daily losses," the report stated.

Russia recorded its highest single-day losses since the invasion began, with 2,030 casualties  surpassing the 2,000 mark for the first time  on 28 November.

November also became the fifth consecutive month of increasing overall monthly losses, with a total of 45,680 Russian troops lost, according to UK intelligence.

The report attributes the high casualty rate to the relentless pace of Russian offensives and operations.

Russian forces are intensifying pressure along several critical fronts, aiming to push Ukrainian troops back in the vicinities of Kursk, Kupiansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.

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Quote: "Russia's casualty rate will likely continue to average above 1,000 a day in December 2024 despite the onset of winter, with continued dismounted infantry attacks on multiple axes," the report concluded.

Background:

On 21 October, UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine as difficult, noting that the front line is currently "less stable than at any time since the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion" in February 2022.

Recently, UK intelligence highlighted the extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles as a key factor that has changed the nature of Russia's war against Ukraine.

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Editor's note: The article was updated with casualties from Kherson Oblast.

Russian attacks over the past day killed at least four people and injured 16 others across Ukraine, regional authorities reported on Dec. 5.

Ukraines Air Force intercepted 30 of 44 Russian drones launched overnight. Russia also fired two Iskander-M ballistic missiles during the assault, the Air Force reported.

In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian strike hit a residential area, killing a 40-year-old man. His mother and another woman suffered acute stress reactions. In Kupiansk, a drone strike wounded a 65-year-old man, who was hospitalized, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

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In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian attacks killed an 88-year-old woman and injured a 64-year-old man. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, the attack also damaged private homes and vehicles.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces wounded four residentsthree in Kostiantynivka and one in Shevchenkove, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast killed two people and injured 10 over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Ukraines Air Force and Defense Forces intercepted drones targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa oblasts, where no casualties were reported.

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Read also: Russian drone strikes on Ukraine are surging  how bad can it get?

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General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, has called General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss, among other things, the Russian attack on Ukraine with an Oreshnik ballistic missile.

Source: The New York Times; ABC News

Details: The conversation took place on 27 November, six days after the Oreshnik missile strike on the city of Dnipro, which Russian leader Vladimir Putin called a response to Ukraine's permission to fire US-supplied missiles at Russian territory. The launch of the Oreshnik was also accompanied by Putin's statements about Russia's right to strike at countries that supply weapons to Ukraine.

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During the conversation, Gerasimov supposedly stated that the launch of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile was planned in advance and was not a Russian reaction to Ukraine's use of US-delivered ATACMS missiles on Russian territory.

ABC News noted that Gerasimov had initiated the conversation to warn the West of hypersonic missile tests in the eastern Mediterranean. He called on the US Navy to stay away from the target area to ensure safety.

Quote from Brown's spokesman Captain JD Dorsey: "The leaders discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At the request of General Gerasimov, General Brown agreed to not proactively announce the call."

Background:

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Ukraines Air Force noted that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile during a missile attack on the city of Dnipro on 21 November. Ukrainska Pravda sources said that it could have been a Rubezh missile, which is a potential nuclear warhead.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said in a statement on 21 November that the Russians had used an Oreshnik medium-range missile during the morning attack on Dnipro.

The United States officially confirmed that Russia struck Dnipro on the morning of 21 November with a ballistic missile based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile.

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Russian spies discussed faking an Islamic State suicide attack in order to kill an investigative journalist, a court has heard.

Orlin Roussev and Jan Marsalek, the fugitive boss of a German tech company, discussed how they could kidnap or kill Christo Grozev, who worked for investigative site Bellingcat.

The pair discussed blowing up his boat and blaming it on Iran or getting an Isis suicide bomber to cut off his head.

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The details have emerged during the Old Bailey trial of Bulgarians Vanya Gaberova, 30, Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, all from London, who all deny conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia.

Orlin Roussev has admitted conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia - Metropolitan Police/PA

Roussev, 46, from Great Yarmouth, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, from London, have already pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that Roussev was the ringleader of the UK-based spy ring, taking his orders from a Russian agent using the alias Rupert Ticz, whom prosecutors allege is Marsalek.

Marsalek, an Austrian national, was the chief operating officer of German payments processor Wirecard until the company collapsed in 2020 amid allegations of fraud and he went on the run and he is now reportedly living in Russia.

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Matthew Collins, the UKs deputy national security adviser, has provided a statement to the court detailing how the threat posed by Russia is the most pressing national security and foreign policy.

The Kremlin is increasingly using foreigners to carry out their espionage because of a crackdown in the wake of the attempted Novichok poisoning in Salisbury of Sergei Skripal, the former Russian spy, he said.

That 2018 attack was evidence of the Russian intelligence services being prepared to come to UK soil to kill, jurors were told, and as a result the UK Government has made efforts to crack down on Russian covert actions.

Outlining Mr Collins evidence, Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, said: It is too difficult for Russians to do what these defendants were being asked to do in the UK as Bulgarians.

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Because of the restrictions that the UK has now put in place, Russia is increasingly using non-Russian nationals to deploy these sort of surveillance tactics on their behalf.

The Bulgarians all had the right to remain in the UK under EU settled status rules, the court heard.

The trial will hear about six operations carried out by the group, including surveillance of Mr Grozev in Austria and Spain.

He is considered an opponent by the Kremlin as his work includes uncovering Russian links to the Skripal attack, the poisoning of the late 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.

Bizer Dzhambazo, who admits spying, while Vanya Gaberova, left, and Katrin Ivanova deny the same charges

In messages read to the court from July 2021, Marsalek says that there had been a suggestion he should be kidnapped and sent to Moscow.

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Roussev replies that if Mr Grozev was in Bulgaria, I have the resources to kidnap, drug him and lock him up in one secure cave.

While Marsalek warns against it as a bad idea, Roussev continues to suggest that they could hide him in the mountains before they extract him and send him to Siberia, North Pole or a remote island.

He adds: Stalin was right there is a person... there is a problem no person... no problem. Sending him to the jungle in Papua New Guinea with those cannibal tribes is also an adventure.

Marsalek jokes that they should have five nuns beat him up before Roussev suggests that they use five Taliban dresses guys who are shouting Allahu Akbar.

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Marsalek responds: Five Arabs. We blame it on Isis. Its Isis revenge against Bellingcat. Now if wed find someone we could contract for a suicide attack on him, itd be best. Attacks him, cuts off his head on the street and then blows up himself.

They then discuss blowing up his boat, which Marsalek notes could be blamed on Iran but I like the idea to blame it on Isis as its like 9/11.

He later adds: Either kill him or kidnap him and have a stunt double fly with his face on a commercial flight to Moscow. Or have his boat sink and him go missing while we relocate him to Syria forever.

In reality, the team put him under surveillance and plotted to honeytrap him using Ms Gaberova, the court has heard.

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Jurors were told that Ms Gaberova and Dzhambazov were found naked in bed together when police went to arrest them at her home in north-west London.

Ms Ivanova, Dzhambazovs long-time girlfriend, was also arrested on Feb 8 2023 at her work as a laboratory assistant.

Mr Ivanchev, who is Ms Gaberovas former boyfriend, was arrested a year later. The trial continues.

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The Russian woman accused of sneaking onto a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris has been charged with knowingly and intentionally secreting herself aboard an airplane.

Svetlana Dali, 57, was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday after returning to New York. She made her first court appearance Thursday.

"On or about November 26, 2024, the defendant Svetlana Dali snuck onto Delta Airlines flight DL264 at JFK without a boarding pass and flew as a stowaway to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris," according to the criminal complaint obtained by ABC News.

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In her first appearance, the judge issued a temporary order of detention until 2 p.m. Friday so she can try to come up with a bail package and a verifiable residence.

She did not enter a plea.

MORE: Stowaway arrested by FBI after returning to US from France: Official

Surveillance footage from Nov. 26 showed Dali arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport and attempting to get in line at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. She was turned away because she was unable to show a boarding pass, the complaint said.

A few minutes later, Dali successfully accessed the TSA line "by entering through a special lane for airline employees masked by a large Air Europa flight crew," the complaint said. Dali was screened and boarded the plane without presenting a boarding pass.

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"Delta agents, who were busy helping ticketed passengers board, did not stop her or ask her to present a boarding pass before she boarded the plane," the complaint said.

PHOTO: Svetlana Dali, the Delta Airlines stowaway who flew from JFK International Airport in New York to Charles-de-Gaulle Airport in Paris on Nov. 26, 2024, was identified by her daughter and ex-husband in December. (Svetlana Dali/Facebook)

By the time the crew realized Dali did not have a seat, the plane was on its way to France.

"Before the flight landed, Delta employees notified French law enforcement that Dali was on the plane as a stowaway," the complaint stated.

During an interview with the FBI upon her return, Dali allegedly admitted to flying as a stowaway. She allegedly stated she did not have a plane ticket and that she intentionally evaded TSA security officials and Delta employees so she could travel without buying one.

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MORE: Stowaway discovered on board flight from New York to Paris

Dali admitted the surveillance images depicted her, according to the complaint. She also stated she knew her conduct was illegal.

Less than a week before the incident, Dali filed a civil lawsuit against the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and other authorities, claiming she was sold by the Russian Federation to her ex-husband for $20,000.

The lawsuit claims she was abused and poisoned.

Dali filed the lawsuit herself and the allegations are handwritten.

Russian stowaway now charged for sneaking onto Delta flight to France originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Some hosts on Russian state television are apparently hyped about Donald Trumps Cabinet picks. And their glee portends something ominous for the United States.

Julia Davis, a columnist for The Daily Beast who monitors Russian media, wrote this week about the various Russian media figures celebrating Trumps picks to serve in his administration. For example, following Trumps selection of MAGA conspiracy theorist Kash Patel to lead the FBI, she reported that one host  Vladimir Solovyov  shared a particularly grim prediction of what Patel and the other picks might mean for Americans.

What an excellent team is coming along with Trump!" Solovyov said on his show Sunday, according to Davis' report. "Not with respect to Ukraine, but as far as everything else goes. If they are allowed to get in, they will quickly dismantle America, brick by brick. They are so great!

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View the clip posted to Davis' YouTube page below:

According to Davis' report:

In mid-November, when president-elect Donald Trump started to announce his future appointees, state TV host Olga Skabeeva gushed, All of them are totally wonderful! Evgeny Popov, Skabeevas husband and the co-host of Russias "60 Minutes," concurred, describing Trumps picks as his radical dream team and gleefully noting, All of them personally despise Zelensky. He cautiously added, They arent friends of Russia, except for Tulsi Gabbard.

I hate to say I agree with Russian state media, but on this particular point  the potential for Trumps Cabinet picks to dismantle federal government agencies  I dont see much room for argument.

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Indeed, Trumps picks seem hellbent on undermining many of the positive and productive goals espoused by the agencies theyve been chosen to lead. That includes the aforementioned Kash Patel, the Trump loyalist tapped to lead the FBI after preparing a list of political targets he wants to go after; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-scientific conspiracy theorist Trump tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services; Pete Hegseth, the Christian nationalist-friendly former Fox News host picked to lead the Department of Defense; and Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps pick to be the director of national intelligence despite widespread concerns about her historically friendly stance toward accused war criminals Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Trump appears to be constructing a kakistocracy  a government filled with incompetent or otherwise unsuitable characters. And based on Russian state TV, the Kremlin couldnt be happier.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Russian forces attacked the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with rockets, UAVs and artillery, damaging premises belonging to an agricultural company, houses, a car, a gas pipeline and a power transmission line.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Lysak: "The enemy fired several times at Nikopol district overnight. They [the Russians] launched rockets, a kamikaze drone and [opened fire from] artillery. They attacked Nikopol and the hromadas of Pokrov, Pokrovske and Marhanets [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

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Buildings belonging to an agricultural company, houses, outbuildings and cars were damaged. A gas pipeline and a power transmission line were hit."

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Photo: Lysak on Telegram

Details: Lysak added that there had been no casualties.

Aftermath of Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Photo: Lysak on Telegram

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VALLETTA, Malta (AP)  Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clashed Thursday indirectly with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an annual security meeting, accusing the West of risking escalation over Ukraine but walking out before Blinken and other speakers could respond.

Speaking at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ministerial meeting in Malta, Lavrov accused the West of reviving the Cold War and provoking a direct conflict with Russia.

He said the U.S. actions were driven by a desire to return NATO to the political spotlight. After the Afghan disgrace, there was a need for a new common enemy, Lavrov said during his first stop in an EU nation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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The result is the reincarnation of the Cold War, but now with the far greater risk of its escalation into the hot phase.

Blinken, who spoke after Lavrov left the room, put the blame for escalation in the region back on Russia, noting that the Russian foreign minister, the fourth speaker, did not stick around to listen to other speakers.

"Lets talk about escalation,'' Blinken said, citing the deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile to attack Ukraine, Russia's move to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, and attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Mr. Lavrov spoke about the sovereign right of every member-state to make their own choices,'' Blinken said. Thats exactly what this is about: the sovereign right of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to make their own choices about the future, not to have those choices made in and by Moscow."

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who was the first to address the panel, walked out as Lavrov took the podium, along with the foreign ministers of Poland and Estonia.

Before leaving the podium, Ukraines Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, called his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov a war criminal.

Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist. And the Russian war criminal at this table (Lavrov) should know this: Ukraine will succeed and justice will prevail.

The visit marked Lavrovs first visit to an EU member nation since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has been relatively rare for Lavrov to attend forums involving senior Western officials, although he recently took part in the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil.

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Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on her message app that Malta had annulled her visa to accompany Lavrov.

The Maltese foreign affairs office said that three OSCE member countries had objected to extending the visa to Zakharova, who is under a travel ban. Lavrov is subject to EU sanctions, but faces no travel ban.

Lavrov attended the event last year in Skopje, North Macedonia, but Poland denied him a visa the previous year in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Blinken traveled to Malta from Brussels, where he attended what was likely to be his last NATO meeting of the outgoing Biden administration. Ukraines foreign minister was also attending, after Ukraine boycotted last year over Lavrovs attendance.

Reporters Without Borders called on the OSCE to release 38 journalists detained by Russia, including 19 Ukrainians arrested in illegally occupied territories. It said in a statement that Russia is the worlds fifth-largest jailer of journalists.
A mountain biker rides under the Trail Fly Over bridge where the downhill bike-only Captain Morgan Bike Trail crosses the new Ladders Trail in North Cheyenne Canon Park.
Western diplomats on Thursday criticized comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Malta.

Lavrov said the West has fuelled the war in Ukraine and is responsible for the emergence of a new Cold War that could stumble into direct confrontation.

"The whole thing could move into a hot stage," Lavrov added, while claiming that Western states had taken control of the OSCE.

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His US counterpart Antony Blinken then described Lavrov's statements as a "tsunami of disinformation."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed Lavrov in his speech as "the war criminal at this table" without mentioning him by name.

"Our peace plan is: Russia should leave Ukraine and leave us alone," Sybiha said.

He emphasized that Russia is the greatest threat to global security not only because of its attack on Ukraine, but also because of its military cooperation with Iran and North Korea.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Lavrov of "unbearable lies" about the war in Ukraine.

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"You can fool yourself, but you cannot fool us, the 1.3 billion people in [the OSCE region]," she told Lavrov directly at the meeting.

In her speech, Baerbock called on the international community, and in particular the OSCE member states, to continue to work for the organization's fundamental principles of peace, freedom and security, despite some differences of opinion.
Russia's contract soldier recruitment rate may have dropped in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, the Meduza news outlet reported on Dec. 4, citing its analysis of Russia's federal budget.

Based on the conclusions from expenditures for sign-on bonuses and earlier research, Meduza estimates that the Russian military signed between 500 and 600 new contracts per day. This would be less or barely enough to cover Russia's irreversible battlefield losses, estimated by Meduza at 600-750 per day, including 200-250 fatalities.

The figures could not be verified as Russia does not disclose its casualty rates.

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If accurate, these figures indicate a tipping point in Moscow's ability to compensate its casualties in its full-scale war in Ukraine. Despite the war being Russia's deadliest conflict since World War II, observers believed the country could substitute them through volunteers and limited "covert" mobilization.

According to the analysis's more liberal estimates, Russia may have signed up to 82,000 new contracts in the third quarter if bonuses had been budgeted with delays and, therefore, according to earlier lower levels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hiked the sign-on bonuses earlier this year to attract more recruits for the war. The lump-sum payment went from 195,000 rubles (now $1,900) to 400,000 rubles (now $3,900) in August.

The figure of 82,000 would still decrease from roughly 93,000 contracts concluded in the previous quarter. The most conservative scenario, disregarding possible delays, put the number of contracts in the third quarter at 49,000, which could come down to the said 500-600 losses per day.

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Federal budget reports show that Russia spent 48.56 billion rubles ($472.6 million) on one-time sign-on bonuses between the start of the year and Oct. 1.

The Kremlin has avoided instituting likely unpopular full-scale mobilization, seeking instead to find recruits among volunteers, migrant workers, and residents of poorer regions. More recently, Russia's manpower capacity was boosted by a dispatch of 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops.

Russian forces have advanced in eastern Ukraine at a long-unseen pace over the past few months, albeit at the cost of record losses. In turn, Ukraine struggles more with offsetting its losses, with Ukrainian commanders complaining about understaffed units on the front as the mobilization drive slows.

These factors are likely to play a role in any negotiations, a possibility discussed increasingly frequently in the world's capitals.

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Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine pass 700,000, Putin runs low on non-mobilization options

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Russia's top military officer called his U.S. counterpart to give advance warning of Russia's drills in the Mediterranean Sea, officials said Thursday, in what was a rare contact amid high tensions between Moscow and Washington.

Russia's General Staff chief, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, reached out to Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Nov. 27 to inform him about a planned Russian naval exercise involving missile launches in the eastern Mediterranean, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The information was delivered in order to prevent possible incidents in view of U.S. and NATO warships presence near the area of the Russian exercise, the ministry said in a statement.

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The ministry previously reported that the three-day Russian navy drills that wrapped up Tuesday involved two frigates performing practice launches of new hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles and submarine that fired Kalibr cruise missiles. As part of the drills, Russian forces also fired an Onyx missile from a ground launcher at a practice sea target.

The Pentagon said Brown and Gerasimov discussed a number of global and regional security issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, in their first call since Brown became chairman in October 2023. Gerasimov informed Brown of the live-fire exercise, but did not discuss specific weapons systems that would be used.

Separately, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with two senior officials in the incoming Trump administration, working to nail down crucial support for Ukraine from President-elect Donald Trump.

Yermak was in the U.S. on Wednesday for talks with Republican Rep. Mike Waltz, Trumps pick for his national security adviser, and Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general whom Trump has named as an envoy for Ukraine, a person familiar with the meeting said. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Neither side gave immediate details of the session. It was one of many meetings that Trump aides are having with foreign representatives before Trump takes office Jan. 20, 2025.

Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has called for bringing a quick end to fighting in Russias nearly 3-year war against Ukraines Western-aligned government. He has given few details of his plans.

Ukrainians and many of their supporters hope for continued U.S. military and diplomatic support to allow the country to get the best terms possible in any eventual ceasefire negotiations.
By Andrew Osborn

LONDON (Reuters) - Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, asked his supporters on Thursday to design "a people's gravestone" for him as a symbol of his political struggle against the Kremlin.

Navalny, whose death in February aged 47 in a prison above the Arctic Circle deprived the opposition of its most determined and charismatic leader, is buried in a Moscow cemetery where supporters come to pay respects.

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In a YouTube video, Navalnaya said she and other family members were holding a competition to design his gravestone and invited supporters to submit ideas before the end of January.

She and the family would choose their three favourites and then allow supporters to vote on which one they liked best before announcing the result on Feb. 16, the first anniversary of Navalny's death.

"And let it be not just a monument, but a symbol. For some, a symbol of hope. For some, a symbol of strength and struggle. For some, a symbol of what we've been through together. And a symbol of how expensive freedom is.

"This monument is a way of saying that we have not forgotten Alexei and his ideas. And we will never forget."

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Navalnaya, who was appointed chair of the U.S.-based Human Rights Foundation earlier this year, told the BBC broadcaster in October she planned to one day return to Russia and run for president when President Vladimir Putin is no longer in power.

Putin, 72, was re-elected in March for another six-year term.

ARREST THREAT

Navalny's political movement, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, is outlawed as "extremist" in Russia, where authorities portray it as a Western-backed project out to destabilise the country.

Navalnaya herself is accused of involvement in an extremist group and would face arrest if she returned to Russia.

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Since Navalny's death, no single leader has emerged to unite the disparate opposition and there has been significant infighting between different Russian dissident groups abroad.

Navalnaya has accused Russian authorities of covering up the circumstances of her husband's death and Putin of having him killed, allegations the Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed as false.

U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that Putin did not order Navalny killed, according to the AP news agency and the Wall Street Journal newspaper.

Navalnaya said she hoped to one day be able to visit her husband's grave. "Let's create a true people's memorial for Alexei Navalny so that one day we can gather around it together," she said.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
In his latest headline-making move, Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that he will attempt to craft a new state law to require public school superintendents to be elected by voters.

The state's top education official said late Wednesday that he wants to move away from the current model  in which superintendents are hired by voter-elected school boards  to a new system where voters would choose superintendents directly. He said the switch would make school leaders accountable to voters.

It's unclear, however, how Walters' proposal might become law. He does not have the power to change the law himself. The state Legislature writes and passes laws, and Walters did not say whether any state lawmakers were willing to sponsor his proposal in the upcoming legislative session, scheduled to start in February.

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As of Wednesday evening, no bill containing Walters' proposal had been filed for consideration in either the Oklahoma House or Senate.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters bows his head in a prayer dedicated to President-elect Donald Trump in a new video released by the state Department of Education last week. Walters required all state public schools to air this video in classrooms, which included an announcement of the new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism.

While Walters used attention-grabbing language in announcing the proposal to elect district superintendents, he provided few specifics about how it would work.

"We have seen rogue administrators ignore the will of the parents and taxpayers in their district to inject pornography into schools, cover up the sexual misconduct of teachers, allow students to lick each other's toes, and even be arrested by public intoxication on school grounds," Walters said.

Several legislators, including at least two members of Walters' own Republican Party, quickly raised questions about the idea.

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Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, a member of the House Appropriations and Budget subcommittee on education, called the suggestion "another example of Ryan Walters desire to get clicks instead of improving student outcomes.

"School boards are elected, and they pick the superintendent for their district," Osburn said. "Rather than focusing on outcomes, hes just trying to sow seeds of conflict with hard-working superintendents, which is simply and unnecessarily disruptive. None of this will bring us up from dead last in the nation in ACT scores and student outcomes. I wish he would focus on the job he was elected to, rather than trying to score political points for who knows what. The voters of Oklahoma and their kids deserve better."

Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, a member of the House's Common Education Committee and a former public school principal, also criticized the proposal. "This is a sad attempt by the superintendent to say whatever sensational thing comes to his mind in order to keep the spotlight on himself instead of supporting our kids," she said.

Another Democrat on the House education committee, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants of Norman  who, like Provenzano, is a former educator  said the idea of electing district superintendents has been "catching on" in states under Republican control, such as Oklahoma, which has a GOP supermajority in both legislative chambers. He said conservative national lobbying groups have prepared so-called "model" bills toward that end.

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"It's similar to the idea of moving local school board elections to November," Rosecrants said. "These ideas weaken local control and will only further politicize our public schools when we need to do all we can to de-politicize them."

Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, said he viewed Walters' proposal as a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. He said the process of selecting a school superintendent is complex, and an elected candidate might not even have the credentials, knowledge or experience in the educational system.

"Currently, when a superintendent is employed by a school district, more times than not, they are vetted by the school board, a teachers committee, etc., to make sure they will be both qualified for the job and would be a good fit for that district," said Sterling, who's also a member of the House Education Committee and a former high school principal. "This is not necessarily a 'one size fits all' position."

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the chair of that body's Education Committee, declined to comment through a Senate spokesman.

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In announcing the proposal, Walters said he believes many Oklahoma superintendents "continue to defy reforms implemented under conservative leadership."

Though he did not provide examples of such defiance, many school administrators decided in November to ignore a directive issued by Walters. He had instructed superintendents to show students a video announcing the new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism inside the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which he leads. In the video, Walters touts the office, then invites students to join him in a prayer for President-elect Donald Trump.

Most school leaders have also ignored a Bible-teaching mandate he issued earlier this year. Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office has said Walters had no legal authority to show the video or enforce the Bible mandate. The mandate has drawn at least two lawsuits, including one in the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

More: Sen. Markwayne Mullin questions Ryan Walters' Bible mandate, calling it a 'slippery slope'

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"Parents are rightfully horrified by this kind of misconduct, and it's time to put parents in control over their neighborhood schools by giving voters a direct way to hold superintendents accountable," Walters said.

Walters said his proposal for electing superintendents would cover election dates, eligibility requirements, pay levels and other details.

Mid-Del Schools Superintendent Rick Cobb, who has previously clashed with Walters, said he'd want to see any potential bill to learn what Walters has in mind. "Generally, though, we already have accountability through locally elected school boards who select and evaluate superintendents," Cobb said.

The announcement comes amid weeks of political, attention-grabbing initiatives by Walters surrounding Trump's election. He announced in November he had directed the purchase of more than 500 Bibles for Oklahoma public schools at a cost of nearly $25,000.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters takes aim at 'rogue' Oklahoma school leaders in new proposal
French technology company Safran is significantly expanding its defense and space business in the United States, including investments in manufacturing across several states.

Newly branded Safran Defense & Space Inc. will focus on bringing its high-tech solutions in satellite propulsion and communication, geospatial artificial intelligence and GPS-denied navigation to the U.S. in a more robust way, Joe Bogosian, Safran president and CEO, told Defense News in a recent interview.

Safran is also well known for its best-selling commercial jet engine it developed in a joint venture with General Electric.

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While the companys technology has been integrated into many U.S.-based weapon systems, such as the commanders site on the Armys new M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle, Bogosian said, the U.S. expansion will enable even better collaboration with the U.S. military and defense industry and foster continued innovation with American engineers and developers.

I think it meshes well with kind of a new thinking in the U.S., Bogosian said.

What is the best available technology or the asymmetric warfare to give our guys an unfair advantage? If that unfair advantage comes with a technology thats five years ahead of its time compared to anything else in the U.S. and just happens to come from France, we can bring it from France, he said, and we can put it here and put further design, further engineering and manufacturing, all in the U.S. and you start to morph that technology into a U.S. variety.

The company will soon open its new headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Colocated at the headquarters will be the companys new geospatial artificial intelligence business grown from a recently purchased French AI company with the ability to crunch a massive amount of data very quickly.

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The newly acquired technology surprised everyone in the room during a demonstration for Special Operations Command in Florida meant to show how the technology can rapidly count cars and boats in an area. It suddenly flagged the presence of a Russian MiG fighter jet, according to Bogosian. The system was not mistaken; it turned out there was a MiG on display outside of an aviation museum in Miami.

Expansions to current Safran facilities include its electro-optics and infrared systems facility in Bedford, New Hampshire, and the Safran Federal Systems facility for Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing in Rochester, New York.

The company is also setting up its newest facility for small satellite propulsion in Denver, Colorado. Once established, Bogosian sees the potential for expansion beyond producing plasma propulsion systems for satellites to include other capabilities, such as Safrans Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope, which has been tested by the U.S. military.

We feel the demand for HRG is going to double, and so clearly, it just opens the door for another capability to be brought into the U.S., he said.

Additional investment will be made in testing and telemetry operations in Norcross, Georgia.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Deputies are seeking tips in an investigation centered on a Salem man who is accused of multiple burglaries and other crimes, authorities said.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a release they believe the now-jailed Derek Seledkov, 35, may have been involved in at least one burglary in Clackamas County, for which authorities are seeking more information.

On Wednesday, Seledkov was released from the hospital under law enforcement detainment and booked into the Clackamas County Jail on multiple charges.

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Small plane makes emergency landing in Clackamas Co.

This all comes after Seledkov sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was sent to the hospital following what the sheriffs office described as a prolonged and armed standoff between him and law enforcement.

Deputies said the standoff happened on Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day, after Seledkov led law enforcement on a pursuit from Marion County to Clackamas County.

Just before 9 p.m., the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office learned that Marion County Sheriffs deputies were pursuing Seledkov for alleged burglaries in Clackamas County.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office is seeking tips in a burglary suspect investigation involving suspect Derek Seledkov and his vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Clackamas County Sheriffs Office). The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said a burglary suspect engaged in a standoff on Nov. 24, 2024 (courtesy Clackamas County Sheriffs Office). The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said a burglary suspect engaged in a standoff on Nov. 24, 2024 (courtesy Clackamas County Sheriffs Office).

Authorities said Seledkov drove a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, headed north on Interstate-5 toward Woodburn and drove over spike strips deployed by law enforcement as he was entering Clackamas County.

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Seledkov allegedly continued to drive north on Highway 99E on partially deflated tires. Just outside Canby, near the Highway 99E bridge over the Molalla River, Seledkov was stopped in his vehicle by Clackamas County Sheriffs deputies using what they called a pursuit intervention technique, authorities said.

Officials ID victim who died in Nov. shooting

Seledkov, the only occupant of the Chevy Tahoe, allegedly refused to comply with deputies commands and claimed he had a gun. Authorities called in the Clackamas County Interagency SWAT Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team. The alleged standoff between Seledkov and law enforcement ensued, culminating in the suspect being taken to the hospital with minor injuries under police custody.

Seledkov faces charges that include third-degree theft, attempt to elude a police officer, second-degree burglary, felon in possession of a gun and reckless driving. He was also booked on nine other outstanding warrants from Marion County, including DUII, and six other drug-related warrants from Polk County, officials said.

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Seledkov is being held in jail without bail and will be arraigned on Dec. 5.

The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office has publicly released photos of Seledkov and his vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, in hopes of receiving tips about a suspected burglary he allegedly committed in Clackamas County, authorities said.

Anyone with information about the alleged burglary or other information related to Seledkov is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Salt Lake City Police have responded to East High after what appear to be false reports of an active shooter at the school.

Public Information Officer Brent Weisberg said that as of 11:08 a.m. this morning, officers responded to the school and found there were no signs of any shooting. The school was placed on lockdown, but ABC4 has learned the lockdown was lifted at around 11:30 a.m. over the schools public address system.

Public Information Officer Yaier Javaid said in a press conference the call came to 911 at 11:05 a.m. Officers responded immediately citywide, in minutes, if not seconds, but found no evidence of any shooting, he said. Officers are investigating the call, which Javaid said came from off-campus.

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Im proud of our officers responding quickly and handling this situation the way theyre trained to, said Javaid.

A school resource officer was at the school at the time of the 911 call, and Javaid said the officer was quickly able to confirm with school administrators that there was no shooting.

Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers approved a bill that imposed harsher penalties on students and adults who make threats against schools or falsely report emergencies. Any adult convicted of making school threats can now be charged with a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Students responsible for threats face being suspended or expelled from school.

Some hoax threats, depending on their severity, could even be charged as a federal crime. According to the FBI, perpetrators could receive up to five years in federal prison.

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The Salvation Army seeks donations, volunteers this holiday season

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  With the Christmas season in full swing, The Salvation Army of El Paso is calling on the community for support to ensure people in need can experience the joys of the holiday season.

The Salvation Army said donations and volunteers are urgently needed to meet the increasing demand for assistance.

The communitys help is needed in the following areas, according to The Salvation Army in a news release:

Donate turkeys for Christmas

The Salvation Army seeks 330 turkeys to provide families in the Angel Tree program with a complete holiday meal.

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The Angel Tree program, a need-based initiative, offers toys and clothing for children ages 0-10 and includes a turkey for each registered family to prepare a festive holiday meal.

Donations of fresh or frozen turkeys can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Family Center, 4300 E Paisano Drive, from now through December.

Volunteer to ring the bell

Volunteer bell ringers are essential to the success of the Red Kettle Campaign, a tradition that raises funds to support local families in crisis with food, shelter, and homeless prevention services year-round.

Volunteers can sign up as individuals or with groups, selecting their preferred date and location.

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Myriam Guerrero, advisory board vice chair, encourages the community to get involved.

Come spend some time volunteering and make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals this holiday season. We have volunteer opportunities tailored just for you, whether you come as an individual or group, Guerrero said.

All funds collected through the Red Kettle Campaign remain local, directly supporting community programs such as food and shelter.

Support the food pantry

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the community. The Salvation Armys food pantry provides essential meal supplementation, helping families maintain independence and dignity.

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Donations of canned and nonperishable food items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Family Center at 4300 E Paisano Drive.

For more information or to get involved, visit salvationarmyelpaso.org or call (915) 544-9811.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
About 300 members of the Colorado Springs Education Association, accompanied by parents, fellow union representatives and community members, attended the meeting to express concerns over the future of their collective bargaining agreement.
Dec. 5A San Benito man was sentenced Wednesday for attempting to hit an FBI agent in a stolen truck at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville before leading authorities on a 20-minute chase through Cameron County.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced Damian Evans Lopez to a little more than nine years in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer. He pleaded guilty to the charge on Sept. 9.

Lopez was arrested on June 28 when an FBI agent was investigating stolen vehicles being illegally exported into Mexico.

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"He identified a stolen Chevrolet truck parked near the Gateway International Bridge Port of Entry in Brownsville and called for assistance," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas Said in a news release.

The agent, who was wearing FBI gear with clear law enforcement markings, approached the truck and asked Lopez to exit.

"Instead, he turned the vehicle's wheels to exit the parking space and aggressively accelerated directly at the FBI agent," the release stated. "He managed to jump out of the way of the accelerating vehicle and avoided serious injury and or death by mere inches."

Lopez then took off and led authorities on a chase involving speeds exceeding 100 mph through the streets of Brownsville and onto the freeway. The chase ended in San Benito and Lopez was arrested.

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Olvera, the judge, enhanced Lopez's sentence for using the truck as a deadly weapon, for reckless endangerment during flight and for official victim adjustments.

"At the hearing, the court heard how Lopez had a history of placing law enforcement and the public in danger given his three prior felony convictions for evading arrest with motor vehicles," the release stated.

Lopez has remained in custody and will be transferred to a federal prison.

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SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  A New Mexico sheriffs deputy is no longer facing a felony charge after a judges ruling but his case isnt over. That deputy is still on administrative leave with the Miguel County Sheriffs Office.

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The felony charge came after an incident in September 2023 when San Miguel County Sheriffs Office Deputy Justin Padilla was accused of holding a woman down while she got beat up outside of his home. Padilla was originally charged with false imprisonment, a felony, and battery, a petty misdemeanor.

But a week ago, Judge John Rysanek dropped the more serious of those charges. We had a preliminary hearing a couple days ago. The chief judge in the Magistrate Court found no probable cause. In other words, she tossed the felony charge against Justin Padilla, said John Day, attorney of Justin Padilla.

Day said the decision came after the New Mexico State Police officer who investigated what happened did not show up to court. The deputy was put on administrative leave back in July but Day said he wants to resume his duties.

Deputy Padilla is on administrative leave. Still, were dealing with the state law enforcement certification board. We fully expect because this case got tossed because there is no probable cause that his certification will come back, Day said.

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Padilla is still facing the petty misdemeanor battery charge but even if he were convicted, that wouldnt necessarily mean an end to his career. If youre falsely accused of something, and you get cleared by a chief judge, thats a good feeling he wants to get back to work. He wants to be back on the street as an aggressive police officer, Day said.

The 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office had to dismiss 50 cases involving Padilla as a law enforcement witness. KRQE News 13 reached out to see if this latest development could affect those cases but have not heard back. KRQE News 13 reached out to the San Miguel Sheriffs Office to see if Padilla might be reinstated and have not heard back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Dec. 4A Republican lawmaker from Sanford who won reelection by a single vote after being accused of choking his wife was among the 186 lawmakers sworn into office by Gov. Janet Mills on Wednesday.

Rep. Lucas Lanigan was following a recount in House District 141 after being accused of felony domestic violence less than two weeks before the election.

Lanigan hurried into the House chamber prior to the session Wednesday, telling a reporter he didn't have time to talk. He left the State House without commenting after Rep. Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, was elected speaker. In a text message, Lanigan said he has been advised by his lawyer not to talk about the case.

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Democrats have called for Lanigan to resign, but Republicans argue that Lanigan should be allowed to have his day in court before people judge his actions.

After Lanigan won his House race in a recount, House Majority Leader Matt Moonen, D-Portland, said Lanigan should resign for the sake of his constituents.

"We are concerned about whether he should continue his service in the Legislature while those types of charges are pending," Moonen said. "It is not ideal for the people of Shapleigh, Newfield and Sanford to have someone who is more focused on defending himself from criminal charges than representing their needs."

When asked to respond to that comment, Lanigan said in a text Wednesday that "as a citizen or as a representative, we are all entitled to due process under the Constitution."

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The arrest warrant states Lanigan grabbed his wife's neck and choked her for about 20 seconds on Oct. 25 before she was able to leave and call her friends for help.

Sanford police were searching for him before he turned himself in to the York County Jail on Oct. 28. He was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault, a Class B crime that could bring up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Lanigan did not enter a plea at his first court appearance. His wife asked the judge and prosecutors to drop the charges, but Assistant District Attorney Linda Holdsworth-Donovan said victims regularly recant, sometimes because of pressure from the alleged perpetrators, and that the state was still pursuing charges against Lanigan.

Lanigan's Democratic opponent, Patricia Kidder, appeared to win the seat on election night. But election officials in Sanford discovered a mistake in the tally. Once corrected, the race ended in a tie, with each candidate earning 2,476 votes.

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About a quarter of the ballots in the race had been cast before news of Lanigan's arrest became public. According to the Department of the Secretary of State, 1,306 absentee ballots were received before the incident was reported, including 394 Republicans and 370 unenrolled voters.

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SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A church in Milton, Florida will be a cold weather shelter for homeless people or those without heat in their homes this week, according to a Santa Rosa County news release.

Gulf Breeze woman accused of hitting state trooper with vehicle and fleeing: FHP

According to the county, Ferris Hill Baptist Church at 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton was open on Tuesday for a cold weather shelter and will also be open on the nights of Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6.

LOCATION:

The release said those looking to stay at the shelter must arrive between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. No one will be admitted after that time frame unless brought in by law enforcement.

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31,000 pounds of glue dumped out when 18-wheeler turns over in Saraland

County officials said only service animals that are verified for rabies vaccination are permitted to stay with guests.

The shelter will close at 7 a.m. each morning.

According to the Santa Rosa County news release, the shelter opens each night the temperature is expected to drop under 40 degrees.

County officials also said no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unable to walk unaided or disoriented will be admitted to the shelter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
SANATQUIN, Utah (ABC4)  The Santaquin Post Office is one step closer to being renamed the Sgt. Bill Hooser Post Office Building in honor of the fallen Santaquin police officer.

Hooser tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 5, 2024, when he was struck by a semi-truck as the driver attempted to flee the scene of a traffic stop. Shortly after his death, Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, along with the rest of the Utah House Delegation, introduced a bill to rename the post office.

State sting ends with 186 minors cited for being in Sugar House bar

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That bill passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, Dec. 4. It will now go to the Senate.

Today, the Peoples House came together to honor a true Utah hero, Sgt. Bill Hooser, paying tribute to a life defined by service and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect our community, said Owens. The Sgt. Bill Hooser Post Office Building will serve as a lasting testament to his courage and dedication.

Hooser, a Utah native, served in law enforcement for eight years before his death starting in New Mexico with the San Juan County Sheriffs Office. In February 2024, Hoosers work earned a promotion from Corporal to Sergeant. At the time of his death, his younger brother, Mike Hooser, said Sgt. Hooser died a hero doing what he loved and serving the people he loved.

Michael Aaron Jayne, the 42-year-old man allegedly behind the wheel of the semi-truck that killed Hooser., faces several charges including aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.

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A preliminary hearing for Jayne has been scheduled for May 12, 2025, more than one year after Hoosers death.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The San Angelo Police Department released a press release on Thursday, December 4 about a shooting that happened on the night of the third.

SAPD says at approximately 9:02 p.m., they received a dispatch regarding a shooting victim at the Studio 6 hotel, located in the 1600 block of South Bryant Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim had been taken to Shannon ER by a private vehicle. Witnesses informed the officers that the shooting had actually occurred at an apartment complex situated behind the hotel, stated SAPD.

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SAPD says the victim was a male and had sustained a gunshot wound. SAPD also mentions that the officers at the scene found evidence related to the incident.

The victim is choosing not to pursue any charges against any potential suspects.

SAPD stated,  The investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Iran has spent the past few years turning a container ship into a militarized drone carrier.

New satellite images show the Shahid Bagheri has left its home port for the first time.

The vessel's development highlights Tehran's efforts to project power farther out.

A container ship that Iran has spent the past few years turning into a militarized drone carrier has left its home port for the first time, recent satellite imagery obtained by Business Insider shows.

In an image captured on November 12 by BlackSky, which provides space-based real-time intelligence, the new Shahid Bagheri can be seen at an Iranian shipyard along the Persian Gulf.

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But an image captured a little more than two weeks later, on November 28, shows the Bagheri missing from its berth at the Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex, just west of the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

Open-source intelligence gathered by H I Sutton, an independent defense analyst, suggests that the Bagheri left the port to begin sea trials off Iran's coast. It's unclear whether these are still ongoing. When asked to comment on the situation, a US defense official said the military didn't provide assessments on adversary capabilities or actions.

This image from November 12 shows the Shahid Bagheri at its berth in the center. BlackSky

A follow-up image from November 28 shows the Shahid Bagheri missing. BlackSky

Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy who's an expert on Iranian security and defense affairs, told BI the Bagheri's development underscored Tehran's efforts to project its power overseas  far beyond nearby waters.

Expanding Iran's reach

The Bagheri started as a container ship known as the Perarin, but in 2021, Iran began working on the vessel to transform it into a functional drone carrier for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

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At nearly 790 feet long, the Bagheri somewhat resembles a Soviet aircraft carrier with a distinctive ski-jump ramp, which was added in 2023. The ship's angled flight deck, used for launching and recovering drones, measures just under 600 feet.

It's unclear what type of drones  or how many  may be included in the Bagheri's future carrier air wing. It could consist of a mix of one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, in addition to reconnaissance and strike platforms that can return to the after their missions are completed.

Nadimi said the Bagheri would increase Iran's flexibility by allowing it to carry out long-range surveillance and strike missions and recover the drones used. In turn, Tehran can invest more in developing more sophisticated and larger systems that won't just be used for one-way attack operations.

The Bagheri isn't the only container ship that the Iranians have turned into a military vessel. Last year, the IRGCN commissioned the Shahid Mahdavi, a modified expeditionary sea base that was formerly known as the Sarvin. This vessel can carry helicopters, drones, special forces units, and missiles.

Iran's IRGC published a video today of launching a ballistic missile from their forward base Shahid Mahdavi (converted container ship). pic.twitter.com/400Y8DYPlr  Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) February 13, 2024

Earlier this year, the Mahdavi completed a weekslong deployment in the Indian Ocean. During this voyage, it sailed near a key US base on the island of Diego Garcia in what appeared to be a demonstration of Tehran's reach to the American military.

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Nadimi said the IRGCN's push to convert merchant ships into sea bases and drone carriers reflected its desire to engage in longer-range operations farther from Iran, possibly in an attempt to mirror the US Navy aircraft carriers that regularly deploy to the region.

The capabilities of the Bagheri and Mahdavi don't come close to those of the American carriers, which can launch and recover advanced fighter jets and travel with smaller but powerful warships. But the Iranian vessels could still have an impact in an asymmetrical naval warfare role, especially if they're armed with missiles, helicopters, and drones.

The Middle East has seen a sharp increase in unconventional naval warfare in recent years, ranging from Iranian harassment of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to the missile attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes carried out by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Heavily armed drone carriers such as the Bagheri could allow Iran to engage in this kind of warfare at greater distances rather than being constrained to its neighborhood or having to rely on proxy forces.

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Nadimi said "they should be considered a threat not only to sea lines of communication and freedom of shipping" but also to "coastal and inland facilities and infrastructure as well."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Last week, the Biden administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage of new GLP-1 fat-busting drugs to people with obesity alone. Currently, the cost of the drugs is only covered for people with diabetes, or obesity and serious risk of cardiovascular events.

GLP-1 agonists  currently marketed under names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound  have quickly become household names. Obesity in the US may even have peaked, thanks to the drugs, which not only reduce weight but also improve health outcomes and save lives.

However, their benefits have so far been largely limited to wealthy nations. This is despite more than one billion people aged five years and over living with obesity worldwide, and almost two-thirds of deaths attributed to non-communicable disease.

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Expanding global access could have transformative effects on health outcomes globally. Our preliminary analysis estimates that equitable global access to GLP-1 drugs could save approximately 943,000 lives annually for people with obesity and/or diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This is a life-saving potential on par with childhood vaccines, which have saved about 3 million lives a year, or HIV treatments, which have saved 0.825 million lives a year. Countries with the highest potential life savings include populous nations like China, India, the U.S., Pakistan, and Brazil, while small island states with up to 70 per cent obesity prevalence could see the greatest reduction in disease burden.

However, to achieve these outcomes, the world must overcome three bottlenecks:

Awareness and advocacy

The life-saving potential of GLP-1 drugs is not widely recognised. The number of lives saved globally could rival that of HIV treatments and childhood vaccines, yet civil society is not pushing for global access in the same way. Advocacy groups should begin to call for GLP-1 drugs to be distributed in low- and middle-income countries, just as they did for HIV treatments and Covid-19 vaccines. At the same time, these drugs must complement existing public health strategies, such as taxes on sugary drinks and increased access to hypertension medication.

Global policy shift

Currently, the World Health Organization has not added GLP-1 drugs to its Essential Medicines List, nor has it pre-qualified them or recommended them in its guidelines for obesity or diabetes. The Novo Nordisk Foundation, now the worlds largest, could play a pivotal role  if it were enabled to do so  to make these drugs more accessible with the same innovative finance model used by Gates Foundation for polio.

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The upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases in 2025 could serve as a turning point for rallying international support and addressing the policy and financing bottlenecks. Shifting the mindset among global health actors will be critical.

Availability and affordability

The know-how to manufacture GLP-1 drugs currently rests primarily with two companies, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. There are production bottlenecks, including a limited supply of both the drugs and the devices used to administer them. These companies could follow the roadmaps of initiatives used for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.

The Medicines Patent Pool has used voluntary licencing agreements to make treatments more affordable in low- and middle-income countries. Likewise, MedAccess has increased access to treatment using innovative financing mechanisms to reduce the price of critical medical products through volume guarantees and other market-shaping tools. A big change in global access may come in 2026 when one of the drugs goes off patent in India and China, given the significant drug manufacturing capacity in those countries.

GLP-1 drugs are, of course, not a panacea. One prominent sceptic is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trumps nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, who told Fox News before the election: If we just gave good food, three meals a day, to every man, woman and child in our country, we could solve the obesity and diabetes epidemic overnight.

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There is truth in this. It is also the case that GLP-1 inhibitors  like any drug  have side effects and do not work for everyone. They are also relatively new so we are still learning about them, especially as regards their longer term efficacy and impact.

But GPL-1 drugs can and do help many obese and overweight people. They allow them to control their cravings and gradually adopt more healthy and sustainable behaviours. Their widespread use in the US, for example, is associated with processed food companies recently recording a drop in snack sales.

Although the evidence on lives saved is early, each year we delay could cost almost a million lives. We have the tools, models, and partnerships to avoid this. Now is the time to apply these lessons to bring the benefits of GLP-1 drugs to people around the world.

Dr Peter Singer is Professor Emeritus of Medicine at University of Toronto and former Special Advisor to the Director-General of the World Health Organization

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Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia, speaks outside the Statehouse on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at a press conference on a partnership between the state Department of Education and conservative media organization PragerU (Abraham Kenmore/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The South Carolina Board of Education should review whether a state endorsement of PragerU videos for public school classrooms is appropriate, one board member said after complaints from teachers, parents and students.

Emails between PragerU representatives and state Department of Education officials, dated from July through October, offer little insight into the partnership with the conservative media nonprofit. The emails, provided to reporters Wednesday, are the state agencys response to a state House Democrats public records request.

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The partnership was not announced by the education agency for public K-12 schools. Instead, it became public when state Superintendent Ellen Weaver appeared in a video that PragerU released in September encouraging classroom use of the videos, drawing the ire of parents, teachers and advocates.

South Carolina was the eighth state to approve the videos for use in public K-12 classrooms, joining Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Louisiana, New Hampshire and Arizona, according to the organizations website.

The videos, which are optional for teachers to use in their classrooms, did not go through the normal vetting process for classroom materials, such as textbooks. Typically, a 15-member committee composed primarily of teachers and administrators reviews materials, with input from the public. The State Board of Education then has the final say on what to approve or not approve.

The state board did not have any say over the PragerU partnership. A spokesman has previously said the department regularly offers teachers materials and training that dont need board approval.

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But the oversight board should make a decision about this one, board member Beverly Frierson of Columbia said during a Tuesday meeting.

I, too, am extremely concerned and disturbed by the indoctrination, and Im not even going to use some of the other adjectives to describe it, said Frierson, a former high school English teacher. Check it out for yourself.

Frierson, who also previously led the South Carolina Education Association, gave her fellow board members a homework assignment for the next meeting in January. She asked them to watch some of the videos on the nonprofits website and review the law tasking the state board with deciding what material is allowed in classrooms.

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A department spokesman did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Neither did representatives for PragerU.

Partnership begins

Still unclear is how, exactly, the partnership began, said Rep. Jermaine Johnson, the Columbia Democrat who requested the records in October.

Johnson wanted details on how the relationship came about and what the partnership entails, he told the SC Daily Gazette.

But he came away with no clear answers, no anything, he said.

Johnson questions whether details might exist on personal email accounts, which would skirt the states public records law.

At least one email, dated Aug. 28, did go to department officials personal emails before being forwarded to official accounts.

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Who knows what was going on and how many emails were going back and forth on their personal emails? Johnson told the Gazette.

The first email in the batch Johnson received that references PragerU was written by department attorney Robert Cathcart.

In the July email, he notes that a PragerU representative had called regarding some free curriculum that PragerU can make freely available to the Department that is aligned to our Financial Literacy Standards.

Cathcart forwarded the PragerU representatives information to the department employee in charge of instructional materials, suggesting they talk about the platform the state uses to host online resources.

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That initial email from Cathcart notes that PragerUs list of videos includes nearly two dozen crash course lessons on debt, credit, stocks and other finances.

But the videos that PragerU promotes as aligning with South Carolinas education standards go far beyond finances. The 67-page list includes lessons in history, geography, civics and other subjects.

How the conversations went from financial literacy to a broad array of subjects cant be discerned from the emails.

The emails show that at least one department employee raised questions on how to handle reviewing the videos, including which division of the agency should do it. The emails did not include answers to her questions.

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While an agency spokesman previously told the Gazette that PragerU is providing the videos for free, Johnson believes state funding is somehow involved. However, the emails make no mention of money.

Johnson is still deciding on what to do with the information he received, he said.

Official list

At least one video remains on PragerUs list despite assurances from Weaver that it would be removed, according to the emails.

In an exchange that started Sept. 19, a teacher representing the Palmetto State Teachers Association raised concerns about a 5-minute video arguing why Columbus Day should keep its name.

The video doesnt even seem to meet the state standards PragerU tied it to. Beyond that, it features a speaker wearing a shirt that reads, Try the Walther, referring to the firearms company, with a picture of two handguns, Patrick Kelly wrote in his initial email to Weaver about it.

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In light of this, it would be beyond inappropriate for this video to be played in a South Carolina classroom, Kelly wrote, referencing recent upticks in school shootings across the country.

Weaver responded the next day, saying department staff had also flagged that video for removal from the agencys endorsed list.

The final list that will be posted in the iHub and online for the public is still being curated, and that video will definitely be removed, Weaver wrote Sept. 20.

In his response back, Kelly said removing a single objectionable video did not solve the problem.

Upon reflection, I have increasing skepticism about any organization that would ever produce that video in the first place, he wrote. The design of the video makes it crystal clear that it is intended for an elementary school age audience, which gives me deep alarm about the lack of discernment demonstrated by not finding the t-shirt concerning when producing the video.

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Teachers do not have to use the videos if they find objectionable content in them, Weaver wrote in her second response.

Reasonable people can certainly differ in their overall opinions of various sources  I have found many of the videos I have watched to be well-done, Weaver wrote, pointing to one 5-minute video about the writing of the Constitution as an example.

But to the main point, Weaver continued, with this being an optional resource, it seems to me that this provides a wonderful opportunity for teachers to exercise their professional discretion about what to platform or not in their classroom.

As of Wednesday, 2 months later, the video with guns on the speakers t-shirt was still available on PragerUs provided list. And the department has yet to publicly post a state-endorsed alternative list, despite multiple assurances that the video would not be included, Kelly told the Gazette.

Until the department provides its own list, teachers should not consider the videos officially approved, Kelly said.
Dozens of neighbors of the incoming park attended the meeting Tuesday to find a balance between the site's educational potential and the quieter feel of a local neighborhood park.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Defense Department, has spent his week crisscrossing Senate office buildings as he tries to save his nomination. The scent is one of desperation.

The revelation of a Monterey, California, police report into a rape allegation against Hegseth in 2017he was not chargedwas only the beginning, as subsequent reports have offered additional looks into his alleged drinking and womanizing. His confirmation now has a serious math problem in the Senate, and members of Trumps teamwho feel as if their nominee has not been particularly up front with them about his pastare floating replacement names in the press. When a nominee puts his mother on Fox News to explain that contrary to what you read in the news, she thinks her son is great, the nomination could be deep into its twilight.

After Trumps initial Cabinet picks were stocked with more traditional selections, like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to lead the State Department, Hegseth was the first in a slew of controversial nominations. Within a matter of days, Trump had nominated Hegseth, a veteran and Fox News host, to run a life-and-death department with about 3 million employees and a nearly $1 trillion annual budget; Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a widely disliked legislative pyromaniac, to lead the Department of Justice; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the most famous purveyor of public health misinformation in the country, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services; and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an apologist for Russias invasion of Ukraine, to oversee the intelligence community.

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These picks, along with Trumps insistence that Senate leadership candidates support his use of recess appointmentsin other words, the Senates abdicating its prerogative to advise and consent on nomineessuggested at first that Trump might have been trying to bend Senate Republicans to his will by making them swallow the unswallowable. It was as if he had compiled a list of human beings most likely to give Maine Sen. Susan Collins the vapors and sorted high-ranking executive positions from there.

But breaking the Senate, as amusing as it might be, would be a time-consuming expenditure of political capital, and Trump has much he wants to get done in a short period of time. Spending his first months in office squeezing Gaetz and his ethics reports through a keyhole wasnt worth the effort when a friendly neighborhood Pam Bondi was available. Similarly, as he could be thinking now, why waste months reliving an evening on the Monterey peninsula when theres fun to be had serving as Ron DeSantis direct boss?

The standard for imperiling scrutiny, so far, has been set at scandal. (Fresh scandal at that. Kristi Noem, Trumps pick to run Homeland Security, was wise to reveal her dog execution months ago.) Senate Republicans dont want to vote for someone in the midst of nonstop negative stories, and Trump has little patience for the scandals that compete with his own.

But scandal wasnt at the root of what made either Gaetz or Hegseth controversial.

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I was in the Capitol when the Gaetz selection was announced, and the universal, bipartisan reaction of holy shit wasnt because everyones first thought was of Gaetzs pending ethics report. It was because he was Matt Gaetz, whose name was synonymous in the building with unseriousness. Hegseths nomination was a head-scratcher well before a police report came along. It was met with bafflement at why a provocative television host was being tapped to run the Pentagon.

Whats sinking them, instead, was that the scandals compounded the preexisting misgivings about people whom Trump enjoys watching on TV running two of the most powerful arms of the federal government.

What we dont know yetand may not know until confirmation hearings are conducted early next yearis the extent to which enough Senate Republicans will protest the remaining nominees they see as unfit, but who arent freshly scandalized enough to offer an excuse for rejection. Gabbard doesnt have any police or ethics reports in the hopper, as best we know. She just has a lot of excuses for revanchist Russian aggression. It has been yearsyearssince Kennedy did anything untoward to an animal corpse. The issue is with his view on vaccines, or chemtrails, or wireless cellular networks, or what have you. And the issue with our latest entrantwould-be FBI Director Kash Patelisnt that he had a debauched weekend recently. Its that Trump has nominated to run the federal governments law-enforcement agency a guy who literally published a list of targets for retribution.

To once again bring the worlds lowest bar down another notch: Its nice that theres still a line, somewhere, for the chamber of Congress given constitutional oversight over high-level executive branch personnel. Its still too early to know where that line will finally settle. Right now, active scandal is the level at which its appropriate to ask questions and work behind the scenes for a new nominee. What if Senate Republicans dont like someones views or just think theyre unqualified? Is that still good enough for a no vote?
Some people are turning to "loyalty tests" to check if their partners are cheating.

Companies are cashing in, connecting users to testers for a fee.

Even when someone "passes," a test can pose problems for couples.

It's no secret: Dating in the digital age is hard.

Knowing when to change your Facebook relationship status or "soft launch" your relationship is stressful enough, but the internet has also made cheating easier than ever.

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"The digital age has provided a million more ways to cheat or be deceptive or be disloyal in a relationship than in the past," Landis Bejar, a wedding therapist and the founder of AisleTalk , told Business Insider.

Some lovers have turned to "loyalty tests" to see if their partners are faithful, tapping strangers to catch their significant others being disloyal by sending incriminating direct messages, hoping for an untoward reply. Now, companies like Lazo and Loyalty-Test are cashing in on the trend.

One woman who paid to test her partner told Business Insider she wished she had used the service sooner.

Helping others who get cheated on

A tester who goes by Ari on Loyalty-Test for privacy reasons but whose identity is known to BI said she first became familiar with the app as a customer.

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"I was the one that wanted to test my partner," she said. "He ended up passing by default. He didn't respond."

Ari said she appreciated the process and became interested in being a tester. So, she signed up.

"In the past, with relationships, I would get a lot of unfaithful partners, and I would have loved to have this sooner," Ari said. "I definitely wanted to be the one to help people out."

Now, Ari works as a hairstylist by day and performs between five and eight loyalty tests weekly. She sticks to digital tests and charges $55 for a day of testing.

"I've noticed people do fold very quickly," she said. "It usually happens within the first day."

The testers send screenshots of their progress. Courtesy of Loyalty-Tests

Ari said she starts her work with clients by asking what they think of as a pass or fail to ensure they agree.

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"Usually, I'll explain the process that I'm going to do, and if they have specific things they want me to say, then I go by what they want me to say," she said.

Some of her clients are in committed relationships and suspect cheating when they hire her. Others are about to take a step with someone, like becoming exclusive or moving in together, and want to use a loyalty test to confirm they're making the right decision.

Ari said it can be difficult when she has to tell clients their partners are failing a test, both because she feels empathy toward them and because she has been cheated on.

"The length that they would go to be sneaky, you know, it's a little triggering sometimes," she said.

'Loyalty tests' are on the rise

Videos about loyalty tests started going viral online around 2021, and they all followed a similar blueprint.

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A "tester" messages someone's partner on social media at their request and pretends to want to date them. If the person shows interest in the fake suitor, they fail the test. If they don't, they pass.

As the trend became more popular, companies started offering anonymous tests for a fee.

Lazo began testing potential cheaters in January, Ashlyn Nakasu, the company's community manager, told BI. Lazo's team aims for the app to provide people unfettered access to the truth in a relationship.

Lazo has about 400 checkers that charge a range of fees, though they typically start at $40. For that fee, a tester will message your partner, pretending to be interested in them to see if they cross a boundary.

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"You never know if you're actually going to get the whole truth out of people," Nakasu told BI, as many people don't immediately confess if their partner accuses them of cheating.

A conversation between a tester and a client on Loyalty-Tests. Courtesy of Loyalty-Tests

"We wanted to offer a solution that was more affordable and less time-consuming," Nakasu said, referring to hiring a private investigator. According to the job platform Bark, the average cost of a private investigator in the US is $85 per hour, and their services can range from digital investigation to trailing your partner.

Loyalty-Tests, launched in January 2023, offers digital and in-person tests for a fee set by the testers. As founder and CEO Brandan Balasingham told BI, testers sign up to work for the company on the app like Uber drivers. The company then sifts through applicants to see who would be a good tester before they get approved to take on clients.

Some testers charge as little as $10 for a digital test, but the in-person tests, in which a tester meets up with a potential cheater at a client's direction, can cost upward of $500.

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As of November 2024, Balasingham said Loyalty-Test averaged 10 to 20 customers daily.

Both Lazo and Loyalty-Tests said their clients are seeing real results.

Nakasu said 60% of Lazo users' partners pass the loyalty tests. Balasingham said the latest data from Loyalty-Tests shows a discrepancy between the results of men and women being tested. About 60% of men fail, while around 30% of women do.

Establish trust early

Although loyalty tests have become popular, Bejar said they shouldn't be the norm in a healthy relationship.

"There's no relationship without trust," Bejar said. "If we don't have trust, we have to completely manage another person and oversee another person to ensure they're going to do what they say they are. And that can't work in a relationship."

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Dramatic acts like cheating can erode trust, but smaller "ruptures," as Bejar calls them, like not doing something you said you would or telling white lies, can damage the bond between you and your partner just as easily.

In that sense, conducting a loyalty test against your partner can be a betrayal in the same way that cheating is. Whether someone passes a loyalty test or not, the relationship is likely in trouble if someone feels the need to conduct one.

Bejar does think there are some situations where a loyalty test could be helpful, though, particularly in an abusive relationship.

"If a loyalty test can break someone out of that kind of contrived reality that an abusive person has created for them, that by definition is really hard to get out of, then I think there's a place for it," Bejar said.

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Still, if you want to use a loyalty test instead of organically building trust with your partner over time, Bejar said that's likely a sign you need to reflect on why building trust seems hard. She added that you should set boundaries with your partner to ensure you agree on the definition of betrayal.

"Love can be blinding, and we can overlook things," she said. "You need to know what a dealbreaker is to you so that if you are in love with somebody and they cross one of your boundaries, you can walk away even though it's hard and sad."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Getty Images)

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt on Wednesday certified the results of the 2024 general election, after the Department of State verified the totals provided by all 67 counties.

After a careful review of the counties election results, I am pleased to confirm that Pennsylvania had a free, fair, safe, and secure general election on Nov. 5, Schmidt said in a statement. Thank you to county election officials for their hard work preparing for and conducting a smooth election.

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According to the DOS, statewide turnout for the election was nearly 77%, with more than 7 million Pennsylvania registered voters casting a ballot.

The DOS announced Monday it had completed two required audits of general election ballots that confirmed the accuracy of the results.

Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes made it a key piece of the puzzle for presidential candidates, with GOP candidate Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, spending millions of dollars campaigning across the state. Trump won the presidency, taking 50.37% of the vote in Pennsylvania, compared to Harris 48.66%.

All statewide races for row offices were won by Republicans as well, with the partisan makeup of the legislature remaining the same, with Republicans controlling the state Senate and Democrats controlling the state House. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey lost his bid for a fourth term to GOP challenger Dave McCormick.

Under the federal Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, the deadline for Gov. Josh Shapiro to sign and issue Pennsylvanias certificate of ascertainment  which officially records and reports the results  is Dec. 11. Then, the Electoral College meets in Harrisburg on Dec. 17 to vote for president and vice president.
DERRY  The Childrens Dental Network is closing after 31 years of providing oral health to students, but officials say theyre glad it could help create programs like it across the state.

Dianne Powers, the executive director and the dental hygienist for Childrens Dental Network, said the program will end its visits to schools at the end of this year.

Its very sad, Powers said. The children, their oral health needs, are what will be impacted the most.

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Powers has been serving for the last 25 years on the board, most of which she has worked as the head dental hygienist.

The programs day-to-day operations were run by Powers, part-time dental assistant Debi Grochmal, and part-time office assistant Laura Galvin.

The three would go to more than 30 schools in Derry, Londonderry, Chester, Hampstead and Sandown.

The decision to close came when The Alexander Eastman Foundation, the main donor, approached the networks board of directors and added a stipulation to the donations that required their board members be added to Childrens Dental Networks board.

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That stipulation did not sit right with the Childrens Dental Networks board, Powers said. In addition to the greater Derry area, the group runs a separate program called Salem Childrens Dental Network, which was funded independently from the main program, but it will be shutting down in December as well.

Even though the Derry-based Childrens Dental Network is closing, its mission will live on as other school dental programs throughout New Hampshire continue serving students.

Other programs have reached out to us to get school-based oral programs in their communities, Powers said.

Our program was considered the gold standard for school-based oral health programs. Not every community has a program like this. Thanks to Hope Saltmarsh, its been a model in the state.

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Saltmarsh was the networks founder, who wanted to reach children who might not have the chance to get oral health examinations and teeth cleanings, Powers said.

Childrens Dental Health scheduled visits to schools with the school nurses. Children enrolled in the program would get a time for teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants.

Powers said the whole operation would take between 20 and 30 minutes per student.

In addition to the appointment, Powers said the network also had area dentists who would donate their time if a child needed more work done for their oral health. She said one dentist the program works with had donated more than $10,000 of dental work for one child.

The main focus of the program is to provide access to dental care and provide preventative dental services to children in school, Powers said. We also provided education in classrooms and referrals to community dentists. Its a community of caregivers.
An ancient fish, the shortnose sturgeon, was found to be living in an area where it hasn't been spotted in decades.

Scientists this summer discovered traces of the fish  which has been around for 70 million years  in the Connecticut River, Vermont Public reported in October. The environmental DNA samples came from between the Turners Falls Dam in Massachusetts and the Bellows Falls Dam on the Vermont-New Hampshire border, about 40 miles north.

"It's not just one fish," Kate Buckman of the Connecticut River Conservancy said. "We can say it's not just one fish, but we can't give you a number."

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The process used to detect the fish was involved. James Garner, a doctoral candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, free-dived to the bottom of the river to collect water in bottles, hoping to capture just a cell or portion of a cell from the sturgeon. He returned to the surface to hand off the samples to Buckman  over and over again.

That's all the genetic material it took to identify the species.

"I can't really overstate how powerful this technique is," Garner told Vermont Public.

The research team spent weeks trolling the depths where the sturgeon eat, and it analyzed samples from other expeditions, too. If they turn up enough evidence, they can estimate the population and distribution of the sturgeon.

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The creatures have been around since the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs roamed Earth and the climate was much warmer, as the Natural History Museum explained. The Western Interior Seaway also split North America in two back then.

The shortnose sturgeon lives 30 years, reaches 4 1/2 feet in length, and weighs 50 pounds, per NOAA Fisheries. They were overfished by the late 1800s, and habitat loss, water pollution, and dam construction, among other stressors, have contributed to their disappearance from certain waterways.

Shortnose sturgeon have five rows of bony plates along their bodies and four whisker-like barbels on their snout. They are an endangered species, and conservationists are working to protect their habitats. That could be especially important in this stretch of the Connecticut River in southern Vermont, where the primitive fish have only been observed anecdotally for years  but never confirmed.

"If we aren't acknowledging that the fish are there in the first place, none of that gets put into play," Buckman told Vermont Public.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The rights of Tennessees transgender children are now in the hands of the Supreme Court after justices heard the historic case with nationwide impact.

Tennessees controversial 2023 ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which restricted access to puberty blockers, hormone therapy, surgeries, and other care, worked its way up to the Supreme Court. SCOTUS agreed to hear arguments only when it comes to minors using puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transition.

During the more than 2 1/2 hour hearing Wednesday, opponents of the law argued Tennessees Senate Bill 1 is a form of sex discrimination because, while boys and girls at birth can use puberty blockers and hormone therapy for medical purposes other than gender dysphoria under the law, transgender boys and girls cannot use them to transition.

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Opponents also presented possible consequences of banning hormone therapy and puberty blockers for those with gender dysphoria, including increased risk of suicide and other social challenges.

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However, the state argued Tennessee lawmakers passed the legislation to protect children from the possible, irreversible harms of transitioning too young, including infertility and patients changing their minds. They said the law does not ban certain genders from taking the drugs, but bans all children from taking the drugs for the purpose of transitioning.

SCOTUSs conservatives appeared to lean toward upholding the law, while its three liberal justices seemed to side strongly with the TN families who challenged the legislation.

Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged that while minors with gender dysphoria can benefit from taking hormone therapy and/or puberty blockers, there can also be negative consequences.

For us to come in and choose one side of that knowing, either way, people are going to be harmed, theres no kind of perfect way out, at least how Ive read the briefs, where everyone benefits and no one is harmed, Justice Kavanaugh said.

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TN leaders speak out on transgender rights case ahead of Supreme Court hearing

Chief Justice John Roberts suggested lawmakers should make the decision on gender-affirming care for minors, not the Supreme Court. The Constitution leaves that question to the peoples representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor, Justice Roberts said.

However, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed.

When youre 1% of the population, [its] very hard to see how the democratic process will protect you, Justice Sotomayor said. Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didnt protect them. It didnt protect women for whole centuries.

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Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson drew comparisons to SB1 and the Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage, saying, Everyone seemed to concede that a racial classification was being drawn as a starting point. The question seemed to be whether it was discriminatory.

After the arguments, stakeholders gathered on the steps of the courthouse to share their reactions.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

This case is about protecting kids from the consequences of decisions that they cannot fully understand, TN Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said. Kids on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for gender dysphoria face serious risks of losing their fertility forever, of losing their sexual function forever, of dealing with medical conditions for the rest of their lives.

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I am so honored to represent transgender adolescents and their parents who spent years thinking about how to best take care of their suffering children, made decisions that were best for their families with the recommendations from their doctors, only to have those decisions overridden and misplaced by the government of Tennessee, Chase Strangio, an attorney with the ACLU said.

State Senate Majority Leader, Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), who sponsored SB1, released the following statement to News 2 after the arguments:

Today marks a pivotal moment in Tennessee and our countrys history. The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for a first-of-its-kind case that shows every state in the country what it really looks like to stand up for children. At its core, Senate Bill 1 is about protecting the innocence of children and ensuring we are propping them up for a successful future. The arguments presented today by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti are proof of Tennessees compelling interest in protecting children, Sen. Johnson wrote. I am especially grateful for my Senate and House colleagues who helped get Senate Bill 1 across the finish line and General Skrmetti for his tireless commitment to protecting Tennesseans. I also thank the Supreme Court for taking up this critical issue. I am extremely proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 1. As we await the Courts decision, we remain hopeful that good will prevail in a manner that honors the conservative values we hold dear.

More than 20 other states have passed similar legislation that bans gender-affirming care for minors.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Justices are expected to have a decision on the case by June 2025.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The search continues for Elizabeth Pollard, 64, who went missing on Dec. 2 and is believed to have fallen through a sinkhole and into a mine

Authorities said that the fragile state of the mine has prompted a shift in rescuers' search process

Unless its a miracle, most likely this is recovery, Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Lemani said at a Dec. 4 press conference

Authorities say the search for Elizabeth Pollard, a missing grandmother who is believed to have fallen through a large sinkhole and into an abandoned mine while looking for her pet cat, is now a recovery effort.

We have not been able to get any type of location of her as of yet, Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said at a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4, other than to know that we are virtually positive she is in the mine. Its just a matter of trying to find her and do right by her family.

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Unless its a miracle, most likely this is recovery, the spokesperson added.

Related: 23 People Rescued, 1 Dead After Elevator Malfunction at Colorado Gold Mine Tourist Attraction

Limani said the difficulty in accessing the mine, as well as its fragile state, led to a shift in the rescuers process of finding Pollard.

The condition of the mine that weve been working through has changed our potential outlook on where were probably headed with our investigation, he shared.

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Pennsylvania State Police via AP This Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. image provided by the Pennsylvania State Police shows the top of a sinkhole in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers were searching for a woman who disappeared This Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. image provided by the Pennsylvania State Police shows the top of a sinkhole in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers were searching for a woman who disappeared

The spokesperson added that based off of oxygen levels being a little low, even though we pumped oxygen into the mine, its lower than what you want for someone to try to sustain their life.

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Its been difficult  Id be lying to you if I didnt tell you it feels a little bit like a loss, Limani said.

Pollard, 64, went missing in Unity Township on Monday, Dec. 2, after she was looking for her cat Pepper around 5 p.m. A relative reported that she disappeared on Tuesday, Dec. 3, just before 1 a.m., Limani previously said, according to ABC News.

Related: I Survived Getting Partially Swallowed by Quicksand on the Beach. Here's How I Got Lucky

Authorities arrived to find Pollards 5-year-old granddaughter inside her grandmother's vehicle, reported The New York Times, parked near a newly formed large sinkhole. It led first responders to suspect Pollard had fallen in.

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The girl was reported to have been safe and told authorities she nodded off in the car and woke up and Grandma never came back, Limani said at the time.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that crews shifted to deploying K-9 units, cameras and other electronic devices on Wednesday, Dec. 4, because of safety concerns surrounding the ground near where Pollard disappeared.

Related: Video Shows Sinkhole Swallowing Part of Illinois Sports Field: Like Something Out of a Movie'

Despite the gravity of the situation, Limani said in his Dec. 4 update that searchers will continue to work through the operation.

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Its taken longer than we thought, the spokesperson said. The mine is just not in good condition. Its got areas where its starting to collapse and decay and buckle a little bit. We were afraid were gonna make it worse if we try to continue to plow forward with the techniques we were using. Its gonna be another day of solid digging.

Rescuers were scheduled to resume work Thursday morning, Dec. 5, the Associated Press reported.

Read the original article on People
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - At least another full day of digging will be needed to find a woman who is believed to have been swallowed by a sinkhole behind a restaurant in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, state police said.

"Unless it's a miracle, most likely this is [a] recovery [effort]," Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Stephen Limani said.

A search is underway for a missing woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in Unity Township. / Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

At a 5 p.m. news conference Wednesday, state police said the rescue effort for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard has now shifted to a recovery effort.

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Police, firefighters, mining experts, and search and rescue teams have spent nearly two full days digging, shoring up and searching an abandoned coal mine behind Monday's Restaurant on Marguerite Road in Unity Township.

State police said Pollard likely fell into a sinkhole, about the size of a manhole, behind the restaurant sometime between Monday evening and the early hours of Tuesday. She was looking for her cat at the time.

Earlier on Wednesday, state police said the mine had become unstable and it was no longer safe for search teams to enter and work in. Now, they plan to dig more of the area out.

"Because of the fragile state of the mine, we've had to change what we were trying to do," Limani said. "We were trying to basically suction the removal of dirt and debris and rocks, and even using water to try and soften the debris up or even push it out of our way to [now] where we have to dig out a massive area, more than four times the size of the area that we had originally done, to try and secure the mine so we can access it to try and go in there and recover her."

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Ligonier Construction was called in to help with digging out the old mine.

"It's basically pieces of wood and a little bit of rock side walls and plywood, and it's been there for 75 years," Limani said. "It's been at the same temperature, it's basically been encapsulated, and it's basically 55ish degrees and it's been that way for that long. Now we're introducing freezing cold water, different types of temperatures, you're creating a very rough environment for fragile material and that's some of the hurdles we've encountered."

So far, state police said they do not have a location of where Pollard ended up after falling. They also have not heard any sounds or noises from the mine.

However, Limani said they spotted a lone shoe for a second time in the dirt and mud.

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He said the space they are working in is as fragile as a "house of cards."

"Now you've built that house and you're trying to operate inside that house to pull out boulders and move dirt and put high-powered water to break up clay and suck it out, all while you're around a deck of cards, that's about how fragile it is," he said.

State police have informed Pollard's family that the operation is moving a recovery phase.

"It's just a matter of trying to find her and do right by her family," Limani said. "We had a conversation with them a couple hours ago about where we thought the investigation was. I know we have a lot of hopes, and maybe there is still a glimmer of hope, but based off of oxygen levels being a little lower, even though we've pumped oxygen into the mine, it's lower than what you would want for someone to try and sustain their life. It's been difficult."

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Even crews working at the scene have had a hard time dealing with such a difficult and sensitive operation.

"You're risking the safety of yourself and you're risking the safety of others for the potential," Limani said. "As we keep weighing out the risks and the potential just kept getting lower and lower and lower, it feels like a failure. I'm not going to lie. It feels like we've failed, but if somebody else gets hurt, I think it would be worse."

Now that the operation has moved into a recovery phase, crews are wrapping up for the night and will return to the scene in the morning. State police emphasize though that no one is giving up. In the meantime, they are preparing to work during Thursday's inclement weather. Accumulating snow is in the forecast for western Pennsylvania.

They are asking for continued support from people who are following their efforts.

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State police are also thanking the community on behalf of all the workers. Limani said the village of Westmoreland County where this is all taking place is very tightknit.

People and restaurants from all over have been bringing food to keep the workers fed and warm.

"Keep rooting for us," he said.

Abandoned mine declared "unstable"

"Throughout the course of the incident, we have had well over 100 emergency personnel here at the site working through the night," said Pennsylvania State Trooper Cliff Greenfield. "Some of them have left, many of which have been replaced by other personnel. The efforts are ongoing today. I'd like to also address some rumors that have been going around. We've been made aware of some rumors, one being that Ms. Pollard has been found. That is false. We are still actively searching for Ms. Pollard. We are hopeful that she is found alive."

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In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Trooper Greenfield along with Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Bacha, provided details on how the search has continued and their efforts to find Pollard.

"We're still working on some cameras, some electronic devices, some canines, for various reasons, to go through and trying to locate Ms. Pollard," Chief Bacha said. "At this point, the scope of the situation and the condition of the mines, it's beyond sending rescuers in."

Bacha went on to say that the roof of the abandoned mine had collapsed in several places and it was unstable. He said that the Bureau of Mines provided them with hand-drawn maps from the 1940s to help them with their search.

However, oxygen has become a concern.

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"It's now a concern for Ms. Pollard, absolutely. It's oxygen deficient," he said. "At the same time, we've had experts from various areas. Many times we would blow air into it. We have fans, fans are made for that - to blow air, fresh oxygen in. At the same time, that can also create another problem in a coal mine. It can actually pull methane back into an area where we didn't have methane. Right now we have no explosive gases."

Massive search and rescue effort underway in Unity Township

At one point, more than 100 people had responded to the scene to assist in the massive search and rescue effort.

Crews worked on widening the hole Tuesday and eventually got people down into the mine area. What appeared to be shoe was located while crews were putting cameras and mics underground, but they haven't seen or heard Pollard as of yet.

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Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Bacha said no carbon monoxide or explosive gases were detected in the atmosphere underground.

Authorities said the temperature in the mine is warmer than the outside air, estimating it was around 50 degrees Tuesday afternoon, much warmer than freezing temperatures above ground.

Limani said Pollard's family is understandably "having a rough go with it."

Elizabeth Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, spoke about his mother's disappearance on Tuesday evening, saying he has gone through many emotions, but hopes first responders find Pollard alive.

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Elizabeth Pollard disappeared looking for her runaway cat

Police believe Elizabeth Pollard fell into a sinkhole while looking for her cat in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. / Credit: (Photo provided by Pennsylvania State Police)

Dozens of first responders, from police to firefighters and search and rescue teams, were on the scene at Monday's Restaurant on Marguerite Road looking for Pollard.

In a press conference on Tuesday evening, state police said they haven't been able to make contact with Pollard more than 24 hours after she disappeared, but crews have been able to get into the abandoned mine where she fell and it's still considered a rescue mission.

State police said Pollard was last seen in the area around 5 p.m. on Monday calling for Pepper, her lost cat. Hours later, around 1 a.m. Tuesday, a family member called state police to report that Pollard had not come home.

Troopers went out searching for her in the area of Monday's Restaurant and discovered her car just before 3 a.m. parked behind the building.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside of New York City hotel

NYPD gives update on search for gunman in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in "targeted attack" outside New York City hotel
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Utica Police have arrested another person in the shooting death of 19-year-old Keyamonie Davis on Monday.

Police say that on Monday, a Oneida County grand jury had handed down three indictments for the shooting, which occurred on Friday, November 8. Davis had been killed in the shooting on Faxton Street, and another male had been wounded as well.

The first individual  18-year-old Quadir Pinkney of Utica  had been arrested on Tuesday, November 26. On Monday, another suspect  19-year-old Dion Ahemti of Utica  was arrested after the indictment.

Ahemti faces one charge of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I Felony.

According to Utica Police, a third individual will be identified after their arrest. Currently, the New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force of the United States Marshalls is attempting to locate the third party.

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This is an ongoing investigation. We will provide updates as soon as they become available to us.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Texas GOP Rep. Pat Fallon got into a screaming match Thursday during a hearing before a House task force investigating the assassination attempt against President-elect Donald Trump.

Fallon yelled about Rowe's attendance at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony in New York City in September. He accused Rowe of putting President Joe Biden's Secret Service detail out of position so he could sit behind Biden, using a poster-sized photo showing Rowe's face circled near the president.

He accused the acting director of putting the life of the president in jeopardy to audition for the job.

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"Congressman, what you're not seeing is the [Special Agent in Charge] of the detail off out of the picture's view. And that is the day where we remember more than 3,000 people that have died on 9/11," Rowe said Thursday. "I actually responded to ground zero. I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center. I was there at Fresh Kills."

Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes  You are out of line, congressman. Acting director of the Secret Service Ronald Rowe clashes with GOP Rep. Pat Fallon during a hearing on the assassination attempts against Donald Trump. https://t.co/9HDNnUblJF pic.twitter.com/ANHi0G5gHw  ABC News (@ABC) December 5, 2024

MORE: Acting Secret Service director vows 'accountability' over Trump assassination attempt

Fallon yelled at Rowe, asking if he were the special agent in charge.

PHOTO: Secret Service Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. responds to questions from Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, during a hearing by the House Task Force on the Secret Service's security failures, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey/AP)

"I was there to show respect for members that died on 9/11," Rowe yelled back his finger pointing at Fallon. "Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes," Rowe shouted.

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"Oh, I am not," Fallon responded.

PHOTO: Rep. Pat Fallon questions Secret Service Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. during a hearing by the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump on the Secret Service's security failures, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey/AP)

"You are sir," Rowe yelled back. "And you are out of line!"

"I am an elected member of Congress, and I'm asking you a serious question," Fallon said.

"I am a public servant who has served," Rowe yelled back.

MORE: Secret Service spotted Trump rally shooter on roof 20 minutes before gunfire erupted

Earlier, Rowe told the House panel investigating the assassination attempt there is a heightened threat environment, and the Secret Service has already made changes to ensure such an attempt doesn't happen again.

"We are operating in a heightened threat environment with expanding protection requirements, and this requires a shift in the Secret Service's levels of protection, readiness and sustainability," Rowe told Congress. "A paradigm shift focuses on elevating protection, prioritizing training, strengthening our workforce and increasing accountability."

Explosive exchange about 9/11 at Secret Service hearing originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) engaged in a shouting match that persisted over gavel banging, as Rowe accused the lawmaker of politicizing the 9/11 attacks.

The Republican hit a nerve with Rowe when he began asking about security planning ahead of a 9/11 memorial held at ground zero on Sept. 11 of this year.

Fallon, holding a picture of President Biden and President-elect Trump at the event, asked about Rowes appearance in the photo behind both men, suggesting that by being there, he had bumped some members of the protective detail.

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Rowe responded that Fallons photo cropped out the members of the protective team there to secure the event.

The Secret Service also later clarified Rowe was invited to attend the event. That is the day where we remember the more than 3,000 people that died on 9/11. I actually responded to ground zero. I was there, going through the ashes of the World Trade Center, he said, telling Fallon he was at the memorial to show respect for a Secret Service agent who died in the attack. That ignited yelling from both men, making it difficult to discern what each was saying even as the shouting persisted for about a minute. Chair Mike Kellys (R-Pa.) repeated banging of the gavel failed to restore silence.

Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes, Rowe shouted at Fallon.

Fallon responded, Dont try and bully me.

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Approached by The Hill after the exchange, Rowe said only What I said was on the record.

Fallon first pressed Rowe on his actions as deputy director, the position he held when an attempted assassin shot Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania this summer, the focus of Thursdays hearing. Fallon pointed out that Rowe waited days to visit the site and meet with agents who were on the ground.

Speaking with reporters once Rowe had left, Fallon said the Secret Service agent who brought the 9/11 photo to his attention had implied the leader inappropriately scuttled the security team.

He didnt need to be an interloper and interfere with the protection of the president of the United States and the vice president, Fallon said, adding that the special agent in charge of the event should have been in that spot, standing there with a bulletproof vest and weapons in the event they needed to be a protective shield or return fire.

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Suddenly hes not where hes supposed to be, because his boss told him to move down  down the line.  Did he have a vest on that day? I dont think he did, but I didnt get to ask the question, because he blew up like a child.

Fallon later added that he wants Rowe gone.

Im not upset that he was there, Fallon said, adding that he could have attended the event as a dignitary. Im upset that he was interfering with the protection of the president.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Gugliemi said Rowe attended the event as an invitee. U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe was invited to the September 11 Memorial Ceremony in New York this year to honor the victims of that tragic day, including the members of the Secret Service who were killed. All detail personnel were present and had complete access to their protectees during the memorial, he said.

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Rowe is typically cool and collected during public appearances and has also been vocal in acknowledging the failures of his agency on July 13, when the would-be assassin shot Trumps ear and killed a man in the crowd, and the need for reform.

His predecessor atop the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned shortly after the attack as lawmakers criticized her for not being transparent.

Rowe was deputy director at the time of the shooting but visited the site swiftly after being promoted to the acting role, about 10 days after the attempted assassination.

This story was updated at 12:50 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.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), motorists in the Volunteer State are five times more likely to be distracted drivers than motorists in other parts of the country.

In 2023, THP reported, 9,873 crashes involving distracted drivers, which works out to one such crash every 26 minutes.

A 34-year-old Clarksville man knows how quickly it can all happen. He told News 2 he feels very lucky to be alive after two separate vehicles collided with him last week. Both crashes were captured on video.

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The incident reportedly happened around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 after Brandon Bullock, a field operations manager for the Solaren Risk Management, left his Clarksville home to head to work in Mt. Juliet.

Sen. Ken Yager arrested for DUI, hit-and-run in Georgia

According to Bullock and the Clarksville Police Department, a 24-year-old driving a red Dodge Charger merged onto Warfield Boulevard, striking Bullocks security car and causing it to spin around.

The security officer regained control as his car came to a stop at a 45 degree angle. The other vehicle also stopped. Bullock quickly activated his emergency lights, but a few seconds later, the video shows headlights speeding right at him. Then, a car smashed right into Bullocks security vehicle.

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An older gentleman that claimed not to see my lights or my strobes that were going off hit me head-on going about 45, 50 mph, Bullock recalled.

In that moment, as the headlights rushed toward him, Bullock said he could only brace himself and think about his fiance and children.

1 dead after 3-vehicle crash in Murfreesboro

Were supposed to be getting married next May, and that incident right there couldve definitely left me paralyzed or out of work for a long term of time, he told News 2.

According to authorities, the 78-year-old driver of the Hyundai Santa Fe that crashed into Bullock was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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There was no slowing down, he didnt hit the brakes, nothing; he just drove straight into meAll he said was he didnt see my lights on, Bullock explained.

Police will charge the 24-year-old Dodge driver who started the chain reaction crash with failure to use reasonable care.

I just asked him, I said, Hey man, did you just not see me? All he told me was that he didnt see me, which told me that he was probably distracted with a phone. He was a young guy, Bullock said.

Tip leads to arrest of man wanted for deadly September crash in Clarksville

News 2s Andy Cordan asked the security officer if he had a message to motorists. Bullock offered the following response:

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Definitely they need to be just more aware. I understand technology is a great thing, but for some reason, people still continue to hold phones in their hands and things like that. I was lucky that I didnt get more severely hurt, but especially with lights flashing at 4:30 in the morning when its dark outside, its very visible, and for it not to be seen is definitely a cause for concern. I just truly believe that people just need to be way more attentive and slow down. Everybody only has one life. Theres no need to rush through it. Not only do you have to worry about how you drive, you need to worry about how other people drive, as well.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Neither Bullock nor the 78-year-old Hyundai driver who smashed into him were cited for last weeks incident. However, Bullock  who didnt go to the hospital  said he suffered fractured ribs, a concussion, and major bruising to his hips and knee.

Jack Byrd, the CEO of Solaren Risk Management, told News 2 that five of his agencys marked vehicles have been destroyed in 2024, injuring employees, because of carelessness or inattentive driving on the part of other motorists.

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My message is really simple: everyone plays a part in work zone safety, Byrd said. Everyone wants to go home, everyone has a family, everyone has people that they love and things that they care about, and going to work, they shouldnt be in fear for that.

News 2 checked on work zone safety with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, which supplied these figures:

Nashville district: 665 work zone crashes reported year-to-date in 2024

Eight in 10 work zone crashes happen in urban areas

Three in five fatal work zone crashes involve drugs or alcohol

One in four work zone crashes result in possible/suspected injuries

One in 12 work zone crashes involve a distracted driver

Statewide: 2,182 work zone crashes reported year-to-date in 2024

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Something unexpected  but hardly unprecedented  happened in South Korea on Dec. 3, 2024. With little warning, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing the threat from pro-North Korean anti-state forces.

The move, which appeared more about curtailing efforts by the main opposition  the center-left Democratic Party  to frustrate Yoons policy agenda through their control of parliament, left many South Koreans stunned. As one Seoul resident told reporters: It feels like a coup d'etat.

That interviewee wasnt far off.

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As scholars of authoritarian politics and authors of the colpus dataset of coup types and characteristics, we have spent countless hours documenting the history of coups detat since World War II.

Yoons short-lived martial law declaration  it lasted just a few hours before being lifted  was an example of what political scientists call an autogolpe, or to give the phenomenon its English name, a self-coup.

Our data shows that self-coups are becoming more common, with more in the past decade compared with any other 10-year period since the end of World War II. What follows is a primer on why thats happening, what self-coups involve  and why, unlike in around 80% of self-coups, Yoons gambit failed.

The components of a self-coup

All coup attempts share some characteristics. They involve an attempt to seize executive power and entail a concrete, observable and illegal action by military or civilian personnel.

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In a regular coup, those responsible will attempt to take power from an incumbent or presumptive leader. Historically, most coups have been perpetrated, or at least supported, by military actors. A classic example is when the Chilean army under Gen. Augusto Pinochet ousted the government of Salvador Allende in 1973 and imposed military rule.

Some coups, however, are led by leaders themselves.

These self-coups are coups in reverse. Rather than the leader of the country being replaced in an unconstitutional manner, the incumbent executive takes or sponsors illegal actions against other people in the regime  for example, the courts or parliament  with the goal of extending their stay in office or expanding their own power.

This may take the form of a chief executive using troops to shut down the legislature, as Yoon tried unsuccessfully to do in South Korea. Others have had more success; Tunisian President Kais Saied orchestrated a self-coup in July 2021 by dismissing parliament and the judiciary to pave the way for expanding his presidential power. More than three years on, Saied remains in power.

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Alternatively, a leader may try to coerce state officials or the legislature to overturn an election loss. We saw this happen with Donald Trump after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and as such we include his attempt to pressure local officials  and then-Vice President Mike Pence  to overturn the election result in our list of self-coup attempts.

The varieties of self-coup methods

But not all executive power grabs are self-coups. For example, if a president gets the legislature to extend presidential term limits and the courts approve  as Bolivian President Evo Morales did in 2017  this may be a blow to executive constraints and democracy, but we dont consider it a coup since the procedure for changing the law is constitutional.

In all, we have recorded 46 self-coups since 1945 by democratically elected leaders in the forthcoming self-colpus dataset, including the latest attempt in South Korea. Our self-coup data was compiled over the past three years with the aid of some enterprising undergraduate students at Carnegie Mellon University.

Reviewing the circumstance  and outcomes  of these incidents helps us identify the most common characteristics of self-coups.

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Yoons actions in South Korea were typical in some ways but not in others. Over half of self-coup attempts in democratic countries target the judiciary or the legislature, while around 40% explicitly seek to undermine democratic elections or prevent election winners from taking office. The rest target other regime elites or a nominal executive.

Yoon declared martial law to grab executive power from an opposition-led legislature.

Interestingly, only a quarter of self-coup attempts in democracies involve such an emergency declaration. Much more common are attacks on opposition parties and leaders and election interference.

About 1 in 5 self-coup leaders suspend or annul the constitution.

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Relatively few self-coup attempts in democracies involve attempts to evade term limits, though self-coups that result in so-called leaders for life are becoming more common in Africa.

Why are self-coups on the rise?

Coups and self-coups are two of the most common ways democracies die, though their relative frequencies have changed over time.

Whereas coups were the leading cause of democratic breakdown during the Cold War, self-coups have become the leading cause since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

A third of all self-coup attempts by democratically elected leaders since 1946 have occurred in just the past decade.

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Though more research is needed to account for the recent rise of self-coups, we believe part of the answer lies in the decline of anti-coup norms  in which democracies punish coup leaders by withholding recognition, foreign aid or trade deals  and the rise of personalist politics globally.

Why do self-coups fail?

Presidents and prime ministers who attempt self-coups presumably think they have a good chance of success  if they didnt, they wouldnt attempt a coup in the first place.

The fact that Yoon launched his self-coup bid seemingly without prior support of leaders in his own party is very unusual.

While only half of traditional coup attempts succeed, more than four out of five self-coup attempts by democratically elected leaders succeed, according to our data.

President Alberto Fujimori had the support of the military during his self-coup of 1992. Hector Mata/AFP via Getty Images

So what went wrong for Yoon in South Korea?

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Coup success depends on coordinating a lot of people, including partisan allies and military elites. Although overt military support of the kind Yoon initially received is helpful, it is not always decisive.

Most self-coup failures happen when military and party elites defect. The reasons for these defections tend to involve a mix of structural and contingent factors. When masses of people pour into the streets to oppose the coup, like we saw in Seoul, military members can get nervous and defect. And international condemnation of the coup can certainly help overturn self-coup attempts.

Public support for democracy also helps. Thats why self-coups dont typically happen in long-established democracies like the United States that have accumulated democratic capital  the stock of civic and social assets that grows with a long history of democracy.

South Korea, although a military dictatorship from 1961 to 1987, has had decades of democratic rule. And the system worked in South Korea when threatened. Party leaders united to vote unanimously against Yoon.

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That contrasts with successful self-coups in the country by Park Chung-hee in 1972 and Chun Doo-hwan in 1980.

What happens to failed self-coup leaders?

Rarely has a failed self-coup leader remained in office for long. The self-coup may lead them to be ousted in a coup, as occurred to Haitis Dumarsais Estime in May 1950. Or they may be impeached, as occurred with Perus Pedro Castillo in December 2022. According to our data, only one failed self-coup leader managed to hang on to office for more than a year to the end of their term. Though not forced from office after the flawed 1994 Dominican elections, Joaquin Balaguer was forced to agree to new elections in 1996 in which he would not be a candidate.

Odds are, then, that President Yoons days in power are numbered. Following his attempted self-coup, six opposition parties submitted an impeachment motion against the president. That motion needs 200 of 300 members of the National Assembly to pass.

All 190 present members voted to end martial law, including 18 of 108 members from Yoons party. Only a few more of the conservative partys legislators would have to vote against Yoon for impeachment proceedings to advance.

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Threatened by a self-coup, South Koreas democratic institutions seem to be holding  at least for now.

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 Joseph Chin, Carnegie Mellon University and Joe Wright, Penn State

Read more:



Joe Wright receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Minerva Research Initiative

John Joseph Chin 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.
THOMASBORO, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois State Police responded to a semi-truck crash in Champaign County Wednesday evening.

The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. State Police told WCIA that a semi-truck traveling northbound in the right lane near milepost 246 in Thomasboro. The truck ran off the roadway to the left into the median.

One car hits pole, minor injuries in three-vehicle collision in Champaign

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No injuries were reported. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Both of Iowas United States Senators are busy this week meeting with nominees for positions in the Trump administration cabinet.

Senator Joni Ernst took to X after meeting with the nomination for U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.

I appreciate Pete Hegseths service to our country, something we both share. Today as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation. U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, (R) IA

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The post came with Hegseth appearing to have trouble garnering support from Republican senators. Hegseth told reporters in Washington D.C. on Wednesday that he would not be stepping down with concerns about his treatment of women and use of alcohol.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R) from North Dakota on network news Wednesday morning said that Ernst would be an obvious pick for the cabinet.

Dome for the Holidays at the Des Moines Botanical Garden

Senator Chuck Grassley met with the nomination for United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi on Monday this week, and met with the pick for United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday.

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Speaking with local reporters on Wednesday, Sen. Grassley was asked about how he would feel if Ernst was nominated for a cabinet position.

Well we have a nominee before the Senate proposed by the President for that position of Secretary of Defense right now. So I think it is premature to talk about another nominee, said Sen Grassley (R). But I do want to say something very positive about Senator Ernst  shes a very strong leader for our troops and national defense. Shes a very strong member of the Senate Armed Forces committee and I think that gives her all of the recommendations a person would need to be a leader in national defense. But right now we have a nominee.

Grassley plans to meet with Hegsmith at the beginning of next month.

Latest Iowa News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz discussed with ABC News President-elect Donald Trump's selections for his administration's Cabinet, the ongoing border crisis and President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter.

Cruz, a Republican, stated on Tuesday that following a conference with his fellow Senate Republicans, all of Trump's nominees for federal government positions will be confirmed.

ABC News spoke with Cruz about Trump's controversial Cabinet picks.

PHOTO: ABC News Linsey Davis spoke with Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz about President-elect Donald Trumps picks for his administrative cabinet, the border crisis and the pardoning of Hunter Biden. (ABC News)

MORE: Trump's controversial Cabinet picks raise questions about lower ethical standards

ABC NEWS: We're joined now by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz. He's also the incoming chair of the Commerce Committee. Senator, thank you so much for your time tonight.

CRUZ: Linsey, great to be with you. Thank you for having me.

ABC NEWS: You've said that you expect all of President-elect Trump's picks to get confirmed. With regard to Pete Hegseth, in particular, the nominee for secretary of defense. Just today, as you know, multiple sources told ABC News that Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about the secretary of defense job amid the allegations swirling around him. Does that give you pause that Hegseth may not ultimately be confirmed?

CRUZ: Well, listen, that'll be a decision ultimately that President Trump has to make. I will say Pete Hegseth, he's a decorated combat veteran. He served our nation. He's been deployed multiple times. He spent a lifetime fighting for our servicemen and women, fighting to defend our veterans.

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And I do think he has a clear vision for bringing the Defense Department back to its core mission, for bringing it back to supporting the war fighters, for focusing on preparing and being ready to defeat the enemy if necessary, and for moving in a way from a political agenda that detracts from its core mission.

I think all of that is critical. I think that's, all of that is a priority for President Trump, and I think it's a priority for this country. Ultimately, President Trump's going to make the decision as to which nominees he puts forward.

ABC NEWS: Let's talk about Kash Patel, of course, Trump's pick for FBI director. You've called him a very strong nominee. When Trump talked about making him deputy director in 2020, then-Attorney General Bill Barr opposed the move so much he said it would only happen, quote, "over my dead body."

Patel has talked positively about the QAnon conspiracy theory. In the past, you said that he would shut down FBI headquarters. In his book, you made a list of members of the Deep State he wants to go after. Do any of these things concern you at all?

CRUZ: Well, listen, I'll say a couple of things. No. 1, if you look at Kash Patel's background, he's been a senior intelligence staffer on Capitol Hill. He's been a senior intelligence staffer in the White House. He has been the chief of staff at the Department of Defense. He's been the deputy director of national intelligence. He's someone with deep background, in addition to being a federal public defender and also a prosecutor.

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So he brings a deep background to the job. But secondly, I will say the world and, in particular, the FBI and the Department of Justice are very, very different today than they were back in 2020 when Bill Barr was attorney general. And what we've seen for four years, tragically, has been the politicization and the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the FBI.

And much of the criticism that is being directed at Kash Patel, it is not that he's not qualified for the job, but rather exactly the opposite, is that his detractors are afraid he will actually do what he is committed to doing, which is to clean out the political corruption that sadly has done real damage to the FBI.

ABC NEWS: On your podcast, "The Verdict with Ted Cruz," you called the Hunter Biden pardon an absolute abuse of power. [President Joe] Biden, of course, had repeatedly said that he would not pardon Hunter Biden. Then he did exactly that. On the other hand, Trump pardoned his son-in-law's father, Charles Kushner, his former chief of staff, Steve Bannon, among others.

He's also implied he may pardon Jan. 6 defendants. Of course, presidents have long had this right. But in your estimation, at what point does a pardon become an absolute abuse of power, as you call it?

CRUZ: Well, listen, one of the clear ways it becomes an abuse of power where as here Joe Biden and the White House lied about it for a year. Joe Biden repeatedly looked in TV cameras and said, I will not pardon Hunter Biden. No, no, no. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, repeatedly said, no, no, no, zero chance of this happening. And as you noted on my podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," I predicted a year ago, in January of this year, I said in December of 2024, Joe Biden is going to pardon Hunter Biden.

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I put the odds of that happening at 100%. And I said then and I still believe now Joe Biden was lying when he said that, Karine Jean-Pierre was lying when they said that. They knew they were lying and everyone listening to them knew they were lying. And I think that is a real problem when you are lying to the American people.

In my view, this pardon for Hunter Biden, of course, it is a father caring for his son. But I think at its heart it is about Joe Biden protecting Joe Biden and not wanting investigation into influence peddling and selling favors that that Joe Biden and his family have made tens of millions of dollars over the years doing exactly that.

ABC NEWS: Let's turn to an issue that many have called a crisis at the southern border. You yourself are from an immigrant family. You spent a lot of time looking at this issue, which, as you know, has plagued our country for decades. Americans have spoken loud and clear. They want the current system to be fixed. Why do we have so many people trying to enter the southern border? And what's your solution on Day One to help solve this crisis?

CRUZ: Well, I think you're exactly right that this election, I don't think there was a single issue that was more important in this election than securing our border. Should we have a mandate from the voters to secure the border? Now, you asked, how do we do that? Here's the good news: We know how to do it because we did it before. When President Trump was president before I worked hand in hand with him to secure the border.

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And we achieved incredible successes in the final year of Trump's presidency. We achieved the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years. We have done it before. We'll do it again. How did this crisis happen? This crisis was deliberate. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris caused the border crisis by three decisions they made the very first week in office.

No. 1, they immediately halted construction of the border wall. No. 2, they reinstated the disastrous policy of catch and release. And No. 3, they pulled out of the incredibly successful Remain in Mexico agreement. And the result was we instantly went from the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years to the highest rate in the history of our country.

Twelve million people have come in illegally under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Here's the good news, Linsey. Everything done through unilateral executive action can be undone through unilateral executive action. So I believe on Day One, on Jan. 20 of next year, President Trump will reverse those three decisions. He will resume construction of the border wall. He will end catch and release. And he will move to reinstate the Remain in Mexico agreement.

And here's my prediction: We will see the numbers plummet and it won't take a year. It won't take six months. The numbers will plummet by January and February of next year. And then Congress will follow it up by legislating and providing serious funding to secure the border and to keep our community safe.

ABC NEWS: Sen. Ted Cruz, have a lot more questions for you, but we're out of time. I hope you come back on the show with us.

CRUZ: I look forward to it.

ABC NEWS: Thank you.

Sen. Ted Cruz on Trumps Cabinet picks, the border wall and Hunter Biden's pardon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Volunteers gathering petition signatures for Sen. Gary Peters, July 30, 2019 | Susan J. Demas

Despite the crowded 11-bill agenda at Thursdays meeting of the Senate Elections and Ethics committee, members made short work of the legislation before them, voting along party lines to return each bill to the Senate floor.

Over the course of its less-than-an-hour long meeting, the committee considered legislation addressing prison gerrymandering, requirements on informing recently-released prisoners on the states voting processes, and several efforts aimed at improving Michigans petition circulation and ballot initiative process.

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The meeting opened by considering legislation from state Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), which would require the Michigan Department of Corrections to collect a newly incarcerated persons pre-incarceration address and require the states independent redistricting commission to take the results into consideration while proposing a redistricting plan.

Santanas Senate Bill 494 was referred back to the Senate floor in a 5-1 vote with Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), who previously served as Secretary of State, serving as the sole vote in opposition, with her fellow Republican committee member Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) absent from the meeting.

Members also considered Sen. Stephanie Changs (D-Detroit) Senate Bill 835, which would require the Michigan Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with information about Michigans voter registration and election processes. This would include a written document from the Michigan Secretary of State noting that Michigan election law does not prohibit an individual from voting once that person is no longer in prison, which Chang said would help combat misinformation that formerly incarcerated individuals cannot vote.

This document will be put into each individuals release day packet, so as people are leaving prison, whether theyre leaving on parole or maximum discharge, they get a packet of information. The document itself is not specific to the individual, said Kyle Kaminski, the legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Corrections.

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If, for some reason, that release did not happen as expected, then the packet simply isnt provided to the person, and it would be provided at a future date. So for us, its not any additional work to be ready to do this. Its a very common thing for us to provide all that information at the time of release, Kaminski said.

After hearing testimony on the bill, the committee voted to return the bill to the Senate floor for further consideration, with Johnson serving as the sole vote in opposition.

On its third order of business, the committee heard testimony on a slate of three bills from the committees chair, Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), and Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), seeking to address deceptive practices in the petitioning process.

State Sens. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) testify in support of legislation to reform the petition process in Michigan. Dec. 4, 2024. Screenshot

Mosss Senate Bill 1108 would ban the payment of petition circulators by the signature, removing incentives for circulators to use deceptive means to gather more signatures. Several other states have already banned this practice, Moss noted, including Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

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Senate Bill 1109 would require petition circulators to direct potential signers to the summary of the petition prior to accepting their signature.

A ballot proposal should be able to stand on its own merit instead of making up a misleading description or other deceptive tactics to gain support, Moss said.

If a circulator does not comply, the sponsor of the petition would face a fine of $1,500 or $50 per violation, whichever is greater, Moss said, holding petition sponsors responsible for appropriate training, oversight and monitoring of paid or volunteer circulators.

Irwins Senate Bill 1110 would change the states election law to address duplicate signatures on a petition, or a candidates nominating or qualifying petition, allowing the first valid signature to be counted toward the petitions signature requirements rather than the current practice of eliminating duplicate signatures.

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Here is a citizen who signed a petition maybe twice, and they clearly want this issue to come before the voters. But for reasons that are, as far as I can tell, purely administrative, a decision was made decades ago by us, long ago Secretary of State, that if there are duplicate signatures on a petition, we just eliminate all of them and we erase that citizens voice from the process, Irwin said.

After taking questions and hearing supportive testimony on the package from the Michigan Department of State, the committees members, save for Johnson, voted to report the bills back to the Senate floor.

For the final item of the agenda, the committee heard testimony from House Elections Committee Chair Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) on a package of bills looking to reform the states ballot initiative process.

Modeled off of several recommendations from the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, the bills aim to bring the boards current practices into state law and ensure state election law is clear on the requirements of the petition process, Tsernoglou said. They also aim to reduce an increased burden on the Michigan Bureau of Elections, with signature requirements for petitions increasing alongside voter turnout, without providing the bureau with any additional time to process these signatures.

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Additionally, more than 70,000 fraudulent signatures were submitted across 10 campaigns in 2022, resulting in five Republican candidates for governor being disqualified from the ballot. This created an additional burden for both the bureau of elections and the board of state canvassers, neither of which had a procedure in place to address the unprecedented situation, Tsernoglou said.

The procedure utilized by the bureau was ultimately upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court, and thus we would like to codify the process, she said.



House Bills 55715576 make it clear that the board of state canvassers is authorized to use statistical random sampling in canvassing petitions, clarifies the boards authority to disqualify obviously fraudulent signatures and refer them to the Michigan Attorney General for investigation. They also remove references regarding how the secretary of state must communicate with the board of state canvassers, and how they must announce that the board has declared a petition as sufficient, Tsernoglou said.

Additionally the legislation removes language that requires an individual to sign a sworn affidavit if they are a paid signature gatherer and requires that petitioner must state in writing that they made a good faith effort to sort signatures and that they are submitting at least the minimum number of required signatures.

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Mary Ellen Gurewitz, the Democratic chair of the board of state canvassers also testified, noting that the package would also shift the way the board reviews petitions, moving away from a standard of strict compliance with laws on petition formatting to a substantial compliance standard.



A court decision in 2012 said that petitions had to strictly comply, and that requirement has required the board of canvassers on quite a number of occasions to reject petitions which had really minimal and not material errors, Gurewitz said.

For example, cutting off on a petition a couple of words on the circulator certificate, or cutting the margin short so that people who went to a great deal of difficulty and trouble collecting signatures were rejected because we were forced to apply a standard which everyone applying that standard thought was unfair and unnecessary, she said.

The bills also received supportive testimony from Promote the Vote, which backed successful ballot proposals to expand voting rights in 2018 and 2022. kyle

After members voted along party lines to send all six bills to the Senate floor for further consideration, the committee adjourned.

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Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chair Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) called on President Biden to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted of murdering two FBI agents in a controversial 1977 trial, before he leaves office.

Peltier is among those who deserve grace and mercy, Schatz said on the Senate floor Wednesday.

If there was ever a case that merited compassionate release, Leonard Peltiers is it, he continued. This is exactly what that awesome presidential power is for: to right a historic wrong. And if not that, then to show mercy and let an old man die with his family.

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Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota, was active with the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the 1970s. He joined a contingent of AIM activists who traveled to the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota during a period of tension between Lakota tribe members and tribal Chair Richard Wilson.

He was charged with murder after a shootout that led to the 1975 deaths of FBI agents Ronald Arthur Williams and Jack Ross Coler, but the conviction has remained highly contentious.

A key witness for the prosecution has since admitted to lying about her relationship with Peltier and having witnessed him fire the shots; a juror who admitted to personal prejudice against Native Americans was allowed to remain; and prosecutor James Reynolds has since said Peltier was convicted on minimal evidence and called for the commutation of his sentence.

Two associates of Peltiers were also charged with the murders but were acquitted due to evidence that was not allowed in Peltiers trial.

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High-profile individuals and organizations calling for Peltiers release have included Pope Francis, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, and the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The FBI has maintained its opposition to clemency for and the release of Peltier, with Director Christopher Wray calling him a remorseless killer.

Peltier, who was denied parole earlier this year, is in failing health, according to loved ones, including vision loss and multiple bouts with COVID-19.

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Joint Finance Committee hearing room. (Photo: Legislature website)

Wisconsin Senate leaders announced their members of the Joint Finance Committee for next session Wednesday, including three Republicans new to the committee.

The powerful 16-person committee, which includes eight Assembly and eight Senate lawmakers, is responsible for crafting the states biennial budget. The states next budget will cover the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.

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Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu announced that Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron) and Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) will serve on the committee for the first time next session. The lawmakers will replace Sens. Joan Ballweg and Duey Stroebel, who will no longer serve on the committee because they lost their reelection bids, and Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk), who wont serve on the committee as she was recently elected by the Senate Republican caucus to serve as Senate president.

Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) will continue as the Senate co-chair of the committee. He has served in the position for the last two budget cycles. Sens. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), who will serve as vice-chair, and Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) will also continue to serve on the committee.

Marklein celebrated the appointments in a statement, saying that the new members will bring unique new perspectives and experiences to our Senate finance team.

The states $4 billion budget surplus  and deciding what to do with it  will be a key discussion next session, and lawmakers, including those new to the committee, indicated that cutting taxes will likely be a top priority.

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LeMahieu said in a statement that he is confident the new Senate finance team will responsibly utilize our states $4 billion surplus to shrink the size of government and reduce the tax burden on hardworking Wisconsin families.

A top priority of mine will be releasing the $4 billion surplus that Governor Evers currently holds hostage and returning it to the taxpayers, Bradley said in a statement.

With a projected $4 billion surplus, the state is again in position to return more money back to the taxpayers and make further investments in our local roads, workforce development, and schools, Stafholt said. I look forward to getting to work.

Democratic Senate members will remain unchanged next session as Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein announced that Sens. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) and Kelda Roys (D-Madison) will continue on the committee.

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Hesselbein called the lawmakers effective and passionate advocates for the priorities of Wisconsinites and said that they will continue to serve our caucus and state well during the budget process and beyond.

Assembly members of the committee havent been announced yet.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  U.S. Senator Todd Young recognized Hoosier students who participated in the fall session of his internship program, and an Evansville student was among them.

Sen. Young explains the students assisted with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services. The Washington, D.C. intern class included Sam Syroney, a senior from Evansville attending Indiana University Bloomington.

Jury finds man guilty of New Years Day murder

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Sen. Young says his office offers internship opportunities year-round in both his Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis offices. The internship program offers students the opportunity to experience the legislative branch of government and serve Hoosiers.

Students interested in applying can visit this website or call 202-224-5623.

The Washington, D.C. intern class included (as pictured from left to right) Josie Allen, a senior from Vincennes; Jesse Ryman, a recent graduate from Bristol; Sam Syroney, a senior from Evansville and Maggie Davis, a recent graduate from Indianapolis. (Courtesy: Senator Todd Young)

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Senators are fuming over the Biden administrations response to a recent massive Chinese government-linked hack of U.S. and global telecommunications systems, calling it the most disturbing breach of telecom systems in history.

The breach, carried out by a group known as Salt Typhoon, involved the infiltration of dozens of telecommunications companies, the hack of phones belonging to officials including President-elect Donald Trump and potential eavesdropping on the phone calls of large swaths of the U.S. population.

On Wednesday, officials from agencies including the FBI, the Federal Communications Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency trekked to Capitol Hill to brief senators on the latest intelligence around the breach. Some lawmakers emerged from that briefing fuming.

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Theres no accountability in anybody sitting up there, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters after the briefing. They have not told us why they didnt catch it, what theyve done to prevent it.

If somebody came to my office and said, Hey look, something bad happened, dont worry, Im responsible for it, but Im not going to be responsible for it, and I dont have any plan to fix it, what would you do? Youd fire them, he added.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said the extent of the breach was breathtaking, and pushed for more information to be declassified.

I think the American people need to know the extent of the breach here, I think they will be shocked at the extent of it, Hawley said. I think they need to know about their text messages, their voicemail, their phone calls. Its very bad, its very, very bad, and it is ongoing.

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The frustration was felt across the aisle too. Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.), a former telecoms executive, took issue with these companies for leaving gaping holes in the security of critical systems.

I think there is huge concern, far and away the worst telecom hack, and the fact is that they are still in the systems, Warner told reporters.

Officials from CISA and the FBI briefed reporters Tuesday on the latest developments in the investigation, stressing that the agencies are working closely with telecoms groups to respond to the breach. They acknowledged that the scope of the infiltration is still not entirely clear, though they first detected the hack in the spring.

Its the most disturbing and widespread incursion into our telecommunications systems in the history of the world, not just the country, because of how massive our telecommunications systems is, Senate Intelligence Committee ranking member Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) told reporters Wednesday. Thats about as bad as it gets.

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The administration is not sitting still to address the hack. Beyond the active investigation, CISA Director Jen Easterly told reporters following the briefing that the Department of Homeland Security-led Cyber Safety Review Board would begin looking into the hack formally during a meeting on Friday. The CSRB is composed of federal agencies and private sector groups, and looks into major cyber breaches. Easterly said she expected their recommendations on ways to respond to the hack would come later next year, during the Trump administration.

I thought it was a very good session, very good questions, but obviously the seriousness of this merits the work that we all are doing across the government, Easterly said of the briefing to senators.

As the clock ticks down on both the Biden administration and the 118th Congress, other key priorities like the annual defense and appropriations bills sit higher on the docket. But some lawmakers are already making clear that legislation to secure telecommunications is urgently needed. Warner and other members of Congress are working on a bill to address cybersecurity gaps, and may try to push it through before the end of the year, with Warner telling reporters Wednesday that he is working to share it with other members to build support.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), incoming chair of the Senate Armed Services Committees cyber subcommittee, is likely to support the effort.

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Yes, there should be, and the question is whats the appropriate way to put them into play that they can actually adhere to them, Rounds told reporters when asked Wednesday if there should be cybersecurity standards in place for telecom companies. That legislation I believe will be coming.

He stressed though that it would likely take time to fully address the spectrum of security concerns raised by this breach, noting that its not like getting a new phone, its the structure that these cell phone systems have been built on.

Pushing back against China is also high on the agenda for lawmakers, particularly for China hawks like Rubio, as Trump builds out his administration.

The Chinese entities are listening in, and monitoring calls and text messages from American officials and the best response to that is not just defense, but offense, and they need to pay a price, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told POLITICO as he left the briefing.

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While the Senate Intelligence Committee received a separate classified briefing on the Salt Typhoon hacks last month, Wednesdays event brought together the full Senate, putting their phones aside to get feedback in the Senate SCIF from officials on the gravity of the incident. Rounds said the senators were attentive, though the mood was somber.

I think it woke a lot of people up in the meeting, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said.
NORWALK, Iowa  Children with sensory needs have a chance to see Santa this weekend.

The Sensory Santa program allows children who require special care to enjoy their experience with Saint Nick.

Its taking place on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Norwalk Easter Public Library.

Pella invites public for Hallmark-style movie shoot

Participants will get a photo with Santa printed on a Christmas tree ornament at no cost.

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Its being organized by Norwalk Santa, a community member who has collected donations for families in need in past years.

Click here to sign up for a 15-minute morning time slot.

You can also find Norwalk Santa on Facebook or email him at NorwalkIowaSanta@gmail.com.

If theres enough demand, organizers will open up afternoon slots.

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(FOX40.COM)  Following Wednesdays shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Butte County that left two students in critical condition all Northern California Seventh-Day Adventist schools will be closed.

On Thursday, the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will close its schools to allow everyone to spend time with their families, Kevin Lampe with SDA said.

Timeline of the Butte County religious school shooting

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In the Sacramento area, there are numerous Seventh-Day Adventist institutions including the headquarters for the NCCSAD and Adventist Health in Roseville.

Sacramento area school locations include:

 Sacramento Adventist Academy

 Orangevale Adventist School

 El Dorado Adventist School

 Galt Adventist School

 Pine Hills Adventist Academy

California community and political leaders react to shooting at religious school

We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred today at our Feather River school, The NCCSDA wrote. Our students, faculty, and staff have been reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer.

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Feather River Adventist School may also remain closed on Friday as school officials take time to plan the reopening process and allow students and families time to process the alarming event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio lawmakers are advancing several bills, with just two weeks of session left on the schedule before the end of the year, which means the end of this General Assembly.

The Ohio Senate sent a bill to the governors desk to increase penalties for certain domestic violence offenses. The Senate also sent a bill to allow child support for adult disabled children.

The Ohio House also sent House Bill 5 to the governors desk, to modernize the states adoption system. It passed the statehouse without a single vote against it.

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What is hooning? Ohios new law aimed at reckless driving

House Bill 5 is a crucial step forward for our children, Representative Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) said.

Its an exciting bill because it is a bill that will affect a lot of families in Ohio, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said. Its also one that shows we can get a lot of really good things done here in the statehouse.

The governor has 10 business days, from the time he receives bills, to either sign or veto each one. While some bills are on their way to the governors desk, others still need some more work before they cross the finish line.

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House Bill 296 would increase contributions to the states Police and Fire Pension Fund. It passed the House 66-25.

I support strong pensions and retirements for our public employees, especially our public safety forces. I dont think we can ignore the fiscal impact on cities, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said. Weve said all along that if were going to ask the cities to do this at the same time that weve been reducing the local government fund, that maybe the state should either increase the local government fund or cover some of the share of the cost implication of this.

Fire is already at the 24% and police is at 19.5% contribution but its the same plan. So logically it makes sense that they be the same number and phasing it in over that 6-year period is something that is very doable, Stephens said.

Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) put forth an amendment to use adult-use marijuana tax revenue to help fund the pension contribution increase, to take some of the burden off local governments. That amendment was not considered. Ohio Democrats also put forth two amendments, one to increase local government funds and another to put money in the state operating budget to help local cities with the increase.

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Neither were considered.

House Bill 296 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration, but Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said it would be extraordinarily difficult to get done before the end of the year.

Ohio House members also moved forward two significant spending bills.The first is House Joint Resolution 8. If HJR8 passes the statehouse, it will ask voters, in May, to authorize $2.5 billion dollars of spending over ten years.

We urge you to quickly pass this and get it on the ballot this May, Representative Dan Troy (D-Willowick) said. This is too important and too beneficial to the state of Ohio to let it lapse. This is one of the best ideas the state of Ohio has ever come up with.

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The Senate has an identical resolution, called Senate Joint Resolution 4. It passed the Senate floor a few weeks ago, but only one has to pass to make it to the ballot. It is likely the Senate will concur with the House resolution before the end of the year.

The House also passed House Bill 683, which now heads to the Senate. That is a $10 million spending bill to help farmers get through the states historic drought.

Farmers are some of the last people to ever ask for help but theyre asking for help, Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport) said.

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  Thanks to a $7.9 million federal grant and a generous $4.5 million anonymous donation, the services offered by the DuBard School for Language Disorders and The Childrens Center for Communication and Development will soon expand.

The expansion of the shared facility will take place at the University of Southern Mississippis (USM) Gulf Park.

DuBard School provides specialized support for children ages 3 to 13 with severe speech-language disorders. The Childrens Center supports children, birth to age 5, to achieve developmental milestones through its interdisciplinary approach. Collectively, they have served more than 5,000 children since they were established.

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Mississippi biologist works to boost survival rates of alligator snapping turtles

Based on state data and other statistics available through the Mississippi Department of Health, we know that approximately 600 children in the lower six counties are eligible for early intervention services and an additional 2,600 children are eligible for special education services, said Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, where both programs are housed.

DuBard School and The Childrens Center also offer professional and pre-professional training as practicum sites for university students majoring in speech-language pathology, audiology, dyslexia therapy and other related fields.

This new facility will feature more than 25,000-square-feet on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, and it will double the programs capacity to serve children with developmental disabilities, communication challenges and other special needsa long-needed solution to both growing space needs and transportation barriers.

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The building will be designed to meet the needs of both programs, and will include classrooms, therapy rooms, observation spaces and a multi-purpose area.

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SHARON, Pa. (WKBN)  As the future of Sharon Regional Medical Center plays out in a Texas Bankruptcy Court, local leaders believe the community as a whole is stuck in limbo.

An agreement was reached late Wednesday in court to give the Commonwealth, Meadville Medical Center and Medical Properties Trust more time to close a deal on the hospital, but the Commonwealth only has until Monday to show Steward that it can carry the hospitals losses through December, or it could issue a notice to close the facility.

A dollar amount was not determined at Wednesdays status conference, but the Commonwealth has already spent $4.5 million to keep the doors open at the hospital since September. Attorneys with the Commonwealth agreed to come up with an additional amount over the coming days.

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Debtors are worried that the Sharon deal is taking too long, and they need to have a protocol in place to close the hospital, if need be. The new agreement lays out a path forward so that if Steward decides its prudent to close the hospital, it can issue a closure notice. Meadville Medical and the Commonwealth agreed they would not object even though the agreement would give them three days to do so.

Steward attorneys said they dont have intentions at this point to issue a closure, but needed protections and flexibility in place so that they could start the procedure if needed.

A vendor for the hospital who was part of Wednesdays conference said it was agreeable to the new timetable but wanted the judge to know that even with the Commonwealth carrying the hospital for the past couple of months it was still owed $246,000 through October and is still running up a tab for November and December.

Mercer County leaders are concerned about the precarious future of the hospital. Even though all sides said they were committed to closing the sale of the hospital to Meadville Medical, the volleying back in forth in court is unsettling.

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We have been concerned about keeping that hospital open because its one of the only  were in a rural community, and we dont want to lose any of our healthcare providers, said Mercer County Commissioner Ann Coleman.

Were sort of at this point just give us an answer, even if its bad news. This uncertainty is not good for anybody, Finley said.

Sharon Regional is among the 10 largest employers in Mercer County, but beyond that, it offers services that other hospitals in the county do not.

I feel like the community itself has been taken advantage of, and that were in a situation now that theyre still asking for more money, but are we going to get anything for it, Finley said.

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We keep jumping through all these hoops but then they put out more hoops, and its hard to figure out what are they going to ask for next, Coleman said.

A status conference on Sharon Regional is set for Dec. 20 in Texas Bankruptcy Court. The judge said by then they will know if the money to keep the hospital running has been secured and the sale is moving forward.

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A manhunt was still underway Thursday for the masked gunman who fled midtown Manhattan after fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what police called a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack the morning before.

The gunman, whom the New York City Police Department described as a light-skinned male wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, black face mask and a very distinctive gray backpack at the time of the shooting, remains at large. According to the NYPD, he fled the scene first by foot, then by electric bike. Police initially identified the e-bike as a Citi Bike, which has GPS tracking, but Lyft, which operates the bike share system, later said police informed the company that a Citi Bike was not used.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told MSNBC on Thursday morning that officials are on the right path in their search for shooter.

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Police on Thursday also released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the shooting.

UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.



The full investigative efforts of pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024

A senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told NBC News on Thursday that shell casings found at the scene of the shooting had the words deny, defend and depose written on them. Those words are also similar to those in the title of a 2010 book about insurance, although police have said there is currently no known connection.

Thompson, 50, had traveled to New York City from Minnesota for an investor conference this week. Police said he was walking to the Hilton hotel to speak at the conference early Wednesday when he was shot.

Thompsons family said in a statement obtained by NBC Minnesota affiliate KARE on Thursday that they are shattered by his death.

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Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives, they said. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

Brian Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

Police have not identified a motive in the shooting but said it does not seem to be a random act. According to security footage of the shooting, the gunman appeared to have been waiting for Thompson, police said.

A senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told NBC News that before the shooting, the gunman bought a bottle of water and two protein bars from a nearby Starbucks and later discarded them. Police have collected those items as evidence, the official said.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Correction: This story previously identified James Larochelle as a deputy chief with Metro. The article has been changed to reflect the fact that he is retired and no longer employed with the department.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Clark County sheriff and district attorney have asked the state attorney general to investigate possible misuse of the judicial process by attorneys representing a woman in a federal civil trial against the police department and two of its detectives, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

In the letter, Sheriff Kevin McMahill and District Attorney Steve Wolfson, both elected officials, ask Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford to investigate how and why attorneys for Kirstin Lobato acquired a so-called certificate of innocence from the Clark County District Court.

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Lobato was twice convicted for the brutal 2001 murder of a homeless man. A court overturned her guilty verdict and she was released from prison in 2018 after spending some 16 years in prison.

Woman exonerated in Las Vegas case claims she did not know which murder she was arrested for: I felt sickened

District Attorney Wolfson and I recommend an investigation into the representations made to the court and to your office by Lobato, considering the $900,000 cost to taxpayers, McMahill wrote to Ford in November.

On Dec. 2, proceedings began in Lobatos civil federal lawsuit against Metro and two of its now-retired detectives. The lawsuit alleges fabrication of evidence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She is seeking money damages.

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The letter from the countys two top law enforcement officials indicated that Lobatos attorney assured a deputy attorney general that the certificate of innocence would not influence the federal civil cases.

But at trial Monday during his opening statements, Lobatos attorney mentioned the certificate of innocence to the federal grand jury. In response, the attorney for the detectives told the jury he and his clients were looking forward to the jury seeing and understanding the certificate.

To that end, the letter to Ford disputes Lobatos innocence.

Attorneys say Las Vegas detectives used made up evidence to pin murder on woman: It wasnt an accident

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Notably, the DAs Conviction Review Unit (CRU) did not declare her innocent, emphasizing that the CRU is not meant to act as a thirteenth juror,  the letter said. To qualify for re-investigation, Lobato must present new, verifiable evidence of actual innocence.

Lobato claims, among other things, that the two detectives attributed certain statements to her that she never said. She also claims, in trial and in court documents, that the detectives excluded certain evidence from their reports that point to her innocence.

One of those detectives, Thomas Thowsen, now retired, testified for most of the day Wednesday. The other detective, James Larochelle, who is also retired, has not yet testified but has been present in the courtroom during the entirety of the trial.

The trial is expected to last a total of five to six days.

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Lobatos attorneys have declined to comment citing pending litigation.

But the file in Lobatos wrongful conviction case includes documentation that forecasts Lobatos attorneys plans to use the certificate of innocence at the federal trial against the police and detectives.

That Ms. Lobato is not currently permitted to obtain an adjudication of her innocence, improperly permits the police officers to continue arguing in the Federal Civil Rights Suit that Ms. Lobato has never been determined to be innocent, attorney David Owens of the Chicago law firm Loevy & Loevy wrote in a court filing in August 2023. The stay in this case deprives Ms. Lobato of evidence to which she is entitled that may be admissible in federal court.

Wolfson, however, has long maintained that he does not consider Lobato to be innocent, as he told 8 News Now Investigator Vanessa Murphy in an interview at the time Lobato was freed from prison:

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Murphy: Do you believe shes an innocent woman?

Wolfson: No.

Murphy: Why not?

Wolfson: Well because 24 jurors, two separate groups of 12 listened to the evidence and the facts and circumstances and found her guilty.

The judge who signed the certificate of innocence, and who is mentioned in McMahill and Wolfsons letter, is Clark County District Court judge Veronica Barish. Barish was first elected to the bench in November 2020.

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Two kindergarten students who were shot at their Northern California school on Wednesday are in critical but stable condition, local authorities said Thursday, Dec. 5.

The victims, aged 5 and 6 years old, were said to be in "extremely critical condition" on Wednesday afternoon when Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea first updated the media about their status following the shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif.

CBS News reported the Butte County Sheriff's Office update Thursday.

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The 6-year-old victim has been identified as Roman Mendez, according to local Action News Now, who spoke with Mendezs family on Thursday.

According to Mendezs sister, the boy has injuries to his chest and back.

Mendezs sister told Action News Now that Romans twin brother is also a student at the school and witnessed the shooting firsthand.

Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Police officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif Police officers stand near a body covered by a tarp outside of Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif

"I am thankful that they are still alive but they have a long road ahead of them," Honea, the sheriff, told reporters on Thursday at a news conference where police provided an update on the victims and their investigation into the school shooting.

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Related: Calif. School Shooter Met With Administrators About Enrolling His Family Before Opening Fire, Wounding 2 Kindergartners

Police are still investigating what led a man to open fire at the school after authorities said he met with school administrators about enrolling his own child there.

Google Maps Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif. Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif.

Honea told reporters at a news conference Thursday that investigators believe the school was targeted because of its religious affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The sheriff said Wednesday that police received a 911 call around 1 p.m. and found the suspected shooter dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers arrived at the scene.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office said in a statement Thursday afternoon that investigators have positively identified the suspect, though his identity has not yet been made public.

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Related: 2 Kindergarten Students in Extremely Critical Condition After Shooting at Calif. School: 'Long Road Ahead of Them'

Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif

Feather River Adventist School has 35 students, according to CBS. Oroville, Calif., where the school is located, is about 70 miles north of Sacramento.

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Oroville Mayor David Pittman said in a statement Thursday that the citys thoughts and prayers are with the two young victims.

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"The entire staff, students, and families have also been emotionally traumatized after this incident," Pittman said. "Sadly, our schools must plan and train for these kinds of events and pray they never occur. Our schools must be safe places."

Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON  Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to use his final days in office to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, a Native American rights activist who has been in prison for nearly 50 years despite a deeply flawed trial and pleas for his release from human rights leaders, legal experts and even some of the people who helped put him in prison in the first place.

As President Biden considers candidates for clemency in the final weeks of his term, the Native American activist Leonard Peltier is among those who deserve grace and mercy, Schatz, who chairs the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said on the Senate floor.

If there was ever a case that merited compassionate release, Leonard Peltiers is it, he said.This is exactly what that awesome presidential power is for: to right a historic wrong  and if not that, then just to show mercy and let an old man die with his family.

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Peltier was accused of murdering two FBI agents in a 1975 shoot-out on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. But his trial was rife with misconduct: The FBI threatened and coerced witnesses into lying. Federal prosecutors hid evidence that exonerated Peltier. A juror admitted on the second day of the trial that she had prejudice against Indians, but she was kept on anyway.

The governments case fell apart after these revelations, so it abruptly revised its charges against Peltier to aiding and abetting whoever did kill the agents, based entirely on the idea that he was one of dozens of people present when the shootout took place.

The FBI and U.S. attorneys office later admitted they never did figure out who killed the agents. There was never evidence that Peltier committed a crime.

One witness whose statements were used at trial said she was told to lie and say that she was in a relationship with Peltier and that she had witnessed him shoot the agents, Schatz said during his remarks. She later recanted that statement, saying, I was forced into this, and I feel very awful. I just wish that Leonard Peltier will get out of prison.

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The Democratic senator also cited remarks from the U.S. attorney who tried Peltiers case, James Reynolds, who later said he doubted the case against Peltier would hold up in any court today. Reynolds personally wrote to Biden in 2021 appealing to him to release Peltier.

I write today from a position rare for a former prosecutor: to beseech you to commute the sentence of a man who I helped put behind bars, Reynolds said in his letter. With time, and the benefit of hindsight, I have realized that the prosecution and continued incarceration of Mr. Peltier was and is unjust. We were not able to prove that Mr. Peltier personally committed any offense on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) is urging President Joe Biden to release Leonard Peltier from prison before he leaves office. Getty Images

Peltier, now 80, has maintained his innocence the entire time hes been in prison, which has almost certainly resulted in him being denied parole.

He has serious health issues, including diabetes, which sent him to the hospital in July after he developed open wounds and tissue death on his toes and feet. He was hospitalized again in October. He currently uses a walker to get around and is at least partially blind.

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The main reason hes still in prison is because of staunch opposition to his release from the FBI. But the bureaus stated reasons for opposing Peltiers clemencyare full of holes, outdated and remarkably easy to disprove.

The FBI remains resolute against the commutation of Leonard Peltiers sentence for murdering FBI Special Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams at South Dakotas Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975, the bureau asserted to HuffPost in a 2022 statement. We must never forget or put aside that Peltier intentionally and mercilessly murdered these two young men and has never expressed remorse for his ruthless actions.

The FBI has never publicly addressed the key context of that 1975 shootout, either: The bureau itself was intentionally fueling tensions on that reservation as part of a covert campaign to suppress the activities of the American Indian Movement, or AIM, a grassroots movement for Indigenous rights. Peltier was an active AIM member and an FBI target.

With weeks left in his presidency, Biden has the authority to unilaterally grant compassionate release to Peltier. Presidents typically announce batches of pardons late in the year, and particularly at the ends of their terms.

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In Peltiers case, Biden could avoid some controversy by simply commuting his sentence versus granting a pardon, which inherently suggests the government is acknowledging it did something wrong. Commuting Peltiers sentence would just mean his prison time is over.

Calls on Biden to release Peltier have intensified since the president unexpectedly pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday.

Its less about the fact that the President pardoned his son and more about the fact that hes only really pardoning his son when there are, in fact, many people, including Leonard Peltier, as well as several other cases of many Americans who are on death row, who should be taken off death row, and who are facing the end of their lives if this president does not act, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday.

A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on whether Biden is considering granting clemency to Peltier.

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Today: After the cold front, Thursday will become sunny, breezy, and colder. High temperatures will be in the upper 40s around noon and fall to the 30s by evening.

Bitter Cold Tonight: Thursday night will be clear, much colder, and breezy. Lows will be in the upper teens to lower 20s, and the wind chill will be in the teens. Remember to protect the 4 Ps.

Friday: Friday will be a gorgeous, but blustery day with plenty of sunshine and breezy conditions. High temperatures will be in the lower to middle 40s, but it will feel like the 30s.

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Weekend Outlook: Saturday will become mostly sunny and not as cold as an area of high pressure moves northeast of Alabama. It will not be as cold with highs in the lower 50s. On Sunday, an upper-level low and wave over Texas and Louisiana will move northeast toward Alabama. This will bring Central Alabama late afternoon showers with slightly warmer high temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Next Weeks Outlook: On Monday, expect plenty of rain and storms from the upper-level low and wave. It will be mild with highs in the middle 60s. A cold front will move across Alabama Tuesday into Wednesday with scattered showers. Tuesday will stay mild with highs in the 60s, but we cool to the 50s on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be dry, breezy, and chilly with highs in the 40s.

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Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish District Attorney has found the man responsible for a deadly 2022 shooting in Shreveports Werner Park neighborhood guilty of second-degree murder.

According to the Caddo District Attorneys Office, on February 16, 2022, the victim, Tomel T. Henry, 30, confronted the mother of his child, who resided in the Mansfield Road residence. The argument between the former partners escalated into a shoving match.

Archille Parrel Holmes Jr., 29, intervened in the domestic dispute, shot Henry in the head, then fled with the murder weapon and eluded authorities for two months before he was apprehended and arrested by the Shreveport Police.

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At trial, prosecutors called 12 witnesses, five of whom testified that the lethal force used by Holmes was excessive and unnecessary. Holmes declined to speak with detectives following his arrest and did not testify at the trial. His attorneys argued that another man had fired the fatal shot and also fled the scene, an argument rejected by the jury, stated the District Attorneys office.

Caddo DA using Louisianas habitual offender law to extend prison sentences

Holmes Jr. was found guilty of the slaying of Henry outside the residence on the 5200 block of Mansfield Road on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The six-man, six-woman jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.s court deliberated almost three hours before finding Holmes Jr guilty.

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Holmes will return to Judge Hathaways court on December 19, 2024, where he faces a mandatory life sentence without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP)  Authorities in Sierra Leone on Thursday started a nationwide rollout of the single-dose Ebola vaccine, the first such campaign in West Africa where a deadly outbreak 10 years ago resulted in the death of thousands.

The 2014 Ebola outbreak  the deadliest in history  was primarily in West Africa but affected Sierra Leone the most, with nearly 4,000 deaths out of the more than 11,000 recorded globally. The country also lost 7% of its healthcare workforce to the outbreak.

The nationwide vaccine campaign, implemented by the government in partnership with the global vaccine alliance Gavi, the World Health Organization and the United Nations childrens agency, will target 20,000 frontline workers across the country, officials said.

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This is an investment in the safety of our people and a healthier Sierra Leone, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby said.

There had been no approved vaccine at the time of the 2014 outbreak that recorded up to 28,000 cases, starting in Guinea before spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia, the other two countries affected the most.

Three years have passed since the last case was recorded in Guinea, although officials have spoken of remaining threats in endemic regions.

Among those killed by the disease during the 2014 outbreak were nine relatives of Hassan Kamara, a resident of Freetown. Of the 11 people he was living with at the time, only he and his baby daughter survived.

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They died in front of me, he said. I feel bad sometimes speaking about this because of what I went through."

Thursdays campaign, which launched in the capital, Freetown, was welcomed by health workers.

Collins Thomas, a community health worker in Freetown, remembers losing many colleagues in 2014 as they managed patients during the outbreak in Freetown.

It was scary, because we knew nothing about the disease and learned along the line. With this vaccine, we know we are protected, Thomas said.

Gavi chief executive Dr. Sania Nishtar said the organization is incredibly proud of how its support for timely and equitable access to vaccines has helped save lives and protect communities.

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To have the first nationwide preventive vaccination campaign take place in the country most deeply impacted by the 2014 outbreak makes this historic milestone even more meaningful, he said.

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Jurors who spent nearly two years on the trial against YSL and hip-hop superstar Young Thug are describing what it was like putting their lives on hold for the longest criminal trial in Georgias history.

Channel 2s Michael Seiden spoke to three of the jurors, all of whom are working mothers, who said this was the first time they served on a jury.

I think we are sisterly at this point, one of them said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Jurors 387, 508 and 225 said they consider each other family after the lengthy trial.

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The jury acquitted the two remaining defendants, rapper Yak Gotti, also known as Deamonte Kendrick, and Shannon Stillwell, of murder, gang and racketeering charges. Stillwell was convicted on a gun charge, but will serve his sentence as probation.

I want the public to know that we did really take this very seriously. We considered all of the evidence that was provided to us. Everyone really took their civic duty to heart, another juror told Seiden.

Jurors 387 and 508 heard all the testimony, but were made alternates before deliberation. Juror 387 said she didnt just listen to the evidence; she was also paying attention to attorneys body language.

I think it was distracting, she said of the prosecutors body language. There were a lot of different points and times where we realized that people had reactions to things and trying to keep it professional as humanly possible.

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Juror 508 said she stayed off of social media and didnt learn about all of the chaos until after the trial.

Juror 225 told Seiden that this was first jury trial.

I do think the case as a whole was, it was presented very kind of disorganized. It was hard to follow for a lot of us jurors, she explained.

They say that their hearts go out to the victims family, but the prosecution just didnt provide enough evidence.

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Dec. 4DIXON  After a year of chasing her dreams, Celia Fernandez's outlook on life is still as warm and inviting as the food she serves.

Leo's Marvelous Bites celebrated its first anniversary last month. The restaurant serves traditional Puerto Rican food, including empanadas named after Marvel characters; steak, chicken or beef taco plates; fried plantains; tripleta sandwiches; Italian beef sandwiches; and more.

Fernandez said the store is named in honor of her late brother, Leoner "Leo" Melendez, who died from COVID-19 on Dec. 28, 2020, at his home.

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"Sometimes people don't understand why we have all the superhero stuff around the restaurant," Fernandez said. "Leo was a huge fan and a Marvel collector since he was 16. Before he passed away, me and him always went to Sow Bellies together, and he loved going to Paper Escape. So, it's ironic we opened up on this strip."

Fernandez co-owns the restaurant with her brother, David Solis, and his wife, Violet Solis. The siblings learned to cook from their mother at an early age. Although the two have different approaches to the business, Fernandez said they make it work.

"Me and my little brother have always been close, but we really got to know each other here," Fernandez said. "I'm a control freak, and he's a neat freak. I'm like a tornado because I do 10 things at once, whereas he likes to lock in and focus on things individually."

Fernandez has held several positions in the restaurant industry and spent about two years working out of the Kitchen Incubator of Northwest Illinois in Sterling before opening the restaurant Nov. 11, 2023. Since then, the restaurant has added authentic Mexican dishes to its menu, and Solis took a step back from the business but still is involved.

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"It's kind of nice because he comes in at night, I do everything in the morning, and on the weekends we work together," Fernandez said.

Fernandez said she initially was skeptical about opening the restaurant and originally had plans to open a food truck instead.

"Years before I started this, my husband was always asking me to make rice for the people at his job," Fernandez said. "I thought no one was going to like it. But my brother Leo told me I was wasting my time doing other things. So, I decided to go for it. I saw a trend on Facebook where people were selling plates, and I decided to try selling some rice and pork. It took off, especially in Dixon. The community response has been amazing."

Moving forward, Fernandez said she would like to get a liquor license for the restaurant and possibly open a second location.

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Leo's Marvelous Bites is located at 221 W. First St. in Dixon. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information, call 815-677-9017.
The News

Republicans secured a 220-215 seat House majority on Tuesday, after California Rep. John Duarte conceded to Democrat Adam Gray. Its the smallest advantage for one party since 1931  and will be even smaller, just 217-215, until the three House Republicans nominated for roles in Donald Trumps Cabinet are replaced in special elections.

We know how to work with a small majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Wednesday morning. We have nothing to spare.

If and when Republicans fill the vacancies  they are favored to, in districts Trump carried easily last month  they will start his second presidency with far less running room than his first. The GOP held 241 House seats in January 2017, a cushion that allowed them to pass major legislation with significant defections.

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Twelve House Republicans opposed final passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, some on fiscally conservative grounds, and some because of the effect a cap on state tax deductions would have on their constituents. Twenty Republicans voted against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which would end up being blocked by three Republican senators. (Two of them, Maines Susan Collins and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, remain in the chamber, and helped torpedo Trumps initial nominee for attorney general last month.)

Look, they probably have 18 months to legislate, said Paul Ryan, the House Speaker for Trumps first majority, at a post-election forum hosted by The Dispatch. You cannot think that youre going to keep these razor-thin majorities past 2026.

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Until every vacancy is filled, any Republican can stop a bill from moving through the House, if every Democrat shows up and opposes it. But both parties will start the session more ideologically coherent than ever before.

In 2017, 25 House Republicans represented seats won by Hillary Clinton, giving Democrats a long list of 2018 targets  most of which they won. Based on the nearly-final vote count, just three House Republicans will hold seats carried by Vice President Harris last month: Californias David Valadao, Nebraskas Don Bacon, and New Yorks Mike Lawler. And retirements and red-to-blue flips have shrunk the number of Republicans who, in Trumps first term, made problems for his agenda.

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Of the 20 Republicans who voted against Obamacare repeal in the House, just five remain: Arizonas Andy Biggs, Kentuckys Tom Massie, Ohios David Joyce and Mike Turner, and Pennsylvanias Mike Fitzpatrick. Seven have been replaced by Democrats. The rest have been succeeded by Republicans far less likely to break with Donald Trump, often in seats that grew more conservative, or were re-drawn to be less competitive, after 2020.

These newer members built their careers in a Trump-led GOP, and have rarely broken with the incoming president. North Carolina Rep. Greg Murphy replaced the late Walter Jones, an idiosyncratic anti-war conservative who opposed any bill that would increase the national debt; New York Rep. Dan Donovan, who lost in the 2018 wave, has been replaced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who like Murphy voted to challenge the results of the 2020 election. Her Staten Island-based seat just isnt competitive anymore; Trump won the borough by 15 points in 2016, and by 30 points last month.

I think theyre going to overshoot on the policy, and go for many extreme things that will put guys like Mike Lawler in a very tough spot, and tags them all as toxic, said C.J. Warnke, a spokesman for the Democrats House Majority PAC.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A small aircraft made an emergency landing in Clackamas on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

No one was seriously injured, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said.

Man tried to sexually assault spa employees: GPD

The sheriffs office said in a post on X that deputies responded to reports of a plane that had to make a forced landing shortly after 2 p.m. near Trout Creek and the North Fork of the Molalla River.

A small plane had to make an emergency landing in Clackamas, authorities said. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Clackamas County Sheriffs Office). A small plane had to make an emergency landing in Clackamas, authorities said. December 4, 2024 (courtesy Clackamas County Sheriffs Office).

Although no one was seriously injured, an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter airlifted the planes occupants to the Mulino Airport, the sheriffs office said.

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The plane had to make the emergency landing after a reported partial engine failure, officials said.

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Worcester Public Schools called off class Thursday as a winter storm that could drop up to a half foot of snow in the city moved through Massachusetts.

List of storm-related school cancellations, delays

Residents of the heart of the Commonwealth were dusting off their snow shovels and brushes as heavy, wet snow piled up on streets, sidewalks, and cars.

Nearly five inches of snow had already fallen in the city as of 7 a.m.

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Main roads were slushy and slick, creating hazardous travel conditions for motorists.

Head Start and after-school activities in the city were also canceled for the day.

A parking ban is in effect across the city.

Worcester Public Works crews are out monitoring conditions.

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(WJW)  Snow parking bans are in effect throughout Northeast Ohio as workers begin to clear the roads from a winter storm.

Snow parking bans are issued typically when there are two inches of snow or more on the ground, so the streets are clear for snowplows.

Click here for school closings

Snow parking bans

Moreland Hills  A parking ban has been issued until further notice.

Newburgh Heights  A parking ban has been issued until further notice.

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A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING remains in effect for Ashtabula (inland and lakeshore,) Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Portage, Summit, and Trumbull counties. The alert expires at 1 a.m. on Saturday for Ashtabula County, and at 4 a.m. on Friday for the other counties.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is also in effect for Lorain, Mahoning, and Medina Counties from until 4 a.m. on Friday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Dec. 5Ashtabula County residents should remain cautious early next week, when temperatures are set to rise into 40s and possibly 50s.

Higher temperatures and increased humidity are expected melt this week's snow. Possible rain storms from Sunday to Tuesday would also contribute to melting.

Runoff from rain and snow could then cause areal flooding.

The National Weather Service website states areal flooding "develops more gradually, usually from prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall," as opposed to flash flooding.

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NWS Cleveland Forecast Office Meteorologist Patrick Saunders said roads and houses closest to rivers will most likely be affected.

"When that snowpack melts, that does contribute to that flooding potential," he said.

Saunders said the higher temperatures will improve driving conditions on currently snow and ice-packed roads.

Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said Ashtabula government is concerned with potential flooding.

"Right now, due to the volume of snow, most of the storm catch basins are snow covered," he said. "As it starts melting, water will find its way to the basins, but until that melts, we could have standing water in the roadways and possible flooding."

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Timonere said flooding depends on how rapidly snow melts.

"If this is a slow melt, I do not see many issues," he said. "If we get the high 40s, low 50s, and rain in a rapid amount, yes, we could have issues."

Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford said he will meet with Wastewater Superintendent Brian Bidwell to plan for snowmelt.

"[We're] recognizing that we're in the moment now, but we need to get in planning ahead for any forecasted snowmelt," Sanford said.

Sanford said the city is preparing for more snow this week, and later potential flooding.

He advised residents to be cautious next week, just like this week.

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"As long as there's no snow emergencies or any travel emergencies, if somebody needs to go somewhere, that's certainly incumbent on them to make their best judgement," he said.

Sanford said roadway flooding is not the only concern.

"As snowmelt continues, you're going to have percolation into the ground," he said. "You're going to have potential basement flooding."

Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said recent mild winters left people surprised by the storm.

"People forget all the challenges that a real northeast Ohio storm can bring," he said. "We've been fortunate the last few years, that we've not had to deal with this."

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Varckette said he's watching for runoff next week.

"When it starts warming, where is that runoff going to go?" he said. "We're anticipating that's going to cause issues down the road too, probably sooner than later."

Varkette said Geneva has had stormwater issues for decades.

"We're in the process of preparing a major stormwater study," he said. "We've had people on the ground evaluating our entire infrastructure for the past couple months."

Geneva-on-the-Lake Mayor Dwayne Bennett said the village's infrastructure has not had issues in the past, but much of it is old.

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"Whether [our infrastructure's] over capacity or not, is hard to tell until something happens," he said.

Bennett said rapid melting would be harder for the village's infrastructure to deal with.

Bennett said the village is first focusing on moving snow from the last storm out of the way, in preparation for more snow this week.
DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW)  Newly elected state Sen. JD Chaplin sent South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson a letter on Thursday asking his opinion about a nonprofits role in McColl in light of recent events that could affect public safety.

Chaplin also raised safety concerns and questioned the groups legal authority.

I strongly believe in the rule of law and keeping our citizens safe, Chaplin wrote. However, I am concerned about this non-profits actions because they appear to be an unlawful usurpation of the municipalitys police powers.

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The letter follows a string of recent events in the Marlboro County town that included the resignation of the entire police force and the mayors death, which came amid a yet-to-be-disclosed investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

After these events, the One In Five Foundation for Kids, a national nonprofit group created in the aftermath of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, said it planned to send citizen patrol teams from Charleston and Charlotte to ensure the safety of McColls student population and community of about 2,000 people.

Before the the patrols were scheduled to arrive, the group sai it received threats from an unidentified source out of Bennettsville saying, Stay out of McColl, and that it should mind its own business or face, an accident.

In his letter, Chaplin said questioned whether such quasi-law enforcement activity by an out-of-state, non-profit group raises serious legal questions. He then asked Wilson, Is it the opinion of your office that a non-profit engaging in quasi-law enforcement activities usurps a municipalitys police powers?

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Chaplins district includes Marlboro, Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee and Sumter counties.

* * *

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.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota 911 Coordination Board has agreed to purchase upgraded backup services for emergency calls.

44-year-old man arrested for rape of minors

The state board during a teleconference on Thursday approved a two-year contract to purchase RapidSOS Unite at an annual cost of $171,000.

The contract can be halted with 60-day notice, state 911 coordinator Jason Husby said.

That provision reflects uncertainty about long-term funding.

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The Legislature increased the 911 surcharge that phone users pay in South Dakota to $2 per line from $1.25. But the increase expires on July 1, 2026.

South Dakotas emergency-call centers, known as public service answering points or PSAPs, already use a free basic version of RapidSOS, according to Husby.

Under the new contract, PSAPs will be able to decide whether to purchase additional features available for RapidSOS Unite.

Theyre going to get the same pricing benefit, Husby said.

Watertown Police Chief Tim Toomey praised the contract negotiations. Good work and Im looking forward to implementing this across the state, Toomey said.

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The contract for backup 911 services comes after three different 911 outages in South Dakota earlier this year. The first one, in April, was caused by a third-party installing a light pole for Lumen Technologies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's former defence minister who resigned over President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched bid to impose martial law had ordered the deployment of troops to the parliament, the vice defence minister said on Thursday.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Jack Kim; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
The chairman of South Korea's ruling party has urged his party to vote against the opposition-led impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to media.

President Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on Tuesday only to lift it a few hours later in the face of massive political resistance and protests.

The Yonhap news agency on Thursday quoted Han Dong Hoon as saying: "As party leader, I will work to ensure that this impeachment (motion) does not pass to prevent harm from unprepared chaos to the public and supporters."

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This marked the first time since South Korea's transition to democracy in the late 1980s that the country's head of state imposed martial law.

In the wake of the turmoil, opposition lawmakers signed a petition for impeachment proceedings, which is set to be voted on in parliament on Saturday.
(Bloomberg) -- South Koreas ruling party is looking to prevent President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment by voting against a motion to initiate proceedings that may take place Saturday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said Thursday he will push against the passage of the impeachment motion as he has asked Yoon to leave the ruling party.

While lawmakers from Yoons party quickly voted with the opposition to reject the presidents martial law order earlier this week, Hans comment suggest the partys members may be less likely to vote in favor of starting impeachment proceedings.

Hans comment comes as Yoon replaced a defense chief reported to have ordered troops to the National Assembly where lawmakers were assembling to vote down the martial law decree.

Yoon named Choi Byung-hyuk, ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to replace Kim Yong-hyun, the presidential office said in a statement.

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The main opposition party said Wednesday it would pursue charges of treason against both Yoon and Kim, alleging that the short-lived declaration of martial law on Tuesday was illegal. Kim offered his resignation on Wednesday.

The opposition is now targeting Saturday for the parliamentary vote on the impeachment motion, a Democratic Party official said.

Yoons surprise gamble on Tuesday night to assert his authority with martial law blindsided the nation, his own party and global allies including the US. He later rescinded the order after parliament voted it down. Yoon has stayed silent since his briefing to announce the lifting of the martial law.

Kim was responsible for ordering the deployment of troops to parliament, according to Yonhap News, citing the vice defense minister.

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Hans move to rally PPP support against the impeachment motion may help him show that the PPP is still faithful to its conservative support while distancing itself from the president.

Lawmakers will need to wait at least 24 hours before they can vote on the impeachment motion with a time limit of 72 hours.

A two-thirds majority is required to approve the impeachment proceedings. The opposition would therefore need 200 votes, requiring several ruling party members to defy Han and vote with it.

--With assistance from Seyoon Kim.

(Adds more details)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, a stunning fall from grace for a man who rose from political obscurity to the height of political power.

His decades of achievement could be on the verge of crumbling due to a single, baffling decision to send out troops under martial law over vague claims that one of Asias leading democracies was under threat.

The impeachment suspends Yoons presidential powers until the Constitutional Court determines whether to dismiss him as president or restore his powers. Yoon also faces investigations meant to find whether his Dec. 3 decree amounts to rebellion, a crime that is punished by up to the death penalty in South Korea if convicted.

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Yoon, a staunch conservative and longtime prosecutor, went from political novice to president of South Korea in 2022, ending five years of liberal rule that saw failed efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis and a slackening economy.

His time in office, however, was marked by near-constant friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, threats of annihilation from North Korea and a series of scandals involving him and and his wife. Observers said he was impulsive, took criticism personally and relied too much on the advice of hardcore loyalists.

No one thing explained his attempt to shut down the mechanisms of a democratic nation over his claim that anti-state forces" were acting under the influence of North Korea.

But there are strands in Yoon's background, and especially in the intense acrimony with the liberal opposition and his hardline standoff with North Korea, that help illuminate the defining moment of his presidency.

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A turbulent rise to top prosecutor

Despite 2 1/2 years as president, Yoon's career was overwhelmingly about the law, not politics.

Yoon, 63, was born in Seoul to two professors, and went to prestigious Seoul National University, where he studied law.

A major moment, according to Yoon, happened in 1980 when he played the role of a judge in a mock trial of then-dictator Chun Doo-hwan, who had staged a military coup the previous year, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. In the aftermath, Yoon had to flee to the countryside as Chuns military extended martial law and placed troops and armored vehicles at various places including his university.

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Yoon returned to the capital and eventually began a career as a state prosecutor that would last nearly three decades, building an image as strong-minded and uncompromising.

Prone to confrontation

But he also faced criticism that his personality was unsuited to high-level leadership.

President Yoon isnt well-prepared, and he does things off the cuff," Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Institute of Presidential Leadership, said. "He also tends to express his emotions too directly. The things that he likes and dislikes are easy to see, and he tends to handle things with a small group of his own people, not the majority of people.

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During a parliament audit in 2013, Yoon, then a senior prosecutor, said he was under pressure from his boss, who said he opposed Yoon's investigation into an allegation that the countrys spy agency had conducted an illicit online campaign to help conservative President Park Geun-hye win the previous years election.

At the time, he famously said, Im not loyal to (high-level) people.

He was demoted, but after Parks government was toppled over a separate corruption scandal in 2017, then President Moon Jae-in made Yoon head of a Seoul prosecution office, which investigated Park and other conservative leaders. Moon later named Yoon the nations top prosecutor.

A neophyte in politics

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Yoon only joined party politics about a year before he won the presidency, abandoning the liberal Moon after an impasse over a probe of Moon's allies. Moons supporters said he was trying to thwart Moons prosecution reforms and elevate his own political standing.

The 2022 presidential race was Yoons first election campaign.

Yoon beat his rival, liberal firebrand Lee Jae-myung, by less than 1 percentage point in South Koreas most closely fought presidential election.

Their campaign was one of the nastiest in recent memory.

Yoon compared Lees party to Hitler and Mussolini. Lees allies called Yoon a beast and dictator and derided his wifes alleged plastic surgery.

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Domestic political strife

Yoons time as president was dominated by frustration and acrimony, much stemming from his narrow victory and his partys failure to win control of parliament throughout his term.

When Yoon declared the state of emergency, he said a goal was to eliminate shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces in an apparent reference to the opposition Democratic Party.

In a fiery speech on Thursday, Yoon again defended his martial law decree and vowed to fight to the end in the face of attempts to impeach and investigate him. He called the Democratic Party a monster and anti-state forces that he argued has flexed its legislative muscle to impeach top officials and undermined the governments budget bill for next year.

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Claims of corruption also battered his approval ratings.

Yoon recently denied wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scandal involving him and his wife. Spy camera footage in a separate scandal also purportedly shows the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, accepting a luxury bag as a gift from a pastor.

Choi said he thinks Yoon likely planned the clumsy martial law edict to divert public attention away from the scandals.

He tried to massively shake up the political world, Choi said. But he failed. He likely believed there was no other option.

North Korea lashed out at his hard line

If political squabbles and scandal set the tenor of Yoon's domestic presidency, its foreign policy was characterized by a bitter standoff with North Korea.

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Yoon early on in his presidency promised an audacious plan to improve the Norths economy if it abandoned its nuclear weapons.

But things turned sour quickly, as North Korea ramped up its weapons tests and threats to attack the South. North Korea eventually began calling Yoon a guy with a trash-like brain and a diplomatic idiot.

North Korea took that trash theme literally, sending thousands of balloons filled with garbage over the border, including some that made it to the presidential compound in Seoul at least twice.

Yoon's mention of North Korea as a domestic destabilizing force reminded some of an earlier South Korea, which until the late 1980s was ruled by a series of strongmen who repeatedly invoked the threat from the North to justify effort to suppress domestic dissidents and political opponents.

___

Klug reported from Tokyo.
A South Korean politician who grappled with an armed soldier in a show of defiance outside the countrys National Assembly on Tuesday night said she felt like the last line of defense in preventing security forces from entering parliament.

One of the most defining scenes to come out of South Koreas political chaos this week was video of An Gwi-ryeong grabbing a soldiers gun as lawmakers faced off against troops who had blocked their way into the building.

It came hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a shocking televised announcement that surprised even those within his own party and plunged the country into uncertainty.

I asked them, Arent you ashamed? An, a spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party, told CNN while standing outside the National Assembly building Thursday.

Even if they were following orders, armed soldiers pointing guns at citizens in the National Assembly and interfering with lawmakers proceedings is undeniably illegal.

An Gwi-ryeong stands for a portrait outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on December 5, 2024. - Bex Wright/CNN

The footage, which has since been viewed more than 7 million times on social platform X, shows security forces tussling with a crowd. An, wearing a dark jacket, can be seen grabbing a soldiers rifle, with the two struggling for the weapon for several seconds.

At one point the soldier points his rifle at An.

Let go of me, she shouts at him, before bystanders separate the pair.

During the physical confrontation, I tried to block them with my body. As they grabbed my arm and pushed, I resisted being pushed back, and I think I ended up pushing the gun away in the process, she said.

An said she had never held a gun before and felt scared and intimidated.

But at that moment, the thought of needing to stop them was much stronger, she added.

Lawmakers had gathered in the middle of the night, preparing to vote down Yoons martial law order in the main assembly hall. An said party staff and protesters had piled furniture and heavy objects against the revolving entrance door to block soldiers from accessing the building.

If the troops had entered and disrupted the vote, we wouldnt have been able to lift martial law, and we wouldnt be here today, An said. All I could think was that I must stop them. I felt like I was the last line standing in their way.

This screengrab taken from a video shows journalist-turned-politician An Gwi-ryeong grappling with and grabbing a soldiers rifle during a protest outside of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on December 4, 2024. - JTBC

Inside, 190 lawmakers succeeded in voting against the decree and Yoon was forced to lift martial law just six hours after announcing it, amid widespread condemnation.

South Korea has spent the last four decades shaping itself into a vibrant democracy with frequent protests and protected freedoms  a hard-won victory after a long history of bloody authoritarian rule.

An, a former anchor on South Korean news channel YTN, said that the countrys democratic success was built through the power of its citizens but shes concerned that democracy there is now crumbling and regressing.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on an impeachment motion against Yoon as soon as Saturday, and police have launched an investigation into the president and other top officials on treason allegations.

Until then, lawmakers from the Democratic Party refuse to let the assembly hall room remain empty overnight.

They are sleeping in shifts either in the hall itself or in their offices to protect their constitutional right to vote against martial law, if Yoon decides to reinstate it.

If President Yoon makes another declaration of martial law, the freedom of the people can be stopped, Kang Sun-woo, a National Assembly member for the Democratic Party, told CNN from inside the assembly room, where she spent the night.

If he makes it again, we will try to lift it as soon as possible by vote.

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As the opposition's effort to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made its way through the National Assembly, the leader accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, dismissing a key ally in his brief failed imposition of martial law.

Opposition lawmakers had moved on Wednesday to impeach the president, submitting a motion a day after Yoon's late-night declaration roiled the nation and set off hours of political turmoil. The motion to impeach was submitted by 191 lawmakers.

PHOTO: A protester holds a banner with an image of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol during a candlelight rally calling for the ouster of the president in Gwanghwamun in Seoul on Dec. 5, 2024. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: South Korean opposition moves to impeach president after his declaration of martial law

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It is expected to make its way through the National Assembly in the coming days, with a vote likely either Friday or Saturday. The measure would require a two-thirds majority to pass. It would then be sent to South Korea's Constitutional Court, which would have to approve the impeachment.

Yoon's party, the conservative People Power Party, controls 108 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, meaning some would have to break with their party for the impeachment vote to succeed.

As he declared martial law in a televised speech late Tuesday, the president said the measure would be necessary due to the actions of the Democratic Party, a liberal coalition that Yoon accused of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government.

PHOTO: People take part in a protest calling for the resignation of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 4, 2024. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: US has 'grave concern' as South Korea imposes, then overturns, martial law

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The declaration included banning political activities, including rallies and protests. Yoon also called for a stop to the "dissemination of fake news" and the manipulation of public opinion. All press would have been controlled by the state under the declaration.

The declaration was met with protests and a swift vote in the National Assembly, with the 190 members on hand unanimously voting to lift Yoon's martial law order. Within hours, Yoon had backtracked, and the State Council convened to vote to officially lift the order.

PHOTO: Protesters hold signs that read 'Immediate investigation into acts of rebellion' as they take part in a candlelight rally calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 5, 2024. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: South Korean president's chief of staff resigns after martial law lifted

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the U.S. was not aware of Yoon's plan before his declaration. "For us, this is one of the most critical alliances that we have anywhere in the world," Blinken said during a visit to NATO headquarters in Belgium. "South Korean democracy, its one of the most powerful stories anywhere in the world."

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"Its very important that any disputes, differences, political differences be resolved peacefully and pursuant to the rule of law," Blinken added. "Thats what were seeing now. Thats whats so important to sustain."

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also called off a trip to South Korea on Thursday that was planned to follow his participation in the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, this week, a U.S. military official confirmed to ABC News.

Yoon began his five-year term in May 2022 after wining office by a razor-thin margin.

PHOTO: South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/AP)

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Kim, the defense minister, had only recently taken up his post.

He had served as the head of Presidential Security Services in Yoons administration, before becoming a cabinet member in September, according to Yonhap News Agency. Hes a retired three-star Army general.

As opposition lawmakers worked to impeach Yoon, public calls for the president's resignation continued. Crowds again gathered in Seoul on Thursday, holding another candlelit vigil in support of Yoon's ouster in front of the National Assembly building.

ABC News' Will Gretsky, Ellie Kaufman, Joe Simonetti, Meredith Deliso and Matt Seyler contributed to this report.

South Korean president dismisses defense minister after failed martial law declaration originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
South Korean police have opened an investigation against Yoon Suk Yeol, the countrys president, for allegedly committing treason after he declared martial law on Tuesday.

The investigation comes after the opposition Rebuilding Korea party and 59 activists filed two complaints against Yoon and other cabinet members involved in Tuesday nights chaotic events.

Insurrection is a crime that goes beyond presidential immunity and the defendant could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if found guilty.

Veteran marines shave their heads in protest against the president outside the presidential office in Seoul - Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

A survey released on Thursday shows that seven out of 10 South Koreans support the impeachment of Yoon over the short-lived martial law declaration, and 70 per cent of respondents agreed that Yoons actions constitute treason.

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In addition to Yoon, South Koreas former defence minister Kim Yong-Hyun, Army chief of staff Gen Park An-su and interior minister Lee Sang-min are all being investigated by police for allegedly committing treason because of their involvement in the martial law declaration.

Kim apologised and offered to resign on Thursday morning. Yoon accepted his resignation and replaced Kim with Choi Byung Hyuk, South Koreas ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The Seoul central district prosecutors office has imposed a travel ban on Kim.

During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Kim Seon-ho, South Koreas vice defence minister, told lawmakers that it was Kim Yong-Hyun who proposed the idea of declaring martial law to president Yoon, ordered the troops to infiltrate the National Assembly and block lawmakers from entering the compound.

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The development comes less than 48 hours after Yoons sudden declaration of martial law shocked the world and threw South Korea into turmoil.

Protesters hold signs that read Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment! during a rally on the steps of the National Assembly in Seoul on Thursday - Jung Yeon-je/AFP

He withdrew the declaration just hours later after 190 South Korean lawmakers passed a motion to end it.

The opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, are scheduled to vote on his impeachment at 7pm on Saturday.

While the opposition parties hold a majority of 192 seats in the National Assembly, they need at least eight lawmakers from the ruling party, which has 108 seats, to successfully impeach Yoon.

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On Thursday, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, said he will unite members of his party to block the opposition-proposed motion to impeach Yoon.

But he emphasised that the decision was not to defend Yoons unconstitutional martial law and he is still calling on the president to leave the ruling party.

Those responsible for unsettling the public and causing harm through unconstitutional martial law, including the president, must be held strictly accountable, he said.

Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul after martial law was declared - Jung Yeon-je/AFP

With the ruling party planning to boycott the motion to impeach Yoon, analysts say its uncertain whether the opposition parties could pass the motion on Saturday.

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If the National Assembly fails to pass the motion, they expect protesters to turn out in huge numbers over the weekend to demand Yoons resignation.

If Yoon is impeached or doesnt resign, I see it will be difficult for his government to keep going forward, as the opposition parties will use this as a talking point all the way to the 2027 election, Timothy Rich, an expert on East Asian politics at the Western Kentucky University, told The Telegraph.

Soldiers advance to the main building of the National Assembly - YONHAP

Opposition parties, civil society organisations, and powerful unions have continued to call for Yoon to be impeached or to resign.

Several protests are scheduled to take place in Seoul and several parts of the country.

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In an attempt to calm investors, top financial and economic officials in South Korea said on Thursday that the chaos extended from the martial law declaration only has a limited impact on South Koreas financial and foreign exchange markets.

In a statement, the ministry of economy and finance said: Although the financial and foreign exchange markets experienced increased volatility early in the trading session Wednesday, they largely stabilised over time following the governments announcement of market stabilisation measures.

It called for a calm and measured response to the ongoing events and discouraged any unnecessary public anxiety.

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Tray tables up already?

Southwest fliers need to prepare for landing about 10 minutes earlier than usual in a change that the airline says is rooted in keeping passengers safe  but which also may cut into cabin service time.

The airline confirmed to The Times that the change in procedure began Wednesday but did not respond to questions on how it might affect food and drink service on shorter flights such as between Los Angeles and San Francisco or Las Vegas  which take about an hour and a half.

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Flights that are even shorter, such as those among the Hawaiian Islands that last from 20 to 40 minutes, might lose access to any drink service at all, including for water, according to Beat of Hawaii travel news. (You can still buy drinks to bring on board or fill a reusable water bottle before departure.)

Southwest flight attendants "will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet beginning Dec. 4. The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our Crew Members and Customers," the airline wrote in a statement.

Previously, landing preparation began at 10,000 feet, the airline said.

In-flight turbulence caused one death and two dozen injuries during a Singapore Airlines flight earlier this year that descended 6,000 feet in about three minutes.

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Videos of turbulence from inside plane cabins have gone viral over the last year. A Scandinavian Airlines plane headed for Miami left passengers screaming as drinks and loose objects jerked into the air as the plane shook. The plane made an emergency landing in Greenland and headed back to Europe. No injuries were reported during that flight.

Deaths due to turbulence are exceedingly rare, and flying remains statistically safer than ever, according to a recent MIT study.

Increasingly frequent incidents of turbulence during passenger flights could be due to climate change, some meteorologists and aviation experts say.

Instances of moderate or more violent clear-air turbulence have increased by 37% over the north Atlantic Ocean over the last 40 years, according to a 2023 study analyzing data from 1979 to 2020. Turbulence can cause injuries in passengers and airline employees, along with wear and tear on airplanes, the study notes.

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The FAA advises passengers to stay buckled in their seats at all times, not just when required during landing and takeoff, to avoid injuries from unexpected turbulence. The agency uses technology to understand weather patterns and helps pilots avoid bad winds with a "nowcast" system that provides 15-minute updates on turbulence forecasts.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ORLANDO, Fla.  SpaceX sent up a commercial satellite late Thursday morning from Kennedy Space Center completing three launches in just under 30 hours among its three active pads in Florida and California.

A Falcon 9 rocket on the SiriusXM SXM-9 mission took up the satellite radio companys hardware built by Maxar Space Systems to geosynchronous transfer orbit with liftoff from KSCs Launch Complex 39-A at 11:10 a.m. under mostly clear skies.

The first-stage booster made its 19th launch with a recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic on the droneship Just Read the Instructions. It marked the 380th successful booster landing for the company since 2015, and the 100th alone for Just Read the Instructions, one of three doneships SpaceX uses alongside A Shortfall of Gravitas, both of which sail out of Port Canaveral, and the west coast-based Of Course I Still Love You.

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It marked the 87th launch from the Space Coast in 2024 with all but five of those coming from SpaceX.

The 86th came early Wednesday at 5:13 a.m. when a Falcon 9 launched 24 Starlink satellites from neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX also sent up another Starlink mission on the west coast from Californias Vandenburg Space Force Base at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday.

Thats already a record that bested the 72 Space Coast launches from pads at both KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, but with only 25 days left in the year, its unlikely to reach 100.

United Launch Alliance had originally planned to knock out two more launches of its new Vulcan Centaur on national security missions, but the rocket has seen a delay in certification for those flights by the Space Force after a booster issue on the last launch. Those now wont take place until 2025.

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Blue Origin meanwhile could be gearing up for a hot fire soon of its New Glenn rocket on the pad at Canaverals Space Launch Complex 36 with Jeff Bezos company still sticking to the goal of launching it on its debut mission before the end of the year.

For its part, SpaceX plans to continue Falcon 9 launches at a pace of about two per week from Florida.

Including launches in California, though, SpaceX has now launched 124 orbital missions as well as four suborbital test flights of its Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Texas.

_____
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTAL/KMSS)In less than a month, the 119th Congress will convene at the U.S. Capitol. On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism as he spoke to reporters in Washington, D.C., regarding the Republican partys ability to push its agenda with its slim majority.

Congress will meet on January 3, 2025, at noon, and one of the first orders of business will be to elect the Speaker of the House. Johnson will run for the post again after being elected by his peers in October 2023.

The first 100 days agenda is going to be very aggressive, said Johnson. We have a lot to fix. And as weve been saying all along, we have, we could be the most consequential Congress of the modern era, because we got to fix everything.

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Republicans control the Senate as well, holding a 53-47 majority.

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Johnson and the new Senate majority leader, John Thune of South Dakota, have promised legislative change in border security, energy, and defense. On Wednesday, Johnson said any funding for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia will not be tied into a stop-gap spending bill by the current Congress to keep the government open.

There are developments by the hour in Ukraine, I think, as we predicted, and as I said to all of you weeks before the election, if Donald Trump is elected, it will change that the dynamic of the Russia war on Ukraine, and were seeing that happen, said Johnson. So it is not the place of Joe Biden to make that decision now we have a newly elected president, and were going to wait and take the new Commander in Chiefs direction on all of that. So I dont expect any Ukraine funding to come up now.

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The current Congress faces a December 20 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

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PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Judges of a European Union-backed court on Thursday ordered the arrest of Kosovos three other war veterans on alleged offenses against the administration of justice.

A statement from the Specialist Prosecutors Office, based in The Hague, Netherlands confirmed ongoing operations in Kosovo authorized by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and supported there by the EU's Rule of Law Mission, or EULEX.

Kosovar media reported three arrests.

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The court in The Hague and a linked prosecutors office were created after a 2011 report by the Council of Europe, a human rights body, that included allegations that KLA fighters trafficked human organs taken from prisoners and killed Serbs and fellow ethnic Albanians. The organ harvesting allegations have not been included in indictments issued by the court.

Since November 2020 top leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army which waged Kosovos 1998-99 war for independence from Serbia  ex-President Hashim Thaci, former parliamentary Speaker Kadri Veseli and ex-lawmaker Rexhep Selimi  have been in custody. They are on trial facing charges including murder, torture and persecution during and after the war.

Two other war veterans have been sentenced to jail terms for war crimes.

Two leaders of a Kosovo war veterans association also have been convicted after being found guilty of witness intimidation and obstructing justice.

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Most of the 13,000 people who died in the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo were ethnic Albanians. A 78-day NATO air campaign against Serbian troops ended the fighting, but tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, a move Belgrade and its key allies Russia and China refuse to recognize.
Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the human rights group Amnesty International said on Wednesday, in a campaign thats benefited from huge military and diplomatic support from the United States.

The declaration from Amnesty, an influential watchdog organization with wide international reach and respect, represents a significant addition to the chorus of accusations that the U.S.-backed Israeli offensive constitutes a genocide  one of the gravest possible violations. Its decision was based on more than 200 interviews and a review of visual and digital documentation of Israeli conduct in Gaza, as well as media coverage, reports by the United Nations and humanitarian organizations and statements by Israeli officials and Palestinian groups in Gaza.

Amnesty International concedes that identifying genocide in armed conflict is complex and challenging, because of the multiple objectives that may exist simultaneously. Nonetheless, it is critical to recognize genocide when it occurs in the context of armed conflict, and to insist that war can never excuse it, the groups report reads.

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The report cites in particular the relentless Israeli attacks on civilians, infrastructure and cultural sites, and the U.S.-backed offensives displacement of around 2 million Palestinians into ever-shrinking, ever-changing pockets of land  forcing people to live in conditions that exposed them to a slow and calculated death.

This is an especially contentious charge for Israel, given its founding in the aftermath of the attempted extermination of Jews via the Holocaust, which led to the coining of the term genocide.

A United Nations committee last month said Israels actions qualify as a genocide, and the U.N.s top court, the International Court of Justice, is considering a case from South Africa that holds Israel is breaching the Genocide Convention, after rejecting an Israeli claim the suit is baseless. Multiplescholars  including Holocaust historian Omer Bartov, himself an Israeli American  also say genocide is the appropriate term.

Israel and the U.S. have repeatedly rejected this depiction. Officials from both governments have cast the use of the term genocide related to the Gaza war as antisemitic and inaccurate. They argue Israel is not targeting Palestinians in general but specifically the Gaza-based militant group Hamas, and that doing so is an appropriate act of self-defense, after Hamas led an Oct. 7 attack inside Israel that killed 1,200. Israel respects international standards for shielding civilians during conflict, the countrys supporters add.

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Israel has yet to abide by repeated orders from the ICJ rooted in the genocide case, experts say, which include legally binding directives to ensure enough aid reaches Palestinians and to prevent incitement to commit genocide.

Another global court, the International Criminal Court, is also considering whether Israels actions constitute major offenses. The ICC last month issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israels government and the U.S.  which, as Israels chief backer, is tacitly implicated in the many alleged international law violations over the Gaza war  condemned the courts decision.

Moshe Yaalon, a former chief of the Israeli military and defense minister, said this month Israeli actions in Gaza constitute war crimes.

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Amnestys peer organizations, like Human Rights Watch and the Israeli group BTselem, have released investigations accusing Israel of various war crimes and crimes against humanity, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, conducting ethnic cleansing and using mass starvation as a method of warfare. All three groups have also said Hamas actions on Oct. 7 represent war crimes.

In the years prior to Oct. 7, each of the three separately concluded Israels treatment of Palestinians constituted apartheid  a notable finding that spurred calls for global action, particularly by the U.S., to change Israels behavior and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The report from Amnesty acknowledges the sensitivity of a broad claim Israel is conducting genocide.

Its investigation makes the case that Israel has specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, noting: There is resistance and hesitancy among many, mainly other states, in finding genocidal intent.

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This resistance has impeded justice and accountability with respect to past conflicts around the world and should be avoided in the future, the Amnesty statement continues.

The report details the devastating impact of Israeli actions as the country has fought what it calls a war against Hamas.

A states actions can serve the dual goal of achieving a military result and destroying a group, such as the Palestinians, the report reads. Genocide can also be the means for achieving a military result. In other words, a finding of genocide may be drawn when the state intends to pursue the destruction of a protected group in order to achieve a certain military result, as a means to an end, or until it has achieved it.

The ICJ in January ruled Palestinians in Gaza constitute a group with the right to be protected from genocide.

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Amnesty highlighted 15 Israeli attacks that, the groups probe showed, had no military goal, as well as Israeli forces use of large bombs in residential areas and around hospitals even when pursuing military targets. It also described Israels move to cut off electricity for Gaza, which severely limited access to clean water; Israels displacement and detention of huge numbers of Palestinians; Israeli forces destroying medical facilities and the local agricultural system; and severe Israeli-enforced restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The Israeli actions represent policies barred under the Genocide Convention, to which Israel and the U.S. are both parties, Amnesty argues. The convention bars major violence committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical racial or religious group.

International jurisprudence recognizes that the term in whole or in part refers to the intent, as opposed to the actual destruction. Equally important, finding or inferring specific intent does not require finding a single or sole intent, the Amnesty report reads.

While the probe focused on the period between Oct. 7, 2023, and early July 2024, the report notes: Israels policies, actions and omissions do not appear to have changed in any significant way. In fact, since Amnesty International completed its research, Israels offensive in Gaza expanded.

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This week, Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens of Palestinians in northern Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinians have fled the area, which some observers worry Israel plans to never return to Palestinian control.

Israeli officials say their continued operations are key to preventing a Hamas resurgence. In its Wednesday report, Amnesty said it also plans to release a publication on alleged violations by Hamas and its allies.

International law places certain conduct, including genocide, outside the permissible methods of war, meaning there are acts which can never be justified by military necessity, the groups Wednesday statement reads.
I remember the stairs being steep, a slow climb to the second-floor apartment where a toddler had accidentally shot himself.

A general assignment intern for the Milwaukee Sentinel, I was there to interview the mother of the wounded boy and other family members.

I had been to several shootings that summer, in 1992. This one felt different.

It was an accident; nobody intentionally left the gun out. And yet adults responsible for the boys well-being, including his mother, had failed to protect him. They had been negligent and also were suffering, just as the boy, who survived the shooting, was suffering in the hospital.

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I dont remember much about the interview or what happened to the mother and others who were home at the time of the shooting. I recall leaving with conflicted emotions. As a 22-year-old reporter, I doubt I was able to bring much nuance to the piece I wrote.

I am trying to do that 32 years later.

John Diedrich working on the 'Unintended' project in his home in December 2024.

The Unintended project examines what happens when children are hurt or killed after they get their hands on a gun. We have all seen the headlines, in Milwaukee and across the country.

These are tragic and preventable. They are horrific and infuriating. And they are sad.

My goal was to examine this issue in a new way, looking at how often the cases happen across Wisconsin, learning what happens afterward, and seeing if there are ways to prevent them.

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As with my 2023 "Behind the Gun" project, launched through the OBrien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University, this effort centers on the people of Wisconsin and the real-life challenges they face.

That project examined all firearms deaths across Wisconsin, including suicides, revealing the full measure of how people in every county in the state are affected.

As a follow-up, I wanted to delve into accidental shootings, to learn why a mother kept a loaded gun under her mattress, how a father would take the chance of getting a gun even though he is a felon, and why a Milwaukee County prosecutor charges these cases as he does.

My editor, Greg Borowski, and I took a chance on this project, forgoing snappy solutions and quick fixes, and leaning into the complexity. We invite you to grapple as we have.

Mike De Sisti, a visual journalist with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, shows his camera to Timothy Dawson during a home safety tour.

What do we call these? How often do they happen?

From the start, I wanted to be careful with language. I wrote about language usage in a reporters notebook I did for Behind the Gun, where I explained why I did not use phrases like gun violence or responsible gun owner.

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These cases, like the one I covered in 1992, are often called accidental shootings. Some gun owners I interviewed call them negligent shootings. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention terms them unintentional shootings.

I am following CDCs guidance to use "unintentional" and also using accidental, as most people know them that way.

I started by examining how often unintentional shootings occur. They are the rarest type of shooting and are actually dropping, but children are more often the victims. Between 2018 and 2023, about 500 people have died annually nationwide from unintentional gunshot wounds, about 115 of them children, CDC data shows.

A death or so a day seems like a lot, especially because they are preventable, but we are a big country. It is important to note there are other accidental deaths that occur more often, such as unintentional drownings (eight times as often) and motor vehicle crashes (85 times more common), according to CDC data.

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It is also important to note the majority of accidental shootings do not end in death, so these numbers are just part of the story.

Getting accurate non-fatal unintended shooting data is difficult, however, because law enforcement doesnt tabulate those specifically. But groups like Gun Violence Archives and Everytown for Gun Safety track them through media accounts and other sources.

As I began reporting, I asked people I knew to guess what percentage of shootings are accidental.

Many said 25% or higher. That's 25 times higher than the actual figure.

I suspect part of the reason may be how we in the media cover these cases. When I set up a Google alert for "accidental gun deaths" and Wisconsin, there were lots of hits but most werent from Wisconsin. They occurred elsewhere and were picked up by media here.

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In Wisconsin over the past eight years, there have been 15 to 20 unintentional shootings each year involving children, a handful of them fatal. The numbers jumped in the pandemic but have been trending down since.

Why were these guns there in the first place?

Another question I had: How are children getting these guns?

To understand that, I think, requires understanding why people have firearms in the first place.

This hit home when I was at a training event for new gun owners at Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Milwaukee in summer 2023.

Firearms instructor Jieire Vance explained to the class that the Wisconsin Department of Justice suggests keeping all guns locked up, unloaded, and separated from ammunition.

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After a couple of seconds, several in the class laughed. One woman said she was in the class to learn how to defend her home quickly. That made me wonder whether the solutions being advanced are realistic for all people.

Theron Rogers, a firearms instructor, teaches student Regina Pugh at a firearms safety class at Prince Hall on Milwaukee's north side in July 2023.

People told me about their concerns: Living in dangerous neighborhoods, worried about their childrens safety, being in fear of an abuser, and noting the sometimes slow police response.

Gun owners also told me they feel an almost shaming attitude at times from non-gun owners who may live in safer, more well-policed areas.

Judgment seems especially strong when a child gets a gun.

The irony here is that many gun owners I interviewed over the past two years are hyper-aware of safety and security. And it pains them to see such cases.

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These gun owners have ideas of how to prevent such shootings, which include secure storage. Many are skeptical of the cheap cable locks that come with new guns. They advocate getting a gun safe that makes the firearm available to the owner but inaccessible to anyone else.

I told my OBrien colleague Lee Hawkins what I was hearing from gun owners. He said, So its not by accident that some people are not having accidents with guns.

Perspectives from all sides of this issue

With a handle on the frequency, I turned to what happens afterward. I found cases charged in Milwaukee County  which sees by far the most unintended gun deaths in Wisconsin  are often felonies. In other counties, prosecutors are more often charging misdemeanors.

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Torbenson, who oversees such cases in Milwaukee County, explained his view of the cases and described how he had a hand in changing Wisconsins law, allowing them to be charged differently.

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Wisconsin has a 1991 law for accidental shootings involving children that says they should be charged as misdemeanors, but Torbenson finds the law lacking.

Milwaukee County Deputy District Attorney Matthew Torbenson oversees prosecution of cases were children are hurt or killed including with firearms.

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Torbenson has been a prosecutor about as long as I have been a reporter in Milwaukee and we spoke for hours about these cases. With passion, he said he owes it to these children and their loved one to charge these cases.

We have a responsibility to protect them, he told me.

In interviews with several mothers and fathers charged, they shared regret for what happened. They acknowledged some punishment is appropriate, depending on the circumstances. Several also described how they are struggling with the after-effects of being charged with a felony.

I'm not a bad mom, BriOnna Givens, whose son shot himself in the hand, told me. And that doesn't matter because this mistake happened.

BriOnna Givens said she first purchased a gun out of concern for her own safety about eight years ago.

The cases continue. In just the past month, two more children in Milwaukee were injured in accidental shootings. Two mothers have been charged with a felony. That makes five such cases this year.

More than three decades after I left that apartment, I dont have the tidy answers.

But it has me thinking.

And now perhaps it has you thinking as well.

Reporter John Diedrich can be reached at jdiedrich@gannett.com.

The O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism sponsored this work.

About this project

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter John Diedrich examined the full extent of gun deaths in Wisconsin during a nine-month OBrien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University.

The project reveals the full picture of gun deaths in the state and tells the stories of people affected by gun deaths and those trying to find solutions.

Marquette University and administrators of the program played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of this project.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What a reporter learned about accidental child shootings in Wisconsin
Dec. 4If an earthquake and tsunami decimate the West Side, Eastern Washington would serve as an emergency operations center and an entry point into the state for supplies to respond to the disaster.

"Given the estimated anticipated impacts of the quake, Spokane has already been identified as the site for the reconstitution of state government, including primarily state emergency management," said Chandra Fox, deputy director of Spokane County Emergency Management.

Fox said the state has agreements in place to use facilities in the Spokane area if a mega earthquake erupts along the Cascade Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault from British Columbia to Northern California. The quake could hit the region in the coming decades.

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Fox said she doesn't believe the quake will directly affect Spokane County.

"I'm not expecting any ground movement here," Fox said.

Fairchild Air Force Base would become a hub for incoming and outgoing supplies to respond to the disaster, said Tech Sgt. Michael Brown, a spokesman for the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild.

Brown told The Spokesman-Review earlier this year that the 141st would provide search and rescue support and air resources to determine which roads are blocked with debris, and then clear the roads.

They'd also assist with communications and internet resources, which could be down from the natural disaster, and help manage West Side residents evacuating to the east side of the state.

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"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, is what's continuously told to us," Brown said. It still might not happen in this lifetime, though.

Preparations by the Spokane Air Guard, Spokane County and other local, state and federal officials are ongoing.

Many decisions will be made by elected officials, Fox said. She said an all-day workshop is scheduled in February to discuss the impacts, planning and to help those officials understand the decisions they would be responsible for making.

As a county department leader, Fox said one of her main jobs would be to mitigate the negative impacts to Spokane County that would be caused by the natural disaster's response and recovery efforts. One of those impacts would be to supply chains for various commodities, like fuel and groceries.

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She said coordinating with state law enforcement in the Northwest to manage the increased Interstate 90 traffic bringing resources from the east is another point of preparation. One of the significant unknowns is how many transportation routes would be usable in the immediate aftermath, Fox said.

Fox said she doesn't expect much traffic coming east from the West Side because those roads, like I-90 on Snoqualmie Pass, will be damaged. She said she believes airlifting people from the disaster area, similar to what happened during Hurricane Katrina, would be needed.

"We are in constant conversation with state and with FEMA Region 10 about what we feel our capability and capacity is for absorbing large amounts of evacuees," Fox said.
Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Tai Software. In this issue, your WTT listener stats; HappyRobots big raise; FreightVana acquires Loadsmith; and more.



Sponsored by Tai: Brokers, stop losing time and money on manual tasks! Tai TMS automates your workflows, cutting down on paperwork and errors so you can focus on growing your brokerage faster. Learn more here.

WTT wrapped 2024



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Boom town  Thank you so much for making 2024 the biggest year yet for WHAT THE TRUCK?!?



During the past 365, days weve launched a store, done a documentary with Talon and the Port of Long Beach, California, held private events with Redwood and Univar, lit up the stage across conferences, and gotten syndicated in drive time on SiriusXMs Road Dog Trucking Channel 146 at 5 and 11 p.m. Eastern on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.



Spotify

Whats really amazing to me is how much this community has grown. In this past year alone, we added 75% new listeners, grew all listeners by 68% and increased followers by another 45% on Spotify.



The mission of this show has always been to put faces and names to the issues, companies and the stories that impact us. We did that across 121 live shows this year that featured over 420 guests. You can find all previous episodes here.



In 2024, your top show topics were freight fraud; conflict in the Red Sea; FreightGuards; whether truckers were really boycotting New York; the freight recession; and more. In two weeks well release the list of top episodes.







Drivers getting their CDLs revoked by the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse was our top TikTok, with over 236,000 views, 895 comments and 5,519 shares. We dove even deeper on the subject Wednesday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with Adam Wingfield. Check that out here.



X

Spotify and TikTok werent the only platforms we made big gains on. X followers delivered 29.5 million impressions as we doubled in follower size.









LinkedIn



Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is a crucial channel in this space. There we raised impressions to over 13 million. Your favorite posts were a Waffle House conference booth concept; a cheeky way to defeat dashcams; and a suggestion to have ocean contracts settled by bare-knuckle brawling on a shipping container.



We still have two more weeks of shows to go before A VERY WHAT THE TRUCK?!? CHRISTMAS and are finishing strong with an amazing slate of guests like Flexports Ryan Petersen, HappyRobots Pablo Palofax, CNBCs Lori Ann LaRocco, Project K9 Hero and more.





Were setting up our annual Freight Industry Christmas Tree! If you have an ornament for it, send it my way and itll be right on that tree during each show for the rest of the year. If you need an address, just email me.
A 38-year-old Springfield, Ill., woman was sentenced to probation Wednesday in Scott County Court after she pleaded guilty in connection to an incident at the Bettendorf Home Depot.

Earlier, Tiffany Collier pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree theft in connection with an incident last year.

Tiffany Collier (Scott County Jail)

Our Quad Cities News crew was in the courtroom when her attorney said she wants to move forward in a meaningful way with her life. When a judge asked Collier whether she wanted to make a statement, she said no.

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The judge sentenced her to a period of no more than five years incarceration, but suspended the sentence and ordered Collier to serve two years of probation during good behavior unless sooner released upon recommendation of a probation officer.

A Home Depot theft on Dec. 4, 2023

Shortly after 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 2023, loss-prevention personnel saw Collier at Home Depot, 920 Middle Road, load a cart with boxed Makita tools, police say in affidavits that say she was working with a co-defendant,who was apprehended at the scene taking similar items.

The two left the store via the west contractor entrance/exit, affidavits show, without paying for any merchandise.

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When an officer came out of hiding around the west end of the store, the (two) abandoned their full carts of merchandise outside the store and ran toward a suspect vehicle already identified by Home Depot loss prevention, police say in affidavits.

Officers blocked in that vehicle, a rental vehicle, not knowing that another rental vehicle was parked right next to it, according to affidavits.

Police say Collier jumped into a black 2020 Chevy Trax, also a rental vehicle, and fled from the store and subsequent pursuing officer.

The co-defendant was taken into custody at the scene, according to affidavits, and after being read the Miranda Rights, identified Tiffany Collier.

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Police contacted the rental company, and discovered two authorized drivers were listed on the aforementioned getaway vehicle. One of those authorized drivers was Tiffany Collier, affidavits show.

Police found, from recovered stolen property in the co-defendants car, that Collier and the co-defendant were at Marshalls in Galesburg that same day.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Many children in Milwaukee will get an early, miniature version of Christmas on Friday after St. Nicholas visits their homes.

Even though the Catholic feast day is not celebrated nationwide, its become a holiday staple for families across the city, with many creating their own traditions to celebrate the occasion.

Heres what to know about St. Nick's Day 2024:

What is St. Nicks Day?

St. Nicks Day is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th century bishop, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

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St. Nicholas is referred to as the Patron Saint of Children, according to the Catholic World Mission. He is also the patron saint of several countries  including Russia and Greece  and cities throughout the world, according to the St. Nicholas Center.

When is St. Nicks Day?

St. Nicks Day occurs annually on Dec. 6, which falls on a Friday this year.

St. Nick traditionally leaves gifts and candy on the night of Dec. 5.

How is St. Nicks Day celebrated?

For families celebrating in Milwaukee, according to the St. Nicholas Center, children will hang stockings or put out their shoes on Dec. 5 with a wish list for Santa inside.

St. Nick will then make a visit to collect the letters, leaving candy and other treats for good children  and coal for those who havent been so nice.

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Sometimes, St. Nicholas even stops at schools to leave presents in classrooms.

On the Sunday closest to St. Nicks Day, many churches often host festivals in honor of the saint  which may even include an appearance from St. Nicholas himself, according to the St. Nicholas Center.

Why is St. Nicks day popular in Wisconsin?

Communities with large German, Dutch and Ukrainian heritages often celebrate St. Nicks Day, according to the St. Nicholas Center.

Milwaukee-area residents have previously told the Journal Sentinel they believed the feast day was celebrated everywhere, with one resident saying the celebration is definitely a Midwest thing.

Where else is St. Nicks Day celebrated in the U.S.?

The St. Nicholas Center says some other places in the U.S. that celebrate St. Nicks Day include Cincinnati, Ohio; New Ulm, Minnesota; St. Louis, Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; and some places in Pennsylvania.

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Holland, Michigan and Pella, Iowa also celebrate the holiday, according to the Farmers Almanac.

More: Why St. Nick's Day is a Milwaukee tradition

More: St. Nick fills stockings with candy. Or shoes with oranges. Or rides a moose. For Milwaukee families, the traditions vary.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: St. Nicks Day 2024: What to know about the Milwaukee tradition
A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for stealing from a woman and robbing two others at gunpoint  making one drive from Arden Hills to Minneapolis  on three days in 2022.

Raphael Raymond Nunn, 58, was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in St. Paul after a jury in May found him guilty of kidnapping, bank fraud and identity theft.

Prosecutors asked Judge Eric Tostrud to give Nunn a 27-year sentence, calling Nunn a relentless offender and life-long fraudster whose calculated deceit has left a wake of financial devastation spanning nearly three decades.

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Minnesota court records show that Nunn has three convictions for auto theft, two for check forgery and one for financial transaction card fraud.

According to federal court documents:

Nunn was wearing a mask and gloves and armed with a black handgun when he approached a 61-year-old woman who had just parked her 2003 Lexus in an underground parking garage at her work in the 3900 block of Northwood Drive in Arden Hills just before 7:30 a.m. Sept. 13, 2022.

When the woman got out of her car, Nunn approached her with the gun. After the woman grabbed the barrel of the gun, he pushed her to the ground and then forced her back into the vehicle at gunpoint.

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He ordered her to drive to an ATM at Wells Fargo at 2600 E. Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis. There, he forced her to withdraw cash using her debit card until she reached her limit of $1,000. He then forced her to call her bank and get a PIN number to withdraw cash from her credit card. He also took $30 from her wallet. He then ordered her to drive to Matthews Park at 2438 27th Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

Once at the park, he told her to get out of the vehicle and leave her key fob and phone in the car. He told her she could find her vehicle at the other side of the park after he was gone. When the woman walked to her vehicle, he was gone and she called the police.

Video surveillance cameras showed Nunn getting out of her car and walking to Cedar Food & Grill at 2600 Cedar Ave. S. in Minneapolis. Once inside the store, he bought a bottle of soda and took off his hood. He was no longer wearing the mask, which he had discarded during his walk. Four days later he returned to the store in his own vehicle, which allowed authorities to identify him as the suspect.

He was arrested Sept. 22, 2022, in Minneapolis. A search found evidence of the kidnapping and two previous crimes that year.

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Law enforcement linked Nunn to the robbery of a woman in a Target parking lot in Hudson, Wis., on Jan. 8. Using a black handgun, Nunn threatened to kill the woman if she refused to hand over her purse. He then used her bank cards to make several purchases in St. Paul, totaling about $180.

Nunn also was tied to the theft of a womans backpack, which included her debit card, at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Oak Park Heights on Aug. 9. He then used the card to make $430 in fraudulent transactions in Lake Elmo and Oak Park Park Heights.

Nunn inflicted not just financial losses, but emotional and psychological scars, as his victims were left with a lasting sense of vulnerability and fear, federal prosecutors wrote in a document to the judge. His pattern of criminal behavior demonstrates a lack of empathy, exemplifying the very reasons our justice system categorizes his actions as serious offenses requiring decisive punishment.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  The St. Petersburg City Council voted Thursday in favor of purchasing bonds that would fund a portion of the new Rays stadium and the redevelopment of the Gas Plant District.

The council voted four to three to move forward with a $290 million bond purchase to pay for a new stadium deal and the development of the land around it. However, the Pinellas County Commission must also approve bonds to pay for their portion of the deal.

Students receive $75K in scholarships at annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball

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After a back and forth over the last few weeks between the Rays and Pinellas County, St. Pete leaders said they are stepping up to the plate and keeping their commitment to the deal.

On Wednesday, the city added this agenda item to Thursdays meeting, which caught the county and those against the development by surprise.

Theyre trying to strong-arm the county into saying, Hey, you know weve done our part. Do your part, but elections have consequences, said Vince Nowicki, County Commissioner. I dont blame the administration, the mayors administration for bringing this up, because if they wait till January, youre going get two more City Council members that arent in favor of this deal.

It sure looks like theyre trying to slip one over on us, the public, said Ron Diner, with the group No Home Run.

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The public has the right to know to know whats going on and provide input. I think its outrageous. Adding an item like this at the last minute is not defendable, its wrong and its an insult to the public, Diner added. Diner has opposed the deal from the start and told council members they should not approve funding for it.

Dont borrow money, when the partner you are counting on says hes out, said Diner.

Others from the community showed support for a new stadium deal.

Mark Ferguson, who owns the popular Fergs Sports bar, told council members the Rays bring a lot to the community and are keeping businesses like his alive.

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Now, we are a major league city. We have come so far in the last 30 years where now we are looking at something totally different. You pass the bonds today, the county passes the bonds on the 17th and were back on track, said Ferguson.

With this next step in the process, the city will also get more clarity from the Rays.

Mayor Ken Welch says there are still issues between the team and the county, but he believes they will be worked out.

While significant issues do remain with regard to the Rays stadium obligations, the discussions were productive and our options are becoming clearer, said Welch.

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This all follows a recent meeting where the Rays said the deal was dead and blamed the county for delaying the vote on their bonds.

However, the county said they have enough time to get the money to build the stadium in time.

Over the weekend, the Rays sent a letter to the county saying nothing changed on their end.

County Commissioner Vince Nowicki said he spoke with the Rays and hes hoping for a deal with revisions and more money from the team.

Ive had some conversations with folks that have been in construction of large scale like this, said Nowicki. They seem to be with the impression that as long as bonds are issued by June 2025, a new stadium could be ready by March 2028.

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After Thursdays vote, all eyes will be on the county for their vote on December 17.

Mayor Welch says hes confident Pinellas County will now approve their part of the agreement.

Ive been confident from the beginning, you know, that the fundamentals of this plan make too much sense for us not to move forward and so we will continue those discussions with the county commission and I know the commission has been meeting with the Rays as well, said Welch.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A shooting in St. Petersburg left one person in the hospital on Wednesday night, the St. Pete Police Department said.

The shooting occurred around 8:10 p.m. in the parking lot near 2901 Tyrone Boulevard across the street from Buffalo Wild Wings.

Police said there was an altercation at a vehicle involving the victim, who was described as a young man.

The manager of the restaurant told WFLAs Marilyn Parker he was outside when he heard two gunshots. 15 minutes later, he saw police.

The victim was taken to a local hospital but their condition is currently unknown. The shooter is on the scene with officers, according to police.

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The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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ST. PETERSBURG  The City Council on Thursday followed through with approving bonds to fund its portion of a $1.3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays and the surrounding Historic Gas Plant District.

The 4-3 decision, in line with past votes taken on the stadium and redevelopment, now leaves it to the Pinellas County Commission to potentially have the final say on the deal. On Dec. 17, the commission could approve their bonds and lock the Rays and its development partner Hines into the cost overruns the team now says it cant afford, or vote no and possibly leave a $312.5 million hole in the project.

Council member Gina Driscoll, who pushed for the delay when the council last met Nov. 21, said the city needed then to take a breath. Tensions at that meeting had boiled over as Rays president Brian Auld indicated the deal was dead and City Administrator Rob Gerdes asked for an official letter terminating the deal, which never came.

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Driscoll, along with council members Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Copley Gerdes and Brandi Gabbard, voted to take out bonds to finance $287.5 million for the stadium and $142 million for roads and sewers in the Gas Plant. Council members Lisset Hanewicz, Richie Floyd and John Muhammad voted no.

Are the Rays on the verge of sending a termination letter? Turns out they werent. Theyre still in. And so am I, Driscoll said, urging the county to do their part and join us to see this through.

Still unknown, however, is whether the Rays can carry out their end of the deal approved by the city and county in July. Team presidents Auld and Matt Silverman wrote a letter before a commission meeting last month stating the club could no longer afford to open a ballpark in 2029, a year later than planned, following delays in the bond votes. The Rays are on the hook for $700 million for the stadium, plus all overages.

That led to the county and city delaying votes and starting a back-and-forth in correspondence between the commission chairperson and the Rays. Silverman had a change of tone in his last letter, saying the current agreements are still in effect and the club awaits decisions from the city and county.

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Before the councils vote, Mayor Ken Welch, the architect of the deal, said Rays owner Stuart Sternberg and his team attended a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday. Welch told the council there is consensus that the agreements approved in July are valid and in effect, though significant issues remain regarding the Rays stadium obligations.

The discussions were productive, and our options are becoming clearer, Welch said.

The Rays were not present at the council meeting Thursday, which irked Hanewicz, a staunch critic of the deal and its legal language. In a text message to the Tampa Bay Times after the meeting, Silverman said, We appreciate that the St. Petersburg City Council took action on this item today.

City Administrator Rob Gerdes said the Rays offered to attend, but he said he told them it wasnt necessary to come. Hanewicz said she spoke to Silverman and was told the Rays decided not to come.

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Theres no commitment to move forward, she said. Theres no clarity as to what will happen with all the agreements between the parties, and this is how a 30-year relationship is ultimately beginning.

Gerdes said the citys conversations with the Rays focused on the funding gap the Rays perceive. He said the private sector could fill in those gaps with suite and name sponsorship rights. When Hanewicz asked what the funding gap is, Gerdes said he didnt know.

As Mayor (Welch) clearly stated, we cannot financially make up that gap, Gerdes said.

At the beginning of the meeting, Hanewicz objected to adding the votes on the bonds to the agenda with only a days notice to the public. Muhammad and Floyd voted with her to reject the meetings agenda, but it passed anyway. The city is not legally required to advertise notice for the bond resolutions.

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The stadium deal, an elusive feat 17 years in the making, seemed like a done deal, as the bond votes were viewed as a formality. But then came hurricanes Helene and Milton, the latter storm shredding the roof on Tropicana Field and creating another problem about where the Rays would play their 2025 season. The team has announced plans to play home games at Tampas Steinbrenner Field, where the New York Yankees play spring training games, next year.

Concessionaire Levy Restaurants formally told staff their jobs at Tropicana Field were terminated at years end.

Workers were notified via email that with the stadium unusable for now, the companys operations were on hold until further notice and their employment will be terminated as of Dec. 31.

Some will have an option to transfer to another facility serviced by Levy, such as the Florida State Fairgrounds. (Tampas Steinbrenner Field and Raymond James Stadium are serviced by Legends Hospitality, and Amalie Arena uses Cur(ate) TPA.)

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Michele Dyson, a 10-year bartender at Tropicana Field, shared the Levy news in speaking to the council in support of the bonds deal.

In her comments, Dyson said: Im here to remind you that every time you vote your decisions have a direct impact on peoples lives, no matter the topic. Please never forget that. So Im here in support of the new Rays baseball stadium and the impact it has on this community.

The council is scheduled to vote on whether to approve $1.45 million to hire a contractor to design plans for Tropicana Fields roof replacement next week. The council last month rejected spending $23.7 million to repair the roof after Auld said the team preferred a no vote because it didnt believe the new roof could be in place by the 2026 season, and the club could seek alternative plans.

The hurricane also delayed bond votes past the November election, allowing for new members unfavorable to the deal to join the County Commission. Before the meeting, Commissioner Vince Nowicki stood by as a few members of an organized group against the stadium deal, No Home Run, held a news conference on the steps of City Hall urging the council to vote no.

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Nowicki later emailed all council members urging them to vote no to force a better deal for the city and the county.

The Rays are the only party in the agreements with the power to back out of the deal with an official notice. Its not clear what would happen if the county votes no on their bonds.

If that doesnt happen, of course, that sets us on a different path, Welch said. We will determine the best path if that takes place. Im very hopeful that they will again reaffirm the 30-year value of the agreement that we signed back in July to move forward.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.
A staggering number of invasive goldfish have been removed from a city pond in British Columbia, Canada. While the environmental action is a step forward for the local ecosystem, the removal showcases the devastating impact of the household pets on non-native environments.

Victoria Now reported that the invasive goldfish were removed from Erickson Stormwater Pond over a two-week period in October. Workers drew down the pond to capture the goldfish during the intensive operation, conserving native salamanders, newts, and other native wildlife. Workers captured 1,746 goldfish in total, many of which were much larger than your standard aquatic pet.

"The number and size of the goldfish that had to be removed really shows why this species is such a challenge when released to nature," Campbell River utilities operations manager Steve Roehr said. "They multiply quickly and grow to be big  and that edges out native species."

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Officials reported that all captured goldfish had to be euthanized, and it's anticipated that a follow-up remediation will be needed to make sure the goldfish were completely removed.

According to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, goldfish are the most widespread invasive fish in North America. Their presence in wildlife environments is mostly due to people releasing pets into the wild and those pet fish quickly multiplying. Goldfish are only native to eastern Asia, though most pet store goldfish are unsuitable for any wildlife environment.

The town of Sylvan Lake in neighboring Alberta also recently eradicated invasive goldfish from its city pond, removing almost 500 fish.

"This should solve the problem, but it's so easy to get back in this situation if people continue to release their goldfish into this pond," Sylvan Lake mayor Megan Hanson said of the effort in a press release. "They multiply so quickly. They grow quite large, and have no known predators."

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As Victoria Now explained, invasive goldfish can harm the environment by reducing water clarity, which in turn lowers the amount of sunlight that can reach underwater plants. This causes devastating habitat loss for native aquatic species. Native species are also forced to compete with goldfish for food and other resources, upsetting the entire ecosystem.

"Goldfish are  simply put  not for the wild," Roehr said in a release.

But the city isn't stopping at removing the goldfish. Campbell River  along with local wildlife organizations  has launched the Not for the Wild campaign to educate on the risks and costs of releasing invasive species into the local environment.

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It took around 40 minutes for an assassin to locate UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, fire three shots at him, and then vanish on Wednesday morning outside of the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan.

Thompson, 50, was in town from Minnesota to attend an investor conference hosted by the publicly traded health insurance giant, which is also headquartered in Minnesota. He was transported six blocks away to Mount Sinai West hospital and pronounced dead just as the conference was getting underway at 8 a.m.

In a news conference, the New York Police Department said Thompsons shooting appeared to be a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack, and the assassins reported movements leading up to Thompsons final moments appear to support this assessment.

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Many people passed the suspect but he appeared to wait for his intended target, said police commissioner Jessica Tisch, adding that the suspect appeared to be lying in wait for several minutes for Thompson.

Police also released snapshots of someone who appears to be the suspect stopping at a Starbucks, located blocks away at W. 56th Street and 6th Avenue, just minutes before the shooting. According to its hours, the store opens at 5 a.m.

A Hilton hotel worker said a man, believed to be the suspect, came up to the second floor of the building around 6 a.m., when breakfast was being served for UnitedHealths conference attendees, reported the Wall Street Journal. The suspect was dressed in a black hoodie, black pants and carrying a gray backpack, according to NBC News.

Reward poster in relation to the shooting of Brian Thompson , CEO of United Healthcare, who was shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, in New York City, US, December 4, 2024.

At some point, the suspect then left the building and was spotted pacing around at 6:15 a.m. in a corporate park across the street from the hotels 54th Street entrance, according to that same hotel worker, reported WSJ.

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Thompson left his nearby hotel, the name of which was not made public by police, and approached the Hilton around 6:45 a.m. His colleagues believe he was going to set up early for the event when he was attacked outside from behind by the suspect. The suspect, who witnesses said was wearing gloves, shot Thompson in the back and once in the leg. He then proceeded to shoot at Thompson at least one more time before his gun seemed to jam, according to witnesses and video of the incident.

A police source told the New York Post that the shooting suspect appeared to try fixing the gun, which was outfitted with a silencer, so that it could be fired again.

Investigating police recovered three shell casings, three live rounds from the scene. A cellphone, a water bottle and a candy wrapper was found where the suspect was believed to have been waiting for Thompson, reported ABC News.

The Daily Beast contacted the New York Police Department for an update on the investigation but did not receive a reply.

Police officers stand near the scene where the CEO of United Healthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, in New York City, US, December 4, 2024.

Investigators are still searching for a potential motive behind Thompsons killing, with the CEOs wife Paulette telling NBC News that her husband had received several recent threats.

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Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, she said. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

The suspect escaped on an e-bike, riding five blocks north to Central Park, where he was last seen at 6:48 a.m.

Cops first said the getaway vehicle was a Citi Bikepart of a fleet of city-sponsored bikes that are outfitted with GPS technologybut CNN cited a law enforcement source later Wednesday night who said that assessment was not correct.

Police are offering up to a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to his arrest. According to police, they do not believe he is a threat to the public.

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Although the New York Hilton hotel has frequently played host for high-profile clientsit regularly hosted Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clintons Clinton Global Initiative event until recently, for examplethe guest services experience at the property seems to be hit or miss.

The hotel scored a 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google, with a recent guest commenting, A pair of sandals were stolen from my room and never found nor replaced. Grimy place.

Another commentator addressed Thompsons shooting and security at the building, writing on Wednesday: Someone shot outside the lobby this morning. Horrible experience and they should have better security.

Thompson took the helm of UnitedHealths insurance unit in 2021 after having been with the company since 2004. According to the companys recently released proxy statement, Thompson earned a $1 million salary and $8 million in stock and option awards last year. WSJ reported that Thompsons total pay averaged $9.92 million over the past three years. He was worth an estimated 43 million.

In May, Thompson was sued by the Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund, a lawsuit that alleged he engaged in an insider trading scheme. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty and Executive Chairman Stephen Hemsley were also named in the lawsuit. The Pension Fund accused the health care executives of scheming to inflate the companys stock in the midst of a DOJ investigation, reported CNN.

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Brian was a truly extraordinary person who touched the lives of countless people throughout our organization and far beyond. Its a terrible tragedy, said Witty in a video message to employees.

Thompson is survived by his two sons with his wife Paulette.

The Daily Beast could not reach a UnitedHealth representative for comment.
Keir Starmer is revealing his so-called Plan for Change. The country awaited his relaunch with all the enthusiasm that greeted his launch of the Christmas lights in Downing Street. Many in his own party will be questioning where on earth this plan has been over the last 5 months.

After 14 years in opposition  and many months when regaining power felt frankly inevitable  I was convinced Labour had carefully mapped out their plan for Government. Just as Blair made the Bank of England independent 4 days into office, I braced for huge policy changes made possible by this new, enormous majority.

How wrong I was. It seems that Sir Keir entered No 10 completely underprepared as to what he actually wanted to do.

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He clearly thought that just by virtue of not being a Tory things would magically improve. But absent a coherent political philosophy or hinterland, he has been left scrambling around for a strategy for governing.

And so, after a near-unprecedented 49-point drop in his approval ratings, Starmer is this week hoping to turn things around with a new set of 6 targets.

Some of these aims I hope with every fibre of my being that he fails on. His crackers plan to decarbonise the grid in just 6 years will lead to bills soaring or blackouts  or both. Others, like downgrading his economic growth targets, are an embarrassing admission his Budget has already failed.

Some, like cutting crime and waiting lists are obviously admirable. But every indication so far is that he will fail to meet most of them. Why?

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The British state is broken. The evidence is clear: just look at crime rates, illegal migration, infrastructure delays, and the Covid response  we just cant get anything done anymore. But Starmer appears to be gambling on the opposite. He clings to the belief the civil service is a Rolls Royce, when really its a beaten up Vauxhall Corsa.

And so he plans to deliver his public sector reforms by working through the Whitehall system, empowering it even further.

Just this week the man responsible for pandemic preparedness has been promoted to Cabinet Secretary, charged now with running the entire civil service. A man deeply involved in the decision to go to war in Iraq has been brought in as Starmers chief foreign policy advisor. And the man in charge of delivering HS2 has  astonishingly  been made head of the Value for Money quango. Himself a creature of the system, Starmer has assembled a Government of the blob, by the blob, for the blob. In the absence of political leadership, civil servants now sit in the driving seat.

Labour have launched 67 reviews, task forces and consultations have been commissioned  the equivalent of one every two and half days  from health-related inactivity through to family visas and ninja swords. In several months, maybe even years, time the institutional Whitehall view will come back as a fait acompli for Labours inexperienced set of ministers. Meanwhile Britain will be further down the winding path of managed decline.

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The pitfalls of this approach are already visible. I remember as a junior Treasury Minister being sent changes to inheritance tax for farmers as a potential revenue raiser for the budget. It was as clear back then as it is now that it would generate very little revenue and destroy small family farms in the process. We said no. Reeves fell straight into the trap.

Starmer insists with a straight face that things will still be different this time round. We are told his new mission boards will break down departmental silos. Cross government talking shops of this kind are as old as the hills: trust me, Ive sat through many of them. They are tinkering while Rome burns.

Like other Western countries we are facing immense, generational challenges from chronically low economic growth failing to improve working peoples living standards, to mass migration destroying identity and the nation state. The times call for fighters and reformers, not defeatists and tinkerers.

Starmer could work all round the clock, commission all the analysis in the world, and make the most considered decisions on the available evidence and still reap little to no reward. If he is actually to deliver for the British people, the state needs to be fundamentally reformed.

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Some point down the line, with years wasted, he may realise this. Until then Starmer is trapped: a soulless technocrat without the bureaucracy to manage. Promising change but powerless to deliver it.

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(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmer will set out targets for fighting crime in Britain, in a major speech Thursday aimed at resetting his premiership after a faltering start in the first five months since Labour won the general election.

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Every neighborhood in England and Wales will have a named police officer in charge of local crime problems, and the government will aim to add 13,000 more officers in an effort to reduce crime rates, the prime minister will say.

My government was elected to deliver change, and today marks the next step, Starmer is expected to say, according to remarks released by his office. People are tired of being promised the world, but short-term sticking plaster politics letting them down.

The focus on crime  not typically home territory for the center-left Labour Party  appears to signal that Starmer is alive to the electoral threat from both the Conservatives and Brexit campaigner Nigel Farages right-wing Reform party, especially in the wake of Donald Trumps US election win and the rise of populist politicians in countries across Europe.

The speech is an attempt by the premier to relaunch his administration after a bumpy first few months that have brought a sharp decline in his poll ratings. The government struggled to shake off allegations of cronyism in the opening weeks after its election win, and Starmer was then forced to make a shock move in ousting his chief aide Sue Gray after weeks of infighting between aides.

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The stuttering beginning continued as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered a tax-raising budget at the end of October that unsettled markets and was widely criticized by businesses. Policies removing cold weather payments to pensioners and closing a tax loophole on farmers have also faced steep opposition. Economic growth, the cornerstone of Labours election manifesto, has ground to a halt amid the fiscal uncertainty.

The teething problems have not stopped, with Starmer suffering his first cabinet resignation last week when his transport secretary, Louise Haigh, quit over revelations about a past fraud conviction.

In an effort to set a more positive narrative about his government, Starmer will announce a series of targets aimed at demonstrating to the public that he can deliver on what he has called his five missions to bring about national renewal after years of political and economic turmoil under the Conservatives.

The speech, titled Plan for Change, will set tangible goals on raising living standards, ending hospital backlogs, early years education for children and securing home-grown energy, Starmers office said in a statement.

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Criminal justice has been an area of focus for the new government, which implemented a controversial early-release program for prisoners after inheriting a prison overcrowding crisis from the previous Tory government.

While headline crime numbers have fallen in recent years, according to the Office for National Statistics, incidences of some crimes, such as snatch theft from the person, are on the rise. An ONS survey found crime to be the fourth biggest issue in the UK, after the cost of living, healthcare and the economy.

The target for 13,000 additional police officers will include so-called community support officers, who have fewer powers than warranted police officers and have to request the support of a fully-fledged officer to carry out arrests.

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MADISON  A whopping, 30-foot Balsam fir that stands in the state Capitol rotunda is now lit with 2,000 energy-saving lights and decorated with student-made ornaments celebrating state parks.

"Wisconsin is a treasure of natural beauty and wonder and joy, and uplifted by Wisconsinites who have always made this state special," Gov. Tony Evers said at the Capitol Holiday Tree lighting ceremony Thursday afternoon.

The annual ceremony brings together school groups, Capitol staffers and onlookers to watch the countdown. The Wauwatosa East High School orchestra performed before the tree lighting. Smokey the Bear took photos with attendees and helped flip the lights on.

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In December, the Capitol gets decked out with garland and wreaths, and state employees carefully place ornaments on the tree. The building remains open on holidays for visitors who want to check out the decorations, and the tree is on display through the end of the year.

Here's what to know about this year's tree, and how to go see it:

Where did the Capitol Holiday Tree come from, and how does it get there?

The tree was donated by Rick and Bev Burke and, for the second year in a row, comes from the Rhinelander area.

The tree was loaded and transported to Madison by Ponsse North America, Inc., using a trailer donated by Matt Carothers, owner of Superior Woodlands. Fabick Cat of Madison unloaded the tree at the Capitol.

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The trees usually measure between 50 and 65 feet tall with full branches, and and are cut down to 35 to 45 feet to be decorated. Balsam firs are more pliable than other types of evergreen trees, which helps fit the tree through the door at the state Capitol, which is only 52 inches wide.

Last year's 32-foot tree was donated by Marge Van Heuklon. The tree was planted by previous homeowners and was nicknamed "Mr. Frank" to honor Frank Magnus, who served in World War II, ran a dairy farm and served in local government.

What's the theme for this year's Capitol Holiday Tree?

The theme of this year's tree is "125 Years of Wisconsin's State Parks." The park system will reach that milestone in 2025.

Each year, students, teachers and families across Wisconsin create and send in handmade ornaments based on the theme. Students were asked to make ornaments that reflect what the state's natural spaces mean to them and how the park system reflects Wisconsin's history.

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Themes in past years celebrated 175 years of statehood, Wisconsin's waterways, students' hometowns and science.

More: Wisconsin's state park system is turning 125. Here's what to know about the celebration

More: Wisconsin's state park passes will change in January. Here's what you need to know

Why isn't it called a Christmas tree?

Evers reinstated the Capitol Holiday Tree nomenclature when he took office in 2019, the name politicians started using in 1985 to avoid perceptions that they were endorsing religion.

Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker referred to it as a Christmas tree during his administration. Some Republican lawmakers continue to call it a Christmas tree.

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The tree has been a tradition in the Capitol since 1916.

Does the Wisconsin state Capitol have tours, and when is it open?

The state Capitol is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

The state Department of Administration offers daily guided tours, with reservations required for groups with 10 or more people. No tours are offered on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The tree in the center of the Capitol typically remains on display through the end of the year.

More: Santa, hot cocoa and more: Milwaukee area tree lighting events to start the holiday season

More: 64-foot 2024 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree harvested and brought to Fiserv Forum

When is the Wisconsin governor's mansion open for holiday tours?

If you're looking for more festivity, the Executive Residence offers free holiday tours on some Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in December. Reservations are required and spots are first-come, first-served.

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Military families were asked to send in ornaments for the holiday tree in the governor's mansion, honoring veterans, fallen service members and family members who are deployed.

The Executive Residence is at 99 Cambridge Road in Madison.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree is lit. Here's when you can see it.
Buildings that make up State Center in midtown Baltimore will shut down in an attempt to rid the water systems of Legionella bacteria. Photo by Danielle J. Brown.

State office buildings in Baltimores State Center complex have been ordered to temporarily shut down again due to the lingering presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, shortly after employees rallied against unsafe working conditions in state facilities.

A Tuesday evening memo from the Department of General Services to workers said the three buildings will shut down on a rotating basis through the rest of the week, with employees working remote for one day and returning the following day depending on which building they work in.

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But members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3 say that the state is not doing enough to protect vulnerable employees from exposure to bacteria that could cause severe respiratory disease, according to a Wednesday statement from the union.

We firmly believe all AFSCME members in the complex who can telework should be allowed to do so and provided the equipment necessary, the statement says. Others should be relocated swiftly, and those who must stay in order to temporarily shut the building down should be given the proper PPE [personal protective equipment], bottled water, and emergency pay needed to safely be in the buildings.

State Center in midtown Baltimore, with the Fifth Regiment Armory in the background. Dec. 3, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown.

With so much at stake, far more needs to be done including providing more resources, the statement says.

Legionella is a bacteria that can spread through water systems and can lead to severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most people exposed to the bacteria wont get sick, certain populations are at a higher risk of severe disease, including smokers, people aged 50 years or older and those specific health conditions such as cancer and diabetes.

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Chase Cook, communications director for the Maryland Department of Health, says the department is not aware of any illnesses affecting state workers due to exposure to the water in State Center.

Reports of Legionella at State Center began in November, and employees were instructed to work remotely for a few days while the State Center water systems were flushed. Even though employees had returned to work in person, however, DGS confirmed that Legionella was still present in the water as of last week.

According to the Tuesday memo, each State Center building will be shut down on a different day to flush the water systems again, in hopes of clearing the Legionella from the pipes. Employees will work remotely until the building they work in is reopened.

The building at 301 W. Preston street, housing DGS and other agencies, was closed Wednesday with employees scheduled to return Thursday. The building at 201 W. Preston, housing the Health Department, will close Thursday and reopen Friday. The last building, located on 1100 N. Eutaw St. and housing the Division of Labor and Industry, will close Friday and reopen Monday.

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Eric Solomon, communications director for DGS, said the department inherited long-standing maintenance issues, and is working with the health department and other affected agencies to get the Legionella under control.

The overall health and safety of employees is our top priority, he said. We appreciate the flexibility and patience from employees.

Even when the State Center buildings reopen on their scheduled dates, however, employees will still need to avoid drinking the facility water until tests prove that Legionella bacteria are no longer in the system.

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The results typically take 10-14 days due to the need to wait for culture growth, the Tuesday DGS memo said.

AFSCME members gathered outside State Center Tuesday morning, before the release of the memo, to protest widespread maintenance issues across state facilities, citing a lack of investment from the administration of former Gov. Larry Hogan that created a backlog of repairs needed to buildings, among other factors.

The Legionella situation as the most recent example of the longstanding maintenance needs, according to the unions Wednesday statement.

Sadly, these building issues are not new and theyre going to continue to happen in buildings across the state given the massive maintenance backlog were facing, the statement says. We continue to ask state leaders to be transparent with us about how theyre addressing this most recent legionella outbreak.
Dec. 4Montana Department of Transportation hosted an open house on Bigfork's Bridge Street Bridge replacement last month, with the project now slated to begin in early December.

The over 100-year-old bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An exhibit by Bigfork Art and Cultural Center with help from volunteer and local historian Ed Gillenwater on Nov. 21 displayed old-time photos of the structure, way back to when it was made of wood. First built in 1907 for $2,500, it was replaced with the current steel structure in 1912 after the first road along Swan River from Bigfork to Ferndale was built.

Public comment reinforced the importance of the bridge, which was closed in early 2024 due to structural concerns.

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"The engineering will have changed a little bit because of time, but what you see will look very similar," Montana Department of Transportation district construction engineer John Schmidt said. "We recognize the iconic nature of the old bridge, we had lots of meetings with the community and how important that was to them, so the new bridge is very directly modeled after the old bridge."

The new bridge will still be single lane with a pedestrian walkway, though that walkway will be widened slightly for accessibility. It will also have the capacity for emergency vehicles to travel across the river, which was not possible on the deteriorated bridge.

Battle Ridge Builders of Belgrade was awarded the contract for the project, totaling $2.6 million. Funding will be split, with 86.6% federal, 13.4% state, and a $50,000 county contribution. The bridge is Flathead County-owned, with the Montana Department of Transportation heading the reconstruction efforts.

"[The contactors'] plan is to start the first week of December with some initial stuff that has to happen; getting set up, staging, and then they'll get the crane, they'll start removing the old bridge," Schmidt said.

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With some scheduled breaks around the holidays and Memorial Day, as well as the spring Whitewater Festival, work is set to be complete in late June, weather permitting.

Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic patterns will remain largely the same during construction, with contractor activities to take place mostly on the south side of Bridge Street. Sliter's Park will be closed to the public until the project is complete.

After nearly a year of Bigfork being split, state officials hoped that the project would be completed in time for summer activities. Bridge Street Bridge has historically been involved in Bigfork's parades and local traditions.

"We've done a lot of preparation up to this point, it feels like it's taken a lot of time to get here. We're hoping to make the transition to the bridge being reopened as painless as possible, and we're going to work hard at it," Schmidt said.

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During construction, updates will be distributed weekly via email, text message and on the project's website. To receive text updates, text bigforkbridge to 41411.

Those with questions or concerns can contact Sloane Stinson at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Bridge Street-Bigfork project, visit mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Connecticut State Police officials are warning of a fraudulent audio recording thats been circulating recently.

This recording is a complete misrepresentation and falsely claims to be an official message from the Connecticut State Police, state police said in a press release Thursday.

Card skimmers found at 2 Big Y locations in Connecticut

In the message, a Lieutenant James Perry claims youve missed showing up for federal grand jury duty. It urges you to call a specific number to reschedule, to avoid further legal consequences.

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State police say they have no employees with that name, and the phone number provided is not affiliated with any state police barracks or office.

Residents are urged to ignore this misleading information and said they believe its part of a scam.

Get a parking ticket in Connecticut? It could be a scam

We encourage the public to rely solely on official sources for accurate and verified updates from the Connecticut State Police. Should you receive a call of this nature, we highly encourage you to report the incident to your local Police Department or State Police Barracks, state police said.

The legitimate number for reporting non-emergencies to Troop G is (203) 696-2500.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Rep. Bob Morris sits in the House Chamber on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Fort Wayne Republican Rep. Bob Morris has called on Gov. Eric Holcomb to block the execution of convicted murderer Joseph Corcoran, as well as others awaiting death.

He also filed legislation on Thursday to repeal the death penalty in Indiana.

The recent Supreme Court decision to return the matter of abortion to each state and Indianas Special Session thereafter resulted in tremendous upheaval in my heart regarding the value of every human life, he said in a letter to the governor. My view of this issue is driven by my faith. I believe only one position honors our Lord and Savior, our Creator: to protect all human life.

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Corcoran is scheduled to be put to death Dec. 18 unless the Indiana Supreme Court intervenes.

His guilt is not in question, but his long-term mental illness is at the heart of efforts to block the execution.

Corcorans attorneys point to a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and delusions that he has about ultrasound machines controlling him and his thoughts. But attorneys for the state say he is competent to be put to death.

It will be the first state execution since 2009 after officials finally obtained the drug necessary to carry out the lethal injection.

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Corcoran  then 22  killed his brother, James Corcoran, 30; Robert Scott Turner, 32; Douglas A. Stillwell, 30; and Timothy G. Bricker, 30, on July 26, 1997. He committed the murders at the home he shared with his brother and a sister.

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Joseph Corcoran told police at the time that the four men had been talking about him. He first placed his 7-year-old niece in an upstairs bedroom to protect her from the gunfire before killing the four men.

He then laid down the rifle, went to a neighbors house, and asked them to call the police. A search of his room and attic, to which only he had access, uncovered over 30 firearms, several munitions, explosives, guerrilla tactic military issue books, and a copy of The Turner Diaries.

Morris said in his letter that human life is sacred.

But life cannot be sacred in one instance and not sacred in another. If we begin deciding when life is sacred versus when it is not sacred, our culture finds only regret, he wrote.

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Morris also noted that when Corcoran was tried, the law left the sentencing decision up to the judge. But in 2002, lawmakers changed the law to require a jury to decide the sentence. He ended by saying he hopes Holcomb has the courage and the wisdom to act boldly. If you do nothing more, it is enough to protect human life. All life. Today.

Please, at minimum, delay the execution of all Indiana Capital Punishment until after the General Assembly has re-convened and has had a chance to consider this grave matter, he continued. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Over 180 citations were issued to minors for being inside a Sugar House bar following an investigation into concerns of serious violations of Utahs alcohol laws.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the extensive investigation lasted several months and included allegations of underage drinking and over-service at the Sugar House Pub, located just west of Sugar House Park.

Salt Lake Police respond to false report of active shooter at East High

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The investigation was reportedly sparked by multiple DUI arrests linked to the bar earlier in the year.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation reportedly gathered evidence over several months culminating in a four-hour operation on Nov. 22. That operation resulted in 186 criminal citations issued to minors in the bar and at least 50 fake IDs being confiscated. DPS said six patrons inside the bar at the time of the operation were 17 years old.

I-15 ramp meters are getting an upgrade  heres how it could improve your commute

This operation marks a significant turning point in alcohol enforcement for our state, said Commissioner Jess L. Anderson. The dedication and professionalism of our State Bureau of Investigation and their partners have established a new standard for public safety.

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Investigators referred the Sugar House Pub to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services for administrative action. As of Dec. 1, the DABS database shows Sugar House Pubs bar license is still active.

ABC4 has reached out to Sugar House Pub with a request for comment and has yet to hear back at the time of publication. This story will be updated, should the bar respond.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An empty high school classroom. (Dan Forer | Getty Images)

Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Jill Underly, who is running for her second term in office with the backing of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, faces a challenge from Sauk Prairie School District Superintendent Jeff Wright, a Democrat who says he wants to improve DPIs communication.

Elections for the state superintendent are technically nonpartisan. Candidates run on the same ballot in the February primary, and the top two advance. The primary is Feb. 18, 2025 and the general election is April 1. No other candidates have entered the race so far.

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Underly won her first term in a landslide in 2021, defeating her conservative opponent, a retired superintendent backed by Republican-leaning groups, in a campaign cycle where a record $3 million was spent on the race by candidates and outside special interest groups.

In her September campaign announcement, Underly highlighted some of her accomplishments, and said that students and staff need to be supported in Wisconsin.

At the helm of the agency, Underly has advocated for increased investments in public education in the state budget, including for special education funding, mental health resources, staff pay and more. She recently announced a budget request that would dedicate an additional $4 billion in state funds to public education. The DPI under her leadership also helped shape a law that reforms the way reading is taught in Wisconsin schools, though the Legislature has not released the money to support the changes despite Underlys multiple urgings.

Jill Underly, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Photo courtesy of Underly)

Underly also highlighted the ongoing politicization of schools in her statement. Throughout her tenure culture war issues have continued to divide voters at the state and local level and she has been an outspoken critic of efforts to cut diversity, equity and inclusion programs and to target LGBTQ+ staff and students.

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Ive fought for kids and their teachers to be their true selves in school and stood up to ensure they see themselves represented in their curriculum and in their libraries, Underly said in a September statement announcing her reelection campaign. In a second term as superintendent, I want to make sure we continue to make necessary investments in our kids, as well as continue to examine how we evolve education to meet the challenges of the future.

Prior to winning her first term in 2021, Underly served as the superintendent of Pecatonica School District, a rural district in southwestern Wisconsin. She has also previously worked as a principal, a teacher and a state consultant to Title I schools in Milwaukee and across the state.

Wright, who launched his campaign about a month after Underly, has served as the superintendent of Sauk Prairie School District since 2019 and was named Administrator of the Year in 2024 by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance. He also previously served as a principal in Chicago. He hasnt held public office before, but has run unsuccessful campaigns in 2016 and in 2018 for the state Assembly.

Wright said in an October interview with the Examiner that he probably aligns closely with the current superintendent on many issues, but he thinks there is currently a disconnect between DPI and schools.

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Theyre not bringing the people together from the teachers union, the administrators associations and other groups to have an active conversation about what concrete steps are we taking right now to get this work done, Wright said. Schools want to know whats happening at the DPI. We dont want to be surprised by changes. We want to be in conversation so that its very clear that were working on the same team.

Wright cited concerns about whether enough effort has gone into recruiting and retaining educators. He said that hes also heard palpable frustration from educators about the change to standardized testing scores and the lack of communication with school districts about it. The agency lowered the proficiency threshold and changed the terms that are used to to describe student performance, which critics said made it difficult to make comparisons to previous years.

Sauk Prairie School District Superintendent Jeff Wright. (Photo courtesy campaign)

Wright said that he would set himself apart from the current administration by trying to minimize partisanship. He said his district has tried to do this by making sure that were listening to everyone and that we make sure that our doors arent closed to people, regardless of their opinion, especially if their children are in our schools. He said that he hopes it would also allow for more open conversations with legislators of all political stripes.

Wright noted that DPI wasnt invited to testify to the JFC during the last budget cycle.

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That hurts the DPI. It also hurts public education when were not having that open conversation between the agency charged with leading public schools and standing up for them and the legislators who are creating the budgets that do need to be rewritten, Wright said. Underly did address lawmakers in person at one of the public hearings held by the committee in Eau Claire, but DPI was not invited to make its budget presentation to the Joint Finance Committee during the last budget process.

Wright said schools are also facing challenges as the current funding formula, including for special education, has made it difficult for schools to keep up with costs. He said that funding going to voucher schools worries him as well because there arent enough resources for public schools at this point.

Early supporters of Underly and Wright

Wright has said he was encouraged to run by educators and education professional associations. He did enter the race with a notable supporter  the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Political Action Committee.

The Wisconsin Education Association Council is the largest teachers union in the state, and its PAC, which aims to help elect pro-public education candidates to office, recommended Wright in the race. However, the endorsement process for the full union is ongoing, and its unclear when or if a full endorsement will come from the board.

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WEAC spokesperson Christina Brey said the PACs recommendation is one part of the lengthy endorsement process and said she couldnt comment on specifics.

WEAC is in the process of exploring the candidates for state superintendent, and its political action committee has recommended its support of Jeff Wright; however, the process is still ongoing, with no determined timeline on whether or if a decision will be reached, Brey said.

When asked about the specifics on why the PAC recommended Wright, Brey said she couldnt comment. She also said she couldnt speak to the relationship between Underly and the union over the last four years due to the ongoing endorsement process.

Brey told the Examiner that when it comes to the superintendent race, Wisconsin educators are looking for strong and bold leadership and someone that cares as much about students as teachers do. She said some of the issues at play include figuring out how to keep teachers and support staff, how to address the workplace environment, how to handle challenging student behaviors and how to address school funding challenges. She said members will be looking at many things, including policies that have been enacted over the past few years, how those policies have shaken out in the classroom, where candidates fall on those issues and who they think will be the best listener, advocate and partner.

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Other Wright supporters, according to campaign manager Tyler Smith, include Jim Lynch, Executive Director of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. Lynch told the Examiner in an email that the associations process for endorsing candidates for state superintendent doesnt begin until later this month, so he couldnt speak for himself or the association until after the process.

Smith also named the superintendents of Mauston, Reedsburg, Stevens Point and Poynette school districts and the principals of Sauk Prairie High school and Sun Prairie School Board president as supporters.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Democratic Party endorsed Underly for a second term at the end of November. Party Chair Ben Wikler called her a steadfast advocate for students, parents and schools in a statement.

From fighting to give rural school districts a seat at the table, to expanding mental health services in schools, to ensuring every school, teacher, and student has the resources they need to succeed, Dr. Underly is the proven leader we need championing our kids in the Department of Public Instruction, Wikler said.

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At every step, Dr. Underly has had the backs of our kids, standing up to attacks on public education, libraries and LGBTQ+ youth, and ensuring that partisan attempts to divide Wisconsin do not undermine our states fundamental and uniting commitment to great public schools, available to all, Wikler continued.

The state partys endorsement prompted a strong response from Wright, who said it represented party insiders deciding to ignore the voices of teachers, administrators and other stakeholders and settling for the division and mismanagement that have marked Superintendent Underlys tenure, ignoring failures that are isolating DPI from discussions about the future of Wisconsins public schools.

Party leaders even ignored the voices of organized educators, a key member of the Democratic coalition, in making this endorsement, Wright said.

The endorsement process for the state party was launched by two county parties  Waukesha and Milwaukee. Waukesha County Democratic Party Chair Matt Mareno said in a statement to the Examiner that the party was proud to put Underlys name forward for the endorsement.

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We stood with her when she first ran, and in the years since shes stood with us shoulder-to-shoulder as weve faced down far-right attacks on our public schools, Mareno said. Schools in Waukesha County have dealt with a number of issues in recent years including becoming the target of a bomb threat and a threatened school shooting after a right-wing social media account publicized posts made by a local middle school principal, as well as books and songs being banned from schools.

From book bans to bomb threats inspired by right-wing influencers, our community and schools have been through a lot, Mareno said, and Jill Underly has been there with us at every step fighting for a better future for our kids.

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Photo illustration by Getty Images.

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a district court ruling against Lake County, which had argued the State of Montana should reimburse the local government for federal criminal oversight on the Flathead Reservation.

Writing for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Beth Baker concluded that it remains the Montana Legislatures discretion to determine whether and how much to fund the countys P.L. 280 costs, affirming the District Court Judge Amy Eddys 2023 ruling to dismiss the case.

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It wasnt a huge surprise to me. We knew it was going to be uphill going in, but we knew it was a step we needed to take in our process to get funding, Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron told the Daily Montanan.

This decision is the latest piece of a years-long fight between the county and the state over Public Law 280, which Congress enacted in 1953 to allow the transfer of federal criminal and civil jurisdictions over Native American reservations to six states.

Montana took over criminal jurisdiction in the Flathead Reservation in 1963 and is responsible for overseeing felony crimes there now, while the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, or CSKT, has overseen misdemeanor crimes since 1994. However, it is the county that carries out the actual enforcement.

Lake County officials have said the financial burden of this system reached a breaking point, costing county taxpayers roughly $4 million a year, and in 2017 signed the first of several resolutions to withdraw from the PL-280 agreement. Since then there has been a barrage of discussions, legislative acts and legal actions regarding who should foot the bill.

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The CSKT are not party to the lawsuit, but the tribes have previously said they are offering technical, legal, and personnel resources as the Tribes work with state and federal partners to determine a solid path forward. Tribal Council Chairman Michael Dolson said in a statement earlier this year that the tribes are focused on public safety regardless of the status of PL-280.

The county has sought legislative funding solutions, saying that withdrawing from the agreement would force the state to spend around $100 million to recreate the criminal justice system on the reservation.

The 2021 Legislature passed an annual appropriation of $1 towards Lake County for Public Law 280 services, which Eddy described as patently absurd, while in 2023 the legislature passed House Bill 479, which would have allocated $5 million over two years to Lake County. Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed that bill, though he praised the countys enforcement effort as a model of success in his veto letter. The measure failed to garner enough support to override the veto.

In 2022, Lake County filed the complaint against the State of Montana, alleging an unfunded mandate and unjust enrichment. The county sought damages for past and present costs, restitution, and a declaration that the state must reimburse all future costs related to PL-280.

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In November of last year, Judge Eddy ruled in favor of the state and dismissed the case, stating that Lake Countys proper remedy was to withdraw its consent to P.L. 280.

It is unfortunate that, during a legislative session noteworthy for its unprecedented budget surplus, the parties were unable to reach an agreement to provide for the ongoing safety and security of the Flathead Indian reservation and Lake County, the district court order read.

Lake County officials voted to leave the agreement following Eddys ruling, and requested Gianforte release the county from the agreement. However, the governors office in May said the countys paperwork was invalid.

Lake County has continued to provide felony enforcement on the Flathead Reservation, though they have done so under protest, Commissioner Gale Decker told the Daily Montanan earlier this year.

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And, the county has been tallying up the bill ever since and sending monthly invoices to the state.

During a county commission meeting on Nov. 19, Decker said the cost through October was $967,577.22, but the invoices had not yet prompted a response from the state. The total bill includes just hard costs, according to Decker, excepting additional costs such as vehicle depreciation, renovations to the detention center and others that would require some deep digging to validate.

I understand where the governor is. I dont agree with him, but I understand where he doesnt want to put a line item into the budget year after year to provide funding to Lake County for Public Law 280, Decker said. But there is no way that, in my opinion, Lake County and CSKT can come up with a way of funding it.

State Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, told the commission that he has requested a draft bill for the 2025 legislative session seeking state funding, and that hed had conversations with Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras in which she seemed receptive to the idea.

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Speaking on Wednesday, Commissioner Barron said the county commission would be meeting with its lawyers this week to go over options, which could include filing an additional lawsuit, or trying yet again for a legislative solution.

Do we go that route again and let it get vetoed again? Do we do a lawsuit and ask a judge to award it? Barron said. Weve started this process and it hasnt gone the way wed hoped. We thought wed been kind of misled and kind of stuck in the back of the process, but were in it, and I do think there is a solution down the road. And Im ready to take it.
A Michigan paper mill is facing severe consequences for allegedly releasing harmful chemicals into local waters. This case reflects corporate responsibility's role in protecting our communities and natural resources.

What's happening?

Michigan's attorney general is taking legal action against Ox Paperboard's facility in White Pigeon for repeatedly releasing untreated wastewater into the Pigeon River and local groundwater, according to Environment+Energy Leader.

The company has allegedly violated environmental standards since acquiring the facility in 2020, releasing dangerous substances, including PFAS (also known as "forever chemicals"), ammonia, and other pollutants that can harm people and wildlife.

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The violations are so serious that the company could face millions in daily fines. Despite receiving multiple warnings over four years, Ox Paperboard reportedly still needs to fix its wastewater management issues and properly maintain its facilities to prevent contamination.

Why is corporate irresponsibility concerning?

When companies release harmful chemicals into our water, the effects ripple throughout communities. PFAS can accumulate in our bodies over time and have been demonstrated to cause severe health issues, including cancer and liver damage.

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The Pigeon River isn't just a body of water. It's a resource for local residents who rely on it for recreation and wildlife that depends on clean water to survive. When companies neglect their environmental responsibilities, they put all this at risk.

What's being done about corporate irresponsibility?

"Michigan's legal action against Ox Paperboard is a testament to its commitment to protecting its natural resources," according to Environment+Energy Leader, and it's showing other states how to stand up against corporate pollution. The lawsuit demands that Ox Paperboard stop unauthorized discharges and close its wastewater lagoons to prevent further contamination.

This case demonstrates how environmental enforcement can protect our communities. By holding companies accountable and requiring them to clean up their act, we can keep our water clean and safe for everyone.

You can help protect your local waterways, too. Report any unusual discharges or water quality concerns to your state's environmental protection agency, support local environmental groups that monitor water quality, and choose to buy paper products from companies with strong environmental track records.

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.
Dec. 4WAPAKONETA  Despite the dismissal by an Ohio appellate court of two felony charges against him, former Wapakoneta Mayor Tom Stinebaugh was sentenced earlier this year by a visiting judge to serve six months in the Auglaize County jail on three misdemeanor counts.

Now the Ohio Attorney General's Office is doing its best to ensure he serves every day of that sentence.

Following his conviction by an Auglaize County jury in October 2022 on charges linked to the installation of a sewer line at the city's expense to a home Stinebaugh had constructed, visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove sentenced the ex-mayor to 18 months in prison on charges that included felony counts of having an unlawful interest in a public contract and theft in office.

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Stinebaugh appealed his conviction, and the Third District Court of Appeals subsequently ruled the state failed to present evidence to substantiate all elements of the felony charges. Those counts were dismissed.

On July 30, Cosgrove re-sentenced Stinebaugh to six months of local incarceration on three misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest. The sentence was atypical for misdemeanor offenses, which more commonly earn defendants a term of community control sanctions.

In November, Stinebaugh's attorney filed a motion seeking his client's early release from jail. The motion stated that Stinebaugh, now 65 years of age, has been a "model prisoner" since entering the Auglaize County jail on July 31 but is currently suffering from a back injury and other health conditions that may require surgery.

Attorneys from the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost objected to the early release, arguing that "the state believes the sentence imposed ... is an appropriate sentence due to the nature of the crime."

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Less than a week after the state's response, Stinebaugh withdrew his motion for early release. He is due to be released from custody Jan. 27.

Late last month a defense motion was filed seeking work release privileges for Stinebaugh. According to the motion, the former mayor has been offered employment at Miller's Textile Service, where he would work from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Company President Robert Hager, in paperwork submitted to the court, said Stinebaugh would work as a "linen finishing operator" at the commercial laundry facility and would be paid a base rate of $14 per hour.

The state responded to the motion by saying it would "defer to the court" on the request. Cosgrove has yet to rule on the motion.

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San Luis Obispo County may soon need to release more water from Lopez Dam to support a silver, speckled fish living in Arroyo Grande Creek.

U. S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett ruled that the countys operation of the dam prevented steelhead trout from accessing critical spawning habitat in Arroyo Grande Creek and blocked the fish from their migration route  threatening the local species with extinction, according to her decision filed on Nov. 27.

She ordered the county to develop a water release plan for the dam that better supports steelhead trout and other threatened species in the creek, Environmental Advocates attorney Christopher Sproul said.

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Steelhead trout are designated as a threatened species by the Endangered Species Act.

This is a landmark ruling for the county of San Luis Obispo and protection of the steelhead, he told The Tribune on Wednesday.

The judge ordered the county to develop and implement multiple other plans to support the trout, including habitat conservation and restoration plans, the court document said. The National Marine Fisheries Service will review and approve the plans.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed on Aug. 14 by San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, California Coastkeeper Alliance, Los Padres ForestWatch and the Ecological Rights Foundation alleging that the county violated the U.S. Endangered Species Act by damaging steelhead trout habitat.

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For far too long, county operations at Lopez Dam have jeopardized steelhead and other vital wildlife, Los Padres ForestWatch director of advocacy Benjamin Pitterle said in a news release. This decision represents not only a win for this incredible species but also an opportunity for local leaders to ensure a sustainable balance between human and ecological needs.

While the environmental groups celebrated the ruling, the county was seriously considering appealing the decision, assistant county counsel Jon Ansolabehere said in an email to The Tribune.

The decision is an oversimplification of a complex issue that the county and other resource agencies have been attempting to meaningfully address for many years, he wrote. While the county shares the goal of protection of endangered and protected species within the Arroyo Grande Creek and watershed, it is unfortunate that the individuals who filed this lawsuit chose to use the judicial system as a means of hijacking the regulatory process that the county was already going through with the various resource agencies at the expense of the South County community.

Lopez Lake was at 52% capacity in February 2017.

Lopez Dam harms steelhead trout, judge said

Steelhead trout are an adventurous species.

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Born in rivers and lakes, they live in freshwater for one to two years then migrate to the ocean for up to three years to mature. The fish then return to freshwater to spawn, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. They are the same species as rainbow trout, the difference being rainbows live their entire lives in freshwater.

The National Marine Fisheries Service designated Arroyo Grande Creek as critical habitat that supports spawning, growth and migration of steelhead trout, the ruling said.

In her decision, Garnett said the environmental groups presented compelling evidence to prove that the countys operations of the dam harmed steelhead trout habitat and migration.

Lopez Dam blocks steelhead trout in the lower creek from accessing prime spawning habitat above the dam. Additionally, juvenile trout born above the dam cant migrate out to sea.

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Meanwhile, the countys water release schedule is not ideal for trout. A larger volume of water is released into Arroyo Grande Creek from July to November, but trout migrate between December and June  so they need water in the creek at that time, the ruling said.

On multiple occasions, the National Marine Fisheries Service said water diversions from the dam reduced steelhead trout habitat and migration opportunities, causing the fish population to decline, the judge said.

The available record overwhelmingly displays the harmful effects from defendants activity, such that the Arroyo Grande Creek steelhead population may be in peril, Garnett wrote in her decision.

Garnett said the county did not present enough evidence to prove that the dams operations did not harm steelhead trout.

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The record reflects that defendants conduct hinders steelheads ability to migrate, spawn and rear in their high-quality historical habitat  all of which, according to experts and agencies, stunt the species recovery.

Mark Hutchinson, deputy director of SLO County Public Works, leads tour of the Lopez Dam spillway.

Will county release more water from Lopez Dam?

Lopez Dam blocked Arroyo Grande Creek to create Lopez Lake, a reservoir in Arroyo Grande that provides drinking water to about 48,000 county residents.

Right now, the county releases water from the dam seasonally according to an Interim Downstream Release Schedule. The schedule orders the county to release at least 3 cubic feet of water per second during the wet season, and up to 7 cubic feet of water per second during the dry season  which is about 4.5 million gallons of water per day for the dry season, according to Ansolabehere.

The amount of water released into the creek varies depending on visual monitoring of the creek, he said in an email to The Tribune.

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The complexity of water releases at the Lopez Dam cannot be overstated, he wrote.

The judge ordered the county and environmental groups to meet and develop a new water release schedule for the dam.

The county does not believe that we will come to an agreement with the plaintiffs for a new release schedule, Ansolabehere wrote. Instead, the county is proposing one taking into consideration the judges ruling and based on known science and hydrology of the creek to date.

Sproul, however, was confident the judge would select his clients water release plan.

Their plan would require the county to release an amount of water sufficient to create a minimum depth of 0.7 feet over 25% of all critical riffle cross-sections for at least 24 hours and such longer duration as shown by qualified experts retained by the county to be necessary to provide steelhead with a sufficient migratory timeframe, the court document said.

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Their proposed plan also offers an alternative schedule, which calls for managed releases based on the amount of water in the creek, according to the court document.

The key is to release a consistent amount of water at a high enough volume to signal to steelhead trout in the ocean to return to the creek to spawn, Sproul said.

During a dry year, his client called for the release on 20 cubic feet of water per second on the first and second day of the managed release, and 10 cubic feet of water released per second on the third day.

During a wet water year, the county would release 30 cubic feet of water per second on the first day, followed by 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 cubic feet of water released per second on each subsequent day.

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The critical thing is that the flow gets sustained long enough for them to make it, Sproul said. But it can gradually decrease it because thats what would happen naturally.

The county and the environmental groups must submit their water release plans to the judge by Wednesday, and she will select one for the county to implement.
Dec. 5Anthony Ciliberti Jr., the Fayette County prosecuting attorney, announced Tuesday that Samuel F. Stewart Jr., 44, of Kanawha Falls, was sentenced on Dec. 2 by Judge Thomas H. Ewing for his actions during an incident in October 2023.

According to a press release from Ciliberti, Stewart was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and to six months in jail for the misdemeanor offense of possession of methamphetamine.

He was found guilty of the crimes on Aug. 28, 2024 following a two-day jury trial before Ewing.

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The state filed for a repeat offender sentencing enhancement, and based on that filing, the court increased Stewart's maximum sentence for his felony conviction by five years, Ciliberti noted. Ewing further ordered the sentences be served consecutively, meaning Stewart must serve a minimum of two years and nine months before he is eligible for parole.

On Oct. 24, 2023, police responded to a residence in the Kanawha Falls area of Fayette County to investigate an alleged robbery, according to the release. The investigation revealed that Stewart brandished a 12-gauge shotgun during the incident. Stewart is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions from the state of Illinois, including armed robbery and burglary. Function testing performed by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the shotgun was fully functional.

A subsequent search of the residence resulted in officers discovering a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in Stewart's bedroom, according to the release. This substance was tested by the West Virginia State Police forensic lab and confirmed to be methamphetamine.

The crimes were investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department Detective Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah F. Smith.
Dec. 4Driving around Austin recently, you might have noticed stop signs with orange flags, alerting drives to new stop signs at several intersections within the community.

The Austin City Council approved the addition of several stop signs in October at a number of four-way and T-intersections within the community to meet concerns that were coming in from the public regarding uncontrolled intersections.

"I think that driving patterns of the public are changing," said City Engineer Steven Lang. "Some of those long time institutional things like yielding right at uncontrolled instructions; some of those driving patterns we're losing in society. Creating controlled intersections gives a clear understanding of where that responsibility lies from a driving standpoint."

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Around 80 new stop signs will be added by the time the project is complete at a total cost of $15,000 to purchase signs and posts.

Signs are gradually being put up, but the process will also largely depend on how good the winter is regarding the amount of snowfall.

"It's a good winter type job for our crews," Lang said, explaining that the less snowfall means a faster progression of work. "The duration of the project really depends on what our winters are like for the next couple years."

A number of factors drove the project forward. Alongside the public concerns regarding uncontrolled intersections is the bridge construction project by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

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Most recently, work began on the bridge over Interstate 90 at Fourth Street NW that is driving increasing amounts of detour traffic to 14th Street NW and in turn more traffic to side streets as people maneuver through town.

With more people unfamiliar with those roads, Lang said the signs will help better define the intersections.

There's also a practical component to the project as it's walking in line with an effort to replace street signs throughout Austin, a project that will cost $50,000 to complete.

"There's a statewide standard for street signs: names, sign size, lettering font, all of those things," Lang said. "Ours are older. They don't meet the state requirements. Our street name signs are going to be larger, text is going to be larger, but all of the naming is going to stay the same."

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The project to replace all of those signs is expected to take around four years, with more time allotted as necessary. By doing it at the same time, city workers can use the same post for both the stop signs and the street signs.

At this point, the city is replacing the stop signs first with the street sign replacement coming after.

Detour status

Throughout the process, which includes the increased traffic on 14th Street NW and in residential areas, Lang and the city have begun to get a better look at how everything is flowing, which has generally worked pretty well but that has also created areas to keep an eye on.

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He indicated that the I-90 off ramp to 14th street, as well as the on-ramp has created long lines of waiting vehicles and that MnDOT had placed a camera there to monitor the situation.

"They are looking at what can be done to make improvements yet," Lang said.

He said there have also been reports of long lines of vehicles at the 14th Street and 18th Avenue NW intersection.

"That was a bit of a surprise there," Lang said. "Eighteenth Avenue is built up for large volumes of traffic. It wasn't built for this volume of traffic.

Still, considering the expected doubling of traffic on 14th Avenue, Lang said that so far things have been smooth.

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"We've heard some concerns about no left turn arrows at these temporary signals, which we knew going into that okay, that is a downfall," Lang said. "We anticipated the overall improvement of the signals would outweigh not having left turn arrows and I think it has."

"Overall, I'm happy with the temporary signals and how 14th Street is working," Lang said.
NEW YORK (AP)  A Russian woman with permanent U.S. residency who was returned to the United States after authorities said she sneaked on board a flight from New York to Paris made her first appearance in court Thursday, claiming she has been abused.

Svetlana Dali, wearing jeans, seemed agitated as she spoke through a Russian interpreter to her attorney during a brief appearance before a Brooklyn magistrate judge.

Her lawyer, Michael Schneider, said she claims she was poisoned after arriving in Paris and then was returned to the United States despite requesting asylum there.

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She also claimed through Schneider that her treatment at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn amounted to torture after she was placed in a very cold room where she felt sick and eventually lost consciousness.

She believes if she's staying at the MDC, her life will be in danger, Schneider said.

When he told Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy that she was requesting a spectrometer be used to test her blood and determine if she had been poisoned, the judge responded that he's not sure the device was in the jail's commissary.

She will be housed in the federal lockup a second night after lawyers agreed to postpone a bail hearing until Friday so enough information could be gathered to create a bail package.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Theodora said the government's chief concern was that Dali was a risk of flight.

She did not protest when Schneider said the single federal stowaway charge she faced was a minor charge comparable to being arrested for jumping a turnstyle to enter the city's subway system.

A criminal complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court said Dali admitted to an FBI agent who interviewed her when she returned to Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday that she flew to Paris as a stowaway on a Delta Air Lines flight on Nov. 26.

The complaint said airport surveillance footage showed that she was initially rebuffed by a Transportation Security Administration official because she lacked a boarding pass when she first tried to enter Kennedy's Terminal 4.

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Five minutes later, she successfully accessed the security screening machines without a boarding pass by entering a special lane for airline employees at the same time that a large Air Europa flight crew walked through, the complaint said.

It said she got onto the Delta flight without presenting a boarding pass as airline agents who were helping other ticketed passengers board failed to stop her or ask her to present a boarding pass.

Once on the flight but before it landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Delta employees realized she was not authorized to be on the plane and asked for her boarding pass, which she could not provide, the complaint said.

When the plane landed in Paris early on Nov. 27, French law enforcement met her at the gate and detained her before she entered customs, it said.

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During her interview with U.S. law enforcement, Dali was shown images from airport security showing her bypassing TSA officials and Delta employees.

The complaint said she confirmed the images were of her and also stated that she knew her conduct was illegal.

In a statement, Delta Air Lines thanked French and U.S. authorities for their assistance and said a review had concluded that its security infrastructure was sound and that deviation from standard procedures is the root cause of this event.

It added: "We are thoroughly addressing this matter and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders. Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  New court documents reveal how a woman snuck onboard a Delta flight at John F. Kennedy Airport and managed to get to Paris.

Svetlana Dali appeared before a judge at the Eastern District of New York on Thursday.

More Local News

According to the complaint filed in court, Dali allegedly snuck through a special lane for airline employees at JFK, masked by a large flight crew on the night of Nov. 26 just before 8:30 p.m. This after, she was initially denied entry by the TSA at Terminal Four for not having a boarding pass, per the complaint.

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Prosecutors said Dali was later able to bypass employees at the airline gate because they were busy helping other passengers and did not stop the woman for a ticket.

On the flight, Delta employees realized Dali had boarded without their consent and contacted French authorities to detain her, according to the complaint.

Law enforcement officials said Dali admitted to flying as a stowaway and intentionally looked for opportunities to bypass TSA.

Dali was flown back to the U.S. after causing a disturbance on two different flights to New York City, sources said.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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Svetlana Dali, the woman who stowed away on a Delta Air Lines flight to France, was arrested by the FBI upon her return to New York, an official confirmed.

She returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, once again flying Delta, but this time escorted by U.S. law enforcement, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

The TSA confirmed that its inspectors, along with other law enforcement officials, were there to meet Dali at the gate for questioning when she deplaned.

PHOTO: Svetlana Dali FB (Svetlana Dali FB)

The stowaway's name was confirmed Tuesday by her daughter and ex-husband, although authorities had yet to verify her identity at the time of her return to the U.S.

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Dali had previously been described only as a Russian national who had been caught traveling without proper documentation on Delta Flight 264. The flight was scheduled to fly between New York City and Paris on Nov. 26.

According to a statement from the French Interior Ministry, "She was not admitted to French territory due to lack of a valid travel document (visa) and was placed in the waiting area for the time necessary for her re-routing to the United States since she held a valid US residence permit."

MORE: Stowaway discovered on board flight from New York to Paris

Dali will be making her initial appearance in Brooklyn Federal Court on Thursday, officials have confirmed.

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However, the charges against her have not been made public as of the time of her arrest.

It is therefore unknown if the appearance is related to the civil case that the TSA told ABC News it was preparing against Dali.

TSA opens a civil case against any passenger when there is evidence that TSA regulations may have been violated, the spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

MORE: Hunt is on to find 2 Americans, 1 Canadian who disappeared scaling New Zealand's tallest mountain

Upon Dali's reentry to New York on Wednesday night, Delta issued a statement thanking French and U.S. authorities for assisting in the incident.

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"Our review affirms that Deltas security infrastructure, as part of our Safety Management System framework, is sound and that deviation from standard procedures is the root cause of this event," the statement said.

"We are thoroughly addressing this matter and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders," it continued. "Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security."

Details about how she was able to originally sneak onto an international flight remain under investigation.

Christopher Looft and Ayesha Ali contributed to this report.

Stowaway arrested by FBI after returning to US from France: Official originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Overnight the City of Erie received additional snow removal equipment from around the state and on Wednesday that equipment was put to work on streets covered with three-plus feet of snow dumped over the last five days.

Crews from both the City of Erie and PennDOT finally arrived in Little Italy around noon on Wednesday, much to the relief of residents who have been snowed in since the storm began.

City of Erie asks residents to be patient as crews continue street plowing

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Anthony Gonzalez has four tenants on 18th Street. He has been checking on them and delivering groceries.

The Erie native said he hasnt seen conditions like this for 30 years and its taking a toll.

Due to high demand, local stores stock up on winter supplies

Getting to my tenants is pretty much next to impossible. Furnaces are going out. Windows are cracking. Systems are going down. Roofs are collapsing. Its crazy out here, said Gonzalez.

The City of Erie continues to operate under a disaster emergency declaration. Residents are urged to stay off the streets if at all possible to enable crews to do their jobs.

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Unions have called for strikes and street demonstrations across France following the collapse of Emmanuel Macrons latest government.

The industrial action was announced on Thursday as the embattled French president prepared to accept the resignation of Michel Barnier, his fifth prime minister in seven years.

Mr Barnier lost a no-confidence vote in the French parliament on Wednesday, and was due at the Elysee Palace first thing on Thursday morning to tender his resignation.

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This will mean the 73-year-old former EU Brexit negotiator, who was appointed in September, will officially become the shortest-serving prime minister in the countrys history.

A spokesman for CGT, Frances Confederation of Labour union, said strikes would affect multiple sectors including schools, hospitals, airports and town halls.

Marches are also being planned in numerous cities, including Paris, for Thursday afternoon, said a CGT spokesman.

The vote was held after Emmanuel Macron returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia - Ludovic Marin/AFP

Mr Barnier will act as caretaker prime minister, but potentially only for a few hours, with Mr Macron due to address the nation on Thursday night on TV, when he may announce his successor.

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Sources close to the president said he wanted to get a new lieutenant in place by the weekend, for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019.

Some 50 world leaders are expected in Paris, and a prime minister needs to be here to greet them, said one aide.

Those arriving include Donald Trump, the US president-elect, who will be on his first foreign visit since his election victory last month.

Left and Right-wing parties in the National Assembly in Paris united on Wednesday evening to defeat Mr Barnier.

The result was carried by 331 votes in the 577-seat parliament  well over the 288 needed.

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It plunges France into a period of political paralysis, with many predicting economic disaster too.

French bonds and stocks are already being sold off at an alarming rate, and borrowing costs are spiralling.

Marine Le Pen is applauded by National Rally colleagues after her speech before the vote - Alain Jocard/AFP

With both Marine Le Pens National Rally and the Leftist New Popular Front backing Mr Barniers exit, he had no chance of survival.

Voting took place soon after Mr Macron returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia, when he ruled out resigning himself, saying I was elected twice by the French people and my priority is stability.

Mr Barnier is not an elected MP and his downfall after only three months breaks a record previously held by Bernard Cazeneuve, the Socialist prime minister who served for five months until May 2017.

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Mr Barnier made a last gasp plea for support in the run-up to the vote, saying his departure would mean everything will be more difficult and more serious.

Some have even predicted France falling into a deep recession, as Greece did during its sovereign debt crisis just over a decade ago.

Mr Barnier has ultimately fallen after failing to win parliamentary support for a social security budget aimed at saving the equivalent of 50 billion.

Unable to raise a majority in the hung parliament created by a snap election over the summer, Mr Barnier said he would push the budget through via a presidential decree.

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Such a move has become common under Mr Macron, who is accused of ignoring democracy and acting like a dictator.

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Aftershocks continued Friday after a strong earthquake that prompted a tsunami warning for parts of the U.S. West Coast Thursday.

"At this time, there have been 59 earthquakes of magnitude three or greater associated with this earthquake sequence," earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon said in a Friday morning social media post. "Aftershocks will continue in the days and weeks ahead, and they will decrease with time."

"The USGS estimates that there could be an aftershock of M5+. A M6 or M7 quake is very unlikely (but low probability is not no probability)," Bohon said in a series of posts Thursday night. "Remember, no one can predict earthquakes. NO ONE."

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People in parts of Northern California and Oregon fled to higher ground, zoo animals were evacuated and thousands of power outages were reported after the quake.

The tsunami warning stretched down nearly 500 miles of coastline where more than 5 million people live. It was canceled a short time later and there were reports of widespread damage or serious injuries.

The earthquake's epicenter was offshore of Humboldt County, close to the state line with Oregon. Humboldt Sheriff William Honsal said some homes had cracked foundations and broken windows after the temblor but there were no major issues.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday afternoon that the state was preparing to assist if needed.

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(MORE: What To Have In Your Earthquake Emergency Kit And Where To Keep It

Shaking was felt more than 250 miles south in San Francisco, where the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, or BART, suspended traffic in an underwater tunnel between the city and neighboring Oakland.

What Is A Tsunami?

Tsunamis are very long, very fast waves that are created by large displacements of water.

"Earthquakes, landslides, eruptions and explosions are common sources for tsunamis," weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles said. "Tsunamis are most common in the Pacific where the volcanic ring of fire and Pacific plates align to produce multiple different sources of unbuffered tsunamis. But they are possible in any large body of water."

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The San Francisco zoo closed due to the tsunami warning. Visitors were evacuated and staff and animals moved to higher ground.

(MORE: What To Have In Your Earthquake Emergency Kit And Where To Keep It)

The warning didn't include any indication of how high a potential wave could have been. Rachel Kennedy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office that covers the Bay Area, said it was a pretty dangerous situation.

The National Tsunami Warning Center said the tsunami warning spanned from Lane County, Oregon, southward to Davenport, California, including parts of the San Francisco area. Residents in many coastal areas were urged to evacuate.

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Further analysis of computer models showed that a tsunami was unlikely and the warning was canceled, according to the tsunami center.

"This earthquake moved the ground sideways," Bohon explained in her posts. "Underwater quakes where the ground moves up are the ones that usually generate tsunamis."

How Strong Was The Earthquake And Where Did It Hit?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor was given a magnitude of 7.0. The epicenter was about 60 miles southwest of Ferndale, California, and was reportedly about six miles deep. It hit around 10:45 a.m. local time. The USGS said localized damage was possible.

It was a strong quake, our building shook, were fine but I have a mess to clean up right now, said Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile in Ferndale, California.

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More than 10,000 power outages were reported in Humboldt County, according to PowerOutage.us.

EARTHQUAKE NorCal Update.jpg

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Weather.com staff writer Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.
Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a five-year non-harassment order and fined for breaching bail after repeatedly contacting his estranged wife.

Hogg also had his sentence for abusing Gillian Hogg over the course of five years deferred until Jan 9 during an appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

A non-harassment order and 600 fine was separately imposed on the 32-year-old after he earlier admitted breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting Mrs Hogg in June.

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Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred Hoggs sentence for domestic abuse pending an assessment of whether the 100-cap player could complete a rehabilitation course remotely because he now plays rugby in France.

Hogg pleaded guilty last month to acting in an abusive manner towards his wife between 2019 and 2024, admitting repeatedly tracking her movements and bombarding her with messages, sometimes of an alarming and distressing nature.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that he once sent more than 200 messages in a couple of hours.

A three-day trial for Hogg, who had previously entered not guilty pleas to multiple charges, had been scheduled to begin on Nov 4.

Hogg appeared in no rush to speak with those outside the court - PA/Owen Humphreys

However, other not guilty pleas were accepted by prosecutors after he admitted a single charge relating to behaviour over the five-year period, at locations including Hawick, the Scottish Borders, and Bearsden, Glasgow.

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The court heard that Hoggs behaviour left the mother of his children scared and often wishing it was morning so he would sober up.

It was stated that he would regularly go out drinking with colleagues and come home and behave abusively, accusing his wife of not being fun for choosing to stay upstairs with their children.

Prosecutor Drew Long said that the Hoggs were now in the process of a divorce and, while together, had regularly argued about where the family should live during his rugby career.

Mr Long said that the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children, all aged under three, but Hoggs behaviour deteriorated as he went out partying with colleagues.

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In 2022, Mrs Hogg went on a night out and was bombarded with text messages from her husband which caught the attention of the people she was with, the court heard.

The following year, the couple moved to Hawick but Hogg used an app to track his wife and questioned her whereabouts while she was dropping the children off, Mr Long said.

In 2023, Mrs Hogg decided to leave the rugby player and sought advice from a domestic abuse service.

But in September 2023, Hogg sent so many messages that it led [Mrs Hogg] to have a panic attack, and he sent in excess of 200 texts in a few hours despite being asked to leave her alone, the court heard.

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In February 2024, Hogg entered the family home despite being told not to and became belligerent, and Mrs Hogg sought legal advice.

On February 21, police were called because of Hogg shouting and swearing and he was taken into custody and then placed on a bail order stipulating not to contact Gillian, or to enter the family home.

He defied the instructions not to contact his wife, asking his children to put her on a video call while he was speaking to them in August 2024.

His latest arrest came in October, when he returned to Scotland after scoring a debut try for Montpellier on his comeback to professional rugby.

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Hogg and his wife married at Barony Castle in Peeblesshire in 2016 but split last year while she was pregnant with their fourth child.

Hogg began a new relationship with Leonna Mayor, a horse racing presenter described as the worlds sexiest jockey. In October, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.

Hogg retired from rugby at the age of 31 in July last year, but then signed for French club Montpellier 12 months later. He had also been a regular face as part of TNT Sports rugby coverage, but has not appeared since his guilty plea.

Defending Hogg, Angela Gray KC said: The incidents in isolation would have been unlikely to reach the threshold required for a prosecution in the criminal courts.

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Mr Hogg accepts these incidents have in isolation fallen short of what is expected of a husband.

It is accepted by Mr Hogg that his conduct, looked at within that framework [of Domestic Abuse Act 2018], was criminal in nature.

She said that the deteriorating relationship had been subject to additional scrutiny placed on it, and that Hoggs position was that his behaviour was never intended to be abusive.

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Wondering which car, truck or crossover is the best for you to buy? There are plenty of factors to consider, including price, performance, handling, features, and safety  though reliability typically lands in the top spot for most American shoppers. Consumer Reports has handed out its 2025 Automotive Report Card and this year put a premium on dependability. The results might take some readers by surprise.

New vehicle prices have been hovering near record levels since the COVID pandemic struck, currently averaging around $48,000. Thats a lot to shell out for a car, truck, or crossover. And, whatever you buy, you want to make sure it lives up to your expectations.

Buying a new car is a big expense and one that requires a lot of research to arrive at the best choice, said Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. Our new experience at CR.org makes that research easier by presenting exclusive unbiased data and insights on everything from reliability to cost of ownership in a streamlined way thats simple to navigate.

Readers Weigh In  And Deliver Some Surprises

2024 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card

As it has for decades, Consumer Reports today issued its latest annual Automotive Report Card, grading individual brands and models using a variety of metrics. Among other things, it put scores of new models through their paces on both public roads and the organizations Connecticut test track.

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It looked at safety and tech features, and it pulled together reports from about 300,000 readers who weighed in on products from model years 2000 to 2024, as well as early 2025 models.

The results were, in some cases, surprising. For one thing, little Subaru outscored bigger brands like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai on the reliability chart. Equally unexpected, said Fisher, Toyota landed third, behind its upscale Lexus brand. Honda and Acura rounded out the top five brands.

Rivian Unplugged

Rivian R1T; (photo/Rivian)

At the other extreme, Rivian came in at rock bottom, with a Brand Reliability Score of just 14, compared to Subarus 68. Cadillac was second from last with  working up the scale  GMC, Jeep, and Volkswagen rounding the bottom-of-the-barrel brands.

CRs owner/contributors said Rivian suffered from all sorts of problems, everything from battery failures to faulty onboard electronics. Cadillacs weak standing, meanwhile, was largely the result of issues with the Lyriq EV.

2025 Cadillac Lyriq; (photo/Cadillac)

And if you recognize a pattern here, its the fact that were seeing more problems with all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles than those using internal combustion engines or hybrid powertrains, Fisher told me.

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Its no surprise, he added, considering the newness of the technology. On the other hand, as automakers get more experience with electrified drivetrains, The gap is closing. Were seeing big improvements.

Thats already happened with conventional hybrids, which showed little difference in reliability between gas and gas-electric variants.

Japan Dominates

2024 Toyota RAV4 PHEV; (photo/Toyota)

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From a reliability standpoint, Japanese marques tended to top the CR chart, while Koreans were a mixed bag. Kia was ninth of 22 brands, Hyundai rounding out the top 10. But the high-line Genesis fell to 14th, largely due to issues like the drive and fuel systems on its best-selling model, the GV70.

Audi and BMW were the only Europeans in that rarified group, at seventh and eighth. U.S. automakers werent faring well, however. Buick was the highest-ranked brand, at 11th, while others landed in the middle and lower third of the chart.

2024 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card

Tesla Trouble

Tesla clearly will be thankful that it isnt Rivian, but still made it only up to 17th position. It had its good product lines, said Fisher, the Models 3 and Y, and its problem children: the original Models S and X being some of the most problem-plagued in the industry.

There wasnt yet enough data to measure how the new Cybertruck fared  but Fisher isnt optimistic, based on early reports. We dont expect great things, he said.

Subaru Repeats

2024 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card

While CR put the emphasis on its reliability report, it also looked at how various brands and models fared from a broader perspective. And heres where Subaru delivered another surprise, coming in as the number one brand overall. It clawed its way to the top, surpassing BMW by a single point.

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The overall results, the nonprofit said, are based on a combination of CRs road-test scores, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction data, and safety for all of the models from each automaker.

At Least It Isnt Rivian

Landing on top isnt easy, explained Fisher, noting that some brands do really well when it comes to reliability, landing in the number 3 spot. But it was mid-pack when it comes to road tests, he explained, dragging its overall ranking down to ninth.

For its part, Rivian didnt suffer the ignominy of anchoring both charts  Jeep fell to the bottom in the overall results. But that was small comfort for the EV startup. It managed to clamber up just one position, ranking second-to-bottom.

The post Subaru Tops Charts, While Rivian and Jeep Hit Bottom: 2024 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card appeared first on GearJunkie.
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch recused himself from an upcoming environmental case scheduled for next week after reviewing the current ethics code, according to a letter sent to attorneys involved in the case.

The brief letter dated Wednesday from law clerk Scott S. Harris was posted on the Supreme Court website.

"I am writing to inform you that, consistent with the Code of Conduct for Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, Justice Gorsuch has determined that he will not continue to participate in this case," Harris wrote.

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The case is Seven County Infrastructure Coalition vs. Eagle County, Colo.

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., who wrote a letter signed by other House Democrats urging Gorsuch's recusal, hailed the decision to recuse.

"I applaud Justice Gorsuch for doing the right and honorable thing," Johnson said in a statement. "It is important that the court show the public that it is not in the pocket of billionaire benefactors."

Thirteen House Democrats signed the letter Johnson wrote Gorsuch on Nov. 20 urging him to recuse himself from the case.

"Recent reporting exposed that you have a serious and obvious conflict of interest that demands your recusal," the letter said. "In your prior career as a corporate lawyer, you were the long-time attorney for Denver-based billionaire Philip F. Anschutz and his network of companies for many years."

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The Democratic House members said Anschutz "has a direct financial interest in the outcome of Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colo."

The letter said Anschutz lobbied Congress and the George W. Bush administration for Gorsuch to be appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

Anschutz also bankrolls the right-wing special interest groups the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation, according to the Democrat House members who signed the letter.

It was the Federalist Society that put Gorsuch on a list used by then-president Donald Trump to elevate Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

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Anschutz Exploration Corp. filed a brief in the case in question.

Supreme Court Justice ethics came under scrutiny after Justice Clarence Thomas' acceptance of undisclosed valuable free vacations and trips from billionaire and GOP donor Harlan Crow were revealed by Pro Publica reporting.

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., who wrote the letter signed by other House Democrats urging Gorsuch's recusal, hailed the decision to recuse.

"I applaud Justice Gorsuch for doing the right and honorable thing," Johnson said in a statement. "It is important that the court show the public that it is not in the pocket of billionaire benefactors."

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The other Supreme Court Justices will hear oral arguments in the case Tuesday.

At issue in the case is whether environmental impacts of oil production should be considered when deciding to build a railway line for oil transportation in Utah.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The U.S. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a Tennessee ban on minors receiving gender transition-related medical care.

The case before the justices Wednesday could impact similar laws in half the country, along with a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people.

They should mind their own business, said Jolene Galpin, who traveled to the high court from Maryland in honor of her transgender daughter. This is our child.

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Galpin said her daughter deserves access to this care for her physical and mental health.

Gender-affirming care is lifesaving for transgender youth, Galpin said.

However, Buzz Webb, who traveled from North Carolina for the arguments, said transitioning would have ruined her life.

I look back and have no idea what 57-year-old me would look like today had they put me on puberty blockers and done unnecessary surgeries and removed body parts, Webb said.

Webb said transitioning would have stolen her fertility and caused medical issues like blood clots and tumors.

Thats what theyre doing to an entire generation of gay kids, Webb said.

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Based on the justices questions, the three liberals seemed solidly on the side of the families who are challenging the Tennessee law while the six conservatives seemed skeptical of their argument.

No matter what happens, we will keep fighting, said Chase Strangio, the co-director of the ACLUs LGBTQ and HIV Project.

Strangio became the first openly transgender lawyer to make arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court as he represented the families.

The Constitution protects trans people just like it protects everyone else, Strangio said.

But Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti defended his states law.

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The evidence shows that the large majority of kids dealing with gender dysphoria will grow out of it unless theyre put on these medications, Skrmetti said.

Skrmetti could not say though how many Tennessee kids would be impacted by the ban.

The justices should issue their decision in this case by early summer.

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Police have arrested a suspect in connection to dozens of gunshots reportedly fired at Global Vision Bible Church Pastor Greg Locke's home, garage and vehicle at the time late night on Sept. 3 in western Wilson County.

Tyler Poole, 20, of Hermitage, is charged with aggravated assault, four counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and two counts of vandalism, all stemming from the shooting in the 1700 block of Chandler Road, according to the Wilson County Sheriff's Office.

Poole is being held at the Wilson County Jail on a $50,000 bond, police stated on Wednesday.

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There were no injuries reported at the time of the shooting.

Deputies responded to Locke's residence at the time near the former Global Vision Bible Church campus on Old Lebanon Dirt Road around 10:30 p.m. the night of the shooting and reported finding 30-40 shell casings around the house, garage and vehicle.

Pastor Greg Locke does his sermon at the Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Sunday, April 3, 2022.

Global Vision recently moved from the property at 2060 Old Lebanon Dirt Road to 1010 Maddox Simpson Parkway in Lebanon. The first service in Lebanon was held Dec. 1.

Locke posted on social media just after the shooting in September that security footage showed a person "unloaded an entire magazine of bullets from an automatic weapon into our house, garage and my truck."Locke said "we" pulled into the driveway one minute after the shooting occurred, and one person was at the home.

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One bullet cut through the headboard of the pastor's youngest daughters bed and lodged in her pillow, Locke posted on social media.

The pastor has gained a large social media following for his conservative political stances and the launch of a mass-deliverance ministry that involves casting out evil spirits. The church has also been known for events such as inviting people to burn items the church relates to witchcraft and the occult.

The investigation is continuing with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office working with other agencies.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Suspect charged for gunshots fired at Greg Locke's Wilson County home
Dec. 4A Utica, Minnesota man facing several counts of criminal sexual conduct related to an August incident in Grand Meadow has had his conditional release revoked following a court appearance Wednesday morning in Mower County District Court.

Jose Hector Contreras-Paredes, 30, faces five felony counts in total ranging from first degree criminal sexual conduct to fifth degree sexual conduct. On Wednesday, Judge Christopher A. Neisen ordered the conditions of his release revoked after it was alleged that Contreras-Paredes violated a pair of those conditions.

On Dec. 3, Assistant County Attorney Scott Springer submitted a revocation and warrant request to the court based on a report from a probation officer that indicated Contreras-Paredes allegedly failed to remain at least 500 feet away from the victim's place of employment and failed to abstain from the use/possession of a dangerous weapon.

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According to the document, Contreras-Paredes is ordered to be held until further conditions of release can be set.

His next court appearance is set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 19 for an initial appearance.

According to the court complaint, the case dates back to Aug. 29 of this year when the Grand Meadow Police Chief responded to a Grand Meadow residence on a report of a sexual assault.

The victim allegedly reported that the incident took place in her home in the early morning hours of Aug. 29 after Contreras-Paredes, who is known to the family, drove to her house.

At 1 a.m. on Aug. 29, she told Contreras-Paredes that she was going to bed after being called by him, however, when she went to let him in he immediately came in the door and began kissing her.

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After telling him she did not want to participate, he allegedly continued to press himself on her, groping her and physically injuring her in the process.

On Aug. 30, A detective with the Mower County Sheriff's Office questioned Contreras-Paredes about the incident and during the questioning, he allegedly told the officer that he was drunk and that he remembered doing some of the things the victim claimed, but that he couldn't recall other aspects of the alleged assault.

The report goes on to say that at no point would the victim have given consent to Contreras-Paredes touching her.

On Oct. 23, the state submitted documentation that it intended to seek an aggravated sentence due to the incident taking place in the victim's zone of privacy.
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A man who allegedly broke into a North Carolina home was not as slick as he thought he was.

The Henderson County Sheriffs Office said on a man broke into a home on Gilliam Mountain Road in Edneyville at around 4 p.m. on November 26.

Deputies said the criminal mastermind managed to snap a photo of himself on a Skypoint Flex cellular trail camera while removing the batteries.

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We cant fix stupid, but we can arrest it, the sheriffs office said. Lets help him achieve his ultimate goal: a mugshot.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call Detective Joe Bilbrey at (828) 694-2716.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
(NewsNation)  Authorities have arrested a person of interest in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and little is still known about him or why he may have attacked the executive.

Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested in Pennsylvania on firearms charges and is described by police as a person of interest in the shooting. NewsNation is working to obtain more information on Mangione.

Thompson, 50, was shot just before 7 a.m. last week near a hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, sources told NewsNation.

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UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: Who was Brian Thompson?

The gunman had been anticipating Thompson to arrive at the hotel for an investors meeting, police said.

This was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference. The suspect was lying in wait for several minutes.

Luigi Mangione named person of interest in UnitedHealthcare shooting

The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) Surveillance footage of a person of interest sought for questioning by the NYPD.

The NYPD released Mangiones name at a press conference Monday.

Investigators said Mangione matched the description of the ID they were searching for and was found in possession of several items they believe will connect him to the shooting.

Those allegedly include a mask, firearm, suppressor and fake New Jersey ID that was used to check into a hostel in New York. Police described the firearm as consistent with the one used to shoot Thompson.

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Investigators said the gun appeared to be a ghost gun, a term for a gun with no serial number, which may have been made on a 3D printer and capable of firing a 9mm round.

Police also recovered a handwritten document that speaks to his motivation and mindset.

Mangione has no prior arrests on his record.

Who is Luigi Mangione?

A person by the same name attended a private high school in Baltimore, Maryland, where they were a wrestler and graduated as valedictorian.

A spokesperson with the University of Pennsylvania confirmed that Mangione attended and graduated with both bachelors and masters degrees in engineering.

NewsNation affiliate WPIX confirmed that Mangione was employed as a head counselor for the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program in 2019.

What do we know about the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting?

Upon locating the backpack, police discovered a jacket and monopoly money.

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As Thompson arrived at the Hilton, the shooter stepped out from behind a car and fired multiple rounds, striking Thompson in the leg and back. Kenny said it appeared that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again.

The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD) The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)

The suspect then ran through an alley, hopped on an electric Citi Bike and rode through Central Park on Center Drive.

I hear a shot, a witness told NewsNation local affiliate WPIX. When I look around, I saw a guy with a gun. He shot three times, then he starts running.

Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cell phone from the alleyway through which the suspect fled. They were also searching Thompsons hotel room and interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues, Kenny said.

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While the shooting was targeted, police say they still dont know a motive for the attack.

What is Luigi Mangiones manifesto?

Investigators said a three-page handwritten document was found that they described as a manifesto.

While they said they dont believe there are specific threats to others in the document, they described it as showing ill will toward corporate America.

Authorities say it gives insight into the mindset of motives in what they described as a targeted killing.

How was Luigi Mangione found?

Police said old-fashioned detective work was used to locate Mangione.

The photo of a person of interest taken from surveillance video was shared across the country, and a McDonalds employee identified Mangione as a possible match.

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Responding officers said Mangione was acting suspiciously and found that he had multiple IDs on him.

The New York Police Department released photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (NYPD)

The NYPD said investigators combed through thousands of hours of video, processed DNA, fingerprints and IP addresses and deployed drones, K9 units, scuba divers and planes in their search.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An investigation is underway in Echo Park after a man was seen vandalizing a Tesla Cybertruck in what the victim believes was a targeted attack.

The video recorded by the cameras on the vandalized Tesla shows a male suspect walking over to the vehicle while holding a sharp object on Nov. 28.

The man quickly punctures the Teslas front and rear passenger tires before walking away from the area.

The Cybertruck was among several vehicles parked along the 1600 block of North Alvarado Street that day, however, the victim said his car was the only one vandalized. He believes the incident may be a case of Tesla-specific hatred.

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Some neighbors, although puzzled, said they were not too surprised by the crime.

I feel like people hate Teslas now, Sol Dean, a nearby resident, tells KTLAs Ellina Abovian. I dont know why, but it seems some people just hate electric vehicles.

Images of the male suspect slashing the tires of a Tesla Cybertruck were captured by the vehicles cameras in Echo Park on Nov. 28, 2024. (Frank Ogwaro) Images of the male suspect slashing the tires of a Tesla Cybertruck were captured by the vehicles cameras in Echo Park on Nov. 28, 2024. (Frank Ogwaro) Images of the male suspect slashing the tires of a Tesla Cybertruck were captured by the vehicles cameras in Echo Park on Nov. 28, 2024. (Frank Ogwaro) The victims punctured tires are seen after a male suspect vandalized the Tesla Cybertruck in Echo Park on Nov. 28, 2024. (Frank Ogwaro) The victims car was parked on the 1600 block of North Alvarado Street in Echo Park. (KTLA) Images of the male suspect slashing the tires of a Tesla Cybertruck were captured by the vehicles cameras in Echo Park on Nov. 28, 2024. (Frank Ogwaro)

23 arrested in Southern California retail theft bust

Some Tesla owners are reportedly concerned over potential backlash against Elon Musk and his support for President-elect Donald Trump, The Guardian reports.

In an attempt to disassociate, sales of bumper stickers featuring phrases such as, I bought this before Elon went crazy and Anti-Elon Tesla Club, are reportedly being purchased by Tesla owners as a precautionary measure.

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Local Tesla drivers told KTLA that politically-motivated attacks could be possible.

I think a lot of people feel powerless because of the political climate, and so theyre trying to take that power back some way, speculates Don Parker, a Tesla driver. I dont think it makes it right, but its an explanation for whats going on for sure.

Elon Musk has made common cause with the president-elect and has shown himself to be hostile to immigrants, to California and to Democratic people, said Michael Webster, an Echo Park resident. Its easy to see him as an enemy and to be seeing others enriching him and particularly I think the Cybertruck is a symbol [of that.]

Others believed the attack couldve stemmed from frustration over economic disparity in Southern California.

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Its feeling left out, like theyre not getting a piece of the pie, maybe, said Brent Kavianian, an Echo Park resident. Los Angeles is such an interesting place, where we have really expensive penthouses and $100,000 cars driving along the streets where people are [also] living in tents. There is such a gap in terms of economic status.

So far, the Los Angeles Police Department said the incident is being investigated as a case of vandalism and not a brand or vehicle-specific crime.

The male suspect remains at large. Anyone who recognizes him is asked to call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A school resource officer in Cumberland County apprehended a suspicious person early Wednesday, local officials announced.

According to a joint press release from Cumberland County Director of Schools William Stepp and local law enforcement, a school resource officer at Cumberland County High School apprehended the suspicious person off campus around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack

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Thursday afternoon, the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office released that the man who was apprehended was identified as Robert Alva Sardella, 33, of Maryville. He is facing multiple charges including carrying weapons on school property.

Robert Alva Sardella (Cumberland County Sheriffs Office)

According to the joint press release, the suspicious individual was detained on 4th Street after being on the high schools campus, stating he was looking for the driving school. School officials were notified, but no lockdown was necessary because of the swift response of the school resource officer and law enforcement officers.

Man pleads guilty to attempted murder in 2023 Gatlinburg shooting

The incident was further investigated by the District Task Force, which consists of Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriffs Office, Department of Homeland Security, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office, and Cumberland County Schools. While searching Sardella, officers found several items in a backpack he was carrying, including a loaded handgun, a taser, an expandable baton, a chemical weapon, and additional ammunition.

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Sardella was arrested and taken to the Cumberland County Jail, awaiting a court date. He is being held on a $55,000 bond. The joint press release stated that the investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
(WHTM)  Last month, voters in the Susquehanna Township school district rejected a request to fund more elementary school classrooms.

Those classrooms are currently bursting at the seams.

So, now what?

abc27 spoke with Dr. Tamara Willis, the Superintendent who says they have a plan  take action now and take action later.

Our district continues to grow in terms of enrollment, said Willis. We have had students in trailers for eight years.

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Now, the district has no choice but to lease more trailers.

The first order of business is to bring in around 20 more modular classrooms, but they havent given up hope of passing another referendum, asking taxpayers to fund a whole new building on Wayne Avenue.

We placed an earned income tax increase on the last ballot November the fifth, and unfortunately, that referendum did not pass, she added.

The project to build a new elementary school could cost up to 100 million dollars.

Willis says over 1,400 township residents voted and they missed it by 19.

So, we are going to be placing it on the upcoming ballot in November of 2025, she said. I would hope that in the future that we can rally that kind of support around an initiative that will really get over 400 plus students out of those trailers and into an actual building.

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Willis believes there are a few reasons some people may have voted against the referendum  such as a tax increase.

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I think, beauty of this referendum, it was based, it was income driven, she said. So, the more you earn, the more percentage that you would pay.

Willis personally thanks everyone who did vote in favor of this referendum and is hopeful for next years outcome.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Syrias army ceded control of the city of Hama to advancing rebel forces, increasing the threat to President Bashar al-Assads hold on power.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Hama lies about halfway between Aleppo, which opposition fighters captured in a shock attack on government-held territory last week, and Damascus. Next on the road south is Homs, which if captured would potentially cut the Syrian capital off from the main land route to the Mediterranean coast.

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The Syrian military said it redeployed outside Hama after opposition groups entered the center of the city, despite suffering heavy losses, according to a statement cited by Syrias state news agency on Thursday. The military will continue to carry out its national duty in reclaiming the areas entered by terrorist organizations, it said.

The capture of Hama shows the rapid progress made by the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda thats designated a terrorist organization by the US and others. Abu Mohammed Al Joulani, the head of HTS, said his forces are seeking to cleanse what he described as a wound in Syria and urged neighboring Iraq against getting involved to help Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the conflict, said at last 700 people have been killed during battles that started in Aleppo.

Iran, Russia

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The rebel advance marks the biggest threat to Assad since 2015, when Iranian and Russian forces helped him recapture territory taken during the ongoing civil war. The response this time from Tehran and Moscow will again be crucial in determining whether the Syrian president can retain control. Both countries are embroiled in separate conflicts, which may hinder their ability to help Assad. Still, his downfall would be a major blow to them, removing a key ally and likely reducing their sway in the region.

Iran, which already has a military presence in Homs, on Wednesday said it would weigh sending more troops to Syria if requested by Assad, though the Islamic Republic has been stretched over the past year by conflict with Israel, either directly or via allied militia groups such as Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Its unclear what Russian President Vladimir Putin will do while focused on his invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has used warplanes to strike rebel positions and has a military base at Syrias Mediterranean port of Tartus.

Depending on the situational analysis, we will be able to speak about the level of assistance the Syrian authorities will need to handle the militants and eliminate the threat, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday, according to Interfax news agency.

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In a video, rebel leader Joulani urged Iraq to prevent Iran-backed forces based in the Arab country from deploying to Syria. The Lebanese army, central to enforcing a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that began just over a week ago, said its sent soldiers to the Syrian border, potentially setting up a block for any fighters attempting to cross the frontier.

Hezbollah is the largest of Irans allied militant groups and is considered a terrorist organization by the US and others. It has been severely depleted since Israel stepped up an offensive against the organization in September.

Israel, which also borders Syria, is alarmed by the situation. While Assad is an ally of its enemy, Iran, the rise of HTS presents risks to its security.

The Israeli military is preparing for all scenarios, both offensively and defensively, a spokesman said on X after a meeting between the chief of staff and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Syria. It will not allow a threat to exist near the border between Syria and Israel.

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Though Assad has held most of Syrias major cities for the past eight years or so, many areas of the country are ruled by opposition groups.

Turkish-backed rebels this week captured Tal Rifat, near Aleppo, according to Turkeys state-run news agency Anadolu, a setback for US-allied Kurdish forces who had been holding the town.

Hamas capture carries strategic and symbolic significance for Assads opponents. The city was the site of a 1982 massacre by the presidents father, Hafez, who according to multiple international human rights organizations killed at least 25,000 people and leveled most neighborhoods in the climax of his battle against Islamist insurgents.

Decades later, Hama witnessed one of the biggest protests against Bashar during the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011.

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The Syrian conflict so far has left between 300,000 to 500,000 dead, more than 7 million internally displaced and at least 6.4 million as refugees, according to United Nations agencies and Syrian organizations.

(Updates with more detail.)

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Syrian state media said Thursday that government forces were withdrawing from the city of Hama in the face of a rebel advance, marking another major setback for President Bashar al-Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran.

The Syrian Arab News Agency said government forces withdrew to positions outside the central Syrian city. The report came hours after opposition fighters -- led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group -- claimed to have entered the city and struck towards its center.

The Syrian army said its troops withdrew after rebel fighters broke through government defenses in Hama. The army accused the opposition groups of using suicide attacks to breach government lines. The fighting on the outskirts of the city was "intense," SANA reported.

PHOTO: Smoke billows the the Syrian town of Suran, between Aleppo and Hama, on Dec. 3, 2024. (Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Syria's civil war reignites: Reporter's notebook

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The army's General Command said the withdrawal was ordered to "preserve civilian lives" by avoiding fighting inside the city, SANA reported.

Hama is Syria's fourth largest city. It sits between the capital Damascus to the south and Aleppo -- Syria's second city -- to the north. Aleppo fell to the lightning rebel offensive on Nov. 29. Hama was one of the few major cities that did not fall to anti-government forces following the 2011 revolution against Assad's rule.

The rebel offensive is being waged by HTS and a collection of Turkish-backed Syrian militias known as the Syrian National Army.

The rebel capture of Hama would facilitate an attack towards the city of Homs, less than 30 miles to the south.

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To the west, Hama province borders Latakia, which is known as a heartland of Assad government support. Latakia is home to the Russian Khmeimim air base -- a key facility for Moscow's power projection in the Middle East and Mediterranean.

PHOTO: An anti-government fighter carries a rocket to be used against regime forces, in the northern outskirts of Syria's west-central city of Hama on Dec. 4, 2024. (Bakr Al Kassem/AFP via Getty Images)

ABC News' Someyah Malekian contributed to this report.

Syrian army withdraws from key city of Hama amid rebel surge, state news reports originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BEIRUT (AP)  Syrian insurgents swept into the central city of Hama on Thursday and government forces withdrew, dealing another major blow to Syrian President Bashar Assad days after insurgents captured much of Aleppo, the countrys largest city.

The stunning weeklong offensive appeared likely to continue, with insurgents setting their sights on Homs, the countrys third-largest city. Homs, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Hama, is the gate to the capital, Damascus, Assads seat of power and the coastal region that is a base of support for him.

The offensive is being led by the jihadi group HTS and an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Their sudden capture of Aleppo, an ancient business hub in the north, was a stunning prize for Assads opponents and reignited the Syrian civil war that had been largely a stalemate for the past few years.

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Hama is one of the few cities that has remained mostly under government control in the conflict, which broke out in March 2011 following a popular uprising.

By sunset, dozens of jubilant fighters were seen shooting in the air in celebration in live footage from Hama's Assi Square. The square was the scene of massive anti-government protests in the early days of the uprising in 2011, before security forces stormed it and got the city under control.

The Syrian army on Thursday said it redeployed from Hama and took positions outside the city to protect civilians.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the de facto leader of the Syrian insurgency, announced in a video message that fighters had reached Hama in a conquering that is not vengeful, but one of mercy and compassion.

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Al-Golani is the leader of the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which previously served as al-Qaidas branch in Syria and is considered a terrorist group by the United Nations as well as countries including the U.S. The group that was known as the Nusra Front in the early years of Syria's conflict changed its name and said in recent years that it cut ties with al-Qaida.

Al-Golani publicly toured Aleppo on Wednesday and spoke about Hama on Thursday from an undisclosed location in what appeared to be a video filmed with a mobile phone.

This is a massive win for the rebels and a strategic blow for the (Syrian) regime, Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and an expert on Syrian groups. She said the question is whether the opposition will be able to reach Homs and take over the area, which she said would be a game-changer.

"I think then we are going to have to pause and consider whether or not this regime can actually survive this war, she added.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country supports the opposition fighters, reiterated during a telephone call with the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres that the Syrian government should urgently engage with its people for a comprehensive political solution.

Guterres said in a statement later that after 14 years of war in Syria, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously in talks to resolve the conflict in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.

That resolution, which was adopted unanimously in December 2015, endorsed a road map to peace in Syria. The measure called for a Syrian-led political process, starting with the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights  an opposition war monitor  said after fierce battles inside Hama, opposition gunmen now control the police headquarters in the city as well as the sprawling air base and the central prison from where hundreds of detainees were set free.

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The process leading to the fall of the regime has started," the Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, told The Associated Press.

Aleppo's takeover marked the first opposition attack on the city since 2016, when a brutal Russian air campaign retook it for Assad after rebel forces had initially seized it. Military intervention by Russia, Iran and Iranian-allied Hezbollah, and other militant groups has allowed Assad to remain in power.

The latest flare-up in Syrias long civil war comes as Assads main regional and international backers, Russia and Iran, are preoccupied with their own wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine. This time, there appeared to be little to no help from his allies.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the renewed fighting, which began with the surprise opposition offensive Nov. 27.

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Hama is a major intersection in Syria that links that countrys center with the north as well as the east and west. It is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the capital. Hama province also borders the coastal province of Latakia, a main base of popular support for Assad.

The city is known for the 1982 massacre of Hama, one of the most notorious in the modern Middle East, when security forces under Assad's late father, Hafez Assad, killed thousands to crush a Muslim Brotherhood uprising.

___

Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Sarah El Deeb in Beirut; Suzan Faser in Ankara, Turkey; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
(Reuters) - Syria's most powerful rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani not to allow the country's Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to intervene in Syria, in a video statement posted on Thursday.

The PMF, known as the Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic, contains many Iran-backed armed factions that previously fought in Syria to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad retake territory that fell to rebels in the early years of the Syrian war.

"We urge and hope Iraqi politicians, first and foremost Mohammed Shia al-Sudani... do their duty to prevent the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi's intervention in what is happening in Syria," Golani said.

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The PMF has said that it is not deployed in Syria, and commanders within it have said they would only do so on orders from their leadership.

Reuters reported earlier this week that several hundred Iraqi militia fighters had deployed to Syria to help the government fight rebels who seized Aleppo last week.

Golani said the fighting in Syria would not expand to Iraq and said rebel forces wanted strategic economic and political relations with Baghdad after overthrowing the current regime.

(This story has been refiled to fix the spelling of Golani in paragraph 3)

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari; Editing by Toby Chopra)
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Timour Azhari

AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday, a major victory in a week-old lightning advance across northern Syria and a devastating new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.

After years locked behind frozen frontlines, the rebels have burst forth to mount the swiftest battlefield advance by either side since a rebellion against Assad descended into civil war 13 years ago. The capture of Hama gives them control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.

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The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city "to preserve civilian lives and prevent urban combat" after what it called intense clashes.

Rebels were seen on television parading through Hama into the evening to the sound of celebratory gunfire. Other footage showed detainees pouring out of the city prison after rebels freed them.

The insurgents said they were ready to march on south towards Homs, a crossroads city that links the capital Damascus to the north and to the coast. "Your time has come," said a rebel operations room in an online post, calling on Homs residents to rise up in revolution.

Al Jazeera television broadcast images of rebels inside Hama, some of them greeting civilians near a roundabout while others drove in military vehicles and on mopeds.

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The rebels took the main northern city of Aleppo last week and have since pushed south from their enclave in northwest Syria. Fighting has raged around villages outside Hama for two days but once rebels entered the city the battle ended in hours.

The collapse of Syrian government control in the north has sharply illustrated a shift in the balance of power since Lebanon's Hezbollah group, a lynchpin of Assad's battlefield force, suffered catastrophic losses in its war with Israel.

Assad relied heavily on Russian and Iranian backing during the most intense years of the conflict, helping him to claw back most territory and Syria's biggest cities before front lines froze in 2020.

But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022, and many in the top leadership of Hezbollah, the most powerful Iran-aligned force, were killed by Israel over the past two months. The group's new leader, Naim Qassem, pledged to stand by Syria in a television statement.

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PIVOTAL CITY

The main insurgent commander, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, declared full rebel control over Hama on Thursday and issued a video statement warning against any involvement by another Iran-aligned force - Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary coalition.

Some Iraqi fighters entered Syria early this week to support Assad, Iraqi and Syrian sources said. The Hashd al-Shaabi has mobilised along the border with Syria, saying this was purely preventative in case of spillover into Iraq.

"We urge him (Iraq's prime minister) again to keep Iraq away from entering into the flames of a new war tied to what is happening in Syria," Golani said.

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Hama lies more than a third of the way from Aleppo to Damascus and its capture will hinder any quick attempt by Assad and his allies to launch a counteroffensive against rebel gains of the past week.

A rebel advance on Homs, 40 km (24 miles) south of Hama, could meanwhile cut Damascus off from the coastal region, a stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and airbase.

"Assad now cannot afford to lose anything else. The big battle is the one coming against Homs. If Homs falls, we are talking of a potential change of regime," said Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter.

Hama is also critical to control of two major towns with big minority communities. Muhrada, home to many Christians, still held out against rebels on Thursday. Salamiya, where there are many Ismaili Muslims, accepted rebel control, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.

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Although rebels had not previously taken control of Hama, it was historically a centre of opposition to the Assad dynasty. In 1982 Muslim Brotherhood activists rose up in revolt against Assad's father there and the military launched a devastating three-week counter-assault that killed more than 10,000 people.

Golani referred to that bloody episode in his statement: "The revolutionaries have begun entering the city of Hama to cleanse that wound that has persisted in Syria for 40 years."

However, he added that rebels taking Hama would not exact revenge for the events of 1982.

ADVANCE

The most powerful rebel faction is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate in Syria that is still listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and the West. Golani, its leader, has vowed to protect Syria's religious minorities and has urged them to abandon Assad, but many remain fearful of the insurgents.

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In public remarks clearly intended to soften his image and reassure foreign countries, Golani has also emphasised his split years ago with Al Qaeda and Islamic State, and said he has always opposed attacks outside Syria.

HTS and the other rebel groups are trying to consolidate their rule in Aleppo, bringing it under the administration of the so-called Salvation Government they established in their northwestern enclave.

Aleppo residents have said there are shortages of bread and fuel, and that phone services have been cut. The U.N. food agency said the latest bout of fighting had displaced 280,000 people.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday there was an urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need in Syria and a return to a U.N.-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed.

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Turkey disavows HTS but has long been the biggest external backer of other rebel factions that fight alongside it, and the Turkish government's position will be critical to the future of any enlarged insurgent region in Syria.

The Turkish government has denied having any role in the rebels' sudden sweep into Aleppo last week. Any sustained rebel gains in northern Syria could allow for the return of many Syrian refugees now living in Turkey, a major goal for Ankara.

(Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari in BeirutAdditional reporting by Adam Makary in CairoWriting by Angus McDowallEditing by Peter Graff, Janet Lawrence, William Maclean, Gareth Jones and Frances Kerry)
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Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama Thursday, continuing their push through the north of the country and calling on residents to rise up against the countrys President Bashar al-Assad.

The rebels said they would push further south toward Homs, a strategically important city near the border with Lebanon, which lies between the capital Damascus in the far south and the countrys coast.

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The rebels push comes after the sudden takeover of Aleppo, reigniting the countrys frozen civil war. Assad, whose regime has in the past relied on Russia, Iran, and Tehran proxy groups across the Middle East to maintain control, seemed caught unawares. While Russia and Assads government have started carrying out airstrikes, as well as government forces taking part in ground operations, the regime has struggled to rebut the rebels expansion.
Syrian rebels overran Hama on Thursday, forcing government troops to retreat from the strategically significant central city and dealing a painful blow to President Bashar Assad.

The takeover of Hama follows at the heels of the rebels capture last week of Aleppo, Syrias industrial center, in a lightning offensive that upended a years-old stalemate between Assads government and the opposition vowing to dislodge him since 2011.

In recent days, army troops scrambled to Hama in an effort to blunt the rebels momentum. But by Wednesday, what the army called terrorist groups were able to enter the city from several sides.

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In a statement, the army said it had repositioned outside the city "in order to preserve the lives of civilians."

Hours later, a rebel spokesman, Maj. Hassan Abdul Ghani, declared Hama completely liberated. The rebels commandeered police headquarters and a number of military airports, along with several neighboring villages. They have surrounded several pockets of army troops in countryside areas, according to pro-government and pro-rebel activists.

Spearheading the rebel offensive is Hayat Tahrir al Sham, a onetime Al Qaeda affiliate that broke ties with the group in 2016 and controls parts of Syrias northwest. Joining them are Turkish-backed rebel factions that operate in the north.

Opposition activists and fighters posted videos on social media depicting their entry into Hama. Other images showed prisoners making a joyful exit from the city's central prison after the rebels takeover. The government had detained tens of thousands of people  some estimates say well over 100,000  in what rights groups have called gulag-like conditions.

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The oppositions success brings into question the outcome of a war that until last week Assad appeared to have won. In the space of eight days, the rebels have blitzed through areas they first took over in 2012, and that the government needed years to regain  with the backing of Iran and Russia.

Abandoned Syrian army vehicles sit on a road Tuesday with opposition insurgents controlling the outskirts of Hama. (Ghaith Alsayed / Associated Press)

Winning Hama, under opposition control for the first time, gives rebels access to a major transport node connecting the country's center to the north and the Mediterranean coastline, where Assads support is strongest.

There is symbolism too. Hama is notorious for the 1982 massacre, when President Hafez Assad  Bashar Assads father  ordered troops to subdue a Muslim Brotherhood revolt, destroying two-thirds of the city and killing tens of thousands of people.

The rebels have now set their sights on Homs, the central province that witnessed some of the most vicious fighting in the civil war.

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The setback comes at an inopportune time for Assad, with both his main allies dealing with crises elsewhere. Russia is distracted with Ukraine and unable  or unwilling  to devote significant military resources, while Iran and Hezbollah are still reeling from Israels campaign against the Lebanese militant group.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The resumption of large-scale fighting in Syrias civil war affirms, once more, the wisdom of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats, who wrote that when Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, / The blood-dimmed tide is loosed.

In Syrias case, the regions security arrangements fell apart, the delicate balance of power could not hold, and so the strongest of the countrys armed militias rushed into the resulting void, unleashing a blood-dimmed tide along the way.

Which is to say: Russia, Iran, and HezbollahSyrian President Bashar al-Assads main allies, which have kept him in power for the past decade by helping him bomb, strafe, and otherwise crush a variety of rebel groups (along with much of the general population)are now gravely weakened or preoccupied elsewhere. Last week, the strongest of these rebel groups, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (known as HTS), exploited Assads isolation by going on the offensive, taking control of Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, and is now on the verge of capturing Hama, a crucial point on the route by which Assad has received arms from Hezbollah and Iran.

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For the moment, Assad is still safe. Damascus, the capital, is 115 miles from Hama. But the Syrian army collapsed with surprising ease, with many troops deserting the battlefield, in the face of the HTS rebels onslaught. Russia sent a few planes to bomb the rebel positions, but not many and, so far, to little effect; the Russian deployments in Syria were also overrun (the commanding officer has since reportedly been fired). Irans ministry of foreign affairs condemned the assault as terrorism, but it has done little to help.

Their predicaments are clear. Russias military is stretched thin by the war in Ukraine. (It is now reliant on former underlings, importing drones from Iran and rocketsas well as 10,000 troopsfrom North Korea.) Iran is weakened in two ways. First, Hezbollah, which has acted as its main agent in helping Syria, has been decimated in recent battles with Israel. Second, Iran itself is nearing economic collapse, which has compelled Tehrans leaders to seek renewed contact with the West.

The collapse of Syrias network isnt the only cause of the rebels surge. In the 13 years of the countrys civil war, Assad, his army, and his allies have killed more than 500,000 of his own citizens, many of them peaceful pro-democracy activists. He has little support among the civilian population. Assads policies, combined with Western sanctions, have impoverished the country. Even his soldiers, 100,000 of whom have been killed or wounded in the fighting, are short on supplies, which could explain why they so quickly ran from fighting.

So, who are the rebels of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? Should we be rooting for them? Reports are mixed and at times contradictory, perhaps in part because with all the wars going on in the Middle East, the Syrian civil warwhich has been relatively dormant in the past few yearshas escaped the attention of many journalists and analysts in the region.

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The group was once affiliated with al-Qaida. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, cut ties with the terrorist group some years ago, saying he wanted to attain international legitimacy, in part so that he could step up as leader of Syrias myriad rebel groupssome of them Kurds, some Sunni Arabs, most of them having little in common ideologically.

Still, HTS remains a Salafi Jihadist group, and the United States and U.K. still consider it a terrorist organization, meaning it cannot be given assistance. President Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that he wont cry over the fact that the Assad governmentbacked by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollahare facing certain kinds of pressure, though he added that there are real concerns about the designs and objectives of HTS.

Whatever HTS ultimate motives, the great number and variety of anti-Assad rebel groups complicate the stakes and contours of this chapter in the civil war. Turkey is aiding Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in part in order to weaken the Kurds, who are regarded as terrorists and territorial rivals by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel, which has been bombing Syrian military targets for the past year, has stepped up its attacks in hopes of further weakening Assadthough Israels interests would also be served if the past weeks assaults simply mired Syria in deeper chaos, thus paralyzing Assads ability to strike Israel. The U.S., which has backed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as well as a brief CIA-funded group called the Free Syrian Army, isas Sullivans remarks suggestambivalent. How President-elect Donald Trump will actwhether he engages in the conflict at allcannot be reliably predicted. He may be inclined to stay out entirely, if thats possible.

Yeats wrote his poem, called The Second Coming, in 1919, a year after the end of World War I. After his bleak description of mere anarchy and the blood-dimmed tide, he foresaw some revelation  somewhere in the sands of the desert, asking, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

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Is HTS the rough beast, coming to inflict more terror but also to impose some new order? A few years ago, some who sought contemporary resonances in this poem saw al-Qaida, ISIS, or Hamas as a likely candidate.

But no force of order, benevolent or otherwise, seems slouching along the horizon toward Bethlehem or any other once holy site.

Fawaz A. Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and author of several books on the regions conflicts, said in a New Yorker interview published Tuesday that Assads government controls only about 60 percent of Syrias territory, meaning that, in a real sense, Syria is no longer a sovereign state and its army is only the biggest state militiaand, as the HTS assault revealed, much weaker than anyone had thought.

The assault, though a military earthquake, might also mark the reigniting of the Syrian civil war, and on a larger scale than beforea war not only between Assad and HTS, but also between HTS, the Kurds, and other rebels, some of them proxies of larger powers, including Turkey and the United States, though Russia and Iran, while sidelined for the moment, shouldnt be counted out from the conflict either.

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The tragedy of the Middle East, Gerges said, is that you have a ceasefire in one place and another war zone in another placeand, since he made these remarks, the ceasefire zone, in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, seems wobbly as well.

The blood-dimmed tide is likely to persist a while longer.
Syrian rebels have entered the city of Hama, pushing government forces to withdraw and reposition outside the city, Syria's defence ministry said in a statement.

"Over the past hours, as confrontations intensified between our soldiers and terrorist groups and the increase in number of martyrs among our ranks, these groups were able to penetrate several axes in the city and enter it, despite suffering heavy losses among them," the ministry said.

Syria's government refers to rebels as terrorists.

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"To protect civilian lives from Hama city's residents ... the military units stationed there have redeployed and repositioned outside the city," it added.

The military vows to recapture the areas that "terrorist groups have entered," it added.

Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and allied rebels has been ongoing around Hama for days.

Earlier, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that rebels had entered Hama from the north-east following hours of fierce clashes on its outskirts.
Syrian rebels have entered Hama, pushing government forces to withdraw and reposition outside the major city that had been held by President Bashar al-Assad's regime for more than a decade.

Syria's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that "confrontations intensified between [Syrian government] soldiers and terrorist groups" - the government's term for rebels - and that "these groups were able to penetrate several axes in the city and enter it, despite suffering heavy losses among them."

"To protect civilian lives from Hama city's residents ... the military units stationed there have redeployed and repositioned outside the city," it added.

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The military vows to recapture the areas that "terrorist groups have entered," it added.

Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and allied rebels has been ongoing around Hama, a city of about 1 million people, for days.

Hama is the second major city the rebels have captured in their lightning offensive in the country's north-west after seizing Aleppo last week.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported that rebels had entered Hama from the north-east following hours of fierce clashes on its outskirts.

Syrian rebels say hundreds of prisoners freed

Syria's allied rebels said they were able to free hundreds of prisoners from Hama's central prison.

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"They freed hundreds of prisoners, some have been jailed since 2011," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said, referring to when Syria's civil war erupted.

There were some 3,000 people in Hama's prison, Abdel Rahman said.

He told dpa that this move will massively benefit Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and increase support for him.

HTS has been leading the allied groups advancing in north-western Syria.

After Aleppo and Hama, the rebels said they plan to capture city of Homs next.

"Our heroic people in Homs, your time has come," a commander of HTS said on social media.

He urged Homs residents to join the rebels in "revolution against injustice and tyranny."
Syrian rebels have entered Hama, pushing government forces to withdraw and reposition outside the major city that had been held by President Bashar al-Assad's regime for more than a decade.

Syria's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that "confrontations intensified between [Syrian government] soldiers and terrorist groups" - the government's term for rebels - and that "these groups were able to penetrate several axes in the city and enter it, despite suffering heavy losses among them."

"To protect civilian lives from Hama city's residents ... the military units stationed there have redeployed and repositioned outside the city," it added.

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The military vows to recapture the areas that "terrorist groups have entered," it added.

Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and allied rebels has been ongoing around Hama, a city of about 1 million people, for days.

Hama is the second major city the rebels have captured in their lightning offensive in the country's north-west after seizing Aleppo last week.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported that rebels had entered Hama from the north-east following hours of fierce clashes on its outskirts.

Syrian rebels say hundreds of prisoners freed

Syria's allied rebels said they were able to free hundreds of prisoners from Hama's central prison.

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"They freed hundreds of prisoners, some have been jailed since 2011," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said, referring to when Syria's civil war erupted.

There were some 3,000 people in Hama's prison, Abdel Rahman said.

He told dpa that this move will massively benefit Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and increase support for him.

HTS has been leading the allied groups advancing in north-western Syria.

After Aleppo and Hama, the rebels said they plan to capture city of Homs next.

"Our heroic people in Homs, your time has come," a commander of HTS said on social media.

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He urged Homs residents to join the rebels in "revolution against injustice and tyranny."

Following the renewed outbreak of fighting in Syria's civil war, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for humanitarian access to all civilians and an end to the violence.

He spoke about this on the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Guterres said in New York.

"I emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need  and a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed," he said in a statement.

"Tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire."

After 14 years of war in Syria, he said it was "time for serious dialogue."
Syria's allied rebels said they have freed hundreds of prisoners from Hama's central prison after they entered the embattled city.

"They freed hundreds of prisoners, some have been jailed since 2011," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

There were some 3,000 people in Hama's prison, Abdel Rahman said.

He told dpa that this move will massively benefit Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and increase support for him.

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HTS has been leading allied groups in an offensive in north-western Syria since last week.

The rebels said they plan to capture Homs city next, after taking over Aleppo and Hama from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

"Our heroic people in Homs, your time has come," a commander of HTS said on social media.

He urged Homs residents to join the rebels in "revolution against injustice and tyranny."
Syria's embattled president is losing ground to advancing rebels after years of stalemate.

In the past, Iran orchestrated the interventions that stopped the opposition forces' momentum.

"I'm not sure Iran can muster the numbers in time to turn this situation around," an analyst said.

Since the early stages of Syria's bloody civil war that began in 2011, Iran has supported Syria's strongman president, Bashar Assad. Now with the loss of Syria's second city, Aleppo, to Assad's opponents, Tehran has vowed to continue this support  but it almost certainly has less to offer than a decade ago.

Syrian rebel forces spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militant group seized Aleppo in a shock offensive last week, surprising the world and returning the Syrian conflict to the headlines for the first time in years. The rebels did not stop there. Advancing in the face of Russian and Syrian airstrikes, they overran Syria's fourth-largest city, Hama, on Thursday.

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"The Syrian government has lost a lot of terrain, including the city of Aleppo. You can't really overstate the seriousness of that," Aron Lund, a fellow with Century International and a Middle East analyst at the Swedish Defence Research Agency, told Business Insider. "Aleppo is a huge city, a really large urban area that will be difficult to retake once lost if Assad is unable to move on it before the insurgents dig in."

Earlier in the Syrian conflict, Iran helped orchestrate interventions on Assad's side by its powerful Lebanese proxy Hezbollah in 2013, and Russia in 2015.

These decisive interventions helped him turn the tide, culminating in a ferocious, scorched-earth campaign against opposition groups in east Aleppo in 2016.

The latest offensive has prompted some outside intervention. Hundreds of Iran-backed militiamen in Iraq are entering Syria. Russia has carried out airstrikes to impede the opposition's advance. However, these are small-scale compared to past interventions. And Hezbollah isn't intervening for now.

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"I'm not sure Iran can muster the numbers in time to turn this situation around," Lund said. "Hezbollah, which was Tehran's primary instrument in Syria over the past decade, is now stuck in Lebanon, tending to its wounds and trying to get back on its feet after being mauled by Israel over the course of a two-month war."

Hezbollah is estimated to have upwards of 100,000 fighters and a vast missile arsenal, but those have been battered by Israel's airstrikes and occupation of southern Lebanon.

"The Lebanon ceasefire is really brittle, and as long as conflict could re-erupt at any moment, I don't think Hezbollah has the manpower to spare," Lund said. "Even if they're able to send some men Assad's way, I doubt it would be a game-changing number."

Iran's other options are mobilizing more Iraqi militias or sending personnel from its own Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps paramilitary or its regular army.

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"It's possible that Iran will try to send more arms and ammunition," Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and founder and former director of the Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council, told BI.

"It is also probably counting on Russian airstrikes to stall the HTS offensive and it is clearly having back-channel talks with Turkey," Slavin said. "The Turks may be angling to get Iran to turn a blind eye to new attacks on the Kurds in return for urging HTS to hit pause."

Rebel groups captured tanks and military vehicles belonging to the Assad regime on the Idlib-Hama road in Hama, Syria on December 4, 2024. Kasim Rammah/Anadolu via Getty Images

HTS is not a Turkish-controlled proxy like the self-styled Syrian National Army coalition of opposition militias that is also advancing across Aleppo province. However, Turkey has closely coordinated its army's deployment in Syria's Idlib with HTS, which has been the predominant power in that northwestern Syrian province for years now.

"Iran is also looking to cultivate a relationship with Trump, which further limits its freedom of maneuver in the region," Slavin said.

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"Iran is in a terrible situation currently without the necessary military, economic, and political capacity to spare," Arash Azizi, senior lecturer in history and political science at Clemson University, told BI.

"Its myriad of problems includes the fact that many Iraqis are reluctant to get involved in a renewed war in Syria."

While Iran will undoubtedly remain committed to supporting Assad, it's unlikely to prove capable of organizing a 2016-style counteroffensive to recapture Aleppo.

"That would require a lot of planning and a lot of diplomatic bargaining with Turkey and other powers," Azizi said.

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Century's Lund recalled that the last time Iran intervened to help Assad recapture Aleppo, it did so in close collaboration with Russia.

"If they're going to replicate that success now, the Russians would probably need to bring the air component," Lund said. "Iran has no air force to speak of and if Iranian jets were to show up in Syria, Israel would go after them immediately."

Russian jets and air defenses afford Iran some protection since Israel is more hesitant to clash with Russian forces than they are with Syrian or Iranian ones.

But it remains to be seen how much airpower Russia can spare with its fighters and bombers engaged in the invasion of Ukraine.

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"It's worth noting that the Syrian conflict is so small-scale compared to Ukraine that even a relatively small contribution of assets could have an impact there," Lund said.

The Iraqi militiamen entering Syria are more likely to serve as a holding force to help Assad avoid losing more territory.

"Assad needs to hold onto the capital and its immediate environs if he has a chance to survive as Syrian leader," Stimson's Slavin said.

Since Syria doesn't have a sizable Shia minority like Lebanon, Iran has been unable to stand up a local proxy as effective or powerful as Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.

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Any efforts Iran may take to help Assad coincide with its own priorities to seek an acceptable deal with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration. "Iran also wants to at least try for a deal with Trump, so a more aggressive regional posture will not work as regional issues will be on the table this time along with the nuclear file," Slavin said.

As this crisis unfolds, it's striking how "unimportant and absent" the US has been, Azizi noted.

"The US has forces on the ground and also airpower that it has used to attack certain forces on Syrian territory," Azizi said. "But it's clearly not a main player and doesn't seem to have a clear, strategic goal or any particular focus on Syria."

And it remains unclear what President-elect Trump will do about Syria upon reentering office in January.

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"As with most other matters, President Trump remains unpredictable," Azizi said.

Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

Read the original article on Business Insider
T.D. Jakes  Dallas pastor of the megachurch The Potter's House  is suing a man for defamation.

In a lawsuit filed in a Pennsylvania district court on Nov. 25, Jakes claims that Duane Youngblood went on a podcast aired on YouTube and made comments that Jakes tried sexually assaulting Youngblood.

Jakes is the founder and senior pastor of The Potters House in Dallas. Jakes shared earlier this week that he underwent emergency surgery after he suffered a medical incident during a sermon at The Potters House on Nov. 24.

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Here is what the lawsuit details.

Why is Jakes suing for defamation?

On Oct. 28, Youngblood appeared on "Larry Reid Live," which aired on YouTube. According to the lawsuit, the podcast has 150,000 subscribers. On the show, Youngblood claimed that when he was a teenager, Jakes attempted to kiss him, and in another incident, Jakes phoned him from a bathtub, expressing to Youngblood his desire to sleep with him.

On Nov. 3, Youngblood returned to the podcast and made more claims about Jakes "grooming" him and other sexual assault allegations.

The lawsuit can be read here.

Who is Duane Youngblood?

Youngblood, 57, is a former minister and registered sex offender in Pennsylvania. He was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager while working as a pastor and of corruption of minors.

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The lawsuit claims that a lawyer, claiming to represent Youngblood, sent a letter to Jakes on Nov. 15, demanding $6 million to "settle this issue swiftly and discreetly" shortly after the episodes of his appearances on "Larry Reid Live" were posted online.

T.D. Jakes recovering from health issues, emergency surgery

Jakes addressed his congregation remotely this past 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 attorneys indicated that the stress of the lawsuit might have contributed to his medical emergency on Nov. 24.

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"This lawsuit is intended to bring that scheme to a halt, Jakes legal team said. To end the extreme emotional, physical, and spiritual toll Defendants conduct has caused Bishop Jakes, to set the record straight so the world understands the patent falsity of the accusations, and to restore Bishop Jakess reputation.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: T.D. Jakes sues man after sexual assault claims made on YouTube show
Ever since a historic, methane-spewing blowout in October 2015, local lawmakers, residents and activists have been pressuring state regulators and officials, including the governor, to close the Aliso Canyon gas storage field.

The leak at the Porter Ranch facility lasted for 121 days and pumped more than 100,000 tons of methane and other chemicals into the sky. It was the largest gas leak in U.S. history, and neighbors complained of headaches, nausea and other symptoms. Meanwhile, the facility, owned by Southern California Gas Co., remains open.

Now, activists and supporters are changing tactics. Instead of focusing primarily on the facility's closure, they also want residents to adopt green technologies, and they're using a hefty SoCalGas settlement to help make it happen.

Sen. Stern speaks about the good and bad news regarding the settlement and the potential many years before the closing of Aliso Canyon. #AlisoCanyon #SoCalGas pic.twitter.com/TMWGbLrK6W  Andrew J. Campa (@campadrenews) December 4, 2024

At a news conference Wednesday in front of the gas company's regional headquarters in Chatsworth, state Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas) and state Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) implored community members to hasten Aliso Canyon's closure by consuming less gas and turning to electric appliances.

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The duo, along with community activists, announced that funds from the $71-million settlement between SoCalGas and its regulator, the California Public Utilities Commission, would be used to further those efforts as the commission deliberates on a plan to potentially close Aliso Canyon in the distant future.

"We still believe the facility can be closed," Stern said, "but this funding is really designed to help average homeowners, people who send their kids to school in the Valley, take the closure of Aliso Canyon into their own hands."

Read more: Plan to shutter Aliso Canyon gas facility isn't moving fast enough for community activists

The funding is expected to be broken up into four chunks: $40 million to push for replacement of home and water heaters now powered by natural gas, $15 million to make schoolyards greener; $14 million to combat extreme heat and aid community resilience programs, and $2 million for community outreach and decarbonization education.

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"This is a significant step forward on delivering some level of justice and creating healthier and more sustainable communities and futures for the communities that were impacted by the Aliso Canyon disaster," Schiavo said.

The $40 million will go toward a statewide program that promotes the use of electric residential heat pumps for space and water heating. Although every homeowner within SoCalGas is eligible for a $1,000 rebate, the program will give special priority to those in the Aliso Canyon-impacted communities of Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, North Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Winnetka, Lake Balboa, Van Nuys and West Hills.

State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo calls the money a win for families in the affected areas. #SoCalGas #AlisoCanyon pic.twitter.com/FWeCbxXGKD  Andrew J. Campa (@campadrenews) December 4, 2024

"Heat pumps can create safer and healthier homes and communities and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and the market is increasingly ready to meet the rise in demand," Robin Tung, associate director of communications for the Building Decarbonization Coalition, said at the news conference. The group is one of several working with the affected Aliso Canyon community pushing for electric over gas options and appliances.

All other monies will only be available specifically to Aliso Canyon-impacted communities.

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As for green schoolyards, the $15 million will be aimed at increasing green space, reducing asphalt and blacktops for affected cities, counties, school districts, special districts and nonprofits. The $14 million in extreme heat aid will support senior community centers with adequate and efficient air conditioning.

Read more: SoCalGas agrees to pay up to $1.8 billion in settlement for 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak

The settlement funding these endeavors is separate from a $1.8-billion agreement settlement between Aliso Canyon neighbors and SoCalGas in 2021, or other payments and fines paid by SoCalGas and its parent, Sempra Energy.

SoCalGas spokesperson Chris Gilbride, who was at the news conference, did not offer a direct comment on the settlement.

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He did note that SoCalGas "share[s] the commissions view that Aliso Canyon is a necessary part of Californias energy infrastructure today.

California Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo listens as California Sen. Henry Stern speaks about the $71-million settlement check presented to members of the communities affected by the Alison Canyon Well failure in front of the Southern California Gas Company in Chatsworth on Wednesday. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

The news conference comes after the CPUC released a proposal Nov. 13 that could lead to closing Aliso Canyon years from now. Local activists and politicians criticized the plan, saying it didn't provide a fast enough or clear enough timeline to shut down the site.

The proposal calls for moving ahead with closing the site once Southern Californias demand for natural gas declines to a level at which peak demand can be served without Aliso Canyon.

According to the plan, the CPUC would initiate proceedings to review and potentially close the facility only when the peak demand forecast for a date two years in the future is below 4,121 million metric cubic feet per day.

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Read more: Editorial: A billion-dollar settlement can't erase the Aliso Canyon methane blowout

Peak demand, currently forecast at 4,618 million metric cubic feet per day, is expected to drop to 4,197 million in 2030, according to the CPUC.

Stern estimated the earliest the facility could be closed under the proposal would be 2039.

Activists such as Matt Pakucko, president of the advocacy group Save Porter Ranch, which has fought to close the storage facility since shortly after the leak, said SoCalGas and Gov. Gavin Newsom's framing on the issue has always been wrong.

This isnt an energy issue, its a health issue, Pakucko said.

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The closure plan will be discussed at the commissions Dec. 19 meeting in San Francisco. The public can attend in person or virtually.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te held phone calls with U.S. congressional leaders on Thursday while visiting Guam, his second U.S. stop on a Pacific Island trip.

Lai said in a post on X that he had spoken with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss security and economic cooperation.

He also spoke with U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the post said.

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#Taiwan is grateful for the bipartisan #US Congressional support as we advance peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, he wrote.

China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, opposes any official interaction between the islands government and the United States. The U.S. is the main overseas supplier of arms for Taiwans defense, and has naval and air force bases on Guam.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted the governments previous statements on U.S. official interactions with Taiwan and said that the Taiwan issue is at the core of Chinas core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.

Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday night after stops in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. From Guam, he headed to Palau, the final stop on his trip. He met the governor of Guam and spoke to the legislature, where he emphasized the shared values and strategic importance of Taiwan and Guam in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Let us together become the crucial force in defending freedom, democracy in the first island chain, he said, referring to a string of islands off the Asian continent that includes Japan, Taiwan and part of the Philippines.

His remarks drew a contrast with China's authoritarian one-party government, which claims Taiwan as its territory and says the self-governing island must come under its control at some point in the future.

Lais talks with both Republican and Democratic leaders seemed designed to underscore the bipartisan support for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress.

While in Hawaii, he also spoke with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose visit to Taiwan in 2022 sparked an angry response from China that included major military drills around the island and cutting off talks with the U.S. in several areas including defense.

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Taiwanese media said Lai had phone calls with Johnson and Jeffries and a video call with Wicker.

China's Foreign Ministry also announced sanctions Thursday on 13 American companies and six executives in response to recently announced weapons sales to Taiwan. The executives include the president and vice president of Raytheons Naval Power strategic business unit. The sanctions include a ban on entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao.

U.S. attempts to assist Taiwan independence by arming Taiwan will not shake our firm determination to oppose Taiwan independence and achieve national reunification, and it will only push Taiwan into a dangerous situation of military conflict, Lin said.

A resolution from Guam's legislature welcomed Lai and expressed appreciation for Taiwan's "significant contributions to Guams economy and community, Speaker Therese Terlaje said.

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Lai called for deeper cooperation with Guam, highlighting aquaculture, hydroponic agriculture, construction projects and alternative energy as potential areas of partnership.

The three Pacific Island nations he visited  Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau  are among 12 governments that recognize Taiwan diplomatically. The rest of the world, including the United States, has official ties with the Chinese government in Beijing.
By Yimou Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) - China is trying to set a "red line" for the incoming Trump administration and U.S. allies by stepping up military activities in the region, a senior Taiwan security official said, including likely war games this weekend around the island.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory over Taipei's rejection, has held two rounds of war games around the island so far this year, and its forces operate nearby on a daily basis.

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The official confirmed concerns expressed by other security officials in the region who have previously told Reuters that China could launch new drills to coincide with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's trip to the Pacific this week which included visits to Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam.

"They want to clearly establish that the First Island Chain is China's red line and its sphere of control before the new U.S. government takes office on Jan. 20," the official told a briefing in Taipei, offering the government's assessment of China's activities.

The First Island Chain is an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas.

Neither China's Taiwan Affairs Office nor its defence ministry responded to a request for comment.

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The Taiwan official, briefing on condition of anonymity to be able to speak more freely, said China could launch new war games shortly before or after Lai's return to Taipei from the Pacific on Friday.

"They want to tell the new U.S. government that this area is controlled by China and that you must discuss with China everything that happens here," the official said, pointing to recent Chinese military activities around Taiwan including joint manoeuvres with Russia near the island's east coast earlier this week.

"They want other countries - the United States or Europe - to know that this is their sphere of influence and that they should be taken seriously."

China has deployed close to 40 vessels in the region this week, including a Chinese aircraft carrier group led by Liaoning in the East China Sea as well as other naval and coastguard boats in the South China Sea.

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Reuters first reported that a north bound Russian naval fleet on Monday approached close to Taiwan's contiguous zone 24 nautical miles (45 km) off its southeastern coasts and conducted joint simulated attacks on "foreign vessels and aircraft" with a Chinese destroyer nearby.

China urged the United States last week to exercise the "utmost caution" on relations with Taiwan, ahead of Lai's Pacific tour. Beijing opposes any foreign interactions or visits by Taiwan leaders.

Lai and his government reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.

(Reporting By Yimou Lee; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
By Yimou Lee and Michael Martina

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday he spoke with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other U.S. congressional leaders during his visit to the Pacific, as China called the Taiwan issue a "red line" not to be crossed in Sino-U.S. ties.

China considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory without any right to the trappings of a state, and has condemned Washington for allowing Lai to stop over in both Hawaii and Guam during a visit to the Pacific.

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Lai said he had spoken with Republican Johnson and other congressional leaders including Democrats Nancy Pelosi, a former House speaker and stalwart Taiwan supporter, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Johnson's office confirmed the Wednesday call but gave no details. Lai also said he spoke with Republican Senator Roger Wicker.

"#Taiwan is grateful for the bipartisan #US Congressional support as we advance peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Lai wrote in a post on X.

Asked about the call with Johnson, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said the government had already made clear its position on Lai's visits to the United States.

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"I would like to emphasise once again that the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and the first red line that may not be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations," Lin Jian told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

The United States, Lin said, must stop interfering in China's internal affairs and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence and separatist forces.

"China will take resolute and forceful measures to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters that China could launch a new round of war games in response to Lai's trip to the Pacific, which included stopovers in Hawaii, a U.S. state, and the U.S. territory of Guam.

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While in Hawaii, Lai spoke for 20 minutes with Pelosi, whose 2022 visit to Taiwan as House speaker prompted a furious response from China.

In 2022, China held war games around the island, infuriated at a trip to Taiwan by Pelosi, at the time Speaker of the House.

Lai rejects China's sovereignty claims.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee in Taipei and Michael Martina in Washington; additional reporting by Colleen Howe in Beijing and Doina Chiacu in Washington; writing by Ben Blanchard; editing by Tom Hogue, Clarence Fernandez and Mark Heinrich)
TAIPEI, Taiwan  Taiwans leader is visiting Guam on Thursday in his second stop in U.S. territory on an ongoing overseas trip.

President Lai Ching-te arrived late Wednesday night from the Pacific Island country of Tuvalu. Photos posted by broadcaster KUAM showed him walking off a private jet in a tropical-themed shirt. He visited Hawaii last weekend at the start of his trip.

Such visits typically anger China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and says that the self-governing island must come under its control. The United States is the main overseas supplier of arms for Taiwans defense.

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Earlier this week, Chinas Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned U.S. support for Lais visit to Hawaii and lodged a complaint with the United States.

Lai will meet Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and the Taiwanese community in the American territory, KUAM reported.

He is then scheduled to fly to Palau, the final stop on his trip. Besides Tuvalu, the Taiwan president also visited the Marshall Islands before arriving in Guam.




Tavares, one of only three Lake County cities that fluoridates its drinking water, has become the latest Central Florida municipality to enter the divisive nationwide debate over water fluoridation.

Amid passionate comments on both sides of the issue, the Tavares City Council late Wednesday afternoon postponed until Dec. 18 a decision on whether to stop adding fluoride to its water supply after members decided they wanted more time to look at the research. The delay was a disappointment to Mayor Walter Price, who is leading the charge to reverse the citys 30-year-old dental health initiative to fluoridate its water.

Its a very corrosive chemical, said Price, who said he had seen corroded metal at the citys fluoride storage site. If its bad for metal, its got to be bad for your body.

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Price first called for the city to reconsider its practice last week, after Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued a late November advisory calling on Florida communities to stop fluoridating their water supplies. Ladapo  who was aligning himself with fluoride skeptics in the incoming Trump administration  spoke at a press conference in nearby Winter Haven, which recently voted to end fluoridation. Footage of the conference was played at the Tavares council meeting before discussion began.

Tavares has fluoridated its water since 1995, joining Umatilla and Eustis as the only Lake cities that do so. Only 15.1% of Lakes water system customers currently receive fluoride in their water, compared to 79.7% in Orange County, 82.6% in Seminole and 97.8% in Osceola.

Leesburg, Lake Countys second largest city, will begin fluoridating its water in 2025 after its city commission voted unanimously to do so earlier this year.

At the Tavares meeting, City Council member Sandy Gamble said he spoke with his personal doctor about the issue during a checkup Tuesday and even asked AI about it.

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Is it beneficial for our children? Yes, it is, as long as its in the proper amounts, Gamble said, and as long as were monitoring that, I have no problem with it.

Price, the only council member openly against fluoridation, said he had heard from residents urging him to end the practice and has seen research showing it is harmful to seniors.

Council members Lori Pfister, Bob Grenier and Tony Stringer wanted more time to consider the issue, noting that fluoridations place on the meetings agenda had been communicated to council members on Friday.

Im kind of torn with this. I believe both of yall, Pfister said, but I wouldnt be doing my job here if I just made a haphazard decision on what I want to do.

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Water fluoridation, a common practice in the United States since 1945, is widely credited with slashing rates of tooth decay. The practice has long generated some amount of controversy, but recently the controversy has grown. In his advisory, Ladapo cited studies regarding the potential negative health impacts of fluoridation, including reduction of IQ in children and increased risk for ADHD.

Three local dentists spoke in support of fluoridation during the Tavares meetings public comment period. The most prominent was Dr. Alan Hays, Lake Countys Supervisor of Elections and a former Republican member of the Florida Legislature who previously practiced dentistry for 27 years.

Hays said he was completely embarrassed by Ladapos remarks about fluoridation, calling them pure garbage.

The residents of Tavares are currently blessed with that benefit, he said. If you want to do the right thing, you do nothing. Keep the fluoride in the water.

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But Chad Cameron, identified as a resident of Putnam County, called on the council to take action.

Will you continue to use taxpayer money to poison the community, or will you choose to protect the children? Cameron said.

The renewed controversy regarding fluoridation has been stoked in large measure by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom U.S. president-elect Donald Trump intends to appoint as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to Trumps election victory, Kennedy had promised Trump will call to halt fluoridation on his first day as president.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Mayor Eric Adams has a plan to give a tax break to more than half a million New Yorkers with children, and the governor is supportive of the plan.

Adams is dubbing the plan Axe the Tax for the Working Class.

The idea has the potential to save low-income families in New York City hundreds, perhaps even more than a thousand dollars each year depending on their income.

However, the price tag for other taxpayers will not be cheap, and it will not help everyone.

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Essentially, Adams is suggesting the New York City Personal Income Tax be eliminated or lowered for about 582,000 New Yorkers with children. It would cost the city $63 million annually.

We cant bring down the cost of bread, but we can give you some bread to pay for the bills and necessities that you have, Adams said.

The Mayors Office said it would help lower-income New Yorkers who need the help most saying a family of two adults and two children making less than $46,000 dollars a year would qualify. PIX11 crunched the numbers and found the savings for the family could be as much as $1,600 in taxes, although there are already existing city programs available to lower this tax burden for families.

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This tax proposal would require approval from Albany, likely during the spring budget cycle. Late Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul through a spokesperson offered her support.

Spokesperson Kristin Devoe wrote:

From lowering the cost of child care to accelerating property tax rebates, Governor Hochul has been laser focused on putting more money back in New Yorkers pockets. The Governor would be supportive of efforts to lower the Citys personal income tax rate, and commends Mayor Adams for continuing to focus on affordability.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, confers with representatives at the Kansas Statehouse on March 5, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas Republicans are poised to turn the campaign trail promise of property tax relief into reality with expanded supermajorities in the Legislature and potentially unprecedented control over the states budget process.

However, state tax revenue continues to trend below projections, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wants legislators to hit pause before taking action in 2025.

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House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said property tax relief will be job one when the Legislature convenes in January.

For too long, Kansans have struggled with the ever-increasing cost of property taxes, Hawkins said in a Nov. 27 statement. Governor Kelly wants legislators to take a breath instead of passing necessary legislation to ease the burden of property taxes on Kansans.

Instead, he said, Kansans need breathing room from the burden of sky-high property taxes.

Lawmakers ideas for relief are bound by the states limited authority over local property taxes. Legislators could further modify the state mill levy or, like Iowa lawmakers in 2023, cap the tax levy rates for cities and counties.

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Hawkins statement was in response to Kellys Nov. 25 comments to reporters at her Topeka residence when she emphasized her preference for a wait-and-see approach to further tax cuts.

In an updated revenue estimate for fiscal year 2025, which ends June 30, the state was projected to take in $400 million less than the year before and $72 million less in tax revenue than initial estimates.

The state likely wont immediately see the full impacts of the bipartisan legislation adopted during a special session in June, which implemented income and property tax reductions that estimated $1.2 billion in savings for Kansans over three years.

Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Wednesday that state revenues are still predicted to outweigh expenditures in the coming years.

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Now, we must remain cautious with future tax cut proposals and budgetary discussions to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of budget shortfalls and underfunded services, she said.

Actual revenue has failed to meet projections lately. After revising estimates on Nov. 15 to lower projections by $72 million for the fiscal year, revenue for November continued to fall below expectations. The state collected about $675.5 million in taxes during the month, nearly 4%, or more than $25 million, below projections.

It is important to remember that a comparison of just one month is not a reliable basis upon which to identify a trend for the balance of the fiscal year, the report from the Kansas Legislative Research Department said.

State tax collections beat projections by $17.8 million in October, $15.1 million in September, and $6.6 million in August.

The reports released in the next two months will reflect the holiday shopping season and corporation income tax payment estimates, which are due multiple times per year, including December.
Taylor Swift is wrapping up her widely successful The Eras Tour in Vancouver, B.C., this weekend. As regional hotel prices surge and the local economy is expected to benefit from the pop stars visit, drivers may be stuck waiting in long border-crossing lines this weekend.

Swift will perform at Vancouvers BC Place on Dec. 6-8, with ticket prices ranging from $1,422 to $83,078 a piece. Hotel prices near the venue will also cost a pretty penny, as hotels usually priced at $284 to $556 per night are selling for $1,053 to $7,005 per night.

As the venues 54,500 seats are almost filled for the concert, traffic is expected in the Vancouver area and at both sides of the border crossing.

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For those crossing into Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency did not confirm they would have any extra agents working during the concert weekend but Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson Luke Reimer told The Bellingham Herald the agency works in an operating environment that changes on a daily basis, and we are ready to respond and adapt as needed.

The CBSA invests significant effort planning and preparing for peak travel periods, Reimer said. The agency monitors traveler volumes and works hard to minimize border wait times at ports of entry, without compromising safety and security. We encourage travelers to plan ahead, expect delays and check border wait times.

For those crossing the border into Washington after the concert, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is planning to have extra agents on staff to accommodate a surge in visitors.

The Seattle Field Offices Area Port of Blaine will have increased staffing to accommodate a possible surge in traffic from travelers returning from the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jason Givens, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regional press officer, told The Bellingham Herald. The increase in staffing is scheduled at both the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway ports of entry on all three nights of the concerts.

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While staffing will be increased, its difficult to predict when and how many fans will be traveling, Givens said. Its anticipated the majority of traffic will be during non-peak travel times and the extra travelers can be absorbed by the increase in staffing. However, extended wait times are still a possibility.

Border crossing wait times are continually updated online at bwt.cbp.gov and on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol app.
(WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has found a skyrocketing number of suspects in serious crimes are battling mental illness.

That includes the accused killer of Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter.

So we asked whats being done about the problem, since it affects safety on your streets.

Lake effect snow warning: A lot more snow on the way

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services told us, in recent years, the number of felony suspect in state psychiatric hospitals has gone up 70%.

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Now, that agency is spearheading efforts to take action.

The man charged with killing Ritter has been found incompetent for trial and was sent to a facility for treatment. Months ago, in another case, he told a city judge, I said Im Mister Impossible. I own Ohio. Thats a lot.

In the meantime, also consider the case of the woman charged with killing a toddler last June outside a grocery store in North Olmsted. Bionca Ellis also has been found incompetent for trial, and she also sits in a mental health facility getting treatment.

Weve seen it in many other cases, too, including that of a woman arrested after wandering for hours in a restricted part of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

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These individuals are coming to us far too late. These are individuals with very progressed mental illness, LeeAnne Cornyn, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, told the I-Team.

She just led a task force for Gov. Mike DeWine. The group looked at mental health treatment and ways to spot criminal suspects needing help long before they commit serious crimes.

We need to have more crisis services in our communities, try to bring more mobile crisis services to more communities statewide, so we have trained professionals intervening, Cornyn added.

DOJ: Charges mount against violent Cleveland street gang Fully Blooded Felons

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In June, we showed you a Rocky River judge released Bionca Ellis from jail days before police said she killed a toddler. That task force also wants to help judges spot suspects in a mental health crisis.

I think theres an opportunity for us to partner with the Supreme Court and judges to give them checklists, so they know what the criteria are for incompetency to stand trial.

The state agency director said about 4 in 5 suspects ruled incompetent for trial can stand trial later, sometime after they get treatment.

This task force report looks at what can be done to improve the system now and over time.

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Weve learned what we see in Northeast Ohio is going on nationwide. All of this has sparked new ideas to reverse the trend.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors hope Delawnte Hardy, the suspect in the officers murder, and Bionca Ellis, the suspect in the childs murder, both eventually will be restored to competency and put on trial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Disclaimer: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Shreveport teen who is believed to be involved in killing another teenager will be tried as an adult, according to the Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr.

Programs needed to steer Louisiana juveniles on right path and prevent re-offending

15-year-old Rodnick DeMarquin Calhoun was arrested by the Shreveport Police Department on Monday, November 4, 2024, in connection with a drive-by shooting. The incident claimed the life of 15-year-old Anthony Vinson Jr.

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The shooting occurred before 2 a.m. at the intersection of Jewella Avenue and Peyton Street at the Hollywood Mini Mart store. Shreveport detectives discovered several shell casings near the bicycle Vinson was riding.

Shreveport teen shot and killed, identified by coroner

On Monday, December 2, 2024, the Caddo Parish District Attorneys office filed a Motion to Divest the parish juvenile court of jurisdiction in this matter and to proceed with this case in Caddo District Court.

Calhoun will now be tried as an adult for second-degree murder.

Calhoun was ordered by District Court Judge Chris Victory to be transferred on Tuesday, December 2, 2024, from the Caddo Parish Juvenile Detention Center to the Caddo Correctional Center (CCC) as he awaits trial.

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Calhouns bond hearing is set for tomorrow, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Victory.

A second person, Onterio Robinson, 19, also has been arrested in connection with the slaying and awaits trial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  It wasnt a toy or CGI special effects. It was a real, live, big rat seen in a tenants cellphone video crawling across the living room of a sixth-floor apartment at 655 Burke Ave. in the Bronx.

And thats just the beginning of a long list of problems, according to the fed-up tenants, who held a news conference Wednesday.

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They are pleading for someone to put pressure on the building owner/property manager, identified by them as Michael Kohn, to make things right.

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For starters, they want their landlord to fix the lack of consistent heat, hot water, and cooking gas in the privately owned building.

We have a girl upstairs who is only 6 years old coughing because the apartments are so cold, one tenant remarked.

Thousands of NYCHA units left empty amid housing crisis

Longtime tenant April Velez added, This is the hot plate he gave us to cook with. Weve been without gas since June 10.

But tenants, many of whom are seniors and/or disabled, said there is no excuse for being consistently forced to rely on kitchen hot plates, or the stairs, in the six-floor walk-up.

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In PIX11 News text message exchange with Kohn, he insisted the heat is working, that it was never a problem, and he ordered PIX11 to stop reporting fake news.

But records from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) directly contradict Kohns claims that everything is just fine.

In fact, HPD has more than 300 complaints and violations on file for this one building, just within the last few years alone.

The bare minimum. Just some heat so that we can cook and some of the repairs can get done, said tenant Hector Bonilla.

New HPD information on background showed a Dec. 2 head inspection did not result in any violations. But tenants said that has nothing to do with cooking gas or consistency in delivery of those services.

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New York City Council member Kevin Riley is now aware of the tenants complaints and said he will try to get the situation straightened out for all parties involved.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Top state officials, lawmakers and concerned Tennesseans spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. to watch history unfold.

The U.S. Supreme Court took up a case Wednesday, challenging Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors. While the Justices heard arguments inside, several Tennesseans rallied outside the high court.

Oh, I dont know, thousands, 3,000 maybe, said Bean Chapman  Co-chair of the Tennessee Equality Project for Knox, Anderson, and Blount County  to describe the crowd outside.

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SEE ALSO | SCOTUS hears arguments on Tennessees gender-affirming care for minors ban

Each person had a story that led them to the nations highest court.

When I was 17 I received top surgery, and that experience was the most life-saving experience of my life, said Eli Givens, as they stood outside the Supreme Court.

At just 11 years old, Eli knew something was different. As they began to struggle with their identity, it would be years before they had surgery to re-affirm what they already knew.

Its the reason why Eli felt so compelled to travel all the way from Tennessee to Washington, D.C.

What many of them dont know is that social transition can occur without there being permanent changes, and I just want to communicate that these families and these kids deserve to be supported, said Givens.

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Givens was one of 48 people allowed inside as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

This case is about protecting kids from the consequences of decisions that they cannot fully understand, said Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee Attorney General.

TN leaders speak out on transgender rights case ahead of Supreme Court hearing

According to the Williams Institute, there are more than 3,000 children who identify as transgender in Tennessee. Currently, state law makes it illegal to provide medical care to minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

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Its not a buzzword that we use, it is truly life-saving. I know of youth who have lost their life to suicide because they didnt have support, detailed Chapman. I know numerous youths right now who are living on the streets, who have been kicked out of their homes, have been kicked out of their places of worship and they are just suffering under this.

Chapman also traveled from Tennessee to rally with trans advocates. She explained its important for her to fight for childrens rights, especially when it comes to the care she believes they need.

What are you doing to protect these most vulnerable unsupportive kids that there are? Its tough, its tough, Chapman said.

Since 2021, 24 states have enacted bans on gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy and puberty suppressant medications.

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The evidence shows that the large majority of kids dealing with gender dysmorphia will grow out of it unless theyre put on these medications, said Skrmetti.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

President-elect Donald Trump backed a national ban on such care as part of his campaign.

Now, the future of care for transgender youth lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. A decision from the Court is not expected to come until June 2025.

In the meantime, the Tennessee Equality Project states:

We will continue to fight for the rights and protection of ALL Tennessee children through legislative advocacy, community engagement, and aggressive team building until the state legislature suspends its relentless attacks on queer Tennesseans. Brian Sullivan, Nashville Co-Chair, Tennessee Equality Project

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Over the last several months, a vocal group  often affiliated with local churches  has campaigned to remove books from Rutherford County school libraries.

They claim these books harm children by exposing them to explicit content, arguing that banning them is necessary to protect young minds and reflect their biblical worldview. However, these efforts have diverted attention and energy from solutions that would genuinely improve the lives of children and families in our community.

Banning books in the name of protecting children because they contain ideas or content deemed inappropriate doesnt shield kids  it sets them up to be ill-prepared for adulthood.

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Denying access to diverse perspectives, historical truths, and inclusive representation undermines childrens education and critical thinking skills. Instead of focusing on performative actions like book bans, we should direct our energy toward policies that address real challenges and provide meaningful support for families.

Give students food, dont take away their reading materials

One tangible way to protect and support children is ensuring every student in Rutherford County schools has access to free breakfast and lunch.

Keri Lambert, a member of the Rutherford County Library Alliance poses with just a portion of the books that have been put on a banned book list for Rutherford County Schools on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, while standing in the James E. Walker Library at MTSU.

Nearly 46% of households in the county struggle to keep up with the cost of living. Providing universal free meals would not only improve students academic performance but also offer much-needed relief to local families.

Preventing any child from going hungry is a moral obligation that demands real action, not theatrical distractions.

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The ongoing review and removal of books waste precious resources that our already underfunded public schools cannot afford to lose. Instead of spending time and effort on pulling books off shelves, we should focus on fully funding our schools to meet students actual needs.

Smaller class sizes, expanded mental health resources, and investments in quality, diverse curricula would empower students to thrive.

News story: Just before Banned Books Week, a Tennessee county voted to remove Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' and 5 other books from schools

Depriving them of books that teach empathy and understanding only limits their potential to grow into compassionate, well-rounded adults.

Firearms are a bigger threat to children than ideas in a book

If protecting children is truly the goal, why isnt this same vocal group advocating for measures to address the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee: firearms?

Constituents listen to discussion about the possible review and removal of award-winning novel "Beloved" by Toni Morrison and other acclaimed books at a Rutherford County school board meeting on Aug. 22, 2024 in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Since 2018, firearms have been the No. 1 underlying cause of death in the state. Simple, common-sense solutions  such as extreme risk protection orders, universal background checks, and safe storage laws  would save lives. Yet instead of addressing this urgent crisis, the focus remains on banning books, an action that does nothing to protect kids from real harm.

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The campaign to ban books is a loud, performative distraction from the real issues plaguing our community. Arguing that school libraries are filled with pornography diverts attention from solutions that would make a tangible difference in childrens lives. When nearly half of families in Rutherford County are struggling to make ends meet, when public schools lack the resources they need, and when gun violence remains an ongoing threat, we cannot afford to waste energy on divisive debates that harm more than they help.

Its time to stop allowing distractions like book bans to dominate our conversations about protecting children. These debates, rooted in fear and division, do nothing to address the real challenges kids face every day  hunger, unsafe schools, underfunded classrooms, and the absence of mental health resources. Instead of restricting access to ideas and stories that foster empathy and understanding, lets turn our focus to solutions that genuinely safeguard and uplift children.

As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matt Fee

Let us honor this teaching by dedicating our energy to feeding the hungry, fully funding public schools, enacting common-sense policies that ensure safety, and building a community where every child can thrive. Protecting children isnt about censorship  its about taking action to meet their real and urgent needs.

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Matt Fee is a resident of Rutherford County and serves on the board of the Rutherford County Library Alliance and the Rutherford Neighborhood Alliance. He is also a former executive committee member of the Rutherford County Democratic Party and served as campaign manager for Tiffany Fee for School Board.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Book bans in Tennessee: Give kids food and safety instead | Opinion
As a Tennessee lawmaker, state Sen. Ken Yager knows it is wrong  and illegal  to drive drunk and leave the scene of an accident.

That's why it was a hapless understatement when Kingston Republican told the press that he was involved in "an unfortunate incident" Tuesday. That incident involved a Georgia trooper arresting the 77-year-old lawmaker for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

Yager is owed fairness under the law and he has not been convicted of any crime, but the video of his failed sobriety test is just painful to watch.

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More important, as a public official, he is and must be held to a higher standard. Surely, he knows that too.

Sen. Yager has a responsibility to make things right after DUI arrest

This is an important time to remind all citizens that in the U.S., 37 people per day die in crashes involving drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2022, that amounted to 13,524 deaths  364 in Tennessee and 507 in Georgia that year.

State Sen. Ken Yager offers remarks as the senate debates SB-7009 on education during a special session of the Senate at the State Capitol Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee law prohibits motorists from consuming or possessing an open container of alcohol, although that restriction does not apply to passengers.

It is encouraging to know that Yager said he is cooperating with authorities.

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In the meantime, he should reflect on what further steps he might take to rectify the unfortunate accusations against him.

That may involve getting alcohol use disorder treatment. It should also involve being committed to public service announcements discouraging drunk and/or impaired driving.

He should consider working with Tennessee state officials and nonprofit on a video and/or billboard campaign to bring that message home. He could also sponsor legislation to close loopholes in open container laws for passengers.

Voters re-elected him in a landslide. That is not a license for recklessness

As for his own Senate seat, Yager must think long and hard if he is up to the challenge of fulfilling the public trust anymore.

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In the Nov. 5 election, 85% of District 12 voters sent him back to the legislature. He won in a landslide, but this mandate does not permit him to flout the law.

His colleagues may also have second thoughts about Yager's position as chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.

If he is indicted for the accusations against him, he should resign that leadership position and not seek to reclaim the post for the next legislative session.

At a time when politicians on both sides of the aisle nationally are questioning the fairness of the justice system, the Tennessee General Assembly has sent a message in its legislation that the Volunteer State is about being tough on crime and about law and order.

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Yager has supported these measures, and if he honestly believes it, as this legal process unfolds, he should put the good of the public over his own political ambitions.

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN's Ken Yager DUI arrest means he must be held accountable | Opinion
Tennessee State Sen. Ken Yager urinated on himself when he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after a hit-and-run crash in Georgia on Tuesday afternoon, the Georgia Department of Public Safety has confirmed.

The Kingston politician, 77, who chairs his states Republican Senate Caucus, was apprehended in the parking lot of gourmet grocery store Jekyll Market at around 5pm, according to The Tennessean.

Troopers had recognized his black Ford Edge and its out-of-state licence plates as the vehicle being sought in connection to an accident with another car on Jekyll Island, authorities said.

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But when troopers responded to the vehicle, they found emergency responders already attending to Yager after he had tripped and fallen over.

The Republican subsequently took part in a field sobriety test, a video of which was later obtained and posted on Instagram and X by News Channel 5.

In the video, he was seen struggling to walk in a straight line with a dark stain visible on the front of his cargo pants, leading to online speculation that he had suffered a further embarrassment during his ordeal.

That detail was confirmed by the officers incident report, which recorded that Yager had urinated on himself during the sobriety test, which then had to be cut short as he proved unable to stand safely on one leg.

Ken Yager taking part in a field sobriety test with Georgia police on Tuesday December 3 2024 (News Channel 5/X)

The incident report also noted the state senator had admitted to having had a couple glasses of wine previously in the day.

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He also allegedly claimed to have spoken to the driver in the earlier accident, believed no one was harmed and was not aware that the collision was under investigation.

The arresting officers detected a distinct odor of alcohol on his breath and asked Yager to take a breathalyzer test, which returned a breath alcohol content of 0.14, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

He was arrested and charged with the hit-and-run, failing to stop at a stop sign and DUI.

Yager was booked into Glynn County Jail and released in the early hours of Wednesday morning on a $2,117.70 bond.

An unfortunate incident happened last night, Yager said in a statement on Wednesday.

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On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion.

The Independent has reached out to Yager for further comment.

The lawmaker could be required to step down from his caucus leadership if he is indicted over the incident, in accordance with Tennessee Senate ethics guidelines. However, the rules grant him 10 days to request an appeal hearing before the Ethics Committee.

Yager worked as a teacher earlier in his career, then served as Roane County attorney between 1978 and 1982 and Roane County executive from 1982 to 2006, before entering the Tennessee Senate.

His current term expires in November 2028.
One Texas monastery has been deemed extinct in the eyes of the Vatican, according to a Tuesday, Dec. 2, statement from the Bishop of Fort Worth.

The declaration follows the nearly year-long battle between the nuns and Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson. The disagreement surfaced in April 2023 after Olson accused their Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach of breaking her chastity vows by having an online love affair with Father Philip Johnson, a former priest from the diocese in Raleigh, N.C., per Chron.

As a result, Gerlach, Olson and the Arlington order were involved in legal and religious controversies. Then, in May 2023, Gerlach and the Diocese of Fort Worths six acting nuns and two in training sued the church and its bishop for $1 million, per Chron. They alleged violations of privacy and harm to the nuns' physical and emotional well-being.

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Related: Priest Disciplined for Allowing Sabrina Carpenter to Film Music Video Inside Catholic Church

The next month, Olson dismissed Gerlach from religious life, and Gerlach confessed to chastity violation, which she said occurred twice and on the phone. In July, the nuns attorney, Matthew Bobo, said that Gerlach, who is a wheelchair user, was "under heavy medication from a procedure" and didn't recall giving her statement to investigators, per Chron.

Additionally, the nuns supporters have accused Olson of seeking to gain control of the monastery.

Amanda McCoy/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth

Then, in April 2024, the Vatican announced that the monastery would be monitored by the Association of Christ the King in the U.S. During that same month, the nuns disobeyed the Vaticans ruling. The nuns filed a lawsuit in Tarrant County District Court requesting a temporary restraining order against both Olson and the Fort Worth diocese.

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In June, the Vatican appointed Mother Marie of the Incarnation as president of the Association of Christ the King, meaning she is the lawful superior and has the right to exercise full governance," per Chron.

Related: N.J. Supreme Court Sides with Catholic School That Fired Pregnant Unmarried Teacher

Three months later, Gerlach was reelected as their leader against the diocese's wishes and the nuns joined the Society of St. Pius, a Roman Catholic priestly group that previously separated from the Vatican, per Chron.

The next month, Olson and Marie then said the elections were invalid. But the nuns said Maries dismissal is egregiously false and a moot point since they are now associated with the Society of Saint Pius X, per Kera News. The nuns issued a statement confirming it is ridiculous to claim that they have departed from the Catholic faith.

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.

Shortly after, on Nov. 28, the Vatican issued a statement declaring the nuns were dismissed from their Catholic order and religious life. On Nov. 29, the Vatican issued a letter declaring the church was "extinct."

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On Dec. 2, Olson responded and issued his own letter, stating that the nuns are no longer nuns because they have been ipso facto dismissed from the Order of Discalced Carmelites for reasons of their notorious defection from the Catholic faith.

He continued: Second, the Holy See has suppressed the monastery, so it exists no longer, despite any public self-identification made to the contrary by the former nuns who continue to occupy the premises. Third, the Diocese of Fort Worth has never made any claims to the property of the former monastery, nor do we do so now.



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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  After a year of legislative impasses leading to a primary season of vengeance, Gov. Greg Abbotts top priority of education savings accounts could be coming to fruition.

The idea of using state money to subsidize part of families private school expenses has been a political lightning rod in Texas for years, but the legislature is friendlier to it than ever before. Abbott utilized his pulpit and campaign war chest to wage electoral war on skeptical Republicans, successfully replacing many longtime rural lawmakers with newcomers sympathetic to his school choice goals.

The Texas legislature now has enough votes to pass School Choice, Abbott touted on X after the May primary runoffs. Congratulations to all of tonights winners. Together, we will ensure the best future for our children.

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This week, the Chair of the Senate Education Committee told Nexstar he is aiming for a universal plan  any family who wants to take advantage of an education savings account to help pay for their childs private or home-schooling would be able to do so.

We plan on coming back with a very strong bill, even stronger than last time around, and I think well have the support, State Sen. Creighton, R-Conroe, said. Were on our way. We have many new friends to work with in the house after this election cycle.

Last year, Creighton championed a bill that would spend half a billion dollars to give $8,000 ESAs to at least 40,000 families. Ninety percent of that money was reserved for low-income families and educationally-disadvantaged students. Families of all kinds, even those with children already in private school, could have taken advantage of the remaining 10%.

Lawmakers may no longer feel the need to temper their next bill, and intend to make it more widely available.

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Creighton did not specify how expensive the next ESA plan will be, but he said the legislature will start with a definite appropriation of money to come in tandem with the bills passage.

Meanwhile, Democrats are hoping to cobble together another bipartisan coalition to oppose any form of school choice  though the math will be harder for them this time.

The people of Texas need to push back, because if they allow for a universal voucher, were going to have millionaires and billionaires rating our public education budget, State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, told Nexstar. We will be taking money from working class kids all over the state to give that money to wealthy parents who are already sending their kids to private schools.

Public school districts and Democratic lawmakers argue that public money is best invested into the public school system, and because district funding is based on student attendance, any form of private school stipend would reduce their resources.

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We still believe in public education, we believe in accountability for taxpayers, and we believe in being good stewards of our public funds. Vouchers dont do any of that, Talarico said. They allow for wealthy special interests to siphon off billions of dollars from our neighborhood schools and make money off of our kids.

Creighton promised the legislature will pass public school budget increases and teacher pay raises alongside an education savings accounts program. Last year, public school money fell victim to the impasse over ESAs because the Senate and the Governor insisted on passing both. They ended up passing neither.

Next session, both efforts will get to the governors desk, Creighton said.

I dont really separate them out in my mind, because it is what will set our Texas students up to be the most successful in the future.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
FAIRVIEW, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Texas man was accused of driving under the influence on Wednesday, allegedly leading to a crash that killed a Hopkinsville woman.

The Kentucky State Police Department (KSP) said that just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the Todd County Sheriffs Office called troopers from Post 2 to help investigate a two-vehicle crash on Russellville Road near the intersection of Goshen Road.

Missing Michigan woman may be in Lexington area

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An initial investigation reportedly showed that 60-year-old Timothy Todrank of Houston, Texas, was driving a 2020 Dodge Ram heading east on Russellville Road while 58-year-old Karen Hargrove of Hopkinsville was driving west on the same road in a 2021 Chevrolet Spark.

According to state police, Todrank crossed the median of the road, driving east in the westbound lanes. Todrank then allegedly hit Hargroves car head-on.

Hargrove was pronounced dead at the scene by the Todd County coroner, troopers said.

Todrank was lodged in the Todd County Detention Center and charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substancefirst offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and vehicular homicide while under the influence of a controlled substance, per a news release.

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Read more of the latest Kentucky news

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing by the KSP Collision Reconstruction 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 FOX 56 News.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Wednesday that lawmakers in the state Senate would move to ban all forms of consumable tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in Texas.

Patrick, who presides over the Senate and largely controls the flow of legislation in the chamber, said the THC ban would be designated as Senate Bill 3  a low bill number that signals it is among his top priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

The Republican-controlled Legislature was widely expected to take aim at Texas booming hemp market, which has proliferated with thousands of cannabis dispensaries since lawmakers authorized the sale of consumable hemp in 2019.

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That law, passed one year after hemp was legalized nationwide, was intended to boost Texas agriculture by permitting the commercialization of hemp containing trace amounts of non-intoxicating delta-9 THC. But Patrick contends the law has been abused by retailers using loopholes to market products with unsafe levels of THC, including to minors.

Dangerously, retailers exploited the agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public and made them easily accessible, Patrick said in a statement announcing the measure late Wednesday. Since 2023, thousands of stores selling hazardous THC products have popped up in communities across the state, and many sell products, including beverages, that have three to four times the THC content which might be found in marijuana purchased from a drug dealer. 

Texas has not legalized marijuana in any form for broad use.

Critics of the current hemp market point to a lack of testing requirements, age restrictions, and regulation, arguing that the proliferation of products  ranging from gummies and beverages to vapes and flower buds  has posed health risks and disrupted access for medical cannabis patients. Consumable hemp products are required by law to contain no more than 0.3% THC  the intoxicating part of the cannabis plant that comes in forms known as delta-8, delta-9 and THCA  but Patrick asserts that some items sold in Texas far exceed this limit.

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The Texas hemp industry, meanwhile, has argued in court that delta-8s high is minimal, and if delta-8 and delta-9 products are banned, it would do irreparable harm to the industry and the states economy.

Patrick said the bill to ban THC would be carried by state Sen. Charles Perry, the Lubbock Republican who previously carried the 2019 agricultural hemp bill. Perry has expressed dismay about the exploding market for cannabis products from the many hemp dispensaries that have popped up since lawmakers authorized the sale of consumable hemp.

Consumable hemp products come in forms that include smokable vapes and flower buds, oils and creams, baked goods, drinks, gummies and candies.

They contain industrial hemp or hemp-derived cannabinoids, including the non-intoxicating cannabidiol known as CBD, and are required to stay under the 0.3% THC threshold.

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The difference in the legal and illegal products lies in the plants from which they come. Hemp and marijuana plants are both cannabis plants. Marijuana plants have high THC. Hemp has low THC.

The Legislature is scheduled to reconvene Jan. 14.
SNAP provides food benefits to nearly 730,000 people in Oregon, and they can be used at many farmers markets and other places. (Lynne Terry/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.

Thousands of Oregonians in 22 counties who receive federal aid and recently had to pitch food following storm-related power outages have more time to request replacement benefits.

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Oregons Department of Human Services has obtained federal approval to give Oregonians hit by the strong winds and heavy rainfall on Nov. 19 to 20 a total of 30 days to request replacement food benefits. Normally, the federal government, which is in charge of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, only allows SNAP beneficiaries 10 days to seek reimbursement for wasted food.

The extension means that those who were affected have until Dec. 18 to make the request over the phone, at a local office, by email or by regular mail.

Get replacement aid

Call 800-699-9075

Fill out a request form and emailing it to oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Visit a local Oregon Department of Human Services office

Send the request form to ONE Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

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The extension applies to a majority of Oregons counties. Anyone in Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Umatilla, Washington and Yamhill counties do not have to prove that they were affected by power outages.

During the storm, power outages affected more than 24,000 households. Jake Sunderland, a DHS spokesman, said the department estimates about 6,000 households will qualify for the extension.

To get replacement aid, people have to provide the total cost of the food that they lost and they may have to provide proof that they were affected if they dont live in one of the approved counties. The form that needs to be filled out asks for information about the food that was lost.

People wont have to provide receipts.

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SNAP provides food benefits to nearly 730,000 people in Oregon. The benefits average $313 per month and are meant to supplement the food budgets of low-income people.

A recent study by Oregon State University found that an increasing number of people in Oregon suffer from food insecurity  the ability to put enough food on the table every day in a predictable manner. It said that nearly 13% of state residents  about 530,000 individuals  suffered from food insecurity in 2023 alone.

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Multiple people were taken to the hospital following a three-car collision in Torrington that led to one vehicle rolling over, trapping the driver inside.

The crash was reported just after 4:10 p.m. in the 100 block of Highland Avenue, according to Sgt. Kyle Johnson of the Torrington Police Department.

Johnson said police found that a 61-year-old woman was driving a Subaru west on Highland Avenue when the rear of her vehicle was struck by a Saab being driven by 39-year-old Joseph Ledda. The Saab then crossed into the opposite lane, striking a Buick Encore that was headed east, according to Johnson. The crash caused the Buick to roll over.

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The driver of the Buick, a 43-year-old man, was trapped inside and had to be extricated by crews with the Torrington Fire Department. He was taken to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

Two other occupants of the Buick, a 27-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman, were also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Subaru did not report any injuries.

According to Johnson, Ledda was charged with reckless driving and following too closely.
Three deputies  two of them former and one of them current  at the Cass County Sheriff's Office in Fargo, ND, are currently the subject of criminal investigations.

Criminal charges have been filed against now former Cass County deputy Carson Quam and current deputy Philip Larson.

According to a complaint, Quam allegedly had sexually explicit images of children on his cellphone, and he has been charged in Cass County with ten counts of possession of sexually explicit material. He resigned from the sheriff's office in September.

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Sheriff Jesse Jahner was told on Monday that Larson, 51, has been charged in Clay County, Minnesota, with providing alcohol to a woman under the age of 21.

The woman in question is a 20-year-old college student whom he used to teach when he was a professor.

He has been on administrative leave since October.

Philip Larson (left) and Carson Quam. Cass County Sheriff's Office

Former deputy Darin Viken, who was fired in July of this year, is also the subject of an investigation, the details of which remain unreleased as the case is currently in the hands of the Grand Forks County Attorneys Office.

"Our agency is extremely upset and disappointed to learn of the alleged criminal behavior of two former employees and a current employee on administrative leave," Sheriff Jahner said in his statement. "As Sheriff, I will always stand with the men and women in law enforcement and the law enforcement profession as one of their strongest supporters.

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Sheriff Jahner said that prospective employees must undergo a comprehensive background investigation. This includes financial inquiries, criminal background inquiries, personal and past employment inquiries, and a polygraph examination.

He said he understands that staff may sometimes make mistakes, but "when our employees cross the line of alleged criminal behaviors, that cannot be tolerated."

"The alleged behavior of these three individuals has caused a range of emotions for our staff, including betrayal, frustration, embarrassment, and anger," Sheriff Jahner added. "These emotions stem from a belief that our staff are going to do the right things every day, both on and off duty.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Related: 'Horrifying': Manhunt underway after fatal shooting of Brian Thompson
ALPINE, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Three Fort Cavazos soldiers were arrested on criminal charges related to an alleged conspiracy to smuggle undocumented immigrants, according to a report from the United States Attorneys Office.

Court documents showed a US Border Patrol Agent stopped a vehicle in Presidio on Wednesday, November 27. The vehicle reportedly drove away as the agent approached the passenger side of the vehicle, before hitting another Border Patrol vehicle and injuring the agent inside, according to a filed criminal complaint. Presidio County Sheriffs Office deputies and Presidio Police officers were later able to stop the vehicle and the four individuals inside.

Three of the individuals were undocumented, one Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals. The fourth individual was identified as Emilio Mendoza Lopez, who claimed to be the front seat passenger in the vehicle. The driver, alleged to be Angel Palma, left the scene on foot before being discovered the next day at an Odessa hotel.

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Presidio Deputies thwart another human smuggling attempt

Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio to pick up and transport the immigrants. A third individual, Enrique Jauregui, was the alleged recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy. A search warrant executed on Palmas phone revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation, the Attorneys Office said.

Mendoza Lopez has been charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens by US Magistrate Judge Fannin in Alpine. Palma and Juaregui are scheduled to appear before US Magistrate Judge Manske in Waco on Friday, December 6. The two are charged in a separate criminal complaint with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens and one count of assaulting a federal agent.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Two men have been arrested in connection with vandalism at Sunset Memorial Park cemetery in October, and arrest warrants have been issued for a third man accused in the crimes.

Men accused of burning down mansion formerly belonging to Gov. Hulett Smith no longer employed at Southern Regional Jail

Raleigh County Sheriffs Office deputies reported that George Todorovich and Larry Bradley have each been arrested on charges of felony property destruction and conspiracy for acts of vandalism allegedly committed on three separate nights at the Harper Road cemetery.

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A third man, Timothy TJ Beckner, is also charged, and police were actively searching for Beckner on the evening of Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

FEMA assistance for Mercer County residents becomes a waiting game

Court documents allege the three men sprayed fire extinguishers in the mausoleum on one occasion, that they knocked over headstones on a second occasion, and that they destroyed windows in a mausoleum and sprayed fire extinguishers on the third occasion.

Cleaning the mausoleum allegedly cost $74,505.44 and repairing the windows allegedly cost $17,183.66. That is according to a criminal complaint filed in Raleigh County Circuit Court.

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According to a criminal complaint filed against Todorovich in Raleigh County Magistrate Court, Raleigh County Sheriffs Office deputies responded on October 18, 2024 to Sunset Memorial Park where they discovered that one of the mausoleums had sustained serious damage.

The windows and glass in the doors of the mausoleum were broken. Fire extinguishers were taken off the walls and sprayed throughout the mausoleum; the exit signs and thermostats on the walls were taken off and broken, Raleigh County Sheriffs Office Detective R.A. Robinson wrote in the complaint.

Detective Robinson said that the suspects had allegedly left behind personal items and that a police K-9 officer tracked the scent of a suspect to Raleigh General Hospital where the trail ended.

Later, according to the complaint, deputies identified Beckner based on descriptions provided of the suspects.

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The police dog identified Beckner, based on a second item the suspects had allegedly left at the cemetery, according to the complaint, but Beckner denied involvement with the vandalism.

Meanwhile, a West Virginia State Police trooper investigated the incident in which headstones had allegedly been toppled and the first incident of fire extinguishers being sprayed inside the mausoleum.

According to the complaint, State Police Trooper C. Harvey notified deputies that he had spoken with Bradley.

Larry [Bradley] advised that he did not do anything, but that he heard that there was a Timothy TJ Beckner and George Todorovich who were there and did the damage, the detective wrote in the complaint.

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Man arrested after aiming a gun at deputies in Raleigh County

Detective Robinson said that he and Detective R. Queen then interviewed Todorovich on November 26, 2024 and that Todorovich allegedly confessed that he and the other two suspects had vandalized the mausoleum on three separate occasions.

The mother of Todorovich responded to reports of her sons arrest by saying that she loves her son and is saddened by the acts of vandalism which hurt others.

I would like to apologize to the families and offer condolences, Pam Todorovich of Beckley said in a portion of a statement to 59News. The legal system should handle this appropriately and take whatever measures necessary.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
ALPINE, Texas  Three U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been arrested on human smuggling charges, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas said Thursday.

Soldiers Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, 20, and Enrique Jauregui, 25, were arrested after a vehicle allegedly driven by Palma and carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals was stopped Nov. 27 by law enforcement in Presidio along the border with Mexico, about 500 miles southwest of Dallas.

Mike Lahrman, a spokesman for Esparza, said he did not know the soldiers ranks or whether action had been taken against them by the military. A spokesman for Fort Cavazos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens, Esparza said in a statement.

Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy, according to Esparza. Data extracted from Palmas phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation.

Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene of the Nov. 27 traffic stop while Palma, who prosecutors said fled the scene of the traffic stop, and Jauregui were arrested Tuesday at Fort Cavazos, about 125 miles south of Dallas, Lahrman said.

Mendoza Lopezs attorney, Shane Chriesman, said he is awaiting more information, known as discovery, from prosecutors on the charge.

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Once I get discovery and have a chance to assess the case we'll develop a plan of attack and will try to get a bond set for Mendoza Lopez, who is currently jailed without bail, Chriesman said.

No attorneys are listed in jail records who could speak for for Palma and Jauregui, who are awaiting their first court appearance on Friday, according to Esparza.
THORNTON TOWNSHIP, lll. (WGN)  Thirteen months after the first WGN Investigates report on questionable spending by south suburban politician Tiffany Henyard, it appears she has been forced off the ballot.

This involves just one of the two elected positions Henyard holds.

Now her allies are calling the move illegal and vowing to fight.

Henyard didnt even get the chance to speak before the democratic township committeeman dispatched her from the ballot in a simple voice vote Tuesday night. In seconds, the crowd of hundreds sang her out like a ball player who has just struck out.

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This is prime example of puppet masters trying to control the narrative, she said.

They cant beat me: In rare caucus, Tiffany Henyard loses Thornton Township nomination

In an interview before Tuesdays unusual caucus, Henyard cried foul saying her supporters were stuck outside while backers of the committeeman, Napoleon Harris, gathered inside.

Harris is also a state senator who selected himself to run for township supervisor at the top of the democratic ticket.

The process was followed and it came out the way it was supposed to, he said.

It shouldve been a primary. Always has been in the history of Thornton Township. Always, 10,000 residents come out to vote for their township government, Henyard said.

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When asked why she thought it changed now, Henyard replied, Because they cant beat me. If they could beat me they wouldve went to the polls but now when I bring them out they wont let them in. Make that make sense.

Bill Cadigan is a former state board of elections chairman who says the caucus system is legal in Illinois as is holding multiple elected positions.

Will the court look at those perception issues? Probably not. But the voters certainly should, he said. It does not look like good government. It looks like more of the same in Thornton Township.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

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The two south suburban governments Henyard runs have been in chaos since soon after WGN Investigates began reporting on her spending and abrasive leadership style. She and her entourage racked-up more than $100,000 in travel, meals and more. Her namesake cancer charity was shut down for failing to report how it spends money.

Even after the FBI served subpoenas in April, the spending continued. One sparsely attended concert cost more than $85,000.

Before Tuesdays defeat, Henyard vowed not to be deterred.

The show will go on, she said.

Her team says theyre asking the states attorney and Illinois Attorney General to investigate the legality of Tuesdays raucous caucus.

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Henyard can run as a write-in candidate for township supervisor; but remember shes also facing a big challenge to stay on as the mayor of Dolton.

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This article was first published in the ChurchBeat newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night.

Times Square hosted the launch of the Light the World Giving Machines in Manhattan again this week, but thats not where New Yorkers, tourists and other visitors will find one now.

The NYC Giving Machines moved from the corner of Broadway and 46th Street  where reps from 14 major charities gathered for interviews with national, international and local news outlets on Monday  to Park Avenue.

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Thats not far from Broadway and Times Square at all. And the setting is a nice fit for the Light the World initiative, which is designed to help people focus on Jesus Christ during the Christmas season.

In New York, our Giving Machine will be only about 10 blocks away from here, said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, at the end of Mondays event. It will be in front of the church that I am (the administrator), Our Saviour Church on Park Avenue and 38th Street.

Monsigner Sullivan then issued an invitation.

If anybody is coming to Times Square, take a walk just a few blocks away and give to the Giving Machine in New York. If youre taking the train into Grand Central Station, walk a few blocks south and use the Giving Machine. If youre coming into Penn Station, take a walk and use the Giving Machine on Park Avenue and 38th Street, he said.

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Ill just end by saying that we have put that Giving Machine next to the scene of the Nativity from Bethlehem of 2,000 years ago. Weve done that intentionally, because religion cannot be just turning in on ourselves. Even more so it cannot be used as a weapon to divide us from each other. Weve put that Giving Machine near that very beautiful scene of the Nativity, because we want to communicate that if we worship God, we need to give to our neighbors in need.

I thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this wonderful initiative gathering us all together, and I invite you all to be givers this season.

My Recent Stories

How Giving Machines drew major American charity leaders together in Times Square (Dec. 2)

Sides reach potential settlement for proposed Latter-day Saint temple in Fairview, Texas (Nov. 27)

About the church

The First Presidency issued its annual Christmas message.

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Are you getting the Light the World inspirational emails this season? If not, sign up here.

See photos of the Christmas lights on Temple Square: A treat for your eyes. And heres where you can see Christmas lights at temple visitors centers.

How missionaries at the Provo MTC spent Thanksgiving. It included serving others and hearing a message from Elder Quentin L. Cook.

Continuing last weeks ChurchBeat theme, Elder Cook was at the New York City launch of the Giving Machines and Elder Gerrit W. Gong joined the event to unveil the Giving Machines in Kansas City.

The church began publishing the illustrated Doctrine and Covenants Stories online.

What Im reading

One person indexed 1 million names in 15 years? Yep. Marilyn Clement, a 92-year-old church member from the Snake River (Idaho) 2nd Ward did it, and Everyone is blown away.

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Here are 10 faith-based Christmas movies.

My colleague Jacob Hess wrote about the two very different stories being told about people stepping away from faith.

Before leaving New York City after covering the Times Square Giving Machines event, I stopped by Bookoff, a used bookstore, and bought Catch and Kill for $1. Its Ronan Farrows account of exposing the culture, companies, lawyers and spies who helped cover up sexual offenses committed by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Its a terrific read about how Farrow reported out the story; I devoured half of it on the flight back to Utah. Five years ago, I read She Said, the account of two New York Times reporters who broke the story. I recommend both books as journalism thrillers and clear-eyed accounts of how rich men used both men and women to cover up their abuse. They also are stories of courage by many women who were able to speak up. Of course, the subject matter can be very difficult. Farrows initial story is here.

Behind the Scenes
Changbiao in the eastern China Sea was, until recently, an unremarkable and largely uninhabited island.

But rapid construction in recent years has swept away trees and undergrowth to build one of the most sophisticated and closely-guarded government projects: fast breeder nuclear reactors.

The territory is now home to the first of two units, which Chinas Communist Party says are purely for civilian purposes

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Experts and Western officials, however, believe the tiny island could soon become the hub of Beijings rapidly-expanding nuclear arsenal.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, warned on Wednesday the world had entered a third nuclear age, highlighting the rising threat from China.

The country is rapidly expanding its arsenal and by some metrics is projected to soon catch up with Russia and the US, upsetting the balance of global nuclear superpowers.

Once operational, Chinas fast breeder reactors could be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium, which can be used in nuclear missiles, experts believe.

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But what may be more concerning for Western security officials is the fact that Russia appears to be playing a central role in helping China expand its nuclear capabilities by providing vital supplies that help the reactors operate.

Vladimir Putin appears to be playing a central role in helping Xi Jinping expand Chinas nuclear capabilities - GETTY

How the fast breeder reactors work

President Xi Jinping had largely inherited a deterrent nuclear strategy from his predecessors, who viewed expansion as a waste of money as Russia and the US faced off during the Cold War.

But a recent paper by Rusi suggested that China was moving to a launch-on-warning posture akin to those maintained by Russia and the US.

Beijing has modernised its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which can be used to launch nuclear attacks, started construction on three new silo fields designed to store ICBMs, and is in the process of connecting two fast breeder reactors to the power grid.

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China is expected to use its new CFR-600 reactors, alongside other nuclear reprocessing facilities, to produce plutonium for its rapidly-expanding arsenal, according to a report by the US defence department.

Chinas DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in 2019 - GREG BAKER

The first breeder was thought to be running at around 50 per cent of its capacity in April of this year and will likely be fully operational by the end of this year. The second is expected to become operational sometime in 2026.

A fast breeder reactor is a nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to generate more plutonium than the nuclear fuels it originally consumes. This can eventually lead to the production of ultra-pure plutonium-239, which is ideal for use in nuclear weapons.

Each reactor could produce around 200 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium every year, enough for around 50 nuclear warheads, experts believe.

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However, plutonium produced in the fast breeder reactors cannot directly be used for nuclear weapons as they must be processed first.

While China is yet to complete a reprocessing plant, several are under construction in Jinta County in the countrys central Gansu province.

There is also no direct evidence suggesting China plans to use plutonium to create nuclear weapons, according to a 2021 report by the Nonproliferation Education Policy Centre.

How Russia is helping

Washington is less hopeful and suspects Russia has been aiding Chinas nuclear aspirations.

The US has not published evidence to suggest Russia and China are working directly together to develop nuclear weapons but cooperation between the two countries has increased.

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Satellite images from Dec 2022 show Rosatom, Russias state-owned atomic energy corporation, shipped an initial load of fuel that is necessary for the operation of Chinas fast breeder reactors in Changbiao.

A Jin-class nuclear submarine - MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/GETTY

Rosatoms delivery of fuel to China is unlikely to be the last.

On March 23, Rosatom signed a decades-long cooperation agreement with Chinas atomic energy authority designed to expand cooperation in current projects, including the creation of fast breeder reactors.

John F Plumb, a senior Pentagon official, told Congress last year that such cooperation was very troubling to see.

Theres no getting around the fact that breeder reactors are plutonium, and plutonium is for weapons, John F Plumb, a senior Pentagon official, told Congress last year.

Why is China expanding its arsenal?

One factor behind Chinas nuclear programme centres around Taiwan.

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President Xi has repeatedly vowed to reunify China with the east Asian country and has not ruled out using force to do so.

Building up its nuclear arsenal could give Beijing leverage in any conflict over Taiwan with the United States, who under Joe Biden said it would send troops to defend the democratic nation.

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China seems to be adopting the standard deterrence model. Among elements of that model is the assumption that you cannot have a confrontation unless you have a very reliable deterrent element, Nikolai Sokov, who worked on nuclear treaties in Russia in the 1980s, told The Telegraph.

If you expect a conflict with the United States, say with Taiwan it is preparation to enhance their ability to bargain and to reduce the ability of the United States to threaten.

Mr Sokov, who now works at the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, likened it to the war in Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin frequently makes nuclear threats in an attempt to undermine Western support for Kyiv.

Resignation in the West

The West is seemingly awake to the threat posed by Chinas increasing nuclear capabilities.

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In his speech on Wednesday night, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin warned the world had left a period of nuclear stability, highlighting the dangers posed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Chinas nuclear build-up poses a two-peer challenge to the United States. Irans failure to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency is a concern, Admiral Sir Tony said.

Washington is also alive to the threat posed by Chinas nuclear ambitions, producing regular reports on its expanding arsenal.

By the 2030s the United States will, for the first time in its history, face two major nuclear powers as strategic competitors and potential adversaries, the Pentagon said, referencing China and Russia.

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It took years for the US and Moscow to develop and implement nuclear treaties. There even exists nuclear de-escalation hotlines between the two cities, which was used when Vladimir Putin launched his new Oreshnik hypersonic missile at Ukraine last month.

No such line exists between Washington and Beijing, and President Xi has shown little sign of wanting to enter into nuclear arms talks with the Biden administration. Given Donald Trumps hawkish stance on China, this appears unlikely to change.

We are probably not going to be able to do anything to stop, slow down, disrupt, interdict, or destroy the Chinese nuclear development program that they have projected out over the next 10 to 20 years, Gen Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, told Congress last year.

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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  An anonymous tip led to the arrest of a man who was wanted for his connection to a deadly September crash in Clarksville, officials said.

On Nov. 21, Clarksville police asked for the publics assistance in locating 65-year-old Daryl Ingram of Oak Grove, Kentucky. He was reportedly wanted on multiple charges for his connection to a deadly head-on crash that occurred on Sept. 5 on Ashland City Road (41A Bypass) near Riverwood Place.

PREVIOUS | 1 dead following head-on crash in Clarksville

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According to the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), the other driver involved in the crash identified as Matthew Bouslog  died from his injuries.

After receiving an anonymous tip, CPD investigators reportedly teamed with the Shelby County Fugitive Task Force to arrest Ingram.

Police said Ingram was arrested in Memphis at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

In addition to vehicular homicide, Ingram was charged with driving under the influence, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, violating light law and failing to provide proof of insurance.

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Authorities added that he is being held on $550,000 bond and is awaiting extradition from Shelby County to Clarksville.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The title of a book about shady insurance company practice is a near-match to words etched onto bullets found at the scene of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

New evidence emerged Wednesday night in the search for the assassin, including a cellphone, water bottle, and even apparent messages on bullet casings left at the scene.

!!! The shooter of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson wrote deny defend depose on the shell casings left at the scene, ABC News reports.



The words echo the name of a book about how insurers wont pay claims.



This is an EARTHQUAKE for corporate America. pic.twitter.com/iBI255WPOl  Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) December 5, 2024

ABC News reported that the words deny, defend and depose were written on the casings found at the scene, citing law enforcement sources.

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The words are almost identical to the kicker on a book by Jay M. Feinman, Distinguished Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey.

Online theories have now linked the cryptic message to Feinmans book: Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.

The book by the Rutgers professor

The 2010 book reveals how insurance companies have developed unethical practices of delaying or denying legitimate claims, sharing dozens of stories involving major insurers while counseling readers on how to make insurance buying decisions and pursue disputed claims, according to a blurb.

Online commentators now believe that the attack was targeted because someone didnt receive an insurance pay out with UnitedHealthcare, which has been criticized for its practices in the past.

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I knew it! I knew the shooter was angry with the insurance company. This screams someone who was probably denied a claim and possibly lost a loved one due to it, one X user said.

In an email to the Daily Beast, Professor Feinman said no comment when asked what he thought about a possible link.

Police sources said that three live nine-millimeter rounds were recovered from the scene, and an additional three discharged casings. Individual words were written on several pieces of evidence, according to reports.

One of the items police found is believed to have been purchased at a nearby Starbucks.

Thompson, 50, was shot and killed by a masked assassin outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan at around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday.

He was scheduled to attend an investor meeting there. Police say the motive is still unknown, though new clues have investigators hopeful that theyre getting closer to identifying the mysterious shooter.
Republicans in Congress are taking further steps to ignore Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and start referring to the territory by Israels name Judea and Samaria.

Senator Tom Cotton proposed a Senate bill Thursday that would eliminate federal use of the term West Bank, removing it from all official U.S. government documents. His measure matches a bill that was filed in the House in February by Republican Representatives Claudia Tenney, Randy Weber, and Anthony DEsposito.

Cotton claims that Judea and Samaria is the historically accurate name for the territory, and asserts Israels claims over what is internationally recognized as occupied territory.

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The Jewish peoples legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria goes back thousands of years. The U.S. should stop using the politically charged term West Bank to refer to the biblical heartland of Israel, Cotton said in a statement.

Screenshot of a tweet

Politically charged is quite the exaggeration from Cotton. The International Court of Justice ruled in July that Israels occupation of the West Bank is illegal under international law, calling into question their terminology for the territory. Since Israel began its occupation of Palestine in 1967 following the Six-Day War, Israel has built 160 settlements that house close to 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The Republican-sponsored bills seem to confirm speculation that Israel plans to annex the West Bank with U.S. support. Israel has embarked on a military campaign in the territory, killing nearly 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since 2022. Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian residents in addition to Israeli military raids, and those assaults have increased since Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Prior to Israels war on Gaza over the past year, which has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, 2023 was considered the deadliest year ever for Palestinian children, according to human rights groups, and that was due to violence in the West Bank. Republican pro-Israel megadonor Miriam Adelson reportedly donated more than $100 million to Donald Trumps presidential campaign so that the president-elect would recognize Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

The Adelson family has long donated to Republicans, and Cotton has been a pro-Israel hawk for many years. The Arkansas senator is poised to take over the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairmanship with his colleague Marco Rubios nomination for secretary of state. With Trump making no secret of his support for Israel, coupled with this proposed bill by Cotton, U.S. policy for the next four years appears to be unconditional support for Israels efforts to squash Palestinian self-determination.
Tommy Tuberville, a Donald Trump loyalist, said it wasnt the job of Senate Republicans to vet the president-elects cabinet nominations as debate around Pete Hegseths position continues.

The GOP senator told CNN on Thursday that, in his opinion, it is up to Democrats to vet nominations, and that members of his own party should be inclined to automatically confirm them.

Whos to say were a better vetter and picker of people than Donald Trump? Tuberville told CNN on Thursday.

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Tubervilles confident assertion arrives amid a contentious moment for several of the president-elects cabinet picks  notably Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee currently fighting accusations of sexual misconduct and heavy drinking in work environments.

The Alabama senator said Republicans who are hesitant to confirm Hegseth are throwing rocks at Trump, rather than the potential defense secretary.

Tommy Tuberville, the conservative Senator from Alabama, is a staunch Trump ally (Getty Images)

Because [Republicans] are saying Well we dont believe you did the right vetting and we dont believe he can do the job. Wait a minute, thats not our job to do that. Thats the Democrats. Tuberville said.

When pressed about his role as a Senator in confirming process  to advice and consent, something deliberately laid out in the Constitution  Tuberville admitted it was the Senates job to vet the presidents nominees but only the Democrats.

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To some degree but we have to be convinced. I mean, [Democrats] should do all the background work, they should go after our nominees. Ive not heard very little from the left, Tuberville said.

Donald Trump did all the vetting they needed to do on Pete Hegseth and I just cant believe we even have people on our side saying, Well Ive gotta look at this, gotta look at that, he added.

Though it is typical that Senators of the same party as the president approve their cabinet nominations, it is not required. The Consitution gives all Senators the responsibility to advise and consent against or for nominations, regardless of party lines.

Several Senate Republicans voted against Trumps cabinet nominees in 2017, despite being in the same party.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville said it should be up to Democrats to vet Trump's nominees -- not GOP.



"Who are we to say that we're a better vetter and picker of people than Donald Trump? ... Advise and consent, but that's more the Democrats... They should do all the background work." pic.twitter.com/VNRQcitenI  Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 5, 2024

This time around will likely be no different as some GOP senators have expressed skepticism toward Hegseth  a veteran and former Fox News host that, if confirmed, would oversee all agencies and functions related to national security and the military.

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Over the last few weeks, media reports about Hegseths past have painted him in an unflattering light  leading some Senators to question whether he is trustworthy to serve as defense secretary.

Hegseth had multiple extramarital affairs during his first and second marriage, one of which led to him fathering a child with a Fox News producer.

He was accused of sexually assaulting an unnamed woman in 2017, though formal charges were never filed against him and he maintains the sexual encounter was consensual. However, Hegseth later paid the woman as part of a non-disclosure agreement.

Hegseth is also accused of heavily drinking alcohol while working at Fox News, both during work hours and at work events  though he disputes he ever struggled with alcohol abuse.

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But hes remained firm that he will stay in the nomination process and so far, Trump has stood by his side.

Though Tuberville believes Senate Republicans should remain wholly loyal to Trump and put aside their hesitancy about Hegseth, its not clear if that will come to fruition.

Several other of Trumps cabinet picks have faced skepticism including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilene welcomed a second 7 Brew coffee location on Wednesday. With more than 20 coffee spots calling the Key City home, the question arises: Does Abilene have too many coffee shops?

7 Brew first joined Abilene in September, seeing an immediate rush from the community to try something new, and the second location was no different. With the high energy being matched by the community, Mitch Stutler, with the company, says the response helped spark the idea of more locations.

I think we knew we were going to have an impact. The way that Abilene responded to that first location, and even this one as well, has just been so cool, Stutler said.

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Abilene business spreads holiday joy with Toys for Tots donation

The location follows the same schedule as the first, handing out free drinks and merchandise and donating to a local nonprofit organization. With lines wrapped around the establishment on their grand opening, what do the other coffee shops in town see?

Mezamiz Coffee House is one of the oldest in town, giving a contrasting, cozier vibe, serving Abilene for 27 years. The establishment was at risk of closing in the middle of the pandemic when the current owner, Milinda Roberson, decided to keep the communitys beloved spot alive.

Roberson told KTAB/KRBC that newer spots opening not only makes the coffee market more competitive but also leaves a temporary dip in business.

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Somebody else will open up. Well see a slowness for a while, and then all of a sudden, itll kind of pick back up again, but this whole year has been weird anyway. Its been so up and down, so unpredictable, Roberson said.

Exploring New Flavors: New restaurants opening all across Abilene

Mezameiz opened its second location inside the Abilene mall in the Summer of 2023 to grow the establishment. Roberson said she keeps it going for the community and the memories people have tied to it.

A lot of people just love it and are just trying to keep it going for themselves and the community. So thats why its so important that the community help the small businesses, Roberson said.

At Summer Moon, located in the Allen Ridge shopping center adjacent to Abilene Christian University, Franchise Owner Shelby Nunez says the best way to stay afloat in the competitive market of coffee is to cater to the communitys wants, something new.

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Abilene is all about the new stuff. You definitely have to kind of keep stirring the pot about how to get business continuing, Nunez said.

Abilenes most Instagram-able spots

Local shops have seen a fluctuating amount of business. Nunez said that with the current state of the economy and the rising cost, customers do not see coffee as a necessity.

For some people, coffee is, you could argue that some will say its too expensive to have a daily purchase of it, Nunez said. Whenever youre deciding between, you need money for your family and for food and groceries, coffee isnt necessarily like the most important thing, you know. So that definitely affects it. Thats why we try to incorporate that into our prices.

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With Abilene seeing a large number of college students and a large spread of coffee places, Nunez told KTAB/KRBC that there is space for them all to thrive because they are each unique and cater to different needs.

We definitely are, I would say, a college hub in some form or fashion, Nunez said. I do think that everybody offers something different, and in some way, for us, all of our stuff is organic.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. military officer, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, spoke by phone with Russia's Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov last week, the U.S. military said on Wednesday, the first time Brown spoke with his Russian counterpart.

"The leaders discussed a number of global and regional security issues to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," a spokesperson for Brown said in a statement.

The rare call took place on Nov. 27, but "at the request of Gen. Gerasimov, Gen. Brown agreed to not proactively announce the call. The request for the call was made by the Russian ministry of defense, the spokesperson said.

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Brown became the top U.S. general last year, and Gerasimov last spoke with Brown's predecessor, Mark Milley.

Tensions have spiked in recent weeks. Ukraine fired U.S. and British missiles at targets inside Russia despite Moscow's warnings that it would see such action as a major escalation.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, said Moscow struck a Ukrainian military facility with a new medium-range, hypersonic ballistic missile known as "Oreshnik" (the hazel) and warned that more could follow.

U.S. officials had said Russia notified Washington shortly before its strike.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The advent (or popularization) of drone technology has brought manifold uses to the masses. Now, theres a whole new crop of amateur photographers, buzzing above landmarks, surf spots, and public events. Theres (practically) never-before-seen footage of naturescapes flooding social media and YouTube. And yes, theres that neighborhood dude who crashed his in a tree on Christmas morning.

But one of the main uses for drones, commercially, is surveillance. An omniscient eye, just like local news helicopters capturing car chases, except without the clunkiness, and more so incognito.

Speaking of surveillance, a new program in Hawaii aims to use drones to spot sharks from above, alert surfers and swimmers in the water, and hopefully serve as a preventative measure for attacks.

Putting an eye in the sky to track sharks in the water, KHON2 News reported recently. Thats the basic idea of a shark drone monitoring program in Honolulu, and a former ocean safety operator trainer says, Its long overdue.

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The newscast then kicks off with a banger  a clip, captured by drone, of hundreds of sharks gathering together at Electric Beach, near Nanakuli on the west side of Oahu. Videographer John Marshall explained what he saw: I think they were just feeding, honestly, but I truly dont know. Seeing that many of themit looks like a tornado of sharks. I dont see how they could all eat.

Related: Drone Footage Shows Shark Extremely Close to Oblivious Surfer (Video)

Elsewhere in the world, particularly in shark-heavy regions like Australia, drone monitoring of sharks has been happening for some time now. Aussie ocean safety teams have found the technology extremely effective in preventing attacks. Per a program in New South Wales, theyre advocating for the continued use, and evolution, of this tech: This is life-saving technology. The drones allow lifesavers to spot the risk and get straight to work to prevent a potential attack or drowning. We are committed to improving water safety and reducing the number of preventable deaths in the water.

Sadly, in the Oahu surf community, this conversation hits close to home. Legendary Pipeline surfer Tamayo Perry was killed by a shark attack on June 23rd of this year, while paddling out to Goat Island on Oahus east side, during his lunch break as a lifeguard. Utterly tragic. This one hit hard.

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But hopefully, with new technology will come a rise in safety. Stay tuned for more developments on this project, and dont be surprised if drones begin buzzing above more surf lineups worldwide. And not from those amateur videographers, either; these are the people trying to save your life.

Related: Legendary Pipeline Surfer Tamayo Perry Killed in Shark Attack
Tourists flocked to Rockefeller Center for the Christmas tree lighting Wednesday night, unfazed by an armed assassin on the loose after killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson around the corner hours earlier.

Thousands of visitors from all over the country and overseas stood in line for hours in hopes of getting a glimpse of the famous tree in Manhattan  just two blocks away from where the shocking murder was committed shortly before 7 a.m.

The tourists bundled up and sang along to performances by the Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson as light flurries fell over the celebration before the tree lights were turned on at 10 p.m.

The 92nd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony happened on Dec. 4, 2024. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

Crowds packed Rockefeller Center Wednesday night for the popular event. AFP via Getty Images

Many of the revelers were unaware of the broad daylight execution or if they had heard, they didnt let it dampen their holiday spirit.

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Canadians Heather Poliquin and her daughter Amy were in the sea of people hoping to find a good spot to watch the more than 50,000 multicolor lights illuminate the tree.

We werent worried, Amy told The Post. We didnt even know [about the shooting] until dinner time and thats when we found out it happened earlier this morning, so we feel fine.

I heard about the shooting. We werent worried. We were far from it this morning, and obviously the shooter was only after him [the CEO], another woman NT said.

American Idol winner and talk show host Kelly Clarkson performed during the event. AFP via Getty Images

Tourists bundled up to witness the iconic moment with their own eyes. AP

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One New Yorker who braved the crowds said the execution-style killing of Thompson crossed his mind, but felt it was just part of living in the city.

The shooting did come across my mind. To be honest. Yes, Bhushan Mondkar, 40, said. In New York things like that are always on my mind. But the security has been crazy. Since the moment I got off the subway station. Everything is blocked. They checked my bag. So I feel safe.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. Linkedin / Brian Thompson

The tree lighting took place just two blocks away from where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed hours earlier.

After a short pause, he added: But it crossed my mind. Its a little scary.

A frustrated dad with a toddler said he wished people cared a little more about the crime.

Yeah the shooting here, thats crazy, he said. More people shouldve stayed home after hearing that, its packed.

Tourists wearing festive outfits lined up hours before the tree lighting. AFP via Getty Images

This image shows one of the NYPDs security checkpoints on 51st street. AP

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Many of the sight-seers were more distraught over the massive  and chaotic  crowd preventing them from a chance to actually see the performances or the tree lighting at 10 p.m. than the deadly shooting.

I cant hear any of the music. I got here hours ago to get a good spot and now I cant even hear the music, one woman complained as she smoked a cigarette.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the lighting ceremony. AFP via Getty Images

The tree will be lit every Sunday-Wednesday from 5am to midnight and Thursday-Saturday from 5am-1am. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

Anna Marrero drove eight hours from Ohio with her wife and their 13-year-old daughter for the tree lighting but got separated from them when police began putting up extra barricades.

This is really, really ridiculous. Marrero, 37, told The Post. I just came with my family. And they put my family on one side, and me on the other side.

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Still, others were too excited to see the 74-foot Norway spruce illuminated to let the shooting or the crowds get to them.

I left my three babies at home with their dad, Elena Thomson said in a thick Irish brogue. Theyre 2,3, and 6 years of age. And Im solo traveling for the first time in me life! It was my 40th birthday last week. This is my birthday present to myself. And life begins at 40!

The tree will be on display through mid-January. AP

I feel like Im livin the American dream, one spectator said. AP

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Today Show anchors hosted the annual tree lighting ceremony. Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

I came to see the tree and see New York and I absolutely love it. I wanna come back already.

She called the moment the lights came on, sparkling around the pine branches magical.

A beautiful tree. It really is. Its gorgeous, she said. I feel like Im livin the American dream.
The driver of a tractor-trailer is apparently trapped after crashing into a pole in Lowell Wednesday.

The cab of the truck was wrapped in wires after taking down a pole on Quebec Street Wednesday afternoon.

Although the crash reportedly occurred hours before, the driver of the tractor-trailer was still sitting in the cabin of the truck just after 6:30 p.m. as the vehicle sat parked, halfway through an incomplete turn.

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Boston 25 News is working to learn more details regarding the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Transgender activists staged a sit-in on Thursday inside the womens bathroom closest to House Speaker Mike Johnsons office on Capitol Hill, to protest Republican-led efforts to keep transgender people from using restrooms that match their gender identity.

The protest marked a shift in some LGBTQ+ activists approach to calling for change ahead of a second Trump administration that is expected to enact harsh anti-LGBTQ+ policies. The sit-in was organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, a volunteer-run grassroots group that previously took to the streets of Washington, D.C. to protest Project 2025, a policy blueprint for a second Trump administration that would dramatically roll back LGBTQ+ rights.

Democrats, grow a spine! Trans rights are on the line, they chanted while seated inside the public restroom and outside of Johnsons office. Act up, fight back, they said, echoing the well-known protest slogan of the AIDS activist group ACT UP, and Speaker Johnson, Nancy Mace, our gender is no debate.

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Capitol police quickly issued a warning to the protesters  which included U.S. army whistleblower Chelsea Manning alongside author and activist Raquel Willis  to disperse or face arrest, including sexual misconduct charges. Following those warnings, they were arrested and escorted from the building by Capitol police.

The protest follows Johnsons announcement in November that transgender women are not allowed to access womens restrooms and facilities in the Capitol and House buildings  an announcement that was not accompanied with any information about enforcement, or how such a policy would be carried out. The group called for elected officials to block Rep. Nancy Maces proposed bill that would ban trans people from bathrooms in museums, national parks and other federal property and for Democratic members of Congress to filibuster and block the bill if or when it comes to a vote.

This bathroom sit-in sets an example of the righteous defiance and solidarity needed under a second Trump administration, Gender Liberation Movement said in a press release, citing support from transgender and cisgender participants. The group said survivors of sexual violence also joined the protest to demand that proponents of bathroom bills stop falsely accusing trans women of endangering cis women when they use womens facilities.

Republicans in Congress this year introduced over 80 anti-trans bills, including a measure sponsored by Mace, a South Carolina Republican, to target incoming Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride. None of these bills have been able to pass in a Congress with a Democratically-controlled Senate  but now, as Republicans have taken power in both chambers, these measures have the potential to advance. These federal anti-trans bills would still have to overcome a potential filibuster by Senate Democrats.

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On Wednesday, Willis and other activists with the Gender Liberation Movement, alongside transgender people, their families and allies, stood outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments for U.S. v Skrmetti, a case that will set precedent for gender-affirming care bans across the country. Willis

Our folks have to rise up in a new era of radical defiance, Willis said outside the Supreme Court.

The post Trans activists stage bathroom sit-in at Capitol Hill appeared first on The 19th.

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WASHINGTON  Dozens of transgender people, along with their families and allies, gathered outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the justices considered a Tennessee law banning access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans minors.

Some of them, like Lisa and Ryan Welch, traveled hundreds of miles to be in Washington. The Welches, who live in Indianapolis, have a 17-year-old trans son and are the plaintiffs in a suit against a similar law in Indiana.

We absolutely know that this care saved our sons life, Lisa said through tears. He didnt think he had a future. He didnt plan for anything, because he didnt think he was going to be a boy, and he didnt think he was going to be around.

Lisa and Ryan Welch traveled from Indiana, where they are plaintiffs in a suit against a similar state law restricting trans care.

Ryan said that before their son received transition-related care, he struggled with suicidal ideation and anxiety. Now, after having gotten care, hes preparing to go to art school.

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Lisa said, To see that light return to his eyes, Im never going to stop fighting.

Ryan said that with Indianas restriction in effect, they have to drive their son about three hours to Chicago every three to six months for appointments and over the border to another part of Illinois about once a month to pick up testosterone.

The stakes of the high courts decision in United States v. Skrmetti are high for the Welch family and many others who were gathered both inside and outside the court Wednesday.

The central issue the justices are considering is whether Tennessees law discriminates on the basis of sex. If the court says it does, the law would be subject to a stricter level of constitutional review that would be difficult to meet. If the court rules it doesnt, then Tennessees law and similar restrictions in 25 other states would most likely stand. A decision against the sex-discrimination claim would also undermine a key argument against a similar policy proposal from President-elect Donald Trump to restrict transition-related care for minors and adults at the federal level.

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The questions the majority conservative court asked during oral arguments appeared to suggest that the justices didnt quite buy that the law discriminates based on sex, with some of them appearing to favor the states argument that it restricts care based on its medical purpose.

Many of those who showed up outside the court Wednesday said they wanted to show their support for the trans teens and a doctor who sued Tennessee.

Kaleb Todd, 27, said that he has a personal connection to the decision both because he is a trans man and because he and his wife chose to move from Texas to Philadelphia in April because they want to start a family soon and they fear Texas policies regarding women, educators and trans people.

Todd, an engineer, said he also showed up outside the court in the chilly temperatures to send a message to the court itself.

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I think its important to remind people who get to make these decisions that were here and were beautiful and we know whats best for ourselves, Todd said.

Vienna Cavazos, who is 18 and uses they/them pronouns, traveled from Delaware because, they said, the monumental case is extremely important, not only to me and my family, but also in their work crafting pro-LGBTQ policy in Delaware.

Vienna Cavazos, 18, said the court will have blood on its hands if it decides Tennessee's law doesn't discriminate based on sex.

Like Todd, Cavazos is from Texas. Their family moved in 2022 following an executive order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in February that called on citizens to report parents to the states Child Protective Services agency if they provided transition-related care to their minor children.

Cavazos said that they planned to begin receiving such care but that it was either we wait until I turn 18 or leave Texas. We were fortunate enough to have the resources available to leave.

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Cavazos said the high court will have blood on its hands if it allows Tennessees law to stand. If it doesnt, were still fighting.

Trans people are not going anywhere, they said. Were going to seek the health care whether its legal or not.

Devon Yates, who traveled from New York City and camped outside the court starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday to get a seat inside, described the oral arguments as horrible.

Theyre going to roll back the clock, thats what it looks like, he said.

Yates said he wanted to attend oral arguments because I support the trans community.

This is f------ hate, he said of Tennessees law.

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A smaller group of counterprotesters organized by Do No Harm, a conservative medical policy group, also gathered outside the court Wednesday with signs that featured sayings including Sex change is fantasy, Puberty blockers = Anti-Gay and kids dont need gender clinics.

Matt Sharp, an attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group, said he was encouraged to hear what the Supreme Court had to say in this developing area of science. Multiple justices mentioned some European countries restricting access to transition-related care for minors, though none have completely banned it.

When Europe and other countries are reversing course, the United States, rather than challenging Tennessee, ought to respect the authority of Tennessee lawmakers as they looked at the science and decided theres a better course of action for Tennessees kids, Sharp said. Rather than putting them on a medicalized path, we can get them counseling and psychotherapy. We can let them have a natural childhood, let them naturally develop and put science above ideology and put truth above lies.

Some of the rally attendees waved flags and held signs defiantly next to or in front of supporters of Tennessees law.

Nadine Seiler, 59, said she traveled to the Supreme Court from Maryland to show solidarity with trans people.

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Nadine Seiler, 59, a T-shirt designer and self-described rabble rouser from Waldorf, Maryland, waved a large trans flag with Black trans lives matter written on it. She said the flag came from the Black Lives Matter Memorial fence that was erected along a section of the chain link fence outside the White House in 2020.

She said she traveled to the court to show solidarity with marginalized groups, including the trans community, who are going to be affected by Project 2025, a conservative policy road map that Democrats linked to the Trump campaign, which repeatedly distanced itself from the project.

This is just the beginning, and I am very concerned for everybody in marginalized groups, she said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Transgender rights activists including Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. army intelligence analyst and whistleblower, took to Capitol Hill on Thursday in protest of a new policy barring trans people from using single-sex facilities on the House side of the Capitol complex that match their gender identity.

More than a dozen transgender individuals and their allies took part in a bathroom sit-in in restrooms across from Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) office. The protest was organized by the Gender Liberation Movement (GLM), a grassroots and volunteer-run collective that brings attention to issues around bodily autonomy and gender.

Holding a banner demanding Congress stop pissing on our rights, protesters chanted, Speaker Johnson, Nancy Mace: our bodies are no debate! Several transgender women, including GLM founder Raquel Willis, entered the womens restroom near the Speakers office.

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A video uploaded to the groups Instagram story shows Willis and others washing their hands and chanting inside the restroom alongside another banner that reads, Flush Bathroom Bigotry. A second video shows Capitol Police officers arresting some of the demonstrators, including Manning, who smiled at the camera while being led away in zip ties.

Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 after disclosing nearly 750,000 classified and sensitive diplomatic cables and military reports to WikiLeaks, the media organization founded by Julian Assange. Former President Obama commuted her sentence in 2017.

She was jailed again in 2019 for refusing to testify before a grand jury in a case involving Assange, who at the time faced extradition to the U.S. from the U.K. Manning was released after 62 days, when the grand jury expired.

Johnson announced the new bathroom policy late last month, following a similar effort by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to block trans people from Capitol facilities, a move she said was absolutely motivated by the election of Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who is set to be the first openly transgender member of Congress when she takes office in January.

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McBride has said she will comply with Johnsons new policy. Im not here to fight about bathrooms, she said in a statement, adding that she disagrees with the move and considers it a distraction.

Mace last month introduced a separate bill to prohibit trans women and men from bathrooms that match their gender identity in museums, national parks and other federal property, and has posted hundreds of times on her social media accounts about her belief that trans women  whom she calls men  should not be permitted to enter spaces meant exclusively for women.

The South Carolina lawmaker, who has said shes received death threats over the legislation, is fundraising off her efforts, promising T-shirts with the phrase come and get it printed below an image of a womens restroom sign with every $35 donation to her campaign.

In a video posted Thursday on the social platform X, Mace referred to the protesters by using an offensive and derogatory slur for transgender people and read the Miranda rule into a bullhorn outside the Capitol Police Department.

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On Wednesday, several transgender, nonbinary and cisgender people filmed themselves dancing in one of the Capitols womens bathrooms. They wore shirts that read Transgender people are not dangerous. You are  a message they said was meant for Mace.

Johnsons office declined to comment on Thursdays protest.

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WASHINGTON  More than a dozen transgender rights activists were arrested Thursday after staging a protest in a womens bathroom right next to the office of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who recently imposed a ban on transgender and nonbinary people using bathrooms in the House that align with their gender identity.

Chelsea Manning, the trans activist and former U.S. military intelligence analyst imprisoned for seven years for disclosing classified information to the public, was among the people who quietly gathered in a bathroom on the fifth floor of the Cannon building, which is part of the House complex.

Their surprise demonstration was in response to Johnsons new House policy, but also aimed at Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who has introduced at least two bills in recent weeks at pushing transgender people out of public spaces.

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Mace admitted the first of her bills, which would bar House lawmakers and employees from using House bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity, is 100% targeted at one person: transgender Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.). Her second bill is aimed at barring bathroom access for transgender people in all federal buildings, including public schools and universities, national parks and even airports, train stations and bus terminals.

For about 20 minutes, Manning and others took over the public bathroom by Johnsons office and led chants while holding up a banner that read, FLUSH BATHROOM BIGOTRY. Outside in the hall, right in front of Johnsons office door, more activists shouted chants and held a massive sign that read, CONGRESS STOP PISSING ON OUR RIGHTS.

Speaker Johnson! Nancy Mace! Our bodies are no debate! chanted the group. They took aim at Democratic lawmakers, too, for not doing more to protect trans rights, which Republicans have been aggressively attacking for months.

Democrats, grow a spine! chanted the activists. Trans lives are on the line!

Chelsea Manning joins other trans rights activists in a protest outside of Speaker Mike Johnson's office over the GOP's anti-trans policies. Jen Bendery

Capitol Police eventually showed up and arrested 15 of them. The group behind the protest, Gender Liberation Movement, was prepared for the arrests.

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Everyone deserves to use the restroom without fear of discrimination or violence. Trans folks are no different. We deserve dignity and respect and we will fight until we get it, Raquel Willis, the groups co-founder, said in a statement.

In the 2024 election, trans folks were left to fend for ourselves after nearly $200 million of attack ads were disseminated across the United States, she said. Now, as Republican politicians try to remove us from public life, Democratic leaders are silent as hell.

Manning, whose prison sentence was commuted in 2017 by former President Barack Obama, said she was participating in the protest because every person deserves dignity and respect, both in daily life and in more symbolic places like the U.S. Capitol building.

As someone who has fought against similar rules, I know what its like to feel pushed aside and erased, she said in a statement. But I also know the incredible power and resilience our community has. Im not here as a leader or a spokesperson but simply as another member of my community who shows up unconditionally to support my siblings in this fight. I will stand beside them no matter what. We didnt start this fight, but we are together now.

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Johnsons bathroom ban is broader than people may realize: It prohibits any transgender or nonbinary House lawmaker, staff member, intern or even visitors from the public from using a bathroom in the House complex  that includes the House side of the Capitol building and all House buildings  that corresponds with their gender identity.

Its not clear at all how the speaker plans to enforce this.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested to Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) that the only reason he imposed a transgender bathroom ban in the House was to stave off an ugly GOP fight on the House floor over moving anti-trans bills by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Tom Williams via Getty Images

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, told HuffPost on Tuesday that he recently raised concerns with Johnson over his anti-trans bathroom policy, and that Johnson essentially told him the only reason he put it in place was to stave off a Republican fight on the House floor over Maces anti-trans bills.

Pocan said he did not expect the speaker to take any steps to enforce his policy, like stationing police officers at bathroom doors in the Capitol.

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No, of course not. I dont think they think through policies, they just declare them, said the Wisconsin Democrat. But I think it was done in lieu of having an ugly public floor fight.

When the speaker announced the ban last month, he stressed that each member of Congress has a private restroom in their office, and that unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.

Johnson didnt say anything about how the rules would be enforced.

Women deserve womens only spaces, he said.

Pocan said he told Johnson he hoped there would be enough unisex restrooms throughout the Capitol complex.

He was at least verbally sympathetic to, I think, the issue of having bathrooms available for people, and I think a recognition that, its not going to be trans legislation every month of the year, he said.

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Oddly, as transgender rights activists were on Capitol Hill on Thursday protesting Maces legislation, she was spotted wandering around a Senate building with a bullhorn.

A spokesperson for Mace, who absolutely loves media attention, did not respond to a request for comment on why she was walking around the other chamber with a bullhorn or whether it was related to trans rights activists condemning her legislation.

The South Carolina Republican later posted on social media what the bullhorn was for: reading aloud peoples Miranda rights outside of Capitol Police headquarters as trans rights protesters were being processed after their arrest.

Protestors came to the Capitol today to protest my bathroom bill. Poor things got arrested. So, I have a special message for them, reads her post.

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Mace used a derogatory word for transgender people in her taped message  a blatantly transphobic term she separately wrote on social media, too.

Nancy Mace clearly reached into the bottom of the hate barrel to call trans people a slur on video, Willis later told HuffPost. The truth is she is on a quest for power and popularity, but none of her shenanigans are stronger than people power.
Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth, a Republican, speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday following arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti. The case challenges Tennessee's ban on gender affirming care for minors. (Photo: Sam Stockard/Tennessee Lookout)

WASHINGTON  The scene outside the U.S. Supreme Court where the nations justices debated equal protection for transgender young people on Wednesday turned chaotic.

As hundreds of people rallied in support of transgender rights, dozens shouted at Tennessee lawmakers, and at least one called them homophobes.

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The lawmakers who passed Senate Bill 1 in 2023 prohibiting puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors appeared unfazed.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth said the states attorney, Matt Rice, did a great job of arguing that the law contains nothing that approaches sex discrimination. Lamberth, the Republican who sponsored the bill, said there is no need to remand the case back to the lower court where a ruling striking down the law was overturned.

We simply prohibited experimental medical procedures on our children in Tennessee. That is something every single state has the right to do. If a different state wants to allow these type of barbaric practices on their children, they can certainly do that, Lamberth said.

Gender-affirming surgeries on minors are rare nationally. Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee halted such surgeries for people under 18 in October 2022. At the time, Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer Dr. C. Wright Pinson said the hospitals Transgender Health Clinic performed an average of five annually for patients at least 16-years-old, and no genital surgeries.

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Outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday afternoon, Lamberth said he has met people who regretted undergoing gender affirming care as children, an argument considered by justices earlier in the day.

Were not going to let their lives be destroyed in Tennessee no matter what these crazy folks over here say, Lamberth said.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics showed high levels of satisfaction and little regret among young people who access nonsurgical gender affirming medical care. National research shows that less than 1% of people who undergo gender affirming surgery report regret.

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Chase Strangio, co-director of the American Civil Liberty Unions LGBTQ & HIV Project, became the first openly transgender person to argue a case in the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday. He told a throng of rallygoers they would not give up if they lose the case, which could be decided in early summer next year.

My heart  and the heart of every transgender advocate fighting this fight  is heavy with the weight of what these laws mean for peoples everyday lives, Strangio said in a statement afterward. But I also know that every out trans person has embraced the unknown in the name of living free from shame or the limits of other peoples expectations. By virtue of being a trans person, each of us has chosen hope over despair. And as all parents know, when your child is suffering, you are suffering.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said his office presented a robust legal and evidence-based defense of the law to the high court.

Dozens of LGBTQ+ advocates converged outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, with some yelling at Tennessee lawmakers during a press conference. (Photo: Sam Stockard/Tennessee Lookout)

Our arguments were ultimately about constitutional clarity and common sense, Skrmetti said. Our founders guaranteed states the right and responsibility to protect children, regulate the medical profession, and independently evaluate the evidence of the risks and benefits of practices to be regulated.

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Skrmetti called on the Supreme Court in a brief to expand its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling that ended nearly 50 years of federal abortion rights protections, and to allow states to ban gender affirming care for minors.

Karen Loewy of Lambda Legal said the plaintiffs attorney made a strong argument about the harm Tennessees law against transgender health care will cause tens of thousands of young people.

No court should be allowed to disregard the overwhelming evidence supporting both the safety and efficacy of this health care for transgender youth simply because a state legislature passed a mean-spirited bill, Loewy said. We look forward to this court understanding that a wholesale ban on treatments solely because they are prescribed to help transgender youth live as their authentic selves is discrimination, plain and simple.

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Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming is pictured arriving at Trump Tower in New York City a Dec. 12, 2016, photo, when he was a member of then President-elect Donald Trump's transition team. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Louisiana Republicans have long said GOP U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy would be targeted when he sought re-election after he voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S Capitol.

A candidate emerged Wednesday to replace Cassidy when state Treasurer John Fleming announced in a news release that he plans to run.

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A number of Republicans walked away from President Trump in the last year of his first term, Fleming said in a statement, but those who turned their backs on him and America First were not committed to his fight to make America great again. Louisiana citizens did not give up on this fight.

Before he won election as treasurer, Fleming worked for the Trump administration in three different positions. He served as deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, assistant secretary of Commerce for economic development and as a senior adviser to Trump in the White House.

He also represented northwest Louisianas 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017 and was one of the founders of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus.

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In his campaign announcement, Fleming offered his full-throated support for Trumps return to the presidency next month.

I cannot fully express the deep sense of pride I have, having served President Trump in the West Wing of the White House as he was literally fighting for his political life against those who were attacking him and turning their backs on him, Fleming commented, but the opportunity to stand with him for the principles of America First is why I seek to serve the citizens of Louisiana in the United States Senate.

During his run for state treasurer, Fleming said he was unsure who won the 2020 presidential election. He implied there were instances of voter fraud in multiple states without providing details of any wrongdoing. Trump made similar allegations in lawsuits that were ultimately rejected in court.

Fleming also called out Cassidy in his campaign announcement, noting that the senator did not endorse Trump in the 2024 election. Cassidy was also one of the only Republican senators to vote in favor of convicting Trump during the president-elects impeachment trial following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

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Cassidy has failed the people of Louisiana and his negative comments about Trump since the impeachment vote show fundamental disregard for the will of Louisiana voters, Fleming said.

While stopping short of an endorsement, Cassidy curtailed his criticism of Trump as this years election drew closer. His office released a statement in June after he took part in a meeting with Trump and other Republican senators, in which Cassidy referenced a future with Trump back in the Oval Office.

I commit to working with President Trump if he is the next president  and it appears he is going to be  to make things better for all, Cassidy said at the time.

In a November interview with USA Today, Cassidy said he was working hard toward 2026 but had not announced his official re-election bid yet.

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I look forward to running on my record, Cassidy said, stressing his work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and efforts to improve health care.

Cassidy, like Fleming, is a physician-turned-politician. The two will meet in one of the first races in Louisiana using a partially-closed party primary system, where only one Republican will be allowed to move on to the general election.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a move earlier this year to end open jungle primaries, with candidates from all parties, for elections to Congress, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and the Public Service Commission.



Under the new system, only Republican voters and voters affiliated with no party will be able to vote in the GOP primary election featuring Cassidy, Fleming and likely other Republican candidates. Democrats and voters registered with other recognized parties wont be able to cast a ballot in that race.

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican representing the 3rd Congressional District, is also considered a potential GOP Senate candidate but hasnt made any announcements yet.

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A Finnish court began trial on Dec. 5 for Yan Petrovsky, a Russian neo-Nazi mercenary, for war crimes he allegedly committed while leading a Russian neo-Nazi unit in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2015.

Petrovsky is co-leader of Rusich, a Russian neo-Nazi paramilitary unit that has fought against Ukraine. He is accused by Ukraine, and now Finland, of committing war crimes during the Russian invasion of Donbas that started in 2014.

Finnish authorities arrested Petrovsky in July 2023 as he tried to fly to France under the name Voislav Torden, a false identity.

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Court documents seen by Reuters indicate Petrovsky faces five charges of committing war crimes in eastern Ukraine. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for the alleged crimes.

Petrovsky is accused of co-commanding a group of Rusich fighters who ambushed Ukrainian soldiers, after deceiving them. The Rusich fighters allegedly waved a Ukrainian flag at a roadblock in September 2014. They seriously wounded 4, and killed 22 in the incident.

Prosecutors allege that the ambushed soldiers were executed and mutilated. The use of deception to carry out the ambush also constitutes a war crimes under the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions.

Ukraine previously requested his extradition so that he could stand trial for the alleged war crimes, but a Finnish court ruled on Dec. 8, 2023, that he could not be forced to go to Ukraine because it said conditions in Ukrainian prisons do not meet standards set by the European Convention on Human Rights.

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The Rusich unit has previously pride itself on atrocities, publishing photos and videos of the torture and murder of Ukrainian citizens. The co-founder of Rusich Alexey Milchakov gained notoriety for publishing images of himself killing a puppy on social media.

Petrovsky has been under EU and U.S. sanctions since 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces regain control of Novyi Komar village in Donetsk Oblast

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HUMANSVILLE, Mo.  A trial date has been set for the Humansville utility clerk accused of rigging the April 2024 election.

Sophia Piper was charged with a felony count of Committing Class One Election Offenses.

Humansville clerk accused of preventing candidates from running in April election

According to an official complaint obtained by KOLR 10 Investigates from the Secretary of State, Piper is accused of blocking certain candidates from submitting paperwork to run in the election.

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KOLR 10 Investigates asked Piper about the allegations at a city council meeting and she denied any wrongdoing.

Her jury trial is scheduled for April 30 in Webster County. KOLR 10 Investigates will continue following this developing story.

If you have a story youd like Chief Investigative Reporter Lauren Inman to look into, email Investigates@OzarksFirst.com or call our tip line 417-295-TIPS.

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Dec. 4A Trotwood man found guilty of murder in the shooting death last year of his co-worker and rival at the DMAX plant in Moraine will spend up to the rest of his life in prison.

Frederick Andra Cox, 31, was sentenced Wednesday by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge E. Gerald Parker Jr. to 29 to 33 years to life in prison, the maximum possible consecutive sentences, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

It took a jury less than four hours Nov. 15 to convict Cox of three counts of murder and four counts of felonious assault, Monique Harris, Parker's bailiff, said previously.

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Cox was accused of fatally shooting 28-year-old Jeffrey James Allen III of Dayton and shooting and wounding another worker on May 18, 2023, at the DMAX plant at 3100 Dryden Road. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene and the other man suffered a gunshot to the foot.

The Moraine Police Division was inundated just before 9 p.m. by 911 calls about an active workplace shooter at the General Motors subsidiary that manufactures Duramax turbo-diesel engines for heavy-duty GMC Sierra and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks in addition to work trucks for military, marine and medium-duty use, according to the company's website.

As one of the first officers crested a nearby hill in his cruiser, "he could see an entire factory full of employees pouring out the doors into a loading dock area, running, frantic, panicked. An almost surreal chaotic scene from some Hollywood movie," Moraine police Chief Craig Richardson said last October when awarding four Moraine officers with the division's Medal of Valor, its highest honor, for their actions. It was the first time the department awarded the medal.

"They knew they could not afford to wait on a SWAT team or tactical equipment," Richardson said. "They ran in with the equipment on their belts, not knowing how many shooters (there were), or where the shooter was or what horrors they would see inside. They moved together as a team, one cohesive unit, working their way through the maze of manufacturing equipment and continued their drive towards the suspect."

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The two shooting victims were found inside, and Cox was found outside after he left the building through the same doors as fleeing workers, which led to a fenced-in security area. Hundreds of people were trapped with Cox as officers converged, the chief said.

"What was already a horrible incident could have very quickly become incredibly more devastating," Richardson said.

Cox shot himself in the head in an unsuccessful attempt to take his life. He was critically injured and taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he eventually recovered.

Investigators determined Cox and Allen had been feuding over a woman.

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"We've been able to confirm that both the suspect and Mr. Allen were apparently involved in a domestic related feud over a female who was also an employee of the facility," Moraine police Sgt. Andrew Parish said previously. "During the altercation between the two males ... the suspect produced a semiautomatic handgun and shot and killed Mr. Allen."

Cox reportedly fired at least dozen rounds targeting Allen.

The second shooting victim was not involved in the dispute. His girlfriend told the Dayton Daily News that her boyfriend was near where the shooting happened. "He thought it was over. He thought he was about to lose his life," she said.

DMAX suspended production for several days following the workplace shooting.

Staff writers Eric Schwartzberg and Kristen Spicker contributed to this report.
After a blaze nearly destroyed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, archaeologists had a rare opportunity to dig underneath the buildings structure during its five-year renovation and reconstruction, and found more than 1,000 fragments of historical artworks.

It would have been unfathomable to dig up the famous cathedral before the fire. However, archaeologists now had the chance per a French law on preventative archaeology, which can be used to detect and undertake the scientific study of archaeological remains (on land and underwater) that might otherwise be destroyed by land development work. The process began in February 2022.

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Teams from the Institut National de Recherches Archeologiques Preventives (National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research), including one spearheaded by Christophe Besnier, who was initially given only five weeks to dig under Notre Dames stone floor, were allowed to dig a shallow 16 inches beneath the floor at the same depth as the scaffoldings foundation.

The remains turned out to be much richer than expected, Besnier told National Geographic.

Experts found as many as 1,035 artwork fragments, as well as one hundred graves increasing the cathedrals total record to more than five hundred burials. Many of the coffins, along with scattered bones, remain unidentified.

A lead sarcophagus that may belong to the poet Joachim du Bellay is among one of the more notable burials.

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Life-sized heads and torsos of limestone statues, including one of Christ, were also unearthed. A 13th-century jube or rood screen that previously separated the choir and sanctuary from public view was among the more significant architectural finds.

Researchers also came to better understand how Notre Dame was originally constructed by artisans in the Middle Ages. A study of the charred beams, for instance, offered greater insight on the climate during that time.

Medieval carpenters used roughly 100-year-old oak trees at approximately 49-feet long shaped with a doloire axe. Rope holds found in the wood would have tied the logs together for transport via the Seine River.

The heavy use of iron clamps used to bind stones together shed further light on building processes. The oldest clamps, roughly 10 to 20 inches long, dated to the beginning of the cathedrals construction in the 1160smaking Notre Dame the first Gothic cathedral using iron as a building material. Additionally, stone cutting techniques could be seen along the rocky surfaces and a reuse of materials was discovered among second roof over the choir from the 13th century.

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Pillars, previously unseen among the cathedrals foundations, are connected by longrines beams to distribute the buildings weight. The complete analysis of Notre Dame helped in not only documenting what is there, but to further authenticate Medieval artifacts such as the large rose stained glass windows in the cathedrals transept.

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Dec. 4 (UPI) -- President-elect Donald Trump's legal team is asking the Georgia Court of Appeals to toss the state's election interference case against him on the grounds prosecution is unconstitutional.

"Trump has filed a motion requesting the Georgia Court of Appeals confirm its lack of jurisdiction to continue hearing his appeal now that he is president-elect and will soon become the 47th President of the United States, and then direct the trial court to immediately dismiss the case," Steve Sadow, Trump's lead attorney, wrote Wednesday in a five-page notice.

"A sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal," as Sadow said prosecutors are prohibited from interfering with a president's official duties.

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"This is particularly true where, as here, there is compelling evidence of local bias and political prejudice against the president by the local prosecutor, who not only answers to a tiny segment of the American electorate but is acting in clear opposition to the will of the citizens of Georgia as reflected by the recent election results," Sadow added.

Wednesday's call for dismissal comes one day after a Georgia judge ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis -- who is prosecuting the election interference case -- to release records from special counsel Jack Smith and the House Select Committee of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots to a conservative legal watchdog group.

Willis is overseeing the last remaining active criminal case against Trump after the former president was accused of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last year.

The Georgia Court of Appeals delayed the case earlier this year as Willis fought calls for her disqualification following claims of a romantic relationship with the former lead prosecutor and a financial conflict of interest.

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"Any ongoing criminal proceeding against a sitting president must be dismissed under the U.S. Constitution," Sadow demanded. "The two federal criminal cases have already been dismissed by the DOJ."

Last week, a federal judge threw out Trump's federal election interference case after Smith moved to dismiss the case following the election. A federal appeals court also tossed the government's ongoing appeal of Smith's classified documents case as Justice Department policy bans prosecution of a sitting president.

On Tuesday, Trump requested his criminal hush money case in New York also be dismissed over claims it "threatens the functioning of federal government."
(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose 10% tariffs on all imports from China as soon as he takes office next month.

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But that might be difficult to achieve fully because tens of billions of dollars worth of goods will probably escape those import taxes due to loopholes and undercounting of how much is actually arriving from China.

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In recent years, some experts have pointed out a widening gap between US and Chinese trade data that they believe is driven by three factors: the de minimis tariff loophole, an underreporting of the value of imports by US importers eager to reduce the cost of tariffs and over-reporting by Chinese exporters eager to maximize tax rebates.

The anomaly has appeared in global trade data from early 2020, when China started to say it was selling more goods to the US than America reported buying from the Asian manufacturing behemoth. The gap has grown steadily since and at $64 billion in the first 10 months of this year its on track to exceed the record set last year.

The upshot: Not only will tens of billions of dollars worth of shipments likely avoid Trumps tariffs, but the US data also downplays just how dependent US businesses and consumers remain on trade with China.

Distorted trade data may prevent US policymakers from designing effective trade and supply chain policies, according to the most recent report to Congress from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

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The US under-reported imports from China by about 20%-25% last year, according to Adam Wolfe of Absolute Strategy Research, who gave testimony to the Commission. He estimates that up to $160 billion of imports from China didnt get counted last year, mostly due to US importers avoiding tariffs by under-reporting or misreporting their purchases.

De-minimis Loophole

Another factor causing the data gap is the de minimis rule, which means that small packages valued at less than $800 dont get counted or tariffed by the US. American shoppers and companies imported about $48 billion worth of shipments from the world under that loophole in the first nine months of this year, according to US Customs and Border Patrol estimates.

Much of that is likely from China, with low-cost shopping apps like Shein and Temu seeing strong growth in the US in the past two years.

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Chinese data shows more than $17 billion worth of shipments to the US of articles of low value in simplified customs procedures in the first 10 months of this year, above the total for the whole of 2023. Thats set to rise, with both Shein and Temu seeing US sales and customers reaching record highs in November, a month powered by the Black Friday shopping spree.

Sales on the Temu platform in the US in November jumped 31% from a year ago, while Shein had a 20% year-on-year expansion in US sales, according to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, which analyzes consumers card transactions.

The administration of President Joe Biden said in September that it would narrow that loophole, but hasnt released any details as to how or when, and it is unclear if that will continue under Trump.

De minimis shipments account for 11% of Chinas exports to the US, according to research from economists at Nomura Holdings Inc., who this week estimated a 1.3 percentage point hit to export growth and a small reduction in Chinas gross domestic product expansion if these were totally banned.

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Another explanation of part of the trade data gap comes from the other side of the Pacific. Federal Reserve economists noted in a 2021 report that Chinese companies have over-reported exports to get larger tax rebates.

Between March 2020 and the end of 2021, more than 90,000 companies in the nation enjoyed almost 38 billion yuan ($5.2 billion) in export tax rebates, according to state media. Beijing moved to limit that last month, canceling rebates for copper and aluminum and lowering them for some refined oil, solar, battery and non-metallic mineral products.

Its difficult to pin down the precise contribution of each of these factors, but the growing, sizable gap between US and China trade data has important implications for our understanding of what Trumps first trade war accomplished when it comes to reducing US dependence on China, said Nicole Gorton-Caratelli of Bloomberg Economics.

Trade Diversion

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The Trump administration will also have to deal with the increase in Chinese goods making their way indirectly to the US via other manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam or Mexico.

New research from Bloomberg Economics shows that while both the US and China report having diversified their trade from each other, the US continues to be the largest single destination for Chinese manufacturing value-added.

Chinese value-added is still entering the US  its just entering via other countries, Gorton-Caratelli and Gerard DiPippo of Bloomberg Economics write.

Taken together, the data show that claims the US has lowered its trade dependence on China are premature at best.

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The US has not de-coupled from China in any significant way, according to Absolute Strategy Researchs Wolfe. Higher tariffs are likely to lead to more tariff avoidance, not de-coupling.

--With assistance from Jinshan Hong and Yujing Liu.

(Updates with comment from Bloomberg Economics. The first chart in an earlier version of this story was corrected to show latest data.)

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trumps choice of a billionaire close to SpaceX founder Elon Musk as the new head of NASA is good news for rocket and satellite makers, according to the chief executive officer of one of SpaceXs biggest rivals.

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Rocket Lab USA Inc. CEO Peter Beck welcomed the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a financial technology executive who has traveled on two SpaceX missions  performing the worlds first commercial space walk in September  and has invested an undisclosed sum in Musks company.

Having an astronaut run a space agency is a great thing, Beck said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday. You have to have a deep understanding of the industry. Having a passionate person heading up the agency is a positive thing.

Rocket Lab, which conducts launches in both the US and New Zealand, is the second-most prolific American launcher, with 13 missions this year. The company was founded in Auckland in 2006 before moving its headquarters to the US in 2013.

While that puts it far behind SpaceX, which has more than 100, Rocket Lab nonetheless has been a beneficiary of investor optimism about pro-space policies in the incoming administration. Its stock price has almost doubled since Election Day, lifting its market value to around $11.5 billion.

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With Musk enjoying a close relationship with the president-elect after providing extensive support to Trumps campaign, Isaacmans nomination is likely to provoke more concern about SpaceX gaining an advantage from favorable NASA policies and contracting.

However, Beck brushed aside concerns about a conflict of interest.

I cant imagine that all those conflict rules and processes that have been longstanding and part of the fabric of US democracy are going to get ignored, he said. In some respects, it might not look great on paper but I trust in the system that any conflicts will be controlled.

Rocket Lab works with NASA, although at a smaller scale than SpaceX, which provides the agency with the primary mode of astronaut travel to and from the International Space Station.

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In August, Rocket Lab announced the delivery of two spacecraft built by the company for a NASA mission to Mars. The company followed with an October announcement of a NASA contract to complete a study for a Martian sample-return mission.

Rocket Lab on Nov. 25 said it finalized a $23.9 million deal with the outgoing Biden administrations Commerce Department to expand production of space-grade solar cells at a facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

--With assistance from Haidi Lun.

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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister in 2019 via his Facebook page. (Photo by Kim DeFalco)

Donald Trump is insisting that Chad Chronister didnt withdraw as a candidate for head of the Drug Enforcement Agency, but rather that he himself pulled the nomination after learning the Hillsborough County sheriff arrested a pastor for violating the COVID lockdown in 2020.

The episode would appear to validate complaints the president-elect hasnt fully vetted his nominees. Indeed, Trumps transition team signed an agreement with the Justice Department on Tuesday, paving the way for FBI background checks on the president-elects appointees.

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That announcement could placate the senators whove called for FBI background checks to evaluate allegations against other Trump picks, like Pete Hegseth at Defense.

But a simple Google search might have helped the Trump team discover that Chronister had ordered the arrest of Rodney Howard-Browne of The River at Tampa Bay Church in March 2020, angering Republicans when his nomination was announced this weekend.

Chronisters office said at the time that Howard-Brown had 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.

Chronister announced on Tuesday that he was withdrawing from consideration for the position. It was the honor of a lifetime, he said, but as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, Ive concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration.

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He went on to say that there was more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling.

My pastors

Trump told a different story Wednesday, saying in a post on Truth Social that he ordered Chronister to withdraw when the reaction among conservatives regarding my pastors reached him.

The Wall Street Journal is becoming more and more obnoxious and unreadable, Trump said in a post. Todays main headline is: Trumps DEA Pick Pulls Out In Latest Setback. With all thats happening in the World, this is their Number One story of the day. Besides, he didnt pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters.

In addition to his arrest of the pastor, Chronisters appointment raised concerns among some Republicans over his stances on gun safety as well as his previous financial contributions to Democratic candidates for office, including Barack Obama.

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A spokesperson for Chronister said the sheriff is sticking with his version.

Sheriff Chronister stands behind his decision to withdraw from consideration. Right now, his priority, as it has been for the last seven years, remains the mission to protect and serve everyone in Hillsborough County, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Office spokesperson Hannah Oliveto.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and X.
Kash Patel, more than any other Trump pick for his Cabinet, represents the very online version of MAGA politics that cares more about defeating and humiliating enemies than any kind of mission. Its hard to know how he will fare with the Senate approval process, but should he make it through the nominating process to lead the FBI, Trump will finally have an intelligence agency he can trust to fight his battles.

The nomination itself is a major violation of norms; the point of FBI directors lengthy terms is to span administrations and keep the position above partisan matters. Christopher WrayTrumps pick to lead the administration back in his first term, after he fired James Comeystill has a few more years. But anyone who was listening to Trump during his presidential campaign should not be surprised that he chose not only a partisan but the most enthusiastic loyalist he could find for the spot. Patel, who made his name by acting as an outspoken critic of the Russia investigation of Trumps first term, has made promises of the kind Wray could and would not.

But more than anything, Patel is eager to settle scores.

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We know this because he has been extremely vocal about it on Truth Social, on conservative media, onstage at partisan events, on the Trump campaign trail, and even in the childrens books he has penned (about a plot against a King Donald staged by Hillary Queenton; Patel places himself in the books as a wizard who proves that the king has been falsely accused of cheating).

As a regular on Steve Bannons show, Patel has suggested defanging the intelligence agencies with sweeping personnel changes meant to eliminate anti-Trump government gangsters implementing these corrupt, weaponized system of justice. Bannon produced a film version of Patels 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, in which Patel writes that the FBI is an arm of the deep state, rotten at its core and an existential threat to our republican form of government. A nonexhaustive index in that book lists 60 members of the deep state he would target for investigation. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are on the list, naturally, along with Trump administration officials John Bolton, Bill Barr, and Wray.

Patel has been ubiquitous in right-wing media since he rose to prominence by accusing the Justice Department of politically persecuting Trump during the first Trump term. As a staffer for Rep. Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee, Patel was the main author of the 2018 report known as the Nunes memo, which scrutinized the warrant used to surveil Trump adviser Carter Page. Republicans in Congress used that memo to argue that the investigation into whether Trump or his campaign had colluded with Russia was politically motivated. Patel eventually ascended to chief of staff at the Justice Department under Trump and was momentarily poised to become the FBIs deputy director. (Barr, then the attorney general, later wrote in his memoir that he had told Trumps chief of staff that Patel would get the position only over my dead body.)

Because those on the MAGA media circuit have long discussed Patel as a potential head of the CIA, he has had plenty of opportunities on various podcasts and shows to explain what he would do as a top government official. In an episode of Bannons show in 2023, he made clear that as a senior member of Trumps administration, he would attempt to prosecute journalists in particular:

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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. Were going to come after you. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice.

After that clip went viral, a Patel spokeswoman told CNN that he had specifically been talking about journalists who break the law. (Bannon, in his lead-up to Patels answer, also had a message for cable news programs: I want the Morning Joe producers that watch us, and all the producers to watch usthis is just not rhetoric. We are absolutely dead serious.)

To understand why so many in the intelligence community are stressed about Patels nomination, its worth noting that his social media posts indicate more than just a thirst for vengeance and for using one of the most powerful intelligence agencies to punish anyone he views as sufficiently disloyal to Trump. Patel has also thrown in his lot with conspiracy theorists.

His regular presence on Bannons show, which promotes conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and about COVID-19, is indicative of his comfort with these baseless claims. As is his participation in Michael Flynns conspiracy-theory road show and appearance on a podcast hosted by white nationalist Stew Peters, who amplifies conspiracy theories about COVID, flat Earth, and the Uvalde and Sandy Hook mass shootings. Patel has also boosted conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 insurrection, claiming that Trump tried to deploy 20,000 National Guard troops ahead of the riots and was blocked by Nancy Pelosi.

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But its Patels pet belief about how the deep state is waging war on Trump and his allies that is most wildly disqualifying. It is the literal foundation of QAnon, a sinister and dangerous conspiracy theory that Patel has openly embraced.

QAnon, which emerged from far-right message boards in 2017, pulled on the threads from an earlier conspiracy theory known as Pizzagate, which promoted a false, sinister fantasy about Hillary Clinton and her associates trafficking children for satanic purposes and sexual abuse. QAnon developed an even larger and more convoluted mythos around a core idea that elites were abusing and trafficking children. The figure known as Q promised that Trump would one day unmask, arrest, and execute these villainous deep state actors.

Tens of millions of people came to buy in to conspiracy theories associated with QAnon, according to some estimates; some adherents were arrested for terrorism, plotting to assassinate Biden, attempted kidnapping, and a number of murders.

The current political moment has largely evolved beyond QAnonthere are now a lot more diffuse and widespread theories about the deep state and satanic sexual abuse of children, across the political spectrum. But when QAnon had more political power, Patel was happy to tap into it for relevance. He has said this explicitly. In a podcast appearance in 2022, when Patel was on the board of Truth Social, he said of QAnon: We try to incorporate it into our overall messaging scheme to capture audiences [because] you cant ignore that group of people that has such a strong, dominant following.

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To signal his support, he signed copies of his childrens book WWG1WGAa QAnon sloganand appeared on a major QAnon show while promoting Truth Social. He also said in one interview that he was blown away by the amount of acumen some QAnon supporters displayed.

That wasnt all: As Media Matters for Americas Alex Kaplan pointed out, Patel has posted about meeting with a QAnon account on Truth Social calling itself simply @Q. Its unclear who was behind that account, but enough QAnon followers were excited about the possibility of it being the real Q that when the @Q account posted a photo of Patels flannel-clad arm, it sparked a trend in the QAnon community: Flannel Fridays. Patel openly embraced the trend.

Whether Patel believes in QAnon is beside the point.

The through line of his behavior since the first Trump term is that he is always selling something. In order to fund his fight against the deep state, Patels shop hawks Christmas ornaments, hats, wine, water bottles, playing cards, and T-shirts that read Grand Force MAGA and Trumpamania. One shirt simply features an illustration of a reindeer head made out of firearms. He sells this merchandise through the Kash Foundation (previously Fight With Kash), a charity he set up to fund defamation suits and support whistleblowers who speak out against alleged corruption in governmental agencies.

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At least twice in the past couple of years, Patel has promoted pills that would reverse the vaxxreferring to the COVID vaccinewith a Mrna detox. And Patel is also a producer for the song And Justice for All, in which Jan. 6 defendants were recorded singing The Star-Spangled Banner from prison. The proceeds from that song, Patel claims, go to the defendants and to the Kash Foundation.

But the more ridiculous elements of Patels activism can obfuscate the fact that he has already been accused of genuinely dangerous activity. When he served on the National Security Council, Patel was accused of passing along negative information about Ukraine to President Trump while misrepresenting himself as the NSCs top Ukraine expert. (Patel has denied this.) This information went counter to what the NSC had actually hoped to convey to Trump and may have played a role in Trumps threats to withhold aid to Ukraine.

Then there was the time Patel was accused of causing a crisis during a mission to rescue an American kidnapped in Nigeria. Patel, officials later said, had told the State and Defense departments that the Nigerian government had approved the rescue operation. The defense officials soon learned that this information was wrong and were forced to scramble to get approval while their aircraft circled over the target spot. Former Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper later asserted that Patel made the approval story up. Also bafflingly, the New York Times reported that Patel has claimed he was the main Justice lead prosecutor for Benghazia pure fabrication.

If this person is confirmed to lead the FBI, he will undoubtedly pursue similar fraudulent schemes, perpetuate dangerous lies, and use the agency to harass and surveil those he has deemed enemies. But Trumps personal resentment toward the agencybecause of its criminal investigations into his conductmeans that the president-elect has little concern whether the agency is hampered in its work or discredited on the global stage. Trump, it seems, only wants someone to unquestioningly follow ordersor blow the whole thing up, if all else fails.
An aquaculture cage floats in the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico. (NOAA)

Floating cages with fish by the thousands may be popping in the Gulf of Mexico under a controversial plan that was backed by President-elect Donald Trumps administration four years ago and is likely to gain traction again after Trump begins his second term next month.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently identified five areas in the Gulf that the agency says strike a balance between the needs of the growing aquaculture industry and the potential impacts on the marine environment and elements of the seafood industry that depend on wild fisheries.

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Identifying these aquaculture opportunity areas is part of a decade-long federal plan to open the Gulf and other offshore areas to aquaculture. The plan got a strong push from Trump but slowed under President Joe Bidens administration, which concludes next month.

Three of NOAAs preferred aquaculture areas are off the coast of Texas and one is south of Louisiana. Each area ranges from 500 to 2,000 acres and could total 6,500 acres. A fifth area, considered a possible alternative, has been identified near the mouth of the Mississippi River, but it would likely conflict with shipping traffic and shrimping in that area.

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The areas would open the Gulf for the first time to the large-scale cultivation of shellfish, finfish and seaweed. Seafood companies have long expressed interest in raising large, high-value species, including redfish and amberjack, in floating net pens several miles off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas and Florida.

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Opponents say fish poop, fish feed and other organic debris that often swirls around offshore aquaculture operations will worsen the Gulfs massive dead zone, a New Jersey-size area of low oxygen that pushes away fish and suffocates slow-moving crabs and other shellfish. Fish that escape from floating farms can spread diseases and parasites, gobble up food that supports other species, and potentially mate with their wild counterparts, introducing their domesticated genes, which tend to produce slower, dumber fish.

When you think of all of these environmental impacts, its pretty concerning, said Marianne Cufone, executive director of the New Orleans-based Recirculating Farms Coalition, a group opposed to offshore aquaculture. Plus, we get super violent storms in the Gulf of Mexico. I dont know how these (farms) wont be damaged with fish escaping.

But the planets already-taxed wild fish stocks cant meet the worlds expanding appetite for seafood alone, said Neil Anthony Sims, CEO of Ocean Era, an aquaculture company that hopes to develop a floating redfish farm 40 miles from Sarasota, Florida. His assertion is backed by a 2021 Stanford University study that predicted global fish consumption is likely to increase by 80 percent over the next 25 years.

We cant feed a planet with wild fish anymore than we could feed a planet with wild antelope, Sims said.

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Many fish, including tilapia and catfish, are raised in ponds and other land-based facilities. Floating fish farms in state-managed waters are increasingly rare. In 2022, Washington state effectively banned its once-thriving salmon farming industry after about 260,000 non-native Atlantic salmon escaped from a net pen north of Puget Sound. Hawaii still hosts a floating fish farm that raises Hawaiian kampachi, a fish related to amberjack.

A damaged net pen used by Cooke Aquaculture Pacific to farm Atlantic salmon floats near Cypress Island in Washington state on Aug. 28, 2017. The nets failure allowed about 260,000 of the non-native fish to escape. (Washington Department of Natural Resources)

Deeper waters managed by the federal government have remained aquaculture-free.

Like Trump, Biden backs opening federal waters to fish farming, but his administration has taken a more methodical approach, directing NOAA to study various areas that may be environmentally, socially and economically viable for supporting offshore aquaculture.

Trump was more forceful during his first term, signing an executive order in 2020 that was aimed at breaking through the regulatory barriers that have long impeded fish farming in federal waters. The Trump administration backed offshore aquaculture as a way to create jobs, broaden markets for U.S. companies and help meet growing demand for seafood.

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A 2020 federal appeals court ruling blocked new regulations allowing offshore fish farming under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary law governing fisheries since 1976. But other laws, including the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1980, give NOAA the authority to develop aquaculture opportunity areas and conduct environmental impact permitting for offshore farms.

The opportunity areas unveiled by NOAA last month set the stage for a final greenlight by Trump or Congress. The public can comment on the opportunity areas until Feb. 20. NOAA will host the first of three virtual meetings to gather feedback on the areas on Dec. 17.

Wild versus farmed

NOAA is also considering aquaculture opportunity areas in Southern California, but opposition is likely to be stiffer there than in the Gulf, where residents are already accustomed to heavily industrialized coastal waters, with thousands of offshore oil and gas structures near Louisiana and Texas and pipelines crisscrossing the seafloor.

But adding more industrial infrastructure will further crowd the Gulfs first industry: fishing.

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Were already dealing with the rigs and oil wells and all kinds of debris, said Acy Cooper, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association. And you want to put more out there? Itll be our downfall.

The Gulfs shrimping industry has been losing ground to imported shrimp, which is typically raised in farms in Asia and South America and is far cheaper than the wild-caught varieties.

Cooper, a third-generation shrimper in Plaquemines Parish, said Americas desire for seafood should be met by fishers rather than farmers.

If you want fish, theres a lot of fishermen here for you. We ready, he said.

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But NOAA isnt so sure the U.S.s wild fisheries can support the demand for seafood alone. About 80% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, and about half of the imports are produced via foreign aquaculture. Thats giving rise to a seafood trade deficit that had grown to $17 billion in 2020, according to NOAA.

Divers maintain a fish net pen floating below the waters surface. (NOAA Sea Grant)

Climate solution?

As much as U.S. fishers may want to meet demand, wild stocks are under increasing threat by climate change, which is altering marine species reproduction, feeding habits and distribution.

Offshore fish farming can help the U.S. adapt by producing seafood in a more controlled environment, according to NOAA.

Aquaculture offers a pathway to grow climate resilience, said Janet Coit, NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator. Identifying areas suitable for sustainable aquaculture is a forward-looking step toward climate-smart food systems.

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But fish farms will likely worsen the dead zone, one of the Gulfs main climate-related problems. The dead zone is fueled by agricultural runoff and other nutrient pollution that flushes into the Gulf from the Mississippi. Rising temperatures speed the growth of algae that feeds on the nutrients. When the massive algal blooms die, their decomposition robs the Gulf of oxygen.

Developing floating farms in and around the dead zone will add even more nutrients from poop and fish food that will nourish bigger blooms, Cufone said.

We have warmer waters and all of the difficulties our fisheries are having because of climate change, but none of that supports an argument for factory fish farms, she said. If we care about climate change, we shouldnt have them in our oceans.

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Steve Sadow, an attorney for former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee at a Dec. 1, 2023 hearing for the 2020 election interference case. John David Mercer/Pool via Reuters

President-elect Donald Trump is requesting that a Georgia court dismiss his long-standing 2020 election interference criminal charges prior to his inauguration set for Jan. 20.

The latest court filing by Trumps attorney Steve Sadow asks the Georgia Court of Appeals to dismiss Trumps pending case, as well as the overarching Fulton County felony case that accuses Trump and 14 of his remaining co-defendants of illegally conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

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Trumps attorneys argue in a court filing filed this week that the cases should be dismissed because criminal charges against a sitting president are not permitted under the U.S. Constitution. The case was primarily at a standstill during the last several months.

Last month, Trump secured a second term in the White House, winning Georgias 16 electoral votes that eluded him in his narrow defeat to President Joe Biden in 2020.

Several federal courts recently granted motions filed by the U.S. Department of Justice dismissing other criminal cases against Trump because legal immunity protects a sitting president from being prosecuted. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in favor of a presidents immunity from prosecution for actions taken in an official capacity.

Last month, two legal experts told the Georgia Recorder that Trumps legal team could push to speed up the dismissal of the case by arguing that prosecutors lacked legal standing following the election.

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Trumps attorney contends that state judges and Willis would violate the U.S. Constitution by interfering with Trumps ability to perform his official duties in office.

Sadow wrote in Wednesdays filing that Willis showed bias and political prejudice against Trump and is now acting in clear opposition to the will of the citizens of Georgia as reflected by the recent election results.

Even harassing subpoenas could, under certain circumstances, threaten the independence or effectiveness of the executive (branch), the Trump petition said. If a sitting president is intensely unpopular in a particular districtand that is a common conditiontargeting the President may be an alluring and effective electoral strategy. But it is a strategy that would undermine our constitutional structure.

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In late November, the Georgia court canceled a hearing that was scheduled for Thursday on an appeal from Trump and several co-defendants seeking to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case. Eight co-defendants have argued Willis should be disqualified for misconduct because of a romantic relationship she had with a former special prosecutor she hired to lead the probe.

The unfolding legal drama continued Wednesday when ex-Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro, one of the four co-defendants who entered into plea agreements last year, formally requested to have his conviction overturned by Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee. Chesebros attorney wrote that he should no longer be held to the terms of his plea agreement after McAfees September dismissal of three counts connected to making false statements in federal court. McAfee ruled that the state court lacked the legal jurisdiction to adjudicate the counts.

In October 2023, Chesebro was sentenced to five years probation and agreed to testify against his co-defendants after admitting in court to illegally planning to have a false slate of Republican electors pledge votes for Trump in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results.

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The incoming Trump administration is sparking fears that agencies tasked with protecting public health and the environment could suffer a brain drain  and that more pollution and other harms could occur as a result.

President-elect Trump and his team have vowed to use a tool called Schedule F to make it easier to fire career officials. In addition, Trump created a Department of Government Efficiency that aims to cut parts of the government that it deems wasteful.

Meanwhile, during the last Trump administration, the Bureau of Land Managements headquarters were moved out of Washington, D.C.  causing a number of federal officials to leave their posts rather than move to the new headquarters in Grand Junction, Colo. The New York Times has reported a similar move is being considered for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this time around.

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And Trump has chosen Russell Vought, who has said he wants to shut down EPA funding and put federal employees in trauma, for a key White House post.

We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected, Vought said in a video published by ProPublica. When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA cant do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so.

The Trump-Vance transition team did not respond to questions from The Hill regarding its plans for agency headquarters.

However, Brian Hughes, a Trump-Vance transition spokesperson, said in a written statement that the incoming administration will have a place for people serving in government who are committed to defending the rights of the American people, putting America first, and ensuring the best use of working men and womens tax dollars.

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Advocates worry that the array of Trump administration decisions could lead to weaker federal agencies that are less able to protect people from harm.

This is a science emergency.  We all need to be worried, said Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Without federal scientists in place to do that daily work, you will not be able to trust that your medicine is safe, that the water is safe. I live in a hurricane zone  that there may not be scientists there collecting and doing the data analysis to make sure that I know a hurricane is coming, Jones added.

Civil servants are particularly anxious about Schedule F, said Lilas Soukup, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1916, which represents Energy Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees.

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The new category of federal employment was created by a 2020 Trump executive order that made it easier to hire and fire civil servants who work on policy before President Biden rescinded it.

The majority of the anxiety  is brought about with the concept of putting Schedule F back in play, Soukup said.

She added that the maneuver puts almost every employee just at risk.

Soukup said that in light of all of the impending changes, people are beginning to look for more stable jobs elsewhere.

Joanna Slaney, associate vice president for political affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund, said that groups like hers are particularly concerned about Trump tapping Vought to serve as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

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I think Russ Vought wants to use his office to undercut the agency, and if hes successful, that will lead to scientists leaving the EPA and weaker protections for air and water, she said.

Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, said his group is hearing from some workers that they may leave the federal workforce out of concern that their jobs may no longer be stable.

If they were uncertain about whether to retire now or not, many of them probably will retire or are at least telling us theyll retire, Whitehouse said.

And then theres the younger staff, many of whom  we know are out there looking for new jobs because their whole career and whole profession is being stigmatized and denigrated, he added.

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Nicole Cantello, president of the AFGE Local 704, which represents EPA employees in the Midwest, said that during the last Trump administration, many workers left the EPA for other agencies that had less of a target on their back and that something similar could happen again.

Its very possible that there will be a number of people migrating, she said. She added that, of the employees who made it through the last Trump administration, there will be, I believe, a number of folks who will leave the agency in order not to go through that again.

The Union of Concerned Scientists published a report in 2021 finding that from fiscal 2016 to 2020, the EPA lost 672 scientists, while the Fish and Wildlife Service lost 231 and the U.S. Geological Survey lost 150.

Stan Meiburg, who served as both a career official at the EPA and a political official under the Obama administration, said that a loss of federal employees could ultimately allow some bad actors to pollute without consequence.

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Enforcement is probably the most vulnerable area, he said, noting both the need for environmental cops technical expertise and the legal expertise required to decide when to take action.

It will certainly create greater possibilities for abuse by those who sought to get economic advantage by not complying with environmental law, Meiburg said.

He also raised concerns about a loss of career staff from the EPAs chemical division, saying this could lead to both rushed reviews potentially causing dangerous chemicals to be allowed onto the market, as well as longer wait times for the approval of new and innovative chemicals if there are fewer people on the job.

Those particular aspects of science require a lot of skill in evaluation of toxicity studies, translation of animal data to human data and assuming that people even consider epidemiological studies, how to interpret and explain them, Meiburg said.

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WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday tapped Frank Bisignano, head of the Wisconsin-based payment and financial technology company Fiserv Inc., to lead the Social Security Administration.

"Frank is a business leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations," Trump wrote on his social media platform Wednesday evening. "He will be responsible to deliver on the Agency's commitment to the American People for generations to come!"

Bisignano is the chair, chief executive and president of Milwaukee-based Fiserv. He is the highest-paid CEO of a public company in Wisconsin and had a 2023 compensation package of about $28 million, according to a Journal Sentinel analysis.

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He previously held top posts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup.

More: Here's a look at Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano, just named commissioner of Social Security Administration

In 2018, Fiserv purchased the naming rights to the Milwaukee Bucks new arena. That move came after Wisconsin lawmakers agreed to give the company up to $12.5 million if it kept its headquarters in the state.

Fiserv in a statement Thursday said Bisignano "will continue in his current positions with the Company until confirmation occurs." The company said it "has an established, long-term succession plan which it will follow to select a successor to Mr. Bisignano."

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"Serving as CEO of Fiserv is an honor and I am incredibly proud of what our team has and will accomplish," Bisignano said in the statement. "I am honored to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve my country. I thank President-elect Trump and, if confirmed, look forward to applying my experience to transform our social security system."

Social Security trust funds face insolvency by 2034

Social Security trust funds are projected to be insolvent by 2034, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office.

Trump on the campaign trail promised he would protect Social Security, but he has not offered details on how he would save the program. Trump has also pledged to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, though such a move could hasten the programs insolvency outlook without countermeasures to make up for lost revenues.

A spokesman for Fiserv declined to answer questions from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about Bisignanos plans for the agency, including whether he supported Trump's goal to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits.

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As head of the agency, Bisignano would oversee a staff of almost 60,000 employees.

Federal election reports show Bisignano has a history of donating to political campaigns, and his donations mainly support Republicans. He previously donated more than $125,000 to Trump's campaign in 2019 but gave $15,000 to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's presidential campaign in November 2023, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Bisignano's wife, Tracy, donated just over $931,000 to the Trump campaign this past October, the data show.

Sen. Johnson said it's time to 'get serious' about Social Security changes

Asked about Trumps decision to nominate Bisignano, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, the states top Republican, told the Journal Sentinel he doesnt know the man but said the country needs to get serious about making changes to the program.

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"I think it starts with making sure the American public know exactly how poorly the whole thing has been managed," Johnson said Thursday. "It literally is a legal Ponzi scheme. Congress took the money and they spent it. It's gone."

Other congressional Republicans have expressed similar views.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee this week posted a series of tweets referring to the government's handling of Social Security as a "classic bait and switch," calling it more of a tax than a benefit. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump tapped to lead the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency," reshared the post and said: "Interesting thread."

On Thursday, news of Bisignano's nomination garnered praise from at least one notable Wisconsin Republican.

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Tim Sheehy, who recently retired as president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said Fiserv's role in facilitating financial transactions, as well as Bisignano's role in operating a large corporation, make Bisignano a good choice to oversee the Social Security Administration.

"I think he'll do a phenomenal job," Sheehy said.

Bisignano appeared at a March event to mark the move of Fiserv's headquarters from Brookfield to downtown Milwaukee. He also spends a lot of time at Fiserv's New Jersey operations, as well as the company's operations in the Atlanta area, Sheehy said.

"He's moving around quite a bit," he said.

Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump taps Fiserv CEO Bisignano to lead Social Security Administration
Donald Trump has tapped former Sen. Kelly Loeffler to serve in his second term as the head of the Small Business Administration.

The president-elect shared the news in a post to Truth Social, saying that Loeffler would make a great administrator who reduces "red tape, and unleash[es] opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive."

"She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach," he wrote.

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The former CEO of crypto firm Bakkt is married to Jeffrey Sprecher, whose financial services company Intercontinental Exchange operates the New York Stock Exchange. She was appointed to her Senate seat in Georgia by Gov. Brian Kemp. On the one-year anniversary of her appointment, a Trump-supporting mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. She left the Senate weeks later, having lost her seat to Sen. Raphael Warnock.

Loeffler had planned to vote against the certification of Georgia's electors on January 6 but relented after the riot.

"I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes. However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors, she said at the time.

In spite of this, Trump called Loeffler a "tremendous fighter in the U.S. Senate during the first Trump Administration" noting her support for a bill that would strip federal funding from schools that allowed transgender women to compete in women's sports.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will nominate former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., to lead the Small Business Administration in his second term.

"I am very pleased to nominate business leader and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, from the Great State of Georgia, to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump called Loeffler "a tremendous fighter in the U.S. Senate during the first Trump Administration" and said she would "bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive."

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Trump announced last month that Loeffler would co-chair the organization planning his inauguration.

Loeffler, 53, represented Georgia in the Senate for just over a year in 2020 and 2021, filling the seat left by the late Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., when he resigned because of health reasons. She ran in the 2020 special election for the seat but lost in a runoff election to Democrat Raphael Warnock.

After the 2020 election, as Trump pushed his claims of widespread voter fraud, Loeffler repeatedly refused to acknowledge that he had lost the presidential election. NBC News reported last year that a special grand jury in Georgia that initially investigated Trump's efforts to overturn the election results recommended indicting more than three dozen people, including 21 who weren't charged in the Fulton County case. Loeffler was among those the panel recommended, but she was ultimately not charged.

Trump has named other choices for his future Cabinet who also expressed doubt about his loss in the 2020 election, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., his pick for ambassador to the U.N.; Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., chosen for secretary of state; and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, selected for attorney general.

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Loeffler is the founder of the company RallyRight, which is described as a suite of technology products designed to empower conservatives with the necessary tools to win at every level. She is also on the board for the application PublicSquare, which is described as the largest marketplace & payments ecosystem that protects life, family, and freedom. She previously owned a 49% stake in the WNBAs Atlanta Dream, which was sold in 2021.

The small business administrator is subject to Senate confirmation.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced former Sen. Kelly Loeffler as his pick to lead the Small Business Administration.

Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive. She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach, Trump posted on Truth Social, also noting that shes co-chairing his inauguration.

There had been several discussions between Loeffler and the transition team regarding the role of Agriculture secretary, and CNN reported last month that Trump had been poised to offer her the position. But Trump held off from announcing his Agriculture pick as he issued a slew of others late last month, then eventually offered the role to Brooke Rollins.

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Loeffler, who briefly represented Georgia in the Senate, had fundraised for Trump during the 2024 race and raised several million dollars for his campaign over the summer when she hosted a debate watch party with Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. Several of Trumps other Cabinet picks  including Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Elise Stefanik  were at that party.

Loeffler was among the wealthiest lawmakers during her short time in Congress. Her husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, is the CEO of the Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange. When running for election in 2020, she announced she and her husband were divesting from individual stocks amid sharp criticism over trades she and other lawmakers made ahead of the market downturn caused by the coronavirus.

Appointed to the Senate by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp over the wishes of Trump, Loeffler lost her seat in a 2021 runoff to Democratic now-Sen. Raphael Warnock.

Loeffler was a staunch Trump ally in Congress, saying prior to the violence on January 6, 2021, that she planned to vote against certifying her states electoral results in support of Trumps broader effort to upend Joe Bidens 2020 election victory.

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After the US Capitol attack, Loeffler backed off her objection, saying on the Senate floor: When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes. However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors.

In the same speech, Loeffler condemned the violence at the Capitol, calling it abhorrent.

Loeffler was among the witnesses who appeared before the grand jury as part of Trumps 2020 election subversion criminal case in Georgia.

Before joining the Senate, Loeffler served as an executive at a financial services firm in Atlanta. She was also a co-owner of the WNBAs Atlanta Dream.

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Loeffler would need to be confirmed by the Senate to lead the Small Business Administration. Linda McMahon, a major Republican donor and Trumps pick to be the next education secretary, served as the administrator of the agency during Trumps first term. She resigned in 2019 to become the chair of America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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President-elect Donald Trump said he planned to nominate former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) to be the next commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service on Wednesday, installing another yet another loyalist to lead a major federal agency.

I have known Billy since 2011  He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate people person, well respected on both sides of the aisle.

Long spent decades working as an auctioneer before he was elected to Congress. He served in the House from 2011 to 2023 before launching a failed bid for one of Missouris Senate seats.

Since leaving Washington, he has worked as a tax adviser and encouraged businesses to look into a pandemic-era employee retention tax credit.

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The program has been subject to massive fraud, costing the government billions of dollars, and some lawmakers have tried to end it. The IRS temporarily paused it earlier this year in order to catch up on false claims.

Democrats were skeptical of the pick.

There are a lot of reasons why former Congressman Billy Long is a bizarre choice for this role, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement to RollCall. Whats most concerning is that Mr. Long left office and jumped into the scam-plagued industry involving the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Trump called former Rep. Billy Long a "consummate people person, well respected on both sides of the aisle. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The move effectively means Trump will fire the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, who was appointed to a five-year term by President Joe Biden in 2022. He took over the agency shortly after Congress approved an $80 billion expansion in funding over the next decade, which experts say will help the government more accurately enforce tax laws and collect revenue.

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Republicans scaled back that funding by $20 billion last year and are eyeing billions more, which official warn would limit the agencys ability to audit wealth Americans and large corporations.

Werfel  who worked for both Democrats and Republicans  had said he intended to finish out his term, but the sitting president is able to appoint who they like as long as they are confirmed by the Senate.

I have a vision of my last day on the job being Nov. 12, 2027, Werfel said during a podcast appearance last month. My frame of mind on the IRS is that its nonpartisan, is that our priorities can and should shift with new Treasury leadership.

Related...
President-elect Donald Trump named Monica Crowley, a former Fox News contributor, as his nominee for chief of protocol at the State Departmentmarking the latest network personality to land a job in the incoming administration.

Trump, an avid viewer of the right-leaning cable network, seems to be using the network as a farm team for his political appointees. His nominations include at least 12 more people who have been on the Fox payroll, according to a comprehensive list compiled by left-leaning watchdog organization Media Matters for America .

The list includes paid contributors, a few hosts, and even a former senior vice president on the networks business side. Another eight appointees were noted as frequent guests on the network. Some former Fox stars are slated to have an outsized role in policy with nominations for key positions, including secretary of defense and national security adviser.

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The Fox personality that has made the biggest impact so far is Pete Hegseth, the former host of Fox and Friends Weekend and Trumps pick to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, began working for the cable network as a political commentator in 2014.

However, Hegseths confirmation process has had a rocky start after reports of his sexual assault allegations and drinking habits at work have dominated the news cycle.

Other major names include former Rep. Sean Duffy, the former cohost of Fox Business Networks The Bottom Line, who was tapped to lead the Department of Transportation. Duffy is also married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, Hegseths former co-host at Fox & Friends Weekend.

Duffy had a long and varied career before his stint in conservative mediahe first rose to fame as a reality television star on The Real World: Boston and Road Rules: All Stars.

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Duffy served as the district attorney of Ashland County, Wisconsin, until 2010. He was elected to represent Wisconsins 7th District the same year, and served until resigning in 2019.

Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic representative from Hawaii, became a paid contributor on the network in 2022 after leaving her party and embarking on an abrupt rightward turn. Trump has since nominated her to serve as director of national intelligence.

Gabbard was one of a handful of fellow contributors tapped to staff the Trump administration. Others include former medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Trumps pick for surgeon general, and former Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, selected to serve as national security adviser.

Crowley, a longtime conservative political commentator who worked for years as a Fox contributor, is also a veteran from Trumps last administration, where she served as the assistant secretary of the Treasury for public affairs.

At least one other Fox veteran was tapped for a diplomatic postformer Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who hosted his own program Huckabee on the network from 2008 to 2015. Trump announced Huckabee as his pick to serve as ambassador to Israel earlier in November.
GREENVALE, N.Y. (AP)  Not yet even in office, Donald Trump said Thursday he's already accomplished more than President Joe Biden did in his entire term, an outsized claim by the president-elect just a month out from the election.

Trump, who has been largely ensconced at his Mar-a-Lago club in recent weeks as he's worked to staff his new administration, made the comment as he ventured to New York's Long Island to be honored as part of Fox Nations annual Patriot Awards on Fox's streaming platform.

I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you have in the last four years, Trump told the crowd at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.

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It was a tremendous day, a tremendous night, he said, recalling his election victory in a 10-minute acceptance speech that sounded like a highlight reel of his campaign rally speeches. It came complete with a live performance of God Bless the USA by the singer Lee Greenwood, calls to get the criminals out of our country and an embrace of all-paper election ballots and mandatory voter ID.

Trump also pointed to the conversations he's had with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum since he threatened two of the country's top trading partners with a 25% tariff on all imported goods unless they do more to tackle illegal border crossings and drug flows.

Justin came flying right in, Trump said in reference to Trudeau's trip to Mar-a-Lago. That prompted some in the audience to chant 51!  a nod to Trump apparently joking at his dinner with Trudeau that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.

The annual awards honor and recognize Americas finest patriots, including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes, according to Fox. The event was hosted by Fox host Sean Hannity, a longtime Trump friend who stepped in after the president-elect nominated Pete Hegseth, the original host, as defense secretary.

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Among those recognized Thursday night were conservative actor and evangelist Kirk Cameron; Gen. Dick Cody, who used his own helicopter to deliver supplies to people after Hurricane Helene; and Jonathan Diller, the New York Police Department officer who was killed during a traffic stop in Queens. His widow, Stephanie, received a standing ovation and thanked Trump for his support. Others invoked Trump as well.

The ceremony also honored Paws of War, an organization that provides service dogs to veterans and helps those serving overseas bring animals they meet in war zones to the U.S. One such reunion played out on stage.

The heartfelt moments were juxtaposed against the kind of boisterous red meat politics that loyal watchers of Fox hosts like Hannity expect.

The anchor used his introduction to take an election victory lap, boasting that Democrats got their ass kicked." He played YMCA  the song Trump has long used to close out his rallies  and invited audience members to dance like the president-elect. And he offered a series of impressions, mimicking former vice presidential candidate Tim Walzs enthusiasm and Biden appearing lost, complete with a backdrop of the rainforest where he spoke during a recent trip to the Amazon.

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Later, he donned an orange safety vest  a nod to the one Trump wore when he delivered a press conference from a garbage truck during the campaign after Biden suggested Trumps supporters were garbage.

Trump's award marks the culmination of Fox's reembrace of the president-elect, who has had an up-and-down relationship with the network in recent years.

Fox paid $787 million in 2023 to settle a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems over false claims by Fox personalities who echoed Trump's lies that the 2020 election was stolen from him through mass voter fraud. For more than six months ending in spring 2023, Fox had what many considered a soft ban on Trump appearances, with its leaders looking to move on. But when it became clear that voters did not want to, Fox and its personalities were quick to embrace Trump again.

Individual personalities have undergone their own journeys: Former Fox host Megyn Kelly drew Trumps ire in a 2015 debate for her sharp question about his treatment of women; now shes a popular podcast host and Trump supporter. The Dominion lawsuit uncovered emails in which former Fox host Tucker Carlson spoke disparagingly of Trump, including saying he truly cant wait for Trump to become an ex-president. Theyve since made amends.

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Through it all, Trump has been quick to take to social media to criticize Fox for content he deems insufficiently loyal.

On Thursday, he was more magnanimous.

You have incredible people at Fox," he said before quipping, A couple I dont like."

Trump has begun to emerge more in public since spending most of his transition so far behind closed doors at his club in Palm Beach, Florida. This week, he made an unannounced appearance at a memorial service for three Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office deputies who were killed in a car crash last month.

This weekend, he will travel to Paris to join other world leaders and dignitaries for a ceremony to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was devastated by a fire five years ago.

___

AP Media Writer David Bauder contributed to this report.
Trumpworld is apparently reconsidering Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon amid growing scrutiny.

The Fox News host has faced allegations of misconduct, but he is fighting them.

There are several prominent contenders the president-elect could still tap as defense secretary.

An Army veteran in the Senate. A former Pentagon official who's a leading China hawk. A former top rival for the GOP presidential nomination.

Those are some of the options President-elect Donald Trump and his allies are reportedly considering for defense secretary as allegations and character concerns cloud his unconventional pick to lead the Pentagon.

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Trump is said to have been surprised by allegations that have emerged about his pick, Pete Hegseth. The former Fox News host and Trump confidant has faced accusations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement at the veteran's advocacy group he led, excessive alcohol use, and belittling behavior toward women.

The allegations have complicated the Army veteran's chances at confirmation even in a GOP-controlled Senate.

Hegseth has said the sexual encounter, which happened in 2017, was consensual. He was not charged with a crime in relation to the incident. He has slammed media coverage of the allegations as "fake" and "BS" and has said he will not "back down." In an op-ed published Wednesday, he said the growing scrutiny was a "textbook manufactured media takedown."

In the piece, which was shared by the Trump transition team, Hegseth wrote that he is looking "forward to an honest confirmation hearing, not a press show trial based on anonymous accusations."

Then-President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox & Friends cohost Pete Hegseth at the White House. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Hegseth met with lawmakers at the Capitol this week to discuss plans for the defense department, address the mounting misconduct allegations against him, and shore up congressional support, even by promising not to drink alcohol if they'll confirm him.

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GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune said his meeting with the embattled defense secretary-designate went well, adding that Hegseth laid out "a big vision for how to fix the problems" at the department, CNN reported. He didn't say whether he would support Hegseth's nomination, though.

Other Republican senators offered mixed reactions, ranging from continued uncertainty to full-fledged support. But even if the political winds shift in Hegseth's favor, many reports have said that Trump is already considering other potential nominees.

The Wall Street Journal broke the news the president-elect was considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Other names that various sources within Trump world have floated include former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby and Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa.

"This country's full of talented people," Kori Schake, director of Foreign and Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute, told Business Insider. "The Secretary's main job is dealing with Congress, since they control most of defense policy. So generally someone who's had legislative experience is a huge advantage."

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The names being floated would potentially be politically safer choices with much more experience in government. Their experience and stature could make them more independent of an incoming White House that prizes loyalty, however.

It remains to be seen whether Trump will drop Hegseth, who is showing no intention at the moment to withdraw as the nominee on his own. Hegseth said Thursday he met with Trump and that he "fully supports" him, but ABC News reports the president-elect isn't working the phones to try to save him like he did Matt Gaetz.

Meanwhile, back-up options wait in the wings.

Former political rival Gov. Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Sergio Flores for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Citing sources familiar with the decision-making, NBC News reported that Gov. Ron DeSantis is "very much in contention" to lead Trump's Department of Defense should Hegseth drop out of the running.

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DeSantis was Trump's primary rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, earning insulting nicknames from Trump that included "Ron DeSanctimonious," "Ron DeSanctus," and "Meatball Ron." The president-elect said that he "officially retired" the nicknames after DeSantis dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump ahead of the New Hampshire primary in January.

When he was still on the campaign trail, DeSantis leaned into his military background, which was seen as a key differentiator.

The Florida governor highlighted his US military service as a judge advocate general in the US Navy during the first GOP presidential primary debate, and he emphasized being deployed "alongside" Navy SEALs in Iraq and stationed at the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention facility in campaign speeches and ads.

However, much about DeSantis' active-duty career in the Navy remains a mystery to the public.

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The Navy redacted certain details in records of DeSantis' military duties, saying that the "release of such information would be a clearly unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of Ronald D. DeSantis and other identified individuals" in response to a federal public records request.

Among the potential replacements for Hegseth, DeSantis appears to have emerged as a frontrunner. Some Democratic senators have expressed more openness to DeSantis as defense secretary than they have for Trump's current pick.

Congresisonal Army veteran Sen. Joni Ernst

Sen. Joni Ernst is a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the Iowa Army National Guard. Mariam Zuhaib/AP

Serving in the Iowa Army National Guard for over two decades, GOP Sen. Joni Ernst is a longtime Trump ally. She has said she was sexually harassed while in uniform.

Ernst, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, was previously under consideration as defense secretary before the president-elect tapped Hegseth. If Trump were to revisit her as a nominee and if she were to be confirmed, she would be the first woman to lead the Pentagon.

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Calling herself the "top watchDOGE," the Iowa Republican was named to spearhead the Senate's partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency, Trump's new initiative to cut federal spending and government waste.

Seen as a potential swing vote in Hegseth's confirmation, Ernst met with him at the Capitol on Wednesday, saying that they were "just going to have a really frank and thorough conversation" regarding his vision for the DoD and the emerging misconduct allegations against him.

In a post on X, she wrote: "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's service to our country, something we both share." She didn't go into detail on how she might vote, though.

China hawk Elbridge Colby

Elbridge Colby served as a deputy assistant secretary of defense in the first Trump administration. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Trujillo

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Elbridge Colby, a former senior Pentagon official, is another potential replacement for Hegseth, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, among others, reported on Thursday.

He has, however, shown his support for Hegseth in posts online, saying that the current pick "knows the costs of war" and is committed to Trump's "vital vision of peace through strength and putting Americans first."

Colby served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development during the first Trump administration. He also helped shape the department's National Defense Strategy, which was published in early 2018.

Like Trump's pick for secretary of state, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, Colby is hawkish on China and has consistently emphasized the need for the US to focus its efforts on countering that threat, particularly China's growing, increasingly modernized military.

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In a social media post on Wednesday, Colby praised Trump, saying that the incoming commander-in-chief "hasn't even taken office yet, and he's already putting America on a path toward a much better foreign policy. Foreign countries can see the strength and clarity he projects and they are adapting already."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler exits an Atlanta polling place in October while working as a poll monitor during the 2024 election. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Former Georgia U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler has been announced as President-elect Donald Trumps choice to lead the Small Business Administration.

Trump made the announcement Wednesday night on his social media site Truth Social, citing her business background and her help to secure the Big Election Win in Georgia!

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Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive, Trump wrote. She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach.

In a statement Wednesday, Loeffler said small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the gateway to the American Dream.

The America First Agenda will unleash a new era of growth and opportunity for job creators and innovators! Loeffler said.

Loeffler, who is currently serving as co-chair of Trumps inaugural committee, is one of his biggest donors and a staunch ally.

U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler said at Dalton rally on Jan. 4, 2021 that she would join dozens of other GOP lawmakers who planned to vote to object to the Electoral College certification process. She reversed course after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and voted to certify the results. Alex Wong/Getty Images

She was a business executive and co-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team when she entered politics, and her husband is the CEO of the Atlanta-based Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange.

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But Loeffler wasnt widely known in Georgia before Gov. Brian Kemp appointed her to the Senate in late 2019 to finish the term of Sen. Johnny Isakson. Kemp tapped Loeffler for the vacancy over Trumps preferred choice to replace Isakson, ex-Congressman Doug Collins.

When Loeffler was on the ballot in 2020, Collins also ran for the seat in a crowded race that was ultimately won by now-Sen. Raphael Warnock in a nationally watched runoff.

Now, the former political rivals  Loeffler and Collins  could both serve in Trumps cabinet. Collins is Trumps pick to lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Since leaving office, Loeffler has channeled her energy into Greater Georgia, which she started in 2021 as an answer to the lefts voter engagement machine. The group focuses on registering voters, reaching out to minority groups traditionally overlooked by the GOP and educating people about Georgias election system. Greater Georgia announced last month that the group helped to register 7,000 new conservative voters and re-engaged over 4,000 inactive conservative voters ahead of this years presidential election.

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During her year in the Senate, Loeffler was one of the wealthiest senators. Her stock trades during the pandemic drew intense criticism, though she was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Loeffler was asked last month about the prospects of landing a cabinet position on the Atlanta Journal Constitutions Politically Georgia podcast, including whether she would take steps to avoid a conflict of interest.

Loeffler spoke to Buckhead Young Republican volunteers and Greater Georgia interns at a phone banking event in Buckhead in early October. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder

Of course, and I certainly did that in 2020, Loeffler said. Will it stop allegations? No, thats just part and parcel  and now its a badge of honor  but I will always do the right thing. I will always over comply and be more conservative in any case, but I certainly dont want to put the cart ahead of the horse.

At the time, Loeffler was rumored to be a leading choice for secretary of agriculture. But Trump ultimately appointed Brooke Rollins of Texas, the president and CEO of the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute, to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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One of Loefflers final acts as a senator was to vote to certify the election results for the 2020 election. Loeffler, who had lost her election at that point, had said earlier that she planned to object to certification but reversed course after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors, Loeffler said on the Senate floor at the time. She added that the violence that played out was a direct attack on the very institution my objection was intended to protect.

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump said he is selecting former US Representative Billy Long to serve as the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, enlisting a Republican who served in Congress for an incoming administration aiming to renew and expand a broad package of tax cuts.

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Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday announcing the pick. Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.

If confirmed by the Senate, Long would head an agency that has long drawn the ire of Republicans, who are eager to scale back its funding and enforcement powers.

The current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, who was nominated by President Joe Biden and started in his post in March 2023, has said that he intends to fulfill his term, which is slated to end on Nov. 12, 2027. IRS commissioners, however, can be removed by the president.

During his first administration, Trump did not fire then-IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, despite the agency chief clashing with House Republicans, allowing his term to end. Trump then nominated Charles Rettig, a California tax attorney to serve as the agencys chief.

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Long served as a representative from Missouri from 2011 to 2023, a stint that included work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

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Pinky Promise

You gotta know when to choose your battles. But Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense, has seemingly decided to fight a losing one.

The former Fox News host and military veteran's confirmation is now on thin ice after disturbing allegations of a sexual assault from 2017 were recently revealed to the public.

Those are the most serious claims against him, but what's really stuck are persistent allegations that the 44-year-old is an embarrassing drunkard who can't stop showing up to work totally hammered.

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Hegseth's alleged alcoholism  which is said to fuel his troubling pattern of sexual behavior, including the assault  has become such a flashpoint that it has everyone from the most powerful Republicans in the country to his own mom weighing in with grave, patronizing concern. After all, the position he's been nominated for ultimately controls everything from drone strikes to nuclear missiles.

But rest assured: Hegseth has now reportedly vowed to senators that he'll stop drinking  as soon as he gets the stress-free job as leader of the world's most powerful military, that is. No pressure there.

Drinker Fidelis

Hegseth probably didn't expect his senate confirmation to turn into a messy public intervention on his behalf, but he really isn't doing himself any favors.

Amid a flurry of damning allegations of disturbing sexual behavior of his own, erstwhile Trump nominee Matt Gaetz was wise enough to withdraw himself from consideration and let someone else vie for Attorney General. (It still remains an alleged sex pest riddled administration, however.)

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Whereas Hegseth has recently proclaimed that he'll "fight like hell" to get the confirmation  even though Trump's transition team is reportedly fuming at him behind the scenes.

Undeterred, he also repeated the promise to put down the bottle once confirmed in an interview on the Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday, comparing the defense job to getting deployed.

"This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I'm doing it," Hegseth said, per Newsweek.

Ironically, Hegseth's promise to stop drinking once he gets the job is exactly what an inveterate drunk would say  which, again, he denies being in the first place. It's not a promise to stop drinking now. It's just a few drinks to tide him over until he gets into a better place in life.

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Anyway, don't take our word for it  and definitely don't take Hegseth's. Just ask some of his former colleagues at Fox, who felt they had to "babysit" him because of alcoholism, about how much of a drunken stooge this guy is.

"He should not be secretary of defense," an anonymous Fox employee told NBC News. "His drinking should be disqualifying."

More on Trump: Trump Names Billionaire Space Tourist as Head of NASA
Public trust in the military rose slightly in the last year and remains significantly higher than most other civic institutions, according to results from the annual Reagan National Defense Survey released Thursday.

More than half of the individuals polled in the report  51%  said they have a great deal of trust in the armed forces. Thats up from 46% last year, the lowest level since survey administrators began polling on the topic in 2018.

Faith in the military easily outpaced trust in the White House (22%), the Supreme Court (21%) and Congress (9%). It also easily exceeded trust in police and law enforcement institutions, which rose to 34% in this years report.

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The survey is based on responses from roughly 2,500 Americans polled in the week after the November presidential election. Report authors said they are hopeful the results indicate growing levels of public support for the Defense Department, after several years of declining confidence in the institution.

Half of US would recommend military service to loved ones, report says

The number fell from 70% [in 2018] all the way down to 45% [in 2021], but what you can see now is that that trend seems to have stabilized, said Rachel Hoff, the Reagan Institutes policy director.

Several years ago, when we started to really dig into the decline in confidence, it all had to do with politicization. Americans on the right thought the military was too woke. Americans on the left thought the military was full of extremists. And both on both sides of the aisle, people thought the militarys leadership was politicized.

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Researchers found that confidence in the military increased last year across all age, race and partisan demographics. Roughly 56% of Donald Trump voters and 50% of Kamala Harris voters expressed high confidence in the institution.

Still, 54% of those surveyed said they would not be willing to personally serve in the military, on par with 56% of respondents from last year.

Even with those reservations, 79% of individuals surveyed said they would support increasing military spending in future federal budgets, the highest figure recorded in the surveys past eight years.

That mark was higher than issues like border security (75%) and foreign aid (43%) but trailed behind public infrastructure (89%), Social Security (89%) and education (83%).

The full survey results are available at the Ronald Reagan Institutes website.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Its been days since former Kansas City, Kansas police detective, Roger Golubski, was found dead at his home, when he didnt show up to the first day of his federal civil rights trial.

Since then, FOX4 has asked many people, and different entities, questions about what transpired, including how he was able to get a gun and who was responsible for monitoring conditions of his release. Possessing a firearm was a violation of his release, according to court documents from 2022.

FOX4 called the U.S. Probation Offices number listed on his release document and left several messages. On that same document, another number was listed as someone who Golubski was released to the custody of. That person also didnt answer or call back.

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Jury selection was scheduled to take place Monday in his federal trial in Topeka. He faced several counts of violating the civil rights of two women.

Whats next for other Roger Golubski cases following his death?

Two counts, were for the alleged sexual abuse against a woman listed in the U.S. Governments brief as O.W.

FOX4 met with her Wednesday. This time next week, she say she would have been in court testifying.

Why he kill himself?, Ophelia Williams-Pettway, an alleged victim shared with FOX4. Oh. He couldnt handle the truth. The truth scared him. He couldnt handle it no more. I dont think he could have handled looking at us in court. Looking at all these people that he had got away with it for so long.

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Williams-Pettway says she was ready to share the story of what she says former Kansas City Kansas detective, Roger Golubski, did to her, many years ago.

She says what he allegedly did happened over 20 years ago. Within the past couple of years, she went public, sharing who the woman was behind the initials.

I was ready for the courts to find him guilty and for him to go to prison, she added. That would have made me happy.

She says her initials (that are in the governments trial brief filed last week), represent more than just her story.

One teen killed, another in custody in rural Miami County, Kansas

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It stands for the woman that Golubski did this to. I wanted them to see me. I wanted him to see me. I wanted him to say my name, she added about her initials.

She was listed in the brief as someone who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Golubski in 1999.

Golubski was with the KCK Police Department for over three decades. He retired in 2010. In recent years, dozens of accusations against him have come out, claims of him assaulting and targeting poor, Black women, and girls, and terrorizing those who went against him.

Williams-Pettway says in 1999, Golubski made the arrest of her twin sons.

After they were gonehe came back, she said referring to her twins being locked up, yet Golubski came back to her home.

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They were 14. She says the pair is still in prison for murder.

While theyve missed over 20 years of Christmas holidays at home. Photos of her twins sit next to their moms decorated Christmas tree.

How can they play with peoples lives like that, she shared. They supposed to serve and protect. They was doing the serving, but they werent protecting nobody.

Tuesday, FOX4 asked to meet with Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree.

Dupree was adamant in the fall of 2022 about reviewing Golubskis cases.

A representative from his office told FOX4, The office has no further comment on the recent developments in this situation.

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Williams-Pettway is hoping her sons case is one reviewed too.

I want the community to know I thank them for being behind me. Walking with me. Talking with me, she said.

She said, she waited many years, to report what she says he did to her, in fear of retaliation.

I had young sons in prison. I didnt know what this man was capable of having somebody do something to my sons, or him doing something to me. I couldnt take that chance.

A spokesperson for the KCK Police Department says a group of four detectives is looking at the procedural protocol of the cases that were in anyway connected to former detective Roger Golubski. He was with the department from 1975-2010.

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Reviewing them, rather than re-investigating the cases, and asking questions like, is anything missing? Was something not investigated adequately? Is evidence accounted for?

The department says each and every document is being read and reviewed. As of the fall of 2022, 1/3 of Golubskis cases have been reviewed.

Forty-four of the cases have been currently completed by the review. Four are currently assigned, which means they are still in the process of being reviewed at this time.

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One has been classified as referred for further investigation.

As far as who gets that one case needing further review, FOX4 was told that depends on the needs of that case. Was it previously unsolved? Could it be solved now? Could new and improved technology assist? Just because a case needs additional review, the spokesperson says, does not mean it was tainted.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Western diplomats on Thursday criticized comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Malta.

Lavrov - whose visit to Malta was his first to an EU member state since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 - said the West has fuelled the war in Ukraine and is responsible for the emergence of a new Cold War that could stumble into direct confrontation.

"The whole thing could move into a hot stage," Lavrov added at the two-day OSCE foreign ministers' meeting, while claiming that Western states had taken control of the OSCE.

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His US counterpart Antony Blinken described Lavrov's statements as a "tsunami of disinformation."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed Lavrov in his speech as "the war criminal at this table" without mentioning him by name.

"Our peace plan is: Russia should leave Ukraine and leave us alone," Sybiha said.

He emphasized that Russia is the greatest threat to global security - not only because of its attack on Ukraine, but also because of its military cooperation with Iran and North Korea.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also accused Lavrov of "unbearable lies" about the war in Ukraine.

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"You can fool yourself, but you cannot fool us, the 1.3 billion people in [the OSCE region]," she told Lavrov directly at the meeting.

In her speech, Baerbock called on the international community, and in particular the OSCE member states, to continue to work for the organization's fundamental principles of peace, freedom and security, despite some differences of opinion.

The OSCE is one of the few dialogue forums for security and democracy where Western representatives still engage directly with Russia.

While Moscow has withdrawn from several other European institutions, it has remained in the OSCE, seeing it as a platform for communicating its position on the war in Ukraine to the 57 member states.

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In his speech, Lavrov warned that the OSCE could fall apart if it no longer provides room for solving problems.

For example, the organization could have played a role in the investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines from Russia to Germany, Lavrov argued.

"The West is doing everything it can to undermine" the OSCE, Lavrov later told reporters.

Criticism of Lavrov's visit

Lavrov's attendance at the summit in Malta came in for criticism from a number of Western diplomats ahead of the meeting, including from Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski.

"Mr Lavrov is coming here to lie about the Russian invasion and what Russia is doing in Ukraine," said Sikorski. "I will not be sitting at a table with Mr Lavrov."

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Sikorski later left the room during Lavrov's speech along with representatives from the Czech Republic, Ukraine and the Baltic states.

Germany's Baerbock also slammed Russia's participation.

"Just as Russia uses bombs and drones to target peace and security in Europe, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is also taking the axe to the OSCE," said Baerbock.

"We will not allow Putin to bomb our common peace into dust and ashes, nor will we allow Russia to play its cynical game here without comment," Baerbock said.

The comments came after Malta on Wednesday cancelled the visa of Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who was also scheduled to attend the meeting, after complaints from the Baltic states.

OSCE in difficulties

The OSCE has been in crisis since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

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Russia has vetoed several important decisions that require consensus. The other member states accuse Moscow of undermining and blocking the organization's work.

For three years, the OSCE's budget has only been managed provisionally.

In addition, its four top posts, including that of secretary general, have been vacant since September.

The member states were unable to agree on a proper successor after Helga Schmid's term of office ended.

The meeting in Malta will last two days. A decision on the budget and an agreement on the vacant top posts are expected on Friday.
A 2021 map shows the impact of a tsunami hitting the San Fransisco area - and the devastation it could cause.

The map was thrust back into the spotlight Thursday when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit off the California coast. It led to 5 million people being put under tsunami warnings in the immediate aftermath.

The interactive hazard maps released online in 2021 provide a look at just how much of the region could be inundated if a once-in-a-lifetime catastrophe strikes.

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We are preparing for a worst-case scenario. A 9.3 magnitude quake off Alaska, that would be the worst-case for San Francisco, Adrienne Bechelli, deputy director of San Franciscos Department of Emergency Management, told ABC7 at the time.

San Francisco County tsunami hazard areas map was updated in July 2021 showing a potentially greater impact on the city than previously thought (California Geological Survey)

New technology in 2021 allowed the states geological survey to update its maps from 2009.

A tsunami triggered by a large earthquake in Alaska would take approximately five hours to reach the city, the 2021 maps showed. Those findings were based on how, in 1964, a 9.2-magnitude earthquake in Alaska sent a tsunami toward California and did heavy damage along the coast near San Francisco.

Thursdays quake was much closer and created tsunami warnings, but officials said quickly after the quake that the threat had passed.

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The 2021 maps based on an Alaska quake showed that a tsunami hitting downtown San Francisco was more significant than had been assumed. It was previously believed that areas that are immediately adjacent to the water, such as the Fishermans Wharf, the Embarcadero and the area around the famous Ferry Building would receive the brunt of any wave.

However, the 2021 maps show water potentially surging into parts of North Beach and the Financial District as far as Fremont Street.

The same is true across the region with waves hitting West Oakland and Lake Merritt. The entire Oakland Container Terminal and the citys international airport would be inundated.

"Bottom line: If youre near the coast and feel strong shaking from a local earthquake or get an official notification to evacuate, move inland or to a higher elevation as soon as possible, Rick Wilson, head of the CGS Tsunami Program, said in 2021. A large tsunami surge might be fascinating to watch but you dont want to be anywhere near it.

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The tsunami triggered by the 2011 Japan earthquake rippled across the entire Pacific Ocean wreaking havoc in Santa Cruz harbour to the south of San Francisco, leaving heavy damage. Approximately $100m in damage occurred up and down the coast.

More than 150 tsunamis have hit Californias shore since 1800. Most were barely noticeable, but a few have caused fatalities or significant damage.

The most destructive tsunami to hit California occurred on March, 28, 1964. Several surges reaching 21 feet high swept into Crescent City four hours after a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in Alaska, killing 12 and levelling much of the towns business district.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A tsunami warning has ended for parts of Oregon after a large span of the West Coast braced for the impact of a large earthquake that hit off the coast of California, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS said the warning effected Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon, which is located 10 miles south of Florence, to Davenport, California. However, that warning was updated to no longer include Oregon just before noon.

Ready for the Big One: What to pack in your earthquake, tsunami go bag

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The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said there were no tsunami waves observed along the Oregon Coast.

The tsunami warning was caused by a magnitude 7 earthquake off the coast of California near Eureka around 10:45 a.m.

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Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring. Tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time, the NWS said. The first wave may not be the largest.

In response, Oregon State Parks and Recreation said all state park beach accesses was closed on the Oregon Coast until 3 p.m.

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Stefanie Knowlton, a spokesperson for Oregon Parks and Recreation, explained that the state-wide Oregon Coast beach closures remained in place for as long as they did due to an abundance of caution.

And we decided to close all beach access because it was a dynamic situation and there was information coming in really quickly and we didnt have the full scope or scale. No one can predict exactly what was going to happen from there, Kowlton said.

She added that Oregon Coast Beach visitors should still use caution even after the parks re-opened and encouraged people to check the Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse web page for more information about tsunami preparedness.

Cascadia Subduction Zone study reveals area at particular risk for massive quake

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At the time of the initial warning, Lincoln County shared that they were not expecting a tsunami in their section of the coast, adding that those who have evacuated can return to their homes and businesses. All communities should carefully evaluate their homes and businesses for any potential damage from the earthquake.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KTXL)  Two children were injured in a shooting at a religious school in Northern California on Wednesday before the suspected gunman apparently killed himself, sheriffs officials said.

The shooting happened around 1:00 p.m. at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a small private K-8 school near Palermo, roughly 60 miles north of Sacramento.

Deputies arrived to find the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot near a playground, Butte County Sheriff Corey Honea said during a Wednesday evening press conference.

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UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack in NYC, officials say

The injured students, two boys aged 5 and 6, were taken to a hospital. Honea said both are still receiving treatment but did not provide any additional details about their conditions.

This is horribly tragic, the sheriff said. It is hard to come up with the words.  When youre talking about little kids like this, who cant defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart.

Emergency personnel state outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) Police tape blocks a road outside the Feather River Adventist School after a shooting Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Oroville, Calif. (Michael Weber/The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP)

A preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect went to the school to meet with the principal about possibly enrolling a student, Honea said.

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Shortly after concluding that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired, heard screams, and thats when they determined, or found, that the two students had been shot, Honea said, adding that deputies are still working to verify the sequence of events.

A motive is not clear, though Honea said investigators received information that the suspect may have targeted this school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. However, it does not appear that the suspect had any contact with the school until Wednesday.

Searchers dont expect to find woman in sinkhole alive: Pennsylvania police

Investigators believe the suspect was dropped off in a gray four-door sedan that may have been a rideshare. The vehicle left immediately after, Honea said.

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The sheriffs office has not released the suspects name. Honea said they are trying to contact his family before disclosing his identity.

Following the shooting, students were sequestered in a gymnasium and then transported by bus to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they could reunite with their parents.

The schools website says it has been at its current location since 1965, and an update from 2022 says it had just over 30 students. The community of Palermo has a population of nearly 9,500, according to the U.S. Census.

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 PIX11.
WOODWARD, Okla. (KFOR)  According to Woodward Police, two people have died and one person was been taken into custody following a shooting Wednesday evening.

Officers responded to a local Walmart around 5 p.m. on December 4 regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, they found two victims.

LOCAL NEWS: Traumatic experience: Man accused of attacking woman with baseball bat

Police say 42-year-old Christina Alewine died at the scene and 81-year-old Gary Mulbery was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he later died.

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Officials say the suspect, 30-year-old Shane Allison, has been booked into the Woodward County Jail on complaints of First Degree Murder.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
LONDON (Reuters) -British prosecutors said on Thursday they had authorised charges to be brought against two Romanian men over the stabbing of a journalist working for a Persian language media organisation in London in March.

Pouria Zeraati, a British-Iranian journalist who works for Iran International, sustained leg injuries after being stabbed near his home in Wimbledon, southwest London.

Counter-terrorism police have led the investigation into the attack over concerns he had been targeted because of his job at the Persian language television news network, which is critical of Iran's government.

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Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, had been arrested in Romania on Wednesday and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and wounding.

"They have both now appeared in a Romanian court for the start of extradition proceedings," a CPS spokesperson said. "We continue to work closely with Romanian authorities, to ensure that our extradition request is progressed through the courts."

British police, security officials and politicians have issued a number of warnings about what they say is Iran's growing use of criminal proxies to carry out attacks abroad.

In December last year, an Austrian man was convicted in Britain of collecting information that could be used in an attack after he was accused of carrying out "hostile reconnaissance" on Iran International's London headquarters.

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The following month, Britain imposed sanctions on Iranian officials it said were involved in threats to kill journalists on British soil.

The UK's domestic spy chief, Ken McCallum, said in October that since January 2022 his MI5 service and the police had responded to 20 Iranian-backed plots, which potentially posed lethal threats to UK citizens and residents.

Iran rejected those accusations and accused Britain of hosting what it called terrorist groups.

"We're happy for Pouria, who suffered the attack," said Adam Baillie, a spokesperson for Iran International. "And we're delighted that the UK police investigation into the attack has progressed to this stage. It is reassuring for our journalists, as for others in organisations under similar threat."

(Reporting by Michael Holden, Muvija M and Cassell Bryan-Low, Editing by William James and Frances Kerry)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A celebration on Wednesday, December 4, marks the start of a new chapter for two metro organizations during a time when more and more people are needing help.

Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant is the founding director of Prospect KC, a social enterprise that focuses on food access, culinary education and job training.

Taylor Swift Eras tie-in book is a smash, selling more than 800,000 copies in first week

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Now, Prospect KC is merging with Nourish KC, a community kitchen thats been feeding people for decades.

We were already doing our culinary training, and now bringing in that community kitchen piece into the fold is really going to enhance the services that we are able to provide in the community we work with, said McAfee-Bryant, the founding director at Prospect KC.

From inside the kitchen, students in training with Prospect KC now have a bigger space thanks to the community kitchen located on The Paseo.

Our last space was very small and we could only train five to six people per cohort. Moving to next year, we can take that up to 20 to 30 people, continued McAfee-Bryant.

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While the students are essentially removing their own barriers through employment, theyre feeding 400 to 500 people in the community every day.

On top of that, Prospect KC can offer even more services than just a meal.

I think what we really want to do is really instill a strong sense of community in that area and bringing our volunteers and supporters back down to that space, said McAfee-Bryant.

KC Pet Project may be losing contract with Kansas City

Volunteers like Nancy Franklin say the merge just makes sense.

It makes all the difference, she said.

I mean hunger is only growing in this community. The need is only growing and so it feels great to me to be able to help in whatever way I can.

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That growing need isnt slowing down anytime soon, either. Numbers provided by the organization show that up until November, a little more than 524,000 meals were given to people who need it most.

More information about Prospect KC can be found here.

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (WAVY)  Two U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington died shortly after arriving at the ships new homeport in Japan, according to a NavyTimes article published Tuesday.

The two sailors died in separate incidents and were identified as Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales, according to Stars and Stripes. Condon was found unresponsive in an on-base hotel room on Nov. 22, and Morales died off base in Yokosuka a few days later, according to their report.

USS George Washington departs for Japan

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Their deaths are being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) in collaboration with Japanese law enforcement.

The cause of their deaths has not been confirmed, and no additional information was immediately available.

Nexstars WAVY had extensive coverage following a cluster of confirmed suicide cases on the USS George Washington in the past. Nine sailors died by suicide between 2017 and 2022.

USS George Washington left Norfolk on April 25 after spending six years in Hampton Roads at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing maintenance. It headed to Japan to relieve USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka and arrived on Nov. 22.

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Two drug dealers that supplied fentanyl pills to a Carrollton high school girl who fatally overdosed have been sentenced to federal prison, federal prosecutors said.

Lizbeth Prieto, 19, and Cristian Lopez, 24, were charged and indicted in 2023, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Prieto pleaded guilty in November 2023 to distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21 and was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in April.

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Lopez pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced on Monday, Dec. 2, to eight years in federal prison.

Investigators found 10 counterfeit percocet pills in the teenagers room which later tested positive for fentanyl, the release stated. Percocet, a painkiller, is normally a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen.

According to court documents, Lopez supplied fentanyl pills to Prieto, who provided them to the victim, a 15-year-old student at Carrollton-Newman Smith High School.

Investigators said the victims Instagram conversation revealed that she bought 13 fentanyl pills for $100 from Prieto. After confirming she could pay with cash, Prieto arrived at the home to deliver the pills, approximately 24 hours before the death, the release stated.

Selling poison in the form of fentanyl to our youth is one of the most treacherous and evil ways to hurt our community, said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. To all of those who still continue to traffic fentanyl pills: DEA Dallas and our law enforcement partners such as Carrollton PD will find you and hold you accountable for your selfish actions.
Two Romanian men have been charged after prominent British-based Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his London home.

Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, were arrested in Romania on Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The pair were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding following an investigation by British counter-terrorism police.

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Extradition proceedings are under way, the CPS said.

Mr Zeraati, who hosts a show on the Persian language television network Iran International, was attacked by two people as he left his home on March 29 this year.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Services Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised charges against two Romanian nationals.

The charges relate to an attack on a journalist in Wimbledon on the afternoon of Friday, 29 March 2024.

They have both now appeared in a Romanian court for the start of extradition proceedings.

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We continue to work closely with Romanian authorities, to ensure that our extradition request is progressed through the courts.

The Metropolitan Police previously said the investigation was led by counter terror police because of the victims occupation as a journalist at a Persian-language media organisation based in the UK, coupled with the fact there have been a number of threats directed towards this group of journalists in recent times.

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.
Two boys, ages 5 and 6, are hospitalized in extremely critical condition after they were shot at a religious school in the community of Palermo by a suspected gunman who then took his own life, according to the Butte County Sheriff.

Sheriff Kory Honea said that at about 1:08 p.m., the California Highway Patrol received calls about a possible shooting on the campus of Feather River Adventist School, a campus run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The K-8 school, which is located about ten miles south of Oroville and about 60 miles north of Sacramento, serves nearly 35 children, according to its website.

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Honea said that officials were told by school staff that the suspect, an adult man, made an appointment several days ago to come onto the campus on Wednesday to meet with the principal to discuss the possibility of enrolling a student.

Shortly after that meeting, the principal heard shots being fired and school officials determined that the boys were shot, Honea said.

Once CHP officers and deputies arrived at the campus, they located the suspects body and a handgun nearby, and began to search the school grounds, Honea said.

The two boys who were shot were taken to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, a source told FOX40.com.

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The children are in extremely critical condition, Honea said, adding that he is thankful that they are still alive.

Students were outside of their classrooms at the time of the shooting and were later gathered in the schools gym before being taken to an Oroville church on a school bus to be reunited with their families.

Honea said that there did not appear to be a relation between the suspect and the children shot, and officials are investigating if there indeed is a child who the suspect was trying to enroll.

Honea said that officials have received information that leads us to believe that the subject responsible for the shooting targeted this school because of its association with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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The suspect was dropped off at the school by a vehicle that officials determined was a rideshare vehicle and the driver was contacted and questioned by investigators, Honea said.

A stretch of Highway 70 was closed for several hours as part of the investigation but reopened after investigators had searched an area of the campus that sits alongside it.

The sheriff added that investigators have identified the suspect and that with help from the FBI are trying to determine more details about his background and what may have led up to the shooting.

Were no stranger to those kinds of things, but when youre talking about little kids like this, who cant defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart, Honea said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will hold a virtual and in-person meeting to discuss the proposed six-lane widening project on I-20 in Taylor County.

The proposed improvements would take place from west of Abilene city limits to 0.6 miles west of Catclaw Creek in Taylor County. In December 2024, TxDOT will conduct a meeting and online presentation to gather public input on the proposed project to widen I-20 to three lanes in each direction. Along with adding lanes, the project will enhance ramps and frontage roads, include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and reconfigure the U.S. 277/U.S. 83 interchange.

TxDOT proposes I-20 West Widening Project in Abilene

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The virtual option will be available from Thursday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m. until midnight on Friday, December 20. It will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation that includes both audio and visual components.

The in-person meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Purcell Elementary School, located at 3633 North 14th Street. This will be an open house format, allowing attendees to view the same presentation that will be shown in the virtual public meeting on a screen. Participants will also have the opportunity to review hard copies of project materials and ask questions.

According to TxDOT, Although additional right of way would be required, no residential or non-residential structures are anticipated to be displaced at this time. Information concerning services and benefits available to affected property owners and information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction can be obtained from the TxDOT district office by calling 325-676-6810.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go.

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KELOLAND This Morning

We have an update on a case involving a body found stuffed into a black bag at a Sioux Falls apartment. More than a year after the crime, one of the suspects in the case plans to change her plea. 28-year-old Taylor Crossley is charged with murder, manslaughter and assault for the July 2023 crime.

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Plea change in 2023 black bag murder

A boy who went viral on social media for Yodeling in Walmart is coming to South Dakota. Mason Ramsey now has a budding music career. His tour is making a stop in Sioux Falls tonight.

Walmart Yodel Kid, Mason Ramsey, coming to Sioux Falls

It has marked three months since a Sioux Falls man disappeared. The search for Tyler Weathersby continues. So far police detectives are still tracking down leads, but say there is no indication of a crime.

Search for Tyler Weathersby marks 3 months

For the latest top stories and breaking news, download our news app.

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Ursula Bannister was hoping to catch a view of Mount Rainier from High Rock Lookout earlier this year when she began hiking near Ashford, Washington. Instead, the 79-year-old found herself stranded and alone after a misstep left her with a broken ankle.

Bannisters annual trip to High Rock Trail is one of great importance  its where her mothers ashes are laid to rest  so she didnt hesitate to make the journey alone.

I know the trail very well, and there are always many people there, Bannister said. When I couldnt find anyone to accompany me on this outing, I just went by myself.

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After eating lunch at the lookout platform, Bannister began to make her way back down the trail when her leg gave out after stepping into a shallow hole. The septuagenarian said the pain was immediate and she began calling out for help from nearby hikers, including Airman 1st Class Troy May, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron heavy aircraft integrated avionics specialist.

While other hikers tried getting in touch with emergency responders, May said he knew Bannister needed immediate medical attention.

My first thought was if I could carry her down, I should carry her down and get her there as quickly as I can, May recalled.

The Air Force reported that May slung Bannister onto his back and began the descent, but he was contending with gravity pulling Bannister off his back, his cowboy boots causing him unneeded pain, and attempting to ensure a smooth and level descent for Bannister by constantly braking with his legs.

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She was definitely in a lot of pain, May said. I told her just a few more steps and wed get her there.

During the descent, May and his friend, Layton Allen, took turns carrying Bannister.

Once we got down, we loaded her into her car, elevated her foot and started driving to the hospital, May said. We met search and rescue about 30 minutes down the road, put ice on her foot, drove the rest of the way to the hospital and waited for her son to get there.

Several days later, Bannister  freshly out of surgery and recovering at home  called May to thank him for everything.

I truly felt that these two guys were meant to be there to save me, and that sort of swam in my subconscious at the time, Bannister said. I considered them my angels.

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Because of his act of heroism, May was awarded an achievement medal on September 9, 2024.

U.S. Army photo

One of the Air Forces core values is service before self, and Airman 1st Class May clearly exemplified that core value with his actions, Lt. Col. Joshua Clifford, 62nd AMXS commander, said. While our team of Airmen showcase amazing accomplishments every day, we relish the opportunity to focus on one Airmans courage and recognize them for truly living the Air Forces core values.
The federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its rape club womens prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement, The Associated Press has learned.

The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and its deactivate minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities, the agency said.

The union president at FCI Thompson says theres no room for more inmates at the prison in Illinois.

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Were actually 100% full right now, Jon Zumkehr told Our Quad Cities News. I dont know how  but it wouldnt be the first time that they overcrowded a prison.

In a document obtained by the AP, the Bureau of Prisons said it was taking decisive and strategic action to address significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources. The agency said it is not downsizing and is committed to finding positions for every affected employee.

The closures are a striking coda to the Biden administrations stewardship of the Justice Departments biggest agency. After repeatedly promising to reform FCI Dublin and other troubled facilities, the Bureau of Prisons is pivoting to closures and consolidation, citing inadequate staffing and staggering costs to repair aging infrastructure.

The permanent shutdown of FCI Dublin seven months after it was temporarily closed in the wake of staff-on-inmate abuse is the clearest sign yet that the agency, which has more than 30,000 employees, 158,000 inmates and an annual budget of about $8 billion, is unable or unwilling to rehabilitate its most problematic institutions.

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The Bureau of Prisons and the union representing correctional officers have repeatedly pushed for additional federal prison funding, highlighting what they say is an inadequate amount of money to address pay increases, staff retention and a multibillion-dollar repair backlog.

In a document summarizing the closures, the Bureau of Prisons said it decided to close FCI Dublin after a security and infrastructure assessment following its temporary closure in April. At the time, it appeared the agency was set on closing the low-security prison, but officials held out the possibility that it could be repaired and reopened for a different purpose, such as housing male inmates.

The assessment identified considerable repairs necessary to reopen the FCI Dublin, the agency said. Low staffing, exacerbated by the high cost of living in the Bay Area, also contributed to the decision to close the facility, the agency said.

As the agency navigates a challenging budgetary and staffing environment, we must make incredibly difficult decisions. FCI Dublin will not reopen, the agency said.

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FCI Dublins permanent closure represents an extraordinary acknowledgement by the Bureau of Prisons that it has failed to fix the facilitys culture and environment in the wake of AP reporting that exposed rampant sexual abuse within its walls. Hundreds of people who were incarcerated at FCI Dublin are suing the agency, seeking reforms and monetary compensation for mistreatment at the facility.

The closures at FCI Dublin and across the federal prison system come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. AP reporting has disclosed rampant criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, deaths and severe staffing shortages that have hampered responses to emergencies, including inmate assaults and suicides.

In July, President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency after AP reporting shone a spotlight on its many flaws.

FILE  The Federal Correctional Institution stands in Dublin, Calif., Dec. 5, 2022. The federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its rape club womens prison in California and will idle six other facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement, the Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

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The Biden administration and lawmakers in Congress are raising alarm over Russian interference in presidential elections in Romania, a NATO ally that borders Ukraine and the Black Sea.

Romanias security council declassified intelligence this week that a Russian-backed online influence campaign promoted the election of the ultranationalist and Moscow-friendly candidate Calin Georgescu, who went from relative obscurity to win the first-round vote late last month.

A run-off vote will take place on Sunday, where Georgescu faces off against the second-place candidate, reformist Elena Lasconi.

Calin Georgescu, an independent candidate for president who came first after the first round of presidential election, speaks to media after casting his vote in the countrys parliamentary election in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

We are concerned by the Romanian Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT)s report of Russian involvement in malign cyber activity designed to influence the integrity of the Romanian electoral process, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Data referenced in the report should be fully investigated to ensure the integrity of Romanias electoral process.

Reps. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), the chair and ranking member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, respectively, condemned Russian interference in Romanias presidential contest and urged vigilance heading into Sundays vote.

Romania is an exemplary U.S. partner and NATO ally. The Romanian people prize their sovereignty and independence and deserve to live free from Russian imperialism and war criminal Putins delusional designs, the lawmakers wrote.

We urge vigilance from the Romanian people as they go into their presidential election this weekend.

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In a report released Wednesday, Romanias intelligence service described an aggressive promotion campaign to exploit algorithms of some social media platforms, in particular TikTok, to rapidly increase Calin Georgescus popularity, leading him to jump from one percent in the polls at the beginning of November, to win the first round of votes with nearly 23 percent.

Georgescu, in an interview with the Associated Press hours before the intelligence reports were published, denied that he is pro-Russian. But he has said previously that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a man who loves his country, called Ukraine an invented state, and expressed skepticism of NATOs utility.

The European Commission on Wednesday issued a retention order to TikTok to freeze and preserve data related to the Romanian elections and also upcoming elections in the European Union.

Another Romanian Intelligence Service report documented 85,000 cyberattacks targeting information systems supporting the electoral process, and said the scale of the cyber campaign and the methods employed pointed to a state attacker.

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The intelligence reports were declassified by Romanias outgoing President Klaus Iohannis.

Romania  together with other countries on the Eastern Flank of NATO  has become a priority for Russias hostile actions, read another Romanian intelligence analysis.

There is a growing interest in the Kremlin to influence (at least) the mood and agenda in Romanian society in an electoral context through propaganda and disinformationsupporting Eurosceptic candidates and fueling anti-system movements, the report continues.

Alleged Russian interference in Romanias elections follows allegations of Russian interference in Moldovas presidential elections earlier this year, where the Kremlin was accused of supporting vote-buying efforts and a propaganda campaign to defeat a referendum on accession to the European Union, and the re-election of President Maia Sandu.

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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  While the human bodys immune system is generally able to defend against harmful germs, diseases like cancer are trickier to fight off. Because of this, University of Illinois scientists are working to find a more effective way to attack cancer cells directly.

After the body has finished fighting an infection, it produces regulatory T cells, or Tregs, which sends signals to slow the immune system down.

U of I team develops Nanorobot hand to diagnose, block viruses

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For something like breast cancer, however, the body is forced to create too many T cells. This slows the immune system down too much, making it unable to fight tumor growth. Doctors have relied on therapies that attack cancer cells directly, but these arent always the most effective.

Traditional treatments that attack cancer cells with chemotherapy and radiation come with limitations, Associate Professor Erik Nelson told Cancer Center at Illinois. They can damage healthy tissues near the tumor, which can cause side effects, and further weaken an already depleted immune system, leaving the body susceptible to other infections.

Nelson and his team have investigated new immunotherapies, in the form of treatments that prime the immune system to kill cancer cells.

Realistically, we must target cancer cells and engage the immune system to move toward curative treatments, Nelson said.

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The team has published two papers in Cancer Letters focusing on NR0B2. They believe the protein has the potential to stop or slow T cells from suppressing the immune system.

NR0B2 can also help to reduce the number of immune-suppressive T cells. With fewer T cells, the immune system would not over suppress itself, leaving it strong enough to attack tumor growth.

U of I student group taking steps outside classroom to help babies

The researchers said NR0B2 would be an approach with limited side effects and negative impacts on a patient. In continuing their research, graduate student Hashni Epa Vidana Gamage and Nelson asked Cancer Center at Illinois Deputy Director Paul Hergenrother to join their team.

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The Cancer Center at Illinois does an excellent job of promoting interdisciplinary research and facilitating effective collaborations, said Nelson. Since that collaborative fabric is in place, Hashni and I were able to approach Paul and initiate these studies efficiently.

Next in their research, the team worked to develop NR0B2 for testing. Vidana Gamage examined the variations that have the potential to slow or stop immune suppression.

It is a back-and-forth process. We screen derivatives against models in a petri dish, take that data back to the lab, and they would design more compounds. Thats how we ended up with a compound that may target the pathway that activates suppression of the immune system, Vidana Gamage said.

The team has found that an increased amount of NR0B2 led to decreased immune system suppression. And, that this research may also be applicable for other types of cancer, in addition to breast cancer.

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Because were altering the immune system and not targeting the cancer cells themselves, we think its potentially applicable to all solid tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies, Nelson said.

The team continues to investigate how NR0B2 may impact the immune system, and if it could be a viable option for cancer patients.

The vision is to position this for the treatment of tumors, either as a single agent or combined with other immunotherapies, Vidana Gamage said. Were continuing to refine our understanding of how the compound works in animal models as we work to make this approach viable for human clinical trials.

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U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardonas visit Wednesday to Salt Lake County comes at an uncertain moment for the 45-year-old federal agency.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged in the past to shutter the Department of Education, promising we will move everything back to the states, where it belongs.

Cardona spent much of Wednesday meeting with students and educators at two Utah schools. First he met with educators, social workers and mental health support professionals at Kearns Junior High, followed by a visit to Salt Lake Community Colleges South City Campus to engage with students involved in career technical education programs.

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Following his visits to the two Utah schools, Cardona was asked about the possible demise of the education department that he directs.

He offered a direct comment:

What the next administration is going to do  Ill leave it up to them, he said.

But, he added, the educational support programs highlighted during his visits to the two Utah schools were made possible because of a federal department of education that understood the needs  and funneled not only money, but also guidance, resources and support  so they are able to be successful.

Utah is the 48th state Cardona has visited since being appointed to President Joe Bidens Cabinet. He left impressed with the people he met.

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No matter how pretty the building is or how much technology or funding (a school) has  it all boils down to caring people.

His brief glimpse at Utah revealed uplift and support.

My takeaway from my visit here is that there are caring educators who do what they need to do for their students; who work together to make sure that whatever their students need, they get.

Many other states, he added, could learn from what Utah is doing.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, center right, speaks with Kearns Junior High School Principal Kelli Miller, left, and Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley, center, as Cardona tours the junior high school in Kearns during a visit focused on mental health and career technical education on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona listens to a school representative speak as part of a roundtable during his visit focused on mental health and career technical education at Kearns Junior High School in Kearns on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with Nayeli Lopez, 15, a sophomore at Kearns High School, after a roundtable during Cardonas visit focused on mental health and career technical education at Kearns Junior High School in Kearns on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with school representatives as part of a roundtable during his visit focused on mental health and career technical education at Kearns Junior High School in Kearns on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

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U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with students and school representatives at the South City Campus of Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City during his visit focused on mental health and career technical education on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, center left, talks to Josh Elstein, right, program director for arts and new media, as Cardona tours the South City Campus of Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City during a visit focused on mental health and career technical education on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with students and school representatives at the South City Campus of Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City during his visit focused on mental health and career technical education on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Cardona asked a roundtable of SLCC students what he and other educators could offer to help them succeed.

What Im hearing is that we need to do more of what they are already doing well, he said. We have (Utah) high school students graduating with associates degrees  not spending $150,000 on a college program.  That shouldnt be a rare occurrence in the United States. That should be how we do business.

The education secretarys audience of college students Wednesday was a diverse group. Some were first-generation college students. Some had experienced trauma. Some had been forced to miss school at times to care for loved ones.

Thats not a red or blue issue  thats a student issue, he said. It would be great for Sen. (Mike) Lee to see what I saw today (for) when decisions have to be made about full-service community schools or funding community colleges or increasing Pell Grants  which President Biden increased by $900 in the last four years, giving access and affordability to all students.

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Students today, he added, need support to realize their God-given potential. Investing in their education benefits all.

The Utah student that requires additional support has better income potential to add to the economy of Utah, said Cardona. Its not a red or blue issue  its a green issue.

The nation cant grow, he said, without investing in education. So for those folks who want to get political points by attacking DEI or trying to be the hero, youre hurting the economy of your state.

All students should be successful. I dont care what you call it  just keep politics out of the classroom. Lets focus on supporting our students, supporting our institutions like (SLCC) that gives students an opportunity to not only grow, but to help their families and to end the cycle of poverty that exists in so many parts of our country.

Lifting students at a pivotal moment

Cardonas roundtable session at Kearns Junior High focused on the importance of community partnerships and supporting mental health.

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Participants included a high school student, a social worker, a school principal and community service leaders.

Despite the novelty of sitting across the table from the nations chief educator, the discussion was informal and interactive, with Cardona leading a friendly chat.

Highlights included discussions on the role of local churches and high school students in supporting families  and the residual impact of the pandemic on student social skills and mental health, including the alarming normalization of student isolation.

Funding, panelists noted, is necessary for mental health services.

And the youth, they agreed, can play key leadership roles across the educational system.

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The best resource we have is our students, said Cardona. How we organize them and give them voice and agency will help us determine how we move forward.

The education secretary asked what the roundtable participants would ask for if they could wave a magic wand and help inform his leadership duties.

I would like to see early support for parents  as soon as a child is born, said one participant. Early education for parents can prevent so much. And the second thing is to get students in for (speedier) mental health services.

There are waiting lists that are six months long, and when I have a student who is highly suicidal, thats too long.

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Cardona encouraged the panelists to be leaders who Manage Up when working with education boards, school superintendents, lawmakers and federal officials who control purse strings for full-service community schools.

You have to manage up, he said. You have to have a unified voice around students.

The value of community colleges

After wrapping up his tour and discussion at Kearns Junior, Cardona hustled to SLCCs South City Campus to tour the schools arts and digital media program. He tried his hand at operating a sound mixer and a camera in the virtual production studio.

Then he sat down with a group of SLCC students that included photography, journalism and fashion institute students.

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Like the Kearns gathering, the roundtable was informal and open as students spoke with the education secretary about their diverse experiences and suggestions that included advocacy for concurrent enrollment programs and practical, hands-on learning.

One student shared her ongoing experience as a first-generation college student. Guidance and support for such students, she noted, is critical.

SLCC President Greg Peterson joined the roundtable and said one way to crack the code to better student outcomes is to align the incentives for higher ed with K-through-12. ... If they are aligned, its a lot easier for us to do a concurrent course. We can overlap a lot more of those experiences.

Wrapping up, Cardona called the Bidens cheerleaders for community colleges such as SLCC.

Were going to lift up this school, he said, as a model of what other schools in this country should be doing to give students an opportunity to succeed at the highest levels.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  For the first time, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on state laws banning transgender medical care for young people.

The court heard testimony Wednesday on a Tennessee law that banned gender-affirming care for those under 18, with a decision to follow.

Supreme Court Latest: Majority of justices appear likely to uphold state ban on transgender care

The case will impact Arkansans, considering it was the first in the nation to pass a law banning gender-affirming treatments for anyone under 18, then the first in the country to have that ban struck down.

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The Arkansas ban resulted from the passage of the SAFE Act, sponsored by State Rep. Robin Lundstrum (R-Elm Springs), in the state legislature in May 2021.

An injunction by the 8th Circuit Court temporarily stopped that law from being enforced, and court watchers expect the Supreme Courts ruling on the case to have a major impact on future decisions regarding gender-affirming care, including maintaining the Arkansas law injunction.

The injunction is currently being appealed.

Arkansas politicians speak out after court upholds transgender treatment ban block

ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams, along with transgender people in the state, has stressed throughout the debate that gender-affirming care should be a private decision made between families and their doctors.

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Thats a decision that individuals should be able to make with their doctors rather than the state deciding as a blanket matter you should under no conditions have this sort of care, Williams said.

Lundstrum has argued for years now that the gender decision is far too big of an issue for anyone under 18 to make.

Much like in Arkansas, you cant have alcohol, or smoke cigarettes, or have a tattoo, rent property, drive a car because under 18 because you dont have the ability to make a bunch of solid decisions, Lundstrum said in a 2022 interview.

Arkansas AG Griffin files notice to appeal decision striking SAFE Act youth transgender care ban

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The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision by June 2025.

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FORTH SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The University of Arkansas Fort Smiths Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing has formed a new academic partnership with the University of the Ozarks to support students pursuing nursing careers.

Through a 2+2 articulation agreement, students will complete the first two years of their nursing education at the University of the Ozarks before transferring to UAFS to finish their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

This partnership offers a streamlined pathway for students to earn their nursing degree, simplifying the transition between the two universities.

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This collaboration enhances the educational experience by combining the strengths of both institutions, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive, high-quality education and are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for practice-ready nurses, Dr. Paula Julian, associate dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences and executive director of the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing, said.

Stop the stink: River Valley residents host town hall discussing Denali Water lawsuit

The partnership between the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) and the University of the Ozarks was recently formalized with the signing of an agreement by UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley and University of the Ozarks President Richard Dunsworth.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projects shortages of over 3,500 registered nurses in Arkansas alone within the next decade. Neighboring states Oklahoma and Texas are also facing significant nursing shortages, with projections indicating nearly 7,000 and 32,000 fewer nurses, respectively.

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Educational institutions must work together to create opportunities to fill this void, Dunsworth said. The 2+2 agreement between our universities will help address this need. We are excited about this new partnership with UAFS.

The nursing field is expected to grow substantially, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasting a nine percent increase in nursing employment from 2020 to 2030, adding approximately 276,800 jobs.

This partnership builds on our existing relationship, offering students a clear pathway to a nursing career and contributing to the regions healthcare workforce, Dr. D. Antonio Cantu, dean of UAFS College of Health, Education and Human Sciences, 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 KNWA FOX24.
Uber Eats is now delivering food in bags made from fallen leaves collected from urban areas, according to Packaging Europe.

The food delivery service announced it is partnering with Releaf Paper to make the bags, and the initiative will start with a pilot project in Paris. According to the publication, Parisian restaurants will be able to access Releaf's packaging products through Uber Eats' Green Packaging Marketplace.

Alexander Sobolenko, general manager of Releaf Paper, explained the benefits of the new bags during Uber's Go Get Zero event in London.

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"We transform waste into eco-friendly materials that are both beautiful and functional," he said. "This innovative approach reduces deforestation and carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future."

Deforestation has broad impacts on humanity, The Humane League explains. These include an increase in zoonotic diseases as animals seek shelter in more populated areas, and food insecurity, as communities lose the resources they need to survive. The loss of forests also contributes to the warming of our planet, which is leading to even more devastating consequences like worsening heat waves that put people at risk of heat-related illnesses.

Uber Eats' new leaf bag project is just one of many eco-friendly initiatives that major brands are employing to cut down on packaging waste. For instance, Amazon is rolling out a reusable packaging trial in five European countries as part of a partnership with circular packaging companies RE-ZIP and Hipli. Plus, clothing company Prana is rolling out seaweed-based compostable packaging to replace plastic.

Meanwhile, it doesn't have to be "go big or go home"  Sobolenko points to the global impacts of local solutions like the new partnership between Releaf and Uber Eats.

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"We're thrilled to be a part of Uber's ambitious journey towards a zero-emissions future, starting in Paris," he said. "Our collaboration on the Paris Innovation Pilot is a significant step forward in proving that local solutions, like our paper bags made with fallen leaves, can make a big impact globally."

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.
Students returning from Thanksgiving break at the University of Georgia are mourning after one of their classmates was killed in a car crash.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the wreck occurred on Nov. 29, around 2:40 p.m. on Georgia 24 near Thomas Farm Road in Oconee County.

The investigation revealed that a Honda Accord, driven by Jackson Dodgen, 19, Brunswick, GA was traveling north on GA 24. Troopers said a Ford F-150, driven by a 35-year-old Madison man was traveling south on GA 24.

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GSP said the F-150 crossed the centerline and hit the Honda Accord head-on.

Dodgen was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

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Dodgens death broke the hearts of former colleagues and friends he knew and loved.

He truly is an inspiration and is bringing so many people together at UGA. I wish you all peace and he truly meant the world to not just me but so many people and areas of campus, friend Robert Fuss said on Dodgens memorial wall on Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Homes website.

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He was always phenomenal, kind, funnyall of the good things. But most importantly, he cared so deeply and wonderfully about the people around him. It was a blessing that I got to know him and love him, Aizhia Poblete said.

We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Jackson Dodgen, a former team member and friend. Jackson left an imprint on... Posted by Chick-fil-A Brunswick on Sunday, December 1, 2024

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UGA has created a Jackson Dodgen Memorial Fund in memory of his connections to the UGA Visitors Center.

The university states that the 19-year-old served as a campus tour leader and that the UGA Visitors Center was a special place to him. The fund will help students who are passionate about connecting visitors with UGA and help Jacksons legacy continue for generations.

Click here to donate.

Dodgens funeral will be held on Dec. 7. at the First Baptist Church of Brunswick at noon.

The crash remains under investigation.
Britain is on the precipice of a third nuclear age in which it must face down multiple threats, the head of the armed forces has warned.

In an annual address at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London, chief of the defence staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Britain and its western allies were facing wild threats from the alliance of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

After the first phase of the nuclear age during the Cold War and the second age defined by disarmament, Sir Tony said the world was now entering a third era in which nuclear threats and exercises are becoming more prevalent again.

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From Russia, we have seen wild threats of tactical nuclear use, large-scale nuclear exercises and simulated attacks against Nato countries, all designed to coerce us from taking the action required to maintain stability, he said.

Chinas nuclear build-up poses a two-peer challenge to the United States. Irans failure to co-operate with the International Atomic Energy Agency is a concern, and North Koreas ballistic missile programme and erratic behaviour present a regional and, increasingly, a global threat.

The self-described optimist was quick to caveat his comments, however, saying there would be only a remote chance Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war.

He laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict.

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He told the audience Britain needed to be clear-eyed in our assessment of the threats it faces, adding: That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and thats the same for the whole of Nato.

Moscow knows the response will be overwhelming, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be kept strong and strengthened.

Sir Tony added: We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.

He said the UKs nuclear arsenal is the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (president Vladimir) Putin than anything else.

Successive British governments had invested substantial sums of money in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added.
LONDON (AP)  British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed Thursday to take on the alliance of naysayers and the bureaucratic nonsense that have hampered construction projects in the U.K., as he outlined a series of new pledges that he hopes will change the narrative on his five-month-old government following a slide in its approval ratings.

In a speech at Pinewood Film Studios west of London, Starmer said his Plan for Change represented the next phase of his center-left Labour government, which was elected in a landslide victory in July on a promise to get Britains sluggish economy growing and restore frayed public services such as the state-funded National Health Service.

While Starmer's office insisted that the speech was not a relaunch, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the main opposition Conservative Party said it was an emergency reset by a floundering administration that "doesnt know what it is doing.

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Starmer set out six milestones by which his government can be assessed by the time of the next election, which has to take place by summer 2029. They include raising living standards, building 1.5 million homes in England. clearing hospital backlogs, bolstering community policing, improving early years education and securing home-grown energy.

We face an almighty challenge to hit these milestones by the end of this Parliament," he said. Our plan for change that is the most ambitious and credible program for government in a generation and we embrace the risk that comes with that.

Critics said the government had scaled back its ambitions and sidelined the need to get migration levels down, an omission pounced upon by the Conservatives and anti-immigration party, Reform U.K.

Many of the aspirations for the economy and housing will depend hugely on reforming the planning process so the government can override local concerns to get something built. Highlighting how a tunnel full of bats has caused a costly delay in the construction of a high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham, Starmer said things have to change.

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We havent built a reservoir for over 30 years, and even the projects we do approve are fought tooth and nail, nail and tooth, until you end up with the absurd spectacle of a 100 million-pound bat tunnel holding up the countrys single biggest infrastructure project, driving up taxes and the cost of living beyond belief," he said. Ill tell you now, this government will not accept this nonsense any more.

Starmer will hope the speech can turn the tide for a government that has struggled to maintain momentum since the election after a row over freebies, the removal from millions of retirees a payment that helps cover winter heating costs and opposition from many businesses and farmers over Octobers big tax-hiking budget.

Starmer has insisted that the early months in power have been all about fixing the foundations" because the previous Conservative government, which had been in power for 14 years, left a 22 billion-pound ($28 billion) black hole in the public finances, a charge vigorously denied by the Conservatives.

The governments first budget in late October included billions in new money for the health system, but also hiked a tax paid by employers to the alarm of many businesses, and imposed inheritance tax on farmers for the first time in decades.

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Starmers poll ratings have plunged deep into negative territory  though the opposition Conservatives are no more popular. With the two main parties struggling, voters are increasingly looking at alternatives, such as the centrist Liberal Democrats and Reform U.K., which took votes from the Conservatives at the last election and is now targeting Labour heartland areas such as the north of England and Wales.

The challenge for the Labour government is to make sure that voters see a visible improvement by the time of the next election, and Starmer knows that.

Now, populism isnt the answer to Britains challenges," he said. Easy answers wont make our country strong.

Much of Starmer's time as prime minister has been focused overseas. In Europe, he is trying to reset Britains relations with the European Union following years of acrimony over Brexit. But efforts to move closer to the bloc risk angering incoming President Donald Trump, who is hostile to the EU and has threatened to impose tariffs on European goods.
Britain may not be able to produce enough vaccines in the event of another pandemic, an influential committee in the House of Lords has warned.

While Britain was able to produce a novel vaccine quickly for Covid-19, there is no guarantee that we would be able to do this for the next pandemic, Baroness Brown, the chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, said in a letter to the government.

The unusually pointed letter, which was addressed directly to Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and drew on testimony from prominent scientists involved in the UKs Covid vaccine efforts, came amid growing concern about the threat posed by H5N1 bird flu.

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Witnesses heard by the committee raised troubling concerns about our capacity to manufacture vaccines for future biological threats, she said in the letter, which was published on Thursday.

Dr Adam Ritchie, a top immunologist who helped deliver the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, told the committee in October that there are big programmes to improve manufacturing capacity in almost every other part of the world at the moment, but there is very little here that would allow us to pivot quickly.

Britain is well-placed to develop world-leading vaccine research but risks squandering its advantage and is falling behind other countries, the letter said.

Professor Sandy Douglas, who led the development of the large-scale manufacturing process for the AstraZeneca jab, told the committee the really big playersthe US, Japanare investing orders of magnitude more money in vaccine technology than we are.

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While expansion of UK vaccine manufacturing capacity has stalled, the EU has acted to ensure its programmes are ready, warm-lit, stocked, staffed and have the process to produce up to 325 million doses in a year when the EU says so, Prof Douglas said.

The unusually pointed letter was addressed directly to Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

It is not the first time that concerns have been raised that the UK is forgetting the lessons of the Covid and falling behind other countries.

In March, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India which produces nearly two billion vaccine doses for the world every year, told The Telegraph that he was dismayed that the pandemic did not become a catalyst for countries to invest in vaccine production.

To ensure it is ready for the next pandemic, the UK should set up a peacetime vaccine task force run by a Chief Vaccines Officer to help keep the UKs vaccine manufacturing and research and development sectors active, Baroness Brown wrote.

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Unlike the governments Vaccine Taskforce, which procured vaccines for the UK and closed in October 2022, the new peacetime taskforce would focus on responding to foreign disease outbreaks and emerging threats.

The government must also support a range of different vaccine technologies, amid concerns that its partnership with Moderna means the UK is overly reliant on mRNA jabs.

It should also conduct regular pandemic preparedness exercises and ensure that university research facilities and collaboration schemes that are important for vaccine development remain funded on a long-term basis.

Having a resilient domestic vaccine development secretary is a critically important sovereign capability for security, Baroness Brown said.

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The committees warning came after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced it had begun stockpiling doses of H5 bird flu vaccine.

The jabs are to be manufactured by the Australian-owned company CSL Seqirus (CSLS) at its main UK manufacturing plant in Liverpool.

H5N1 avian flu is currently spreading rapidly among US dairy cattle, raising fears that it could adapt to be able to spread between humans and trigger a pandemic.

Recent developments raise concerns, and the sector needs renewed focus and Government support to ensure that lessons are learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and capacity retained, Baroness Brown said.

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The UK government has revised its travel guidance for Bangladesh, cautioning that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the South Asian nation.

Issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday evening, the update reinforces existing advice against all but essential travel.

It highlights risks to foreign nationals in crowded areas and at religious places and political rallies, warning that some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam.

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The advisory flags previous attacks involving improvised explosive devices in major cities and notes potential threats to minority religious communities, police and security forces. Authorities may impose additional security measures or restrict movement at short notice as they work to disrupt potential attacks.

The FCDO describes Bangladeshs political situation as volatile, noting that demonstrations and strikes frequently escalate into violence.

Clashes with law enforcement, arson, vandalism, and attacks on property or public transport in the past have resulted in fatalities.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh party members hold a demonstration at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka on 3 December 2024 (AFP via Getty)

While the guidance is not legally binding, ignoring it may invalidate travel insurance.

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The update comes after parliamentary debates highlighting concerns over the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Catherine West, minister for the Indo-Pacific, addressed the House of Commons on Monday, referencing the Indian governments concern over the recent arrest of Bangladeshi Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.

We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Ms West said, adding that the FCDO is closely monitoring developments.

She noted that during her recent visit to Bangladesh, the interim government assured her of its support for minority communities.

Students beat a policeman with sticks during a protest over a controversial quota system for government job applicants in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 18 July 2024 (AP)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government was overthrown in a mass street agitation earlier this year, has accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a genocide and failing to safeguard the countrys minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

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Speaking virtually from New York at an event marking Bangladeshs Vijay Diwas, Ms Hasina alleged a plot to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, akin to the 1975 killing of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The remarks, delivered in Bengali, marked Ms Hasinas first public address since she fled Bangladesh for India in August.

Referring to the storming of her residence in Dhaka by the agitators on 5 August, she said, The armed protestors were directed towards Ganabhaban. If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost. It was a matter of 25-30 minutes and I was forced to leave. I told them not to fire no matter what happened.

She accused Mr Yunus of employing the state to target religious minorities in the country. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians  no one has been spared. Eleven churches have been razed, temples and Buddhist shrines have been broken. And when Hindus protested, the Iskcon leader was arrested, she said, referencing Mr Dass detention.

Sheikh Hasina waits to cast her vote in Bangladeshs general election in Dhaka on 7 January 2024 (AP)

She also alleged a deliberate campaign of persecution. What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly persecuted and attacked? Ms Hasina asked while accusing Mr Yunus of systematically carrying out atrocities under the guise of governance.

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The exiled prime minister highlighted growing strain in relations between Bangladesh and neighbour India under Mr Yunuss rule, with New Delhi expressing concern over attacks on minority groups.

Indias foreign ministry recently condemned the rise in extremist rhetoric and violent incidents and called on Bangladeshs interim government to protect minorities.

Our position on the matter is very clear: the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities, the ministrys spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said on Friday. He called for a fair and transparent resolution of Mr Dass case which has drawn international attention.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders and supporters march in Dhaka on 8 November 2024 (AFP via Getty)

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Ms Hasina said she fled Bangladesh to prevent further violence but lamented that her departure had failed to stop the bloodshed. When people were dying indiscriminately, I decided I should leave, she said, criticising the interim administration for continuing its violent clampdown.

While Mr Yunus is yet to respond to Ms Hasinas accusations, he urged the countrys politicians on Wednesday to keep differences at bay to counter Indian aggression.

They are undermining our efforts to build a new Bangladesh and spreading fictitious stories, he told a gathering of Bangladeshi politicians, in an apparent reference to New Delhis condemnation of the attacks on minorities.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and Ukraine continues to push this adage to new heights of technical and tactical ingenuity in the use of aerial drone technology to fight the Russian invasion.

After having dramatically reshaped the tactical combat on land since their introduction by Ukrainian forces in the spring of 2023, highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) drones have rapidly become a key asset in Ukraines counter-drone efforts as more and more Ukrainian units employ them to intercept Russian fixed-wing reconnaissance drones.

Since May 2024, this author has visually confirmed almost 650 interceptions of this type  mostly taking place at a distance of 1,000-3,000 meters  across the entire frontline using open-source information released by a variety of sources, including social media channels and accounts of Ukrainian units, humanitarian organizations, and more. Similarly, the Tochnyi collective project has recently documented and geolocated more than 850 interceptions of Russian drones by Ukrainian FPVs, further corroborating this trend. The real number of Russian unmanned aerial systems, or UAS, shot down with this technique is likely higher, considering that not all interceptions are recorded or publicly disclosed.

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Despite receiving little attention across the mainstream media, Ukraines increasingly successful use of FPV drones as C-UAS interceptors is a highly consequential development because it directly removes Russias main ISR assets from the battlefield, eroding its forces situational awareness as well as ability to detect targets, breaking a key link in the Russian kill-chain.

Lithuania to deliver thousands of FPV drones to its army, Ukraine

Without sufficient and persistent eyes in the sky, Russia struggles to timely and regularly feed target information to its vast fires arsenal. This, in turn, offers Ukraine some respite from both Russian artillery and missile strikes against a variety of targets, including high-payoff ones at operational depth, such as ground-based air defenses and airfields, that Russia typically attacks with Iskander M tactical ballistic missiles.

This chart shows FVP interceptions of Russian drones over time, per analyst Federico Borsari. (Federico Borsari, CEPA)

At the same time, fewer drones in the skies negatively affect the use of other strike capabilities such as loitering munitions that directly or indirectly depend on live reconnaissance, rapid target acquisition and signal-relay functions. The progressive reduction in documented Lancet strikes in the past three months seems no mere coincidence, as this infamous loitering munition operates in hunter-killer teams with Zala reconnaissance drones from the same manufacturer. This is good news for Ukrainian formations operating along and near the frontline, in particular artillery units, which have suffered significant losses to Lancet strikes. Ukrainian FPV operators even managed to intercept a few Lancets, with 15 cases visually confirmed by this author.

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Equally important, shooting down more Russian ISR drones also blunts Russias ability to conduct proper battle damage assessment, an essential task that is often overlooked in discussions.

Another major implication is the cost effectiveness and operational flexibility of using FPV drone interceptors, which are cheaper than any other kinetic solution at Ukraines disposal and easy to produce, distribute, and deploy even across a dispersed force. While the concept of using drones to kinetically defeat other drones is not new, Kyivs forces have been the first to employ it in real combat and at scale. The demand for FPV drones has never been so high and drone manufacturers such as the Wild Hornets along with many private crowdfunding initiatives are delivering thousands of platforms each month to frontline units.

The skyrocketing use of FPV drones has also fueled unprecedented combat experimentation and tactics refinement, resulting in the establishment of specialized FPV air defense units within several Ukrainian brigades and rapid technological iteration cycles. The flip side is that there is at least one human operator behind any single interception, making it a personnel-intensive process dependent on skilled operators. Flying an FPV drone requires extensive training and practice, particularly when conducting high-speed maneuvers or engaging moving targets.

This chart captures the percentage of Russian UAV types intercepted by Ukrainian FPV drones, per analyst Federico Borsari. (Federico Borsari, CEPA)

This is where automated terminal guidance should come into play to significantly expedite and improve the last-mile engagement process. Ukrainian forces are already using automated tools to detect, identify, and track Russian ISR drones, but they now need to integrate scalable AI-enabled computer vision in the terminal phase as Russia deploys more UAS. Such capabilities will also make the FPV drone more resilient against electronic warfare.

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NATO and individual allies should take stock of these technological and tactical innovations and invest in drone-based, cost-effective interceptors to complement their C-UAS capabilities.

The analysis of collected data also provides some interesting insights into Russias drone capabilities and use as part of its current operations.

Small-drone defense is next in Pentagons Replicator buying push

First, the Russian military relies on a largely standardized fleet of medium-size reconnaissance UAS for its tactical and operational ISR, centered around three main fixed-wing platforms: the Zala 421, the Supercam 350, and the Orlan family, which comprises the Orlan 10 and 30 variants. The Zala 421 accounts for the vast majority of Ukraines FPV-based interceptions (54%), making this model the new workhorse of Russias ISR drone fleet, followed by the Supercam (28%) and Orlan 10/30 (12%) family of systems. This standardized approach facilitates drone production on an industrial scale  much larger than the volumes any Western country is currently manufacturing  simplifies training and logistics, and reduces the likelihood of interoperability issues across the Russian military. In this respect, its hard not to appreciate the lesson for the United States and NATO allies.

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Second, the Russian forces are not standing idly by and are starting to mimic Ukrainian solutions  albeit on a much smaller scale  while also taking precautions to protect their ISR drones from Ukrainian FPVs. Their countermeasures, however, seem to have little success so far. These range from simple camouflage and fake Ukrainian color schemes to more sophisticated tools such as small radio-frequency jammers installed on drones in order to disrupt the video link between the operator and the FPV interceptor as it approaches the Russian UAS. The Russians are also equipping some of their drones with rear-looking wide-angle cameras to detect incoming Ukrainian FPV drones and give the pilot enough time to use evasive maneuvers to avoid the interceptor and escape using its longer endurance. Still, Ukrainian counter-tactics are also evolving and include the launch of tandem interceptors to maximize chances of success and attack Russian drones with fast-ascending maneuvers from below to remain outside the drone cameras field of view.

Ukraines current advantage in the use of FPV drones is proving critical but may be short-lived as Russia develops new countermeasures.

Federico Borsari is a resident fellow in the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis.
Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, has called on NATO countries to provide Ukraine with everything it needs, stressing that military support is the key to success on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

Source: Landsbergis before the start of the second day of the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers; Ukraine's public broadcaster Hromadske

Details: The minister said that the West does not support Ukraine enough, comparing the costs of helping Ukraine with the costs of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Quote: "There is an illusion that we cannot somehow provide Ukraine with everything it needs. And so we are just digging in the dirt, trying to find a couple of hundred million euros or dollars to support Ukraine. But if you look at the conflicts that have taken place in the recent past  let's take Afghanistan and Iraq  we have spent trillions on these wars. So, if you compare how much we have spent on Ukraine, it's negligible."

Details: The Minister stressed the need for immediate and comprehensive military assistance to Ukraine.

Quote: "If we want peace in Ukraine, there is no other way. We will have to provide security guarantees, and from our point of view, there is no better, cheaper way to provide security guarantees than actual NATO Article 5 security guarantees."

Background:

On 3-4 December, the NATO-Ukraine Council met at NATO Headquarters.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that he saw the goal of the allies to provide Ukraine with a level of assistance that would allow it to start negotiations with Russia in a strong position, and Moscow would not see any chance of achieving its goals.

Rutte noted before the meeting that the Alliance saw no signs that the Kremlin leader was preparing for any kind of truce.

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Ukraine has carried out its threat to impose entry bans and other punitive measures against the leadership of Georgia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree in Kiev on Thursday that is directed against Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and 18 other politicians.

The move followed a seventh consecutive night of protests against Kobakhidzes decision to postpone talks on joining the European Union.

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Many in Georgia attribute the delay to the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the country's wealthiest individual and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Ukraine, like the opposition in Georgia, suspects that Moscow is influencing the Georgian government's policy.

"These are sanctions against the part of the government in Georgia that delivers Georgia to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," Zelensky said in a statement.

The sanctions list also includes Ivanishvili, along with Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of the capital Tbilisi.

Any assets they may have in Ukraine will be frozen and they will be banned from economic activity.

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Even if the measures are rather symbolic, they mark a deep rift between Ukraine and Georgia. For many years, they were allies in their defence against Moscow's expansionism.

"We cannot afford to lose anyone in this region  neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine," said Zelensky. "We must defend ourselves against Moscow together."

On Wednesday evening, thousands of pro-European Union demonstrators once again protested against the government in Tbilisi. However, unlike on previous evenings, the rally was not broken up by force.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree imposing sanctions on Georgia's pro-Russian authorities, including billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates. A total of 19 individuals were sanctioned.

Source: Zelenskyys address

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I have just signed a decree that gives effect to the National Security and Defense Council's decision on sanctions. These sanctions target the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin."

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"Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his accomplices  19 individuals. They are the ones who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people.

And we call on Europe, America and everyone in the world to do the same  to act with principle."

Details: Zelenskyy warned that a delayed or weak response could result in lost decades and nations deprived of their freedom: "We must not lose anyone in this region  neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine."

The Ukrainian leader called for a united effort to stand against Moscow.

Updated: Later, the Presidents Office published the sanctions list, which includes Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and former Dynamo player Kakha Kaladze.

Sanctions list:

Head of Georgias State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili

Mayor of Tbilisi and General Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Kakha Kaladze, a former player for Kyiv football club Dynamo

Head of Georgia's Court of Appeals, Mikheil Chinchaladze

Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, Mamuka Mdinaradze

Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri

Former Prosecutor General, Otar Partskhaladze

Owner of the Imedi TV company, Irakli Rukhadze

Judge Levan Murusidze

Georgian Dream MPs Viktor Japaridze and Dimitri Samkharadze

Georgian Deputy Defence Minister, Giorgi Khaindrava

Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze

Giorgi Kobakhidze

State Representative in Imereti, Zviad Shalamberidze

Judge Shalva Tadumadze

Deputy Prime Minister, Tea Tsulukiani

Billionaire and former prime minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili

Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Irakli Karseladze

Head of the Communications Commission, Kakhaber Bekauri

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The sanctions will be in effect for ten years.

Background:

Protests continue in Georgia after the country's PM announced that Tbilisi would pause the issue of opening EU accession talks until 2029.

The Baltic states have announced sanctions against Georgian officials involved in dispersing the protests, including the de facto leader of the ruling party, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.

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The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with an additional 22 million for initiatives related to the development of cyber resilience and air defence systems.

Source: Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on X (Twitter)

Quote: "The Netherlands is allocating an additional 22 million to projects aimed at Ukraine's air defence and cyber resilience via NATO."

Details: At a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Veldkamp called for continued support for Ukraine, given the strengthening of Russia's military machine, which receives assistance from third countries.

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Read more on the topic: NATO guarantees for Ukraine: how and why Kyiv changed its stance in relations with the Alliance

Background:

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Ukraine's request for a significant number of air defence systems to protect nuclear and other critical infrastructure was positively received by its alliance partners.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed the details of Ukraine's new request for air defence systems: they will be deployed at 19 sites to protect nuclear and other energy facilities.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky signed on Dec. 5 sanctions against Georgian government officials who are, in his words, "surrendering Georgia to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

The sanctions target Bidzina Ivanishvili, an oligarch with business ties in Russia who is seen as the de facto leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and 17 other individuals.

The announcement came amid the latest wave of anti-government protests that broke out in Tbilisi and other cities after Kobakhidze said the country's EU accession process had been postponed until at least 2028.

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The ensuing police crackdown, which led to hundreds of arrests and at least dozens of injured protesters, prompted an international backlash. Opposition leaders and journalists were among those assaulted and detained.

"This is how it works in international affairs: if you do not respond in time or fail to respond with principle, then decades are lost, and countries are robbed of their freedom," Zelensky said in a video address published on his Telegram channel.

The sanctions list further includes Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze, State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili, Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, head of the pro-government TV channel Imedi, Irakli Rukhadze, and others.

"We must not lose anyone in this region  neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine. We must stand united in defending ourselves against Moscow," Zelensky added.

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In power since 2012, Georgian Dream has been accused of encroaching on the country's democracy and press freedom and dragging the country back into the Kremlin's orbit. Earlier this year, the controversial "foreign agents" law prompted mass protests and violent crackdowns by police.

Zelensky appealed to partners in Europe and the U.S. to join the efforts and "act with principle." Earlier this week, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia said they would bar Georgian Dream government officials entry in response to the crackdown.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the condemnations against Georgia's ruling party, not ruling out imposing additional sanctions on top of those announced earlier this year.

Read also: Protests in Georgia, explained

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine is searching for 20,000 children who were forcibly deported by Russia. However, the true number of such children may be substantially higher. Representatives of the Russian Federation refuse to offer specific information on the matter.

Source: Dariia Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, during a speech at the UN Security Council

Quote: "Russian officials systematically refuse to provide information. But to give you some idea, Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova boasted about 'settling' over 700,000 Ukrainian children in Russia," she said.

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Zarivna told the story of 10-month-old Maryna Prokopenko, who the Russians snatched from a Kherson children's home. In Russia, the girl was forcibly adopted into the household of State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov, and her name and place of birth were changed.

In addition, the adviser to the President's Office stated that at least 16 children are killed or injured in Ukraine each week.

According to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert with the Regional Centre for Human Rights and a member of the International Expert Group Bring Kids Back UA, more than 1.5 million Ukrainian children are still under Russian occupation.

"The forced imposition of Russian citizenship is a deliberate policy of the aggressor state. Without Russian documents, children face discrimination even in accessing medical care, let alone education and other services in the occupied territories," she concluded.

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The Yale School of Public Health recently published a report claiming that Russia established a comprehensive procedure for deporting and integrating Ukrainian children into its governmental apparatus in February 2022.

To date, at least 314 children have been identified under this deportation programme. At least 67 of them have become "citizens of Russia".

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The Ukrainian government has observed no indication that Russia is prepared to engage in meaningful peace negotiations, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said on Dec. 4.

"They only want to dictate and speak the language of ultimatums," Yermak said in an interview for The Telegraph. He emphasized that no leader of the democratic world, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, would allow such ultimatums.

Trump's return to the White House has raised concerns about the stability of Western support for Ukraine, as he has pledged to get the U.S. "out" of the war and bring the conflict to a swift conclusion.

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Yermak also underlined that the war remains constant and relentless, stressing the urgent need for additional weapons and equipment.

"The war continues every minute. Our partners know exactly what we need. We work with them every day. The level of our communication is excellent. However, every day of fighting leads to losses of our people," he added.

On the same day, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the meeting, that a Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak met with Trump's top aides in Washington.

The delegation, which included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, met with incoming U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Ukraine peace envoy Keith Kellogg, the source told Reuters.

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In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that NATO membership for territories under Ukrainian government control is essential to ending the "hot phase of the war." He insisted that any invitation to join NATO should acknowledge Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.

Read also: Oreshnik strike planned before long-range strikes permission, Gerasimov reportedly told US military chief

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukraines top diplomat warned against the emergence of gray zones in which Russia could cement its influence as he reinforced Kyivs refusal to consider territorial concessions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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We need to eliminate gray zones, because Russia turns them into zones of influence, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in Malta Thursday at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, according to a statement. Instead, we need geopolitical certainty on Ukraine as part of the Euro-Atlantic community.

Kyivs peace plan is ultimately for Russia to get out of Ukraine and leave us alone, Sybiha said during the OSCE gathering. He reiterated that Kyiv wont accept any compromises on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or future security.

Ukrainian allies are beginning to position for potential talks to end Russias war in Ukraine, shifting their focus away from securing a full victory as Kremlin forces advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dispatched a team of officials to the US for talks on Wednesday as Kyiv prepares for Donald Trumps return to the White House and his declared aim to end the war quickly.

Zelenskiy has signaled in recent interviews that a diplomatic solution is needed  and that he would accept an end to hostilities with parts of Ukraine occupied.

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Russia has been gaining ground in Ukraine over the past year, keeping Kyiv on the defensive amid an acute shortage of troops and a constant need for more ammunition. Moscows forces also renewed large-scale missile barrages to target the countrys power system while attacks with dozens of explosive-laden Shahed drones have become a daily reality.

Ukraine wont accept any alternatives, surrogates or substitutes for Ukraines full membership in NATO, Foreign Ministry said in a statement earlier this week.

READ: NATO Rushes Weapons to Ukraine to Boost Kyiv Before Truce Talks

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Key developments on Dec. 5:

Ukrainian forces regain control of Novyi Komar village in Donetsk Oblast

At least 6 Ukrainian mayors held captive by Russia, Zelensky says

Ukrainian forces to receive 30,000 DeepStrike drones in 2025 as part of Zelensky's resilience plan, minister says

'There will be no Yalta-2 or Minsk-3,' Ukrainian FM says at OSCE meeting

Ukrainian troops have driven Russian units out of Novyi Komar village in Donetsk Oblast, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces, told Suspilne media on Dec. 5.

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Novyi Komar, a village with a pre-war population of less than 500 people, is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the Russian-occupied town of Vuhledar.

"The enemy was driven out of there," Voloshyn said. "The village of Novyi Komar is under the control of the (Ukrainian) Defense Forces."

A day before, crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState reported that soldiers of the 48th Separate Assault Battalion regained control of the village. Russian forces suffered heavy losses, and some Russian soldiers fled to the highway near the village, according to DeepState.

At the same time, Ukraine's counteroffensive actions are not as significant as Russia's ongoing assaults in the country's east. Russia captured 234.79 square kilometers (90 square miles) in one week in mid-November, which is the highest number in 2024, according to the independent Russian outlet Agentstvo.

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Ukrainian officials have also increasingly raised concerns about a possible new Russian push in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in the south, just as Russian forces continue to advance in the east, focusing their efforts near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast.

Russia's advance has picked up pace over the past months as Ukraine's military struggles to replenish its ranks, and Western arms are not flowing in as fast as Kyiv has hoped.

Read also: Once liberated Kupiansk braces for worst as Russian troops approach, and future Western support looks uncertain

At least 6 Ukrainian mayors held captive by Russia, Zelensky says

At least six Ukrainian mayors and community heads remain in Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 5 during an address to the human rights community.

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Zelensky confirmed that Yevhenii Matvieiev, the mayor of occupied Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, died in Russian captivity. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov said that Matvieiev was tortured to death.

Matvieiev was captured in March 2022 while trying to assist residents of his community.

"They are among thousands of Ukrainians who are innocent but have been in captivity for years. And not only since 2022, but also since 2014," Zelensky said.

The president said that Ukraine is doing everything possible to secure the release of its citizens.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainians, both civilian and military, remained in Russian captivity as of November, according to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Of them, over 19,500 are Ukrainian children. Only 3,767 of the abducted Ukrainian childern have been freed.

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Zelensky criticized the global response, noting the lack of significant action to stop Russia's crimes and punish those responsible.

"There are still few voices in the world that speak about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," Zelensky said, adding that discussions about "freezing" the war often ignore the fate of millions of Ukrainians and hundreds of thousands of children in occupied territories.

Zelensky expressed regret over the fading international focus on Russian war crimes.

"Even the most large-scale Russian war crimes are gradually being forgotten by many in the world and in Europe, at the political level, among those who could act to fix everything," he emphasized.

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Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners have died in captivity, according to Victoria Tsymbaliuk of the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Read also: Destroying us little by little: Ukrainian troops worried about fate of Kursk operation

Ukrainian forces to receive 30,000 DeepStrike drones in 2025 as part of Zelensky's resilience plan, minister says

The Ukrainian military will get over 30,000 DeepStrike attack drones in 2025 within President Volodymyr Zelensky's resilience plan, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Dec. 5.

According to Umerov, DeepStrike drones are of the new generation, capable of "operating autonomously over long distances and hitting targets with high accuracy."

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"We are demonstrating to the world that Ukraine is capable of innovation and technological independence. Even in wartime, we are developing cutting-edge production and strengthening our defense capabilities," Umerov said.

Zelensky presented a 10-point resilience plan to the Ukrainian parliament on Nov. 19, which includes measures to stabilize the front line, increase the technological capabilities of Ukrainian forces, and overcome bureaucracy in the army.

The production of part of the DeepStrike drones that will be supplied to the Ukrainian army next year was financed by international partners who invested in the Ukrainian defense industry, according to Umerov.

The minister did not say how these drones will be distributed among Ukrainian troops.

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Ukraine is working to scale up domestic defense production, aiming to produce 1.5 million drones by the end of 2024.

There is a "significant volume" of new and long-term orders for first-person-view (FPV) drones, reconnaissance drones, long-range drones, and missile-drones, Zelensky said on Dec. 3.

Kyiv employs long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure such as airfields and logistics, as well as oil refineries and depots.

Read also: Everything we know about Ukraines new Palianytsia missile-drone

'There will be no Yalta-2 or Minsk-3,' Ukrainian FM says at OSCE meeting

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting in Malta on Dec. 5, strongly opposed any agreements resembling past Yalta or Minsk deals that could legitimize Russian aggression.

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The comments come as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump pledged to put a swift end to the war in Ukraine and bring both sides to the negotiating table.

"Russia wants a second Yalta or at least a third Minsk. It wants a world of zones of influence where power dictates the rules, changes borders, and deprives people of their right to freedom. But we are clear: there will be no Yalta-2 or Minsk-3," Sybiha said during a closed-door meeting.

This referenced the 1945 Yalta conference on dividing post-World War II spheres of power in Europe between the Soviet Union and Western powers and the unsuccessful 2014-15 Minsk I and II agreements on ending the war in Donbas.

The minister accused Russia of using "peace plans" as a pretext to continue its aggression.

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"We have seen what Russian peace means in Bucha, Mariupol, Izium. For them, it means mass graves, ruins of cities, and killed Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainian children are abducted, their names are changed, and they are forcibly assimilated into Russian culture," he said.

Sybiha added that Russia is not genuinely interested in negotiations, urging the international community to focus on Moscow's actions rather than its words. "Russia continues to expand the war," he warned.

The OSCE meeting in Malta was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marking his first visit to the EU since the start of the full-scale war. Sybiha called Lavrov a war criminal and left the OSCE plenary hall in protest ahead of Lavrov's address. Several other foreign ministers and diplomats followed suit in a coordinated walkout.

Read also: Trumps pick for Ukraine envoy backs peace through strength, security guarantees

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Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have captured Russian forces positions in Russias Kursk Oblast, killing 17 Russian soldiers and taking another 12 prisoner.

Source: Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "Special Operations Forces fighters have entered enemy positions and taken 12 soldiers prisoner."

Details: The SOF also shared a video, in which Russian soldiers say they are from the 810th Marines Brigade.

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The SOF also said that the operators of Ukraines 73rd Naval Special Operations Centre and the 6th Ranger Regiment killed 17 Russian soldiers in an attack on Russian positions in Kursk Oblast.

Background: In November, Russia lost 1,000 soldiers killed and wounded due to the successful actions of the marines of the 36th Separate Brigade during an operation on the Kursk front. The Ukrainian marines also destroyed several pieces of Russian equipment.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday announced sanctions on 19 members of the Georgian government, who he accused of "surrendering" the country to Russian control.

Zelenskyy's announcement came after seven nights of massive anti-government protests in the small South Caucasus nation, bordered by Russia to the north and Turkey to the southeast. Pro-Western demonstrators accuse the Georgian Dream government of rigging October's parliamentary elections with Russian backing.

The protests began last week after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend European Union membership talks. The country's long-held ambition to join the bloc is widely popular among Georgians across the political spectrum and is enshrined in the national constitution.

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"These sanctions target the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

PHOTO: Police block demonstrators outside the parliament during a rally in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 3, 2024. (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

MORE: Georgia at 'tipping point' as pro-West protesters clash with security forces

Among those sanctioned are Kobakhidze and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili -- the founder and chairman of Georgia Dream, who is widely considered the real power behind the party. Ivanishvili, who is Georgia's richest person, made his fortune in Russia.

"This is how it works in international affairs: if you do not respond in time or fail to respond with principle, then decades are lost, and countries are robbed of their freedom," Zelenskyy wrote.

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"We must not lose anyone in this region -- neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine," he added. "We must stand united in defending ourselves against Moscow."

Zelenskyy also urged "Europe, America and everyone in the world to do the same -- to act with principle."

Major protests continued in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Wednesday night despite violent clashes with security forces and mass arrests. Protesters again gathered outside the parliament building on the main Rustaveli Avenue thoroughfare, launching fireworks at the building and at police lines.

Police, meanwhile, continued to use tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Security forces wielding clubs sporadically charged protesters to force back crowds and make arrests.

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Police also detained opposition leaders away from the protests. The Coalition for Change opposition party said Wednesday that police raided its offices and detained leader Nika Gvaramia. The party published a video showing several officers dragging Gvaramia into a car.

PHOTO: A demonstrator holds the EU flag during a rally outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 4, 2024. (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

MORE: Russia 'adept at obscuring' role in Georgia election, opposition leader says

Kobakhidze said of anti-opposition raids, "I wouldn't call this repression; it is more of a preventive measure than repression."

The prime minister accused opposition leaders of "systematically" supplying "pyrotechnics" to protesters. "This is absolutely clear," he said.

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Opposition leaders -- among them President Salome Zourabichvili -- have vowed to continue their protests. Zourabichvili said she would not leave office when her term expires later this month. The president said she would not take instruction from the new parliament formed after the disputed October elections, which she said is illegitimate.

The opposition wants the Georgian Dream government to step down. Leaders hope the protest movement can snowball into a general strike.

Zourabichvili on Thursday thanked Zelenskyy for the sanctions. "I could not say it better," the president wrote in a post to X. "Russia is trying to get back the control over the Black Sea."

Georgian opposition leaders have long called on the West to be more assertive in supporting their EU and NATO membership ambitions -- and in curtailing Russian influence in the country. Russia occupies around 20% of Georgia via local separatist client states, a situation cemented by Moscow's victory in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.

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The U.S. State Department this week condemned what it said was "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 the Georgian Dream government.

"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.

PHOTO: Demonstrators participate in a rally to protest against the government in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 4, 2024. (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)

MORE: Georgia's jailed ex-president says Putin's Russia is not ready for a new 'hot' war

The EU's new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc stands "with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future."

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"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."

Russian officials have denied any active support of Georgian Dream, while also threatening consequences for the country if it continues its Westward geopolitical pivot.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists Monday that Russia "has not interfered and does not intend to interfere" in events, saying the government in Tbilisi was merely taking necessary steps to restore order.

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."

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Medvedev -- who has become known for his hawkish foreign policy rhetoric -- framed the protests as an attempted "revolution," which he said would end "very badly."

Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges West to sanction Georgia as anti-Russia protests rage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Macao bolsters role as bridge, trade hub

08:25, December 05, 2024 By Zhang Yi, Wang Jing ( China Daily

Tourists visit the Ruins of St. Paul's in South China's Macao, Nov 26, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

Products such as Portuguese wines, Brazilian coffee and rice from Mozambique in Southeast Africa can all be found in Macao, as the special administrative region, a vibrant melting pot of Chinese and Portuguese influences, is positioning itself as a key trade hub between China and Portuguese-speaking nations.

At an exhibition center in Macao specializing in products from Portuguese-speaking countries, around 3,000 items, primarily food products with vibrant and exotic packaging from nine such countries, are elegantly displayed, awaiting Chinese buyers.

Each displayed item is accompanied by a QR code, streamlining communication with suppliers. Green QR codes denote products readily available in Macao, while blue codes signal opportunities for foreign suppliers seeking agents and distributors in China. Chinese-Portuguese translation services are provided for negotiations.

Ao Ieong Ka-lok, from the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, said, "Businesspeople need not travel vast distances to Brazil, Angola, or Portugal. By visiting Macao, they can learn about the diverse array of products originating from Portuguese-speaking countries."

He said Porthos, the oldest brand of Portuguese sardines, famous for eye-catching bright colors and iconic artwork of the tins and the sardines' exquisite taste, is the most popular and representative Portuguese import. Nowadays, it adorns the shelves of specialty stores lining the streets of Macao.

"This distinctive canned fish from Portugal has been an integral part of Macao residents' lives for generations," said the 30-year-old. "During my childhood, whenever typhoons struck Macao, stocking up on these canned goods was a common practice in our homes."

Macao, where Chinese and Portuguese are official languages, maintains close ties with Portuguese-speaking countries. About 68 percent of young people are fluent in two out of the three languages  Chinese, Portuguese, and English  and 28 percent are proficient in all three, according to data from the SAR government.

Fu Tang-long, vice-president of the Macau Live Streaming Association, said it is exploring the use of e-commerce talent in Macao to assist Chinese brands in expanding into Portuguese-speaking countries and to facilitate the introduction of overseas brands into China.

Jose Chan Rodrigues, a host and livestreaming blogger from Macao, whose grandfather is from Portugal, said that Macao people of Portuguese descent can play a significant role in interactions between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

"They have a deep understanding of Portuguese culture and overseas connections with relatives living abroad, and they are proficient in Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English," he said.

Last year, the trade volume between China and Portuguese-speaking countries reached $220.9 billion. In the first three quarters of this year, the value of goods traded between China and those countries amounted to $174.18 billion, up 7.84 percent year-on-year, data showed.

"The trade meets the development needs of both sides and demonstrates remarkable resilience," said Ji Xianzheng, secretary-general of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Established in 2003, the forums held in Macao have been instrumental in facilitating close economic, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Portuguese-speaking countries have urgent development needs in areas such as automobiles, high technology, and agricultural machinery, and have a strong demand for infrastructure development, Ji said, adding that Macao should continue to serve as a bridge connecting China and those countries.

President Xi Jinping's attendance at the 19th G20 Summit and his state visit to Portuguese-speaking Brazil last month injected more confidence into future cooperation between the two countries.

Ma Chi Ngai Frederico, president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said Brazil is an important trade partner for China, with traded goods primarily consisting of food items such as meat, pepper, and soybeans.

Macao's contribution to trade between them lies in providing services such as forums to help support the country's high-level opening-up and maintain international friendships, he said.

Gabriela Rorato, a Brazilian student at the University of Macau, said it is convenient living and studying in Macao, as the city has road signs in Portuguese, and she also enjoys buying items that are of good quality and reasonably priced from Chinese e-commerce platforms.

China and Brazil are very open to each other, which allowed Rorato to enjoy preferential visa policies and work in companies that mix Chinese and Brazilian culture, she said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Press Release

December 5, 2024 ZUBIRI LAUNCHES BOOK ON THE BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW: A MILESTONE IN PEACE AND SELF-DETERMINATION Six years after the signing of the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri today unveiled The Road to Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a coffee table book chronicling the legislative journey of one of the most significant milestones in Philippine history. The launch took place on Wednesday evening at the Old Senate Session Hall in the National Museum of Fine Arts, a fitting tribute to the historical significance of the subject of the book. The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked a historic turning point for the nation. Through photographs and narratives, Zubiri's book captures the intensive hearings, debates and landmark visits to Camp Darapanan and Ground Zero of the Marawi Siege that paved the way for the law's passage. "Being from Mindanao, the BOL is one of my proudest legislative achievements," said Zubiri, a native of Bukidnon who spearheaded the passage of the law. "It is a legislative achievement that we must all be proud of. Even other countries like Thailand are now looking at the BOL and the Bangsamoro region as models for their own peacebuilding initiatives," he adds. Signed into law in 2018, the BOL granted greater autonomy to the Bangsamoro region, addressing decades of armed conflict and fostering self-governance. This September, the Supreme Court upheld the BOL's constitutionality, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone for peace and stability in the region. Zubiri emphasized the law's transformative impact, saying, "The passage and ratification of the BOL marked such an important turn in the development of the Bangsamoro region." "This book is a record of all the work that went into the law and the triumph of peace that it represents," he continued. The book highlights the broader significance of the BOL as a model for conflict resolution. "The BOL is our most effective political tool thus far to address the Bangsamoro people's struggle for self-determination. It is a testament to what is possible when we commit to peace and governance," Zubiri explained. Through The Road to Peace, Zubiri seeks to honor the people and efforts that contributed to the BOL's success. "I want everyone who was involved in the BOL to see themselves in these pages," he said. "I want them to look back on those long days and nights that we devoted to this law and feel proud of what we achieved." For those who were not part of the legislative journey, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process. "I want people to see just what it was like, and to hopefully be inspired by what we were able to do for the Bangsamoro region," Zubiri added. The BOL was enacted in the aftermath of the Marawi Siege, a traumatic chapter in Mindanao's history. The law was envisioned as a foundation for long-term peace and progress in the Bangsamoro region. Zubiri noted that the BOL's impact extends beyond the Philippines. "The Bangsamoro region is now being looked at as a model by other countries, proving that political solutions can pave the way for peace," he said. The launch of The Road to Peace highlighted the unified effort required to achieve this milestone. Zubiri credited lawmakers, stakeholders, and the Bangsamoro people for their contributions to the BOL's success. "This book celebrates the triumph of peace in the Bangsamoro region, made possible by the BOL," he said. "It speaks to our past but also to our future as a nation committed to peace and progress." The launch was attended by former and incumbent legislators and officials involved in the crafting of the BOL and in the continued peace efforts in the Bangsamoro region, including Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Sec. Carlito Galvez, former Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna, Sen. Nancy Binay, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Grace Poe, Sec. Sonny Angara, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Bato dela Rosa, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Sen. Mark Villar, former Sen. Bam Aquino, former Reps. Ruby Sahali, Joey Zubiri, Manuel Zubiri, and Celso Lobregat, former Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenza, LtGen. Roy Galido, Comm. Lemuel Espartinez, Gen. Rommel Marbil, Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua, 51 Members of the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and media personalities.
The Ukrainian delegation led by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, has met with representatives of US President-elect Donald Trump's team responsible for Ukraine policy.

Source: Reuters

Details: The agency reports that the meeting took place in Washington with the participation of Mike Waltz, whom Trump plans to appoint as National Security Advisor, and Keith Kellogg, Trumps special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

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It is noted that the purpose of the visit was to establish cooperation with the future US administration to gain support in the war against Russia.

Background:

Earlier in the day, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed Yermak's visit to the US to meet with Trump's team.

Earlier, sources reported that Yermak had left for the US, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Keith Kellogg, Trump's nominee for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

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Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia, has confirmed that Ukrainian forces expelled Russian units from the village of Novyi Komar in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Voloshyn in a comment to Suspilne

Quote: "The enemy has been expelled, and the village of Novyi Komar, located in the Volnovakha district of Donetsk Oblast and part of Velyka Novosilka hromada, is under the control of Ukraines defence forces." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

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Background: On December 4, the DeepState project reported that fighters from the 48th Separate Assault Battalion named after Noman Chelebidzhikhan had pushed Russian forces out of Novyi Komar in Donetsk Oblast.

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The Ukrainian military will get over 30,000 DeepStrike attack drones in 2025 within President Volodymyr Zelensky's resilience plan, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Dec. 5.

According to Umerov, DeepStrike drones are of the new generation, capable of "operating autonomously over long distances and hitting targets with high accuracy."

"We are demonstrating to the world that Ukraine is capable of innovation and technological independence. Even in wartime, we are developing cutting-edge production and strengthening our defense capabilities," Umerov said.

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Zelensky presented a 10-point resilience plan to the Ukrainian parliament on Nov. 19, which includes measures to stabilize the front line, increase the technological capabilities of Ukrainian forces, and overcome bureaucracy in the army.

The production of part of the DeepStrike drones that will be supplied to the Ukrainian army next year was financed by international partners who invested in the Ukrainian defense industry, according to Umerov.

The minister did not say how these drones will be distributed among Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine is working to scale up domestic defense production, aiming to produce 1.5 million drones by the end of 2024.

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There is a "significant volume" of new and long-term orders for first-person-view (FPV) drones, reconnaissance drones, long-range drones, and missile-drones, Zelensky said on Dec. 3.

Kyiv employs long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure such as airfields and logistics, as well as oil refineries and depots.

Read also: Everything we know about Ukraines new Palianytsia missile-drone

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Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stressed in his speech at the OSCE meeting that Russia is only imitating its readiness for peace, in reality seeking to impose its aggressive goals. He called on the international community not to fall for the Kremlin's disinformation.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Sybiha began his speech by saying that the meeting was taking place on the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum, one of the guarantors of which is now waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, the largest in Europe since World War II.

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Quote from Sybiha: "Moscow is trying to justify all this with so-called 'legitimate security interests'. But my people's right to exist is not a legitimate security interest of Russia. My nation's choice of future is not Russia's legitimate security interest. In fact, Russia itself is the greatest security threat to the world

When Russians say they want peace, they are lying. They talk about negotiations only to divert attention from what they are doing. Look at their actions, not their words. In reality, Russia continues to expand the war."

Details: Ukraines foreign minister mentioned constant air attacks, systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, which now threaten nuclear power, increasing military aid to Iran and North Korea, the involvement of the North Korean troops, and the demonstrative use of a medium-range ballistic missile.

Quote from Sybiha: "These actions require a decisive response. Peace through strength. Not through appeasement."

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Andrii Sybiha noted that, after the Budapest Memorandum's experience, Ukraine cannot agree to any agreements at the expense of its interests and that today's Russia is the greatest threat to security in the region.

Quote from Sybiha: "Russia wants a second Yalta [Conference] or at least a third Minsk [agreement]. It wants a world of zones of influence where the use of force dictates new rules and new borders. There will be no Yalta-2 or Minsk-3. Instead, Ukraine wants a just peace. And respect for principles for all.

These are two approaches to the future that are being decided right now in Ukraine. We must act now to make this future happen. We need to eliminate grey zones because Russia is turning them into zones of influence. Instead, we need geopolitical certainty about Ukraine as part of the Euro-Atlantic community."

Ukraines foreign minister also expressed hope that the OSCE as an institution would join in documenting Russian war crimes and help bring Russia to justice. In his closing remarks, Sybiha also called Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a war criminal.

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Before Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's speech at the OSCE meeting, Sybiha left the room. The foreign ministers of Poland, Czechia and representatives of the Baltic States, Georgia, and Romania did the same.

Background:

The day before, Sybiha had brought the original Budapest Memorandum to the NATO ministerial meeting to remind them how nuclear disarmament in exchange for a promise from the world's most powerful nations has turned out for Ukraine.

On the day of the NATO ministerial meeting, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that Ukraine would not accept security guarantees as a substitute to NATO membership.

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Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has left the OSCE plenary hall before the speech of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha left the OSCE plenary hall in Malta before the speech of his Russian counterpart Lavrov on Thursday, 5 December.

Before that, at the end of his speech, Sybiha called Lavrov a war criminal.

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The Ukrainian foreign minister was joined by a number of other foreign ministers and diplomats.

In particular, a video published by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that after Sybiha, the foreign ministers of Poland and Czechia, Radosaw Sikorski and Jan Lipavsky, who had previously said they would not listen to Lavrov's speech at the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, left the hall.

It is known that Lavrov, despite being under EU sanctions, is taking part in the OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta. This is his first trip to an EU country during the full-scale war.

According to media reports, Lavrov is attending a lunch on the first day of the OSCE meeting but is not attending the dinner, which will focus on Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Background: Last year, Lavrov was allowed to attend an OSCE ministerial meeting in North Macedonia, which is not yet an EU member state.

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Cyber specialists from Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) successfully attacked the systems of Gazprombank, one of Russias largest banks, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 5.

The cyberattack, described as a powerful distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) assault, disrupted Gazprombank's online and mobile banking services. DDoS attacks direct excessive amounts of traffic at a website in order to overload its servers, often causing disruptions to service.

"Hundreds of thousands of Russians will be unable to transfer money and carry out online payments due to Gapzormank applications not working," the source said. Russian state media confirmed on Dec. 4 issues with access to the bank's website.

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The attack reportedly rendered Gazprombanks website inaccessible in France and Germany, with its mobile application also experiencing outages. Gazprombank serves around 3 million individuals and 45,000 businesses and is a critical financial institution in Russia.

This disruption follows sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury on Gazprombank on Nov. 21, further targeting the bank amid ongoing efforts to pressure Russia over its war against Ukraine.

Both Russia and Ukraine have widely employed cyber warfare during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting businesses and government institutions with crippling hacker attacks.

Read also: Ukraine sanctions Georgian government amid crackdown on EU-protests

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By Anna Voitenko and Dan Peleschuk

BUCHA, Ukraine (Reuters) - As Russian troops approached Dniprorudne in their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the city's long-term mayor Yevhen Matvieiev could have fled to safety.

Instead, he stayed behind to coordinate humanitarian aid and security for its residents as Moscow's forces occupied the southeastern Ukrainian city. Weeks later he was captured and not seen again. Last week his body was returned to Ukraine.

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"Thanks to him, a large number of people were able to be rescued, freed, or moved to Ukraine-controlled territory," said Oleksandr Slobozhan, who worked with 63-year-old Matvieiev.

On Thursday, Matvieiev's body was laid to rest in Bucha, outside the capital Kyiv, after it was returned from Russian captivity with signs of having been tortured to death, Ukrainian officials said.

"Today [Wednesday] it became known that the mayor of Dniprorudne, Yevhen Matvieiev, died from torture in Russian captivity. He was kidnapped by the enemy almost 3 years ago in the Zaporizhzhia region because he provided for the community that elected him and trusted him," Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Russia's defence ministry was not immediately available for comment. Russia denies mistreating prisoners of war and those in detention.

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Weeping mourners including Matvieiev's wife quietly caressed his coffin as a light snow sprinkled down from an overcast sky. His official portrait stood propped up nearby.

Matvieiev was captured in March 2022 while freeing local workers who were being held by Russian troops, said Slobozhan, head of the Association of Cities of Ukraine.

"[He] stayed with his community for the sake of his people... we hoped for his exchange, for his release," he added.

Matvieiev was among the thousands of non-combatants whom the Ukrainian government says are being held captive in Russia as its invasion grinds into its third year.

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In October, Ukraine blamed Russia for the death in captivity of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who disappeared on occupied territory in August 2023.

Ukraine is also seeking the return of nearly 20,000 children it says were illegally deported to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the invasion.

Moscow has denied committing war crimes.

Marc Cools of European human rights body the Council of Europe paid tribute to the mayor's courage and determination and condemned the abduction of mayors and local officials.

"Reports of Ukrainians being detained arbitrarily by Russia's forces are shocking and numerous. They confirm a widespread use of inhuman or degrading treatment and torture," he said.

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"All abductions and arbitrary detentions amount to grave human rights violations."

At least six more mayors or heads of settlements are being held in Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.

"They are among thousands of Ukrainians who are not guilty of anything but have been imprisoned for years, not only since 2022, but since 2014," he said in a video address.

More than 3,700 have been returned, he added.

(Reporting by Anna Voitenko; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Editors note: This article is part of a series of profiles highlighting successful Ukrainian startups and businesses. The series is funded by the regional investment fund Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) and created in partnership with Spend With Ukraine, a non-profit organization that launched a platform to showcase businesses with Ukrainian roots and provide one more meaningful way to support Ukraine  by choosing to spend with Ukraine. The series sponsors are not involved in the editorial process of the writing of these profiles.

Andriy Vyshnevsky believes the future of Ukraine lies in the pages of books.



This year, he helped resurrect Ukraines oldest independent publishing house, Osnovy, after purchasing the company with his wife Svitlana Matvienko, director of the Ukrainian School of Political Studies.



Now, as the CEO and co-owner of Osnovy, he is leading the companys mission to educate Ukrainian citizens and popularize Ukrainian authors both at home and abroad. Ukraine is undergoing a literary renaissance as it faces Russia's full-scale invasion, with many looking to fill in the blanks left by decades of Soviet repression of Ukrainian culture.

We have to recall our past and simplify access to the literature of earlier periods of Ukrainian history and return to our foundations. We need to understand how we can use that part of literature as a foundation for what we will build upon it, he told the Kyiv Independent from Osnovys office in Kyivs historic center.



Osnovy is nearly as old as independent Ukraine. Founded in 1992 by Canadian citizen Bohdan Kravchenko and Ukrainian citizen Solomiya Pavlychko, it was the first publishing house in the country to translate world classics into Ukrainian and has since published over 400 titles.

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In its first phase, Osnovy focused on translating books on economics, philosophy, and politics, from Aristotle to Simone de Beauvoirthe key texts on which the Western civilization is based, Vshnevsky explains. Osnovy itself translates to "foundations."

Osnovys idea was to bridge the gap between Europe and the newly independent Ukrainian population that had suffered generations of restricted access to knowledge.

The company opened new doors to the international market after Dana Pavlychko, Solomiyas daughter, took over in 2012 during its second phase. She shifted the focus to publishing English language photography and art books looking at niche subjects from orthodox churches to women working on Ukraines railways.

Osnovy team in their office in an undated photo. (Andriy Vyshnevsky / Osnovy)

Looking towards the future, Vyshnevsky will prioritize the domestic market as Ukrainian society pulls through the traumas of war. Osnovy will go back to its foundational texts as well as new translations of modern literature, both fiction and non-fiction, to broaden its readers minds.



The purpose of Osnovy is to provide Ukrainian society with intellectual resources to be better prepared for the challenges we are going to face after Ukraine wins this war, he said.

Rising from the ashes

Osnovy was on its last legs when Vyshnevsky took over in June. The majority of the companys dozen employees fled Ukraine during the full-scale invasion, including former-owner Dana Pavlychko, and efforts to keep it afloat from abroad were in vain.



Revenues dropped from Hr 8 million ($192,000) in 2022 to Hr 4 million ($96,000) in 2023, leaving Pavlychko with little option but to sell. Over the last six months, Vyshnevsky managed to build up the employees from two to 13 and the new team inherited 15,000 unsold books that helped provide some cash flow to restart the company.



Osnovy has a special place in Vyshnevskys heart as Bohdan Kravchenko was one of the first people he met after moving to Kyiv from his hometown Kharkiv in the early 2000s. He couldnt imagine he would take over from Kravchenko 25 years later.



This year, Vyshnevsky is hopeful Osnovy will once again turn a profit with 57 book projects currently underway and plans to publish 30-40 titles per year.

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His optimism is bolstered by the increasing number of Ukrainians turning to books as Russia pummels Ukrainian cultural institutions, including Osnovys printing partner Faktor Druk in Kharkiv, which suffered a major missile strike in May.



It might sound paradoxical, but I think that the full-scale war encouraged people to read, Vyshnevsky said.

"It might sound paradoxical, but I think that the full scale war encouraged people to read."

Osnovy first got going in 1992 with financial support from the International Renaissance Foundation, an NGO funded by philanthropist George Soros, although it was soon self-sufficient as the books flew off the shelves.



Vyshnevsky admits that Osnovy is a niche publishing house, and that the challenge is fulfilling its mission of popularizing specialized literature while making money. But Osnovy has a growing customer base, which Vyshnevsky was surprised to discover is very young, with around 85% between 18 and 35 years old.



He will also redirect Osnovys strategy towards smaller, independent bookstores rather than big retailers. Ukrainians have recently flocked towards cozy, community-focussed bookshops and Vyshnevsky is partnering with several across Ukraine as he aims to expand beyond the 100 stores currently stocking Osnovys publications.

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Success abroad and at home

The 2014 Euromaidan Revolution was a big catalyst for change for Osnovy and propelled the company to its peak popularity, Vyshnevsky said. While that was partially driven by Ukrainians surging interest in their culture, it was also because the revolution attracted the eyes of foreigners to Ukraine.



Under the direction of Dana Pavlychko, the company began publishing stylish photography and art books in English for the first time. The international market proved to be a hit, with over 300 stores in Europe and North America selling Osnovys books as well as online stores like Amazon.



Photo books were a good tool to popularize Ukraine and Ukrainian culture, Vyshnevsky said.

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"Photo books were a good tool to popularize Ukraine and Ukrainian culture."

We pay attention to the tactile characteristics. You should want to touch the book, hold it in your hands, he added, commenting on the aesthetic graphic design and high-quality printing and binding.



One of Osnovys most well-known publications, Decommunized: Soviet-Ukrainian Mosaics by photographer Yevgen Nikiforov, was popular both domestically and abroad and deals with the complexities of Ukraine's Soviet and independent identity. Through communist-era mosaics, Nikiforov shows the imperial legacy of the Soviet Union while also honoring the craftsmanship of Ukrainian artists, Vyshnevsky said.

Osnovy is preparing a new edition of the book which will take on a different perspective as some of the mosaics have been destroyed by the war, or are stuck in Russian-occupied territories. The new edition will be a chance to reflect on Ukraines past, present, and future, in the context of the full-scale invasion, Vyshnevsky said.

By printing these books in English and selling them abroad, we make our own reflection inclusive by encouraging and engaging people from the West into this process. We are trying to show that Ukrainians were deprived of the opportunity to communicate with the Western world, but we are a part of the Western world, he added.

Building up a nation

Before Vyshnevskys takeover, Osnovy was primarily focused on the international market and rarely marketed books inside Ukraine. Vyshnevsky wants to go back to the companys roots and sees Osnovy as a public service for Ukraine to strengthen its weaknesses that could be exploited by Russia again.



Our role is to prepare Ukrainian society for life after the war is finished, he said.



We need critical thinking, good education, and the professional skills and ability not only to survive, but also to build sustainable institutions and to develop them.



In the fallout of revolutions and the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are unearthing their history, particularly the writers purged by the Soviet regime in the 1920s and 1930s known as the Executed Renaissance. Osnovy published a series of illustrated books from this generation in 2016, although the writers have only recently garnered more mainstream attention.

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This literature is not just an archive like for many other European nations. It is material we need to work on right now and to go back to the past to better understand our future, he said.

Russias full-scale invasion has also pushed readers towards contemporary Ukrainian literature and authors writing about the war. Osnovy had never published modern-day Ukrainian writers, but Vyshnevsky is now considering it to meet the demand.



He also believes it's important for foreigners to read Ukrainian authors. As Ukraine begins EU integration talks, the country should have translations in European languages of its novels that were eliminated from the European cultural context, Vyshnevsky stressed.



It is important to fill the gap caused by 70 years of Soviet rule, he said.



If we don't, this gap will remain and we will be trying to build over it, instead of building a solid foundation.

Osnovy Publishing has been shaping Ukrainian identity since 1992, bringing classic literature to readers in Ukrainian for the first time and preserving knowledge once suppressed. Check out Spend With Ukraine to discover more inspiring businesses like Osnovy  your support helps preserve culture, protect heritage, and empower resilience.

Read also: Everyone says culture has nothing to do with it. It does  Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Rafeyenko on Russias war

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Following the renewed outbreak of fighting in Syria's civil war, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for humanitarian access to all civilians and an end to the violence.

He spoke about this on the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Guterres said in New York.

"I emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need  and a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed," he said in a statement.

"Tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire."

After 14 years of war in Syria, he said it was "time for serious dialogue."
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An undocumented immigrant accused of sexually assaulting a missing teen in Abilene has been sentenced to prison for the crime.

Fernando Martinez-Rivera received an 18 year prison sentence for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a child in connection to the incident, which happened in January 2023.



Police say a parent reported her 13-year-old daughter was missing one night, and she was later located inside a home on the 1400 block of Anson Avenue.



She admitted that at the home, she was sexually assaulted by Martinez-Rivera and a second man, Roberto Acosta-Lemuz, according to police.



Acosta-Lemuz was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in the crime earlier this year.

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Dec. 5 (UPI) -- South Korea's political landscape is no stranger to dramatic upheavals, but President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent imposition of martial law marks a turning point that will resonate far beyond its borders. The incident, which drew immediate condemnation from international observers and domestic factions, casts a shadow over the 8.15 Unification Doctrine, the ambitious framework aimed at a free and unified Korea. While South Korean democratic institutions held firm, the ramifications of this disaster are multifaceted, touching on domestic stability, international relations, and the strategic pursuit of Korean unification.

Resilience of democratic institutions

Despite this tragic event, South Korean democratic institutions ultimately held firm. The military's decision to allow the National Assembly to convene and vote, despite initial orders to the contrary, demonstrates the strength of the country's democratic foundations. This resilience in the face of a potential constitutional crisis should provide some solace to those concerned about the stability of South Korea's democracy.

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This episode underscores a critical point: the institutional checks and balances within South Korea are robust enough to prevent authoritarian overreach. For citizens and democracies worldwide, this resilience offers a glimmer of hope. It proves that even in crises, adherence to democratic principles can triumph. However, the incident also highlights the fragility of public trust, which may take years to rebuild.

Paradoxically, this incident could serve as an example of the strength of representative democracy and the power of the people and a republican form of government over those who would attempt to implement authoritarian rule. When the Korean people in the North and South pursue their fundamental human right of self-determination of government, they will seek democracy and freedom rather than living under the yoke of a dictator.

Global implications for South Korea as a pivotal state

South Korea's status as a global pivotal state amplifies the international ramifications of Yoon's actions. As a nation with significant economic, cultural, and military clout, its political stability is closely monitored by allies and adversaries alike. This debacle risks undermining the credibility South Korea has built as a partner in the "arsenal of democracy."

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Economically, labor unrest following the incident could disrupt global supply chains, exacerbating existing tensions in industries reliant on South Korean exports. Politically, it complicates trilateral cooperation with Japan and the United States, particularly in efforts to counterbalance China's regional ambitions. Moreover, as South Korea has positioned itself as a champion of human rights, accusations of hypocrisy could weaken its moral authority on the global stage.

The disruption of Yoon's foreign policy agenda

President Yoon's administration has pursued an assertive foreign policy, focusing on trilateral cooperation with Japan and the United States, support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and advocacy for human rights in North Korea. Yet, the martial law episode threatens to derail these initiatives. The opposition, empowered by Yoon's misstep, may seek to dismantle key components of his agenda should they ascend to power.

Of particular concern is the potential unraveling of the progress made in trilateral cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The Yoon administration had made significant strides in improving relations with Japan and strengthening the trilateral relationship, which is crucial for regional security and countering threats from North Korea and China. The martial law incident may make it more challenging to maintain the momentum of recent diplomatic and security breakthroughs.

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The most concerning aspect of this potential rollback is the likely abandonment of the 8.15 Unification Doctrine. Yoon's emphasis on human rights, information campaigns, and the long-term vision of a unified Korea aligns with international norms and the aspirations of many Koreans. However, opposition leaders may revert to naive and dangerous policies rooted in engagement and coexistence with Pyongyang, effectively sidelining the doctrine's transformative potential and giving a "win" to Kim Jong Un's political warfare strategy.

Kim Jong Un's exploitation of South Korea's crisis

Kim Jong Un's regime is a master of political warfare and blackmail diplomacy. South Korea's current turmoil offers an opening for North Korea to intensify its subversive activities. The United Front Department and elements of the 225th Bureau are likely to exploit divisions within South Korean society, deepening polarization and undermining trust in democratic institutions.

This strategy, which aligns with Pyongyang's longstanding objective to destabilize the South, could also see an uptick in cyberattacks, propaganda dissemination, and the mobilization of sleeper agents. Such efforts aim to discredit South Korea internationally and weaken its resolve domestically, further complicating the pursuit of unification.

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Ironically, these are the threats that President Yoon feared and that the decision to implement martial will only make worse.

The future of the 8.15 Unification Doctrine

Again, the most worrying aspect of this crisis is its potential impact on the human rights agenda and the pursuit of a free and unified Korea. The 8.15 Unification Doctrine, unveiled by President Yoon in August, represented a bold new approach to inter-Korean relations, emphasizing freedom, peace, and prosperity as core values for unification. This doctrine placed human rights at the forefront of South Korea's policy toward the North and sought to empower North Korean citizens with information and hope for a better future.

The martial law debacle threatens to discredit this important work. If President Yoon is forced to step down or is impeached as seems very likely, there is a real risk that his successor may abandon the pursuit of a free and unified Korea in favor of reverting to failed policies of the past. This could mean a return to naive hopes of negotiating denuclearization and peaceful co-existence with Kim Jong Un while ignoring the human rights abuses suffered by 25 million Koreans in the North.

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The potential loss of momentum on the human rights front is particularly concerning. The 8.15 Unification Doctrine recognized that human rights are not just a moral imperative but also a national security issue. By educating the Korean people in the North about their universal human rights and empowering them to create change, the doctrine sought to address the root causes of the North Korean threat, the power of the Kim family regime. Abandoning this approach would not only be a setback for human rights but could also undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, and ultimately denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

Conclusion: Navigating the fallout

The martial law catastrophe underlines the interconnectedness of domestic politics and international relations in South Korea. While democratic institutions thankfully proved resilient, the broader implications for Yoon's administration, the 8.15 Unification Doctrine, and the Korean Peninsula are profound. The global community must watch closely and offer support where possible, ensuring that the pursuit of a free and unified Korea remains a priority.

This moment serves as a reminder that democracy's strength lies not only in its institutions but also in the collective will to uphold its values by government officials, the military, and the people. For South Korea, the path forward demands reflection, resilience, and recommitment to the ideals that underpin its democratic republic. The fate of millions depends on it.

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The martial law debacle is not an insurmountable setback. The resilience shown by South Korean democratic institutions in the face of this crisis provides a foundation upon which to rebuild. By recommitting to the principles of human rights, democracy, and peaceful unification, South Korea and its allies can work to mitigate the negative consequences of this incident and continue the important work of pursuing a free and unified Korea. The stakes are too high, and the potential benefits too great, to allow this setback to derail the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and united Korean Peninsula. Someday the Korean people can achieve a United Republic of Korea (UROK).

David Maxwell is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel who has spent more than 30 years in the Asia Pacific region. He specializes in Northeast Asian Security Affairs and unconventional and political warfare. He is Vice President of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation. Following retirement, he was Associate Director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He is on the board of directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the OSS Society, and is a contributing editor to Small Wars Journal.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
The at-large suspect who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown hotel may have left a message on the bullets he used to kill the executive Wednesday morning, according to police sources.

The NYPD is investigating the possible message  which appears to include the words deny, depose and defend  engraved on live rounds and shell casings left behind by the masked assassin after he shot Thompson, 50, several times at about 6:46 a.m. before fleeing, the sources said.

The words are possible attacks on the health insurance industry, in which Thompson is one of the most powerful leaders  and strikingly similar to a 2010 book condemning the business.

Surveillance footage outside the Midtown Hilton hotel shows a person of interest and the suspected shooter in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Obtained by NY Post

Surveillance images released of the suspect show the gunman visiting a Starbucks at 6th Ave and 56th Street in Midtown just before the shooting. DCPI

Delay, Deny, Defend  two of the three words seemingly left  is sub-titled: Why insurance companies dont pay claims and what you can do about it.

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Police are looking at possible ties to the book, as well as more general references to the health industry, as a potential motive, sources told The Post.

The books author, Jay M. Feinman  a distinguished professor emeritus at Rutgers Law School  declined to comment Thursday morning.

The words on the bullets are strikingly similar to this 2010 book condemning the insurance business. Amazon books

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. UnitedHealth Group

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Cops had recovered three live 9-millimeter rounds and three discharged casings in front of the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue, where Thompson, of Minnesota, was set to host an investors conference that morning, police officials said.

Sources said several of the pieces of evidence each contained one word, indicating the killer may have been trying to leave a message as investigators try to piece together a motive.

Thompsons estranged wife, Paulette Pauley Thompson, 51, told NBC News hours after the murder that the CEO had been getting some threats.

Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? she said, suggesting it was tied to her husbands job.

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I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. AP

Sources said several of the pieces of evidence each contained one word. AP

The masked gunman used a silencer and appeared to be an experienced shooter based on surveillance footage obtained by The Post.

He was seen waiting outside the luxury hotel for his target  the CEO with a yearly salary of nearly $9.9 million  before he calmly fired off multiple shots at close range, causing Thompson to stumble and collapse.

The gun had jammed but the calculated and methodical killer was able to clear it  showing he was a skilled gunman  and continue firing as his victim helplessly tried to crawl away, according to sources and the footage.

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He then ran into an alleyway and hopped on an e-bike, which he rode north along Sixth Avenue into Central Park, where surveillance camera coverage is spotty, police said.

But the suspect may have made some major mistakes that could help investigators identify him.

He bought coffee, a water bottle and two PowerBars at a nearby Starbucks before the killing and tossed his bottle and coffee cup in a trash can  which cops dug out of the garbage and now have as evidence, according to sources.

And investigators also discovered a phone in an alleyway near the Hilton which they believe belongs to the killer, the sources said. Investigators have obtained a search warrant to comb through the contents of the phone.

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The lot of evidence could also help investigators to determine a motive for the execution-style hit.

Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said at an earlier conference. But at this point, we do not know why. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.

Thompson led the countrys largest private health insurer, which has a controversial history of rejecting customers claims and is facing a Department of Justice antitrust investigation.

But he was well respected in his field and was a husband and dad of two sons in Minnesota.

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The CEO was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital after he was shot and he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m., police said.

A source confirmed to The Post that UnitedHealthcare informed investigators that Thompson had been the recipient of threats  though the source noted its not uncommon for someone in his position at a health care company.

A manhunt for the suspect is underway and the NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information.
The death of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has left the public and industry in shock. On Wednesday morning, Thompson was tragically shot outside a Manhattan hotel in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The probe is on and no arrests have been made yet.

In this article, we will delve into the details of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompsons death.

What happened to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The shooting occurred at around 6:45 a.m. ET, just before the start of the companys annual investor conference. Thompson was walking toward the Hilton Hotel when a gunman, who had been waiting, shot him in the back and calf. He was quickly taken to a hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

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The suspect, who was wearing a mask, had a gray backpack with them at the time. He fled the scene on foot and rode off on an electric bike toward Central Park. Police believe the shooting was not a random act and are still investigating the motive. As per ABC News, shell casings marked with the words deny, defend, and depose, were found at the scene. However, the meaning behind them remains unclear.

Paulette, Thompsons wife, confirmed that her husband had received threats in the past but could not provide more details. In an interview with CNN, she said, We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.

The tragic event occurred hours before New Yorks Christmas tree lighting ceremony. However, the event went ahead with increased security. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for clues.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot in Manhattan appeared first on Mandatory.
The shock slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has all the makings of a vendetta assassination carried out by a man with personal grievances against the health insurance company he oversaw.

James Pipe, a criminologist at Free Grants for Felons, told the Daily Beast there were several notable aspects that support this theory, including that the assassin left behind inscribed bullet casing with the words deny, defend, and depose on them.

These terms are reminiscent of strategies employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts, Pipe noted. This suggests the killer intended to convey a message, potentially indicating a deep-seated frustration with insurance practices.

Brian Thompson, 50, was gunned down in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. He was a married and shared two kids with his wife.

Many have theorized that the killer, who remained at large on Thursday afternoon, was actually a paid assassin hired to take out Thompson. Driving that conspiracy is the shooters use of a silencer, his planned escape-by-bike, and how methodically he went about the killingwaiting for Thompson outside a hotel and shooting him multiple times despite there being witnesses in clear view.

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The mystery murderer was captured unloading at least three shots into Thompson before he fled the Midtown Hilton just after 6:45 a.m. Wednesday morning by hopping on an e-bike and disappearing into Central Park.

Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown.

Pipe acknowledged that the gunman showed a high level of professionalism that would suggest he was a hired assassin, but said the discovery of casing inscriptions throws cold water on that theory. A hitman would never leave such identifiable traces, he said.

The suspects actionswaiting for Thompson, executing the attack with precision, and leaving symbolic messagessuggests a perpetrator with a strong motive, he added. The evidence points toward a highly motivated individual, possibly with personal grievances against Thompson or UnitedHealthcare, who sought to make a statement through both the act and the messages left behind.

Gene Petrino, a former SWAT commander who now consults as a survival expert, said the slaying of a CEO by a disgruntled customer is not a new phenomenon. He told the Daily Beast that once cops identify the shooter, theyll likely find that the gunman was leaking warning signs about his plans.

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He said that such a coordinated killing probably included planning, preparation, and a probing phase for the suspect that may have even included doing practice runs of the shooting.

Security footage captured the moment that Brian Thompsons assassin opened fire at him from behind at close range.

Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and regular trial expert, told the Daily Beast that the gunman was likely an enraged loved one of somebody who died because their health insurance wouldnt pay for sufficient treatment.

Lieberman didnt totally dismiss the theory that the gunman may have been hired help, however. She said investigators need to take a close look at Thompsons loved ones and see if there was any reason they wanted the married father-of-twowho had an estimated net worth north of $40 millionkilled under the guise of being the work of a disgruntled patients loved one.

[They may be] trying to create a story, a bad story, hoping to convince the public that it was a disgruntled patients family, she said.

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The psychiatrist added that the gunman demonstrated skills that were akin to a professional shooter, like his ability to fix a jammed gun on the fly. She also noted there wasnt much of a reaction from the killer after Thompson collapsed to the Manhattan sidewalk. Had the gunman been driven by rage to kill, Lieberman said shed expect to see more emotion from him after his planned hit became a success.

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[A disgruntled patients] family member would be much more emotional about the whole thing, she said. We would see them being more radical, looking more radically.

Lieberman said she was surprised by the reaction of Thompsons wife, Paulette, in an interview she gave to NBC News just hours after her husband was shot dead.

There had been some threats, Paulette told the network. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him. Police sources corroborated that thered been threats against Thompson to The New York Times.

Lieberman said that reaction was strange and that Paulette appeared stone faced. Later Thursday, a report emerged in the Wall Street Journal that claimed Thompson and his wife had been separated for years and lived in separate homes near each other.

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Security footage that captured the gunman inside a nearby Starbucks just before the killingwith his mask down and a grin on full displayseemingly weakens claims that he was an experienced, hired assassin.

UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.



The full investigative efforts of pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024

Regardless of the killers motive, however, the lack of protection for Thompson has left security experts in shock.

Charlie Carroll, CEO of the security firm ASET Corporation, told the Daily Beast that the slaying was completely preventable.

Were living in a world where people are extremely disgruntled, he said. When people lose trust in the system, you start seeing more kidnappings and assassinations because they feel like they have to take matters into their own hands.

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Carroll said these societal trendspaired with Thompsons job at the helm of the countrys largest health insurermeant that he should have been bodyguards protecting him while he was in transit to a high-profile investors meeting away from his Minnesota home.

Theres no reason in the world that a CEO like Brian Thompson didnt have a serious security team, he said. If I were there, I wouldve gone outside to survey the area for anything suspicious before letting him walk out. This was a $100 million mistake, if not more, for United Healthcare.
The manhunt for the gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City goes on. A study suggests there are millions of psychiatric disorders linked to exposure to lead in gasoline. And Rockefeller Center gets in the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas tree lighting.

Heres what to know today.

Manhunt continues for shooter in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

The manhunt for the person who fatally shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare is still going on. Police in New York released images of the man being sought in the killing of Brian Thompson that show him wearing a black jacket with a mask obscuring half of his face. He was last seen in Central Park after fleeing the scene on an e-bike.

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

Police said it appeared to be a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack, outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. Thompson, 50, was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Groups investor conference when the gunman approached from behind and fired several rounds, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Security video from the incident showed the shooting play out.

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Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny reiterated that the attack was targeted, but police do not know the motive of the shooting. Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, said her husband had been receiving threats. Despite the known threats against him, Thompson did not travel with a security detail.

Shell casings found at the scene had the words deny, defend and depose written on them, a senior law enforcement official said.

Heres what else we know.

Kash Patels past comments loom over FBI candidacy

Kash Patel speaks during a rally for Donald Trump in Las Vegas on Oct. 24.

A 2023 podcast interview with Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for FBI director, and fellow Trump loyalist Steve Bannon is in the spotlight. In the recording, Patel said he would come after people in the media, specifically those who lied and helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. He added, whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out.

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The comments are now getting critical looks from politicians on both sides of the aisle. Republican Sen. John Cornyn said he would ask Patel to clarify some of his past remarks. I dont know how much of it was rhetorical and how much of it was serious, Cornyn said. Meanwhile, Democratic senators see Patels comments as a major red flag. Patel has laughed off the notion that he was hellbent on attacking reporters.

The question of whether Patel will really come after journalists is likely to become a central point of contention if he comes up for Senate confirmation. Critics also fear that Patels fierce loyalty to Trump and his history of embracing conspiracy theories will influence his actions at the FBI.

Read more Trump transition and politics news

Pete Hegseth <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/-back-embattled-hegseth-says-trump-told-keep-fighting-rcna182855?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>brushed aside suggestions</strong></a> that he should withdraw his bid for defense secretary and said Trump told him to keep going, keep fighting.

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/lead-gasoline-tied-millions-excess-mental-health-disorders-study-rcna182881?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>Kelly Loeffler</strong></a>, a former Republican senator from Georgia, was named Trumps pick to lead the Small Business Administration.

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/trump-picks-billionaire-jared-isaacman-lead-nasa-rcna182840?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>Jared Isaacman</strong></a>, a billionaire entrepreneur who has paid for commercial flights to space twice, is Trumps pick to lead NASA.

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-picks-peter-navarro-went-prison-defying-jan-6-committee-subpoena-rcna182843?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>Peter Navarro</strong></a>, who served a four-month prison sentence for defying a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee, was selected to be Trumps top trade adviser.

The incoming Trump administration <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/incoming-trump-administration-plans-deport-migrants-countries-rcna182896" target="_blank"><strong>is preparing a list of countries</strong></a> which it may deport migrants to when their home countries refuse to accept them, sources said, meaning thousands of them could be permanently displaced in places where they dont know anyone, or the language.

Trumps attorneys asked a Georgia appeals court <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-lawyers-move-dismiss-georgia-election-interference-case-rcna182910?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>to dismiss the state election interference case</strong></a> against him, citing presidential immunity.

The judge in Hunter Bidens California tax fraud case said President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/judge-hunter-biden-case-calls-presidents-pardon-statement-attempt-rewr-rcna182825?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>is attempting to rewrite history</strong></a> by stating the reasons for his pardon.

Supreme Court justices <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-tackles-state-bans-treatments-transgender-youth-rcna182517?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>appeared skeptical</strong></a> of a challenge to Tennessees ban on gender transition treatments for minors. Outside the Supreme Court, transgender people, their families and allies  some who traveled from hundreds of miles away  <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/trans-people-traveled-supreme-court-us-hear-historic-case-rcna182953?cid=eml_mrd_20241205" target="_blank"><strong>rallied in support of trans rights</strong></a> .

A link between lead in gasoline and mental health disorders

Exposure to lead in gasoline resulted in an estimated 151 million excess cases of psychiatric disorders over the last 75 years, a new study found. The results, published this week in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, says that lead exposure from car exhaust during childrens early development has made generations of Americans more depressed, anxious, inattentive and hyperactive. Lead exposure from gas also lowered peoples capacity for impulse control and made them more neurotic, the study said.

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Researchers found that lead-associated mental health and personality differences were most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986, coinciding with peak use of leaded gasoline in the mid-1960s and 1970s. Lead was banned from automobile fuel in 1996. The study adds to years of research showing the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Rockefeller Center tree lights up the holiday season

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Rockefeller Center, which celebrated its tree lighting with a star-studded show last night. Kelly Clarkson hosted the annual ceremony, which featured performances from the Backstreet Boys, Thalia, Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson and more. As if the night couldnt get more festive, snow started falling during the special event. New York Mayor Eric Adams and Chuck Scarborough, an NBC New York anchor who recently announced his retirement after more than 50 years, were there to help light the tree. See more highlights from the night.

Read All About It

The price of bitcoin hit $100,000 for the first time as demand for the cryptocurrency has soared since Trumps election win.

Two sailors assigned to the USS George Washington died within days of each other shortly after the aircraft carrier arrived in Japan, officials and family members said. Two years ago, the George Washington was beset by a spate of suicides.

Two children were shot and a gunman is dead after he opened fire at a California elementary school.

An unidentified illness with flu-like symptoms has killed dozens of people and sickened hundreds more in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Frances prime minister is expected to resign from his post after lawmakers passed a no-confidence measure against him and his Cabinet, likely thrusting the country into a period of political uncertainty.

Staff Pick: Some migrant deaths on the border arent being recorded

Discarded blankets and clothing hang caught in razor wire outside at night (John Moore / Getty Images file)

In the unforgiving Arizona desert, the searing heat or the frigid temperatures can be deadly for thousands of people who cross the border. Our Noticias Telemundo colleague Albinson Linares interviewed a pastor who leads a group that fans into the desert regularly to try and rescue those who need help or recover the bodies of those who succumbed to the elements. He also reports on a new study examining why there are discrepancies in the numbers of migrant deaths reported by county and federal agencies  and why none of these figures fully captures the number of people who are dying.  Sandra Lilley, NBC Latino editorial director

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Its time for holiday shopping, and NBC Select can make it easier for you. Our editors put together a series of gift guides for nearly any scenario you can think of. First up: 41+ gifts for mom that shell genuinely love. And we didnt forget the fathers. Here are 23+ gifts for dads who say they dont need anything.

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Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.

Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The UnitedHealthcare CEO who was gunned down in midtown Manhattan was separated from his wife at the time of his murder, according to a report.

Brian Thompson, 50, and his wife, Paulette Thompson, 51, were living in separate homes in Maple Grove, Minn., and had been for years, the Wall Street Journal reports.

In 2018, Brian Thompson bought a second house for $1 million close to where his wife and sons were living, according to the WSJ.

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Brian Thompson was shot just before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, as he was heading to an investor conference for UnitedHealthcares parent company at the New York Hilton Midtown.

His killer was seen on video shooting him from behind and then shooting him again after he had fallen on the ground near the hotel. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The gunman then fled on an electric Citi Bike. Police are still searching for him.

Related: Gunman Who Fatally Shot UnitedHealth CEO Pictured Fleeing on Bike in Midtown Manhattan: Police

UnitedHealth Group;Facebook Brian Thompson and Paulette Thompson Brian Thompson and Paulette Thompson

Paulette told NBC News that Brian had been receiving threats, but still went ahead with his trip to New York City.

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Yes, there had been some threats basically I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, Paulette told NBC News I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

She declined to comment further, saying, I cant really give a thoughtful response right now, she told NBC News. I just found this out and Im trying to console my children.

Later, in a text message to local station FOX 9, Paulette wrote, "We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives.

Related: Police Find 3 Chilling Words on Bullet Casings Used by Killer of CEO Brian Thompson: Report

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"Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."

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.

Paulette, who goes by Pauley, works as a therapist at Park Nicollet Health Services in Minneapolis.

On Instagram, she wrote, I love spending time with my two boys and taking them to all of their activities. I also love boating, spending time with family and friends, playing piano, biking, and traveling."



Read the original article on People
The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has triggered a wave of rage-filled reactions on social media, most of them expressing contempt and dissatisfaction for the health insurance industry he represented.

Thompson was gunned down early Wednesday in Midtown Manhattan, in what police have called a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack. Hed been walking to the Residences Hilton Club on W. 54th St. near Sixth Ave. to help set up an investor conference sponsored by the health insurance giant when a masked gunman opened fire, striking him in the back and the leg.

The CEO was expected to give a speech at the event, but he was instead pronounced dead less than a half-hour after the shooting.

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In wake of the killing, Taylor Lorenz, once a journalist for the Washington Post, took to Bluesky to share a photo Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Kim Keck. Her post also came after BCBS announced it would no longer cover anesthesia for the entirety of some surgeries.

And people wonder why we want these executives dead, Lorenz wrote.

She wasnt the only social media user to express ire toward the health insurance industry following Thompsons slaying. Scores of others took to social media to express their dismay and frustration while others seemed to delight in the death of the health insurance executive.

When you shoot one man in the street its murder, one person said on X. When you kill thousands of people in hospitals by taking away their ability to get treatment youre an entrepreneur.

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Several users on various TikTok videos about the shooting commented to say things such as my condolences are out of network.

Columbia School of Social Work professor Anthony Zenkus echoed the sentiment with a snarky post of his own.

Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down. he wrote. Wait, Im sorry  today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires.

Another X user wrote: I have United Healthcare, and I feel like shooting the CEO around this time every year when they raise the already ridiculous premiums and copays, so Im not really surprised.

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Activist Tobita Chow added in his own post that political and industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them alongside coverage of the shooting.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two based in Minnesota, joined the parent UnitedHealth Group in 2004, climbing the ranks until he became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to his LinkedIn.

A manhunt for the gunman, who has not been identified, is still ongoing. Authorities on Thursday released new images of the smiling suspect and called on the public for assistance in the case.

Got a push notification to exercise caution because the United Healthcare shooter is still at large, comedian Samantha Ruddy wrote. I personally do not feel like I am on the shooters radar because I am not the CEO of a highly divisive multi billion dollar insurance company.

Anyone with information regarding the shooters whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
NEW YORK  The gunman who assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown wrote the words Delay, Deny, and Defend  a supposed insurance industry mantra for delaying claims and maximizing profits  on the ammunition he fired at the insurance company head, police sources said Thursday.

Word of the eerie message comes as NYPD detectives zero in on the suspect. On Wednesday night, police executed a search warrant on an Upper West Side home they believe the gunman had visited before the early morning shooting, according to multiple sources.

They have an idea who he is, an NYPD source said about the gunman. A lot of tips are coming in.

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The home police raided was in the West 90s near Columbus Ave., police sources said. Detectives managed to track the gunman there before the 6:45 a.m. shooting outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown.

Thompson, 50, a married father of two from Minnetonka, Minn., was walking to the Residences Hilton Club on W. 54th St. near Sixth Ave. to help set up an investor conference sponsored by the health insurance giant when the gunman opened fire from a few feet away. The CEO was expected to give a speech at the event, officials said.

The gunman, who was dressed in a black sweatshirt, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and was sporting a large gray backpack, had been laying in wait and crept up behind Thompson before shooting him, police said.

The shooting was caught on surveillance camera, and the NYPD released images of the suspected gunman holding a pistol equipped with what appears to be a silencer, and another of him riding away from the scene on a bicycle.

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Based on the evidence so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but we do not know why, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.

During the killing, the pistol jammed, but the gunman was able to clear the jam and kept firing before running off.

EMS rushed the CEO to Mount Sinai West, where he died of his wounds at about 7:12 a.m., police said.

Cops found three 9mm shell casings as well as a few live rounds that had been expelled from the pistol as he freed the jam. Delay, Deny, and Defend were etched on the bullets, sources said, leading investigators to theorize that the gunman may have been outraged at how UnitedHealthcare handled an insurance claim of his or someone close to him.

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Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the CEO had received threats before his trip to New York.

There had been some threats, she told the outlet. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

The gunman sped away on a Citi Bike and disappeared into Central Park.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the gunmans identity.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
The US Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has introduced export controls designed to restrict China's capability to produce advanced-node semiconductors that can be used in the next generation of advanced weapon systems, AI and advanced computing.

The Department of Commerce has described as a proactive measure new rules to impede China's ability to procure and produce the technologies necessary for its military modernisation.

The rules include:

- new controls on 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and 3 types of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors;

- new controls on high-bandwidth memory (HBM);

- new red flag guidance to address compliance and diversion concerns;

- 140 Entity List additions and 14 modifications spanning PRC tool manufacturers, semiconductor fabs, and investment companies involved in advancing the PRC governments military modernisation;

- and several critical regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of previous controls.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the action, in concert with US allies and partners, is to impair China's ability to indigenise the production of advanced technologies that pose a risk to US national security.

Further strengthening our export controls underscores the central role of the Department of Commerce in executing the United States broader national security strategy," Raimondo said.

The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security, said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

"As technology evolves, and our adversaries seek new ways to evade restrictions, we will continue to work with our allies and partners to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how so they arent used to undermine our national security."

Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez said the action builds on BISs work to impose strategic controls that have hindered the PRCs ability to produce advanced semiconductors and AI capabilities directly impacting US national security.

"Todays announcement represents the next step in that ongoing work, said Estevez.

We must ensure that we stay ahead of the PRC by protecting our advanced technology.

Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement said the purpose of these Entity List actions is to stop PRC companies from leveraging US technology to indigenously produce advanced semiconductors

By adding key semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment manufacturers, and investment companies to the Entity List, we are directly impeding the PRCs military modernisation, WMD programs, and ability to repress human rights, Axelrod said.
Trawlers are seen in Unalaska on Sept. 24, 2013. (Photo by James Brooks)

As an Alaska Native, born and raised in Homer, one of the co-authors, Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon, has been a lifelong subsistence harvester which is central to her familys cultural continuity and food security. She has also been a charter and sport fishing booking agent, and commercial seiner and fish processor on the Homer Spit. She is now an Indigenous sustainability scientist and consultant. David Bayes, the other co-author, holds a biology degree, is a charter fishing captain, leader of the Stop Alaskan Trawler Bycatch Facebook group, 2024 Sam McDowell Award winner, former chair of the Alaska Charter Association and Homer Charter Association, and a former member of the Homer area Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) advisory committee. The authors, along with the signatories, have united to advocate against current trawling practices.

We are raising concerns about the devastating impacts of trawling, which threaten Alaska Native cultural heritage, food security, the sustainability of our planet, and the livelihoods of commercial, charter, and sport fishing families. We urge all commercial, charter, sport, and subsistence fishers, along with Tribes, fishing lobbies, conservation groups, advocacy groups, scientists, and policy makers to unite and speak out against trawling.

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Alaskas fishing industry is at a critical moment, with 70% of the states population, including many Alaska Native, subsistence, charter, sport, and commercial fishermen, united against trawling. Some members of opposing political parties also share this stance.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) data shows that trawl nets categorized as midwater contact the seabed 40-80% of the time, sometimes completely dragging along the ocean floor. Trawlers have high bycatch rates, unintentionally catching salmon, halibut, and crab, and have contributed to fishery disasters in Alaska. Even with fisheries closures for subsistence, commercial, charter, and sport fishing, trawlers are still allowed to catch these species as bycatch. The 141 million pounds of fish and crab annually thrown overboard as wasted bycatch, mostly dead, is enough to feed Alaskas residents dinner for more than a year. Many of the discarded fish are juveniles, which could have fed even more people if allowed to mature.

The National Academies of Sciences and U.S. Coast Guard both call trawling nets scraping the bottom of the sea floor harmful to the seabed and marine species. The U.S. Geological Survey explains, Trawling destroys the natural seafloor habitat by essentially rototilling the seabed. Research also shows that while the oceans have absorbed carbon that causes climate change, trawling releases it back into the atmosphere.

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In the past, subsistence, commercial, charter, and sport fishers rarely found common ground due to competition over limits. However, this is a critical moment for unity. Some groups are already collaborating against a lawsuit aimed at removing the halibut bycatch limit based on abundance. Additionally, traditional, commercial, and sport fisherwomen Brooke Woods, Linda Behnken and Nanci Morris Lyon) authored an opinion piece, praised by former Board of Fish Chairman Karl Johnstone, demonstrating collective strength.

State and federal policymakers, including Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, ADF&G Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang, Rep. Mary Peltola, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, NPFMC, and theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have several concrete actions available to mitigate the harmful impacts of trawling in Alaska. The following evidence-based recommendations align with incremental steps toward ultimately ending harmful trawling practices in Alaskas waters.

Integrate Indigenous Knowledges and Western science in marine management decisions to promote the most informed evidence-based policy making. This is the current guidance for federal agencies, NOAA.

Mandate comprehensive monitoring through increased observer coverage and electronic monitoring on all trawl vessels to ensure accurate bycatch data and better enforcement of bycatch limits, including reimplementing and strengthening the Observers Program.

Lower and enforce bycatch limits and close trawl fisheries once these limits are reached to preserve vulnerable species and incentivize trawlers to use methods that reduce bycatch.

Legally prioritize subsistence in state and federal marine waters over industrial trawling, protecting food security and Alaska Native cultural practices.

Modernize environmental assessments through drawing on recent climate data and both Indigenous Knowledge and Western science, ensuring that decision-making aligns with present-day ecosystem conditions, including NOAA National Standards.

Adopt environmentally safe fishing gear standards through regulations to limit allowable fishing gear to types that minimize environmental damage and bycatch.

Restrict and phase out trawling in ecologically sensitive areas to allow depleted fish populations to recover.

Legislate to ban trawls in all waters off Alaskas coasts contacting the bottom for any length of time and operate in both state, federal, and international waters, creating a pathway toward fully sustainable, ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Greta Glotfelty Horn, a former teacher and ADF&G employee, and current commercial fisher, wrote to the NPFMC expressing concern about the declining state of fishing grounds, highlighting that firsthand reports from fishers show areas once abundant are now desolate. She criticized scientists and officials for only occasionally sampling in selective areas where bycatch is minimized. Horn urged decision-makers to listen to those with actual rubber boots on the ground. We call on commercial, charter, sport, Alaska Native and traditional subsistence fishers, scientists, and policy makers to unite and move beyond past disputes to protect Alaskas fisheries from the harmful effects of trawling.

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Along with the co-authors, the following signatories have agreed to this commentary: Linda Behnken (Alaska Longline Fishermens Association); Nanci Morris Lyon (Bear Trail Lodge/Branch River Air); Ivan Z. Encelewski (Executive Director, Ninilchik Traditional Council); Kevin Whitworth (Executive Director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission); Laureli Ivanoff (Alaska Native Peoples Action); Angutekaraq Estelle Thomson (President, Native Village of Paimiut Traditional Council and Commissioner for the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission); Jackie Arnaciar Boyer (SalmonState Ocean Justice Program Coordinator); Roberta Highland (President, Kachemak Bay Conservation Society); and Sam Schimmel (Founder, Operation Fish Drop)

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  This December marks one year since the UNLV shooting which tragically took the life of three professors. As we approach the one year anniversary, students and faculty are coming together to remember those who died and honor their memory.

At Beam hall, 6 student murals are now on display reflecting hope and sharing a unique story. Students were asked to submit their artwork and after careful review, the subcommittee selected the designs.

UNLV student artist Anjelo Vigilia, collaborated with another student to put together a tribute piece.

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Its for a really great cause, its for healing which is something were all going through and something were both honored to contribute to, explained Anjelo Vigilia.

Their mural titled UNLV Strong shows the life of the three professors sharing tea symbolizing their unity, with a personal element to highlight each teachers passion. A fishing rod for Dr. Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, a microphone for Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez and a book for Dr. Naoko Takemaru.

Sharing tea is like a peaceful engagement, you sit down and youre able to enjoy time together. Thats what we wanted to depict, we wanted to depict these souls, Vigilia explained. Although this incident was a harsh tragedy, at this moment theyre sitting together and theyre at peace. Finally we surrounded the whole thing with flowers to represent healing of course and to represent students as they bloom because of their experience learning under these professors.

Sarah Quigley, Chair of the Memorial Subcommittee, wanted to lead this project and shine a light for students during these tough times.

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We know we cant change what happened in this building, but we wanted to add some vibrant colors, remarked Quigley. It has helped me personally to have something to do that is a benefit to this community that Im a part of that is helpful to my own personal grief journey and knowing that weve done something to help others is meaningful to me.

Vigilia said it was important for him to give back and speak from his heart.

Somebody came up and asked me if I made it and she was actually a colleague of Dr. Takemaru and she just told me thank you and to me that was enough right there, Vigilia added. That was powerful and super affirming to know that this art is doing something.

The university plans to keep the murals up for at least a year. If you would like to learn more about the murals and artists, visit this link.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Scholars of the publicly-funded UNO Goodrich program at a picnic in 2019. Larry Bradley, who was a Goodrich scholar, and his wife, Cindy, just made a special donation to the program that's now more than a half-century running. (Courtesy of Goodrich program)

OMAHA  The global head of audit at KPMG International credits the Goodrich Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for boosting his career  and now Larry Bradley has pledged $550,000 to establish the first endowed professorship for the program.

Larry and Cindy Bradley, UNO alumni and donors. (Courtesy of the Bradleys)

Bradley, a 1983 UNO graduate, and wife Cindy, who is also a UNO alum, together pledged a $300,000 gift and a $250,000 deferred pledge through their estate to establish the Larry and Cindy Bradley Professor for Goodrich.

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The professorship will support a salary stipend, research and creative activities to enhance the scholarship programs impact on students and the university.

I relied on Goodrich to mentor me through college, said Bradley. I developed tight relationships with the Goodrich professors. The overall family of support provided by Goodrich was remarkable, especially for a young, struggling kid.

Established in 1972 through legislation and funding championed by then-State Sen. Glenn Goodrich, the scholarship program now more than 50 years running has helped more than 3,800 students with financial need pursue a UNO degree, including many first-generation college students such as Bradley.

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Bradley grew up in North Omaha with his three siblings, all of whom attended UNO. His dad was a route delivery driver and his mom worked in Omaha Public Schools.

Now living in New York City and Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, Bradley said the Goodrich program gave him a broad and diverse outlook.

Goodrich offers the means for students from all backgrounds to succeed, he said.

Troy Romero, chair of the Goodrich program who also is a Goodrich graduate, said the Bradleys for decades have provided direct support to students. He said they have been pivotal in helping to fulfill the Goodrich programs mission  inspiring (students) to seize opportunities and pursue their dreams.

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Bradley said Goodrich courses were among his favorites at UNO. Goodrich has a two-year specialized curriculum centered around humanities and social science general education courses.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li called the Bradleys gift a testament to the transformative power of education and the lifelong impact of the Goodrich program. Current scholars and graduates have a saying: Once a Goodricher, always a Goodricher.

Larry Bradley on a visit to his alma mater to speak to students. (Courtesy of Goodrich Scholarship Program)

Larry Bradley oversees more than 90,000 employees at KPMG, where he has worked for four decades. He is an honorary University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee and has been recognized as a distinguished alumni by the UNO College of Business Administration.

Cindy graduated from UNO in 1985 with a degree in elementary education.

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Of the Bradleys, Li said: Their generosity will not only elevate the programs ability to serve future Mavericks, but also inspire others to invest in opportunities that empower students to achieve their dreams and strengthen our community.

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In November 2024, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services sparked renewed scrutiny of controversial statements he had previously made.

Among these was a widely circulated claim that Kennedy once said COVID-19 was engineered to "spare" Jewish and Chinese people. For example, a Nov. 15, 2024, X post stated: "Never forgetRFK Jr famously spread a conspiracy that COVID was 'ethnically targeted' to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people."

Never forgetRFK Jr famously spread a conspiracy that COVID was ethnically targeted to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. pic.twitter.com/hZKyD9bxzn  Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) November 15, 2024

Such claims were not new, with an earlier wave surfacing in July 2023.

Heres RFK Jr. suggesting that COVID was ethnically targeted to spare Chinese and Jews. This kind of bullshit is toxic to our society. Responsible media would write this guy off now. pic.twitter.com/X5C8iuEfr8  Pro-Democracy (@ProDemocracyRTs) July 15, 2023

While numerous social media users shared the claim that RFK Jr. said COVID-19 was "'ethnically targeted' to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people," others said the accusation was incorrect. For instance, one X user wrote: "RFK cited a scientific paper defending his remarks. The NYT falsely claims that the paper makes no references to Ashkenazi Jews."

What Did Kennedy Actually Say?

Kennedy made the statement from which the claim stemmed during a July 2023 event, during which he said: "There is an argument that [COVID-19] is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately." He added: "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese."

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The quote appeared in a July 15 New York Post article originally headlined "RFK Jr. says COVID was 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews." Here is a transcription of RFK Jr.'s remarks, as shared by the Post in a YouTube video (emphasis ours):

And we need to talk about bioweapons. The level, I know a lot now about bioweapons because I've been doing a book on it for the past two and a half years. And you know what? The technology that we now have to develop these microbes, we've put hundreds of millions of dollars into ethnically targeted microbes. The Chinese have done the same thing. In fact, COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately. The races that are most immune to COVID-19 are because of the structure, of the genetic structure, of genetic differentials among different races, of the receptors, of the ACE2 receptor. COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese. We don't know if it was deliberately targeted at or not, but there are papers out there that show, you know, the racial and ethnic differential and impact to that. We do know that the Chinese are spending hundreds of millions of dollars developing ethnic bioweapons and we are developing ethnic bioweapons. That's what all those labs in the Ukraine are about; they're collecting Russian DNA, they're collecting Chinese DNA so we can target people by race.

While Kennedy did not use the word "spare," his phrasing implied that some groups, including Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people, may have genetic factors making them less vulnerable to COVID-19. It is important to note that while some scientific research has explored variations in ACE2 receptor expression across populations, no credible evidence supports the idea that COVID-19 was engineered to target or bypass specific ethnic groups.

RFK Jr. himself acknowledged uncertainty, stating: "We don't know if it was deliberately targeted."

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Additionally, during his remarks, Kennedy accused both the U.S. and China of investing heavily in research on ethnically targeted bioweapons and referenced "labs in Ukraine" allegedly collecting DNA for this purpose. This is a contentious claim lacking verifiable evidence and aligns with long-standing conspiracy theories about alleged U.S. biolabs in Ukraine.

Widespread Criticism and RFK Jr.'s Response

The American Jewish Committee told CNN in a statement that Kennedy's "assertion that Covid was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people is deeply offensive and incredibly dangerous." The Anti-Defamation League, a nongovernmental organization founded to combat antisemitism, also condemned RFK Jr.'s remarks, as did his sister and the White House.

In response to this criticism, and to the New York Post article in particular, Kennedy stated on July 15, 2023, shortly after the article was published: "I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews."

Below is the full text of RFK Jr.'s statement posted on X:

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The @nypost story is mistaken. I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I accurately pointed out  during an off-the-record conversation  that the U.S. and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews. In that sense, it serves as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons. I do not believe and never implied that the ethnic effect was deliberately engineered. That study is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32664879/

Notably, the New York Post revised its headline later that day as follows (emphasis added): "RFK Jr. says COVID may have been 'ethnically targeted' to spare Jews."

Kennedy's statement referenced a 2020 study titled: "New insights into genetic susceptibility of COVID-19: an ACE2 and TMPRSS2 polymorphism analysis." However, as PolitiFact reported in July 2023, the 2020 study "did not conclude that Chinese people were less affected by the virus." Instead, it noted that one of the virus's receptors appeared absent in Amish and Ashkenazi Jewish populations and speculated that certain genetic mutations might increase the severity of COVID-19. Below, you can see the in-question part of the study (emphasis added).

Here, we investigated genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 by examining DNA polymorphisms in ACE2 (OMIM 300335) and TMPRSS2 (OMIM 602060) genes. [...] We found that the distribution of deleterious variants in ACE2 differs among 9 populations in gnomAD (v3). Specifically, 39% (24/61) and 54% (33/61) of deleterious variants in ACE2 occur in African/African-American (AFR) and Non-Finnish European (EUR) populations, respectively (Fig. 1b). Prevalence of deleterious variants among Latino/Admixed American (AMR), East Asian (EAS), Finnish (FIN), and South Asian (SAS) populations is 210%, while Amish (AMI) and Ashkenazi Jewish (ASJ) populations do not appear to carry such variants in ACE2 coding regions (Fig. 1b).

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The study highlighted several limitations, noting that "current analysis examined massive genomic data from general population, not COVID-19 patient-specific populations. All genetic associations identified in current study are urgently needed to be tested in COVID-19 patients in the near future."

On July 16, 2024, Kennedy further addressed the controversy in a conversation with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, during which he underscored his opposition to antisemitism and commitment to Jewish advocacy, calling the accusations "a disgusting fabrication."

The insinuation by @nypost and others that, as as result of my quoting a peer-reviewed paper on bio-weapons, I am somehow antisemitic, is a disgusting fabrication. I understand the emotional pain that these inaccurate distortions and fabrications have caused to many Jews who pic.twitter.com/QY4BSNuP4v  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 16, 2023

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The same day, RFK Jr. also shared a question allegedly sent by the New York Post to his press office.

How devious are the MSM attack dogs? Here is the question @nypost @LevineJonathan asked my press office: What do you say to critics who might think saying coronavirus was a bioweapon made to kill white and black but spare Jews  might be antisemitic?  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 16, 2023

In a press release, then-presidential candidate Kennedy denounced the accusation as "disgusting and outlandish." He stated: "It was [Jon Levine, the Post's reporter], not myself, who invoked anti-Semitic tropes by attributing words to me ('spare the Jews') that I never said."

In sum, due to the ambiguous nature of Kennedy's remarks, we have opted not to assign a specific rating to the claim that RFK Jr. said COVID-19 was created to spare Jewish and Chinese people. While he did not use the word "spare," one could fairly infer that his comments about "bioweapons" being designed to "target people by race" meant he was implying that COVID-19 could have been created to target some populations and not others.

Snopes has investigated similar claims regarding Kennedy in the past. For instance, we fact-checked whether RFK Jr. said he would send people addicted to legal and illegal drugs to "wellness farms" where they would grow organic food.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHyHQiKS3f0. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Evon, Dan. "Ukraine, US Biolabs, and an Ongoing Russian Disinformation Campaign." Snopes, 24 Feb. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//news/2022/02/24/us-biolabs-ukraine-russia/.

Hou, Yuan, et al. "New Insights into Genetic Susceptibility of COVID-19: An ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Polymorphism Analysis." BMC Medicine, vol. 18, no. 1, July 2020, p. 216. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01673-z.

Ibrahim, Nur. "RFK Jr. Proposed Sending People with Drug Problems to 'Wellness Farms'?" Snopes, 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/rfk-wellness-farms/.

July 16 and 2023. "RFK, Jr. Hits Back at New York Post Accusations." Kennedy24, https://www.mahanow.org/rfk_jr_hits_back_new_york_post_accusations. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Levine, Jon. Exclusive | RFK Jr. Says COVID Was "ethnically Targeted" to Spare Jews. 15 July 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/07/15/rfk-jr-says-covid-was-ethnically-targeted-to-spare-jews/.

Putterman, Samantha. "RFK Jr's Baseless Claim on COVID Sparing Jews, the Chinese." @politifact, https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/jul/19/robert-f-kennedy-jr/covid-19-wasnt-targeted-to-spare-jewish-and-chines/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Shelton, Lauren Koenig, Shania. "Jewish Groups Denounce RFK Jr.'s False Remarks That Covid-19 Was 'Ethnically Targeted' to Spare Jews and Chinese People | CNN Politics." CNN, 15 July 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/15/politics/rfk-jr-covid-jewish-groups/index.html.

White House Condemns RFK, Jr. COVID Comments as "Vile" | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://beta.c-span.org/clip/white-house-event/white-house-condemns-rfk-jr-covid-comments-as-vile/5078104. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Seven years after a recent Ohio State University graduate vanished, her remains were found along a Delaware County highway. Her death was ruled a homicide, and over two decades later, her loved ones are still pushing for justice.

Stacey Colbert was 23 years old when she disappeared in March 1998. Colbert had graduated from Ohio State with a degree in marketing the previous year, and had been working at American Electric Power for about six months.

She had this spirit about her, she was so determined and such a light and her personality  incredible, said Colberts older sister, Danielle Nusbaum. She was very creative, and she lit a room whenever she went in.  She really was a fierce friend and she would defend you to the ends of the earth.

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What is hooning? Ohios new law aimed at reckless driving

Colbert and Nusbaum grew up together in Illinois, before Nusbaum moved to Columbus in 1991 to go to Ohio State. Attending the university was a family tradition, Nusbaum said. A couple of years later, Colbert also enrolled in the university, and joined the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. Colberts sorority sister and friend Paula Shupe described her as the purest heart and super trusting.

You noticed Stacey right away because she was just always smiling, Shupe said. If someone was down, she would do anything to cheer that person up.

Colbert (left) and Nusbaum (right) (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum). Colbert (left) and Shupe (right) (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum). (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum) (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum) A family photo of a young Nusbaum, Colbert and their mother (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum) (Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum)

Colbert loved her job and everything seemed to be going well for her, Nusbaum said, until Tuesday, March 24, 1998, when Nusbaum got a phone call around 5 p.m. An employee at Colberts job called to say she had not been to work that week, nor had she called in sick.

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I immediately called my parents and all my red flags were up, and I knew that this was a crisis at that point, Nusbaum said. Like thats just shes so driven, she would never miss work unless something horrific happened.

While Nusbaum had not communicated with her sister in days, she was not worried up until the call, as Colbert had recently discussed potential travel plans for work. The last thing the sisters did together was see the movie Titanic, which was up for 11 awards at the March 23 Oscars. Nusbaum ringed her sister and left multiple messages about the Oscars in the days prior to the call from her employer, with no response.

After finding out her sister had not been to work in days, Nusbaum immediately drove to her apartment in the 1200 block of Waterford Drive in the Knolls West neighborhood, then called the police.

When she got to Colberts residence, she noticed her car, wallet and all of her belongings were there, except for her cat, who was missing. She noticed a box of mostly uneaten breadsticks on the counter, which had a receipt dated March 21, 1998, at 5:58 p.m., according to a Columbus police report.

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I noticed that the refrigerator door is wide open and that theres a pizza box on the island, Nusbaum said. Theres milk on the island, some cabinets are open, the TV was off. It was just what the heck happened here? Something terrible happened here.

Facility that would turn manure, food waste into natural gas causes stink among neighbors

Nusbaums suspicions that something was wrong were confirmed when officers arrived and began to investigate. A couple that lived in the unit above Colbert told detectives that about two days prior, on Sunday, March 22 around 4 a.m., they were awoken by horrible screams that sounded like someone was in trouble and banging noises, according to the police report.

The neighbors did not call the police. However, one of them knocked on her door later that day at about 2 p.m., and received no answer. The neighbor found Colberts cat outside, who was adopted by Shupe.

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After this disturbing discovery, the search for Colbert was on. Nusbaum said Columbus police immediately took action to investigate Colberts disappearance, and a vigil was held for her at Ohio State.

(Photo courtesy/Danielle Nusbaum).

There was over 5,000 people who came to pray for her safe return, Nusbaum said. It was a beautiful tribute.  A team of her amazing sorority sisters got together and started an effort to put up flyers and try to get the word out to as many people as possible.

Nusbaum also started to do her own digging. She went through Colberts phone book and called every single person in it.

I was panicking, Nusbaum said. I had no idea where she was, and I was imagining, obviously, the worst. Even at that point, still hoping for the best, but imagining the worst.

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Everyone was kind and talked to her, she said, except one person who refused to take her call. Instead, his roommates would answer, asking why Nusbaum was bothering him. Nusbaum described him as a friend of Colbert, who had recently helped her move to her apartment. Nusbaum believes he liked her sister romantically, and is suspicious he was involved.

I just thought for somebody who was so willing to go across the city and help her move to not even say, Oh, you know, I havent seen her, nothing like that, made absolutely no sense to me, Nusbaum said. All the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I just thought that was a really weird reaction to have.

Despite Nusbaum and polices efforts, seven years passed without a break in the case. Until one day in 2004, Nusbaum saw on the news that human remains were found in Delaware County. On Nov. 27, a hunter looking for a lost dog in a wood line near the Scioto River on State Route 257 discovered the body, about 40 minutes from Colberts apartment.

Despite original reports that the remains belonged to a woman in her 40s, Nusbaums intuition told her otherwise  that it was Colbert. She soon got a call from Columbus police confirming the remains were her sisters.

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The case was transferred to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, because of where the remains were found. Captain Kevin Savage with the sheriffs office, who has been involved with the case for two decades, said Colberts cause of death could not be determined due to the condition she was found in.

To this day, no one has been held accountable for Colberts homicide. Nusbaum said her entire life has revolved around Colberts disappearance and death.

I would not wish my situation on my worst enemy, Nusbaum said. They murdered her in cold blood and theyre still out there. Other people could be having to go through the same exact experience and its traumatic.

Ohio House mulls immigration housing bill

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Savage said cold case homicides at the sheriffs office, including Colberts, have recently been reassigned to a team of new detectives for a fresh set of eyes.

It is our belief that this case is a solvable homicide, Savage said. We believe that we have spoken to someone who has knowledge of this crime. The [sheriff offices] goal remains to provide justice for Stacey and her family. We are hopeful we can continue to be successful as we have been in the past in solving cold cases.

Nusbaum and Shupe started a Facebook page called Finishing Staceys Fight in 2022, as a renewed push for justice. They also both believe someone knows what happened to Colbert, and asked that person to come forward.

If you know what happened to Stacey, its not too late to be the hero in her story, to come forward and get this monster off the streets, Shupe said. All this time has passed, you might tell yourself, maybe it doesnt matter anymore, or what difference does it really make? But it still matters a lot. It still matters to us.

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Anyone with information on the homicide of Stacey Colbert may contact the Delaware County Sheriffs Office at 740-833-2800 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 614-461-8477.

If youre a family member of an individual with an unsolved missing persons or homicide case in Ohio, reach out to aboldizar@wcmh.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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A mystery smell at John Marshall Enterprise Middle School forces students to learn from home on Wednesday. Crews worked Wednesday morning to learn what was behind the odor.

Parents and students got this alert Tuesday night after school.

John Marshall Enterprise MS shifts to virtual learning for Dec. 4

Out of an abundance of caution, all John Marshall Enterprise Middle School students will shift to distance learning for tomorrow  Wednesday, December 4. Oklahoma City Public Schools

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It was due to an unusual smell coming from the school. A neighbor talked to News 4 off camera and said hes smelled something funny around the manholes near the school, but could never pinpoint where it was actually coming from.

One student said its been an ongoing issue and his classrooms have evacuated more than once lately due to the smell.

It happened for some days. We went outside and they asked us to take everything with us, said Jaden, a 7th grader at John Marshall Middle School.

Jaden said the smell is a mystery to him.

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma receives grant for neurodivergent adult programming

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It didnt smell like nothing, for real, said Jaden.

On Wednesday morning, multiple Oklahoma City Public Schools trucks were at the school investigating the smell.

News 4 reached out to the district. Were waiting to hear back.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said Thursday that the health insurance provider is reversing a policy that was set to go into effect in February that would have limited anesthesia coverage during surgeries and other procedures, a change that had prompted an outcry from some physicians and lawmakers.

The policy, which would have covered Anthem's plans in Connecticut, New York and Missouri, was disclosed in recent weeks, with the company's New York unit posting a notice on Dec. 1. The policy would have excluded people under 22 years old and maternity care.

According to the original policy statement, Anthem had said it would pay only for anesthesia treatments for the length of time that a procedure or surgery is estimated to require based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service's physician work time values. The insurer noted that claims for anesthesia "above the established number of minutes will be denied."

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In an email to CBS News on Thursday, Anthem said it was backing away from the policy, and added there had been "widespread misinformation about an update to our anesthesia policy."

"As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change," an Anthem spokesperson wrote in an email. "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines."

Before the announcement of Anthem's reversal, the plan had drawn criticism from medical professionals as well as Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, who wrote on social media on Wednesday that the plan is "appalling."

"Saddling patients with thousands of dollars in surprise additional medical debt. And for what? Just to boost corporate profits?" Murphy wrote. "Reverse this decision immediately."

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Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon told the Hartford Courant Thursday that the policy would not take place in his state after negotiating with the insurer.

"After hearing from people across the state about this concerning policy, my office reached out to Anthem, and I'm pleased to share this policy will no longer be going into effect here in Connecticut," Scanlon told the newspaper.

"Appalling behavior by commercial health insurers"

In a statement last month, the American Society of Anesthesiologists also called on Anthem to reverse the policy.

"With this new policy, Anthem will arbitrarily pre-determine the time allowed for anesthesia care during a surgery or procedure," the group said. "If an anesthesiologist submits a bill where the actual time of care is longer than Anthem's limit, Anthem will deny payment for the anesthesiologist's care."

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The insurer's new policy could result in denials of coverage to patients who might need more anesthesia because their surgery is difficult or unusual, or if a complication occurs, the group added.

"This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care," said Donald E. Arnold, an anesthesiologist and president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. "This egregious policy breaks the trust between Anthem and its policyholders who expect their health insurer to pay physicians for the entirety of the care they need."

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GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Thursday the arrest of an Upstate man accused of sexually exploiting a minor.

45-year-old Wesley Kevin Laughlin, of Hodges, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor second degree and another count of sexual exploitation of a minor third degree.

An investigation was initiated when the Greenwood County Sheriffs Office received a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led authorities to Laughlin.

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It was reported that Laughlin supposedly distributed and possessed files of child sexual abuse material. Deputies arrested the suspect on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Both felony offenses are punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment according to officials.

The case will be prosecuted by the SC Attorney Generals 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
During a visit to Sicily, US First Lady Jill Biden searched for her Italian roots.

Together with her daughter Ashley, the first lady visited the small hometown of her great-grandparents, Gesso, in the north-east of the island of Sicily.

"More than a hundred years ago, my great-grandparents, Gaetano and Conchetta Giacoppa, walked the narrow streets of Gesso. They talked with their neighbors and watched the stars wander out at night," said Biden at a ceremony hosted by Messina Mayor Federico Basile on Wednesday.

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"My great-grandparents said goodbye to Gesso and set sail with hope in their hearts. But they never could have predicted that within three generations, their great-granddaughter would be back in Gesso, standing before you, as the first Italian American First Lady of the United States."

In the community of 600 near Messina, the first lady visited the village church where her great-grandmother was baptized in 1865.

As young people, Biden's great-grandparents decided to emigrate to the United States. "Step by step, my great-grandparents built a life. Their last name, 'Giacoppa,' became Jacobs," she told attendees.

But they never forgot the values of their childhood and youth in Sicily, Biden said.

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"As first lady, I've brought the vibrant Italian American community together to celebrate our culture and sustain our traditions. I've even had the opportunity to serve gnocchi and braciole in the White House!"

Being in the hometown of her great-grandparents fills her with warmth, Biden said. At the end of her visit, she presented the Gesso community with an American holly, the symbolic tree of the US state of Delaware, where she will return with her husband, US President Joe Biden, once his term ends on January 20.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Jill Biden used a tour of the United Arab Emirates' capital Thursday to praise efforts to fight cancer and call for more attention on women's health issues as part of her final solo foreign tour as first lady.

Biden, 73, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night after visiting Italy and seeing her ancestral home of Gesso in Sicily.

On Thursday, she began a tour of the capital in the afternoon, stopping first to visit Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi at the massive compound for Qasr Al Bahra. Sheikha Fatima, known as the mother of the nation, is a wife of the UAE's late first ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the mother of its current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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The visit, while not focused on political issues, shows the importance the United States holds for the UAE, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. The Emirates hosts thousands of American troops. The country's Jebel Ali port in Dubai also is the U.S. Navy's busiest port of call outside of the U.S.

The UAE also is a major buyer of Boeing Co. aircraft for its long-haul airlines Emirates and Etihad, and has been focused on winning American support for its push into artificial intelligence.

Biden then stopped at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where she and her daughter, Ashley Biden, met with doctors at the hospital to learn about the clinic's efforts to battle cancer. She recounted the shock of losing Beau Biden, a son of President Joe Biden and his late first wife, to brain cancer.

It was the same for us. We were just like everyone else," she recounted. We walked in. We heard: Brain cancer. We heard nothing else.

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Afterward, Biden visited Qasr Al Hosn, a historic fort in the center of Abu Dhabi's gleaming skyscrapers. She paused to look at kerosene lamps lining one wall and signed a guestbook.

May the wisdom of these walls continue to light a way forward in peace and prosperity for centuries to come, Biden wrote.

Biden has come to the country previously. In March 2016, she accompanied her husband, then the vice president in the last year of the Obama administration, on a trip to the Emirates.

But this trip comes after President Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden over federal crimes after previously pledging that he wouldn't. The president dodged questions about the pardon while he was on a trip to Angola.

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For her part, Jill Biden on Monday said: Of course, I support the pardon of my son.

Biden found herself welcomed without any political questions, only acknowledging in passing at the Milken Institutes Middle East and Africa Summit Thursday afternoon that she and her husband will soon leave office together.

Women deserve answers about their health, because this is really an economic issue I think for women, and globally really, the research and the funding and the products," Biden told the summit, noting that medical research for too long had focused primarily on men.

Biden traveled Thursday night to nearby Qatar. After that, she'll fly to Paris and join President-elect Donald Trump and other dignitaries in Paris to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. She'll then return to Washington.
For every dollar from the ACT Government, CBRIN generated over $50 in GSP.

CBRIN-supported activities contributed $123 million directly to the ACT's gross state product (GSP) in 2024, according to a new report by PwC.

The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) has bolstered the economy of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) by contributing $196 million in Gross State Product (GSP) in 2024, according to a landmark impact report by PwC.

As Canberra Innovation Network marks ten years of service, the report underscores CBRINs almost $900M impact on the ACT economy, representing over 1,600 jobs contributed directly and indirectly as of 2024.

According to the Canberra Innovation Networks Economic Impact report, CBRINs efforts contributed $123 million directly to gross state product (GSP) in 2024, and $196 million including indirect effects. For every dollar of cash funding from the ACT Government, $50 was returned in GSP over ten years.

Canberra is a great environment for innovation. The ACT Governments support and investment in CBRIN through its first decade of growth has delivered significant economic outcomes for Canberra. CBRIN has supported the creation of more than 1,600 jobs, and economic growth worth almost $200 million to our gross state product in 2024 alone. As the centre of Canberras innovation ecosystem, CBRIN is well positioned to continue driving growth across Canberras strong and diverse economy, said ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr.

CBRIN focuses on creating the environment and culture in which innovative ventures in the ACT emerge, connect to expertise and resources, grow and achieve global impact. This benefits Canberras economy and the ACT community, said CBRIN CEO Petr Adamek.

Our ambition is to grow our impact tenfold over the next decade. Our role is to accelerate the economic transformation of Canberra as it continues to diversify away from dependence on public sector to knowledge-intensive industries, creating jobs that are sustainable, globally competitive, and high value.

Surveyed participants overwhelmingly reported gains in entrepreneurial skills and confidence, with 86% noting increased capabilities through CBRIN programs.

Local tech entrepreneur Davina Mansfield of Viden reflected on her experience with CBRIN, describing the network as instrumental in (Videns) journey, providing invaluable support and resources both in the early stages of our business and as we've grown.

Their guidance and community have empowered us to innovate and scale with confidence. CBRIN have created an ecosystem that fosters innovation and belonging. We are extremely grateful to the whole CBRIN team for their support of Viden.

Key findings from PwCs Canberra Innovation Networks Economic Impact report:

CBRIN-supported activities contributed $123 million directly to the ACT's gross state product (GSP) in 2024, reaching $196 million when including indirect effects.

For every dollar in cash funding from the ACT Government, CBRIN generated over $50 in GSP since 2014

CBRIN directly and indirectly supported around 1,609 jobs in 2024, a continuation of its increasing contribution to ACT employment (up from 1,409 jobs in 2023).

53% of respondents reported that CBRINs resources, programs, and events had a high or critical impact on their success.

Nearly all (92%) businesses engaging with CBRIN reported achieving at least one positive outcome, with 36% noting achievement of seven or more significant outcomes.

CBRINs activities positively impacted various wellbeing indicators, including social connection (according to 51% of respondents), access to education and lifelong learning (48%), and economic stability (36%)

The full impact report can be accessed at: https://cbrin.com.au/impact or Full Report - Canberra Innovation Networks Economic Impact
(Bloomberg) -- US House Speaker Mike Johnson held a call with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a move likely adding to Chinas reasons to step up its military intimidation of the democracy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Johnson and Lai spoke on Wednesday, a person familiar with the call said.

Lai posted pictures of his calls with US lawmakers, including Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on the social platform X and said they spoke of security and economic cooperation.

The calls come while Lai is on a trip to Pacific nations that has included stops in Guam and Hawaii. China condemned the US for allowing the transit in Hawaii, raising the possibility that the Peoples Liberation Army holds more military drills around Taiwan soon, possibly shortly after Lai returns home on Friday.

Voice of America first reported on Lais call with Johnson.

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China wants to bring Taiwan under its control someday, by force if necessary, and opposes nations it has ties with, like the US, from having contact with officials from the hub for advanced semiconductor production.

The PLA has held major military drills around Taiwan twice since he took office. It said the war games in October were a warning against separatist acts after Lai had given a speech in which he said Taipei would stand up to Beijings challenges.

The PLA also held exercises twice around Taiwan because former President Tsai Ing-wen met with two of Johnsons predecessors as speaker, Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy.

Lai spoke by phone with Pelosi when he was in Hawaii on Sunday about issues including the chip industry, artificial intelligence and the military threat that China poses, the semi-official Central News Agency in Taipei reported earlier.

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Underscoring Johnsons support for Taiwan, he urged a delegation of House lawmakers to visit the archipelago following Lais inauguration. Hes also been fairly critical of Beijing. In a speech in July, he referred to China as the No. 1 foreign threat for the US, and said Congress must keep our focus on countering China with every tool at our disposal.

Lai is now in Guam, where the US has a major airbase and last month deployed a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

He has visited Guams legislature and met the territorys governor, Lou Leon Guerrero. Previous Taiwan presidents have stopped in Guam as part of trips abroad.

Lais first trip as president is aimed at shoring up ties with the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau  three of the islands few remaining allies.

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Ties with Guam have also been developing in recent years. The territorys legislature has passed several resolutions in support of Taipeis participation with international organizations, activity China works to curtail, and Taiwan reopened a representative office there in 2021.

--With assistance from Billy House and Jenny Leonard.

(Updates with confirmation of the call)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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DALLAS (AP)  A federal judge on Thursday rejected a deal that would have let Boeing plead guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and pay a fine for misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed, killing 346 people.

U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor in Texas said that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking an official to oversee Boeing's compliance with the agreement.

The ruling creates uncertainty around criminal prosecution of the aerospace giant in connection with the development of its bestselling airline plane.

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The judge gave Boeing and the Justice Department 30 days to tell him how they plan to proceed. They could negotiate a new plea agreement, or prosecutors could move to put the company on trial.

The Justice Department said it was reviewing the ruling. Boeing did not comment immediately.

Paul Cassell, an attorney for families of passengers who died in the crashes, called the decision an important victory for the rights of crime victims.

No longer can federal prosecutors and high-powered defense attorney craft backroom deals and just expect judges to approve them, Cassell said. Judge OConnor has recognized that this was a cozy deal between the government and Boeing that failed to focus on the overriding concerns -- holding Boeing accountable for its deadly crime and ensuring that nothing like this happens again in the future.

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Many relatives of the passengers who died in the crashes, which took place off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019, have spent years pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing.

The deal the judge rejected was reached in July and would have let Boeing plead guilty to defrauding regulators who approved pilot-training requirements for the 737 Max nearly a decade ago. Prosecutors said they did not have evidence to argue that Boeings deception played a role in the crashes.

In his ruling, OConnor focused on part of the agreement that called for an independent monitor to oversee Boeings steps to prevent violation of anti-fraud laws during three years of probation.

OConnor expressed particular concern that the agreement requires the parties to consider race when hiring the independent monitor  in keeping with the (Justice) Departments commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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OConnor, a conservative appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush, questioned Justice Department and Boeing lawyers in October about the role of DEI in selection of the monitor. Department lawyers said selection would be open to all qualified candidates and based on merit.

The judge wrote in Thursdays ruling that he was not convinced  the Government will not choose a monitor without race-based considerations.

In a case of this magnitude, it is in the utmost interest of justice that the public is confident this monitor selection is done based solely on competency. The parties DEI efforts only serve to undermine this confidence in the government and Boeings ethics and anti-fraud efforts, he wrote.

OConnor also objected that the plea deal called for the government to pick the monitor and for the appointee to report to the Justice Department, not the court. The judge also noted that Boeing would have been able to veto one of six candidates chosen by the government.

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Todd Haugh, a business law and ethics expert at Indiana University, could not recall any previous corporate plea deals that were rejected over DEI. He said the larger issue was how the deal took sentencing power away from the court.

That is a legitimate argument from which to reject a plea agreement, but this particular judge has really stood on this DEI issue, Haugh said. It comes through loud and clear in the order."

The ruling leaves prosecutors in a bind because they can't simply ignore a government DEI policy that goes back to 2018, he said.

Prosecutors also must weigh the risks and uncertain outcome before pushing for a trial.

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Boeing negotiated the plea deal only after the Justice Department determined this year that Boeing violated a 2021 agreement that had protected it against criminal prosecution on the same fraud-conspiracy charge.

Boeing lawyers have said that if the plea deal was rejected, the company would challenge the finding that it violated the earlier agreement. Without the finding, the government has no case.

The judge helped Boeings position on Thursday, writing that it was not clear what the company did to violate the 2021 deal.

The Justice Department accused Boeing of defrauding Federal Aviation Administration regulators who approved pilot-training requirements for the 737 Max.

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Acting on Boeings incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training instead of more intensive training in flight simulators. Simulator training would have increased the cost for airlines to operate the Max and might have pushed some to buy planes from rival Airbus instead.

When the Justice Department announced in 2021 that it had reached a settlement and would not prosecute Boeing for fraud, families of the victims were outraged. Judge OConnor ruled last year that the Justice Department broke a victims-rights law by not telling relatives that it was negotiating with Boeing, but said he had no power to overturn the deal.

The 2021 deferred-prosecution agreement was due to expire in January, and it was widely expected that prosecutors would seek to permanently drop the matter. Just days before that, however, a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon.

That incident renewed concerns about manufacturing quality and safety at Boeing, and put the company under intense scrutiny by regulators and lawmakers.

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The case is just one of many challenges facing Boeing, which has lost more than $23 billion since 2019 and fallen behind Airbus in selling and delivering new planes.

The company went through a strike by factory workers that shut down most airplane production for seven weeks this fall, and announced that it will lay off 10% of its workers, about 17,000 people. Its shares have plunged about 40% in less than a year.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the first Michigan woman to be elected to the Senate a quarter-century ago, reflected on her years of service in a farewell speech to the chamber on Wednesday afternoon ahead of her departure next month and urged politicians of both parties to "rebuild trust among one another."

"We can heal the divide and work together if we just look for that one thing we can agree on and get it done," said Stabenow, 74, who announced nearly two years ago she would not run for a fifth 6-year term this year.

In a 20-minute-long speech, delivered just a week after her 98-year-old mother died, Stabenow, who first ran for and won a seat on Ingham County Board of Commissioners in 1975, recalled the event that got her into politics: A move by that commission to close down what she described as the only nursing home in the area that served low-income seniors. After leading an effort to save it as a 24-year-old graduate student at Michigan State University, she took on an incumbent commissioner who, she said, referred to her as "that young broad."

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"The young broad beat him and, as they say, the rest is herstory," said Stabenow.

She would go on to serve in the state House and Senate before winning a seat in the U.S. House in 1996. In 2000, she narrowly beat former U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham, whose win in 1994 was the last time a Republican won a Michigan U.S. Senate seat. In the Senate, she was quickly tapped for a Democratic leadership role and eventually became chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee, helping to carve out protections for Michigan's farmers and write congressional farm bills, sweeping pieces of legislation that covered policies on farm subsidies, forestry programs, nutrition assistance and more.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill, remarked that the work Stabenow has done on the committee is unsurpassed among current members. "There is no other senator on the floor of this body who has the competence, skill and track record of Debbie Stabenow in the field of agriculture, forestry and nutrition. She is simply the expert," he said.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, praised Stabenow as a dear friend and trusted colleague who has worked tirelessly to protect the Great Lakes and the auto industry while also championing efforts to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals and improve access to  and funding for  mental health care."

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"When you give Debbie Stabenow a job, she gets the job done and she does it all with a smile on her face," said Schumer. He later added, "Politics by itself has never been the end goal for Debbie. The end goal has always been about her community and building support for worthy causes."

Stabenow, he said, "leaves our country a better, stronger, healthier place."

More: Michigan members of Congress react to Trump's threat of tariffs on Canada, Mexico

More: Michigan US Sen. Gary Peters criticizes President Biden's pardon of son Hunter Biden

In her speech, Stabenow  who when she announced she would leave said she was ready to turn over the job to a new crop of Democrats  spoke warmly of U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, who won the race to replace her in the Senate when the new Congress begins Jan. 3.

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"I know she will have the heart and the talent for this job and will do great things for our state and for our country," she said.

She also showered praise on her friends and colleagues, including Schumer, Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan and the late Sen. Carl Levin, as well as her staff past and present, dozens of whom returned to the Capitol for her speech.

She also recalled what she said was her first "viral moment," during the debate in the Senate Finance Committee over the Affordable Care Act, or what would become known as "Obamacare," when former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona argued against including maternity care, saying he didn't need it.

"I told him, yes, but I bet your mom did," she said.

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As for the people of Michigan and her home state, she said they will always "be in her heart."

"I am forever grateful to the people of Michigan for the trust they have shown me over the years I see everything through the eyes of Michiganders and our beautiful state," she said.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stabenow delivers farewell speech to Senate: 'I am forever grateful'
The United States slapped fresh sanctions targeted at destroying the illegal financial network that allowed the Russian elite to bypass limits through the use of digital assets.

Source: Reuters

Details: The new measures target five people and four businesses that, as the US government says, are tied to an international network known as TGR Group. This organisation contributed significantly to the circumvention of sanctions. The list also includes a Wyoming-based corporation that is partially controlled by someone who has previously been sanctioned.

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According to Bradley Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary for Counterterrorism and Financial Intelligence, TGR Group employed digital assets, such as dollar-backed stable coins, to avoid US and international sanctions. This allowed the Russian elite to profit themselves while also supporting the Kremlin's financial interests.

This network conducts the following activities:

Laundering of funds associated with organisations under sanctions;

Exchange of cash for cryptocurrency without registration;

Providing cash to customers in the form of crypto assets;

Issuing prepaid credit cards to bypass controls;

Concealing the source of funds for the acquisition of real estate in the UK by wealthy Russian citizens.

The US and the UK joined efforts to uncover the network. The NCA website does not specify the overall amount of money laundered, but the mention of a 3% charge suggests the scale. It is suggested that to compensate for the 20 million confiscated by UK law enforcement, the networks would have to launder around 700 million "for free." This suggests that the actual amount of money laundering was measured in billions of pounds. The organisers used the proceeds to assist drug trafficking, cybercrime, and espionage. The UK reported that 84 persons were arrested, millions of pounds were seized, and assets were withdrawn via cryptocurrency and traditional banking institutions.

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The publication reveals how the scheme worked:

For four months, the network has collected funds at 55 locations across the UK, Scotland, and the Channel Islands. The major mechanism for fund legalisation was the cryptocurrency Tether, a prominent stablecoin that guarantees anonymity and high transaction speed.

Couriers collected money from drug cartels or scammers.

The money was then exchanged into the Tether cryptocurrency. "Laundered" money was sent to consumers in various countries..

One of the organisations, Smart, led by Russian Ekaterina Zhdanova, assisted clients in bypassing KYC (identity verification) requirements. For example, Russian clients used this scheme to purchase 2 million worth of real estate in the UK.

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In addition, Smart and TGR crypto-wallets were associated with the Russian platform Garantex, which in 2022 was blocked for financing the supply of weapons for the war against Ukraine.

US sanctions provide for a ban on individuals and legal entities from the United States to conduct any operations with entities that are on the list. All assets of these persons under the jurisdiction of the United States are also frozen.

The new measures are aimed at strengthening control over the use of cryptocurrencies to avoid sanctions, emphasising the US commitment to combat the Kremlin's financial fraud.

Read also: Russia has legalised cryptocurrencies. Will this help the Russians evade Western sanctions?

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The University of Southern California is urging international students who are currently out of the country to return stateside as soon as possible before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

The advisory, according to the universitys student newsroom, was issued by USCs Office of International Services.

Emails were sent out to students on F-1 and J-1 visas, according to Annenberg Media, encouraging them to return from winter break out of fear of them being denied entry into the country after Inauguration Day.

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President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office for the second time on Jan. 20, 2025, and concerns have been raised about how his administration will handle student and international travel visas.

Trump signals use of military for deportations

Trump, who campaigned heavily on stemming illegal immigration, has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants with the help of the U.S. military in the immediate days following his inauguration.

While its unclear if his administration plans to restrict student visas, he has floated the idea in the past. In the first week of his previous presidency, he signed an executive order that enacted severe restrictions on predominantly Muslim countries, Venezuela and North Korea.

FILE  Seen is the University Village area of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles on March 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

USC has the most international students of any California university, with over 17,000 students from outside the U.S. comprising over one-quarter of its student body in the fall semester.

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The school joins a chorus of other well-known universities, including Yale and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in encouraging international students to organize their affairs and return to the U.S. as soon as possible.

International students were encouraged to carry their important travel documents with them and ensure they are up to date prior to re-entering the country, Annenberg Media reported.

For additional resources or help with reentry complications, international students can call the USC Immigration Clinic Hotline at 213-740-7435.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  With incoming snow, the United States Postal Service is reminding residents to clear their mailboxes of snow.

The Postmaster for the Chicopee Post Office is asking residents to provide a clear and unobstructed path to their mailboxes so that their carriers can deliver the mail safely.

Power outages reported in Monson due to snow conditions

While shoveling areas of snow around your home, not only the driveways and walkways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, dryers, and exhaust vents should be cleared. Shoveling out nearby fire hydrants could save firefighters precious seconds during a fire. Hydrants should be shoveled around four feet, as well as a path to the street.

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If you dont clear your vents around your home from the snow you could end up getting carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and is the leading cause of deadly poisoning. Its important to test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure theyre working properly. If your carbon monoxide detector does go off, you should go outside and call 911.

When it comes time to start shoveling, remember to take it slow and be careful. According to the National Institutes of Health, each year there are more than 11,000 injuries from shoveling snow, including 100 deaths.

Experts recommend pushing the snow and moving it to the side. Scooping it up and lifting it to throw can strain your heart. Lift smaller and lighter loads of snow and be careful not to lift with your back. Finally, take frequent breaks when shoveling.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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By Christopher Scicluna

VALLETTA (Reuters) -Western countries including the United States assailed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the war in Ukraine on Thursday at an annual meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Malta.

Ukraine dominated the foreign ministers' meeting politically although envoys were also due to formally approve agreements on issues including senior staff positions at the security and rights body, where Western powers often accuse Russia of flouting human rights and other international norms.

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"My message to the Russian delegation is the following: We are not taken in by your lies. We know what you're doing. You're trying to rebuild the Russian empire and we will not let you. We will resist you every inch of the way," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in a speech.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told the meeting that his country was continuing to fight for its right to exist.

"And the Russian war criminal at this table must know: Ukraine will win this right and justice will prevail," he said.

Sikorksi, Sybiha and others left the room for Lavrov's speech, as often happens at international meetings, and Lavrov was absent when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered his speech.

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This was Lavrov's first visit to a European Union member state since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has often blamed the West for the war.

"I regret that our colleague Mr. Lavrov has left the room, not giving the courtesy to listen to us as we listened to his. And of course, our Russian colleague is very adept at drowning listeners in a tsunami of misinformation," Blinken said in his speech to the meeting.

Lavrov and Blinken were not scheduled to meet.

The OSCE gathering of foreign ministers and other officials from 57 participating states in North America, Europe and Central Asia is overshadowed by the imminent return to the White House of Donald Trump, whose advisers are floating proposals to end the war that would cede large parts of Ukraine to Russia.

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'HOT' WAR

With Trump due to take office next month, Western powers reiterated their support for Ukraine and Russia renewed its criticism of the OSCE, which Lavrov said last year was "essentially being turned into an appendage of NATO and the European Union".

In his speech, Lavrov likened the current situation to the Cold War, saying there was a greater risk of it becoming "hot".

"We do not want to attack anyone. The United States ... are waging war against us by using the Ukrainian neo-Nazi forces. They supply them with weapons, they help them to use long-range weapons against our territory," Lavrov told a news conference afterwards. Western states and Ukraine reject the Nazi analogy.

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The OSCE is the successor to a body set up during the Cold War for the east and west to engage with each other. In recent years, especially since Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow has used what is in effect a veto each country has to block decisions.

This year, Armenia and Azerbaijan are blocking the OSCE budget, diplomats say, over issues related to their conflict in the mountainous territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Diplomats say a deal was reached this week to fill four senior OSCE positions including that of secretary general, which will be taken up by Turkey's Feridun Sinirlioglu, who was foreign minister in a caretaker government in 2015.

The most important annual decision - which country will next hold the OSCE's annually rotating chairmanship - has long been settled. Finland will hold it for the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act that lay the foundation for the current OSCE.

(Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa, Pawel Florkiewicz in Warsaw and Humeyra Pamuk in Brussels; Writing by Francois Murphy; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Timothy Heritage and Jonathan Oatis)
The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group will return Friday from a seven-month deployment.

The group includes the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York and amphibious assault ship USS Oak Hill. They crossed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Nov. 23 along with 23th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which has already returned to Camp Lejeune.

The ships will return to Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Little Creek-Fort Story.

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Their deployment involved conducting interoperability exercises with allies in the North Atlantic, Eastern Mediterranean and Baltic regions. The ships various missions were aimed at promoting regional stability and deterring aggression, according to the Navy.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
Utah army veteran Gordon Steck (left), shakes hands with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ahead of the governor's speech unveiling his budget recommendations at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in Salt Lake City on Dec. 5. 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

This story has been updated with the governors comments during his budget proposal announcement.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday unveiled how he thinks the Utah Legislature should spend about $30.6 billion in taxpayer money for the 2025-2026 fiscal year  another budget proposal with a record-breaking amount of forecasted revenues available for the state to spend.

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The main feature of his budget proposal? Surprise, surprise: another tax cut.

Since 2021, Cox and the GOP-controlled Utah Legislature have approved about $1.2 billion in tax cuts, most of which lowered the states income tax rate to 4.55%. But Cox doesnt want to stop there, and now hes recommending lawmakers go after another source of income tax revenue  the states tax on Social Security benefits.

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The governors proposed budget characterizes the move as a major tax overhaul, and one that the Utah State Tax Commission estimates will cost the state about $143.8 million a year but save the average Utah tax filer with Social Security benefits about $950 a year. State officials estimate the tax cut would benefit some 150,000 Utahns.

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By implementing this tax cut, Utah will demonstrate its dedication to the well-being of older adults and foster a more supportive environment for those who have contributed to the states growth and prosperity, Coxs proposed budget says.

Utah is currently one of nine remaining states that still tax Social Security benefits, including Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. However, West Virginia has started to phase out its tax, expecting to completely eliminate it when 2026 taxes are filed in 2027.

Why Cox wants to nix Social Security tax rather than remove sales tax on food

In order to fund that tax cut, Cox is proposing lawmakers use revenue that lawmakers previously set aside in anticipation of eliminating the states portion of sales tax on food  something the Legislature made contingent on voters approving a constitutional amendment that would have removed the states earmark on income tax dollars for education.

However, in October a judge voided that ballot question, Amendment A, after Utahs largest teacher union and other plaintiffs sued, and a judge ruled the Legislature failed to properly notice and publish the proposed constitutional amendment under the Utah Constitution. Its possible lawmakers could try again, but their next opportunity to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot wouldnt be until the next even-yeared general election, in 2026.

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Since thats now tabled and we know the Legislature wont be able to entertain that for another couple of years, were preserving that commitment for tax relief in the form of eliminating the states tax on Social Security benefits, Sophia DiCaro, executive director of the Governors Office of Planning and Budget, told reporters during a briefing Wednesday ahead of the budget unveiling.

Rather than eliminate the states sales tax on food (something low-income advocates have long sought) regardless of the contingent constitutional amendment, DiCaro said Cox is recommending the Legislature rededicate that revenue as a different type of tax cut because removing the food tax without also lifting the earmark on income tax dollars would make it challenging to balance the budget.

State officials have long said the states budget has faced a structural imbalance because income tax revenue growth (which funds education) has been outpacing other types of revenue growth, which fund other needs from the general fund. If that sales tax on food passed without removing the (income tax) earmark, it would hit entirely on the general fund side, which would make it really difficult to balance the budget in that circumstance, DiCaro said.

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Coxs budget proposal is just that  a proposal. The Utah Legislature will decide what Utahs budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins in July, will actually entail. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene for the 2025 general session on Jan. 21, and they typically dont finalize the budget until the final days of the session, which will end on March 7.

Cox told reporters after he unveiled his budget proposal Thursday morning that even though hes been supportive of removing the food tax, doing so would be problematic without changing the Utah Constitution.

Because that amendment did not move forward  our hands are kind of tied, he said. We cant do that until we get a constitutional change.

Additionally, Cox said he favors another income tax cut  but one targeted to our seniors  because he sees it as more impactful than removing the states grocery tax.

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According to the fiscal note of the 2023 bill that lawmakers passed to remove the food tax only if voters approved the constitutional amendment, a household that spends $6,000 a year on food would save about $105 a year under that tax cut, though that number could vary depending on how much Utahns spend on groceries. Though eliminating the Social Security tax would benefit fewer people, Cox said its benefits will be more noticeable, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.

Giving everybody a tiny cut versus giving our seniors a very big cut, I think its a no brainer, Cox said. I can defend that. I certainly know our seniors can defend that. I just dont know how many people get excited about an additional $15 or $20. But I know a lot of people living on fixed incomes who could use $1,000.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox gives a speech unveiling his budget recommendations at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in Salt Lake City on Dec. 5. 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

Coxs budget proposal is just that  a proposal. The Utah Legislature will decide what Utahs budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins in July, will actually entail. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene for the 2025 general session on Jan. 21, and they typically dont finalize the budget until the final days of the session, which will end on March 7.

They have the constitutional duty of the purse strings, Cox said of the Utah Legislature, adding that the budget will ultimately be up to them. We look forward to engaging with them over the course of the (2025) session.

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Cox said he hasnt yet had an in depth discussion with legislative leaders about eliminating the Social Security tax, but I do know they have had discussions about it. He added lawmakers are expected to consider several bills that would cut taxes in various forms, including at least one that would partially roll back the Social Security tax rather than totally eliminate it.

So thats where the negotiations will take place, and were very hopeful that theyll take it seriously, Cox said. Asked whether hed be supportive of an incremental phasing out of the tax rather than doing away with it all at once, Cox told reporters, Thats better than nothing, but my proposal is better than that.

Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, issued a joint statement Thursday saying they appreciate the governors budget proposal while pledging to remain committed to fiscal responsibility and strategic planning for the future.

During the 2025 session, we will continue prioritizing tax relief to foster economic growth and keep Utah competitive, strengthen education, expand energy and other critical infrastructure and address water needs while maintaining fiscal stability, ensuring that all Utahns have the opportunity to thrive, Adams and Schultz said. They did not respond to a question asking specifically whether theyd support the governors proposal to entirely eliminate the Social Security tax.

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The Social Security tax elimination is only one feature of Coxs proposed budget, which he presented at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in Salt Lake City  meant to highlight a major theme in the governors proposed budget, with initiatives to bolster resources for Utahs aging population, including veterans.

Here are other proposals to increase resources for seniors, according to Coxs proposed budget:

$20.5 million to support aging in place, or increasing home-based care. This would include $7.3 million in state funds along with $13.2 million in federal funds meant to promote independence and reduce reliance on costly institutional care.

$1.4 million for Adult Protective Services, the Office of the Public Guardian, and a Southern Utah Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Office, meant to strengthen protection for vulnerable seniors. Coxs budget document says the funding will improve response times to abuse and neglect cases and safeguard older adults from fraud and exploitation.

$4.5 million for Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers healthy food to home-bound seniors.

A 92-year-old army veteran named Gordon Steck, who currently lives at the veterans home where Cox unveiled his budget, attended the governors announcement while wearing his purple heart hat. In an interview with Utah News Dispatch, Steck applauded Coxs proposal to eliminate the Social Security tax. Though he said he feels fairly secure in his own budget, he said there are other seniors who probably need it more than I.

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Its being done in other places, Steck said. So why cant we do it?

Aside from the proposal to eliminate the states tax on Social Security benefits, Coxs budget proposal includes investments focused on doubling the states energy production  including nuclear  plus hundreds of millions of dollars to fund school safety.

His proposal also includes nearly $19 million more for homelessness as state officials look to increase Utahs emergency shelter capacity. He also wants to add another family shelter somewhere in Salt Lake County (currently the only family shelter is located in Midvale).

Here are some other highlights of Coxs budget proposal:

Families and children

$130 million to help school districts implement recommended school safety measures

Use $1.9 million in state funds to leverage $95.5 million in federal funds for the SNAP summer program, which would allow about 260,000 low-income students to access a $120 food waiver during summer break through the 2028 fiscal year.

$5.2 million to further expand access to free meals to all students who otherwise qualify only for reduced-price meals.

$3.7 million to help school districts manage cellphone use in classrooms.

$2.1 million to expand the states child tax credit for families of up to four children.

$3 million to increase child care facilities across the state.

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Vulnerable populations

To total $33.1 million, Cox wants to use $11.5 million in state funds to leverage $21.6 million in federal funds to help children in state custody receive quality outpatient behavioral health care services, legal representation, and care for disabled youth.

To total $11 million for people with disabilities, Cox wants to use $5.5 million in state funds to leverage $5.5 million in federal funds to help people with disabilities find employment.

Totaling $11.5 million for opioid response, Cox wants to use $6.5 million for opioid treatment and recovery in Utahs correctional facilities. He also wants to use $5 million of the states opioid settlement funds to offer grants to rural areas for prevention, treatment and recovery in rural counties.

Totaling $18.8 million for homelessness efforts, Cox wants to use $3.8 million in ongoing money and $2 million in federal funds to open a second family shelter somewhere in Salt Lake County. He also wants to use $11 million in one-time money and $2 million in ongoing money from the states new round-up donation program at liquor stores to fund statewide emergency shelter to bolster overflow space in both the summer and winter.

Energy production

As part of his previously announced Operation Gigawatt, Cox wants the state to double its energy production over the next 10 years. To do so, hes recommending a total of $24.7 million for the initiative to attract private sector investments. His budget proposal includes:

$20.4 million (including $400,000 in ongoing funding and $20 million in one-time money), to lay the groundwork for deploying nuclear power generation in Utah. Developing nuclear assets will require a consortium of stakeholders to identify potential sites, bolster the regulatory framework, prepare for site permitting, and develop the infrastructure and economic ecosystem needed for nuclear deployment.

$4.3 million for geothermal, meant to support research and facilitate private sector investment in geothermal energy production.

In a scrum with reporters, Cox vehemently called for action to address what he called an energy crisis both in Utah and across the country. Utah, he said, can lead the nation in energy production. We should not only have plenty of low-cost energy for people who live here, but we should be able to export that low-cost energy to other states and other nations as well.

Along with the funding for nuclear site development and geothermal research, Cox said the federal government needs to drastically reform nuclear permitting regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act, which he blasted as stupid and unnecessarily unwieldy.

Heres the problem, folks. We cant build stuff in this country anymore, Cox said. Weve gotten so stupid as a country. The regulatory overload thats happened in our nation is embarrassing. Its an embarrassment to us as the greatest nation in the history of the world. Its an embarrassment to the rest of the world, where they still can build stuff and we cannot.

Cox, however, added that he understood why NEPAs regulations were put in place, saying, We were also making a lot of really dumb decisions in the 60s and 70s when it comes to protecting the environment, he said. We understand that now.

His voice rising. Cox said even the cleanest energy projects, the most important energy projects that are being demanded by environmentalists across this country, cannot be built because we have these stupid, stupid NEPA policies that dont allow us to build the stuff we need to build.

Its time to stop the madness, he said. Its time to start building nuclear again. It should not take us 15 years to build a nuclear facility that costs three times what its supposed to cost.

With President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House, Cox said hes excited to have an administration that finally gets that, adding that hes already been in talks with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, whom Trump has nominated to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior and chairman of the newly formed National Energy Council.

He understands these issues, Cox said. Were going to solve nuclear and all the other issues.

Regulation issues aside, Cox said that Utah can start investing in nuclear site selection and preparation, which he said is very expensive. Initial investment, he said, will help attract companies that are interested in building nuclear power plants.

If we can invest this, if the Legislature is willing to invest this, we feel confident that the private capital will come in huge numbers and allow us to lead on this, Cox said. I will also state Ive reached out to my fellow governors in Idaho and Wyoming. We think this should be a regional project, and we can work together on this, and theyre very excited about that.

Cox acknowledged there have been disasters that have caused U.S. nuclear development to slow, including the partial meltdown of a reactor at the Three Mile Island plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania in 1979. But he also noted that Japan, despite the Fukushima disaster in 2011, has been advancing in nuclear development.

To anyone concerned about nuclear development in Utah, Cox said, please dont freak out.

Please follow the science, he added, noting that states like California or Mississippi have nuclear power plants that are more than 50 years old, and theyre doing great. He added technological advancements are helping nuclear power plants become cleaner and safer.

Cox added that nuclear energy development is key for carbon emissions reduction.

Look, if youre an environmentalist and youre not pro-nuclear, I cannot take you seriously. I just cant, he said. If you really believe in global warming, if you really believe that we need to eliminate carbon from the air, you have to be pro-nuclear. You just do. There is no other way possible to do this. We will never, ever build enough solar and wind to solve what were being told are the problems.

Water development, Great Salt Lake and air quality

Cox wants to use $34.3 million to invest in the states watershed needs as the West continues to confront effects of drought, all while its population continues to grow and its infrastructure ages. He also wants to fund efforts to improve the states air quality.

His proposal includes:

$16 million to match federal and private fundings to acquire water leases for the Great Salt Lake.

$10 million for dam safety repairs and upgrades

$651,100 to better understand and mitigate concerns around how wind-blown dust poses an emerging risk to Utahs health and air quality.

Education

In total, Cox is recommending $759.8 million for public education, including $133.3 million for school safety, $101 million for teachers and $178.6 million for a 4% increase to the weighted pupil unit, or the per-pupil rate used to calculate how much money each school should receive.

While lawmakers eye whether to cut low-performing college programs and better align courses with workforce needs, Cox is recommending several programs related to higher education. They include:

$22.2 million in performance-based funding to promote student success and align higher education with todays workforce needs

$2.5 million to increase technical colleges program capacity

$2 million for a pilot program to redesign general education curriculum for colleges and universities that will develop skills in critical thinking, civic leadership, and reasonable discourse

As part of his budget recommendation, Cox also explicitly included a call on college and university presidents to work with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to better align curricula with workforce needs.

State employees and state buildings

As part of a bid to continue the states responsible fiscal management, Coxs budget also includes additional funding to keep and retain the states workforce, as well as fund infrastructure improvements to state buildings. That includes:

$173 million for state compensation, including a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and increases in insurance premiums for state and higher education employees. It would also continue the states employee pay-for-performance program that was implemented in 2023.

$230.9 million for investing in capital infrastructure and improvements to state buildings, including $84.5 million for critical building needs, $89.5 million for key higher education capital needs, and $15.5 million for statewide space master planning efforts.

For more on Coxs budget proposal, read the entire document below:

FY26 Budget Book FINAL

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Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney talks to reporters before heading into the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In his departing speech on the U.S. Senate floor Wednesday, retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, warned against those who tear at our unity, saying hell be praying that God will continue to bless America while urging Americans to remember the nations values.

There are some today who would tear at our unity, who would replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue, or who debase the values upon which the blessings of heaven depend, Romney said.

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Having spent 25 years in public service, Romney said he has learned that politics alone cannot measure up to the challenges we face.

A countrys character is a reflection not just of its elected officials but also of its people. I leave Washington to return to be one among them and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue, he said. For it is only if the American people merit His benevolence, that God will continue to bless America. May he do so is my prayer.

Romney sounds alarm on U.S. rising national debt

Romney, while he tended to agree with President-elect Donald Trump when it came to policy, was one of his loudest GOP critics during Trumps first term. He was the only Republican senator who voted to convict Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2020. During Trumps second impeachment trial in 2021, Romney joined seven Republicans to again vote to convict, but Trump was ultimately acquitted.

As Utahns have grown to embrace Trump, Romneys criticisms of Trump may be one of the biggest reasons why his approval ratings have slipped among GOP Utahns. Last year, a Noble Predictive Insights poll found 54% of Republicans didnt want Romney to run again, though the poll also found he had support with independent and Democratic voters.

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In September last year, Romney announced he would not seek reelection when his term ends at the close of 2024. He called for a new generation of leaders to step into the political arena to tackle issues including the national debt, climate change and the ambitious authoritarians of Russia and China. At the time, Romney said neither President Joe Biden or Trump are leading their party to confront those issues.

Though Romney didnt name either Trump or Biden in his farewell address, he again raised alarms about the U.S.s $36.17 trillion national debt.

While he said he leaves the Senate with a sense of achievement  after listing accomplishments including his role in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Electoral Count Act Reform, gun safety legislation and marriage legislation that included religious protection  Romney said he also leaves with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped for.

Among other things, the scourge of partisan politics has frustrated repeated efforts to stabilize our national debt, he said.

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He lamented the impact that debt has had on the nations ability to finance other priorities.

Without the burden of the interest on that debt, we would be able to spend almost three times as much as we do on military procurement  three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, and cyber defenses. Alternatively, we could spend double the amount we spend on Social Security benefits every month, Romney said. Our national credit card is almost maxed out, and America risks becoming debt poor.

Romney listed plenty of things he wont miss in the Senate, including the 10-minute votes that last an hour, the unknowable schedule of votes, the myriad meaningless votes, the absurd passion about the inconsequential votes. However, he said his biggest surprise in the Senate has been how much I enjoy the other senators  on both sides of the aisle.

I will very much miss you, my fellow senators, for among you are some brilliant, some entertaining, some kind and generous and all patriotic, he said. It is an honor to have been able to serve with you.

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He also expressed gratitude for serving Utahns.

What sets Utah apart is not just its beauty and vibrant economy, it is the admirable character of its people, he said.

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Senate Minority Leader McConnell praises Utah senator on honorable career

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Romney on the Senate floor Wednesday, applauding his long and honorable career on the national political stage.

Mitt Romneys repeated success in public office is a testament to his transcendent appeal of his character, McConnell said, pointing to Romneys service as Massachusetts governor and Utah senator. As it turns out, uncompromising honesty, earnest humility and evident devotion to faith and family are as compelling in Cedar City as they are in Concord.

Of course, a certain telegenic quality, dare I say, a presidential aura, doesnt hurt either, McConnell added.

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For Romney, McConnell said the U.S. Senate was not a waiting room or a stepping stone. It was a capstone to a life in public service.

With the wisdom to discern where to devote his attention, he managed to cram more into six years than many colleagues fit in in 12 or 18, McConnell said.

McConnell also said Romney made himself into a linchpin for bipartisan negotiations, and he poured himself into worthy fights on behalf of his constituents. He also credited Romney with meeting moments of enormous gravity with careful contemplation and utmost grace.

The past six years will not be remembered as the Senates quietest, McConnell said, adding that observers may have wondered what more Romney had to prove in the Senate after his time as Massachusetts governor and his unsuccessful 2012 presidential bid.

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But that would be a misunderstanding of the way our friend has ordered his life, McConnell said. It wasnt about what he had left to prove, but what he had left to give.

Utah News Dispatch, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. Follow Utah News Dispatch on Facebook and X.

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Certis Australia says Roses core focus will be on providing strategic and operational oversight to the companys national aviation footprint.

With over 20 years of experience in aviation security, tertiary qualifications each in Education, Media, Resilience, Terrorism and Security, Christina has a unique 360-view of the industry through her time operating in both government and private sectors, notes Certis.

She has held senior leadership roles with the Office of Transport Security, and more broadly within the Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development covering Australias international engagement with ICAO and APEC partners. Most recently, she held an Executive role withing the Qantas Group of Airlines.

Christina also brings a deep knowledge of Certis, having previously worked as ACT Aviation Security Manager for four years.

Her career has encompassed periods of major shifts to the aviation sectors operations, and Christina has been at the forefront of driving policy changes, improving safety while enhancing passenger experience, and most significantly, being part of the implementation of the Air Security Officer program in Australia in the wake of the September 11 attacks in the United States of America.

Leading over 2000 aviation security staff, frontline and corporate, at Certis, Christina will drive the company's strategic vision to enhance aviation security services across the Australian market. As part of her remit, she will oversee the organisations security services at major airports including Adelaide, Canberra, and Sydney, working to make these sites safer, smarter and better.

Certis says Rose will also be working closely with senior management to establish Certis Aviation Centre of Excellence - bringing together a dedicated team of experts in Aviation Security within Certis to drive operational excellence and efficiencies while enhancing the level of service and security across aviation operations.

Christinas return to Certis is part of the companys new chapter, anchored by the vision to deliver the highest level of security services and driven forward by innovation.



"I'm returning at a key point in the businesss evolution. My focus is to unite our nationally spread team to deliver aviation security services that exceed regulatory standards, adapt to emerging threats and foster a secure travel experience for passengers and our importantly our frontline staff, Rose said.

The people part of our business is my key priority. If you look after your people, they will look after your customers and your business will thrive. I started my working life as an Educator, and the fundamentals of respect, understanding, recognition and effective communication underpin my approach to shaping how the Certis aviation teams operate.

Certis Australia Chief Operating Executive Brett Pickens, welcomed Christina Rose to the leadership bench, noting, "Christina's deep expertise in managing complex security operations will be instrumental in enhancing our services. Her appointment underscores our commitment to expanding Certis' footprint in the aviation industry, where we currently service several of Australias major airports."

Certise says that as the aviation security industry undergoes significant transformation, it is poised to strengthen its market presence through enhanced customer service management and strategic planning and Christina Rose's expertise aligns perfectly with this vision, ensuring that Certis can effectively navigate the evolving landscape and meet the growing demands of its clients.

About Certis:

Backed by more than 65 years of experience in security, Certis is a leader today in smart integrated technology, leveraging technology to power transformations in security, manpower and IFM solutions. Guided by our Operational Design First philosophy, our vast service offerings capitalise on our strong security heritage and deep operational expertise, enhanced with applied AI solutions for better decision making and outcomes. Central to our approach is our unique Business Process Re-engineering and Operations (BPRO) framework, where we help customers manage change and enhance efficiencies through design thinking and a problem-solving approach.

Incorporated in 2004, Certis is headquartered in Singapore, with an international presence extending to Australia, Qatar, Hong Kong and Macau. We are a trusted partner dedicated to our clients' success, supported by our 27,000-strong global team, always striving to make our world safer, smarter, better.
Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney talks to reporters before heading into the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 21, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In his departing speech on the U.S. Senate floor Wednesday, retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, warned against those who tear at our unity, saying hell be praying that God will continue to bless America while urging Americans to remember the nations values.

There are some today who would tear at our unity, who would replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue, or who debase the values upon which the blessings of heaven depend, Romney said.

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Having spent 25 years in public service, Romney said he has learned that politics alone cannot measure up to the challenges we face.

A countrys character is a reflection not just of its elected officials but also of its people. I leave Washington to return to be one among them and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue, he said. For it is only if the American people merit His benevolence, that God will continue to bless America. May he do so is my prayer.

Romney, while he tended to agree with President-elect Donald Trump when it came to policy, was one of his loudest GOP critics during Trumps first term. He was the only Republican senator who voted to convict Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2020. During Trumps second impeachment trial in 2021, Romney joined seven Republicans to again vote to convict, but Trump was ultimately acquitted.

As Utahns have grown to embrace Trump, Romneys criticisms of Trump may be one of the biggest reasons why his approval ratings have slipped among GOP Utahns. Last year, a Noble Predictive Insights poll found 54% of Republicans didnt want Romney to run again, though the poll also found he had support with independent and Democratic voters.

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In September last year, Romney announced he would not seek reelection when his term ends at the close of 2024. He called for a new generation of leaders to step into the political arena to tackle issues including the national debt, climate change and the ambitious authoritarians of Russia and China. At the time, Romney said neither President Joe Biden or Trump are leading their party to confront those issues.

Though Romney didnt name either Trump or Biden in his farewell address, he again raised alarms about the U.S.s $36.17 trillion national debt.

While he said he leaves the Senate with a sense of achievement  after listing accomplishments including his role in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Electoral Count Act Reform, gun safety legislation and marriage legislation that included religious protection  Romney said he also leaves with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped for.

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Among other things, the scourge of partisan politics has frustrated repeated efforts to stabilize our national debt, he said.

He lamented the impact that debt has had on the nations ability to finance other priorities.

Without the burden of the interest on that debt, we would be able to spend almost three times as much as we do on military procurement  three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, and cyber defenses. Alternatively, we could spend double the amount we spend on Social Security benefits every month, Romney said. Our national credit card is almost maxed out, and America risks becoming debt poor.

Romney listed plenty of things he wont miss in the Senate, including the 10-minute votes that last an hour, the unknowable schedule of votes, the myriad meaningless votes, the absurd passion about the inconsequential votes. However, he said his biggest surprise in the Senate has been how much I enjoy the other senators  on both sides of the aisle.

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I will very much miss you, my fellow senators, for among you are some brilliant, some entertaining, some kind and generous and all patriotic, he said. It is an honor to have been able to serve with you.

He also expressed gratitude for serving Utahns.

What sets Utah apart is not just its beauty and vibrant economy, it is the admirable character of its people, he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Romney on the Senate floor Wednesday, applauding his long and honorable career on the national political stage.

Mitt Romneys repeated success in public office is a testament to his transcendent appeal of his character, McConnell said, pointing to Romneys service as Massachusetts governor and Utah senator. As it turns out, uncompromising honesty, earnest humility and evident devotion to faith and family are as compelling in Cedar City as they are in Concord.

Of course, a certain telegenic quality, dare I say, a presidential aura, doesnt hurt either, McConnell added.

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For Romney, McConnell said the U.S. Senate was not a waiting room or a stepping stone. It was a capstone to a life in public service.

With the wisdom to discern where to devote his attention, he managed to cram more into six years than many colleagues fit in in 12 or 18, McConnell said.

McConnell also said Romney made himself into a linchpin for bipartisan negotiations, and he poured himself into worthy fights on behalf of his constituents. He also credited Romney with meeting moments of enormous gravity with careful contemplation and utmost grace.

The past six years will not be remembered as the Senates quietest, McConnell said, adding that observers may have wondered what more Romney had to prove in the Senate after his time as Massachusetts governor and his unsuccessful 2012 presidential bid.

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But that would be a misunderstanding of the way our friend has ordered his life, McConnell said. It wasnt about what he had left to prove, but what he had left to give.

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RIVER FALLS  For 11 students from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the ride back from San Antonio was a chance to celebrate a few national victories and awards secured by the students.

At the annual national meeting of Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES) in November, students took part in multiple agriculture-based competitions as well as visited a number of local industry opportunities. Notably with the competitions, students from UWRF placed first in the Quiz Bowl and received first- and third-place awards during the poster contest.

With some of the students bringing back recognition to the Chippewa Valley, Yoana Newman, Associate Professor of Forages and Extension Specialist, said each student accomplished something there.

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I told them that every single one of them is a winner, because the moment you decide to go and compete, that is a winning attitude, she said. And that pays off on networking with their peers, on networking with potential recruiters for graduate school and potential networkers on industry jobs.

Among nine students who presented, UWRF student Elayna Stirn, majoring in horticulture, placed first in the poster contest within the category of crop disease, pest and weed control. She was followed by her peer in third place, Austin Meade, a junior majoring in crop and soil science. The Quiz Bowl, which quizzed 26 national teams with agriculture and environmental questions, saw UWRF take first place with team members Heather Hatfull, a junior majoring in crop and soil science; Hannah Schull, a junior majoring in crop and soil science; Megan Culpitt, a senior majoring in crop and soil science; and August Roach, a senior majoring in agricultural business.

Other students participating in SASES include Evan Zachow, a senior biology major; Jenna Dedina, a senior horticulture major; Suzanne Myers, a non-degree seeking student; Austyn Steinhaus, a junior majoring in crop and soil science; and Jordan Hellenbrand, a senior majoring in crop and soil science. This is the first year where UWRF has won at this competition.

The SASES serves as an undergraduate experience, featuring multiple sessions and opportunities for networking, socialization and more. SASES is described on several online invites as a website offering an opportunity for a scientific meeting to present and compete, as well as the chance to meet other students outside of their university, network and meet prospective employers.

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Whether or not they have already taken it away, they saw the opportunities there are wide open for many fields, said Newman. They can see that they can go into graduate school, or they can continue going into industry if they want to... In addition, it exposes them to other areas different than the upper midwest.

But bringing back the awards from the national convention was not just a win for the students, said Mike Orth, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. It is also a win for the university itself.

I think it highlighted the quality of the students we have, and it also highlighted the quality of the faculty we have that prepare them for the Quiz Bowl, he said, noting that larger universities with many more students were in attendance. The fact that we had students and faculty that prepared them for this and the fact that they won, I think it is a great achievement for a school like River Falls.

It is a testament to the preparation that our students are getting; very robust in many different fields, said Newman. Not only in crops and soils, but in plant science in general we had a couple of students who presented their summaries or their case studies from plant science topics. So, that basically shows how River Falls is well positioned in preparing the students.

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Referencing a round table that their students sat at, Newman said everyone was volunteering as students were asked questions.

It just showed how everybody contributed, she said. Some have a strength in soil, some have a strength in crops, some have a strength in pathology, some have a strength in basic plant science  and that showed.

Orth said participation in this years event is something they, at the university, can pride themselves on.

If you are in a program in the crops and soils area, it is a contest that really tests your knowledge that you have accumulated over time while you are in school, whether it is in the classroom or outside the classroom, he said. Obviously there is the educational in-the-classroom type of activities you do, but we really do emphasize co-curricular and extracurricular activities. This is one example of an extracurricular activity that I think is very valuable for the education of students.
An auction for a vacant, borough-owned lot on Delaware Avenue became a bidding war Tuesday night.

Mike Dennin, who told The Times-Tribune in May that he is the owner of the Bar and Company at 415 W. Lackawanna Ave., outbid Queen City Tavern owner John Basalyga for the empty lot at 105-109 Delaware Ave. that abuts Basalygas tavern at 400 W. Lackawanna Ave. Dennins winning bid came in at $130,000 for the land, which had a minimum bid of $71,300 based on the boroughs appraisal, borough manager and solicitor C.J. Mustacchio said.

Attorney Michael Pisanchyn, who founded the limited liability company that owns the Bar and Company property, emphasized in a text message that Bar and Company did not buy the lot.

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Olyphant Borough initially bought the property in June 2020 for $30,000 and then spent $44,745 to tear down a blighted, vacant building on the land two years later. Best known as Tonys Pizza Palace in the mid-20th century, the building had housed movie theaters, pizza shops, a dance hall, a Chinese restaurant and, most recently, an indoor racetrack for remote-controlled cars in the 1990s before sitting vacant for two decades and falling into disrepair.

Borough officials discussed turning the land into a pocket park, senior center or parking lot, with the pocket park idea gaining some traction, though the town never officially decided on a use.

Basalyga approached borough council earlier this year about buying the lot next to his tavern  the former OTOWN Bar & Grill  to use for outdoor dining. In response to a July 6 article in The Times-Tribune about Basalygas intent to buy the land, Scranton-based Pisanchyn Law Firm attorney Steven M. Serra sent Olyphant a letter urging the borough to turn the land into a pocket park rather than sell it to Basalyga. The July letter, which said several residents and business owners from Olyphant had contacted the law firm with concerns regarding the pocket park, told the borough there was an anonymous donor who would fully fund the construction and completion of the pocket park with the conditions that it must look similar to or the same as the pocket park in downtown Scranton at Linden Street and Wyoming Avenue, and that it must always remain a park for public use.

A free public park for the community would certainly benefit Olyphant much more than apartments, another patio and one private business making a profit, Serra wrote in the letter.

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The letter noted the positive impact a pocket park would have on the town and raised concerns over the borough selling the land to Basalyga without putting it out to bid. In response to the letter, Mustacchio refuted in July that Olyphant had agreed to sell the land to Basalyga, saying at the time that the borough had not yet decided what to do with the property and that if it were sold, it would have to be put out to bid.

A limited liability company, Payton Realty LLC, owns the Bar and Company property after buying the building a decade ago, according to a property transaction recorded Aug. 22, 2014. Payton Realty also owns the Pisanchyn Law building at 524 Biden St., Scranton, according to a deed recorded April 17, 2009. Michael Pisanchyn, who founded and owns the Pisanchyn Law Firm, according to its website, was listed as the sole organizer of Payton Realty when it filed a certificate of organization with the state on March 11, 2009. A Feb. 26, 2018, state filing changed Payton Realtys address from a residential address in Olyphant to 524 Spruce St.  now Biden Street  in Scranton.

Dennin did not disclose his plans for the land with the borough, Mustacchio said.

The borough was interested in seeing something done with the land, seeing it developed, Mustacchio said. This is a free country, and the law says we have to put this out either for a sealed bid or an auction bid, so thats what we did, and anybody could buy it for any reason.

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Reached by phone Wednesday, Basalyga said Dennins bid was a spiteful move, and the value of the land came from being next to his tavern. The $130,000 price was way more than its even worth, he said.

The land probably is worth maybe $10,000, thats it, he said. When it got to $100,000, Im like, Alright, honestly, Im going to keep bidding. Im going to drive the number up because, whatever it goes to, its going to go to the borough. The borough is going to win, and I think the borough is the only one that won last night, so I got the number up to $130,000.  If he wants to do that, let him pay for it.

Basalyga had envisioned building a one-story addition on the land with a folding glass wall that could open up for diners, as well as outdoor patio seating.

With those plans scrapped, Basalyga said his backup plan is to build upward rather than outward. The OTOWN had an underutilized second-floor event space that he now intends to convert into a Nashville-type design to build a patio with a view and a covered roof.

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Basically a covered second floor, but Ill have the ability to open up some of the walls more than they are now, he said.

He now hopes to see a pocket park next door.

You said youre going to build a park, now build a park, he said. Do what you said youre going to do because you wanted it so bad, and you know, its obvious that they wanted to halt my expansion.

In a texted statement, Dennin contended Basalyga tried to purchase the property without having the borough put it to bid or for cheap. Basalyga said he only asked the borough if they would be interested in selling the land.

When he was called out for doing that he had the opportunity to bid on the property and lost to another bidder, Dennin wrote. He obviously doesnt believe in Olyphant as much we do or he wouldnt have let that happen. Now he is trying to say something about spite which shows his jealousy as he had just as much opportunity to obtain the property but failed to do so. For him to say that just because he was out bid is absurd and petty.

The borough will now prepare a deed, and Dennin could conduct a title search, though the borough did a title search for the property before buying it, Mustacchio said. The sale is supposed to be settled by Dec. 30, though it could be extended, he said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man died Wednesday night after being shot by a Vancouver police officer, authorities said.

According to Vancouver police, shortly before 11 p.m. On Wednesday, officers were attempting to talk to a man in the Safeway parking lot on Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard.

During the incident, officials said a physical fight broke out between an officer and the man, who eventually pulled out a gun, which was when an officer shot the man.

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Officials identify homicide victim who died in NE Portland hotel shooting

The man was taken to a nearby hospital, but officials said he was later pronounced dead. Meanwhile, one officer was injured during the fight and no other bystanders were harmed.

For the first time, a new state agency  dubbed the Office of Independent Investigation  also took over the investigation. Although the agency was formed in 2021, the team officially launched for operation on Sunday.

Director of Communications and Community Relations Hector Castro told KOIN 6 News their goal is to provide as much transparency as possible.

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The agency involved in the use of force is not supposed to be involved in the investigation, Castro said.

Members of the team were at the scene within an hour of the call.

To begin with, were only responding to the ones that result in a fatality, and so this is our first one, Castro said. I will say that since Sunday, weve all been, you know, sitting very close to our phones and making sure that we were ready to respond.

Castro said the agencys staff of nearly 60 employees include former members of law enforcement, investigators, crime scene technicians, and more.

The OLL said they plan to release their findings in a report within 120 days and told KOIN 6 News the prosecutor will decide what charges, if any, are brought.

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Meanwhile, all three officers involved were placed on leave per standard protocol.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Pope has been given a new electric popemobile, equipped with a rotating heated seat and special places for the Swiss Guards to stand to protect the pontiff.

The white vehicle, built by Mercedes-Benz and the first fully electric popemobile, is also fitted with a heated handrail so the Pope, who turns 88 on Dec 17, can steady himself.

Its heated chair will ensure that he is kept warm when he is driven around St Peters Square on chilly winter days to greet Catholic pilgrims.

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A retractable roof which will protect him from the elements, while the seat is raised so that crowds will have a better chance of seeing him as he drives by.

The leather interior of the vehicle, which is modelled on the Mercedes G-class - Vatican Pool/Shutterstock

The rear section features the Popes heated seat, which is also adjustable to allow him to be better seen by the crowds - Vatican Pool/Shutterstock

Two white-and-yellow Vatican flags fly on either side of the cars bonnet and its registration plate is SCV1  standing for Status Civitatis Vaticanae, Latin for Vatican City State.

The choice of an electric vehicle is in keeping with the pontiffs concern for the environment and global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, which he has often laid out in sermons and in letters to bishops.

The car, which is a modified version of the Mercedes G-Class, is propelled by an electric motor that is adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances by the Pope, according to Mercedes-Benz.

Producing the unique, custom-made car for the Argentinian pontiff was a special honour, added Sten Ola Kallenius, the companys chief executive.

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Every detail is perfection, said Mr Kallenius, adding that it took hundreds of hours of craftsmanship ... to build a one-of-a-kind popemobile.

He presented the Pope with a white and chrome key fob inside a white box.

Mercedes, which declined to say how much the car cost to build, has provided vehicles for the Vatican for nearly 100 years.

Peter Zotter, who works in the development division at the Mercedes factory where G-Class models are produced, said he hoped that the car will provide the Holy Father with the comfort he needs for his travels.

Since succeeding Benedict XVI in 2013, the Pope has made concern for the environment a pillar of his papacy.

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His environmental credentials were called into question last month, however, when it emerged that a 200-year-old pine growing in a forest in northern Italy was to be cut down and given as a Christmas tree to the Vatican.

More than 53,000 people signed a petition calling for the 100ft-tall conifer, nicknamed The Green Giant, to be spared.

The Pope is presented with the keys to the new vehicle - Yara Nardi/Reuters

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Campaigners said that cutting down such an old tree ran counter to the Popes pleas to protect the environment.

In an open letter to the pontiff, they said: It doesnt make sense to talk about the fight against climate change and then perpetuate traditions like this, which require the death of a tree that is so old and symbolic.

But the protest was in vain. The tree was cut down and transported from the northern Trentino region to Rome, where it was erected in St Peters Square.

Responding to the row, a senior Vatican official insisted that felling the tree was ecologically responsible.

Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, the head of the governorate of Vatican City State, said that removing the giant pine would ensure the natural renewal of the forest for the coming decades, adding that it had been chosen in line with sustainable forest management practices.

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A Venango man is going to state prison for attempting to kill one of his relatives by gunning the Meadville man down in the citys Plateau neighborhood in 2023.

Martin Leroy Chaney, 63, was sentenced Wednesday by Crawford County Judge Francis J. Schultz to six to 20 years in state prison to attempted first-degree murder for shooting his relative multiple times on April 30.

The sentence was part of a negotiated plea deal reached in October by Mario Medina, Chaneys defense attorney, and the Crawford County District Attorneys Office.

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Chaney agreed to plead guilty to attempted first-degree murder charges filed by Meadville Police Department and accept the agreed upon sentence. In exchange for the guilty plea, additional charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and possession of instruments of crime filed against him were not prosecuted.

The plea and sentence deal was accepted by Schultz at Chaneys plea hearing Oct. 24.

Chaney admitted to driving to the Plateau area and shooting the relative, a man in his 60s, while the man was out walking his dog in the Lakemont Drive area.

The victim  who survived  was shot five times by Chaney, according to the arrest affidavit filed by city police. The victim was not in court at Wednesdays sentencing.

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It was a mental break by my client, Medina told Schultz in describing Chaneys actions that day. Medina said Chaney was remorseful and fully cooperative with police, noting, He (Chaney) provided information that helped wrap up the investigation.

However, Michael Angelotti, a Crawford County assistant district attorney, described the incident differently and succinctly to Schultz.

Its tragic and straight-forward for all involved  he left his house with intent to kill the victim, Angelotti said to the judge.

Chaney, who was dressed in blue prison clothing, told the judge the shooting arose from an ongoing family dispute over property and reputation.

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It was a combination of everything, Chaney told Schultz. It was a poor choice.

It was an awful choice, the judge countered. We cant have that in our little town of Meadville  people driving around, shooting people over property.

Schultz pointed out the shooting victim now faces health issues due to the injuries sustained in the attack.

What you did was awful and you need to be punished, the judge said. You have to be punished for what you did.

In sentencing Chaney to six to 20 years in jail, Schultz did give Chaney 583 days of pre-sentence jail credit. Chaney has been held in the Crawford County Correctional Facility, Saegertown, since his arrest May 1, 2023.

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Schultz also ordered Chaney to serve 12 months of reentry parole supervision upon his release from state prison.

In addition, Chaney was ordered to pay $3,868.25 in restitution to the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Compensation Assistance Program plus court costs.
This story has been updated with additional comments from several lawmakers.

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Some South Dakota lawmakers want to raise the state sales tax rate and use the revenue to reduce property taxes on owner-occupied homes.

Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen announced the plan via social media on Thursday. Republican Sen. Randy Deibert will be the proposals other lead sponsor.

Local Viking fan goes viral for his facial expression

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Venhuizen said in a KELOLAND News interview the proposed plan would cut property tax by an average of 35% for homeowners in the state.

Thirty five percent in property tax relief is significant, Venhuizen said. That would work out to about $416 or $417 for every $1000,000 of property tax value. A $300,000 house would be more than $1,200. Its a large tax cut.

Venhuizens approach would raise the state sales tax rate to 5%, which generate an estimated $280 million. The rate currently is 4.2%.

The proposed property tax plan comes as the state is experiencing a slowdown in sales tax revenue.

I do think thats a very reliable estimate, Venhuizen said in his interview about the $280 million generated from the 5% sales tax. We see some volatility in the growth in sales tax from year to year, but Id be confident in that $280 (million) is the number we carry forward.

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Their plans calls for the revenue to be funneled into the state aid formula for public K-12 schools and reduce the local general-education levy and special education levy on owner-occupied property to zero. The levies currently total $4.167 per $1,000 of property value.

I hear more about property taxes from my constituents than any other issue, by far, Venhuizen wrote in the social media post. This is the year for major property tax relief for South Dakotans.

Lawmakers have been discussing possible property tax reform for several years as well as sales tax changes. In November, voters rejected a cut in what had been called the grocery tax.

Supporters of grocery sales and sales tax cuts have said the taxes are regressive and those of lower or low moderate income are more negatively impacted by them than those of higher incomes.

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Venhuizen was asked by KELOLAND if his property tax plan could face criticism of not helping those of lower income or those that dont own a home.

First of all my hope is that by lowering property taxes we make houses a little more affordable, Venhuizen said. A potential homeowner can benefit when taxes on a $300,000 house are reduced by $1,200, he said.

Also, a 0.8% increase is less than 3 cents on a $4 loaf of bread or less than $3 on $300 of groceries, Venhuizen said.

While the property tax relief is for homes owned and occupied by South Dakota residents, not for second homes, or lake homes, or out of state homeowners, sales tax is paid by state residents and out-of-state residents, he said.

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Current Governor Kristi Noem on Tuesday called for making permanent the 4.2% sales tax rate. It is scheduled to return to 4.5% on July 1, 2027.

Republican Rep. Trish Ladner is among other lawmakers supporting the shift. She sponsored property-tax reduction legislation for owner-occupied single-family homes in 2023 and to limit annual valuation increases on owner-occupied single family homes in 2024.

Venhuizen has experience in using the sales tax to offset property taxes.

He was chief of staff for Governor Dennis Daugaard when the Legislature at the governors request increased the sales tax rate to 4.5% in 2016 from 4%. The additional revenue was spread between property tax relief for all classes of property owners and for teacher salaries.

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Governor Bill Janklow had cut property taxes by 30% for agriculture and owner-occupied owners over several years during the 1990s, using a variety of budget cuts and increased fees and taxes and sending the money through the state aid formula. It came after voters nearly approved a property-tax cut measure in the 1994 general election.

Venhuizen said other lawmakers supporting the new plan are Republican Rep.-elect Tim Goodwin and Republican Sen.-elect Amber Hulse.

Property taxes are overburdening Black Hills citizens, taxing families out of their homes. This is a top priority, Hulse wrote in a post. We must explore all possible solutions to ensure maximum relief for our communities as we begin recovery from the Biden economy.

Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt likewise expressed support for it. She posted, I am excited to join my friends and help achieve tax relief for SD citizens. Going door to door this election season, property taxes was the #1 topic.

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So did Republican Rep. Will Mortenson. He posted, Not since Janklow has someone proposed a property tax cut of this scale. This plan will make housing more affordable and provide massive property tax relief for South Dakotans WITHOUT forcing cuts on counties and schools that rely on property taxes. Attaboy, @Tony_Venhuizen.

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VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  A federal jury returned five guilty verdicts on Wednesday against a Vermilion County man for selling, possessing and producing counterfeit U.S. currency.

The government presented evidence during a two-day testimony that the man, identified as 48-year-old Jacob R. Kirkley of Bismarck, sold an undercover State Police officer $1,000 of counterfeited U.S. currency on Dec. 7, 2023 that he had made for $250, according to a release from the United States Attorneys Office Central District of Illinois. Kirkley again attempted to sell $1,000 and $5,000 in counterfeit money to the same undercover officer just a week later and in early January 2024.

Danville man faces multiple charges after police chase

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On Jan. 11, 2024, agents from the United States Secret Service and Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group executed a federal search warrant at Kirkleys home in Bismarck. There, they recovered additional counterfeit money and various tools used to produce it.

Kirkley was previously convicted of one count of manufacturing U.S. currency as well as two counts of passing U.S. currency back in 2022 after an incident in 2020. In this case, a Vermilion County Sheriffs Deputy had found more than $20,000 of counterfeit U.S. currency in his truck before learning that Kirkley had passed counterfeit money at multiple businesses: Carnaghis Towing and McDonalds in Danville, and Dollar General in Tilton.

The deputy then found additional counterfeit U.S. currency  also upwards of $20,000  as well as four printers, a paper cutter and numerous other counterfeit-making tools in Kirkleys hotel room, located at the Danville Budget Inn. For these offenses, Kirkley served 27 months in federal prison, as well as serving a three-year term on federal supervised release.

Danville Police investigating woman found with unexplained trauma to her body

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Kirkley is currently in custody of the United States Marshals Service pending his sentencing, which is set for May 2, 2025 at the federal courthouse in Urbana. He faces statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the five conviction counts.

Investigators in the case included the Springfield Division of the United States Secret Service, Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and State Police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
It's a snowy morning in Vermont.

While the winter weather looks pretty, that doesn't make it easier to drive on.

According to the Vermont 511 system, which provides real-time road map information that you can check out here, traffic is running quickly and smoothly as of Thursday morning.

There are currently three major road closures within state lines of Vermont, two that began in fall of this year and that will continue into the next year and one that began just a day ago.

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In the Burlington area, driving conditions are currently categorized as normal, according to the map.

Other parts of the state, such as Lamoille County, are categorized as fair. No where is categorized as difficult or hazardous as of 9 a.m.

"Pavement may be partially snow covered, please drive with care," a comment about Lamoille County and Caledonia County on the map said.

According to weather forecasts on the Vermont 511 map, expect snow showers throughout the coming week with a possible rain shower on Monday and Tuesday in the Montpelier and Burlington area.

"Multiple rounds of snow will continue to move through the region today through early Friday. Winds will continue to be gusty as well, likely producing areas of blowing and drifting snow, which could impact travel at times," the National Weather Service in Burlington forecast discussion said.

Orange County road closures

Snow covers snow shortly before sunrise on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in South Burlington as a winter storm moves through Vermont.

Here's what Vermont 511 had to say about road closures in Orange County.

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"The Floating Bridge on VT-65 in Brookfield, over Sunset Lake, is CLOSED for the 2024-2025 winter season," the website said. "Please seek an alternate route in this area. Updates will be issued in Spring 2025 upon reopening."

This road closure began Nov. 1, 2024 and is set to continue until May 15, 2025.

Addison County road closures

Here's what Vermont 511 had to say about road closures in Addison County.

"Lincoln Gap Road between Lincoln and Warren is CLOSED to all traffic as of October 15th for the 2024-2025 winter season."

This road closure began Oct. 15, 2024 and is set to continue until May 15, 2025.

Lamoille County road closures

Here's what Vermont 511 had to say about road closures in Lamoille County.

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"TRAFFIC ALERT: 12/4 12:30 PM: Scenic VT-108 Smugglers Notch is CLOSED for the 2024/2025 Winter Season."

This road closure began on Dec. 4, 2024, and had no end date.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont road conditions: closures, weather forecasts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced Wednesday that more than 800 pounds of meth and 24 pounds of fentanyl were seized following an investigation, marking the largest methamphetamine investigation/enforcement action in the citys history.

Nashville is a gateway for drug traffickers because of our interstate system and a lot of drugs come through this area, said MNPD Chief John Drake during Wednesdays press conference.

SEE ALSO | 800+ pounds of meth seized amid investigation of Nashville drug trafficking organization

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The multi-agency investigation spanned over two years and officials said they dismantled the California-based meth trafficking organization. However, the presence of methamphetamine across Tennessee remains a problem.

Last summer, the TBI reported methamphetamine numbers had surged across Tennessee. Previously, in 2021, data from World Population Review showed Tennessee had the third-most estimated meth users in the country, behind California and Texas.

Alleged meth dealer tied to drug trade arrested in Sumner County

Approximately 2,000, maybe 2,500, more incidents of lab submittals to our three labs across the state for methamphetamine than there were in all of last year, and were just through the third quarter right now, detailed Darryl Richardson, Assistant Director of TBIs Drug Investigation Division.

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Richardson said methamphetamine is involved in most drug-related cases they investigate in the Volunteer State.

Absolutely, its true. Were very concerned because in some areas of the state, overdoses are predominantly caused by methamphetamine, he added.

Richardson explained that mass production and a cheaper cost have increased the presence of meth statewide.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Transporting drugs into the state from Mexico, California, or other areas has reportedly become quite simple.

Predominantly, a lot of the drugs now that we do intercept are through the postal service and other package carriers, Richardson told News 2. He added that TBIs partnership with countless other state and federal law enforcement is critical in stopping this drug influx.

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Davidson County does play a big role in that right now, because of its proximity in the state, where its located, said Richardson.



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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Growing up in Emporia, Specialist E4 Kenny Rodriguez was looking to serve locally in the Army Reserves while attending college and starting his family. He had to adjust quickly after being brought into the growing Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts.

With his father serving during the Vietnam conflict and his grandpa serving in WWII the pride that comes from service stuck with Rodriguez from a young age.

That was instilled into me as a little kid, Rodriguez said. I knew I wanted to do two things when I became an adult, I wanted to go into the military and I wanted to be a Police Officer for as long as I can recall.

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His plans to serve stateside shifted rapidly as the Gulf War ramped up overseas.

Veteran Salute: Working across the military justice system

It didnt really set in that, Hey, Im in a war theater, you know, he said. I was enjoying it, and I was feeling pretty proud being over there.

Deployed to Saudi Arabia as a Transport Driver, Rodriguez drove a heavy equipment transporter (HET).

Our job was to transport M1A1 tanks to the front lines, he said. So wed transport them from the port, and wed just keep transporting them up. Once it got closer to the Desert Storm of things, they would be fully combat loaded, pretty safe feeling when you got a combat loaded tank on the back of your trailer.

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Once the tanks were delivered, his unit would be given different tasks with nearby companies.

During the ground war, I got tasked out to a medical unit field hospital, Rodriguez said. We were transporting them to the front lines for all the injured soldiers. Once we crossed into Iraq, we got to the highway of death, which was just so long. It was such a long highway full of burnt out vehicles and burnt out people.

Veteran Salute: Bringing a personal passion to the Vietnam conflict

Through his time overseas, there was one aspect that really stood out to the specialist.

What a lot of people dont know about the US Military, is theyll treat other peoples wounded just as much as well treat our wounded, Rodriguez said. So the first few days of us being there was Iraqi soldiers coming in, and then civilians getting caught in the crossfire. I dont know how other countries operate if we would get afforded that luxury, being treated by their field hospitals, but we you know didnt even ask questions, we just treated their wounded.

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Rodriguez would fulfil the other half of that childhood dream as well, he currently works Patrol in the Emporia Police Department.

Additionally, he does freelance video work on the side, and just completed a music video for country artist Cynthia Rausch. Coming Home has a storyline following a Veterans Homecoming and features Rodriguezs hometown prominently.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Quentez Thrasher, Photo provided by CPD

UPDATE 12/5/24 4:47 p.m.: The Columbus Police Department is asking the public to be on the lookout for a murder suspect.

Police say Quentez Thrasher, 22, is wanted in connection to the deadly shooting of his stepfather on early Thursday morning at Sorrell Court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. C. Snipes at (706) 225-4448 or csnipers@columbusga.org. You can remain anonymous, police say.

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UPDATE 12/5/24 9:05 a.m.: The Muscogee County Coroners Office has released the identity of the person who was killed in a shooting at Sorrel Court overnight.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirms to WRBL Sonny Chambers, 43, was pronounced dead at 1:55 a.m. on Thursday.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  An investigation is underway after a shooting in Columbus left one person dead overnight, according to the Columbus Police Department.

The shooting happened in the 7300 block of Sorrel Court, police say. It is being investigated by the departments violent crimes unit.

WRBL will update this article with more information as it becomes available.

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Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is not among those who are upset at President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter this week  in fact, the Pennsylvania senator thinks it was appropriate, and would be the correct decision in Donald Trumps New York case as well.

Appearing on The View on Thursday morning, Fetterman was asked for his opinion on Hunter Biden being pardoned, with host Joy Behar pointing out that many on both sides of the political aisle are mad at President Biden for it.

I think its undeniable that the case against Hunter Biden was really politically motivated, Fetterman replied. But I also think its true that the trial in New York for Trump, that was political as well. In both cases, I think a pardon is appropriate.

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Trump has faced multiple legal troubles, but the case in New York is the one where a jury unanimously found him guilty on 34 felony charges of fraud, for falsifying business records in 2016, which had a clear paper trail.

Fetterman argued that both cases have eroded voters trust in the legal system, and added that we cannot allow these kinds of institutions to be weaponized against our political opponents, and its very clear both trials were politically motivated and weaponized then on the other side.

Trump himself has promised to weaponize the justice system against more of his political opponents once he is sworn in for his second term come January, and his picks for his cabinet have echoed his threats to prosecute those who have spoken out against him.

You can watch the moment from The View in the video above.

The post The View: John Fetterman Says a Pardon Is Appropriate for Both Trump and Hunter Biden | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  In 1952, Genevieve Herrell was working as a civilian nurse for the United States Army, when she got a life-changing assignment: helping care for the mother-in-law of then-President Harry Truman.

That job bloomed into a 25-year career with the White House medical unit, where she remained through Gerald Fords presidency in 1976. Herrell witnessed some of the biggest events in presidential history, including Richard Nixons trip to Russia in 1972.

Through that quarter century in the White House, Herrell amassed a one-of-a-kind collection of presidential memorabilia, including holiday cards from first families, travel credentials, and even a formal dinner invitation from the premier of China.

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Herrell died in 2013, aged 96, leaving her stories and her collection to her son Gregory, a Virginia Tech alumnus, who didnt know what to do with it all at first.

I talked with Paul Quigley here at Virginia Tech while attending a Civil War weekend, and he suggested I get up with the archives department here at Virginia Tech, so that led to this, he said. Of course I am an alumnus at Virginia Tech, so it made it especially great and very pleasing to me that not only would I keep the collection together, but it would be where I went to school.

Virginia Tech now offering on-campus recovery housing for students

Once the school got its hands on the trove of White House artifacts, it realized time was of the essence.

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Anthony Wright de Hernandez, the community collections archivist at the Special Collections library, and the curator of the exhibit, said this was a great opportunity since much of the collection was geared around the holidays.

We dont normally pull for an exhibit quite this soon after getting something, he said. We havent fully processed the collection and dont know everything thats in, but we knew it had a large selection of Christmas items, and the opportunity was too good.

Herrell said his mothers legacy is more than just the cards and letters.

He said in serving first families for 25 years, she proved that some things, and some people, truly can transcend party lines.

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Politics didnt make any difference to her, Herrell said. She wasnt going to give tell-all books to things like that, so they felt comfortable with her and appreciated the kind of person she was.

The exhibit is open to the public until December 20.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is one of the most significant historical sites in Hawaii, and its undergoing a transformation.

As the museum reimagines its exhibits, its goal is to offer a fuller and more inclusive narrative of the states legal history, one that acknowledges both Indigenous and settler perspectives.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The renovation is meant to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the courthouse building and is expected to enrich the visitor experience and deepen the connection to Hawaiis complex past.

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You have the opportunity to explore 1,000 years of judicial history, from Hawaiis traditional Kapu system to the courts and laws we know today.

The Judiciary Center is the nations first history museum dedicated to the U.S. judicial branch. Since its opening in 1989, the Center has connected Hawaiis Judiciary with the public and welcomes more than100,000 visitors annually.

A vision for the future

Keahe Davis, Education Director of the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, explained the direction of the exhibit redesign.

We want to tell a fuller story, incorporating both Indigenous perspectives and settler perspectives on law, he said. Its about understanding where we are today and where were going.

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In particular, Davis sees the opportunity to broaden how law is understood in Hawaii, especially in the context of pre- and post-contact history.

This area allows us to tell a story that we werent able to tell before. Its about recognizing that Hawaiian concepts like puuhonua [a place of refuge, sanctuary, asylum, peace and safety] are central to the discussion of law and society.

The redesign will not only incorporate more stories but will also transform how visitors engage with the history on display.

The goal is to use interactive elements like visual and audio aids to better engage visitors and offer deeper context to the complex story of law in Hawaii, Davis added.

Highlighting key historical figures

Matt Mattice, Executive Director of the Center, emphasized the importance of focusing on critical moments and figures in Hawaiis history.

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He pointed to the early 19th century as a pivotal period. It was marked by the transition away from the traditional Native Hawaiian governance systems to a constitutional monarchy.

King Kamehameha III was central in this shift. He worked alongside Hawaiian advisors like Timoteo Ha`alilio and William Richards to draft the 1839 Bill of Rights, followed by Hawaiis first Constitution in 1840, Mattice explained.

These documents were amongst the first in the world to guarantee rights to all citizens regardless of sex, gender, ethnicity or religious affiliation.

The exhibition also explores the role of Kamehameha Is descendants in shaping the legal landscape.

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King Kalakaua, who came to the throne in the late 1800s, was another key figure, Mattice said. He was the one who sent emissaries to Europe and America to seek recognition for Hawaii as an independent kingdom. His efforts helped elevate Hawaii onto the world stage.

An artistic perspective

Alongside the new interpretive signage and interactive displays, the renovation plans also include space for contemporary art.

Art, Mattice believes, can play a powerful role in helping visitors understand the historical context of Hawaiis legal evolution.

He pointed to a notable piece by the late Bernice Akamine, which is part of a collection in the museums new exhibition. The piece features colored leaves that map out the route taken by civic clubs during the Hawaiian Petition Movement.

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This artwork ties directly into the Hawaiian petition movement, which was essential in the 1890s, as Native Hawaiians fought to maintain their sovereignty in the face of American encroachment, Mattice explained.

The artwork also serves as a visual representation of history that allows viewers, especially students, to connect emotionally to the events that shaped Hawaii.

These petitions were not just documents; they were a statement of the peoples will, Mattice said. Art like this helps convey the importance of that movement, making it more accessible to younger generations.

Looking ahead: More inclusive and engaging experiences

The renovation is not just about adding more displays or updating the layout. Its about rethinking how to present the rich legal and cultural history of Hawaii in a way that honors its diverse stories.

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Davis added, As we reimagine these spaces, we want Native Hawaiians to see themselves reflected in the exhibits. Its a way to reclaim the narrative and share the depth of our history.

He believes that the renovation will help visitors appreciate not just the past but also the ongoing impact of historical decisions on the people of Hawaii today.

Mattice agreed: The courthouse itself is a symbol of the changing times in Hawaii. By reimagining how we present the history of law, were helping people understand how it has shaped our present and how it will shape our future.

The museums new direction will highlight the evolution of Hawaiis legal system from its early days under Hawaiian monarchs to its status today as part of the United States.

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By weaving together historical narratives, visual art and interactive displays, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center aims to become not just a museum but a dynamic space for reflection and learning.

You can click here to learn more about the renovations and how the community can help. You can watch a virtual tour of the current museum that includes commentary from Mattice and Davis about the renovations.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

As the renovation moves forward, the hope is that visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of Hawaiis legal history, one that acknowledges the complexities and contradictions of its past while looking to a more inclusive future.

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By Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan will not bow down to totalitarianism, President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday in the U.S. territory of Guam, calling Taiwan and the United States "brothers".

Lai arrived in Guam, a major U.S. military base, late on Wednesday on what is officially only a one-night stopover as part of a tour of three Pacific island countries which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

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China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and whose military operates around the island on a daily basis, has condemned the United States for allowing his transit stops, which included two days in Hawaii at the start of the trip.

Addressing members of the overseas Taiwan community as well as Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Northern Mariana Islands Governor Arnold Palacios at a lunch, Lai said Taiwan's path from the "darkness of dictatorship" to democracy was hard fought.

"I hope that all of our compatriots, no matter where you are, will make a joint commitment to continue to deepen our democracy and protect it, and that we will never bow down to totalitarianism, right?" Lai said, to applause, in comments carried live on Taiwan television stations.

Mentioning the victory of Taiwan's baseball team at an international championship in Japan last month, Lai said he wanted to be "humble" and say that Taiwan beat the U.S. team on its way to the finals.

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"Although we are brothers, when it comes to baseball you have to rely on strength," he added.

Lai also thanked the United States for arranging his transits through both Guam and Hawaii.

Earlier in the day Lai had a breakfast meeting at the Guam governor's residence.

"In the face of authoritarian expansionism all like minded countries and regions must unite and collaborate to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity in the Indo Pacific region," Lai told reporters at the residence, with a Taiwan flag behind him.

"Taiwan and Guam are both situated in the First Island Chain. Moving forward we must work closer together and stand side by side to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo Pacific region."

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The First Island Chain is a collection of archipelagos running roughly from Indonesia in an arc northeast to Japan, encompassing the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Guerrero thanked Taiwan for the resumption of direct flights from Taipei to Guam and other areas of cooperation.

"The opportunities for collaboration are limitless," she said.

Unusually, Taiwan's national anthem was played after the U.S. one before Lai and the governor addressed the media.

The United States, like most countries, does not officially recognise Taiwan's government, although it is its strongest international backer and main source of weapons.

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Lai will leave for Palau later on Thursday before returning to Taiwan late on Friday.

Lai and his government reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, and say they have a right to travel and engage with the rest of the world. China says Taiwan is one of its provinces with no right to state-to-state ties.

(Reporting by Ben BlanchardEditing by Shri Navaratnam and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Circus Monkey

Now that president-elect Donald Trump's proud new spiritual godsons Tesla CEO Elon Musk and failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have been put in charge of the mysterious and largely symbolic Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the pair have become the best of pals.

But their relationship  much like Musk and Trump's  has been rocky in the past, to say the least.

As Rolling Stone reports, Ramaswamy has repeatedly lashed out at Musk, accusing him of being a puppet of the Chinese government in a popular talking point among Republicans.

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During a 2023 podcast appearance, the pharmaceutical company founder said "I think Tesla is increasingly beholden to China."

"I have no reason to think Elon wont jump like a circus monkey when [Chinese president] Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need," he added at the time.

Shots Fired

Problematic name-calling aside, Ramaswamy likely isn't too far from the truth. Tesla has established a strong presence in China, opening a factory in Shanghai back in 2018.

Musk has even gone so far as to imply that Taiwan should simply give up and "reunite" with China during an event last year, echoing his sentiment that Russia should annex parts of Ukraine.

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During a separate podcast appearance last year, Ramaswamy accused Musk of having gotten a "nice 'attaboy' a little pat on the back when his Shanghai factory and regulator in China gave him a nice little tax break within days after him having made that comment about Taiwan."

Ramaswamy also uploaded an attack ad on X-formerly-Twitter accusing Musk of being deep in the pockets of the Chinese Communist Party after meeting with the country's foreign minister.

"The crusader for 'free speech' (Elon Musk) kisses the ring of the worlds biggest censor: Xi Jinping," Ramaswamy wrote in a scathing tweet in June 2023.

But now that the unlikely pair have been joined at the hip to lead DOGE, their relationship already looks dramatically different, suggesting that either Ramaswamy's previous comments weren't much more than pandering to right-wing lawmakers, or that he has no moral core.

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Case in point, earlier this week, Ramaswamy promised that the so-called "department" would investigate Tesla's rivals, who received financial support for building two battery factories in Indinia from the Biden administration  while Tesla didn't.

"DOGE will carefully scrutinize every one of these questionable 11th-hour transactions, starting on Jan 20," Ramaswamy tweeted, throwing his weight behind Musk and his EV maker.

Whether the pair will be able to get even close to slashing a promised $2 trillion in government spending through their new government venture  which will be an entirely advisory body that will operate from outside of the US government  remains to be seen.

But chances are that sparks will continue to fly regardless as the two vie for attention.

More on the pair: Experts Say Elon Musk's Ridiculous "DOGE" Initiative Could Actually Crush Innovation
Biotech billionaire, former Republican presidential candidate and Cincinnati-area native Vivek Ramaswamy didn't always have nice things to say about his new co-worker, Elon Musk.

In fact, Ramaswamy in May 2023 compared Musk, his co-director for the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, to a "circus monkey" for China, CNN first reported on Wednesday.

I have no reason to think Elon wont jump like a circus monkey when Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need, Ramaswamy said on the May 8, 2023 episode of his podcast.

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Jinping is the general secretary of the Communist Party. Ramaswamy was discussing how he sees American business leaders, including Musk, as beholden to China

Evidently, Ramaswamy has warmed to Musk. In a statement sent to The Enquirer and CNN, he said the past comments are "water under the bridge."

What is the DOGE?

President-elect Donald Trump tapped both of them to head his new advisory commission called the Department of Government Efficiency, also known by its acronym "DOGE." While it's still not clear how the DOGE will operate, Trump's description indicated it will operate as an advisory group and not as a formal federal agency. Ramaswamy and Musk will work together to propose where the incoming administration can cut government spending and departments.

Why are the comments coming to light?

CNN's KFile investigative team looked at Ramaswamy's past comments on Musk to gauge how the two might work together. In addition to the aforementioned podcast, Ramaswamy told a Fox News podcast in 2022 that Musk changes his politics "based on the favors that he gets to be able to do business in China."

'I love him and respect the hell out of him'

The Enquirer reached out to Ramaswamy, who sent the same statement he sent to CNN, saying the comments were made before he met Musk. They now know each other well, Ramaswamy said.

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"I love him and respect the hell out of him, and I'm proud to call him a friend," Ramaswamy said in the statement. "The only country he puts first is the same one I do: the United States of America.

Ramaswamy grew up in Evendale, a suburban village just outside of Cincinnati, and graduated from St. Xavier High School as valedictorian in 2003 before making millions founding a pharmaceutical company and asset management firm. He later sought the Republican nomination for president in 2024 before dropping out.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What Ramaswamy once said about Musk. Will it affect how they run DOGE?
In the wake of police determining that missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi had actually crossed into Tijuana, Mexico, last month, her family says their next steps are clear.



They have to take matters in their own hands, which is why I stepped in, says attorney Sara Azari, who is working with Kobayashis mother and sister, Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi.



The search is not over, Azari says.



She spoke with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Dec. 4, two days after Los Angeles police announced that they had reviewed video showing the 30-year-old Hannah walking into Tijuana. She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed, Police Chief Jim McDonnell said.



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Hannahs case has been classified as a voluntary missing person, he said, and it will remain active in the missing and unidentified person's system until her safety is confirmed by law enforcement.



She had initially appeared to vanish from the L.A. airport in mid-November after arriving there from Maui  and then failing to board a flight to New York.



Police say they still dont know why, though they have confirmed she spent several days in the L.A. area, including waiting to retrieve her luggage from New York, before heading to Mexico.



We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know that she is safe, Police Chief McDonnell told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2. She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand that the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her.

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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.



Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi

Speaking with PEOPLE, Azari, the Kobayashi family attorney, says they wont be waiting to hear from Hannah.



"I plan on getting people involved both through the State Department and in Mexico, Azari says. This, obviously, has to be escalated, because the last thing we know according to LAPD is that she was in Tijuana and Baja [California, a Mexican state].



God knows if she's still there, if she's still safe, because a lot of time has passed, Azari continues. But at least we need to start there  unless and until we get leads that she might be somewhere else.



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As for specifics, Azari says, the first step is to get Mexican media involved in order to raise public awareness.



From there, whether we're going to get volunteers or some sort of a bounty hunter or something, a combination thereof, I'm not sure, Azari says.



Related: Hannah Kobayashi Spotted Buying Bus Ticket Before Police Say She Crossed into Mexico, New Image Shows

Hannahs relatives will rely on online fundraising, according to Azari, who encouraged concerned members of the public to still donate if they want: This family has been more than above board with their intentions, with their expenses. Everything's backed up with receipts.



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This is a very, very odd situation, and they [Hannahs family] deserve answers and they deserve closure, Azari says.



As for how Hannahs mother and sister are feeling, Azari says theyre shocked and distressed  and have their issues with the police investigation.



They're pretty shocked at the LAPD conclusion that she's voluntarily missing. They don't agree with that at all, Azari says.



Busqueda de mujer desaparecida Hannah Kobayashi en Los Angeles Volunteers put up flyers of Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Volunteers put up flyers of Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

They don't believe that there's anything voluntary about this, because ... Hannah doesn't have any drug addiction, mental illness, Azari says.



There was no distress, there was no argument, there was no animosity, she says, adding, None of this makes sense.



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The family obviously knows her very well, so they've confirmed to me over and over again that her behavior in all of this is extremely suspect, Azari says. And it's almost like she's influenced by someone.



They never imagined that she [Hannah] would not be on U.S. soil, she says.



Though Azari notes Hannahs mom and sister are appreciative of law enforcement  I don't think [authorities] were as diligent as they should be.



In addition to pushing back on the view that Hannah voluntarily left the country, Azari questioned investigators saying that Hannah had previously talked of wanting to disconnect.



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She's never disconnected from her family and just ran off, Azari insists.



Police were asked to comment on the familys criticism during their news conference on Monday.



We've really left no stone unturned, said Alan Hamilton, the chief of detectives, and it's led us to this conclusion.



He stressed that we have no information that she's working with anyone else, while McDonnell said that at this point, we have not been able to determine any crime has been committed.



To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play, the police chief said. She's also not a suspect in any criminal activity.



As Hannahs family focuses on Mexico, Azari says that serious concerns remain: Somehow that makes it just because she's alive that she's safe.

Read the original article on People
Politifact is a nonprofit news organization focused on providing transparent, fairn, thorough reporting and clear writing. Politifact partners with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Let your voice be heard on political fibs, deceptions and general untruths. That's right, it's Lie of the Year time!

PolitiFact Wisconsin readers can get in on the voting action as PolitiFact National lists its top stories and fact checks and asks readers to weigh in with their choice for No. 1 falsehood in the Readers' Choice category.

As PolitiFact National reports, the 2023 Lie of the Year went to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s presidential campaign of conspiracy theories. The 2022 Lie of the Year went to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his campaign of lies to justify the Ukraine invasion. The 2021 Lie of the Year went to lies about the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and its significance, and our 2020 pick went to COVID-19 downplay and denial.

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For 2024, readers can choose from a list of some offerings from Donald Trump, who as a presidential candidate in September said "In Springfield (Ohio), they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats." A second eyebrow raiser also came from Trump, who said Kamala Harris was "Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person."

Another contender for top questionable claim of the year came courtesy of President Joe Biden, who said: "I will not pardon" Hunter Biden. And let's not overlook Vice President Kamala Harris, who said Donald Trump would "force states to monitor women's pregnancies." There are additional fibs on the list, including some whoppers from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Elon Musk and JD Vance. There's even room for you to fill in the blank and select an untruth not already on the list.

Go to PolitiFact National to cast your ballot.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: It's that time of year to vote for PolitiFact Lie of the Year 2024
PORTSMOUTH  A year after approving collective bargaining rights for city workers, Portsmouth still hasnt taken the next steps to determine how the process will work.

But that could change once the newly elected council members are seated in January.

Last November, a divided vote from City Council authorized collective bargaining for city workers. The move means workers will be able to negotiate in good faith with city leaders on a labor contract dictating pay, benefits, safety, equipment and working conditions. Following the vote, next steps included determining the scope of what conditions can be bargained and how the practice will be implemented, outlined in an ordinance to be approved by council members.

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A slew of city workers and firefighters gathered at City Hall last week to urge further action on implementing collective bargaining rights, with one speaker stating that hes been retaliated against since the vote last year to authorize it.

Council members Mark Hugel and Vernon Tillage said City Council has been reviewing the draft ordinance, with Hugel adding that the next move is a closed session to finetune details before a vote. Tillage said a vote isnt expected until after the newly elected council is sworn in.

Virginia was one of a few states with a blanket ban on collective bargaining for public sector employees until 2020, when the Democrat-controlled General Assembly enacted a new law, effective 2021, punting the final say to localities.

Some cities in Northern Virginia already have approved the collective bargaining process for city workers, but attempts in Hampton Roads have not yet been successful  meaning Portsmouth is the first and only city in the region to take such a step.

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Portsmouth previously approved collective bargaining rights for city employees in 2020, but reversed course after city officials raised concern about the cost. Similar concerns were raised in November, but collective bargaining rights were ultimately approved in a 4-2 vote, with Mayor Shannon Glover and outgoing council member Mark Whitaker voting against. Its unclear how the newly elected council will vote on the ordinance when it comes up for a vote, but the firefighters union did endorse candidate Yolanda Edmonds Thomas, who won election.

Tillage, who was a legislative aid working with Virginia lawmakers on the legislation that now allows collective bargaining, said he wants to see a strong ordinance that allows bargaining for salary, benefits and terms of employment. Hugel, a retired Navy rear admiral with experience in leading unions, attributed some of the delay in moving forward on the recent election, but added that the city is relying on information from other localities that have greenlighted collective bargaining.

Because were the first in Hampton Roads, we recognize that we just need to step carefully and try to take advantage of the lessons that have been learned in other places in Virginia that have already moved into collective bargaining implementation, Hugel said.

Included in Portsmouths fiscal 2025 budget is an additional position for the city attorneys office to help implement collective bargaining and negotiate labor contracts. Legal counsel with Jackson Lewis PC last year told City Council that authorizing collective bargaining will likely result in increased operating costs, such as wage and benefit boosts and new job positions specific to collective bargaining. Fairfax County, for example, budgeted nearly $1 million in its fiscal year 2022 budget to support half a dozen new full-time positions across the human resources department and county attorneys office. The city of Alexandria set aside $850,000.

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Collective bargaining proponents have said the ability to negotiate working conditions increases employee morale and results in less turnover and fewer workplace disputes. At last weeks meeting, city worker Richard Deloatch said he has filed a grievance with the city regarding what he believes is an unfair suspension, and complained about a lack of action from the city since filing.

Let the public and city workers know that we can organize and negotiate for collective bargaining without fear of retaliation or harassment, Deloatch told City Council members at last weeks council meeting.

The fact that that kind of thing goes on shows exactly why you need a collective bargaining ordinance, said Alvin Long, another speaker at the Nov. 26 meeting. It gives the right and the power to be able to resolve these issues through a legitimate grievance procedure thats recognized in law and that applies to everybody equally.

Resident Troya Wright said he has witnessed city workers on multiple occasions working on sewage lines with minimal personal protective equipment.

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Its appalling, Wright said. These workers are underpaid. These workers are understaffed. They have low safety conditions and all they ask for is respect.

Public safety leaders, including Police Chief Stephen Jenkins, voiced opposition before City Councils approval last year, candidly sharing his belief that it would hemorrhage his ability to lead the agency at a time when hes addressing a staffing shortage and high crime. Fire Batallion Chief Sean Teartt, the first Black firefighter given that title in Portsmouth, was also critical, noting that itd amount to unequal representation and a stifling of minority voices unless they pay union dues.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
The Brazilian public prosecutor for labour law has sued Volkswagen's Brazilian subsidiary for employing possible slave labour on an Amazon ranch in the 1970s and 1980s.

The authority said on Thursday that it was demanding compensation payments of 165 million reais (around $27 million) in the civil suit.

The subsidiary of the German auto giant, Volkswagen do Brasil, did not initially comment when asked. Attempts to agree an out-of-court settlement broke down in March last year.

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The allegations relate to the conditions on a huge cattle ranch in the Amazon known as Fazenda Volkswagen. According to investigators, armed guards and a system of debt bondage prevented workers from leaving - characteristics of modern slave labour.

"Documents and witness statements prove the serious human rights violations on the fazenda during this time," said prosecutor Rafael Garcia Rodrigues. "The workers were subjected to slavery-like conditions through exhausting working hours, degrading working conditions and debt bondage."

The carmaker wanted to use the cattle ranch to enter the meat business. The ranch was founded in the 1970s and supported by the Brazilian military dictatorship. It was around 1,400 square kilometres in size and about 300 workers were employed there.
(Reuters) -Volkswagen workers will go on extended strikes on Monday, stepping up a bitter dispute with management over layoffs and what would be the first factory closures on German soil for Europe's largest carmaker, a union statement said on Thursday.

The IG Metall union said workers would down tools for four hours at nine different sites in so-called "warning" strikes across the country, twice as long as the first round of industrial action at the start of December.

The walkouts are timed to coincide with the next round of talks between Volkswagen and labour representatives over cost-cutting measures that the company says are vital to stay competitive against rising costs and foreign rivals.

Volkswagen on Thursday said the management and workers representatives remained in dialogue to collaboratively develop viable, long-term solutions that balance economic stability and secure employment prospects.

The crisis at Europe's largest carmaker has hit Germany at a time of economic uncertainty and domestic political upheaval, as well as wider turmoil among the region's automakers.

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume on Wednesday had defended his decisions as necessary in a rapidly changing environment, saying management could not operate "in a fantasy world".

"It borders on mockery when Oliver Blume stands in front of the workforce and wishes them a Merry Christmas, while at the same time the VW board would prefer to put letters of termination under the Christmas tree for the employees," IG Metall negotiator Thorsten Groeger said on Thursday.

"We will now step up our efforts on December 9th and thus increase the pressure on the company at the negotiating table," he said in a statement.

Europe's car sector is in turmoil, with thousands of jobs on the line at automakers and their suppliers, all suffering from a weakening market on the continent and a slower-than-expected take-up of electric vehicles.

On Monday morning, thousands of VW employees are expected to attend a rally in Wolfsburg, where VW is headquartered, shortly before the start of negotiations.

Workers could increase pressure if no agreement is struck during next week's negotiations, union officials have signalled, leading to longer and possibly even open-ended strikes.

(Reporting by Matthias Williams; editing by David Evans and Jonathan Oatis)
(Getty Images)

A state-run housing program that has failed to deliver on its promise of providing longtime tenants a chance to buy their homes came under fire from Washington lawmakers on Wednesday.

A bipartisan panel conducted a hearing on a new state audit that found no purchases have been made through the program that operates mostly in Indian Country and is overseen by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Thats despite at least 135 units being eligible for homeownership.

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This really did clarify that there was serious mismanagement and that thousands of Native American tenants are not getting to own the homes they are living in as they were promised, Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, said after the meeting of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.

State auditors found that the program giving low-income renters the ability to own their homes after 15 years is little-known and largely misunderstood.

The audit found 135 eligible homes have yet to be sold and transferred, in part, because monitoring activities and guidance for project owners and tenants are ineffective.

At the highest level, the findings of this performance audit are disappointing, State Auditor Pat McCarthy wrote in the report.

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Known as Eventual Tenant Ownership, the program provides private developers with federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in exchange for building homes that renters are offered a chance to buy.

State Rep. Gerry Pollet, a Seattle Democrat, at a Dec. 4, 2024 hearing on a state audit critical of a Washington housing program intended to give tenants a chance to buy the homes they rent. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

Pollet and Rep. Chris Stearns, D-Auburn, requested the audit about a year ago, citing flaws with how the Housing Finance Commission was running the program.

The two lawmakers plan to introduce legislation to compel developers and project owners to make ownership available or face the prospect of losing out on housing tax credits in the future.

We need something to ensure that the private companies that benefit from the tax credit are held accountable and are preparing to turn over the rental units to the tenants, Pollet said.

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Concerns about the ownership program were raised after Nooksack Indian Tribal members faced eviction from low-income housing after they were disenrolled from the tribe. These members lived in units owned by the tribes that could qualify for ownership after 15 years. Three Nooksack households received eviction notices last week.

The states audit did not evaluate the Nooksack Housing Departments decision to evict tribal members living in that housing and instead focused on the Housing Finance Commissions management of the program, according to the audit.

Ineffective policies

The home purchase option is supposed to be offered after the unit has been available to rent for 15 years. Tenants do not have to live in the unit for 15 years to receive the purchase option, state auditors said.

Tenants are not required to buy, nor are homes automatically transferred from a rental agreement to a purchase contract.

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Only 18 of the states nearly 1,300 projects receiving the federal tax credits offer tenant purchase options and all but one are managed by tribal governments. Of the 18 projects, six  with a combined total of 135 rental units  had properties old enough to qualify for tenant purchase as of 2023, according to the audit.

Even if the homes do qualify, it can take longer than 15 years for owners to complete multiple required steps before interested tenants can buy the homes. This includes preparing tenants for homeownership and resolving any legal issues for those units on tribal lands, auditors concluded.



The audit found the Housing Finance Commission met its legal requirements for operating the home purchase program, but it did not do enough to oversee project owners or to make sure tenants knew they had the option to buy their homes.

Auditors also found that tenants understanding of the program varied and that many faced possible challenges with homeownership, including financial barriers.

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The auditors office recommended that the commission improve its process for monitoring project owners progress toward fulfilling tenant purchase plans by requiring frequent progress reports. It also recommends the commission develop clearer guidance for how owners can develop and implement tenant purchase plans.

Housing Finance Commission Executive Director Steve Walker told lawmakers we own the fact that the agency did not take necessary steps to ensure home purchase opportunities.

He said the agency has spent the last two years developing guidance and a new framework for the program.

We really hope to see some purchases in the coming year, he said.

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Gabe Galanda, an Indigenous rights attorney who represents the Nooksack families facing eviction, said the commission needs to do more to oversee the private property owners who rent out these homes.

WSHFC has continually claimed or feigned that it lacks authority to enforce the eventual tenant ownership program or its agreements, Galanda told the committee Wednesday. If that is true, and I dont believe it to be true, the Legislature must now consider legislating some enforcement remedy to prevent the types of abuse of these tax credits.
Dec. 5WABASHA, Minn.  The Wabasha County Attorney filed a notice of appeal against the board of commissioner's resolution to reduce his salary by $20,000 in 2025, according to court documents filed on Dec. 4.

In the notice, County Attorney Matthew Stinson said the salary reduction violates a Minnesota state law that says the board cannot lower a county attorney's salary in the middle of their term.

"It is further made on the grounds that the determination of the salary was arbitrary, capricious and in unreasonable disregard for the duties and responsibilities of the office, and in unreasonable disregard of the County Attorney's experience, qualifications, and performance," the notice said.

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During a Nov. 19 meeting , Wabasha County commissioners carried a motion to reduce Stinson's salary by $20,000 in a 3-2 vote. Stinson, whose salary is currently at $130,900, requested a $20,000 raise at a previous board meeting.

The three commissioners who were in favor of the salary reduction said it was due to a poor job performance from Stinson, citing complaints from other departments involving the lack of criminal trials and the increase in lenient plea deals.

Among the complaints, commissioner Mike Wobbe said Stinson was described as "unorganized," "unresponsive" and "lacking knowledge."

The two commissioners who voted against the motion, Cheryl Key and Rick Powers, noted state law when discussing their decision.

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"To cut his salary, I don't believe in that," Powers said during the Nov. 19 meeting. "But I certainly wouldn't give him a penny more."

Stinson was not present at the Nov. 19 meeting because he was in jury selection, he previously told the Post Bulletin.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  The Waco community was invited to a medal presentation at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center campus on Friday.

The Waco VA accepted the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame (TVHOF) Medal of Valor in honor of Doris Miller. This was a tribute on the eve of Pearl Harbors 83rd anniversary. The event was free and open to the public.

According to the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, this honor follows Doris Millers induction into the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022. The TVHOF serves as a living tribute to Texas service members and educates the public about military history. Miller was the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross for his remarkable bravery.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Proposals for a law that could see tourists obliged to pay a tax for staying overnight in Wales were tabled last week in the Welsh Parliament. Under the plans, local councils will be given the power to introduce a small visitor levy to raise money, but will also be free to opt out of the scheme  which is itself controversial.

A decision about whether it will become law is expected in 2025, though the levy probably wont come into effect until 2026 or even 2027. Accommodation providers will be compelled to enter their names on a national register. Visitors staying in campsites and hostels will be charged 75p per person, per night, while those staying in hotels and room rentals, such as those available through Airbnb, will pay 1.25 tax per person, per night.

Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, says the levy will help to ensure those who benefit from tourism will make a small but important contribution to the maintenance of local areas.

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He adds: Visitor levies play a crucial role in supporting communities and protecting the environment all over the world. Many countries have seen real benefits from the reinvestment of visitor levy funds. We believe such success can be replicated in Wales.

Mark Drakeford has backed proposals for a law that could see tourists obliged to pay a tax for staying overnight in Wales - Geoff Caddick

Ministers hope the money raised will help fund improvements to transport links and the promotion of the Welsh language. If all local authorities introduced a levy, it could potentially generate up to 33m across Wales.

Waless tourism woes

Others fear the negative impact on a tourism industry that employs 159,000 people in Wales  nearly 12 per cent of the countrys total workforce. In a consultation, which ran in 2022 and received more than 2,000 responses, self-catering firms said that a policy similar to tourism taxes in Spain and Greece could damage local economies by putting visitors off.

Wales is already struggling on that front. It received 892,000 visits in 2023, down 13 per cent on its pre-pandemic (2019) figure, while spending, at 458 million in 2023, was down 11 per cent compared to 2019s figures. In fact, Wales was the only UK nation still down on spending compared with 2019.

The mountainous landscape of areas such as Snowdonia has long been a draw for tourists - alamy

Furthermore, the Welsh Governments tourism barometer predicts visitor levels from inside Wales, the rest of the UK and from overseas are all expected to be about the same in 2024 as in 2023.

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So, whats putting people off? A recent Visit Wales survey of 50,000 potential visitors found that key concerns include the weather and the countrys 20mph speed limit on restricted roads  though the cost of travel was the main factor. Therefore businesses worry that a targeted tax, however small, will be perceived as an additional reason for not visiting Wales.

Will visitors be welcome?

Anti-tourism sentiment is a potential hot potato. The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park made headlines this summer when park authorities urged people to avoid visiting at peak times. Some tourists and even some long-term residents also view the Welsh language as a barrier for non-speakers. In September, a group of women ramblers from Lancashire complained that they had experienced anti-English attitudes in the popular tourist centre of Llanberis in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).

Emotions and fashions oscillate, but hard economic realities might also chip away at Waless tourism revenues. Many councils in Wales now charge an inflated tax rate for second homes, up to 300 per cent, with the aim of freeing up rarely used housing stock for locals and generating income.

A sharp increase in council tax on second homes in Pembrokeshire  a tourism honeypot  has seen the number of second homes entering the market increase by more than 250 per cent. Homeowners have criticised the council tax premium, while local businesses argue it could push low-season visitor numbers down.

Popular seaside towns like Tenby have been subject to a sharp increase in council tax on second homes - alamy

Penny Paddle, a partner at law firm Spencer West, and an expert on small- and medium-sized enterprises, says the levy may create financial and operational challenges for businesses in the leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors.

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She adds: Many are concerned that the levy imposing additional costs on tourists could potentially deter budget-conscious visitors or drive them to alternative destinations. It is also feared that this risk may disproportionately affect smaller accommodation providers, hostels and campsites, which rely on price-sensitive customers. Additionally, implementing the scheme and managing the levy collection is likely to increase administrative burdens and compliance costs across all accommodation businesses, again, hitting the smallest businesses the hardest.

The Wales Tourism Alliance, which represents more than 6,000 firms, claims the Welsh Government has ignored key points which it put forward during the consultation process for the visitor levy bill.

In particular we feel that the Welsh Government has missed a key opportunity to establish a registration scheme for self-catering accommodation, which would have incorporated key health and safety criteria and assured visitors that their accommodation meets basic assurance standards.

What has been proposed will instead increase the costs for tourism and hospitality businesses, which will be passed on to our visitors, without any perceived added value. We are also disappointed that there is no clear commitment that the funding raised by the levy will be dedicated to improving the visitor experience in Wales.

The next trend

Eric Holliday and Peter Rees-Jones, directors of the tour operator Wales Beckons, say, As tour operators whose aim it is to encourage people to visit Wales, we are naturally sceptical about any governmental moves to make Wales a more expensive destination.

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The imposition of a tourist tax is a valid reason for believing that there would inevitably be negative effects on visitor numbers. In our view, however, this might not necessarily be the case: it all depends upon the amount of the tax and when and how it is applied and gathered.

A small amount of tax is unlikely to prevent Wales being considered as a holiday destination. But should any such tax be applied to each visitor for every night of their stay in Wales? Surely not. A one-off amount to be paid on the first day of arrival in Wales would be fairer and perhaps more easy to collect.

The other side to the coin is how will any monies raised by the imposition of such a tax be spent? Before there will be any chance of such a tax being acceptable to Welsh hospitality businesses and Wales generally, it has to be made very clear how everyone will benefit.

Some tourists view the Welsh language as a barrier for non-speakers - alamy

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Neil Kedward, managing director of Seren, which operates several hotels and restaurants across the country, is more trenchant in his criticisms.

The introduction [of the levy] could needlessly exacerbate existing pressures on the hospitality sector, which is already navigating significant economic challenges. Hospitality businesses are contending with rising operational costs, including substantial increases in wages, higher National Insurance contributions and the persistent effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

This is all taking place within a stagnating economy that is forecast to struggle for some time. Introducing a tourism levy under these conditions is both puzzling and concerning. I am all for progressive political ideas, but... it feels like politicians are jumping on the next trend and blindly implementing new ideas.

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State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured at an Oct. 24 meeting, announced Wednesday he is drafting a bill that would put school district administrators up for election. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The head of Oklahomas public school system announced he is crafting a bill that would turn school district superintendents into an elected position.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said Wednesday the idea would make district leaders more accountable to local parents. In Oklahoma and across the country, elected school boards hire the superintendent for their districts.

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The chances that the state Legislature would pass such a bill are murky. Multiple members of the Republican majority in the House and Senate told Oklahoma Voice they had never heard of the idea or had no interest in it.

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said she wouldnt support a measure to put school superintendents on the election ballot. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said she doesnt support the proposal because it completely undermines the authority of local school boards. Daniels is a member of the Senate Education Committee.

Elected school board members are responsible for the governance of school districts, Daniels said. Their first duty is to oversee the expenditure of tax dollars that fund education in their district. Their second duty is to hire a superintendent to manage the district.

Walters has not yet released the full text of the bill nor has he said whether any lawmakers have committed to filing and advocating for it in the Legislature. Only a state lawmaker could file the bill, and even if filed, the measure wouldnt be guaranteed a hearing or vote.

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The bill will suggest dates for primary and general elections, candidate eligibility requirements, rules for filling a superintendent vacancy and the process for deciding compensation, among other details, according to the announcement.

Walters accused district superintendents of committing misconduct and defying policies from conservative leaders. Several superintendents have refused to comply with Walters order that schools teach from the Bible and keep a copy of it in classrooms.

We have seen rogue school administrators ignore the will of the parents and taxpayers in their district to inject pornography into schools, cover up the sexual misconduct of teachers, allow students to lick each others toes, and even be arrested (for) public intoxication on school grounds, Walters said in a statement. Parents are rightfully horrified by this kind of misconduct, and its time to put parents in control over their neighborhood schools by giving voters a direct way to hold superintendents accountable.

The deadline for lawmakers to file bills is Jan. 16 before the next legislative session begins Feb. 3.

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Sweden, a new NATO member, has a jet that was designed for war with Russia.

But it has never been used in that kind of combat.

Giving Ukraine the jet would strengthen its air force and benefit NATO, warfare analysts said.

Sweden's Gripen, a fighter jet built for a war with Russia, is considered a good fit for Ukraine, but the aircraft hasn't been tested the way it could be in this war.

The conflict in Ukraine has been a test bed for weapons on both sides, from Russia's new hypersonic missiles to older systems such as the American Patriots, showing their users how they perform in high-end combat. Some systems have underperformed, while others have far exceeded expectations in this tough operating environment.

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Not only could giving the jets to Ukraine  which Stockholm has indicated is possible  strengthen its air force, but it could also give NATO insight into how a key capability performs in a real-world combat scenario, specifically one for which it was made.

Helpful for NATO

Sweden initially refused to put its jet on the table for Ukraine, but it has slowly become more open to the idea. The defense ministry said in September that it was acquiring Gripen parts, and in late November, it was reported that those parts were being transferred to Ukraine.

It is, however, unclear whether Ukraine will receive the actual jets and when that would happen. Sweden's defense minister, Pal Jonson, said recently that his country had been advised to wait until Ukraine was further along in setting up its new American-made F-16 fleet. Concerns have been raised about unintentionally overloading Kyiv with new equipment.

But at some point down the road, there's the possibility Kyiv receives the Gripen, a rugged, capable fourth-generation fighter.

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Designed at the end of the Cold War, the jet is operated by about half a dozen countries. It was built to fight Russia's Sukhoi fighter aircraft, but it's never been in that kind of combat.

A JAS-39 Gripen at a military base near Prague in 2005. REUTERS/Petr Josek PJ/AA

Tim Robinson, a military-aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, told Business Insider the aircraft was designed to fit into Sweden's vision of having a dispersed and mobile air force to counter Russia as a threat. "The idea of keeping on the move, rapid turnarounds, and being very, very hard to destroy," he said.

He said NATO would be interested in seeing how the jet performs against Russia, especially given the aircraft has "quite a good electronic warfare system," which this fight has shown is necessary to defeat Russia.

Air-to-air combat isn't common in Ukraine, but George Barros, a warfare expert at the Institute for the Study of War think tank, told BI that "there may be some tactical advantages that Sweden can learn from Gripen's performance against Russian planes." It could also benefit the larger NATO alliance.

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Sweden joined NATO in March of this year as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the alliance celebrated the move as one that would help it in the event of a conflict with Russia. That's because of Sweden's geographical location and because its military was built around the Russia threat.

Sweden's Saab Gripen. Oleg V. Belyakov - AirTeamImages

And there are benefits for the jet's manufacturers as well. Michael Bohnert, a warfare expert at the RAND Corporation, said Saab is in "global competition" with its rivals as countries seek fourth-generation fighters. That means Sweden  as well as France, which has offered Ukraine Mirage aircraft  "both have strong incentives to provide aircraft with high performance and support to Ukraine."

Robinson said that having a jet proven in combat is "definitely a factor when selling military aircraft."

The Gripen was used in Libya in 2011, but it was only for reconnaissance. The models that Ukraine would probably get are the older C and D models, but if those versions were to do well in Ukraine, it could still help the sale and reputation of newer models now being produced.

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Retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon "Skip" Davis, who served as NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for its Defense Investment Division, told BI the Gripen performing well in Ukraine "would be a great boost for Saab and Swedish defense industry."

"If it does well in Ukraine, then it would be the selling point," he said. "But I would also tend to think that it would do well simply because the Swedes themselves have been so focused on Russia as a potential threat and enemy for quite some time."

Helpful for Ukraine

The main reason to send the jets to Ukraine, though, would be to boost its airpower. Barros said that "sending Ukraine more aircraft is a step in the right direction."

War experts have said the Gripen is the jet best suited for Ukraine in the long term.

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Bohnert previously told BI that "Gripens are a way better fit for Ukraine" than F-16s, as they're "a little more purpose-built" for what Ukraine needs. "Sweden, being under that Russian threat, designed the Gripens to fight this way that F-16s weren't," he said.

The aircraft was designed to work from civilian roads so that it can still function if runways and airbases are destroyed; Russia has targeted that infrastructure during the war. It also requires less maintenance than some aircraft, such as the F-16s, which is useful for a country actively at war.

A Ukrainian air force F-16 fighter jet in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

Robinson said that "it's almost perfect for Ukraine's needs in a way," but he noted that the jet has drawbacks, such as there not being as many in service as F-16s, meaning allies couldn't be as helpful with things like providing spares.

Ukraine's future may rely more on support from Europe with former US President Donald Trump set to take office next year. He has been more critical of support for Ukraine.

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Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute who's a former Royal Australian Air Force officer, told BI that since the Gripen has some US-made components, the Trump administration would probably have to agree to Sweden giving Ukraine Gripens if it tried to do so. For the time being, it remains uncertain whether Sweden will ultimately commit the jets.

Read the original article on Business Insider
So much attention has been devoted to the personal shortcomings of Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, that there hasn't been room to look at his opinions on key issues for the military, including the role of women. Senator Elizabeth Warren, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, talks with Alex Wagner about why Hegseth's views could threaten U.S. military recruitment goals.
TEXAS (WJW)  A herd of desert bighorn sheep was airlifted off of a Texas mountain by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as part of conservation efforts in the state.

According to an update posted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Departments Facebook page on Wednesday, the department is, Almost done capturing bighorns at Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Hikers rescued from ravine in hours-long operation at Brandywine Falls

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The sheep are being moved from the Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area in western Texass Brewster County where they were raised. The sheep are now moving to Franklin Mountains State Park, just north of El Paso.

They should start the trek to El Paso around noon for a 4-5 pm release time at the park. Approximately 80 bighorns are heading your way soon! the department said on Facebook Wednesday. Thanks for your patience as we work to ensure a successful release. Well keep yall posted with any updates.

Missing man with dementia safe after being spotted on TV hundreds of miles away

According to a local news report by El Paso Matters, the sheep are being relocated as part of a larger effort to move the endangered species of mountain sheep to habitats that do not have aoudad or Barbary sheep, which are non-native mountain sheep that spread disease.

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The sheep were sedated and flown by helicopter to a staging area, as seen in the video above.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Department of Justice said that it could sue to require reforms at the Memphis Police Department if the city refuses to agree to changes.

This comes after an investigation into the Memphis Police Department found that officers often violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law by using unwarranted force and targeting Black people.

The DOJ announced on Wednesday that the MPD uses excessive force, conducts unlawful stops, searches, and arrests, and unlawfully discriminates against Black people when enforcing the law.

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These tactics do not make Memphis safer, said Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. For example, officers tackled a man and held him down by his neck for littering in a park.

Memphis Police violated Constitution, DOJ investigation finds

The press conference began at 9 a.m. Just after the DOJs press conference ended, the city held a press conference responding to the findings.

A pattern and practice investigation into the MPD and the City of Memphis was opened on July 27, 2023. The 17-month investigation aimed to determine whether there was a pattern of constitutional or civil rights violations against citizens.

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The government stepped in after now-former Memphis Police officers were caught on video beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, who later died. Those officers faced state and federal charges and the city faces a $550 million lawsuit.

Citys attorney says Memphis wont enter consent decree with DOJ over police reform

The Justice Department said in a press release that the investigation identified serious concerns about MPDs treatment of children and deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability that contribute to MPDs and the Citys unlawful conduct.

Crisis intervention officers taunted, threatened, and used force against an 8-year-old boy with a history of mental health treatment, said Assistant Attorney General Clarke.

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Clarke says after reviewing hundreds of incidents, documents, body camera footage, and interviews, the department discovered MPD officers routinely punish people who flee or dont follow directions.

She noted an incident where officers detained a Black man outside of a dollar store, struck him in the leg with a baton and pepper sprayed him in the face.

Dollar stores in the area had seen a spate of robberies but police had no reason to suspect that this man had anything to do with them, said Clarke.

Their investigation also revealed officers often towed and impounded vehicles without evidence the car contained drugs or weapons.

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Clark says their data showed MPD cites and arrests Black adults for marijuana possession at 5.2 times the rate of white adults based on data from 2018 to 2023.

Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe the people they stop have contraband or are dangerous or are a flight risk, officers often frisked, searched, handcuffed, or hold them, she said.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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The DOJ says MPD supervisors often ignore, excuse, or undermine clear, legal violations.

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The pattern or practice of misconduct that we found in Memphis must end. And federal law authorizes us to sue for an injunction if necessary to accomplish that objective, Clarke stated.

The announcement came just as the city said in a letter that it would not enter into a consent decree with the DOJ over its policing practices. Clarke says these practices promote distrust and are in violation of the Constitution.

After evaluating the effects of these consent decrees in other cities, we believe there are better ways to reimagine policing that does not slow the process or cost the taxpayers millions of dollars, the letter from the city stated.

Mayor Paul Young and Interim Police Chief CJ Davis both made it clear at a news conference Thursday that they have not read the findings that were released yesterday, but both believe the city can handle issues locally without the DOJ.

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Let me be clear that even one incident of mistreatment is one too many, Mayor Young said, continuing, Its crucial that the city has the time to do a thorough review and respond to the findings before agreeing to anything that could become a long-term financial burden to our residents.

A consent decree is essentially a court-ordered improvement plan. Young argues that in cities like Chicago, Seattle and New Orleans, that agreement cost millions and has been in place for more than 10 years.

We cant risk that here, not in the city that I love, he said.

While the 17-month investigation predates Mayor Young, Interim Chief C.J. Davis has led MPD since 2021.

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WREG asked for her take on the review, which identifies serious concerns around policy, training, supervision and accountability.

We have ongoing training and policy changes as well in the Memphis Police Department in the last three years. Weve changed over 700 policies in the Memphis Police Department, policies that help to direct process, help to improve officer response, Davis said. Community engagement has been a significant part of the work that were doing

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SILEX, Mo.  Some people in Silex have had trouble getting running water for days, including in their homes.

Dishes are stacking up at Jonathan Hardins home.

We havent been able to use the stove for any kind of cooking or anything like that because we dont have a clean dish in our house, Hardin said.

He says he has not had water since Sunday.

Its been miserable. Our water situation has beenits disgraceful. They couldve fixed this a long time ago. They havent fixed anything, he said.

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A maintenance issue at the citys water tower on Sunday depleted the water supply. Relying on an aging well-water system, the water pump has not been able to refill the tower ever since.

The tower cant keep up with the usage until we get ahead of it, Gary Phillips with Silex Public Works said.

It has even knocked out water to two nursing homes in the area.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is communicating with them to ensure they have access to emergency water supplies. One nursing home says the city has been bringing them water.

See the car theft hot spots St. Louis thieves regularly target

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Wednesday, truckloads of water were being brought to the Silex water tower. The city says each truck carries 4,000 gallons of water donated by the City of Troy. Silex just had to pay for the hauling, which the mayor said cost about $1,700.

Silex Mayor Lynne Luckett said she could not do this sooner because she had to follow protocols and contact DNR and the EPA.

The mayors taken a bad rap on this. Shes doing everything she can. She cares about these citizens, and shes working hard to make it right, Phillips said.

Silex has been working under an administrative compliance order with the EPA since 2023, after it found levels of radium in the well water that exceed federal standards.

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As part of a plan to fix the problem, Silex got nearly $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to upgrade the system and bring water in from Pike County. The plan will fix both problems: the aging infrastructure and the contaminated water.

The mayor says the larger water project should break ground early next year. Until then, Silex has been giving concerned residents bottled water to drink. Hardin says hes now using that water for other things.

Weve been going and getting our water, and were just using it and flushing it right down the toilet, Hardin said.

In the short term, Phillips says he hopes water can be back on by 11 p.m. Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Great Salt Lake, photographed by Linda Dalton Walker from the Jordan River Delta with Antelope Island in the background. (Photo by Linda Dalton Walker)

As a young girl raised in Utah, I grew up in the arms of the Great Salt Lake. I floated in her salty waters, built sandcastles on her shores, and could walk just a few feet from where my parents parked their vehicle to touch my toes in the cerulean blue water.

Now, as an adult, in order to reach Great Salt Lakes shoreline, I need muck boots and a full day to walk the 4 to 7 miles to the waters edge. In addition, I am reluctant to get into the water filled with metals such as copper, lead, arsenic, lithium, iron, and manganese due to human activities like mining, smelting, and industrial operations within its watershed. These toxic metals are carried to our beautiful valleys and mountains when the winds blow. Now my hometown of Salt Lake City is no longer a healthy place to live.

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In addition, each year more than 12 million birds, both migratory and non-migratory, rely on Great Salt Lake for survival. These beautiful birds would not have a safe haven without the lake. When I read and hear that Great Salt Lake is doing great because weve had two years of above-average precipitation, I look to the lake to see if this is true. Despite the optimistic news, I cringe and am near tears as I look out over the dry lakebed from the Garr Ranch on Antelope Island. Most people who dont visit our lake regularly lack the visual data to determine whether the lake is in trouble. But I have been visiting Great Salt Lake over two dozen times a year for the past ten years, and Ive seen the lakes decline firsthand. Lake managers often blame this decline on the heat wave, which admittedly has some effect, but there are so many more complex issues at play. The optimistic view that our lake is doing great makes it difficult for people to understand and respond to the urgent call for action.

A couple of years ago, another artist and I, both concerned Utah citizens, joined forces to explore the three rivers that flow into Great Salt Lake. We wondered if the Jordan, Weber, and Bear Rivers were flowing into the lake like we envisioned. We documented these convergence points not only to educate ourselves but also to share our findings with other Utahns. We waded through mud and miles of shallow water, discovering complex deltas that were difficult to locate and nearly impossible to traverse. In some cases, the rivers had been so heavily diverted that there was no single point where the rivers met the lake.

The journey proved far more complex than either of us had imagined. To verify and document where the rivers end, we worked with several scientists and a long-time airboat owner who was deeply familiar with the lake and its waters. Most tellingly, throughout our research, no one could definitively tell us where all three rivers entered the lake.

Our pilgrimage brought us to all kinds of landscapessome choked with non-native plant species, others spangled with garbage, one bursting with thousands of birds, another hosting a trigger-happy stranger, and most covered in thick mud. As artists, we immersed ourselves in the landscape, trudging countless miles in boots filled with cold water, swarms of bugs gnawing at our temples, and breath crystallizing on our hairall to find the places where the rivers give themselves to the body of Great Salt Lake. Through our miles of observation, we slowly became pilgrims ourselves, laden with lenses, notebooks, found objects, mud, and awe.

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Our findings revealed that, unlike even 20 years ago, the rivers are hardly making it to the Great Salt Lake. They are being diverted upstream by industries, agriculture, overdevelopment, unsustainable water practices, and invasive plant species like Tamarisk and roughly 26,000 acres of Phragmite. Unchecked threats like these could cause Great Salt Lake to disappear within the next five years. Currently, the exposed shoreline covers roughly 800 square miles, about the size of the island of Maui. Prayers and hopes wont eliminate these problems.

We will exhibit our research and findings in January and February, 2025, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, Pilar Pobil Gallery.

Written with the contributions from sarah ann woodbury and Kathy McIntyre.
WAYLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  Residents of a Wayland mobile home park are concerned and upset about a planned power outage set for a cold winter weekend.

Im worried more about my husband than myself, an emotional Ruth Powless, who lives at Windsor Woods Village, said.

Windsor Woods Village in Wayland on Dec. 4, 2024.

I believe that some of the elderly do not even know this is happening, like my neighbor when I went to him last night. He hasnt been out. He didnt get his mail. He had no idea that this was happening, resident Susan Bush said.

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West Michigan to see more snow, strong winds

Residents at the mobile home park off W. Superior Street near US-131 got a notice from Consumers Energy in the mail informing them of the outage from 11 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. West Michigan isnt currently expecting snow this weekend, according to Storm Team 8, but the forecast low that night is below freezing.

Why are they doing this at the holiday time, in the winter, when its so freezing cold? neighbor Carol Palmatter wondered of Consumers. Wheres your compassion? You claim you tell us you care, but you dont.

Consumers spokesman Brian Wheeler said the utility did not take the decision to plan an outage lightly, but crews need to make repairs to a nearby substation.

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We understand that people are affected by what we are doing. We often schedule outages like this for weekends and nighttimes because it is the less disruptive approach, he said.

Wheeler said the power will likely go out after most people go to sleep and that by the time they wake up, it should be back. But people say the outage will affect the elderly and their machines, children and pets.

Weve got people, elderly, that are on oxygen machines that do plug in, theyre not just on a system. But weve got people on APAP machines, neighbor Connie Edwards said, adding she was worried about pipes freezing. Consumers didnt even know we were a mobile home park when I called. They just send out addresses. So this could have been scheduled at a different time.

We understand that people have some concerns about the timing, Wheeler said. Theres never a good time for a power outage. We understand that. But we do think its necessary to move forward right now to make sure we get this repair made.

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How to prepare for possible winter power outages

The city of Wayland is opening its firehouse at 160 W. Superior St. near Main Street as a warming shelter during the outage. Neighbors were skeptical of that option.

The electronic sign at the city of Wayland tells people the firehouse will function as a warming station during a planned Consumers Energy power outage. (Dec. 4, 2024)

He is not in the best of shape, hes not, and to go somewhere else sleep, Powless said of her husband. You go to the fire department? Who is going to sleep there with all the other people?

Bush helped her elderly neighbors and says people need to be aware and turn their water on.

I think that well all survive, but the point is that they could have done this during the day, she said. We could have went to the mall, a movie, restaurant. We could have found something to do to stay warm.

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(Charles Gullung | Getty Images)

As a seasoned writer of opinions for a number of newspapers, the challenge for commentators  since President-elect Donald Trump is headed back to the Oval Office  is not what to write about (on the contrary), but how best to join those 26 letters of the alphabet into words and sentences that bring awareness and consideration of all that is certain to unfold in both unpleasant and unfamiliar ways over the course of the next four years.

As I continue to divide my time between West Virginia (my home) and New York City (where my husband works to grow his business), what has been revealed to me as I talk with people from two seemingly different cultures is that what we have in common on a universal level is very much not what separates us but what brings us together in a journey fraught with certain peril.

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To put it in succinct terms, its the recognition that the human factor cannot ever be eliminated from the equation. It is the core of who we are, what propels us forward, not in reverse. And it is what each of us carries in our back pockets and relies on heavily to point us in the right direction. Its very much a part of our moral compass. Still, there are those who deny the very essence of its undeniable value. To even consider its absence is absurd. Its also antithesis to the tenants of an American democracy.

And as I pen this commentary, my news feed has just revealed the following headline: Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration as Trumps attorney general amid sexual-misconduct allegations. What follows is a line-up of celebratory emoji sent to a colleague who will revel in the news as well.

While its only a single moment in time, its a most welcomed moment, considering all the moments of uncertainty that will follow over the course of the years to come. It is essential that we  each of us  make certain that every victory, regardless of its magnitude, is celebrated. That acceptance leads us to the realization that under no circumstances can we afford to make the choice to bury our heads in the sand, regardless of how attractive that option may be for so many of us who are, quite simply, exhausted.

Each of us must, to whatever degree we can, continue to fight the good fight. Its vital to the continued health of our democracy. Too, it will serve us well in the preservation of our mental health. To do otherwise is simply not an option.

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As I talk with people in New York City at bookstores and neighborhood eateries and grocery stores and on benches in Central Park, each is no different from conversations with folks in West Virginia, as I visit Taylor Books, Hardings Family Restaurant, the Piggly Wiggly, or Coonskin Park. And that acknowledgement is powerful in itself.

The thread that binds these conversations is not one of economic prosperity or the acquisition of wealth (although a healthy economy is most definitely essential to our growth, both as individuals and as a country); instead, its focus revolves around the overwhelming challenges that a vast majority of our populace will face, if certain measures are indeed implemented: the rights of women to make their own choice about their reproductive rights, the rights of LGBTQ people, the rights of the marginalized in our society, the rights of those in need of health care, and the rights of those who all too often become sequestered in corners where they are not seen.

While these are only a handful of issues that so many American citizens face, we must continue to raise our voices in opposition to those who would attempt to silence these factions of society. Hold firm, let your voice be heard, and know that your refusal to surrender will make a difference; will matter. Your world cannot only be about your small corner of the world. It must also include those around you who struggle in ways you cant even begin to imagine. Without pinning the human factor on your lapel you cannot be fully braced against the inclement weather of what is on the horizon.

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Hold on to your belongings and secure those outdoor, holiday decorations, because it will be a windy day in Greater Cincinnati.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a special weather statement for the region calling for gusty winds and a cold wind chill on Thursday.

The special weather statement applies to Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky and Dearborn, Franklin, Switzerland, and Ohio counties in Indiana.

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Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will occur Thursday morning, with a gradual decrease in winds during the afternoon. Winds may even gust over 40 mph on Thursday, per the report.

Wyoming Crossing Guard, Julie Bierman, assists students along Springfield Pike as they make their way to Wyoming Middle School, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Early morning, the temperature was around 19 degrees, with the feel in the single digits.

Temperatures will continue to fall well into the morning before steadying out and rising slightly during the afternoon. The combination of wind and cold temperatures will result in wind chill values in the single digits. Parts of eastern Indiana and west central Ohio may fall into the single digits to below zero.

The gusty winds may make for challenging driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles traveling on north-south roadways. Make sure to take appropriate precautions from the cold wind chill, especially if you plan to spend any extended amount of time outside.

There are about 2,000 customers without power across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as winds picked up overnight, according to Duke Energy. No injuries have been reported, per Fox 19.

Staying much warmer in the school bus, students head to Wyoming Middle School, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Early morning, the temperature was around 19 degrees, with the feel in the single digits.

Several trees were reported down in the southern part of Campbell County, including Burns Road, near the Pendleton County line. Power lines also have been reported down in parts of Cincinnati and Clermont County, per the news station.

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If you see a power line down, dont touch it and immediately call 911. You can also report it to Duke Energy on their app or call 800-634-4300.

Cincinnati Public Schools and a few others in the area are also closed Thursday due to the frigid conditions. Temperatures will continue to drop well into the morning with very little rebound in the afternoon. Highs will only be in the 20s.

Some light snow showers may occur in some locations, particularly in west central Ohio. Accumulation is forecast to be under an inch.

[5:26 AM] Expect wind chills in the single digits this morning, with gusts of up to 40 MPH. Light snow is also occurring in some locations, so some slick conditions are possible on the roads. pic.twitter.com/0MTxYGdDBb  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) December 5, 2024

Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 27. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

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Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. West wind 5 to 9 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 33. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 42. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Monday: Rain. High near 58. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: High winds, frigid wind chills, some power outages
DENVER (KDVR)  Weld Countys commissioners are speaking out after a state report alleged falsified information about oil and gas well remediation was submitted to the state, saying the delay in communication prevents the local government from assessing any potential health risks.

The state had information about incorrect data in July; information directly related to facilities in Weld County, said Weld County Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross in a Wednesday release. And they didnt say a word until last week  thats a problem.

Tampa dentist sent multiple threats, including to Colorado Secretary of State: DOJ

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The Energy and Carbon Management Commission announced last week that a preliminary investigation showed data manipulation between 2021 and summer 2024 affected soil, groundwater and inorganic and organic contaminant data for approximately 350 oil and gas locations, solely in Weld County.

That means oil and gas waste could be impacting shallow groundwater and soil around Weld County, according to officials, and perhaps impacting residents health in the process.

Commissioners sent a letter to ECMC officials on Monday, expressing the countys severe disappointment in the withholding of information regarding falsified data relating to oil and gas well remediation.

The ECMC said that the manipulated data was submitted by two environmental consultants who were hired by oil and gas operators in Weld County. ECMC said the fake data impacted reports on-site investigations and remediation work plans, which cover the closure of oil and gas facilities and clean-up, or remediation, of oil and gas spills.

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In total, operators are conducting investigation or cleaning up spills at approximately 4,700 sites in Weld County, ECMC said in a Nov. 26 release.

ECMC hints at timeline for when false data came to light

Weld County officials said they were informed of a potential issue on Nov. 25 when Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department Director Jason Maxey received a request for an emergency ECMC meeting scheduled for Nov. 26 regarding the false data.

That was the first and only notice the county received regarding this issue, said Maxey in a Wednesday release from Weld County.

Denver City Council revisits ban on flavored nicotine products after 2021 mayoral veto

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ECMC said it was notified in July of a few limited potential instances of data falsification, and said a similar notification was received from a second operator in August. The agency said it began taking steps in early September to prevent future falsified data from being submitted.

In early October, as a result of the investigation, ECMC determined that the scope expanded from a limited data set to potentially hundreds of instances of data falsification, the agency said in its November release.

The agency said its investigation was formalized at that point, and now includes determining which regulatory forms contained laboratory reports that could have been altered, determining risks, and identifying if projects or spills need to be reexamined as a result.

Maxey said he asked for details about the site location and chemical information, but ECMC had not provided that information as of Wednesday. The incoming director of Weld OGED, Bretty Cavanagh, requested several items of information on Monday, according to a Weld County press release.

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In the letter, Cavanagh also told ECMC that withholding information from the county makes a mockery of the dual regulatory authority and protective responsibilities of ECMC and local governments over oil and gas activities.

Agency says falsified data created no new risks

ECMC said its working diligently to mitigate the falsified datas potential impacts to the environment, namely to soil and in limited cases to shallow groundwater. The agency said its investigation is ongoing and is working with law enforcement to determine any criminal and civil penalties.

Based on its preliminary investigation ECMC is confident that the falsified data created no new risks to public health. ECMC has also put in place additional safeguards to prevent falsified data from being submitted in the future, including requiring additional documentation and examining metadata, the agency said in November.

ECMC said individuals at two environmental consulting firms  Eagle Environmental Consulting, Inc. and Tasman Geosciences  are accused of altering laboratory data that they submitted to ECMC on behalf of their clients to varying degrees: Eagle Environmental Consulting, Inc. on behalf of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., and Civitas Resources Inc. and Tasman Geosciences on behalf of Occidental Petroleum Corp.

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Troubled Aurora apartment caretaker says residents are not paying rent

Julie Murphy, director of the ECMC, said her team is dedicated to protecting public health, safety and welfare, in addition to the environment and wildlife resources.

This is an aberrant and disappointing situation, Murphy said in an ECMC release. Maintaining the integrity of the data upon which ECMC  or any regulatory body  bases decisions is essential. Our permitting, compliance, and enforcement procedures  including the submission of reports, data, and samples by operators  are grounded in an expectation that all parties abide by the law and follow a basic professional, ethical code of conduct.

Maxey told FOX31 on Wednesday that he wanted the ECMC to offer information before the proposed emergency meeting. Now, hes just looking for answers on where the affected oil and gas sites are located so the government can help agricultural producers and residents who have questions.

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There could be questions about peoples health, Maxey told FOX31. As you saw in the ECMC report, there are potential soil and shallow groundwater concerns.

FOX31 reached out to ECMC on Wednesday about the issue and the agency declined to comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
KSNK/KODE  Tuesday evening, the state of Missouri executed 49-year-old Christopher Collings for the November 2007 rape and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford.

Missouri executes a man for sexually assaulting and strangling a 9-year-old girl in 2007

I can tell you that he went far more peacefully than his victim, Rowan, did, said Sheriff Chris Jennings, Newton County.

The execution by lethal injection occurred at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday.

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At 6:01 p.m., the lethal injection of pentobarbital was administered, at 6:03 p.m. the five-minute timer was set, at 6:10 p.m., Christopher Collings was pronounced dead, said Karen Pojman, MO Department of Corrections.

In the hours leading up to the execution, both Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey confirmed there was no reason to halt the proceedings.

Collings final visit was with his spiritual advisor, Kristin Leslie. That took place from 11:03 AM to 12:40 p.m. today. His final meal was served at 10:22 a.m., said Pojam.

Sheriff Jennings traveled to Bonne Terre to witness the execution alongside about a dozen other witnesses.

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Rowan Fords step-father  Where is he now?

There were four witnesses for the offender in attendance, three members of his legal team as well as his spiritual advisor. There were two witnesses for the victim, and eight witnesses for the state, including four members of the news media, said Pojam.

After Collings death, his last statement was released to the media:

Right or wrong I accept this situation for what it is. To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on. Regardless which side of this situation that you are on. You are in my prayers and I hope to see you in Heaven one day.

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Collings will be cremated, and his possessions will be turned over to his legal team.

Speaking after the execution, Sheriff Jennings expressed disappointment with the justice system.

It is somewhat closure, I suppose, to see this case come to an end. This is some justice. Its only partial justice, but Ill take what I can get, said Sheriff Jennings.

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Dec. 5WASHINGTON D.C.  The office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., announced $57.85 million in federal funding for aging water infrastructure, fishing facilities and canal operations around Washington state. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"Washington state's water infrastructure is absolutely essential to our economy, our agriculture sector and our salmon," said Murray. "But these water systems require sustained investment to stay in working order, especially as they age  that's why I'm glad to announce this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will go to key projects throughout Central Washington to improve fish passages and groundwater collection. I will always work to make sure communities of every size and in every part of Washington, including rural communities, get their fair share of federal support."

There is $4.5 million allocated for the West Canal replacement in Grant County. The funding will help pay for the replacement of the concrete line with a geomembrane liner combined with a concrete liner. There will also be an added groundwater collection system.

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The planning study and a portion of the design and implementation will be paid for by the funds.

There was also $40 million given to the Leavenworth Fisheries Complex in Chelan County and $13.35 million for the Roza Dam fish screen modification in Kittitas County.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Firefighters extinguished a house fire on Sioux Citys West Side Thursday.

Sioux City Fire Rescues Lt. John Nelson told KCAU 9 that they saw smoke coming from a second story window at a residence at the 1500 block of 14th Street around 11:30 a.m.

Firefighters didnt find anyone in the residence, and put out the fire.

After ensuring any lingering hot spots are extinguished an investigation into the cause will be conducted.

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This is a developing story. KCAU 9 will update as we learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Missouri Democrats have been in the super minority of the legislature for more than a decade and haven't won a statewide office since 2018 (Getty Images).

The 2024 election was yet another devastating one for Missouri Democrats.

In fact, the party hasnt had a truly successful cycle since 2012, when former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill won re-election and Democrats captured nearly every statewide office.

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Lucas Kunce lost by 14 points last month to U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, and he still came the closest of any statewide Democrats to knocking off their GOP opponent. The rest of the slate lost by at least 19 percentage points.

And in a cycle where legislative Democrats were expected to finally break the Republican supermajority in the House and Senate, the end result was the GOP margins held exactly where they were when the campaign began.

Missouri Democrats may or may not have hit rock-bottom, but after the 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 election results, what seems clear is that it will take a miracle for any Democrat to win statewide anytime soon.

I began describing these trends in 2012, focusing on Republican state legislative gains. In more recent years Ive expanded on that 2012 thesis to encapsulate statewide politics  a few examples are here, here, here, and here.

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In a nutshell: the national Democratic brand is in shambles throughout rural and exurban Missouri, and there arent enough Democrats in the major metro areas to offset huge Republican margins in roughly 100 of 114 counties.

Let us know what you think...

So what should Missouri Democrats do next?

First, we must rebrand.

Fifteen years ago, select Missouri Democrats were still able to carve out identities distinct from national Democrats. Some genuinely stood smack dab in the ideological middle of the states electorate (think Jay Nixon and Chris Koster); some were uniquely talented political communicators (think Claire McCaskill and Jason Kander); some just kept their heads down and focused on governing in the most effective, nonpartisan way possible (think Clint Zweifel).

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But the broader trends caught up to almost all of them. Nixon retired from office with an approval rating mired in the 30s; Zweifel left politics for the private sector; and the others lost hard-fought general election battles.

Any successful statewide Democrat simply must dominate moderate voters. There is no way around that in a state where self-identified conservatives constitute roughly twice the percentage of self-identified liberals.

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld once lamented, You go to war with the army you have, not that army you might want or wish to have. Likewise, Missouri Democrats must realize that they are going into political battle facing the electorate they have, not the one they might wish they had.

This is neither unique nor complicated; its what pretty much every state 1,000 miles from salt water looks like.

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The challenge for Missouri Democrats is that, having lost so many legislative seats outside of the major metro areas, there arent many moderating forces within the party. That has led more progressive party factions to dominate primary nomination battles, producing more progressive representation at both the municipal and state levels.

That said, Congresswoman Cori Bush and former St. Louis City Prosecutor Kim Gardner will both soon be out of public life. Bush, recently defeated by St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, was a polarizing figure due her rhetoric on domestic and foreign policy issues; Gardner was a polarizing figure due to her mismanagement of the office, for which she herself was recently prosecuted.

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Missouri Republicans adroitly leveraged controversies related to them to stain other Democratic candidates.

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For instance, attorney Joe Pereles was a moderate businessman and attorney running in a west St. Louis County swing Missouri Senate district. As a 70-year-old who had spent decades serving as general counsel for a large hotel company and someone whose civic engagement had focused on nonpartisan causes like humanitarian relief and Jewish community support, Pereles was anything but radical.

Unfortunately for Pereles, hed donated $200 to Congresswoman Bush in 2021. This came back to haunt him, as this donation was highlighted in direct mail attacks on him for supporting Bushs radical agenda to defund the police.

There arent many elected Democratic centrists left to lead a rebrand, but shed of Bush and Gardner, Democrats have an opportunity to create new images of effective and reasonable urban governance.

If St. Louis and Kansas City, the states bluest jurisdictions, can pull that off and become the models of efficient service delivery and public safety, it could change perceptions of the Democratic Party across the state.

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That doesnt require the abandonment of core principles. It requires a relentless focus on management and performance in our largest cities and counties that gives not only their citizens, but visitors from around the state, the sense that Democrats can govern effectively.

Its a microcosm of the Democrats challenge nationally. As long as Fox News and other conservative media pump images of disorder in some of the nations bluest cities (Seattle, Portland, San Francisco), its difficult to convince large swaths of voters that Democrats can govern.

In that sense, Gardner was the political gift that kept on giving for Missouri Republicans, who spent years hammering away at the exodus of attorneys from her office, the legal travails of her contractors, her nursing school shenanigans while on the clock, and most consequently, the violent crimes committed by people her office should have put away.



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A second and related imperative will be to cultivate figures who can communicate with voters in exurban and rural areas, because Democratic turnout in the cities is nearly maxed out. It doesnt mean that Democrats will win these areas, but in order to become a competitive statewide party again, they have to start losing them 60-40 instead of 75-25.

Democrats can begin to address this by looking to models they currently have who can help improve the party by modeling images, languages and policy proposals more likely to resonate in rural and exurban areas.

Image is important because most voters have busy lives and dont pay close attention to politics. Fielding state legislative candidates whose presentation defies easy caricature as liberals  such as AFL-CIO political director Stephen Webber, who recently became the first Democratic Senate candidate to win a race outside the Kansas and St. Louis regions since 2006  is one way to begin a rebrand.

While Webbers district is dominated by a college town, the former Marine showed during his tenure as state party chair during the 2018 cycle that he has the chops to connect in the sorts of counties where Democrats have hemorrhaged votes for two decades. His appearance at events in hoodies has occasionally vexed colleagues who arrive at panels in tailored suits, but theres a reason U.S. Sen. John Fetterman won in a state Trump has won twice: vibes matter.

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Democrats often lament the contradiction of their populist ballot initiatives (i.e., Medicaid expansion and minimum wage hikes) passing even as the statewide Democrats who run on them lose. Thats happened in part because Republicans have leveraged the polarizing policies and personal foibles of prominent Democrats like Bush and Gardner to damage the Democratic brand.

Until the average Missouri voter is culturally comfortable with generic Democrats again, they wont hear or trust their economic message, despite its popularity.

Democrats must speak the language of the normal voter, not the language of the faculty lounge. We need more of former state Sen. Wes Shoemeyer explaining why meatpackers owning livestock means higher beef prices and state Sen. Karla May quoting Scripture as she pushes for a higher minimum wage. More of state Sen. Tracy McCreery talking right to repair, and state Rep. Steve Butz pushing for tougher penalties on gun-wielding St. Louis teenagers.

Rhetorically and substantively, we must meet people where they are. Elections arent about what candidates want them to be about. Theyre about what voters want them to be about.

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To be sure, this wasnt my strength as a politician; as a poli sci prof, I often fell into academic jargon.

In fact, I was terrible at it  I struggled mightily to connect with working-class rural and exurban voters in my first race, and with conservative-leaning urban Catholics in my second race.

I remember some of the mistakes vividly, such as the first time I visited striking workers on a picket line in fall of 2003 and brought a mix of donuts and bagels.

Nobody wanted the bagels and orange juice, and I quickly ran out of donuts and coffee.

Democrats need to identify and recruit more candidates who intuitively know these things.



Finally, Democrats need to be more practical in their electoral strategy.

For instance, Democrats should swear off spending millions on statewide races for a full four-year cycle and focus on swing legislative districts. Democratic resources are limited; given Republican legislative supermajorities, the GOP dramatically outspend Democrats in most targeted races.

Instead of spending their limited resources on races that are currently unwinnable, Democrats should start by focusing on winning the roughly five legislative districts that Biden and Harris won where Republican incumbents won by single digits last cycle. Democrats can then gradually build up the strength and political infrastructure to contest statewide races again.

If Democrats do want to contest a statewide race while their brand is in tatters throughout rural Missouri counties, we should consider the approach that nearly worked for independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn approach in ruby-red Nebraska: back a compelling independent candidate and keep any Democrat from filing.

Without a broader political realignment or perhaps a disastrous Trump presidency, it wont be easy for Missouri Democrats to make the state competitive again. But in order to do so, we must first recognize the problem and take practical steps to remedy it instead of going for moonshots.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  As December sets in, locals in Albuquerque are watching the skies for some winter visitors: the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. However, some are left wonderingwhere are they all? KRQE News 13 spoke with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to find out why it seems the flock is thinner this year.

Story continues below

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As far as Sandhill Cranes are concerned, here in New Mexico, here in the Middle Rio Grande Valley specifically, its thought to over-winter 80 percent of our Rocky Mountain population of Sandhill Cranes, said Dan Collins, migratory game bird biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Collins said every year, anywhere between 17,000 and 21,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes migrate from the San Luis Valley in Colorado to the Middle Rio Grande Valley. This year, however, some New Mexicans are wondering if the flock has thinned out. Based off of my experience with these birds, the surveys that I participate in, that migration is slightly delayed. I do a recruitment survey in San Luis Valleyit was October 20 through the 26th this yearand the birds were pretty thin. Trying to find birds it wasnt necessarily hard but the numbers just werent there that we like to see, Collins said.

He said his counterparts in northern states say the birds seem to be lingering there slightly longer than usual; however, this is still the normal window when these cranes usually make the trek down. We do have to remember that these birds have wings, have the ability to move across the landscape and they might just be making decisions this year that they think are better for them than you know typically coming here and to New Mexico, Collins said.

He said the birds might be taking longer to migrate because it hasnt gotten cold enough to push them south yet: Why move? Why expend the energy, you know, when you can just stay sort of fat and happy where you are and move when that weather really pushes you out of that area when that water starts to freeze up and that forage resource starts to deplete?

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So, for folks craning their necks to catch a glimpse of these flighty friends: Be patient, they will arrive; and, just because youre not seeing them in one particular area that you typically see them, they likely are around. They might just be making a different decision this year, Collins said.

Some of the Sandhill Cranes migrate even farther south to Mexico for the winter, and west to southeastern Arizona as well.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Shannon Sullivan was surprised to hear recently that a student accused of threatening a shooting at her daughters elementary school in September had been allowed to return to campus in the Puyallup School District.

She kept her daughter home from first grade at Firgrove Elementary School for a few days following the social-media threat of a shooting at Firgrove and Ballou Junior High School in September, she said.

We were told that there was a student who made the threat on social media and that they were working on tracking that student down, and that they would notify us with more information when they had it, she said.

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Her 6-year-old returned to school when the district sent families a message a few days later that theyd found the student, she said. Sullivan said she didnt think about it after that and that she thought that these students get expelled and that theyre no longer on school grounds. She thinks many parents assume the same.

Then she saw an anonymous Facebook post from someone who said they thought parents deserved to know that the child had returned to school and was studying by themselves with teachers in a portable classroom.

Sullivan said she sent a screenshot to her daughters principal and asked if it was true and was told privacy laws prevented the district from sharing that information.

These laws are in place to protect the rights and privacy of all students, and we have a duty to uphold them, Puyallup School District spokesperson Sarah Gillispie told The News Tribune via email. While we cannot comment on specific cases, we can assure you that Puyallup School District follows a rigorous threat assessment process to address any potential safety concerns, taking appropriate actions as needed. Our primary goal is to ensure a safe learning environment for all students while respecting the rights of every child to receive a public education.

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Sullivan emailed The News Tribune and planned to rally outside her daughters school with a sign last month that said: The Puyallup School District allowed the kid who threatened to shoot our children back on school grounds and are refusing to tell parents! Stand with me and demand transparency.

When she told the district her plan, she said a security official reached out and told Sullivan that the student was no longer on campus in the district.

She said he explained that they have to handle each situation differently, and that she understands that.

There are always gray areas, but its the transparency Im looking for, she said.

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Sullivan said she believes privacy is important and that she also believes that parents need to know if a child in these situations is returning to campus in order to be able to make an educated decision about whether they want their student to return to school, she said.

Making notifications without using the students name or grade could be a way to maintain privacy, she said. She believes theres a way districts could word such notifications without outing the child in question.

We recognize the importance of maintaining transparency and trust within our school community, Gillispie, the school district spokesperson, wrote. However, we must also protect the privacy of our students and maintain the integrity of our investigative procedures.

What do school safety experts with OSPI say?

Asked what information school districts are allowed to give families in such a situation, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction spokesperson Katy Payne shared information from the agencys School Safety Center.

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The students return to school is technically the communication of the students discipline record which is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), her email said. Even if the school doesnt identify the student by name, the circumstances are too specific and likely would be considered personally identifiable information (PII). The students parent/guardian would need to provide consent for this information to be shared with other parents/guardians.

There are certain circumstances in which schools can share information with other school officials without consent. Payne shared a link to studentprivacy.ed.org, which goes into the specifics of FERPA.

Under FERPA, a school may share PII from education records with school officials within the school whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests in the behavior of a student who has been disciplined for conduct that posed a significant risk to the safety or well-being of that student, other students, or other members of the school community, the website says.

Schools can also share information with officials at another school, when necessary.

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For instance, if a school official knows that a student, who has been disciplined for bringing a gun or knife to school or threatened to hurt students and/or teachers, is planning to attend a school-sponsored activity at another high school, FERPA would allow that school official to notify school officials at the other high school who have been determined to have legitimate educational interests in the behavior of the student, the website says.

Attorney Michele Earl-Hubbard, who has represented The News Tribune in various public disclosure matters, said in an email that the arguments she hears from school districts that decline to disclose information are FERPA; Title 13 of Washington state law, which has to do with juvenile courts and juvenile offenders; the right to privacy in the state constitution; and the catchall privacy test in the Public Records Act.

The test of whether someones privacy has been violated requires that the disclosure be highly offensive to reasonable people and that it be of no legitimate concern to the public, she wrote. The latter is a hard sell when it deals with someone who has made a threat and has been returned to school or is on the loose.

FERPA, she wrote, shouldnt cover threat disclosures but might cover the specifics of discipline the student received.

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She argues Title 13 doesnt apply to school districts when it comes to public safety.

Title 13 is why a lot of government agencies do not name juveniles but it is supposed to be limited to law enforcement, and agencies responsible for juvenile justice and care, she said, such as courts and Child Protective Services.
From the Techne on The Dispatch

Attention, Dispatch Premium members (and those of you on the fence about becoming Dispatch Premium members): Were hosting our first Dispatch Premium Town Hall with Steve Hayes and Jonah Goldberg on Tuesday, December 10, at 8 p.m. ET, providing members with an opportunity to interact directly with The Dispatchs co-founders in an ask-us-anything Zoom call. What do they think of Trumps Cabinet nominations so far? Whats on the horizon for the 119th Congress? How are they sourcing up for a very different Washington?

Well send out more details in the coming days, including an RSVP link exclusively for Dispatch Premium members. If youd like to attend this special live town hall, be sure to join Dispatch Premium before next Tuesday!

Welcome back to Techne! Orca whales might be going through their own retro era. An orca off Washingtons coast was spotted balancing a salmon on its head, reviving a behavior last seen in the 1980s. Some scientists think the salmon on the head should be viewed as a fashion statement.

The DOJs Antitrust Remedies Arent Keeping Pace With the Market

Theres an image that haunts me, in a good way, because it visualizes a tendency that I want to avoid.

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It comes from a group of researchers at the University of South Australia that asked 1,036 people in the United States how they felt about music from across various decades. The people varied in age from 18 to 84 years, but they all followed a similar pattern. They thought very highly of the music of their adolescence, teenage years, and early adulthood. But as they approached age 30, their approval of current music declined.

To me this is evidence of the adventure window. Once we hit 30 or so, our willingness to try new things begins closing. Writer and researcher Adam Thierer introduced me to the concept back in 2011, just as I was hitting my mid-20s and beginning to notice this within myself.

The phrasing comes from Robert Sapolsky, the famous neuroscientist, who was cataloging the tendency in humans and all mammals to stop trying new things later in life. As Thierer explained it, Sapolsky came to study this phenomenon after growing increasingly annoyed with his young male research assistant, who would come to work every day of the week listening to something new and quite different than the day before. Meanwhile, the much older neuroscience professor lamented the fact that he had been listening to the same Bob Marley tape seemingly forever.

The lesson I take from Sapolsky is this: The world changes, so it is important that you keep yourself open to change as well. To the detriment of consumers, competition, and good governance, this is a lesson not well understood by the Department of Justice in its ongoing antitrust case against Google. How people access information is changing, the search market is changing, and yet the DOJ still clings to an outdated map of the world.

Recent advancements in the Google antitrust case.

The August 8 edition of Techne focused on the DOJs case against Google, which argued that the tech giant was acting anticompetitively in the search engine market. In the heat of the summer, a judge agreed and ruled that Google has acted [through exclusive deals] to maintain its monopoly. Despite acknowledging that Google is the best search engine, the court found issues with the contracts it negotiated to be the default search engine in Apples iPhone and iPad, the Android operating system, the Firefox browser, telephone operators like Verizon, and a range of different players in the ecosystem.

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Two weeks ago, the DOJ put forth its proposal for remedies and they are by far the strictest and most onerous available. The government wants to break up the company by forcing Google to cleave off the Chrome browser and the open-source Chromium project that the company has helped build. The DOJ also wants to end all the default deals, including those in the Android operating system that Google helped grow. The government also wants to limit the companys investment in AI that might affect search as well as stop any future deals involving this space. And on top of this, Google must share data with rival search engines.

It is a grab bag of horrible ideas that are also incredibly hard to implement. In 2018, I explained the difficulties in breaking up a tech company, noting that the government has to break up the firms teams and underlying technology. It also has to put into place a legal and regulatory system that keeps the targeted firms separate from other markets.

That means that in breaking up Google the DOJ is asking the court to decide the fate of Polymer, an open-source JavaScript library for web applications; AngularJS, a web application framework; AMP, which improves the performance of web content and advertisements; Dart for making applications on Internet of Things devices; Flutter for Android and iOS mobile apps; Borg for cluster management; Colossus, the scalable storage system; BigTable for databases; Spanner, another database management system; Chubby, the lock service; Blobstore, which runs the Google Cloud Storage; Stackdriver, which monitors Google Cloud; and a bunch of others Im sure I have missed.

The disconnect between the DOJs proposed remedies and the current market landscape is striking. Indeed, it was a bit of a shock when I read these opening lines from the agency:

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The purposes of the following remedies are to unfetter the monopolized markets from Googles exclusionary practices, pry open the monopolized markets to competition, remove barriers to entry, and ensure there remain no practices likely to result in unlawful monopolization of these markets and related markets in the future by prohibiting contracts that foreclose or otherwise exclude Competitors, including by raising their costs, discouraging their distribution, or depriving them of competitive access to inputs.

And yet, when I look at the broader search market, I see it transitioning. Yes, Google is still dominant in search engine queries, and yes, Google is still projected to grow. But Googles nearest competitors and the broader search advertising segment are both growing even faster. Thats why Googles share of the search ad market is expected to drop below 50 percent next year for the first time in over a decade.

Search is a bigger cohort that includes search engine queries. Likewise, search ads include more than just Google searches. Customers are beginning their searches elsewhere, like on Amazon and other e-commerce platforms. Amazon is expected to have 22.3 percent of the market this year, with a 17.6 percent growth rate, compared to Googles 7.6 percent growth, according to the eMarketer research firm. And for reasons I also dont completely understand, there is a growing segment of searches being conducted on TikTok. TikToks share of the search ad market is small at 3.4 percent, but that revenue is projected to grow 38% this year.

To emphasize the fast-changing environment, OpenAI put itself in direct competition with Google when it rolled out its long-anticipated search engine in October, between the judges decision in the first part of the Google case, the liability phase, and the second part of the case, the remedy phase thats going on now. When it comes to searching for basic things these days, though, I use Perplexity instead of either OpenAI or Google.

The changing economics of defaults.

While Im skeptical, lets for a moment assume that courts got it right and that Google is locking up competition through its default contracts. What then? Well, you could apply a default-option intervention, which has already happened in Europe.

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As part of a 2018 case against Google, the European Commission forced Google to implement a choice screen for general search providers on all new Android phones and tablets sold in the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom after March 2020. During initial device setup, users were presented with four search engine options, allowing them to choose their preferred default search provider. Economists love this type of action process because it helps to reveal the true price of a good.

And how did the change affect the market? According to a trio of economists, it moved the market share about 1 percentage point. Its not nothing, but it does show just how small an impact we are talking about.

Even more fundamental, the economic foundations of the DOJs case are shifting, as perspectives on behavioral economics continue to evolve. The case was built on a body of literature about the value of defaults. But more subtle and thoughtful experiments have gotten closer to replicating the real world. Ive got a note on my website that explains more details.

Economists from Yale, Harvard, and Berkeley just last month released a report re-estimating the effect of automatic enrollment defaults in 401(k) savings plans. They find that the effect was smaller than previously thought. Auto enrollment was thought to have boosted savings rates by 2.2 percent of income, but the new paper cuts that down to just 0.6 percent. This example shows a lot more caution is warranted on lessons from behavioral economics, upon which the Google case is fundamentally built.

If you want to do a slightly deeper dive.

If you want to do a deeper dive on the legal side of this case, Id direct you to Geoffrey Mannes A Critical Analysis of the Google Search Antitrust Decision. Manne used to be my boss, so blame him for any errors I make in antitrust law. But this piece does a good job going into all of the legal minutiae, and especially the problem of bifurcation, which is when a case is split into two parts, the liability phase and the remedy phase. With Google, the DOJ separated the arguments over harm from the arguments over remedies. Manne summarized the big takeaway on X:

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You dont get to remedy conduct that you didnt prove in the first place was anticompetitive by claiming you have the right to ensure there remain no practices likely to result in [future harm]. Thats not how the law works. This is exactly why many of us cried foul when they bifurcated the liability phase from the remedy phase of trial. The reason the DOJ wanted that was because it knew it would be easier to prove its case if it didnt have to address the obvious arguments that rectifying the challenged conduct would accomplish nothing  thus strongly suggesting that the challenged conduct wasnt anticompetitive. But now having gotten that bifurcation, the DOJ isnt given carte blanche to seek to impose any remedy the DOJ can think of, addressing conduct that was in no way proven  or even claimed  to be anticompetitive in the liability phase.

One last thing.

In an interesting twist of fate, the last time the DOJ tried to break up a tech company was in the 2000 Microsoft antitrust case, which concerned Microsofts supposed dominance in browsers. Its ironic, then, that if the DOJ gets its way, Google will no longer be able to support Chrome or the Chromium project and Firefox will probably fail because it gets nearly 80 percent of its revenue from the default deal. An entire ecosystem will collapse, leaving Microsoft in a position of dominance.

The Department of Justices adventure window has closed. While the world of search evolves rapidly, the DOJ remains fixated on an outdated understanding of the market. Its proposed remedies are built on shaky behavioral economics grounds that are being revamped. The cruel irony is that in trying to pry open competition, the government may instead close the window on innovation, leaving us with fewer choices than we had originally. Sometimes the most dangerous thing isnt being unwilling to try new things, its clinging so tightly to old ideas that you break whats working.

Until next week,

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 Will

Notes and Quotes

AI Roundup

In case you missed it, I wrote about three lessons from Aaron Wildavskys classic Searching for Safety. The political scientists timeless wisdom on risk offers a clear way to think about AI safety. Safety isnt chosen, its searched for.

Last month, OpenAI filed comments in a government inquiry on Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience, and Security. The nine pages are a quick read and lay out the central tension in the data center debate: With an estimated $175 billion in global infrastructure funds waiting to be committed, the question is not whether that funding will flow, but where. If it doesnt flow into U.S.-backed global infrastructure projects that advance a global AI that spreads the technologys benefits to the most people possible, then it will flow to China-backed projects that leverage AI to cement and expand autocratic power. There is no third option.

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Holly Elmore, the executive director of the PauseAI advocacy group, details the tensions within the AI safety crowd in an extended X thread. I think the thread does a good job of explaining the internal politics driving the AI safety crowd.

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.
Erika and Tom Pillsbury sat seething with silent rage in a courtroom as they laid eyes on the man accused of torturing and murdering their daughter last year.

Clad in an orange jumpsuit with the words MCSO Unsentenced printed on the back, 22-year-old Sencere Hayes appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court Wednesday for his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of the Pillsburys' daughter, 22-year-old Mercedes Vega.

His court appearance came weeks after Maricopa County Sheriffs Office homicide detectives arrested him in Tennessee before extraditing him to Arizona, where he faces multiple felony charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Why would you take my child?

Erika was surprised by how skinny Hayes was.

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She said he didnt look like the kind of person who could take down her daughter, who stood 5 feet 10 inches tall and worked out every day intending to become a personal trainer.

At one point, Erika said she locked eyes with Hayes as he turned around to sign some paperwork. She wanted him to answer the questions that had taken residence in her mind for nearly two years.

Why would you take my child? Erika asked while speaking with reporters after the hearing. Why would you kill my beautiful baby girl?

Tom said it took everything he had to stay quiet and seated as he watched Hayes stand a few feet away from him.

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Its very hard for me to sit there and not want to reach over the counter and grab him and basically take his life, Tom said. Its what we needed to do. But to know that this person is still on this planet and my daughters not  and this is the person that supposedly did this  is very hard to swallow.

While Hayes court appearance lasted only a few minutes, Erika said it was important he knew Vega's parents were present and planned to witness the court proceedings personally.

I just wanted him to feel our presence, Erika said. I wanted him to hear us breathing. I wanted him to know  to feel everything that we have to say to him even though we couldnt say a word to him.

Tom and Erika understood Hayes was entitled to due process under the law and was considered innocent until proven guilty, but that did little to assuage their frustration.

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Hes pleading not guilty, and he has a defense and thats his right, Erika said. Thats our law, but it is frustrating. Its frustrating to watch him receive rights when my daughter received nothing.

Waiting for more arrests

While watching Hayes stand before a judge was a bittersweet moment for them, Erika and Tom said they were still waiting for a phone call from MCSO announcing detectives had arrested other people suspected of taking part in their daughters killing.

Tom and Erika believed at least three to four people were involved in Vega's killing given the level of coordination that would have been required to leave her in a burning car they abandoned in Tonopah.

He had to figure out Mercedes, what she did, where she was at, where she lived and all that stuff, and theres no way he could have figured that out without somebody helping him, Tom said.

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Firefighters discovered Vegas body on April 17, 2023, after receiving reports of a car on fire about 10 miles west of the Tonopah exit off Interstate 10.

Vega's body was lying deceased in the backseat  roughly 60 miles west of her Tempe home.

A medical examiner report ruled Vegas death as a homicide, citing cause of death due to burns she suffered and smoke inhalation, the latter of which meant she was still alive when the vehicle was set ablaze. She also suffered blunt-force trauma and gunshot wounds that contributed to her death, the report said.

Gloves and bleach were found in the front of the car, and lighter fluid was found in the backseat. Whoever torched the car likely left in another vehicle, given Tonopahs remote location.

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Vega's car was found illegally parked near Culinary Dropout in Tempe. Such a coordinated effort strongly suggests there were multiple actors, Tom said.

Makenzie Lockhart, a friend of Vega, also was convinced multiple people were involved in her friends killing and can't wait until every one of them is taken off the streets.

I want everybody to be brought to justice, Lockhart said. So, as happy as I am over (Hayes') arrest, Im not fully satisfied yet.

Plea deadline for suspected armed robber weeks away

While Hayes court case is in its infancy, a man suspected of robbing Vega at gunpoint in 2020 has a few weeks left to decide whether to take a plea deal.

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Vega was returning to her Phoenix apartment near Cambridge Avenue and 16th Street when a man, who police identified as then 24-year-old Cudjoe Young, approached her from behind while pointing a handgun at her and demanded she give him her bag, cellphone and car keys.

Court documents say Young demanded Vega unlock her phone for him, which she did by entering the password before Young ran away with her belongings.

Erika said her daughter had several thousand dollars in cash on her after completing a shift at the gentlemans club Le Girls, where she was a dancer when she was robbed.

Cudjoe had followed her home from work, Erika said. He knew she was one of the top earners, and it was a very successful, lucrative day for her.

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On Dec. 15, 2020, police arrested Young at his home in Tempe and brought him to Phoenix police headquarters. Vega identified Young in a photo lineup, after which officers booked him into jail on one count of aggravated assault and one count of armed robbery.

Arrest documents say Young denied robbing anyone and requested an attorney.

Documents said Young bonded out within days of being arrested and somehow went nine months without an ankle monitor installed despite that being a condition of his release. Pretrial services eventually noticed and rectified the issue.

Young was scheduled for a settlement conference Dec. 18 in Maricopa County Superior Court where he may or may not accept a plea deal. Should he reject the deal, he faces a trial scheduled to begin Jan. 13.

You change your pain a little bit

Erika and Tom still struggle to understand why someone would target their daughter  much less torture her before leaving her to die in a burning car out in the middle of nowhere.

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Lockhart said she wasnt sure if Vega was killed to keep her from testifying at Youngs trial, or if it was simply revenge for helping put him behind bars in the first place.

She recalled spending hours exchanging theories with Erika on who would target Vega and their motivation for doing so. Lockhart said police havent said theyve uncovered evidence directly linking Hayes and Young together, but she said various facts  including them living close to one another in Tennessee  was too much to be a coincidence.

It is too many moving pieces, and these pieces somehow fit together, Lockhart said.

As for Erika, she said it was somewhat satisfying to finally look Hayes in the eyes, but the pain of loss remained, albeit in a slightly different form.

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You change your pain a little bit, Erika said. It changes. Its been a year and a half since she was murdered so horribly. And that was the main, main focus that I would think about all the time before I knew that somebody was going to be held accountable.

Perry Vandell is a public safety and breaking news reporter at The Arizona Republic. He can be reached at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why would you take my child? Mercedes Vega's parents still struggling
A house for sale in Richmond. (Sarah Vogelsong / Virginia Mercury)

Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, has been frustrated by large investment firms purchasing homes in Virginia. Both in posts on social media and in a Zoom call open to the public and press on Wednesday, he outlined some policy proposals that he hopes can help with affordable housing.

First, he laid out his legislative efforts to reign in investment firms. After an unsuccessful attempt in 2024, he said that hes reworking his bill for the 2025 session. If passed, it would prohibit investment firms worth more than $50 million from purchasing homes. Similar ideas have been introduced in Congress and other state legislatures, so Sturtevant wants to try it in Virginia.

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This is intended to target the big Wall Street investors, not your mom-and-pop investors who buy a home and flip it or who have a duplex under management, he said.

Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, in 2019. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

Mostly, he hopes it can help people who are struggling to afford a home, particularly first-time homebuyers.

A meeting attendee named Holly Dougherty wrote in the group chat that her adult children are losing out on homebuying opportunities to investors with cash offers.

There needs to be a way to keep young families in the community, she said.

Sturtevant said that anecdotally, its been a nightmare for millennials and older Gen Zers who are coming out of school and trying to buy their first home.

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He pointed to data from Redfin that confirms a spike in investment firms purchasing homes. Investors bought one out of every six homes in the nation and one out of every four low-priced homes that sold in the second quarter of this year. Single-family homes made up nearly 70% of their purchases.

Sturtevant also pointed out how investment firms can sit on properties rather than redeveloping them or selling them, with a team of people analyzing the best moment they can sell for the highest price, despite having an advantage over individual buyers when acquiring the property in the first place.

Its ultimately not fair for them to be competing with regular people, he said.

Other legislation Sturtevant wants to spearhead would allow homebuyers to inherit a sellers mortgage and its rate.

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An example of where people could see immediate benefit through that measure, he said, are people who were able to purchase a home or refinance their home during lower rates when the COVID-19 pandemic was surging. A new buyer could inherit that benefit if the law were to pass.

And finally, he said he is exploring ways to incentivize companies in the commonwealth to offer down payment assistance to employees. He said that the idea is to benefit both young employees who may lack the cash for down payments while also nurturing workforce development and keeping people in Virginia.

And while Sturtevant is still fine-tuning his proposals with Virginias Division of Legislative Services  legal experts that assist lawmakers in drafting legislation  he stressed that the laws are only part of broader solutions when it comes to the states affordable housing issues.

Chris Saxman, a former state delegate who hosted the Zoom call, noted how everybody seems to be having housing issues these days.

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Housing was a prominent topic in this years local and federal elections. Presidential candidates Kamala Harris (who offered a downpayment assistance proposal) and President-elect Donald Trump talked about the nations housing needs during their campaigns.

Though housing is typically addressed at the local level, in Wednesdays Zoom Saxman and Sturtevant reflected on ways state and federal governments can help with supply and affordability.

Saxman said that he thinks Sturtevants bills might be hard to vote against, especially with the House of Delegates up for election in 2025. His ideas will first need to clear the Senate before review by the House and approval from the governor.

Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, who chairs the Housing Commission, welcomes Sturtevants intended work in addressing housing issues.

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But she stressed that Republicans have not always been on board with supporting other efforts to boost affordable housing.

Accessible and affordable housing has been at the forefront of the Democratic agenda for decades, (with) proposals often thwarted by our Republican colleagues, she said. That was never more evident than during the housing crisis in the 2009-2010 time frame and during the eviction crisis. Many voted against the budget that included funding for the Housing Trust Fund.

Locke said that she is glad to know some finally understand this is a serious problem.

Virginia lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have put forward measures this year to address housing challenges in the state.

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Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield carried a proposal called 5,000 Families, which would provide rental relief to certain families with school-age children to prevent displacement during academic years. Though it did not pass this year, housing groups have their eye on it for next session.

Sen. Jeremy McPikes Senate Bill 597 would have allowed more local governments to utilize federal housing tax credits to encourage the development of additional affordable housing  typically associated with ranges of an areas median income. The bill cleared both chambers before being vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Both proposals may resurface in the next legislative session beginning in January, and Sturtevant will try again on his investment firm bill.

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The legislature was able to approve a series of housing reforms this year. Some support renters, while another bill established a workgroup that can explore future building code changes. Another successful bill was aimed at protecting existing mobile home parks  a vulnerable but affordable type of housing for which residents own their homes, but not the land beneath it.

Gov. Youngkin also recently issued a directive to invest up to $75 million towards localities that want to bolster housing supply tied to new job creation over the next five years.

This isnt partisan stuff, Saxman said.





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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Wichita sailors death during a training exercise in April is now ruled a negligent homicide. The Navy said a fellow sailor is charged.

Lyndon Joel Cosgriff-Flaxs grandmother, Sandie Guthrie, said they found out his death was now deemed a negligent homicide, nearly seven months to the day he died in the waters in Virginia.

She said they have yet to feel closure and now feel even farther away from that point.

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What this does to a family is just horrific. We will never get over it; this just shouldnt happen, said Guthrie.

Cosgriff-Flax died on April 28. His grandmother said knowing someone played a role in his death haunts their family.

If not for that young mans negligence, I couldve been eating turkey with my grandson the other day; now thatll never happen; hell never get married or have kids; its just tragic, said Guthrie.

Lyndons mother, Stephanie Cosgriff, said she feared there was more to his death since the investigation began. She is thankful for new answers but doubts they will ever come to terms with their loss.

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I didnt really know when or if I was going to get any answers. It seems as though were working toward that, but I dont know that Ill ever fully accept that this is how everything ends, said Cosgriff.

Wichita native answered the call after the terrorist attacks on 9/11

A family caught between mercy and justice.

I have to forgive him; Im a Christian, and my Catholic faith tells me we must forgive, but at the same time, our family needs closure, and someone needs to be held responsible, said Guthrie.

The answers bring more grief than closure.

There is no set court date, and a Navy rep told KSN the name of the sailor being charged will be withheld until the charges are referred and the case is greenlit to be tried.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
A Charlotte woman will spend at least five years in prison after killing another woman she caught with her husband in their home.

Stephanie Alexander was in court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of Tyra Crosby.

Prosecutors said Alexander found Crosby with Alexanders husband last July in their home on Porter Street.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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Alexander was charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Thursday after apologizing to Crosbys family in court.

Channel 9 Crime Reporter Hunter Saenz was in court for the hearing on Thursday. Before the sentencing was handed down, a scuffle broke out between Alexanders husband and a family member of the victim. Multiple Mecklenburg County deputies were called to help control the scene, and the deputies had to provide security during and after the hearing.

#NEW: Stephanie Alexander just plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter after she shot and killed Tyra Crosby.



Last year, Alexander came home from work to find Crosby inside her home with her husband. She shot and killed her.



Judge Bell sentenced her to 60-84 months in prison pic.twitter.com/gLYwnd80k8  Hunter Saenz (@Hunt_Saenz) December 5, 2024

In court, testimony revealed that Alexander came home early from her job because she needed a computer for a class assignment. She told detectives she saw clothes on the couch and asked who was in the house before grabbing her gun. She told police that her husband tried to grab the gun from her, and she pulled it back. When she saw the bathroom door open, she shot and thought she was aiming at the wall.

Alexanders husband told police he thinks his wife was just trying to scare her, but said she didnt aim.

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A judge ultimately sentenced Alexander to serve 60 to 84 months in prison.

Channel 9 is working on getting more details on Alexanders guilty plea. Check back for updates.

(VIDEO: Murder trial underway for deadly shooting at gas station)




William Roberts, a political animal who loved Walled Lake, his wife and serving the Lord with equal vigor, died Saturday after a long illness.

William Roberts, longtime mayor of Walled Lake who later became an Episcopal priest, died Nov. 30, 2024

It may have been a natural extension of his career as a salesman at Hudson's, but Roberts, 78, was a tireless promoter of his hometown and an unabashed champion of its causes.

"Bill was dedicated to the citizens of Walled Lake," said Mayor Linda Ackley, who worked with Roberts during his more than four decades as a councilman and mayor. "He lived and breathed Walled Lake."

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Roberts, a Democrat, counted Sen. Phil Hart among his aquaintances. Hart, known as the "Conscience of the Senate," served Michigan in Washington, D.C. for more than 16 years. Former Gov. Jim Blanchard once gave Roberts a ticket behind home plate for a Detroit Tigers World Series game in 1984.

"He knew a lot of people," Ackley said, adding that he liked to mention his connections. "He loved politics and there wasnt a person he was afraid to go up and talk to."

Ackley said Roberts helped her learn the ropes when local officials went to Washington.

"It didnt matter where they were or what the situation was," she said, adding that her friend would walk up to bigshots and say, "'Im here, Im Bill Roberts, Im the mayor of Walled Lake.'

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Roberts became one of the youngest elected officials in the country in 1968 when he was elected to the Walled Lake City Council at the age of 22. That was the same year Roberts attended the infamously chaotic Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a member of the Michigan delegation.

"As a young man, he was enthralled by nomination process and dismayed by the violence out on the streets," said his stepson, Bryan Droste. "Both incidents were very memorable for different reasons."

The experience did nothing to diminish Roberts' passion for politics.

"Bill was a walking encyclopedia of Michigan politics, Droste said.

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Roberts was elected mayor in 1973, serving the first of seven terms as Walled Lake's top elected official.

During his tenure, Walled Lake got city water and sewerage, expanded police services, built a fire hall and department of public works building, doubled its population, experienced a housing boom, extended Maple Road and paved all of its streets.

Ackley said Roberts helped Walled Lake evolve from being a little country bumpkin town to what we are today.

Roberts always seemed to be serving the public, as an elected official, in various roles with the Episcopal church and as a salesman at Hudson's. After starting at the flagship J.L. Hudson's department store in downtown Detroit in 1967, he quickly transferred to the Pontiac location. There he sold luggage, summer furniture and menswear.

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His move to the furniture and carpet department in the 1980s proved fortuitous after he met a customer named Alicia, who became his wife.

He cared very deeply for Alicia, Ackley said.

Roberts was active in many government organizations, too, including the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), where his 17 years of service included being chairman from 2007 to 2008.

After retiring from Hudson's in 2009, but still serving as mayor, Roberts became an Episcopal deacon in 2010. A year later, he was ordained as a priest.

Roberts retired from elective politics when he decided not to run for re-election in 2013. After St. Anne's in Walled Lake closed in 2016, he ministered to residents in senior and assisted living facilities, which he said he "found gratifying."

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Survivors include stepson Scott Droste.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 North Pontiac Trail, in Walled Lake, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday  which would have been Roberts' 79th birthday  at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 4800 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. followed by a reception in Barth Hall at the Cathedral.

Burial will take place privately with the family at Walled Lake Cemetery.

M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and host of the ML's Soul of Detroit podcast. Contact him at mlelrick@freepress.com or follow him on X at @elrick, Facebook at ML Elrick and Instagram at ml_elrick.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: William Roberts, longtime Walled Lake mayor, dies at 78
Palm Beach County has led all but one county in Florida for COVID-19 vaccinations since the newest shots came out, but immunization rates here and statewide remain low for both the pandemic disease and the flu.

Nearly 95,000 residents countywide got vaccinated for COVID between Aug. 22  when the latest vaccine was released nationwide  and Nov. 22, the latest Florida Department of Health data shows. That represents 6% of Palm Beach County's 1.5 million residents.

Flu cases are rising in most of Florida, according to the state's latest weekly flu report covering last week. The report details the number of flu cases or vaccinations by county. About 26% of adults statewide say they've gotten their flu shots, the federally run National Immunization Survey reported in November.

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Read this too: Floridas surgeon general says not to get the COVID vaccine. Thats why I got mine.

Palm Beach County is 4th most populous Florida county yet it's 2nd in COVID vaccinations

Nationally, less than 18% of adults have been vaccinated against COVID and just under 35% have gotten flu shots, the National Immunization Survey found.

COVID and flu shots can be taken at the same time, health officials have said.

In Florida, Palm Beach County's COVID shot count is second only to Miami-Dade County's total of about 104,000. Palm Beach County is Florida's fourth most populous county. Miami-Dade County is No. 1.

Palm Beach County experienced a wave of infections this past summer as the county and state have experienced each summer since 2020. Infections have fallen about 99% between July 29 and Nov. 25, sewage readings from the Loxahatchee River District in northern Palm Beach County show.

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COVID cases could spike again in December and January, as they have each winter since the virus infected the county and state. Floridians prefer indoors to outdoors during the hottest and coldest times of the year, allowing the airborne coronavirus to spread fast and cause waves of infections.

COVID shots are available at most pharmacies in Palm Beach County without an appointment. Adults without health insurance can also get the shots through clinics such as Palm Springs-based FoundCare.

But just as vaccinations are lower this year countywide, they're also low across Florida.

It's unclear whether vaccination numbers have anything to do with Joseph Ladapo's views

Ever Torres gets vaccinated for COVID-19 by county health department nurse Orlyn Grace at the Guatemala Maya Center in Lake Worth in 2021.

Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, is the only top health official of any state to demand the end to COVID vaccinations. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ladapo in 2021. It's unclear how many Floridians are heeding Ladapo's words. Vaccinations statewide are down 11% from last fall, but other states whose health officials promote the shots also have low immunization rates.

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Ladapo issued an advisory in September against the vaccine, similar to his earlier stance last year, saying that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not responded adequately to questions about the vaccines safety. In 2022, he advised against children getting the COVID vaccine.

Previously: Doctors protest Florida Surgeon General Ladapo's latest anti-COVID vaccine advice

The most recent booster approval was granted in the absence of booster-specific clinical trial data performed in humans, according to a Sept. 12 advisory from DOH. Furthermore, this booster does not protect against the currently dominant strain, accounting for approximately 37% of infections in the United States.

Florida's health department recorded fewer than 1.2 million shots between Aug. 23 and Nov. 22.

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In 2023, between Sept. 22, when the FDA approved the COVID shots, and Nov. 24, Florida counted more than 1.3 million people who got immunized.

Five percent of Floridians have gotten immunized since the newest COVID vaccines were made available. In California, it's 11%, according to that state's Division of Communicable Disease Control.

Florida's northern neighbor, Georgia, where the state health department advocates for immunizations, 4% of the population is up to date on their COVID shots.

"The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe disease, hospitalization, and death," Georgia's website says.

CDC continues to recommend people 65 and older, immunocompromised get vacccinated

In contrast to Ladapo, the CDC in October endorsed the recommendation from its advisory committee on vaccination practices that people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised get a second dose for 2024-25 six months after their first dose. The federal agency also recommends children get the shot.

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Data continues to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19, according to the CDC.

In a statement, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said: "This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19. CDC will continue to educate the public on how and when to get their updated vaccinations so they can risk less severe illness and do more of what they love."

More: Lee Health: Celebrating our transition to a community-focused nonprofit system

What the survey found

In terms of RSV, recommended for at-risk elders, the survey found roughly 31% of adults aged 60-74 and 40% over 75 had ever received the RSV vaccine.

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Vaccinations against flu and COVID vary greatly from state to state; Florida is among nine states and the territory of Puerto Rico where vaccinations against COVID are low, the data shows.

Flu season started Oct. 1 in the U.S. but it tends to peak in Florida between December to February.

Unlike the COVID vaccine, Florida health officials encourage people to get immunized against influenza. "Annual vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from potentially severe complications from flu," the state health department's weekly flu case reports say.

Flu vaccines are available where COVID vaccines are, too. The state health department lists the website VaccineFinder.org as a place to find flu shots.

How do COVID infections stand?

COVID cases are down this fall but what public health officials have pointed out is that fewer people are seeking medical care for their illness so case reporting is not likely accurate.

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Florida had 11,358 cases in October and 32,375 in September. August was much higher at 62,036 reported cases, the state data shows.

Liz Freeman, a reporter for the Naples Daily News, contributed to this story.

Chris Persaud is a reporter with The Palm Beach Post.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County No. 2 in Florida for COVID vaccinations this winter
Editors Note: This story was updated to add Brown Countys total crash numbers.

(WFRV)  A winter squall caused chaos across northeast Wisconsin, with local law enforcement agencies responding to hundreds of weather-related incidents on Wednesday.

In Brown County, authorities confirmed that they responded to 57 accidents during a 24-hour period.

Winter weather causes 41 crashes, 16 runoffs, and 13 disabled vehicles in Fond du Lac County

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In Appleton, officers responded to 30 crashes between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Police attributed many accidents to slippery roads but noted some could have been prevented by reducing speed, using headlights, and staying attentive.

In Fond du Lac County, deputies handled 189 calls for service, including 41 crashes, 16 runoffs, and 13 disabled vehicles by 8:30 p.m.

Winnebago County experienced a similar strain. Between 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the communications center received 153 weather-related calls, including 97 crashes, 52 vehicles in ditches, three hazards, and one downed wire.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the challenges of responding to incidents in hazardous weather, particularly on highways, where conditions put responders at additional risk.

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Drivers in northeast Wisconsin navigate snow squalls Wednesday

Thank you for your patience while we all worked together to address your needs, said the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office in a social media post.

The posts, which gained significant online engagement, saw many residents thanking first responders for their dedication during the storm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley has been selected to receive an award from the Milwaukee chapter of the Federalist Society for her work on behalf of the right-wing legal groups legal principles.

The chapters website shows that Bradley received the Judge Rudolph T. Randa Award at an event Thursday afternoon in Milwaukee.

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Each year, the Milwaukee Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society presents the Judge Rudolph T. Randa Award to an individual whose work on behalf of the rule of law and the legal principles our Society exists to uphold is as unquestioned as it is longstanding, the website states.

Bradley is also on the chapters board of advisors. The Federalist Society aims to promote right-wing legal ideology and has successfully worked to get its members installed as judges on the local, state and federal levels.

Over the last year, Bradley has been one of the Wisconsin Supreme Courts most outspoken critics of the bodys liberal majority  regularly accusing the four left-leaning judges of acting on behalf of the Democratic Party.

Its clear that Justice Rebecca Bradley is receiving this award because the Federalist Society believes she uses her position on court to advance their political and policy agenda instead of working for us, Lucy Ripp, Communications Director of A Better Wisconsin Together, said.

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Back in 2020, white Wisconsin lawyer Stephanie Rapkin was caught on camera spitting on a Black Lives Matter protester. After it happened, police arrested Rapkin inside her Shorewood home. She wound up serving 60 days in jail for the incident, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Rapkin subsequently sued police officers  and now that lawsuit has finally been settled.

During the trial for the initial spitting incident, Rapkin said she was scared during the protests that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. She decided to walk towards a group of marchers in Shorewood in June of 2020 while being filmed and followed.

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The person seemingly leading the group of demonstrators was then-17-year-old Eric Lucas, who Rapkin spit on. She didnt deny spitting while she on the stand during her trial, but she said it was at the ground and not Lucas. The video evidence proved otherwise.

The state claimed that Rapkin changed her story to try and get out of a conviction.

A judge sentenced Rapkin to a stayed 60-day term in the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center (CRC), formerly the House of Correction, and a year of probation as well as 100 hours of community service.

However in a surprising turn of events, Rapkin wound up suing law enforcement police officers. She accused them of kicking in her door without a search warrant, even though they insisted they were performing a welfare check.

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Per FOX6 News Milwaukee, Shorewood officials shared that the villages insurance company has decided to settle the case for $760,000. Shorewood Village Manager Rebecca Ewald told the outlet it is not an admission of guilt, but a decision that was made to avoid the cost and risk of a trial.

Court records revealed that Rapkin was also charged with felony battery to a law enforcement officer stemming from an arrest connected to that case. However, that charge was later dismissed.

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The Ohio Inspector Generals office is accusing an employee of improper release of public unemployment assistance benefits, adding up to over $1 million.

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Customer Service Representative Shontiera Barnes is accused of accessing and voiding fraud holds of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

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The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program began to help the increased number of unemployed people during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services was the agency in charge of distributing these funds, and the department decided to hire temporary contract workers to handle the increase in claims. The ODJFS distributed around $7.6 billion, and later identified millions of the distributions as fraudulent.

Barnes allegedly released funds to ineligible people, and the investigators found 42 instances of wrongdoing. In 34 of these claims, Barnes is said to have voided holds, ignoring that they lacked proper identification or eligibility documents.

In total, investigators claim that Barnes released $1,164,153.50 to ineligible people.

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Investigators also claim that Barnes filed for unemployment assistance and she received $49,302 in improper benefits.

The Ohio Inspector General has passed the investigation on to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney and the Ohio Auditor of State.

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A friend of a woman caught on video hurling racist insults at an Indian American family aboard an LAX shuttle bus claims the womans brain injury may have been a factor.

The incident occurred on a United Airlines shuttle last week as Pervez Taufiq, his wife and two young sons were returning from a trip to Cancun.

Taufiq, a professional photographer, recorded a portion of the encounter which, he says, began when the woman told his kids to shut up.

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Your family is from India, the woman tells him in the video. You have no respect. You have no rules. You think you can push everyone, push, push. Thats what you think you are.

She also hurled expletives at the family, held up her middle fingers, and made racist references to Indian food.

A woman is seen here in a screenshot of a video where she berates a family with racist comments on a shuttle bus at LAX. November 2024. (@ptaufiqphotography on Instagram)

The woman has been identified as Arlene Bunch, 64, a real estate agent who lives in Mammoth Lakes, California.

In an email to KTLA 5 News, a friend says Bunch suffered serious injuries, including brain trauma, in a 2023 natural gas explosion at a condo.

I know when I have spoken to her, she will talk and talk and ask me what she was just talking about, the friend said.

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Pet shop employees in L.A. County jump for cover as truck crashes into store

In an interview with a local news outlet, Bunch also blamed a brain injury for her tirade and claimed it all began when Taufiq called her a white trash b***h.

Taufiq, who describes his family as proud Americans, told KTLA he was bothered that only one person on the bus spoke up for his family before a United Airlines employee eventually asked Bunch to get off the bus.

The takeaway for us is definitely if you see something, say something, try to stop it, he said. Do your best because you could be next, and you want everyone to be in your corner right when it happens.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LONDON (Reuters) - A British woman has been charged with stalking former British finance minister George Osborne and his wife for more than a year, according to court records.

Lydia Suffield, 27, is due to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with stalking Osborne, finance minister from 2010 until 2016, and Thea Rogers between June 8, 2022, and July 5, 2023.

The charge alleges that Suffield, from Liverpool, sent emails and messages on Instagram to the couple, as well as "filing false referrals to the NSPCC", a children's charity.

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No further details about the alleged offence were available. Suffield was unavailable for comment.

Osborne has held a variety of roles since leaving government including editor of newspaper the Evening Standard and now works for boutique investment bank Robey Warshaw as well as being chair of the British Museum. He married Rogers on July 8, 2023.

A spokesperson for Robey Warshaw did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Osborne's behalf. Osborne did not answer a call seeking comment.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
PHOENIX (AP)  A woman convicted of conspiring to kill her two youngest children and another woman was found competent on Thursday to stand trial on additional charges.

Two court-appointed doctors in Arizona deemed Lori Vallow Daybell fit to face charges of conspiring to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, and a nieces ex-spouse. She has already been sentenced to life in prison in Idaho for conspiring in the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and Tammy Daybell.

Vallow Daybell's fourth husband, Charles Vallow, was shot and killed in 2019 by Vallow Daybells brother, who told police he acted in self-defense and was never charged.

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Vallow Daybell was already in a relationship with Chad Daybell, a self-published writer of doomsday-focused fiction loosely based on Mormon teachings. She moved from Phoenix to Idaho to be closer to him.

Chad Daybell became Vallow Daybell's fifth husband and was later sentenced to death for the murders of both children and his then-wife, Tammy Daybell.

Prosecutors in the Idaho case called dozens of witnesses to bolster their claims that Chad Daybell and Vallow Daybell conspired to kill the two children and Tammy Daybell to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and for the survivor benefits and life insurance.

Prosecutors say the couple justified the killings by creating an apocalyptic belief system that people could be possessed by evil spirits and turned into zombies, and that the only way to save a possessed persons soul was for the possessed body to die. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge tentatively set Vallow Daybell's trial for Feb. 24. ___ This story has been corrected to show the spelling of the last names of the accused are Daybell, not Daywell.
LEAVITTSBURG, Ohio (WKBN)  A Leavittsburg woman is crediting smoke detectors for saving her mothers life after a devastating house fire earlier this week.

The fire happened in the 300 block of Pangborn Rd. just before 7 a.m. Monday.

Hannah Ramseys mother Laurie Groghan lost everything in the fire.

Just grateful shes ok, said Ramsey. It was way worse than we thought it was.

Ramsey and her husband live behind Groghans home on Pangborn Road. She says they woke up to a phone call from her mom Monday morning telling them about the fire.

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We ran out the door and we looked and we didnt think it was that bad. And then I ran up to the front door and got her and the dogs and he was trying to put it out, and then all of a sudden, there was thus huge flame of everything, Ramsey said.



No one was hurt in the fire but it caused serious damage to the back porch and kitchen, plus theres smoke damage throughout the house.

The radiant heat from the wood burner, the piping on the wood burner, the flute, is what caused the fire, said Warren Township Fire Chief Joe Natali.

Ramsey says her mom has to start over  and needs everything from clothes size extra large to blankets, plus things for her dogs.

She needs really everything. I mean, she has to start from scratch, she said. Whatever you can we appreciate, and then if you want to bring it by the house, were here multiple times a day to check on everything so if you just want to drop it off, we appreciate it.



Ramsey is encouraging people to make sure their smoke detectors work since it likely saved her moms life.

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If it wasnt for that, shed probably be dead and probably maybe us too because it would have caught our house quick and taken us out too, Ramsey 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A mysterious incident has left a Memphis family searching for answers: a 27-year-old woman has been hospitalized for five days with almost no memory of what happened.

London Pierces family says shes been at Regional One Hospital since 2 a.m. Nov. 30. They claim so far, they havent been able to get any information about what happened, and where.

The family says that Pierce has shared one crucial detail with them  she remembers being hit by a car that fled the scene.

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Whoever hit her, they just hit her and kept going. I dont know who it was or where she was, said Marla Whiting, mother of the victim.

Shots fired at Poplar Avenue gas station

Pierces mother and brother, who are taking care of her children while she recovers, say its been a struggle to uncover the circumstances surrounding her hospitalization, since she only remembers small details about what occurred.

She talks sometimes but then shes drowsy and not so talkative, said Ladarius Pierce, her brother. When I ask her certain questions about the incident she says she cant remember. Its really her loss of memory. I keep asking her where she think she may have been and she keeps saying shes tired.

London Pierces family says she has been in a hospital since Nov. 30 but has little memory of what happened. (submitted photo)

We reached out to Memphis Police, but they say they have no records of the incident. The family finds this hard to believe, since they were told London was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

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When I first seen her, she was swollen up. She wasnt saying anything. Her whole body was just swollen. She wasnt talking or responding and they had to take her off a breathing machine, Whiting said.

Suspect in stolen car nearly hits child walking horse: MPD

Pierces mother recently moved into a new apartment, but the Hickory Farms Apartments has rules against guests who arent on the lease.

Since London has been in the hospital, she wasnt able to put her name on the lease, leaving her family worried about where her daughter will live after shes released from the hospital.

Im on Section 8. Her name isnt on the list, Whiting said. You know how they do sometimes, if your name isnt on the list theyll put you out.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
The effort to locate a Pennsylvania grandmother who appears to have fallen through a sinkhole into a decades-old mine shaft while she was searching for her cat has most likely shifted from a rescue to a recovery mission, authorities said Wednesday.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani told reporters that there had been diminishing oxygen levels and no sign of life in the shaft, which he estimated was at least 30 feet deep.

Unless its a miracle, most likely this is a recovery, he said.

Elizabeth Pollard.

He said there was little doubt Elizabeth Pollard, 64, had plunged through what he described as a thin piece of ground in Unity Township, roughly 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

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Authorities said she was last seen around 5 p.m. Monday. A relative dialed 911 hours later and reported her missing, Limani said.

State troopers discovered her car parked near a restaurant with her 5-year-old granddaughter still inside. The granddaughter was in good condition despite freezing temperatures, he said.

Using cameras, authorities Tuesday saw what appeared to be a modern-looking shoe in the mine, but they have had no contact with Pollard.

Limani said authorities are shifting their approach to finding Pollard because of the mines fragile state.

Rescue personnel had been trying to suction out dirt, debris and rocks, he said, and they were using water to soften up the area.

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But with the possibility of collapse, they now plan to dig a massive hole to access the area.

Were not quitting, he said. We are going to continue to work through this.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A woman found dead in a garbage cart on Milwaukee's west side Monday has been identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office as 40-year-old Myeisha N. Moore.

Moore's body was found around 10 a.m. Monday by a resident who did not know her in an alleyway behind a church and several residences on the 2000 block of North 38th Street, according to the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office in media releases this week.

Area residents told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this week that they found Moore's death and placement of her body concerning and unnerving.

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The Journal Sentinel could not immediately reach family for comment.

This story will be updated.

Jessica Van Egeren is a reporter and assistant breaking news editor with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Woman in Milwaukee found dead in garbage cart identified
A woman who snuck aboard a Delta flight from JFK airport to Paris was hauled back to the United States on Wednesday and could face federal charges for the stowaway stunt, the Daily News has learned.

Svetlana Dali, 57, was flown back to New York City, and could appear before a Brooklyn federal court judge on Thursday, after dodging a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint  and slipping through another Delta checkpoint at the airlines boarding gate last week. She then boarded Delta flight 264 heading to Charles de Gaulle Airport in the City of Light.

The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft, a TSA spokesman said.

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The rogue passenger now could face federal charges for hopping the free ride, sources told The News.

Flanked by two security officials for her forced return ride, Dali left Paris aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Charles de Gaulle shortly after 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) and landed at JFK around 5 p.m., according to CNN.

Dali, who had a Russian passport, was supposed to return back to the U.S. on Nov. 30 after being taken into custody, the outlet reported. But because of a ruckus at the Paris airport, the airlines refused to fly her and rescheduled her for a Wednesday flight.

In a statement to the outlet, Delta said it found deviation from standard procedures is the root cause of this event, though it didnt go into detail about the missteps.
KENSINGTON, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Firefighters worked to free a woman from under a school bus after she was struck in Brooklyn, officials say.

The incident happened around 8:20 a.m. at the intersection of Seton Place and Parkville Avenue, according to police.

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CitizenApp video from the scene shows multiple firefighters using airbags to lift the bus and free the woman trapped underneath.

The 63-year-old was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and is expected to survive, officials report.

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It was not immediately known whether there were school students on the bus at the time of the accident.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.


A woman who vanished from the scene of a car crash in Indiana has been found dead over a quarter of a mile from the incident.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Wayne County Indiana Sheriffs Office said in a release that the body of 59-year-old Lorena Scott was found earlier that morning in a creek to the east of where she crashed her vehicle on New Paris Pike.

Officers had been looking for Scott after her vehicle  which had been involved in a single-vehicle crash  was found unoccupied on Nov. 30.

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Despite an initial area search involving multiple officers and a drone team, Mrs. Scott was not located in the area of the crash site, authorities stated.

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.

Welcomia/Getty Images Stock image of a police vehicle Stock image of a police vehicle

Related: Man Dead, 2 People Missing in Connecticut Boat Crash as Search Enters 'Recovery' Phase

An extensive investigation into Mrs. Scotts disappearance was conducted, they continued. This investigation included collaboration with the New Paris Police Department, interviewing family member, reviewing for security camera footage, financial records, as well as significant media coverage and community support.

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Authorities then decided to expand and intensify their search after all leads were exhausted.

Related: Veteran Missing for 4 Days Found Dead After Motorcycle Crash: 'Deeply Cherished by His Family'

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Lorena Scott Lorena Scott

On Dec. 3, police conducted their search again with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources drone team, as well as the Richmond Fire Department drone team. Scott was later found over a quarter of a mile away.

"Foul play is not suspected, and the cause of death remains under investigation," the authorities posted on Facebook.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough investigation and coordinated with multiple agencies to pursue every possible lead, the release added.

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We are deeply grateful to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Richmond Fire Department, New Paris Police Department and Wayne County Coroner's Office for their partnership and assistance in this case.

Authorities also expressed their condolences to Scotts family, asking the community to respect the privacy of loved ones.



Read the original article on People
U.S. Rep. Jeanette Rankin of Montana, who in 1916 became the first woman elected to Congress, leaves the White House in 1917. (Library of Congress)

This story was originally published by The 19th.

The stereotypical story of the American West conjures images of unforgiving terrain, rugged masculinity and a cowboy and ranching culture. But despite these Western tropes it also has a surprising history of offering women a way into political life long before it became the norm.

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Every western state except for New Mexico gave women  though typically only white women  the right to vote before the 19th Amendment, which enfranchised women in 1920.

Still some women were left out. Native American women, for example, could not vote until 1948. As with Black women in the American South, laws like literacy tests and poll taxes made it difficult for them to cast ballots.

But even before they were granted suffrage, women were making political history as elected officials.

Colorado became the first state to elect women to a state legislature in 1894, while Utah elected the first woman state senator in 1896. Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916, and Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first woman to serve as governor in 1925.

U.S. Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana in 1916, the year she was elected to Congress. (Library of Congress)

A lot of the western states just really led the way, said Jean Sinzdak, associate director for the Center for American Women and Politics. That sense of new frontiers, it really spills out into womens representation.

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So, it should come as no surprise that the West also has broken records this election, with New Mexico and Colorado joining Nevada to become the only three states in the country where women make up the majority in state legislatures.

This pattern stems from back when western states were being formed.

As newer states, their governments were being built in more fluid environments and were less entrenched in the longer standing governance of the eastern colonies, Sinzdak said. The times offered more room for experimentation.

They were literally being formed as people were moving out there, she said.

Wyoming Gov. Nellie Tayloe Ross, who later became director of the United States Mint, shown between 1915 and 1920. (Library of Congress)

And because the number of people living in the West was so small, there was a greater need to include women as a formal part of the population for voting and elected office, and to earn statehood, which required proof of a functioning government.

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You want to count everybody you possibly can to say we have enough people. And so oftentimes youre going to say, Well, women, yeah we need you over here, and we are going to need to have a convention, and we need to have somebody being in charge of education or Congress is not going to recognize us, said Sondra Cosgrove, a history professor at the College of Southern Nevada. There literally was no one else. And so, its like, OK, I guess its you guys.

Having women in these positions so early on normalized their leadership, making it less of a barrier for future generations.

You can now have a good old girls network, where you can have mentoring, and you can have people who are in power, bringing people on, Cosgrove said.

While womens political wins in the West are the foundation to todays record-breaking numbers, an uptick in representation can also be attributed to a more recent concerted effort nationwide to elect women to office.

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The number of women running for office skyrocketed in response to the 2016 election, in which Hillary Clinton was poised to break the gender barrier for representation as president and was instead defeated by Donald Trump.

Before then, the story of womens representation in the state legislatures was one of complete stagnation, Sinzdak said. The 2018 midterms were just astonishing, and thats when the needle, in a meaningful way, actually jumped.

Women previously held about 25% of seats in state legislatures. Today, they fill 33% of seats, though this year, the increase in representation was marginal, with an additional 19 seats so far (results continue to roll in).

We would like to see a little less incremental change, and more big jumps, Sinzdak said. We do not see that this year.

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In addition to reaching gender majority status in Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado, women already hold a majority in the Arizona Senate. California will join them as a result of the 2024 election. Oregon will return to gender parity in the statehouse in 2025.

Organizations like Emerge, which supports Democratic women candidates, have been part of the reason why more women are running and winning elected office.

According to their latest report for the 2024 election, of the 550 women they supported, 70% won their races, including women in New Mexico who now make up the majority of legislators.

They also aided in the election of the first Black woman to Oregons congressional delegation, who joins the first Latina they helped elect. Two-thirds of Oregons congressional delegation are Emerge-supported candidates.

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While Republicans are also making gains, they are far behind Democrats in electing women to office. According to the latest tally, 1,580 Democratic women will hold state legislature seats compared to 857 Republican women next year.

It comes out of two things, one, which is that the party has just been more receptive to the idea that identity plays a role in how you legislate, Sinzdak said. But the other piece of it is the support infrastructure has been much bigger overall, nationally, and then in various states, much more robust for Democratic women. And it started decades ago, when you had groups like Emilys List,

Its so much smaller on the Republican side, but potentially growing. Newer [organizations] have been cropping up, but they are much, much smaller, she said.

Whether having a majority of women in state legislatures makes a difference in terms of what bills get passed remains up for debate, according to Cosgrove, who has been studying how this dynamic plays out in Nevada.

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When this all started, we were all very hopeful that there was going to be noticeable change. And I do believe that there are bills that relate to women and children that have definitely gotten a better ability to be heard in our legislature, she said. But ultimately, what Im seeing right now is theres not systemic change, the women are still operating within a system thats controlled by donors.

They still have to worry about who is going to sign checks for their campaign, and the casino and mining industries have big pockets to influence candidates, she said.

One solution, according to Cosgrove, is a move away from closed primaries, which limit voters to register with a political party and then vote for that partys candidates. This often means that candidates have to toe the party line in order to win, Cosgrove said. In an open primary, candidates can court voters from other parties.

Cosgrove used Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as an example. Alaska now has open primaries and ranked choice voting, and if you watch her, when shes being interviewed about whats happening, she speaks her mind and she does what she wants, she said. She is accountable to her voters, but she knows that over 20,000 Democrats helped her get through.

For that reason, Cosgrove sees a move to open primaries as a feminist issue. Women cant act independently if they cant act independent of the parties.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Hegseth Denies Drinking Problem But Promises Not To Drink

As bad as I expected Trump nominees to be, I still cant quite believe that Pete Hegseth is now promising GOP senators that he wont drink if hes confirmed as defense secretary.

The reports about what hes actually promising vary a little bit from senator to senator. Its not clear if thats because hes saying different things to different senators or if the specifics are being lost in translation.

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At the less crazy end of the spectrum, Hegseth is telling senators that he no longer drinks. He offered up to me, and I know he has with other senators too, that hes not drinking, and thats not something hes going to do when confirmed here, said Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO).

At the WTF-are-you-kidding-me end of the spectrum, hes promising not to drink as long as hes secretary of defense, which leaves the impression that hes going to go stone-cold sober as soon as hes confirmed by a pliant GOP Senate and then resume throwing em back once the Pentagon gig is over. He said, My commitment is to not touch alcohol while I have this position,' said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND).

For GOP senators concerned about confirming a Pentagon chief with a drinking problem, Hegseth offered this dubious reassurance Wednesday in an interview with Megyn Kelly: First of all, Ive never had a drinking problem.

Hegseth denies he has a drinking problem but is promising senators he wont drink if confirmed. Got it?

Drip, Drip, Drip

At Fox News, Hegseth had a reputation as a heavy drinker, according to six former Fox News employees who worked directly with Hegseth and saw him drinking on the job or visibly drunk at work events and who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation.WaPo

More than once during his early years at the network, Mr. Hegseths heavy drinking and raucous behavior at Fox News-related events escalated into episodes that were addressed by company officials or co-workers.NYT

Hegseths Prospects: Dead Man Walking Edition

Pete Hegseth remained defiant and said that Trump had reiterated his support in a Wednesday morning phone call, but the overall trajectory of the nomination was still pointed downward:

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Politico: Hegseths future as Defense secretary hangs by a thread

The Hill: Hegseth nomination sinking fast in the Senate

Philip Bump: Pete Hegseths strongest ally isnt Trump. Its Fox News.

Politico: Pete Hegseths mother defends him, pleads with senators to listen to Pete

Quote Of The Day

If youre too drunk for Fox News, youre very, very drunk indeed.David Frum, speaking of Pete Hegseth during a Morning Joe segment Wednesday, after which Frum says he was scolded by a producer and removed from the air ahead of schedule. Co-host Mika Brzezinski then read an on-air apology for Frums remarks.

Trumps Totally Normal Pick For FBI Director

NBC News: Trumps pick for FBI director promoted bogus supplements to reverse vaccines

Zack Beauchamp: I listened to hours of Trumps FBI pick on Steve Bannons podcast. Oh boy.

NBC News: Kash Patel once said he would come after journalists. It now hangs over his FBI candidacy.

Mediaite: Kash Patel Threatens to Sue Ex-Pence Aide For Saying On MSNBC Hes Unfit to Lead the FBI

Trump II Clown Show

Convicted former Trump White House official Peter Navarro: senior White House adviser on trade and manufacturing

Former Rep. Billy Long (R-MO): IRS commissioner

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman: NASA administrator

Fiserve Inc. CEO Frank Bisignano: Social Security Administration commissioner

Perfectly Normal: Trump Reneges On White House Counsel

Bill McGinley is out as Trumps new White House counsel, replaced by David Warrington.

Trump Takes Credit For Yanking DEA Nominee

In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump seemed to confirm that Florida Sheriff Chad Chronisters nomination for DEA administrator was scuttled over his enforcement of COVID pandemic public health precautions: Besides, he didnt pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters.

Corruption Watch

NYT:

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As the inauguration approaches, Eric Trump, Mr. Trumps second son and the companys de facto leader, is expected to forgo deals directly with foreign governments. But he is not planning to revive the promise the company made eight years ago to swear off all other foreign deals while his father occupies the White House. Without that guardrail  the centerpiece of the Trump Organizations 2017 ethics plan  the company would be free to profit from an array of business in countries essential to American foreign policy interests.

Trump Prosecutions Update

Georgia RICO case : Attorneys for President-elect Donald Trump asked a Georgia appeals court Wednesday to dismiss the Fulton County racketeering case against him because a sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal.'NBC News

Georgia RICO case : Ken Chesebro filed a motion to invalidate his guilty plea on the grounds that the judge in the case later ruled the charged he pleaded to unconstitutional.

Hush money case: Trump has made a new bid to have his hush money conviction dismissed now that he has won the presidency.

Rudy G Still Flailing

Rudy Giuliani is still getting raked over the coals by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. Giuliani did not file his response when it was due Monday to their motion seeking to hold him in contempt of court. Two days after the deadline, representing himself, he asked for a 30-day extension in a letter that excoriated the judge in the case. The judge denied his request for an extension because he didnt follow the local court rules, including not signing his own letter.

GOOD READ

The Texas Observer reveals the men behind four major neo-Nazi accounts on X.

EXCLUSIVE

President Joe Bidens senior aides are conducting a vigorous internal debate over whether to issue preemptive pardons to a range of current and former public officials who could be targeted with President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House, according to senior Democrats familiar with the discussions.Politico

SCOTUS Took Dim View Of Transgender Rights

The Supreme Courts oral arguments Wednesday over Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors, while not definitive, did not bode well for transgender rights or faithful adherence to the high courts own equal protection jurisprudence, as TPMs Kate Riga reported:

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Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was the unexpected author of the majority opinion in an important 2020 transgender rights cases, was conspicuously silent in yesterdays arguments.

Tiny GOP House Majority Is Gonna Give Speaker Johnson Fits

Aaron Blake:

That 220-215 majority is so tight that its actually the second-smallest in history, percentage-wise. According to data from the Pew Research Center, the only smaller majority came more than a century ago, in the 1917-19 Congress, when Democrats had an effective 217-215 edge.

Changes Afoot For House Dems

House Democratic leadership isnt getting in the way of challengers to senior committee members whose effectiveness come into question:

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Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) has withdrawn as ranking member of the Judiciary Committee in the face of a challenge from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who is in poor health, has stepped down as ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee

Raskins committee switch opens up the ranking member position on the Oversight Committee.

Rep. David Scott (D-GA) is still fending off multiple challenges as ranking member of the Agriculture Committee.

A Closing Thought

Mark Joseph Stern, on the current bleakness and the importance of bearing witness to the truth:

If you look back at some of the most momentous or egregious injustices and illegal actions throughout our history, like segregation, slavery, Indian removal, the list goes onyou can always find people who were saying, This is unlawful. It is wrong. It is shameful, and it violates the Constitution and the laws of this country. And those people wound up being vindicatedeven if they were in a minority at the time, even if they were censored and silenced at the time. It mattered to future generations and future movements that they were there laying down that marker. And so I guess when we are in our darkest moments, in the coming years, the best that we can probably do when were feeling totally useless is to hope that someday in the future, people will look back and say, These guys were telling the truth. That mattered.

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VERSAILLES, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Woodford Humane Society is waiving adoption fees through December 15, and it led to the energetic Daisy meeting her new family.

She may not know what Christmas is, but Daisy is about to get the best gift ever: a new family. When Tyra Hellard met the 8-year-old Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix, the two were an instant match.

Missing Michigan woman may be in Lexington area

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Because of my handicap, I need a small dog and not a real young dog. I also love terriers. I saw her picture and I saw her eyes, and I fell in love with her, Hellard said.

To sweeten the deal, Hellard didnt even have to pay an adoption fee since the shelter is waiving them for a limited time, and theyve held some form of these waived fee adoption drives for more than 10 years. Woodford County Humane Society marketing director Beth Oleson said she loves to see this happen every year.

In that time, weve had more than a thousand animals go home during the adoption drive. Its made a big difference for the pets here, and were delighted to be doing it again this year, Oleson said.

Quantrell Auto Group is sponsoring every adoption until December 15, which means no fees for adopters. All they need to do is make an appointment. Oleson also emphasizes to only adopt if youre sure this will be a long-term commitment and to not simply adopt as a temporary Christmas gift.

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Numbers are not what matters to us so much. What matters is that we want the opportunity to really reach people and encourage them to take the plunge and bring a pet home and make that lifelong commitment, not just for the holidays, Oleson said.

While the cats and dogs at the shelter get great care, the real fun begins when they have a home to call their own. The goal is to lead to more stories like Daisys.

My last dog, which was a Jack Russell Terrier mix, was also about 8 years old, the same age too. She died two years ago. I just miss having a little dog. I thought that would be my last one, but when I saw her from the pictures they sent out, I thought, maybe Ill have a dog again, Hellard said.

Daisys tail was wagging with excitement as she jumped around, giving shelter staff kisses for their car before she left with her new family. For Daisy, its set to be the best Christmas ever.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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If youre willing to commit to a little bean like this, I think youll be paid back in so many ways, Hellard said.

Appointment booking is handled by phone at (859) 873-5491 starting at 10:00 am daily.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A message left at the scene of a health insurance executives fatal shooting  deny, defend and depose  echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

The three words were written on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. They're similar to the phrase delay, deny, defend  the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry.

Police haven't officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson's shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care.

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What does the phrase mean?

Delay, deny, defend has become something of a rallying cry for insurance critics. The terms refer to insurers delaying payment on claims, denying claims and defending their actions.

The phrase has been used to describe many types of insurers  auto, property, and health.

The longer they can delay and deny the claim, the longer they can hold onto their money and theyre not paying it out, said Lea Keller, managing partner at Lewis and Keller, a North Carolina-based personal-injury law firm.

Delay, Deny, Defend is also the title of a 2010 book by Jay Feinman that delves into how insurers handle claims.

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All insurance companies have an incentive to chisel their customers in order to increase profits, says an excerpt on the book's website.

How does the phrase relate to UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in more than $281 billion in revenue last year as one of the nations largest health insurers. UnitedHealthcare and its rivals have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors, patients and lawmakers in recent years for denying claims or complicating access to care.

Critics say insurers are increasingly interfering with even routine care, causing delays that can, in some cases, hurt a patient's chances for recovery or even survival.

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What is the criticism of insurers?

Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens.

UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurers prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS.

Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary procedures and prevent the overuse of care to help control costs.

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Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimers disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits.

Many Americans view these companies as driven by profit rather than a commitment to serve their customers, said Mario Macis, a Johns Hopkins economist who studies trust in the health care system. And this creates a big disconnect.

What reactions have emerged on social media?

Anger and vitriol against health insurers filled social media in the wake of Thompson's killing. Users reactions  and in many cases jokes  populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular.

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I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isnt covered under my healthcare plan, one comment read on Instagram.

Thoughts and prior authorizations! wrote another user.

How do Americans feel about insurers?

In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer.

Polls reflect those frustrations with the health care system in general and insurance companies in particular.

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About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve a lot of blame for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February.

A 2023 KFF survey of insured adults found that most give their health insurance an overall rating of excellent or good  but a majority also said they experienced a problem using their insurance in the previous year. That included denied claims, provider network problems and pre-authorization problems. Nearly half of insured adults with insurance problems said they were unable to resolve them satisfactorily.

____

AP polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux in Washington and health writer Devi Shastri in Milwaukee contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Shell casings found at the scene where the UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot dead by a masked gunman in front of a busy New York City hotel had deny, defend and depose written on them, a senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation confirmed to NBC News on Thursday.

Brian Thompson, 50, was killed in a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown in the heart of Manhattan, police said.

Police say they dont yet know the motive of the gunman, who remains still at large.

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Thompsons family said in a statement they are "shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian."

"Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives," the family said in a statement obtained by NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis.

The family requested "complete privacy."

Investigators believe the shooter may have traveled to New York City from Atlanta last month by bus, three senior law enforcement officials familiar with the case told NBC News.

Officials are working to see whether they can find a name from the tickets purchased for a Nov. 24 Greyhound trip that might help identify the gunman. Greyhound said it is cooperating with authorities on the investigation.

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Police are also looking into whether the gunman paid in cash and used a fake ID to rent a room at a hostel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, according to two law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.

ABC News was the first to report the words written on the bullet casings.

Thompson did not travel with any personal security detail despite known threats against him.

There had been some threats, Thompsons wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News on Wednesday. Basically, I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

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Security video showed Thompson, dressed in a blue suit, walking down the street. The gunman approached him from behind and opened fire, it showed. Thompson stumbled forward as a witness ran to safety. The gunman continued to fire as Thompson fell to the ground, the video showed.

Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West.

The motive for this murder is currently unknown, but based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Wednesday. But at this point, we do not know why.

Before the shooting, the gunman bought a water bottle and two protein bars from a nearby Starbucks and discarded the items, according to a senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.

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Investigators recovered a video showing where the man discarded the items, and police collected them as evidence, hoping it could aid in the investigation, the official said.

Former FBI supervisor Rob DAmico said Wednesday that Thompsons slaying has all the makings of a personal vendetta tied to the victims company.

Anyone would have been able to find the whereabouts of the high-ranking business figure with a few quick Google searches, according to DAmico. UnitedHealthcares website listed an investor conference set for Wednesday, but it did not mention a location.

Even a layman can find theres so much on the internet now and people put so much out there, said DAmico, now a security consultant.

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No current or former executives of UnitedHealth Group receive regular company-funded personal security service, according to the insurance giants two most recent proxy statements. Companies have to report security expenses for directors or corporate officers if the value exceeds $10,000 per year.

Two of UnitedHealthcares peers, Humana and Cigna, both said in their most recent proxy statements that they provide personal security to executives. SEC records, though, did not disclose which executives received this protection or how much was being spent.

CVS Health, another major player in health insurance, requires its CEO to use corporate aircraft and a corporate driver as part of a disclosed executive security program, according to regulatory filings.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Dec. 4The governing board for Washington State University announced Wednesday it has identified five top candidates to take over the helm of the 134-year-old institution, but noticeably missing from the announcement were any identifying characteristics of who is being considered to be the university's 12th president.

The decision not to share the names of the finalists for the role is concerning to some government transparency advocates, who've criticized secrecy in the search for university presidents in Washington before.

"The main issue is that public universities who adopt these confidential searches are basically overlooking one of their core constituency groups," said George Erb, secretary of the Washington Coalition for Open Government. "And that's the public."

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At a special meeting Wednesday morning, the WSU Board of Regents and 25-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee met virtually to discuss the ongoing search, which was spurred by sitting President Kirk Schulz's April announcement of his intent to retire next summer.

Schulz, who was appointed to the role in 2016, told The Spokesman-Review he was retiring to make room for "somebody with some new ideas" to bring a fresh voice to WSU leadership. He spent seven years as president of Kansas State University prior to his arrival in Pullman.

With a salary of $980,000 last year, Schulz is one of the top 10 highest-paid officials in the state, according to the state employee salary database.

Most of Wednesday's meeting was held in executive session, a closed-door meeting allowed for by state law when governing bodies are discussing certain legal or administrative issues, like prospective new hires.

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The board reopened the meeting after its two-hour discussion to move the five prospective candidates to the next stage of the process, congratulating each other for their hard work along the way, while sharing few if any details of what that work, discussion or deliberation entailed.

The search for the next president has been relatively secretive, with few opportunities for the public to provide input outside of the early stages .

The board of regents asked the university community for their thoughts on what the next president should look like at the start of the search, and later fleshed out those "leadership profiles" in more than two dozen public listening sessions, according to a WSU news release Wednesday.

The release stated the committee and Isaacson, Miller, the firm hired to assist in the search, reached out to more than 250 candidates about the position. The field was then narrowed, and the committee conducted 90-minute interviews with 10 candidates in mid-November, said Jenette Ramos, search committee chair and board of regents vice chair.

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"We had seven standard questions, and we had a robust discussion after those interviews, and we come to this point then in recommending the five finalists," Ramos said.

None of the candidates will be publicly named, according to the release. WSU Board of Regents Chair Lisa Keohokalole Schauer said at the meeting that the board "is committed to an open and transparent process," but confirmed the candidates will remain confidential.

"In order to ensure that we are seeking the best candidate for Washington State University, protecting their identities and keeping this process confidential is important to us," Keohokalole Schauer said. "And therefore, as we go through this process, we'll let you know where we are in the process."

The regents will interview the five finalists in January, Keohokalole Schauer said. She indicated discussions and deliberations about those interviews and who the regents prefer will happen at public meetings in January and February.

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Tania Henriques, sitting president of the university's student government, said in a written statement that her organization takes no issue with the regents opting for confidentiality.

"As student leaders, we want the best possible candidate to be chosen for the next President of WSU," Henriques said. "And if that means keeping the names of the finalists private, we completely understand and respect the hiring process that the Board of Regents are holding."

The 2025 decision won't be the first time a new president at a university in the Evergreen state will be selected with a degree of secrecy overshadowing the process.

Schulz was selected in much the same way, as was the sitting president of the University of Washington, Ana Mari Cauce. The Washington Coalition for Open Government filed a lawsuit against the latter's governing board, saying the Husky regents violated the open public meetings act by reaching a decision before a public meeting in which they voted to hire Cauce.

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"The open public meeting, what it looked like on the surface, was actually a puppet meeting," Erb said. "It was already pre-ordained."

The coalition's belief was anchored by a copy of the very script the regents had read from during that meeting, Erb said.

The suit was later settled out of court, with the regents agreeing to pay $25,000 and rewrite their bylaws, while maintaining there was no wrongdoing in their selection of Cauce, as reported by The Seattle Times.

Ahead of the settlement, however, Erb said the coalition learned through depositions of university officials that the other candidates for the position had withdrawn from consideration, leaving Cauce as the sole viable candidate. He argued the lawsuit in its entirety may have been avoided if the UW regents had been transparent about that from the beginning.

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The WSU Board of Regents' latest decision to keep hush about its prospective new hire is part of a growing trend in academia, Erb said.

"Years ago, I'm aware that it was not unusual for universities, especially a public university, to bring finalists to campus," Erb said. "These days, the public typically only sees one finalist, and that's the one that's hired."

Erb argues the secrecy not only diminishes public trust in the institution's leadership, but also prevents the regents from making the best, most informed decision they can.

While colleges and universities that have conducted confidential searches may argue that doing so allows for a wider pool of well-qualified applicants, as those applying will not need to worry about their current employer finding out, Erb said doing so also prevents the public from having any real oversight over the process.

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The public has a vested interest in what occurs at a public land-grant university, he said.

"The confidential hiring also makes it harder for others to come forward with information about those candidates, even information that may be disqualifying," Erb said, stressing how the regents may benefit by publicly naming their finalists.

The WSU Board of Regents' next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23-24 in Seattle, with one public comment session expected on Jan. 24. Those interested in speaking at the meeting can register online starting Jan. 17, and the meeting will be livestreamed on the board's YouTube page.
Dec. 4WASHINGTON, D.C.  After the U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday proposed phasing out a program that lets some employers pay disabled workers less than the minimum wage, two Washington lawmakers who have long advocated an end to the program hailed the move.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Spokane Republican, and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray have both pushed for years to eliminate so-called 14 certificates, named after the section of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that allows employers to apply for government approval to pay workers less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

President Joe Biden pledged to end the program as a candidate in 2020, but his administration didn't issue the proposed rule until the final weeks of his presidency, and the decision will be subject to a monthlong comment period and potential legal challenges. The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump will have to evaluate the public comments and decide whether to enact or overturn the new rule.

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In a statement on Tuesday, Murray said she hopes Trump will uphold the decision, which has bipartisan support but is opposed by some employers who say ending the subminimum wage program would threaten their ability to employ people with disabilities.

"It's unacceptable that, for nearly a century, employers have been permitted to pay disabled workers well below the minimum wage for doing the same work as their nondisabled peers," Murray said. "The subminimum wage is discrimination, plain and simple  this is about people's dignity and their ability to earn a living and provide for their families."

If the rule goes into effect, the Labor Department would stop issuing new certificates and would phase out existing ones over a three-year period. In a statement on Wednesday, McMorris Rodgers said lawmakers should pass a bill that would create a more durable end to the low-wage program, rather than changing it through an administrative rule-making process that can be easily reversed.

"While I'm encouraged by the intent of this rule, it's critical for Congress to pass legislation that permanently bans subminimum wages in America and puts us on a path toward competitive integrated employment," she said. "Ending this unfair and outdated practice is the only way to provide individuals with disabilities the stability and opportunity for a better life that they deserve."

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While legislation in Congress to end the program has stalled in recent years, state lawmakers in Washington and several other states have acted. Legislators in Olympia passed a bill in 2021 that phased out the certificates by 2023, and some employers voluntarily dropped the program earlier.

Steve McBride, regional vice president at Skils'kin, a nonprofit in Spokane that provides employment and job placement services to people with disabilities, said his organization stopped paying subminimum wages in 2013 and has advocated for the program's elimination nationwide. While they worried at the time that raising wages could mean employing fewer people, McBride said, that hasn't happened.

"Now we've gone a decade in, and it just didn't play out that way," McBride said. "We've been able to employ a really diverse workforce with diverse disabilities successfully.

"And we've been able to continue to place people in jobs in the Eastern Washington community with a lot of success."

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Five employers in Idaho hold 14 certificates, including Tesh, Inc. in Coeur d'Alene. The not-for-profit organization didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday, but its leaders have argued in the past that eliminating the subminimum wage program would force them to stop employing disabled people, who are sometimes paid based on their productivity and can earn less than $1 per hour, although employers contend that they provide other valuable services.

McBride said his message to parents and other people who worry about the proposed change is, "Let's just try."

"Let's open the door a little wider," he said. "This is a great day for people with disabilities, and it should be celebrated."

Orion Donovan Smith'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.
Editor's note: This article has been updated on Dec. 5 to reflect additional details reported on the meetings.

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, met with top incoming government officials as well as aides to President-elect Donald Trump in Washington on Dec. 4, various media outlets reported.

Yermak, alongside Ukraines ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, met with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill, the Washington Post reported, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

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The delegation, which reportedly included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Sergiy Boyev, also met with incoming U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Ukraine peace envoy Keith Kellogg on Capitol Hill, a source told Reuters.

A meeting between Yermak and Trump's incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was also held on Dec. 4, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Ukrainska Pravda also reported, citing its sources, that Yermak had travelled to Florida to further meet with incoming officials, although it unclear as to who Yermak had met with while in the state. Florida is home to Trump's Mar-a-lago residence, where the president-elect has previously hosted world leaders.

No details were immediately available as to any specific outcomes of the discussions. Trump's transition team did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the meeting.

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A source told CNN that the meetings were not intended as a means to discuss a potential peace plan but as a frank assessment of the battlefield. The source added that Ukrainian officials were pleased with the outcomes of the meetings and felt as though they reached their objective of providing the assessments to incoming administration officials.

The incoming government officials are expected to play a key role in shaping expected future negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow after Trump is inaugurated in January.

While Trump has pledged to get the U.S. "out" of Russia's war and negotiate a quick peace deal, Ukrainian officials have urged the president-elect to maintain support and adopt a "peace through strength" approach in dealings with Russia.

Kellogg previously co-authored a peace plan that would freeze the front line in Ukraine, take NATO's accession off the table for an extended period, and partially lift sanctions against Russia.

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According to his proposals, the U.S. will continue sending military aid to Ukraine and provide security guarantees to Kyiv to prevent further Russian aggression.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Dec. 4 that Ukraine is set to receive $50 billion in frozen Russian assets held by the United States and the European Union in the "coming weeks."

Also on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he will not put to a vote a request for an additional $24 billion in aid to Ukraine following reports that President Joe Biden was quietly asking Congress to green light further assistance to Kyiv before he leaves office.

Read also: House Speaker rejects Bidens request for additional $24 billion in Ukraine aid





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The storm is rising.

Lost in the anger, frustration, bitterness, hopelessness, rhetoric and potential violence, as well as the existential angst of the last few weeks, is the reality that the recent election is an accurate reflection of who we are. It may not be who many of us want to be, but for more than 75 million Americans, it definitely is.

Those people support Donald Trump. Donald Trump is on a revenge tour, and his supporters are squealing with delight as he conducts it.

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They look at Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter for his convicted crime, for others he may have committed, and perhaps also for those not committed or at least not charged, as a war against them  confirmation that Biden thinks he is above the law and Trump is a victim of a weaponized justice system and the deep state.

Incapable of nuanced thought, let alone any understanding of hypocrisy, millions who didnt blink an eye when Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, or any of the other miscreants he pardoned at the end of his first term, are contorting themselves into fits of rage. Marjorie Taylor Greene seems to be suspiciously focused on nude pictures.

Democrats have gone after Biden as well. Pundits have jumped on board. Jeffrey Toobin, the disgraced CNN contributor who got caught in an act of self-flagellation during a video conference call, penned an opinion piece for the New York Times claiming that Biden had dishonored the presidency by pardoning his son. Others have called it an act of nepotism, evidence of the Biden crime family running amok, and so on. Soon they might get blamed for genital warts.

Lets break it down. First, Toobin has no credibility and it is laughable for him to offer an opinion on dishonor  and its further evidence of the wooden ear and irrelevance of the New York Times that it decided to print such balderdash.

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He never used it in any fashion, but was prosecuted for purchasing it.

The facts show that his situation  that is, lying on the form  is so common among gun buyers that they are almost never pursued by law enforcement for doing so. The courts would be backed up by decades if officials tried to prosecute that offense, a D.C. federal prosecutor told me.

But because of Hunter Bidens last name, he was pursued, caught, charged, tried and convicted. Republicans wanted much more, of course, and tried to link him to all sorts of other crimes by way of a misplaced laptop that became a meme all by itself. That didnt work, so they had to settle for the gun violation. That was odd, considering the GOP stance on guns, which amounts to buy one get one free. Perhaps even stranger was Marjorie Taylor Greenes aforementioned obsession with displaying poster-sized photos of Hunter in various stages of undress on the floor of Congress. She has an unhealthy and possibly sexual obsession with him, an aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell told me with a straight face.

Earlier this year, President Biden said he wouldnt pardon his son for the crime. Then the Democrats booted him from the presidential race and installed as a candidate the same vice president who, months earlier, party leaders had privately said should be removed from the ticket. We know how that turned out. Trump won and began nominating people like Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth to head up his administration and lead his all-expenses-paid revenge tour. You have to hand it to Trump for his diversity in hiring: billionaires, personal attorneys, sycophants and Fox News entertainers are all represented.

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The vow to take down the Bidens, the deep state and the fake news media, along with all the screams about retribution from Trumps nominees, sparked a change of heart in the president. So he protected his son by pardoning him.

Well, what father wouldnt do that? Hell, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-laws father, who Chris Christie said had committed one of the most disgusting crimes hed ever prosecuted. At least Biden didnt nominate Hunter as the ambassador to France. Trump handed that job to the senior Kushner, a move widely believed to be a giant middle finger in the face of French President Emmanuel Macron, who Trump believes insulted him in 2019.

Biden opened himself up to charges of hypocrisy by pardoning his son after insisting he wouldnt. Furthermore, he did it almost as an aside over a holiday weekend and did it so quietly it seemed like he had something to hide. Once again, Biden reminded us why he wasnt the Democratic nominee this year  and why the Democrats lost the election.

They simply cannot communicate  and when they do, they screw it up royally.

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Biden should have kept his mouth shut about his intention not to pardon Hunter. Then he should have said, Damn right Im pardoning him  and Im pardoning everyone else who might be targeted in Trumps revenge tour.

According to at least one man, that wouldnt have been enough. John W. Dean, Richard Nixons onetime White House counsel, who testified against his boss during the Watergate hearings, suggested Biden should keep going, posting on Bluesky that the president should pardon Trump himself, along with Jack Smith, Robert Mueller and a bunch of other people, thereby taking the wind out of retribution/revenge.

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) December 1, 2024 at 9:37 PM

In a podcast appearance, Dean explained his idea further: By pardoning Trump, he said, Biden gains the upper hand and takes away the argument that Trump will make  accusing Biden of weaponizing the DOJ against him.

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Its kind of like doing a hard reboot of your computer: Unplug it, plug it back in and see if it works any better.

Furthermore, if Trump then decides to go after Biden or anyone else he exposes himself as a real a**hole, Dean continued. Personally, I think thats already been proven, but to Deans point, nothing sells like repeating the message over and over again  just ask Trump.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh, who campaigned extensively for Kamala Harris this year, takes a different view: He was among those unhappy with the pardon.

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Yes, I think it was wrong for Biden to pardon his son, Walsh said. But its way more wrong that we dont hold Trump to any standard at all. Biden pardons his son and the world screams. Trump lies as he breathes, abuses the powers of his office, obstructs justice left and right, threatens to go after his political opponents, incites violence, tries to overthrow an election  his supporters cheer, and the rest of the world yawns. We treat Trump like a spoiled child.

Commentator Charlie Sykes posted that someone texted him that Bidens pardon was a huge mistake: Joe Biden has just removed the issue of pardons from the political arena for the next four years and Trump probably once again cant believe his own dumb f**king luck at this point.

Trump has always believed hes above the law, and has always acted like hes above the law, said Walsh. By pardoning Hunter, Joe Biden took that no one is above the law card that we all pounded Trump with off the table, and handed Trump a big victory.

As I see it, the Biden pardon is far more nuanced than that.

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Logically, you may ask whether the ends justify the means. When filtered through that lens, and using the Constitution as your guide, then the answer is a resounding no. Youll see the Biden pardon as a political figure putting his family above the law.

Thinking that way fails to understand the context. Donald Trump already jettisoned the Constitution in his last administration, the Supreme Court has given him unlimited immunity for all official actions, and our democracy no longer exists in practice. Viewed in that light, Bidens actions simply underscore the fact we must all confront: Democracy is toast and we might be down to every man for himself.

Dean disagrees on that point. He believes our democracy has been weakened and is being tested by Trump, and we must move past him. Walsh too still has hope we can save our fragile democracy but says, We have to hold Trump accountable.

At the end of the day, no matter how much the Republicans lower the bar, Democrats cannot seem to crawl over it. John Adams was right about the dangers of political parties.

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As the old curse has it, we are living in interesting times, made more interesting by Bidens inability to connect with millions of Americans who  if spoken to plainly and directly  would probably empathize with his decision.

Bidens pardon is entirely justified from the standpoint of straight-up survival. But very few of us are in position to be pardoned by our dad  a big reason for the anger. Still, don't think for a minute that Trump will look at the pardon and somehow be goaded into doing the same thing. Hes already done it. Biden didnt give him free rein. Trump gave that to himself long ago. Biden is following Trumps lead, not the other way around.

So while I think Joe Walsh is right, so is John Dean.

Want to make it more difficult for Trump? OK then: Pardon everybody, including him. Lets start over. Hit the reset button. Call it a draw. Give democracy a chance.

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As Dean pointed out, the American people have already pardoned Trump when they elected him as president a second time. So lets make it official and find out what Trump does in response. That will certainly make things interesting  including the midterm elections.

Still, I doubt Biden will do it.

Democrats may have poor communication skills, but theyre even worse at playing political chess. Theyre so bad at it that a man convicted of multiple felonies is beating them, by playing checkers.
SEOUL, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- South Korean opposition lawmakers are pushing to hold an impeachment vote on Saturday against President Yoon Suk Yeol as the fallout from his short-lived declaration of martial law continues.

Cho Seung-rae, spokesman for the Democratic Party, said the opposition plans to bring a vote on the motion at around 7 p.m. Saturday.

An impeachment would require the support of two-thirds of the 300-member parliament. The opposition controls 192 seats, needing an additional eight votes from the president's People Power Party to pass the motion.

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If the impeachment passes, it will then be sent to the Constitutional Court, which must reach a decision within six months. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would relieve Yoon of his duties and step in as interim leader during this period.

Even if Yoon survives the impeachment vote, he faces overwhelmingly negative public opinion in the wake of his shocking declaration of martial law late Tuesday night, with protests and candlelight vigils continuing to spring up around the country. According to a survey by South Korean pollster Realmeter on Wednesday, 73.6% of respondents supported Yoon's impeachment, while 70% agreed that his actions could constitute treason.

"I declare martial law in order to eradicate the shameless pro-North Korea anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people and to protect the free constitutional order," Yoon said in his televised declaration.

Some 190 lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly in the early hours of Wednesday morning and voted to overturn the decree, however, which was then formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting.

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The entire cycle lasted only six hours, but the shockwaves are being felt both at home and around the world.

On Thursday, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who took full responsibility for the soldiers who performed their duties under martial law. Roughly 280 troops broke into the National Assembly building after the martial law declaration, with live television footage showing parliamentary aides trying to block the soldiers by spraying fire extinguishers.

Chung Jin-suk, Yoon's chief of staff, said in a briefing that the embattled president has nominated current South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk to succeed Kim.

Yoon's entire Cabinet and all of his aides have also offered to step down from their posts in the aftermath of the debacle.

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South Korea's strongest ally, the United States, was caught off-guard and rattled by the martial law decree, officials said Wednesday.

"We were not consulted in any way," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said during an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "We learned about this [martial law decree] from the announcement on television, the same way the rest of the world did. It raised deep concern for us."

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell called the short-lived decree "completely, deeply unpredictable."

"I think President Yoon badly misjudged," Campbell said at the Aspen Security Forum.

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However, Campbell pointed to the rapid response to overturn the declaration as a positive sign of the strength of South Korea's democracy.

"The fact that people were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process and that would be met by the will of the people and the will of the legislative bodies -- I think we have to take some comfort and confidence in that," Campbell said.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Dont panic over your parapet inspection. We have an explainer of whats required if you are a homeowner in the five boroughs of New York City.

First, determine if you truly have a parapet or a cornice. The New York City Department of Buildings defines it as part of the exterior wall that extends up past the level of the roof. It is meant to keep people from accidentally stepping off the roof and aids in fire suppression.

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Second, a new law requires you to have a parapet inspection once a year. That means you need to get it done by December 31st, 2024.

However, you do not need to pay a licensed contractor hundreds of dollars to get it done. A number of private companies are flooding homeowners mailboxes with flyers urging them to act now and hire them for an inspection.

Yegal Shamash, the Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement for the City DOB tells PIX11 News that any person competent to inspect parapets can perform the observation.

That includes a building superintendent, a handyman, an architect, or an engineer. Shamash says they should be looking to see Is the parapet straight up and down, or is it leaning towards the street? Are there cracks in the parapet? Is there any deterioration of the materials?

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No submission to the Department is required. An observation report must be written up and kept by owners for at least 6 years. It must make the reports available to the Department upon request.

There are some exemptions from the mandatory inspections, including detached one or two-family homes or if theres a fence or barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.

Shamash tells PIX11 News the law was passed in part because over the last 10 years, weve had almost 500 incidents where either a portion of the parapet or the entire parapet has fallen, thats a high rate for us.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A suspect who shot and killed a US insurance executive in the heart of New York City's Manhattan district was still on the run in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A large contingent of police, drones and sniffer dogs were deployed in the manhunt on Wednesday night, the New York Times (NYT) reported.

Brian Thompson, the head of US insurer UnitedHealthcare, was shot by an unknown assailant outside a hotel and residential building near Times Square on Wednesday morning.

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The police said the 50-year-old succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

The NYT reported that the weapon used in the attack was equipped with a silencer when fired.

The motive for the crime was still unclear. According to the newspaper, citing investigators, Thompson had recently received threats. No further details were given.

A reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.

Police have requested the data from surveillance cameras in the area around the crime scene in order to gather more information about the identity of the perpetrator.

The authorities are also hoping to get some clues from a bicycle rental company after CCTV footage showed the fugitive riding into New York's Central Park on a bike.

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New York's Mayor, Eric Adams, said the crime did not appear to be a random act of violence. Thompson, who lives in the state of Minnesota, was on his way to an investor event in Manhattan when he was attacked.
Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., is resigning as the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and casting his support for Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., as his replacement.

Nadler has been the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee since 2017 and was integral in shaping two impeachment proceedings against then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2021, both of which failed in the Senate.

Nadler, 77, has been a member of Congress for 34 years and in a letter to his House Democratic Party colleagues said he is "passing the torch" to Raskin, 61, The Hill reported on Wednesday.

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"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as chairman and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee these past seven years," Nadler said Wednesday in a letter to colleagues.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help lead our party's efforts to preserve the rule of law and to provide for a more just society that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans," Nadler said.

He cited the two impeachments against Trump and passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which he called the "first significant gun safety legislation" in a generation, and the Respect for Marriage Act that protects same-sex marriage among the legislative achievements of which he is most proud as a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Nadler said Trump's election win renews "threats to our democracy and our way of life" that requires new leadership to address.

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"I am very confident that Jamie [Raskin] would ably lead the Judiciary Committee as we confront this growing danger," Nadler said, adding he will continue as an active committee member.

Raskin was Nadler's strongest opponent for the seat as the Democratic Party's top House Judiciary Committee member, Axios reported.

House Democrats generally are purging their committee assignments of older members in a relative youth movement.
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) - One in five priority counter-terrorism cases investigated by Australia involved youth, the country's spy chief said on Friday, as the "Five Eyes" intelligence partners warned about the radicalisation of young "digital natives".

Mental health, education and social services needed to intervene in many cases before the behaviour of minors became a police issue, said a research paper by the Five Eyes, which also include the U.S., Canada, Britain and New Zealand.

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"Around 20% of ASIO's priority counter-terrorism cases involve young people. In every one of the terrorist attacks, disruptions and suspected terrorist incidents in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person," Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess said in a statement.

"As a parent, the numbers are shocking. As an intelligence officer, the numbers are sobering," he said.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) had investigated 35 teenagers aged 17 years or younger, including a 12-year-old, in terrorism investigations since 2020, said AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw.

Over half of them were charged with offences, he said.

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In one Australian case described in the report, a 16-year-old involved in a local and international network shared violent extremist material calling for attacks on non-Caucasian people, and "urged others to prepare for an upcoming race war to 'defend the white race'".

The teenager had few real-world relationships and spent little time socialising offline, it said. He was arrested and sentenced to 18 months jail.

In another Australian case, a 14-year-old with nationalist and racist extremist views used a Snapchat account to plan a violent attack, and after being arrested by police undertook programmes on countering violent extremism.

"We are witnessing the same extremist propaganda videos across multiple unrelated investigations, and this suggests that links exist in the online environment across platforms such as Discord, Telegram and TikTok," said Kershaw.

Australia passed legislation this month to ban children under the age of 16 years from social media platforms starting late next year.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Sonali Paul)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Youngstown police arrested a man they say tried to abduct a woman on her way to work earlier this week.

Mark Parker, 48, faces a charge of attempted abduction, a fourth-degree felony. The charge stems from an incident on December 2, according to a news release from the police department.

Police arrested Parker on Wednesday in cooperation with the Adult Parole Authority as they served an arrest warrant at a home in the 100 block of Balsam Court.

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Police say Parker had been released from prison in May after serving over 20 years after being convicted of aggravated burglary, kidnapping and rape, so he now faces a parole violation as well.

Detective Sgt. Michael Cox, the lead investigator on the case, said Parker was following a woman who had never met him on a major road on the South Side.

The womans car was stopped and she noticed Parker had been following her for at least a mile, Cox said. Cox said the woman had a can of pepper spray ready, and when Parker got out of his car and told her to get in his car, she screamed and held up the can of pepper spray, Cox said.

Parker drove away and the woman called police, Cox said.

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He is expected to be arraigned Friday in municipal court.

Parker was sentenced in August 2003 after pleading guilty to an August 2000 attack on a 15-year-old girl on East Ravenwood Avenue. He was accused of breaking a window in the basement and crawling through it, cutting the power in the home, and raping the victim at gunpoint.

The victim was a babysitter from Twinsburg. Three young children were also in the house. Prosecutors said Parker threatened the children he would kill them if they did not stay in a downstairs room.

Parker had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but two evaluations found him competent to stand trial, court documents show.

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Parker is on parole for five years, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections Website. The ODRC said his parole began May 25.

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A sweeping air quality alert has been issued for Greater Los Angeles, as the region's unique geography and persistent pollution sources create challenging conditions through Friday midnight. The alert, announced Wednesday afternoon, comes as the basin's natural bowl-like topography traps pollutants in a stagnant air mass across multiple areas.

The affected regions span from the coast to the valleys, including Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Los Angeles proper, Palos Verdes Hills, the Western and Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational areas, and the communities of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.

Current Air Quality

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The situation is particularly concerning given L.A.'s position in the American Lung Association's 2024 State of the Air report, which ranks the Los Angeles-Long Beach area among the nation's highest in ozone pollution. The region's challenges stem from a combination of ongoing emission sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial activities, and port operations, coupled with temperature inversions that prevent pollutant dispersion.

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"Particles in smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems, including asthma attacks, increases in emergency room visits, and hospitalizations," warns the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. The agency emphasizes that these air quality concerns are based on pollution levels forecasted for entire 24-hour periods.

Health officials recommend several precautionary measures during this period:

Stay inside if possible, especially if you have respiratory issues, are elderly, or are a child

Limit outdoor activities to essential tasks when necessary

Reduce use of pollution-generating equipment like cars and gas-powered lawnmowers

Keep windows and doors closed

Run air conditioners and air purifiers when possible (we recommend this one.)

Avoid using devices that bring in outside air, such as swamp coolers or whole house fans, if alternative cooling methods are available

The alert remains in effect until Friday at midnight. Residents can stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio or local weather news stations as conditions develop and sign up for air quality notifications at www.AirAlerts.org.

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Originally appeared on E! Online

Authorities in the Philippines have reached a devastating potential conclusion about the fate of Elliot Eastman.

After the 26-year-old YouTuber was kidnapped Oct. 17 in the Philippines, authorities investigating the case believe he was most likely killed by his abductors, Philippine National Police told the New York Times.

Eastman was taken by gunpoint in the town of Sibuco in the countrys Zamboanga del Norte province and was shot twice by an M16 rifle while attempting to fight off his four kidnapperswho had posed as police officersauthorities also told the Associated Press.

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Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan told the outlet that investigators were informed by a relative of a suspect, who said Eastman died due to gunshot wounds in the thigh and abdomen. The informant added that the suspects in question decided to throw Eastmans body into the sea, per the Associated Press. (Prior reports from the police say that Eastman had struggled as he was forced onto a motorboat in his abduction, before the water vehicle sped off).

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While Eastmans body has yet to be found, authorities search has led them to arrest several suspects. Police also said, according to the Associated Press, that three possible suspects were killed in a shootout with authorities last month.

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Sawan also noted that the story told to authorities was later corroborated by a key suspect in the case who was recently arrested. His sworn statement has been submitted to government prosecutors.

We are constrained to believe that he has died, Sawan told the Associated Press. All of the information that we have points to that.

Elliot Eastman/Instagram

But, because Eastmans body has yet to be recovered, Sawan noted of Eastmans possible death, were still leaving a little bit of hope that it may not be the case.

According to his YouTube profile, Eastman had been residing in the Philippines consistently for about a year and a half leading up to his abduction. He explained that during a visit to the Southeast Asian country, he had met his wife, or the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines.

E! News has reached out to authorities in the Philippines regarding Eastmans case but has not yet heard back.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Police in the Philippines are investigating reports that kidnapped American YouTuber Elliot Eastman has been shot dead.

Eastman, 26, was reportedly shot twice while resisting an abduction by gunmen on Oct. 17 in the coastal town of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte province, the Associated Press and local media outlets ABS-CBN and GMA Regional TV stated, citing police sources.

AP added that police also believe he was kidnapped by four men posing as police officers and that Eastman  who is from Vermont  was dragged onto a speedboat, known locally as a banca, before it sped off.

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On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) said a witness told them Eastman died the night of his abduction in the banca, according to GMA Regional TV.

The witness also reportedly said the abductors threw Eastman's body into the ocean, however, police are yet to find a body during their search efforts.

Philippine National Police Regional Office 9 via AP A police officer investigates an area where Elliot Eastman was reportedly abducted on Oct. 17 A police officer investigates an area where Elliot Eastman was reportedly abducted on Oct. 17

According to ABS-CBN, regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramoncelio Sawan said investigators received information from a relative of one of the suspects that Eastman died from gunshot wounds to his thigh and abdomen while being taken away by his abductors.

The relative also reportedly said Eastman's abductors threw his body into the ocean.

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The outlet reported Sawan said the information about the YouTuber's death was corroborated by a key suspect in the abduction who was recently arrested. His sworn statement has been submitted to government prosecutors, added AP.

We are constrained to believe that he has died. All of the information that we have points to that, Sawan said per AP, but he added that without the victims body, were still leaving a little bit of hope that it may not be the case.

A search for Eastman and his abductors led to the arrest of a number of suspects, while three suspects were killed in a gunbattle with police last month, according to the outlet.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

We would like to assure the public that PRO 9 CIMTG Eastman is exhausting all available resources to arrest them, police said of the suspects, according to GMA Regional TV. PRO 9 would like to assure the public that the ongoing investigation will eventually result in the complete resolution of the case, and all perpetrators will be made accountable for this crime.

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AP reported that Sawan said police had told Eastmans Filipino wife and the U.S. Embassy in Manila about his reported death.

According to Eastmans YouTube Channel, he is 26 years old and he traveled to the Philippines 18 months ago.

I came to the Philippines about a year and half ago where I met the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines, the bio on Eastmans Channel reads. Zamboanga del Norte is a recently developed area of the Philippines that was once only accessible by boat. I will be showing you my day to day life as the first and only foreigner to have ever lived here in sibuco for a long period of time. I am from the USA!

Eastman posted his last YouTube video on Oct. 15, two days before his alleged kidnapping. In the video, the social media user could been seen eating noodles and sitting in a deck chair, while other clips showed Eastman doing yoga and documenting the heavy rain in the country.

PEOPLE has contacted Police Regional Office-Zamboanga (PRO-9) for comment.



Read the original article on People
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russian prisons, including community leaders who were detained in occupied regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.

"There are currently at least six mayors and community leaders in Russian captivity," Zelensky said in a video address at a human rights conference in Kiev.

These are among thousands of others, some of whom have been imprisoned since 2014, he said. A total of 3,767 Ukrainians, mainly prisoners of war, have so far returned from Russian captivity.

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At the same conference, Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets spoke of "more than 16,000" civilians in Russian custody.

"The number will be much higher when we liberate the Ukrainian territories," said Lubinets. Only then would it be possible to carry out an on-the-spot check, he said.

In his address, Zelensky recalled the fate of the mayor of the town of Dniprorudne in the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya, Yevheniy Matveyev.

"He was captured in March 2022 while trying to help the people of his community," said the president. Matveyev became famous at the beginning of the war when he confronted a Russian armoured column.

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According to Ivan Fedorov, the regional governor of Zaporizhzhya, his body was recently handed over to Ukraine.

"He was held captive by the occupying forces for two years and eight months and was tortured," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. He himself was arrested by the Russians as mayor of the now occupied Melitopol at the beginning of the war and was later released.
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russian prisons, including community leaders who were detained in occupied regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.

"There are currently at least six mayors and community leaders in Russian captivity," Zelensky said in a video address at a human rights conference in Kiev.

These are among thousands of others, some of whom have been imprisoned since 2014, he said. A total of 3,767 Ukrainians, mainly prisoners of war, have so far returned from Russian captivity.

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At the same conference, Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets spoke of "more than 16,000" civilians in Russian custody.

"The number will be much higher when we liberate the Ukrainian territories," said Lubinets. Only then would it be possible to carry out an on-the-spot check, he said.

In his address, Zelensky recalled the fate of the mayor of the town of Dniprorudne in the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya, Yevheniy Matveyev.

"He was captured in March 2022 while trying to help the people of his community," said the president. Matveyev became famous at the beginning of the war when he confronted a Russian armoured column.

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According to Ivan Fedorov, the regional governor of Zaporizhzhya, his body was recently handed over to Ukraine.

"He was held captive by the occupying forces for two years and eight months and was tortured," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. He himself was arrested by the Russians as mayor of the now occupied Melitopol at the beginning of the war and was later released.

Among those missing is Ihor Kolykhayev, the then mayor of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which was occupied by Russia for several months.

According to media reports, after his arrest Kolykhayev was last seen in a prison in Simferopol on the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two and a half years. The Russian occupying forces in particular are repeatedly accused of human rights violations.
On Thursday, 5 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by telephone with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that he thanked Rutte for holding a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels at the level of foreign ministers.

Quote: "I reiterated the importance of inviting Ukraine to NATO and ensuring the timely reinforcement of our combat brigades with ammunition, weapons, and equipment, as well as strengthening Ukraines defense against Russian air terror this winter," he added.

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The president further stated that he is working with the NATO secretary general to coordinate their stances "to bring closer a just and stable peace."

Zelenskyy went on to say that this support is critical not just for Ukraine, but also for other European allies, "because the security of one is the foundation for the security of all."

Previously, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement affirming that Ukraine will not accept security guarantees as a substitute for NATO membership.

At the same time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is not pushing for NATO membership during the war, taking into account the stance of certain member states.

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Bitcoin has passed the $100,000 threshold for the first time. At approximately 9:39PM ET this evening, the cryptocurrencys value hit six figures, moving it past the milestone for the first time in its nearly 16-year history. As of the morning of December 5th, the price has stayed well above that $100,000 mark, and Bitcoin's value has generally been steadily increasing over the past month or so. That's no guarantee it'll stay where it is, but it's clearly having a moment.

That also means the legendary Bitcoin pizza order is now worth $1 billion. For those not in the loop, a Florida man  because, of course it was a Florida man  paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa Johns pizzas over 14 years ago in whats considered the cryptocurrencys first commercial transaction.

Ill pay 10,000 bitcoins for a couple of pizzas  like maybe 2 large ones so I have some left over for the next day, Laszlo Hanyecz posted in a crypto forum on May 18, 2010. Four days later, a British man took him up on the offer. That amount was only worth $45 at the time. (And the UK man only paid Papa Johns $25!) But only nine months later, the transactions value had skyrocketed to $10,000.

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Hanyecz told The New York Times in 2013 that he had no regrets about the then-$6 million pizza order. It wasnt like Bitcoins had any value back then, so the idea of trading them for a pizza was incredibly cool, he said. No one knew it was going to get so big.

I wonder if Florida Man has any regrets now that his fee for those two Papa Johns pizzas is worth a billion dollars.

Looking at it another way, Papa Johns current market cap is $1.567 billion. So, had Hanyecz saved his crypto instead of ordering those two pizzas, he could have bought nearly two-thirds of the company that baked his pie today.

Then, theres the story of a writer who, in 2017, helped a friend recover (at the time) $200,000 worth of Bitcoin from a broken laptop. Those 40 Bitcoins stuck in a MultiBit wallet for three-and-a-half years are worth more than $4 million today (so long as the cryptocurrency stays above the $100,000 mark).

Update, 10:35AM ET: This story has been updated with details about Bitcoin's current value after it hit the $100,000 mark.
Gordon Pointe  a sprawling beachfront estate in Naples, Florida  should be a billionaires dream-come-true. The $295,000,000 property has six bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, parking for 11 cars, a gazebo, and a private boat dock.



It also has a 95% chance of flooding within the next 30 years, according to experts.



Its almost a certainty this property will experience a flood, climate risk researcher, Jeremy Porter, told the Guardian.



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Like its opulent neighbors, in Naples exclusive Port Royal neighborhood, Gordon Pointe was built directly on the water  with developers clearing away sand dunes, marshes, and other naturally protective features in the process. Now, as sea levels rise, these vast mansions have basically no defenses against the ocean or extreme weather.

There has been building right out on to the beach, we are very low-lying, we dont have good dune fortifications now and no one really thought about storm surge here until Ian happened, climate expert and Florida Gulf Coast University professor Michael Savarese told the Guardian. The entire region is highly vulnerable to nuisance flooding and storm surge and if we keep having storms like the last two years theres no time to catch our breath.

Savarese added that Port Royals homeowners are buying time, borrowed time before sea levels rise to a point where every high tide comes with the risk of flooding.

In Naples, city officials are trying to create plans to mitigate the continued threat of rising tides  though there are some state-level obstacles. When the city drafted a report, appealing to state officials for assistance, they had to delete any mention of climate change, according to the Guardian. This is the result of policy implemented by Governor Ron DeSantis, striking most references to climate change from state laws.



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The person who ends up purchasing Gordon Pointe, however, will certainly have the resources to attempt to protect the property on their own dime. The future homeowner can expect to pay as much as seven figures in insurance each year, Katherine Frattarola, an insurance advisor to the ultra-rich, told the Guardian. She added, however, that the person purchasing such an expensive property isnt really thinking about risk.



They are thinking about how much they love Naples and, frankly, having the most expensive home in America.



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Germany's telecommunications providers are making progress in expanding their mobile phone networks.

Statistics published by the Federal Network Agency on Thursday show all four of Germany's network operators have progressed in recent months.

According to the data, in October, Telekom's antennas covered 83.1% of Germany to 5G wireless standard, 1.2 percentage points more than in July. With the lower-quality 4G standard, Telekom covers as much as 91.8% of the country.

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Its competitors are doing significantly worse, but are also making progress.

The Munich-based O2 Telefonica increased its 5G coverage by 2.9 percentage points to 71.6%. With a remarkably high pace of expansion, it pushed Vodafone, which achieved 5G coverage of 70.7% (up 0.8 percentage points), out of second place.

The fourth German network operator, 1&1, is a newcomer to the market that is currently setting up its own network and by October had reached only 0.5% of the area of Germany with its antennas (plus 0.1 percentage points).

Most of 1&1's customers are connected to the O2 network, with a small percentage of them connected to the Vodafone network.

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By the autumn of 2025, all 1&1 customers will use the Vodafone network wherever their contract partner does not have its own antennas  the partnership between 1&1 and O2 will by then have expired.

Progress has also been reported in the expansion of the fixed-line network.

Fibre optics - and with it the best possible internet technology - was available to 36.8% of German households by mid-2024, with this figure rising by 3.5 percentage points in the first half of the year.

Fibre offers particularly stable and fast transmission.
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:
FBZ Hungaria will supply Hungarian goose down for the high-end Chinese jacket brand Guvet, the partners announced in Budapest.

FBZ Hungaria managing director Laszlo Baradacs said the agreement on the delivery of down for the Guvet brand would generate "several million dollars" of turnover a year. Guvet jackets sell for between USD 600 and 3,000 apiece, he added.



With a 12,000sqm base in Kecskemet (C Hungary), FBZ Hungaria has one of the largest feather and down processing capacities in Europe.



Last year, China imported 938 tonnes of down and feathers from Hungary.



Wu Kunming, the chairman of Guvet Group, said the company had chosen FBZ Hungaria as a supplier with an eye to getting materials of the highest quality. He added that the Hungarian company already supplied a number of well-known international brands.



FBZ Hungary had revenue of HUF 18.2bn last year, public records show.



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MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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The Demjan Sandor Capital Programme, an element of the Demjan Sandor Programme for scaling up local SMEs, will launch with an allocation of HUF 100bn in February, the state secretary for SMEs announced.

The programme will make capital financing available to SMEs for expanding their range of business partners and joining new supply chains, Richard Szabados said.



The 8+1 point Demjan Sandor Programme is a part of the government's New Economic Policy Action Plan.



Szabados said the Demjan Sandor Capital Programme was drafted with the participation of National Capital Holding and would be implemented with the support of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK).



The details of three more elements of the Demjan Sandor Programme will be announced in the coming two weeks, he added.



National Capital Holding CEO Bence Katona said companies could apply for HUF 100m-200m in the framework of the Demjan Sandor Capital Programme. The Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) will subscribe the investment fund units in the scheme and MKIK will be in charge of managing the investment fund, he added.



The scheme will not focus on any particular branch of industry, but areas designated in the government's policy action plan, such as green economy, digitalisation, healthcare, education and sustainable industry, will enjoy an advantage, he said.



Purchases of real estate will be excluded from the scheme, but the capital may be used to upgrade or expand property already in use, he added.



The deadline for completing investment projects included in the scheme will be one year, with an option for a six-month extension if justified by the circumstances, he said. He added that the capital could be used for the self-financing requirement for other credit, paving the way for companies to access up to several hundred million forints.



The rate on the state-subsidised capital financing is 5pc. To comply with legal requirements, companies will exchange a token, 1pc equity stake for the financing that carries no right of control and may be repurchased at any time.



Companies with average annual revenue of at least HUF 300m and with at least two people on payroll may apply for the financing.



Govt to launch HUF 9bn business digitalisation programme

The government will launch a HUF 9bn programme to help Hungarian companies grow their businesses using digital channels in February, the state secretary for SMEs said.



The scheme, an element of the Demjan Sandor Programme for scaling up SMEs, targets businesses that don't have a homepage or aren't active on social media, Richard Szabados said. Participants will sign a two-year contract for ICT services, he added.



He put the number of companies that could benefit from the scheme at 10,000-13,000. In Hungary, just 66pc of companies with ten or more people on payroll have their own homepage and only 43pc have a presence on social media, while those figures are 78pc and 60pc, respectively, for the European Union as a whole, he added.



Neumann Janos Nonprofit is coordinating the scheme. Companies active in ICT, website development and social media with at least 25 clients and annual turnover of HUF 20m or more may apply to provide services in the scheme.



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New Delhi: On December 6, 2024, India will observe the 68th death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He was the visionary architect of the Indian Constitution and a staunch advocate for social justice. Mahaparinirvan Diwas, marked annually, sees thousands of people gathering at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai to honor his legacy. This day is not only about paying tribute to a remarkable leader but also about reflecting on his unwavering fight for equality and justice.

Heres a quick overview of what will be open and closed across the state on this day:

What's Closed?

- Government Offices: Local holiday observed in Mumbai and suburban areas; state and semi-government offices will remain closed.

- Liquor Shops: Declared dry day by the Mumbai city collector, so all liquor shops will be closed.

What's Open?

- Banks: Both public and private banks, including the State Bank of India, will operate as usual.

- Stock Markets: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open with regular operating hours.

Central Railway has introduced new measures to handle the large numbers of visitors heading to Chaitanyabhoomi. For the first time, holding areas will be set up at key stations across Mumbai. Further, 12 extra suburban trainssix on the main line and six on the harbor linewill run on December 5 and 6 to manage the heavy crowd.

Separate entry and exit points have been set up to ensure smooth flow at Dadar station. The Mumbai Traffic Police have also issued guidelines to manage traffic congestion, with special arrangements in place from 6:00 AM on December 5 to midnight on December 7.
APSC CCE Final Result 2024: The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has declared the results of the Combined Competitive Examination (2023) for recruitment to various government services/posts in Assam on December 5, 2024. Candidates can check their results and qualifying status in PDF format on the official website: apsc.nic.in. Chiranjeev Phukan secured the top rank in the Assam Civil Service (ACS), while Partha Prat Iv Sarivah claimed the first position in the Assam Police Service (APS). Notably, women candidates dominated the results, with 7 out of the top 10 positions in ACS and 4 out of the top 10 in APS being secured by them.

The interview (personality test) round for the APSC CCE 2024 took place from November 13 to 29, 2024. The final results were compiled based on candidates' performance in both the mains written examination and the interview/personality test.

APSC CCE Final Result 2024: Steps to download here

Go to the official APSC website at apsc.nic.in.

Click on the link for the result.

A PDF file will appear on your screen.

Look for your name and roll number in the list.

Download the PDF and print it for future reference.

A total of 45 candidates have been selected for Assam Civil Service (ACS), 35 for Assam Police Service (APS), one for Superintendent of Taxes, one for Superintendent of Excise, 13 for Assam Finance Service, six for Block Development Officer, four for Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, four for Inspector of Taxes, four for Inspector of Labour, one for Assistant Employment Officer, three for Sub-Registrar, 107 for Assistant Accounts Officer, and 11 for Inspecting Auditor (Elementary Education).

The objective-type exam consists of two papers: General Studies I and General Studies II, each carrying 200 marks, with no negative marking. The exam is conducted offline and includes six main papers: one essay paper, four general studies papers, and one language paper, with a total of 1,500 marks. The final stage is an offline interview test worth 180 marks.
India-Bhutan Ties: Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck arrived in the national capital on Thursday for a two-day official visit to India. Wangchucks visit to India is aimed at strengthening the ties between the two nations. The two were received by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. He noted that the Bhutanese king's visit to India will further strengthen the "unique bonds of friendship" shared by the two nations.

#WATCH | Delhi: King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife, The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck arrive in India on an official visit from 05-06 December. EAM Dr S Jaishankar receives them. pic.twitter.com/WNbDrG5oUx December 5, 2024

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today. His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship." Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, accompanied by senior officials from the Bhutanese government, arrived in India.

Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today.



His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship.



pic.twitter.com/LCnoJeVmLP  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 5, 2024

During the two-day visit, Bhutan's King will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The EAM and senior officials of the Indian government will call on Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

"India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by mutual understanding and trust. The visit shall provide both sides an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the exemplary bilateral partnership across diverse sectors, MEA said in a press release.

On December 2, Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, praised India as a pillar of support and inspiration for Bhutan. He said that the trust and shared values between the two nations make India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in Delhi on Monday, Dorji said, "India's role as Bhutan's closest partner is not only a pillar of support but also an inspiration. The trust, collaboration, and shared values between our two countries make India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations. Beyond herself, India enables opportunities and facilitates connections and engagements for us. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual growth that excites the two countries."

Dorji described the CII Partnership Summit as an "example of India's leadership, its commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity across Asia and the larger world." He also highlighted how, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for nations like Bhutan.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for countries like Bhutan. India stands not only as a trusted neighbour but also as a partner in our journey of growth and transformation, offering both inspiration and...support as we pursue our aspirations," he said.

"Leveraging this partnership, Bhutan has embarked on a transformative care strategic plan to evolve into a high income, Gross National Happiness, economic central Environment Initiative," he further stated.

(With ANI Inputs)
Delhiites breathed cleaner air for the second consecutive day on Thursday as the AQI was recorded in the "moderate" category with a reading of 165. Restrictions under Stage 4 of the GRAP were lifted and replaced with the Stage-2 measures.

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was recorded at 165 at 4 pm, registering a slight improvement from 178 on Wednesday. It marks a significant improvement as on Tuesday, the AQI was recorded in the "poor" category with a reading of 268, compared to 280 on Monday and 285 on Sunday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data.

For the month of December, the city has not seen such clean air since December 14, 2022, when the AQI was 163. In comparison, the lowest AQI recorded in December 2023 was 286, according to the CPCB. The Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to shift to the Stage-2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday.

As a result, several restrictions imposed under Stage 4, including a ban on the entry of diesel-run medium and heavy vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi -- except those carrying essential goods -- have been lifted.

However, under Stage 2 of the GRAP, restrictions such as a ban on the use of coal and firewood, including tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries, as well as the use of diesel generator sets -- except for emergency and essential services -- remain in force in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Of the 38 air quality monitoring stations in the city, five reported the air quality in the "poor" category on Thursday, while the remaining stations recorded "moderate" air quality, according to the Sameer app. The CPCB classifies AQI levels between 0 and 50 as "good", between 51 and 100 as "satisfactory", between 101 and 200 as "moderate", between 201 and 300 as "poor", between 301 and 400 as "very poor", and above 400 as "severe".

On Thursday, the primary pollutants were PM2.5 and PM10, with PM2.5 levels recorded at 59.9 g/m at 3 pm and PM10 levels at 138.7 g/m during the same time. These fine particles pose significant health risks as these can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, experts warn.

The Decision Support System (DSS), the primary tool used to assess and estimate the sources of pollution in Delhi, has not been updated since Friday. The latest data available on the website is from November 26 to November 29, and the data for the last six days is missing.

Officials at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), which operates the system, said the DSS model is still functional but technical difficulties with the website have caused delays. "We are experiencing a technical glitch with the website, but the DSS model is still running. We have been using the model continuously, except for Monday, when we encountered some issues," a senior official at the IITM explained, adding that they are working to resolve the problem soon.

The last update on the DSS website, showing the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2.5 concentration, was recorded at 5.84 per cent on November 26, down from 6.99 per cent on November 25. No further update on stubble burning has been provided since then.

For November 27, November 28 and November 29, the DSS has estimated that Delhi's transport sector contributed between 21 per cent and 24.6 per cent to the city's PM2.5 levels, with "other sources" contributing between 22 per cent and 24.6 per cent.

The air quality in the national capital began deteriorating on October 30, when it entered the "very poor" category. Over the next 15 days, the AQI consistently remained in the "very poor" range, with readings of above 300. The situation worsened further in the second half of November as the air turned toxic, with the AQI levels exceeding 400.

However, the air quality showed signs of improvement with the onset of December due to strong winds. Starting December 1, the AQI improved to the "poor" category and continued to get better.
India has made a strong case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is currently deliberating on a historic matter to determine global responsibility for climate change. Emphasizing the principle of "climate justice," India argued that it is unjust to expect nations with negligible historical emissions to bear an equal burden in combating climate change.

Speaking on behalf of India, Luther M. Rangreji, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that developed nations have disproportionately consumed the global carbon budget, making them primarily responsible for the climate crisis. He stated that "developing countries' obligations depend on the fulfillment of two critical aspects: climate finance and climate justice."

India, home to approximately 17.8% of the world's population, has contributed less than 4% of global emissions. Rangreji underscored that there are limits to how much India can burden its citizens while striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for one-sixth of humanity.

India reaffirmed its commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, despite the lack of promised financial and technological support from developed nations. However, it called out the inadequacy of climate finance provided by wealthier nations, describing the recently agreed-upon COP29 package in Baku as "too little and too distant."

Furthermore, India urged developed nations to lead by example by achieving net-zero emissions well before 2050. It asserted that global cooperation on climate change cannot succeed without addressing inequities in responsibility and capacity between nations. As the ICJ deliberates on this precedent-setting case, India's stance amplifies the voice of the Global South, advocating for fairness, accountability, and stronger action from developed nations in addressing the climate crisis.
In an exclusive expose on the current situation in Bangladesh, DNA reported disturbing revelations regarding a rising anti-India sentiment fueled by Pakistan. On Thursday, the show highlighted the growing hostility towards India, following a series of incidents that show a deliberate attempt to target Indian products and foster anti-India narratives in Bangladesh.

The latest developments reveal that Bangladesh has witnessed large-scale campaigns against Indian goods, with Pakistani influence at its core. Public burnings of Indian-made products, including sarees, have been organized by political leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

On Wednesday, senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi publicly set fire to sarees bought from India, further intensifying the campaign against Indian products. Rizvi, in front of media cameras, handed the sarees to extremists, who burned them in a highly publicized act.

Simultaneously, anti-India campaigns are rampant on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottIndianProducts trending on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). The posts, which spread misinformation about Indian goods, are reportedly linked to Pakistani-backed accounts, further confirming the orchestrated nature of the campaign.

The rising hostility toward India is part of a broader Pakistani agenda in Bangladesh, which seems to be targeting three main fronts. The first victim is the Hindu community in Bangladesh, who continue to face increasing persecution.

Second, Pakistan has been actively helping the Bangladesh military, potentially opening a new front against India. Third, the economic boycott of Indian products is aimed at inflicting financial damage on India.

The situation has raised alarm over Bangladesh's shifting political alignment, with religious extremism gaining ground. Reports indicate that Pakistan has been subtly taking control in the country, especially after the 2021 coup, which saw the fall of secular symbols such as the statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh.

Pakistans growing influence is also evident in Bangladesh's security apparatus, where customs checks have been relaxed, making it easier for arms and militants to enter from Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistani diplomats and military officers are reportedly moving freely within Bangladesh, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Today, 53 years after Bangladeshs independence from Pakistan, the sacrifices of millions who fought for freedom seem to have been forgotten. The country is now grappling with a new wave of extremism, and a dangerous shift in allegiances, as some factions within Bangladesh embrace Pakistan as a guiding force.
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Thursday took the oath of office as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It was only during the swearing-in ceremony that Shinde's name became clear for the Deputy CM post. Shinde, who was reluctant to take up the Deputy post, agreed to play the second fiddle after his party leaders insisted. With Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis swapping their roles in the government, now all eyes are on the Maharashtra Home Minister's post.

Reportedly, the Shiv Sena has staked claim to the post as Shinde was not made the CM this time. In the previous government, the Home portfolio was with Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking to reporters Thursday evening, Fadnavis said that the Home Ministry is an important department but those handling get less thanks and more abuses.

"Home Ministry is such a department in which you get less thanks and more abuses, but despite that, you have to handle this ministry with conviction. I handled it with conviction. In this term too, our government will take all such measures through the Home Ministry to ensure that law and order remains good in Maharashtra, and the people of Maharashtra feel safe," said Fadnavis.

Reacting to the cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation, Fadnavis said that the Speaker's election will be held during a special session of the Maharashtra assembly to be held between Dec 7-9 while the cabinet expansion will be completed before the winter session.

"Who will get what ministry, this will be decided by the three together and it is in the final stage. The work of the ministers in the previous government is being assessed and further decisions will be taken on that basis," said CM Fadnavis.


Eric Burlison. AP Images

Following his reelection to a second term in the upcoming Congress, Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) announced last week his plans to revive and reintroduce former Representative Matt Gaetz's "Abolish the ATF Act." Said Burlison, "In January I will be filing the bill that Matt Gaetz sponsored to abolish the ATF. The ATF has been a disaster for the American people and our God-given Second Amendment rights. It should absolutely be abolished."

Abolish the NFA

Within days of his inauguration as a member of the House in January 2023, Burlison revealed his real intentions: His first act was to introduce a bill to abolish the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), the law that has enabled the ATF to consistently and deliberately violate Americans' rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

At the time, Burlison said:

The federal government has used the National Firearms Act for almost a century to violate law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights. The recent ATF pistol brace rule is just another example of these blatant attacks on the constitutional rights of Americans. The ATF-NFA sham needs to end. The Repeal the NFA Act will strip the ATF of its authority to criminalize lawful gun owners and will undo nearly 90 years of assault on fundamental freedoms. I'm proud to stand with and support Americans nationwide as we take this issue head-on.

Burlison received support from Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ): .....
MUMBAI: Devendra Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, was on Thursday evening sworn in as chief minister -- a position he has held twice before. "Mi Punha Ye-in (I will be back)," he had famously said at the end of his first tenure in the top post in 2019. His detractors mocked him over the resolution when he had to sit in the opposition subsequently; but the BJP leader had the last laugh. The 54-year-old leader, whose career has been marked by a blend of resilience and strategic manoeuvring, would lead the state for the third time following a decisive showing of the BJP in the November 20 assembly polls.

Fadnavis' political journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From serving as an obscure corporator to becoming the youngest mayor of Nagpur, he has strengthened his status as a prominent leader within his party. Notably, he is only the second Brahmin to serve as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, following the Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi. His ascent began in earnest ahead of the 2014 assembly elections, where he garnered significant support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader Amit Shah.

Modi famously referred to him as "Nagpur's gift to the country" during a campaign rally. Though Modi had launched a campaign blitzkrieg in the 2014 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly polls, a portion of the credit also went to Fadnavis, then state BJP president, for the party's success. Son of Jan Sangh and later BJP leader late Gangadhar Fadnavis, whom his fellow Nagpur politician Nitin Gadkari calls his "political guru", Devendra cut his teeth in politics at a young age when he joined Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, students wing of RSS, in 1989. At 22, he became a corporator in the Nagpur civic body and its youngest Mayor in 1997 at age 27.

Fadnavis contested his first assembly election in 1999 and won. There was no looking back for him as he won three subsequent assembly elections. He retained his Nagpur South West seat comfortably in the last month's election. Unlike many other leaders in Maharashtra, Fadnavis has remained untainted by accusations of corruption. Among the most articulate Maharashtra politicians, he is also credited with pushing the previous Congress-NCP government into a corner over the alleged irrigation scam.

Fadnavis experienced a setback in the aftermath of the 2019 assembly elections as then united Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray pulled out of the pre-poll alliance over the CM's post, shattering the BJP leader's `I will come back again' slogan. Fadnavis was sworn in as the chief minister for the second time on November 23, 2019, and Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the deputy chief minister. However, before a Supreme Court-ordered no confidence motion could take place, Fadnavis quit on November 26, three days after taking oath as the CM.

Uddhav Thackeray, propped up by Sharad Pawar-led NCP, later became the CM, but quit after senior Sena leader Eknath Shinde split the party in June 2022 and later became the CM. After Thackeray demitted office following the large-scale desertions in the Sena, many political observers thought that Fadnavis, who they knew was behind the episode, would become the CM.

However, the BJP leadership had other plans and a reluctant Fadnavis was asked to occupy the deputy CM's post. His tenure in the last two-and-a-half years as Deputy Chief Minister saw a marked resurgence, and the assembly elections results of November 23 came as the much-awaited cherry on the cake. Though he hails from a politically active family, his father and aunt both served in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Fadnavis has crafted his own distinct political identity.

Fadnavis' first tenure as the CM was characterised by a combination of good governance and effective political manoeuvring. He earned praise for his push to expedite infrastructure projects, gaining favour particularly among urban voters. However, his term was not without challenges. The state suffered significant crop losses due to erratic weather, and his initial rejection of loan waiver for affected farmers sparked widespread protests. Another major issue during his tenure was the Maratha community's demand for reservations. Though he passed legislation to meet these demands, the subsequent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the law left many in the Maratha community dissatisfied, blaming Fadnavis for the failure. The 2019 assembly elections marked a dramatic shift in Fadnavis' political trajectory.

The Shiv Sena's refusal to join the government unless it shared the Chief Minister's post led Fadnavis to seek an alternative alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar. This government, however, was short-lived, collapsing after just 72 hours. Fadnavis then assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition. In June 2022, following a rebellion within the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis was instructed by the BJP leadership to return to the government as Deputy CM under Shinde. Although initially reluctant, Fadnavis accepted the role, signalling his loyalty to the party leadership.

Even after a significant loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he played a pivotal role in shaping the seat-sharing arrangement between the BJP and Shinde's faction. Fadnavis' career has, thus far, been defined by resilience, adaptability and strategic insight. His ability to adapt and make tactical decisions could prove crucial for him and his party in the coming days.
NEW DELHI: In their first diplomatic talks under a key dialogue mechanism since withdrawing troops from two face-off points, India and China on Thursday reflected on the lessons learnt from the eastern Ladakh border row in order to prevent such face-offs in future. At the meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs in New Delhi, the two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas in line with bilateral pacts and protocols.

The two sides also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary question. "The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The eastern Ladakh military standoff between India and China began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours. The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.

Two days after the pact was firmed up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in the Russian city of Kazan. In the meeting, the two sides agreed to revive several dialogue mechanisms including the Special Representatives dialogue on boundary questions.

India's Special Representative for the dialogue is NSA Ajit Doval while the Chinese side is headed at the talks by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "They also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which is to be held in accordance with the decision of the two leaders in their meeting in Kazan on October 23," the MEA said on the WMCC talks.

It said "both sides reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence."

"In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level through established mechanisms....They agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two governments," the MEA added.

The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA. The Chinese team was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department at the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Hong also called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) at the level of foreign ministers.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the agreement outlines the formation of new Joint Working Groups in sectors including trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture, and these groups will operate under the JCC to review and monitor bilateral relations between the two nations.

The JCC would also oversee existing working groups in areas such as hydrocarbons, health, and consular matters.

"New Joint Working Groups in areas of Trade, Investment, Education, Technology, Agriculture, Security and Culture, will be set up under the JCC. The JCC mechanism will act as an umbrella institutional mechanism to comprehensively review and monitor the entire gamut of our bilateral relations under the new Joint Working Groups and the existing ones in areas including Hydrocarbons, Health and Consular matters," the statement read.

Abdullah Ali Al Yahya was on an official visit to India at the invitation of the EAM. This is the first official visit of Abdullah Ali Al Yahya as the foreign minister of Kuwait to India.

During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who affirmed confidence in advancing the historical and deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

Taking to X, PM Modi lauded the Kuwaiti leadership for ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals.

"Glad to receive Foreign Minister of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of the Indian nationals. India is committed to advancing our deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region," he stated on X.

Kuwait's Foreign Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the EAM, and during the bilateral meeting between them, the leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Kuwait ties in areas including political, trade, investment, energy, food security, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in a press statement.

During the bilateral meeting, Jaishankar congratulated Kuwait on its successful leadership of the Gulf Cooperation Council and also highlighted areas of cooperation between the two countries and thanked his counterpart for taking care of the Indian community in Kuwait.

"Our two countries enjoy a long-standing friendship, and in our case, centuries old. We are committed to strengthening our bilateral ties across various domains, including trade, investment, energy, IT, culture, and consular," he said.

Kuwait Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, during the meeting, called India a "very important partner," adding that he looks forward to upgrading their bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership. He also expressed gratitude on meeting PM Modi and called him "one of the wisest people worldwide. The prime minister put India at a better level. And I'm sure he will continue for that."
Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 05-12-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-550" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-550, December 05, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KN-550" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-550 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-550 results today.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised on Thursday that his government would continue the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and he would also go ahead with the promise that was made before the election to increase the monthly pay under the scheme to Rs 2,100 from the existing Rs 1,500. The Ladki Bahin Yojana aims at helping women from families below the poverty line. It was initiated by the first Mahayuti government.

At his first-ever press conference, he announced what he would like to achieve in the next five years, that his government was here to do "politics of change, not revenge." He was quite sure that there was vast trust and immense pressure since when voters of Maharashtra have very soundly supported his group at the 2024 assembly election.

"The people's hopes are high, and I feel their pressure," Fadnavis said. At the same time, he also said that based on the progress made in the last two-and-a-half years, Maharashtra will continue to grow in social, infrastructure, and industrial areas.

Fadnavis said that the Ladki Bahin Yojana will go on. They are planning to put money for it in the next state budget. "We will keep our promise to raise the stipend to Rs 2,100 per month," he promised. This announcement was part of the Mahayuti coalition's plan to help women from poorer parts of society.

The Maharashtra Assembly will conduct a three-day special session in Mumbai beginning 7 December, announced Fadnavis. They would there choose the new speaker of the assembly. "The election for the new speaker will take place on December 9," Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis said his government will get bigger before the winter meeting of the state legislature in Nagpur later this month. Right now, the government has Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar from NCP.

Talks on forming the cabinet are almost done, he said, indicating that discussions about job assignments are finishing. Fadnavis also showed political maturity by talking about the weaker opposition in the new assembly. "Even with a smaller opposition, we will deal with all valid issues they raise," he said.

The CM repeated what his party thinks about the controversial caste census issue. He said the BJP is not against the census but has some issues with its use as a political tool. "The 2022 caste census in Bihar was done with our support, but we need to first decide its goals," he said.

The CM also spoke about the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the assembly, with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) now having fewer than 50 seats in the 288-member house. He said that the issue would be decided by the new speaker.

Fadnavis illustrated an example in the Lok Sabha. There, because of the scarcity of members, the LoP is awarded powers given to the leader of the largest opposition party usually.

Fadnavis said that his plan for the future of Maharashtra was going to depend on people and work openly.

He said his administration would focus on keeping the state's progress in important areas like river linking, solar energy, and overall development in social, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.

"Roles may have changed, but focus and direction stay the same," he said, arguing that policies remain in operation even with new leaders in place. When asked pointedly who will get prominent Home and Finance jobs, though, Fadnavis was less than forthcoming--only saying that these roles will be with our government

When asked about Eknath Shinde's role after he was not given a second term as CM, Fadnavis said there was no sign of any problem. "Shinde quickly agreed to my request to be part of the government," he said, adding that it was important for the main leaders in the government to work together for good governance.

Fadnavis said that when thinking about his own political career, he had personally approached opposition leaders such as Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Sushilkumar Shinde, and Prithviraj Chavan, apart from Raj Thackeray of the MNS, asking them to attend his swearing-in ceremony.

"They congratulated me and wished me well. Sadly, they couldn't come for personal reasons," he said. The CM emphasized that political leaders should keep talking to each other even if they disagree, highlighting how important it is to work together. Finally, Fadnavis discussed his experience over the last five years when he spent time in opposition. He said that he came to "faith and patience" while in opposition, talking of lessons from Sai Baba which had helped him in political life.
Parliament Winter Session: Leaders of several INDIA bloc parties continued their protest on the Parliament premises on Thursday over the Adani indictment issue and called for a joint parliamentary probe into the matter. Opposition MPs, including LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi protested at the Parliament premises.

#WATCH | Delhi: Opposition MPs, including LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi protest over Adani matter, at the Parliament premises. pic.twitter.com/BuBDGDnT7f December 5, 2024

The Congress and some other opposition have been demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe following the indictment by US prosecutors of Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and other company officials on bribery and fraud charges.

Opposition MPs, including senior Congress leader and newly elected Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi were seen wearing jackets during the protest outside Parliament. It is pertinent to mention that MPs of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP) are not participating in this protest.

#WATCH | Delhi: Opposition MPs wear jackets symbolising their protest over the Adani issue and stage a demonstration at the Parliament premises. pic.twitter.com/hJrAYkNzPv December 5, 2024

Rahul Gandhi Jabs PM Modi

Amid the protest over Adani US Indictment issue, Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that he can't get billionaire Gautam Adani investigated as Adani's investigation will mean his own investigation. "...Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain," Gandhi said.
An officer and two constables of the Mumbai police were injured after some members of the notorious Irani gang, including women, hurled stones at a team of security personnel in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday night in Ambivli, around 30 km from Thane city, following which police registered a case against around 35 persons and detained four of them, they said.

A team from the MIDC police station in Mumbai's Andheri had gone to Ambivli to apprehend a suspect involved in a criminal case. They took him into custody, but he managed to escape after the stone pelting, the police said.

"Around 9.30 pm on Wednesday, a Mumbai police's team went to Ambivli to nab Onu Lala Irani, a 20-year accused wanted in a criminal case. But soon after the police took him into custody, a group of persons, including women, gathered near the Ambivli railway station and started hurling stones at the cops," an official said.

A police officer was injured in the stone-pelting, while two constables suffered minor wounds, he said. The miscreants allegedly associated with the Irani gang indulged in heavy stone pelting, in which railway property, including its ticket booking office, got damaged, he added.

A complaint lodged by one of the injured police personnel said the accused hurled stones at them with the intention of killing their team members and freeing the accused from their custody.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered at the Khadakpada police station in Kalyan division and it was later transferred to the Kalyan unit of the Government Railway Police (GRP) as the incident took place on the Ambivli railway station premises, the police official said.

Around 35 persons, most of them women, from the Irani Basti locality near the Ambivli railway station, have been booked in this connection. While four of them have been detained so far, efforts are on nab others, he said.

The case was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, including attempt to murder, assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty, voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, and resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person, along with the provisions of the Railways Act and Criminal Law Amendment Act, the official said, adding that the Kalyan GRP is probing the incident.

Members of the notorious Irani gang are accused of being involved in several crimes, including chain-snatching and burglaries, police said.
Maharashtra News: In a jibe at outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday, after the Mahayuti alliance picked Devendra Fadnavis to be the next CM, said one thing is confirmed: Shinde era is over," and he will never be CM again.

Raut's remark came after the incumbent Mahayuti alliance picked Devendra Fadnavis to be the next CM and offered Shinde the post of deputy CM, following their landslide victory in the recently concluded Assembly polls in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that Shinde was 'used' by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and now "has been tossed aside."

"The Shinde era is over; it was just for two years. His usage is now over, and he has been tossed aside. Shinde will never be the CM of this state again. They (BJP) can even break Shinde's party; this has always been BJP's line in politics. They break and finish the party of those who work with them," Raut said. He further questioned the delay in revealing the CM despite having a clear majority. Raut suggested something was wrong within the Mahayuti alliance.

"Devendra Fadnavis will be the CM of the state from today. He has the majority, but despite that, they were unable to form the government for 15 daysit means that there is something wrong within their party or Mahayuti. This issue will start showing from tomorrow," Raut said.

Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai today. The oath-taking ceremony will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats.

The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. As far as the opposition alliance in the state Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is concerned, it suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats.

(With ANI Inputs)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he is worried at recent attempts to attack mosques and religious places in India, described these as part of "well-planned conspiracy" to break the backbone of the religious community. Abdullah has also criticized the attacks of his countrymen on the recent incidents, terming this a direct threat to the religious freedom in the county. "By attacking our mosques, shrines, and how we practice our religion you are harming us," Abdullah said while talking to reporters from the 42nd-anniversary ceremony of SKIMS.

"This is not the India that Jammu and Kashmir used to be a part of. This is not the India our founding fathers dreamed of," he said, emphasizing how it has deviated from the embracing idea of the nation's founders.

He was also opposed to the concept of "appeasement" that is being talked about in the political field nowadays. He said that Muslims need no special treatment, but they should not be dealt with differently or attacked. He was saying this because of increasing violence and religious site vandalism all over the country.

Chief Minister strongly renewed his demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a promise made first by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during parliamentary polls and then during the assembly polls. "People have come out in large numbers to vote in recent elections, and the commitment shown to the cause has to be met," said Abdullah while reiterating the need to respect commitments made to people of this region.

He spoke about the current survey of mosques and shrines that is taking place all over India, which has alarmed many communities. "Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, no matter what religion someone has or if they do not follow any religion," he said. "This important idea of secularism must be respected." He also criticized what he called "systematic efforts to weaken this belief," calling these actions "unacceptable."

Abdullah also emphasized the need for the states restoration of status and the honoring of promises made to its people. Omar was Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 42nd foundation day of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
Maharashtra on Thursday got its new Chief Minister with Devendra Fadnavis at the helm and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde along with NCP leader Ajit Pawar took oath of office as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state. The swearing-in ceremony event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers of the NDA-ruled states and several celebrities. After Shinde, who was earlier reluctant to accept the Deputy CM post, took the oath of office, Prime Minister Modi had a brief conversation with him on the stage and the two leaders were spotted sharing a laugh.

Later, taking to X, PM Modi said that the new Maharashtra government team is a blend of experience and dynamism. "Congratulations to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji and Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state. This team is a blend of experience and dynamism, and it is due to this team's collective efforts that the Mahayuti has got a historic mandate in Maharashtra," said Modi.

Congratulations to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister.



Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji and Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state.



This team is a blend of experience and dynamism, and it is pic.twitter.com/IA9rH52H1H  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2024

The Prime Minister further assured support to the new government. "This team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance. I assure all possible support from the Centre in furthering development in Maharashtra," said Modi.

Talking to reporters after the first meeting of the government, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the allocation of the ministries will be decided soon. "Who will get what ministry, this will be decided by the three together and it is in the final stage. The work of the ministers in the previous government is being assessed and further decisions will be taken on that basis," said Fadnavis.

Speaking to media, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "Maharashtra is a state that gives ideological direction to the country and I, who comes from a simple farmer family, got the opportunity to become the CM of such a state...PM Narendra Modi also supported us completely, gave us full strength. Union HM Amit Shah also stood behind us with full strength...And that is why we could do so much work in 2.5 years. We have taken so many historic decisions. This will be written in golden letters."

Shinde further added, "I had said that in this election, we will see the result of the 2.5 year tenure of the government, we will get the blessings of the people. I am also happy that when we started, 2.5 years ago, 40 people were with us, today 60 people are there. Earlier I used to consider myself as a common man, not a Chief Minister, now as DCM, I consider myself dedicated common man...I will fully support the CM and cooperate with him."
Amethi: A dispute over a seat on board the Begampura Express turned violent on Thursday, leaving a 24-year-old man dead and two of his brothers seriously injured, police here said. The incident occurred between Lucknow and Nihalgarh stations when the train was en route from Jammu to Varanasi, and the accused have been arrested, they said. According to police, the altercation began over a seat and escalated into a physical confrontation.

Tauhid, a 24-year-old resident of Maderikan here, was returning home from Ambala when he got into an argument with a group of youths from Gautampur village in adjoining Sultanpur district.

"The dispute intensified, and the youths attacked Tauhid with a knife and an iron rod, fatally injuring him," a police official said.

Before succumbing to his injuries, Tauhid managed to inform his family, prompting his brothers, Talib (20) and Tausif (27), to rush to Nihalgarh railway station, the official said.

"Upon arrival, the attackers assaulted them as well, leaving both seriously injured. Talib was referred to Lucknow's trauma centre after initial treatment at CHC Jagdishpur, while Tausif continues to receive treatment at the CHC," the official added.

Tanuj Pal, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the local Bhale Sultan Shaheed Smarak police station, said, "The body has been sent for postmortem, and necessary legal action is being taken. The accused youths have been arrested by the GRP (Government Railway Police) at Sultanpur railway station".
New Delhi: Popular television star Hina Khan has left her fans in awe of her resilience as she shared an emotional update on her Instagram. Posting pictures of herself walking through a hospital corridor, accompanied by medical bags, Hina expressed her gratitude and determination to heal.

In her caption, she wrote:

Walking towards the brighter side thru these Corridors of Healing One step at a time Gratitude, Gratitude, and only Gratitude. Dua. She added hashtags like #strength #resilience #ScaredNotScared #DaddysStrongGirl #onedayatatime #AWindowToMyJourney, offering a glimpse into her courageous battle.

Actress Arti Singh commented, Lioness Lots of dua for you. Im standing by your side, taking steps with you. Her words echoed the sentiments of fans who flooded Hinas post with messages of love and prayers, calling her a braveheart and an inspiration.

Hina Khans openness about her journey serves as a reminder of the power of strength and positivity in the face of challenges. Fans and well-wishers continue to support her through this chapter.

Hina Khan who was recently seen in Bigg Boss 18 was touched by Salman Khan penned down a note of gratitude, "I always find something to take back from my meetings with the most humble and kind @beingsalmankhan. This time though it was different.. The Effort he made to meet me after his Long n Tiring day of shoot, standing all day doing what he does.. touched my heart, Salman.. He called me and Sat me Down for close to an hour, asked about every little detail of my Treatment and the way he tried to boost my confidence was unlike anything."

Hina Khan was diagnosed with breast cancer third stage in June 2024 and since then she has been sharing updates about her healing and winning hearts with her resilience.
Renowned Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, celebrated for acclaimed works like Mumbai Police and How Old Are You, recently had a momentous encounter with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Known as the megastar of Indian cinema, Bachchan has been a source of inspiration for generations of filmmakers and actors, including Andrrews.

Sharing his heartfelt emotions on social media, Andrrews wrote, "I grew up watching this man for me, he was Indian cinema. Had come very close to meeting him several times And today I shook hands with the biggest star the country has seen. Told him my first Hindi movie Deva is releasing 31st of January. He gave me his blessings. From now on, I will mark December 4th as one of the most important days of my life The day I met Amitabh Bachchan!"

Have a look at the post here:

The post resonated deeply with fans and film enthusiasts, highlighting the profound impact of Bachchan's legacy on Indian cinema.

Deva, directed by Andrrews and produced by Zee Studios and Siddharth Roy Kapur, is set to mark Shahid Kapoors highly anticipated return to the big screen after a year-long hiatus. Starring alongside Kapoor are Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati, promising a captivating narrative filled with gripping performances.

With Andrrews at the helm, Deva is poised to be a cinematic spectacle, blending emotional depth and high-intensity drama. The film is slated for release on January 31st, 2025, and fans are eagerly counting down to witness this grand creation on the big screen.
In a major breach of security, a man entered the sets of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Mumbai.

As per the Mumbai Police, Salman Khan was shooting a film in Dadar West when a fan wanted to watch the shooting, but the security personnel moved him aside and a fight broke out between them. In anger, the man took the name of Lawrence Bishnoi, after which the guards called the police and handed him over to them. The man is a resident of Mumbai.

Earlier on October 24, Mumbai Police arrested a man from Jamshedpur who had threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore.

According to the Mumbai Police, it registered a case against an unknown person and started an investigation after Mumbai Traffic Police received a threatening message.

On October 21, the Mumbai police received an apology from the same sender who threatened Khan on October 18, stating that the message was "sent by mistake."

The initial threat message was sent to the number of Mumbai Traffic Police's control room on October 18.

Salman has been surrounded by tight security for a while now. He was upgraded to Y+ security especially after a firing incident outside his residence in April this year.

The firing incident took place on April 14 outside Salman's residence at Galaxy Apartments in the Bandra area of Mumbai.

The subsequent arrests revealed connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading the Mumbai Police to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all involved in the shooting.

Earlier, police said that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Vishnoi, played a key role in motivating the shooters. After receiving weapons delivery in Panvel on March 15, 2024, Anmol provided the shooters with the target's information, instructing them to carry out the firing at the actor's residence.

The planned firing incident was executed as per instructions, during which the shooters received a total of Rs 3 lakh.
Mumbai: Naga Chaitanya who is married to Sobhita Dhulipala now appeared on Rana Daggubatis chat show streaming on Prime, where he opened up about his vision of family life and shared heartfelt desires for his future. When Rana questioned him about his personal life, Chaitanya replied with confidence, Personal life is all neat and clean.

As Chay appeared on the show, his unseen vacation pictures with wife Sobhita grabbed attention. During the conversation, Rana delved deeper, asking Chaitanya how he envisions his future family. The actor candidly expressed his dreams of having both a son and a daughter. He revealed, I want to take my son to a race track, go-kart with him. If I have a daughter, Id love to indulge in whatever hobbies she has. I want to spend those moments with them.

Naga Chaitanyas comments come at a significant moment in his life, just after his marriage to actress Sobhita. With his newlywed journey just beginning, Naga Chaitanyas heartfelt statements have left fans eagerly anticipating how his family dreams will unfold.

Watching Sobhita and Chay begin this beautiful chapter together has been a special and emotional moment for me. Congratulations to my beloved Chay, and welcome to the family dear Sobhitayouve already brought so much happiness into our lives.



This celebration holds pic.twitter.com/oBy83Q9qNm December 4, 2024

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala got married on December 4 in Hyderabad and their pictures of wedding has been taking the internet by storm. Chay and Sobhita made a gorgeous couple and the entire Akkineni family is celebrating this big day.
Mumbai: Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have officially embarked on their journey as husband and wife, marking their union in a beautiful traditional Telugu wedding. In one of the most heartwarming moments of the ceremony, Naga Chaitanya was seen lovingly tying the mangalsutra around Sobhitas neck, a gesture that moved her to tears of joy. Sobhita looked an ethereal bride and it was hard to take eyes off her gorgeousness.

The wedding, held at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, was an intimate yet grand affair, attended by close family and a select group of friends. Nagarjuna Akkineni, Naga Chaitanyas father shared their first pictures of the wedding and welcomed Sobhita into the family with an emotional message, Watching Sobhita and Chay begin this beautiful chapter together has been a special and emotional moment for me. Congratulations to my beloved Chay, and welcome to the family, dear Sobhitayouve already brought so much happiness into our lives.

He added, This celebration holds even deeper meaning as it unfolds under the blessings of ANR Garus statue, installed to mark his centenary year. It feels as though his love and guidance are present with us at every step of this journey. I thank the countless blessings showered upon us today with gratitude.

Watching Sobhita and Chay begin this beautiful chapter together has been a special and emotional moment for me. Congratulations to my beloved Chay, and welcome to the family dear Sobhitayouve already brought so much happiness into our lives.



This celebration holds pic.twitter.com/oBy83Q9qNm December 4, 2024

Fans of Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita have been pouring in their wishes for the couple, celebrating this new chapter in their lives.
Mumbai: Actress Payal Rohatgi recently made an emotional appeal to her fans, revealing that her father is battling prostate cancer.

In a heartfelt post, Payal shared details about his condition and the financial strain the family is facing, urging her followers to come forward with their support and donations. On Wednesday, Payal took to her Instagram handle and wrote a lengthy note that read, I have decided to post this on my social media after a lot of internal alignment of my thoughts. In our country, medical treatments are expensive. And every middle class family has limited funds. Also my father thought he would get reimbursement from the medical insurance company of whose premium he had paid but he hasnt. The medical insurance PREMIUM every year so much for senior citizens but when genuine medical expenses dont get reimbursed its sad. He requested me to put it on my social media and I am doing it as I want to connect via this platform.

She added, Crowd funding (Donation) needed for my Father. He is a senior citizen and is suffering from Prostate Cancer (since 2018), COPD i.e., shrinking lungs (since 2006) and Very Severe Osteoporosis (since 2008). Request my fans and followers to Donate generously and deposit money in the following account. Some Medical Reports attached. The entire medical file can be sent on email too.

Payal Rohatgi was a contestant in the reality show Bigg Boss in 2008. In 2022, she participated in ALT Balaji's reality television show Lock Upp and emerged as the runner-up. The show was hosted by actress Kangana Ranaut and Payal during her stint on it, made several startling revelations about her personal life.

Rohatgi also appeared in movies like 36 China Town, Ugly Aur Pagli and Irrfan Khans Dil Kabaddi.

She is married to wrestler Sangram Singh.
Mumbai: Vikrant Massey is back at making headlines as the Sabarmati Report actor resumed to work days after announcing break from films. He was seen in Dehradun for his upcoming film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan alongside his heroine Shanaya Kapoor. The entire team was seen meeting the Chief Minister Of Dehradun as they kickstart the shooting, and his fans are pleasantly surprised with this move of the actor.

This film came in notice days after he announced a break from films, he shared a long note on his social media account that read,"Hello, The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realise its time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor. So, coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Until time deems right. Last 2 movies and many a years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between. Forever indebted".

This announcement of Vikrant was misunderstood as his retirement from acting and later he clarified that he has just announced a break as he is just burned out. The actor in his statement clearly mentioned that he would be seen as an actor in 2025, and he is currently fulfilling all his commitments.
Pushpa 2 Hyderabad Stampede: A woman was killed and her son sustained serious injuries in a stampede at a theatre in Hyderabad during the premiere show of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule,' starring Allu Arjun, on Wednesday night, according to media reports.

Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the mob outside Sandhya Theatre at RTC X Roads, as per news agency IANS. Chaos erupted after overenthusiastic fans of Allu Arjun surged to see the actor, who had arrived at the theater.

A tense situation prevailed at the theater in the busy area. Following the stampede incident, the woman, who died later, and her son were shifted to a hospital. A large number of fans thronged the theater to catch a glimpse of the actor, who watched the show along with some other members of the film unit.

Amid the chaos at the theater, the main gate also collapsed. As Allu Arjun was still inside the theater, the police beefed up security with the deployment of additional force to prevent any untoward incident, as reported by IANS. Director Sukumar's 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' is all set to release in multiple languages on Thursday.

The premiere shows were scheduled at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday in selected theaters in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengaluru. The much-awaited movie is slated to release on more than 10,000 screens in 2D and 4DX formats. The release of the 3D version was cancelled at the last minute due to a delay in post-production.

'Pushpa 2: The Rule' is a sequel to the 2021 film 'Pushpa: The Rise,' which was a massive hit across India.

'Pushpa 2' features Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead. Like in 'Pushpa: The Rise,' Fahadh Faasil will be seen in a key role. Anasuya Bharadwaj, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Daali Dhananjaya, and others are part of the supporting cast.

Cashing in on the high anticipation among fans, the ticket prices of the movie have been hiked in both the Telugu states. A public interest litigation was filed in the Telangana High Court challenging the state government's action in allowing a hike in ticket prices. The court, however, refused to stay the film's release.

(With IANS Inputs)
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France's far-right and left-wing lawmakers united in a historic no-confidence vote over budget disputes, forcing Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. This marks the first such occurrence since 1962. The National Assembly passed the motion with 331 votes, surpassing the required 288.

President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that he will complete his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time, following July's legislative elections which resulted in a deeply divided parliament.

The officials informed that Macron is all set to address the French on Thursday evening. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then.

A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France's modern Republic.

I can tell you that it will remain an honor for me to have served France and the French with dignity, Barnier said in his final speech.

This no-confidence motion will make everything more serious and more difficult. That's what I'm sure of, he added.

President Emmanuel Macron To Pick New PM

Macron must appoint a new prime minister but the fragmented parliament remains unchanged. With no new legislative elections possible until at least July, this creates a potential stalemate for policymakers.



Macron said discussions about him potentially resigning were make-believe politics during a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, according to French media reports.

I'm here because I've been elected twice by the French people, Macron said. He was also reported as saying: We must not scare people with such things. We have a strong economy.

(With PTI inputs)
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday ordered that remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina be removed from all social media platforms right away. The tribunal termed her recent speech "hate speech" and said they were worried that her statements could affect the ongoing investigations against her by the interim government.

Hasina's comments, which became very popular earlier this week, were made during an online speech at an Awami League event in New York. In her speech, Hasina accused Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of planning mass killings and religious violence in Bangladesh. She claimed that Yunus and his student helpers were responsible for attacks on Hindu temples, including ISKCON sites, and other places of worship for minorities. "Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who is responsible for mass killings through a deliberate plan," Hasina said.

The comments sparked a huge controversy, with critics questioning when and how the allegations were brought. Local news reports highlighted ICT-BD prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim, who feared that Hasina's leaked speeches and phone calls, which circulated on social media and online portals, would hamper the investigation initiated by the interim government against her.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza, directed Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove within a couple of days all editions of speeches by Hasina that became controversial from national as well as international social media platforms like Facebook and X.

Prosecuting lawyer Abdullah Al Noman, who filed the petition with a request to ban speeches of Hasina, said that order from the tribunal would be forwarded to international platforms as well. "We will arrange to have the order of the tribunal written to the concerned authorities of international forums," Noman said.

This is significant because the tribunal was an outcome of Hasina's own government under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. It was to probe into and punish the crimes that had been committed during the 1971 Liberation War, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by the Pakistani forces and their local helpers.

Speaking minutes after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Bangladesh Minister in charge of Home Affairs Sheikh Hasina said, 'He is a spokesman of Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, also ISKCON Bangladesh who had been detained by the interim administration'. She condemned the arrest while demanding Das' immediate release by pointing out the growing religious persecution of minorities in Bangladesh- 'particularly Hindus'. She mentioned several acts of violence including the burning of temples in Chittagong and attacks on places where different religious groups worship.



"The safety of life and property of people from all communities should be protected," Hasina said, criticizing the reported attacks on the Ahmadiyya community, mosques, shrines, churches, and monasteries around the country since she resigned in August 2023.
As the amount of space traffic continues to grow, the United Nations is calling for increased international cooperation to improve safety.

Continued deployment of satellites and sharp increases in space debris over the years have resulted in the crowding of low Earth orbit. Space experts and industry leaders say this has created safety risks that will worsen if the problem is not dealt with.

A U.N. gathering of experts in October called for more sharing of information about orbital space objects, as well as creation of an international process to follow and manage them. The meeting was organized by the U.N.s Office for Outer Space Affairs.

Data from the American-based company Slingshot Aerospace suggests there are more than 14,000 satellites around the world in low Earth orbit. That number includes about 3,500 satellites that are currently inactive, Reuters news agency reports.

In addition, there are about 120 million pieces of orbital debris left over from spacecraft launches, crashes or other causes. Only a few thousand of those are large enough to follow, or track.

"There's no time to lose on space traffic coordination, the director of the U.N.s Office for Outer Space Affairs, Aarti Holla-Maini, told Reuters. She added, 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.

Holla-Maini explained that such coordination should involve both public and private organizations. The goal is to take steps to avoid crashes between space objects orbiting in low Earth orbit. She added that this area of space must remain safe to prevent costly difficulties to technologies that drive worldwide communication, navigation and scientific exploration.

Currently, there is no centralized system to help prevent such problems. It has also been difficult for organizations to agree on a set of guidelines aimed at improving safety in low Earth orbit. While some countries are willing to share data, others object because of security or privacy concerns.

There have been several examples of these issues over the past year. A Chinese launcher rocket exploded in August, creating thousands of pieces of debris in low Earth orbit. In June, an unused Russian satellite exploded, releasing thousands of metal pieces. That incident forced astronauts on the International Space Station to briefly take shelter.

Low Earth orbit is the most crowded area of space. This is because it offers a balance between cost and proximity, making it a popular target for the quickly growing private space industry.

It is estimated that many more satellites  tens of thousands more  will enter low-Earth orbit in the coming years. One prediction by Canada-based space tracking company NorthStar Earth & Space suggests the possible financial risk of space object collisions is likely to reach $556 million over five years.

NorthStars chief executive, Stewart Bain, told Reuters the situation had reached "a critical point for establishing rules to cover space objects in low Earth orbit. Bain noted that SpaceXs Starlink is launching thousands of satellites per year and China and others are preparing to follow. Such expansion could threaten the load capacity of objects in low Earth orbit, he said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - As Space Traffic Grows, UN Calls for More International Cooperation Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

debris  n. broken pieces of something

manage  v. to deal with something

coordinate  v. to organize all the different parts of something

facilitate  v. to make something possible or easier

navigate  v. to find directions by using maps or other equipment

proximity  n. how near one thing is to another, or the fact of being near something

capacity  n. the largest amount or number something can hold
Notre Dame Cathedral in the French capital of Paris is set to reopen to the public Sunday after a five-year-long rebuilding project. The Cathedral had been badly damaged in a fire in 2019.

The Roman Catholic religious center is considered a jewel of Gothic building design, a symbol of Paris and is a popular site to visit.

The cathedral took 182 years to build between the 12th and 14th centuries. It holds some surprising stories. Here are five special things to know about this famous Parisian site:

The cathedral is considered France's geographic center.

In front of the cathedral, a metal and stone marker in the road describes the place as the "starting point of the roads of France.'' This sign marks the starting point for measuring distances between Paris and other cities across the country.

The marker was placed in 1924, but the idea of the cathedral as the center of the nation dates to 1769. King Louis XV thought there should be a central site for France's growing system of roads. That idea tied the nations geography to its heart in Paris.

Its famous statues were added in the 19th century

Those frightening stone statues on Notre Dame might seem ancient, but not all of them are what they appear. The gargoyles are monster-shaped elements used to direct rainwater away from the building. They have been around since the time of the cathedral's construction. But the monster-like creatures often seen in photos and movies are chimera, and they are much newer.

In 1841, the French government asked the architects Eugene Viollet-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste Lassus to repair the then-collapsing building. Viollet-le-Duc added these frightening-looking statues to make the cathedral seem more mysterious. He drew ideas for the chimera from Victor Hugo's famous book The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

How to tell them apart? Gargoyles resemble horizontal spikes coming out of the facade and have spouts to permit rainwater to flow out.

During the French Revolution, protesters changed Notre Dame.

During the French Revolution, there were protests of religious centers.

In 1793, revolutionaries took away the cathedrals religious symbols and renamed it "Notre-Dame de la Raison," or, in English, Our Lady of Reason.

During that time, the cathedral held events celebrating science and new ideas and, for a short time, it was even used to store the alcoholic drink called wine.

Religious services started again in 1795 under the rule of Napoleon I.

Statues without heads were found and repaired.

In 1792, revolutionaries also cut the heads off 28 statues from the front of Notre Dame, thinking the statues were of French royalty. They were really representations of ancient kings of Judah, from stories in the Bible, the Christian holy book.

The heads were thought lost forever.

But in 1977, workers working in a courtyard in Paris uncovered hundreds of pieces of stone sculptures. Experts confirmed they were the missing heads of Notre Dame's kings of Judah statues.

Today, 22 of the heads have been repaired and are shown at the Cluny Museum in Paris.

The 2019 fire exposed a worldwide lack of outdoor lead pollution guidelines.

The 2019 fire that almost destroyed Notre Dame caused a serious health risk. When the flames melted the top of the building, large amounts of harmful lead dust were released into the air and came down across Paris.

Officials found there were no rules to measure the danger of outdoor lead dust. This was not just a Paris issue  major cities like London and Rome, and even the World Health Organization  do not have guidelines for outdoor lead pollution.

The Notre Dame fire forced officials to take a closer look at their safety standards. It took four months for the city to complete an extensive cleaning of the citys streets even as visitors and the citizens of Paris walked around the cathedral every day.

Now that you know these five things, you can enjoy seeing the photos of the new Notre Dame when it opens to the public.

Im Caty Weaver.

Tom Nouvian reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

symbol  n. an action, object, event, etc., that expresses or represents a particular idea or quality

gargoyle  n. a strange or ugly human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building (such as a church) and is used to cause rainwater to flow away from the sides of a building.

chimera  n. a monster from Greek mythology that breathes fire and has a lion's head, a goat's body, and a snake's tail

resemble  v. to look or be like

horizontal  adj. positioned from side to side rather than up and down; parallel to the ground

spike  n. a long, thin rod that ends in a point and is often made of metal

facade  n. the front of a building

spout  n. a tube, pipe, or hole out of which a liquid flows

royalty  n. members of a royal family

courtyard  n. an open space that is surrounded completely or partly by a building or group of buildings

flame  n. the hot, glowing gas that can be seen when a fire is burning

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section.
South Korea's parliament moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law and sent troops into the streets on Tuesday night.

For several hours, armed forces with helicopters and armored vehicles surrounded the parliament. Lawmakers had to climb walls to get into the building and used fire extinguishers to hold off the troops.

The lawmakers who were able to reenter the building rejected Yoon's martial law declaration with a 190-0 vote. Eighteen lawmakers from Yoon's party also voted against the declaration. The vote forced Yoon to lift martial law about six hours after it began.

Opposition parties then began the process of impeachment.

Impeachment is a way for lawmakers to charge a public official with a crime while they are in office. Impeaching Yoon requires the support of two-thirds of the National Assembly and at least six of the nine Constitutional Court justices. The liberal opposition Democratic Party holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament and has called for Yoon's resignation.

A vote on the impeachment motion could be held as early as Friday, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min said.

Yoon said there was a plan to rebel

Yoon ordered martial law without warning in a speech late Tuesday. He promised to remove "anti-state" forces he said were planning to rebel. He accused the main opposition parties of supporting North Korea.

Yoon gave no direct evidence when he pointed to North Korea as a threatening force. Yoon has long held that a hard line is the only way to stop the North from following through on its nuclear threats against the South.

In the late 1980s, several South Korean strongmen spoke of the threat from the North when struggling to control protesters and political opponents in the South.

As president, Yoon has struggled to get his proposals through the opposition-controlled parliament. At the same time, Yoon and his wife have faced charges of corruption.

What is martial law?

South Korea's constitution gives the president power to use the military to keep order in "wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states. That can include suspending civil rights and temporarily limiting the powers of the courts and government agencies.

But it also gives the National Assembly power to lift the declaration with a majority vote.

Some experts say the way Yoon declared martial law went far beyond his lawful powers. The constitution does not permit a president to use the military to suspend parliament. And many question whether the country really faces a situation comparable to war.

The opposition said Yoon's actions were illegal and unconstitutional. The sudden declaration was also opposed by the leader of Yoon's own conservative party. Han Dong-hoon called the decision wrong and promised to "stop it with the people."

South Korea became a democracy only in the late 1980s, and military intervention in civilian affairs is still a sensitive subject. South Koreans were in shock with the actions. And many expressed surprise and worry on social media over Yoon's announcement.

Im Jill Robbins.

Foster Klug reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

impeach  v. to charge (a public official) with a crime done while in office

martial law  n. control of an area by military forces rather than by the police

armored  adj. covered in flat pieces of metal to protect against attack

fire extinguisher  n. a metal container filled with chemicals that is used to put out a fire

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section.
Chiung Yao, the celebrated romance novelist who captured the hearts of generations in the Chinese-speaking world, has died at 86, prompting an outpouring of mourning across social media.

A photo of Chiung Yao. [Photo/VCG]

Born Chen Che in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in 1938, Chiung Yao passed away at her home in New Taipei City on Dec. 4. The author's son, Chen Chung-wei, confirmed the news, with local authorities ruling out foul play. Her death marks the end of an era for fans of her poignant storytelling, which bridged literature and screen adaptations with unparalleled emotional resonance.

In her farewell note, which still reflects the lyrical quality defining much of her work, Chiung wrote, "I am a 'spark,' and I did my best to burn brightly," emphasizing her desire to leave the world lightly. I have shed the gradually painful shell and, lightly, transformed into a snowflake and flown away!"

She urged everyone not to cry, grieve or feel heartbroken for her, but to celebrate her with laughter. Chiung also shared heartfelt advice, encouraging everyone to be true to themselves and adding: Don't waste the chance of coming to this world! Though life may not be perfect and is filled with unexpected joys and sorrows, don't miss out on the brilliance that belongs to you!"

Tributes to Chiung have poured in across social media, with related hashtags amassing over 1 billion views on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging platform. Fans, cultural organizations, such as UNESCO, and figures have honored her legacy, celebrating the profound impact of her work. Brigitte Lin, who starred in the 1973 film adaptation of "Outside the Window" and soared to fame from this role, expressed regret for not visiting her old friend recently, calling Chiung a "strong woman" she would never forget.

Other actors also paid tribute to the late novelist on Weibo with Ruby Lin posting that having the opportunity to play numerous roles in adaptions of the novelists work was an honor enough for this lifetime. Fellow actor Alec Su, who also gained stardom through acting in a few TV adaptations, called Chiungs literary works "treasures of an era" that left an "indelible mark" on his life.

Chiung Yao's literary journey began early. She moved to Taiwan with her family in 1949 and published her debut novel, "Outside the Window," in 1963, which was based on her first love in school. Over the next nearly six decades, Chiung wrote more than 60 novels, including "My Fair Princess," "Romance in the Rain" and "Fantasies Behind the Pearly Curtain." Her stories, often centered on themes of forbidden love and enduring passion, becoming cornerstones within Chinese popular culture and influencing the Asian diaspora globally.

Beyond the pages, more than 80 films and TV series were adapted from her novels, cementing Chiungs status as a cultural icon and launching over 100 actors to stardom. Her works subsequently captivated audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through these film and TV drama adaptations. For example, the TV adaptions of "My Fair Princess" achieved unprecedented success, with the Qing Dynasty-themed series becoming a cultural phenomenon during the time of its airing from 1998 to 2003. A brand-new TV remake of this novel was broadcasted in 2011.

Despite her popularity, Chiung's literary works often faced criticism for being melodramatic and formulaic. Yet, the emotional depth of her stories struck a chord with audiences who found solace and inspiration in her depictions of love's triumph over adversity. She has been one of the best-selling writers through the years, with her television dramas regularly being rebroadcast on platforms such as Hunan TV.

Chiung Yao consistently expressed her affection for the Chinese mainland. Following a trip in 1988 to visit relatives and explore various areas, including Beijing and the provinces of Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan, she published a book titled "The Nostalgia that Cannot Be Cut Off," which details her experiences during the visit.

"Chinese people love their ancestors and their land; they possess a strong affection for their mountains and rivers, and a longing for their homeland. That's how Chinese people are. No matter if separated by mountains, seas or years, in the blood of Chinese people, there is always a continuous flow of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River," she wrote.

Chiung's personal life was as storied as her novels. Her marriage in 1979 to publisher Ping Hsin-tao, the founder of Crown Publishing which printed most of her books, was widely discussed, with their relationship being a source of both inspiration and conflict. Chiung detailed these struggles and her contentious relationship with his children over his medical care in her 2017 book "Before the Snow Falls." Ping passed away in 2019 at the age of 92, which deeply affected Chiung. Her grief with his passing became a recurring theme in her social media posts.

Chiung Yao poetically said in the final poem she read in a video titled "When Snowflakes Fall," accompanying her published farewell note: "Like snowflakes and sparks bursting forth at the same time, I will fly towards the galaxy where I can dance."
Ukrainian stylist Viktoriia Zhyr called the images of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska easy to imitate. She explained that many of the elements of her outfits are made up of domestic brands that many people can afford, and boasted that she has one item in her wardrobe that is the same as the First Lady.

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It turned out to be pants. As the stylist explained in an interview with journalist Emma Antoniuk, it's good that Olena Zelenska uses clothes from Ukrainian fashion houses, because everyone can replicate her looks.

For many people, the style of the First Lady of Ukraine has become iconic and something they want and can imitate. This happened after Olena Zelenska began collaborating with the founder of the Gunia brand, Nataliia Kamenska, who had been selecting the first lady's outfits for three years.

"When [Olena Zelenska] started working with Nataliia Kamenska, the founder of the Gunia brand, I really liked her design decisions with Olena Zelenska. Everything is so laconic, elegant, and feminine, a lot of Ukrainian brands. Every outfit is a Ukrainian brand that is implemented in her wardrobe and all her outfits. These are very affordable brands," explained Viktoriia Zhyr.

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The stylist noted that the first lady's looks are cool not only because they can be replicated and purchased in Ukrainian showrooms, but also because they are basic, so they can be combined with different elements of your own wardrobe. "It's very cool because every Ukrainian woman can duplicate an element of Olena Zelenska's wardrobe in her own," she added.

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Our Approach To Be Guided By 'India First': Goyal

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23:38 Co-founder of British Indian Medical Association wins 2024 Diana Award A London-based student who co-founded the British Indian Medical Association to address the critical need for mentorship and support among Indian-origin medical students was on Thursday named among the winners of this year's Diana Award. Harroop Singh Bola, 23, has been recognised for going... Read more >

23:12 India, China agree to maintain peace along LAC In their first diplomatic talks under a key dialogue mechanism since withdrawing troops from two face-off points, India and China on Thursday reflected on the lessons learnt from the eastern Ladakh border row in order to prevent such face-offs in future. At the meeting of the Working... Read more >

22:49 Mobile internet ban extended till Dec 7 in nine districts of Manipur File image The Manipur government on Thursday extended the suspension of mobile internet for two days in nine districts of the state till December 7. An order issued by the home department said the suspension was extended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur,... Read more >

22:33 Sukhbir Badal attacker Chaura sent to 3-day police remand Former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura (second from left)/ANI Photo A court in Amritsar on Thursday sent former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura, who opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple on Wednesday, to three-day police remand, officials said. Chaura (68), whose bid on the Akali leader's life was... Read more >

22:10 Will help Fadnavis as he helped me: Shinde Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said he will extend all possible cooperation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and will work as a team.Addressing a news conference, Shinde described his tenure as chief minister as very successful. He also thanked Prime Minister... Read more >

21:47 Raj Thackeray skips swearing in of 'friend' Fadnavis, says... Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Thursday hoped the Mahayuti government makes use of its 'unbelievable' mandate in the right way for the 'state, the Marathi people, language and culture'.In a post on X, Thackeray extended good wishes to his 'friend' Devendra Fadnavis. He said... Read more >

21:01 Modi lauds Fadnavis, Shinde, Ajit Pawar Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the new government in Maharashtra as a blend of experience and dynamism and said it is due to the collective efforts of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies that the Mahayuti alliance got a historic mandate.In a post on X, Modi... Read more >

20:24 Fadnavis's first decision as Maha CM is... Signing his first file after taking charge of office, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday approved a proposal to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for a patient awaiting bone marrow transplant.Pune-based Chandrakant Kurhade's wife had sought help from the chief... Read more >

19:57 Fadnavis takes charge as CM, holds cabinet meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took charge of their new official responsibilities at the state secretariat `Mantralaya' in Mumbai after taking oath of office on Thursday evening. Fadnavis, 54, is the 20th chief minister (not... Read more >

19:27 Allu Arjun booked for woman's death at premiere A scene from the film Telugu actor Allu Arjun, others booked in connection with woman's death at premiere show of film 'Pushpa 2', says news agency PTI.Allu Arjun will be charged for the stampede that erupted outside a Hyderabad theatre and left one woman dead on Wednesday, after he arrived without prior intimation... Read more >

19:22 Maharashtra's chief ministers Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Fadnavis. The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent leaders,... Read more >

19:18 'When PM comes for swearing-in it means...' Ashok Chavan After Maharashtra govt takes oath, BJP leader Ashok Chavan says, You can well understand what it means when the PM comes here. Today, Maharashtra has got a stable government and now moving forward on the path of progress. The oath ceremony of the MLAs will take place on 7th, 8th and 9th December.... Read more >

19:08 Glad Shinde took oath: Narayan Rane BJP MP Narayan Rane says, I congratulate them (Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar) and wish them all the best. It is a good thing that he (Shinde) has taken oath as Deputy Chief Minister, I wish him all the best. Read more >

18:55 You can see the atmosphere for yourself: Bhujbal After the oath ceremony, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal says, It is very good, you can see the atmosphere here for yourself. People from all over the state came, many leaders came to the function. Read more >

18:52 No Ladki Bahin benefits but they still came Pic: Satish Bodas Ranjana Lagade (in red sari), Saraswati Kawle (in blue sari) have come from Lal Dongar, Chembur East. Both the women said they did not receive even one installment of Ladki Bahin because they were told by officials who came for the survey that those above 65 years of age are not eligible for the... Read more >

18:49 Maharashtra CM, deputies pay tribute to Shivaji Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis along with his Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar pay floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr BR Ambedkar at Mantralaya. Read more >

18:44 Kahan gaye posters? Interestingly, no big hoardings of the VVIPs who were on stage could be seen en route from Mantralaya to Azad Maidan. Read more >

18:37 Gold chain robbed, iPad lost Huge, huge crowds at the venue. Pic: Satish Bodas A high-ranking official in DCM Eknath Shinde's staff, on condition of anonymity, tells Satish Bodas/Rediff.com that his 20 gram gold chain was snatched during the swearing-in ceremony and he was on his way to file a police complaint. While the thief got away with the gold chain, a rudraksh mala... Read more >

18:32 Devendraji will continue to serve people: Amruta After the oath ceremony, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis's wife, Amruta Fadnavis says, I am happy. Devendraji has taken oath as CM for the third time today. He has served the people and will continue to do so in future too. Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble... Read more >

18:19 Stars, netas, legends, locals converge in Mumbai Pic: Sahil Salvi Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.BJP leader... Read more >

18:10 Just 21 and super enthu Pic: Prasanna D Zore Trisha Maruti and Pranjal Gadekar, both 21, came for the experience and they clearly can't stop smiling. The Maharashtra CM has used his mother's and father's name as part of his name -- Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis -- and the girls say that everybody should now add their mother's... Read more >

18:05 All roads led to Azad Maidan today Pic: Prasanna D Zore These men are BJP supporters from Chalisgaon, Jalgaon. As we said earlier, people from across the state have come to Mumbai for this day and a ceremony that actually took just 10 minutes. But it's the ambience that makes the difference -- like watching a match at a stadium. We came for the... Read more >

18:00 Meet and greets after the ceremony The PM bows twice before the people of Maharashtra but doesn't speak to them. After all, it's Devendra Fadnavis' big day. The swearing-in was done in 10 minutes, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. After the ceremony, the PM stopped to greet AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and Goa CM Pramod Sawant. Read more >

17:50 Finally, Shinde smiles PM Narendra Modi congratulates Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on taking oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM. Finally, a hint of a smile from Shinde as the PM pats him on his hand. Shinde is due to meet Amit Shah shortly after the ceremony. Read more >

17:45 Shinde takes oath as Maha Dy CM Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde takes oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra. Much ado about that oath. Scroll down to see why. Read more >

17:44 From far and wide they came to Mumbai Azad Maidan is packed with Mahayuti supporters who have come from different corners of Maharashtra. And there are bigger crowds waiting outside, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com Read more >

17:39 Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and CMs & Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, Union Ministers, NDA leaders present at... Read more >

17:39 Modi-Modi-Modi chants fill Azad Maidan PM Modi, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, CM designate Devendra Fadnavis and all other leaders and attendees rise to the National Anthem at the oath-taking ceremony of the new government. Expectedly, chants of Modi-Modi rent the air as he arrives. Read more >

17:31 Governor arrives Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan arrives at Azad Maidan, to administer oath of office to Maharashtra CM designate Devendra Fadnavis.Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also on the stage (not in pic). Read more >

17:30 Waiting for the PM That's a beaming Fadnavis with Ajit Pawar next to him on the stage. Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more >

17:27 Devendra Fadnavis greeted with loud cheers Devendra Fadnavis comes on stage amid loud cheers from the crowd. Crowd management is a huge challenge, many women at the venue. Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtra CM shortly. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar are also on stage. Read more >

17:22 BJP's stars shine on stage BJP's big stars on stage at the venue. L to R: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and CMs & Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, Union Ministers, NDA leaders are also present at the Maharashtra government swearing-in ceremony. Read more >

17:16 The Ladki Bahin recipients arrive Text: Prasanna D Zore, Pic: Satish Bodas Rediff.com@Azad Maidan: Fatima Shaikh, 40, resident of Kandivali (E), voted for Eknath Shinde though her sitting MLA was Atul Bhatkhalkar. She got Rs 7500 in installments through the Ladki Bahin scheme. She is part of a group of around 100 women, all wearing saffron sarees, at the venue. Read more >

16:43 Mrs Fadnavis has a message on husband's big day Ahead of oath ceremony, Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis' wife, Amruta says, Ladki Behen has been a great project under which the women got associated with Devendraji and the Mahayuti. And more arrivals: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Andhra Pradesh... Read more >

16:13 Amit Shah, Nadda, BJP CMs arrive in Mumbai Fadnavis and Shinde (looking none too happy) with Amit Shah after the polls Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda arrive in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has also reached Mumbai. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma arrives in Mumbai. Scroll down to see who else will be attending the... Read more >

16:12 Shinde to meet Shah immediately after ceremony Eknath Shinde fought till the bitter end over giving up the throne Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat says, After the swearing-in ceremony, Eknath Shinde will have a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a decision will be taken regarding the Home Minister and other posts.Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde would be taking oath as deputy chief minister of... Read more >

15:55 Uproar in RS, BJP links Rahul, Soros File pic The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed uproarious scenes in the morning when BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged attacks by foreign forces on India's national interests and demanded a thorough probe besides asking all MPs to discuss the serious issue.Speaking on 'Concerns over Suspicious and... Read more >

15:45 Why did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meet Amit Shah? Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday and urged the Centre to provide immediate relief to landslide-affected people of Wayanad. Priyanka Gandhi, who is newly-elected MP from Wayanad, highlighted the need for immediate... Read more >

15:37 Gadkari, Biswa Sarma arrive Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrives in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also arrives. Read more >

15:30 Ajit Pawar all set to take oath Supporters wearing the traditional Maharashtrian pheta on their head arrive at NCP leader Ajit Pawar's residence in Mumbai, ahead of oath ceremony of Mahayuti govt.Yesterday, the press conference of the Mahayuti allies in Mumbai after they staked claim to form government in Maharashtra witnessed... Read more >

15:25 Shinde WILL take oath as Dy CM today: Sena Eknath Shinde will take oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra, says Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant. Samant had earlier said that no MLA from the party will accept any responsibility in the new Maharashtra government if Eknath Shinde does not take oath as deputy chief minister. Talking to... Read more >

15:23 Goa CM arrives Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbadevi temple Goa CM Pramod Sawant who arrived in Mumbai to witness the swearing-in ceremony congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on becoming CM, I extend my greeting to Devendra Fadnavis. I feel proud today that NDA Govt is in power once again in Maharashtra. He has been elected as the CM of Maharashtra for the... Read more >

15:07 All roads lead to Azad Maidan Mumbai: A group of youth wearing t-shirts reading 'Ek hain toh safe hain' en route to Azad Maidan to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government. Read more >

15:04 VIPs begin arriving for Maharashtra's big day Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma arrive in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Maharashtra government. CM Sai says, We congratulate Devendra Fadnavis. He is an experienced leader and due to good work done by Mahayuti, people have... Read more >

14:54 Rediff will be covering the swearing-in live today Chaos at DGIPR office in Mantralaya, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com, who will be covering the swearing-in ceremony this evening. He says most reporters haven't got their passes okayed. The passes allow enter to the venue at Azad Maidan where the ceremony will be held. Even if entry is... Read more >

14:15 Mahayuti ministers to take oath in one week: Bhujbal NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday said ministers from the Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra will take oath in a week's time. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Bhujbal also said that NCP head Ajit Pawar, who will take oath as deputy chief minister for the sixth time on Thursday evening, has a... Read more >

14:09 Shinde's name missing in swearing-in invite card Eknath Shinde's name missing in the invite for the swearing-in ceremony of chief minister and deputy chief minister in NCP's invitations card. Pic: @NewIndianXpress.Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing government, has indicated that he is reluctant to join... Read more >

13:59 Is Eknath Shinde refusing to take oath as Dy CM? Is Eknath Shinde refusing to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM? Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat says, Eknath Shinde will listen to our request and he will take oath as Deputy CM, we believe that he is our leader and we want him to take the oath as Deputy CM. We all are going to Eknath Shinde, we... Read more >

13:46 KL will open innings and I will bat in middle: Rohit India skipper Rohit Sharma said he will bat somewhere in the middle-order in the day/night Test against Australia starting here on Friday, allowing K L Rahul to continue in the opening slot. Rahul looked solid with scores of 26 and 77 as he and centurion Yashasvi... Read more >

13:11 Cow brought to Fadnavis home for 'gau puja' A cow was brought to the residence of Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis for 'Gau Pujan', ahead of his swearing-in ceremony today.Fadnavis offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and the Shree Mumbadevi Temple and sought blessings at the temples. Read more >

13:07 Mumbai goes saffron Flags and banners of the Bharatiya Janata Party near Marine drive ahead of the Maharashtra CM and Dy CMs oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai this evening. Read more >

13:01 Sambhal admin to put up poster of perpetrators of Nov 24 violence Rahul and Priyanka were stopped from entering Sambhal yesterday The Sambhal administration on Thursday said it will put up posters of those involved in the November 24 violence. We will put up posters of those involved in Sambhal violence today, District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya told PTI. He said the authorities have identified more than 400... Read more >

12:58 Asked Bappa for Maharashtra's happiness: Fadnavis Devendra Fadnavis shares this image on X: Took darshan and blessings of Shri Siddhivinayak before taking Oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. With a heart full of faith, prayed for our beloved State's happiness, prosperity, and progress. May Bappa guide us with strength and wisdom on this path... Read more >

12:47 Naxals kill BJP worker, police informer Security personnel at an encounter site. File pic Naxalites have killed two former heads village panchayats in separate incidents in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Thursday. Naxalites in their pamphlets claimed former sarpanch Suklu Parsa was a BJP worker and accused the other deceased, Sukhram Avlam, of helping cops in... Read more >

12:32 Firing at LoC, army ambush party spots movement File pic An Army ambush party opened fire after observing suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday. The troops on ambush duty along the possible infiltration routes picked up suspicious movement near Bagyaldara... Read more >

12:23 Unnao rapist Kuldeep Sengar gets interim bail Kuldeep Sengar The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sentence for the time... Read more >

12:07 See: Maharashtra CM-designate offers prayers Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnvais offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple today, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena... Read more >

11:47 Fadnavis takes blessings at Siddhivinayak temple Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnvais arrives at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony later today. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the... Read more >

11:34 French govt collapses in no-confidence vote France President Emmanuel Macron The French government has collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote. MPs voted overwhelmingly in support of the motion against him -- just three months after he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, reports the BBC.Opposition parties had tabled the... Read more >

11:13 Man held with 10 desi bombs; to be used for... Representational image Police have arrested a 45-year-old man after seizing 10 country-made bombs from his possession in Thane city of Maharashtra, an official said on Thursday. Acting on a tip, the police intensified vigil and when the man arrived near the Saket ground in Thane on December 2, he was... Read more >

10:44 Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu to attend Fadnavis' swearing in ceremony Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be attending the swearing in ceremony of the new government in Maharashtra on Thursday, official sources said. According to the schedule, Naidu will leave for Mumbai at 1.45 pm from Vijayawada airport. fter attending the event, he... Read more >

10:16 Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva' day after murder bid A day after he survived a bid on his life, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday performed the duty of 'sewadar' outside Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Punjab's Rupnagar district amid tight security.The former deputy chief minister, a Z+ protectee, arrived at the Ananadpur Sahib... Read more >

10:04 Whatever is happening in Manipur is...: Bhutia Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed serious concern over the situation in Manipur and has urged both the state and central governments to work together with local communities to restore peace. Whatever is happening in Manipur is very unfortunate. As a northeastern,... Read more >

09:50 Cable theft on Delhi metro Blue Line causes delay Services on Delhi Metro's Blue Line, one of the busiest corridors, were affected on Thursday due to cable theft between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar stations, causing inconvenience to commuters. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the trains will operate at restricted speed on the... Read more >

09:47 Don't Kill Golden Goose Chasing Smuggling Masterminds Harsh Kumar/Business StandardRevenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday told officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to nab the masterminds behind smuggling rackets, but keep the interest of the economy in mind before issuing high-pitched notices in commercial fraud cases.We... Read more >

09:05 Woman died, son injured in stampede at 'Pushpa 2' premiere in Hyderabad A woman died and her son was hospitalised due to asphyxiation as crowds jostled at a film theatre here during the premier show of actor Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule, police said on Thursday.The incident took place on Wednesday night when a large number of fans thronged the cinema hall to have... Read more >

08:49 'Enslaved Directorate': Priyank Kharge attacks ED Calling the Enforcement Directorate an Enslaved Directorate, Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Thursday said that ED is nothing but helpless puppets of the BJP government. The Enforcement Directorate has become an Enslaved Directorate. They are nothing but hapless and... Read more >

08:25 Fadnavis to take oath as Maharashtra CM today Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai today. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister... Read more >

01:18 Major security breach at Salman's shooting location in Mumbai Bollywood superstar Salman Khan/File image In a major breach of security, a man entered the sets of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Mumbai. As per the Mumbai police, Salman Khan was shooting a film in Dadar West when a fan wanted to watch the shooting, but the security personnel moved him aside and a fight broke out between... Read more >

01:12 Assam: Stalls selling Bangladeshi products expo shut after Bajrang Dal demand File image Two stalls selling Bangladeshi goods at the global expo in Silchar, Assam, were removed by the organisers after Bajrang Dal members demanded that no products from the neighbouring country be sold, citing atrocities on Hindus and other minorities there. A team of Bajrang Dal members met the... Read more >

00:52 Congress' Uttarakhand chief Mahara clashes with journalists Uttarakhand PCC chief Karan Mahara/Courtesy Facebook The Congress' Uttarakhand chief Karan Mahara clashed with journalists at a cricket match organised by the Uttaranchal Press Club in Dehradun on Wednesday. Uttaranchal Press Club president Ajay Rana alleged that during the match at the Police Lines, Congress workers led by Mahara entered the... Read more >

00:44 MEA briefs parliamentary panel on Canada, China Foreign secretary Vikram Misri The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday briefed a parliamentary panel on the issues involving China and Canada, blaming the North American country government's unfriendly policies for the slump in ties with India, sources said. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri told the Standing Committee... Read more >
Administrators have been called in to try to salvage the Maxwell business empire, which is at least 1bn in debt.

At 1100 GMT two sons of the late business tycoon Robert Maxwell, Kevin and Ian, called in administrators from accountants Arthur Andersen as the enormity of their fathers financial difficulties emerged.

Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) today revealed Mr Maxwell, who died a month ago, removed 350m from its pension fund in the weeks before his death apparently without proper authority.

Administrators will take over Headington Investments and Robert Maxwell Group, the senior UK companies at the heart of his business empire.

They head a network of 400 private firms including AGB International, The European Newspaper and The New York Daily News.

Through the two key companies the Maxwells own 51% of MGN.

The family also owns 68% of Maxwell Communication Corporation (MCC).

Administrators have three months to prepare a disposal plan for approval by banks and other creditors.

Joint administrator John Talbot said: We are looking at a strategy where by we maintain the businesses which are good and viable and at the moment we are looking to sell those.

Some analysts predict the Maxwell business empire could be sold off by the spring, saying there is almost no question of a rescue.

Maxwells private companies could be worth 1bn but the debts total 1.4bn.

MGN is valued at 500m at its suspended share price but in an auction it could fetch much more.

But it has debts of 350m and faces questions about the millions of pounds missing from its pension fund.

The other publicly quoted company, MCC, is worth 227m at its last share price, but like the private companies its debts total 1.4bn.

It was the Swiss Bank which triggered the crisis when it called in the Serious Fraud Office and put a receiver into a subsidiary of Headington Investments.

The bank had discovered the security the bank was owed had been sold  contravening the loan agreement.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Two inspectors from the Department of Trade and Industry were commissioned in 1992 to look into the collapse of the Maxwell business empire.

Its report was delayed as Maxwells two sons and family adviser Larry Trachtenberg were charged with being involved in a conspiracy to defraud company pensioners, after 440m was taken by their father from his companies pensions.

All three were later acquitted in 1996 on all counts after an eight month trial.

The DTI inquiry resumed and its report, published in March 2001, blamed Kevin Maxwell for having a heavy responsibility for the collapse of his fathers business empire.

It also blamed leading City institutions and Robert Maxwell himself.
Speaking of our nations original sin, President Joe Biden yesterday [Macau time] toured a slavery museum in Angola and inspected shackles and a whip but also addressed Africas future, saying Africans will make up one in four people by 2050 and the worlds fate rests in their hands.

Bidens visit, the first to Angola by a U.S. president, is meant to promote billions of dollars of commitments to the sub-Saharan African nation for what he called the largest ever U.S. rail investment overseas.

The United States is all in on Africa, Biden earlier told Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who called Bidens visit a key turning point in U.S.-Angola relations dating back to the Cold War.

But even as the trip was meant to counter Chinas influence on the African continent of over 1.4 billion people by showcasing a U.S. commitment of $3 billion for the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment linking Zambia, Congo and Angola, China announced its own move.

The corridor across southern Africa is meant to make it easier to ship raw materials for export and advance the U.S. presence in a region rich in critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies.

China already has heavy investments in mining and processing African minerals, and on Tuesday it announced it is banning exports to the United States of gallium, germanium, antimony and other high-tech materials. It came a day after the U.S. expanded its list of Chinese technology companies subject to controls.

The U.S. for years has built relations in Africa through trade, security and humanitarian aid. The 800-mile railway upgrade is different, with shades of Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure strategy in Africa and other parts of the world.

Biden will visit the coastal city of Lobito today [Macau time] for a look at the corridors Atlantic Ocean outlet. The project also has drawn financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks.

It was not clear how much of the U.S. commitments had been delivered and how much will depend on the Trump administration.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the corridors completion is going to take years. That means much of it may fall to Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20.

Asked whether the project could proceed without Trumps support, Kirby said the Biden administrations hopes that they see the value too.

Kirby also insisted that the corridor was about more than simply trying to outpace Beijing, saying that were not asking countries to choose between us and Russia and China.

One Angolan, 19-year-old Ladislau Ngola, called Bidens visit very important for our country as the Lobito Corridor will create lots of jobs for young people. Juliao Oliveira said Africa in general would benefit, too.

The rainy streets of the capital, Luanda, had a heavy military presence but few civilians  a striking change from Bidens arrival on Monday, when cheering onlookers lined his route. Authorities on Tuesday encouraged people downtown to stay home. As the motorcade passed through outer neighborhoods, crowds waved from rooftops or intersections.

Biden and Lourenco briefly addressed reporters before a closed-door meeting. Biden ignored questions about his decision to issue a pardon for his son after previously pledging not to, and joked to the Angolan delegation, Welcome to America.

He also told Lourenco while pledging to use the trip to listen: We dont think, because were bigger and more powerful, that were smarter. We dont think we have all the answers.

Angolas president said hed like to see a public-private partnership to increase energy production, and praised Bidens leadership on the Lobito Corridor, saying it would always be remembered.

After the meeting, a senior U.S. administration official said China didnt come up. The official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss a meeting that was not public, also said Bidens visit to Lobito will be joined by the presidents of Zambia and Congo.

Biden had promised to visit sub-Saharan Africa last year, after reviving the U.S.-Africa Summit in 2022. But the trip was delayed until this year, reinforcing a sentiment among Africans that their continent is still a low priority for Washington. The last U.S. president to visit sub-Saharan Africa was Barack Obama in 2015.

Biden toured Angolas National Slavery Museum at a site that was formerly the headquarters of the Capela da Casa Grande. The 17th century temple is where slaves were baptized against their will, with their names changed, before boarding ships to America. Angola was the departure point for an estimated 6 million enslaved people, the White House said.

Looking ahead, I know the future runs through Angola, through Africa, Biden said.

Speaking by the water, he said history cannot and should not be erased, and that while America was founded on the ideal of freedom and equality, its abundantly clear today we have not lived up to that ideal. WILL WEISSERT, LUANDA, MDT/AP
President-elect Donald Trump was joking when he suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state during a dinner with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said yesterday [Macau time].

Fox News reported that Trump made the comment in response to Trudeau raising concerns that Trumps threatened tariffs on Canada would damage Canadas economy.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who attended the Friday dinner at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club, said Trumps comments were in jest.

The president was telling jokes. The president was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment, LeBlanc told reporters in Ottawa.

LeBlanc described it as a three-hour social evening at the presidents residence in Florida on a long weekend of American Thanksgiving. The conversation was going to be light-hearted, he said.

He called the relations warm and cordial and said the fact that the president is able to joke like that for us indicates good relations.

Trump appeared to continue with the joke, posting an AI-generated image of himself standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him with the caption Oh Canada!
Peter McCleave, a blood cancer survivor and advocate, has arrived in Macau to promote stem cell donation through his campaign, 10,000 Donors.

This initiative encourages individuals, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to register as stem cell donors to assist those battling blood cancers like myeloma.

Its really been about action and using my story as a way to engage people, McCleave told The Times. Since launching the initiative in 2018, he has successfully registered over 130,000 donors and facilitated 26 matches for patients in need of stem cell transplants.

His journey began after being diagnosed with myeloma in 2017, following health complications that arose after completing a triathlon.

Two days after finishing, I found myself in the Countess of Chester Hospital with pneumonia, sepsis, and legionnaires, McCleave recalled. I was given a maximum of seven years to live. However, that prognosis came with a caveat: if I could find a stem cell donor, there was no reason I couldnt live a normal life. It has now been just over seven years since that diagnosis.

In Macau, McCleave will embark on a 10-day campaign aimed at encouraging the Macanese community to sign up as stem cell donors. He plans to connect with community members and educate audiences in Macau and Hong Kong on the importance of stem cell donation. McCleave will raise awareness at Encontro 2024, an annual reunion of the Macanese diaspora that gathers more than 1,400 individuals from around the globe.

Born in the UK with a mixed English, Irish, and Macanese heritage, he emphasizes the urgency of his mission. Its the only chance Ill ever get to speak to people of my heritage on that issue, he explained.

Through a simple cheek swab or a blood draw from the Hong Kong Red Cross, you can be the genetic twin of someone with blood cancer.

His campaign not only seeks to increase donor registrations but also highlights health inequalities faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds. I dont do this campaign for me because Im aware how difficult it is to find a match, McCleave stated. I do it because theres a health inequality that can be fixed.

Throughout his time in Macau and Hong Kong, McCleave will participate in various events, including radio and television interviews. He views this trip as the pinnacle of his campaigning efforts. This is my last 10,000 Donors project and its the biggest one Ill have done and the most impactful, he noted.

Looking ahead, McCleave plans to continue his fight against blood cancer as managing director of DKMS, an international charity focused on raising awareness about blood cancer and stem cell donor registration.

They operate out of seven different countries but not in Asia yet. Im hoping to fix that, he said.

As he embarks on this mission in Macau, McCleave remains motivated by his two sons and hopes that through education and community engagement, more lives can be saved. Nadia Shaw
U.S. federal authorities yesterday [Macau time] urged telecommunication companies to boost network security following a sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans.

The guidance issued by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. Officials who briefed reporters on the recommendations said the U.S. still doesnt know the true scope of Chinas attack or the extent to which Chinese hackers still have access to U.S. networks.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington called the U.S. allegations disinformation.

Chinas government firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks, spokesperson Liu Pengyu wrote in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. The US needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China.

In one sign of the global reach of Chinas hacking efforts, the governments warning was issued jointly with security agencies in New Zealand, Australia and Canada, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the U.S. and Britain.

Dubbed Salt Typhoon by analysts, the wide-ranging cyberespionage campaign emerged earlier this year after hackers sought to penetrate the networks of multiple telecommunications companies.

The hackers used their access to telecom networks to target the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts.

The hackers succeeded in retrieving the actual audio files of calls and content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. The FBI has contacted victims in this group, many of whom work in government or politics, but officials said it is up to telecom companies to notify customers included in the first, larger group.

The FBI has said some of the information targeted by the hackers relates to U.S. law enforcement investigations and court orders, suggesting the hackers may have been trying to access programs subject to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.

Officials said they think the hackers were more broadly motivated, hoping to burrow deeply into the nations telecommunications systems to gain wide access to Americans information.

The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the Salt Typhoon operation and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, said Jeff Greene, CISAs executive assistant director for cybersecurity and one of the officials who briefed reporters yesterday.

We dont have any illusion that once we kick off these actors theyre not going to come back, Greene said. MDT/AP
Under the baton of conductor Tan Lihua, Beijing Symphony Orchestra will stage a concert on Dec 31 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, celebrating the new year.

Western and Chinese pieces will be performed, including Ode to the Red Flag by Chinese composer Lyu Qiming, Symphony No 5, Op 67 by Beethoven and Symphony No 9, Op 95 by Antonin Dvorak.

Since 1996, Beijing Symphony Orchestra has been performing at the venue every year for the new year. According to Jia Ding, artistic director of the annual event, the concert is more than bringing music to the public  having a special moment at the iconic venue.

"People celebrate the new year in different ways and each tradition carries a unique significance. For people in Beijing, attending the new year concert at the iconic venue has become a unique way of saying goodbye to the past year and welcoming the new year," said Jia during the news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

"Many people come to the concert with their families and friends. The concert provides them with an opportunity to create beautiful memories together."

Zhang Shurong has been participating in the new year concert arrangement since 1996. He said it was not a new concept for Chinese audiences then because the new year concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein had been broadcast on China's television for years.

"People came to the concert in 1996 not only for the music but also to visit the historical venue, which is located on the side of the Tian'anmen Square. Now, with more people in China enjoying classical music, the new year concert has gained a large fan base," he said.

Co-organized by Beijing Performance & Arts Group, the concert will also kick off a new year performance season in Beijing, featuring music, dance, drama and theatrical productions for children. Highlights will include traditional Chinese operas, a production by China's most popular comedy brand, Mahua FunAge, and Swan Lake by performers of Russian State Ballet.
Historian Jason Wordie shared the history of Macau yesterday at the launch of his latest book, Macao: People and Places, Past and Present. Wordie, whose walking tours breathe life into the forgotten corners of Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou, is a Hong Kong-based author and University of Hong Kong history graduate with an encyclopedic memory.

The illustrated volume dives deep into the heart of Macau, revealing its history and diverse culture through captivating details and unexpected anecdotes.

As Wordie described it, the book not only illuminates the citys past but also honors the countless individuals who have shaped Macau into the unique crossroads of cultures it is today.

In an interview with the Times, Wordie describes his writing process as a labor of love spanning two and a half decades.

It represented 25 years of reading and six years of writing, Wordie said. The process, he explained, was intermittent as his other professional journalism commitments periodically interrupted his progress.

I really probably started on it in about 2005 or 2006 with my initial ideas. It sort of stopped and started, and stopped and started again.

Wordies research involved a multi-pronged approach, blending extensive secondary reading, primary field research, and oral history interviews.

Physically exploring the citys streets and neighborhoods was a crucial component of Wordies process.

Walking up the back streets, seeing whats there, and thinking, Oh, whats that? and then trying to find out some information on it  there was a lot of physical activity involved, he said.

Wordies passion for the subject never waned, as he became increasingly fascinated by the diverse architectural styles and influences present in Macau.

The enthusiasm never passed, he said. I was fascinated.

Uncovering the multicultural tapestry

As Wordie was immersed in the architectural and cultural history of Macau, he has made it a priority to shed light on the regions often overlooked multicultural heritage. In contrast to the common Sino-Portuguese binary narrative, Wordies research has revealed the diversity in ethnic and cultural groups that has shaped Macau over the centuries.

I think this is something that has changed over time. Thats something Ive always attempted to focus upon  what about all the others? Wordie said.

Through his extensive fieldwork and interviews, Wordie has illuminated the contributions of various ethnic and cultural groups that have long been marginalized in the dominant historical accounts.

Having done these walks to explore the various cultural groups, youve also got to be able to condense something into a fairly short bite-sized bit, so that readers can chew it up and intellectually understand it, he said.

Wordies approach has involved delving into the nuanced connections and influences that have shaped Macaus culinary and architectural landscapes.

If we went up to Ruins St. Paul, obviously youve got to give the basic background to it. But then when you explore the sideways, you can see Japanese influence  the Japanese were linked into the silk trade and so on.

Preserving identity in the face of rapid change

As Macaus identity has evolved in recent decades, largely shaped by the rapid growth of its casino industry, Wordie cautions against overlooking the citys rich multicultural heritage and diverse offerings beyond the glitz of gambling.

Its not just about the casinos, Wordie said. Thats, of course, a central government push, but its not only about the casinos. Youve got to look at other things.

Wordies research has revealed a Macau that is far more than the stereotypical portrayal of a gambling mecca. He hopes his book will help readers appreciate the citys uniqueness contained within a very tiny area.

This includes Macaus history as an international and cosmopolitan hub, predating the current casino boom by centuries.

This place had that centuries ago, and still retains that element, Wordie said.

However, the author acknowledges the potential threat that unchecked capitalist development and mass tourism pose to Macaus cultural identity.

I mean, in some ways, the capitalist element drives elements of conservation, because some of these buildings would fall down or would no longer be here without an economic imperative, he said.

Wordie worries about the risk of homogenization, where Macaus diverse array of small businesses and unique cultural offerings are overshadowed by a production line of standardized tourist experiences.

Theres more homogenization, and you walk outside and you think, Well, the little shops and businesses that were here before cant compete with the foot traffic for other stuff.

With the books recently reprint following a successful first run, Wordie hopes to see it reach an even wider audience through translations into Chinese and Portuguese. For this author, uncovering Macaus architectural gems has been a lifelong pursuit, one that has clearly left an indelible mark. Victoria Chan
Lawmaker Leong Hong Sai has revealed that he has been targeted in a blackmailing scheme involving AI-generated deepfake videos and images depicting nudity, intimacy, and sexual activities.

Speaking at the Legislative Assembly (AL), Leong, who is associated with the Macau General Union of Neighborhood Associations (commonly referred to as Kai Fong), explained that he is aware that similar deepfake technology has been used to try to blackmail other public officials in Macau and Hong Kong.

Leong said the threat was initially made via email, but such schemes are also commonly carried out through mobile communication apps.

The topic was raised in an initial inquiry from lawmaker Chui Sai Peng, who was questioning the government on cybersecurity threats and the need for better supervision and control over internet-related problems.

In response, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, confirming several lawmakers and public officials from different government departments have been targeted with similar threats.

Wong also referenced a recent case in Hong Kong where multiple legislators received emails accusing them of serious misconduct and containing AI-generated images depicting individuals who appeared to be the lawmakers engaging in compromising acts, with threats to expose those cases to the public.

The Secretary said such cases are not unprecedented, and similar blackmail attempts had been reported more than a decade ago, although he acknowledged the use of AI technologies in these types of crimes is new.

The Director of the Judiciary Police, Sit Chong Meng, said the force is investigating all such cases and is working to hold those responsible to account.

Officials also acknowledged that with the widespread availability of AI technologies, such problems are likely to increase, particularly if criminal groups see the potential for profit from these acts.

In response to Chuis inquiry, Wong highlighted data collected by the Cybersecurity Incidents Alert and Response Center (CARIC), demonstrating that the number of cyberattacks and espionage incidents involving Macaus critical infrastructure has been increasing.

In 2020, the number was 1,600 cases per day on average. This year, the average has risen drastically to around 6,200 cases per day, Wong said. He also noted that in 2020, the number of alerts issued by CARIC to operators was 38, while this year, as of Nov. 25, that number has risen to 231.

Despite the increasing number of threats, Wong said the ability to respond to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure has also improved, with the number of reports on cyberattack incidents from 2020 to 2023 decreasing from 16 to 8 cases.

Wong further cited data that revealed that as of Nov. 25 this year, there had been 12 such incidents recorded.
Primary four students have excelled in the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023, showcasing impressive performance in both mathematics and science.

This study, conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), assesses the academic abilities of students from participating countries and regions every four years.

For the first time, Macau participated in TIMSS, involving over 5,500 students from 59 schools.

The results revealed local students scored 582 in mathematics and 536 in science, significantly exceeding the international medians of 503 and 494, respectively.

This achievement placed Macau sixth in mathematics and 12th in science among more than 60 participating countries.

According to the report, one of the key highlights from the TIMSS 2023 results is the relatively small score gap between students from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds.

In the SAR, this gap was only 59 points for both subjects, which is considerably lower than the international averages of 85 and 91 points.

At the same time, the percentages of Macau students reaching all four International Benchmarks were significantly higher than the international medians. 68% of local students reached the Advanced or High International Benchmark in mathematics, and 45% of Macau students reached the Advanced or High International Benchmark in science.

These two percentages are both higher than the international medians (42% and 38% respectively).

According to a statement issued from the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Macaus supportive school environment is a key factor contributing to these positive outcomes.

The results Macau achieved in TIMSS 2023 rely on the support of our nation and the SAR government. Over the years, the SAR government has actively used the study results of international assessments to continuously formulate various policies to help improve the quality of school education and develop students abilities, the bureau said.

Macau teachers also actively participate in professional development in mathematics and science teaching. They have high demand for future training as well.

The bureau confirmed it would continue to review the TIMSS 2023 results and plans to hold explanatory sessions with schools to share the results.

These sessions will provide the education sector with a clearer understanding of Macaus performance and explore strategies for further improving students mathematics and science abilities, the bureau concluded.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has expressed optimism about the citys tourism outlook, noting most visitors plan short stays. Although specific hotel occupancy rates for the Christmas holiday are unavailable as yet, December is typically a strong indicator of tourist activity. Deputy director Cheng Wai Tong is confident Macau will reach its target of 33 million visitors this year, potentially exceeding 34 million.

Related
The South Korean government declared martial law Dec. 3, only to lift it the following morning, prompting concerns among travelers, particularly from Macau.

In response, Cheng Wai Tong, deputy director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has announced over 1,500 residents currently in South Korea or planning to travel there received safety alerts via text messages. He emphasized the need for vigilance but noted no travel warnings have been issued yet, as the tourism hotline has not received any inquiries for assistance. Andy Wu, president of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, confirmed there are no organized tour groups traveling to Seoul at this time.
South Koreas opposition parties yesterday submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over the shocking and short-lived martial law that drew heavily armed troops to encircle parliament before lawmakers climbed walls to reenter the building and unanimously voted to lift his order.

Impeaching Yoon would require the support of two-thirds of parliament and at least six justices of the nine-member Constitutional Court would have to support it to remove him from office. The motion, submitted jointly by the main opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties, could be put to a vote as early as Friday.

Yoons senior advisers and secretaries offered to resign collectively and his Cabinet members, including Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, were also facing calls to step down, as the nation struggled to make sense of what appeared to be a poorly-thought-out stunt.

In his speech announcing the abrupt order Tuesday night, Yoon vowed to eliminate anti-state forces and continued to criticize parliaments attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors. But martial law lasted only about six hours, as the National Assembly voted to overrule Yoon and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, said yesterday that its lawmakers decided to call on Yoon to quit immediately or they would take steps to impeach him.

President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution. It didnt abide by any requirements to declare it, the Democratic Party said in a statement. His martial law declaration was originally invalid and a grave violation of the constitution. It was a grave act of rebellion and provides perfect grounds for his impeachment.

Impeaching him would require support from 200 of the National Assemblys 300 members. The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties together have 192 seats. But the rejection of Yoons martial law declaration in a 190-0 vote included the votes of 18 lawmakers from Yoons ruling People Power Party, according to National Assembly officials.

The leader of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hun, who has long ties with Yoon dating to their days as prosecutors, criticized Yoons martial law declaration as unconstitutional.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, seen as a potential presidential hopeful for the People Power Party, said Yoons martial law declaration went against the fundamental spirit of democracy and that the deployment of troops to the National Assembly was an act that violated the separation of powers.

Right now, the most urgent task is a thorough investigation. Through this, we must clearly hold accountable those who participated in destroying democracy, Oh said in a televised statement.

If Yoon is impeached, hell be stripped of his constitutional powers until the Constitutional Court rules. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the No. 2 position in the South Korean government, would take over his presidential responsibilities. As calls mounted for Yoons Cabinet to resign, Han issued a public message pleading for patience and calling for Cabinet members to fulfill your duties even after this moment.

The Constitutional Court has only six justices following three retirements, which is one below the minimum seven needed to handle a presidential impeachment case, requiring lawmakers to speed up the process of naming new justices.

Yoons martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years, harkened to South Koreas past military-backed governments when authorities occasionally proclaimed martial law and other decrees that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles on streets or at public places like schools to prevent anti-government demonstrations. Such scenes of military intervention had not been seen since South Korea achieved a genuine democracy in the late 1980s until Tuesday night.

After Yoons declaration, troops carrying full battle gear, including assault rifles, tried to keep protesters away from the National Assembly as military helicopters flew overhead and landed nearby. One soldier pointed his assault rifle at a woman who was among protesters outside the building demanding that the martial law be lifted.

It wasnt clear how the 190 lawmakers were able to enter a parliamentary hall to vote down Yoons martial law decree. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreamed himself climbing over the wall, and while troops and police officers blocked some from entering they didnt aggressively restrain or use force against others.

No major violence has been reported. The troops and police personnel were later seen leaving the grounds of the National Assembly after the parliamentary vote to lift the martial law. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik said: Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military.

Han, the People Power Party leader, demanded that Yoon explain his decision and fire Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who he said recommended the martial law decree to Yoon. The Defense Ministry has not commented.

Under South Koreas constitution, the president can declare martial law during wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states that require the use of military force to restrict the freedom of press, assembly and other rights to maintain order. Many observers question whether South Korea is currently in such a state.

The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote.

Some experts say Yoon clearly violated the constitution in how he imposed martial law. While martial law allows special measures to restrict individual freedoms and the authority of agencies and courts, the constitution does not permit the functions of parliament to be restricted. But in following Yoons declaration on Tuesday, South Koreas military proclaimed parliamentary activities were suspended and deployed troops to try to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly.

Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Partys floor leader, called for Yoon to be immediately investigated on charges of rebellion over the way he deployed troops to the parliament. While the president mostly enjoys immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to alleged rebellion or treason.

In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was seriously concerned by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Bidens administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea.

In Seoul, the streets seemed busy like a normal day Wednesday.

Tourist Stephen Rowan, from Brisbane, Australia, who was touring Gyeongbokgung Palace, said he was not concerned at all.

But then again, I dont understand too much about the political status in Korea, he said. But I hear they are now calling for the current presidents resignation, so  apparently theres going to be a lot of demonstrations.  I would have been concerned if martial law had stayed enforced.

Yoons government and ruling party have been embroiled in an impasse with the Democratic Party over next years budget bill and a Democratic Party-led attempt to impeach three top prosecutors.

Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Centers 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoons imposition of martial law was a serious backslide of democracy that followed a worrying trend of abuse since he took office in 2022.

South Korea has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments, Slavney said. HYUNG-JIN KIM, KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP
For the artistic and cultural elites of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment.

Every two years, hundreds of artists, curators and art lovers from across the world descend on the West African capital to attend the event, which was founded in 1989 by the Senegalese government and has over the decades become one of the most important showcases on the continent.

Pop-up exhibitions are held in hundreds of venues, from stylish five-star hotels to local art galleries. Roads are even more crowded than usual, with traffic jams stretching out for miles along the Corniche, the citys picturesque seaside boulevard. Every night, there are music concerts, fashion shows, talks with artists and movie screenings held against the backdrop of palm trees and to the soundtrack of popping champagne bottles.

But it wasnt until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was.

For years, we saw the OFF signs, but we didnt know what was going on, said Ndiouga Dia, a 48-year-old leatherworker from Soumbedioune, referring to a series of events organized in parallel to the official government program, scattered all over the city. Only the artists knew among themselves what was going on.

Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the countrys culture. Senegal, like most African nations, has little capacity for industrial production, and traditionally much of its economy has relied on locally produced goods. For centuries, craftsmen played a central role in Senegalese social life, sculpting religious statues and ceremonial masks, sewing boubous (traditional colorful wide-sleeved robes), molding pottery and weaving baskets.

But these days, their role is in decline. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, often Chinese products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status.

So when two designers approached Dia, who is also the community leader of the Soumbedioune artisans, with a proposal for a joint exhibition, he didnt hesitate for a second.

It felt good to be noticed and included, Dia said.

Designers Kemi Bassene and Khadim Ndiaye asked five artisans  a sculptor, a painter, a jeweler, a leatherworker and a upholsterer  to interpret the theme of hippo.

They chose the theme because it was easily recognizable across Africa, they said, bringing together people from different nations who live next to the water.

The exhibition, held in the central square of Soumbedioune, surrounded by artisanal boutiques and restaurants selling thieboudienne, the most famous Senegalese dish, has been a hit among locals. There are hippo earrings and a hippo necklace; a giant wooden sculpture of a sleeping hippo; and a hippo-shaped bag.

Papise Kante, a 45-year-old sculptor who created two wooden hippo statues for the exhibition, said it allowed him to tap into a more creative part of his work, instead of just producing objects that he intended to sell.

I have been sculpting since I was a young child, said Kante, who comes from a long line of sculptors. Every artist wants to get better.

But it also gave his work recognition.

Its because of the Biennale that people know my work, he said. If you participate in the Biennale, he added, you are proud.

Bassene, the curator, grew up in Medina, next to Soumbedioune, but is now based in Paris. He said he wanted to bridge the divide between arts and crafts.

This is the first time in the history that artisans, especially those who are custodians of traditional craftsmanship, are invited to the Biennale, Bassene said. For craftsmen in Africa, there is a natural progression towards the world of modern design.

It was normal, he said, to include artisans in the Biennale if we wanted to try to decolonize a little.

This years Biennale is being held as Senegal is undergoing profound political change, with the newly elected authorities charting a more self-reliant and pan-African course.

Last month, the governing party, PASTEF, secured a resounding victory in legislative elections. Its win granted President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms promised during the campaign to improve living conditions for ordinary Senegalese  including greater economic self-reliance, revamping the fishing industry, and making maximum use of natural resources.

The theme of this years Biennale has been The Wake, alluding to the emancipation of the African continent from its remaining dependence on former colonial powers.

The new government of Senegal has a transformational agenda, said Bassene. I think that what we have experienced politically will impact all the social sciences and all art.

In the meantime, the Soumbedioune artisans have big plans. Dia, the community leader, said that they are planning a collaboration with a local school to manufacture backpacks for students.

His dream, he said, was to expand the production across the whole country so the Senegalese parents do not have to buy Chinese products.

We have all the know-how, he said. We can produce more. MONIKA PRONCZUK, DAKAR, MDT/AP
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Thursday, December 5, 2024  edition no. 4620
Erik Buschmann (L), chief operating officer of Airbus China, Yannick Malinge (C), head of aviation safety governance of Airbus, and George Xu, Airbus executive vice president and CEO of Airbus China, attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony of Airbus's first safety promotion center in China, in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus opened its first safety promotion center in China on Tuesday at its facilities in the northern port city of Tianjin, part of the company's global efforts to strengthen safety culture within the organization and improve safety awareness throughout the industry.



"Many domestic and international partners often come to Tianjin. The center will help us enhance the understanding of the importance of aviation safety and effectively implement aviation safety measures in practice," said George Xu, Airbus executive vice president and Airbus China CEO.

This year, Airbus has continued to deepen its industrial footprint in China and upgraded its industrial facilities in the country, with a focus on resilience, especially in Tianjin. Its efforts to increase production capacity to meet the booming market demand have demonstrated its long-term commitment to China.

Last month, Airbus signed several cooperation agreements with its partners at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition held in the city of Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, covering customer service, sustainable development, innovation, industrial cooperation and helicopters.

"Aviation, connecting people and cargo, is a tool to promote exchanges among countries, which relies very much on free trade. We always believe that free trade is an important engine to propel the prosperous development of countries. We hope that in the future, free trade can make even bigger progress," Xu said, noting that the series of products and solutions from Airbus has showcased the cooperation between China and Europe.

As of October 2024, Airbus Tianjin has delivered over 750 A320 Family aircraft, 16 A330 aircraft and 24 A350 aircraft since 2008.

Airbus has said that about a third of its aircraft operated by Chinese mainland airlines are delivered from Airbus Tianjin.

In the next two decades, China will need over 9,500 new passenger and freighter aircraft, accounting for over 20 percent of global demand, according to Airbus' latest global market forecast.

In order to meet the growing demand, the construction of the second A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Airbus Tianjin is well underway, having commenced in September 2023.

The second FAL is expected to be put into operation by the beginning of 2026. By then, Airbus will have a global production network of 10 FALs, two of which will be in Tianjin, demonstrating the company's determination to expand its presence in China.

"After FAL 2 goes into operation, Airbus will greatly enhance its cooperation with China in the areas of wings and fuselage equipping," Xu said.

Wings produced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China Xi'an Aircraft International (Tianjin) Corporation (AVIC XAT), which is located near the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family FAL, can be delivered directly to the FAL, reducing transportation time by at least 60 days when compared to shipment from the UK by sea.

This October, AVIC XAT was awarded the Ramp-up Champion Award during the 2024 Airbus Global Supplier Conference. Despite a tight global supply chain, AVIC XAT has delivered high-quality wings for the A320 Family in an efficient and timely manner, providing strong support for Airbus' global civil aircraft production rate increase.

During the exhibition, Airbus and AVIC XAT signed a procurement contract to expand cooperation to include the A321 model, in addition to existing cooperation on the A320.

In 2024, Airbus signed cooperation agreements with several Chinese or foreign suppliers with facilities in China, covering items from the upstream of raw materials to the lower stream of equipment, in an effort to expand its supply chain in China.

"The Chinese supply chain is an integral part of the global aviation industry, showing great resilience and competitiveness," Xu said. At present, approximately 200 suppliers in China support the production of Airbus' commercial aircraft.

The company's industrial chain in China is playing an increasingly important role in propelling the global aviation industry. In recent years, aircraft assembled at the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family FAL have been delivered to airlines across Europe and Asia.

"As a long-term reliable partner of the Chinese aviation industry, Airbus is committed to continuously expanding its industrial footprint and promoting common progress across the entire industrial chain in the country for enhanced resilience and competitiveness. Airbus will continue to become an outstanding multinational enterprise in China, contribute to the high-quality development of China's aviation industry, and make positive contributions to the global aviation industry," Xu said.
On 30 November and 1 December, over 160 activists took part in the founding congress of the Revolutionary Communist Party (PCR), held in Ivry-sur-Seine. Comrades came from the Paris region, Toulouse, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Montpellier, Grenoble, Reims, Gap, Lyon, Rennes, Morlaix, Brest, Nantes, Lille, Bourges, Dax, Cherbourg and Val d'Ajol.

[Originally published in French at marxiste.org]

A delegation from the Swiss section of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI) was present and took part in our discussions. The international leadership of the RCI  of which the PCR is the French section  was represented by Fred Weston, a member of the International Secretariat.

The decision to found a Revolutionary Communist Party was taken at a National Conference last May. This Conference convened the Founding Congress, which has just been held and which adopted three documents: Perspectives and Tasks of the PCR, the Programme of the PCR and the Internal Rules of the Party.

The Congress began on Saturday morning with a discussion on the world situation. In his introductory speech, Fred Weston highlighted the enormous instability in international relations at all levels: economic, diplomatic and military. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are two appalling examples, but the instability is ubiquitous.

Fred emphasised the consequences of the relative decline of American imperialism. Its traditional allies  such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, for example  no longer systematically align themselves with US positions. The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, under the leadership of China, was a striking illustration of this. Generally speaking, the organic crisis of capitalism is fanning the flames of rivalry between imperialist powers, multiplying sources of tension and military conflicts, accentuating protectionist tendencies  and paving the way for explosive class struggles in every country.

Saturday afternoon was devoted to a discussion on French Perspectives. In his introductory speech, Jerome Metellus linked the current crisis of the regime to the general decline of French capitalism over many years. For example, on the eve of our Congress, Chad and Senegal were added to the long list of African countries that have severed their military relations with France  to the benefit of other imperialist powers, including Russia and China.

French capitalism is sinking into an economic and political abyss from which the bourgeoisie can only try to escape by brutally attacking the living and working conditions of the masses. This will lead to an intensification of the class struggle and, sooner or later, to a social explosion that the union leaders will no longer be able to control and channel. The PCR will intervene energetically in these struggles and defend its communist programme.

Saturday ended with an internal fundraising event. At our National Conference last May, we raised over 60,000 euros. Given this exceptional, recent effort, we had set a more modest target for the founding congress: 20,000. But the enthusiasm and determination of our comrades enabled us to exceed that target and raise 26,000. We're calling on all our supporters to take part in this fundraising drive and make an online donation: it's not too late! This money will provide the funds that are essential for our development. This includes paying for the rental of a national PCR headquarters that is larger than our current premises, which we will move to in January 2025.

Sunday morning was devoted to discussing the tactics and organisational tasks of the PCR in the coming period. Since the start of the academic year in September 2023, our organisation has undergone a phase of very rapid growth, with membership increasing by more than 70 percent. We have gone from 13 to 23 local branches. Other branches are currently being formed.

This kind of growth requires us to pay particular attention to the theoretical and political education of our comrades. We are building an organisation of revolutionary cadres  activists who know how to analyse a political situation, intervene effectively and clearly explain our Marxist ideas and programme. This question was at the heart of the discussion on the PCRs immediate tasks. At the congress itself, comrades bought over 2,000-worth of Marxist books and pamphlets.

Sunday afternoon was devoted to our finances, the internal functioning of the Party, and the election of the Central Committee, which will be responsible for implementing the decisions of the congress. The PCR is neither a debating club nor a federation of local branches. Our internal decision-making process is based on the principles of democratic centralism, which combine the greatest possible freedom of discussion with strict discipline in implementing majority decisions. In other words, we are building a Bolshevik organisation.

The whole founding Congress of the PCR was a great success. The future will show that it was a historic event, a decisive step in building the powerful revolutionary party that the French working class needs to seize power and reorganise society on socialist lines.

A number of supporters who attended the Congress have decided to join us immediately. We call on all our supporters to do the same. Join the PCR! Take part in building a powerful Revolutionary Communist International! There is no more urgent task in the struggle to end capitalist barbarism.
This week has been full of sharp and sudden turns. The Syrian civil war has suddenly reignited due to the shock advance of a Turkey-backed rebel group. The French prime minister was forced to resign after trying to force through an austerity budget. Joe Biden has used his last few weeks in power to pardon his corrupt son. And, to top things off, the president of South Korea declared martial law, only to be quickly defeated by opposition from the whole of parliament and mass mobilisations.

Everywhere we see increasing instability, war and political turmoil. All of these are symptoms of the profound economic and social crisis, a product of the complete impasse of the capitalist system.

Such developments can be incredibly disorienting. So in order to break them down, link them together, and draw out the general processes driving them forwards, Hamid and Jorge from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International sat down for another episode of Against the Stream.

If youre hungry for more communist analysis of an increasingly unstable world situation, tune in to Against the Stream every week on Thursday at 3pm GMT. You can also catch up on Spotify and Apple podcasts
Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug announced Mauritanias pledge of $300,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to assist displaced individuals and victims of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made on Monday, December 2, during a ministerial conference in Cairo focused on strengthening humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

In his remarks, Ould Merzoug called for intensified international action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, stressing the need for a coordinated global response. He reaffirmed Mauritanias solidarity with Gaza and underscored the urgency of addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.

Condemning the violence in the region, Ould Merzoug described the ongoing attacks as brutal massacres committed by the Israeli occupation and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities. He also praised the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing critical services to Palestinian refugees.

Reiterating Mauritanias steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, Ould Merzoug highlighted the importance of robust international backing to ensure the delivery of timely humanitarian assistance, improve the living conditions of those affected, and foster conditions for lasting peace and stability.

The Cairo conference gathered foreign ministers and international stakeholders to address the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mobilize additional resources for relief efforts. Mauritanias contribution is part of broader appeals for increased aid, as the situation in Gaza remains dire amidst ongoing hostilities and displacement.
South Africas rand weakened against major currencies as international investors shifted toward safe-haven assets amid escalating political uncertainty in South Korea. The currency movement reflects broader market concerns about global stability and anticipated monetary policy decisions in leading economies, with the rand trading at 18.13 against the United States dollar, marking a 0.3 percent decline.

Market analysts attribute the currency pressure directly to geopolitical tensions emanating from South Korea, where lawmakers proposed presidential impeachment following contested decisions about martial law implementation. These developments have strengthened the appeal of traditional safe-haven currencies, particularly affecting emerging market positions and trading patterns throughout the global financial system.

Economic indicators from the United States showed moderate growth in private sector employment, data closely monitored for insights into potential Federal Reserve policy adjustments. Market participants maintain careful attention to economic signals ahead of crucial policy meetings, with Federal Reserve communications holding particular significance for emerging market currencies.

Domestic economic data presents encouraging signs, as South African private sector activity marked its fourth consecutive month of expansion. Business confidence shows improvement, accompanied by increased employment and positive economic forecasts. However, the rand continues responding primarily to external factors and global market sentiment. The nations benchmark government bonds reflected market uncertainty, with yields adjusting upward as investors processed both domestic and international developments. This complex interplay between global events and local economic conditions remains central to South African financial market performance.
On December 3, 2024, Kenyas Ministry of Education released a list of boarding schools facing closure following a comprehensive audit initiated by the Government. The move comes in the wake of a tragic fire in September 2024 at a boarding school in Endarasha, central Kenya, which claimed the lives of 21 students and sparked widespread outrage.

The audit, conducted over the past two months, revealed alarming safety and operational deficiencies. These included dormitories with overcrowded bunk beds spaced less than a meter apart, inadequate fire safety measures, the absence of female staff in girls boarding schools, and even cases of schools operating illegally as boarding facilities without registration.

Some schools werent even officially recognized as boarding institutions, said Evelyne Oweko, Director of Quality Assurance and Standards at the Ministry of Education. They were operating entirely outside the law.

The findings have provoked mixed reactions. While some school principals criticized the measures as overly harsh and accused the authorities of causing unnecessary panic among parents, others have voiced strong support for the governments stance.

We cannot gamble with the lives of our childrenfull stop, said Silas David Obuhadsa, President of the National Parents Association. He highlighted that many of the affected schools are private institutions. These schools are focused on profits but fail to provide even basic safety measures, he added.

The government has given the sanctioned schools one month to address their shortcomings. Schools that meet the required standards will be allowed to reopen in time for the new academic year in January. This decisive action underscores Kenyas commitment to prioritizing student safety and restoring trust in its education system.
On December 4, Mozambique witnessed a tragic escalation in its ongoing election-related protests, with at least five people killed and 22 injured by gunfire, according to the Decide Electoral Platform, a local monitoring NGO. Four of the fatalities occurred in the northern province of Nampula, while one was recorded in the southern capital, Maputo. The day also saw seven arrests and additional injuries: 14 in Nampula, seven in Cabo Delgado, and one in Maputo.

These incidents add to a grim tally from 41 days of unrest, spanning October 21 to December 1, which saw 76 deaths, 240 shootings, and over 3,000 arrests, as previously reported by the electoral platform.

Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who disputes the results of the October 9 general election, has called for another week of nationwide protests, from December 4 to 11. In a statement on his official Facebook page, Mondlane urged citizens to gather in their neighborhoods and block main roads from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All neighborhoods are very active, he wrote, encouraging participants to hold posters and stay within their local areas rather than traveling far.

The demonstrations follow a similar pattern to those held from November 27 to 29, with protesters ceasing vehicle traffic during the specified hours. At 3:30 p.m. each day, participants are asked to unite in singing the national anthems of Mozambique and Africa. This tradition continued on December 4, as groups gathered on major streets in several cities, including Maputo, to express their discontent peacefully but resolutely.

The protests underscore the deep tensions in Mozambique as citizens challenge the legitimacy of the electoral process, raising urgent calls for resolution and accountability.
On December 4, a coalition of civil society organizations in Guinea-Bissau launched the Womens Observatory initiative, a project designed to promote research, advocacy, and influence public policies on womens issues. Supported by Portuguese cooperation through the Camoes Institute, the observatory aspires to deepen understanding of the challenges faced by Guinean women while championing their political, economic, and social rights.

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Guinean League of Human Rights, ACEP (Association for Cooperation Between Peoples), AMPROCS (Association of Professional Women in Social Communication), Miguilan (Mindjeris Di Guine No Lanta, or Women of Guinea, We Rise), and the House of Rights, aims to shed light on critical issues such as domestic violence, barriers to decision-making opportunities, and systemic challenges to womens empowerment.

Guerri Gomes, a board member of the Human Rights League, highlighted that the three-year initiative will focus on collecting comprehensive data on factors that undermine the well-being and opportunities of women and girls, from childhood to adulthood. The observatory will provide crucial insights into the realities faced by women in Guinea-Bissau, Gomes stated.

Nelvina Barreto, a prominent activist and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. Speaking on behalf of the Miguilan organization, she expressed confidence that the observatory would be a vital tool in advancing the rights and opportunities of Guinean women. This initiative will play a key role in ensuring that womens voices are heard and their contributions recognized in political, economic, and social spheres, Barreto remarked.

With its mission firmly rooted in advocacy and empowerment, the Womens Observatory promises to be a cornerstone in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in Guinea-Bissau.
Commentary: U.S. tech suppression of China also stifles American prospects

Xinhua) 08:27, December 05, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Amid sustained tech suppression by the U.S. administration, Chinese industrial associations have voiced strong opposition to the latest U.S. control measures concerning semiconductor exports and urged domestic firms to exercise caution when purchasing U.S. chips.

The call for caution is well-founded, as the arbitrary control measures have made the supply chains of U.S. chips insecure and unreliable. When the trust and confidence in procuring chip products from American companies are being shaken, it is certainly worth pondering why.

Driven by a deep-rooted Cold War mentality, the U.S. has resorted to abusing state power in excluding China from key supply chains and restricting China's ability to climb up the value chain -- which seriously hinders normal and healthy economic and trade exchanges.

Such actions not only undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, but also affect the interests of companies in other countries, including the United States itself. They constitute blatant economic and technological bullying, and a serious violation of international trade rules.

The semiconductor industry features a sophisticated global division of labor, encompassing design, manufacturing, packaging and testing. Over the past few decades, the United States has spearheaded industrial innovation and design, while Asia, especially East Asia, has emerged as a leader in manufacturing. This globalization of the semiconductor industry aligns with the fundamental principles of economic development.

However, anti-globalization efforts and increased geopolitical tensions have begun to change some of these trends. Although the Biden administration claims that it has no intention of seeking decoupling from China, it continues to impose barriers on chip exports to the country. These actions cast doubt on the words spoken by the American political leadership -- who seem unwilling to walk their talk.

Notably, the U.S. Department of Commerce has intensified control of semiconductor exports to China, while also adding an increasing number of Chinese entities to its export control "entity list." The U.S. tech suppression of China continues to intensify even in the final weeks of the outgoing Biden administration.

Strategically, the United States is attempting to establish an international alliance in high-tech industries -- an alliance which excludes China. Such a strategy is doomed to backfire.

According to the International Semiconductor Industry Association, global chip manufacturing equipment sales will reach 109 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 -- with China expected to account for more than 30 percent, the largest market share.

That is why semiconductor heavyweights such as Intel and Micron Technology, despite pressure from Washington, have bucked the political trend by increasing investment or expanding operations in China.

There has also been a growing effort by U.S. companies to lobby the White House to abandon its escalating chip containment policy targeting China, with companies arguing that the current trade policy is counterproductive, as it has the unintended consequences of hurting U.S. semiconductor companies.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has decried the "paranoid" view fueling the high-tech rivalry between the U.S. and China. He believes America and China should take advantage of each other's innovations -- rather than turn against each other.

If competition is inevitable, then it is obviously important to keep an open mind. Competition in the chip industry is not only about scientific and technological research and development, but also about who can best take advantage of an open international cooperation system based on scientific and technological development initiatives and natural market dynamics. Lacking such an open mind will hurt the United States in the long run.

Hegemonic thinking that tries to impose geopolitical confrontations on the economic and technological fields is undoubtedly harmful. Therefore, Washington's containment and suppression of China will hurt the entire world -- including the United States. It's the hope of every sensible stakeholder in the chip industry as well as the global economy that the United States will change its course and re-embrace the open industrial ecology.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A visitor (C) poses for photos at the booth of China Tourism Group during the China International Travel Mart 2024 in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

With around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, international tourism has reached 98 percent of the figures prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, according to the United Nations tourism agency (UN Tourism).



In its Tourism Barometer report issued on Wednesday, the Madrid-based organization revealed that a "full recovery" is expected by the end of the year.

International tourist arrivals growth was driven by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the continuing recovery of destinations in Asia Pacific.

This photo taken on April 28, 2024 shows the seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport in Male, the Maldives. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourist arrivals have been particularly notable in the Middle East, Europe and Africa, which have surpassed the 2019 level, with an increase of 29 percent, 1 percent and 6 percent respectively.



International tourist arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region reached 85 percent of 2019 levels by September 2024, marking a significant improvement from 2023, when recovery stood at just 66 percent. The Americas have reached 97 percent of the 2019 level.

Growth in international arrivals has been matched by an increase in tourism revenue in the first three quarters of 2024.

Some 35 out of 43 countries with available data on receipts exceeded pre-pandemic values in the first eight to nine months of 2024, with many reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

This photo taken on Dec. 27, 2022 shows a view of Guadalupe in Extremadura, Spain. [Photo/Xinhua]

Spain, the second largest tourist destination in the world, enjoyed a 36 percent rise. Other impressive performers in Europe include the United Kingdom, with a 43 percent growth in earnings, France with 27 percent, and Italy with 26 percent.



UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world."

He highlighted the positive impact of the recovery on local economies, adding: "The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses, and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies."

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 10, 2023 shows the view of Shibadong Village of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
On December 4, the World Food Programme (WFP) delivered a stark message: a significant funding shortfall has left it unable to provide critical aid to 26 million people enduring drought in southern Africa and another 25.6 million battling malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During a press briefing in Johannesburg, Antonella dAprile, WFPs Country Director for Mozambique, emphasized the growing urgency of the situation. She outlined the dire state of food insecurity in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where prolonged drought has devastated livelihoods and strained food systems.

In Mozambique, dAprile described barren fields and families grappling with extreme hunger. Meanwhile, in Malawi, WFP representative Paul Turnbull reported that an El Nino-driven drought earlier this year destroyed nearly half of the maize crop. This has forced many families into such economic distress that children are being withdrawn from school to help support their households.

In Zambia, a nation often considered the breadbasket of southern Africa, WFP representative Cissy Kabasuuga warned of a looming food crisis, pointing to dwindling agricultural output and growing challenges in meeting food needs.

The situation in the DRC is no less critical, with malnutrition affecting one in four people. WFP representative Peter Musoko attributed the crisis to a combination of factors, including armed conflict, intercommunal violence, climate disruptions, and outbreaks of diseases like mpox, cholera, and measles. A recent report from WFP highlighted worsening conditions in provinces like Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where conflict has exacerbated food insecurity. Tanganyika province has also suffered heavily, with severe flooding compounding the crisis.

To address the mounting global hunger crisis, WFP launched an appeal in November for $16.9 billion to fund its 2025 operations. To put the figure into perspective, its equivalent to what the world spends on coffee in just two weeksa powerful reminder of the scale of the challenge and the importance of collective action in saving millions of lives.
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Credit: BMC Medical Education (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06219-y

Experts have published a series of recommendations for improving equity of access to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for children with cancer across the U.K.

NHS England is one of the few health services in the world that has a national initiative offering universal genome sequencing to every child with cancer. However, since its rollout in 2021, the use of WGS in clinical practice has not yet seen widespread use and it seems that some childhood cancer units have greater accessibility to this tool than others.

In October 2022, clinicians and scientists from across the U.K. attended a workshop event to discuss some of the reasons behind this. This was organized by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Connecting Science, the CRUK Cambridge Center Pediatric Cancer Program, University of Cambridge Department of Pediatrics and NHS East Genomics.

The results of the workshop, published in BMC Medical Education, highlight some key education and training targets to support uptake and successful implementation of WGS across the U.K.

These include training for health care professionals to better understand the process of requesting WGS in different NHS Trusts, as well as raising awareness that this tool is valuable for clinical management, treatment approaches and research. There is also a need for training around the consent information required, the subsequent potential to identify inherited variants and the best ways to communicate results to children and families.

Key training opportunities identified for clinical scientists included better understanding of how to identify potential opportunities for clinical trials, as well as better understanding of WGS for all health care professionals involved in Genomic Tumor Advisory Boards (GTABs).

Since the workshop, the Cancer Genomic Improvement Program (CGIP) has been established to tackle the end-to-end turnaround times approved for a series of solid tumors and hemato-oncology. Cancer Research UK also recently launched its new genomics policy position statement.

"We designed the workshop to uncover a broad spectrum of implementation barriers, using the COM-B model to pinpoint the key factors essential for driving effective behavior change, in this case, the adoption of whole-genome sequencing. By framing the interactive sessions around targeted questions from the COM-B framework, we identified where education and training could deliver the greatest impact," says Dr. Michelle Bishop.

"Whole-genome sequencing provides the gold standard, most comprehensive and cutting-edge view of cancer. Despite this, the uptake across the NHS has been varied. Working together with other experts from across the U.K., we have developed recommendations that we hope will help break down the barriers that many face in accessing whole-genome sequencing for their patients.

"This test is a powerful example of how genomics can help provide better, individualized care to children with cancer, and it is important that as many people as possible have access to it," says Dr. Sam Behjati.

"The East Genomic Laboratory Hub, commissioned to provide whole-genome sequencing testing by NHSE according to the National Genomic Test Directory, recognizes the huge importance of working with our colleagues in pediatric oncology and hemato-oncology to establish clinically useful pathways. The East GLH team of clinical scientists have gained extensive experience in analyzing and reporting pediatric cancer whole genomes and are always keen to support the diffusion of knowledge across the national Genomic Medicine Service.

"This workshop provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge transfer and establishing new training opportunities, ultimately with the aim of supporting equitable access to whole-genome sequencing for all children diagnosed with cancer in the English NHS," says Dr. Sarah Bowdin.

More information: Michelle Bishop et al, Identifying barriers and opportunities to facilitate the uptake of whole genome sequencing in paediatric haematology and oncology practice, BMC Medical Education (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06219-y
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A new method of analyzing mammograms  developed by researchers at WashU Medicine  identified individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer more accurately than the standard, questionnaire-based method did. The left mammogram shows dense tissue (white) but no sign of cancer. Two years later, cancer had developed in the same breast (right, tumor circled in red). The new method, powered by artificial intelligence, could help diagnose cancer earlier and guide recommendations for earlier screening, additional imaging or risk-reducing medications. Credit: Debbie Bennett/WashU Medicine

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis describes an innovative method of analyzing mammograms that significantly improves the accuracy of predicting the risk of breast cancer development over the following five years.

Using up to three years of previous mammograms, the new method identified individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer 2.3 times more accurately than the standard method, which is based on questionnaires assessing clinical risk factors alone, such as age, race and family history of breast cancer.

The study is published Dec. 5 in JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics.

"We are seeking ways to improve early detection, since that increases the chances of successful treatment," said senior author Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH, associate director of Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, and the Niess-Gain Professor of Surgery. "This improved prediction of risk also may help research surrounding prevention, so that we can find better ways for women who fall into the high-risk category to lower their five-year risk of developing breast cancer."

This risk-prediction method builds on past research led by Colditz and lead author Shu (Joy) Jiang, Ph.D., a statistician, data scientist and associate professor of surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences at WashU Medicine. The researchers showed that prior mammograms hold a wealth of information on early signs of breast cancer development that can't be perceived even by a well-trained human eye. This information includes subtle changes over time in breast density, which is a measure of the relative amounts of fibrous versus fatty tissue in the breasts.

For the new study, the team built an algorithm based on artificial intelligence that can discern subtle differences in mammograms and help identify those women at highest risk of developing a new breast tumor over a specific timeframe. In addition to breast density, their machine-learning tool considers changes in other patterns in the images, including in texture, calcification and asymmetry within the breasts.

"Our new method is able to detect subtle changes over time in repeated mammogram images that are not visible to the eye," said Jiang, yet these changes hold rich information that can help identify high-risk individuals.

At the moment, risk-reduction options are limited and can include drugs such as tamoxifen that lower risk but may have unwanted side effects. Most of the time, women at high risk are offered more frequent screening or the option of adding another imaging method, such as an MRI, to try to identify cancer as early as possible.

"Today, we don't have a way to know who is likely to develop breast cancer in the future based on their mammogram images," said co-author Debbie L. Bennett, MD, an associate professor of radiology and chief of breast imaging for the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at WashU Medicine. "What's so exciting about this research is that it indicates that it is possible to glean this information from current and prior mammograms using this algorithm. The prediction is never going to be perfect, but this study suggests the new algorithm is much better than our current methods."

AI improves prediction of breast cancer development

The researchers trained their machine-learning algorithm on the mammograms of more than 10,000 women who received breast cancer screenings through Siteman Cancer Center from 20082012. These individuals were followed through 2020, and in that time 478 were diagnosed with breast cancer.

The researchers then applied their method to predict breast cancer risk in a separate set of patientsmore than 18,000 women who received mammograms through Emory University in the Atlanta area from 20132020. Subsequently, 332 women were diagnosed with breast cancer during the follow-up period, which ended in 2020.

According to the new prediction model, women in the high-risk group were 21 times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer over the following five years than were those in the lowest-risk group. In the high-risk group, 53 out of every 1,000 women screened developed breast cancer over the next five years.

In contrast, in the low-risk group, 2.6 women per 1,000 screened developed breast cancer over the following five years. Under the old questionnaire-based methods, only 23 women per 1,000 screened were correctly classified in the high-risk group, providing evidence that the old method, in this case, missed 30 breast cancer cases that the new method found.

The mammograms were conducted at academic medical centers and community clinics, demonstrating that the accuracy of the method holds up in diverse settings. Importantly, the algorithm was built with robust representation of Black women, who are usually underrepresented in development of breast cancer risk models. The accuracy for predicting risk held up across racial groups. Of the women screened through Siteman, most were white, and 27% were Black. Of those screened through Emory, 42% were Black.

In ongoing work, the researchers are testing the algorithm in women of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including those of Asian, southeast Asian and Native American descent, to help ensure that the method is equally accurate for everyone.

The researchers are working with WashU's Office of Technology Management toward patents and licensing on the new method with the goal of making it broadly available anywhere screening mammograms are provided. Colditz and Jiang are also working toward founding a start-up company around this technology. Jiang and Colditz have patents pending related to this work, predicting disease risk using radiomic images.

More information: Development and validation of a dynamic 5-year breast cancer risk model using repeated mammograms, JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics (2024). DOI: 10.1200/CCI-24-00200. ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/CCI-24-00200
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Congo's Health Minister Roger Kamba speaks, during a press conference, in Congo, Kinshasa, Thursday, Nov 5, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi

Public health officials in Africa urged caution Thursday as Congo's health minister said the government was on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.

Jean Kaseya, the head of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters that more details about the disease should be known in the next 48 hours as experts receive results from laboratory samples of infected people.

"First diagnostics are leading us to think it is a respiratory disease," Kaseya said. "But we need to wait for the laboratory results." He added that there are many things that are still unknown about the diseaseincluding whether it is infectious and how it is transmitted.

Authorities in Congo have so far confirmed 71 deaths, including 27 people who died in hospitals and 44 in the community in the southern Kwango province, health minister Roger Kamba said.

"The Congolese government is on general alert regarding this disease," Kamba said, without providing more details.

Of the victims at the hospitals, 10 died due to lack of blood transfusion and 17 as a result of respiratory problems, he said.

The deaths were recorded between Nov. 10 and Nov. 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. There were around 380 cases, almost half of which were children under the age of five, according to the minister.

The Africa CDC recorded slightly different numbers, with 376 cases and 79 deaths. The discrepancy was caused by problems with surveillance and case definition, Kaseya said.

Authorities have said that symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia. Epidemiological experts are in the region to take samples and investigate the disease, the minister said.

The Panzi health zone, located around 435 miles (700 kilometers) from the capital Kinshasa, is a remote area of the Kwango province, making it hard to access.

A view of the general Hospital Panzi in southwestern Congo, Thursday, Nov 5, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Lucien Lufutu

The epidemiological experts took two days to arrive there, the minister said. Because of the lack of testing capacity, samples had to be taken to Kikwit, more than 500 km away, said Dieudonne Mwamba, the head of the National Institute for Public Health.

"The health system is quite weak in our rural areas, but for certain types of care, the ministry has all the provisions, and we are waiting for the first results of the sample analysis to properly calibrate things," Kaseya said.

Mwamba said that Panzi was already a "fragile" zone, with 40% of its residents experiencing malnutrition. It was also hit by an epidemic of typhoid fever two years ago, and there is currently a resurgence of seasonal flu across the country.

"We need to take into account all this as context," Mwamba said.

A Panzi resident, Claude Niongo, said his wife and seven-year-old daughter died from the disease.

"We do not know the cause but I only noticed high fevers, vomiting... and then death," Niongo told The Associated Press over the phone. "Now, the authorities are talking to us about an epidemic but in the meantime, there is a problem of care (and) people are dying," he added.

Lucien Lufutu, president of the civil society consultation framework of Kwango province, who is in Panzi, said the local hospital where patients are treated is underequipped.

"There is a lack of medicines and medical supplies, since the disease is not yet known, most of the population is treated by traditional practitioners," Lufutu told the AP.

He also said the disease affected Katenda, another nearby health zone.

When asked about a potential outbreak in other health zones, the minister said he could not tell if that was the case but that nothing was reported.

Congo is already plagued by the mpox epidemic, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease in the Central African country, according to the World Health Organization.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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A team led by, from left, social work professors Moses Okumu and Flora Cohen, with doctoral student Joshua Muzei explored the effectiveness of mental health interventions provided via mobile phones among refugee and displaced youths living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. The study's findings highlighted the need to develop contextualized apps that enable these transient populations to access, understand and use online mental health information to enhance their well-being. Credit: Fred Zwicky

Mental health interventions provided through digital media to 445 displaced youths living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, showed promise at broadening care to this high-risk, difficult-to-reach population, a new study found.

Led by Moses Okumu, a professor of social work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the study included youths ages 1624 who were living in five humanitarian settings. The goal of the study was to assess these young people's e-health literacy skills, defined in the study as those that are critical for users to access online resources and apply the knowledge they gain to addressing or resolving a health problem.

Published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, the study is believed to be the first to validate the applicability of the eHEALS assessmenta widely used self-report survey that measures digital literacywith displaced youths in Africa.

Refugee and displaced youths are a sizable population in Uganda. Because they are at risk of many mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, these young people could benefit significantly from e-health interventions provided remotely via their mobile phones, the team wrote.

"As mobile phone ownership continues to increase, so too have efforts to use these devices to connect out-of-sight populations to information and services that enhance their health outcomes, particularly in contexts that lack brick-and-mortar medical facilities," Okumu said.

"We need to develop contextualized digital health interventions that can help displaced young people better access, understand and use health information. By doing so, we are not just improving their ability to navigate digital health resourceswe are potentially enhancing their resilience and mental health."

The eHEALS survey assesses users' familiarity with health resources that are available on the internet and their confidence in their ability to discern whether the information they access is accurate and reliable.

Those who participated in the study also completed surveys that assessed their levels of depressive symptoms and resilience, defined in the study as their ability to adaptively respond to difficult situations and bolster their well-being.

Contrary to previous work by other researchers, the team found no direct relationship between the youths' eHEALS scores and depressive symptoms. However, higher eHEALS scores were significantly related to greater resilience, and those who scored higher on resilience reported fewer depressive symptoms, the researchers found.

"Mental health isn't only about coping with the symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, it is also about the way we relate to others and foster both individual and community resilience," said co-author Flora Cohen, also a social work professor at Illinois whose research focuses on global mental health interventions for displaced people.

"It is not surprising that our results showed an association between resilience and digital literacy, especially within a sample of participants who are highly engaged with the digital world."

Peer navigators in the same age range as those in the study who also were refugees or displaced persons recruited the participants, administered the surveys on electronic tablets and provided social support, Okumu said.

"Our study takes a crucial step in addressing the knowledge gap about e-health literacy among displaced youths," he said.

"As we continue to see an increase in global displacement, understanding how to effectively support the mental health of displaced youths through digital means becomes increasingly important.

"Our findings provide a foundation for designing more effective digital health interventions that can enhance the psychosocial functioning of displaced youths living in urban slums and potentially other vulnerable adolescent populations globally."

The team is exploring the effectiveness of digital tools in various public health outreach projects to mobile and migrant populations. In a related study published earlier this year in International Health, the team found that a mobile health app significantly increased adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices such as hand washing and physical distancing among urban refugee youths, as well as their receptiveness to vaccines.

The intervention, called Kukaa Salama, a Swahili phrase that translates as "Staying Safe" in English, was part of a broader clinical trial on digital health interventions' effects on HIV self-testing in this population.

Carmen H. Logie, the Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations at the University of Toronto and a co-author of the current paper, was the first author of that study.

The co-authors of the current study included social work professors William Byansi of Boston College and Thabani Nyoni of Dalhousie University, and U. of I. graduate student Joshua Muzei.

More information: Moses Okumu et al, eHealth literacy and digital health interventions: Key ingredients for supporting the mental health of displaced youth living in the urban slums of kampala, Uganda, Computers in Human Behavior (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2024.108434 Journal information: Computers in Human Behavior
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The study's first author, Hossein Zargartalebi, holds the tiny device. The implantable microdevice with the electrode and sensors inside a thin microneedle, the width of just three human hairs. Resembling a continuous glucose monitor, the device sits on the skin outside the body while the microneedle pricks the skin to sample fluids. Credit: Northwestern University

Northwestern University scientists have designed a new implantable device that can monitor fluctuating levels of proteins within the body in real time. Inspired by fruit shaking off the branches of a tree, the device comprises strands of DNA that stick to proteins, shake them off and then grab more proteins. This creative strategy enables the device to sample various proteins over time to measure changes in inflammatory markers.

In proof-of-concept experiments, the sensors accurately and sensitively measured protein biomarkers of inflammation in diabetic rats. The work lays the foundation for the real-time management and prevention of acute and chronic conditions through the tracking of critical proteins, such as cytokines in inflammation, protein biomarkers in heart failure and many others.

The study, "Active-reset protein sensors enable continuous in vivo monitoring of inflammation," was published on Dec. 6 in the journal Science.

"The device's design is analogous to a continuous glucose monitor that sits on your arm and measures levels right beneath your skin," said Northwestern's Shana O. Kelley, who led the study.

"You can see that your glucose levels are increasing in real time. But then maybe you take your insulin, and your glucose goes back down. You need to be able to measure trends in the wrong direction and trends in the right direction. It's the same with proteins in inflammation.

"We need to track fluctuations in order to get a full picture of what's happening in the body. This is a completely new capabilityto be able to watch inflammation in real time. There are a huge number of applications that we are now beginning to explore."

Kelley is the Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern, where she has appointments in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering and Feinberg School of Medicine. She also is president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, one of the four institutes in the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network.

Quaking with inspiration

While numerous sensors exist to continuously detect small molecules, such as glucose or electrolytes, sensors for proteinswhich are larger and more complex than small moleculesare more challenging to design. To detect proteins in biological fluids, scientists typically use DNA receptors that bind to proteins and pull them out of biofluids.

The problem with these receptions is they work too well. Even with passive regeneration, these Velcro-like attachments are so strong that they hold onto proteins for more than 20 hours, making it impossible to measure real-time fluctuations in the blood. After trying several solutions to "reset" the sensors, Hossein Zargartalebi, the study's first author, received inspiration from an unexpected place: nature.

"I thought about how shaking an apple tree, whether by hand or with a gust of wind, makes ripe apples detach and fall," said Zargartalebi, a postdoctoral fellow in Kelley's laboratory.

"This simple observation sparked an idea. What if we could 'shake' the DNA receptors on our sensors to release the captured proteins in a similar way? I applied an alternating potential electrode, which caused the DNA strands to oscillate, and it worked. The proteins detached and the sensor was reset."

The nanoscale sensors look like rows of bulbous pendulums, each comprising a double-stranded cord of DNA. One end of the DNA strand is attached to an electrode, and the other end is attached to another bit of DNA that binds to a desired protein. When the researchers apply an alternating electric field, the pendulum-like sensors swing back and forthflinging off proteins within a mere minute and catching others.

"Hossein was thinking very creatively and came up with a non-obvious idea," Kelley said. "He went into the lab, tried it once and it worked. Then, he did it again, and it worked. It's such a simple and elegant solution."

"I was exhilarated, knowing that this natural insight had led to a major breakthrough," Zargartalebi said.

"Now, just as trees repeatedly grow and release their fruit, our DNA sensors can 'release' their proteins after each measurement cycle, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring inside the body. This experience reminded me that, just as Newton's encounter with the apple hinted at gravity, nature still holds powerful lessons for those who pay close attention."

Getting under the skin

After watching the device work in the lab, the team next wanted to see if the sensors worked in living animals. The researchers built an implantable microdevice with the electrode and sensors inside a thin microneedle, the width of just three human hairs.

Resembling a continuous glucose monitor, the device sits on the skin outside the body while the microneedle pricks the skin to sample fluids.

The researchers designed sensors to bind to two protein cytokines, which are key markers of inflammation. Then they attached the device to the skin of rats with diabetes. Because diabetes and inflammation are tightly linked, many complications associated with diabetes are caused by inflammation.

The sensors successfully measured concentration changes of both proteins within fluid. When the rats fasted or received insulin, the sensors tracked cytokine levels as they drifted down. Conversely, when researchers injected the rats with a substance that agitates the immune system, the inflammatory cytokine levels rapidly shot up.

The sensors were so sensitive, in fact, that each time a rat received a shot of insulin, the device detected a small spike in inflammation where the needle pierced the skin. Measurements from the sensors also matched gold-standard laboratory methods to detect proteins in bodily fluidsvalidating the device's success.

The 'ultimate preventative measure'

Although the new device works well for measuring inflammation, Kelley envisions using it to track many other protein markers. She specifically cites heart failure, which is associated with a protein called B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Clinicians measure BNP to diagnose and monitor heart failure, but, currently, there is no way to continuously track this marker in real time.

"If you have heart failure, you might go to the doctor every three months," Kelley said.

"But, as with most illnesses, symptoms occur between doctor's visits. If a patient isn't feeling well, it's not immediately obvious that it's due to heart failure. With a continuous monitor, when the patient doesn't feel well, the doctor could pull up their data and check their BNP levels.

"Then, medications could be fine-tuned before symptoms worsen. We hope one day this technology will benefit many people, along the lines of what has happened with the positive impact of continuous glucose monitoring today. It could be the ultimate preventative measure."

More information: H. Zargartalebi et al, Active-reset protein sensors enable continuous in vivo monitoring of inflammation, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn2600. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn2600 Journal information: Science
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Credit: Kampus Production from Pexels

COVID's rampage through the country's nursing homes killed more than 172,000 residents and spurred the biggest industry reform in decades: a mandate that homes employ a minimum number of nurses.

But with President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House, the industry is ramping up pressure to kill that requirement before it takes effect, leaving thousands of residents in homes too short-staffed to provide proper care.

The nursing home industry has been marshaling opposition for months among congressional Republicansand some Democratsto overrule the Biden administration's mandate. Two industry groups, the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, have sued to overturn the regulation, and 20 Republican state attorneys general have filed their own challenge.

Consumer advocates, industry officials and independent researchers agree that the incoming administration is likely to rescind the rule, given the first Trump administration's "patients over paperwork" campaign to remove "unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome health regulations on hospitals and other health care providers." Among other things, Trump aided the industry by easing fines against homes that had been cited for poor care.

"The Trump administration has proven itself really eager to reverse overreaching regulations," said Linda Couch, senior vice president for policy and advocacy at LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit elder care providers. "We think it's got a pretty good chance of being repealed, and hope so."

Issued in April, the staffing regulation requires nursing homes to have registered nurses on-site around the clocksomething that the industry has endorsedand to maintain minimum numbers of nurses and aides. Four in five homes would have to increase staffing. The requirements would be phased in, starting in May 2026.

Even before the election, many experts and activists had doubts that the rule would be effectively enforced, given the poor results in states that have imposed their own minimums. In New York, California, Rhode Island, and Massachusettsstates with the most robust requirementsmany homes remain below the legal staffing levels.

Governors have given many homes reprieves, and other homes have found that paying penalties costs less than the increase in payroll for additional staff.

The federal government estimates the average annual cost over a decade to meet the Biden mandate would be $4.3 billion a year, a 2% increase in expenses, though the changes do not include increases in federal Medicare or Medicaid payments.

"Staffing is everything in terms of nursing-home quality," said R. Tamara Konetzka, a professor of public health sciences at the University of Chicago.

While the rule's effectiveness was uncertain, she worried that repealing it would send the wrong message. "We would be losing that signal that nursing homes should try really hard to improve their staffing," she said.

Advocate groups for nursing home residents, who had criticized the Biden administration rule for not requiring even higher staffing levels, have since pivoted and are trying to protect it.

"We're hoping the president-elect will come in and take a look at the science and data behind it and see this really is a modest reform," said Sam Brooks, the director for public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. "We'd be devastated to see it fall."

The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment, but in a court filing it argued that nursing homes should be able to reach the required staffing levels.

"There is more than enough time to identify, train and hire additional staff," the Biden administration wrote.

The quality of care in the nation's 15,000 nursing homes and the lack of adequate staffing for their 1.2 million residents has been a concern for decades. Inspection reports continue to find homes leaving residents lying in their own feces, suffering severe bedsores and falls, contracting infections, choking on food while unattended, or ending up back in a hospital for preventable reasons.

Some nursing homes overuse psychotropic medications to pacify residents because they do not have enough workers to attend to them.

Leslie Frane, executive vice president of the SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which represents health care workers, said in a statement that "far too many nursing home owners will not do the right thing and invest in workers without oversight and binding regulation."

The nursing home industry says many homes cannot afford to increase their workforces, and that, even if they could, there is a scarcity of trained nurses, and not enough people willing to work as aides for an average $19 an hour. A registered nurse earns $40 an hour on average in a nursing home, less than what they could make at a hospital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Biden administration noted in its court filing it was planning to spend $75 million to recruit and train more workers, and that there were more than 100,000 workers who left nursing homes during the pandemic and could be lured back if salaries and working conditions were better.

How many nursing homes could afford the increased cost remains a mystery because of weaknesses in the government's requirements for financial transparency. About half of homes lose money, according to their reports to Medicare, but some nursing home owners grow rich through clandestine maneuvers to siphon profits into their own pockets.

Last month, owners of Centers Health Care, one of New York state's largest nursing home chains, agreed to pay $45 million to settle allegations by Attorney General Letitia James that they diverted $83 million intended for resident care to themselves during the pandemic.

Maryellen Mooney, a spokesperson for the Centers Health Care chain, which denied the allegations, said in a statement that Centers was "committed to fully implementing the settlement terms, including a significant investment in resident care."

About three-quarters of nursing homes are for-profit. The industry, though, highlights the most sympathetic examples: rural nonprofit nursing homes like Kimball County Manor & Assisted Living in Kimball, Nebraska. Its staffing levels for registered nurses are 40% below what the new rule would require, federal data shows.

Sarah Stull, Kimball's administrator, said recruitment had always been challenging and that temporary nursing staffing agencies charged more than double what she paid her own staff.

"We had to pay $65 for a nurse aide during COVID, and that's insane," she said.

The government estimated that about a fourth of the nation's nursing homes would be eligible to apply for hardship exemptions if there were a documented shortage of nurses and aides in their communities compared with the national average.

But Nate Schema, the chief executive of the Good Samaritan Society, which runs 133 nonprofit homes mainly in the rural Midwest, estimated that only seven would be likely to qualify for a hardship waiver.

"Philosophically, they sound great," he said. "But in practicality and how they're put together, they won't do much for us."

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Newborn neuron (green and purple cell) in brain tissue from patients with epilepsy. Credit: Aswathy Ammothumkandy/Bonaguidi Lab/USC. Cell Stem Cell

Why do adults make new brain cells? A study published in Cell Stem Cell provides the first cellular evidence that making new brain cells in adults supports verbal learning and memory, which enables people to have conversations and to remember what they hear. This discovery could point to new approaches to restore cognitive function.

The study, led by scientists from USC Stem Cell and the USC Neurorestoration Center at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, relied on brain tissue from patients with drug-resistant cases of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), which involves seizures as well as accelerated cognitive decline.

"Treating patients with epilepsy allows us to investigate the purpose of generating new neurons in our brains. We observe that one of reasons is to learn from the conversations we have," said co-corresponding author Michael Bonaguidi, an associate professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, gerontology, biochemistry and molecular medicine, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery, and assistant director of the USC Neurorestoration Center.

"These findings are clearly important for all people who suffer from learning and cognitive decline, but they are also specifically relevant to the epilepsy patients who participated in the research," added co-corresponding author Charles Liu, a professor of neurological surgery, neurology, and biomedical engineering, director of the USC Neurorestoration Center, and director of the USC Epilepsy Care Consortium.

In the study, first authors Aswathy Ammothumkandy and Luis Corona from USC and their collaborators investigated how the process of making new brain cellscalled neurogenesisaffects different types of cognitive decline during the progression of MTLE.

The researchers found that MTLE patients experience cognitive decline in many areas including verbal learning and memory, intelligence, and visuospatial skills. For verbal learning and memory, as well as for intelligence, patients undergo a dramatic decline during the first 20 years of seizures. During those same two decades, neurogenesis slows to the point where immature brain cells became nearly undetectable.

Based on these observations, the scientists searched for links between the number of immature brain cells and the major areas of MTLE-related cognitive decline. They found the strongest association occurs between the declining number of immature brain cells and verbal learning and memory.

This is a surprising finding because neurogenesis levels in rodents and other lab animals contribute to a different type of learning and memory using visuospatial skills. The role of neurogenesis in verbal learning and memory highlights the value of studying human brain tissue.

These highly valuable surgical specimens were generously donated by patients of the Rancho Los Amigos Epilepsy Center- a unique resource in the public safety-net health system, advancing health care and research equity for the underinsured population in the region. During the complex operations, the neurosurgeons carefully removed the affected hippocampus in one piece, curing the majority of the patients of their seizures.

"Our study provides the first cellular evidence of how neurogenesis contributes to human cognitionin this case, verbal learning and memory," said Bonaguidi.

"This work opens a gateway for future studies exploring ways to improve verbal learning and memory by boosting neurogenesis, possibly through exercise or therapeutic drugs. Those approaches could help not only patients with MTLE, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but also all of us with aging brains."
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Graphic illustration of the mechanism by which METTL3-mediated m6A modification regulates FOSL1 expression to inhibit trophoblast invasion in FGR progression. Credit: The FASEB Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1096/fj.202401665R

A signal that the body adds to an mRNA can disrupt placental development and lead to fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this condition, a fetus is smaller than expected for its age during pregnancy and complications such as feeding difficulties, jaundice, and stillbirth can result. A molecule called STM2457 reversed most of the effects in mice and could someday be used to treat patients, according to research published in The FASEB Journal.

FGR (also called intrauterine growth restriction) occurs in about 10% of pregnancies and is diagnosed by measuring fundal heightthe size of the maternal abdomenor by performing an ultrasound. Maternal diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as placental issues or fetal genetic conditions, can contribute to FGR.

Treatments to fix the condition do not yet exist, so physicians carefully monitor these pregnancies, and they may induce labor early if fetuses aren't developing properly. Stillbirth is a risk, as well as problems with breathing and feeding that can occur after birth. Because organs and tissues grow more slowly, children who experience FGR in utero can have long-term cardiac, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental effects.

Reports have shown that the epigenetic modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on mRNA is associated with female reproductive diseases and pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and miscarriage but it was unclear whether the modification is involved in FGR.

As a first step toward developing a therapy for FGR, Guolin He, Xinghui Liu, and colleagues at West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Chongqing Medical University wanted to learn more about how the condition develops. They tested placental tissues from FGR patients and women with pregnancies that were proceeding as expected. The researchers also analyzed cells in culture and mice under various conditions.

The team found that m6A levels were higher in placental tissues of FGR patients than in those from control volunteers. METTL3 adds m6A to mRNAs, and its mRNA and protein levels were boosted in FGR patients. In laboratory experiments, increasing METTL3 expression elevated m6A, and knocking out METTL3 reduced m6A in two different cell lines derived from trophoblasts.

In tests, trophoblasts with high METTL3 levels could not perform activities that are key to placenta formation, including proliferating, migrating, or moving into a material that mimics the environment around cells.

Further analyses revealed that METTL3's likely target for these effects is an mRNA called FOSL1, which is encoded by a gene known to be involved in placental development. Adding m6A to FOSL1 mRNA makes it more stable, thereby boosting its protein levels.

Next, the team wanted to test the effects of STM2457 on the m6A process. This molecule is a specific inhibitor of METTL3 and was recently shown to be a potential anticancer therapy. In an FGR mouse model, STM2457 treatment helped fetuses gain weight, partially restored placental development, and decreased m6A levels.

"This is the first study testing the therapeutic potential of STM2457 against FGR," says He. "I think STM2457 can be a treatment, although the safety for its use in pregnancy requires further validation."

More information: Ruixin Chen et al, METTL3 and IGF2BP2 coordinately regulate FOSL1 mRNA via m6A modification, suppressing trophoblast invasion and contributing to fetal growth restriction, The FASEB Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1096/fj.202401665R Journal information: FASEB Journal
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A research team led by the University of Liverpool has developed an innovative new technique that can rapidly assess paracetamol levels from saliva.

In a paper published in the journal BMC Medicine, the team demonstrate the clinical validity of a new mass spectrometry technology-based technique that can test a tiny drop of saliva on a piece of paper for levels of paracetamol.

Called Paper ArrowMass Spectrometry (PA-MS), the patent-pending technique was found to offer enhanced analytical performance while requiring less time, resources, and clinical involvement than current clinical tests.

Paracetamol is the most consumed medicine globally and its accessibility contributes to frequent misuse and overdose. Approximately 100,000 cases of paracetamol overdose are reported in the U.K. each year, leading to 50,000 hospital admissions due to liver toxicity. If not treated quickly, paracetamol overdoses can lead to severe outcomes, including liver failure, transplantation, or even death.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol overdose and is effective in preventing acute liver injury (ALI); however, it is time sensitive and most effective if administered within eight hours.

The research team tested the technique using both saliva and plasma samples from volunteers who had ingested paracetamol and saliva was found to be the preferred sample method.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Dr. Simon Maher, an expert in mass spectrometry technologies with the University of Liverpool's Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, said, "This study demonstrates successful testing of the new PA-MS test in a clinical environment and lays the foundation for advancing point-of-care testing across emergency and routine clinical settings. This innovation represents a significant step forward in ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques, with the potential for broad application in clinical diagnostics."

Professor Dan Hawcutt, a clinical pharmacologist and Director of Research at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Director of the NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, said, "The speed, simplicity, and efficiency of this new technology has the potential to provide faster diagnosis, better patient outcomes, and cost savings for health care systems."

The foundational development of this technology was published previously in The Analyst.

Dr. Robert Felstead, Deputy Director of Health care Technologies at EPSRC, added, "This research represents a significant breakthrough in the rapid and accurate quantitation of paracetamol. Given the high incidence of paracetamol overdose and its severe consequences, this innovative technology offers a fast, non-invasive and cost-effective solution that can greatly enhance patient care and outcomes."

More information: Yufeng Zhou et al, Rapid and non-invasive analysis of paracetamol overdose using paper arrow-mass spectrometry: a prospective observational study, BMC Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03776-3 Journal information: BMC Medicine , Analyst
When Chinese people set off firecrackers and fireworks during festive celebrations, they may not be aware that their activities have been guaranteed by the country's Constitution -- not in a remote manner but in a more direct way.

China observes this year's National Constitution Day on Wednesday, the 11th of its kind, with various campaigns nationwide to raise people's awareness of the Constitution, which acts as the fundamental law of the country.

The prominence of the Constitution can be felt not only during these publicity activities. For years, concrete measures have been taken in China to see that the Constitution is earnestly implemented and enforced to ensure its authority across the board in the country's governance and people's lives.

In a work report presented last December to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, the Legislative Affairs Committee of the NPC Standing Committee revealed that it had received review suggestions from citizens and businesses regarding some regions' blanket bans on the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers.

After referring to national laws and regulations, which do not include a complete ban on the sale or use of fireworks and firecrackers that meet quality standards, the committee concluded that relevant regulations should be revised in line with the principles outlined in higher-level laws. The relevant authorities agreed to make revisions to these regulations soon afterward.

The case constitutes the practice of China's systems of constitutional review and normative document recording and review, which are aimed at reviewing laws and relevant normative documents, and correcting those in conflict with the provisions, principles or the spirit of the Constitution. By doing so, the comprehensive implementation of and full compliance with the Constitution can be ensured.

Ma Huaide, president of the China University of Political Science and Law, said the record-and-review system itself, which originates from the power to amend and repeal laws, regulations and rules, is also a specific institutional arrangement explicitly stated in the Constitution.

The system is a constitutional supervision system with Chinese characteristics, serving as an important mechanism for ensuring the implementation of the Constitution and maintaining cohesion and unity within the rule of law in the country, Ma said.

"The very life of the Constitution lies in its implementation, from which its authority also stems," reads the report on the work of the NPC Standing Committee, which was delivered at the NPC's annual session earlier this year. It added that relevant systems are important means by which the NPC oversees the implementation of the Constitution.

With these systems, ordinary citizens and organizations are also entitled to challenge rules that they perceive to be against the Constitution or its spirit.

In 2023, authorities with the NPC Standing Committee examined 2,878 suggestions for review made by citizens and organizations, and urged relevant formulating bodies to revise or rescind more than 260 normative documents.

Another example revealed in the 2020 report concerned the Legislative Affairs Committee of the NPC Standing Committee, in response to public suggestions for a constitutional review, recommending that the Supreme People's Court unify the compensation standards for personal injury between urban and rural residents in its judicial interpretation.

According to the committee, after reviewing the issue, it suggested that, as social development progresses and urban-rural integration advances, the gap in development and living standards between urban and rural areas has gradually narrowed. Therefore, the difference in compensation standards should be eliminated as well.

The normative document recording and review also saw a total of 1,319 regulations and judicial interpretations being filed by central and local authorities to the NPC Standing Committee general office for recording and review in 2023.

The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said improvements will be made to the record-and-review system for normative documents.

The resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee this year pledged efforts to improve both the constitutional review system and the record-and-review system for normative documents.

To further ensure the implementation of the Constitution and laws, the State Council introduced new regulations in November on the recording and review of laws, regulations and rules, which include additional provisions on standardizing the process and improving the capacity and quality of recording and review.

Cao Liu, vice dean of the Institute of Rule of Law at China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized that the new regulations outline specific requirements for the recording-and-review process, clarify the fundamental principles and define the working framework for such activities.

Zhang Xiang, a professor at Peking University Law School, believes the documents and relevant measures to strengthen the record-and-review system and capacity in this regard have all promoted the development of systems for ensuring full compliance with the Constitution.

The study of the constitutional law, which used to be viewed by many as a discipline of "theoretical jurisprudence," has also displayed more practical features over the past decade, Zhang said.

According to the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, China will better implement the Constitution and conduct constitutional oversight, with improved systems for ensuring full compliance with the Constitution, so as to give better play to the Constitution's important role in the country's governance and uphold its authority.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

US Supreme Court justices clashed Wednesday over gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender minorsan issue at the heart of the culture wars that have become a dominant feature of American political life.

At least four and possibly five of the conservative justices on the nine-member bench appeared to be leaning towards upholding a Tennessee law banning medical care for transgender people under the age of 18 such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy.

The three liberal justices expressed concern that the law was discriminatory while Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative considered a key vote, declined to ask any questions at all during two-and-a-half hours of oral arguments.

Gorsuch authored the majority opinion in a ruling four years ago that gay and transgender employees are protected from discrimination under federal law.

Two dozen Republican-led states have enacted laws restricting medical care for transgender youth and the case will have repercussions for the prohibitions across the country.

The Justice Department of Democratic President Joe Biden joined opponents of the Tennessee law, arguing that it violates the US Constitution's Equal Protection Clause since it denies transgender people access to medical treatments otherwise permitted to others.

US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said the law "bans treatment when and only when it's inconsistent with the patient's birth sex."

"The legislature didn't even take into account the significant health benefits that can come from providing gender-affirming care," Prelogar said.

"It doesn't matter what parents decide is best for their children," she said. "It doesn't matter what patients would choose for themselves. And it doesn't matter if doctors believe this treatment is essential for individual patients."

Chief Justice John Roberts and two other conservative justicesSamuel Alito and Brett Kavanaughexpressed concerns that the medical science surrounding gender-affirming care for adolescents was still evolving.

"A lot of categorical statements have been made this morning in argument and in the briefs about medical questions that seem to me to be hotly disputed," Alito said.

Kavanaugh said the risks and benefits of medical treatments for minors suffering from gender dysphoria remain uncertain.

"England's pulling back and Sweden is pulling back," Kavanaugh said. "It strikes me as, you know, a pretty heavy yellow light, if not red light, for this court to come in, the nine of us, and to constitutionalize the whole area."

'Life-altering consequences'

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a liberal, said the concerns about risks were being overblown.

"Every medical treatment has a risk, even taking aspirin," Sotomayor said.

Kavanaugh, touching on a hot-button issue for conservatives, asked what striking down the Tennessee law would mean for sports. "Would transgender athletes have a constitutional right, as you see it, to play in women's and girls sports?"

Tennessee Solicitor General Matthew Rice told the court the law was passed to "protect minors from risky, unproven medical interventions" with "often irreversible and life altering consequences."

"Its application turns entirely on medical purpose, not a patient's sex," he said. "That is not sex discrimination."

Chase Strangio, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing three transgender adolescents, their parents, and a Memphis-based doctor, countered that the Tennessee law has "taken away the only treatment that relieved years of suffering" for the plaintiffs in the case.

"What they've done is impose a blunderbuss ban, overriding the very careful judgment of parents who love and care for their children and the doctors who have recommended the treatment," said Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the court.

Ahead of oral arguments, Strangio said the stakes are particularly high since President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to impose a federal ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors and restrict it for transgender adults.

According to a study by UCLA's Williams Institute, an estimated 1.6 million people aged 13 and older in the United States identify as transgender.

 2024 AFP
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Circulating tumor antigen reactive T cells in patients with advanced melanoma. Credit: Nature Immunology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-02023-4

Yale researchers have made an unexpected discoveryturncoat T cells that help a tumor evade other cancer-fighting immune T cellsin a study of patients living with advanced melanoma.

The study by Yale Cancer Center (YCC) researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) discovered that not all CD8+ T cells are allies in a body's fight against cancer cells. Patients living with severe melanoma who had increased levels of suppressor, regulatory CD8+ T cells had worse survival outcomes.

The study is published in the journal Nature Immunology.

"In some patients with melanoma, these CD8+ regulatory T cells are fighting against our own immune response and attack other T cells fighting the tumors it's an alternative function, besides killing the cancer cells," said first author, Dr. Benjamin Lu, MD, Ph.D., a YCC medical oncologist in YSM's Department of Neurology.

He says these unexpected results are clinically important to help better understand how to treat these patients living with melanoma and potentially other cancers.

"Our goal was to learn how well the immune system could respond to melanoma cancers," said Lu. "Taking blood samples from patients, we used high-resolution single cell techniques to understand the relationship between CD8+ T cells and their evolution in the blood and tumor. We wanted to understand how that could be clinically useful for predicting patient outcomes and how they'll respond to immunotherapies."

Senior author Dr. David A. Hafler, professor of neurology and immunobiology and chair of the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine, noted that these CD8+ T cells, identified by the expression of inhibitory KIR proteins, were recently found to have regulatory-like function in the context of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and infection.

"These novel investigations extend the role of these newly discovered suppressor cells and their association with worse overall survival of patients with cancer provides a potential new immunotherapeutic approach by targeting these cells," Hafler said.

The factors that affect a patient's CD8+ T cell levels

Lu said our immune system has the ability to increase or decrease the number of CD8+ cells and there are several factors affecting why certain patients may have more of them.

"We actually find this CD8+ T cell subpopulation in everyone it's just a matter of what proportion we see in the blood," Lu said. "We know that as we get older, the number of CD8+ regulatory T cells tends to go up. They also tend to go up when there's an active infection or inflammation."

By better understanding the role of CD8+ regulatory T cells, the researchers hope the findings will improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies, improving survival rates for patients living with advanced melanoma. Researchers also emphasized the importance of testing for CD8+ regulatory T cells in the patient's blood to help determine who might benefit from current and future cancer therapies.

More information: Benjamin Y. Lu et al, Circulating tumor-reactive KIR+CD8+ T cells suppress anti-tumor immunity in patients with melanoma, Nature Immunology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-02023-4 Journal information: Nature Immunology
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan.

They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the trip.

The delegation made the trip at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation and was led by Qiu Yong, secretary of the Communist Party of China Tsinghua University Committee.

Speaking at the farewell dinner on Wednesday, Qiu commented on how the mainland students and teachers felt both the deep rapport between compatriots on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the unique charm of the island.

He called for more opportunities for young people on both sides of the Strait to learn from each other, further efforts to strengthen the spiritual bond connecting mainland and Taiwan compatriots through Chinese cultural traditions, and enhanced cross-Strait educational cooperation.

"In the course of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, compatriots on either side of the Strait cannot be absent," Qiu said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

Calling youth exchanges the foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
Lisa Wareham is a photographer whose time travel photos are the perfect combination of historic Butte scenes intertwined with present day.

She produces these contrasting images because the beating heart of the people and the places are the same, the photographer said on her website.

A folk artist, Peg Amtzis spends her days with her brushes and bright-colored acrylic paints to bring Buttes past and present unique architecture and landmarks to light.

Amtzis has yet to run out of subjects to put on canvas.

Theres such a variety of Butte architecture, said Amtzis. All the older neighborhoods are all different.

Her work includes original paintings and canvases, along with vivid Butte postcards.

The women decided to band together for the Uptown Butte Christmas Stroll this coming Friday, and the two are gearing up for a fun and festive night.

Warehams gallery at 102 W. Granite St., will be the backdrop where the two women will showcase their individual talents.

With art deco Christmas decor set up throughout the store, along with food and beverages being served, the women are looking forward to the event.

Lets have a party, said Amtzis. Its going to be fun.

Despite their chosen professions, the women didnt meet until a year ago, when both were invited to feature their works at the Gold Rush Art Gallery in Huntsville, Utah.

Thats not to say they hadnt heard about each other. The two were both featured in Montana Technological Universitys M News in the spring of 2022.

Amtzis was commissioned in 2021 to create a collage of the Montana Tech campus, which included the statue of Marcus Daly, Alumni Coliseum, and the Big M, just to name a few. The finished product was displayed on the front cover of M News magazine.

Inside the magazine, Warehams work, Montana Tech Main Hall and Band Butte, Montana was unveiled.

Besides a band of musicians from the past, female students from decades ago stand on nearby steps, and a photograph of Montana Tech is never complete without an image of the Big M.

At the Utah gallery, Wareham and Amtzis hit it off immediately and as the professional artists got to know each other better, they realized they had much in common.

Neither was born and raised in Butte, and yet both chose the mining town as their home.

Wareham spent her formative years in Spearfish, South Dakota, and moved with her family to the Butte area when she was 12.

As she headed off to college at the University of Idaho, the photographer recalled making the conscious decision to never move back. She had big plans and would complete her education at Missoulas Rocky Mountain School of Photography.

Well, even the best-laid plans can veer off in another direction.

Wareham met her future husband, Robert Edwards, who convinced her to move back to Butte. It was Edwards, Wareham said, who convinced her to start her own photography studio.

The photographer, who also specializes in studio photography and scenery shots, has zero regrets about coming back to Butte. She got the guy and found her niche. And, although it would take several years, she eventually succeeded in her chosen profession.

In 2017, the Butte-Silver Bow Archives commissioned artists to use photographs from the C. Owen Smithers collection to create their own unique piece of work. Using her time travel theme for only the second time, Wareham submitted Main Street: Layers of Time.

Amtzis, who grew up in the agricultural town of Belfry, Montana, lived most of her adult life with Howard, her husband of 43 years, in the mountains near Helena. Although she got a full-ride scholarship to Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming, where she earned her art degree, she spent much of her adult life as a hairdresser and later, a home health aide.

It wasnt until she was in her 50s that she would resume her passion for painting, and she has not looked back.

Years later, when it was time to retire, Amtzis and her husband decided to head down to Arizona and enjoy the warmer weather.

They quickly realized that Arizona was not for them.

We did not fit in, laughed Amtzis.

Like Wareham, Amtzis veered in a new direction as she and her husband packed their bags, left Arizona, and decided to retire to Butte.

Amtzis has no regrets, either.

For the artists, banding together for the Christmas stroll seemed to be a natural progression of their friendship.

My art complements her work and hers complements mine, said Amtzis.
A Twitter user, David Ooga Mokaya, has asked Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi of the Milimani Law Courts to summon President William Ruto to testify in a case where is accused of killing the Head of State on social media.

Mokaya, a fourth-year student at Moi University, is charged with computer misuse and spreading false information on Twitter(X). The specific post that led to the charges depicted military personnel in ceremonial uniform leading a funeral procession with a casket draped in the Kenyan flag, allegedly containing the presidents remains.

Mokaya has since denied all charges and remains out on bond.

The defense, represented by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) through lawyers Ian Mutiso and Danstan Omari, requested the court to instruct the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, to provide witness statements, including one from President Ruto.

This is a matter of great public interest, as the subject of the trial is the Head of State, whom the accused would like to cross-examine during the hearing, Mutiso argued in court.

The defense further raised concerns over why the DPP has not yet provided all relevant witness statements and exhibits to the defense team.

Additionally, the defense lamented that police had confiscated all of Mokayas electronic devices. The lawyers said Mokaya is scheduled to graduate from Moi University in December and has been unable to complete the necessary forms and documentation for the graduation due to the ongoing case.

The defense team also argued that the case against Mokaya stems from political malice, prompting them to call for clarification from the DPP on whether anyone who criticizes the government will face prosecution.

Omari Cites Similar Cases

Lawyer Omari emphasized that the Constitution guarantees all Kenyans the right to freedom of speech and expression, and highlighted the potential embarrassment for President Ruto if he were forced to testify, confirming whether he was in the casket in question or if he is still alive.

Omari also urged the court to take judicial notice of recent cases where individuals charged with making defamatory statements about the President were acquitted.

He pointed to the case of a person who mimicked the former president and solicited money from a foreigner but was acquitted, and a hotelier who filmed former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga walking on a Nairobi street during the Covid-19 lockdown. The hotelier was acquitted because both leaders failed to appear in court to testify.

In addition to questioning the cases political motivations, the defense raised concerns about the courts territorial jurisdiction, noting that the incident occurred in Eldoret, where courts in Uasin Gishu County should handle the case.

The defense also announced plans to write to the DPP, requesting a review of the case with the intention of having it terminated, as they argue the case holds no public value.

Prosecuting counsel Virginia Kariuki, however, maintained that the case is not politically motivated, asserting that the DPPs decision to charge Mokaya is not influenced by any external factors. She also stated that the prosecution does not oppose the request for a review of the case.

The magistrate ruled to await the DPPs opinion before making further directions. The case is scheduled for mention on January 28, 2025.
Political leaders allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have raised concerns about their safety, claiming they live in constant fear.

Speaking in Nyeri County on Wednesday, December 4, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba led a group of MPs and Senators in accusing the government of using illegal tactics to intimidate them.

The leaders revealed that they have abandoned their usual routines, including attending church, out of fear of being abducted.

We are sleeping, driving, and living in fear. We no longer go to church because we fear being abducted on the way, Wamuchomba stated, urging others to speak out against the alleged injustices.

Wamuchomba announced that the group plans to lodge a formal complaint against government officials and agencies they believe are orchestrating the intimidation.

Meanwhile, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru criticized the nighttime summons issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa.

Njiru explained that the Senator was summoned to appear at the DCI offices in Nyeri to respond to allegations linked to unrest at a funeral in Limuru last week.

We are here to enforce a court order that prohibits the police from arresting our client and to address the irregular summons issued at night, Njiru stated.

The leaders vowed to pursue justice, calling for an end to what they describe as targeted harassment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build a strong, modernized information support force, and to realize the leapfrog development of the Chinese military's network information system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday.

The PLA information support force is a strategic service branch established amid China's efforts to adjust and reform the structure of its military services and arms. Xi presented a flag to the force at its establishment ceremony in April.

During Wednesday's inspection, Xi said that the network information system is playing an increasingly prominent role in modern warfare, and that all relevant personnel should be fully aware that enhancing the system is extremely important.

He called on the force to accelerate its efforts to build the network information system and strengthen its capabilities in serving and supporting the military's combat readiness and capabilities.

Stressing the need for solid work in the development of the network information system, Xi said that the information services guarantee should be enhanced and great importance should be attached to the protection of network information security.

He also called for efforts to facilitate innovation in the command modes and the transformation of combat methods.

Xi demanded the information support force adhere to the fundamental principle of the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces. He called for efforts to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption, stressing that the force must be entirely loyal, pure and reliable.

He urged the Party committee of the information support force to shoulder its responsibility in developing the force, and to build a team of highly competent professionals.

Xi requested coordinated efforts from the CMC, as well as other relevant authorities and units, to promote the development of the information support force.

Senior military officials Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin attended the event.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets representatives when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Vincent Bosire Nyambunde, the medical intern whose body was found holding hands with his girlfriend, was known for his quiet and reserved nature, according to his colleagues at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH). His workmates described him as a self-driven individual who diligently carried out his responsibilities during his internship.

He wasnt talkative. He mostly kept to himself, focusing on his work. He was secretive about his personal life and avoided large groups and confrontations with colleagues, a colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, told Nation newspaper.

Friends at KTRH described Nyambunde as an intelligent and promising individual.

In the days leading up to the discovery of the bodies, Nyambunde had become noticeably quieter. His girlfriend, Angela Moraa, who had recently returned from the US, would often visit him at the hospital.

He seemed stressed and unsettled, but he continued his duties. The woman who died with him frequently visited, but he never told us who she was. It wasnt until their photos circulated online after their deaths that we realized they were a couple, the colleague added as quoted by Nation.

The couples bodies were found lying on a bed, surrounded by used medical needles and syringes. Authorities noted that Moraas body showed more advanced decomposition, raising speculation that the couple might have died on different days.

Kisii County Police Commander Charles Kases said investigations into their deaths are ongoing.

RELATED  Investigators Suspect Lethal Injection in Deaths of Medic and Girlfriend
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has intensified its criticism of President William Rutos administration, continuing its vocal opposition to government actions.

Weeks after the NCCK joined the Catholic Church in highlighting issues such as punitive taxes, impunity, human rights abuses, and underperforming government programs, the church is now calling on Kenyans to reject misinformation and hold their elected leaders accountable.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday and signed by NCCK Chairman Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno Agola and General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, the church body likened the state of the nation to that of a critically ill patient.

They emphasized that Kenyas current challenges are directly tied to the publics tendency to believe misleading narratives pushed by political leaders focused on maintaining or gaining power.

The situation in our country is the direct result of our tendency, as the people of Kenya, to listen to and believe the narratives peddled by persons seeking to rise to or hold onto political power. These narratives are often based on lies and falsehoods, the statement read.

The NCCK urged Kenyans to seek the truth and verify the information they receive, rather than blindly believing the narratives presented by politicians.

We appeal to you, Brothers and Sisters, to be seekers of truth. Do not just believe what is said, but take a step to verify if what you have been told is true, the statement continued.

NCCK Slams MPs for Failing the People

The church also criticized Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of betraying the people who elected them. Instead of fulfilling their constitutional duty to provide oversight over the Executive, MPs have become complicit in enforcing oppressive laws and policies, the church lamented.

Instead of representing the people, MPs have become tools carrying out the work of the Executive. Rather than providing oversight, they act as cheerleaders in oppressing the public. Instead of advocating for the people, they are passing oppressive laws. This state is unsustainable, stated the NCCK.

The council reminded voters of their constitutional right to recall MPs who are not fulfilling the needs and demands of their constituents.

We encourage you, as voters, to collect signatures and begin the process of recalling Members of Parliament who are failing to meet your needs and expectations. As the electorate, you are the employer, not the servant, of Members of Parliament and other elected leaders. The right of recall is a disciplinary measure granted to us by the Constitution, NCCK stated.

Church Pushes for Urgent IEBC Reconstitution

NCCK also criticized the government for its failure to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), calling this neglect an insult to the people of Kenya and a direct threat to the nations democratic process. The church emphasized that the IEBC is critical for the functioning of democracy in Kenya, as it is responsible for elections and the removal of leaders.

IEBC is the most crucial organ in the exercise of democracy in Kenya, as it is the body responsible for facilitating the election and removal of leaders. The persistent refusal by the current political leadership to reconstitute the IEBC is a major insult to the people of Kenya and an attack on who we are as a nation, stated NCCK.

The council urged citizens not to allow their elected leaders and appointees any peace until they fulfill the demand for the urgent recruitment of IEBC Commissioners, as mandated by the Constitution.

We encourage you, as the citizens of Kenya, to raise your voices and demand that the Judiciary resolve the cases regarding the IEBC reconstitution within the next two weeks. We must reclaim our democracy, NCCK concluded.
On Wednesday, President William Ruto signed three significant Bills into law at a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi.

The President approved the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the National Rating Bill, 2022, and the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2024 allocates KSh387 billion to counties for the 2024/2025 financial year, exceeding the 15% minimum constitutional requirement for county funding.

Originally, counties were set to receive KSh400 billion, but this figure was reduced to KSh380 billion after the Finance Bills withdrawal. After discussions, the National Assembly and the Senate agreed on the final allocation, which represents 24.67% of the most recent audited revenue accounts.

This allocation marks a KSh2 billion increase over the KSh385 billion allocated to counties in the 2023/2024 financial year. The Act also sets aside KSh2.2 trillion for the National Government.

Meanwhile, the National Rating Act, 2024 establishes a clear framework for property valuation and rating, providing counties with guidelines on assessing property values and setting rates.

The Water (Amendment) Act, 2024 on the other hand encourages public-private partnerships to finance water infrastructure projects by National Government agencies, promoting collaboration in the water sector.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna indicated that the Senate will summon Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho over threats made against Kenyans who criticized the government on social media.

Sifuna emphasized that such threats undermine Kenyans constitutional right to freedom of speech and cannot force people to accept government policies.

Speaking on Radio Citizen, Sifuna criticized the governments approach to communication, pointing out that threats are not an effective way to engage the public.

This government doesnt know how to communicate with Kenyans. Theres no need for threats. In the case of Joho, we parliamentarians will summon him to ask him why hes threatening Kenyans, Sifuna said.

He further reminded Joho that, as a Cabinet Secretary (CS), he is not a politician or governor, and his actions must be in line with the law.

He should remember that he is not a politician, hes not a governor, but a CS. He is lucky that well go for recess till February, but we wont forget. We will summon him and ask him what he means when he says that he will come for people online, Sifuna added.

Sifuna urged Kenyans to exercise their right to freedom of speech without fear of intimidation from those in power.

I urge Kenyans online not to be threatened by anyone. You have a right to speak. Some of you have already done your part and on retirement, and youre threatening teenagers? We should be having conversations to know how to take the country forward, he remarked.

Rutos Pepo Chafu Remarks

The senator also criticized President William Rutos recent comments, where he referred to Kenyans opposing his projects as pepo chafu (evil spirits).

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Iron Processing Project in Taita Taveta County on Tuesday, President William Ruto hit out at leaders and Kenyans who oppose his legacy projects without offering alternative and viable solutions.

President Ruto likened this opposition to an evil spirit possessing those involved.

Wakenya tafadhali, kuna pepo chafu ya kupinga kila kitu. Projects like this, affordable housing, livestock vaccination to eliminate diseases, and reforming the university system to save our institutionsall of these are being opposed. They even oppose health initiatives. I ask, what is this evil spirit? It has reached a point where they are opposing even church offerings. What is going on? Its truly a spirit of opposition, he said.

He added, This spirit of opposing everything, let us pray for our country. To those opposing online, we tell them, may the devil be defeated.

The Nairobi Senator joked that he was the spirit opposing the government projects while encouraging Kenyans to continue speaking up.

I want to tell Kenyans, do not allow anybody to threaten you. You have already taken back your power. You used to live like you didnt know you have more power than these people. You are more powerful than all of us.

Keep monitoring us as leaders. If someone says that there is a spirit of opposing, I am that spirit. And your statement, Mr. President, do not go in line with your actions and those of your government, Sifuna remarked on Wednesday.

Sifuna explained that Kenyans are not opposed to the governments development projects but are calling for greater accountability and transparency.

Kenyans are not against upgrading the airport; they only want transparency. It wouldnt matter if Adani was involved, as long as the process was transparent and credible, Sifuna emphasized.

He added, The law requires the State to announce all projects deemed priority under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. To this day, the president doesnt understand why Kenyans were opposed to Adani.

To address these concerns, Sifuna proposed amendments to the PPP law to ensure more transparency in the process.

As a Senator, I will push for amendments to the PPP laws, ensuring that even if a company submits a Privately Initiated Proposal (PiP), the government must make it public within seven days. We will also introduce a Swiss challenge, allowing other competitors to submit their bids, with the government selecting the best option, Sifuna explained.

He added, We dont want a situation where a whistleblower like Nelson Amenya tells us that the airport is being sold before we take these matters seriously.

This proposal aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for all public-private partnerships, prioritizing the publics right to information.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakajas Cabinet has approved a plan to lease green spaces at Uhuru and Central Parks to private businesses under a public-private partnership. The move aims to modernize the parks and attract private investments to improve their facilities.

Governor Sakaja highlighted the need for innovative approaches to sustain the citys recreational spaces amid increasing urban demands. He explained that leasing specific areas to private investors would generate revenue, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure public access remains a priority.

The Cabinet has approved the leasing and renting of designated spaces and units within these parks, paving the way for a phased implementation that aligns with legal, environmental, and urban development goals, read a statement from the county government.

The county anticipates that this initiative will attract more visitors to the parks while boosting Nairobis income.

Sakaja assured residents that the plan balances development with the need to preserve green spaces for public use.

We expect economic growth through job creationThis initiative marks a significant step in transforming Nairobis green spaces into vibrant urban assets while balancing environmental and economic considerations, the county government said.

Uhuru and Central Parks recently underwent renovations by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with the upgrades costing KES 1.18 billion. The new leasing model is expected to build on these improvements, further enhancing the parks role as premier recreational hubs in the city.
SIU and Marion-based AISIN Electronics Illinois, shown here, have developed a partnership. (Photo provided)

SIU, Aisin partner to provide employees with degrees, experience

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The School of Applied Engineering and Technology in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is cooperating with a local electronics manufacturer to educate workers.

The university and AISIN Electronics Illinois, LLC (AEIL), based in Marion, have developed a partnership that would allow AISIN employees to earn a degree in a variety of industrial management and engineering fields of study. The first 14 employees signed up during a recruiting event on Nov. 18.

The School of Applied Engineering and Technology has had a long-standing relationship with AISIN Electronics Illinois, said Tomas Velasco, professor and director of the school, who helped organize the program. The current management of AISIN Electronics Illinois is committed to providing its employees with the opportunity to earn a degree. This will give our students hands-on experience and show them how their instruction applies beyond the classroom.

Under the new program, AISIN will pay participants to work five days a week while also covering tuition, books, fees, transportation and parking. The students will work part-time in their specific engineering area at AISINs plant while also attending school and maintaining good academic standing. AISIN also asks that participants commit to working for the company for at least two years following their graduations.

William Cox, senior vice president for AISIN, said the company is very excited to partner with SIUs engineering programs.

The coordination between the organizations will allow AISIN to skill up our workforce, while also providing a career roadmap for our members, Cox said. Some members may have a desire to be in a more technical field, and this partnership allows for that opportunity.

Cox said the arrangement also allows AISIN to continue contributing to SIU, the alma mater for many of its employees and their families.

This is a true win-win partnership, and its something we look to extend to our other facilities, he said.
SIU Board of Trustees approves honorary degrees, Distinguished Service Awards

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Edward M. Benyas, professor emeritus of oboe and conducting in the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music, will receive a Distinguished Service Award following approval by the SIU Board of Trustees today (Dec. 5). Benyas is one of five individuals recommended by SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane for honorary degrees and distinguished service awards.

The board approved distinguished service awards for Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow, a former assistant director for program planning at SIUs Coal Research Center, and orthopedic surgeon and The Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois co-founder Dr. Thomas W. Davis, and honorary degrees for Dr. Senait Fisseha, a pioneering advocate and leader in global womens health, and Reginald E. Petty, a well-known social justice advocate and civil rights leader.

All five honorees will be recognized at SIU Carbondales commencement in May 2025 or at a future ceremony.

Edward M. Benyas, Distinguished Service Award

Benyas was at SIU Carbondale for 29 years and is now executive director of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra in Edmonds, Washington. As founder and director of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, which will celebrate its 21st year May 23-June 8, 2025, Benyas has made a lasting impact through his extensive contributions to the music scene locally and internationally, the nomination letter states.

Benyas leadership helped the festival achieve recognition in Symphony magazine and the Chicago Tribune, further securing grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Benyas has directed orchestras worldwide, including performances with the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, which he led on numerous Midwest tours, and his conducted repertoire spans nearly 400 works, including world premieres and full opera productions.

His effective conducting style and ability to unify musicians of varying skill levels have made him a well-respected figure in the field. Esteemed colleagues, like David Kim of the Philadelphia Orchestra, laud Benyas for his straightforward, inspiring leadership and commitment to musical excellence, the nomination states.

Benyas has created performances that serve as recruitment tools for SIUs music program and mentorship opportunities for young musicians. A passionate advocate for music education and community engagement, Benyas work has transformed Southern Illinois into a hub for the arts, leaving a profound legacy that continues to enrich the university and beyond.

Michael M. Crow, Distinguished Service Award

Crow, a distinguished higher education leader with past ties to SIU Carbondale, served as assistant director of planning at the Coal Research Center from 1978 to 1982, and he earned his Master of Public Administration from SIU in 1980. He also edited High Sulfur Coal Exports: An International Analysis, published by SIU Press in 1983.

Since assuming the ASU presidency in 2002, the nomination states, Crow has transformed the institution into a model of the New American University, emphasizing inclusivity, research excellence, and societal impact.

ASU, which achieved membership in the Association of American Universities in 2023, has been recognized as the nations Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report from 2016 to 2024, and enrollment has grown to 181,000 students. The universitys research expenditures have increased from $123 million in 2002 to $677 million in 2021, making it the nations fastest-growing research university among those with research enterprises exceeding $100 million. Crow has also advised U.S. government agencies, served as board chairman for In-Q-Tel, and been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Public Administration and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His publications advocate for innovative models in higher education.

Dr. Thomas W. Davis, Distinguished Service Award

Davis, an orthopedic surgeon who graduated from Anna-Jonesboro High School and SIU Carbondale before earning his medical degree from Tulane Medical School, is credited as an esteemed surgeon and healthcare visionary, renowned for pioneering orthopedic care across Southern Illinois.

After earning his medical degree in 1972, Davis initially practiced family medicine and general surgery in his hometown. He returned to Tulane to complete his orthopedic surgery residency in 1980 and became a traveling orthopedic surgeon, servicing multiple hospitals in Southern Illinois before establishing Southern Orthopaedic Associates in Carbondale in 1984, introducing advanced services such as total joint and shoulder reconstruction, and foot and ankle surgeries, to local communities.

In 2000, Davis co-founded The Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois (formerly Southern Illinois Orthopaedic Center), an innovative center providing comprehensive services from diagnostics to same-day surgery, rehabilitation, and urgent care that also created clinical opportunities for SIU students.

As a mentor, Davis, who retired in 2011, inspired a new generation of medical professionals, many of whom have remained in Southern Illinois to serve the community, the nomination states.

His legacy endures in the countless patients he helped and the sustainable medical infrastructure he built. Dr. Daviss work continues to shape healthcare in Southern Illinois.

Reginald E. Petty, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Petty, an advocate for social justice and international development for decades that includes working for the Peace Corps, is a two-degree SIU Carbondale alumnus  earning a bachelors degree in sociology in 1956 and a masters degree in secondary education in 1963. While at SIU Carbondale, Petty forged a lifelong friendship with civil rights icon Dick Gregory, and he worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s. Pettys dedication to the civil rights movement led him to participate in pivotal voter registration drives across the southern United States, where he was arrested over 30 times, exemplifying his unyielding commitment to equality, the nomination states.

Petty joined the Peace Corps in 1966 at the invitation of Sargent Shriver and became one of the first Black country directors, serving in regions such as Burkina Faso, Kenya and the Seychelles. His work fostered sustainable development and cultural exchanges across multiple African nations. An avid art enthusiast, he curated an impressive collection of African art, with pieces displayed in exhibitions at SIUs Sharp Museum in 2002 and 2020.

The nomination notes that upon returning to East St. Louis, Illinois, Petty remained a community pillar, advocating for education and preserving African American heritage. Pettys 2017 book, Legendary East St. Louisans: An African American Series, celebrates notable figures from Pettys hometown, including Miles Davis and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. He recently led a community effort to save thousands of books from an abandoned library, underscoring his lifelong dedication to literacy and culture.

Pettys remarkable journey, marked by his leadership and unflagging advocacy, embodies the mission and values of Southern Illinois University and has left an indelible mark on both local and global communities.

Dr. Senait Fisseha, honorary Doctor of International Health

Fisseha, an SIU alumna, is a renowned figure in global public health, health equity and gender equality. She is vice president of global programs at the Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation and is known for her dedication to improving health care systems and mentoring emerging leaders in underserved regions. She earned her joint M.D./J.D. from SIUs Simmons Law School and the SIU School of Medicine in 1999.

Fisseha grew up in Ethiopia and has contributed significantly to health care systems in that country, securing a $25 million grant to improve medical training at St. Pauls Hospital in Addas Ababa. Her work has focused on strengthening health systems and primary health care across Africa to help ensure access to safe, legal and affordable sexual and reproductive health services. She has pioneered approaches to align, support and partner with African governments and has tirelessly advocated and supported efforts to build and invest in African public health institutions.

After earning her M.D./J.D., Fisseha completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, both at the University of Michigan. A reproductive endocrinology specialist, she was a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan and founding executive director of the Center for International Reproductive Health Training. She has been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans and received prestigious awards for her contributions. Fisseha received the SIU Carbondale Alumni Associations 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award and the SIU School of Medicines 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

(Editors note: Senait Fisseha is pronounced Sun-nite Fiss-ey-a.)
PNN New Delhi [India], December 5: Biocon Electric, a leading Indian manufacturer & brand of electrical and electronic products, has announced the launch of its new range of switches, designed to meet the growing demand for innovative, high-quality electrical solutions across the country. The company's latest product range combines safety, functionality, and modern aesthetics, addressing the diverse needs of both residential and commercial spaces. The newly launched switches are engineered to meet the highest safety standards while offering a variety of finishes, ensuring they complement various interior designs seamlessly. Known for their durability and ease of use, these switches reflect Biocon Electric's commitment to providing reliable, long-lasting products. In addition to the switch range, Biocon Electric offers an extensive lineup of other essential electrical products, including LED lights, PVC Tapes, wires and cables, and MCB and Switchgear. These products are designed to cater to both everyday residential needs and specialized commercial and industrial applications, further solidifying the company's reputation as a comprehensive brand of electrical and electronic solutions. Biocon Electric is also a pioneer in PVC insulation tapes in India, setting industry standards for quality and reliability. Biocon Electric's products are widely available across India, and the company is aggressively expanding its footprint to reach an even larger customer base. Currently operating in 14 states, Biocon Electric plans to extend its presence to 20 states by the end of next year. This expansion will allow the company to bring its high-quality products, including the newly launched switches, to customers nationwide. The expansion and product launch is a part of Biocon Electric's broader strategy to become the leading brand of electrical and electronic products in India. The company focuses on making premium products accessible to a wider audience, offering high-quality solutions at affordable prices. This approach aligns with Biocon Electric's mission to cater to the needs of 99% of the Indian population, focusing on providing cost-effective solutions for all, not just the affluent. Founders and the Company's Journey The journey of Biocon Electric began in 1982 when the eldest brother, Milap Jain, started a small firm named Milap Marketing. Over time, this humble venture evolved into Biocon Electric, which is now a recognized name in the Indian electrical industry. The company was founded by five visionary directors: Milap Jain, Praveen Jain, Prakash Jain, Ranjeet Jain, and Vikram Jain. Together, they have built Biocon Electric into a prominent player in the market. Biocon Electric's vision is clear--to become the leading brand of all types of electrical and electronic products in India. The company's mission is equally ambitious: to provide premium-quality products at affordable prices, ensuring accessibility for the vast majority of the population, not just the elite. With this vision and mission, Biocon Electric aims to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of people across the country. (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)
The revisions are attributed to rising input, logistics, and transportation costs, along with adverse exchange rates.

Hyundai Motor India Limited revealed that prices for its Model Year 2025 (MY25) vehicles will increase by up to Rs25,000.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL, said, "At Hyundai Motor India Limited, our endeavor is always to absorb rising costs to the extent possible, ensuring minimal impact on our customers. However, with the sustained increase in input cost, it has now become imperative to pass on a part of this cost escalation through a minor price adjustment."

He added, "This price increase will be done across models and the extent of increase will be up to Rs 25000. The price increase will be effective from January 1, 2025 on all MY25 models."

The increase will be applied across Hyundai's extensive range of offerings, ensuring customers are informed well in advance.

Earlier, On December 2, Audi India announced a 3 per cent price increase across its lineup, citing rising input and transportation costs. Audi's portfolio includes popular models such as the Audi A4, Q7, e-tron GT, and RS Q8, among others.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, stated, "This correction is essential for Audi India and our dealer partners to ensure sustainable growth. We remain committed to minimising the impact of the price hike on our valued customers."

Price increases at the start of every year have become a common practice in the automotive industry, as brands align pricing with cost escalations experienced over the previous year. The adjustments aim to maintain sustainable operations and growth while balancing market dynamics.

With Hyundai and Audi joining the list of brands announcing price revisions, other automakers are likely to follow suit in the coming weeks.

Consumers planning vehicle purchases may look to finalize deals before the year-end to avoid the higher costs starting January 2025. (ANI)
At the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "India-First" policy and the "Make in India" initiative, describing them as transformative drivers of India's economic growth and global positioning. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the "Make in India" initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing and attracting foreign investment, has played a key role in strengthening India's position in the global economy, he stressed. President Putin's remarks underscored India's economic progress under PM Modi's leadership. He lauded the Indian government and its efforts in creating "stable conditions" for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly highlighting the economic initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a special focus on the "Make in India" program. President Putin drew parallels between Russia's import substitution program and India's "Make in India" initiative, expressing Russia's willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India. Investments in India are profitable, he added. He also emphasised that India's leadership has focused on prioritising its national interests. "Prime Minister Modi has a similar program called Make in India. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable," stated the Russian President. He also said that Russian company Rosneft invested USD 20 bn in the country recently. President Putin also highlighted the significance of Russia's import substitution program in the context of BRICS's evolution, focusing on the growth of SMEs and the necessity for a rapid dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate smooth business transactions for SMEs in BRICS+ countries. He pointed out the rise of new Russian brands that are replacing Western brands that have exited the market, noting the success of local Russian manufacturers in sectors such as consumer goods, IT, high-tech, and agriculture. "For us, this is particularly important as part of our import substitution program. The emergence of new Russian brands is helping replace those of Western companies that have voluntarily left our market. Our local manufacturers have achieved significant success, not only in consumer goods but also in IT and high-tech industries," he said. President Putin also urged for greater cooperation among BRICS nations to support the growth of SMEs and encouraged member countries to identify key areas for collaboration at the upcoming summit in Brazil next year. Referring to the investment platform Russia is developing with BRICS, President Putin said that it has the potential to benefit all partner countries and is expected to become an important instrument for supporting our economies and providing financial resources to the countries of the Global South and East. "I urge my BRICS colleagues to evaluate the current situation in key areas of cooperation, and we will certainly bring this to the attention of our Brazilian counterparts, who will be leading BRICS next year," he added. (ANI)
HT Syndication Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 5: HighTieds, the leading Interior & Exterior Design Studio, proudly announced its rebranding as it marked 11 years of success. This milestone signifies not only over a decade of outstanding design work but also opens a fresh chapter in creativity, innovation, and growth. Founded by Rimpy Shah, an alumnus of the Dasa Institute of Design and MIT Pune, HighTieds began with a single-room design project and has since grown exponentially. Rimpy's commitment to excellence, adaptive design practices, and a dedicated team have enabled the studio to take on diverse and larger-scale projects. Rimpy creates aesthetically pleasing environments tailored to each client's lifestyle and functional needs, whether commercial or personal. Today, HighTieds offers an expanded range of services, including interior and exterior design, landscape design, and execution of large commercial and industrial projects such as factories, showrooms, and more. The team collectively has delivered more than 150 projects. Reflecting on this journey, Rimpy Shah with pride and optimism for the future says "HighTieds is my heart and soul--nurtured like a newborn, cherished as only a mother would. I envision it as more than a studio; it's a life journey for my clients, embracing and nurturing their emotions and lives along the way." This rebranding represents HighTieds' ongoing evolution, capturing the spirit of a studio that continues to transform spaces and inspire stories. To add to the aspirations an all-women workforce at HighTieds brings empowered perspectives and creativity to each project, ensuring that the clients' visions are realized with meticulous attention to detail and punctual delivery. An exclusive feature of HighTieds is an all-women team that brings empowered perspectives and creativity, ensuring that every project is handled with care, attention to detail, and passion. The Women of HighTieds are the pillars that form a powerhouse team, each bringing unique strengths to the studio's success. While some skillfully manage site operations and agency relations, ensuring every project runs smoothly, the others with their strong leadership excel in studio management and design, guiding the team with confidence and creativity. Everyone's expertise in furniture detailing adds a thoughtful touch to HighTieds' projects. Together, they embody the spirit and dedication that make High Tides a true force in design. It is not an exaggeration to say that HighTieds is not just a studio but an epicentre for passion and creativity which holds people's emotions & are a part of their journeys in different ways. For more information, please contact: [Rimpy Shah - +91 97270 61323 ] info@hightieds.com About HighTieds HighTieds - The Interior & Exterior Design Studio is an award-winning design firm that specializes in transforming commercial, retail, residential, and healthcare spaces. Known for quality, creativity, and client-centred approaches, HighTieds brings stories to life through exceptional design. https://hightieds.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 5: With the holiday spirit in the air, McDonald's India (West & South) is marking a significant milestone - the first anniversary of its widely loved global loyalty program, My M Rewards. To celebrate this journey of loyalty and love, McDonald's has launched an exciting new contest called Collect Quest, conceptualized and designed by OMD and DDB network teams. This initiative has been rolled out across various markets in Southeast Asia, to elevate customer engagement and transform dining into a thrilling adventure of rewards for its loyal fans. Over the past year, the 'My M Rewards' program has redefined the way customers interact with McDonald's, offering them with an array of exclusive benefits that underscores the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional value and memorable dine-in experiences. With Collect Quest, McDonald's takes this proposition a notch higher, introducing a gamified contest wherein participants can win big, including an iPad Air, a trip to Goa, Samsung S23 FE, and a range of other irresistible rewards. Joining the fun is simple--customers need to enroll in My M Rewards by downloading the McDonald's App, make their first transaction at any McDonald's store, and start earning badges tied to their favorite menu items! Launched on December 1 and running until December 31, Collect Quest invites customers to earn and collect unique badges by indulging in their go-to McDonald's orders. For example, ordering Desserts four times during the campaign qualifies members for the coveted Dessert Master badge, while burger enthusiasts can unlock the Burger Bro badge. Loyalty members who collect five unique badges during the contest period will stand a chance to win an iPad Air or a trip to Goa. Arvind R.P., Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald's India (W&S), said, "We are delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of My M Rewards, a program that has been embraced wholeheartedly by our customers. At McDonald's India, we are always looking at ways to enhance the value a customer gets from the brand. This program Collect Quest seeks to further that objective. It also celebrates the incredible community of McFans we have built. We are confident it will not only excite our loyal members but also inspire new customers to join the rewarding journey." The Collect Quest contest is live at all McDonald's restaurants across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and Gujarat, inviting fans in these regions to join the fun! The McDonald's App, available on both Android and iOS, is the gateway for users to effortlessly track their points and redeem rewards. With every purchase, members earn points credited directly to their accounts, while exciting additional benefits such as daypart deals and happy hours are expected to launch soon - making every visit to McDonald's a step closer to exciting prizes and discounts. With nearly 12 million downloads, the McDonald's App has cultivated a vibrant and dynamic user community, particularly among the younger demographic. These young and dynamic members have collectively earned millions of reward points, adding unparalleled value to their dining experiences. As McDonald's India celebrates this milestone, it reinforces its unwavering commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and nurturing lasting relationships with its valued fans, ensuring that every interaction with the brand is met with delight and excitement! Westlife Foodworld Limited (BSE: 505533) (WFL), formerly known as Westlife Development Ltd (WDL), focuses on setting up and operating Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) in India through its subsidiary Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL). The Company operates a chain of McDonald's restaurants in West and South India having a master franchisee relationship with McDonald's Corporation USA, through the latter's subsidiary. HRPL is a McDonald's franchisee with rights to own and operate McDonald's restaurants in India's West and South markets. HRPL has been a franchisee in the region since its inception in 1996. HRPL serves over 200 million customers, annually, at its 408 (as of September 30, 2024) McDonald's restaurants across 66 cities in the states of Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Goa along with parts of Madhya Pradesh and Union Territory of Puducherry and provides direct employment to over 11,000 employees. McDonald's operates through various formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, drive- thrus, McCafe, 24x7, McDelivery, McBreakfast and dessert kiosks. The menu features Burgers, Wraps, Hot and Cold Beverages besides a wide range of desserts. Majority of the McDonald's restaurants feature an in-house McCafe. The pillars of the McDonald's system - Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value - are evident at each of the restaurants that HRPL operates. (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)
BusinessWire India Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 5: Bengaluru is hosting a two-day international seminar on Comprehensive Integrative Medicine on 7th and 8th of December at Radisson, Bengaluru City Center. Dr. Ashley Berry from Australia a world renowned speaker and educator who specializes in nutritional focus on improving patient care is the key speaker. Dr. Mitra Basu Chillar, Dr. Ushy Mohan Das, and Dr. Samir Nayyar are the other eminent speakers of this seminar. The participants of this two-day seminar will learn nutrition's role in health maintenance, disease-prevention and supporting the body's metabolism to fight against chronic illnesses such as CFS, fibromyalgia, cancer prevention and treatment, diabetes, heart disease, insulin resistance, IBS and hormonal problems. Arcyon Nutrition, a company that specializes in Nutraceutical products such as Joint Protect, Estro Protect, Kidney Protect, Neuro Protect and Lipo-C Protect is the main sponsor for this seminar. Dr. Sankar TSR Mohanselvan a veteran doctor and passionate holistic wellness specialist who founded Koncept Wellness Clinic in Chennai is all excited to co-host this seminar along with Dr. Chandan a leading dermatologist and integrative medicine specialist who owns Aanya Skin and Laser Clinic in Chennai and Dr. Arul an integrative cancer specialist who runs Nulife Wellness clinics in Chennai, Pollachi and Tenkasi. This Integrative Medicine seminar can be participated by medical professionals, nutritionists, medical graduates, and alternative healthcare practitioners. To register for this seminar, visit www.theprismacademy.in. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
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Brian Thompson, the chief executive officer of U.S. major health insurance company United HealthCare Service, Inc., was fatally shot in an apparent targeted attack in New York City on Wednesday morning, according to multiple media reports.

Thompson was shot in the chest in the early morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown, as he was on his way to attend an annual investor conference there organized by UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.

A gunman wearing a mask shot Thompson multiple times from 20 feet away and fled the scene.

Thompson, 50, was rushed to Mount Sinai West in critical condition and pronounced dead shortly afterwards, the reports said, citing the New York Police Department.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in April 2021, according to the website of UnitedHealthcare.
The Indian government has adopted a meticulous approach to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), focusing on safeguarding the interests of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. Highlighting the rationale behind this cautious stance, Jaishankar said, "Modi govt has been very cautious on FTA for two reasons. Number one, weighing the experiences and the results of previous and number two, our concern for the impact of FTAs on MSMEs." Jaishankar emphasized the importance of considering domestic interests while negotiating trade deals. "We have been pressing very strongly For a review of the ASEAN India trading goods, agreement, because we have concerns about the impact of that FTA on the development of manufacturing in it, and we feel that FTA should not become, in a way, damaging to the Indian economy," he explained. Addressing ongoing negotiations with the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), Jaishankar pointed to the complexity of these discussions. He said, "When it comes to EU and UK, I think it's complex, because there are many non-trade issues also, so those also have to be negotiated so and in the case of EU, because there are multiple members, everybody has their interest. Overall we benefit we believe that these will benefit us." On the disruption of shipping routes in the Red Sea, Jaishankar underscored India's proactive measures to address the issue. "It is a big concern for us. We have deployed several Navy ships in the region to mitigate the impact. The disruption has had a significant economic consequence for India," he noted. Jaishankar also highlighted India's broader economic stakes in West Asia and the Middle East, explaining that the region's stability is crucial for India's economic interests. He said, "It is a big concern for us, we have tried to do our share. We actually deployed some Navy ships as well, quite a few Navy ships there. It has disrupted logistics." "So we have actually been in touch with all the major players, including Iran and Israel. We want a cooling down. We want a cease fire. And we want negotiation so that actually our economic interests are not written," he added. (ANI)
The Indian stock market rallied on Thursday, buoyed by expectations of policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the formation of a BJP-led government in Maharashtra, and strong foreign institutional investor (FII) buying, closing firmly in positive territory. At the close of trading, the Nifty 50 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) ended at 24,708.40, gaining 240.95 points or 0.98 percent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex closed at 81,765.86, up 809.53 points, after reaching an intraday high of 82,317.74. The markets witnessed robust buying across heavyweight stocks in various sectors, particularly in IT, where shares of TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra saw significant gains. Most sectoral indices traded in the green, except PSU Banks and Realty. Titan, Trent, Dr. Reddy's, and Bharti Airtel emerged as top gainers, while stocks like SBI Life, HDFC Life, Bajaj Auto, NTPC, and Grasim were the major losers of the day. In intraday trading, the IT sector surged nearly 2 percent, leading the rally. Nifty IT set a new record, crossing the 45,000 mark and hitting a daily high of 45,027.95. "The banking and financial services sector remains in focus amid expectations of a potential rate cut by the RBI in upcoming MPC meetings. US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's remarks on the resilience of the US economy are also likely to have an indirect impact on India's economic prospects," said VLA Ambala, co-founder of Stock Market Today. She further noted that strong FII inflows, combined with optimism ahead of the RBI's monetary policy decision on Friday, boosted market sentiment. "After a long time, FIIs are showing renewed interest in Indian markets. The year-end sentiment appears bullish, despite some economic indicators signalling a slowdown. There is hope that the RBI will announce rate cuts to support growth, alongside increased government spending," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and MD of InGovern Research Services. "FII buying is particularly favourable for large-cap stocks. The strength in banking stocks could propel the Bank Nifty to all-time highs, providing further impetus for Nifty to climb higher," remarked V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. Foreign investors remained net buyers throughout the week, purchasing equities worth Rs 1,797 crore on Wednesday alone. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 5: A Star-Studded Premiere Brings Indo-Vietnamese Cinema to the Fore. The event was made even more memorable with the presence of Le Quang Bien, The Consul General of Vietnam, whose instrumental contribution in bringing the film to Indian audiences added both prestige and a dynamic international spirit to the evening. The Vietnamese cinematic sensation "A Fragile Flower" took Mumbai by storm on December 3, 2004, with a dazzling premiere at the iconic Maison PVR, Jio World, . Following its roaring success at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where it premiered to a packed audience, the film continues to capture the hearts of Indian cinephiles. Directed by the visionary Mai Thu Huyen, "A Fragile Flower" mesmerized Bollywood stars, filmmakers, and cinema lovers alike with its deeply moving narrative and breathtaking visuals. Forging New Cinematic Pathways "A Fragile Flower" has been a catalyst for deeper Indo-Vietnamese collaboration, with the film spearheading a cultural exchange that is poised to flourish. Le Quang Bien, Consulate General of Vietnam, who attended both the Goa and Mumbai premieres, remarked, "This is a proud moment for Vietnamese cinema. The enthusiastic reception of 'A Fragile Flower' in India shows the strength of our shared cultural heritage. We look forward to more collaborations like this in the future." Joining Bien was an esteemed embassy delegate, including KANEKO Toshihiro, Chief Consul of the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai, who enthusiastically voiced their support for strengthening the partnership between the two nations. Ajoykaant Ruia President (IVECI) Indo-Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry also attended the Premier and appreciated the movie. The Mumbai premiere was a glittering affair, attended by A-list celebrities and influencers, who turned out in full force to witness the magic of this cross-cultural masterpiece. The film's resounding success reinforces the growing connection between Indian and Vietnamese cinema, and its ability to unite audiences across borders. Bollywood's elite, including Producer Shabbir Boxwala, Kamal Kumar, Akbar Khan graced the occasion and expressed their huge admiration for the film. Actor and host Karan Chhabra dazzled the evening with his unmatched charisma, making it an unforgettable spectacle. Speaking about the movie Shabbir Boxwala, Producer said, "The first Vietnamese film "A Fragile Flower Directed by MaiThuHuyen is set to have an Indian theatrical release. It tells a compelling story of a young woman's resilience and growth and has already garnered 16 international awards for its storytelling, visual and emotional depth." A Celebration of Culture and Cinema Beyond its artistic brilliance, "A Fragile Flower" serves as a bridge between India and Vietnam, strengthening cultural ties through the medium of cinema. As the first Vietnamese film to be dubbed in Hindi and English, it stands as a groundbreaking endeavor. The film's post-production, including dubbing and sound work, took place in North East India, reflecting a unique collaboration that resonates with India's "Act East Policy." Aruna Chakraborty, Director of ABK Media India Pvt Ltd, the company responsible for the Indian investment in promotion, distribution and release of the film in India, shared her excitement: "Mumbai has embraced 'A Fragile Flower' with open arms. The audience's response was incredible. This film is more than just a beautiful story--it's a celebration of shared cultural values between India and Vietnam." A Standing Ovation in the City of Dreams The premiere ended with the audience on its feet, as "A Fragile Flower" received a standing ovation for its touching portrayal of strength and resilience. Set against the backdrop of life's challenges, the film tells the poignant story of a young woman who must find her way through adversity, embodying the metaphor of a delicate flower surviving life's storms. The emotional performances and stunning direction left the audience awestruck, with many calling it a cinematic triumph. Onward to the Global Film Festival Noida Adding to its growing list of accolades, "A Fragile Flower" has been officially selected for competition at the 17th Global Film Festival Noida. The film was screened on December 5, 2024, at Marwah Studios, further cementing its status as a global cinematic sensation. This prestigious selection underlines the film's rising prominence and its role in fostering international cultural connections. What's Next for "A Fragile Flower"? Following the success of its premieres in Goa and Mumbai, "A Fragile Flower" is set for a nationwide release, giving audiences across India the opportunity to experience its emotional depth and artistic beauty. With its powerful message of resilience, this Vietnamese masterpiece is fast becoming a symbol of cultural unity on the global stage. Vietnam's first blockbuster is ready to storm 100+ theatres across India! A landmark in Indo-Vietnamese cinema, brought to you by ABK Media. About ABK Media India Pvt Ltd ABK Media India Pvt Ltd is a leader in promoting cross-cultural cinematic collaborations between India and Vietnam. With a mission to bring diverse voices to global audiences, ABK Media is committed to fostering creative exchanges and strengthening international ties through cinema. (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)
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 5: Shocking scenes of cruelty and suffering were seen in a video released by Animal Equality, a Pune based animal protection organisation. The organisation conducted a study into pig farms, markets and slaughter of pigs in Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. They investigated 6 farms and 3 slaughter facilities in these states and found blatant illegalities in each case. The organisation documented: * How pigs are cruelly handled by workers. * It is common to see bruises on pigs. * At farms they are forced to live in filthy conditions. * Their excrement is collected in pools in the vicinity of the farm. * When the pigs are sold for slaughter, they are loaded onto the vehicles by hitting them. * During the slaughter they are stabbed in the heart several times, before they die. * As per law, animals are to be slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses but it was observed that these pigs were slaughtered in meat shops and market areas illegally. Amruta Ubale, Executive Director of Animal Equality says, "In another study done in 2016 we documented how some meat shops in Kerala practise barbaric 'hammer slaughter' where the pig is repeatedly bludgeoned with a hammer on the head till the pig falls unconscious." She adds, "In India it is common to see pigs on streets in certain areas of a city or village and one may assume they are stray animals who eventually die naturally but these pigs are slaughtered for meat and this meat is consumed by the poor sections of the society. The pigs are tied by their legs, put in bags and loaded on scooters and rickshaws and slaughtered at illegal places like open grounds or meat shops." All these practices directly violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, and various rules formed therein. Still, the study finds these laws disregarded at every facility we visited. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Hong Kong, December 5: As a national treasure, the giant panda's rarity and heartwarming, adorable appearance has captivated the world. In Hong Kong, the panda craze shows no signs of slowing down, from the anticipated arrival of two new pandas in December to the locally born panda twins earlier. After the successful summer exhibition "100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour (Hong Kong)", the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) is once again setting the stage for a new wave of excitement by organising Hong Kong's largest panda exhibition, PANDA GO! FEST HK. The exhibition will showcase 2,500 panda sculptures in eight unique designs. The PANDA GO! FEST HK kicked off with a grand welcoming ceremony on December 2 at one of the Hangars, within the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport, where 2,500 pandas were warmly welcomed. These pandas will be creatively displayed across various locations around Hong Kong. They are visiting iconic landmarks with four exhibitions throughout the city, starting in December. It was inspired by Hong Kong's own panda family, the PANDA GO! FEST HK also features six exclusive designs and introduces the special Hong Kong intellectual property (IP) - Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK) ARR invites both locals and tourists to dive into this immersive celebration that blends art, exhibition, and tourism. It promises not only a citywide celebration of the pandas' unique charm but also an atmosphere filled with joy and hope. Organizer ARR Returns to Curate Again, Continuing a Decade-Long Bond with Pandas The connection between giant pandas and the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) runs deep. In 2014, ARR introduced the iconic "I AM HERE" giant panda installation in Chengdu, the home of pandas, which has since become a local landmark. Later that year, ARR launched the "1600 PANDAS WORLD TOUR IN HONG KONG: CREATIVITY MEETS CONSERVATION," captivating audiences across multiple cities worldwide and pioneering a new exhibition format by appearing at landmark locations through a series of flash exhibitions. For generations, pandas have been cherished as close companions by the people of Hong Kong, holding special meaning for both ARR and the city's residents. Now, a decade later, with the arrival of four new members, the total number of giant pandas has been brought to six. Also, thanks to global panda conservation efforts, the giant panda population has now grown to over 2,500. This includes wild pandas, which have increased from around 1,600 to approximately 1,900, and over 600 captive pandas. Despite these advancements, pandas remain exceedingly rare. Panda Go! Fest HK Returns with Eight New Panda Designs as 2,500 Pandas "On the Go"! As a result, ARR has decided to bring 2,500 panda sculptures back with a fresh new look. Continuing with Hong Kong as the central hub, ARR is set to create the city's largest panda-themed exhibition yet, gathering panda lovers and art enthusiasts while spreading panda culture to every corner of Hong Kong. For the PANDA GO! FEST HK, ARR has designed eight new panda designs, which will form a creative collection of 2,500 panda sculptures. Visitors will have the chance to spot traces of giant pandas at various iconic landmarks across Hong Kong, bringing art closer to daily life and raising awareness about panda conservation. The highlight of the event is the appearance of 2,500 pandas in four public exhibitions starting from December 7, where they will meet locals and visitors alike. For details, visitors can check the official website pandago-fest.com. The Exclusive Hong Kong IP, Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong, will Make Its Adorable Debut When visiting the PANDA GO! FEST HK exhibitions, you will notice six particularly familiar and charming pandas among the crowd. ARR has specially created six new characters for Panda Friends & Family Hong Kong (PFF HK), an exclusive Hong Kong IP inspired by the city's panda family. These characters include Ying Ying, Le Le, and the newly added members--Keke*, An An*, and the twin pandas, "Big Sister*" and "Little Brother*" (*existing names). Each character incorporates their distinct personalities and physical traits with anthropomorphic elements, blending local cultural and lifestyle features to create a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong exclusive IP. PFF HK will not only be part of the exhibition but also serve as Hong Kong's giant panda ambassadors. This IP may appear in other panda-related events hosted by various organisations. ARR has gifted this IP to Hong Kong. Organisations are incorporating PFF HK into different settings, actively driving culture and tourism. This initiative aims to spread joy, boost the economy, and infuse new energy into Hong Kong. During this event, all royalties generated from commercial activities will be fully donated to Ocean Park to support giant panda conservation efforts. This exhibition also features renowned French artist Paulo Grangeon as the artistic consultant. With his meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of artistic creation, he has further refined and elevated the essence of pandas, ensuring that every sculpture and movement captures the panda's spirit to the fullest. PANDA GO! Fest HK has also invited 11 renowned figures from various fields to create one-of-a-kind special-edition panda designs. The lineup includes Pharrell Williams, a renowned musician, artist, producer, and fashion designer; Huang Bo, a celebrated actor and director; Du Juan, a supermodel and actress; and Kasing Lung, the artist behind the creation of LABUBU, among others. Most of these special-edition panda sculptures will be auctioned online for charity, with the highest bidder winning. Proceeds from the auction, with no deductions, will be donated in full to Ocean Park, supporting giant panda conservation efforts. Details of the charity sale will be announced later. A National Treasure Promoting Cultural Exchange The giant panda, a national treasure, carries profound cultural and ecological significance. As a Class I protected animal in China, the panda is an endemic species found only in the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Its rarity makes it incredibly precious. Symbolising good fortune and friendship, pandas often serve as cultural ambassadors, gifted to countries around the world. The two pairs of pandas previously sent to Hong Kong have accompanied generations of locals, and the new arrivals will continue to bring joy to the people of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB's missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination. (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 Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 5: Deutsche Bank and The Akshaya Patra Foundation have further strengthened their long-standing partnership to combat classroom hunger by initiating the construction of a state-of-the-art kitchen in Shivajinagar, Pune. The groundbreaking ceremony for this innovative facility marks a major milestone in their joint efforts to enhance the lives of underprivileged children through the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN initiative and world's largest NGO-Run school meal program. Expected to be operational by early 2026, the multi-level kitchen will provide over 25,000 daily hot, nutritious meals to students in government and government-aided schools across Pune. This initiative is aimed at improving school attendance, academic performance, and the overall health and well-being of marginalized children. The facility will adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and safety and is designed to serve as Akshaya Patra's central kitchen in Pune. Beyond addressing nutrition and education, the project is poised to create employment opportunities and support local agriculture, fostering economic development within the community. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, along with Shri Sampati Dasa, Regional President - Pune, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Ms Ruchi Khemka, Head - CSR, Deutsche Bank Group, India, Praveen NR, IFS, Sri Prithviraj BP, IAS & other senior representatives from the Pune Government department & The Akshaya Patra Foundation and other dignitaries. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, highlighting the significance of this initiative, said, "At Deutsche Bank, we believe collaboration is vital to creating lasting social impact. This new kitchen in Pune reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing hunger and education, empowering students to realize their full potential. With our strong presence in Pune, we also look forward to engaging our employees in advancing this meaningful cause and fostering sustainable change." Shridhar Venkat, CEO, from The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, "Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey with Deutsche Bank to eradicate classroom hunger and foster educational opportunities for children across Pune. Through this state-of-the-art kitchen facility, we are set to enhance our operational capabilities significantly, thereby ensuring that over 25,000 students receive nutritious meals every school day. This initiative not only supports academic excellence but also strengthens the fabric of our communities by promoting better health and creating economic opportunities locally. We are immensely grateful to Deutsche Bank's for their support over the years. We also want to thank the Government of Maharashtra for providing us the opportunity to serve the children in the state. They have been instrumental in helping us make an impact and nurture the potential of every child we serve." Since 2014, Deutsche Bank has supported Akshaya Patra's efforts to provide mid-day meals to students in Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Pune. Over the past decade, this partnership has facilitated the provision of over 8 crore meals to children, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition to the Pune kitchen, Deutsche Bank is extending its support to Akshaya Patra by funding meals for an additional 2,000 children in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad. The Pune kitchen is set to play a critical role in scaling Akshaya Patra's Mid-Day Meal Programme in Maharashtra, furthering its mission of eliminating hunger and ensuring access to education for all. For more details, please log on www.db.com/india / www.akshayapatra.org. (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)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 5: The highly anticipated Lohana community gathering, hosted by Jay Morzaria along with promoters Raman Morzaria, Kush Morzaria, Keyur Morzaria, and Ashish Batavia of Vraj Group, successfully brought together prominent Lohana leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers from various countries and states across India. The event celebrated the community's entrepreneurial spirit, cultural heritage, and global impact. The gathering featured distinguished participants, including top business groups such as Ravin Group, Shreeji Group, Thakkar Developers (USA), Kotecha Group (Congo), Dharmdev Group, leading NBFC promoters, and well-known family houses from Canada and various parts of India, showcasing the Lohana community's extensive global network and influence. A key highlight of the evening was the presence of Shree Devi Prasad Bapu, a world-renowned spiritual leader, whose blessings and inspiring words captivated the audience, offering spiritual guidance and wisdom. Adding to the significance of the event, social media influential and renowned Speaker Kajal Ben Hindustani made a special appearance and delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride and unity, while encouraging the community to take bold steps toward social and economic advancement. Commenting on the success of the event, Jay Morzaria said, "This gathering was a celebration of the Lohana community's resilience and achievements. We are honoured to have had such esteemed participants and look forward to fostering collaborations that uplift and empower our community worldwide." The event served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and envisioning a future of collective growth for the global Lohana community. About Vraj Group Vraj Group is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence in real estate, hospitality, finance, and more. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Group operates in Six cities across India. While real estate remains its core business, focusing on redevelopment and luxury projects, Vraj Group has expanded into various other ventures. These include a BSE-listed NBFC, a thriving hospitality division, import ventures, petrol pumps, and an edible oil refinery. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Vraj Group continues to contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of the regions in which it operates. Company profile - https://vrajgroup.co.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], December 5: The Renewable sector has seen growth stories in Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Bio Ethanol. The next growth story in this sector is BIODIESEL. The reason for the Biodiesel growth story is not far to seek. BHARAT has made several commitments for Green House Gas reductions and has shown the World the way to ensure development and at the same time reduce Carbon emissions. Due to various pro-active actions taken, BHARAT is well on way to achieve Net Zero Emission status as per target due to the progress of Solar, Wind, Ethanol etc. BIODIESEL is recognized world over as a very important tool to reduce emissions and fight global warming. The main reason is that Biodiesel is made from renewable sources and can be an import substitute in long run especially for developing Countries. BHARAT had announced the National Policy on Biofuels in 2021 with an intent to contribute to National Energy Security, to mitigate Climate Change, to create new employment opportunities in sustainable manner NPB thus has framed guidelines for promoting growth of few Renewables like, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Drop-in Fuels, Biogas. AS per the NPB, a blend of 20 % Ethanol and Biodiesel is required in petroleum-based Diesel. For meeting the 20% blend, the demand for Biodiesel will be about 200 lakh Metric tonnes per year given the fact that BHARAT currently consumes about 1000 lakh Metric Tonnes of Petroleum Diesel. Under this NPB, renewable fuels like Ethanol, Biogas, biomass etc have progressed greatly due to various incentives given by Government. It appears that focus is now shifted to BIODIESEL to further reduce Carbon emissions at accelerated pace and meet the goals of NPB. BIODIESEL has to be blended into normal diesel by the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (PSU OMC) including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum. Accordingly, the PSU OMC have jointly announced Tenders for purchase of Biodiesel to implement the Biodiesel Blending Program. The Tender is for purchasing Biodiesel at a fixed price. As per conditions of this Tender, the approved Biodiesel manufacturer has to only offer the quantities that it wishes to supply based on its installed capacities. Since the price is already fixed, it is a great win-win situation for both, the Manufacturer and the OMC's. Entire production capacities of the manufacturers can be sold to public sector OMC's. This is unprecedented situation for any Sector. To deter sale of unblended diesel in the Country, the Government has announced an additional levy of Rs 2 per litre of unblended Diesel with effect from 1st April 2025. This means that all OMC's will have to pay additional Rs 2 per litre as a penalty if they sell Diesel in the Country without blending with Biodiesel. This is another big, indirect, additional boost to the Biodiesel Industry. The OMCs who require high quality Biodiesel have visited every Biodiesel manufacturer facility across the Country to ascertain about the technical capability of the manufacturer. The OMCs have enrolled only the manufacturers who can supply good quality of Biodiesel and only such Biodiesel manufacturers as are technically certified by the OMCs are allowed to participate in the Tender. Currently, there are only 36 manufacturers in the whole Country that are approved by the PSU OMCs as being technically certified to supply Biodiesel to the OMCs under the Biodiesel Blending programme. And their total installed manufacturing capacity is only 12 lakh Metric tonnes per year against the requirement of 200 lakh Metric Tonnes. There is thus a huge gap in supplies of 188 lakh Metric Tonnes which has to be filled in by 2030. It is seen that Biodiesel manufacturing capacities will have to increase manifold to meet this humungous demand and there will be a huge capacity expansion in Biodiesel sector. Thus, not only are the sales of existing approved Biodiesel manufacturers to OMCs assured, their expanded capacities are also taken care of. By using 200 lakh Metric Tonnes of Biodiesel, there will be a reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions by about 400 lakh Metric Tonnes every year. This emissions reduction will assist the Country phenomenally in achieving its "Net zero" status. Implementation of NPB guidelines for Biodiesel will result into further great direct and indirect benefits like rural employment, carbon sequester, land development etc. With the thrust now placed by the Government on Biodiesel blending, this sector is bound to boom exponentially. Important players in Biodiesel sector include Emami Limited, Kalesuwari Refineries, Monopoly Innovations, Universal, Biomax , BioD Energy to name a few with two listed entities in this sector which are Kotyark Industries Limited which trades at 990 per share and Rajputana Biofuels Limited which IPO got recently oversubscribed 730 times and trades at 260 per share. (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)
Prince Harry has addressed the growing rumours about his marriage to Meghan Markle, dismissing speculation about an impending divorce. The Duke of Sussex, who has been married to the Duchess of Sussex for six years with whom he shares two children, Archie and Lilibet, became the subject of tabloid gossip after the couple was spotted attending public events separately, according to E! News. Speaking at the New York Times' 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on December 4, Prince Harry responded to the rumours. With his characteristic humour, the 40-year-old royal quipped, "Apparently, we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?" he remarked, as per E! News. Familiar with media scrutiny, the Duke added, "It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it." His comments directly addressed the ongoing media frenzy often surrounding his family life. Prince Harry also expressed a surprising sense of sympathy for those who perpetuate such negative gossip. "The people I feel most sorry for are the trolls," Harry said, referring to online critics who eagerly anticipate news of the couple's downfall. "Their hopes are just built and built, and it's like, 'Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,' and then it doesn't happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do," he added, as per E! News. Despite the unrelenting rumours, the Duke emphasised his choice to largely ignore the gossip. He also took the opportunity to reflect on the dangers posed by the media, particularly British tabloids, which have often targeted his family. Harry has previously shared concerns about returning to the UK due to the unsafe environment created by intense tabloid scrutiny. In an earlier interview, Harry explained his reasons for not bringing Meghan back to Britain, citing genuine safety fears. "It's still dangerous," he said, adding, "And all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read," as per E! News. He continued, "Whether it's a knife or acid, whatever it is, these are things that are of genuine concern for me. It's one of the reasons why I won't bring my wife back to this country." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, parents to Archie Harrison, 5, and Lilibet Diana, 3, remain committed to raising their children as privately as possible. (ANI)
Hollywood's ever-increasing fascination with sequels resulted after 'The Godfather Part II' (1974), for which he fought Paramount Pictures to return to the director's chair after the first 1972 smash.

"They said, basically, 'Francis, you've made Coca-Cola. You're gonna stop making colas?'" recalled Coppola.

In an attempt to get out of directing the sequel, Coppola suggested up-and-coming director Martin Scorsese take the reins.

However, Paramount Studios rejected the idea. After which Coppola made some demands, including a 1 million dollar pay cheque and the addition of 'Part II' to the title.

Although the studio thought it was a crazy idea, they ultimately agreed.

"So I'm the jerk that started numbers on movies," Coppola added. "I'm embarrassed, and I apologize to everyone."

Notably, 'The Godfather Part II,' one of the greatest movies of all time, won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola and Best Adapted Screenplay for him and author Mario Puzo, reported Deadline.

Coppola's legacy is built on a remarkable filmography that includes iconic titles such as 'The Godfather,' 'The Godfather Part II,' and 'Apocalypse Now.'

Beyond his directorial achievements, he has also shaped the careers of many filmmakers, including his own family members--Sofia, Gia, and Roman Coppola. (ANI)
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People are seen among rubble after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Mashghara, Lebanon, on Nov. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad announced on Wednesday that 4,047 people have been killed and 16,593 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since October of last year.



At a press conference in Beirut, Abiad said that 316 children were killed and 1,456 others injured, while 790 women were killed and 3,357 others injured in Israeli strikes across Lebanon.

Abiad also revealed that 67 hospitals were targeted by Israeli strikes, 40 of which were directly hit and seven others forcibly closed.

A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Nov. 27, following a deadly conflict between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Israel that began on Oct. 8, 2023. The confrontation has been regarded as the bloodiest since the last war between Lebanon and Israel in 2006.

Under the agreement, both sides agreed to a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with Israel gradually withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah retreating north of the Litani River.

Despite the truce, tensions remain high as both sides exchange accusations of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about the agreement's durability.

A source from Lebanese military intelligence, who required anonymity, told Xinhua on Wednesday that the Lebanese army had redeployed to four military sites west of the southern border town of Shebaa, which it abandoned about three months ago.

The source added that with this redeployment, the Lebanese army is now positioned approximately 700 meters from the Israeli sites in the occupied Shebaa Farms.
Elizabeth Olsen, who is known for 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', 'Captain America: Civil War', and 'Avengers: Infinity War' is all set to join Julia Roberts in 'Panic Carefully', a new Warner Bros film that Sam Esmail will direct, reported Deadline. The film's plot is still kept under wraps, however, it has been described as a paranoid thriller in the vein of Esmail's Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Mr Robot and 'The Silence of the Lambs'. The film reunites Esmail and Roberts after their hugely successful apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind, based on Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel, which premiered on Netflix in November 2023 and is the streamer's fifth most popular English-language film of all time, with 143.4 million views. Producers on 'Panic Carefully' include Esmail and Chad Hamilton for Email Corp., along with Scott Stuber, Roberts, Marisa Yeres Gill, and Lisa Gillan. Kevin McCormick and Chrystal Li are overseeing the project for Warner Bros, with production to kick off in England in January. Olsen had her debut film role in the thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011, for which she was acclaimed and nominated for a Critics' Choice Movie Award, reported Deadline. Olsen gained recognition for her projects like Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), as well as the miniseries WandaVision (2021) and the second season of What If...? (2023). She also starred in Godzilla (2014), the mystery film Wind River (2017), and the dramas Ingrid Goes West (2017) and His Three Daughters (2024). Elizabeth Olsen was also seen in a 2024 science fiction thriller film, 'The Assessment', written by Dave Thomas, Nell Garfath-Cox and John Donnelly and directed by Fleur Fortune. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. (ANI)
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, while inaugurating the 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference, hailed "Mission Mausam" as a transformative initiative set to be a game-changer for India's weather forecast capabilities India's approach to climate and weather forecasting, said a press release Ministry of Earth Sciences on Wednesday. Singh highlighted the significance of Mission Mausam, calling it the first comprehensive scientific initiative by the Government of India dedicated exclusively to addressing climate-related challenges. "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, this mission is a reflection of India's aspiration to play a pivotal role in tackling global climate issues," he remarked, adding that the initiative has captured international attention for its innovative approach and potential impact, stated the release. The minister noted that India's advancements in satellite technology and weather forecasting have made it a leader in the Asia-Oceania region. He emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and geoinformatics in forecasting, which has significantly improved accuracy. India, through its satellite capabilities like the GSAT series, is also providing critical meteorological data to neighbouring countries, reinforcing the Neighbourhood First policy, added the release. Jitendra Singh congratulated the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on its 150th year of establishment, calling it a landmark moment in the nation's scientific journey. He expressed pride in hosting the 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference in India for the first time, coinciding with this historic milestone. The Minister highlighted the Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14) as a crucial platform for fostering regional and international collaboration in satellite meteorology. He emphasized the participation of major satellite operators, including the Japan Meteorological Agency, China Meteorological Administration, and Korea Meteorological Administration, as a testament to the growing unity in addressing climate and weather challenges. "India is proud to contribute through ISRO and IMD, sharing our expertise and resources for a sustainable and resilient future," he remarked. He outlined India's remarkable journey in satellite meteorology, from relying on international data to becoming self-reliant with indigenous satellite programs. The Bhaskara and INSAT satellite series have revolutionized weather forecasting, enabling real-time cyclone tracking, improved monsoon predictions, and timely disaster alerts. With advanced platforms like INSAT-3DR and GSAT-30, and the upcoming GISAT series, India is set to further enhance its capabilities in weather monitoring and disaster preparedness. The minister applauded the capacity-building initiatives under AOMSUC, which ensure that developing nations benefit from advancements in satellite meteorology. Training sessions and technical support enable countries across the Asia-Oceania region to utilize cutting-edge technology for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. He called for greater integration of emerging technologies, such as AI and private-sector satellite data, to push the boundaries of innovation in meteorological science, added the release. Jitendra Singh noted a significant 40-50 per cent improvement in severe weather forecast accuracy over the last decade, highlighting its impact on reducing loss of life during cyclones and extreme weather events. IMD's efforts, coupled with satellite data integration, have not only strengthened India's disaster management but have also supported neighbouring countries in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing India's leadership in meteorological services, the release stated. (ANI)
Congress MP and former Chief Minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying that this incident is "condemnable" and this is the failure of the current Punjab government. "This is condemnable, this incident should not have happened... This is the failure of the current Punjab government, their immaturity is visible. It has become clear that they are not able to run the administration properly. Such incidents keep happening in Punjab often, but because it happened with Sukhbir Singh Badal, now people are getting to know about it," Channi told reporters. "People are being extorted in cities and villages, money is being collected by threatening them. There is no law and order in the state. The administrative qualities that a leader should have are not there in our Chief Minister. Another direct reason for this attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal is that people have anger and resentment against him which has now come to the fore," he added. Earlier, an assassination attempt was made on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar. Badal was doing 'seva' at the Golden Temple after being declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by Akal Takht, who announced religious punishment for him for the "mistakes" and "some decisions" taken by the SAD-led government in the state from 2007 to 2017. The SAD leader was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a plaque card around his neck as part of the 'tankhah' (religious punishment). According to sources, the attacker Narain Singh Chaura has been linked with radical organizations and was also on the radar of intelligence agencies ever since his return from Pakistan. "Chaura was on the radar of Central intelligence agencies since he came out on bail in year 2018. The agencies kept Punjab Police updated about his movement and the activities he was involved in," the official said. Narain Singh Chaura is a hardcore Pakistan returned terrorist and former head of Akal Federation and had authored books on guerrilla warfare and other seditious materials, according to sources.(ANI)
Supporting Assam government for banning the consumption of beef in restaurants, and public places, BJP MP from Darrang- Udalguri, Assam, Dilip Saikia on Wednesday said that this decision has no communal angle but has been made in favour of the 'Sanatana' culture of India. "Assam cabinet has decided to ban beef in public places. I support this decision. Cows are considered as a mother in the Sanatana culture. Beef is a restricted food in the Sanatana culture. We don't object to its consumption in private but serving beef in public places as most people consider it inedible...This decision has no communal angle but has been made in the favour of the Sanatana culture of India...,"Dilip Saikia told ANI. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government has decided to ban serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel and public places across the state. The CM said the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." "We had passed the law on prohibition of cattle slaughter three years ago, and it was quite successful, so now, in Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and public places," the Assam CM said. The CM said that the earlier decision was to only restrict consumption of beef near temples, but now the government has expanded it to the whole state. "Earlier our decision was to stop eating beef near temples but now we have expanded it to the entire state so you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant," Sarma said. The Assam Chief Minister also said that the state's cabinet expansion will take place on December 7. (ANI)
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the stopping of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by police at the Gazipur border in Ghaziabad while he was on his way to violence-hit Sambhal. In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible. "It is a matter of grave concern that the Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, was prevented from visiting Sambhal yesterday to assess the ground realities of the recent regional tensions. The objective of the visit was to promote peace and harmony. This unprecedented and undemocratic move by the government is a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of parliamentary oversight and the rights of the opposition to hold the government accountable," Gogoi said. Gogoi further emphasised that by "denying" Rahul Gandhi from visiting the site, the government "undermined" the responsibility of LoP raise the concern of the people. "As a representative of the people, the Leader of the Opposition has the responsibility to raise their concerns and hold the government accountable. Denying them access to crucial sites undermines their ability to fulll this duty. This act is a blatant attempt to stie dissent and suppress the voice of the Opposition. This incident raises serious questions about the state government's commitment to transparency and accountability," he said. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi along with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to proceed to Sambhal. "We are trying to go to Sambhal, but the police are refusing to allow us. As Leader of the Opposition, it is my right to visit, yet they are stopping me. I am ready to go alone or even under police escort, but they have rejected that as well. They claim we can return in a few days, but this violates the rights of the Leader of the Opposition and the Constitution. We simply want to visit Sambhal, meet the people, and understand what has happened. Denying this right reflects the state of 'New India,' an India undermining the Constitution and Ambedkar's vision. We will continue to fight," Rahul Gandhi said earlier on Wednesday. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. The ASI survey was prompted by a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque was originally built on the site of a Harihar temple. (ANI)
Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality index in the national capital improved to 'moderate' category after the city faced persistent air pollution since last one month. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in Delhi was 161, categorised as 'moderate' as of 8 am, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, a thin layer smog engulfed the city as the winter has set in. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has recorded a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius today with mist in the air. As per the data of the CPCB, the AQI at Anand Vihar stands at 178 as of 8 am, 194 at Chandani Chowk, 130 at ITO, 152 at Wazirpur, 147 at Okhla Phase 2, 145 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 164 at Patparganj, 107 at Aya Nagar, 128 at Lodhi Road, 162 at IGI Airport (T3) and 152 at Punjabi Bagh. However, areas such as RK Puram recorded an AQI of 204, Mundka 222, Shadipur 249, Nehru Nagar 247 and Jahangirpuri 206, categorised as 'poor'. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is severe. Visuals from Kartavya Path shows that a significant number of residents jog and walk in the area after decrease in the level of pollution. Delhi's AQI was reeling in 'very severe', 'severe', 'very poor' and 'poor' categories post Diwali. Residents in the region complained of breathing difficulties and several other medical problems. Increasing AQI in the city led to the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to curb air pollution. Stage IV enforces a ban on the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except for essential services. The national capital Delhi is witnessing a dip in temperature as the minimum temperature recorded on Thursday at 5.30 am was 9 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, air quality in Agra city was recorded in 'satisfactory' category this morning, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals from the city shows golden hue complimenting the iconic monument Taj Mahal. Earlier on Wednesday, the temperature fell by almost 1.5 degrees in the last 24 hours due to cold north-westerly winds that drive down temperatures and signal the start of winter. On November 29 and 30, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded as 11 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department has (IMD) predicted a temperature drop till 9 degrees Celsius in the next 5 days. Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court 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. (ANI)
An explosion at the Majitha Police Station in Amritsar on Wednesday was misreported, according to police officials. They stated that the incident was due to a tyre blast and not a major explosion, as no damage was reported. DSP Jaspal Singh while speaking to the media said that there was no explosion of any kind, only a policeman was filling air in the tyre of his motorcycle, the tyre burst and later the policeman left the police station with his motorcycle. He explained that a police official was inflating a motorcycle tyre, which burst, causing the confusion. DSP Jaspal Singh said "It was a tyre blast which was misreported... Police personnel was filling the air in his motorcycle tyre and it blasted. There was no smell of a gas cylinder..." The officer later left with the motorcycle. No damage or broken glass was reported inside the station. He further said, "We will gather everyone and ask who that police personnel were whose bike tyre blasted... No one in the nearby area has heard the blast... No glass has broken." The Authorities are investigating the matter, and incident would be reviewed further in the morning. Earlier, on Wednesday, the news of tyre blast was reported as 'major bomb blast' incident, according to several media reports. The incident came in light, after a man opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday morning while he was serving his penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The shooter who fired at SAD leaders, including its former chief Badal was identified as Narayan Singh Chaura by the police. He was overpowered by people on the spot and caught. (ANI)
After the Assam government banned the consumption of beef in restaurants and public places, Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed attacked the state government and accused them of following the principles of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "The BJP party has been attacking our Constitution and constitutional mandates. The Indian Constitution has given freedom to every person of India to have their own source of food and their choice of dress. And it is not new. They are following the principles of RSS. From the very beginning, they have been against the Muslim population and also against the lower-caste Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. It is against our constitution and an attack on our constitution," Congress MLA told ANI on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government has decided to ban serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel and public places across the state. The CM said the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." "We had passed the law on prohibition of cattle slaughter three years ago, and it was quite successful, so now, in Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and public places," the Assam CM said. The CM said that the earlier decision was to only restrict consumption of beef near temples, but now the government has expanded it to the whole state. "Earlier our decision was to stop eating beef near temples but now we have expanded it to the entire state so you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant," Sarma said. The Assam Chief Minister also said that the state's cabinet expansion will take place on December 7. (ANI)
The MoA was signed in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Tawang on Wednesday.

The MoA was officially signed between Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier V S Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade.

This significant agreement outlines the arrangement for the management of the Museum, ensuring that it will be overseen entirely by the Indian Army.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu paid rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, under whose directives Major Bob Khathing travelled to Tawang and established administrative control over the region in 1951, which was held by the Tibetan administration.

This pivotal move not only integrated Tawang into India but also reflected Patel''s vision of a unified and strong nation.

CM Khandu credited the contribution of Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing and the then Governor of Assam Daulat Ram in securing Tawang as part of India.

"If not for Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing and the then Governor of Assam Daulat Ram, who knows we Monpas and the Tawang region today would have been under China-controlled Tibet region!" he said.

The Chief Minister profusely thanked the Indian Army, particularly the Tawang based 190 Mountain Brigade, for allocating defence land for establishment of the museum and accepting to manage it.

He assured that whenever government''s intervention is required in maintenance and management of the museum, the government will cooperate without hesitation.

Tourism Minister P D Sona, legislators Oken Tayeng and Namge Tsering, Tourism Secretary, Commanders of the 106 and 46 Brigades, ZPC Tawang, Heads of Departments and senior Army officials were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
Congress will hold a Lok Sabha MPs meeting at 10:15 am on Thursday at the Congress Parliamentary Party office in Parliament. The meeting will be held to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the house after the proceedings for both houses resumed on Monday. The Parliament proceeding was stalled for the first week of the Winter Session due to protest by opposition parties over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. According to sources, Congress is also likely to come up with the unique type of protest over the issue of Adani indictment. Congress MPs along with their INDIA bloc partners have been staging protest, near Makar Dwar on the premises of the Parliament for the last two days. On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Secretariat members of the House to not hold protests or demonstrations in front of the gates of Parliament as it causes serious hindrances to the movement of Members to the Parliament Chambers during the sittings of the House. Meanwhile, Congress MP has moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the stopping of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by police at the Gazipur border in Ghaziabad while he was on his way to violence-hit Sambhal. In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible. "It is a matter of grave concern that the Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, was prevented from visiting Sambhal yesterday to assess the ground realities of the recent regional tensions. The objective of the visit was to promote peace and harmony. This unprecedented and undemocratic move by the government is a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of parliamentary oversight and the rights of the opposition to hold the government accountable," Gogoi said. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi along with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to proceed to Sambhal. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. The ASI survey was prompted by a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque was originally built on the site of a Harihar temple. The winter session of Parliament began on November 25 and will continue till December 20. (ANI)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the investment forum "Russia Calling!" in Moscow on Wednesday to present the current state and future development of the Russian economy.

Putin said that trade between Russia and China exceeded 240 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Both Russia's policies toward Chinese investors and China's policies toward Russian investors are very effective. Nearly 90 percent of the trade has been settled in yuan and ruble.

Putin also highlighted the extensive cooperation between Russia and China in the automotive industry, noting that Chinese cars have become qualitatively better and cheaper.

Putin pointed out that Russia's gross domestic product grew 3.6 percent last year and 4.1 percent from January to October this year. The growth was mainly driven by manufacturing industries and sectors with high added value. In the first 10 months of this year, Russia's manufacturing industry grew 8.1 percent.

He said that Russia has a record-low unemployment rate of just 2.3 percent. In September, the number of information technology employees grew 8.1 percent year on year, and 3.9 percent in the manufacturing industry.

Putin noted that this year, a program was launched to support voluntary long-term savings. Relevant contributions are insured and co-financed by the state, and tax deductions can be obtained for the funds contributed. As of Nov. 22, over 2.1 million depositors had joined the long-term savings program, bringing in 145 billion rubles. By 2026, the total amount of funds raised under the program must exceed one percent of GDP.

The two-day forum, themed "The future of the capital and the capital of the future," focused on areas such as foreign investment in the Russian economy, as well as providing information and insights about business opportunities in Russia. The forum brought together the heads of leading domestic and foreign companies, investors, and experts.
Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Thursday said that 'Mukhyamantri Sambal Yojana' is a gift for the common man who has no business in any sector and added that about 10,000 people will benefit from this scheme. "The 'Madhya Pradesh Mukhyamantri Sambal Yojana' is a gift for the common man who has no business in any sector...Yesterday, MP CM Mohan Yadav transferred an amount of Rs 225 crore and almost 10,000 people will be benefited from it..." Patel told ANI. MP CM Yadav on Wednesday transferred Rs 225 crore from Mantralaya to the accounts of 10 thousand 236 beneficiary labourer families under the Mukhya Mantri Jan-Kalyan Yojana (Sambal). Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said that Sambal Yojana, as its name suggests, provides support to labourers in emergencies. He said that the government is with the labourers in this difficult time and this amount is a form of condolence from the state government to the families of the victim beneficiaries. The amount will support the workers in times of difficulty, according to an official press release. The Chief Minister said that the Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana was started in 2018. Under this scheme, benefits worth more than Rs 5,626 crore have been given in more than 6 lakh 16 thousand cases since its inception. He also praised Labour Minister Prahlad Patel and said that he has worked with sensitivity. He tried to ensure that even the backmost person of the society gets the benefits of the public welfare schemes of the government. CM Yadav stated that more than one crore 73 lakh labourers have registered themselves under the Sambal Yojana. Of these, more than 32 lakh workers have been registered in the Sambal 2.0 scheme. He said that this is a unique scheme, in which crores of needy families are helped throughout life right from the birth of a child, as per the release. He said that the workers providing goods and services door-to-door have been kept in the category of unorganized workers and they are also being given the benefits of Sambal Yojana from March 2024. These include stone cutters, brick makers, cooks, household workers, tendu leaf collectors, etc. Under this scheme, they are also being given the benefits of schemes like ex-gratia assistance, education promotion scheme, maternity assistance, Ayushman Bharat, and ration slips. Meanwhile, Minister Prahlad Singh Patel also extended his best wishes to Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Patel termed the party-led Mahayuti alliance's victory in Maharashtra as "historic," adding that it was a victory of ideology in the state. "The victory in Maharashtra is historic and is a victory of ideology. I extend best wishes to Devendra Fadnavis and welcome the leadership of PM Modi..." Patel told ANI. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. The ceremony will commence at around 5.30 pm. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The posters of Maharashtra CM-designate Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar covered the area around Azad Maidan in Mumbai. At the legislature party meeting held in Vidhan Bhawan, former Gujarat CM and BJP's central observer Vijay Rupani on Wednesday announced that Fadnavis has been unanimously elected the BJP legislature party leader, ending the long-drawn suspense over who would get the top job. Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form the Mahayuti government. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI)
Calling the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) a "Maha Vinash Aghadi," BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Thursday said that the people of Maharashtra want to go forward with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat'. "It is a proud day in Maharashtra today. Devendra Fadnavis will take oath and two deputy CMs will also be taking oath. PM Modi is going to attend the oath ceremony which shows the victory of development. 'Maha Vinash Aghadi', which was trying to divide the society of Maharashtra...who was trying for vote jihad, this is a day for them to introspection. People of Maharashtra want to go forward with the vision of PM Modi's 'Viksit Bharat'," Bhandari told ANI. Party Spokesperon Shehzad Poonawalla said that those questioning the Maharashtra government and EVM's are against the constitution. " NDA, under the leadership of PM Modi, today Devendra Fadnavis's govt will take the oath. For the next 5 years, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde will give a progressive, developing govt for Maharashtra...some people are still raising questions instead of accepting people's mandate...they are insulting people and levying allegations on EVMs...they are against Constitution," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. While, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats. (ANI)
Congress MP Vijay Vasanth on Thursday moved an adjournment motion notice to discuss the issues faced by Kanniyakumari fishermen. In his notice, Kanniyakumari MP Vasanth, emphasised on the critical challenges faced by fishermen that threaten their livelihood. "The fishermen of Kannniyakumari are facing an extremely critical situation that threatens their livelihood and survival. These brave men and women, who depend on the sea for their sustenance, are struggling with the twin crises of overfishing and declining fish stocks, compounded by climate change. Unpredictable weather, rising sea levels, and a lack of sufficient government infrastructure and support have pushed this community to the brink." Vasanth stated. The MP called for immediate measures such as financial aid, modern fishing equipment, sustainable fishing practices, improved healthcare, insurance schemes, and disaster management plans to support the fishermen and their families. "I urge this House to consider this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to take swift action to save the Kanniyakumari fishermen," he concluded. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the stopping of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by police at the Gazipur border in Ghaziabad while he was on his way to violence-hit Sambhal. In his notice, Gogoi stated that by preventing LoP Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, the government "disregarded" the right of opposition to hold the government responsible. "It is a matter of grave concern that the Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, was prevented from visiting Sambhal yesterday to assess the ground realities of the recent regional tensions. The objective of the visit was to promote peace and harmony. This unprecedented and undemocratic move by the government is a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of parliamentary oversight and the rights of the opposition to hold the government accountable," Gogoi said. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi along with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to proceed to Sambhal. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. The ASI survey was prompted by a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque was originally built on the site of a Harihar temple. (ANI)
The Indian Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC), in collaboration with the Bar Council of India's IIULER, successfully hosted the 3rd Arbitrate in India Conclave, 2024 at the India International Centre, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. This landmark event commemorated IDRC's fourth anniversary as a leading institutional arbitration center in India and the Asia-Pacific region. Vienna International Arbitral Centre, Austria joined hands with IDRC in organizing the Conclave. The Conclave featured two insightful panel discussions India as a Hub for Institutional Arbitration: Ad-hoc v. Institutional Arbitration and Arbitration in Banking and Finance Disputes: The Way Forward The event brought together prominent Jurists, Arbitrators, policymakers, Banking-NBFC heads and industry leaders to discuss India's progress in institutionalising arbitration and the roadmap for its future. The Keynote Address was shared by Hon'ble Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State of Corporate & MoRTH. The Conclave was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Hon'ble Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge, Supreme Court, R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate, Chairman, BCI & MP, Tejas Karia, Partner and Head of Arbitration, SAM, Ratan K Singh, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and International Member, Keating Chambers, London. The opening session of the Conclave featured an inspiring inaugural address by Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the BCI, who emphasized the importance of arbitration in India's rapidly growing economy. While lauding BCI's collaboration with IDRC he remarked that the BCI is committed to leading reforms that not only promote institutional arbitration but also ensure that India becomes the destination of choice for resolving disputes globally. Hon'ble Justice Hima Kohli as the Chair of the Panel Discussion shed light on the role of courts in international arbitration, emphasizing the need for balance the frequent amendments to arbitration laws often lead to challenges, resulting in prolonged litigation that escalates from High Courts to the Supreme Court, with increasing judicial scrutiny at each level. Therefore, we must strive to bring reforms without amending the laws. R. Venkataramani as the Co-Chair of the Panel Discussion highlighted the need to transition from the ad-hoc arbitration culture. He added that Govt is committed to strengthen arbitration institutions in India and in the Arbitration and Conciliation Amendment Bill, 2024 it is proposed to introduce Emergency Arbitration and allow arbitral institutions to have in-house Appellate Tribunals. Tejas Karia highlighted the advantages of institutional arbitration lies in its established set of rules, ensuring uniformity and adherence to globally recognized best practices. The first Panel Discussion was moderated by Arush Khanna, who steered the session with insightful questions about the challenges and opportunities in institutional arbitration in India. The Keynote Address shared by Hon'ble Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State of Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways highlighted the historical Legacy of Arbitration in Indian Vedic Culture ingrained in our Upanishads and Panchayat System. He shared the government's commitment to strengthen Institutional Arbitration ecosystem in our country and cited 2024 Amendment Bill as another push in that direction. The second panel, 'Arbitration in Banking and Finance Disputes: The Way Forward', focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in resolving financial disputes through arbitration. The Panellists for the Panel Discussion were Amit Goyal, Partner, Forensic & Integrity Services, EY India, Sanjay Aggarwal, Divisional Head, Retail Assets, Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction, Aseem Chaturvedi, Partner, Dispute Resolution, Khaitan & Co. The panel discussion was moderated by Shashwat Bajpai, who eloquently steered the panel discussion in an engaging and interactive manner The Indian Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) is a not-for-profit institutional arbitration centre registered with NITI Aayog and empanelled with the Ministry of Law and Justice. Headquartered in New Delhi, IDRC offers state-of-the-art facilities for online and offline dispute resolution through arbitration, mediation, and conciliation. Since its inception, IDRC has successfully conducted over 2,000 arbitration in our country and cited 2024 Amendment Bill as another push in that direction. (ANI)
Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Thursday said that the Mahayuti alliance is not forming government in the interest of the people. "On 23rd (November) the results had come, they got a huge majority...there was some deep infighting and it took 11 days to solve that and declare the name of Devendra Fadnavis. If this is how it is beginning, the end will also be in a similar way...they (Mahayuti) are not forming govt in the interest of people," Tiwari told ANI in the national capital. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut addressing a press conference said that the era of Eknath Shinde is over. "Shinde era is over, it was just for two years. His usage is now over and he has been tossed aside. Shinde will never be the CM of this state again. They can even break Shinde's party, this has always been BJP's line in politics - they break and finish the party of those who work with them. Devendra Fadnavis will be the CM of the state from today. He has the majority but despite that, they were unable to form the Government for 15 days - it means that there is something wrong within their party or Mahayuti. This issue will start showing from tomorrow. They are not working in the interest of Maharashtra or the country. They have come together out of their selfishness," Raut said. "But people across the state have come out on the streets against the election results, that they do not accept it. Still, the state is getting the CM today, we welcome him," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. While, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday termed the Assam government's decision to ban beef consumption in restaurants and public places as "nothing political about it." Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Chaturvedi said, "That's a decision for the Government to make. There is nothing political about it. What is important to note is that the CM continues to hope to get some political brownie points based on some accusations that he has levied against the Opposition." "So, it is a choice that he had to make and he has made the choice. But if he is trying to derive any political benefit out of it, he should remember that as an in charge of Jharkhand, he just managed to lose an election when he made it about Hindus vs Muslims," she added. Earlier today, BJP leader Pratul Shah Deo welcomed Assam government's decision to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants and public places, saying, It is a very welcoming move. Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Deo said, " It is a very welcoming move, Congress should accept this decision wholeheartedly because Congress leaders had put forward this demand when there were allegations of distributing beef during by-polls. They had demanded a ban on this so now Assam govt has took a decision in the interest of the opposition." Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed attacked the state government for banning the consumption of beef in restaurants and public places and accused them of following the principles of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "The Indian Constitution has given freedom to every person of India to have their own source of food and their choice of dress. And it is not new. They are following the principles of RSS. From the very beginning, they have been against the Muslim population and also against the lower-caste Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. It is against our constitution and an attack on our constitution," Congress MLA told ANI. On Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government has decided to ban serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel and public places across the state. The CM said the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." "We had passed the law on prohibition of cattle slaughter three years ago, and it was quite successful, so now, in Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and public places," the Assam CM said. The CM said that the earlier decision was to only restrict consumption of beef near temples, but now the government has expanded it to the whole state. "Earlier our decision was to stop eating beef near temples but now we have expanded it to the entire state so you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant," Sarma said. (ANI)
As many as 34 farmers were detained on Wednesday night who were going from zero point to Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida, to hold a protest without taking permission, police officials said on Thursday. "34 farmers were detained late night, who were going from zero point to Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida, to hold protest without taking permission. After taking into custody, they were sent to jail," Noida Police said. On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a 5-member committee to address and find a solution to the ongoing farmers'' agitation in the regions of Noida and Greater Noida. According to an official release, the committee will be chaired by IAS Anil Kumar Sagar, who is the Principal Secretary of Infrastructure and Industrial Development in Uttar Pradesh. The committee will consist of 5 members, which indicates a small but focused team with the expertise to handle the matter efficiently. The members include Anil Kumar Sagar, Piyush Verma, Sanjay Khatri, Somya Srivastava and Kapil Singh. The committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the government within a period of one month. This move shows the government''s commitment to addressing the concerns of the farmers in a structured and systematic way. Earlier on December 3, the Uttar Pradesh police also detained protesting farmers who are demanding compensation and benefits, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). 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 MSP. The report and recommendations will likely be crucial in determining the next steps the government will take to deal with the protests, which could include policy changes, compensation adjustments, or other forms of intervention. (ANI)
To safeguard public safety and execute the Supreme Court orders regarding loudspeaker use, senior Lucknow Police officers, including Commissioner Amrendra Singh Sengar, carried out surprise inspections throughout the city on Thursday. The Lucknow Police said the goal of the exercise is to limit noise pollution and address safety issues for morning walkers, especially for women and senior residents. The inspections saw the participation of the Deputy Commissioner Police (DCP), Additional Deputy Commissioner Police (ADCP), and Assistant Commissioner Police (ACP), who patrolled the areas early in the morning hours. DCP Central Raveena Tyaagi said, "Today, all officials and personnel of the Lucknow Police Commissionerate inspected the morning walk areas, ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court's directives on loudspeakers. Additionally, a campaign was conducted against high-speed bikers. We also interacted with morning walkers to understand their concerns and are committed to providing better facilities." In addition, officers were seen enforcing strict rules regarding the use of loudspeakers and launching awareness campaigns against high-speed biking, which is a serious hazard to traffic safety. According to the officials, the department's top priority is to continue to be addressing reckless driving and maintaining noise control in the city. Residents have responded well to the proactive attitude taken by the Lucknow Police, especially those who often use public areas in the early hours. The Supreme Court has banned music systems and loudspeakers in public areas between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with noise levels limited to 10 dB(A) above local ambient guidelines. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has said that all preparations of Maha Kumbh to be held in Prayagraj are almost complete. "All preparations for Kumbh are almost complete. Before Kumbh, PM Narendra Modi will address the inaugural program and the whole world will witness the Maha Kumbh which is going to be organized.... We will go to Mumbai and Jaipur and invite the public representatives and people there for Maha Kumbh.," he said. Earlier, on Monday, in a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district. The decision, which led to the formation of the new Maha Kumbh Mela district, was made to streamline the management and administration of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, ensuring smooth operations for the grand religious event scheduled for January 2025. (ANI)
The 43rd Ramayan Mela in Ayodhya will be inaugurated today at Ramkatha Park by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The four-day cultural spectacle, which takes place from December 5 to December 8, emphasises Ayodhya's rich spiritual and cultural legacy while honouring the life and principles of Lord Ram. Following the event, the UP CM will go to Hanuman Garhi, pray at the temple of Ram Lalla, and assess the status of the Ram Mandir's building. At 12:45 p.m., he will leave for Mumbai. According to the Secretary-General of the Ramayana Mela Committee, Kamlesh Singh, "The honour we have received is a moment of great excitement for Sanatanis worldwide. After 500 years, Sita and Lord Ram have been enshrined in their palace, and a grand procession will travel from here to Janakpur." This is an occasion of immense joy for Sanatanis globally, as it is the fruit of the struggles depicted in the Ramayana and the sacrifice of nearly 700,000 individuals that this moment has come to pass. He continued that the four-day Ramayan Mela traditionally begins with the Chief Minister's inauguration on the first day, and the Governor concludes it on the final day. In between, various ministers participate. The objective is to promote the ideals of Lord Ram, his governance, and his familial values across the world, in India, and within families. Moreover, particularly with the ceremonial "Baraat Yatra" (wedding procession) of Lord Ram leaving Ayodhya, devotees are joyful. Ram, as a brother, a king, a son, and a husband, along with Sita as the epitome of familial virtue, should inspire every household. The life and values of Purushottam Ram must resonate among people. "The Ramayana Mela, established 43 years ago by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji and luminaries like Sheetla Singh, continues to uphold these ideals," Kamlesh Singha. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Nagaland on the completion of 25 years of Hornbill Festival and urged citizens to visit the festival and experience the vibrancy of Naga culture. "My best wishes for the ongoing Hornbill Festival and congratulations to the people of Nagaland on this lively festival completing 25 years. I am also glad to see the focus on waste management and sustainability during this year's festival. I have fond memories from my own visit to this Festival a few years ago and I urge others to visit it and experience the vibrancy of Naga culture,' PM Modi posted on X. The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the 'Festival of Festivals', is known for its diverse cultural performances, including music, dance, and traditional art forms. Running from December 1 to December 10, this year's festival is poised to be a grand celebration of Nagaland's rich cultural heritage, alongside global artistic partnerships. This year, the festival is adding an international dimension to its programming through a collaboration with the British Council and the State of Nagaland. The partnership, formed under the banner of 'Wales in India 2024,' highlights the long-standing commitment of both the British Council and the Welsh Government to promote cultural exchange. As part of this collaboration, Mathias and fellow Welsh folk musician Gareth Bonello will perform alongside local Naga artist Seyievinuo Chuzho and Khasi artist Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta. The cross-cultural musical performances are expected to be a major draw for festival-goers, showcasing an exciting blend of Welsh and Naga musical traditions. The British Council's involvement, which was officially announced during a visit by Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to Wales in October, highlights the growing relationship between the UK and Nagaland. The initiative is also supported by the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales Arts International, and the Indian Wales Culture Fund, which aims to foster new platforms for both Indian and Welsh artists. In addition to the musical performances, the festival offers several discussion sessions that explore the intersections of culture, art, and education. (ANI)
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A new international group proposed by China was launched at the United Nations on Tuesday, during a meeting co-chaired by China and Zambia, to promote global cooperation in building artificial intelligence capacity.

Representatives from more than 80 other countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, also attended the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

The UN's Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology was represented as well.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the need to harness AI for good, promote fairness and inclusivity, uphold multilateralism and focus on capacity-building.

He said that the Group of Friends aims to foster broad partnerships, implement practical actions, and support sustainable development worldwide through AI.

"We hope this Group of Friends can play a role in helping the international community seize the immense opportunities presented by digital development, build partnerships, and undertake actions for a brighter and smarter future," Fu said. "We must promote AI for good."

AI can play a crucial role in implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda, enhancing people's well-being and addressing global challenges, he added, but the development of AI also could bring conflicting rules, social risks and ethical challenges.

"We must always keep in mind that high-quality AI development can only be possible when robust security guardrails are in place. AI must always be under human control," he said.

Fu also said that "we must uphold fairness and inclusiveness", and he called for ensuring that all nations have equal opportunities to develop and benefit from AI in an open, nondiscriminatory environment.

In addition, he called for "championing multilateralism" and advocating collaborative global efforts to make AI a tool for the collective benefit of humanity rather than a privilege for a select few.

Emmanuel Pamu, permanent secretary for budget and economic affairs in Zambia's Ministry of Finance and National Planning, stressed the importance of bridging the AI divide and supporting the UN's role in global AI governance.

He called on all parties to back the Group of Friends and strengthen international cooperation.

China has increasingly focused on AI development in recent years. Last year, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global AI Governance Initiative, aiming to address key challenges in AI governance and promote global cooperation.

In July, under the guidance of the initiative, China led the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on AI capacity-building. The resolution was co-sponsored by 143 countries, including the US.

The Group of Friends is rooted in the resolution, which aims to enhance international collaboration on AI capacity-building and promote "an open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment".

The resolution "encourages international cooperation to help countries, especially developing ones, strengthen AI capacity, enhance their representation in global AI governance, and advocate for an open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment", Fu told the General Assembly.

More recently, China and Zambia co-hosted the High-Level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of AI during the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September.

At the event, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi introduced the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. He also proposed establishing the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is set to hold a meeting on Thursday. The opposition members in the Joint Parliament Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 had requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for an extension to the panel's tenure. Earlier on November 27, after the opposition MPS walked out of the JPC meeting, Chairman of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika 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. Since August 22, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has held several meetings, reviewing the work of six ministries and around 195 organisations. Of these, 146 organisations were heard across the country, and the secretariat received nearly 95 lakh suggestions related to the Waqf Bill. It is worth noting that the Waqf Act of 1995, which was created to regulate waqf properties, has long faced allegations of mismanagement, corruption and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to bring sweeping reforms, introducing digitisation, stricter audits, transparency and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives from different states and Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Devendra Fadnavis also arrived at Shree Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai and sought blessing at the temple. Meanwhile, supporters of the Maharashtra CM designate and Maharashtra Deputy CM designate Ajit Pawar gathered outside his residence as they both are about to take oath today. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar for their victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. "Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh share a very special relationship as many people from UP are staying in Maharashtra. The people of UP are very happy with the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections and the formation of the Mahayuti government," Maurya said. UBT Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took a dig at the Yuti alliance saying she hoped that the people of Maharashtra would not suffer. "I wish the Chief Minister of Maharashtra all the best. I hope he lives up to all the commitments that he has made to the people of Maharashtra. It took the government over 10 days, to decide the CM face...Considering there are so many differences among the three, I hope that the people of Maharashtra do not suffer...BJP's strategy has been to backstab its political allies whether it's Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena...They (BJP) use and throw as per their convenience," she said. Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. While, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats. (ANI)
Congress on Thursday demanded to constitute the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations pertaining to Adani executives in the United States in an alleged bribery case. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla said that one person is maligning the image of the entire country. "A question mark has been raised over the character and the reputation of Indian businessmen globally. The entire country has imposed a ban on him as he is involved in corruption. The PM should answer and should constitute a JPC into the matter. One person is maligning the image of the entire country," Aujla Congress MP K Suresh said, "We are demanding a constitution of JPC into the Adani issue." CPI MP P. Santhosh Kumar said that the Adani issue is a "very serious issue and has tarnished the image" of our country. "The government is not at all serious about it. American court of law took cognisance of it and now the case is going on and we are demanding a JPC enquiry as it will help us to reveal the exact facts...What is preventing the government from announcing a JPC probe?" Kumar said. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the Union government over the issue of US prosecutors linking Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot get Adani investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated. "Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain," said Rahul Gandhi as he joined Opposition MPs in protest over Adani matter. Opposition MPs wore jackets symbolising their protest over the Adani issue which mentioned: "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani safe hai." Meanwhile, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi was also seen standing during the opposition protest. Opposition leaders including Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal were seen wearing jackets mentioned: "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani safe hai." 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. 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. The Adani Group has denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green. While the BJP said the law will take its own course and slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
After Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that attack on former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was an attempt to finish the leadership of Akali Dal, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday said that people will decide whether it was or wasn't plot to finish Akali Dal leadership. He added that there was nothing personal like that in the situation because the motive and intention of the accused is yet to be known. "People will tell you whether there is a plot to finish Akali Dal leadership but I think there is nothing personal like that. A man, the individual who did that - who is he, who is he associated with, what institution he is affiliated to...what he had in mind and with what hatred he did that...We have condemned it that this should not happen... Where did this idea of eliminating Akali leaders come from?" Warring said. An assassination attempt was made on former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he was performing penance as part of the religious punishments pronounced by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Following this, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia criticised the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the attack on party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, stating that the situation in the state is spiralling out of control. According to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the attacker, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was immediately apprehended by the police. Fortunately, Badal was unharmed in the incident. Addressing a press conference, Majithia questioned why Chaura had not been arrested earlier, particularly given the sensitive nature of the location. He also criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for lapses in police deployment, pointing out that the accused had conducted reconnaissance of the Harmandir Sahib premises on December 3. "It has come to light that the accused, Narain Singh Chaura, conducted a reconnaissance of Harmandir Sahib on December 3. Why was he not arrested earlier? What kind of police deployment is this? And you are praising the police? What shamelessness is this, Bhagwant Mann?" he said. Majithia demanded a high court-monitored investigation into the incident. "The situation is out of control. If the police had apprehended the accused two days ago, I would have said things were under control. A high court-monitored probe is needed. If the police knew this man was roaming around, were they waiting for him to shoot?" he questioned. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack and ordered a thorough investigation. Speaking to the press, Mann assured the public that such conspiracies would not be tolerated in Punjab. The Chief Minister informed that 175 police personnel had been deployed in Amritsar and promised strict action against those found guilty. At the time of the attack, Badal was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a placard around his neck as part of the 'tankhah' religious punishment pronounced by the Akal Takht for religious misconduct during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. Declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by the Akal Takht, Badal has been performing 'sewadar' duties at the Golden Temple. The Akal Takht cited "mistakes" and "certain decisions" made by the Shiromani Akali Dal and its government during Badal's tenure as the basis for the punishment. (ANI)
BRS leader Harish Rao was detained on Thursday in Hyderabad. According to Harish Rao's PRO, BRS MLA Harish Rao was arrested and taken to Gachibowli Police station in Hyderabad. BRS cadre protest outside the Gachibowli police station against the arrest of Harish Rao. BRS national spokesperson D. Sravan condemned the detention, calling it "illegal" and accusing Telangana's administration of dictatorial practices. "Strongly condemn the illegal detention of Harish Rao. Condemn the Police Raj in Telangana under dictatorial rule of Shri Revanth Reddy," D. Sravan posted on X. BRS MLA Harish Rao claimed that MLA Kaushik Reddy faced illegal arrest after complaining about phone tapping at a police station. According to Harish Rao, dozens of policemen arrived at Kaushik Reddy's house, attempting to arrest him without proper grounds. Harish Rao also stated that he and other BRS leaders were treated unfairly when they questioned the police's actions. "When MLA Kaushik Reddy went to the police station to complain about phone tapping, a case was filed against him. In the morning, dozens of policemen came to the MLA's house and tried to make an illegal arrest. If you question this wickedness, they behaved wickedly against me and BRS leaders. Arrested illegally and taken to police station," he posted on X. Harish Rao strongly criticized Revanth Reddy, calling his rule "demonic" despite being labeled as democratic. "You (Revanth reddy) are continuing the demonic rule while calling it democratic rule. We are not afraid of your quail threats and illegal cases. Telangana society itself will give you wisdom," he posted on X. Earlier on Wednesday, BRS party claimed that BRS party MLA Kaushik Reddy from Huzurabad visited the Banjara Hills Police Station to file a complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy, alleging they tapped the phones of opposition leaders. However, upon his arrival, the Banjarahills CI reportedly fled the scene. Kaushik Reddy expressed outrage, stating that government officials loyal to the ruling party are not being held accountable. "Huzurabad MLA who went to Banjara Hills Police Station to file a police complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy for tapping the phones of opposition leaders @KaushikReddyBRS ..Banjarahills CI ran away after seeing Padi Kaushik Reddy who went to the police station to file a complaint. MLA Kaushik Reddy expressed his anger that the government officials who are tooting the horns of the ruling party and doing what they say have not been spared," BRS posted on X on Wednesday. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court, while rejecting pre-arrest bail in a POCSO case, emphasized the severity of allegations against the applicant, which suggest the exploitation of a child through coercion and blackmail for pornographic purposes. The bench of Justice Amit Mahajan remarked that the applicant's actions exemplify the alarming trend of exploiting the anonymity and vast reach of social media platforms to commit sexual crimes against minors. The Court added that the broader societal implications of such offenses and the urgent need to send a strong message against the misuse of technology. Court in order further added that Considering that the present case involves electronic gadgets and electronic evidence, the task of the Investigating Agency seems arduous and they need to be given a fair play in the joints to investigate the matter in the manner they deem appropriate. The matter requires thorough investigation which ought not to be curtailed by passing an order granting pre-arrest bail. The relief of pre-arrest bail is a legal safeguard intended to protect individuals from potential misuse of power of arrest. It plays a crucial tool in preventing harassment and unjust detention of innocent persons. However, the court must carefully balance the individual's right to liberty with the interests of justice. While the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty are fundamental principles of law, they must be considered in conjunction with the gravity of the offence, its societal impact, and the need for a comprehensive and unobstructed investigation. It is settled law that the custodial interrogation is qualitatively more elicitation oriented than questioning a suspect who is well ensconced with a favourable order under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS'). Granting anticipatory bail to the applicant would undoubtedly impede further investigation. An order of bail cannot be granted in a routine manner so as to allow the applicant to use the same as a shield. This court has perused the case diary and gone through the statements of the victim, mother of the victim and co-accused. There are materials in the case diary implicating the applicant in the allegations which the police are investigating. The allegations against the applicant/accused are of a grave and serious nature, involving the exploitation and sexual abuse of a minor girl. The applicant is accused of coercing the victim into engaging in sexually explicit acts over video calls, recording the same without her consent, and using these recordings to blackmail her repeatedly. Such acts not only violate the personal dignity and privacy of the victim but also constitute serious offences under the BNS and the POCSO Act. (ANI)
Jitender Singh Shunty, a Social activist and Padma Shri awardee joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of the Party's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Jitender Singh Shunty is also the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal (SBS) Foundation. Upon officially joining the party, Kejriwal expressed his admiration for Jitender Singh Shunty's significant contributions to society during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Shunty's dedication and efforts in supporting those in need and commended his commitment to public service. Kejriwal emphasized that Shunty's inclusion in the party would enhance the strength of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "He is known as 'Ambulance Man'...I have been told that he has facilitated last rites of more than 70,000 bodies, in dignified manner. During COVID era, when people hesitated to accept bodies of their family members, he accepted the bodies and performed last rites. He too fell prey to COVID. Even when his family contracted COVID, he continued his mission. He was awarded with Padma Shri for this...He has come to politics to serve people...His joining will strengthen AAP.," Kejriwal said. On joining AAP, Jitendra Shunty said "I was stepping away from politics to focus on service work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to serve by cremating unclaimed bodies. One day, I received a call from Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed a desire to contribute to this noble cause. My colleagues pointed out the similarity in our work: while he is giving life to people, we are taking care of matters after death. We both draw inspiration from Bhagat Singh, who was the first to raise the issue of human rights in Lahore jail. After the pandemic, I took up the issue of why people should not have access to the bodies of their deceased loved ones." Shunty is the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal and Shaheed-Ae-Azam Bhagat Singh Foundation. He joined the BJP in 2008 and won the Delhi assembly elections from Shahdara in 2013. Shunty was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2021 for his philanthropic services during the Covid-19 pandemic. He dedicated the civilian honour to his fellow frontline workers. (ANI)
Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday took a dig at the Mahayuti alliance, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis and said that it took 10 days for Mahayuti to decide the CM face, considering this, it is hoped that people of Maharashtra do not suffer because of the differences between the three parties (BJP-Shivsena-NCP). Furthermore, she accused BJP of backstabbing its political allies, saying that they use and throw as per their convenience. "I wish the Chief Minister of Maharashtra all the best. I hope he lives up to all the commitments that he has made to the people of Maharashtra. It took the government over 10 days, to decide the CM face... Considering there are so many differences among the three, I hope that the people of Maharashtra do not suffer because of the differences that we see between the three parties. BJP's strategy has been to backstab its political allies whether it's Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena... They (BJP) use and throw as per their convenience..." Chaturvedi told ANI. Congress MLA amd Maharashtra state in-charge Ramesh Chennithala claimed that the Yuti government is fooling the popele. "Mahayuti is fooling the people of Maharashtra. Even after 11 days, they have not been able to form the cabinet.... Till now they have not decided about the departments of the ministers and deputy chief ministers. This is definitely a joke on the people of Maharashtra. No one is celebrating the victory of BJP and Mahayuti in Maharashtra because people do not want such a government. And there are a lot of discrepancies in this election. We have already submitted to the Election Commission.... I think this government has failed to fulfil its promises and soon you will also understand this," he said. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar for their victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. "Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh share a very special relationship as many people from UP are staying in Maharashtra. The people of UP are very happy with the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections and the formation of the Mahayuti government," Maurya said. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Devendra Fadnavis offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai today. The ceremony will commence at around 5.30 pm. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the legislature party meeting held in Vidhan Bhawan, former Gujarat CM and BJP's central observer Vijay Rupani on Wednesday announced that Fadnavis has been unanimously elected the BJP legislature party leader, ending the long-drawn suspense over who would get the top job. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI)
Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Thursday said that the beef ban by the Assam government is an "agenda of Sangh Parivar" who are trying to "make a split among people." Satheesan remark came after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that the government has decided to ban serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel and public places across the state. "The 'Sangh Parivar' governments across the nation are trying to create problems among the people...The elections in Assam are coming...So, this is an agenda of the 'Sangh Parivar' and they want to make a split among the people," Satheesan said. Meanwhile, BJP Kerala Vice President Major Ravi said that the Assam government should understand the difference between cow meat and beef. He asserted that the beef ban in Assam give a "wrong message" to people. "First of all you need to understand what is beef and what is cow, if you suddenly ban beef, this will give a wrong message to so many people...beef is not cow...(Assam) CM should not have said that...if somebody wants to eat, they should...there should be freedom to eat what you want...cow we worship...I haven't seen any place where cows are being slaughtered. Beef is buffaloes and bulls...first of all, understand the difference and then impose ban...we shouldn't give wrong message to people and create communal issues," he said. Assam CM, while announcing the ban, said that the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." "We had passed the law on prohibition of cattle slaughter three years ago, and it was quite successful, so now, in Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and public places," the Assam CM said. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan on Thursday hit out at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for imposing a complete ban on beef consumption in hotels, and public places in Assam. "This is against the right to freedom and if the government will continue interfering in personal lives then the nation will head towards dictatorship...It is the beauty of the country that we have people following different cultures and religions. These kinds of decisions are against the Constitution," she said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that the Assam CM should remember tha he had lost the Jharkhand election when he made it about Hindus vs Muslims. "That's a decision for the Government to make. There is nothing political about it. What is important to note is that the CM continues to hope to get some political brownie points based on some accusations that he has levied against the Opposition. So, it is a choice that he had to make and he has made the choice. But if he is trying to derive any political benefit out of it, he should remember that as an in charge of Jharkhand, he just managed to lose an election when he made it about Hindus vs Muslims," she said. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed the UBT Sena Mp saying that the Assam CM was trying to his his electoral defeat in Jharkhand. " In Jharkhand, BJP suffered a shameful defeat under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma...he is trying to hide his defeat and shameful loss, he has come up with this conspiracy. I believe that the way Jharkhand people defeated the politics of hatred and infiltrators, the same way in the coming election, people of Assam will punish the corrupt govt of Himanta Biswa Sarma," he said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government has decided to ban serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel and public places across the state. The CM said the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." "We had passed the law on prohibition of cattle slaughter three years ago, and it was quite successful, so now, in Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and public places," the Assam CM said. The CM said that the earlier decision was to only restrict consumption of beef near temples, but now the government has expanded it to the whole state. "Earlier our decision was to stop eating beef near temples but now we have expanded it to the entire state so you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant," Sarma said. Meanwhile, on Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal violence, Samajwadi Party MP Iqra demanded action against officers for firing bullets on the crowd. "First of all, recovery should be made from those officers who are trained to control the crowd. Despite this, they broke the law and order and fired bullets on the people. Posters of the officers should be put up and action should be taken against them." (ANI)
Projects funded by US should aim for sustainable devt, not zero-sum competition

08:30, December 05, 2024 By Hu Weijia ( Global Times

(Illustration: Xia Qing/GT)

US President Joe Biden is visiting Angola this week, showcasing the Lobito Corridor project, which is reportedly a multi-billion US dollar investment aimed at building a railway connecting the Angolan port of Lobito to the city of Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attracting attention from Western media. Some outlets see the project as a tool of geopolitical competition, with VOA highlighting it as a part of the US strategy to counter China's influence in global development. However, the project's future remains uncertain.

Announced in September 2023, much of the financing for the Lobito Corridor comes from the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, a US-led initiative launched in 2022 by the Group of Seven (G7), the VOA reported. This initiative evolved from the Build Back Better World plan, which was introduced in 2021 as a "counter" to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the report added.

While some Western media outlets are quick to highlight the geopolitical significance of the Lobito Corridor, the challenges the project may face in execution should not be overlooked. In recent years, the US presence in global infrastructure has been declining, not increasing. Against this backdrop, supporting large-scale infrastructure projects may prove challenging.

Furthermore, for large-scale railway construction to be economically viable, it requires a consistent flow of traffic to offset the significant costs of building, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure. If, as some suggest, the primary goal of US support for the Lobito Corridor is to "counter China's influence," then achieving these geopolitical objectives seems wildly unrealistic. Projects driven mainly by political considerations often struggle to attract the investment needed for long-term success. Private investors are generally cautious about initiatives driven more by strategic objectives than by sound economic fundamentals.

While this doesn't mean the US should overlook investment opportunities in Africa, the focus should be driven by genuine economic potential rather than geopolitically motivated hype. In reality, Africa offers a wealth of investment opportunities and is in urgent need of infrastructure development, creating possibilities for collaboration with both developed and emerging economies.

If the US, along with other developed economies, is willing to provide funding for infrastructure projects in Africa - especially those aimed at improving transportation - it would be a positive and much-needed development.

Integrating Africa into the global manufacturing supply chain will significantly contribute to the continent's economic growth. To achieve this, improving transportation infrastructure such as railways, roads, and ports is crucial. This would expand trade routes connecting Africa to other global economies.

Africa has substantial infrastructure needs, creating numerous investment opportunities. In this context, there is no zero-sum competition between China, the US, and other countries. Upgrading Africa's infrastructure would benefit both local and multinational companies - including those from China and the US, as well as other nations. This creates a win-win situation for all parties involved.

In recent years, economic and trade relations between China and Africa have grown steadily. For 15 consecutive years, China has been Africa's largest trading partner. By the end of 2023, China's stock of direct investment in Africa had exceeded $40 billion. Since the launch of the BRI, China has strengthened its support for Africa's regional infrastructure connectivity. Through a combination of technical assistance, financial support, and practical collaboration, China has played a positive role in advancing Africa's economic integration and the development of crucial infrastructure corridors.

China's infrastructure cooperation with Africa will remain steadfast, unaffected by reports from certain Western media outlets eager to highlight a so-called zero-sum competition among major powers for influence over Africa's infrastructure projects. The real issue at hand is how to significantly increase infrastructure investments in Africa - investments that can drive economic growth and trade development - while ensuring that such commitments are backed by concrete actions, not just empty promises. The focus should shift to whether the US can translate its pledges into tangible efforts and overcome the challenges of boosting infrastructure investment in Africa, rather than simply focusing on how to "counter China's influence."

China's infrastructure partnership with Africa will continue to advance. It is hoped that developed nations will take a more proactive stance, collaborating to support the progress of African infrastructure projects. This collective effort would not only benefit Africa's development but also have a positive impact on the global supply chain and international trade.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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The 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum kicked off in Tokyo on Wednesday, drawing over 400 participants from the political, economic, business, academic and media sectors of both countries.

The 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum opens in Tokyo, Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/CICG]





Co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and Japan's Genron NPO, with support from China's State Council Information Office and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this year's forum is themed "Restoring Peace and Rebuilding a Global Order Based on Multilateral Cooperation Through China-Japan Partnership."

The event provides a platform to discuss key topics such as fostering multilateral collaboration, maintaining peace and stability, enhancing political trust, deepening economic ties, advancing digital governance, promoting cultural exchanges, and strengthening youth interactions.

In a video address at the opening ceremony, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, praised the forum for its role over the past 20 years in advancing China-Japan relations.

He said that the over 2,000 years of interaction between China and Japan, along with more than 50 years of normalized diplomatic ties, have consistently demonstrated that a relationship steered in the right direction benefits both nations, the region, and global peace and development.

Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office, noted in his keynote speech that the recent meeting between the leaders of China and Japan underscored their shared commitment to advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.

Mo expressed his hope that both sides would earnestly implement the consensus reached by the leaders, enhance interactions at all levels, strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation and work together to ensure the steady and long-term progress of China-Japan relations.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted the Beijing-Tokyo Forum's long-standing role as a vital platform for bringing together visionary individuals from both countries to exchange ideas and collaborate.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, he acknowledged that as neighboring countries, China and Japan have inevitably faced challenges and difficult periods. However, he commended the persistence and dedication of forward-thinking individuals on both sides in advancing bilateral relations despite these obstacles.

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech on behalf of the Chinese co-organizers at the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo, Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/CICG]





On behalf of the Chinese co-organizers, CICG president Du Zhanyuan said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing-Tokyo Forum, a significant milestone. Over the past two decades, the forum has demonstrated that as long as both sides remain committed to people-to-people exchanges, candid dialogue, trust-building and consensus-forming, relations between China and Japan can stay on a path of healthy and stable development, leading to an even brighter future.

Looking to the next decade, Du emphasized that the forum should evolve with the times by broadening its agenda and enhancing its strategic vision. It is essential to foster innovation, bringing together diverse perspectives to deepen collaboration, he said, adding that expanding youth participation will be key to broadening the scope of exchanges for the future.

Toshio Muto, chairman of the Daiwa Institute of Research, delivers a speech on behalf of the Japanese co-organizers at the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo, Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/CICG]





Toshio Muto, representative of the Japanese co-organizers and chairman of the Daiwa Institute of Research, highlighted the forum's achievements, built on mutual trust and the spirit of "seeking common ground while reserving differences." He called for continued high-quality dialogue to promote stable and healthy bilateral relations and contribute to global peace and stability.

CICG and Genron NPO sign a cooperation framework agreement for the next decade (20252034) during the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo, Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/CICG]





Following the opening ceremony, CICG and Genron NPO signed a cooperation framework agreement for the next decade (20252034). Both sides highly commended the forum's contributions over the past 20 years in fostering mutual trust, building consensus, and promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the forum's impact over the next decade and striving for even greater achievements. Together, they aim to write a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between China and Japan while contributing to peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.

The two-day forum includes seven parallel sub-forums focusing on bilateral politics and diplomacy, economy and trade, security, media, digital economy, peace and order, and multilateral cooperation, alongside a dedicated youth dialogue session.

Established in 2005, the Beijing-Tokyo Forum is an annual event held alternately in Beijing and Tokyo. Now in its 20th iteration, it has become one of the largest and most influential people-to-people exchange platforms between China and Japan, playing a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering a stable and healthy bilateral relationship.
Karnataka High Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's plea challenging the court's order to uphold Governor's decision against him in the alleged MUDA scam to January 20 CM Siddaramaiah had challenged the single-bench order of HC that had dismissed his petition on September 23, challenging the approval given by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for conducting investigation against him in the alleged illegalities in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) allotting sites to his wife. In that judgement, Justice Nagaprasanna said that the order of sanction for prosecution does not suffer from non-application of mind by the Governor. Siddaramaiah in his petition had questioned the legality of the sanction granted by the Governor permitting investigation against him under Section 17 A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and prosecution under Section 218 of Bharatiya Nagarik Surakha Sanhita, 2023. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granted sanction on August 17 on the applications filed by two Bengaluru- based social activists Pradeep Kumar SP and TJ Abraham and Mysuru-based social activist Snehamayi Krishna. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. Currently, Mysuru Lokayukta is investigating the MUDA scam following a September 27 court order to file an FIR. On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah condemned the ED for writing a letter to the Lokayukta just before a petition was set to be heard in the High Court and questioned ED's investigation in the MUDA scam case. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said on X, "Just a day before our petition is set to be heard in the High Court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) writes to the Lokayukta - a move clearly aimed at influencing the judiciary. The ED's investigation itself is questionable. Even so, the proper course would have been to submit findings to the Lokayukta after completion. Instead, writing to the Lokayukta and leaking it to the media exposes a politically motivated agenda. Publicising this just before the hearing reflects a deliberate attempt to create prejudice and influence the judiciary's perspective." The ED has also filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah and others. This case was prompted by a First Information Report (FIR) from the state Lokayukta concerning the MUDA, placing the Karnataka Chief Minister in a difficult situation. Despite mounting allegations, Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated. He has refused to resign despite ongoing pressure from the BJP. (ANI)
After a word of war broke out between BJP leader Nishikant Dubey and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi in Lok Sabha, Congress MP KC Venugopal called it "unfortunate," and alleged that "defamatory words were used against the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and the entire Congress party by Nishikant Dubey. "Today a very unfortunate incident happened in Lok Sabha. The Congress leaders raised the issue of the travel ban of LoP to Sambhal. The speaker allowed Nishikant Dubey to speak in the zero hour. Defamatory words were used against the LoP, Wayanad MP and the entire Congress party...In the history of parliament, these kinds of derogatory remarks were never used. We are very pained," Venugopal told reporters outside Parliament premises. "From Day 1, Rahul Gandhi stood against corruption, since that day the agents of Adani have started abusing Rahul Gandhi...We demand an apology from the member who used this kind of language. The Speaker should take the necessary action," he added. Earlier, a war of words broke out between BJP leader Nishikant Dubey and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi after BJP alleged Congress' hand in 'attacks on national interest from abroad.' Refering to the Mediapart report about the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project in the Lok Sabha, Dubey said that "Opposition makes constant attempts to derail the government." "Section of opposition leaders make constant attempts to derail India's success story under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A report has been released by Mediapart in which they have said that there is an organisation OCCRP. OCCRP's job is how to shut down India's Parliament without letting it run. I want to just ask 10 questions. If OCCRP makes any report then the Congress party will immediately tweet to it. There are three issues, the first one is Pegasus on which Parliament at that time was unable to run properly. On July 18, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sanjay Raut tweeted that and Parliament was derailed. Second was Hindenburg, coal and mines on which Jairam Ramesh, Sanjay Raut tweets and Parliament again was derailed. Thirdly the vaccine issue," Dubey said. He further raised questions over some of Rahul Gandhi's meetings in the US, amid constant sloganeering by opposition members. "I want to ask the Leader of the Opposition only 10 questions about your relation with Salil Shetty of the Open Society Foundation who participated in the Bharat Jodo Movement. Did he give money to the Bharat Jodo Movement? Rahul Gandhi went to America and met Mushfiqul Fazal, who is responsible for the genocide of Bangladesh. Rahul Gandhi met Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, and Barbara Lee who opposed PM Modi's programme in the US. You (Rahul) met those who want to create Khalistan, who wants to separate Kashmir. What are your relations with them?" he added. The Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to raise the issue of violence in Sambhal. Gogoi tried to counter the allegations levelled by Dubey leading to uproar in the House and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is "lying." "BJP is lying. They do not want Parliament to run. Rahul Gandhi only wants peace in this country. PM Modi ji ne jis traike se Manipur mai aag lagai vaise hi Sambhal mai aag lagana chahte hai. Rahul Gandhi was being stopped from visiting the Sambhal," Gogai said. (ANI)
Adressing the Ramayan Mela's opening ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Katha Park on Thursday, Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath drew a comparision between the rioters in Sambhal and those who had attacked minorties in Bangladesh. Yogi Adityanath said, "Remember what Babur's man did in Ayodhya Kumbh 500 years ago. The same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh. The nature of the three and their DNA is the same. If someone believes that this is happening in Bangladesh, then the same elements are here too waiting to hand you over. They have made full arrangements to break the social unity. "Some of the people talking about this are those who have property abroad. If a crisis happens here, they will run away and leave others here to die. Do not remain under any delusion," he added. There are some powers here that are ready to slit you open and cause you to bleed," he added. The Uttar Pradesh CM also called upon the people to draw inspiration from the life of Lord Ram and recalled the efforts behind the building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "Once again Ayodhya is moving ahead with a new identity as a global city spiritually and culturally... Remember how in January this year, due to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi, Lord Ram has been seated in the temple again after five hundred years... Anyone who does not respect Lord Ram and Mata Janaki, no matter how dear they are to you, should be abandoned like an enemy. That is why Ram devotees gave the slogan in 1990, 'Jo Ram ka nahi humare kisi kaam ka nahi'... The UP CM took a dig at the Samajwadi party alleging that they did politics in the name of Ram Manohar Lohia but never live up to his ideals. "Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia is considered a symbol of ideals in politics... In today's politics, a true Samajwadi is free from the attachment to property and children. However, today's Samajwadi's have become Parivarwadi. Without the protection of criminals and goons, their condition becomes like a fish struggling without water... They do politics in the name of Lohia but are unable to adopt even one of his ideals," he said. (ANI)
Congress MP Tanuj Punia criticized the government for preventing Rahul Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress the voice of the opposition. "On one side, the government is saying that everything is normal, and on the other side, they are saying that our arrival will create a mess. If they had a problem with a crowd moving forward, he [Rahul Gandhi] was ready to go alone with the police, but they didn't allow that either," Punia said. Highlighting the significance of Gandhi's visit to Sambhal, Punia accused the government of stifling the opposition's voice. "The constitutional rights of the Leader of the Opposition have definitely been violated. He is the voice of the people and the voice of the opposition, and if he wanted to listen to the voice of the people, the government should have let him," he concluded. Adding to the criticism, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala also accused the state government of lacking transparency and that they want to break the secular fabric of the country. "In a democracy, whenever an incident happens across the country, the Leader of the Opposition should reach there and find out the facts. Between the four walls [of Parliament], we don't know what happened in Sambhal. Our LoP tried to reach there to uncover the truth, but the state government did not allow him, which shows that transparency is missing. They are trying to break the secular fabric of the country," Chamala stated. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other party leaders, were stopped by police at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday while attempting to visit violence-hit Sambhal. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. (ANI)
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday expressed his distress over the constant protests by INDIA bloc since the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. Rijiju accused the opposition of "disrupting" the parliamentary proceedings and "creating drama" outside the house. "I am very distressed by the behaviour of the opposition parties since the beginning of the Winter Session today. When the Winter Session has begun and we have always taken decisions on important subjects like bills and discussion on the Constitution in the Business Advisory Committee, why is there protest by the Congress Party and their allies? Why are they disrupting the proceedings of the House and creating drama outside the Parliament House by running around? Is this the way to run the House?" Rijiju said. Rijiju criticised the opposition for "running around" the parliament house and neglecting the important issues. "The Parliament House is for debate and discussion and they are running around the Parliament House wearing colourful clothes. Today some of our MPs raised a very important issue. And these people are talking about some other issues which have nothing to do with the Government of India and they are running around the Parliament premises raising issues...I am very upset with opposition parties" Rijiju said. Rijiju's stark criticism of opposition came after opposition MPs, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, protested over the Adani matter, at the Parliament premises in the national capital. Opposition MPs wore jackets symbolising their protest over the Adani issue and wore jackets mentioned: "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani safe hai." "Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain," said LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as he joined Opposition MPs in protest over Adani matter. (ANI)
Amid violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini on Thursday urged the central government to provide security to Krishna bhakts and Sanatani brothers in Bangladesh, stressing that the issue was more a matter of emotions than foreign policy. Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Malini said, "We raised the issue of Bangladesh yesterday. I have demanded from my government to provide security to Krishna Bhakts and all Sanatani brothers in Bangladesh... This is not a matter of foreign policy, it is a matter of sentiments of Krishna bhakts." Violence against minority communities is on the rise in Bangladesh, with attacks intensifying after the arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. However, attacks on Hindus began soon after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in August. On Tuesday a Bangladesh court set January 2, 2025, as the next hearing date for Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Das stating that he will remain in jail on alleged sedition charges until then. The Daily Star Bangladesh reported that the Chattogram court deferred to January 2 the hearing on the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing as the defence lawyer was absent from the court. Chittagong Metropolitan Police's Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman later confirmed this information to Bangladesh media. Chinmoy Krishna Das who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician that accused Chinmoy Das and others of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally of the Hindu community. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly criticised Das' arrest and the denial of his bail. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release. ISKCON has claimed that Bangladesh authorities have arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, and the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman has urged the Bangladesh government to provide security to the advocate of Chinmoy Krishna Das citing the recent attack on his previous advocate. Earlier, in another concerning development, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a "radical organization" engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media. The petition in Bangladesh has alleged that ISKCON has been promoting religious events with the intent of inciting sectarian violence, imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes. (ANI)
Shiv Sena leader and former Cabinet Minister, Deepak Kesarkar confirmed that the MLAs from Shiv Sena requested Eknath Shinde to accept the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Speaking to ANI, Kesarkar said, "All the MLAs of Shiv Sena met Eknath Shinde last evening and requested him to be a part of Maharashtra cabinet and accept the post of deputy CM..." The former minister of Marathi language said the the Shiv Sena leader will "positively" consider the position and requested PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah to send a message regarding the same. Kesarkar said, "He said that he would consider it positively and he (Eknath Shinde) always listens to PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. If a message comes from there, it will be very good and he will always consider their decision." Kesarkar said that the even the Devendra Fadnavis accepted the post when asked and that the ideologies of both the parties are the same. "Even Devendra Fadnavis accepted the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister after the central leadership of BJP insisted (in 2022). Our parties are different but principles and ideologies are the same...The cabinet expansion should take place before the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly", he said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat also emphasised that Eknath Shinde would take up the post of Deputy CM as the MLAs wanted him to do so " Eknath Shinde will listen to our request and he will take oath as Deputy CM, we believe that...he is our leader and we want him to take the oath as Deputy CM...we all are going to Eknath Shinde, we will convince and get him ready for the oath-taking," Shirsat said. According to the Shiv Sena sources, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are set to take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, alongside Devendra Fadnavis, who will assume the role of Chief Minister. This development comes after Fadnavis was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party. The trio met with Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form the Mahayuti government. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow, December 5, at 5:30 pm, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. The 2024 Maharashtra election saw BJP led Mahayuti fovernment come out on top and by winning 235 out of 288 seats. (ANI)
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday slammed the Opposition MPs' protest over the Adani issue in Parliament and termed it a "political drama". "It would have been better if the people who call themselves as LoP would have done 'Parikrama' of Ram Janmabhoomi temple... Those who are doing political drama here, it would have been better if they had gone and sat at Rajghat," he said. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed the opposition parties alleging that they were creating a dram outside the House by running around. "I am very distressed by the behaviour of the opposition parties since the beginning of the Winter Session today. When the Winter Session has begun and we have always taken decisions on important subjects like bills and discussion on the Constitution in the Business Advisory Committee, why is there protest by the Congress Party and their allies? Why are they disrupting the proceedings of the House and creating drama outside the Parliament House by running around? Is this the way to run the House? The Parliament House is for debate and discussion and they are running around the Parliament House wearing colourful clothes," he said. "Today some of our MPs raised a very important issue about some conspiracies hatched by some groups outside India and attacking the interests of sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and these are very serious matters. And these people are talking about some other issues which have nothing to do with the Government of India and they are running around the Parliament premises raising issues...I am very upset with opposition parties," Rijiju added. Opposition MPs, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, protested over the Adani matter, at the Parliament premises in the national capital. Opposition MPs wore jackets symbolising their protest over the Adani issue and wore jackets mentioned: "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani safe hai." Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the Union government over the issue of US prosecutors linking Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot get Adani investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated. "Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain," said Rahul Gandhi as he joined Opposition MPs in protest over the Adani matter. 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. 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. The Adani Group has denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green. While the BJP said the law will take its course and slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Thursday, spoke about water tariff and highlighted significant issues within the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). He further cited unpaid dues and illegal water extraction and urged individuals to establish legitimate connections and settle their payments. " There is a big problem in the BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board). A lot of payments need to be made...water being taken out illegally. We are requesting all of them to make connections and pay money. All the legislators are being informed about the present status about this. Because we have to go for loans. When you consider the sixth stage, Bangalore will have better water. All those companies, bankers they are all asking how are we going to do.., " he said. Earlier on October 26, Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), issued a stern warning against individuals illegally demanding extra charges for Cauvery water connections. He emphasised that applicants should apply directly through the official BWSSB online portal and avoid intermediaries. Criminal cases will be filed against anyone misusing the BWSSB name to make illegal monetary demands. Ram Prasath Manohar said, "Obtaining a Cauvery water connection is a straightforward process. Once applications are submitted online, BWSSB officials will proceed with the necessary steps as per regulations. Demand notices specifying the regulated charges for new connections--whether for residences, apartments, or commercial buildings--are issued in accordance with official rules. Upon payment of the legally stipulated charges to the BWSSB bank account, new connections will be provided in a hassle-free manner." Manohar has directed that criminal cases be filed promptly against anyone demanding amounts above the authorised demand notice fees. He added, "To address this issue, a specialised Vigilance Cell has been set up under the Chief Administrative Officer. This team will investigate and resolve complaints related to unlawful demands for Cauvery connections, with a commitment to swift action within 24 hours of receiving a report. Concerned citizens can email complaints, along with relevant information, to bwssbvigilance@gmail.com." (ANI)
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to "disturb the atmosphere in UP" over the Sambhal incident. "When the state government and administration is the culprit, then they can give any angle to the incident. BJP is trying to disturb the atmosphere of UP," Yadav said. She further alleged that the BJP carried out the Sambhal incident to "divert the attention" of people from the Uttar Pradesh bypolls "rigging." "To divert the attention of people from the rigging that took place in elections, the Sambhal incident was carried out...The public of the state has realised that the state government will not talk about employment, reservation, women's safety, farmers," she said. In UP bypolls, BJP won six assembly by-polls, and its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RJD) won one seat, while the Samajwadi Party was able to win just two seats out of nine contested. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Tanuj Punia criticized the government for preventing Rahul Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress the voice of the opposition. "On one side, the government is saying that everything is normal, and on the other side, they are saying that our arrival will create a mess. If they had a problem with a crowd moving forward, he [Rahul Gandhi] was ready to go alone with the police, but they didn't allow that either," Punia said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and other party leaders, were stopped by police at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday while attempting to visit violence-hit Sambhal. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. (ANI)
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A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday condemned the Philippines for its recent provocative behavior in the South China Sea, urging Manila to immediately stop all forms of infringement and inflammatory actions.

On Wednesday, the Philippines deployed multiple vessels in an act of intrusion into Chinese territorial waters, including around Huangyan Dao and Xianbin Jiao, part of Nansha Qundao, said Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesperson.

During the incident, a Philippine vessel ignored multiple stern warnings from China and deliberately rammed into a CCG vessel, according to the CCG.

"These actions severely violated China's territorial sovereignty, went against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined regional peace and stability," the spokesperson said.

Noting that the Philippine side was the party at fault, he said the CCG responded by enforcing control in accordance with laws and regulations.

The CCG will continue to conduct law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction to safeguard China's national sovereignty and maritime rights, Liu said, pledging efforts to maintain maritime security and order in the region.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Thursday said that several activities have been happening to attack India's administration, economic and social system since PM Modi has taken a resolution to make India a developed country. Referring to the Mediapart (French outlet) report about news portal Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project in Rajya Sabha, he said that this report has claimed that OCCRP has funding of foreign governments and has connections with billionaire George Soros which focuses on India also. Trivedi cited dates to say that the reports, including those on Pegasus, Hindenburg report etc always came just before the commencement of Parliament Sessions. As he referred to US indictment concerning Adani group case, opposition members resorted to noisy protests which later, led to the adjournment of the House. During the Rajya Sabha session, Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "There are several activities that are happening to attack on India's administration, economic and social system since PM Modi has started the resolution to make India a developed country. In this regard, a report named 'Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project' has come. French Publication has recently published its report based on its investigation on OCCRP (Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project). This report of new media report has claimed that this project has funding of foreign governments and it focuses on India also. With foreign governments funding, it has connection with George Soros. We are not just saying on the basis of a report. From last 3 years, is it just a coincidence that whenever a session of Indian Parliament such issues arrive, whether Pegasus, Hindenburg or a documentary of BBC.... In current session, which started on November 25, but on November 20, a report of US attorney comes in reference to business house. I just want to say...." Earlier, BJP MP Sambit Patra launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the "traitor of the highest order." Patra alleged that Gandhi is part of a "triangle" along with billionaire George Soros and news portal Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) aimed at destabilising India. Speaking at a news conference in the capital, BJP MP Sambit Patra said, " We are going to talk about this dangerous triangle which is trying to destabilise India. In this triangle, on one side it is George Soros from America, some agencies of America, another side of triangle is a big news portal named OCCRP...the last and the most important side of the triangle is Rahul Gandhi, 'traitor of the highest order'. I am not scared to say this word...I don't have any hesitation to call LoP Lok Sabha, a traitor" Patra accused the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of betraying the country, claiming that he follows the directives of the OCCRP. "OCCRP is a global media agency, crores of people read what they publish...Open Society Foundation is a big funder of this agency...it is George Soros's foundation...such agencies work for the interest of the people who fund them...LoP Rahul Gandhi betraying the whole country...OCCRP dictates and Rahul Gandhi follows," he added. Patra alleged Rahul Gandhi and US billionaire George Soros of sharing a common goal of destabilizing India. "If OCCRP is hurt, Rahul cries, if Rahul cries, OCCRP feels pain. These are two entities, their soul is one... whatever (George) Soros says, Rahul says the same. Soros wants bad for India, Rahul Gandhi also wants bad for India... Salil Shetty accompanied him on the Bharat Jodo Yatra that he had started. Salil Shetty is Vice President of George Soros' Open Society Foundation. In this way they are two bodies and one soul," he said. 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 Dwarka court on Thursday dismissed the Delhi police application seeking 10 days custody of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan. The court has granted Liberty to the Investigation officer to file an appropriate application before the appropriate court. Special Judge (MCOCA) Vandana Jain dismissed the plea of Delhi police seeking 10 days remand of Balyan in the MCOCA case. Delhi police had sought a transfer of the case to Rouse Avenue court as the accused is an MLA. Special public prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh moved an application for 10 days of Police custody remand. Besides, he also mentioned before the court that this application be transferred to the Special MP/MLA court at Rouse Avenue as the accused is an MLA. He also referred to the order in the matter of Rambeer Shokeen of 2023. That matter was transferred to Rouse Avenue from Patiala House Court as Shokeen was the former MLA and accused in the MCOCA case. He submitted that this application be transferred to the designated MP/MLA Court. The Court perused the order filed by the SPP. On the other hand, defence counsel Dr NC Sharma submitted that this is a special MCOCA court and the matter can't be transferred at this stage. It may be transferred at the stage of trial. MCOCA empowers this court to proceed. Interrogation permission was granted by this court. In the morning, MLA Naresh Balyan was produced in Dwarka Court. SPP for Delhi police had submitted that the Balyan is an MLA. Therefore, this case should be transferred to MP/MLA at Rouse Avenue Court. The court said to the SPP that you were SPP yesterday also. You didn't tell the fact yesterday. Before filing the application for interrogation you have clarified this fact from authorities. The court had also asked the SPP to show the precedent in your favour. "This transfer can be done by the higher authorities. I am not the proper court to pass this order," the court earlier said. Thereafter, he produced the order of court in Rambeer Shokeen's case. After considering the submissions, the court dismissed the application for remand. Balyan was arrested yesterday in the MCOCA case after he was granted bail in Extortion case. The FIR in MCOCA was registered on August 16, 2024 against gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu and his associates. Nandu is absconded and currently stated to abroad. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has recently dismissed an FIR filed against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Councillor Tahir Hussain in connection with the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, citing the presence of a similar case against him. The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad, while delivering the judgment, observed that, in accordance with the law established by the Supreme Court, it is appropriate to direct that the charge sheet in FIR No. 116/2020 be treated as a supplementary charge sheet in FIR No. 101/2020. Upon reviewing the materials on record, the Court noted that both FIRs share around 9 common eyewitnesses and 23 witnesses in total. Therefore, the Court concluded that no prejudice would be caused to the witnesses or victims by treating the charge sheet in FIR No. 116/2020 as supplementary to FIR No. 101/2020, allowing the trial to proceed accordingly, said the court Tahir Hussain's plea stated that since the incident has taken place at the same time, in the same building - one incident has happened on the ground floor whereas another incident has happened on the first floor of the building in question, and, therefore, the incident is a part of the same transaction and, therefore, two different FIRs could not have been registered against the Petitioner as the same is contrary to the law laid down by the Apex Court. (ANI)
The Shopian police in Jammu and Kashmir announced in a press release that they have attached two residential properties belonging to a "terrorist" and a "terror associate" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). "In a significant move to counter terrorism, Shopian Police have taken strict action by attaching two double-storied residential properties under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). One residential house, registered in the name of Mohd Shafi Dar, father of terrorist Adnan Shafi Dar, a resident of Wandina, is situated on land measuring 4 marlas (Khasra No. 14) in the village of Wandina. The other residential house is registered in the name of Abdul Majeed Koka, father-in-law of terror associate Sajad Ahmad Khah, a resident of Melhoora, situated on land measuring 7 marlas (Khasra No. 1347/min) in the village of Melhoora. Both properties are valued at Rs. 50 lakh. Relevant entries have been made in the revenue records by the authorities, and notices prohibiting the sale or transfer of the attached properties have been duly served under the provisions of the UAPA," the press release stated. The attachment is related to case FIR No. 94/2024 of Police Station Zainapora and was executed in the presence of a duly constituted police team and the Executive Magistrate, ensuring full compliance with legal protocols, it further mentioned. This action marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region. It underscores the commitment of the Shopian police to neutralising threats to national security and maintaining peace and order. Shopian Police, working closely with other agencies, remain steadfast in their mission to take stringent measures against individuals and entities involved in activities threatening the nation's sovereignty and integrity, the statement concluded. (ANI)
Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation in India, installed 20 pairs of signages at strategic locations in Assam's Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts during October and November this year. Supported by the SBI Foundation, this initiative aims to mitigate the risks associated with frequent human-elephant conflicts (HEC) in the region. These districts host critical elephant corridors connecting habitats in Assam, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, human activities such as farming, road use, and settlement expansion often overlap these routes, creating zones of conflict. The signages are designed to raise awareness and promote safety, fostering coexistence between humans and wild elephants. According to Aaranyak's official statement, the signages were installed following detailed planning and consultations with local communities, Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) members, and the Forest Department. They mark specific elephant crossing points identified through ground surveys, historical records, and real-time feedback from stakeholders. To cater to the linguistic diversity of the region, the signages are designed in English, Assamese, and Bodo, ensuring accessibility for locals and travellers, including those from Bhutan. These signages serve as reminders to exercise caution in sensitive areas. Scientific research highlights the effectiveness of such measures. Aaranyak stated that these warnings significantly reduce the likelihood of surprise encounters, vehicle collisions, and accidents, which could escalate into conflicts. "Community engagement has been central to the success of this project. Aaranyak conducted awareness sessions and interactive discussions through IEC with local residents to explain the purpose and significance of the signages," the organisation stated in its release. It further noted, "These sessions emphasised how the installations could reduce risks, save lives, and protect livelihoods." The press release also highlighted the involvement of the community in identifying conflict zones and understanding the utility of the signages, which has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. Aaranyak added that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of HEC. While signages alone cannot resolve the issue, they complement efforts such as habitat restoration, promotion of alternative crops, and livelihood programs aimed at reducing the impact of HEC on both humans and elephants. Aaranyak's team, comprising Mondeep Basumatari, Abhijit Saikia, Bikash Tossa, and Pradeep Barman, led the installation process with active support from local residents. By raising awareness, encouraging precaution, and protecting critical habitats, Aaranyak's efforts pave the way for coexistence between humans and elephants, ensuring a balanced and sustainable future. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court recently ruled that a convict without a permanent address in the national capital cannot be denied furlough. The Court emphasized that furlough serves as both a reward for good behaviour and a recognition of the convict's reformation, demonstrated by their conduct within the prison. It provides an opportunity to maintain family and social ties while continuing to serve their sentence outside the prison. This period counts towards the sentence, reflecting the justice system's confidence in the convict's rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The bench of Justice Swarna Kamta Sharma also said the provision of furlough is subjected to rigid andmechanical interpretations or even misinterpretations, it risks losing its essence and intended purpose. This welfare-oriented measure for prisoners may fade under the weight of inflexible application by the authorities. Therefore, in this Court opinion, the Courts must adopt a compassionate approach to ensure that the isolation of prison life does not irreparably harm the mental health of prisoners or derail their rehabilitation. A prisoner's reformation must be given meaningful consideration, and Furlough should be considered as a tool to promote their reintegration into society, said Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma. The court also noted that there is no specific or general rule in the Delhi Prison Rules requiring a convict to have been previously released on parole or furlough as a prerequisite for the Sentence Review Board to recommend premature release. The Delhi Prison Rules and related guidelines do not prescribe grant of parole or furlough as decisive factors in such decisions. Therefore, the Sentence Review Board's determinations are based on a wider set of considerations, not limited to the convict's history of release on parole or furlough. The Sentence Review Board is obligated to take into account the social context and socio-economic conditions of prisoners and convicts, including those who lack permanent residence or family support to facilitate Parole or Furlough, noted the bench. (ANI)
A Day earlier, CM Saha went to Mumbai to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Maharashtra Chief Minister.

During his visit, he inspected the land and reviewed the progress of the work of Tripura Bhawan.

Later, CM Saha stated that the current state government has been planning to establish a Tripura Bhawan in Mumbai for a long time, considering the needs of people, including patients, who travel to the city.

"We don't have any Tripura Bhawan in Mumbai. The cabinet decided to set up one here and acquire land for the purpose. Today, I came to physically verify the land. I was in Mumbai to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Maharashtra Chief Minister, and I took this opportunity to inspect the site. The land is very close to the Tata Cancer Hospital and is accessible via two roads. States like Sikkim and others are also setting up Bhawans in the area. I have reviewed the design of the structure," said CM Saha.

He mentioned that some modifications would be made, and Rs 100 crore has been sanctioned for the project, with the land already acquired.

"In the coming days, the people of Tripura will benefit from this initiative," CM Saha added. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified on Thursday that the Congress convention in Hassan was aimed at showcasing the party's governance philosophy and not a "show of strength." Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, "We don't need a show of strength. This is a convention organised by the party in collaboration with several like-minded organisations. Many organisations have expressed their willingness to support similar conventions in other districts. The BJP is criticising the event because it is jealous." He added, "No one tried to console the distressed mothers of Hassan. Instead, they came and shed tears in Channapatna. The BJP and JDS are losing their base, which is why they are criticising this event." The Karnataka Congress' 'Janakalyana Swabhimana Samavesha' was held in Hassan on Thursday. The district is a stronghold of JDS supremo and Union Minister HD Deve Gowda. When asked about the dissatisfaction expressed by Home Minister Parameshwara regarding the power-sharing agreement, Shivakumar said, "I haven't spoken about it publicly or to Parameshwara. I merely shared my perspective on a news channel. I cannot discuss internal matters in front of the media. The Chief Minister has already stated that there is no such arrangement. I won't comment further. Our government will complete its full term." When questioned about any differences of opinion between him and Parameshwara, he replied, "I have no differences with anyone. I hold no political enmity. We have worked together for the party and will continue to do so." Home Minister Parameshwara also denied on Thursday the existence of any power-sharing agreement involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. (ANI)
The Delhi Police Crime Branch based on a specific intelligence input received, apprehended two people from the Chanakya Place area of Uttam Nagar and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession, a press release said on Thursday. According to the release, the accused have been identified as Rakesh alias Jatti (48 years) and Akhil alias Maya (28 years). "On December 4, acting on a credible tip-off received, the team swung into action and laid a planned trap in the Chanakya Palace area. The swift and coordinated efforts led to the arrest of the two criminals, namely Rakesh alias Jatti (48 years) and Akhil alias Maya (28 years). During the operation, the police recovered 3 country-made pistols, including a sophisticated pistol and 04 live cartridges. The recovered weapons and ammunition were intended for use in a planned crime plot, which was thwarted, the timely intervention of the Crime Branch team," the release said. The release further mentioned that the accused Rakesh has a long history of violent crimes, including murder, robbery, extortion, and illegal possession of firearms. His first murder committed was as an act of revenge for the killing of his maternal uncle. Over the years, he was involved in eight heinous cases. Rakesh was on parole in a murder case registered at PS Raj Park in Delhi, but never returned to custody. He once ran a furniture shop in Mangol Puri but turned to crime for personal revenge and financial gain. "Akhil is a known associate of the Neeraj Bawania Gang. He has been involved in 12 heinous cases, including murder, robbery, assault on public servants, and Arms Act violations. He is a former inmate of Tihar Jail and became a close associate of Neeraj Bawania and his gang members, during his time in prison. Akhil has several social media videos boasting about his gang affiliations, further establishing his links with the Neeraj Bawania Gang. He turned to crime early and has been involved in numerous gang-related offenses," the release added. During interrogation, it was revealed that Akhil was recently involved in a robbery case in the PS Raj Park area, where he and his associates robbed a businessman at gunpoint and stole his scooty. The duo had procured illegal weapons to settle personal scores and eliminate Akhil's rivals, with whom he has a longstanding enmity. The stolen scooty and recovered weapons were intended to be used in the execution of this murder plot. The Crime Branch's efforts not only prevented this violent escalation but also disrupted a chain of illegal arms supply to gang members in the region. (ANI)
Congress members on Thursday organised a peace prayer, "Buddhi Shuddhi Path" (prayer for wisdom), to condemn the atrocities against the Hindu community in Bangladesh and to urge the government to ensure justice and promote unity. The event included a 'havan' (ritual fire ceremony) and prayers for the victims, seeking peace for the souls of the deceased. The program saw participation from Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh. During the event, they highlighted the oppression faced by Hindus in Bangladesh and drew parallels with alleged atrocities against Muslims in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The participants prayed for wisdom for the government and peace for the victims. Congress workers condemned the violence and stated that the party has always stood for justice and unity across religions. A Congress member said, "We condemn the atrocities and pray for the peace of the departed souls. The Congress Party has always stood for justice and unity across all religions, striving for the nation's development. Today, we are praying for the peace of those souls and asking for divine guidance for the government." Speaking to ANI, the member lashed out at the government for allegedly failing to address the situation and said, "As we all know, the Hindu community in Bangladesh is facing genocide. It is the moral responsibility of the central government to hold discussions with the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus there, protecting their lives and property. However, the government is failing in this regard, and incidents similar to Sambhal, where members of the Muslim community were killed, are happening." "Today, we pray to God for the peace of all those who lost their lives and for the government to gain the wisdom to focus on development, education, healthcare, and employment instead of promoting division. We organised this 'havan' as a way to pray for the peace of the departed souls and for the government leaders to gain wisdom." the Congress member added. (ANI)
The Sopore Police announced on Thursday that they have attached a residential property in Jammu and Kashmir under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). "Sopore Police have attached a single-storied residential house along with 16 marlas of land (Survey No. 354) in Nowpora Kalan, Sopore. The property belongs to Mohd Subhan Khan, son of Ab Satar Khan, a resident of Nowpora Kalan, Sopore," the statement read. "This action is related to case FIR No. 105/2024 of Police Station Sopore," it added. The attachment was carried out in the presence of a duly constituted police team and an executive magistrate, ensuring strict adherence to legal protocols. This measure represents a significant step in the investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the area. It underscores Sopore Police's commitment to countering threats to national security and ensuring peace and stability, according to the release. Meanwhile, the Shopian Police in Jammu and Kashmir announced in a press release the attachment of two residential properties belonging to a "terrorist" and a "terror associate" under the UAPA. "In a significant move to combat terrorism, the Shopian Police have attached two double-storied residential properties under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). One property, registered in the name of Mohd Shafi Dar, father of terrorist Adnan Shafi Dar, is situated on 4 marlas of land (Khasra No. 14) in the village of Wandina. The second property, registered in the name of Abdul Majeed Koka, father-in-law of terror associate Sajad Ahmad Khah, is located on 7 marlas of land (Khasra No. 1347/min) in the village of Melhoora. Both properties, valued at Rs 50 lakh, have been duly recorded in revenue records, and notices prohibiting their sale or transfer have been served under the UAPA," the press release stated. The attachment is linked to case FIR No. 94/2024 of Police Station Zainapora and was executed in the presence of a police team and an executive magistrate, ensuring full compliance with legal procedures. This action marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region. It highlights the Shopian Police's dedication to neutralising threats to national security and maintaining peace and order. Shopian Police, in collaboration with other agencies, remain resolute in their mission to take stringent measures against individuals and entities involved in activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, the statement concluded. (ANI)
Sticking to his avowed stance of zero tolerance against corruption, Delhi LG VK Saxena, approved investigation by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) against three officials of Revenue Department, GNCTD, under Section 17A of POC Act, 1988, a press release said on Thursday. He has also directed the Vigilance Department to submit the case of the then Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Hauz Khas, South District, who was involved in the matter, within a week. According to the release, the approval for investigation has been accorded against DC Sahoo, ex-Sub-Registrar, Ramesh Kumar, ex-Kanungo, and Anil Kumar, ex-Tehsildar, all previously associated with the Hauz Khas, South District, Revenue Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. The matter pertains to the alleged sale of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land to private individuals by issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Land bearing Khasra No. 351 was acquired by the DDA in 1965. In 2019, Bala Devi filed an application with the SDM, Hauz Khas, seeking demarcation of Khasra No. 351. After demarcation by Revenue officials out of total area of 44 Bigha and 19 Biswa, a piece of land measuring 1 Bigha and 5 Biswa was demarcated as private land. However, during a court case in the matter, DDA took a contrary stance and informed that there was illegal construction on DDA's land, which has been demolished and the Authority had taken possession of the land. Despite revenue records clearly indicating that the land belonged to the Government (DDA), officials from the South District, Revenue Department issued an NOC to Bala Devi. Subsequently, the then Sub-Registrar, DC Sahoo, went on to register the sale deed of the acquired land. This alleged act of cheating and fraud has resulted in wrongful revenue loss to the government, the release said. Since, there was inordinate delay in processing of these cases by the Vigilance Department, officers of the Vigilance Department dealing with cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act have been instructed to strictly adhere to the timelines stipulated in the Act and avoid delays in sensitive matters, it added. Since assuming office, LG Saxena has taken a strong stance against corruption and has recommended strict action against delinquent officials involved in corruption cases related to various departments of the GNCT of Delhi, including Excise, Revenue, GST, PWD, Hospitals, Education, and others. While prioritizing the welfare of Delhi's citizens, LG Saxena remains committed to eradicating corruption in the city. (ANI)
In a display of prompt and coordinated action, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 12 crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir from the North Arabian Sea on December 4. This humanitarian search and rescue mission saw close collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), with both nations' Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining continuous communication throughout the operation, Defence wing said in a press release. The mechanized sailing vessel (Dhow) Al Piranpir, which had departed from Porbandar enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran, reportedly sank in the morning hours of December 4 due to rough seas and flooding. The distress call was received by ICG's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, which promptly alerted ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar. ICG Ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was swiftly provided. "The vessel sank on 04 Dec 24 however, the crew had abandoned ship on a dinghy. This humanitarian mission saw close collaboration between ICG and Pak MSA, with both nations' MRCCs maintaining coordination throughout the operation and Pak MSA aircraft assisting in search of survivors," the Coast Guard said in a post on X. ICGS Sarthak deployed for forward area patrolling, proceeded at maximum speed to the probable location and conducted an extensive search operation. The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued approximately 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan's Search and Rescue Region. The search for survivors was supported by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory. The Indian Coast Guard's prompt and coordinated response underscores its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. This daring rescue operation showcases the ICG's capabilities and readiness to address maritime emergencies in the region. The rescued crew members were examined by the medical team onboard ICGS Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They are being transported back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat. (ANI)
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting the issue of farmers at the centre stage. "The issue of farmers has been put by PM Modi at the centric stage in every walk of life whether affordable housing, solar houses, Jal in Har Nal, and technology for farmers. Therefore, our expectations are bound to be high. It is a time when there is convergence to take the farmer to a greater height. So, I have no doubt what is being done at the moment will get greater momentum and all agencies are converging. Our expectations are high, but our accomplishments are also historic; our achievements are also splendid, and this will go a long way for the nation", Dhankhar said. Earlier, taking note of the Chairman's recent concerns on farmer issues, former Prime Minister and JDS leader HD Deve Gowda appreciated Dhankar's concerns for the farmers. "You speak so much about the farmer. You are so much concerned about the farming community. I am a farmer, Sir," he stated in the House. On Tuesday, Vice President Dhankhar questioned Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Chouhan about the "promises" made to farmers by the previous Union Agriculture Minister and called for immediate discussions to address their grievances. "Agriculture Minister, did the previous Agriculture Ministers make any written promises? If so, what happened to them?" the Vice President asked. Highlighting the plight of protesting farmers, the Vice President remarked on India's growing global stature, juxtaposing it with the challenges faced by its agricultural sector. "Our reputation in the world has never been higher. In such a scenario, why is my farmer in distress? Why is he suffering? This is a serious issue, and ignoring it indicates impractical policy-making. No force in the country can suppress the voice of the farmer. A nation will pay a huge price if it tests the patience of its farmers," he stated. The protest, led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) in collaboration with other farmer organisations, seeks compensation and benefits linked to agricultural reforms, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is sending an high-level Indian delegation to witness the ordination of Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad as a cardinal by the Pope at a function to be held in the Vatican City on Saturday (December 7), said former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, from the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanacherry, Kerala, was elevated to the rank of Cardinal. He has been responsible for organizing Pope Francis' international travels since 2020. He is among 21 new Cardinals announced by Pope Francis on October 6. The formal ceremony for the new Cardinals will be held on December 8. The delegation will be headed by Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian. The other members of the delegation are Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, Rajya Sabha MP Satam Singh Sandhu, BJP leaders Anil Antony, Anoop Antony and Tom Vadakkan. "Honored to be part of Delegation to attend the ordainment of Kerala and Changanesserys very own, #FrGeorgeKoovakad as Cardinal, at the Vatican on 7th Dec. This delegation being sent by PM @narendramodi will convey the good wishes of PM, the christian community and All people of India at this most proud occassion for all Indians," Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a post on X. Anil Antony said that PM Modi has always made it one of his most important missions to reach out to all global communities. "A very high-level delegation led by Union Minister George Kurian, two senior members of parliaments, are going to the Vatican City tomorrow for a ceremony where the Holy Father Pope Francis has created 20 new cardinals. Of the 20 cardinals created, one of them is Archbishop George, who is originally from Kerala and currently holds the Apostolic. He is in charge of the apostolic journeys of the Pope, so a high-level delegation will be going for these ceremonies," Anil Antony told ANI. "Our prime minister in the last 10 years has always made it one of his most important missions to reach out to all global communities...There is a large Christian population in Goa, a large Christian population in the northeast, Kerala and all these places. Now you are seeing more and more people supporting the party and our prime minister's vision of Viksit Bharat," he added. Rajeev Chandrasekhar told ANI that Father George Koovakad becoming a cardinal is n extremely proud moment for all the Indians, especially the Christian community. "It is an extremely proud moment for all the Indians, especially the Christian community. Father George Koovakad who is from Kerala, is becoming a cardinal...He is the first father who is becoming a cardinal directly and the Pope is ordaining him on the 7th evening," Chandrasekhar said. "PM Modi on behalf of himself and all Indians is sending a delegation headed by Union Minister George Kurian of which I am a part. We will be going to represent the pride and happiness of the people of India," he added. (ANI)
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari remarked, "On November 23, the election results were declared. They secured a huge majority, yet it took 11-12 days to decide on the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. One can only imagine how a government that begins like this will end. I think today's Deputy CM could become the CM tomorrow; only God knows what will happen next."

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on Thursday.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Fadnavis. Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Ajit Pawar also took their oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers.

The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Chief Ministers from several states, such as Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), were also present.

After the ceremony, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, "Devendra Fadnavis is a hardworking leader. I congratulate Eknath Shinde ji for prioritising the wishes and expectations of Maharashtra above his own."

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieve a decisive victory, winning 235 seats in total. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance faced a significant defeat. Congress managed to win just 16 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 20 seats, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) garnered only 10 seats. (ANI)
The Indian Army conducted the Idea and Innovation Competition and Seminar, named Inno-Yoddha 2024-25 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi in the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. Inno-Yoddha is an annual event conducted by the Indian Army. It identifies in-house innovations to mitigate existing capability voids, enhance the operational, logistics, and training capabilities and improve operational effectiveness, a press release said. The operational challenges faced by the Indian Army are varied, aggravated by the vagaries of terrain, weather and adversarial threats. The Indian Army promotes in-house innovations, which are based on the challenges experienced by the troops in the field army. These soldiers, driven by their passion, professional competence and technical orientation, find intrinsic experience-propelled solutions to the challenges encountered in their respective domains. The "Inno-Yoddha 2024-25" was conducted as a competition and facilitated fresh ideas and novel solutions encouraging soldiers to think out of the box. The selected innovations are taken forward through product improvement by Research and Development (R&D), Design and Development (D&D), Army Technology Board (ATB) Projects, and Base Workshops. Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are also obtained for the selected innovations. Post successful upgradation and ruggedisation, the technology is transferred to the Industry to meet the requirements of industrial-grade bulk-produced products for the Indian Army. This endeavour also promotes efforts of the Indian Army towards the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) campaign. This year, a total of 75 innovations from diverse domains across the Indian Army were fielded, after the selection starting from unit level to formation level and finally the respective Command HQs. Out of these 75 Innovations, 22 top innovations were displayed during the event and felicitated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). These will be taken forward for production under the aegis of the Army Design Bureau to fulfil the requirements of field formations. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, applauded the creativity and ingenuity of the innovators and exhorted all ranks to imbibe critical thinking and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Speaking at the event, the COAS said that "recent conflicts have shown that innovation is not just a word; it is a mindset. It is the spark that drives progress and shapes the future". Congratulating the participants, he said that through their hard work and dedication, they have brought their ideas to this competition. The COAS further said, "Behind each idea, there are countless hours of thought, research, and testing - a testament to their determination to contribute to the force and the nation". Over the past four years, Inno-Yoddha has fostered significant innovations, resulting in the filing of 26 IPRs and the successful completion of 21 innovations. Additionally, technology has been transferred to the private industry for three of these innovations. Two of these, Exploder by FC Tech and Agniastra by Red Kite Digital Tech have already been rolled out, with Exploder launched in June 2024 and Agniastra unveiled recently by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during the Army Commanders Conference on 12th October 2024. The third innovation, Vidyut Rakshak, has been transferred to IS Trading Company. (ANI)
Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly, Numal Momin slammed the Congress party accusing them of "hypocrisy" on the Adani issue, and said while the party takes benefits of the conglomerate in several states, they are protesting against the business tycoon in the Parliament. The Deputy Speaker highlighted the investments of the Adani Group in opposition-ruled states and termed it a "double standard" of the Congress party. "Constitution was disobeyed by Congress in 1975 during the emergency and now they are talking about the protection of the Constitution. This is just a drama of Rahul Gandhi. Congress lost three times consecutively and they will also lose in 2029, if they continue like this. BJP is doing very well, this indicates that people reject Congress wherever they are existing. If they mislead the people, people will not accept it," Numal Momin told ANI. "They blame the BJP for hobnobbing with Adani. But if you can see in the past history they also had a good relationship with Adani, Ambani. A few days back Kerala Congress Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had an understanding with Adani and the group invested 10,000 crore in Kerala. They are taking benefit from Adani and in the Parliament they are against Adani. This is the double standard of Congress," he added. He also congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister and hailed the huge win of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recent assembly polls. "I wish to congratulate Devendra Fadnavis for becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second time. This is a big win for NDA. In the last election also BJP Shiv Sena got a majority but Shiv Sena betrayed and formed an alliance with Congress. People have rejected them. Just in the way Devendra Fadnavis worked in the last time he will do it this time," he said. Congress on Thursday demanded to constitute the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations pertaining to Adani executives in the United States in an alleged bribery case. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre over the issue of US prosecutors linking Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case. "Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain," said Rahul Gandhi as he joined Opposition MPs in protest over the Adani matter. 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. 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. Notably, the Adani Group has denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the directors of Adani Green. (ANI)
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund was sanctioned for Chandrkant Shankar Kurhade, a resident of Pune.

The newly sworn-in CM also directed the administration to expedite work processes and operate with increased vigour. He emphasised the need to work faster to meet public expectations.

Fadnavis urged officials to accelerate efforts, delve deeper into issues, and prioritise sustainable development while making key decisions.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Mumbai's Azad Maidan and was attended by prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Born on July 22, 1970, into a middle-class family in Nagpur, Fadnavis holds a law degree, a postgraduate degree in business management, and a diploma in project management.

He began his political journey in 1992 as a councillor in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, serving two consecutive terms. Since then, he has been elected as an MLA for five consecutive terms.

From 2014 to 2019, Fadnavis served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the second-youngest person to hold the office after Sharad Pawar. During his tenure, he held several key portfolios, including Home, General Administration, IT, Urban Development, Law and Judiciary, Ports, and Information & Public Relations.

Notable achievements during his tenure include flagship projects like Mumbai Next, the Police Digitisation Project, the Samruddhi Expressway, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krishi Sanman Scheme. He also briefly served as Chief Minister for five days during the 2019 Maharashtra political crisis.

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election marked a historic victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which secured 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major defeat. Congress secured only 16 seats, its ally Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) managed just 10. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) 81 Battalion, stationed in Sonamura under Sepahijala District, achieved a significant breakthrough in an operation showcasing their vigilance and professionalism. During a meticulously planned search operation, BSF personnel deployed at NC Nagar seized 2.177 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately Rs1.74 crore in the market. This operation is a landmark achievement for the battalion, marking the first recovery of this kind in nearly three-and-a-half years. The operation began around 6 PM, following a tip-off about potential gold smuggling activities through the NC Nagar border. Acting swiftly, the BSF team set up an ambush by 6:30 PM. The operation lasted nearly three hours, culminating in the recovery of the smuggled gold. Reports indicate that around 8:45 PM, two to three suspected Bangladeshi smugglers crossed the border and threw items toward the border fencing. The BSF team maintained their position, allowing one smuggler to approach and retrieve the items before issuing a challenge. However, due to dense fog, the smugglers managed to escape, retreating across the border within minutes. Upon inspection, the BSF team discovered the gold concealed within the discarded items. The operation underscores the BSF's heightened security measures in response to the volatile situation along the India-Bangladesh border. Despite challenging weather conditions and the agility of the smugglers, the BSF's swift action and effective coordination ensured the recovery of the contraband. The BSF remains committed to safeguarding the nation's borders and curbing illegal activities. This successful operation not only demonstrates their dedication but also sends a strong message to smugglers operating in the region. Further investigations are underway to identify the Indian and Bangladeshi smugglers involved. Rajesh Kumar Langeh, Second-in-Command of the BSF 81 Battalion, stated, "Our battalion, stationed in Sonamura, achieved a significant breakthrough last night. During professional monitoring, our personnel deployed at NC Nagar seized 2.177 kilograms of gold, valued at Rs1.74 crore in the market." "As you are aware, the BSF always remains on high alert. Considering the prevailing conditions in Bangladesh, our security measures are at the highest level. This operation marks a significant achievement, being the first of its kind in approximately three-and-a-half years," he added. Somil Vohra, Assistant Commandant and Company Commander at BOP NC Nagar, Sonamura, Tripura, shared details of the operation: "Around 6 PM, we received information about a possible gold smuggling attempt through the NC Nagar border. Acting on the tip-off, my team and I set up an ambush by 6:30 PM." "Our operation continued until 9 PM. At approximately 8:45 PM, two to three Bangladeshi smugglers crossed the border and discarded items toward the fencing. We waited for one smuggler to retrieve the items and then issued a challenge. However, due to heavy fog, they managed to flee, crossing back over the border within minutes," he explained. "When we inspected the items, we discovered the gold, valued at Rs1.74 crore. Both the Bangladeshi and Indian smugglers had escaped by then. The operation lasted nearly three hours, beginning at 6 PM, with the ambush set up by 6:30 PM. We concluded around 8:45 PM with the recovery of the contraband," Vohra added. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed his concern over the attack on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling for an inquiry into the incident to restrict such kinds of incidents in the future. Speaking to the media, Abdullah shared that he had talked to Sukhbir Singh Badal after the incident. "I spoke to Sukhbir. Yesterday, after the attack on him, I thanked the almighty that he survived. We discussed the situation," Omar Abdullah said. "I spoke to Sukhbir. Yesterday after the attack on him, I expressed gratefulness to the almighty that he survived the attack. We spoke about the situation," Omar Abdullah said. "It's a matter of concern if, in daylight hours, a former deputy chief minister, a Z+ protectee, can be attacked like this. This needs to be looked at to ensure that this does not happen again because let's not forget that not long ago Punjab went through a very difficult phase in the 80s and early 90s, and God forbid we see something like that again," the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister added. Notably, an assassination attempt was made on Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Sukhbir Singh Badal performed 'seva' at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib on Thursday. The assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, attempted to shoot Badal while he was performing 'seva.' However, Badal was unharmed, and the attacker was quickly overpowered and arrested. Badal was performing 'seva' after being declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by the Akal Takht due to his "mistakes" and "decisions" taken by the SAD-led government in the state from 2007 to 2017. As part of his punishment, Sukhbir Singh Badal was seen washing utensils at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and his family members also joined him in the service. Following the attack, Bikram Singh Majithia, General Secretary of Shiromani Akali Dal, criticised the Punjab Police SP, who was seen shaking hands with the attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, on CCTV footage. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said, "Sukhbir Singh Badal is alive today by the grace of God... Yesterday I released a video of SP-level officer Harpal Singh Randhawa, who is from Dera Baba Nanak, shaking hands with Narain Singh Chaura (attacker). Have we ever seen a police officer shaking hands with an ISI agent (Narayan Singh Chaura)? The Punjab Police have launched a cover-up operation, and the High Court or Supreme Court should investigate this matter." Majithia also took on Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar for suggesting that Badal might have orchestrated the incident himself to gain sympathy. Majithia accused Bhullar of making such remarks to protect his position and cover up his failure. Police sources revealed that the attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, is a hardcore Pakistan-returned terrorist and former head of the Akal Federation and had authored books on guerrilla warfare and other seditious subjects. "He was involved in the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Punjab during the early years of militancy. He reportedly crossed into Pakistan in 1984 and remained there for several years before he returned to Punjab. During his stay in Pakistan, he was remotely in touch with radical organisations in Punjab and helping them," said a senior official. (ANI)
https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1864577996478464378

The police officer further stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Sadar police station.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, "In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busts trans-border narco-smuggling module and apprehends 3 persons and recovers 5 Kg Heroin," he said

"Further investigations are ongoing to establish backwards and forward linkages, demonstrating@PunjabPoliceInd 's commitment to dismantling drug networks and making #Punjab drug-free," he added.

Earlier in the day in a separate post, DGP Yadav said three persons were apprehended "in a major breakthrough against drug trafficking".

https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1864506043948249446

"The operation led to the recovery of 5 Kg of Heroin and Rs4.45 lakh in drug money. Strict action is being taken to uncover the entire networks involved in this illegal trade," he said.

Earlier in the month, Fazilka police in Punjab recovered 1.71 lakh Clovidol-100 tablets after successfully dismantling an inter-state network of illegal opioids operating from Rajasthan, a police officer said. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday lashed out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over him drawing a comparison between the rioters in Sambhal and those attacking minorities in Bangladesh. Attacking the BJP-led Centre further, Owaisi asked why the government has not sent back deposed former PM Sheikh Hasina if it is concerned for Hindu minorities there. https://x.com/asadowaisi/status/1864628577549119866 In a post on X, Owaisi said, "Yogi today made some absurd remarks about Bangladesh's minorities, Babri Masjid and Sambhal." "No minorities anywhere should be persecuted. But what does the mistreatment of Bangladeshi Hindus have to do with Indian Muslims? Or is he implying that Muslims here should be treated as hostages? If he is so concerned about Bangladeshi minorities, why don't you send back Sheikh Haseena? Why is she living in India?" Owaisi said. The AIMIM Chief also mentioned that the Supreme Court itself accepted that there is no evidence that Babri Masjid was built by demolishing a temple. "The case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid was also resolved in 1877-79 and the courts had clearly stated that the Jama Masjid of Sambhal is a mosque and there is no temple there, nor is Hindu worship performed there. Truth has no value in Yogi's dukaan, but this does not mean that we will quietly believe him. His statement makes it clear that these cases of converting mosques into temples are "sponsored by the BJP". When a case is sub judice, no one has the right to influence it," Asaduddin Owaisi added. Earlier today, addressing the Ramayan Mela's opening ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Katha Park, CM Yogi Adityanath said that what Babur's man did in Ayodhya Kumbh 500 years ago, the same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh. "The nature of the three and their DNA is the same. If someone believes that this is happening in Bangladesh, then the same elements are here too waiting to hand you over. They have made full arrangements to break the social unity," he said. The Uttar Pradesh CM also called upon the people to draw inspiration from the life of Lord Ram and recalled the efforts behind the building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "Once again Ayodhya is moving ahead with a new identity as a global city spiritually and culturally... Remember how in January this year, due to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi, Lord Ram has been seated in the temple again after five hundred years... Anyone who does not respect Lord Ram and Mata Janaki, no matter how dear they are to you, should be abandoned like an enemy. That is why Ram devotees gave the slogan in 1990, 'Jo Ram ka nahi humare kisi kaam ka nahi," CM Yogi added. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier recovered drones and narcotic drugs in Amritsar and Tarn Taran on Thursday. In a post on X, BSF Punjab Frontier stated, "With increased drone incursions along the Punjab border during the foggy season, the BSF, in coordination with Punjab Police, has intensified its vigilance. Today, two intelligence-based joint search operations on the Amritsar border led to the recovery of heroin packets weighing 520 grams and 530 grams, respectively. The packets were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with a metal ring attached to each. Additionally, a DJI AIR 3 S drone was recovered on the Tarn Taran border." The BSF and Punjab Police continue to foil smuggling attempts through reliable intelligence and coordinated efforts, the BSF said. On December 4, the BSF foiled smuggling attempts, apprehended three individuals, and seized over 5 kilograms of heroin along the Punjab border. In another post on X, BSF Punjab Frontier mentioned, "In major anti-smuggling operations, the BSF, in coordination with Punjab Police, apprehended three Indian smugglers and seized over 5 kilograms of heroin in three incidents along the Punjab border. Acting on intelligence, a joint raid at the Gurdaspur border led to the arrest of two smugglers and the seizure of 4.524 kilograms of heroin, a bike, a scooter, and a laptop. Earlier, in the morning hours, one smuggler was caught in the border area of Fazilka district, while a heroin consignment of 551 grams was recovered by BSF troops on the Tarn Taran border." Earlier, the BSF thwarted two drone intrusion attempts along the Amritsar border, recovering two drones and over a kilogram of suspected heroin. According to the BSF, the first drone, a DJI Air 3 S, was recovered at 10:55 am on Sunday, along with 520 grams of heroin, from a farming field near the village of Rajatal. The second drone, a DJI Mavic 3 Classic, was recovered at 12:20 am, along with 540 grams of heroin, from a farming field near the village of Dhariwal. Both drones are believed to have crashed due to the activation of technical countermeasures deployed by the BSF. "The successful operation is a testament to the vigilance and diligence of BSF troops in preventing illicit activities along the border," said the BSF. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party heightened its attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi over the non-implementation of the 'Ayushman Bharat Scheme', accusing the government of depriving the Delhi residents of one of the largest health schemes in the world. BJP Lok Sabha MP from the New Delhi constituency, Bansuri Swaraj criticised the AAP government for not implementing the scheme in Delhi, despite its wide-reaching benefits across the country. "Ayushman Bharat, launched by PM Modi, is one of the largest health benefit schemes in the world, which gives Rs 5 lakh health cover for free to every single beneficiary. Unfortunately, the AAP government of Delhi is not allowing the implementation of this scheme in Delhi," she said. Speaking on the campaign launched by Delhi BJP, she added, "Today, State President Virendra Sachdeva has launched a signature campaign where we are going to ask people who will come and give their signature as a consent to implement this scheme." Earlier in the day, BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva launched a signature campaign today to strongly take the issue to the public. The BJP is now seeking public support to put pressure on the Delhi government to implement the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and provide its benefits to the people of Delhi. Earlier in the day, Virendraa Sachdeva slammed AAP for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Delhi, despite its benefits for millions across India. "Ayushman Bharat Scheme is the PM's initiative that has benefited crores of people across the country. Unfortunately, in Delhi, AAP is not allowing this scheme to be implemented. We even went to court because of this, and the hearing is ongoing. We want the people of Delhi to benefit from this scheme," he said. BJP MPs Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari also criticized the Delhi government for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, accusing it of denying free healthcare benefits to the city's poor. Kishan said that while in BJP-ruled states, people are receiving free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, the poor people of Delhi are not benefitting from the scheme. They also announced a signature campaign to pressure the Delhi government to adopt the scheme. "Wherever there is a BJP government, people are getting free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, but the Delhi government is not implementing this scheme and the poor people of Delhi are not getting its benefits. We are starting a signature campaign today. We are issuing a mobile number, you can give a missed call on this number and we will tell how many people of Delhi want this scheme to be implemented in Delhi", Kishan said. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a national health insurance scheme aimed at providing free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for poor families. While BJP MPs pushed for its implementation in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded by saying that her government is ready to implement the scheme but with some concerns. On November 28, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi government regarding the non-implementation of the scheme, following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the seven BJP MPs from Delhi. Responding to it, Chief Minister Atishi, affirmed the Delhi government's commitment to providing strong healthcare services but pointed out differences between the facilities available under Ayushman Bharat and those already offered by the Delhi government. "The Delhi government has always been committed to providing robust health facilities. We are ready to implement the core principles of Ayushman Bharat. However, there are significant contradictions between the facilities provided by Delhi government hospitals and those under the Ayushman Yojana. In Delhi government hospitals, everything is free. On the other hand, Ayushman Bharat imposes restrictions, such as denying benefits to those who own a refrigerator, a vehicle, or a concrete house. It also caps the financial assistance at Rs5 lakh per family. If two family members are ill simultaneously, one may not receive benefits," she explained. Atishi further stressed that the Delhi government does not want to compromise on free medical care and has instructed the health department to explore ways to implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana without disadvantage. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that the state cabinet expansion will take place on December 7. Four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs will be inducted into the Assam cabinet and will take the oath of office at noon on that day. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Sarma shared, "Happy to share that the following colleagues will be sworn in as ministers in our cabinet on 7th December at 12 PM: Prasanta Phookan (MLA), Kaushik Rai (MLA), Krishnendu Paul (MLA), and Rupesh Goala (MLA). My best wishes to each of them!" https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1864635923146633667 Prasanta Phookan represents Dibrugarh, Kaushik Rai is from Lakhipur, Krishnendu Paul is from Patharkandi, and Rupesh Goala is from Doomdooma. Meanwhile, the Assam Cabinet has approved a series of key decisions aimed at improving infrastructure and education in the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government has decided to ban the serving and consumption of beef in any restaurant, hotel, and public places across the state. The CM also stated that the Assam Cattle Preservation Act passed in 2021, has been quite successful in ensuring to curb the slaughter of cattle, and "now we have decided to stop the consumption of beef in public places." Another decision taken by the Cabinet is to convert the four-lane stretch of road leading to Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport into a six-lane road. An additional amount of Rs. 116 crore for the six-lane road has been allocated from the state budget. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 474 crore. The Cabinet also decided to institute a separate literary award after noted litterateur Dr Homen Borgohain for those receiving government pensions. A one-time assistance of Rs. 50,000 will be provided to pensioners to those already receiving any other pension. Additionally, the Cabinet also decided that the monthly literary pension would be given to individuals, excluding government employees. The Cabinet decided to place the Sanskrit and Pali Tols under the Directorate of Secondary Education from the existing Directorate of Higher Education. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, CM Sarma said Assam would witness a new surge in development as projects worth Rs. 1 lakh crore are likely to be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Advantage Assam Summit in February next year. Disclosing the projects in detail, he outlined the expansion of the Bongaigaon Refinery to an additional 5 million MT, the expansion of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant at a cost of Rs. 10,000 crores, the Guwahati Ring Road project, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, the Numaligarh-Gohpur road tunnel, a new Expressway from Guwahati to Barapani and Panchgram at Rs. 25,000 crore, a bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Morigaon and Darrang, two satellite townships at Jagiroad and Palasbari at an estimated cost of Rs. 10,000 crore, and a railway project connecting Guwahati to Gelephu in Bhutan. The Assam Chief Minister also reiterated that the state's cabinet expansion will take place on December 7. (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh Police reported on Thursday that they recovered fired cartridge cases marked "Made in USA" from the violence-hit Sambhal district. Speaking to ANI, Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar Bishnoi stated that the police, in collaboration with the municipality, are conducting thorough cleaning and searches of the streets, aiding the collection of evidence. "During today's search, two fired cases of 7.65 mm and two fired cases of 12 bore, with 'Made in USA' inscribed on them, were found. In a previous search, a fired case from the Pakistan Ordnance Factory was recovered. A total of 10 banned cartridges have been discovered so far," SP Bishnoi said. Discussing preparations ahead of Friday prayers, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Moradabad Range, Muniraj G, said that Rapid Action Force (RAF), local police, the District Magistrate, and the SP conducted a flag march in the area on Thursday. "The entire Sambhal district remains peaceful. As a precaution, several companies of PAC and RAF have been deployed. Barricades, rooftop monitoring, and drone surveillance will be in place tomorrow," he said. The DIG further added, "In Sambhal, new CCTVs have been installed at spots where they were previously damaged. The SP and DM also convened a meeting with active members of the Peace Committee, urging them to promote harmony." Meanwhile, addressing an anti-encroachment drive in the region, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya clarified that the operation is being conducted exclusively in Chandausi. "The anti-encroachment drive is limited to Chandausi and has been ongoing for the past month. Action is taken only after alternative arrangements are provided to those displaced. We are proceeding in compliance with Supreme Court orders," the DM stated. Krishna Kumar Sonkar, the Executive Officer of Chandausi Municipality, mentioned that disputed land near the waterworks is being measured as part of the drive. "The municipality land will be cleared and allocated systematically. Shops from Fawwara Chowk to Bajhoi Road have been demolished. A campaign was also conducted at Sambhal Gate the day before yesterday. This campaign will continue until the entire municipality is free from encroachments. Displaced individuals will be provided alternative accommodation. Notices were not issued because no authorised representatives were present. This initiative aims to make Chandausi clean and appealing," he said. The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday demanding stringent action against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sambit Patra for allegedly using "slanderous language" against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Tagore further said that such behaviour not only "tarnishes" the Parliament's image, but also insults the dignity of a high constitutional office. "I am writing to express deep concern over the highly inappropriate and disrespectful behavior exhibited by MP Sambit Patra during a recent media interaction in New Delhi on December 5. During this interaction, Sambit Patra used highly slanderous language against the Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi," the letter addressed to Om Birla stated. "Such behavior not only tarnishes the image of the esteemed Parliament but also insults the dignity of a high constitutional office. As a custodian of the Parliament, I urge you to take immediate and stringent action against Sambit Patra. His conduct is a clear violation of the decorum and ethics expected of a member of the Parliament of India," he added. The Congress leader further affirmed hope that he will take appropriate steps to uphold the "dignity and integrity" of the parliamentary system. "I trust that you will address this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take appropriate steps to uphold the dignity and integrity of our parliamentary system. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter," he further said. Earlier BJP MP Sambit Patra on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the "traitor of the highest order." Patra alleged that Gandhi is part of a "triangle" along with billionaire George Soros and the news portal Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) aimed at destabilising India. "We are going to talk about this dangerous triangle which is trying to destabilise India. In this triangle, on one side it is George Soros from America, some agencies of America, another side of triangle is a big news portal named OCCRP...the last and the most important side of the triangle is Rahul Gandhi, 'traitor of the highest order'. I am not scared to say this word...I don't have any hesitation to call LoP Lok Sabha, a traitor," Patra said at a press conference today. The BJP MP from Puri also accused the Lok Sabha LoP of "betraying" the country alleging that he follows the directives of the OCCRP. "OCCRP is a global media agency, crores of people read what they publish...Open Society Foundation is a big funder of this agency...it is George Soros's foundation...such agencies work for the interest of the people who fund them...LoP Rahul Gandhi betraying the whole country...OCCRP dictates and Rahul Gandhi follows," he added. (ANI)
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who took oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday, congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as Chief Minister and said that he would fully support the BJP leader and cooperate with him in running the government. He said the Mahayuti government belonged to the common man. "Devendra Fadnavis has taken oath as CM in a historic swearing-in ceremony. I congratulate him. Maharashtra is a state that gives ideological direction to the country and I, who comes from a simple farmer family, got the opportunity to become the CM of such a state with the blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray. PM Narendra Modi also supported us completely, gave us full strength. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also stood behind us with full strength...And that is why we could do so much work in 2.5 years. We have taken so many historic decisions," Shinde told reporters. Shinde said that Mahayauti government, which was led by him, got the blessing of the people due to schemes like Ladli Behna Yojana. "This 2.5 years will be written in golden letters. I had said that in this election, we will see the result of the 2.5 year-tenure of the government, we will get the blessings of the people. I am also happy that when we started, 2.5 years ago, 40 people were with us, today 60 people are there. Our agenda is development. Earlier I used to consider myself as a common man, not a Chief Minister, now as DCM, I consider myself Dedicated to Common Man. I will fully support the CM and cooperate with him. This government belongs to the common man. People have affirmed who is the successor of the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray," he said. Shinde led the split in Shiv Sena in 2022 and joined hands with BJP to form government in Maharashtra. He took oath as Chief Minister in June 2022 and Fadnavis joined the government as Deputy Chief Minister. After taking oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Shiv Eknath Shinde garlanded the statue of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray in Colaba. Shinde also visited Anand Dighe Math in Thane. [{cc705a7c-992a-4f78-879a-cd3d85e3cd22:intradmin/ANI-20241205163941.png}] NCP leader Ajit Pawar also took oath as Deputy Chief Minister on Thursday. Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar at Mantralaya in Mumbai. Fadnavis returned as Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday as head of the Mahayuti government and is set to begin his new innings with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as two Deputy Chief Ministers. A sagacious politician not given to impulsive decisions, Fadnavis, 54, has met challenges in his political career with patience and perseverance, strategic maneuvering and political acumen. He has emerged as one of the most prominent next-generation leaders of the BJP. In the complex politics of Maharashtra, Fadnavis was the first Chief Minister to complete a full five-year term in 47 years and only the second one in the history of the state. He was 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2014-2019 and contributed to BJP emerging as the single largest party in the assembly polls held later that year in which the party bagged 105 seats. The BJP was unable to form government after 2019 polls due to differences with its traditional ally Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray over the post of Chief Minister but returned to power about two-and-half years later after a split in Shiv Sena, which was led by Shinde. When Shinde joined hands with the BJP in June 2022, there was expectation among supporters of Fadnavis that he will become Chief Minister again. Though Fadnavis initially gave signals that he will not be part of the government, he abided by the party's directions and agreed to be Deputy Chief Minister, a decision seen as a sacrifice by him. Later, NCP also split and Ajit Pawar joined the ruling alliance as Deputy Chief Minister. The ruling Mahayuti secured an overwhelming majority in the results of assembly polls declared last month with BJP winning 132 seats at a strike rate of nearly 90 per cent. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Maharashtra's newly sworn-in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday following the swearing-in ceremony in Mumbai and wished him a successful tenure. CM Dhami expressed confidence in the leadership of Fadnavis, stating, "Certainly under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the energetic leadership of Devendra ji, the Mahayuti government will ensure public welfare by the overall upliftment of all sections and will set new records in the development journey of Maharashtra." Earlier in the day, CM Dhami had arrived in Mumbai to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government. While interacting with the media, Dhami praised the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance for its win and the formation of the government. "The Mahayuti alliance has received a majority here. I congratulate Fadnavis ji. The double-engine government here will work very well," Dhami said, referring to the synergy between the state and central governments. Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra during a ceremony at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath, which was attended by several prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief Ministers from other states such as Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar). Addressing the press after taking the oath, Fadnavis reassured the people of Maharashtra about the government's commitment to the state's development. He underscored the unity within the Mahayuti alliance, highlighting the roles of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. "Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are with me. People have chosen us for stability, and we will work together," Fadnavis said. He also assured that the government would continue its development initiatives, including the "Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana." On the issue of opposition criticism regarding the delay in forming the government, Fadnavis explained that coalition governments require thorough consultations. "I don't see this as a delay in forming the government. Even in 2004, the process took 12-13 days, and in 2009, it took about nine days. In a coalition setup, decisions require widespread consultation," he said. He also noted that the government had nearly finalised the allocation of portfolios, with only a few remaining decisions to be made. Fadnavis further stated that the Cabinet had decided to hold a special Assembly session on December 7-8 to elect the Speaker, with the Governor's address scheduled for December 9. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a historic win in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance faced a setback, with Congress winning only 16 seats and Shiv Sena (UBT) 20 seats. NCP's Sharad Pawar faction secured only 10 seats. (ANI)
Telangana Congress President Bomma Maheshkumar Goud on Thursday defended the detention of BRS leader Harish Rao by the state police, stating that the officers were simply carrying out their duties. "Threatening officers is unacceptable. If you do something wrong, action will be taken against you in accordance with the law. You have freedom of expression, but if you threaten, harass, or obstruct officials, action will follow. The officers are doing their job," Bomma Maheshkumar Goud told ANI. Harish Rao was detained on Thursday morning from the Kondapur residence of Padi Kaushik Reddy and was taken to the Gachibowli police station. He was later released at night. BRS supporters staged protests outside the Gachibowli police station, denouncing the detention. BRS national spokesperson D. Sravan condemned the move, terming it "illegal" and accusing Telangana's administration of engaging in dictatorial practices. "I strongly condemn the illegal detention of Harish Rao. I condemn the Police Raj in Telangana under the dictatorial rule of Shri Revanth Reddy," D. Sravan posted on X. BRS MLA Harish Rao alleged that MLA Kaushik Reddy had faced illegal arrest after filing a complaint about phone tapping at a police station. According to Harish Rao, several policemen arrived at Kaushik Reddy's residence in an attempt to arrest him without sufficient justification. Harish Rao also claimed that he and other BRS leaders were subjected to unfair treatment when they questioned the actions of the police. "When MLA Kaushik Reddy went to the police station to complain about phone tapping, a case was filed against him. In the morning, dozens of policemen came to the MLA's house and attempted an illegal arrest. When we questioned this, they behaved wickedly towards me and other BRS leaders, arresting us illegally and taking us to the police station," he posted on X. Harish Rao criticised Revanth Reddy, describing his governance as "demonic" despite being labelled as democratic. "You (Revanth Reddy) continue a demonic rule under the guise of democracy. We are not afraid of your petty threats and illegal cases. Telangana society itself will teach you a lesson," he posted on X. On Wednesday, the BRS party had alleged that Huzurabad MLA Kaushik Reddy visited the Banjara Hills Police Station to lodge a complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy, accusing them of phone tapping. However, the Banjarahills Circle Inspector reportedly fled the scene upon his arrival. Kaushik Reddy expressed his outrage, accusing government officials loyal to the ruling party of acting without accountability. "The Huzurabad MLA who went to Banjara Hills Police Station to file a complaint against Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy for tapping opposition leaders' phones ... the Banjarahills CI fled upon seeing Padi Kaushik Reddy. MLA Kaushik Reddy expressed anger that government officials, who blindly follow the ruling party's orders, are not being held accountable," the BRS posted on X on Wednesday. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his greetings to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi also congratulated Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on taking oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of the state. "Congratulations to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on taking the oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji and Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on taking the oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state," PM Modi wrote in his post on X. Notably, Prime Minister Modi also attended the swearing-in ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, where Devendra Fadnavis took the oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra alongside Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who assumed the roles of Deputy Chief Ministers. Prime Minister Modi further noted that this team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance. "This team is a blend of experience and dynamism, and it is due to this team's collective efforts that the Mahayuti has got a historic mandate in Maharashtra. This team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance," the post on X further reads. "I assure all possible support from the Centre in furthering development in Maharashtra," he added. Meanwhile, hours after taking the oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time, Devendra Fadnavis stated that Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar stand firmly with him, and the alliance remains steadfast in its direction and pace, with only their roles have changed. Addressing a press conference after taking the oath as Chief Minister, Fadnavis said the government would make thoughtful decisions aimed at the betterment of Maharashtra. "In the past two and a half years, we have worked for Maharashtra's development, and we will continue to do so. We will not stop now. The direction and speed remain unchanged, but our roles have shifted. Every decision we make will prioritise Maharashtra's progress. We aim to fulfil the promises outlined in our manifesto," he said. Earlier in the day, as his first act in office, Fadnavis approved Rs 5 lakh in monetary assistance for a bone marrow transplant patient. "The first decision I signed today was to allocate Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for a bone marrow transplant. The overwhelming mandate we've received carries a weight of expectations and a significant challenge to meet them. Fiscal discipline will be crucial as we implement our ambitious plans," Fadnavis said. In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a historic victory, winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a significant defeat, with Congress winning just 16 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) managing only 10. (ANI)
A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to establish guidelines that protect the fundamental rights and interests of Indian students travelling abroad for educational purposes. The plea submitted that these students currently lack adequate legal protection whatsoever, leaving them vulnerable to fraud, exploitation, and various malpractices perpetuated by unregulated educational agents and foreign institutions. A plea moved by NGO Legal Pravasi Bhartiya stated that the existing leg framework governing emigration, as provided under the Emigration Act of 1983, does not contain provisions specifically safeguarding Indian students who seek education abroad. This Act is employment-focused and does not extend its protections to Indian students. In the absence of regulatory oversight, these students, while pursuing higher education outside India, are at substantial risk of becoming victims of exploitation, plea added. The plea stated that, "In the absence of robust legal mechanisms for student's migration to abroad, Indian students are so vulnerable to severe exploitation and harassment not only in India but also in the destination countries. An appropriate legislation is the need of the hour to address this pressing issue. As an interim measure, appropriate guidelines on student's migration abroad will protect the rights and interests of the Indian students." NGO President Jose Abraham through Advocate Basin Jaison claimed that there are rising incidents of fraud perpetrated against the students. The plea further submitted that numerous cases have surfaced where students have been defrauded by unregulated educational agents. This includes false promises regarding university admissions, courses, and accommodations, resulting in significant financial losses. Students lack legal resources under the Emigration Act 1983 or the Draft Bill 2021 to address grievances against fraudulent agents, unlike workers who have access to regulatory bodies and mechanisms for redressal, plea read. (ANI)
Consul General of Israel to Midwest India, Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government on Thursday and lauded the power of India as a democracy. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan today. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar assumed the roles of Deputy Chief Ministers. After attending the oath ceremony, the Consul General said, "What we see today is the power of India as a democracy... That's real democracy, and congratulations to India, Maharashtra, and I'm very happy." Earlier in the day, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders of the BJP, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a historic victory, winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a significant defeat, with Congress winning just 16 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) managing only 10. Meanwhile, emphasising the unity within the Mahayuti alliance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday stated that Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar stand firmly with him, and the alliance remains steadfast in its direction and pace, with only their roles have changed. Addressing a press conference after taking the oath as Chief Minister, Fadnavis said the government would make thoughtful decisions aimed at the betterment of Maharashtra. "In the past two and a half years, we have worked for Maharashtra's development, and we will continue to do so. We will not stop now. The direction and speed remain unchanged, but our roles have shifted. Every decision we make will prioritise Maharashtra's progress. We aim to fulfil the promises outlined in our manifesto," he said. Reaffirming his commitment to unity, he said, "Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are with me. People have chosen us for stability, and we will work together. We will continue initiatives like the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.' The Cabinet has decided to hold a special Assembly session on December 7-8 to elect the Speaker, with the Governor's address scheduled for December 9." As his first act in office, Fadnavis approved Rs 5 lakh in monetary assistance for a bone marrow transplant patient. (ANI)
The Delhi Government Directorate of Education issued an order on Thursday announcing the resumption of normal physical classes in schools across the Delhi NCR region after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed to revoke GRAP-IV and GRAP-III in the region. In line with the CAQM's directive to revoke GRAP-IV and GRAP-III, the Delhi government's Directorate of Education issued an order to resume all classes in all schools to be held in physical mode with immediate effect. "All the Government, Govt.-Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are informed that the circulars or related orders issued are revoked. Thus, all classes in all schools are to be held in physical mode with immediate effect," the order reads. On Thursday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stages IV and III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the region. However, GRAP Stages II and I will continue to remain in force across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the CAQM stated: "The Hon'ble Supreme Court, in its hearing today, based on the air quality data placed before it, observed and permitted CAQM to revoke Stage IV but not to go below Stage II of GRAP for the present." "The subcommittee has decided to revoke Stage IV and Stage III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect. GRAP Stages II and I, however, remain in force across the region," the post further read. This decision follows the Supreme Court's observation that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had improved, allowing a relaxation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions to Stage II. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih permitted the authorities to downgrade from Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Stage II and suggested incorporating certain measures from Stage III. The bench clarified that GRAP III should be implemented if the AQI surpasses 350, and GRAP IV must be imposed if it exceeds 400. The Supreme Court's order came after noting the submission of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who highlighted that the average AQI levels have remained below the 300 mark since November 30. "... It is true that at some stage the court will have to leave it to the Commission to decide on GRAP applicability. Considering the data presented to us, we do not think it is appropriate at this stage to allow the Commission to go below Stage II," the bench stated in its order. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, serving as amicus curiae in the air pollution matter, suggested that the court could permit exiting GRAP IV restrictions. The apex court also recorded that Rs 2,000 had been paid to 90,693 workers, with the remaining payments to be processed immediately. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) 81 Battalion, stationed in Sonamura under Sepahijala District seized two kilograms and 177 grams of gold, valued at approximately Rs 1.74 crore from NC Nagar, said officials on Thursday. Based on the inputs received, BSF launched an operation which concluded till 9 pm on Thursday, said officials. 2-3 Bangladeshi smugglers crossed the border and discarded some items toward the border. However the smugglers managed to flee due to heavy fog, said officials. Assistant Commandant, BSF 81 Battalion, Somil Vohra stated, "Last evening, around 6 PM, we received an input stating that there was a possibility of gold smuggling through the NC Nagar border. To intercept this, we quickly set up an ambush with my team. Our operation lasted from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. At 8:45, 2-3 Bangladeshi smugglers crossed the border and entered our side, discarding some items toward the border. We waited for a person from our side to retrieve the items, and as soon as he did, our ACP issued a challenge call. We immediately rushed toward the area, but due to heavy fog, the smugglers managed to flee..." Second in Command, BSF 81 Battalion, Rajesh Kumar Langeh said, "Our battalion is stationed in Sonamura. Last night, our company deployed in NC Nagar achieved a significant breakthrough. We have successfully seized 2 kilograms and 177 grams of gold, valued at Rs 1.74 crore in the market. As you are aware, the BSF always remains on high alert. Considering the prevailing conditions in Bangladesh, our security measures are at the highest level. During a search operation last night, our personnel seized the gold..." (ANI)
Denmark's outgoing Ambassador to India Freddy Svane on Wednesday emphasised the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark as the most important aspect of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Speaking on the partnership, Svane explained that it had laid the foundation for a strategic relationship beyond just bilateral cooperation and expressed the desire for both countries to continue advancing this partnership to make it more tangible and impactful. "It is the most important thing. I think it's like when you design a smart city, a brand new smart city, you have to start somewhere. And with the Green Strategic Partnership, we laid the foundation for a very strategic, but also beyond bilateral relationship kind of cooperation. And we would like both sides to take it forward to make it much more tangible to deliver," he said. The ambassador shared advice for companies, individuals, and nations, highlighting three guiding principles and emphasising the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective for achieving goals like "Vikasit Bharat" or "Vikasit Duniya," which he believes are essential for meaningful progress. "I think my best advice is really to whether it's companies or individuals or even nations, if I may, and I like to quote my three one-liners: first and foremost, no cheating, no preaching... Instead, we should inspire you; that's the second one-liner... And the third and perhaps the most important thing is no day trading diplomacy. We can always find issues here, there, and everywhere...But as long as the long-term objective is the right one, Vikasit Bharat and perhaps Vikasit Duniya, then I think at least I have really spent all my resources and all my efforts to have the long-term perspective," Svane said. The outgoing ambassador pointed out that the Green Strategic Partnership had also helped both countries in areas such as water, energy, green financing, and climate, with a focus on offshore wind energy. Svane reflected on the success of the partnership, stating that it had served both India and Denmark well and also benefitted other regions. He noted that the partnership allowed both nations to use their competencies to address India's scale, speed, and sustainability goals. "It has served us well, India, Denmark, but also beyond. I think we really made a very cutting-edge decision to embark on this partnership...With the green strategic partnership, we really focused on how we could take our competencies, what we are good at, the skills that our prime minister talked about, and how we could bring that to the scale of India, adding speed, scale, scope, and sustainability...There are four major tracks: water, energy, green financing, and climate. I think in all areas, we have done quite a significant thing. We are now really moving fast, big on offshore wind, which is the speciality," he added. (ANI)
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to India. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received them in New Delhi. Jaishankar noted that Bhutan King's visit to India will further strengthen the "unique bonds of friendship" shared by two nations. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today. His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship." Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema Wangchuck accompanied by senior officials from the Bhutan government arrived in India. During his visit, Bhutan's King will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Jaishankar and senior officials of the Indian government will call on Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. In a press release, MEA noted, "India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by mutual understanding and trust. The visit shall provide both sides an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the exemplary bilateral partnership across diverse sectors." On December 2, Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, praised India as a pillar of support and inspiration for Bhutan. He said that the trust and shared values between the two nations make India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in Delhi on Monday, Dorji said, "India's role as Bhutan's closest partner is not only a pillar of support but also an inspiration. The trust, collaboration and shared values between our two countries making India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations. Beyond herself, India enables opportunities, facilitates connections and engagements for us. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual growth that excites the two countries." Dorji described the CII Partnership Summit as an "example of India's leadership, its commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity across Asia and the larger world." He also highlighted how, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for nations like Bhutan. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for countries like Bhutan. India stands not only as a trusted neighbour but also as a partner in our journey of growth and transformation, offering both inspiration and...support as we pursue our aspirations," he said. "Leveraging this partnership, Bhutan has embarked on a transformative care strategic plan to evolve into a high income, Gross National Happiness, economic central Environment Initiative," he added. (ANI)
Meetings of the Special Working Group and the Senior Officials Committee of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence- Building Measures in Asia (CICA) chaired by Talgat Kaliyev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held in Astana. Participants exchanged opinions on the draft Charter of the organization developed by the Kazakh chairmanship, discussed draft documents to be submitted for consideration by the CICA Council of Foreign Ministers, took a note of the report by Secretary General Kairat Sarybay on the outcomes of the Secretariat's activities this year, and considered the issue of coordinators and co-coordinators of the priority areas of the CICA dimensions. Following the sessions, CICA Senior Officials approved the Action Plan for the Implementation of Confidence-Building Measures and the Secretariat's budget for 2025, as well as authorized the Secretariat to continue strengthening external relations with organizations such as the SCO, the EAEU, UN ESCAP and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. In addition, the participants of the event considered applications from third countries for CICA observer status. (ANI)
Dhaka Police on Thursday arrested one of the prime accused in the case registered over the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif during a clash that erupted in the court premises in Chattogram, Bangladesh-based The Daily Star reported. Md Shahin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhairab Police Station, said that the accused Chandan was arrested by a joint team of Bhairab and Chattogram Kotwali police in Bhairab Junction Railway Station in Kishoreganj. Video footage showed Chandan, wearing a helmet, attacking Saiful Islam with a machete multiple times during the clashes, The Daily Star reported. According to OC, Chandan went into hiding after the murder. Abdul Karim, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, said that the accused will be taken to Chattogram and presented before the court soon. On November 26, clashes erupted after the bail hearing of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in a sedition case. The violence resulted in the murder of lawyer Saiful Alam, who was beaten to death outside the court premises. After the incident, Saiful Alam's father, Jamal Uddin, registered the murder case against 31 named individuals. Furthermore, lawyer's brother registered another case accusing 115 people, The Daily Star reported. Police have registered three separate cases against those involved, citing charges of assaulting police officers, vandalism, and hindering the work of law enforcement during the clashes. Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint file on October 31 by a local politician that accused Chinmoy Das and others of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally of the Hindu community. On December 3, a Bangladesh court set January 2, 2025 as the next date of hearing in the case. Chinmoy Das who is currently in custody is expected to remain in jail. The Chattogram court deferred the hearing on the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das to January 2, The Daily Star reported. Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing as the defence lawyer was absent from the court. Chittagong Metropolitan Police's Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman later confirmed this information to Bangladesh media. (ANI)
Ashok Kumar, presently High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Lusaka, Zambia, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Belarus, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. Kumar is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the statement added. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998. He began the course of his diplomatic career in the Embassy of India, Syria during 2000-2003, where he learnt his compulsory foreign language Arabic and worked as Second Secretary. Later, he was posted to the Consulate General of India, Jeddah in 2004, where he handled Commercial and Community Welfare Departments, as per High Commission of India to Zambia. He returned to Headquarters, New Delhi in 2006 and was deployed as Deputy Secretary in the East and Southern Africa Division where he was given responsibility to handle EAC, COMESA and SADC and development cooperation projects. Later, he moved to the Integrated Finance Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, the statement added. His next overseas assignment was in the Embassy of India, Berlin where he served as First Secretary and Counsellor (Economic and Commerce) from 2009 to 2013. He was appointed as Deputy High Commissioner to the High Commission of India, Mauritius in 2013 and he served till 2017. After his diplomatic stint in Mauritius, he rejoined the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and served as Joint Secretary (Hindi and Sanskrit) during 2018-2019. During his assignment in New Delhi, he was appointed as the first resident Ambassador of India to Djibouti, where he was entrusted with the responsibility to establish the mission. He was also given additional responsibility to supervise the Embassy of India in Sana'a and its Camp office in Djibouti. During his nearly 23 years in Indian Foreign Service, he has handled many important assignments and responsibilities, noticeable was his association with Ist and IInd India-Africa Forum Summits held in New Delhi (2008) and in Addis Ababa (2011) and also in organization of the 10th and 11th World Hindi Conferences held in Bhopal (2015) and Mauritius (2018). Kumar is an alumnus of University of Delhi where he studied B.Sc. (Hons) Geology, MSc (Applied Geology) and earned an MPhil in Engineering Geology. (ANI)
In a remarkable display of prompt and coordinated action, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 12 crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir from the North Arabian Sea on December 4, an official statement said. This humanitarian search and rescue mission saw close collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), with both nations' Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining continuous communication throughout the operation, as per the statement. In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said, "India Coast Guard ship Sarthak successfully rescued 12 Indian crew members of Sunken Dhow Al Piranpir from the North Arabian Sea. The vessel sank on 04 Dec 24 however, the crew had abandoned ship on a dinghy. This humanitarian mission saw close collaboration between ICG and Pak MSA, with both nations' MRCCs maintaining coordination throughout the operation and Pak MSA aircraft assisting in search of survivors. Rescued crew are being brought back to Porbandar." https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1864559336313270574 The mechanized sailing vessel (Dhow) Al Piranpir, which had departed from Porbandar enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran, reportedly sank in the morning hours of December 4 due to rough seas and flooding. The distress call was received by ICG's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, which promptly alerted ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar. ICG Ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was swiftly provided. ICGS Sarthak deployed for forward area patrolling, proceeded at maximum speed to the probable location and conducted an extensive search operation. The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued approximately 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan's Search and Rescue Region. The search for survivors was supported by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory. The Indian Coast Guard's prompt and coordinated response underscores its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. This daring rescue operation showcases the ICG's capabilities and readiness to address maritime emergencies in the region. The rescued crew members were examined by the medical team onboard ICGS Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They are being transported back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat. The Indian Coast Guard has once again demonstrated its dedication to protecting lives at sea, living up to its motto, "We Protect." (ANI)
Vancouver police have shot and killed a man in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday after he stabbed one person and injured another, Canada-based CBC News reported, citing a Vancouver Police Department spokesperson. Police said they responded to a call from an employee at a restaurant near Robson and Hamilton streets just after 11:30 am (local time). The call said that a man had stolen alcohol and was armed with a knife in restaurant. Speaking to The Canadian Press, the witnesses said that the man used the weapon to stab people across the street at a 7-Eleven store near Vancouver Central Public Library. According to onlookers, shots were fired near the 7-Eleven, CBC News reported. Constable Tania Visintin said police shot a suspect who stabbed one person in the hand while another person sustained facial injuries. Tania Visintin said police and first responders administered first aid before the man was shifted to hospital, where he died. According to Visintin, the injuries of victims were not believed to be life-threatening. The Independent Investigations Office (IIO), the civilian-led agency responsible for police oversight in British Columbia, in a statement, said it is carrying out the probe and asking any witnesses to get in touch with agency on 1-855-446-8477 or through the contact form on its website, CBC News reported. In an email statement, a 7-Eleven spokesperson said that they are collecting information and working with police to assist their probe. The 7-Eleven spokesperson said, "We are saddened by the reports of the incident today." British Columbia's minister of state for community safety and integrated services, Terry Yung, called it a "concerning incident" and expressed hope that the victims will have speedy recovery. He said, "It's a very concerning incident, especially for those involved." He stated that Vancouver police will provide further details regarding the incident. Assuring the people about safety, Yung said, "Everyone should feel safe in their neighbourhood." Speaking to The Canadian Press, Kylie Noel, who was working at the Original Joe's restaurant at Robson and Hamilton streets on Wednesday, said that a man entered the restaurant and stood by its door, opened a laptop and "demanded a glass of water." Noel said she refused and told kitchen staff that the man was not leaving. She said that the man had left until other workers came out. However, she saw with a bottle of alcohol outside the restaurant, which she believed was stolen from the restaurant. She later confirmed it after watching the CCTV footage. When Noel came back to the main floor of the restaurant, the man again stood behind the bar and Noel ran back to tell about him to other colleagues in the kitchen, according to CBC News report. She said, "One of the kitchen guys came out, asked if he could help him, and the guy grabbed the knife and asked him if he wanted to die." Noel said her colleague then asked her to call police. She said that ran into lobby of neighbouring hotel and called police to report about the man. Mainul Islam, a part-time delivery worker who was outside the 7-Eleven, said he was taking up a food order when he saw a man attempting to steal cigarettes from behind the counter. He said employees were trying to stop the man, CBC News reported. He said, "And he just brought out his knife from his pocket, and he tried to stab ... the guy, but he ran away, and then he went to stab that lady. Maybe he already stabbed that lady in the back, I saw blood." Islam said police reached there within minutes and shot him. He called it a "terrible scene." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been cautious about FTAs. He was speaking at the Bharat @100 event by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) Jaishankar said that the government tries to keep farmers' and MSMEs' (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) interests while negotiating the terms of FTAs. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1864579938449543273 "Modi government has been very cautious on FTA for two reasons. Number one, weighing the experiences and the results of previous FTAs and number two, our concern for the impact of FTAs on MSMEs. We will always keep MSME interest and the interest of our farmers in mind when we negotiate FTAs. We have been pressing very strongly. For a review of the ASEAN India trading goods, agreement, because we have concerns about the impact of that FTA on the development of manufacturing in it, and we feel that that FTA should not become, in a way, damaging to the Indian economy. When it comes to EU and UK, I think it's complex, because there are many non-trade issues also, so those also have to be negotiated so and in the case of EU, because there are multiple members, everybody has their interest. Overall we benefit we believe that these will benefit us. It is also a fact that if you become excessively dependent on single supply chains, or you in the name of supply chains, you open up your market so that it is not no longer a supply chain, but your sectors are getting hollowed out. We don't want to end up as a market of other countries. We have to find a right balance here," he said. Speaking about PM Modi's governance, the EAM said that 10 years has made the government stronger, despite the Covid break. "10 years... I would say, has stronger, better, more effective governance, 10 years and with the Covid break. When Covid first came our knowledge, I'm talking to January of 2020. Actually, in the world, everybody thought that the biggest hit would be India. And if you look around the world, be very honest, a lot of countries, even even developed countries, are not entirely recovered," he said. Jaishankar said that even Europe is still plagued with the problems induced by Covid. "If you see Europe today many of their problems are blamed on the Ukraine situation, not wrongly, but a lot of them also post Covid, actually found it hard to come back in there," he said. Jaishankar said that the world is interested in India, and the feeling in the world was that they would come to India. "You know the Chandrayaan landing was huge... World is interested. World wants to deal with us. We have to make it easier. We have to make it profitable. We have to make it mutually advantageous. The world is a competition. There are some other countries also who are, a magnet, in many ways, for investment so, but overall, I would say today is the world that feeling that let's go to India, that, you know, I'm seeing that impressed much more," he said. (ANI)
The two leaders were seen shaking hands cordially and walking together.

They also sat down and held talks.

Earlier in the day, King Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck arrived in New Delhi for their two-day official visit to India.

They were received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Jaishankar noted that Bhutan King's visit to India will further strengthen the "unique bonds of friendship" shared by two nations.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on his arrival in New Delhi today. His visit will further strengthen our unique bonds of friendship."

During his visit, Bhutan's King will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Jaishankar and senior officials of the Indian government will call on Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

In a press release, MEA noted, "India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by mutual understanding and trust. The visit shall provide both sides an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the exemplary bilateral partnership across diverse sectors."

On December 2, Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, praised India as a pillar of support and inspiration for Bhutan. He said that the trust and shared values between the two nations make India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in Delhi on Monday, Dorji said, "India's role as Bhutan's closest partner is not only a pillar of support but also an inspiration. The trust, collaboration and shared values between our two countries making India an enabler of Bhutan's aspirations. Beyond herself, India enables opportunities, facilitates connections and engagements for us. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual growth that excites the two countries." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, reiterated India's support for a two-state solution in the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, while also asserting that issues of terrorism and hostage-taking cannot be underplayed or ignored. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha today, Jaishankar explained India's decision to abstain from voting in some of the resolutions regarding the Gaza conflict in the United Nations General Assembly. In response to TMC MP Saket Gokhale's question on India's stance on a two-state solution to Palestine, Jaishankar said, "We support the two-state solution and we have been public and unambiguous about that. So, there should be no cause for confusion regarding the two-state solution." Jaishankar was asked about the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammad Deif, to which the Foreign Minister pointed out that India is a not a member of ICC. In response to the query, he said, "The honourable member would be aware that India is not a member of International Criminal Court. When the International Criminal Court was constituted, the question of our membership was considered. For very good reason after great deal of deliberation, India considered to not become a member. So, with regard to any decision passed by the ICC, it is not binding on us. So, it is not a matter on which we have taken formal position." Elaborating on the details regarding India's assistance for Palestine, Jaishankar said that India gives an annual contribution of USD 5 million to The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which he called the "main assistance-providing agency." "India has given assistance to the people of Palestine at this particular time. I would like sir through you to bring to the notice of the house that we make an annual contribution of five million dollars to UNRWA, which is a main assistance-providing agency," he said. "This amount traditionally used to be a million dollar. So, during the time under the decision taken by this government, it was raised from one million dollars to five million dollars. In recent times, in terms of conflict, we have provided 70 metric tons of aid, of which 16.5 was of medicine in 2023. We have 65 metric tons of medicine to the Palestinian authority and UNRWA in 2024. We have provided 33 metric tons of medicine to Lebanon," the Foreign Minister added. Being asked how India will be able to support Palestine after Israel banned UNRWA, he said, "Regarding our support and contribution to UNRWA, this is a decision which we took as a government, we continue to stand by that decision. We have just infact released the latest tranche of support to UNRWA." Regarding India's abstentions from some UN resolutions regarding Gaza, Jaishankar said the resolutions which "do not reflect the entire reality" of the situation by downplaying the October 7 terror attack by Hamas, can't be supported by India, which is itself a 'victim of terrorism.' In response to a query raised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva on India abstaining from voting in a resolution on Gaza in UNGA, Jaishankar said, "With regard to the particular resolution, which the honourable member referred to, we abstained, in fact, during this period, there have been in the General Assembly a number of resolutions, we have voted in favour of many, we have abstained on some." "Generally, when we abstained. the reasons are the resolution is not very balanced, the resolution is more divisive, the resolution can set a precedence which has consequences for us. The resolution has larger implications. In this particular case, we felt that the resolution was not well-drafted, it was not well-considered. We had reservations on the language. Our concerns were not accommodated and that is why abstained," he added. He noted that the wordings of the resolution is important and India chose not to support those resolutions, as they had no mentions of hostage-taking or terrorism, adding that India takes a very mature view of the resolution. Jaishankar said, "Resolutions have implications as you noted, their wording is important. For example, the resolution which the previous member had referred to, there was no reference to terrorism, there was no reference to hostage taking. So, in our mind, a resolution which does not reflect the entirity of the situation is not a balanced resolution and a country like India, which is itself a victim of terrorism, if we countenance the fact that terrorism is underplayed and ignored, it is not in our interests that we do so." "So, when we look at any resolution, we look at the wording and we take a very very mature view about it and I want to say as a matter of principle, we condemn terrorism, we condemn hostage-taking. We do believe that countries have a right to respond to these situations but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. They must observe humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end to the violence. Our position has been very very clear but we would like this duly reflected in well-worded resolution which are balanced," he added. The conflict in Gaza reignited after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Following the October 7 attack, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas, vowing to eliminate the entire terror group. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 last year. However, India has also called for a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also put its weight behind the 'two-state solution' to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict. (ANI)
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) expressed strong solidarity with the people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), as they continue to stage protests across all 10 district headquarters demanding their fundamental rights and freedoms. The protests, which reflect a deep-seated frustration with decades of oppression, highlight the ongoing struggle of the region's people under Pakistan's control since 1947. In a statement, Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of UKPNP, emphasized the historical injustices faced by the people of POJK, who have endured systematic denial of political, economic, and social rights for over 77 years. Maqsood criticized successive Pakistani governments for treating the region not as an autonomous entity, but as a colony, subject to exploitation. He cited the plundering of natural resources, the imposition of unelected officials in local governance, and the suppression of dissent as examples of the ongoing abuse faced by the people. The UKPNP has long condemned the situation in POJK, where fundamental freedoms such as the rights to free speech, assembly, and press remain severely restricted. Activists, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens who speak out against injustices face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances. The statement also pointed to widespread corruption and mismanagement, which have exacerbated poverty in the region. Maqsood further called for an immediate end to the suppression of dissent, urging Pakistan's government to honor its international commitments to self-governance and to halt the exploitation of POJK's natural resources. He further demanded an end to the impunity for human rights violations and corruption, and called for independent investigations into these abuses. "The people of POJK have shown remarkable restraint in their peaceful struggle despite decades of oppression The UKPNP stands with them in their pursuit of justice and freedom," said Maqsood. The UKPNP has appealed to the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to take notice of the deteriorating human rights situation in POJK and support the legitimate demands of its people. In closing, Maqsood assured the people of POJK that their struggle is just, and that their voices will not be silenced. The UKPNP pledged to continue advocating for their cause on international platforms, ensuring that the world recognizes their plight and stands in solidarity with them. The party expressed hope that the protests would mark a turning point in the fight for the rights and freedoms of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
Mehta is presently serving as Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Canberra.

"Suneet Mehta (IFS:2007), presently Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Canberra, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Fiji," Ministy of External Affairs said in a release.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

The relations between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people-to-people ties.

The bilateral relationship received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held. (ANI)
The UK Parliament is considering potential actions against Beijing after an investigative report revealed that many tomato purees labelled as "Italian" in British supermarkets are frequently produced using forced labour from Uyghur workers in China Radio Free Asia reported. RFA cited a report by a media agency that revealed that 17 products, mainly store-brand items from British and German retailers, are likely made with Chinese tomatoes. Some of these products, like Tesco's Italian Tomato Puree, feature "Italian" in their name, while others include it in their product description. Sarah Champion, a Labour Party MP and member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said during a House of Commons session on Monday, that the investigation has "justifiably shocked the British public." She stated that tomato products sold in UK supermarkets, which were labelled as Italian-made or produced in Italy, were connected to forced labour in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The news followed shortly after Tadashi Yanai, president and CEO of Japan's Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, stated that his company does not source cotton from Xinjiang. Companies worldwide are facing increased scrutiny to verify that their supply chains do not involve products made with Uyghur forced labour. In response to the report, China quickly denounced it, claiming, "This essentially equates Xinjiang with 'forced labor,' which is a clear attempt to tarnish China's image," in an editorial in the state-run Global Times. The editorial further stated, "The BBC's latest 'fabricated story' is rather unconvincing," adding, "In Xinjiang, both cotton and tomatoes are mostly harvested using mechanized methods, replacing manual labour from planting to picking." Unlike the United States, which has laws prohibiting imports from Xinjiang based on the assumption they are produced with forced labour, UK companies are permitted to self-regulate and ensure that such labour is not involved in their supply chains. Champion criticized the UK's "weak and confusing product labelling regulation," arguing that it allows for "linguistic manipulation" that likely aims to mislead consumers. Addressing Douglas Alexander, the UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, she asked, "How much more evidence is needed to show that we need stronger labelling standards to provide consumers with clearer information about the sourcing countries of pre-packed products?" She emphasized that in the Uyghur region, severe human rights violations are happening daily, driven by a state-enforced system of forced labour, with an estimated 7,00,000 people being forced to work in tomato production. Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, argued that the UK's 2015 Modern Slavery Act, which aims to address modern slavery in supply chains, needs reform. He pointed out, "At present, we are importing massive quantities of polysilicon arrays from Xinjiang, and nothing is being done about it." He added, "This issue goes beyond Xinjiang; there are also a quarter of a million Tibetans subjected to forced labor." As per the media report, that it interviewed 14 individuals who either experienced or witnessed forced labour in Xinjiang's tomato fields over the past 16 years. One person recounted that workers who failed to meet their daily tomato quotas for export were subjected to electric shocks. The news outlet also investigated shipping data, revealing that most Xinjiang tomatoes are transported by train through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia before reaching Italy. In June, human rights lawyers, representing Uyghur advocacy groups, filed both domestic and international complaints, claiming that several containers of tomato paste shipped by rail from Xinjiang to Italy two months earlier were produced with Uyghur forced labour. Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington and an expert on Xinjiang, stated that Xinjiang Guannong, a company involved in forced labor, set up a shell company to export its products under a different name to Italy and other destinations. Zenz referred to legislation passed by the European Parliament in April, which seeks to ban the import and distribution of goods made with forced labor. The law, however, must still be approved by the EU's 27 member countries, who will have three years to implement it. "The concern is that, with the European Union set to enforce this forced labor regulation in three years, the UK may become an even bigger destination for these types of tomatoes," he said. Oana Burcu, an expert in Chinese foreign policy at the University of Nottingham, noted that it should not be surprising that tomato paste from China, and possibly from Xinjiang, has made its way to UK supermarket shelves. Italy, one of the world's largest exporters of tomato paste, imports significant amounts of it, primarily from China and the US The country then repackages, relabels, and exports the product to other European nations and beyond. Although the EU has considered introducing mandatory origin labelling for tomato products, the proposal has not yet been pursued. Burcu explained that a country could label a product as "made in" or "packaged in" a location like Italy, even if no local products are used, with Italy simply serving as a processing or manufacturing hub. Sophie Richardson, a long-time activist and scholar of Chinese politics, human rights, and foreign policy, argued that it's not surprising to find Chinese tomato puree sold globally, even in countries with stricter laws on forced labor. She also pointed out that this is due to weak enforcement mechanisms, with companies claiming they oppose forced labor but failing to take the necessary steps to ensure their supply chains are free from such practices. (ANI)
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) held a strike in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) to protest the controversial Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024, and also demanded the release of all detainees. Although the PoJK Supreme Court temporarily suspended the enforcement of the ordinance on Tuesday while it hears two appeals challenging a high court ruling that upheld the law, critics argue that such restrictions violate the fundamental democratic freedoms guaranteed by Article 19 of the PoJK Constitution. The ordinance has sparked widespread outrage due to its stringent limitations on public gatherings, which now require organizations to obtain prior approval before holding protests or rallies. This article enshrines the right to freedom of expression and assembly, and opponents fear the ordinance will stifle grassroots activism, granting authorities excessive control over public dissent. The "Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill" was presented to the Senate of Pakistan on September 2, 2024, and quickly approved by the Senate Standing Committee the following day. It was then passed by both the Senate and National Assembly within two days, despite objections from opposition parties. Presidential assent was granted by the end of the same week, raising concerns about the hasty manner in which the legislation was enacted. In May of this year, the people of PoJK organized a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike to protest rising electricity and flour prices. During this strike, businesses, offices, and educational institutions in cities such as Rawalakot and Mirpur were shut down, while demonstrators also demanded the release of individuals arrested during previous protests. Despite PoJK's strategic significance and natural beauty, the region has long been neglected by Islamabad, leaving many residents feeling marginalized. Promises of economic development, improved infrastructure, and better public services have largely remained unfulfilled, resulting in a population trapped in poverty and disillusionment. The growing protests reflect broader demands for political and economic reforms, with many in PoJK calling for more autonomy, greater political representation, and an end to what they perceive as years of neglect by the Pakistani government. (ANI)
Students at the Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water, and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) in Uthal, Balochistan continued their sit-in protest on Wednesday, marking the fifth day of the demonstration. The protestors are demanding the safe return of their missing fellow student, Bayandur Baloch. They have established a camp outside the university and staged a rally on Wednesday, with Bayan's family members participating and demanding his immediate release. The demonstrators also hosted a seminar to raise awareness about the issue of enforced disappearances in the province, the Balochistan post reported. Gullzadi Baloch, an activist from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and Mahzeb Baloch, the niece of enforced disappearance victim Rashid Hussain, joined the ongoing sit-in to show their support for the students. The protesters, who have boycotted classes and exams, are protesting the enforced disappearance of Bayandur Baloch. However, students claim that the university administration is pressuring them to take midterm exams despite the ongoing protests. Bayandur Baloch, a student in the Agriculture Department at LUAWMS, was reportedly detained along with his friends from Uthal Bazaar a few days ago. While his friends were eventually released, Bayandur continues to remain missing. The students have expressed deep concern for his safety and are demanding his immediate release or presentation in court. They have warned that their sit-in protest will continue until their demands are addressed. In another incident, two more bodies were found in Balochistan yesterday, bringing the total number of bodies discovered within a 24-hour period to six. One of the victims was Amanullah, the son of Taus, a young boy who had been missing for a month after disappearing from the Kharotabad area in Quetta. His body was located in the mountains of Nohisar. Local authorities have taken custody of the body and sent it to the hospital for further investigation. Enforced disappearances are a regular occurrence in Balochistan, with reports suggesting that more than 55,000 people are currently missing, and thousands have been found dead. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and Amnesty International, have repeatedly held Pakistani military forces and intelligence agencies responsible for these abductions. (ANI)
"The export of fresh agricultural produce from Israel is an important pillar in the development and promotion of Israeli agricultural production, as well as a leading engine for the economic development of the agricultural sector in Israel," said the Ministry.

The ministry intends to help farmers enter the North American markets (US and Canada), Asian markets, Persian Gulf markets, Australia and New Zealand, South American markets, etc. The ministry also wants to strengthen exports to existing markets, European countries, Russia and other countries.

In addition, the ministry will support the organization of farmers to assist in a joint export marketing plan, with the aim of increasing the bargaining power of the exporters - who will act as one body, and improve the conditions they can demand and receive in world markets. (ANI/TPS)
Prominent scholars, academics, and human rights activists gathered to discuss the dire situation in the region. They condemned the actions of Pakistani security forces, referring to them as acts of genocide.

Among the most alarming trends noted was the sharp increase in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in recent months.

The speakers urged the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to intervene and prevent further loss of life in Balochistan. They also called for urgent international action, demanding that UK government advocate for the establishment of a United Nations fact-finding mission to investigate the severity of the human rights crisis in the region.

Key figures at the meeting included Aisha Siddiqua, Lakhumal Luhana, Naghma Iqtadar, Naseer Dashti, Fahim Baloch, and Qambar Malik, all of whom shared their expertise and personal insights into the ongoing violations.

The gathering emphasized the need for immediate international attention to bring justice and accountability to the people of Balochistan.

Human rights violations in Balochistan have been a persistent and significant issue for decades. Ethnic Baloch people in Pakistan's Balochistan province have long accused the state of systemic discrimination, marginalisation, and the denial of political autonomy.

The Pakistani government has been criticised for forcibly suppressing Baloch nationalist movements, with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture of activists, journalists, and civilians.

The Pakistani military, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces have been implicated in these abuses, often targeting Baloch insurgents and pro-independence groups under the guise of counter-insurgency operations.

In addition to the violence, Balochistan suffers from widespread economic underdevelopment, despite its wealth of natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. This economic disparity, combined with limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, has fueled growing discontent among the Baloch people. (ANI)
Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has accused the Pakistani government of hindering efforts to promote peace in Kurram. He alleged that a Pashtun Jirga, assigned with the responsibility of fostering reconciliation, was consistently obstructed by state authorities. Pashteen stated that the Jirga, which comprised elders, religious scholars, and prominent community figures, was blocked from entering Kurram on several occasions. "We have tried three times in a row to enter Kurram to promote peace, but each time, Pakistani forces stopped us," he explained the balochistan post reported. The Jirga aimed to promote reconciliation and ease tensions in Kurram through traditional methods. However, Pashteen claimed that state authorities imposed restrictions to obstruct their efforts. In a message to the people of Kurram, Pashteen conveyed his solidarity and reaffirmed his dedication to the region. "The pain of Kurram is our pain," he stated. "We have made efforts for peace there, but you all are familiar with the state's oppressive measures, such as blockades and restrictions." Despite the obstacles, Pashteen reiterated the PTM's commitment to achieving peace. "We are determined to continue working for peace in Kurram. We will explore other avenues and persist in our efforts for the welfare of our people," he said. The Kurram region in Pakistan has faced various attacks in recent years, primarily due to ongoing ethnic and sectarian tensions, as well as insurgent activity. The area, located in the tribal belt near the Afghan border, has seen clashes involving militant groups, sectarian violence, and attacks by armed factions. Schools are shut down, and the region remains in a state of unrest as security forces struggle to restore order. A notable event was the rise of sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni groups in the region, especially in Kurram Agency, which has witnessed numerous bombings, ambushes, and cross-border conflicts. These attacks have led to a significant loss of life and exacerbated the local population's vulnerability. The Pakistan Army has often conducted operations to restore stability, but violence has persisted intermittently. Additionally, militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and others operating in the region have also been responsible for various attacks, targeting military and civilian infrastructure. (ANI)
In order to help ensure a smooth transition to eVisas, the UK government has announced that airlines and other carriers will be able to accept biometric residence permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme biometric residence cards (BRCs) expiring on 31 December 2024 or later as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025. In a statement, the UK government stated, "eVisas are a key element of the government's move to a digital, streamlined border and immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status. This transformation will enhance people's experience and increase the immigration system's security and efficiency." The UK government noted that as less than one month is left until most biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) expire on 31 December 2024, these figures showcase rise among those who use physical immigration documents to prove their immigration rights in the UK. In a statement, the UK government stated, "To help ensure a smooth transition to eVisas, airlines and other carriers will be able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring on 31 December 2024 or later as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025." "This will be kept under review. Passengers will remain subject to the usual immigration checks and requirements, and anyone seeking to enter the UK whose underlying immigration status has expired will be liable for refusal of entry," it added. Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: "It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available." "I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition," she added. Seema Malhotra MP noted that there is greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security. According to the statement, the UK government is committed to ensuring the transition to eVisas is as straightforward as possible for all status holders. Considering the concerns that have been raised, the Home Office has already delivered changes to quickly improve the process for customers and resolve issues as they arise, including streamlining the process for legacy paper document holders, raising the number of support services available to vulnerable people and allowing carriers such as airlines to check travel permissions automatically. The UK government urged those yet to switch to e-visas to do so before the end of the year to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa, joining the millions - including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders - who already have an eVisa. In a statement, the UK government stated, "This includes parents or guardians of children who use a BRP, who should take action on their child's behalf. Anyone with indefinite leave to remain who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel." "These people are encouraged to make a No Time Limit application to access an eVisa to reap the benefits.It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, which offers greater convenience," it added. The UK government noted that an eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching won't change, impact or remove someone's current rights. (ANI)
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reiterated that no loan agreement has been made with northern neighbour China while signing the revised Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) pact. Speaking to journalists after arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday after completing his four-day visit to China, Oli reiterated that no loan agreements have been made with Beijing. "This time we discussed about various projects under the BRI. We will hold separate discussions and consultations as well as agreements about those projects relating to its plan of implementation. What we are getting now (from China) is not a loan, I hope I will not need to clarify it and repeat it further," he said. PM Oli further said that the pact is not about a loan and there have been no talks about any loan agreement. "We have been reiterating that no loans are being taken from various fronts but also it hasn't settled down," the Prime Minister said. He added that discussions on implementing nine projects under the Belt and Road Initiative would take place separately in the future. "Every project under the BRI will be discussed separately between the two countries during implementation," Oli said. Notably, the agreement signed on Wednesday between the two countries formally got inked after the term "aid financing" was replaced with "grant financing." While a grant refers to a subsidy, aid can encompass both grants and loans, offering more flexibility in the terms of assistance. The shift in language came after China rejected Nepal's proposal that the projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) should be funded by China and that Nepal would not take loans under the BRI. But the Nepali Prime Minister has been defending the agreement signed on Wednesday (December 4) not to be a loan agreement between the two countries. Before the formal signing, Nepal had sent the draft of the framework ahead of Oli's departure for Beijing on Monday. In response, the Nepalese and Chinese officials held informal discussions on Tuesday to find a middle ground. China subsequently removed the term "grant financing" from the draft framework proposed by Nepal, replacing it with the more general term "financing." Amidst the ongoing discussions, the Nepali Congress's stance against taking loans under the BRI led the Nepali government to prepare a list of projects intended solely for grant financing. The MoUs could not be signed during a meeting between Prime Minister KP Oli and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. However, Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana later met with representatives from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During these talks, the Chinese side proposed that some BRI projects be funded through loans, but no decision was made by Nepal. According to an official from the Nepali delegation, there was further internal discussion on various options. One of the key points was whether to replace "grant" with "aid," which was ultimately agreed upon. It may be noted that the joint statement released by Nepal and China late on Tuesday indicated that "both sides have shown their willingness to sign the MoU on establishing the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN) and the framework for Belt and Road Cooperation between the two governments at the earliest opportunity". (ANI)
The local administration of Nepal's Janakpur has beefed up security by deploying thousands of police personnel as a sea of devotees including high-level officials from India are participating in the 'Baraat' for the 'Vivah Panchami' celebrations. Speaking to ANI about the security arrangments, Bhuvaneshwar Tiwari, Dhanusha District Sub Inspector said that over 2000 security forces have been deployed. "Attracting over half a million pilgrims from Nepal and India including high-profile dignitaries. Ensuring peace and a safe environment for everyone is our top priority. For this, we have arranged a comprehensive deployment, of over two thousand police officers- One thousand four hundred from Nepal Police, 750 from the Armed Police (Force), altogether more than two thousand security officials are deployed. For emergency, the Nepal Army is also prepared and the National Investigation Division is also supporting us for information," Tiwari said. He further stated that it is not just a religious celebration but a moment of "cultural pride" for the country. "This is not only a religious celebration but also a moment of cultural pride for all of us. I request all the attendees to respect the arrangement, follow the instructions of police personnel, and contribute to maintaining peace and order," he said. Sub Inspector Tiwari added, "All the security arrangements are in place and our police personnel have already been deployed and this time we have managed all the arrangements and the security will be perfect". The city of Janakpur in Nepal prepares itself for the 'Sita Ram Vivah Mahotsav' which is the maternal house of Goddess Sita. On November 26, Lord Ram's 'Baraat Yatra' (wedding procession) began from Ayodhya's Ramsevak Puram and reached Janakpur on Tuesday evening. The wedding rituals took place on December 4 and 5 as per Mithila culture, and Lord Ram's Vivaah Panchami will be held on December 6. On December 7, following the conclusion of the wedding, 'Kalevar' will be organised, and on December 8, 'Baraat' will depart from Janakpur and reach Ayodhya on the night of December 9. (ANI)
While noting the need to engage with China, a strong element in the global supply chain today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar cautioned on finding the "right balance" or else the dumping of foreign goods might lead to domestic sectors getting "hallowed out." Noting that China accounts for 32-33 per cent of global manufacturing, the EAM stressed that there should not be "excessive dependency" on a single supply chain. The Foreign Minister was speaking at the 'Bharat @100' event, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on Thursday. He was asked about the connection with China because of Beijing's strong presence behind almost every supply chain. When posed with the statement, "If you want to be a supply chain you have to have a connection with China because they are the supply chain behind the supply chain behind literally everything", the EAM said that there are two important observations to be made. "There are global supply chains and when one single country accounts for 32-33 per cent of global manufacturing then it is logical that many supply chains will go to that country and this is a reality which we will have to factor into our calculations. But it is also a fact that if we become excessively dependent on a single supply chains or in the name of supply chains you open up your markets so that it is no longer the supply chains but your sectors are getting hollowed out, you have to be careful there", the External Affairs Minister said. Jaishankar further suggested that though there is no objection to doing business with China, but there is also the need to look at the "bigger term implications" especially for the MSMEs. "We don't want to end up as a market of another economy and not be able to compete with their products which are dumped in our country. So we have to find the right balance here," he stated. Reflecting on the strained India-China ties lately, the Foreign Minister said, "Now there is a second problem. For the last four and a half years, our political relationship with China has not been good because of the situation at the border." He added, "There are no black-and-white answers in very sharp terms. I think everything needs to be balanced. I would advocate that with China." Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar gave a detailed speech in the Parliament on India-China ties and highlighted its various intricacies. He had noted that India remains "committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement." (ANI)
India and China held the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) today, and both sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs and the Chinese delegation was led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the MEA statement read. The two sides also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives, which is to be held in accordance with the decision of the two leaders in their meeting in Kazan on October 23, 2024. India and China reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence. In this context, they highlighted the importance of regular exchanges and contacts at diplomatic and military level through established mechanisms, the MEA stated. Both sides agreed on the need for effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two Governments. The leader of the Chinese delegation also called on Foreign Secretary during the visit, the MEA added. In October this year, India and China reached an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. During the meeting of Prime Minister Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, PM Modi had said that maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain the priority of the two countries and mutual trust should remain the basis of bilateral ties. (ANI)
Pakistan's security forces killed eight terrorists in separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's South Waziristan and Lakki Marwat districts on Thursday, Dawn reported. Citing Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani daily reported that an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan on Thursday following reports of terrorist activity in the region. "During the conduct of [the] operation, owr troops effectively engaged the khwarij's location as a result of which two khwarij, including kharji ring leader Khan Muhammad (alias Khoryay), were killed," Dawn quoted ISPR as saying. The forces also arrested two other terrorists during the operation. Khan Muhammad was described as a key target involved in several terrorist activities, including extortion and targeted killings. He had a government bounty of Rs one million on his capture, the report added. In a separate IBO conducted in Lakki Marwat, six terrorists were killed after an intense exchange of fire. "Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country," Dawn reported, quoting ISPR. The Pakistani daily further stated that Pakistan has recently seen a surge in terrorist attacks targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Attacks escalated after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended a ceasefire with the government in 2022. Earlier, the ISPR clarified that the government, through a July notification, had designated the TTP as 'Fitna al Khawarij' and mandated the use of the term "khariji" (outcast) for the group. Earlier on Wednesday, Dawn reported that the ISPR announced the killing of five terrorists and the injury of two others during an operation in Lakki Marwat. In November, Pakistan experienced its deadliest month of terrorist activity, with 245 fatalities, including 68 security personnel and 127 militants, Dawn reported, citing data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The Pakistani government has intensified operations in the wake of recent attacks. Dawn further quoted the military media wing as saying, "The security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate terrorism and ensure peace in the country." (ANI)
Jerusalem [Israel], December 5 (ANI/TPS): More than 200 venture capital partners, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered in Tel Aviv on Thursday for the annual 2024-2025 Trends and Forecasts conference. The conference was spearheaded by Pearl Cohen, a law firm, and Fusion VC, a US-based venture capital firm and accelerator for Israeli startups. It included several surveys and reports on Israel's startup ecosystem. Israel's mergers and acquisitions market saw a record-breaking high of USD 10.5 billion in 2024, Israel's best year ever, with Israeli startups securing USD 8.1 billion in funding, according to a report presented by Asaf Horesh, managing partner at Vintage Investment Partners. This comes amid ongoing economic troubles in Europe and the US and as Israel faces an ongoing, multi- front war. According to the report, while the total number of deals dropped to 434 from 682 in the same period last year, the total amount of funds raised by the startups increased to USD 8.1 billion, up from USD 7.3 billion. The fact that the total funds raised for this year have increased despite the decrease in the number of deals means that the companies that did succeed often managed to raise larger sums. According to an investor study by Fusion VC, 43 per cent of respondents cited political and security instability as their top concerns, while 38 per cent emphasized difficulties in raising funds for new VC initiatives. Furthermore, many investors saw attracting foreign investment amid the ongoing war as a critical issue, scaring off potential international investors. "There is also concern that the Israeli tech ecosystem is overly concentrated in cybersecurity, with too few resources directed toward consumer-focused companies. This limits the potential for Israel to build large-scale consumer businesses," said Fusion co-founder Guy Katsovich. In addition to reports, surveys, and discussions with leading investors, the conference also featured a discussion with Danny Gold, head of MAFAT (the Directorate of Defense Research and Development) and developer of Israel's famed Iron Dome. Israeli defense technologies have proven their worth on multiple occasions over the past year of war, with Israel's air defense and cybersecurity drawing increasing interest from foreign buyers and investors. (ANI/TPS)
Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and other top military officers on Thursday expressed concern over the spread of "propaganda and disinformation" against the armed forces, Dawn reported. The top military officials stated that those responsible must be brought to justice. According to the Dawn, over the past couple of years, social media campaigns against the army have escalated, reflecting broader tensions within the country's political and social fabric. The government, often in tandem with the military, has responded with stringent measures aimed at controlling the narrative and stifling dissent, These measures have led to numerous arrests and legal actions against journalists and social media users accused of spreading "negative propaganda" about the military and the state, resulting in restricted internet access and bans on platforms like X. During Thursday's 84th Formation Commanders Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the COAS and senior officers went over these issues once more, the military's media wing said. In addition to reviewing the Army's operational capability to handle changing threats, the participants received a briefing on the present internal and foreign security environment, according to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). High-ranking officials expressed concern about propaganda spread following the deployment of military personnel in Islamabad to secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for visiting foreign delegations, the Dawn reported. "This pre-planned, coordinated, and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public & Armed Forces and institutions of Pakistan.This futile attempt, fuelled and abetted by external players, will never be successful," the statement added. According to the ISPR, the forum emphasised the need for the federal government to enact stringent laws and regulations to "check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies, and sow the seeds of polarisation.". "Those spreading fake news for vested political/financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice," the statement read. Previously, Gen Munir had warned that social media was being exploited to spread anarchy and false information aimed at the armed forces, while the term "digital terrorism" was now being used to describe the actions of online critics accused of spreading falsehoods. In August, during an Independence Day speech, the Army chief stressed the importance of investigating and verifying information so as not to cause consternation among the people. He had said that while the Constitution allowed for freedom of speech, it also contained "clear limits to what constitutes free speech." (ANI)
India and Egypt on Thursday held the 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV and OIA), and Ambassador Ahmed Shaheen, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, the meeting reviewed the India-Egypt bilateral relations, with a commitment to strengthen their strategic partnership. "India and Egypt held the 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on 5 December 2024. The FOC was co-chaired by Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), from the Indian side and Ambassador Ahmed Shaheen, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, from the Egyptian side," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Thursday. The discussions reviewed the entire gamut of India-Egypt bilateral relations with a renewed commitment to strengthen the Strategic Partnership. Both sides also discussed avenues for further deepening of existing relations in political, economic, and socio-cultural areas. The two sides also exchanged perspectives on important regional and global issues of common interest. India and Egypt enjoy warm and friendly relations based on historic and civilizational linkages. Both countries also cooperate on various multilateral forums. The discussions held today will contribute to further strengthening the India-Egypt bilateral partnership, the MEA release added. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of FOC in Egypt on a mutually convenient date. Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, also spoke about the 13th India-Egypt Foreign Office Consultations and said that it reviewed various aspects of the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership and explored ways to further strengthen it. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1864654647677362359 Sharing a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, "The 13th India-Egypt FoC chaired by Arun Chatterjee @SecretaryCPVOIA & Amb. Ahmed Shaheen, Assistant FM for Asian Affairs of Egypt, was held in New Delhi today." "The FoC reviewed various facets of India-Egypt Strategic Partnership & discussed ways to further strengthen it," the post added. (ANI)
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions during the King's visit, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest. During the talks on Thursday, PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to its enduring friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, ensuring support for Bhutan's socio-economic development. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in March 2024 and welcomed the regular high-level visits and consultations covering diverse sectors of cooperation. The King of Bhutan Wangchuck, and the Queen of Bhutan, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, are on an official visit to India from December 5-6. They are accompanied by the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Gem Tshering, and senior officials Bhutan government. They arrived in New Delhi on Thursday morning and were received by EAM S Jaishankar at the airport in New Delhi. "During the visit, the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions covering the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and senior officials called on The King of Bhutan," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. The leaders of both nations expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in March 2024 and welcomed the regular high-level visits and consultations covering diverse sectors of cooperation. They positively assessed the expanding partnership between the two countries, including in areas of trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, space technology, environment conservation, and people-to-people contacts. Wangchuck and PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations. Wangchuck conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan's socio-economic development. PM Modi reaffirmed India's abiding commitment to its enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of Bhutan's King, the MEA said. The Bhutanese side thanked the Indian government for stepping up the development support for Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29) and India's support for RGoB's Economic Stimulus Programme, the release added Meanwhile, Wangchuck shared with PM Modi the progress in the implementation of his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region, and how India and Bhutan can work together on the project for the betterment of the two peoples and the region. PM Modi reassured Wangchuck of India's continued support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which will bring prosperity and well-being to Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries. Reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation as elaborated in the Joint Vision Statement on India-Bhutan Energy Partnership released during PM Modi's visit to Bhutan in March 2024, the leaders reviewed recent progress in strategic partnerships in the energy sector, including non-hydro renewable energy between Indian and Bhutanese entities through access to Indian financing and energy markets. They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project was nearing completion, and looked forward to its commissioning in the near future. The leaders agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project. The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it, including through finalising modalities urgently for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects, the MEA release said. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction over the opening of the Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam, which can boost tourism and economic activity in eastern Bhutan and the adjoining border areas of Assam. They also noted with satisfaction that several initiatives agreed upon during earlier meetings, such as cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects, are progressing steadily, including establishment of two cross border rail links and boosting digital connectivity. Both sides noted the recent decisions taken for further improving bilateral trade and commerce. The leaders welcomed the progress made in the space sector, particularly in implementation of the Joint Plan of Action for cooperation and expressed satisfaction on increased collaboration in the field of education, with emphasis on STEM disciplines, the MEA added. India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by mutual understanding, trust and exceptional cooperation at all levels. The bilateral discussions were held in a spirit of profound friendship, and reflected the strong historical ties, goodwill and understanding that exist between the two countries. A day before, Jaishankar called on the Bhutan King and assured India's full support for the development goals of Bhutan. During the meeting, Jaishankar and Wangchuck discussed the steady progress that the India-Bhutan partnership is making. (ANI)
Amit Narang, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2001 batch, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Slovenia. Currently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Amit Narang is expected to assume his new role shortly. "Shri Amit Narang (IFS: 2001), presently Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Slovenia," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Thursday. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the MEA added. Born on January 28, 1975, Narang assumed charge as Ambassador of India to Oman on October 24, 2021. Before this appointment, Narang headed the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division of MEA, handling India's bilateral relations with its key maritime neighbours, according to the Embassy of India in Oman. Narang has also served as the Chief Vigilance Officer of the MEA and was also in charge of India's consular and visa policy, dealing with interventions aimed at the welfare of the overseas Indian diaspora. As part of his career in the Indian Foreign Service, Narang obtained an Advanced Diploma in Chinese language and has served twice in the People's Republic of China - between 2003-2007 when he worked on bilateral economic and commercial relations, and again in 2016-18 when he served as the Deputy Head of Mission in Embassy of India, Beijing. Narang was also India's lead negotiator at the United Nations for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Addis Ababa Action Agenda. Narang also handled the United Nations portfolio in the MEA between 2010-2013, and worked as Counselor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York between 2013-16. During this time, he was a member of the Indian negotiating team for climate change, representing India in the meetings of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun (Mexico), Durban (South Africa), Doha (Qatar), Lima (Peru) and Paris (France), culminating in the adoption of the Paris Agreement (COP21) in 2015. During his tenure in New York, Narang was also closely associated with the adoption of the landmark UN Resolution designating June 21 as International Yoga Day, according to the Embassy of India in Oman. (ANI)
She emphasised that the US desires a "healthy democracy" in Bangladesh where every individual's human rights are safeguarded.

While speaking with ANI on Thursday, MacLeod said, "America wants to see a healthy democracy for Bangladesh where the human rights of every person are protected."

She added, "The news we are getting from Bangladesh right now is worrisome. We are observing the situation... We hope the people are able to live while following their faith."

The situation in Bangladesh is dire owing to the ongoing protests by Hindus and minority communities over recent attacks and harassment.

The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities after the arrest of a spiritual leader, Chinmoy Krishna Das, over sedition charges and for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong.

Das, who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician who accused him and others of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally of the Hindu community.

A Bangladesh court set January 2, 2025, as the next hearing date for Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Das, stating that he will remain in jail on alleged sedition charges until then.

The Daily Star Bangladesh reported that the Chattogram court deferred to January 2 the hearing on the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing as the defence lawyer was absent from the court.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police's Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman later confirmed this information to Bangladeshi media. (ANI)
A memorandum of understanding between the state of Oklahoma and the European nation of Denmark signed recently could eventually lead to the development of a green methanol power production facility in the state.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and Jesper Mller Srensen, Denmark's ambassador to the United States, signed the document, which lists three collaborative objectives: to develop and operate renewable energy projects, to establish a so-called power-to-X facility in Oklahoma, and to promote economic growth and sustainability. The memorandum also includes areas of technology and defense, although neither side provided details of those components of the agreement.

The preamble to the memorandum says it envisions a dynamic partnership between Oklahoma and EE North America, a fully owned subsidiary of the Danish company European Energy A/S, which provides green energy services. The company says on its LinkedIn page, We develop, construct and operate wind and solar farms all around the world.

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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Oklahoma ranked third nationally (behind Texas and Iowa) in net electricity generation from wind in 2023. Wind energy provided about 42 percent of Oklahomas in-state net electricity generation, the EIA said.

Thanks to pro-business policies and our 'more of everything' approach to energy, the world is taking notice of whats happening in Oklahoma, Stitt said. This mutually beneficial relationship will create opportunities for economic growth and job creation for both Oklahoma and Denmark. Working together on innovative energy solutions will further enhance our already strong relationship with Denmark.

The aim of the agreement is to harness Oklahomas wind and solar energy assets for a power-to-X facility. According to the International PtX Hub, a Power-to-X facility converts renewable electricity, from wind, solar, hydro and geothermal power plants, into a variety of end products, which can include "green" methanol.

Meyer Siegfried, a spokesman for the governors office, said Oklahomas office in Washington, D.C., and representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce have developed relationships with the Danish embassy during the past two years.

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The MOU simply elevates that relationship with the hope of increased investment and cooperation that could potentially lead to jobs and a more robust energy grid for Oklahomans, Siegfried said. While the MOU isn't focused on any particular project, we look forward to seeing what could come of the agreement.

A post on the Danish embassys Facebook page expressed the intention of developing several energy projects in Oklahoma within the next couple of years, but didnt specify details.

The tie between Denmark and Oklahoma has become even stronger today with us agreeing on further collaboration on energy, Srensen said. By combining Denmarks expertise in renewable energy with Oklahomas innovative energy strategies, we will pave the way for new opportunities in sustainable growth, economic development, and shared innovation. This partnership holds immense potential for both our communities and the global energy landscape, and I believe it is an important and exciting step forward in the collaboration between us.

Announcement of the agreement brought immediate pushback on social media from some of Stitts fellow conservatives and Republicans, both inside and outside Oklahoma. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond said, I am severely disappointed to see Gov. Stitt joining radical leftists in perpetuating the green energy scam. Oklahomans deserve better.

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State Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin  a member of the states conservative Freedom Caucus in the Legislature  posted on social media platform X: Oklahoma is the reddest state in the union. We should not be doing business with any company participating in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) which is a project to force companies to champion far-left social values.

Meanwhile, Daniel Horowitz, a senior editor and podcast host at TheBlaze.com, said in a post on X, Why is @GovStitt signing deals with foreign countries to buy up land in Oklahoma for the purpose of destroying its beauty with wind and solar crap while pursuing 'decarbonization.' Who needs Democrats?

Stitts office did not respond to those criticisms.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma, Denmark sign agreement that could lead to methanol plant
Haitis second-largest city, Cap-Haitien, has the only airport in the country open to international commercial air travel. But getting in and out of the northern city has for weeks now been nearly impossible.

Domestic flights remain grounded after gang gunfire last month struck three U.S. commercial airplanes, prompting a ban against U.S. flights flying to Haiti and the temporary closures of Port-au-Princes airports. The sea is not an option and the two major national roads leading to the capital are not only impractical because of armed gangs but theyve now been made impassable due to damage and recent landslides triggered by heavy rains.

Still, despite the blocked and deadly road conditions and escalating gang violence that has forced 50,000 Haitians to flee their homes in the last two weeks and aid workers to leave Haiti, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday chartered a flight to return 70 Haitians there.

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The first deportation flight since last months gang attacks grounded U.S. flights landed in Cap-Haitien came despite warnings from human rights groups and the United Nations about returning people to a country gripped in chaos. It also comes less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to massive deportations once he takes office in January. In the interim,the Biden administration continues to tout its efforts to deport migrants and reduce unlawful border crossings  including a 60% decrease in encounters between ports of entry along the Southwest border.

The U.S. decision to deposit deportees at the small international airport in Cap-Haitien, whose construction the U.S. once opposed because the funding was a loan from Venezuela, has advocates and city residents reeling. Most migrants returned by air are not from the region, requiring them to cross gang control roads or to stay putt.

Okap is still 26.66 square miles, Mayor Yvrose Pierre said referring to the city by its nickname. It has not gotten any bigger.

The city, she notes, has already been the recipient of a growing migration wave. In addition to deportees from the U.S., the Dominican Republic is also dumping thousands of Haitians across the border in northeast Haiti. Meanwhile, Haitians and international aide workers fleeing the gang violence in Port-au-Prince are also running there for refuge.

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The growing internal migration, Pierre said, is straining a city that was not prepared to receive the volume of people who are coming.

Marc Georges, a former chamber of commerce president and resident, said the city cannot afford to receive deportees.

I dont think we can afford anymore trouble, anymore problems today, tomorrow or the next day, he said. The U.S. has to understand Haiti cannot afford anymore problems.

To make his point, Georges shared a video of the citys streets on Tuesday: Road were flooded with water and garbage, and many areas remained inaccessible after overnight heavy rains.

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Pierre didnt learn about the deportation flight until a Miami Herald reporter informed her. The reason, she said, is because she and other officials had spent the morning digging people from underneath the rubble after mudslides buried homes in some parts of the city. At least one person, Pierre said, died.

Its a catastrophe, she said. Throughout the center of town, there is mud, rocks, trash.

With many deportees unable to get home because of the insecurity blocking their routes, Pierre said people are sleeping in the public markets, in the public squares and coming to her office seeking help when the mayors office doesnt even have the ability to respond to the urgent needs of the population.

As far as Im concerned the central government needs to declare a state of emergency for Okap because it cannot just be for Port-au-Prince, she said, lamenting the lack of financial assistance from Haitis central government in Port-au-Prince to help help her even get equipment to clean the streets.

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials on Tuesday defended the deportation flight, repeating the same comments that theyve consistently provided when asked about deportations to Haiti, a country where new levels of chaos after the dismissal of the prime minister last month ushered in fresh waves of gang attacks.

The ongoing crises, which include gang attacks, record levels of hunger and deepening political instability, have all led to the U.N. and human rights groups warning that deportations undermine efforts to address the multi-faceted crisis.

DHS is monitoring the situation in Haiti and coordinating closely with the State Department and international partners, the agency said in a statement provided to the Herald. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and policy throughout the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region, as well as at the Southwest border. U.S. policy is to return non-citizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.

Concerns exist throughout Haiti

By all accounts, Haiti, stands at a dire crossroad. The worsening humanitarian crisis and surge in gang violence are pushing Haitians into an even more extreme state of vulnerability as people leave their homes and children now account for more than half of the more than 700,000 who are internally displaced, according to the United Nations.

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Sexual violence, used as a weapon of terror, is reaching alarming levels while more than 4,500 have died in gang-related violence, so far this year, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. Schools are closed, the health system is on the brink of collapse and poverty and hunger are spreading as thousands are forced into makeshift camps with no access to potable water, latrines or even tarps.

The isolation of Port-au-Prince is amplifying an already dire humanitarian situation, Gregoire Goodstein, the head of the U.N. International Office for Migration in Haiti said recently. Our ability to deliver aid is stretched to its limits. Without immediate international support, the suffering will worsen exponentially. With only 20 percent of Port-au-Prince accessible, humanitarian workers face immense challenges in reaching affected populations.

But as the focus concentrates on Port-au-Prince, where an armed international force led by Kenya continues to be outgunned by gangs, fears are growing elsewhere in the country that its just a matter of time before the crisis ends up at their doorsteps. Pierre, the mayor, takes credit for the lack of a gang problem in Cap-Haitien saying its because in 2020 I assumed my responsibility as mayor and destroyed a gang fiefdom.

But if everyone is coming to Okap today, including the international organizations that have relocated here ... today they have to provide support to hold and secure the city.

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At times the police dont even have gas to patrol the streets, she said. They need vehicles, they need guns, they need ammunition, they need the means to provide service ... its a total mess for Cap-Haitien.

Guerline Jozef, head of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, an immigration advocacy group based in San Diego, said deportations to Haiti right now is a crime against humanity.

On Tuesday, she was trying to tack down the whereabouts of Naika Cajuste, a young woman who was arrested after crossing the border in Texas. The woman said she had not been given a credible fear interview and had a call scheduled with her lawyers for Tuesday but advocates could not find her in the system.

Tuesdays flight is Bidens 298th to Haiti, said Tom Cartwright, an independent volunteer analyst who tracks ICE deportation flights. He estimates that so far 27,800 Haitian deportees have be returned from the U.S.

Nearly 50,000 Haitians returned from the DR

The total is almost the same amount that the Dominican Republic returned back to Haiti just in October when President Luis Abinaders government announced it would expel up to 10,000 Haitian immigrants a week.

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IOM, which has been trying to respond both to the deportation crisis and the Haitians being internally displaced by gangs, has documented 48,943 Haitians returned by the Dominican Republic in just two months. Of those, however, the agency has only been able to help 6,674 people, underscoring the lack of funding available as U.N. agencies face a funding shortfall in Haiti.

So far this year, 182,429 Haitians have been deported with 176,976 from the Dominican Republic. For the same period, the U.S. deported 1,450 people, according to IOMs data.

A recent U.N. report on the returns of Haitians from the Dominican Republic, found that most returnees are arriving at the border in a very precarious and vulnerable state, with limited or no resources or documentation, and in need of medical and or psychological care.

William ONeill, the U.N.s independent human rights expert for Haiti, said deportations to Haiti must stop.

Haitians are suffering from relentless violence and systematic human rights violations which do not allow for the safe and dignified return of migrants or refugees, said ONeill. The facilities in Cap-Haitien are nowhere near what is required to accommodate people forcibly returned. Severe shortages of lodging, food, clean water and access to medical care risk further destabilizing an extremely fragile situation in the north while the countrys main airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed due to the dangers posed by nearby gangs. Now is not the time to exacerbate further Haitis human rights and humanitarian catastrophe.
JOHNSTON  Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. is threatening to challenge the constitutionality of Rhode Island's three-decade old affordable housing law  and recent efforts to turbocharge it  in order to thwart a proposed 252-unit apartment complex off George Waterman Road.

"If you insist on moving forward with the currently proposed project, I will use all the power of government that I have to stop it," Polisena wrote in a statement after the project's developer brought it before the town Planning Board Tuesday night.

"If you think you'll breeze through the newly created Land Use calendar in Superior Court, I will be forced to challenge the constitutionality of the low-to-moderate-income housing law itself to grind this project to a halt while the courts deliberate on the statute's constitutionality," he went on.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr.

Background: Here's the project he is challenging

The developer, Waterman Chenango LLC, is proposing to build the apartment complex using the state's Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, which limits the ability of towns to block affordable housing projects if less than 10% of their residences qualify as affordable.

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As it stands 7.9% of Johnston homes qualify as affordable, giving Waterman Chenango the option of applying for a streamlined "comprehensive permit" instead of the typical Johnston planning and permitting process. (If built the project is estimated to take Johnston over the 10% threshold.)

To combat an acute affordable housing shortage, in 2023 the General Assembly changed the Low and Moderate Housing Act to allow developments that are entirely income restricted to include 12 additional units per acre than they would normally be allowed to under local zoning. The change was part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's housing affordability package.

In the case of the 31-acre George Waterman Road property, this nets out to 255 units, according to Waterman Chenango.

Growing movement against dense housing projects

While many political leaders across the state and country have adopted pro-development positions in response to soaring home costs, Polisena is among the Rhode Island elected officials to maintain a "single-family only" approach to land use and opposition to residential density.

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In neither his Tuesday letter or an interview with The Journal Wednesday, did Polisena lay out a legal case for why the state's affordable housing law, which has stood since 1991, might be unconstitutional.

"I would like not to do it, but if it is a mean to challenge this project, if it's our only opportunity to do so, I will do it," Polisena said Wednesday when asked whether a constitutional challenge was serious or a bargaining move. "And I'm aware that that statute's inception was 1991, but there have been significant changes over the past couple of years ... So just because it hasn't been challenged doesn't mean that it's not ripe to be challenged now."

Location of a proposed 252-unit apartment complex on George Waterman Road in Johnston. Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. is threatening to fight the project.

Neighbors rally against the project

Neighbors of the would-be apartment complex on Tuesday night railed against the proposal backed up by Planning Board members including Robert Pingitore, who according to WJAR-TV said it would be the "future Chad Brown of Johnston," referring to a Providence public housing development.

On Wednesday Providence City Councilman Justin Roias called Pingitore's comments "blatantly racist" and a "cheap shot dripping with prejudice."

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"If he's so terrified of affordable housing, I invite him to visit Chad Brown and meet its residents  the parents juggling jobs, the kids chasing dreams, the neighbors looking out for each other," Roias wrote in a statement distributed by the City Council. "Spoiler alert: They're not the bogeyman he's conjured up."

Is the challenge serious?

Asked about Polisena's legal warnings Wednesday, Shekarchi said he's aware some people do not like the affordable housing law and are welcome to go after it in court but "to the best of my knowledge it has been good law since 1991."

Another layer to the housing debate: Johnston's town planner is Tom Deller, who chairs a House land use study commission that has worked on several of the pro-development bills in Shekarchi's housing packages.

Preliminary plans for the George Waterman Road development show five rectangular apartment building arranged at the end of a driveway off the street and around a 255-space surface parking lot.

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Waterman Chenango was founded by Salvatore Compagnone of Providence, who died early this year. The current applicant on planning documents is Lucille Santoro.

No votes were taken and the developer is expected to return to the board with more detailed plans in the spring.

Going deeper: Why are opponents against the project?

Objections to the George Waterman Road proposal from Johnston residents and officials focus on the familiar concerns of increased traffic, crime and the cost of educating new school-aged residents who live there.

Polisena said he would eagerly support the construction of new owner-occupied, single-family homes at the Waterman Chenango site, but not rental apartments, which he does not consider reflective of the "American Dream."

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Asked how low or middle income Rhode Islanders can afford a newly built zoning compliant single-family home, which might cost $600,000, Polisena said he would also potentially entertain attached condominiums for a lower price point.

Kelley Morris Salvatore, the attorney representing Waterman Chenango had this response to Polisena Wednesday:

"It is disappointing that the town appears to be judging the proposal without having all of the information needed to make an informed decision. My client is proposing a development for much-needed housing in Rhode Island, where state law provides a clear formula for increased density where affordable housing is proposed. We are confident that our formal proposal will meet all of the legal standards required for the development. "

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Johnston Mayor Polisena threatens to use all his power to stop housing project
In the U.S., having health insurance is necessary, but not sufficient to ensure access to affordable medical care.

While the U.S. lacks a universal health care system like those that exist in most other wealthy nations, most Americans over 65 are insured through Medicare. Yet many still struggle to afford care, with high out-of-pocket costs putting necessary medications and doctor visits out of reach, according to research from The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit that works to promote an equitable health care system.

These extra costs, for which Medicare beneficiaries are on the hook, make it harder for older Americans to access affordable care relative to their peers in nine other countries, the group found. Researchers compared coverage for older adults in the U.S. to health care systems in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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Nearly one in four older adults in the U.S. spent at least $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses last year, compared to less than 5% of older adults in France and the Netherlands who spent that much, The Commonwealth Fund found. Only in Switzerland did older adults report spending more on health care than those in the U.S.

"The reason to focus on this population is because in the U.S. nearly every adult over 65 has Medicare," Munira Z. Gunja, senior researcher for international health policy and practice innovations at The Commonwealth Fund told CBS MoneyWatch. While the U.S. stands out as "the only high-income country without a universal health system," when it comes to the over-65 population, "at least, we are on par with other countries," she said.

Does Medicare fall short?

But the study suggests that the kind of coverage Medicare plans provide isn't meeting many Americans' needs. Eight percent of older adults in the U.S., more than any other wealthy country except Austria, reported delaying or forgoing medical care because of costs. And there are repercussions to not getting the care one needs: One-third of older U.S. adults who said they faced cost-related barriers to accessing care reported being either in fair or poor health.

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"We find that while nearly every older adult has Medicare coverage, it is still more expensive than what older adults in other nations face, and because of that, older adults in the U.S. are more likely to skip care," Gunja said. "When they need prescription drugs, they are more likely to skip getting those too."

Oftentimes, for example, Medicare Advantage members find themselves seeing out-of-network doctors, which exposes them to "a ton of health care costs," according to Gunja.

One exception

There's one area in which Medicare beneficiaries faced few out-of-pocket costs and, as a result, were less likely to skip care  mental health treatment. Less than 5% of residents in all nations skipped mental health care over affordability concerns. The stat illustrates that when treatment is affordable, patients are more inclined to seek out the care they need, according to Gunja.

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"It's a benefit that's offered on all health plans, and we see what happens when people don't need to spend as much on a service," she said.

Solutions?

When older people skip or delay care, their health can worsen, leading to sicker patients, who tend to require more costly care. That in turn drives up federal Medicare spending, according to The Commonwealth Fund.

Gunja suggests that the U.S. can look to other countries for solutions that make health care more affordable for older adults. Some examples include capping out-of-pocket expenses and fully covering hospital and physician services.

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"Across the board, the U.S. generally comes out last for most measures when it comes to affordability measures," Gunja said. "Getting health insurance is absolutely necessary. But it's only the first step. We need to make sure coverage is not just comprehensive, but also affordable."

The rebirth of Notre Dame Cathedral

Why ASMR is making a lot of noise

Who were the 2024 election's "crypto voters"?
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, was reelected as chairman of the Main Street Caucus, his office said Wednesday.

Johnson has led the group since 2022. The congressional caucus describes itself as a group of more than 80 pragmatic conservatives seeking to come together to find practical solutions.

Now is a special time in American history, Johnson said in a news release. We must secure the border, cut spending, and roll back unnecessary regulations. The Republican Main Street Caucus will work with President Trump and the Senate to deliver on this strong, conservative agenda. Im proud to lead this group during this exciting time.

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Johnson won reelection in November over Democratic challenger Sheryl Johnson.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Dusty Johnson reelected as chair of Main Street Caucus
Three U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Texas have been charged in an alleged human smuggling operation involving noncitizens from Mexico and Guatemala, federal officials said.

According to a Justice Department news release, Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma and Enrique Jauregui are all U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos near Killeen, Texas, about 70 miles north of Austin.

All three soldiers have been charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens, while Palma and Jauregui face an additional charge of assaulting a federal agent, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

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"We are aware of the arrest of three Fort Cavazos Soldiers. III Armored Corps will continue to cooperate with all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," a spokesperson for Fort Cavazos told USA TODAY in a statement on Wednesday.

All three soldiers are assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, according to the spokesperson. Palma is an infantryman from McFarland, California; Jauregui is a Stryker systems maintainer from Tacoma, Washington; and Mendoza Lopez is a wheeled vehicle mechanic from Bensenville, Illinois, the spokesperson said.

It is unclear if the three soldiers have legal counsel as none of them have attorneys listed in court records.

The sign at the main gate of Fort Cavazos in Killeen, Texas on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

What are the Fort Cavazos soldiers accused of?

On Nov. 27, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent stopped a vehicle in Presidio, Texas but the car fled as the agent approached the passenger side, according to the Justice Department. The fleeing vehicle hit a Border Patrol vehicle, subsequently injuring an agent inside, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Texas.

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Presidio County deputies and police officers managed to stop the fleeing vehicle and apprehended four people, including a noncitizen from Mexico and two other noncitizens from Guatemalan, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The fourth person in the vehicle was Mendoza Lopez, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, according to the criminal complaint.

The driver, who was allegedly Palma, fled on foot until he was found the following day at a hotel in Odessa, Texas, the Justice Department said. Mendoza Lopez and Palma are accused of traveling from Fort Cavazos to Presidio "for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens," according to a news release.

Jauregui is accused of being the recruiter and facilitator of the alleged human smuggling conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Mendoza Lopez made his initial court appearance on Monday, while Palma's and Jauregui's hearings are scheduled for Dec. 6 in Waco, Texas.

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Presidio is located about 480 miles southwest of Killeen on the U.S.-Mexico border.

More about Fort Cavazos

In 2023, Fort Cavazos had 59,695 direct employees, of which, 38,642 were active-duty military personnel, according to the Texas Comptroller.

Fort Cavazos also covers a total of 340 square miles and supports multiple units and a corps headquarters, the U.S. Army post's website says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas-based Army soldiers charged in alleged human smuggling operation
PROVIDENCE  Two Rhode Island businesses that sell vape products are challenging the states ban on the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products set to take effect Jan. 1, arguing the law is overly broad and would destroy them financially.

Vaporetti LLC, based in East Providence, and Sunshine Vape LLC, with three locations, are suing the state Department of Revenue; its director, Thomas Verdi; the Division of Taxation; Administrator Neena S. Savage; and the Department of Health and its director, Dr. Jerome Larkin, seeking to invalidate the law, which was included in the state budget that passed in June. They are asking the court to block the law, arguing it is unconstitutional and wouldnt achieve its stated purpose of keeping vape, or ENDS, products out of the hands of youths.

If allowed to take effect, the act will deal a fatal blow to plaintiffs businesses, leading to significant losses in revenue causing the inevitable closure of these small businesses, the suit says.

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They argue that vape products help people quit smoking conventional cigarettes and that restrictions on their sale lead to increased cigarette sales.

Vaping exposed users to around 2,000 chemicals, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.

Vape ban follows 2019 executive order

In September 2019, Gov. Gina Raimondo issued an executive order, entitled Protecting Rhode Island Youth Against the Harms of Vaping, banning the sale of flavored vape products. Raimondo emphasized that youth vaping had been declared a nationwide epidemic by the U.S. surgeon general.

Passage of the law was meant to give teeth to that order and ensure increased enforcement. Both the law and the executive order exempt cannabis compassion centers and licensed cultivators from the flavor ban.

According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Vaporetti has been in business since 2011 and was founded by a former smoker who quit her 27-year smoking habit using vape products. Its shop is located at 50B Newport Ave. in the Rumford section of East Providence.

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Sunshine Vape has been in business since 2013 and was opened to assist adults who use electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Sunshine owns three stores, located in South Kingstown, Warwick and Providence.

Together the businesses employ 12 people and have contributed more than $898,000 in state taxes in the past four years. The sale of flavored vape products make up about 70% of their annual sales revenue.

Many of their customers are former smokers who prefer vaping for its lower health risks and more pleasant smell due to the flavoring, the suit says.

Businesses argue law is overly broad, vague

The businesses argue that the law banning the sale of flavored vapes to people over age 21 is irrational and overly broad in that it is completely unrelated to curbing youth access to flavored ENDS products and does not further that goal. Plus, they said, they do not sell vape products to people under 21.

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They assert, too, that it is vague and ambiguous because there is no objective taste or aroma measure for determining whether a given taste or aroma is `related to fruit, chocolate, or the like.

They allege that as business owners, they have a constitutionally protected liberty and property interest to practice their chosen professions and that the law is unreasonable and unduly oppressive because it will eliminate their right to sell flavored ENDS products.

In addition, they argue, that the law discriminates against their businesses based on immaterial differences between their products while allowing the sale of flavored cannabis vape products.

In asking the court to strike down the ban as unconstitutional, the businesses say it constitutes a regulatory taking that would lead to irreparable harm due to lost inventory, lost revenue, loss of good will, and business disruption.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI flavored vape ban challenged in court by lawsuit
Dec 05 (NHK) - The autumn foliage in Kyoto City, western Japan, has arrived about 10 days later than normal this year.

Tofukuji, one of the many Buddhist temples in the ancient capital, has about 2,000 maple trees on its premises.

Temple officials say the changing leaves are usually at the best around November 20. But this year, the peak only arrived this week.

A woman in her 60s from Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo said she had planned to visit in November, but she rescheduled her trip.

The regional weather observatory says the benchmark maple tree at the city's Nijojo Castle is usually at peak autumn color around December 5. But this year, many of the tree's leaves have yet to begin changing color.

The operator of the Eizan Railway, which runs along the city's northern mountains, illuminates the maple trees on the route every year in the autumn.

The railway has already extended the event twice this season because of the delayed arrival, and will continue lighting up the trees through Sunday.
KYOTO, Dec 05 (News On Japan) - Kyoto City has unveiled a new strategy aimed at balancing the needs of residents with the demands of tourism, with Mayor Koji Matsui announcing plans to increase the lodging tax applied to hotels and inns within the city.

Currently, the lodging tax is structured as follows, with last fiscal years revenue reaching a record 5.2 billion yen:

Lodging fees below 20,000 yen: 200 yen

Lodging fees between 20,000 yen and 50,000 yen: 500 yen

Lodging fees above 50,000 yen: 1,000 yen

Matsui pointed out, at a press conference on December 4th, that while Kyoto's cultural heritage and traditional cityscape are preserved through tax revenues, the influx of tourists in certain areas has put pressure on residents' daily lives. By raising the lodging tax, he aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism are visibly shared with residents, fostering harmony between local life and tourism.

"Tourism brings vibrancy and tax revenues, which help maintain Kyotos historic cityscape," Matsui said. "I want residents to feel the positive impacts of these contributions."

Additionally, the city is considering introducing a "local-first pricing" system for municipal bus fares, which would prioritize Kyoto residents by offering them lower fares compared to tourists. This measure is part of an effort to address the persistent overcrowding of city buses during peak tourist seasons.

Source: MBS
Dec 05 (NHK) - Japanese automakers are starting to worry over US President-elect Donald Trump's new tariff plan targeting Canada and Mexico. The two countries are seen as important production bases for the US market.

Both Toyota Motor and Honda Motor have plants in Canada.

The Japan External Trade Organization says Toyota is the largest car manufacturer in the country. It produced over 520,000 units there last year. The company has not released any figures, but some of its Canada-built units are exported to the United States.

Honda Motor made over 370,000 units in 2023. 77 percent of them crossed the border to the US.

Trump's first administration forced Japanese automakers to adjust their operations when the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement came into effect in 2020. The deal has tougher rules than its predecessor for duty-free auto exports.

They include an upgraded rule for the origin of auto parts and a requirement to use plants where workers earn at least 16 dollars per hour.

Japanese automakers will likely be forced to change their strategies again if Trump's 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico goes through.

Another focus of attention is whether the incoming Trump administration will maintain tax incentives for electric vehicle buyers, introduced under President Joe Biden. EVs using battery parts produced in North America and assembled in the region qualify for the tax breaks.

Honda has built EV and battery plants in Canada, with operations slated to start in 2028. It also launched a joint venture there with Japanese chemical major Asahi Kasei to produce battery parts.
TOKYO, Dec 05 (News On Japan) - A recent glitch in the LINE app caused significant privacy concerns, with approximately 135,000 users reportedly affected by their photos being displayed on unrelated individuals apps.

The issue occurred between October 28th and 30th, affecting the "album feature," which allows users to share photos within the app. During this period, photos from unrelated users albums were mistakenly displayed on other people's accounts.

Today, LINE Yahoo announced that an estimated 135,000 users had their photos erroneously shown to unrelated individuals.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is investigating the incident, deeming it a breach of "communication secrecy" as defined by law. The ministry has requested a detailed report on the root cause of the issue and measures to prevent recurrence.

LINE, which has 97 million domestic users, has faced multiple incidents, including a massive leak of over 500,000 pieces of personal information last year, raising ongoing concerns about the platform's data security.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Dec 06 (News On Japan) - Kyodo News has announced disciplinary measures for six staff members, including its editor-in-chief, following a mistaken report that Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina visited Yasukuni Shrine in August two years ago.

The incident involved a report published by Kyodo News on August 15, two years ago, claiming that Ikuina visited Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of the end of World War II. This incorrect reporting led to the South Korean government deciding not to send an official representative to the memorial ceremony for workers at the Sado Island Gold Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impacting diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. Kyodo News President Toru Mizutani apologized for the mistake last month.

Today, Kyodo News announced the dismissal of Naoto Takahashi, editor-in-chief, and Shiro Yamane, head of the news center, along with disciplinary action for a total of six staff members involved in the report.

Additionally, Mizutani and Executive Managing Director Toshiro Obuchi will return 10% of their executive salaries for three months.

Kyodo News Executive Managing Director Takehiko Egashira commented, "We once again extend our deepest apologies to those affected and to our readers. To prevent future incidents, we will enforce measures such as rechecking all information that raises even the slightest doubt before publishing."

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Dec 06 (News On Japan) - A man believed to be behind the X account 'Z Lee' and a rapper have been arrested by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of trespassing at a club in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

Among those arrested for alleged trespassing was rapper Ricky Daddy Dirty, identified as Mutoaritsuki Shimoda, 36, and a company executive from Bunkyo Ward, Masaki Tanaki, 43, suspected to be managing the X account "Z Lee." A total of 10 people were apprehended.

The group allegedly entered the club in Shibuya Ward last December. Of the 10 suspects, Shimoda and a Peruvian national, 37, are also accused of assaulting a man in his 20s.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police are investigating further details of the incident.

Source: TBS
Introduction

Car accidents are a stressful and often overwhelming experience, especially when dealing with the immediate aftermath. In Arizona, where traffic accidents are not uncommon, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in protecting your legal rights. Whether youre involved in a minor fender bender or a severe collision, taking the right steps can ensure your safety, preserve crucial evidence, and set the foundation for any legal or insurance claims.

Understanding what to do after an accident is essential. Many people, in the heat of the moment, make mistakes that can jeopardize their claims or even their health. This guide outlines five critical steps to follow after a car accident in Arizona, helping you navigate the situation with clarity and confidence.

1. Ensure Safety and Gather Evidence

The first priority after any car accident is safety. Move to a safe location if possible, such as the side of the road, and check on everyone involved. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately. Avoid making statements that could imply fault, as determining liability should be left to professionals.

Once everyone is safe, begin gathering evidence. Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible damages or injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and if there are witnesses, collect their contact details as well. Evidence collected immediately after the accident can make or break a claim later.

What to Document at the Scene

Key pieces of evidence to gather include:

Photos of all vehicles involved, including license plates and damage.

Pictures of the surrounding area (traffic signs, skid marks, etc.).

Contact information for all parties, including drivers and witnesses.

These steps not only protect your case but also help you recall details you may forget later.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, its essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. Delaying medical care could harm your health and weaken your legal case, as insurance companies may argue that your injuries arent related to the accident.

Why Prompt Medical Care Matters

Doctors can detect injuries you might not notice and provide documentation for your medical condition. This documentation can be critical when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Keep track of all your medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and expenses. These records are invaluable when seeking compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

3. Report the Accident

In Arizona, you are required to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Contact the local police or highway patrol to file an official report. Police officers will document the details of the incident, collect statements from all parties involved, and make an initial determination of fault.

How a Police Report Protects You

A police report serves as an unbiased account of the accident. It can include critical information such as:

Statements from witnesses and drivers.

Observations about road conditions or weather.

Details on potential traffic violations.

Be sure to request a copy of the police report for your records. It can be instrumental when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.

4. Consult Legal Experts

After addressing immediate safety and medical concerns, its time to consult a qualified attorney. Arizona has unique laws governing personal injury and accident claims, and an attorney can help you navigate these complexities. Theyll assess your case, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurance company.

If youre unsure about the next steps after a collision, consulting with experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona who specialize in these cases can help you navigate the legal process. Theyll ensure your rights are protected and advocate for fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Benefits of Hiring an Attorney

An attorney can handle the legal and procedural aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery. They can:

Negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your settlement.

Investigate the accident for additional evidence or liability.

Represent you in court if a settlement isnt reached.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

Certain actions after a car accident can weaken your case or reduce your chances of fair compensation. Avoid admitting fault, even casually, as this can be used against you. Similarly, refrain from discussing the accident with insurance adjusters without first consulting an attorney.

Other mistakes include delaying medical treatment, failing to document damages thoroughly, or accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company. These actions can significantly impact your ability to recover the full value of your claim.

How to Protect Your Claim

To avoid these pitfalls:

Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages. Be cautious when discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney. Follow through with all recommended medical treatments to demonstrate the severity of your injuries.

By taking these precautions, you can strengthen your case and avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Conclusion

A car accident can be a life-altering event, but taking the right steps can make the aftermath more manageable. From ensuring safety to consulting with experienced attorneys, every action you take matters. By following these five steps, you can protect your legal rights, strengthen your case, and move toward recovery with confidence.

Preparation and knowledge are your best tools in handling the unexpected. Stay informed and take prompt action to safeguard your health, finances, and legal rights. If you find yourself facing challenges, seeking guidance from professionals can make all the difference.
Creating Community-Centric Content

Backspace Marketing emphasizes the importance of connecting with local audiences through community-focused content. Businesses can engage their community by:

Highlighting local events or activities.

Partnering with nearby businesses for collaborative efforts.

Sharing customer stories that foster trust and showcase real experiences.

Incorporating user-generated content is another effective tactic. By encouraging customers to share their experiences and tag your business, you not only build credibility but also extend your reach organically. These approaches not only create a loyal customer base but also enhance search visibility in local markets.

Using Location-Based Social Media Strategies

For businesses looking to improve their local presence, Backspace Marketing advises leveraging location-based tactics. Effective strategies include:

Utilizing location-specific hashtags and geotags in posts to enhance discoverability.

Running targeted paid campaigns aimed at users in specific areas.

For instance, a neighborhood bakery might use geotags and hashtags that mention their city and street to reach potential customers searching for baked goods nearby. Paid campaigns aligned with these strategies can further drive traffic to both physical locations and online platforms.

Tracking Social Medias Impact on Local SEO

Understanding how social media efforts influence local SEO is critical for refining strategies. Backspace Marketing highlights the importance of tracking key metrics, including:

Website visits originating from social media platforms.

Search engine ranking improvements for local terms.

Engagement statistics such as likes, shares, and comments.

Regular audits of social media profiles are crucial. Ensuring that profiles have up-to-date information, functional links, and consistent activity can prevent credibility issues. Additionally, tools like Google Analytics and platform-specific insights provide data to help fine-tune campaigns.

Integrating Social Media into a Holistic Local SEO Strategy

Backspace Marketing cautions businesses against relying solely on social media to achieve local SEO success. A balanced approach is essential. This includes:

Optimizing website content with localized keywords.

Implementing technical SEO practices such as schema markup to improve search engine understanding.

Combining these efforts with community-driven social media campaigns for long-term results.

When businesses focus on aligning their website, technical SEO, and social media, they create a comprehensive strategy that ensures consistent growth in local search rankings.

Real-World Success Through Local SEO

A coffee shop partnered with Backspace Marketing to improve its local visibility. By focusing on geotagged posts and running highly targeted Instagram campaigns for nearby college students, the shop saw a notable rise in foot traffic. Within months, their search rankings for popular terms improved significantly. This underscores the potential of combining location-specific social media tactics with broader SEO strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Media and Local SEO

How can hashtags help with local SEO?

Hashtags categorize content, making it easier for local users to discover your business when searching for relevant terms or locations.

Which social media platforms are most effective for local businesses?

Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business are especially effective for fostering local engagement and improving search visibility.

Do paid social media campaigns contribute to SEO?

While paid ads do not directly impact search engine rankings, they increase website traffic and brand awareness, which can positively influence SEO over time.

What role do customer reviews play in local SEO?

Reviews enhance credibility and often appear in search engine results, influencing customer trust and improving rankings.

How can small businesses compete in local SEO?

By leveraging niche strategies like geotags, local partnerships, and personalized content, small businesses can stand out in their communities.

Conclusion

Backspace Marketing provides businesses with a roadmap for integrating social media into local SEO strategies. With a mix of engaging content, location-based tactics, and data-driven adjustments, companies can enhance their local visibility and strengthen connections with their audience. By combining these methods with a broader SEO strategy, businesses can ensure sustainable growth in the competitive local market.
Bello el-Rufai

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Hon. Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false the viral reports claiming the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered large sums of cash and drugs in his Kaduna home.

The social media report alleged that EFCC operatives found $800 million, ?700 billion in cash, and ?1 trillion worth of drugs in his residence.

In a statement released on Thursday, Bello El-Rufai described the claims as baseless and a calculated attempt to tarnish his image and distract from his public service.

He clarified that he does not own a personal residence in Kaduna and has lived in his family home in Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna, since birth.

The unfounded allegation is nothing but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, tarnish my reputation, and sow seeds of confusion, El-Rufai said.

He expressed confidence in the support of his constituents and dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

My constituents that I represent know what would happen if I were truly blessed with such figures. For those sponsoring these ignorant attacks, I assure you that we will continue to serve the people and enjoy how it annoys them. Quality, frank, and honest representation is here to stay in Kaduna North, he stated.

El-Rufai also condemned the spread of fake news and the use of defamatory allegations to manipulate public perception, calling it an affront to justice and fairness.

The attempt to connect me to illicit activities through unfounded allegations is not only defamatory but also a violation of the principles of justice, he concluded.

The EFCC has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the alleged operation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, welcomed on Wednesday in Rabat Moroccos commitment to African integration.

In a statement to the press following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, the African Union official hailed the Kingdoms support for the work of her agency.

The African Union Development Agency aims to coordinate the continents development activities and mobilize the resources needed to implement its projects, Bekele-Thomas recalled, adding that her meeting with Bourita had enabled the two parties to agree on several strategic projects aimed at making Africa a global economic power.